my fotolog
I've created a fotolog at fotolog.net. Check it out at www.fotolog.net/empress.
Also, will be participating in the May Day Project. Let's see what Saturday has for me. I'm excited.
Thursday, May 08, 2003
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
second half
The weekend has been very eventfull (is this a word? if it is, is it spelt with a single or double 'L's?).
On Saturday, I met up with a guy who's looking for a latin dance partner. He says he competes at a level higher, back when he was in UK, than that which I'm doing so I'm not sure if he's still interesting in partnering me. We haven't tried dancing together yet. There wasn't time that day to try out as he was in a rush plus the studio that we we're gonna try out in was having a workshop. So, maybe he'll arrange something for this weekend. He's tried with a few girls and still have a few more girls to try out with. He also have some other guy friends who's looking for partners. If he's not suitable for me, one of the other guys might be. Hopefully something will work out. I've missed competing.
I might also be joining the Batu Dance Theatre. They had an audition on Sunday to recruit more members for their company. I went, did the sets and the liked me. Hurrah! I haven't seen any of their stuff though so I'm not exactly sure what they do. I know that they do contemporary dance but that's so vague. Contemporary dance could be anything. Hopefully it's not anything overtly weird. I've been told I'm very classical and that's probably true cause I don't like all those performances which are called dancing but which I think looks more like people just writhing around with no apparent structure.
Structure. That's the word. I need structure.
Okay, then this morning I got an email about the audition I went to last month. That's the Turandot audition. Guess what?! I made it! Yay! The show's gonna be in December with the last show being on my birthday. :) Rehearsals are suppose to start in September. Not sure which day yet and I haven't been given the contract. Hopefully there nothing unfavourable in the contract. They're not gonna pay much. Only RM500 for six shows. Three of which will be in Penang. But I'm only doing it for fun and, of course, to pad my all to empty performning arts resume.
Woo hoo! Lots for the second half of the year. Hopefully I can fit everything in and don't die in the process.
Oooo ... happy happy ... joy joy.
The weekend has been very eventfull (is this a word? if it is, is it spelt with a single or double 'L's?).
On Saturday, I met up with a guy who's looking for a latin dance partner. He says he competes at a level higher, back when he was in UK, than that which I'm doing so I'm not sure if he's still interesting in partnering me. We haven't tried dancing together yet. There wasn't time that day to try out as he was in a rush plus the studio that we we're gonna try out in was having a workshop. So, maybe he'll arrange something for this weekend. He's tried with a few girls and still have a few more girls to try out with. He also have some other guy friends who's looking for partners. If he's not suitable for me, one of the other guys might be. Hopefully something will work out. I've missed competing.
I might also be joining the Batu Dance Theatre. They had an audition on Sunday to recruit more members for their company. I went, did the sets and the liked me. Hurrah! I haven't seen any of their stuff though so I'm not exactly sure what they do. I know that they do contemporary dance but that's so vague. Contemporary dance could be anything. Hopefully it's not anything overtly weird. I've been told I'm very classical and that's probably true cause I don't like all those performances which are called dancing but which I think looks more like people just writhing around with no apparent structure.
Structure. That's the word. I need structure.
Okay, then this morning I got an email about the audition I went to last month. That's the Turandot audition. Guess what?! I made it! Yay! The show's gonna be in December with the last show being on my birthday. :) Rehearsals are suppose to start in September. Not sure which day yet and I haven't been given the contract. Hopefully there nothing unfavourable in the contract. They're not gonna pay much. Only RM500 for six shows. Three of which will be in Penang. But I'm only doing it for fun and, of course, to pad my all to empty performning arts resume.
Woo hoo! Lots for the second half of the year. Hopefully I can fit everything in and don't die in the process.
Oooo ... happy happy ... joy joy.
Friday, May 02, 2003
my leslie phase
His movies. His music.
I have been immersing myself with Leslie Cheung the past week.
When I heard about his death on April's Fool, I shoved it aside as some sick person's idea of an April Fool's joke. When the media printed stories and had tributes to this 'legendary' performer, I didn't tune in or pay attention to them. I'd even thought it amusing that some of the people in the studio cried while watching a video of his concert. Yes! I'm a unfeeling bitch who laughes at others' unhappiness.
Well, what was I suppose to do? Cry along? I didn't grow up listening to his music or his movies. Leslie wasn't much a part of my growing life.
I vaguely remember his 'Monica' playing over the radio while I was living in Kepong cause one of my aunt's a fan of his. About the only time in my life where I listened to chinese music. The same time I listened to Anita Mui and also the time I learned the words to a Malay song - Si Jantung Hati. After that, I hardly listened to chinese music anymore. The next time would be circa 1997 or 1998 when I saw some Sammi Cheng movie and liked the songs that were in there.
So, his death didn't make much of an impact on me.
His movie "He's a Woman, She's a Man" was the only chinese movie that I had wanted to own. I remember watching it at the pro-shop after squash training and loving it and the song Jui (Chase) so much that I tried to learn the song. Not an easy task as I don't read chinese and can only understand the basics of conversational cantonese ... but learn it I did. With the help of some friends, I wrote down the phonetics for it. I don't know where that piece of paper is now. Probably thrown away some time ago.
I had also always wanted to watch "Farewell My Concubine" cause I've always heard that it's a really good movie. I did and I loved it. There are some parts of it that I don't quite understand why it happened, probably missed something and would have to watch it again, but I liked it.
Then last week, I borrowed a CD of Leslie Cheung from a colleague. You see ... I was not familiar with his songs except for those mentioned above nor would I recognise his voice even if I had heard it over the radio. So, I was curious. Why was this man a legend?
I think he sings a little different from the current batch of male chinese singers. It has this floaty feeling to it. Somehow it makes me think that it's a little cantonese opera like. Although why I would think that quite puzzles me as well as I've never heard/seen a cantonese opera. I told my colleague that maybe that's the way that singers of his time, the late 70s early 80s, sang as his other contemporary, Roman Tam, sounds a little like that as well. Leslie's sounds more soothing compared to Roman though.
An article of a DJ turned singer who quoted Leslie as one of his idols probably had the best description of his voice ... sexy. And yes, I do agree. I think he's what people would call a crooner?
While listening to some of his songs and watching his movies, I came to understand why those people at the studio cried, why some would call him a legend. It was cause he was truly talented. His good looks helps as well but then he wasn't just a face. He had talent as well.
It's such a waste that he felt his problems could not be resolved and he had to take his own life. My sense of loss however is selfish. I would not be able to listen to him sing new songs. New movies will never star this actor ever again. There will no longer be anything new coming from him. I cannot be a fan of his and look forward to the day that I might see him live in concert now that I've discovered that I like his music.
No more.
Not any longer.
How sad is it that I am to discover what millions of others have known and enjoyed the past two or three decades only after his death? Are there more like me out there? More like me who appreciate him like Van Gogh; appreciated only after death? But he's probably more like Picasso, appreciated before and even after death.
His movies. His music.
I have been immersing myself with Leslie Cheung the past week.
When I heard about his death on April's Fool, I shoved it aside as some sick person's idea of an April Fool's joke. When the media printed stories and had tributes to this 'legendary' performer, I didn't tune in or pay attention to them. I'd even thought it amusing that some of the people in the studio cried while watching a video of his concert. Yes! I'm a unfeeling bitch who laughes at others' unhappiness.
Well, what was I suppose to do? Cry along? I didn't grow up listening to his music or his movies. Leslie wasn't much a part of my growing life.
I vaguely remember his 'Monica' playing over the radio while I was living in Kepong cause one of my aunt's a fan of his. About the only time in my life where I listened to chinese music. The same time I listened to Anita Mui and also the time I learned the words to a Malay song - Si Jantung Hati. After that, I hardly listened to chinese music anymore. The next time would be circa 1997 or 1998 when I saw some Sammi Cheng movie and liked the songs that were in there.
So, his death didn't make much of an impact on me.
His movie "He's a Woman, She's a Man" was the only chinese movie that I had wanted to own. I remember watching it at the pro-shop after squash training and loving it and the song Jui (Chase) so much that I tried to learn the song. Not an easy task as I don't read chinese and can only understand the basics of conversational cantonese ... but learn it I did. With the help of some friends, I wrote down the phonetics for it. I don't know where that piece of paper is now. Probably thrown away some time ago.
I had also always wanted to watch "Farewell My Concubine" cause I've always heard that it's a really good movie. I did and I loved it. There are some parts of it that I don't quite understand why it happened, probably missed something and would have to watch it again, but I liked it.
Then last week, I borrowed a CD of Leslie Cheung from a colleague. You see ... I was not familiar with his songs except for those mentioned above nor would I recognise his voice even if I had heard it over the radio. So, I was curious. Why was this man a legend?
I think he sings a little different from the current batch of male chinese singers. It has this floaty feeling to it. Somehow it makes me think that it's a little cantonese opera like. Although why I would think that quite puzzles me as well as I've never heard/seen a cantonese opera. I told my colleague that maybe that's the way that singers of his time, the late 70s early 80s, sang as his other contemporary, Roman Tam, sounds a little like that as well. Leslie's sounds more soothing compared to Roman though.
An article of a DJ turned singer who quoted Leslie as one of his idols probably had the best description of his voice ... sexy. And yes, I do agree. I think he's what people would call a crooner?
While listening to some of his songs and watching his movies, I came to understand why those people at the studio cried, why some would call him a legend. It was cause he was truly talented. His good looks helps as well but then he wasn't just a face. He had talent as well.
It's such a waste that he felt his problems could not be resolved and he had to take his own life. My sense of loss however is selfish. I would not be able to listen to him sing new songs. New movies will never star this actor ever again. There will no longer be anything new coming from him. I cannot be a fan of his and look forward to the day that I might see him live in concert now that I've discovered that I like his music.
No more.
Not any longer.
How sad is it that I am to discover what millions of others have known and enjoyed the past two or three decades only after his death? Are there more like me out there? More like me who appreciate him like Van Gogh; appreciated only after death? But he's probably more like Picasso, appreciated before and even after death.
gambling and ballet
Genting is a terribly boring place to visit.
What I meant was, it's boring if you don't do much gambling and you do not have any friend in which to venture out to the outdoor park for rides. Somehow the thought of going on the roller coaster, screaming your head off even though you're not the least bit terrified, doesn't feel the same without having some friends around doing the same. Which was why I didn't pay to go in the park.
Strange ... I remember the park being free when I was young. We didn't have to pay anything just to be there. Just had to pay for the rides. Now it's like Dreamworld or Movieworld where you pay the entrance and ride to your heart's content.
So, basically I spent most of the weekend roaming the First World Hotel. There's only so much to roam. It's kinda small.
Now ... why was I there and submit myself to such utter boring-ness?
For the ballet. The Russian Ballet - Revival was there. I wasn't even planning to go but then when my mum asked, I didn't say no. So we got tickets for it and there I was. The tickets were free! Mum's been collecting lots of points on her membership card from all her previous visits and we could redeem the points for tickets. :)
The company was good. I especially liked Olga Kuznetsova (I think), the soloist who did the Swan Lake pas de deus. I think she's got very good musicality(?). The other ballerina, Elizaveta Nebesnaya, who has a higher billing was really good as well, her extension was really good but she doesn't seem as expressive as Kuznetsova. Too bad I couldn't quite get a picture of her. Camera's too slow to take action shots. *shucks* These two were about the only good pictures of the dozen or so that I took.
Genting is a terribly boring place to visit.
What I meant was, it's boring if you don't do much gambling and you do not have any friend in which to venture out to the outdoor park for rides. Somehow the thought of going on the roller coaster, screaming your head off even though you're not the least bit terrified, doesn't feel the same without having some friends around doing the same. Which was why I didn't pay to go in the park.
Strange ... I remember the park being free when I was young. We didn't have to pay anything just to be there. Just had to pay for the rides. Now it's like Dreamworld or Movieworld where you pay the entrance and ride to your heart's content.
So, basically I spent most of the weekend roaming the First World Hotel. There's only so much to roam. It's kinda small.
Now ... why was I there and submit myself to such utter boring-ness?
For the ballet. The Russian Ballet - Revival was there. I wasn't even planning to go but then when my mum asked, I didn't say no. So we got tickets for it and there I was. The tickets were free! Mum's been collecting lots of points on her membership card from all her previous visits and we could redeem the points for tickets. :)
The company was good. I especially liked Olga Kuznetsova (I think), the soloist who did the Swan Lake pas de deus. I think she's got very good musicality(?). The other ballerina, Elizaveta Nebesnaya, who has a higher billing was really good as well, her extension was really good but she doesn't seem as expressive as Kuznetsova. Too bad I couldn't quite get a picture of her. Camera's too slow to take action shots. *shucks* These two were about the only good pictures of the dozen or so that I took.
Friday, April 25, 2003
moby
every couple of weeks, i'd hop over to moby's place and check out what else he has written in his journal.
i like reading his journal. it's very entertaining. his friend created a a new game and it sounds really interesting. maybe i'll try it out with my sister one of these days.
i'm not a moby fan or anything. in fact, i don't even have any of his albums. he does have some pretty cool music though ... but it's just not a genre that i'd buy a cd of.
actually, maybe i should. if only just to look normal.
to look hip and hap'nin.
my cd collection comprises mainly of original cast recordings, classical crossovers and the few swing cds that i manage to find.
my popular music collection?
lets see ...
* janet jackson - janet, velvet rope (aussie tour edition) & all for you
* oasis - heathen chemistry
* robbie williams - escapology
* bachelor girl - waiting for the day ... my copy doesn't have tracks 14 & 15 though :(
* ricky martin - vuelve (asian edition)
* christina aguilera - christina aguilera ... won this from the radio. didn't really want the cd. i wanted the trip. had to sing for it too! if anyone wants this, i'll trade.
... ermmm ... i think that's it.
sad selection ain't it?
every couple of weeks, i'd hop over to moby's place and check out what else he has written in his journal.
i like reading his journal. it's very entertaining. his friend created a a new game and it sounds really interesting. maybe i'll try it out with my sister one of these days.
i'm not a moby fan or anything. in fact, i don't even have any of his albums. he does have some pretty cool music though ... but it's just not a genre that i'd buy a cd of.
actually, maybe i should. if only just to look normal.
to look hip and hap'nin.
my cd collection comprises mainly of original cast recordings, classical crossovers and the few swing cds that i manage to find.
my popular music collection?
lets see ...
* janet jackson - janet, velvet rope (aussie tour edition) & all for you
* oasis - heathen chemistry
* robbie williams - escapology
* bachelor girl - waiting for the day ... my copy doesn't have tracks 14 & 15 though :(
* ricky martin - vuelve (asian edition)
* christina aguilera - christina aguilera ... won this from the radio. didn't really want the cd. i wanted the trip. had to sing for it too! if anyone wants this, i'll trade.
... ermmm ... i think that's it.
sad selection ain't it?
Thursday, April 24, 2003
adopt-a-puppy
Does anyone want a puppy? My friend have some puppies and he's giving them away (for free ... I think). If you do, leave me your email and I'll tell you how to contact him. Or email me for his contact.
Does anyone want a puppy? My friend have some puppies and he's giving them away (for free ... I think). If you do, leave me your email and I'll tell you how to contact him. Or email me for his contact.
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
new CD
Woo hoo! Just won Russell Watson's Reprise CD from Light & Easy.
Missed the first cue earlier but got it the second time! YES!
Tried on Monday night as well except, my phone top-up was due so I couldn't make outside calls. :P
Hope it's good. I liked his first album. His second was so so. Hopefully this third will be better.
LOL ... my dad just called to check if that was her daughter he heard over the radio.
Hmmm ... who else could it be? I mean, how many people in Malaysia shares my name?
Actually, I wonder what other Malaysians who share my name are like. Just curious.
Woo hoo! Just won Russell Watson's Reprise CD from Light & Easy.
Missed the first cue earlier but got it the second time! YES!
Tried on Monday night as well except, my phone top-up was due so I couldn't make outside calls. :P
Hope it's good. I liked his first album. His second was so so. Hopefully this third will be better.
LOL ... my dad just called to check if that was her daughter he heard over the radio.
Hmmm ... who else could it be? I mean, how many people in Malaysia shares my name?
Actually, I wonder what other Malaysians who share my name are like. Just curious.
Monday, April 21, 2003
genie
A woman was walking along the beach when she stumbled upon a bottle.She
picked it up and rubbed it, and lo-and-behold a Genie appeared. The amazed
woman asked if she got three wishes. The Genie said, "Nope, sorry
three-wish genies are a story-tale myth. I'm a one-wish genie. So...what'll
it be?" The woman didn't hesitate. She said, "I want peace in the Middle
East. See this map? I want these countries to stop fighting with each other
and I want all the Arabs to love Jews and
Americans and vice-versa. It will bring about world peace and harmony."
The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, "Lady, be reasonable. These
countries have been at war for thousands of years. I'm out of shape after
being in a bottle for five hundred years. I'm good but not THAT good! I
don't think it can be done. Make another wish and please be reasonable"
The woman thought for a minute and said, "Well, I've never been able to
find the right man. You know, one that's considerate and fun, likes to cook
and helps with the house cleaning, is great in bed and gets along with my
family, doesn't watch sports all the time, and is faithful. That's what I
wish for .. a good man." The Genie let out a long sigh, shook his head and
said, "Let me see that freakin' map again."
:))
A woman was walking along the beach when she stumbled upon a bottle.She
picked it up and rubbed it, and lo-and-behold a Genie appeared. The amazed
woman asked if she got three wishes. The Genie said, "Nope, sorry
three-wish genies are a story-tale myth. I'm a one-wish genie. So...what'll
it be?" The woman didn't hesitate. She said, "I want peace in the Middle
East. See this map? I want these countries to stop fighting with each other
and I want all the Arabs to love Jews and
Americans and vice-versa. It will bring about world peace and harmony."
The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, "Lady, be reasonable. These
countries have been at war for thousands of years. I'm out of shape after
being in a bottle for five hundred years. I'm good but not THAT good! I
don't think it can be done. Make another wish and please be reasonable"
The woman thought for a minute and said, "Well, I've never been able to
find the right man. You know, one that's considerate and fun, likes to cook
and helps with the house cleaning, is great in bed and gets along with my
family, doesn't watch sports all the time, and is faithful. That's what I
wish for .. a good man." The Genie let out a long sigh, shook his head and
said, "Let me see that freakin' map again."
:))
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
organ and voices
The concert at the DFP went ok. I thought the rehearsal was better. It sounded a little draggy yesterday. Slow.
BUT ... it was still well attended for a Monday 6pm show. I didn't think it would be since it's so close to work hours.
Earlier that day, sent out my first ever batch of nervousness mass postcard swap. My first nervousness experience. Can't wait for the other 24 postcards to come my way.
Also have a set of free postcards that I'm to swap with this other girl. Have the cards in an envelope, addressed and stamped. Just need to add a little note into it.
And my third swap would be a CD for postcard swap. I send her a postcard and she'll send me an Adam Sandler CD? Or was it Jerry Seinfeld? Which ever. I'm just curious about a comedic CD. I've never bought one before. For this swap, I'll need to go hunt for a card. Saw some promissing ones last night. I'll keep looking though.
The concert at the DFP went ok. I thought the rehearsal was better. It sounded a little draggy yesterday. Slow.
BUT ... it was still well attended for a Monday 6pm show. I didn't think it would be since it's so close to work hours.
Earlier that day, sent out my first ever batch of nervousness mass postcard swap. My first nervousness experience. Can't wait for the other 24 postcards to come my way.
Also have a set of free postcards that I'm to swap with this other girl. Have the cards in an envelope, addressed and stamped. Just need to add a little note into it.
And my third swap would be a CD for postcard swap. I send her a postcard and she'll send me an Adam Sandler CD? Or was it Jerry Seinfeld? Which ever. I'm just curious about a comedic CD. I've never bought one before. For this swap, I'll need to go hunt for a card. Saw some promissing ones last night. I'll keep looking though.
Friday, April 11, 2003
sean ghazi
His voice is gorgeous. Very musical theatre. Very high swoon factor. *sigh*
Went to watch him sing at No Black Tie last night after Marc Rochester's rehearsal. Didn't know about it until Suzan called and asked if I was interested in going late that afternoon itself! I'm glad she called. Suz didn't think that much of the theatre circle will be there that night cause Lew told her that the whole bunch of them from Dramalab and what not were there the night before.
She was wrong.
There were a whole bunch of the dominating the table in the middle. Mostly the cast from Spilt Gravy. Oh and Fang was there and saw Gavin Yap as well. Lots of theatre people.
Now ... I wonder why I never see them in other shows done by lesser known people? ... but then, I don't go to too many shows anyway. :)
His voice is gorgeous. Very musical theatre. Very high swoon factor. *sigh*
Went to watch him sing at No Black Tie last night after Marc Rochester's rehearsal. Didn't know about it until Suzan called and asked if I was interested in going late that afternoon itself! I'm glad she called. Suz didn't think that much of the theatre circle will be there that night cause Lew told her that the whole bunch of them from Dramalab and what not were there the night before.
She was wrong.
There were a whole bunch of the dominating the table in the middle. Mostly the cast from Spilt Gravy. Oh and Fang was there and saw Gavin Yap as well. Lots of theatre people.
Now ... I wonder why I never see them in other shows done by lesser known people? ... but then, I don't go to too many shows anyway. :)
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
spend, spend, spend
new laptop.
new car.
new shelves.
More than half my savings is gone. Nevermind, I'll console myself with all the nice new things that I have.
Hmmm ... need to buy more stuff.
CD player for the new car.
A new TV for my new room. (I'm like a nomad. Just changed room a year ago and now again!)
Should I get a new PC? Managed to get parts of PC from Cris and trying to see if I'll work with my HP PC that is kaput. I'm missing my keyboard and mouse. Nobody knows what happend to them. It just vanished. Anyway, those won't do anyway. The PC I got from Cris is an old Pentium. It uses a serial mouse and a different keyboard cable (the old ones not the PS2 ones. I don't know what they're called.). Maybe I can sneak some from the office to try them out.
Righto! Need to get my ass over to Bangsar so that I can finally print those holiday pictures. There's about 140 pieces so that's gonna place a further dent in the wallet.
new laptop.
new car.
new shelves.
More than half my savings is gone. Nevermind, I'll console myself with all the nice new things that I have.
Hmmm ... need to buy more stuff.
CD player for the new car.
A new TV for my new room. (I'm like a nomad. Just changed room a year ago and now again!)
Should I get a new PC? Managed to get parts of PC from Cris and trying to see if I'll work with my HP PC that is kaput. I'm missing my keyboard and mouse. Nobody knows what happend to them. It just vanished. Anyway, those won't do anyway. The PC I got from Cris is an old Pentium. It uses a serial mouse and a different keyboard cable (the old ones not the PS2 ones. I don't know what they're called.). Maybe I can sneak some from the office to try them out.
Righto! Need to get my ass over to Bangsar so that I can finally print those holiday pictures. There's about 140 pieces so that's gonna place a further dent in the wallet.
Wednesday, April 02, 2003
oh man!
Just when I thought things are beginning to go well, something has to happen.
Nevermind the detour to MidValley when I thought I couldn't catch the 7pm at Sunway Pyramid. Wanted to watch it in Pyramid cause it's closer to home and earlier as well but got out of work late so couldn't make it.
Nevermind the jam that I had to go through which cause made me do another detour in an attempt to beat it.
Nevermind the wrong turn that took me right back into the jam that I was trying to avoid.
The cinemaonline site says that the movie's suppose to start at 8pm but is actually starts at 8.30pm so I have to kill some time walking around aimlessly.
Nevermind all that cause I got to watch the movie in the end. Star Trek - Nemesis.
I won't say that I was dissappointed cause I wasn't. I quite like the show. Shinzon's ship is just so much cooler and menacing that the Enterprise with it's cloaking capabilities and the incredible weapon that causes people to turn into dust as shown in the first scene in the Romulan senate (which reminds me a lot of the Roman senate). It is a wonder though that the Federation has up till now not discovered the secrets of cloaking that the Romulans seems to have had for ages or at least a method of detecting a cloaked craft.
The movie also reminded me why I used to follow the ST:TNG when it first started and also why I stopped. Cool ships and the display of opening mechanical weapons are only interesting the first few times. After that, it's same ol', same ol'.
But, I enjoyed it cause I haven't seen all those cool things for so long. :)
Happily walking out of the cinema and into my car before I reaslised that I've lost my parking ticket.
Yessiree Bob! It's gone.
I'm so mad with myself.
Stupido! Imbecile!
Why didn't you listen to that little voice in your head that told you not to take the ticket with you when you were getting out of the car?!
As usual, whenever I second guess myself, the outcome is usually bad.
I had to pay RM20 to get out of the parking.
Nemesis is really costing me a lot of money just to watch it. First - I forgot my wallet. And now - lost my ticket! This money has costed me RM32; including movie ticket fee excluding the requisite popcorn and coke.
Just when I thought things are beginning to go well, something has to happen.
Nevermind the detour to MidValley when I thought I couldn't catch the 7pm at Sunway Pyramid. Wanted to watch it in Pyramid cause it's closer to home and earlier as well but got out of work late so couldn't make it.
Nevermind the jam that I had to go through which cause made me do another detour in an attempt to beat it.
Nevermind the wrong turn that took me right back into the jam that I was trying to avoid.
The cinemaonline site says that the movie's suppose to start at 8pm but is actually starts at 8.30pm so I have to kill some time walking around aimlessly.
Nevermind all that cause I got to watch the movie in the end. Star Trek - Nemesis.
I won't say that I was dissappointed cause I wasn't. I quite like the show. Shinzon's ship is just so much cooler and menacing that the Enterprise with it's cloaking capabilities and the incredible weapon that causes people to turn into dust as shown in the first scene in the Romulan senate (which reminds me a lot of the Roman senate). It is a wonder though that the Federation has up till now not discovered the secrets of cloaking that the Romulans seems to have had for ages or at least a method of detecting a cloaked craft.
The movie also reminded me why I used to follow the ST:TNG when it first started and also why I stopped. Cool ships and the display of opening mechanical weapons are only interesting the first few times. After that, it's same ol', same ol'.
But, I enjoyed it cause I haven't seen all those cool things for so long. :)
Happily walking out of the cinema and into my car before I reaslised that I've lost my parking ticket.
Yessiree Bob! It's gone.
I'm so mad with myself.
Stupido! Imbecile!
Why didn't you listen to that little voice in your head that told you not to take the ticket with you when you were getting out of the car?!
As usual, whenever I second guess myself, the outcome is usually bad.
I had to pay RM20 to get out of the parking.
Nemesis is really costing me a lot of money just to watch it. First - I forgot my wallet. And now - lost my ticket! This money has costed me RM32; including movie ticket fee excluding the requisite popcorn and coke.
Pictures from the Broadway & Operetta In Concert on Saturday night
There's a review of the concert in The Star yesterday.
There's a review of the concert in The Star yesterday.
Monday, March 31, 2003
the merry widow
It was a short (in terms of rehearsal time - only 5 weeks?) but tiring journey. Full of last minutes changes, new songs, new movements. Changes which lasted up until the last performance on Saturday night where we had to learn a song at 8.30pm with the show beginning at about 8.45pm.
What a crazy ride it was.
But it was good.
The attendance and audience energy was much better on the second night, which was open to the general public, than the audience on the first night, the corporate and VVIP audience. Actually the first night was kinda down putting, for me anyway, cause the audience was quite stone faced (Colin would probably say that's cause we're not doing our job well). We must have done much better on the second night cause the kind audience gave us a standing ovation. Thank you. :)
*sigh*
I was exhausted after the last night's performance. My running around Bangsar prior to performance time on both days probably didn't help any, of course. I bought tickets to watch the Actors at Work shows (Sat & Sun) by Bell Shakespeare's (quite enjoyable) when I went to watch Goldfish Tale. Also went for a Beginners Argentine Tango workshop by the visiting Ms. Gladys Fernandez and Ricardo Gallo at the new dance studio - Dance Space - after the Actors at Work show on Saturday before rushing to my own show. I really enjoyed the workshop; I think I might sign up for the lessons by Marguerite.
Marguerite's a really graceful lady who I'm told is already a granny. She certainly doesn't move like one. Nor does she look like one either. She has a body that any dancer would be envious of - all long limbs and really slim. I suspect that she was a ballerina when she was younger. Anyway, still thinking about whether I'm going to take lessons from her there cause it's quite pricey - RM100 per month. *yikes*
Oh yes! I almost forgot. The people from Tosca called on Friday ... I'm in! Yay! There's gonna send the scores and contract by post. So, I should get it sometime this week. :D
That means I have about quite a few more things to do.
WOW! Quite a number.
Hmmm ... there's nothing in my planner for the second half of the year yet. Dennis is still keen on getting me to dance in his show. Not sure if I want to do it cause he's stuff is so avant garde. I don't know shit about avant garde stuff. I think they're kinda weird. Will see what he has planned. If it's not too weird, I might do it. :)
It was a short (in terms of rehearsal time - only 5 weeks?) but tiring journey. Full of last minutes changes, new songs, new movements. Changes which lasted up until the last performance on Saturday night where we had to learn a song at 8.30pm with the show beginning at about 8.45pm.
What a crazy ride it was.
But it was good.
The attendance and audience energy was much better on the second night, which was open to the general public, than the audience on the first night, the corporate and VVIP audience. Actually the first night was kinda down putting, for me anyway, cause the audience was quite stone faced (Colin would probably say that's cause we're not doing our job well). We must have done much better on the second night cause the kind audience gave us a standing ovation. Thank you. :)
*sigh*
I was exhausted after the last night's performance. My running around Bangsar prior to performance time on both days probably didn't help any, of course. I bought tickets to watch the Actors at Work shows (Sat & Sun) by Bell Shakespeare's (quite enjoyable) when I went to watch Goldfish Tale. Also went for a Beginners Argentine Tango workshop by the visiting Ms. Gladys Fernandez and Ricardo Gallo at the new dance studio - Dance Space - after the Actors at Work show on Saturday before rushing to my own show. I really enjoyed the workshop; I think I might sign up for the lessons by Marguerite.
Marguerite's a really graceful lady who I'm told is already a granny. She certainly doesn't move like one. Nor does she look like one either. She has a body that any dancer would be envious of - all long limbs and really slim. I suspect that she was a ballerina when she was younger. Anyway, still thinking about whether I'm going to take lessons from her there cause it's quite pricey - RM100 per month. *yikes*
Oh yes! I almost forgot. The people from Tosca called on Friday ... I'm in! Yay! There's gonna send the scores and contract by post. So, I should get it sometime this week. :D
That means I have about quite a few more things to do.
- Marc Rochester's program on 14 April,
- In Line dance competition 25 & 26 April,
- The Phil's show for Kiwanis 24 May,
- The Phil's charity dinner at Maju Palace (if anyone's interested, email me for tickets and information),
- Tosca in July(?)
WOW! Quite a number.
Hmmm ... there's nothing in my planner for the second half of the year yet. Dennis is still keen on getting me to dance in his show. Not sure if I want to do it cause he's stuff is so avant garde. I don't know shit about avant garde stuff. I think they're kinda weird. Will see what he has planned. If it's not too weird, I might do it. :)
Thursday, March 27, 2003
one more rehearsal
Last rehearsal for The Merry Widow tomorrow. I'll be a tech run but we haven't done a full dress yet. Full dress was suppose to be tonight but it didn't happen. So, we might do that tomorrow as well.
Hopefully, we will have a run through with everyone ... and I do mean everyone. Soloist and choir; both. Haven't had that either. First we've seen of the Singaporean soloist was the tenor playing Danilou and the soprano who plays Valenciene during rehearsal tonight. The widow has yet to make her grand appearance.
I'm exhausted. It's gonna be another long rehearsal tomorrow. Thank goodness I'm taking leave on Friday. *phew*
Oh yes! My second submission to the Mirror Project has been approved! Yay!
Last rehearsal for The Merry Widow tomorrow. I'll be a tech run but we haven't done a full dress yet. Full dress was suppose to be tonight but it didn't happen. So, we might do that tomorrow as well.
Hopefully, we will have a run through with everyone ... and I do mean everyone. Soloist and choir; both. Haven't had that either. First we've seen of the Singaporean soloist was the tenor playing Danilou and the soprano who plays Valenciene during rehearsal tonight. The widow has yet to make her grand appearance.
I'm exhausted. It's gonna be another long rehearsal tomorrow. Thank goodness I'm taking leave on Friday. *phew*
Oh yes! My second submission to the Mirror Project has been approved! Yay!
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
artsy fartsy
A bit of an artsy fartsy this past few days. Went to the MPO on Friday to watch Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush with music conducted and composed by Carl Davis.
I thought it was just gonna be another orchestral performance but with a big screen in front of it. But I truly truly enjoyed it. Not just plain 'like it' but really liked it. Although, halfway through the movie I'd forgottend that it was being accompanied by a real life orchestra. Would definitely go watch it again if they're gonna do another one of this silent movie with music thing. The movie was really good. Much better even than some of the things that we see on our cinemas these days. There has been a lot of crap showing at the movies. And I don't remember Charlie Chaplin movies being so long. It was all of 96 minutes. Chaplin is a genius. I wonder where I can get my hands on more Chaplin movies. I remember they used to show it on the telly but that was pre-idiotic-make-no-sense-cencorship. They even censored 'Mind Your Language', c'mon! Thank you though for showing that series again. Hmmm ... I wonder how they'd show 'The Benny Hill Show' these days ... but I digress.
Next up, 'Spilt Gravy On Rice'. Award winning. 'nuff said.
Actually, I think I'll say something about it. It's no surprise why they won so many awards at the recent Cameronian Awards. The cast were strong, the set was brilliant and the lighting very well done. Plus, they were so funny! I laughed my head off.
Earlier today, went to watch 'The Goldfish Tale' cause Fang's in it. Thought I'd go support her on her debut performance. She was quite good in it. Not much can be said about her performance cause it was quite small but she did have a scene with another actress and she was really good in it.
NOW this show struck a chord cause I went through/am still going through what the role Seng (played by the toast of the local critics, Gavin Yap) went through. The need to runaway. To escape. To leave all the problems of family life and wanting to live your own life without the constant criticism by family members. Seng, I feel for you man!
Choong Chi-Ren, the playright, must have written this from his own experience. I guess it's a common enough experience by students returning from their overseas studies, having tasted the joys of independant living away from know-it-all and I'm-doing-what's-best-for-you parents, away from what they think is a problematic home life. He wrote about how we expect certain events will evoke sudden transformation in a person. About how this is so unrealistic. That people don't change overnight just because something happened. So true. And I know it's true as well that we shouldn't try escaping the problems but whenever something comes up again, you just can't help but rant and think about it. To get away.
To be able to think about it is my means of escape. That there is a possibility of getting away from it all. I cling to that possibility ... although I know that I'll probably never act on it. Knowing that that is no way of solving the problem.
... but I cling to it nonetheless.
It's my version of hope in Pandora's Box.
A bit of an artsy fartsy this past few days. Went to the MPO on Friday to watch Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush with music conducted and composed by Carl Davis.
I thought it was just gonna be another orchestral performance but with a big screen in front of it. But I truly truly enjoyed it. Not just plain 'like it' but really liked it. Although, halfway through the movie I'd forgottend that it was being accompanied by a real life orchestra. Would definitely go watch it again if they're gonna do another one of this silent movie with music thing. The movie was really good. Much better even than some of the things that we see on our cinemas these days. There has been a lot of crap showing at the movies. And I don't remember Charlie Chaplin movies being so long. It was all of 96 minutes. Chaplin is a genius. I wonder where I can get my hands on more Chaplin movies. I remember they used to show it on the telly but that was pre-idiotic-make-no-sense-cencorship. They even censored 'Mind Your Language', c'mon! Thank you though for showing that series again. Hmmm ... I wonder how they'd show 'The Benny Hill Show' these days ... but I digress.
Next up, 'Spilt Gravy On Rice'. Award winning. 'nuff said.
Actually, I think I'll say something about it. It's no surprise why they won so many awards at the recent Cameronian Awards. The cast were strong, the set was brilliant and the lighting very well done. Plus, they were so funny! I laughed my head off.
Earlier today, went to watch 'The Goldfish Tale' cause Fang's in it. Thought I'd go support her on her debut performance. She was quite good in it. Not much can be said about her performance cause it was quite small but she did have a scene with another actress and she was really good in it.
NOW this show struck a chord cause I went through/am still going through what the role Seng (played by the toast of the local critics, Gavin Yap) went through. The need to runaway. To escape. To leave all the problems of family life and wanting to live your own life without the constant criticism by family members. Seng, I feel for you man!
Choong Chi-Ren, the playright, must have written this from his own experience. I guess it's a common enough experience by students returning from their overseas studies, having tasted the joys of independant living away from know-it-all and I'm-doing-what's-best-for-you parents, away from what they think is a problematic home life. He wrote about how we expect certain events will evoke sudden transformation in a person. About how this is so unrealistic. That people don't change overnight just because something happened. So true. And I know it's true as well that we shouldn't try escaping the problems but whenever something comes up again, you just can't help but rant and think about it. To get away.
To be able to think about it is my means of escape. That there is a possibility of getting away from it all. I cling to that possibility ... although I know that I'll probably never act on it. Knowing that that is no way of solving the problem.
... but I cling to it nonetheless.
It's my version of hope in Pandora's Box.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Four weddings ... and hopefully no funerals
Well, the first wedding engagement that I have been invited to has come and gone. The first and the last one that I got the invite to that is. Actually, didn't even get an invitation card. She just called all of a sudden and asked if I could go to her wedding dinner. I didn't have anything scheduled and it would be nice to see her again. I haven't seen her for a long time. Last time I think was when I bumped into her on the streets of Sydney during my one month of bumming around Australia before coming home ... which means, it has been more that 4 years!
I have some pictures from the wedding dinner but I can't put it up yet cause I haven't been able to get my hands on the single workable machine in my house. My parents went up to Genting (they didn't tell me about it, just up and went) and therefore haven't seen hide nor hair of my sister either. And she wonders why we're suspicious of her coming back to stay. Now that she's got the car and laptop. Hmmph!
Anyway, will post it up as when I can.
The rest of the weddings are at the end of the year. Two in November, with all possibility of it being on the same night, and the last one in December.
So many weddings this year all of a sudden; when previously, I've not been invited to any. Well, not any of my friends anyway. None got married; that I know of.
I suppose being of a certain age, one should expect to receive wedding invitation to their friend's weddings. Mid twenties seems to be the favoured age for marriage. To start a family. To start a new phase in life. It's the time when you've had a few years of work in your belt, feel secure about your job, feel that you have some worth. Worthy enough to share that life with the another person; with your soul mate. To make the ultimate commitement. To click on the old ball and chain. Hee hee.
Ah ... it's all good when you've found the right person. Just hope that the parental units didn't take the jibes about me being next seriously. Yes, they knew the parents of the bride, which is how I got to know the bride as well. As I was saying, hope the don't get their hopes up, I don't see that happenning anytime soon ... or anytime at all.
Update: Pictures!
Well, the first wedding engagement that I have been invited to has come and gone. The first and the last one that I got the invite to that is. Actually, didn't even get an invitation card. She just called all of a sudden and asked if I could go to her wedding dinner. I didn't have anything scheduled and it would be nice to see her again. I haven't seen her for a long time. Last time I think was when I bumped into her on the streets of Sydney during my one month of bumming around Australia before coming home ... which means, it has been more that 4 years!
I have some pictures from the wedding dinner but I can't put it up yet cause I haven't been able to get my hands on the single workable machine in my house. My parents went up to Genting (they didn't tell me about it, just up and went) and therefore haven't seen hide nor hair of my sister either. And she wonders why we're suspicious of her coming back to stay. Now that she's got the car and laptop. Hmmph!
Anyway, will post it up as when I can.
The rest of the weddings are at the end of the year. Two in November, with all possibility of it being on the same night, and the last one in December.
So many weddings this year all of a sudden; when previously, I've not been invited to any. Well, not any of my friends anyway. None got married; that I know of.
I suppose being of a certain age, one should expect to receive wedding invitation to their friend's weddings. Mid twenties seems to be the favoured age for marriage. To start a family. To start a new phase in life. It's the time when you've had a few years of work in your belt, feel secure about your job, feel that you have some worth. Worthy enough to share that life with the another person; with your soul mate. To make the ultimate commitement. To click on the old ball and chain. Hee hee.
Ah ... it's all good when you've found the right person. Just hope that the parental units didn't take the jibes about me being next seriously. Yes, they knew the parents of the bride, which is how I got to know the bride as well. As I was saying, hope the don't get their hopes up, I don't see that happenning anytime soon ... or anytime at all.
Update: Pictures!
Thursday, March 20, 2003
moonbeam
Staging directions by Mr Phillip Chai is simply disasterous. It's all a mess but he seems to like it. Am feeling quite at a loss as to what we really are suppose to do on opening night. Hopefully the Malaysian-Singaporeans involved will do something about it this weekend.
Lew says he's gonna reject the offer for Natra - The Musical cause they only gave him an ensemble part and is only paying RM6000 for 4 months of work. Quite a low payout considering the number of hours they are requesting; 7pm-11pm weekdays and whole day weekends. I also know of one other guy who's gonna turn it down cause he got a role in Tosca and would rather do that to Natra. So two's out.
So, since his no longer doing Natra, Lew, now, has time to finally do the intermediate level of his Musical Theatre course; which he asked me to ask the rest of them from the Intro class if they were interested. Promised him that I'd send out an email but haven't done it yet. I'll go send one out now ... although, judging by what we went through in the Intro class, I would hazard a guess that a majority of them will not be interested.
Staging directions by Mr Phillip Chai is simply disasterous. It's all a mess but he seems to like it. Am feeling quite at a loss as to what we really are suppose to do on opening night. Hopefully the Malaysian-Singaporeans involved will do something about it this weekend.
Lew says he's gonna reject the offer for Natra - The Musical cause they only gave him an ensemble part and is only paying RM6000 for 4 months of work. Quite a low payout considering the number of hours they are requesting; 7pm-11pm weekdays and whole day weekends. I also know of one other guy who's gonna turn it down cause he got a role in Tosca and would rather do that to Natra. So two's out.
So, since his no longer doing Natra, Lew, now, has time to finally do the intermediate level of his Musical Theatre course; which he asked me to ask the rest of them from the Intro class if they were interested. Promised him that I'd send out an email but haven't done it yet. I'll go send one out now ... although, judging by what we went through in the Intro class, I would hazard a guess that a majority of them will not be interested.
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
just browsing
While awaiting someone else to finish their part before resuming with my work, I browsed ...
While awaiting someone else to finish their part before resuming with my work, I browsed ...
- Real life 'Face/Off'
I'm wondering how friends and families of the deceased would react. Also, will the face look the same once it's transplanted? If you had almost different bone structure from your donor, would you still look like your donor? Or would bone structure be one of the criteria when choosing a donor? - Indian-American Child Having Difficulty Finding Bicycle License Plate With His Name On It [The Onion - VOLUME 39 ISSUE 10]
I don't know what he's been complaining about. I've been searching for the past 25 years for a paraphanelia bearing the exact spelling of my name to no avail. Think I'll have to manufacture my own if I badly want one. Good luck kid!
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