What resonates in one's life stays, long after everything is forgotten.
Here are some of my favorites (in alphabetical order, movies):
A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)
Braveheart
Just Like Heaven
The Matrix
Pay It Forward
What Dreams May Come (See the previous blog about this one)
While You Were Sleeping
What are yours?
Aug 2, 2009
Aug 1, 2009
My Secret Garden
Sometimes in life, one simply chanced upon what's there all along.
It is with Secret Garden that I found my inner sanctuary more than a decade ago. Today, I revisited that sanctuary and am glad to find it there all along. The music of Secret Garden resonates with my soul (or should I say the other way round?).
Music that makes you feel so grateful to have come across it; Music that makes life worth it.
That's MY Secret Garden!
In images, What Dreams May Come touches my heart.
In songs, Secret Garden brings forth my soul.
It is with Secret Garden that I found my inner sanctuary more than a decade ago. Today, I revisited that sanctuary and am glad to find it there all along. The music of Secret Garden resonates with my soul (or should I say the other way round?).
The soul is something which is invisible and yet clearly real. We may be unconscious of it most of the time and yet there are times when it merges with the external world to bring forth something that can't be seen or touched but definitely can be felt. Today is that very day for me; not the first time, and definitely won't be the last time either. It is the first time I'm sharing with the world though...
Music that makes you feel so grateful to have come across it; Music that makes life worth it.
That's MY Secret Garden!
In images, What Dreams May Come touches my heart.
In songs, Secret Garden brings forth my soul.
Jun 8, 2009
Coooooooooooooool!
Well, it's been hyper hot the last 2 days! I feel like I'm going to melt anytime soon.
For something cool, check out CoolIris... it's the best plugin I've come across so far. Viewing your photos (be it on Flickr, Picasaweb or your very own hardisk) is now a breeze... virtually, that is!
For something cool, check out CoolIris... it's the best plugin I've come across so far. Viewing your photos (be it on Flickr, Picasaweb or your very own hardisk) is now a breeze... virtually, that is!
Jun 4, 2009
Tiananmen 20th Anniversary
Time flies... it's been what? 20 years? since the Tiananmen Square incident? And my first visit to Beijing wasn't that long ago (well, it seems to have been 15+ years since!), well, was it?
Is China more 'democratic' than 20 years ago? Well, God knows! But it certainly is more capitalistic & more 'worldly' now than 20 years ago! Is it more open? Yes, it is. Do not interfere in its politics & you'll have a fantastic time in the country; in fact, in most Asian countries. What the Americans have not learned since 20 years ago is that be a gracious guest and not tell the host how to conduct its home business. That's how the rest of the world functions, like it or not. That's why America is America and the rest of the world is simply the rest of the world. Every country is different with a unique makeup (ie DNA) and reality. Yes, REALITY. The way to have a friend or a loved one commit to your cause is to be the best friend ever & not to be a boss! ;-)
Well, this is all coming from someone who's really not into politics. If you are interested in a real discussion, check out Kevin Lim's blog on How China is becoming a Giant Singapore.
Is China more 'democratic' than 20 years ago? Well, God knows! But it certainly is more capitalistic & more 'worldly' now than 20 years ago! Is it more open? Yes, it is. Do not interfere in its politics & you'll have a fantastic time in the country; in fact, in most Asian countries. What the Americans have not learned since 20 years ago is that be a gracious guest and not tell the host how to conduct its home business. That's how the rest of the world functions, like it or not. That's why America is America and the rest of the world is simply the rest of the world. Every country is different with a unique makeup (ie DNA) and reality. Yes, REALITY. The way to have a friend or a loved one commit to your cause is to be the best friend ever & not to be a boss! ;-)
Well, this is all coming from someone who's really not into politics. If you are interested in a real discussion, check out Kevin Lim's blog on How China is becoming a Giant Singapore.
Jun 3, 2009
Missing
The plane which went missing... still, after so many agony hours of searching. Well, it's been reported some have found the pieces of wreckage in the ocean. Poor souls. So many doctors & professionals. What a waste of talent, of life. & for many of their families, the agonies of not knowing why it happened the way it did & how much sufferings their loved ones have gone through during the final moments of their lives.
My heart goes out to those who are now living nightmares of losing their loved ones in such an unpredictable and sad way. May God have mercy on them!
My heart goes out to those who are now living nightmares of losing their loved ones in such an unpredictable and sad way. May God have mercy on them!
May 31, 2009
Who is the winner of Britain's Got Talent?
Goodbye Susan, Diversity Wins it All!
It's time to say goodbye...
Susan Boyle, final rendition.
I Dream A Dream... She did it better the 2nd time round. BUT, & it's a very big but, she missed out on the top spot!
Diversity is the Winner! & yes, they deserve it too!!!
It's time to say goodbye...
Susan Boyle, final rendition.
I Dream A Dream... She did it better the 2nd time round. BUT, & it's a very big but, she missed out on the top spot!
Diversity is the Winner! & yes, they deserve it too!!!
May 29, 2009
Quakes
The world is shaking... well, mine is, after that resignation.
Nah, just joking. It's something I had been ready for years. It's the unknown that's a little scary, I suppose. But throughout my life, each step I take towards the unknown has been a better one, so am going to trust in that!
I just read about Honduras has had another earthquake, after the last ones in San Francisco & L.A. There seem to be an increasing number of activities under the earth surface recently. Not sure if it's anything to be concerned about. I did have a little bit of a hunch the 1st 2 weeks of May that something disastrous might happen soon. Not sure where, not sure what. That's what these vibes had been giving me over the years. Those weeks before Sep. 11, those weeks before the Sichuan Earthquake...
May 27, 2009
Inside I'm Singing
Sorry for the delay. I've been busy with a few personal & work related matters. I'm in the process of leaving a job which I've been working in for the major part of my life, i.e. more than a decade! A lot of packing to be done, a lot of goodbyes to be said...
As Alan Cohen said it so well:
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar & seemingly secure, to embrace the new.
But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.
There is more security in the adventurous & exciting, for in movement there is life, & in change there is power."
So, I finally took it in my stride & tendered the resignation which was long overdue. And I'll walk out of the company with no confirmed career in hand, but the beauty of it all, I feel great and hopeful!
Courage is what I need & a 10 year old girl just showed the world what that courage is! There probably will be time when I'll feel like a 10 year old again & it is during these moments that I'll need to remember Hollie Steel & do what she did, march on!
As Alan Cohen said it so well:
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar & seemingly secure, to embrace the new.
But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.
There is more security in the adventurous & exciting, for in movement there is life, & in change there is power."
So, I finally took it in my stride & tendered the resignation which was long overdue. And I'll walk out of the company with no confirmed career in hand, but the beauty of it all, I feel great and hopeful!
Courage is what I need & a 10 year old girl just showed the world what that courage is! There probably will be time when I'll feel like a 10 year old again & it is during these moments that I'll need to remember Hollie Steel & do what she did, march on!
May 25, 2009
Yes, she did it again!
& yes, she made me shed tears again.
It's not the song, it's not her... it's her rendition of the song again!
It's also a dream come true again for Susan Boyle!She made it to the FINAL!
May 23, 2009
2012 : The Mayan Doomsday?
There was a hoax in Singapore (Channel News Asia reported about it) about July 22 tsunami hits. I was just writing about the Total Eclipse of the Sun earlier which is going to be visible in Asia on the same day. As it is, I'm planning on being there in Shanghai that very day!
Some expert mentioned that while Singapore would be safe, other mega cities like Hong Kong & Macau would not be (10-15 meters high! IF there is going to be a tsunami, that is...). That reminded me of something I once read about the 2012 Mayan calendar Apocalypse. So, I decided to do some research on the web and see what I can come up with. Well, true enough, YouTube has a handle on this. How true will this be? We'll know in 3 years, won't we? It's not that far off... in the mean time, I better get a good video recorder for that Total Eclipse of the Sun (July 22) and hopefully, an Apple laptop without any keyboard!
Incidentally, remember about George Orwell's 1984? It's been 25 years since and we are still surviving, albeit struggling, but nonetheless, surviving...
There were the millennium bug (Y2K) scare as well. SARS & presently H1N1.
We had Sep. 11 & for many, they are living proof of nightmares.
Yet, life still goes on!
May 22, 2009
Total Eclipse of the Sun
Eternal Sunshine... or is it?
In exactly 2 months, on July 22, the rare total solar eclipse is expected to appear in Shanghai, China!
I need to get a new video recorder for this!!! Any recommendation?
Today's Read: Nasa Eclipse, Total Eclipse of the Sun, Path of Eclipse through Asia, Path of The Eclipse through China, Sheshan Astronomical Observatory, Ways of looking at a Solar Eclipse
In exactly 2 months, on July 22, the rare total solar eclipse is expected to appear in Shanghai, China!
I need to get a new video recorder for this!!! Any recommendation?
Today's Read: Nasa Eclipse, Total Eclipse of the Sun, Path of Eclipse through Asia, Path of The Eclipse through China, Sheshan Astronomical Observatory, Ways of looking at a Solar Eclipse
May 19, 2009
A Dream is A Wish your heart makes
For those who hates typing or keyboards, here's one dream that's coming true for you soon!
The Apple laptop without keyboard! Talk about innovation & human progress!
I want it NOW!!!
The Apple laptop without keyboard! Talk about innovation & human progress!
I want it NOW!!!
May 17, 2009
Angels & Missions
There had been a great many deaths the last 3 years around me; mostly unexpected. Some heart attacks, some accidental, some cancerous. Some strangers, some colleagues, some friends, some relatives. Death is the end of the road for us all, but is it really?
May 15, 2009
Angels & Demons Revisited
Angels & Demons opens in theaters across the world this weekend, well, except in China!
Today's Video: LAX. JAL boeing 747 ingests baggage trolley into engine
It was years ago when I first came across this book by Dan Brown. Liked it a lot more than Da Vinci Code. Liked the book version a lot more too.
The strangest thing about Dan Brown's book is that they are better in books than in movies.
Some of my most favorite movies are better in movies, not literature version (I'm referring to What Dreams May Come, The Matrix, Harry Potter series, etc...). In Dan Brown's case, the books are more enticing & more imaginative & certainly more entertaining than the movies.
I love the book Angels & Demons. I can't say the same for the movie. Is Ron Howard losing his magical touch? And yes, I've just watched it in the cinema tonight! And no, I'm not in China right now ;-)
Today's Video: LAX. JAL boeing 747 ingests baggage trolley into engine
May 13, 2009
When Travel chooses Us
I traveled a great deal the last 10 years. Setting foot on the 7 continents, twice too, was done in the last 10 years. It was not a case of me planning for the trips; it was a case of destiny. Some travel because they worked and planned for it, others because they had to, due to work or some special circumstances. I travel because I live to travel. In fact, every breath I take is one for travel. I'll probably stop traveling when I stop living. It is as with Christianity, He chooses Us. Not the other way round. One can run but one can't hide.
I traveled most during the SARS epidemic. I wonder again now if I'll travel more with the H1N1 flu around. In the mean time, enjoy this spectacular footage of diving beneath Antarctica by Darek Sepiolo! Diving? Antarctica?! It's beyond my wildest dreams! Space is next!
I traveled most during the SARS epidemic. I wonder again now if I'll travel more with the H1N1 flu around. In the mean time, enjoy this spectacular footage of diving beneath Antarctica by Darek Sepiolo! Diving? Antarctica?! It's beyond my wildest dreams! Space is next!
Antarctica from Darek Sepiolo on Vimeo.
Galapagos from Darek Sepiolo on Vimeo.
May 11, 2009
Vitas, sensational!
Two years ago, when I first arrived in Shanghai, I found out about Vitas.
Vitas was (or is it still?) famous, surreal & simply in a class of his own. You either like him or you hate him. For me, I enjoyed his performances, for want of a better word; it's awesome! One needs to be open to enjoy his music. It is very different from what Americans or Europeans are used to. But, the Russians & the Chinese love it. Makes one simply wonder what's the common thread? ;-)
Vitas' music is unique & very exciting to the senses. It's Russian & yet because music is universal, it is understandable. It's entertainment to me mostly. Watch the video and decide for yourself...
Vitas was (or is it still?) famous, surreal & simply in a class of his own. You either like him or you hate him. For me, I enjoyed his performances, for want of a better word; it's awesome! One needs to be open to enjoy his music. It is very different from what Americans or Europeans are used to. But, the Russians & the Chinese love it. Makes one simply wonder what's the common thread? ;-)
Vitas' music is unique & very exciting to the senses. It's Russian & yet because music is universal, it is understandable. It's entertainment to me mostly. Watch the video and decide for yourself...
May 9, 2009
The Virgin
What do Obama, Branson & me have in common? We are all treading in virgin territory & trying to make a difference in other's life. The how, the why & the way may be different; we are all trying to do it though.
Branson explains it here partly in his interview with Huffington.
Obama does that often enough through the media and videos released from White House.
As for me, I'm trying to live a dream that those whose life has been touched will be thankful and pay it forward with their own deeds. It is in China that I found myself given the chance to do so on a daily basis. I shall return to this country in the near future & hopefully established myself here.
In the mean time, Colbert has responded to Branson's challenge for a fist fight!
Branson explains it here partly in his interview with Huffington.
Obama does that often enough through the media and videos released from White House.
As for me, I'm trying to live a dream that those whose life has been touched will be thankful and pay it forward with their own deeds. It is in China that I found myself given the chance to do so on a daily basis. I shall return to this country in the near future & hopefully established myself here.
In the mean time, Colbert has responded to Branson's challenge for a fist fight!
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Colbert-Branson Duel | ||||
| ||||
May 7, 2009
Bull or just BS?
The markets around the world, at least for the major part of Asia, rallied like a bull in heat for the last 6 market days and will probably continue to do so amidst job cuts & the controversial Swine Flu (well, some lost lots of business simply because of the name while others in the travel industry are seeing a drastic drop in cross country travels). Confidence seems to have returned for the most part (bankers and fund managers alike are feeling rich & snapping up whatever they can find in the markets). Fear dissipating & greed once again rules. One would think the last 7 months never happened! It's like the early stage of a difficult pregnancy is now long forgotten and people are looking forward to the arrival of the baby!
It marvels me as to how short term our memories are. Oh, I've made my fair share of mistakes and I'm still living some of them. It is however, in our self defence, that our mind functions (collectively) to want to get over any pain as quickly as possible. Human nature is still optimistic for most and life still goes on for the better part of it...
4/29/09: Presidential Press Conference from White House on Vimeo.
May 5, 2009
Sin City
I wrote this review about Las Vegas on Lunch.com a few days ago but was told that I can't post anything related to Travel on that site. Hence, am transfering it to this post as I haven't written a blog on this day. Also, it acts as a slot for anyone who wishes to read about that review I wrote in response to another review done by one of its top contributors.
Here's the original of that said review:
I was told to stay clear of travel stuff when I joined this site less than 2 weeks ago, having been on VirtualTourist which some of you know once belonged to the same boss as Lunch. Unfortunately, I can't. Sorry, J.R.!
After seeing what's on here, well specifically, a review (the only one, btw) on Lunch, there is no way I can stop myself from doing what I'm doing right now. A year of beta Lunch & all one sees is a review by its top contributor who has never even been to Las Vegas!!! That's totally unreal! And one of the reasons he formed that ‘opinion' was his brother told him he didn't like the place 15 years ago! Oh mine, we're on web 2.0 now… c'mon America, get real!
Ok, sorry for being harsh & blunt. That's really not me , normally. But it is not normal for me to read something as such & coming from one of the top 3 contributors on this site. That review alone is enough for me to rethink about staying on this site, not to mention for those who might choose to believe what they read and skip a fabulous place just before they go for a visit! God forbids! :-)
It works like this… at least for me it does. Now, I'm certainly not going to check anymore reviews by this guy. That's not objective right? But hey, how can one trust anything a man says if he writes a review on something which he has never personally visited or tried? I'm totally out of sync here… Emotional? You bet! Hey, may be I get lucky and a call from Vegas top shots with a job offer if I do good on this review! ;-) I hereby declare myself a self-appointed ambassador for this city :-)
Enough… I need to write a real review on Las Vegas. A travel review. I haven't lived there as a resident but one day I just might ;-) Here's the deal… Vegas is my most favorite city in the U.S.! Like any city, it has its bright & dark sides. I like it just that way! Same as with the 1st review on this site… it now inspires me to write a better review! (Sometimes, I'm so in love with myself :p)
Las Vegas as a city is easy to manouver. Get through the airport & in no time, you are in your hotel room! & I do mean in no time. The airport is right in the city! How many cities in U.S. has such easy access to the airport? Not many! And I don't mean places like Whites City. So, now that you are in your hotel, amazing, isn't it? I love the mega & absolutely opulent hotels here, especially those on the strip. You can do anything in your hotel room, but not out on the Strip! Remember that, you've been forewarned! For those who don't like big rooms, fanciful furnitures, gigantic bathtubs & pools, you have plenty of choices in this city. Rooms ranging from US$20 (not sure if u can get it at US$10, but you can try your luck) to US$20000 are available. Isn't that great about a city with choices? At times, Vegas offers too many, imho. Some of us are just plain lazy, not caring for much choice.
Casino, casino, casino… architecture, architecture, architecture… design, design, design… all happening at the same time & in the same sphere. That's exciting to me. Out here in broad daylight, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Ok, I confess, I hardly go to casino to gamble. Gotcha! I'm not a casino person, I hardly can sit still, except when I'm being paid to do so, that is! ;-)
I must admit though, the attraction to Vegas for many is the casinos. The rest of the attractions are simply perks for the other visitors. For the Asians, casino (more blatantly, gambling) is a big draw. So big so that now the earnings from the casinos in Macau has surpassed those from Vegas! Bellagio has classy tables and a good professional crowd. Same with Palazzo, it's for the big timers. If you prefer the slot machines, there are those $500 slots here as well. Talk about being sinful!
If casino is not your cup of tea, for indoor entertainment, there are theme parks within each resorts for you to choose from. At New York- New York, you can check out the skyline of Vegas by taking a ride on its rollercoaster. At the Venetian, you can ride on gondolas & at Luxor, you can go back in time on board the Titanic!
There are also amazing spas where you can relax in a great massage and pick up some of the best cosmetics Vegas has to offer. Spa Bellagio, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Spa Vita di Lago, Spa Mandalay, Aquae Sullis Spa, Paris Spa (by Mandala), Spa at Four Seasons; you name it they have it!
One thing you'll need to remember to do is to bring your credit cards. Not one, many! This place has all there is to offer in the whole of America. It's a shoppers' paradise. Of course, if you are extremely lucky, a coin may also do the trick! Where in the world can one be so lucky? ;-)
I've yet come to the very best of Vegas. Be patient! As with money, I never seem to have enough time in this city. The nights always come too soon & it's time for one of those marvelous Cirque du Soleil shows I enjoy so very much. O at Bellagio was one of the best entertainment I've had in my life. The last one I saw at the Venetian was that of the Blue Man Group. They are a funny trio and if you like comedy, it's great! If you like musicals, Phantom of the Opera is live at the Venetian as well. David Copperfield is a great magician and he's on at the MGM Grand from May 21. For Disney's fan, the Lion King is on live at the Mandalay Bay every night! The lastest buzz is the show at Wynn (Las Vegas most expensive & exclusive hotel), Le Reve. I missed it last year when in Vegas but hope to see it soon! Vegas, here I come again!!!
[Note: For Cirque du Soleil fans, KÀ is on at MGM Grand, Love at the Mirage, Zumanity at New York-New York, Mystère at Treasure Island, while the latest Cirque show CRISS ANGEL Believe is on at the Luxor! So, be sure to check them all out when you are there!]
When you're done with the shows, enjoy a great dinner (be it buffet or a la carte, be it French or Japanese, be it at odd hours or 24 hours room service) at any one of the 5* resorts in Vegas. Tip: Bellagio offers amazing buffet with wonderful spread and top quality selections. Theme dining (fun & refreshing) can be found at Caesars Palace, as with shopping at the Forum. For a taste of Paris, head over to Paris Paris!
A stroll around the Strip after dinner is delightful. The music fountain outside Bellagio is an amazing backdrop & a fun place to watch children & lovers alike. For more excitements, head to Mirage & be thrilled by the volcano eruption with 120 fireballs thrown into the air every night!
Save the best for the last as they say…
The VERY best of Las Vegas attractions is NOT in Las Vegas city but is a hour or 2 away from it. Las Vegas boasts some of the very best nature & sceneries in U.S. if not in the world! My favorites are (in descending order):
Last but not least, you can also golf!!!
LAS VEGAS is THE place to be in! Hip hip, hurray!!!
[Just a note, try to go as soon as possible & do not go in Summer, the heat is the major problem of this city. You can still go if you don't mind staying indoor. Otherwise, watch out for the heat! Las Vegas is best in the winter!]
Here's the original of that said review:
I was told to stay clear of travel stuff when I joined this site less than 2 weeks ago, having been on VirtualTourist which some of you know once belonged to the same boss as Lunch. Unfortunately, I can't. Sorry, J.R.!
After seeing what's on here, well specifically, a review (the only one, btw) on Lunch, there is no way I can stop myself from doing what I'm doing right now. A year of beta Lunch & all one sees is a review by its top contributor who has never even been to Las Vegas!!! That's totally unreal! And one of the reasons he formed that ‘opinion' was his brother told him he didn't like the place 15 years ago! Oh mine, we're on web 2.0 now… c'mon America, get real!
Ok, sorry for being harsh & blunt. That's really not me , normally. But it is not normal for me to read something as such & coming from one of the top 3 contributors on this site. That review alone is enough for me to rethink about staying on this site, not to mention for those who might choose to believe what they read and skip a fabulous place just before they go for a visit! God forbids! :-)
It works like this… at least for me it does. Now, I'm certainly not going to check anymore reviews by this guy. That's not objective right? But hey, how can one trust anything a man says if he writes a review on something which he has never personally visited or tried? I'm totally out of sync here… Emotional? You bet! Hey, may be I get lucky and a call from Vegas top shots with a job offer if I do good on this review! ;-) I hereby declare myself a self-appointed ambassador for this city :-)
Enough… I need to write a real review on Las Vegas. A travel review. I haven't lived there as a resident but one day I just might ;-) Here's the deal… Vegas is my most favorite city in the U.S.! Like any city, it has its bright & dark sides. I like it just that way! Same as with the 1st review on this site… it now inspires me to write a better review! (Sometimes, I'm so in love with myself :p)
Las Vegas as a city is easy to manouver. Get through the airport & in no time, you are in your hotel room! & I do mean in no time. The airport is right in the city! How many cities in U.S. has such easy access to the airport? Not many! And I don't mean places like Whites City. So, now that you are in your hotel, amazing, isn't it? I love the mega & absolutely opulent hotels here, especially those on the strip. You can do anything in your hotel room, but not out on the Strip! Remember that, you've been forewarned! For those who don't like big rooms, fanciful furnitures, gigantic bathtubs & pools, you have plenty of choices in this city. Rooms ranging from US$20 (not sure if u can get it at US$10, but you can try your luck) to US$20000 are available. Isn't that great about a city with choices? At times, Vegas offers too many, imho. Some of us are just plain lazy, not caring for much choice.
Casino, casino, casino… architecture, architecture, architecture… design, design, design… all happening at the same time & in the same sphere. That's exciting to me. Out here in broad daylight, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Ok, I confess, I hardly go to casino to gamble. Gotcha! I'm not a casino person, I hardly can sit still, except when I'm being paid to do so, that is! ;-)
I must admit though, the attraction to Vegas for many is the casinos. The rest of the attractions are simply perks for the other visitors. For the Asians, casino (more blatantly, gambling) is a big draw. So big so that now the earnings from the casinos in Macau has surpassed those from Vegas! Bellagio has classy tables and a good professional crowd. Same with Palazzo, it's for the big timers. If you prefer the slot machines, there are those $500 slots here as well. Talk about being sinful!
If casino is not your cup of tea, for indoor entertainment, there are theme parks within each resorts for you to choose from. At New York- New York, you can check out the skyline of Vegas by taking a ride on its rollercoaster. At the Venetian, you can ride on gondolas & at Luxor, you can go back in time on board the Titanic!
There are also amazing spas where you can relax in a great massage and pick up some of the best cosmetics Vegas has to offer. Spa Bellagio, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Spa Vita di Lago, Spa Mandalay, Aquae Sullis Spa, Paris Spa (by Mandala), Spa at Four Seasons; you name it they have it!
One thing you'll need to remember to do is to bring your credit cards. Not one, many! This place has all there is to offer in the whole of America. It's a shoppers' paradise. Of course, if you are extremely lucky, a coin may also do the trick! Where in the world can one be so lucky? ;-)
KushTV - Criss Angel - Cirque du Soleil - Developing the Show from Kush TV on Vimeo.
I've yet come to the very best of Vegas. Be patient! As with money, I never seem to have enough time in this city. The nights always come too soon & it's time for one of those marvelous Cirque du Soleil shows I enjoy so very much. O at Bellagio was one of the best entertainment I've had in my life. The last one I saw at the Venetian was that of the Blue Man Group. They are a funny trio and if you like comedy, it's great! If you like musicals, Phantom of the Opera is live at the Venetian as well. David Copperfield is a great magician and he's on at the MGM Grand from May 21. For Disney's fan, the Lion King is on live at the Mandalay Bay every night! The lastest buzz is the show at Wynn (Las Vegas most expensive & exclusive hotel), Le Reve. I missed it last year when in Vegas but hope to see it soon! Vegas, here I come again!!!
[Note: For Cirque du Soleil fans, KÀ is on at MGM Grand, Love at the Mirage, Zumanity at New York-New York, Mystère at Treasure Island, while the latest Cirque show CRISS ANGEL Believe is on at the Luxor! So, be sure to check them all out when you are there!]
When you're done with the shows, enjoy a great dinner (be it buffet or a la carte, be it French or Japanese, be it at odd hours or 24 hours room service) at any one of the 5* resorts in Vegas. Tip: Bellagio offers amazing buffet with wonderful spread and top quality selections. Theme dining (fun & refreshing) can be found at Caesars Palace, as with shopping at the Forum. For a taste of Paris, head over to Paris Paris!
A stroll around the Strip after dinner is delightful. The music fountain outside Bellagio is an amazing backdrop & a fun place to watch children & lovers alike. For more excitements, head to Mirage & be thrilled by the volcano eruption with 120 fireballs thrown into the air every night!
Save the best for the last as they say…
Grand Canyon VFR Corridors from Charles Hull on Vimeo.
The VERY best of Las Vegas attractions is NOT in Las Vegas city but is a hour or 2 away from it. Las Vegas boasts some of the very best nature & sceneries in U.S. if not in the world! My favorites are (in descending order):
- Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim, West Rim & North Rim)
- Glen Canyon & Lake Powell
- Monument Valley
- Bryce Canyon
- Red Rock Canyon
- Valley of Fire
- Zion Canyon
- Death Valley
Last but not least, you can also golf!!!
LAS VEGAS is THE place to be in! Hip hip, hurray!!!
[Just a note, try to go as soon as possible & do not go in Summer, the heat is the major problem of this city. You can still go if you don't mind staying indoor. Otherwise, watch out for the heat! Las Vegas is best in the winter!]
May 4, 2009
Stranger to the ground
After writing blogs for an entire month & some reviews on Lunch.com, I decided it's too taxing to make it a daily affair. So, change of plan. Alternate days... odd month like May, I'll write on odd days (ie. May 1, 3, 5... you get the drift) & on even months, even days (ie. June 2, 4, 6. etc...).
This will makes it more enjoyable for me & whoever is reading these blogs, I suppose. Just as I missed those spas in Thailand. Yet, with the Swine flu around, I'm practically grounded! In the mean time, we stay home & check out what the virtual world has to offer...
In today's digital & IT world, the words google, yahoo, youtube, facebook, msn, wikipedia, blogger, myspace, baidu, wordpress, QQ, twitter, linkedin, ning are no longer strangers to the internet savvy. Welcome to the world of the internet age, or perhaps to many, 2nd life!
We now twit, blog, flick(r) or QQ. What else do we do that we didn't back then 10 years ago? Plenty. We watch a tv program on YouTube; we talk to our friends via QQ, messenger or skype; we blog & we have virtual sex (see my post on Second Life)! I've certainly known a few couples who have had gotten divorce on such grounds. The world we are now living in is a world filled with ipod, iphone, blackberry, MP5, PSP, xBox, netbook, smartphone, wifi PMP, etc...
Do you find yourself a stranger to this world?
This will makes it more enjoyable for me & whoever is reading these blogs, I suppose. Just as I missed those spas in Thailand. Yet, with the Swine flu around, I'm practically grounded! In the mean time, we stay home & check out what the virtual world has to offer...
In today's digital & IT world, the words google, yahoo, youtube, facebook, msn, wikipedia, blogger, myspace, baidu, wordpress, QQ, twitter, linkedin, ning are no longer strangers to the internet savvy. Welcome to the world of the internet age, or perhaps to many, 2nd life!
We now twit, blog, flick(r) or QQ. What else do we do that we didn't back then 10 years ago? Plenty. We watch a tv program on YouTube; we talk to our friends via QQ, messenger or skype; we blog & we have virtual sex (see my post on Second Life)! I've certainly known a few couples who have had gotten divorce on such grounds. The world we are now living in is a world filled with ipod, iphone, blackberry, MP5, PSP, xBox, netbook, smartphone, wifi PMP, etc...
Do you find yourself a stranger to this world?
May 1, 2009
Sex & the City
It's the weekend, I should be out there & not in here writing blogs!
Yet, even with talks of recession (& for some depression), it is extremely crowded out there. There are talks of millions losing jobs in America, high percentages in Asia too, yet, I don't see a decrease in activities that much. At least not where I'm right now. Back then 10 years ago during the Asian financial crisis, or during SARS epidemic, the atmosphere was depressing. It is not so right now from where I had been traveling the last 3 months.
Nonetheless, the figures & facts speak for themselves. What are the causes of the dilemma we are in? I think it's overcapacity. The world is producing too much & consuming (as much as we had) at a slower rate. We have (me included) changed our cellphones like we did our shoes (& us ladies know how often we do that! Man got a clue from watching Sex & The Cities, incidentally I missed that show!). Aside from over producing, we run into knowing the prices of everything but forgetting the values of anything! Escalated high prices for properties (through real estate speculation, I know of a classmate who owns 42 properties in Southern China at the height of the market; wonder why he needs to own so many though! and yet plenty who wants to live in one couldn't afford it anymore since it's prices skyrocketed to Jupiter), exorbitant 1st class air tickets, inflated branded goods (& inflated egos from owning them), food wastage... they all in one form or another accounts for the plight we are all in today. It is over producing coupled with over spending in the real economy. But, who can blame us if we get the idea we are rich when the banks have been so frivolously (& agressively) pushing us free money, right? Some talks of conspiracy theory. Can we blame the bankers? They are afterall mostly like us, mere employees of the company. Top bankers, perhaps?! or the regulators?! The governments now tell us they are spending to stimulate the economies; clearly, short term this will provide jobs, but in the medium and long term, who will pay for the price of printing more money? Next generations? Taxpayers? Us!!! If we are young enough to have another 20 years lifespan in our professional capacities. Will we be able to cope when the day come?
I have come across many employees who are just trying to do their jobs. Trying to survive & trying to stay in their jobs. The system has literally compelled them to be what they are today. Those who made the decisions how a business should be run are guilty. Yet, the root of the problem is still excessive greed. Naturally, every business should be run to make profit. But along the timeline of globalisation & expansion, people seemed to have forgotten the real motivation for running that business to begin with. Hospitals, schools & charity organizations are now run like any other business. To make returns that keep on growing is the very main goal of the enterprise, it seems. Something is clearly not right, don't you think?
Things to ponder: last time we had depressions, the world responded with world wars to get rid of excess capacity. I should not be thinking of this on a saturday night, but I am. That gives you an idea how serious the condition we are in right now, isn't it?
Apr 30, 2009
Made in China, MP5 & Chinese Audience
I have been downloading videos from the Internet recently & watching these videos on my MP5 while heading to & from work. MP5 are cool machines which anyone ought to have! I highly recommend one to you. There are a great many gadgets from China which one cannot find outside China, yet these are gadgets which are sold at a fraction of what similar products are selling in the world. Sometimes, they are called Shanzhai 山寨机 (akin to imitation) gadgets. (Last week I read about Shanzhai Green is People!; a blog related to this issue.) Even though Shanzhai gadgets may seem like imitation goods, they are quite something if one is not brand conscious & prefer not to pay for the extra which is mostly channeled to the distribution & marketing segment of a product cost. For example, I also own a similar version of an iPhone but with an improved function which I truly need, the dual-SIM card phone! These are great stuff!
The videos I've been watching are mostly Chinese documentaries & talk shows; TV programs which are broadcasted daily/weekly in Shanghai. Most of these shows are from CBN (China Business News, aka 第一财经). Oops, I forgot to mention, you do need to understand Chinese in order to watch these programs! There are a great many programs from this Shanghai based channel which I thoroughly enjoyed when I was living in Shanghai. When I left a month ago, I was dreading about having to miss these weekly programs which I had grown used to watching. Luckily for me, I found them online! The full length programs, every single one of them & more (past programs dating back to 2007 even)! It's truly amazing to find programs one likes, let alone something from this country! On demand TV without having to pay a single cent! I couldn't believe it when I first found them online! I believe the Chinese does this to educate its public and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge. It's no wonder their learning curve accelerated at such a speedy rate!
Favorite Programs:
Brainstorm 头脑风暴
Fortune Time 财富人生
Boss Show 波士堂
There's No Free Lunch 谁来一起午餐
Favorite Programs:
Brainstorm 头脑风暴
Fortune Time 财富人生
Boss Show 波士堂
There's No Free Lunch 谁来一起午餐
Apr 28, 2009
Lang Lang draw
He's the lastest icon in China. Children & adults adore him. He's the pride of the Chinese people. He's Lang Lang （郎朗）, the classical pianist who has entertained China and gained much acclaim since his first public recital at the age of 5. Borned in 1982 (that makes him a mere 27-year old), Lang Lang was originally from Shenyang. He's Manchurian & was an invited performer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It has been noted that "Lang Lang has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences on a personal level and established himself as one of the most exciting artists of our time". Some likes him, some don't. In China, he's pretty much revelled though.
The Worlds Hottest Classical Music Star Gives Exclusive Workshop in London from tvcgroup on Vimeo.
Segerstrom Select Series 2008-09 • Lang Lang from Orange County Films on Vimeo.
What I do like about Lang Lang is the fact that he inspires many with hopes of becoming a classical pianist (& having been the child of a piano teacher, I can attest that is the most difficult thing in life)! There may be many musicians who are considered superior to him in terms of techniques, but a piece of music is a better composition when it inspires and excites. Lang Lang has a way with kids and that's his major contributions to classical music (although definitely not the only one)! If every kids can be inspired to learn classical music, then a good writer can inspire children to write good literature too! That to me is the essence of being good and being talented!
The Worlds Hottest Classical Music Star Gives Exclusive Workshop in London from tvcgroup on Vimeo.
Segerstrom Select Series 2008-09 • Lang Lang from Orange County Films on Vimeo.
Apr 27, 2009
Butterfly effect
SARS, bird flu, swine flu... is this another crisis the world has to grapple with?
Or, is this another reminder to us mortals that we've polluted the environment so much that it's coming full circle again?
Or? Is this an antidote for America's recession? Create an antibiotic & save the world from a pandemic?
It seems to me that before one has put out the wildfire, another one has started. And the cause of it possibly lies in humans.
On Vimeo last night, I chanced upon a very interesting video about Digital Art by Toporek. Coincidentally, he's also a Mexican (swine flu is now spreading in Mexico, oh no!) who lives in Vancouver. He presented a video which is truly thought provoking.
Here it is...
Digital Art: a poetic vision Toporek from Sergio Toporek on Vimeo.
Or, is this another reminder to us mortals that we've polluted the environment so much that it's coming full circle again?
Or? Is this an antidote for America's recession? Create an antibiotic & save the world from a pandemic?
It seems to me that before one has put out the wildfire, another one has started. And the cause of it possibly lies in humans.
On Vimeo last night, I chanced upon a very interesting video about Digital Art by Toporek. Coincidentally, he's also a Mexican (swine flu is now spreading in Mexico, oh no!) who lives in Vancouver. He presented a video which is truly thought provoking.
Here it is...
Digital Art: a poetic vision Toporek from Sergio Toporek on Vimeo.
Apr 26, 2009
My Tribute to Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee
He changes my life & everyone around the world for the past 20 years & possibly to eternity. So, thank you very much Tim Bernes-Lee!
There has been so much coverage on Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Jerry Yang, Sergey Brin & Larry Page ; there simply is not enough coverage on the great Sir Timothy! One of the major contributors to the advancement of mankind! If you've no clue what I'm referring to, it's the internet, the vehicle that empowers all of us to a higher level of achievement & accomplishment through collaboration & sharing of our intelligence and humanity. He is the inventor of the world wibe web, equivalent of internet to most of us. Not impressed? How about the fact he's been ranked Joint First with Albert Hofmann in The Telegraph's list of 100 greatest living geniuses? Life would have been so different without him!
Imagine, no emails, no twitter, no youtube (or vimeo), no facebook, no flickr, no google (or yahoo, baidu), no msn (or qq), no skype, no blogger (or wordpress), no wikipedia, no lunch, no second life... NO LIFE!
I don't think I can get by all these inventions a week without cold turkey! I tried it, you know, when I was in Antarctica! It was as awful as that voyage to Antarctica (took us exactly 2 days out in the treacherous sea, no immediate rescue if there's going to be a 30-50 ft high waves!). It was incredible we survived! Yet, life has never been the same again after Antarctica & even more so, after internet! When I first bought my NEC laptop, the hard disk capacity was only 120 Mb!! Now, it's 120 GB! In less than 20 years, internet has exploded to something we had never ever imagined. What an amazing world we now live in!
Thank you very much, Tim Berners-Lee!!!
History of the Internet from PICOL on Vimeo.
Prometeus: The Media Revolution from Billy Wanzi on Vimeo.
There has been so much coverage on Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Jerry Yang, Sergey Brin & Larry Page ; there simply is not enough coverage on the great Sir Timothy! One of the major contributors to the advancement of mankind! If you've no clue what I'm referring to, it's the internet, the vehicle that empowers all of us to a higher level of achievement & accomplishment through collaboration & sharing of our intelligence and humanity. He is the inventor of the world wibe web, equivalent of internet to most of us. Not impressed? How about the fact he's been ranked Joint First with Albert Hofmann in The Telegraph's list of 100 greatest living geniuses? Life would have been so different without him!
Imagine, no emails, no twitter, no youtube (or vimeo), no facebook, no flickr, no google (or yahoo, baidu), no msn (or qq), no skype, no blogger (or wordpress), no wikipedia, no lunch, no second life... NO LIFE!
I don't think I can get by all these inventions a week without cold turkey! I tried it, you know, when I was in Antarctica! It was as awful as that voyage to Antarctica (took us exactly 2 days out in the treacherous sea, no immediate rescue if there's going to be a 30-50 ft high waves!). It was incredible we survived! Yet, life has never been the same again after Antarctica & even more so, after internet! When I first bought my NEC laptop, the hard disk capacity was only 120 Mb!! Now, it's 120 GB! In less than 20 years, internet has exploded to something we had never ever imagined. What an amazing world we now live in!
Thank you very much, Tim Berners-Lee!!!
History of the Internet from PICOL on Vimeo.
Prometeus: The Media Revolution from Billy Wanzi on Vimeo.
Apr 25, 2009
My Confession
I'm a big but quiet fan of Josh Groban. Love the song My Confession. My most favorite song of all time! It's the song I listened over and over again when I was in Antarctica.
Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban - The Prayer (Grammy Awars Live) from Joshwa on Vimeo.
Pride & Prejudice: My Confession from darcywil on Vimeo.
Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban - The Prayer (Grammy Awars Live) from Joshwa on Vimeo.
Pride & Prejudice: My Confession from darcywil on Vimeo.
Vivo Per Lei
I chanced upon an awesome song & video today on YouTube when I was reviewing the song I Dreamed a Dream (made famous now by Susan Boyle). It so happened that Hayley Westenra sang it when she was 14! Borned in 1987, that made it 5 years ago. I was then given a treat when one thing led to another and I found the song Vivo Per Lei which she does a duet with Andrea Bocelli.
Here it is, listen to the song first & then read what I thought about it.
Do you like it? I love it! It is such a beautiful song. A song which helps me feel what is inside myself. That journey to a place which you can't see or be seen by others, the journey to the heart. You know it exists, you can certainly feel it. It is when one is touched by a smile, a breeze, a child, a moment, anything beautiful to you... It is that moment when you feel you are alive and happy to be alive!
I do not aim to share my 'special' knowledge of anything, but I try to write about how I feel about everything. I think that's the only way I could have witnesses to my mere existence. My knowledge, my intelligence (or my stupidity), my action, my job... they all do not define me. My feeling does so and that is something I'd like to share, be it to just one person, a hundred, a thousand or the entire world.
Apr 23, 2009
I Dreamed a Dream
Les Misérables is one of the musicals which I've long forgotten. If not for Susan Boyle.
I landed in London early morning 4 years ago or possibly even longer, very early, about 6 am after 12 hours in the air. Had the hotel concierge got me a ticket and that was the only night he managed to find a ticket to the show. Spent the day around London & by the time I got to the musical, I was not tip top. Ok, I'm owning it up here... I even dozed off half way through the show (it was a long one btw). I was out of control, simply couldn't help it!
But, I do remember this song. I knew I liked it, but there are many other songs which I liked too. Les Miserables didn't leave a deep imprint in my mind, much less my heart! Although it did my colleague who had actually seen it 5x, I was recently told. Les Miserables, 5x? OMG!
What I'm trying to say is this... at times, something in a show, movie, or event, makes it bigger than it otherwise is. This is one instance. Susan Boyle's rendition of the song makes it a stunning revelation; a calling which deep down we all have at some point in time, especially the world is now in its deepest recession (or depression for many). It is a case of "There's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come (Victor Hugo)". It speaks to the world audience, of desperation, of hope, of the past, the present & the uncertain future.
When Fantine was unemployed & destitute, it is the same circumstance as many of us are in right now. When Susan Boyle sang the first verse, I was touched deep inside. Deeply touched. It's something in her voice that did it. I couldn't help myself from shedding tears. Not because I think she's destitute or because she's pathetic. It's not her, and possibly not even her voice. It is not the song either. I think it is HER rendition of the song. In this case, she has made something which have existed in public eyes for decades and turned it into something of a miracle. That to me is God is speaking.
Trivia: The song I dreamed a dream has also been sung on the night of President Clinton's inauguration.
I landed in London early morning 4 years ago or possibly even longer, very early, about 6 am after 12 hours in the air. Had the hotel concierge got me a ticket and that was the only night he managed to find a ticket to the show. Spent the day around London & by the time I got to the musical, I was not tip top. Ok, I'm owning it up here... I even dozed off half way through the show (it was a long one btw). I was out of control, simply couldn't help it!
But, I do remember this song. I knew I liked it, but there are many other songs which I liked too. Les Miserables didn't leave a deep imprint in my mind, much less my heart! Although it did my colleague who had actually seen it 5x, I was recently told. Les Miserables, 5x? OMG!
What I'm trying to say is this... at times, something in a show, movie, or event, makes it bigger than it otherwise is. This is one instance. Susan Boyle's rendition of the song makes it a stunning revelation; a calling which deep down we all have at some point in time, especially the world is now in its deepest recession (or depression for many). It is a case of "There's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come (Victor Hugo)". It speaks to the world audience, of desperation, of hope, of the past, the present & the uncertain future.
When Fantine was unemployed & destitute, it is the same circumstance as many of us are in right now. When Susan Boyle sang the first verse, I was touched deep inside. Deeply touched. It's something in her voice that did it. I couldn't help myself from shedding tears. Not because I think she's destitute or because she's pathetic. It's not her, and possibly not even her voice. It is not the song either. I think it is HER rendition of the song. In this case, she has made something which have existed in public eyes for decades and turned it into something of a miracle. That to me is God is speaking.
Trivia: The song I dreamed a dream has also been sung on the night of President Clinton's inauguration.
Hayley Westenra sang the very same song when she was 14 in 2002. I love her voice!
Another rendition of the very same song by Elaine Page.
After going through the many artiste who had sung the song, I think the X-factor truly lies in the song I Dreamed A Dream!!!
Today's Video: Spente Le Stelle by Emma Shapplin
Another rendition of the very same song by Elaine Page.
After going through the many artiste who had sung the song, I think the X-factor truly lies in the song I Dreamed A Dream!!!
Today's Video: Spente Le Stelle by Emma Shapplin
Apr 22, 2009
My Lunch 'date' with Jet Li
Technically, I am not a fan of Jet Li's movies & not an idol of him in his acting capabilities.
His movies are entertaining enough & his acting good enough to be famous. Yet, I was not and am still not dying to catch his next movie.
BUT, as a person, he holds a great attraction for me. This revelation is a result of having watched an interview of him in Shanghai. From this 2 hours of interview (you'll need to understand Chinese to grasp the whole conversation which I'll try to upload here or link it to the site) and discussions about what he believes in, what he is currently venturing on, he has impressed upon me how similar we are in our believes & thought processes. That is a great revelation to me, to find someone out there whom I don't really know anything about for many years & then to instantly find that connection. On top of that, he convinces me about his cause. That is what most people would not be able to convince me of. & for that, I do admire him.
I shall not write to much about what his believes are here as I believe everyone has a chance to discover it for himself/herself (again, you need to understand Chinese to do so). It is a journey into one's core belief if you choose to watch these few videos. These videos have completely changed my prior perception of Jet Li the actor. It is the best interviews I've watched on CBN (China Business News, Shanghai) this year.
李连杰：慈善是一门生意（上）
李连杰：慈善是一门生意（下）
李连杰：天生我才必有用（上）
李连杰：天生我才必有用（下）
Note: You need windows player to play these videos.
P.S. This is the same review I posted on Lunch about Jet Li.
His movies are entertaining enough & his acting good enough to be famous. Yet, I was not and am still not dying to catch his next movie.
BUT, as a person, he holds a great attraction for me. This revelation is a result of having watched an interview of him in Shanghai. From this 2 hours of interview (you'll need to understand Chinese to grasp the whole conversation which I'll try to upload here or link it to the site) and discussions about what he believes in, what he is currently venturing on, he has impressed upon me how similar we are in our believes & thought processes. That is a great revelation to me, to find someone out there whom I don't really know anything about for many years & then to instantly find that connection. On top of that, he convinces me about his cause. That is what most people would not be able to convince me of. & for that, I do admire him.
I shall not write to much about what his believes are here as I believe everyone has a chance to discover it for himself/herself (again, you need to understand Chinese to do so). It is a journey into one's core belief if you choose to watch these few videos. These videos have completely changed my prior perception of Jet Li the actor. It is the best interviews I've watched on CBN (China Business News, Shanghai) this year.
李连杰：慈善是一门生意（上）李连杰：慈善是一门生意（下）
李连杰：天生我才必有用（上）
李连杰：天生我才必有用（下）
Note: You need windows player to play these videos.
P.S. This is the same review I posted on Lunch about Jet Li.
Apr 21, 2009
Let's do Lunch after VT
As some of you might have know, I was into travelogues many years ago. Spent majority of my waking hours on VirtualTourist. Made some great friends along the way too & got to see many parts of the world which I otherwise wouldn't have step into!
Well, the boss JR Johnson sold it off and is beginning to launch another site. So, he has invited me over to Lunch! Sorry about the delay of posting of this post. I've been otherwise engaged & have been investigating about the potential of Lunch. The verdict?
Lunch is still in its infancy. A beta version as it is appropriately labelled. There are some fine tunings (as with our selection on the menu when we go lunch) that need to be ironed out. And imho, narrowed its selection into groups (remember about going to a restaurant that offers too many selections to the extent that we are at a loss as to what to order? yep, i got that feeling after 2 days navigating the site & trying to write some reviews. It's a little big (even at this initial stage!) and in disarray. It definitely has potential. It'd be great if I get a map when I enter the compound though. At times, I feel lost! It's like going to WDW without a map! What exactly is Lunch? It's central theme is quite similar to VirtualTourist. A platform for interested party to voice themselves (in VT case, about travel & the travel relatede) on anything (literally under the sun) they are interested in. In other words, blogging & rating about whatever that caught your attention, be it good or bad. If Lunch is able to draw crowds & tons of audience who turn into writers, then it can be great site. The most crucial issue, imho, is how to manage the site when it gets real big & messy. Trust me, from my many years of experience on VT, it can be real messy (without even getting too big)! All in all, best of luck to JR Johnson! I hope you can make Lunch into our main meal of the day!
Well, the boss JR Johnson sold it off and is beginning to launch another site. So, he has invited me over to Lunch! Sorry about the delay of posting of this post. I've been otherwise engaged & have been investigating about the potential of Lunch. The verdict?
Lunch is still in its infancy. A beta version as it is appropriately labelled. There are some fine tunings (as with our selection on the menu when we go lunch) that need to be ironed out. And imho, narrowed its selection into groups (remember about going to a restaurant that offers too many selections to the extent that we are at a loss as to what to order? yep, i got that feeling after 2 days navigating the site & trying to write some reviews. It's a little big (even at this initial stage!) and in disarray. It definitely has potential. It'd be great if I get a map when I enter the compound though. At times, I feel lost! It's like going to WDW without a map! What exactly is Lunch? It's central theme is quite similar to VirtualTourist. A platform for interested party to voice themselves (in VT case, about travel & the travel relatede) on anything (literally under the sun) they are interested in. In other words, blogging & rating about whatever that caught your attention, be it good or bad. If Lunch is able to draw crowds & tons of audience who turn into writers, then it can be great site. The most crucial issue, imho, is how to manage the site when it gets real big & messy. Trust me, from my many years of experience on VT, it can be real messy (without even getting too big)! All in all, best of luck to JR Johnson! I hope you can make Lunch into our main meal of the day!
Apr 20, 2009
Reeve, Fox & Swayze... Always looking up!
What do Reeve, Fox & Swayze have in common?
I read about Swayze with cancer just 2 days ago, and I wondered what had happened to Fox. These are actors who have one way or another entertained us, inspired us & made us laughed & cried at the very same time.
Christopher Reeve left me with Somewhere in Time & Superman. Michael J. Fox with Family Ties & Back to the Future while Patrick Swayze with Dirty Dancing & Ghost. Yet, they are people who were/are fighting for their lives. What's important though is that they have left us with a legacy. A legacy that when you look back on your own life, they've been there with you at some point of your life.
I read about Swayze with cancer just 2 days ago, and I wondered what had happened to Fox. These are actors who have one way or another entertained us, inspired us & made us laughed & cried at the very same time.
Christopher Reeve left me with Somewhere in Time & Superman. Michael J. Fox with Family Ties & Back to the Future while Patrick Swayze with Dirty Dancing & Ghost. Yet, they are people who were/are fighting for their lives. What's important though is that they have left us with a legacy. A legacy that when you look back on your own life, they've been there with you at some point of your life.
Today's Read: Excerpt: 'Always Looking Up' (ABC News)
Today's Video: 10 Questions for Michael J. Fox (Time)
Apr 19, 2009
Harry Potter & the Economy
It's said "dark times bring people together".
The winter is over and the summer is just around the corner. Harry Potter & Half-blood Prince will be in theater soon, probably after Angels & Demons.
Today's Read: An organism survives Antarctica, and may be Mars (Time)
Today's Video: Time 100: Are You on the List?
The winter is over and the summer is just around the corner. Harry Potter & Half-blood Prince will be in theater soon, probably after Angels & Demons.
I've followed every single episode of Harry Potter since the very beginning. Just as I once did Indiana Jones, Star Wars & The Matrix. Why are these movies & books so exciting & endearing? The central theme? To me, imagination, creativity & the good always triumph. Hollywood is that part of America where anything & everything is possible. It is the realm of possibility, of hope & of personal freedom. What's keeping the American spirit in Hollywood will still be what's keeping the American spirit in real if all those in America still believes it.
We see that deviation in the last decade in America politics. And with it, brought the downfall of its economy.
Today's Read: An organism survives Antarctica, and may be Mars (Time)
Today's Video: Time 100: Are You on the List?
Apr 18, 2009
Wall Street & Pirates of the Caribbean
Nah, it's no longer Caribbean but Somali & Pirate Bay!
Quest blogs about them being jailed in Sweden, I mean those 4 men from Pirate Bay, that is.
As for the Somalis, well, we'll have to wait for the soldiers to do their work, I'm afraid.
Greed, the backbone of the movie Wall Street has now come full circle after 20 years post showing of the movie. We have the collapse of the credit market in Wall Street, we have the pirates along the coast of Somali & we also have piracy in the internet world.
I'm not so much interested in Wall Street or the Somali's pirates. This is something which is beyond most ordinary citizens' control or say. The internet offers another angle though. Collaborated effort is the essence of the internet. Well, at least the spirit of collaboration is what the internet is all about. YouTube is one good example of how much more life can be with it. Once in awhile though, when YouTube gets a BIG hit, embedding is being turned off. As with the case of Susan Boyle on Britains Got Talent. This however, is something everyone got to watch. I've seen it 3x today & every single time, I'm truly inspired! As of this writing, there has been over 25 million hits!
Today's Video: Susan Boyle - Britains Got Talent [The video which got everyone talking & raving around the world!] (YouTube), Burst bubble (CNN)
Apr 17, 2009
Alibaba, Facebook, Twitter ... C2B
Alibaba, Facebook & Twitter are some of the successful stories of the internet age. These are companies which may or may not be public companies, yet they all have a large following. Who are behind these successful companies amid the world recessionary environment?
I found some answers from Business Week.
Today's Read: Twitter, from poor man's email to innovation leader (Reuters)
Today's Read: Twitter, from poor man's email to innovation leader (Reuters)
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