‘Z’ it or ‘S’ it?

Always wondered what would happen if the Brits and Americans had it out over the ‘S’ and ‘Z’ spelling issues.

In University in Melbourne, I was always told off by lecturers constantly for spelling with Z. It’s quite easy to fix of course, ctrl+F and find all ‘Z’s to replace with ‘S’. But that is not the point.

My issue is in Hong Kong, where it is an Ex-British colony but very Americanized, do we ‘Z’ or ‘S’? Do we prevent squiggles in word by ‘Z’-ing or leave it and let people think we can’t spell?

And for PR and copywriters, should we be tailoring our messages to that extent?

Magic of Bargain Hunting

Can anyone really describe the feeling you get when a long awaited pair of shoes finally makes its way to the last chance shelf?

It probably really is the last pair and they probably wont have your size (though with my boat-like size 10s, doesn’t really happen). And by denying yourself the chance to buy the full price, you might have missed out permanently.

The thrill of waiting for sales, risking somene else getting them and then finding your size. AND you still like it?

Phoof. Magic.

I am not a fashionista. Probably spending most of my years hidden under big t-shirts and baggy jeans (Hong Kong does that to you). But I am a realist. Seriously, $200 for a pair of shoes?? When they are made for $5 in Taiwan or China??

And why are people ashamed of looking on the sales shelves? It doesn’t automatically mean we don’t have money. On the contrary. People get rich by being stingy. I cannot tell you how many rich people I know never buy drinks.

I am a Bargain Hunter and not ashamed of it!

Awww…..

Brothers!!!

Review: Bottle Shock

Charming and original…

A quaint story that starts off in a stuffy wine academy and wine connoisseur/owner Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) is looking to increase his customer base and decides to hold a French versus Californian wine blind tasting competition to achieve this.

Basically, this story is about smashing the myth that french wine is the best wine and of course all the usual elements (love, father-son relationships, best friend betrayal) are in there as well.

I especially loved the scene in the pub where Spurrier has around 20 bottles of Californian wine open in front of him and is tasting them in disbelief at how good they are.

Spurrier was my favourite character but the Barretts were an interesting bunch as well and they made up the traditional feel good story elements.

For example: Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) was a man trying to make his dreams of owning a successful winery come true. The Californian wine maker was a touching character and his character personified ‘success is never taking the easy path’. And the other main character Bo Barrett (Chris Pine) – what a dumb name, Bo. Oh well – was the usual loser/rebel son who ‘found’ himself throughout the movie.

Good watch. You do hanker after a glass of wine afterward!!! ***

Eurovision09 – My Top Picks

First a special mention to SBS: Thank you for limiting your commercial breaks!

Here are my top picks for Eurovision 2009.

I must say I was quite disappointed by the UK entry. The girl was really quite annoying!

Anyhow, in no particular order, here are my favourites from Eurovision 09!

Malta - Chiara – What If We

I was a little bit upset that she did not receive more points, I really enjoyed her song and thought it suited the Eurovision theme quite well.

A big voice to suit a big woman!

Portugal - Flor-de-lis
 – Todas As Ruas Do Amor

This was really happy, and light hearted. The song did not do as well as I though it would, but then perhaps people are sick of going to Lisboa! haha

Armenia – 
Inga & Anush – Jan-Jan

I really loved these girls for not succumbing to the white dress syndrome like everyone else. The song was fun and I loved the ‘darkness’ element to it (though I have no idea what the lyrics mean)

Moldova – Nelly Ciobanu – Hora Din Moldova (Dancing Moldova)

This song, on the other hand was energetic, upbeat and culture-orientated so I loved it.

Estonia- Urban Symphony – Rändajad

Perhaps I just couldn’t get past this girls fringe and blue eyes……

Norway- Alexander Rybak – Fairytale

I think this guy has to be commended on his choice of stage set up. I couldn’t take my eyes off his dancers! He’s cute too, which I suppose helped a lot!

Russia – Anastasia Prikhodko – Mamo

Very Sinead O’Connor with the aging video playing behind her. A very touching song and even though i don’t speak Russian, it’s pretty clear what’s going on.

As a side note, the spokesperson for UK was really cute!

Review: The Boat that Rocked

Enough to make anyone nostalgic!

I may not be born in the 60s but I do know many of the tunes featured in this movie – Thanks to Dad.

As vintage comes back in and retro is cool again, The Boat that Rocked is a movie based on pirate radio in the 60s.

Nick Frost, last seen on the big screen in Hot Fuzz, played a slightly cruel but funny mentor to Carl (Tom Sturridge) in the ways of the world with hilarious results!

Actually, speaking of Nick Frost, IMDB has updated the status of Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn to post production, if anyone is interested. (Yes Yes, Me Me!)

The rest of the cast of this charming movie were going for the character card as opposed to the beauty one which makes it a fresh change.

The only drawback is the movie is very ‘British’ with many cultural references. But no matter, the soundtrack is enough to get you in the mood.

I loved it. A great Sunday night movie that will have you humming for a week!

7/10

Review: Gran Torino

A moving story brought to life…

Clint Eastwood has a wonderful ability to bring truly moving stories to life. One of my favourite attempts in recent times was Million Dollar Baby.

A grumpy, lonely old man befriends his foreign next door neighbours after their son tried to steal his beloved Gran Torino.

The best scene, besides the ending – I won’t spoil that – was when Clint’s son and daughter-in-law try to suggest, none to subtly, that he would be more comfortable in an old aged home. Priceless!

Although the supporting cast were substantially outshone by Eastwood’s acting, nonetheless, it is a must watch in my book!

Bruno

I cannot wait to see this!

The Hong Kong Spirit

Representing the Hong Kong spirit.

Needing inspiration and feeling a bit homesick today, I relapsed and searched Getty Images for pictures of Hong Kong.

This picture jumped right off my screen. Not because it was particularly colourful or bright, but when I glanced at it, the meaning behind it impacted me.

I believe Hong Kong’s success is it’s nature and the will to do anything or everything that it takes to succeed, especially important in a town where one mistake means a whole lot of nothing coming your way.

Sheer determination and guts shines through this picture for me.

On a side note: I really hope MTR will win the bid to take over from Connex in Melbourne!! Lets see how the MTRs 99.9% delievery rate stacks up to two French transport giants. Go HK!

See it at:  http://www.theage.com.au/national/connex-rival-had-nearperfect-year-20090401-9jt0.html

A migrant’s take

Great for Australia. Bad for everyone else….

As predicted, Australian protection policies seem to have kicked into second gear and a few weeks ago, Rudd announced a cut in migrant intakes.

Which is fair enough. But what about the people who don’t exactly have a fruitful job market to go back to? Like China for example?

At the very least, Australia has minimum wage and Centerlink, also known as the dole, that’s kind of why some people stay.

Funnily enough, the anxiety index (shown on JWT website) indicate that Australians have an anxiety level not even close to that of the U.K and, well obviously, U.S.

My point is, is protectionism really the best policy right now?