WeLcOmE tO ThE CoOl COoL IcEzWoRLd...

Icez Blogz

2011-01-26T17:25:00.003+08:00

Icez Blogz

Ok, the first thing I am going to do is to push the blame to Facebook - for neglecting my cool cool icezworld for so long. Coz it seems so convenient to update stuffs over at FB, especially photos. So, here I am going to give a summary of what happened the past few months.... *Yawnz*

Went Korea for the 1st time with "5 Star" Tour Agency. Realised how things can be beautified in drama serials. Korea was just ok to me. Nothing to "wow" about. Food was quite bad as of all group tours. Scenery was kinda nice but not spectacular. I like the show though, it was really nice! Didn't shop much too as it's not cheap. Bought my 1st Evisu jeans (as it's cheaper there than in Sg), 2 AX tees, a CK jeans cap, a black winter jacket, 2 working shirts and of course facial products from . No, didn't go for the Ginseng that they kept promoting. :P

Then I went Taiwan for countdown. Visited Hua Lian and supposedly a very scenic place as well. Well, it was ok..... quite nice. Took some photos and will share on FB soon. Since I was there, I visited the Flower Expo as it's like the "Must Go" kinda place. Result? Crap lor. It's practically a waste of time as most of the time you will be lining up to get into some exhibitions only to realise that it's full of crap. Took a lot of photos of flowers.... might as well right since I was there? The rest of the trip consists mainly of the usual shopping & eating.

Had quite a few gatherings lately with my NUS Geyao (Singing group) friends, my holiday work friends and ex-colleagues. My Geyao friends commented that my singing has improved! They said that it seems like my range is wider and I could hit the high notes easier as compared to last time. Happy. :)

I am still having my usual tennis sessions on Saturday. No major improvement... yet. :P

Have been rather actively looking for a resale HDB flat. It seems so difficult as very few agents want to be "buyers' agent". And a lot of ads are actually dummies. Meaning no response when you call or sms them. And of course my requirements are not exactly easy to match but hey, I am looking for a place to stay for long term so it's worth the effort right?

Will try to blog more often. :P

Icez Tenniz

2010-10-06T22:46:00.008+08:00

Icez Tenniz

Gosh! Anyone missed me here? I have been neglecting 'Cool Cool Icezworld' for so long. Too busy at work, probably.

Anyway, just indulge in a new Tennis Racket and Bag! Excited! Not forgetting my YOG visor. Haha :)

My new bag Wilson BLX Team 6X Bag WHNY!

Wilson K Factor Six One Team!

And last but not least, YOG visor with Merly & Lyo on it!

Icez Shoppingz: Confessions of a Shopaholic?

2010-07-26T15:39:00.010+08:00

Icez Shoppingz: Confessions of a Shopaholic?

Just did a very 'Shopaholic' act. Was at Isetan during lunch for the CKJ sales. Saw this sweater that I have been eyeing for a long time and it was really priced down this time.Was searching for M size but it was all L. Then saw this auntie holding an M size and saying how nice it was. I was hoping that she will put it back but she didn't. I pretended that I wasn't interested.

Then she started walking away and looking at other stuffs. So I also went to look at other stuffs but keeping tab on her movements.

After 5-10 minutes, seeing that my sweater is gone, I decided to leave the place. While I was taking the escalator down, I saw the auntie asking the sales assistant something about that sweater. I imagined in my mind she was asking for a new piece or maybe S size. But I couldn't see further as my escalator reached the ground floor.

I was so determined that I decided to take the escalator back and take a look. And to my pleasant surprise, the auntie didn't want the sweater after all.

Immediately, I was delighted and hurried back to the store to get it. After trying and making sure that the sweater is in good condition, I bought it.

So, my efforts paid off. :) Shopaholic?

Icezworld's Birthday

2010-07-07T23:44:00.001+08:00

Icezworld's Birthday

It has been 2 years since I have this blog. Happy Birthday Freezing Cool Icezworld!

Icez Thoughts: Family kind of Love

2010-07-07T23:40:00.002+08:00

Icez Thoughts: Family kind of Love

On the day of my birthday, I was about to leave home for a day of shopping. Before I leave my place, my Mum remembered that it was my birthday. So she said,"Isn't today your birthday?" "Yah...Bye... I am going out" I said.

Then my Dad sent a "Happy Birthday" sms to me.

Today my Mum cooked my favourite dish. It's this stewed mushrooms with dried oysters, pork ribs and chicken feet. Other than the chicken feet, I like the rest of the dish. This has been my favourite dish since young. I don't know why also. And my Mum seldom cook so it's some effort that she cooked my favourite dish. I remember she brought this to Nee Soon Camp for me on my BMT's Family Visiting Day. I finished up everything. Just imagine after having weeks of camp food and you will understand why. I must start to learn to cook this dish also. She also cooked big prawns, steamed pomfret and some vegetables. I loved it all. 100% home cooked food.

Also, my brother bought durians as well. Ok, it's my favourite fruit also. So I take it it's meant for me. :P

So I guess this is the way my family celebrates my birthday for me. They probably doesn't know what to get me and I wouldn't want them to waste money too. So this is the best way. :)

I also received many birthday treats, vouchers and some pressies. Felt blessed. Guess that is good enough for someone of my age. *grin*

Thanks everyone!

Icez Accidentz: On the way to office.

2010-06-22T15:23:00.007+08:00

Icez Accidentz: On the way to office

Saw this accident on my way to office. Heard over radio 100.3 that there's an accident at Thomson road and the PIE exit will be closed.

By the time I reached, they have also closed the exit to Toa Payoh Lorong 1 so I have to detour to Toa Payoh Lorong 6. Saw this lorry stucked at the divider between the 2 exits. It was rather scary.

This brought me to my memories that I used to have a colleague (Let's call him Uncle Teo) and he too drove us to this divider on the expressway. The lucky thing is he stopped in time. We were all gasping in fear and of course some screamed. But we were lucky.

Icez Musicz: 感動每一刻 Every Touching Moment

2010-04-20T10:17:00.003+08:00

Icez Musicz: 感動每一刻 Every Touching Moment

A nice effort by the 4 local singers. My favourite is of course Stefanie! Though the song seems like another National Day song and the style is very JJ.

What do you think? Does it sound inspirational to you?

Icez Updates: of myself....

2010-03-15T15:55:00.003+08:00

Icez Updates: of myself....

This is really just a random update of who else but myself! So, no planning or structuring of what I am going to write....

1) Tired. Not enough sleep everyday and I just couldn't make myself go to bed earlier. And obviously I couldn't wake up any later. :P

2) My tennis has been improving and now I need to work on my backhand to get a smoother return.

3) My househunting attempts haven't been too fruitful. The fear of prices going up everyday haunts me each time. But I just couldn't close my eyes and just pick something from the lot. Maybe I should have bought D'Fresco right at the start. Last year. March. Now I might be going for HDB flats if there's no signs of prices falling. :( But even flats are expensive now! More control measures please...

4) Work has been good. Some changes in my department but it worked well for me. So I am quite happy. As usual, colleagues and bosses are nice!

5) Looking forward to my holidays in April. The last holiday was in December/January. Must also plan something for year end.

That's about it. Such a boring life!

Icez Thoughtz: What's in for 2010?

2010-01-12T14:58:00.005+08:00

Icez Thoughtz: What's in for 2010?

Seriously, I have been too busy lately to even think of 2010, not to mention updating my blog. *Trying to start off with an excuse*

So what was I busy with recently?

I went to Japan before X'mas and also KL for countdown. Hate to mention, I had a disastrous hair colour done. Ok, the colour is not disastrous but more like the shock and the process. In short, my hairstylist didn't follow my instructions on the colour I wanted and gave me a daring blonde ash look. Was I ok with that? Yes. Sure. Will my bosses or other colleagues accept it? Nah. I don't even dare think about it. Anyway I have to salvage my hair by doing another layer of black. So now my hair is super dry. Blah. And I am still thinking of doing something before CNY. Stay tuned for that.

So what's in for 2010? I don't really know. 6 years in my present job. Gosh. Time flies. The good thing is the colleagues are really nice and that's what makes me stay in the job. I like the stable and familiar environment where there are no office politics. I like the familiarity I have for the work that I am doing and am confident of what works and what doesn't. So do I want to plunge into a totally new environment? I don't have an answer too. Leave it to fate.

I will continue to work on improving my tennis. Though I have made significant progress in my 1st year or so, according to my tennis mates, but I seemed to have been stagnant now. Need to improve on my serve and also backhand to elevate my playing to the next level.

Travel. Where else do I want to go in 2010? Europe? USA? Korea? Undecided.

Leave you with some photos of Japan. Mount Fuji and the area around it. Beautiful place.

Icez Avatarz: My very own Avatar image!

2010-01-03T23:30:00.003+08:00

Icez Avatarz: My very own Avatar image!

My very own avatar image created with my photo. Does it looks like me?

Icez Moviez & Thoughtz: 2012

2009-11-14T03:28:00.004+08:00

Icez Moviez & Thoughtz: 2012

What will you do if this is really happening? As in the world will come to an end on 21st December 2012.

Think harder now and start loving and appreciating the people around you.

4.5 icez cubez! Must watch!

Icez Tenniz: Adidas CC Feather IV

2009-10-15T14:39:00.007+08:00

Icez Tenniz: Adidas CC Feather IV

Went to Velocity for lunch and had a pleasant surprise. The Adidas factory outlet is having a sale. It was really crowded and chaotic. The staff there are just not prepared for a sale! They don't know where to get the shoes. They don't know how much is the sale price. And many more stuffs they don't know about.

So I decided to stay focus in this chaotic mess and go for my tennis shoes. I asked a sales assistant and she doesn't know. She went to ask another sales person. Duh! So I managed to find the corner for tennis shoes and picked up a few choices. No price tag. So I asked... again this sales assistant doesn't know as well and need to check. After checking I realised they don't have my size. So I picked another model and asked for my size. They got it. Now for the price... of course he doesn't know! *Surprise surprise* After another round of checking, the price is at $120 before the special discount for the day. $120 is already a discounted price but for that day there's an extra 40% discount. But I heard that you need to present a coupon for that 40%. So I asked the same sales person again and he said don't need coupon. Hmmm..... but I don't really trust him so I asked another more "senior" looking guy and he told me that I need a coupon! Damn. I don't have any coupon! So he advised me that I can ask someone in the queue who has a coupon to buy on my behalf.

My sentiments exactly. But it can be quite embarassing to do that. So I thought I could just try my luck to look at who's in the queue. Super long queue with only 2 counters for payment. And I only have 15 minutes. Then it came to my mind that I always bump into this friend in the Adidas shop. She was just working upstairs so I was praying that she's in the queue. And to my shock, she was really in the queue and was just like the 3rd person reaching the cashier.

Of course, she helped me to buy the shoes and I was elated to find her in the queue or else I wouldn't have been able to get it. Thanks so much!

So presenting my new tennis shoes!

The CC Feather IV updates the Feather line with a new look while maintaining the same attributes that have made the Feather line so popular. Maintaining a light weight shoe with superior ventilation, Adidas has improved the durability and stability with the Feather IV. The breathability comes into play in warm weather situations providing a soothing, cool comfort with the 360 degree Climacool construction. Though this shoe is versatile for all court surfaces, it seems to thrive on clay, thus being a sought-after option during the clay season with many touring pros.

Fit: Length fit is slightly long. Width fit is medium to narrow throughout. Arch support is medium.
Upper: adiTUFF for best abrasion resistance in the toe area. ClimaCool provides 360-degree cooling for the entire foot. Synthetic leather upper for lightweight durability.
Lining: ClimaLite lining for moisture management and breathability.
Inlay: Perforated Clima-Cool sockliner for increased comfort and airflow.
Midsole: 3-D Torsion keeps midfoot stable. Uses adiPREne insert for absorbing shock and adiPRENE + in forefoot for propulsion. Construction of midsole is encapsulated for a more enhanced fit.
Outsole: adiWEAR for best durability in the high-wear areas.
Weight: 13.8 ounces (size 10.5)
Color: White / Metallic Silver/ Black

Icez Entertainment: Miss Ris Low Aka Boomz

2009-10-06T18:41:00.002+08:00

Icez Entertainment: Miss Ris Low Aka Boomz

I must say that she is good in making news....non-stop.

Something off the track. Miss Boomz in her before and after make-up. I wouldn't have recognise her.

Icez Family

2009-09-30T16:07:00.003+08:00

Icez Family

This is probably the first time I am talking about my family...

Earlier this year, we have plans to go for a family trip. Mainly because Daddy has not taken a plane before. However, he is getting weaker and weaker after his operation. He is having heart problems and now he can't really walk for long distance and will complain about occasional pains and discomfort. Thus, going on a trip might not be a good idea. Then when is a good time? Don't think Daddy will ever be well enough....

Anyway, Daddy has been having a weird swing of mood lately and he just kept quarrelling with Mum over small small matters. Last night and the night before they quarrelled again in the middle of the night. This is not something new for me as I have been living with it throughout my entire life. There were a few instances when I am having my exams the next day but it doesn't matter when they feels like quarrelling. I have sorta given up hope on trying to mediate or reconcile the differences.

So now you know why if you see that I do not have enough sleep...

Icez Thoughtz: I have tried my best. So?

2009-09-15T15:08:00.003+08:00

Icez Thoughtz: Have you tried your best?

What happens when you didn't manage to get or achieve something that you wanted? You feel disappointed, right? Then friends will start consoling you and said it's ok so long as you have tried your best.

But is trying your best really good enough? I meant is it good enough for you or do you still want to achieve the desired outcome?

I used to be able to console myself with,"It's ok, I have tried my best." But recently I started to ponder whether if trying my best is what I wanted in the first place. The answer is no.

When I prepare myself to go for a competition, I want to win or at least get into the finals or something. When I prepare myself for an exam, I want to pass with results I aimed for. And when you kept getting "I have tried my best" as the outcome, you just get sick of it.

So, if what I am doing now doesn't lead me to my desired outcome, maybe I should rethink and reprioritise?

Icez Lifez: Perspectivez?

2009-09-02T00:08:00.008+08:00

Icez Lifez: Perspectivez?

(Photo: "Waiting..." by Icezworld)

Friends have been giving me feedback on my blog. They said my blog is more of a reporting style but it doesn't say much about me, my life, my perspectives etc.

True to a certain extent. I asked myself why my blog falls under the "reporting" style. I think the reason is I am too busy.

Too busy? Doing what?

Work - Half my time gone!

Tennis - Once every week

Gym - Once every week

Sing

Friendz

Family

Blogz

Facebook

Photos - A lot to be edited

Moviez - A lot of DVDs to watch

Travel - Japan trip planned

Read - Many books on my shelf, waiting to be read...

???

See? My life is so so occupied! And I am so caught up with all these that it becomes a luxury for me to have time to sort out my photos, upload them and write something about it in my blog.

So, where got time to go and think of my perspectives, my thoughts, put them in nice nice words and write them here? :P

If I have the time, I should finish reading all the books I have, watched all the DVDs I have, edit all the photos taken and probably do more writing?

All along I have this dream of writing a book, a chinese book to be precise. A book of short stories, mainly on life, love and including photos taken by me. When I have the time, I will start writing....

Icez Friendz: Taiwan Beef Noodles

2009-08-26T23:22:00.002+08:00

Icez Friendz: Specially for you - Taiwan Beef Noodles

I have been thinking of writing this blog entry for a long time. When I came back from Taiwan, I actually bought some of these.

I know this is something you like very much and you always ask me to get for you when I go to Taiwan. So this time I also got some for you. Yes, I still remember.

I know it's not convenient for me to pass it to you now. So, hope that you will see it here. And I am sure that you will get to eat lots of these in future..... I will still get it for you again if I go Taiwan again. :P

This entry appears to be a simple one but however it took me quite some time to think of what I should write, how I should phrase it etc. So it actually took me quite some time.

Just hope that everything will be back to normal very soon.

雨过应该就会天晴吧？

Icez Tripz: Hong Kong (14 - 18 Aug 2009)

2009-08-19T23:06:00.004+08:00

Icez Tripz: Hong Kong (14 - 18 Aug 2009)

Just came back from Hong Kong. The sales there are crazy and I went berserk and really tired from combing the shopping areas for great deals.

My shopping;

Armani Exchange - 3 tees & a necklace (should be more if not for the fact that they do not have S size for many designs)

Calvin Klein - 1 tee (Not that cheap)

H & M - 3 tees & a belt (A cross between Zara and Topshop)

G2000 - 2 jackets & 3 shirts (Cheaper than SG and managed to find S size for the designs I eyed in SG, which ran out of S size)

5cm - 1 tee & 1 bag (A local designer brand)

Night market - A dress cap

Separately, I also bought an Armani Exchange tee for my bro and a blouse for my mum. One of the G2000 shirt for my dad.

Of course, not forgetting the local goodies from Wing Wah.

I have not really calculated on the amount I spent yet as I paid for most of the stuffs using my card.... so I hope I won't get a shock when I received the statement.

A picture of Hong Kong.

And me with the night market cap. What do you think? Ok?

Icez Updatez: Born on the 5th of July

2009-07-12T15:22:00.005+08:00

Icez Updatez: Born on the 5th of July

Really appreciate all the nice well wishes from my friends. All the smses, facebook messages, calls, dinners and lunches and of course all these nice presents!

Thanks all!

Icez Phonez: Nokia E71

2009-06-30T09:49:00.003+08:00

Icez Phonez: Nokia E71

Finally got my new phone! Nokia E71!

Didn't have the intention to change my phone (yes, I still like my old phone) until M1 sent me this $70 voucher and a free upgrade to a 3G sim card. So, I thought,"Why not?"

I have waited for the price to drop for the past few weeks. It was initially at $368 with upgrade of phone line. Then last weekend they started the promotion and it's at $248. With the $70 voucher, I only paid $178 for it. So I guess it's a good deal. I hope that buying properties can be as easy. *faintz*

Icez Updatez

2009-06-16T10:00:00.004+08:00

Icez Updatez

Sorry, supposed to post more photos from Taipei but too too busy..........

There are so many things to do and so little time.

Should be getting a new phone coz M1 sends me a $70 voucher to upgrade to a 3G phone and also free upgrade to 3G sim card. So I thought it's a good chance to upgrade. My choice is still between Nokia E71 and Nokia E66. Most comments from friends are for E71.

Also, the property prices seem to be going up but yet some analysts commented that it's not sustainable and prices will fall very soon. Who is right? To buy now or not? I have been looking around for the past week and browsing through all the ads. Made a lot of calls and smses also. That's why busy lor.

I have also included swimming in my sports activities in order to burn more fats. :P

Mon - Swim
Tues - Gym
Sat - Tennis

How I wish I can squeeze in Volleyball as well but couldn't afford the time.

Now I just walk over to SAFRA Jurong for my swim. So convenient!!!

Icez Tripz: Taipei 14-18 May 2009

2009-05-22T16:22:00.003+08:00

Icez Tripz: Taipei 14-18 May 2009

Before I upload some photos of my recent Taipei trip, just want to have a quick update on who I met on the same flight back to Singapore.

Leon Jay Williams 立威廉

Ok, he wasn't as gorgeous like this picture or like in his dramas but still good looking of course. He seems to be very short sighted and he wasn't wearing any specs or contact lens so he was constantly straining his eyes to see clearly. That makes his eyes look smaller but still he couldn't escape my eyes. At least I saw a celebrity in this trip.......... even though I only saw him in Singapore. :P

Hopefully I can post my Taipei photos soon.

Icez Shoppingz: UNIQLO

2009-05-09T02:23:00.006+08:00

Icez Shoppingz: UNIQLO

As promised, some of the photos of the UNIQLO shop at Tampines One. Surprisingly, there's still a queue after 1 week.

Ok, I don't think the range in Singapore is fantastic and I was rather disappointed. Nonetheless, after waiting at the queue to get in, it's really quite a pity if I don't buy anything. So I bought 2 nolstagic tees. Pacman and Galaxian!!!

Heard some comments that the guys' range is nicer than the ladies and even the female cashier is wearing an oversize guys' tee!

Icez Foodz: Kim Gary

2009-04-24T01:43:00.003+08:00

Icez Foodz: Kim Gary

Was at Tampines One last friday with my department. We had lunch at Tampines One's Kim Gary. I even recognised one of the Manager from Vivocity's branch!

Ok, the point is I ordered this Minced Beef rice set. It comes with a soup and drink and it was about $8.70. Quite worth it actually if you order the right food. My food was pathetic with more gravy than minced beef.

Look! Can you see the 2 pieces of slightly bigger beef?

Whereas my colleague order some beef pasta and it looks like this!

Note: 1 piece of the beef was half eaten already.

And his beef was delicious!

Just strange that for the same price, the difference could be so huge!!! So, be careful what you order at Kim Gary next time.

Tampines One was actually, nothing fantastic. Uniqlo is still popular with queues.... will elaborate more in my next post.

Icez Videoz: 15 Minutes of Distance

2009-04-09T16:44:00.002+08:00

Icez Videoz: 15 Minutes of Distance

This is a short film that I acted in many years ago. It's produced by Emoxis Production and got a Merit Award at the Singapore Film Festival - Short Film Category.

Enjoy :P

Icez Sportz: Badminton & Tenniz!

2009-03-16T11:24:00.002+08:00

Icez Sportz: Badminton & Tenniz!

Yes, I did both on the same day. Last saturday. Kwang and Tony has been asking me for badminton session so I decided to give up my beauty sleep on saturday morning to join them. Slept at 3am and work up at 9am to go for badminton. It was a good 2 hours game and I sorta polish up my rusty skills. Yes, I have not been playing badminton for years! Thus, I even have to change the grip on my rackets. They sorta eroded. Anyway they commented that I turned violent with my smashes. Haha :) I told them last time I was more violent. :P

After 2 hours of badminton, we had drinks and lunch at a nearby hawker centre. After that, I managed to get a shower at YCK Tennis And Squash courts area. Drove to my friend's place for tennis. And since I was early, so I rested and had a nap in my car, with the windows slightly open of course! So it was another 3 hours of tennis. Gosh, I didn't expected that I can do it, without fainting on the court. It was a long time since I did 5 hours of sports on the same day. No, I don't run marathons. But I don't mind marathon games.

Now I am suffering with the right side on my body almost paralysed. Haha.... not so serious but it's aching for sure.

Icez Humourz: Man Vs Woman part 3 (end)

2009-02-27T11:38:00.001+08:00

Icez Humourz: Man Vs Woman part 3 (end)

Icez Moviez: Benjamin Button!

2009-02-12T10:46:00.002+08:00

Icez Moviez: Benjamin Button!

Maybe I am a sucker for such movies or maybe it's just Brad Pitt. I love this movie.

When most people were laughing away at how Benjamin became a small boy, I was feeling sad. It was sad for me because you are standing in front of someone whom you loved and loved you but yet you can't recall a single thing. It's worse for Daisy to witness the man she loved became a "senile" kid. It makes me realise how we took it for granted that we all can grow old together with someone we loved. So now, growing old is not so fearful for me. But not being able to grow old with someone you loved is.

I like the treatment for this movie. I like the part it illustrated how Daisy would not have been knocked down by a car if things didn't happen the way it did. I like the ending part where it describe "life is ........ " and a recap of all the characters in the movie. It's a good way to conclude the movie. I like the way the humming bird was linking the movie together from the past to the present. I like the way it was narrated by someone who in the midst of narrating the story realised that Benjamin is her father.

However, I can't help but find that these few treatments were rather familiar.

Daisy would not have been knocked down if ......... - Sliding Doors where they show 2 different stories of how things would have turned out if the main character missed / didn't missed the train.

Humming bird linking the movie together - Forrest Gump's floating white feather.

Daisy (old) on her bed recalling the past - Rose (old) in Titanic recalling how she met Jack.

It's no wonder why this movie has numerous nominations given the similiar treatment to Titanic and Forrest Gump. But it's definitely a question mark on how many awards it can win. Even though there were similiarities, it wasn't easy to piece everything together nicely on it's own. What I like is really the feelings you get after watching the show and it's not easy for me to sit through this almost 3 hours movie, but I did.

Recommended. 4.5 icez cubez.

Icez Getz: Time to say goodbye!

2009-02-06T13:47:00.002+08:00

Icez Getz: Time to say goodbye!

Time to say goodbye! To a buddy for 4.5 years.

My journeys are always nice and smooth with you around. You are as reliable as you can be. I like you as I can always see you from afar and find you easily. A lot of my most precious moments happened with your presence. You shared both my happiness and sadness.

Thank you for being my buddy! *Hugz*

Icez Humourz: Man vs Woman Part 2

2009-01-28T10:04:00.001+08:00

Icez Humourz: Man vs Woman Part 2

Enjoy!!!

Icez Humourz: Man Vs Woman Part 1

2009-01-16T11:54:00.002+08:00

Icez Humourz: Man Vs Woman Part 1

This is quite funny and true, to a certain extent. Watch out for Part 2 and 3...... :)

Icez Frenz: Love Matters...

2009-01-12T14:18:00.003+08:00

Icez Frenz: Love Matters...

Last night, I slept at 2am+. Not because I was online surfing websites or watching TV, but because I was "A Luv Guru" for a friend.

He actually asked for a meetup as he was facing some issues with his relationship. This is not the first time I was asked to be "A Luv Guru". Not sure what traits do I possess to have this privilege of being "A Luv Guru" to my friends. But it certainly was gratifying to know that I am able to do something for my friends.

Usually, I realised that most people know about the situation they are in and surprisingly, they already know what to do about it. They merely wanted to talk to someone and to further affirm that their decision is right.

I am glad that I am the one chosen. Maybe I can consider a second career in this area?

Icez Gamez: WII Bowling

2008-12-29T01:12:00.002+08:00

Icez Gamez: WII Bowling

My first time playing WII Bowling and I got an unbelievable high score! How I wish I can do that in real life. 235!!!!

Happy :)

Icez Songz: The Little Nyonya 《小娘惹》Theme Songs

2008-12-17T00:28:00.002+08:00

Icez Songz: The Little Nyonya 《小娘惹》Theme Songs

Both songs are very nice and one of them is by a friend, Bevlyn Khoo. Great job and all the way Bevlyn!

如燕 - Olivia Ong

保温- 邱意淋 Bevlyn Khoo

Icez Frenz: Ms Clara He

2008-12-04T15:45:00.004+08:00

Icez Frenz: Ms Clara He

My dear colleague has left our department last week. She has been working in the same cluster as me for close to 2 years. It was fun working with her though sometimes she can ask "s****d" questions. Haha, but it's all part of the fun, right? Some photos of us on her last day of work.

All the best to her new work!

Best known as "The 3 Musketeers", now left 2, maybe can call "Jack & Jill" or something. Haha :)

My CP Cluster. It would be cool if I can remove Ms Clara from this photo just like those "America's Next Top Model Show" when contestants are eliminated.

Icez Newz: Up to 19% pay cut for top civil servants

2008-11-25T00:05:00.002+08:00

Icez Newz: Up to 19% pay cut for top civil servants

I think I definitely don't belong to "top civil servants", luckily. Hope I won't be affected.

SINGAPORE: Ministers and top civil servants will get a pay cut of up to 19 per cent next year. The Civil Service is also reducing the year-end bonus payment for this year.

Top civil servants and ministers were supposed to get a pay rise in January next year to bring their salaries in line with private sector pay. It was to be the third adjustment to bring public sector pay to 88 per cent of the private sector benchmark, a move announced in April 2007. The benchmark is set at two-thirds of the median pay of the top eight earners in each of the six sectors: multinational corporations, lawyers, bankers, accountants, local manufacturers and engineers.

In April 2007 and January this year, the salaries of top civil servants and ministers were revised to keep pace with soaring private sector salaries. But the Public Service Division said the 2009 salary revision for this group has now been deferred, in view of the clouded economic outlook. In fact, the annual salary for top civil servants and ministers will fall next year to levels below April 2007, because close to 25 per cent of their annual salary comprises variable payments linked to the GDP growth of Singapore and their salary will fall as long as the economy remains weak. In 2009, the Prime Minister and President will see their annual salaries cut by 19 per cent.

Ministers and Senior Permanent Secretaries will see an 18 per cent fall. The allowance for Members of Parliament will be cut by 16 per cent. Commenting on the pay cut, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister in charge of the Civil Service, said: "Public sector salaries follow the market up and down. The mechanism we introduced last year to link a significant proportion of the salary of senior civil servants to the performance of the economy is working as intended. This mechanism allows salaries to respond more rapidly to market conditions."

The Public Service Division also said the Prime Minister has and will continue to donate all increases in his own salary after the April 2007 revisions, to good causes for five years. Next year, the Prime Minister will actually see his salary fall to pre-revision levels.

As for civil servants such as teachers and police officers, they are getting a total of two months' bonus payment this year, plus S$100 to S$300 paid out in July. This comprises the 13th month payment or Annual Wage Supplement and a one-month Annual Variable Component or AVC. The year-end AVC has been reduced to 0.5 month. Last year, the total bonus payment was three months plus S$220, including a half-month Growth Bonus which was paid for the exceptional economic performance in 2007.

Icez Happeningz: $2 COE!!!

2008-11-20T18:21:00.003+08:00

Icez Happeningz: $2 COE!!!

The recent freak price of COE at $2 is really tempting me to change my car. No, not that I am not happy with my present car or that I am super rich. Just that my Getz is going to be 5 years also and so it's timely to change before the parts start failing on me and repair bills burning my pocket. And given that my present COE is quite high, it's not worth to hold on to the car for 10 years, meaning I have to pay more each year for the COE.

Thus, I might be closer to getting this car. So far, the best and most economical car that suits my needs and style.

Introducing the pure white........ Honda Fit!!!

Icez Moviez: Cape No. 7

2008-11-11T16:37:00.002+08:00

Icez Moviez: Cape No. 7

A simple love story. One of the best recent Taiwan movies to mention. Definitely refreshing with exciting casts (mostly singers) and loads of local hokkien. Akin to our local "Money Not Enough", this taiwanese version is with slightly more depth and substance. The cinematograpy makes the movie even more alluring.

Recommended for music and romance lovers.

4 icez cubez.

Icez Shoppingz: Club 21 Sale...

2008-11-10T15:57:00.003+08:00

Icez Shoppingz: Club 21 Sale...

I was initially very excited over this sale cos they have brands like CK and AX which I like. However, I heard from some friends that the stuffs there are not so nice and queues are really long. I thought that I could probably at least grab a few items, pay and go.

Before I reach The Pit, the jam along the road was already quite bad and the queue waiting to go into the car park was long and because I came in from the other road, there's no way I can cut across the road and cut into those cars already waiting in line. So clever me decided to park at the Singapore Flyer to save time.

Then there was the queue to enter the sales area and surprisingly it wasn't too long a queue so that was ok. Inside was such a mess, which is common for most sales. However, the thing I was annoyed about was that there wasn't any clear segmentisation of the Men's and Women's stuffs. Thus, it's common to pull out something from the basket and realised that it's a skimpy ladies top or a skirt. And a lot of time was wasted trying to find the right basket to look into.

After finding some rather "still ok" tops, I couldn't really find my size which is "S". Yes, please do not doubt that I am wearing S for CK and AX tops. :P Thus, I was holding on to some "XS" and "M" tops hoping that I can find "S" or can fit into either "XS" or "M". I saw some nice CK bags too but they are like $200 and $300. Even though they are a lot cheaper than the original price, I decided to give it a miss since I have lots of bags already. Then I saw some shoes going for $60 but they are really not so nice so not keen at all.

It was to my ultimate dismay that I discovered that the queue to pay was really super long. I estimated that it will take about 1 hour for me to pay and I couldn't see any familiar faces in the queue whom, I wishfully hoped can help me pay for my stuffs. Looking at my watch, it's already 3.30pm and I am supposed to meet some friends for jogging along East Coast Road at 4.30pm.

Thus, I decided that I am just not fated to buy anything, since those stuffs that I took aren't my preferred size anyway.

So, there goes my shopping plan for the weekend. At least I got to save some money. *bleah*

Icez Humourz: Congrats to Obama!

2008-11-06T15:43:00.003+08:00

Icez Humourz: Congrats to Obama!

I was rooting for Hillary at the start but am happy that Obama got elected as the President. Just an entry to note this significant moment in USA history, on a lighter note.

Icez Newz: Teacher posts "skimpy" photos on her blog!

2008-11-04T14:40:00.005+08:00

Icez Newz: Teacher posts "skimpy" photos on her blog!

What do you think of this? Does she has the rights to do what she wants in her own blog or because she's a teacher and supposedly a role model for children, she can't do this?

Apparently, MOE has given her some "counselling" and she has removed the photos from her blog.

More photos here.

Details of the story here.

Icez Photos: Photofunia

2008-10-31T17:02:00.006+08:00

Icez Photos: Photofunia

Some fun photos! You can do it yourself and have fun too! Happy Halloween!

Icez Moviez: High School Musical 3

2008-10-29T14:51:00.002+08:00

Icez Moviez: High School Musical 3

If you like songs, dances and campus love stories, then this is it. It is an ultra entertaining movie with cute looking characters and songs that make you wanna dance in the cinema hall. Yes, I wanted to dance with the song in the above video.

Storyline wise, you don't get much of a surprise. It's almost the same as part 1 and 2. Love the singing of the 2 leads. Their voices are nice and blended well, yet retaining the kind of rawness that teenagers should have.

3.5 icez cubez if you like musicals.

Icez Friendz: To all my dearest friendz

2008-10-16T22:45:00.002+08:00

Icez Friendz: To all my dearest friendz

Recently, I met up with a friend whom I got to know some years back. Maybe 7-8 years ago? It's kinda weird how we get to know each other and maintain contact till today. He is someone I know through a sports event of which my ex-company was organising. As he was the Team Leader, thus I liaised with him and that's how we got to know each other. Subsequently, we kept in contact through icq, MSN and smses. But we never really meet up though I bumped into him a few times outside.

He confided in me a couple of times before regarding his health and recently his relationship problems. I am glad to be a listening ear. Recently, we made plans to play tennis but we couldn't manage to get any courts yet. So one of the nights we decided to meet up for dinner. He has matured quite a lot as compared to the young boy I once knew. It's good to see him in person after so long and to know that he is doing well in his work. We chatted on many things in life and realised that both of us are planning to get a place of our own in the near future. Thus, we said that we will go house hunting when the property prices are down. :) If you are reading this, I am glad to have met you.

Life is just so full of surprises at times. It made me realised that I have lost contact with many good friends which I used to hang out in the past. I don't know why but it just happened. Sometimes when I pass by places where we used to hang out, it makes me think of my lost friends. I tried to search on facebook but to no avail.

Maybe they are just meant to be a part of my growing up memories. I am sure they appear in my life for one reason or another and they did make a difference in my life and I hope I did the same for theirs.

p/s: Bro, I kept my promise of keeping your identity confidential. :)

Icez Concertz: Ah Mei's Star Tour!

2008-10-06T11:15:00.003+08:00

Icez Concertz: Ah Mei's Star Tour

Just came back from this concert. What can I say? She is really the queen of Mandarin Pop. She has the voice and the showmanship to rock the whole Indoor Stadium of audiences.

Fast numbers - Her fast numbers are really songs to shake your bons bons with. She asked the whole indoor stadium to stand and dance with her! Of course there are some stubborn people still sitting down and don't mind being blocked by others. Not sure why they are there, maybe they got free tickets from some sponsors. However, as one of the fast numbers is 不顾一切, I also don't give a damn. So apt. Haha. I enjoyed myself dancing and singing to the fast numbers!

Ballads - She was good and emotional. She cried after singing almost each song. Yes, even though she might have sang some of those songs for overa few hundred times. My tears were swelling up as well to most of her slow ballads. They were so so nice and they brought back memories. As one of my friends said, each song reminded him of a story of his life. And of course they were sad stories.

The encore part of her concert was the highest point of the whole concert. Almost the whole indoor stadium was standing up and dancing and singing alone. Yes, even those behind me who were very stubborn at the start, relented finally.

So many times during the concert, I was trying hard to control myself from screaming away because I can't afford to lose my voice now. But I just can't help it. Some songs you really just have to sing along.

This should be one of the greatest concerts in the Mandarin Pop Industry so don't give it a miss if there's a next time.

Highly recommended.

Icez Moviez: Painted Skin

2008-10-03T17:07:00.003+08:00

Icez Moviez: Painted Skin

I have always like the Liao Zhai series since young and will always be clued to the TV watching all the magical fantasies of vixens, ghosts, fairies, spirits etc. Went to watch Painted Skin last sat with no expectations. Heard that they are sending this movie for the Oscars. A bit of an exaggeration there but I heard it over the news.

Basically the plot is simple and nothing fantastic. Special mentions will be the acting of Zhao Wei, Chen Kun and Zhou Xun. Zhao Wei was surprisingly good in this movie as compared to her past productions. Zhou Xun has always been a competent actress, and a pretty one as well. I have watched Chen Kun before in one of his dramas on Channel 8. He is quite good looking in my opinion and looks great in this movie as well. Donnie Yen, was as usual, quite expressionless but of course he has the body and the fighting skills. Qi Yuwu, I hate to mention, did not impress me at all. Not entirely his fault as his role was limited in scope. But still he could have done a better job.

I was very touched by the ending of the show when Chen Kun was willing to die with Zhao Wei even though everyone though she was the evil spirit. Even though Chen Kun was unable to resist the charms of Zhou Xun, he has not betrayed his wife and has rejected the advances of Zhou Xun many times. This type of undying love and commitment is certainly hard to find nowadays. Zhou Xun, on the other hand, sacrifaces her 1,000 years of enlightenment to save both Chen Kun and Zhao Wei. It's also her way of showing love in the spirits realm. Though clinche as it may seems, it's such scenes that touched me.

3.5 icez cubez

p/s: I saw CNA reported that "Painted Skin" was the no. 1 movie over the last weekend. Do they report on other movies in the same way? Or because this is partly produced by Raintree Pictures, and explaining the involvement of Qi Yuwu? I hope that the news could be less bias or being less used for such bias reporting.

Icez Moviez: Mama Mia!

2008-09-29T16:13:00.002+08:00

Icez Moviez: Mama Mia!

Needless to say, I love this movie. Meryl Streep did a good job in her role, plus her singing. Though some might argue that her singing is not fantastic but more importantly to me, it touches me. For those who have not watch the movie, watch this clip and see how you feel.

For those who loves music and songs, all the more you should watch this movie. Other than the singing of Pierce Brosnan, I have nothing much to complain.

4 icez cubez for this movie!

Icez Productz: Sunkiller..... the matt look!

2008-09-18T14:59:00.005+08:00

Icez Productz: Sunplay..... the matt look!

I have been looking for a facial sunblock that is not oily, shiny and has that matt look effect. I know it's diffcult because I tried a few brands that claimed to be non-oily, shine free etc but they are still as oily as they could be.

Thus, I asked some friends but to no avail, none actually could give me any good recommendations. I did my search on the internet and found 3 brands which supposedly give the matt look after application.

Avene Matt Sunblock
Sunplay
Dermalogica Sunblock Boaster

I was looking for these products and found some small bottles of Sunplay in Guardian Pharmacy which costs me less than $2. So I bought 2 different Sunplay's sunblock and tried. One is powdery white and the other is clear formula. Both contains SPF of around 50.

Both are just as matt looking after application. They are totally non-oily! Amazing. I like the powdery white one but it gives a tinge of whiteness though. Apply a small amount to look natural or more if you want to look like a geisha. The clear formula will have no risk of looking too white.

Try it if you want to look matt.

Enjoy!

Icez Happeningz: Bad economy, good for me!

2008-09-17T14:14:00.003+08:00

Icez Happeningz: Bad economy, good for me!

I know some people will curse me like mad when I said that I was kinda happy when I got the bad news of what's happening in US. It sort of confirmed my forecast that the property prices will go down next year.

See, I am just a simple guy who wants to get a place of my own but couldn't because of the exorbitant prices now. Yes, I missed the good opportunity to enter the market 2 years ago. So now, I just want the prices to go down to a "reasonable" amount so that I can buy a nice place. And for that to happen, I need a drastic decline in the world's economy and I think the time should be here soon. *pray*

Reasons why I would not be affected by the bad economy;

1) I have switched all my investments to very safe and diversified unit trusts which my agent has reassured me it will not be adversely affected.

2) I am working in the public sector so retrenchments and unemployment should not affect me as well.

3) My parents' flat in Jurong West will not suffer much since they won't be selling in the short run.

4) I am not holding any AIA or AIG policies. :P

Isn't this beautiful?

Icez Politicz: Impressed by Eunice Olsen!

2008-09-04T11:08:00.003+08:00

Icez Politicz: Impressed by Eunice Olsen!

Happened to meet her in person during my days in PA. She is a naturally nice and genuine person with a passion for the community and youth. Trust me, I can certainly see through if she is faking it, like many others. And of course she is pretty intelligent, yes I mean pretty and intelligent. :P

I am totally impressed by her speech in this parliamentary seating. She is daring, bold, intelligent and yet not aggressive and manage to bring across her messages without being too rude, in my humble opinion. She daringly go against the majority flow by speaking her mind. She intelligently quoted MM and used it against his son, the PM. And she also indirectly used PM's very own ND rally speech against himself as well.

Such wit is not rare in our local political scene but to use it against the PM? It's simply impressive to me. We certainly need more of such speakers in the parliament and it would be such a pity if such speakers do not get their term continued just because they dare to speak up.

Another mention would be Dr Lily Neo. She has in many attempts displayed her passion to speak up for the poor and was one of the few MPs who donated her pay increment to the poor. Her recent action in the parliament (which I couldn't find the video online) made a stunning statement that you have to speak up if there's a need for you to speak up, regardless whether the Speaker allow you to or not. I am not asking for chaos in the parliament like those in Taiwan but I believe we need less stringent rules to stop people from speaking up.

:)

Icez Views: Prepaid Electricity!!!

2008-08-27T23:42:00.001+08:00

Icez Viewz: Prepaid Electricity!!!

Wow! This certainly comes as a shock to me. I really never imagine that one day we have to prepay for our electricity. After prepaying our transportation fees via Ezlink card and ERP, parking charges via cash card, now we have to prepay for our electricity! An impressive PR exercise though to focus on "smart meters" and shift the focus to monitoring our electricity bills and saving electricity.

Does it means that if our prepaid value is used up, we will have a total blackout?Are you keen to monitor your electricity bills and select the best plans? I just don't like the idea that it has become a trend for everything to be prepaid and everything to be monitored closely. What about you?

****************************************
Smart meters to check power use
By Tania Tan
Singapore households will soon have a smarter way of keeping tabs on their monthly power bills.

Energy meters, which tell consumers exactly how much electricity they are using per hour, will be tested in 1,000 households in the east and west under a pilot project launched by the Energy Market Authority.

These advanced electricity meters give consumers more detailed information on their energy usage, including electricity rates and hourly consumption.

The trial run will also allow volunteers to buy 'electricity credits' at peak and off-peak rates, instead of the current flat fee of 25 cents per kWh, which they buy exclusively from SP Services.

Under the trial, SP Services will offer participating households electricity priced at peak and off-peak rates.

'It's like buying mobile phone plans,' said EMA director for consumer safety and crisis management Seow Kang Seng.

Consumers can pick packages which 'best suit their lifestyles', he added.
Participants will be able to buy electricity online, or at two vending machines in Marine Parade and West Coast. The areas were selected because they give the best mix of HDB, private housing and small businesses.

And with the help of smart meters, consumers can monitor their hourly usage - down to the cent, he added.

'If they think they're using too much, then they can switch off certain appliances, and scale back usage,' he said.

The six-month trial which starts in November, simulates what consumers in 1.2 million households could be doing in about three years' time, if the Electricity Vending System is implemented.

Icez Entertainmentz: A Mei's Concert!!!

2008-08-25T18:06:00.003+08:00

Icez Entertainmentz: A Mei's Concert!!!

Yeah, I am going for A Mei's concert. Seldom go for concerts cos it's quite expensive. Hope this is worth the $$$.

Anyone else going?

Icez Happeningz: Cam whoring!!!

2008-08-15T14:19:00.006+08:00

Icez Happeningz: Cam Whoring!!!

Me at my workstation! Casual because it was friday!!!

Wow! Does this looks like a poster for America Top Models? Haha :)

That's all, folks!

Icez Musicz: Bevlyn Khoo's concert!!!

2008-08-14T11:51:00.004+08:00

Icez Musicz: Bevlyn Khoo's concert!!!

Bevlyn Khoo, a talented local singer/songwriter, happens to be my junior in NUS and we were both in Geyao of Chinese Society. She has this burning passion for music and that's what she has been doing since she graduated. Despite not having a stable income and a secured job like most of us, she chose to pursue her dreams as a singer.

I have to say that she has make it. After releasing her first EP album, she has received more than positive reviews on her album and her singing. Last night, I attended her first concert at NUS UCC. It was really a wonderful concert and it was almost full house! It was encouraging to so many people supporting a local talented singer like Bevlyn. I enjoyed most of her numbers especially those that she wrote. There was a wide genre of songs featuring pop, alternative, sentimental, jazzy pieces of English, Mandarin and even French! I love her vocals especially the mid-low range. It was ever so rich and slighty..... sexy? Basically it was a very successful concert. I see people queueing up to buy her album after the concert. Luckily I bought it before the concert. :P

And as I was the first 10 to buy her album, I got another EP album free! This album belongs to Yet, another up and coming local singer. He was a special guest in Bevlyn's concert and he gave out 10 of his albums to the first 10 people who bought Bevlyn's album. Coincidentally, he was my Secondary School's junior from Outram and he was also partnering with my friend and they performed at 爱琴海 before. Thus, I am really glad to see him and to know that he is having his own album soon in September. 加油！

I have included both of their blog links in my blog as well so do visit their blogs to know more about their music and life. You can also support them by getting their albums. Bevlyn's album is sold at all Sembawang and Gramaphone stores and Yet's will be out in September!

Sidetrack a bit, I also managed to get their autographs! Haha.... I seldom get autographs, not even from my favourite superstar or celebrity. So why did I want to get their autographs? To show support of course! I can understand this feeling of signing an autograph for someone who supports you and your work. It's a nice feeling, really. Ahemmm........*coughs* I have signed some before as well. Haha :)

Icez Moviez: Batman and Spiderman's girlfriend?

2008-08-13T17:09:00.004+08:00

Icez Moviez: Batman and Spiderman's girlfriend?

Ok, I really thought that they were both the same actress and I was thinking to myself, why her as the girlfriend of 2 superheros? Later then I realised that it's 2 different actresses but to me, they do look very much the same and yes, I don't find them pretty at all. Thus, casting them as the superheroes' girlfriend was a bit "huh" to me. To sidetrack a bit, I don't find Tobey Maguire good looking as well so it does kinda justify for his case.

Kirsten Dunst (left) as Spiderman's girlfriend and Maggie Gyllanhaal (right) as Batman's girlfriend

Icez Happeningz: Rude and irritating!

2008-08-04T12:12:00.002+08:00

Icez Happeningz: Rude and irritating!

Ok, the incident goes like this......

I was at this place with lots of other people. And I am supposed to give a lift to 3 of my friends out to the MRT station and 1 to his place since he stay near me. There was this irritating guy that follow us when we said we are leaving. I was wondering why. Then I realised that he probably wants a ride too since he stay near to 1 of my friends whom I am sending him home. And I think he stayed back just to wait for me to leave. But I heck care him as he never ask me and I never said I am going to give him a lift. He is someone that I never talk to in the group despite being in the group for years. He is just not someone I fancy talking to.

So when we were outside wearing our shoes, one of my friends asked me if I am sending him out. And I said yes. Then he said that there are too many people as there are 5 people now. I told him no, it's only 4 as the other guy never ask me to send him out. So I turned to that irritating guy and asked him how is he going home. Then he said," Can I take a lift from you?" My first reaction was no so I said, "No, my car is full." Then my friend is nice enough and said that it's ok and he will take a lift from another friend's car then.

I was very angry and pissed with this rude and irritating guy! How can you ever assumed that you can take a lift from me when you never even ask and we are not even considered "friends"? So what if you stay near to my friend and it's on the way? Does it mean I have to give you a lift?

Sorry to say this but I don't like to give lifts to people that I don't like and it's very irritating if I am "forced" to do so under circumstances. I am not high and mighty and it's no big deal driving a small car. But since it's my car and I am driving, I believe I have the right to ensure that the journey is comfortable with nice company I enjoyed and not someone I dislike and make myself suffer, right?

One of these days I probably will stop driving too. But I will definitely ask if I need to take a lift from someone. That is basic courtesy right? I am determined to be rude to him next time if he do something like this again. Angry siah!

Icez Happeningz: My belated birthday celebration!

2008-07-31T18:11:00.012+08:00

Icez Happeningz: My belated birthday celebration

My birthday was more than 20 days ago and I just had another celebration yesterday.

Me cutting the cake...... in fact I have to cut the whole cake for everyone. Don't bother about my hairstyle first. It's a "I don't know what to do with it" phase. :P

Some of my colleagues and boss.

Thanks everyone! This has to be my last birthday celebration for the year..... :)

Icez Moviez: The Dark Knight

2008-07-31T00:45:00.004+08:00

Icez Moviez: The Dark Knight

I can't remember why I didn't really watch any of the Batman movies in the past. Maybe I prefer superheroes with real super powers, and not just amazing gadgets. However, I am glad that I watched The Dark Knight.

This movie presents a superhero story with loads of twists and unexpected plots. I like the character of the Joker who obviously is the baddie of the show but yet he showed the realistic side of society nowadays and he tries to expose the evil thoughts in human beings. Heath Ledger did a great job in this role and many times I actually cringe at his evilness and his literally "mouth tearing" acts. He might be able to win an oscar for this.

As for Christian Bale, maybe because he is wearing a mask most of the times, it's really difficult to see his acting. Though I must say he really looks good and probably the most suitable actor for this role.

My only complain for the casting is Maggie Gyllenhaal. Can someone tell me what's so nice about her that she can be casted as Batman's girlfriend? Seriously, I don't think she is pretty. She probably looks very english but I am sure there are better actresses out there, and prettier.

Overall, the movie is very tense and fast-paced. Exciting with meaningful dialogues and provocative storyline.

4.5 ice cubes. Cool.

Icez Happeningz: Gym

2008-07-30T00:08:00.001+08:00

Icez Happeningz: Gym

Went to Bugis today. It was so super crowded and I have to wait for almost all the machines I need to use. Horrible. Guess I will have to go back to Raffles Place.

Anyway, can't stand those people who perspire like mad and dirty the machines and left without even bothering to clean up. How do they expect people to use after that?

*slap*

Icez Thoughtz: 一切完美?

2008-07-27T00:02:00.003+08:00

Icez Thoughtz: 一切完美?

Finally saw the last episode of 一切完美 last night. I love this drama and there were so many moments when I felt very touched or affected by the storyline.

In no particular order of merit.... I was sad when Alex Tan's daughter cried after miserably failing to gain his father's love. It's no fault of hers and she was just a small girl, yearning for his father's love. Yet, I can emphathise with Alex for not being able to accept this girl who suddenly appear as his daughter.

I felt very guilty when Xiao Li was crying in the toilet after feeling so pressurised with being with Julian Hee. She was being scolded when she wore the same blouse with another girl and when she took a longer time to squeeze into the cinema seat. All these because she is fat. I promise to try to change my view on "bigger" people.

I was teary when this guy wanted to change his looks because he looks like his father who abused him when he was a child. So much so that his leg was injured and can't pursue his dream as a dancer. It was touching when he recalls how his dance shoes were snipped off by his father, akin to shattering his dreams.

I like the scene when Pan Lingling was crying on her regrets for neglecting her daughter as she lean against the wall looking at the beautiful night scene. But her daughter will never be back again.

Last night, I find this quote very meaningful. 只要能容忍不完美，那一切不就会完美了吗？ I believe it means that if you are contented with what you have and are able to tolerate the imperfections in your life, your life would be perfect. Thus, it really depends on how you define perfect and how easily contented you are. You can have everything in life but if you are not contented, you will never be happy.

Icez Thoughtz: Someone there for you?

2008-07-24T11:05:00.005+08:00

Ice Thoughtz: Someone there for you?

Does it occur to you whether you have someone to talk to when you are really lost and depressed?

Someone I knew just committed suicide. Though I don't know him personally, but I saw him quite a no. of times in Uni and other occasions. It came to me that he must be really lost and helpless to choose this as his last resort. Did he talked to someone? Or he couldn't find someone to talk to? Would it be different if there's someone out there who could listen to him and give him some advice?

Everyone is so busy in this society of ours. Do we have the time to sometimes stop what we are doing and observe the people around us? And do we try to talk to someone who look depressed or unhappy?

Next time if you see someone not behaving like his or her normal self, try to talk to this person and show some concern. Who knows, you might be able to save someone from indulging in his or her own world of depression.

Let's try ok?

Icez Newz: 12 carat diamond ring!

2008-07-22T17:33:00.003+08:00

Icez Newz: 12 carat diamond ring!

Anyone knows how does a 12 carat diamond ring looks like? Ask Carina Lau. She got it for her wedding with Tony Leung. Lucky woman huh? All the ladies can *envy envy* for all you like. The ring costs S$5 million and the wedding costs S$2 million.

Ok, just to satisfy all your curiosity, below is the 12 carat diamond ring. *blink*

Icez Songz: Another theme song from Perfect Cut

2008-07-22T11:32:00.003+08:00

Icez Songz: Another theme song from Perfect Cut

This is another nice song by 石欣卉. And the show Perfect Cut is ending soon. It's really a nice production and totally different from Mediacorp dramas. I wonder when Mediacorp can move on to this standard instead of always shooting in their unrealistic looking studios.

Icez Quiz: Get to know yourself better

2008-07-17T15:10:00.004+08:00

Icez Quiz: Get to know yourself better

Those in red are rather accurate, in my humble opinion. :P

Your view on yourself:You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.

Your views on education: Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.

Who is your true self:You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx

Icez Newz: NDP Theme Song 2008

2008-07-16T11:10:00.002+08:00

Icez Newz: NDP Theme Song 2008

The new theme song by Joi Chua is out. It's quite a nice song. Soothing and encouraging, Joi's voice is very suitable for this kind of song. It is not very "national" song though, but it definitely will be more popular this way, among the youths. The song depicts that the nation is facing a great fair weather ahead so long as everyone do their part.

However, the MTV has created a series of negativitism as the idea was copied from a japanese advertisement. The Art Director claimed that it was made known to the NDP Committee and they have given the go ahead for this advertisement. I agree that using the same idea is no big deal, but some of the screen shots were too similiar which I find it rather unacceptable. You can use the same idea but produce it differently or shoot from different angles. Use the same idea but create your own style out of it. That is what I meant.

What do you think? See below for the 2 for comparison.

The Japanese Advertisement

NDP Theme Song 2008

Icez Dramaz: Beach Ball Babes

2008-07-15T15:27:00.001+08:00

Icez Dramaz: Beach Ball Babes

I am trying to catch this serial at 9pm every night and after that I will switch to Channel U for The Perfect Cut. I like this serial because I love volleyball. So far, the storyline is still fine, just don't quite like Jessica's role. So unreasonable and irritating. I still prefer Joanne Peh.

Also, the theme song for this serial is sang by Carrie, Diya and Theresa!!! Of course must support Carrie for the song. And I like Theresa too!

Icez Newz: Leave Maximiser!!!

2008-07-14T14:27:00.002+08:00

Icez Newz: Leave Maximiser!!!

Maximise your leave for 2009!!!

Icez Fashionz: Singaporeans' Dressing

2008-07-14T10:37:00.003+08:00

Icez Fashionz: Singaporeans' Dressing

Recently, there was a debate over comments of Singaporeans' dressing in our local newspaper. It started off by having this journalist who wrote a 2 page report on how inappropriate Singaporeans' dressing can be at occasions, followed by another trail of comments who agree or disagree with the article.

Personally, I have to agree with the article. I started off by being rather disappointed by students in NUS when I was studying there. Some of them really look like they just got out of bed. Yes, you can be casual, but at least the t-shirt shouldn't look crumpled or dirty. I think it's basic respect for the lecturer, tutor and your varsity mates.

And everywhere you go, you can see people wearing t-shirts, shorts and slippers. In shopping centres, cinemas, restaurants etc. Ok, there's nothing wrong with wearing all these. To me, it all depends on how you wear it and how you carry it. Some tips;

1) Hair - Your hair needs to be style or at least look like they have been styled. It makes a difference. If not, wear a cap, visor etc to cover up your "just out of bed" hair.

2) Face - Should look clean at the very least. Slight make-up for girls and clean-shaven for guys, unless of course you are keeping a goatie or a moustache.

3) Shirt - Wear something clean for goodness sake. Iron your shirt. If you are going for a more formal occasion, wear a shirt with collar. If you are wearing tees, you can add on a casual denim jacket or a sports jacket. It makes you look more formal. If you are just wearing a t-shirt for a more formal occasion, you better make sure that your shirt looks branded, designer style with interesting wordings making a statement. That doesn't make you more formal, but at least it shows that you made some effort in dressing up for the occasion.

4) Bottoms - Longs for formal occasion unless it's a wedding dinner by the beach/pool kinda event. A nice pair of clean jeans are rather safe for most occasions. Torn jeans or baggy hip hop jeans are for more funky or clubbing occasions. Bermudas or 3/4 pants are nice and appropriate for weekend shopping or morning dim sum.

5) Shoes - A pair of covered shoe is a must for formal occasions like wedding dinners, watching a musical or going to a posh restaurant. For slightly less formal occasions, sports shoes are trendy nowadays. As for slippers or saddles, it has been a trend for people to wear slippers everywhere especially with the popular "HaXXXnas"- supposedly don by many famous celebs at ultra posh occasions. You can wear slippers to shopping centre, cinemas and not so posh restaurants. However, they have to be stylish or at least colour co-ordinated with your dressing. It should not be the same pair of slippers you wear to the hawker centre or kopitiam downstairs.

In short, an overall styled appearance is required regardless of being formal or casual. Singaporeans are usually too sloppy where this is concern. Most of them don't really bother to put an effort in their appearance and dressing.

It would be quite a while for us to reach the standards of Hong Kong, Japan and European countries.

Do you agree that Singaporeans' dressing is sloppy and inappropriate?

Icez Sportz: Tennis

2008-07-10T17:22:00.008+08:00

Icez Sportz: Tennis

Just an update on my new sports - Tennis. I have started playing tennis a few months back and I am loving it. It gave me a chance to really exercise and run around, other than my usual gym regime. It certainly also makes me tanner as well. No, it's not indoor tanning... :P I have my sleeveless tanline as evidence.

Wilson N Code n Fury 110 Tennis Racquets

Head Size:110 sq.inches
Length: 27.0 inches
Strung Weight: 9.5 oz/ 270 g.
Balance: 3 Pts Head Light
Beam Width: 22 mm Flat Beam
Composition:
Power Level: Moderate
Swing Speed: Medium
Grip Type: Wilson Micro DRY Grip
String Pattern: 16x20
String Tension: 53-63 lbs.

A great transition racquet for players of all levels. Oversized for more power and a larger sweet spot.The potential is there. Realize it. Unlock the Code. Locked within every NCODED racquet is the enhanced performance you always hoped to find in your current racquet...N Code is ...POTENTIAL REALIZED. Wilson, #1 in Tennis, continues the Wilson tradition as the leading racket brand on the ATP and WTA tour. Leading the way is the revolutionary design of nCode, the sweetspot of Hammer, and the classic Pro Staff. nCode is an exclusive Wilson nano technology process, which takes tennis beyond the merely possible. Because nCode releases untapped performance from within the racquet to deliver unparalleled stability, greater frame integrity and explosive power. This revolutionary process delivers greater life, power and playability. n Code racquets measure 2 times stronger, 2 times more stable, and up to 22% more powerful than ordinary racquets.

Icez Happeningz: Ever Ready to Pay!

2008-07-10T14:14:00.003+08:00

Icez Happeningz: Ever Ready to Pay!

Yes, I went to gym at Raffles Place as usual. Have to pay additional $2 now for entering the CBD area even after 7pm. Last time, I will time it so that I can enter after 7pm without paying. *sigh*. Those were the days. Now I have to put my cash card in the IU all the time because I lost track of where and when I need to pay. It's no longer Orchard Rd, CBD area before 7pm. So, I term it as Ever Ready to Pay. So, anytime, anywhere, anyhow also can make you pay! :P

What former Speaker of Parliament Tan Soo Khoon said might happen in reality and I drag for the day to arrive.

This is what he said: (Taken from CNA)

"Sir, the day will be quite soon when the only safe place to leave your vehicle is at home, if you are lucky enough to own a landed property. You can well imagine that, one day, if I drive out of my house, the first thing I hear would be this 'beep' sound coming from the little device on my dashboard, and everywhere you go, you will be hearing 'beep, beep, beep', instead of car horns."

*sigh* I will consider doing without my car if I can move to a place that is more convenient for me to go to work. Till then, I'll just have to pay..... :(

Icez Dramaz: The Perfect Cut

2008-07-10T10:39:00.005+08:00

Icez Dramaz: The Perfect Cut

<<一切完美>>
"Perfect Cut"
TV Premiere
Channel U
10pm

More here: http://uperfectcut.blogspot.com/
I like this show coz;

1) It's different from the usual Mediacorp productions.
2) Got a lot of ex-Mediaworks artistes.
3) Interesting topic and comparison between a plastic surgeon and a psychologist and what people really need in life.
4) I love the song by Sin Huey. She is really good.

If you are ugly, do you go for plastic surgery to improve your looks so that you can boost your self esteem and confidence? Or do you go to a psychologist to learn how to deal with who you are and stop going after looks and beauty? Something to think about....

Icez Newz: Singapore's economic boom widens income gap

2008-07-09T12:38:00.004+08:00

Icez Newz: Singapore's economic boom widens income gap

Do we get to see such articles in our local papers? I have to agree with the article that income gap is definitely widening. And it seems that it's getting worse with the recent inflation and rising costs but yet, a lesser than proportionate increase in income. And I am referring to the lower income group.

So do we see a solution in the near future?

By Melanie Lee, REUTERS.com

SINGAPORESingaporeSingapore's extensive housing program provides owner-financed flats in government-built blocks and the state also provides modest income supplements to those in low-income jobs, although there are no unemployment benefits.'s government has made the reduction of the income gap a priority, but argues welfare should not be a crutch, and rules out unemployment benefits or a minimum wage. (Reuters) - Carol John, 27, doesn't own a bed. Every night she sleeps on thin mattresses which she shares with her three young children. Outside her one-room flat, a smell of sewage lingers in the common corridor.

Just a few kilometers away, on Singapore's Sentosa island, Madhupati Singhania relaxes on his $435,000 yacht berthed at the city-state's swanky One 15 Marina Club.

Income inequality is nothing new in free-market Singapore, but two years of blistering economic growth and a government policy of attracting wealthy expatriates have created a new class of super-rich, while a string of price increases for everything from bread to bus fares have made life harder for the poor.

"I can't save anything, it's so difficult for me," John told Reuters. John, who is unemployed, relies on her husband's S$600 (US$420) monthly salary and a S$100 government handout.
"We don't benefit at all from the economy. As far as I know, my husband's pay hasn't gone up," she said.

Singapore's economy is firing on all cylinders, with a booming construction sector, record tourist arrivals and a fast-growing financial sector all contributing to a gross domestic product set to grow nearly 8 percent in 2007.

But the rising tide is not lifting every boat.

The proportion of Singapore residents earning less than S$1,000 ($690) a month rose to 18 percent last year, from 16 percent in 2002, central bank data released late last month show.
At the same time, the proportion of those earning S$8,000 and above rose from 4.7 percent to 6 percent in the same period.

"When a country becomes richer, you tend to see a widening of income inequality. Over the last few years it has been worse," said econometrics professor Anthony Tay at SMU university.
Despite sporting a first-world GDP per capita of $29,000 -- second only to Japan in Asia -- Singapore has an income inequality profile more in line with third-world countries.

Singapore's Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has worsened from 42.5 in 1998 to 47.2 in 2006, and is now in league with the Philippines (46.1) and Guatemala (48.3), and worse than China (44.7), data from Singapore's Household Survey and the World Bank show.
Other wealthy Asian nations such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan have more European-style Ginis of 24.9, 31.6 and 32.6.

FAST CARS, BIG BOATS
CIMB-GK Research economist Song Seng Wun believes that growth itself partly explains the widening income gap.

"In an environment where growth is huge, there are lots of opportunities for risk takers, and inevitably, you will get this widening (of the income gap)," he said, adding that those in stable jobs will also benefit, but to a lesser extent.

Opportunity is what attracted Singhania to Singapore. He intends to buy a new 47-foot yacht for $1.3 million.

"You've got everything you want in Singapore. You want to buy a fast car, you want to buy a big boat, you want to buy an aeroplane, whatever you need, you can get in this country."

Singhania, who runs a business consultancy firm, was originally from Mumbai but decided to move to Singapore and become a Singapore citizen, citing its first-world comforts.

The Asian Development Bank blames the widening income gap in Singapore and many other Asia countries partly on globalization, which it said favors the well-educated, and recommended policies to create more equal opportunities and wealth.

While the ruling People's Action Party is in no danger of losing its stranglehold on parliament, the growing income disparity has hurt its credibility.

"There is definitely envy, but this is not enough for civil disturbance," said sociologist Ho Kong Chong at NUS university.

"These emotions of despair and desperation are missing in Singapore because of the government's housing policy and transfer payments," Ho said.

Carol John, who left school when she was 15, does not know much about support schemes. "In the years to come, I'll just leave it in God's hands, whatever he gives me, I'll take it."

($1=1.448 Singapore Dollar), ($1=.6894 Euro)
(Editing by Geert De Clercq and Jacqueline Wong)

Icez Happenings: SAF Rededication Ceremony!

2008-07-09T00:47:00.004+08:00

Icez Happeningz: SAF Rededication Ceremony!

This is what I attended on 1 July.

Supposed to report at 7.45am but I overslept and woke up at 8am! Amazing thing is I am able to reach there before 9am. Given that the place is at Bukit Merah and I stay in Jurong and that the car park is full and I have to park in another car park. Luckily I didn't arrive at 7.45am or else I think I will be bored to death. In the end, I just go in before 9am and was seated comfortably when the Guest of Honour walks in. Amazed at my unplanned perfect timing. Hee :P

The main bulk of the whole ceremony was the giving out of tokens to companies who participated in this morning's rededication ceremony which then makes me wonder the objective of the ceremony. Why do you organise something just to give out tokens to people for attending that event which is supposed to ....... do what ?? Ok, we know we have to take the pledge and play the national athem but that only took like 5mins?

Thus, as we know it from NS, this is what we termed as "wayang" meaning "for show only". And for this show, I have to don my No. 3 uniform (glad that it's not no. 4 though). And I thought I do not have to don that uniform ever again since I was downgraded. And because I arrived at the right timing (meaning late), I have to sit rather in front. I hope that the CNA crew didn't capture me on screen. I think it will be horrible seeing myself on TV with my No. 3 uniform and the "just wake up and still very sleepy" look. Haha :) *pray*

In the goodie bag, I can see the usual stuffs of towels, card holders etc. And the most useful goodie that I received was a Street Directory!!! Wow, even though it's 2007, but it's definitely better than the one I have in my car which is like 2001??? I am amazed that I can still use that and get to places. :P

p/s: As requested by Auntie SK, my font size has increased!!! :P

Icez Moviez: Do u like strangers?

2008-07-08T11:00:00.004+08:00

Icez Moviez: The Strangers

It's another one of those disturbing movies where people just get killed for no apparent reasons. Again, I tell myself that I will not want to stay in big bungalows where nobody can hear you screaming for help, not like I can afford to stay in such a house anyway. This movie, certainly is rather scary to most people. The girl besides me was cringing throughout the whole show. I nearly scream out during one of those scary scenes. Gosh, I am glad I didn't. If you enjoy psycho killers movie and blood and gore, then this is your movie.

4 ice cubes for fear factor

3.5 ice cubes overall.

The Strangers is a 2008 horror film written and directed by Bryan Bertino and starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman. The film's score was composed by Tomandandy. The Strangers was rated R by the MPAA for violence/terror and language.

Plot
The film begins with a voiceover, framing the film's fictional events within a real world statistic and similar real world crimes:
"The film you are about to see is inspired by true events. According to the F.B.I. there are an estimated 1.4 million violent crimes in America each year. On the night of February 11, 2005 Kristen McKay and James Hoyt went to a friend's wedding reception and returned to the Hoyt family's summer home. The brutal events that took place there are still not entirely known."
A 911 phone call then begins to play, with a sobbing boy who is hysterical and tells the 911 operator he doesn't know where he is and that there's blood everywhere.
The narrative shifts to Kristen McKay and James Hoyt, a couple who return to James' father's isolated summer home in South Carolina, after coming back from a wedding reception, where we learn that Kristen refused James' marriage proposal. The home is covered in rose petals and candles, indicating that James had planned a romantic dinner with the expectation that Kristen would accept his proposal. After the awkward arrival at the house, James calls his friend Mike (who helped him set up the whole vacation) and asks him to pick him up in the morning. The couple discuss their relationship, which results in a passionate clinch. Their passion is interrupted by a loud knock at the front door. James thinks it's too late for someone to be coming to his home. As they get closer to answering the door, the knocking becomes louder and more abrupt.
James opens the door, and find that is a young woman (which we later find out is Dollface) who is asking if Tamara is home. James tries to turn on the porch light, but it was not working, not revealing her face. They tell her that nobody with that name lives there, and she then walks away. Kristen believed that she was probably lost. Kristen then finds that she is out of cigarettes, and James leaves the house to go and buy her another pack, after lighting her a fire.

Kristen being stalked by "the maked man", while James isn't home.
After James leaves the house, Kristen hears another knock at the door. She finds it to be the same girl who knocked on the door prior to James leaving. The knocking is very aggressive, and Kristen becomes scared. She gets her cell phone out of her purse, but realizes the battery is dead. She plugs it in to charge, then uses the house phone. She calls James, and tells him that the girl keeps knocking on the door, after Kristen told her she had already come by their house. Kristen wants James to stay on the phone with her, but James hangs up. While Kristen is in the kitchen, the masked man is in the dark corner behind her, just watching her. Kristen then hears the smoke alarm go off, so she disconnects it, and tosses it onto the ground. She decides to call James yet again, and finds that someone had taken her phone off the charger and it is gone.
Frightened, she goes to the kitchen and gets a knife. She goes back into the room, and now finds that someone had put the broken smoke alarm on a chair. She goes into the next room, and hears something at the window. She slowly opens it and the masked man is at the window, and she is frightened. She screams and bumps into the record player, causing it to skip the same line "Quick Silver Girl" over and over again. Kristen finds that the front door is open, and as she peeks out, Dollface is trying to break in, but Kristen closes the door, then hides in the bedroom. The strangers are banging on the doors and windows, and Kristen pleads for them to leave her alone. Then, the banging stops. She hears footsteps coming from down the hall, and believes in to be the killer, but it's James. She's tells James that there's someone outside, but James claims he saw nothing.

James then notices his phone was left in the car, and he goes to get it. While in the car, he finds that his phone is gone, and someone touches his back. He turns around, and there is nobody behind him. He gets out of the car, and he notices Dollface is standing in the driveway. He tells her to leave, but then hears Kristen call him. By then, Dollface has disappeared. After going inside, James tells Kristen they need to leave. They both get into the car, but a truck drives into their driveway behind them, blocking them. James looks at the driver's seat, and it's Pin-Up Girl. She begins ramming their car, and Kristen spots the masked man in front of them. They both get out of the car, and run back inside.

James gets his father's shotgun and bullets. Outside, they see Dollface standing on the lawn. They go back to the front door, and James tells Kristen he's going to open the door, and he wants her to just run. But before James can open the door, the masked man hacks the door with an axe. Kristen is screaming, and they both push a desk to block the door. The masked man keeps on breaking the door, but James shoots at him. He did not know if he missed or if he got him, but the couple hide in the hallway closet, waiting for the killers to come down the hall so he can shoot them.

Outside, James' friend Mike has arrived. He can't reach either of the two by phone. Mike enters the house, and a record is playing. He also notices a broken glass on the floor and a few signs of forced entry. He walks down the hallway, and the masked man who is equipped with an axe, follows behind him. James, believing Mike to be the killer, shoots and kills Mike. James turns to Kristen, and tells her that he wasn't wearing a mask. They go up to the body, and identify it to be Mike. James then decides to go to the farmhouse and use and old radio there to call for help. As he leaves, the couple notice that the killers mock James by writing "KILLER" on the window in blood.

As James is going to the farmhouse, he then finds Pin-Up Girl searching for the couple with a flashlight. As James plans to take his shot on her, she spots him and the masked man runs up behind him, and knocks him unconscious. Meanwhile, Kristen is scared out of the house. In an attempt to simply run away, she trips and injures her leg. She limps into the shed nearby, (which actually turns out to be the hiding spot of the killers) being secretly followed by Pin-Up Girl. Kristen attempts to use a radio there, but her conversation is cut short by Pin-Up Girl, chopping the radio into pieces. Kristen flees back into the house and sees the masked man walk into the bedroom. She then hides in the cupboard and watches the masked man sit down at the table and look around. As she is doing this, Dollface whispers "You're gonna die." The masked man then throws James' injured body into the house, and he tells Kristen to run. She goes into the bedroom, and tries opening the window, but it's shut. The bedroom door slowly opens, and Kristen slowly walks to the door. She goes out, and the masked man grabs her by her hair, and slams her face into a picture on the wall. He then drags her unconscious body into the living room.

The shades are opened to show that morning has come, and the three strangers begin taking off their masks. Kristen, in a desperate attempt to be saved, tells them that 'they don't have to do this.' She then asks them why they did it, to which Dollface replied "Because you were home," which remains unexplained. A possible meaning would be that the strangers just kill for the fun of it.

Although their faces are never fully revealed to the audience, removing their masks shows that they will soon carry out their plans to kill the couple.

Ignoring Kristen's pleading, the strangers each take turns stabbing James in the stomach, who moans in pain while Kristen is forced to watch. Kristen is then stabbed in the chest and shots of their home and the outdoors are shown while her screams can be heard. The three strangers are then seen driving away in a pick-up truck and stop beside two boys who are walking around handing out religious pamphlets. Dollface asks for a pamphlet and is asked if she is a sinner, to which she replies, "Sometimes". Pin-Up Girl then proclaims, "It'll be easier, next time", as the truck drives off.

The last scene shows the two boys entering the home and discovering the couple untied and James dead, with Kristen presumed dead. One of the boys kneels down to Kristen and is about to touch her when she suddenly wakes up and begins screaming hysterically.

Inspiration
The movie is inspired by an event from director Bryan Bertino's childhood: a stranger came to his home asking for a person and he would later found out that empty homes in the neighborhood had been burglarized.[1] With that memory in mind, Bertino created this screenplay.[1] In an interview, Liv Tyler revealed that in Bertino's original script "You saw a lot more of the strangers" and "It was much more of a Manson-esque experience."[1]

Cast
Liv Tyler as Kristen McKay
Scott Speedman as James Hoyt
Gemma Ward as Doll Face
Kip Weeks as The Man in the Mask
Laura Margolis as Pin-Up Girl
Glenn Howerton as Mike
Alex Fisher as Mormon Boy #1
Peter Clayton-Luce as Mormon Boy #2

Testing

2008-07-07T21:40:00.001+08:00

My very first post!