Archive for August 2009
It will be definitely interesting interviewing every single living soul who idolises Michael and finding out their take on the King of Pop.
For me, Michael Jackson was a familiar name throughout my growing years. Familiar and common name in the world of pop stars. Upon mentioning the musical genre, one would immediately think of the man and the man only. He was famed. Internationally recognised.
Till now, his legacy lives on.
I remember watching the Thriller music video and allowing those zombies (backup dancers) get under my skin. To me, that was the most horrifying music video of all time. I swore never to watch it till I grew to some rightful, fearless age. Sadly, my interest in the King of Pop never resonated within me. There was so little I knew about him. Even though I was aware of the controversy he stirred up during his life, I remained unfazed. He was like, another living being. A celebrity with his own set of quirks.
There was simply nothing alarming about his behaviour.
I also remember listening to his hits on Class 95, a local radio station. It was the station that got me acquainted to many 80s and 90s music; which I was glad for. Nothing beats the 80s. Seriously. I prefer listening to songs of the 80s than to generic music of the 21st century. Anyhow, tunes like Remember The Time, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal were not unheard of. I knew these tunes by heart, but never committed their song titles to memory. His songs were simply… There. Noted, but never truly noticed by me.
Now that he has passed on, I have begun to upload tons of his songs to my laptop. It is definitely something to be ashamed of, considering the fact that he has been singing since 1964 (start of career as a Jackson 5). I could be very well be one of the ignorant to the legacy he created.
Hype has also gathering upon his passing. Documentaries sprouting out one after the other, musical tributes everywhere, endless airing of his music videos on MTV, the investigation over his death… Publicity seems to never leave the pop star. Even after death.
One of the documentaries I sat down to watch was Living With Michael Jackson. It was a rare, personal interview with the King of Pop himself where he answered the most intimate questions and allowed cameras to film footage of his life as a father, performer and individual. The interviewer followed him around for 8 months to accomplish the abovementioned.
Unfortunately, more media attention was drawn to the documentary after it was aired. Apparently, the interviewer, Martin Bashir was under fire by MJ after it was aired. Michael claimed that Martin edited the documentary to reveal snippets of Michael’s life the way he (Martin) would have wanted. Negative, mainly.
As for the extent of truth in all that saying, I would leave it to you, the viewer, to determine.
As for my opinion, I felt that the entire documentary, personal opinions by Martin aside, did not distort my image of Michael Jackson. Throughout the documentary, I was able to empathise with his troubled childhood and momentarily suspended my judgment on what would be deemed as odd and abnormal to some.
Remember the baby dangling incident?
That sure got the press talking. Irresponsible father? Was he trying to kill his baby? It seems like the press was waiting for the next Michael screw-up. All of the time. Despite all that hype, his fans remained fiercely loyal. That, was such an endearing sight that I grew a new respect for fans of popular idols everywhere.
Regarding his treatment towards his children, I would leave that to the man himself and his children. Parenting is, after all, personal. Everyone has different perceptions of parenthood, do they not?
In a nutshell, what I agreed the most about his statements are the ones regarding family bonds. If there is anything the world needs now, it is the love family can provide. I have seen how the lack of love by parents has wrecked a child’s life, so I am with him on that one.
(To be continued)
Chick Flick Alert: The Proposal
Posted on: August 28, 2009
- In: Bold Bites
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“… Stop! The love you save may be your own
Darling, take it slow
Or some day you’ll be all alone
You’d better stop the love you save my be your own
Darling, look both ways before you cross me
You’re headed for the danger zone…”
It was a get-together. There was simply no movie we could settle for… So we went for The Proposal.
Welcome to your typical chick flick. The one with strange families, a warped marriage and the love-at-first-sight moments. Yes, hold your tears girls. Spoiler alert after this sentence.
Sandra Bullock plays Margaret Tate, a wretched boss you hope you will never get while Ryan Reynolds (Andrew Paxton) is the ever faithful secretary to Margaret. Both works at a publishing house. Details aside, yes, Sandra goes all Miranda Priestly on everyone in the office, including Ryan; the unfortunate but endearing victim.
Just when you thought the impossible was truly impossible, Tate springs a surprise marriage due to citizenship issues. Also, she loves her job too much to let it go. Guess the corporate ladder was quite difficult to climb during her time. Anyhow, she proposes to Andrew, who grudgingly accepts. After all, she made it pretty clear to him.
If she loses her job, his is as good as gone too.
So cue the tragic violin music and let’s begin our road trip to weirdness.
First of all, he brings her home to his family. A weekend getaway. Well, he had to attend his Gran’s birthday. The timing of all events could not have been more coincidental.
Apparently, he lives in Sitka. A lovely seaside town in Alaska. Actually, he lives in New York City, but Sitka is where family is. One bumpy plane ride (it was transfer flight) later, the couple arrives at the pleasantly scenic location and was greeted by a forthright Granny played by Betty White (Golden girl!) and his awfully friendly mother. Hmmm, where is dad?
After an introduction of all sorts, the two set off with the family in tow to the Paxton’s picturesque home. On the way, Margaret could not help but notice how all the stores in the town begun with “Paxton”s. Turns out Andrew’s family is far from poor. Margaret was beginning to bite her tongue from critising Andrew’s background before.
Oh, nothing could have been more awkward after the boat ride to the Paxton home. The two had to play pretend and announce their engagement in front of dozens of closest relatives, family and friends at a mini welcome gathering. How Margaret wanted to get the weekend and marriage over and done with. Andrew shared the same sentiments. Or so we thought.
Both turned in early and tons of crazy events happened after.
After the loony happenings, Margaret could not help but notice the closely knitted Paxton family bonds and was nearly driven to tears in several occasions. Then, she put her foot down (also wearing a Princess Leia inspired gown. 1929 fashion, apparently.) and denounced the wedding… During the wedding. She simply could not see through a forced marriage.
Too sudden, too soon. She agreed to be deported and left Sitka.
A couple of days later, she is seen to be cleaning out her office. Immigration was applying the brakes on her career. Her life is New York City was over.
As she totters out of her office in sky-high black pumps, she catches her breath at the sight of Andrew. He begs her to reconsider the whole personal “I want to be alone” theory and ends up smooching her. Those breathtaking, classic Chick Flick kind of kisses.
Months (or weeks) later, the couple reunites and is wedded.
First of all, the movie had plenty of cringe-worthy moments. It was no Time Traveler’s Wife kind of meaningful romance dramas. It was those kind of made of the sake of producing Chick Flicks for those individuals who crave a lousy but satisfying weekend watch at the theatres. Something like (fill in the blanks with a lousy chick flick of your choice). Nothing intriguing. Nothing worth paying for.
Second of all, I was glad to have spent money (strange as it seems) on a movie where I could identify a couple of familiar faces: Craig T. Nelson (Blades of Glory, The Family Stone), Malin Ackerman (The Heartbreak Kid. Annoying first wife to Ben Stiler. A pain in the rear and creepy too.), Aasif Mandvi (Music and Lyrics… Who could ever forget the nasty lyricst?) and Oscar Nunez (The Office! No wonder his face rung a bell! The Accountant! Oscar!). Oh! Not forgetting the Golden Girl, Betty White. 😀
Thirdly, how weird was the granny going tribal scene? Random and completely irrelevant. Not to mention it being a cheap laugh. Cue forced laughter.
Fourthly (let this be the last), eagles grabbing dogs? Since when dogs were preys for eagles? Does it have to do with the breed? Anyhow, it was a ridiculous take on how threatening life can be for a canine.
All in all, horrid romantic comedy. Failure to Launch and The Family Stone were way better Chick Flicks I paid for in the theatres. Definitely not the best movie Sandra was being casted in.
Final Verdict: If there was anything, go for Final Destination and watch people get butchered in 500 different ways for an hour and 10 minutes. Way better investment. 😀
Changes, changes, changes.
Posted on: August 28, 2009
“I’m gonna make a change
For once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right…”
Yipee yooha! I am freed. Free from my caged world of books, notes, lectures and tutorials. What am I talking about?
Why, it is Day 0 of my first 7-week break from my first semester at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. God how I have been waiting for centuries for this day to come!
Today’s 2-hour long paper came and went, almost suddenly and quickly. It was rather painless compared to the previous three papers, but let’s not dwell on that. Dwelling just jolted a sickening feeling at the pit of my stomach while I was watching The Proposal (the one with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds) hours ago. It is high time I gave myself some time alone. To myself.
Truly.
So what am I going to do with the extended, bond-free (no homework! YEAH!) holiday? Well, taking little steps and trying not to overwhelm myself with late nights. Let’s not forget that it is imperative that I keep my biological clock in check. Late nights may seem tempting, but the holiday is not as long as it seems. I am still going to turn in considerably early. Yes sir.
Ok, I will quit yapping about my newfound break and start a little critiquing on The Proposal. (Another one those regretful chick flicks you pay for at the cinemas.) Read on!
Take me to Vegas!
Posted on: August 27, 2009
“… Listen up now honey, you’re gonna be sorry
Can’t get out from under a sky that is falling
And you say
No fame no money I’m nobody
The way I’m running has sure got me down
On my knees
But next stop, Vegas please
Gotta get to Vegas
Can you take me to Vegas?”
Yes, indeed I was trapped and was unable to get out from a sky that was falling.
Today’s third and second last paper was Macroeconomics. The most dreaded among all the modules I have been taking for this semester. (buries head in hands) I simply cannot imagine how Microeconomics is going to turn out.
Well, they did say that if you sat for a Micro paper first, Macro would be more easy on the head. Unfortunately, I was preassigned to sit for Macro first. If there is anything, Economics should come with health warning sign.
For now, if I am able to successfully dodge the falling sky this time, praise the ducks, chickens and geese. Also, cheers to tomorrrow, the final, last paper: Introduction to Financial Accounting.
Salut!
And then came the second…
Posted on: August 26, 2009
It was certain I had no song playing in my head during my second paper, Business Management, today. Nope, none at all.
This is a good thing. It showed I was completely into my paper. To mention, I spent more time thinking about the questions than ever before.
Two more papers to go before I can breathe easy!
Now, this is the reason as to why I am hooked on the tube. Drama, romance and everything in between. It is a sandwich of all odds!
First of all, the first couple of minutes sure made plenty of Eric/Sookie campers delightful souls. So much so that I am beginning to get used to seeing less of Bill and Sookie moments.
OH, bless Season 2 for having more Eric air-time. 😀
Then there is simple-minded and determined Jason. He is such a helping hand in this episode; rescuing Andy and Sam, assuring Sookie… I like how Alan Ball de-lust-ified this season. No more sketchy ladies and sex appeal thrown across the television screens.
Praise that!
As for Maryann, she is indeed getting under everyone’s skins. Viewers and cast alike. Her role as a maenad is becoming increasingly disturbing to watch, especially after what she did to Sookie’s house. Unforgivable!
Not to mention the creepy tree she constructed by the front door. It reeks of raw meat, vegetables and heaven-knows-what.
I am so glad I need not deconstruct it.
Bill. Stranger and stranger by the minute. He is half-pissed by how Eric made Sookie drink from him (I will spare you the details), hence becoming more a part of her than ever. That I know. Though the way he approached the Queen of Louisanna’s nest (whatever it was)… Puzzled me. Now I am kept wondering if Alan is going all the way in adapting from the Stackhouse novels.
If he is, my am I going to rant about predictability and happy as ever that I switched romantic camps prematurely.
Sookie, Sookie, Sookie… I have no idea which is more unfaithful: Her keeping her fantasies with Eric from Bill, or her keeping her fantasies with Eric from Bill. It sets me pondering: When will she truly approach Eric about those fantasies? It would really be quite a scene to watch out for.
Or maybe I could be behind in the knowledge of True Blood Vampires. They can feel what their humans feel, right?
I guess we will receive an Eric/Sookie treat real soon…
Recently, Lettie Mae has been surprising me. Her sudden devotion to Tara is wary yet fulfilling. It is like watching a soap opera whenever their scenes come on. You seriously have no clue what her mother will do next, or how Tara is going to deal with her mother. For now, I am glad that both mother and daughter have been reunited. 🙂
Lafayette! Glimpses of his life with Eric in it makes me want to stifle a giggle. Remember the fourth episode? “I like you.”
Like I said, it keeps getting better!
Now we all have to wait with bated breaths to see how Sam survives with the immortal of Maryann alive and about Bon Temps and how the Queen of Louisanna will grace the screens to save the day.
Or night.
Till then, next Monday afternoon awaits! (True Blood airs at 9pm ET/PT on Sundays, so it will be 10am the following day for us. You do the rest of the math.)
The Law and I
Posted on: August 25, 2009
“… The way you walk, the rhythm when you’re dancing
Every inch of you smells of desire
You’re such a rush, the rush is never ending
Now you got it, you’re wow, wow, wow, wow
You got it, you’re wow, wow, wow, wow…”
Research shows that if you have a song playing in your head, that is far from mental. What it could possibly mean is that the song is in relation to your current feelings.
Now, try piecing that song with the first paper I sat for today: Business Law. Yes, that song is about how some man turning a woman on, and it played in my head during Business Law?! Since when did I consider Law fascinatingly hot?
Obviously, my insecurities of studies has gotten to my head.
What I thought (after an hour of thorough analysis) of it was, I was blown away by the surge of brain cells to my head. Probably the rush from seeing the paragraphs of answers I could scribble in the answer booklet. Maybe, just maybe.
Or maybe I have some inappropriate feelings towards the Law.
Who knows?
Examination Blues
Posted on: August 24, 2009
“… When I saw the break of day
I wished that I could fly away…”
It is that time of the year again.
Time for spring-cleaning. My room, in particular.
Again, it has fallen victim to mounds of paper strewn at nearly every corner, a blemished desk covered with… you have guessed it, more paper, and a floor that has paper as tiles and carpets. I always have serious tidiness issues at this time of the year.
Yes, I am drowning in examination blues. Sadly.
So as I watch my room slowly transforming to a pig sty, I shall ponder on ways to first of all, de-clutter the greatest mess in my life: my thoughts.
My first paper is in 10 hours and 27 minutes time.
This can only spell… Bed-time. (More crucial than ever.)
To end: Thou shalt not snooze my alarm tomorrow morning.
Truthfully speaking, Season 2 of True Blood is all kinds of crazy… But I love every minute of it.
Mostly.
First of all, the Bill and Sookie relationship is close to tiresome. I have no idea why cheese seems to be the adhesive of their love bonds. No offense, I rather Sookie change camps and move over to Eric. Eric might be a tough nut to crack, but at least he has less cheese on his platter.
Keeping in mind those descriptions were meterphorical. I very much emphasize that.
Besides the overbearing Bill-and-Sookie, Maryann’s arrival seems to be taking on quite a presence. Apart from voodoo-ing the entire community to participate in wild orgies, she gets all fired up at the mention of Sam Merlotte. Some history she had with him, but in all conclusions, her insanity (yes, she cannot go on killing and hosting orgies forever) needs to be explained by episode 10 or 11. At the very least.
So far, Season 2 has given most of the characters more depth. In a sense, most has substance and that is hard evidence that the series has been progressing since the first. However, the second season of True Blood has taken a backseat in reality. This is frightful and worrying all at once.
In the first season, the strained relationship of Lettie Mae and Tara, Sam’s pain of never being Sookie’s affection, Sookie’s fear of losing Bill time after time, Arlene’s failed marriages and later-discovered-to-be-psychotic fiance (Rene) and Jason being framed from crimes he never committed highlighted the struggles in life. Bearing witness to such happenings everyday, it was not unusual that the series rung a bell somehow.
Disappointingly, the second season chose a beaten and familar track. Much to cringe about and scream, “cliche!”
In sum, I hope Alan Ball will re-visit the dark reccesses of reality soon.
After all, Six Feet Under did pave the way for dsyfunctionality.
Best MJ Tribute… To date.
Posted on: August 19, 2009
Thumbs up on the coordination, organisation, synchronization and boldness. Most impactful and original concept to a tribute to date.
In fact, it ignites some kind of dance craze in you. Like the time when “Nobody” by the Wondergirls made every living soul get on their feet…
Trust me. I was not spared from it.
Rambles aside, do enjoy the video.
😀
Ally 
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