Hitting (on) women

Play: Hitting (on) women
Venue: Action Theatre
Date: 19/8/07
Time: 8pm
Seat: Free Seating

Play:

Hitting (on) women explores an unusual relationship between 2 women, not just because it's a lesbian relationship but also because it is one that exists only in the subconscious of the woman. The woman sits in an overly large red chair in a black stage, poignant in her matching red singlet and pants. The hey-wired phone disturbances set the mood for a dysfunctional and disconcerting relationship which takes centrestage in the 1 hour.

Karen returns to visit the woman even though she has died and continues to haunt the woman, taunting her in her current state of mess. It is at times creepy to see how manipulative Karen is even though she is no longer physically in control. Throughout the dialogue, Karen beckons her lover back to her, almost in a rhythmic manner, breaking down the woman's defences and lulling her back. Even till the last moment, Karen calmly suggests that all her lover needs to do is to consume al her medicine and they will be together again.

Ovidia injects some of her politically satirical humour into the play with the alteration of the sexual penal codes, the christian girl, the shooting of the black crows. Always enjoy those bits though they do tend to stick out sometimes and you kinda go, well, she just has to put it in. =)

Brilliant acting by Janice Koh and Serene Chen and a marvellous script. Very intense. Moments when you were so drawn into the drama and you had to hold your breath. Enjoyed both the humour and the drama. Kudos to the whole cast for making it such a wonderful performance to watch.

Saw a review that is very interesting. Worth a read here http://www.theatrex.org/?p=48#more-48

Death by driving test

Failed my driving test ... again, for the second time. Bugger. Utterly depressed. The poor instructor was trying so hard to be nice ... you are not bad, just 32 points (yah right).

So the total tabulation of 32 -
Circuit:
roll off slope by 10cm -2
e-brake too slow -2

Road:
Blind Spots - 6
Bad signal - 2
Too close to kerb - 8
Delay in moving off - 6
Insufficient acceleration - 6

Ok, too much to bear. Seeking solace in the midst of the post-national-day-celebration-students-crowd and my mac breakfast. Next test in late Nov (shit) another 3 months. -.-'" Argh ...

How much is your blog worth?

Once again inspired my best bud to evaluate my blog. See how much ka-ching my humble blog is worth ... ok Feng, I think my reviews are working ... *grin*

My blog is worth $1,693.62.
How much is your blog worth?

Paprika

Movie: Paprika
Venue: The Picturehouse
Date: 20/7/07
Time: 11.25pm
Seat: C9

Movie:

Blow off your socks graphics I am telling you. Chiba - an attractive scientist who assumes the alter ego of Paprika -a bright red-haired dream detective, with her team, Tokita (also her sumo size bf) and Dr. Shima, aims to solve patients' psychological problems with a dream invasive device called the DC mini. However, things get out of hand when 'the chairman' attempts to control the world through the passage of dreams. Paprika soars into the dream world when the dream world threatens to mesh with reality to save the world from er .. eternally dreaming?

I must admit that there were parts that eluded me. Had difficulty grasping the crux of the movie such as understanding the true motive of the chairman, the significance of the man and robot to save the world. But my humble thoughts anyway.

A few elements stuck me. Dreams vs reality is nothing new and has been frequently explored across genre, particularly in sci-fi like Paprika. But this animation adds a new dimension of control and manipulation with dreams usurping the subconscious and reality and change is only possible from within the realm of dreams. Paprika wields more power then Chiba in her dreams. Kinda brought me to 'Wong Kar Wai Dreams' I watched on 16th Jun 2007. Are you dreaming the dreams or is the dream dreaming you? Who is more real? Chiba or Paprika? Since Paprika saved the world (or more accurately Tokyo), is she more real?

When Chiba merged herself with Tokita in the dream landscape, a newborn emerged which started feeding on the creeping dark atmosphere that threatened to engulf the land in its darkness. Couldn't fathom the significance of it. Love breaks through all barriers? The innocence of the new generation will stop the advance of the impending darkened technological era?

But still, watch it for the cool animation - especially when Paprika weaves in and out of truck side canvas, pedestrian t-shirt, wall paintings and scoots around on her sun wukong cloud. That's worth a watch. ;)

Bungee Jumping on their own

Movie: Bungee Jumping on their own
Venue: Home
Date: 17/7/07
Time: 11am
Seat: Bed

Movie:

I recently came across this movie again. Last I watched it? 2004 and it was in Korean. That was in Sydney, Australia. On exchange and not a single care in the world. Had a good Korean mate. No subtitles but he was patient enough to explain key scenes to me. Watching this again after a span of 3 years was surreal. Reminded me of the good exchange days.

The plot revolves the life of In-Woo. In-Woo meets the love of his life on a rainy day and later meets her again in his university. Fate would have it however that she will fail to turn up to send him off to ns (which in Korea means somewhere real far away).

Years later, In-Woo finds himself working as a language teacher in a college. He takes on the role of a form teacher to an all boys class and is strangely attracted to Hyeon-bin, a male student in his class. He is reminded of the littlest things that Tae-Hee used to do that is so evident in Hyeon-Bin. In-Woo begins to see Tae-hee in Hyeon-bin more and more and all the more, both are bewildered.

Later did he realise that Tae-Hee was 're-born' into Hyeon-Bin. Tae-Hee did turn up opposite the train station on the day In-Woo left for ns but as she followed In-Woo, a truck ran her down as she crossed the road.

Ending? Hyeon-Bin remembers himself as Tae-hee and reunites with In-Woo. Hand in hand, they throw themselves off what seems like the Kawarau bridge in NZ, the first bungee-jumping site in NZ.

Provocative in portrayal of both a gay relationship as well as that between a teacher and a student. Touching storyline with that tinge of melancholy. Sensitive acting coupled with the haunting tune of Tae-Hee's humming. Delightful treat for the soul.

My story:

Recently met up with a kindergarten classmate, H. Yes, I know. Bizarre that we even keep in touch. H is about to embark on his PHD pursuit in Chinese Theatre in Princeton. I am immensely proud of him. Why? Ten years ago, he was deemed as quite a failure in the eyes of the Singapore govt. Didn't do too well in O levels - wasn't allowed to study TS in VJC. Then went on to NJC and didn't perform well enough to gain entry into NUS. He took the alternative route to UNSW in Syd, did great and secured a scholarship in Cambridge and now, a scholarship to Princeton. Would H come back to contribute to Singapore society?

Example 2 - Miss D, a very dear of mine. Did decent in A levels but decided to go for the overseas exposure in Aussie land instead of the safe track to NUS. She came back to apply to a local stat board. They told her that they only sought local graduates and did not even grant her an interview despite her good results. She worked for a couple of years and then went back to Syd to read her masters in commerce. When she returned, she secured a job in P&G and is performing beyond her peers from the local universities and currently relocated back to Syd. Would D desire to come back to work in Singapore?

I often wonder about the myopic perspective of our civil sector. I am no doubt a product of the very system that has proven itself efficient and effective over the decades in producing incredible results for this small dot on the globe. Did well for my Os, enrolled in a top JC and received my 2nd upper honours in NUS. Ok, maybe not the epitome of the system; after all, I did not receive that str As in A levels, nor received a scholarship in the civil sector. *evil grin* So I do believe that the system has its merits.

But my point is simple - wise up folks. We ask ourselves constantly why we have a brain drain. Well, aint the above 2 examples crystal clear? We discriminate the rejects of the system and those who seek beyond the system. We brand them the misfits, the alternatives. We believe that if they are not of the system, they CMI (army lingo for cannot make it). Will H and D come back to work and reside in Singapore? Unlikely. And perhaps understandably so.

Embracing creativity, diversity goes beyond revamping our textbooks, our curriculum and our modular system. It is a change of mindset that is needed to retain our talents and nurture them to make a difference in our society, for them to willingly contribute back to society. Not because our civic/NE lessons taught us that, but because they are grateful that our society has groomed them to be the best they can be in their arena, whichever they may be. Such an attitude can only bloom from given ample space for the plant to grow into its full stature and not pruning it according to the expansion of the greenhouse.

I will say it again. I am immensely proud of my 2 friends, lively and colourful fauna that thrive and flourish beyond the system. May they bloom in wherever they deem fit to be in. Go, I say, go where your destiny lies. =)

What finger are you?

I totally am doing this only becos my best bud is. Bro, I so support you in your nonsense it is not funny. Lots of sympathy to you too with the renovations ... sigh, you just can't trust some of these people with common sense huh? But for now, a toast to our fingers and what they tell about us. Haha.

You Are a Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything. You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word. Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world. You get along well with: The Pinky Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

Thelma and Louise

Movie: Thelma and Louise
Venue: Home
Date: 14/07/07
Time: 11pm
Seat: Bed

Movie:

I am introduced to this 1991 movie by K. What a good find! Louise and Thelma, good girl friends plan to go on a roadtrip over the weekend to get away from their mundane job and husband/bf. Louise – the repressed housewife, is eager to hang loose but meets with a jerk who attempts to rape her. Louise, the more steely one, pulls out a handgun and out of rage, sends him to his maker. Thus starts their accidental journey of armed robbery, exploding oil truck and other outlaw activities. What started as a case of self defense grew out of proportion into a nationwide hunt for 2 dangerously armed fugitives. Louise and Thelma decide to continue their journey in their blue Thunderbird into the Grand Canyon.

Power to the females? The movie continually reminds us of the American psyche of women – born to service and be sex symbols to these American men. Thelma’s husband believed that the only good that would come out of Louise is to stay home and be a subservient housewife. Their encounters with different men all seem to serve that purpose – the guy whom tried to rape Thelma, J D (Brand Pitt) the burglar who had an ONS with Thelma and the truck driver making lewd and suggestive remarks at the 2 girls on a few occasions as they fled across states to Mexico.

Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon were brilliant in their portrayal of these 2 character Beautiful characterization and character development. Almost like a rite of passage seeing these 2 women shedding their suburban veils to challenge society’s constrictive views on the fairer sex. Watching the story develop and unfold made the ending even more heart wrenching.

Won Oscar in best writing for screenplay (1992). Both female leads were nominated best actress in leading role. Also nominated for best cinematography, best director and best film editing.

Worth the watch.

My story:

The woes of a 20 something in the 20 something century

As a 20something of the 20something century, I find myself shouldering many responsibilities. I try. Armed with the very modernized and advanced KPI, work evaluation systems that we instill in our workplaces, I have decided to draft out a similar KPI/job scope for my permanent and irrevocable position as eldest brother at home. I have also included the competencies/skills to be developed in fulfilling the below responsibilities.

I certainly hope that my example will inspire fellow 20somethings in your pursuit towards high family job satisfaction and encourage you to attain higher achievements in your 20 something Singaporean life.

	Responsibility:	Competency/Skill developed
	To Youngest Sister Studies i. Assists her to draft out study plan for upcoming O levels ii. Ensures she commits to it (at least 80% of days on schedule) iii. Commit every Sunday to check on her progress Social Habits i. Inform her of the ills of smoking and present to her the detrimental effects of smoking.	1) Patience 2) Ability to tolerate high levels of frustration and nonsense 3) Negotiation Skills – in this case, usually freedom in ex- change for hard work
	To Mum Health i. Find out for mum what diet to take in light of her high blood pressure problem and then advise her on it ii. Nagging at mum to avoid taking high sugar/sodium content food	1) Food knowledge 2) Nagging
	To Partner Maintenance i. Ensure to inform of any activities scheduled at least a week in advance in order to avoid potential verbal bloodshed and ruined weekends ii. Remember to remember any dates that are important enough to be remembered aka birthdays, anniversaries and committed holiday dates	1) Forward Planning Skills 2) Memory
	To Work Management i. Manage your bosses’, bosses’ bosses’, close colleagues’, not-so-close colleagues’, customers’, suppliers’ expectations and impression ii. Achieve sales targets, competencies, objectives, sales techniques, leadership standards, managerial thinking, strategic thinking, industry awareness, tactical maneuvers etc etc etc iii. Perform regular sanity checks to ensure that self is preserved	1) Impression manage- ment 2) Ability to achieve achievements