Ok ... this is my list of the year ... in no particular order. These are movies which I have watched only. I am sure there are those like "Aviator" and "Million Dollar Baby" that could have been on this list, but it wouldn't be fair if I have never watched them before. Well, I might revise it again when I have watched them at a later time, or they will be on my next year's list. for now, these are exceptional in my opinion, this year. Feel free to add comments or any recommendations.
1. Kill Bill Vol. 2
2. Spider-man 2
3. The Terminal
4. The Passion of the Christ
5. The Incredibles
6. Farenheiht 9/11
7. The Twilight Samurai
8. Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow
9. The Identity
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Fav Movies of 2004 Part 4
The Twilight Samurai
Great movie. Quiet yet powerful. This is not a movie about sword fights, bloodshed, revenge blah blah. It is about a father's love for his family, and a childhood love rediscovered. Now this movie is not really a 2004 movie, but apparently the western world (or the rest of the world outside Japan) only picked it up after it won a couple of awards in the Japanese equivalent of their oscars. The story is set in ancient Japan, but the problems and issues faced by the main character are just as real as those that you see in modern times.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
This year lotsa sci-fi fantasy movies topped my list. Is it because I am in need of a means of escapism? Or is this a boom year for people to think unreal? Whatever, this particular one was so simple and sweet in its delivery, I absolutely loved every moment of it. This was like a garage project done by a few people who believed in the idea, and decided to let their passion rule their head when they did this film. It was funny, campy, and yet so full of charm. This was one movie that stole my heart because of its style and the characters.
The Identity
Ok this movie actually came out last year in US. But it only came to Singapore this year. What a bummer. I'll list it as this year' anyway since many people overlooked this movie. Granted the ending was a little too .. how should I put it, slasher styled? But I liked the context of the entire story. Not your typical slasher movie. This one's got the brain.
*Updated* From Captain Sky to Sky Captain. I am a little dyslexic :)
Great movie. Quiet yet powerful. This is not a movie about sword fights, bloodshed, revenge blah blah. It is about a father's love for his family, and a childhood love rediscovered. Now this movie is not really a 2004 movie, but apparently the western world (or the rest of the world outside Japan) only picked it up after it won a couple of awards in the Japanese equivalent of their oscars. The story is set in ancient Japan, but the problems and issues faced by the main character are just as real as those that you see in modern times.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
This year lotsa sci-fi fantasy movies topped my list. Is it because I am in need of a means of escapism? Or is this a boom year for people to think unreal? Whatever, this particular one was so simple and sweet in its delivery, I absolutely loved every moment of it. This was like a garage project done by a few people who believed in the idea, and decided to let their passion rule their head when they did this film. It was funny, campy, and yet so full of charm. This was one movie that stole my heart because of its style and the characters.
The Identity
Ok this movie actually came out last year in US. But it only came to Singapore this year. What a bummer. I'll list it as this year' anyway since many people overlooked this movie. Granted the ending was a little too .. how should I put it, slasher styled? But I liked the context of the entire story. Not your typical slasher movie. This one's got the brain.
*Updated* From Captain Sky to Sky Captain. I am a little dyslexic :)
Movies I wish I watched in 2004
There are a few movies that I really looked forward to watching this year, but they never made it to the Singapore shores. Shame on the Singapore entertainment industry. Listed are the ones I hope they will eventually bring in because it wins an oscar or something.
1. Million dollar Baby
2. Hotel Rwanda
3. Vera drake
4. Shaun of the dead
5. The Aviator
6. Ray
Keeping my fingers crossed.
1. Million dollar Baby
2. Hotel Rwanda
3. Vera drake
4. Shaun of the dead
5. The Aviator
6. Ray
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Red Cross: Please help all that you can. Please
Media Release - For Immediate Release- Monday, 27 December 2004
Humanitarian Assistance To The Victims of the Bay of Bengal Earthquake and Tidal Waves
The Singapore Red Cross Society in response to the call for international assistance by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is launching a public appeal to help the victims of the Bay of Bengal earthquake and tidal waves.
As an immediate response to the disaster, the Singapore Red Cross will be sending a sum of Singapore dollars, One hundred and fifty thousand (S$150,000) to Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India (through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). The Singapore Red Cross is also in touch with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the national societies of all affected countries to determine what assistance is required to assist the victims.
The Singapore Red Cross hopes to raise Singapore dollars, One Million (S$1,000,000) for this appeal.
The Singapore Red Cross calls on Singaporeans and other like-minded
organisations to come forward to contribute to this appeal and help the victims affected by the earthquake and tidal waves that swept across the India Ocean and affected Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, India and Sri Lanka.
The Singapore Red Cross requests donation for the affected countries. The money donated to this emergency appeal will be used to fund purchases and direct delivery of emergency items like medicine and first aid, food parcels and other relief supplies for the displaced and homeless victims.
The public can send their donations:
1) By cheque to the "Singapore Red Cross Society"
Please indicate behind the cheque "Tidal Waves Asia". Include name, address and telephone number at the back of the cheque as a receipt will be sent to you.
Post the Cheque to:
Singapore Red Cross, Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
2) Donors may wish to come personally to make a donation at the Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane between 9.00am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
For more information, please contact the following:
1. Mr Lim Theam Poh
Manager, International Services Division
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6 336-0269
Email: theampoh.lim@redcross.org.sg
2. Ms Carol Teo
Manager, Corporate Services Division
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6 336 0269 / Mobile: 9847 2024
Email: carol.teo@redcross.org.sg
Humanitarian Assistance To The Victims of the Bay of Bengal Earthquake and Tidal Waves
The Singapore Red Cross Society in response to the call for international assistance by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is launching a public appeal to help the victims of the Bay of Bengal earthquake and tidal waves.
As an immediate response to the disaster, the Singapore Red Cross will be sending a sum of Singapore dollars, One hundred and fifty thousand (S$150,000) to Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India (through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). The Singapore Red Cross is also in touch with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the national societies of all affected countries to determine what assistance is required to assist the victims.
The Singapore Red Cross hopes to raise Singapore dollars, One Million (S$1,000,000) for this appeal.
The Singapore Red Cross calls on Singaporeans and other like-minded
organisations to come forward to contribute to this appeal and help the victims affected by the earthquake and tidal waves that swept across the India Ocean and affected Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, India and Sri Lanka.
The Singapore Red Cross requests donation for the affected countries. The money donated to this emergency appeal will be used to fund purchases and direct delivery of emergency items like medicine and first aid, food parcels and other relief supplies for the displaced and homeless victims.
The public can send their donations:
1) By cheque to the "Singapore Red Cross Society"
Please indicate behind the cheque "Tidal Waves Asia". Include name, address and telephone number at the back of the cheque as a receipt will be sent to you.
Post the Cheque to:
Singapore Red Cross, Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
2) Donors may wish to come personally to make a donation at the Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane between 9.00am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
For more information, please contact the following:
1. Mr Lim Theam Poh
Manager, International Services Division
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6 336-0269
Email: theampoh.lim@redcross.org.sg
2. Ms Carol Teo
Manager, Corporate Services Division
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6 336 0269 / Mobile: 9847 2024
Email: carol.teo@redcross.org.sg
Monday, December 27, 2004
2 days after christmas
2 days after supposedly the holiest day of the year, comes a contrasting with the vilest of the year. The biggest of the fights, the loudest of the arguments, the most heated of the exchanges, the most things hurled in the bout. Many were awaken, many were silent. Many were shaken, and many things were never the same ever again.
I am reminded why I should leave this home. I am reminded again why I should hasten. It is 5am in the morning, and all I am wondering, is what's on other's minds. The first time, I feel the need for a religion, to see God and ask why these happen? I said this is the year of change, but I never expected the biggest turn to arrive in the middle of the night, in the wee hours of the morning, at 5 oclock at the start of the week.
I am reminded why I should leave this home. I am reminded again why I should hasten. It is 5am in the morning, and all I am wondering, is what's on other's minds. The first time, I feel the need for a religion, to see God and ask why these happen? I said this is the year of change, but I never expected the biggest turn to arrive in the middle of the night, in the wee hours of the morning, at 5 oclock at the start of the week.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Merry Christmas!!
Ho ho ho!!! Christmas is upon us ... and I wish everyone a very merry time, and all the very very best for this upcoming new year 2005!!!
Song of the season?
"Do you hear what I hear?" Well that's one of my all time favs. Remind me of the carolling we did at the hotels and shoppping malls raising funds to go to Australia for performance during Sec 3. This song always puts me in the mood somehow :) Maybe it is the echo-ey feel of having the different parts layering "Do you hear what I hear? hear? ...."
Song of the season?
"Do you hear what I hear?" Well that's one of my all time favs. Remind me of the carolling we did at the hotels and shoppping malls raising funds to go to Australia for performance during Sec 3. This song always puts me in the mood somehow :) Maybe it is the echo-ey feel of having the different parts layering "Do you hear what I hear? hear? ...."
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Who listens to this crap anyways?
My friend just bought a CD for me from taiwan recently. It was a greatest hits of "wawa" 娃娃, and I truly enjoyed it. I tried to let a few of my friends listen to it, and most of them looked at me in puzzlement and asked "What the F@#@ is this?". "Really," they asked "who listens to this S@## anymore?" Indeed, indeed.
Now I started flipping through all the CDs and DVDs that I have collected over the years, and generally, they do contain plenty of obscure, hard to find items. Oh no, they are not like antique where they rise in prices. They are more akin to being my time capsule, kinda like my diary, my collections of memories, and they complement my photos, which document my life. Well, who cares if nobody listens to them But if you could recognize some of the mentions below, please drop me a note and lemme know that I am not alone :)
1) Huang zhan 黃霑
2) Wa wa 娃娃
3) Eric Moo 巫啟賢
4) Zeng Shu Qing 曾淑勤
5) Su Rei 蘇芮
6) Zhou Zhi Ping 周治平
7) Sam hui 許冠傑
....
Now I started flipping through all the CDs and DVDs that I have collected over the years, and generally, they do contain plenty of obscure, hard to find items. Oh no, they are not like antique where they rise in prices. They are more akin to being my time capsule, kinda like my diary, my collections of memories, and they complement my photos, which document my life. Well, who cares if nobody listens to them But if you could recognize some of the mentions below, please drop me a note and lemme know that I am not alone :)
1) Huang zhan 黃霑
2) Wa wa 娃娃
3) Eric Moo 巫啟賢
4) Zeng Shu Qing 曾淑勤
5) Su Rei 蘇芮
6) Zhou Zhi Ping 周治平
7) Sam hui 許冠傑
....
Week Review 19-Dec 2004
Event of the week: Christmas carolling at Curry Favor. The choir made my customers happy and I made them very happy with the opportunity and the food too. So it was a great happy holy night! :) But hey! They didn't sing my favourite!!! Oh yah and Li Fei Hui, an old timer in the local music scene came to my restaurant. I could hardly recognize him, but eventually, I was still psyched by his presence. Like coming face to face with your idol when you were young, I was kinda lost for words. Should've been a lil' bit more inquisitive. :)
Worst movie of the week: Blade Trinity ... Ok maybe it wasn't fair .. I fell asleep during the final climatic fight and only woke to find Mr Dracula dying. But this movie truly sucked .... Singapore's market doesn't warrant enough power to bring in the less commercial movies like "Million Dollar Baby" so we have to content with lousy big names movies like this one. Sorry that many singaporeans will have to watch such a stupid piece of crap during this holiday season .. or choose not to watch at all. Why did this vampire flick suck(:P) ? I just have to name one reason: Dracula looked like a Guess Model dressed to kill (literally) and running like a monkey throughout the entire film.
Activity of the week: Trip planning. Gonna go away on a trip during Chinese New Year. Initially thought is gonna be me, Kathryn, Liz Birdy and her friend to Maldives. Then discovered we got all the dates messed up. Now replanning with just me and Kat. I would really wanna go Maldives or Mauritius, but with Kathryn alone?? ... hmm .. maybe i should reserve that trip with my future gf instead. Right now, Japan would be the most likely choice. Keeping my fingers crossed... woohoo
Song of the Week: 綠色的水滴(Green water droplets) This song is by 丘丘合唱團(Chiu Chiu Band?) and the lead Singer was 娃娃(Doll). Ok ok ... what the F@#$ was that? This is a chinese group from the early eighties. The lead singer is one of my favourite and as she enter the 90s, she released a series of albums which I thoroughly adore. Now she is no longer singing but she still continues to write lyrics for songs. You'd be surprised what songs she has penned lyrics for - if you listen to chinese pop that is. But anyways, this is one pop cheezy tune that really brings back lotsa memory of my secondary school days.
Theme of the week: Blast from the Past!!!
Worst movie of the week: Blade Trinity ... Ok maybe it wasn't fair .. I fell asleep during the final climatic fight and only woke to find Mr Dracula dying. But this movie truly sucked .... Singapore's market doesn't warrant enough power to bring in the less commercial movies like "Million Dollar Baby" so we have to content with lousy big names movies like this one. Sorry that many singaporeans will have to watch such a stupid piece of crap during this holiday season .. or choose not to watch at all. Why did this vampire flick suck(:P) ? I just have to name one reason: Dracula looked like a Guess Model dressed to kill (literally) and running like a monkey throughout the entire film.
Activity of the week: Trip planning. Gonna go away on a trip during Chinese New Year. Initially thought is gonna be me, Kathryn, Liz Birdy and her friend to Maldives. Then discovered we got all the dates messed up. Now replanning with just me and Kat. I would really wanna go Maldives or Mauritius, but with Kathryn alone?? ... hmm .. maybe i should reserve that trip with my future gf instead. Right now, Japan would be the most likely choice. Keeping my fingers crossed... woohoo
Song of the Week: 綠色的水滴(Green water droplets) This song is by 丘丘合唱團(Chiu Chiu Band?) and the lead Singer was 娃娃(Doll). Ok ok ... what the F@#$ was that? This is a chinese group from the early eighties. The lead singer is one of my favourite and as she enter the 90s, she released a series of albums which I thoroughly adore. Now she is no longer singing but she still continues to write lyrics for songs. You'd be surprised what songs she has penned lyrics for - if you listen to chinese pop that is. But anyways, this is one pop cheezy tune that really brings back lotsa memory of my secondary school days.
Theme of the week: Blast from the Past!!!
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Screw it - gotta find happies
Depressing times are here. But I still need to keep my state of mind sane and healthy. Wrote 2 scripts over the last 2 weeks. And I am planning to shoot one of them for a competition in April/May 2005. These "creative" exercises for the brain help to keep my mental state in balance. Spoken to a friend few nites ago who wanted to know how to sell a wireless network product in Singapore - talking about all these technical mambo jumbo was quite the liberating exercise. Chance for me to think out of the box makes me ALIVE.
Exercising the mind - this is one thing that keep oneself fresh and young. Same principle as doing workouts or physical exercises - it makes one feel more rejuvenated. How do I do this? Now my methods might be different, but this may just work for ya! ;-)
1) Talk about possiblities and dare to dream
2) Keep asking "what ifs"
3) Look at how people are doing it, understand why, see if you can throw it all away. Re-invent the wheel.
4) Ask why, instead of just following.
5) Put yourself in your customers' shoes - would you eat your own dog food?
6) BE GENEROUS and OPEN
7) Try doing something you've never thought you could do.
8) How to outdo your peers? By doing something that is totally different, so no one can compare.
Ok ... how cryptic can these things get? Use your imagination and see if you could figure how to apply these things to your everyday life - you might do things you never thought you possibly could. ;-)
Exercising the mind - this is one thing that keep oneself fresh and young. Same principle as doing workouts or physical exercises - it makes one feel more rejuvenated. How do I do this? Now my methods might be different, but this may just work for ya! ;-)
1) Talk about possiblities and dare to dream
2) Keep asking "what ifs"
3) Look at how people are doing it, understand why, see if you can throw it all away. Re-invent the wheel.
4) Ask why, instead of just following.
5) Put yourself in your customers' shoes - would you eat your own dog food?
6) BE GENEROUS and OPEN
7) Try doing something you've never thought you could do.
8) How to outdo your peers? By doing something that is totally different, so no one can compare.
Ok ... how cryptic can these things get? Use your imagination and see if you could figure how to apply these things to your everyday life - you might do things you never thought you possibly could. ;-)
Week Review 11-Dec 2004
Yup it is not the end of the week yet, but since I had missed last week's review, so here's one that covers them all.
Overall: Things seemed to have gotten worse since the last post. Work related shit is bogging me. Then there's the health aspect, which isn't faring too well either. Lotsa things happened these 2 weeks. Highlights are as follows:
1) Brought the kids to watch the incredibles
2) Shitty things at work
3) Did the videowork for the Marathon. Very bad case of Sunburn.
4) More Shitty things at work
5) Actually managed to teach a bunch of P5s to do a simple strucure for a website for Melrose Children Home
6) Got a special version of one of my fav movies - 笑傲江湖Swordsman. Yipee!
7) Even more Shitty things at work
The word on the street is things are not getting any brighter - and i am bracing for greater change. Maybe the best way is start afresh is to be radical. And maybe I need to be a bit more radical than I thought I am capable of.
Song of the week: 爱の初体验 Well, basically I've been listening to 张振狱's album for quite a bit this 2 weeks. Got the CD mah. And this is the track I turned to most often when I was driving. But he is quite the man! The songs he writes are quirky and personal. Very cool! A close second would be 沧海一声笑，but the DVD came late in the week and I had spent more time with the prior disc. But this might make it to being next week's song of the week. We'll see. :)
Movie of the 2 weeks: Watched the Incredibles and National Treasure. National treasure has got some pretty bad one liners. Incredibles was much better than I expected. Guess the trophy goes to the superhero family.
Lows: Boatloads of Shit at work. Family problems - probably hinting at a boring chinese new year this 2005. Better plan to leave the country for an escape. Feb 8 is not too far away.
Highs: not much. not much. Little moments to myself. To think and ponder.
Dudes of the week: Alex Lui and Gerald Tew. You guys stuck through with me through all the bad times and the good. Thanks for being there all the time. Alex, probably because you are not attached that's why you have been so free, but hey, I appreciate the company anyways. Wow ... I have actually known you guys for more than 22years!!! How gay is that? :P
Quote of the week:
Actually a quote from a friend who probably stole it from somewhere else.
"Beneath every bunch of beautiful roses, there's always a pile of shit"
Well said ... well said :P
Overall: Things seemed to have gotten worse since the last post. Work related shit is bogging me. Then there's the health aspect, which isn't faring too well either. Lotsa things happened these 2 weeks. Highlights are as follows:
1) Brought the kids to watch the incredibles
2) Shitty things at work
3) Did the videowork for the Marathon. Very bad case of Sunburn.
4) More Shitty things at work
5) Actually managed to teach a bunch of P5s to do a simple strucure for a website for Melrose Children Home
6) Got a special version of one of my fav movies - 笑傲江湖Swordsman. Yipee!
7) Even more Shitty things at work
The word on the street is things are not getting any brighter - and i am bracing for greater change. Maybe the best way is start afresh is to be radical. And maybe I need to be a bit more radical than I thought I am capable of.
Song of the week: 爱の初体验 Well, basically I've been listening to 张振狱's album for quite a bit this 2 weeks. Got the CD mah. And this is the track I turned to most often when I was driving. But he is quite the man! The songs he writes are quirky and personal. Very cool! A close second would be 沧海一声笑，but the DVD came late in the week and I had spent more time with the prior disc. But this might make it to being next week's song of the week. We'll see. :)
Movie of the 2 weeks: Watched the Incredibles and National Treasure. National treasure has got some pretty bad one liners. Incredibles was much better than I expected. Guess the trophy goes to the superhero family.
Lows: Boatloads of Shit at work. Family problems - probably hinting at a boring chinese new year this 2005. Better plan to leave the country for an escape. Feb 8 is not too far away.
Highs: not much. not much. Little moments to myself. To think and ponder.
Dudes of the week: Alex Lui and Gerald Tew. You guys stuck through with me through all the bad times and the good. Thanks for being there all the time. Alex, probably because you are not attached that's why you have been so free, but hey, I appreciate the company anyways. Wow ... I have actually known you guys for more than 22years!!! How gay is that? :P
Quote of the week:
Actually a quote from a friend who probably stole it from somewhere else.
"Beneath every bunch of beautiful roses, there's always a pile of shit"
Well said ... well said :P
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Fav Movies of 2004 Part 3
Just watched the Incredibles yesterday. Woohoo! This is one head banging, hair swishing, and tree swinging movie that blows your mind. Just gotta write about it before the excitement fades. This is definitely one of the top 10 of the year!
The Incredibles:
This is really a great movie. Great way to end the year and the guys at Pixar has definitely delivered once again. The way they weave the relationship of all the characters are amazing. Every character are oozing with their own charm, and for awhile, you really do forget that you are watching an animated flick. In the past few animated flicks I saw, including Finding Nemo, I always find ton of characters trying to say witty things to make every moment of the movie count. Sometimes I just wish they could slow down a bit and let the story slow naturally a little. Like you sometimes get scenes of people doing their own things and not saying anything in some movies, the animated flicks seems to be so jammed packed with dialogues, you wonder if they were afraid that they will lose their credibilty.
However, this time, I didn't get that feeling at all with The Incredibles. The pacing was great. There were some quiet moments, and there was some hilarious ones, and then some loud head banger scenes. Totally rockadoo!! :) This is one of the best animated movie of ALL time. And in some ways, even better than Finding Nemo and Toy Story. Definitely one of the best in 2004.
Fahrenheit 911:
Possibly the most controversial movie of 2004. It was released to do what it eventually failed: to prevent George W. Bush from being re-elected. But still, I must say that Fahrenheit 911 is important in movie history because
1) it is an outstanding documentary on its own
2) it opened doors for many other documentaries
3) it brought documentaries to the masses
4) its agenda
Furthermore, having lived in US for 6 years, it really made me pay a lot more attention to the political scenes there. Having read the book "Dude where's my country?", I vaguely knew what the content of this movie was gonna be. However, it was still good to see the "evidence" brought to life in moving images. An important movie of our time, and this one's going into the history books.
The Incredibles:
This is really a great movie. Great way to end the year and the guys at Pixar has definitely delivered once again. The way they weave the relationship of all the characters are amazing. Every character are oozing with their own charm, and for awhile, you really do forget that you are watching an animated flick. In the past few animated flicks I saw, including Finding Nemo, I always find ton of characters trying to say witty things to make every moment of the movie count. Sometimes I just wish they could slow down a bit and let the story slow naturally a little. Like you sometimes get scenes of people doing their own things and not saying anything in some movies, the animated flicks seems to be so jammed packed with dialogues, you wonder if they were afraid that they will lose their credibilty.
However, this time, I didn't get that feeling at all with The Incredibles. The pacing was great. There were some quiet moments, and there was some hilarious ones, and then some loud head banger scenes. Totally rockadoo!! :) This is one of the best animated movie of ALL time. And in some ways, even better than Finding Nemo and Toy Story. Definitely one of the best in 2004.
Fahrenheit 911:
Possibly the most controversial movie of 2004. It was released to do what it eventually failed: to prevent George W. Bush from being re-elected. But still, I must say that Fahrenheit 911 is important in movie history because
1) it is an outstanding documentary on its own
2) it opened doors for many other documentaries
3) it brought documentaries to the masses
4) its agenda
Furthermore, having lived in US for 6 years, it really made me pay a lot more attention to the political scenes there. Having read the book "Dude where's my country?", I vaguely knew what the content of this movie was gonna be. However, it was still good to see the "evidence" brought to life in moving images. An important movie of our time, and this one's going into the history books.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Smooth sailing in the rough seas?
It was the best of times .... and I had my share of it. Now is the worst of times and I am having my fill. I think life is like the economy - you have the boom time ... then you have the cyclical depression. I have been trying to fight this drought for a while, and it is taking its toll. I am still trying to keep an optimistic outlook, but life never let you have it your way. When things happen, it comes in spades - be it good or bad.
Sailing in the seas, there are times when life is as calm (or boring? or stagnant?) as the stillwater. Then there are times, when the weather is good and windy, as things are going your way. Then the rough waters hit and the bad storms arrive, you have to prepare for the worse. But anytime in the course of sailing, life goes on. Calm or rough waters, life still carries on. And thus I have to find a way to survive, unless I want to give up fighting.
Surrender ... ah ... what an easy word to spell, and what an easy thing to do. It is the devil's temptation. It is the easy way out. It is his plan to make you give up and submit to his bidding. But could it also be God's will to humble me down and he wants to me surrender so I would lower my pride? It could be interpreted in so many ways.
Nonetheless, fight i am going to. But for much longer can I withstand? And how much further can I travel? The lonely seas with no end, where will find my land, my hope? Would North be true? Why Should I? ....
Sailing in the seas, there are times when life is as calm (or boring? or stagnant?) as the stillwater. Then there are times, when the weather is good and windy, as things are going your way. Then the rough waters hit and the bad storms arrive, you have to prepare for the worse. But anytime in the course of sailing, life goes on. Calm or rough waters, life still carries on. And thus I have to find a way to survive, unless I want to give up fighting.
Surrender ... ah ... what an easy word to spell, and what an easy thing to do. It is the devil's temptation. It is the easy way out. It is his plan to make you give up and submit to his bidding. But could it also be God's will to humble me down and he wants to me surrender so I would lower my pride? It could be interpreted in so many ways.
Nonetheless, fight i am going to. But for much longer can I withstand? And how much further can I travel? The lonely seas with no end, where will find my land, my hope? Would North be true? Why Should I? ....
Monday, November 29, 2004
Fav Movies of 2004 Part 2.
This round, I will talk about 2 more movies that I enjoyed this year. The Terminal and The Passion of Christ.
The Terminal: Tom Hanks is back in form again. He plays a transit traveller stuck at the international Terminal of the NY airport with no citizenship, and nowhere to go. The screenplay is based on a true story, though the movie used a phony country name and the actual airport wasn't a US airport. However, this movie succeeds in the same way Cast Away did - it carried the main character through a process of change and discovery. Both characters were placed in a strange location where they cannot leave, and they both tried to find the reasons to carry on with their lives. The setup was good, with cleverly designed characters. Another thumbs up from me for this movie by Steven Spielberg.
The Passion of Christ: This movie is a powerful one. The message is universal, and the images are strong. Whether it is an accurate depiction of the last 12 hours is debatable. This interpretation was that of Mel Gibson's, which was inspired by a description of the Passion by Lady Anne Catherine Emmerich from the 18th century who had a vision of the crucification. However, the movie resulted was that faithful to the visions, and Mel Gibson's guerilla tactics of marketing the film had a huge impact on well it was eventually received. Churches all around the world hailed the film and praises for the film spread like wildfire. Eventually, the "documentary" style of the film worked great to bolster the film's credibilty, and the seriousness of the subject was dealt with in a respectful manner. A great movie that will touch and be watched by millions in years to come.
The Terminal: Tom Hanks is back in form again. He plays a transit traveller stuck at the international Terminal of the NY airport with no citizenship, and nowhere to go. The screenplay is based on a true story, though the movie used a phony country name and the actual airport wasn't a US airport. However, this movie succeeds in the same way Cast Away did - it carried the main character through a process of change and discovery. Both characters were placed in a strange location where they cannot leave, and they both tried to find the reasons to carry on with their lives. The setup was good, with cleverly designed characters. Another thumbs up from me for this movie by Steven Spielberg.
The Passion of Christ: This movie is a powerful one. The message is universal, and the images are strong. Whether it is an accurate depiction of the last 12 hours is debatable. This interpretation was that of Mel Gibson's, which was inspired by a description of the Passion by Lady Anne Catherine Emmerich from the 18th century who had a vision of the crucification. However, the movie resulted was that faithful to the visions, and Mel Gibson's guerilla tactics of marketing the film had a huge impact on well it was eventually received. Churches all around the world hailed the film and praises for the film spread like wildfire. Eventually, the "documentary" style of the film worked great to bolster the film's credibilty, and the seriousness of the subject was dealt with in a respectful manner. A great movie that will touch and be watched by millions in years to come.
The very thought of you.
The very thought of you,
sends the shiver down my spine.
The evil thoughts of your ways,
skewer the mess out of my brain.
Whenever you make a move,
I will never cease to behold.
The wonderment of your motion,
is a dangerous distraction.
You are a dangerous attention,
I know but I couldn't bear the consequences.
The result of your absence,
would be of dire circumstances.
No other roads that will lead to my redemption.
I know the failure but I could not bear not to mention.
My deepest feelings to confess,
is the honesty I want to profess.
To tear away the mask that I wear,
which hides the truth that I cannot bear.
Everyday the question beckons,
Though the answer is probably in the open.
The risk of rejection is clear,
but the price of regret is dear.
Maybe this pursuit is not about the question,
but the timing of the entire situation.
Perhaps Patience is a hard game to play,
But I think I have no choice anyway.
sends the shiver down my spine.
The evil thoughts of your ways,
skewer the mess out of my brain.
Whenever you make a move,
I will never cease to behold.
The wonderment of your motion,
is a dangerous distraction.
You are a dangerous attention,
I know but I couldn't bear the consequences.
The result of your absence,
would be of dire circumstances.
No other roads that will lead to my redemption.
I know the failure but I could not bear not to mention.
My deepest feelings to confess,
is the honesty I want to profess.
To tear away the mask that I wear,
which hides the truth that I cannot bear.
Everyday the question beckons,
Though the answer is probably in the open.
The risk of rejection is clear,
but the price of regret is dear.
Maybe this pursuit is not about the question,
but the timing of the entire situation.
Perhaps Patience is a hard game to play,
But I think I have no choice anyway.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Week review 28-Nov 2004
Main Theme of the week: Death of James Wong. Shitty work week. Getting to convince myself to move on to a new target in my love life. The current one is starting to look hopeless. Maybe it has always been hopeless, but I guess I just can't get over the fact that I never even tried asking.
Lows of the week: Tension @ work. Cold war escalating.
Highlight of the week: Hmm ... been a pretty shitty week. So, highlight would be hanging out with my friend on the weekend. Nothing spectacular, but it was nice and relaxing. De-stressing .... Oh yah maybe a little bit. Got to know a new chick this week. She's got a nice personailty and sunny disposition. Rather attractive i might say. We'll see how things progress in the coming week.
Movie of the week: Birth ... and it is really not that enjoyable. The story does not explain well. It ends on a lingering note. It does not make u ask what if, nor does it make you think, but it just provided a question and didn't bother to explain it. What I felt was, the story teller couldn't make up his mind on which stand he wanted to take. Sorry, but i have made my stand, and that is this movie sucked.
Song of the week: 忘記他。"Forget him". Song first sung by Teresa Teng. Written by the venerable James Wong. Song of the week for obvious reasons.
Lows of the week: Tension @ work. Cold war escalating.
Highlight of the week: Hmm ... been a pretty shitty week. So, highlight would be hanging out with my friend on the weekend. Nothing spectacular, but it was nice and relaxing. De-stressing .... Oh yah maybe a little bit. Got to know a new chick this week. She's got a nice personailty and sunny disposition. Rather attractive i might say. We'll see how things progress in the coming week.
Movie of the week: Birth ... and it is really not that enjoyable. The story does not explain well. It ends on a lingering note. It does not make u ask what if, nor does it make you think, but it just provided a question and didn't bother to explain it. What I felt was, the story teller couldn't make up his mind on which stand he wanted to take. Sorry, but i have made my stand, and that is this movie sucked.
Song of the week: 忘記他。"Forget him". Song first sung by Teresa Teng. Written by the venerable James Wong. Song of the week for obvious reasons.
James Wong 1941-2004
James Wong, one of the greatest eastern thinker, artiste, writer and composer of our time has passed. The reason why I wrote the previous post in mandarin, was because I thought it would be most appropriate. I love the chinese langauage, and the reason for so were the exposure to and influences by some very special people throughout my life. James Wong was a personality that defies classification. His grasp of the chinese language was impeccable and it was shown through his numerous compositions and writings. A multi-talented figure that will forever be remembered. I thank him for making chinese language such a thrill to learn and explore and as an inspiration on how i choose to lead my life.
不文才子，黃霑 １９４１﹣２００４
黃霑先生過世了。這突如奇來的消息，果然令人不禁一振驚訝，也令我惋惜不已。在許多人們心中，黃前背只是一名不文老鬼頭，特別是那一些不熟悉香港社會的外國人，或只是透過電影而認識他的人。可怜的是這些人從來都沒接觸過他那才智過人的一面。我第一次對黃霑這名子產生印像時是當我在中學，開始發武俠小說熱時。當年我買了許多武俠連續劇主題曲及插曲的廣東ＣＤ，特別印像最深的如“上海灘"、“倆忘歅水裡”﹣而這幾首都是由黃霑作祠的。在中文作祠人當中，黃霑可稱造詣無雙，獨一無二。他所寫的祠深入淺出，能深入民心，卻又有一定的水平。他除了是位作祠人,也是作曲家，歌手，導演，編劇等等,在娛樂界素有‘鬼才’的稱號。
現今的年輕一代，不會有很多机會接臅黃前背的作品。今日的文學作品和歌曲，大多都是偏向於白話，直接易懂。但黃霑的字字句句都似乎經過一反精心的設計， 帶有詩意，而又毫放万丈。他的外貌及形像好似那看盡世事万種的中年人，但卻又帶著那毫爽放蕩的俠气。黃霑雖已經不在人世，但他所留下來的作品，所說過的名言，將留傳千古。我由衷感激他所給於我的影響﹣就是因為有黃霑這樣的人物，我才會對中華文化如此的著迷。
現今的年輕一代，不會有很多机會接臅黃前背的作品。今日的文學作品和歌曲，大多都是偏向於白話，直接易懂。但黃霑的字字句句都似乎經過一反精心的設計， 帶有詩意，而又毫放万丈。他的外貌及形像好似那看盡世事万種的中年人，但卻又帶著那毫爽放蕩的俠气。黃霑雖已經不在人世，但他所留下來的作品，所說過的名言，將留傳千古。我由衷感激他所給於我的影響﹣就是因為有黃霑這樣的人物，我才會對中華文化如此的著迷。
Friday, November 26, 2004
Embrace the change
It is a very depressing week. Lack of understanding, difficulty in trying to get ideas across, conflicts, and the inability to act within traditional confines. I hate being tied down by conventions, and I hate following trends. But working in an environment where people are unwilling to change and would rather play safe, is extremely stifling and unbearably annoying.
I feel helpless, ineffective, and caged. Why put me through these if you want me to come and exact changes? Why not do things differently so that people will be caught unaware? When unconventional ways of approach is exacted, there'll be no basis for comparison, cos there's no competition.
The disconnect between radical thinking and being secure, is the main reason for the lack of innovation. High risks, high returns. I am willing to take the risks, but sad to say, not many will. They'd rather die a slow and steady death, then to try different ways to capture the flag.
I urge all my friends to think different, not just out of the box, but throw out the box, kick the box and if the box is in the way, replace the box with something else. The world keeps turning, because people change. We would still be living in the 60s if no one tried anything new, or if we never tried to innovate, or if we didn't try to dream. There will be no inventions if there're no one willing to take chances. Embrace the change, and love it. Resist it, and stay in the same spot forever.
I feel helpless, ineffective, and caged. Why put me through these if you want me to come and exact changes? Why not do things differently so that people will be caught unaware? When unconventional ways of approach is exacted, there'll be no basis for comparison, cos there's no competition.
The disconnect between radical thinking and being secure, is the main reason for the lack of innovation. High risks, high returns. I am willing to take the risks, but sad to say, not many will. They'd rather die a slow and steady death, then to try different ways to capture the flag.
I urge all my friends to think different, not just out of the box, but throw out the box, kick the box and if the box is in the way, replace the box with something else. The world keeps turning, because people change. We would still be living in the 60s if no one tried anything new, or if we never tried to innovate, or if we didn't try to dream. There will be no inventions if there're no one willing to take chances. Embrace the change, and love it. Resist it, and stay in the same spot forever.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Week review 21-Nov 2004
Theme(s)/Main Plot/subplots of the week: Mainly a work week. Hanging out with my good friend alex over this past weekend. Nothing too crazy. Sunday was nice cos I met up with a friend from US that I haven't seen for a while. Nice to share crazy business ideas with him and maybe looking out for some opportunities in New York. Exciting :P Bought 2 new games : 1) Paper Mario 2) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. GREAT GAMES ....
Highlight of the Week: The 2 Games totally rocked my week. Especially Metroid Prime 2. Totally kicked Halo's ass. All the hype and shit. Halo's just another FPS!!! And the media and fans are hyping it like it is the next coming. WTF?? Granted, I only spent an hour with it, and I totally hate the controls. Well, will give it another shot this coming week and we'll see.
Movie of the week: Watched 2 movies this week. "Shutter" and "Girl Next Door". I love horror movies, but this round, the winner goes to "Girl Next Door". In case you haven't heard about it, it is because it never made it to Singapore. Movie is about a boy who falls for his super hot neighbour , who turned out to be a former porn star. Very very hot chick Elisha Cuthbert. :P Very funny story. Though it was a box office flop in US, it has definitely garnered a cult following. Totally made my week. :)
Check out the trailer. And import the DVD.
http://www.thegirlnextdoormovie.com/
Song of the week: Love Hurts - version by Heart. This track was originally by a group called Nazareth, but I have a live version by Heart that is just awesome. My good friend keeps playing this track everytime he's in my car, must have heard it at least 10 times over the past week. From the album "The Road Home". Highly recommended.
Highlight of the Week: The 2 Games totally rocked my week. Especially Metroid Prime 2. Totally kicked Halo's ass. All the hype and shit. Halo's just another FPS!!! And the media and fans are hyping it like it is the next coming. WTF?? Granted, I only spent an hour with it, and I totally hate the controls. Well, will give it another shot this coming week and we'll see.
Movie of the week: Watched 2 movies this week. "Shutter" and "Girl Next Door". I love horror movies, but this round, the winner goes to "Girl Next Door". In case you haven't heard about it, it is because it never made it to Singapore. Movie is about a boy who falls for his super hot neighbour , who turned out to be a former porn star. Very very hot chick Elisha Cuthbert. :P Very funny story. Though it was a box office flop in US, it has definitely garnered a cult following. Totally made my week. :)
Check out the trailer. And import the DVD.
http://www.thegirlnextdoormovie.com/
Song of the week: Love Hurts - version by Heart. This track was originally by a group called Nazareth, but I have a live version by Heart that is just awesome. My good friend keeps playing this track everytime he's in my car, must have heard it at least 10 times over the past week. From the album "The Road Home". Highly recommended.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Gays and Trannies ... toilet adventure
Today, I went to the toilet .... and I didn't notice that I was followed by a woman. When I was in there, and I noticed the female was tagging behind me, I got worried. Did I enter the wrong toilet?? I turned around, just to double check, half expecting the lady to be embarrassed. But as I turned (think slow motion), I noticed that the lady was a rather tall one. She kinda avoided me quickly and ran into the first cubicle. Then i heard, the seat lifted, and almost immediately, a gush of water pouring into the toilet bowl. Then as I saw the urinals against the wall, I confirmed a few things.
1) I am in a Male's toilet
2) That was a Man-woman.
That set me thinking. Should a trannie (transvestite) - a male turned female - enter a male's toilet or female's toilet? Or should a gay enter a male's toilet or female one? Who should we protect, the real deal or the converted?
Share your thoughts?? :)
1) I am in a Male's toilet
2) That was a Man-woman.
That set me thinking. Should a trannie (transvestite) - a male turned female - enter a male's toilet or female's toilet? Or should a gay enter a male's toilet or female one? Who should we protect, the real deal or the converted?
Share your thoughts?? :)
Sorry Everybody ...
This website is set up by Americans who didn't vote for Bush. Check out the gallery, and feel comforted that there are still almost 1/2 of them who are really really really nice (and intelligent :P) people.
http://www.sorryeverybody.com
http://www.sorryeverybody.com
Monday, November 15, 2004
Fav Movies of 2004 Part 1.
After a pretty disappointing Shark's Tales last night, here I look back to some of my personal Favs of the year ... So far that is. There's still 1.5 mths before then end of the year and some pretty incredible films i am still very much looking forward to ... "The Incredibles", "The Birth", etc.... 2004 has seen it's share of good movies, and some that pop to my mind so far include, "Captain Sky and the World of Tomorrow", "Spiderman 2", "Farenheit 911", "Kill bill 2" etc. Counting down to the end of 2004, I will do a few "lookbacks" to the those movies that moved and awed me in the past year, and when the year ends, I will put up a top 10/15 or 20 list of the year's favs.
This installment features: "Spider-man 2" and "Kill bill 2"
Spider-man 2: I would not have imagined myself to list a superhero movie as one of the best film of the year. But this is one movie that not only looked good, had great special effects .. and most importantly, had a HEART! wow! .. a Superhero movie that actually had a proper story to push it through and still kicked ass with their action sequences. This is now one of my all time favourite superhero movies - putting it up in the ranks of Superman I,II and The Crow. What I loved about the main character was how "everyday" he was. He was a regular college student, with money problems, schoolwork problems and also girl problem. He was trying so hard to do so many things, to make money cos he needs to pay rent and to eat, to cope with his school work and all these while trying to save the world. You could feel sorry for him, and almost wished that he could just live like a normal person. The person who wrote the script was a genius. A great story for a great superhero. Bravo!
The director Sam Raimi is also one of my favourite directors, and his previous works were all wide and varied. His past works included the Evil Dead series, A Simple Plan, and also the TV series Hercules and Xena. Very versatile dude and you guys should really check out his previous movies - especially "A Simple Plan".
Kill Bill 2: Woah ... both these movies are sequels. But these sequels were in everyway equal or better than their predecessor. The interesting thing about Kill Bill 2 is that, those who disliked it gave the same reasons as those who disliked Spider-man 2 - they all complained that it was too slow. I feel really sorry for these people who would rather sit through a mindless action movie than to have one that explored the depths of the characters' relationships. They will never understand the true underlying work that went into creating these great characters and the beauty of really good writing. Well, that aside, why do I like Kill Bill 2? Basically it is because this sequel made Kill Bill 1 better. What i meant was that, after watching Vol. 2, it made me wanna watch Vol. 1 again. The script was cheesy, yet witty. The setup was simple yet ingenious. The acting was outrageous but extremely fun to watch. The format was unconventional yet so thoroughly original. I applaud the efforts of Quentin Tarantino. This is probably one of my all time favourite movies - along with Pulp Fiction.
This installment features: "Spider-man 2" and "Kill bill 2"
Spider-man 2: I would not have imagined myself to list a superhero movie as one of the best film of the year. But this is one movie that not only looked good, had great special effects .. and most importantly, had a HEART! wow! .. a Superhero movie that actually had a proper story to push it through and still kicked ass with their action sequences. This is now one of my all time favourite superhero movies - putting it up in the ranks of Superman I,II and The Crow. What I loved about the main character was how "everyday" he was. He was a regular college student, with money problems, schoolwork problems and also girl problem. He was trying so hard to do so many things, to make money cos he needs to pay rent and to eat, to cope with his school work and all these while trying to save the world. You could feel sorry for him, and almost wished that he could just live like a normal person. The person who wrote the script was a genius. A great story for a great superhero. Bravo!
The director Sam Raimi is also one of my favourite directors, and his previous works were all wide and varied. His past works included the Evil Dead series, A Simple Plan, and also the TV series Hercules and Xena. Very versatile dude and you guys should really check out his previous movies - especially "A Simple Plan".
Kill Bill 2: Woah ... both these movies are sequels. But these sequels were in everyway equal or better than their predecessor. The interesting thing about Kill Bill 2 is that, those who disliked it gave the same reasons as those who disliked Spider-man 2 - they all complained that it was too slow. I feel really sorry for these people who would rather sit through a mindless action movie than to have one that explored the depths of the characters' relationships. They will never understand the true underlying work that went into creating these great characters and the beauty of really good writing. Well, that aside, why do I like Kill Bill 2? Basically it is because this sequel made Kill Bill 1 better. What i meant was that, after watching Vol. 2, it made me wanna watch Vol. 1 again. The script was cheesy, yet witty. The setup was simple yet ingenious. The acting was outrageous but extremely fun to watch. The format was unconventional yet so thoroughly original. I applaud the efforts of Quentin Tarantino. This is probably one of my all time favourite movies - along with Pulp Fiction.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Breaking up is hard to do ...
Got a call from a close friend of mine. She just broke up. Details would be spared to hide the identities of the parties. Let's just say that I know them both for more than a decade, and both the guy and girl are among my closest of friends. Now when i first broke up with one of my ex of 2 years, it took me close to 6 years to totally shake the impact. Now with this decade long relationship, I can't imagine how much harder it would be. We are talking about 10 years of memories. This is a hell lot of baggage to unload and it won't be easy.
Over the phone, I could tell she was holding back the tears. I tried to make sense of the senseless situation, but it was not easy. She asked me how I got over my past rejections (this chick who rejected me 3 times this year? :P) and how i moved on. She asked me how I could let things go so easily? The fact is I wasn't so "siao sar"( chinese for being "taking it in my stride"), it took 7 mths for me ... it could take much longer for her.
I did tell her that I had to find that "one single thought", that I could revisit to remind me, hey "stop wasting your time!". I took 7 mths to come to that realization, to wake up, to be enlightened, and make sense of the situation and move on. How about her? I do not know, but she would need to find that "one single thought" no matter what. It is usually the process of getting there that is the toughest.
What to do in the meantime before hitting the "single thought"? Get busy!! Volunteer to do some extra work in the office, take up a course, and catch up with all your friends! You'll be amazed how much you have missed out, and before long, you will find life full of hopes when all the opportunities (be it career wise or love wise) start knocking on the door. When you start complaining about all the "work" you are getting and the achievements you are making, you know you are on your way to recovery.
Do not wallow in self pity. Move on, cos the other party would. Why stay in one place when he will be off to see the world. You better not let the breakup hold you back. Your life is yours to embrace, so don't get stagnated. Hey if you are reading this my old friend, I am always available when u need someone to scream at, or just for plain coffee. My treat, and it doesn't have to be at Moonriver :) "When you're down ... and troubled .. and you need a helping hand ..."
Over the phone, I could tell she was holding back the tears. I tried to make sense of the senseless situation, but it was not easy. She asked me how I got over my past rejections (this chick who rejected me 3 times this year? :P) and how i moved on. She asked me how I could let things go so easily? The fact is I wasn't so "siao sar"( chinese for being "taking it in my stride"), it took 7 mths for me ... it could take much longer for her.
I did tell her that I had to find that "one single thought", that I could revisit to remind me, hey "stop wasting your time!". I took 7 mths to come to that realization, to wake up, to be enlightened, and make sense of the situation and move on. How about her? I do not know, but she would need to find that "one single thought" no matter what. It is usually the process of getting there that is the toughest.
What to do in the meantime before hitting the "single thought"? Get busy!! Volunteer to do some extra work in the office, take up a course, and catch up with all your friends! You'll be amazed how much you have missed out, and before long, you will find life full of hopes when all the opportunities (be it career wise or love wise) start knocking on the door. When you start complaining about all the "work" you are getting and the achievements you are making, you know you are on your way to recovery.
Do not wallow in self pity. Move on, cos the other party would. Why stay in one place when he will be off to see the world. You better not let the breakup hold you back. Your life is yours to embrace, so don't get stagnated. Hey if you are reading this my old friend, I am always available when u need someone to scream at, or just for plain coffee. My treat, and it doesn't have to be at Moonriver :) "When you're down ... and troubled .. and you need a helping hand ..."
Week review 14-Nov 2004
Highlight of the week: Karaoke twice a week? Bad for my throat, but good for my karma. ;) New shelf and new chair from Ikea ... :) I am easy to please.
Downs of the week: Breakup news of my close friends.
Main Plot(s)/Theme(s): The main theme of the week seems to be breaking up/letting go. Sub-plots include my good friend Alex's adventures after the return of his wedding ring from his ex. Ouch? But he got over rather quickly with a little help from yours truly and some cool recommendations. ;) Another interesting subplot- Karaoke dramas, people storming in and out of the room, not your typical K-ing experience. :)
Song of the week: Oasis - Don't look back in Anger. Got an unplugged version of the song that sounded awesome! Legit of course. :)
Movie of the week: Shark Tales. What a downer!
Downs of the week: Breakup news of my close friends.
Main Plot(s)/Theme(s): The main theme of the week seems to be breaking up/letting go. Sub-plots include my good friend Alex's adventures after the return of his wedding ring from his ex. Ouch? But he got over rather quickly with a little help from yours truly and some cool recommendations. ;) Another interesting subplot- Karaoke dramas, people storming in and out of the room, not your typical K-ing experience. :)
Song of the week: Oasis - Don't look back in Anger. Got an unplugged version of the song that sounded awesome! Legit of course. :)
Movie of the week: Shark Tales. What a downer!
Shark tales/Finding Nemo
Dreamworks has gotta get some creative juices pumping and stop hitting on others for ideas .. and I am talking about their animation studios. Though I do admit, I LOVE shrek1 and shrek2. However, the rest of their animated features are just ... underwhelming. After all the glowing reviews from friends and more friends, I told myself I just gotta check it out. And check it out I did last night.
Now Shark tales is not too bad. Really. It really wasn't as bad as I thought, but honestly, it is not good either. It was rather lousy, just not as lousy as I thought it would be. There were a few jokes that made me smile, but none that made me laugh. The main character played by Will Smith, somehow felt subdued and he didn't even seemed to be havin as much fun as I see him in other movies like "Independence Day", "Bad Boys" etc. Robert De Niro's Shark also pulled in an unispired voice acting.
Shrek was clever and witty, but Shark Tales was like a kid trying to be a smart alec. Was it by any chance that Dreamworks tried to rush out "Antz" when Pixar was releasing "A Bug's Life", and now "Shark tales" came right after Pixar's roaring underwater success "Finding Nemo". It is obvious with all of Dreamwork's efforts, they are trying to build an image that "we are making animations for the thinking adults". Though Pixar's animation works are generally more "family oriented", they succeed at being seemingly kiddy, yet having adult thematics and feelings injected into them. Pixar tries to be kiddy with the looks and animation, yet adult with their topics. Dreamworks tries to be adult both in their dialogues and character designs, and you can see this in almost all their efforts, yet so far, the only one that shone through was Shrek. Was it by any chance that Shrek was also not designed to knock off anyone's efforts, but by being creative and original?
Creativity and innovation drives the market and there can be no better examples than Shrek and Pixar's animated features.
Now Shark tales is not too bad. Really. It really wasn't as bad as I thought, but honestly, it is not good either. It was rather lousy, just not as lousy as I thought it would be. There were a few jokes that made me smile, but none that made me laugh. The main character played by Will Smith, somehow felt subdued and he didn't even seemed to be havin as much fun as I see him in other movies like "Independence Day", "Bad Boys" etc. Robert De Niro's Shark also pulled in an unispired voice acting.
Shrek was clever and witty, but Shark Tales was like a kid trying to be a smart alec. Was it by any chance that Dreamworks tried to rush out "Antz" when Pixar was releasing "A Bug's Life", and now "Shark tales" came right after Pixar's roaring underwater success "Finding Nemo". It is obvious with all of Dreamwork's efforts, they are trying to build an image that "we are making animations for the thinking adults". Though Pixar's animation works are generally more "family oriented", they succeed at being seemingly kiddy, yet having adult thematics and feelings injected into them. Pixar tries to be kiddy with the looks and animation, yet adult with their topics. Dreamworks tries to be adult both in their dialogues and character designs, and you can see this in almost all their efforts, yet so far, the only one that shone through was Shrek. Was it by any chance that Shrek was also not designed to knock off anyone's efforts, but by being creative and original?
Creativity and innovation drives the market and there can be no better examples than Shrek and Pixar's animated features.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
STD vaccine ... wooo :)
Very interesting news. I wonder what are the consequences. It is quite a rather cool vaccine. It will
1) prevent getting the disease
2) prevent spreading the disease .. even thru sex!
This vaccine may be injected to teenagers at school, before they have the opportunity to learn the "ways of the world". I can imagine some singaporean students taking the jabs alongside their "BCG" and saying "hey, this is the sex jab. Can have sex after this liao!". Wow. I wish i could live in the times to see how this goes. :P too bad i am not in primary school anymore. :P
So what do u guys make of this wonder vaccine? :)
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/conditions/11/01/cancer.vaccine.ap/index.html
1) prevent getting the disease
2) prevent spreading the disease .. even thru sex!
This vaccine may be injected to teenagers at school, before they have the opportunity to learn the "ways of the world". I can imagine some singaporean students taking the jabs alongside their "BCG" and saying "hey, this is the sex jab. Can have sex after this liao!". Wow. I wish i could live in the times to see how this goes. :P too bad i am not in primary school anymore. :P
So what do u guys make of this wonder vaccine? :)
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/conditions/11/01/cancer.vaccine.ap/index.html
Sunday, November 07, 2004
New York New York!
I have always loved New York City. And reading these two articles made me felt even stronger for it. The people living there, are diverse, colorful, and so receptive to "thinking differently". The people you speak to there, are more streetsmart, enthusiatic about their jobs and just basically more passionate about their own beliefs, yet theya re also extremely open to new and different ideas. They love being where they are and being who they are. I just wish the rest of America is more like that. Ironic isn't it, that they were the ones being attacked, yet 80% of them voted against Bush. Hope that will send some sort of signal to those heartlanders who overwhelmingly voted for Bush.
A Blue City (Disconsolate, Even) Bewildered by a Red America
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/nyregion/04york.html?pagewanted=1
Two Nations Under God
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/opinion/04friedman.html?hp
I truly miss New York. Maybe i should just take a quite direct flight there for a quick getaway. New York New York!!
A Blue City (Disconsolate, Even) Bewildered by a Red America
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/nyregion/04york.html?pagewanted=1
Two Nations Under God
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/opinion/04friedman.html?hp
I truly miss New York. Maybe i should just take a quite direct flight there for a quick getaway. New York New York!!
Best Chicken Briyani
Yes .... I gotta share this with the world (or at least Singaporeans).
The Chicken Nasi Briyani is awesome at Sixth Ave. Must check it out ... So far .. definitely the best I have tasted in singapore ...
They sometimes sell out of them ... so go early :)
Kacha!!!
The Chicken Nasi Briyani is awesome at Sixth Ave. Must check it out ... So far .. definitely the best I have tasted in singapore ...
They sometimes sell out of them ... so go early :)
Kacha!!!
Friday, November 05, 2004
2 days of lives
These past 2 days almost felt like a scheme, a setup of sorts that had things happening and people interacting with me that gives me an opportunity to reflect on my own life. Or maybe it is just pure coincidence. Really the past 2 days almost seemed like a drama unfolding upon me, like the movie magnolia, where lives of seemingly unrelated people, intertwined and affecting one another. Granted my life is not as disastrous as those in the movie, but the events are pretty dramatic of sorts - in their own little ways.
1) Cash problem. - I needed cash urgently. Something happened int he past 2 days, that seemed to help suddenly with this problem. My stocks went up by a few thousand dollars, and I just gotten a few payments from my own personal projects ... and they all happened in the same few days. The balance is neutral. Though normally I would have been pretty upset with the sudden lack of cash but this time, everything unrelated happening recently seemed to have cushioned the whole situation. Luck? Coincidence?
2) 2 nights ago, a customer of mine came by to pick up his wedding DVD which I should have prepared, but forgot to bring. He had several times wanted to pay for my wedding video services but never got the chance to. He did so that night without picking up the DVD even though i insisted there's no need to. Guess what? the money did come in handy the very next day.
3) Now the DVD ... since my client didn't pick up the DVD 2 nights ago when he was supposed to, he promised to come by last night. Something cropped up, and he couldn't make it. That in turn led to a serious of events that could only be accounted as fate .... The DVD on my counter, attracted a small talk with this customer of mine, and we eventually sat down and engaged in a very interesting conversation. This man, let's just call him Peter, seemed to share plenty of likes and interests with me and we talk quite a bit about short filmmaking, the importance of a strong script and story, and editing and the works. A new friend made, in a matter of minutes, through a series of seemingly unconnected events ....
4) Now that's not the end. He went on to open up to me and told me about his own life. I have this weird ability of somehow making people feel comfortable opening up to me and talking to me like they've known me for years. But anyhow, I learnt that he is now undergoing a separation, and have 3 children. He told me how old they were but I didn't quite remember, but one of them being 22mths. Now why is this significant to mention? Guess what? I had just let someone go at my other workplace (who was recently separated and has a kid of ) just one day before. Now is this a sign? What is this whole situation trying to tell me?
5) Now talking about the person I had let go 2 days ago. It was for some very strange reasons but both the party and myself understood that it was not an easy decision. He ended up being the one consoling me and telling me that there's no hard feelings. It is never easy to fire anyone, no matter what reasons there may be. But this time, it almost seemed like he was fated to leave, and I was fated to be the one to make the decision to let him go. Very hard to explain, but somehow, all these things seem to happen for a reason.
6) Now this last thing seemed unconnected to the above 5 matters, but I have a feeling that I am scheduled to receive the news only yesterday. One of my staff have been very down in the past few weeks. The past 2 days, things seemed to have gone for the worst. She would come in, and stare into blankness, and suddenly tears would flow from her eyes. I tried to reach out to her but she would refuse to talk to me (or anyone for that matter). Initially I had thought it was due to the recent wage/tips which I had withheld from everyone but I had learnt of the truth last night finally. It appears that her grandmother was very very ill. I supposed it must be life threatening or it wouldn't have affected her so bad. Now this news affected me most personally. Why you may ask? My own mother recently had a relapse of a condition of hers which I didn;t think much of before. She had to be rushed to the doctor and I took a day off (there's no excuse in this case:P) to bring her to my friend's wife who is a doctor. My mom was given a full checkup, and found out that she was under too much stress, and that's why she kept fainting. My employee's sadness suddenly triggered me to ask myself, "How would I feel should something bad really happen to my mom?" This reminded me of one of the reasons why I was working so hard - I need to make sure I can take care of my brothers, and especially my youngest sister (and god knows, my father?) should any (touch wood) bad things happen. I need to be prepared ....
7) Now the 2 persons that I mentioned before who were separated? Meeting them strengthened my will to work harder because my family is in a similar situation. I won't go into details, but those who are close to me should understand what I mean. I am the only one who can help the rest of the family should any bad things happen. Maybe this is the final message of them all - I should be ready for the worst.
Just Like in Magnolia .... one of my favourite movies, now I see lives of many different people, intertwined with mine. Their stories inspiring me, and giving me hints on how I should lead mine. Signs that scream out to me, to see the connection of people around me and how I should treasure my every moment, my every opportunity and my every aquaintance. I am very grateful for all the good things and the bad. I just wish I could help others see things the way I do too.
Ok ... probably the longest blog entry I've ever written so far. This could be my new story. :)
1) Cash problem. - I needed cash urgently. Something happened int he past 2 days, that seemed to help suddenly with this problem. My stocks went up by a few thousand dollars, and I just gotten a few payments from my own personal projects ... and they all happened in the same few days. The balance is neutral. Though normally I would have been pretty upset with the sudden lack of cash but this time, everything unrelated happening recently seemed to have cushioned the whole situation. Luck? Coincidence?
2) 2 nights ago, a customer of mine came by to pick up his wedding DVD which I should have prepared, but forgot to bring. He had several times wanted to pay for my wedding video services but never got the chance to. He did so that night without picking up the DVD even though i insisted there's no need to. Guess what? the money did come in handy the very next day.
3) Now the DVD ... since my client didn't pick up the DVD 2 nights ago when he was supposed to, he promised to come by last night. Something cropped up, and he couldn't make it. That in turn led to a serious of events that could only be accounted as fate .... The DVD on my counter, attracted a small talk with this customer of mine, and we eventually sat down and engaged in a very interesting conversation. This man, let's just call him Peter, seemed to share plenty of likes and interests with me and we talk quite a bit about short filmmaking, the importance of a strong script and story, and editing and the works. A new friend made, in a matter of minutes, through a series of seemingly unconnected events ....
4) Now that's not the end. He went on to open up to me and told me about his own life. I have this weird ability of somehow making people feel comfortable opening up to me and talking to me like they've known me for years. But anyhow, I learnt that he is now undergoing a separation, and have 3 children. He told me how old they were but I didn't quite remember, but one of them being 22mths. Now why is this significant to mention? Guess what? I had just let someone go at my other workplace (who was recently separated and has a kid of ) just one day before. Now is this a sign? What is this whole situation trying to tell me?
5) Now talking about the person I had let go 2 days ago. It was for some very strange reasons but both the party and myself understood that it was not an easy decision. He ended up being the one consoling me and telling me that there's no hard feelings. It is never easy to fire anyone, no matter what reasons there may be. But this time, it almost seemed like he was fated to leave, and I was fated to be the one to make the decision to let him go. Very hard to explain, but somehow, all these things seem to happen for a reason.
6) Now this last thing seemed unconnected to the above 5 matters, but I have a feeling that I am scheduled to receive the news only yesterday. One of my staff have been very down in the past few weeks. The past 2 days, things seemed to have gone for the worst. She would come in, and stare into blankness, and suddenly tears would flow from her eyes. I tried to reach out to her but she would refuse to talk to me (or anyone for that matter). Initially I had thought it was due to the recent wage/tips which I had withheld from everyone but I had learnt of the truth last night finally. It appears that her grandmother was very very ill. I supposed it must be life threatening or it wouldn't have affected her so bad. Now this news affected me most personally. Why you may ask? My own mother recently had a relapse of a condition of hers which I didn;t think much of before. She had to be rushed to the doctor and I took a day off (there's no excuse in this case:P) to bring her to my friend's wife who is a doctor. My mom was given a full checkup, and found out that she was under too much stress, and that's why she kept fainting. My employee's sadness suddenly triggered me to ask myself, "How would I feel should something bad really happen to my mom?" This reminded me of one of the reasons why I was working so hard - I need to make sure I can take care of my brothers, and especially my youngest sister (and god knows, my father?) should any (touch wood) bad things happen. I need to be prepared ....
7) Now the 2 persons that I mentioned before who were separated? Meeting them strengthened my will to work harder because my family is in a similar situation. I won't go into details, but those who are close to me should understand what I mean. I am the only one who can help the rest of the family should any bad things happen. Maybe this is the final message of them all - I should be ready for the worst.
Just Like in Magnolia .... one of my favourite movies, now I see lives of many different people, intertwined with mine. Their stories inspiring me, and giving me hints on how I should lead mine. Signs that scream out to me, to see the connection of people around me and how I should treasure my every moment, my every opportunity and my every aquaintance. I am very grateful for all the good things and the bad. I just wish I could help others see things the way I do too.
Ok ... probably the longest blog entry I've ever written so far. This could be my new story. :)
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Dou Hua
Now i just gotta write this down before I forget. :P
On my way home I stopped by a famous beancurd (dou hua) store to buy some soy bean milk to drink. There I saw a very "well endowed" woman. And this inspired the following :
小花生来丑小鸭
从来都没有人夸
但她每天喝豆花
结果变成大奶妈！
Hahhahahh :P ... now this is what I call stroke of genius :P and a spark of inspiration :P
On my way home I stopped by a famous beancurd (dou hua) store to buy some soy bean milk to drink. There I saw a very "well endowed" woman. And this inspired the following :
小花生来丑小鸭
从来都没有人夸
但她每天喝豆花
结果变成大奶妈！
Hahhahahh :P ... now this is what I call stroke of genius :P and a spark of inspiration :P
Try this before it is gone!!!
Ok .. this is really funny and cool :P ...
Goto this link
http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/news/election2004.jsp
Right click the image of george w and laura bush, and save the file as. See what is the name of the file :P
Then, check out this link
http://chrisevans3d.com/files/iq.htm
Very very funny!!!!
Goto this link
http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/news/election2004.jsp
Right click the image of george w and laura bush, and save the file as. See what is the name of the file :P
Then, check out this link
http://chrisevans3d.com/files/iq.htm
Very very funny!!!!
Bushman is here to stay
Yes .... Mr George W Bush is gonna be with us for the next 4 years to come. Kerry conceded eventually. The only good thing we can read from this, is that he will not be here beyond the 4 year term. Close to half of America will not be pleased with the outcome, but they would have to live with the slight majority.
So let's welcome Mr Bush back for 4 more years of bloopers, absurdities, bloodshed, and world disharmony.
Let's pray that the bible code is wrong.
So let's welcome Mr Bush back for 4 more years of bloopers, absurdities, bloodshed, and world disharmony.
Let's pray that the bible code is wrong.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Bad move buddy ...
There are times when hard decision needs to be made, but when you made it, it might not have the desired results as you expected. I have had the pleasure of executing a bad move recently. :P
Now as business goes, many things should not have been decided upon without thorough thought, and I do admit that the execution was partly flawed. The intention was to cause an alarm, and to serve as a wake up call, but it seemed to have some side effects of lowering the morale. Well, what's done cannot be undone, and the hardest part was trying to spin it in a way that will have the results we want, but yet not having the desired side effects.
All these must sound somewhat crytic, but it is meant to be that way. Sorry if all these doesn't make sense to you. The takeaway is (if there's any), is that you should always put yourself in other people's shoes whenever you make any decisions. Yes I always do that, but this time, it was truly overlooked. Of course, I don't forsee any of my staff reading this, but even if they did, what the heck. The aim was to get attention, and attention I had gotten. Everyone is talking about it and that's what I wanted. Next month things should return to usual. In the meantime, i forsee that it is gonna be a tough month ahead ....
Shit I am starting to sound like George W Bush.
Now as business goes, many things should not have been decided upon without thorough thought, and I do admit that the execution was partly flawed. The intention was to cause an alarm, and to serve as a wake up call, but it seemed to have some side effects of lowering the morale. Well, what's done cannot be undone, and the hardest part was trying to spin it in a way that will have the results we want, but yet not having the desired side effects.
All these must sound somewhat crytic, but it is meant to be that way. Sorry if all these doesn't make sense to you. The takeaway is (if there's any), is that you should always put yourself in other people's shoes whenever you make any decisions. Yes I always do that, but this time, it was truly overlooked. Of course, I don't forsee any of my staff reading this, but even if they did, what the heck. The aim was to get attention, and attention I had gotten. Everyone is talking about it and that's what I wanted. Next month things should return to usual. In the meantime, i forsee that it is gonna be a tough month ahead ....
Shit I am starting to sound like George W Bush.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Bin Lying down :)
When do you know if you are living in times where history is in the making? Answer: When the world's political scene is unfolding even more dramatically than any TV drama on air.
Now, let's look at the most exciting events that has been unfolding. The different countries, are like different characters with different personalities. The main characters these days seem to be the US and Iraq. Supporting casts are like Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, France and so on. But like any good long running sitcom, the story of the world can shift its focus between the different characters and keep it interesting. :) For now, let's see what's happening to these key characters.
US - is going through a change. A big one ... and the world is watching. Who's gonna be the new leader of the pack? The interesting thing is how the US's relationship with the rest of the world is affecting the election this time. Particularly with Iraq. Many outside US are seeing US as the big bully, but many of the Americans are crying, "We're really nice people!!". Try telling that to the Iraqis who lost 100,000 innocent lives just because US wanted to liberate them of their evil ruler.
Iraq - feeling disgruntled instead of liberated. But how can you blame them for feeling this way, when it was the US who planted their leader there, then went to war with them not once, but twice. And both times by the Bush family, father and son. So who's flip flopping? Some terrorists (mostly Saudis) decided to ram their planes into the World trade center and killed 3000 Americans, and through some way or another, led to US deciding to attack Iraq in their crusade of ridding the world of terrorism. Even if I was not a Iraqi, I would still find the whole scenario a little absurd.
And today, voila! The guy who is responsible for the deaths of the 3000 Americans in the 911 incident is back! And the video announcemnt by Mr Bin Laden has added a new twist to the election that is just merely 2 days away.
Now is that drama or what??? :)
Now, let's look at the most exciting events that has been unfolding. The different countries, are like different characters with different personalities. The main characters these days seem to be the US and Iraq. Supporting casts are like Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, France and so on. But like any good long running sitcom, the story of the world can shift its focus between the different characters and keep it interesting. :) For now, let's see what's happening to these key characters.
US - is going through a change. A big one ... and the world is watching. Who's gonna be the new leader of the pack? The interesting thing is how the US's relationship with the rest of the world is affecting the election this time. Particularly with Iraq. Many outside US are seeing US as the big bully, but many of the Americans are crying, "We're really nice people!!". Try telling that to the Iraqis who lost 100,000 innocent lives just because US wanted to liberate them of their evil ruler.
Iraq - feeling disgruntled instead of liberated. But how can you blame them for feeling this way, when it was the US who planted their leader there, then went to war with them not once, but twice. And both times by the Bush family, father and son. So who's flip flopping? Some terrorists (mostly Saudis) decided to ram their planes into the World trade center and killed 3000 Americans, and through some way or another, led to US deciding to attack Iraq in their crusade of ridding the world of terrorism. Even if I was not a Iraqi, I would still find the whole scenario a little absurd.
And today, voila! The guy who is responsible for the deaths of the 3000 Americans in the 911 incident is back! And the video announcemnt by Mr Bin Laden has added a new twist to the election that is just merely 2 days away.
Now is that drama or what??? :)
Kids and chocolates?
Recently, I had the opportunity to bring a bunch of kids from a home to a "Kids Fest" organized by the CAAS (what that stands for I am not sure, but it has something to do with Changi Airport and its terminal and some of their operations). Seems like the kids enjoyed themselves - I think not so much that they've learnt anything in the process or that they had done anything that couldn't be done elsewhere. Ironically, they hardly saw any planes considering that they knew they were heading to an airport terminal and that seemed like the whole point of the event. The day went by seeing them being zipped from one place to another, taking pictures instead of really staying at any one place and enjoying themselves, or learning anything. It was like "oh this is the pool!, do not step on the green area, let's take some pictures, let's go!" .. So what's the point of heading there? "Now we're at the cactus garden! Let's take some pictures!, let's go!" .. So, what's the deal with the seeing the cactus garden for 3-4min? Then woo ... zipping off to the restaurant, and that was the place where we spent the most time and took the most pictures. :)
Nonetheless, I thought they enjoyed themselves because of the company, the people, the chance to get out of the home and just do something silly. All thanks to Jean Hung most of all who organized the event and generously included the kids. :) The helpers like Melvyn, Badu and the rest of the entourage. Uncle Ronald, and the fat Pied Piper. Rita who was so sporting :P and the helpers - Steven & Betty. And of course the lovely crazy girl whom i thought made the kids' day definitely - more so than the clown, pied piper and the chocolates combined sorry to say.
Nonetheless, I thought they enjoyed themselves because of the company, the people, the chance to get out of the home and just do something silly. All thanks to Jean Hung most of all who organized the event and generously included the kids. :) The helpers like Melvyn, Badu and the rest of the entourage. Uncle Ronald, and the fat Pied Piper. Rita who was so sporting :P and the helpers - Steven & Betty. And of course the lovely crazy girl whom i thought made the kids' day definitely - more so than the clown, pied piper and the chocolates combined sorry to say.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Bushes for Kerry
Now this is truly hilarious!
Several distant cousins have put up a website to urge people to support Kerry.
http://www.bushrelativesforkerry.com
Report on CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/10/25/bush.cousins.ap/index.html
This is a quote from one of the cousin from the website:
"Jeanny House (Wisconsin): I'm voting for John Kerry because I'm a Christian. I know that my second cousin, George Bush, claims that he is the anointed leader of the American people and that God told him to run for office. I believe he may even believe that. I don't.
My Christian faith leads me to a concern for the poor and the marginalized, yet Bush's actions in office have repeatedly cut funding for health care, aid to failing schools, jobs programs, after school programs, Head Start, and many more services that provide real help and hope to those living in poverty. Under the Bush administration, over a million additional people have dropped below the poverty line. 1.2 million more have gone into "deep poverty," which is one-half the $18,810 for a family of four that defines "poverty."
My Christian faith leads me to a concern for the health and welfare of all of God's people, yet 45 million people in this country have no health insurance. The Bush administration, working hard to protect the interests of large, rich insurance companies, has done nothing to address the real health care crisis.
My Christian faith tells me the peacemakers are the blessed ones, yet George Bush wants to resurrect the Crusades, one of the most shameful experiences in Christian history. I fail to understand how lying to the people of the United States about any of the many justifications they have used for going to war in Iraq can be considered in any way, shape, or form a remotely Christian activity. Yes, Jesus once said, "I come not to bring peace, but a sword." He was talking about liberating his OWN people from within, not invading an oil-rich country out of purely selfish motives, then claiming it was for the liberation of others. The only true liberation comes when the oppressed claim it for themselves. This is something George Bush and his Imperialist cabal will never understand.
My Christian faith moves toward greater inclusiveness and acceptance, George Bush moves toward punishment, division, and exclusion. My Christian faith seeks to bring people into the circle of decision-making, George Bush seeks to keep them out. My Christian faith seeks to afford equal rights and responsibilities to all, George Bush seeks to reserve more rights for the privileged few.
My Christian faith is not looking for a new Messiah named George Bush.
I am, however, looking for a leader. I believe that leader's name is John Kerry."
Bushwhacked!!! :)
Several distant cousins have put up a website to urge people to support Kerry.
http://www.bushrelativesforkerry.com
Report on CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/10/25/bush.cousins.ap/index.html
This is a quote from one of the cousin from the website:
"Jeanny House (Wisconsin): I'm voting for John Kerry because I'm a Christian. I know that my second cousin, George Bush, claims that he is the anointed leader of the American people and that God told him to run for office. I believe he may even believe that. I don't.
My Christian faith leads me to a concern for the poor and the marginalized, yet Bush's actions in office have repeatedly cut funding for health care, aid to failing schools, jobs programs, after school programs, Head Start, and many more services that provide real help and hope to those living in poverty. Under the Bush administration, over a million additional people have dropped below the poverty line. 1.2 million more have gone into "deep poverty," which is one-half the $18,810 for a family of four that defines "poverty."
My Christian faith leads me to a concern for the health and welfare of all of God's people, yet 45 million people in this country have no health insurance. The Bush administration, working hard to protect the interests of large, rich insurance companies, has done nothing to address the real health care crisis.
My Christian faith tells me the peacemakers are the blessed ones, yet George Bush wants to resurrect the Crusades, one of the most shameful experiences in Christian history. I fail to understand how lying to the people of the United States about any of the many justifications they have used for going to war in Iraq can be considered in any way, shape, or form a remotely Christian activity. Yes, Jesus once said, "I come not to bring peace, but a sword." He was talking about liberating his OWN people from within, not invading an oil-rich country out of purely selfish motives, then claiming it was for the liberation of others. The only true liberation comes when the oppressed claim it for themselves. This is something George Bush and his Imperialist cabal will never understand.
My Christian faith moves toward greater inclusiveness and acceptance, George Bush moves toward punishment, division, and exclusion. My Christian faith seeks to bring people into the circle of decision-making, George Bush seeks to keep them out. My Christian faith seeks to afford equal rights and responsibilities to all, George Bush seeks to reserve more rights for the privileged few.
My Christian faith is not looking for a new Messiah named George Bush.
I am, however, looking for a leader. I believe that leader's name is John Kerry."
Bushwhacked!!! :)
Monday, October 25, 2004
Kudos to to the Guardian
Dear fellow world citizen, the US election is happening in less than 2 weeks. For those who had been following, you know that both Bush and Kerry are hanging around the Swing States (those states with fairly even split votes, and would "swing" the direction of the election should they be won) quite a bit.
An interesting exercise by a UK newspaper, Guardian, was set up recently targeting one of the swing states, Ohio. They were encouraging and helping people to write to the people in Ohio to encourage them to vote against Bush. Now they had gotten alot of backlash from those Bush supporters regarding this, but what struck me was, if they wanted, they could have easily gotten another international paper to do the same for Bush. However, they probably know that it wouldn't be easy because Bush has gotten a terrible reputation outside the US.
From reports, Guardian has got plenty of positive letters and responses (close to 70,000) while some negative ones. Their site was even hacked because of this experiment they were running.
Well, here I pay salute to Guardian for their bravery, their innovative thinking and for standing by their beliefs. This US election is probably the most important one in the recent history because the Bush administration has shown that when superpower is misused based on cranky intelligence, it can lead to war, deaths and create a whole lotta mess in the world.
An interesting exercise by a UK newspaper, Guardian, was set up recently targeting one of the swing states, Ohio. They were encouraging and helping people to write to the people in Ohio to encourage them to vote against Bush. Now they had gotten alot of backlash from those Bush supporters regarding this, but what struck me was, if they wanted, they could have easily gotten another international paper to do the same for Bush. However, they probably know that it wouldn't be easy because Bush has gotten a terrible reputation outside the US.
From reports, Guardian has got plenty of positive letters and responses (close to 70,000) while some negative ones. Their site was even hacked because of this experiment they were running.
Well, here I pay salute to Guardian for their bravery, their innovative thinking and for standing by their beliefs. This US election is probably the most important one in the recent history because the Bush administration has shown that when superpower is misused based on cranky intelligence, it can lead to war, deaths and create a whole lotta mess in the world.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
My loving problems?
Now ... breaking up is hard to do .... and so is letting go. Well, that's my problem. I get attached to things too easily ... and I get attached for a long long time. Last year this time, I was crazy about this girl. And for the first time in the longest time have I since fallen so hard for a girl. Well, let's just say that I was a persistent ass and she was just too hard to pass. Rejections after rejections, I finally gave up, though it was still hard trying to let it go deep in my heart. Had to put up a farce, and straight face pretending that i have finally gave up. That was the toughest part .... pretending ...
Well ... fast forward 1 year now ... she's happily attached to someone else ... and I am really really envious of the other guy. We still talk, and she recently told me how much she is willing to give up her job for the relationship. Very cool. Guess some part of me wonders, when will I find a girl that will do something like that for me? Come to think of it, both my previous girlfriends, will never do that for me.
I figure the problem is that, in both my previous relationships, it was always the case of me loving the girls more than they love me. I was always the one willing to sacrifice, not the other way around. I should probably find a girl who loves me more than I love her. But the problem is, these girls probably would be easy to get, but I typically do not like easy targets. What a dilemma!!?? When will the right one come along? One whom I would love oh so much, and she would actually appreciate it, and not take it for granted?
Anyways, I do wish my friend all the best with her man. And I am truly glad to have moved on. What a relief!! :)
Well ... fast forward 1 year now ... she's happily attached to someone else ... and I am really really envious of the other guy. We still talk, and she recently told me how much she is willing to give up her job for the relationship. Very cool. Guess some part of me wonders, when will I find a girl that will do something like that for me? Come to think of it, both my previous girlfriends, will never do that for me.
I figure the problem is that, in both my previous relationships, it was always the case of me loving the girls more than they love me. I was always the one willing to sacrifice, not the other way around. I should probably find a girl who loves me more than I love her. But the problem is, these girls probably would be easy to get, but I typically do not like easy targets. What a dilemma!!?? When will the right one come along? One whom I would love oh so much, and she would actually appreciate it, and not take it for granted?
Anyways, I do wish my friend all the best with her man. And I am truly glad to have moved on. What a relief!! :)
June 21st, what does that make me?
Now I am born on a Cusp. June 21 and that makes me share some attributes from Gemini and Cancer. I always had problems deciding which sign to read cos there are books that put me as a Cancer and there are those that put me as a Gemini. I recently decided to write to Susan Miller to ask for opinions and I even gave her my birthtime GMT and the works to let her decide for me. The answer I got was pretty interesting. Here's a portion of the letter :
"Dear Yee Wei,
Thank you for your letter! I get lots of questions about being born right on the cusp, between two signs. In answer to your question, you are very fortunate, because you take the best of BOTH signs. For personality profiles you probably fit the earlier sign but for forecasts, read the latter of the two (in your case, the forecast for Cancer). It's a long explanation as to why--but it seems to work well this way."
So I have a personality of a Gemini but I will inherit the fate of the Cancer. Mystery solved! :)
Susan Miller's Astrology Site is awesome. Probably the most detailed forecast you can find anywhere. :)
"Dear Yee Wei,
Thank you for your letter! I get lots of questions about being born right on the cusp, between two signs. In answer to your question, you are very fortunate, because you take the best of BOTH signs. For personality profiles you probably fit the earlier sign but for forecasts, read the latter of the two (in your case, the forecast for Cancer). It's a long explanation as to why--but it seems to work well this way."
So I have a personality of a Gemini but I will inherit the fate of the Cancer. Mystery solved! :)
Susan Miller's Astrology Site is awesome. Probably the most detailed forecast you can find anywhere. :)
Fortune telling, Tarot cards blah blah ....
Now recently I had a friend of mine who visited my restaurant and brought along a shrink of sorts who dabbles in tarot cards. Now this is entertainment. I do have a few questions and I wondered if it can gimme some straight answers. Now that night's experience, left me feeling like I had dealt with some politician. You cannot get any damn straight answers from the cards. And the shrink who reads from the book trying to explain what she claims to be as "clear as the skies" (it happens to be raining that very night), is like a politician who tries to convince you that she knows you more than you know yourself. And she gimme 2 paragraphs of crap when I am asking for a straight Yes or No answer. I told her, nevermind what the book says. You tell me is this YES or NO? And the battle rages on .....
She will try to say things like "Are you sure?", "What makes you think you know yourself" and shit like that. Then she tries to tell you what your problem is. Reverse psychology. Instill self doubts, then impose their opinions, which would make them seem like they are the wiser one.
Well granted, people who ask questions at tarot cards reading or fortune tellers do so because they are not sure, or have doubts about any issue. However, I do hope that the receipient, keep a clear mind and do not subject themselves to purely accepting those crytic answers as the WORD. Feel free to reject any ideas that might not seem/feel right, and never succumb to the psychological trap which they set up for you. REMEMBER, if the shrink can't offer you a straight answer, this is because THE SHRINK DOES NOT KNOW THE ANSWER. I still have questions which I want answered, but if anyone knows any shrink who can do better and not gimme some crap load of "are you sure???", please pass on the contacts. :) I would love to explore the unknown. :)
She will try to say things like "Are you sure?", "What makes you think you know yourself" and shit like that. Then she tries to tell you what your problem is. Reverse psychology. Instill self doubts, then impose their opinions, which would make them seem like they are the wiser one.
Well granted, people who ask questions at tarot cards reading or fortune tellers do so because they are not sure, or have doubts about any issue. However, I do hope that the receipient, keep a clear mind and do not subject themselves to purely accepting those crytic answers as the WORD. Feel free to reject any ideas that might not seem/feel right, and never succumb to the psychological trap which they set up for you. REMEMBER, if the shrink can't offer you a straight answer, this is because THE SHRINK DOES NOT KNOW THE ANSWER. I still have questions which I want answered, but if anyone knows any shrink who can do better and not gimme some crap load of "are you sure???", please pass on the contacts. :) I would love to explore the unknown. :)
Friday, October 22, 2004
Palmasutra!!!
Do you have a Palm? I just got a T3 and I am enjoyin it :P
And this is one cool program to try :P ....
http://www.palmasutra.org
And this is one cool program to try :P ....
http://www.palmasutra.org
The Book
MY BOOK
My life is an open book.
Read it if you wish, read it if you dare.
But read it carefully I plead
Read it with a heart indeed
Do not just the cover you screen
The fancy and cheerful gleam
The interesting title is but a scheme
To mislead the proud and confuse the weak
Do not just the introduction you peruse
The short and concise brief
The quick summary is but a ruse
To hide the truth from those who only skim the news
Patience is a virtue you need
To appreciate the book for what it is
Time is a precious gift
Spent to understand the words that you read
So a sincere heart is required
To comprehend this book of mine
And reveal this mystery
that is the life of mine
My life is an open book.
Read it if you wish, read it if you dare.
But read it carefully I plead
Read it with a heart indeed
Do not just the cover you screen
The fancy and cheerful gleam
The interesting title is but a scheme
To mislead the proud and confuse the weak
Do not just the introduction you peruse
The short and concise brief
The quick summary is but a ruse
To hide the truth from those who only skim the news
Patience is a virtue you need
To appreciate the book for what it is
Time is a precious gift
Spent to understand the words that you read
So a sincere heart is required
To comprehend this book of mine
And reveal this mystery
that is the life of mine
Jon Stewart Rocks CNN
Now this is last week's news. But hey if you are a Singaporean, you might not know who is Jon Stewart cos the freaking PAP banned his shows.
Again, a little background. Jon Stewart host "The daily show" - a "fake" news program that airs everynight on CableTv on Comedy Central (in US). What he does on his show, is takes news feeds from different sources, and finds absurdities and makes fun of them. So if you do not follow the news, you might not know what he's talking about. And his news does not just cover US news, there was once he made fun of Singapore launching a "SARS" channel too.
Well, recently, he was invited to a program called "Crossfire" on CNN. From what I understand (I did not watch this show before), this is a debate program on CNN and what they do is they invite 2 persons ... and they have 2 hosts, each taking a different stand on an issue and the 4 will debate.
What happened was Jon stewart was invited to this show last week. After the host tried to accuse him of being soft on John Kerry, he basically went on blasting the show and criticizing CNN for not being helpful to the public they are supposed to be serving. It was a hell of a ride watching 16min of seeing how the CNN hosts tried to defend themselves and kept trying to shut Jon up. If you wanna catch it, search on the net, or on any P2P (Kazaa, Limewire etc) network for "Jon stewart, crossfire" and you should be able to find it. Awesome to see Jon Stewart kick some butt, and really saying what's so true.
This is the url for the transcript:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0410/15/cf.01.html
News.com report:
http://news.com.com/Jon+Stewart+Crossfire+feud+ignites+Net+frenzy/2100-1026_3-5417676.html
Seattle Post Intelligencer:
http://news.com.com/Jon+Stewart+Crossfire+feud+ignites+Net+frenzy/2100-1026_3-5417676.html
This is a NYtimes report: (Free registration)
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/20/arts/television/20watc.html?oref=login
Again, a little background. Jon Stewart host "The daily show" - a "fake" news program that airs everynight on CableTv on Comedy Central (in US). What he does on his show, is takes news feeds from different sources, and finds absurdities and makes fun of them. So if you do not follow the news, you might not know what he's talking about. And his news does not just cover US news, there was once he made fun of Singapore launching a "SARS" channel too.
Well, recently, he was invited to a program called "Crossfire" on CNN. From what I understand (I did not watch this show before), this is a debate program on CNN and what they do is they invite 2 persons ... and they have 2 hosts, each taking a different stand on an issue and the 4 will debate.
What happened was Jon stewart was invited to this show last week. After the host tried to accuse him of being soft on John Kerry, he basically went on blasting the show and criticizing CNN for not being helpful to the public they are supposed to be serving. It was a hell of a ride watching 16min of seeing how the CNN hosts tried to defend themselves and kept trying to shut Jon up. If you wanna catch it, search on the net, or on any P2P (Kazaa, Limewire etc) network for "Jon stewart, crossfire" and you should be able to find it. Awesome to see Jon Stewart kick some butt, and really saying what's so true.
This is the url for the transcript:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0410/15/cf.01.html
News.com report:
http://news.com.com/Jon+Stewart+Crossfire+feud+ignites+Net+frenzy/2100-1026_3-5417676.html
Seattle Post Intelligencer:
http://news.com.com/Jon+Stewart+Crossfire+feud+ignites+Net+frenzy/2100-1026_3-5417676.html
This is a NYtimes report: (Free registration)
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/20/arts/television/20watc.html?oref=login
Kerry Flip-flopper, George Bushwhacker
Been following the US election? You should. Why should I care? I am a Singaporean right? ... Well, considering that this is the presidency of a superpower with the fire freaking power to destroy any country, I think we better the hell care. The US president is one powerful man, and we don't need an idiot running that country. The Bush Administration has shown us what can happen when a Droon is running the country - backed out of the Kyoto Treaty, , entered an illegal War and then trying to use "liberation" as an excuse (haven't we heard that before in WWII when Japan tried to "liberate Asia"), losing track of Osama bin Ladin and more ...
So in case you haven't been following, here's a quick recap ... the election is in 2 weeks. 3 rounds of debates came and went, but still, no clear winner. Statistic is swinging between 45-47% for Kerry and 47-49% for Bush, very tight race. Bush loves taking words out of context to malign Kerry. Kerry loves to explain his points with too much details and provide material for others to pick on. I wish we have a much clearer choice. Kerry is better in my opinion (note this is an opinion!), but not good enough to mark a huge distinction. I think the polls explains my point. Nonetheless, I see him as the lesser evil.
What bothers me is many Americans do not look at the big picture when making decisions. They look at one or two details that matters the most to them and vote. They see who they like as a person, and they vote. That's very disturbing. Many of them get not-so-fair and reliable news from FOX and treat it as facts. Many of them do not know how to filter facts from personal opinions and biases injected by those irresponsible reporting. Thankfully not every American is like that, but a huge percentage of them still are. They also do not realise that, who they vote, will determine how US is being viewed by others - and to a larger extent, who they vote, will determine whether there will be another bombing/sanction/whatever elsewhere. But why should they care? The people who are dying will not be Americans ... but then again, how many Americans had died since Bush invaded .. oh, sorry .. liberated Iraq?
So in case you haven't been following, here's a quick recap ... the election is in 2 weeks. 3 rounds of debates came and went, but still, no clear winner. Statistic is swinging between 45-47% for Kerry and 47-49% for Bush, very tight race. Bush loves taking words out of context to malign Kerry. Kerry loves to explain his points with too much details and provide material for others to pick on. I wish we have a much clearer choice. Kerry is better in my opinion (note this is an opinion!), but not good enough to mark a huge distinction. I think the polls explains my point. Nonetheless, I see him as the lesser evil.
What bothers me is many Americans do not look at the big picture when making decisions. They look at one or two details that matters the most to them and vote. They see who they like as a person, and they vote. That's very disturbing. Many of them get not-so-fair and reliable news from FOX and treat it as facts. Many of them do not know how to filter facts from personal opinions and biases injected by those irresponsible reporting. Thankfully not every American is like that, but a huge percentage of them still are. They also do not realise that, who they vote, will determine how US is being viewed by others - and to a larger extent, who they vote, will determine whether there will be another bombing/sanction/whatever elsewhere. But why should they care? The people who are dying will not be Americans ... but then again, how many Americans had died since Bush invaded .. oh, sorry .. liberated Iraq?
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