This Week...
I watched Changeling - yes, the Clint Eastwood film starring Angelina Jolie.
After hating Slumdog Millionaire, Changeling is a great breath of fresh air, expertly directed by Eastwood, with a taut script and terrific performances from the entire cast.
Am especially impressed with Jeffrey Donovan, who played a nasty police captain at loggerheads with Jolie's character. A breakout role for the Burn Notice star.
Also caught Imelda, the 2003 film by Ramona Diaz. Though far from blatantly critical, it does portray the infamous Filipino ex-First Lady in a less than flattering light.
Two scenes stand out: one where Mrs. Marcos launches into a lengthy discourse about the path to peace and order ( something about experiential and cosmic whatever ), and a remark that even the poor approve of her extravagant spending, because "when I live well, they live well".
Err, right.
Met up with G, whom I've known for more than 9 years, ever since my first MO posting in gastro. Had drinks at Raffles Hotel's Long Bar ( not as crowded as the last time I visited, which was quite a few years ago ), before moving on ( at G's insistence ) to another watering hole across the road. The mojito must've been mixed with some caffeinated concoction, since I had insomnia the whole night and remained wide awake the entire day. Or maybe it's just getting to spend time with G after an estimated 2 years apart.
He brought me a thoughtful - and most unexpected - gift, a definite first in the course of our long friendship. Impeccable manners, generous to a fault, a great conversationalist, still as good-looking as ever, and vowing to remain eternally single.
I really should take up his offer to drive me around one of these days. :)
Coming soon: reviews of Appaloosa ( a Viggo Mortensen western ), Burn After Reading ( not too hopeful about this one ), and a Lee Goldberg novel based on the Monk TV series ( hilarious so far ).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Pure Indulgence Part VI
This entry is dedicated to male musical theatre stars.
I just hope he'll be acting in something when I'm back in NYC next year, or I'm going to pull my hair out.
After going cross-eyed while gathering statistics from the department's computerized medical records, it's time for some R&R.
If you don't like the direction this is going, feel free to drop by Singapore MD for something more intellectually stimulating. Whiny comments won't be published.
This entry is dedicated to male musical theatre stars.
First, John Barrowman, whom I mentioned recently after seeing him on BBC Entertainment's Any Dream Will Do -- a reality TV series which aired in the UK in 2007, pitched as a search for raw new talent to play the lead role in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Already into its 3rd episode, I've got to say it's very entertaining, though at times a little too theatrical. I guess all that youthful energy makes it tough to be subtle, heh.
As my mother and I tuned in last night, she kept saying what "a huge pity" it is that Barrowman's gay. She must've made this remark at least 5 times. Awww, I feel your pain too, mom. :)
His biography lists Raoul ( Phantom Of The Opera ) and Bobby ( Stephen Sondheim's Company ) as past stage roles. You can sample his music on the IMEEM player on the right - just type his name in the box and click on the arrow. His cover of Carly Simon's You're So Vain is surprisingly good. Going to buy his CDs for my collection. :)
Next, Lee Mead, who's one of the contestants on Any Dream Will Do.
No spoiler alert since the show concluded 2 years ago. Suffice to say, I was too curious to pass up the chance to find out who won, and turns out Lee emerged the victor.
Funny thing is, when I first laid eyes on him during the first 2 episodes ( last week ), I knew nothing about his background and immediately picked him as my favourite of the lot. Partly because he has the right look, but also because he has a terrific voice and stage presence.
This week, it was revealed that he was an understudy for the role of Raoul on Phantom Of The Opera, but never got to perform because the principal actor didn't fall sick.
Can I pick 'em, or can I pick 'em? :)
Seems Lee became romantically involved with one of the show's judges soon after he won. Hooked up with Denise van Outen, a pretty blonde who's also 7 years older. They're now engaged to be married. Congratulations!
Next, on to another favourite, Raul Esparza, whom I've mentioned before during my Company obsession earlier this year, and whose photo I'd like to post as a gentle reminder.
He famously blasted Jeremy Piven for pulling out of Speed-The-Plow due to supposed mercury poisoning, and missed out on winning the Tony for Outstanding Actor in a Play.
Currently, he's starring opposite Anne Hathaway in a Broadway production of Twelfth Night.
I just hope he'll be acting in something when I'm back in NYC next year, or I'm going to pull my hair out.
Here he is with fellow Speed-The-Plow actors Elizabeth Moss and Piven ( who's on the right, in happier times ).
Last but not least, John Lloyd Young. 
I may not have written about him for quite some time, but I still keep track of his career, and wish he'd release an album so I can buy it already.
He's acting in a comedy film, and making a guest appearance on the new Ryan Murphy ( Nip/Tuck creator ) TV series, Glee.
He's acting in a comedy film, and making a guest appearance on the new Ryan Murphy ( Nip/Tuck creator ) TV series, Glee.
Thank you, L, for enabling me to catch the pilot episode, which I just know I'll love. :D
I really should drop JLY a fan letter one of these days, so I can receive another personal reply. It's fun. :)
Apologies for the tiny photo. It's one of the best ones available on the Net but comes in a low resolution, so I had to compromise.
Right, time to do an exit round, then head on home.
Right, time to do an exit round, then head on home.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
A Quickie Post
First, a link to Singapore MD, which will lead you to an interesting article about the H1N1 pandemic.
Second, a singer I recently discovered via BBC Entertainment on cable, named John Barrowman. Not sure how big a star he is on-stage, but he's got a great voice. ( He's also good-looking and openly gay, not that it matters. :))
Third, I finally watched Slumdog Millionaire on DVD. Does NOT deserve a Best Picture Oscar, or all that hype. It's cheesy from beginning to end. Flashback to the year Forrest Gump beat The Shawshank Redemption. Totally unfair.
Or maybe it's just me. Have been developing a taste for dark films these past few years - There Will Be Blood, Into The Wild, etc. I didn't like Wall-E, and got lots of flak for it. :)
By the way, it's Dead Poets Society's 20th anniversary this year. Wow, didn't realize I first saw it when I was 14 years old, and Ethan Hawke was only 17 or 18 in it. Still my all-time favourite. A real classic.
And last, a disappointing line-up for 2009's Singapore Sun Festival. Guess I'll save my money for 2010 when I return to Broadway.
Am drawing up a list of items to buy from Amazon when I go on leave later this month. May cost me a bundle. :P
First, a link to Singapore MD, which will lead you to an interesting article about the H1N1 pandemic.
Second, a singer I recently discovered via BBC Entertainment on cable, named John Barrowman. Not sure how big a star he is on-stage, but he's got a great voice. ( He's also good-looking and openly gay, not that it matters. :))
Third, I finally watched Slumdog Millionaire on DVD. Does NOT deserve a Best Picture Oscar, or all that hype. It's cheesy from beginning to end. Flashback to the year Forrest Gump beat The Shawshank Redemption. Totally unfair.
Or maybe it's just me. Have been developing a taste for dark films these past few years - There Will Be Blood, Into The Wild, etc. I didn't like Wall-E, and got lots of flak for it. :)
By the way, it's Dead Poets Society's 20th anniversary this year. Wow, didn't realize I first saw it when I was 14 years old, and Ethan Hawke was only 17 or 18 in it. Still my all-time favourite. A real classic.
And last, a disappointing line-up for 2009's Singapore Sun Festival. Guess I'll save my money for 2010 when I return to Broadway.
Am drawing up a list of items to buy from Amazon when I go on leave later this month. May cost me a bundle. :P
Friday, June 26, 2009
R.I.P.
I am in shock right now.
Can't believe Michael Jackson's really dead.
Just saw the Internet news reports this morning. Confirmation of details surrounding his tragic demise are still pending, but I'm extremely saddened by this sudden turn of events.
Possibilities: 1) drug overdose? 2) some viral illness causing myocarditis? 3) an underlying disease which he hid from the media and finally did him in?
I still remember the night I saw him in concert at the Kallang Stadium. It was 1993, just days before my prelims, but my mom knew how much I wanted to go and generously purchased the most expensive tickets for us. We ended up standing on our foldable chairs for 2 whole hours, craning our necks to see MJ above all the outstretched arms in front of us. We also sang Happy Birthday for him as he turned 35 that very same day.
It remains one of the best shows I've ever attended and, weeks later, a letter I snail-mailed ( not much Internet back then ) to Shadoe Stevens - the host of American Top 40 - was read to a global audience. In it, I detailed his visit to Singapore, including his gifts of free concert tickets to healthcare personnel who took care of him at a local private hospital.
Wow, everything's still fresh in my mind...
Despite all the controversy and bad publicity that has dogged MJ these past 15 years, there's no question that he will always be a musical icon - a genius who fell victim to the perils of fame and fortune and, sadly, never managed to recover.
Time magazine's tribute edition will arrive in my mailbox next week. Will store it somewhere safe, next to the commemorative issue from 9/11.
I am in shock right now.
Can't believe Michael Jackson's really dead.
Just saw the Internet news reports this morning. Confirmation of details surrounding his tragic demise are still pending, but I'm extremely saddened by this sudden turn of events.
Possibilities: 1) drug overdose? 2) some viral illness causing myocarditis? 3) an underlying disease which he hid from the media and finally did him in?
I still remember the night I saw him in concert at the Kallang Stadium. It was 1993, just days before my prelims, but my mom knew how much I wanted to go and generously purchased the most expensive tickets for us. We ended up standing on our foldable chairs for 2 whole hours, craning our necks to see MJ above all the outstretched arms in front of us. We also sang Happy Birthday for him as he turned 35 that very same day.
It remains one of the best shows I've ever attended and, weeks later, a letter I snail-mailed ( not much Internet back then ) to Shadoe Stevens - the host of American Top 40 - was read to a global audience. In it, I detailed his visit to Singapore, including his gifts of free concert tickets to healthcare personnel who took care of him at a local private hospital.
Wow, everything's still fresh in my mind...
Despite all the controversy and bad publicity that has dogged MJ these past 15 years, there's no question that he will always be a musical icon - a genius who fell victim to the perils of fame and fortune and, sadly, never managed to recover.
Time magazine's tribute edition will arrive in my mailbox next week. Will store it somewhere safe, next to the commemorative issue from 9/11.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Pure Indulgence Part VBear with me. :)
My mum's a little creeped out by that snake.
Real? Not real? I think it's the former. Fake ones can't coil like that.
Edgy - I like.
Not sure which year this is from, but James McAvoy has looked the same for the past 5 years.
Fabulous actor. If he'd been taller, he could've been a killer Darcy opposite Keira Knightley.
A recent favourite - though a perpetual Top 10.
He's done a few racy films in his early career. Check out YouTube. :)
An unexpected find on Google - a picture of Kevin Spacey that I've never seen before, and one of the most beautifully shot to boot.
Okay, now it's REALLY time to get back to work.
Back To Normal Transmission
For the time being, at least.
Some of you must be tired of my recent blog entries - a friend commented that my blog's become "sterile". Thanks, man. :)
Where's all the bitching and whining gone? A little bit of it migrated to Singapore MD. But I'm still holding most of my pent-up frustration in check.
Right now, it's 4am Saturday morning, and I'm ploughing through yet another mountain of admin work, though taking a short break to write this.
Am currently following State Of Play - the original BBC version - which has reruns on cable's BBC Entertainment Channel 76 every Thursday night.
I haven't seen the Hollywood remake starring Ben Affleck and an increasingly tubby Russell Crowe ( please go to the gym ). I've never been a big BBC fan ( other than long-ago productions of Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice and The Black Adder ), but State Of Play is proving addictive, especially after its 2nd episode.
Well-written and perfectly cast, the main reason I even know about this series ( didn't even make the connection between this and the film version ) is my deep interest in James McAvoy's career. This was one of his earliest roles, and he looks like a mischievous schoolboy here, playing a rookie reporter with a keen nose for hot leads.
Although how someone like him can be cast as the offspring of someone who looks like Bill Nighy is really beyond me.
The pace can be a tad slow at times, but the characters are compelling, and overall production is terrific.
Have been bugging Books Kinokuniya about the Adam Lambert issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Can't place an order until the magazine actually arrives, which I find kind of ridiculous. The harrassed staff fielding phone calls says she's received numerous queries about this particular issue. Same thing happened with the Clay Aiken edition back in 2003 ( which I also reserved and purchased at Kinokuniya ). I just find it cool that RS picked the right person to feature. Kris Allen may have won the title, but that doesn't make him the Idol. Not by a long shot.
A month into the new MO batch, we have yet again identified the weak and the strong. An alarming number of them are doing their very 1st MO posting in the ER. This was previously not allowed - in my time, you had to be at least a 2nd year MO before you could work at the frontlines - but who knows why the ban was lifted, and with dire consequences.
While it's true that a few of these very young MOs turn out to be star performers who go on to specialize in emergency medicine, the majority end up merely passing through, with quite a few being rotated through the ER against their will. The result: inexperienced junior doctors who may mismanage their clueless patients, fly below the senior doctors' radars ( we only review selected cases and ward admissions ), demonstrate zero team spirit, and incur the wrath of patients / relatives, who then complain and demand to speak to a senior doctor, who has to mop up the mess.
This round, we have another record number of MOs deemed unsuitable for night shifts, so those who can do calls may have as many as 7 on their monthly rosters. On many occasions, the night team is weak, necessitating the help of the evening shift MOs, who stay back for hours to help clear cases.
I'm not the sort to ask for help, but this year, I've had to keep people back simply because if I didn't, we'd all DIE.
It isn't always easy to pick out the slackers from the truly slow ones, but peer feedback ( in particular, input from veteran MOs who've been with us for a year or two ) is definitely useful. What I call "evasive tactics" can range from hiding out in the observation ward pretending to look busy, or walking from one end of the ER to the other pretending to look busy, or refusing to see cases 1-2 hours before one's shift ends.
I just find it sad that such behaviour is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Especially in the ER, which is no longer popular since most traineeships don't list it as a compulsory rotation, unlike 8 years ago when I worked side by side with surgical and medical trainees. Perhaps this is the reason we're getting more frivolous referrals from the specialist outpatient clinics, where even simple conditions not requiring urgent investigation or treatment are bumped off to the ER for "further management" - also called "tai-chi-ing".
Same thing goes on in the wards, with multiple blue letter referrals for even a mild cough ( this is a true story ). Turf wars continue to rage, though the ER does a pretty good job staying out of the fray - let the specialists fight it out with each other directly, don't be the messenger, I always say.
And do you know that certain UK med schools don't teach their students how to do proctoscopy exams? I think one of these so-called "top universities" is collaborating with NTU on the 3rd medical school. So does this mean our future local grads won't know what a proctoscope looks like either?
While complaining to a surgeon friend whom I've known for 8 years, she mentioned the "grandmother syndrome", where the older generation uses the typical line, "In my time..." I suppose some of this holds true. Medical practice has evolved through the years, and it's only natural that this impacts our juniors' behaviour to some degree. But is it so wrong to hold them to a high ethical standard? Lying, laziness and disrespect towards seniors have no place in medicine.
Ahh, nothing beats a good ranting. :)
Tips for the weekend:
- Saturday: Nobel Prize concert 7-9pm on Okto Channel 8.
- Sunday: Dancing With The Stars 7pm on BBC Entertainment Channel 76, Hugh Laurie on Inside The Actors Studio 8pm Okto, Bride & Prejudice 10pm Okto, and No Country For Old Men 9pm on HBO.
- State Of Play has multiple reruns during the weekend, Channel 76
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien airs both Sat & Sun on CNBC Channel 15
Take your pick. :)
Time to get back to work. Sigh.
For the time being, at least.
Some of you must be tired of my recent blog entries - a friend commented that my blog's become "sterile". Thanks, man. :)
Where's all the bitching and whining gone? A little bit of it migrated to Singapore MD. But I'm still holding most of my pent-up frustration in check.
Right now, it's 4am Saturday morning, and I'm ploughing through yet another mountain of admin work, though taking a short break to write this.
Am currently following State Of Play - the original BBC version - which has reruns on cable's BBC Entertainment Channel 76 every Thursday night.
I haven't seen the Hollywood remake starring Ben Affleck and an increasingly tubby Russell Crowe ( please go to the gym ). I've never been a big BBC fan ( other than long-ago productions of Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice and The Black Adder ), but State Of Play is proving addictive, especially after its 2nd episode.
Well-written and perfectly cast, the main reason I even know about this series ( didn't even make the connection between this and the film version ) is my deep interest in James McAvoy's career. This was one of his earliest roles, and he looks like a mischievous schoolboy here, playing a rookie reporter with a keen nose for hot leads.
Although how someone like him can be cast as the offspring of someone who looks like Bill Nighy is really beyond me.
The pace can be a tad slow at times, but the characters are compelling, and overall production is terrific.
Have been bugging Books Kinokuniya about the Adam Lambert issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Can't place an order until the magazine actually arrives, which I find kind of ridiculous. The harrassed staff fielding phone calls says she's received numerous queries about this particular issue. Same thing happened with the Clay Aiken edition back in 2003 ( which I also reserved and purchased at Kinokuniya ). I just find it cool that RS picked the right person to feature. Kris Allen may have won the title, but that doesn't make him the Idol. Not by a long shot.
A month into the new MO batch, we have yet again identified the weak and the strong. An alarming number of them are doing their very 1st MO posting in the ER. This was previously not allowed - in my time, you had to be at least a 2nd year MO before you could work at the frontlines - but who knows why the ban was lifted, and with dire consequences.
While it's true that a few of these very young MOs turn out to be star performers who go on to specialize in emergency medicine, the majority end up merely passing through, with quite a few being rotated through the ER against their will. The result: inexperienced junior doctors who may mismanage their clueless patients, fly below the senior doctors' radars ( we only review selected cases and ward admissions ), demonstrate zero team spirit, and incur the wrath of patients / relatives, who then complain and demand to speak to a senior doctor, who has to mop up the mess.
This round, we have another record number of MOs deemed unsuitable for night shifts, so those who can do calls may have as many as 7 on their monthly rosters. On many occasions, the night team is weak, necessitating the help of the evening shift MOs, who stay back for hours to help clear cases.
I'm not the sort to ask for help, but this year, I've had to keep people back simply because if I didn't, we'd all DIE.
It isn't always easy to pick out the slackers from the truly slow ones, but peer feedback ( in particular, input from veteran MOs who've been with us for a year or two ) is definitely useful. What I call "evasive tactics" can range from hiding out in the observation ward pretending to look busy, or walking from one end of the ER to the other pretending to look busy, or refusing to see cases 1-2 hours before one's shift ends.
I just find it sad that such behaviour is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Especially in the ER, which is no longer popular since most traineeships don't list it as a compulsory rotation, unlike 8 years ago when I worked side by side with surgical and medical trainees. Perhaps this is the reason we're getting more frivolous referrals from the specialist outpatient clinics, where even simple conditions not requiring urgent investigation or treatment are bumped off to the ER for "further management" - also called "tai-chi-ing".
Same thing goes on in the wards, with multiple blue letter referrals for even a mild cough ( this is a true story ). Turf wars continue to rage, though the ER does a pretty good job staying out of the fray - let the specialists fight it out with each other directly, don't be the messenger, I always say.
And do you know that certain UK med schools don't teach their students how to do proctoscopy exams? I think one of these so-called "top universities" is collaborating with NTU on the 3rd medical school. So does this mean our future local grads won't know what a proctoscope looks like either?
While complaining to a surgeon friend whom I've known for 8 years, she mentioned the "grandmother syndrome", where the older generation uses the typical line, "In my time..." I suppose some of this holds true. Medical practice has evolved through the years, and it's only natural that this impacts our juniors' behaviour to some degree. But is it so wrong to hold them to a high ethical standard? Lying, laziness and disrespect towards seniors have no place in medicine.
Ahh, nothing beats a good ranting. :)
Tips for the weekend:
- Saturday: Nobel Prize concert 7-9pm on Okto Channel 8.
- Sunday: Dancing With The Stars 7pm on BBC Entertainment Channel 76, Hugh Laurie on Inside The Actors Studio 8pm Okto, Bride & Prejudice 10pm Okto, and No Country For Old Men 9pm on HBO.
- State Of Play has multiple reruns during the weekend, Channel 76
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien airs both Sat & Sun on CNBC Channel 15
Take your pick. :)
Time to get back to work. Sigh.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Pure Indulgence Part IIILike I said, my latest guilty pleasure.
They're so young, but such amazing dancers.
You MUST check them out on YouTube. Have already added Mark Ballas on my YT channel on the right.
Just finished prepping a conference presentation, so am rewarding myself with some Net surfing. :)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Pure Indulgence Part II
This is just too good to pass up.
Adam Lambert fans, you've GOT to read it.
Choice quote: "Adam's popularity proves that perceptions of sexual orientation do not determine what makes a man irresistible. My friend John doesn't understand -- he thinks the possibility that Adam plays for the other team disqualifies him as the object of a woman's crush. A voice rooted in my loins responds, "So what?" His performances display a smooth-edged virility that transcends sexual preference."
Exactly! :)
Feeling a little high at the moment. Got through a good call with an excellent night team, and have a couple of free days ahead before working a 5-shift stretch starting this weekend.
Lots of work to do, argh.
This is just too good to pass up.
Adam Lambert fans, you've GOT to read it.
Choice quote: "Adam's popularity proves that perceptions of sexual orientation do not determine what makes a man irresistible. My friend John doesn't understand -- he thinks the possibility that Adam plays for the other team disqualifies him as the object of a woman's crush. A voice rooted in my loins responds, "So what?" His performances display a smooth-edged virility that transcends sexual preference."
Exactly! :)
Feeling a little high at the moment. Got through a good call with an excellent night team, and have a couple of free days ahead before working a 5-shift stretch starting this weekend.
Lots of work to do, argh.
Pure Indulgence
Top marks if you can identify all these beautiful men, and figure out what they have in common ( clue's in the pictures ).
What can I say, I have interesting taste. :)
Monday, June 01, 2009
The Year Of Living Dangerously
I wish! :)
The title of this entry popped into my head from out of nowhere, though I suspect Adam Lambert blasting from the computer speaker may have influenced the choice a little.
Listening to Feeling Good - gorgeous, as always.
Anyway, I'm posting something only because my 34th birthday is coming up this week, and it's customary for me to reflect on the previous 12 months.
Was it a good year? You bet.
First and foremost, meeting Jason Mraz in person was and always will be a major highlight in my life. Waited many years for the opportunity, watching 2 gigs and buying every one of his CDs in existence before coming face to face with my favourite musician just before his 3rd show here in Singapore. Though it's been only 3 months since that memorable evening, it feels like it's been years ( wonder why? ).
But, of course, it exceeded all my expectations, and seeing him perform with the American Idol contestants at the finals results show was thrilling!
Second, saying hello to Peter Cincotti again ( 2nd meet-and-greet, very enjoyable ), and seeing Geoffrey Rush and the cast of The Bridge Project's The Winter's Tale up close at the Esplanade.
Third, visiting spectacular Egypt. Haven't done it justice with sufficient blog entries and photos - entirely my fault, my apologies. Definitely no longer that safe a destination for tourists, so I'm glad I've made my pilgrimage, and survived the trip.
Fourth, organizing the local annual emergency medicine conference. Made history as the youngest organizing chair so far, and am very proud of my excellent committee for ensuring its success. Also made 2 new wonderful friends from Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Emergency Medicine, both of whom are leading experts in their respective fields yet humble to a fault. That outing to the Night Safari on a wet and windy night will always remain a fond memory. :)
Last but not least, recovering from the grief of losing a beloved friend and adopting a cat from SPCA. May not seem significant to some of you, but pets have always been an integral part of my life - I've had everything from hamsters to rabbits and even a chicken. However, cats sit right at the top of my list, and I've reached a point where even a few months without a feline companion causes actual physical pain.
Nemo's proven to be an absolute joy so far ( interesting name choice, no? :)), and I'll try to post a picture of him soon.
So what can I look forward to in the next 12 months?
Well, despite my July vacation plans being flushed down the toilet, things worked themselves out, and my extra leave is being used for another overseas trip in October - mixture of business and pleasure, but heavily subsidized by the hospital. I didn't really expect to get the funding to begin with, so greatly appreciate the support!
Won't be venturing that far, but it's a place I haven't visited before, and am most keen to spend time at those world-famous beaches, watching hunky surfers. :)
Will attend another international conference in September, which allows a few days of touring, during which I intend to purchase a crate of wine and distribute them to people I'd like to thank for a variety of reasons. Am also looking forward to savouring my share of pinot noirs and merlots. :D
Career-wise, my involvement in this year's local conference has certainly motivated me to volunteer my services for the big kahuna - 2010's International Conference of Emergency Medicine. It is a COLOSSAL undertaking, the details of which I won't elaborate on here. Lots of paperwork and deadlines and stress.
And of course, I need to publish something in a journal somewhere so I can get promoted. This is the part I hate. Apparently, doing tonnes of clinical work isn't good enough.
Anyway, moving on a slight tangent, I'm currently ploughing through Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People issue, and becoming nauseated by some of the tributes. In case you don't know, it's become tradition for those who make the list to have write-ups on them done by someone equally famous or accomplished. A few of these are great - e.g. Bill Gates writing about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Roger Federer doing one about Tiger Woods - but others are just plain indulgent ( Oprah Winfrey swooning over Michelle Obama, Bono blah-ing incoherently about George Clooney ).
As usual, there're quite a few candidates whom I've never heard of, hence the perennial question from Time readers about just how "influential" these people actually are. The disproportionate number of Americans even prompted a sarcastic letter from an irate subscriber, which got me laughing over my breakfast.
Same thing happens with People magazine's lists of 50 Most Beautiful People and Sexiest Man Alive. Aren't most of them American too?
I can live with the injustice. Time's writers are among the best in the world - my favourites include Joel Stein, Bryan Walsh and Nancy Gibbs - and my own style has been moulded by my 16-years-and-counting subscription to the publication. If someone can write about the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir or Vladmir Putin or harvesting fuel from algae and keep me up late at night with my eyes glued to the page, that's really saying something.
Straits Times reporters, take note.
I wish! :)
The title of this entry popped into my head from out of nowhere, though I suspect Adam Lambert blasting from the computer speaker may have influenced the choice a little.
Listening to Feeling Good - gorgeous, as always.
Anyway, I'm posting something only because my 34th birthday is coming up this week, and it's customary for me to reflect on the previous 12 months.
Was it a good year? You bet.
First and foremost, meeting Jason Mraz in person was and always will be a major highlight in my life. Waited many years for the opportunity, watching 2 gigs and buying every one of his CDs in existence before coming face to face with my favourite musician just before his 3rd show here in Singapore. Though it's been only 3 months since that memorable evening, it feels like it's been years ( wonder why? ).
But, of course, it exceeded all my expectations, and seeing him perform with the American Idol contestants at the finals results show was thrilling!
Second, saying hello to Peter Cincotti again ( 2nd meet-and-greet, very enjoyable ), and seeing Geoffrey Rush and the cast of The Bridge Project's The Winter's Tale up close at the Esplanade.
Third, visiting spectacular Egypt. Haven't done it justice with sufficient blog entries and photos - entirely my fault, my apologies. Definitely no longer that safe a destination for tourists, so I'm glad I've made my pilgrimage, and survived the trip.
Fourth, organizing the local annual emergency medicine conference. Made history as the youngest organizing chair so far, and am very proud of my excellent committee for ensuring its success. Also made 2 new wonderful friends from Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Emergency Medicine, both of whom are leading experts in their respective fields yet humble to a fault. That outing to the Night Safari on a wet and windy night will always remain a fond memory. :)
Last but not least, recovering from the grief of losing a beloved friend and adopting a cat from SPCA. May not seem significant to some of you, but pets have always been an integral part of my life - I've had everything from hamsters to rabbits and even a chicken. However, cats sit right at the top of my list, and I've reached a point where even a few months without a feline companion causes actual physical pain.
Nemo's proven to be an absolute joy so far ( interesting name choice, no? :)), and I'll try to post a picture of him soon.
So what can I look forward to in the next 12 months?
Well, despite my July vacation plans being flushed down the toilet, things worked themselves out, and my extra leave is being used for another overseas trip in October - mixture of business and pleasure, but heavily subsidized by the hospital. I didn't really expect to get the funding to begin with, so greatly appreciate the support!
Won't be venturing that far, but it's a place I haven't visited before, and am most keen to spend time at those world-famous beaches, watching hunky surfers. :)
Will attend another international conference in September, which allows a few days of touring, during which I intend to purchase a crate of wine and distribute them to people I'd like to thank for a variety of reasons. Am also looking forward to savouring my share of pinot noirs and merlots. :D
Career-wise, my involvement in this year's local conference has certainly motivated me to volunteer my services for the big kahuna - 2010's International Conference of Emergency Medicine. It is a COLOSSAL undertaking, the details of which I won't elaborate on here. Lots of paperwork and deadlines and stress.
And of course, I need to publish something in a journal somewhere so I can get promoted. This is the part I hate. Apparently, doing tonnes of clinical work isn't good enough.
Anyway, moving on a slight tangent, I'm currently ploughing through Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People issue, and becoming nauseated by some of the tributes. In case you don't know, it's become tradition for those who make the list to have write-ups on them done by someone equally famous or accomplished. A few of these are great - e.g. Bill Gates writing about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Roger Federer doing one about Tiger Woods - but others are just plain indulgent ( Oprah Winfrey swooning over Michelle Obama, Bono blah-ing incoherently about George Clooney ).
As usual, there're quite a few candidates whom I've never heard of, hence the perennial question from Time readers about just how "influential" these people actually are. The disproportionate number of Americans even prompted a sarcastic letter from an irate subscriber, which got me laughing over my breakfast.
Same thing happens with People magazine's lists of 50 Most Beautiful People and Sexiest Man Alive. Aren't most of them American too?
I can live with the injustice. Time's writers are among the best in the world - my favourites include Joel Stein, Bryan Walsh and Nancy Gibbs - and my own style has been moulded by my 16-years-and-counting subscription to the publication. If someone can write about the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir or Vladmir Putin or harvesting fuel from algae and keep me up late at night with my eyes glued to the page, that's really saying something.
Straits Times reporters, take note.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Having A Little Bit 'O Fun
I'm not as tech-savvy as Angry Doctor, so this IMEEM Music Player's the best I can do. Just keep clicking the fast forward button to get more songs.
Suggestions for the little empty box:
1) Adam Lambert - Glamorize is my new favourite track!
2) Glee - the Rehab track is smokin'! ( ignore songs #4 and #5 )
I have insomnia. Going to suffer later today.
I'm not as tech-savvy as Angry Doctor, so this IMEEM Music Player's the best I can do. Just keep clicking the fast forward button to get more songs.
Suggestions for the little empty box:
1) Adam Lambert - Glamorize is my new favourite track!
2) Glee - the Rehab track is smokin'! ( ignore songs #4 and #5 )
I have insomnia. Going to suffer later today.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Yet Another Short Entry
Got side-tracked by clinical and administrative work - again.
First, Adam Lambert got robbed! I had an awful gut feeling he wouldn't win, but was still hoping he would. Many theories are bouncing around on the Internet, but in the end, I do realize that Adam made it to the finals by being himself, and that certainly counts for something, right?
Second, a nice Rolling Stone article, sent to me via email. A quote from the man himself: “My dream now is to make a really dope record, to do something new, push the boundaries a little bit, push people’s buttons, open people’s minds up a little bit." I can't WAIT to get my hands on his album. :)
Third, my favourite Adam picture from American Idol's Rock Week. If you've always thought I'm a conservative wuss, think again. You haven't seen me screaming myself hoarse at concerts. :)
On a different note, something to look forward to -- StarHub, please bring this to local cable! Gotta try the link from my laptop at home. Doesn't work at the hospital, dammit. You happy with yourself up there in the IT department?!?!
Morning rounds beckon. Enjoy your Sunday.
Got side-tracked by clinical and administrative work - again.
First, Adam Lambert got robbed! I had an awful gut feeling he wouldn't win, but was still hoping he would. Many theories are bouncing around on the Internet, but in the end, I do realize that Adam made it to the finals by being himself, and that certainly counts for something, right?
Second, a nice Rolling Stone article, sent to me via email. A quote from the man himself: “My dream now is to make a really dope record, to do something new, push the boundaries a little bit, push people’s buttons, open people’s minds up a little bit." I can't WAIT to get my hands on his album. :)
Third, my favourite Adam picture from American Idol's Rock Week. If you've always thought I'm a conservative wuss, think again. You haven't seen me screaming myself hoarse at concerts. :)
On a different note, something to look forward to -- StarHub, please bring this to local cable! Gotta try the link from my laptop at home. Doesn't work at the hospital, dammit. You happy with yourself up there in the IT department?!?!
Morning rounds beckon. Enjoy your Sunday.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
GAH!Yes, I'm fully aware that Adam's gay / bisexual or whatever, but there's no denying his sex appeal. :)
Wanted to post a picture from Rock Week -- all that leather and bling! -- but can't seem to find it on Google and the American Idol website's photo page isn't loading properly.
So here's my next fave -- something from Motown week. I believe this is the one from his Tracks Of My Tears performance -- the studio version is excellent, but the 'live' rendition is completely different and much better.
One of the rare occasions where Adam's hair isn't flopping all over his face, and the eyeliner / nail polish are absent. He's a good-looking fellow, no? At least a 6-footer -- tall dude, me likey. :)
Thought he outsang Kris by a mile at the finals last night. His cover of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come gave me chills, and his attempt at the original song No Boundaries ( despite it being absolutely horrible ) made it sound decent, while Kris crashed and burned when it came to his turn.
If Adam doesn't win this, then I guess either America isn't ready to embrace a non-heterosexual Idol, or the tween girls are ruling the votes this year ( after losing out in the David Archuleta department in 2008 ).
Wishing you good luck, Adam! Only 4 more hours to go before the results show starts.
And I can't wait to see Jason Mraz rock the Nokia Theater stage!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Final Showdown
Am reading the American Idol Forums since local TV and StarHub cable networks inexplicably decided not to air a 'live' telecast of the finals performance show.
Good recap here ( scroll down ).
L, you'll be happy to know that Adam chose to sing Mad World again, since you like that song. :)
I personally would've preferred If I Can't Have You. Have heard the full studio version, which is nothing short of crazy-fabulous!
Don't read the forum review if you don't want to see other spoilers - you've been warned!
As you know, I've been rooting for Adam from the word go, and hope he secures the title. He deserves it!
And, Jason Mraz fans rejoice, 'cos Mr. A-Z is going to be on the results show tomorrow, YES!
Buzz so far is that he'll do a solo - Keith Urban will duet with Kris - but I'm hoping he'll sing with either Kris or Adam ( the latter combo would be much more interesting, of course ).
AI8 is the perfect platform for Jason to go truly global and reach audiences who haven't experienced his stage presence before. Blow them away, J!
Preliminary Feedback?
Two things:
1) The new group blog - we've been getting quite a few hits from The Singapore Daily, so thanks for the free publicity.
There're about 6 doctors contributing to Singapore MD, but like I mentioned before, we've all been rather caught up with various things recently, and hope to write more regularly in the near future.
Comments are most welcome, so hope you'll leave a few when you visit.
2) Mind-bending encounters
Had one just 2 days ago, when a new MO told me s/he's never done a proctoscopic exam before.
I've had my share of shocking revelations over the past 10 years, and although this doesn't take the cake ( I've had much worse ), it's definitely a new one.
Don't ask me how s/he managed to get through med school and housemanship without ever having to stick a proctoscope up a patient. I think I asked him/her about this, but s/he dodged the question.
Will wonders never cease?
Am nursing a headache even after a full day of rest post-Monday hell. Not looking forward to the night shift later, but at least I've got American Idol finals Part 1 & 2 to keep my spirits up. Go, Adam! :)
Am reading the American Idol Forums since local TV and StarHub cable networks inexplicably decided not to air a 'live' telecast of the finals performance show.
Good recap here ( scroll down ).
L, you'll be happy to know that Adam chose to sing Mad World again, since you like that song. :)
I personally would've preferred If I Can't Have You. Have heard the full studio version, which is nothing short of crazy-fabulous!
Don't read the forum review if you don't want to see other spoilers - you've been warned!
As you know, I've been rooting for Adam from the word go, and hope he secures the title. He deserves it!
And, Jason Mraz fans rejoice, 'cos Mr. A-Z is going to be on the results show tomorrow, YES!
Buzz so far is that he'll do a solo - Keith Urban will duet with Kris - but I'm hoping he'll sing with either Kris or Adam ( the latter combo would be much more interesting, of course ).
AI8 is the perfect platform for Jason to go truly global and reach audiences who haven't experienced his stage presence before. Blow them away, J!
Preliminary Feedback?
Two things:
1) The new group blog - we've been getting quite a few hits from The Singapore Daily, so thanks for the free publicity.
There're about 6 doctors contributing to Singapore MD, but like I mentioned before, we've all been rather caught up with various things recently, and hope to write more regularly in the near future.
Comments are most welcome, so hope you'll leave a few when you visit.
2) Mind-bending encounters
Had one just 2 days ago, when a new MO told me s/he's never done a proctoscopic exam before.
I've had my share of shocking revelations over the past 10 years, and although this doesn't take the cake ( I've had much worse ), it's definitely a new one.
Don't ask me how s/he managed to get through med school and housemanship without ever having to stick a proctoscope up a patient. I think I asked him/her about this, but s/he dodged the question.
Will wonders never cease?
Am nursing a headache even after a full day of rest post-Monday hell. Not looking forward to the night shift later, but at least I've got American Idol finals Part 1 & 2 to keep my spirits up. Go, Adam! :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
New Blog
This is an initiative involving a group of local medical colleagues. First entry has been posted by an Infectious Disease physician, whom I guess prefers to remain anonymous for now. :)
A lot it is still under construction, so bear with us. We've all been very busy this week.
Comments are most welcome.
More to follow in the future. May invite various experts to contribute from time to time.
This is an initiative involving a group of local medical colleagues. First entry has been posted by an Infectious Disease physician, whom I guess prefers to remain anonymous for now. :)
A lot it is still under construction, so bear with us. We've all been very busy this week.
Comments are most welcome.
More to follow in the future. May invite various experts to contribute from time to time.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Desperate Times...
I can't take it anymore, so here's a short entry while I spend the last hour of my crappy night shift babysitting a case undergoing CT scans.
American Idol - The Final 2
Was there ever any doubt that Adam Lambert would reach the finish line? That crazy week where he and Kris Allen were in the bottom was obviously a fluke.
Should make a most interesting showdown - glam rocker vs boy-next-door. Kris channeled Jason Mraz with his acoustic version of Heartless this week, while Adam overdid it a little on Aerosmith's Cryin'.
I still favour Adam, who's got the goods in terms of vocals and charisma. But it remains to be seen whether a gay / bisexual this flamboyant can garner enough votes to beat a married Christian worship leader who understandably appeals to the mainstream audience.
I guess I'm quite open-minded in that respect. Bet the ousted Aware EXCO are cringing over the possible 50/50 outcome, heh heh.
Movie Marathon
Haven't watched 3 movies consecutively in a long long time. Am enjoying myself immensely. :)
Considering Wolverine, Star Trek and Angels & Demons, I can't say that any movie really stood out. Best critique would be that none of them was unbelievably bad, but then again they didn't live up to my expectations, especially Star Trek ( with its misleadingly impressive trailer ).
Since my background knowledge is strongest where A&D is concerned, trust me when I tell you to read the book. If you caught the film before touching the novel, then read it anyway. The last few chapters get rather clunky and melodramatic, but the rest of it is thrilling and fascinating, and I guarantee you will enjoy the rollercoaster ride ( even if you pretend not to :)).
If you have the chance to visit Rome in the future, make sure you take the official A&D tour, which I joined back in 2005 and absolutely loved! The guides are just wonderful.
Standing Down, For Now
So as we shift from DORSCON Orange to Yellow, leave restrictions are being relaxed, although I've already gone ahead with cancelling my July vacation to Europe. Dammit!
Anyway, I take comfort in the fact that I've booked another trip, for semi-official reasons, to a country that's closer to home. Just have to wait another extra couple of months before I can get away. Even if the 2nd wave hits us and my leave is threatened, I intend to appeal.
I mean, we have to be reasonable to some extent, right?
Boy am I exhausted. This is one of the rare occasions where I can't leave the ER to get some rest. Only managed a short supper break, which was fortunately taken at just the right moment before the sick patients arrived. Even if my brain's toasted, at least my stomach's full. :)
Time for some breakfast, then 2 hours of overtime covering the new MOs undergoing orientation lectures. Yippee.
I can't take it anymore, so here's a short entry while I spend the last hour of my crappy night shift babysitting a case undergoing CT scans.
American Idol - The Final 2
Was there ever any doubt that Adam Lambert would reach the finish line? That crazy week where he and Kris Allen were in the bottom was obviously a fluke.
Should make a most interesting showdown - glam rocker vs boy-next-door. Kris channeled Jason Mraz with his acoustic version of Heartless this week, while Adam overdid it a little on Aerosmith's Cryin'.
I still favour Adam, who's got the goods in terms of vocals and charisma. But it remains to be seen whether a gay / bisexual this flamboyant can garner enough votes to beat a married Christian worship leader who understandably appeals to the mainstream audience.
I guess I'm quite open-minded in that respect. Bet the ousted Aware EXCO are cringing over the possible 50/50 outcome, heh heh.
Movie Marathon
Haven't watched 3 movies consecutively in a long long time. Am enjoying myself immensely. :)
Considering Wolverine, Star Trek and Angels & Demons, I can't say that any movie really stood out. Best critique would be that none of them was unbelievably bad, but then again they didn't live up to my expectations, especially Star Trek ( with its misleadingly impressive trailer ).
Since my background knowledge is strongest where A&D is concerned, trust me when I tell you to read the book. If you caught the film before touching the novel, then read it anyway. The last few chapters get rather clunky and melodramatic, but the rest of it is thrilling and fascinating, and I guarantee you will enjoy the rollercoaster ride ( even if you pretend not to :)).
If you have the chance to visit Rome in the future, make sure you take the official A&D tour, which I joined back in 2005 and absolutely loved! The guides are just wonderful.
Standing Down, For Now
So as we shift from DORSCON Orange to Yellow, leave restrictions are being relaxed, although I've already gone ahead with cancelling my July vacation to Europe. Dammit!
Anyway, I take comfort in the fact that I've booked another trip, for semi-official reasons, to a country that's closer to home. Just have to wait another extra couple of months before I can get away. Even if the 2nd wave hits us and my leave is threatened, I intend to appeal.
I mean, we have to be reasonable to some extent, right?
Boy am I exhausted. This is one of the rare occasions where I can't leave the ER to get some rest. Only managed a short supper break, which was fortunately taken at just the right moment before the sick patients arrived. Even if my brain's toasted, at least my stomach's full. :)
Time for some breakfast, then 2 hours of overtime covering the new MOs undergoing orientation lectures. Yippee.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Polls Continue
Short entry because of time constraints - lots of that occurring since returning to work last Monday, sigh.
With swine flu still featuring prominently in the news, the latest question stays on the same topic, and I've left the previous 2 polls' results on the main page to see if what readers here predicted hold true ( although some options are actually quite ambiguous heh ).
Will try to write something more detailed later this week. For now, you can probably get more updates via Twitter.
Watching Angels & Demons tomorrow. Wondering if I should catch Terminator: Salvation next week.
Short entry because of time constraints - lots of that occurring since returning to work last Monday, sigh.
With swine flu still featuring prominently in the news, the latest question stays on the same topic, and I've left the previous 2 polls' results on the main page to see if what readers here predicted hold true ( although some options are actually quite ambiguous heh ).
Will try to write something more detailed later this week. For now, you can probably get more updates via Twitter.
Watching Angels & Demons tomorrow. Wondering if I should catch Terminator: Salvation next week.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
And So It Begins
Link to a new blog, titled Mumblings, maintained by someone who recently joined the house officer pool.
I know the author personally, and his/her earlier blog, Med School Mumblings, has posted its last chapter.
Welcome to working life! Is it everything you imagined it to be? :)
Link to a new blog, titled Mumblings, maintained by someone who recently joined the house officer pool.
I know the author personally, and his/her earlier blog, Med School Mumblings, has posted its last chapter.
Welcome to working life! Is it everything you imagined it to be? :)
Saturday, May 02, 2009
The Jane Austen Book Club Online
Wow, someone actually uploaded the movie on YouTube!
You can watch the film in 10-minute segments ( Part 13 was removed by the user, but you get the idea by Part 12 ).
Part 5 has a really nice scene which starts at the 7th minute. To put things in context, Emily Blunt's a high school teacher, and the guy's one of her students. Won't spill the rest of the beans. :)
Part 7 is a lunch scene, but NOT the one I wrote about. This sequence starts in Part 6, and I just love the dialogue. At the end of Part 6, Dancy says "I like difficult things.", which I found hilarious.
His character's one of the sweetest around. If I've piqued your interest, watch the rest of the clips and start at the very beginning to see how he and Maria Bello's character first meet, and how their relationship progresses.
Part 8 is something our Ministry of Education will frown upon. Haha.
Part 9 - Now THIS is the lunch scene where Dancy looks fabulous! Starts at the 60-second mark. Make sure you watch it in full-screen mode. :)
Last but not least, congratulations to Jamie Cullum, who just announced his engagement to Sophie Dahl. Never expected him to get hitched so soon, but it's great that he has.
Jason Mraz is more elusive in the marriage department. Hope he stays single a while longer. :D
It's 2am. Wonder if I should log off... maybe not. :)
Wow, someone actually uploaded the movie on YouTube!
You can watch the film in 10-minute segments ( Part 13 was removed by the user, but you get the idea by Part 12 ).
Part 5 has a really nice scene which starts at the 7th minute. To put things in context, Emily Blunt's a high school teacher, and the guy's one of her students. Won't spill the rest of the beans. :)
Part 7 is a lunch scene, but NOT the one I wrote about. This sequence starts in Part 6, and I just love the dialogue. At the end of Part 6, Dancy says "I like difficult things.", which I found hilarious.
His character's one of the sweetest around. If I've piqued your interest, watch the rest of the clips and start at the very beginning to see how he and Maria Bello's character first meet, and how their relationship progresses.
Part 8 is something our Ministry of Education will frown upon. Haha.
Part 9 - Now THIS is the lunch scene where Dancy looks fabulous! Starts at the 60-second mark. Make sure you watch it in full-screen mode. :)
Last but not least, congratulations to Jamie Cullum, who just announced his engagement to Sophie Dahl. Never expected him to get hitched so soon, but it's great that he has.
Jason Mraz is more elusive in the marriage department. Hope he stays single a while longer. :D
It's 2am. Wonder if I should log off... maybe not. :)
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