Showdown and the other Lee

Since I'm backdating significant events that happened throughout 2011 before I can move on with the rest of my blogging activities, here's one that I want to put in my blog and remember for the longest time to come.

I've met several American Idols. Ok, not several. Just Kelly Clarkson (twice, got to even chill with her in a club in Singapore way back when she just won and met her briefly for a concert in Kuala Lumpur) and also Kris Allen (whom strangely enough I noticed from the auditions itself.

One Idol I do like a lot is Lee DeWyze. From the get go, I knew he would do well, or at least I hoped he would. And finally, I got to meet him. He's an awesome dude.

He was so cool and we got to talk a bit. I love the way he talks about his music, and you could just tell he was straight up and honest about so much. Obviously, Hollywood hasn't gotten to him because his facial expressions revealed whenever he felt uncomfortable, or uneasy.

But even better than meeting him was getting to see him perform live - TWICE. And the best song from him (though I love all his songs), was his rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah!

Seriously meremang bulu roma. Few can just hold a guitar and sing, and still evoke a whole landscape of emotions, and it's definitely no wonder he won American Idol.

Apart from the show at Astro in Studio 1, I also got to catch him live at Subang Parade where he performed for fans and had a meet and greet.

Meeting such an honest singer-songwriter is always a wonder. And it was definitely one of the highlights of 2011 to meet Lee.

One of the best things to happen also this year, was Showdown 2011. Why?

Well, last year, members of the Funky Fresh Family dominated the top three for Showdown with Wakaka and Floor Fever placing first and third. This year, four more members of the family entered Showdown - namely Elecoldxhot, Rokusteps, Bounce Steppers and also HMC Phlow.

But best of all - this year, with so many of my family members in the show, I was also called as a guest judge alongside Maple Loo and Joe Flizzow. Many asked what dance background I had to qualify me - but I judged based on performance and visual value with a little on technical and styles which is something I do know about having used dance for acts I've managed sebelum ni.

It was definitely fun. And ironic too. Since I was a member of production and faculty of Akademi Fantasia 9 which ran in tandem with Showdown 2011, it was kind of fun to be called to judge another show on another station.

Especially since my fellow teacher in the Akademi too, in Ning, was a judge the week before me.

Definitely something I will remember.

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Kris Allen!

Ok just chilling at Starbucks kat Gardens in MidValley. Tadik sampai ngan sumpah seranah seribu sebab traffic walaopon clear, nak parking nak 20 minit (elak Zon A lain kali!) - lom start.. seb baik.

Banyak pics aku snap masa press conference, but I won't upload them now. Too many to share. Will post them in the next entry

So anyway after several questions for the press conference, we all got our passes and waited about for our interviews.

And when it was our turn, had about 20 minutes (or lesser) with Kris. Adorable! He really is a super sweet guy.

And when we were done, mintak camwhore sat. Amik ko! First pic blur, second pic buruk! Sentap!

Went for dinner pastuh. After we were done, went through MidValley menangis cause a HUGE crowd was gathered for the meet and greet with Kris.

Only the first 200 were supposed to get a chance to meet Kris, but apparently people had been in line from as early as 10am onwards. Damn! And the meet and greet was scheduled at 6pm!!! Rajin gila bebudak nih!

Check out the crowd.

After that ended, there was a stampede as he was led out to a waiting vehicle. Padahal dok sebelah je kat Gardens. Merasalah!

Anyway.. dropped by Starbucks for a coffee and had really evil look from some fans. Then I noticed that I had this on.

Oops! Forgot Kris had autographed my tag!

Heh.. showoff! Nak wat camna. Da ada...

Just about to go in for the showcase. Will update pics from the press conference later from my camera. These pics were taken and emailed from my Blackberry, so expect better pics after this.

And also of the show of course.

Until then... for those of you at the ballroom see you in a while and let's party on.

By the way... anyone seen The Star today?

Monday February 8, 2010

Creating awareness on cervical cancer

THE National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), supported by GlaxoSmithKline Pharma-ceutical (GSK) launched Power Over Cervical Cancer (POCC) campaign in July last year, aimed at educating and creating awareness about cervical cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 500,000 women globally will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 280,000 will die from it each year.

Here you go: Choong presenting the mock cheque to medical director of NCSM Dr Saunthari Somasundaram.

Therefore, the POCC campaign aims to highlight these escalating incidences of cervical cancer and to urge women to protect themselves against the disease.

Five popular bloggers have come forward to join NCSM and GSK to support the campaign. They are Serena C (twitter.com/serenachoong oralivenotdead.com/serenac), Niki Cheong (nikicheong.com/blog), Joyce (kinkybluefairy.net), Joe Lee (klubkidd.com) and Yvonne Foong (yvonnefoong.com).

These “Digital Ambassadors” will educate and create awareness on cervical cancer and encourage their readers to participate in the Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire on the website, www.pocc.com.myor www.cancer.org.my

Serena, Niki, Joyce, Joe and Yvonne were formally introduced during a POCC Pink Mobile appreciation event held at Twentyone Kitchen+Bar, one of the POCC campaign’s official partners. Other official partners include Pureology, Redken, and Stage Cosmetics.

The campaign had an initial target of 10,000 people to complete the Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire. NCSM surpassed the target and at the end December 2009, 14,526 people took the Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire. GSK presented RM14,526 to NCSM at the appreciation event.

Bloggers against cervical cancer: (from left) Cheong, Serena C, Wong and Lee at the event.

“Owing to the overwhelming response to the POCC Pink Mobile, we will continue to engage the public in 2010 by going nationwide, making stops in Ipoh, Penang, Malacca and Johor,” said GSK Pharmaceutical Malaysia Vaccines Business unit director Choong Kit Son.

“For 2010, we will continue to support NCSM with the RM1 donation for each Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire taken.

“We urge everyone in this room to help us spread the risks on cervical cancer and encourage your family members and friends to learn more about the disease at www.pocc.com.my or www.cancer.org.my,” added Choong.

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Updates on Kris Allen

So this is the info a lot of you have been waiting for on Kris Allen in Kuala Lumpur. Here is the media release by Star World.

KRIS ALLEN COMES TO KL!

Your American Idol Winner To Perform Live in KL

American Idol fans in Malaysia, brace yourselves! American Idol reigning winner and chartbuster, Kris Allen, arrives at our shores this coming Monday, 8 February, thanks to STAR WORLD, home of the of American Idol in Asia.

Kris Allen will be the first American Idol winner to visit Kuala Lumpur in association with ASTRO, Hitz.FM and The Gardens Mall & Mid Valley Megamall and during his ‘Kris Allen Live in KL’, showcase, fans will finally get to witness the touching performances and soulful hits of this huge talent, live!

Fans across the world first discovered Kris Allen on American Idol and have since followed him on an awesome journey leading to the release a self-titled album and hit song ‘Live Like We’re Dying’. The world has fallen in love with this piano-tinkling, guitar-rocking hero.

If your knees go weak at ‘Heartless’, imagine the sensation of being up close and personal with Kris, who will be available for an Autograph Session at 6pm at the Centre Court, Ground Floor, Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur.

What’s an event without a Kris Allen performance? Check him out at an exclusive, by-invitation-only showcase at 8pm held at The Gardens Ballroom of The Gardens Hotel. Then, knocking down the boundaries, lucky contest winners will get to meet our superstar in person in a meet and greet session at 10pm. Dying to be one of the lucky few? Hurry to win exclusive showcase and meet & greet passes by participating in the online contest atwww.astro.com.my/astrolife or radio contest by Hitz.FM, the Official Radio Partner, today!

Live like You’re Dying! Grab the chance to experience Kris Allen in KL!

To discover more talent, watch the latest installment of American Idol Season 9, aired first on STAR WORLD (Astro Channel 711) every Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm (Live via Satellite) and 8pm (Primetime Encore); Thursday & Friday at 12am (Late-Night Encore), 7am, 1pm; Saturday & Sunday at 12pm, 8pm, 12am.

Ok.. to all Kris Allen stalkers... I mean fans.. how do you get to see him live. Mark these details down.

Mark Monday 8 February down in your calendar.

3pm Press Conference at GSix Club, 6^th Floor, The Gardens Mall (Media Invitation Only)

6pm Kris Allen Autograph Session at Centre Court, Ground Floor, Mid Valley Megamall (First 200 fans with Kris Allen album stand a chance to get his autograph)

8pm Kris Allen LIVE in KL Showcase at The Gardens Ballroom, The Gardens Hotel (Exclusive Showcase, By Invitation Only) (STAR World ASTRO subscribers – log on www.astro.com.my/astrolife to win tickets or listen to Hitz.FM for radio contest)

So there you have it. Start getting MCs ready to ponteng for Monday and serbu Mid Valley. It is going to be awesome.

PS - Still trying to get confirmation Adam Lambert is coming to Kuala Lumpur. Apparently the rumours are real and he MAY come - but things are in talks as far as what I've heard.

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Kris Allen and the iPad

So random.. takde kena mengena langsung bab Kris Allen and the iPad.

Anyway, forget any association between the two cause memang entry ni takde draw relation pe pon antara dua. Anyway, when I posted Kris Allen is coming to Malaysia - ramai sexcited abih!

You heard it here first!


Yeap.. so here's the confirmation and details I have been able to obtain so far.

Fans of Kris Allen will notice his schedule down in South East Asia includes Manila on 5 and 6 February, and Singapore on 10 February.

Well, I said this coming Monday right? I was wrong.

Kris Allen will be in Kuala Lumpur for a meet and greet with fans, and possible a showcase on Monday, alright. But on 8 February.

The location is being determined at the moment, and the stopover in Kuala Lumpur is to plug the ongoing American Idol season as well as to promote his self-titled album.

I will inform you guys of developments as they come in as soon as I get any information on actual location and time. So wait for it.

Until then, book 10hb akan datang nih.

Meanwhile, I've been noticing everyone's been blogging the new iPad. Which is basically an oversized iPhone that doesn't make calls. Blah! Though I wouldn't mind one.

The iPad is not a new idea. In fact, it's been out several years. Don't believe me? This is the ORIGINAL iPad which came out about five or six years ago. And it was targeted at women.



See what I mean?

And after the iPad - what else can you expect? Well there's the iRack. Let's bet on Apple coming up with that as well as the iRan as well. Like below which also came out years ago.



Ok so maybe not. But I hope those videos made your day.


PS - Aku malas nak upload da video dari show Nidji. Masih belajar edit video lebih cantik ngan Mac ni makan masa. Lain kali je la aku rajinkan diri. Until then korang layan la clips dari dak forummer Cari ni ek. Kredit pada (matilah!!!) Ashna.

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What the....

If you watched American Idol 8 today, for the announcement of the Top 36, you would have shook your head in disgust!

For me... most of my faves got in.

Everything took a downhill slide however with the first shock when Jamar Rogers... didn't make the freakin' cut! Are you kidding? Nak ala Mawi ke masukkan balik since everyone knows that is one boy who can holler in tune, unlike some of the trash they put through!

Oh goodness... all the buzz over his elimination aside - honestly... it didn't take a genius to see he deserved in - even the rest of the contestants thought he was a shoo-in to perform in the coming weeks for a spot in the show.

But oh no... the dumbass judges had something else in mind.

They actually put in the annoying twats that be Tatiana Nicole Del Toro (freaking weirdo who screams endlessly like she's got crabs constantly eating out of her infected snatch) and drama queen Nathaniel Marshall who can't sing to save his life.

Great! Jamar's presence doesn't register for them, but a chunky, screeching queen and a Boy George impersonator gone punk does.

Someone like Jamar apparently for them - is not a stand out act. Honestly glance through the top 36 and see how many actually registered for you.

For me the boys that caught my attention were Adam Lambert, Anoop Desai, Brent Keith, Danny Gokey, Kai Kalama, Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler and if nothing else but for his inspiring life story, the visually impaired Scott Macintyre.

The girls lost out in actual talent with only Lil Rounds, Jackie Tohn and Jasmine Murray worth any airtime. The rest were either skanky rejects off some backyard American bar karaoke wannabes or just total mumbling zombies. Honestly.

But here's the clincher.

Being Jamar and Joanna back!!!!


The only other female contestant apart from Lil to have actually been able to be a worthy winner, Joanna Pacitti, has been DISQUALIFIED from competition even though she was seen getting in during the show!

She apparently 'isn't eligible'! According to a FOX press release issued after the show aired, naming the 36 contestants still vying for the Idol title, Joanna has been replaced with Felicia Barton - anyone remember what Simon said to her as she was kicked off? Talk about slim pickings.

Joanna signed with A&M Records when she was 16, and has had her songs featured on film soundtracks such as Legally Blonde and First Daughter. But what got her disqualified, though not pointed out clearly - was possibly over the debate over the fact that the failed pro singer was considered by some way beyond her league in a supposedly amateur competition.

Which shouldn't be much of a problems since production allowed her to carry on in the show anyway.

But now making its rounds is also word of her rumored close relationship with a pair of 19 Entertainment executives.

Joanna lived for a time in the same apartment building as 19's Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski, even referring to the former exec as her best friend; 19, of course, is the production company behind Idol.

Who gives a flying fuck? Honestly. Idol started out strong this year, but I think moving into top 12, it's going to be seriously whacked. Especially if it's going to be made up by the likes of Tatiana, Nate, Norman Gentle (he be funny, but seriously....) and what's that other chunky psycho bitch's name... Kristen? (the one who ignited the drama during Hollywood group rounds for not wanting to practise with Nate and Nancy).

Arghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Going back to Weeds. Idol is beginning to so suck! I want Jamar and Joanna back in the fucking show!!!


PS - I don't care if people say Joanna was a plant (as in someone planted by the production). Better a plant than a freaking over the top, screeching mound of blubber that is Tatiana Del Toro. Besides - if the plants are better - why not? After all, Fremantle the right owners should look into how abusive the plant system is with other Idol franchises. Malas nak cita lebih bab tuh.

PPS - Faz, thanks for the bottle of Chanel Allure. My mom LOVES it... and you. Heh...

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Who am I?

Very the philosophical question gituh.

Actually it's more in relation to me as a blogger. Da nak masuk lima tahun aku blog, bukan je layout, atau alamat blog aku berubah.

The changes have come is so many ways. Blogging has opened doors for me, and also closed some.

It's made me more recognisable and given me a valuable branding as a writer, walaopon aku slalu tegaskan kat sini, tulisan aku akan merapu, ngan diction, spelling dan sebagainya berterabur. Tak kuasa nak dok ngan spellchecker bagai. When I write, it's just as I think, so kalao salah tekan kang... paham paham aje la. I already write for a living... ni tuk seronok seronok e, so jangan expect standard bahasa Time magazine lak.

Anyway, malam tadi ada kawan aku call. Kenal pon melalui blog. Katanya, aku da banyak berubah, as far as blogging is concerned. Aku da mellow down katanya. Carut smakin kurang, berhemah bagai. Well not really... but almost.

And this prompted me to do a little soul searching as to what it means to be blogging. Why do I do it?

It's not for the money for sure. Nak kata prestige ke fame ke... tak gak. I started as a diversion, and an outlet for my grouses with life in general. Then it became a journal for me just to remind myself what took place in my life. Apa aku takleh tulis pon kat sini, aku selitkan somewhere in the entry - so if you know how to read between the lines, you can pretty much figure out what's going on.

Mmmm... I think my best answer of who I am as a blogger is like this la.

Aku tulis, kalao seorang pun baca, aku da terharu. Biar seribu orang sehari baca tulisan aku je tiap hari - lebih dari cukup. If they can take away something in my writing that benefits them, be it information or advice, aku da bangga.

So it's not for hits. Ada, syukur.

Forget the money aspect cause what I make, I use to cover expenses sana sini (cukup la bil Internet, letrik consumed and all my PC peripherals paid by income I get)

Is it about influence? Maybe. Dalam lima tahun, aku tau ramai baca what I write cause they want my take on things, whether they choose to agree or not.

This blog is coming to five years old. Da umur lima tahun blog ni mesti la tak macam dulu lagik. How many blogs you know sustain begitu lama kan without it being some sort of organised racket to get money.

Aku rasa as a blogger aku lebih matang. Ramai gunakan blog sebagai medan carutan dan meroyan. Tuk aku, aku penah silap camtuh, tu yang ramai rasa aku bitter gila, padahal aku wat tuk meluahkan kejujuran. But now I see the mistakes of others who are newbies and aku paham where I went wrong. It's a learning process.

Biasalah... kalao dak baru lahir, ke setahun dua umur, menangis meroyan je keja. Cam blog. Da lama lama kalao da potty train bagai, mula la paham erti tanggungjawab. I am responsible for what I write.

Life is too short to be bitter and I stand by being honest but without being abrasive without a cause.

So to my friend tuh... sorry luv but tulisan aku tetap kena maintain camni. Akan ada masa aku akan sumpah ranah seseorang sampai tujuh generasi keturunannya mandul, tapi only when necessary.

Aku punya ramai kawan dalam industri ni, dan ni bukan soal jaga hati, tapi membenarkan ruang tuk teguran diberikan dalam cara lebih elok (kalao tak sedar diri gak pancung je pala)

I will remain honest in what I say. No bullshit. But doesn't mean I lose my honesty kalao aku tak meroyan kan? Sekali sekala da la... lain time aku aku makan ubat dan berbicara sebagai manusia yang normal tanpa memerlukan obscenity filter la.

So thank you to those who understand my stand. I am not blogging for cheap sensationalism or instant readers.

I am here for those who have stuck by me, reading every day of my life. We learn about life together in our ways through my experiences blogged, or thoughts you care to share with me.

Ok da abih bab tuh. Ni nak mencarut sikit. Ala... ringan ringan je.

Of the many things I hate, here's one all time favourite. Insurance salesman. You know.. people who try to sell you policies, either when you already have one, or when you don't need another.

Nothing rude meant to those who make a living by selling insurance, but some of these can be very perangai door to door salesman, practically harassing you to pay for their services. Which you eventually do to get rid of them.

Nowadays, insurance salesman, like Jehovah's Witnesses, are no longer the harrassment they pose da. You know the scourge of peace nowadays?

First, telemarketers for gyms who offer you free trial memberships. Then there's the MLM - multilevel marketing mother-fathers (matilah carot camni leh tak?)

Semalam aku kuar ngan kawan sorang ni. Ingat nak borak pasal band dia, dia nak mintak tolong bab tuh aku reti la. Whether it's movies, music or just fashion issues, pandai la sikit.

Ni dok je da start cita pasal downline... recruitment... benefits. Arghhhhhh!!!! Pening aku!

Aku ni bukan jenis carik duit. I know that sounds stupid. Plus with the stereotype orang Cina ni pandai wat duit kan. Aku lebih suka pada aspek kreatif. Bab duit ni tak ngeti den. Aku nak bukak company sendiri pun tunggu lagik ni walaopon banyak produk otak aku ni da perah.

No offence and I'm sure it works for some people, but not me. Please.. kalao korang nak kawan aku jangan sesekali sebut perkataan MLM kat aku. Hina ya amats ok! Extol the benefits camna pun, aku tetap rasa nak muntah ijo. That's just not my things.

Heh... pada member aku tuh.. jangan kecik hati kalao baca ni. Respek gak cara ko nak wat duit, Lumayan pulangannya, I'm sure. Just I don't know... it's not my thing.

Semalam plan nak gi sana sini nak tuh ni. Tapi malas menyerang. Da nak tiba masanya kerja bertimbun nak mula so chilling je skang. Nak rehatkan otak tuk diperah kang.

Dua hari ni camtuh la aku. Nak gi sidang akhbar tergempar Maestro pon malas.

Semua orang pun da tau pasal apa. Kes Mas masuk wad 3:15. Kang kata gila ada yang kata kasar lak bunyinya, Biarlah dak tuh. Kesian lak... da anak da besar besar, let them sort it out within their own family. Torture je anak dia kang kena carot ngan kengkawan because we all know how kids can be mean sometimes. Korang berapa orang penah kena buli kat skolah get called all sorts of names.

Aku penah... sakit wo. Tapi aku balas ngan penumbuk je, Al maklumlah masa sekolah dak jahat. Jahat jahat pun cikgu sayang aku tau (they siap show their love through caning me - matilah ACS Klang banyak sejarah rotan ciom montot aku) Aku jenis jahat camtuh je... tak penah ponteng ke apa... walaopon kena ngaku keta cikgu penah dimangsakan. All involving creativity of using gam gajah... kat wiper tabur pasir skali on calar windscreen... of glueing all the keyholes (time aku mana sangat alarm ke central locking keta automatic ni) or gam kan tempat tangki minyak (supaya tak leh bukak) or even gamkan penutup valve tayar.

Oops.... tu teori je. Merasalah ada cikgu skolah aku carik aku balik pasni kalao terbaca.

So anyway... backtracking, isu tu aku diamkan diri. Pastu cita kawan sorang ni dalam dunia hiburan yang cuba membunuh diri. Aku kenal dia sebelum dia jadik pengurus ke apa pun.

Honestly I am saddened sebab aku tau apa masaalah dia semua. Last aku cakap ngan dia kat phone pon aku rasa dua bulan lebih lalu. Time tu tatau lak aku krisis macam macam. Wish I knew so could do something about it... Da telan Paraquat nak wat camna. Aduh... da skang jadik kes polis. Doakan je la... we all have our down times.

Eh... camna aku meroyan sampai masuk bab ni lak.

Anyay did my catch up round of yesterday and today's two episodes of Hollywood Week of American Idol 8.

So glad that Danny Gokey, Jamar Rogers, Kai Kalama, Lil Rounds, Michael Castro, Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler, Adam Lambert and Jasmine Murray made the cut. Hope they make up the top 12 cause these are the mos outstanding performers for Idol this time around. Especially Lil. She's the best without a doubt!

I don't know if my other favourite Joanna Pacitti made it or not but I hope she did.

Sad that 16 year-old J. B. Ahfua didn't make it, and likewise for Melinda Camille and Jesus Valenzuela.

But the second day of Hollywood group rounds was MASSIVE drama. I think I'm starting to like Idol again.

Kristen McNamara makes the list of good voices for me, but she started the drama with Nathaniel and Nancy by just not wanting to practise. I don't doubt that she deserved in, but I think she's a cunt nevertheless for the drama. And when you mention drama you have to say Nate is such a drama queen. Matilah ko!

Then there's Tatiana Nicole Del Toro, with her braying donkey laugh (not even a horse's neigh) who joined their group after pissing off hers and then going back to her group and pissing them off again. She's so fucked up!!! It's all about her in her mind. I think the Idol producers balancing the love factor for hopefuls with the hate card this time. Whatever it is, Tatiana is such a dumbass she should be blonde.

Then there's the skanky bimbo that's Katrina Darrell. THANK GOD she's out!!!! Also known as the patheticly very skanky Bikini Girl, I think she's just a selfish bitch who is more concerned how she looks than anything else.

I mean who in Idol history, decides to wear heels the whole day, bitches about the pain because of it, and uses it as an excuse for 'not feeling well' that she has to skip practise? Then talks about the other being fake for camera when she's the one that's so plastic.

Go back to your tanning bed, bitch!

Arghh... can't wait for the next episode. I hope Tatiana gets booted out soon cause that's a psycho there.

Panjang gila meroyan. Tido sat.

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American Idol 8 - My marathon

Yes, I did catch the bits over Astro. In fact I think I caught something like four or five of the seven episodes they aired, but most here and there.

Finally downloaded and watched all the episodes non-stop. Mind numbing, I tell you.

Tapi kan, I think the eighth season is one of the better ones so far. In fact, just looking through those who made it to Hollywood, I can see several who are so final material, both guys and girls. They look better, and yes, they sound better too.

But then again compared to the last few seasons, I think Idol has lost its shine anyway. I mean seriously last season with the two Davids finale.... that was just sad. It may have been the most watched, but I thought that was one of the most boring finales ever.

How many Idols can you recall. Exactly! I know I'm missing one or two from the list of names I can recall on the spot.

Anyway... aku tak pasti sama ada aku nak ikut this season of Idol. We'll see who makes it past the Hollywood round before I decide to glue myself to the boob tube to follow the drama.

And here are those that made it to the Hollywood round... all 147 of them.



I have a handful of favorites I'm already supporting. Let's see whether they make it or not in the Hollywood eliminations before I say who they are.

Yawn... going to watch a few movies I downloaded before calling it a night...

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