2008 La Lingerie (內衣少女)

It's not what you think.....

Here is a version with subtitles on TUDOU

GuLi(古力) wins LiShiShi(李世石) in LG Cup

天下英雄谁敌手---古李争霸LG杯

LG杯终结篇：乱石激起千堆雪，杯酒割断名人头

In what is one of the most anticipated Weiqi matchup in history, GuLi destroyed LiShiShi’s legend and won 2-0 in a best of 3 series. Both youngsters are known for their superb fighting skills and violent styles, and both are arguably the best in their own countries, China and Korea respectively. It is the divine match destined from birth. Yet there can only be one winner.

I must admit I was a little disappointed that they did not get to play the third match especially when LiShiShi would have won the second match and made it 1-1, had he only played out the endgame normally. Instead, he chose to fight aggressively, perhaps hoping to get the win convincingly and carry that dominance over to the next match. But, a win is a win and GuLi deserves it this time.

This is the new Weiqi era and these are the two leaders. There will be more memorable games to follow and I can hardly wait.

Rent a car for $1 a day

Rent a car for $1 a day

Well, you can't leave town and you have to drive a minimum of 30 Km a day, but that doesn't take away from this bargain. Heck, this ride is not shabby by any means.

Devin Harris's Buzzer beater

As the NBA season went on, there has been plenty of spectacular highlights. I went and picked my Fav 3 so far, all buzzer beaters in excitingly close games.

#1 Devin Harris's half court buzzer beater



#2 Brandon Roy's 32 Ft Buzzer Beater vs Houston



#3 Lebron James game winning buzzer beater vs Golden State

Obama promises brighter future for America

He could be the most ambitious leader of America. In his first address to a joint session of Congress, Mr. Obama offered a distant promise of a brighter future, a theme deeply rooted in American political mythology.

“If we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then some day years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, 'something worthy to be remembered.' "

He renewed his call for investments in all areas, particularly finding a way to create energy resources that do not rely on foreign sources of oil.

“Let there be no doubt: health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year,” claiming the budget he will release on Thursday will make a down payment on the goal of “quality, affordable health care for every American.”.

Perhaps what truly outlines his ambitious goals in his term, Mr. Obama pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term, saying his administration had “already identified two trillion dollars in savings over the next decade.” including reduced spending on the war in Iraq and higher revenues from letting the Bush administration’s tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans lapse after 2010. He would also eliminate education programs that did not work, end excessive payments to large agribusinesses and overhaul the military budget “so we’re not paying for cold-war-era weapons systems we don’t use.”

Sparing no specifics, Mr. Obama called for stricter regulatory reforms of the nation’s financial institutions. He also mentioned creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans.

“My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we’ve inherited — a trillion-dollar budget deficit, a financial crisis and a costly recession,” Mr. Obama said. “Given these realities, everyone in this chamber, Democrats and Republicans, will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which there are no dollars. And that includes me.”

If he can fulfill his promises, Mr. Obama will surely go down in history as the most ambitious and successful leader.

How is your imagination tonight?

How is your imagination tonight?

With playful thrusts of guts and wit,
Tat for tat and tit for tit.

ON GUARD!! Take this, worthless foe!
Your blood is dried and your humor cold.

Bouncy banters and badinage
flirt with blithe counters of love and hate.

There will be NO MERCY spared.
Vulgarities, obscenities and other foul air.

You took your best shot, it was close.
Of all my adversaries, I fear you most.

As words fall silent, lights dimly glow,
the music sings mute and thoughts flow slow.

This night, drunk with mischievous fun,
this battle will not be lost or won.

The mind is no match with the heart in persuasion;
I stand no match for imagination.

Do you want to go to Heaven?

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

The man said, 'I do, Father.'

The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.'

Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?''

Certainly, Father,' was the man's reply. '

Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest.

Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and said, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'

The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'

Time to hope, time to kill, time to reflect

Well, the February 21, 2009, 48 Million lottery numbers were revealed:

11, 20, 33, 34, 37, 39 Bonus number 22

Wow, 4 numbers in the 30s column? That is unusual indeed.

In any case, that was the topic around these days. People are turning to the lottery for hope in this financial turbulent time.

It is interesting to note that there has been increasing crimes around the city - kidnappings, gunfights and killings. As desperation spreads, crime rates will rise.

Yesterday, a small misunderstanding caused my family to be extremely worried for me because of how bad the public security has been. It made me realize how inconsiderate I have been.

For that, I am truly sorry.

Forgotten

Days like this hurt the most.
You return to give me a glimpse of hope
where the sparkle is back in your eyes
and your voice is euphonious.

Then with the winds of change,
you will softly drift away.
I call your name begging you to stay,
but you will have forgotten mine.

Should I shed a tear for you?
So it may break your loneliness
And remind of a love so true.

Should I shed a tear for me?

Look, your family and friends are here

to bid farewell. And me.
And Me, my sweetest dear.

I will always be by your side.

Sometimes, I wish I can be angry

from tears of watching you.
My heart is bleeding, drained and weary,
but it stays patient for you.

My silence will keep yours company.
It matters not you will never know;
how much I want to hold you
And never let you go.

Days like this hurt the most.
As your eyes lose its glimmer
And time forgets to hurt,
hands in hands, I sleep as you sleep.

World in chaos - Back to Communism

The news yesterday that Vancouver will buy out $750 Million Olympic Village loan led me to question how the Canadian government is managing our budget. I was not naïve enough to believe that hosting the Olympics would cost us nothing but at the time, it was a good move to promote Vancouver to the rest of the world. Now, I have to question whether it is even worth it to carry through all the obligations which would fall back on the shoulders of the taxpayers (Canadian tax already among the highest in the world).

The Canadian government has been sheltering us from reality that recession will hit Canada hard. The BC Budget is based on the assumption that the unemployment rate will not exceed 6.2% for 2009. January unemployment is already standing at 6.1%. Whether it is job losses in the manufacturing, construction or collapsed businesses, the unemployment rate will continue to rise for most if not all of 2009. How is this bogus budget supposed to help us prepare for the upcoming storm?

Moving to the US. Today, Dow Jones hovers around 7,300 levels and gold at 997 pushing to break 1,000 which mean confidence is still dropping and people are turning back to gold as a safe haven. Will Obama’s call for unprecedented accountability in stimulus package inject new confidence in the market? Unprecedented accountability, whatever does it mean? With bankruptcy protections, human rights and what’s not, accountability continues to be a myth buried in the foundations of democracy which America is all about.

China seems to be the only country that is still standing strong. However, they are also facing several challenges. Their underlying social issues continue to build up with their corruption causing natural disasters to be much more destructive as in the case of SzeChuan’s earthquake. Their economic growth depends heavily on foreign trade and investments which are both severely affected by the global recession. Their growth has not been one built on creativity and breakthroughs; instead it has been the product of multiple bubbles building. If you are guaranteed a three-fold profit in a year or two, why should anyone even be working?

Singapore has always been the tower of stability in SE Asia. If you had taken a SIA flight recently, you would have noticed the loads of empty seats especially in the business and first class. Depending on the type of aircraft, SIA would need to fill from 50% to 70% in order to break even. As a leading indicator of how bad conditions have become, Singapore Airlines is shelfing 17 planes. It did not even do that at the heights of the Sars crisis six years ago when people were scared to fly for fear of catching the deadly virus.

Taiwan's economy shrunk more than 8% in the fourth quarter 2008. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter decline reflecting on the suffering economy and Taiwan dollar. Industrial production and export orders fell in January 41.7% and 43.1% respectively. Creativity and diligence cannot undo the damages corruption has done.

The world is in chaos. It will take an unprecedented global effort to achieve stability. If you want accountability, you better start with severe repercussions for greed. Then again, that would mean the demise of capitalist system which has been good to boost competitiveness and inflate bubbles. Bubbles are not healthy no matter how you look at it. They will eventually blow up like a volcano, burning anything in its path.

With Capitalism on its way down, Communism may end up being the best idea some days in the future. Then again, it will strike China first and will only happen when the proportion of the poor heavily outweigh the rich.

At the present rate, communism does not seem that far.

Bubble Nebula

The Bubble Nebula, ten light years in diameter, a mere eleven thousand light years away.

The smallest of three bubbles surrounding the massive star in the constellation Cassiopeia and part of the gigantic bubble network S162, created with the help of other massive stars.

As fast-moving gas spreads out, it pushes surrounding sparse gas into a shell. The energetic starlight then ionizes the shell, causing it to glow.

Strikingly beautiful. Magic.

What do you want to do with your life?

A young man went to a fortuneteller. Gazing into her crystal ball, the old lady asked, "What is your dream, young man? What do you want to do with your life?"

"I want to become a great writer."

"How do you define great?" she asked.

"I want to write things that the whole world will read, things that people will react to on a truly emotional level, things that will make them scream, cry, wail, howl in pain, desperation and anger."

The fortune teller reassured him, "It will be so."

He now works for Microsoft.... writing error messages.

Fool

What is a fool?

I know one.

His senses left him and took all his money.

His loyalty cheated him with his cheating wife.

His friends wanted him as a contrast.

His parents called him a genetic defect.

He scared himself in the mirror every morning.

He bangs himself to sleep at night.

He walks on all fours and eats with his face in his food.

I know another.

He wrote a paper and forgot the pen.

He was hungry so he ate the paper.

He was still hungry so he went to the library but forgot his library card.
The only free book is the bible. He ate it and thought he was God.

I know plenty.

People believed him.

Patience on the economic crisis

Today on the radio were news of the bankruptcy of Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. just days after Trump said he would resign from the board. Trump who has most of his assets in real estate has been hit hard with the US RE market in a mess though he still offers plenty of advice and insight in his blog, Trump University. At least he acknowledges how bad things are and can be, and focuses on ways to ride the storm. When you look at this man who has seen the worst of times and the best, you have to understand that he learns to take what life throws at him and make the best of them. Different times require different qualities for success and this time, it is patience.

Forgive me if I have not been putting up many posts on the economic crisis. There is simply a lack of compelling topics or anything that has not been said before. In any case, we are clearly no where near the bottom as of yet. Instead of writing about repetitive topics and analysing useless/misleading charts, I have decided to focus on other aspects of life as I wait for the right time to come.

Yes guys, life goes on.

If I can imagine the future based on the facts on hand, protectivism seems inevitable meaning that global trade and diplomacy will be severely reduced. There will be more and more excuses made for war which history has shone to be a catalyst for economic recovery due to the mass job opportunities and increase in production. Deflation will be followed with aggressive rebounding inflation as the market will become flooded with oversupply of money.

It is not hard to deduce that are probably still at the first stage of the crisis. There is really no quick solution to the crisis and changes due to follow. I encourage all to exercise caution in all endeavours and develop patience in times of chaos. Opportunites are aplenty but so are traps.

That is not to say you just wait and not stay updated. You can check out "The Big Picture" which features many intriguing and stimulating economic topics. Some of you might even appreciate his sarcastic humor.

Melatonin - Prevention of Jet Lag

As people ages, the effects of the strain of adjusting to different time zones become more obvious. But fear not, there is an effective hormone medicine that can induce sleep when you need. Just be careful to use discreetly.

Below is an extract taken from "The Cochrane Collaboration"

Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag

Jet lag commonly affects air travellers who cross several time zones. It results from the body's internal rhythms being out of step with the day-night cycle at the destination. Melatonin is a pineal hormone that plays a central part in regulating bodily rhythms and has been used as a drug to re-align them with the outside world.

Melatonin is remarkably effective in preventing or reducing jet lag, and occasional short-term use appears to be safe. It should be recommended to adult travellers flying across five or more time zones, particularly in an easterly direction, and especially if they have experienced jet lag on previous journeys. Travellers crossing 2-4 time zones can also use it if need be.

NBA All Stars game 2009

Though disappointed the East lost in yesterday's All-Star matchup against the West, there were plenty of highlights that made this game special.

Lebron was unstoppable going to the basket finishing with a wide array of moves finishing with 20 points.

Shaq was highly efficient playing 11 minutes and scoring 17 points mostly on dunks.

Kobe was hot and scored 27 with a wide array of jumpers.

Shaq and Kobe reunite to win co-MVP honors.

Shaq throwing a no look pass cross half court. a Shaq playing the give and go with Chris Paul to perfection starting with a bounce pass between Dwight's legs. That is sick!!

Sorry Kobe, Shaq outshine you on this one and should have taken the trophy for himself.

Tang Li 唐莉 - No. 1 Weiqi Beauty

Tang Li 唐莉

Height: 1.74米

Weight: 57.5kg
Birthday: 27 July, 1982
Horoscope: Leo
Profession: Weiqi围棋, Host, Actress

Website: 糖炒栗子

Tang started learning Go when most kids in China did, at the young age of 6. It wasn't until 1998, when Tang was 16, that'd she'd become a professional. In that same year she won 2nd place at the National Youth Women tournament, along with 2nd place at the National Sports Meeting tournament. She is considered one of the most beautiful Go players in the world, along with Umezawa Yukari.

Will you be?

You are ....

Rava avis. One of a kind.
You are my only reason carrying heaven’s sign.
You sparkle so like a star in the night,
Always shining bright.

If I am a map, you are my compass guiding me home
to a place safe and protected like my mommy’s womb.
Drawn to a flame, this a love-sick moth
Realizes that you are my true North.

I am devil incarnated with sly and unrivaled wit.
You are the goddess dancing with a whip.
With tears, I had to hide the scars with a tan.
And confess you make me want to be a better man.

The irony lives in you and me,
A certain reflection I hate to see.
That smile breaks my defence and spreads around.
In your sea of love, I willingly drown.

A million and one questions I had to ask,
"Will you be my empiternal wanderlust?".

Song Hye Kyo - 宋慧乔

Birthday : 26, Feb 1982 ( Friday )

Zodiac Sign : Pisces

Blood Type : A

Height : 161cm

Weight : 45kg

Measurement : B34":W24":H35"

Hobbies : Shopping, watching movies, listen to music, stitching-knitting and perfumes collecting

Other Talents : Grade 10 in Piano and had undergone formal training as a figure skater

Hearts on Fire

Hearts on Fire are the “World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond”, as they are cut under 100X magnification, rather than the industry standard of 10X. The right cut is vital to a diamond, as that is what makes the diamond reflect light properly.

Along with the brand, you get an inflated price tag which often raises the debate whether it is worth it. The good thing is that they never compromise their price which guarantees you are getting the best deal for the HOF diamond.

Valentine’s day is coming up, guys. Make it count.

Fickle comet Lulin makes millennial passing

Found this on Newsday.com

Comet C/2007 N3, aka comet Lulin, is an icy remnant from the primordial solar system that on Feb. 23 will pass within 38 million miles of Earth.

Just how bright it becomes, however, is anyone’s guess. Comets are notoriously fickle. They can flare up unexpectedly, or fizzle and go totally unnoticed by the average stargazer. As noted comet hunter David Levy likes to say: “Comets are like cats. They both have tails and they both do what they want!”

Right now, comet Lulin is drifting across our midnight sky and you can see it if you know just where to look. Your best bet will be to observe from a dark, un-light-polluted wilderness area. Scan your binoculars in the region of the comet and, when you spot something that appears like a faint, fuzzy star with a stubby tail, you’ve found it! …

Within only days, it will become even brighter and begin to slip into the early evening sky. On the night of Feb. 23, it will pass slightly southwest of Saturn. Now the comet will be moving at about 5 degrees per day - fast enough for stargazers observing through binoculars or small telescopes to actually notice within minutes its drift against more distant stars.

For some who consider the stars as part of the abode of the Gods, Lulin can be interpreted as a sign for disaster.

You have been warned.

The Yes Man

I know this movie has been out for some time but I finally got around to catching it in the big screen.

Some people tell me that the “Yes Man” is like an epiphany. Some people tell me it totally changed their lives. Well, I liked the show. This turned out to be the one show in a long while Jim Carey’s humor came through.

I always like the guy whether it is in quirky roles such as “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask” or semi-serious roles such as “Liar Liar” and “Evan Almighty”. The past few years, Jim has been attempting to revamp himself in dramas which totally stifled his god-given comedic talents. “Yes Man” took me back to the good old Carey days. But it is no longer the silly, goofy Jim we are so used to. It looks like age has caught up with him along with a touch of maturity. His humor is more refined and hits all the right spots.

Now, a good actor needs a good script to shine. "Yes Man" will probably appeal to a lot of people because of its relatability. Who doesn't want a better life? The moral of the movie is the power lies in positive reinforcement. I must admit this is the right way to spread the message. Disguising the serious topic behind a humorous tone makes it that much easier for people to digest the message. What makes this movie so good is that it grabs you from the get go and builds up the momentum. It is a serious topic but you would not feel its weight at all.

As good as I think the movie is, the exaggerated effects of being positive sometimes lives on the edge of believability. Seriously, speaking from experience, there is no way a bank can make profit off loans as small as a couple of hundreds. It would not even cover the cost of the paperwork and due diligence. But nonetheless, as incredulous as it may appear, the right attitude does open doors.

From 1 to 10, I rate "Yes Man" a strong 9 because it is funny, relatable, engaging and most of all inspirational. This could make my top 10 all time favourites.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Here is another on my must watch list for 2009.

Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story of an old baby who grows younger with age. "Benjamin Button" is an affecting, philosophical, and introspective journey into love, sacrifice, and change. A timeless romance and one of Brad Pitt's deepest performance.

Back in Vancouver finally - Afterthoughts

I am back. Back from a tiresome journey. I have been to so many places I don’t even know where to begin. Singapore was nice but it is nothing compared to the time I had in Taiwan. In less than a week, I had a new appreciation for the Taiwanese culture, grown to love their creativities and humor, and forgive them for their abundance of freedom.

You really have to be impressed with the level of service which prides itself in being warm and courteous. Taiwan really has it down with greetings with every entry and exit. However, the disregard for rules and social etiquette are their undoing.

In Taiwan, traffic regulations are only for reference (except for the green and red lights). There is really a lack of productive and informative global news except for minimal headliners. Most of the news are Taiwan-related and repetitive across the many News channels. It kind of reflects on the kind of society Taiwan is.

Before the trip, I have been hammered with widespread praise for the food delicacies in Taiwan and I have not been disappointed. I especially like the two buffets I had which featured all types of gourmet foods. Japanese, Chinese, Western, Taiwanese, Korean, Italian, you name it, all for a price approximate of CAD$20. Simply put, there is so much to eat and at such convenience, I think I was constantly hungry in Taiwan.

Then there is the 7-11 around every corner, 24 hour shops (bookstores and comic zones are my favs) and delivery services that really make me miss life in a busy city. I think at the end of the day, I am a Chinese and still addicted to the chinese culture.

Places like DanShui (淡水鎮) and JiuFen (九份) brings back memories of how things used to be. It has been too long since I have walked in the alleys of stores. It has been too long since I have felt so alive. YiLan (宜蘭市) was a great Hot Springs experience but unfortunately I was 2 days too early for the Taiwan Lantern Festival so I only caught a small portion of the action. YiLan is simply magical and the dream romantic/family getaway. You probably want to stay overnight and bask in its beauty and warmth. Then you will never want to leave.

A busting place, Taiwan presents many temptations to the weak-minded. Yes, I am weak. How can one not be moved by the countless cute merchandise available? I wrapped my Iphone, bought a few watches (cheap but nice) and indulged myself with some shirts. Granted that I am not a compulsive shopper, such extravagance has already worked up some guilt. After all, these are hardly essentials that I am buying.

The whole trip has been so unforgettable because I was surrounded by close friends and family. As much as I wanted to drive, I was pretty much accompanied by a volunteer chauffeur everywhere I went. I was showered with so much care and food, I think I have put on quite some weight (1.5kg). Maybe I am not that good at saying how much I appreciate what I have been given. Maybe I am not that good with showing gratitude. But deep inside, I remember. True friends are those who give unconditionally and are there for each other. I am lucky because I have made so many.

The "Fine" City

On the first day of college, the Dean addressed the students, pointing out some of the rules: "The female dormitory will be out-of-bounds for allmale students, and the male dormitory to the female students. Anybody caught breaking this rule will befined $20 the first time."

He continued, "Anybody caught breaking this rule the second time will be fined $60. Being caught a third time will cost you a fine of $180. Are there any questions?"

At this point, a male student in the crowd inquired:"How much for a season pass?"

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Shout out from the "Fine" City, Singapore. It is bright and warm here. Maybe because I am surrounded with family, most importantly my beloved Grams.

Well, not my whole family is here. It is my mom's birthday and she is in Vancouver with my sis.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!