I'm alive!
Please accept my deepest apologies for not updating. Things have been a bit busy around here and my attention has been diverted away from this blog. Many thanks to all those who asked about my absence though.
I have to make this brief, as I am in the midst of finals. I plan to update folks on things next week, when I'll have a bit more time. All my written exams finish this Friday. Still, I'll have advocacy assessments to go after that... but they're like a walk in the park in comparison to some of those killer papers.
In the meantime, please check out Hong Kong Unmasked. It was uploaded yesterday. Like almost all the other projects initiated by the Civic Exchange (an independent HK think-tank), the website is pretty brilliant.
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Thursday, April 17, 2003
Lucky 13
Thirteen awesome new clips of different scenes in X2 have been posted at Countingdown!
Thirteen awesome new clips of different scenes in X2 have been posted at Countingdown!
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Movie Madness
I'm prepared to take the risk associated with being cooped up in a crowded room for the Hong Kong International Film Festival. I bought the tickets more than a month ago, and I'm not about to forgo the screenings.
Whilst I'm speaking about movies, there are a few coming out this year that sound like they will be worth the HK$50 ticket to see:
Ewan McGregor and Renée Zellweger play sparring lovers in (what only can be described as an homage to the gay - in all senses of the word - romantic comedies that starred Rock Hudson and Doris Day) Down With Love. Everything about it screams kitschy camp, from the director - Peyton Reed (whose first celluloid contribution was the seminal piece, Bring It On); to the setting - flashy 1960s New York; to the sets - all scenes were filmed inside a studio with painted backgrounds.
...and just when you thought things could not get more camp, a duet featuring the vocal stylings of Mr McGregor and Ms Zellwegger (and penned by the Hairspray team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman), titled Here’s To Love, will run during the film's credits.
...and speaking of romantic comedies, the absolutely adorable Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts play American sisters looking for love in Paris in Merchant Ivory's Le Divorce. The film also features Stockard Channing and Glenn Close. Je ne peux pas attendre!
Quentin Tarantion's fourth film, Kill Bill, may not be a romantic comedy, but it's definitely filled to the brim with kitsch. Dubbed THE "exploitation" film to end all exploitation films, it is a homage to the Shaw Bros martial arts films made in the 1970s (amongst many other things). Uma Thurman plays a female assassin, named "The Bride", who is seeking revenge against her former boss, Bill (David Carradine). Killing Bill isn't so easy (or the film would be pretty short), as along the way, she is confronted by a few of her former colleagues (the DiVAS), played by Lucy Liu, Darryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox and James Madsen. The teaser looks hilarious!
Doesn't Uma Thurman's yellow tracksuit look familiar? Well, it's a reference to the outfit worn by Bruce Lee in his last film.
For more Kill Bill trivia, check out here. It comes out v. late in the year.
For those who cannot get enough of cheesy retro-references, go check out the full theatrical trailer for Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. Lot's of crazy costumes, funny lines, and wacky action... all set to that kitsch classic, My Sharona. Even Demi Moore looks quite sensational (in all her new plastic glory) as the former-angel-gone-bad Madison.
Is there anyone who doesn't know that Matrix Reloaded is coming out? There are some cool animation shorts at the Animatrix. It's a shame it goes into cinemas two weeks after the premiere of the most anticipated film pour moi.
In a mere two weeks... I'll be first in line to see you-know-what. Early reviews of the X-Men sequel, X2: X-Men United are v. favourable.
For a non-trailer preview, here is a clip, in which Iceman "comes out" to his family.
I'm prepared to take the risk associated with being cooped up in a crowded room for the Hong Kong International Film Festival. I bought the tickets more than a month ago, and I'm not about to forgo the screenings.
Whilst I'm speaking about movies, there are a few coming out this year that sound like they will be worth the HK$50 ticket to see:
Ewan McGregor and Renée Zellweger play sparring lovers in (what only can be described as an homage to the gay - in all senses of the word - romantic comedies that starred Rock Hudson and Doris Day) Down With Love. Everything about it screams kitschy camp, from the director - Peyton Reed (whose first celluloid contribution was the seminal piece, Bring It On); to the setting - flashy 1960s New York; to the sets - all scenes were filmed inside a studio with painted backgrounds.
...and just when you thought things could not get more camp, a duet featuring the vocal stylings of Mr McGregor and Ms Zellwegger (and penned by the Hairspray team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman), titled Here’s To Love, will run during the film's credits.
...and speaking of romantic comedies, the absolutely adorable Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts play American sisters looking for love in Paris in Merchant Ivory's Le Divorce. The film also features Stockard Channing and Glenn Close. Je ne peux pas attendre!
Quentin Tarantion's fourth film, Kill Bill, may not be a romantic comedy, but it's definitely filled to the brim with kitsch. Dubbed THE "exploitation" film to end all exploitation films, it is a homage to the Shaw Bros martial arts films made in the 1970s (amongst many other things). Uma Thurman plays a female assassin, named "The Bride", who is seeking revenge against her former boss, Bill (David Carradine). Killing Bill isn't so easy (or the film would be pretty short), as along the way, she is confronted by a few of her former colleagues (the DiVAS), played by Lucy Liu, Darryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox and James Madsen. The teaser looks hilarious!
Doesn't Uma Thurman's yellow tracksuit look familiar? Well, it's a reference to the outfit worn by Bruce Lee in his last film.
For more Kill Bill trivia, check out here. It comes out v. late in the year.
For those who cannot get enough of cheesy retro-references, go check out the full theatrical trailer for Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. Lot's of crazy costumes, funny lines, and wacky action... all set to that kitsch classic, My Sharona. Even Demi Moore looks quite sensational (in all her new plastic glory) as the former-angel-gone-bad Madison.
Is there anyone who doesn't know that Matrix Reloaded is coming out? There are some cool animation shorts at the Animatrix. It's a shame it goes into cinemas two weeks after the premiere of the most anticipated film pour moi.
In a mere two weeks... I'll be first in line to see you-know-what. Early reviews of the X-Men sequel, X2: X-Men United are v. favourable.
For a non-trailer preview, here is a clip, in which Iceman "comes out" to his family.
Monday, April 07, 2003
Mighty Atom
To the original go-go boy (look at those boots, that spiky hair, those tight black shorts and those machine-gun buttocks...), happy birthday Astro Boy!
When Osamu Tezuka dreamed up a lovable robot, called Tetsuwan Atomu, in 1951, he gave his creation a far-out birthdate of April 7, 2003.
Astro Boy was the star of Japan's first domestically-produced television cartoon show, in the early 1960s. However, it was with the broadcast of a second series in colour, in the early 1980s, which endeared the Mighty Atom to a generation of non-Japanese viewers. (So many hours were spent in front of the idiot box watching the ABC's after-school line-up... expect a fresh series to enchant another generation soon.) To many, it was our first salivating taste of Japanese anime.
To the original go-go boy (look at those boots, that spiky hair, those tight black shorts and those machine-gun buttocks...), happy birthday Astro Boy!
When Osamu Tezuka dreamed up a lovable robot, called Tetsuwan Atomu, in 1951, he gave his creation a far-out birthdate of April 7, 2003.
Astro Boy was the star of Japan's first domestically-produced television cartoon show, in the early 1960s. However, it was with the broadcast of a second series in colour, in the early 1980s, which endeared the Mighty Atom to a generation of non-Japanese viewers. (So many hours were spent in front of the idiot box watching the ABC's after-school line-up... expect a fresh series to enchant another generation soon.) To many, it was our first salivating taste of Japanese anime.
Friday, April 04, 2003
School's out
The university has extended the suspension period for another week, till 14 April. Schools have a more cautious attitude and will be closed until 21 April.
Things are in disarray. When will the semester end now? Will the examination period stretch to the end of June now? When will I be able to go back to Sydney?
The university has extended the suspension period for another week, till 14 April. Schools have a more cautious attitude and will be closed until 21 April.
Things are in disarray. When will the semester end now? Will the examination period stretch to the end of June now? When will I be able to go back to Sydney?
Thursday, April 03, 2003
Revelation 13:1–2
When senior medical officials inappropriately weep openly in front of members of the media or outrageously equate the spread of atypical pneumonia with the Holocaust, you know things aren't too well.
The local government severely underestimated the problem and is now paying dearly for their earlier complacency. Beijing's response to the outbreak until today can be only be described as pathetic. The lack of governmental leadership, guidance and reassurance has allowed for the spread of misinformation and rumour-mongering. Things don't look pretty; the whole city is completely demoralised.
Schools have closed indefinitely, streets are less crowded, restaurants and shopping malls are empty. University classes have been suspended until Monday. Many folks have braved the 8 hour flight and have flown home to Sydney.
At times of crisis, it is easy to see how people's sense of rationalism disappear - they turn into mindless automatons driven by a silly herd-like mentality. A little teenage nit-wit's tasteless April Fool's joke caused panic buying in supermarkets. The internet rumours he created stated that HK was declared an infected area, the Chief Executive resigned and the Hang Seng index collapsed. People believed in the absurd. The Government sought to quell the rumours and requested the six major mobile networks to broadcast a message to 6 million mobile phones. At least they are doing something decent now...
When senior medical officials inappropriately weep openly in front of members of the media or outrageously equate the spread of atypical pneumonia with the Holocaust, you know things aren't too well.
The local government severely underestimated the problem and is now paying dearly for their earlier complacency. Beijing's response to the outbreak until today can be only be described as pathetic. The lack of governmental leadership, guidance and reassurance has allowed for the spread of misinformation and rumour-mongering. Things don't look pretty; the whole city is completely demoralised.
Schools have closed indefinitely, streets are less crowded, restaurants and shopping malls are empty. University classes have been suspended until Monday. Many folks have braved the 8 hour flight and have flown home to Sydney.
At times of crisis, it is easy to see how people's sense of rationalism disappear - they turn into mindless automatons driven by a silly herd-like mentality. A little teenage nit-wit's tasteless April Fool's joke caused panic buying in supermarkets. The internet rumours he created stated that HK was declared an infected area, the Chief Executive resigned and the Hang Seng index collapsed. People believed in the absurd. The Government sought to quell the rumours and requested the six major mobile networks to broadcast a message to 6 million mobile phones. At least they are doing something decent now...
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
American Life
Here is a brief soundbite from Madonna's latest single, American Life.
Am I the only one who thinks it sounds bizarre? Then again, I should hardly be surprised with what she produces, even if it is a weird rap. I was put-off on my first listening of Ray Of Light and Music; I'm sure American Life will be the same.
For the complete lyrics of the song, go here.
I’m drinking a Soy latte
I get a double shoté
It goes right through my body
And you know I’m satisfied
I get a double shoté
It goes right through my body
And you know I’m satisfied
Here is a brief soundbite from Madonna's latest single, American Life.
Am I the only one who thinks it sounds bizarre? Then again, I should hardly be surprised with what she produces, even if it is a weird rap. I was put-off on my first listening of Ray Of Light and Music; I'm sure American Life will be the same.
For the complete lyrics of the song, go here.
Plus ca change...
I just realised something today, during my usual moments of self-reflection and navel-gazing... I've been blogging for almost a year now. In fact, lil' urban nomad is turning one next Monday (which also happens to be a day after Liz's big day of mourning).
I should do something to commemorate the grand occasion, but I'm completely lost in regards to fabulous, internet-friendly ideas? Do people have any suggestions? Preferably PG-rated and wouldn't involve a webcam and a bottle of baby oil. Maybe I should finally get round to designing an "About Me" page? Or should I place a picture of moi (after all the hysteria around the Fridae profile, you'ld think I would be a bit apprehensive!) to replace that one of Brady the Bee (who I have a remarkable resemblance to, btw)?
I just realised something today, during my usual moments of self-reflection and navel-gazing... I've been blogging for almost a year now. In fact, lil' urban nomad is turning one next Monday (which also happens to be a day after Liz's big day of mourning).
I should do something to commemorate the grand occasion, but I'm completely lost in regards to fabulous, internet-friendly ideas? Do people have any suggestions? Preferably PG-rated and wouldn't involve a webcam and a bottle of baby oil. Maybe I should finally get round to designing an "About Me" page? Or should I place a picture of moi (after all the hysteria around the Fridae profile, you'ld think I would be a bit apprehensive!) to replace that one of Brady the Bee (who I have a remarkable resemblance to, btw)?
Friday, February 28, 2003
Just Another Rich Kid
There is little Brooklyn-based clothing company that has gained quite a bit of notoriety recently. Just Another Rich Kid produces provocatively graphic-ed shirts that stencilled with either silhouettes of LA plastic surgery muppet, Angelyne, relatively plain argyle diamonds or fetching slogans, such as "I fucked Cloe Sevigny", "I fucked Gisele" and the like. Clearly, it is easy to see why some celebs have made so much fuss for some little words. Apparently, Ms Bundchen was furious and threatened legal action. (Rumour has it that her ex-boyf, Leo D, bought one.)
Gossip has it (from the bitches at Chic Happens, in fact... ) that P. Diddy requested one made, with "I Fucked J. Lo First", after he caught someone wearing an "I fucked Anna Wintour" number at a show during New York Fashion Week.
Considering I am such a fashion victim, you would think I would be waiting in line to purchase one of the shirts, right?
Well, I confess... my "I fucked Dior" number is in the mail.
There is little Brooklyn-based clothing company that has gained quite a bit of notoriety recently. Just Another Rich Kid produces provocatively graphic-ed shirts that stencilled with either silhouettes of LA plastic surgery muppet, Angelyne, relatively plain argyle diamonds or fetching slogans, such as "I fucked Cloe Sevigny", "I fucked Gisele" and the like. Clearly, it is easy to see why some celebs have made so much fuss for some little words. Apparently, Ms Bundchen was furious and threatened legal action. (Rumour has it that her ex-boyf, Leo D, bought one.)
Gossip has it (from the bitches at Chic Happens, in fact... ) that P. Diddy requested one made, with "I Fucked J. Lo First", after he caught someone wearing an "I fucked Anna Wintour" number at a show during New York Fashion Week.
Considering I am such a fashion victim, you would think I would be waiting in line to purchase one of the shirts, right?
Well, I confess... my "I fucked Dior" number is in the mail.
Die another day
I survived... but barely. Marks came out for all five first semester subjects (Professional Practice, Conveyancing & Probate, Commercial Legal Practice, Accounts and Revenue). There still remains some second semester exams for Conveyancing and Commercial (they are year-long subjects), but for the other subjects, all assessments have been completed. I'm standing on dodgy ground in regards to Conveyancing and I'll need to put some effort into the Landlord & Tenant component of the subject.
I really needed a jolt, as I have become pretty slack in my efforts in the course. I guess this was it!
The fall-out in the next few days is going to be horrific. So many have already decided to quit the course; I would presume many more will do so after this....
I survived... but barely. Marks came out for all five first semester subjects (Professional Practice, Conveyancing & Probate, Commercial Legal Practice, Accounts and Revenue). There still remains some second semester exams for Conveyancing and Commercial (they are year-long subjects), but for the other subjects, all assessments have been completed. I'm standing on dodgy ground in regards to Conveyancing and I'll need to put some effort into the Landlord & Tenant component of the subject.
I really needed a jolt, as I have become pretty slack in my efforts in the course. I guess this was it!
The fall-out in the next few days is going to be horrific. So many have already decided to quit the course; I would presume many more will do so after this....
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Judgment day
The shit is going to hit the fan tomorrow, when weeks of waiting anxiously for first semester's examination results end.
Wild rumours spred like wildfire, on the numbers that have failed each subject. People mentioned that 70% of folks failed Revenue. Fortunately, most were unfounded. The actual numbers are considerably less, although these are hardly any more comforting - officially only around 15% failed Professional Practice and 20% failed Revenue.
For better or worse, these results are only preliminary. The final marks may have absolutely no reflection on those issued tomorrow.
If I am not heard from in the next week or so, you know the reason...
The shit is going to hit the fan tomorrow, when weeks of waiting anxiously for first semester's examination results end.
Wild rumours spred like wildfire, on the numbers that have failed each subject. People mentioned that 70% of folks failed Revenue. Fortunately, most were unfounded. The actual numbers are considerably less, although these are hardly any more comforting - officially only around 15% failed Professional Practice and 20% failed Revenue.
For better or worse, these results are only preliminary. The final marks may have absolutely no reflection on those issued tomorrow.
If I am not heard from in the next week or so, you know the reason...
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Monday, February 24, 2003
X2 trailer
The new trailer for x2 is up and running. It's a tantalising taste of what is to come and is a considerably better aperitif to the first trailer. The film looks awesome.
I was quite disappointed with how Storm and Jean were portrayed (or the lack of it) in the first film. It's unrealistic to expect that their roles would expand in the sequel, considering they are introducing extra characters. However, checking out the action in the trailer - Jean Grey deflecting a direct blast from Cyclops or Jean blocking a giant tidal wave or Storm creating hurricanes to obstruct fighter planes tailing the X-Jet - their powers are living up to their comic book potential.
My personal faves, Iceman and Shadowcat (her phasing power is shown several times in the trailer), have more than just cameo appearances with Pyro in the sequel. "New" mutant characters being introduced include Nightcrawler (his *bampff!* transportation effect looks way cool), Colossus (check him "steeling up" - or just check out how ripped Daniel Cudmore's bod is) and Lady Deathstrike (in an awesome fight scene with Wolverine).
X2 comes out in cinemas in the US on 2 May. Who knows when it will be released here?
Postscript: The film opens on 1 May in HK and Australia!
The new trailer for x2 is up and running. It's a tantalising taste of what is to come and is a considerably better aperitif to the first trailer. The film looks awesome.
I was quite disappointed with how Storm and Jean were portrayed (or the lack of it) in the first film. It's unrealistic to expect that their roles would expand in the sequel, considering they are introducing extra characters. However, checking out the action in the trailer - Jean Grey deflecting a direct blast from Cyclops or Jean blocking a giant tidal wave or Storm creating hurricanes to obstruct fighter planes tailing the X-Jet - their powers are living up to their comic book potential.
My personal faves, Iceman and Shadowcat (her phasing power is shown several times in the trailer), have more than just cameo appearances with Pyro in the sequel. "New" mutant characters being introduced include Nightcrawler (his *bampff!* transportation effect looks way cool), Colossus (check him "steeling up" - or just check out how ripped Daniel Cudmore's bod is) and Lady Deathstrike (in an awesome fight scene with Wolverine).
X2 comes out in cinemas in the US on 2 May. Who knows when it will be released here?
Postscript: The film opens on 1 May in HK and Australia!
