The Mynabirds - Just started Flying

My recent song craze is with Let the Record Go by The Mynabirds from their debut album titled What we Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood. 

Image courtesy of themynabirds.com

As I was searching for the band on Wikipedia, I came to discover the now dyfunc Canadian band who went under the same name back in the 60s. They never officially released an album. This newer band however, just had their album released in April 2010. You can read more about them on their official site or myspace, where some numbers are also up for listening. 

Round and around and around we go

Are we up or down? I don't know.

Round and around and around we go

The circle's tight, it holds us close.

Round and around and around we go

Up or down, oh I don't know.

Round and around and around we go

The wheels are round to let us go.

- Let the Record Go - The Mynabirds 

Rainy Days

She is holding a large mug of hot chocolate hoping the heat never dissipates. While the mug is comfortable between her palms, she seats herself at the couch closest to the window.

Feet up onto the biege leather couch, with the mug shifting base to the now uprooted knees. Peering into the mug she realises her glasses were now clouded and removes them.

One hand was holding the mug and the other tried to pry the glasses off her nose. Finally. Placing them onto the the coffee table beside, the once parted hand returns to the warmth of the mug.

She looks out the window, admiring the rain hitting hard onto the windows. She could barely see the apartments before her. Searching for nothing in particular she looks ahead.

With the sudden memory of the hot chocolate, she is jolted back to Earth. She takes a sip. It's warm and no longer piping hot. She takes another sip. Looks away deep in thought. Returns her face to look into the mug again and smiles to herself. Sighs. 

She had made herself a cup of coffee.  

To be continued...

Invincible

"I was a veteran before I was a teenager" - Michael Jackson

Image courtesy of stantonsheetmusic.files.wordpress.com

Liberian Girl

More Precious Than 

Any Pearl

Your Love So Complete

Liberian Girl

You Kiss me Then

Ooh, The World

You Do This To Me

Liberian Girl

You Know That You Came 

And Changed My World

I Wait For The Day

When You Have To Say

"I Do"

And I'll Smile And Say It Too

And Forever We'll Be True

I Love You Liberian Girl

All The Time

I Love You Liberian Girl

All The Time.

- Liberian Girl - Michael Jackson - 

Powerful Power

Back in 2008 when I was reading the Communist Manifesto for a particular Socio-Political elective, I concluded the writings to be rants of a dysfunc communist who went by the name, Karl Marx. The ideas he proposed were a tad twisted as his beard appeared to be. His mind was a one way track that possibly was due to his deprived upbringing. Which, I am assuming, was the basis for his theories.

Then again, I also have to agree, bits of what he conveyed did make sense. Quoting Marx,

"Men is a perpetually dissatisfied animal".

He felt or perhaps knew that men was always after something. If his primary needs were fulfilled, he develops new needs and maybe just wants. And once again according to Marx,

"These new needs are the first historical act".

That was how history was created. If man hadn't had the curiousity to to ask questions and seek something better in replacement of his existing life, science would probably not have ventured far. Or at least that is what I think. When these needs manifests itself onto man to a point, whereby being the best takes over being better, greed takes over.  

And for the most famous Marx Theory which was in favour of communism was probably a result of how he felt about Religion in particular. 

"Religion is the opium for the masses."

Religious beliefs functioned to blind people so they could not recognise their exploitation and their real political interests. Religion emphasises salvation, compensation for misery and alienation on earth. Which justifies social inequality. As of recent, news on destruction is often followed with a "salvation according to his/her beliefs". This statement of his, may not be the best way to describe religion or its devotees. Then again, on some levels, people are lead by blind faith. Who's to say for that?

Oil leak in America and Obama's response to the entire incident is almost always making headlines these days. How citizens are upset at the governing party to be taking matter slowly and perhaps lightly instead of the attention it requires. His popularity status compared to the time when he was campaigning, has certainly headed for a plunge.

Politicians and Citizens. These parties will never be satisfied. Both these sides will never cross each other. As a citizen you will always be disatisfied with the way things are run. You will have hoards of opinions on how things should run. However, once inside the Oval office, you will be just as 'good' as the one before you. Even if the leader does understands your situation, what he attempts to do to better your life will eventually fall short of your expectations.

"Without government, human beings would compete for territory, resources and power. Fighting would be common, survival would depend on strength and cunning". 

- Hobbes, Thomas

In other words, we will no longer be the civilised beings we are now. It will all be a matter of kill and grab. Self before others. Or perhaps we already are evolving into that mentality...

For Love or For Money?

Image courtesy of mariclaire.com

The following took place on one of the matchmaking shows of China. 

One of the female participants was asked on the type of husband she wants and she replied saying "a well endowed man in terms of monetary needs". 

"Why rich in particular?", she was asked again. 

And her reply which made way to becoming one of the famous lines of Chinese reality programmes:

"I'd rather cry in a fancy BMW than be with a loving husband on a bicycle".

My Knights in Shining Jerseys

                                                 Image courtest of BBC News Online

England played an awesome match against Slovenia! Rooney had some bad luck with his kicks, otherwise things were relatively well. Keeping my fingers crossed for Germany to move on and face England.

World Cup Depression

World Cup and the depression it has brought upon just within a time span of 24 hours is immense. I am VERY sad. THIS IS A RANT! If you are looking for something meaningful to read, this aint it so you might wanna stop reading right here.

I sacrificed my study time to watch the matches, telling myself it was a once in four year thing and there are always supplements to fall back on when it comes to my finals. My sacrifices were in vain.

Earlier in the day Germany disappointed me so much! Germany vs Serbia was the most stressful match I had to witness this season. Though I am a little happy that Argentina thrashed South Korea badly, it still can't replace the void created by Germany's loss. What happened to the Germans?! I have to agree the Serbians were good with their defense. Shouldn't I be saying the same thing about Germany too? I hate the refree who headed the match! If refrees could be awarded a red card, he needs to be given one immediately! And Podolski? No comments on that man.

And so with great hopes of having my low spirits lifted by the Englishmen, I sat to watch the England vs Algeria match. It just brought upon me another big round of tsunami sized SIGHS! The refree was useless. Almost inexistent. The enthusiasm among the English players were low. Or at least thats what it seemed like to me. Their attempts to score often lead to the loss of the ball to the Algerians. They tried and I acknowledge that. But they didn't try enough!!! And the Algerians, besides their riduculous shorts seem to be combating the English pretty well.

Sigh-zers! 

Around the World in 80 mintues

I have been reading copious amounts of travel blogs, some written by vegan travellers in the hopes of finding better ways for my survival as I globe trot and others by seasoned travellers who have lots to say about the places they visited, and the people they met. What I recently came across amongst the many sites I poured over was this site: Travel with a Mate

There were a whole lot of interesting adventures by travellers all over the world. There was this particular one by Edward Vallence from Britain. He was interviewed by the site about his interest to travel to places that  regular travellers rather not frequent. Most of his travels involves indigenous tribes and their remote living conditions. He claims to have acquired alot from being with some of the tribesmen of Amazon and other areas.

So yeah, taking an off beaten path to discover more than what meets the eye got me intrigued so I went to check out his travel blog. He hasn't written much. However, out of the small amount of posts he authored, one was on cycling from Lithuania to Moscow. He biked for 8 days with intermittent resting periods either by pitching up a tent or just relaxing at the bus stops he comes across. He cycled over 250km in distance in 8 days. That is a whole lot of cycling to be completed in 8 days. 

The next one I thought was highly informative was by Amateurs in Africa. They have been on the African roads for some time. So far they have covered the North and parts of West Africa. I was surprised to learn many things I never knew existed. Their site definitely assured me that I should start saving up for the African adventure once I am done with graduation.

As for the moment, while my Biochemistry texts beckons me; I am planning on a short backpacking trip. Of course to be only put into action once this forsaken exams end. Which is rather soon. :-) 

Chocolates of a Different Kind

This particular store screamed Australia from every corner of it. Till I entered and realised it was not Australia but rather New Zealand. I can never differentiate. Oh well, they had loads of stuff that ranged from aborigine accessories, postcards, shawls even. (can shawls be made using sheepskin? I ain't no idea.) And then there was this chocolate corner. What was fascinaiting was the packaging the candies came in. The packaging was hilarious I decided to buy myself one. (Will be visiting the store to get the rest one by one. Yes, I've kinda decided to collect the boxes the chocolates came with. hehe..) They come in fancy bags too, hence making ideal gifts. ;-)

This is what it says on the cover:

Helps you avoid thinking about 'it' for up to 15 minutes! (below the girthControlCHOCOLATE)

For control of those unexpected urges.

DIRECTIONS: Simply break off the desired dosage and consume. You should quickly be overcome by stress-relieving endorphins and no longer concerned about 'those' thoughts.

WARNING: If you experience a hot flush, do not loosen clothing under any circumstances, as this will aggravate your condition.

(and in really small font at the bottom of the package reads...)

IMPORTANT: THIS PACKET IS PROTECTED BY A TAMPER-EVIDENT PAPERWRAP. IF SEAL HAS BEEN BROKEN SUSPECT EVERYONE. GIRTH CONTROL CHOCOLATE IS HABIT FORMING.

(the very last line right at the bottom reads...)

FOR BEST RESULTS CONSUME FREQUENTLY.

(on the inner wrapper, before you get to the chocolate bar, there are some lines to greet you too..)

Important Note from BLOOMBERRY & CO.

As you will soon discover, this is no ordinary chocolate bar. The whole experience has been created to tantalize your tastebuds, seduce your senses and satisfy your cravings.

The chocolate in taste however was not extraordinary. It tasted just as how a milk chocolate should taste like. :-D I liked it though. The packaging is the highlight at the end of the day. The ingredients state the chocolate was made from cane sugar (I'm not sure if cane sugar makes a difference cos I personally didn't sense any) from Australia, milk from New Zealand and cocoa solids from Malaysia. Perfectly safe for consumption. Probably even more so ideal if you are having those urges. ;-) I ain't no havin' urges of any kind, but I did consume the chocolate frequently thatI finished it under a week! :-o 

For more info, Check out www.bloomsberry.com 

Microwave Oven is the new God

My latest fascination is with my Microwave Oven.  I intend to explore its hidden potential.

I started with Chocolate Chip Muffin. My mini kitchen, houses the essentials that range from a mini blender to a mega microwave oven but there is no oven oven. You get me? Like a really cool baking oven. I did contemplate on getting one but later decided against it for not wanting a massive hole in my wallet. It already has a hole due to purchasing loads of stuff. Can't afford no more. Hence, the pioneer attempt with the muffin was created using a regular microwave. Honestly, the final product didn't look anything close to a muffin. But..But..It tasted like one. It was really soft and chocolatey (obviously!). Even my housemates tried it and said it was a good attempt. Ha! So I didn't entirely fail after all. :P

This afternoon, I made Lasagna using the Microwave Oven again. It was okay. Didn't taste that much like a lasagna. But that could be cos I ran outta cheese and had barely enough to cover the entire pan. On that note, Lasagna was only 50% successful with the Microwave. Will attempt it again I guess. 

The next in line is Chocolate Mousse. (This of course doesn't use a Microwave but I am kinda craving for it so yeah :P) Well, it is ultra simple but this requires a beater which my mini kitchen doesn't possess. So I am going to make do with a wooden spoon. 

All my attempts in hoping to re-create desserts will make use of utensils that were probably not suggested in the recipes. I can only make do with what I have. Right? 

Hopefully, my attempts prove edible successful.

Wish me Luck! :-)

Casablanca (1942)

Well known to many for being the famous, must-see romance film of all time. 

There I was all set to emo over the film. I was hoping for melodrama, slow paced scenes and the death of either the male or female lead. I ain't no sadist, but come on unless it has a tragic ending, it sometimes doesn't feel romantic enough. Refrain from asking why. 

"What in heavens name brought you to Casablanca?"

"My health. I came tp Casablanca for the waters".

"The waters? What waters? We're in the desert."

"I was misinformed."

What I saw floored me. Now, I am a fan of both the film and Humphrey Bogart. The lines were witty, crisp, even the comedy; though moderate was greatly enjoyable. Bogart was calm and sometimes appeared way nochalent for the circumstance. But guess what, he stood out for that nonchalence alone. He was amazing. So was Ingrid and the guy who played her husband, Paul Henreid. S.K. Sakall (Carl), Leonid Kinskey(Sascha), and Dooley Wilson (Sam) who played supporting roles adequately provided for the required humor. Loved them all.

"Sweetnessheart-What watch"

"Ten Watch"

"Such Much"

"You will get along beautiful in America. hmm."

I was anticipating a sad ending with Humphrey Bogart hailed as the martyr for his deeds and Ingrid Bergman leaving him with massive regrets. What actually happened was sweet, perhaps a little sad. But not overwhelming enough to grab a box of tissues. 

"I know a good deal more about you than you suspect. I know, for instance, that you are in love with a woman. It is perhaps a strange circumstance that we are in love with the same woman. The first evening I came to this cafe, I knew there was something between you and Ilsa. Since no one is to blame; I demand no explanation. I ask only one thing. You won't give me the letters of transit, all right. But I want my wife to be safe. I ask you as a favor, to use the letters and take her away from Casablanca".

"You love her that much?"

"Apparently you only think of me as a leader of a cause. Well, I'm also a human being. Yes, I love her that much."

But I still have to agree it was one amazing movie and if you haven't seen it yet, You should! It heads my 'Favorite Movies' List now and that itself should imply how much I enjoyed watching the film. The next of the classic black and white movies I hope to catch in the coming weeks are Citizen Kane and Waterloo Bridge. :-D

You must remember this

A kiss is still a kiss

A sigh is still just a sigh

The fundamental things apply

As time goes by

And when two lovers woo

The still say "I love You"

On that you can rely

No matter what the future brings

As time goes by

Moonlight and love songs

Never out of date

Hearts full of passion

Jealousy and hate

Woman needs man

And man must have his mate

That one no one can deny

Its still the same old story

A fight for love and glory

A case of do or die

The world will always welcome lovers

As time goes by

- As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson - Casablanca (1942)