J-pop

I can't stop listening to J-pop. Though I may not understand the language, the way the Japanese language is sung is sufficient to incite interest. There's a certain elegance to the language that is absent from our spoken languages. Nowadays, it's possible to understand what the Japanese mean through the numerous translations on the web. Some of my personal favourites are BoA, Rie Tanaka, Hitomi, Nami Tamaki and many others. Sad to say, I'm not very familiar with the male Japanese artistes. Even for groups, I have only listened to Do As Inifinity. Part of my fascination comes from the fact that I'm an avid fan of Japanese anime, and the songs that are used are nothing short of spectacular. Sure, there may be some which are not as catchy, but on the whole, the songs are really popular. This may be one of the reasons that a lot of popular J-pop artistes are willing to put their vocals behind some of the anime's opening and ending songs. The anime openings and endings mix colourful pictures with the beautiful melodies, creating brilliant images which are nothing short of stunning. If you have not been exposed to J-pop, you may want to go to Youtube and just search for some of the anime's OP or ED songs. I won't gurantee that you will like it but I love it!

Till next time, may the new year bring good fortune and prosperity to everyone!

Chinese New Year

It's coming! I bet you know what's coming. The annual Chinese New Year is almost upon us. The period for festive snacking, well-wishes for a prosperous new year as well as the usual dose of good-natured gambling. Pineapple tarts, bak kwa, cashew nuts, love letters and prawn rolls are just some of the delicacies waiting in store for us. Mandarin oranges are exchanged and hongpows are given by those blissfully married. Mahjong, blackjack and daidi are just some of the games that family members play in good fun. Don't forget the great Chinese New Year TOTO draw which never fails to draw in millions of people who don't mind giving it a shot among the festive cheer. Will be looking forward to the start in 6 days!

Till next time, may my lecturers not place their make-up lessons on the weekend after CNY!

Participation

The active chatter filled the classroom. Students were busy exchanging conversation. The teacher steps into the classroom and there is a sudden silence. You could hear a pin drop if there ever was one. The teacher begins teaching. One of the key components for the module is class participation. Suddenly, words begin flying in the air as everyone was scrambling to have their say, and hopefully earning some points under that component. Hands were raised to get attention. Competition was keen. The look of concentration and determination were deeply etched on most of the students' faces. It's pretty fun to watch sometimes. I tried to get my A game but was throughly defeated by the intense competition. Well, better luck next time!

Till next time, may I be more prepared for biz law and get my act together!

Fine

Fine. An ending. The start of a new beginning. A flower. Beautiful. A lotus that only blooms once every ten years. How many times can we see it bloom in our lifetime. The cycle of life is endless. Repetition. The cause for many things to occur over and over again. Sadness. Joy. Two sides of the same coin. Completing the spectrum of colours and maintaining the balance.

January is the month of the Capricon. The unicorn is a majestic, mythical and an animal full of magickal aura. Amethyst. The birthstone.

Fine.

The Finger War - Day 1

It was horrifying. Heads were flying everywhere. Stray sharpnels danced in the air. Buildings were reduced to mere rubble. The fire burned with a raging desire to desecrate everything in its path. The ruby red sky seemed to reflect what was happening on the ground. Piercing screams were heard throughout. What was lacking was probably the people...

Yup, that was the prelude to the Finger War. It occurs during the first 2 weeks of the new semester as students regardless of gender, age, occupation, height, weight etc. jostle with each other to prove that they are the ultimate finger champion. This was just my second shot at the title so you can say I'm still green behind my ears. Still I was determined to out in at least a good fight so I can proclaim (or brag) about my prowess to my children. The clock began to countdown and I waited with bated breath.

Mouse? Check.
Keyboard? Check.
Planner? Check.
Okay Houston! We'll all set to build this city on rock and roll!!

5...4...3...2...1... ... ...

Boom!!! Bam!!! Surprise!!!!

I didn't win. Sad but true. Yet I can still say I was beaten by better opposition. I can have no regrets. Better luck next time! Bye!!!

End of (holi)days

Armageddon's coming! Quick hide! Meteor shower! Earthquake!! Tornado!!! TSUNAMI...

Nah just joking. It's just the end of the holidays. The biggest event of the year when all students stand in 2 neat rows with solemn faces forming the guard of honour. Cries of frustration and a sense of helplessness fill the air with unimaginable depths of sorrow. The end of days...

The sweet memories of the last month come flooding back to me. It all started from the day we ended exams. We went to Kbox and sang our hearts out. This was quickly followed by outing after outing and provided the perfect opportunity for old friends to reminisce and also to strengthen the bonds of new friendships. We talked, we laughed, we remembered and best of all we did it with seasons in the sun. Christmas came and carolled to our hearts' content. Christmas parties came and go. MJ sessions were the pick of the day, though we tried to keep it few, it came out more than we expected. Classmates were well-met as we toasted one for the old times. (reminds me how old I actually am) FLC people met up and tried our darnest not to think of the old times while celebrating the new year. Kurtites met and just chilled out. Maybe we should OBS again? Cue flashback end...

Back to the present and into the future. Time waits for the one who wields it. An uncommon school of thought which is nothing short of unorthodox. Till next time, may schoolwork not pile up like Mt Everest, where few have been able to overcome.