*sigh*
marina, marina, why can't you just finish the part i asked you to do instead of moving on to something which i didn't ask you to do?
why are you doing that thing which i haven't asked you to do anyway?
how do you know to do those things?
it wasn't in my plan.
why are you doing it?
just finish the thing i asked!
it was suppose to have been completed last tuesday!
ARGHHHHH!!!!
Monday, September 16, 2002
what can i say? i was a bitch to my parents yesterday. papa asked for help with yahoo's email and saving attachments for mummy. i got really frustrated and it was evident in my voice cause i was talking as is reprimanding him for not being able show mom himself. dad's been using yahoo for the past few years. he's been saving attachments from his emails for the past few years. i cannot understand how he still hasn't grasped the concept of creating a fresh folder for mom and save it for her.
mummy said i was being an ingrate for acting the way i did. i agree. they've paid for my education. i should help them out when they ask me about thing like that but it's just so frustrating that papa can't seem to be able to use his laptop for merely placing files where ever whatever program he's using tells him to place it (ie. the default directory opened when you click 'save'). i have explained it to him again and again but he still can't seem to understand/remember(?)
and of course, mummy had to come up with a totally unrelated argument to compare capabilities when i asked papa why he wasn't able to solve the attachment saving thing for mummy. her argument was "well, you can't sew can you?"
"no! but i haven't been sewing for the past few years now have i?" I replied.
then i stood there and waited and guided her through her email retrieval and reading and deleting and finally logout. stood there cause i didn't want to climb up another flight of stairs yet again (it was the 3rd time!) just to be called in a few seconds to solve yet another 'problem' that might arise.
finally, i went back to watching the episode of sex and the city which i had on pause when the cry for help came.
mummy said i was being an ingrate for acting the way i did. i agree. they've paid for my education. i should help them out when they ask me about thing like that but it's just so frustrating that papa can't seem to be able to use his laptop for merely placing files where ever whatever program he's using tells him to place it (ie. the default directory opened when you click 'save'). i have explained it to him again and again but he still can't seem to understand/remember(?)
and of course, mummy had to come up with a totally unrelated argument to compare capabilities when i asked papa why he wasn't able to solve the attachment saving thing for mummy. her argument was "well, you can't sew can you?"
"no! but i haven't been sewing for the past few years now have i?" I replied.
then i stood there and waited and guided her through her email retrieval and reading and deleting and finally logout. stood there cause i didn't want to climb up another flight of stairs yet again (it was the 3rd time!) just to be called in a few seconds to solve yet another 'problem' that might arise.
finally, i went back to watching the episode of sex and the city which i had on pause when the cry for help came.
Saturday, September 14, 2002
friday the 13th
the day went pretty eventless.
same old frustration with the incapable programmer. frustration with my own program. being stood up once again by the client who was due in for a progress meeting.
the last one was a good thing cause there wasn't much progress going on. viewable progress anyway. some functional things were completed but nothing with an interface which the clients can go wow about. clients are all about interfaces. who cares about the functions. you show them a page and they go wow. tell them a function you've completed and they go *blank*. they are all about aesthetics.
anyway, the day was pretty eventless ... until
my windscreen cracked. then it kept cracking. and craking. more and more.
i was on my way to the 'seven deadly sins' practise when it happened. thankfully a guy in the motorbike (which i suspect was the same motorbike that passed me when the first crack happened) helped me knock out the glass so that I could the car home. nice guy.
but i didn't drive home. i went to practise instead; despite having called michael to say that i wasn't going earlier. i thought, since i have to go by that way to get home anyway, i might as well make a stop before heading home. practise was good except i still can't get my steps for one of the piece and also what michael said. He said, "... you're a beautiful dancer." then he paused. i can just hear the BUT coming soon. i don't remember his exact words but it goes something along the lines that he feels like i have something unresolved with movements. well, i know i don't have the step down pat, as yet but i know that wasn't what he meant.
he and the rest of the dancers in the group are those people who feel that there is something more to the dance/movement than just the dance. i am not. i just like it. if you've seen billy elliot, it's kinda like that. unexplainable. just simply 'electric'.
nothing deeper.
no fancy pansy explanations.
just the simple feeling of 'like'.
i like it. period.
the day went pretty eventless.
same old frustration with the incapable programmer. frustration with my own program. being stood up once again by the client who was due in for a progress meeting.
the last one was a good thing cause there wasn't much progress going on. viewable progress anyway. some functional things were completed but nothing with an interface which the clients can go wow about. clients are all about interfaces. who cares about the functions. you show them a page and they go wow. tell them a function you've completed and they go *blank*. they are all about aesthetics.
anyway, the day was pretty eventless ... until
my windscreen cracked. then it kept cracking. and craking. more and more.
i was on my way to the 'seven deadly sins' practise when it happened. thankfully a guy in the motorbike (which i suspect was the same motorbike that passed me when the first crack happened) helped me knock out the glass so that I could the car home. nice guy.
but i didn't drive home. i went to practise instead; despite having called michael to say that i wasn't going earlier. i thought, since i have to go by that way to get home anyway, i might as well make a stop before heading home. practise was good except i still can't get my steps for one of the piece and also what michael said. He said, "... you're a beautiful dancer." then he paused. i can just hear the BUT coming soon. i don't remember his exact words but it goes something along the lines that he feels like i have something unresolved with movements. well, i know i don't have the step down pat, as yet but i know that wasn't what he meant.
he and the rest of the dancers in the group are those people who feel that there is something more to the dance/movement than just the dance. i am not. i just like it. if you've seen billy elliot, it's kinda like that. unexplainable. just simply 'electric'.
nothing deeper.
no fancy pansy explanations.
just the simple feeling of 'like'.
i like it. period.
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
ice-cream and pancake
i had ice-cream with pancake for breakfast today. yup. you heard me right. ice-cream with pancake not pancake with ice-cream. the pancake accompanies the ice-cream which is the main focus of the meal.
the pancake did start off as the focus of breakfast.
i was gonna just take it and eat it on the go. that was until mom asked the question which changed everything ...
the ice-cream was brought out and quickly took center stage.
it made me even later for work that i already was. but it was all worth it.
ice-cream for breakfast.
mmmm ... yum.
i had ice-cream with pancake for breakfast today. yup. you heard me right. ice-cream with pancake not pancake with ice-cream. the pancake accompanies the ice-cream which is the main focus of the meal.
the pancake did start off as the focus of breakfast.
i was gonna just take it and eat it on the go. that was until mom asked the question which changed everything ...
"Would you like ice-cream with that?"
the ice-cream was brought out and quickly took center stage.
it made me even later for work that i already was. but it was all worth it.
ice-cream for breakfast.
mmmm ... yum.
Sunday, September 08, 2002
Haven't been doing much but attending dance practise after dance practise after work so nothing interesting to talk about. Stayed up late for the past two nights watching the Sex and the City VCDs that I'd bought. I'm just completed the second season and hopefully will watch the third season when I get home later. Going to watch '3 soprano's + 1' later tonight ... complimentary tickets, courtesy of the organisers for the committees of the Sel Phil. :)
Anyway, here's a write up of the dance that I'm doing for Actor's Studio. If anyone of you are interested, do come and support and also, you'll be able to see this blogger live in the flesh and then you can tell me how badly I suck in the dance.
22 Sept only, 8:30 pm, The Actors Studio Box
MyDance Alliance and The Actors Studio present Michael Xavier Voon & Ensemble in "Seven Deadly Sins (according to Gandhi)". Be prepared to welcome all raw dancers with a sin-tillating and insightful look into the 7 Deadly Sins according to Gandhi. Featuring new and never-before-seen works of Michael on brave new movers, this should be a must-see on your 'never-2-b-missed' date. This is Michael's first full dance repertory in 6 years. The theme will play with traits Ghandi feel are most spiritually perilous versus beneficial to humanity : * Wealth without Work * Pleasure without Conscience * Science without Humanity* Knowledge without Character * Politics without Principle * Worship without Sacrifice * Commerce without Morality..........
-----------------------------
The idea for the theme came about from a class assignment Michael gave to his digital design students in college. Through the years, the topic of the 7 Cardinal Sins evolved to include the 7 Contrary Virtues (contrary to the Deadly Sins), Seven Heavenly Virtues, Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and lastly, the 7 Deadly Sins according to Gandhi:
* Wealth without Work
* Pleasure without Conscience
* Science without Humanity
* Knowledge without Character
* Politics without Principle
* Worship without Sacrifice
* Commerce without Morality
Working with Seven Deadly Sins at Actors Studio Box allows 7 pieces of dances to revolve around both positive and negative issues; thus, 14 possibilities in all. While some of the topics may be dark in nature, most of the other pieces are very much on the lighter side - with some 'tongue-in-cheek' and naughty humour thrown in.
Among the genres of styles reflected in the dance works include from ethnic to contemporary, from modern to jazz, and from soft rock to improvisation. Amongst the music artists used are Cliff Richard (pop ballad), William Ackerman (new age), John Cage (modern), Asiabeat (ethnic jazz fusion), The Proclaimers (pop rock), Tony O'Connor (world music), Handel (classical) and Kate Bush (pop cult),
The show will introduce mostly raw performers to give them an opportunity to dance. All featured dancers are fresh talents whose contributions come from their pure passion for movement. Michael also hopes to present varied dance forms that audiences can be re-exposed to - emphasising on simplicity of structure and audience accessibility.
Along with the performance, a few talented CENFAD students will display their digital art versions of the Seven Sins or Seven Virtues on the foyer.
Performers:
Anitha Abdul Hamid, Cal lista Chuah (me!), Joan Chan, Dennis Leong, Margaret Wong, Nicole Ann Thomas, Steffi Lund, Sueann Tilaka, Sara Thong, Melissa Wong & Michael Xavier Voon.
Anyway, here's a write up of the dance that I'm doing for Actor's Studio. If anyone of you are interested, do come and support and also, you'll be able to see this blogger live in the flesh and then you can tell me how badly I suck in the dance.
Michael Xavier Voon featuring Fresh Dancers
in
"SEVEN DEADLY SINS"
22 Sept only, 8:30 pm, The Actors Studio Box
MyDance Alliance and The Actors Studio present Michael Xavier Voon & Ensemble in "Seven Deadly Sins (according to Gandhi)". Be prepared to welcome all raw dancers with a sin-tillating and insightful look into the 7 Deadly Sins according to Gandhi. Featuring new and never-before-seen works of Michael on brave new movers, this should be a must-see on your 'never-2-b-missed' date. This is Michael's first full dance repertory in 6 years. The theme will play with traits Ghandi feel are most spiritually perilous versus beneficial to humanity : * Wealth without Work * Pleasure without Conscience * Science without Humanity* Knowledge without Character * Politics without Principle * Worship without Sacrifice * Commerce without Morality..........
-----------------------------
The idea for the theme came about from a class assignment Michael gave to his digital design students in college. Through the years, the topic of the 7 Cardinal Sins evolved to include the 7 Contrary Virtues (contrary to the Deadly Sins), Seven Heavenly Virtues, Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and lastly, the 7 Deadly Sins according to Gandhi:
* Wealth without Work
* Pleasure without Conscience
* Science without Humanity
* Knowledge without Character
* Politics without Principle
* Worship without Sacrifice
* Commerce without Morality
Working with Seven Deadly Sins at Actors Studio Box allows 7 pieces of dances to revolve around both positive and negative issues; thus, 14 possibilities in all. While some of the topics may be dark in nature, most of the other pieces are very much on the lighter side - with some 'tongue-in-cheek' and naughty humour thrown in.
Among the genres of styles reflected in the dance works include from ethnic to contemporary, from modern to jazz, and from soft rock to improvisation. Amongst the music artists used are Cliff Richard (pop ballad), William Ackerman (new age), John Cage (modern), Asiabeat (ethnic jazz fusion), The Proclaimers (pop rock), Tony O'Connor (world music), Handel (classical) and Kate Bush (pop cult),
The show will introduce mostly raw performers to give them an opportunity to dance. All featured dancers are fresh talents whose contributions come from their pure passion for movement. Michael also hopes to present varied dance forms that audiences can be re-exposed to - emphasising on simplicity of structure and audience accessibility.
Along with the performance, a few talented CENFAD students will display their digital art versions of the Seven Sins or Seven Virtues on the foyer.
Performers:
Anitha Abdul Hamid, Cal lista Chuah (me!), Joan Chan, Dennis Leong, Margaret Wong, Nicole Ann Thomas, Steffi Lund, Sueann Tilaka, Sara Thong, Melissa Wong & Michael Xavier Voon.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
pop star wedding
Weird dream last night. I dreamt that an ex-classmate of mine was marrying Justin Timberlake of N' Sync. Thing is, this ex-classmate, I haven't seen her since we left high school. That's not true, I've seen her once and said hi but she totally dissed me. Anyway, in the dream, it was her wedding day, somehow or rather, I was invited. She came to me and said she needed to just hang out with a friend for a moment. I'm thinking where the heck are the rest of her friends?
So, we just sat for awhile.
Then as I was walking towards a gate, I saw the rest of the N' Sync members with their dates. They were dressed in jeans and cowboy hats, kinda like in one of their videos, I don't remember which. "Odd way to dress for a wedding", I thought to myself. As we came closer, I waved at JC - something that I probably would never ever do to a stranger, except if they were kids in a car looking out the window.
To my surprise, he game over (sans date), hugged me, greeted me as if we were friends (called me by my name and all) and flirted a little. I played along although a still little surprised. Then his date came over and he introduced us. She looked at me spitefully(?) as if I'm trying to steal her date or something.
Then as JC started leaving to join the rest of the band, she lagged behind and said "I know all about you." Me - a little confused. "I've seen you a around and at Nouvo." said she. All this in a you-stay-away-from-my-man-you-man-stealing-bitch tone. Me, in total shock yelled back, "But I don't party!" She left me standing there feeling really confused. Maybe they had mistaken me for someone else. But that why would that person have my name? Do I have a Jeckle and Hyde split personality?
I was awaken at the point by my mom's call.
What a weird, weird dream. Why would I be dreaming of an ex-classmate who dissed me and whom I haven't seen in an age? Why N' Sync?! Don't mind the JC part but the rest left me with a big fat "HUH?"
Weird dream last night. I dreamt that an ex-classmate of mine was marrying Justin Timberlake of N' Sync. Thing is, this ex-classmate, I haven't seen her since we left high school. That's not true, I've seen her once and said hi but she totally dissed me. Anyway, in the dream, it was her wedding day, somehow or rather, I was invited. She came to me and said she needed to just hang out with a friend for a moment. I'm thinking where the heck are the rest of her friends?
So, we just sat for awhile.
Then as I was walking towards a gate, I saw the rest of the N' Sync members with their dates. They were dressed in jeans and cowboy hats, kinda like in one of their videos, I don't remember which. "Odd way to dress for a wedding", I thought to myself. As we came closer, I waved at JC - something that I probably would never ever do to a stranger, except if they were kids in a car looking out the window.
To my surprise, he game over (sans date), hugged me, greeted me as if we were friends (called me by my name and all) and flirted a little. I played along although a still little surprised. Then his date came over and he introduced us. She looked at me spitefully(?) as if I'm trying to steal her date or something.
Then as JC started leaving to join the rest of the band, she lagged behind and said "I know all about you." Me - a little confused. "I've seen you a around and at Nouvo." said she. All this in a you-stay-away-from-my-man-you-man-stealing-bitch tone. Me, in total shock yelled back, "But I don't party!" She left me standing there feeling really confused. Maybe they had mistaken me for someone else. But that why would that person have my name? Do I have a Jeckle and Hyde split personality?
I was awaken at the point by my mom's call.
What a weird, weird dream. Why would I be dreaming of an ex-classmate who dissed me and whom I haven't seen in an age? Why N' Sync?! Don't mind the JC part but the rest left me with a big fat "HUH?"
[ BUG/VIRUS ALERT ] Multiple vulnerabilities for the Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators
Madrid, September 4, 2002 -- Cisco has reported -at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/vpn3k-multiple-vuln-pub.shtml - the existence of 13 security problems in Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators(*).
The vulnerabilities are diverse and some could allow unauthorized access to the network, password disclosure, or be exploited to initiate a denial of service attack. The roblems affect various functionalities of the Cisco VPN 3000 concentrators and do not affect all versions. The Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators affected by these vulnerabilities includes models 3005, 3015, 3030, 3060, 3080 and the Cisco VPN 3002 Hardware Client.
Full details on these vulnerabilities, the products affected and the patches available can be consulted in Cisco's security advisory at: http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/vpn3k-multiple-vuln-pub.shtml
(*) The Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators are a family of purpose-built, remote access Virtual Private Network (VPN) platforms for data encryption and authentication.
- Bug/Virus alert was taken from Panda Software's mailing list
Madrid, September 4, 2002 -- Cisco has reported -at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/vpn3k-multiple-vuln-pub.shtml - the existence of 13 security problems in Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators(*).
The vulnerabilities are diverse and some could allow unauthorized access to the network, password disclosure, or be exploited to initiate a denial of service attack. The roblems affect various functionalities of the Cisco VPN 3000 concentrators and do not affect all versions. The Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators affected by these vulnerabilities includes models 3005, 3015, 3030, 3060, 3080 and the Cisco VPN 3002 Hardware Client.
Full details on these vulnerabilities, the products affected and the patches available can be consulted in Cisco's security advisory at: http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/vpn3k-multiple-vuln-pub.shtml
(*) The Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators are a family of purpose-built, remote access Virtual Private Network (VPN) platforms for data encryption and authentication.
- Bug/Virus alert was taken from Panda Software's mailing list
Monday, September 02, 2002
Tired. Oh so tired. I can feel a slight headache rearing it's ugly head even as I write and it's bound to escalate should I remain awake ... which I have to cause I have choir and dance practise later. Since they overlap, I'd have to decide which I'm going for soon. The census right now is to head for the dance practise cause the performance is in less than 3 weeks and I have yet to imprint the steps into memory. Plus, there's one more dance that I still have to learn.
Yesterday's photo shoot for the performance was a disaster - at least for our group. Not sure if the photographer got anything which may pass off as a dance piece from our group. I'm quite sure MXV wasn't at all prepared for the way the photographers wanted to take the pictures. In fact, the whole group didn't expect that it would be taken that way - with everyone doing their piece and the photographers clicking away on their digital cameras, all of us thought we've just pose and they click . Which is another thing that surprised me. Looks like even professional photographers are using digital now. Bye bye films, hello memory cards.
Right. So I think I'm decided. I'll go for dance practise. Which means I'll have to leave now cause practise is in 50 minutes and the federal highway is never predictable and I might need all of those 50 minutes to get there. Ciao miao.
Yesterday's photo shoot for the performance was a disaster - at least for our group. Not sure if the photographer got anything which may pass off as a dance piece from our group. I'm quite sure MXV wasn't at all prepared for the way the photographers wanted to take the pictures. In fact, the whole group didn't expect that it would be taken that way - with everyone doing their piece and the photographers clicking away on their digital cameras, all of us thought we've just pose and they click . Which is another thing that surprised me. Looks like even professional photographers are using digital now. Bye bye films, hello memory cards.
Right. So I think I'm decided. I'll go for dance practise. Which means I'll have to leave now cause practise is in 50 minutes and the federal highway is never predictable and I might need all of those 50 minutes to get there. Ciao miao.
Friday, August 30, 2002
I have been such an absolute slacker. Skipped squash training on Tuesday, didn't go for dance practise when my partner called for a practise session, skipped the Sept dance show's practise, didn't finish much at work today. Did manage to get the thing that was driving me nuts last night to work this morning though, so I did accomplish something. What else did I slack off? Hmmm ... my adequacy article which I've skipped for months and months. My blog.
Well, about the blog, there really isn't much to blog about when all you do it oh so routine. Especially when it's mostly work, work, work. Can't really just post up "Worked!" and be done can I? Rather just skip the whole posting if it was just that. Plus, I might pity myself should I read those later in life ... of how boring I was (I hope it's gonna be an 'I was' instead of a 'I still am') *fingers crossed*
Oh yes, finally talked to Brian over the phone. Brian's a guy I first chatted with back in 96, if I'm not mistaken. We're been emailing each other occasionally (occasionally cause it sometimes takes me weeks or even months before I actually replies his emails) over the past few years and he called on Monday. He sounds like a nice person. Well, even know we've 'known' each other for such a long time. I must say I still have no idea what sort of person he is. I guess, emails are just not effective enough in trying to get to know a person. Face-to-face meets are still more effective. My opinion anyways. I mean, I think my virtual persona is a tinge different from my real life's. Can't help it, the idea of the other party living far far away with an extreme chance that the two will ever meet kinda makes it somewhat easier to blurt out things that you might not have had you met them in real life. Is it just me? Maybe but that's me. *shrugs*
Well, about the blog, there really isn't much to blog about when all you do it oh so routine. Especially when it's mostly work, work, work. Can't really just post up "Worked!" and be done can I? Rather just skip the whole posting if it was just that. Plus, I might pity myself should I read those later in life ... of how boring I was (I hope it's gonna be an 'I was' instead of a 'I still am') *fingers crossed*
Oh yes, finally talked to Brian over the phone. Brian's a guy I first chatted with back in 96, if I'm not mistaken. We're been emailing each other occasionally (occasionally cause it sometimes takes me weeks or even months before I actually replies his emails) over the past few years and he called on Monday. He sounds like a nice person. Well, even know we've 'known' each other for such a long time. I must say I still have no idea what sort of person he is. I guess, emails are just not effective enough in trying to get to know a person. Face-to-face meets are still more effective. My opinion anyways. I mean, I think my virtual persona is a tinge different from my real life's. Can't help it, the idea of the other party living far far away with an extreme chance that the two will ever meet kinda makes it somewhat easier to blurt out things that you might not have had you met them in real life. Is it just me? Maybe but that's me. *shrugs*
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Monday, August 26, 2002
o sole mio ...
Well, nobody sang that but when there was only one, a single, uno, male singer competing in the classical category, did I really expect to hear that? Of course not. And I didn't. All the songs were great. From the solos from the classical category and the contemporary category to the songs sung by the groups. Some sung very well and some ... not so well. I wouldn't say they were horrible, who am I to critise when I don't have the guts to enter it myself? :)
Have to say that I didn't agree with the end result of the competition. Especially in the classical category. I totally do not agree that Gan Lisan, the second place winner should even get a place. She wasn't bad but she just wasn't good. The song she sang, 'Art is calling for you', is so unsuitable for her. The song's character is suppose to be for a diva and she was so not diva! Hello! She looked bewildered more likely than diva looking and her movements were limitted to to palms cupped low and sometimes the left hand would separate and move towards the side. ??? Anyway, didn't think the guy who won top placing should have won first as well. He was good. I personnally would have given him the third placing and the first placing going to either Evelyn (who got third) or Janet, someone who the judges totally dismissed to be replaced with the oh-so-lacking-in-stage presense Lisan. Yes. I'm being mean again. :P
I'm quite happy with the result of the contemporary section. Kathleen who won top prize was excellent. Didn't manage to watch her second piece though cause I was busy bringing the next contestant backstage to prepare. Heard she was having lots of fun flirting with the judges. :) Good onya, Kath!
The group section was okay with two of the groups lead by a member of the phil winning 1st and 2nd. Not sure if I agree with the third placing - Fancy Poultry (what a name!). Heard their first piece entitled 'Cailin Og' which ended as soon as it started. Yes, it was that short. Plus I couldn't hear what they were singing. It sounded really odd. Their second song must have been their saving grace cause I heard that they did very well for that. So, I guess, it's okay that they got third then.
On the production and organisation side, Cris really missed out on some things. Firstly, we needed tickets so that we can identify who's paid and who hasn't. I suggested that they use the society's stamp as a substitute since we don't really have any other choice but to prevent people who've paid from going out of the hall. Of course, since I've suggested it, I had the 'honour' of stamping everyone with the society's stamp which read 'Property of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor'. Yups, everyone belonged to us for the entire 4 hours of the competition. :)
Secondly, Cris wanted the contestants to come in from backstage. Fine ... but, she didn't tell the contestants about it. Told her to announce it after the first contestant went finished but for some reason, she just doesn't want to. Not that she forgot cause I was there jumping and telling her to announce it but she just didn't want to do it. I still don't know why. So, I told her that I'll take the contestants backstage. Left the task of stamping people to Susan who was in charge of collecting entrance fee and began the escort service.
A very good turnout for a first competition, I think. Maybe we'll do it again next year and maybe in another hall cause this one was quite small and warm ... someone increased the temperature to 26 degrees celcius. That's warm for a small hall with lots of people.
Well, nobody sang that but when there was only one, a single, uno, male singer competing in the classical category, did I really expect to hear that? Of course not. And I didn't. All the songs were great. From the solos from the classical category and the contemporary category to the songs sung by the groups. Some sung very well and some ... not so well. I wouldn't say they were horrible, who am I to critise when I don't have the guts to enter it myself? :)
Have to say that I didn't agree with the end result of the competition. Especially in the classical category. I totally do not agree that Gan Lisan, the second place winner should even get a place. She wasn't bad but she just wasn't good. The song she sang, 'Art is calling for you', is so unsuitable for her. The song's character is suppose to be for a diva and she was so not diva! Hello! She looked bewildered more likely than diva looking and her movements were limitted to to palms cupped low and sometimes the left hand would separate and move towards the side. ??? Anyway, didn't think the guy who won top placing should have won first as well. He was good. I personnally would have given him the third placing and the first placing going to either Evelyn (who got third) or Janet, someone who the judges totally dismissed to be replaced with the oh-so-lacking-in-stage presense Lisan. Yes. I'm being mean again. :P
I'm quite happy with the result of the contemporary section. Kathleen who won top prize was excellent. Didn't manage to watch her second piece though cause I was busy bringing the next contestant backstage to prepare. Heard she was having lots of fun flirting with the judges. :) Good onya, Kath!
The group section was okay with two of the groups lead by a member of the phil winning 1st and 2nd. Not sure if I agree with the third placing - Fancy Poultry (what a name!). Heard their first piece entitled 'Cailin Og' which ended as soon as it started. Yes, it was that short. Plus I couldn't hear what they were singing. It sounded really odd. Their second song must have been their saving grace cause I heard that they did very well for that. So, I guess, it's okay that they got third then.
On the production and organisation side, Cris really missed out on some things. Firstly, we needed tickets so that we can identify who's paid and who hasn't. I suggested that they use the society's stamp as a substitute since we don't really have any other choice but to prevent people who've paid from going out of the hall. Of course, since I've suggested it, I had the 'honour' of stamping everyone with the society's stamp which read 'Property of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor'. Yups, everyone belonged to us for the entire 4 hours of the competition. :)
Secondly, Cris wanted the contestants to come in from backstage. Fine ... but, she didn't tell the contestants about it. Told her to announce it after the first contestant went finished but for some reason, she just doesn't want to. Not that she forgot cause I was there jumping and telling her to announce it but she just didn't want to do it. I still don't know why. So, I told her that I'll take the contestants backstage. Left the task of stamping people to Susan who was in charge of collecting entrance fee and began the escort service.
A very good turnout for a first competition, I think. Maybe we'll do it again next year and maybe in another hall cause this one was quite small and warm ... someone increased the temperature to 26 degrees celcius. That's warm for a small hall with lots of people.
Thursday, August 22, 2002
Bought the whole set of Sex and the City. Seasons 1, 2 and 3. 4 and 5's not out yet which is why I didn't buy them. The whole thing cost me RM57. The VCD lady gave me a RM2 discount. Quality of the VCD's pretty good except they come with subtitles. I don't like subtitle if I actually understand the language. Plus this one wasn't really subtitles but more like the script. It was whatever they were saying. Why's that there? Are they afraid that we wouldn't understand the accent? Odd.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Paintball on Sunday was good. Our team won all games but one, the one where they only had to grab one of the two flags. And I think that was about the only time the other team manage to get a flag. The were a bunch of cowards. All hiding behind the barrels and coverings and just plopping their guns out to shoot aimlessly. Which of course, worked to our advantage but it gets boring after awhile.
Especially for my position.
I was covering one of their flag, so that they won't be able to get it. There I was, aiming everywhere near the flag, there's usually someone behind the barrel near that flag but they never tried for it. So, I'd get bored and start shooting the other end of the field. At least that gave me something to do and something to shoot at.
I got shot several times. Once on my gun, on the mask, one each on the left and right calf (I've got bruises!) and once on my stomach. The stomach shot shouldn't be there anyway cause I was at home base to touch it before going out again after being shot. You aren't suppose to shoot at people at the home base or even people who have their arms high up in the air after being shot! Maybe the other team didn't understand the rules. Maybe didn't see due to all their hiding. Maybe they were just a bunch of cheating pussies. Whatever the reason, we still won. :)
Especially for my position.
I was covering one of their flag, so that they won't be able to get it. There I was, aiming everywhere near the flag, there's usually someone behind the barrel near that flag but they never tried for it. So, I'd get bored and start shooting the other end of the field. At least that gave me something to do and something to shoot at.
I got shot several times. Once on my gun, on the mask, one each on the left and right calf (I've got bruises!) and once on my stomach. The stomach shot shouldn't be there anyway cause I was at home base to touch it before going out again after being shot. You aren't suppose to shoot at people at the home base or even people who have their arms high up in the air after being shot! Maybe the other team didn't understand the rules. Maybe didn't see due to all their hiding. Maybe they were just a bunch of cheating pussies. Whatever the reason, we still won. :)
Friday, August 16, 2002
Help wanted!
I need a topic to write for my Dateline: Malaysia column in adequacy.net. Haven't submitted a new column for months now; which probably explains why my article is at the bottom of the list. Someone please suggest me something. Anything and everything will be considered.
Thank you.
I need a topic to write for my Dateline: Malaysia column in adequacy.net. Haven't submitted a new column for months now; which probably explains why my article is at the bottom of the list. Someone please suggest me something. Anything and everything will be considered.
Thank you.
I need a dictionary just to read moby's blog. The words he uses. Man! How does he know all those words? Does he, like Rory from Gilmore Girls, study the dictionary? Or is it just me and my lack of vocabulary? Maybe I need to try reading the dictionary sometimes.
Anyway, new word learnt from senor moby (for my anyway), is vitriol. In his context, I guess he meant 'bitterly abusive feeling or expression'.
The three stooges here is getting really excited over the paintball game that we're going for this Sunday. They've been planning tacticals and all that. Haha ... so serious. Can't help but laugh at them whenever I hear them talking about it. Somehow they've gotten it into their little heads that I'm super fit and therefore will be one of the runner gunning for the flags. Geez! And here I was just hoping to not get shot just as soon as I the game begins. This should prove to be an interesting Sunday. Ooo! Which reminds me. I need a long sleeved t-shirt for Sunday. I don't have any yet. Must go out for it tomorrow then.
Anyway, new word learnt from senor moby (for my anyway), is vitriol. In his context, I guess he meant 'bitterly abusive feeling or expression'.
The three stooges here is getting really excited over the paintball game that we're going for this Sunday. They've been planning tacticals and all that. Haha ... so serious. Can't help but laugh at them whenever I hear them talking about it. Somehow they've gotten it into their little heads that I'm super fit and therefore will be one of the runner gunning for the flags. Geez! And here I was just hoping to not get shot just as soon as I the game begins. This should prove to be an interesting Sunday. Ooo! Which reminds me. I need a long sleeved t-shirt for Sunday. I don't have any yet. Must go out for it tomorrow then.
Wednesday, August 14, 2002
what's in a name?
wooo ... that's eerie. Sounds a lot like me! Does a name really affect who you turn out to be? Does your name reflect who you are?
Callista
Your name of Callista creates an intense desire for association with people and new experiences, many of which have been rather bitter. This name has given you a gregarious personality and a quick-thinking, creative, and versatile nature, but one that is unstable emotionally. You desire change and travel and would enjoy opportunities that allowed you to be creative and to act independently, rather than to conform to system and routine. However, this name does not allow you to complete your undertakings, as farther fields always look greener. Although you may appear confident and positive, you actually lack confidence and feel self-conscious at times. This name spoils patience and depth of thought, and weakens your stand in matters of principle. You are too open to suggestion, and thus you could become involved in detrimental associations which could lead you into by-paths of thrill-seeking or emotional indulgence. Any weakness in your health would appear in the fluid functions as kidney, bladder, or circulatory problems. or in a sensitivity affecting your stomach.
wooo ... that's eerie. Sounds a lot like me! Does a name really affect who you turn out to be? Does your name reflect who you are?
Monday, August 12, 2002
the affair of the necklace
I bought this book a few months back and only managed to read it two days ago. I must say that I am quite dissappointed with it. Everything seemed so vague and surface. Character developement is almost at a minimum. I cannot find it in me to feel compassion for the cause of Jeanne de la Motte-Valoise (the protagonist) nor the hate widely corrupt Cardinal Rohan. The story is nice enough but I felt that it should have had more depth. More explanation, more feelings, ... just MORE.
Maybe the movie was better but I have not been able to find it anywhere. None of the pirates here knows the show. Nobody seems to have heard about it. Granted, it is not a blockbuster hit but to not have a single soul that I know hear about this movie/book before is quite remarkable to me. Makes me wonder how I got interested in this book in the first place.
I bought this book a few months back and only managed to read it two days ago. I must say that I am quite dissappointed with it. Everything seemed so vague and surface. Character developement is almost at a minimum. I cannot find it in me to feel compassion for the cause of Jeanne de la Motte-Valoise (the protagonist) nor the hate widely corrupt Cardinal Rohan. The story is nice enough but I felt that it should have had more depth. More explanation, more feelings, ... just MORE.
Maybe the movie was better but I have not been able to find it anywhere. None of the pirates here knows the show. Nobody seems to have heard about it. Granted, it is not a blockbuster hit but to not have a single soul that I know hear about this movie/book before is quite remarkable to me. Makes me wonder how I got interested in this book in the first place.
Tuesday, August 06, 2002
new dance project
So, last night I went to the Actor's Studio Academy to meet Michael Voon and to attend the dance practise for the project he's planning. There wasn't any audition or anything. You just go and you're in! I'm quite surprised. I walk into the studio, introduced myself and he handed me a maternity dress asked me to try it on and climb onto Shaun's (one of the dancers there) shoulder. Huh?
Anyway, the session was quite good. Everyone seems to be impressed with my 'technique'. I didn't even know I had 'technique'! I don't remember being taught technique when I was studying ballet, Plus, the last time I did ballet was 10 years ago.
However, the balletic movement is still with me. Which is a cause of some frustration for me. Why? Well, Michael originally wanted my to start by doing a four count run into the center of the stage. So, I ran. Too balletically (is that a word?). He wanted a happy child run and here I am pointing my toes and all. Urgh! Why can't I run normally? Told him I'd work on it but in the end he changed it. Now, I'm skipping.
Should be pretty cool. Project is scheduled to open September 21. Doesn't give us a lot of time does it. *fingers crossed*
So, last night I went to the Actor's Studio Academy to meet Michael Voon and to attend the dance practise for the project he's planning. There wasn't any audition or anything. You just go and you're in! I'm quite surprised. I walk into the studio, introduced myself and he handed me a maternity dress asked me to try it on and climb onto Shaun's (one of the dancers there) shoulder. Huh?
Anyway, the session was quite good. Everyone seems to be impressed with my 'technique'. I didn't even know I had 'technique'! I don't remember being taught technique when I was studying ballet, Plus, the last time I did ballet was 10 years ago.
However, the balletic movement is still with me. Which is a cause of some frustration for me. Why? Well, Michael originally wanted my to start by doing a four count run into the center of the stage. So, I ran. Too balletically (is that a word?). He wanted a happy child run and here I am pointing my toes and all. Urgh! Why can't I run normally? Told him I'd work on it but in the end he changed it. Now, I'm skipping.
Should be pretty cool. Project is scheduled to open September 21. Doesn't give us a lot of time does it. *fingers crossed*
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