Internet Down !!!

My ADSL got disconnected 'cause the contract ended.
So I'm kinda sad... and VERY bored.

No email.
No online gaming.
No MSN messenger.

Here is to hoping Optus reconnects my ADSL again... soon~ish

A Bic Runga Concert

Stefi had bought tickets to a concert while I was still back in Malaysia.
She had text'd me to let me know.
I was left without a choice but to go with her.
The money had been paid.
The tickets were already collected.

And, I never even knew who would be playing...

On the night of Thursday this week, I had gone for a concert.
It was at Hamer Hall in the Arts Centre.
It was the theatre just off St Kilda Road, after the National Gallery.





Bic Runga... She was playing.

Who is she?
She ia s New Zealander singer+songwriter that is apparently one of the Kiwi's better exports.
Stated in around 1995 with a charming song called Drive.
Look her up on her website at Bic Runga.
And especially read her Biography.
It is interesting to say the least... her list of acheivements.

She won international acclaim for her song Sway taken off the first American Pie movie soundtrack.

Don't you know?...

Sway
by Bic Runga

Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you...

All I can say about the concert is 'MMMmmm...'
It is not the 'mmm...' of disinterest nor the feigned contentedness after a meal.
This is 'mmm...' of having a soak in a warm bath after a long day.
Or, getting my back lighly scratched.
*winks*



I found the concert to be relaxing.
It was a great show.
Her voice is unique... it can be smooth and soothing and yet sexy.
Stefi commented that she has this voice that is sensual.
I agree... sexy and sensual, like velvet.

It was a very evocative perfomance with her songs making me remember...

A Bic Runga Concert - cont'd

It was so beautiful.

You just had to have been there... to just listen to her.
Her voice is just so evocative.
The music and the words serve to bring up your glories and happiness.
Her voice... so able to allow cognizance of sadness repressed.

You just suddenly get lost inside her music.
I never really paid much attention to anything else around me.



And then, she had sung...

She left on a Monday
by Bic Runga

Go to her foolish man
What's the use of having pride if you don't have her?
She'll endure all she can
But you could make this easier on her

I am a foolish, foolish man.
If I had swallowed my pride.
Maybe, I would still... just have Leanne with me.

What's the use of having pride, if I don't have her?

But the fires are now ashes.
And, the ashes have been blown wide by the four winds.

She left on a Monday
She's a siren down the road
In your herringbone overcoat
That you don't expect to get back

Now, that I think about it.
There are many empty hangers in my closet.
Clothes that I had left over at her place.
There are books, magazines, comics and music that I will never see again.

I have conceded these items to my past.

But, the item of greatest value that I have missing,

...is a piece of my heart that I will never get back.

I just never expect to get it back.

And nothing's wrong
But it's already Sunday
And you know just how Sunday
Was the day that she would come around?

My weekends used to be spent in bed with her.
Waking up to her smile.
Having late lunches and watching later movies.
Driving her around in my car.
Falling asleep with her in my arms.

Sundays?
She will never come around.

It's all like sinking
You're trying to stay afloat
Like a wind blown paper boat
Over uncharted sea

I remember sinking...
A whole year and then some, of just walking through life.
I never really remember much of that time.
Food never tasted of much.
Sleep was just dreamless.

Colours seemed muted.
Music just sounded so very depressing.

Life was just uninteresting...

There's no question why
You're driving to kill some time
Racing the power lines
Back into town

Never was really any question why? I just drove and drove to pass the time.
I am well aquainted with the Monash Freeway.
*smiles*
I had racked up a great many fines.

I never go around Doncaster unless I really need to.
I despise the South Eastern Freeway.
Why?
'cause I remember the Doncaster exit...
At what speeds I can take those turns.
At what revs my engine needs to be at.
At what gear I need to run up those rolling roads.



You just want to run...
You just need to run as far and wide away as you can.

You never want to return to yourself.

Go to her foolish man
What's the use of having pride if you don't have her?
She'll endure all she can
But you could make this easier on her

She Left On A Monday

by Bic Runga


She left on a Monday
She's a siren down the road
In your herringbone overcoat
That you don't expect to get back

And it's an ordinary sky
Today's like any other day
When all of the aeroplanes
Write her name in the clouds

And nothing's wrong
But it's already Sunday
And you know just how Sunday
Was the day that she would come around?

Go to her foolish man
What's the use of having pride if you don't have her?
She'll endure all she can
But you could make this easier on her

It's all like sinking
You're trying to stay afloat
Like a wind blown paper boat
Over uncharted sea

There's no question why
You're driving to kill some time
Racing the power lines
Back into town

Go to her foolish man
What's the use of having pride if you don't have her?
She'll endure all she can
But you could make this easier on her

Go to her foolish man
What's the use of having pride if you don't have her?
She'll endure all she can
But you could make this easier on her
Make this easier on her
Make this easier on her
Make this easier on her

A Bic Runga Concert - cont'd

It seems the other guy at her concert is pretty famous.
He played the piano, so I had him identified as the pianist.
Apparently he was Neil Finn.

WOW !!!


A famous NZ singer songwriter.
Often lauded as the southern Hemisphere's Paul McCartney.
The older crowd might remember him from the band Crowded House


I liked her last song that she chose for her encore.

DRIVE
by Bic Runga



I don't know why...
But, besides from the catchy tune, this song really describes me.
Many of my past loves and loss involves some drive.

I know it's late now I know I ought to go
Ride in your car now but please don't drop me home

A borrowed Proton Saga... without a valid license.
A was probably very stupid and very young then.
A good friend who lent me his Perodua Kancil to speed around the KL nights.
The Mitsubishi Mirage that was bought in 2000 that I learnt to (legally) drive in.
Another good friend's Proton Satria, that since has been modified...
An older 6th Generation 1997 Honda EK Civic Sedan that used to belong to my mother.
My new Mazda 3... also known as the Mazda Axela in Japan.



I'm sure many guys can identify with what I am saying.

You have those deep and meaningful conversations with some girl in your car.
The slow dance and the negotiations of relationships.

Promise me maybes and say things you don't mean

She is there and just is... to be cute with you.
Your laughter and her kisses.
The both of you should probably get some sleep... dawn is approaching.
But, together... your sweetest embrace.

You may have taken her to the hilltops to see the sweeping views of the city.
Or, parked beside the ocean to smell the salty breeze.

Eating burgers and burritos in my car.
Or, a quick bite having gone through a McDonald's drive-thru late at night.

I like the gardens around Melbourne in the spring.
There are the birds that flock above the Bolte bridge in the summer.
Then comes the beautiful quilt of red and brown leaves along St Kilda Rd in the autumn.
And, to just sit with her and listen to the radio in deep winter.

Now just for us, they could play our favourite tune

It is never hard to remember your past break ups and then the sweeter make ups...
The angry shouts and the long silences.
And, she said, "I don't want to talk about it."

Let's not discuss all these things we can't undo

And, the end of those real relationships where you take long aimless drives after.

Rain fall from concrete coloured sky
No boy, don't speak now you just
Drive, drive, drive
speed me through
make me feel alive, alive
When I ride with you

Drive

by Bic Runga


I know it's late now I know I ought to go
Ride in your car now but please don't drop me home
My head's so heavy, could this be all a dream?
Promise me maybes and say things you don't mean
Rain fall from concrete coloured sky
No boy, don't speak now you just
Drive, drive, drive
Take me through make me feel alive, alive
When I ride with you

Keep my heart turning on axles around you
Keep our love burning just like it used to do
Now just for us, they could play our favourite tune
Let's not discuss all these things we can't undo

Let...

Rain fall from concrete coloured sky
No boy, don't speak now you just
Drive, drive, drive
speed me through make me feel alive, alive
When I ride with you

Rain fall from concrete coloured sky
No boy, don't speak now you just drive

In the Hot Seat: Seven Interview Tips

Article taken from MSN Careers - Articles & Advice.

By Robert Half International Inc.



The time and effort you put into crafting your cover letter and résumé have finally paid off -- you've been asked to interview with a company you've been pursuing for months. But you only have a few days to prepare for this brief but monumental meeting. The pressure's on to prove to the hiring manager you're uniquely qualified for the position and would be an asset to the organization.

While books and acquaintances are great sources of advice, consider taking cues from your favorite celebrities. That's because interviewing for a job is a lot like auditioning for a role. It can be a challenging and nerve-racking experience, but with a little preparation and practice, you'll have the confidence you need to shine. Here are some pointers to help you deliver a five-star performance.



Research your role.

Just as actors dig up information on the characters they'll portray, you should learn as much as you can about the potential employer. In fact, in a recent survey of executives by Robert Half International, respondents said having little or no knowledge of the firm is the No. 1 reason job seekers lose out to the competition. Avoid this mistake by researching the organization's history, products or services. Find recent news by visiting its Web site, reading industry publications and talking to members of your network. Doing so will help you specifically address the company's needs during the interview.



Practice makes perfect.

Seasoned performers spend extra time rehearsing tricky lines to avoid slipping up on stage. You can sidestep a potentially embarrassing situation by considering answers to tough or strange interview questions ahead of time. Hiring managers may ask about your greatest weakness, for example. In this case, your response should be candid but brief. Ideally, you'll be able to highlight steps you've taken to overcome this flaw. For example, if delivering presentations is not your forte, you might explain how you enrolled in courses to improve your public-speaking abilities.



Expect the unexpected.

Research conducted by Robert Half International shows off-the-wall questions also are becoming increasingly common, so don't be surprised if you're asked something like, "If you could have lunch with someone famous, who would it be?" In these instances, interviewers aren't looking for a right or wrong answer -- they're most likely interested in gauging your creativity, ability to think on your feet and personality. Develop concise, yet informative responses to these types of queries by role-playing with a friend so you can answer clearly and confidently.



Get down to the details.

Punctuality, proper attire and strong stage presence all contribute to a performer's professional reputation. Similarly, you should pay attention to the small, and often overlooked, aspects of an interview. Select your outfit the night before -- a two-piece suit is always appropriate, even if the company touts a casual dress code -- and make sure it's clean and neatly pressed. Map out directions to the office, plan to leave early and know whom to call in case you get stuck in traffic. Finally, get a good night's rest so you'll be alert for the big day.



Share something personal.

Compelling actors and actresses often use their personal experiences to add complexity to the characters they portray. You also can use your past to your professional advantage. Have in mind three career achievements that demonstrate hard-to-measure qualities -- like judgment, initiative, teamwork or leadership -- that aren't apparent on your résumé. Perhaps you stayed at the office until 2 a.m. to help a co-worker complete a high-profile project on time. While it wasn't your responsibility, you saw a colleague in need and were happy to help out.



Delve deep.

Skilled actors and actresses aren't afraid to ask their directors for guidance. Similarly, it's worthwhile to consult your interviewer regarding questions you may have about the firm or role. In fact, coming to the meeting with a few queries of your own is a great way to further convey your interest in the job. Inquire about opportunities for growth as well as the company's long-range plans. Discussing these issues will help both of you determine if you'd be a good fit for the position. Just avoid asking about vacation time, benefits or your office space -- you can address these topics once an offer has been extended.



Finish with a bang.

Nothing spoils a good show like a disappointing finale. End on a high note by expressing your appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration. Also, send a thank-you note to reinforce your interest and ability to excel in the role. A carefully crafted message will advance your candidacy and leave a positive, lasting impression with the hiring manager long after you've left.



In today's competitive job pool, it's not enough to "look good on paper." You also must demonstrate solid soft skills, a strong work ethic and a personality that is compatible with the corporate culture during the interview.

Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain.

I'm a traditional type of guy...

I believe that...

girls should always be girls
and guys should be their heroes

girls should wear skirts and have long hair
and taiwanese boys should get haircuts

You don't get the joke?








HAH !!! Take that you METEOR GARDEN drama people.

gone home...

Am back in MELBOURNE now.

The weather is decidedly fickle, much like some women I know.
Cold starts in the mornings.
Sunny "arvo" afternoon weather.
Decidedly cool and breezy in the later evenings.

I have left one weather, all the time.
Except when it rains... then it really pours.

See you Malaysians again, hopefully next year.





shout outs?

Darren
Kwang
Stephen
Sunny
Rachel
YuMing
SuYin
Eugene
Iggy


Guess that's it...