Sunday, August 31, 2008

Strangers


A million little histories, a million stories no one would bother to tell, converging momentarily, sifted through my hands and then gone, mysteries intact.

I invent myself another corridor, another room, and I decorate them with all the things I'll never need to know.

Caged

In the midst of a quiet night, not a soul awake. A truck slowly creeps into the silence and as it nears, there were echoes of mews. The echoes, if you listen carefully, cry with a pinch of morose and helplessness. As the moonlight softly catches a glimpse of the truck, you can see storey after storey and cage after cage, the source of the commotion - 20 cramped in one cage and what must be 73 cages, a total of 1400 cats are prisoners on their way to GuangZhou to be slaughtered as food.


Six hours later ....


"This morning at about 4 a.m. at the borders of JiaXing, the police broke a huge cat smuggling operation with the aid of cat enthusiasts. The cats, most of which, were house-bred and lured into a trap where some found their tails cut off and some legs broken....."


".... The perpetrators deny the kidnapping charges, claiming that the cats are legally captured and are strays. They are detained until further investigations."

Body Art

Some people may feel offended by the naked form though I am not sure why. The body is an art. Look at its natural form and see beyond what it is instead what it can be. Like a piece of white paper waiting for a great writer or a raw land waiting for a great landscaper, Aristotle puts it beautifully,

"Art completes what nature cannot bring to finish"

While there are many options as to the type of body art such as tattoos and piercings, I find body painting as well as black and white photography more natural. There is a certain quality to the heavy contrasting B&W world that I can't really put my finger on. Maybe its a feeling of mystique or maybe it is that world that you can see every color and none at the same time.

At some point, I envy the girls with those beautiful smooth curves that can pull it off. Afterall, lets face it, not everyone can be comfortable with their body form or be blessed with perfect proportions. The male form, even those perfected with muscularity and tone, looks ugly in comparison to the female form.

Today's society really skewed beauty standards. Travel back in time and you will find outrageous hairs, full but healthy bodies, natural beauty instead of make-ups and of course at the very least, the person you see is who he or she really is instead of a surgically enhanced product.

Anyways, to appreciate and understand them, I have imagined what it would be like to be the opposite sex. Women have their advantages, but in the end, I am proud to be a guy.


**Btw. its true that men prefer sight and women sound. Art appreciation, however, is never gender specific.**

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Aspiration

It is rather frustrating when someone poses you a question "What is your goal in life?" and you find yourself struggling to come up with a response on the spot. Some people measures happiness with assets, some hopes to create a name for himself be it some great accomplishment or just great marketing, and there are some who views life nothing more than a chance for love. I dare say that almost always, your goals will change with age. But if you ask me now, I will probably respond.....


Soon I will regain the form of a pippin. The day when all that I see touches me and calls me by my first name. When the simplicity of the human heart is auster and pure; when in assiduity, concern and love is everywhere; when preeminent accomplishments are those of sacrifaces than success.

That is my dream. A world is only as beautiful as its creations. I won't ask for world peace. I won't ask to solve inequality or poverty. All I hope for is a little compassion from everyone. A little step towards making a new friend, a hello, a smile and that warmth will spread like wild fire to all parts of the world.

And I'll start by sharing all my senses with you.

The Big Bang Theory Season Two

Following the success of season one, the geeks are back and so is the super cute Kaley Cuoco.

Last year, when I learnt that Chuck Lorre is writing a new show, I knew I had to give it a shot. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of the most innovative sitcoms to date. You might know Chuck Lorre from his works of Dharma and Greg and Two and a Half Men. Chuck, so I have heard, is a geek somewhat himself and he saw the potential of trying to weld the extremely different worlds of intellectual bookworms and street-smart social animals together. If there are so many nerds, geeks or whatever you call these hermits and they are most likely already hooked on computers or televisions. Just imagine the huge untapped market awaiting.
The humor the show practises are those of wit and sarcasms. But that's not all that will draw you in. You will sit glued as you follow Leonard's crush on Penny and see seeing how their relationship develops. And who wouldn't love having Sheldon share in his all too technical words his scientific take on all aspects of life, and his inability to comprehend the simplest commonsense in any social context? Then there's Raj who can't speak in the presence of beautiful women and Howard who is an obnoxious womanizer in the geek world. The wonderful cast takes their place on stage and promises you a heck of a good time.

This season, hopefully the show will bring more character development which it lacked last season. For those of you who never watched the show before, give it 20 minutes. You may even want to be a geek after that.

The Mission



Somewhere in the mountains of High Country, a number of camouflaged tents stood billowing in the cruel, vicious wind. This is the mobile headquarters of The Official Moose and Bear Society (T.O.M.B.S.) A ring of grizzled, evil looking, bodyguards had it surrounded; Tikkas, Remingtons and Savages rifles with catapults and water bombs at the ready. Agent DD pulls back the tent flap and enters the darkness. All that is visible is a small table lamp sitting atop a huge carved desk, that dominates the middle of the empty space. The unmistakable mew of a very contented cat can be heard faintly.

“Sit down double D” , a raspy voice calls out from the darkness.

As he sits in the chair, a deathly hand with long gnarled fingers materialises from the shadows. It slides a manila dossier across the desk.

“We have need of your services… we require a nullification”

“The usual fee?

“Of course. Your target..”

DD then flipped open the file and stared at the picture.

“You want Mr Black nullified?”

“No. Mr Grizzly”

“But why?

“Double D, you ask too many questions… for a man in your business such a habit could prove a liability…”. The threat hung in each and every word.

“You’re right, I’m sorry, forget I asked..”. A sweat broke out on his top lip.

“However on this occasion I will make an exception to the rule…Double D, the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing us he didn’t exist…. To the rest of the world Grizzly is a fat, vacuous, exaggerated, under talented stand in for Black….”

DD listened intently.

“But we at T.O.M.B.S. know otherwise…. Beneath that brown fur fat suit is a man with the physical prowess of an Olympic athlete.. he completes 1000 sits ups every morning before he consumes a pint of organic prune juice.… spending time in such a confined space with Mr Grizzly is deemed…. dangerous”

DD looked on aghast.

“His IQ is over 200, he can piss all over Dr David Starkey in any pub quiz. And, most importantly of all, to us, he has been confirmed as head of tactical operations for the Federation Against Nature Terrorists. Our sources suggest that he will soon be appearing on Bear Lake, and use this as an opportunity to launch a scuba attack on our Prince George cell…”

“ I see…” DD offered earnestly. The battle lines had been drawn.

“This will be an unusual operation…”, he continued, “our paymasters have two conditions. One the operation takes place publicly, in order to maximise the humiliation to F.A.N.T., and secondly Mr Grizzly is not eliminated, merely winged. We want to render him useless to the resistance, and for his continuing presence to become a burden as well as an embarrassment….”

“I understand and accept… do you have any preferred method of ‘dispatch’?”

There's a snigger in the darkness.

“Our research scientists have created an evil little device…”, with that a small plastic pebble bounced across the table top and came to a stop in front of DD.

“A cunning little radio receiver. Our boys and girls have implanted a fierce little sound wave magnification device. When it is switched on, direct feed from a selected source will drive a hugely magnified sound wave through the brain of the wearer.. turning his or her brain to semolina… ha ha ha…”

DD winced. This was evil personified. And evil carried on.

“The scheduling gods have been kind, this Wednesday the Grub Fest and Grunting contest warms up cooincide… there is a particularly fiendish Swedish entry….”

DD’s mind began to feverishly plan.

“oh and Double D, if you use contractors, make them expendable…..”


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Xeritown Dubai



X-Architects of Dubai have designed an urban complex called Xeritown, "a novel example of man and nature working in harmony, an entire town is to be built along a north-south axis to take advantage of cool breezes blowing in off the sea.", aiming to encourage a pedestrian-oriented lifestyle and minimize energy consumption.

Xeritown is green in both high and low-tech ways. It is centered so that the ocean breeze air-conditions the entire city. It is also designed to make it inconvenient for cars with no road more than two lanes wide in the whole 60 acres. Taking it's name from Xeriscaping, the city uses next to no water for non-domestic purposes. All landscaping is suitable for the desert and graywater will be used for industrial purposes. Of course, it comes with its fair share of photovoltaics to power the city. Panels will line the streets and shade the sidewalks.


If there is one thing about Dubai that you need to know, she uses innovation to separate herself from the rest of the world and believes in nothing but being the best. While other countries are worrying about how to balance their budget and economic health, she is taking the first major step towards building a greener world. Hopefully others will follow.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Colors Design


There is quite a lot of knowledge when it comes to color combination especially when designing your own house. Research have shown that colors have a strong effect on moods and should be carefully applied to the theme of the room.

Dining Area
Blue dining rooms suppress appetite. Blue is a cold color that does not promote warmth while the dining area is an area of activity; they do not mix well. In addition, blue light causes the food to appear dark and less appealing. Recommended color for dining area is orange.

Bedroom
Purple is a peaceful and romantic color but because they appear darker in nature. When exposed to long periods, they cause suppression of feelings and moodiness. Pink and red are also unsuitable colors for bedrooms as they are exciting colors that will cause a person to become irritable and temperamental after some time. However, some patterns like dots and soft shapes in light colors can smoothen the effects. Light blue and yellow are good choices for bedrooms.

Study Room
Yellow is often used in warnings and therefore stimulates the senses. However, prolonged exposure tends to wear people out. It is also a tranquil and sensitive color that makes people feel lazy after a while. A good color for study rooms is cream as it is a sensitive and comfortable color.

General
Heavy black and white contrasts are striking at first but it can become quite strenuous. A careful combination would have to be applied, preferably with white being the main color with outlays of black (door frames, pictures, etc.)

It is almost a rule of thumb for the colors to be soothing and blending. Too much colors make the room messy and confusing, so stick to two or three. Color and texture are interdependent; each has a strong influence on the other. The higher the contrast in colors, the stronger the need for similar textures. The closer in tone the colors, the stronger the need for contrasting textures.

Finally, different people have different thresholds and preferences for colors so take this as a general guideline but be willing to experiment. Who knows? All it takes is a vision and the courage to realize it. Michelangelo once said

"I saw the angel in the marble, and carved till I set him free."

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Jessica Alba 2008 Alma Awards

Finally, Jessica's 1st public appearance since she gave birth to Honor and she looked stunning as usual. Jessica is so enamored with her baby girl that she says she is ready for more kids already.

"I'd like to have as many children as my body will allow - and I'd adopt if I still want more children after that!"
Boy, Cash Warren is damn lucky to have her. :)

Mythbusters


According to Wikipedia:

MythBusters is a U.S. popular science television program on the Discovery Channel starring special effects experts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, who use their skills and expertise to test the validity of various rumors and urban legends in popular culture. ....

There is quite a number of interesting Myth or fact quiz on site ranging from Halloween horrors to the real reason why brides wear white. I myself is in the midst of savaging through and has been quite shocked at the results. But of course, I wouldn't spoil the suspense meaning you would have to do your own work.

MythBusters Quizzes

**For the inquisitive minds only. Content may contain unthinkable and offensive subject matters. Not suitable for the weak-hearted, stubborn and humorless.**

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Roxanne


From the movie "Roxanne" starring Steve Martin, when challenged with coming up with 20 or more funnier jokes than "Big Nose"
  1. Obvious: Excuse me. Is that your nose or did a bus park on your face.
  2. Meteorological: Everybody take cover. She's going to blow.
  3. Fashionable: You know, you could de-emphasize your nose if you wore something larger. Like ... Wyoming.
  4. Personal: Well, here we are. Just the three of us.
  5. Punctual: Alright gentlemen. Your nose was on time but you were fifteen minutes late.
  6. Envious: Oooo, I wish I were you. Gosh. To be able to smell your own ear.
  7. Naughty: Pardon me, Sir. Some of the ladies have asked if you wouldn't mind putting that thing away.
  8. Philosophical: You know. It's not the size of a nose that's important. It's what's in it that matters.
  9. Humorous: Laugh and the world laughs with you. Sneeze and it's goodbye Seattle.
  10. Commercial: Hi, I'm Earl Schibe and I can paint that nose for $39.95.
  11. Polite: Ah. Would you mind not bobbing your head. The orchestra keeps changing tempo.
  12. Melodic: Everybody! "He's got the whole world in his nose."
  13. Sympathetic: Oh, What happened? Did your parents lose a bet with God?
  14. Complimentary: You must love the little birdies to give them this to perch on.
  15. Scientific: Say, does that thing there influence the tides.
  16. Obscure: Oh, I'd hate to see the grindstone.
  17. Inquiry: When you stop to smell the flowers, are they afraid?
  18. French: Say, the pigs have refused to find any more truffles until you leave.
  19. Pornographic: Finally, a man who can satisfy two women at once.
  20. Religious: The Lord giveth and He just kept on giving, didn't He.
  21. Disgusting: Say, who mows your nose hair.
  22. Paranoid: Keep that guy away from my cocaine!
  23. Aromatic: It must be wonderful to wake up in the morning and smell the coffee ... in Brazil.
  24. Appreciative: Oooo, how original. Most people just have their teeth capped.
  25. Dirty: Your name wouldn't be Dick, would it?

Friday, August 22, 2008

Casual Dinner

It was a regular dinner with chitchats of useless details with a bunch of casual acquaintances that I have otherwise never even spoken 2 words to. The evening was bright, at least it was when we started, and by the time I finished entertaining myself so as to avoid falling alseep amidst the boredom of the less challenging dinner talk and uninspiring food, the night had a dark mix of cardinal red.


I have always found the beauty of the setting sun to be romantic. It made me feel like I was in love. It reminded me of someone that is quite far yet always so near. It's hard not to stare outside when the sky was infinitely more appealing than the dinner, and I struggled to find any reason to stay. Sad to say, I did.

In recent days, I feel more confined to a space and time that defined as work. Perhaps any casual dinner would provide the getaway I need, at least to take my mind off. Yes, I was tired, drained and most of all, I was still hungry.

Blackberry Bold

Oh, I am so EXCITED!!! The new Blackberry Bold launches in Canada on the 21st and is the first major Blackberry model in over a year.


Needless to say, Iphone is its main competitor and had an earlier release on July 11th. Lets take a look at the two. The Bold matches in resolution but loses out with its size. The Bold has a glossy metallic look and adds corporate-strength Wi-Fi capabilities to third-generation cellular and Bluetooth radios. While touchscreens like the Iphone are more fashionable nowadays, it is still the traditional keypads that has kept many loyal to Blackberry. Here's a look at them side by side.


However, rather than fighting for market share with the Iphone, the Bold has a more important challenge. As Iphone 3G finds itself facing criticisms of its connectivity issues and short battery life, the Bold needs to make a stand and distinguish itself as a well craved and pride-in-work upgrade.

They match well in pricing with both hanging around $299 with 3 year plans. Anyways, no hurry. I will give it a little more time before I jump in. (Standard lifespan for my cell phones are 3+ years, currently already at 2 years and 7 months)

A Better World

It’s difficult to think of a time in my life when the world has been in more chaos or experienced more traumas at such close intervals. There were quite a number of major events in my recollection - 1991 Vietnam War, 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and 2001 911 bombing of the World Trade Center. Yet in comparison to recent disasters, they pale and is mostly reduced to the memory of those deeply affected.

Today’s attack on terrorism is nothing more than endless quest and a meaningless exposition that drains not only the resources and lives of those involved but the global economy. In the end, what has war accomplished? While greed has blown bubbles all over, distorted the original usage of derivatives which ignited the avalanche collapse of the US Economy and increased the discrepancies between the rich and poor, it is still the responsibility of the most powerful government in the world to set an example and lead the way. Ironically, under the disguise of the noble purposes of freedom and peace, the US government has imposed upon the freedom and peace of others. Lets not debate over whether the war was necessary or even justified. Instead, let us look back in hindsight and question what the war has brought us.


Of course, US was already heavily in debt so what does another $900 Billion matter? The elevated battles for oil that has pumped up the price only accelerated the need to find alternative energy sources to exploit. If anything, the war pressured people into new technological and scientific breakthroughs. Maybe the world was overpopulated and food supply becoming more scarce as a result, thus the need to start a war for a reason to kill people.

Following that line of thinking, the world is better because of less terrorism and violence……. Iraq and Afghanistan finally has freedom…… You won't find another country in the world that extends its hands to help another country especially when they are in a mess themselves. Talk about selflessness. Now, it is only fair and time for the world to help out US as the economy suffers.

The Indian Ocean earthquake was a tragedy. Katrina was unforeseeable. Sichuan’s earthquake was unfortunate. But all these were accidents….. Or NOT. It is becoming evident that global warming has created not only massive climate changes but has affected the polar charges and currents of the Earth, which means that these natural disasters will continue and even magnify if no corrective actions are taken. Do we really have time to engage in political dramas, worry about economical health and even think about space exploration? Well, in this sense, I feel I am no better than those I criticize, for I indulge in personal pleasures and will likely ensue till the day I stop dying.

Alright, so whats done is done. There is a new election on the way, and I have high hopes. Barrack Obama has shone beyond his colors that he has wisdom and intellect among his lack of experience. He will be a breath of new air that could lead America into a new era of new ideals and values, hopefully for the good for all mankind and a better world.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Birth


It seems almost impossible for me to stay away from writing and believe me, I have tried.

I feel like a 2 year old trying to stay away from toys and more importantly, everything that nudges my curiosity scares me to some extent. It kinds of reinforces that life is full of irony and dilemmas. Perhaps why I am so drawn to writing is the abundance of time lately that I am required to actually process my thoughts. Who knew time has been the culprit all along? Give a person enough time and he will be bored enough to think, to dream, to act.

So the first obstacle to starting a blog is deciding why you want one and making the decision to go through all the troubles to register an account. I must confess that the struggles to make the first step were way more difficult than all the 5 minutes I spent to give birth to Evolution Paradise. The name, of course, needs a little innovation considering that there had been millions of blogs before me. I asked myself why do we need millions of blogs and wonder how many of these blogs are meaningful. Oh, what the heck. I write to transcend meaning upon myself and not others. Back to the name. It is my dream that this name will push limits and hopefully answer the question, “What is the value of life?”.

A direct and simple question, no doubt, that requires deep insight to find an answer which probably can only be applicable to you. A million trifling details of everyday life invade me. I find myself questioning the ostensible nature of the bible, the idealistic and selfless candor of a supreme being, every congenial fact that is deemed commonsense. Drawing on my observations, I will come out clamorously and claim my supposition that my life possesses more value to me than you.

I took a comparative analysis with the lives of a pool of the most prominent figures that includes Carolus Linnaeus, Albert Einstein, James Hutton and Henry David Thoreau. Surely, their existence made the world a better place if not to live, at least to remember. With these people, their accomplishments would mean more to the world than any average person, yet this reveals nothing of the true value of their lives. This leads me to my next question: How do we measure life - by accomplishment and success or by quality or length of life?

I definitely cannot speak for anyone besides myself and claim that their life means more to them than others. But, I do think everyone at some point in their life would question their self-worth and few would find others that can provide them with the answers. Perhaps that is why people challenge themselves, look within themselves and constantly question themselves with answers only they could come up with, and in doing so prove that I am not alone.

While it is hard to understand the mysteries of life, one must never lose hope. As I seek my own paradise, you should be seeking yours. And if you are lucky as most geniuses are, one plus one might just lead to .... EUREKA!!

Finally, the baby borned on 21 August 2008, 2:07PM has been named.