Dear readers,
Due to a recent job change, it has been increasingly difficult to maintain a regular posting schedule.
This blog will still post, if and when the author finds the time and space to be able to do so, just not as frequently as on the previous cycle. The author apologizes and hopes that readers will still keep checking this blog’s contents whenever new postings are uploaded.
Once again, thank you readers for sticking around.
Love,
Hyaz
Starting from this month (July 2022), I will be introducing a new rapid view segment, as titled above, What Have We Here. There’ll probably also be a few sub-segments born out of it, so do keep checking this space out from time to time.
As the title implies, Whaaat, a Kate Bush tune is back on the charts, more specifically Running Up That Hill. But just why? Well, anyone who’s been keeping up with the goss and always bingeing on Netflix knows it’s all because of Season Four, Volume One of the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. Speaking of which, Volume Two is out now and probably soon the next great 80s tune to become a hit again.
Now, yours truly isn’t really acquainted with said Kate Bush. Sure, I’ve heard of her and yeah, I could be a stickler of 80s inspired music, but, no, me not really or never actually heard her music (I’m so sorry Kate Bush fans). Now, while I was browsing on MTV one day, I happened to catch the said Kate Bush MV. And in case any North Americans are wondering, yes, they still play music on MTV here in Asia.
So, this is more a first impressions / review of Running Up That Hill. As a first time viewer/ listener of Running Up That Hill, I can definitely see why it was chosen as a pseudo soundtrack to Stranger Things. Both the song and video definitely do carry that sci-fi element. So, first common denominator with Stanger Things marked on the checklist. The video begins with Kate Bush dancing with her dance partner, cuts to said dance scenes, then ends to a cult-like group wearing masks depicting Kate Bush and her dance partner. If I have to compare the dance scenes, throughout the years many female artistes have had dance scenes, I would compare it to singer P!nk, as a contemporary citation.
I must say, the song is an ubiquitous 80s pop song, but I like it. Plus, as a female, the makeup on Kate Bush is awesome and would definitely be wearable by today’s standards. Is it weird that previously released songs are hits once again? No, it’s been happening in recent years, although it’s usually when artistes pass away, it’s great that classic songs are being reintroduced to a new generation. Definitely adding this song to my playlist.
Hi Dear Readers,
Alas, due to a ton of work commitments this month (May 2022), there will once again be no new post.
In some ways, this is an unofficial hiatus announcement but the OP does hope that as soon as the schedule aligns back to normal, new postings will again resume as usual.
Thank you for your patience.
Love, Hyaz
Hello dear readers,
Sorry to inform, but there will be no new post for this month (April 2022).
This is due to the OP being sick this month (not Covid-19 though) so don’t worry.
New postings will resume in the month of May 2022, please look forward to that.
Thank you, Hyaz.
As of this time of writing, it has been almost a month since Russia launched a full-scale attack on its neighbor Ukraine, which has seen Russia being single-handedly isolated from the entire world. Now, this writer is not going to proclaim herself as a foreign policy expert or a military strategist, but, what she does know, is this, nobody wants a war in this day and age.
What does war do? It causes massive destruction, loss of lives, a huge influx of refugees that neighboring countries have to take in, the rise of homegrown terrorists, power vacuums, all because, in this case, a power-hungry despot declares war on his neighbors. At the end of the day, the young suffer, as most soldiers are young people, as are those fighting for their homeland, therefore, sacrificing the future to further a completely useless cause.
Besides the fact that there would be global repercussions and of course, unnecessary loss of lives, as previously mentioned, all to appease the ego of a psychotic and brutal dictator, hasn’t the world had enough? We are going through a global pandemic, climate change, to a needless war. Does anyone remember that it is still only the year 2022 and since the start of the 21st Century, there has been the War in Afghanistan, the Iraq War, the Syrian War, the hardly mentioned Yemen war. Notice that these wars happened in the Middle East, usually perpetuated by bigger Western powers. I don’t think we need to mention that the 20th century boasted of two World Wars and many more on the soils of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Ironically enough, some of these Western powers are the very ones who begin a war, now have the cheek to point out that a more powerful country is attacking a smaller country. Yes, that is true but, it smacks of hypocrisy and double standards. To sum it up; war is wrong and, just not cool. In the thousands of years that humanity has existed and engaged in multiple wars, it rarely brings about any good.
Now, there are many factors why this war has occurred, and to do that, you would have to look up the complicated history of Russia, Ukraine, the Cold War, the Iron Curtain, etc. Please educate yourself by researching it further. The best way to avert a war is to get along. Diplomacy is key. True, there will always be countries that are bigger and more powerful than other countries, and would want to build relations with hidden agendas behind them, but that’s just how life works. The world must maintain a certain order, where every country can live peacefully regardless of affiliation. Again, this is all just wishful thinking, but please, give peace a chance. Let’s all be neighborly.
The world does not want to hear of civilian areas being bombed or shelled, theaters and shopping complexes being bombed, civilians fleeing with pets and children being hit by missiles, this all needs to stop. Let anyone forget, there are still ongoing wars other than this Russia-Ukraine War, plus the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. So please, stop all wars, enough with war.
Make love not war. Let peace reign supreme. This is not the time, nor should it ever be, a time to wage war on one another. Please, for the sake and longevity of this planet, let’s pledge to end all wars.
In the year 2022, K-Pop giant label JYP Entertainment has launched yet another girl group, only 3 years after debuting their previous girl group, Itzy. Long-time fans were not surprised, after all, this debut had been teased for months, since July 2021 when JYPE began releasing a mysterious Blind Package teaser to fans online.
Now, at first I actually thought that JYPE were announcing a new label-wide online concert in July 2021 but, alas, that proved wrong and we were instead surprised with news of the upcoming girl group. Okay, sure, why not, after all, JYPE have always had a winning track record with girl groups. So as part of pre-debut marketing, we had a series of the members of the group, then known as JYPn present song covers as a way of an introduction to the new girl group, as well as some members showcase their amazing dance skills.
So on the very auspicious Twosday of 22nd February 2022, NMixx finally debuted with the single album, Ad Mare, with the title track, O.O. And this is where it gets interesting. I will disclose here that I’ve always loved JYPE Girl Group debut songs. They’ve all been crafted almost to perfection and serve as a preview of what is to come of their career. But with O.O, well, this one hits different. Like, really different.
To put it in perspective, we first have to, look at the group name, NMixx itself. According to Wikipedia ,the name Nmixx combines the letter “N”, which stands for “now”, “new”, “next”, and the unknown “n”, and the word “mix”, which symbolizes combination and diversity, altogether meaning “the best combination for a new era”. O.O is also the expression one makes when seeing NMixx and listening to the song for the first time.
Now, at first glance, you’ll go, what the clusterf*** is going on? Hell, you’ll go O.O with your own eyes upon hearing the song on first listen, especially by watching the music video. The way to describe it would be that it’s a hodgepodge of two genres thrown in, electronic and pop-rock. The transition of genres is jarring and the song comes across as an extremely hot mess debut. It just tries too hard, so sorry JYPE, it doesn’t work here. And no wonder, with a whopping 13 credited songwriters, the song seems to be all over the place. Looking at the music video, the visuals and choreography are insane, the girls of NMixx look and sound great, it’s just the editing of the transition of the song genre in the video that makes the song seem so polarizing for first-time viewers.
To compare the song, fellow K-Pop label giant SM Entertainment is well-known for producing songs with multiple genres in one song, which, to their credit, sometimes they get right and others, just makes you cringe. An example is Aespa’s Next Level, which was excellent, and Girls’ Generation I Got a Boy, which till today, I find terrible. (Sorry SNSD fans).
A month since NMixx’s debut however, after seeing the song performed live on music shows, I now have a different take on O.O and now it’s stuck in my head. So what changed? Well, I now have understood that this debut was deliberately designed to give an off-putting response to listeners at first. It’s daring, trying something new, it has to stand out in the over-saturated idol industry in South Korea, regardless of the Big Four (?) label status, even though ironically, coming from JYPE, NMixx will get attention. It’s a different perspective, heck, I don’t think we’ve even understood the full extent of NMixx’s potential.
It is in my hope however that for future releases, they appeal more to the public while exhibiting their unique color. A pretty unique debut and certainly memorable.
With 2022 being the Year of the Tiger, and as we’re still early on in the year, let’s take a look at the best tiger figures in pop culture.
Now tigers as we know it, are apex predators, and are known as kings of the jungle (in Asia and Siberia obviously). They are used in many insignias, logos, symbols, etc. For example, you do not refer to someone as a tiger without knowing the repercussions, whether a Tiger Mom, a fearsome tiger, you get the gist. Clearly, tigers are powerful creatures and are respected as such.
Sadly, tigers are known as an endangered species too, due to poaching and the encroachment of their natural habitat, which unfortunately equals to human and animal conflict. Therefore, hopefully us (the public) aid in the effort to assist in the conservation of the tiger species for the betterment of future generations. Please donate and help, by signing petitions relating to the conservation of tigers, because, hey, they’re real endangered animals and not just a random animal in the Lunar Calendar. I would suggest we volunteer at a tiger shelter too, but no, they don’t exist, unless it’s a tiger sanctuary (but of course let the experts handle tigers).
As I was saying, in popular culture, there have been many iconic tiger figures. Now, I’m going to be honest here and say that some of these tigers on this list aren’t real tigers and can come from the animated variety. Let’s start:
1. Tony the Tiger (Kellogg’s)
The ultimate, most famous tiger mascot. Who doesn’t know Tony, especially if you’re a fan of the Kellogg’s cereal line, whether known as Frosties or Frosted Flakes, whichever part of the world you’re from.
2. Tigger
Winnie the Pooh’s BFF. Enough said.
3. Richard Parker from Life of Pi
A new modern addition to the line of famous tigers, this tiger became famous due to its highly realistic CGI. And this movie was from 10 years ago. Adapted from a very complicated book translated onto the big screen.
4. Shere Kahn (Disney’s The Jungle Book)
Among the many Disney (they make many tigers iconic) famous characters. Yes, it was originally a Rudyard Kipling novel but the Disney movie made Shere Kahn a household name.
5. Tiger Lily (Disney’s Peter Pan)
Okay, yes, she is a human character but I’m allowed some leeway in this list. And yes, there have been many complaints over the racist depictions of Native Americas in this movie, but for authenticity to the book, she’s on this list.
6. Tiger King
The Quarantine Show of 2020. Joe Exotic became a huge international star when everyone tuned into this Netflix show during quarantine, it even had an unnecessary sequel in 2021.
7. Rajah (Disney’s Aladdin)
OMG, another Disney character, Princess Jasmine’s pet tiger is sometimes cited as the definitive Disney tiger.
8. Calvin & Hobbes
Hobbes the stuffed tiger has been known as Calvin’s companion for decades now, iconic no?
9. Peter Parker (nicknamed “Tiger” by MJ)
Okay, another non-tiger, I’m sorry. Peter Parker, also known as Spiderman is fondly called Tiger by wife MJ (in the comics), which makes him qualified as a “popular” tiger.
10. Amy Chua (Tiger Mom author)
Did you think I wouldn’t mention the woman who wrote Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother? Yale Law professor Amy Chua brought this term to the forefront with the release of her “parenting” book. Tiger Moms everywhere rejoiced.
Recently, Tennis World Number 1 Player ( Singles Male ) 20-time Grand Slam champion Serbian Novak Djokovic was recently found to have not been vaccinated, a prerequisite to play in the 2022 Australian Open is to be vaccinated. He cited a medical exemption, ie. having been infected with Covid-19 in December 2021. Australia does allow certain exemptions, barring a very strict medical review process. Apparently, Djokovic’s team made a mistake, he was allowed back in, there were some diplomatic rows and protests, if anyone’s been following the ongoing drama. As of this time of writing, Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled and he’s been deported. Thus, the drama, as of now, has officially ended with Djokovic leaving Australia, unable to participate in the 2022 Australian Open and extend his Grand Slam record to a mind-boggling 21st title. And now the focus can finally shift to the tennis and other well-deserved players. If anyone’s noticed, it was eventual Men’s Singles winner Rafael Nadal who walked away with his 21st Grand Slam title.
Now, I will gladly admit that I am pro-vaccines. No shame in that. Vaccines have been proven to be able to save lives. There is absolutely no justification in someone walking around unvaccinated while a dangerous pandemic is still and most probably will still be ongoing. Let’s face it, the virus is here to stay. I’m sure by now we all know or have heard of someone close to us who have contracted the virus, and God help us (fingers crossed) that none of us will be next. If you haven’t heard of anyone close to you getting Covid-19, then lucky you. You have a responsibility to uphold, but especially so for a public figure like Djokovic.
However, how is it that in this day and age, in the year 2022 no less, almost 2 years after the start of the pandemic, can anyone walk around being unvaccinated when vaccines are widely available? Granted, some parts of the world suffer from vaccine inequity but someone like Djokovic must have access to them, he just refuses to take the vaccine. That is just selfish behavior. You are considered a threat to public health if you’re unvaccinated and risk exposing the rest of society to danger. To put that into perspective, that’s like you or me refusing to use a public restroom, even though, guess what, it’s there for use. And please, do not liken vaccines as something to be flushed down the toilet, it’s much more precious and in this case, saves your lives.
All this could be settled just by extending that arm for a jab or two, and maybe a booster. Just three jabs, and even that apparently can’t be done. How hard is it? A few side effects can definitely be tolerated by an elite athlete such as Djokovic. Sure, the guy is a known proponent of the natural lifestyle, the no gluten diet, the holistic treatments that he advocates but for this, sorry Novak, vaccines reign supreme. As an influential figure in international sport, Novak should utilize the huge platform that he has to actually advocate for something that is far more important, and that is to urge his fans to get the vaccine.
Unless you truly have a legitimate medical reason to remain unvaccinated, the rest of us, as functioning members of society, have a responsibility to uphold and that is to get vaccinated. So please do; Covid-19 is not getting a return ticket to wherever it came from, it’s here for good.
(Update Australian Open 2022: Men’s Singles Winner – Rafael Nadal, Women’s Singles Winner – Ashleigh Barty).
Hey dear readers, first up, Happy New Year to all of us. Let’s hope that 2022 will be banging, in a good way, barring surprises.
To start off the New Year and the First Post, let’s have some fun by admitting that some of us think that the fuss over New Year is just overkill. Come on, you know you secretly agree.
A new year is when a period of an all new 12 months and another turn of the old Earth around the Sun. I mean generally, that’s just what a basic definition is right?
1. Making Resolutions
Resolutions are mainly promises to oneself, to improve, be a better person, etc. Truth is; we all know we’ll break them in 10 seconds and make the same resolution the following year.
2. Sticking to Said Resolutions
Similar to above, the self promise that we make will fall astray and can barely be kept, because, to err is to be human.
3. Everything is New Again (Allegedly)
Why is it that when the New Year rolls around, it seems like everything is all new and shiny? Sure, New Year, new you, new everything, but still just another day, amirite?
4. Regarding the New Year as a Spiritual Awakening
Right, it’s the New Year, I must now be the best version of myself, again, where were you all those previous New Years and did you manage to improve yourself?
5. At the end of January when you realize, who the F*** cares if it’s a New Year
You know at the end of January when even you’re like, screw it, this resolution thing blows, I give up.
However, if you’ve still managed to stick to your resolutions at the end of the month, then good for you. Well done! Once again, Happy (Gregorian) New Year and a Happy Lunar New Year too!
Ah, the end of the year again. A time of contemplation and moving forward towards a new start, in this case, the New Year duh 🙄. As with last year, I am announcing that this Best of Songs list will be an annual feature of this site. Now where was I, let’s just get on with the list, no need for unnecessary diversions.
Once again, not in chronological order, just what I think are worthy to be Top 10 Songs for the Year that was 2021. One artist is allowed only one song. Let’s t;s get to it:
1. Kid Laroi Featuring Justin Bieber – Stay
This chart-topping collaboration brought in a ton of buzz for Kid Laroi, staying at the top of the Billboard charts for weeks. Although the lyrics are slightly problematic, it was cruise control for the young Australian teen singer. Justin Bieber was just the icing on this “Dynamic Duo’ cake.
2. Doja Cat & SZA – Kiss Me More
Another hit collaboration. After wowing us last year with Say So, Doja Cat returns, this time with SZA for one of the best collaborations of the year, Kiss Me More is, just simply chef’s kiss.
3. The Weeknd – Save Your Tears
Continuing with his 80s sound, this track is on my personal repeat playlist. While I loved the follow-up track Take My Breath too, ultimately only one could be on the list / prevail. The remix with Ariana Grande of Save Your Tears is equally great, so whichever your preference is, have one, or take ‘em both.
4. Jamie Miller – Here’s Your Perfect
On this side of the world in Asia, this Welsh singer’s heartfelt ballad struck a chord. Garnering attention with a stint on The Voice UK, under the tutelage of coach Jennifer Hudson, this tune has blown up on TikTok. Up next: conquering Stateside.
5. Olivia Rodrigo – Good 4U
A track of her smashing debut album Sour, this year’s It Girl (I keep repeating multiple times) has a winner with this rock track. Granted, I could’ve listed many singles off that said album, Driver’s License, Deja Vu…, but this track is the superior one indeed.
6. Why Don’t We – Love Back
A highly underrated boyband in their home country (USA, seriously why you sleeping on these guys), this track just invokes a natural summer vibe. I would call it a perfect pop-dance track, and…a great pick-me-up song, all rolled into one.
7. Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open
The teaming up of Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak resulted in the stunning debut of group Silk Sonic and they came up with this 70s tinged track. With three singles already released, this group has got the makings of S-U-P-E-R-S-T-A-R-S.
8. BTS – Butter
The South Korean superstars released two English singles in 2021, but truly this track is just the slightly better track to me. No hate to Permission to Dance, but come on now, we know that Butter just rolls more smoothly.
9. Gideon – Heartbreak Anniversary
Ah, the song that is just self-explanatory. Gideon soars on this track that is relied on his vocals that oh so screams… heartbreak. The man has a winner here with the track that’s a perfect remedy for the broken-hearted.
10. Dua Lipa – We’re Good
The British songstress keeps on churning out bangers, but among her 2021 singles, I list We’re Good as the best one. With Dua’s sultry vocals anchoring this song, it proves that Ms Lipa is at her ultimate best when it comes to smooth, sexy ditties.
Last but not least, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Hyaz's Blog 
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