Enough is Enough!

I've decided that from now on I will not be moodyemomelancholydepressedsad anymore la. I'VE HAD ENOUGH. period. It drains my energy away and makes me wana eat more, gain fat, and talk less. It makes me think of unnecessary stuff and gives me a bad shoulder ache. I shall not be envious of all the people who are having it better easier and luckier out there. No more emo youtube clips! ha!

Tomorrow will be the Big Break Day! It will kickoff a change in ill-fortune and bad vibes!









but then again depression does spawn some genius in the meantime. so occasionally i will still go "there" but not so deep la.


smile like i mean it.

Radiohead - Fake Plastic Tree

This is a terribly sad song.



Her green plastic watering can
For her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth.
That she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber plants
To get rid of itself.
It wears her out, it wears her out
It wears her out, it wears her out.

She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyrene man
Who just crumbles and burns.
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins.
And it wears him out, it wears him out.
It wears him out, it wears . . .

She looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My fake plastic love
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
if i just turn and run
It wears me out, it wears me out.

And if I could be who you wanted
If I could be who you wanted
All the time, all the time.
Oh, oh.

Revolutionary Road

Sam Mendes directs yet another rumination on suburban disturbia, this time reuniting kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicaprio for the first time in ten years since Titanic. Playing April and Frank, and based on the Richard Yates novel of the same name, Kate and Leo play a married couple disatisfied with their lives. Frank has a job that he hates, while April wanted them to be the couple that lives instead of being cooped up in the same trap that everyone else is living.

The movie questions your life and how you are living it.

But I'm not in the right mind to sort them out now cos thoughts are still lingering in my head. All i can say is, Kate and Leo were fantastic.






"we haven't figured out the larger significance of holding on."
now, what does that entail?

Annie Lennox - Many Rivers to Cross

"tell me something good"

That was my nick, which is actually a song Jesse Langseth sang on Idol, which rather aptly described what I am feeling this period. Dearest Lixin then told me:

xin: that we will see everyone at css batch chalet and have a whale of a time?

qj: susan boyle has shown the world that one should never cease to dream because there will be a day it will be fulfilled, in one way or another =)

Lionel: good thing: u are still alive and have every chance to make wadever is making u sad right again!

Starion: "dat u have a friend for RT"

Hanguang: a video

Lionel: "shit. much as i hate him, i tink adam will definitely win. his song damn touching. tink will make ur day!

Nicol: that you are more interesting than the boring guys i've been out with =)





Now, won't you tell me something good too?

Fantasia - I Believe

watching this always makes me cry.

Idol (spoiler alert)

What a way to use the judges' save, on a night when Matt's vocals were centre stage on the group medley of "Maniac". And what's with positioning Adam and Danny(!!!) high up there during the medley, like two opposing giants?! prophetic? pure coincidence?!

It's Idol. and it aint over till the Black Diva leaves.


JENNIFER HUDSON KICKED SOME SUCKERPUNCHASS TONIGHT.

Idol

Why don'tthe judges just take fucking half of their pay this week since they are only commenting on HALF the contestants this week?!

Why does Ryan sound oh-so-boring-and-long-and-obviously-dragging-time on the first half of the show, then rushed through the second half with faster talking speed and less "bonding" with contestants?!

why are they being so hard on Lil, whom this week not only got the pimping spot (deservedly this week), but gave one of her best performances throughout her whole Idol freaking time?! STOP TRYING TO ASK HER TO DO MARY. Heck even Mary sang slow songs during her earlier part of her career. Appreciated her trying to do that gospel take in the song.

DANNY GOKEY. run-of-the-mill song choice. incredibly cheesy though.

Anoop. stop singing slow songs cause that will give you good comments. Given this week you were great, but you didnt take the song places like how the great ever constructive Quentin said. Your climax was lacklustre.

Allison. this week, I felt you were over-rated.

Adam. good as always. the one with true stage presence. Compare his going-to-the-background-singers with Danny's Get Ready of a few weeks ago. What.a.difference.

Kris. He reminded me of Damien Rice. I love his song choice. And for once, I'm raving about him. Falling Slowly is a great song. It's from the movie ONCE.



Ryan, and whichever producer that cut down the comments from the judges and made Ryan look like an irritating fool (i felt for the first time), with him dragging every alternate syllable he utters and having that extended interview segment, YOU. CAN. SUCK. IT.


the rest of the world that irritated me today can suck it too.











I REALLY WANT THE GLAMBERT TEESHIRT ON RICKEY.ORG. ANYONE CAN ORDER ONLINE FOR ME? =(












i feel ... small.

"instant gratification"

This phrase got me puzzled for a while. Is it a self-empowering act of happiness, or a selfish and immature response?

Or is it something else?

"一切是那麽的温柔但残酷"

蜜月期
作词:林夕 作曲 编曲:alex san

缠绵时期可不可爱上你
但不需要不停不止
不眠不休想你
忘形时期可不可不要接近你
但向天空吹一口气
人便风一般轻抚你
人顽皮时准不准抱抱你又抛开你
忽然欢喜忽然不踩不理
人无聊时准不准装作吻别你
换过一口新鲜空气
然后再次过蜜月期
只想轻轻微微
和你试试分分离离
然后让我害怕没法一起
谁叫我太喜欢你
但求永远也留在初恋世纪
每次要转天气
就如每次我和你冷热对比
我要你喜欢我
就如我爱你爱得朝生暮死
我最爱剌激你
就如你也最爱飞
人顽皮时可不可爱煞你
但准许我忽甜忽苦
忽长忽短亲你
人无聊时可不可不去约定你
但每一分钟都等你
期待再次有蜜月期
多么好期
la....



天不变地变
天空不变短 地为何变暫
海水不变枯 为何石变烂
一去的你未返 一切带走
然而留下冀盼
不变的思念中 感觉浮进眼
温馨的记忆 漫燃流满面
仍走不去昨天 跟过去纠缠
想我的生命中 只有你手从来是最暖
不要漆黑夜深 冰冷如永远
这分一分我在变 这一刻我在变
这一天我在变 去不变地为你生存
天它不变地变
海它不变地变 心它不变地变
從不变地变 却又未变 未令你改变
天空不变短 地为何变暫
当初不变的 竟也要改变
海水不变枯 为何石变烂
当初不变的 终也要改变

Pictures Remembered

V.

We resort to words,
the comfort of them. Even the stray
cat among the brushes knows more
purpose, crouched in darkness

the small sounds it makes
testing the silence for echoes.

Alvin Pang, from his book of poetry "Testing the Silence"

The Landlord from Will Ferrell

Idol

Paula made me cry for the first time, with those beautiful words she said to Scott during tonight's elimination.

And if Scott's sister cry, I will bawl. Every single show I see Scott's sister, and sometimes his mother and brother, there. She reminded me of that girl from EVERWOOD, with that endearing geek quality to her.

Americna Idol Season 8, first drop of tear this year.

ADAM.LAMBERT.SANG.MAD.WORLD!!!

ADAM.LAMBERT.SANG.MAD.WORLD!!!
ADAM.LAMBERT.SANG.MAD.WORLD!!!
ADAM.LAMBERT.SANG.MAD.WORLD!!!

I am wayyyyyy elated because ADAM.LAMBERT.SANG.MAD.WORLD. Now that is one of my favourite songs of all time, and i mean ALL TIME. I first heard it when Keay introduced the song to me, together with the movie Donnie Darko, in which it was featured. It's the Jake Gyllenhael movie with that freaky rabbit suit about time travel and the apocalypse kinda mind-fuck movie. Now Tears For Fears were the original singers of the song, with a very sucky 80s disco kinda arrangement. For the movie, Gary Jules turned it into a haunting track, which is the version I love. Adam Lambert today improved on that version with more theatrics and drama, most haunt with those high notes. I thought the rendition was STUNNING and his voice suited the apocalyptic element that Gary Jules unearthed so well.

For once, Simon gave a standing ovation, and after which ALL 4 JUDGES stood up. Now I didn't know if they all stood up because they wanted to make up for the lack of critique (because they were running out of time), but that has NEVER happened on Idol, except when they crown the winner. WTH!

Now I can ONLY HOPE that Simon's ovation was given on the account that he knew Gary Jule's rendition already existed. I think he should, since I kinda remember Gary's version going to number 1 on the UK charts. If not it would be down to last year's situation when David Cook was accused of taking all the credit for Chris Cornell's arrangement of Billie Jean. keeping my fingers crossed for that, and for a make-up critique tomorrow.

Seriously, how many people can just sit there and sing and WOW. This is the first time that I truely believed that Adam Lambert will be THE AMERICAN IDOL. All along i've had doubts because Idol is a family show after all, but with the response so far, he is the one to beat.




Now for the best, and worst, of the rest.

Danny But-the-Go-in Gokey. His voice reminded me of Michael Bolton today. NOT GOOD. its got a nice raspy quality to it, but I didnt really find it endearing. and the judges over-rated him! he was only mediocre at best tonight.
Kris has a nice tone, but that's just it. His voice is kinda limiting actually. and tonight he was forced to stand on the moshpit from hell, surrounded by upclose-and-personal swaybots. after Matt's terrible critique at the same spot last week, I'm beginning to think that spot is jinxed. Not good.
Poor Lil. you know you're in trouble when Paula started the slamming with a serious serious face, followed by a shot at Ricky Minor and the band. I was entertained by Lil though, but I guess that's because I loveeeee that song. I saw the "copycat" comment coming from the way Lil immitated Tina's walk and swagger. Poor Lil.
Scott the wild angel. "Embrace the Braille!". Appreciated his hard work at trying out his punk side, but the song was too huge for him.
"same arrangement" for Allison?! asking her to be "talkative and likeable"?!thankyou Simon, but we love our Allison the way she is, and she has showed PLENTY of personality with those wide-eyed shots and her response during result nights and interviews. Allison is turning out to be one of the most mis-judged contestants ever on the show. and Paula, that was DEFINITELY not the same arrangement. it was more rocked out to suit Allison. Please listen to Bonnie Raitt's song again because that is one of the best songs in the world.and this goes out to everyone:



Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me. such a sad song.


Tears For Fear's version of Mad World, circa 1982.


Gary Jules' version.


Adam Lambert's version.




"and I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad. the dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had."

a walk

I took a trip down memory lane.

I know that sounded cheesy. But I cant think of a better way of putting it right now. I took a walk around the old CSS building, my old primary school that has since changed its logo, my old neighbourhood, my old flat that now has lifts on every floor, the bridge over the PIE that links my previous home and the school.

My very Wordsworth-ian trip and my various "spots of time" recollections were slightly melancholic. Amongst many, I recalled the morning bustle and the fresh, crisp morning air. School children going to school, me with packed Gardenia bread with ham and egg (my favourite). Going downslope to CSS, always making it in the nick of time and seeing Gerald and Phuimun at the gate. Going upslope to our classrooms. Thinking of where to hang out after school: Jurong Point or Jurong East? maybe just the nearby Mac or our favourite blue-plated chicken rice. Homework? Just a few simple assignments, filling in the blanks, nothing to be bothered about.

I recalled the various spots where I took pictures.

I've not crossed the bridge since I moved to my present home during Sec 2. It felt different, yet all so familiar. Perhaps its the trees that they cleared that made the PIE road much clearer. I miss the mornings.

I entertained the idea of buying back my old house next time and spending my remaining years there, and what a way to round up a life it would be, coming full circle.


I think we all need to take a walk sometimes. Sometimes we get so caught up with everything that taking a walk, just a slow quiet one on a quiet night (without banglas of cos. strangely i saw none), probably alone, probably with a group of friends, and just relive the times. talking it over dinner doesnt give it credit. I found myself energized in a way.

It was so quiet, as if the whole world was asleep. or that time possibly stood still for me. i finally understood how it feels like.

what's lost cannot be retrieved. but memory is a more powerful tool than we give it credit for.

I realised that this is not the life I want to, and am supposed to lead. I am not fulfilling my potential. I need to change.

I Told You So

ACM 2009


American Idol Top 10 Result Show, with Randy Travis







This song makes me very very sad.

oh.my.gawd

OMG.

I will be joining a sea of pulsating hormones come Tuesday when I go for David Archuleta's autograph session. Is there ANYONE out there with no raging hormones but just a keen ear for a good voice that wants to come along with me?! I really need someone to have dinner with. And he is cute la. Not Edison I-want-to-sleep-with-him cute, but like, very cute.


ok, i am beginning to sound like a teenage school girl. very omfg.










王菲復出! 王菲復出!

Caw! Caw! - an AI pictorial dedication to my fellow fans

I wanted to make this entry a pictorial lookback at Idol this season thus far, some of the highlights with pictures that says a thousad words. Then I read Gokey's interview on the official site and cannot resist posting some of them here. Blame Danny for the wordiness.


Lady Gaga, who performed during the top 9 result show. fantabulous. see that zipper on her left eye?!?!!




"But the 'Go' in 'Gokey'!"

Danny Gokey Q+A

Who is the person that you would most like to meet?
God. Would he be considered a person or a perfect being?

If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Go to Heaven.

How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?
I'm trying to plan on it.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To many to list.

If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?
Motivational speaker.

What are your personal goals in life?
Touch, help and bring hope to as many people as I can. I would like to influence the youth of our day.

What other talents do you have?
Working with children

What's been your favorite moment so far?
Singing "Hero" by Mariah Carey.

Do you have any formal singing training?
No

Now, tell me that doesnt sound like the most schmaltzy, weirdly paedophilic, and smug q+a you've ever read. And isnt he a singing teachr?! so he taught without proper training?! hmmmmm. allright, all together now, "BUT THE GO IN GOKEY!"




Norman Freaking Gentle



and who can forget, the one and only, TATIANA DEL TORO, who cried, went on her knees, and begged. really ain't too proud to beg. er her her her her.






Megan (Joy)(Corkrey). all together now, CAW! CAW! CAW! These two are my favourite pics. She seemed to be really caw-ing in the second pic. like, really. caw-ing. hard.

Idol

IDOL SPOILER AHEAD


I have to agree with Slezak when he said he knew that AI S8 will test his patience and his love for the show. I am beginning to believe him, because this season is turning into a tragedy despite the very talented cast. I am not sure if Nigel's departure, leaving Ken Warwick to executive produce alone, was a factor. But the judges' comments were awkward this season, with the exception of Paula who seemed more lucid than previous seasons. Simon Cowell was not as spot-on however.


Am I the only one in the world who actually thinks that Megan of Bob Marley's Turn Your Lights Down Low was her best performance yet?! From the introductory clip it was obvious she loves Bob Marley. And from her interview, I realise she would love to sing a Bjork song on the show, which really says alot about her taste in music: eclectic and diverse, even quirky like her. I really loved her performance. It wasnt forced and contrived like her previous performances, and it was stripped down and there was no awkward dance. All the judges panned it though, and they want her to sing Duffy, Amy, Adele, which totally puzzles me. Its like forcing her to conform to that mould, when all along we've been taught to be an individual and be original (on top of sounding great of course).

They have the same problem with Lil and Matt. They want Lil to sing Mary J and Mary J and Mary J (Simon wanted her to sing One. for real??!?!? When Mary nailed it 3 seasons ago with Elliott?! is Lil really THAT good enough?!) The poor girl is obviously having a tough time with song choice and her personal self confidence. So if she is not performing up to everyone's expectations, maybe she really isn't that great enough and it was all hype on Kara's part earlier on that she herself, together with the rest of the judges, have to sustain.

Rickey is true: The Black Diva lives on.

Matt oh Matt. Matt loves rock, but judges think Matt is soul instead. Matt has compromised for the past few weeks (remember how he said he'll do what the judges say after that horrid Viva La Vida?!) and now he can't take it no more. I don't really like his attitude when he was in bottom 3 last week. He seemed to believe that he has no right to be there when the fact is, everyone is vulnerable! America is voting. This week, props for picking a song from The Fray. But the song choice and that croak did not work for me.

Who are they to say what kind of singers they are?! So now they don't have a choice and we're back to the pop mill that is churning out generic pop stars?! Given that the Idol franchise is already a hit-factory with the success of Carrie kelly Davids etc, but at least keep your integrity intact while at it. Simon is fast losing my utmost respect =(

Anoop did another BEAT IT, and it was terrible. NEVER talk back to the judges; it's a huge turnoff. And his eyebrows are seriously distracting. Danny's first two notes were awful. Allison showed some flaws for the first time with her tempo and lyrics.
Kris is keeping that facial hair, props for remaking Ain't No Sunshine. Scott had lower eyelashes that looked fake. Adam Lambert saved the day again with a rejuvenated arrangement to a 70s song, though I must say his movements were still very cabaret-like.




watching Idol made me reminisce the good ol' days when the show had the privilege of having Melinda Doolittie grace the stage 2 years ago. cut the oversinging (you, lil). cut the big attitudes(you, matt and anoop and danny). bring on the power vocals (go adam!)




NOW I HAVE SOMETHING ELSE ON WEDNESDAYS TO KEEP ME ALIVE: PROJECT RUNWAY!!!

more Scowell bits

"The second season's first live show was the first time that Ryan Seacrest had hosted American Idol on his own: no Brian Dunkleman to rain on his parade. If I could have bottled his happiness and sold it, I would be a billionaire rather than just a millionaire. He could hardly contain himself. The first night of the live shows, we all got together beforehand - well, eventually we all did, after all the primping and preening. Paula has her own hair and makeup people, and she spends about three hours getting ready. Randy and I take about five minutes each. Ryan takes three and a half hours. And then he has his hair done."
- Simon Cowell, from his book "I Don't Mean to Be Rude, but..."

王菲復出! 王菲復出!! 王菲復出!!!!

Faye Wong makes return with S$4million advertisement

Xin.sg - Friday, March 27

In an economy downturn, an advertiser is still spending millions of dollars, to invite Faye Wong as endorsee of their product.

Since her marriage with China actor Li Yapeng and giving birth to her younger daughter, Wong has cut down on her workload for child caring. This year is Wong's 20th year into the entertainment scene and she has decided to add meaning to the anniversary by making a full comeback into the industry this year; her first assignment will be an advertisement shoot for a shampoo, which will fetch her RMB20million (about S$4million).

According to reliable sources, this advertiser has approached Wong more than a year ago but was unable to reach a consensus on the price. The deal was closed just last month when she agreed to an endorsement fee of S$4million. This price has also broken the record for a Chinese celebrity endorsement.

News of her endorsement was broke by one of Wong's fan who posted a comment on a forum: "Today I went to a publicity event of the shampoo brand, they introduced Jackie Chan; later they also said that they would be approaching Faye to endorse their new product, but is unsure if she will take up the offer. I'm full of anticipation!"

A Chinese reporter then called up the shampoo company and spoke to a staff from the advertising department who declined to be named. When asked if their endorsee will be Wong, he replied immediately, "It's her." However, he refused to reveal the progress of the commercial shoot.

He said, "It is inconvenient to reveal now. You will find out in due time." As for her endorsement fee of S$4million, the staff claimed that this is not usually revealed to a normal employee in the company.

Wong's friend also readily revealed that Wong has taken up the job and commented that there had been several other advertisers who had approached her previously but had been turned down.

In fact there was a company who offered RMB100million for her to release an album but she still declined and joked, "It's just 100million dollars and he expect me to comeback!"

According to the friend, Wong felt that the time was not right, since her younger daughter was still small and needed the attention of a mother; now that she is already four years old, as long as work does not take up too much time, Wong is willing to re-engage in it. The friend also revealed that Wong has started on the commercial shoot and the advertisement is targeted for air in April.

Wong's manager Katie Chan revealed that Wong is currently writing new songs for her new album. Chan emphasized that Wong will return to the music industry but has no detailed schedule yet; however she did not deny that Wong has taken up the shampoo advertisement but hung up the phone quickly without going in depth about the issue.

Wong's friend also revealed that director Feng Xiaogang has invited Wong to act in his new film "Tangshan Earthquake". There is also possibility for a world tour concert but Wong did not express much interest in it. She would prefer to be in Beijing where she could have more time to take care of her daughters.

王菲復出？王菲復出!

This is the best piece of news for me ALL DAY LA! You know what that means?! It means I now have to really answer my calling and start saving up to catch that comeback concert in Hong Kong Colisseum. I just hope that I will be able to get the tickets.

HOORAY! another reason for living hahahahahah

IDOL

jake: WARNING! SPOILER ALERT!

ADAM. LAMBERT. These 6 words, if Kara counted for me, will make it to the finale of American Idol. Last week's mystified, Arabian-sounding "Ring Of Fire" during Country Week epitomised Simon's "different league" comment this week. For once, I really believed in him to be the one artiste ready to start recording an album. That performance was unlike any other Idol perofrmance: it is what you will hear on the radio today if you turn it on, something Muse, something MCR, something gothic, yet all-together very relevant. If you look back at the summarised clips at the end of the performance show, his performance stood out amongst the others.

The same can be said for tonight's "Tracks of my Tears". Now I love that song. You know how it is when someone sings one of your favourite songs: you don't really think they can match up to the original. But the smart downplay and restraint, the change in look in that smart suit, and those KILLER VOCALS. His falsetto has never been put to better use. Once again, if you look back at the clips, his was the one that really stood out. Total class act.

Motown Week wasnt such a great week after all. It left me wondering why so many of them were shouting. Lil practically had no variations in her tone, unlike K.Lo's version back in Season 2 or Hudson's in S3. Herswas a lacklustre version and it felt tiring listening to her belt throughout. The good thing was that her dress hid her big behind. oops. But very Tina Turner-ish.

Danny Gokey. ("but the "GO" in "Gokey"!!)No, that didnt eliminate him from the competition. Despite the fact that he didnt take Smokey's advice (which I thought he should towards the second part of the song), he was practically shouting throughout. Or rather, it sounded like it. And what was he doing going back and forth on stage?! Once he did that just to do a "rolling" action with the backup singers. WTH?!?!?! Yes, very clumsy. And he is somehow getting on my nerves la. Maybe he will look more earnest if he removes his glasses.

Anoop! his falsetto was very weak! Megan-what'sherlastname-Joy had a nice flowery dress, which really translates to BAD PERFORMANCE. Kris was pulling a desperate attempt at gaining credibility and edge by letting those facial hair grow above the lips. I wont even call it a moustache yet. Let's see how long that look will last. Allison was FANTASTIC. Kara was fine today. Paula was gimmicky with those colour books crayons and those whiskers drawn by Simon. Randy's jacket was fly.





ok.
So the only thing I look forward to everyday is the dawn of WED (this week Thurs) because it means that Idol is on, now while that may sound Loserish I just have to say that people have different outlets and this is mine because Idol makes me happy and if I am happy then many things will follow.

I LOVE AMERICAN IDOL LA. period.

of Bush and Putin

"For a lot of us, that was all we needed to know aout the difference between the last president and this one: Bush claimed he could look into the eyes of a Bong-like villain like Vladimir Putin and see his soul. Obama connected with Stevie Wonder's" - Will Dana, managing editor of Rolling Stone Magazine


LOL

Scowell

I am reading Simon Cowell's book called "I don't mean to be rude, but...", written some 6 years back after season 2 of American Idol. Yes, he is the "obnoxious", "notorious" British judge from hell. Well, not in my opinions though. He popularised "indulgent nonsense" and made "ghastly" sound hip. Here's some excerpts from the book which I thought were hilarious. Fans of Idol should be able to relate better because they play on the stereotypical image of Paula Abdul, Ryan Seacrest, and of course, the man himself.

"I heard a rumour that Paula had hired a gag writer to help her deal with me...Paula turned to me after some comment and delivered this masterpiece: "Your father must have breast-fed you as a child." What the hell did that mean? I was dumbfounded, along with everyone else in the studio. SHe went on: "The only high you'll ever get is if you smoke your own T-shirt." ...I had no response - what could you say to something that idiotic? - but Paula looked like the cat that just ate the canary, because she felt she had managed to get one over on me."

"That night we went to a club, where Ryan (Seacrest) put the moves on a cute girl who worked for the show. As far as I was concerned, Ryan wasn't going to get a girl if I wasn't,and I didn't want to because I was dating someone. We went back to the hotel, the three of us, and I was already in bed when I overheard Ryan out on the terrace, feeding this woman the most ridiculous lines imaginable, I actually heard him say "I wonder why the stars in Miami are so much brighter than the stars in L.A.," and "This may sond corny, but I believe destiny brought us here." Then he actually said, "Your eyes match the colour of the ocean." That was it. I walked out onto the terrace, started talking about work, and then suggested that the three of us stay up and watch the sun rise...As far as I am concerned, I did her a favour; she would have seriously regretted spending the night with Ryan."

吳雨霏

吳雨霏,<愛你變成恨你> 曲：劉祖德 詞：林夕 編：劉祖德

不 你太好 想 你更糟 我仍未接受到
被 被你突然就算宣佈 分手更好
當你待我好 該難忘程度 心頭如像被插刀
好到太慨沒有好報 似是個圈套 令捱難度更加高

* 不能懷念愛惜 不如懷恨更激 恨人亦要花氣力
例如恨你 為人自私也任性
我憎你不停來為我添加大量情敵 將鹹甜回憶
記恨你才能令愛著你也沒價值 直到令我的強烈愛意平息 *

想你太傷 不歲]想 再懷念變孽障
就絕到亂誣衊你醜樣 毀懷形象
因你受了傷 憎你椰頃 想到缺點便拍掌
不要讓我面對真相 掛念似騷癢 恨才能令我輕傷


我愛你麼 我怕你麼 厭惡你方能夠不難過
憎你那過錯 憎你放棄我 再愛你嫌命長麼

不能懷念愛惜 不如懷恨更激 恨人亦要花氣力
恨完就怕 如情隨宣洩絕跡
不停來為我添加大量情敵 憎 完全被迫
記恨你才能令愛著你也沒價值 直到令我的強烈愛意 平息




"你是最優等 我是 失色的次等" - 吳雨霏, <假想敵> 詞：方傑


I love <愛你變成恨你> to death. I think it is one of the best songs from Kary. Amongst all the lyricists, I love 林夕 and Wyman the most. 林夕 has the ability to make the most mundane human activity seem filled with emotions. It's brutally honest and direct without being unrefined. Yet there is always poetry in his works. love love love.

And the first song featuring Justin is so catchy, and the bridge harmony has a killer hook.

my self

I was back in JJ for the first time since our post prom AAR last December. It's the first day of school,and kids are already up and about, training and studying and catching up. It was bustling. Before our meeting, Jon commented on how good it feels to come back to JJ on a school day, seeing the juniors going about their routine instead of coming into a "dead school" (during the holidays). Meiling hasnt been back for a while as well, and mentioned the small changes in the alumni room; the shifting of a table, the misplacement of her jacket, the shifting of the fridge. I just smiled.

While waiting for Ling and Jon to come, I just stood at the second floor, overlooking the rugby team training on the field, and the hockey team running on the tracks. I saw a few of my prom com juniors training and slacking, having fun. I saw some of my council juniors engaged in catching up. Suddenly, I felt displaced. I was a stranger in a foreign land. At that point, I questioned my return to this place I feel so jarred out of more than once while I was helping out last year. I felt like there was nothing left for me to give back, and the juniors do not need anything from me anymore. It was a large sense of helplessness mixed with fear, the fear of putting myself in a situation that makes me vulnerable.

I think it stems from the fact that the environment changes so fast around you, and sometimes it is just too hard to catch up. Jon commented that the school changes every 2 yrs, just like the kids. JJ moves at such a fast pace that some embrace the change as a challenge worth taking up by being part of the alumni, while others separate themselves from the college in its entirety. I am caught in the middle. I see all this change, I see my juniors change, I see unfamiliar faces and objects, new facilities springing up in places unexpected, and I feel like I am at a standstill. I am not progressing, but instead I just might be spiralling down, real fast.

The same can be said for people. We orbit about as separate entities, meet for a combustion, and then seperate again. People come and people go, and while I am glad that some I can manage to catch up with time after time and feel like nothing has changed, I have also come to accept, and come to terms with the fact, that people inevitably leave. Everyone does. As much as I am sentimental and unwavering, I cannot stop them from living. That if someone doesnt bother to meetup with me as much as I've tried to in the past, I am helpless. That is perhaps a sad fact I have to live with.

Perhaps the root of the problem is my disatisfaction with my current state right now. Who is ever satisfied with life anyway.

So this is just a matter of perception. Jon embraces changes. Meiling acknowledge and understand changes, and takes on anything with gumption. Me? I have a love-hate relationship with it, but I understand its purpose.



There is too much to do in this life, that sometimes I just want to give it all up and run away, let the flow take me wherever it will. I want to connect with nature, be like that Into The Wild guy and travel the world, grow trees. I feel confined and shackled, and my life feels like a pitfall. There is too much I cannot say, too many things I cannot do, too many people I havent and cannot and wont meet, too many places that I cant explore.


oh how it wears me down.

王菲 --- 我愛你

2 very diff versions of a lovely song.








多简单 爱情 像就做完的梦 清楚 模糊
多简单 像第一次问你爱不爱 你说 爱 爱
多美丽 回答 它轻轻的掠过 不愿落下
这一些热的烈的情 和苍白的浮冰 多无影
啊… 散 散落
那些忽而现 又有时隐而不见的飞
啊… 散落
那些抓也抓不住的，才是真的
多简单 爱情 它轻轻的掠过 不愿意落下
这一些热的烈的情 都无影
啊 多透明
啊… 散 散落
那些忽而现 又有时隐而不见的飞
啊… 散落
那些忽而亮 转而模糊 隐隐约约飘落
啊… 散 散落
那些忽而现 又有时隐而不见的坠
啊… 散落

陈绮贞2009新加坡演唱会_太阳
4 Apr 2009
Standard - S$148, S$128, S$108, S$88, S$68


Rachael Yamagata - Live!
15 April 2009
Standard - S$118, S$98, S$68


蔡琴2009新不了情新加坡演唱会
23 May 2009
Standard - S$168, S$148, S$128, S$98, S$78




"Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable."


Just because they think art-lovers patronise and attend concerts despite the econimic downturn, it doesnt mean that they can increase the booking fee to a now incredible price of 3 FREAKING DOLLARS. THIS IS EXTORTION. This is blatent bullying. It is so overpriced to catch a gig here in Singapore. For 1.5 hours of Rachael Yamagata, I have to pay at least $68! It's more freaking ex than the previous time she came! They sure know how to milk us fans.

Because of this, the above 3 will be the only concerts I plan to attend (Cheer Chen undecided. highly tempting). And I hate having to buy SIFF tickets through Sistic. bloody monopoly.

陈绮贞 - 狂恋

词:陈绮贞 曲:陈绮贞


我画了一个满是缺口的圆

你就是生命中填补残缺的空间

我提著一个简简单单的行李

搭上你那班失去轨道的列车

　　　　

我唱著一首单纯的歌

而你就是那一再重覆的和弦

每个陌生与熟悉的交界

你误闯了我无知的狂恋

我用寂寞惩罚我的午夜

请让我延续 所有的思念

所有的思念...

　　　　

我想了一整夜关於未来的情节

你就是那个没有名字的故事

我留下一滴失去温度的眼泪

要走出对你无尽的狂恋

　　　　

我唱著一首单纯的歌

而你就是那一再重覆的和弦

每个陌生与熟悉的交界

你误闯了我无知的狂恋

我用寂寞惩罚我的午夜

请让我延续 所有的思念

所有的思念...

　　　　

我提著一个简简单单的行李

要安静走出 对你的 狂恋

Rachael Yamagata - Elephants

If the elephants have past lives
yet all destined to always remember
It's no wonder how they scream
Like you and I they must have some temper

And I am dreaming of them on the planes
Dirtying up their beds
Watching for some sign of rain to cool their hot heads

And how dare that you send me that card when I am doing all that I can do
You are forcing me to remember when all I want is to just forget you

If the tiger shall protect her young
then tell me how did you slip by
All my instincts have failed me for once
I must have somehow slept the whole night

And I am dreaming of them with their kill
Tearing it all apart
Blood dripping from their lips and teeth sinking into heart

And how dare that you say you'll call
When you know I need some peace of mind
If you have to take sides with the animals
Won't you do it with one who is kind

And if the hawks in the trees need the dead
If you're living you don't stand a chance
For a time though you share the same bed
There are only two ends to this dance

You can flee with your wounds just in time or lie there as he feeds
Watching yourself ripped to shreds and laughing as you bleed

So for those of you falling in love
keep it kind
Keep it good
Keep it right
Throw yourself in the midst of danger
but keep one eye open at night

"anyway, all things that will pass will pass. it will not occur again, so let its lightness precede its weight now allright." - Ivy Lam



Thank goodness for friends.

22nd SIFF

22nd Singapore International Film Festival
http://www.filmfest.org.sg/index.php

14th April to 25th April.

This year's eclectic collection, as per the years before, has something for everyone: the music lover, the local-movie supporter, the documentarian, the short-film buffs, and the drama-mamas.

Do check it out, and support the local movies. This year's selection is fantastic. Those of you who know Jiahao from CSS, one of my Prom comm valued member, will be glad to know that his directorial short-film debut, entitled One Room Flat, will be screened there. SHOW YOUR LOVE!

Marley & Me

Marley & Me. No show, nor any character's death, has ever made me bawl my eyes out harder. I am serious.

I am so getting a dog next time.

The Wrestler

This is a terrific song




Have you ever seen a one trick pony in the field so happy and free?
If you've ever seen a one trick pony then you've seen me
Have you ever seen a one-legged dog making its way down the street?
If you've ever seen a one-legged dog then you've seen me

Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door
Then you've seen me, I always leave with less than I had before
Then you've seen me, bet I can make you smile when the blood, it hits the floor
Tell me, friend, can you ask for anything more?
Tell me can you ask for anything more?

Have you ever seen a scarecrow filled with nothing but dust and wheat?
If you've ever seen that scarecrow then you've seen me
Have you ever seen a one-armed man punching at nothing but the breeze?
If you've ever seen a one-armed man then you've seen me

Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door
Then you've seen me, I always leave with less than I had before
Then you've seen me, bet I can make you smile when the blood, it hits the floor
Tell me, friend, can you ask for anything more?
Tell me can you ask for anything more?

These things that have comforted me, I drive away
This place that is my home I cannot stay
My only faith's in the broken bones and bruises I display

Have you ever seen a one-legged man trying to dance his way free?
If you've ever seen a one-legged man then you've seen me

One Art

The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster,

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three beloved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.

-- Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident
the art of losing's not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) a disaster.

Elizabeth Bishop

they're coming!!!

OK. I am very chirpy and excited now because two of my favourite acts are coming to Singapore soon! It's like a dream come true, because I just mentioned recently how much I wished they were back, and they did!


1)

"有一句话对蔡琴的形容最为经典 “唱得好的没她说得好，说得好的没她唱得好”。蔡琴的演唱会一直都是绝佳听觉享受的保证，『蔡琴 2009 新不了情 新加坡演唱会』也将不例外"

DATE: 23 May 2009. Sat, 8pm

VENUE: Singapore Indoor Stadium


TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)
Standard - S$168, S$148, S$128, S$98, S$78




2) Isaac left me an msn msg while I was away: "RACHAEL YAMAGATAAAAA! 15 APRIL!!!!!"
I hurriedly scrutinised the entire Sistic site but could not find it! Here's hoping that his information is all true.





see I knew 2009 was gonna kick some whoop ass! awesome =) now, ANYONE>? =)

I am chopping off my man-bangs in two weeks' time. I will miss it.

Catch it while you can.

The Reader

I Love The Reader.

This is the best movie I've seen so far this year; even better than TCCOBB and SM. Stephen Daldry directed a mesmerisingly beautiful and tragic tale that left me with a heavy heart after I left the theatres. Stephen, who also directed The Hours, created a heartbreaking, and utterly poetic movie.

Kate Winslet plays Hannah Schwitz, who had a summer affair with 15 yr old Michael (David Kross). She awakened his sexual desires, while he reads to her. Several years later, Hannah was prosecuted for being a guard in a Jew concentration camp. Michael, now a lawyer undergrad, must come to terms with the secrets of their past, and the dilemmas of her actions.

In the reins of The Hours, The Reader is filled with swelling piano riffs, except this time the score is not by Philip Glass. It's littered with beautiful instances that might not say alot in terms of dialogue, but the acting and the scene will be magnificent enough just to observe. It's like seeing beauty, but cant quite put your hands on. It's a simple scene like a well-decorated jail cell, with pictures of flowers and handwritings; a scene of Hannah seeing a children's choir possibly for the first time, and crying at the beauty of it; it's hearing someone read to you, and feeling like everything in the whole world.


Kate Winslet. The hype is real. I had no qualms with the actress-or-supporting-actress dilemma, nor her naked, and not so perfect body. Her face says it all. Unlike the other 3 contenders whose movies I've seen (with the exception of Melissa Leo), there wasnt any breakout moment for the actress. But the kind of sadness you feel for her was similar to that when she told Jack not to let go in Titanic. It is hard to watch Kate without feeling for her character. She sucks you in that way.

David Kross was tremendously underrated amongst all the hype in my opinion. But I see the same actor-or-supporting-actor dilemma that might have limited his chances. Still, it was a brave performance (with full frontal nudity), and the transformation from youth to adult was significant. Ralph Fiennes, playing the middle aged Michael, didnt have much parts to shine, but he's got presence.

Lena Olin. I miss her since ALIAS went off-air. As always, one look from her is enough to create a genocide. That frame with just her staring back was very powerful. I'm glad she's retained that gumption in her.

This is not everyone's cup of tea. Some of the things are not blatent, and it might take a while before you get the meaning and plot (like how I did while chatting with Quin for a long while after our movie). It may even be ambiguous at parts, but give it a try and see, and you may just like it.






There was a drama queen in my theatre, who BAWLED during one of the scenes. I was thinking: "wa, i know sad la, but need to cry until like that meh?!" so i began to think of the following:
- maybe she is like one of the character
- maybe her bf sitting beside her dumped her in the theatres
- maybe her dog died
- maybe she's a Jew from one of the camps. like a really old caucasian auntie.
-maybe, just maybe, she REALLY REALLY felt Kate Winslet.

after the movie, me and Quin stayed behind, trying to find out who this person really is (they were the last to leave). She took out her comb after the movie and started combing her hair. Turns out to be this young girl that looked too pretty to even cry. Well, not that I have a grudge against young women who don't seem like they felt for the movie (who's to judge anyway), but just that she's not the kind who would cry over a movie with those bimbo shorts and hair!

ok. I'm getting offensive. Our speculations carried on from there to determine how much this couple truely love each other, which coincided with my Carrie-Bradshaw-sipping-coffee-and-writing moment this morning during breakfast: can we really tell just by looking, whether two person are in love, or trying to stay in love?

It led to my conclusion, that two person in a relationship who do not really love each other, is a more torturous situation than any singleton's fear of loneliness. In keeping up appearances, in playing mind games, in knowing that you are living in a lie, is possibly more bleak than being unwanted/not in love.

I love pensive Sundays. I'm keeping it that way. And Thom Yorke's The Eraser cannot be a better soundtrack.

Oscar predictions

Well, I can't call it a prediction because this is a list of my preferred winners. But of course, I hope I score a touchdown! hahaha


Best Picture: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Buttons
This is a tough one. But this film left a greater emotional impact on me over SM. Even though SM was vividly shot and provided the easier movie-going experience, had a great kid-chasing opening scene, with a kick-ass soundtrack and cute child actors to boot, TCCOBB has Cate. She anchored the movie more than Brad. And then there's David Fincher with his great vision.

Best Actor: Sean Penn
Until I see Mickey Rourke tomorrow, I am sticking with this one first.

Best Actress: Kate Winslet
I have to believe the hype, until I see the movie on Sunday.

Best Director: Danny Boyle, for Slumdog Millionaire
For the acute eye that captured India at its worst, yet managed to make it look beautiful and stunning. He made me want to go to India even if I have to keep my belongings in my underwear, never take off my shoes, and have to stop at every 2 steps because of the crowd.

Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis, DOUBT
She sucked me in during the 10 minutes she was in the movie, together with her mucus and all. It was a powerful supporting role and a terrifically revelatory scene for the movie. I'm dying to see Penelope Cruz in Vicky Christina Barcelona next week, and I know she will be good. But I'm going with the performance that had me at the edge of my seat.

Best Supporting Actor: Heath ledger.
Need I say more? Heath. Ledger.


BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Frozen River, Courtney Hunt
Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh
In Bruges, Martin McDonagh
Milk, Dustin Lance Black
WALL-E, Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Pete Docter

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Eric Roth
Doubt, John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon, Peter Morgan
The Reader, David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire, Simon Beaufoy

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL-E


BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Duchess
Milk
Revolutionary Road


BEST MAKEUP
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Alexandre Desplat
Defiance, James Newton Howard
Milk, Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman
WALL-E, Thomas Newman

TATIANA DEL TORO. farewell

"Thank You America. Pls vote, this is my dream, and it's up to you to keep it alive. Thank you so much. Gracias." - after her performance.

"This is up to America.
It's up to the power of love.
And up to faith
and up to talent
and hard work.
I'm so blessed to be here."
-- Tatiana Del Toro, right before she was voted off American Idol. Farewell.






I must admit feeling a little guilty after all this commotion over the "most annoying contestant in Idol history." I feel sorry that she was being milked by the producers, and how her seemingly natural desires to seek fame were so out-of-touch with the rest of the world. This is officially the furthest someone who appears delusional has ever come in Idol history. Well, at least so until the Wild Card show.

But you got to admit, she's one hell of an entertaining contestant. I will miss her =(

Idol blogging. er-her-her-her-her

Simon Cowell just implied that Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like A)Natural Woman" "irrelevant". He lost my respects for about 5 minutes. A true Idol fan can never hate Simon.


TATIANA DEL TORO. Even William Hung did not make me laugh as hard as she did today. That hip-sway, that giggle, that pseudo-demure face, that cued giggle, and that last line she input at the end after Ryan read out her numbers, was HILARIOUS. I have never laughed harder watchin Idol. Classic. And for that I wished she's through. Her singing was not bad anyway.

Tatiana also allergedly compared her style to "world music". While I understand what she meant (meaning she can do all sorts of style, pop r&b hip hop country rap), using "world music" makes her sound like she's going to be the next Enya.

Paula was surprisingly spot-on and cohesive today! Kara must have made her step up her game hahahahahah. She was spot-on when:
- she said Anoop sounded like a Brian McKnight. She might as well have said my comment to America =)
- Calling Stephen Fowler's song choice of MJ's Rock Wit U a suicide move, or something along that line.
- Naming all the past contestants who have sang Gavin De Graw's I Don't Wanna Be. Heck even Idol fans like me was only abled to name 2, but she did 3! I still got to give her props, even for memorising her script well if there were any.
- for not paraphrasing Kara or repeating her words too often. AND she has more to say than usual.


NPH IN THE HOUSE!!! AWESOME.


Csey Carlson. did anyone else see her pull away her hands from her mum's laps violently?! She looks like Blair from Gossip Girl, but singing a Police song could not be a worse choice. The resident Prom Queen is pretty allright, but does not have the stage presence, nor oddity, to pull off that song.


What's up with the whole "trying to find out who you are as an artist" thing?! That sure sounds like a good excuse for someone who did not perform well.

Underdogs today: Ricky Brady and Michael Sarver!

new flashy mic!

How can Stephen Fowler cover an MJ song, especially one like Rock Wit U, without any dance moves?!?!?! Hideous.

I use to think that only Mariah can perform HERO, because that song has such a tough tone to it, that the soul has got to be right, if not it is very easy to risk sounding like a soul-less robot. Then again, Mariah's recent performance at Obama's The Neighbourhood Party was a little lacklustre. Now I know that Danney Gokey, and a man at that, can sing it too. I must agree that it is over-hyped. it was good at best. Simon earned 10 respect points for pointing that out unlike the other judges.








i LOVE Wednesdays because of American Idol =)

Slumdog Millionaire

If this second version of the poster is any indication, Slumdog Millionaire will probably sweep the Oscars come Monday, like it has at all major awards presentation thus far, like how Dav Patel won 2 million rupies in the film.

There is no stopping the momentum of this film, and the feel-good enthusiasm will only spread further.

SM is definitely the harder film to shoot, given the terrain, the chaos, and the language barrier and differences. Those images of the slumps and the harsh living conditions under which people in India live are all real. To an outsider, the image is a startling realisation at how backwards it all is, which leads to a curiosity about India. SM, I believe, will do for India what Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon did for Asian movies. It will spawn growing interest, and perhaps even tourism, in India.

A R Rahman's score sounded like an innovative accompaniment to the film, until I question myself how different it is from typical Bollywood movies. Perhaps it was the Western fusion that made the score stand out from standard Bollywood fare. M.I.A's Paper Plane was used yet again and blended well into the film. Those gunshots on hindsight felt like a prelude. This award is Rahman's to lose.

SM is this year's Little Miss Sunshine: the film that came from nowhere but is now everywhere. This feel-good movie's only criticism from me is its incredulity. Everything seemed to be fated, coincidental to the point where events in his life led him to win the grand prize. This is the total opposite of TCCOBB: one has real subjects, but an incredible plot, while the other had an out-of-this-world subject yet very earthly concerns and emotions.

I've yet to come to terms with which is the infinite personal favourite. But that is perhaps not such an important question as to how much each movie has affected me. SM is definitely a movie for the masses. You have to believe the hype, not the race.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons / Away From Her

It should be a crime to look as good as Brad Pitt.

TCCOBB is one of the best movies I've seen so far this year. The retelling of BB's life, from young to old, or rather, old to young, was a 3-hour slowburn that ended with more than a few questions about living, dying, and growing old. David Fincher seems to have mellowed from his Fight Club/Panic Room days and focusing on long storytelling, like Zodiac and TCCOBB. While I never understood the rave reviews over Zodiac, I'm liking this TCCOBB. It must be the pensive script, or the extensive and marvellous makeup that miraculously made Brad Pitt younger and older by some 30 years or so.

Brad Pitt was just looking good, not acting. Well, maybe he was acting old, but I definitely did not think the performance was nomination-worthy, nor even his career best. Cate Blanchett mesmerises as always. Her performance wasnt her personal best, but it is always a joy to see her on screen, even when she plays a flawlessly skinned and bodied young woman till an old, wrinkled one.

The story is heart-breaking, but hopeful at the same time. This fable will leave you with something to bring home, a feeling or emotion that sticks around for a while even after you have left the theatre. All good movies do that.

But a movie is sometimes only as good as how much you immense yourself into it. So if your butts and minds are not ready for a 3hour long sit, you will most probably not enjoy this year's most nominated Oscar front-runner.






I chanced upon Away From Her on OKTO while channel-surfing after I reach home. The story about a woman's decline while suffering from Alzheimer's, and her husband's efforts to come to terms with it, is a heart-wrenching one to watch. Beautiful shots of snow-covered cottages, mountains and flowers, coupled of more than a few scenes that hinted at the line "do not go gentle into that light", and the actors' performances lifted the movie. I was not very convinced with how the second part happened, because it seemed to have drifted a little too far off the main plot of coming to terms with the disease. The second half lacked focus. But the first half, when the old couple was newly acquainted with the disease, and the symptoms start to pour in one after another, was a harrowing part to behold because of the reality of the illness. Alzheimers can make you forget how to pronounce "wine", where to keep your kitchen utensils, and even make you forget how to put out a fire.

Honestly, I would rather die from a painful disease that toils on my body. But then again, I wouldn't want to live long enough for that to happen. I believe not a lot of things can be quite as scary as losing the memories and the ways of living.

The recent deaths around me awakened the painful realisation that death is imminent, and it is coming; I hate to think of how my funeral will be like, because sometimes a person does not have much choice over matters of his dead body. But if ever I could, I would want to be cremated. Then the ashes released over some beautiful ocean. Or so I think.

Julie Christie was nominated for her role, but she lost to Marion Cotillard, who gave a STUNNING once-in-a-lifetime performance in La Vie en Rose.




A new day begins tomorrow. One should always have the courage to "start over again".

This just in

I know I promised myself not to put up so many youtube videos, but how can I do that when there's so many of them worth mentioning?!

I remember during Idol's season 3 finale when Kelly, Reuben, Fantasia, and Diana performed this song. It was the first time I've heard this Barry Manilow song, and wondered to myself: do they still write this kind of songs about dreams, reaching dreams, stars, and reaching stars?! I've come to realise they're writing more mundane stuff like Umbrellas and Poker faces these days. Not to say they're not any great, don't get me wrong. It's just that times have changed.

And seeing Hudson perform yet another personal career highlight, with the recent streak of great Superbowl-Pre-Grammy-Grammy performances, and now this NAACP show with Muhammad Ali, there's no stopping this girl and her impossible voice.

Listen, and you too would want to climb that "unreachable star".

The Pretender

Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace


This album has been lying on my shelf for months, and I wished I had listened to it sooner and discovered its greatness earlier. I guess there's always a time for everything.

Is it time I finally catch Coldplay live when they come in March? I would love to hear Chris Martin perform Lost and Spies live.

watch this

mark my words. if there's one thing u watch on this blog this year, MAKE THIS THE ONE.

Most hilarious and inventive piece of shit i've seen this yr, and i believe it will remain so till june!
credit to Lionel Cai for recommending this =)

"In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an Invincible Summer."
- Albert Camus, off the CD sleeves of k.d. lang's "Invincible Summer"

Egyptian Boy

This is a parody of Estelle and Kanye's HOTHOTHOT "American Boy", which i love to death. and this version is hilarious. read the lyrics to find out why.



Lyrics:
Safwat:
Za number one saeedi sound
Your boy Safwat about to get down
Hottest city in za world right now
My home, I call it Cairo town :)
Bet zey give me a pound
Put a g'neh in my hand right now
Most of za women wear bed sheets
We jus stole zis song beat

Chorus:
I like how you speak, u say zat and zere
and all that greasy gel in your hair
I really want to, eat tameya and fool
u'll be my Egyptian boy, Egyptian boy

Can we get away this weekend
Take me to Nile bay
Tea n sheesha and backgammon at any cafe
Let's go on the subway, take me to yo hood
Zamalek, Shobra, Giza, Heliopolis is good
Dressed in all ur fobby clothes
I love you to death, but you got the nastiest B.O.
tunes on yo cell phone, too much cologne
please be my Egyptian boy, Egyptian boy

Chorus Repeat

Egyptian G:
Smokin' sheesha on a felucca
American people call it hookah
Unfortunately, ur stuck in traffic with me
there's cars always broken, down down
it's gonna clear up, now now
don't pinch me, ow ow
I have a bruise, now now

I'm Egyptian, Stella is what I'm drinkin'
A belly dancer, don't be blinkin'
no pants ya, just a galabeya, hike it up a lil, maybe she be peekin'

Egypt's a sauna, water is what I wanna
The Nile is my hydration
Mother of civilization

There's 81 million folk
and that my friend is no funny joke
Anwar was president before
now Mubarak keeps Egyptians broke
Most of the cars are triple parked
Paying off the cops is my favorite part
the donkeys carry that tra a a ash
Live in a pyramid, no where near it
We don't ride camels, asses!
That Egyptian status
There's nothing like it
so cool, you can't deny it!!

would u be my FOB my FOBx3
would u be myyyyyyx3
would u be my Egyptian Boy
Egyptian Boy

Chorus


Translations:
Saeedi: An Egyptian from Upper Egypt
G'neh: Egyptian Pound(currency)
zat: that
zere: there
tameya: falafel
fool: fava beans
sheesha: hookah
FOB: name for foreigners (Fresh Off the Boat)
felucca: traditional wooden sailing boat used particularly along the Nile in Egypt.
Stella: Local Egyptian beer
galabeya: a tunic worn by Egyptian men and women

Idol Front-runners!

personal favourites, in order of preference. watch. these. people.

Adam Lambert
Lil Round
Jasmine Murray
Danny Gokey
Anoop Desai


and here are my bold predictions for this yr's mentors and performances:

mentors
Bruce Springsteen (bold prediction. but he's got new album)
Beyonce (she appeared in X-Factor anw. and new album needs a boost)
Motown week: ?
country week: George Straits (bold prediction. but has new greatest hits album)
Steve Tyler / Axl Rose / Chad Kroeger / Robert Plant (bold bold bold. esp RP. but they need a rock legend)
Lady Aretha (BOLD. but if this is the biggest season, they need a BIG voice)
Barbra Streisand (could this REALLY be the year?!)


guest performances
KELLY CLARKSON
Jennifer Hudson
David Cook
David Archuleta (all 4 above have new singles)
Taylor Swift (hottest country IT-girl now)
Pink
AKON
MELINDA DOOLITTLE!!!!!!!!!(new single, NEW ALBUM! plus they need to learn to be humble)
Estelle with Kanye West (personal biasness cos i wana watch them perform hahahaha)
Jonas Brothers / Milee Cyrus / Demi Lovato (its a family show afterall)
Usher (I WANA SEE)

I predict a KC riot

allright. i've not given this much thought yet:

ANYONE INTERESTED IN CATCHIN KAISER CHIEFS LIVE IN SINGAPORE ON 7TH APRIL?!?!!?

Fort Canning. i believe it's gonna be wicked fun.
YY! THIS IS A SHOUTOUT TO U! =)

FLEA MARKET

dear all, i will be selling some brand new tees, posters, old magazines, and mayb some books and cds come 7th Feb, Sat, at a void deck near City Harvest Church at Jurong West. it's part of a Flea Market organised by Nanyang CC. it's from 3pm to 9pm.

there will be NO food and services (like massages, manicure, boots-mending) provided. but if u do have time to spare, come pay me a visit la. i might just give u a free cheapskate tee or the poster of ya choice.

as a preview, i will be selling DAVID ARCHULETA POSTER-CALENDAR! hahahahahha. okayy. like anyone care. but if u have a sister or baby who cares (Jake, this is in no way a comment mocking all who enjoys Archie's singing. there's a diff between song lovers and idol-worshipping for their looks. i'm with u on the former heehee), u know where i will be. i will be kiao-ka-ing at the void deck with Susan's cookies, my lay-lio, and tons of kill-time food and reading material.

oh my fren is selling self-made accessories for ya phones and stuff. and susan is selling clothes. so SHOW YOUR LOVE!













k.d. lang came to Singapore a few years ago for a concert to rave reviews. i read about her habit of singing without footwear. although i wasnt a big fan of hers back then, it has been one of the regrets in my life that i didnt catch her when she came.

a regret now becomes a resolution. 101 things to do before i die: catch k.d. lang live without her shoes, serenading me with a heart-wrenchingly powerful version of Hallelujah, AND a caramel coated version of Help Me (optional).

this is one of the greatest songs ever, and her version is my fav, and IMO, the best. Jeff Buckley's comes in at a veryveryvery close 2nd fav.
this is the true sign of a great voice and great singing. and star quality. when it comes to singing, it's just it. there should not be any concerns about sexuality.

fallin'

disappointment, and a loss of words

there is no reason for me to stay on, if everyone else on board this sinking ship has given up hope.

it is perhaps time to finally let feelings and emotions subside. there is no point in a lonely battle.

Close To You

Aretha FRANKLIN - "Close To You" (1978)


Without Love


they dun call her the First Lady of Soul / Queen of Soul for nothing.
Queen Aretha's voice has been said to be one of USA's most valuable natural resources.
while her recent performance at the Presidential Inaugaration was not something everyone comprehends, its no doubt tt she is a living legend.
listen to her performances from the 60s and 70s, when soul music was all organic with piano and backing vocals, perfect harmony and great melody.
Like i told Jake, listening to her makes me feel like asking all the modern shriekers to shut up and just learn.
that spirited Soul in her voice is undeniable.