Last Lesson in NTU

I had my last lesson in NTU which is my business elective just now. Relieved is the feeling i would say. Not that the modules this semester are tough, but it's just that 4 years is really a long time and i guess it is time to move on to another stage of life.

I've never really liked studying. The most fun and interesting modules that I took in NTU are Magic Voice in the World of a Singer and Introduction to Black and White Photography. Both of them are electives and i guess none of my core modules made the cut for me. Not that I think all modules should be carefree or entertaining, but I guess my interest in my specialized field had waned long ago for the effort put into the schoolwork to be so reluctant, deliberate and loathsome. Without passion, everything seems like a drudgery and i sure felt it for quite a long time. I feel that i have lost something rather than gained something during the 4 years, it's probably joy or energy. Maybe in the future, i would reminisce the days in university but i do doubt that possibility.

The best thing to come of my uni life is definitely my student exchange. Living in a foreign country for half a year is indeed an experience that i will never forget. How can i ever forget cycling to TU-Delft for lessons along Mercuriusweg and onward to Abtswoudseweg passing through the graffiti and poster clad tunnels, braving the strong winds and enjoying the company in Delft. We toiled together for some really tough exams and traveled to many different countries in Europe. There was work life balance I would say, part enjoyment and part hard work, something that seems quite rare here on this small little island.

Well, I am talking like I have graduated already. That will be official in more than 3 months time (provided i pass all my modules and FYP this semester i hope). Til then, I still have to wrap up my lagging FYP and revise for my upcoming exams.

I can't wait for FYP to end. I can't wait for exams to end. And most importantly, I can't wait to go back to Europe for my month-long grad trip! At least I got something to look forward to.

Read more...

Gran Torino

Went Vivocity to watch Gran Torino with Qy and Ys just now. I must say that Gran Torino is one of the best movies that I have ever watched. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski becomes increasingly unhappy with the arrival of some Hmong people into his neighbourhood. When neighbour Tao was caught trying to steal Walt's vintage 1972 Gran Torino, the boy is forced to work for Kowalski. Isolated from his own family members and having just lost his wife, Kowalski gradually becomes friendly with Tao and his family. Eventually he learns about Hmong culture even. Soon, Walt loses his racist side and becomes protective to Tao and his sister from gang harassment.

Gran Torino revolves around Walt, his distant family, his neighbours, his pastor, his hairdresser, and the people harassing his neighbours. Sounds boring? Not one bit in my opinion. Clint Eastwood absolutely nails his character as the stern, nationalistic and foul-mouthed war veteran who basically pisses many people off with his standoffish attitude. Deep inside, the guilt of his past memories still haunt him. The themes of this movie are quite ambitious as well, spanning from immigration and racial issues, the psychology of post-war soldiers, violence in general, to the theme of death and loneliness. This movie encapsulates all these themes and issues and they translate perfectly onto the big screen.

Sounds too serious? Nah, there is plenty of humour in the show as well. Sarcasm, comical snide remarks, blunt humour, digs, hilarious name callings, etc provide much entertainment for this show. The character development is really commendable with the sharp, acid yet personable screenplay, the impeccable acting, and the brilliant plot. Clint Eastwood does an amazing job as an actor as well as a director and in this show, we get the best of both worlds. Gran Torino is an immensely engaging, touching and endearing film that will be etched in many audiences' minds for a long time. Highly recommended.

*****

Gran Torino Trailer

Read more...

Baby Donovan is born!

My sis gave birth today on 31/03/09. Got a nephew now and I am now 'promoted' to the status of uncle. Ha....

Tiny baby Donovan in the crib

A closer view of Donovan

Wish that Donovan will grow up to be a strong and healthy boy.

Read more...

Mum's 53th Birthday

Celebrated Mum's 53th birthday on saturday.

Family photo with my dog!

and my relatives

Cutting the cake

Read more...

Departures

Watched Departures at with Sf, Sam and Calvin at JP just now. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Daigo Kobayashi's life takes a turn when the orchestra he played in is disbanded. Left with no job, Daigo, a cellist decides to move back to his hometown. At his hometown, he gets a job working as an funeral professional, where he sees himself as the gatekeeper between the living and the dead. Through his job, he discovers the meaning of life and what it is all about.

Departures is a dignified and respectful film that showcases the traditional Japanese ritual of sending the deceased off. The show starts off as a comedy of sorts, entertaining audiences with a hilarious tv recording and Daigo's first task which involved much puking. The show gradually moves from comedy to sombre mood with the emotional sending off everytime when someone passes. Everyone will be affected by the immense grief that the relatives go through including the undertakers. No one will be spared from the onslaught of sorrow that audiences will be able to relate to.

Asian conservative values that despise the people who earn money from the dead are discussed as well, bringing forth conflicts within Daigo's family. The cast does quite a good job with the decent character development of the main characters. Departures is an intimate study of death, life, redemption and forgiveness and it is richly layered with emotions.

****

Read more...

Already Gone

Already Gone - Kelly Clarkson

Love this song by Kelly Clarkson.

Read more...

Adidas Sale

Went to the Adidas Sale at Singapore Expo just now with Daryl and bought 2 pairs of shoes. I think many of the popular shoes are already sold out and i just grabbed the remaining decent ones that are left.

Sports Shoes

Sneakers

It's time to get rid of some of my shoes that are falling apart.

Read more...

SSO Concert

Went for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra Concert just now in NTU with some of my coursemates. It was free admission and the concert was quite worth the watch.

SSO in Nanyang Auditorium

A closer look of the orchestra players

End of concert

I fell asleep during some of the Beethoven pieces but I think the Hungarian Dances and 'Night on a Bald Mountain' are very nice pieces. I do prefer more upbeat and unconventional pieces.

Read more...