Like Any Other Day

So I'm finally on my last day at work. The office is bare and I've got 3 bags of stuff to bring back with me.

Kinda surreal, looking around the rest of the office, with empty tables and cleared out shelves and cupboards. I don't know yet if I'll miss this place.

I know I'll miss the routine, but heck, I'll find a new one soon enough. It's all good and drama-free, as it should be.

In the meantime, check out my review of Hard Candy at OneTwoMusic.com.

Hard Candy Eye Candy

While I think about what I wanna say for my review of Hard Candy on OneTwoMusic, you might wanna check this out on 30 April at 10pm EST (if you're in the US, so that'll make 2 of you reading this) for the 'live' streaming of Madonna's promo gig at NYC's Roseland Ballroom.

For the rest of you, check back from 15 May onwards to watch the gig on demand.

The album is definitely a well-crafted piece of work and I'm sure the promo gig will continue in the Madonna tradition of first-rate entertainment. Early reports suggest that there will be a distinct retro vibe in the outfits and musical arrangements.

Here's another cover featuring a new promo pic of Mrs Ritchie.

Hot Mess, Hot Party

~ This has been floating about for a while, but is it just me or is the fact that Whitney Houston is doing it with Brandy's baby brother, Ray J - who also happens to be more (in)famous for that sex tape with Kim Kardashian - just kinda makes the argument that drugs are bad, mmkay? What a hot mess!

~ If you're gonna be in HK this weekend, check out the celebs at the invitation-only launch of Madonna's Hard Candy in Qube+ in Lan Kwai Fong.

It promises to be a hot party with the entire album being played, and there's nothing like HK party-goers who I know will dress according to the "Sticky & Sweet" theme. I love HK freaks.

Here's the party banner ad on Wydham Street.

And here's the invitation that the exclusive guest-list received.

And stay tuned 'cos I might have a spare copy of the Japanese edition of Hard Candy to give to a lucky Randomer. It's got a bonus track titled Ring My Bell, for all you fans who simply love Madonna, free stuff, or just wanna make a quick buck on ebay.

Surprise, Surprise

I'm still recovering from my weekend in HK.

First there was the surprise farewell party, organized by Eugene & Alexis, which I didn't see coming at all, which made it all the more pleasant. Those of you who came by, a huge thank you.

Then there was the 12-hour day of back-to-back catch-ups with friends on Saturday. I was so beat that I actually stayed in on a Saturday night. Sunday kicked off with lunch with Brandon's folks and friends, followed by the 'exploratory chat' about work, and finally, Sammy & Jonny's wedding reception and dinner. Sammy glowed and Jonny's speech made me cry (I'm so useless at weddings).

I also had the best time playing part-time manny to a friend's 9-year old (she called me a teenage girl) and 7-year old (he said I had boobs). Ah, kids.

I also got the chance to listen to an advance copy of Madonna's Hard Candy and I must say that the 1st single, 4 Minutes, is nothing like the rest of the album. Look out for future hits Miles Away (catchy hook!), Give It 2 Me (quirky euro-centric), Heartbeat (retro-flavoured), Candy Shop (sticky & sweet) & The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You (drama).

Apparently the leak has already made it to the internet, so happy hunting, Randomers. In the meantime, I'm digging this artwork for Hard Candy's deluxe edition.

I so have to hit the gym.

The End Of April. And Then Some...

For those of you who are waiting to read about all the stuff that's been going on - pop cultural tidbits aside - here's a summary:

1. I was told in late February that I'd be leaving my job at the end of April. Since that time, I've written to headhunters, followed up with contacts and friends for leads, and also looked at what other things I can do to occupy my time.

2. I'm getting extended panic attacks with the impending end-date looming large. Insomnia, phantom aches, restlessness - not fun. And they're kinda happening in slow motion, which is weird. I think it's stems partly from having a lot more free time and not quite knowing what to do. I will plan for a holiday at some point but for now, I'm becoming addicted to Prolific (online Boggle).

3. I'm aiming to get a job before Madonna turns 50 (August 16). Ok, so I'm being glib but I think August/September is a good goal to work towards.

4. I'm waiting to hear back about a possible new gig at the end of April. I'm also having an exploratory chat with another potential employer tomorrow while I'm in HK.

5. I made a cuddle friend. Totally weird. Intimate but not sexual. Well, not quite sexual. It's like all sweet and warm, with a side of foreplay thrown in. And no nudity. My intimacy issues have a huge problem with this but cuddle friend leaves in a couple of weeks, so I'm just learning what I can from this experience.

5. My employment pass to live in Malaysia expires at the end of April too, but I've got 4 weeks grace to do what I go. I don't wanna move out of KL permanently until I know what my next gig is. Which might mean I'll have to commute in and out of KL on my tourist visa. We'll see.

6. I'm strangely not feeling sad about leaving my job despite having been there for 12 years. On some levels, I knew it was time. It's also interesting how constant work conversations can lead to a familiarity that makes you think you're friends with people who are merely work associates, colleagues or worse, stupid. No loss to me, really.

7. I'm looking to start a company of my own. I'm looking at the various tax liabilities and associated costs involved. I haven't decided on anything concrete. I don't even know what to call the company. Should I even be doing this now?

8. I gotta head on to Bangkok to see my god-son Finn. The last time I saw him was when he was one-day old. I suck at this.

9. My friends rock. They've all been my super-delegates and it's good to know that they've given me enough space to spaz out, while being close enough to remind me to breathe.

10. Too much?

I Kinda Wanna Slap Her

Mimi was on Oprah earlier this week. Is it just me or does Oprah look like she's not quite loving Ms Carey either?

I've had a listen of the album. I still think "The Emancipation Of Mimi" was a better album.

Gimme time.

And just for Shamel who's celebrating his birthday today, here's some hard eye candy for you.


And your fave Kylie track, done acoustically, as part of Kylie's rehearsals for her X Tour.



Have a ferosh year ahead!

The Mylie Factor

The world's biggest teen sensation, 15-year old Mylie Cyrus - if you're over 28, you'll know her daddy Billy Ray - has been posting her 'home videos', made with her BFF Mandy. They call it the Mylie & Mandy Show (imaginative!) and the YouTube uploads have already gained a substantial following, which is spawning talk of their own reality series.

In their most recent posting, Mylie & Mandy make their own version of Madonna's 4 minutes.



Will Mylie's teen following play a part in giving Madonna her next #1 song?

Also, in related news, fansite drownedmadonna.com has confirmed (with the requisite 'subject to change' caveat) that Madonna will kick off her next world tour on the anniversary of 9/11 in London's Wembley Stadium.

You wanna go?

Carrie & Co

Just in case you missed this...



...I'm not quite feeling the trailer, but I know I'll watch the movie. Sucker.

So Good It Hurts

Can they just give her some songs to record besides country tunes?

It should be apparent by now that Carrie Underwood is the next big star in waiting.



And why wasn't last year's awesome rendition of "I'll Stand By You" not enough to wake those wonderful executives at her record company to the fact that Carrie is a total crossover star?



I'm probably missing something here, right?

Armsderson Cooper

This was on American TV last week but I just can't get enough of this clip, which besides proving how crazy and funny Kelly Ripa is, also showcases one particular CNN star anchor's manly biceps.



Am I loving his arms 'cos I'm in a cuddling sorta mood, or is it because I just want to see him in all his 360 glory?

I Want Candy

And the countdown to Hard Candy continues with this teaser.



And the screencaps for the 4 Minutes video have also made it online (courtesy of Drowned Madonna). Here's a taste of sticky & sweet...











The video premieres in Asia on 7th April at 4:04pm (HK/SG), as of the time of this writing.

X In The USA

God knows what EMI's doing with Kylie's new album around the world (restructuring much?) but X will be released in the US and here's Ms Minogue speaking with Matt Lauer on the Today Show.