Hairspray Gold and my AHM Pride

(To address Fungi: If you shag, I'm shag times a gazillion times =P And for YW, I did say the twist was good lor ... haha ... and I bought a silver-gun-chain from jiamin; I got support friend oso lor.. lol)

How exciting could a weekend have been?!

This entry is gonna be long. First, there's my HAIRSPRAY review and there's of course ... that 21KM run.

On saturday I met wenjie at orchard cine for KBox ... after straining our vocal chords for 3Hrs, we decided that we just decided that we had to watch Hairspray, so yup, we bought the tickets for the 3:15PM show, since we both must book-in that night. Before the movie started went over to *scape to support jiamin and friends at their LIME flea market stall. Happy with what I got =)

Anyway, here's my exciting review of HaIrSpRaY!

I give the movie W o o o o o W (5.0/5)

HAIRSPRAY has got to be one of the best pictures of the year!! This is what a good movie should be made of. It is very feel-good entertainment; and the song-and-dance numbers are so good I found myself wanting to clap after every single one =P

HAIRSPRAY kicks off with an instant sing-a-long: Good Morning Baltimore by a very promising Nicky Blonsky. Her earnestness and sometimes fiestiness are the reasons why the movie is so fun to watch.

HAIRSPRAY succeeds best when the beats start and the fantastic actors do their stuff. You just have to see it for yourself to believe the amount of professionalism thrown into the film.

Talking about the actors, they are the heart and soul of this unbelievable musical. The Straits Times, Life! called Amanda Bynes (see below) a "comic revelation". I wouldn't go soo far as to say that, but she did a pretty decent job playing Nicky's ditsy little best friend.

The person I think that rightfully deserves the "comic revelation" title is none other than John Travolta (see below)! Holy mama ... his tour-de-force 'drag-queen' role as Mrs Turnblad is so bloody hilarious and gross at the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if he was nominated for an Oscar Best Actor next year. Heck, he could win Oscar Best Actress and he/she would still deserve it =P

There is no need to comment about the rest of the actors. Queen Latifah is powerful as usual; Christopher Walken is surprisingly funny; Zac Efron provided the right amount of charm; and Michelle Pfeiffer puts her acting chops to perfect use as a villanious TV station manager.

She Rocks.



















He / She Rocks.

LAST SAY:

Go watch it and have a great, great time. 'Cause you can't stop the beat!


And now, onto the topic of the Army Half Marathon 2007. Woohoo!

My legs are in such pain now I can't even bother to describe. But I guess ... it was all worth it? You bet it was, man.

Here's the LowDown:

Woke up at 0245 this morning. Brushed-up. Boarded bus to NDP Floating Platform.

Waited until 0545 before the run officially started from Sheares Bridge.

Paced with Sgt Kwok and Sgt Kang initially.

Then Sgt Kang had to shit. Last saw him at Lau Par Sat.

Then Sgt Kwok fell behind. It was me on my own.

Ran pass Chinatown then entered expressway ECP.

Upslope was crazy. It was still dark. There are thousands of people.

Saw my SISPEC commanders along the way: Sgt Lawrence and Sgt Tan Chow Li.

It was at the 8km point that I entered East Coast Park.

Daybreak. Sunrise was nice. But my fatigue wasn't.

The entire ECP run was 7km. It was tiring like ****.

At 15km, finally broke free of ECP.

The next 6km was a blur of waterpoints with 100Plus and bananas and rockbands.

Ran pass Mountbatter Rd and then pass the Indoor Stadium.

The last 1km was torturous.

Then it was over.

I couldn't feel my legs.


Was I proud of myself? Yes.
Because it was certainly no easy feat.

Never ran with so much endurance before. Guess I fnally did something in the Army that I can be proud of.

Presenting to you guys my Finisher Medal, hee.



That's my number tag in the background. 2871. Can go buy 4D =P
Shall keep it safe. =)
Take care, peeps!

Nights-Out Week!

(Those who want Way Back Into Love, guess I'll send you through email when I have time, or when I meet you online!)

Oh, man. I had nights-out every single day this week! Well, probably because we are having the AHM this sunday ... and we seriously did tons of sai-gang this week.

Anyway, Fungi just said she's going for the ahm ... all the best. The route is nice, I've seen it =)

Speaking of that, I'm running 21km, no longer 12 because my battery doesn't allow that route. It kinda sucks. But I'd rather run than do water-point 'cause the waterpoint ppl hafta 'ton overnight' @ECP. Crazy?

Not as crazy as this : I have to book-in at 7pm this saturday because on sunday morning of the marathon, we have to wake up at 2:45am!!@#$%#$@#!! You read it right. Because we have to be on the NDP Floating Platform (quite excited) at 0400 to report.

So basically, my weekend is sort of burnt. Sorry, wenjie, can't accompany you to kbox tonight. Haiz, dude, I understand what you're gg thru. That was exactly how I felt when I entered my new unit also. Just take it in your stride. The sai-gang SUCKS but that's army. I've learnt to accept it. Cheer up dude!

ADVERTISEMENT:

Jiamin and friends (there's Avalene) have set up a stall called Hobbylovers at the LIME Flea Market @ *scape (behind cineleisure). Come down this saturday, 250807, from 1 - 7pm. They sell caps (for guys), and other handmade stuff. Targeted at girls, I guess. Do support!

(P.S. don't worry, I don't have commission for advertising =P)

Hmm, want to pick up Photoshop skills. Gonna borrow the disc from guanmian ... meeting him, darius, jeremy and huankiat for a meal next week I guess. Father says I should learn something during army. Shouldn't rot away. I guess he's right.

Seriously can't wait to ORD, although its like more than 1 year away. I want my PINK IC back!

Oh well, the road is still long. Shall do what I can while I serve the nation. Hope to pursue and accomplish some goals I have in mind. They are rather humble, I must say. But that's the way it is.

Staying happy, living life for the moments ... and the memories.

Take care, peeps!

Air-Bourne and Sleepless

Whew, quite an eventful weekend.

On Friday morning, my unit went to East Coast Park for the Singapore Bay Run cum Army Half-Marathon (AHM) trial-run. Yup, I ran 15km. Longest I've ran in my life. It was okayy. Tiring? You bet it was. Fortunately Uncle David drove me there in his taxi ( The Platinum Ride ) so I don't have to wake up so early (We reported at 7am). Saw Kang Yu there, too. He was running with his unit.

This is the route of the AHM we are running this Sunday, 26 Aug. Yup, 21KM in total. Will run pass Chinatown and indoor stadium. But I'm only running 12km since I'm a first year soldier. This marathon is open to the public. But don't bother joining lah. There are better ways to lose weight, seriously.

Went to watch a movie with zhiwen at vivo again on friday night. The Bourne Ultimatum featuring Matt Damon. I was blown away. Here's my short review:

I give the movie W o o o o o W (4.5/5)

( I did this montage by myself! Pity it's a little small.

Synopsis: Jason Bourne (the perfectly cast Matt Damon, reprising his role) is on his final journey to regain his memory. Viewing him as a threat, the CIA is tracking him down, mainly because of the surfacing of a new black-ops evolvement called the Blackbriar. What follows is an exciting global chase that reunites him with Nicky Parsons (a sadly under-used Julia Stiles), pits him against power-hungry CIA officer Noah Vosen (David Strathairn, playing the typical villian man-on-top), and seeing him form an unusual but not unexpected alliance with Deputy Director Pamela Landy (a competent Joan Allen).

Plus Points: Ultimatum strikes you as a shockingly clever and excellent action thriller. I can't remember when was the last time I was feeling at the edge of my seat in the cinema. Paul Greengrass is officially my favourite director at the moment. His edgy camera work was the pulse that propelled the film forward. If you have the chance, go watch his previous offering, United 93. (Click HERE to find out more.) It's really the best film of 2006. I have the DVD.

Ok, I'm digressing, hee. Ultimatum provides its audience with fantastic brains and brawn, all thanks to Matt Damon, of course. The twists in the plot are thrilling and fun and the action sequences are mindblowing to say the least. A particular car chase will probably be the best one you'll witness this year, and the close-combat fights are so raw it made

me think: "Now that's what I call fighting."

Flaws: There really isn't much to complain. Just one thing, though. Julia Stiles was so under-used! She has style lor. I like her =P If her character had more depth (as of Joan Allen's character), I would no doubt have given the film a 5.0 rating.

Final Say: Ultimatum is ultimately one helluva fantastic and enjoyable movie. Trust me, there's no problem getting the plot even if you haven't watched the previous two. Just read my review and you're ready for the ride. Wahaha. -_- =P

I met Lamerz on Sunday to catch the FIREWORKS FESTIVAL (it was the last day) and celebrate Yeewen's birthday. Went for dinner at New York New York then we proceeded (in a hurry, again) to a site that we thought would be ideal for the fireworks viewing.

Citylink was thronged with gazillions of people (all catching the fireworks). When we reached the place, (beside Esplanade) there were already a lot of ppl there. Anyway, our view wasn't so good. And I'm sorry to say, I'll need to get the pictures from peijun before posting on my blog.

After that we took 171 back to my house and fungi, yw, zw and sk stayed over and we played mahjong and some very very very very very lame but very very very very very funny card games all through the night until 8am, then they left.

Booking in later at 11pm. Today is grandma's birthday. Happy birthday to you! =)

Till then, take care, peeps!

My Random Thoughts

First and foremost, would like to thank those ppl who encouraged me after the depressing first part of my previous entry ... I'm glad to say that things are much better now ... =) looking forward to nights-off and weekends now ... haha.

Anyway, didn't know my review of the movie Secret could actually make yoketeng want to watch it now. Beeluan also sms-ed me to discuss the ending a bit ... oh well, people, watch it if you're really interested. Hee.

Talking about movies, one MUST-WATCH flick coming up is HAIRSPRAY. I like music and everybody likes a good comedy, right?

It features a star-studded cast: John Travolta (singing in, erm, drag), Queen Latifah (you can never go wrong with this lady), Amanda Bynes (she rocks. fullstop.), Zac Efron (dude from High School Musical), Michelle Pfeiffer and introducing Nikki Blonsky (unknown actress who's sort of the protagonist of the film).

Go check out the trailer to find out why critics are calling this one of the best films of the year! ---> youtube trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9MgeFFjHlk

Was just reading 8DAYS just now and I came across an article that made me quite happy: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's marriage is on the rocks! Woohoo!! Dunno lah, never really liked the idea that Brad left Jennifer Aniston (only my favourite actress ever) for that woman who seems to be adopting the entire planet. Dunno why I so kaypoh 'bout other ppl's stuff ... but guess that once in awhile, ppl just like to talk c*ck and gossip =P

Shall be going to the FIREWORKS FESTIVAL at Marina Bay this saturday. Hope I can get good pictures to share with you guys. Till then, I'll be running a trial run for AHM tomorrow. Will be running 15KM @ east coast park tmr ... hope the route is at least nice so I will forget how shag I'll be.

Take care, peeps.

angryFUNsecret

I know ... people say we shouldn't sigh ... but here's one that just have to come -

* SIGH *

(Oh, just nice 幸福的距离 by 刘耕宏 is playing on my playlist now, making me more emo than ever.)

I thought ... I really thought that it would be exciting to go to a new camp ... meet new ppl ... enjoy a better life than what I endured through SISPEC (ooc) ... and guess what?

IT'S ALL WRONG.

My family has heard enough. My friends have heard enough.

Because of some retarded person in my unit who've decided to crash through a garage door, now everyone in the unit has to do a 24-hr sentry just because the garage door can't close.

And guess what? Another new signaller and I got arrowed to do the duty for national day eve to national day morning, and also on the preceding Saturday to Sunday morning. Sucks right? FOR SOMETHING THAT'S NOT OUR FAULT TO BEGIN WITH.

But oh well, my father and uncle reassured me, sorta. "That's the army afterall." Can't agree enough. F-ed Up.

It isn't helping that I can't seem to fit in with the unit people, all of whom have arrived before me and the new signaller came. Urghhh. Going crazy.

However, on a lighter note, at least I got to have a bit of fun on National Day itself. Though I was deadbeat after my sentry the night before, I still went over to zhiwei's house for mahjong with the same ppl. This time I arrived late and serkun, fungi, yeewen and zw were already playing.

(photo courtesy of Fungi. Sk with his act-cool glassless specs =P)

Later in the evening, we decided to make our way to Marina Bay to catch the NDP FIREWORKS. We camped at the open patch beside the war memorial.

(photo courtesy of me. This was the best shot. The rest were really bad)

The fireworks began and it was then that we realised how DISASTROUS the location was. The fireworks was 50% obscured by some building and halfway through the show, the smoke was blowing towards our direction, blocking almost all of the fireworks, save for a few pathetic sparks we could actually see. =P Was a funny experience though. Learnt our lesson!! =

Before my duty on Saturday, I got to hang out a bit with my cousins during Ryan's birthday celebration. Played mahjong with Eugene, Elicia and Roxane for like, half an hour before we made our way to AMKhub to watch Jay Chou's directional debut - Secret a.k.a 不能說的秘密.

Here's a short review (I won't reveal the secret lah, don't worry):

(photo taken from http://www.karazen.com/images/reviews/movie/Secret/005.jpg)

I give the movie W o o o W (3.0/5)

I would've given the movie 2.5/5 if not for the impressive, jaw-dropping piano-playing sequence in the middle of the show. But still, it's essentially a movie, not an MTV.

Short Synopsis: Jay (played by Jay, wow how inspiring) is a new student at this very old music school and he meets this mysterious girl, 小雨. After a brief courtship, she disappears and Jay discovers ... well, he discovers her secret. Suffice to say, it has something to do with a very old piano, a very old score, and some ... okay, that's enough. =P

Plus Points: Although you can see the twist in the middle coming from a mile away, it isn't just a conventional Sixth Sense twist. There's more to the plot than meets the eye. The way the story develops in the middle after the secret is revealed is very interesting and I dare-say, gripping.

Lead actress 桂纶镁 (Gui Lun Mei) 's acting is convincing and I personally think she's cool ;) Anthony Wong yet again plays father to Jay Chou (previously on Initial D) and he provides the best comic relief for the otherwise boring, cheesy dialogues.

Flaws: One major, major complain is the lousy, senseless ending. It leaves behind so much plot holes than you can fit a hippo through it. What makes it worse is that it was building up to a sufficiently intense climax right until the disappointing last frame. It just reminds you about how amateur the movie actually is from the start.

Last Say: The movie only picks up at the middle as it reveals a very satisfying storyline. But, please, disregard the last scene if you want to enjoy this movie.

Eating & Rocking

Firstly, I'm just super-duper glad that I got posted OUT OF SISPEC! Yayness. Quite an emotional farewell to the people we took care of me, especially the enceks. Will miss Warrant Goh. And of course, Guan Mian, Taufiq (dude, we finally made it out), and the rest of the new OOCs. Seriously, hope you all post out soon and don't suffer the same (devastating) fate like Taufiq and I. And to Jeremy, hope we can meet up soon and talk about Harry Potter (return my 6th book) and travelling. Haha. And to the ppl that sort of made my life miserable in SISPEC, well, er, wish you all the best also lah. *Rolls eyes*

* * * * *

Well, went for mahjong session with zhiwei, fungi and yeewen again on saturday. Muahaha. Seems like a weekly routine now, isn't it? Won 10 bucks. Yeah, lost to Yw last week. Now win back ;)

On the way to zw's house jean called me and asked if I cared to join the section for dinner later at Vi'lage. I agreed, since it's been such a loooong time, although I was totally not dressed for town. Anyway, was really fun meeting all of them again and catching up. Joe still as crappy as ever; Julian still as photographic as ever; Jean still as make-funable as ever; Lynna and Sheryl, well, still the same, sweet ppl.

(Photo courtesy of Lynna) See? I look so lao beh in t-shirt and shorts right? Jean should have called me earlier!!

Anyway, during dinner we were discussing where to go. Jean suggested watching HP5; but it was promptly rejected since the whole world watched it already (went to watch today with my bro again -_-). Simpsons movie some of us also watched before already. Then we nearly settled on watching Alone but Jean lamented that she would be going home alone later, so, rejected as well. (See, it's all about Jean) =P

So, decided by Julian, we went to Baybeats 2007 @ the Esplanade. To be honest, I've never been to any music festival before. And yup, it was an eye-opener. (O.O)

Went over to the 'American' side and witnessed a Jason Mraz-style singing by this guy whom I've not heard of.

(Photo courtesy of Julian) Yeah, he was a good singer.

But Julian suggested that we went over to the 'Swedish' side, where it was more happenin'. So, okay, we made our way there

I took this photo on the way. Nice right? The Singapore skyline would change dramatically once the IR is up.

Random photo. That was before the rocking started.

Then it started. Wow. I think they must've been a famous rock band because when they came on stage, the crowd practically went bonkers. When they started jamming, the ppl around started jumping around and going totally mad. The body surfing started and ppl were shoved here and there.

(Photo courtesy of Julian) Yes, that is a person's leg you see up in the air.

(Photo courtesy of Julian) Everyone's having a good time.

Security guards stepped in to control some of the more violent ones. There was some beating going on. Ppl were emerging from the crowds, perspiring as if they just had a shower and forgot to dry themselves.

But I guess this kinda music is best enjoyed 'Live'. I found myself bobbing idiotically to the beat. Me, Joe, Jean and Lynna were standing at the back while Julian was in the heat of the action, being jostled about, trying to capture the best shots.

But he did well, didn't he? The photos turned out fantastic. Kudos!

(Photo courtesy of Julian) Rock On!!

Went home late that night, shaken and stirred. Haha.

I spend Sunday morning sleeping in. Afternoon I was writing. Evening I accompanied my brother to watch HP5; since he had wanted to watched it long ago. Yes, me second time watching. But still enjoyed it.

For those who can't get enough of Potter, refer to my previous post.

Okay, shall turn in. Tomorrow shall be my first day in Khatib Camp. Wish me Luck!

The Last of the Spectacular Seven

( The "Spectacular Seven" - my first 4 were children versions ; last 3 were adult versions . Equally Precious! )

( ( ( SPO!LERS AHEAD ) ) )

you've been warned

"All was well."

Those were the last 3 words in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - the final of the seven books that has charmed the world over with its magic to surprise, excite and touch. Ya, as you can tell, I've finally finished the fantasy-epic (on Thursday, 26th Jul 07); and it is with great respect, awe and a tinge of sadness that I write this (informal) review on arguably the most enjoyable book I've read so far in my life.

I guess there's no need for introduction, right? Even those who don't have the patience to sit-through brick-sized books would at least know that J.K. Rowling (all hail the queen) is the writer of this immensely popular series about The Boy Who Lived ... his adventures, turmoils and finally, triumphs at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry.

Where do I even begin?

Oh well, guess I shouldn't borrre you guys too much with the heavy details and over-analytical plot-lines ... suffice to say, the last book is - as noted by critics worldwide - a tremendous, rip-roaring success. Deathly Hallows is brimming with Rowling's signature pulsating thrills, humour and dangers right from the first page till the very end. Readers can expect to be surprised by the numerous plot twists along the way and at the same time, sadden and grief over those who lost their lives. Despite finding the ending a little cliche, it is still sweet, nevertheless.

The rest of my review shall contain snippets of memorable quotes - along with my comments - from the book. For those who mourn (and scorn) the lives lost in the book, I have also compiled an orbituary list for those main characters who have perished along the way.

So dudes and dudettes, here's the last journey down Harry's lane - lap it up while you can! =)

"He said She said"

#1: "Take care, Big D" by Harry (pg40) - Harry said this to Dudley in a surprisingly touching farewell. Turns out the Dursleys did have an affection for our poor Harry afterall. Awww

#2: "If I don't (survive) - well, I think I've cast a good enough charm to keep them (Hermione's parents) safe and happy." by Hermione (pg84) - Two of Harry's closest friends - Hermione and Ron - are willing to risk their lives to accompany him on his quest for the Hocruxes. This quote was muttered by Hermione: she cast a charm to alter her parents' memories so they would completely forget they had her as a daughter, so they would not need to worry if she died. This selflessness was one of the most moving moments at the beginning of Hallows, which made me very worried that one of them might die.

#3: "How wonderful! Gnome saliva is enormously beneficial!" by Xenophilius Lovegood (pg117) -Rowling's humour is downright quirky and outright funny. The Lovegoods (Xeno and his daughter, Luna) are probably one of the most amusing characters Rowling created. This quote was muttered when Luna told her dad that she had just got bitten by a garden gnome. Weird but hilarious.

#4: "The ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming." by Kingsley Shacklebolt (pg133) - This quote came right at the end of Fleur and Bill's wedding. It was delivered in the form of a Patronus. It was so unexpected it was shocking - and that is when the book really picked up its pace. Exciting stuff!

#5: "...but the fact remains that he (Voldemort) can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo." by Fred Weasley (pg360) - You can trust the Weasley twins to come up with such witty lines that never fails to make us laugh. The image of Snape running away from a bottle of shampoo will sure be hilarious. This quote helped release the heavy tension of the writing at that point.

#6: "...with a little shudder the elf became quite still, and his eyes ... sprinkled with light from the stars they could not see." Descriptive (pg385) - Rowling ended the chapter 'Malfoy Manor' with the death of loyal house-elf, Dobby. I just feel that the writing here was sincere and affecting. Sob. (Nah, but I didn't cry)

#7: "Sometimes you've got to think about more than your own safety (and) ... the greater good! This is war!" by Harry (pg458) - This was exclaimed by Harry to Aberforth, Dumbledore's brother (surprise, surprise!). Aberforth was being all negative about fighting it out with Voldemort, but Harry insisted otherwise. Said like a true medieval Hero. Hail Harry! (K, cheesy)

#8: "We're supposed to practise the Cruciatus Curse on people who've earned detentions" by Neville Longbottom (pg462) - I gasped when I read this line in the book, causing my army buddy to turn over and look at me. K, maybe I overreacted but c'mon, it's sick, right? That's what happens when Death Eaters take over Hogwarts. Sh*t them.

#9: "Everyone in here's proven they are loyal to Dumbledore - loyal to you." by Neville (pg467) - The sense of comraderie is impressive here. All the more excitement builds up as you know that everyone who has cared (or admired) Harry Potter are geared up for a big fight to the end.

#10: "Hogwarts is threatened! ... Man the boundaries, protect us, do your duty to our school!" by Professor McGonagall (pg484) - Things are really heating up. This came from my favourite chapter: The Battle of Hogwarts. She was giving instructions to those previously statue-like armour of suits that lined the halls. It's so cool that practically everything - living, dead, or non-living - came to live just to provide back-up army against the invading Death Eaters.

#11: "IF WE DIE FOR THEM, I'LL KILL YOU, HARRY!" by Ron (pg509) - Harry, Ron and Hermione were battling to escape from a room of uncontrolled, fatal flames when Harry insisted on turning around to save Malfoy and his gang, who had initiated the fire. Ron was infuriated that Harry was risking all their lives to rescue the enemy. I didn't know whether to laugh or fret over that quote. Fortunately, though, none of the three died so Ron didn't have to kill Harry. (On the other hand, if three of them did die, how was Ron going to kill an already dead Harry?) Trick question.

#12: "But this is touching, Snape ... Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?" by Dumbledore (pg551) - Harry was looking at Snape's memory (after he died) and this line stood out for all the right reasons. Snape was the best unsung hero of all. Read the chapter The Prince's Tale. You'll understand.

#13: "Death was impatient." Descriptive (pg555) - When Harry found out he was the seventh Horcrux, and that he had to die to end all of this, he was basically stupefied. Your heart pounds with him as he marches to find Voldemort and seek his final fate.

#14: "NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!" by Molly Weasley (pg589) - This quote just left me agape. It was quite uncouth for a supposedly children novel. But what the heck - everyone's excited to see a woman-on-bitch showdown. In this case, it was Mrs Weasley vs Bellatrix Lestrange (when Bellatrix was duelling with Ginny). Scroll down to the obituary to see who was the loser of the battle.

#15: "Voldemort was dead, killed by his own rebounding curse" Descriptive (pg596) - Alas, one quote that wasn't quite as impactful as it should have been. Quite a predictable death also. But anyway, aren't you bloody glad he's finally dead?

#16: "I've had enough trouble for a lifetime." by Harry (pg600) - We couldn't agree with you more, Harry. But your troubles did make a good read.

#17: "The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well." - This is the last line of the last chapter of the last book. I closed the book and couldn't help thinking that my brother was right.

O R B I T U A R Y

( Only main deaths are noted. Deaths are in chronological order. )

1) Professor Charity Burbage : First death. Brutal way to die.

2) Hedwig : First animal death. SPCA should be angry with Death Eaters.

3) Madeye Moody : A brave warrior till the end.

4) Rufus Scrimgeour : Bad leader = Kiss goodbye.

5) Gregorovitch : Wandmaker.

6) Bathilda Bagshot : Poor, old woman.

7) Ted Tonks : Minor but sad, anyways.

8) Wormtail : Too little, too late.

( Get your Kleenex ready )

9) Dobby : He deserved his dignified burial. 100%.

10) Crabbe : Crappe

11) Fred Weasley : Shit man. Really heart-wrenching. Condolences to the Weasleys.

12) Severus Snape : Easily the most shocking death in the book. His revealed sacrifice and loyalty to Dumbledore (and Harry) proves that Rowling knows how to tell a bittersweet story of the power of love.

13 and 14) Remus Lupin + Tonks : They belong together. A bit cruel though, to leave their newborn behind.

15) Colin Creevey : Bloody hell. He's only a kid.

( Get the wine and streamers ready! )

16) Nagini : Vain-pot snake deserves to die.

17) Bellatrix Lestrange : I would have killed her myself.

18) Lord He-Must-Be-Named Voldemort : Good riddance. At Last.

* * * * *

And so, there you go. Hope the review was insightful =)

Just came back from Tekong, where one of my Staff Sergeant (Siva) brought the 7th book to read. I was so tempted to read it all over again.

It's the end of an era.

Guess it's going to be tough to find another series as engaging as Harry Potter was to me. (Read today's Life! ? China has this Harry Potter and the China Porcelain Doll. It sounds irresistably stupid and a must-read) Ha ha.

P.S. I'm finally posted OUT OF SISPEC! Signal operator in Khatib Camp. Yay.

"Wilson, out."