Dota And Sauna

Tons of Drafts (Titles without contents) have been saved in my Blog account. Either I have been too busy or procastination has the better of me, in which both are not valid reasons for not updating the blog.

Anyway, there hasn't been much to blog about... thus I shall just treat these 'drafts' as a diary of events to keep track of what I have done. For readers that have been frequenting my blog, hopefully these 'backposts' will not bore you. (;

*Backpost
Forgotten who initated this gathering but it was surprising that Potato join us this evening (:

We had dinner at one of the Japanese restaurant located at the 5th floor of Plaza Singapura and I recalled ordering chicken cutlet with cheese, and it turned out surprisingly nice.

There wasn't much activities to do after dinner considering the outing consists of only 3 guys. We decided to try pin our skills against the AI of D.O.T.A at the lan shop in Cathay and lost the 1st match miserably against 5 insane AI. Not accepting the fact that we were lousy, we continued for several matches only to find ourselves losing 5 matches in a row. If its not for the prepaid credit that ran out, I believed we would have stayed and continue to try and defeat the AIs

Before calling it a night, we went for a drink at the beancurd store opposie Selegie. On the way back, we passed by Parklane and had this crazy idea to play 1 more game to break the losing streak. Desperation took over us and we continued our lan gaming session at Parklane. One thing for sure, the AI map at Cathay is ridiculously insane as we had no problem defeating the bots at Parklane. The initial plan of playing just one game turned out to be 3-4 games and we played till 3 am. And what was unbelievable was that the building cut off their air-con at around 2 plus turning the lanshop into a sauna, making the whole premises extremely stuffy and hot. Some of the gamers even took off their shirt and continued playing. This however did not stop the desperate trio as we continued the enjoyment of pawning the AIs till the lanshop closes forcing us to go home.

Long Beach @ Dempsey

Second time I dine at Dempsey but this is the first time at Long Beach as I'm not really a fan of seafood. Well, its more of I can't take it and not because I don't want to.

We all went in different groups and Anselm was kind enough to give us a lift there. The big occassion being one of the main Director, Philippe was in Singapore. The restaurant was not difficult to spot along the road as it was finely situated at the bottom of Dempsey, majestically occupying a wide area. However the interior was a turn-off as they cramped 13 of us into a table. We were seated directly infront of the tanks and it must have been really cruel to eat the friends's of the survivals still awaiting their fate in their miserable tanks. The lobsters and alaskan crabs were insanely huge although they just remind me of over grown insects/spiders living underwater.

I've tried most of the food that night (except for the crab and bamboo clam) and I would say their food is simply fabulous! The bill was around $1660/++ ... slightly expensive but worth it.

Mind's completely blank... tired and slightly drunk, shall stop here.

黄金路

Has been following this TV serial since it was first shown on TV. A star studded series with fantastic storyline bringing viewers back to the 80's. Somehow the plot side-tracked and got really distasteful which eventually encourage me to stop chasing the show. It seems as though the second part of the serial was written by a different script-writer, a lousy one to be exact and it is hard to believe they are feeding it to the viewers on prime time. However one of the main thing loved by many viewers was the theme song of the serial and it literally captivate me each day at 9pm. The song was sung by a local band and has not been released and thus I could only share the lyrics here. But believe me, I will buy their next album if it contains this song. (:

Today was it's final episode and the ending was disastrous. However I still loved the show, mostly because of the cast and song. And also, I really liked the character 'Bah Ku Teh' girl, and it seems that she has shot to fame in this show. She was in the same Star Search batch with Felicia Chin and I still has the i-weekly with her photos!

Anyway, sharing the lyrics of the main theme song of the serial:

歌手: 迷路兵
歌名: 路

我们都该 回头看看 来时路
就算起风 偶尔有雾 模糊不了幸福

我们都该 在心里数数 感动的次数
谁陪你疯 谁陪你笑 拍拍肩一起追逐

多少爱错过了才看清楚
多少事无法弥补才认输
多少次以为找到了幸福
却发现一开始 就是个错误

每一段路 都是一种领悟
珍珠再夺目 留不住心头热乎乎
真心的鼓舞 能温暖一生的旅途

每一段路 难免荆棘密布
把坚持牢牢握住 不怕艰难险阻
学会去爱 就不会迷路

Jay Chou Concert 2008

It was 2 years ago back in 2006 when Jay Chou last held his concert in Singapore. Back then I bought the cheapest ticket of $68 and regretted the lousy decision that I've made, promising myself to always get the best ticket for any concerts that I am going to attend.

Good news for the fans that he is coming to Singapore again this year, a pity I knew a little too late about the release date of the sale of the tix. The tickets were selling like hot cakes and I missed the chance of attending his concert. Luckily, 2 days before the concert... they decided to cramp more seats and I manage to get Wei Jian and me 2x$200 tickets... and I'm extremely glad I was part of the crowd in Indoor Stadium that extravagant night.

Before the start of the concert, the usually remotely quiet evening of Indoor Stadium observed large groups of people eagerly waiting for the commencement of the concert... long chains of people queueing up to purchase Jay's merchandise... and dozens of fans can be seen carrying self-made signboards or posters.

The seat that we had has a good view of the stage but it was unimaginably cramp and uncomfortable. Geez, I can't imagine I pay so much just to suffer a few hours of my life, perhaps getting the most expensive seat may not necessary be the cleverest idea. However, once the concert started, all the negative feelings vanished and I found myself fusing with the fans into the ecstatic atmosphere. The moment Jay appeared, the fans on the premiere seats all stood up and went wild with excitement with occasional screams... And yes, I had to stand throughout the duration of the concert but it was totally worth it.

Jay serenade us the whole night with hits from various albums, flauting his skills on different musical instruments and several dances plus special effects. His singing has improved tremendously... and his flirting with the audience has taken a new leap. One of the unexpected special appearance was his grandma who entertained us with a short dance. The whole concert is too amazing for me to describe in details here, and I'm sure those who attended it would agree with me.

p.s. And I got a free poster of the concert at the end of the night.

The concert lasted for an impressionable 2 1/2 hours, tiring but unforgettable. (:

The Payback

Bought this book a week ago and finished reading it today. Review? Hmm... the author's not bad, and the plot of the story is acceptable.

Honestly, my favourite author is Dan Brown and after reading all his books, there is no other works by any other authors that can really captivate me. Each book siginifies a master piece earning their well deserved 'Best seller' spot in any bookstore. Dan Brown is a brilliant writer with fantastic vocabulary. From the way he vividly describes a place, a location or an art work, he could almost bring an object or a building to life. The minute fabrication of details allows his readers to visualize the scene of happenings with unexpected events written at timely intervals never failing to surprise me. The storyline is also usually spiced with thrill and twists unimaginable. This is how worthy Dan Brown's works are and how much I love his books.

With such high expectations, I didn't expect much from Mike Lawson as there is a big shoe to fill. The plot of the book is actually quite good, however I feel that at some point the author is trying too hard. Many of the details in the story were cosmectic and sounds too redundant. It almost gives a feeling that the author is trying to increase the pages of the book. There aren't much twist in the plot but the author has included manageable suspense to motivate me to complete the book. I shan't disclose the contents of 'The Payback' in my blog as each book is the hardwork of it's author and I rather leave the exploration to the reader. I can loan this book to anyone who is interested though.

All in all, the book is good and definitely deserve it's praise for the effort made by Mike Lawson.

Author: Mike Lawson

Title: The Payback

ISBN: 978-0-00-719795-8

Kah Wai's Birthday

A simple dinner at Suntec to celebrate a good friend's birthday. Arranged to meet 1915 hrs at City Hall and we both actually reached at the same time.

Took a big detour at the fountain of wealth before we decided to have our dinner at Fish & Co. Naturally I offered to pay for the meal as an early birthday treat for him.He ordered Black Pepper stingray... one of the 2 main course which I would never order (the other one would be swordfish collar). I tried both before and they really sucks, and would never recommend them to anyone, and I believe after tonight, Kah wai would agree with me. Ha ha.

Took a short stroll at the fountain to look at the laser display before deciding to get thrashed by him at foosball at the arcade in Suntec City... and by thrashed, I mean it was a disastrous one-sided match as I don't remember scoring a single goal. Lol. And for the rest of the game that we played tonight, we got quickly eliminated by the AI. Damn, my skills at gaming has just reached a new low level.

Chilled out at TCC... did some catching up before we decide to call it a night. (:

Lunch At Clarke Quay

How many people would appreciate having their lunch along one of the restaurants along Clarke Quay, to enjoy a book at Changi beach on one of the stone benches, or to savor the verdure of plants during an evening stroll in Botanic Gardens? These are the stuffs I enjoy doing but I would dare say most or in fact none of my friends would appreciate such events. Fortunately these activities do not require large participation and is better when performed alone. However for today, I am glad that I have the company of Domenic and Kelvin.

It has been quite some time since I've met up with Domenic and since his birthday is coming, I took the initiative and organize a mini-gathering for him today: lunch session at 'Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe' along Clarke Quay.

Was supposed to meet at 1230 hrs but he was half an hour early. When I reached, he was seated at Subway with a huge Starwars collectible edition figurine... Among all my friends, he is the only one that share a same interest of collecting toys like me. However, I'm more of a 'Transformer' collector, a toy which I never stop loving since the day I saw their cartoon specifically the episode of 'Dinobot Island'.

This second outlet at Clarke Quay is uniquely decorated with a superb river view at its frontage, which made the meal even more appetizing. The food wasn't that superb (at least for the one that I've ordered), but I really enjoy the ambience and the company of my good friends. Did abit of catching up and is extremely glad to know that Domenic has quit smoking too.

Abit lost tonight... too many mixed feelings and thoughts ravaging through my mind as I'm jotting this posts. At least I have an entry to mark this memorable lunch with my good friends, so I shall end it here for today... TTFN.

Michael Jackson - Ben

Has been hearing this song for quite some time... in <Wedding Wars> and in <The Simpsons, Season 3> in one of the episodes. A very nice soothing song which made me look up the singer and to my amazement, it was actually sung by Michael Jackson in 1972. I found the original records when he was just a teenager back then. Sharing this wonderful hit with you all:

Singer: Michael Jackson

Title: Ben

Ben, the two of us need look no more

We both found what we were looking for

With a friend to call my own

I'll never be alone

And you my friend will see

You've got a friend in me

(You've got a friend in me)

Ben, you're always running here and there

You feel you're not wanted anywhere

If you ever look behind

And don't like what you find

There's something you should know

You've got a place to go

(You've got a place to go)

I used to say, 'I' and 'me'

Now it's 'us', now it's 'we'

I used to say, 'I' and 'me'

Now it's 'us', now it's 'we'

Ben, most people would turn you away

I don't listen to a word they say

They don't see you as I do

I wish they would try to

I'm sure they'd think again

If they had a friend like Ben

(A friend) Like Ben

(Like Ben) Like Ben

A Good Year

Has been watching several movies by Russell Crowe... <Cinderella Man>, <The Insider>, <A Beautiful Mind> and it seems that most of them are biographies. However there was a particular movie which I liked most and it is <A Good Year>.

A very interesting movie with unique direction by Ridley Scott. This movie brings out the simple romantic beauty of France. France is indeed one of the loveliest country I've been to, although its usually overcrowded with commuters and tourists, there is some exceptionally attractive attributes that makes the country extraordinary. Wow, I really missed Sacre Coeur in Paris. Of cos this movie was not filmed in the big cities.

Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard acting in this movie is amazing... together with the beautiful picturesque chateau and vineyard, plus tinge of humour mingled with lofty romance, there hasn't been a movie after Jerry Maguire that caught my attention.

Other than the interesting casts and sceneries... I loved the way French conversation were added in the movie. There was this particular line that was totally awesome:

'Pardonne mes lèvres. Elles trouvent la joie dans les endroits les plus inhabituels' Translation: 'Forgive my lips, they find joy in the most unusual places'...

I was like... 'Wow'! Its such a romantic phrase especially in french (it sounds awfully corny in english). My company has offered to let the staffs attend French courses and I'm definitely going to take this chance to brush up my basics and perhaps go for advanced French lessons.

Another thing that I loved about this movie was its soundtrack... and one of them particularly caught my attention. It was the song played when Russell Crowe went back to the old chateau where he recalled the days he was with his uncle. The song is called 'How Can I Be Sure Of You' by Harry Nilsson. Sharing the song here with anyone who is interested. (:

Singer: Harry Nilsson

Title: How Can I Be Sure Of You

The other day a friend of mine said

He said the sun's not really yellow

He said, he said the sun is really red

I said, my friend what do you mean

You read that in some magazine

Next thing you'll say the earth's not green

How can I be sure of you, when you know

The world's always changing, rearranging

Always changing, changing

I said my friend how do you do

And what you're saying isn't true

The next thing you'll say the earth is blue

He said my friend you're in a dream

And things are never what they seem

Oh things are never what they seem

How can I be sure anymore

When the world's always changing, rearranging

Changing...