Dearest Quin,

I know I've said some blunt, insensitive words today. FORGIVE ME! =( I admit I wasn't thinking when I said it, but I thought it might make it easier for Shu to remember because she might have seen them together before. SORRYYYY. You know I love you still.

xoxo
Loo






As we grow older, life's dangers grow more imminent. We're no longer sheltered by our parents, protected by cots and playgrounds, fed by home-cooked healthy food, fetched by maids and chauffeured by parents. We're no longer in school, where life revolves around the afternoon nap, followed by homework and meals and tv, where the people we know are the characters that were either heroes or villains. It's a safe routine where little can go wrong, except maybe not doing your homework, or mixing with bad company.
We now see life in the face. We confront dangers, right on, sometimes without us knowing, helplessly, some fearlessly. Death comes in many forms, accidents with many identities. We get our hearts broken, we fix it back up, only for it to get trampled again. We face the realities of the race, the mundane and the routines, the backlash of the mistakes, the responsibilities. We face life, head on and without life buoy.

Face it - strongly, and with dignity.

Joni mitchell - Court and Spark

Love came to my door
With a sleeping roll
And a madman's soul
He thought for sure I'd seen him
Dancing up a river in the dark
Looking for a woman
To court and spark

He was playing on the sidewalk
For passing change
When something strange happened
Glory train passed through him
So he buried the coins he made
In People's Park
And went looking for a woman
To court and spark

It seemed like he read my mind
He saw me mistrusting him
And still acting kind
He saw how I worried sometimes
I worry sometimes

"All the guilty people," he said
They've all seen the stain-
On their daily bread
On their christian names
I cleared myself
I sacrificed my blues
And you could complete me
I'd complete you

His eyes were the color of the sand
And the sea
And the more he talked to me
The more he reached me
But I couldn't let go of L.A.
City of the fallen angels

Cat Power - The Greatest

Once I wanted to be the greatest
No wind or waterfall could stall me
And then came the rush of the flood
The stars at night turned deep to dust

Melt me down
into big black armour
Leave no trace
Of grace
Just in your honor
Lower me down
To culprit south
Make 'em wash a space in town
For the lead
And the dregs of my bed
I've been sleeping
Lower me down
Pin me in
Secure the grounds
For the later parade

Once I wanted to be the greatest
Two fists of solid rock
With brains that could explain
Any feeling
Lower me down
Pin me in
Secure the grounds
For the lead
And the dregs of my bed
I've been sleeping
For the later parade

Once I wanted to be the greatest
No wind or water fall could stall me
And then came the rush of the flood
The stars at night turned deep to dust



Who doesn't want life to be perfect. Everyone wants to be rich. Everyone wants to be successful. Everyone wants life to be a bed of roses.

How many of us can ever get everything we've ever wanted?
"you win some, you lose some."

(500) Days of Summer

I simply adore the new poster. It reminds me of a friend's very cool shirt, with lyrics to Keane's "Everybody's Changing" printed on it.
I'm going to find a song and print its lyrics on a shirt. Maybe a chinese song. or tamil? That should be cool =)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Zooey Deschanel. Cant wait.

Whatever happened to good animated movies?!

DO NOT bring your kids/nieces/nephews/babies to see Ice Age 3 because:

- They wrongfully portrayed dinosaurs as being 3 times (or more) bigger than mammoths. A freaking ankylosaurus (correct spelling? the one with the spiky club at the end of its tail) is 3 times bigger than the mammoths. Rudy's footsteps was SO MUCH bigger than the t-rex mama, but she was SO easily pushed off the cliff by t-rex mama.
- Dinosaurs did not live under the ice. Where did they get all the sunlight from anyway?!
- What does "Dawn of the Dinosaurs" mean?! They didnt even take over the ice-age land above, and there wasnt even a beginning, so to speak. They were already there, evolved and all grown up. "Dawn" does not mean "discovery" the last I checked, unless you're talking about "dawn on", which means "to understand". "Dawn of" means "the beginning of".
- They totally, and unfairly, ripped off The Land Before Time. In both movies, the big meanie dinosaur was pushed off the edge of a cliff, they chanced upon a land of greener pasture full of life. I'd rather you watch the latter because it had more heart than soul than all the 3 Ice Age movies combined. And more. MORE.
- The Scrat-chasing-acorn has always been a distraction that disrupted the pace of the movie.


Granted that some of the jokes were truely funny (like the "roger" part. And was I the only one who caught the gay reference when they met this huge colourful butterfly? Again, another wrongful play on proportions. All the dinosaurs looked like they're on steroid overdose, or part of some Honey-I-shrunk-the-mammoth joke), the whole movie felt like it was a planned trip to milk the franchise once more. The inclusion of the dinosaurs was a limp and lazy idea, which proves that they're running out of plot. It was insipid and unnecessary, and I'd rather they take 10 years for a third movie, than create one that had no plot at all. There was fun, but there was no heart. At the end, I did not come out feeling like I loved the characters, or had a connection with anyone of them.

With this, I shall pronounce all movie studios inapt and incompetent when it comes to producing a good animated movie, with the exceptance of Pixar and Disney. Disney's heydays are long gone, but even so, any Chicken Little or Cinderella sequel or Tinkerbell sequel would be better and have more heart than a acorn-chasing squirrel and its kakis.


Once again, make UP the must-see movie of the year, right up there with Harry and Trekkie and Bruno etc.

Cat Power - The Covers Record

One of the beauties of listening to an album is the timely appreciation of it. You may not fall in love with some albums instantaneously, but upon future spins, you begin to see their beauty and their relevance. An album may be timely for nursing that heartbreak, giving you some ear-peace from all the applomb of commercial music, or just to soothe a long day's work. In those times of need, music comes in various forms to surprise and embrace you.

I was in the mood for some unintrusive music. I needed a comforting voice, some slow songs with little strain in vocals, and as little technical touch-ups and as organic a sound as possible. While searching high and low for the usual comforts of k.d lang's "Hymns of the 49th Parallel" (which is a great great covers album i must say. one of my all-time fav albums), I chanced upon Cat Power's "The Covers Record". It was what I needed, and more. From then on, I fell for the album, months after its purchase.

Chan marshall, better known as Cat Power, sings like a creature of the night. A seductress lulling you into a lair of intoxication. Most of the tracks are slow, and I mean, REAL slow. It's even slower than jazz. Which is part of what makes it all the more mesmerising: there's a end-of-world quality to these songs. It recalls those Western movies, when they play the images in slo-mo. The songs here can easily fit into those moments with its sense of emergency, as if something is brewing. Even so, there's no rush at all. Cat's delivery is a slow, almost menacing, growl, that sounds very hazy and smoky. Most of the tracks were set to sporadic piano playing. This simple arrangement gives great precedence to the lyrics and the delivery, which cant be said for what you hear on radio nowadays with rap and hip-hop and over-produced songs raging all over.

That said, this album is not for everyone. I suggest youtubing first.

The album plays against a backdrop of crowd coming and going as I listen to it on my way to work. Slow down, and take a sight. You'll find that there's much to be appreciated.

Today, news of a dear friend's mother's death shocked me; it was an accident in Malacca. I hope she stays strong and pulls through.

Lost

You go to my head.

张学友 梅艳芳 - 相爱很难‏

最好　有生一日都爱下去
但谁人　能将恋爱当做终生兴趣
生活　其实旨在找到个伴侣
面对现实　热恋很快变长流细水

可惜我　不智或侥幸
对火花天生敏感
不过　两只手拉得太紧
爱到过了界那对爱人
同时亦最易变成一对敌人

也许相爱很难
就难在其实双方各有各寄望 怎么办
要单恋都难
受太大的礼会内疚却也无力归还
也许不爱不难
但如未成佛升仙也会怕
爱情前途黯淡
爱不爱都难
未快乐先有责任给予对方面露欢颜

得到浪漫　又要有空间
得到定局　却怕去到终站
然后付出多得到少不介意豁达
又担心　有人看不过眼

无论热恋中失恋中
都永远记住第一戒　别要张开双眼

菲靡靡之音

王菲.
怕爱时, 喜欢听 <迷魂记>, <暧昧>
哀伤时, 喜欢听 <红豆>
失恋时, 喜欢听 <天空>, <约定>
放纵时, 喜欢听 <讨好自己>, <无常>
绝望时, 喜欢听 <人间>

"No Faye, No Live"
I say No Faye, No Life






I wrote the above at the Fresh Music website. http://www.wretch.cc/blog/freshmusic

芳华绝代

I learnt a new word today: "花生骚" means "fashion show" in cantonese. It's also the title for a duet between 王菲 and 梅艳芳.

Perhaps it was MJ's departure, that got me in the mood for reminiscing. 3 days after he left, I picked up a 梅艳芳 cd for the second/third time, and I fell for her. The low timbre in her voice, I realise, was unlike anything I've heard before, and for the first time, I'm a fan. The duets album I was listening to, "With", featured a song with Leslie Cheung. After youtubing the live concert video, I smiled, and then sighed. The chemistry and the friendship was evident and electrifying. The lack of such artistry, such boldness, class, stage presence, and such beauty in today's music industry is truely a pity.

While some legends were born, some need time to materialise. 20 years from now, whose death will ignite the same post-death frenzy, be it the tribute or tabloid-worthy kind, that MJ has?

I'm guessing Madonna will live to a ripe old age, and we probably will reminisce and mourn, but probably not obsess over. We peobably wont be curious over the will, nor who custody of the children go to.

I guess in the hearts of true fans, they never truely die. They live on in memory. May Leslie, Anita, and MJ live on forever.

林憶蓮 誘惑的街

这样深的夜下过雨的街
连星光就要熄灭你赴的是什么样的约
原无意说这些
只是对你还有感觉
以为一切残缺
都能用爱解决
可是我除了爱你
没有别的凭借
话由真心
才说的如此直接
也许是夜色让人不知胆怯
有了我你是否什么都不缺
心再野也知道该拒绝
有什么心结难解
竟让你离不开这一切
只是你身在诱惑的街
只是你身在沉伦的午夜
血里的狂野对真实与幻觉
已无分别……

所以你也无从察觉
情由何时冷却
你从来不了解
心痛有多么强烈
不知若要我为爱妥协
我宁愿它幻灭
有了我你应该什么都不缺
心再野也知道该拒绝
有什么心结难解竟然让你离不开这一切
只是你身在诱惑的街
只是你身在沉沦的午夜
血里的狂野对真实与幻觉
已无分别
若是我身在诱惑的街
若是我身在沉伦的午夜
你的心是否会为我而淌血
从此醒觉

藍奕邦 - 快樂王子

如果我很想快樂
我也許找個人祈求被愛
或者我先要了解自己是誰
才知道我需要什麼
王子滿身的鑽石
也要燕子陪伴慰解寂寞
若果連他都不懂得快樂
我更要自甘墮落
或者只需要那份單純的愛
並非一身閃爍的金薄

或者一首音樂加一杯可樂
己夠我苦中作樂
連自己都不知我是好人一個
接受嘉勉都不知道為了什麼
他給的愛我又如何裝載
那算不算教人友悲哀

王子也很想快樂
靜待燕子結伴暢遊天國
若果人存在是為了互相傷害
我的愛不如掉進大海

It don't matter if you're Black or White

The first customer that came into my shop today bought the only 2 copies of Michael Jackson dvds that we have: one a live concert, and the other of his MVs. She also asked for his CDs, of which we only have "Blood on the Dance Floor" left. Soon after, Ash sms-ed and told me of Michael's shocking death. Before I left my workplace at 3.30pm, I have served 5 customers who have called/asked for his albums.

While I've never been a huge MJ fan, but being a music fan, I cant help but feel a tinge of sadness at the passing of a true legend. Arguably the biggest pop star who has ever lived, MJ has the best-selling album of all time with "Thriller". That is the epitome of a classic album - no song goes unnoticed, all of which you've probably heard before. Who can forget the "Billie Jean" MV that revolutionised MTV and accelerated the MTV-gen, and those tiles that light up as he walks on them. I still do the "Beat It" move once in a while, that gang-fight MV and those black leather jackets. And then there's the epic "Thriller" MV, that till today remains the mother of all MV with a story of man-to-werewolf to boot.

And these go without saying: the moonwalk, "black or white", the glove, the crotch-grab, the signature falsetto "whoa!", "ben", "you are not alone", "bad", "ben".

MJ will remain in my mind and heart as the greatest and most successful pop artist of our lifetime. Ask any budding dancer/singer who is their role model, and 1 in probably 5 will name MJ. Look no further than our generation of Usher, Ne-yo, and Chris Brown for proof. "Thriller" will remain as one of the best and grooviest albums I've ever heard.

It's sad how we the exploitative news and scandels have marred his career and overshadowed his music. It's a bigger pity that one only begins to appreciate genius when it's gone. "That you dunno what u've got til it's gone," as Janet Jackson has sung. While the world mourns the death of a true legend, I reflected upon my short existence, sighed at its insignificance, and marveled at true greatness that one could achieve.

Take this time to show your loved ones that you care.

Farewell, Michael Jackson. 1958 - 2009




And while MJ's death may have overshadowed Farrah Fawcett's departure, which is a pity, you have to admire her spirit for putting a long fight against cancer. Our eternal Charlie's Angel.

Do I Move You?

I want to see Dianne Reeves sing Solitude and Just My Imagination come sept 12. She'sgot a very Jill Scott vibe which I like. anyone??

"Let it die, and get out of my mind"

Today was a lesson in "positive energy". Working with Ms Soh, my "soul sistaaa", was a cure for the Monday blues. I now truely understand, and have realised, how it feels to be with positive energy. They make you feel happy, and be less self-centered. They make every small act seem like a lesson in hilarity, like how the pasa-malam guy shouting "watermelonnnnn" makes us pay attention and laugh, though normally I wont even give it two-cents' notice.


So thank goodness for good friends with positive energies, and I will try to imbue that in me, and be the positive energy that affects and radiate more positive energy.


I know it sounds very Dr Phil. But who cares! think positive!

I cannot wait to catch I LOVE YOU, MAN later! yayyyyyyy!




and I am patiently waiting for these next two movies. waiting. patiently......

English

"Lets face it, English is a stupid language.

There is no egg in the eggplant.

No ham in the hamburger.

And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.



English muffins were not invented in England.

French fries were not invented in France.

We sometimes take English for granted.

But if we examine its paradoxes--



We find that Quicksand takes you down slowly.

Boxing rings are square.

And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

If writers write, how come fingers don't fing. I

f the plural of tooth is teeth, shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth?

If the teacher taught, Why didn't the preacher praught.

If a vegetarian eats vegetables What does a humanitarian eat!?



Why do people recite at a play Yet play at a recital?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy

Of a language where a house can burn up as It burns down

And you fill in a form By filling it out

And a bell is only heard once it goes!



English was invented by people, not computers

And it reflects the creativity of the human race

(Which of course isn't a race at all)

That is why: When the stars are out they are visible

But when the lights are out they are invisible

And why it is that when I wind up my watch it starts

but when I wind up this poem it ends?"



-- Anonymous --

王菲 - 爱笑的天使

oh oh oh Feist

Now I read that this year's Singfest is gonna be BIGGER, and BETTER than last year's. And I can only hope the delay is a sign of biggggg acts to come.
If the organisers can so much as move Feist over to our shores, I am converted. I will believe that Singapore is cool and deserving of the coolest acts on earth, and that faries do roam in between bushes waiting to get our tooth from under our pillow.

I AM SO GOING IF SO MUCH AS FEIST IS COMING.

Reading the Rolling Stone interview with Kings of Leon got me really interested in them, and I began to fascinate singing 'Sex On Fire' out loud during Singfest, which led me to imagine how I would be if I see The Killers live, singing Mr Brightside. or Smile Like You Mean It.I thought of doing another banner, probably one that says "Brandon! I love Flowers!".but that's too cheesy. or something funny. but it's too much work la.

but if The Killers do come, I'd kill to go as well!

which got me to think of the lineup i'd wish to see at this year's Singfest:
- Eminem!
- Kings of Leon
- The Killers
- Andrew Bird
- Martha Wainwright
- Adele!!!!
- Mark Ronson
- Daniel Merriweather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Jonny Lang!
- Cat Powers!!!!
- Elliott Yamin
- Kaiser Chief!!!!!!
- U2!!!!
- BJORK!!!
- Sufjan Stevens!
- Annie Lennox!
- ARTIC MONKEY!
- ARTIC MONKEY!
- ARTIC MONKEY!

王菲 - 暖昧

眉目里似哭不似哭
还祈求甚么说不出
陪著你轻呼著烟圈
到唇边讲不出满足
你的温柔怎可以捕捉
越来越近却从不接触
la...... la......
茶没有喝光早变酸
从来没热恋已失恋
陪著你天天在兜圈
那缠绕怎么可算短
你的衣裳今天我在穿
未留住你却仍然温暖
徘徊在似苦又甜之间
望不穿这暖昧的眼
爱或情借来填一晚
终须都归还无谓多贪
犹疑在似即若离之间
望不穿这暖昧的眼
似是浓却仍然很淡
天早灰蓝想告别
偏未晚



yet another brilliant lyric by 林夕. everytime I reminisce the lyrics to 人間, and admire the words and meaning, i feel like crying. it's nothing sad - just so well-written; the melody and the lyrics just matched perfectly.

I am trying to take things lightly and with a pinch of salt, as I have learnt from Adam. This emo facade has to diminish, bit by bit. This is my resolution.