February 23, 2012
February 21, 2012
CLUB SCENE - Party @ Zouk Club KL
Date: Friday, 24 Feb, 2012
DJ MAG ASIA TOUR with TIMO GARCIA
Supported by Terence C
Venue: ZOUK CLUB (KL)
113 Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
ADMISSION:
Ticket Entry: RM35 Ladies / RM45 Men (inc 1 drink)
Bottle Entry: RM351 / 4 paxs (At the door before 11pm)
Reservations (applicable to 21 yrs old and above): Call +603 2171 2075 (Noon-6pm) or +60163323191 (after 6pm) or email rsvn@zoukclub.com.my
STRADDLING the fine line between underground darling and big room, big tune dance floor arsonist, Timo Garcia’s numerous releases on the circuit's biggest and best labels have been well documented as he currently sits pretty at #323 in the latest global Top 1000 DJ poll. (Aug 1, 2011).
In a world when DJs and producers are ten-a-penny and the hype machines peddle mediocrity as if it were something special, it can be difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. As such, the currency de jour is consistency and recommendations.
Timo’s consistency in the studio has culminated in Wonderlust Bug; his acclaimed debut artiste album with some of the world’s biggest names like Sasha, Laurent Garnier, Timo Mass and M.A.N.D.Y. queuing up to recommend it.
Timo’s latest release on Sharam’s Yoshitoshi imprint recently graced the Beatport Top 10 Tech charts for over five months with many world class DJs citing it in their personal Top 10’s. Defected meanwhile featured it on their In The House Brazil ’11 compilation.
The year 2010 also saw the release of a double CD, littered with remixes from Timo’s album tracks by production heavyweights that include DJ Pierre, Onionz, Eric Kupper and James Harcourt. It is a testament to Timo’s calibre that such big names are ready to remix his work and is a pleasant shift from him doing the remixing. His deft touch can be heard on remixes of such luminaries as Leftfield, Justice, DJ Pierre, Louis Vega, Robert Owens, Coldcut, Danny Howells and Ian Brown. He is constantly on the lookout for ways to add his inimitable sound to wide-ranging projects including a 15-track ambient album under his new T Mo guise.
His infamy has spread among the label bosses who set the trends and create the future-heroes of our world. Yoshitoshi, OFF Recordings, Skint, Southern Fried, 303 Lovers, Nervous, Audio Therapy, Dieb Audio, Cr2 & Toolroom are just some of the world-famous imprints who have clamoured to get a piece of Timo’s brilliance. And his recent collaborations with Jerome Sydenham, X-Press 2 and DJ Pierre all see their global release in 2011 too.
It seems incredible that Timo still has time to deejay around the world as well as working behind the scenes engineering and mixing down many other artistes’ projects in his North London studio. Last summer saw him play the main stage at London’s biggest dance music festival South West Four as well as headlining festival stages from Brazil to India; but this is a man who has both a dedication and a love for his craft and this is something that he exudes, whether behind the decks or in the studio.
Timo Garcia at www.beatport.com/aritsts/timo+garcia
* All contents courtesy of Zouk Club KL
DJ MAG ASIA TOUR with TIMO GARCIA
Supported by Terence C
Venue: ZOUK CLUB (KL)
113 Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
ADMISSION:
Ticket Entry: RM35 Ladies / RM45 Men (inc 1 drink)
Bottle Entry: RM351 / 4 paxs (At the door before 11pm)
Reservations (applicable to 21 yrs old and above): Call +603 2171 2075 (Noon-6pm) or +60163323191 (after 6pm) or email rsvn@zoukclub.com.my
STRADDLING the fine line between underground darling and big room, big tune dance floor arsonist, Timo Garcia’s numerous releases on the circuit's biggest and best labels have been well documented as he currently sits pretty at #323 in the latest global Top 1000 DJ poll. (Aug 1, 2011).
In a world when DJs and producers are ten-a-penny and the hype machines peddle mediocrity as if it were something special, it can be difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. As such, the currency de jour is consistency and recommendations.
Timo’s consistency in the studio has culminated in Wonderlust Bug; his acclaimed debut artiste album with some of the world’s biggest names like Sasha, Laurent Garnier, Timo Mass and M.A.N.D.Y. queuing up to recommend it.
Timo’s latest release on Sharam’s Yoshitoshi imprint recently graced the Beatport Top 10 Tech charts for over five months with many world class DJs citing it in their personal Top 10’s. Defected meanwhile featured it on their In The House Brazil ’11 compilation.
The year 2010 also saw the release of a double CD, littered with remixes from Timo’s album tracks by production heavyweights that include DJ Pierre, Onionz, Eric Kupper and James Harcourt. It is a testament to Timo’s calibre that such big names are ready to remix his work and is a pleasant shift from him doing the remixing. His deft touch can be heard on remixes of such luminaries as Leftfield, Justice, DJ Pierre, Louis Vega, Robert Owens, Coldcut, Danny Howells and Ian Brown. He is constantly on the lookout for ways to add his inimitable sound to wide-ranging projects including a 15-track ambient album under his new T Mo guise.
His infamy has spread among the label bosses who set the trends and create the future-heroes of our world. Yoshitoshi, OFF Recordings, Skint, Southern Fried, 303 Lovers, Nervous, Audio Therapy, Dieb Audio, Cr2 & Toolroom are just some of the world-famous imprints who have clamoured to get a piece of Timo’s brilliance. And his recent collaborations with Jerome Sydenham, X-Press 2 and DJ Pierre all see their global release in 2011 too.
It seems incredible that Timo still has time to deejay around the world as well as working behind the scenes engineering and mixing down many other artistes’ projects in his North London studio. Last summer saw him play the main stage at London’s biggest dance music festival South West Four as well as headlining festival stages from Brazil to India; but this is a man who has both a dedication and a love for his craft and this is something that he exudes, whether behind the decks or in the studio.
Timo Garcia at www.beatport.com/aritsts/timo+garcia
* All contents courtesy of Zouk Club KL
Michael Kors at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
THRONGS of journalists and photographers made their way to the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to witness the stunning collections of nearly 100 designers of international fame.The premier fashion event held every September and February at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park is ‘home’ to all who are the ‘eyes, ears and nose’ of the fashion industry. This is where they congregate to get first hand news on what to expect for the coming seasons.
Industry experts traveled from all corners of the world to stake a place among famous American designers. For two weeks, Lincoln Center’s four runway venues – the Theatre, Stage, Studio and Box turned into a fashion ‘battleground’ showcasing the latest and hottest designs.
Michael Kors who have a reputedly large fan base in Malaysia as proven with the opening of his first free-standing store late last year at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur showcased at the event held from Feb 9 to 16. Kors’ presented his Fall 2012 Runway Show on the second last day of the event, sharing the day’s limelight with 14 other known designers that included Anna Sui, Joanna Mastroianni and J. Mendel.
Kors’ collections featured His and Hers and colours bold, classy and chic. There were red and black and brown checks and stripes on blanket coats, skirts and ponchos as well as trousers. The evening wear were glam. The collection came in a mix of luxurious fabrics like tweed, mohair, knits, fur, leather, slipper satin and delicate lace.
January 13, 2012
Who's Keeping Me Warm
M. Ismail is one of NewsFlashMedia’s team members. Since late October 2011 she has been living in London and will soon be continuing her vacation to France. In this post she hopes to help first timers abroad find the correct clothing to keep them warm as their body slowly climatised. This post is a day or two late because the Internet was down due to bad weather.
AS promised, here is my Merrell Women’s Aberdeen Winter Jacket that I bought at a steal from GO Outdoors. The price before discount was GBP145 (RM725) but I got it for only GBP50 (RM250).
You know after buying it, I stepped out the store and put it on. I felt warm but in it but I wasn’t sure it would work because compared to most winter jackets or coats it is very light and almost the usual padding seem to be non-existent. However, I took it home. There’s nothing to lose because over here when you purchase goods, you are given about 30 days to return for either a refund or an exchange.
The week that I bought the jacket England was heading towards a really cold winter with predicted heavy storms, strong gales and snow. The very next day I put the jacket to the test. I went out in the storm – the morning was grey, it was raining and the wind was strong. Just as I got to the town centre I was almost caught in a massive downpour. I did get wet though not drenched and hey presto, I was warm! The jacket works. On the weekend, I tested the jacket again. I took the tube to central London and again the weather was colder than usual. I stopped by the park to shoot a bit and again, hey presto, I was warm. So thumbs up for the jacket.
When buying a winter jacket or coat bear in mind that thick need not necessarily equals warmth. It is the types of material used in making a garment that give our body the warmth. The Aberdeen Winter Jacket is made of Opti-Shell waterproof and breathable fabric. To keep the wearer warm, it uses Opti-Warm lightweight, low-bulk synthetic insulation with 100% polyester construction. The jacket is fully seam-sealed with a quilted hourglass liner in the back for extra cold comfort. It is designed to be waterproof and repels snow (yes, it dries up very fast despite being caught in the rain), and it is windproof and wind resistant (I feel warmer than in most winter coats that I have tried).
This casual yet fashionable enough jacket has been designed with maximum venting features through the use of full zip at front so the wearer can zip-up or zip-down depending on the degree of cold she is experiencing. If it gets too warm inside she can always unzip the zips placed at the underarms to allow some ventilation. Isn’t that smart?
When we are on the go, traveling light is a must. That means no bulky jackets and coats that would be cumbersome to store or lug along. The synthetic insulator used in the Aberdeen ensures the wearer stays warm even when it’s wet outside and you don’t overheat. The padded insulation is placed in the jacket’s key spots – the sleeves and the hood.
The Aberdeen is designed for style as well as for everyday use. So when Autumn and Spring come, you can still use the jacket. In fact, it can take the weather conditions in the Peaks as well as the Lakes. And back home in Malaysia, if you’re an outdoor person who is thinking of going trekking and camping in the mountains, the jacket will serve the purpose well.
Ok, so I’ve made a good choice and I’m out of the winter cold for as long as I’m in my Aberdeen. So it looks like I need not worry should the snow coming. In fact, I will be looking forward to it. Now all I need is my leather glove.
AS promised, here is my Merrell Women’s Aberdeen Winter Jacket that I bought at a steal from GO Outdoors. The price before discount was GBP145 (RM725) but I got it for only GBP50 (RM250).
 |
| Testing the Aberdeen by just sitting out in the cold at Hyde Park. |
The week that I bought the jacket England was heading towards a really cold winter with predicted heavy storms, strong gales and snow. The very next day I put the jacket to the test. I went out in the storm – the morning was grey, it was raining and the wind was strong. Just as I got to the town centre I was almost caught in a massive downpour. I did get wet though not drenched and hey presto, I was warm! The jacket works. On the weekend, I tested the jacket again. I took the tube to central London and again the weather was colder than usual. I stopped by the park to shoot a bit and again, hey presto, I was warm. So thumbs up for the jacket.
 |
| Xtremely light for a winter jacket - Merrell Women’s Aberdeen Winter Jacket. |
This casual yet fashionable enough jacket has been designed with maximum venting features through the use of full zip at front so the wearer can zip-up or zip-down depending on the degree of cold she is experiencing. If it gets too warm inside she can always unzip the zips placed at the underarms to allow some ventilation. Isn’t that smart?
When we are on the go, traveling light is a must. That means no bulky jackets and coats that would be cumbersome to store or lug along. The synthetic insulator used in the Aberdeen ensures the wearer stays warm even when it’s wet outside and you don’t overheat. The padded insulation is placed in the jacket’s key spots – the sleeves and the hood.
 |
| The zipped pocket on the sleeve. |
Ok, so I’ve made a good choice and I’m out of the winter cold for as long as I’m in my Aberdeen. So it looks like I need not worry should the snow coming. In fact, I will be looking forward to it. Now all I need is my leather glove.
January 11, 2012
Getting the Right Winter Coat
M. Ismail is one of NewsFlashMedia’s team members. Since late October 2011 she has been living in London and will soon be continuing her vacation to France. In this post she hopes to help first timers abroad find the correct clothing to keep them warm as their body slowly climatised.
NEVER been to a cold country before? Not sure what kind of clothes to look for to protect you from the cold, the harsh winter, the strong gale? I will tell you where to go to get the right types of clothes to keep you warm without you thinking of dragging a hot water bottle strapped to your chest (that’s a joke, yes but it’s a common thought).
GO Outdoors, UK’s biggest outdoor store. They are all over UK so you can easily find one that’s closest to where you are. And why am I recommending this store? No, this is not a paid advertisement and neither was I given a free product so I can say great things about them. This is an honest opinion from someone who has benefitted from the store through a purchase made when winter sets in.
So when I got here I went shopping for a coat and I took a long time to find the right one because I didn’t think they were good enough to keep me warm. However, I finally found one that I like, paid half price (GBP75=RM378) for it during the crazy winter sale and wore it a few times. But I had to return it for a refund because although the coat is made of wool and is water repellant it didn’t do the job for me. It is heavily padded that I look like I was wobbling when I braved the wind and the cold. And the hood wasn’t comfortable as it restricted my neck movement and view.
NEVER been to a cold country before? Not sure what kind of clothes to look for to protect you from the cold, the harsh winter, the strong gale? I will tell you where to go to get the right types of clothes to keep you warm without you thinking of dragging a hot water bottle strapped to your chest (that’s a joke, yes but it’s a common thought).
GO Outdoors, UK’s biggest outdoor store. They are all over UK so you can easily find one that’s closest to where you are. And why am I recommending this store? No, this is not a paid advertisement and neither was I given a free product so I can say great things about them. This is an honest opinion from someone who has benefitted from the store through a purchase made when winter sets in.
 |
| A GO Outdoors outlet store in UK. |
I have to be here (London) for a few months and when I left home (Malaysia) everything was a mad rush. I forgot the most important thing to me when I’m traveling to a cold country – bring enough warm clothes because my body has almost zero tolerance to cold. If you can imagine me ‘suffering’ in an air-conditioned office you can imagine what the cold winter can do to me.
I had with me my leather jacket, my favorite woolen sweater and my classic trench coat, which someone said is ugly (thank-you) and several pairs of thermal underwear. I left behind my long wool blend top coat (which I think is ugly because of the colour) and wool scarves and leather gloves and a host of crucial things that would keep me warm. Ok, call me stupid if you like.
So when I got here I went shopping for a coat and I took a long time to find the right one because I didn’t think they were good enough to keep me warm. However, I finally found one that I like, paid half price (GBP75=RM378) for it during the crazy winter sale and wore it a few times. But I had to return it for a refund because although the coat is made of wool and is water repellant it didn’t do the job for me. It is heavily padded that I look like I was wobbling when I braved the wind and the cold. And the hood wasn’t comfortable as it restricted my neck movement and view.
 |
| GO Outdoors stocks many big brands. |
To cut the long story short I landed in GO Outdoors. There were a lot of things going at discounted prices and there were a lot of good winter coats. I didn’t know what to get so I seek assistance and got some good advice on what to look out for in a winter coat. I found a lot of good ones but most did not fit my needs – I needed something that allows me to fight the cold, the rain, the wind and at the same time breathe underneath the layers of tops I’d be wearing. I needed something fashionable yet practical because I go around with my cameras all the time and a fancy coat would look silly on someone who is supposed to look rough and ready.
After searching for some time I finally found something off the discounted rack. It was a short brown coat with front zipper, and buttons, and a belt and two side pockets, one arm pocket, one inside pocket and zips placed at certain parts of the coat that I can unzip when it gets a bit stuffy inside WITHOUT peeling the layers off. Now isn’t that brilliant?
I paid for it and went home. Tomorrow I will write some more on how I tested the coat and how I rated it. While waiting for that, visit the store online. You will find a lot of stuffs you’d love to own.
After searching for some time I finally found something off the discounted rack. It was a short brown coat with front zipper, and buttons, and a belt and two side pockets, one arm pocket, one inside pocket and zips placed at certain parts of the coat that I can unzip when it gets a bit stuffy inside WITHOUT peeling the layers off. Now isn’t that brilliant?
I paid for it and went home. Tomorrow I will write some more on how I tested the coat and how I rated it. While waiting for that, visit the store online. You will find a lot of stuffs you’d love to own.
January 4, 2012
Wintry Winter
M. Ismail is one of NewsFlashMedia’s team members. Since late October 2011 she has been living in London and will soon be continuing her vacation to France. She shares with us some of her less boring and tedious experiences while abroad.
Since the last quarter of 2011, I have been in UK and I welcomed the eve of 2012 snuggled in bed wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping a mug of hot tea. The endless sleep continued right through to the next day, which was seriously a wet and soggy one. When I’m not sorting out my photo library or writing I plonk myself in front of the idiot box and laugh myself silly over The Big Bang Theory, which I think can easily topple How I Met Your Mother.
The cold winter air is beginning to bite and twice now MET Office (UK’s abbreviation for Meteorological Office) had warned of bad weather complete with thunderstorms and strong winds and the possibility of snow. Snow did fall the very next day following the first warning but nowhere in London; could have been in Scotland, I think. The second announcement came on the first day of the New Year where MET warned possible disruptions to public transportation in affected areas especially North West England when the heavy rain and strong winds hit.
It was predicted that the strong winds were between 75 to 85 mph. And true enough the very next day it was reported that the crazy weather created havoc in certain parts of England. Wind speeds were in fact recorded to exceed 100mph. The strong winds triumphantly fell several huge oak trees in parts of England and there were several deaths. In Scotland people were warned to stay indoors for their own safety.
According to MET “Gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption in the UK”. And this whole ‘situation’ has made me read up a little bit more on preventions and precautions to be taken and put in place should such incidences occur. Well, I may be here only on a short visit but it is never a waste of time knowing how to handle a situation as disasters are known to strike without warning. And when it does, even the most prepared can lose to them.
It is interesting too to read some of the dos and don’ts before, during and after a storm. Most of what was recommended by the respective departments can actually be adapted to different situations in different countries with different climates. With the rapid change in the weather worldwide, our home country Malaysia has also experience storms although less severe in comparison.
One of the tips given by MET is to make sure all heavy loose objects around the house be properly secured to prevent them from being ‘weapons’ that destroy our home during a storm. That sets me thinking how we Malaysians place ladders and garden furniture carelessly about around our home especially outdoors. Or perhaps if you like me, live in a high-rise and own an outdoor garden we should re-think the next step to take when we see signs of a storm coming. I will be e-mailing home soon to get someone to check my aluminium pot stands in the garden to ensure the bolts have not loosened over the months and that the potted plants aren’t tilting over the edge of the balcony walls threatening to fall four floors down and hurting someone during a storm. I will also need to remind them to remove the smaller hanging potted plants from their hooks and to bring them inside the house instead.
I am hoping that the winter winds will calm down a little. Hopefully everyone will get to enjoy themselves playing snowballs minus the trauma and the sad news when the lives of loved ones take an abrupt end and homes are damaged beyond recognition.
It has not been the loveliest of 2011 for some but the ending of the year still has many significance to each and every one of us. Hopefully 2012 is a more peaceful journey.
Since the last quarter of 2011, I have been in UK and I welcomed the eve of 2012 snuggled in bed wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping a mug of hot tea. The endless sleep continued right through to the next day, which was seriously a wet and soggy one. When I’m not sorting out my photo library or writing I plonk myself in front of the idiot box and laugh myself silly over The Big Bang Theory, which I think can easily topple How I Met Your Mother.
The cold winter air is beginning to bite and twice now MET Office (UK’s abbreviation for Meteorological Office) had warned of bad weather complete with thunderstorms and strong winds and the possibility of snow. Snow did fall the very next day following the first warning but nowhere in London; could have been in Scotland, I think. The second announcement came on the first day of the New Year where MET warned possible disruptions to public transportation in affected areas especially North West England when the heavy rain and strong winds hit.
 |
| Phonebox In The Snow by Graeme Weatherston |
According to MET “Gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption in the UK”. And this whole ‘situation’ has made me read up a little bit more on preventions and precautions to be taken and put in place should such incidences occur. Well, I may be here only on a short visit but it is never a waste of time knowing how to handle a situation as disasters are known to strike without warning. And when it does, even the most prepared can lose to them.
 |
| Winter Crash by Damascus01 |
One of the tips given by MET is to make sure all heavy loose objects around the house be properly secured to prevent them from being ‘weapons’ that destroy our home during a storm. That sets me thinking how we Malaysians place ladders and garden furniture carelessly about around our home especially outdoors. Or perhaps if you like me, live in a high-rise and own an outdoor garden we should re-think the next step to take when we see signs of a storm coming. I will be e-mailing home soon to get someone to check my aluminium pot stands in the garden to ensure the bolts have not loosened over the months and that the potted plants aren’t tilting over the edge of the balcony walls threatening to fall four floors down and hurting someone during a storm. I will also need to remind them to remove the smaller hanging potted plants from their hooks and to bring them inside the house instead.
 |
| Sunlight by ninefinger |
It has not been the loveliest of 2011 for some but the ending of the year still has many significance to each and every one of us. Hopefully 2012 is a more peaceful journey.
January 1, 2012
May 2012 ROCK!
M. Ismail is one of NewsFlashMedia’s team members. Since late October 2011 she has been living in London and will soon be continuing her vacation to France. She shares with us some of her less boring and tedious experiences while abroad.
IN less than three hours I will be celebrating the arrival of 2012 with thousands of well-wishes who have gathered in Central London to celebrate. The only difference between us is the location. They are outdoors and I am indoors, warm and snug in the TV room. But it makes no real difference in terms of spirit – we all rejoice the ending of 2011 and the arrival of 2012.
Here’s us wishing everyone the same – Happy New Year.
IN less than three hours I will be celebrating the arrival of 2012 with thousands of well-wishes who have gathered in Central London to celebrate. The only difference between us is the location. They are outdoors and I am indoors, warm and snug in the TV room. But it makes no real difference in terms of spirit – we all rejoice the ending of 2011 and the arrival of 2012.
Here’s us wishing everyone the same – Happy New Year.
 |
| Fireworks: clker |
December 25, 2011
Twinkle Lights London’s Not So Bright
M. Ismail is one of NewsFlashMedia’s team members. Since late October 2011 she has been living in London and will soon be continuing her vacation to France. She shares with us some of her less boring and tedious experiences while abroad.
THE Christmas lights displays in London aren’t as grand as I had imagined them to be. They pale in comparison to Singapore’s. To be honest, even Malaysia’s Christmas décor are way better.
Since arriving in UK in late October, I’d been spending the weekends in Central London shopping as well as trying to catch the Christmas lights. Sadly, there wasn’t much to shout about although you can see some Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Molton Street.
I didn’t even bother shooting because the weather was just too cold and I preferred tucking both my hands in my pockets. When you are right smack there on Oxford Street where people are just busy shopping it isn’t such a brilliant idea to shoot. You almost always get knocked into. You don’t really tumble over but it is annoying when people just keep bumping into you.
Well, London may not be among the 10 cities reputed to have the world’s best Christmas lights but that’s fine with me. I have often wondered when people will realize the amount of wastage in money and energy when they light up almost an entire city during the festive season. Surely there are better ways to spend all that money!
Christmas appears way quieter here than back home in Malaysia. The idiot box doesn’t play a lot of Christmas-y tunes like in Malaysia. And there are no fireworks in the area I live. But I guess the bars were full last night.
Well, Merry Christmas everyone. And this will be the last festive celebration for the year. Six more days to the New Year and then comes the first festive celebration again – in February. Ready?
THE Christmas lights displays in London aren’t as grand as I had imagined them to be. They pale in comparison to Singapore’s. To be honest, even Malaysia’s Christmas décor are way better.
 |
| The Christmas lights at Molton Street. |
Since arriving in UK in late October, I’d been spending the weekends in Central London shopping as well as trying to catch the Christmas lights. Sadly, there wasn’t much to shout about although you can see some Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Molton Street.
 |
| Nearing Christmas, Oxford Street turned into a mini funland for the children. |
I didn’t even bother shooting because the weather was just too cold and I preferred tucking both my hands in my pockets. When you are right smack there on Oxford Street where people are just busy shopping it isn’t such a brilliant idea to shoot. You almost always get knocked into. You don’t really tumble over but it is annoying when people just keep bumping into you.
 |
| Fancy checking this one out? |
Well, London may not be among the 10 cities reputed to have the world’s best Christmas lights but that’s fine with me. I have often wondered when people will realize the amount of wastage in money and energy when they light up almost an entire city during the festive season. Surely there are better ways to spend all that money!
 |
| Crazy Christmas shopping at Hamleys. |
Well, Merry Christmas everyone. And this will be the last festive celebration for the year. Six more days to the New Year and then comes the first festive celebration again – in February. Ready?
The Joy of Christmas
 |
| Whimsical Christmas Tree card is by Tinneketin while the rest of the decor used are from clker.com |
Wishing all our friends near and far a very Merry Christmas!!! If there is one gift that we can easily share the world over, across nations and thousands of miles apart from each other is the gift of love. Ours come in abundance.
May LOVE follow you wherever you go :)
May LOVE follow you wherever you go :)
December 24, 2011
My Man, Rene
MY man Chris Rene has left X-Factor USA in third place tonight (viewing at 8pm London, Dec 24), just minutes after a teary footage of him overwhelmed by the well-wishes from family members and friends. Hundreds gathered at The Catalyst in his hometown Santa Cruz in a show of support of the young ‘homie’.
Put aside his ‘drug taking’ history and sob-sob life story. I love this man firstly for his voice, the style in which he sings and his most humble character. No, I don’t like everything about him, especially the way he moves – you know, the slight bounce, the hand movements, tipping of his hat and all. These are all ‘influences’. But when you talk about character and behavior – Chris Rene has all that I like in an artiste. So shame on you Astro the young snob, perasan (vain) lil’ boy who thinks he is larger than life by not wanting to perform when he was voted out!
Rene winning third place wasn’t a surprise as it was very clear as to who the sure winner was on the night. But somewhere deep inside I wished either Rene or Josh Krajcik could have toppled Melanie Amaro. She has heck of a voice and stage presence but help me God when she opens her mouth to express her feelings.
There were several other contestants whom I think could do wonders to the entertainment industry but were voted out at such an early stage of the competition. Krajcik is the kind of artiste and voice I would love to listen to over and over again but Nicole has done such a tremendous job on him that she completely wiped out his natural singing abilities. Mid-way through the competition Krajcik sounded more like a commercial female act disguised in a man’s clothes! Leave him alone Nicole! He would have better chance if he was under the mentoring of L.A. Reid or even Simon Cowell.
Another act that I just adore, not for the talent but the look, is Rachel Crow, the chubby 13-year-old who wants her own bathroom. I think it’s true like one of the judges had said in one of the show’s segment – there could be a Rachel Crow doll soon. I will buy for my collector friend…
For the next season of X Factor USA, can someone tell both Paula and Nicole (especially) to suck it in when they sit on the judges’ panel? Stop whimpering about not being able to make decisions. That’s the very freaking reason you are there in the first place!
 |
| (Inset, left) is Renee onstage on the final countdown day. |
Put aside his ‘drug taking’ history and sob-sob life story. I love this man firstly for his voice, the style in which he sings and his most humble character. No, I don’t like everything about him, especially the way he moves – you know, the slight bounce, the hand movements, tipping of his hat and all. These are all ‘influences’. But when you talk about character and behavior – Chris Rene has all that I like in an artiste. So shame on you Astro the young snob, perasan (vain) lil’ boy who thinks he is larger than life by not wanting to perform when he was voted out!
 |
| (From top, Renee in various moods) Renee overwhelmed by emotions, in anguish waiting for the result and sharing one good moment with his mentor L.A. Reid. |
Rene winning third place wasn’t a surprise as it was very clear as to who the sure winner was on the night. But somewhere deep inside I wished either Rene or Josh Krajcik could have toppled Melanie Amaro. She has heck of a voice and stage presence but help me God when she opens her mouth to express her feelings.
 |
| Josh Krajcik came second, much to Nicole's delight. |
There were several other contestants whom I think could do wonders to the entertainment industry but were voted out at such an early stage of the competition. Krajcik is the kind of artiste and voice I would love to listen to over and over again but Nicole has done such a tremendous job on him that she completely wiped out his natural singing abilities. Mid-way through the competition Krajcik sounded more like a commercial female act disguised in a man’s clothes! Leave him alone Nicole! He would have better chance if he was under the mentoring of L.A. Reid or even Simon Cowell.
Another act that I just adore, not for the talent but the look, is Rachel Crow, the chubby 13-year-old who wants her own bathroom. I think it’s true like one of the judges had said in one of the show’s segment – there could be a Rachel Crow doll soon. I will buy for my collector friend…
 |
| Both Simon and Amaro looking all jitters. |
 |
| The face of a winner, swarmed by overexcited relatives. Hello...this is supposed to be an Amaro moment ok? |
For the next season of X Factor USA, can someone tell both Paula and Nicole (especially) to suck it in when they sit on the judges’ panel? Stop whimpering about not being able to make decisions. That’s the very freaking reason you are there in the first place!
 |
| The judges celebrate! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)