Inkheart - not bad!

I went with little expectation. In fact, I thought I'd skip it ( reviews have been lukewarm) but my sis insisted since she's gonna get the promo bundle that comes with 3 tix and 2 sets of popcorn/Coke.

So I went. And was surprised that the film didn't bore me at all. While there were neither interesting twists nor masterful storytelling, the logical progression of the story, the action and the chemistry among the characters (and actors) made the film worth watching if you're seeking a break for your tired brain or a nice evening out with family or friends.

It wasn't till a bit later that I realised the baddie in the film was Gollum (Andy Serkis). Right from the start, I had thought he looked extremely familiar ... well, he ought to be since I've seen the Lord of the Rings films countless times. Lol. While I'm no fan of Brendan Fraser, I kinda admire Gollum (or the characterisation of him (it?) by Andy Serkis) so that was another plus for Inkheart. And I like the idea of having dragon breath ... hehe ... instant bbq!

Hmm ... if a story could be read to life, which would it be?

雪's birthday

雪 turned 30 today. Decided to surprise him with a phone call since he sounded pitiful when we last chatted, saying that he'd be spending his birthday alone (he's at Emei with the tour group). Tried a few times but couldn't get through at all. Is the connection so bad? No wonder my SMSes got lost. Or perhaps it's cuz he's high up in the mountains that the signal strength was low? Well, anyway, when I decided to give it one last try, I got through. Yippie (^___^*)v

So voila, hope this friend's not too lonely on his birthday although he claimed that he wouldn't have celebrated it even if he's at home. I think birthdays are truly special days and there ought to be something to remember them by, no matter what.

Happy 牛 Year!

Happy happy new year!

新年快乐，万事如意
身体健康，心想事成

I've had an awesome one ... well, minus the jams, time spent with family had been great. But ... could've been better if I didn't have to get back to work tomorrow ... oh well ... think on the bright side! That really means having more leave for even better holidays in future ... the year has just barely begun! He he ...

This year, as it's the year of the Ox, is one of pragmatism, honesty and hard work. That's what I'll strive to do!

Barely into the new year, I've heard a piece of bad news but which could soon turn into good news (Ryota, hope we can become colleagues again real soon!) and good news from 雪 in Chengdu - he's finally back at work (郭雪加油！)

(^___^*)

Pixar - A Human Story of Computer Animation

Think this is great stuff to watch! But it's late now ... mental note to watch later!

Dumbo inspired WALL-E?

Okay, just a wild guess so don't quote me on this ... but remember a while ago I had the revelation after enjoying my WALL-E Blu-ray (congratz Daniel on your new acqusition! ;) hurry and watch it!) for the umpteenth time, I realised that while WALL-E's the first Pixar animation that's silent (mostly), it's not the first Disney film that challenged the need for dialogue to emote, but instead rely on a superb soundtrack and a well-developed, personified, endearing cast.

Many years ago, in 1941, there was Dumbo. (Borrowing WALL-E expression) Ta dah! Silent film (mostly). Today, I read this article (Lunch with the FT: John Lasseter) and here's the para:

His office is smaller than I expected but packed with Disney and Pixar paraphernalia. There are sketches on the wall from Susie the Little Blue Coupe, an animated short film from 1952, as well as a framed drawing from Dumbo (1941), Lasseter's favourite Disney film.

Hmm ... first thought - Cool, we have the same taste! Dumbo's my absolute favourite of all time too (for my love of elephants) ... then, it dawned on me - hey ... so that's why the man created WALL-E! Sigh ... what wouldn't I do to talk to him?

<3 天天夜夜

Love this song. Think it can stand on its own well enough without "How Do I Live". What a pity.

目标

只要是你喜欢去做的事情
无论多怪、甚至被当成笨蛋也不要在意
那是因为那些人不能够了解你的心愿
更不知道你的目标 ...
你只要朝着你想要的前进
就可以了

Spring is in the air!

There were lion dance performances at Compasspoint this weekend. Barely caught one today but managed to spend quality time snapping shots of the gorgeous felines ... hehe ...

Gorgeous pink ones!

Had to go between mouthfuls of dinner to catch glimpses of the performance ... it was over by the time we were done with dinner :(

Naughty!

And the kiddo lions ... kawaii!!



Touching up makeup ... is my beard messed up? 胡须有没有乱? 呵呵 ...

The lion on the left is having her paws fixed back onto her feet after the staff moved them to the centre of the atrium ...

Family of lions!

This must be the first time I see a batik lion ... beautiful!

签

求了一枝观音灵签。是枝中签。拿到了签，我竟然忘了看解签书！因为我第一眼看签文就觉得很清楚，好像我已经知道该做什么了！但是后来上网查看的时候，有很多不同的解释，令我心慌。

应该相信我的直觉吗？但直觉可能带着偏见。哎我还是先去看看解签书吧。

Happy New Year!!

Whoever may be reading this, may your new year be filled with happiness, good health, fulfillment and countless blessings.