From the sacred hands of JK Rowling herself, here's the family tree of the Potters and the Weasleys. (image credit goes to Mugglenet.com) So now we know, apart from Albus Severus Potter, there's also James Sirius Potter and Lily Luna Potter (which is an awful name don't you think?) but yes. All the Weasley boys got married, except Charlie. And when asked by the interviewer if Charlie was gay, Rowling said 'Dumbledore was gay. Charlie? No, I don't think he's gay, just more interested in Dragons than in women.' Hilarious. Haha.
Interesting bit of post-DH trivia here. I love the way she's slowly releasing so much background information to her fans. All the stuff that's she has locked up somewhere, its just dying to be released. And I love the fact that she knows that there are loads of fans out there dying to learn more about the world she created, even if the series has already ended. So all these interviews, podcasts, webchats, even website releases, are so so important to us die hard fans, and it tells us that she knows and cares about what we think.
There's a little bit about Luna's future in the family tree, and if you were wondering, she had twin boys, just like Molly.
Today was a day where everything on the road went wrong! The number of times I felt like killing myself by driving directly into traffic, gosh, it was horrible. I am still very frustrated at my stupidity and impulsiveness.
Anyway, what happened was that I was on my way to Holland Village from school to meet up with Alex and Geraldine when I went past this traffic junction at Buona Vista, it was already Amber when I approached it so I decided to accelerate and beat the light, but unfortunately the light turned red when half my car crossed the junction. It was then that I chose to look up and saw, to my horror, a sign that said 'RED LIGHT CAMERA'. At that very moment, it felt as if someone had just told me that I was infected with melioidosis causing Burkholderia Pseudomallei. Its not the worst thing that can happen to you, but its certainly an awful feeling. So I was so furious with myself that I just had to go back to the scene of the crime to see if I had really beat the red light camera, because I did not notice a single camera or any flash then. So I did a U turn, drove all the way back to NUS, U-turned onto AYE and did the same route over again. What I noticed was that the junction that had the sign was actually BEFORE the cameras (which were located at the next junction!) - which meant that the sign serves as a warning for people wanting to beat the red light for the next junction. This meant that I did not do anything wrong and that I did not get caught by the camera and did not just incur a $300 fine and 6 demerit points. (I think and hope that I am RIGHT.)
Feeling slightly better that I may have been saved by a miracle (and solemnly swearing that I will never try to beat a red light again!) I went ahead to Holland Village. Unfortunately, parking there was horrendous - it was impossible to find any parking there at around 7. So I drove out of the public carpark and decided to go park at the carpark of Holland Village shopping centre. Unfortunately, the carpark was full and there was a queue for it, so I joined the queue, only that my car was in the yellow box of a traffic junction. After a long wait, I realised that I was never going to get a lot there any time soon, plus I was already running late for the stipulated meeting time, so I decided to go and park at the multi-story carpark opposite Holland Village. I decided to wait for the light to turn red because I needed to filter out of the yellow box, and considering the amount of traffic then, it was probably only safe to do it when the light was red. So I did that, filtered out when the light was red, and because I most certainly could not stay in the yellow box of a junction, I went straight, effectively beating a red light. It was at this moment, that I noticed for a second gut wrenching, heart breaking time, that there were CAMERAS at the junction as well.
However, I did not notice any flash or any indication that the cameras were functional. Nonetheless, for the second time in a short duration of twenty minutes, I felt like I wanted to kill myself all over again. The idea that I might have to pay a total of $600 dollars in fines and have my license REVOKEDs after just a month of earning it, felt like someone telling me that I've most likely been infected with HIV (after some needle stick injury!). Right now, I feel like I'm just waiting for the results of the Western Blot HIV confirmation test, and its a horrible torture to be stuck in this state of limbo. Boo-hoo.
It was a miracle that I was able to find the heart to meet the two of them after that. But I'm glad I did. We went to have dinner at NYDC and then desserts at the 2AM dessert bar located at some ulu corner of Holland Village - its a place that many of our other classmates have been to before, and since Geraldine surprised us all with a request to go out to have some desserts and wine, we decided to visit that place and try out the cuisine there. Of course, only Geraldine ordered dessert wine (I am a DRIVER and Alex claims he is allergic to alcohol!) but the three of us ordered desserts as well. Alex's Tiramisu was fantastic, Ger's Mudslide was weird, and my Blackberry was... abstract. Still, the desserts there were good, and if you don't mind the rather hefty price, the place is still a good place to go relax and chill with a couple of friends or so.
Very soon, we started spewing nonsense again. Talked about lots of stuff, the usual nonsensical crap, my usual nonsense (Is He? Is She? ISABELLA!), Alex's usual cryptic-ness, Ger's usual rubbish and also serious stuff, like the state of our relationships, marriage, children, etc etc. It was enjoyable, lots of laughs, because I insisted that Ger's becoming an alcoholic and was drunk, she kept insisting that she was not, but got very high; Alex acting as if he was able to judge the level of drunkness that she is in, and she insisting that Alex and I were more drunk that she was because we were both so nonsensical. I've got to admit, I was high, but not on alcohol, but rather due to the pine leaves that I was smelling, because my dish had a couple of pine leaves given to us and you were supposed to smell it to give you a different taste or something. ANYWAY, it was abstract, and although I didn't really get it, I HAD to act as though I understood it.
After that, I offered to send both of them home. What's up with me and sending people home? I remember the first lesson that Kailiang taught me after I got my license was always to learn to say NO. So far, I've never said 'no' to anyone, but then neither does Kailiang. But oh what the heck, I might have my license revoked so really, I shouldn't care about that right now. Grrrrrr.
P.S: I just read Geraldine's blog and she calls me and Alex her GIRLFRIENDS, to quote her exact words, 'they're like this bunch of great girlfriends that most girls have, that I don't.' Although I most certainly RESENT that label, it is no doubt true. I would much prefer the term 'listening ear' though. But anyway, that's what die-hard friends are for. I know they would do the same thing for me, so really, its the least we could do for her.
On the 23rd of December, my Christmas weekend started with a field trip to the National History Museum with 04s71 & our GP/CT tutor Mr Augustine Wong. It was the first time the class ever had an outing with Mr Wong, which was an interesting experience, but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable one. We first went to Olio Dome Cafe at the Singapore Art Museum to chill and wait for everyone to assemble, then we headed off to the History Museum to catch the exhibit of Greek artifacts from the Lourve currently on display there. Then we braved the rain to travel to Village at Heren for dinner. All in all, it was probably the most successful class outing ever, with over 16 people turning up for the museum trip or dinner. It was most certainly the highlight of my christmas weekend!
Donuts that were HC130's present to the class.
My drink at Olio Dome - Mocha with Gelato. What a treat!
HC130 taking a 'Where's Shinwei?' picture, when Shinwei is sitting just directly opposite them! Priceless expression though!
The receipt said $71.33, we got high because we were from 71.
Shinwei in a 'try-it-on Toga' at the exhibit itself. I think she'll kill me for posting this, but we all thought she looked nice in it. Can consider that as a gown for some important event or something.
GAD acting lost in the museum. I like this pic, has a nice poetic feel to it.
There was this giant flashing screen in the museum and Yisheng wanted me to act Matrix-like in front of it. I think I failed spectacularly.
Group photo of those who went to the exhibit!
The inside of a Root Beer bottle. I was bored and just experimenting with my camera.
Geraldine and Amanda.
Yisheng (whom you can't see in the dark!), Alex, Junjia, Khengwee.
Lileng and Yiling (whom I haven't seen in AGES!)
HC133! My PW group (sans Miki). Amanda, Debra, Me. I haven't seen Debra in AGES too!
Another group photo of everyone who went for dinner!
On the 24th, I spent the day doing last minute christmas shopping and wrapping. Dinner was spent at Sebastian's house, and after that, I sent Alex home. It was great fun chatting with him while driving. And I love sending people home. Gives me time to talk to them.
On the 25th, I went to my Aunt's place for a Christmas gathering. Haven't seen the whole extended family for a long time, and everyone kept going on about how I became so thin. I don't think its that much of a big deal, since I've always been so thin. But anyway, it was nice seeing them, got a few presents here and there. Stayed from lunch to dinner, and then went home to enjoy some computer gaming.
On the 26th, went to watch Mr Magorium's Magical Emporium at AMK hub. Nice film, for more details, read my entry dated 26/12/07.
And that's my long Christmas weekend. Going to school now to study. Tata!
'Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium' is a film that is not for the ordinary masses. It is an acquired taste that you either enjoy, or you don't. It is ridiculous and illogical; but in a way that makes it ridiculously fun and illogically great. While it bombed at the box office (and in the critics' mind), it is an utterly heart-warming and meaningful movie, one that is infinitely better than the last movie I had watched (the one with those blasted chipmunks).
It features a stellar cast, from the ever talented Dustin Hoffman as the infectiously eccentric Mr Magorium, to the stunning Natalie Portman as Molly Mahoney, the insecure manager/heir of the emporium; from the adorable Zach Mills as the earnest little boy Eric, who spends most of his time in the store, to the straight faced Jason Bateman (of 'Arrested Development' fame!) who is so convincing as the dour accountant/mutant Henry. It takes a very talented cast to take something so ludicrous and turn it into something that believable, so believable that it made me delirious with delight. Kudos to 9 year old Zach Mills, who reminds me so much of my youngest male cousin currently in the USA, not just in his eccentric mannerism, but in looks as well. I felt so proud watching him, because he made me think of that intelligent, quirky little boy in the US, whom I am very proud of and whom I dote upon. It gave the movie an added sense of realism and closeness, which was something sorely lacking in my life for the past month of so.
Critics have deadpanned the movie's script and storyline, calling it 'inert and self-doubting'. I think, while far from perfect, it is a story that has an amazing child-like heart. It is a film with a message, a message that resonates with anyone struggling to rediscover their place in this world, anyone trying to reassert their worth and anyone who struggles to believe. It reminds us of the need to believe in oneself, to believe in others, to believe in the power of imagination. Very often, in life, we worry about too much and forget that we, as human beings, as individuals, are gifted with the ability to do amazing things! We have the means to overcome lots of hurdles, lots of challenges. But because of our sterile and hectic lives, we lose than little bit of child-like heart in all of us, and we forget that the gifts we had since young; of believing in the impossible, of not being afraid to try to do the impossible, of the delights of imagination, of the powers of creativity, are very often the very tools we need to survive in our very modern lives.
In the words of Mr Magorium himself, 'Your life is an occasion, rise to it.' Very often we worry about the most insignificant things. For example, that clinicals will be tough, that the road ahead can only get tougher, that I have to mug my pants off until my ass explodes before I can even pass, much less become a good doctor. But the truth is, all of these worries are all unfounded, because they are founded upon the beliefs and impressions of others. What others go through, will be what you go through, ONLY if you decide to let it be. We have the powers to change our destiny, to make clinicals as easy as a breeze, to make life ahead as relaxing as a stroll in the park, to mug smart and also end up as a smart, good doctor. Yes, it is simple to just follow the path set out by others. But the truly great ones, no they don't simply do that. They rise my friends, by simply being different.
This is a wonderful film. As magical and whimsical as can be. I loved it.
Its the holiday season again! And so here's a big Christmas greeting to all of you out there! Have a happy Christmas and many more wonderful days to come!
I've had the weirdest Christmas weekend yet. I'm going to blog about it tomorrow or the day after, after I get photos and find the time to sit down and take my time to pen down my words. No doubt its hard to juggle between being festive and starting to study, but I guess it'll make me stronger. Once again, a big holiday greeting, to you!
'The Dark Knight' hits the big screen in Summer 2008! My kind of movie man. Nothing beats the Batman fighting the Joker. This is going to make this fanboy very very happy!
Alvin and the Chipmunks! The movie remake of the original classic movie features a plot that's as thin as ice, acting that is probably worthy of a couple of Raspberries, and animation that's not entirely convincing. But while totally unrealistic and totally unsophisticated, the film endears because of the adorable nature the chipmunks, in particular, that of Theodore. Theodore is so adorable, I just can't resist the temptation to squeeze him in my hands! (It'll be an added bonus if his eyes pop out and head explodes!) Alvin is a total pain, Simon is a bookworm, but I love bookworms, so yeah. I'll keep Simon and Theodore, but probably roast Alvin with the Christmas turkey.
If I had the time to watch only one last movie before I die, 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' is a show I will never ever consider watching. However, though my brain keeps screaming at me to tell you how horrible the show is, my heart keeps insisting that I tell you that I actually enjoyed it. And that's the truth really. Its a film that I know is completely rubbish, but the fact remains is that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching three fake chipmunks singing in squeaky voices and prancing on stage. If you want to watch a film that requires zero intelligence, watch this flick. If anything, watch it for the infectious music.
"Christmas, Christmas time is near, Time for toys and time for cheers We're been good, but we can't last, Hurry Christmas, hurry fast Want a plane that loops the loop, Me, I want a hula hoop We can hardly stand to wait, Please Christmas, don't be late
Want a plane that loops the loop, I still want a hula hoop We can hardly stand the wait, Please Christmas, don't be late. We can hardly stand the wait, Please Christmas, don't be late." - 'The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)', Alvin and the Chipmunks
Its pretty amusing that these chipmunks have gotten me into the Christmas spirit when everything else failed. My world is totally screwed.
There are many things that I believe about the adult world - that it is corrupted, devoid of humanity and hopeless, is one such thing. I believe that as we grow up, we enter a world that's filled with agendas and deviousness, a world where everything is tinted with lies, hidden secrets and complicated motives, of ever shifting loyalties, alliances and friendships. A world where true faith, loyalty and friendship is hard to come by (if it ever does).
As I enter the brink of adulthood, I realise that though disillusioned with the grown-up world, children and the aged still manage to inject some warmth into my stone cold heart. The innocence of children, and the serenity of the aged, never fails to touch me. I probably live for these people. Nothing more.
My day volunteering at KK Hospital was a wonderful experience because its the first time in days where I actually laughed. And it filled my heart with joy to see children and the aged laugh along with me. Be it directing lost old ladies to the right clinic, or directing Pokemon characters to the children's wards, I felt a mixed sense of sadness and delight when I see them smile, thanking me, waving goodbye. Nevermind that they were all unwell and some of them even battling cancer, to just have the courage to fight on and smile and laugh, is what makes everything worthed while. This is what I'm striving for. Not to serve some rich demanding asshole who pays for my service, but to serve the people that matter. The people that really matter. However, pediatrics is still not my thing. Geriatrics is probably the specialty that has the greatest hold on my imagination right now, so we'll see how it goes.
And on other matters completely unrelated to the KK trip: 1. I accumulated my first traffic fine today when I drove into an ERP gantry without my cash card slot in my IU. Ouch. 2. I mounted the curb while performing a highly radical stunt drive on Sunday. I have no idea why I did it and I'm feeling very perplexed that I actually did such a thing. 3. I decided that I better start studying... soon. And to do that, I am going to start going to school every day to use the library. Debauchery ends... right now. Or rather soon. 4. I am innately not a happy person, but I try not to show it. 5. I miss my mom and brother. 6. I rather drive than drink. 7. I really don't trust nice, sweet people. The less perfect you are, the more real you are to me. 8. In reference to the first ever episode of 'Friends' - I seized a spoon. 9. JK Rowling is appearing on PotterCast for the first time ever, tomorrow! 18 December! 10. I am more like my dad than what I will ever admit to.
Banana nut crunch is just about the only other thing that makes me happy right now. Grrr.
I have lots of things to say, but I don't really know how to get it going.
I think this is going to be my worst holiday ever. I feel so stuck and lost and lonely. Like a bird in a cage, that ironically, isn't locked. The cage's wide open - I have a car, I have a license, I have no limitations set on my freedom, but ironically, I'm not flying out of the cage. I don't really know what I want to do here. I can't stand the boredom and utter loneliness at home. I miss having 4 of us back home, instead of just 2 of us languishing about the house. At the same time, I can't stand the aimlessness and emptiness of leaving the house, of going out without any substantial company. The loneliness then is horribly daunting as well. So what if you have the means to travel from place to place? Its pointless to have that key when you have nowhere to travel to, or no one to travel with. And that, my friend, is a kind of freedom that leaves you horribly trapped.
I actually prefer school. It gives me meaning, something to strive for and something to aim to achieve. And there's actually company 24/7, real company, instead of some faceless voice across the internet, or the flashing images projected across the televsion/laptop screen.
And I conclude that I'm a person who knows what my problems are, but at the same time, wouldn't do anything about it. I know what's wrong, I know what's bothering me, I know what I want, I know what I desire and dream of, but ultimately, I don't attempt to do anything about it. Because I'm probably too lazy to do anything about it.
And that's probably the biggest tragedy of my wholly insignificant life.
Presenting to you, my other favourite from "超级星光大道", the eventual champion, Yoga 林宥嘉!
Okay, youtube video overload. But I really like his voice! It has a mesmerizing quality that kinda sucks you into the song. Its not loud and powerful; or unique and floaty, but it has its own flair. A kind of accessible flair to it. Not overly dramatic, easy on the ears, lovely to listen - a very friendly voice. Friendly. Yes, that's the word! Friendly and accessible. Plus he is kinda dorky. Which totally adds to his accessible image. And seeing as to how I'm kinda dorky myself, its always wonderful to see a fellow dork doing so well and up-ing the reputation of dorks everywhere! So way to go Yoga! YOU ROCK!
You are all-around smart. Essentially, that means that you are a good combination of your own knowledge and experience, along with having learned through instruction - and you are equally as good with theoretical things as you are with real-world, applied things. You have a well-rounded brain.
I spent the day completing the whole the first season of 'Brothers and Sisters' and I'm absolutely glad I did. While 'Heroes' is about the tension and mystery of it all and 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Private Practice' are about the drama between doctors, patients and the whole notion of discovering human nature and the balance between the science and art of medicine, 'Brothers and Sisters' is about the importance of family. Coming from someone who loves my huge extended family, I totally dig that, and that's why I keep going back for more. I found the following scenes from season 1 on Youtube. These are some of my favourite scenes are they are hilarious and its my pleasure to share them with you all!
Justin, the youngest of the Walker children (discounting Rebecca, their half sister, who by the way, I really really dig!) is a recovering drug addict. This happens to be one of his meet the family sessions at Rehab, and as usual, the Walkers show us how amusing it is to be part of such a neurotic family!
One of the funniest scene on television ever - its the day after Valentine's Day and almost everyone in the family got laid. Just look at the way news spreads from one sibling to another! As Sarah, the eldest daughter of the family so rightly states 'You are all SLUTS!'
The Walkers having a 'friendly' family competition with another family. Kevin, the gay lawyer of the family, is angry with his sister Kitty for setting him up with a disastrous date - hence the angry outbursts of 'die Kitty die!' and what-nots! And Tommy's attempts at acting as a dinosaur - hilarious!
Nora, the matriarch of the family, loves to throw food at people. (I wish my mother did that too. Haha.) Here she's throwing all kinds of food at Holly Harper, who happens to be the mistress of her dead husband William. I love the way her brother and three sons keep popping up here and there and then closing the door on them when they realize that its completely out of their hands. I love the line that Nora says when Holly starts to fight back 'Oh lettuce, lettuce. That's very scary! How very scary!' Nothing beats a food fight to get two feuding women together eh?
I want a pool party with my family too! How cool is that?
I love the family! Especially, Nora, Kitty, Justin and Rebecca! Nora, the over protective, all nurturing mother who reminds me so much of my own mother. Sarah, the over achiever eldest sister, CEO of the family business and struggling to balance both career and family. Kitty, the feisty, opinionated second born, the most outspoken Republican in the family, who works for the Republican Senator McCallister as his Communications director. Oh, and she happens to be his newly wedded wife! Tommy, the down-to-earth oldest son, who runs the family business with Sarah and recently started on his own venture of running a vineyard and who struggles to deal with his new role as a father. Kevin, the gay lawyer. Sarcastic, cynical and sometimes overly brutal, he struggles to deal with his own commitment issues and to find true love for himself. Justin, the innocent baby of the family, a Afghanistan and Iraq War veteran who had to deal with addiction problems and post war traumas. Rebecca, the black sheep of the family, the half sister who is the love child between William, the deceased patriarch and his mistress Holly. They are so funny together! They make me happy!
'The Golden Compass' felt like a cross between the Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings movies. It attempted to be a massive epic, just like LOTR, but unfortunately, felt more similar to the slightly kiddish Harry Potter movies. In its attempt to straddle between being either type of film, it led to the film sorely lacking in both emotional gravitas (of an epic) and wide-eye wonder (of a kid film) - the unfortunate result being a film that was neither here nor there. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable film to watch.
The cast was excellent. Nicole Kidman was perfect as Mrs Coulter (my favourite character from the books because she was so fascinating!), in all her icy, sinister glory. If there was anyone who had the talents to portray this conflicted character, it would be her. Dakota Blue Richards was surprisingly good as well, contrary to what some of my friends had said of her acting based on trailer material. She played the tom-boyish Lyra with appropriate spunk! Much better than sugar coating it with icky cutesy squeakiness, which made her performance so so refreshing. Other well casted actors (that were, unfortunately, woefully underused) included Daniel Craig as the imperious Lord Asriel, Eva Green as the bewitching witch queen, Serafina Pekkela, Freddie Highmore and Ian McKellen as the voices of Pantalaimon (Lyra's deamon) and bear King Iorek Brynison respectively and Sam Elliot as the Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby.
The animation, well sufficiently good, was sadly, not too realistic. The special effects still looked faked - perhaps it was an attempt to make it all look fantastical, but compared to those seen in other fantasy flicks like LOTR, Narnia and Harry Potter, which managed to be BOTH fantastical and realistic, the special effects here were quite disappointing. It made the film feel rather detached. On top of this, is the problem that the flim suffers in terms of pacing. It feels like the film has too much to tell, but can't really decide what it wants to focus on and as a results, ends up diluting the message that the original novels had. It was just too much, too many and would have left many viewers rather flummoxed at the whole plot. Though having read the books myself, I can tell you that feeling flummoxed while attempting to appreciate 'His Dark Materials' is perfectly, utterly normal. Oh and the ending was rather abrupt too. I felt that if they bothered to keep it as the original ending in the novels, the film would be so much better and tragic.
I read Phillip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' Trilogy when I was in J1. My first impression of the trilogy was that it was incredibly different from the epic opus that was the Lord of the Rings, the religious metaphoric works of the Chronicles of Narnia, and the more believable world of Harry Potter. The writing style was quite unlike the legendary sweeping style used by Tolkien, or the fairy tale language employed by C.S Lewis. It was also different from the more colloquial and accessible style used by Rowling. Pullman's style was very dark and sinister and often clinical. It had the impression of being no nonsense, and very straight to the point, which made the read so unique. Fantasy stories all have certain hidden messages in them. Here was a trilogy that attempted to link fantasy with religion and even science. It featured talk on metaphysics, on cross dimensional universes, on the concept of Sin and individual versus religious freedom. It was an incredibly complex book. When I read in, I felt like all the fantastic elements, like flying witches, talking amoured Polar Bears, water faring gypsies, and animal manifestations of your souls were just facades of an even greater cause, because the trilogy had so much more lessons and messages to share. So if you enjoy the movie, go read the books. Its probably infinitely better.
All in all, despite its flaws, 'The Golden Compass' is still a good movie. Go watch it because there's probably no other film available right now worth watching but this. P.S: one side effect of the film is that it makes you imagine that you have your very own deamon sitting next to you. Mine, a large giant sheep named Darmacus, is sitting next to me right now. She thinks I'm exceedingly bored for doing this, which might be true, only I refuse to admit that.
Recently, I've been following the Taiwanese pop phenomenon that is "超级星光大道". Its not a new show: the first season, which I'm currently all gaga over right now, ended in July or something, thus it has been creating much buzz since the beginning of the year. But I've only recently started becoming obsessed over it, mainly due to the fact that channel 56 is currently airing it every Thursday night, and also because Kailiang never shuts up about it. Haha. Add in the fact that four of the competitors came to town over this weekend, and you have additional hype, with which to take my obsession to even greater heights.
To those who are unfamiliar with the show, its basically a national song singing competition, somewhat similar to local versions of such shows like 'Singapore Idol' and 'Project Superstar'. However, "超级星光大道" has some major differences compared to our local versions, for example: the results of the Taiwan version are all based on professional judges' opinions i.e absolutely NO sms voting or that kind of popularity voting nonsense. Also, the quality of the contestants are a hundred percent (maybe even two hundred percent!) better than our local contestants. And these two factors add up to ensure that the quality of the singing on the Taiwanese show is superb, and makes for perfect entertainment.
Today's clips feature one of my two most favourite contestants - 潘裕文, or Peter Pan (I kid you not, that's really his name!) Oh and he is a Gemini too! (that explains why he has that depressing emo quality!) He finished overall third in the competition, but to be honest, I think he could have been second. 潘裕文's voice has a very distinct quality that makes you feel like you are floating, and at the same time, makes you feel sad. A cross between feeling happy, and utterly depressed. Its superb! And the songs he sings are very suitable for that special voice of his. Its just pure magic! Watch and see/hear for yourselves!
A duet with one of the judges, 袁惟仁. The song that they are singing is a piece composed by that particular judge himself and its called '旋木' which was also sung by the legendary diva of Chinese-popdom, Faye Wong. It happens to be one of my favourite songs of ALL time.
Another duet with another legend in Chinese Popdom - 林志炫. 林志炫 is another God of Song that is famous for his amazing ability to hit the high notes. I think he helped 潘裕文 alot in this experience, and it really unlocked his potential. AMAZING PERFORMANCE of another amazing song, '离人'.
OH MY GOD!!!!! 这么会有人会唱歌唱得那么好听???????
I'll be back to introduce other amazing talents from the show in future entries!
Its been ages since I've been here! I apologize for not blogging - I've been too busy enjoying life over the past few days to care. Kekekekeke! I wish I can say that I have lots of interesting things to talk about today, but the fact is I don't. Its just so hard to think of anything to say these days - too much sleeping and mindless entertainment has effectively turned my brain into mush.
On another note, today's the last day of school for semester one of M2. Ironically, it doesn't even feel like the last day of school. There's really very little excitement over the whole event - it all feels very muted and uninteresting, like it really doesn't matter at all. A few folks at school told me its because we have been celebrating our past week in a fashion reminiscent of the start of the holidays, long before school has actually ended, so much so when the actual last day before the holidays arrives, everything just feels so uneventful. And when you couple in the fact that the holiday's really a long study break for the second round of CAs in January, you really don't see much to rejoice about. Life's just like that. Multiple holes to topple in, one after another. But that doesn't mean we give up and don't keep trying to jump across the potholes! No matter how sucky it gets, we can do nothing braver than to just shoulder through.
I think I should do some backdating here. On Monday, I went to Minds Cafe with some of my anat group friends. Played lots of games and also incurred a high parking fee. (I really can't ever get over how expensive parking is!) On Tuesday, I made my first driving foray with the OG into the heart of Chinatown, and what a congested place it is. If it wasn't for Shihui's directions, I would have ended up lost (and probably killed a few people along the way as well!) It was a memorable experience, because our convoy of cars got split up halfway and quite a number of us got lost. Plus we got waylaid at some eatery where we were surrounded by store owners who acted like a pack of ravenous wolves, waiting to cheat us of money for buying over priced dishes. But anyway, that's not the point because we went there to have a Kbox session in celebration of Shihui's birthday! Didn't sing much, but still, it was a memorable day. And today was spent at an impromptu session at AMKHub with David and Woochiao where I discovered how fun AMKHub can actually be! Not the place of course, but the company. And the kind of topics and conversations they bring to the table. It would have been more hilarious if Kailiang was there, but there'll always be future opportunities for future AMKHub meetings!
I was reading some personality quiz and horoscope analysis thing and I got some rather interesting results that made me go 'hmmmmmm...' I read that the key to making someone whose star sign is of a Mutable type is to keep emphasizing how much you love him/her, and at the same time, how much you hate that person as well. Apparently, such a relationship is very appealing to a Mutable type horoscope, because they find that a relationship built on being able to love someone despite being irritated by the person's flaws, is the most realistic of relationships. Since I'm a Gemini, which is a Mutable sign, I find that extremely true. Relationships that are overly lovey-dovey are just so unrealistic - I always feel that the best relationships are those that can live through the biggest of tragedies and storms. You love a person more after hating her.
Another (rather naughty) personality test I read goes something like this: If you had a chance to learn one of the following love skills, which would you choose? 1. How to make the perfect sex video. 2. How to make love in 100 different positions. 3. How to make DIY sex toys. 4. How to make the perfect aphrodisiac cocktail. Apparently, this test is used to identify the way you view love/relationships.
But anyway, I chose option 4 and apparently, people who choose this option are people who view love from a romantic point of view - they create an idyllic fantasy of their love life, a perfectly scripted Korean style drama, the fairy-tale love story, tragic or overly dramatic kind of love story, those kind of things. Such people are eternally trapped in their own idealistic view of love and how they hope to live through it and achieve it. And upon reading the results, I immediately thought of how true the whole thing is. Goodness knows how many idyllic scenarios I have fantasized and dreamt and created in my brain, how many fairy-tale stories I have created without them ever coming to life or ever being fulfilled. As much as I try to deny it, I'm a hopeless romantic. I dream and wish for the impossible. The 'love-at-first-sight', 'sweeping-each-other-of-their-feet', 'I-will-climb-the-highest-mountains, swim-the-deepest-seas-and-even-die-for-you' kind of love. The kind of love story that will only be seen on the scripts of the most sappy drama serials. Its not realistic, but hey, let's face it, I'm not a realistic person at all! (at least most of the time anyway.)
Sometimes I wonder if I should prick the bubble around me and stop being so oblivious and dreamy about the real world. But I conclude the horrific extent of how dirty and dark the world is, would KILL me. So really, I think its better for me to stay within this little bubble of mine - because I'm not really ready for the real world.
Its just day 1 of my first day as a full time driver and I have things to bitch about.
First things first - parking fees. I used to wonder why so many of my driver friends find parking so problematic, and why they find so many different ways to scrimp and save on parking fees. I used to wonder why, until today. PARKING FEES are equivalent to day light robbery! I spent almost 17 dollars on parking today - ATROCIOUS. Its so hard to get decent free parking these days. I am still mildly sore at losing my free, hard earned lot at Science this morning, and the high cost incurred for parking throughout the rest of the day did nothing to quell my annoyance at that.
Secondly, fuel costs. OMG, at two dollars per litre, petrol is now a literal pain in the ass. Petrol companies are now no different tobacco companies - evil blood sucking fiends who are just out to suck you dry. It hurts me to see the the fuel gauge dip by even the remotest amount each time I park at a (highly expensive) lot. Every drop, every single drop of fuel is MONEY, money burnt, never to be returned to the pocket. Whats more, it causes pollution, it harms the environment, and the smoke it produces causes us to develop cancer and turns our lungs black! If I were a Senator of the USA , I'll definitely campaign for finding alternative fuel - cheaper ones at that! THE WORLD HAS TO BE SAVED! And one day, I will save it!
On another note, I feel happy that I met up with Sebastian today and helped him with his application essay. I think we made good progress today. I hope his application goes smoothly, and that all the hard work we did today would pay off. Anyway, it was good stuff. I think I'll make a good communication director for some US politician or something - just like Kitty Walker from 'Brothers and Sisters'. Who knows? If the doctor thing doesn't work out, I could move to the US and like work as the communication director for some US Presidential candidate or something.
Alternatively, I could work for some gossip tabloid juicy magazine and aim to ruin the lives of others. That would totally work too!
People really need work to keep them alive. I have absolutely nothing to do now, and its really driving me crazy. I had the most disgusting weekend of just staying at home, sleeping and rotting my life away, doing absolutely brainless and meaningless stuff. I can almost die due to the intense boredom of it all.
My mom and my brother flew off to the USA on Saturday. I woke up at an unearthly hour of 0500 to send them to the airport. And I was so tired that I came back and promptly slept my day away. I have no idea why I was so STUPID as to throw away the opportunity to go to the US this December. On the hindsight, it was really stupid of me not to have taken up the offer, but they are going to the West again, and I don't really want to go visit California all over again. Its in the East I'm interested about right now.
The only good thing about my mom and brother being away for the next 6 weeks is that I get the car for the next 6 weeks. It sounds cool, but in actual fact, with the holidays setting in, I don't really have much of a reason to drive around. So unless I decide to head down to school every single day in December, I'll probably end up locking myself up at home and sleeping my holidays away. Which kind of sucks don't you think?
The house feels so quiet without my mom and brother around. There's my Dad but conversations with him aren't the same. And oh my god, there's housework to do. I swear I'm going to get a domestic help when I move out!
Name: voldemort33
XY, 01/06/1987, s'porean typical geminian free-thinker moody & eccentric thinks far too much for his own good med student (be afraid. be very afraid!) demon45_6f@hotmail.com
crazy craves
music (jazz, rock and lounge) day-dreaming drawing & photography animals (sheep!) chocolate and tea! seafood, noodles and soup!
pet peeves
noisy crowds over-possessive, insecure, whiny people two-faced hypocrites housework and homework being called 'rich' rushing to do stuff crying, pesky kids
deepest darkest desires! (aka wishlist!)
to be a doctor (with a heart of gold!) a dog my own condo apartment a driving license and my own four wheel drive my own comic line someone to hug
