Yes, it’s true! TVB Reflections has somehow managed to survive one year and will likely continue to annoy its readers with sporadic updates and frequent hiatuses. Those who have not given up on its elusive author may remember that this small blog once debuted on the publishing platform Blogger in late 2007. Although it is now powered by Wordpress and hosted elsewhere, this nonetheless calls for acknowledgment. And as a very generous birthday gift, TVB Guide’s TkN has written an exclusive “Behind the Scenes” feature.

During these past 12 months spent as a blogger, I have had the privilege to meet a number of very friendly people, some of whom I consider my online friends. Even a few appreciate my weird sense of humor. Surprising? Yes. To those I am not too familiar with: I am usually harmless unless provoked, so don’t be shy!

Thank you for having lived through a full year of random disappearances, sarcasm, and questionable jokes among other things. Your support has been much appreciated. I think you deserve a pat on the back for still having the patience to visit this site more than I do for still having the desire to maintain it. As for the future, I hope to publish at a quicker pace, but I favor quality over quantity. At least that’s my official excuse. I will only promise this: to keep writing entries for myself even when you may not like reading them. Now off to another year of craziness we go!

Saving the best for last, 82-episode blockbuster The Gem of Life will be released in about two weeks as the 41st Anniversary series. Capturing the luxurious sights of tourist attractions around the world, including France, Thailand, and Tibet, one year was required to complete filming. Producer Johnathan Chik is eager to repeat the success of War and Beauty and erase the failure of Dance of Passion; he is perhaps taking a heavy risk with Gem. From elegant wardrobes to expensive sets, the upcoming drama seeks to dazzle us with the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and expose the ugly layers of socialites.

Since the provocative Sales Presentation clip last year, few spoilers have been made public and the level of buzz surrounding the series has been surprisingly moderate in comparison to that of highly-promoted Moonlight Resonance. Recently, Astro On Demand has put out the opening theme video, several promotional trailers, and previews of three episodes to salivate our mouths in preparation for the jewel-studded main course.

Although Gem will not be nominated for any awards this year, a segment during the Anniversary Lightning Ceremony featured a Catwalk. Cast members Ada Choi, Maggie Siu, Gigi Lai, Linda Chung, Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Bowie Lam, and Kenny Wong modeled sets of jewelry and diamond-encrusted cell phones priced at over HK $38 million. Ada and Linda flaunted their accessories fiercely and appeared to be the brightest stars gracing the stage that night. Amidst the display of sparkles, the true highlight was the opening theme (click HERE to download) by veteran singer Shirley Kwan playing in the background. Her strong, sultry vocals well-suited the Latin-style track.

I truly believe The Gem of Life has the script, cast, big budget, and more to become a modern classic.

To view all high-quality screen captures of the music video, click HERE or visit the Photo Gallery.

Feel free to download the song below, but do not direct-link or post the file onto other sites, forums, etc. As an alternative, kindly post this link crediting the site.

Download: the_four_mv.zip

Version: Official Music Video
Length: 04:05 min
Size: 3.75 MB
Bit Rate: 128 kbit/s

What, your TV remote is not equipped with that function? I bought mine at RadioShack.

True story.

01. The Walking Encyclopedia
Often seen buried under piles of weekly entertainment magazines and newspapers or falling asleep in front of the computer, the Walking Encyclopedia is an intelligent being with the capacity to memorize all past and current events. Finally recognized for their unique abilities, the Encyclopedias have now been recruited by the dominant television company. In fact, each producer is now assigned his/her very own human compendium.

02. The Questionable Supporter
Members of this category only watch TVB productions to learn how to read, write, and listen to Chinese, and for delicious eye candy; script and characterizations are insignificant considerations. They are vulnerable to exposure when asked to name the actors/actresses of the royal TVB family or to write the traditional Chinese titles of series. Lather, rinse, and repeat.

03. The Sensitive Soul
With boxes of extra-soft tissues resting safely on an end table, the Sensitive Soul is ready to conquer the woeful world of TVB dramas. Blessed with superior empathic powers, the Soul vicariously experiences a myriad of emotions. Tragic characters such as Yun Fok from Where the Legend of Begins and Xiao Feng from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils are returning clients.

04. The Bum
The Bum is an extremely seclusive creature residing in the basement of its abode, and only crawls out every six hours to excrete wastes and replenish nourishment. Its primary weapon is the infrared remote control which it handles with supreme button-pressing skills.

Due to the anti-social nature of the Bums, membership numbers remain at dangerous levels. Unfortunately, efforts to accelerate mating have failed. Some researchers urge luring them out by waving genuine DVD copies of classic TVB series. Preliminary trials with The Return of the Condor Heroes (1983) and The New Heavenly Sword & Dragon Sabre (1986) have yielded a success rate of 92%.

05. The Overly Protective
These fans do not accept any form of criticism directed at their favorite artist without a fight to the death. Attempt to defend yourself and prepare for a malicious cycle of demands of justification/references, name-calling, and questions. If you can not beat them, simply let them walk all over you - if performed quickly and correctly this move may allow you to escape alive but scarred for life.

06. The Super Fan
Super Fans are a populous breed of fans known to be exceptionally obedient, loyal, and dependable. They display unconditional support to their masters in all endeavors pursued. It matters not if the talents required to do so are lacking, as blind devotion is exactly what it takes to be “real” fans. Naturally, Super Fans are prone to cooperate with the Overly Protective in condemning and chastising those deemed unworthy of service.

07. The Missing Blogger
Whether due to plain laziness or obligations in his/her personal, school or work life, the Missing Blogger is unable to make frequent updates. If the Blogger is ever observed writing two successive posts, lift your head high to see one-winged pigs soaring across the green skies. Interestingly, the rate at which the Blogger continues to place his/her site on hiatus is inversely proportional to the rate at which the popularity of said site declines. Classic example: Yours Truly.

Which type of TVB fan do you identify with? Have any friends as described above? Discover any new categories? Post a reply sharing your findings!

Stripping away the overall solid performances by cast members, particularly that of sorely missed Gallen Lo, and the attractiveness of odd canine-feline couple Siu Ba and CanCan, When a Dog Loves a Cat had not the potential to receive high TV ratings. More than ever, the average Hong Kong viewer now seeks drama as re-defined by Heart of Greed : season-ending cliffhangers in each episode and arguments that mercilessly hammer away our senses. And that is a disappointment.

Weaknesses are seen in its script and character development, but When a Dog Loves a Cat is less concerned with triggering a full range of emotions and more about promoting ethical approaches to dealing with stray animals. Its message is clear: we have life-long responsibilities to our pets. Some may think these words are too “out there” and laugh, but having made the decision to bring home, care for, and form a bond with another being, should an owner then abandon it so easily on the street?

Of course, life is fragile and filled with unexpected surprises. There may come a time when caring for oneself is difficult let alone another. Having all shelters adopt a “no-kill” policy would be most beneficial to these abandoned pets. Remember: most animals in shelters are not “put to sleep” or “spared” from suffering a serious injury or illness. They are simply killed due to the lack of space, money, and proper medical treatment needed to keep them alive - that is not the true definition of euthanasia.

While the problems are clear, the solutions are not. How many actually have the time and resources to place strays in temporary housing or pet stores for adoption like MC, Chow Chow, and Jim? Far too few, and understandably so. Ultimately, eradication begins at the root of the problem, and basic options still include:

• Do research on an animal beforehand to be sure of compatibility with lifestyle.
• Adopt from a local shelter rather than purchase from a pet store.
• Bring pets to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and immunizations.

Oh, c’mon. It’s like they never rescued Tim Sir out of that truck in Forensic Heroes at all…

Note: Where’s Waldo? was a series of popular children’s books in the 80’s and 90’s. The goal of the reader was to spot a poorly hidden Waldo in crowded scenes.

• Search form is located above entries on the top right
• Sidebar is located on the right
• The “Latest Photos” section is located below the entries
• Other sections previously located on the left sidebar are now in the footer to minimize clutter elsewhere
• The music player is now at the bottom of the page

The current banner and link button will be replaced next week. In the meantime, feel free to make a suggestion on the next actor/actress or pairing to be featured.

If you find anything that looks odd, please notify me. The layout has been tested in all major browsers including Internet Explorer 6 (I still don’t recommend it) to function properly.

On an unrelated note, a banner I recently made for Esther Kwan’s Realm is up. To see the full banner, visit Anime Master 179002’s excellent site for the talented actress.