Hong Kong takes Halloween amazingly seriously. It's awesome.
I am beginning to fall in love with this city, not just because of all the parties I've been to and the people I've met, and definitely not because I am fairly certain the guy I kind of like but haven't done anything about because we're in two different countries feels the same way about me, but because people really seem to live here.
I still prefer Singapore though, because of the diversity there, as well as the loads of friends I have there, but I've got to say... Hong Kong ain't that bad a place after all.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Conversation with a colleague back home over the company's IM system:
Me: I’ve got a question about so-and-so.
Him: Thought you were dead.
Me: Well, I am feeling a little ill… but why did you think I was dead?!
Him: Out of sight, out of mind.
Me: Just you wait, one more week, and the peace and quiet you'd have enjoyed for the last few weeks will be gone, like dust in the wind.
Him: We're not sure we want you back. We're gonna have a vote tomorrow.
Me: Hey!
Him: Could go either way.
Me: Then why am I getting a new laptop?
Him: Parting gift.
Me: Well, could have gotten worse, I suppose.
Me: I’ve got a question about so-and-so.
Him: Thought you were dead.
Me: Well, I am feeling a little ill… but why did you think I was dead?!
Him: Out of sight, out of mind.
Me: Just you wait, one more week, and the peace and quiet you'd have enjoyed for the last few weeks will be gone, like dust in the wind.
Him: We're not sure we want you back. We're gonna have a vote tomorrow.
Me: Hey!
Him: Could go either way.
Me: Then why am I getting a new laptop?
Him: Parting gift.
Me: Well, could have gotten worse, I suppose.
Monday, October 30, 2006
In reference to the dilemma that's currently dominating my personal life, I have told one or two of my friends what I'm thinking and that I'm actually thinking about tackling it head-on, as opposed to ignoring it and hoping it'll go away (which it will, but when, will be dependent on how soon I meet someone I really like). One of my friends, who's getting married in December, said to me in dismay, "Love is already difficult enough for people like us. Why would you want to make it even harder for yourself by adding such a degree of complexity to your life?"
I responded that I wasn't necessarily thinking about it as a serious thing, but just something where I know I'll have fun, regardless of whatever happens.
He didn't believe me. I know what he - and one of my other friends - think. Why bother prolonging the agony and possibly destroying a happy experience? Why not just get on with life here?
Because I'm tired of not living life enough, of not getting out there and making my own chances. Granted, this may not be the ideal opportunity to begin doing there, but... I've got to start somewhere. And yes, I've watched far too many romantic movies.
Honestly, though, I hate to admit that someone I barely know has had such an impact on me, to the point where I'm still thinking about him a couple of months later. I feel silly and stupid for even contemplating this. And I know there are some people who may read this and know what - and who - I'm talking about, but I'd rather not have my friends ask me about this without my bringing it up. Like I said, I feel pathetic enough without having to admit this to people I know.
I responded that I wasn't necessarily thinking about it as a serious thing, but just something where I know I'll have fun, regardless of whatever happens.
He didn't believe me. I know what he - and one of my other friends - think. Why bother prolonging the agony and possibly destroying a happy experience? Why not just get on with life here?
Because I'm tired of not living life enough, of not getting out there and making my own chances. Granted, this may not be the ideal opportunity to begin doing there, but... I've got to start somewhere. And yes, I've watched far too many romantic movies.
Honestly, though, I hate to admit that someone I barely know has had such an impact on me, to the point where I'm still thinking about him a couple of months later. I feel silly and stupid for even contemplating this. And I know there are some people who may read this and know what - and who - I'm talking about, but I'd rather not have my friends ask me about this without my bringing it up. Like I said, I feel pathetic enough without having to admit this to people I know.
I should be out today, enjoying the fine weather and checking out the giant Buddha on Lantau Island. Instead, I'm home and I've just finished watching Infernal Affairs for the first time. Insert obligatory spoilers warning here.
The main reason behind my coach potato state today is that I've finally succumbed to the cold that's been slowly building up over the last few days. I Google'd cold remedies on Friday when I felt the onset of an incredibly painful sore throat, usually the first sign of my falling ill, so that I could recover more quickly to go out with friends over the weekend, but couldn't find anything other than advice to rest, rest and get more rest.
So what did I do? I disregarded that, went out with friends anyway, and chose to attempt to sleep in late over the next few mornings, which were thwarted by either the noise the air-conditioner in this apartment makes (I can't figure out if it's from the aircon, or from water dripping from the apartments upstairs) or having to wake up early to get to church. Either way, I didn't manage to get much sleep over the last few days. So it's no wonder that I'm ill, I hear you scold. Still, what was I to do? I've always been a friends first, health later kind of person, even though my rate of recovery has most definitely been slowing over the years.
Anyway, back to Infernal Affairs. The movie was brilliant. The acting is incredible. Both of the lead actors and both of the supporting actors were nominated for acting awards in the Hong Kong Annual Film Awards in 2002; Tony Leung Chiu Wai (Yan, the undercover cop that has infiltrated the triads) and Anthony Wong (Superintendent Wong) ended up winning. Tony Leung's performance in the scene right after we're confronted by the sight of SP Wong's bloodied body on the roof of the cab is incredible. The mixture of emotions - guilt, fear, respect and love - is so clearly depicted on his face, as well as the struggle to suppress all of this as he's surrounded by triad members... It's just breathtaking.
The build-up was done very well, and although there are some weak areas (most notably the romantic sub-plots of either mole although there is definitely some nice chemistry between Dr. Lee, played by Kelly Chen, and Yan), they don't detract from the overall enjoyment of the show.
The Mandarin title of the the movie, wu jian dao (mo gaan dou in Cantonese), is also a nice touch. It alludes to the eighth - and also, the deepest - circle of hell, according to the Buddhist faith, where people in that circle are made to suffer continuous torment, without ever dying. This concept is first introduced right at the beginning of the show, and is repeated right at the end. It's a good, subtle allusion.
I'm not sure whether The Departed can compare to this, quite frankly. I haven't seen it yet, but I don't think I'm all that keen to check out how Hollywood transformed this into something which would appeal more to American audiences. For one thing, I have heard that there is a lot more blood and violence in The Departed and that's something which I don't particularly enjoy. All the same, I feel as if I should check it out, given the rave reviews that it has received.
I may take a few months though. Watching it right after having watched the original may not be fair to the American version!
The main reason behind my coach potato state today is that I've finally succumbed to the cold that's been slowly building up over the last few days. I Google'd cold remedies on Friday when I felt the onset of an incredibly painful sore throat, usually the first sign of my falling ill, so that I could recover more quickly to go out with friends over the weekend, but couldn't find anything other than advice to rest, rest and get more rest.
So what did I do? I disregarded that, went out with friends anyway, and chose to attempt to sleep in late over the next few mornings, which were thwarted by either the noise the air-conditioner in this apartment makes (I can't figure out if it's from the aircon, or from water dripping from the apartments upstairs) or having to wake up early to get to church. Either way, I didn't manage to get much sleep over the last few days. So it's no wonder that I'm ill, I hear you scold. Still, what was I to do? I've always been a friends first, health later kind of person, even though my rate of recovery has most definitely been slowing over the years.
Anyway, back to Infernal Affairs. The movie was brilliant. The acting is incredible. Both of the lead actors and both of the supporting actors were nominated for acting awards in the Hong Kong Annual Film Awards in 2002; Tony Leung Chiu Wai (Yan, the undercover cop that has infiltrated the triads) and Anthony Wong (Superintendent Wong) ended up winning. Tony Leung's performance in the scene right after we're confronted by the sight of SP Wong's bloodied body on the roof of the cab is incredible. The mixture of emotions - guilt, fear, respect and love - is so clearly depicted on his face, as well as the struggle to suppress all of this as he's surrounded by triad members... It's just breathtaking.
The build-up was done very well, and although there are some weak areas (most notably the romantic sub-plots of either mole although there is definitely some nice chemistry between Dr. Lee, played by Kelly Chen, and Yan), they don't detract from the overall enjoyment of the show.
The Mandarin title of the the movie, wu jian dao (mo gaan dou in Cantonese), is also a nice touch. It alludes to the eighth - and also, the deepest - circle of hell, according to the Buddhist faith, where people in that circle are made to suffer continuous torment, without ever dying. This concept is first introduced right at the beginning of the show, and is repeated right at the end. It's a good, subtle allusion.
I'm not sure whether The Departed can compare to this, quite frankly. I haven't seen it yet, but I don't think I'm all that keen to check out how Hollywood transformed this into something which would appeal more to American audiences. For one thing, I have heard that there is a lot more blood and violence in The Departed and that's something which I don't particularly enjoy. All the same, I feel as if I should check it out, given the rave reviews that it has received.
I may take a few months though. Watching it right after having watched the original may not be fair to the American version!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Happiness is buying a dress which fits you as if it's been made for you and getting the perfect shoes to match it too.
And the icing on the cake is that the dress is a size smaller than what I usually wear, which goes to show that in spite of being in a gourmet paradise, my working out has really made a difference.
Later on, I aim to throw chocolate sprinkles onto the gâteau de bonheur, as it were, by checking out the big band playing at the Fringe Club. I will also be bringing along my best smile and dancing shoes. (Edit: I ended up staying home as my knee started throbbing rather painfully; it definitely wasn't up to standing and/or dancing for a few hours.)
And the icing on the cake is that the dress is a size smaller than what I usually wear, which goes to show that in spite of being in a gourmet paradise, my working out has really made a difference.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
I know this is going to sound incredibly whiny and self-absorbed but I'm tired of people buying me meals or drinks for my birthday. I haven't gotten a present in many years now and it's starting to get to me. I hear of people who get iPods from friends who have banded together to buy them that, or even just a pair of shoes or some item of clothing, and yes, while I acknowledge that I do appreciate their arranging to get me out for dinner, it's just that it feels so easy. I have come across things I thought friends would like and just bought it for them on a spur of the moment impulse, and I also concede that friendships aren't based on reciprocity, but damn it, no one has bought me anything other than lunch/dinner/drinks in eons. People don't grow out of receiving presents after all. And while I can definitely afford to buy myself stuff, it's just that I would like to feel that I'm appreciated, that a little more effort could be put into what's supposed to be my special day.
[/self-pitying rant]
[/self-pitying rant]
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
I have been trying to sort out my vacation plans for quite some time now. You’d think it’d be easy given that the city that’s on the top of my list of potential holiday destinations has been on the top of my list for a couple of months now. Easy, right? If I’m that keen on it, then I should just book my ticket and go.
Wrong. While that place has been on my top ten places I’d love to go which I haven’t been to just yet for a few years now, the main question that pops up whenever I consider booking a ticket there is: What if I’m wrong?
I’ve always wanted to go there because of my love of music and because it just seems like an incredibly fun and vibrant city to go to. The books and movies can’t all be wrong, after all.
It’s just that this time round, there’s another factor driving my desire to go to that particular place, and it’s just… I don’t know. It’s not a sure thing. In fact, it’s so far from being a sure thing that were it my only reason for going, I wouldn’t even be considering booking that ticket on that long-haul flight.
And honestly, I’m trying to figure out the lowest, minimal probability that it would take for that one thing to be a certainty that would drive me to go, and right now… I guess even a 5% chance that it could happen would be good enough to make me go.
Still, I’m scared. Going all the way there based on a 5% chance that something might happen isn’t exactly the most rational thing in the world. And if it doesn’t happen, I would most definitely feel like one of the world’s greatest fools for being so silly and naive.
I told all of this recently to one of my oldest and best friends; she told me to just go for it, because even if that one thing doesn’t happen, she knows me – and the city – well enough to know that I’ll still have fun. And besides, don’t I want to know for sure whether that one thing could come true? Don't I want to know that I gave it my best shot?
But still, sometimes, it’s just easier and perhaps, even better, to just not do anything to tarnish the memories of something that once was, because it's very possible that the memories, and the subsequent fantasy are far, far better than what the reality could ever conjure up.
It isn’t always better to know than to not know.
Wrong. While that place has been on my top ten places I’d love to go which I haven’t been to just yet for a few years now, the main question that pops up whenever I consider booking a ticket there is: What if I’m wrong?
I’ve always wanted to go there because of my love of music and because it just seems like an incredibly fun and vibrant city to go to. The books and movies can’t all be wrong, after all.
It’s just that this time round, there’s another factor driving my desire to go to that particular place, and it’s just… I don’t know. It’s not a sure thing. In fact, it’s so far from being a sure thing that were it my only reason for going, I wouldn’t even be considering booking that ticket on that long-haul flight.
And honestly, I’m trying to figure out the lowest, minimal probability that it would take for that one thing to be a certainty that would drive me to go, and right now… I guess even a 5% chance that it could happen would be good enough to make me go.
Still, I’m scared. Going all the way there based on a 5% chance that something might happen isn’t exactly the most rational thing in the world. And if it doesn’t happen, I would most definitely feel like one of the world’s greatest fools for being so silly and naive.
I told all of this recently to one of my oldest and best friends; she told me to just go for it, because even if that one thing doesn’t happen, she knows me – and the city – well enough to know that I’ll still have fun. And besides, don’t I want to know for sure whether that one thing could come true? Don't I want to know that I gave it my best shot?
But still, sometimes, it’s just easier and perhaps, even better, to just not do anything to tarnish the memories of something that once was, because it's very possible that the memories, and the subsequent fantasy are far, far better than what the reality could ever conjure up.
It isn’t always better to know than to not know.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
During moments of extreme tiredness, I get experience exceedingly brief dissociative flashes. For instance, earlier during dinner with a friend at Nepal (a restaurant so renowned for its Royal Nepalese cuisine that even tourists on stopovers hurry here with their luggage to eat), we were pretty much surrounded by foreigners. As I stared out the door into Staunton Street, where the Spot Bar and Portobello, a typical English cafe, stand, quite a few locals walked by. For one brief moment, I just thought, "Why are there so many Chinese here?" before realising that I was in Hong Kong. Heh.
Anyway, I asked my friend, a Pakistani who's been working here for over a year, to teach me some Cantonese. So this is my main plan for tomorrow: Ting yat hoi Tung Lo Wan hang gai. Of course, it's been my main plan for the last few weekends as well, but somehow, something always disrupts that.
For instance, today, it was because I had to do laundry, and true enough, the ironing of shirts took far longer than expected. While I'm not all that domesticated, I don't mind household chores all that much. I do hate mopping and ironing though. To that end, I'd been trying to put off doing laundry for a few days now, but there comes a point when you just can't put it off any longer. That day was today, and coming on the back of a 5 am clubbing night, I really wasn't in the best of shapes to handle it. And that explains why I'm at my apartment at 10 pm on a Saturday night, with a bunch of slightly crumpled shirts hanging in my wardrobe.
Anyway, I asked my friend, a Pakistani who's been working here for over a year, to teach me some Cantonese. So this is my main plan for tomorrow: Ting yat hoi Tung Lo Wan hang gai. Of course, it's been my main plan for the last few weekends as well, but somehow, something always disrupts that.
For instance, today, it was because I had to do laundry, and true enough, the ironing of shirts took far longer than expected. While I'm not all that domesticated, I don't mind household chores all that much. I do hate mopping and ironing though. To that end, I'd been trying to put off doing laundry for a few days now, but there comes a point when you just can't put it off any longer. That day was today, and coming on the back of a 5 am clubbing night, I really wasn't in the best of shapes to handle it. And that explains why I'm at my apartment at 10 pm on a Saturday night, with a bunch of slightly crumpled shirts hanging in my wardrobe.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Our Deepest Fear - Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear
is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I
to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest
the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
An excerpt of which was quoted on Akeelah and the Bee. More Marianne Williamson can be found here.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Today has been both productive and sinful.
First, I made my way to church, managing to accidentally walk the length of two MTR stations in the process (about a 20 minute walk), after which I headed off to Causeway Bay to do some shopping, only for a friend to invite me over to Taikoo so that he could show me the local side of Hong Kong.
The only trouble with that is that after I finished lunch, he was so engrossed in our conversation that we got on the wrong bus, which turned out to be an express bus, and we ended up back at Causeway Bay, leaving us with just enough time to grab an incredibly delicious mango dessert (yeung chi kam lo) before I had to go meet another friend and head to Sai Kung for an amazing seafood experience involving lobster, hairy crab and steamed fish at Hung Kee seafood restaurant. Apparently, Sai Kung is the place to go for seafood, rather than Lamma Island, which is the one usually recommended to tourists. Sai Kung is located in the highlands of Hong Kong, and as a result, the air is much fresher than the air in the business district. I could smell the salty tang of the sea the moment I alighted the bus, which was delightful because the pollution here has been really getting to me. The reason why tourists aren't usually encouraged to go there though, is because it's in the New Territories, and isn't the most convenient place to get to (directions can be found here). The price for this princely meal? Just under HK$950 (~S$190) which isn't too bad, considering that everything was fresh.
I'm so stuffed that I don't even want to see any more seafood for a period of time, which is quite amazing, given that I'd been lusting after lobster for some time after having the most amazing tandoori lobster in Mumbai just last month.
In a way, I'm glad that this will be my last business trip in some time. Although I do like that I've learnt quite a lot of things during my trips, I could get way too used to living this kind of lifestyle.
P.S. Yes, I have taken lots of photos, but for some reason, I can't upload pictures using this particular connection.
First, I made my way to church, managing to accidentally walk the length of two MTR stations in the process (about a 20 minute walk), after which I headed off to Causeway Bay to do some shopping, only for a friend to invite me over to Taikoo so that he could show me the local side of Hong Kong.
The only trouble with that is that after I finished lunch, he was so engrossed in our conversation that we got on the wrong bus, which turned out to be an express bus, and we ended up back at Causeway Bay, leaving us with just enough time to grab an incredibly delicious mango dessert (yeung chi kam lo) before I had to go meet another friend and head to Sai Kung for an amazing seafood experience involving lobster, hairy crab and steamed fish at Hung Kee seafood restaurant. Apparently, Sai Kung is the place to go for seafood, rather than Lamma Island, which is the one usually recommended to tourists. Sai Kung is located in the highlands of Hong Kong, and as a result, the air is much fresher than the air in the business district. I could smell the salty tang of the sea the moment I alighted the bus, which was delightful because the pollution here has been really getting to me. The reason why tourists aren't usually encouraged to go there though, is because it's in the New Territories, and isn't the most convenient place to get to (directions can be found here). The price for this princely meal? Just under HK$950 (~S$190) which isn't too bad, considering that everything was fresh.
I'm so stuffed that I don't even want to see any more seafood for a period of time, which is quite amazing, given that I'd been lusting after lobster for some time after having the most amazing tandoori lobster in Mumbai just last month.
In a way, I'm glad that this will be my last business trip in some time. Although I do like that I've learnt quite a lot of things during my trips, I could get way too used to living this kind of lifestyle.
P.S. Yes, I have taken lots of photos, but for some reason, I can't upload pictures using this particular connection.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I've finally gotten my Internet connection in my serviced apartment sorted out. Turns out I'd plugged the cable into the wrong socket. Thank goodness I'm not a guy, or that would've had serious ramifications on my general operating ability.
The last week has been a little crazy. I've been caught between happiness at being away from Singapore, at being somewhere which is incredibly vibrant and has a beautiful skyline, and general homesickness at having spent far too long away from home and friends. I haven't been away from Singapore all that much this year, but with my working hours, I haven't had much time to meet up with friends or see my parents either. In fact, when I asked my parents whether they'd miss me, their response was that they don't really see me during the week anyway, so they'd treat it as just an extension of that. Fair enough.
Anyway, today and yesterday has been a little crazy. Yesterday, I went with an ex-colleague and his friends to a couple of clubs: The Fringe Club (a place for expats primarily) and Club No. 9, one of the new 'in' clubs in Hong Kong. Today, I've been to Dragon-I, Lotus and then JC65 for a psychedelic trance party organised by a friend of a friend who I happened to run into both today and yesterday.
HK's nightlife, which sadly cannot compare to Singapore in terms of overseas DJs, is nevertheless more happening than that of Singapore's. Lan Kwai Fong has been incredibly crowded, Carnival notwithstanding, and I'm just so happy to be in a place where people are living it up.
And yes, maybe you'll think me shallow or superficial for enjoying spending time with people who know how to party (Hong Kongers drink a lot and they do not spare foreigners one iota), but given that's how I generally de-stress (I can't afford to shop around my office), I don't really give a crap as to how people view my choice of recreational activities.
What will I be doing tomorrow? Some shopping (I hope) and a seafood dinner at one of the offshore islands. That and looking for a church so I can go to Mass. The one nearest to me has a capacity of 200 and will apparently have hordes of people descending upon it if today is any indication of what tomorrow may be like.
The last week has been a little crazy. I've been caught between happiness at being away from Singapore, at being somewhere which is incredibly vibrant and has a beautiful skyline, and general homesickness at having spent far too long away from home and friends. I haven't been away from Singapore all that much this year, but with my working hours, I haven't had much time to meet up with friends or see my parents either. In fact, when I asked my parents whether they'd miss me, their response was that they don't really see me during the week anyway, so they'd treat it as just an extension of that. Fair enough.
Anyway, today and yesterday has been a little crazy. Yesterday, I went with an ex-colleague and his friends to a couple of clubs: The Fringe Club (a place for expats primarily) and Club No. 9, one of the new 'in' clubs in Hong Kong. Today, I've been to Dragon-I, Lotus and then JC65 for a psychedelic trance party organised by a friend of a friend who I happened to run into both today and yesterday.
HK's nightlife, which sadly cannot compare to Singapore in terms of overseas DJs, is nevertheless more happening than that of Singapore's. Lan Kwai Fong has been incredibly crowded, Carnival notwithstanding, and I'm just so happy to be in a place where people are living it up.
And yes, maybe you'll think me shallow or superficial for enjoying spending time with people who know how to party (Hong Kongers drink a lot and they do not spare foreigners one iota), but given that's how I generally de-stress (I can't afford to shop around my office), I don't really give a crap as to how people view my choice of recreational activities.
What will I be doing tomorrow? Some shopping (I hope) and a seafood dinner at one of the offshore islands. That and looking for a church so I can go to Mass. The one nearest to me has a capacity of 200 and will apparently have hordes of people descending upon it if today is any indication of what tomorrow may be like.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
A recruitment ad for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service appeared in the Sep 16th issue of the Economist:
Besides the incongruity of a government secret intelligence service doing its recruitment in an international magazine, if you look closely at the bottom of the ad, it says:
If the photo above is too blurry, it says "all applications for employment with ASIS are handled in the strictest confidence. It is essential that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality. It is preferable you do not discuss your interest in employment with ASIS with anyone else at this stage."
In other words, if you apply for the position, don't let anyone else know.
I didn't apply for it. Do you believe me? ;)
Besides the incongruity of a government secret intelligence service doing its recruitment in an international magazine, if you look closely at the bottom of the ad, it says:
If the photo above is too blurry, it says "all applications for employment with ASIS are handled in the strictest confidence. It is essential that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality. It is preferable you do not discuss your interest in employment with ASIS with anyone else at this stage."In other words, if you apply for the position, don't let anyone else know.
I didn't apply for it. Do you believe me? ;)
Been ultra-busy last few days.
So, in short: Little Miss Sunshine was awesome. Perfect antidote to many weeks of long hours and insane amounts of stress. Steve Carrell was great. One of the best running scenes I have seen in movies since Forrest Gump. Child beauty pageants? Scarily unreal. Grandpa Hoover? Fantastic. And I will never listen to Superfreak in the same way ever again.
And I'm leaving in a few hours to work overseas for a month. I may or may not be able to update this when I'm away.
So, in short: Little Miss Sunshine was awesome. Perfect antidote to many weeks of long hours and insane amounts of stress. Steve Carrell was great. One of the best running scenes I have seen in movies since Forrest Gump. Child beauty pageants? Scarily unreal. Grandpa Hoover? Fantastic. And I will never listen to Superfreak in the same way ever again.
And I'm leaving in a few hours to work overseas for a month. I may or may not be able to update this when I'm away.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Signs that it's not going to be a good day:
On the flipside, the highlights of my day were:
- You feel like you need a good drink early in the morning. Heck, you feel like you need several good strong stiff drinks at 10.30 am.
- When asked about whether you've done a certain task, you answer, "No, I've been doing my best to churn out reports as fast as I can while waiting for a quick, painless death."
On the flipside, the highlights of my day were:
- Having a 1.5 hour long lunch with a friend who I hadn't caught up with in a while, and
- Scarfing down some incredibly delicious meatball porridge which my dad bought home for my dinner after getting home from work half an hour ago.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
My dad and I caught Fight Science on the National Geographic channel earlier today. Everyone in my family is a closet martial arts fan of some sort (my mother enjoys martial arts anime and movies, as do my brother and I, while my father enjoys watching the real thing) so the documentary kept us riveted for two hours.
To sum up what was said, boxing delivered the strongest punch, Muay Thai delivered the strongest kick (well, knee), kung fu has the fastest strike time and Glen Levy, the ninjitsu expert, definitely had a crazed glint in his eye when he learnt that dim mak really does exist. Disturbing killer instinct aside, I have decided that the martial arts I now most want to learn is ninjitsu. The sense of balance those guys have is amazing, and strangely enough, that's what impressed me the most out of everything I saw on the show.
The ultimate weapon, as determined by the scientists on the show, turned out to be the samurai katana, because it offered the best combination of range, control and impact, compared to the other weapons tested, such as the Chinese broadsword (dao) and qin (light-weight sword), bo and nunchukus.
During this segment, my father asked me (in his usual way of testing how good my general knowledge is), "so what's the most famous sword?" My response? "Either Excalibur or the lightsabre." Heh.
After the documentary ended, I flipped over to Star Sports just in time to watch my favourite Norwegian, the baby-faced killer himself, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, score a second goal against Newcastle. During the match, I also watched Cristiano Ronaldo miss a fair number of shots. Since there was so many close-ups of his face after his failed shots, I realised that the man I met in Goa, and who subsequently became my tour guide and driver, does resemble Ronaldo, so the Portugeuse heritage is really still quite prominant.
To sum up what was said, boxing delivered the strongest punch, Muay Thai delivered the strongest kick (well, knee), kung fu has the fastest strike time and Glen Levy, the ninjitsu expert, definitely had a crazed glint in his eye when he learnt that dim mak really does exist. Disturbing killer instinct aside, I have decided that the martial arts I now most want to learn is ninjitsu. The sense of balance those guys have is amazing, and strangely enough, that's what impressed me the most out of everything I saw on the show.
The ultimate weapon, as determined by the scientists on the show, turned out to be the samurai katana, because it offered the best combination of range, control and impact, compared to the other weapons tested, such as the Chinese broadsword (dao) and qin (light-weight sword), bo and nunchukus.
During this segment, my father asked me (in his usual way of testing how good my general knowledge is), "so what's the most famous sword?" My response? "Either Excalibur or the lightsabre." Heh.
After the documentary ended, I flipped over to Star Sports just in time to watch my favourite Norwegian, the baby-faced killer himself, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, score a second goal against Newcastle. During the match, I also watched Cristiano Ronaldo miss a fair number of shots. Since there was so many close-ups of his face after his failed shots, I realised that the man I met in Goa, and who subsequently became my tour guide and driver, does resemble Ronaldo, so the Portugeuse heritage is really still quite prominant.
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