Happy Halloween

It's been a while.. hi everyone and happy halloween!

Updates & Replies

Replies:
Anonymous: No..none of that stuff for me.. none that i know of at least... hmm
LB: Nice to see you around again.. I do miss writing and expressing myself at times. One of these days.. Prague is not far

Updates:
So..Miho DID show up to Goodie Two Shoes Wedding and she's also visiting me in Shanghai SOON.. Life IS good to me

And I have still YET to finish my first video game...LOL.. apparently I can live on without playing Galactrix and crystal meth..What daya know..

Wakeboarding Weekend plus a few new TV Shows (yet all HBO)

Hmmm I don't think I made a New Years Resolution for 2009 (Maybe I did but I forgot what it was) but for someone who didn't make resolutions. I think I made it really far this year..in terms of accomplishing what I'd think I would set as goals for this year...

Let's see.. I have..

• Read 3 books so far "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell and (in a less proud tone)"Twilight" & "New Moon" by Stephanie Meyer. But hey..at least I'm reading.
• Travelled to Hawaii and Tokyo, although have been to both places before but still went to NEW parts of it Niigata and Maui. Went skiing for the 1st time too!! And caught my 1st wave!
• Told myself I'd focus on either Golf or Wakeboarding this summer. And Wakeboarding overulessssss. Thinking of getting my own board now. DAMN
• Running a 10k Nike Race on August 8th and managed to recruit 6 more miserable people to join me. I WILL NOT go down alone
• Completed an Interior Design Short Course from Jiao Tung University, Floorplanner & Sketch up is useful, wish I did more CAD Stuff
• May perhaps get my own place to be.. oh whats that term.. Financially Independent???
• Best part being ..family is getting along great...Can it be? Everyone is happy = bobo is happy

Now just some volunteer work or philanthropy before Christmas time / year end. Then I've been a good girl and I get presents from "Sandy Claws" (don't blame yourself if you don't get the Nightmare before Christmas connotation, not many people do)

So this weekend...Yes... I've done nothing but what the NEW AGE MILLENIUM teenage mutant ninja turtle would do.."Wakeboard" rather than skateboard, PLUS eat pizza and watch TV. Ahhhh Pizza..somehow I think TMNT definitely brainwashed my generation with it. Anyway..TV.. been watching ALL the new stuff from HBO..yes I'm one of the millions that download my TV scoop from http://www.verycd.com/ . Hung is pretty kool but a bit slow for my liking..the protagonist is way too douchbag for me to have pity on him... Is it me or does Anne Heche look like Frances Conroy is Six Feet Under? And the twins being defiant red heads? Hmmm.. Anyway.. Entourage Six.. same old stuff i guess..but Vince just doesn't seem that kool to me anymore.. and everyone is settling down..Kinda boring. And here comes my favorite "True Blood" Season 2... Oh thank you HBO.. Southerners + Vampires..Brilliant..If Vampire Bill wasn't a Vampire..would he be interested in Sookie?? Errr Big Fat NO.. Oh ..its sooo good... True Blood is definitely my fave show for 2008..lets see if its still my fave for 2009

Honestly..i'm not downloading anything else but HBO for now...maybe when "The Hills" or "The City" comes out from MTV.. Oh I may appear to be an intellectual at times but do NOT be fooled I AM A DUMB BLOND BIMBO that yearnsss drama..

Into the wild self destructive path of Galactrix

Definition of my last weekend -A path of self destruction, utter devotion and realization.

Part 1.
During the past 2 days of recovery from my last weekend, I'm sure some of you have recieved random messages from me saying "I loathe myself....." , "Video games are like drugs but Galactrix is like crystal meth" and "Hi my name is Eva and I'm a user" An amazing experience happened last weekend as I got sucked into this uber addictive game Galactrix and i think i definitely discovered a new side of myself (aka my new "low")

I started this game while I was still on vacation, saw my bf playing it on his NDS and he casually asks me if I want to quote unquote "try" and the road to self destruction starts here. We both got super into the game taking turns playing at least a good 5-6 hours combined then the battery ran out. Hence leads to this Saturday where I ask him for the site to download this game.

Background: Yes I have an NDS but I'm a what you would call "NON-USER" , i have never in my entire LIFE finished any video game that i started. Maximum hours spent on a game..perhaps 5 hrs or less

Saturday
5pm
Me: Hey send me the site for the NDS games
The "Supportive" Bf: You're gonna download Galactrix..aren't you? (Speaking like a true video game addict excited that I may perhaps share his passion)
Me: I might.... (Thinking you know DAMN WELL I will..but I won't admit it)

8pm
Figured out how to download and all the transfers are complete

9pm
Starts playing the game, in which I needed to restart the whole mission again. Damn!

10pm
Popcorn for dinner!!! Back to the game

11:30pm
The DVD movie that I put in plays the same Jingle repeatedly for half an hour. (I usually put movies in when I'm in the house, I may not be watching it but I always like to put it in, i maybe showering, cooking, trying to fall asleep or playing nds. Here the movie ends and I'm too drawn to the game to do anything about the annoying sound of a repeated jingle)

12:00am
Finally turns off the TV..goes back to the game.

2:00am
Wow..I'm still playing..time is moving fast

3:45am
Looks at the time thinking..."Really??? Almost 4?"

5:00am
The window is seeping thru light...damn..now I can't sleep properly (I can only attain quality sleep when i fall asleep when its dark)

6:15am
Brightly lightened room. Urghhhhhhhh....I think I should sleep ..or should I? Just let me clear this leapgate.

6:55am
Cleared the leapgate like 15 minutes ago..but played a few more games.. Off to bed

10:55am
I told you I can't get quality sleep when its bright outside. Wakes up and turns on the NDS....

11:15am
This feels wrong.. I haven't gotten out of bed yet but I'm playing NDS

12:00pm
Really need to pee..finally get out of bed ..brush my teeth and pee. Time used prolly 3 minutes then back to Galactrix

2:00pm
Hmmm Should I eat? It's 2

3:00pm
I should put it a movie and make some food , bball practise is at 6pm should definitely have something digested well before practise

4:07pm
Time is pressing...urghhhh..but I can't stop...urghhhhhhhh

5:23pm
Screw bball practise. More Galactrix

6:00pm
I feel like fainting..why do i feel quesy???..Perhaps i should put on a movie and cook something instead...........in 30 minutes

6:30pm
Makes Popcorn..continues with game ..texts the BF.. "What did you do to me? This game is evilllllllllllllllllllll...i didn't even have a drop of water since I've woke up"

7:01:pm
Puts chicken wings in oven and broil veggies. Wastes 1 minute of game time.

7:08pm
Hits the WALL...I can't take this anymore ..i can't play anymore..I can't believe I just played for 15hrs or was it 20..i just can't ...I'm gonna vomit my popcorn...then plays 3 more games then stops

While still in disbelief of what just occured.. I decided to watch "Into the Wild"...Phone rings...it's the BF....chuckles and says playfully "Which game were you playing???"

Me: OHhhhhhhhhh SHUDDUP...You know it...

The BF chuckles more: Are you stilling playing...Hee hee heee..(At this point he chuckles so sinisterly..you wonder if he's been secretly waiting for this moment since our 1st date)

Me moaning: Urrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhh ..Nooooooooooo..I just... I just couldn't take it anymore...it was..it was just too much.. I just couldn't do it.. I mean I wanted to..but I just can't

The BF: Wow!

Me: Now I know how you feel like ..and now I understand how you can just eat one meal a day..when i'm playing I don't miss food, peeing or anything...

Then we compare notes on the game. He had the extra mission ahead of us..where we did on the plane and obviously he played for 2 or 3 days after we got back etc. And we discovered that within our last call which was yeserday afternoon and now. I have SURPASSED his level and he finally realizes to what depths of OCD I have sunken to. Come on ..I didn't eat or drink for the whole day.. bathroom ONCE.. I was so into the game I wouldn't mind missing a heart beat or not breathing and suffocate for that matter if it was obsructing my game time.(Lucikly both were easily mutitasked items that were not interfering the game)

The BF: Nooooooooooooooo way... Oh my god... No way......
Me:WAYYYYYYYYYYY


Part 2.
After 5 minutes, I then returned to my movie "Into the Wild" and it was great, Chris Mccandless lived a happy life indeed. The movie is based on the true story and last writings of the Chris aka Alexander Superstramp. With grades good enough to attend Havard Law School, Chris decided to travel after graduation, abandoning his car, hitchhiking and living in trailer parks. Scraping by at fast food joints to save money for his great Alaskan trip. Some interesting facts that was left out in the movie was that Chris did try to leave but the river was already flooded in which he couldn't cross however ironically a self manuvered tram was only 1/4 mile away from the 142 bus. His body was discovered only 2 weeks after his death by moose hunters when he was alone in the wild for over 4 months.

Favorite Mccandless Quotes:

"Quoted from Thoreau,Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness... give me truth."

"Some people feel like they don't deserve love. They walk away quietly into empty spaces, trying to close the gaps of the past."

"Careers are a 20th century invention and I don't want one."

"Two years he walks the earth.No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild."

Many have been quick to judge Chris as being reckless and ignorant to travel with so little to Alaska. But it is they who are not enlightened. If we were to judge Chris on his actions 50years ago, would it seem plausible? How about 100 years ago? For hundreds and thousands of years, man has lived in solidarity with wilderness. Has the modern lifestyle blinded us with materialism and consumption of waste so that living with bare essentials seem moronic, naive and irresponsible? I shun those who judge his actions for it is you that is ignorant in realizing what you are. Although I still eat fast food, watch DVDs, sit in front of a lap top for over 10 hrs a day and play NDS on my weekends. I KNOW who I am and how consumption is eroding the human mind and our beloved nature and to top it all, my career propagates consumption to the full extent. But the point is I KNOW and I may not be brave enough to let go of that false security of belongings and belonging but I vow not to turn my back from this knowlege and try to make a difference.

Yes imagine how shitty I felt after the movie, Chris's seclusion and detachment from the world into the wild was so beautiful and genuine. While my short yet intense seclusion and detachment from EVERYTHING was sooooo dispicable, low and degenerate. Yes. I do loathe myself. Yet do i regret it? No . Will I do the same again? A good 50% and relative soon too I predict. Because also...A rebel, non-conformist, self centered & detached being that I am, will only do what my heart guides me to. So let me end with this

If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, the possibility of life is destroyed.
Tolsoy, War and Peace (Also was in the book and Movie)

The End

Decidated to Chueeey..you are the one and only Chris Mccandless character in my life that comes to mind. If you do travel to the wild, just don't die and bring a map.

Anomalie

Ooooooo hohoho...finally i retrieve all my stuff back from the POOOlice*.. YEAH!!!!!! (Celebrate Good Time song playing in the background) For those who are not clued in..My car got smashed and broken into and my IPOD, GPS, Briefcase, License Plates, and camera was stolen..but the unthinkable happened.. the police actually caught the guy and returned all my stuff to me. And I was soooooooo happy to get my camera back of course..And NOOOOOOOO I don't have PORNISH photos in it.. I despartely wanted to to check if my Moganshan photos were still there.. And yet ALL but one picture is left in my camera.. Waaaaaaait a minute..this is not mine..By God ..can it be?????















Oh yess..its the guy who broke into my car (whom I shall refer as "the dufus" from now on..cos really..i had some doubts on his professionalism when i saw that he decided to break my windshield rather than my side window to open the door to get into my car and this photo further justifies the name) And check it out...he's holding my IPOD too...Kodak Moment Everyone

Here's my recovered items..couldn't get my briefcase , 2 USBs, CD Case with CDs but hey..come on now..this is awesome.. And check it outtttttttt... I actually got an extra pair of Samsung earphones that doesn't belong to me thrown in there.. Would anyone like a stolen pair of earphones?? Any takers??? And can someone care to explain why the dufus wanted my Plates?? I mean..how much is metal worth these days?? More than gold?

Anyhoo..i'm happy really.. truly..i mean..i got my stuff stolen..and in my mind it was 99% unrecoverable..and now i have it back... Miraculous .. and i must say I am an anomoly .. And I am going to make this incident to somehow teach myself to be positive.. cos statistics are just statistics..and sometimes the unthinkable happens.. yettttt..i guess it does goes both ways as well like there is a chance of extreme jinx.. urgh.. is this another one of those turning full circle waste of time again..

NOTE TO SELF..REALLY HAVE TO START OUTLINING AN ARGUEMENT PRIOR TO BLOGGING..

Little miss goodie two shoes..from Utah..

Have finally decided to attend my quote unquote PERFECT friend Donielle's wedding in Hawaii. And all these fond memories of UH just pops into my head. Sigh... And yes little miss goodie two shoes is getting married..i'm making fun of her is only because i'm completely jealous of her because after 9 years of knowing this girl ...dear god.. dare I say she is STILL the nicest person I know on the face on the earth. AND she's like super gorgeous cause i guess being hapa never hurts. Many times have I (being the mischievous creature that i am) and Miho (the rather edgy & bitchy ex-roomate of the bride to be) pondered on her true nature..I mean "COME ONNNNNNNN..she's pretty..she's nice and POLITE too??" (I being Chinese and Miho being Japanese...getting our ass whooped in "politeness" by a haole girl does shun us in shame) And to this day, I don't think I have ever seen a half raised eyebrow let alone a bitch stare. AMAZING.. so now.... I have decided to honor my friend who's the closest thing to being a Mormon (in terms of wholesomeness) without actually being a Mormon, by having a TOP TEN LIST of UH memories with Miho and Donielle (the fond ones and the ones that I try hard to forget but can't)

Drumroll please.....

10. Watching Donielle study her exams in Mechanical Engineering....AH HAAA! I knew she wasn't perfect !! But it was funny watching her getting frustrated.. cos frankly she never gets frustrated..

9. My bad roomate rants..and I lived in their place for like a week or 2..like.. drama...

8. Waking up while living at their place...and the first thing that pops to mind is "WTF???? Oh.. it's Miho's NEW COFFEE MACHINE..that sounds like a bulldozer"

7. Calling Miho on the phone to talk for an hour an a half..then us both coming to a realization..that why don't I just walk 2 minutes to her dorm room and chat face to face... GENIUS..PURE GENIUS

6. The aweeeeeeeesome plane ride that ms pilot Donielle took Miho and I....I mean how cool is having your friend fly you around to see the beautiful scene of hawaii?? (Eventhough she was actually just taking a lesson..who cares..FOLKS MY PARENTS STILL HAVE NO IDEA... HUSHHHHHHH)

5. CORNFIELD...hell taking a 3.5 hr bus ride home at 6am is NOT the way to go...when you're on emmm...stuff

4. Mayhem Fridays....with Miho and Eva...What can I say? Our weekends starts early. So what if you walk back to your dorm room at 6 and find your roomate passed out on the couch and her friend starts to force YOU to drink instead? (Errr..sorry donielle..you were late to the party)

3. Freaking 2001 News Year..I hereby declare Time Square New Year's Eve Count Down is shit..no..not "da shit" but just plainly "shit"..frozen toes..4 hrs..no where to pee.. BRRRRRR

2. Coming over at 930 to watch "Friends"......Awwwwwwwwwww

1. So here goes..the ULTIMATE piece of UH memory that has been burnt in the back of my brain ..isssssssss.....The night where I finished the entrance English exam, where I went to Donielle's and Miho's dorm apartment for the first time..it all comes back to this moment whenever I think of you guys. Cause its just so weird thinking back to that moment and how little did i know back then...that our friendship can come this far.. Love you guys..

Shinada Miho~~~you have now been offically "PEER PRESSURED" to go to this wedding..eventho we have been long-distance roomates for years now..you will be in my book of "UNCOOL" if you don't go.. =p

Addicted to flawed protagonists, tragedy and ultimately love...

It's been a while since I've blogged about movie reviews.. firstly coz I haven't been blogging much at all and secondly there weren't just any good films to be blogging about. I mean The Dark Knight was amazing of course, but everyone knows that and yes they were robbed from having a Best Film nomination for Oscars... Last week however I managed to rekindle my love for writing movie reviews and blogging with "The Reader" & "Let the Right One In"

The Reader
Directed by Stephen Daldry (who also directed Billy Elliot, The Hours)

Within the Oscar Nominated Best Films this year, THIS ONE should be the winner. I still don't understand the hype of Slumdog Millionaire, perhaps it will test positive for generating a stimulus to the economy (Thats what everything is about nowadays..right??) Anyway back to the point, the protagonist Micah(Ralph Fiennes) had an affair with an illiterate older womenHannah (Kate Winslet) when he was younger and she disappeared. Later during his study to become a young law student, he saw her agian in the courtroom where she was prosecuted for war crimes. Micah was ashamed of her and didn't even approached her during the trial, later he had the oppotunity to shine light on her trial but he chose not to because he was too cowardly to meet her again. Both their lives are intertwined and later micah the only one knowing her secret decided to sent tapes to prision to read to her. (Knowing that is her love is to read stories) Hannah has extreme hardship and basically she was sent to life imprisionment and had everything taken from her, due to her character's non-filtered simplicity, I believe tha and t she genuinely did not feel about the war crimes which she was responsible for as she believed in her convictions in completing the job task in which she was ordered to do. Eventho she was imprisioned , but she was not emotionally scarred. Whereas Micah ironically becoming a judge is deeply scarred from this incident, he could not commit to a realationship. While preached from his law school teacher, Micah still fails to do the right then and inevitibly suffers. I believe that Micah's love for Hannah is based on his guilt, he did love her deeply then but its his pride which causes him to make the mistake which irrevocably unables him to have emotional closure with their relationship.


Honestly I did not feel too bad for Hannah , as far as I was concerned she lived and was happy to have learnt to read, I did feel that Micah was such a weak individual eventhough his exterior was hard as metal. Some may find his love for Hannah very romantic but I just wonder if its actual love or is it just the idea of making amends and pityness. Perhaps that is the definition for some at times... And perhaps tragedy is the antidote to love..better than sex...

Favorite Quotation:
"What we feel isn't important. It's utterly unimportant. The only question is what we do."





Let the right one in
Directed by Tomas Alfredson

Another romance tragedy? I certainly think so... eventho the protagonist Oskar and Eli do end up together at the end. But it just feeeeeeeeeeeels sooooooooooooo wrong. These two protagonist end up giving up on humanity in the end and now THAT is creepy. I saw a one liner review on the DVD box saying best vampire movie this year! And I being a HUGE vampire style was thinking about gore underworld slash twilight type but boy was I wrong. The images were non violent not a lot of gore at all, probably only less than 3 minutes of gore scene all together in the movie but i was soooooooo scared that I forced myself to watch another movie before I went to bed. And what scared me the most was the characters themselves and their forbidden love. Did I mention that Oskar is the beat up whimp loner in school that has murder fascinations and ELI even more messed up is a casterated boy vampire? The pedafileness ,gay, violence of the movie is so disturbing it made me feel like the characters in "the reader" had a cruise. This movie is simply a must see, directed wonderfully, beautiful cinemaography, the fact that this movie made me get over the fact that the english was weirdly dubbed over, and people was wearing really tacky 80's eastern europe clothing throught it and I not only managed to sit through it but LOVED it says a whole lot. But trust me I won't be able to stomach a rewatch of this anytime soon (Its THAT F^%*&ed up and Disturbing) ..Perhaps after a year.

Eli: [standing outside the door] You have to invite me in.
Oskar: What happens if I don't?
Oskar: What happens if you walk in anyway?
Oskar: [feels the air between himself and Eli] Is there something in the way?




Note to self: If have raising suspiscion that person is vampire...under no circumstance invite them in... phew...

Where's my bobopang to protect me when I need her..damn..

Thanks to All

Alas..less than 1 year do things before the big 3-0. (Why you may ask about the rush..Its to save the embarassment of having somebody tell you "Geez..you're in your Thirties already..growww up". And I''m quite well known for my mischievious acts...)

Replies:
Jon: Glad to know that u still check in from time to time...Hugzzz
Mr and Mrs Siu: Love you guys..Oh..i'm definitely young at heart...some may call it borderline immature..
Woogie: Yay to RSS Radarrrrrrr!!

By the way...

honestly...is anyone still out there reading this??

Awful Awful Awful...

I must say.. my blog used to have avid readers...but since I got lazier and lazier ...or actually busier and busier with my life. I have not been updating this...which makes me feel bad.

With a new turn coming up..with getting quite sick and all. I'm starting to ponder about where I am with my life. I remember I never wanted to live above 30 since I was a child and after 19 years I still feel the same. Always had this zen , disassociate kind of personality. With 1 more year to go.. I should really think about what I want to do whilst approaching the age of life not so worthy of living..

Intercontinental Hotel Coffee Shop some sunday afternoon
A family of 3 enjoying their afternoon tea

Mother: What's with these suicides rates..what happened to the world...
Aged 10 Little Girl: Well ..i'm too scared to do anything like that...ever...but I guess if I had a choice ..I would never want to live when I reach 30...
Mother: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aged 10 Little Girl: Ermmm well maybe 30 something but definitely not after 40
Mother:Why would u say such a thing like that?
Aged 10 Little Girl: Well u get old..and you won't look good..and you can't do as many things in your life anymore ...like just have fun and stuff..
Mother: Well I'm almost 50 now..does that mean that my life is not worth living anymore???
Aged 10 Little Girl: Welll er.... no mother...he he he....

19 years later..the innocence is gone ..but the thoughts are generally the same..the only thing is that I wish to go back and have the same cake set with my mum. Things have changed so much for her...I just want to go back to that moment and live in it in loops.....

Olympics are over but its a brand new day....

Like everyone else living in China, I believe I have a serious case of Olympics withdrawal. Past two weeks I've been flipping through channels trying to capture as many Olympic moments as I can. I remember I even shed a tear when I saw the major upset in Women's Fencing Final (And I think it was my first time watching the sport anyways) While many attention or news draw upon that Olypmpics was a show of China's economic dominance and their rivalry with the US for the gold medals. But the images I remember was Yelena Isinbayeva last jump, her Olympic record jump for pole vault, Liu Chang walking away the 110m hurdles prelim leaving a stadium with gasps, Cheng Fei's expression when she was finishing her floor routine(she knew that the women's team has landed gold if she did not have any falls), Bolt thumping his chest when he crossed the 100m dash. Its triumpth , its despair, its a sense of relief, its arrogance, its human nature at its best. Let us not forget that Olympics was created to make peace not war and its a celebration not for countries but for the human race.




I've got soul but I'm not a soldier..........................................

Hancock

Hancock - Directed by Peter Berg

Before watching this movie, I have heard some disapointed reviews therefore I believe that gave me a buffer. Hence, its not as bad as I thought it would be. I also thought this would be more of a Drama inspiring film (Along the lines of The Pursuit of Happiness) rather than a comedy. The film had quite a nice freshing start and I had a couple chuckles here and there. Although its felt somewhat fragmented in which Will Smith was doing his Fresh Prince thing and Jason Bateman was doing his Arrested Development thing, it was still funny. Then the film lost me when it took a hard turn into trying to be a romance. Not only is Will Smith and Charlize Theron not a believable couple, it makes their till death do us "together" romance very questionable. So they are soulmates but are better off living forever apart? So Charlize actually likes Jason Bateman more eventhough she will have to live through seeing him age and die? And Will Smith continues being a superhero for the mankind while Charlize Theron opt to be a housewife? FOREVER? Lols

The movie should have stayed with being a comedy...

Running Scared

Directed by Wayne Kramer (2006)
Cast Paul Walker, Cameron Bright, Vera Farmiga


Watching TV shows and up to a few movies per week, I came across "Running Scared" yesterday and it was surprisingly not completely uninspiring. Its about an undercover cop that needs to find a gun which was used in a gang related shoot out and the quest/journey that it brings upon in less than 24 hrs. Its very Lock Shock and 2 Smoking Barrels but I keep myself keep predicting(on the spot) what is going to happen next. And also the pedophile subplot was over the top but I have to say there was no dull moment in this film. I also liked the hockey arena scene which was pretty kool, and I also liked the opening sequence and the closing credits animation.



If Tarantino liked it, it can't be all that bad. So check it out.
http://www.runningscaredthemovie.com/vera-farmiga.html

Suspension

"We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems"
-John W. Gardner

Lately my career has been adrift, floating, suspended and through months of trying to go somewhere else, I somehow remain HERE. From watching the Secret and my new found believe of the Law of Attraction, I now question myself, what do I REALLY want? Or maybe what I thought I wanted wasn't what I really wanted... or somehow this motionless few months is a preamble to greater things ahead. *Wishful thinking*. Nonetheless, trial and error is my best bet now, so the search goes on , the show goes on and LIFE inevitably goes on.

Voyager

My brother's a Trekkie, my bf's a trekkie. I am bound to have maxium exposure to this Star Trek phnomenon and have my mind impeded with Star Fleet morals. While I had my brother to thank for forcing me to watch TNG (it was TNG TV or NO TV, and when you're around 10 in the early '90s with no PC, it would be an obvious choice for you as well), it gave me a very thorough foundation to Star Trek. But I must say my favourite is "Voyager" and I'm amidst of finishing Season 7. Yes, I borrowed the entire collection from my bf and watched every episode. Its actually pretty good material to watch before you go to bed. Nothing like self righteous drama (but not too dramatic, they always break free at the end) to put you peacefully to sleep.

About a month ago I was quite disappointed that Hilary lost the nomination (Eventho I'm Canadian I still care about worldly issues, and strangely I think I care about the US, China or Hong Kong issues more than Canadian ones). However, I couldn't help thinking ...WHY? Then I was watching "Voyager" and it struck me, in terms of ground breaking characters in Star Trek, a african Captain (DS9) came before a woman Captain (Voyager). And even so historically speaking Black men did get their right to vote in 1860's before women did 1920's. Perhaps its just all coincedences but perhaps its rather a chain or sequent of events that has led to this.

你我都来赛 上海城3v3篮球挑战赛

Its been such a long time since I've updated this. I have been part of a Basketball Club for more than a year now and I have decided to compete in this 3 on 3 basketball competition. 7/27 - 8/17. Wish me luck

Absence of April

Well with the absence of April blogging, I bring you the wonderful relaxing May trip in Thailand!!



The entrace of AKA resort in Hua Hin


Villa 141 - Now don't be jealous


Our Pool...Sigh


Pullman King Power Hotel in the day time


Best food in BKK is in their food courts - This is Food Loft in Zen


Water fountain inside Pullman

Naam Thai - Review

This restaurant is at the new shopping area across the street from my apartment and I have been dying to try the Thai food there. Went there during my lunch break today and was quite disappointed. I knew I should have stuck with normal dishes such as a Pad Thai or something for their lunch set.









Soup of the day - Chicken broth with Winter Melon
(Tasted very watery)















This main tastes like Kung Pao Chicken
, I should have went to the corner 5rmb noodle shop instead.

Maroon 5

My Easter Weekend highlight - Maroon 5 Concert in Shanghai
Much more entertaining than I expected!!

Movie Connotations

Needless to say "The Wizard of Oz" is a classic of all time, I was re-watching it over the weekend(I believe I last saw it when I was 6 or something) And I was totally blown away how this movie that was made in 1939 and its effect on modern day life.

DID YOU KNOW...

"Home Sweet Home"
"Ding Dong the witch is dead"
"Munchkens"

were originated from this movie? And imagine the impact on the lessons-learned, the themes that is impeded on our minds...










The Wizard of Oz
-Cowardly Lion crying~~ It was sooooo cute..hehehe



I was also watching "Devi's Classroom", a Japanese short TV series this weekend. And there is 11 episodes in total and I was balling in EVERY episode. Lols!!! No, this is not an epic love story or like tragedy, its actually about a class of 6-graders challenging their home room teacher who is portrayed to be demonic. But actually she is trying to use a Socratic/hard times approach to let the kids learn their own lesson. I know the storyline is actually quite improbable but its one of those Dramas that would make you think , and during each episode when she's preaching, you'll find yourself nodding. Honestly are we really any better than 6 graders? We definitely should know better but are we really putting our utmost efforts to be a better person? Time to reflect on how many times we have took the easy way out, not holding up our principles, and time to think how many times we followed what everyone ELSE did and blaming the society for our wrong doings.












女王の教室
The sensei trying to question her dedication

Yet another year~~

I was so curious about this object here, its a piece of a necklace (a gold cashew with diamonds inside the crack) First I was just amazed at why would someone make that as a piece of jewelery as I don't think it will have such a market, but when I knew that it was custom made, it made sense. I guess there is always a story behind things.















Yippee ..I got an NDSL for my bday...This picture should get into the Nintendo advertising campaign..looks like propaganda to me..Lol















Mmmm ..Potato & Scallion cake


Was kinda(UNDER-exageratted) disappointed going into my bday weekend, coz I didn't get the job I wanted eventho I feel like I tried my very very best. However, it turned out to be a great bday, I got lovely calls from EVERYONE in my family separately (Aww and dad kept asking me to buy myself a birthday cake) Then got tonnes of flashing msn windows when I got up to my computer, and also my fb wall is filled with bday wishes as well. I'm glad I have all u guys to show me that "hey maybe i'm not to shabby after all, at least I have a bunch of ppl that luves me" Thanks guys, you make getting yet another year older much more enjoyable. Lols

Yessss Best Buy..YES

Today I finally attained my free copy of Windows Vista, since I have been using a pirated version for 3+ months without problems yet. So this is rather a victory lap than really having the urgency to use this copy. Nonetheless, Best Buy gave me a Windows Vista Ultimate (Simplified Chinese Version) in which I can dl 11 different language packs with no problem, so it is actually an upgrade from what was originally packed in my window (Home Premium Version)

And to make this victory lap sweeter, Barry came to deliver me the copy. He didn't apologize or anything but when he came over and asked if I were the person he had to deliver it to. I replied with a snickering "Yes...Don't you remember ME?" He of course didn't answer the rhetorical question, but it didn't matter. Because, in the end he is handing me a free copy of Vista with a retail value of RMB2423. Victory has never felt soooo sweet.

The good thing was after I sent the Marketing Director a msg of Thanks, he said he will call me for some feedback. And I think that is probably the best thing, as I do have many suggestions to make as I do not want any of this happening to anyone else.

End note. Only this Chinese saying can fully describe it is "正义长存!!!!" (translates to "Let the truth prevail!)



















Would you just look at that..Thought this day would never come















Barry and Best Buy

Thriller / Irreplaceable

Can you believe this was made 26years ago? The entertainment value just doesn't compare with MV's these days

Beyonce Irreplaceable MTV



This is the ultimate girl power song, luved it when I saw her sing it at the concert in the end

Btw , people, yes you can start shopping at Best buy now, apparently my written letter that was mailed to the US got answered. And they will now give me a version of English vista for free. Took them long enough..like 2 months. But I guess better late than never.

On a lighter note

I keep getting weird boxes filled with candies lately, apparently a lotta ppl are getting married and having kids..these ones are the rather funny lookin ones

Replies and Replies

Sorry it took so long

Wren: Apple..I was always tempted to buy one. But cos of the Chinese fonts incompatible problems with PC. I had to give up
Soon: Yes ..I think we are spoiled in HK. China is like hell for CS.
Jono: If it were only that easy...see my reply from the NA guys.
DB: Man.. i did file a complaint. This is what I got

I sent a 3 page complaint to NA Best Buy, and here is what I got in return

Eva,

Thank you for contacting Best Buy about your notebook purchase at the Shanghai store. I'm Thomas with Customer Care.

I apologize that your experience in the Shanghai store was unpleasant. I understand the importance of good service, as well as how frustrating poor service can be. Since the Shanghai store is a Chinese store, I will not be able to assist you with this matter.

If you would like to contact management in the Shanghai store, you may reach them at 400-886-8800. I apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

Thank you for sharing your comments with Best Buy. Please do not hesitate to contact us with additional questions or concerns.


Best Wishes from Best Buy,
Thomas and the Customer Care Team


Then I go:

Hi Thomas,

Please give me a contact person to refer to, I do not want to speak with anybody who does not speak English and that cannot comphrehend me.

And also as per my last email, the Store Supervisor was one of the persons who DID NOT help me at all, I hope the person you refer will be of higher ranking and can help me in this matter.

Thanks and regards,
Eva


Then Thomas at Best Buy goes:

Eva,

Unfortunately, that was the only contact that I could provide you for that location and I do not have a specific associate that I could refer you to either. I understand the frustrations that you may have with the language barrier, but I do not have a different option for you. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience.


Sincerely,
Thomas

Then I frantically go:

Hi Thomas,

The number you provided me is only a CS hotline in Chinese and NOT a line to a local management office. After writing a 3 page complaint email to a CORPORATE office, this is not the customer service I would expect. And also not the corporate response I expect.

The only option you provided is what I believe a DEAD END, so I guess if I really must return the CHINESE WINDOWS new HP I accquired, I would have to manually break the keyboard, since you guys accept returns of "DEFECTIVE" products, correct?

Thanks but no thanks,
Eva


The final reply I got from Thomas the ROBOT:

Eva,

Thank you for reply.

I am sorry that you are not having any success with the option that I gave you to resolve your issue. What you need to realize is that I do not have any authority over the Shanghai store and am trying to get you to someone that can make a decision regarding your issue. When I first received your email, I did not have any options for you. After speaking with my supervisor, I was given the number that I provided you.

If the number that I gave you is not helping because the representatives speak Chinese, maybe you could have someone who speaks Chinese assist you. Outside of that, I don't have a better option. Again I apologize for the inconvenience.

Sincerely,
Thomas


Do you all think your safe and protected in the states? Well Think Again~~
Would I feel any remorse in buying pirated software ? Like Ever?? I don't think so
Will I ever shop at Best Buy again? FUCK THAT...

Best Buy in China is the WORSE THING

The following story is appalling and dear friends try not to vomit in disgust..

So here I am trying to return my 2 day old lap top to BEST BUY (one of the largest computer retailer in NA,yes they just freshly opened this Shanghai one). And this Biatch goes: Sorry your product is not defective , you can't return it!

Oh wait, lets back up a minute to 2 days ago, so I go to this BEST BUY browsing for a new lap top, I finally decided on an HP model. Well all this time, the BEST BUY geek squad was talking to me in ENGLISH (as I was present with my clearly Caucasian bf, asking his opinion as I have never been a technical person) So I paid..while waiting for a huge line up and I actually wanted to just take off, i waited to pay..then waited to for them to take the product in. So when it came.. the guy wanted to open the box. Since we were in such a rush, I asked him(ARTHUR the sales of this agonizing ordeal in which I had to blog about), I can return this if there are any problems with my Computer in 15 days and he said "YES"

So we go home, then find out that this HP (very fine model I must say) computer is in SIMPLIFIED CHINESE. So it brings back to this biatch. I go: What do you mean its not defective??? But I can't use it..Its in god damn Chinese..?? What the hell? (Does this biatch understands that my 2 day computer will be just collecting dust when I can't use it?) And I then go : YOU HAVE A 15 day RETURN POLICY, I can return anything. Then she goes : Oh its different here, we're different from the USA. Then it hits me, Lord oh Lord, did I forget I am in Shitty China, I forgot that I was burning in hell, and the oasis of Corporate America would save me. Hmmmm .. interesting.. you share the same LOGO, same Color, same GEEK SQUAD but not the essence of service. Pls don't get me started in a Brand Lecture here. Anyway, so am I crazy or is the above completely unacceptable ..??? Well so this girl notices I'm getting a little edgy so she goes to a higher level

BARRY-the GM assistant, in which he gave me some reverse psychology BULLSHIT, and says its normal that we made OUR mistake, when we're in NA, we're used to seeing computers in English, but its the same as him walking in to a NA , and expecting a Chinese version computer. k... wait a minute.. jack ass..first of all Best Buy like ISSSS an american firm, it originated from US,not the Sunning or Gome in which I do expect Chinese stuff. But you're best buy, why the fuck are your specs on your labels in BOTH English and Chinese?? Why? And why the fucker Arthur is speaking to me in ENGLISH the whole time anyways? What was the meaning of the conversation in English? Meantime, there was pounding of the table, a braclet breaking and beads falling on the ground, ppl with scared faces. Oh but it does get better..........the story i mean

So Arthur shows up..And Barry is telling him the situation..and he goes: "But when I see foreigners, I always tell them the OS system is in Chinese" Muther Fucker Arthur..lying son of a bitch. If he had explained it, why the fuck am I returning this computer on this basis? He is covering his ass...At this point the last but not least Geek Squad join our discussion Ewing (his first name is named after Patrick Ewing)..this guy the store supervisor..basically offered to take in our perfectly FINE product back but with a 20% restocking fee.. Why the hell am I paying you guys 2000RMB?? WHY? Then we were like..just give us a complimentary English copy of Vista..then I hear Barry whisper to Ewing sayin "But they want a non-pirated version...." At this point my head was just left with "???????????" and we decided to go.

The best part of this whole thing is, if my HP is defective, I can return it in 15 days. Any takers to RUN OVER my HP so that it breaks? Anyone??? Anyone??

Sad thing is..all this happened on my boy's bday, so sorry he had to go thru that wid me. OKAY..so now..to edit this blog in to a "Non-profanity and A slighter touch of Sarcasm" version as a complaint letter to BEST BUY CORPORATE.

Hey friends..forward this story around if you find this amusing or if you PERSONALLY KNOW THE CEO of Best Buy..and ask them to stop hiring MONKEYS in China. That would be great! Thanks a lot!

UURGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

There is a time and a place

The stars are all in a flux for my career, change is up in the air but I have no idea on what about will be the outcome. If its written in the stars for you, the only thing that could screw it up for you is that you don't try hard enuff.







Anyway enuff preaching

Food & Biz Trip to Nan Tong

Lately I've become quite the cook, a sudden interest in makin good food. Well I guess that happens when u're living on your own for a while and you're very sick of restaurant food. I've decided to document these dishes I made just for fun.



















My meal today - Satay Beef with Hainanese Rice















Garnished Hainanese Rices

















































Our Car on the Boat - Biz Trip on the way crossing the Chang Jiang River to get to NanTong









































Another Boat crossing beside us

Well enuff talkin..off to the gym for training

China Town

Another day in CHINA town, actually I'm watchin that movie right now (Jack Nicholson is in it)
Well I've been sick the whole week keep on coughin coughin, then feverish, then runny nose. I did a "Gwat Sa" this weekend, they take a spoon or something and scratches my back, it sounds really silly but it sorta works I think, at least I know they did something to the lymphic nodes, as my congested sinuses were cleared at least for a day.

We had another BBQ this weekend, beef kebabs, chiken kababs, lamp chops, rib eye and steamed aspargus(chicken broth+butter). Simply delicious. I guess all that barbequed food isn't really helping my flu but oh well.

Saturday went to this Amekka Cafe and it was only so-so. Last weekend Naoko was here and it was very fun, went to Bar rouge, ate Fu 1039 and also Gu Yi. Chatted about life in general and reminisanted about Hawaii. Oh those were the times..

Today I accomplished quite a lot too, went to the driving range, went to the dentist (finally) then went to the gym and made a warm chicken salad for dinner and baked potatoes..yumm..what would I do widout my potatoes...

Anyway..signing out..yawnnnn

Huang Shan and HKG

Hong Kong - MYYYYY Town
You can use you're imagination and interpret whatever you like of my trip to HK

• Just because you have lots of alcohol jumping about in your brain and messing it up to give yourself an allusion that the night is "HAPPENING", it doesn't mean that ppl are like "Super Bored" when they are standing and oberserving


• Not Kool to ask your friends to go have chicken, even when you're drunk and you think that they are bored


• Single Single Double


• e E e E e - e Wok


• No... not EVERYONE can go to Volar..(maybe that statement will seem true to you only when you're drunk)


• Producer of a Porn Video is not a good pick up line


• Always..I mean ALWAYS look before you pet your partner on the leg, coz you may have quite the suprise when you turn your head after sinking in another conversation facing backwards to em'


• If you drink Absolute Pear Vodka , Whiskey mixed with Ginger Ale . Its pretty much bad news. 1 glass will give you a buzz spinning head (Me and Paul). More than 2 glasses will get you lying on the street (Bday Boy Grass)


• Ask around if someone has already put alcohol in the mixer before you pour it in (Thats the mistake I made, hence the deadly drink above)
  
• Always pass drinks around to your friends ..especially to the bday boy (Especially when you know you will have a messed up drink)
• Slap as hard as you can when you think the other person will not remember the next morning

Huang shan pics

Misty sea of clouds

Top of Huang Shan (Gwong Ming Dang)

Ass hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

OOOO Ca-Na-Daaaaa (Tronnnn to)

Ultimate purpose of the trip - to witness this ...LOL




















2nd purpose - to experience this...oh sooooooo relaxing

Running Train at Webers

I swear..I did not pose for dat ...

Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst




















Wharf


Chueey and me

I did it ......

Now only beholds what other challenges that lie ahead...and the nice things that comes when you suceed....

For some reason.. I was not ecstatic when I attained what I wanted ...either it was a sheer overconfidence or just that when you put into enuff work.. you would honestly feel that the result won't matter anymore...

Anyway..I'm pooped now..should off to bed...