Idol Gives Back

Tonight's edition of American Idol, a.k.a. Idol Gives Back was seriously cool. For the first time apparently, people who have lots realized there are millions who have not.

Still, I'm skeptical about all the hype surrounding the campaign. While the idea of charity and everyone helping out is chivalrous and commendable, one wonders how the money collected would really be distributed to the millions who really need it the most. At this point, we should be wary coz more frequent than never we hear that a large portion of the proceeds usually get misdirected. Hopefully, this one DOESN'T get misdirected to George Bush's war-funds. Well at least some good does result from this show.... more awareness that there are millions who are not as fortunate as we are.

The performances were fabulous except for Lakisha's. I used to say that Lakisha has got a big voice and could well be in the Top 3. But based on her performance tonight, I would have booted her off... she has vocal prowess, no doubt. But her performance seems to be deteriorating show after show. Another point proven; she ain't as good as Fantasia was. Her rendition of "I Believe" was unbelievably horrendous; it was all over the place.

Jordin Sparks really lit a fire on my 'bulu roma' tonight. What a brilliant performance that was singing Jerry Lewis' You'll Never Walk Alone. As Simon put it last week, he thought she could win American Idol. She could... and she's good... but that's not gonna happen. I love Jordin's singing BUT:

THIS IS THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL:

... Melinda has been very consistently impressive. Altho, Jordin stole tonight's show, Melinda still holds the "Resident Pro" title. After all, Melinda Doolittle can "DO LOTS", and what she's shown us so far is probably just the tip of the iceberg.


Tomorrow... the results and I can't wait for it; coz two of my favourite singers are slated to appear... Bono & Annie Lennox.

Go Your Own Way

If you have been listening to Mix fm, recently there was this advert in support of the detractors of "illegal downloading".

I mean excuse me! Ever since when did downloading became illegal. By the way, 'downloading' is also NOT the correct term to use. We should aptly call it 'peer-to-peer sharing'. It's not like we stole from someone or anything.

If I buy something, a CD for example... dun I got the right to share it with my frens, vice-versa? That is my perogative. Even if I share with people all over the World, it is not the recording industry's OR anyone else's GOD-damned business.

All you f**king P2P detractors, if u think u can threaten us with 'eventually no one is gonna record', let me tell we ain't that stupid. The recording business is still big business with or without P2P sharing. It's not like they do not earn enough from the music biz. We, the ordinary everyday people, are the ones who can hardly make ends meet... and u expect us to pay for all the celebrities' lavish dinners, expensive clothes... the whole high-class lifestyle? Guess again! News flash: Any singers, actors OR celebs who wish to quit... you may do so anytime! Why? Coz someone will always fill your shoes eventually... I can bet my head on that!

I support P2P sharing... Sue me!




The title of this rant is a reference to the hit song originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac in 1977 from the album 'Rumours' and re-recorded by the female-trio Wilson Phillips in 2004 from the album 'California'.

These Boots Are Made For Walking

"...these boots are made for walking; that's just what they'll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you..."
- Nancy Sinatra

Well... I'm not exactly wearing boots; but yea, my travelling shoes are gonna start walking again. First to Macau, then by boat to Hong Kong; next take a train to Shenzhen; then a bus to Zhuhai... and finally catch my flight back from Macau. All in 8 days.

Well, I know it's a lot to cover in 8 days. But I always believed you can never see everything. The most important thing about travel is experiencing the cultural difference. So far my travel to Vietnam has been my most memorable and favourite of all time.

I love city hopping; and this trip is gonna be yet another eye opener. HK and Macau are essentially China but I bet they are different in a million and one aspects. That's what this chapter of my travel is about. Discovering diversity.

I doubt this is gonna beat the experience of a lifetime in Vietnam but I'm game for anything now. Tallyho!

Post 9-11 Blues.... Brilliant!

I was in love with Jay Sean a few years back but now I'm in love with another British Asian. His known to the music world as Riz MC but his real name is Rizwan Ahmed (a.k.a. Riz Ahmed).

He acted in the brilliant Michael Winterbottom's movie titled "Road To Guantanamo" starring as Shafiq Rasul, one of the Tipton Three. It was a true story about three friends who were arrested, imprisoned and abused in the infamous Camp Delta in Guantanomo Bay runned by the capitalist nation of the US of A.

He has also produced a very brilliant and satirical ditty about the current US administration which has been banned on MTV and British / US airplay. It was featured on Al Jazeera English's Listening Post recently. I thought it was impressively creative. So I've featured the full length vidoe on my blog including the lyrics, which I hope I got right.

Thank u RIZ.... Love u a lot! Everybody else, enjoy the vid!





Big shout to George and Ozama
This is the Post 9-11 blues

What can I do? I got the post 9-11 blues
On the telly nothing but the post 9-11 news
War, Iraq, suicide bombs
Stop hogging the limelight and make some room for my songs
Anyway, it’s all re-runs, we need a new war, Bush go get Iran
I heard they’re talking about your Mom
Change the channel, watch some telly for kids
But what’s this? ‘Hi kids, welcome to fun-fun-fun-damentalists’
In the break Nike’s advertising bomb-proof kicks
They’re even showing Bin Laden’s cave on Kribs

So I picked up a respectable magazine
Told me about the new post 9-11 categories
Israeli fighters are soldiers, Irish are paramilitaries
And darkie ones are terrorists, how simple can it be?
But not me, my friends go ‘Riz is still one of us’
But if I haven’t shaved they won’t sit with me on the bus

CHORUS:
Everybody do the post 9-11 dance
Look scared, shake your arse when the bombs go blast
Everybody shake your post 9-11 thongs
So the dossier was wrong? jack some oil, drop a bomb
Sing a song, sing along, Bush and Blair in a tree
K-I-L-L-I-N-G
Shave your beard if you’re brown
And you’d best salute the crown
Or they’ll do you like Brazilians and shoot your arse down

Post 9-11 getting around can be expensive
Costs 12 dead Iraqis for a litre of unleaded
And even Green Cross Code has all changed
They just teach kids ‘duck around low-flying planes’
On the tube if you see a dude with a rucksack and a beard
Move carriages mate, f*ck that
They cancelled Christmas cos of Santa Claus’ beard
His magic red sack got confiscated as a suspect package
No need for halloween, 9-11 is more scary
Osama been gobblin’ his kids and he’s hairy
Hear a knockin’ at the door at early dawn in the dark
He say they’ll trick or treat you to a week in Belmarsh
Forget Guy Fawkes, he’s lame, Gunpowder plots don’t really compare to planes
So no Bonfire, Halloween or Christmas, they’re done
We’ll do it all on one day, Merry 9-1-1

CHORUS

You started us, now we got a post 9-11 dance – LISTEN
Dig your oil! Dat your plane! Dig your oil! F*ck Bush!

Post 9-11 policy might seem harsh, but it is the terrorists’ fault we got ID cards,
And the congestion charge, that they’re extending far
And electronic tags on the chav children’s arms
Course we need Belmarsh, f*ck 28 days
We should put the whole of Oldham in some f*cking cage
Move Hounslow underground, so nothing could go wrong,
Lootin's already movin', Bradford’s already gone
We’re all suspects, so literally be watching your back
I farted and got arrested for a chemical attack
Dropped some litter on the street and I caused a bomb scare
But told the policeman my name was John, they thought they’d caught the wrong Brer’
But it’s OK, post 9-11 I’ve been getting paid
Playing terrorists on telly, getting songs made
‘But will it get airplay, geezer?' If BBC don’t want it I’ll send it to Al-Jazeera ... Yeah!

CHORUS

...of bushes and s-holes

Stumbled upon this; thought I'd share the joke:

A mosaic of Bush made from s-holes. Does George W. Bush deserve it? Well how can 100+ assholes (made into a mosaic) be wrong? lol!

Note: Source - www.thehumorarchives.com

Anything Is Possible

Okay... so Brandon Rogers became the 12 finalists' first casualty. Frankly speaking, even though he forgot the lyrics; his performance didn't really warrant his elimination at this point of the competition. And as much as I loved Sanjaya Malakar, his performance off-late has not been up to par comparing with the vocal prowess that he had exhibited in the early part of the audition.

So the question is... what happened? There is a site that I stumbled upon "votefortheworst.com" and as the name suggests... it wants the American audience to vote for the worst. At the moment, Sanjaya is their pick... so we know he is the'worst' performer... (sorry Sanjaya! I really do like u a lot tho!). It MAY or MAY NOT have been their work but it does look like the site actually carries some weight. According to certain sources, FOX has threatened legal repercussions but nothing has been concrete till this very day. So, factor in the influence this site is generating, I bet you can expect a lot of unexpected things to come in the following weeks. So this probably explained how Antonella Barba could hang on longer than she ought to have.

The bottom 3: Brandon Rogers, Phil Stacey & Sanjaya Malakar.

Anyway, after last night's performance, if the bottom 3 was a reflection of the state of the competition... I'd say this season's American Idol would be a female. My prediction would either be Melinda Doolittle (who I adored from the very beginning... impressive and sensational performance each and every week) or Lakisha "Kiki" Jones. If there ever was a "Wild Card" from the group of guys, I would think Blake Lewis has a chance becoz he is unique. The other guys will be like flies getting swatted down... one after another!

So this is it that I do not understand about what Simon Cowell is sometimes talking about. Some days you hear him talking about "Originality" and that some contestants are either 'copycats' or their performance is comparable to that of 'karaoke'. Then last night, he remarked that the rearrangements done by some of the contestants (in particular, Chris Sleigh and Blake Lewis) completely butchered the originals. I kinda think that the rearrangements done by Blake & Chris Sleigh wasn't that bad... was kinda cool actually. If I were a contestant, I'd feel like being in between the devil and the deep blue sea. So Simon, give them a break, will ya!

On another note, apparently there is a spin-off series from the Amazing Race All-Stars titled "Elimination Station" where they film a 3 minute clip of all the contestants that have been eliminated and housed in Acapulco, Mexico. It is streamed online every week after the latest installation of the race has been aired in the U.S. However, viewers from the rest of the world DO NOT get access to that footage... what a shame! Come on CBS, we are also big fans of the race... how about cutting out preferential treatment and treating us a little fairer?

Title Card for The Amazing Race All-Star's spin-off, Elimination Station

New addition to the eliminated and the imprisoned... Rob"bed" & Amber (lol!)

Geez!




"Anything Is Possible" makes reference to a minor Debbie Gibson hit that was released in 1990, taken from her album of the same title.

End Of The Road

Three cheers!

Hip hip hooray! Hip hip Hooray! Hip hip Hooray!

Why? Coz the "robnoxious" duo Rob & Amber gets the boot tonight! They have been consistently getting 1st place for 3 consecutive episodes... but the tide has turned against them! Fate dealt them a hefty blow... one they could not recover from like they always did.

Uchenna & Joyce and Charla & Mirna; jointly claiming the honour of booting robnoxious Romber

Oh! Did I also mention... ROB CANNOT SPELL! muahahaha! For someone as egoistically robnoxious as he, that is something to laugh about. So Rob, remember! Before you go on another one of your wild goose chase... get your spelling correct... lol! For now, it's end of the road for u! Dig that!

They got their a**es kicked off the end of the World... muahahaha!

Good news that came sooner than I had expected! Karma, baby!




The title "End of the Road" is taken from the biggest number 1 song by the R&B quartet Boyz II Men which was first featured in the movie 'Boomerang', then included in their repackaged debut album "Cooleyhighharmony". This track is also available on their gretaest hits album entitled "Legacy: The Greatest Hits Collection".

Not Ready To Make Nice

Yeap... at least that's the theme that's goin' on right now.

Still angry at something. Still discontented with something. Still fuming at something. Still dun know what that something is. Off late this Dude has become more like Mt. Pinatubo... muahahaha!

Anyway, I have made plans to go to the city this weekend. All who should know have been informed. And yes! The priority for the next 3 weeks would be to get the applications for The Amazing Race Asia Season 2 in before the deadline. Phew! It's gonna be a helluva lot o' things to juggle with.

Hey blossoms, you can disagree all you want! It all boils down to the fact that the pesky duo Rob & Amber didn't make it in the Top 5 teams when they hit our shores recently. These were the remaining teams of The Amazing Race: All Stars that were spotted in Batu Caves in Nov 2006 after flying in from Helsinki, Poland:

1) Charla & Mirna
2) Team Cha Cha Cha, Danny & Oswald
3) The Barbies, Dustin & Kandice
4) Eric & Danielle
5) Uchenna & Joyce

... so muahahaha... 'Romber' are not infallible. On the other hand, you may at least find consolation at the fact that the Barbies may finish in the Top 3 this time around. Team Cha Cha Cha, Uchenna & Joyce and The Guidos were spotted flying back to the US from Guam. So, logically, the final 3 teams to race to the finish line would have to be Eric & Danielle, Charla & Mirna and The Barbies.

Oh! By the way... did anyone noticed the little guy with Phil at the Pitstop in Playa Petrohue, Chile. The first thing that ran thru my head was that the producers were playing matchmaking... specifically with Charla in mind! Match made in Chile... ha ha ha ha ha!

Phil in the "Land of the Little People"

Bridging the divide, making a connection?.....

... and Charla was in her bathing suit! ke ke ke! So cute!!!

Well.... doing this particular blog today makes me feel a lil' light hearted... lotsa he he ha ha ke ke... but I'm still not ready to make nice. Dig that!





"Not Ready To Make Nice" was a multiple Grammy award winning song by the Dixie Chicks from their 2006 album "Taking The Long Way" which also won the Grammy for 'Album of the Year' in 2007. This is one helluva strong song, both lyrically and musically. Lead singer Natalie Maines criticized George W. Bush 10 days prior to the Iraq invasion in 2003 in London which resulted in their popularity and career taking a plunge in the opposite direction. This comeback and all the awards they garnered recently shows that "people" are starting to speak out!

Crawling In The Dark

Yea... I never thought I would see this day again.

I was on another hiatus... another dark chapter. What exactly triggered this... well I'm NOT too sure myself. All I remember was suddenly I plunged into yet another state of emptiness. Everything else was inanimate and on hold. It has happened one too many a time.

Yea... I'm still alive and breathing; even though I had at times wished otherwise. Someone once told me that I sounded very GRIM. I remembered those exact words. Well! Enough about keeping up appearances... I'll just be me, GRIM or no GRIM.

Crawling in the dark... looking for answers; answers to questions that I never even knew. Dig that!

Anyway, I had to get this thing off my chest. I know it sounds 'kiddie'. I was on Civilization III for the past 2 weeks. I needed to feel some sort of achievement. I defeated the French, Russian, Chinese, English, Romans, Japanese and finally the Indians... HA HA HA!

I think I'm ready to crawl out of this bottomless pit now. Not that I'm out in the light yet; but at least I'm ready to move in the opposite direction.

Another reason to do get back to civilization REAL TIME: Registration for the AMAZING RACE ASIA SEASON 2 has just been opened. You can bet I'm going to put in every last breath I have to book myself a place this time. I'm tired of waiting for something BIG... this is it!

Click here to be redirected if you wanna know more or if you are also interested to enter this race.

So wish me luck!

Just to set the record straight.... I need NO sympathy! I just need to get this emptiness off my chest. Blogging feels a lil' strange to me now. Hope to put everything back to normal mode soon. Besides, now there's a reason to start anew.


Here are some spoilers: Orson isn't a killer, Mr. Bennet isn't a villain, Scoffield has the answer and Meredith will be on the brink of death! And for God's sake... someone, please shoot Rob and Amber... wait! that's too dramatic; rephrase: lock them up in Siberia and throw away the key... let them rot in hell for all I care!


... to be continued





The title for this chapter makes reference to Hoobastank's breakthrough first single back in 2001 taken from their self-titled debut album. From then onwards, Hoobastank never had to ever crawl in the dark no more... pun intended!

'tis the season to be jolly...

...NOT! (kinda reminds me of Borat trying to learn the "NOT" jokes...lol!)

omg... the CNY will be here in 2 weeks time. This is the most dreaded part of the entire 365 days for me...

I love festivities but not this one...

1st, I usually get a migraine during this time... the constant clingings and clangings and the music that they play all day all night is simply annoying. 30 minutes, fine! 1 hour, fine! But it just goes on and on and on... like for eternity... I'd rather be in Tanjung Rambutan... at least it is much more serene over there!

2nd, I'm sure we all have our nosy relatives... Trust me the number of relatives I have is simply humongous... and boy can u imagine the amount of questions and queries that get shot out of those gaps; sometimes I wish they would just drop it!... Then, everyone trying to look superior than everyone else... geez, it is the same thing year after year... dun anybody else get tired of it?

3rd... long drive home, alone! I get sleepy and cranky! And most of the time I'm not on the lookout for the car ahead or the car behind or the car beside me... I'm trying to avoid those nasty pigs in black & white... or at least appear not to be in the "Tokyo Express".

4th... do I really need to go on further?

So... cutting the crap... I still love the festivities where they go 'fa la la la la, la la la la...'




The title 'tis the season to be jolly is taken from the lyrics of the secular Christmas carol "Deck The Hall". This song has been reworked by many artistes and is usually included in a Christmas release; the most recent and moderately successful was the 1999 version entitled "Deck The Halls" by the American country music trio SHeDAISY. That song peaked at no. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 37 on the Country Charts and is featured in the trio's 2000 album "Brand New Year".

It's Not Over...

... of my life for the past few weeks

Well I'd like to say that everything was smooth sailing. Unfortunately, sometimes we come across rough seas... get battered by the waves. But what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Minor setbacks in life should always be expected. Little high, little low; little hey, little ho...

Fortunately, I do not believe in regrets. Some of the things I did in the past may not be all that correct but I have no regrets whatsoever. Whatever it is, I have always moved on. What use is there regretting when u have so much ahead and time is ticking... I am constantly reminded that our days on this puny little planet is numbered. Imperfect as it may be, we still have to make the best of whatever little we have.

... every reason to smile

I was watching the new news channel "Al Jazeera English". For me it was one of the best news channel I have come across. I do not like watching the BBC or CNN anymore as the news and views from the other 2 giants are corrupted and only serve to disseminate misinformation. There was this particular episode of "Witness" where they just filmed and focus the of everyday life of Palestinians and Israelis living along the site of the Israeli West Bank Barrier, before and after the ridiculous 60m wide 8m high walls were put in place cutting thru towns and major streets along the way.

There were so many things about that half hour show that can be observed... and for the most port there wasn't any narration. In fact, no narration was necessary as the whole half hour explained itself. The Israeli incursion into the Palestinian territories and the treatment of the Palestinians now are no different from the genocide of the Jews during the Holocaust in Hitler's era. Funny thing is that some Israelis that live alongside the Palestinians felt that the Israeli government was being ridiculous about the whole barrier thing. It left me to believe that this is not about the war between civilizations or even religion. It is the catastrophe that is a result of people in power trying to strengthen their grips. They are the ones who have nice suits to wear, good food to eat and places to retreat to... they claim to be doing everything for their people and yet it is normal everyday people that suffer, Israelis and Palestinians alike.

At one point, a Palestinian was asked... "why is he smiling when they lead miserable lives and have a bleak future?". The Palestinian answered... "we cannot do anything about our miserable lives. But we have to smile, otherwise we would go crazy!"

... of the country that I love

I love Malaysia and its diversity. I have Chinese friends, Malay friends and Indian friends. I appreciate each and every one of my frens regardless of what they believe in. However, this part isn't about my frens. I want to take a swipe at our "useless" PM.

In my opinion, Abdullah Badawi has not proven his mettle since his ascension to his current position. He does not have guts or balls like our former PM Tun Dr Mahathir does. Many would say that it is unfair to make comparisons between the two. Yet, Mahathir is able to show concrete development while Abdullah Badawi just "talks the walk".

So if our present government is useless, why not elect the Opposition, some may quip... Unfortunately, we do not have a credible, no-nonsense Opposition. Every Opposition Party there is has their own agenda and sometimes their reported antics make me question their mentality. If only there was One... just One credible Opposition that will stand by the people and fertilize this nation; they would have won my vote. So, unfortunately again... it all boils down to which is the lesser evil... the choice to go would still have to be the BN. If the Opposition ever wants to have the chance of governing this country, they would have to buck up, clean their acts and start proving their substance instead of hurling baseless and ugly remarks of their rivals.

Before anyone starts calling me unpatriotic, think again! I love my country and pledge my loyalty to my country only... not the one who leads becoz after all, he is just another politician. May I also add that some of these chosen reps are corrupt. So it makes no sense to be loyal to any one leader; but that does not make me unpatriotic. This ain't no sedition as well. It's just something for everyone to ponder and reflect upon; including our leaders and those who aspire to be our leaders.

... of The Amazing Race Asia

It has concluded! By now we all know that our fellow Malaysians Tee Joe Jer & Zabrina Fernandez have won the race. The have actually re-written Amazing Race history as the 1st ever all-female team to win the race. After 10 seasons in the US, such a feat proved to be very evasive. I have nothing to say about Andrew & Syeon except that they disappointed themselves.

In many aspects Zab & JJ deserved this win. They were not my favourites at the start but they soon won my attention as this was the only team that glowed with compassion amidst all the adrenaline rush and competitive rivalry. They have never won 1st place at any leg prior to the finale and almost got eliminated in Bangkok. However, when they did win 1st place, they won the race as well. Their patience and persistence paid off!

Once again, to Zab & JJ... Congratulations & Syabas! Every Malaysian should be proud of what the both of you have achieved not only as Malaysians... but as strong-willed Malaysian Women!

...It's Not Over

Despite my absence and silence over the past few weeks... it's not over! I still have so much more in me. Just u wait and see...







"It's Not Over" makes reference to the rock band Daughtry's debut single from their 2006 self-titled album. As everyone would have known by now, this band is fronted by former American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry. The album contains 12 superb rock tracks (14, if purchased from Wal-Mart and 13 if downloaded from i-Tunes) and comes highly recommended by me.

Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing

hmmm... how shall I start? I guess the saying 'all good things must come to an end' hold true for me.

It was doomed from the start. It would be totally untrue to say that I didn't know this was coming but I thought it might have taken a different twist. Yes... life is strange. It has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you thing everything's okay and everything's going right. So what next?

I guess listening to some Poison's 'Life Goes On' wouldn't be too bad. Wilson Phillips' 'Hold On' sounds like a very good choice too. But right now, Ace of Base's "Cruel Summer" holds the top notch. At least I still have the Amazing Race Asia and The Amazing Race All-Stars coming up real soon. I know it sounds a lil crappy; but we are allowed to be crappy once in a while. Plus, my favourite serials are back... will be able to get my hands on episode 12 of Tim Kring's 'Heroes' tomorrow.

Yea... I know! I gotta eat some of my words coz Starworld will be broadcasting 'Heroes' premiering 31st Jan... while TV3 is slated to show it somewhere in 2007.

Play with fire... and you'll get burned! OUCH!

The title "Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing" makes reference to the 2006 album by Keith Urban featuring fabulous tracks like 'Once In A Lifetime', 'Shine', 'Stupid Boy' and 'I Told You So' among others. I highly recommend this album to all readers of my blog... this album is, for lack of a better word, BRILLIANT!

Something Good...

... but NOT SPECTACULAR. Yup! I'm talking about the Il Divo Concert I was at recently.

"Greenman in da house"

I invited Momma to this event, but not before meeting up with Styro-girl. Somehow, after our journey crossed path last year, we seem to be unusually closer than any acquaintance. That's besides the point.

"Momma is in da house"

At 7, Momma and I made our way up to the KL Convention Center Level 3 where there was a reception for invited guests and winners of the CIMB Il Divo Contest. It was a very glitzy and posh reception... lotsa clicks, magnificent attires and a breathtaking view of the Twin towers. Most of all, both Momma and I enjoyed the free-flow of finger food and drinks. There were the 'appetizers' first consisting of little breadlings topped with cheese and olives and many other things. Then came the main course of various flavours of chicken drumlets. Finally, we were offered 'dessert' in the form of strawberry and almond chews... Not bad!

The Two Towers... from another perspective.

Best of all, it wasn't like a buffet thingy... we were served. Seriously! The waiters were carrying the food and beverages around the room and politely asking, "Would you like to have some, Sir?" We didn't have to go to the food... THE FOOD CAME TO US! he he he... feels good to experience that for the 1st time.

Anyway, I was talking to one of them strangers. Me asked: "Are you one of them winners?" The well-dressed man and his companion said "NO... we are invited guests; big clients of the bank and they invited us for the show along with all the others." Suddenly, I begin seeing the logic. There is definitely truth in the saying "The rich will only get richer, the poor will only get poorer". While ordinary people have to fork out a lot to watch their favourite group perform, the rich do not have to spend a single dime (even though that is something they can definitely afford). Such a disparity is getting more common in Malaysia these days. In pursuit of money, many forget about those who get left behind and cannot catch up. Mind you... a pair of tix costs at least RM 500... the one I won was RM 1,000 per piece. Even fans of this group would be foolish to purchase such a price.

Il Divo in action... click on the pix for a clearer picture!

The concert started about 30 minutes late even tho everyone was already seated by 8.30 pm. Even the Agung & Permaisuri and the Sultan of Perak & Permaisuri was already in attendance. So when the lights went out, the orchestra started playing and the quartet started belching out their numbers, everyone was excitingly clapping their hands. Most of the songs performed were from their new album 'Siempre' and a few from their previous records. Like every concert that I have attended, this one also had what I called a "pseudo-end". The concert apparently ended with Il Divo doing a rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way"... then bid goodbye to the audience. The musicians however, didn't move an inch. And the audience started to chant "We want more!". Even Momma quipped to me that she wanted more. Predictably, the boys came back on stage to perform 2 more numbers, their version of Toni Braxton's "Unbreak My Heart" and then "Somewhere" during which the audience from the front rows were all over showering the boys with gifts, roses and leis.


Plenary Hall Stage
At the end of the day, these are the conclusions that I have drawn. The boys that make up Il Divo are actually talented and they have very good voices... but their showmanship still isn't comparable to that of the 3 Tenors or Sarah Brightman for that matter. It was good but wasn't that spectacular. One more thing... and I feel strongly about this. All good concerts should be held at the Plenary Hall of the KL Convention Center! The sound system, setup, design and ambience is nothing short of amazing.





The title "Something Good" refers to the 1992 dance hit by Utah Saints from their self-titled debut album.

A Night To Remember

I received them tickets yesterday. And judging by how exquisite the whole packing was, I have a hunch it is going to be a glitzy affair. I'm NOT sure if I will be blown away though... that remains to be seen. I mean I have NO DOUBT Sarah Brightman or Adrea Bocelli can BLOW ME AWAY COMPLETELY... but Il Divo? hmmm... Guess we'll have to wait and see. However, what I am certain is this will definitely be a night to remember.

Here's why... the ticket I won apparently costs a freaking RM 1,000 a piece. I mean, that's not what an average Malaysian would want to fork out to watch a bunch of hunks performing some arias. Besides, the dress code for the night is smart casual; faded / torn jeans, round neck tees, shorts, sports attire and slippers are strictly prohibited. Oh! One more thing... "latecomers will NOT be admitted into the auditorium until a suitable break in the performance."

Front view of the Il Divo Concert Tickets & its envelope

Back view of the Il Divo Concert Tickets & its envelope

Additional insert / Invitation

So I guess it is set. I'll be heading to KL on 16-Jan-2007 (Tue) for this concert at the Plenary Hall of the KL Convention Center. By the way, Momma! You know what to do... dun be late and I'll see you at this prestigious event! And if any of you CIMB people happens to stumble accross my blog; a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who gave me this opportunity. ;)



"A Night To Remember" was a very popular song by Shalamar way back in 1982 from their highly successful album "Friends". This song has been re-recorded by many artistes over the years including British boyband 911 in 1996 and British pop-group Liberty X in 2006. Even Cyndi Lauper had a different song with the same title in 1989 from her own album "A Night To Remember".

Mama Said Knock You Out!

This is the part of the Amazing Race Asia that I have been waiting for... and the day has finally arrived. Let me say this loudly:

ANDY & LAURA HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED!

Here are the golden moments that led to their elimination, finally!

Starting 1st at Kolay Market, Kolkata

... on the way to Delhi... sidelined and alienated

SanFran putting LA to a stop... at least for a moment

yielded!... @ the Red Fort, Delhi

frustrated!...

Laura's childish moment...

... and Andy's turn to be immature!

Andy the Ass-"whole" and his sidekick, Donkey.

Laura, playing with cow dung

desperately seeking taxis... even the taxis are avoiding them... lol!

Andy & Laura in "Last Place" and getting eliminated @ Jain Mandir Dada Bari

Here are a few quotes to celebrate the occasion:

• you reap what you sow
• what goes round, comes back around
• You Asked For It!
  

"Mama Said Knock You Out" was a 1991 hit for LL Cool J from his 1990 album with the same title. I had reserved this title specially for Andy & Laura's elimination! This is an occasion to be remembered!

I Should Be So Lucky!

I guess good things and good news comes in droves. Yesterday was quite an eventful day!

1st I got a mailer from AirAsia saying that they'll be giving away 1,000,000 free seats. So I tried very hard and finally... it is confirmed; I'm going backpacking in MACAU and HONG KONG! (blossom_stoned, I think that answers your Q).



2ndly, I received a phone call from a CIMB Bank personnel. He said I won a pair of tickets to go watch Il Divo perform in KL. The location and date is still sketchy but I guess I'll know when the tix arrives in my hand; which should be tomorrow probably. I'm bringing one of my frens along... and she was screaming with excitement.

Last but not least, an sms came in at around 8.30 p.m. Apparently, I have just become an Uncle for the 3rd time! My younger brother Norman and his wife just had a new addition to their family. Baby Fion, born 9-Jan-2007 at 5.50 p.m. Both mother and daughter are in a safe and healthy condition!

Yes! I should be so lucky. Just when you think life is getting a bit dull and preordained... unexpected and exciting things happen!



"I Should Be So Lucky" is a hit by Kylie Minogue that was released in December 1987 from her debut studio album entitled 'Kylie'. The song was written and produced by famous English songwriters Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

Happy Dent Advertisement - simply hilarious!

A hilarious advert... we have so many lame and uninspiring ads on Malaysian TV; of course we have many good ones but also a huge chunk of very lousy one. More of this would be good! Anyway, this ad has probably been flying all over the net for quite some time now. I thought I might as well post it here to put some smile on the faces of people reading my blog. Hopefully, a smile to last all year round.

What You Waiting For?

Leg number 9 of the Amazing Race Asia sees these guys going to India. I love watching Indian legs of the race... I hope to travel there one day. In the Amazing Race 10, the Indian Driving School Instructor was hilarious. He said something along these lines, "If you see cows on the road, honk honk! If you see children on your road, honk honk! If you see women on the road, honk honk!" while using an old manual honker.

This time however, these guys have to endure shoe-shining the Indians' shoes with feet still in it; gobble up lotsa Bengali food (must be a breeze for Mardy & Marsio, I think) and count betelnuts OR carry and balance milk on the head. It seems everyone had a hard time eating except Joe Jer; and with that they managed to pull themselves forward just a few notches ahead. Oh... and Andrew burped on TV watched by millions! EEEEWWWEEE!

"Imagine Christina Aguilera singing ... at the shoe-shine... woohh woohh woohh, starring Laura Kurk"

"SYEON's SHOE SHINE CENTER; sounds nice! Maybe that's what they can venture if they fail to win this race."

"That's the way to do it, Joe Jer! Shovel it all in!"

Anyway, altho I support Andrew & Syeon (& hope that they were the ones who won), I can't help feeling that it is quite farfetched for them. No doubt u need to decide carefully which 'Detour' to perform but, they have time and time again shown how indecisive they are. Even 30 seconds can be very costly. (They were the 1st to have found the clue to the 'Detour' rummaging thru sari-s, but not the first to leave for the 'Detour'). They need to stop hesitating or they r gonna fall behind.

Andrew: "I need 30 seconds to decide!"

Unfortunately, this was a two part Leg... so who will be eliminated next? Guess we'll find out soon! (I'm chanting Andy & Laura, Andy & Laura, Andy & Laura! tho I think the possibility at this point of the race is still quite remote.) Wait a minute! Didn't they steal Sandy & Francesca's taxi after rummaging thru the sari-s? Let's just hope there will be a penalty for that which will eventually cause them to be eliminated!



The title "What You Waiting For?" is Gwen Stefani's first single from her very successful debut solo album "Love.Angel.Music.Baby." back in 2004, away from her band No Doubt.

The Crying Game

Oops... one down, two to go. Cry baby Sahran and his side-kick Howard are out of the game! Their days on The Amazing Race Asia was numbered. It was only a matter of time. I have never seen a man with so many phobias. They were lucky in Australia. Looks like luck ran out this time even though Sahran faced his fear of heights and managed to pull this one off eventually.

And here's one last time we see Sahran weeping:





"The Crying Game" was a 1992 hit by Boy George which was featured on the movie with the same title starring Miranda Richardson and Forest Whitaker among others.

Run, Baby, Run

Yup... it's The Amazing Race Asia race-day! I'm not sure if I'm able to catch it tonight (maybe the rerun after midnight...) since I'll be working late. Have an audit tomorrow and an urgent delivery the day after... the inconvenience of WORK!!!

So the following teams, I hope and pray will be eliminated in the next 3 legs in the following order:
1) The obnoxious team "Laura & Andy"... okay, I over-exagerated. Laura isn't obnoxious but Andy definitely is an S-"Whole".



2) then Team "Howard & Sahran" whom I think have either been lucky or "helped" to get this far... after all, they skipped 2 tasks but still ended up fairly well. No! They do not deserve to be in the winner's circle. May I also add, Sahran whines too much!



3) last but not least, Team "Sandy & Francesca". Of all the "caucasian" teams, I like this one the most becoz they have been ("so far seen as") honest in the game, forthcoming and NOT underhanded, sneaky or sly like Andy is. But still, they gotta go coz this is after all "Asia's Very Own", so to say.



And I am rooting for these three teams to be in the final sprint to the finish line:
1) Andrew & Syeon, who have been very well-coordinated and competitive. I would hope they were the winners of this race.



2) Mardy & Marsio; they may not be prudent and they eat too much, but time and time again, they have proven that "size does not matter!"



3) Zabrina & Joe Jer... they are my fellow Malaysians and they may have won my heart by being nice to their fellow compatriots; I hope they get to be in the Top 3 but Andrew & Syeon are still my favourite to win this race.



So, to the three "truly" Asian teams (... and I know this may be redundant since someone has already won the race): Run, Baby, Run!



"Run, Baby, Run" is the title of a hit by multiple-grammy winner Sheryl Crow from her 1993 album "Tuesday Night Music Club".