Andy Hui's "In the Name of..." Brief Review

.
I had promised that I would write a review of Andy Hui's (許志安) newest CD, In the Name of... (2nd version), so here it is. I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!! Well, let me re-phrase. I LOVE HALF THIS ALBUM!!! There are a total of 12 tracks, 2 of which are remixes. There is also a DVD containing 5 music videos. This CD is more on the mellow side, so it's nice for a drive out in the country when you're pensive, or when you're hiding in on a rainy day.

To start, the songs that I LOVE, which are listed in RED below. Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) makes an appearance on this album, dueting with Andy in the theme song "Beautiful Unattractiveness" (Track #1) for their TV series "To Grow with Love" (肥田囍事). Myolie has a wonderfully bright and sparkling voice that I think actually outshines Andy's. I love how this song is about loving someone even if they are not the most beautiful. We all need love, so it's a very sweet message, if not idealistic at times. Track #12 is the remix for Track #2, and I think the string quartet version is really beautiful here (better than the original arranged with piano). The haunting notes remind me a lot of The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby. "Mr. Piggy" (Track #4) is the sub-theme for "To Grow with Love." I can listen to this song forever, it's just such a pretty song. Myolie sings the female version, titled "Ms. Piggy," but I'm still waiting for them to release the entire song on CD! The rest that I like, they are just soothing when it comes to the music, very catchy and easy to sing along (perfect for karaoke!).

The songs that I didn't like weren't because they were awful, but because they were bland. Track #5 wasn't bad, but Andy was practically singing off-key here. Didn't anyone think to use a pitch processor to fix, oh, the entire set of vocals?!? Maybe this track is the draft version and they accidentally left it in. Track #8 sounded like an old song they dug out from the early '90s. Filled with synthesized music and a faster tempo, I think Andy rises to the occasion more when he's singing with his heart, and not with a dance routine in mind. You should just skip this song entirely.

As much as I love his songs, I sometimes wonder if Andy really is trying too hard with his vocals. I wish he'd work on his lungs and high notes. He actually has a really nice, sexy, deep speaking voice, so instead of ~barely~ hitting the high notes, it would be nice if he worked on the timbre of his voice, and try to sing with his diaphragm.

It turns out that the songs I picked were actually written by well-known songwriters in HK, so half the battle in a beautiful song is not only the voice, but really, the melodies and arrangement.

All songs in this album are connected to the notion of "name" in one way or another. Composed by talented Hong Kong musician Pong Nan, the song "Mr. Piggy" (Track #4) will strike a chord of resonance in people in love. Another popular song "Great Love" (Track #2), written by the rising singer-songwriter Khalil Fong and with words penned by the famous lyricist Lin Xi, conveys an obsession with love which is the greatest love of all.

I would say that this album is only worth it if you love at least half the songs enough. I've listened to this album over and over for days now, so even if I had to go through some rotten apples, the diamonds I found in the midst were the brightest gems, so for me, I only have good thoughts about this album.

CD
01. 醜得漂亮 (無線電視劇 <肥田囍事> 主題曲)- 許志安 胡杏兒 (Beautiful Unattractiveness)
02. 大愛 (Great Love)
03. 任白
04. 豬先生 (Mr. Piggy)
05. 何慧愛
06. 陳大文
07. 孫果與了因
08. 諾貝爾的名單
09. 你是我的銀河
10. 李張聯婚
11. 豬先生 (Piggy Mix)
12.大愛 (Larger Than Life String Quartet Mix)

DVD
1. 醜得漂亮 (MV)
2. 任白 (MV)
3. 大愛 (MV)
4. 豬先生 (MV)
5. 何慧愛 (MV)

If anyone knows how to translate the song titles for the ones I have missed, please email me or leave me a comment. Much appreciated.

I have also included some of his videos so you can hear the songs.

Beautiful Unattractiveness


Mr. Piggy (TVB version)


Mr. Piggy (original version)


Great Love (TVB version)


Great Love (original version)


If you have heard this album, what do you think? Let me know your thoughts!

In the Wake of the Queen

.
This is purely for the collectors. Called M. A. Sillage de la Reine (In the Queen's Wake), the Château de Versailles is selling a recreation of Maria Antoinette's perfume. Quantities are limited, and it is very expensive. Two versions of the perfume are being offered.

- One prestige version, 10 numbered models, Dionysian flasks (Van den Truick, 1970), Baccarat crystal, 25cl. Sale Price: 8000 euros ($10,000 US dollars)


- One series limited to 1000 models, designed by Arketip, Portieux crystal, 25ml. Sale Price: 350 euros ($440 US dollars)


All proceeds will be used to cover the cost of a travel chest that once belonged to Marie Antoinette -- classed as a national treasure -- which was acquired by the Château last December for 350,000 euros.

The perfumer Francis Kurkdijan developed the perfume M.A. Sillage de le Reine using only the genuine historic components found during the research of Elizabeth Feydeau for her book, A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie-Antoinette’s Perfumer, edited by I.B. Tauris & Co. Ltd.

Writing this work, Elisabeth de Feydeau found how perfumes of that era were composed, uncovered the tastes of Marie-Antoinette and found a constant in the smells that the Queen liked: an uncommon wake. Aptly then, the perfume of Marie-Antoinette has been called “M.A. Sillage de le Reine”.

Indulging in a work of reinterpretation, Francis Kurkdijan has created a “ghost of a perfume” using only one hundred percent natural products. We discover the intensity of rose, iris, cut jasmine, tuberose and orange blossom. This fragrance is modulated by fine woody touches of cedar and sandalwood. To perfect the composition, two magnificent base notes were added: Tonkin musk and precious grey amber.

It took three years for the perfume to be created, and there are currently no plans to make more, so if you are into fragrances, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own something that a queen would wear! (I bet it smells better than Midnight Fantasy.)

Sophisticated Housewife

.

I had to wash my eyes out after seeing Tara's nasty-ass abs, so here's some eye candy to help us all. Eva Longoria was in London on Thursday as a guest of Mohamed Al Fayed to promote the Annual Winter Sale at famous department store Harrods. She is stunning here (must be the glow from being newly engaged to Tony Parker, who reportedly gave her a 5-carat rock!).

Eva arrived in a green horse-drawn carriage, waved, smiled, strutted her stuff, and then I'm not sure why, but also posed with a couple of pomeranians. Were they going to sell puppies at Harrod's, too?


She wore a cute snug dress by Dolce & Gabbana, ivory Jasmine di Milo coat, and black Christian Louboutins. Jasmine di Milo happens to be the daughter of Al Fayed, so I'm guessing that this happy promotional blitz was a family affair. Whatever they paid Eva, they were gonna get their bang for their buck!

Tara Reid Has an Old Lady's Face for Abs

.
EWWWWWW......

That's all I can say.

EWWWWWW......

Beyoncé's "Magic" Weight Loss

.

I have yet to see Dreamgirls, but I'm very enticed due to the glamorous trailers that I keep seeing on TV. That being said, Beyoncé Knowles looks very different in the film, and the main reason is because she dropped 20 pounds to play the role.

According to the January 07 issue of InStyle:

Beyoncé started with a Rocky-worthy workout, sprinting up 50 flights of stairs every day and doing hour-and-a-half sessions of cardio and light weights five days a week. That was the easy part. The fun continued with a two-week fast "to get the toxins out of my system, because I was eating a lot of bad food - French fries, messy snacks," she says. "Boy, was I cranky!" she says laughing. "I don't recommend quick fixes to anyone."


She's been very vocal in interviews about the methods she took to lose the 20 pounds in TWO weeks, called the Master Cleanse Diet. It's not what I'd consider safe, but the changes in her body were quite obvious, so it must work, if only for short-term. I found the recipe for the diet, and allow me to say this, I'm not recommending it, but for those curious about how Beyoncé dropped the pounds, this is the goo she drank for 14 days.

The Maple Syrup Diet, also known as the Lemon Cleansing Diet, the Lemonade Diet or the Master Cleanse which can supposedly be used for 3-10 days safely. This diet isn't new. The naturopath, Stanley Borroughs, developed it back in the 1950's. Be forewarned: a "cleansing reaction" is often noticed in the first two days. (That's diarrhea to you and me.)

Take a clean one-gallon jug and pour in the following:

• 3 Quarts of Water

• 1 Cup Lemon Juice

• 1 Cup Pure Maple Syrup (not maple flavored, but the REAL stuff) or molasses - Beyoncé reportedly used Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup, a blend of maple and palm syrups, in her cleanse.
  

• 1 Teaspoon Cayenne

Shake it all up and drink 8-12 glasses a day.

Warning: You will experience cravings, aches, pains, mental irritability and fatigue. These are symptoms of your body's detoxification.

If you really want to flush your system, proponents of the Master Cleanse recommend doing the following:

1. Go to your local health food store and get an herbal laxative tea that contains senna. While you're there purchase about 1 cup of non-iodized sea salt.

2. Every morning, before your lemonade, mix two teaspoons of the sea salt with a quart of water and chug. Make sure you are near a toilet and have about an hour to spare. You'll need it.

3. Every night, drink a cup of your laxative tea.

This fast should not be used for more than 10 days and you should wait at least four weeks before repeating it. Supposedly this fast dissolves toxins and is great for breaking up mucous. (That much lemon and cayenne will clear anybody's sinuses!)

Whatever you do, do not go directly back to a rich diet after your time on this fast. In fact, the best thing to do during a fast like this is to start setting your mind to healthy eating so that when you go off the fast you can start fresh on a healthy nutrition plan that will keep you body clean and strong. To ease out of the fast, do the following:

On the first day after your fast, drink unsweetened fruit juices.

On the second day, you can begin to eat fruit.

On the third day you may begin to eat light foods. Whatever you do, do not "wake up" your digestive system with high fat foods. It could be a very painful awakening.

If you try this, please leave a comment below to let me know how it worked.

Sleepy Design

.


You know designers are running out of ideas when they start creating products derived from a sleeping aid icon. I'm sorry, but West Elm must REALLY be desperate if they are selling products with green butterflies on them. Up until the Lunesta ads came out, I'm sure that it was not in most Americans' vernacular that there are green butterflies. Yellow, blue, orange, maybe, but certainly not green. Evoking the Lunesta lunar moth, which was one of the most recognized icons in 2006, West Elm is selling green butterfly wall art and dipping dishes. It's even in the same subtle pale green. What's next? Green butterfly curtains and bed spread? The Lunesta folks would be VERY happy. Metal Butterfly, $19 for a single, $29 for the triple. Butterfly Dish, set of four for $24.

Jennifer Aniston Rant

.
I was looking through my December 06 issue of Self, when I came upon an article about Jennifer Aniston and how yoga helped her through a trying time after her marriage ended. (I love that Self doesn't exploit itself by splashing her image all over the cover, but instead highlighted cover girl Cameron Diaz, and JA was tucked somewhere near the back of the mag.) Anyhow, it was a complimentary article but this is what gets me rattled about the way she's been approaching her post-Brad days. (He was called He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named in the article. Is that really necessary?!? Grow up already!)

Wah, my life sucks 'cause my ex has a genetically perfect baby with that ho. Wah, I'm still single 'cause Vince-who-I-never-dated-so-we-never-broke-up couldn't commit. Wah, I'm skinny and rich. Wah, my life is boring.

Can she get over herself and do something about it? Why does she need a man to be happy? Why a baby? Why can't she do something that's not about her her her? All I ever hear about her is how she lays low w/ close friends, does yoga, film a few movies, and that's essentially her life. No wonder she can't get over Brad. She has so much wealth and free time that she doesn't have anything better to do than to hold a grudge. Travel! See the world! Take up a new hobby! Quit smoking! Maybe eat something! Then she won't be so grumpy. Does this woman lack ambition or passion or what? Does she do anything other than what I've listed above? She doesn't even experience retail therapy. She looks the same in every outfit/make-up/hair. She's stuck in her hum-drum routines. If I were Brad, I'd go for Angelina, too. Why? Look at the stats.

Angelina is talented (she's won 1 Oscar and 2 Golden Globes), beautiful, adventurous (she flies her own plane and goes on treks with Brad on her own motorcycle), nurturing (mother of 3, 2 of whom are adopted), caring (UN Goodwill Ambassador), and oh yeah, she's beautiful. Jen, what have you done? What have you TRIED to do? Does anyone care?!? Do you need a man to dignify yourself?


Look, everyone goes through shit. There are people starving out there, wars are constantly being fought, and the world is going to end in a few years 'cause of global warming. There are SO many important things we should be focused on. Having love in our lives is VERY important, I wouldn't argue with that. But she's been mourning just too long. Brad is hot, but he's also getting to be an old fart, so she should aim for a new, younger hottie, like Milo or Tom. So you lost your All-American perfect marriage. There are worse things in life. Like having no teeth. Or psoriasis.

If she's not careful, her legacy is going to end up being "the girl who was on Friends" and "the girl who got dumped by Brad." It's come to the point where when there's news about her, I KNOW it's a slow news day, 'cause she certainly hasn't done anything new that was newsworthy. I loved her when she was Rachel Green, but now I just feel sorry for her. Stop drowning yourself in your own narcissism, wake up, and MOVE ON!

More photos of Jen faking happiness for the cameras.

Super Hot Hero

.




Just Jared posted some shirtless pics of Milo Ventimiglia (aka Peter Petrelli of Heroes) from Flaunt magazine, and man, does he look hot! Granted, I didn't really think of him as a hottie on the show, since he plays a man-nurse, and his mimicry powers are by far the lamest (ok, other than when he absorbed the Claire the Cheerleader's powers, but I'm waiting for him to absorb Sylar's), so it's amazing what some sweat, good camera angles and lighting will do to ante up your hotness.

The only question I have is:

When is Hiro going to get the same makeover?!?

Oh yeah, here is what Milo looks like w/ clothes on...hehe...

Justin Timberlake's Gift for the Holidays

Did everyone receive this for the Holidays? Enjoy! :D

Smell Like Me, Y'all

.
Now that the world has seen her nether regions, Britney Spears is hoping that you will all forgive, forget, and continue to make her rich!

She is about the launch another fragrance, her third collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, and it will be called Midnight Fantasy. Sounds mysterious, doesn't it? I think if they left it at that, it would've been alluring enough. I don't know what they were feeding the copywriter, but they should be fired 'cause what I'm smelling right now is the trash in the street after 2 very busy days at Haymarket.*

And I quote:

The Fragrance
An intoxicating elixir of luscious fruits invited you into a mysterious realm of temptations and intrigue. A seductive floral bouquet mingles with sensuous musk and dark amber to create an unforgettable midnight fantasy.

Dusk
Forbidden richness of Black Cherries fused with Framboise and Exotic Plum create a desire for more.

Clock strikes 12
Seductive Night Blooming Orchid and Freesia mischievously flirts with enticing Velvet Iris.

Was it a dream?
Unforgettable and magnetic, Sensuous Musk, Amber and Vanilla leave a warm and sexy trail of intrigue.

My God, my head is heady with visions of rotting fruit and dead flowers chasing me through the night.

At least Brit looks good in the ad. It's probably some stock photo pre-KFed (even w/ the ring on her finger!). Those were the days.

If you're looking for more Brit, you can also download a countdown widget and MySpace template. Whee!!!


*Haymarket is "Boston's great outdoor market, where you can buy everything from fruits and vegetable to sugar cane to fish just off the boat. It is everything your average supermarket isn't: cheap and loud and in your face." It also smells like ass and gets nasty to walk through since the streets are riddled with rotting trash from what the vendors can't sell (Friday and Saturday only). Still, it's quite an experience if you're ever in the city!

Louis Vuitton: Weight-Loss Motivator

.
While on vacation this past June in China and Hong Kong, the lure of Louis Vuitton called out to me, and within days of landing on the HK island, I was in their watch-and-jewelry-only boutique, glowing in the familiarity of its dim but warm decor. I looked amongst the many jewels, but what caught my eye was a dainty watch, its diamonds shimmering under the halogen lights. It was the LV Tambour Bijou Noire Watch. The saleswoman was very nice, and she offered to let me try it. It was lust at first sight. I'm not a watch person by any means. I got my sources of time from my cell phone, computer, and boyfriend...you know, there's someone or something always around me who can provide the time. But from that point on, I decided that if I could lose 20 pounds, I would award myself with this spectacular piece.

There were two reasons for this rationale. 1) I would need time to save up the almost $4Gs I'm guaranteed to have to pay. 2) I would think I can only do it justice if I had a smokin' hot bod to rock something like this. Being fat and forcing the watch onto myself would only cheapen the product. It's now December, and sadly, I have not made much progress. So I am using this post to remind myself of the sweet sweet deal at the end of all this. Regardless if it's through sweating or fasting, or both, I will use this watch as the light of my beacon, to guide me to tininess. Read all about it when I can show you a picture not from the website, but when it's on my very tiny wrist. HAHA...

Tree Jewels for Next Christmas

.
There is nothing more diva-like than decorating your tree in jewels, pearls, and crystals. Now that it's after Christmas, many retailers are selling gorgeous ornaments at a discount that you can stock up for next year. I've put together a list for some pieces for a silvery snowflake theme that you can use year after year, or incorporate with your existing pieces. Forget the cheesy Hallmark ornaments and go with a glamorous yet sophisticated look. You'll be hearing oohs-and-ahs all through the month of December for years to come.

Pottery Barn wowed me this year w/ their "jeweled" theme. No one does rhinestones and faux pearls better. My picks for best jeweled ornaments (from PB and other retailers):

Pottery Barn Single Jewel Snowflake Ornament (was $12, now $10.99)


Pottery Barn Jeweled Ornament Collection (set of 3, $40-$44.25, now $31.99)


Pottery Barn Pearl Snowflake Ornament (was $14, now $6.99)


Restoration Hardware Jeweled Ornaments Clear (set of 3, was $34, now $10.99)


The Container Store Square Jeweled Ornament Frame (was $6.99, now $3.49)

West Elm Chandelier Glass Strands (was $16, now $4.99)


Crate & Barrel Jewel Garland (was $24.95, now $12.25)


Macy's Vera Wang Clear Snowflake Ornament (was $60, now $24.47)



If you can afford to upgrade to Swarovski, their crystal pieces will really shine brightly in your tree. I recommend that you hit their outlets for potential bargains on the ornaments, but here are my key choices from their 2006 collection.

Swarovski Christmas Ornament, Annual Edition 2006, $65


Swarovski Little Snowflake, $40


Swarovski Little Star, $40


Swarovski Twinkling Stars, $50

Swarovski Samantha the Snowflake, $40



For hints of red, these are nice additions to the silver jeweled theme:

Restoration Hardware Jeweled Ornaments Red (set of 3, $34, now $10.99)


Target Harvey Lewis Red Letter Ornament with Swarovski Crystals (was $6.99, now $3.49)
letter "Y" shown


Don't forget the tree toppers! Some opulent picks:

Swarovski Shining Star Tree Topper, $295


Pottery Barn Pearl and Jewel Tree Topper (was $39, now $18.99)


See how easy it is to make your tree classy and bright! Obviously, this tree will look best dressed in clear lights. It will be the shiniest tree on your block!

Brangelina Spreading Peace on Earth

.

While everyone slept in Christmas morning, Brangelina were out saving the world again on Christmas Day. They were in San José, Costa Rica visiting refugees and handing out presents to the children. Angelina Jolie was there on behalf of the UNHCR as Goodwill Ambassador.

Costa Rica is home to more than 11,500 refugees – 10,000 of them victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. The vast majority live in large cities around the country and micro-credits are used by the UN refugee agency to help them integrate into their urban settings.

Three million people have been displaced by the conflict in Colombia itself. Another 500,000 have fled to other countries of the region. Together, they make up the largest single population of concern to UNHCR anywhere in the world. It is the Western Hemisphere's biggest humanitarian tragedy.

After her arrival to San José, Angelina said:

"The conflict in Colombia is the greatest humanitarian tragedy in the Western Hemisphere, but it receives very little international attention. My Christmas message to Colombian refugees and to the millions of displaced people in Colmbia is that the world has not totally forgotten them.

It's been sad for me to hear so many negative stories that show confusion between refugees, who are the victims of the conflict, and some criminal elements."

It continues to amaze me how selfless Angelina and Brad are when it comes to their commitments to their humanitarian causes. Sure, they have the money and the time, so why not, but when you compare this story to stories about celebs skiing in Aspen, sunning in Hawaii, or partying in St. Barths, it makes you realize that it really takes the heart and effort to do what Angie and Brad take the time to do. I mean, what was I doing on Christmas Day? Going to the malls like every other American to buy Christmas decorations and cards for 50% of so I can use it next year. (OK, I'd like to think I was fueling the economy.) You get the drift. They really inspire me, the natural kindness that they have towards people. May There be Peace on Earth!!!

A Pretty Phone for the Girly Girl

.

T-Mobile is offering an exclusive Motorola MOTORAZR v3 phone just for the ladies. It is a magenta phone laser-etched with delicate cherry blossoms, courtesy of Ami James, leading tattoo artist on TLC's hit television series “Miami Ink.” There's also a version in gray with a dragon, but the cherry blossoms are so kawaii!!! Too bad I'm not with T-Mobile. One phone just isn't enough to entice me to switch providers, but what a perfect accessory for spring. Retails for $199.

Lindsay Lohan Can Look Hot Covered Up

.

Lindsay Lohan cleaned herself up in time to appear demurely edgy in a Dolce & Gabbana Trench Dress with Corset Waist. The Victorian cut of the coat flatters her figure by cinching tightly in just the right spot. Nordstrom is taking orders now in time for Spring 2007. It can be yours for $3,500.

Cherry Blossoms Abloom

.

I am in love with these Mallary Marks earrings! I'm sucker for anything having to do w/ cherry blossoms, and the rubies are a gorgeous touch. At $1,930, they're a little out of my price range, but maybe if they're still around in the summer, I'll consider getting myself a pair. After all, I am a July baby so rubies are my birthstone, but I don't own any pieces with rubies, so what a perfect way to start the collection! These are exclusive to Fragments.