Monday, March 26, 2007

Dreamgirls - The Original Effie

Dreamgirls, the movie, is pretty good, and it made a star out of Jennifer Hudson, the American Idol finalist. But before Jennifer Hudson, there was Jennifer Holliday. Jennifer Holliday starred as Effie in the original Broadway production of the show in 1982. By now, everyone knows that heart wrenching song "And I Am Telling You". Well, here is Jennifer Holliday singing the song live during the Tony Awards. Be amazed.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

2007 Mardi Gras, Toybox, etc.

The Mardi Gras party season is finally over, so things can go back to normal. I now have time to update my blog.

One of the highlights this year would have to be the shutting down of the Harbour Party by the police 2 hours before its scheduled end. They found drugs on a number of patrons, which gave them the justification to shut down the party in the name of public safety. This was obviously a publicity exercise. A girl died a few weeks ago, after attending an all day rock concert. Apparently, she took ecstacy and other drugs. Since an election was coming soon, the government and police had to appear to be doing something. I felt sorry for us on the night, but sorrier for the party organisers.


The weekend after was party overload. On Saturday night, Herman, Jaime, Alex, Finbar and Andre joined Peter and I for some drinks at Peter's place. From there, most of us proceeded to the Mardi Gras party. The party had a good vibe. We enjoyed most dancing to the set of the Freemasons at the RHI. I was happy for Mardi Gras, because the party was well attended. I did not think they could survive another financial loss.

Peter and I left the Mardi Gras party at 7 am. I crashed when we got home. I was able to squeeze in 3 and a half hours sleep, before I had to get up for the Toybox party, which started at noon. Peter did not sleep at all. He was too busy putting the finishing touches on his outfit for Toybox with his good friend, Finbar.

Toybox was fun. It was high energy, sexy and very hot and sweaty. We sweated litres and litres. Luna Park was a fantastic venue. Stayed till the party ended at 8 pm.

I was happy to have my friend, Herman, visit during Mardi Gras. I did not see much of him as I was busy with the new boyfriend. But he was also busy doing his own thing. Believe me, Herman knew how to amuse himself. 357 will never be the same again though.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

I brought a date to work's X'mas ball

I volunteered to organise our Christmas function at work last year. It was going to be a 3 course dinner at the Flying Fish Waterfront Restaurant in Pyrmont. People were asked to dress up for the event, and partners were invited. My dilemma was whether to bring a date or not. I have never brought a date to a work function before. I have been dating Peter for 2 months by that time, and thought of asking him. Going via my past record with dating though, I was not sure he was going to be around by the time the party came. I therefore waited till the very last minute to invite him. When I did, he accepted. I was glad and relieved.


On the night of the party, we arranged to meet at the restaurant. He was fashionably late, of course. Everyone was curious to meet him. When he finally arrived, he made an immediate impact. He had his mohawk hair up and was wearing a bright red coat with tails. Think Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Carribean". He looked very handsome and stylish. I was very proud. It turned out to be a great night. The food and wine were good. People were having fun. People were very appreciative of my efforts in organising the event. Plus, I had Peter by my side.

Monday, November 27, 2006

American Political Foreplay


Another gem from YouTube. Very funny.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Two Fathers


This is a song called "Two Fathers". I believe that it is in Dutch. Can you believe this is a kid's song? In times of intolerance, it is heartwarming to know that there is acceptance going on in other parts of the world.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Fine SpeciMen

Some Aussie Rugby League players have posed naked for a 2007 calendar for the benefit of the National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia. Not only do they have bodies like Greek gods, but they also have hearts like Mother Theresa. Rush to the website and get your copy now. Because it is for a good cause, you can get a copy and not feel like a total pervert.


Friday, October 13, 2006

Sports and me

As a gay man, I have always dreaded sports. I have never been good at it, and look ridiculous doing it. My body just does not have the natural coordination for it.

My company, CardSmart, holds an Annual General Meeting each year. Last year’s was held in the snow at Falls Creek in Victoria. I had only skied once before, and the result was not pretty. Therefore, I had no interest in repeating it. I joined the kids instead at the toboggan slopes, and had loads of fun.


This year, the AGM was held at the Hyatt Coolum in the Sunshine Coast. While some people chose to play golf, I chose to have a facial and a massage at the spa. It was heaven.

They also scheduled a tennis tournament as a group activity. I did not join up. I was not interested in embarassing myself in front of my co-workers. Fate was not on my side though. One poor kid could not play, because she did not have a partner. Needless to say, I was pressured into playing. They got to me using guilt. As the evidence shows, it was a scary sight.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Off to Copenhagen and London

I was lucky enough to be sent by my company to Copenhagen and England in September 2006. I have always dreamt of travelling for work. Not only do you get to visit cool places, but someone else gets to pay for it. You also get to fly business class. Now, I do not know how I can ever fly economy again.

It was tough though. It was certainly not a complete holiday. We were there preparing for the implementation of our project. Hours were long and one entire weekend was spent working. Luckily enough, I still had some time to catch up with friends.

I spent one weekend shopping in London with my officemate Shane, and also catching up with Jenni, Julie and Will. I worked on a project with Jenni and Julie in Perth in May to December 2005. We used to go drinking every Friday, together with Julie's husband Will. There was not much else to do in Perth, but drink. It was that quiet. When we all went our merry ways that December, we vowed to get together again in the future. Julie and Will were already heading to London in the new year. Isn't it surreal then, that there we were together on that London night?

I also visited good friends, Colin and Patrick, who have retired to the English country town of Ludlow. Ooops, they do not like me using the R word! Let us change that to "settled". Ludlow is beautiful. We had lunch at a wonderful Michelin starred restaurant called "Hibiscus". One of the best meals I have ever had.