A Happy Reunion With Doggie

1 - 2 weeks ago, a man came to my doorstep and ask,

"Have you lost a dog?"
"Oh, no.. I didnt.", I replied.
"Okay, a dog came over to our house... hence,
I thought it might belongs you.", the man said. With that,
he proceed to another house.. trying to find the doggie's owner.

Yesterday, at the lift lobby, I saw a notice. It reads:
"Missing
(with a picture of a dog attached)
Call 9xxxxxxx."

I took the lift up to my house (on the top floor),
when my lift had reach the mid-level, a lady was
carrying a dog. Hmmm... I thought that dog look familiar.
Out of curiousity, I ask the lady,
"Is this the missing dog from the notice at the lift lobby?"
"Yeah, it's my dog!" the lady smile happily.
.. :) ... heee....

Upon reaching my floor, I congratulate her... and her doggie..
"Happy Reunion.." hee...
"Haaa...." she laughed....

A Happy Reunion for the dog owner and the doggie :)
Just in time for the reunion dinner, for both of them, on tomorrow...

Happie Chinese New Year!!!

Steamed Milk-Egg

These few days I had a sudden craving for steamed milk-egg, hence, decided to try to steam one myself and savour it!! Yummmmy :p

Haa... this is the first time that I am steaming this wonderful dessert. But it turn out to be a bit hard n sweet... hee... my next attempt will be much better :)

Yeah, I miss this simple, yet delicious dessert. I chance upon this dessert with my dear in Hong Kong.. Anyone has a great recipe of this dessert? Please share it with me :)

Bye Bye Jacky Wu??

Just read from a newspaper article that Jacky Wu may retiree from the entertainment programme on June 2009.

Well, I hope he is just doing it for a publicity stunt. I would like to see him continue for at least another 20 years!!! haa... Yeah, he is one of the most entertaining host. I admire his extremely quick witted thinking with humour!!

He is one of the reason I like to watch Guess Guess Guess and Shi Zi Lu Kuo!!!

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

Liverpool 3-0 Bolton

Liverpool 3-0 Bolton. Another wonderful effort and goals by KEANE and TEAM again!!! :)

The goal by Reira is rather tricky and skillful!!!

The 1st goal by KEANE is again his typical run and sublime goal. He let the ball run.. and rocket it to the top corner! An absolutely fantastic strike.

The 2nd goal is an great determination run and understanding from the Keeper pass to the goal. It all require tremoudous energy run and cool thinking from Alonso-Benayoun-Keane. Lovely counter-attack in 10sec. :)

The cool-headed Alonso started his run from his own half. He run and look up. A pass to his right to Benayoun who deliver a first-touch-with-well-weighted pass across the goal mouth. Another excellent run and tap-in by KEANE. A 10sec team effort and goal.

Holiday Camp 2008

Yesterday, I had just came back from the Holiday Camp 2008. It is a 3 weeks holiday of full board and lodging. Some of us were caught with a surprise: A 22hours of get-away picnic in the forest!! Hee.. .. And I am surprise with my IPPT result! 5 points for every station, except SBJ (3 points). I thought I may struggle with my Sit-Up as well!! Hopefully, I could pass the test every year! :)

Well, over the holiday, I also caught Channel 5's Don't Forget The Lyrics. Ooh.. it is such a boring program!!! And did I mention that it's a long winded program too?? Once the contestant had confirmed the fill-in-the-blanks lyrics, he/she had to sing and repeat the song all over again! Imagine, we had to endure the contestant from repeating singing the songs after songs! Why can't they just go straight to the point of the answer goes Green or Red? And it didn't help that the host is rather bored to watch and the contestant keep blah blah blah... :P . Well, perhaps I had already watched the Taiwanese's version, which is far more superior in quality: be it the host or the contestants' entertainment, energy and fun element! Chl 5's Lyrics is a pale comparions to the Taiwan's lyrics game show.

After I had came home on yesterday mid-afternoon, I unpack abit and sleep for 1-2 hrs. After dinner, I rest for a while, and back to sleep again.... Hee.. I miss my comfy pillow and cozy quilt.

And of coz, during my 3 weeks holiday... I miss my dear :)

Body of Lies

Just watch the film Body of Lies, by Ridley Scot. It is a bust-the-terrorist movie. Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a CIA agent and his superior is Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe). Ferris go to Jordan to follow-up on some intelligence. Lots of exciting moments that will glue a spy-undercover-thriller fan to his seat. The film also show lots of on-goings in the Middle East, which one don't normally get to see or know. Lots of street-wise thinking and courage are needed to track and hit your target.

Both A-list actors is definitely worth watching. Moreover, a film by Ridley Scot is always worth catching too! It's great to see 2 of my favorite actors in a thriller film! :)

Vertical Marathon 2008

Joe and I had finally run the Vertical Marathon at Swissotel The Stamford :). It had always been my childhood dream to climb the 73 storeys, Southeast Asia's tallest hotel. Last time when I was young, probably in my primary days, I watched the news that people had run up the 1336 steps, I am quite amused and would like to participate in this event as well... hee....

Before the race, I target myself to climb below 30mins and if under 20mins I would be very happy and satisfied. hee... Well, I started off running up 2 steps at a time... .. maybe at ard 30+ level (cnt really remember as I am getting tired and cldnt think too much :p) I started to change strategy to walk 2 steps at a time for 1st part and run 2 steps at a time for the 2nd part (every level consist of 2 'parts' plus 1 short distance, cnt rememeber exactly, jus wana do it and complete it). While approaching the 42 level, I run up the steps... haa.. coz we knew there's a camera been position there and shoot throughout the race and boardcast 'live' on the TV :p ...

I find running up to 42 level rather more difficult and tiring. When I am approaching 60 level, my mind is more relieve, as there's only 10 over levels more to climb. When my thighs become more and more tired and 'harden', I ask myself why am I doing this to 'torture' onself and laugh to myself.. hee... But I thought there's no turning back now and just finish it off. Just keep going and made the best result. Just do it and complete it. Anyway, halfway through, although I am very tired, I feel that I am moving faster than what I had expected and plan to complete it under 15mins. Along the way, I saw participants resting in the 'hotel corridor' and some sitting on the stairs and catching their breathe.

62.. 64.. 67.. 79... as the number move closer to 70, I feel more happy and motivated... hee...
72! Finally, I had completed 72 storeys! :)

I was so tired by then. Haa... After cooling myself down at the helipad, I walk down the stairs to take a lift down. When I walk the stairs, my legs wobble... wobbling uncontrolable! I had to hold hard on to the railing to move down.

Months and weeks of on-and-off training had finally help me to complete the Vertical Marathon. Although the record time is 6min 52sec, I am rather surprise and very happy with my result of 12min 35sec .. hee.... :)

The Drive of Life

Just watch the ending of The Drive of Life (TVB)... .. It is a great drama. Yeah, really full of stories and emotions in this show :). And of coz, expect a string of STRONG cast and performance!

Sometimes when a wonderful show had ended, I would feel that it is abit 'wasted' that a fantastic show had ended... .. jus feel like keep on watching it... hee... :p

The show is a collaboration of Hong Kong and China actors. There are lots of stories and twists in this drama. The story centre mostly on the Hua family. They have lots of up and down. But many times, one would always encourage another never to give up. They show support and encouragement. They encourage passion and dreams. They encourage the drive and the purpose of life. They enocurage understanding and to forgive. And they encourage love and family ties. (Well, but in real life, only a handful could master all these priceless elements). There are moments which I feel rather touch by them. Of coz, their great acting skill play a big part in the emotion factor... .hee...

Ooh yeah, The Drive of Life also has a terrific soundtrack! I love the orchestra opening... . and of coz the superb vocal from Hacken Lee (lots of sensation too). Btw, even the soundtrack is a mix of Cantonese and Chinese duet :) hee... The soundtrack could even be 'soften' with different instruments in some part of the scenes... hmmmm... and that sound rather heart warming too. This is another Hong Kong drama soundtrack that I like very much. Sometimes I wonder how come they often have so many irrestible soundtrack :)

Well, heres the soundtrack of the show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZn2LJNcxtI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfLt5Ttl1-I&feature=related (cantonese)

"A car needs lots of component to been assemble.
And every component play an important role in the car.
A car is just like a family."

"There's no overnight hatred in a family."
The Drive of Life

Desire, Talent and Intelligence.

"I don't link strength with experience - I link it with desire, with talent, with intelligence.
"You can be intelligent at 18, and be stupid at 30!"
Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal FC.

Marvellous Keane

Liverpool 3-0 West Brom.

Finally, Robbie Keane had scored for Liverpool in the Premier League. In fact, the Irish international had scored 2 well taken goals. Both goals are his typical crafty and hardworked run. He was calm and confident to shot both goals :). His run is really intelligent. Btw, I am quite surprise that Keane did not perform his usual goal celebration of bang-bang and wheel-cart spin. Anway, WE wana witness more of his goals, yeah! WE all know of his talent and ability.

Oh, and Alvaro Arbeloa had scored for Liverpool too. Haa... Great teamwork and spirit, guys!

Marvellous Number 7.

Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool, 08/09

Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool

Finally, a win had ended Chelsea's 86 home game league record, since February 2004.
At last, the crafty Xabi Alonso had netted a goal.

I had always admire the gentlemen-looking Alonso in his small-built-yet-agressiveness, tackling, passing and ambitious shot (even from the halfway line!!). I hope Alonso would continue to stay at Anfield throughout his career :)

From this match, one could witness the reslience Liverpool against the Blue. The Reds show discipline and organise at the back. The whole team fight together against wave, after wave of Lampard and Co's attack. Well, Reira, the new Liverpool signing, is a tall and strong player. Althought he is no flying winger, he is a hardworking and clever player and added a more balance to the left side. This is a Liverpool side who have more players(Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Reira, Gerrard, Keane and Torres) rather comfortable with the ball than the past seasons team. But Liverpool could still be improve... much more :).

I am sure many Anfield's fans are very happy to have recorded wins against Manchester United and Chelsea in this season! Finally two consecutive win against the Big Brothers. Hee... .. I suppose many EPL fans are surprise that Liverpool had and could pull off two resilience triumph :).

Liverpool put on another spirited fight. A win against the mighty Blues.
Another great teamwork and spirit from the Kops :)

My 1st Liverpool Jersey :)

I have finally got hold of a Liverpool Jersey :)

It is the Anfield 2007/2008 Home Jersey.

Thank you, my dear :)

Piano - Tong Hua... or Yue Ting?

Two days ago, I went for a short-jog... then i proceed to climb the staircase (training for my quest of Vertical Marathon 2008). Upon reaching level 9th, I heard someone playing the piano... .. it's Tong Hua (a Chinese song by Guang Liang). The piano play had distracted my attention. Suddenly, my mental tiredness seem to have eased alot.. haa... :) Anyway, as this is my last repetition of staircase training, I stop at the floor. I wana heard more of the piano. I kinda like the song and like it been played so beautifully by a piano.

As I am curious, I tried to trace the piano... from which house. Haa.... I walk towards the music.. the house. I look inside the house, not a single soul. Then I look again, yeah, I saw someone playing on a piano. Oh, it's a small girl playing the Tong Hua. I look for a while, then I back off... haa... if not the small kid may think I am a Bad Guy standing at her door! Well, I just linger around and listen more attentively for a while more... then I realise, the music is been played at a rather high tempo... and some parts is not as smooth. But, overall, I still enjoy the music :). Well, at least she still can play a piano, I can't.

Btw, come to think of that music again... I wonder is it Tong Hua or Yue Ting? Haa... sometimes I just get confuse over this two songs :p

REM

Today.. . its one of those days.. that i need a little pick-me-up. As usual, i turn to my music :)..... do some little searching, oh, suddenly get a 'crave' for REM.

Started off with Losing My Religion. The opening with the catchy guitar strumming immediately get me perk up a bit... . the familiar melodious and voice pull me to sit down and listen to Michael Stipe. Have you watched this MTV before? Haa.. that young man just dance off so stylishly.

Well, proceed to catch other REM cult songs... .. Sometimes I wonder why are REM's song are so addictive, its like, once I hear one I feel like hearing a few more. Wana just sit down and enjoy them :)

Everybody Hurts is one the other song that I love. Sometimes, just wana shed a tear along with it. I dunno whether is it the music or simply the fact everybody hurts (look at the lyrics below). Or maybe it is both that touch.

Well, many just can't be help been mesmerise by REM music and ,of coz, Michael's unique voice.

Btw, do you like the song One, by U2? If you are, you SHOULD listen to REM redition of this classic! Michael Stipe just... just.... do it so beautifully :).

Hong Kong 2008

Last month, September, Dear and I went for a happy holiday at Hong Kong and Macau :)

Hee.. .. The weather during that time is hot in Hong Kong. We walk around. Shop around. Bargain around. Eat around. And sweat around.

It's kinda fun to explore Hong Kong and walk around with the map to places at our own. We bargain and order food with our very limited Cantonese... and, at times. throw in some Mandarain and English... are rather fun too. I have to say, most of the people that we had encountered are friendly and helpful. Thank you :).

Oh, yeah.. we have our fun at the Grand Lisboa casino, Macau. Playing and spinning the jackpot... and the 'Free Bonus' game.. haa.. We have try their Portugese egg-tart at one of the bakery shop. Great taste. I find it quite milky with an wonderful aroma. We should have buy more!!!

In Hong Kong, we have savor their excellent roast duck and geese rice. Wanton noodles and egg tart are yummy. The egg tart is so fragrant and with it melt-in-your-mouth 'fine texture' custard is simply delectable. A simple food, yet so tasty. Oh, we can find Shu Lu Shan, a mango dessert shop, at many corners in Hong Kong. Well, needless to say, one could expect various delicious mango dessert and drink here :)

We tour around Hong Kong by foot, very often and alot. Yeah. Sometime, maybe too much?? haa... Well, sometime we may have over-stretch ourselves. But I feel that, since one could still walk and have the time... one should walk and experience... what come may. To explore a country, walk the street. To taste the country's food culture, eat the street food.

Oh yeah, we have also catch Kelly Chen in an outdoor charity performance... haa.. She turn out be be more petite in real-life :)

Hong Kong. Macau. Dear.
It is a memorable trip :)

Breach

Just watch a Billy Ray's film, Breach, the story of Robert Hanssen's spying for Soviet Union and Russia.

Hanssen (Chris Cooper) is a FBI agent. The mole in the bureau who is wanted by the FBI. Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney) leds the team to nab Hanssen, the all time biggest spy in the America's history. Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe) is been tasked to be the assistant for Hanssen and his main assignment is to bring Hanssen to be behind the bar. Soon, Hanssen become O'Neill mentor and friend. There are various exciting moments... the Palm Pilot, the car searching and the Rock Creek Park scene... .. it take lots quick thinking and cool acting skill to pull off those acts at that time by O'Neill.

Cooper has really put on a superb performance. It's a shame that I do not know who is Linney until I had watched Breach! Linney is another first-rate actress!!! Woww... .. This film has an outstanding cast in Cooper, Linney and Phillippe. Oh, and Caroline Dhavernas (O'Neill's wife) is kinda sweet .. yeah? The film is definitely been further enhanced by the splendid cinematography (Tak Fujimoto) and the marvellous music score (Mychael Danna). I suppose the music has play a big part in glueing me to sit through the film. Sit tight and enjoy the music score in the credit part :)

A true story.

Tomorrow Would Be Even Better

Just now I had chance upon the ever-touching Chinese music, 明天會更好 (Tomorrow Would Be Even Better)..

It is one of the most popular and heartwarming song in the 1980's Chinese music scene.. even till today it still touch many heart. I suppose it is the melody .. the lyrics .. the various stars that sing in this song that had made it such a great impact to many.

Well there are two version - Chinese and Cantonese. Which do you prefer?

Chinese http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEDZyIUbSd0&feature=related
Cantonese http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1gA6XtNIv4&feature=related

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen

While listening for Queen music.. . again ... I chance upon his Live performance on the rendition of Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Oh! This is such fantastic rock version of this usual jazzy style covered by many artiste. His performance and rock version gonna kick you up and bring you to sing along too :)

Terrific vocal. Fantastic performance.

Marvellous Freddie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrelPOP518g

Money No Enough 2

Jack Neo is back again... .. bringing Money No Enough 2 to the local screen.

Prior watching the film, I have half-expected it to be a ' so-so or not-good' production from Jack Neo. At the same time, I wana give 'his production another chance' before I give another comments. Well, in the midst of the film, I had knew the answer. The film turn out to be worse than what I had expected!!! :(

Some parts are rather draggy... Joke are of the 'same pattern'... Midway through the movie, the story seems to focus on the 3 sons' elderly mother. Well, I suppose, Jack thought it is the 'no money' element that had brought the mother to a pathetic journey till her death.. or simply wana add some 'emotion' to his film. But lots of time the part is too draggy (is it because .. running out of ideas??) and focus a lot on the mother which led to me ponder the film's tittle: is it called Money No Enough 2 or Mother?

The story contain scenes on the mother's Alzeimer's disease or Parkinson (I am not sure of the actual difference between this 2 sickness) where she insist his son to find her bra in the middle of the night and asking his son 'Have you eaten?' countless of times ... which bring laughters from the audience.. well, frankly, I duno that should I laugh or should I feel disgusted, coz the scene may be a bit 'funny' to some but has Jack think of the real life people whose parent also suffer from this same fate?? Although this is a comedy show, but somehow it is not a real-dumb comedy or slapstick (mo lei toe style- Stephen Chow's film) film. I suppose he intend to inject the mother's suffering condition to touch many hearts and intend to make it as a laughing matter at the same time, in this case, I dun think it should be mix togehter as a joke to these patient. Somehow, in the middle of the audience laughter, I feel like asking some of them... 'What is so funny?'.

Is this a comedy, informative, attack-government film or a 3-in-1 film? I could 'agreed' with some of the 'mother's story' eg, where the son put her in the toilet having her meal (which is quite disturbing) or wana send her to the Old Folk's Home, etc.. which the director wana inject some facts and emotions into the film. But I couldn't 'accept' the way that you wana intend to project real life saddness-suffering as a joke to the audience.

For this I give 2 thumbs down!
It is absolutely distasteful.

Although I personnally couldn't agreed with some parts of the film, I still respect Jack (minus some of the mother's scenes) for his courage and drive. I may not really like his movie style, but he did reach his goal and motive - to capture the mainstream Singaporean heart. And of course, one cannot deny his bravery to carry certain citizens' displeasure in his film.