*Alert!*
Due to a major shortage of off days, coupled with a sudden surge of stuff-carting to the new place, ironing out of various annoying details, preparation for the upcoming new posting, various other commitments, etc., blog entries may be rather erratic over the next 1-2 weeks. I will, however, try my best to update the site regularly.

Friday night = on call again. I haven't slept a wink today. Spent the morning fighting a headache after 4 hours of scavenger-hunting at Ikea, while the afternoon was filled with packing and unpacking at the apartment. 5-7pm was reserved for a short orientation at the new department, followed by a rather dangerous drive home through traffic jams and wet conditions to grab a 10-minute dinner and clear some chores, THEN a mad rush to work. It's pretty busy at the moment, and my cases haven't been straightforward either. I'm hoping to grab some sleep during the 1-3am slot. Feeling really crappy right now. Not to mention... no more off days for the rest of the month, AAAARRRGGGHGHGH!


The Medecins Sans Frontieres Talk

This was held over the past 2 days, but I only had the opportunity to attend yesterday's, which had Ting Hway as one of the guest speakers. Good turnout, with a strong showing from the SGH camp. Seems a lot of people know about it, but not everybody could turn up. Pity that.

It was a very enjoyable event, thanks to the dynamic organizers, interesting presentations, and an overall informal mood. I will be covering this in an upcoming article for the SMA News, so more on that then.

It's good to see so many doctors with genuine interest in joining this organization and doing their bit for the less fortunate. The MSF team will be returning to Hong Kong on Saturday, but welcomes any enquiries to office@msf.org.hk. You can also visit their website. The HK office is responsible for recruiting from China, Japan and the Southeast Asian region.

My thanks to June Kashio for the MSF T-shirt and pin. Will wear them proudly. :)

I can't think straight at the moment. Pardon the fluff talk. :P


American Idol 3

Say bye-bye to Jennifer Hudson, who has never been a favourite of mine, but still outsang John Stevens on Barry Manilow night. John looked stumped when Jon Peter Lewis got booted last week, but appeared mortified this time round. No doubt he knows the competition is becoming a tad unfair. He's got a lot of fans, that redhead!

And surprise, surprise, LaToya and Fantasia were among the bottom 3, while lesser talents Diane, George, Jasmine and John were safe. What is going on here? *shakes head*

I guess the only sure thing this week was Manilow The Legend. I grew up listening to his albums ( thanks to mom's influence ), so it was a huge treat to see him mingling with "new blood". He trained all the Idols so expertly that many of them gave their best on the latest episode, wowing the judges and causing Simon to ask, "What've you done with the girls? You've made them sing really well this week!" Yay, Barry!

Then for the first time, a guest judge sang on-stage with the Idols. Manilow did Let Freedom Ring with the young 'uns, and made me wish he'd return to Singapore ASAP for another show. Yes, I went to his first concert here many years ago. He's the consummate performer, and has the best rapport with his audience. Always hits the notes pitch-perfect, and I just never tire of his music. Can't Smile Without You, Mandy, Could It Be Magic, Weekend In New England... they're all great. He also recorded some big band pieces previously. Now THAT'S an album worth getting!


The O.C.

I was a little incredulous at comparisons made between Ben McKenzie and Russell Crowe, but last night, I saw the amazing resemblance. Facial features, manner of speaking, manner of walking even -- I was blown away. There was a scene in yesterday's episode, where Ryan ( McKenzie ) and his alcoholic mother part ways yet again, and he's obviously torn up about it. This actor is 25, but also blessed with very youthful looks. He was every bit the 17-year-old lost soul he plays, yet never sank to sappy melodrama during this emotional bit. He's definitely got something . Will someone please put him on the big screen already! :)

Very tired...
Movie quote! Taken from "Se7en", one of the best thrillers around, starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey ( absolutely chilling as John Doe ).

John Doe: Wanting people to listen, you can't just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer, and then you'll notice you've got their strict attention.

Fighting to keep my eyes open. It BETTER be a quiet night. :(