By Asif Ansar, TODAY | Posted: 30 January 2008 0841 hrs
SINGAPORE : Expect to pay up to S$10.50 on a weekend to watch blockbusters such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Prices for tickets at all Cathay cineplexes will go up on Thursday, adding to the rash of recent price increases including taxi fares, electronic road pricing and cooking gas.
At a media conference on Tuesday, the cinema operator and film distributor said it was raising ticket prices for films by 50 cents or about 6 per cent due to "escalating prices in goods, services, labour, film rentals and the Goods and Services Tax".
What's more, an additional 50 cents will be tagged on for blockbusters such as Harry Potter and Iron Man.
"The rising costs we have seen over the recent years is something we cannot ignore," said Mr Suhaimi Rafdi, the chief executive of Cathay Organisation Holdings, which has four cineplexes here.
The company had been "struggling to make ends meet" and had to jack up prices to "remain profitable".
Without disclosing details, Mr Rafdi said that the company had made a loss in 2006 and was expecting a "small profit" for last year.
Mr Rafdi said that Cathay would categorise a movie as a blockbuster only if it has an "A-list cast and/or director, a big production budget of more than US$100 million (S$142 million), is a part of a successful franchise (like Spider-Man, Batman and Shrek)" and open on the same day in Singapore as in the United States.
Only around 20 out of the hundreds of films released here would qualify as a blockbuster this year, he said.
So, with Cathay raising its ticket prices, will other cinemas follow suit?
"It's yet to be seen. They would probably want to see if there are any repercussions because this is a bold move on our part," said Mr Rafdi.
When contacted by TODAY, Shaw Organisation, which operates seven cineplexes here, said it would not be following Cathay's lead. "There has been some increase in our cinema operation costs. However, Shaw has no plan to raise its movie ticket prices at this point," Shaw's executive vice-president Mark Shaw told TODAY.
The other major operator, Golden Village, did not respond to TODAY's queries by press time. Moviegoers TODAY spoke to were mixed on the ticket price hike.
"It wouldn't affect the number of movies I watch. Fifty cents is not that much to me," said editor Audrey Wong, 32, who goes to the cinema at least four times a month. "It's still relatively cheaper than going to cinema in Europe or the US."
Marketing manager Irwin Tham, 28, said the hike would not deter him from watching new releases. "watching a movie at the cinema is different from watching it on DVD."
But film student Annette Heitmann, 21, said current ticket prices were already expensive and student movie rates did not soften the blow.
"It's useless because the rates apply during the day, when students have classes.
The price hike will affect students' decisions to visit the cinema as we have other alternatives", such as watching the latest movies on the Internet. - TODAY/il
Seem like I am going to watch less movies @ Cathay already. Hope that GV and the rest DO NOT follow them. Sigh... Wonder if the credit card promotions still remain the same in Cathay? How can they do such things now?
With all the production cost going higher and higher, I think next time all the movies will be under blockbuster already. Sigh.... $10 for a ticket? I know of the increasing cost but then they are selling their snacks and pop corns at such high price alr, the profit from there not enough meh? Think I need to smuggle more drinks and food into a cinema alr. Time to turn to DVDs or other cinema operators then.
A "sad movie buff" Polarbear
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Happy Birthday Sis!
Happy Birthday Sis!
Yo Yo! Happy 22nd birthday to you! One year older! Wahaha....
You will always be my little sister!
Hmm... now about the PSP that you had been HINTING! Let me discuss and see how 1st. Hee...
Enjoy you birthday!
A "having an asking too much sister" Polarbear
Yo Yo! Happy 22nd birthday to you! One year older! Wahaha....
You will always be my little sister!
Hmm... now about the PSP that you had been HINTING! Let me discuss and see how 1st. Hee...
Enjoy you birthday!
A "having an asking too much sister" Polarbear
Monday, January 28, 2008
Watching American Gangster....... Alone
Watching American Gangster....... Alone
Since I got so many movies to watch and so little time, I decided to watch American Gangster @ a cinema near my house on my way home after gym. Yes Alone! Haa....
This movie is about a bad guy, Frank, who took over his boss when he suddenly died. He kept a low profile and used a very clever but risky method to import drugs. The good guy, Richie is a guy that found a million dollars and would return, instead of taking it. he was pretty much hated by his colleagues for this. He was put in charge of a mission to find out the big boss of a drug called Blue Magic. The cat and dog chase start from there.
The movie is a very strong slow moving movie with Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe as the main leads. Denzel Washington had put on such a strong show in this movie that I was quite surprised that he was not nominated for best actor awards. Hmm.... Overall I give this movie 3.5 star out of 5. The show is really freaking long. I went in at 9.15 and by the time I came out it was already 11.45pm alr. Haha....
It had been a long time since I last watch a movie alone and have to say that the feeling does feel a little weird but then it does feels good at the same time. Hahaha.... The last time I watch movie alone was a Harry Potter movie @ the same cinema as well.
A "sometimes good to be alone" Polarbear
Since I got so many movies to watch and so little time, I decided to watch American Gangster @ a cinema near my house on my way home after gym. Yes Alone! Haa....
This movie is about a bad guy, Frank, who took over his boss when he suddenly died. He kept a low profile and used a very clever but risky method to import drugs. The good guy, Richie is a guy that found a million dollars and would return, instead of taking it. he was pretty much hated by his colleagues for this. He was put in charge of a mission to find out the big boss of a drug called Blue Magic. The cat and dog chase start from there.
The movie is a very strong slow moving movie with Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe as the main leads. Denzel Washington had put on such a strong show in this movie that I was quite surprised that he was not nominated for best actor awards. Hmm.... Overall I give this movie 3.5 star out of 5. The show is really freaking long. I went in at 9.15 and by the time I came out it was already 11.45pm alr. Haha....
It had been a long time since I last watch a movie alone and have to say that the feeling does feel a little weird but then it does feels good at the same time. Hahaha.... The last time I watch movie alone was a Harry Potter movie @ the same cinema as well.
A "sometimes good to be alone" Polarbear
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Boring Sat, Funny Sun
Boring Sat, Funny Sun
Sat was boring, only spend a very long time at Suntec doing nothing. Sigh...
Oh yah, one thing did happened, went to buy a new phone for my mum at a Starhub road show. Then when I reached home, I saw a Starhub letter. When I open the letter, i saw a voucher of $100 from them, for me to spend on a new phone. WTF? The contract for the phone was over since Oct last yr and it took them 3 mths to send me the voucher. Out of all days, it arrived the day I paid for a new phone and recontracted. Sigh....
*Update*
28 Jan:I have called up Starhub to state my displeasure. Now awaiting for them to get back to me to see what they had to offered.
31 Jan: Someone from Starhub jz called me up during lunch. What a time to call! Give me all the motherhood reasons why they took so long to give me voucher. Blah Blah Blah... In the end they offering me free caller id but I forgot to 6 mths or for 12 mths alr. Sigh... This is the best they can do!
Sunday was more interesting! Haa... Went swimming again in the morning! This time round, there is sun but it keeping hiding behind the clouds. I still managed to do 30 laps. Hee... Getting darker by the min!
After which, we met up with Bobo @ National Library to watch "Chesty Nutty Bang Bang: The Hairspray of the Phoenix", the latest Chestnut show!
This year, there are new additions in the cast. However this does not mean new sparks. A bit disappointed by that. I like the Pondon skit and the 88251 skit with the hokkien version of Umbrella. This year I have watched most of them stuff that they have spoofed so it is easier to understand. Haa.... Do find that this year show is not as funny as last year maybe cos last year was a compilation of those last 10 yrs shows. Hee.... However I will still catch it next year!
After which, met up with FZ and went for a teochew restaurant for dinner. It was quite good and got a homely feeling to it. The food is up to standard, we did not order a lot, braised goose, steam fish, a vegetable dish, prawn roll and yam paste. This place will be good for those people who like traditional teo chew food would be happy with the food there!
After which, a last min decision, we headed for KTV session. Totally crazy! It was a fun outing; we should really do all these more often. Wahaha....
A "very tired" Polarbear
Sat was boring, only spend a very long time at Suntec doing nothing. Sigh...
Oh yah, one thing did happened, went to buy a new phone for my mum at a Starhub road show. Then when I reached home, I saw a Starhub letter. When I open the letter, i saw a voucher of $100 from them, for me to spend on a new phone. WTF? The contract for the phone was over since Oct last yr and it took them 3 mths to send me the voucher. Out of all days, it arrived the day I paid for a new phone and recontracted. Sigh....
*Update*
28 Jan:I have called up Starhub to state my displeasure. Now awaiting for them to get back to me to see what they had to offered.
31 Jan: Someone from Starhub jz called me up during lunch. What a time to call! Give me all the motherhood reasons why they took so long to give me voucher. Blah Blah Blah... In the end they offering me free caller id but I forgot to 6 mths or for 12 mths alr. Sigh... This is the best they can do!
Sunday was more interesting! Haa... Went swimming again in the morning! This time round, there is sun but it keeping hiding behind the clouds. I still managed to do 30 laps. Hee... Getting darker by the min!
After which, we met up with Bobo @ National Library to watch "Chesty Nutty Bang Bang: The Hairspray of the Phoenix", the latest Chestnut show!
This year, there are new additions in the cast. However this does not mean new sparks. A bit disappointed by that. I like the Pondon skit and the 88251 skit with the hokkien version of Umbrella. This year I have watched most of them stuff that they have spoofed so it is easier to understand. Haa.... Do find that this year show is not as funny as last year maybe cos last year was a compilation of those last 10 yrs shows. Hee.... However I will still catch it next year!
After which, met up with FZ and went for a teochew restaurant for dinner. It was quite good and got a homely feeling to it. The food is up to standard, we did not order a lot, braised goose, steam fish, a vegetable dish, prawn roll and yam paste. This place will be good for those people who like traditional teo chew food would be happy with the food there!
After which, a last min decision, we headed for KTV session. Totally crazy! It was a fun outing; we should really do all these more often. Wahaha....
A "very tired" Polarbear
Friday, January 25, 2008
Buffet time!
Buffet time!
Had dinner with LLT colleagues today! Had been expecting this since last Christmas. wahaha.... A big group of 12 people including me and we went down to this supposedly very good and "worth the money" buffet @ Mirama Hotel. However I was disappointed by it. It was sort of opposite of what I had expected though. I am really not a sashimi fan and the sushi are considered average. It is not really worth of the $33 I am paying.
After dinner, we broke off with the group and decided to head home. Had a detour and decided to catch a movie since there are a lot of movies that I wanna to watch anyway. Hee.... However since most of the movies are not showing @ that cinema or odd hours, we decided to watch 27 Dresses.
It is a simple romantic story where the female lead, Jane, actually had been bridesmaid for 27 times and was really becoming more of a wedding planner rather than bridesmaid. She got a calendar full of weddings to attend and can even squeeze in 2 weddings a night. She always had a crush on her boss but in the end it was her sister that got engaged to him instead by lying through.
This movie is those simple romantic story where 5 mins into the movie you will know where the ending is heading to. Wahaha.... I loved the part where she got to put on the 27 dresses again! Some of the themes are really too weird! I loved this kind of brainless romantic story. Haa.... Overall I give this movie 3.5 stars out of 5.
I am like the female lead that most of the times will go all way out to help out friends but then if I need help would anyone come and help me out? I wonder? Hmm......
One movie down, a lot more to go!
A "romantic wannabe" Polarbear
Had dinner with LLT colleagues today! Had been expecting this since last Christmas. wahaha.... A big group of 12 people including me and we went down to this supposedly very good and "worth the money" buffet @ Mirama Hotel. However I was disappointed by it. It was sort of opposite of what I had expected though. I am really not a sashimi fan and the sushi are considered average. It is not really worth of the $33 I am paying.
After dinner, we broke off with the group and decided to head home. Had a detour and decided to catch a movie since there are a lot of movies that I wanna to watch anyway. Hee.... However since most of the movies are not showing @ that cinema or odd hours, we decided to watch 27 Dresses.
It is a simple romantic story where the female lead, Jane, actually had been bridesmaid for 27 times and was really becoming more of a wedding planner rather than bridesmaid. She got a calendar full of weddings to attend and can even squeeze in 2 weddings a night. She always had a crush on her boss but in the end it was her sister that got engaged to him instead by lying through.
This movie is those simple romantic story where 5 mins into the movie you will know where the ending is heading to. Wahaha.... I loved the part where she got to put on the 27 dresses again! Some of the themes are really too weird! I loved this kind of brainless romantic story. Haa.... Overall I give this movie 3.5 stars out of 5.
I am like the female lead that most of the times will go all way out to help out friends but then if I need help would anyone come and help me out? I wonder? Hmm......
One movie down, a lot more to go!
A "romantic wannabe" Polarbear
Thursday, January 24, 2008
So many things to do, so little time!
So many things to do, so little time!
Well before I get officially busy with my work and my FYP, I need to enjoy as much as possible. Hee....
This week, I had been to 4 combat classes alr, one a day! Cannot believe that! Haa... That explains for my aching legs. Hee....
There are also so many movies released and I want to watch all of them. Below is a list of movies that I want to watch!
1. The Savages
2. American Gangster (Going off screen soon!)
3. 3:10 to Yuma
4. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
6. The Mist
7. 27 Dresses
8. Mr Average
9. Trade (Going off screen soon!)
Maybe a movie a day will settle it or a marathon of 2 movies at one time? Hmm... So who keen to watch with me?
A "will bz watching movies" Polarbear
Well before I get officially busy with my work and my FYP, I need to enjoy as much as possible. Hee....
This week, I had been to 4 combat classes alr, one a day! Cannot believe that! Haa... That explains for my aching legs. Hee....
There are also so many movies released and I want to watch all of them. Below is a list of movies that I want to watch!
1. The Savages
2. American Gangster (Going off screen soon!)
3. 3:10 to Yuma
4. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
6. The Mist
7. 27 Dresses
8. Mr Average
9. Trade (Going off screen soon!)
Maybe a movie a day will settle it or a marathon of 2 movies at one time? Hmm... So who keen to watch with me?
A "will bz watching movies" Polarbear
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Going for a Holiday!
Going for a Holiday!
It has been a long time since Polarbear had a nice break overseas.
Therefore I am going one in March! Yes Bangkok here I come! Hee.... Managed to get a cheap deal for the trip as well! Haa....
So looking forward to the nice little break!
Let the countdown begin!
A "looking forward to a nice holiday" Polarbear
It has been a long time since Polarbear had a nice break overseas.
Therefore I am going one in March! Yes Bangkok here I come! Hee.... Managed to get a cheap deal for the trip as well! Haa....
So looking forward to the nice little break!
Let the countdown begin!
A "looking forward to a nice holiday" Polarbear
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Atonement
Atonement
My first free movie of 2008, all thks to 8 days! A preview screening of "Atonement"
Ever told a lie and it changes everything especially to the people involved. When you realised what you have done, it is already to late to do anything or to change anything. It is too late to regret what you have done.
"Synopsis:
On the hottest day of the summer of 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis sees her older sister Cecilia strip off her clothes and plunge into the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching Cecilia is their housekeeper's son Robbie Turner, a childhood friend who, along with Briony's sister, has recently graduated from Cambridge. By the end of that day the lives of all three will have been changed forever. Robbie and Cecilia will have crossed a boundary they had never before dared to approach and will have become victims of the younger girl's scheming imagination, and Briony will have committed a dreadful crime, the guilt for which will colour her entire life."
This movie started of slow and steady. While watching, you will asking a lot of questions of why this or why that? All answers will be answered at the end of the movie. The story is also a simple romantic story. The acting by all the leads are good, not Oscar worthy (I think), but good enough to be in top 10 at least. The director is good in using the same scenes but from different prospective, and when seeing the same scenes from different views does shows different meanings as well.
The movie a bit lag in the middle of the show and confusing but then the ending jz sums up everything. This is a must watch movie. Overall, I give this movie 4 stars out of 5.
Be careful when you are about to lie! Think of the consequences!
Come to think of it, I used to have a friend who lied to me but dunno how to cover his tracks. Sigh... I felt sorry for him.
A "only tell white lies" Polarbear
My first free movie of 2008, all thks to 8 days! A preview screening of "Atonement"
Ever told a lie and it changes everything especially to the people involved. When you realised what you have done, it is already to late to do anything or to change anything. It is too late to regret what you have done.
"Synopsis:
On the hottest day of the summer of 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis sees her older sister Cecilia strip off her clothes and plunge into the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching Cecilia is their housekeeper's son Robbie Turner, a childhood friend who, along with Briony's sister, has recently graduated from Cambridge. By the end of that day the lives of all three will have been changed forever. Robbie and Cecilia will have crossed a boundary they had never before dared to approach and will have become victims of the younger girl's scheming imagination, and Briony will have committed a dreadful crime, the guilt for which will colour her entire life."
This movie started of slow and steady. While watching, you will asking a lot of questions of why this or why that? All answers will be answered at the end of the movie. The story is also a simple romantic story. The acting by all the leads are good, not Oscar worthy (I think), but good enough to be in top 10 at least. The director is good in using the same scenes but from different prospective, and when seeing the same scenes from different views does shows different meanings as well.
The movie a bit lag in the middle of the show and confusing but then the ending jz sums up everything. This is a must watch movie. Overall, I give this movie 4 stars out of 5.
Be careful when you are about to lie! Think of the consequences!
Come to think of it, I used to have a friend who lied to me but dunno how to cover his tracks. Sigh... I felt sorry for him.
A "only tell white lies" Polarbear
Monday, January 21, 2008
A weekend of no gym!
A weekend of no gym!
It has been a very long since I had the whole weekend to myself and not going to gym for once. Haa... Nope I am not sick but then decided to do other things instead. Hee...
Sat was Sabrina's wedding lunch @ Four Season. Wow! High class place with a high class view on 20th floor. It was a small warm cosy event, buffet style. The food was quite good and got to catch up with some people as well. Simple classy even and Sab looked stunning in her red dress. Hee....
After which met up with LLT to do some shopping in Orchard, did not managed to get anything. Haa.... Maybe I am not a good shopping companion. Sigh! So we decided to watch movies instead, decided on Cloverfield. Hee..
It is all about a first person view form a cam recorder on a monster attack! This is a either you love it or you hate it movie. For me I loved it! I think it was a great movie although you will need to get some time to get used to the cam recorder view. It does make people giddy leh. Haa... The first 15 mins was boring and I was getting used to the view, however once the monster came out, everything changes! The point where the head of the Statue of Liberty landed in front of them, really set the pace of the movie! The CGI were really good as well! Overall I will give this movie 3.5 stars out of 5.
Sunday, went swimming with my fren. It has been a long time since I swam and got to say that I am back in my element. Haa... To top it up, the sun was out in full force! I am so loving it! I manged to swim 30 laps! Woohoo! Now a bit aching and burning though. Haa... I got my tan back as well. I need to swim more man! Well at least I started swimming again!
Next met up with my group of close frens to do some CNY shopping. However it seems like we did not managed to get anything. It has been a long time since we met up as a group! Should really do this more often alr. Seems like my distance with him also getting longer alr. Sigh... Sad.
So after a full day of swimming and walking, I ended wit a very bad tummy ache. Sigh.. Wonder what did I eat to cause such discomfort. Sigh... Me and my mouth again!
A "in pain" Polarbear
It has been a very long since I had the whole weekend to myself and not going to gym for once. Haa... Nope I am not sick but then decided to do other things instead. Hee...
Sat was Sabrina's wedding lunch @ Four Season. Wow! High class place with a high class view on 20th floor. It was a small warm cosy event, buffet style. The food was quite good and got to catch up with some people as well. Simple classy even and Sab looked stunning in her red dress. Hee....
After which met up with LLT to do some shopping in Orchard, did not managed to get anything. Haa.... Maybe I am not a good shopping companion. Sigh! So we decided to watch movies instead, decided on Cloverfield. Hee..
It is all about a first person view form a cam recorder on a monster attack! This is a either you love it or you hate it movie. For me I loved it! I think it was a great movie although you will need to get some time to get used to the cam recorder view. It does make people giddy leh. Haa... The first 15 mins was boring and I was getting used to the view, however once the monster came out, everything changes! The point where the head of the Statue of Liberty landed in front of them, really set the pace of the movie! The CGI were really good as well! Overall I will give this movie 3.5 stars out of 5.
Sunday, went swimming with my fren. It has been a long time since I swam and got to say that I am back in my element. Haa... To top it up, the sun was out in full force! I am so loving it! I manged to swim 30 laps! Woohoo! Now a bit aching and burning though. Haa... I got my tan back as well. I need to swim more man! Well at least I started swimming again!
Next met up with my group of close frens to do some CNY shopping. However it seems like we did not managed to get anything. It has been a long time since we met up as a group! Should really do this more often alr. Seems like my distance with him also getting longer alr. Sigh... Sad.
So after a full day of swimming and walking, I ended wit a very bad tummy ache. Sigh.. Wonder what did I eat to cause such discomfort. Sigh... Me and my mouth again!
A "in pain" Polarbear
Friday, January 18, 2008
Final school term about to start!
Final school term about to start!
Jz collected my FYP's materials from school and this will means the start of my final school term.
Also decided on my top 3 choices for my FYP. So now awaiting for the answer.
Also awaiting for my course calender to see how packed it will be.
Lets hope that I can stay focus and on time for FYP! Hee... Last hurdle to cross!
Anyone wanna to go clubbing before I start my school? Hee....
A "all ready to start engine" Polarbear
Jz collected my FYP's materials from school and this will means the start of my final school term.
Also decided on my top 3 choices for my FYP. So now awaiting for the answer.
Also awaiting for my course calender to see how packed it will be.
Lets hope that I can stay focus and on time for FYP! Hee... Last hurdle to cross!
Anyone wanna to go clubbing before I start my school? Hee....
A "all ready to start engine" Polarbear
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Expensive Cab!
Expensive Cab!
This morning! I took a cab from my office to Portdown road. Went thru a jam @ CTE, 2 gantries and 30 mins later, it turns out to be one of the most expensive cab ride I ever taken since the price hike!
Fare: $17.00
35% Surcharge: $5.95
ERP: $6.50 (One $2.50, the other $4.00)
Total: $29.45
It is freaking expensive!
The good thing is I am able to claim the cab fare from my company! There is no way I am going to take a cab ride during peak hours, in fact during any hours unless it is after midnight. OMG!
A "speechless" Polarbear
This morning! I took a cab from my office to Portdown road. Went thru a jam @ CTE, 2 gantries and 30 mins later, it turns out to be one of the most expensive cab ride I ever taken since the price hike!
Fare: $17.00
35% Surcharge: $5.95
ERP: $6.50 (One $2.50, the other $4.00)
Total: $29.45
It is freaking expensive!
The good thing is I am able to claim the cab fare from my company! There is no way I am going to take a cab ride during peak hours, in fact during any hours unless it is after midnight. OMG!
A "speechless" Polarbear
Monday, January 14, 2008
What does My Name Mean?
| What Polarbear's Name Means |
 You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are very hyper. You never slow down, even when it's killing you. You're the type of person who can be a workaholic during the day... and still have the energy to party all night. Your energy is definitely a magnet for those around you. People are addicted to your vibe. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. |
So you agree or not agree? I totally agree with it!
A "my name so suits me" Polarbear
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A working hard weekend!
A working hard weekend!
The weekend started off with a series of gym sessions. Haa.. Totally crazy to go for Combat Pump Combat and to think that I actually increased my pump weight. Haa... The instructors are also in crazy mode but then it jz felt good after the whole thing. Hee....
After which, walked ard to try to do some shopping, nothing much to buy though. CNY coming yet no mood to find new clothes.
Decided to watch a movie since AWARDS time are coming and all the good movies are coming out at the same time as well. So decided to watch Micheal Clayton.
The movie was about Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is an in-house “fixer” at one of the largest corporate law firms in New York. A former criminal prosecutor, Clayton takes care of dirtiest work at the behest of the firm’s co-founder. Though burned out and hardly content with his job as a fixer, a failed business venture and mounting debt have left Clayton tied to the firm.
At U/North, the career of litigator Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) rests on the multi-million dollar settlement of a class action suit that Clayton’s firm is leading to a seemingly successful conclusion, for a long 6 yrs. When Kenner Bach’s brilliant and guilt-ridden attorney Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) sabotages the U/North case, Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career and his life.
It is a 2 hour thriller, interesting but someone was sleeping me at times. So tired hor. Haa.... It shows the ending first then goes back to the start of everything. This is one of George Clooney's best role! Have to give him credit for it as well. Overall I give this film 3 stars out of 5.
Sunday went back gym for anther session of pump and combat and then we are back to KM8 to chill out and suntan. The sun was out on full force. So happy! Hee... I really should do this more often! I need to get darker! Should I bring Oscar out as well? Hmm.... So many big dogs there leh! I think he will go crazy lo.
I am sure I am going to ache like nobody else business 2molo. Haa...
A "got to see the SUN" Polarbear
The weekend started off with a series of gym sessions. Haa.. Totally crazy to go for Combat Pump Combat and to think that I actually increased my pump weight. Haa... The instructors are also in crazy mode but then it jz felt good after the whole thing. Hee....
After which, walked ard to try to do some shopping, nothing much to buy though. CNY coming yet no mood to find new clothes.
Decided to watch a movie since AWARDS time are coming and all the good movies are coming out at the same time as well. So decided to watch Micheal Clayton.
The movie was about Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is an in-house “fixer” at one of the largest corporate law firms in New York. A former criminal prosecutor, Clayton takes care of dirtiest work at the behest of the firm’s co-founder. Though burned out and hardly content with his job as a fixer, a failed business venture and mounting debt have left Clayton tied to the firm.
At U/North, the career of litigator Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) rests on the multi-million dollar settlement of a class action suit that Clayton’s firm is leading to a seemingly successful conclusion, for a long 6 yrs. When Kenner Bach’s brilliant and guilt-ridden attorney Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) sabotages the U/North case, Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career and his life.
It is a 2 hour thriller, interesting but someone was sleeping me at times. So tired hor. Haa.... It shows the ending first then goes back to the start of everything. This is one of George Clooney's best role! Have to give him credit for it as well. Overall I give this film 3 stars out of 5.
Sunday went back gym for anther session of pump and combat and then we are back to KM8 to chill out and suntan. The sun was out on full force. So happy! Hee... I really should do this more often! I need to get darker! Should I bring Oscar out as well? Hmm.... So many big dogs there leh! I think he will go crazy lo.
I am sure I am going to ache like nobody else business 2molo. Haa...
A "got to see the SUN" Polarbear
Friday, January 11, 2008
Gatherings and Dinners
Gatherings and Dinners
These 2 days had been meeting up with some long time no see friends. Glad that they all made effort to call up and meet up.
One is my friend from the ship and the other group is BMT group. Haa...
Lots of things to update each other since we had not met up for more than a year alr. Haa....
We now got a new aim is to meet more often and to gather as much people for the next gathering.
It is always fun and feels good when someone remember you as a friend.
A "friendly" Polarbear
These 2 days had been meeting up with some long time no see friends. Glad that they all made effort to call up and meet up.
One is my friend from the ship and the other group is BMT group. Haa...
Lots of things to update each other since we had not met up for more than a year alr. Haa....
We now got a new aim is to meet more often and to gather as much people for the next gathering.
It is always fun and feels good when someone remember you as a friend.
A "friendly" Polarbear
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Crowds Everywhere!
Crowds Everywhere!
It seems like since the taxis fare have increased the number of people taking both buses and trains also increases ten fold. Well seems like everyone is refusing to take taxis any more, well including me. Haa....
However, now every morning, the trains are super crowded. So packed that I am unable to read my papers. I used to be able to do that as well. The people are packed in such a way that I can smell what soap, shampoo and perfume that they are using. it does not help when that guy is sweating like a pig. Haa...
Even on weekends morning, the trains are packed like sardines and yet the train only come every 7 mins or so. WTH? Trying to save cost by getting people to squeeze right?
Maybe SMRT should really re-looked into their schedule and have more trains during peak hours. Say a train every 2 mins or something like that.
I really pity those on wheelchair or those carrying a lot of things. They simply cannot even squeeze onto the trains.
A "hate to squeeze" Polarbear
It seems like since the taxis fare have increased the number of people taking both buses and trains also increases ten fold. Well seems like everyone is refusing to take taxis any more, well including me. Haa....
However, now every morning, the trains are super crowded. So packed that I am unable to read my papers. I used to be able to do that as well. The people are packed in such a way that I can smell what soap, shampoo and perfume that they are using. it does not help when that guy is sweating like a pig. Haa...
Even on weekends morning, the trains are packed like sardines and yet the train only come every 7 mins or so. WTH? Trying to save cost by getting people to squeeze right?
Maybe SMRT should really re-looked into their schedule and have more trains during peak hours. Say a train every 2 mins or something like that.
I really pity those on wheelchair or those carrying a lot of things. They simply cannot even squeeze onto the trains.
A "hate to squeeze" Polarbear
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A very rainy and lazy weekend!
A very rainy and lazy weekend!
The weekend came and passed in a blink. Sigh...
Sat, went for the combat, pump, combat (CPC for short). Long time did not do it alr, however still managed to put in my 101% in all 3 classes. Great workout! While it was raining outside, inside the studio was hot and the mirrors are actually steamed up. Haa....
After which, rushed back home for a quick change to attend a wedding dinner of Ronnie and Jenna, long time frens, and finally they are married. Found out that I am one of the remaining singles. Haa... Had a lot of fun! Nice seeing the whole gang again. It was raining when we are rushing to the restaurant. Food decent but the whole dinner was in served in a rush. Wonder y? Dinner ended at 2230H. A new record for wedding dinner.
Rushed off to catch a movie, Eastern Promises. Heard great reviews of this movie and sure it does not disappoint.
It is about an undercover police is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence again the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.
The whole movie was short in simple, gruesome and cool shots, which the director is famous for. The shots are shooting yet show the reality. Great acting from all the actors. Simple plot plus a surprised twist towards the ending. Overall I give this movie 4.75 stars out of 5.
Sunday was supposed to go gym, then sentosa. In the end, we slept, lunch, slept some more. Haa... Long time did not spend a Sunday like that alr. Nice and relaxing also. Hee....
Going back to work 2molo. Seem like I got no more outstanding work to do alr. Hmm...
A "still sleepy" Polarbear
The weekend came and passed in a blink. Sigh...
Sat, went for the combat, pump, combat (CPC for short). Long time did not do it alr, however still managed to put in my 101% in all 3 classes. Great workout! While it was raining outside, inside the studio was hot and the mirrors are actually steamed up. Haa....
After which, rushed back home for a quick change to attend a wedding dinner of Ronnie and Jenna, long time frens, and finally they are married. Found out that I am one of the remaining singles. Haa... Had a lot of fun! Nice seeing the whole gang again. It was raining when we are rushing to the restaurant. Food decent but the whole dinner was in served in a rush. Wonder y? Dinner ended at 2230H. A new record for wedding dinner.
Rushed off to catch a movie, Eastern Promises. Heard great reviews of this movie and sure it does not disappoint.
It is about an undercover police is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence again the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.
The whole movie was short in simple, gruesome and cool shots, which the director is famous for. The shots are shooting yet show the reality. Great acting from all the actors. Simple plot plus a surprised twist towards the ending. Overall I give this movie 4.75 stars out of 5.
Sunday was supposed to go gym, then sentosa. In the end, we slept, lunch, slept some more. Haa... Long time did not spend a Sunday like that alr. Nice and relaxing also. Hee....
Going back to work 2molo. Seem like I got no more outstanding work to do alr. Hmm...
A "still sleepy" Polarbear
Friday, January 04, 2008
Beauty World! Cha! Cha! Cha!
Beauty World! Cha! Cha! Cha!
This is the 20th anniversary version. Beauty world first came out in 1988. The storyline of the play is till pretty much current now, still manage to reflects the current situation now. With new actors, new songs, new sets and some new updates to the story line, this show is really one of the better local musicals other than Forbidden City.
The actors and actresses are really good as well. Especially the ones acting in the leads like ELENA WANG (Ivy Chan Poh Choo), DENISE TAN (Lulu), ALEMAY FERNANDEZ (Rosemary Joseph), DAREN TAN (Ah Hock), IRENE ANG (Wan Choo), DWAYNE TAN (Frankie Wong) and NEO SWEE LIN (Mummy).
Wan Choo and Frankie provided some of the best one liners of the play. Lulu being best at being slutty and she really sings very well! Ivy Chan and Rosemary did really good jobs in their roles as well, strong powerful voices as well. The only weak link is Ah Hock, a good effort by him, he looks and really acts well as Ah Hock but then I think his voice is much more suitable for pop songs rather than musicals, can hear the difference especially in the duets.
Have to also give kudos to the creative team as well for the new songs and tighter story, with a lot of current references as well like forgrin talent. Haa...
Overall I enjoyed the show, giving it 4 stars out of 5.
A "ready to cha cha cha" Polarbear
This is the 20th anniversary version. Beauty world first came out in 1988. The storyline of the play is till pretty much current now, still manage to reflects the current situation now. With new actors, new songs, new sets and some new updates to the story line, this show is really one of the better local musicals other than Forbidden City.
The actors and actresses are really good as well. Especially the ones acting in the leads like ELENA WANG (Ivy Chan Poh Choo), DENISE TAN (Lulu), ALEMAY FERNANDEZ (Rosemary Joseph), DAREN TAN (Ah Hock), IRENE ANG (Wan Choo), DWAYNE TAN (Frankie Wong) and NEO SWEE LIN (Mummy).
Wan Choo and Frankie provided some of the best one liners of the play. Lulu being best at being slutty and she really sings very well! Ivy Chan and Rosemary did really good jobs in their roles as well, strong powerful voices as well. The only weak link is Ah Hock, a good effort by him, he looks and really acts well as Ah Hock but then I think his voice is much more suitable for pop songs rather than musicals, can hear the difference especially in the duets.
Have to also give kudos to the creative team as well for the new songs and tighter story, with a lot of current references as well like forgrin talent. Haa...
Overall I enjoyed the show, giving it 4 stars out of 5.
A "ready to cha cha cha" Polarbear
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
New Year! New Resolutions!
New Year! New Resolutions!
It is the time of the year to review last year and to welcome the new year 2008!
Let do the review 1st. So what are my 2007's resolution?
1. To lose 10 - 20 kg of my weight
2. To do my best in my current job.
3. To pick up a new hobby and a new language. Wakeboarding anyone?
4. To do more dives or to take up rescue diving.
5. To do my best in my studies, get good results.
6. To spend more time with my family and OSCAR.
* Above resolutions are subjected to changes throughout the year. Haa....
Hmm.... Well those in bold are the ones that I am proud of. Haa...
1. I have lost ard 10 plus kg. Hmm... trying very hard to get rid of the another 10kg but I am happy with the progress. Does feel good when people mention that I looked thinner. Hee.....
2. I am already 1 yr plus in my current job and did not job hop so I consider it ok. More new challenges (projects) coming up so have to work harder!
3. Managed to do a bit of rock climbing, that all. Sigh...
4. Only did one diving trip in Jun. Sad. :( However it was a nice dive with a group of fun loving people.
5. Managed to pass all my modules, so next yr only left with FYP! Can see the ending point!
6. Did not really spend a lot of time with family but then we always try to meet up for dinners etc. Brought Oscar out for a few events. Thinking of bringing him for some obedience classes.
So what can I look forward in 2008? Hmm....
1. Continue to lost more weight. Target another 10kg. Hope to reach 80 kg soon! I know I can make it one!
2. Do more dives (Really I missed the underwater world) and take up rescue diving. This year will be the year that I do it!
3. Complete my FYP with all my effort and by doing so, finally I will complete the full journey! Target a "B" range!
4. Spend more time with my family, Oscar and my relatives. This is most important. At least try to have 1 family dinner per week.
5. Spend more time with frens as well. Seems like having a few frenship problems this yr. Hmm... where have gone wrong? Catch up with them once a mth at least!
6. Spend time with YOU, you should know who you are. Haa.... This year went on quite smoothly with a few bumps here and there. Thks for being patient and understanding with me.
7. I will do at least another 10km run, to better my last record and 21km at the SCM at the end of 2008. So I need to run more often. 2 times a week.
8. In gym, to start some of the weights training together with the classes.
9. I need to swim more often. Per week at least once, 50 laps.
10. Do 2 relaxing / backpacking travel trips overseas. By Planeno less! Hee....
Hee.... I know I can do that above in 2008! Let stay focus ok!
A "getting my act together" Polarbear
It is the time of the year to review last year and to welcome the new year 2008!
Let do the review 1st. So what are my 2007's resolution?
1. To lose 10 - 20 kg of my weight
2. To do my best in my current job.
3. To pick up a new hobby and a new language. Wakeboarding anyone?
4. To do more dives or to take up rescue diving.
5. To do my best in my studies, get good results.
6. To spend more time with my family and OSCAR.
* Above resolutions are subjected to changes throughout the year. Haa....
Hmm.... Well those in bold are the ones that I am proud of. Haa...
1. I have lost ard 10 plus kg. Hmm... trying very hard to get rid of the another 10kg but I am happy with the progress. Does feel good when people mention that I looked thinner. Hee.....
2. I am already 1 yr plus in my current job and did not job hop so I consider it ok. More new challenges (projects) coming up so have to work harder!
3. Managed to do a bit of rock climbing, that all. Sigh...
4. Only did one diving trip in Jun. Sad. :( However it was a nice dive with a group of fun loving people.
5. Managed to pass all my modules, so next yr only left with FYP! Can see the ending point!
6. Did not really spend a lot of time with family but then we always try to meet up for dinners etc. Brought Oscar out for a few events. Thinking of bringing him for some obedience classes.
So what can I look forward in 2008? Hmm....
1. Continue to lost more weight. Target another 10kg. Hope to reach 80 kg soon! I know I can make it one!
2. Do more dives (Really I missed the underwater world) and take up rescue diving. This year will be the year that I do it!
3. Complete my FYP with all my effort and by doing so, finally I will complete the full journey! Target a "B" range!
4. Spend more time with my family, Oscar and my relatives. This is most important. At least try to have 1 family dinner per week.
5. Spend more time with frens as well. Seems like having a few frenship problems this yr. Hmm... where have gone wrong? Catch up with them once a mth at least!
6. Spend time with YOU, you should know who you are. Haa.... This year went on quite smoothly with a few bumps here and there. Thks for being patient and understanding with me.
7. I will do at least another 10km run, to better my last record and 21km at the SCM at the end of 2008. So I need to run more often. 2 times a week.
8. In gym, to start some of the weights training together with the classes.
9. I need to swim more often. Per week at least once, 50 laps.
10. Do 2 relaxing / backpacking travel trips overseas. By Planeno less! Hee....
Hee.... I know I can do that above in 2008! Let stay focus ok!
A "getting my act together" Polarbear
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Goodbye 2007! Welcome 2008!
Goodbye 2007! Welcome 2008!
Today being the first day of 2008, everything is a new start, start from a clean sheet of paper! Happy New Year to all!
Last min decision to countdown at a music cafe with a few frens. Still managed get a few ppl out. This time round, it was quite fun where got people performed for us, got lucky draw and got games and party packs well. Haa... So we were entertained until midnite! Unlike last year where I got to start to think of stupid games to pass time. Think all of us have fun there, especially a few people going crazy! Hee.....
So at the stroke of midnite, we all rushed out to see a portion of the fireworks at Marina Bay. As usual the fireworks are good. Luckily I did not go and squeeze with the crowd this year. Opps I spoke too soon as we had to squeeze with the crowd to the train! Haa... Still managed to save on the cab fare that way. Haa...
On New Year Day, intend to go for 2 hr combat but then when I woke up they already started their 1st track alr. Haa..... Wanna to go swimming but then no sun. In the end, decided to be lazy for the day. So went to catch a movie and do some shopping instead.
The movie, I am Legend. Heard from a lot of people that the last 15 mins is not good. Well.....
The movie is about a virus that spread out and cleared the whole of New York and only 1% of the world population is immune to it. So Dr Robert Neville tasked himself to find cure. Since the "vampires" only come out in the night, he and Sam, his dog will roam ard int he day, setting traps to catch the vampires, getting food and hoping for someone to turn up. So for 1st half of the movie only can see Will Smith. Despite only him alone, he is able to capture my attention. Now the ending, to me the ending is ok, sort of expected, maybe cos I prepared myself for it. Haa....
Overall, I give this movie 3 stars out of 5. Well the CGI does look a bit fake especially the vampires. Hee....
After which we tried to do some shopping but then did not buy anything at all.
Went home, I decided to complete watching my Heroes Season 1. I managed to finish the last 5 eps. I am done watching at ard 3am in the morning. Haa.... The series is really good but then I find the ending a bit disappointed where they all finally met up but they did not combine their powers to defeat Sylar. Sigh.....
Next up Heroes Season 2. I m so going to miss my sleep.
A "Welcome 2008" Polarbear
Today being the first day of 2008, everything is a new start, start from a clean sheet of paper! Happy New Year to all!
Last min decision to countdown at a music cafe with a few frens. Still managed get a few ppl out. This time round, it was quite fun where got people performed for us, got lucky draw and got games and party packs well. Haa... So we were entertained until midnite! Unlike last year where I got to start to think of stupid games to pass time. Think all of us have fun there, especially a few people going crazy! Hee.....
So at the stroke of midnite, we all rushed out to see a portion of the fireworks at Marina Bay. As usual the fireworks are good. Luckily I did not go and squeeze with the crowd this year. Opps I spoke too soon as we had to squeeze with the crowd to the train! Haa... Still managed to save on the cab fare that way. Haa...
On New Year Day, intend to go for 2 hr combat but then when I woke up they already started their 1st track alr. Haa..... Wanna to go swimming but then no sun. In the end, decided to be lazy for the day. So went to catch a movie and do some shopping instead.
The movie, I am Legend. Heard from a lot of people that the last 15 mins is not good. Well.....
The movie is about a virus that spread out and cleared the whole of New York and only 1% of the world population is immune to it. So Dr Robert Neville tasked himself to find cure. Since the "vampires" only come out in the night, he and Sam, his dog will roam ard int he day, setting traps to catch the vampires, getting food and hoping for someone to turn up. So for 1st half of the movie only can see Will Smith. Despite only him alone, he is able to capture my attention. Now the ending, to me the ending is ok, sort of expected, maybe cos I prepared myself for it. Haa....
Overall, I give this movie 3 stars out of 5. Well the CGI does look a bit fake especially the vampires. Hee....
After which we tried to do some shopping but then did not buy anything at all.
Went home, I decided to complete watching my Heroes Season 1. I managed to finish the last 5 eps. I am done watching at ard 3am in the morning. Haa.... The series is really good but then I find the ending a bit disappointed where they all finally met up but they did not combine their powers to defeat Sylar. Sigh.....
Next up Heroes Season 2. I m so going to miss my sleep.
A "Welcome 2008" Polarbear
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