Book out!

Muahaha... I'm back home on a Monday night, but I have to book in again tomorrow by 7 AM. Insane. I'll be waking up at 0555hrs again. I have to take stuff to pack for the Brunei trip as I can't book out tomorrow due to the volleyball match. Arhm.

But first of all, I got a hot-air balloon for someone. More on that later.

Today was thoroughly crazy. We had a match against HQ and then one against ARMCEQ. The latter went as I predicted, 3 games, the first going to them and the last two were won by us. That was one of the most nerve-wrecking games I've ever had to sit through. Our team was stronger in terms of attack and all, but the opponent didn't let us win easily because they didn't make any mistakes at all. And ex-NYJC captain Xuan You was in that team, although not as a setter. I didn't get a chance to play (although I bet I could've been in the match against HQ because they looked like they've never touched a volleyball in their life) but I was busy cheering for them throughout the games. Bloody cool stuff.

After all that, I had trained a little bit with Daniel and all. Anyway, after we booked out today, we went to Pastamania and had a long, good meal and a discussion on the volleyball matches that we witnessed. There'd be 2 more tomorrow and the semi-finals and finals would be held on Wednesday. I'm sure everything will go fine. In fact I think our team will become the champions. Oops. I haven't been wrong in my predictions yet, so... Haha.

Oh yes, and my hot air balloon. Arhm.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHUMING!!!

Congratulations on turning as old as I am!

Hmm, I've got nothing much to say already except that I have leave this coming Friday, and I can't wait for the week to end. And I can't wait for the Brunei trip to commence (so that it will end).

Oh yeah, and thanks to Esotism for leaving a couple of notes! Sorry for always being busy in MSN, it seems that I always am a tad preoccupied when I come online! And I agree that it's pretty much of a waste that Britney isn't working with Pharrell on her later material (ITZ), and I think she would most likely be using a fresh set of producers (like Bloodyshy and Avant who did Toxic and My Prerogative) than Pharrell, who's helping out everyone in the music scene! And the IAS4U vid is always worth waiting for. Visual ecstasy! Oops!

My Brother

Okay, so I was bored and after buying some army stuff (which costed 20 bucks of my own money just for the Brunei trip), I went to rent this movie. I've decided that Korean films which make it to Singapore are generally fantastic. And although I accidently watched Disc 2 first (and it was only till the credits started rolling that I realised my mistake) and watched it in its entirety at my grandparents house, I must say I enjoyed the film thoroughly.

First of all, there's Won Bin. Any movie with him automatically gets one extra star. His acting is superb. He brings out the character so naturally and as his character matures, all the small actions that he does do well in his portrayal of a bully with a golden heart. This movie is pretty intense and there's a lot of violence toward the end. As is common with many a Korean movie, the climax of the story leaves you gasping for breath because as soon as you think the most nerve-wrecking, suspense-laiden part is over, they hit you one more time with an unexpected twist, as hard as the sledgehammer which drops on Wile E Coyote's head.



Another aspect of the movie which got to me a lot was how much it was based on very Asian values. The mother making sacrifices for her two sons. How selflessly she worked to earn enough money to let her son go for operations to correct his cleft lip. And also the fact that home is the place that you can return to no matter how tough and rought life treats you in the outside world. It's fabulous really. Even when I watched it the second time, the story was potent enough to give me goosebumps.

It really is unlike any Hollywood blockbuster movie. In fact, I'm getting quite sick of those movies which have no relation to real life at all, and mean almost nothing for the soul. In My Brother, the viewer is dragged through the bitter-sweetness of teen love, nasty fights and the strength found in brotherly ties. The massive play on interpersonal relationships and karma - what goes around comes around, makes me aware of my actions and reflect on how I treat people around me.

As Esotism would say, it's a movie that leaves me feeling fuzzy inside.

To end it all off, here's a pic of the incredible actor (who's entering the Korean version of NS on the 29th Nov, BOO) that is Won Bin.

Photo Credits: http://www.allstarz.org/users/wonbin/

Pic of the Week

Class guys: David, moi, TWJ, Wee Lee and Jie Yu

Replyin'

Th3odor3: one more week to hell
Haha... Be more optimistic can. On the bright side, you've got a very cool (suave... insert-other-flattering-adjectives-here) person who is willing (and volunteered) to go through the Brunei hell with you - me.

angie: but hey if the one above was to take away something else frm u so that u can play volleyball well it wun b any beta. at least u play piano, write n sing. i can only play the triangle. cheer up dude
angie: tell me bout it. i know exactly how u feel, like theres nothing im really good in, like im born without talent n it sux the most to not do well in something i like. i just noe how u feel.
Haha, you are different! Wherever you go, the spotlights on you! ;) It's a good thing. Ooh, I found out that I can't really sing that well either. I was so bored yesterday I took out my Britney CD, plugged the mic into the Karoke system and erm... Let's just say that the volume wasn't loud enough for my neighbours to call the police.

someone who cares: hey..whatever u're upset about..hang in there ya
someone who cares: Never say goodbye when you still want to try. Never give up when you still feel you can take it. Never say you don't love a person when you can't let go.
Sometimes, it's easier to take the easy way out. Haha, of course I'll hang in here, there's nowhere else for me to go - I won't be hiding or anything! :P

mbies: "when ur too into something it measn ur escaping from something else." that's the quote in my blog. and thats the best reason i can come up with for the empty feeling.
I had to read it a couple of times before I understood. Haha, I think I've become dumber. I totally understand how you feel. Well, yes, maybe I am trying to escape from something as well.

van: i noticed ur puny font at the end
Erm... good eye-sight?

angie: when it comes to photo-taking, i do see the heredity in ur family. haha btw i wanted to tell u if u bought less of BS cds u could buy MANY more shorts.
In her wonderful 6-year career she has only released like 6CDs, and I've only bought 2 of them, another 2 from Myanmar (oops!), and probably ITZ VCD, the videos DVD and erm, the Chaotic DVD. Okay, boardshorts aren't as important as Britney.

mingy: ur bro (in red) looks so so so much like u!!! happy anniversary to ur parents! =)
That is not a compliment. Haha.. yeah, happy anniversary to them! :P

angie: omg the class foto is uber sweet, i almost teared. i miss u guys
I miss the class a lot too, that's why I'm always suggesting stuff, or setting up the class blog and all... Haha...

bert: well, me being the music pirate, got hold of the album and only the early mornin remix stood out. totally puts moby's production to shame!
I can't say it put it that brutally but I couldn't help it and listened to the album before I bought it. And I do agree that EM was pretty fantastic and it gave the song a whole new perspective. I love every second of the album though. Can imagine it playing in a club or something. The bass be thumping and the crowd be jumping and the sweat is dripping all over my face! :)

Pharrell ft Gwen Stefani - Can I Have It Like That

Pharrell Williams is the coolest personality in hip-hop. He's insanely cool. He's the hero of music in recent times. Everything he has ever done is refreshing. I cannot stop telling people that he was half of the brains behind Britney's I'm A Slave 4 U. That song was too far ahead of its time, and it became underappreciated. When Pharrell worked his magic again on Kelis' Milkshake and Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You, those songs became hits. Everything that he's ever got involved in has a superbly wicked rhythm that's addictive and unique. I'm in awe of his work.

Pharrell took his time before releasing this track to accompany his debut album, In My Mind, featuring seven hip-hop and seven R&B tracks. He has starred as a guest vocalist for many a hit, including Snoop Dogg's Beautiful and Jay-Z's Excuse Me Miss and Britney's Boys.

Enter the new single Can I Have It Like That, which was recently performed at the American Music Awards. The song has a bassline that wouldn't sound out of place on the soundtrack of Mission Impossible and Pharrell's rap is uniquely witty. My favourite line has got to be, "Shit pop ya bottles toast to screen cheers! Getcha 2-step cuz it's the record of the year!" You can check out the rest of the lyrics here. Pharrell clearly knows what he's got on his hands, because this is one hot track. Also, Gwen Stefani sings a single line over and over again in the song, and instead of sounding mind-numbingly boring, she brings her character in to spice up the testosterone-laced track. It is guaranteed to get the ladies in the club singing along with her. Pharrell is one smart ass.


Here's an excerpt of a review by Dan Gennoe:

What different worlds R&B and hip hop would be without Pharrell Williams. As half of golden production duo The Neptunes - not to mention one third of rock-rap trio N.E.R.D. - he's consistently reinvigorated both genres...

If the rest of the album is anything like "Can I Have It Like That", its release will be accompanied by the deafening sound of producers jaws hitting the floor. The first of the album's hip hop tracks, it's staggering for its simplicity. A demonic double bass loop, a jazz break beat, a quick call and response with Stefani and Williams's nonchalant rap is all it takes. And it's the starkness that does it...

It's impressive to think that having come-up with more new sounds that the rest of hip hop put together, he's still got a ton of new ideas up his sleeve.

If there's one person that could change the face of hip hop and R&B, Pharrell would be the one.

Painful Irony

Disclaimer: Anyone who isn't in the mood to hear a bit of whining and thinks I'm wallowing in self-pity and that I'm looking for some sympathy can just click back now.

I love volleyball. But I ain't good at it.

It's crazy how my mom was so good at it back in the days when she was playing for BPGHS. As for me, I found out that I pretty much sucked at soccer and basketball, two of the more popular ball games that are played by guys on this lovely island.

That pretty much made me stay away from ball games for a long time. It wasn't till I was kicked out of RV that I got to play volleyball in Sembawang SS. I'm filled with a deep sense of regret now when I look back on the times when I could've mastered the sport, attended the training, told myself that I could do it, instead of doubting myself repeatedly. I joined vball, but it was only for like 2 months before I stopped going. At that time I wasn't fit at all; hell, I couldn't even pass the freaking 2.4km run. I just didn't think that I was fit enough to go through the training and come out in one piece, not to mention play a good game. Also, I joined at the same time as the Sec 1 students (when I was in Sec 3) and they all caught on the game much faster than I did.

Now it's all coming back to haunt me because I wish I had tried. Harder. All I am is someone who plays volleyball for fun, better than a newbie but not competition material. It's now when there's an inter-unit competition that I joined as the reserve who would never get to play.

I'm happy and sad at the same time. For today's training, I served more balls than I've served in the past 4 years added together. Master Ang had already made his choice of the final 6, and I and Daniel and Ah Guan would be serving. I served most of the balls, because the other two put their talents to better use elsewhere. The training goes like this: I serve to the final 6 guys, they'd set the ball up and try to spike back, the reserves and Master Ang would find a hole in their defence and hit the ball back. I got to serve balls from 3-5pm. Of coure before that was warm-up and all and I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't pretend to understand the game in its entirety but I enjoy whatever I can play. I enjoy watching the sport. Hell, I think it's the only ball game that I've got affection for.

And that's why it's so hard for me to feel so crap at something that I've got so much interest for. I thoroughly enjoyed the training today but am also full of regret that I wasn't a better player. It probably wouldn't be of much difference if I wasn't present I think. But this week was hell fun because we played (somewhat) casually almost everyday in preparation for next week's tournament which would be held at our unit. It made life more bearable. It made life more meanginful even. And I could feel myself getting better, even though I'm pretty slow at improving. I know that. It's because I'm not a ball person, and it takes me doubly long to be good at it than other people. But still I insist on playing at every chance that I can get.

I tell myself that I can't compare to them because they trained with a team before, be it secondary school or JC. They'd play for hours every week. That's how they became as good as they were. I don't even clock 20 hours of vball playin for the last 3 years, while they'd probably have about 200 hours worth of training in their veins. Sigh.

I try to think of other things which I'm more skilled at, to differentiate myself, and tell myself that I'm not good at nothing. I can't think of much, other than writing, singing (maybe), playing the piano (which I haven't practised and tonnes of other people play the instrument as well)...

I'm distinctly average.

It's such a painful irony, to just be bad at something you like so much.

JKYH Top 10 (21)

01. And Then We Kiss - Britney Spears (+5) 3

02. Ye Qu - Jay Chou (3) 4
03. Hung Up - Madonna (-2) 6
04. It's Raining - Rain (NEW)
05. Turn Your Car Around - Lee Ryan (-2) 6
06. Confessions of a Broken Heart - Lindsay Lohan (-1) 3
07. Believe Me - Fort Minor (+1) 3
08. Stikwitu - Pussycat Dolls (-4) 5
09. Listen To Your Heart - D.H.T.(+1) 2
10. Perfect Day - Sun Yan Zi (NEW)

Exhausted

I'm so tired that I can't wait to come back home again tonight.

Rubbish

I'm a tad on a crazy high now from watching the Chaotic DVD.

Yadda yadda yadda. Haha... It's amazing to see Britney for who she is and despite all her imperfections she's still a superstar. She is who she is. Searching for what she wants in life, taking things a step at a time. These are things that I can relate to. She has no problems casting off Britney-the-celeb and living like a normal person... And it's so un-fake that it's not even funny. It's what I would do if I had a video cam with me, doing comical stuff, talking gibberish... reflecting on stuff...

And all the extra footage with her cursing, swearing and doing silly-fun stuff just got me rolling on the floor with laughter. Wooooohoooo! She's cool she's cool she's cool!

I'd love to share some of the exerpts in their entirety but it wouldn't do the moments justice if I just described it off the top of my head. Like when she asked JC Chasez his favourite sex position, when she took a stab back at Eminem and JT. Then there are moments where she just does lame stuff. Just like anyone of us would.

I guess sometimes going crazy for a short while can really help maintain your sanity in this really f-ed up, nonsensical world.

One thing's for sure after typing this entry: I'm nuts too!

but somehow feeling really empty inside

20th Anniversary I

My parents' celebrated their 20th Anniversary of since their marriage TODAY! Haha... After updating on yesterday and getting the photos together, I hardly have enough energy to type, so this is going to be more of a photolog. First up, we went to eat dim sum at this 'red jade' restaurant...




I've decided to give my other wristband to my sister since she was quite interested in having MINE. She didn't know there was another one so... yeah. It's one of the few things I've ever given her. I'm evil. I know. And my brother's got a new phone. With camera. I've never ever owned a phone like that. Phooey!

After that we went to this place near Singapore River. I remembered that we had some company NE outing there. Yep. Took tonnes of photos, like about 50. My head was spinning after the whole thing.


This was taken in OCBC bank! The bank itself was closed but there was this outside portion where all the tellers were still available for use. And in the middle of all of that stood a Christmas tree!


There was plenty of wind and it was drizzling slightly. There was this monument-thingy and I didn't know why but we started taking photos with it. This of course inspired a few strange poses. And the wind blowing, my brothers and I decided to do a Matrix-inspired photo. Kind of hilarious.


Photo says it all. Next.


Haha... we literally went insane in front of the camera. It's been a long time since all of us got together to go out and take photos anyway!


I have a feeling the photo on the top right hand corner will become a classic photo and end up 8R sized, framed, atop the piano in the living room!


Argh... looks kinda sweet! :P


One of my favourite photos from the 151 that we took today. Okay. I'm collapsing. Sleep's calling. I'll still be updating tomorrow because I'm on leave! Muahahaha!!! Part II then!

My Shopping Spree

I had one of the most amazing days of this month ever, yesterday. It was crazy. Really was.

Met Sidney at 1140AM, and the guy was 10 minutes late, despite living a stone's throw away from CWP! Anyway we went to take a walk around before going to LJS for lunch. His food came much earlier before mine and the guy was teaching a newbie about LJS stuff and he forgot about me. I had to go over to him asked for my food before it came. Tuh.

We travelled all the way to Ikea and saw some pretty cool stuff. After that, we walked to Queensway Shopping Center. That place holds a lot of memories, even though I don't go there often. My first pair of contact lenses, which were coloured, were bought there. My secondary prom shopping was there too, though I didn't buy anything. I bought Fukang his bell-bottom jeans there for his 16th birthday as well. Also went with Sequeena a couple of times to look and buy basketball shoes.

So I was really looking forward to going back there again to really shop. Sidney and I managed to walk the place from top to bottom. There was WOS where he found a pair of Nike running shorts for 30++ dollars, and after discount, costs 25! It was a steal and I was pretty tempted to buy one myself. To make it worth it, I'll be calling him out for a couple of runs in the near future! We also passed by this Billabong shop which had an awesome belt that he wanted to buy and also board shorts. My one and only pair was too tight for me so I was considering getting another one. To my surprise, he suggested that we should go to town because there's a greater variety of stuff for me to choose from.

However, I didn't leave empty handed. I'd been wanting to buy a wristband (since Secondary School but I never could bear to part with my money) and after 3 years, I've finally gotten myself one! Haha... Since I've been eyeing it for so long already, I think it's something that I've always wanted, so it was worth the money.

Travelled by train and alighted at Somerset MRT, and the first place that we went to was Heeran. The stuff looked pretty good but most of it costs a bomb and I really couldn't bear to spend so much money. However as we went on to see more and more stuff at Wisma, I realised that I just had to get it, and we finally went to Pacific Plaza. It was at Ripcurl that I found a white pair (of board shorts) for 59 bucks, but it didn't have my size. I ended getting the next best choice for 10 bucks more. Sidney got himself a belt.

We were pretty tired after that but we went to Far East for a good shop-around. We were also waiting for his friend Beryl to come, but in the end, our tired legs gave way and we decided to take a seat at Burger King while waiting. The man whipped out his new camera and took a photo of our purchases for that day (sans the shorts, both his and mine).



There you have the batteries from Ikea (double A, ten for 3 bucks!!!), the Nike wristband, Sidney's belt and an item that I got from Heeran that I forgot to mention.

Britney and Kevin: Chaotic ...the dvd & more~!

I was actually hunting the CD shops in Singapore for this thing. Popular. No. TS. No. Music Junction. No. I knew that it was released in Singapore because I was lucky enough to come across a F-UP review of the DVD in The New Paper. So when I found it at HMV, my hand got hold of it automatically, marched to the counter, surrendered my POSB card and...

It wasn't long before Sidney's friend, Beryl came. She's a very lively and interesting character and she also happens to be my buddy's ex-classmate from PJC! Haha... After the dinner we walked down Orchard Road and put Sidney's digital camera to good use.



The Christmas lights! The crowd! The atmosphere! Wow! And here's a photo of the two happy guys with the day's worth of shopping trips. Okay, so Sidney doesn't look very smiley here but as the night progressed...



Haha... His new camera is really very good. The quality is fab. The quality for every single photo is just amazing. It makes me want to get a new cam. *shakes head* Although my camera has been through thick and thin with me, it isn't really up to standard. Well, I got it for free... so. Quality comes for a price.



The three of us had a hell lot of fun taking solo and paired shots of each other, always looking for another angle, always looking out for better background, new poses.... Haha! We sort of got out of comtrol with the camera. After walking all the way to Heeran, we decided to take a break. Beryl's friend arrived and she was going off to meet her and we took one group shot together courtesy of an unsmiling stranger.



Sid and I took the train back home, tired but happy. Enjoyed myself a lot, even though I spent a bit too much money, but I suppose it was worth every cent!

Outrageous - My Shopping Spree!

JKYH Top 10 (20)

01. Hung Up - Madonna (2) 5

02. Ye Qu - Jay Chou (2) 3
03. Turn Your Car Around - Lee Ryan (2) 5
04. Stikwitu - Pussycat Dolls (+2) 4
05. Confessions of a Broken Heart - Lindsay Lohan (+3) 2
06. And Then We Kiss - Britney Spears (+4) 2
07. Over To You Now - Britney Spears (-3) 8
08. Believe Me - Fort Minor (+1) 2
09. Photograph - Nickelback (-2) 6
10. Listen To Your Heart - D.H.T. (NEW)

Pic of the Week

Source: Thanx to mbies!

Replyin'

someone who cares: by the way..have u heard hei se mao yi by jay chou?=)
someone who cares: hey are u feeling betta now...sometimes its most impt to know what u want n fight for it..no regrets in life
Yep. I believe in not having regrets in life. I haven't really felt very down recently, too busy with lots of stuff. Of course I've heard hei se mao yi! Haha, I like it more and more every time I hear it really. At the beginning it was a song that faded into the background. Slowly but surely it has been creeping into my consciousness and I'm starting to really appreciate it. I was a bit bothered that you didn't leave your name, but I'm comfortable with you remaining annonymous too. :)

mbies: im always king at asshole daidee. ^____^
We must trash it out one day! When I become the ultimate loser, I tend to get stuck there for a long time. Sad! Haha... find a good place to play and chill out!

Al: having fun arh...not bad not bad...
Yeah... I did try to have fun. :)

mingy: U look too f-ing fit to be true... be honest man! must be the photoshopping. LOL... army has done u good brudder!
One of the few gifts I got from being in NS. =P

mbies: and i dont even think i have 200 posts to boast of.
mbies: omg u ponned NS!
It's an NS chalet! Haha... there's no ponning involved! Yeah, pretty happy that I got past the 200 posts mark!

mbies: MAK: YEAH!!
LOL. You two arh...

maggie: how are you
Fine and dandy love, how about you?

MAK: mbies, yea, i feel the same way u feel.. to me, jay chou and wang lee hom are the ultimate! can't wait for them to come together and sing a song! whoa!
MAK: WHOA! can't believe it.. u quoted me in ur blog?!?! amazing.. i am honoured, dude! haha...
Haha, that's because you wrote something really worth quoting! Of course I'd quote it. Oh, and I don't think mbies would agree with Lee Hom being the ultimate along with Jay!

mbies: PHWOARRR for cropping the picture too. lol.
mbies: i love the quotes you've got there. i'm so touched we're not the only ones. there ARE people who understand jay's music. =~)
Of course! In fact, I think there're tonnes of people who love his music, that's why this album is going to sell by the truckloads! Haha... I can't wait for the DVD of all the music videos to come out, seriously!

And for those who want to catch a pretty humorous coverage of Jay Chou at the Golden Horse Awards by Ming Boon, click here!

Another shocker I suppose. I took off today so that's why I'm at home. I actually wanted to go to Sentosa today myself, but realised that I was too lazy to do it! Haha... but it doesn't matter because I get to save money at the same time. I enjoy chilling out in front of the computer and just listening to plenty of Britney and Jay. One male, one female; one english, one chinese. The perfect balance of yin and yang. Rocks my socks!

The other two platoons are having Ex Wild Cat today, and since I'm not involved, I got to take my off. Delighted! Hmm, there's going to be a 20km route march at East Coast tomorrow afternoon. Can't say that I'm looking forward to it. I can only hope that I get out of it alive. Argh! On the bright side, I'll be in camp on Thursday and booking out on Friday. The week seems so short now that I've gotten today off!

Really looking forward to this weekend because I'm going to go shopping with Sidney (and playing with his new digicam) at Queensway on Saturday, celebrate my parents' 20th anniversary on Sunday and watch Harry Potter on Monday! A long weekend. Muahaha!

B in the Mix: The Remixes is a surprise

Oh man, oh man, oh man. I just can't wait for it to be released. The album has leaked online but I'm going to control myself and just... control myself. I will not listen to it. I want to hear it first hand off the real thing. The album. Let's see... the last time I was so excited about an album wasn't too long ago, and the songs on this album aren't new, just remixed. But all the same, it's Britney-freaking-Spears. Here's an article from MTV:

Surprise: Britney's Releasing An Album In Just A Few Weeks

B in the Mix: The Remixes is receiving little or no publicity — on purpose.

Britney Spears is releasing a new album in two weeks, but you probably haven't heard anything about it ... and that, perhaps, is the idea.

One of the music world's most famous pop princesses is about to roll out a remix LP without the crush of press, publicity and advertising that usually accompanies all things Britney (from music to films to fragrances). But while the new album's been mostly kept under wraps by her label, word is slowly trickling out, and so are some of the tracks, including the album's one new song, "And Then We Kiss."

Think of B in the Mix: The Remixes as Britney's maternity-leave placeholder — she may not be putting out a new studio album until next year, but at least her older songs get some new life breathed into them by DJs such as Stuart Price and Peter Rauhofer (known for their work remixing Britney's mentor Madonna, who's got a dance album of her own due this month; see "Madonna Making 'Spontaneous' And 'Unapologetic' Dance Music").

Price had previously remixed "Breathe on Me" for a limited-edition bonus disc accompanying Spears' My Prerogative: Greatest Hits, but that "Jacques Lu Cont" version was faster and brighter, with a looped Giorgio Moroder-style beat. This one, his "Thin White Duke" remix, is half as long even though it slows the beat down to something slinky and lounge-y, even slightly off-key, making the song darker and dirtier. It also subtly repeats the word "blow" from her "Put your lips together and ..." lyric over and over, instead of just employing breathing sounds (which are still there).

Bill Hamel's nearly eight-minute trance remix of "Touch of My Hand" is sprightlier at the top, then shifts into something more ambient, where lyrics like "Control" and "Touch of my hand" are on repeat. Spears' voice gets chopped up into skittering syllables and sounds that don't form words but become part of the beat instead.

Other tracks include "Me Against the Music" featuring Madonna (Justice remix), "Toxic" (Peter Rauhofer Reconstruction mix), "I'm a Slave 4 U" (Dave Aude Slave Driver mix), "Everytime" (Valentin remix), "Early Mornin' " (Jason Nevins remix), "Someday (I Will Understand)" (Hi-Bias Signature radio remix), "... Baby One More Time" (Davidson Ospina 2005 remix) and "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" (Hex Hector club mix).

The new song, the yearning Euro-trance of "And Then We Kiss," remixed by Junkie XL, describes a magical make-out session that makes her tremble, cry and moan, "Take me/ Touch me/ Won't you hold me close?" But since she sings at the beginning of the song that she's alone, that makes the scenario more of a fantasy than a reality: "Your love comes alive on my lips/ I feel a rush coming over and over me/ And when we touch/ This moment when everything's still/ I close my eyes/ And then we kiss." The techno effects are sweet, sunny synth lines, with orchestral overtones closing the song out.

"And Then We Kiss" has the potential to be a radio or club hit — if Jive were actively promoting the album. But this one is being marketed in a more underground way than usually associated with a superstar act. Spears doesn't appear on the cover art (save for the Japanese version); it's a butterfly instead. A promotional 12-inch with four select cuts was leaked, leading to its sale on eBay and at a few record stores, pretty much ensuring those tracks would wind up on the Internet.

One fan site, WorldOfBritney.com, has been working with the singer's management team to host a party in Los Angeles on November 22, the day of the album's release. "Britney and her new management are working their butt off to show that they're interested in achieving a closer relationship as well as a connection with the fans," WorldofBritney webmaster Ruben Garay said of the approach. "I think that's something that will be reflected on the release of this remix album in all fronts."

— Jennifer Vineyard

I like the idea that this release is more or less only known to the fans. Not a lot of promo is being done for this album. It is only if you're really interested in Britney and run all over the place to find out about her info that you'll know about this album's release.

The funkiest thing about it is that worldofbritney.com is throwing a release party for this album in a club and Britney herself has given the go-ahead and has even put her own money into the project for fans to have a good time.

Mtv: Quick News On Britney Spears

Britney Spears is putting up the cash for her own B in the Mix: The Remixes release party, which is being hosted by her fan site WorldOfBritney.com. 'I just wanted to say that I love the idea of all my fans getting together to celebrate the release of my new album,' Spears wrote in a statement to the site. 'I was happy to help! I hope you have a great night out at the club and dance all night long!' The party which is being held at an unspecified club in Los Angeles on November 22, the night of the album's release is open to those who sign up through WOB or her official fan club, and will be limited to 500 fans. Details will be posted on both sites this week.
Source: www.worldofbritney.com

What would I give to:
a) be living in California right now
b) be able to attend the party
c) have a release party of my own in Singapore

Maybe when I become super rich someday and get to book a club and Britney'll release a brand new album and I'd make a deal with Jive and there'd be tonnes of Britney fans and there'll be a DJ playing all of her songs...

I can dream, can't I?

And here's the lyrics for the lead single off B in the Mix: The Remixes - And Then We Kiss:



Lying alone touching my skin...
I'm falling under.
A girl like me and I can't hold it in,
It makes me wonder?
Is this for real?
It's not what it seems.
You're like an angel.
I'm running now,
With my feet off the ground (Oh)

Take me, Touch me,
Won't you hold me close?



And Then We Kiss...
Your love comes alive on my lips.
I feel the rush,
Coming over me, over me
And when we touch...
This moment when everything's still.
I close my eyes,
And Then We Kiss...

The feel of your hand.

As it touches my hair...
It makes me tremble.
Don't wanna let go,
Of the feelings we share.
So baby, go slow.
Our hearts beating fast,
and my body cries (hey, yeah)
I want this to last,
this burning inside.
We're getting deeper

Take me, Touch me,
Won't you hold me close?



And Then We Kiss...
Your love comes alive on my lips.
I feel the rush,
Coming over me, over me
And when we touch...
It's a moment where everything's still.
I close my eyes,
And Then We Kiss...




You're drifting...
The sun comes up.
You're fading,
You seem so far.
I don't know,
If I'm awake...
Open my eyes,
And then we (we) ...kiss

Take me, Touch me,
Won't you hold me close?




And Then We Kiss...
Your love comes alive on my lips.
I feel the rush,
Coming over me, over me
And when we touch...
It's a moment where everything's still.
I close my eyes,
And Then We Kiss...
And Then We Kiss....
And Then We Kiss.....
And when we touch...
This moment when everything's still.
I close my eyes,
And Then We Kiss.

An Incoherent Entry

I've got 20 minutes before I book in again so this entry will be a bloody mess of rambling, rambling and more rambling.

Arhm. These few days, I've been booking out for a few hours at a time and it's taken a toll on my E-ZLink card. To think that I've just topped it up two days ago and now it's at half its value already. I booked out on Friday for 4 hours, booked out on Saturday for 4 hours as well and last night I booked out at 10PM, had BK takeaway at home and I'm supposed to book in at 11AM today. Hectic schedule. And I have guard duty today. That means there'd be a night of restless sleep and a uniform soaking with sweat for today.

Okay, as for my range test, I actually thought I failed. To keep the long story short, I got 9/16 for my day shot (okay, so it's that bad), and I only had to get 5/12 for the night shoot in order to pass (14/28). I was thinking that it'd be pretty easy, because they started when the sky wasn't pitch dark yet, but as it happened, I was unlucky enough that my lane had problems and all those who were using that lane had to form another detail to shoot last. The sky got dark. I got nervous. My promithium tip wasn't glowing bright enough. When it was my turn to shoot I didn't even know if I wanted to use the small or large aperture. Halfway through the shot I changed it to the big one. And I was frustrated and crazy at the same time that in the end I didn't aim and squeeze my trigger off properly because I couldn't see shit. After all that emotional turmoil of wondering if I had to go for another rerange, it was announced that I got 19/28. I was so relieved. Apparently those shots which I didn't take aim enough in my time of panic all hit the target! And thus ends the gruelling period of range. No more ATP!!! Yay!

There's been a lot of waiting during range and as usual, when almost everyone was asleep, I was reading and reflecting on stuff. I helped YC return a book about Scuba diving off some of M'sia's beaches and that prompted me to go look for such books to read. In the end I got a travelguide for Hawaii for the last range and this time round I'm reading about Canada. There were people who asked me why the hell I was reading the book, because it's not like I'm going to visit these countries in the near future. But reading them gave me a lot to reflect on, such as saving up money for one big and long trip to a foreign country to really experience something different, as opposed to the sometimes somewhat meaningless repeitition of things that I do during the weekend. I want an adventure. That being said, I also got to see a lot of photographs of how beautiful the natural environment of some countries can actually be and Singapore doesn't exactly have much to rival things like the beaches of Hawaii or the nature reserves in Canada. I thought about conservation and all the things I've learnt about it and how it came to conflict with my present lifestyle. All the things from Sesame Street and Captain Planet came to my mind.

I guess it's been instilled in me for quite some time. My love for nature. However, I've been caught up with the more superficial things in life. Maybe I truly am busy. Busy studying. Busy being in the army. Busy enjoying materialistic comforts. That's why I feel the need to step out of all this and start thinking about other stuff. Like recently, I just appreciate sitting in silence and staring out at the trees with their green leaves blowing in the wind.

I'm not actually sure what's the point I'm trying to put across. Argh. Hmmm, I guess for me I've realised that as much as I love indulging in luxury and commercialism and all that kind of stuff, I'd find it a more valuable exploring other cultures and places, or visiting places to gain new experiences and different perspectives of life. I'm even thinking of having the most budget travelling trip where there's only B&B and I'd be walking around and exploring new places most of the time.

Big dreams.

I hope to go for one such short trip (like 2 days or 3?) by the end of this year. Maybe I'll call a few friends to go along. Wait. Then again, I don't have the money. I still owe Mr Cheng 400 for last year's Myanmar trip.

*slaps forehead*

Maybe a short trip to M'sia then?

And it's my parents' 20th anniversary this weekend. And they haven't exactly been very quiet about it.

Hmmm... I'm rambling, time's running out. It's been pretty hectic being at home. There's only so much I can do in so little hours. I'll be back soon enough I hope. Oooh, it's amazing how much one can type given a limited amount of time.

A little Britney love...

The way she performs. The way she dances. The way she does weird stuff with her voice. The way she releases her songs secretly. The way that she became gorgeous after giving birth. The way she inspires me that only an Idol can.

Just couldn't help myself.

JKYH Top 10 (19)

01. Hung Up - Madonna (+1) 4

02. Ye Qu - Jay Chou (+1) 2
03. Turn Your Car Around - Lee Ryan (+1) 4
04. Over To You Now - Britney Spears (-3) 7
05. Song 4 Lovers - Liberty X (5) 6
06. Stikwitu - Pussycat Dolls (+1) 3
07. Photograph - Nickelback (+1) 5
08. Confessions of a Broken Heart - Lindsay Lohan (NEW)
09. Believe Me - Fort Minor (NEW)
10. And Then We Kiss - Britney Spears (NEW)