OMG! Been so long since I last posted here... stay tuned...

Acapella - with beat box - wow!

What can I say, but "wow"! Hopefully one day, my group can be this good!

To Sing and Dance this way comes!

Watching this makes me want to sing and dance!!! Soon! Soon!

Homework!

Ah, been a while. Was preoccupied with Facebook, and had mental block. Anyway, have postponed my "homework" for almost three weeks already, and doubt if I can get away with it again.

So, was researching Tosti's "Sogno", but came across Andrea Bocelli's Sogno instead:



Nice.

A Wicked Christmas This Way Comes!

Merry Christmas!

To spit, swallow or chew!

Almost every time I go for my vocal class, I develop a cough, be it a mild or racking cough. A cough for sure it is. Not sure if psychologically, the thought of hitting those ever so high notes have somehow conditioned a fear in my body which manifests itself via coughs.

Then again, my teacher says I have weak lungs, to take less cold drinks, etc. So many dos and don'ts so that he can push me to soar above the harmonies so that the melody rings clear and true way way above all else.

And not only giving advice, he promotes the traditional type of medication. Should take this (insert a chinese sounding herb like name), should take that (insert another chinese sounding herb like name), all for a better health. Well, not that I scoff at traditional Chinese Medication, it is just that I am generally wary of it, especially not knowing the ingredients and how it will affect me internally. But my teacher swears by it, and says he is a living proof of such medication.

My teacher even brought me to see a sensei "down the road", who guaranteed him positive results for his own ailment with almost like a money-back-guarantee promise. Of course, after my teacher who spoke to him in Mandarin about my cough, (me no speakie Mandarin, and he no speakie English) like the traditional kungfu masters, he felt my wrist and listened for the internal drumming of my heartbeat for the hue and cry of my body, wailing non stop of the abuse and torture that I put it through. Even asked me to stick out my tongue for scrutiny.

And what did he say?

Sensei: You must drink less cold water! Your tongue is white! You have indigestion problems, and your throat is usually dry.

Errr.. right! I have already limited my cold drinks intake, but true, just a few minutes ago, I took a sip or two of cold water. And although I don't speak Mandarin much (well, almost never), I do understand bits and pieces, and when I heard about cancer and the sensei said can cure, I thought to myself this is a scam!

Of course, I am no expert, but surely if traditional medicine can cure cancer, it would already have been patented and sold like hotcakes all over the world. Perhaps it is the sensei's marketing technique or ploy, but talk about misrepresentation! When I mentioned it to my teacher later, he sort of hedged, and said the sensei mentioned will help alleviate cancer, but I know what I heard even if my Mandarin is not first rate.

And my medicine? For 9 packets of dodgy looking herbs, nicely wrapped in small rectangular paper, to take whenever my throat does not feel right (and I ribbed my teacher saying that I will take a pack every time before I come to his class), it cost me RM54!!! When I expressed a mild dismay at the cost (RM6 for a small miserable looking pack!) the sensei quickly defended that this is good medicine, and to take only as and when. Shish! Must be me being yellow skinned but speaking in ang moh language, so he took opportunity to slaughter on price! Ciss!

And now? I sit here staring at the medicine. Not sure if I will actually take it or not! But definitely will not let my teacher pressure me into buying such medicine next time. When I mentioned that my body is already full of other prescribed medication, he said I was too westernised and should consider my eastern roots!

And here I thought I am very "Cina" already, somemore must be more "Cina"!!! Aiks!

Conspiracy

Rain conspired against me. Poured through the wee hours of the morning, and woke me up about 5am. So I cancelled my exercise plan scheduled for 730am, and when I woke up around that time, it was a beautiful day!!

Oh well, next week perhaps.

Grammatical Conundrum

Oh dearie me.

Have always been puzzled by the usage of "You are welcome" vs "You are welcomed". I have always used "welcomed" instead of welcome in this context. Recently, someone said it should be "welcome" and not "welcomed".

After doing some research online, it was deduced that both are ok, depending on the usage. "Welcome" is used in the context of an adjective, and "Welcomed" in the context of a verb.

What brought this on? Well, came across this sentence in one report:

"The portfolio is expected to be underweight in bonds for 2009".

Should it be read as "The portfolio is expected to be underweighted in bonds for 2009"? Am still trying to reason it out. I think it should go in the context of adjective and verb as well.

How ah? What do you think?

I have a date with Spring

It has been a while. Have forgotten about this movie until recently, when I heard that Dama Orchestra was bringing this to life on stage as a musical. The first time I saw this was on the big screen overseas, and I remembered it because of the beautiful music and story. Set in the period between 1960s and 1980s, it tells the story of four women and their lives.



I thought that the local adaptation was very well done. Dama, again, does not disappoint. The four female leads obviously shone. Some difficult music there, but well performed. The male leads held their own, with some good voices. Very nice sets, props, and use of stage too. Bravo! Bravo!!

Even after the show, I was still humming the music. Go watch!!!

Bright Blue Rose

Attended a concert earlier on today, and heard this song being sung. It caught my attention immediately with the beautiful melody and lyrics. Still trying to digest the lyrics. Bright Blue Rose by Jimmy McCarthy.



I skimmed across black water, without once submerging
Onto the banks of an urban morning
That hungers the first light, much much more
Than mountains ever do.
And she like a ghost beside me, goes down with the ease of a dolphin
And emerges unlearned, unshamed, unharmed
For she is the perfect creature, natural in every feature
And I am the geek with the alchemists' stone

Chorus

For all of you who must discover,
For all who seek to understand,
For having left the path of others
You find a very special hand

And it is a holy thing, and it is a precious time
And it is the only way
Forget-me-nots among the snow, it's always been and so it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

Chorus

For all of you who must discover
For all who seek to understand,
For having left the path of others
You find a very special hand

And it is a holy thing
And it is the only way
Forget-me-nots among the snow, it's always been and so it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

One bright blue rose outlives all those
Two thousand years and still it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

A Panting We Will Go

A panting we will go,
a panting we will go;
Heigh Ho and Cheerio,
a panting we will go!

Twice round the lake Perdana, yes. Twice around it was. Second time this week, and hoping to make it a regular at least once a week event.

Exercise seems to be an abominable word, but unfortunately, it cannot be a word any longer. Have to actually get physical!

The walk (yes, more walk than run) highlighted a few things. Am totally unfit, and need to lose weight (what's new?)! Am way, way above my ideal weight for my height, so time to do something about it! But, here's hoping I can see through my current push!!

Having been there twice, a few regulars were already noted. There's this guy doing a leisurely run pushing a baby stroller, with the baby sleeping, oblivious to the world (yes, he overtook me, even with pushing the stroller). There's also this group of more mature uncles and aunties doing tai chi at the park. Today, there were more serious runners noted, particularly a foreigner who overtook me 3 times!!! For every round I did, I think he did two!!!, and when I finished my two rounds, he was going for another! Cis! I console myself that it has been a while since I exercised, and will take it at my own pace.

Now, if only I could cut down on my breakfast intake after that! Hmm...

Short trip out

Lemangs! lemangs! On the way to Kemaman. Lots of lemangs. Been told it is sold whole year round, as opposed to only the Ramadan period. Good! More incentive for me to go. :)

Was on a short break out of the city a week ago, to Awana Kijal. The last time I was here was at least 5 years back I think. How time flies. This trip, slightly on the quiet side as it was the fasting month. I guess it's good in that less people to "fight" over the pool, the food, and even the spa. But, I wonder how the resort tide over the low seasons to cover costs. Hmm.

The beach remains quite nice. Peaceful, as again, not that many people. Even managed to take a short drive to Kertih for the Ramadan Bazaar, but didn't stay till night to see the Paka power plant lit up. Heard it is very beautiful and good photo taking opportunity, but perhaps next time around.

Well, it was a good short trip, and good to catch up with friends again.

Unity?

Adverts aired in the past. Children understand, but adults? ... sigh... and even then, amongst one's own race, disunity persists. In the financial markets, some would only deal with others who are of the same "kulit" (skin). Very sad, but true. Call me idealistic, but here's hoping for a truly united country... one day... Happy Merdeka!!!

Of one bleach chapter and another

Yeah, been watching Bleach. Just finished chapter 133. Too preoccupied with the series to blog. Later... later... later...

Bleach Theme Song translated:

Your fragile, folded wings
are just tired from the pure blue sky.
You don’t have to force your smiles for anyone.
It’s okay to smile… for yourself.

That lonely feeling keeps creeping up on me.
A single candle burns still inside.
There shouldn’t be an expensive chandelier in a wild place like this.
Can I really bury it all with empty words?
I don’t even know anymore…

As long as we can swim freely in our dreams,
we won’t need that sky anymore.
Even if you can’t let go of the past,
I’ll still be there to meet you tomorrow.

Your fragile, folded wings
are just tired from the pure blue sky.
You don’t have to force your smiles for anyone.
It’s okay to smile… for yourself.

Yasmin

Yasmin Ahmad, a wonderful talent, RIP. Will greatly miss all her wonderful heartfelt adverts and movies. A special tribute:

Bleach

It has been a while since I watched any Manga show. Last I saw one was back in Uni days, and I remember violence, violence and more violence. And of course, the adult nature of it all.

But the ability to fly, fight and have supernatural powers seemed all the rage then, and even more so now. A secret society, fighting for good against the all consuming evil, well, what else is new? The Asian version of comics which have won the hearts of many. I guess it is the plot, the twists, and human relationship aspects and the ability to fight certainly becomes a major factor to draw in the viewers.

And against my better judgment, am starting on Bleach! First few episodes have already been engaging, and a bit worried that I will be hooked. Looks interesting though. Just finished episode 3, and starting on the fourth. Another 195 more to go! At least those episodes which a friend lent me anyway, and I gather that the series has not finished. It's akin to watching those Chinese Soaps or the Korean Soaps... oh my!

SFX Family Day

What a contrast! From one family day to another. SFX recently had its Family Day, and boy, was it packed. Lots of stalls for games, for food, and even for books/stamps/plants etc. Plentiful indeed. Sure, there was a system to how the stalls were positioned, but it was really cramped at the Church Basement. In the end, it appeared like a huge market with endless noise. Although relatively fun, I had a headache after an hour of being there.

There were things I liked, and things I didn't. I liked the various stalls other than the food stalls. Enjoyed the stamps stall, and bought a miniature sheetlet to add to my collection. Almost bought a RM150 brochure with an unperforated
miniature sheet, but resisted! Out of my budget as I had recently gone on an online stamp shopping spree!

I think the main thing which put me off, besides the noise, was the hygiene at one or two of the stalls. The main culprit was the satay stall. When change was given, there were bits of satay sauce and chicken bits stuck to the money. Personally for me, it was very off-putting. Some of the dear ladies manning the stall were unsure what to do and were ungenerous with the satay sauce. Sigh. Still, I had to remind myself that this was for charity. Think food allocation didn't go as initially planned for some of the stalls, either running low on some ingredients, and had to be rationed. On the whole, prices were generally steep, but hey! its for a good cause! :)

I like the vegetable stall though, as it was decently priced. Certainly much cheaper than Cold Storage at the mall near my office. There was even a theme to save the environment. Plastic bag usage was minimised, and people were encouraged to bring their own tiffin carriers as well as containers.

Towards the later part of day, things quietened down, and it became more peaceful. SFX has undergone Phase 1 of the renovation works, and my, a wonder it certainly is. Threat of the roof collapsing has seen it undergoing a huge facelift. Coupled with the wonderful stained glass windows, a more inspired feel is achieved for a sacred space. Each of the stained glass window has a story to tell. Fr. Simon elaborated once when it was first installed, totally captivating, but I have forgotten some bits. Shhh! But if anyone remembers, do share! :)

And to cap the day, Fr. Gerald celebrated the 530pm Mass, chanting the preface to such a degree that I had goosebumps! The second time I have ever felt it (first time was Fr. Aloysius, also when he sang the preface), and with the tolling of the bells three times, it gave it such a profound effect.

Grumpy

Grumpy, that's how I generally felt today. Easily irritable, but still need to keep a "game face" on when dealing with some people. Doesn't pay to be too nice to people, one can get taken advantage of.

Better recite my calming mantra... "don't frown, smile, don't frown, smile, don't frown, smile"... and if all else fails, I should just say, "WAT!" with my meanest look.

Autobots Rule!!!

YAY!!!



I remembered black skies, the lightning all around me
I remembered each flash as time began to blur
Like a startling sign that fate had finally found me
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide

There was nothing in sight but memories left abandoned
There was nowhere to hide, the ashes fell like snow
And the ground caved in between where we were standing
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes across this new divide

In every loss, in every lie, in every truth that you'd deny
And each regret and each goodbye was a mistake too great to hide
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide
Across this new divide, across this new divide

One night in Bangkok

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster... well, that's the title to one of the songs in the musical "Chess". But I was there this time (my second trip) for 3 nights at least. The first time was quite rushed, followed a tour, but this time also kind of rushed, because it was a working trip. However, managed to squeeze in some time between attending various sessions of the conference. Even got to hear the Prime Minister and Finance Minister speak!

Rather than talk about the conference, might as well let some pics do the talking. There was a lot of walking, and just exploring where ever curiosity struck.

Essentially:
1) Food prices can really range. Some reasonably cheap, others pricey, particularly at malls, etc.
2) A lot more tourists compared to KL.
3) Contrast between Chinatown area and the main upbeat shopping malls is so great. The agedness of Chinatown could be felt right down to the bones. There is a certain beauty, yet the feel of oldness permeates right through.
4) Patpong by day and night. Such a contrast, and they are all there to make a living what ever way possible.
5) Massage parlours galore, for both locals and foreigners. Reasonably cheap comparatively to KL. A 2-hour Thai massage costs about RM45, with aromatherapy massage slightly more.
6) Shopping, shopping, shopping. From the expensive, right down to the cheap. Just need to know where to go.
7) River transport for short trips still available. Makes sense too, as I reckon it is cheap. To cross the Chao Phraya River costs only 3Baht, which is about RM0.30.
8) Tailoring for a suit is quite a breeze and fast! They even deliver, and is cheaper than KL.