Operation Cease

Dear readers,

It is with utmost regret to inform you that MSR shall be ceasing operation with effect from 17 April 2010 as our team will be moving on in a brand new direction. Do continue to enjoy all the previous posts we've shared with you as you wish as they shall remain accessible for your convenience.

We are in the midst of a few projects at hand and you'll be pleased to know that this will definitely not be the last you see of us. Stay tuned for more updates!

Thank you for your kind support all these while.

With gratitude,
MSR Team.

Couture: Autumn/Winter 2010 Trend Preview

Here's a brief hint of what's to come for the coming fall season, especially for those who've missed out on the February shows. Essentially there's a few similar sentiments coming from most fashion editors, however every one of them will definitely hold a trend or two dearly to his or her heart and that's where we see the importance of style over forward fashion trends. Style is the key to looking great. Always.

This fall, camel is definitely the colour of the season with a few warm mix of earthly palettes. Bags are begging to be worn around ladies in shorter strap fashion, and in more subtle designs as well. We also see a repetition of some of spring/summer's hit trends, so it seems like this autumn will be a sequel rather than a fresh start.

Be sure to check out more detailed trend notes here, when we've scrutinised the runways further. Until then, you might like to check out MSR's feature on the current Spring/Summer trends to look gorgeous.

Portfolio: Witty | Unique | Eclectic

Editor's Letter: March/April 10

March is pretty much a period of non-existence in MSR. Being one of the folks who's always been looking forward in life (some branded me a modernist, as a result), I'm urging you to think of the bigger picture and welcome to the brand new month of April.

Behold an exciting month where fashion hits us with a local twist with the Singapore Audi Fashion Festival. Not a fashionista you say? How about the Singapore International Film Festival? Did you just say that it's a hassle to get to town for these fabulous events? Oh my, you're just right on time as yet another phase of the Circle Line inaugurates her operation on April 17. Well if you're still not excited and inspired about the events lined up for this month, you are probably one of the local University students who have exams boggling their perceptions in life.

It'll just be your books, your coffee and you. And me.
And MSR.

We'll try our best to fit your study gaps of break in between with delightful content and visuals. Meanwhile for the rest of us, you move on in life with your "nine-to-five plus a great weekend" combination. Start it off by catching Shutter Island when it's released next week.

Let MSR be the one to suggest the lifestyle for your weekday nights and weekends.

Couture: Spring/Summer 2010 Trends

With the Spring/Summer season already shining upon most of us here in Singapore, it's probably high time to add some vibrancy to your wardrobe in tune with the feel. In doubt of the latest trends that are applicable to you and the island nation? Ladies, here's our take on trends that you might like to invest time and finance in:

(Left to right: Versace, Louis Vuitton, Issey Miyake)

The fashion colour palette is turning to a lighter shade of crayon pastel as it rejuvenates the inner childhood reminiscence within every modern lady. Nobody will be too old to be girlish this season, it's time to be cheery! It's a lovely, bubbly sweet start to a brand new chapter of 2010!

(Left to right: Versace, Alexander McQueen, Giorgio Armani)

Runway fashion sees a dosage of computer aided graphic prints across several collections, especially highly glorified in the late Alexander Lee McQueen's vision where humans and aqua creatures evolve into one futuristic kind. This is when fashion really moves forward rather than being inspired by the past, digital prints flies you through the time portal!

(Left to right: Balmain, Balenciaga, Gucci)

From military jackets to heavy denim pairing to sleek form sporty outfit, the definition of variation can be decided by you to declare a sophisticated urbanised citizenship. Although we don't see how Singapore will adapt military style, but will nevertheless continue to keep a look out for interesting adaptation. Ladies go tough and urban-proof to rule over men's ego.

(Left to right: Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi)

One of the major trends this season is the reversal of innerwear and outerwear, where undergarments are confidently flaunted on the runways. While expecting selective fashion forward daredevils to inspire with their personal take on this, this is nevertheless a cultural challenge in Singapore.

Side Opinion:

While noticing a stay of a few major past trends (such as leggings) here on the average street parade, "Modern Prints" will probably be easily in rampant especially when florals and vintage prints are still in demand. Denim seems to be a forgotten street style virtue as more ladies opt for shorter lengths and cooler materials. "Pastel Adolescence" will also likely be warmly welcomed here too as most ladies love girlish demeanours anytime. As mentioned prior, "Inside Out" will unlikely manifest itself locally although an observing eye will be rendered on a lookout for interesting variations.

Photography credits due: STYLE.com

Beauty: Tigress Cosmetic Fun

Roaring in for duty this brand new lunar new year, the year of the tiger is here for the Asian community. Not just a statement on the lunar calender, the zodiac creature is a great form of inspiration for the new year! Try imagining make-up inspired by the fierce feline for ladies to put on for the visitations in awe. Here's Michelle Phan, a professional make-up artist / recently turned Lancome spokesperson, with her make-up tutorial video featuring tips on sporting those tiger eyes that may be ferocious fun for the new year!

Might be a little late I know, but you may still adopt these eyes for partying or clubbing!

Have fun, tigress ladies!

(Visit Michelle Phan's Youtube Channel for more Make-up/Beauty videos!)

Feature: Lights of Spring 2010

This year's Spring festive event in Sentosa turns to an evening affair with decorative lightings amidst serene gardens as Chinese New Year meets Valentine's Day. With a mix of the traditional Chinese cultural symbols and Western romance elements, it makes excellent unique outings for both families and lovebirds to spend their long weekend. A small note for lovebirds though: You're strongly encouraged to visit during non-peak days if you prefer some quiet space with your partner.

Happy Chinese New Year & Happy Valentine's Day!

Feature: Total Defence - Death Before Dishonour

"Biar putih tulang, jangan putih mata" - Better to go down with a fight than to go on with tears of regret.

Warm sunshine penetrated through the gaps of the palm tree leaves as they covered the small village with a blissful atmosphere that suggested peaceful days of happiness. Life was simple but great in the eyes of the villagers who lived in the Malayan kampong, with a loose focus on daily life sustainment and domestic family ties. Adnan looked up towards the clear sky as he welcomed the rays with a light grin and took in a deep breath of fresh air, closing his eyes at the same time. It pleased him in doing so as it never failed to instill a sense of calm and relief in him every single time. A swaying brown leaf danced gracefully in mid air as it completed its final performance before landing softly upon the left of Adnan's broad muscular shoulders. He felt it and immediately jolted his eyes open and stared hard at the tiny intruder of his afternoon peace before relaxing his tense posture after discovering what it was.

A military career had replaced Adnan's previous job under pressurising national calls of duty, which he took with a good heart and mind even though a teaching role in the village was preferred before the unwanted chaos invaded everybody's lives. During anguish moments as such, sovereign obligation prioritised personal desire. Adnan was just like any other who loved his village and his family, passively noting in his mind that nothing could ever replace and disrupt this gift of life. He was no more special than any of his adjacent neighbours.

Peeking out of the hut, looking at every direction in search of her husband before her eyes rested upon Adnan's masculine physique finally and it produced a genuine smile and delighted brows on Sophia's mesmerising facial assets. She walked out and placed her petite hand on top of his right shoulder as he turned around to greet his visitor. With one firm hand on Adnan's shoulder, the other offered a cup of fluid for his thirst.

"It's a hot sunny afternoon, drink up before you die of thirst.", Sophia positioned the cup closer towards him.
"Why yes, I will.", he took the cup and looked deeply into her eyes with unsaid gratitude.

As he took an initial sip of cool water and allowed the fluid to roll down towards the back of his tongue as slowly as possible, a loud sharp sound shrieked past his right ear.

***

With a startle from his brief mental flashback, he looked towards his right and spotted a circular wood-wreck on the trunk of the tree half a metre behind him. Adnan thrusted his head back to face the hostile source of the projectile as a sense of dread and danger flowed rapidly within his bloodstream as adrenaline kicked in once again for the thousandth time.

"Sir! 56th is finally upon us at the foot of Chandu!", his Sergeant-Major informed him with a tone of distress.

A little over a day had passed as 'C' Company of the 1st Malay Brigade had retreated to Bukit Chandu at 1430 hours due to suppressive artillery superiority by the Japanese.

It all began when they were tasked to defend The Gap against the invading Japanese troops from the North-west. First hostile contact occurred at about 1400 hours on February 13, 1942. 'B' Company had suffered a massive defeat as they defended the frontline against the heavily supported Japanese 18th Division. Several perished while many others became POWs.
Few had made it back.

'C' Company fought along the other Companies and held their line until the situation appeared bleak and were ordered to retreat back to Bukit Chandu for a strategic defence advantage at 1430 hours, February 14. It was also meant to be a key stronghold of a historic last stand.

With declining supplies and ammunition, Second Lieutenant Adnan performed a swift mental calculation of odds and opportunities before realising the imminent fate that was staring blatantly at his men. The 7th Platoon of 'C' Company remained in high spirits and morale even though hard battles had been fought. A source of peak morale boost came from their earlier mini victory over the Japanese trickery deployed - The see though and subsequent gun-down of the Japanese troops disguised in Punjabi uniform. This infuriated the Japanese command, in line with the frustration induced from the difficulties imposed by the Malay Regiment.

Adnan recapped his earlier illusion and inspired a decision for his men. With a quick swipe of his rough tongue across his arid lips in futile aim of ignoring his thirst, he gathered his thoughts before beginning.

"Comrades of the Malay Regiment, brethren of the 7th Platoon. Hear my words under such heinous times. We have endeavoured and performed highly above our country's expectation of us. We have persuasively irritated our enemy against their aggression and in doing so we've instilled one more day of peace to our people, our family, our loved ones, who desperately depend on us for it.", a unified roar of agreement rose through the dense forested region.

"It is through our fight for our sovereignty where our nation stays free of invaders with malicious intentions, and it is through the nation's sound sovereignty where our family and loved ones stay safe and sound. Peace is the common precious condition that we all want for our people and chaos is the common ultimate gift we all wish for our enemy.", he paused for a random survey of his men's looks on their faces to see if they had sustained his point.

"Death may come to our family and loved ones should we decide to give up at this moment just because we're at the end of our supplies and ammunition, and death is in essence the most optimistic fate that they can receive from our aggressors. Ruthless torture of our people, outrageous stripping of our people's dignity, predominant enslavement of our people's freedom. They will beat our parents, humiliate our brothers and sisters, rape our spouses and starve our children, and at the long run of it, they will not allow them a quick death that they will so desperately desire for in aim of an escape for a better fate in a better world elsewhere. That is beyond the worst that we will ever want for them should we allow the enemy to succeed.", bitter facial expressions filled the men around him. Adnan paused yet again for his words to be digested for inspiration.

"We have learned the art of Silat and let us now honour the skills bestowed upon us by our forefathers and use our fists in close quarters combat againt our enemy down below. We will use our bayonets together with the spirit of our Kris in our hearts to deter and cast the devils out of our land. Let us strike fear in the enemy, fight to the very last man in resilience and never look back. We shall die trying and not live crying.", several determined faces now surrounded Adnan. Adnan knew in his heart that it was time to end it, with his platoon's motto.

"Biar putih tulang, jangan putih mata!", he roared in uplifting conviction as others rose and echoed his final words in boisterous succession.

Adnan spun around in his Lewis machine-gun post and after a ten second halt for him to regather thoughts of his life thus far, he lifted his eyelids in tenacious determination and squeezed off the first round of his final few left in his magazine to declare the glorious last stand of the 7th Platoon atop Bukit Chandu.

***

In remembrance of Lt. Adnan Saidi and all the brave men of valour who gave their lives for the sovereignty of Singapore.

Total Defence Day 2010, Singapore.

(The above short story is fiction inspired by the WW2 Hero Lt Adnan Saidi whose actions provided a firm foundation for all descendants of Singapore to learn of the importance of total defence with qualities that he had shown in exemplification to others. It is in no attempt of any way to put down any party of today's context that illustrates differently, thus all are strongly advised to disregard any similarities and trends between the imperial Japan of WW2 and modern Japan of today. Kindly note that the above is based on certain events depicted during the 'Battle of Bukit Chandu' and is loosely accurate for literature purpose. Any fault or inaccuracy is deemed to be intentional by the author and does not reflect similar upon the actual facts and accounts provided by factual historic records.)

Couture: Kate Moss for Longchamp

Fashion Collaborations are all the buzz these days.

With collections after collections basking in limelight and hot consumer desire, it is torturously hard for a label to say no to a collaborative release of an exclusive collection with a renowned fashion designer, icon or celebrity. We've already witnessed positivity in high street powerhouse H&M's example. It's not only the marketing aspect that fashion houses are in pursuit of, but the vast potentials that are enlightened during the process that might have never been possible without the collaboration. A breath of seismic inspiration sweeps through the design team and possibly pinpoints towards new innovative directions, creativity thrives on.

Fashionistas are now pampered with a new dynamic range of retail possibilities, where items are no longer strictly limited to a specific brand, but exciting brands instead. This idea's pretty tantalising to me, if you ask me.

What other collaborations could thrill the fashion world?

Editor's Letter: February 10

Twenty eight days may be short for a calendar month, but it's definitely not short of festivity and romance as both embody each other for the year 2010. Coincidentally, Chinese Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day marked on the exact same square on your calendar monthly grid will induce a truly unique experience this year.

Chinese Singaporean couples will face a queer dilemma where they will have a choice to make. Dating your partner of romance to a luxurious night out versus reuniting family members for a sumptuous domestic steamboat. Everyone has an opinion pertaining to this phenomenon, so what's yours? I say it'll be family over romance as per traditional Chinese culture favours. Or better still, bring your date home for a reunion dinner with your folks and relatives!

As we gear up for the most important Chinese festivity, many of us will be cumbered by goodie purchases, spring cleaning and new year outfit shopping. Unsure of how your attire can be fashionable in mind of keeping to obligatory cultural restrictions and traditions? Do keep a look out as MSR might just offer fashion interest reads with a local twist. Just before CNY hits us, the Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week will begin in New York (Feb 11), followed by London (Feb 19), Milan (Feb 24) and finally Paris (Mar 3). Ladies, I hope you are ready for what's to roll out on the runways with the recovering economy this year. We've already seen the menswear collection earlier last month, so the possibilities are intriguingly vast!

Film buffs will be pleased to know that the road to Oscars are already well in place with the Golden Globe and the Guild Awards concluded in January and early this month. The Academy Awards will be presented on March 7, with the nominations announced it is time to critique and pick who in your fine opinion should go on to win the statues. Let us know if you have interesting ideas and theories to share as well, in fact, feel free to. We'd love to hear them.

Before we see you again in March, MSR will like to wish all a prosperous joyous Chinese Lunar New Year!

With that, enjoy what MSR has in line for everybody this February.

Feature: The CURRENCY

Academic pursuers in Singapore are more often than not distracted by the syllabus and workload bestowed upon them, so they tend to leave other aspects with a minor portion of attention. When we're in primary and secondary schools, we didn't have to bother ourselves with our school attire and hairstyle as school rules governed it. After foundation studies, most of us were pretty excited about gaining the precious liberty of wardrobe display in tertiary institutions. After all, every student is able to make his or her own fashion statement by their choice of outfit. It may render strong (or faint) hints of an idea of what the person is about, purely basing upon dress sense. Fashion instills a sense of identity that is unique to each of us.

Let's face it, campus life will be dull and uninspiring if everybody selects to dress with no sense. Ever held a vivid conversation with your clique peers over some passing person with a loud fashion style? With everyone performing distinct wardrobe decisions, you'll be assured of a dynamic and vibrant environment where people don, converse and breathe fashion.

So unless you're really solely interested in inscribing your name permanently on the Dean's List, there's actually another fun side to school life. Don't be backed down by peer pressure in class for there's a glamorous reason for you to do so now without worrying about your surrounding incessant mockery. There's a fashion squad on the prowl around tertiary institutions for interesting fashion and unique style!

Starting this year, The CURRENCY has successfully established an online presence with their official website showcasing the results of their fashion hunt around schools such as NTU, SMU and NUS. Keeping affairs simple and clean, the team seeks to offer nothing but pure inspiring lookbooks featuring students modelling their favourite fashion concepts. What this translates to is this: You may well be the next person featured to publicly impress your personal style definition. Give it a shot, your style might be one that others will desire and pick up.

Keep a look out for The CURRENCY. You may be the next tertiary fashion icon!

Are you NEXT?

(Visit The CURRENCY @ http://thecurrency.org/)

Film: 14 Blades (Review)

For those who're rushing to the theatres...

If you've caught the recent "Bodyguards and Assassins" and craved for more, this should be the film for you with the highest potential to satisfy your lingering thirst. Made to be a mainstream pleaser, this film seeks to entertain us in as many aspects as achievable. A cocktail mix of action, romance, humour and morality with a twist of life's values and principles will leave you joyously tipsy upon leaving the cinema. A must for Donnie Yen, Wu Zun, Zhao Wei and Qi Yiwu fans, especially with commendable acting performances from them in "14 Blades".

For those who've spare time to read on...

Daniel Lee may not ring the bell of familiarity in several, but this is the man who brought us "Three Kingdoms - Resurrection of the Dragon" in 2008. Proven to be a writer who loves to create stories of fiction with his same titled novel "Three Kingdoms" being a hit back in 2006, this time he convinces yet again with "14 Blades".

Although titled "14 Blades", there wasn't a real focus on the set of weaponry wielded by Qin Long, the leader and best-skilled of the imperial Jinyiwei, remarkably renowned as a team of elite assassins. These cold-blooded beings were once forsaken child orphans roped in from the streets being brainwashed into killing machines who served one master alone - the Emperor himself. It was mentioned in the beginning of the film that "8 were for torture, 5 were for killing, and the last one is for suicide should their mission fail dishonourably". This opening alone caught my attention intrigued by this terrifying weapon as well as a hint of the Jinyiwei culture. Instead, Lee chose to dwell deeper within the souls of the characters to tell a tragic tale of those in the glorious Jinyiwei who all owned ill-fated pasts prior.

Supposedly a tragic tale of Qin Long, Lee handles it passively by conservative flash-backs of his past where he was coerced into performing unthinkable acts as a child. Undergoing such a disastrous route while growing up, Qin Long's finely honed survival instincts could be noted during his battles (he made a quick decision to use a falling dead leaf as a weapon of retaliation and distraction in one of the duels). Small touches of such may be minor but it aids in sharing bits of the character even during action sequences, it's character development amidst adrenaline.

Donnie Yen picks up yet another role that debates righteousness and morality on screen, portrayed as a rock-steady calm pilgrim who is powerful and seeks to discover the right cause to put his great skills to use. He does it right this time and everytime, all thanks to his sizzling charismatic charm and masculinity. Look, let's face it. Every guy who walks into a Donnie Yen film for the past few years always walks out inspiring to be him. Great examples you asked? What about "Ip Man" and "Bodyguards and Assassins"? Not forgetting the films where he showcased his great passion for mixed martial arts, such as "Flashpoint".

Wu Zun is yet another youth celebrity who did pretty well for his mere second film role casted in his career, before this he was widely-known as a pretty-faced boy who mainly pulls strings with the ladies using his delicious looks. This film should help him get ahead to nurture his talents that will be extremely required of him in order for his career to thrive further. Zhao Wei, Kate Tsui (former Miss Hong Kong 2004 and Best New Performer of HFA) and Qi Yi Wu were great additions to the cast ensemble as well, so there's really nothing to complain about cast performance in this film.

Interesting point to be noted for this film is how Lee opens his film with a serious and deadly tone, followed by intense action to mark the first chapter before setting out in a action/humour sequence for the middle section. This helps to ease off the tension in audience after throwing them fierce action scenes while achieving a sense of variety in the film at the same time. In short, it's very much of a generic crowd pleasing formula where the general movie-goers are mostly fans of comedy, action, horror, sex and pretty faces.

This will be one of the better mandarin films for this year, so do catch this before a potential "Ip Man 2" arrives later this year. This should be recommended for all as "14 Blades" is a film that has "bits of everything".

Film: Golden Globe Guess 2010

With just hours apart from the very first moment the first celebrity graces the red carpets of the Golden Globe Awards 2010, appointed host Ricky Gervais is probably sleeping the hours off before waking up to a hilarious mood as he seems pretty nonchalant about preparations (if any at all!). With his confidence in moving the audience with his English-accented words of wits in place, so is MSR's prediction list for the Golden Globe Awards 2010!

A word of warning though, the choice of winners depicted within this prediction list definitely does not reflect the recognition of MSR's Editorial . There appears to be a thick line between nominees who WILL win and nominees who DESERVE TO win, as award ballots are voted and finally decided by the HFPA (Hollywood Foreign Press Association). With that in mind, MSR attempts to creep within the shoes of the foreign press members and figure out their minds on the Golden Globe Awards.

Here's MSR's Golden Globe Awards Prediction List 2010:

Best Picture: AVATAR
James Cameron's Avatar has shattered box office expectations in the US as well as overseas and enjoyed its fair share of extensive media publicity exposure that generated an enormous buzz proving to be extremely difficult to ignore by the foreign press. We're definitely backing "The Hurt Locker" to win, but it will be a hard rock to move when convincing the foreign press as it under-performed at both the local and international box office. Remember "Titanic"? Yeah, this year's probably going to be like "Titanic" albeit without Jack & Rose.

Best Actress - Drama: SANDRA BULLOCK (The Blind Side)
Golden Globe has been known not to favour new talents, such as Carey Mulligan whom we totally back to win convincingly. The HFPA will want to reward Sandra for trying so hard to shake off her rom-com impression here over her other nomination for a film that didn't sit that well with them. "The Blind Side" was widely accepted even by critics, this could be Sandra's year although we're still backing Carey in our hearts.

Best Actor - Drama: JEFF BRIDGES (Crazy Heart)
Four of these five have really rendered spectacular performances, and we're going with Jeff Bridges. We think George Clooney could emerge as every body's hot favourite to win it too, this category is indeed tricky.

Best Comedy or Musical: THE HANGOVER
There's only one musical in this category, which ended up as a flop with the critics. If they were to pick a winner out of four comedies, we reckon they'll pick the one that made them laugh their foreign bottoms off.

Best Actress - Comedy or Musical: MERYL STREEP (Julie & Julia)
Sandra's comedy performance recognition will really contradict her win for her serious role, which is what she will be rewarded for - her convincing shift away from comedy. So it'll be Meryl Streep, but for which movie? Interesting, hmmm. We'll go with her role in "Julie & Julia".

Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: ROBERT DOWNING JR. (Sherlock Holmes)
Last year, if not for Ledger's extremely disturbing performance as The Joker, Robert might have won for one of his outstanding performances in "Tropic Thunder" since his comeback from his bad-boy past. Matt Damon did a better job in our opinion, but we think he'll go on for the big kill later on in March. This might be Robert's reward for a year long wait for deserved recognition.

Best Supporting Actress: MO'NIQUE (Precious)
Hands down, enough said if you caught her in "Precious", that is. The best potential contender who might vie for the win will probably be one of the two "Up in the Air" ladies.

Best Supporting Actor: CHRISTOPH WALTZ (Inglourious Basterds)
There should be nothing standing between this man and his "Bravery Badge" for his fabulous performance in globally-acclaimed "Inglourious Basterds", not even The Basterds.

Best Animated Film: UP
We actually preferred "Fantastic Mr. Fox", but "Up" can hardly avoid giving their acceptance speech as it is every body's favourite. Besides, it's Pixar. They always win.

Best Foreign Language Film: DAS WEISSE BAND
The White Ribbon has been winning film festival awards during its run, thus it will be giving "Broken Embraces" a pretty good fight in this category.

Best Director: KATHRYN BIGELOW (The Hurt Locker)
Yes we know, just because she's possibly going on to be the first female director to win this doesn't mean she shouldn't. Her performance definitely edged over those of others in this category. If "Avatar" is to meet expectations and sweep as many awards as they can, at the very least justice must prevail here for Kathryn.

Best Screenplay: INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
We seriously do not know which to pick when we feel that there should be a further division of this category into "Adapted" and "Original" equivalents. "Up in the Air" for adapted screenplay and "Inglourious Basterds" for original screenplay. Foreign press hits off well with Tarantino's work, so we're thinking that "Inglourious Basterds" might push for a glorious victory.

Best Original Score: AVATAR
This is also mostly due to the hyper buzz revolving around this film, if not we'd have just stuck with "Up".

Best Original Song: "I See You"
Yes, initially we had written "The Weary Kind" of "Crazy Heart" and left it at that. However, we pondered quite a bit and almost forgotten how Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" with "Titanic" is akin to this situation.

Should any of these predictions go awfully unwell, we should see it as a positive note knowing how the foreign press have went out of their way to recognise deserving winners.

WoMen: Saoirse Ronan

I first caught notice of her in 2007's Golden Globe Best Picture "Atonement", where she was still a petite young enfant displaying a set of outstanding acting performance. I saw her again in this year's "The Lovely Bones" (2009), apparently Ronan has defeated the vertical challenge in physique and convinced me of her prominent acting prowess. She still looks youthful, concurrent with her age of 15. This morning, I saw her on the red carpets of the Critics' Choice Movie Awards and I was left in shock-awe ever since. Have a closer look as I'd like to see how your jaws drop wide open too:

A wonderful little girl Saoirse was back then. Today, she has turned into a fine lady who exudes beauty, feminism and vast potentials.

Turning sixteen this year, this lady walked on the red carpets and emerged as the best dressed female celebrity for the event. Not just a pure looker, she's already enjoying great credentials of achievement from her previous Golden Globe, Academy Awards and BAFTA nomination in 2007 for her role in "Atonement". Only barely sixteen, mind you.

Saoirse is currently attending college in Ireland, bet she must have her share of juvenile suitors. With her prestigious performing art achievements and after how she fared extremely well in today's red carpet lookbook, I won't be surprised if she has matured gentlemen signing up for her fan club. With Emma Watson gracing Burberry's current campaign, will Saoirse Ronan be up as the next youth actress to venture into fashion?

Photography credits due: VH1

Passport: Paris

Vacation began with the City of Lights last summer, marking the first European destination with a warm climate and hustling tourism crowd. Paris is indeed uniquely one of its kind, with all her architecture standing proud gleefully pristine to awe the summer visitors. Strolling around the city, I discovered that she accommodates some of the most liberal people in Europe. You might call them weird or amusing, I simply just can't bestow a proper adjective to them. High tendency of you bumping into street performers with every stone throw away, some of these artistes go mobile on the metro bringing live entertainment right to you all in the comfort of your seat. Despite the saturation of street artistes, you can be sure of witnessing some of the best talents around in Europe. After all, Paris is renowned for her arts and culture.

During daylight, strolls in the gardens, museum visits and Avenue des Champs-Élysées shopping might be your best itinerary. In the night, Paris reveals a mesmerizing side. Find out how her historic nickname "City of Lights" is still applicable in the modern day context as the city proves itself to be a heaven of romance.

One of the major fashion capitals and a global highly acclaimed tourist destination, Paris may be your next destination of holiday for consideration.

Film: The Blind Side (Review)

For those who're rushing to the theatres...

You will probably watch this to determine if Sandra Bullock deserves her recent acting nominations for this film that's based on a true account of traumatized Michael Oher who eventually ended up as a professional NFL player, but you'll also find that it's a decent movie filled with inspiring warmth, love and at times, laughter over the little things that Michael performs as an innocent youth. This will be the better choice in cinema this week, when in doubt of what to catch after Avatar.

For those who've spare time to read on...

The Blind Side is essentially, a simplistic work of film that is straightforward and does not complicate matters like most others often do. Not just the film, but the entire cast as well as their acts within the film. Naive and simple-minded Michael Oher may be as a traumatized kid from the Projects who got separated from his tragic-fated family and ended up roaming the streets as a desolate vagrant, but his heart of kindness and gold has earned the love and respect of the Tuohys - the family who took him in one chilling winter night after witnessing his piteous plight during the Christmas season. Having a wonderful family who takes him in and accommodates to his basic needs, Michael has never felt so loved in his life prior his meet with the Tuohys as his life in the Projects previously was an extremely tragic contrast to the care and shelter he was pampered with. Michael's life was totally changed by the Tuohys, and so was the Tuohy's by Michael's integration in the family.

Michael finds an exceptionally deep connection with Mrs Leigh Anne Tuohy and the little brilliant boy S.J. Tuohy (played by Jae Head who is one of the child stars to watch with his outstanding performance, trust me you'll be amazed!) as the film progressed, and there's a lot of interaction between Leigh Anne and Michael that provided the opportunity for Sandra Bullocks to shine as a sassy kick-ass mother who manages to fulfill her utmost duty as a great mother to two children and a loving spouse to an understanding husband in the midst of all the charity work she performs while having to juggle her career as well. With that, it isn't so very difficult to understand the tough and brave demeanour Leigh Anne is always sporting in front of her family. At times during the run of the film, you've got to hand it to her and admit that she's one hell of a great modern mother! Sandra Bullocks pulled off a convincing act as Leigh Anne and managed to entice juries for nominations, which is duly deserved in my personal opinion. Not to mention that she looked hot while at it, even during the confrontation of the bad boys in the Projects neighbourhood in her little tight dress with a petite lady bag that housed a pistol that she probably isn't afraid to use when she has to.

Revolving around the process of how Michael found his way to playing professional NFL football, The Blind Side also serves as an inspiring sports story that is unpretentious and filled with positive notions of love, happiness and warmth. It calls for us to dig deep within ourselves and rediscover the pure side of us as the film renders a few moments of simple bliss, with laughter at times too showing all the silly little things Michael does as a pure kind soul. Perhaps in life, all it takes is a little something or someone to remind us how it can all be simple and jubilant in this saturated world of sophisticated evil.

Week-N: 06 Jan 10

During days when we're really feeling haywire everywhere within our guts, didn't we always own this lingering thought of deliberately expressing it via our dress code for those bad days? I believe with a little spark of wits and some degree of customization according to your source and levels of negativity, you may stand out in the crowd repressing everybody around who surely will be enlightened on your statement made out to them. Whether they like it or not, they will have to give it to you. Just for that bad, bad day, you are entitled to such whacky fashion statements.

Give it a try, and if you're spotted I'll know that you're one of my valued readers having a bad day. And that I should also leave you in peace, naturally.

Film: The Hurt Locker (Review)

For those who're rushing to the theatres...

I've no idea how you'll be able to catch this at the moment as it was previously released in the cinemas in October, however if you do have the means be sure not to miss this war film that throws you right into the midst of a perilous agenda of a 3-men EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) squad assigned on duty in Baghdad, Iraq. Adrenaline filled suspense, terror and exhilarating excitement creeps within your soul via the goosebumps induced on your skin with every tick of the bomb second. This is nothing short of a well-crafted film that draws upon not just your expectations placed on these men dealing dangerous business but also fuses critical life-and-death moments together with boiling emotions complicated by morally implicated decisions posed at the disposal of the squad. Sporting a synergic cast with an outstanding male lead acting performance, it convinces the audience and gets them to feel and believe whatever the film wants them to. With multiple nominations and awards already won (as I'm penning this, this film has won the Best Picture and Best Actor award from the National Society of Film Critics 2009), what's more to be said?

For those who've spare time to read on...

Heroes are the men and women who wield courage as an example to others, this is especially true of military personnel assigned explosive duties in an EOD squad. For those in the unknown, EOD deals with the critical disarmament and disposal of explosive devices (in the case of Baghdad streets, improvised explosive devices) by a team of professional bomb technicians. Staff Sergeant William James is one such man who inspired his team to success against tenacious bomb makers who serve to terrorize the streets of Baghdad. With zero room for error, this task was never meant for ordinary human beings in the first place. Yet we see these brave men filling the spots to take on the arduous demanding duty to protect the citizens and their fellow military brothers against blasting threats. Several constraining factors induced upon the life and death of many have not deterred SSG James, instead we see him donning a reckless 'cowboy' demeanour at every mission disregarding protocols that worried his new team mates initially before gradually accepting it by seeing him as their main pillar of support with every close brushing encounter with death.

On top of the brilliant cast ensemble featured, it is applaudable for the vision of modern warfare through female director Kathryn Bigelow. War films are usually envisioned by the big boys, made for the big boys within the audience. This war film is however, different from the past. The Hurt Locker displays how the modern day warfare has evolved into, and what implications of reality exist within the scope of the brave men and women who are serving their duty of defence in regions no one has ever wanted to step foot upon. We see how SSG James conducts his own internal conflict between choosing the life of his own and that of an innocent man with a chained bomb vest on him. Victims who were not even entitled to ample time for prayers before imminent death, that's how cruel an explosive-induced death can be. With every second of the ticking device screaming at you to be quick on the right thing to perform, it is stressful for both the bomb technicians and the victims. Welcome to the modern day warfare: Terrorism - striking fear in the hearts of every single soul surrounding the source of terror.

This film revolves around several bomb threat missions and a personal favourite shootout scene in the middle of this film. We see snipers working in team, where everyone has a task to perform. One handles the rifle, the other performs the look-out scouting, and the third attempts to assist with jammed ammunition and support. It's no solo Rambo saving the day and it enhances the importance of teamwork. After presuming that the surrounding is clear of hostiles, the team still remains in its alert mode and waits for a seemingly long period before being highly ascertained that all threats have been eliminated. Once again, this is a great display of seemingly real-life modern warfare.

This is one of the best films to catch for the year 2009 in my personal opinion. With several nominations and awards in the bag already, I'm convinced that there are people with me on this. Let's see if The Hurt Locker convinces for a win with the Golden Globe looming near.

Editor's Letter: January 10

For the record, I'm finally repatriated after my 5 month stint abroad in Europe. This very article is currently being made in Singapore, I hope that's a good affair bringing along a tremendous blast to the commencement of a very brand new year of 2010 along with it!

Europe was so 2009, welcome back to Singapore for 2010! It is a brutal (and shameful) fact that MSR has been isolated for frequent drastic periods without updates of any sorts during my stay in Europe. I travelled and indulged in time that seemed to last forever back then. I've never been able to take things easy one at a go at the expense of precious time. Yes, the very commodity that every single one of us had yearned for since we've entered the society either pursuing an individualistic education or a mercenary career. There's always no time for something, be it leisure or work.

Oh yes, I've almost forgotten my apologies for the above faux pas pertaining to MSR's content draught conditions that I've left it in.

Perhaps it's not so very arduous to understand why we've been following acts blindly without perpetually realizing what they actually meant or stood for. Every joyous occasion such as the ever popular Christmas and New Year season, Singapore picks up both the tab and the taps and drowns herself with endless flow of spirits and alcoholic beverages. I've always pondered if they really know what they have placed upon their tabs for the night, as most usually just circle the total damage figures printed on the bill and consents to accept that stated portion of monetary sacrifice by landing that big and sophisticated looking signature of theirs gleeful with pride on it (usually with a pink and rosy cheek and ruby neck too). The very next day when some decent friend asks keenly about how they spent their previous night, the common reply usually follows "I got drunk and it was really a happy night".

Now stop right there for a moment.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to preach how we should reduce our intake of alcohol. I'm just thinking really hard, how nobody does justice to the very appreciation of the beverage they've chosen to release their caged up joy within them (ironic that one actually requires some catalyst to release joy even during festive periods). Who bothered whether if it was a Chardonnay or Riesling? Whether if it was a Bordeaux or Pinot Noir? Whether if it was Gin and Tonic or some poor chap's regurgitation? Was the cocktail shaken, stirred or been in the shaker within the vest pocket of the bartender who went for a quick intimate extravaganza in the restroom? Did it matter if it was Bourbon or some cheap bleaching agent mixed with the coke? All these potentially quality appreciation experience were exchanged for merry-making catalysts to create explosive laughter and vomits for some. For some party groups, they ingested massive amounts of alcoholic substance to worship one of the major Chinese families in Singapore where one never fails to hear them chant "Lim! Lim! Lim!". And I thought it was a Christmas/New Year party, not some Hungry Ghost Festival auctions.

This is what most of us really need: cultural appreciation. By that, it doesn't necessarily mean that we need to study the history behind how rice dumplings came about or how to provide a critical review for some art house film. All we need is to stop for a moment, just a brief second, to spare some attention span on the very things you're enjoying at that very current moment. Just stop to think about how great happiness comes about during festivities. Perhaps it could be the quality company that you're having to spend Christmas with, and not the excessive drinking? Perhaps it could be the dream getaway from your extremely tight work schedule where you are finally able to sing in joy and laugh in sync with your fellow colleagues at a gathering. What about the smiles that are reciprocated when you contributed a random joke of the night and instilled a boisterously hilarious moment in their memories for years to keep?

Think about it, when was the last time you did something so indulging as stated above? Life is simple, but life's interesting secrets are hiding within the cracks of moments. Instead of just going through the motion of simple life, why not use some effort to explore the surprises life has in stall for you? Perhaps this could inspire you in generating a new set of new year resolutions.

Till then, enjoy this great year ahead of you!
Happy New Year!

Passport: Christmas Prague

Bohemian Christmas in Prague serves as an alternative plan for those who prefer to steer clear from traditional Christmas nations such as Germany and Austria. However, Eastern Europe Christmas came with sub-zero atrocity this year as an unexpected severe snow storm chilled Europe beyond freezing point. Not exactly a city filled with a warm Christmas atmosphere (I witnessed an "Anti-Santa" campaign on the late night streets, for a moment I thought the demonstraters were really going to set a life-sized Santa figure ablaze!), the economic budget that comes with Prague's attractive Czech Koruna exchange rate may be the deal sealer especially for those who have to splurge most of their dough on holiday shopping.

Highly recommended for those who are sourcing for alternate Christmas holiday destinations without massive pocket-emptying. "Czech" it out this Christmas!