No Music No Life 10/2007

itunes: 蔡健雅, Goodbye & Hello (2007)

What a fruitful month!! The list of CDs that I have bought this month:


Jamie Scott & The Town, Park Bench Theories (2007)
To me, this is one of the most exciting debut album this year. The same goes to Lily Ellen's Alright Still in 2006. In between James Morrison and James Blunt, Jamie Scott's voice is squeaky beautifully clean and his music is acoustically soothing. If you are starting to get sick of James Morrison and James Blunt's stuff, Jamie Scott is definitely a good fit to comfort you for a longer while.


Gwen Stefani, Love Angel Music Baby (2005)
How can Gwen not part of my great CD collections? I waited long enough and to hunt this version down at a good price eventually. Good things definitely come by, it's just one has the patience to wait.


Zero 7, When It Falls (2004)
The warmth in their debut electronic album Simple Things in 2003 is so enchanting that I have spent weeks just listening to it. It took me 3 years to get this CD and I bypassed this and got their third album. It's the digipak packaging that I'm going for. It's rare in the market here as well as in ebay. Like I say earlier, good things worth the wait. The warmth continues to the second and third.....really love this duo.


Shine, Joni Mitchell (2007)
Finally she is back after her retirement 6 years ago. Still sitting on my desk, sealed. It takes time and patience to appreciate her album, just admiring a piece of painting. I wonder how she will sound this time as compared to the previous one that she left her fans with at the turn of the century. I just need to good quiet time to sit down and listen.


Madonna, Bedtime Stories (1994)
This is definitely one of my most-wanted Madonna memorabilia. I spent US$150.00 just to get this from the fierce bidding session on ebay. I love this album very much so I must have this rare promo, light blue velvet cover version. In those days, Madonna's music is already a beacon to what genre is going to be popular. Bedtime Stories comprises of R&B and her first experiment of electronica with Bjork. True enough, R&B and electronica are in fashion even now since the last second half of the last century. Bedtime Stories was deemed by the critics as "too ahead of time" and "experimental" then. That's Queen of Pop!


Mihimaru GT, The Best of (2007)


松田聖子, Baby'S Breath (2007)
These two Japanese albums was bought a few months ago, it was rather disappointing after listening to them. So I just casted them aside, thinking to sell it over the net to get some cash back. I picked them up and listen once again these 2 weeks and in fact they sounded not so bad after all. Now they are going to be part of my CD collections.


陳綺貞, Sentimental Kills (2003)


陳綺貞, 旅行的意義 (2004)


陳綺貞, After 17 (2004)


陳綺貞, Pussy (2007)
Taiwanese singer/songwriter Cheer Chen (陳綺貞) amazed me so much in her recent concert in town that I love her even more now. So I have decided to collect all her 4 singles releases ever since she has gone indie. Thanks to Eddy who carried them all the way from Hong Kong. Appreciate for bringing the Cheer's magic to me. I will just keep them in the original sealed condition.


蔡健雅, Goodbye & Hello (2007)
Another artist have gone indie. This is Singaporean singer/songwriter Tanya's first album under her own label. I have been her fan since her English debut in 1998. She has since moved on to make it big in Taiwan with Mandarin releases. I have been listening to it since it was released 2 weeks ago, really great awesome songs. Find out more about her: http://www.myspace.com/tanyachuamusic


881 Volume 2, Original Motion Soundtrack (2007)
The followed up album on the first release in August. Check out my blog on the movie and soundtrack in August 07. I just love this movie and soundtrack.

Billboard Top 100 Songs By Female Solo Artists (1955-2007)

itunes: 蔡健雅, Goodbye & Hello (2007)

Below is the fourth edition of Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits by Fred Bronson includes a list of the Top 100 Songs By Female Solo Artists (1955-2007). The list was compiled according to a point-based system that measures chart success.

Mariah Carey tops Billboard's Biggest Female Songs List and has the most entries on the list (eleven) and bookends it with "We Belong Together" at #1 and "Without You / Never Forget You" at #100. Hurray!!!

Toni Braxton has 4 songs, 2 from her "Secrets" album, my all time favourite.
Janet Jackson and Madonna has 5 songs each. It's a pity that Madonna's "This Used To Be My Playground" is not in this chart, really love this song.

Those in bold red are my longtime favourites:

1. We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
2. Un-Break My Heart - Toni Braxton
3. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
4. How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes
5. You're Still The One - Shania Twain
6. Foolish - Ashanti
7. Family Affair - Mary J. Blige
8. Fallin' - Alicia Keys
9. You Light Up My Life - Debbie Boone
10. You Were Meant For Me/Foolish Games - Jewel
11. Breathe - Faith Hill
12. Physical - Olivia Newton-John
13. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
14. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
15. Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
16. The First Night - Monica
17. Fantasy - Mariah Carey
18. Dreamlover - Mariah Carey
19. That's The Way Love Goes - Janet Jackson
20. All For You - Janet Jackson
21. Take A Bow - Madonna
22. I Love You Always Forever - Donna Lewis
23. You're Makin' Me High/Let It Flow - Toni Braxton
24. Believe - Cher
25. Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey
26. Exhale (Shoop Shoop) - Whitney Houston
27. Music - Madonna
28. The Wayward Wind - Gogi Grant
29. Irreplaceable - Beyonce
30. Nobody's Supposed To Be Here - Deborah Cox
31. Flashdance ... What A Feeling - Irene Cara
32. The Power Of Love - Celine Dion
33. Work It - Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
34. Hero - Mariah Carey
35. It's All Coming Back To Me Now - Celine Dion
36. Genie In A Bottle - Christina Aguilera
37. Hot Stuff - Donna Summer
38. Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
39. Together Again - Janet Jackson
40. Tammy - Debbie Reynolds
41. Complicated - Avril Lavigne
42. Again - Janet Jackson
43. If You Had My Love - Jennifer Lopez
44. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
45. Angel Of Mine - Monica
46. ... Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
47. Woman In Love - Barbra Streisand
48. Upside Down - Diana Ross
49. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
50. Try Again - Aaliyah
51. All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow
52. Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler
53. Bad Girls - Donna Summer
54. Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days) - Monica
55. London Bridge - Fergie
56. Like A Virgin - Madonna
57. To Sir With Love - LuLu
58. It's Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move - Carole King
59. Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
60. You're So Vain - Carly Simon
61. Doesn't Really Matter - Janet Jackson
62. Brand New Key - Melanie
63. Rush Rush - Paula Abdul
64. Rock And Roll Waltz - Kay Starr
65. Killing Me Softly With His Song - Roberta Flack
66. Shake It Off - Mariah Carey
67. I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
68. Ode To Billie Joe - Bobbie Gentry
69. Ring My Bell - Anita Ward
70. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
71. What A Girl Wants - Christina Aguilera
72. Magic - Olivia Newton-John
73. The Way We Were - Barbra Streisand
74. Macarthur Park - Donna Summer
75. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
76. What's Love Got To Do With It - Tina Turner
77. Case Of The Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do) - Mya
78. Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!) - Blu Cantrell
79. Dominique - The Singing Nun
80. Breathe Again - Toni Braxton
81. Love Theme From "A Star Is Born" (Evergreen) - Barbra Streisand
82. My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
83. I'll Remember - Madonna
84. He Wasn't Man Enough - Toni Braxton
85. 9 To 5 - Dolly Parton
86. Everybody's Somebody's Fool - Connie Francis
87. I'll Be There - Mariah Carey
88. Have You Ever? - Brandy
89. Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You) - Christina Aguilera
90. I'm A Bitch - Meredith Brooks
91. Love Takes Time - Mariah Carey
92. Vision Of Love - Mariah Carey
93. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Connie Francis
94. Sittin' Up In My Room - Brandy
95. My All - Mariah Carey
96. If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
97. Vogue - Madonna
98. Pon De Replay - Rihanna
99. Let's Hear It For The Boy - Deniece Williams
100. Without You/Never Forget You - Mariah Carey

http://repeal377a.com/

itunes: 蔡健雅, Goodbye & Hello (2007)

Despite that fact I know it's not going to be possible, given the pathetic "conservative Asian society" we have here in Singapore. Nevertheless, I have decided to put up the links and banner on my blog to help to promote this meaningful movement.

I was reluctant to sign the first petition to the parliament, given the fact that I do not think it will make any difference in improving gay status and identity in this place. Many would refute to what I said was pessmistic, even though the end-result is imminent, at least the voices of this minority are heard in the parliament. Anyway, I did sign on the second petition to the Prime Minister, since many beautiful straight crowds have stepped forward to answer to this call. How can I afford to be insensitive, sitting on the fence and remain silent at this moment?

Nevertheless, I adopt a different perspective. Yes, the minority needs to be heard and even if 377A can be repeal, will this change the perception and discrimination of gays from the majority straight crowd? The answer is NO. Therefore, personally I feel that most importantly, it is crucial to change the mindset of these ignorant folks, especially those staunched-religious and the hardcore homophobic ones, who keep rattling that legalising gay will upset/destroy the social families structure and unity here over the forum pages in the papers. Utterly 101% ungrounded nonsense. Thanks to the biased publicity of the media, gays are usually wrongly perceived as some promiscuous aids-laden party animals (is not it the straight men and women are like that too? Why pinpoint at gays only?) To be fair, not all are like that. They have career, they contribute to the society, they cook and do grocery shopping. Gay relationships and marriages can be as normal as any straight married couples and should deserve that respect personally and legally.

Eventually, as long as this whole bunch of monkeys can change their numskull-thick mindset, once homosexuality is no longer a taboo issue, the law will slowly unwind itself. It's going to be a long process, I believe. Looking back at history, think of how universal suffrage comes about. What about myths and supersitions we heard from grandma? Is not it all these are believed out of ignorance? Do we believe them now? Not anymore.

The promotional video for this movement:



Want to find out more? Go to this link: http://repeal377a.com/ or click the banner on the right side of this blog.

apocalypse in showcase

itunes: Jamie Scott & The Town, Park Bench Theories (2007)

At Esplanade, apocalypse can be so ironically awesome and dazzling, so contrasting.....really love this piece of visual display.

Children's artventure with crocs

itunes: Jamie Scott & The Town, Park Bench Theories (2007)

I was at Esplanade just now and along the underground corridor, which linked the Esplanade and the Citylink, there was an exhibition of art created by children using crocs shoes. Even though it was a short walk, admiring the art pieces, it was like going through a time passage, reminding me I was like them before, making dreams and fantasies come true thru art and crafts. Looking at the pieces, it was kind of nostalgic. After all, I used to enjoy that innocence. Check out the pictures that I have taken. It's amazing to see how creative young kids can be nowadays.








Crocs is a ferocious dragon.






Crocs is a little boat.


Crocs is a cot for baby.


Crocs is a poisonous scorpion.




Crocs can be a tricycle too.


Crocs is a clown on wheels.


Sidetrack a bit, no crocs here but the baby drawings is damn adorable. Exceptionally cute in the eyes of adolescence, is not it?


Yo, crocs has transformed into a warfare tank.


Or crocs can be a car that zooms around the city.


This is my favourite. Crocs is a white bunny.

Curse the property agents #@$%^&......

itunes: Tori Amos, American Doll Posse (2007)

I can never fully feel the effect of the old saying "Knowledge is power" until recently when I was in the midst of selling my 2-year-old apartment. Somehow, I just feel uneasy about the whole transaction cos there are a couple of loopholes that my property agent left behind among our conversations. Well, I cant say that my sixth sense is particularly good, but while exercising some common sense and deductions from some logical thinking, I'm getting a bit suspicious of the agent's may-have hanky-panky behind my back.

We have a prior agreement, should he manage to sell my apartment between S$450k and S$500k, he will be entitled a 2% agent fee from me, otherwise, any amount less than S$450k, he will get 1% instead. Within a week, after 1 night viewing session, he told me that there is an offer from a lady at $400k, which I declined given the fact that he promised me at the start that he is confident of helping me to sell the house at least $450k. A day later, he told me that the lady is willing to up the price to $420k. Again, I rejected the counter offer since it's only a week after the house was put on sale in the market. I can still afford to wait for a while.

The agent seems to be agitated by my tenant for the fact as he tried to arrange as many viewings as possible to close any potential deals, my tenant's timing have not been good cos he is not at home most of the time. This is when the agent showed sign of displeased and I told him even though he is my tenant, he is paying rent and as a landlord I should show respect to his privacy as well. This is when the agent suggested to buy the apartment from me directly instead. In this way, he can chase my tenant out and he can have more flexibility in arranging the viewing sessions. Thinking it was just a joke, I laughed it off nonchalantly.

Another week has passed, the agent told me that the lady is still keen and now she has another unit to consider as well which the buyer only willing to let go at $470. However, if I'm willing to let mine go at S$450k, she would take up the offer straight away. The agent pushed me hard for an immediate reply, and eventually I agreed to sell at this price on the following day.

It seems to me that the lady is an impulsive buyer. How can one decide after just 1 viewing, especially the one and only one is done at night?! I mean if I'm the serious buyer, I would have requested a second or third viewing (daytime viewing maybe?) to find out more about the apartment before making the right decisions. I brought this up to the agent and it seems he is quite aloof in answering it.

I cant prove that there is another unit letting go at $470k since all information comes from the agent himself. My gut feel then was as an agent, he is merely trying hard to close the deal as soon as possible in order to generate the 2% agent fee fast. To me, this is quite normal as agents usually played this kind of tricks to create stories that will cause anxiety in both buyer and seller so that they matched each other's expectation sooner. The fact that I'm getting a bit uncomfortable that this agent seems to be manuplative in his actions and words, particularly when it comes to my agreement and the signing of the option of purchase. Somehow, I sensed that he seems to represent the buyer more than being representing me. I thought I was just being sensitive and cautious about dealing with strangers that's all.

Thereafter, he started pressing me persistently to give him the name of my appointed lawyer. I grew abit agitated over his actions and told him that I need time to find one (in fact, I'm trying to locate a friend who worked in a law firm whom has gone overseas for a holiday to recommend her lawyer to me). The agent suggested if I cant find anyone, he can recommend me one. He even apologised for being pushy and blamed it was the buyer's lawyer who kept pastering him for an answer. This is when I asked myself, why would the buyer's lawyer contact him directly? It should be the buyer herself is not it? When my lawyer asked me to check the name of the buyer's lawyer, the agent asked me why was I asking for. To make sure I'm not thinking otherwise, he even explained he was asking out of curiousity. This added to my suspicion because it is perfectly normal to provide the lawyer's name so that both legal party can communicate to complete the transactions.

Something is terribly amiss here. Once my friend is back in town, I related to her of the events and my suspicions. She helped me to contact the staff of the buyer's lawyer and see if she can fish out any information on the agent and buyer. The end result is devastating. The staff casually mentioned there is a relationship between the buyer and agent, either they are in a relationship or married couple. This was when my lawyer advised me to perform a due diligence check on the martial status of the agent as well as the reality check on the selling price.

True enough, a check with the Registry of Marriage, the buyer was the agent's wife!!! But luckily the market price for my apartment is at S$444psf but I'm selling at S$450psf. At least the agent has been fair to my ignorance. I confronted the agent about this and waited to see how he responded to it. Well well well, words from the saleman's mouth will always be so convincing which seriously I dun really bother to hear all his sale talk. Anyway, I'm prepared to lodge a big complaint to his company, Frank Knight and to the press if nothing came out conclusive from the confrontation. Of cos, this guy was no fool, he was quick and good in his damage control actions. He used the reverse psychology, trying to gain my empathy of his position. As much as I'm a soft-hearted person, my biggest concern now was my money. If I'm selling the house to his wife, there was no way I'm going to give him that 2% agent fee which sumed up to nearly S$10k. There was absolutely no qualms about it.

Well, he was quick to offer me 2 alternatives in which either I can call off the whole deal or he was willing to waive the agent fee to my delight undeniably. He said he has been feeling guilty about getting the 2% agent fee from me right from the start and somehow he find it difficult to tell me the truth, blah blah blah, lame excuses really, he must be thinking that I was born only yesterday. Pardon me for saying this, I really cursed him and his wife to burn in hell eternally, only in my heart of cos, because as a gentleman, I must show civility at all times hehe. Frankly speaking, even after I exposed his dirty tricks, he never sounded apologetic at all. To think I trusted his professionalism and as a human right at the beginning, he is fucking despicable, unscrupulous and shameless.

But hey, this is a big savings for me, which means my selling price is at $460psf instead. As much as my friends showed concerns about this bloody agent 'flipping' the house by selling at a much higher price to a third party, I really dun care since I have gotten what I wanted. The new couple owner can pull or burn the house down for all they want, it does not really bothers me anymore.

Lessons learnt:
1) Never trust agents wholeheartedly. It's important to do simple due diligence. Also it is important must get a couple of agents to act for you, at least there are counter check and references on their words. Check with a lawyer on your legal rights and actions to protect your interests. Dun even think about asking them to recommend lawyers and bankers to you. Find an independent one yourself.

2) Professionals like lawyers, doctors and accoutants are respected for their professionalism and integrity. Well, even if under the scrutiny of their respective governing bodies, there are still black sheeps. Agents are not professionals, even though their image in their advertisements projected them so. They are merely salesmen who are only keen to close deal, shamelessly earn your money and will never act to your interests but themselves. I had bad experience with the agent, who used kickbacks tricks when I bought this house two years ago. Despite of that, I'm sure that there are still some who acted with a clear conscience whom I wish to know should I need to buy a house in the future.

3) Agents are a bunch of rascals who are smart enough to make use the loopholes of the law to their advantages. My lawyer told me that I have no case against this asshole if our confrontation fell through, unless I'm managed to prove that I suffered loss as he bought the house from me below the market value. The fact that the price I sold was around market price, makes it harder to get even with him, which means I'm committed to sell the house to his damn wife and at the same time pay him 2% agent fee. Legally he is right even though morally he is not.

4) Knowledge is really power. If I haven't done that fateful due diligence, I would have paid that 2% agent fee blindly without knowing his dirty tricks. With much information in hand, I can turn the table against him, and switching his gain to become mine. Now I can apply the principle of imperfect market conditions in Economics sense. It's important for one to do enough homework on the market before engaging them. I heard from my lawyer that such cases are very common especially during the property market boom.

CHEERs to 陈绮贞的Piece of Summer2

itunes: 陳綺貞, 花的姿態演唱會經典實錄 (2007)

我疯了。
我为陈绮贞的演唱会感动地疯了。

天啊！短短的3小时的演唱会竟让我无法释怀！这两天不自不觉回想起星期六陈绮贞的演唱会片段，断断续续回味着所有的感动。我也疯狂在网上搜索其他有出席歌迷的blog，看看他们是否也和我一样，象个多动儿般如此亢奋？？！！

对了，为何她没唱“花的姿态”呢？

P.S. 演唱会的细节流程。虽然只是文字，但所有的画面却陆续清楚地浮现眼前。