Caught this year's Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF) opening film at Lido. This year's opening film is a Malaysian short film "My Beautiful Rambutan Tree in Tanjung Rambutan" and a Lebanese film "Kiss Me Not On The Eyes".
MBRTTR is about sibling love/rivalry and describes how a rambutan tree came to grow in a family's garden under very unusual circumstances. Liked how the director builds up tension in the film through the little things that the brothers and sisters do!
KMNOTE is about how a young woman prepared for a dance competition and studied poetry at the same time. It is also about her journey in finding herself in the process. My favorite scenes are those with the dancing coach teaching Dunia how to dance! Very nice dancing movements where she sways her body like a sinusoidal curve on an oscilloscope! Also liked the pulsating drum beats that accompanied the dance!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Speaking Up
Saw this on the first day of the Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF) fringe held at the Goethe Institute. The organisers had prepared a mini-buffet feast for the audience before the show started with bread, cheese, fruits and drinks as it was the opening day! Very nice of them!
The film consists of interviews of ordinary people from all walks of life on various topics that affected Hong Kong. It also showed major events like the '97 Hong Kong handing over, newspaper reports on the Tiananmen incident, people staging rallies in the streets etc.
It is interesting to hear the candid responses from these people and how their answers differed due to their different backgrounds! Gained a better understanding of Hong Kong through this film.
The film consists of interviews of ordinary people from all walks of life on various topics that affected Hong Kong. It also showed major events like the '97 Hong Kong handing over, newspaper reports on the Tiananmen incident, people staging rallies in the streets etc.
It is interesting to hear the candid responses from these people and how their answers differed due to their different backgrounds! Gained a better understanding of Hong Kong through this film.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
A Summer Tale
Saw this at the "swedenmade film 2006" organised by Singapore Film Society. Decided to watch this as it was recommended by movie critic, Dr Wong Lung Hsiung, on channel 8 the day before.
The story is about how two orphans spent their summer holidays with a local undertaker, Mr Johansson. He was quite strict with them at first but the orphans soon became friends with each other and had many interesting encounters with the village people.
Liked the simple story and the life affirming lessons taught by the children!
Internet Movie Database Link
The story is about how two orphans spent their summer holidays with a local undertaker, Mr Johansson. He was quite strict with them at first but the orphans soon became friends with each other and had many interesting encounters with the village people.
Liked the simple story and the life affirming lessons taught by the children!
Internet Movie Database Link
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Three Times
Watched this at the newly furbished Picturehouse. Only the ticket sales and cinemas are open on the 5th and 6th floor. The rest of the shops are not ready for business yet.
There are three short stories in TT and they have different themes and set in different eras: "A Time of Love" in 1966, "A Time of Freedom" in 1911 and "A Time of Youth" in 2005.
ATOL is about an NS guy's search for a billiard ball assistant whom he had a game before. ATOF is about the life of a prostitute and it describes the incidents that lead to the fall of Taiwan to Japan through her client. ATOY is about a complicated love triangle in the Taipei city.
Liked the '60s music in ATOL and the nice costume worn by the billiard ball assistants! The opera music in ATOF was interesting and the theme was expressed pretty well through both the loss of freedom of a country and that of a person! Didn't really like ATOY as I thought the music sounded terrible and there was nothing special about the plain citylife scenery.
Internet Movie Database Link
There are three short stories in TT and they have different themes and set in different eras: "A Time of Love" in 1966, "A Time of Freedom" in 1911 and "A Time of Youth" in 2005.
ATOL is about an NS guy's search for a billiard ball assistant whom he had a game before. ATOF is about the life of a prostitute and it describes the incidents that lead to the fall of Taiwan to Japan through her client. ATOY is about a complicated love triangle in the Taipei city.
Liked the '60s music in ATOL and the nice costume worn by the billiard ball assistants! The opera music in ATOF was interesting and the theme was expressed pretty well through both the loss of freedom of a country and that of a person! Didn't really like ATOY as I thought the music sounded terrible and there was nothing special about the plain citylife scenery.
Internet Movie Database Link
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Lim Boon Heng Cup (Day Two)
Game 6: vs Rosalind
An easy game as Rosalind had not been playing for a while and was quite rusty. Had to clarify the rules for her as she didn't seem to be familiar with them. She actually requested to play in the recreational division but was refused because of her ratings attained in 1999! Also heard that Kok Onn's request to play in the intermediate division was refused as he only started playing competitively after the LBH cup cut-off date. Guess the ratings system has its limitation to eliminate both under-qualified and over-qualified players in a particular division.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IL*(ch)
My High Moves: AWAY(35), YEH(33), BRAVeD(34) CLEAN(30) Opp High Moves: -
W 423-291, +132. 3W 3L (Accum spread +76).
Game 7: vs JoBeth Pan
Was thrashed by JoBeth a few years ago at the NTU open. Had a bingo rack with AEILNRS and played NAILERS back hooking the R to an existing EME but EMER* was challenged off. Could have bingoed by front hooking to an existing TIC on the board! My opponent bingoed three times with tURRETED(62), REALTIES(82), SNORTER(73) and I lost badly!
New words learnt: ETIC, EBON(ch)
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: tURRETED(62), REALTIES(ch)(82), SNORTER(ch)(73)
My Phoneys: EMER*(ch), LOM*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: PAS(33), RACIER(36), EX(42), VOLTI(30) Opp High Moves: TIC(36)
L 346-481, -135. 3W 4L (Accum spread -59).
Game 8: vs Peter Yu
My phoney SLINT* was let off as both of us thought it was good. Peter tried to hook an S and I tried to hook a Y and both were challenged off. Later, Peter bingoed twice with SOlDiER(78) and AGONIES(67) and won easily!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: SOlDiER(78), AGONIES(67)
My Phoneys: SLINT*, EMED*(ch) Opp Phoneys: SLINTS*(ch)
My High Moves: ZO(35) Opp High Moves: XU(39), MED(31)
L 281-449, -168. 3W 5L (Accum spread -227).
Game 9: vs Lim Shi Min
Had a bye as my opponent did not turn up.
W 150-100, +50. 4W 5L (Accum spread -177).
Game 10: vs Sebastien Lim
Start of the King-of-the-Hill round and my second time meeting Sebastien. Both of us had one bingo each. I had TRAiNEE(66) and he had REALISE(68). Was quite confused over what the blank in TRAiNEE represented and played a silly phoney of HiI* which was challenged off. Also made a mistake of not blocking the back hook of MOC next to the TWS cell and allowed my opponent to score with SKEW(57). Just managed to win by 4 points in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TRAiNEE(66) Opp Bingos: REALISE(68)
My Phoneys: HiI*(ch) Opp Phoneys: TAPINGS*(ch), MOCA*(ch)
My High Moves: TAJ(39), QIS(39), TAX(45) Opp High Moves: HAW(31), ZEA(32), SKEW(57)
W 373-369, +4. 5W 5L (Accum spread -173).
Game 11: vs Catherine
My second time meeting Catherine and thought I had a chance to revenge myself. Couldn't beat her in the end as she bingoed with sTrINGS(72) and scored well while not opening up the board.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: sTrINGS(72)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: VISA(38) Opp High Moves: CRONY(41), QI(32)
W 332-375, -43. 5W 6L (Accum spread -216).
Game 12: vs Peter Yu
My second time meeting Peter and my luck was better this time. Bingoed once with EGOtISE(80) and scored well with the J and the Q. My QUA(38) exposed the TWS cell though and allowed my opponent to score even better with FEINT(48)! Maybe should have played QAT(29) at a safer spot. Was distracted by Rosalind talking to Peter in the middle of the game but was too shy to tell her off as Peter himself didn't complain. Missed a playable bingo with a AILNST? rack at the end but played reasonably well to win.
New words learnt: HOWS(ch), TIPT(ch)
My Bingos: EGOtISE(80) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JEATS(56), FEW(32), QUA(38) Opp High Moves: NICER(30), FEINT(48)
W 390-348, +42. 6W 6L (Accum spread -174).
Came in 11th position out of 16 players. Not quite an above average intermediate player yet but I hope to do better the next time to at least make it to the top half of the field!
An easy game as Rosalind had not been playing for a while and was quite rusty. Had to clarify the rules for her as she didn't seem to be familiar with them. She actually requested to play in the recreational division but was refused because of her ratings attained in 1999! Also heard that Kok Onn's request to play in the intermediate division was refused as he only started playing competitively after the LBH cup cut-off date. Guess the ratings system has its limitation to eliminate both under-qualified and over-qualified players in a particular division.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IL*(ch)
My High Moves: AWAY(35), YEH(33), BRAVeD(34) CLEAN(30) Opp High Moves: -
W 423-291, +132. 3W 3L (Accum spread +76).
Game 7: vs JoBeth Pan
Was thrashed by JoBeth a few years ago at the NTU open. Had a bingo rack with AEILNRS and played NAILERS back hooking the R to an existing EME but EMER* was challenged off. Could have bingoed by front hooking to an existing TIC on the board! My opponent bingoed three times with tURRETED(62), REALTIES(82), SNORTER(73) and I lost badly!
New words learnt: ETIC, EBON(ch)
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: tURRETED(62), REALTIES(ch)(82), SNORTER(ch)(73)
My Phoneys: EMER*(ch), LOM*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: PAS(33), RACIER(36), EX(42), VOLTI(30) Opp High Moves: TIC(36)
L 346-481, -135. 3W 4L (Accum spread -59).
Game 8: vs Peter Yu
My phoney SLINT* was let off as both of us thought it was good. Peter tried to hook an S and I tried to hook a Y and both were challenged off. Later, Peter bingoed twice with SOlDiER(78) and AGONIES(67) and won easily!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: SOlDiER(78), AGONIES(67)
My Phoneys: SLINT*, EMED*(ch) Opp Phoneys: SLINTS*(ch)
My High Moves: ZO(35) Opp High Moves: XU(39), MED(31)
L 281-449, -168. 3W 5L (Accum spread -227).
Game 9: vs Lim Shi Min
Had a bye as my opponent did not turn up.
W 150-100, +50. 4W 5L (Accum spread -177).
Game 10: vs Sebastien Lim
Start of the King-of-the-Hill round and my second time meeting Sebastien. Both of us had one bingo each. I had TRAiNEE(66) and he had REALISE(68). Was quite confused over what the blank in TRAiNEE represented and played a silly phoney of HiI* which was challenged off. Also made a mistake of not blocking the back hook of MOC next to the TWS cell and allowed my opponent to score with SKEW(57). Just managed to win by 4 points in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TRAiNEE(66) Opp Bingos: REALISE(68)
My Phoneys: HiI*(ch) Opp Phoneys: TAPINGS*(ch), MOCA*(ch)
My High Moves: TAJ(39), QIS(39), TAX(45) Opp High Moves: HAW(31), ZEA(32), SKEW(57)
W 373-369, +4. 5W 5L (Accum spread -173).
Game 11: vs Catherine
My second time meeting Catherine and thought I had a chance to revenge myself. Couldn't beat her in the end as she bingoed with sTrINGS(72) and scored well while not opening up the board.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: sTrINGS(72)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: VISA(38) Opp High Moves: CRONY(41), QI(32)
W 332-375, -43. 5W 6L (Accum spread -216).
Game 12: vs Peter Yu
My second time meeting Peter and my luck was better this time. Bingoed once with EGOtISE(80) and scored well with the J and the Q. My QUA(38) exposed the TWS cell though and allowed my opponent to score even better with FEINT(48)! Maybe should have played QAT(29) at a safer spot. Was distracted by Rosalind talking to Peter in the middle of the game but was too shy to tell her off as Peter himself didn't complain. Missed a playable bingo with a AILNST? rack at the end but played reasonably well to win.
New words learnt: HOWS(ch), TIPT(ch)
My Bingos: EGOtISE(80) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JEATS(56), FEW(32), QUA(38) Opp High Moves: NICER(30), FEINT(48)
W 390-348, +42. 6W 6L (Accum spread -174).
Came in 11th position out of 16 players. Not quite an above average intermediate player yet but I hope to do better the next time to at least make it to the top half of the field!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Lim Boon Heng Cup (Day One)
Game 1: vs Lim Seng Bock
My first time playing with Seng Bock and I learnt that he was preparing for the upcoming ISBG games. Hmm, someone to look out for when our company takes part in it! Was leading late in the game until my opponent bingoed with PATerNAL(68) using two blanks! Had lots of consonants left and he finished first to add 8 points to his final score to overtake me.
New words learnt: EHING(ch), BOFF(ch), TRIZONE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: PATerNAL(68)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: AES*(ch)
My High Moves: FIXES(36), KAF(38), PALING(43), MEATY(57) Opp High Moves: QUITS(35), CIG(37), EHING(43), ZERO(48)
L 373-380, -7. 0W 1L (Accum spread -7).
Game 2: Sebastien Lim
Sebastian is Seng Bock's colleague. Was trailing far behind when he bingoed three times in alternate turns: bIPLANE(86), BOILERS(76) and DESTINED(78)! Caught up a little bit when I bingoed with FeNITAR(78) but it was too late!
New words learnt: VIVO, bIPLANE(ch)
My Bingos: FeNITAR(78) Opp Bingos: bIPLANE(ch)(86), BOILERS(76), DESTINED(78)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: LOXY*(ch), QUOIR*(ch)
My High Moves: LOX(33), JOT(35), ZEL(32) Opp High Moves: -
L 380-455, -75. 0W 2L (Accum spread -82).
Game 3: Arul
Played with Arul before at the last LBH cup and I think he must be the most well equipped player in the tournament, with his own board, tiles and clock! He even had extra clocks in his bag that he wanted to sell! Managed to make many high score moves including a bingo with READIER(80) back hooking to an existing DEN. Arul bingoed late in the game with eTAERIO(67) but it was too late. Had ABGNOOS for my rack at one time and saw the bingo in it but didn't put it down as I was not sure of it.
New words learnt: DENE(ch), GABOONS
My Bingos: READIER(80) Opp Bingos: eTAERIO(67)
My Phoneys: JIT*(ch) Opp Phoneys: ENLEARN*(ch), ADIM*(ch)
My High Moves: THY(33), JILTS(38), FRAY(33), ZO(31) Opp High Moves: -
W 412-284, +128. 1W 2L (Accum spread +46).
Game 4: Aloysius
Played with Aloysius before at the last Nationals. A bingoless game but I managed to make many high scoring moves while not opening up for my opponent!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: ALOT*(ch), WEF*(ch) Opp Phoneys: REL*(ch
My High Moves: ZEAS(43), MY(34), VINAS(36), GHI(33), PRY(38) Opp High Moves: JIVED(35), PEDS(32)
W 338-284, +54. 2W 2L (Accum spread +100).
Game 5: Catherine Tong
Played with Catherine before at the NTU open a few years ago. Bingoed first with ASTRIDE(65) and Catherine bingoed later with sINGLES(78). Had AENPSTU on my rack at one turn but missed the two possible anagrams and put UNTAPES* instead that was challenged off! After that, I made many low scoring moves that did not help to open up the board and lost badly in the end.
New words learnt: PESAUNT
My Bingos: ASTRIDE(65) Opp Bingos: sINGLES(78)
My Phoneys: HANED*(ch), UNTAPES*(ch), PLEG*(ch), YIS*(ch), ASTRIDES*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: AIDE(38), JOhN(45) Opp High Moves: OXO(43), CREEK(31)
L 266-422, -156. 2W 3L (Accum spread -56).
My first time playing with Seng Bock and I learnt that he was preparing for the upcoming ISBG games. Hmm, someone to look out for when our company takes part in it! Was leading late in the game until my opponent bingoed with PATerNAL(68) using two blanks! Had lots of consonants left and he finished first to add 8 points to his final score to overtake me.
New words learnt: EHING(ch), BOFF(ch), TRIZONE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: PATerNAL(68)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: AES*(ch)
My High Moves: FIXES(36), KAF(38), PALING(43), MEATY(57) Opp High Moves: QUITS(35), CIG(37), EHING(43), ZERO(48)
L 373-380, -7. 0W 1L (Accum spread -7).
Game 2: Sebastien Lim
Sebastian is Seng Bock's colleague. Was trailing far behind when he bingoed three times in alternate turns: bIPLANE(86), BOILERS(76) and DESTINED(78)! Caught up a little bit when I bingoed with FeNITAR(78) but it was too late!
New words learnt: VIVO, bIPLANE(ch)
My Bingos: FeNITAR(78) Opp Bingos: bIPLANE(ch)(86), BOILERS(76), DESTINED(78)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: LOXY*(ch), QUOIR*(ch)
My High Moves: LOX(33), JOT(35), ZEL(32) Opp High Moves: -
L 380-455, -75. 0W 2L (Accum spread -82).
Game 3: Arul
Played with Arul before at the last LBH cup and I think he must be the most well equipped player in the tournament, with his own board, tiles and clock! He even had extra clocks in his bag that he wanted to sell! Managed to make many high score moves including a bingo with READIER(80) back hooking to an existing DEN. Arul bingoed late in the game with eTAERIO(67) but it was too late. Had ABGNOOS for my rack at one time and saw the bingo in it but didn't put it down as I was not sure of it.
New words learnt: DENE(ch), GABOONS
My Bingos: READIER(80) Opp Bingos: eTAERIO(67)
My Phoneys: JIT*(ch) Opp Phoneys: ENLEARN*(ch), ADIM*(ch)
My High Moves: THY(33), JILTS(38), FRAY(33), ZO(31) Opp High Moves: -
W 412-284, +128. 1W 2L (Accum spread +46).
Game 4: Aloysius
Played with Aloysius before at the last Nationals. A bingoless game but I managed to make many high scoring moves while not opening up for my opponent!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: ALOT*(ch), WEF*(ch) Opp Phoneys: REL*(ch
My High Moves: ZEAS(43), MY(34), VINAS(36), GHI(33), PRY(38) Opp High Moves: JIVED(35), PEDS(32)
W 338-284, +54. 2W 2L (Accum spread +100).
Game 5: Catherine Tong
Played with Catherine before at the NTU open a few years ago. Bingoed first with ASTRIDE(65) and Catherine bingoed later with sINGLES(78). Had AENPSTU on my rack at one turn but missed the two possible anagrams and put UNTAPES* instead that was challenged off! After that, I made many low scoring moves that did not help to open up the board and lost badly in the end.
New words learnt: PESAUNT
My Bingos: ASTRIDE(65) Opp Bingos: sINGLES(78)
My Phoneys: HANED*(ch), UNTAPES*(ch), PLEG*(ch), YIS*(ch), ASTRIDES*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: AIDE(38), JOhN(45) Opp High Moves: OXO(43), CREEK(31)
L 266-422, -156. 2W 3L (Accum spread -56).
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Mad Hot Ballroom
This is a documentary about school children in New York taking a ten week ballroom dancing course and preparing for an inter-school competition in the process.
Liked the interviews with the school children and the teachers! The children were very natural in front of the camera while the teachers explained their expectations of them. The kids look so grown up as they danced beautifully and yet they behave like normal children outside class! I also had fun learning about their plans for the future when they grow up.
Internet Movie Database Link
Liked the interviews with the school children and the teachers! The children were very natural in front of the camera while the teachers explained their expectations of them. The kids look so grown up as they danced beautifully and yet they behave like normal children outside class! I also had fun learning about their plans for the future when they grow up.
Internet Movie Database Link
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Interesting Talk on TV
Accidentally stumbled on this interesting talk when I was channel surfing. Pheonix TV has a weekly programme where an expert would give a talk on a particular topic to university students with a question and answer session after that.
The topic this week is on 中医的传统与出路 which would roughly translate to the historical value of Tradition Chinese Medicine and its future development. The speaker talked about the different mental models of Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine. Western Medicine breaks the human body into small sub-components so as to pin point the problem and destroy the virus/bacteria that causes the problem. Chinese Medicine treats the human body as a whole system and concentrates on strengthening the body so that the natural defences kick in.
It is also interesting to hear about the speaker's experience during the SARS epidemic and his views on the impending Avian Flu epidemic!
Article Link
The topic this week is on 中医的传统与出路 which would roughly translate to the historical value of Tradition Chinese Medicine and its future development. The speaker talked about the different mental models of Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine. Western Medicine breaks the human body into small sub-components so as to pin point the problem and destroy the virus/bacteria that causes the problem. Chinese Medicine treats the human body as a whole system and concentrates on strengthening the body so that the natural defences kick in.
It is also interesting to hear about the speaker's experience during the SARS epidemic and his views on the impending Avian Flu epidemic!
Article Link
War and Peace
The story, based on Tolstoy's novel of the same title, describes what happened during the war when Napoleon tried to conquer Russia around 1812.
Didn't think I could finish watching such a long film at 208 min but Audrey Hepburn acting in it kept me going. She looked very pretty and she wore beautiful dresses and had elegant posture! Was quite confused over the relationship of some minor characters but I still managed to understand the main storyline. It was also interesting to see the war tactics of the Russian and French army towards the end!
Internet Movie Database Link
Didn't think I could finish watching such a long film at 208 min but Audrey Hepburn acting in it kept me going. She looked very pretty and she wore beautiful dresses and had elegant posture! Was quite confused over the relationship of some minor characters but I still managed to understand the main storyline. It was also interesting to see the war tactics of the Russian and French army towards the end!
Internet Movie Database Link
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Sympathy For Lady Vengeance
The story is about a beautiful lady, Geum-ja seeking revenge on a man who betrayed her. This is the last part of the revenge trilogy made by the director Park Chan Wook. The film was shown commercially last year, but I missed it because I was having training overseas.
Interesting to note that I happened to watch SFLV on "International Women's Day" as this film is mainly about women. It describes the sisterly friendship made in jail, the dependence of women on men and the love of a mother towards her daughter. Liked the use of flashback that weaved the story together, the voice-over narration that explained the plot and the many different looks of Geum-ja!
Internet Movie Database Link
Interesting to note that I happened to watch SFLV on "International Women's Day" as this film is mainly about women. It describes the sisterly friendship made in jail, the dependence of women on men and the love of a mother towards her daughter. Liked the use of flashback that weaved the story together, the voice-over narration that explained the plot and the many different looks of Geum-ja!
Internet Movie Database Link
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Brokeback Mountain
The story is about how two cowboys became very good friends when they were working together at Brokeback Mountain. After finishing the work, they went separate ways but still kept in contact once in a while for many years.
Nice guitar soundtrack and beautiful scenery! I also liked watching the animals such as the bear, the elk, the sheep, the horse and the dog! The bear looked extremely ferocious in one scene! It is also interesting to see how the cowboys battle the elements but still manage to have a great time together. They share a dark secret though.
Liked how the film described what happened to each of the cowboys when they went separate ways. Great acting by Michelle Williams especially when she discovered the dark secret of her husband and when she confronted him about it! Liked the well executed ending too!
Nice guitar soundtrack and beautiful scenery! I also liked watching the animals such as the bear, the elk, the sheep, the horse and the dog! The bear looked extremely ferocious in one scene! It is also interesting to see how the cowboys battle the elements but still manage to have a great time together. They share a dark secret though.
Liked how the film described what happened to each of the cowboys when they went separate ways. Great acting by Michelle Williams especially when she discovered the dark secret of her husband and when she confronted him about it! Liked the well executed ending too!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Scrabble Poll
Would like to conduct a poll on what you would do in the above situation.
Your tile is ENOPST?, where would you place your tile?
A) POTS H1 for 36 points with a very good leave of EN?. Quite possible to get a potential bingo on the next turn
B) POSTmEN 5D for 73 points. A safe choice that does not open up the board for your opponent and scores well.
C) NEPOTISm 2H for 74 points to open up two TWS cells. One person gets one TWS cell each. It is also possible for someone score a nine-timer and the person could be yourself.
D) Other choices, please explain
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Jurong Green CC Mini
Game 1: vs Peter Yu
I first bingoed with DEsTAIN(86) but Peter replied with CHINE(47) down the TWS. Our score was quite close a few turns later until I had an EEIRSZ? rack. It was a bingo-prone rack but there was no place to put it except for a CRIT on board that looked like it had potential for a front hook. I tried SEIZuRE and RESIZEs in consecutive turns to front hook the last letter to CRIT but both were challenged off. By then, Peter had decided to close off the board and I played badly after that. I went over time by 2 minutes and had many low scoring moves.
New words learnt: CRIT, CHINE, LANT,
My Bingos: DEsTAIN(ch)(86) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: ECRIT*(ch), SCRIT*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: CHINE(ch)(47)
L 298-359, -61. 0W 1L (Accum spread -61).
Game 2: Marcus
After Marcus bingoed with EARLIER(78), I got one blank each for the next two turn. I bingoed with INHALeD(74) then got ENOPST? for my next turn. Spent a long time thinking of a 7-letter bingo but couldn't think of any. Finally, I saw an 8-letter one through a floating I on the board to form NEPOTISm(74).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: INHALeD(74), NEPOTISm(74) Opp Bingos: EARLIER(78)
My Phoneys: RUP*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JIB(35), FEZ(39), VINO(33) Opp High Moves: GEY(ch)34, CUM(31), SHA(36)
W 435-377, +58. 1W 1L (Accum spread -3).
Game 3: Kum Zi Peng
Bingoed twice with BRUISES(75) and DANGERS(71) but lost the lead when I challenged PIOY and PIOYE in succession and ZP bingoed with TOADIEs(78). Managed to overtake him with a RUG set up to score with QAID(34) and BINGS(45) down the TWS line in succession. I lost in the end though as I went over time by 3 minutes and challenged his second last word, HILLO, which was good!
New words learnt: PIOY, PIOYE, ENVOI, HILLO, HILLOA
My Bingos: BRUISES(75), DANGERS(71) Opp Bingos: TOADIEs(78)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: QAID(34), BINGS(45) Opp High Moves: WOK(31), MUTED(30), PIOY(ch)(31), ECU/PIOYE(ch)(30), FEZ(37)
L 374-378, -4. 1W 2L (Accum spread -9).
Game 4: Serene Ngu
Got to a bad start when I phoneyed with DOV* while trying to score with the V on the TWL cell. Managed to catch up when Serene phoneyed with CATLINES* which was challenged off and I bingoed with TINTERS(79). I scored very well with the Q with QUAT(52) and was lucky enough to get both blanks late in the game to further capitalise on the Q with the TWS cell.
New words learnt: GIRO, GIRON
My Bingos: TINTERS(79) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: DOV*(ch) Opp Phoneys: CATLINES*(ch)
My High Moves: WRITES(40), QUAT(52), QUeLl(36) Opp High Moves: PEAS(40), ZILA(31), XI(38), LEANS/GIRON(ch)(32)
W 427-356, +71. 2W 2L (Accum spread +62).
Game 5: Victor Chua
I bingoed with RAVINES(67) and Victor bingoed with TRIPLES(71) shortly after that. The board was quite close after that and I was frustrated with having no place to play my tiles. I played many phoneys that were challenged off while Victor managed to score consistently to maintain his lead. Must learn how to play well in a closed board in the future!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: RAVINES(67) Opp Bingos: TRIPLES(71)
My Phoneys: FATA*(ch), DEIN*(ch), NEG*(ch) Opp Phoneys: GIL*(ch)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: HAZILY(38), JETE(38)
L 335-390, -55. 2W 3L (Accum spread +7).
Game 6: Chia Guo Cong
I won Guo Cong during the last Millenium Cup and was feeling confident although I knew that my opponent had very good word knowledge. We made many high scoring moves consecutively at one time! I bingoed first with CREVISE*(80), then he bingoed with RAINDATE(68) that exposed two TWS cells. I scored with DJIN(47) with one of them, Guo Cong scored with QUIM(69) with the other one, then I scored again with ZEX(52)! I bingoed a few turns later with fACTION(77). For my last turn, I had a comfortable lead and I didn't check what tiles my opponent was holding although I was diligently tracking it. In the end, he managed to bingo out with SLAINTE(69) and snatch an extra 16 points from my EHITU? rack to beat me by one point!
New words learnt: RAINDATE
My Bingos: CREVISE*(80), fACTION(77) Opp Bingos: RAINDATE(ch)(68), SLAINTE(69)
My Phoneys: CREVISE* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: DJIN(47), ZEX(52) Opp High Moves: QUIM(69)
L 415-416, -1. 2W 4L (Accum spread +6).
Game 7: Ang Chew Chuah
Started very well with QUEEN(48) and bingoed with BRIDGES(80). I also made many high scoring moves including VARS(38), front hooking "A" to BRIDGES to capitalise on the TWS cell. Should have played AVA for that move as I had an excess of "A"s but I wasn't sure of it. I knew that AVO and AWA were good but was always confused whether AVA and AWO* were valid. Ran out of good tiles near the end and Chew Chuah slowly closed the gap with GoODIES(67), VOX(35) and ZOO(41).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: BRIDGES(80) Opp Bingos: GoODIES(67)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: QUEEN(48), WHERE(32), QUOIF(34), VARS(38), HARMeD(41), YEAT(34) Opp High Moves: TAK(32), VOX(35), ZOO(41)
W 413-382, +31. 3W 4L (Accum spread +37).
Game 8: Chia Guo Cong
Was quite surprised to play Guo Cong again for the "King-of-the-Hill" round as I was expecting to play against either Peter or Marcus. Once again, he demonstrated his excellent word knowledge as he played VINIC, ENDIRON and BENNY in succession which I challenged the first two unsuccessfully. Managed to pull ahead as I bingoed with TOGGLER(76) and INERTIa(70). I also capitalised on the TWL cell with AH(32) that also served as a set up for SKIT(41) across the TWS cell. Guo Cong could have scored more for his last turn with ROOs back hooking QI with the "s" but he didn't as he was unsure of the word.
New words learnt: VINIC(ch), ENDIRON(ch), BENNY
My Bingos: TOGGLER(76), INERTIa(70) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: DEX(41), AH(32), SKIT(41) Opp High Moves: VINIC(ch)(33), ENDIRON(ch)(37), BENNY(38), JEWEL(32), NAZI(34)
W 420-340, +80. 4W 4L (Accum spread +117).
Had fun playing in the mini but was frustrated with the many silly mistakes that I made. Looking forward to the upcoming Lim Boon Heng cup! Hopefully, I would have learnt not to repeat the same mistakes by then!
I first bingoed with DEsTAIN(86) but Peter replied with CHINE(47) down the TWS. Our score was quite close a few turns later until I had an EEIRSZ? rack. It was a bingo-prone rack but there was no place to put it except for a CRIT on board that looked like it had potential for a front hook. I tried SEIZuRE and RESIZEs in consecutive turns to front hook the last letter to CRIT but both were challenged off. By then, Peter had decided to close off the board and I played badly after that. I went over time by 2 minutes and had many low scoring moves.
New words learnt: CRIT, CHINE, LANT,
My Bingos: DEsTAIN(ch)(86) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: ECRIT*(ch), SCRIT*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: CHINE(ch)(47)
L 298-359, -61. 0W 1L (Accum spread -61).
Game 2: Marcus
After Marcus bingoed with EARLIER(78), I got one blank each for the next two turn. I bingoed with INHALeD(74) then got ENOPST? for my next turn. Spent a long time thinking of a 7-letter bingo but couldn't think of any. Finally, I saw an 8-letter one through a floating I on the board to form NEPOTISm(74).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: INHALeD(74), NEPOTISm(74) Opp Bingos: EARLIER(78)
My Phoneys: RUP*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JIB(35), FEZ(39), VINO(33) Opp High Moves: GEY(ch)34, CUM(31), SHA(36)
W 435-377, +58. 1W 1L (Accum spread -3).
Game 3: Kum Zi Peng
Bingoed twice with BRUISES(75) and DANGERS(71) but lost the lead when I challenged PIOY and PIOYE in succession and ZP bingoed with TOADIEs(78). Managed to overtake him with a RUG set up to score with QAID(34) and BINGS(45) down the TWS line in succession. I lost in the end though as I went over time by 3 minutes and challenged his second last word, HILLO, which was good!
New words learnt: PIOY, PIOYE, ENVOI, HILLO, HILLOA
My Bingos: BRUISES(75), DANGERS(71) Opp Bingos: TOADIEs(78)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: QAID(34), BINGS(45) Opp High Moves: WOK(31), MUTED(30), PIOY(ch)(31), ECU/PIOYE(ch)(30), FEZ(37)
L 374-378, -4. 1W 2L (Accum spread -9).
Game 4: Serene Ngu
Got to a bad start when I phoneyed with DOV* while trying to score with the V on the TWL cell. Managed to catch up when Serene phoneyed with CATLINES* which was challenged off and I bingoed with TINTERS(79). I scored very well with the Q with QUAT(52) and was lucky enough to get both blanks late in the game to further capitalise on the Q with the TWS cell.
New words learnt: GIRO, GIRON
My Bingos: TINTERS(79) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: DOV*(ch) Opp Phoneys: CATLINES*(ch)
My High Moves: WRITES(40), QUAT(52), QUeLl(36) Opp High Moves: PEAS(40), ZILA(31), XI(38), LEANS/GIRON(ch)(32)
W 427-356, +71. 2W 2L (Accum spread +62).
Game 5: Victor Chua
I bingoed with RAVINES(67) and Victor bingoed with TRIPLES(71) shortly after that. The board was quite close after that and I was frustrated with having no place to play my tiles. I played many phoneys that were challenged off while Victor managed to score consistently to maintain his lead. Must learn how to play well in a closed board in the future!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: RAVINES(67) Opp Bingos: TRIPLES(71)
My Phoneys: FATA*(ch), DEIN*(ch), NEG*(ch) Opp Phoneys: GIL*(ch)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: HAZILY(38), JETE(38)
L 335-390, -55. 2W 3L (Accum spread +7).
Game 6: Chia Guo Cong
I won Guo Cong during the last Millenium Cup and was feeling confident although I knew that my opponent had very good word knowledge. We made many high scoring moves consecutively at one time! I bingoed first with CREVISE*(80), then he bingoed with RAINDATE(68) that exposed two TWS cells. I scored with DJIN(47) with one of them, Guo Cong scored with QUIM(69) with the other one, then I scored again with ZEX(52)! I bingoed a few turns later with fACTION(77). For my last turn, I had a comfortable lead and I didn't check what tiles my opponent was holding although I was diligently tracking it. In the end, he managed to bingo out with SLAINTE(69) and snatch an extra 16 points from my EHITU? rack to beat me by one point!
New words learnt: RAINDATE
My Bingos: CREVISE*(80), fACTION(77) Opp Bingos: RAINDATE(ch)(68), SLAINTE(69)
My Phoneys: CREVISE* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: DJIN(47), ZEX(52) Opp High Moves: QUIM(69)
L 415-416, -1. 2W 4L (Accum spread +6).
Game 7: Ang Chew Chuah
Started very well with QUEEN(48) and bingoed with BRIDGES(80). I also made many high scoring moves including VARS(38), front hooking "A" to BRIDGES to capitalise on the TWS cell. Should have played AVA for that move as I had an excess of "A"s but I wasn't sure of it. I knew that AVO and AWA were good but was always confused whether AVA and AWO* were valid. Ran out of good tiles near the end and Chew Chuah slowly closed the gap with GoODIES(67), VOX(35) and ZOO(41).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: BRIDGES(80) Opp Bingos: GoODIES(67)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: QUEEN(48), WHERE(32), QUOIF(34), VARS(38), HARMeD(41), YEAT(34) Opp High Moves: TAK(32), VOX(35), ZOO(41)
W 413-382, +31. 3W 4L (Accum spread +37).
Game 8: Chia Guo Cong
Was quite surprised to play Guo Cong again for the "King-of-the-Hill" round as I was expecting to play against either Peter or Marcus. Once again, he demonstrated his excellent word knowledge as he played VINIC, ENDIRON and BENNY in succession which I challenged the first two unsuccessfully. Managed to pull ahead as I bingoed with TOGGLER(76) and INERTIa(70). I also capitalised on the TWL cell with AH(32) that also served as a set up for SKIT(41) across the TWS cell. Guo Cong could have scored more for his last turn with ROOs back hooking QI with the "s" but he didn't as he was unsure of the word.
New words learnt: VINIC(ch), ENDIRON(ch), BENNY
My Bingos: TOGGLER(76), INERTIa(70) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: DEX(41), AH(32), SKIT(41) Opp High Moves: VINIC(ch)(33), ENDIRON(ch)(37), BENNY(38), JEWEL(32), NAZI(34)
W 420-340, +80. 4W 4L (Accum spread +117).
Had fun playing in the mini but was frustrated with the many silly mistakes that I made. Looking forward to the upcoming Lim Boon Heng cup! Hopefully, I would have learnt not to repeat the same mistakes by then!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Mansfield Park
This is yet another film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. The story is about how a poor girl, Fanny Price, was sent to live in her rich relative's house and what happened when she grew up. She kept in contact with her old home by writing letters to her sister. Among her rich relatives, Edmund shares the same interest as her and is her good buddy.
The plot is interesting and I was very impressed by what a good judge of character Fanny was! Liked the way the contents of the letters were presented to the audience in a story-telling style. Fanny and her sister both looked quite pretty!
Internet Movie Database Link
The plot is interesting and I was very impressed by what a good judge of character Fanny was! Liked the way the contents of the letters were presented to the audience in a story-telling style. Fanny and her sister both looked quite pretty!
Internet Movie Database Link
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Emma
This is a film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel of the same title about a young single girl who likes to play matchmaker to her friends. Heard that the film "Clueless" is based on the same novel but have not had the chance to watch it yet.
Gwyneth Paltrow plays the title role and I thought she was very meddlesome at first. She had advised her friend, Harriet Smith, to turn down a marriage proposal from a fine young man as he was only a poor farmer! Mr Knightley was a very good friend of hers as he gave her advice when she most needed them.
Emma was trying to match make Harriet Smith for the most part of the film and there were many handsome guys, each with different characters, to choose from. Besides handsome guys, there were also many pretty girls in the film. These include Emma's ex-governess, Mrs Weston, and her friend, Jane Fairfax.
Internet Movie Database Link
Gwyneth Paltrow plays the title role and I thought she was very meddlesome at first. She had advised her friend, Harriet Smith, to turn down a marriage proposal from a fine young man as he was only a poor farmer! Mr Knightley was a very good friend of hers as he gave her advice when she most needed them.
Emma was trying to match make Harriet Smith for the most part of the film and there were many handsome guys, each with different characters, to choose from. Besides handsome guys, there were also many pretty girls in the film. These include Emma's ex-governess, Mrs Weston, and her friend, Jane Fairfax.
Internet Movie Database Link
The Constant Gardener
The story is about a diplomat trying to find out the circumstances behind a dark secret. He and his wife were working in Africa where big pharmaceutical companies were helping the Africans test for AIDS and TB.
The flashbacks were used quite effectively to show how the couple met. Great performances by Ralphe Fiennes and Rachel Weisz who played the diplomat couple! The scenery also looked pretty nice in UK and Africa. Was a bit confused over how the dark secret unravelled at first but slowly understood what happened in the end.
Internet Movie Database Link
The flashbacks were used quite effectively to show how the couple met. Great performances by Ralphe Fiennes and Rachel Weisz who played the diplomat couple! The scenery also looked pretty nice in UK and Africa. Was a bit confused over how the dark secret unravelled at first but slowly understood what happened in the end.
Internet Movie Database Link
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Fearless
The story is about the life of a famous Chinese martial arts expert in China. He fought in matches for fame at first, went through a low period in his life and finally realised the importance of improving himself instead of beating others as well as unity is strength.
Certain parts of the film may not be historically accurate, but the message that violence is not the best solution is brought across positively. The martial arts sequence is nicely choreographed and the village life scenes are pretty interesting too! Also liked the sportsmanship of both contestants in the last battle!
Internet Movie Database Link
Certain parts of the film may not be historically accurate, but the message that violence is not the best solution is brought across positively. The martial arts sequence is nicely choreographed and the village life scenes are pretty interesting too! Also liked the sportsmanship of both contestants in the last battle!
Internet Movie Database Link
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Best of British Animation Awards Vol.5
The final collection of British Animation consists of the following films:
The Girl and The Horse | Rebecca Manley | 2003
Taps | Matthew Gravelle | 2003
How Mermaids Breed | Joan Ashworth | 2002
Survey | Joe King | 2002
Gifted | Emily Mantell | 2002
Extn. 21 | Lizzie Oxby | 2002
Takuskanskan | Selina Cobley | 2003
Tennents: Body Armour | Darren Walsh | 2002
NSPCC: Cartoon | Frank Budgen & Russell Brooke | 2002
Terrence Higgins Trust: Cavern Club | Manu Roig | 2002
Butterfly | Glenn Marshall | 2002
Killing Time at Home | Neil Coslett | 2003
Little Things | Daniel Greaves | 2003
Dad's Dead | Chris Shepherd | 2002
To Have And To Hold | Emily Mantell | 2003
Fish Never Sleep | Gaelle Denis | 2002
How To Cope With Death | Ignacio Ferreras | 2002
"How Mermaids Breed" is pretty interesting and educational. "Killing Time at Home" is a sad story about how old toys get chucked away when people got tired of them. "To Have And To Hold" is an interesting mix of short stories a few days before a meteorite hits the earth. "How To Cope With Death" features "Matrix-like" action sequences of a grandmother!
The Girl and The Horse | Rebecca Manley | 2003
Taps | Matthew Gravelle | 2003
How Mermaids Breed | Joan Ashworth | 2002
Survey | Joe King | 2002
Gifted | Emily Mantell | 2002
Extn. 21 | Lizzie Oxby | 2002
Takuskanskan | Selina Cobley | 2003
Tennents: Body Armour | Darren Walsh | 2002
NSPCC: Cartoon | Frank Budgen & Russell Brooke | 2002
Terrence Higgins Trust: Cavern Club | Manu Roig | 2002
Butterfly | Glenn Marshall | 2002
Killing Time at Home | Neil Coslett | 2003
Little Things | Daniel Greaves | 2003
Dad's Dead | Chris Shepherd | 2002
To Have And To Hold | Emily Mantell | 2003
Fish Never Sleep | Gaelle Denis | 2002
How To Cope With Death | Ignacio Ferreras | 2002
"How Mermaids Breed" is pretty interesting and educational. "Killing Time at Home" is a sad story about how old toys get chucked away when people got tired of them. "To Have And To Hold" is an interesting mix of short stories a few days before a meteorite hits the earth. "How To Cope With Death" features "Matrix-like" action sequences of a grandmother!
Best of British Animation Awards Vol.4
Missed Vol 2 and 3 the previous day.
The collection consists of the following films:
BAA 2002 Title sequence | The Charactershop | 2002
Novelty | Leigh Hodginkson | 2001
Metalstasis | Matthew Hood | 2001
The Lucky Dip | Emily Skinner | 2001
Intolerance | Phil Mulloy | 2000
Rockin' & Rollin' | Richard Jack & Daniel Greaves | 2001
Daddy | Stephen Cavalier | 2001
Home Road Movies | Robert Bradbrook| 2000
Plain Pleasures | Sarah Cox | 2001
Q. Music.com | Sam Morris | 2000
Tennents: Pintlings | Darren Walsh | 2001
Aero: Kiosk | Alyson Hamilton | 2001
Hot Spot | Mark Brierley | 2000
Father and Daughter | Michael Dudok de Wit | 2000
Mr Grimby's Video Diary | Neil Jack | 2001
Saw "Father and Daughter" at other screenings before and I think it is quite nice! The animation has an impressionistic feel to it with pretty girls riding on the bicycle and nice background music. Also liked the director's previous work: "The Monk and The Fish" that had a similar style.
Besides "FAD", I also liked "Metalstasis", "Intolerance" and "Daddy". "Metalstasis" is about a robot who is sick because there were rats in his body, "Intolerance" is an anthropology study about aliens from the planet Zog and "Daddy" was about how Dad kept the whole family together over the years through vacations on his trusty old car.
The collection consists of the following films:
BAA 2002 Title sequence | The Charactershop | 2002
Novelty | Leigh Hodginkson | 2001
Metalstasis | Matthew Hood | 2001
The Lucky Dip | Emily Skinner | 2001
Intolerance | Phil Mulloy | 2000
Rockin' & Rollin' | Richard Jack & Daniel Greaves | 2001
Daddy | Stephen Cavalier | 2001
Home Road Movies | Robert Bradbrook| 2000
Plain Pleasures | Sarah Cox | 2001
Q. Music.com | Sam Morris | 2000
Tennents: Pintlings | Darren Walsh | 2001
Aero: Kiosk | Alyson Hamilton | 2001
Hot Spot | Mark Brierley | 2000
Father and Daughter | Michael Dudok de Wit | 2000
Mr Grimby's Video Diary | Neil Jack | 2001
Saw "Father and Daughter" at other screenings before and I think it is quite nice! The animation has an impressionistic feel to it with pretty girls riding on the bicycle and nice background music. Also liked the director's previous work: "The Monk and The Fish" that had a similar style.
Besides "FAD", I also liked "Metalstasis", "Intolerance" and "Daddy". "Metalstasis" is about a robot who is sick because there were rats in his body, "Intolerance" is an anthropology study about aliens from the planet Zog and "Daddy" was about how Dad kept the whole family together over the years through vacations on his trusty old car.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Atame!
Was deciding whether to stay for the next two screenings of British Animation at Singapore History Museum as Arts House was also having free screenings of Spanish films at the same time. Decided to walk over there and found that they were screening Atame! by Almodovar.
Atame! is an unusual love story between a kidnapper and his victim. Ricky was just released from a mental hospital and the first thing he did was to look up Marina, an actress whom he met a year ago during a one night stand. He kidnapped her to make her slowly fall in love with him so that he could lead a normal life with a job, a wife and kids.
What's interesting is the process by which the couple turn from enemy to friends. The lines were also quite funny. Antonio Banderas acted as Ricky and he looked very young in this film! The actress who played Marina also looked quite pretty!
Internet Movie Database Link
Atame! is an unusual love story between a kidnapper and his victim. Ricky was just released from a mental hospital and the first thing he did was to look up Marina, an actress whom he met a year ago during a one night stand. He kidnapped her to make her slowly fall in love with him so that he could lead a normal life with a job, a wife and kids.
What's interesting is the process by which the couple turn from enemy to friends. The lines were also quite funny. Antonio Banderas acted as Ricky and he looked very young in this film! The actress who played Marina also looked quite pretty!
Internet Movie Database Link
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