The Beauty of Simplicity

`` my daily journey. [#] `-

Tuesday, 27 February 2007

Howdy!

This is reporter Hazel Lam, reporting to you live (as live as it could be).

Let me warn you in advance of possible grammatical errors, as I had just came back from drinking.

A few of my primary school friends celebrated my 23rd birthday with me. They are Lynette, Cesen and Zhiwei.

We ate at the Thai Express Bistro in Raffles City and went to Loof.

Loof is a place to chill out and drink, situated right behind Chimjes, on the 3rd level.

It is pretty classy, with interesting decor. The place is dimly lit; half of it was open air, while the other half was air-conditioned. The tables and armchairs are rather low. The latter are rather long, giving one ample space to lean back and lounge or slouch (depending on how you do it).

As it was martini night; with a 1 for 1 offer, Lynette and I decided to order martinis. I was torn between Lychee Martini and Chocolate Martini. But, I wasn't allowed to order different flavours. In the end, I asked Lynette if she was ok with my ordering the Chocolate Martini (she got the Lychee Martini) and we exchange one of our two drinks for the other's. To my delight, she agreed.

The Lychee Martini was not bad. I rather like the smell of the Chocolate Martini. It was really fragrant, I could smell the chocolate as soon as the waiter neared our table. Initially, I was rather disappointed to see that Chocolate Martini was only martini with a chocolate coated milo ball floating about. Plus, it was rather strong, much stronger than the Lychee Martini. But the chocolate ball made up for it..=p

It was a rather good experience and a great time chilling out and spending time with my friends.

By the time we left, I could start to feel the effects of the alcohol. I believe that two more glasses of Martinis, I would start to get drunk.

As it is, I'd a rather pleasant feeling, as we walked to take the public transport. It was a warm, fuzzy feeling. Nearing the brink of drunkedness, but quite clear-minded and not quite drunk at the same time. It was like having a thin, but rather concrete veil. Clear enough to know everything, but tipsy enough to feel and be loose. I felt more carefree, loose, brave and that I-couldn't-care-less attitude.

This is Reporter Hazel Lam signing out.

Have a pleasant night and see you the next time.

Light my path
11:50:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Monday, 26 February 2007

把无法言语的心情，写在纸上，
你是否收得到？是否看得懂？

从这颗心的深处，一涌而出，
一丝丝的情感，
使我变得像个陌生人似的情意，
你察觉到了吗？

一颗心交托于你。
希望你能把她捧在手掌心，
温柔对待，永远珍惜
加以守候
以及永生永世都绝不放手。

（因为我是如此的对你。。。。。。。）

Light my path
10:22:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Things just get from bad to worse each CNY.

When I was younger, my studies had been the focal point at my relatives' place (for some years I was cut some slack when they ambushed my eldest sister about her single status). My relatives would ask how I had been faring in my exams, if I am doing well, they would just say, "It's average la...Let's see how far she can progress..". If I am not doing well, they'd run me down, compliment my relatives' children, saying they're much better...etc.

Every CNY visitation is like being an animal on show.

This time when my relatives asked about my current job, my parents would give a long-suffering sigh and proceed to run me and my job to the ground.

Whoa. Whoa. Thank you very much for the show of support and vote of confidence, my family.

It's like hell.

Ya.

I am a freak in the family.

Thanks, really, for showing me my worth and value in your eyes, my family.

I will always remember it.

What's so wrong or degrading about a diploma holder selling t-shirts in a shopping mall?

To each his/her own, right?

Where's the freedom in choosing what you want in life?

It is not like I am working in Geylang, as a you-know-what.

But there is comfort in knowing that my cousin - from my mother's side, supports my way of thinking; that it is important to work in a place where we are content to be in, rather than where we should be in, as our qualifications dictate.

My heart really grows cold at my family's display.

My cousin's husband (from my dad's side), opened my eyes to the communications industry. He treated me like an equal and explained stuff to me when I expressed an interest to take up a degree in UNISIM. He vanquished the misconceptions which I had about the area in which I can work in, should I decide to take up the degree and graduate. It was a refreshing breather. This talk made me want to succeed, even more.

I guess, I should be preparing myself to go out. I am meeting some friends from my poly.

Light my path
3:02:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Monday, 19 February 2007

I reach for you,
Thinking that if I stretched out with all my might,
I would be able to touch you;
Only to grasp empty air.....

In life and love,
There are no impossibilities..

That's a half-truth.
Or a half-lie.

True, all things have a possibility of happening.
But, some things will forever,
Be out of reach.

Like you are to me.

A brightly shining star.
The brightness makes you seem to be nearer than actual,
When in reality,
You are very far away from me.

I'd thought,
I'd thought,
That if I tried my very hardest,
If I stretched out with all my might,
I'd be able to touch you,
To be a step closer.

The water ripples
And the mirage is gone,
Leaving disillusion in its place.

This utmost desire and
Burning yearning
Couldn't bring me any closer to you.
But it brought me many steps closer
To despair.

Light my path
12:56:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Cyborg wins Alfred Bauer prize at Berlin film fest

S. Korean star director wins Alfred Bauer prize at Berlin film festival
BERLIN, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean film director Park Chan-wook won the Alfred Bauer Prize for a science fiction comedy at the annual Berlin film festival on Saturday for opening up new perspectives in cinema art.

The award for "I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK," is another major prize for Park since 2004, when he was honored with the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his film "Old Boy."

The sci-fi comedy, which tells the story of love between two psychiatric hospital patients, won the prize, named after a legendary German photography director and one of the eight main awards in the film festival,
"I would like to share this award with my wife. She is very unhappy with my career as a director. I am not home for weeks, busy all the time and even when I am home my head is full of other thoughts," Park said in his acceptance remarks. "She is now here sharing this honor with me -- I hope she will now forgive me. When I get home, I hope she will tell our friends, 'My husband is a director but that's OK.'"

The Berlin festival, in its 57th edition this year, opened on Feb. 8 and ends Sunday.

Source : http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/Engnews/20070218/410100000020070218115457E0.html

Light my path
12:33:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Saturday, 17 February 2007

Hmm....it is the eve of Chinese New Year.

I've just finished eating with my family, my third sister and her husband didn't come as they were busy cleaning up their home. We had steamboat for dinner.

There have been a lot of things on my mind, recently.

Studies, money and career.

These are the main concerns, under which branches out to more.

I don't find much joy in life nowadays. It is always wake up, bathe, go to work, eat, come back from work, surf the Net and sleep.

What is missing in my life?

There are so many loose threads in my life that I do not even know where to start.

Thus, I really admire people who have found their purpose in life or are doing some thing they love; and living life to it fullest.

Rain had once said that despite his hectic schedule and the few hours he slept each day, he is satisfied with what he is doing, as he is living his life to the fullest. He hopes that we will be able to live our lives to the fullest too.

When I read that, I was happy for him; but at the same time, I felt sad, as I am not living my life to its fullest. Each second is ticking away, each day is passing me by.

Each year's CNY gets worse than the last. At least in my opinion. There isn't much, if any festive mood any more. Nevertheless, I am glad for it, as it offers me rest from work. I am thankful for this little breather.

Sometimes, I wonder if I am suffering from mild depression. To tell the truth, I've noticed that I am getting more and more pessimistic over the years. Negative thoughts hung over me like a dark cloud. A friend at work had commented about this aspect of me.

People said that in love and in life, there are no impossibilities.

But is that really true? Or is there a certain extent to it?

On the positive side, all things are possible. But in reality, there are some things which are never possible.

I think I have fallen in love.

Or at least as close to it as I am capable of.

Perhaps I am not of a very sound mind now. It is good to rant; and to go on and on about stuff, flitting from topic to the next.

By the way, over my dead body, would I tell any one who that guy is. All I can say is that, he is not who you think he is.

It is time to descend from the clouds and into the lowly human realm.

Which translated, means that I have to log off now and vacuum the house, bathe and make my way to Shuhui's house. I am spending the night at her place.

새해 복 많이 받으세요!!

(Happy New Year!!)

Light my path
8:02:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Tuesday, 13 February 2007

"I’m a Cyborg, But That’s Ok" Draws Interest at Berlin Film Festival

Director Park Chan-wook’s “I’m a Cyborg, But That’s Ok” has drawn much interest from the press at the Berlin International Film Festival, which opened on Feb. 7.

A throng of reporters came to the preview of the film, which was submitted to the festival’s competition section, on Feb. 9. Many reporters also attended the press conference held after the preview to cover it.

Reporters showed particular interest in the film’s peculiar subject matter, plot and description of violence. They asked Jeong Ji-hoon (singer Rain), who played the lead, how he as a top singer felt about his first appearance in a movie.

The hype for the movie from the press is mostly due to director Park’s reputation in the international film world. Film reporters from around the world expressed their high expectations for the Korea director’s new work.

Source: http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1439952_11858.html

Light my path
12:45:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Sunday, 11 February 2007

I'd just came back from my pre-birthday celebration, which was held at Ronny's place.

Things went alright, but there were slight bumps along the way, causing a wee bit unhappiness for some of us.

We gorged ourselves on chicken wings, fried rice, bee hoon, pork chops, sweet potatoes, sweet & sour fish, crab meat sticks, prawns, sausages and the chocolate birthday cake. In addition, there was vodka, which most of us mixed with Sprite, to form quite a nice drink. Note: Vodka does not goes well with Green Tea. At least not in my opinion. It is too bitter.

I have not opened any of my presents except for the one which Alvin gave. He was asking in the car, "You really don't want to open it?" I went, "Alright.." and opened it.

It is a very nice cross necklace. It is a piece of cross, but of two tones. The inner one is some sort of matt silver, while the outer is a shiny silver.

Pretty special...=)

I saw part of Angeline's present. She got me a very cute soft toy, with a rather round and prominent head. I have not unwrapped the one which was wrapped up.

It was a joy to see Sebastian again, after so many months.

All in all, it had been a relaxing and fun time with my good friends.

Thank you all for the effort, time and money spent.

Light my path
12:59:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Korean Singer Rain Took Over His 1st Fort in the US Market

Star M, the managing company responsible for Rain's World Tour, announced on the 9th that they have sold the right for Rain's 2006/2007 World Tour Concert to the US based Revolution Entertainment for 2.25 billion won. The term of the contract begins from Feb 8/07 to Dec 31/07.

This contract has helped Korean Music to make its 1st step into the world's market, and it's certainly a good news to cheer about.
In the past, the audience of any Korean singers' performance in the States were usually limited to Koreans resided in the US. Yet, with this contract, Rain's performance will be the 1st to be directly managed by a large US management company. Looking at this now, it really signifies something important.

A representative from Star M said that after Rain's Dec performance in Las Vegas, there were lots of local producers expressed their interests. Though they still haven't decided which US cities will be chosen for the concerts, but with the signed agreement on hand, his appearance/performance in US will possibly increase by number.

Light my path
12:22:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Korea pop star Rain learns to yodel for film debut

[10-Feb-07]
[Reuters]

BERLIN (Reuters) - South Korean pop star Rain not only learnt to act for his film debut.

He also spent three months practising table tennis for scenes in the off-the-wall comedy "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" and having voice coaching in order to be able to yodel.

The 24-year-old heartthrob, dubbed Asia's answer to Justin Timberlake, said he was pleased with his performance as a young man in an asylum who tries to rescue a fellow patient from the brink of death, and he plans to do more acting in the future.

"I love films and I want to continue working as an actor," he told reporters late on Friday after a screening of the film, which is in the main competition at the Berlin film festival.

"If I'm offered something (in movies) I would most probably accept it."

Made by revered director Park Chan-wook, the romantic comedy provided light relief in a selection of largely serious films that is typical for the hard-hitting Berlinale.

Rain, also known as Jeong Ji-hoon, found it liberating to play a quirky character far removed from his slick stage image.

"A lot of people were quite surprised when I took on this part, because the character is a bit loony," he said, speaking through a translator.

"For me it was a transition, because I could move away from the image I have and become a real actor."

WORLD DOMINATION

Rain, who has sold millions of records across Asia and has made it his stated aim to crack the notoriously difficult U.S. market, did some unusual training for his role that more established method actors would be proud of.

"Yes, that was me yodelling in the film," he assured journalists. "The character I play is someone who can steal others' characteristics and skills, so he steals the ability to play table tennis.

"It took me three months of private lessons to play table tennis ... That (yodelling) was new for me, and I took private lessons and again I had to practise for about three months."

For Park, "I'm a Cyborg" was a welcome change after his last film, the dark and violent "Sympathy For Lady Vengeance".

There are scenes of killing in the comedy, but Park argues they are so heavily stylised and obviously hallucinations of a woman who thinks she is a robot that they are not disturbing.

He also has a serious point to make with "I'm a Cyborg", which he says addresses one of the most fundamental questions of all - why do I exist?

Park said the lead character, played by Lim Soo-jung, looks at machines with envy, to the point of wanting to become one, precisely because they had a clearly defined purpose.

He also sought to shrug off mediocre box office returns at home for "I'm a Cyborg", which he had expected to be his biggest hit so far.

"If one or two million people see this film, if you think about it that's something quite magnificent," he said. "When I think about that it consoles me."

Light my path
12:15:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Friday, 9 February 2007

Singer Lee Kwang-Pil Was Worried For Rain's Future

06 Feb 07
Sina News / My Daily
Credit: irbi@biwithrain
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

"I am Man" by Lee Kwang-pil is deeply loved by the Koreans. A few days ago, his comments about Rain's childhood got much attention from the media. Lee said that when Jihoon's family ran a small business when he was young. At that time, Lee's home was very near to their store, so he saw Jihoon very frequently. Jihoon was always dancing when Lee saw him, and as Lee looked at Jihoon's dancing form, he would frequently worry about the kind of a person Jihoon would grow up to be.

Lee said, "At that time, neighbours in that area all had the same thoughts. Because according to the social situation at that time, most of those who danced did not lead a decent life. But who would have thought that the Jung Jihoon then would turn out to be the famous singer, Rain, of today."

Another thing that stuck in his mind was how beautiful Jihoon's mother was. She was also very friendly to her customers. At that time, it was already known that she suffered from poor health. Many of the neighbours frequently visited her. Later, Lee moved to pangsan (? nongsan? Not sure) and heard that Jihoon's mum had passed away.

"It's not just me. Everybody felt that it was a great regret Jihoon's mother did not live to witness his success. Nowadays, many youths see Rain's success and try to imitate what he has gone through. Sometimes, as I walk on the streets, I see students dancing by the roadside, and that reminds me of Rain in his youth. Of course, not all youths trying to be the second Rain will succeed. Unknown to them is the number of artistes in the entertainment industry who cry in the dark."

Light my path
11:06:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Wednesday, 7 February 2007

I am feeling so stressed. In addition to frustration and confusion.

All in the name of my career.

I seriously have no idea what I want to do or should do.

I am about to jump into the administrative sector, but Jimmy advised to think twice and perhaps consider my area of study.

Pay is getting more and more important to me. But at the same time, I am one who is afraid of a totally new environment. Do you know that I was totally a nervous wreck the day before I started on my current job? Not to forget those times when I got attached to a company for my Industrial Training Programme, in my poly days.

Fear, I suppose, I can overcome, with the help of God. God is the One whom I should revere and fear and not the uncertain future or the unknown. Despite knowing this, I still fret and worry.

Grrrrrrr.................

*Pulls hair*

Light my path
11:10:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Bee Gees - Too Much Heaven

CHORUS:
Nobody gets too much heaven no more
It's much harder to come by
I'm waiting in line
Nobody gets too much love anymore
It's as high as a mountain
And harder to climb

Oh you and me girl
Got a lot of love in store
And it flows through you
And it flows through me
And I love you so much more
Then my life..I can see beyond forever
Ev'rything we are will never die
Loving's such a beautiful thing
Oh you make my world.. a summer day
Are you just a dream to fade away

Chorus..

You and me girl got a highway to the sky
We can turn away from the night and day
And the tears you had to cry
You're my life..
I can see a new tomorrow
Ev'rything we are will never die
Loving's such a beautiful thing
When you are to me, the light above
Made for all to see our presious love

Chorus..

Love is such a beautiful thing
You make my world a summer day
Are you just a dream to fade away

Chorus..

Nobody gets too much love anymore
It's as wide as a river and harder to cross

Chorus..(repeat and fade)

Light my path
12:27:00 am

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Monday, 5 February 2007

Rain: Loneliness Behind The Stage

29 Jan 07 Sohu Entertainment News
Jeonbang huli-yu reports
Credit: irbi@biwithrain
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

In the KBS2 Special Youyumanman, Rain revealed how he was faced discrimination by fellow artistes as well as poverty when he was still a nobody.

Rain said, "When I was still a nobody, it was tough facing people's discrimination against me. At that time, I believed I could do it, but why won't they understand this?"

"At that time, I thought I'm not good-looking, so I hope to dance well though working hard, and at the same time, sing a little. When I was making my solo debut, I faced many objections." He said, " At that time, there were those among fellow artistes who totally ignored my existence."

Rain continued, "I've been through hungry days; days of poverty; days when hunger kicked me hard. Because I truly experienced what going hungry meant, I was so hungry, I never want to go back to those days."

"Competing against myself. I didn't know when opportunity will knock on my door. I didn't know when I'd release my first album. I was a trainee with Mr JY Park for three years. I only had this thought in mind." He went on, "Just like that, day after day. Finally after 3 years and 8 months, Rain released his first album in year 2002."

"To me, family is everything. Nothing is more precious than my family members." He also said, "Anybody is lonely and suffering. After the big glamorous stage, I'll feel lonely and depressed. I have to fight against myself."

Following that, Rain expressed, "I want to be the source of happiness for everybody; the resting ground for those who are tired. For this, I strive on."

During the programme that day, Rain answered the question posed by the production team, "Me after 20 years..." He answered, "After 20 years, would I have become an entrepreneur.....?

Light my path
10:58:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Rain, Discriminated Before Debut

Discriminated Before Debut Because Of His Looks, Rain Determined To Fight On

01 Feb 07, Beijing Youth News
Daweiwang reports
Credit: irbi@biwithrain
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

Was discriminated because of his looks,

RAIN, who is on his way to international stardom reveals, "When I first stepped into the entertainment industry, I was discriminated by many colleagues. That made me clench my jaws and fight on with determination."

According to a news report on 28 January by , Korean star, Rain, reveals this story in a special TV programme. Before his debut, he was lacking in outstanding looks, and could only sing and dance. Nobody offered any support, and many in the same line looked down on him.

He said, " From then on, I even skipped meals and sleep, gritting my teeth, I worked hard with the notion, 'You just wait and see' in my mind. That kind of a discrimination was draining. I believe I can do it, but why can't they understand me? Perhaps this is why I doubled my efforts on training." In particular, Rain's elbow was hurt during his World Tour stop in Hong Kong. He had to wear a bandage during his concert in Singapore. The scene of him enduring pain while performing attracted much attention after it was broadcasted.

I must keep my promise to my fans

Rain said,"I have a hairline fracture on my arm now, so I really should be in cast. But I've made a date with my fans, and I'm not feeling particularly unwell. It just that the arm hurts after dancing and before I go to bed."

Rain also said, "I've always said I wanted to go Singapore, but I simply couldn't squeeze the visit into my schedule. Although I should have cancelled and put on a cast, but I feel it's better to do the concert, so I went ahead anyway. Fans need not worry too much."

Rain, who has successfully completed his concerts in the US, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, is planning to continue his World Concert Tour in Vietnam, China, Japan, L.A , New York, Toronto etc countries.

Light my path
10:50:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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Saturday, 3 February 2007

"Another Day in Paradise"

Phil Collins
Recorded in 1989 - #1 on the billboard charts

She calls out to the man on the street
'Sir, can you help me ?'
'it's cold, and I've nowhere to sleep.
is there somewhere you can tell me ?'

He walks on, doesn't look back,
he pretends he can't hear her
starts to whistle as he crosses the street
seems embarrassed to be there.

Oh think twice, it's just another day for
you and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
you and me in paradise.

She calls out to the man on the street
he can see she's been crying
she's got blisters on the soles of her feet
she can't walk, but she's trying.

Oh think twice, it's just another day for
you and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
you and me in paradise.

Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
Oh Lord, there must be something that you can say.

You can tell from the lines on her face
you can see that she's been there
probably been moved on from every place
'cuz she didn't fit in there.

Oh think twice, it's just another day for
you and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
you and me in paradise.

Just another day for you and me in paradise
Just another day for you and me in paradise.

Light my path
6:51:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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That's The Way It Is
By: Celine Dion

I can read your mind and I know your story
I see what you're going through
It's an uphill climb, and I'm feeling sorry
But I know it will come to you

(Bridge)
Don't surrender cuz you can win
In this thing called love.

(Chorus)
When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

When you question me for a simple answer
I don't know what to say, no
But it's plain to see, if you stick together
You're gonna find a way, yeah so

(Bridge)

(Chorus)

Don't surrender 'cause you can win
In this thing called love
When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

When life is empty with no tomorrow
And loneliness starts to call
Baby, don't worry, forget your sorrow
Cuz love's gonna conquer it all, all

(Chorus 2x)

That's the way it is
That's the way it is, babe
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

http://www.filesend.net/download.php?f=b98cb25ebd445c4e569bbaa3a3cd554e

Light my path
4:43:00 pm

youdrovemydarknessaway`-//*

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