2007 revealed a couple of things:
1. Money can't buy you true happiness. It might buy you peace of mind but life becomes worthless after awhile;
1a. Life without Meaning will come to Nothing;
2. People general do not want to hear the Truth even when they ask for it;
3. Racism comes in all shapes and sizes...even from within;
4. We shouldn't try so hard and hope for the best...People are generally dishonest, untrustworthy and most importantly opportunistic towards their own selfish needs;
5. Ignorance is bliss only to those idiots who think that life is a box of chocolate;
6. All relationships have its fair share of problems but it is better to be in one under one tumultuous roof;
7. The colour of your Skin does not mean that you are true to your Soul;
8. When you die, you die alone;
9. Is it worth all that energy to harm a stranger whom is undeserving of your shortcomings or his/hers for that matter;
10. What goes around comes around - getting close to someone reveals certain Truths;
11. That we are all going through changes but not all of us find the path to true enlightenment;
12. True enlightenment is perilous even for the Masters of Masters
I hope 2008 will be much more forgiving for I am sure I cannot bear many more disappointments.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Signing off for Christmas!!
It's that time for the year in which I disappear into the abyss of joyfulness and wrap the laptop into its dark corner called the office drawer until the 27th when I come back for 2 days and then fade away again into the New Year. To all my friends, have a fantastic holidays with loved ones and as always be safe and may 2008 bring you new challenges and exciting distractions....
Kevin XXX
Andrew XXX
Peter XXX
Pinoyboy XXX
John Ong XXX
Brad XXX
Keiran XXX
Ross XXX
Ron XXX
Kathy XXX
Mark XXX
and all the great guys in Flickr!
Love to you....
XXX
Hadi
Kevin XXX
Andrew XXX
Peter XXX
Pinoyboy XXX
John Ong XXX
Brad XXX
Keiran XXX
Ross XXX
Ron XXX
Kathy XXX
Mark XXX
and all the great guys in Flickr!
Love to you....
XXX
Hadi
Monday, December 17, 2007
Why Rednecks frighten me!?
I have contemplated this for a very long time so I decided today that I would explain my choices in men as friends or lovers. You see rednecks, no matter how attractive they look frightens me a little. Redneck Americans, Australians or Europeans - they have an aggressive nature that I have yet to embrace and I suppose my upbringing will never allow me to.
I am by no means a giant(in stature) or a bigot but I can be a little fragile and sexual aggression up to a point can 'be' endearing much like shaving with a blunt razor without cream after a bad hangover. I suppose I prefer a gentle giant with the brain capacity of Einstein's or at least someone whose 'gonuts' are not hanging out of his mouth 24-7!
I am your average Asian, not too tall not too short, some might say that I am compact i.e. like your English bulldog but less adorable! I don't believe in camping it up for there is no reason to...it gets too hard to keep the facade and seriously I'm just not made that way. My wardrobe is mostly a series of checked shirts + linen matched against blue-jeans and Italian shoes. I guess I'm ordinary to a point packaged in a full-bodied goblet of red-hot humour and dressed with a drizzle of spicy but dry sarcasm and topped with brilliant cynical repartee in the form of catch phrases.
I prefer my men a little taller, bigger than me, a little preppier, possibly with loads of facial hair - infact hair on or hair off doesn't really matter these days, he can have mine. More so than ever, I am not attracted to Castro-esque men, just for the very reason that burly men are afraid of chasers like myself, I have yet to figure out the reasons which is currently a work in progress, and in addition, scratched from the must-sees & must-dos...people with an inclination for the bizarre. I am adventurous up to a point but still a prude...now that's a revelation!
I keep my kisses close to my heart and if I do kiss you it means a lot to me. I do like my white boys but I find my own kind and men of colour just as adorable as long as they don't try too hard to curb my freedom or exert their own prejudicial beliefs...Asians have a tendency of doing that. I like them when they come with a good set of teeth as well and can drive a car with confidence; because I have a distate for driving though I love the sound of rumbling torque and leather interiors. P.S I don't mind someone with a Harley as long as it doesn't come with long nights of boozing and bed-wetting!
Sometimes I wonder why we send outselves into this outrageous cycle of misplaced expectations but then again isn't it half the fun or else Life will fall into the mundane and people we meet become less wondrous. I guess I would like to make or find someone I can call friend whom is entirely different from how they look... coz at the end of the day, I think I am still living life ill-informed and lack of a better word 'Sheltered'.
I am by no means a giant(in stature) or a bigot but I can be a little fragile and sexual aggression up to a point can 'be' endearing much like shaving with a blunt razor without cream after a bad hangover. I suppose I prefer a gentle giant with the brain capacity of Einstein's or at least someone whose 'gonuts' are not hanging out of his mouth 24-7!
I am your average Asian, not too tall not too short, some might say that I am compact i.e. like your English bulldog but less adorable! I don't believe in camping it up for there is no reason to...it gets too hard to keep the facade and seriously I'm just not made that way. My wardrobe is mostly a series of checked shirts + linen matched against blue-jeans and Italian shoes. I guess I'm ordinary to a point packaged in a full-bodied goblet of red-hot humour and dressed with a drizzle of spicy but dry sarcasm and topped with brilliant cynical repartee in the form of catch phrases.
I prefer my men a little taller, bigger than me, a little preppier, possibly with loads of facial hair - infact hair on or hair off doesn't really matter these days, he can have mine. More so than ever, I am not attracted to Castro-esque men, just for the very reason that burly men are afraid of chasers like myself, I have yet to figure out the reasons which is currently a work in progress, and in addition, scratched from the must-sees & must-dos...people with an inclination for the bizarre. I am adventurous up to a point but still a prude...now that's a revelation!
I keep my kisses close to my heart and if I do kiss you it means a lot to me. I do like my white boys but I find my own kind and men of colour just as adorable as long as they don't try too hard to curb my freedom or exert their own prejudicial beliefs...Asians have a tendency of doing that. I like them when they come with a good set of teeth as well and can drive a car with confidence; because I have a distate for driving though I love the sound of rumbling torque and leather interiors. P.S I don't mind someone with a Harley as long as it doesn't come with long nights of boozing and bed-wetting!
Sometimes I wonder why we send outselves into this outrageous cycle of misplaced expectations but then again isn't it half the fun or else Life will fall into the mundane and people we meet become less wondrous. I guess I would like to make or find someone I can call friend whom is entirely different from how they look... coz at the end of the day, I think I am still living life ill-informed and lack of a better word 'Sheltered'.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Keith Harring - a postcard from a friend.
I can still remember this postcard that was sent to me in 1995 when he went on his trip to London with another chap I knew whom had a fetish over Japanese girls. It just crossed my mind...where is this postcard now?
Leona Lewis...Bleeding Love
What can I say...I'm a sucker for a great beat. She doesn't look half bad in the video either! Sorry guys...it was on autoplay and after a while it gets a little annoying even for me!
Spiders...Web Personal!
Pholcus phalangioides (RM, QM)
These days I find it very difficult to kill insects even ants. I tend to walk around them. Those that do get into the house eventually die of starvation, the insects I mean. We hardly get roaches and with summer the moths (they eat clothes/carpets) are everywhere and anywhere but yesterday I found a female daddy long legs hiding inside the bbq cupboard with a huge clump of hatchlings. They were wriggling all over the place and just two days ago, there was nothing in there.
The trouble with these spiders is that they breed very quickly and then web the whole decking within weeks. They then spread to the roof, the garage door, the cars and then out of the blue the entire house is inundated with cobwebs including the dogs. So yesterday, I have to admit, I bug sprayed them all.
Today though I feel a little guilty...I wonder why but I just can't handle the cobwebs and the sight of wriggling little insect infestation is just hard to deal with. I will atone for it somehow I'm sure!
These days I find it very difficult to kill insects even ants. I tend to walk around them. Those that do get into the house eventually die of starvation, the insects I mean. We hardly get roaches and with summer the moths (they eat clothes/carpets) are everywhere and anywhere but yesterday I found a female daddy long legs hiding inside the bbq cupboard with a huge clump of hatchlings. They were wriggling all over the place and just two days ago, there was nothing in there.
The trouble with these spiders is that they breed very quickly and then web the whole decking within weeks. They then spread to the roof, the garage door, the cars and then out of the blue the entire house is inundated with cobwebs including the dogs. So yesterday, I have to admit, I bug sprayed them all.
Today though I feel a little guilty...I wonder why but I just can't handle the cobwebs and the sight of wriggling little insect infestation is just hard to deal with. I will atone for it somehow I'm sure!
An Ode to DavidDust
I found these two pics from David's Blog to be the best especially on a Monday morning ...apart from the Project Runway Updates and Papi Love distractions, I couldn't get enough!
One of the reasons why the Labour government in Australia wants faster broadband and for every child between the age of 9-12 to have their very own laptop. All hail PORN!
On my way to self-destruction...
This is one of the most memorable love song from her album. Everyone's been there but some people just choose not too move on. To all my friends...don't let it consume you because Life is wondrous though at times it may seem futile.
One of the voice of the decade! Listen and you will understand.
One of the voice of the decade! Listen and you will understand.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
My Project Runway Predictions for SE04
So my predictions for SE04 are:
Christian: Most Promising. Probably picked up by a label if he is not good enough unless he finds a sugar daddy in the industry to shack up with and pay for his collection.
Kit and Rami: Most likely to be in the last 3 or rather the 'top' 3. They have great finishing skills and execution. Great eye for colour and sense of style. Jewish boys are hot!
Victorya - Most likely the worst person on Earth to have as a friend. Over ambitious and will take credit when she can. The one that stole the cookie from the cookie jar and exclaims that she thought it was free. Either that or she will claim that that the Cookie jar is hers eventhough it has a label that says BIATCH.
Most likely to win for the most beautiful eyes on the show. But with competition from Kit, Rami & Christian, he'll be very lucky if he ends up @ the top 3...maybe if he has better time management. Isn't he Italian?
Most likely to succeed in a 70s remake of the Village People. He should be more selfish...it's a competition and get his finishing brushed up and give those hats a miss Papi!
Christian: Most Promising. Probably picked up by a label if he is not good enough unless he finds a sugar daddy in the industry to shack up with and pay for his collection.
Kit and Rami: Most likely to be in the last 3 or rather the 'top' 3. They have great finishing skills and execution. Great eye for colour and sense of style. Jewish boys are hot!
Victorya - Most likely the worst person on Earth to have as a friend. Over ambitious and will take credit when she can. The one that stole the cookie from the cookie jar and exclaims that she thought it was free. Either that or she will claim that that the Cookie jar is hers eventhough it has a label that says BIATCH.
Most likely to win for the most beautiful eyes on the show. But with competition from Kit, Rami & Christian, he'll be very lucky if he ends up @ the top 3...maybe if he has better time management. Isn't he Italian?
Most likely to succeed in a 70s remake of the Village People. He should be more selfish...it's a competition and get his finishing brushed up and give those hats a miss Papi!
My new shopping list...
This is the plan today after work.
I will need to buy:
1. Vidal Sassoon hair styling all-in-one blow dryer/straightener for the sister.
2. 1 x Ipod Shuffle for her birthday.
3. 1 x ROD Anime Complete (The Paper sisters) for me.
4. 1 x MushiShi the Movie + 1 x Shinobi the Movie for me.
5. 1 x Chanel No.5 for Mum.
6. 1 x Leather Bag for Mum.
7. 1 x Pannier bag for the hubby...he's cycling to work these days and he can pop his dell in it.
8. 1 x new shirt and shorts for me.
9. 1 x new shirt and shorts for the hubby.
10. 3 x Haigs Christmas Chocolates (Dark) for Mum, Dad & Sis.
So that looks like the plan but it might change as we want to go and grab some Mangoes @ the Market. It will be a very busy night!
Tomorrow is dinner at the Hyatt...just the two of us. Yes...we are becoming very predictable.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Esthero...another artist to watch for in 2008
Still trying to find her album in Australia and the last one was in the late nineties and she has been busy doing collaborations recently with Brandy. So hopefully we will see her in 2008...
The Package is out.
So I have prepared a surprise package to my friends and various Christmas cards - some has gone out last week and the major packages just went out 1/2 an hour ago. I am exhausted beyond belief. It's great to put my foot up for the next two days till the weekend...and then more and more wrapping to be done.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
CNN - Bali Climate Conference
Australia 2050? Will it be too late?
The US Credit Crunch?
Recession in 2008-2009 in America?
How will the US economy cope to achieve these targets?
Carbon credits?
What's in it for the US?'
What is the price for Australia?
Climate Conference - Bali
I wonder how much carbon fuels were used to get these bureaucrats to Bali? They probably came up with some lame excuse of a 'carbon offset' (i.e. here is my financial contribution in dollar terms to help save the environment) by supposedly exacting the act of planting trees in drought affected Australia and then letting them die a natural death because they is no water to be had. I am also keen to see whether the labour government can educate the Indonesians on their backburning crop plantation methods...maybe a little Mandarin-like attitude towards disbelievers might help - or maybe 'the burning of the books" Mao-style? Maybe a bribe via Carbon credit mate?
Kevin08 - "We will then be in a position to frame our own targets," Mr Rudd said after a meeting last night with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "Our own long-term target is an ambitious one of a 60per cent reduction in emissions by 2050."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22910382-601,00.html
So in the meantime, lets burn more fuel and spin the media till we all see stars Mr. Rudd while the entire country remains at the highest level of water restrictions!
What do you mean there is no airconditioning @ the conference!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Changi Airport T3 opens end Jan 08
OK I am sucker for newly built Airports and I have to say from the pics I've seen so far Terminal3 in Singapore is huge...not some crappy fly on the wall like Sydney Airport, which looks exactly like Brisbane Airport, Adelaide Airport and Melbourne Airport but it will house at least a dozen A380 without a breaking a sweat - which to any passenger is what we look for in airtravel - space.
Imagine all the things that they can throw in there especially the local food that will be available and the shopping. Can't wait for March to come around!
My Early Christmas Present...
So last night the hubby got me my first HP PhotoSmart A826 - photo printer. It has a small 7 inch screen that allows me to select from the squillions of pictures that I have to print with my very own plastic stylus. It also has options to print in various sizes up to a max of 10 x 15 with various slots from Pictbridge, SD to CF etc. + some borders and effects. It's brilliant - like having your own egglike photostore.
The hubby told me that it was good to see me smile. It has been a while I think that I've truly smiled. Maybe because I'm more grumpy that I ever was these days and less friendly to people in general because so many of them are just ratbags and halfwits. But when I do smile, it is out of honest joy. Even I was surprised at how simple things such as a photo printer can make me all kiddish again and how Time can wipe away the real you if you let it.
This was a good prezzie and with the new camera, I am learning how to appreciate the things that I've missed most; the real Hadi - one that was a little more frivolous with his attitude towards life -the old me!
Also been busy surfing the Net for blogs and cleaning out those that are no longer relevant. I realise that you only need a handful and honestly, there are some people that are not worth the effort.....now back to being happy Hadi! Think pretty things! You see what I mean?! Okay...it's a work in progress I have to admit.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Project Runway - Sarah Jessica Parker S4E02
Australia needs to get its act together! How can you have cable and still made to watch Season 2 of Project Runway when everyone else is watching Season 4. I want my money back you lame bastards!
Just when you think there is no more AIBO!
We nearly bought this while living in Singapore for the very reason that we were busy people and having a real dog/dogs were out of the question. It looks a little rabid to me ala version 2008...
Leica - The $800 pair of binoculars
I was astounded by the clarity of the glass/optics...though a little extravagant for my wallet. Decided on a Nikon 8x24 for Dad instead. I am pretty good this Christmas and have started curbing my spending; Christmas usually sends me a little wild but nothing that I could not handle. He is also getting a Navman GPS for the Pajero.
Had a short chat with Dad yesterday while Mum was over fixing our curtains and he said not too worry too much with the redundancy loomy. It is never about the money but more importantly the fact that you feel as if your independence has somewhat diminished beyond your control. It will be good to go to the holiday house and go out fishing or just sit by the verandah overlooking the beach. I don't mind the holiday house which is about 3 hour's drive from Adelaide. I hope we don't go to one of those 8 hours 40kms way out in the middle of nowhere spots but I have a feeling that I might be right this time around.
So what did I get myself for Christmas?...a coffee table book from Lonely Planet on Asia, an Amy Winehouse music DVD with her live in London, Terry Goodkind's "Confessor" because I've read everything of his and just want the story to end for good. The other half wants some Rocky Road and I haven't decided what else to get him...apart from the mesh rushsack. Of course, most of our Christmas cash have been channelled to the March vacation so that I guess is our gift to each other.
It is really hard to feel motivated at work especially on a Monday but I will give it a go and if I feel like crap, I might just take a sicky and head on home instead.
Had a short chat with Dad yesterday while Mum was over fixing our curtains and he said not too worry too much with the redundancy loomy. It is never about the money but more importantly the fact that you feel as if your independence has somewhat diminished beyond your control. It will be good to go to the holiday house and go out fishing or just sit by the verandah overlooking the beach. I don't mind the holiday house which is about 3 hour's drive from Adelaide. I hope we don't go to one of those 8 hours 40kms way out in the middle of nowhere spots but I have a feeling that I might be right this time around.
So what did I get myself for Christmas?...a coffee table book from Lonely Planet on Asia, an Amy Winehouse music DVD with her live in London, Terry Goodkind's "Confessor" because I've read everything of his and just want the story to end for good. The other half wants some Rocky Road and I haven't decided what else to get him...apart from the mesh rushsack. Of course, most of our Christmas cash have been channelled to the March vacation so that I guess is our gift to each other.
It is really hard to feel motivated at work especially on a Monday but I will give it a go and if I feel like crap, I might just take a sicky and head on home instead.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Finally End Date @ work!
So my final day at work is the 15th of Feb...we are the first group to go with the last exit at the end of March. The other half told me not to dwell on the subject too much and to pick myself up and move on. So that is exactly what I am planning to do.
Christmas is around the corner and I have finally succeeded in finding a T-shirt printing place in the city to get them to print the stuff that I've left unattended for quite a while.
This evening we're off Christmas shopping. On the list:
Navman GPS for Dad.
Something for Mum. The hubby need to call Dad today...shall remind him at lunch.
PS3 for us. Still trying to locate the 60GB rather than the 40GB which is not compatible with PS2 games + bluetooth controller + HDMI cable + 1 extra game controller.
Bath bombs from Lush....summer blues. To take to the holiday house (jacuzzi).
2 x 25 rucksack for our Cambodian 4WD Trip with airmesh. Will be roughing it out a little this time.
That is all for the moment. Must also get the hubby's sister something + 1 additional b'day prezzie.
I think I will be totally exhausted tonight.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Random thoughts!
Sometimes a stranger is not a stranger - you have to take the first step.
Sometimes the train only comes once.
In our search for perfection or nirvana, we focus too much on our flaws that blinds us from our gifts.
I don't know you therefore I can decide what is good for you.
I do not accept Charity therefore I deserve none.
If you feel a sense of familiarity then it is what it is - never turn something positive into something ugly because of your fears. Face them and you will be rewarded!
Sometimes the train only comes once.
In our search for perfection or nirvana, we focus too much on our flaws that blinds us from our gifts.
I don't know you therefore I can decide what is good for you.
I do not accept Charity therefore I deserve none.
If you feel a sense of familiarity then it is what it is - never turn something positive into something ugly because of your fears. Face them and you will be rewarded!
A kiss is just a kiss....
Kissing the old boyfriend was strange. The aroma was pleasant but it was not the same. It felt awkward but mostly ineffectual. Maybe it is time to live in the present and not dwell on the past.
"When I dream, I dream in colour!"
"When I dream, I dream in colour!"
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Missing Japan...maybe 2009?
I've told the other half that I am missing Japan a little. Not too sure why but I think I left something behind? So maybe 2009 will see us there again...in Spring maybe while the Sakura are out in bloom!
Nikon D300
I tried the Demo at a Camera Shop in the city over the weekend. It was juicy...with 51 Point auto-focus system and rapid 6fps - only AUD$2700 body only in Adelaide and about US$1800 in the States. Yummy!
Apparently it has a Liveview which means you can see the pictures on your LCD before shooting the image. They already have those in my Canon Pro 1 so not a new feature but I guess for a semi-professional camera in its range it is!
I need to start writing/reading more...
I agree with Pinoyboy - that your brain tend to forget how to write if you leave it in limbo for far too long...I've noticed how bad I've become of late and I need to buck up. At times, I blame it on Microsoft and their spell-checker but mostly it's just me being lazy really...typing words that sounds the same but has a different meaning, my subject-verb agreements, punctuations and basic spelling...how dreadful.
Oh well... that's ageing for you!
Oh well... that's ageing for you!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Vietnam/ Laos March 08
So today I've been emailing a couple of hotels in Laos since we have decided to extend our holidays to include Vientiane and Luang Prabang in 03/08. I am almost there with 3 responses so far.
Hopefully I will have job in April 08 to go to and it will be the icing on the cake...a job upon my return from vacation! Sounds like a dream come true but if all else fails, then back to the resume and interviewing process again.
Alas.
Hopefully I will have job in April 08 to go to and it will be the icing on the cake...a job upon my return from vacation! Sounds like a dream come true but if all else fails, then back to the resume and interviewing process again.
Alas.
Dinner with the President...A documentary!
I caught a documentary on SBS last night, ( a multicultural TV station that caters for other non-white Australians). It was a very interesting concept dealing with politics/life in Pakistan, religious factionalism, poverty, education, women and more importantly Islam and the Quran in modern times.
The interviewer or Narrator is a Pakistani woman - no headscarf, highly well-educated I presume with her rather astute questions and also brave. At one point she addressed the religious mullahs of Northern Pakistan on the interpretation of the role of women in Islam and challenged them to show her exactly where in the Quran dictated that women should have a passive role in Islamic life.
The most controversial question I suppose was when she asked them whether which one of them can dictate that her God and her Islam was any different from theirs being a modern muslim. The exact word was reiterated out loud- Modern! And the group instantly disbanded; walked away from the meeting with a hint of illiterate curses under their breath.
For me I guess the biggest flaw with any religion is how it fails so disastrously when transposing religion with modernity and evolution. Progress calls for new strategy, new interpretation and new application to a rather moralistic yet divine universal truth - good vs bad.
It seems that Northern Pakistan is a law to themselves - it has a hierarchy that is trying to impose age-old laws defined not only by its long affiliation to tradition but customs carried down through generations, hardened by war, poverty and lack of intervention by a government that is in constant fear of Jiihad fuelled further by really low literacy rates among the masses; the minority has little choice but to turn to their religious leaders for guidance.
And because the borders are highly sensitive, it becomes difficult for any intervention to take place without the risks of loosing support from these individuals in curbing the Taliban from slipping through the cracks.
If you have a chance to catch it where you are you should... the filming is also very candid.
The only thing that really struck me is that a lot of modern Pakistanis believe that Musharraf is good for the country because he brings about modernity and secularism where Muslims can make their own choices while others have always thought about themselves rather than the people.
The younger generation especially those living abroad seems to have survived the brunt of all the turmoil. In a sad way, they've isolated themselves almost to the point of elitism which is another negative result of affluence which makes their stance rather questionable! It is just another form of the caste system (semantics)!
The interviewer or Narrator is a Pakistani woman - no headscarf, highly well-educated I presume with her rather astute questions and also brave. At one point she addressed the religious mullahs of Northern Pakistan on the interpretation of the role of women in Islam and challenged them to show her exactly where in the Quran dictated that women should have a passive role in Islamic life.
The most controversial question I suppose was when she asked them whether which one of them can dictate that her God and her Islam was any different from theirs being a modern muslim. The exact word was reiterated out loud- Modern! And the group instantly disbanded; walked away from the meeting with a hint of illiterate curses under their breath.
For me I guess the biggest flaw with any religion is how it fails so disastrously when transposing religion with modernity and evolution. Progress calls for new strategy, new interpretation and new application to a rather moralistic yet divine universal truth - good vs bad.
It seems that Northern Pakistan is a law to themselves - it has a hierarchy that is trying to impose age-old laws defined not only by its long affiliation to tradition but customs carried down through generations, hardened by war, poverty and lack of intervention by a government that is in constant fear of Jiihad fuelled further by really low literacy rates among the masses; the minority has little choice but to turn to their religious leaders for guidance.
And because the borders are highly sensitive, it becomes difficult for any intervention to take place without the risks of loosing support from these individuals in curbing the Taliban from slipping through the cracks.
If you have a chance to catch it where you are you should... the filming is also very candid.
The only thing that really struck me is that a lot of modern Pakistanis believe that Musharraf is good for the country because he brings about modernity and secularism where Muslims can make their own choices while others have always thought about themselves rather than the people.
The younger generation especially those living abroad seems to have survived the brunt of all the turmoil. In a sad way, they've isolated themselves almost to the point of elitism which is another negative result of affluence which makes their stance rather questionable! It is just another form of the caste system (semantics)!
Personal best II
I have to say this one is brilliant...a shot that I am quite proud of really. It took such a long time to find a pilgrim to come my way but eventually he did! And it was just right.
Wanna buy some bad luck?
Tsutaya is a chain store much like Borders. They have an entire floor of Japanese Manga and Anime on DVD but none of them had English subtitles or English Dubbed Versions. There were so many new seasons that I nearly flipped.
The lavatories are not so flash though - the ones at Loft are 10 times better. The ones at the airport had bum massagers! Not the sort you're thinking of! But way cool with LCD screens and all. You can even press a button for a deodoriser!
With Starbucks sharing the same space, it was hard to complain....have you tasted Japanese coffee?! Give me International Roast anytime...actually give me Japanese coffee. International Roast is crap!
Personal best I
I particularly like this shot. The lanterns where everywhere and it is more brilliant when they're lighted up. In the old days, there would have been candles instead- the reason why fires at shrines, temples or castles were not uncommon. These days the wonders of electricity provides for a safer alternative.
I love old trees
One of the many interesting fact is that the meandering lines on the surface of trees are usually caused by the natural weathering process eg. rain
It is a very long process but can you imagine how long it took to carve this one out?
Todaiji Daibutsuden (Nara) - One of the biggest buddha ever!
This place was massive and the structure that housed the buddha was well lets just say - can you see small people...I see small people.
Gion...Cedar and Geishas.
Gion is very famous for its authentic Japanese rural houses and excessively overpriced restaurants. It is in the middle of a city though it doesn't look like it but surprisingly you get little pockets of areas like these...
l
These two were one of those make believe Geisha for the day I spoke of. Great on pics but a real Giesha wouldn't be caught dead in those colours!
l
Kiyomizu Dera - Where you can pray for Love!
There is a shrine section that you can go to and they have these two boulders that faces each other. They say that if you are able to walk blindfolded from one boulder to another, you will find your true love. Without trying to break your neck of course with the massive crowd all trying at the same time!
A view of Kiyomizu Dera itself. It is more spectacular at night. This is another must see - it was magnificent and you get to make a wish at the bottom where a natural spring flows through into a man-made pool. Brilliant...I made a wish too! How silly I thought.
Insipid - Anglo saxons are a norm in Japan!
Insipid Anglo Saxon...I asked my other half why do they all looked the same - stringy and lean like the Japanese? Its just that they look all brittle and fragile if you get what I mean. Most of the beefy and tough ones seems to steer far far away from Japan. Maybe it is just my observation?
Try this experiment - if you google or flickr people who either worked, are working or have a Japanese girlfriend or partner....they have that look! There is a very bizarre trend trust me - very prepubescent.
It also seems that there are a lot more Americans than I expected and most of them are between the age range of 22-25 i.e. teaching English. Oh well I guess the good ones are back home! But I suppose you need to be a certain kind of person to make Japan your home...and these guys are usually not there to study! I wonder.....?
Try this experiment - if you google or flickr people who either worked, are working or have a Japanese girlfriend or partner....they have that look! There is a very bizarre trend trust me - very prepubescent.
It also seems that there are a lot more Americans than I expected and most of them are between the age range of 22-25 i.e. teaching English. Oh well I guess the good ones are back home! But I suppose you need to be a certain kind of person to make Japan your home...and these guys are usually not there to study! I wonder.....?
Miso in a Vat...
Miso base...this store specialises in various Miso bases. Good bases are like chutney - you can eat them as they are. They have them in jars outside the store for tasting too. The good thing about Japan is that you can taste most of the local delicacies before buying and people won't frown at you because they're basically saying my stuff is too good to be ignored - I fear not my critics!
More of the old Japan & Sake Houses.
Among these old houses are family-run sake making/drinking houses. You know that they are sake houses when you see these...
Or these...which symbolises where sake comes from....rice.
You can even see the drizzle....not the best picture but you get an idea of what the establishment feels like.
The Japanese are like everyone else.
The entrance to the Shrine....
And what it hid! They were so cute together...I think they're in love.
Locking myself out of the car....
What a morning...with my routine broken when I got to the office i.e. someone volunteered to open the garage door for me, I had inadvertently left the keys in the car and slammed it shut to infact thank the lady from Payroll. This is the first time I've done that and I feel like a major himbo. The spare key is at home...it will take me an hour and half to and fro while a taxi was going to cost me at least $100.
Everyone tried to help - the workshop guys next door whom apparently didn't know what they were doing. So it looks like I have to replace my locks after all the screwdriver attempts that did not do what it was suppose to. I should thank them for at least making an effort to come around and give me a hand.
I called the RAA and it was going to cost me $165 to join on the spot and another $75 for the callout and $67 annually until someone in the office, with the miracle of a coat-hanger, came over and pop the lock. It was that simple .... I couldn't believe it and am now more paranoid than ever that my car is not the secure machine I thought it was. So no more leaving any valuables in the car anymore and I've learnt my lesson.
What a way to start the day eh? Bugger!
Everyone tried to help - the workshop guys next door whom apparently didn't know what they were doing. So it looks like I have to replace my locks after all the screwdriver attempts that did not do what it was suppose to. I should thank them for at least making an effort to come around and give me a hand.
I called the RAA and it was going to cost me $165 to join on the spot and another $75 for the callout and $67 annually until someone in the office, with the miracle of a coat-hanger, came over and pop the lock. It was that simple .... I couldn't believe it and am now more paranoid than ever that my car is not the secure machine I thought it was. So no more leaving any valuables in the car anymore and I've learnt my lesson.
What a way to start the day eh? Bugger!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Family Pictures are always the best...
Sweet as....it was their son's 7th birthday and they were at the temple for a blessing by the local monk. They get those tiny bags when its over... tradition has its advantage - it brings people together.
2008 - What am I looking forward to...
So it is obvious that I will be jobless by Feb 2008. I should be upset but I am trying to put the thought away till Christmas is over. The good thing is that the business have been sending us to various prep courses so that we are preparing ourselves for interviews etc.
I have to say that on their part they are trying. I guess it is only human to be a little worried about the future but it is no use panicking about something that you have no control over.
The agenda therefore is to find a job that will keep me focused and enthused. The money has to be comparable and maybe something that is Arts related or something in Marketing. The safe bet is to work in another project role but I need to get off this laziness that has taken over me since being in this current job can no longer be my excuse. Who knows... 2008 could be it - I will find my dream job in Adelaide.
Till then... I am focusing on cleaning up my resume in its entirety and giving it a fresh new look.
Wish me luck!
I have to say that on their part they are trying. I guess it is only human to be a little worried about the future but it is no use panicking about something that you have no control over.
The agenda therefore is to find a job that will keep me focused and enthused. The money has to be comparable and maybe something that is Arts related or something in Marketing. The safe bet is to work in another project role but I need to get off this laziness that has taken over me since being in this current job can no longer be my excuse. Who knows... 2008 could be it - I will find my dream job in Adelaide.
Till then... I am focusing on cleaning up my resume in its entirety and giving it a fresh new look.
Wish me luck!
A 'Damien' moment at the cemetery Mt. Koyasan...
Odd but this Crow was pretty adamant in hanging around people and knew it was being photographed.
Kyoto Tower ...
The other half could not understand why I was always taking pictures of the Kyoto Tower...neither did I but I really like towers and how they look at night. This was taken on the 11th floor restaurant level walkway in a mall across the street.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Another pic before I sign off...
How can you not be affected by the ordinary...Japan is just that - a juxtaposition of the ordinary beautiful.
For Bentley...I thought of you when I saw these!
I saw so many interesting designs - Japan is really into their hybrid cars and pushing the Toyota Prius like mad but I thought these Daihatsus are just too cute. Seen at a car yard!
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