Birthdays and Basterds

[ warning: you might get very hungry after reading this post ]

Wowee~ September is really a birthdays galore! Let's just have one picture for one birthday celebration here. Or maybe a couple of pictures if there are pictures worth showcasing!

Jiamin's 21st (surprise by NJCSB members @ Hall8)
In the background, hanging on the window, is a pre-Hari Raya celebration deco =X =P
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Mark's 21st!
Attended by part of Pava, it was a day of fun-filled laksa, childhood photos and... durian cake!

Can you spot the one who doesn't enjoy it? LOL. I miss the cake already =(
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Valencia's 21st!
GYPSies! I just like using this word =P

And that day marked the unauguration of SPBA. =X Where's our t-shirt design??

And here's presenting to you a Life, Curious Paparazzi Special:
STUDENT CAUGHT ON CAM FOR GOSSIPING
by Wilson Ng

PASIR RIS, Singapore - Vanessa, co-founder of SPBA, was caught on camera for gossiping at Elias Green - a very uluated condominium - last Saturday evening, a Life Curious paparazzi revealed.

When she realised that a photographer was secretly snapping at her, the twenty-one year old student raised her hands in defense, and attempted to shoo the camera-man away.

Loy, a witness while attending a party there, said, "She was really animated in the way she talked. It sounded like she had something really exciting to say."

Vanessa, along with other members of the SPBA - namely CWJ, LLW and WN - were attending a 21st birthday party at the Pasir Ris condominium. Valencia, who is also a co-founder of SPBA, was the birthday girl.

Valencia said, "I really enjoy the presence of gossip at my birthday party. I'm looking forward to further sessions in the near future."
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LOL, I can't believe I actually was boliao enough to do that. But it is an exercise in practising my news-writing skills. Shall take it as COM204 revision =P No offense to the people mentioned. All in good fun =DD
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Huiying's 19th!
Chio right! Done by Luting and Huijun @ JP's icing house. Really impressive work =) It tastes great, btw.

PAVAs + Roomies! The tissues on our hands are the cakes.
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Dad's Birthday!
@ Fo You Yuan Vegetarian restaurant. Am in love with Canon Camera's colour-accent function. No prizes for guessing what colour it's accenting here.

Coca-Cola should pay me. Such a nice pic! =P

Vegetarian Pig's Trotter. Yes, you read that right. The 'skin' and 'meat' tastes great, as contradictory as they seem.

The restaurant's signature self-made ice cream desserts!! So pretty right!

Mum and dad and the replacement birthday cake. Not using traditional birthday cakes seems to be the trend now. See below (Colin and Bernard's birthday).

The powdery chocolatey coating, with the soft, cold, creamy interior.... One word: YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
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Colin & Bernard's Birthday!
Celebrating at....

...Manhatten Fish Market! Taken using Bernard's DSLR worth thousands of dollars. Slurp.

Our replacement birthday 'cakes' (mooncakes). From Four Seasons. Durian flavour. 'Nuff said. I can almost smell it now.
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Grandma's Birthday!
At Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant @ Turf City.

A traditional must-have: 寿桃.

Crabs on ice. Not crabs ice-skating, but cold crabs.

Baby abalone.

Salted BBQ prawns - crisped to perfection.

Each family had send a representative to serenade grandma. I sang 屋顶 =P

Happy birthday mama!

*Sigh* kids.. But you'd be surprised. Some adults do that too.
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PHEW. That's the end of Birthdays Celebration in September. Don't know if there's more coming. But anyway, here's a review of a great, great movie I caught with the army 'old men', Inglourious Basterds.

I give the movie:





The reason why you should be attracted to watch this movie should not be Brad Pitt - it should be its writer/director, Quentin Tarantino.

Trust the outrageous film veteran - he truly knows his stuff: how to thrill, engage and move the audiences to laugh, cry and maybe even scream. If those qualities are not what you're looking for in a filmmaker, I don't know what will satisfy you.

Basterds is indeed an utterly-satisfying movie experience. Kicking off the movie is a nail-biting sequence involving a Nazi officer (the brilliant Christoph Waltz) interrogating a French-man in his countryside home, attempting to dig-out the whereabouts of a missing Jewish family. The scene starts off slow, then tightens the clockwork of events to the point of suffocation, then ending with a shocking tragedy, but not without the escape of a young Jewish girl, who proves tentamount to the advancement of the plot.

The next chapter of the movie tells the story of a team of American soldiers led by hillbilly officer Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) - the Basterds, they call them - as they're are infamous for their missions to scalp Nazis. This plotline, along with an undercover German actress (Diane Kruger) working for the British, come together as three gripping stories intertwining to showcase Tarantino's extravagant reimagining of Hitler's assasination.

The result is amusing, suspenseful, and filled with the wacky director's trademark violence and humour. People might complain about the long running-time (153 minutes), but for those who appreciate a good movie, every single pivotal scene in the film is a delight for the senses.

While Pitt is a hoot to watch, and Kruger flexes her acting muscle to include substance in a side-character, it is Christoph Waltz's portrayal as the notorious "Jew Hunter" that steals the scenes from the two familiar faces. His command of French, German, English and even Italian (extremely apparent in one classic scene of hilarity) is impressive, so is his switch between cool-menace and cold-blooded insanity. Waltz, as you might note, clinched the Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for this role.

FINAL SAY: Outrageous, tense, funny and heartbreaking - Inglourious Basterds is a masterpiece, coming off as both startingly original, as well as a homage to old-style German war movies.
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Oh my gosh. I haven't finished studying!!

To all CS fellas: All the best for our quizzes!

Take care, people!

Please Watch These Movies

Gosh, Jennifer Aniston movie alert!


If you don't think she's gorgeous, you're blind. Seriously.

Next up, Guy Ritchie's take on Sherlock Holmes. 3 BIG reasons to watch it: Robert Downey Jr (yes, Iron Man), Jude Law and the understated Rachel McAdams.



Appealing to kids (but mostly the kid in all of us), the surreal Where the Wild Things Are.



And lastly, the revamped FAME (i'm gonna live forever~ ok, carried away). It looks like a slicker, tighter High School Musical. But I'm a sucker for musicals. This better be good!


Hollywood is producing too few musical-movies! When were the good ol' times of Sound of Music? The last good one was Hairspray. C'mon, do another Moulin Rouge!

Okay, I'm supposed to be studying :X

Please keep a look-out for these movies! And please watch Inglorious Basterds, thank you.

Take care, people!

Mariah Builds Excitement; Ellen on Idol

A big change is coming to American Idol (basically the only Idol show that Singaporeans bother to watch). If you didn't catch the news, scroll down pass Mariah to look at the Ellen video =)

Source: mariahcarey.com

For the first time, here is a cover-art of Mariah's music I'm not embarrassed to display (well, as you guys know, her previous album-arts are of her in infamously skimpy clothing).

But the point to make here is this: there is no ignoring the talent of Mariah Carey and her music, and I Want To Know What Love Is - a cover of Foreigner's 1980's hit - will prove that she's not just some narcissistic individual who likes to flaunt her figure.

The cover-art is decidedly toned-down, and aptly hints the style of the 1980's (which is the era the original song came from).

I've had the privilege of listening to the untarnished version on Youtube (thanks to Wei Long), before the website's management decided to tweak every single video of the song - which contains the original audio - to make it sound like Mariah has gone a pitch higher.

Go here -> http://mariahcarey.com/ to listen to the single-stream. Entertainment Weekly gives the best-worded review of the song: "Mariah + Gospel Choir + I Want To Know What Love Is = ECSTASY".

Mariah Carey's 12th and latest studio album "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" will hit stores on 29th September 2009.
~


Watch this! If you haven't heard:

The weekend is filled with 3 birthdays! Wow. September is really a birthday-galore, man.

If I'm not wrong - and hopefully, I'm not - it's going to get real busy soon!

Take care, people!

RIP, Final Destination

Okay people, as promised, here is my review of that much talked-about movie The Final Destination (aka Final Destination 4).

I give the movie:





When it was made known that this was going to be The Final Destination, there was indeed a buzz in the air. Voyeuristic fans of the franchise would sadistically recall the horror of the trademark first death sequence, then that edge-of-your-seat feeling as Death slowly (and creatively) claims its victims one by one... all of them thrilling memories...

...that were completely absent in this film.

We should have noticed the signs. Although the trailer was available in high-definition on Youtube, a death by car-races just wasn't as horrifying as the graphic destruction of the airplane in the first movie. Also, what is with the totally uninspiring poster? It doesn't say anything about the movie. Maybe that was their motive - to make you not want to watch it.

This supposedly final installment uses a cliche-filled NASCAR sequence at the start to establish the familiar premise - young man has a premonition and he manages to convince his friends (along with some unwilling strangers) to leave the site just in time before the accident on the track occurs, them narrowly escaping a potentially-horrendous death.

But you all do know that the movie must go on, and in some kind of lazy been-there-done-that fashion, the paper-thin plotline unfolds as Death go claim back what was meant to be.

What made the first three movies watchable was the suspense they build up to the gruesome deaths, and especially in the first and second ones, that deliberately-prolonged moment whereby the victims suffer before taking that last breath. But in #4, people just die. In one second. Fullstop. If that was what the audience was looking for, they might as well watch a Steven Spielberg war-movie, and probably derive more satisfaction from the body count.

The final nail in the coffin for FD4 was the ending. The most inexcusable way to end an already groan-inducing movie is to kill-off your characters lamely. And that was what they did.

FINAL SAY: How do you define a waste of one's money? Short running time. Uninspiring. Bad storyline. Try not to be tempted by the 3D.
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Okay, sorry if any of you guys did enjoy the movie while I shredded it into pieces here. But that's how I felt it should be (and judging by the poster, the producers agree, too) - it should be in pieces. =X

Coco before Chanel next week! Hope it's good. And Phobia 2! Fifi, start finding people to watch =P

To us freshies, work hard!

Take care, people!

new adveNTUres

Oops, sorry for that cheesy play on the online-learning portal. Anyway, sorry again for not updating this space. Trying to settle down in uni, but apparently, each week brings about new stuff that keeps me busy.

Finally, my timetable is settled. Although it's not the best one (freshies are at the bottom of the food chain, so complain also no use), at least there are some days when it's quite relaxed.

Besides the 3 cores assigned to me, I took on one more core, and these electives:
> Media in America - the documentary was so sad! War journalism isn't everyone's cup of tea, apparently.

> Introduction to Psychology - thank you jiamin's friend! But omgosh, it's not an easy topic.

Still getting lost in NTU, and also getting lost among my course readings. Things are happening so fast! Well, here are the past weeks in pictures:


Wilson Wang's 21st - Queen Bees & Hot Jocks
Yep, my "twin's" birthday (same name, same Chinese surname, and he even has a younger brother named Wilfred, too). It was a night of decadence - the food was of such high-quality - nothing short of what to expect from a Wilson. =P Thanks for your Salsa-dip recipe. Shall try it out soon! =)
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Geek & His Bimbos
It was a night where a bunch of year 3 girls bully a freshie. But it was also a night of good talk and catch-up. And remember, people, a car is not as small as a motorcycle =XX

From one of my fave dessert stalls - 记得吃! Remember to visit it in Jurong Point! The durian-milk curd is simply delicious.
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"Old Tales of Hollywood" - WKWSCI Dinner & Dance '09
Location: The Falcon Princess - a ship!

Meeting at Harbourfront centre first..

Our boarding pass!
The ship!

The table pics...

This would've been a nice picture if it was clearer! It's okay, Fifi. You've already given me one display pic-worthy photo at Timbre. Anyway, the word on the star is supposed to be "Elvis Presley".

Me on the verge of sneezing, while huiling and eve were still happily smiling away. The ship was so stuffy..

Now that's betterrr..

The ship is tilting!! Nah.. jk. But the ship did rock quite a bit.

Pavarotti -> Seniors + Freshies Pt 1.

Pavarotti -> Seniors + Freshies Pt 2.

Us advertising for one of the sponsers - Ricolla~

On the deck.

F4. Not.

I have no idea whose idea was this.

Ok, I look like a band conductor. In case you were wondering, the golden thing on my suit is a trumpet pin =)

Ron says I look like a mafia. But do mafias look so friendly??
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Bakerzin Desserts~
By the time you read this, the promo might've expired. Which will be a shame!

Jivera Cake. Smooth and chocolate-y with a crunchy, tasty base.

Coupe cheesecake. Have you eaten creamy-cheese ice-cream? Have you tasted bliss? It's the same thing.

The warm, comforting and familiar Chocolate Souffle.
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Zouk MAMBO night!
Long Island!

-_-" no commentss

The music starts and the dancing begins!

Okay, dance until tired already. It's time to sleep. See ya next time!
~

Readings, readings and more readings await me.

Need to start organising stuff.

Take care, people!

i'm seeing STARS

Yup, as of 11 August 2009, I was officially a student of Nanyang Technological University. (And a proud student of Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information) =p

There are so many things to like about school. I like my Hall (of residence #8), because it's clean and newly-renovated (okay, tons of people are going to kill me right now). I like Wee Kim Wee! Even though it's only the first week of school, but I am excited for what's to come. I like meeting old friends in school. I like going for breakfasts in the morning before lecture starts. I like cheaper McDonald's. I like Canteen A and 2's food. And the list goes on...

But of course, there's that one thing that even the most loyal of students hate about school, and that's the infamous STARS.


I tell you, it's like a bunch of kiasu aunties snatching for that last piece of handbag on discount on the last day of the Great Singapore Sale. Then the rest of us are left to mull over leftovers.. Oh well.

However, even though STARS can cause potential nausea and dizziness, I still heart NTU. Looking forward to a great four years of opportunities and experiences ;)
~

And here's my review of one of the most eagerly-anticipated films this year, Up.
I give the film:





A film-release by Disney/Pixar is always a special occasion. Kids get thrilled. Adults can interested. You can always associate it with one of human-being's most pleasant of expressions - a smile.

And the audience do start smiling from the get-go - Pixar's trademark opening short (this time entitled Partly Cloudy) will immediately launch people into excitable chatter, and all for the right reasons. So you see, from the early days of Toy Story to last year's cinematic masterpiece, Wall-E, the beloved animation studio does set their bar quite high, and almost the same can be said for Up.

This story tells of a lonesome widower who, to evade authorities from tearing down his house and to fulfill a life-long promise to his late wife, embarks on a sky-high adventure by lifting his abode to the skies with the help of thousands of balloons. Along the way, an eager-to-please boy-scout gets involved (you'll see how), and together, they begin the journey of a life-time.

Sounds incredulous? The team behind Monsters, Inc doesn't think so. And the final product, which combines laughter with a unique tale of friendship, is bound to warm the hearts of the audience.

Although Up doesn't quite measure-up (pun unintended) to some of Pixar's greatest, I'm totally in love with the art behind it. From the stunning display of the multi-coloured balloons (namely the flying-off sequence) to the breath-taking scenes of Paradise Falls (please, catch this movie in its full 3D-glory), we can only applaud the studio for its dedication to the true essence of animation - inspiring to watch, accompanied with a moving storyline.

FINAL SAY: Funny, touching and beautiful to watch - there are no second thoughts about a Disney/Pixar movie; just watch it.
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Alright, shall end here.

Take care, people! (Can't use 'peeps' anymore, since it now refers to my hall clan, hehe)

And Here We Go Again...

Yup. Going for Hall Camp. After all the storm of discussions and conversations, decided to go. Just finished packing. As always, bag is bursting in its seams. Pre-camp was today. Day Zero and I've kena-ed a forfeit already. I must say, I didn't expect myself to put on camo cream again after I ORD-ed. But well, life is full of surprises.

Wow, totally didn't blog for sooo long. Can't really remember the events. Let's see...

Anyway, got my first taste of arguably the best yakitori in Singapore @ Nanbantei restaurant at Far East, then there were those exciting visits to ION Orchard. But more on those extravagance later. Firstly, Paverts' OG outing @ my house [pictures courtesy of Fifi] (I know this event is damn outdated, considering the number of events our OG have been churning out by the day):

Rest of the photos (including one quite unglam one) are on facebook.
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Then.. Nanbantei, which was one of the more expensive dinners I've spent on myself in a looong time. But here's a sneakpeek at the heavenly-tasting yaki-tori from that lesser-known restaurant at 5th level of Far East. Choy, we must go scout for more good food!:
Yes, I can already smellllll it now. I'm hungry. For the rest of the mouthwatering photos, please see fb.
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Then there were all those outings whereby we by-passed Ion Orchard. And there's one on the long escalator of Orchard Central:
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And that last-minute kboxing session. Pity didnt take any videos or anything. Our version of Daughtry's Over You, Phantom of the Opera's Think of You, totally rocked the house man, harmonizing and all :X Please go learn the guy-girl harmonizing for Say It Isn't So. I found it on Youtube! Click here.
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And there was this Secret Operation "SP" at SMU Settlers'. 'Nuff said. The people will know. I like Citadel!
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Okay, caught Overheard (aka 竊聽風雲) at Shaw. Here's the review:
I give the movie:





If you've read my review on the movie Revolutionary Road, you would've known that I kinda dislike depressing movies. Well, Overheard definitely isn't as tragic as that 1960s American drama, but this Hong Kong thriller does prove to be a tad heavy to deal with.

But that's not to say it is a bad movie. Written and produced by the people who brought you the excellent Infernal Affairs (disregarding part 2 and 3), this film tells the story of a team of undercover cops spying on a public-listed company whom the police suspect of dealing illegally in the stock market. As with all things involving large sums of money, greed and/or personal gain comes into the picture, and that's where the film begins its downward spiral into this dark tale of morality.

Apparent flaws are the slow pacing at the start of the movie, and the almost cruel way of treating our movie leads in the story. However, what's to be praised is the 3 charismatic dudes, each of them doing very well in portraying their characters and the inner-struggle that each of them face.

FINAL SAY: From my review above, you can guess that a 'happy ending' in this case might be slightly blurry, but the film does have it's plus points of a solid story and good acting. But what scares me the most is that all of these might actually be happening in real life.
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Okay, I really need to sleep right now if I want to enjoy my camp from tomorrow onwards.

Everything's happening so fast and school's gonna start soon!

Take care, peeps!