Amazing Flash Mob Wedding Proposals

My blog post back in March 28, 2014. highlighted some of the amazing flash mobs groups performed in various cities around the world.  I  mentioned my admiration for flash mob events. For those that are not familiar with the term "flash mob", Wikipedia defines flash mob as:

A group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then quickly disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, and artistic expression. Flash mobs are organized via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails.

If you have ever witnessed a flash mob, you will there is a lot of coordinating and planning involved.  However, when it is "revealed", it is amazing! 

With my continued fascination of these groups, I found two amazing wedding proposals that took place this year. As you watch, notice the reaction of the intended recipient.  You will be amazed and at the same time guarantee to shed a few tears.

The BEST Surprise Flash Mob Proposal at Balboa Park in San Diego! - Allison & Jon

Source:  Omnistories Event Cinematography

Man books out restaurant for surprise marriage proposal flash mob

Source:  Bookatable

3 Music Videos That Will Make You Say Awwww

As I review some of the latest music videos over the last year, I found three that will make three music that will make you say Awwww....

This short clip features Henry of Super Junior who provides a few tips on impressing a girl at a restaurant. It is both dreamy and humorous. This is my all time favorite!!!!  <3

Source: +KBS World TV 

The next one is a music video of a very cute guy (Park Bogum) and Irene.  The song and movements might be a bit juvenille, but I do enjoy watching their cute bantering.  :)

Source:  +KBS World TV 

With people taking more photos with their phones and the obsession of doing a selfie, this next one focuses on photos of your or with your partner.  It features SungJae (BTOB) and Kim NamJoo (Apink)

Source: +1theK (원더케이) 

A Powerful Video That Will Make You Cry!

While listening to my favorite songs on my YouTube channel, I came across this video.  It was one those commercials that plays between your playlist songs.  I typically would "skip" these as I prefer to listen to my playlist without any interruptions. 

Photo Credit: AIACommunity

However, the first few minutes captured my curiosity as it was done in Korean (fortunately with English subtitles). As I continue watching, tears just came down uncontrollably as it touched my emotions (make sure a box of kleenex is nearby)  It provided several powerful messages that reminded me about love, family, support, and encouragement  

Source: AIACommunity

I believe the creator (AIACommunity -> AIA Life) is a wealth/insurance company.  The nice thing about the video is there was no product pitch.  Kudos to the +AIAcommunity or AIA for creating a wonderful video or should I say a wonderful "marketing" video.

4 YouTubers that have summarized the Top Songs of 2014

I am enjoying my time of relaxation and reflection. During my R&R, I spent  time listening to some of the popular songs that came out in 2014.

During this time, I found several YouTubers who have summarized these songs in various ways. Some manage to present this in 2.5 minutes...others did it in a humorous way. Here are four of my favorites... 



[ 1 ]  Hits of 2014 - played with household items. 
Andrew Huang



[ 2 ]  Top Hits of 2014 in 2.5 Minutes 
Us the Duo


 


[ 3 ] Top Songs of 2014 - A Cappella Medley/Mashup (Recap of the Billboard Hot 100)
RosendaleSings




[ 4 ] 4 people cover the 33 top songs of 2014 in 3 minutes 
EricThayneMusic

Spend a few minutes cherishing the top 2014 songs. 
Have a great and wonderful 2015 !!!!!

Balloons: A source of Happiness

Source: mydecoballoon.com

Balloons: A Source of Happiness

Balloons are used at weddings.

Balloons are given at birthdays.

Balloons are given at Valentines.

Balloons are given at graduations.

Balloons are given at anniversaries.

Balloons are used at social gatherings.

Balloons are released at sporting events.

Balloons are given to wish someone well.

In most cases, 

...balloons brings hope to the hopeless.

...balloons provides a festive background
...balloons puts a smile in a child's face.

...balloons turns a sad tear into a joyful one.

...balloons seals and confirms a commitment.  

On the topic of balloons, Andrew Huang put together a great video using balloons to piece together a song called "99 Red Balloons".

I hope the video brings a few giggles and some happiness.  

My Favorite MV for August 2014

OK... I thought I share with you my favorite music video for last month (not necessary the latest).  After much deliberation (if you believe that), I am selecting Henry Lau's (of Super Junior-M) cover of  Cho Yong-pil's 'BOUNCE'   I love he adds the various sound tracks as the music video progresses creating a unique and entertaining video.  

'Henry's Real Music : You, Fantastic' Ep.5. Cho Yong-pil's 'BOUNCE' by Henry

The cover is based on Cho Yong-pil who is highly regarded as well known industry as the "king" of Korean pop music.  Over his career he has performed around the world including Carnegie Hall.  It is always worth viewing and listening to the original artist and song.  The song does have some bounce.  :)

Great job to Henry Lau and SM Entertainment and special kudos to Cho Yong-pil.

Amazing Acapella Groups Performing the "Cup Song" (Pitch Perfect)

image credit: see below

I was first introduced to the "Cup Song" while watching the movie Pitch Perfect movie. The movie is about a freshman, played by Anna Kendrick, entering college faced with not only class selection, but needs to make a decision on club to join. She decides on join, but would need to do an audition. Her audition consist of singing and using a cup as her instrumental accompaniment.  A scene from of her audition can be found on YouTube.

Since the release of the movie in 2011, there have been several covers released on YouTube, which range from vocal to instrumentals.  The ones that caught my attention are the Acapella groups.  Below I have included a few performed in different languages.   I am amazed at how they simultaneously sign and do the cup routine.   Or maybe it is just me.   Anyways, enjoy and maybe you can start learning the cup routine (BTW....check out a great tutorial done by Kristina G.).  LOL !!!

Gun version [Added - 1/1/2015]
There have been many renditions of the "Cup Song" since my last post.  This week, I came across this one that was both entertaining and hilarious. Interestingly, Jim Huish, the creator of the video is also part of a band called Amber's Drive.


Source: Jim Huish

English version
Kurt Schneider, Sam Tsui, Alex G. and Kina Grannis

  Source: Kurt Hugo Schneider

Japanese version
YUME☆HIKARI

  Source: 夢ひかり魚沼産

Taiwanese version (done in English by a Taiwanese group)
Sirens Vocal Band

  Source: Sirens Vocal Band


French version
QuatuClap

  Source: QuatuClap

Spanish version
Girl Scout Spanish Cover

  Source: Martha Garcia


If that is enough, here are a few more renditions.  In particular, view the tap dance version.

• CUPS Tap Dance
• COLLE`GE MONT NOTRE DAME "CUP SONG" 
• inlingua Vancouve
• Heerenlanden College 

Image Credits
YouTube
Pitch Perfect Movie
Kurt Hugo Schneider
Sirens Vocal Band
QuatuClap
Martha Garcia
夢ひかり魚沼産

Hugs are Important !!!

I Need Hugs!
Sometimes
We all just need
A big hug from a friend.
It is great to know that they're here
And they will stay there for you forever.
Every time something bad happens
My loyal friends are there.
I need some hugs.
Sometimes.

~ by HugsForEveryone ~

Image Source: www.bbtoystore.com



Most Adorable Taiwanese Twins - Zony and Yony

I first discovered a interesting story on a Twitter post and an article about two Taiwanese twins performing a dance.

I was fascinated by their routine and it led me to do some additional research.  At a cute age of 6, both became famous literally overnight as their YouTube post went viral performing the Cover "Bar Bar Bar" originally performed by Crayon Pop.



The folks at Ellen Show took noticed  and invited the twins to perform on the show.  It was televised this week and can be seen below.

Source: +TheEllenShow 

Update (6/12/2015):  In May 2015, they were invited back to celebrate their birthday as well as to sing perform another number.  They have been also been invited back a few times after their first debut on the Ellen Show. 

Source: +TheEllenShow 

I would highly recommend  viewing  the original "Bar Bar Bar" music video performed by Crayon Pop to contrast the two videos.  By doing so, it will raise the cute factor!!! LOL



   

- deborah chiu

 

Top 3 Places to get Dim Sum in Silicon Valley

Top 3 Places to get Dim Sum in Silicon Valley

If you are like me, I would occasionally have cravens for dim sum.  At times it would be in the mornings.  Of course, I could drive up to San Fran for the best dim sum in Northern California.  However, by the time I have changed and put on my make-up, the desire for those irresistible dumplings are diminished. 

To fulfill some those temporary urges, I have discovered a few dim sum places located in Silicon Valley that serve the 'meanest' dim sums.

Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant

10123 N Wolfe Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
Website: http://dynastyseafoodrestaurants.com/ (as of 4/5, website is under construction)

My Ratings (out of 5 starts)
Food:  ***
Parking: *****
Pricing: ***
Overall: ***




Photo Credit: www.foodnut.com

My Comments
This place is egNORMOUS!!! Dinner and Dim sum here is always consistent and excellent. We enjoy coming here with family and friends. We usually work-off our meal by going shopping in the mall.

Jade Cathay

1339 N 1st St
San Jose, CA 95112
Website: http://www.jadecathay.com/

My Ratings (out of 5 starts)
Food:  ****
Parking: ***
Pricing: ***
Overall: ***

 

Photo Credit: Yelp User Blue B.

My Comments
There is nothing fancy about this place....the usual restaurant chairs/tables.  However, the dim sum is authentic and AMAZING!  It is nestled with two other restaurants.  So, parking can be a bit challenging.  I do recommend coming early 10:30 a.m. to get a table and to beat the crowd.  It is great to know they are open 365 days a year!

Dim Sum King

 824 W El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Website: http://www.dimsumkingnow.com/

My Ratings (out of 5 stars)
Food:  ****
Parking: ***
Pricing: ***
Overall: ***




Photo Credit: Yelp User Anya R

My Comments
This is place is more of a take-out place...so, don't expect any carts going up and down the aisles (there are only 3 tables in this place).  Their menu selection is somewhat limited.  However, they do have my favorites....BBQ Pork Buns and Egg Tarts.  I can now order great dim sum if I am ever on the go! 

My Top 3 Taiwanese Dramas

Whether it is in Korean, Taiwanese, or a Japanese, I love to watch foreign "dramas".  Some are very funny while others are very romantic. Others have a serious overtone while others focuses on the day-to-day. 

My top 3 Taiwanese dramas are:

1. In Time With You

A romantic comedy about two best friends make a bet - which of them will marry before turning 35 first? And will they ever realize that the perfect one may have been by their side all along?

The Deborah Chiu (CCDC) Rating

Storyline/Originality: B+

Length: A

Ending: B+

2. Love Around

A romantic comedy An outgoing but heartbroken radio DJ finds comfort in a gentle and kind coworker -- who just so happens to be a son of a gangster family. 

The Deborah Chiu (CCDC) Rating

Storyline/Originality: A

Length: A

Ending: A

3. Love Family
A story about a son of a rich hotel owner who has not forgotten a girl he met when he was young.  They only problem is that they have not met again.  The only object he has is a handkerchief that the girl gave him when they were young.  His quest in life is to find this girl ('angel') and return the handkerchief.  

The Deborah Chiu (CCDC) Rating
Storyline/Originality: B
Length: C (72 Episodes !!!)
Ending: A




Images from www.chinesemov.com, www.jonasapproved.com, and www.dramastyle.com

Resource: www.viki.com and www.dramafever.com