Entries for December, 2005December 1st, 2005
The Music of Goodbye
Posted by MikeyMike at 10:46 PM on December 1, 2005 in Arts, Performers, Lyrics.
This wonderful song has previously been done by Al Jarreau and Melissa Manchester. But it's hard for me to imagine another version, other than Regine's now. The best singers make a song their own, don't they? I think it's one of her most accomplished songs. By that I mean technical perfection, passion and production values. You can feel the sad "music" of goodbye... This song is from her "R2K" CD.
It's the first one on my RadioBlog, so you can judge for yourself. 
By the way, this song was written by John Barry for the movie Out of Africa but it was not used in the final soundtrack. Out of Africa almost had an African music soundtrack! Which would have been interesting, but Barry's music won an Academy Award, along with the film. Isn't the movie score as tighly woven into the story as any you can think of? It's not hard to imgine the lyrics of Music of Goodbye in the movie, is it? She knew so well that song - in her relationships with men, especially Denis...
You can hear the songs theme most clearly on the soundtrack albums second track, I'm Better At Hello (Karen's Theme l) Betcha' can't listen to Out of Africa in the same way now! 
This song goes out to my someone that is hearing this painful melody playing even now...
The Music of Goodbye
A song I know so well
The music of goodbye again
It's there each time we say hello
As always there's no reason why again
You kiss me with your eyes
And in your arms I fly again
But even as we touch the clouds
There in the quiet is goodbye again
Perhaps the way I hold you
Makes you afraid I'll hold you
Makes you afraid to love me, love me
As through the night we dance
The tender dance of try again
I hear it playing softly and sadly
The music of goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Written by John Barry, Alan & Marilyn Bergman
Currently listening to: Regine Velasquez's Music of Goodbye
Currently watching: Out of Africa
December 2nd, 2005
Memoirs opens well in Japan
Posted by MikeyMike at 08:42 PM on December 2, 2005 in Arts, Performers.
Memoirs opens well in Japan!
Click on my Radioblog for this music as you read (I just got it from iTunes after Peggy-san told me about it!!
From Soundtrack.net:
6. Becoming a Geisha (4:52)
Strings play Sayuri's Theme, over a soft plucked ostinato, and is then joined by an oboe. As the track progresses, the theme builds in strength. The strings play a counter melody, and now, with soft percussion backing it, it has become a playful track that builds to a climax - then suddenly drops out. We now have a taiko and hand-percussion rhythm that gives way to oboe and the orchestra. Another statement of Sayuri's Theme plays, as a sweeping melody that builds up to a finale.
Ready? Here we go:
David Gritten reports from the Tokyo world première of a film that is making waves in Japan and China
Japanese cinema audiences tend not to whoop and holler to show their approval for films, which can make it hard to gauge their reactions. Even so, the applause that followed the world première of Memoirs of a Geisha in Tokyo this week was warm enough to bring a smile to the features of American director Rob Marshall.
If that smile bore traces of relief, it was understandable. Marshall (who directed the multi-Oscar-winner Chicago) knew that the Japanese reception to the film represented a potential banana skin. It is, after all, a specifically Japanese story. But it is based on a novel written by an American author (Arthur Golden), financed by two Hollywood studios (Columbia and DreamWorks), and stars three Chinese actresses: Ziyi Zhang, Gong Li and Michele Yeoh.
So would the Japanese take to their hearts this subtitled, bizarrely multinational portrayal of their culture? It didn't help that Golden's 1997 novel was not a hit in Japan - though elsewhere it has been a huge bestseller, shifting four million copies in English alone and translated into 32 languages.
The setting for the première was peculiarly Japanese. Ryogoku Kokugikan is a cavernous 3,000-seat hall that usually stages sumo wrestling. Around its walls hang 24 large portraits of sumo stars.
Marshall and eight of the cast arrived at the hall together and walked down the red carpet not as individuals, as in the West, but in a line, arms linked. After the film, two bare-chested men in the circle beat on massive drums called taikos, creating a "conversation" that reached a noisy climax, the cue for Marshall and his actors to appear on stage and receive applause.
When they gave speeches, Ziyi Zhang came close to tears in thanking Marshall for "the chance the film gave all Asian actors". Japanese-born Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who has a minor role, noted that it was unusual to be part of a cast of international Asian actors: "And we have Hollywood to thank for that." More Here
Memoirs of a Geisha is based on Arthur Golden's best-selling novel about the life of a Japanese girl who becomes the most famous geisha of her time.
As she grows older, her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of leading geisha Hatsumomo (Li Gong) ...
... until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo's bitter rival, Mameha (Michelle Yeoh)
...but she hides a secret desire for The Chairman (Ken Watanabe), which threatens to ruin her career and destroy her friendships.
Currently listening to: Memoirs of a Geisha OST
December 4th, 2005
Gift for Chinese Actress from Geisha
Posted by MikeyMike at 08:04 PM on December 4, 2005 in Arts, Kawaii, Performers.
from the Wikipedia on Memoirs of a Geisha:
Gift for Chinese Actress from Geisha
On a recent visit to Tokyo to promote the film, Zhang Ziyi received a mysterious parcel and letter, revealed to have been sent by an elderly Japanese woman who had once worked as a geisha. In her letter, the woman stated that she had been touched by the trailer of the film and expected the movie to bring back fond memories for her and her friends. Inside the parcel were several exquisitely worked antique kimonos. Zhang Ziyi was moved to tears by the gesture and sent the woman an invitation to the film's Japanese premiere. She also promised to wear one of the kimonos to the event as a sign of her gratitude (The Star Online).
December 6th, 2005
Oh, Canada!
Posted by MikeyMike at 07:16 PM on December 6, 2005 in Geographica, Arts.
from the Great While North file:
You can vote for best Canadian blog Here
Now, I don't propose that we non-Canadians stuff the ballot box, especially since I have no clue what most of these blogs are even about. But if you want to check out the world of blogging up north, here it is, already selected and catagorized for your viewing pleasure!
Currently listening to: God Save (whatever it is Canadians Have)
Currently reading: Canuck Blogs
December 8th, 2005
Snowglobe
Posted by MikeyMike at 01:00 AM on December 8, 2005 in Usual Crapola, Arts, Kawaii.
Yes, it's that time of the year again!! ^^
Shake, shake, shake The dysfunctional Snowglobe!!
New Items coming!
Posted by MikeyMike at 11:51 AM on December 8, 2005 in Geographica, Arts, Performers.
Got this stuff coming from yesasia.com...
My Sassy Girl (Yupki Girl) (Korean & Cantonese Version) (HK Version)
(cheap! VCD w English subtitles)
Windstruck (HK Version)
(new "My Sassy Girl") also cheap and English subtitles)
F.I.R 1st Anniversary Music Video Collection (CD+DVD)
More F.I.R. videos - from 2nd album - Unlimited
Can't wait to share the F.I.R. stuff especially on Friendster Grouper. Don't know what that is? Lets you share as much as you want from your PC with your 1st degree Friendster buddies... ask me if you want to be part of my Grouper! I got over 300 items online, Including 2 FIR "MTV"s already.
You ever hear of Hu Yao? Dodo put up her CD on her site a while ago, but it was all in chinese characters. Loved the songs, but who is this?? Find out it's new comer Hu Yao and Cd is named Hu Yao Wei Le Yu Jain Ni Here's the YesAsia listing. Song number 3, based on The Carpenter's Yesterday Once More, but with a rap... She's funny and sweet in this one. You can hear it on my Radioblog... And all the of the songs Dodo has from her CD are reall good too!
Anyone know what the real title means?? - 给所有的女孩
[Update] Thanks Peggy for correct title: To All The Girls Out There
www.yesasia.com is having big clearance, btw...
Currently listening to: Hu Yao's To All The Girls Out There
Mariah on Fiah!
Posted by MikeyMike at 06:53 PM on December 8, 2005 in Congrats!, Arts, Performers.
Mariah up for eight Grammys
See the video Here
Wow - it's really been a roller coaster ride for Mariah Carey, huh? She's always been a geniuinely nice person as far as I can tell - so good for her! I know certain of her big fans like Hershey and Sheryl will be most pleased and rooting for her big time!
Nominations for the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards were announced today by The Recording Academy, reflecting a year in which multiple genres were represented in top categories; collaborations were numerous and diverse; and newer up-and-comers were nominated alongside more established, legendary artists. The nominations were announced at Gotham Hall in New York City and the event was attended by national and international media, as well as key music industry executives. Artists reading nominations this morning included Natasha Bedingfield, Big & Rich, Mariah Carey, Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Carly Simon, Sway, and CeCe Winans. The 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Topping the nominations, Mariah Carey, John Legend and Kanye West each earned eight. 50 Cent, Beyoncé Knowles, The Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder garnered six a piece. Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Gwen Stefani and U2 received five nods each, while Common, Destiny's Child, Foo Fighters, Gorillaz, Neptunes, Brad Paisley, Phil Tan, and Gretchen Wilson each earned four.
"As we celebrate the GRAMMYs coast-to-coast, this year's nominations truly reflect a dynamic and vibrant community of music makers that includes artists, producers, engineers, songwriters and everyone involved in the creative process," said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. "As this is the only music award that is voted on by music makers, the GRAMMY continues to be the preeminent symbol of excellence and achievement as well as the most coveted demonstration of peer-recognition and honor. Once again, our highly respected process has delivered a wealth of music and talent to spotlight on Feb. 8, 2006, during Music's Biggest Night." More Here
You can sample her CD on Amazon Here
Currently listening to: Mariah
Currently reading: Grammy nominations
December 12th, 2005
Rent
Posted by MikeyMike at 06:34 PM on December 12, 2005 in Arts, Performers.
Updates:
You can see video for Seasons of Love Here Thanks to Daynah! =)
Also, Apple has a much larger version Here (over 25mb!) If you are on my Grouper, I have there too.
You can now buy the entire CD from iTunes Here
I know that this movie isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I think quite a few of you would enjoy it. This is a review from a IMdb.com member that I think summarizes it beautifully...
102 out of 138 people found the following comment useful:-
Forget Potter, Pay your "Rent", 14 November 2005
10/10
Author: Tyrone Langley (krusty641) from United States
Please forgive the cheesy opener. I know that "Rent" hasn't started off with the best press in the world. Some questioning Chris Columbus' direction, some questioning the actors, some questioning the film in general. All I can say, however, is wow! I must admit that I was extremely skeptical about the entire project, and that I'm not a "rent-head", and this wasn't one of the movies on my wish list to see, but it satisfied me plenty. First off, lets talk story: most know the story, the one of eight East Villagers struggling with everyday life, with a few extremes. Just problems like money issues, drug addiction, and AIDS! A story that could easily be drove full speed into cliché heaven, but doesn't. It makes you feel the ups and downs of these characters. And how they convey all this not only through dialogue, but through song as well. Which brings me to my next point: the music. Being a theater major, I have heard the original cast album quite a few times, and not that it was bad, its just the movie music has this "pop" to it that vibrates your eardrums and your heart in the best ways. And like I said, no disrespect to the original. My final point centers around what many are saying will destroy any chances of this movie entering the Oscar race: the direction. Well, sorry to disappoint the Columbus skeptics out there who think he should stick to "Home Alone's" and "Harry Potter's", but he captured exactly what this movie was about. The grittiness, the hardships, life, love, NEW YORK! He gives the movie realistic credibility, which is always hard to accomplish with musicals (i.e. - people breaking into song and dance on the subway). These people sing, and it makes you think no differently of life. And to touch up on one more thing, the acting, what can you say? This cast overcame unbelievable obstacles to make this work, and they did just that. Anthony Rapp does an amazing job in leading this cast. "La Vie Boheme" hasn't left my mind since I left the theater. Adam Pascal and Rosario Dawson are such a couple to watch. Such chemistry between the two. Their developing relationship throughout the movie makes you laugh, cry, and, well, cry a little more. Another scream of a relationship was Idina Menzel and Tracie Thoms as Joanne and Maureen. Talk about an unlikely couple! Somehow, though, they make it work oh so well. Taye Diggs is gold, as usual, as the roommate turned landlord to Mark and Roger. The two that really caught my eye, though. The performances that will go in my photographic movie character memory in a very special spot are Angel and Collins (aka Jesse L. Martin and Wilson Jermaine Heredia). Two guys I have yet to see on film (exception with Martin on "Law and Order") brought to the movie what this movie was about the most, and that is love. "I'll Cover You", sung by the duo, will melt your heart in a second.
In conclusion, all I can say is just give this movie a chance. Don't just go off the negative buzz, because this truly is a beautiful movie. A movie that will have you appreciating your life more and more by the second. The movie that will take you on the emotional roller coaster of life. See the Holiday movie of the year.
"No Day but Today"
Currently listening to: Soundtrack from Rent
December 13th, 2005
As China emerges as economic superpower, more seek to learn it
Posted by MikeyMike at 06:50 PM on December 13, 2005 in Geographica.
As I was telling Midori, there has been a boom in demand for Chinese language teachers. Next year the College Board will grant Advanced Placement (AP) credit in Chinese Language for the first time. The US State Department is even trying to set up a program to bring more language teachers from China.
I guess learning Chinese by Chinese pop music isn't there recomended method! 
Here's an interesting article about the situation in San Diego county...
As China emerges as economic superpower, more in county seek to learn difficult dialect
By Helen Gao
STAFF WRITER
December 12, 2005
When the San Diego Hua Xia Chinese School opened eight years ago in La Jolla, it had 45 students.
Today, about 1,000 youths learn Chinese through the weekend program, which is held in rented classrooms at Miramar College and branch locations in Carlsbad and Riverside. The school plans to open a branch in Chula Vista next year.
Hua Xia is the largest and fastest growing of six private Chinese-language schools in San Diego County. The rapidly expanding interest in the language is being fueled by China's emergence as an economic superpower and the growing Chinese population drawn here by jobs in the biotech, high-tech and telecommunications industries.
May Yang taught students at the San Diego American Chinese School in Carmel Valley to repeat phrases last month and used castanets to help them with the sound of Chinese words. It is the only Chinese after-school program in the county.
In recent years, Chinese has become one of the top foreign languages studied worldwide. Nationwide, about 200,000 students are learning Chinese in settings from small private community programs to university courses, according to a recent report by the Asia Society, a New York-based educational organization.
Most students of Chinese are children of immigrants, but a growing number are not; they are children of interracial marriages, girls adopted from China by American couples or non-Asians who want to benefit from China's red-hot economy.
A recent beginners Mandarin class for adults, at the Chinese School of San Diego near the border of the San Diego neighborhoods of Webster and Chollas View, included sisters who are of Taiwanese and African-American heritage; a Caucasian project analyst with Qualcomm; a black chiropractor interested in Chinese culture; a young Mexican-American; and one Cantonese-speaking Asian woman.
On a Saturday morning in October, they clustered around a table in a cramped room at the Chinese Community Church, learning numbers and months of the year in Mandarin. In nearby classrooms, children could be heard reciting in Mandarin or Cantonese.
A seventh-grader worked on an assignment at the San Diego Hua Xia Chinese School at Miramar College. Enrollment in such classes has jumped.
Sally Wong-Avery, principal of the Chinese School of San Diego, said that everywhere she goes – South Korea, Japan – people are flocking to learn Mandarin. Besides operating a weekend school, she provides culture and language lessons to professionals who want to do business in China.
"I tell you, this Chinese fever is on again," Wong-Avery said. "Everyone knows it will be one of the most used languages in the world."
Her program, the oldest in the county, was founded by missionaries 100 years ago. Today, Chinese language schools here serve about 2,200 people, thriving in large part because local public schools don't yet offer Chinese. More Here
December 14th, 2005
Nabaztag, the French WiFi Rabbit
Posted by MikeyMike at 12:25 AM on December 14, 2005 in Tech, Kawaii.
Is this too cute, or what?? Have to get Cazina to navigate the French site! Oui!!
from: Popgadget Gift Guide 2005: $100 to $400
By Mia on gift guide 2005
Nabaztag, the French wifi rabbit is a combination of an Aibo, i-Dog, and Ambient Beacon. It can broadcast the weather or traffic reports, announce your emails, read your text messages to you, and sing, all while moving its ears and flashing multi-colored lights. Nabaztags can also communicate with each other through "nabcasts", podcasts for electric rabbits. Sounds silly but the demo is so charming and oddly compelling. Nabaztag can operate in English, but is only available from French retailers (they ship worldwide, but you need to be able to navigate the order forms in French). Nabaztag is 95 Euros, about $112. (Mia)
Currently listening to: French WiFi Bunny
Holiday iPod Costumes
Posted by MikeyMike at 01:21 AM on December 14, 2005 in Tech, iPod, Kawaii.
=)
Get 'em here from iAttire
Rent Soundtrack Tunes
Posted by MikeyMike at 09:29 PM on December 14, 2005 in Rants, Arts, Performers, Lyrics.
Have you guys checked out the songs from the Rent movie soundtrack I added to my Radioblog?? Pretty great stuff!
I'll add more when I get home, since my work even blocks my Radioblog now(!) Don't blame me if you become a "Renthead"... Enjoy!
Currently listening to: Rent movie soundtrack
December 15th, 2005
We Been Googled
Posted by MikeyMike at 06:12 PM on December 15, 2005 in Arts, Performers, Lyrics.
Seems like Google has found us! Which I like. Hope to save someone else the pain of finding these lyrics... So, we're doing "The Lord's Work", as they say... I can't understand why the record companies don't translate the lyrics... especially Chinese lyrics, with zillions of expats around the world, and various levels of understanding, especially of tranditional Chinese characters...
In a search for: "F.I.R." lyrics English One hit was:
tabulas.com: Lyrics World
for promoting and passing the lyrics and english translations of songs we love
... Lydia (FIR) Por los momentos difíciles, ya entendí que la flor más bella ...
tabulas.com/community/Lyrics_World/jump5/ - 31k - Cached - Similar pages
Currently listening to: F.I.R.'s Promise Land
Da Vinci Code Trailer!
Posted by MikeyMike at 08:38 PM on December 15, 2005 in Rants, Arts, Performers.
Hey, it doesn't come out till May, but the trailer and asorted goodies are here at Sony's site or see the trailer directly Here
I'd not sure about Tom Hanks in the lead role (I was picturing a Baldwin) or "Amelie" as the female star... Maybe it will work out? Looks like a first rate production though!
Currently reading: The Da Vinci Code
December 18th, 2005
RIP, iPod Mini? No way, fans say
Posted by MikeyMike at 12:21 PM on December 18, 2005 in Tech, iPod, Kawaii.
Wow! iPod Minis going for way over retail! Some of it is the 6gb version and some the snazzy colors the Mini offered... some is simply unexplainable!
So, if you'd like to unload your hard drive based 4 or 6gb Mini, you can prolly get enough on eBay to buy yourself a new 4gb Nano!!
Awww... there's Peggy's Pink Mini-Pod!
The sleek (iPod Nano) little music player is making all the top tech gift lists, is featured in the major electronics retailers' circulars and continues to be one of Amazon.com's best-selling electronic gadgets.
But some consumers haven't been so quick to move away from one of last year's hot holiday gifts: the iPod Mini. Even though Apple Computer discontinued the Mini in September and replaced it with the Nano, these folks have been reluctant to take the Mini off their gift lists--and they're willing to pay top dollar to nab one.
Patrick McHenry of Erie, Pa., for example, just bought a pink 4GB Mini, which holds 1,000 songs, on eBay for $275. That's $76 over the original $199 price tag. But it's also less than McHenry would have paid at Compu-America--one of the few electronics retailers with the Mini in stock. The store is selling the same model for $349. And sellers on Amazon are listing prices for the 4GB Mini at more than $400.
So why would anyone pay so much for a Mini when they could buy the smaller and (some say) technologically superior 4GB Nano for $249, or even the new 30GB video iPod, which holds 7,500 songs, for $299?
In McHenry's case, it was to fulfill the Christmas wish of his friend's girlfriend. "She had her heart set on an iPod Mini mainly because they are discontinued, so not many people would have them," he said.
His friend's girlfriend appears to be just one of many fans of the Mini, which, unlike the Nano, comes in a 6GB version, and in a vibrant rainbow of colors: pink, blue, green, silver and gold.
In the past three months, about 36,000 Minis have sold on eBay, with the pace of sales picking up in the past couple of weeks, eBay spokesman Dean Jutilla said. As of Friday afternoon, 2,200 Mini auctions were under way on the site, he said.
The Mini has been averaging 15 to 16 bids per auction. That shows a strong demand, Jutilla added, especially when compared to the hot-ticket 4GB Nano, which is clocking in just slightly higher on eBay bids, at 18. And the average price per Mini--whether 4GB or 6GB--has gone up from $173 to $229, he added. More Here
Currently listening to: iPod
Putting Competitors Out to Pasture
Posted by MikeyMike at 01:48 PM on December 18, 2005 in Tech, iPod, Rants.
See, it's not just me that thinks that iPod/iTunes is the only game in town for a serious music player. Some of it is marketing and good luck of course, but Apple has consistantly offered the same or more for the money, while being a much safer long-term investment. Or you can trust Microsoft/Money losing hardware manufacturers... Including Sony who lost out through stupid desisions (over-priced/proprietary music format).
I'd say the 4gb Nano is what most of you need/want. Unless you already have an iPod, that is. I'm still very happy with my 20gb 4th generation in Apple white...
On the other hand, there are some really cheap flash-based mp3 players out there right now. If that meets your needs, more power to you!
At the end of 2004, the biggest threats to Apple were three large companies - Creative Labs, Microsoft, and Sony - but as of today, their competitive efforts have collectively amounted to very little, and in most cases have lost millions of dollars. The reason is fairly obvious: Apple hit all of its marks this year, delivering better iPods at equal or lower price points than in 2004, building an iTunes Music Store capable of selling both music and videos, and growing the largest accessory catalog in the digital music space. Additionally, by introducing iTunes support for podcasts - free audio and video programs that can be downloaded to a computer or iPod - the company significantly broadened the variety of no-cost information and entertainment available for potential iPod and iTunes users. No one has yet approached Apple's overall package of paid and unpaid iPod "benefits." At this point, is it even possible?
On sales, all signs now point to "no." At the end of 2004, 10 million iPods had been sold. As of this writing, significantly over 30 million iPods have been sold, most likely 36 or 37 million. In any case, this installed base dwarves those of all of Apple's competitors put together, and they know it. D&M Holdings, maker of the Rio family of players, decided to exit the MP3 player business altogether in late August of 2005, suggesting that it couldn't make enough money to jusify continued involvement. Creative, Microsoft and Sony have all launched competing digital music services to iTunes, but despite major cash expenditures and public relations efforts, none have made a dent in Apple's popularity. One likely reason: none of their downloads plays on the iPod, and it's hard to convince people to buy music that only plays on devices with uncertain futures. By comparison, Apple's iTunes Music Store has sold far in excess of 600 million songs, with the pace of sales accelerating.
It is presently unclear as to how much of the iPod's dominance is attributable to brilliant strategy and timing, and how much to the bad luck or strategies of its opponents. For instance, Japanese rival Sony unveiled numerous competing music players throughout the year, even adopting direct support for MP3 playback in an attempt to broaden its devices' appeal. After trying to release color-screened music players without success, it decided to focus on more fashionable flash-based devices with glowing black-and-white screens. These devices won praise for their aesthetic designs and looks, and Sony eventually decided to create a hard drive-based version with the same look and feel. Separately, it released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) multimedia device in the United States, failing to achieve its predicted sell-outs of initial allocations, but garnering considerable praise for the power it had crammed into a $250 package.
Similarly, having spent years talking about the technical advantages of its players, Creative Labs shifted strategies, paring down features and working to come up with a simplified control scheme similar to the iPod's. In late 2004, it debuted an iPod-like device called Zen Touch, plus iPod mini clones called Zen Micros. These smaller players used MicroDrive-style hard disks in iPod mini-sized capacities, and were available in even more body colors than Apple had offered. For 2005, Creative developed numerous iterations of Micro and Touch, including Sleek, Photo, and Neeon, which differed mostly in screens and body designs. Most interestingly, it developed Zen Vision, a next-generation hybrid music, photo, and video player with a $400 price tag and support for several video and audio standards, releasing it before Apple had any video device on the market.
But the release of the color-screened iPod nano and video-equipped fifth-generation iPod - each thinner, cooler, and more affordable than these devices - killed their buzz. In some cases, the buzz never began. Sony's 20GB black-and-white iPod competitor was released on the same day that Apple unveiled the fifth-generation iPod. The differences in price, performance, and style could not have been more glaring: they were all obviously tilted in the iPod's favor. Even those enamored by the Zen Vision or PlayStation Portable's technical capabilities were forced to concede that Apple's offerings were extremely aggressive - albeit incomplete - alternatives. It didn't take journalists long to conclude that the major players were in for a tough holiday season thanks to Apple's last-minute announcements.
With Rio gone, will Apple's other competitors disappear, too? For Sony, the answer appears to be no; the company is reported to be working on a more competitive version of the PlayStation Portable, as well as additional MP3 players. Creative also appears likely to stick around. Despite financial losses and repeated drubbings in each sector of the portable media market it enters, Creative appears to be focusing heavily on iPod-alikes and lawsuits as means to stick around. Most recently, it released the $330 Zen Vision: M, an aesthetic and features lookalike of the fifth-generation iPod, but with five different front shell colors and a couple of standard Creative additions (voice recording and FM radio tuning). And Creative has threatened Apple with enforcement of a recent patent on one aspect of the iPod's user interface, the validity of which is still disputed.
What about Dell, iRiver, and other companies that have been heavily involved with Microsoft's digital music initiatives? They continue to release products that aren't going anywhere. Dell released and now appears to have discontinued the "Pocket DJ 5," a mini challenger which appeared just before Apple refreshed the mini in February 2005, as well as the DJ Ditty, a screen-laden clone of iPod shuffle. It has not released any color-screened digital media players yet, and may not. In sharp contrast, iRiver continues to experiment with a bewilderingly large array of colorful, open standard flash players, including multipurpose audio-video players that possess as little as 512MB of memory. It's hard to imagine that these devices will suddenly become popular, but we haven't written these companies off quite yet. More Here
Currently listening to: iPod competitors losing money
Google does Music
Posted by MikeyMike at 02:34 PM on December 18, 2005 in Tech.
Now, there's a Google music service too! It will find artists' lyrics and where the song can be purchased (like iTunes). Nifty, huh? This should be very popular, I think. I spend a good deal of time searching for lyrics!
Click on the below to see what you get when you type in music: Vienna Teng in a Google window...
music: Vienna Teng
ps - here's an great Vienna Teng story!!
December 19th, 2005
IS Holidays Party on The Bahia Belle
Posted by MikeyMike at 06:45 PM on December 19, 2005 in Scripps.
Today we had the annual Scripps IS (Information Services) holiday party on the famous Bahia Belle (yes, it actually runs).
We had lots of food and refreshments, as well as "Poker" and casino action (for prizes).
Here are the prizes!
And the "gambling" action!!
A picture of Mission Bay as I was leaving. I have to work today, so I couldn't go on the boat tour...
Currently watching: The boat leave
December 20th, 2005
Test Video from Grouper
Posted by MikeyMike at 02:29 AM on December 20, 2005 in Rants, Usual Crapola, Arts.
Let's check this out, shall we?
"Aussie Romance"
December 24th, 2005
Merry Christmas!
Posted by MikeyMike at 09:05 PM on December 24, 2005 in Congrats!, Geographica.
Hope everyone is having a great holiday season. May you find peace and love in the coming year!
Here's "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!" in over
100 languages...
Currently listening to: Holiday cheer
Currently reading: The Night before Christmas
Currently watching: Rudolf, The Red-nosed Reindeer
Currently feeling: Ho, Ho, Ho!
December 25th, 2005
Amazon Memoirs of a Geisha Store
Posted by MikeyMike at 12:47 PM on December 25, 2005 in Rants, Doggies, Performers.
Amazon has opened up a section for all things Memiors Here. Books, clips, etc.
How many have seen the movie so far?? I must confess, I saw it last Saturday here in San Diego. I didn't want to piss you guys off that had to wait!
In a word, it is Wonderful! I still suggest reading the book first, but the film stands on its own. Especially compared with the other films out right now, this film overwelms. And I think that this film will make Zhang Ziyi even more of an international star. She really nails this role overall, especially the dance sequence. All the parts are well done. Did you guys recognize that "Pumpkin" was played by
Youki Kudoh of Snow Falling on Cedars, Picture Bride and Mystery Train fame??
Go see it. You won't regret it!!
Currently listening to: Soundtrack to Memoirs of a Geisha
SD Zoo says Happy Holidays!
Posted by MikeyMike at 03:42 PM on December 25, 2005 in Geographica, Kawaii, Wild.
The Gift (Garth Brooks)
Posted by MikeyMike at 05:09 PM on December 25, 2005 in Arts, Lyrics.
A poor orphan girl named Maria
Was walking to market one day
She stopped for a rest by the roadside
Where a bird with a broken wing lay
A few moments passed till she saw it
For it’s feathers were covered with sand
But soon clean and wrapped it was travelling
In the warmth of Maria’s small hand
She happily gave her last peso
On a cage made of rushes and twine
She fed it loose corn from the market
And watched it grow stronger with time
Now the Christmas Eve service was coming
And the church shone with tinsel and light
And all of the townfolks brought presents
To lay by the manger that night
There were diamonds and incense
And perfumes
In packages fit for a king
But for one ragged bird in a small cage
Maria had nothing to bring
She waited till just before midnight
So no one would see her go in
And crying she knelt by the manger
For her gift was unworthy of Him
Then a voice spoke to her through the darkness
Maria, what brings you to me
If the bird in the cage is your offering
Open the door and let me see
Though she trembled, she did as he asked her
And out of the cage the bird flew
Soaring up into the rafters
On a wing that had healed good as new
Just then the midnight bells rang out
And the little bird started to sing
A song that no words could recapture
Whose beauty was fit for a king
Now Maria felt blessed just to listen
To that cascade of notes sweet and long
As her offering was lifted to heaven
By the very first nightingale’s song
Currently listening to: The Gift
December 26th, 2005
Wai Main from Perhaps Love Movie (Mandarin)
Posted by MikeyMike at 10:53 AM on December 26, 2005 in Arts, Lyrics.
Got this from Peggy recently. The Movie seems very nice, judging from the web site. The site is a little slow to respond, so dont let that throw you off. There is an English version too - most helpful to Mikey! The movie seems visually stunning! A cross between Chicago and Amelie...
Check out the song on my RadioBlog. Plus, I have a link for much speedier viewing of the movie trailer and "MTV" Here
外面(Radio Mix) Wai Mian, Outside
演唱：周迅 Zhou Xun
＊外面的世界很精彩
wai mian de shi jie hen jing cai
it's a wonderful world out there
我出去會不會失敗
Wo chu Qu hui bu hui shi bai
Will i fall when im out there?
外面的世界特別慷慨
wai mian the shi jie te bie kang kai
it's a generous world out there
闖出去我就可以活過來＊
chuang chu qu wo jiu ke yi huo guo lai
I will survive when i am out there
REPEAT＊
＃留在這裡我看不到現在
liu zai zhe li wo kan bu dao xian zai
If i ever stay here, i can't see my present life
我要出去尋找我的未來
I want to find my future
下定了決心改變日子真難捱
xia ding le jue xin gai bian ri zi zhen nan ai
it's such a hard life but i've made up my mind to change it
吹熄了蠟燭願望就是離開
chui xi le la zhu yuan wang jiu shi li kai
candles being blown out, i wish to leave this place
外面的世界很精彩
wai mian de shi jie hen jing cai
it's such a wonderful world out there
我出去會變得可愛
wo chu qu hui bian de ke ai
I will be so cute when i m out there
外面的機會來得很快
wai mian de ji hui lai de hen kuai
abundant of chances out there
我一定找到自己的存在
wo yi ding zhao dao zi ji de cun zai
I will find a place to stand
一離開頭也不轉不回來＃
yi li kai tou ye zhuan bu hui lai
there will be no turning back
REPEAT＃
我離開永遠都不再回來
Wo li kai yong yuan dou bu zai hui lai
I won't be back forever once i leave
Currently listening to: Wai Mian from Perhaps Love
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress on DVD
Posted by MikeyMike at 11:11 PM on December 26, 2005 in Arts, Performers.
Finally! I talked about this film and book way back during the 2003 San Diego Asian Film Festival! A French and Chinese production, I despaired
of ever seeing it as a Region 1 (US/Canada) DVD! I'll leave to you to go down Memory Lane if you'd like to see my reviews and SDAFF coverage (October, 2003) Wonderful book! Movie is very good too. And it stars Xun Zhou of the new HK film Perhaps Love!
Plot Outline: A boy sent to a Maoist "rehabilitation" camp in the mountains falls in love with the village tailor's granddaughter.
Plot Synopsis: In 1971 China, in the lingering grip of the cultural revolution, two university students, Luo and Ma, are sent to a mountain mining village as part of their reeducation duty to purge them of their classical western oriented education. Amid the backbreaking work and stifling ignorance of the community, the two boys find that music, and the presence of the beautiful local young women are the only pleasant things in their miserable life. However, none compare to the young seamstress granddaughter of the local tailor. Stealing a departing student's secret cache of forbidden books of classic western literature such as the works of Honore de Balzac, they set about to woo her and teach her things she had never imagined. In doing so, they start a journey that would profoundly change her perspective on her world and teach the boys about the power of literature and their own ability to change their world in truly revolutionary ways.
Currently reading: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
December 27th, 2005
Welcome to Korea's New Obsession: My Name is Kim Sam-Soon
Posted by MikeyMike at 02:29 AM on December 27, 2005 in Geographica, Arts, Kawaii, Performers.
Update: You can get the first season of My Lovely Sam-Soon in Region 1 DVD with english subtitles from yesAsia!!
An article about the success of "K Dramas" Here
This comedy show staring Kim Sam-Soon is wildly popular in Korea right now... Check the post about it Here
I can get to the TV network's web site, but the Korean keeps me from seeing the video. I think you have to sign-up first. Extra points for anyone that can deliver the videos to moi! Go there anyway. The "splash" ad for the show is amusing all by it's self....
December 28th, 2005
iPod Overseas Report: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Posted by MikeyMike at 03:37 PM on December 28, 2005 in Tech, iPod, Geographica, Arts.
In an ongoing series from The iPod Lounge, it talks about ipods and other music players in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Quite interesting to see the differences in major Asian cities! Lots of pictures too...
A report on the presence of iPods in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur could conclude in a single paragraph: unlike Tokyo, Japan and Singapore, the subjects of our last two reports, iPods are quite nearly invisible in this city of 1.5 million people. The most likely reason: surprisingly high prices in a country that, while rapidly modernizing, is still far below the economic levels of its most prosperous neighbors. So should you bother reading on? We think that the answer is yes, if only because there are some interesting details here nonetheless. More
The series also includes Tokyo and Singapore so far...
Currently listening to: All Your Base Are Belong to Us
December 31st, 2005
Dont Let this happen to your baby!
Posted by MikeyMike at 10:30 AM on December 31, 2005.
Pretty funny!
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MikeyMike Mike from (Spring Valley) San Diego, CA
Uses Nikon P5000 digicam and Nikon D70 DSLR for most pictures here.
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MON/TUES/WED: 3pm-1:30am
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mavila_92111 AT yahoo DOT com
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