Bus vs. Minibus
Recently, I found a way I could stay in bed 45 minutes more each morning, which wouldn't require me to miss half of my morning lectures.
Before, I used to walk around the corner and take the 103 bus to university. It would take around an hour, provided traffic conditions were good. I'ld may be get some time to doze off, but usually the annoying Roadshow screens and the accompanying "noise" would mesmerize me with its banal mix of infomercials, movie trailers and Cantopop music clips.
However, I was informed a few of weeks ago, that I could travel on the minibus from hell, from Mongkok to the university, in less than 15 minutes. Brilliant!
If I only knew this sooner...
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Music: the bitch is back
Have you heard the news? Madge is planning to release a new album in April. The yet-to-be-titled album will have 11 songs - expect the tracklisting to come out soon.
French designers Michael Amzalag and Mathias Augustyniak from M/M (Paris) are designing the album cover, with photography shot by Craig McDean, earlier this year.
The first single, American Life, will be hitting the radio playlists next week, in the States. Jonas Akerlund (the director of Ray Of Light, Music, and Christina Aguilera's amazing Beautiful - which shows two guys deeply pashing and a drag queen getting dressed - amongst other things) shot the music video in LA, this week. Expect her to do something she is quite (in)famous for - stirring up contoversy (Madonna's gone political with her own firm objections against war... and starts throwing grenades in army cargos!) - which would make the music clips for Like A Prayer and Justify My Love seem tame in comparison. Expect to love it, if only because it is classic Madonna.
Have you heard the news? Madge is planning to release a new album in April. The yet-to-be-titled album will have 11 songs - expect the tracklisting to come out soon.
French designers Michael Amzalag and Mathias Augustyniak from M/M (Paris) are designing the album cover, with photography shot by Craig McDean, earlier this year.
The first single, American Life, will be hitting the radio playlists next week, in the States. Jonas Akerlund (the director of Ray Of Light, Music, and Christina Aguilera's amazing Beautiful - which shows two guys deeply pashing and a drag queen getting dressed - amongst other things) shot the music video in LA, this week. Expect her to do something she is quite (in)famous for - stirring up contoversy (Madonna's gone political with her own firm objections against war... and starts throwing grenades in army cargos!) - which would make the music clips for Like A Prayer and Justify My Love seem tame in comparison. Expect to love it, if only because it is classic Madonna.
Mardi Gras
This year's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras season officially commenced on the weekend in Sydney's Hyde Park North. From what I heard, it was less flashy than the previous Opening Nights (which were more recently held along the Opera House forecourt). However, and more importantly, it wasn't lacking in the essential ingredients - heart, excitement and community support.
For quite a few months last year, there was great speculation on whether or not there would be another Mardi Gras. During recent years, the organisation clearly became bloated, developed an incredibly large bureaucracy, and shifted away from its roots, as a group aimed at political and social change. In the end, the organisation over-expanded and began to flounder in the huge pool of debt it had accumulated. In hindsight, these financially disastrous results were what was needed, to bring forth much needed change, and a return to its fundamentals.
I've begun to miss Sydney more and more recently. A failed attempt at a relationship, the excitement of Mardi Gras (I am going to miss the Film Festival and the Fair Day the most... and the boys who come out of the woodwork just for a month or so!) and a yearning for things familiar have been the main inducers of this nostalgia trip. It's the itch that I felt while I was studying in the US - the seven month itch. I just want to return to Sydney, just for a little while...
This year's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras season officially commenced on the weekend in Sydney's Hyde Park North. From what I heard, it was less flashy than the previous Opening Nights (which were more recently held along the Opera House forecourt). However, and more importantly, it wasn't lacking in the essential ingredients - heart, excitement and community support.
For quite a few months last year, there was great speculation on whether or not there would be another Mardi Gras. During recent years, the organisation clearly became bloated, developed an incredibly large bureaucracy, and shifted away from its roots, as a group aimed at political and social change. In the end, the organisation over-expanded and began to flounder in the huge pool of debt it had accumulated. In hindsight, these financially disastrous results were what was needed, to bring forth much needed change, and a return to its fundamentals.
I've begun to miss Sydney more and more recently. A failed attempt at a relationship, the excitement of Mardi Gras (I am going to miss the Film Festival and the Fair Day the most... and the boys who come out of the woodwork just for a month or so!) and a yearning for things familiar have been the main inducers of this nostalgia trip. It's the itch that I felt while I was studying in the US - the seven month itch. I just want to return to Sydney, just for a little while...
Tuesday, February 04, 2003
Monday, February 03, 2003
G for Gucci
Paging through an issue of L'Uomo Vogue, filled with lovely new season advertisements, I hit upon a v. startling site - a provocative campaign ad for Gucci, photographed by Mario Testino.
Remember how the media generated all that bally-hoo in regards to that other House of Ford's advertisement for M7 with the delectable Samuel de Cubber? Yes, we all remember it well. Oops, Tom did it again...
Although this one hasn't got the girls and queer boys panting, it has definitely made a few fashionistas raise an eyebrow (or figuratively so, considering the effects of botox) and many cunning linguists gabbing about the Gucci Group NV (beyond that of its falling stock price, unimpressive seasonal offerings or poor profit results)!
Carmen Kass - the self-titled (tongue-in-cheek) "richest girl in Estonia" and the face of Dior's J'adore, (although you really wouldn't know it was her unless you really knew her) - is photographed below-the-neck, leaning against a wall, with a hand pushing down some fetching silver, Kylie-styled hot pants. Exposed - for the viewing pleasure of her kneeling male co-model (and readers) - is the classic Gucci "G" insignia lyrically waxed onto her nether region. Just when you thought people would be satisfied with the Brazilian or something heart-shaped...
Good taste (rare in this blog), and a pathological aversion to crass female nudity, has prevented me from uploading the photo onto this blog. However, there's many copies of this advertisement floating around the internet for the curiously-minded.
Everyone knew that porno chic was in decline. Who knew it was going to be Tom Ford who would be hitting the last nail in that fashion trend's coffin?
Paging through an issue of L'Uomo Vogue, filled with lovely new season advertisements, I hit upon a v. startling site - a provocative campaign ad for Gucci, photographed by Mario Testino.
Remember how the media generated all that bally-hoo in regards to that other House of Ford's advertisement for M7 with the delectable Samuel de Cubber? Yes, we all remember it well. Oops, Tom did it again...
Although this one hasn't got the girls and queer boys panting, it has definitely made a few fashionistas raise an eyebrow (or figuratively so, considering the effects of botox) and many cunning linguists gabbing about the Gucci Group NV (beyond that of its falling stock price, unimpressive seasonal offerings or poor profit results)!
Carmen Kass - the self-titled (tongue-in-cheek) "richest girl in Estonia" and the face of Dior's J'adore, (although you really wouldn't know it was her unless you really knew her) - is photographed below-the-neck, leaning against a wall, with a hand pushing down some fetching silver, Kylie-styled hot pants. Exposed - for the viewing pleasure of her kneeling male co-model (and readers) - is the classic Gucci "G" insignia lyrically waxed onto her nether region. Just when you thought people would be satisfied with the Brazilian or something heart-shaped...
Good taste (rare in this blog), and a pathological aversion to crass female nudity, has prevented me from uploading the photo onto this blog. However, there's many copies of this advertisement floating around the internet for the curiously-minded.
Everyone knew that porno chic was in decline. Who knew it was going to be Tom Ford who would be hitting the last nail in that fashion trend's coffin?
Kung Hei Fat Choi! Yeung Yeung Duk Yi*
The Year of the Horse ended on Saturday and the Year of the Sheep (Goat) was ushered in. Hong Kong celebrated with the usual fireworks, a street parade and a mass exodus of people (across the border or to some exotic locale) during the four day weekend. Many are hoping that the new year ahead will bring better fortune than the last.
In comparison to the Christmas season, the lead up to Chinese New Year was a far more exciting time. (It may have well been the fact that I was busy "concentrating" on the exams during the weeks before Xmas or that CNY celebrations seem more "sincere" than those for Chrissie in HK.)
It was the first that I can consciously remember experiencing CNY in Hong Kong. (The previous times were when I was a wee baby.) Everywhere around, places were adorned with lovely festive ornaments and decorations - red lanterns; fruitful mandarin trees dressed with red lai see packets; postered slogans wishing folks prosperity, happiness and wealth. I live quite close to the Prince Edward Flower Market and it was incredible to see the crowds of people purchasing giant bunches of fresh flowers, dried plum tree branches and branches of orange squash-like fruit (think green dancing goo from Flubber - only orange) that are meant be bring boy offspring to families (aka good fortune).
*Happy New Year! Everything Is Possible!
The Year of the Horse ended on Saturday and the Year of the Sheep (Goat) was ushered in. Hong Kong celebrated with the usual fireworks, a street parade and a mass exodus of people (across the border or to some exotic locale) during the four day weekend. Many are hoping that the new year ahead will bring better fortune than the last.
In comparison to the Christmas season, the lead up to Chinese New Year was a far more exciting time. (It may have well been the fact that I was busy "concentrating" on the exams during the weeks before Xmas or that CNY celebrations seem more "sincere" than those for Chrissie in HK.)
It was the first that I can consciously remember experiencing CNY in Hong Kong. (The previous times were when I was a wee baby.) Everywhere around, places were adorned with lovely festive ornaments and decorations - red lanterns; fruitful mandarin trees dressed with red lai see packets; postered slogans wishing folks prosperity, happiness and wealth. I live quite close to the Prince Edward Flower Market and it was incredible to see the crowds of people purchasing giant bunches of fresh flowers, dried plum tree branches and branches of orange squash-like fruit (think green dancing goo from Flubber - only orange) that are meant be bring boy offspring to families (aka good fortune).
*Happy New Year! Everything Is Possible!
Thursday, January 16, 2003
Hong Kong's favourite pastime (after shopping)
To say horse racing is big in HK is an understatement - it's massive. The Government generates billions of dollars from duty; every hospital and university seems to have a wing built from the donations from the Hong Kong Jockey Club; and there seems to be dozens of newspapers dedicated purely to the "sport". However, I have zero interest in it.
My name in Chinese may be translated to mean "victorious thoroughbred", but I have absolutely no fascination with a bunch of horses, mounted by midgets in colourful silks, galloping around a course. Maybe it's because I am completely risk averse - I even shy away from gambling part of it.
Anyhow, Wednesday night seemed to be the exception. A friend's horse, Deep Purple, (only in Hong Kong) was racing as favourite for Race 6. I abstained from betting, but Liz had a little faith and placed a minimum bet of HK$20 for a placement. We had no idea how to place a bet or even fill out the form. Fortunately, a guy standing nearby willingly assisted and the betting teller was most patient and accommodating. (The folks in the Mongkok HK Jockey Club must be the friendliest around.) Then we waited...
The race began unremarkably. For most of the race, Deep Purple was trailing behind, stuck in between some horses that were clearly preventing her from breaking through to the front. Then, in the last moments, Deep Purple broke out. There's a photo finish. We (or I, more like it,) screamed with delight. Other patrons stared at our weird behaviour.
Lisa won $8. We left completely ecstatic.
To say horse racing is big in HK is an understatement - it's massive. The Government generates billions of dollars from duty; every hospital and university seems to have a wing built from the donations from the Hong Kong Jockey Club; and there seems to be dozens of newspapers dedicated purely to the "sport". However, I have zero interest in it.
My name in Chinese may be translated to mean "victorious thoroughbred", but I have absolutely no fascination with a bunch of horses, mounted by midgets in colourful silks, galloping around a course. Maybe it's because I am completely risk averse - I even shy away from gambling part of it.
Anyhow, Wednesday night seemed to be the exception. A friend's horse, Deep Purple, (only in Hong Kong) was racing as favourite for Race 6. I abstained from betting, but Liz had a little faith and placed a minimum bet of HK$20 for a placement. We had no idea how to place a bet or even fill out the form. Fortunately, a guy standing nearby willingly assisted and the betting teller was most patient and accommodating. (The folks in the Mongkok HK Jockey Club must be the friendliest around.) Then we waited...
The race began unremarkably. For most of the race, Deep Purple was trailing behind, stuck in between some horses that were clearly preventing her from breaking through to the front. Then, in the last moments, Deep Purple broke out. There's a photo finish. We (or I, more like it,) screamed with delight. Other patrons stared at our weird behaviour.
Lisa won $8. We left completely ecstatic.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Some lil' matters
Additional news in relation to one of the most anticipated films - Orlando Bloom will be playing Paris in Troy. Pitt, Bana and, now, Bloom... Oh my!
Check out this most excellent political cartoon by Zunzi and Kee Yung called Know Your Rights and starring the Secretary of Security, Regina Ip, and the Secretary of Justice, Elsie Leung (the "Twins"). Coincidentally, they sound v. much like the Clash and nothing like the untalented Cantopop duo of the same name. Go here.
Additional news in relation to one of the most anticipated films - Orlando Bloom will be playing Paris in Troy. Pitt, Bana and, now, Bloom... Oh my!
Check out this most excellent political cartoon by Zunzi and Kee Yung called Know Your Rights and starring the Secretary of Security, Regina Ip, and the Secretary of Justice, Elsie Leung (the "Twins"). Coincidentally, they sound v. much like the Clash and nothing like the untalented Cantopop duo of the same name. Go here.
Monday, January 13, 2003
One in a million
According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, there are around a million Australians living overseas. That's quite a lot of Aussie buggers, considering the population of the country is less than 19 million.
I guess, while the most recognisable component of this figure comprises of backpackers in the Continent, Hollywood actors and almost every person employed in London's bar industry, there's a few baby lawyers in there as well.
Btw, did people miss me?
According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, there are around a million Australians living overseas. That's quite a lot of Aussie buggers, considering the population of the country is less than 19 million.
I guess, while the most recognisable component of this figure comprises of backpackers in the Continent, Hollywood actors and almost every person employed in London's bar industry, there's a few baby lawyers in there as well.
Btw, did people miss me?
Tuesday, December 31, 2002
Another year...
A thousand apologies for not updating - an ol' friend from Sydney arrived last week and I have been acting as tourist guide (tourist guide nazi, more like it) these past few days.
I saw Hero on the weekend. I was amazed; it actually lived up to my high expectations! Although the martial arts action (suspend your disbelief at the wire work) and the acting was impressive, I was really drawn to the great narrative and art direction. The use of colour was more than a visual spectacle - it is integral in the narration of the story, by providing context to the different "tales" told.
Although the film is set at the dawn of the Qin Dynasty (around 200 BCE), the story has contemporary resonance. Zhang Yimou was clearly motivated in trying to explain the political ideals and the general mindset of the Chinese. (And in some ways, that is why the ending epilogue really irked me.)
It's quite unfortunate that most countries won't be able to see it until mid-2003, (even though the film is eligible for the forthcoming Oscars). Remember the name, and jot it down in your diaries!
A thousand apologies for not updating - an ol' friend from Sydney arrived last week and I have been acting as tourist guide (tourist guide nazi, more like it) these past few days.
I saw Hero on the weekend. I was amazed; it actually lived up to my high expectations! Although the martial arts action (suspend your disbelief at the wire work) and the acting was impressive, I was really drawn to the great narrative and art direction. The use of colour was more than a visual spectacle - it is integral in the narration of the story, by providing context to the different "tales" told.
Although the film is set at the dawn of the Qin Dynasty (around 200 BCE), the story has contemporary resonance. Zhang Yimou was clearly motivated in trying to explain the political ideals and the general mindset of the Chinese. (And in some ways, that is why the ending epilogue really irked me.)
It's quite unfortunate that most countries won't be able to see it until mid-2003, (even though the film is eligible for the forthcoming Oscars). Remember the name, and jot it down in your diaries!
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
Sliver bells, silver bells...
I had my final exam today. I am so relieved that it is all over.
With all my attention placed on that necessary evil, I have hardly been able to get into the "festive spirit". I shall try, even though there is only one day to go till Christmas.
May everyone have a joyous and peaceful festive season. Have you all been good boys and girls this year?
I had my final exam today. I am so relieved that it is all over.
With all my attention placed on that necessary evil, I have hardly been able to get into the "festive spirit". I shall try, even though there is only one day to go till Christmas.
May everyone have a joyous and peaceful festive season. Have you all been good boys and girls this year?
Thursday, December 19, 2002
Saturday, December 14, 2002
Like a professional
This morning's (Yes, I had an exam on Saturday!) exam on Professional Practice was relatively short - only two and a half hours. Enough for a power nap in between MCQs. Most of the questions didn't directly refer to the Solicitors' Guide. Instead, anybody who possesses any common sense at all (and has watched an episode of the Practice or two) could have completed the paper; no worries.
In other news, I opened up my mailbox today, only to discover that I have been inundated with "hearts" from others on Fridae. (Fridae is a GLBT internet news magazine, with a "hook-up" service similar to the notoriously addictive Gaydar.) I was curious to know why I was receiving so many emails, especially when I haven't updated my profile for a while.
Well, I soon discovered when I surfed over to the site. Presently, I am their featured male profile! Talk about being shocked and slightly embarassed!
For those readers who wonder what I look like (although I can't see why anyone would want to check me out), surf over to Fridae. There's a small "postage stamp" potrait of me in the front page. My profile name is, of course, "urbannomad". However, for those who want to look at a larger picture of moi (and check out the kitschy wallpaper and poster of the Dallas Cowboy's Danny White in the background!) or the witty words on my profile, you have to register as a member!
This morning's (Yes, I had an exam on Saturday!) exam on Professional Practice was relatively short - only two and a half hours. Enough for a power nap in between MCQs. Most of the questions didn't directly refer to the Solicitors' Guide. Instead, anybody who possesses any common sense at all (and has watched an episode of the Practice or two) could have completed the paper; no worries.
In other news, I opened up my mailbox today, only to discover that I have been inundated with "hearts" from others on Fridae. (Fridae is a GLBT internet news magazine, with a "hook-up" service similar to the notoriously addictive Gaydar.) I was curious to know why I was receiving so many emails, especially when I haven't updated my profile for a while.
Well, I soon discovered when I surfed over to the site. Presently, I am their featured male profile! Talk about being shocked and slightly embarassed!
For those readers who wonder what I look like (although I can't see why anyone would want to check me out), surf over to Fridae. There's a small "postage stamp" potrait of me in the front page. My profile name is, of course, "urbannomad". However, for those who want to look at a larger picture of moi (and check out the kitschy wallpaper and poster of the Dallas Cowboy's Danny White in the background!) or the witty words on my profile, you have to register as a member!
Thursday, December 12, 2002
How would you like your requisitions?
I just had my first exam this morning - a four hour ordeal on Conveyancing. It's difficult concentrating on any paper for that period of time, let alone one on Conveyancing. I was seriously distracted entering into the third hour. I should have brought a pack lunch into the exam hall.
In other news, my mum and sister arrived in Hong Kong for a holiday last weekend. They brought honey and Crunchie bars. Yay!
I just had my first exam this morning - a four hour ordeal on Conveyancing. It's difficult concentrating on any paper for that period of time, let alone one on Conveyancing. I was seriously distracted entering into the third hour. I should have brought a pack lunch into the exam hall.
In other news, my mum and sister arrived in Hong Kong for a holiday last weekend. They brought honey and Crunchie bars. Yay!
Tuesday, December 03, 2002
It's time to bring out the alcohol
I had an hour and a half revision lecture on Conveyancing, this afternoon. So technically, I did an hour and a half of study, right? Fat chance.
I just returned from a lil' Christmas soiree held by the Firm at the American Club. Apparently, HR and the managing partner felt that it was a good opportunity for current and future trainees to get acquainted with each other (and maybe get some meaningful advice on how to pass the bloody exams!). As expected, I acted like quite the psycho.
All of the current trainees slowly slinked back to the Firm's nearby offices to, I assume, bill a few extra hours before calling it a day. Generally, they never leave the office before 10:00pm. Should I be comforted (in these less-than-stellar economic times) or be completely horrified at this level of dedication?
I cannot wait till next year... and I'm not being sarcastic (for once).
I had an hour and a half revision lecture on Conveyancing, this afternoon. So technically, I did an hour and a half of study, right? Fat chance.
I just returned from a lil' Christmas soiree held by the Firm at the American Club. Apparently, HR and the managing partner felt that it was a good opportunity for current and future trainees to get acquainted with each other (and maybe get some meaningful advice on how to pass the bloody exams!). As expected, I acted like quite the psycho.
All of the current trainees slowly slinked back to the Firm's nearby offices to, I assume, bill a few extra hours before calling it a day. Generally, they never leave the office before 10:00pm. Should I be comforted (in these less-than-stellar economic times) or be completely horrified at this level of dedication?
I cannot wait till next year... and I'm not being sarcastic (for once).
