Warning: Blind dates may lead you to suicide

Chinese teen kills self when blind date turns ugly
Agence France-Presse Report

BEIJING -- A 17-year-old boy in northeastern China was so disappointed with the looks of a woman he met over the Internet that he hanged himself after seeing her face-to-face, state media reported Friday.

The unnamed teenager first contacted the woman -- known by her chat moniker "Qunjiaofeiyang", or "Flying Skirt" -- using the popular Chinese online messaging software QQ, Xinhua news agency said.

The girl described herself as a beautiful 19-year-old and the pair chatted on the Web for weeks before arranging a December 26 rendezvous in the nearby city of Mudanjiang, in far northeastern Heilongjiang province.

The boy arrived to discover the woman far less attractive than advertised and 10 years older than him, Xinhua said.

The boy immediately returned home, lost his appetite, and four days later hanged himself from a tree.

Images above by Linda Causey for www.aperfectworld.org

DREAMGIRLS' Jennifer Hudson

She does look healthy enough to reprise the role of Effie originated by Jennnifer Holiday in the Broadway musical. I'm not sure if she had to gain more weight for the movie version. The reviews generally praise her performance, even going as far as outshining everyone else. Her photos above are from a concert she did last December (photos by Mark Rupp for Broadway World) except for the first one which is from the movie showing in Manila soon. I'll be lining up for it.

Here's an article about how Beyonce and her family are furious at and giving the cold-shoulder to Jennifer Hudson.

Lea Salonga

Lea Salonga adds another feather in her cap as she becomes the first Asian to play Fantine in the revival of the long-running musical Les Miserables in Broadway. She replaces Rent original cast member Daphne Rubin-Vega amidst news of Daphne's unconvential portrayal of the tragic character Fantine. Daphne was initially reported to only take a leave of absence from the show as she handles another commitment but more recently, reports say Lea will be on the show up until the summer and that Daphne won't be coming back. Below are photos (for Broadway World by Mark Rupp) of some of the current cast.

DREAMGIRLS' Jennifer Holiday

Jennifer Holiday was truly outstanding in her performance in this musical. What a coincidence that another woman with the same initials of J. H. is playing the part of Effie in the movie version that started showing in the United States late last year. Jennifer Hudson, a finalist in the season of American Idol won by Fantasia Barrino, has very large shoes to fill. But the buzz is going that she might win a few acting awards too.

Club Deep @ Esquinita, Sgt. Esguerra, Q.C.

So I went to this bar (Tonic) at Esquinita and had a few drinks with my friend. Then we checked out the second floor (Club Deep) and at around half-past midnight, people were starting to dance and the place was filling-up. The place has good party potential. Almost everything's white. There're places to sit, to stand up, to even lie down, and of course there's a nice larger space for dancing. There are two circular "ledges" where a couple of guys (at some times, customers get up there too) alternate in standing on to show everybody how to groove to the beat. Sad to say, the beat was not very good, almost amateur-ish, just bearable, makes you think "the music they're playing here is so passe. Unless It's Raining Men is coming back in a big way. Of course, that's just my opinion and I'm not really a clubber. I may even be dancing like a chicken in there for all I know. Around 2:30AM, and after having downed my fourth Tom Collins, I decided to head home.

American Idol 5 auditionee

The new season (6th) of American Idol begins next week. Who will follow Taylor Hicks and be the next American Idol? A lot of people are just as excited to see the auditionees from across America.

Song Hye Gyo

She's reaal purrty! The star of Korean series Endless Love, All In, and Full House, Song Hye Gyo has a New year's message to her fans:

(translated) Hello, how are you? This is Song Hye Gyo. It is now 2007...happy new year everyone. In this new year, I hope that all of your wishes will come true. Currently I've been working hard filming the movie "HwangJini." The movie should be expected to be released possibly in April or May. Since I've been working really hard on it, please show me lots of love and support when it premieres. Like the previous year, I'll continue to work hard and try to be the best actress possible. Please stay healthy and happy. Thank you.

For more information on and pictures of the beautiful actress, visit songhyegyo.net from which the above quote is taken.

NEIL GAIMAN'S American Gods

An easy and engaging read. From the Sandman, to Black Orchid, Stardust, and Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett), Gaiman continues to provide excellent, original, and fantastic stories. 4/5 stars.