A King's Speech

Saw 'The King's Speech' last night, and it was very good. Colin Firth was excellent, but I found Geoffrey Rush even better. Like 'The Fighter', which is another excellent film, it was not what I expected. What I expected (of 'The King's Speech') was something more dramatic, and serious. But what I experienced was a very entertaining and enjoyable film. Its the sort of film, that you can easily get into. Most of the enjoyment comes from the performance of Geoffrey, who manages to turn serious matters into his character's comical attitude to life. Both actors are very convincing, Colin, whose stammers are so real, that you actually feel his stammers, and Rush, who is so good, he could have been practicing his methods part-time for extra cash. Helena also gives a very good performance,, though not involved as much, she makes us understand and makes us feel the problems that King has to face. She makes us sympathize for the king. One thing I also noticed was how well Timothy Spall looked as Winston Churchill. Timothy Spall, doesn't have the looks, but he is a very good actor, no matter how big or small his parts are in films. I respect his attitude and professionalism. 

Now how I mark a excellent film is quite easy, after leaving the cinema, I ask myself...'Would I want to buy this on DVD?'...and the answer here is definitely YES.

The tragedy of Japan

I'm sure anyone reading this will know what I am about to write about. This is just a small piece of what is going through my mind. The great sadness, my thoughts and feelings about what happened a couple of days ago. On Friday 12th march 2011, there was a massive earthquake north of Japan, it measured a staggering 8.9 on the richter scale. Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, but this one was unbelievably big. The damage done by this was nothing compared to the aftermath. The aftermath was a large Tsunami, that destroyed most of the coastal towns and villages. Even a few days after, there is still no idea of the amount of people who have been taken away by this disaster, and it seems it will still be awhile till they will actually have an idea of the amount of people who have lost their lives. With the Tsunami destroying house after house carrying boats and cars and anything else, it will a very very long time till the Japanese can rebuild their livelihoods and regain a sense of normality. And still there was worse to come. The Nuclear Reactors at Fukushima have had explosions causing a potential meltdown. Radiation had been leaking through the day causing people to be evacuated, but now it seems the Reactors have been controlled despite there been more explosions. The idea of a nuclear meltdown would only add more fears to a devastated Japan.

It seems this is the sort of thing that could only happen in movies, but this is reality, and day by day, with more video footages and news of the devastation coming out, it makes me very sad, as it was just a few months ago, that we had visited the beautiful north of Japan. Japan is one of my favourite places. I have been about 4/5 times, and with each time, I never get bored but more amazed. The places are very elegant, peaceful and graceful, and the people I always find are pleasant, kind and proud, for me there really is nowhere else like it.

My thoughts and prayers are for the people and the nation, that they are able to get through this, as they have before through war and previous disasters. I do know one thing for certain, that once Japan is on the road to recovery, they will look back and be stronger as a nation and as a people.

Kids today....eh?

During Chinese New year, my family came over for 3 weeks for a nice holiday and that included my very young nieces. Being so young, at ages 3 and 5, you wouldn't have guessed that this was their 2nd and 3rd time here. And even now, looking at the photos I took of them when they were here the time before I coudlnt believe how fast they were growing in looks and attitude and especially how clever they become. I'm not talking the cleverness of knowing how to do things, or how fast they react to certain thing, no, this was manipulation on a scary scale, the scale that criminals worked on. and before you start accusing me of calling my nieces criminals, believe me, its not with a sordid name calling but of a admiration for how they be do that at such a young age. It really does make being a parent a even frightening prospect (!) When it comes to getting what they want, or exactly how things they want, the kids really show no mercy. My nieces are gorgeous, big cute eyes and looks of princesses. But delve deeper and you will find clever minds at work, already working on how they can get their uncle to buy them that new nintendo game, or watch their favourite programes without caring what you would want to watch.

When I was at their age compared to them now, I would be the small kid in the corner away trying to hide away from their sight...yes...of course I am over exaggerating, but not to be funny, even their parents have to question their every motive and action." Not hungry for dinner?..hmm..maybe they saw that cake I bought and was saving for tomorrow..." ...'Mom, its ok, I know you can't afford to buy me that toy, but I know Uncle can...'..(the second sentence REALLY happened but not exactly like that...

Having not seen them for 2 years it was fascinating to watch them. Being the Uncle, I would be wise to their every action, and while I would be proud to show my wisdom with words, the rest of my family would shrug and know all too well, there was a alternative motive...and watched me being taken in like the proud sucker in a con.

After the first 10 days, I grew into their excuses and knew where they were coming from, and knew exactly when and how to reward them the way I wanted. Easy. no more getting their own ways. No more expensive things but simple activity books. Yep. This uncle was no longer a a sucker. but a more wiser and helpful uncle.

Its always amazing how time flies when you are on holiday. It seemed like they was only here a week instead of 3. After seeing them off at the airport, I went back to the flat, after they left, checking if they had left anything behind, and I noticed that the flat was covered in little stickers that you get with those colouring books etc. The Uncle then realised that the little devils had deliberatly stuck these stickers all over the place knowing the uncle had to remove them one by one....sometimes the feeling of not knowing you were suckered is better than knowing.

a happy new year

So 2011 is here. And 2010 is no more. Every year, I try to make some sort of resolutions to try and straighten my somewhat interesting and fun life. I have Lot of friends who don't really bother as it, they say "have grown out of" . I see it as not keeping things in control but also setting yourself challenges to do more. So, what sort of resolutions have I set myself this year? Apart from the basic, work hard and stay healthy, I have also set myself goals. I hope to run the marathon this year, save more money, and I hope to go to China this year. From years of trying to keep to resolutions, I find they tend to disappear during the first few months. So determined this year to keep them, I UBS already started preparing for them last year.yes, iits that bad that I had to start a year early. It would be interesting to find out if the older we get, do we take the resolutions more seriously or do we become more determined to achieve them? I know a lot of people try and some do succeed but its definitely a Challenge. I hope to report in about a few months time of my progress. But so far so good...now where were those applications for my China visa..

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Xmas time again.

I know its been awhile but I will try to write as much whenever I have time. So its Xmas time again. The time of giving and helping and giving some more. What better way to help the economy. When people just forget all sense of reasoning and just do what they like. Don't get me wrong, I love Xmas. But sometimes the thought of Xmas shopping just scares me...a lot. Before when I was young, it was great. All I had to think of was what did I want. But now, the thought of what to get, and where, isn't as fun. Luckily I don't get many presents this year, as I didn't really plan so far ahead. The thought of what to get my gf on our first Xmas together was a much harder task.
For times like this, the first time, I know it had to be special, because this is one of those times when you know you have to 'produce the goods' otherwise you will never live it down. The thought of sharing conversations with friends about what gifts was exchanged on your first date, or anniversary, was running through my mind.'so, what did you get your gr on your first Xmas?'...'oh some bath lotion and some perfume,...actually they were some very nice perfume.' Looks of amusement rebounded around. The truth of the matter is, gfs usually don't want something nice or expensive as long as its memorable and special. A subject matter for your gf and her friends to giggle at over dinner or coffee. what better way to do that then to think of something creative. Something that you actually put effort and work into. It's not the price but the effort and thought. This is said easier than done.
After wrecking my brains over what shall I make her, I decided to do something that I was good at. It makes sense, dosen't it?
I love drawing, so I thought I would do a drawing of her. I found out after hours of drawing, being naturally talented was not enough, I needed practise. After several hours of drawing a face, which I thought was a acceptable. I decided to give myself more grief by thinking it was not enough. So to be safe, I some simple origami, (sounds fancy,but believe me the most easiest things to fold took me a while.) And to be be extra safe, I bought her a nice necklace from a local designer, which meant you cant get these everywhere. Now I was ready to face the music. As Xmas day dawned on me, the time of gift exchanging came. After she opened my gifts, she had a nice surprise as the picture I drew really did surprise her. I could tell that I had to persuade her that it was her. Now even I know that if a picture of someone needed to be convince it was that person, then it really wasn't any good. Gfs being gfs, always show support, even though they know it won't do any good.'that's really nice' somehow I think she forced those words....'look its this picture I drew from, I was really trying to show some sort of insane reasoning for the drawing. Once you knew it wasn't worth it, you can pretty much stop talking. Luckily the origami proved more successful and you really can't go wrong with jewellery.
She smiled and she knew the effort I had put into the presents. I feel that Xmas really isn't about gifts or pleasing people, instead its about thinking of other people and letting them know that. This Xmas may not be the most memorable in the great sense but hey at least I tried. So what did she get me? Not something expensive, not something pretty but something meaningful so I am now content.

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fancy a midnight walk?

It was a Saturday night. Just gone 10 and with the electric atmosphere buzzing around everyone. You can feel something exciting was going to happen. People dressed up as the old communist locals, or as characters from computer games, it seemed more like a comic convention rather than a charity walk. That's right, a charity walk, but it felt more like a party. That's one of the things that amazed me. I couldn't believe the amount of people participating, not only that but the atmosphere there was brilliant. To be honest, I never would have heard of the Moonwalker charity walk if it wasn't for my ever active girlfriend. Moonwalkers wad organised by Orbit, to help those with sight problems all over three world.

I have to admit I ashamed don't do more charity work than I want. So when the opportunity for something so simple as a walk came up, I couldn't refuse. I mean how hard can it be? Sure it was 20km, but hey it was just a walk. I can walk forever.

Wh

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The night started well, everyone was in the mood. It felt good. because of the amount of people, starting times had to be 5-10 minutes apart to avoid overcrowding. everyone was excited. we finally started our walk at about 11. The pace was good and slow. We followed each other like a class outing. chatting and enjoying the company we were in, not knowing what to expect later. After the first km, we reached a 7-11 store and people were already building up on energy and having a mid-night snack. After the 2nd km, we were. cheered by enthusiastic orbit volunteers. it was about midnight and already people were quietening down.5kms later. the thought that entered my mind was, "that was only 5kms after all this time???" It dawned on me that the night was going to be LONG. We reached our first checkpoint (in which there was 5) and there was a small relief, We decided to move on and trudge to our 2nd. Walking, how hard could it be? There was a section of the route that required us to wear blindfold and be led by our partner for a certain distance, and then we would swap. It was strange to say the least. We obviously wouldn't know how we make up for losing a sense, but it did make us think. So many things we take for granted, we don't know how important or how hard it is to live without it. After approaching our 2nd checkpoint, we decided we needed a rest. Funny how we think something is simple until you have done it. By the time we were half way there, the spirit seemed to have picked up. Everyone was feeling perked up again. My legs at this stage was getting stiff. We countdown the kms from here, and it was long. I wound go too much into it, just say, by the time we finished, my body was asleep, my legs tired, my feet saw and my mind confused as to how hard it became. We were ready to sleep anywhere. After everything, I had to ask myselff, would I do this again next year. YES!!, without a doubt. Why? because for something so simple for charity, why not? We are so lucky to be fully abled that we don't realise how bad or unlucky it can be for others. Hell, how much is next year going to be different? It's only walking. How hard can it be?

Happy in Japan

Recently I went to Japan. It was a long planned trip (my friend doing all the planning. But who am I to stand in the way of someone so determined.) When it comes to holidays, I usually don't planning so much so far ahead. It doesn't mean I don't plan, I just don't plan 6 months ahead. I'm not complaining, far from it. Just tell where to go and I'm happy. So this time we, (being. My friend, my girlfriend and I) went to the north of Japan, away from the local tourist places and aimed for the local areas. This meant no English and no picture pointing, pure Japanese. The place we went to was a place called Aomori. Gorgeous scenery but quite far from Tokyo. The weather was cool and dry. Our holiday lasted 7 days. I'm not going to go into each day as that would take too long and you, the reader would get tedious (I probably would just give up writing,anyway) but everytime I go to Japan, I am always amazed by the devotion and dedication to the health of their society, the cleaness and politeness of the people. no matter whether its the city or local small town, the response is the same. We visited lots of places, that was beauty in scenery and tasted the local delicacies available. The 7 days seemed like 3 days. There was a lot travelling but it was worth it. When it came to leaving we were quite reluctant but had no choice. Everytime I get back home, the comparisons I make are just too obvious, the people and the cleaness. It always seems like I have got off being high and have fallen back to earth. I suppose Japan is great and I would be satisfied with Japan all my life, but I doubt if I could find a better dim sum place or a place that serves curry fishballs the way Hong Kong does. Home indeed is home.

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