Because We Crave Randomity.

In line with my graduation (from secondary school life), I have decided to start afresh.
(no, i haven’t done any heinous crimes.)

So here will be my newest blog address:
http://allyawestruck.wordpress.com

See you there!

P.S. This blog will disappear from the face of this planet in approximately… 2 weeks.

I will be shifting to a new site shortly after I have straightened it out.

Keep a watch out for it!

In other words, this blog will be dead.
Soon.

I must admit that I am dying to share this video with the world.

No, it is not about me.

However, it was a really amusing congratulatory hug between Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Steve Carell — the greatest comedians alive.

For those who are absolutely confused as to what is going on, simply put, Steve did not win anything, and everything that was said and done was purely for entertainment sake.

Probably the most memorable moment at the Emmys.

It is a humid and bordering on stifling night today.
In approximately 5 minutes, Wednesday will be rolling around and the US election day will be in full throttle.

Oh, the night is truly mysterious.

Moments ago, I had nearly jumped out of my skin after hearing classic oriental music (you know, those haunting kinds) being echoed from an apartment (I could not figure out which).
Thus, on the topic of melancholic (possibly creepy) Chinese tunes, they truly transport you to an era where black and white televisions and rickshaws rule.

It is definitely a sense of nostalgia you simply are not able to shake off.

Tonight, I have decided to take my mind off studies.
We do not have all the time to live in reality, so, why not make the best of it?

Maybe I can even reflect on how crazy it is that Lewis Hamilton could have coincidentally fallen to the fifth position.
Pffft. The scandals.

You have gotta love tomorrow!
Go Obama!

The holidays are rockin’ and rollin’ as I speak. So, when boredom strikes, what is there to fill those hollowness?

Well, have no fear. From couch potatoes to active feet, I have a few boredom-busters for you! Read on.

1. Simply, read! Reading takes hours, and that can help burn an entire day off. Just borrow/buy/steal a gripping novel, or any material that interests you and begin flippin’!
2. Go back to basics and work on puzzles such as word search and fill-it-ins. Want numbers? Polish your Sudoku. Highly addictive. You have been warned.
3. Pick up a television series. This is the perfect time as the US has premiered aplenty brand new/sequels of television series. Try long running series. It helps in killing time.

   (Remember, some series last as long as 20 odd episodes in one season! Note: One hour each eppy.)

   Tip: Watch them online. It’s free. Try TV Shack. Or, other video hosting sites such as MegaVideo. Do google for more choices.

4. Not a telly junkie? Fret not. Movie marathons works as well.

   Tip: If you intend to watch them online, catch earlier releases. They have been uploaded from DVDs, so they tend to have clearer qualities.

5. If you have an interest for music, why not play your music playlists (preferably one that contains 4503755 songs) in shuffle mode, and without peeping at it, guess the song title! (For a challenge, guess the artist too.)

   You might want to play it with one or two other buddies.

6. Go gaga over a celebrity. Reading about them would take days. (Select one with a long history. Hint: Madonna.) Try it!
7. Volunteer! The possibilities are endless with this one. For one, the National Library hosts plenty of duties during this period. Simply sign up online, and you will be kept on your toes till school begins in the following year.
8. Out with the old, in the with the new: Rearrange furniture in your very own room (or mess up someone else’s) or unearth 14th century clothing in your wardrobe and pass them on.

   Now that’s, decluttering with a cause.

9. Cook! Sieve out recipes on the world wide web. Not only can you discover novel meal ideas, but new takes on existing meals.

   This requires some basic knowledge in kitchen safety. Disclaimer: I will not be liable for any injuries or major/minor accidents that is evolved from this suggestion.

10. If you are very much bounded to your desktop, games might be the solution for you. Time travel caution: Online games may range from the DOS-days to before-fantastic-graphics-was-invented period.

    Not for picky gamers.

11. For female readers, you might to try reading up on home remedies. These DIY treatments for your body saves you money (forgo those which require expensive ingredients like avocado), and snips off time.

    Tip: Work on what you have in the pantry, so you won’t have to spend on anything extra.

12. Blog. Just remember to keep it neutral, and refrain from making discriminating remarks. Also, keep personal information about yourself, to yourself.

    Beware: Although you might think that your blog does not receive much attention, it will always be in public eye. That means, anything you post is read. Even if it is only one reader.

13. Have your friends to each contribute a board game, and spend a whole day playing them! Computer games might be the rage now, but board games promote social bonding.

    It is a great way to spend time together with pals as well as a fantastic ice breaker for new friends who have joined your circle of friends.

As you would have realised, none of these activities require a cent from your bank.

Who said time is money?

Happy holidays!

[Random 60]

© DarkestStar_Surveys [Do Not Remove Please].

[01]. What is the closest photograph to you?:
A memorial done photograph of my deceased hamster.

[02]. Where was it taken, and who is in it?:
In the living room, with my (live) hamster and I.

[03]. Do you think photographs are important?:
Yes, but one should be ever so careful… (COUGHS) Vanessa Hudgens (COUGHS)

[04]. How many do you think you have stored on your computer?:
I have an almost empty storage device right now. This desktop is pretty new.

[05]. What kind of desk is your computer sitting on?:
A flimsy budget-y one. To add, it is scratched and feeling awfully frustrated from all the weight it has to withstand.

[06]. Do you ever download music?:
YES! (Smirks, Dean Winchester style)

[07]. If so, what was the last album you downloaded?:
Probably Jennifer Hudson. Pretty album.

[08]. Do you remember who your favourite band was when you were 10?:
I’m guessing… Blue. Sappy and instantly likable.

[09]. Do you like strawberries?:
With whipped cream, yes. (No sexual references intended)

[10]. Are you comfortable looking in full length mirrors?:
Not when there is creepy music booming in the background. Otherwise, I can deal.

[11]. What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say England?:
Football!

[12]. Do you need a hair cut?:
Maybe. It is hard to tell, really.

[13]. Do you have a deviant art account?:
No, but I do visit the site regularly. (Grins)

[14]. Do you have a lot of furniture in your bedroom?:
Now, that would be silly. I can barely hop around in my room without slamming my nose into a wardrobe handle or something.

[15]. What TV show do you think is massively overrated?:
Let’s see… CSI. Sorry, but the forensics-related TV series seriously needs to take a backseat. Go Criminal Minds!

[16]. On myspace, do you accept anyone who sends you a friend request?:
Visiting Myspace would be like logging into my instant messenger account. Close to: never.

[17]. Are you scared of childbirth?:
No, I am worried for what comes AFTER childbirth. Now, that is something to fear.

[18]. Do you still talk to the person who has hurt you the most?:
Honestly, not exactly.

[19]. Has anyone ever accused you of something serious that you didn’t do?:
Nothing that I can think of at the moment.

[20]. Are you obsessed with body image?:
No. My obsession lies elsewhere. (Cheekily grins)

[21]. What do you think of Amy Winehouse?:
Emaciated. Drugged. Silly. Desperately needs to be single, singing and swinging.

[22]. Would you ever get dreadlocks or hairfalls?:
None. Google them and you will see why.

[23]. Do the people you live with really know who you are as a person?:
Absolutely. Shocking.

[24]. What make is your mobile phone?:
Is make some japanese word I am unfamiliar with, or is make a technology lingo? Either ways, I am going to continue to type nonsense and leave this question completely unanswered.

[25]. Have you ever been to France?:
Simply, no. Wish to, but that is far from fulfillment.

[26]. Are there any cobwebs in your room?:
Not that I wish to know.

[27]. Are you wearing slippers?:
Completely barefooted. No to slippers!

[28]. If you were a faerie, what colour wings would you have?:
The ugliest colour around, because me becoming a faerie is never happening.

[29]. What was the last band you discovered?:
The Script. They have some seriously sexy indie numbers.

[30]. Do you find a lot of new bands on myspace?:
No. I am not crazy about band-hunting.

[31]. What is your favourite chocolate bar?:
I am not a proud sweet tooth.

[32]. Do you count calories?:
Who’s counting?

[33]. Have you ever written a love story or poem?:
Too sappy. If I did, I would have gladly forgotten about it.

[34]. Who was the last person to give you flowers?:
No one did. (I was not crying while typing that reply down.)

[35]. Are you good at applying make up?:
Lousy. My pet Chinchilla is better at it.

[36]. How often do you take photos of yourself?:
Rarely. It is the flashes. Terribly blinding, are they not?

[37]. What was the last song you REALLY sang to?:
Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson. Mouthing, was more like it.

[38]. Do you think you would have what it takes to be a front woman of a band?:
I have THE most unflattering voice around. Now tell me, am I cut out to be a front woman?

[39]. What was the last historical figure you studied or researched?:
Karl Marx. Animal Farm.

[40]. What was the last piece of fruit you ate?:
Not that I recall quite clearly. I think it was a piece of watermelon.

[41]. Are you a good swimmer?:
In the kiddy pool? Yeah.

[42]. What was the last video you watched on youtube?:
The bloopers for Supernatural, season two. Hilarious.

[43]. Do you have a youtube account?:
Absolutely.

[44]. Do you have a vampirefreaks account?:
Is that a union for vampires (who are freaks)? If yes, I am an ordinary being. Absolutely, ordinary.

[45]. What makes you envious?:
That there are 2000 over channels to surf in America. Game on!

[46]. Do you think cocker spaniels are cute?:
Yes! Potential ear infection? Uncute.

[47]. What is your favourite dog breed?:
A Golden Retriever. Blond ambition.

[48]. Do you prefer the word garden or yard?:
Yard. It sounds better with sale. Think: Garden Sale. Weird, right?

[49]. Do you think the majority of surveys are too americanized?:
How so? You mean the myspace questions, right?

[50]. Would you happily make a fool of yourself in public?:
No. However, if you see anyone who is willing to make a fool of themselves in public, call me!

[51]. Who was your last relative to pass away?:
My late maternal grandfather.

[52]. Are you ambitious?:
A little, as my ambitions always wear thin in time.

[53]. Do people often call you lazy?:
I would probably proclaim, to myself, that I am lazy. Absolute television addict. That is me!

[54]. Do you have the confidence to go out and do whatever you want?:
No. My consequential state of mind forbids me to.

[55]. What is the furthest you have ever travelled alone?:
South Korea. Greatest thing I have ever done.

[56]. Have you ever headbanged?:
Yes. It makes me nauseous. Not to mention giddy.

[57]. Look in the nearest mirror. What do you look like today?:
Thankfully, there is no mirror around in this room. I do feel tired though.

[58]. Do you ever take walks with no destination in mind?:
Most of the time, no. That will be tantamount to getting lost, right?

[59]. What is your favourite type of tree?:
Teatree. It heals wounds and clears blemishes fast.
(I kid.)

[60]. Does it look like it’s going to rain?:
Unlikely.

© DarkestStar_Surveys [Do Not Remove Please].

Gabriella Climi falls flat with Ne-yo’s feet tapping Closer.
The background vocals on “I just can’t stop” not only sounds constipated, but ill-fitting. You can never be too careful with jazz renditions.

Opinions?

Sam Sparro on the instant Estelle hit, American Boy.
If you are looking for a less amplified dance beat, this makes it all the easier.

The Script attempts an Eminem classic, Lose Yourself.
All I can say, Danny owns some serious hand gestures.

Ne-yo injects a male perspective to another Rihanna hit, Take A Bow. (Not to be confused with Madonna’s Take A Bow.)
Interestingly, the lyrics are a well-composed reply to Rihanna’s rendition on the song.

The Hoosiers croons LoveStoned by Justin Timberlake.
It speaks volumes in this rendition. Endearing too.

The Fray’s hilarious take on Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira, featuring Wyclef Jean.
Harmonicas and cheeky narrations. Now, this is The Fray I have yet to know.

Simon Webbe goes vocal with The Killers’s When You Were Young.
Island-ish. Jamaican. Surprising. This cuts the rawness of The Killers’s usual style.

Jamelia (remember Superstar?) on her acoustic version of Numb by Linkin’ Park.
Rock gets a taste of the acoustics.

For more wonderful hits and terrible misses, youtube Radio 1 Live Lounge. It brings the most awesome covers you can ever find!
GRIN.

The Script does not cease to impress me.

Breakeven is the third single to be released from the band’s debut album, simplistically titled The Script.
The bottomline of the tune highlights the heartache one experiences after a break-up.

A beautifully composed song which compliments an appropriately composed video. What more could I ask for?
Admittedly, the black and white hue is already a winner when it comes to emotionally gripping lyrics like such.

Although the rolling-about-in-bed scenes were reminiscent of This Love by Maroon 5. Sorry Script.

However, I applaud the differences of all the three released singles (We Cry, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved & Breakeven), which is an absolute far cry from the recycled ideas Maroon 5 falls back on in every current release (music videos). Unfortunately, my interest in the Maroon-ies are fading with The Script-ees’ infectious numbers.

Lastly, food for thought tidbit! Could someone, anyone, shed some light on the forearm tattoo (with it belonging to Danny, the frontman) that was featured in the Breakeven clip? Does it really belong to Danny?

I thought this would delight many Jensen and Jared (Supernatural) fans.

To explain the presence of the Red Bull buggies, it is actually a teeny race called none other than the Red Bull Soap Box Derby. Basically, the two lovelies are racing against prize money which will be donated to the charity of their choice.

As you can see, Jared is punching his fist in the air because he came in first, earning him a thousand dollars. Jensen, however, wins five hundred.

What is perplexing about this race is to how Jared is able to fit into that confined race car. Plus, all knowledgeable Dean lovers would be wondering, he should be able to avoid those cones. (Recall: Dean drives his Impala most of the time, throughout Supernatural.)

Whatever the reason, their active participation is all for the greater good.
Way to go Win-ners!

One day, is short.
One day, is unpredictable.
One day, is all I have.

Now, is it not interesting why I regard a day so significantly?

Yes.
It is officially a day to the kick off of my examinations.

A different kind of death.

Doing what I did best, I youtube-d Nathan Hartono and came across this clip of him performing Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours at ACJC’s Arts Night.

Donning a goofy blue hat (This is reminiscent of Jason in the music video of I’m Yours. Clever.), he recreates the plucky guitar effect that kick starts I’m Yours. Later into the video, his accompanying guitarist breaks off into what I could vaguely make out to be Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The mash-up between the two tunes was rough in the beginning, but it was novel, nonetheless.

Lucky, maybe?

(Lucky is also a Mraz number with additional vocals by Colbie Caillat.)

Music: Before The Worst by The Script

It is 6.55pm and the sky is the bluest of blue, ever. Concurrently, I am digging in to a generous serving of Japanese curry and rice (with an extra handful of raw lettuce).

Drawing the attention back to the point about the sky… I could not help but describe how oddly prominent the blue skies are, set behind the same buildings I see the moment I gaze out of the school compound and the slightly dirtied glass windows of my apartment.

Imagine: the clouds are delicately highlighted where the sun rays are desperately outstretched before the night swallows it whole. As I leaned out of my kitchen window, another set of clouds looked like the streaks you would create on mashed potato with a fork. Well, it was streaky, to say the least.

As the plump and elongated clouds appeared in clumps, quite disappointingly, they were formless. I could vividly recall how I used to stare out at the skies when I was younger (not that I am old now) and spotted cloud formations such as sleds. Then again, due to the nature of my memory, the examples that I have quoted for the cloud formations lack a little credibility.

Do pardon my memory. It is rather fuzzy.

On a last note, honestly, the skies at dusk today mirrored one from the Hercules movie. Surreal. Picturesque.

Strangely… I feel uplifted.

Timely.
Back to work!

Fans, rejoice: High School Musical (HSM) is only going to get bigger, lustier better, and crazier.
Coming to theaters near you… soon, fans can look forward to a brand new line up of show-stopping tunes, and all that Disney movie magic.

The above teaser is actually a one minute odd preview of one of the 10 fresh numbers that will be making their debut on the big screen. Titled Now Or Never, I bet that it will be the next hit song to bombard every living souls’ minds till the following sequel emerges.

Personally, I cannot wait for this sequel to hit the cinemas, mainly because of all the hidden sexual innuendos. Come on, it is Disney! A family-orientated, all-goody-two-shoes brand. Well, I think they are making exceptions for HSM3.

Zac, oh Zac. Having noted 0:18 to 0:20 of the posted clip, all I was reminded of was Showtime’s Dexter’s opening theme song sequence. Dexter followers would remember Michael C Hall pulling his white shirt over his head, coupling it after with a pouty lip and smouldering eyes.

Ah well.
In this third instalment, Effron returns with a sinewy physique, sweaty forearms, while Vanessa stands out in the crowd to belt out a song of encouragement. Sharpay… will always remain as Sharpay, as the trailer treats us to a often gasping Ryan. More dancing and dance-offs ensue, along with a grand mass dance.

Highly broadway, I say.

There is no telling how the movie will turn out, as the trailer is between a sizzle and fizzle. Although one thing is for sure: HSM will live on forevermore.

The HSM fever will be burnin’ up in local screens come the 23rd of October.

I wish I could properly convey my post title in an audio file to bring out the eerieness of Jason’s return.
Yes. You’ve heard me.

Jason Voorhees is back from the dead.

Now, and we thought he had perished along with the final showdown between Freddy. I guess not!

This trailer was taken from Comic Con (specifically, some kind user from Youtube who attended Comic Con), an annual event that converges panels from various series that are beginning in Fall. Or, something along the lines of that.

Anyhow, they had finally released a complete trailer of Friday The 13th, and I must say it reminds me of when Hostel meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Expect gore, more gore, and plenty more to come.
Worst of all, Jason is getting frisky enough to run.
Oh! Plus, he is kissing his machete goodbye. (Psst. Chainsaws save you from working out your forearm. Less swinging.)

Truly, I am watching out for Jared Padalecki.
Come on, doesn’t anyone not want to see him flinging Jason across the room with mind power? (I kid.)

At the end of day, Jason still reins as one of the top slasher heroes.
So much so, you’ll shun The Mighty Ducks.
(Jason Takes Manhattan explains it all.)

Blood baths, here we come.

In the wake of the National Day Parade, I shall leave my indelible comments on it.
So we all know our National Day falls one day after the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony. Relation?
A complete and utterly terrible timing.

Many viewers would have been wowed by the opening ceremony on Friday evening. As evident by the spectacular and grand beginning (2008 men beating on their drums in a synchronized manner), I must say that our National Day Parade pales in comparison.

However, the greatest item for this year’s National Day Parade had to go to Nathan Hartono. Yes, him crooning Where I Belong was the most watch-worthy performance of the parade. Sadly.
They banished him soon after. A real waste.

Despite the somewhat disappointingly short-lived appearance of Nathan, this year’s celebrations were no different from the past years. True to nature, there were free-fallers, a school choir and the ceremonial parade. In addition, there was the repetition of the use of children in mass-formations.

In a nutshell, the hushed preparations were much of an anti-climax.

In contrast, the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics truly impressed the masses. After all, the star-studded Olympic rings stole the show the moment it was hoisted to what seemed like 20 feet above the ground. Not forgetting the segment when 29 footprints were set off by fireworks, marking the trail to the stadium.

In comparison, the coincidental suspended-in-the-air item for the National Day Parade was a man air-running with what I could only assume to be 4000 sparklers strapped to his hands and feet. That, must have hurt.

Anyhow, praise goes to the hearty interactions between the President and the selected families as the end drew near. Now that, was something out of the ordinary.

Predictably, the National Day Parade finished with a magnificent display of fireworks (with the absence of the special firework which could form an ‘S’) that lasted for a well 8 minutes.
One more thing.

Did anyone realise that they was no annoying “clappers” made available to the crowd this year?
Instead, they gave out giant, purposeless flowers.
Well, unless they were going for the environmental-protector theme. (Love nature! Love… flowers.)

Oh! Where was the Kallang Wave anyway?

In any case, I will be looking forward to next year’s parade.
My brother might be marching with his contingent, so I’ll be there.

Till then, I am hoping for more singing, and less recycled ideas.

I feel exactly like a kid in a candy store today.
Not so much as an enthusiastic, let’s-swag-some-candy-in-our-bag kid.
You could consider me as a sullen hunter.

So there I am, picking out chocolate bars. (Toffees stick to one’s teeth.) On top of that, I am hesitating between the $1.30 and $1.50. Oddly, both bars differ by 20 cents, but let’s not forget that it is candy.
Candy can be crafty.

Armed with a candy bar in each hand, I ponder over its worth and packaging.
One’s tri-coloured, the other, dull and dubious.
Concurrently, a cashier shadily looks over his shoulder, sneering behind my back. I know he is peeved at the fact that I visit his candy store every day, at the same time, clutching the two chocolate bars, but never ever coming to a suitable conclusion.

I suppose the dull and dubious bar tastes better than tri-coloured one. After all, appearance can be deceiving.

Confidently making my way to the checkout line, I stood still and poised, alternating the chosen chocolate bar between my hands. No, wait.

I strode back to the shelves and cautiously laid the dull and dubious bar back to its original spot. Hastily, I grabbed the tri-coloured one and took the express lane.

I should have took this lane a long time ago.

Fishing out a 2 dollar bill, I doubtfully handed it over.

With the transaction made, I wondered to myself, “Now, what I am supposed to do with the chocolate bar?”

Mood: Drained.
Music: Lost Without U by Robin Thicke

To be precise, yesterday was Racial Harmony Day. I had perceived it to be a day of colour, accompanied by a dash of festivity. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

The morning started off rather sprightly, eagerness urging me to roll off the bed and hop right into the shower for a brand new day. Or so, a special day where I need not don my school uniform.
Instead, I will be pulling on a Peranakan kebaya, formerly worn by my paternal grandmother.

What started out as energetic, dulled as soon as I realised the sparsity of students donning ethnic costume. It truly made me wonder, “Had I gotten the date mixed up?” To my relief, as I was making my way to school, I turned a corner and caught sight of a couple of Muslim girls adorning their very own traditional costumes.

I was not alone after all.

However, the horror did not stop there. The moment I crossed the school gates, may I safely say that a bare 10%, or less, of our school’s population were all dressed up for the event.
Obviously, terror drowned my initial enthusiasm. It was a glum morning (with lingering rain clouds) that was a spot-on omen.

Shockingly, my class was devoid of people. Ok. Let’s face it. Am I in a bad dream?
Anyhow, the spaces were filled up the moment my classmates returned, brightening up the corridor with splashes of colour. Hey! This Racial Harmony Day might be a day well spent, ending with a spectacular bang.

Untrue.

1. There was a change in timetable, something we had to adhere to with immediate effect (never a good thing).
2. ‘Proving a claim questions’ can be ever so tricky. (Social studies lingo.)
3. Surprises, surprises: My brain tripped and blew a fuse. Refer to the following points for instances demonstrating that.
4. I did not complete my first Physics practical, which was carried out individually. (The horror of refractions.)
5. My English mock exam went awry.

On top of that, it poured today.
Poured.
Never a good thing either.

Rainy days work better than sedatives. They knock sense and alertness right out of you.

Needless to say, I fell victim to that.

Racial Harmony Day kicked off well, only for me to be trampled by an aggravated bull.
Note to self: Weekends are my only salvation.

Mood: Tired.

Obviously, Singfest is getting bigger, and better.
So much so that they are inviting Jason Mraz (I am regretting the fact that I missed him in the Music Mosaic Festival!) and Risk Astley.

Sadly, the tickets for the second day (the day which they are performing) are 200 bucks.

Ricky should deserve a proper full length concert like Air Supply!
(So does Jason. For moi? )

Hence, it took a strong strong me to let this slip.

Mood: Disappointed.