Lelong Lelong! My Loss is Your Gain

It's the year end season where everyone is buying stuff, why not help a 'needy' person today and buy brand new and almost new items at a discount?

Well, that person is me because I'm moving soon, need space and need funds, so please help me to clear my stuff!

Currently there's apparels, cosmetics, electronics and even musical instrument. Simply click on the Lelong! tab at the top.

I will try to take pictures and update the lelong section periodically, so do check back! Or just email 7venseasons@ gmail.com to be put on mailing list so you can be updated automatically when new stuff are added.

Thank you! =)

Blogged @ shannonzann.com

Portfolio - New Glam Photos Up!

So glad I agreed to a photoshoot by Ronnie from JRshotz! Decided that it's high time to update my portfolio pictures since the last proper photoshoot I did was in Nov 2009, with Nicholas, a long time dear friend of mine.

These are some of my favourite photos!

There is this saying: "世上没有丑女人，只有懒女人”，"there's no ugly woman, only lazy woman". I totally agree with it with both my hands and legs up.

Without any makeup and stuff, I am not the naturally pretty (in society's terms) type, although I think I look presentable. But with the help of makeup, hairdo and outfit, I can be literally transformed. And I would say this goes for the majority of the women out there too, since only a small percentage of people in this world are born with really good looks.

Anyway, it's kinda weird looking at myself in photos like these. They're me, but not really me too. I love to doll up and look pretty when I have the opportunity to, but inside, I am actually kinda simple and conservative in certain aspects of values. I had been wanting to blog about "3 (or 5) myths of Shannon", but have been pushing it down the to-do list, and this would definitely make it to the top 3!

In any case, I love these photos =)

blogged @ http://shannonzann.com

"Three Questions to Ask Your Partner"

"They'll open doors for better communication and a stronger relationship

By Karen O'Connor


Margie and Bill faced each other in two living room chairs. Four couples observed as this husband and wife demonstrated a process they share with each other every Saturday morning.

This particular evening was part of a six-week lesson and discussion with our church home fellowship group on building intimacy in marriage.

I glanced at the three-by-five card in my hand. Bill had passed out one to each person. "This is a personal exercise," he announced. "Each partner is responsible for his or her part." The headline read: "Three Questions to Ask Each Other Every Week."

1. Is there anything that I need to apologize for? (i.e. Did I do anything that hurt you?)
2. Is there anything you need from me that you're not getting?
3. How can I be a better spouse?

I noticed my heart rate increase. There might be more here than I bargained for. Sure, I was open to a few tips. Charles and I had just celebrated 26 years of marriage and we could always use a refresher. Even so, a feeling of dread came over me. My husband and I were not the best at communicating about our own relationship. We were much better at evaluating other people's marriages!

I squirmed in my seat as I listened to Margie question Bill and then Bill ask the same of Margie. They were so honest. Not that I expected them to lie. Of course not. But could we do the same? 

To Ask or Not to Ask 

On the way home I asked Charles what he thought of the evening. "I don't think we need this process," he said. "We're talkers. We pretty much cover everything on a day-to-day basis."

I nodded, relieved not to wade in any deeper than we were already. And yet, I wanted to try—to see what would come up. My husband has a quick temper and I have a tendency to back off when things get hot so I couldn't predict how these questions would work for us.

And so we let it go, week after week after week. Then one day on a drive to the city, I suggested we test the process. We were in a good place emotionally and it seemed we could "practice" without the risk of a meltdown. He agreed. I started. "Is there anything that I need to apologize for?" I asked.

Charles paused. "I get frustrated by our lack of understanding each other, but it's not usually anything specific you've done." 

Whew! I got by easy on that one.

Next question. "Is there anything you need from me that you're not getting?" I sensed the answer before it came.

"I'd like more sexual intimacy. I know it's not like it used to be between us (before his prostate cancer), but I'd like to at least be playful with each other."

"That would be nice, but I'm scared," I replied. "I'm older now and I'm not as interested as I was. I like cuddling in bed and a massage is nice, but …"

"Okay, we can start there."

Relief. We'd gotten past the first two questions and we were still talking. Yeah!

"How can I be a better spouse?" I asked.

"I don't know. You work hard. You're good to me. I'm happy."

Nice to hear—all of it—even the part that had scared me. Now I worried that I might not be able to answer Charles' questions as easily as he answered mine. 

My Turn in the Hot Seat 

He started with question number one and I was quick to respond that his temper is an ongoing challenge and I need him to apologize when he takes out his anger with others on me. "I want us to talk about that habit and make some changes."

Question number two raised the hair on my arms. "Is there anything you need from me that you're not getting?"

I had a ready answer. "I need simple kindness," I said in a quiet voice. "I'm grateful for all your help, the gardening, ironing, painting, financial management, and your support of my writing but I long for a kind attitude, bits of grace when I'm stressed or worried."

His eyes opened wider. I knew I had picked at a scab. Our viewpoint on kindness differs. He seems to see it as practical acts of help. I view it as an understanding disposition and words of comfort.

And finally, the last question about how to be a better spouse. I told Charles he is a good mate, a willing partner in so many ways that matter, and aside from what I'd said before I didn't have anything to add. 

Love—and Then Some 

We hugged each other, said, "I love you," and agreed that even though the questions prickle, they also release pent-up anxiety about each other that festers if it's not expressed.

Have we repeated this process every week since? No. But we do talk more often now about the "state of our union" and we ask these and other questions that cover the same terrain. We're moving closer together. In fact, just this morning, I was able to ask Charles for mercy when he spouted his impatience over something trite. He apologized. I accepted it and then he left for a meeting. I don't know how it will be when he returns. But however it is, we'll have a conversation about that.

A marriage partnership, at least for us, is not 24/7 harmony. It's about telling and living in the truth of the moment. The three questions included here can help. They've helped us. But don't stop there. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the questions and answers that work for you. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5, NIV). I can't imagine better advice than that.

Karen O'Connor is a freelance writer and writing mentor from Watsonville, California. Visit Karen at www.karenoconnor.com. "

*** 

I enjoy reading such articles on relationships/marriage, because having had only 2 boy-girl relationships before, I have limited personal experiences in trying out what it takes to make such r/s work. 
Thus reading about others' experiences allows me to learn from them, know that I'm not alone in facing certain situations, expand my views and mindset regarding marriage and 2 people living their lives together, and ultimately start preparing myself for my own matrimony in future. 

This article is from Kyria.com, under the Marriage & Family segment.  

They have other topics as well, such as prayer, missions, woman's ministry, church leadership, parenting, finances etc. 
Although they are christian-based, the tips and values are very relevant and useful to non-christians as well. 
Do subscribe to their weekly newsletter for more articles which might benefit you!

When I Say "I Am a Christian", I Am Not..

A friend forwarded this email of unknown original source, to celebrate Christian Women's Week. Found it very meaningful, so here's Happy Christian Women's week to everyone!

***

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that I am clean living.
I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian', I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

 

When I say 'I am a Christian', I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Jacelyn Tay & Brian Wong's Wedding Video

"Two are better than one"

Congrats to the couple! =)

Of Durian, Chestnuts, Filming and Gadget

My eyelids are drooping low now cause I was tossing and turning in bed for 2 hours last night, before I finally got up and started editing photo collages till 6.45am and caught about 5 hours of sleep.

Still editing Toy's 3rd of 4th script for the 3rd book, which has a hypnotic effect, thus I shall update with some photos for the past week.

***

 31.08.2010 / Tuesday

Had a durian feast with some of December Rains crew at 717 Trading / 727 Cakerie (22 Yio Chu Kang Rd Highland Centre)!

L-R: Yonglin, Meijun (Mel), Jingyi, me

***

02.09.2010 / Thursday

Watched Chestnuts with some December Rains peeps. And of cause Judee Tan (who played Mengyu in DR) is really good in her 2nd season of Chestnuts 3D: Fried Monty aka Nightmare on GLEE Street! I saw her youtube video of last year's run, 12 Days of Ris-Mas, on youtube and her impersonation of Ris Low is super convincing! And I love her voice too, sweet and also powerful.

L-R: Me, Fion Quek, Judee Tan, Jae Leung, Priscilla Lim

***

03.09.2010 / Friday

Filmed for Mediacorp Channel 8, a scene in upcoming drama 查某人 (I think it's just a working title for now).

TV and stage acting are quite different, in terms of the energy levels, expressions, body movements etc. At this point of my career, I personally prefer stage performing that wee bit more, mainly due to its live nature where you have to be really alert and on the ball. The kind of satisfaction derived from completing a live performance is just different from wrapping up a shoot.

TV acting has its joy too, getting to perfect a particular expression and emotion, being able to see your final product on screen etc. I guess... It's just a different kind of satisfaction.

From top left clockwise: 


1) one of the crew member holding a mic towards me cause he needs to record 
my voice. 
Yeah, this time round, my lines should not be cut!

2) Me and the very friendly Cavin Soh 苏志诚, former Dreamz FM 《梦飞船》 
member. 

3) The very talented Michelle Chong 庄米雪 and me

4) Cynthia Koh 许美珍 and me

Top: Filming in progess

Bottom: The sweet Apple Hong 洪乙心 and me

The friendly bunch of girls who transformed to become Tai Tais in the scene!

***

04.09.2010 / Saturday

I went to Comex 2010 and bought a Western Digital external harddisk! I've been wanting to get one since ages but was waiting for prices to drop with each electronics show. This 1 TB baby costs $109.90, down from a couple of years back where a 250 GB set me back by $199! 

In this aspect, I am so a man. I love gadgets and electronics, though I don't necessarily own every other piece of new machine, simply cause my wallet is not overflowing with gold, pink or orange notes. Actually, I don't necessarily know all the IT jargons and how things work in an equipment too, I just love to use them.


I also stayed a night at Fairmont Hotel 2 weekends ago, which were the main photos I was editing in the wee hours earlier. Just need to get a few more photos from my buddy's Google Nexus before the whole adventure will be complete. That was a fabulous experience and I hope to upload soon!

A Hunter __________ A Bear

This is very creative and fun! Click on it and go along with what it says!

The New Office Lingo: 'You're so 404'

Read the following article from AsiaOne Business, and I felt so out of touch with the working world!

I mean I am still working, albeit as a freelancer, but I was working full time in a 'proper' company then. In any case, if you're working in the corporate world, test your office lingo!

***

The new office lingo: 'You're so 404'
Fri, May 14, 2010
my paper

SHOULD you hear the words "you're so 404" being shouted across office cubicles and you don't know what it means, here's a hint: The three digits typically show up when a webpage you're looking for can't be found.

Meaning to say, you're "404" when you're lost and don't have a clue about what's going on.
Office workers here, especially those of multinational companies, have been eschewing cliches in recent years, opting instead to use creative mashes of Western and Singaporean terms.

For example, property agent Jasline Lim, 36, often hears and uses the term "blue-skying" - which means brainstorming with a mind as open as the blue sky - in place of the over-used "thinking outside the box".

Originating from the Western phrase "blue-sky thinking", the Singaporean spin-off has been shortened - a characteristic of home-grown lingo.

Mr Rick Ong, 30, a treasury adviser at a bank here, has come across such expressions as "ducks in a row" - where staff readily accept an idea without offering their own - and "blamestorming", a discussion to find fault rather than to solve a problem.

Some phrases, like "we need to check all the nuts and bolts of this machine", have underlying meanings. This phrase is used to call for a thorough search for the culprit of a major mistake.

Mr Ong said: "Learning such lingo makes it easier to communicate with others who use it, and I can better understand the messages that my colleagues are trying to project."

Office-speak is not new or uncommon, but due to the influx of international companies into Singapore, lingo is imported and mixed with local culture, creating new slang, said Associate Professor Francis Bond from the Division of Linguistics and Multilingual Studies at Nanyang Technological University.

He said: "The slang used here is different from that used in the West, because Singapore is a multilingual society, so sometimes we have direct translations or shorter variants."

This can be seen in some examples like "get arrowed" and "spoil market". To "get arrowed" is to be given an unfavourable assignment, and you "spoil market" by doing so well at work that your colleagues pale in comparison.

"Certain words or acronyms could have been influenced by local culture or phenomena as well," said Prof Bond.

An example is a term like "z-monster" (sleepiness). It apparently originated here among men serving their national service, but it can be found in other countries as well.


Office Lingo Glossary

Term: 404
What it means: Someone who is completely clueless
Origin: The Internet's HTTP 404 Error page, displayed when a page cannot be found
Usage: "Don't ask Jim, he's 404."

Term: Bandwidth
What it means:Ability to accept a project or idea
Origin: The capacity of online data transfer
Usage: "I don't have enough bandwidth for this project."

Term: CLM (Career-Limiting Move)
What it means: An ill-advised action that will threaten one's promotion chances
Origin: Not known
Usage: "Scolding the boss is a serious CLM."

Term: Seagull manager
What it means: A supervisor who flies in, makes a lot of noise and mess, then leaves
Origin: Neighbourhood birds that create a lot of trouble
Usage: "The seagull manager voided our entire proposal."

Term: Strategic staircase
What it means: An exaggeration of tactical steps and extra effort put in to improve performance
Origin: A staircase being a metaphor for progression
Usage: "We have planned a strategic staircase for our department."

Daily Moments

Wanted to start a photo blog some time last year but was always too lazy to upload the photos when I got home. You know, there are always better things to do!

But I finally felt like I wanted to capture moments of my life down, in pictures, in captions, for my loved ones to look at, for myself to look back.

Having succumbed to an iphone earlier this year, I eventually (and only very recently) started to snap snippets of my life and post them on facebook.

And then I also got my ass down to figure how to blog on the go, which means instead of posting on fb, I shall just post on my blog!

So below are the backdated photos. All photos are taken with my iPhone 3GS, thus please pardon the poor quality.

***

22.08.2010 / Sunday

My first fried food after Dec Rains! Almost everything's fried - fries, fish and even the bread! And chilli and shiok chilled drink..
This is from the famous western food stall at Ang Mo Kio's S11 food centre. It's really good..

Met my darling brother for dinner! He said his fingers were too far away in the first photo.. So we took the 2nd photo, with his fingers closer this time.

 

I totally adore him! I finally can comprehend (somewhat) the immense love a mother has for her child, even though I'm only a sister. It's like, I want him to have the best education, the best enrichment and exposure, and basically the best things in life. I readily paid to buy cute and good books for him so he can learn spelling and reading (seriously, children's education is really a profitable market).

However, it's also a fine balance on where to draw the line and say that's enough programs for our kids! As much as we want to give them the best, how much are they enjoying the learning experience and not feel bogged down by our own expectations and desires?

Hohoho, awesome dinner we had! We ate at Chinatown's Spring Court Restaurant, 永春园。There were actually more food which we had already finished eating..

Peking duck! This was the remaining 6 pieces out of like what, almost 20? The duck's skin was sliced very thinly, with minimal fat (which is what I disliked), so I thoroughly enjoyed it! The egg skin was a little thick, so that's the only minus point.

 

 Claypot chilli crab! It was a huge pot and the pincers were humongous! The sauce is quite spicy with a tinge of sweetness, not exactly my type, but nonetheless delicious.

 

We ate so much that we had to dabao, so I brought it back for my flatmate! It's good that we get to enjoy some crabs and super shiok chill crab sauce to accompany our otherwise mundane lunch!

***

23.08.10 / Monday

Hosted an event for SAF Music and Drama Company at Orchidville that night and rehearsal went on from late am.

My 小叮当 bag of snacks! I get hungry easily, thus I try to remember to bring munchies at work to keep me going! Sweets were in another compartment.

A little stressed as it's my first time doing (paid) hosting. Though it was a small cosy event, all the guests were big shots. Thank God reviews were great, and having an encouraging co-host sure made things easier! Oh yes, the decor of Orchidville's function room is very beautiful!

Rushed down for KTV after the event with some of the December Rains cast and crew!

 
***

24.08.10 / Tuesday

Went to the very cosy Book Cafe @ 20 Martin Road #01-02 Seng Kee Building.

I was staying near the area for slightly more than 10 years and had thought I would frequently sit by the Singapore River with a book and/or journal, or chill out at the Book Cafe.

But I never did.

So when I went back recently and was free in the afternoon, I decided to bring the scripts I was tasked to proofread/edit to the cafe. My older brother happened to be on leave, and he decided to come along too.

That's my bro at a separate table so we won't disturb each other!

Me with the pages of script already amended. Who says there wouldn't be much changes? I found so much errors, inconsistencies and weird translation that I dog-eared every other page!

The lighting is much better than it looks on photo, but my eyes are equally strained from the small font.

Anyhow, it's a great place to chill!

***

25.08.10 / Wednesday

Attended a workshop on Caring For Your Voice, by Iris Koh, from Athena Arts.

After the session, we actually had an impromptu mini concert!

I sang 关怀方式, which i forgot some lyrics here and there. Oops. 

Actually I was surprised I wasn't nervous singing in front of strangers, which I would have been a couple of months back. Match In The Ring and December Rains have indeed helped me to be confident of my voice and capabilities.

2 more participants sang too. And Iris has a grand piano!!! OMG! Not that I'm a pianist, but I learnt piano as a kid and my mum always felt how nice it would be to have a grand piano in our house. And I always admired how musicians can weave musical notes into beautiful melodies. Well, at least I can play the keyboard, though I wouldn't consider myself a musician.  On a related note, I wanna sell my keyboard cause I'm under-utilising it and believe someone else will be able to give it a new lease of life. Let me know if you are interested!

***

26.08.10 / Thursday

Packed day. Went for an audition, cancelled an appointment, met a friend to pick up some stuff, headed down to MDC, and finally to my grandma's house!

My ah ma and gu gu (aunt) are awesome folks who never fail to prepare my favourite food when I visit, despite me telling them "it's ok, I'll eat outside first before I come" or "don't need to cook special food, whatever that you normally cook is fine". My ah ma dotes on all her children and grandchildren, especially my brother and myself cause they know we don't get to eat home cook food most of the time!

Doesn't look fanciful, but it's delicious, and not just because it's Made With Love.

Me and my gu gu, who is so shy!

Me and my ah ma! She's nearing 80 I think, but she looks young still and is very robust!

Phew, very long post. Till the next one! =)

New Links

Have added links to 2 of my artiste friends' blogs, Laura Kee and Jeszlene Zhou, under the new page "Links"! Check them out!

If you would like me to link your blog or website, whether you're an artiste or not, feel free to drop me a message!

I have also finally figured how to blog on the go, thus I hope I will be blogging more often!

Makeup Sponsor by MAC Cosmetics

MAC cosmetics kindly sponsored makeup for the cast of December Rains, and guess what? We get to keep them! How awesome is that?? I was so excited and kept ogling when I received them. I think they would have cost at least $200? Utterly blessed!

The goodies. Thank you MAC!

We used them straightaway as we had a full dress run in the afternoon. Some of our cast members at the makeup area.

* Photo below courtesy of Lee Lian

My final makeup look

And now for the hair! Photo shows some of the wigs by our hair designer, Ashley, that we will don. 

There's a really funky one that I absolutely love and most others get freaked by! And I have the honour of wearing it.. Heh.. You really have to see it for yourself to feel the impact!

* Photo below courtesy of Lee Lian

December Rains 雨季 Cast & Crew Discount

Sharing with everyone on cast and crew discount for "December Rains"《雨季》！

We can get 15% off for Cat 1, 2, 3 tickets. Simply buy from any SISTIC authorized agents or call the hotline 63485555, and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOY FACTORY" to enjoy the discount. If the service staff is unaware of it, ask them to clarify with their supervisor!

There are also other cards which gives discounts, eg. OCBC, passion etc, ranging from 10-15% off. For more info, please visit Sistic.

Here are some links to interviews and podcasts that OMY has done with Kit Chan, George Chan and Jeffrey Low. Enjoy! =D

Cause Social - Social Media for Social Change

I received this blog link, Cause Social - Social Media for Social Change, from my friend Jared, who created a facebook page, Games 4 Change SG.

I  totally support such ideas and ways to use what we have and do, for a greater cause and good! Not only does it help The Cause, be it environment, relationships, financial, etc, it also helps the users (mainly teenagers I suppose) to foster positive values.

Read on for their entry on Game Theory!

***

Game Theory

(Scene from Riverbed, a new game about water scarcity)

Water shortages? There's a game for that now, too. Ditto world famine, the global oil market, and the struggle for Middle East peace. In fact, over the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the number of video game developers who would rather design for social problem-solving than entertainment (Think Grand Theft Auto meets the electric car).

That's good news for the rest of us: video games have finally begun to shed their one-size-fits-all reputation for blood and bombast; behavioral experts now agree that so-called "games for good" can teach empathy to those who play them -- a prerequisite for collaborative problem-solving.

But the really good news here? Demand for such "social issues" games is rising, too -- thanks in part to the federal government, which is starting to view them as a new and effective catalyst for education and civic engagement. Kumar Garg, of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, says there are hundreds of games now being commissioned across multiple agencies, with more demand certain to continue, at least for the next couple of years. "Society is becoming more social given the social networking technologies before us," Garg told a recent Games for Change Festival in Manhattan. "How can we channel today's rising levels of collaborative social interaction into social problem-solving? Games can be that bridge to more civic engagement."

Garg said the most aggressive new demand for interactive games is coming from the Army, the Department of Education and public health agencies seeking to catalyze public action around complex social problems and skills training.

Here are three of the newest games out this summer:

The Riverbed. There's a new social issues game about water scarcity called Riverbed that says "water IS the new oil. According to the United Nations, a shortage of clean water is a root cause of poverty, social instability and even war." So what's so fun about that? Developer Mary Wharmby wraps a murder mystery around it to make the sleuthing an interactive -- and educational - experience. Wharmby told Cause Global that she got the idea for the game 15 years ago while writing an academic paper about the Aral Sea in central Asia, which has lost 75 percent of its mass since 1960. Said Wharmby:

"This game is a mystery that asks players, who killed the environmentalist? As you solve this, you realize there's a deeper mystery, which is, who killed the river? All suspects are based on character archetypes who have a stake in real-life water scarcity situations -- fishermen, politicians, farmers, engineers. By the end of this game, you've solved the murder and brought this person to justice. But you also have restored the river. For each suspect you eliminate, you get a chance to undo his or her environmental damage."

Fate of the World. Due out in September, Fate of the World is the latest offering from the British husband-and-wife team of Gobion and Hannah Rowlands. Their social enterprise, Red Redemption, co-developed an earlier game called Climate Change with the BBC; that game was used in 2007 and 2008 by the World Economic Forum in Davos to help train CEOs in the effects of climate change under various scenarios. The couple's latest offering takes scenario play to a different level. "Players have a choice," Hannah told Cause Global. "They can either save the world or burn it down, depending on their use of various scenarios covering the next 200 years." The game's synopsis says it all: "After another decade of inaction, the governments of the world wake up to a planet in chaos. The first impacts of climate change, population growth, resource over-exploitation and species loss have struck and a global organization has been created to respond. You are that response. Will you help the whole planet or will you be an agent of destruction?"

That both games are about environmental "crimes" is no accident. Hannah is a climate modeling expert with an Oxford degree; Gobion had been working as a forensic psychologist in the UK by day and tinkering with game development at night. Climate Change was the couple's first project together, made partly in the couple's kitchen. "I have been making games in various forms since I was 10," Gobion says, "but the satisfaction you get when you make a game that matters is huge, and these next 200 years are really critical to humanity. I felt disconnected at first from the issue of the environment. Games are a way to connect people personally to any number of social problems."

Participatory Chinatown. Players assume the role of one of 15 virtual residents of Boston's Chinatown district, all working around language difficulties and differing income levels to secure jobs, find affordable housing and discover new places to socialize. "This project is really an intervention into the community," says Eric Gordon, a new media professor at Emerson College in Boston who received a MacArthur Digital Media and Learning grant to develop the game, which debuted May 3. "Participatory Chinatown is a new way of engaging the democratic process," he told Cause Global. "I think what we've done is innovate the town hall meeting by bringing in gaming, by bringing in social networking. I think we can change the way that decisions are made -- as well as the way groups get together, collaborate, form political alliances and do the dirty work of democracy." Gordon says that game is targeted to teens as well as to seniors. "We are trying to foster inter-generational collaboration," Gordon says. "The game is not designed for gamers but for those with no gaming experience and those with some."

What do you think? Games-for-change attempt to foster "empathetic learning" -- putting players into the "shoes" of others so as to teach them new perspectives and solutions to global and local civic problems and societal challenges. How effective do you think games might be in bringing about behavioral change in the streets or in the boardroom?

Let us hear from you.

-- Marcia Stepanek

DECEMBER RAINS - COMPELLING & DEEPLY TOUCHING;
A LOCAL MANDARIN MUSICAL NOT TO BE MISSED!

The grandest toast to the celebration of Toy Factory Productions Ltd's (Toy) 20th Anniversary in 2010 will be the deeply missed Sold-Out triumphal musical DECEMBER RAINS. This enthralling rain will shower upon the Esplanade Theatre from 6th to 15th August 2010.

DECEMBER RAINS was the first Singaporean Mandarin Musical staged in 1996. This labour of love was created by the pivotal figure of Singapore Mandarin Pop, Liang Wern Fook, Singer, Song writer and Musical Director Jimmy Ye and celebrated show producer James Toh.
Our new staging will be brazenly heightened by the creative helm of multiple award-winning Director Goh Boon Teck.

Singapore's international singing sensation Kit Chan, will lead the cast as a passionate and peeved female protagonist. Partnering with her are Broadway Star George Chan and Singapore-Hong Kong theatre luminary Jeffrey Low. Their thunderous deliveries will cook up unprecedented weathers in the Esplanade Theatre. Braced with best designers, supporting actors and production members, this production aims to wet your eyes and melt your heart. It will be a dream production awaits your manifold visits.

6 - 15 August 2010
THE ESPLANADE THEATRE
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SISTIC

ENJOY 20% DISCOUNT FOR CAT A,B,& C
STARTING FROM 1-7 JULY ONLY!
GET YOUR TICKETS FROM SISTIC NOW

CALL SISTIC HOTLINE: 63485555
OR VISIT WWW.SISTIC.COM. SG OR AUTHORIZED SISTIC AGENTS

Rehearsals and More Rehearsals

Been really busy since the past week!

Rehearsals for December Rains (DR) have started, which runs daily from Monday to Friday for 6 hours. After which, for 3 times a week, Jae Leung (also an ensemble member) and myself will gobble our dinner and 'pia' (rush) down to Match In The Ring's (MITR) rehearsal in the evening.

Though it's tiring, I'm totally enjoying myself! We had our first script reading and singing last Friday, and I was in absolute bliss hearing all the beautiful voices filling up the room.

I guess nothing more need to be said about Kit Chan's singing, her voice is just awesome and she sang with so much emotions, even for a rehearsal! I just sat there and wowed..

George Chan's technique is also flawless, and he's really a rare talent who excels in all areas of singing, dancing and acting. I wanna be like him! Erm, ok, I think I don't really want to Excel in the dancing part, maybe just good enough to sing and dance at the same time. Haha..

Anyway, moving on to Jeffrey Low, the other lead in DR, his voice has this tinge of vulnerability, which is very unique. Maybe he added that due to his character and how he wants to portray the songs. After one of his heart-wrenching solo, I still had a heavy heart even as we moved to the next scene. Such, is the power of good music, good lyrics and a good singer.

Even the main cast singers were great, but I shall talk more about them the next time. It's time for me to memorise my MITR script again and instill it into my system. If only I can burn the script and drink it and the words will all be absorbed into my brain and body..

Before that, here's a photo of me and Kit during rehearsal! I finally garnered the guts to ask her for a pic, throwing all possibilities of being seen as starstruck, out the window. She was very nice about it, and gave permission for this to be put on my fb/blog/social sites.

Photoshop-ed the background so I won't reveal anything about the costumes. .

 

And make use of the promotion for the month of June!
Seeya at December Rains, in August 2010!