David Seow's Blog, page 57

A Finalist

It's such and honor to be a finalist. Big surprise here!

Award Finalist

It's such and honor to be a finalist. Big surprise here!

Meeting Sam Neill in Singapore

Movie/TV actor Sam Neill, (Jurassic Park, Plenty, A Cry in the Dark, Merlin, Tudors and the upcoming Alcatraz)  breezed into town late last week for The Burghound in Asia wine tasting, dinners and master classes. I only found out about the event when I received an email about a wine dinner with host Sam Neill--Yes, the Sam Neill!! Star of one of my favorite movies of all time - Jurassic Park 1 & 3.

Now I've been a fan of Sam's for quite some time. He's starred in a wide range of movies ranging from the thrillers like  Dead Calm opposite Nicole Kidman, dramas like Cry in the Dark opposite Meryl Streep and The Piano opposite Holly Hunter; and action adventures like The Hunt for Red October and Jurassic Park, not to mention his starring roles in Merlin, Kane & Abel and Reilly: Ace of Spies.
Now what would a movie star be doing at a wine event in Singapore? Well, as it turns out Mr Neill is the owner of a vineyard  in New Zealand called Two Paddocks. 
I immediately got on the phone and made a reservation for Mr. Neill's wine talk. Thank goodness there were still tickets available and they were reasonably priced at S$50. So I decided to  head down to the swanky St Regis Hotel to sip a little wine but more importantly to meet Mr Neill.
I have to admit, I felt a tad out of place as I am not really a wine drinker, I don't drink it at all, but I decided to play it cool and look like I knew what I was doing and that I like totally belonged there. Yeah, like that really worked - not!
Then as I was sitting in the lobby, Mr Neill walked by. unprepared I leapt up from my seat and I extended my hand and said "Welcome to Singapore, Mr Neill," he shook my hand and thanked me. Then I rambled that I was a huge fan and that I had lined up the first day of Jurassic Park to get tickets and that I had seen it multiple times when I was in school in the States.

Mr  Neill then asked me about the school I went to and we spent a good few minutes chatting as I fumbled to get a pen and my publicity pics that I wanted him to autograph. I also gave him two copies of my books as a souvenir and he thanked me most graciously. I was kind of nervous and my leg was actually shaking as we spoke. I mean, the star of one of my all time favorite movies was right in front of me.  We talked a bit about his wine and he asked about my thoughts of wine. I stumbled for a minute because my purpose of being there was to meet him and not really to drink wine. I deflected the question by telling him that my brother collects wine. Then he asked if I would be at the tasting and I replied that I would and he said he'd see me later and then he headed off to the ballroom. Without a doubt he is the nicest, most gracious celebrity I have met.  He really took the time to listen and respond to my on the verge of insane ramblings.
At the ballroom, he posed for pictures and personally greeted everyone who went to his booth to try his Pinot Noir.
Later, at his talk, I was surprised to find 8 glasses of wine in front of each attendee. We were expected to taste the different variety of vintages. Now I really don't drink and after the third glass, I was on the verge of being hammered, like totally wasted. I mean no one told me that I should only take a few sips instead of chugging it down. Anyway as I started to feel really good, I was smiling like Jack Nicholson's joker Batman.
Any way an hour later the talked wrapped and I asked Mr Neill if he would mind posing for a photo with me to which he graciously obliged. Nice guy, right. He thanked me for the books I gave him again and with a handshake he was off for his other appointment.  As I said at the top of the post, Mr Neill is truly the nicest celeb I have met and it was an honor and pleasure to have met him. (PS if you're wondering why there is a globe in place of my head, I kind of look like *%$#@ in my pictures and I look even worse when I'm standing next to a major star)

School Visits.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Jan Cox of the Overseas Family School and Mick Smith of the International School Singapore for inviting me to visit their schools last month. I had a fantastic time and the kids were great, though I'm not sure how the teachers felt about my story about The 'Windy' Forest! I thought telling it was a gas! Thanks again!

Stop The Canadian Seal Slaugher

The slaughter of Baby Harp Seals has begun. Please spread the news of this horrific and despicable act. My friend and fellow author JC Sparrow  has been working on a about this very topic. She's given me permission to post her story here.  If you have the time, please read this story. Help spread the news.

Amy Harpseal
By JC Sparrow
Amy Harp Seal scurries across the ice. 'Bobbie! Bobbie! Where are you?'

Bobby Seagull pops out from behind a snow dune.He gives her a cheeky wink. 'Caught two fish!'Flippity flop, they go on the ice.
'Me too!'Floppity Flip, they go on the ice.Slurp. Gobble. Slurp. Gobble.Yum! Yum! Yum!

Let's play!Amy weaves through the ice dunes.Bobbie somersaults in the air after her.Amy slips and slides. Bobbie dips and glides.

Thump! A big heavy club crashes onto the ice, just beside Amy.Amy looks up. A man looks down.'Do you want to play with us too?' Amy asks.

Thump! Amy swerves left.Thump, thump! Amy swerves right.'I don't like this game,' Amy cries.

'It's not a game!' Bobbie screams from above.'Seal hunter! Seal hunter! Run!'Amy scrambles. Bobbie swoops down.Snap! Snap! Bobbie pecks the hunter.Swish! The hunter swings his club.

Amy sleds as fast as lightning towards the water.The hunter blocks her path.

'Leave Amy alone!' Bobbie screams.He flaps his wings in the hunter's face.The hunter looks up.Amy slides under his legs.SPLASH! 

'Want to play?' Humpback Wai asks.'Shhhh! Seal hunter!''Seal hunter? Where?''On the ice. Don't make a sound or he'll hear us!'

Amy and Wai hide under the ice ledge.'Amy! Amy!'

Two heads pop out of the water.'You can come out now. The hunter is gone,' Bobbie says.

'I have to warn Mama.''I'll go for help,' Bobbie says. 'You can ride on my back to Seal Country,' Wai says.

Wai and Amy barrel through the ocean.

They hurtle past a blue and white hunting boat.

'Look,' says Amy. 'The colony!'A hunting boat sails into view.The seals cannot go into the water now.Click! Click! Click!The hunters on the boat take aim.

Wai slaps his tail on the water.SPLISH! SPLASH! SPLOSH!Enormous waves crash across the deck of the boat.The hunters go slipping and sliding into the frigid waters.

 The hunters clamber onto the ice. They wave their clubs angrily above their heads.The seals do not move.

A squadron of seagulls spirals overhead.

'READY! AIM! FIRE!' Bobby shouts.The Gulls drop their  poop bombs.Splat! Splat! Splat!

The hunters scramble onto their boat.Peck. Screech. Claw. Squawk.The boat pulls its anchor up and sails away.

'Thank you, Bobby. Thank you, Wai,' Amy says.The Gulls fly back to the Craggy Cliffs.Wai swims back to the open sea.

'Will the hunters come back?' Amy asks.Mama nods her head.'Then Bobbie and Wai will help us again,' Amy says.Mama shakes her head.'Hunters are clever. They will find a way to stop your friends.'Amy frowns. 'Is there anyone who can help us then?'

Mama nods. 'Not all people are mean. There are nice people too.But they do not know our story, so they do not know that we need their help.'

Amy thinks a while.'If they knew our story, would that help?Mama smiles."Yes, Amy, I think it just might.

News

Like most everyone I've been watching the tragic events of the last couple of weeks on the news. Prayers of the Japanese who have suffered unspeakable loss. My thoughts go out to them, especially the children like little Toshihito Aisawa who is still searching for his parents. It is heart breaking. Please spare a thought for those trapped and still waiting for rescue.

Prayers also go out to those in the Middle East. As corny as this sounds, and I can't believe that I'm actually saying this but what the world needs now is Love ...so let's send it out there.

Taylor Swift Concert Day in Singapore

Feb 9, 2011


Taylor Swft meeting fans upon her arrival at the Indoor Stadium

Taylor Swift signing autographs
Taylor Swift takes time with each and every fan
Even Moms and Dads want pictures with Taylor
Taylor Swift Rocks out
Taylor Swift in Singaore
The Enchanting Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift Charms Singapore Pt 3

Crickey I thought, these are young kids and they can't even recognize their idol? Then an ear splitting shreik rang from the crowd, the kind of shriek that would have dogs from here to Ethiopia howling in pain. Taylor was spotted. Pony tail, Plaid shirt, freshed faced and cheerful. She took a pic of the fans and they shreiked more.
Taylor's back
Then as she collected herself and her mother they emerged and the teens thrust pens, paper, toward her. So much for the no pushing rule, I thought. I held out a CD for her to sign and as she was about to sign it I was pushed back, startling both of us. She began signing for other fans.

Oh no, there was no way that I was going to let anyone push me out of getting an autograph. So I said Taylor, could you please sign this. She kindly turned to me and signed for me before she moved on to the other fans, signing and posing for pictures. I tried to get a picture  but it was impossible to get anything other than the back of heads or as you can see a close up of Taylor's ear!

Taylor's earI moved over to Taylor's Dad as the fans continued to swarm his daughter and his wife for photos and autographs. "Excuse me, Mr Swift," I said "My niece is a huge fan of Taylor's but she can't be here today. I'm also a children's book author and I would like to give my books to you. The very gracious and amiable Mr Swift  asked me to inscribe the books to Taylor - Can you believe it? me signing autographs for a superstar. As Mike  Meyers so succintly put it "I'm not worthy!" I handed the books to Mr Swift who placed them in his bag and assured me that he would give them to Taylor.
Taylor and fan (photo courtesy of ManfredKueh)
Then he handed me some Speak Now wrist bands to pass on to my niece, nephews as well as a couple of guitar picks. I couldn't believe it. I thanked him. I was a bit taken a back when he said at first he thought I was an autograph dealer on ebay. I have to say I detest autograph dealers, like seriously detest them cos they make things harder for real fans, and I was also amused cos I don't even have an ebay account!

Taylor Swift (Photo: Manfred Kueh)I then said something cheesy and something he must hears the whole time and which is so cliche but which I sincerely mean: "You must be very proud. "Mr Swift smiled silently. But let's face it, he and Taylor's Mom are exceptional people and parents to have raised a gracious, kind, classy and talented young lady who is successfully navigating the treacherous and turbulent waters of fame and celebrity and  who undoubtedly will go on to  even greater heights - No that's not hyperbole!

I ventured back to the throng to try and get a picture, but it was futile. Taylor signed for everyone and then it was time to go. The Swifts got into the transport. Taylor surrounded by her minders and trailed by her fans walked swiftly, pardon the pun, to the car and with a last wave, she was off. Now, I only wish I would have bought concert tickets in time! We need a larger concert venue, Singapore!



Taylor Swift swiftly walkingMs Swift charmed all after a long flight and took her time with eveyone. Some older stars I've met could learn a thing or two from this young lady. It was a pleasure to have met the Swifts and I wish them the very best in all their endeavours.

Taylor Swift Charms Singapore PT 2

So we all waited and as the hour approached we strategized on where would be best to stand to optimize our chances of getting our items signed. I spotted some of the concert organizers looking concerned at the crowd of restless and potentially rowdy fans. Handphones were fastened to their ears as the stole furtive glances at the crowd of teenagers, including THIS over grown one.

I tried to look inconspicous but it was futile. I felt like I was in my recurring nightmare where I'm back in my school uniform and my first grade teacher has handed me my math paper saying I FAILED.  Then I spotted the fan club members talking to a gentleman who I thought was a traveler. But after he moved off the fans told me that he was Taylor's Dad. No one else knew it was him and he had very kindly given them guitar picks and band braclets. Cool. They handed me an extra pick.

"Don't make it obvious," they warned me. Ok I'm not exactly subtle but I held the urge to talk to him and stayed rooted to the spot.  Within half and hour the plane landed, the passengers streamed to the baggage carousel. The fans screamed...a blonde lady turned and stared, bemused. I didn't have my glasses on and I thought she didn't look too happy.

Concert organizers got into place and tried to form a kind of human barrier. One of them was pleasant telling the fans not to push. "Good luck, I thought, telling fans not to push is like telling them not to breathe ...It's impossible!

The other concert promoter was kind of crumudgeony, like me and I understand why...It was 6 in the morning. I tried making small talk, telling him I was here for my niece and I was hoping to get an autographed CD. Join the club he said. He told me he had received 3oo emails from people asking for concert tickets and autographs that very day. "I was about to ask him if he wanted to receive his 301st email from...me, but I don't think he would have been amused. He told me he didn't even let his daughter come to the airport that day.

Anyway, the lady who the fans screamed for exited the arrival hall and it wasn't  Taylor....

To be continued...

Taylor Swift Charms Singapore PT 1

America's Country/Pop Sweetheart Taylor Swift showed the grace and charm that has endeared her to fans not just in her native homeland but around the world. Who can forget that moment when Kanye tried to interrupted her at the video music awards that sparked outrage across the globe - and that's not hyperbole when I say that folks - my niece is a HUGE Taylor Swift Fan and the name Kanye still invokes her ire and I don't blame her.  To Swift's credit, she handled the situation with grace, class and dignity of one far beyond her years. Any other lady may have kicked him in the cojones. I would have decked him, if I actually had any upper body strength and actually knew how to throw a proper punch!



So when it was announced that Swift was headed to town for concert, her excitement was tempered by the fact that she was going to be out of town on a school trip and she would only be returning the day after the concert. So I decided I would try to do the next best thing, get her an autographed CD, if it was humanly possible. When I freelanced for a kids magazine, that would be no problem as I would be invited to round table interviews or press conferences, but as I am now a struggling albeit well-fed children's book author/publisher I knew no press invitations would be forthcoming.

So what's an uncle to do? Follow the chatrooms via twitter/ facebook to see if there would be any opportunities to meet the star to accomplish this Sisyphean task? Bingo! Ms Swift actually tweeted that she would be departing on a night flight out of Los Angeles.  A flight that would be arriving 6AM!! I knew that Divine intervention would be needed to get me up on time.

You see, I'm not a morning person! My Sunday School students can attest to that - the grumpiest Sunday School teacher alive - So I figured I would have to drag myself out of bed and to the airport before then and I don't even own an alarm clock! Of course most of my friends thought I was completely nuts - nothing unusual, my friends think I'm a jack short of a full box of crackers,  as one of them said " Dave, I have a life" when I asked him if he'd like to join me. He elected to stay at home and watch the Superbowl.

So anyway, I decided to stay up, knowing if I dozed off, I would not get up until mid morning. So I watched the bio channel and monitored the tweets of a dozen or so fans who had been waiting at the airport  for over 12 hours. Do their parents know what they were up to? Did they finish their homework?

I dragged myself out of bed at 4am and got ready to depart. I managed to convince a friend who had a cd he wanted signed and together we headed to the airport in the predawn darkness. When we got there a handful of devoted fans were spread out across the airpor



Ok I have to say I felt like I was in a segment of Seasame Street, you know the segment that goes: one of these things is not like the others, one of these things just does not belong? Ok, guess which item I felt like? My mere presence raised the median of her fans' age base.

I found a seat by some very pleasant young fans as well as the founders of Singapore's Official Taylor Swift fan club who were animated and chatty. We began to voice our concern as herds of students in school uniforms began to surge through the arrival hall's sliding doors. And they looked like screamers. In fact some of them did say they were going to scream.

At this point, I was hoping a case of layringitis would spread quickly and effectively - ok I know this sounds mean, but heck when you haven't had any sleep in almost 24 hours, the last thing you want is a bunch of screaming teenagers screaming in your ear...Yes, I admit it I'm a crumudgeon...


To be continued...