Hachiko: A Dog's Story - Official Movie Teaser Trailer

Synopsis: This heartwarming true story is an American adaptation of a Japanese tale about a loyal dog named Hachiko. This very special friend would accompany his master to the train station every day and return each afternoon to greet him after work. Sadly his master departs one day, passes away and never returns to the station. Hachiko faithfully returns to the same spot at the station the very next day, and every day for the next nine years to wait for his beloved master. During his daily visits, Hachiko touches the lives of many who work near and commute through the town square. He teaches the local people love, compassion and above all unyielding loyalty. Today, a bronze statue of Hachiko sits in his waiting spot outside the Shibuya station in Japan as a permanent reminder of his devotion and love.
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After watching "10 Promises to my Dog" and "Say, Marimo", and spending time with our Gang's mascot, Scott, a Labrador, it seems like everyone has gotten in touch with their dog-lover side.

Mr A introduced the Japanese movie "10 promises to my dog" - I watched it during lunchtimes at The Office, and "Say, Marimo" was the touching 10 minute short film I introduced to him - we watched it 'together' - at the same time, both at home, on our respective computers.

And somehow sharing that 10 minutes before bedtime put a smile on my face. And I'm still smiling, like an idiot.

A and I gonna watch this show when it's out!

Slob Evolution

A parody of the 'Dove Evolution', which shows that as long as you have a great ad concept, you can recreate it to amazingly good, or bad, effect. Something I watched again and again and still find it so interesting. Only 1 minute +.

Good Will Hunting : script of Beautifully Imperfect

This scene mirrors the advertisement "Beautifully Imperfect", about a lady talking about her dead husband at his funeral...

Everyone likes that - that ad seems to have the magical touch on different people from each generation, when it appears on TV people just seem to quieten down and stare at the screen.

But as you can see from this video, it's apparently ripped-off.
Still, good scripting works to touch people in every situation or country or race... so, I'm glad it was used creatively. I share some beliefs with Flow who once said that nowadays (in video production) nothing is ever original anymore. Not that we like 'cut-and-paste', but a TVC that is SO good deserves respect for it's creative usage of dialogue, no matter whether it's 100% original or not.

Note some profanities spouted by Matt Damon in the beginning.

My fave lines: 

"It's wonderful stuff, you know. Little things like that. Those are the things that I miss the most. The little idiosyncrasies that only I know about. That's what made her my wife."

'today not going home'

A local production showcasing Singaporean issues all of us can relate to.

I felt the visual direction was hauntingly nice as well as the little bits of props. Must must must watch.

 

Part of my IED efforts (to blog about christianity.)

Do pass the show around if you like it.

 

Watch it here too:

http://wideangle.sccc.org.sg/the-projects/tdgh/

Another one: 

http://wideangle.sccc.org.sg/the-projects/distortions-film/

forsaking the divine

Here's something that I read yesterday from the book Shrek lent, called 'God's Generals'.

'In our lives, we have many relationships, casual and sometimes intimate. But the most significant ones to the kingdom of God are 'divine relationships'. In every call, whether secular or ministerial, God sends divine relationships to help strengthen your walk with Him. We may have many casual relationships, but divine relationships are very few. They can usually be counted on one hand.'

I have always wondered why some people seem so religious yet not having the alive, vibrant, intense faith that I've always expected them to have. And to others, like myself, God is so real, it's just impossible to imagine living a day without Him.

Due to the number of public holidays happening recently, my thoughts inevitably fall to MrBestFriend. Where is he now, I wonder, as I walk the road from the bus interchange to the train. Does he remember me fondly, the way I do, or is it all hazy and unimportant, relegating to something insignificant, as he forges new relationships with other people. I don't really blame him for everything that has transgressed, they are not mistakes, they are miscalculations.

Most girls ask why, instead of just accepting things the way they are.

And I have many 'why' questions that are no longer relentless, but just nuanced with a sad tone, I'm sentimental that way. Was just thinking about how our brain works in this way while dialoging with Pastor's wife who is a psychologist.

I mentioned about 'regret', one of the topics which maybe one day I will film.

Like, all of us have regrets.
But is it ... emotionally healthy to 'not regret'?

Or, how much regret is healthy and how much regret becomes disabling... So is regretting good for our mental well-being, or not?

Which applies to other emotions like worry, anger, etc.
And which part of the brain stores all these? Haha. If we remove it, is it still stored in our hearts or subconcious (I believe it is) and what repercussions are there, for all of us to discover that one day, our thoughts come back to haunt us. Lol!

Anyways, miscalculations can be easily erased.

last night

Scott the Dog.

Note his cute son looking at us from behind.

I talked to A last night. For the first time!

We talked about the people we knew, and the places we've been to.

The places we loved to visit and want to visit again. I told him about Japan, and Bali - the enchanting sunset over the Tabanan village's padi fields. The pinks and purples that lighted up the horizon in a way he would have never imagined. I told him about Aceh, and how I helped, after the tsunami, to build a house for the ravaged township. He told me about his winter in Australia, that he hated and loved winter at the same time - exactly my sentiment, but I didn'tt see it in that light until he explained it to me... and a funny incident about his backpacking trip to Sabah.

I thought, 'how similar our lives are', in a certain sense... ... we have had eerily similar experiences, almost like we were traversing in similar circles in the grand sphere of life, near to each other, but never touching. When we were growing up, we lived in the same town. Just a couple of roads away from each other. I was so surprised, and happy, to know about that.

We ate at the same hawker centre. We had the same kindergarten uniform. Mine was a tablecloth printed dress with small pockets, I loved it. The tablecloth print was on his shorts. Then later, in the church... We had the same pastor, just that the pastor left my ministry and went to his - and I knew almost all the army guys in his cell - almost all, except him. We attended the same service at Adam, for years, without bumping into each other. It was as if he had been a part of my life without me knowing, and vice versa. 

So, even though we have just met, it was as if we were just catching up on the years we have lost being strangers with each other. 

'Do you remember the mee pok man?' I asked. Mom loved the mee pok at our old place, and I bought it back for her on a regular basis. 'Do you remember the nasi padang?' He replied. He liked that dish that was a part of his childhood days. My old hawker centre was such a part of Singapore that it was even featured in one of Jack Neo's movies, 'The Best Bet'.

After meeting A, I suddenly realised that cheesy phrases such as 'love at first sight' does hold true for some of us in this world. 

But I also have the feeling that he is like an imaginary friend becoming a real one, someone you always wished you knew and could talk to about everything in life because he knows it well himself, someone I could never imagine existing, coming to life, coming into my life.

I'm glad the circles finally collided.

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincolnrs.”

All about dogs

Ms Cheerful and I have been talking about dogs lately. I've seen and sang to her lovely spaniadors (cocker spaniel + labrador mix) and we realized that the old saying about how your pet will turn out to look like you is true, mostly because you will tend to choose the kind of dog which looks somewhat like you.

(Which lends me to hilarious laughter knowing which dog Mr A once had)

I've always wanted a whippet (if I lived in a meadow) - a pert, dog with woebegone eyes and spindly long legs with short fur. Hee. 

Maybe it's only me who sees a correlation, but here are some characteristics of the men I've known and dated. I shan't name names... ...

Anyways, do take it with a pinch of salt...

Afterall, it may impact the next breed you decide to bring home.

Introducing: 

1. Benjy the Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a good dog that has developed a bad reputation. This dog was created to fight and when a Bull Terrier is mistreated, it can be made into a dog that is quite aggressive, even vicious. With proper care and training, a Bull Terrier puppy can grow up to be a sweet and loving dog. In fact, at times this breed is even slightly silly. However, an older dog who has been mistreated may never be truly trustworthy and should not be placed in a home where it has access to children.

The Bull Terrier loves family life and often is quite good with children. These dogs love to play and will spend hours playing frisbee. However, if you do not have children of your own, and your Bull Terrier isn't used to small children, never leave your Bull Terrier with visiting children unattended, as infants and toddlers are sometimes mistaken for other animals instead of people. 

If you've never owned a dog before, then the Bull Terrier is definitely not for you. These dogs are not a good match with inexperienced dog owners. In addition, if you are a shrinking violet instead of an assertive person, your Bull Terrier will sense this. He will quickly dominate you and rule your household.

Since Bull Terriers are such powerful animals, you will need to be sure your dog is thoroughly trained before he gets too big for you to control easily.

Your Bull Terrier needs very little grooming.

2. Pete the Pug

Pugs have a reputation for being so good natured that people can literally walk on them. However, don't let this breed's laid back attitude fool you. This dog will turn from a lover to a fighter in an instant if an intruder threatens his human. Pugs are wonderful with children and other pets. In fact, Pugs have been known to perform feats such as gently carrying an escaped parakeet to his owner without disturbing even a feather. However, Pugs are more likely to cause allergies than some other breeds. 

Pugs are perfectly content to live in apartments or town homes. Although the Pug doesn't require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. A daily walk around the block should be enough exercise, but he will be happy to walk much further, as well. 

While Pugs can learn obedience, these little guys aren't the fastest learners. Your Pug may not learn to sit or heel as fast as other breeds. However, once he learns he will be extremely proud of himself. You may want to try attending puppy obedience classes with your Pug. If he just can't grasp the commands, try again when he is a few months older. 

Pugs love food. They are happy to eat whatever you give them and will learn undignified tricks if you reward them with treats. You should make every effort to limit your Pug's food intake, since these dogs can suffer from knee problems, which grow worse if the dog is overweight. 

If you want a dog breed that does not need much grooming, a Pug is ideal.  

If you want a dog breed that is all heart and you don't mind him snoring and snorting in your ear all night, then a Pug may be the perfect choice for you.

3. Googoo the Golden Retriever

These dogs are high energy animals and need plenty of exercise, especially while they are less than three years of age. This desire to stay busy is one reason that Golden Retrievers make good rescue, Seeing Eye, or drug sniffing dogs. If you do not keep them occupied, they will find ways to amuse themselves, such as eating your entire shoe collection. 

If you are an avid gardener, you will need to be sure you have a separate area where you can contain your dog, since most Golden Retrievers love to dig. While they are going through their puppy stage, they are also prone to chewing up shrubs. 

Since Golden Retrievers are large dogs, you may want to consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. 

3. Chris the Collie

The Collie is strong and graceful and has plenty of endurance. This dog's almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The Collie's prick ears give it an alert appearance.

The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment living, since it loves to spend time outside. A home with a large yard is ideal for the Collie breed. 

Although the Collie is friendly and outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of trash blowing around the yard. 

The Collie can be quite headstrong and can get into quite a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is easier to train a small puppy who hasn't developed bad habits than a sixty pound dog that has. Also, be sure to be firm with your puppy about staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your furniture. Once you allow your dog on the furniture, he will feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.

The Collie breed has very few health problems. 

Collies are quite happy to pack away plenty of food. These dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them three small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that promotes weight loss. 

Although a rough coated Collie has long hair, the Collie does not need extensive grooming. . 

The Collie is an intelligent family dog. If you want a dog who will protect your family and will play with the kids, the Collie may just be the perfect pet for you.

-

Well, I'm still doing some research on the type I wanna bring home.

Maybe I've already found him although he doesn't know it yet. *wails*

When a man likes a woman, it's easy. He just needs to go 'wow!' at the way she walks into his gaze, and basically, give or take a few things, like, is she single... do I like her... that's it. 

When a woman likes a man, it is much more complicated. Men will never understand a woman's psyche/mind.

She thinks:

Why would I like this guy?

I must list down all the things I like about this guy and see if it's a legit liking.

I must ask my trusted friends for their opinion about this guy, and if they don't like him, I will... trust their opinions (yeah right)

Why am I asking my friends about this guy, do I truly like him?

Gasp! Do I love him?

Do I want his babies?

Is he single?

Is he single and not liking anyone?

Is he single, not liking anyone, and has no emotional baggage?

Is he single, not liking anyone, has no emotional baggage and only want to settle down when his career is stable?

Can I envision a future with him?

Can I envision a relationship with him?

Can I envision a date with him?

Can I envision a chat with him???

Who is that girl sitting next to him?

What if we have no chemistry?

What if he finds me boring?

What if I find him boring?

Does he like kids?

Does he like to exercise?

Does he like to eat at hawker centres?

Does he like to watch movies?...

etc.

Well, of course, somehow, the intended will seemingly fit into those questions like the way a pet fits into your life... ... but the endless questioning is something which only (lovesick) women can fathom to do, and that, is why we are not men.

Say, Marimo

'Departures', dog-style.
A must-watch.

some observations about life

Was out walking around in Gardens last week when I spotted this nice big Golden Retriever. Hee hee. It likes to take photos I think... or maybe I am just good with dogs.

My flower bloomed after the rain! I bought this small pot after filming at World Nursery.

Morning at Botanic Gardens. Really nice! Wasn't slacking, was waiting for my filming to start.

I wanted to choose a Capitaland mall location for one of my next filmings, so I went to their website to have a look – the CEO I know is now working for another place, so I clicked on their ‘board of directors’ panel, just to confirm.

While scanning through half-disinterestedly at their profiles, I realized one thing: that all of them had a minimal qualification of first –class honors degree. The rest had Masters’.  Which made me think a little because I had a conversation with Lilo over blueberry pancakes the other day and she wanted to study. As she knew that in SG it’s not easy to get into top management without a Masters’.

While eating the blueberry pancake, I imagine myself making it for Mr A... haha! Face by Marjorca Majolica. I have a bad habit of using one brand's complete makeup instead of here and there... anyways, it does suit me. 

I’m usually not so keen on encouraging people to study because I’m not the ‘tak che’ type… but I’ve always felt that if you can study, go ahead! Although I belong to the ‘first-class’ group I can’t say that it has opened a lot of doors for me. Which begs the question whether those on the board belong on the board in the first place because they are preternaturally intelligent, or just because their elite standing has made life easier for them? Or maybe there was a special first-class club that I have yet to join… (Or form one myself! I am inviting Clone’s husband and Penelope’s husband to be)

Just a random thought here. I actually hated studying. It was by the grace of God that my marks got moderated upwards – truly a miracle, have you ever heard of grades moderated upwards?

Still, I’m glad to have a degree qualification although I like to pretend I don’t. Although I’m not so sure now if I’d be like my parents who encouraged us kids to do whatever we felt like doing. On hindsight perhaps if my parents had the foresight to give me  some Chinese enrichment classes, I’d probably be a lawyer, or a doctor… ah, was never career-minded anyways.

My idea of life is to have a nice little house with a lake or a pond or at least some sort of water feature… and a tall, dark, handsome guy who is kind enough to drive me to the supermarket every few days. And a dog. And some kids in future.

But I don’t mind contributing my first-class ideas to a board if I get $8mil in bonus…

And speaking about tall, dark, handsome guys…

I was filming here with a Mediacorp Veteran. Maybe you will remember his role as Irin Gan's boyfriend in 'Growing Up'. Was quite enthused to act with someone with real acting skills.

Acted this love scene where I had to look into his eyes, smile sweetly/stupidly, and dance hand in hand around Botanic Gardens.

Well... 

I was thinking about Mr A (otherwise no chemistry with Gary) when we were on camera. Thinking about Mr A does give me a misty glow, I hope... ... Can I say it like, 

'There wasn't a single day that I could stop thinking about you...' 

Although I will never admit it to Mr A, never, and, what if he turns out to be someone like Kie?

This veteran has nice hands for holding... ...

LOL!!!

bunny is gone.

My rabbit, Skiiri, has passed.

She was a significant bunny.

I bought her - one of the reasons was to learn parenting, how to be a good one. So in a sense, losing her was akin to a mother losing a child. The sense of loss, the feeling when you look at the empty cage...in a small way, I am able to understand a little bit of this sense of loss.

Brought her to the vet on Saturday, had x-ray and was given 5 different meds. Rabbits have a variety of sickness so I guess it's quite common for them to get GI. She pushed on for quite long though, about 3 weeks before succumbing. I was quite traumatised looking at the stiffened body, and still am choked when I think back on when I brought her in as a tiny baby wabbit. She was an alpha female, so it wasn't easy to bring her up. Liked to kick me, and struggle, not those 'nua', gentle types that just lay in your lap. Even at the vet, she kept stamping her foot so loudly that the dog-owners were surprised. 

Through keeping pets - of which I've had many, you learn something about yourself, and through her short life (3 years in July) I've had many memories.

My sweetest memory, is her coming to the edge of her cage (in the kitchen) while I am singing in the shower...just perking up her ears to listen to me. And when I was done, I'd sing her a bunny song and you can almost see her smiling. 

Mom told me to get a small dog. I think I'd love a dog in the future, but sometime later perhaps.

She was a significant bunny.