My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Chinese (# 1-5)

#1. Over The Rainbow - at17
Genre - Folk Pop
From Over The Rainbow Vol. 1 (Jul 16, 2008)

at17's best song to date. It delivers a strong wave of positive energy on a bad day. There's always a ray of hope at the end of the day, even in the worst possible scenario. Every aspect of the song is perfect. Ellen and Eman's interwining harmonic voices, the lush of string and brass back-up, it just paints a bright picture and brings a warm smile on your face. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.

#2. 少年維特 - 何韻詩
Genre - Alternative
From Ten Days In The Madhouse (Dec 12, 2008)

If at17's Over The Rainbow brings a rush of positive envergy, Hocc's Young Werther will drop your mood to the rock bottom and turn your smile into a frown. They are a pair of polar opposites. From the first deep piano note to the dark percussion and string arrangement, from hocc's dark and deep tone in her voice here, to Wyman's lyrics about our generation's sorrows and troubles, ...everything in the song makes you sad and angry. And when a song is able to make my mood swing one way or another, it's a good song.

#3. 囍帖街 - 謝安琪
Genre - Pop
From Binary (Jul 25, 2008)

Kay Tse has become one of my top favorites this year. Album after album, she has proved that she's the real deal. 囍帖街 in many ways is a perfect pop song. Well handled vocals, meaningful lyrics, memorable melody. My only hope is that her live performances can be more stable.

#4. 然後怎樣 - 陳奕迅
Genre - Pop Rock
From 不想放手 (Jun 30, 2008)

A question that I've asked myself over and over again this year.... What Happens Next? Obstacles are present in every step of my way since my graduation... It looks like I'm now taking a long way to get to my goal... when almost everyone else is already there.

#5. 花不痛 - 古巨基
Genre - Folk Pop
From Guitar Fever (Sep 12, 2008)


Tanya Chua wrote a great song. Leo Ku has finally returned to his most natural vocal performance style. Thank God. The lyrics are worth thinking about, Our hearts ache because we allow it to ache, be glad when it happens.

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Chinese (# 6-10)

#6. 貪生怕死 - 黃耀明
Genre - Folk Rock
From King Of The Road (Oct 3, 2008)



Ming Gor is HK's most innovative and daring musician. He is not afraid to try new images, include sensitive topics in his songs, or make 360 degree changes in music style every now and then. 90% of the songs in his 2008 album does not include electronic arrangements and instrumentation he and his PMPS group are known for. Instead, more real and acoustic are used to back up his voice. 貪生怕死 showcases Ming Gor's beautifully delicate vocals, his masterful control of emotion throughout the entire song... The lyrics of the song are also very meaningful and is worth reflecting upon.



#7. 跑步機上 - 容祖兒
Genre - Dance Pop
From In Motion (Sep 1, 2008)



I've always detested Joey's songs... until now. 跑步機上 and many of her songs in this album finally allows her to step out of her karaoke queen box and just let her explore more possibilities. This song has been frequently played during my workout sessions. I've now come to appreciate the energy that Joey brings into her upbeat tunes... she's one of the few female singers in HK who has that ability... This song and album has changed the way I look at her.


#8. 嬅麗緣 - 楊千嬅
Genre - Pop
From Wonder Miriam (Sep 26, 2008)



Picked this song totally out of personal reasons. I've liked Miriam since I was in grade 6. This is a song filled with lyrics and names of 30 songs throughout her career. It's such a great gift to fans like me... but the timing is a bit awkward... wouldn't it have been better if it were to be released before her All About Love concert last year?



#9. 我係邊個 - 林海峰
Genre - Pop Jazz
From 我哋大家 (Mar 7, 2008)



Jan Lamb's first attempt at jazz. It's surprisingly soothing! Of course I don't expect spectacular vocals from him, but the lyrics and his interpretation really suits the laidback and lassez-faire attitude of this genre of music.



#10. 甜蜜蜜 - 薛凱琪
Genre - Pop
From Smile (Dec 19, 2008)



I actually wanted to pick something from Khalil Fong's album, but since I haven't received it yet, a song written by him would do the job! I've always admired Fiona, she's like Miriam about ten years ago. The cute girl-next-door image, the somewhat uniquely sweet music style... 甜蜜蜜 is really really sweet, I'm sure a lot of guys like me would love to be the "Mr. Wrong" in the song.

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Western (# 1-5)

#1. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Genre - Pop
From We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (May 13, 2008)

It's my favorite Western song of the year because it's so bouncy and happy. I remember spending countless summer days listening to it in the car, on stereo system, on my iPod... and it never gets boring. After the summer, our world took a steep drop into the wrong direction and a song like this, so simple yet uplifting... can be a great cure for all our losses and dissatisfaction.

#2. Festival - Sigur Ros
Genre - New Age
From Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (Jun 24, 2008)



In their latest album, Sigur Ros became a little more acoustic and a little less grand. I personally prefer their spacious and grand soundscape a little more, just like in Festival. The vocalist's dynamic voice... the strings and other sound effects back him up... it's really amazing, and you need a good stereo system to really appreciate the richness of their sounds... it's totally out of this world.



#3. Grafton Street - Dido
Genre - Alternative Rock
From Safe Trip Home (Nov 18, 2008)



An album and song about goodbyes. Like Sigur Ros, Dido became a little more minimalistic in her music in her 2008 album too. Grafton Street, dedicated to her late father, has some haunting flute bridges as a tribute to her Irish heritage, making it much more unique... not to mention Dido's always soothing vocals. My school life ended this year... I am now just thrown into the real world without any directions... And no more saying goodbye for the last time again...



#4. The Story - Norah Jones
Genre - Blues / Pop
From My Blueberry Nights OST (April 1, 2008)




Not a big fan of Wong Kar Wai, but Ms. Jones' music has been part of my life for the past few years. The Story is like an extension of her 2007 album, taking a darking, more bluesy turn in music. Her lower register and the cello in the background makes this song so much more powerful and touching.





#5. Warwick Avenue - Duffy
Genre - Soul
From Rockferry (Mar 3, 2008)



As Amy Winehouse is off this year with zero contribution musically, several blue-eyed soul singers emerged in the UK music scene... and Duffy is my favorite one for sure. She's got that bittersweet raspy voice that adds a lot of flavor to the material she sings. Warwick Avenue is one great masterpiece, it's got that 60s vibe and Duffy's superb vocal performance... and the control of emotions is well handled.

Ten Days In The Madhouse: 好想學你安居這套房...

Rating: 88/100

Tracklist:

01. 青山黛瑪
02. 安妮寶貝
03. 楊子經書
04. 丹賴斯隊
05. 查理淑儀
06. 堂吉訶德
07. 少年維特
08. 愛德蒙多
09. 風見志郎
10. 美空雲雀

Listening to Hocc's latest Album "Ten Days In The Madhouse" is like walking into a big house with ten rooms. You would open each door to visit the occupants of each room (or song).

Madhouse might be Hocc's most daring and far from mainstream album to date. When she announced a project to raise awareness for mental patients, I was excited but also a little worried . Is the HK audience ready to accept an album based solely on this sensitive social issue? Will her music collaboration with Hobing and Hanjin be "big enough" to support this concept?

A main reason why I'm a fan of Hocc is her determination. The determination to focus only on the quality of her work. The determination of going after something she believes in. It's a great feeling to see her succeed time after time, even if obstacles arise one after another. I like people who know exactly what they want and would fight for the causes they believe in.

After listening to Madhouse several times now, my worries are gone. Hocc has once again delivered, and in many ways, evolved again.

青山黛瑪

We open the main door to see a little girl named 黛瑪. And we're joined by her to take a look at around this madhouse and visit her roommates... from the view point of someone with mental health issues. Are we really that different from them? Don't we see "normal people" do crazy things all the time?

In terms of techniques, Hocc's higher register has always been her weakness til now. There's a much smoother transition from chest to head voice. All her high notes seem more natural and less forced.

人類意難平的一切問題你都一笑避開
世間太傻 而你是天才旁人話你悲哀　
不過在你眼中清醒才悲哀　繁忙才悲哀
常人難道比瘋子更可愛


安妮寶貝

Along with 黛瑪, we opened the first door and see another young girl called 安妮. She's from a poor family, but always happy. Money doesn't guarantee happiness. And happiness should never be based on how many LV hand bags, expensive cars, and houses you have.

The song itself is okay, less emotional than the previous track but it's a nice tune before moving into the intense and fast tempo songs coming up...

然而路邊新雜誌多
推介富翁的快樂
有些思緒令我堅壯
然而舊區小朋友多 寶貝有天國
大人即使有未結賬單


楊子經書 / 丹賴斯隊

The 3rd and 4th rooms bring things to a broader perspective. We see mad behaviors of the so called normal people, or even ourselves sometimes. The former speaks of the self-centeredness of mankind. Every man for himself. The latter talks about those who like to rush to and follow crowds. But why?

Hocc adopts Hanjin's freestyle, funky music style in both tracks. I personally like the electronic vibe of 楊子經書 a little more, but they both don't leave a deep impression... it's just not Hocc's style.


查理淑儀

In the fifth room, we meet "Charlie and Cherrie" in the title. They still believe in true love, they are deeply in love, they vowed to protect one another til death do us part.... and people think they're crazy. Is there still true love in this world? I'm personally starting to doubt this notion myself too.

Here comes the first climax of the album for me. It's such a simplistic melody with the most beautiful and touching lyrics. Actually the demo version "Daisies" with just lalala was beautiful enough for me to dub this track a spot in the top 3 of this album.

查理淑儀　歷遍人生風雨
又携手　笑迎　海嘯時
如何維繫　互相保護而已
讓對方相信相依
而你跟他也可以


堂吉訶德

In this room, we meet a young man who lives in the world of online and video games. There are so much possibilities in the internet, we can find all kinds of things to make us happy there. When we make our way back to reality, it often disappoint us with all its cruelty.

Musically, it's another simple tune with pop rock influence, probably the closest thing to Hocc's earlier "rocker chick" style.


少年維特

An angry teenager awaits us in the seventh room. I think we can all see ourselves being this guy at some point around our high school years. He's angry and unhappy about everything... his love life (or lack of), his parents, peer pressure, the uncertainty of his future, and probably most of all, himself. I can certainly see myself in this song...

This is hands down my favorite of the album. The lyrics, arrangement, vocal performance are all in unison. It has the ability to bring your mood down, it's like a a ton of weight being dumbed on your shoulders. It's probably one of my top 3 favorites of the year too. Oh my goodness, I still can't recover from the shock of this song...

你為何話我　常在鏡前投訴
溫室裡長高　從來無能力　殺出新血路
難題是我所製造
你為何話這　純屬少年煩惱
即使你早知　人明天非更好


愛德蒙多

In the eighth room, we meet 愛德蒙多. A smart boy at school, gets good grades, but is being punished by his teachers for asking too many questions. Being someone who just graduated, I feel the education system here and around the world has forgotten to include classes to teach us how to survive in the real world. They just dump us out after they've sucked our tuition fees dry. In this case, 愛德蒙多 wants to find out more about love... as for me... sigh.

Another nice ballad (1 of only 2) in the album. But it's just not as good as track 5 查理淑儀.

沒法躲　知識滲出的恆河
洪流浸死了我　是古書哪本的錯
在試卷　誰剔出我階級前途　剔出怯懦


風見志郎

In the second last room, we find the Japanese Superman wannabe. He lives for one cause, and one cause only... to save the world. Plants, animals, and other natural habitats are being eliminated by humans as our population grows exponentially. It might take more than one man to do this job... but we can all make our own baby steps to try to make this planet a better place to live in.

This acoustic folk-pop track is another watercooler spot of the album. Although it's got great lyrics and it's in one of my favorite musical styles... I think it's lacking in some aspects... or else, it could've easily been in the top 3...

沙粒也顫抖　一粒一粒一粒拯救
伸張非一般的正義得一對手
可能　他的身軀好比妖獸
一天一天稀釋價值得他甘心去守


美空雲雀

At the last stop of the tour of madhouse, we see a little songbird. It is flying freely high in the sky, it brings a glimer of hope to the residents here. To all of us. If we stick together, if we believe that we can change the world together, it can really be done one day.

It's probably my #2 favorite of the album. As the closing track of Madhouse, 美空雲雀 carries an important positive message. The progression in the arrangement and Hocc's vocals is really uplifting and it brings you out of the blackhole we were sucked into at the beginning of this album. Another spectacular vocal delivery by Hocc... again her higher register sounds stronger than ever here.

看著藍天空　穿了一個洞
有誰還可以　信奉
同病抱擁　扶持上進
天下為公　靠携手相信


Strongly Recommended Tracks (in order): 少年維特, 美空雲雀, 查理淑儀, 青山黛瑪, 風見志郎

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Western (# 6-10)

#6. Sleep Through The Static - Jack Johnson Genre - Folk
From Sleep Through The Static (Feb 5, 2008)

I like Jack Johnson's subtle transformation in this album. It's no longer just the fun and bubbly sing-a-longs that has become his trademark. Deeper lyrics are injected to his always laidback music style, to make it a little more meaningful, a little closer to the real world we all live in.

#7. Viva La Vida - Coldplay
Genre - Rock
From Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Jun 11, 2008)

This has been one of my favorite workout rock songs in the past 6 mths. I just love everything about it. Chris Martin's always powerful voice, the grand orchestral arrangement. This is what I call a real power booster.

#8. Machine Gun - Portishead
Genre - Techno
From Third (Apr 28, 2008)

From the vocalist's voice to the drum machine loops mimicking sounds of automatic weapons that lasts throughout the entire song, one word comes to mind.... Fear.

#9. Little Bird - Goldfrapp
Genre - Folk
From Seventh Tree (Feb 22, 2008)



I'm enjoying minimalistic music more and more. Goldfrapp's new album just makes you wanna lie down on a field of green grass for the whole afternoon, stare at the blue sky, and do nothing.

#10. New Soul - Yael Naim
Genre - Indie Pop
From Yael Naim (Mar 18, 2008)

The Macbook Air commercial tune, fell in love after listening to it. Bought the album, even more surprised by her Hebrew-Middle Eastern musical influence.

Remember your new year resolutions list?

- Work out 3 or 4 times per week
- Get a full time job
- Get a new pair of glasses
- No more tears
- Read 10 books or more
- Drink less coffee
- Eat less junk/fast food
- Vegetarian diet one day per week
- Try to find someone you love
- Hold your temper
- Start a blog
- Dental check-up / cleaning
- Save more $ than spend
- Keep my room clean and tidy
- Learn a new skill, language, whatever
- Think positive and be happy always





Can you believe this? It's already the 4th day of Decemeber. For me 2008 has been a turbulent year to say the least. There were times of good and bad, up and down, smooth and rough. Some promises I made to myself on Jan 1 were kept, some were kept for a short while and later dismissed, some were completely forgotten.

In the past two days, I went to the dentist for cleaning and also went to the the optomitrist to get a new pair of glasses (it's been 3 yrs lol). Just to get some more items in before the year's end!

Birthday

I hate holidays or any kind of celebration. I haven't celebrated any birthdays since 2005. What happened on my birthday that year has changed me. But that's not the point.

I dread family reunions on holidays, in particular. I hate to pretend to be interested in how relatives are doing. The same goes for reunions of old frds, but this is much easier to take.

It's my birthday and I cannot find no cause for celebration...

This is a line in Jason Mraz's Mr. Curiosity. I listen to this song every year on this day...

Mr. Curiosity - Jason Mraz
From 2005 Album "Mr. A-Z"

Breaking News

For a while now, CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 has become my source of daily news fix (everynight 10pm ET, lol). I've developed my habit of following news closely after taking my favorite course at Ryerson - International Relations & Cold War History (HST500).

I didn't do particularly well in it (I got B), but this course, and the prof of the course Arne Kislenko, has changed my view on the world. I care about it. I pay attention to it. I like learning about the relations between countries and religious groups. Most importantly, I want it to be better, safer.

Anderson is a really charming person. Smart, good looking, reported from war zones and sites of natural disasters, travelled all around the globe. After reading his book "Dispatches From The Edge", I find his life incredibly interesting... not just another shallow blow dried anchor.

I also like his way of handling news. He doesn't take sides, doesn't wear his opinions and views on his sleeves. He believes in FACTS and presenting them accurately. Viewers are smart enough to make their own decisions on what they see and hear.

I also enjoy watching AC360's co-anchor Erica Hill. I think she's quite a pretty lady. She appears nightly at the webcast during the show, delivers news bulletins, often handles her own segments, and always have funny chit-chats with AC for "The Shot of the Day" and Beat360...

I wish she can sit in more often when AC is off or even get a bigger part in the show. She's again and again shown her ability to hold down the fort... it was incredible to see her delivering Mumbai Attacks news last Wednesday night... she's definitely NOT just there because of her looks...

By the way, I won the Beat 360 t-shirt last month from the show! hahaha, here's my winning video!

Pictures from ATA

Utopia

The word Utopia comes from a combination of two Greek words, defined as"the good place" and "the place that cannot be".


Novemeber 26, 2008.
Hundreds are dead and wounded in Mumbai.


It's another one of those horrific days in our times. It's hard to understand why people would use such methods to express their radical world views, their disagreements against so many innocent people.


November 26, 2008.
My first day of work... I enjoy working there. My coworkers are fun to be with. But honestly, I don't want to work there. I believe I deserve something better, but I'm so tired of waiting. I'm so exhausted of the fruitless search. I'm sick of the continuous bad news in the economy.


I'm so tired, exhausted, and sick.

烏托邦 - 謝安琪
(From 2008 Album "Binary")

曲/編/詞: 周博賢

聽說有處 怪誕到極限 哄騙虜拐偷呃 獲豐足三餐
處世太正派 會有大難 靠正宗真功夫被視作不懂得 轉彎

叩拜富貴 不休的戀棧 判斷正反忠奸 著重多少資產
哪個較拮据會遭到待慢 越是有千億家財 越得到偏袒

爭相要脫貧致富 個個也發難
未習慣會漸漸慣 社會雖荒誕 起碼包裝燦爛
大眾向利字進發 已閉起雙眼 不去分好與爛 腐化 被盛讚

盼要富貴 多麼的簡單
(RAP: 放暗箭 出口術 投機 擦鞋搞關係
沽名釣譽 踩住人地個頭上 做世界仔)

再信致富靠儲蓄太浪漫 現在每一分耕耘 獲七分孤單
這些叫與時進化 過去已破爛
未習慣會漸漸慣 社會雖荒誕 起碼包裝燦爛
大眾向利字進發 已閉起雙眼 不去分好與爛 腐化

未習慣會漸漸看慣 社會雖荒誕 起碼包裝燦爛
大眾向利字進發 已閉起雙眼 恐怕越見越煩
不慣也會漸漸變慣 試放開感歎 且看花火燦爛
一眾已向利字進發 為瞬間璀璨
手法不需設限 腐化 被盛讚

Aligning With Beauty

Today's my second time volunteering at Varley Gallery, at their "Aligning with Beauty" art exhibition opening. Marvelous art works by artists all around Canada and U.S. and some remarkable performances by a operatic quartet (soprano vocal, cello, piano, and flute) were featured in the show.

I had the chance to speak with some members of the band and the artists. At times of economic trouble, we align ourselves with many things... but it's beauty that connects us all together...

http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Attractions/Gallery/Exhibitions/exhibit_aligningbeauty.htm






畫意 - 王菀之
From 2006 Album 詩情 . 畫意

Safe Trip Home - Dido

My Rating: 76/100

Tracklist:

1. Don't Believe In Love

2. Quiet Times

3. Never Want To Say It's Love

4. Grafton Street

5. It Comes And It Goes

6. Look No Further

7. Us 2 Little Gods

8. The Day Before The Day

9. Let's Do The Things We Normally Do

10. Burnin Love

11. Northern Skies

Dido, Feist, Keren Ann, Sarah McLachlan...

These are 4 of my favorite female singer-songwriters. They all share similar vocal qualities, the purity, sweetness, authenticity, and width of soundscape in their materials have gotten me addicted to them. These 4 are always played in my car, on my iPod, my hifi... basically I just pick any one of their albums and I can spend an afternoon with it.

I tend to group Dido and Sarah in the same category. They are a little more mature (both in song contents and vocal delivery) and more mainstream (both have megahits known all around the world). And Feist and Keren tend to be more experimental and more 'out of the box'.

The "Madonna of Britain" Dido released her 3rd full album Safe Trip Home in Nov 2008, five years after her critically and commercially acclaimed sophomore work, Life For Rent, which I loved by the way.

The main theme of this album is about "saying goodbyes". Dido said in an interview that she only wants to put out an album when she has something to say. Affected by her dad's death a couple of years ago, the album is apparently inspired by this life changing event and a tribute to Mr. Armstrong.

The first impression after listening to all the tracks on Safe Trip Home is... it's really SAFE. The melancholy mood is still melancholy, the beautiful voice is still beautiful, the sense of stability in her materials is still very much present... the one difference is that more 'real" and acoustic instruments (guitar, strings, piano) are used instead of electronic ones. However, I have a little bit of trouble telling songs apart from each other. But seriously, I don't really mind at all that she's repeating herself. I love her voice, melodies, lyrics, and the simple arrangements, aka, her 'signature dishes' :)

A few songs do jump out at me, let's look at them more up close...

Northern Skies

A 9 minute long, subtle, minimal electronica track, with a steady drum loop and emphasis on bass line, it reminds me of Sandy Lam's Live 07 version of "Lonely Shooting Stars". The sense of tranquility keeps on looping till the very end, so far I like this track the best.

Grafton Street

Probably a close second to Northern Skies, it also has that similar minimalist vibe to it. This song pays tribute to places that were part of your life which you no longer visit anymore. To Dido, it's Grafton Street, to me, it's probably school... Dido's voice is hauntingly beautiful in this song... The flute and strings heard in the bridges gives it a lively and foriegn touch!

The Day Before The Day

This is another song where Dido's vocal abilities are applied to the max. It's a very simple song with just an acoustic guitar accompanying her. I think "silky" is a good word to describe that beautiful quality of her voice heard here.

Let's Do The Things We Normally Do

A consistent theme of Safe Trip Home is the sense of leaving or parting with someone, something, someplace. The theme is spoken (or sung) out bluntly here in this little mysterious track:

"Don't hold my hand for longer than you need to,

Don't look me in the eye more than you need to,

Don't try to say goodbye if I don't want to."

Don't Believe In Love

This song reminds me of "White Flag", the first single of her previous album. The darkness portrayed in the lyrics is very typical for Dido and other British alt-rock artists. It is definitely something that all pessimistic ppl like me enjoy. This song here starts the album off with a cool bass riff, giving it an edgier quality. Without it, I think this would be just another "pop song".

珠光寶氣 (The Gem of Life)

The first TVB drama I really like since 金枝慾孽...

I've not watched any TVB stuff for quite a while, the scale of production and plot of HK TV shows is never comparable to U.S. TV series... LOST, MAD MEN, or even GREY's.... Too spoiled by the real good stuff...

I think 珠光寶氣 is the first show that's able to reach the level of 金枝慾孽. The production is quite grand, filming locations include China, HK, SE Asia, Europe... The plot is interesting, especially the stories of Ada Choi (Jessica), Gigi Lai (Constance), and Maggie Shiu (Sylvia)... the three sisters in the focus of the entire story. However, it's way too early to tell if the goodness will carry on, TVB shows have a track record of having endings that make no sense at all.

I think Ada Choi is a really good actress (HK TV standard). She has a very versatile look and is able to play goofy, serious, elegant, complicated, and this time, a rich woman who likes to show off and save face.

I love the way her character drops to rock bottom when her husband ran away with all the money and had to declare bankruptcy. I think the plot is now preparing her for a huge comeback by marrying another rich dude... stay tuned!

Gigi Lai plays Constance, the most innocent, least calculating sister of the family. At first, I thought her character was really annoying, I doubt there's anyone that dumb in real life. But now it's getting better, after she actually found a job at the jewelry shop. Her customer service attitudes reminds me of my own ;)

Maggie Shiu plays the big sister, Sylvia, the most calm and collected one in the family. I like her the least so far cuz of the predictability of the character. But for some reason, and it's not just me who think this.... SHE LOOKS LIKE MY MOM. hahaha.

Three Dark Months.

There are no signs indicating this will end soon. It's unpleasant to say the least, more close to torturing. Disappointments after disappointments. I think I'm more pissed off then sad now.

Pick Yourself Up, Start All Over Again.

Pick Yourself Up - Diana Krall (Live In Paris Version)

Nothings impossible I have found
For when my chin is on the ground
I pick myself up, dust myself off, start all over again

Don't lose your confidence if you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again

Work like a soul inspired till the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired but you'll be a man my son
Don't you remember the famous man who had to fall to rise again?
They picked themselves up, dust themselves off and started all over again

Hardwork brings success. It's a notion I've learned since kindergarten, maybe a little later. It has always worked for me in the past 20 yrs or so - you study your ass off and you get A's; simple as that.

This notion was shattered this morning.

In the real world, where money talks and everything else walks... no matter how hard you try, how dedicated you are, how much potential you have (or they say you have), all they care about is the final result. And if you haven't shown any track record of success, they just don't care.

Another lesson learned.

I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.

Roberto, Sammi, & Dominic Baggio

94世界盃決賽，巴治奧射失一球十二碼，親手將獎盃送俾巴西成為罪人。被遺棄的日子裡面，仍然堅決不低頭，為爭取更多正選上陣機會，毅然自降身價，轉踢中型球會，誓要重奪國家隊席位，捲土重來。

同時，香港亦有一個束起小馬尾的米蘭名牌時裝店香港區最強營業員 ── 羅拔圖。佢一直努力工作，全心進軍米蘭總店，可惜因為一次失誤，白白放過一個黃金機會，加上命運不濟，傷患影響事業跌落谷底，從此被所有人稱呼為「巴治奧」。羅拔圖命運同做人態度與巴治奧不謀而合 ── 再次發奮谷底反彈，重返中環進軍米蘭。

Dominic, a 2008 university graduate in Toronto, with a pretty good resume, earned various school and workplace achievement awards, still cannot find a job after three months of job searching. Faced with the biggest global financial crisis since Great Depression, rising unemployment numbers, mass-layoffs and bankruptcy declared by many reputable organizations, Dom is in the deepest trench of his life.

However, Dom has decided to fight on. He'll find a part-time job now and keep looking for any full-time opportunities. In some ways, he should be glad that he's presented with big challenges at such an early stage of his life and career. This would give him strength and experience to eliminate and deal with other obstacles later on in his life.

以最美的風度　著最閃的戰袍
受過苦的心境更加高
從前輸過都好　在谷底給我漫舞

My Theme Song:

輸得漂亮 鄭秀文

作詞：林夕　
作曲/編曲：金培達　

錯甚麼　舊時做到太好之過
自信可立正去承受賽果
誰都想　趁慘敗去羞辱我
偏偏很高貴地說未跌低　就當做打和

怕甚麼　越贏越怕最終出錯
害怕輸 習慣了贏盡最多
誰都想　以獎座去打敗我
只因不敢失去甚麼
讓我知錯　其實我不需要贏只要做我

難和天去比高　我輸得起都驕傲
以最美的風度　著最閃的戰袍
受過苦的心境更加高
從前輸過都好　在谷底給我漫舞
我要再進一步　看似輕於羽毛
就算這壓力如像天高 誰都想看到

Seven More Days.

I'm giving myself seven more days. That's all. Then, I'll just go with part time.

My iPod Top Ten.

Here they are. The top ten most played songs on my iPod... I just noticed when I'm compiling this list that most of my top played songs has some sort of dark or sad mood surrounding it...

1. 達爾文 - 蔡健雅 (Mandarin - Singapore / Taiwan)

From 2007 Album - Goodbye & Hello

A Comparison between Darwin's Evolution Theory and Love, the strong survives, the weak are eliminated.

2. 木紋 - 何韻詩 (Cantonese - HK)

From 2007 Album - What Really Matters

Memories are like wood grain, they cannot be erased and will be a part of us forever.

3. 青春 - at17 (Cantonese - HK)

From 2005 Album - 變變變

Discussion of youth and the fear, joy, excitement, pain of love and sex.

4. Delicate - Damien Rice (English - Ireland)

From 2003 Album - O

A song of ultimate pain and suffering... where I find comfort during dark times.

5. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley (English - U.S.)

From 1994 Album - Grace

A serene and dark version of an all-time Canadian classics.

6. Sit In The Sun - Keren Ann (English - France)

From 2003 Album - Not Going Anywhere

One of the best laidback indie pop songs ever.

7. Life In A Glass House - Radiohead (English - U.K.)

From 2001 Album - Amnesiac

Nice blend of NOLA jazz and U.K. alt-rock... dark and creepy.

8. 紙飛機 - 林憶蓮 (Mandarin - HK / Taiwan)

From 2001 Album - 原來...

Sweet memories of childhood, acoustic guitar, and the most beautiful voice on earth.

9. 散 - 莫文蔚 (Mandarin - HK / Taiwan)

From 2007 Album - L!VE IS... KAREN MOK

This song belongs to a jazz bar at night, when everyone is drunk on red wine, about to exit.

10. Girls - Death In Vegas (Ambiant - U.K / U.S.)

From 2003 Album - Lost In Translation OST

Signature track of my favorite movie, electronic arrangement and warm vocal harmonies portrays the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo.