Rounding off this week...

"Love to me is a lot of things.

Love is respect
Love is commitment
Love is honesty
Love is trust
Love is not just love

Love is all those things combined
When you're ready to really combine all those things
That's when you deal with love."

That's a quote from Britney for this week. It really is meaningful. I guess I still have a lot to learn about Love.

I know my blog's been kind of boring (must be the depression I'm suffering from because of the duty), but I'll be sure to spice things up next week. I have orderly duty tomorrow, which basically requires me to be the office boy for my company for a day. If there's anything, just SMS me my handphone (I'll be bored). Yep.

As a special treat for you guys, here's a mashup of Gwen's Hollaback Girl and Ciara's 1,2 Step: http://s5.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0QTEBTAUKHMLQ06VKDJUMTZGZ4 If you want more, you gotta keep coming back here!

Till next week, take care and Keep Your Cool! 0530!

W-a-s-t-e-d

Took this 'artistic' pic of me lying on the ground. (Don't my back view look good?) Jie Yu took it when we were at the hotel room after prom. Looking at the cards, alcohol bottle and rose petels all around, I guess this guy must be pretty wasted! Haha!

Talk about indulging in the vices of life!

The Return of Ben Adams

Now do you remember the boyband who gave you Everytime, Like A Rose, Same Old Brand New You and Caught In The Middle? You're right - a1. (My favourite boyband ever. Balls to you if you think otherwise!) They visited Singapore more often than any other foreign act bothered to and have since broke up.

However, 23-year-old Ben Adams (as you may have remembered was the bloke with curtains for hair) has since been waiting for his time to return to the music scene. The distracting fringe (which I disliked immensely) is gone and he's developed an image of brooding maturity. With his first single, Sorry, slated for release in the UK on the 30th of May (Monday), music fans and critics alike have been full of praise for Sorry.

A review by Music Week with regards to his 'debut' single, "Following the success it had with Natasha Bedingfield last year, Sony BMG offshoot Phonogenic has good reason to be optimistic. The first fruit of the former A1 star's solo career is a remarkably convincing effort that showcases a more sophisticated direction which is still utterly pop and is the closest any UK artist has yet got to capturing the feel of Justin Timberlake."

He's not an amateur in this industry so I suppose we'll be expecting huge things from this guy. Watch this space! If you're already too excited about the whole thing there's no better way to get more than to visit - http://www.benadams.uk.com/uk/!

D i f f e r e n t

I've gone through enough in life and I see the patterns over and over again. Friends are people. People change. Back when I'd spend all the time I had with them; now I only meet up with them every week. Sometimes when I am in search of someone to go somewhere or do something with me, I hesitate, and then almost always I let someone else make the first move. It's not because I don't wish to take the initiative. It's just that sometimes I feel so unsure of myself that I don't dare to ask people to commit a certain amount of time to spend with me when they might have the chance to be doing something that they enjoy more, or be with people they'd rather be with.

Which is why sometimes I think I'd rather do things myself (what an anti-social freak!) than ask someone to accompany me. Be it to get that new shirt or to spend some time under the sun, I don't want people to feel obliged that they have to do what I like to do, see what I like to see, or listen to the music I like to listen. Now I know this is beginning to sound kind of strange. But we can't all be the same. And I'd prefer to be home early to chill most of the time than to stay out late.

I'm tired of the superficial. I want to pursue the magical stuff in life.

I wonder if I have to do it alone.

Jolin Tsai - Ye Man You Xi

Who says that I don't listen to Mandopop?

With Jolin's latest offering J-Game, she has managed to combine her bubbly brand of pop with a tinge of sexiness, this time with the leading track, Ye Man You Xi. With it's infectiously cute rap and sassy chorus, it's not a song that you'd be able to get out of your head. Frantic baselines and music that sounds like it was stolen from computer games of the early 90s combine to give the very stylishly produced track a unique sound.

Despite it sounding like a happy-go-lucky song, it's all about the game of life, standing up and facing the challenges put forth by Love, also metaphorically displayed by the song's story about animals in the wild fighting for their right to survival (sounds a bit farfetched but that was from the Jolin interview in the CD). And the dancing for the video rivals the best in the industry, and by that I mean the likes of her Western counterparts.

And if you're wondering which CD I bought 2 weeks ago when I had to choose between Edison, Jolin and Daniel Bedingfield, I suppose you've figured it out already! The album is a fab piece of work! Look out for Tian Kong, guaranteed to be sung at every K-Box around the island!

All hail, Madopop's princess - Jolin!

Britney Quote

"I also know that I'm a young lady and I have a lot to learn and a lot experience and I guess what I'm trying to say is that the way I feel right now inside... I feel so wonderful cos I'm doing exactly what I love to do and I'm experiencing all of my wildest dreams and...

My advice to you is to never ever lose your passion to dream.

Please dont."

Well, this'll be my last entry for this week. I had tonnes of fun updating the blog, catching up with old friends and going out this weekend, so I suppose it's a real fruitful one for me. I'm happy and satisfied...

Until the next weekend guys, stay safe and keep your cool!

Class Outing - Rocks!

I don't know how to start! Haha!

Well, we met at 1900hrs at Serangoon Gardens' Cafe Cartel. Mrs Tan was there with us at the beginning. I can't remember all the details of everything, but I really had a hell lot of fun that night. Just letting lose, being who I was when I was in JC.

Being crazy, laughing at things that ain't that funny, being bimbotic, talking about the things that are interesting but don't really matter in life. From TV shows to dramas to music (everyone seems to love Gwen's Hollaback Girl, and I'll be featuring that single next week for sure!), we talked about almost everything we could think of. It made me miss school a lot. We did a lot of catching up that day, asking each other about university admission and stuff like that. I shared some pork ribs with JY and then we had a birthday cake to celebrate the May babies.

We then went to this place to chill and it was a great place. Illuminated blue tables and groovy music. I must say though the food was a bit expensive, the atmosphere was really good. Haha... I really enjoyed myself a lot this outing, but I know it also stems from not having seen them all in such a long time.

Whatever it is, it was cool and I had a fab time!

Victoria Junior College Harmonica Band - Resonance VII

Last night I went to watch the VJC Harmonica Band in concert at their home ground.

Resonance VII kicked off with the full band performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, a rather impressive number I must say. After that was Canon and Dream a Little Dream of Me, both of which were performed at this year’s SYF and we all agreed that the performance was deserving of the SYF Gold Award.

However after a group performance of My Way and the very emotive Somewhere Out There, things started to go downhill. The 3 sections each played a song and there were wrong notes everywhere. The harmonica players sometimes sped ahead, leaving the poor pianist to try to catch up with them. Despite the popular tunes being played, I had a feeling that it would’ve been better that that part was scrapped. Okay, maybe it wasn’t really their fault. If Mr Tang had conducted, it would’ve been much better.



After the intermission though, the programme took a turn and became progressively impressive. The harmonica solo by Teo Wei Shan was absolutely fantastic. With the accompaniment of the drums, a guitar and a keyboard (that guy was out of this world. Stage presence, the hair, the music… everything!), they went on to play Xi Shui Chang Liu and Remember Me This Way. I enjoyed myself a lot listening to their performance. Every part was musically entertaining.



The VJC Harmonica Alumni then took over with a couple of songs, which were really good, but not extraordinary. I thought the performance of Lydia (yeah, the one by F.I.R.) really got the attention of the audience. Including the great piano accompaniment. Round of applause to the pianist!

The Ho Tat Chiew Harmonica Ensemble played 3 songs and it really showed the audience that they were real professionals. . They perfromed pieces which were fast in pace, and technically challenging. Listening to them really made me realize how versatile and amazing the harmonica could sound. Every note played got the audiences hooked and the resounding applause was proof that people do recognise good music



The Year 2 Members then played Candle on the Water, followed by The Sound of Music Medley, with a vocal performance by Wang Jie Hui. I have to say that even though the instruments used were the same, with her outrageously clear vocals (and the English accent to match) and the very familiar tunes from The Sound of Music, it really sounded very extravagant. Great stuff. Oh, and the stunts from that were amazing too. After the song, she passed her hat to the conductor, Mr Tang in the daintiest way. Mr Tang took out a small harmonica (which was out of tune already and not suited as the real stuff) and continued part of The Sound of Music Medley. The magic was which was lacking previously came back on the stage during his energetic performance.



The finale was even more impressive, with the full band coming out to play If We Hold On Together and That Thing You Do. The drummer was excellent. The pianist was as good. It’s a rare sight for me to see so many people playing the harmonica as a band. It got the audience on a high as well. They played That Thing You Do for the encore and it got everyone clapping along.

Overall, it was a good performance, just not as good as last year. However the VJ spirit was high as after the curtains closed, all of them broke into cheer. It was the kind of atmosphere that money can’t buy, so I’d have to say they did a really good job.

Posting Madness

Well, I'll probably be posting one more entry before the day ends. Anyway. I'll be answering to some of the notes.

Andy: U've got the time man.. actually could blog so much in ur booked out!! AMAZING!!!! was the photo wif u and queen edited or bad shots? ahaZ
Haha, I editted the photo! Couldn't be that the camera is so bias and make everything blur except Sequeena right?

mbies: i've always thought your blog looked like an entertainment news webby or something. haha. nice cap there! u designed it? but... y the dice?
Apparently Britney has a dice tattoo at the back of her wrist! =P Can't be bothered to find a picture of that now tho'!

Nana: Thanks buddy! I thought you were just skimming through when I talked to you... Then didn't realise you actually remembered my quote! Lol... Thanks!
No problem. I only quote cool people, so yeah. It's a real meaningful quote, and quite complex too. It took me 3 times to understand what it was trying to say!

B: I'm hooked on Chaotic!
Now, if more people had the balls to give it a few more listens, they'd be addicted to it too! Apparently, they don't.

angie: u sound so gay...but so sweet. anyway h2o2 REALLY REALLY hurts, take it frm me.
Typical Angeline style eh? There has to be an evil comment following a good comment. Or is it the other way round?

baoxin: guess wat yingheng ? i just saw andy and leen! lol
Just when I put up pictures of them then you saw them.. haha. Where?

sanji: New pictures ya. Eh, i wonder if ppl visit ur blog to get ur updates or more about celebrities leh. lol. Write more abt ur happenings!!
Haha, in a way, it's my happenings what. It's what I think about Kylie and the celebrities! I wrote all of that, it wasn't copied from somewhere. I'm bored ain't I? Haha... Hmm, I'd like people to visit because of both reasons. Don't worry, there'll be plenty about me too!

Anyway, I've made a new header and a new footer. It does look nicer than the old blue one, but the footer looks very uninspiring so I might be replacing it with something else soon. Thanks to all of you who have been visiting my blog and leaving notes as well. Feel free to tell me what rocks and what sucks, the layout... everything! It's because of the audience that I feel motivated to write! I'll be posting tomorrow as well because it's a public holiday. Keep your eyes peeled for more!

Australia's Greatest Showgirl - Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue is probably the biggest Australian singer of this generation.

Achieving worldwide success with 10 studio albums spanning over 1988 to 2003, giving terribly impressive tours which included the Showgirl tour (which has just been cancelled), and making videos that make everyone go "woah!". And so music industry insiders and fans alike were shocked when Kylie released a statement about her having breast cancer, just when she was about to bring her greatest-hits-filled Showgirl tour to her homeland of Australia.



Tonnes of fans flocked to her website to send her their well wishes, while Madonna also posted on her website. "I was saddened to learn about Kylie Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis. I'm so grateful that they found it early. (Yet another reminder for all women to have annual mammograms.) Aside from being tremendously talented, Kylie's a fighter and I know this is a battle she will win. Let's all pray for her speedy recovery and send all of our best wishes her way. With love and light to you Kylie...Madonna ". Celebrity friends have also offered messages of support for the singer, including Elton John, Irish singer Ronan Keating and Australian entertainer and cancer survivor Delta Goodrem.

Kylie has already undergone the operation and it has been reported that it was a success. Also, since it is in its early stages, the cancer does not seem to have spread.

Personally I have been a big fan of Kylie's music. I haven't realised how much I liked her till this incident. I don't have all her albums or anything like that. In fact the only one that I got was Fever which contained Can't Get You Out Of My Head.



However, when her concerts get played on TV I watch them because there are hardly many acts who has got the kind of showmanship that she has. From dramatic costumes, pyrotechnics and her live singing, her concerts have been labelled "must-watch". I was rather excited that she was coming to Singapore, because it is rare for singers of her calibre to perform in our small country. I hope she recovers soon to perform here in the future.

She has always been undaunted by failures (ie prior the album Light Years) in her career and always striving to improve her music and what she gives in her concerts. She's always been the gem even in the eye of the tabloids. She encompasses sexiness and strength, an image that not many are able to project.

A woman with class, who works hard for her art and an ever-dazzling star...



I wish for her to have a speedy recovery and that she'll be back, more explosive than ever.

Credit: imageshack.com for free image hosting and launch.com for the news.

Kelly Clarkson - Behind These Hazel Eyes

Kelly Clarkson just doesn't stop releasing the hits, does she? After two fantastic singles, Breakaway and Since U Been Gone, the current single Behind These Hazel Eyes is racing up the charts all over the world.

Sounding even angrier than the two singles released previously, her strong vocals impact over the standard background music made up of mostly guitar and drums. After a few rounds of listen, I couldn't help but scream Behind These Hazel Eyes along with the song! Also, the bridge is especially fantastic. It's quite funny how the first American Idol winner went pop (like the delicious-sounding Ms Independent) on her first album and rock on this album. It sounds like she belongs to a rock band, with the cool drums and angsty lyrics, except that she's a solo artist! And a very credible one as well. The sophomore album Breakaway has sold 2 million copies in the US alone. While Since U Been Gone has just moved up a notch to #8 on Billboard this week, Behind These Hazel Eyes jumps up 6 notches to #18 after 6 weeks on the chart. The video is awesome too!

Oh and did you know that her original hair colour was blonde? Talk about trying to break away from the stereotype of young blonde singers!

An Episode from Myanmar OCIP 2005

Okay, for sure, one of the most memorable persons I've met is this guy. He's around capturing our every move whether it's the offering sessions to the Buddha or when we're playing volleyball, or even when we're teaching.

I was just reminded by Vanessa sometime ago that he first caught my eye when we were having lunch. Our lunch is different from theirs. First of all, they use their hands. Second of all, they only have one dish and a lot of rice. For us, we have whatever we want. Our food is totally different, with quite a few dishes laid in front of us. I remembered that I was eating and he walked past and he smiled at me. I smiled back. But at that time I was feeling a bit weird, and I hate to use the term but there was a bit of double standards because we weren't exactly living their lives.

There was this place for prayer as well, and we had lunch there one day. He was sitting at a 'table' next to mine. It isnt exactly a table. In fact, it was similar to the furniture at Ban Jalae. It's as short as a stool, but it had the area of a table and we sat and the floor to eat. My table consisted of all the NY people. Mr Cheng, Van, Yu Ting, Yu Min and Bao Xing. I said casually that wanted to get to know him. Then Van got his attention and asked him for his name! As usual, I was feeling... I'm looking for a better word, but for now, it's just plain SHY. He told me his name was Sor Tai. I had a bit of trouble pronouncing it at first. Then he put his hand on mine and said it one more time. That was when I finally got it and he smiled and nodded.

Mr Cheng then said I could sue him for molest. What the hell! But everyone saw that and it was certainly kind of weird, but it was something special. Well the girls had other girls attached to them like, permanantly! So this was nothing.

He's 18, which was the same as us! Somehow that's quite a big deal, because it was one more thing we had in common. I was eating this desert which was some orange coloured jelly. We didn't talk very much, or even if we did, I can't remember it now. But, he offered me the orange jelly from his table (plainly ignoring the fact that my table had a plate of that too). Out of plain politeness and happiness at his gesture, I started stuffing myself with the jelly. I think I made it halfway through before I decided that I would burst if I continued eating it. It tasted quite good actually, but it certainly was a lot for desert! I thanked him and passed the plate back to him.
What surprised me was his attention on me when apparently Van was the one who asked for his name. But I guess somehow he knew that I was the one who wanted to get to know him. Hmm...
I actually wanted to find some time to go talk to him. However I lacked the guts, that's one very obvious barrier. Another would of course be that I was afraid that there'd be a language barrier. I thought of what I would talk to him about, like why he was chosen to be the camerman and his responsibilities in the orphange because he was one of the older boys around and he was quite close to the monks there who set up the orphanage. They trusted him with stuff to do. But procrastination got the better of me, and he didn't come out at night when all the other kids did. In the afternoon I was busy teaching so I couldn't get away either.

A combination of factors led to our next meeting being 2 days later I think.

In this picture it's Lean and Andy and Sor Tai's holding the camera at the back! It was Sports Day and the afternoon programme was cancelled. Instead, due to Yu Min's initiative, all the little boys had to bath and get their injuries or illnesses checked. Andy was one of the first aiders that day and Sor Tai went to him to get his wound cleaned. I went over to see it being done. I called his name again and his friend corrected me a bit. I asked him if it was painful. Andy translated it to Burmese and he said no. ( Andy decided to learn the word for painful because he was going to treat a hell lot of people that day). In actual fact, hydrogen peroxide is hell painful and Andy took a few rounds of cleaning before the wound looked bright pink. Cleaned. I just sat there watching, till he was done. Sor Tai didn't even make a sound. (Later when we went back to Yangoon, Mr Cheng used it on someone and she yelled.)

On the final day we were there I already had planned to give him a cap. But I couldn't find the opportunity to do it. So it was only later before our 'campfire' (without a fire)-cum-concert that I gave it to him. I was inspired because there was one day I was leaving the orphange to go to the market and he was wearing a blue cap and zooming off in his scooter! Looking pretty jaunty too I must add.

I can't exactly remembered his expression when I gave him the cap. He thanked me, and wore it straight away, without taking out the tag that was on it. Yep, he did look quite impressive with it. The cap was chosen by Mr Cheng actually. It didn't cost much too. But it was a token of friendship, so I suppose that was all that mattered. For the next 2-3 hours or so while the concert programme was on, he wore the cap while filming down everything. At the end, I went to look for him and he wrote his name on my journal (which I fucking lost and I'm still freaking trying to search for it, but I have this terrible feeling I left it at YMCA, and it's been a week since I came back), and he took out a book and I wrote my name and address on it too. Finally, we took a photo together. I regret not taking one more with him before I left. And he took off his cap before taking the photo too! Darn.

I'd like to say that the orange shirt made me look big. And that the people there aren't used to smiling when they take photos so this is already quite an achievement. Anyway, that was the last time I saw him. When we boarded the bus to leave at about 1 AM, he wasn't there to send us off. I was a bit disappointed but well, I am quite happy to get to know him. He's cool.

Although I didn't spend a lot of time with him, he's someone who brought me memorable moments and if I ever go back, I hope to see him again.

Are you ready for Harry Potter?

Oh yeah, the new Harry Potter movie is coming out in November this year and the new book should be out by this year as well! I can't wait!

Britney Letter

Britney's Trip to Las Vegas and more
5.15.2005

Dear Fans,

Kevin and I had an amazing trip to Las Vegas. There is so much to do there. It's like Disney World for adults. We celebrated his dad's 50th birthday with a delicious dinner on the outside patio of the Ghostbar at the top of the Palms Hotel. We got to spend time with his family & some of our friends, plus went to see a few great shows. I'm glad to be back home though. Our house is still being renovated. Kevin thinks everyone will work faster if we stay at the house. All the construction is really loud in the morning, but I feel he may be right. I can't wait for it to be finished. So far it's coming along beautifully! My mom and I are going to start talking about ideas this week for the baby's room. She is so gifted in decorating and interior design and I'm grateful to have her help. I've also been thinking of different ideas for the prayer and meditation room. Everything is going so well lately, it literally brings me to my knees. I'm sorry to cut this short, but I gotta go get my beauty sleep for the Ellen DeGeneres show and David Letterman Top 10 List taping tomorrow. Watch it if you can and don't forget to tune into our show on UPN Tuesday night at 9pm!!

Love, Britney

R e s p e c t

They'd say this before a lecture, or when a big shot is giving a talk.

"Don't let me catch you sleeping, is that clear Platoon 1?"

"Platoon 1, I don't want to see anyone sleeping. Understand?"

And can you believe it, during the safety talk given by our OC, they were sleeping.

What the fuck!?

Is it just me or has all my respect for them gone done the drain? And in the presence of us Pioneers (who were fighting the Zzz monster) too.

A leader who can't set an example will never get his men to respect him.

Get a life.

Q u o t e by Sequeena

"To dream anything that you want to dream.
Trust yourself to test your limits.

That is the courage to succeed."

Till the next weekend, which happens to be a bloody long one. I'll see you guys then. Keep your cool! 0425!

Weekend

And here of course is a pic of my new cap. It's to comemerate the fact that all us Bravo pioneers have had a chance to have a 4 dollar hair cut again and that our new haircut is no different from a recruit. I know that there are people who look great with hair that short but I'm definitely not one of them. So balls to having short hair. I got this cap done for 15 dollars again and I must say it does look more impressive than my previous cap JS4U which, in case you haven't figured out, stands for Jason - Slave4U. It's not a literal thing. As for the significance of this cap, I'm sure anyone who knows me can see it straight away. I'm quite proud of this one and I'll be wearing it everywhere, even if it doesn't match my clothes.

My weekend's been quite okay. I spent yesterday working on something for Jie Yu. Today's his birthday so... a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the guy who just turned 19! I met Van and we went to walk around and did quite a lot of shopping at Citylink and then also at Bugis. It started raining and then luckily Van's dad came to send her home. I took 960 and it actually took me to Bukit Panjang (where my primary school's at) before taking the expressway to Kranji before arriving at Woodlands. On the way I received fantastic news that Van's accepted into NUS! I'm ecstatic for her.

Today was a rather normal day. I'm preparing for book in already actually. Well, I mean, I should be preparing. WTH. Anyway, went out with my sister to Orchard Road and she did a cap which says EXHILARATED, while I made this cap. I was actually also considering TOXIC or even CHAOTIC, but I made up my mind while I was there. We ate KFC before going off to HMV. Spent quite a long time there looking at CDs and soaking in the music-filled atmosphere. I was contemplating whether to buy Daniel Bedingfield's debut CD which was on sale, Jolin Tsai 's latest offering J Game or Hazy by Edison Chen. And just as I was about to walk out of the store without buying any of them, I couldn't resist it and grabbed one of them. I'll keep that a secret and reveal it next week.

Now I have one more entry to post before rounding up this week. The last post I usually make is of a quote that's motivational. A tad idealistic probably. And no, this week the quote ain't by Britney Spears.

- C h a o t i c -

Exclusive: "Chaotic" has been leaked online barely 12 hours ago. This song was meant to go on her fourth studio album In The Zone, but was left out of the final track listing. It was also set to be included as a bonus track outside the US, but that didn't happen either. When her new TV show was set to be called Chaotic, everyone's Britdar was tingling and sure enough, it is going to be used as the theme song for the TV show.

It is yet another get-on-the-dancefloor-and-dance kind of song, not unlike Me Against the Music and Do Somethin'. It's got Britney doing some spoken verses at the beginning followed by the rather cutesy pre-chorus before diving into addictive chorus. If you like something that's a bit darker than DS and still equally head banging, you've got to listen to this clip! It's really hot! I doubt that this is the full song yet because there isn't a bridge to it and rumours have been floating that a soundtrack to the TV series will be released.

I've uploaded the track and all you have to do is click it and then download from that webpage. I promise you after 10 listens, you won't be able to get the hook out of your mind.

http://s30.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3MJ67DWJVL8BA25IF3PEXMMKSM

Do you like the way I rock it, boy it's Chaotic!

Credit: breatheheavy.com

Timberlake's Voice

Justin Timberlake has undergone surgery in Los Angeles to remove throat nodules from his vocal cords, People magazine reports. Timberlake, 24, had the procedure May 5 at an undisclosed facility in Los Angeles. The growths were benign, but it will be at least three months before Timberlake can croon again.

The throat surgery is not uncommon for professional singers and is not expected to permanetly affect Timberlake's famed falsetto. No immediate word from Jive Records on whether Timberlake's recovery will delay production on his follow-up to his multiplatinum, Grammy-winning Justified, but the erstwhile Mouseketeer will have to produce something better than a whisper for his upcoming part in Shrek 3.

The budding thesp landed will voice a teenage King Arthur opposite gal-pal Cameron Diaz in the next installment of the blockbuster-animated franchise.

The film isn't due until 2007, but early recording is expected to get underway this summer.

-Launch.com (editted)

The Mix

A shoutout to all you guys! My fellow psychoianz Zhuan has sent in a house mix to WKRZ. If you're in the mood for some soulful music, tune in to Liberation on the 21st of May. Zhuan's work will be featured from midnight to 1 AM. I'm bloody proud of the him, and I respect creativity and the music. So all you guys take note and if you've never heard house music before, this might just be the turning point. Give all sorts of music a chance because you never know... You might just get hooked onto it!

OCIP Myanmar I

This was taken in the OCIP Myanmar trip last year.

Bao Xing, Van, Yu Min, Yuting and I were accompanied by this teenage girl who lead her to her house as well as through the paths of the rural areas there. There were wide open spaces as well as temples located all around. The place was so peaceful and it was as if it was never touched by humans. It was kind of magical to be there. The view from there was truly breath taking and if given the chance, Myanmar would be where I want to return to. More than once I realised that us students go on such trips and learn things that we never thought existed.

And if there was friendship that existed between people who can't communicate in the same language, you can be sure that it's not a superficial one.

Ciara - Oh!

18 years old and armed with her #1 hit Goodies, and #2 hit 1,2 Step featuring Missy Elliot, the third single off her debut album has just moved up one notch to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. The song's heavy on the bass and features a rap by Ludacris, upping the cool factor on the song. Oh! is the kind of dark and smooth song that's great to chill to and even better to get on the dancefloor to grind to.

The video's a blast as well, so if you've got time, check it out at www.launch.com. The dancing is amazing and there's an especially memorable moment where she dances on top of a car while Ludacris is rapping. The video effects there are a blast too! It seems that Ciara does have a thing for good choreography.

"The choreography is very intense," Ciara said. "In rehearsals, we just go crazy to find the best moves that we can."

...Baby One More Time Era

Her first album on Jive Records, ...Baby One More Time, debuted at #1 on the Canadian charts as well as the US Billboard Top 200 album chart on January 12, 1999, where it remained for six weeks. The single of the same name was also a #1 hit in many countries, including the US and UK, and was accompanied by a music video in which Spears wore a schoolgirl outfit and danced down a high school corridor.

Follow-up singles included the top 30 "Sometimes", top 10 "(You Drive Me) Crazy" and the top 20 "From The Bottom Of My Broken Heart". Another single, "Born To Make You Happy", was released outside the US and went to #1 in the UK.

Spears broke the record for the youngest artist, at age 17, to have his or her first single reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with "...Baby One More Time". Spears also broke the record for the youngest artist, at age 17, to have his or her first single and first album simultaneously reach #1 on the Billboard charts. Spears still holds this record. The album ...Baby One More Time is to date the best-selling album by a teenager, with over 14 million copies sold in the US and over 22 million worldwide.

In 2000, Spears was nominated for two Grammy awards; Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the single "...Baby One More Time", and Best New Artist. She did not receive either award.

-Youngster