Language is nothing but an imperfect tool thought up by man for the expression of human thoughts and emotions that they themselves cannot fully understand.
What is there to say then of emotions and of thoughts. For what I say is less then imperfect, and what you see, less still.
To understand, perhaps, is more than just about words read. It should be the (accurate) re-formulation of words from the source into a thought you comprehend and it's underlying emotion you feel.
Try visualizing Adam Sandlers in Brokeback Mountain. Ok, not quite the same.
I Pronounce (No need to type out the entire title right) is a movie about two firefighters, Chuck and Larry (Duh.) Two buddies - considered the best partners in the fire department - find themselves in a faux gay marriage as an arrangement to help Larry out with his insurance payout problems. It looked good on paper (no, really) and it was supposed to be simple. However, the government, in a bid to prevent abuse of the system, sends someone to watch them to see if they were really a same-sex couple. A simple procedure on paper ends up in both Chuck and Larry dragged (unintended) deeper into the gay community.
Plenty of focus on sexist issues and discrimination. Perhaps the mildly obscene and repulsive scenes serve as a reminder of the inner discrimination and homophobia, not just in individuals, but in the rest of society. Great use of humour in the plot development to slowly introduce the audience to gay rights issues without being too blatant and sleazy. Culture shock to some, but it gets better as long as you keep your filters off.
A 150-minute comedy with an oh-so-expected politically-correct ending that serves to entertain and educate (still, a far cry from assimilation). A little bit of a drag (unintended) at times, but not overly peachy. Definitely brave of everyone in the production team, and good job with the ending, even if it was so expected. I guess you can't make everyone gay. Happy.
I'd rather be a victim of love and lose all rationality then be one of loneliness and lose all sanity.
You know the feeling you get when you have your serving of spicy food? You just can't seem to have enough of it even when you're out of iced water.
It's not just the about kick. It's more than just the kick.
Sometimes, I wish I didn't start with the first mouthful.
I was once approached to attend a talk. It was supposed to be some form of 'educational talk' covering topics on wealth management and other related issues. I was not too keen on attending, but I agreed anyway, thinking I could pull out anytime. And everytime the organiser called, I had to cook up some lame-ass excuse to miss the talk. They had talks twice weekly, and I ended up having to come up with a total of 8 excuses. One entire month. What a liar.
It took me one entire month to decide to say 'Sorry, I am not interested because blah blah blah.' And the preson kindly replied 'Oh, it's ok then, thank you.'
And I realised how stupid I had been. All I had to do was say 'no' from the start and I could aviod having to answer so many calls, lie so many times, and think about when the next call would come.
Lesson learnt. Just do what you have to do. Say 'no' if you have to. Spare everyone the trouble and save everyone's time.
It's quite funny everytime I think of people declaring that looks don't matter at all when dating anyone. I cannot help but laugh when I think of how these people never seem to remain true to themselves.
Liars. To themselves and people around. They believe that is better to lie to appear less superficial then to be truthful.
Why can't you just say what you have to say in a slightly diplomatic tone. And by the way, diplomatic does not mean you attempt to author a '101-excuses' book. Just kindly say 'no' if you have to and spare everyone the awkwardness. (If you really have problems finding the correct words, you are most probably a meanie who ought to be mean anyway, so just do it.) Do not go on about how your fish is pregnant and how you have to spend hours watching it in case the eggs crack resulting in a lack of time to spare on other things in your life. Be fair to everyone, including your fishes, please.
Maybe we should re-educate people on how we ought to be honest to ourselves and people around us, rather then just potraying the 'perfect' image of being 'un-superficial'. Or let's try another approach - Being superficial shall be the in thing this season.
You can't cover a hole with another.
Found sometime to make a trip to the club today for a dip. Great escape from the scorching weather.
At least I was able to drag my lazy butt out of my seat. But I'm now back at my MMORPG.
I have finally settled my fees. So I just have to wait for their final letter. I guess this means I can't turn back anymore.
Maybe it was a shock. But I hardly think so. Anyways, I guess it's better afterall.
Let me sit out of this rain and watch the kids run and play. At least I have the eyes to watch. And at least I'm safe. Even if it means being in my quiet room.
All alone.
I am starting to realise how difficult it is for professional bloggers to keep their blogs active. Not that I'm anywhere near those standards, or that I even want to be a professional blogger, but at the rate I'm going, I find it harder to churn out daily posts without sounding like I'm posting for the sake of doing so. I guess blogging everyday requires alot of effort and determination. But for the general bloggers like us, not posting daily shouln't be much of an issue, unless of course, we are aiming for more site traffic. Then again, it's just a blog.
I have been delaying payment for my Uni fees. I shall drag myself down today to get it all settled. I just realised there is a clause in the acceptence letter that states 'offer is kept open only provided that there are spaces available in the course offered'. So yes, if I carry on rooting myself in front of this screen, I'll stay here for good.
I'm still stuck on my MMORPG. Shall share it with you guys a little later. Still 'play-testing'. Not too bad. I find myself back in the secondary school days, ass stuck to the chair a few hours a day, clicking and typing away while everyone else at home and around me wonder what on Earth I'm up to hacking away at slimes and mushrooms (this sounds awfully close to MapleStory, but it isn't.)
Ok, got to go. Packing all my documents now. Settle my payments and probably hang out in town today.
Book: Can Cows Walk Down Stairs?
Author: Paul Heiney
Have you ever wondered if fishes vomitted? Or what causes you to scratch yourself? Or perhaps you need an answer to your chocolate cravings. If you have ever thought of any weird questions to which you cannot seem to find an anwer, fret not. Can Cows Walk Down Stairs? has answers to hundreds of questions posed by hundreds of curious people from all walks of life. Uncommon questions by common people.
This book is a compilation of questions from a project by the government of Britain. In an effort to help raise awareness of the scientific spheres, the government set up a free telephone and internet service whereby anyone with a burning question could submit their questions for scientists to answer. Only condition was that their questions must be scientific, even if it might sound somewhat stupid, like "How easy is it to fall off a log?"
Unfortunately, the programme, ran by young enthusiastic scientists from various fields of studies (biology, chemistry, psychology, etc.), had to be shut down eventually due to lack of funding by the government. Fortunately, all questions and answers were kept save in records, and Paul Heiney kindly took the effort to sieve through thousands and thousands of questions, searching for 'special' questions to be compiled. Questions in the book were selected with a high level of interest in mind, not to bore its readers.
Paul selects questions with certain themes in mind, bringing us through the formation of the universe, to plants and animals, our human body, mathematics, and some other random questions we might have heard of or asked at one point in our lives.
This book isn't quite much of a 'Must Read', but just something to keep yourself entertained. Great book for the young teenager who might be asking alot of questions you cannot seem to answer yourself. Those who enjoy watching television shows like Mythbusters should enjoy this book too.
I woke up to a bloodied mouth. The dentist claims it's normal and that it'll be fine. I shall take her word for it now. Just don't let me wake up on a bloodied bed.
It seems like this swing is getting into me again. And it's getting a tad irritating. I need a drink. But sad thing is that sorrows never drown on alcohol.
I need dopamine, norepinephrine and phenylethylamine. I guess a little oxytocin won't hurt. Never did.
Uninteresting post.
The trip to the dentist is often dreaded.
Simply because it is bloody painful.
Off to sleep with the taste of flouride still lingering in my mouth.
Title: Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires
Author: Adam Khoo
Started on this right after The Undercover Economist somewhere last Monday. Adam Khoo made news in Singapore when he first attained his millionaire status at the age of 26. He is now a professional trainer, holding a series of workshops for students, working adults, and even for coporate companies.
Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires gives readers a guide on how to manage their finances, generate multiple income streams, as well as how to generate wealth from whatever they have now. It teaches you how to adopt a proactive mindset if you are truly interested in making your income grow, how to control your spending, how to grow your income, and how to protect it. Inside, readers will learn how to generate income streams through internet marketting, and also learn basic tips on investments through various financial tools like bonds, stocks and shares, etc.
A rather decent book that acts like a step-by-step guide for those who genuinely want to create an 'Extraoordinary Income'. But like many others, this book is not for people who are thinking of how to make a 5-digit income overnight. This book requires effort and time from those who want to take action. However, if you are somewhat younger and still have yet to start work, you might find yourself lost at times, considering you have no idea how much you might earn or spend as a working adult. Nevertheless, this book teaches you the importance of saving and investing for higher than average returns, and gives you new perspective on money and how the rich people of today really spend their money.
Decent book to read, even if you do not see a need to make extra income using any of the methods Adam teaches. You can at least learn to invest your money wisely and make your life slightly more comfortable for yourself. For other related books, try Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
Yes, another hiccup. My apologies.
Dinner at Brewerkz with the group (I tink we should get a name) on Friday. Waited quite abit for them, but nevertheless, it was worth it, albeit the little bit of tension that threatened to rip my patience into shreds. Anyways, all's good.
Shared some mini-sausages (S$18.90), had 1 pint Kölsh Ale (S$7.49), Prawns Arrabbiata (S$20.90), and a Coconut Crème Brûlée (S$11.99).
I shan't comment on the food, but I really enjoyed the dinner. Oh, I must mention that their Crème Brûlée is simply the best I've eaten. I swear. It's... orgasmic. Ok, nevermind that. Service was splendid, really. So I guess although it was a rather expensive meal, it was worth it. All the food, talk, whatever.
And like Ben mentioned, yes. It seems like the group's headed for eating places we've never really ventured into before. If I may use his description, yes, we are "upmarket-ing".
What a joke.
Irritatingly simple.
Conceived in boredom
Ambiguous, yet direct
Not meant for anyone
Till then.
Laugh if you want
Excoriate if you will
Thank you anyways.
Gone, the purpose
Only a void left.
Yet?
A little bit of slightly outdated news here.
Ben's film, "Remember Me", got featured last Friday night at the 7th Asian Film Symposium. Dang, I couldn't make it. Bah. But anyways, congratulations! So you owe me one for using my door, living room, table, and toilet.
Remember Me
Also, feel free to watch his other productions at his YouTube account.
Firstly, my apologies to any reader who has been here the past 2 days hoping for any new posts. Been rather caught up with other stuff lately, so the daily post thing stopped for awhile.
Anyway, dinner is on this Friday! Another dinner for the group. I guess it's events like these that make life more... (I can't find a word.) At least there is something to look forward to. And for that matter, looking forward to something beats hoping for something to happen.
From what many have warned against, I'm glad that at least I'm not looking down at spilt milk.
Back to reality. There are so many movies to catch, I really cannot afford the time or money.
I've been blog-hopping again.
The internet really empowers every individual who chooses to move in. It's like almost anyone can simply build a world of their own, declaring their own address, doing whatever they want. And I have to admit, sometimes I do envy these people.
Perhaps they are just 'luckier' to have a strong (and lasting - wasn't for me) interest in IT-related stuff. Programming, web design, video-editing, and the list goes on. So many people I know (rather, borrowing a Friendster term, 2nd/3rd degree friends) have their own little sites with their own little 'productions' or even their own 'brands'.
I guess that has been something I always wanted, something I can call my own in the internet. A place for me to do what I want to do, whether or not people choose to acknowledge them. Yes, alot of effort and time required, but with a little bit of 'extra help' and a little bit of passion, I guess it's not too distant a dream. Within grasp for sure.
Maybe it's just a distraction from reality. Away from other thoughts and events that we can never seem to dislodge from our minds. A hiding ground. Or just somewhere quiet, something you can hardly find on Earth nowadays.
You see, in your world, you create your own rules. You put what you want in your world, and rid it of whatever disgusts you. Hate and fear never exists for there is nothing to hate or fear in your world. All there is is your love, your passion, your wishes, your desires. Unless of course you choose to be slightly more emo. Paint it black, white, grey, orange, pink, green, whatever you want.
Only that you should never get carried away. Stay true. Keep it a colour you like to see, rather than what you like others to see. And just a warning, words in cyberspace are often misinterpreted because of the lack of a voice - real emotions. So, caution. Other than that, let loose and roam your world.
Now, for me to head of to my dreamland. I'll be back.
I hate Sundays. Sundays are like, boring. And Adrian is BORED. And that's bad.
Ok, heck it. I think I need to find something in life that I would like to do to keep myself occupied. MMOPRGs are fine, until the servers start to lag. MSN is good, but everyone seems to be out on Sundays. Books are okay, but not for more than 30 mins, and the piano, I get fed up after awhile.
Anyways, I shall get off the computer now. Been on it for quite some time already.
I signed up for the Coffee Bean card today. $25 with the same value of credits. And I'm left with $7.80 right after signing the card. Bah. I'm wasting too much money on gourmet coffee.
Went down to Hereen for a quick walk, and off to Cafe Cartel at Plaza Singapura for part-two of dinner. I need to exercise.
End of another day. At least I'm feeling better.
Title: The Undercover Economist
Author: Tim Harford
Just completed this book somewhere early this week. Easy to comprehend, even if you are clueless to the world of economics. Tim covers quite alot of breadth, touching on both micro- and macro-economics, dealing with issues of supply and demand, market failure, good governance and globalization.
For readers who already have some knowledge of economics, this book provides a deeper (and perhaps, varied) look into some of the various basic economic theories. For those who don't, this book offers a basic introduction to economics, which is not at all difficult to understand, thanks to Tim's simple explanations.
The first few chapters of The Undercover Economist
If you have read Freakonomics
And the world went silent, with the loss of a voice.
It stood still, no longer shaken by the one, powerful voice.
Goodbye Luciano.
- On the 6th Sept 2007, Luciano Pavarotti passed away at the age of 71.
"The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness." -- E-mail statement by his manager, Terri Robson.
Maybe the Singapore Tourism Board should consider this as part of it's campaign to attract visitors to Singapore.
If they ever need ideas on what to blow up or how to go about doing it, I guess I could offer my services. Anytime.
A casual blog-hopping session brought me to a blog and an advertisement caught my attention. The advertisement came from PayPerPost (PPP), an online site that allows bloggers to earn some extra income, while writing about stuff they like.
So yes, PPP is rather cool in a sense that it allows bloggers to write about stuff they like. You can choose to pick up 'opportunities' from different advertisers, and you just have to write an article about the product/service they provide. The advertisers then review your post, and if they accept your post, you will be paid. Simple.
Bloggers can write about what they know, what they like, and at any time at all. Everything is decided by you, the writer. In addition to that, advertisers pay is a minimum of five dollars for approved articles, which might only take you a couple of minutes to write. And if you feel that the advertisers are not paying sufficiently well for you to write the article, you can simply not write it. No one forces you to write anything in PPP. And of course, once you feel that you have done relatively well in PPP and have enough power to negotiate with the advertisers directly, PPP allows you to go straight to these companies and work out agreements with them.
All in all, PPP is something quite new in the blogosphere, but is fast gaining recognition, both by bloggers and advertisers. So if you are interested to try this out during your own free time, sign up!
Hello there everyone. Adrian the bored is feeling very uneasy doing nothing at home, and has decided to start on a little project. He wants to create a blog to do reviews for anything ranging from food, movies, books, music, anything you want.
So, yes. If you feel that you are as bored as he is, or that you want to make yourself heard, feel free to contact him. You can leave a note on his tagboard. As of now, Adrian has no concrete plans, and is open to almost anything. So yes, let me know if you have any ideas.
Thank you.
Yes everyone, your favourite movie's coming out this October. Here's a preview.
http://view.break.com/346234 - Watch more free videos
If you were hoping for a cooking programme, go watch Jamie Oliver on Discovery's Travel and Living Channel. If you were looking for witty humour, awesome animation and a truly remarkable storyline, then do not give this movie a miss!
This two-hour movie brings the viewers' attention to issues on friendship, trust, betrayal, sacrifice, and more. Above that, it also sets you thinking about our perception about what is right or wrong, about expectations - of us from ourselves and others, and to an extent, about social norms.
The story might take quite awhile to develop, with the first section being slightly draggy. However, the development was quite consitent after that, all the way till the end. Slightly rushed, but better than extending the showtime. Overall, the script was well written, with nothing left hanging.
An entertaining movie for everyone of al ages. Quite alot to be learnt from the movie, especially so for the more matured audience. Touches on many different issues, usually up to the viewers to go think about and interpret. I'm sure everyone can get something out of it, and that would probably be different for each individual.
I was taking at look at some of my blog traffic. It seems like there are still quite alot of people searching for 'A Voyage of Songs 2007' and 'VJChoir'. Being curious, I decided to try google's blog search function with 'VJChoir' as a search criteria; it's really nice to find so many people's blogs, mostly about their past/on-going experiences in the choir, as well as with their friends. Practices, SYF, concerts, reflections, whatever. And it's really touching and heart-warming to read through all these blogs, even if I hardly ever know some these people.
I guess that's the thing that bonds us all together. No matter which batch we may be from, VJChoir is still the same old choir. Members change every year, but deep inside, there is nothing very different at all. The same words appear in every blog. The celebrations, tears, everything.
I'm wondering how Nelson feels if he were to read through everyons's blogs. I'm pretty sure he would be glad to know that he has made an impact in so many of our lives. That, I guess, is the joy that all teachers derive.
Even if most of us would almost never have a chance to sing again with the same group of people as we did while in VJChoir, I'm certain that no matter what, we'll remember everyone.
And at least, we share one common song.
Godiva added a new Dark Mint Chocolate flavour to it's range of Chocolixirs. Tempting.
Then again, I'd rather sticl to my Java Chip Frappe. Whipped cream? Why not. Adds to the kick, doesn't it?
