2010 in Moving Images
TV has taken my life over like an imperialistic regime, let’s just say I spent at least 8 hours in a week catching up on TV shows. Let’s see some of my personal favorites of this year.
1) How I Met Your Mother – This comedy is like a huge mystery to us fans – WHO IS TED’S WIFE ?! This season has its basic humor and a little surrealism to elevate it above the past seasons. New schticks and the usual awesome Barneyism. Looking forward to the end to find out (I) who is the wife ? (II) will Robin and Barney end up together eventually ? (III) Will Lily and Marshall have tons of kids? – but not quite looking forward to the last episode as well since this is apparently the last season.
2) The Big Bang Theory – Needless to say, these 4 brainiacs are as adorable as ever since the past 3 seasons. Interesting addition to the group is Amy Farrah Fowler, a girl who is a friend, but not Sheldon’s ‘girlfriend’. I love how she’s the female version of Sheldon. Sadly I find that Leonard’s story is dying down alil but always good to see Raj and Howard getting more lines. Will be interesting to see how Amy and Sheldon gets into a relationship and whether Leonard and Penny will get back together.
3) The Walking Dead – Rise of the zombies ! For those of you who have yet to read the comics (Neither have I, but soon!) will most likely to find it convincing, both visually and emotionally. I love how realistic and established the scenes were and it is definitely one of the most intriguing shows this season. Looking forward to more brains, guts, hearts and the undead.
4) Lie To Me – Tim Roth is really magnetic and charming as Cal Lightman, the soul of the story. I enjoy the acting of the cast but not quite the plot which tends to digress into not-so-important details. It is still fascinating to watch how the Lightman group solves these crimes nonetheless.
5) Community – Meta-sitcom structure aside, Community has wonderfully drawn characters and remarkable cast. I totally love Abed and Troy, they never fail to bring a blast to the end of the show which happens to be the best last few minutes of each episode. Not sure how long can they last in college but will be looking forward to more.
6) Raising Hope – Very similar to ‘My Name Is Earl’ as they are both created by Greg Garcia. I like how it is built around the working class and how ‘screwed up’ life can be. Likable characters (The grandma character is hilarious), fun plot and you really can’t resist the charm of the baby. A simple yet very homely off-beat comedy.
7) Running Wilde - Slapstick humor, another way to describe the style would be ‘Arrested Development’ as it is co-created by its producers. There are flaws but some episodes get the humor. I like Kerri Russel enough to watch the show and I’m still amused by how shiny and ‘plastic’ Will Arnett’s forehead is.
8) The Office – This season has been funny so far and probably it’s all thanks to a good cast. Steve Carell has his ways when it comes to ‘mockumentary’ – of course, clever writing helps. I am still lovin’ it.
9) Nikita – After Alias, I think this gotta be the best female kickass show on screen after a long time. Maggie Q is ever so hot and seductive in her character and I’m glad the plot gets better. A fair balance between sub-plots and action, what more can I ask for ?
10) The Vampire Diaries – Guilty pleasure. I really think Damon (on the right) is the hottest vampire around, who really gives a damn about sparkling Edward. Plot aside, gorgeous cast and excellent OST.
Not forgetting I’m always a fan of Saturday Night Live, Family Guy, singing from Glee (not so for the plot), Tower Prep (I know, it’s aired on Cartoon Network and I’m way overage for that..but Drew Van Acker is too cute to resist and anything with supernatural powers is pretty awesome to watch). Hellcats is another guilty pleasure as the story really sucks but the cast is worth watching, based on looks that is. Criminal Minds and NCIS have been interesting but it gets just alil boring after episodes and episodes of similar predictable endings. I catch a glimpse of Parenthood once in awhile but it gets too sappy for me. Not forgetting the ‘to-catch-up-on’ list of Modern Family,Weed, Futurama and Mad Men.
Oh boy, I sure need more time for TV in 2011. Looking forward to Jan when all my shows return !
[Event] HP ‘AMP’ a gift this Christmas + 40th Anniversary Party
A couple of weeks back, I was thrilled to be invited to HP Singapore’s 40th Anniversary and Christmas party at House. It’s always fun to meet the friends I met via social media platforms and parties are always fun ain’t they? Loads of Christmas decor and cute HP cupcakes (I had one and it turned my tongue blue…haha) around the display booths that’s filled with HP Goodies…currently typing on the laptop that’s featured that night too!
Loved the whole Christmas theme and decorations, really felt like Christmas came early this year ! The Muttons were there to hype things up and I had fun being sabotaged to play ‘stage game’ aka ‘Don’t forget the lyrics’ or more like ‘Complete the song with your own lyrics’ judging how ‘well’ we did.
HP Singapore asked the bloggers this question : “How would you ‘AMP’ a gift this Christmas?” (You can check out other bloggers’ stories on the HP Facebook FanPage)
Many people tend to forget the true meaning behind Christmas – it’s not a time for shopping or getting expensive gifts. Personally, Christmas to me is usually spending time with my loved ones and a time for self-reflection. 2010 has not be exactly a cheerful year with all the natural disasters happening and you wake up to bad news on TV half the time. Many people out there lost their homes and families, or fighting against illnesses as we speak.
I made it a point this year to contribute back to the society in my own little ways – teaching children, being an listening ear to troubled souls and lastly, making my first blood donation after those many years of trying to meet the weight requirement (lol). For my birthday wish this year, I asked others to donate blood as a gift for me. I have received pictures and promises that they’d do it as soon as they can (You can only donate blood every 12 weeks). I have finally passed that 12 weeks mark, so I’ll be going for my donation run soon !
So for Christmas this year, I’d like everyone to join in and celebrate the spirit of giving by donating blood ! If you’re wondering “Why is she forever asking people to donate blood ah?” Here’s why :
1) Blood is needed during bone marrow transplants for leukaemia patients, for thalasemia patients needing regular blood transfusions and during surgeries etc – simply put, it’s never enough.
2) A single blood donation, when separated into its components, can help at least three different patients. – You’re not saving only 1 life but 3.
3) Blood can be stored for only a limited time before use. – Therefore, a regular blood supply is important.
Blood is probably the most precious gift one can possibly give to another person, it’s like the gift of life. At no cost and low/no pain (Really, it doesn’t hurt at all. Guys, don’t be a wimp.), what’s stopping you from doing so ? So here’s my ‘challenge’ for you guys this Christmas – give this part of you to someone else and make their Christmas a joyful one !
As for those who can’t donate blood due to certain reasons, a monetary donation to Singapore Red Cross will be helpful too! I wish Singapore Red Cross would do a collaboration like what American Red Cross did last year ! Specially branded The Vampire Diaries materials for donors as well as themed refreshment stands and footage from the show playing TV monitors while you’re donating blood. How awesome is that ! (DAMON SALVATORE!! *fan girl mode*)
P.S : I’ll be donating blood at the blood bank next Sunday (19th Dec, probably 1pm) with my friends, if you’re interested…do drop me a message !
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To motivate more people with the love of giving, HP Singapore has generously rolled out a “How would you AMP a gift for someone else?” Facebook Activity! (click on the link for more information) There will be E-Coupon code each week to spread the Christmas cheer! Ideas for your Christmas gifts that’s kind to your wallets perhaps? =)
AOTW [45] : Susan Yu
Last year, I came across Meiko’s ‘Reasons to love you’ and instantly fell in love with it (especially when I have a habit of sending sweet songs with nice lyrics to the special someone I’m dating) I do remember hearing this song ‘Under My Bed’ but it didn’t mean much to me till I heard this song again on The Vampire Diaries S2E03 (Yes, I’m still addicted to Oh-So-Hot-Damon).
So here you go, another great song by Meiko that’s covered by 22 years old Susan Yu. I think she did a pretty good job on both songs (check out her ‘Reasons to Love You’ too!) and pretty nice voice ! I really admire talented young girls, wish I belong to that category somehow ! Haha
Meiko – Under My bed
Now my eyes are wide open
Now that every thing’s been stolen
And I’m here to get it back from you
See I ain’t wasting no more time
gotta take back whats mine
What else am i suppose to do
Here I am
with my heart on the floor
and my love out the door
you should be knocking
but there it goes
I got nothing to show for
except pictures i posed for
but i keep them in a box under my bed
I told you time and again
that you’d never win
I told you time and again
but you keep doing the same old things
when i thought you would change
I told you time and again
Here i am
with my heart on the floor
and my love out the door
you should be knocking
but there it goes
i got nothing to show for
except pictures i posed for
but i keep them in a box under my bed
oh, ooooo, oh oh
ooooo, oh oh
ooooo, oh oh
oh, ooooo, oh oh
ooooo, oh oh
ooooo, oh oh
Here i am
with my heart on the floor
and my love out the door
there it goes
i got nothing to show for
except i posed for
Here i am
with my heart on the floor
and my love out the door
you should be knocking
but there it goes
i got nothing to show for
except pictures i posed for
but i keep them in a box under my bed
“Does it matter?”
Elena: “Things are different this year. Everything that used to matter doesn’t anymore.”
Damon: “So don’t let it. Quit, move on. Problem solved. Ta-da.”
Elena: “Some things could matter again.”
Damon: “Maybe. But… seems a little unrealistic to me.”
I recently discovered this yet another vampire series (slow, I know) called ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Hate to say this but it’s equally ‘trashy’ as Twilight is to me. The only thing I like about the show is Nina Dobrev whom I think is pretty and Paul Wesley with his really gorgeous eyes. Oh, the soundtrack isn’t too bad either. Will watch a few more episodes before I decide if I like it or not.
In this scene, Elena was talking about how she is tired of cheerleading and suddenly things that used to matter doesn’t really matter anymore. However, we see that a part of her is still holding on with the belief that perhaps it could matter again. Damon (Ian Somerhalder), as Stefan’s (Paul Wesley) elder brother, was convincing her to quit cheerleading and move on as he sees that she is not longer passionate in it and it is unrealistic to hold on.
Sometimes there are moments in life where we keep that thought of ‘ Hey, perhaps I should still hold on because I think things might change.’ or ‘Perhaps one day it’ll matter to me again, it was important afterall.’ I guess as much as we ought to be sentimental or giving ourselves second chances – sometimes it’s better to let go and move on, especially when nothing really matters anymore.
