D Blog

A Little Game

2009-02-16T14:48:00.002-05:00

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 15 friends.
5. Everyone tagged as to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

1, IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?

Smile - Robert Downey Jr.

2, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

The Sounds Of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel

3, WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

醒醒 - 林憶蓮

4, HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

夢遊 - 孫燕姿

5, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Mr. Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan

6, WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO？

Dirty Little Secret - Sarah McLachlan

7, WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Quickly (Feat. Brandy) - John Legend

8, WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Coming Home - k.d. lang

9, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

路口 - 蔡健雅

10, WHAT IS 2 + 2?

The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell

11, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Gone - Daughtry

12, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Past In Present - Feist

13, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

It's Not You It's Me - The Little Willies

14, WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Lost Taipei - Joanna Wang

15, WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Eyes On The Prize - Mavis Staples

16, WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL？

Look No Further - Dido

17, WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

頹 - 容祖兒

18, WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR??

Anyone Can Play Guitar - Radiohead

19, WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Serious - Duffy

20, WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?

旅行的意義 - 陳綺貞

21, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Don't Panic - Coldplay

22, WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

If I Could - Jack Johnson

Coffee Table, Sofa, Fridge, Two Cups Of Black Tea

2009-01-18T13:02:00.003-05:00

Very happy to see Kay's success with this song. 囍帖街 (or Kay, Eric Kwok, Wyman) really really really deserves this honor.

The melody is beautiful, catchy, and classy... The lyrics speak of the demolished "wedding invitation street" in Hong Kong, perfectly contrasted with the fading away of love between a couple... Kay's beautiful voice - soft and gentle...

Let's hope this team will create another great song in 2009 and years to come... Kay is here to stay! Rock On!

囍帖街謝安琪

作曲/編曲: Eric Kwok
作詞: 黃偉文

忘掉種過的花重新的出發放棄理想吧
別再看塵封的喜帖你正在要搬家
築得起人應該接受都有日倒下
其實沒有一種安穩快樂永遠也不差
就似這一區曾經稱得上美滿甲天下
但霎眼全街的單位快要住滿烏鴉
好景不會與日常在天梯不可只往上爬
愛的人沒有一生一世嗎大概不需要害怕

忘掉愛過的他當初的喜帖金箔印著那位他
裱起婚紗照那道牆及一切美麗舊年華明日同步拆下
忘掉有過的家小餐枱沙發雪櫃及兩份紅茶
溫馨的光境不過借出到期拿回嗎等不到下一代是嗎

忘掉砌過的沙回憶的堡壘剎那已倒下
面對這墳起的荒土你註定學會瀟灑
階磚不會拒絕磨蝕窗花不可幽禁落霞
有感情就會一生一世嗎又再惋惜有用嗎

忘掉愛過的他當初的喜帖金箔印著那位他
裱起婚紗照那道牆及一切美麗舊年華明日同步拆下
忘掉有過的家小餐枱沙發雪櫃及兩份紅茶
溫馨的光境不過借出到期拿回嗎
終須會時辰到別怕
請放下手裡那鎖匙好嗎

Just Listen... "聽" 趙學而

2009-01-15T22:21:00.010-05:00

聽 - 趙學而

My Rating: 84/100

Track List:

01. 我可以抱你嗎
02. 長夜 My Love Goodnight
03. Be Your Love
04. 情深緣淺
05. 曾在你懷抱
06. 許願樹
07. 對一個人愛錯
08. 某月某夜
09. 如果這是情
10. 吻別
11. 祝君好

I am not too familiar with Bondy Chiu's music. Over the years, I've had a few glimpses of her TV appearances in different sit coms. Heard her nice voice in individual music projects covering well known songs with new jazz arrangements (most notably 偏偏喜歡你 in 一期一會 Soundtrack). I thought her voice is really soothing, but was not about to spend $20 CAD to buy just that one song.

In Dec 2008, she released a long awaited album, covering Chinese pop hits and classics of the 80's and 90's. And she transformed and spiced up all 11 songs with jazz arrangements, giving each track a new look, and a new life. It's a great trend to see many talented singers coming back out asking the audience to "just listen" to our music, and not doing stupid things for making headlines... and getting attention the wrong way.

Amidst the plummeting record industry, Ms. Chiu personally invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in producing this album. What a bold and gutsy move... but I am sure she would be very happy at this moment, as reviews for the album have been very positive... not exactly sure how the sales numbers are, but I read CD stores in HK are jacking up prices for it... so that should be a good sign...

What I like the most about "聽" is the team work and collaboration between Bondy and her musicians. One person's power is very limited. No matter how good Bondy's voice is, without the world class guitarist, bassist, pianist, cellist, drummer, brass players, etc... who participated in this project, it could've turn out to be a lackluster, mediocre work. It was a very nice gesture to have all the musicians and their profiles/resumes displayed in the complimentary booklet...

Is the album entirely perfect? No. Especially in some of the song choices of the album... Despite the new arrangement, some melodies and lyrics are just hopeless and no matter how you try to change its face, the best it can get is a mediocre grade... I'm now gonna talk about some of the outstanding tracks from the album...

我可以抱你嗎

This big band jazz track acted as a cool opening for the album... the song talks about the parting of a pair of lovers, instead of whining though, Bondy puts of a smiling face throughout the song... saying "I miss the good times and I don't think about the bad ones..."

我可以抱你嗎　寶貝　容我最後一次這樣叫你　
你也不得已　我會　笑笑的離去

Be Your Love

What a sweet song... it makes me feel like I'm in love, that's how nicely handled this song is... Kudos to Bondy. It's nice to have the acoustic guitar, flute, and light drum beats supporting her throughout the song... One consistently handled element in Bondy's vocals is the new phrasing she reinvented with the new jazzy arrangements...

逃避你　接近你　惟願挑起一點是跟非
I Wanna Be Your Love　怎麼說起...

情深緣淺

Umm... This is what I was talking about earlier, if a song is hopeless, it's hopeless no matter what you do to it... Bondy's vocals were nice, but the lyrics and the over the board mellowness of the melody just doesn't work for me.... The only part I like is the long saxophone solo session towards the end..

許願樹

Just like Be Your Love, the acoustic arrangement gives this song a fresh and sweet taste. Her musicians steps to the foreground in the sound, providing some vocal harmony in the chorus.

Trees of the Bayou...　我的愛像純真的小孩

對一個人愛錯

This is probably the best example of spicing up a boring song... I love the slight Latin influenced arrangement throughout this piece. I love that her musicians have the freedom to show off their guns in the extended bridges and outros... of this song (and many others, making them at least 5 to 6 minutes long! great stuff!)... The only complaint is that... Bondy could've used a tougher tone... she could've bitch slap the guy instead of just doing a little whine... if you get what I mean.

恨什麼　沒什麼只不過一個人對一個人愛錯

如果這是情

The new arrangement and phrasing, again, gave this boring song an extreme makeover.... It's now a song that you can play in a lounge while you're savoring a nice glass of wine... Leon Lai's original version? You can probably hear it being slaughtered by some drunk dudes at a karaoke bar...

讓我的美夢　換你一世情始終都等到一串好光景
願你可快樂　像我癡情尋獲最愛不必怕任性

祝君好

Probably the only song of the album from "my times" (I was in grade 8 when it came out, I think). The new arrangement is way simpler than the original, and way better. Just the piano, cello, and Bondy's amazingly calm voice. Not much emotion, it's like reflecting on a long lost love... there's no more pain, just a lot of regrets, and some tears...

只望停在遠處祝君安好... 雖不可親口細訴...

Strongly Recommended Tracks (in order): 祝君好, Be Your Love, 我可以抱你嗎, 如果這是情, 對一個人愛錯, 許願樹

Are you that guy from....

2009-01-09T11:47:00.003-05:00

Just updated my facebook picture last night cuz I snapped a new picture while waiting to leave home for work... (also the new profile pic here)

I got this random msg on facebook... some gwai lo or gwai por (The name is Pat, very unisex lol)...

He/she asked me...

ARE YOU THE GUY FROM IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE ?

Of course, In The Mood For Love = 花樣年華...

And the guy from 花樣年華 = 梁朝偉...

lol, honey, you made my day. hahhahahahahahhahahhaha.

The Best Part of Shopping Online...

2009-01-07T12:29:00.006-05:00

The best part of shopping online is that you can stay at home and with the help of internet connection and a credit card, you can buy stuff from all over the world.

Moreover, I personally think the "waiting" part is also a very exciting experience. I checked my mailbox practically everyday whenever I ordered stuff online... The anticipation for the products to arrive reminds me of the pre-Christmas wait for Santa Claus when I was a lil kid... I stopped believing in Santa, however, at the age of five...

Last night, my Radiohead t-shirt from Britain and my books/CDs from Hong Kong all arrived at the same time. How lovely!

My Xmas Order:

A. Radiohead Tour 2008 Crew T-shirt (Blue)
- super expensive... but what da heck, in the name of the Christmas spirit and all....

B. 孔子的敵人 - 卓韻芝
- my first Chinese book in 2 or 3 years... always enjoyed Ms. Cheuk's viewpoints and since she left 903, her writings can amend for how much I miss this girl's wit and humor.

C. Orange Moon - 方大同
- not a super fan of Khalil, but I like his style of R&B (more classy, groovy) better than anyone else in the Chinese music scene - Jay Chou, David Tao, etc... Buying his album(s) in December every year has become a tradition for me.

D. 趙學而 - 聽
- my first Bondy Chiu album ever. Planning to write an entry dedicated to this beautiful jazz album. Stay tuned.

11 Books

2009-01-06T12:50:00.013-05:00

Finished 11 books in 2008... I love reading more and more =)

Horror Section:

"Mildly Erotic" Section:

Romance Section:

Modern Classics Section:

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

2008-12-28T14:00:00.013-05:00

#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)

2008-12-25T14:40:00.010-05:00

#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)

2008-12-24T22:52:00.015-05:00

#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...

2008-12-19T16:48:00.011-05:00

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)

2008-12-13T14:12:00.016-05:00

#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?

2008-12-04T16:42:00.008-05:00

- ~~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

2008-12-03T13:16:00.005-05:00

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

2008-11-30T01:50:00.008-05:00

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

2008-11-26T23:15:00.005-05:00

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track 7 - 謝安琪

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

2008-11-23T20:55:00.019-05:00

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

2008-11-20T14:10:00.019-05:00

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)

2008-11-17T17:48:00.008-05:00

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.

2008-11-14T12:03:00.003-05:00

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.

2008-11-12T10:53:00.006-05:00

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

2008-11-09T14:54:00.006-05:00

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.

2008-11-07T15:52:00.002-05:00

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

My iPod Top Ten.

2008-11-05T15:01:00.018-05:00

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.

An Obama Nation.

2008-11-05T00:17:00.007-05:00

Congratulations to The OBAMA Family.

It must be such an emotional night for Americans from coast-to-coast, Barack Obama, the first African American President of United States, has been elected.

There's been a lot of talk going on about how the rest of the world would view America if Obama, a colored man, wins the election. Well, I think no matter what race you are, where you're from, everyone must be so proud of this choice. It can happen.

A well managed and successfully executed campaign (enormous size of motivated ground staff, innovative fundraising, unified message, smart use of technology) was probably the key reason for Obama's well deserved victory.

Let's hope his strong leadership skills and clear judgement will stay with him throughout his term in the White House. Let's hope he keeps his promise and will bring reform to Washington. Let's hope he'll take appropriate measures to resolve this huge financial crisis and restore prosperity in U.S. and abroad.

Don Draper, Mad Men.

2008-11-04T14:22:00.017-05:00

I really enjoy watching Mad Men.

First of all, I love the setting - Manhattan in the early 1960s. Everything was so glamorous, yet so depressing at the same time. The unstable political situation at home and abroad mixed with the booming US economy creates a tension and contrast... which is very well expressed in the show through the backdrops and characters.

A lot of drinking, a lot of smoking, a lot of fine dining, a lot of lustful relationships, it's so fun to watch, but I also feel sad for these people who are numbing themselves from the reality... There's always a dark overtone surrounding the show... Love it.

Secondly, there's the protagonist Don Draper, Creative Director at Sterling Cooper, a fictional ad agency.

He's who I wanna be ten or twenty yrs from now. Draper's smart, successful, confident, charming, mysterious, has beautiful women all around him... who doesn't wanna be him? But he seems to be always in a troubled, depressed state of mind... like an injured soul waiting to be healed. And, tobacco, alcohol, and sex are his medicine.

There's this self-destructive quality to him... infidelity, chain-smoking in every scene, a dark past in his childhood... He's such an interesting character to watch, almost REAL. A sense of loneliness and emptiness always looms around him at the end of each episode, despite all his achievements... which is how I'm always feeling these days so I really like Don Draper (or Jon Hamm's portrayal of Draper)...

I also love all the ads and slogans they come up with in the series. As a marketing major, I love learning more about the history of advertising in this format. The slogans, the artwork, the client meetings, the sales pitches... they are so retro and fun to watch... and I learn from it too.

Yellow, Reprise.

2008-11-03T16:08:00.009-05:00

I'm standing on the verge of the rainbow, finding the yellow...

These are the yellow roses I got from the covocation...

The Moon from at17's Yellow EP has been playing over and over on my iPod, it's a really beautiful melody - simple, calming, that's all I need now...

I don't think it has ever been a favorite color of mine... I don't own any yellow clothing, items, furnitures, whatsoever...

But I've now come to appreciate the brightness of yellow...

My mind is lightened, my pressure is relieved....
Oh my yellow, oh so mellow...

Books, Books, Books.... More Books!

2008-11-02T16:46:00.006-05:00

There are two types of stores that I can spend hours in - CD stores and Bookstores.

Over the pass few months as a fucked up unemployed new grad, I spent more time reading than probably all the previous 21 yrs combined.

I enjoy reading A LOT. I usually read before I sleep and after I wake up (if I have nothing to do, of course), with my iPod plugged in, usually Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Sigur Ros, Lost In Translations OST, and any other types of ambiant or laid-back music.

Another perfect place to read is Starbucks... nice cup of soy latte, good book, relaxing music... That's what I call a perfect afternoon.

Went to purchase a couple more books this afternoon with the giftcard I got from Air Canada... Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer and Stephen King's The Stand.

I just can't get enough of Stephen King's horror stories. The ghosts or the killings ain't the best parts... it's the mental, psychological, inner struggles that his characters go through that draws me in. The way he describes the thoughts of these characters are what creeps me out the most, but I enjoy it, really do. There's a twisted and sick sense thrill that I get out of it... and I guess it's what makes him such a popular horror novel writer.

As of this moment, I'm reading Different Seasons by SK, a collection of 4 short stories: Shawshank Redemption (Hope Springs Eternal), Apt Pupil (Summer of Corruption), The Body (Fall From Innocence), The Breathing Method (A Winter's Tale).

You should really read it, it's gonna blow your mind.

Standing on the Verge of a Rainbow, Finding at17's 《YELLOW》...

2008-10-31T17:06:00.016-04:00

My Rating: 72/100

Track List:

01. 二百歲少女
02. 依然 . 親愛的 (Feat. 林嘉欣)
03. 101727
04. The Moon
05. 流浪到彼岸

Five tracks, but only three new songs. 二百歲少女 and 流浪到彼岸 has the same melody. The Moon is the demo of 101727. Yellow, however, has a more concise theme than Orange, which was released in July. Orange was an introduction to the entire project, the theme song Over The Rainbow will be my favorite song of the year. But the EP itself lacked a focused theme, it seems like the comments were read and considered.

The second volume of the OVER THE RAINBOW project uses the color of yellow as a theme - Yellow is the sharpest, most eye-catching color of the rainbow, but it fades away faster than its comarades... very much like the years of youth. Good concept, thoughtful idea, greater expectation... what's the outcome? Let's discuss it song by song.

依然 . 親愛的 (Feat. 林嘉欣) :

First plug of the EP, very soothing, laid back, folk-jazzy arrangement... tempting! Karena Lam's sweet and gentle voice as voiceover, playing the grown up version of title character, remembering an ex-best friend and all the promises they made together. But as time went by, their friendship ended. Perhaps they drifted away as life took them in different directions, we don't know, the point is, it's over and you can't go back...

你話你鍾意關淑怡 (親愛的), 我話我鍾意林憶蓮 (依然)...
你話你想一齊開間老人院...
如果係宜家你仲會唔會... 會唔會咁陪我呀?

Friendships, no matter how close you once were or are right now, will drift apart, fade away eventually. Just like the color of yellow. I guess everyone, myself included, has experienced a similar situation...

101727 / The Moon:

越大越易自由暢泳？或是越大越難輕鬆高興?... That's probably the theme of 101727, the likely 2nd plug of the EP. Haven't heard such a hard rockin' song from at17 in a while, and it's really refreshing! The aforementioned line was replaying in my head on the day of my convocation. 10 + 17 = 27. When I'm 27 yrs old, will I become the person I wanted to be when I was 17? I'm turning 22 in December, half way between the starting point and finish line. On a macro level, I think I'm working my way there. All I need is a kick-start in my career... I guess.

As for The Moon, it's Ellen's solo demo. And is it beautiful or what? When I first heard it on the radio, I thought the mood and the inflictions of her voice was very Feist-esque... It's the tranquility and softness that makes this demo so special... so down-to-earth. Ever since 無家想歸 of the Bian Bian Bian album, I've come to fully appreciate the special voice that Ellen has. No, it's not as beautiful as 二汶's. But it's exactly why there's so much possibility for her to adapt to different genres, and it's the versatility of her voice, guitar playing, and song-writing that makes up a big part of at17's unique style.

二百歲少女 / 流浪到彼岸:

I like the lyrics of Cantonese version 二百歲少女 a lot of more than the original Mandarin version... At least there's the positive and encouraging message about life in it. The Mandarin version lyrics are way too bubbly... it's more for Twins or Cookies or HotCha... not at17. In terms of the melody, it's very fun and upbeat but there isn't much to it, just OK for me.... not as good as the previously discussed tracks!

Under the spotlight...

2008-10-30T13:13:00.014-04:00

This past weekend, I built a fake chandelier for our living room. It's surprisingly beautiful though. Keep in mind, I put those fake crystals on one-by-one... and it took HOURS!

It reminds me of Miriam Yeung's album <電光幻影>, released in summer of 2004, where the album photos featured a beautiful, antique chandelier.

The summer of 2004... a lot of memories, dead and gone. Anyhow, hope you are doing well.

算了吧　算了吧　別唏噓
教往事　教愛恨　隨風去

明日之歌楊千嬅

作詞：于逸堯@人山人海　

作曲：梁基爵@人山人海　

編曲：梁基爵@人山人海

涼了的湯　吃飽也覺沒趣

年幼的酒　全干了也未醉

難過的心　連花開都感心碎

時空交錯　停留不去

啊　為何暗自流淚　啊　為何需要伴侶

絕情絕句　是留是去　猶如在懸崖築堡壘

算了吧　算了吧　別唏噓

將心事　將憂鬱　藏歌裡

拾情拾趣　愛惜眼淚　

別再　貪心去追

寒冷的天　有飄雪勝落絮

年老的山　憑煙雨變綠翠

難過的心　能拋棄往日思緒

時光飛過　哪會倒退

啊　為何暗自流淚　

啊　為何需要伴侶

絕情絕句　是留是去　猶如在懸崖築堡壘

算了吧　算了吧　別唏噓

教往事　教愛恨　隨風去

十年十歲　也許再聚　若你　苦心進取

難過雨天　已不怕再面對

嘗過雨點　明天掌握手裡

Convocation . Funeral

2008-10-29T20:57:00.010-04:00

Our convocation speaker said... "Commencement speakers are like the host at an Irish wake, people have to be here, and they don't expect you to say much."

Believe it or not, Mr. Segal's speech was actually the highlight of the ceremony, in my opinion, it wasn't boring, or long-winded, or filled with words and phrases that normal human beings rarely use in conversations. The speech was quite enjoyable and humorous, there were also some points that I could take home and reflect upon.

Ellen (at17) wrote on her blog over a year ago a passage that I still remember:

"今天去了一個天主教的畢業禮. 看到很多有心人, 有些人傷心, 有些很平靜, 但令我最感動的是他們全都很有愛心.... 神父說了一句讓我很欣慰的話, "死亡不是生命的結束, 而是改變" 所以我相信我今天去的是一個畢業禮, 而不是一個喪禮."

To me, my convocation today was a funeral. It was to commemorate the past 22 years of my life. From the moment I walked across the stage, shook hands with the school officials, received my degree, I realized I am no longer a kid.

My convocation signified the end of my reckless years, and the beginning of my adulthood. Am I growing up to be the person I wanna be? I'm not quite there yet, but I've been making pretty good progress. :)

And the Beat 360 t-shirt goes to...

2008-10-28T00:09:00.008-04:00

A note from AC, obviously mass-produced, but the names/dates are changed accordingly haha. He loves poking fun at Wolf Blitzer and Lou Dobbs, the old guys at CNN, lol.

The graphics are huge, no kidding, but I love this shirt haha.

High school...

2008-10-27T01:09:00.006-04:00

It's always great to see the elementary - high school group :) ...

I was the "invisible kid" at high school. Not particularly good at anything, not outgoing, don't talk much, don't get in trouble... Again, I consider myself socially awkward.

I don't have much memory of my four years at high school. Perhaps because there's not much worth remembering.

"The years of high school are your prime suffering years, you don't get better suffering than that", the best line from Little Miss Sunshine... I totally agree with it.

黃耀明《King of the Road》... Aren't we always on the road?

2008-10-21T11:18:00.004-04:00

My Rating: 93/100

Track list:

01. 廣深公路
02. 貪生怕死
03. 平安鐘
04 .同一個世界
05. Teardrop
06. 金粉世家 (國語)
07. Ear Candy (Instrumental)
08. 憶苦思甜 (國語)
09. 20
10. 你頭上的光環
11. 親愛的瑪嘉烈
12. 107國道 (國語)

Just by looking at the track list of Ming Gor's newest album, I knew I need to OWN it. Last night, I listened only to the tracks that I long anticipated 親愛的瑪嘉烈, 貪生怕死, 廣深公路, 同一個世界... very good, I thought.

This morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth, had my muesli, checked my email... and I put on King Of The Road ... hmm... It's just what I needed, a perfect morning.

The entire KOTR album has a folk-ish, country-ish tone (with one exception). It's a perfect match to the "on the road" theme, whether if it's literally pursuing a road trip on the highway, or figuratively, the road of your life. Life and death. Young and old. Strong and weak.....

"We're just another soldier on a road to nowhere" is a line in Damien Rice's Amie. KOTR is an expansion of this line. It tells the story of people at different stages of their life journey.

Some small thoughts on worth noting tracks:

廣深公路: First single of the album, quite understandable. It's a perfect, easy to understand method to introduce the album's concept, musically and lyrically. The story of a border-crossing truck driver, country-music-style arrangement. Ming Gor plays the role of the narrator, of course, he excels in it. The mood/tone of his voice suits perfectly without overdoing or lacking emotions... Loving it.

貪生怕死: Second single of the album. A 180 degree flip in terms of lyrics. It's no longer storytelling. It's a sophisticated discussion in a sensitive topic in our society... Death. Are we afraid of dying? To some degree, everybody is. But no one wants to admit it. Not because we don't wanna look like a coward, I don't think that's the main reason... It's because we're TOO BUSY to think about it. 怕痛怕苦怕窮怕終於輸不起, Right? I love Ming Gor's voice in this song... like an angel whispering in your ear...

同一個世界: Ah... the Internet, Globalization. Necessity and increasing trend of our world today. Very thoughtful idea, and it fits perfectly in the main theme. With all these new gadgets, are we really getting closer? Or are we just putting more obstacles in between one another? I really like the melody (composed by Wong Ka Keung), it's got a "world music (Latin?)" touch to it... HOT!

Teardrop: Cover version of Massive Attack's hit. Not familiar with the original, but I know from Ming Gor's interviews that it's more trip-hop, down-tempo than the version in KOTR. Overall not bad, I like the new arrangements, but one thing that bothers me is when Chinese singers sing in English, they have a slight accent and it can sometimes be disturbing. Ming Gor has a slight bit of problem with that but nothing that I can't overlook (unlike Eason's Aren't You Glad, oh god...).

金粉世家: Hmm... still trying to figure out why this song is in the album... Not a bad song at all (I don't believe Ming Gor can ever produce a bad song). But it just doesn't really fit in to the overall theme. I'd always skip it if I'm listening to the actual cd. It's just not the right mood/tone. I'd be more than happy to include it in my workout songs though :)

親愛的瑪嘉烈: Composed by Ellen (at17)! I can't believe it's the first time Ming Gor sang one of at17's works... but what a blast! It's a folk rock number, of course, Ellen's strongest suit. Ming Gor resumes the role of a storyteller... it's such a nice way to wrap up the album. The middle-aged main character observes young passengers on trains, travelling from town-to-town, province-to-province, wishing them best of luck on the journey... journey on the road, and journey of life. 離家更是遠竟可以支撐到目前誠心祝福你捱得到新天地....

I learnt the truth... at17.

2008-10-19T15:01:00.008-04:00

The less is always more... in terms of my musical preference.

I like songs with simple arrangements, preferably an acoustic guitar. Nothing's better than a beautiful voice accompanied by some plain ol' strumming and plucking of strings.

Their voices intertwine and create a perfect harmony. Their melodies and lyrics are at times uplifting "Over The Rainbow", often heartbreaking "無家想歸", sometimes soothing "良夜", but most importantly, they always connect well with on a personal, intimate level.

Jan 2001. 世界不知不覺無情地轉勞碌找一個救生圈.

Dec 2002. 你這麼輕鬆似不擔心以後沒法再一起再過幾分鐘　我即將失去自己.

Dec 2005. 回到每一次陰森記憶像受傷的狗.

Sep 2007. 刺激嗎幸福嗎讓快樂穿透我吧敏感嗎害羞嗎別顧慮相擁抱吧.

There were smiles, pain, sadness, sweetness, bitterness in all these chapters of my past. There were always an at17 song that I find comfort in at each situation. A song that I listen to when I want to recall a certain piece of memory.

Music can help to unlock long forgotten pieces of memories. For me, it's at17's music.

二汶. Ellen. Stories. Memories. Songs..... at17.

Meeting With at17:

The meeting took place in Sep 2005, prior to their concert at Living Arts Center. I nervously waited in line to meet them. I had their newly released book and first two albums for them to sign.

It was finally my turn. I placed the items in front of them. We shook hands and exchanged greetings. 二汶 asked me my name. "Dominic." I replied. Ellen spelled out my name to confirm the spelling, she spelled out my name with a Canadian accent. I told them I liked their recent single on radio... "衝衝衝". Ellen smiled and said "Wow, I didn't even have a chance to listen to the final mix yet". We then took the photo (I asked a very nice young woman behind me in line to hold the camera). 二汶 sincerely said "Thank you for supporting us, hope you'll enjoy the show." I smiled and replied, "No problem, I will enjoy it for sure."

I was so nervous the whole time. I wanted to say a lot more, but decided against it. It's like telling someone you love her on the very first day you meet. It's a bit embarrassing, hehe. All in all, I was so thrilled to get to meet them. I hope they'll come back to perform in Toronto soon. =)

Autumn Breeze, Autumn Leaves...

2008-10-14T20:34:00.010-04:00

Photos Taken & Editted By: Dominic Ngai
Location: Markham, near my neighborhood.
Date: Oct 14, 2008

Was Listening To:

微涼 - 林憶蓮

作詞：小美　作曲：R.Flack/B.Miles/M.Angelou　編曲：Terry Chan

微涼的秋，蕩來傷口
微涼的酒，苦澀輕透
微涼是我，未忘藉口
道別某個深秋

為何當天，不懂去愛
為何分開，方知熱愛
為何夜了，蕩來感慨
是否不應該？

匆匆一生獨自上途
風乾情感的苦惱
我站進街角墮進了夜霧像消失地圖（在漆黑裡默禱）
無夢的心不懂去愛
讓孤單心靈失去你
寂寞感覺此際蕩來
是否不甘？

差一點把你再擁有
但我心卻害怕靜候（心卻在詛咒）
夜了想到以後不在逗留

Beat 360 (Update)

2008-10-13T21:16:00.006-04:00

"MAY I CALL YOU TINA FEY?"

WATCH:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/10/04/ac.360.beat.fri.cnn?iref=videosearch

Here's my winning video, my caption complimented by AC and Erica! WOOO. It was actually on Oct 3 and I totally missed the announcement!!!!! :)

Hope my T-shirt will come really soon! I think I'm gonna wear it to the gym, hehehehe

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-10-13T12:21:00.002-04:00

A little bit of respect goes a long way.

A simple rule of thumb for socializing that I learned quite early on: "If you've got nothing nice to say, then don't say anything."

That's all I'm gonna say. I'm rising above.

LOST: My Favorite Character - Sun

2008-10-07T16:11:00.014-04:00

SUN (白善華)

Sun (played by Yunjin Kim) is definitely my No. 1 favorite character on the show. She's very hot and I really like Kim's portrayal of a multi-layered Asian woman. Not to mention, her always Emmy-worthy performances. It's a shame she hasn't been nominated yet. Here's a heartbreaking clip of when Sun witnessed Jin's apparent death.....

WHO IS SUN?

Sun is one of the 48 crash survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. She was introduced as a stereotypical submissive Asian married woman. Later, we find out she's actually a very deceptive person who would do anything to protect herself.

On the outside, she's nice to everyone, loves her husband Jin, helped her friends on the island in many different ways.

But, she lied about not being able to speak English. She kept her own affair with another man a secret from her husband. She shot and killed an unarmed "Other" when the woman was deemed a threat to her own safety.

MAJOR EVENTS OF SUN

On the Island, she found out she was pregnant but was not sure who the real father is. When it's revealed that the father is indeed Jin, she has to face the reality that she will die from the pregnancy like all the other women on the Island before her.

At the end of the 4th season, pregnant Sun escaped the island with Jack, Kate, Sayid, Hurley, and baby Aaron (in the outside world, they are the only 6 survivors of the crash and they have to lie to keep their friends safe) moments after Jin "seemed to have died" from the freighter explosion.

In the future, Sun gave birth to her daughter Ji Yeon in Korea and has taken some control of her father's shady company, which is believed to be linked to the bigger Island conspiracy. She has also contacted Charles Widmore, one of the main conspirators in order to locate the island.

MY PREDICTIONS OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR SUN

We now know that season 5 will focus on the OCEANIC 6 and why they must or why they want to go back to the Island.

I don't believe for a moment that Jin is dead. The writers must keep him alive because that's the only reason for Sun to want to go back.

Right now, she is the only one who seem to have no ties at all back there and would definitely be the hardest to convince. She blames Jack for the "death" of Jin and she has a daughter to raise in Korea. Logically, she would ignore Jack's request to go back.

Unless, of course, Jin is still there....

Germinic

2008-10-07T15:49:00.003-04:00

Germinic....

That's a clever new nickname given by my sister. I, on the other hand, call her "Victeria" (her name's Vicki, btw lol) cuz she passed on the neverending cold to me last week.

Oh, I've never been this sick for years... I've got some serious upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sneeze, stuffy nose, minor fever, chills, headache, sore throat) and I'm on a course of antibiotics to fight it. I just feel tired all the time, cough like an old man, and need to clean up my runny nose every 10 secs....

Haven't updated for 20+ days.... no mood to write anything. Just still waiting for a job offer. sigh. It's a tough world out there.

Somebody bail me out....

One Month...

2008-09-14T20:14:00.011-04:00

Today is September 14. A month has gone by. Thirty-one days with nothing to do....

No specific purpose in life, no sense of security, and declining self-confidence.

It's like I've entered a bridge to nowhere (not in Alaska though, haha). Everything is still an unknown.

I revisited campus on Friday for the Philosophy Dept. Awards Night... It was good to be back, it was like returning home yet it's not exactly home to me anymore. Actually, it felt more like a deja vu... it was like I FELT LIKE I've been here before, but it was just a feeling, nothing was realistic about it, nothing was familiar anymore....

With Prof. Kim Chow-Morris, enjoyed her American Pop Music class a lot!!!! Learned so much about the history of pop music and the stories, causes, and social impact of each genre. Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen are just some of the artists I started listening to and fell in love with after this course!

Photos Taken & Editted by: Dominic
Date: Sep 12, 2008
Location: Ryerson University, Toronto
Was Listening To:

Paranoid Android - Radiohead
Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
Independence Day - Martina McBride
Not Dark Yet - Bob Dylan
This Flight Tonight - Joni Mitchell
走過的路 - 蔡健雅
歌 . 頌 - 陳奕迅
The Best Is Yet To Come - at17
下落不明 - 黃耀明 (Feat. 林憶蓮)
她成功了他沒有 - 楊千嬅

Just another soldier on a road to nowhere...

2008-09-10T22:30:00.011-04:00

Photo Taken & Editted by: Dominic

Date: Sep 9, 2008

Location: Markham, Newmarket, Unionville

Was Listening to:

Santa Monica - Savage Garden

Festival - Sigur Ros

Bada Bada - Joanna Wang

Anyway - Martina McBride

A & E - Goldfrapp

Streets Of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen

與別不同 - 何韻詩

思念 - 蔡健雅

頹 - 容祖兒
倒帶人生 - 陳奕迅

我掉 - 林海峰

17 度 - 謝安琪

So Dark...

2008-09-03T01:53:00.006-04:00

I felt extremely depressed in the past couple of days. Some old glitches along the path of life resurfaced while new ones emerged.

I feel really lost and the sense of insecurity is eating me up inside out. I'm now at a place where I can't see the end of the tunnel, it's all so dark. Too dark.

Last night, I relistened to Martina McBride's version of the "Help Me Make It Through The Night" on her Timeless classics remake album. The acoustic arrangement with pedal steel solo, her intimate and vulnerable vocals were a perfect match for the mood of the night and how I felt.

Dark, dark, dark....

Martina McBride - Help Me Make It Through The Night (Live)

Yesterday is dead and gone,
and tomorrow's out of sight.
It's so sad to be alone,
help me make it through the night.

Photo Taken By: Dominic
Date: Dec 2007
Location: Main St. Unionville (again)

Tanya

2008-08-30T01:17:00.008-04:00

思念 - 蔡健雅

Tanya's new song. It has a similar vibe as 達爾文 last year, which happens to be my favorite song of 2007.

菸不離手把自己灌醉醉
醒過後笑自己有多狼狽
泡的咖啡有苦的滋味
我睜開了眼忘記你是誰

Tanya's smooth-silky voice, indie folk-rocker image, and songwriting skills slowly and solidly brought her popularity and recognition throughout the past 11 years. You never hear or see her in tabloid papers. You'll only get to know her through her music and lyrics. Again, it's the authenticity that makes her one of my favorite singer-songwriters.

First heard of Tanya Chua back in 2000 when I first listened to 903, at the time True Love was a big hit at the station. At that time, 903 was still a medium that endorses indie music, unlike today. Then in 2002, Jan Lamb used her song Day & Night as the ending-theme song for the same titled radio drama featuring Jacky Cheung and Sandy Lam.

Looking back, 903 really had a huge influence on my music taste and interest. However, since a while back the station has changed course and indie music is no longer played as often....

My Favorite Tanya Tunes:

01 . 達爾文: 保持單身忍不住又沉淪兜著圈子來去又是苦等

02. True Love: 然後安慰自己緣分自有安排　縱然心中充滿了脆弱無奈

03. Day & Night: 明明擁抱過　卻還像夢一樣不實在

04. 夜盲症: 為何一到黃昏　寂寞好深　遮住回你懷裡的路程

05. 二手煙: 愛有時像二手煙　才剛熄滅已蔓延

06. 如果你愛我: 如果說我愛著你而你卻比較愛自己我想那就不是我的問題那不過是現代人的愛情

07. 呼吸: 呼吸我需要多一點空氣思念幾乎讓人窒息　沉溺漆黑無聲的海底

08. 陌生人: 當我們擦身而過　那短短一秒鐘　都明白　什麼都變了

09. 記念: 想念變成一條線　在時間裡面漫延　長得可以把世界切成了兩個面

10. 好想放假: 我好想放假　拖了鞋　曬太陽

Miriam

2008-08-29T02:07:00.014-04:00

Just listened to 楊千嬅's 撈月亮的人on youtube.

月半彎　淡如逝水一般映照你下落
陝路短　走過璀璨情境漸漸微薄
讓背影　盪游湖水深處擁抱我月光
歲月短　遺下一片弱質纖纖愉快感覺

It's been a while since Miriam released a song that I really like. It has mood of a lonely, dark, late summer night. It also reminds me of a traditional Chinese lullaby 月光光 that my mom used to sing to me....

It's impossible for Miriam to go back to the era of 再見二丁目 in the late 90s. Like everyone else, her song selections changes as she grows. Listening to her early hits on my iPod today still brings back snippets of elementary school memories. Yes, I grew up listening to her. I think I might have had a crush on her too :)

Her "girl next door", sweet, radiant, and youthful image; her early indie Canto-pop songs; her distinctive laughter... will always be ingrained in my mind.

藏在心中已很美.

My favorite Miriam Tunes :

01. 愛人: 明天將會更好的信徒　如害怕煩惱為何期望太高

02. 再見二丁目: 無論於什麼角落不假設你或會在旁我也可暢遊異國　放心吃喝

03. 零號: 如福音　不過是沒法感動我的情信誰願愛愛我我就誰都信奉

04. 深息: 要愛無謂考慮刺痛時從不畏懼每每就算任性揮之不去任歲月再催

05. 電光幻影: 愛恨無常　雪落無聲　色不過色　卻礙了空性

06. 魂斷威尼斯: 紅和白浮標間　經過一條船一條船　遊人在笑可惜我是個單數　無伴侶可抱

07. 芬梨道上: 這山頂何其矜貴怎可給停留一世只得很少數伉儷在這風景線上建築關係

08. 風采依然: 落地大窗的那面　繁盛也好比往年約了我的卻未見　有人連手機都　偷看幾遍

09. 出埃及記: 如好景　不會漫長　為何迎面風涼如伸手　不見下場暫時　讓我冥想

10. 直覺: 縱是忙於工作　記著騰空一角儲備了寂靜蜜意濃情　再細認黃昏一抹夕陽

SIDENOTE: The Live Version of 撈月亮的人 features Ellen (from at17) on electric guitar! Two of my sweethearts performing together! :)

Actually, the two of them kinda look alike... This is my type I guess.

The Outrageously Funny Comedian... Kathy Griffin

2008-08-28T00:34:00.011-04:00

(Paris Hilton, a horseatula, a horse fucked a tarantula in a good way XD)

Kathy Griffin is the most inappropriately funny redhead! She calls herself a D-list celebrity and she has tons of fun making fun of the A-listers! For that very reason, she has been banned on most talk shows in the US.

Her comedy materials are based on imitating and calling out other stars's crazy behaviors, inappropriate pussy/dick jokes, topped with loads of profanity.

Since I'm now jobless and out of school, I've been spending hours per day watching Kathy's comedy specials and her reality series My Life On The D-List on youtube!

And holy fuckballs, watching her shows and stand-ups sure do make me happier.

My Birth Chart... just for fun

2008-08-26T00:37:00.014-04:00

Don't get me wrong. I never read/believe horoscopes at the back of tabloid magazines or whatever. I don't need a book that can hardly get its facts straight to tell me how to live my week.

However, I do believe in the sciences behind astrology, that the positions of the planets in the solar system at the time you were born, may provide indications of who you really are, your personalities, behaviors, etc. The most important thing to take away is that once you know who you are, embrace your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

Somethings about my signs are really true: STRONG need for freedom (or the dislike of contraints), independence, love of knowledge, loyalty and commitment in relationships, passions in arts, speeches, the mood swings...............

I have the qualities of a VERY typical sagitarrius person.

I think they mentioned somewhere about being good at sex (ahem*) haha.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Dominic Ngai

Sex: M

Date of Birth: Dec 3, 1986

Place of Birth: Hong Kong

Sun: Sagittarius (represents vitality, a sense of individuality and outward-shining creative energy)

- idealistic, enthusiastic and warm-hearted. He is independent, has a taste for travel and freedom.

Moon: Sagittarius (represents the emotional responses and self-image)

- need for personal freedom and space. They are extraordinarily happy and easygoing folk, as long as they don't feel caged in or cooped up.

Mercury: Scorpio (represents communication, Cartesian and logical spirit)

- observant and astute, always reading between the lines and looking for the real meaning behind things. Passionate in speech, excellent at strategy, attracted to the Arts, moves around a lot professionally

Venus: Scorpio (represents emotions and values, exchange and sharing with others)

- Their actions in love tend to promise deep commitment and sexual pleasure, have a strong need to control their partner, if disappointed or deceived in love, he can become bitter

Mars: Pisces (represents the desire for action and physical energy)

- Energy levels fluctuate a lot, coming in bursts of activity followed by inertia, often let life "happen" instead of trying to control their life direction

Jupiter: Pisces (represents expansion and grace)

- attracts the most good fortune when he is charitable, tender, devoted, compassionate, never goes outside the bounds of legality

Saturn: Sagittarius (represents contraction and effort)

- has his own way of thinking about a subject, has his own ideas about things, respects society and its rules guide his conduct, has a sense of organization and responsibility

Uranus: Sagittarius (represents individual liberty, egoistic liberty)

- shy, delicate but proud, bold and lively, very independent, original and does not tolerate constraints on his freedom

Neptune: Capricorn (represents transcendental liberty, non-egoistic liberty)

- discerning, wise and sensible, succeeds due to his brilliant and unusual ideas

Pluto: Scorpio (represents transformations, mutations and elimination)

- great sexual activity, has will-power and ambition, and likes to have his own way

Ascendent (House I): Virgo (self identity, how one acts in life, personality as seen by others, and the attitude towards life)

- there is an intelligent and reserved aura about Virgo rising individuals

- somewhat shy

- needs time to analyze things around them before they warm up to situations and people

- especially interested and concerned with physical health and attracted to mind-body awareness

- tendency to worry a lot, especially when confronted with new situations

- notice the tiniest details that others overlook.

- tendency to appear rather collected and professional, relationships can sometimes be messy

House II: Libra (area of material security and values. It rules money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions)

- income may come either as a result of an advantageous marriage, through artistic expression, or by a very useful association

House III: Scorpio (area of social and intellectual learning)

- a good investigator because he is very curious, likes researching and does this with a lot of patience, likes to solve mysteries

House IV: Sagittarius (area of home, family, roots, and deep emotions/sense of self-worth)

- will certainly marry a foreigner, or go to live abroad permanently and set up home there

House V: Capricorn (area of creative self-expression, romance, entertainment, children, and gambling)

- absolute example of the "serious" type. Everything is calculated, the slightest risk analyzed, patience is one of his main qualities

House VI: Aquarius (area of learning by material transaction)

- likely to be involved in professions of teaching

House VII: Pisces (area of one-to-one relationships such as marriage and partnership, and of social and intellectual action)

- spouse's lack of energy and vitality will annoy him, and this could lead to the break-up of the marriage

House VIII: Aries (area of emotional security and of security of the soul)

- will tend to spend more money than he earns. Be careful of any haste that could prove dangerous

House IX: Taurus (area of learning that shapes the identity)

- doesn't change principles, practically never changes mind

House X: Gemini (area of material action)

- likely to have professions requiring lots of change and movement. Likes to move, travel, write.

House XI: Cancer (area of search for social and intellectual security)

- have sincere and life-long friendships, family comes first

House XII: Leo (area of education and of emotion)

- have problems with authority or someone in charge

Party of Unity.

2008-08-22T22:41:00.006-04:00

CNN's Larry King Live and AC360 are all about Obama's VP pick tonight. The final answer will be texted to supporters on Saturday morning. So... now we know Tim Kaine and Evan Bayh have been checked off the list and it makes Joe Biden, former presidential candidate and Senator of Delaware, the most probable choice.

But wait.

What about Hillary? Although all along she has expressed she's not interested in the job but isn't she the most obvious and most fitting candidate for the VP spot? Wouldn't her being Obama's VP easily bring the 18 million Americans who voted for her in the primaries on the Obama wagon? It seems like a easy solution to unify the currently split in half Democratic Party.

Or, is the "Hillary is not being considered" message all a smokescreen put out by the Obama campaign? Guess we'll know tomorrow.

Just for the record, I'm all for Hillary being VP!

(Update @ Aug 23 11am): Joe Biden it is!

A Perfect Summer Day...

2008-08-21T17:11:00.016-04:00

Photos Taken & Editted By: Dominic
Location: Main St. Unionville
Date & Time: Aug 21, 2008 (2:30-3:00pm)
Music: Sigur Ros, Savage Garden, Jason Mraz, Amy Winehouse, Yael Naim, 蔡健雅, 莫文蔚, 楊千嬅...

UPDATE (10:45pm): OMG!!! I just received a notification that I won an award from Ryerson's Philosophy & Music Department for my ACHIEVEMENT IN MUS505 (Popular Music)! This is a perfect, gorgeous, wonderful, lovely day!

Goodbye & Goodbye.

2008-08-20T10:30:00.015-04:00

Two very different sets of goodbyes this week.

First of all, I said goodbye to a good friend of mine, Carrie, who's leaving to pursue her career. We wish her all the best in the future! This is the second goodbye we said this year, after Billy. There are some friends that you don't have to see all the time but still feels very comfortable talking to. This group is one of them...

I used to have a lot of difficulties dealing with goodbyes. Not very good at them. My parents leaving to back to HK, me going back to Toronto, etc. Heartbreaking is the only word to describe the intense sadness.

However, time heals all wounds. In the past few years, I've voluntarily and involuntarily, happily and sadly, said goodbye to a lot of people. I wish they are all well, whereever they are.

On a lighter note, here are some of my favorite dishes of the night:

Fruit and shrimp salad

Taiwanese popcorn chicken

Waffles with vanilla ice-cream and fruits

There was another goodbye to bebe, a good friend's dog. Coping with the death of pets must be difficult. I only hope Leo and his family will be strong to get through this.... I regret that I haven't had a chance to meet bebe, but she's lived a happy life.

Born To Run...

2008-08-18T00:45:00.014-04:00

A really good habit of mine since summer of 2005 ----- JOGGING!

I jog about 3-4 times a week, for about 35-45 mins each time. It not only keeps me in shape, it's a great training for the mind. When you're running, you set a goal for yourself, and your mind is 100% focused on achieving it.

Running is also a good way to clean out all toxic substances out of the body and brain. It's a little getaway from all the pressure and negative emotions from our daily lives.

Some might think jogging is a little boring, it might be true but there are ways to keep yourself entertained --- for me, my ipod is my best running-mate. I have two sets of songs that I'd listen to during my workout routine - DANCE and ROCK!

Some of my recent favorite dance tunes:

1. 一個人 - 林憶蓮
2. 花見 - 何韻詩
3. 熱島小夜曲 (Wideboys Club Mix) - 陳奕迅
4. 一一 - 黃耀明
5. 跟珍芳達做健身操 - 容祖兒
6. I Love New York - Madonna
7. Only This Moment - Royksopp
8. They Don't Want Music - Black Eyed Peas
9. Viva Life On Mars - Robbie Williams
10. Stoned - Dido

Some of my favorite rock tunes:

1. Hungry Heart - Bruce Springsteen
2. 2+2=5 - Radiohead
3. Rootless Tree - Damien Rice
4. The Show Must Go On - Queen
5. Viva La Vida - Coldplay
6. 衝衝衝 - at17
7. 林檎の唄 - 東京事變
8. Goodbye & Hello - 蔡健雅
9. 將愛 - 王菲
10. I Will Be Fine - 莫文蔚

6 Faces of Bob Dylan... I'm Not There

2008-08-17T00:00:00.014-04:00

Just finished watching the first of the two DVDs I bought today, in celebration of my streak of A's in all 3 summer courses I took (GPA shoots up now!!).

I'm Not There is the story of the singer-songwriter/protest singer/folk-rocker/modern poet ----- Bob Dylan. However, instead of presenting his legacy chronologically, Bob Dylan is portrayed by 6 different actors and the story happens in parallel to , but separate from, each other. Just like Richard Gere's character said in the ending monologue, "it's like yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all in the same room."

I love Cate Blanchett's portrayal of the substance-abusing, diva-attitude rocker side of Bob Dylan (during the mid-60s). Her imitation of his incoherent answers to dumb questions from the press was truly humorous.

Heath Ledger, who plays the "family-man" side of Dylan who ultimately fails to keep his family together was also satisfying to watch. There's something about Heath Ledger that I feel familiar with personally, don't really know how to put it into words.

I first got to know Bob Dylan's music in an American Pop Music elective course I took earlier this year (which I got an A+ in, haha). I wrote my essay on Folk music of the 60s and how it tied in with Vietnam and Civil Rights movement of the time. Of course, Dylan was a major figure at the time because his lyrics and music very bluntly points out the current situation and people's emotions, which connected with the young generation who overwhelmingly opposed the war and unfair treatment of Black Americans.

My favorite song of Dylan is The Times They Are A-Changin':

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don't criticize what you can't understand

Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command

Your old road is rapidly agin'.

Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand

For the times they are a-changin'.

Basically, it tells the old generation to fuck off and let us take over cuz their ideology is wrong and outdated, causing people to suffer at home and abroad. I think young people of all generations and backgrounds should listen to Bob Dylan's songs. During our rebellious years, these are words of wisdom. Perhaps I'm still a teenager, perhaps I still got that flame of anger in me, perhaps.

D N'd (The End).... is a new beginning

2008-08-15T12:56:00.016-04:00

The date & time: August 14, 2008. 9:23pm.

After the exam, I walked out of Eric Palin Hall. Went by the student residence building and into Rogers Comm. Center. Took the bridge that connected me to Kerr Hall and Library. I went downstairs to the exit of the Library.

I realized, this is my final time taking this routine route. My university life has come to an end.

It was dark, cold, and quiet. My ipod played Exit Music (for a film) by Radiohead:

Wake from your sleep,
the drying of your tears,
Today we escape, we escape.
Sing us a song,
a song to keep us warm,
there's such a chill, such a chill.

I took a good look around, not sure when or whether I'd be returning any time soon. This school, these people, these memories, all seem a million miles away.

What seemed to be a second home for me in the past 4 years, is now a place that I'll no longer be a part of.

After a longer (slower)-than-usual walk to Dundas station, I paused and thought about what will be next. Uncertain, don't know yet.

假期過完有甚麼打算...
走過一個天堂　少一個方向...
不能滿足　不敢停站　然後怎樣...

What I know, is that this chapter of my life is over. And, a new one is just about to begin. I'm sure that He'll look after me. He'll have my back.

Now, this school, these people, these memories, are a part of my history, they'll always have a very special place in my heart.

(My first blog entry is dedicated to my business buddies at Ryerson, everyone I've met here in the past 4 years, and this very special campus.)

Photos Taken / Editted By: Dominic