The Magic Flute

Last week, me and Sel went to the cinema to catch "The Magic Flute" a production of the Met Opera.

This was a recorded session of one of the live performance in the opera house and being distributed in movie format, which is a brilliant idea. It brings opera to the masses.

The Magic Flute tells the story of the fight between day and night, good and evil, and love triumph.

We really enjoyed it so much; the stage set was amazing, the costume designs fit for the tales, and what really knock our socks off were the voices of the casts!! They are just brilliant!!

Clarkson's book

Do you remember in previous blog, I mentioned that Marcus got a book of Jeremy Clarkson? He managed to read a quarter of the book, before he pass it to me and said " I feel my IQ is decreasing after reading that book".

Which is probably true...

Anyway, after reading halfway, I realize it is like that strip collection of Garfield; sarcastic, amusing,exasperating at times, and should be taken in small doses. Too much of that orangey fat cat in 1 sitting and I will fall asleep...
Not that the articles are not good, they are Clarkson through and through, but the tone of the articles are generally complaints, so after 15 of them, you start to feel your eye lashes weigh a ton each!.....

But, all in all, I think I will get a tome in supply, for my "fat cat" fix.....

PS: I wonder what Clarkson would write about Singapore if he happens to live in the country........(hm,mindboggling indeed)......

cars, cars and cars..

Marcus, my colleague, introduce me to Top Gear, through Youtube, and I am hooked ever since. Who could have guessed that I like fast moving cars! never own either a fast or a slow one myself; and now I am watching episode after episode of Bugatti Veyron (sigh), Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes SLR McLarren, BMW Z4 (my dream car still), Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari 430, the Atom, and dozens of other cars that make me absolutely drool....

The wonderful thing about the show is instead of hosted by a bulky hunk or a slick sales-man type guy, its hosted by 2 grumpy old man and their "grandson". I am off course refering to Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, the trio that keeps bantering and bickering among themselves and providing us with such entertainment.
Not everyone might agree to Jeremy's "insults" of the americans, the Malaysia's perodua Kelisa, or any other cars that he destroys, but we had a good laugh over his antics.

The other hilarious thing that made me glued to my computer screen is their "mucking about" activities, such as assembling a home made human carrier convertible, modificating an amphibious vehichle, stretch limos (I still can't believe James made that 2 headed limo) and other challenges such as the tractor race (which one is the slowest!), cheap van competition, Jeremy racing around nurburgring, etc.
(As I am writing this, all of the challenges are posted in Youtube)

Marcus is reading up a book "the world according to Clarkson" and I think I am going to borrow for a peek after he is done, must be full of Clarkson's complaints as usual....hahahhaa.....

Rat-a-too-ee

Last week, I went with Mery to the cinema, to watch the Disney-Pixar new animation movie about a rat who can cook michelin star food.

But before I continue with my story, let me first apoligize to the guy sitting at D17 (The Cathay, 30th August, 7pm show), I don't know who you are, but I am sorry to have stepped on your feet (both of them) on the way to my seat. It was dark,...and he was a bit "loungy".....but still......my sincerest apology.

Right then,...Rattatouile is telling the story of Remy, a suburb rat, arriving in beautiful Paris alone, since he was separated with his family and friends. Remy has a highly developed sense of smell, taste and a bit snob (well, what do you expect, he is french) about food. Unlike other rats, he does not jump into the pile of rubbish eating everything that he can chew.

After a disaster where they have to leave their home, Remy got separated and arrive in Paris alone and in Chef Gusteau's restaurant, Remy's idol chef.
By accident, Remy met Linguini ;all-thumbs-two-left-legs kitchen boy; and safe him (how? you'll have to watch the movie). They became partners in cooking, with Remy pulling linguini's hair like a marionette.
The restaurant once again rose to fame, with Remy cooking up new recipes.

And, what is a movie without the bad guys? Chef Skinner is making money by using the Gusteau's name for a line of frozen food, but when he found out that Linguini is actually Gusteau's biological child, he panicked cause it means that he will lose the restaurant to Linguini.

After Linguini admitted to his kitchen team that it was Remy whose been cooking all those food, they left him alone with a dining room full of patrons. But with Remy, his rat friends and Collette come to the rescue, they manage to feed everyone and satisfied Ego, the food critic.

There are a lot of hilarious scenes during this movie, and its quite refreshing comedy...the girl sitting 2 seats away really got excited when Skinner chased Remy.....she squealed so loud by herself!

We really enjoyed it !!

Back to school Armor

If you turn to page 9 in copy of TIME magazine of August 27,2007; you'll find a smallish article titled "Back to School Armor". For the benefit of those who do not have a copy handy, let me quote as below:


Back-to-School Armor
BACKPACK BULWARK A Knapsack lined with a lightweight, bulletproof plate that students can use as a shield to protect against gunfire or knife blades.

SAFETY FIRST Two Boston fathers were motivated by the shootings at Columbine High School to create the $175 knapsack, called My Child's Pack, which went on sale Aug.8 online and at local store

UP TO CODE? The bulletproof plate has passed the National Institute of Justice's safety test. But Boston public schools have yet to decide whether the backpacks could be perceived as "threatening or offensive" under their dress code. If so, they will not be allowed on school grounds.


I have a couple of niece and nephew and another one on the way, and the news just struck a chord.
At one side, it is a good thing, instead of being an aggresive (like equipping your children with knife or firearm) you are equipping your children so they are not completely vulnerable either.
But it just makes me sad, that the world has reached a stage where its a hair width apart from returning to martial law...

On the other hand, I wonder if they will collaborate with, lets say,....crumpler? or kipling? to make the plate lined bag with style.... (the picture supplied at the magazine is strictly for boys)...

Happy commuter

This morning, as I catch the bus that will take me office, I have 2 seats for myself!! This is a red letter day!! Usually I will have to wake up early to be able to get a seat on the bus, but today, I was late but I got the 2 adjoining seats to myself...

I am a happy commuter, indeed........

The Simpsons

hahahahahahahaha......hahahahahahahahahahhaa....

(Like in the words of Jeremy Clarkson,"Wait, I'm not done yet")..

...................hahahahahahahahahaha..............

Watched the movie last night, and it was so funny..in a "Simpsons" way...off course...

The movie is different from the others as they creatively design the intro and ending of the film as part of the movie, which are loadsa fun!

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

The story tells about Lisa Simpson brow beating the people of springfield to take action in saving their lake, which is getting more and more polluted by the minute. But after everyone get their act together, one dump from Homer is all it takes to make the lake water as dangerous as a twoheaded rattlesnake. After being discovered by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the town is sealed with a giant glass dome, to prevent the pollution from spreading to other towns. This spark the anger of the town folks.
In a desparate flight to safety, they manage to escape to the outer side of the dome and heading to Alaska.

But, when the government disclosed the plan to destroy and wipe the entire town of Springfield, the Simpsons family went back to help safe their town.

Along the way, Lisa met an Irish boy who make her weak in the knees and sweaty palms, Bart experiencing some "normal" boy longings for a "normal" father (now I know how to make a perfectly smashing cup of cocoa; the Flanders way), Maggie turn out to be the tiny "hero" of the family, Homer got himself a "spiderpig" and Marge shows how much she loves Homer despite everything he ever did to the family and himself.

Good Fun!!!...I might just watch it again.............................hahaha

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

By now, you guys would have finished the last installment of Harry Potter so I think its safe to discuss it in details, unlike some people who spoiled the good fun

I have to say, although there are reviews abound in the net as well as print a few hours after the book being released regarding how the story ends, I managed to resist jumping straight to the last chapter to find out. In my opinion, the suspense, the thrill and the adventure of the entire story of Harry and his friends will be pointless if you know first hand that he will live or die. And I am so glad I persevered, because it makes the end sweeter and has more meaning.

Its too complicated to discuss in one blog (or even several blogs), but all I can say is, all the "loose ends" of harry potter's story since the first book came up seems to tie up nicely and somehow logically (like the bit about why Draco's wand in Harry's possession more powerful than Voldermort's Elder wand) . Others might be a bit dissapointed in a part or two of Harry Potter and how the story ends, but not this author. I was totally engrossed by the book and I was driven by curiosity and suspense as I go through page by page actions.

I like the complexity of the story, which means that JK Rowling does not underestimate the capability of children's (and young adults') imagination by simplifying the story; and no matter what others said, they are all linked together.

For adults who find the story somewhat not to their satisfaction, just keep in mind that this book falls under young adults category. Like I said to a colleague the other day "its like believing in Santa Claus....."

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Its out! its out!...the 5th year of Harry Potter and his loyal friends at Hogwarts on the silverscreen!..

This author and her friends managed to catch one of the sneak preview shows at the local cinema, and it was fab!
Predictably, all cinemas across the country were showing the movie and almost all halls were sold out since advance sales for the tickets starts a week before the movie official release date!
(you are free to guess when we bought the tickets!)

The movie started with the suspense of Harry and Dudley encountering the Dementors which forces Harry to deploy his own Patronus.
But, what he got for saving that overgrown cousin of his?? a letter from the ministry of magic expelling him!
Fortunately, sometime later Moody, Tonks, Shacklebolt, Doge and Jones arrive at 4 privet drive to escort Harry to grimmauld place, the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters and Black's family home.

And then........You have to watch the movies to find out what happens next...or read the book

SPOILERS AHEAD!!...

But for those who have watched the movies, I just want to share that it was a brilliant movie, especially love the left-and-right-curses-swinging battle between the member of the Order of the Phoenix and the DeathEaters....EXPELLIARMUS!! PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!!AVADA KEVADRA!! (similar to Star trek light-sabber fight but much much more exciting!!)
The sad part off course when the last curse hit Sirius Black and killing him.

Can't wait to get my hands on the final book!!

NB: A friend gave me my own wand to practice my spells!!! Thanks Mal !!

Action! Action! Action!

Watched a couple of movie during the week with one of my movie pal, and we saw Transformers and Die Hard

Transformers tells the story of aliens in the form of robots who's having war in their planet and their fight got extended to Earth. All Autobots (and decepticons) can transform to whatever piece of machinery and posess a high degree of intelligence.
On general, the movie is pretty good with superior effect and lots of action, but lack intellegence. I hate to say it, but if I am 8 yrs old and still playing "Cowboys and Indians" with my cousin, I will enjoy this movie tremendously! As it was, after the first half of the movie, I was bored.
After all the good guys and the bad guys make themselves "known", there is not much surprise anymore besides the action, which are sometimes too fast for our eyes to see. One second Megatron is scuffling with Optimus Prime, the next, Megatron lying on the road with his chest melted. If you are not fast enough to see that Sam (Witwicky) is not holding the cube anymore and reasoned that instead of Optimus Prime sacrificing his chest to swallow the cube, Sam pushed it in to Megatron's, you might not know how he died.

There are a few bone of contentment in that movie for me:
1. Why all the good guys only transformed as cars!?!? the bad guys got a tank, a fighter jet and a chopper! jeezzz....talk about lack of ammo.
2. At the end of the movie, all the carcasses of the bad guys got dumped in the middle of the ocean! Nice going guys; teach the kids to throw rubbish or any unwanted toys irresponsibly. Yeah, the narator said that they are being frozen in the deepest of the ocean bla bla bla, but hey, nothing shown! This is a visual movie right?!

To be fair tough, I did have a few giddy moments when one by one the robots transformed or when they are in action, they are pretty cool!

The next day, we watched Die Hard 4. Now this movie also have non stop action after the 1st hr. The story is about Detective John McClanne (Bruce Willis) who had an assignment to pick up a hacker for questioning at FBI. What supposed to be a rookie job, turns out bad, because the hacker is on somebody's elimination list.
Apparently there are bad guys hacking into the US government systems to do some "virtual terrorism" by controlling all the systems and networks in the country, and that lucky Matt (the hacker on elimination list) is a loose end.

I watched Die Hard from the 1st movie, what interest me is the lucky sonofaMcClanne with his dry humor, sarcasm and wit. But in this 4th picture, there is a double dose of dry humor plus guts in the form of John's grown up daughter. SPOILERS!! I really like Lucy's answer when she is being held hostage to speak to John "And now there are 5 of them"

A new baby girl.....

We are proudly announcing the arrival of Baby G, first daughter of Mr. and Mrs.E. 

Both mother and daughter reportedly healthy and well.

Welcome to the world little one!

hot hot fuuuzzzzz......

Outrageously funny!!! I laugh all through the movie and after!


"Hot Fuzz" tells the story of police officer (policeman is apparently a sexist remark) sergeant Nicholas "Angle" Angel, played by Simon Pegg, who got "transferred" to Sandford due to some jealous colleagues "You are so good, you make the rest of us look bad" said the Chief of Police. When sergeant Angel arrive at his new post, he paired up with Danny Butterman (Nick Frost).


All is well in sleepy Sandford where the latest crimes are runaway swan or clipping your neighbour hedges and the only high speed chase happened between the sergeant and a shoplifter.
However, things started to get interesting when people started dying by various "accidents" (which a police officer shouldn't mentioned since it implied no one is to blame).

What makes the whole movie is highly entertaining is the way they imitate the "action packed-adrenaline high" style of hollywood action movie and twisted it in British (satire) style.
The result is out of this world!
If I am a certified movie critics, I would give "Hot Fuzz" five popcorn out of five!! yohoo!!

jazz

I am in pain....

Last saturday I went to a dance studio near the office for a street jazz session, I've always pass by in front of the studio every to and from work. It so happens that I wanted to see ifI can still bend my back like I did during my teen and shake up my congaled blood for not exercising for 7 years. It was a bad idea.

Went there on time, paid the one-off fee, changed my street clothes and in to the freezing cold studio! It was raining outside the whole day and the tiny studio is equipped with industrial strengh blower!
Anyway, the instructor came (she couldn't be old enough to drive, I was thinking), but she can definitely dance.

After 15 minutes into the warm up session, I was starting to forget about the cold, as my muscles being stretched from one end to another. The movements are familiar, so I could concentrate on my pilates breathing.
The hour passed by uneventfully, worked out a good sweat and feeling re-freshed, if not a bit battered.

However, judgement hour didn't come until the next morning, when I realize upon waking, that my muscles protested loudly over the hard work they have to endure the previous day. They were ( are! ) taut and I have to moved about quite slowly like a little old lady. Even to prop up my legs on the coffee table needs studious care....(ugh)

I've learned a lesson with this "experiment",....I have to admit that I am too old, to do an exercise led by not-yet-20-girls who still have wax for their muscles; must find a class that cater to above 25's who hasn't run in more than 5 years unless to catch the bus.

Sad, 'in't it?!

North and South (2)

I've finished reading my 1st classic book. "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell!
Proud to say, this is the first classic that I read front to back and every page in between.

Previously, I tried to read "War and Peace" and "Persuasion"...but still couldn't finish either books.


Since the style of writing is pretty much different with current literature / fiction, I couldn't read as fast as I usually do in modern fiction, because the language is not something that I am familiar with (old english), there are quotes and lines from other classic works, so you've got to read slowly to understand the subtle sarcasm or the implied meaning or reference to the culture and trend.

All in all, I enjoyed it immensely! The story enfold slowly, with details that paint a complete picture of the background of the story, why certain things are the way they are, and it gave me a better understanding of each characters; the introduction and the glossary provides further explanatory notes which really great and helpful.

North and South

I'm in love....

Got the "North and South" BBC drama dvd yesterday, and after work, I head straight home to watch it.

The story line is similar to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", but while Mr.Darcy is the "aristocrat" type, Mr.Thornton is the "tall,dark,handsome,dangerous,moody" type; really somber, but his expression of concern and affection can be read through his gestures and facial expressions; definitely two thumbs up for Richard Armitage.
The heroine,Miss Hale (Daniela Denby Ashe), is the "wholesome and sensible" type, similar to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, also played a superb role in being the independent mature miss in the middle of the British industrial revolution.

Even though I have seen some videos uploaded by the die hard fans of N&S in youtube.com, but I really do not regret at all purchasing the movie.

I haven't read the book yet; but I suspect I will like it too.

Recommendations to anyone who enjoyed "Pride and Prejudice", you'll love "North and South" too.

dinner -sigh-

As I left the office at 8 pm, I stopped by at the supermarket in the neighbourhood to pick up a few stuff. Initially, I wanted to get only some garlic, tomatoes, and sardines to make spaghetti, but changed my mind, and saw they got a pretty decent sea bass on individual wrap.

I decided to make sea bass in a bag instead, and picked up white wine, lemons and potatoes.

Before taking the bus back home, I need to make another detour to the library to drop the audio book I've been listening to (The Girl with the Pearl Earrings; pretty good), so by the time I reached home, I am all but ready to drop at the sofa and forget about food.
However, I continued to the kitchen to take out the ingredients out of the plastic bags and start preparing dinner.

Once I set out everything, cut the lemons, pick all the basil leaf from the potted plant,etc, I just realized that the fish is yet to be scaled and gutted! The fishmonger at the supermarket didn;t remove anything, just slap the fish on the styrofoam plate and cover it with cling wrap. I honestly thought that I just have to wipe it clean and cook it! Drat

Well, I didn;t see any other choice, so borrowing the energy of a marathoner at the last 100m, I attacked that fish, scraped the scales, flip the fish this way and that, to clean the cavity, and after a few agonizing minutes (and changing my knife to a cleaver) my fish is clean and ready!
I have to say I am proud of myself, since this is my first attempt to clean a fish from scratch and I did quite a good job. I knew reading those cooking books will come in handy.

Finally, when I done with the cooking, eating, cleaning and setting the kitchen to rights, it was 12 midnight and I haven't even bathe. Yuck. I'll definitely considered take out tomorrow.

The wind that shakes the barley

This is one of those movies that grips at your heart.

I heard the review on a local radio regarding the movie and pique my curiosity, partly because its background of the IRA movement and I wanted to know whats the "Irish lilt" that everybody is saying when they tried to describe a way of speech.

The movie was really interesting and heart wrenching at the end; its sort of potrayed what the Irish people going through. There is nothing more tragic than brothers at opposite sides, and those who supposed to protect end up abusing the people they are protecting.

Quarter life crisis

According to the Wikipedia ; "The 'quarterlife crisis' (QLC) is a term applied to the period of life immediately following the major changes of adolescence, usually ranging from ages 21 - 29"

Honestly, I never heard of the term before, but while reading the paper a few days ago, there is an article written by a "just-turned-25" author, and I must say it struck a chord with me. I didn;t realize that they have a name for it though.

Its true that most of life important decisions are (were) made as we reach 21. Where to have your "turning-21" party, who to invite, what dress to wear, what hair colour for highlight etc..etc....Kidding..although they are quite important you know..

I did start making those important decisions then too,..my first relationship (I was a late bloomer), first 11,720km stay from home (at Uni) and other "firsts".....;p (no drugs, mom)
And after graduation, I start making more important desicion, like moving out of home country to work, opening my retirement account, what is the best investment vehicle for my money,...
For some of my friends, they involve getting married and decide to have a baby or two....or starting their own business...scary indeed.

Looking back, I can see why its called "crisis", its definitely life defining,..as what you decide now will eventually effect your whole life,no more making a choice between red lollipop and spun sugar...this is the beginning of our adulthood, and we want to start it the best way we can; no more blaming someone else for the failure.

According to the experts, what makes quarter life crisis much harder than midlife crisis is the absence of financial means. But, that is part of life process, and we just have to tough it up, right mate?

row row row your boat.....

Last easter weekend, me and my friend went to a reservoir in our city to paddle around in a kayak and burn some fat (at least I hoped I burned some).....

This is my first attempt at kayaking, but my friend's second venture; so after changing into appropriate attire, donning the life jackets and slather some sunblock, we heft the 2 seater canoe and off we glide to the calm water.

It was really a beautiful day for kayaking, bright, breezy and dry. On the grounds, there are a lot of students involved in their schools' kayak club having their time on the water.
The water was divided into 3 areas according to their use, the straight roped section for racing, the surrounding areas (of the race section) for experienced paddlers, an inlet (where the water is calmest) for the novice. The water at the inlet is not really deep as we can see almost to the bottom.

We spent an hour on the water, paddle when we like, steering and avoiding other kayaks, and resting and let the canoe glide on the water when our arms sing or just to enjoy the breeze and the greenery.

Its certainly a different experience from going-to-the-malls-only back home.

After that, we went for a dim sum lunch, and I went to the spa for my scrub and sports massage.

I love my holiday.

New Horror...

There is a new horror short movie in town!

I was watching the telly last night when suddenly they show this pack of cigarettes with its picture and health warning. The picture is showing the mouth cancer.
But the mouth suddenly move to narate the dangerous of smoking and what it can cause you.
I was shocked!! not a horror movie fan, for me that can be classified as a horror clip! Even I who don't smoke feel the chill, I can't imagine what impact it will make to the them who puff a packet a day.
The ugly mouth that usually just "silently" warning you now has found its voice!!!!
It might be, in the not so far future, with the help of technology, even the ciggy pack it self will be like an Mp4, so whenever you open the pack the ugly mouth will start its naration.
(goosebumps!)

I think I will look at starting a business of producing chic and masculine ciggy packs...hm,....

Is this clip just playing in singapore or in other countries too, I wonder?