tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308750262024-03-19T13:00:46.179+08:00auf wiedersehen.不爱我的,我不爱[Ewa]Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.comBlogger697125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-20099168124705783632014-07-02T18:19:00.001+08:002014-07-02T18:19:32.344+08:00Alice Munro - Dear Lifetwo excerpts from a good book of short stories i'm reading:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>AMUNDSEN</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>"For years I thought I might run into him. I lived, and still live, in Toronto. It seemed to me that everybody ended up in Toronto at least for a little while. Of course that hardly means that you will get to see that person, provided that you should in any way want to.<br />
<br />
It finally happened. Crossing a crowded street where you could not even slow down. Going in opposite directions. Staring, at the same time, a bare shock on our time-damaged faces.<br />
<br />
He called out, "How are you?" and I answered, "Fine." Then added for good measure, "Happy."<br />
<br />
At the moment this was only generally true. I was having some kind of dragged-out row with my husband, about our paying a debt run up by one of his children. i had gone that afternoon to a show at an art gallery, to get myself into a more comfortable frame of mind. <br />
<br />
He called back to me once more: <br />
"Good for you."<br />
It still seemed as if we could make our way out of that crowd, that in a moment we would be together. But just as certain that we would carry on in the way we were going. And so we did. No breathless cry, no hand on my shoulder when I reached the sidewalk. Just that flash, that I had seen in an instant, when one of his eyes opened wider. It was the left eye, always the left, as I remembered. And it always looked so strange, alert and wondering, as if some whole impossibility had occurred to him, one that almost made him laugh.<br />
<br />
For me, it was the same as when I left Amundsen, the train dragging me still dazed and full of disbelief.<br />
<br />
Nothing changes really about love."<br />
</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>LEAVING MAVERLEY<i></i></b><br />
<br />
<b>"He'd thought that it had happened long before with Isabel, but it hadn't. Not until now.<br />
<br />
She had existed and now she did not. Not at all, as if not ever. And people hurried around, as if this outrageous fact could be overcome by making sensible arrangements. He, too, obeyed the customs, signing where he was told to sign, arranging - as they said - for the remains.<br />
<br />
What an excellent word - "remains." Like something left to dry out in sooty layers in a cupboard.<br />
<br />
And before long he found himself outside, pretending that he had as ordinary and good a reason as anybody else to put one foot ahead of the other.<br />
<br />
What he carried with him, all he carried with him, was a lack, something like a lack of air, of proper behaviour in his lungs, a difficulty that he supposed would go on forever.<br />
<br />
The girl he'd been talking to, whom he'd once known - she had spoken of her children. The loss of her children. Getting used to that. A problem at suppertime.<br />
<br />
An expert at losing, she might be called - himself a novice by comparison. And now he could not remember her name. Had lost her name, though he'd known it well. Losing, lost. A joke on him, if you want one.<br />
<br />
He was going up his own steps when it came to him.<br />
<br />
Leah.<br />
<br />
A relief out of all proportion, to remember her."</b>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-69350028869243928022013-05-02T12:40:00.002+08:002013-05-02T12:40:21.360+08:00For The Love of Movies<br />
One of my favourite movie critics, Lisa Schwarzbaum, had recently left Entertainment Weekly. Ive been reading her reviews ever since i started reading the magazine, which has been forever. Her occasional humour and sharp observations will be sorely missed. Below is her final article from the Feb 22 issue, #1247.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Fourteen years after the fact, I still occasionally hear from readers angry that i didnt like "Fight Club". our years later, I still occasionally receive messages from people upset that I liked "The Twilight Saga:New Moon" too much. Eight weeks since opening day, both lovers and haters of "Les Miserables" still have a thing or two they want to tell me about my review. I've spent 22 years at Entertainment Weekly, 19 of them as a critic - a glorious tenure that ends with this issue. And I've heard from hundreds of readers fired up about movies and passionate enough to respond to something I've written in these pages. <br />
<br />
Often the mail has been gratifying: "I love that too!" "I hated that as much as you did!" Sometimes the messages have been harsh: "you suck! EW should get rid of Lisa!" (Passing fun for the writer but crap of me, you-suckgrams have become a depressingly regular aspect of anonymous, online comment-board culture.) The pissed-off wife of a wildly successful producer of high-octane action schlock once sent me a popcorn bucket filled with stones because...well, Im not sure why, something about throwing atones at her husband's work. Anyway, she wanted to remind me that, while her beloved's pictures rake in billions, my stuff would be gone in 60 seconds. On the flip side, I once received an effing cool email from Josh Brolin telling me, and I quote, "you can f---ing write!" And promising to be in my movie. Not that i have any plans whatsoever to write a screenplay.<br />
<br />
A writer always wants to feel she's connecting with her readers. And certainly, agreeing with me or disagreeing with me is a heartfelt form of engagement. But as i move away from regular criticism in this magazine (my plans include a book, an online project, speaking engagements about popular culture - oh, and a dog!), here's a party favour i want to leave with you: What matters is not if we're in sync about a particular movie but WHY. <br />
<br />
My part of the conversation is to use my own experience, analytic ability, aesthetic understanding, points of reference, writing skills, and - lucky me! - EW platform to explain how i come to, say, adore the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy or despair the "Saw" sensibility. (I even explained carefully why i was giving away the ending of "Pay It Forward" - but some readers went into a hate-mail rage nonetheless. Seen it lately, by the way? I didnt think so. It's still hideous hooey.) Your mission is to read with an open mind, watch movies with an open mind, and use the places where we diverge as inspiration for an ongoing conversation about this ever-changing medium we love together. <br />
<br />
Grades, stars, thumbs, and assorted icons are inevitably crude, if handy, quantifiers of quality - they're shorthand, attention-getting invitations to the party. Once we've both shown up, though, let's have a good time pondering both the complexities of "Django Unchained" and the simplicities of "A Good Day To Die Hard". Because then we'll never run out of things to say to one another. <br />
<br />
So keep exploring. Keep responding. And just so you know: the experience of talking with you for two decades has been A+."Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-17197540434050978562012-10-22T03:59:00.002+08:002012-10-22T04:01:16.866+08:00苦瓜<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QCpLRolbq80" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>作曲: KENIX CHEANG@PRIVATE ZOO<br />
填詞: 黃偉文<br />
<br />
<br />
共你乾杯再舉箸 突然間相看莞爾 盤中透著那味兒<br />
大概今生有些事 是提早都不可以 明白其妙處 <br />
<br />
就像你當日痛心她回絕一番美意 <br />
怎發現你從情劫亦能學懂開解與寬恕 <br />
也像我很糾結的公事 此際回頭看 原來並沒有事 <br />
<br />
真想不到當初我們也討厭吃苦瓜 <br />
今天竟吃得出那睿智愈來愈記掛 <br />
開始時捱一些苦 栽種絕處的花 <br />
幸得艱辛的引路甜蜜不致太寡 <br />
<br />
青春的快餐只要求快不理哪一家 <br />
哪有玩味的空檔來欣賞細緻淡雅 <br />
到大悟大徹將虎嚥的昇華 等消化學沏茶 <br />
至共你覺得苦也不太差 <br />
<br />
下半生竟再開學 入迷的終於醒覺 移走最後的死角<br />
用痛苦烘托歡樂 讓餘甘彰顯險惡 如藝壇傑作 <br />
<br />
就像我一直聽香夭從未沾濕眼角 <br />
仔細地看神壇裡木紋什麼精巧也不覺 <br />
卻在某蕭瑟晚秋深夜 忽爾明瞭了 而黃葉便碎落 <br />
<br />
真想不到當初我們也討厭吃苦瓜 <br />
今天竟吃得出那睿智愈來愈記掛 <br />
開始時捱一些苦 栽種絕處的花 <br />
幸得艱辛的引路甜蜜不致太寡 <br />
<br />
青春的快餐只要求快不理哪一家 <br />
哪有玩味的空檔來欣賞細緻淡雅 <br />
到大悟大徹將虎嚥的昇華 等消化學沏茶 <br />
至共你覺得苦也不太差 <br />
<br />
做人沒有苦澀可以嗎 <br />
<br />
真想不到當初我們也討厭吃苦瓜 <br />
當睇清世間所有定理又何用再怕 <br />
珍惜淡定的心境 苦過後更加清 <br />
萬般過去亦無味但有領會留下 <br />
<br />
今天先記得聽過人說這叫半生瓜 <br />
那意味著它的美年輕不會洞察嗎 <br />
到大悟大徹將一切都昇華 這一秒坐擁晚霞 <br />
我共你覺得苦也不太差 <br />
</b>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-7828733939500476842012-06-23T15:52:00.000+08:002012-06-23T15:53:15.639+08:00Melissa McCarthy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-B9MFPCSxscrVUOGTdCvGQhSSh1FJ-PVjCbbysFRASlXOfpriKGGUxburjxepqiWFDR8gBaXae2wMPepRCXMoSWxIhl4e5FQnXf7_7FFhxX9hHGv_Hj6itmfLLH6wT7Y3Iupjg/s1600/melissa-mccarthy-divine_458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-B9MFPCSxscrVUOGTdCvGQhSSh1FJ-PVjCbbysFRASlXOfpriKGGUxburjxepqiWFDR8gBaXae2wMPepRCXMoSWxIhl4e5FQnXf7_7FFhxX9hHGv_Hj6itmfLLH6wT7Y3Iupjg/s320/melissa-mccarthy-divine_458.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTilNM8PG73GvZHvX_CbvjoZ1C3nJpNdEyTcCMVWmyv4_4t3dTmkyH05vAX3t4Q_qlIGhrPNqkroTgMBoHeqxXABWhZLDsLBs4qx8m3ArWDTIh5pgjedy0_cLLarY27-QI-_OBtA/s1600/melissa-mccarthy-ew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTilNM8PG73GvZHvX_CbvjoZ1C3nJpNdEyTcCMVWmyv4_4t3dTmkyH05vAX3t4Q_qlIGhrPNqkroTgMBoHeqxXABWhZLDsLBs4qx8m3ArWDTIh5pgjedy0_cLLarY27-QI-_OBtA/s320/melissa-mccarthy-ew.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>""Comedy to me is all about the bumps and bruises and weird tics," says McCarthy."It's everything you find out about somebody when you fall in love with them that on paper is really creepy but you find adorable. Like, Ben - maybe I shouldn't say this - he always thinks he's being poisoned. He's gotten better, but somebody put something in his drink in college and so now he's always paranoid. It's that kind of weirdness - not an eye patch and a mid-Atlantic accent - that makes you love a character." As for her own particular breed of percularity, Falcone says that his wife insists she has to jam her finger in his armpits or tap her fingernails hard on his front teeth before she falls asleep. "It's become a long argument where I'm just like,'You do not need that to go to sleep.' 'No, I really do. For me, that is important.'"<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
Success, as ell as the grounding of age and family, has helped McCarthy shed some of her own anxiety over her appearance, So much so that last year when a blogger famously whined about the nauseating idea of watching <i><b>Mike and Molly</b></i>'s overweight couple make out, McCarthy was flooded with disgust rather than insecurity. "My first thought was 'Gosh, I hope she doesn't have a daughter.' And thwn after a second I thought, 'What a sad, troubled person. You're making such a s---ty judgement on people.'"<br />
<br />
"Do I sometimes hope I wake up in the morning and people are like, 'What's wrong with her? She looks emaciated,'" she says. "Of course I would love that. I'm such a clothes whore I would love the opportunity to be a hanger. But I think I'm more confident than I've ever felt in my life." She grimaces at herself for starting to cry again. "I'm so weird. This is crazy,sorry," she says, holding a napkin over her face. "Because I met with Judd Apatow this morning. He told me his idea for me and was like,'What do you think?' It's an awfully great, weird thing to have people that you're like, 'Oh, God, if I could just get a one-line part!' and then you're sitting with them and they're like, 'What do YOU think?"<br />
<br />
She pauses to wipe her leaky eyes with the lapels of her jacket and allows herself a quick, happy shudder of disbelief. "Chance like this just always seem to happen to other people or to a different type," she says. She sits there mystified for a second before her face relaxes into the year's most winning smile. "I always thought it was worth the fight. Now I know it is."<br />
</b><br />
-- Karen Valby, EW #1179, The Comedy Issue<br />
<br />
<br />
The underrated Melissa McCarthy has finally made it into the big league. With the hilarious role in Bridesmaid that stole almost the whole show, and the Emmy win for her role in <i>Mike and Molly</i>, she has definitely come a long way. I've watched her for a better part of her 7 years on <i>Gilmore Girls</i> as the charmingly quirky Sookie, and always thought she deserved more credit for that colourful character which nicely complemented Lauren Graham's Lorelai. I'm glad now the whole world not only can see how funny she is, but also how down-to-earth and inspiring this woman can be.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-46311199438482906072012-06-13T03:15:00.003+08:002012-06-13T03:15:39.272+08:00容祖兒 - 誰來愛我<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Jcx11agOR1c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>谁来爱我<br />
作曲人:伍乐城<br />
填词人:林夕<br />
编曲人:伍乐城</b><br />
<br />
<br />
如果 爱情狂烈到可怕程度<br />
连受伤都不控诉<br />
怕你告别得更早<br />
除非 爱情没法有一种尺度<br />
为甚么猜不到<br />
攀得有多高<br />
才令我不必跌倒<br />
<br />
当 一心坚持为你好<br />
你也将双手乱抱<br />
还有谁待我好<br />
<br />
谁来爱我 小心爱错<br />
以免彼此无助<br />
还能热恋谁<br />
谁能受得起那么多<br />
你最记得清楚<br />
为何拿著我消磨<br />
谁来爱我 请好好对我<br />
犹如拿慑著星火<br />
认真的我<br />
花开了总想结果<br />
才令你这么对我<br />
才令你闪身掠过<br />
<br />
如果 爱情是个最孤单国度<br />
就在荒岛起舞 只得我知道<br />
曾为你怎么跌倒<br />
不懂得爱 不懂得我 别亲我<br />Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-20010480445769039892012-06-02T03:10:00.000+08:002012-06-13T03:06:58.693+08:00石康鈞「不完美的完美」<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZK-5D8wOh1M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>不完美的完美 <br />
作詞:小寒<br />
作曲:李偲菘</b><br />
<br />
生命是一塊鐵 沸騰才能刻寫<br />
明天的我 是不朽或浮生一瞥<br />
人體內6公升血 一顆顆都如酒濃烈<br />
為愛瘋狂 沒醉過的人不了解<br />
<br />
<br />
哪怕偶爾得轉換起點<br />
哪怕選手缺少優先權 沒得選<br />
我將猶豫都甩開<br />
將目光都鎖在 同一個終點<br />
前方越多的風險 冒險<br />
越容易領先<br />
<br />
我要我是誰 就算夢未遂<br />
也不讓現實這土匪<br />
把理想都盜走 到老才數著後悔<br />
感動是纖維 紡織後成為一張被<br />
你將我包圍<br />
你的愛沒白給<br />
雖然我並不完美<br />
<br />
心意堅定如鐵 故事我自己寫<br />
你別看我 安靜但內心很狂野<br />
我體內所有的血 一分鐘都不肯停歇<br />
所謂瘋狂 是不管他人的誤解<br />
<br />
<br />
雖然我並不完美<br />
雖然我不完美<br />
I'll be somebody someday<br />
因為我不完美<br />
才會是獨特的誰Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-28258147728171237652012-06-02T02:57:00.000+08:002012-06-13T03:07:17.644+08:00FRINGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfO68pKlzBWdcNYtTvNbG2DZP5nngdT_sZ6UFfnwGWX6ep_XWs9kVDZ2VPQBIpPBvspE6RyPu9lo_qjfTo0Narlq6JtBn8uxbFctgzKtq3CjTJmDdCPJrtef9G_gVBivKZe-_Qrw/s1600/fs4castpeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfO68pKlzBWdcNYtTvNbG2DZP5nngdT_sZ6UFfnwGWX6ep_XWs9kVDZ2VPQBIpPBvspE6RyPu9lo_qjfTo0Narlq6JtBn8uxbFctgzKtq3CjTJmDdCPJrtef9G_gVBivKZe-_Qrw/s320/fs4castpeter.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l_xqIfm9shTmL5qwaWTY9dOCQSNiHZLioVUyvNvxAw2rM5YD0vlegZxFIJ9AIwGcHlaJpz9vHq_fYw7tLBx6P0RPBFz2u_6ON6eEJEeShsHcYU-yDIq4I2hhWLou5e4yUSmJGg/s1600/fs4castolivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l_xqIfm9shTmL5qwaWTY9dOCQSNiHZLioVUyvNvxAw2rM5YD0vlegZxFIJ9AIwGcHlaJpz9vHq_fYw7tLBx6P0RPBFz2u_6ON6eEJEeShsHcYU-yDIq4I2hhWLou5e4yUSmJGg/s320/fs4castolivia.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAkF1POqsJWm_Xk8cOjT9fuuzXODvjIeI_o4r_SoCTgifc3iECUjgSMs1qKdt_F4VrbFoO-IsAn0BfOCDiOWPsqg1JfIMOVb8RJN-xT8uR-PLY4M6jul3q4AINfCYGo0TS0OBvQ/s1600/fringes4newbegbig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAkF1POqsJWm_Xk8cOjT9fuuzXODvjIeI_o4r_SoCTgifc3iECUjgSMs1qKdt_F4VrbFoO-IsAn0BfOCDiOWPsqg1JfIMOVb8RJN-xT8uR-PLY4M6jul3q4AINfCYGo0TS0OBvQ/s320/fringes4newbegbig.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
In EW's The Best of 2011 issue, Ken Tucker lists Fringe as the 3rd best tv show. He wrote: <br />
<br />
<i>"Fans fearful that following Olivia, Walter, and the elusive Peter into a third timeline might result in a trip down an unsatisfying narrative rabbit hole need not have worried. Fringe remains fearless - in a time when cutting-edge television is supposed to be dark, edgy, or pessimistic - about asserting the notion that life is a never-ending wonder capable of healing souls and bringing people together in inexplicable ways. fringe works in the speculative-fiction sci-fi genre to deal with themes of unity and duality, the spirit and the soul, love, and the agony of love's absence."</i> <br />
<br />
I have not seen Season 4 yet, but I never expected a tv series to have that much depth. Really got me excited to catch it now.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-44680667609867769982012-02-29T01:45:00.003+08:002012-02-29T02:15:42.530+08:00this time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXUcEkMLRzXQAgfpdXOqL_sJTsdcaEA3Gno1qmiVQunKJB2iuRzmfc0K9yHYdk341B706b89OhZEy-NWXEB9aPcAYx9GjKGVvS9WRDRvzle3Lur1T5k_Na21FAzSPbkmBEZs_1A/s1600/391102_10150490800663000_643657999_10567279_364534836_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXUcEkMLRzXQAgfpdXOqL_sJTsdcaEA3Gno1qmiVQunKJB2iuRzmfc0K9yHYdk341B706b89OhZEy-NWXEB9aPcAYx9GjKGVvS9WRDRvzle3Lur1T5k_Na21FAzSPbkmBEZs_1A/s320/391102_10150490800663000_643657999_10567279_364534836_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714244416122214626" /></a><br /><br /><br />you asked me why Katy Perry always reminds me of you. i replied "it just does", which is not entirely honesty. you said "aww so sweet", and i said, "nothing to be sweet about".<br /><br />the truth is, Teenage Dream was one of the last few songs you played. it was probably the 3rd time we met, where we shared a pair of earphones and was scrolling through the songs on the list. i cant remember what i picked, but u chose Teenage Dream. Katy's album was just released then, and it was a hit. at that moment, that uplifting spirit of the song, its meaning of possibilities, became synonamous with you. <br /><br />it was also the last time we met, before you disappeared for a long time in my life. <br /><br />And then you came back. i was caught surprised, and at the same time wary. who wouldnt be. i remember telling H that this is a testof temptation, and I passed. Katy remained a huge part of our times together. hey, you cant club without Katy right?<br /><br />i was allright for a while, but something stirred in me when i met you a few days ago. we just chilled out to music and tea. many a times we werent even talking. and then we took a walk around the harbour. the silence was not awkward, im used to it with you. we talked, mostly about work, and walked. i was wearing a white hoodie and you wore a black one. at that moment i thought, how cute and funny.<br /><br />it was all normal for me, until that final embrace in the lift. i've always liked your hugs - they are tight, warm, and comforting. it lingered longer than i expected - perhaps that's when everything started to feel weird. i exited the lift without looking back, and as i walk back to my room i imagined that he would be behind me, asking me to wait up. <br /><br />the next morning i also imagined that he would call me for breakfast before i leave. None of what i imagined happened.<br /><br />the effect of that lingering embrace lasted till i was back in Singapore, and the elation i felt when u texted me when u're back was indescribable. i scrolled through the messages we exchanged, and laughed at the same jokes i've said. im surprised at the amount of wit i had back then, and with you.<br /><br />of course, the head rarely agrees with the heart. all these while i've been going through my head, telling myself how nothing of this will ever work out - you were always attached, i wasnt sure if u liked me enough, and most importantly, i was certain that i will not be able to sustain your interest and eventually, it will end with a bad breakup. it's better we remain friends now. this way, we'll last longer.<br /><br />in the days past the emotions subsided. but it never really goes away. i've never felt so strongly about you before, and it terrifies me, because this time, the head and the heart never did agree with each other.<br /><br /><br /><br />i realise this is the most honest i have been here. oh well. perhaps some honesty will serve me well in getting it off my chest.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-67323111096895321312012-01-04T02:08:00.004+08:002012-01-04T02:16:08.058+08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8ts57tmb4VWjqwTpQQhtt2mgm-ijpttt6KmyyAUZLOSAtIL2oapO1M0CHm1ejVl8jh8FyBNwFrcBGm8IzZVPNUMXqSICK2ofBMg9SSz6tj3cip6bOy1xVlNVtwL7jpQ95TVX1w/s1600/adele-rolling-stone-cover-beautiful.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8ts57tmb4VWjqwTpQQhtt2mgm-ijpttt6KmyyAUZLOSAtIL2oapO1M0CHm1ejVl8jh8FyBNwFrcBGm8IzZVPNUMXqSICK2ofBMg9SSz6tj3cip6bOy1xVlNVtwL7jpQ95TVX1w/s320/adele-rolling-stone-cover-beautiful.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693470371689385394" /></a><br /><strong><em>"One thing that Adele says she isnt anxious about is her weight. It's fluctuated throughout her life, but she says she doesnt diet or work out. "My life is full of drama, and I don't have time to worry about something as petty as what I look like," she says. "I don't like going to the gym. I like eating fine food and drinking nice wine. Evem if I had a really good figure, I dont think i'd get my ...tits and ass out for no one. I love seeing Lady Gaga's boobs and bum. I love seeing Katy Perry's boobs and bums. Love it, But that's not what my music is about. I dont make music for eyes, I make music for ears." </em></strong><br />- Adele, Rolling Stone #1129<br /><br />We might not have her gifts, but I guess the message here is to be who you are, not someone people want you to become. have a great year ahead everyone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg4XUGMNlQ5p6L0I_swW0i8mSyKRF3qri5TwpiifuoygKfwzxGx5ucL653lxFEXWlDwAqPEpQXe2KGwuFApd7Htj6HQfsRox39afdSrw_8e-mZnKfszjIOcFtmFpswZ2LIsQhCw/s1600/8471.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg4XUGMNlQ5p6L0I_swW0i8mSyKRF3qri5TwpiifuoygKfwzxGx5ucL653lxFEXWlDwAqPEpQXe2KGwuFApd7Htj6HQfsRox39afdSrw_8e-mZnKfszjIOcFtmFpswZ2LIsQhCw/s320/8471.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693470686821234242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>""I think happiness includes a lot of emotions," he says. "It's darkness and sadness, as well as moments of elation. So if you think happiness means feeling just one way, then no. But if it's feeling at peace with whatever's going on, feeling like you can cope - then I'm getting there." </strong></em>- Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, Rolling Stone #1129Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-61663194589085830292011-10-11T22:05:00.002+08:002011-10-11T22:15:12.315+08:00再拥抱一下,可以吗?<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g2DDtxVZofI?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g2DDtxVZofI?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />作曲:阿信 作词:阿信 编曲:五月天<br /> <br />脱下长日的假面 奔向梦幻的疆界<br />南瓜马车的午夜 换上童话的玻璃鞋<br />让我享受这感觉 我是孤傲的蔷薇<br />让我品尝这滋味 纷乱世界的不了解<br />昨天太近 明天太远 默默聆听那黑夜<br />晚风吻尽 荷花叶 任我醉倒在池边<br />等你清楚看见我的美 月光晒干眼泪<br />那一个人 爱我<br />将我的手 紧握<br />抱紧我 吻我 喔 爱 别走<br />隐藏自己的疲倦 表达自己的狼狈<br />放纵自己的狂野 找寻自己的明天<br />向你要求的誓言 就算是你的谎言<br />我需要爱的慰借 就算那爱已如潮水 <br /><br /><br /><br />我从来都没有疯迷过五月天,但却对这首歌不忘,看过《盛夏光年》后从此对这首歌有着深厚的感觉。<br />“脱下长日的假面 奔向梦幻的疆界”, 好像是为天下所有寂寞的人而唱。<br />何必等对方看见自己的美呢?这不是很堕落,很卑微吗?<br /><br />但是“情不至禁”,就是这样。喜欢一个人,也是这样。<br />求你,又有何用?<br />不如自己在一旁狼狈算了。Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-52930019587291045672011-09-20T03:36:00.002+08:002011-09-20T03:44:41.609+08:00in between<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLKTToeh0TwdgO28FeTLmsJdcZZ4GFGBwMLiUPOhjnK06NqciQ4msGlBpEsyDjI05e3Ii86gkI2XazDjorg6jQYyfPPR38eCoi6e5QMq_CII8ps9aO8K8g_QXT6xDFCuYogB5HQ/s1600/JGL_BW_07_HSS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLKTToeh0TwdgO28FeTLmsJdcZZ4GFGBwMLiUPOhjnK06NqciQ4msGlBpEsyDjI05e3Ii86gkI2XazDjorg6jQYyfPPR38eCoi6e5QMq_CII8ps9aO8K8g_QXT6xDFCuYogB5HQ/s320/JGL_BW_07_HSS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654157673065852658" /></a><br /><br /><br />i have not written, or visited this blog in months. everytime i return to this little corner, i'm always surprised at what i have written or quoted, and how i was so much more mature back then. maybe it's to do with the moments that i'm writing - mostly weak and vulnerable ones.<br /><br />in between, i've fallen in and out of love; learnt more about myself; felt bliss; almost could see forever. <br /><br />in between, i've also lost sight of myself.<br /><br />i'm in repair. it's longer than what i've expected. i wamt to say i'm grieving, but i know there's greater pain out there, and mine is incomparable. <br /><br />i miss you. if only you knew.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-2724573692566882032011-05-03T22:59:00.001+08:002011-05-03T23:00:37.076+08:00Life<object width="480" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pgdgaDdNgwo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pgdgaDdNgwo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />孫燕姿《世說心語》<br /><br /><em>"Till you have battled with great grief and fears,<br />And borne the conflict of dream-shattering years,<br />Wounded with fierce desire and worn with strife,<br />Children, you have not lived: for this is life."</em><br />- Sarojini Naidu, "Life"Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-35992143691921000872011-04-20T21:30:00.006+08:002011-04-20T23:51:42.446+08:00A Different Viewi remember a visit to the old folk's home many years ago, when i was 14 or younger, with the Student Council / Prefectorial Board. i cant remember if it was St Luke's, or another nursing home, but i will never forget what i did there. i recall that awkward feeling of helplessness, uncomfortable and embarrassed, not knowing what to do or say, or who to speak to. how ironic that as a leader, i spent the entire time there following what other people did. most of the time i was helping the old folks fold tissue paper. it was like the most popular thing to do then, everyone was doing it, and so i joined in. looking back, i feel kinda guilty. it was as if we were trying to compete with them to finish the work, even though the intention was to help. <br /><br />it was with the same trepidition and dread that i went to work today. i was not looking forward to something i was unfamiliar with and had a bad experience. i was indignant that they did not tell us more comprehensively what to say and how to behave, what not to say and do. it was a case of fearing the unknown. i had a bad feeling that the day was going to be sucky just like many years ago. then i remembered something from the book i am reading, something abt correcting your thinking and being open minded, and so i told myself to give it another chance, it might not be tat bad. <br /><br />it turned out pretty well. the elders at Jamiyah shelter home were mostly friendly and able to take care of themselves, and our programme was sufficient to keep us occupied. i reminded myself that talking to them is no different from any passengers i will serve in the future, and if i was not mentally prepared to talk to these strangers, i might never learn. <br /><br />so i smiled, alot. it is my strongest suit. and i realised that this time, i actually enjoyed myself. i spoke to a few old folks and lucky enough, they were very chatty and shared alot with me. some complained about their friends, some told me what they were doing before this. 2 of my classmates actually cried during the interaction. we did an impromptu indian dance for them, and some were even enthusiastic enough to join us on stage. the interaction was short, and we went on a tour and some wheelchair lessons afterwards.<br /><br />obviously, growing up has taught me to react to such situations. there was some slight discomfort, but i had to rise above, and prove to myself that i can do it. i had to lead by example. i chatted with them like a newly-made friend, banter with those who can take jokes, and try to make conversations and be interested. it isnt that hard at all. they might seem intimidating initially, but after a while, some of them warmed up to us. and with a heavy heart, i tried to emphatise with what they're going through. it reinforces the fact that many of us are lucky the way we are, yet we do not have the eyes to see it. and with the years added, and the fact that one day i might be one of them in need, there was a great amount of empathy. it was an eye-opener and a reminder of the realities of the world, and it further spurred me to give of what i have while i still can. i'll never want to be dependent like this; i'm too proud. living till a ripe old age is strangely not an attractive option for me. <br /><br />im glad im in a job/company that not only has many possibilities and prospects, but some nobility and meaning.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-34708816214316269542011-04-19T21:58:00.002+08:002011-04-19T22:19:18.964+08:00Invictus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2jWoeh4BPhvgdJ4ptskh14Rw2ELxevzSK5ws4lwsg7R4f1bsV7nBg6KACA143fmYIhmw4BDdCkfNT_yT6qhBqcHm4FFh2V7HzlhkatoovFfliCP8Zn4TqF5uBVOzzcoWF247nQ/s1600/invictus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2jWoeh4BPhvgdJ4ptskh14Rw2ELxevzSK5ws4lwsg7R4f1bsV7nBg6KACA143fmYIhmw4BDdCkfNT_yT6qhBqcHm4FFh2V7HzlhkatoovFfliCP8Zn4TqF5uBVOzzcoWF247nQ/s320/invictus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597294645700193938" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Nelson Mandela</strong>: What is your philosophy on leadership? How do you inspire your team to do their best?<br /><strong>Francois Pienaar</strong>: By example. I've always thought to lead by example, Sir.<br /><strong>Mandela</strong>: Well that is right. That is exactly right. But how to get them to be better than they think they can be? That is very difficult I find. Inspiration, perhaps. How do we inspire ourselves to greatness, when nothing less will do? How do we inspire everyone around us? I sometimes think it is by using the work of others... A Victorian poem. Just words, but they helped me to stand when all I wanted to do was lie down. </em><br /><br /><br /><U><strong>INVICTUS</strong></U><br /><br />Out of the night that covers me,<br />Black as the Pit from pole to pole,<br />I thank whatever gods may be<br />For my unconquerable soul.<br /><br />In the fell clutch of circumstance<br />I have not winced nor cried aloud.<br />Under the bludgeonings of chance<br />My head is bloody, but unbowed.<br /><br />Beyond this place of wrath and tears<br />Looms but the Horror of the shade,<br />And yet the menace of the years<br />Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.<br /><br />It matters not how strait the gate,<br />How charged with punishments the scroll.<br />I am the master of my fate:<br />I am the captain of my soul. <br /><br /><strong>William Ernest Henley</strong>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-64078310833134603042011-03-28T21:35:00.003+08:002011-03-28T22:09:56.374+08:00my first near-death experiencei went on a swim yesterday, sunday, lacking the better knowledge that sunday pools are filled with kids, families, and crowds. so i went to the adult pool, and the corner lanes are filled with kids. without thinking too much, i swam in the middle lane. on the 2nd lap back, halfway round, it suddenly hit me that i was swimmin in the middle. the fear of drowning hit me. i tried to stay calm, but i was too nervous. i started to gasp for air and panic. i almost wanted to scream for help. during my moments underwater, in between breathes, i told myself to stay calm, stay calm. and luckily beside me was a lane-divider, which is basically a rope tied with buoys. i grabbed onto it and caught my breathe for a while, before slowly making my way back closer to the edge. it was a scary experience. really scary. <br />ad then the lifeguard was waiting for me at the end of the lap. i showed him a thumbs-up, and walked embarassingly to him. he told me to swim at the corner lanes if i am not a confident swimmer. for the rest of the time i got a lil paranoid that he might be talkin to the other lifeguards abt my shame. oh well.<br /><br />i was truely afraid. i think after my fear of sucking in life, the fear of drowning is probably the most intense. i began to think what's gonna happen if i'm stuck in a plane crash next time. thank goodness for life vests. i think i'll be forever scarred now. my fear of water has now become my fear of drowning.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-411592242542342112011-03-04T02:15:00.003+08:002011-03-04T03:10:56.074+08:00HONG KONG EXPEDITION DAY 1it's been 2 year since i last sat in an airplane to travel far and beyond singapore waters. i was in good spirits, mostly because this trip feels like it's gonna be awesome - 2 concerts that i really wana go, meetup with friends, eating my favourite dimsum, buying canto cds, and immersing in a culture and language that i've enjoyed throughout my life. when one is in the mood, nothin much can bring them down. not the noisy indon couple beside me on the plane, who took most of my arm rest , drank too much red wine, and was watching Beyonce's concert on the inflight entertainment after seeing that i was tuned to it. i was puzzled why he didnt wana tune in with the headphones; he was watching B silently. it was when he later channel-surfed to Black Swan, also without audio, to a pirouetting Natalie Portman, that i suspected he's just lookin at girls. i was more humoured than disgusted. guess that's what happy hormones can do for you.<br /><br />i was thinking at my previous travel experience to thr States wit Marc, and wondering why i didnt feel immensely happy the way i should be. i reasoned that we didnt have that much emotional honesty and history to begin with. marc is never one of many words, yet when he speaks i'm always taken aback by his smart intellect and unwitting humour. my cousin and i were never really close - we had fun growing up, but his world views and thoughts are different from mine. he sees no value in the arts; he's more interested in finance than less "practical" matters. somehow, i wish we cld do it all over again. i regretted relying too much on guide books and not the internet, and for making foolish decisions like wearing shorts and thongs (aussie slang for slippers) on the streets, and carrying a backpack instead of a suitcase. <br /><br />i wished i had the wisdom now back then, and do it all over again. i also miss travelling in a big group, and not having to be the decision maker, but just tag along, and then go on and do my stuff whenever i like it, no obligations and no baggage. <br /><br />sitting here in aiwei's living room (it's my makeshift bedroom, and it's so cosy i wish it was my actual bedroom), i felt peace. the world is quiet, the weather is just right, and the only sound i hear are my breathing , the fridge's soft drone, and my typing. this perfect little quaint house is just nice - all that one needs is here and around. on top of fulfilling the long-fantasised dream of seeing Faye in hongkong, i endeavoured this trip to be a rejuvenation, a nice getaway, and a tiny discovery and exploration of the self. i envisioned peace, but now tht everyone is fast asleep and all is quiet, this is the perfect piece of harmony that i did not expect. <br /><br />i love the silence.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-62396754243428726082011-01-25T23:02:00.004+08:002011-01-27T16:25:02.640+08:00王菲 - 幽兰操<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ItWN1RtIN_4" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />兰之猗猗 扬扬其香<br />Alone stands the orchid, aroma shimmering around;<br /><br />众香拱之 幽幽其芳 <br />Rejoiced by all else, above and beyond;<br /><br />不采而佩 于兰何伤?<br />Of sorrow shall it be, unnoticed all along?<br /><br />以日以年 我行四方<br />Days and years, wondering around like a vagabond,<br /><br />文王梦熊 渭水泱泱<br />Wisdom the Old King seeks, hence wise and strong<br /><br />采而佩之 奕奕清芳<br />May the Lord see mine as the one<br /><br />雪霜茂茂 蕾蕾于冬<br />Blossom my wisdom for my lord, like the orchid under the cold,<br /><br />君子之守 子孙之昌<br />Long last my lawful words, till generation of prosperity unfold.<br /><br /><br />When i first heard this song, i was rather disappointed at how low-brow it is. without much further listen, i find myself humming to it often and strange enough. Now it's something that i cannot stop listening. the way the accompaniment so subtly and beautifully ebbs and flows with Faye's voice. listen to the first line clearly, and what might seem like a slur on first listen, turns out to be subtle and perfect diction. therein lies the exquisiteness and timeless quality of Faye, where she leds u to believe she missed one word in "猗猗". Art indeed.<br /><br />* the english translations above were taken from a youtube viewer.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-42749626384455061212011-01-22T14:32:00.002+08:002011-01-22T14:33:49.121+08:00American Idol s10 is ON!<em><strong>"16-year-old Robbie Rosen took his time with his breathy version of "Yesterday," inspiring Randy to expand his vocabulary ("marinated") and J. Lo to limit her own while waiving the entire voting process ("No. Hollywood. Bye.") Hip synovitis kept Robbie wheelchair-bound at a young age, but now he's fine. I loved how he didn't feel the need to mention his tragic past in front of the judges, then quickly remembered that of course, the judges always have their cheat sheets so they already knew. I always wondered how people's different sob stories are designated on the cheat sheets. I mean, I'm sure the cheat sheet is probably in English and includes words like "kindergarten" and "wheelchair," but I like to imagine that they use pictures instead, for ultimate ease and efficiency. So it's just generic clip art of a wheelchair (physical affliction), coffin (loved one lost), map of the U.S. with an X over it (foreigner), smiley face (slow learner), rainbow bashfully scooting under a cloud (stealth gay), or tiny campfire (convicted arsonist). Maybe these were Paula's cheat sheets. I'm kidding/I love Paula." </strong></em>- EW's Annie Barrett, on the recap of the premiere of American Idol s10.<br /><br /><br />HILARIOUS!Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-92135563498454067072011-01-11T01:10:00.000+08:002011-01-11T01:12:05.622+08:00[王菲2010巡唱]上海演唱會20101126 - 你在我心中<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lOWMdHNlnSo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lOWMdHNlnSo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />少见又难得。Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-91732378218388309652011-01-11T01:00:00.001+08:002011-01-11T01:10:55.554+08:00彼岸花<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yx0HUXTcmwE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yx0HUXTcmwE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />绝美。Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-22750358008123441682011-01-09T15:22:00.004+08:002011-01-09T16:09:11.589+08:00你快乐所以我快乐<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JCpvMzdpkNQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JCpvMzdpkNQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />懒洋洋的星期天下午,我想起了这首歌。<br />我不常看王菲的MV,总是听她的歌,看她的现场录影比较多。<br />十年后重返回味,有了不一样的感觉,和更深一成的欣赏。<br /><br />现实生活又何况不是如此。有些时候看起来不起眼,不会欣赏的人事与物,不必那么早排斥。<br />给多一点时间,多一点机会,有时候最不起眼的,在抽离与分隔后,说不定会有一番风味、新鲜。<br /><br />现代人习惯用了就丢。因为以为“时间就是金钱”,所以守候与耐性都变成了奢侈。<br /><br />她是我无与伦比的美丽。迫不及待三月奔快的到来,好让我能圆梦。<br />这一次菲一般的出发,必定会得到启发。 <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T0RMJPpkcTMBWrWw1jdzi059ZRur2hMUrhAZLm7DTyOlSEDqk9Xx0xzmOAAJRAcE9FI3GvFfpwbBcJzY6cbCKhmcPGRe3AtKvOoygPrQXROO8Bt1LBZ-gp4TNmv3Dt57o7BC6g/s1600/4a966cefgw6dbku88buq1j.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T0RMJPpkcTMBWrWw1jdzi059ZRur2hMUrhAZLm7DTyOlSEDqk9Xx0xzmOAAJRAcE9FI3GvFfpwbBcJzY6cbCKhmcPGRe3AtKvOoygPrQXROO8Bt1LBZ-gp4TNmv3Dt57o7BC6g/s320/4a966cefgw6dbku88buq1j.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560091299205392130" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-17954505521611072992011-01-05T23:21:00.004+08:002011-01-09T15:14:02.694+08:00Robert Altman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSeJBpn1l1eyVZHcqtTm-Sp4R4y1WIER1CdCBmjVYL2M_3_8t3tOmBzj3Yb0hXCAp6LVcpL_tG_mXKbjbHk-kdf3TV2TeCTAi2XNIQ7mwrJZ6UOYLXicW-bhHleQPQIJqCtfAMw/s1600/prairie_home_companion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSeJBpn1l1eyVZHcqtTm-Sp4R4y1WIER1CdCBmjVYL2M_3_8t3tOmBzj3Yb0hXCAp6LVcpL_tG_mXKbjbHk-kdf3TV2TeCTAi2XNIQ7mwrJZ6UOYLXicW-bhHleQPQIJqCtfAMw/s320/prairie_home_companion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560080961840266866" /></a><br /><br />i was reading Roger Ebert's reviews on some Meryl Streep movies, and it led me to a tribute article on Robert Altman's unintended final movie, A Prairie Home Companion, before he passed away.<br /><br />I've heard so much about him, yet I've never seen his movies, not even when i have the Gosford Park vcd lying in my cabinet. A Prairie Home Companion was my first contact with what everyone calls "the actor's director", an auteur with a profound passion for the art. <br /><br />Here's an excerpt from Roger Ebert's article, that not only captured Ebert's admiration for Altman's passion in films, but was also lovingly written, and bittersweet. <br /><br /><strong><em>"Did Altman know this would be his last film? Certainly not. But he knew his time was limited. "Where the years have gone, I don't know," he told me backstage that day at the Lyric. "But they're gone. I used to look for a decade . Now I look for a couple more years." He got them. "When I'm not making a film," he told me on the set of "Gosford Park" in 2001, "I don't know how to live. I don't know what to do with the time. I don't have an assistant director taking me to this little restaurant around the corner, and a production manager telling me about my hotel, and a driver to take me where I have to go."<br /><br />He said he kept track of time not by the years but by the film he was making. Given an Honorary Oscar in March 2006, he astonished his audience by revealing he had been living 10 or 11 years with a heart transplant. He didn't mention that he also had leukemia, listed as his cause of death on Nov. 20 of the same year. At the time, he had two films in pre-production."</em></strong>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-23327185515034224802010-12-28T16:53:00.001+08:002010-12-28T16:57:52.208+08:00Walking Dead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeunomcOaHGEPHsDy7C7bfE6EIUWAofLMkZAlUK3cw9ZGlc9UxLKIWgyAmH7q6zOsa_kQCIXV-E0gG92AVAPaAXAR3Uj5lO_-4C_jNaYBrXdKepmuh0NLHc6qZ-tv39V5EpT66HQ/s1600/walking-dead-alt-poster_510.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeunomcOaHGEPHsDy7C7bfE6EIUWAofLMkZAlUK3cw9ZGlc9UxLKIWgyAmH7q6zOsa_kQCIXV-E0gG92AVAPaAXAR3Uj5lO_-4C_jNaYBrXdKepmuh0NLHc6qZ-tv39V5EpT66HQ/s320/walking-dead-alt-poster_510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555653595771242898" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm one of those - living, but not living.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-48962382882672006172010-12-09T00:48:00.004+08:002010-12-09T02:05:40.463+08:00一拍两散<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWZc7PbYInXL2CCK-rUXiCJ1hGrE4V0BMjYpG0qZJavAiIpZcx7KFyquP1YAhfcef7_hT6IJATIO5MIGiEIOXzCm16KMrQjRiiGLN3_SJpMTISflP03HNRsqlnK7zYuPsUpCgxQ/s1600/49f0c3b1x752d5c1d3132%2526690.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWZc7PbYInXL2CCK-rUXiCJ1hGrE4V0BMjYpG0qZJavAiIpZcx7KFyquP1YAhfcef7_hT6IJATIO5MIGiEIOXzCm16KMrQjRiiGLN3_SJpMTISflP03HNRsqlnK7zYuPsUpCgxQ/s320/49f0c3b1x752d5c1d3132%2526690.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548355797993795570" /></a><br /><br />Walking past the Xmas tree decor outside JP, and the hordes of people with their phones and cameras flashing, trying to capture an image of the falling 'snow' that is in fact disintegrating bubble, got me thinking about my attitude towards photography. I never really understood why so many people like to capture images with their phones/digital cameras; the choice of subject is often mundane and challenging (a towering tree that will not fit into the frame. a darkly lit background), and their devices will never really be able to do reality justice. it is a misrepresentation. <br /><br />The more amazing pictures i see, the more i want to pick up photography skills/ techniques and the less i want to shoot with a normal camera. Perhaps it's my inadequacy with the already complex functions of the digital camera, but the digital camera will never be able to take the kind of pictures a DSLR can, and if u cant shoot a justified shot, or a stunning, if not more impressive shot that offers an alternative way of seeing the subject (which all great pictures have), then there is no point in shooting it. i find the experience underwhelming. <br /><br />this is not a case of photography snobbery, if ever there is such a notion. Call it practicism, if you may.<br /><br />of course i do take pictures with a normal camera. there is no doubt in it's practicality and essential utility in capturing moments. i snap many random items - a table, food, streets or alleys - that i hope will merge to form a realised memory of that moment in time. they might not even have any humans in them, but they trigger memories. in such occasion, the most mundane makes sense. but the difference is that i do it selectively, and not bring it out to point at the first thing i see. i give it some thought and feeling.<br /><br />i guess what i'm trying to say is, the next time u take a picture, don't just do it because it is the cutest thing, or because everyone else is doing it. if there aint a reason, if u're not a tourist, if you're not a foreign worker, then maybe you don't have to be so amazed and obliged to snap a shot with your latest hipstamatic application. and if u're going to post it on twitter, pls make sure it is something people would care about. the world is cheap enough already. <br /><br />standing there video-ing the fake snow, i wonder if it gives u any form of pleasure, especially when JP's xmas tree, with it's moving musical figurines and fake snow, contains more plastic than the Exxon Mobile factory and looks like child's play. This phenomenon should rank high in Jason Hahn's latest 8 Days article about Singapore's "Mysteries of Life", together with <em>#22 - why do so many people not flush the public toilets? </em><br /><br /><br /><br />In other photographic stories, please support my junior Hoong Wei Long.<br /><br />In my opinion, this dude is highly underrated, and takes some of the most amazing shots i've seen. Bin and WL are the 2 people whose pictures almost always have me mad-loving them. do take some time to read the following msg from him (nope i did the pimping on my own accord, without his request), and show some support this Xmas. Share your love with the less fortunate by buying a picture. i have. All proceeds go strictly to the <strong>Make A Wish Foundation.</strong><br /><br />and since i'm at it, screw those people who committed fraud in charity. <br /><br />(Facebook URL at the bottom)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX2jdo8G2DcxS7u0HVmucKWY8bmmSmAKm7mCRaGpk7EtZZWWUim-gGcAwXdum9wqpk2YMhRP-4QQux0nwiioTpT2p_pKmj7xoY5cazWo8eFLI4C2goqJAjquL-8xMDvvIAMmvpg/s1600/163066_10150099369991756_672756755_7427373_1345323_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX2jdo8G2DcxS7u0HVmucKWY8bmmSmAKm7mCRaGpk7EtZZWWUim-gGcAwXdum9wqpk2YMhRP-4QQux0nwiioTpT2p_pKmj7xoY5cazWo8eFLI4C2goqJAjquL-8xMDvvIAMmvpg/s320/163066_10150099369991756_672756755_7427373_1345323_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548355793879836914" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>PRINTS FOR CHARITY<br /><br />Hiho,<br /><br />Thank you taking time to look at this album :) As the title suggests, I am selling prints of images I've shot at Baybeats 2009 for charity this X'mas. <br /><br />These pieces were used for exhibitions during both the post Baybeats 2009 'Budding Photographer' exhibition at *Scape and this year's Noise Singapore exhibition.<br /><br />Due to the handling processes during the exhibits, some of the pieces have their edges nicked but they're by and large in good condition. That said, these aren't meant to be archival, collector's items (it would be crazy to suggest so). They're really purely for decorative purposes.<br /><br />For me, getting to shoot Baybeats 2009 under the 'Budding Photographer' programme was a big milestone. Perhaps the fact that I had tried 2 years before that, and finally getting it on the third try made it all the more memorable. <br /><br />At the risk of sounding melodramatic, it was in ways a dream come true for me. Finally being able to experience what is was like to be in the photo pit during a rock show...the rush...the excitement...I think every music photographer can attest to that.<br /><br />So I thought I would pay it back and come full circle with this. All sales will go directly towards a donation made to the Make-A-Wish Singapore Foundation. I'm not keeping a single cent from this.<br /><br />If you're interested in buying the piece, just drop me a message and I'll get in touch with you as soon as I can. Do note that sales will be conducted on a first come basis. Delivery of the item will be done via a meetup (preferably in the West or Central). It's cash on delivery but no obligations should you be unhappy with the physical conditions of the piece before payment is made :)<br /><br />If you're kinda tight this X'mas or know someone else who might be interested in the sale, do forward, tweet, or send a smoke signal to your friends and spread the word. This sale will run till 31 Dec 2010.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Wei Long<br /><br />______________________________________________________________________<br /><br />Hoong Wei Long is an aspiring music photographer. Since 2007, his love of capturing the art of performance has pushed him to document a multitude of gigs. Of which includes the likes of The Observatory (SG), Delphic (UK), Nine Inch Nails (US) and Shai Hulud (US). In 2009, Hoong was privileged to be selected as a budding photographer for Baybeats and enjoyed his first photo exhibition that year. <br /><br />Hoong continues to work towards his dream of being a top music photographer and has recently provided coverage for Guttermouth (US) LIVE in Singapore and I Am David Sparkle (SG)'s 'Swords Are Drawn' album launch.<br /><br />-----------------<br /><br />To see his selected works, visit:<br />www.flickr.com/photos/hwlportfolio<br /><br />To find out more about Make-A-Wish Singapore, visit:<br />www.makeawish.org.sg</strong></em><br /><br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150099370091756&set=a.10150099369501756.305040.672756755&pid=7427374&id=672756755#!/album.php?aid=305040&id=672756755<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150099370091756&set=a.10150099369501756.305040.672756755&pid=7427374&id=672756755#!/album.php?aid=305040&id=672756755"></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30875026.post-17942090720712484892010-12-08T01:21:00.002+08:002010-12-08T01:48:54.352+08:00无题<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zgYN0fYJ74BgKunaAC1FMTgCL_GF9kMY2rNBEuLLt9gUzP41_BjmW6rz29TJYTd2fjwbvlI0eqtpQ-rNOyRDk4iv9M47u8PHzBqfQ4I-lnXWWKvQbMkQi-_Oq-xDoNGvQIDPzg/s1600/43025623.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zgYN0fYJ74BgKunaAC1FMTgCL_GF9kMY2rNBEuLLt9gUzP41_BjmW6rz29TJYTd2fjwbvlI0eqtpQ-rNOyRDk4iv9M47u8PHzBqfQ4I-lnXWWKvQbMkQi-_Oq-xDoNGvQIDPzg/s320/43025623.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547992502664546754" /></a><br /><br />I felt very vexed and restless today. It's an imminent feeling, like something is not going as it should be, and that nagging sense that you're not where you're supposed to be. It felt like being stuck in a moment that doesnt belong to you, and you're just an obsolete entity, watching. And the worse thing is, you can't pinpoint where the problem lies. <br /><br />Without that, any solution would seem preposterous.<br /><br />Amidst the din, I realised something: I've been surviving. And if past experiences were any indication, I will endure and succeed. it's just a matter of time. I might get by, but i'll emerge victorious in the end. i've made it through O Levels to get into a JC, i've endured physical challenges during my army days. It's just that it's taking a longer time now. and with it, comes the reminder that one shall never be complacent.<br /><br />You might have the upper stance now, but the tables will turn. So all the showing off that you're doing right now, i'll make sure i learn from you, and be more humble in the future.<br /><br />All my life, i've been acting cool. i've tried to be the coolest kid in school, listen to the most obscure music, and walk and talk aloof. Unless you talk to me, you will never know me. Even if you did, you can never entirely predict me. I try to attend the hippest concerts and make the best out of my wardrobe. That is not to say i do not enjoy the process - i love all the music and films and everything else that i've been exposed to. However, i feel like i'm a hybrid, stuck in the middle. and i realise it's time i do me. the real me. without false pretense. and if the world doesnt like it, they can kiss my poo-at like Leticia Bongnino. <br /><br />after giving it some initial thought, 2011 will be the year i follow my dreams and myself.Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883609857810846687noreply@blogger.com0