Tuesday, September 28, 2010

時間、関頭

8 months more to final exam, 10 months more to graduation, 10 months more to the crossroads.

With my current inefficient time utilization, I wonder if I could pull off a First Class Honours, or perhaps I should forgo all the luxury of time and give it all I’ve got for the next 8 months? (the final year is all that counts – getting a high average score will secure a good degree classification, regardless of the results of previous years)

After I reach the crossroads, which way should I go? Get a postgraduate degree? Get some working experience?

Maybe getting a postgrad degree abroad is a good chance to take a look at the outside world, but getting a scholarship award is no easy task. Should I get prepared now by looking for suitable foreign universities, checking their entry requirements and getting all the foreign language proficiency sharpened, or should I worry about that only after I graduate?

But honestly speaking, I’m in just for the piece of paper, the final round of university life and perhaps the rare university facilities, not really putting my hopes on learning all that I wanted to know, like what the naive me thought 3 years ago.

Sometimes having a well pre-planned life (or unlimited gold) is less pressuring. Perhaps this is a thought by someone indecisive, someone unstable.

Time is moving too fast, it’s hard to catch up. Should I let the wind take me freely, or should I ride the wind and find my own direction?

Monday, September 20, 2010

残酷な人のテーゼ

Seems like the brain has sorted out, and determined the most probable factor – the child. Perhaps it’s time to hear his side of the story.

The child was a balance that he set badly.

Day 1, on the net, after the Bon. The child was, at his perspective, based on his observations, just lost something to hold on to, falling and finding something to grab on.

After hearing the child’s side of story, he slightly sloped the balance, to help the child recover, while constantly reminding the child – the world is a cruel place. The child needs to be less dependent to prevent getting hurt once more.

Alast, the child is pure.

The child clinged onto the artificial light, a light that is not supposed to be clinged, a light that is not supposed to shine that brightly, a light of a product of poor balance.

A few days after, he tried to hint the child – the world is not that simple. The child held on tighter to the fickle light, a light that cannot withstand any more pressure.

The child showed hope, too much hope for him to handle. The child had the balance tipped over. The longer this drags, the harder the child will grab, the harder the child will fall when the light finally burns out.

He couldn’t deliver the amount of hope the child was asking for, a hasty decision was made, to take the light away, to show the child why it is absolutely necessary to be independent, to show the child exactly what he tried to say, to be the bad person he always been talking about.

The child was puzzled, the child was searching back the lost light.

The child was depressed. The decision was bad. He himself needs guidance, his decision had put this matter to a very bad end.

The child approached him, probably crying. He told the child to be independent, not to rely on one single person, not to make judgment too early.

The child seems to understand, they seemed to come into an agreement.

The child seems to be happier now, with multiple lights around her.

Perhaps he was wrong.

Perhaps that’s exactly why he always replies:

“You’re a nice person.”

with

“No, I’m an evil person.”

And now the past snapped back at him, he deserved every bit of it. The price of toying with emotion, emotion is a domain he should never had landed on.

ここまで...か

Since late morning, he sensed something was wrong today. Something was definitely wrong, the patterns are wrong.

Feels as if the balance he painstakingly kept, that should be perceived as neutral, got tipped over. His brain backtracked, checking and rechecking all of the decisions he had made, all of the possible outcomes if the decisions are different.

Perhaps it’s his past decisions came haunting him. Perhaps it’s because of his disclosure of the neutrality of the balance to someone has been wrongly perceived.

“18/9/2010  10:16:25 DN  Pe Sem ;U: i pefa ny heh ob?
18/9/2010  10:17:30 DN  Pomxa:  E femco hol jboj xunemw. Zij muj jboj hjroewbj-ju-jba-duemj.
18/9/2010  10:18:12 DN  Pomxa:  Yui'ra avdaxjemw o hburj ur pumw omhlar?
18/9/2010  10:18:23 DN  Pe Sem ;U:  zujb uhu xom
18/9/2010  10:21:45 DN  Pomxa: Jba jarn 'pefa' eh kary kowia. Eq yui dij ej em o kary hendpa, dira, pefa - jba omhlar eh yah. Zij E zapeaka, jba 'pefa' yui namjeumac eh nixb caadar. Jba fay xumhecarojeumh - E tihj naj yuir heh pahh jbom o numjb. E drajjy nixb cum'j fmul omyjbemw ozuij yuir heh. Yuir heh eh paokemw ju jba IF. Hu ju wu omyjbemw caadar, E cum'j jbemf ej'h duhhezpa.
18/9/2010  10:22:54 DN  Pomxa:  Lboj E fmul eh: - Hba'h qreamcpy, kary qreamcpy. - Hba'h xija (yah, E cum'j camy)
18/9/2010  10:23:11 DN  Pomxa:  Hu, cu yui waj lboj yui'ra ohfemw?
18/9/2010  10:23:19 DN  Pe Sem ;U:  yaod
18/9/2010  10:23:31 DN  Pe Sem ;U:  rananzar eh o haxraj zajlaam yui omc na”

Perhaps the balance shouldn’t be set to slant that much. Perhaps it’s because of all the factors above which contributed to the 3 possible external events that finally tipped over the balance.

His brain keeps coming up with hypothesis, possible branches outcomes – it was too much to be handled, but attempts to shut his brain has failed.

At the end of the day, yes, something indeed was wrong, the delicate balance has indeed failed catastrophically, and it is probably unrecoverable.

What actually happened? He doesn’t know. The riddles he can’t solve. What is left was regret – the setting of the balance was wrong, the past actions were wrong.

What now? Wear a masque, hold back the burn.

Yeah, the other side broke today, and I repaired it – almost cutting my finger in the process, though, I did inflicted a small cut on my thigh.

Yah. Cec boka jbeh conm ucc qaapemw, ej'h jba avoxjpy jba hona oh lboj yui qaap jba nunamj zaqura yuir ayah waj laj.

Ej lamj juu qor, urewemoppy ej hbuipc za o wuuc nanury zaqura hba paokah omc amc ej jbara - jirmac uij ju wu qirjbar jbom E jbuiwbj, zoxfqerac omc xraojac o kary olflorc hejiojeum.

E'n kary hurry ej jirmac uij jbeh loy.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

涙ぐましい映画 ― 唐山大地震 (Aftershock)

Yesterday, my parents and I went to GSC MV for this movie, after much persuasion by my sister.

It’s quite hard to summarize the movie without giving out any spoilers – but in a nutshell it’s a story about a family, separated by an earthquake – the story spans 2 generations (32 years).

Overall it touches on family bond, determination, loyalty – the aspect that makes this movie shine is the tremendous effort placed onto the realism of the script. Dad and mom seriously feels like typical Chinese parents (mom is strict and naggy, dad is liberal, both arguing because of the child), the love and hope they place onto their children – and the actors played their part really well.

It’s a good movie to watch with your family members, one of the few movies that really touches you in the heart. Some of the viewers actually cried throughout the movie – it’s that touching.

9/10 for a heart-warming, not-very-sad, nicely executed movie.

Side Note: There’s some nudity in the movie (for realism), and the censorship board missed them.

気をつけて

Be careful, I’m no different from the rest. Still trying to free myself from the Gemini’s curse.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

遅い!

Order Number: 8917
Date Ordered: Tuesday 31 August, 2010

Received: by 10.229.182.85 with HTTP; Wed, 1 Sep 2010 19:56:57 -0700 (PDT)
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:56:57 +0800
Message-ID: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: About your cosplay
From: Order Inquire <emily@hellocosplay.com>
To: Lance

Dear customer,

Thanks for your order.But I am afraid it will not arrive on time because September 5th is weekend. Hope you understand.

Any question,please feel free to contact us.

Kindest regards!

Hellocosplay

---

From: Lance
To: "Order Inquire" <emily@hellocosplay.com>
References: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 22:31:23 +0800

Hello,

May I know what are the tracking numbers for both of my orders (8917 and 8893)?

Thank you.

-

Lance

--

Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 10:31:10 +0800
Message-ID: <AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
From: Order Inquire <emily@hellocosplay.com>
To: Lance
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=00c09f93de657f3554048fb64e2f
Return-Path:
emily@hellocosplay.com

Dear customer,

Thanks for your order .You orders have not been shipped out,.Once it is shipped out, you will get a mail in your mail box which will show you the tracking number.

Any question,please feel free to contact us.

Kindest regards!

Hellocosplay

---

From: Lance
To: "Order Inquire" <emily@hellocosplay.com>
References: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS75E034EFCC25525E00D90E7710@phx.gbl> <AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 11:19:49 +0800

Hello,

Order 8917 (wig) is extremely urgent. I hope you can rush it somehow.

Thank you.

-

Lance

---

Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 12:36:57 +0800
Message-ID: <AANLkTim=YYM5rtpF5SdwORgWsHHw7LSyaYhhHQGgX6xG@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
From: Order Inquire <emily@hellocosplay.com>
To: Lance
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=00c09f93d62054c29f048fb810c7
Return-Path:
emily@hellocosplay.com

Dear customer,

Since there are three products included, would you please tell me a exactly date you need it ?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Kindest regards!'

Hellocosplay

---

From: Lance
To: "Order Inquire" <emily@hellocosplay.com>
References: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS75E034EFCC25525E00D90E7710@phx.gbl><AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS480710B5E33929A9C02F3E7720@phx.gbl> <AANLkTim=YYM5rtpF5SdwORgWsHHw7LSyaYhhHQGgX6xG@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTim=YYM5rtpF5SdwORgWsHHw7LSyaYhhHQGgX6xG@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 12:56:13 +0800

Hello,

8917 (Cosplay Black Long Wig) is needed before next Friday.

8893 (Bleach Ichigo Kurosaki Bankai Tensa Zangetsu Zanpakuto Sword) is less time-sensitive. As long as it's within this month, it's okay.

Thank you.

--

Lance

---

Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 12:58:54 +0800
Message-ID: <AANLkTikZ44QRdJs9+1QR5bd5veRCYyj7LgMWA-f85+QX@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
From: Order Inquire <emily@hellocosplay.com>
To: Lance
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=0015175cb2e6da703e048fb85e74
Return-Path: emily@hellocosplay.com

OK,no problem!

Hellocosplay

--

From: Lance
To: "Order Inquire" <emily@hellocosplay.com>
References: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS75E034EFCC25525E00D90E7710@phx.gbl><AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS480710B5E33929A9C02F3E7720@phx.gbl><AANLkTim=YYM5rtpF5SdwORgWsHHw7LSyaYhhHQGgX6xG@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS342D4D6EDE65FBB04EDBDE7720@phx.gbl> <AANLkTikZ44QRdJs9+1QR5bd5veRCYyj7LgMWA-f85+QX@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTikZ44QRdJs9+1QR5bd5veRCYyj7LgMWA-f85+QX@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 13:36:40 +0800

Hello,

Sorry, I got informed that the wig is needed by THIS Friday, my mistake.

Is there anyhow you can meet the deadline?

-

Lance

--

Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 10:13:56 +0800
Message-ID: <AANLkTind3v9_W20iE4v5z5V2Mv=M8X0Oi0E7BYRceKv-@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
From: Order Inquire <emily@hellocosplay.com>
To: Lance
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=00c09f93d65db4d52d048fca2e5e
Return-Path:
emily@hellocosplay.com

Dear customer,

I have check it for you. But I am very sorry that it can not receive you this Friday. Because except the wig ,there are other things which are still not finished.

Would you please give us more time ?

Look f forward to hearing form you.

Kindest regards!

Hellocosplay

--

From: Lance
To: "Order Inquire" <emily@hellocosplay.com>
References: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS75E034EFCC25525E00D90E7710@phx.gbl><AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS480710B5E33929A9C02F3E7720@phx.gbl><AANLkTim=YYM5rtpF5SdwORgWsHHw7LSyaYhhHQGgX6xG@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS342D4D6EDE65FBB04EDBDE7720@phx.gbl><AANLkTikZ44QRdJs9+1QR5bd5veRCYyj7LgMWA-f85+QX@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS65A920E523FA076C0F459E7720@phx.gbl> <AANLkTind3v9_W20iE4v5z5V2Mv=M8X0Oi0E7BYRceKv-@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTind3v9_W20iE4v5z5V2Mv=M8X0Oi0E7BYRceKv-@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 12:13:17 +0800

Hello,

I see. Anyway, please rush it as soon as possible, the wig is very urgent. (Other items are not time sensitive)

Thank you.

-

Lance

--

Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 12:17:40 +0800
Message-ID: <AANLkTimZ58ruHrkqDYbh+2+B1Omd1paRV3cqArosvgef@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
From: Order Inquire <emily@hellocosplay.com>
To: Lance
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=00163630f739381b1d048fcbe97e
Return-Path:
emily@hellocosplay.com

Dear customer,

Thanks for you understanding. We will try our best to do.

Any question,please feel free to contact us.

Kindest regards!

Hellocosplay

--

From: Lance
To: "Order Inquire" <emily@hellocosplay.com>
References: <AANLkTin1+LgE+cHtMuvPxaQtkYesP0-srNz-6f_cEB5q@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS75E034EFCC25525E00D90E7710@phx.gbl><AANLkTi=39P0dRRy8f7OAECoX8_nn3UvN_iL1nwgc3kBL@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS480710B5E33929A9C02F3E7720@phx.gbl><AANLkTim=YYM5rtpF5SdwORgWsHHw7LSyaYhhHQGgX6xG@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS342D4D6EDE65FBB04EDBDE7720@phx.gbl><AANLkTikZ44QRdJs9+1QR5bd5veRCYyj7LgMWA-f85+QX@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS65A920E523FA076C0F459E7720@phx.gbl><AANLkTind3v9_W20iE4v5z5V2Mv=M8X0Oi0E7BYRceKv-@mail.gmail.com><BAY110-DS6CF25B4504E87DA271F1AE7730@phx.gbl> <AANLkTimZ58ruHrkqDYbh+2+B1Omd1paRV3cqArosvgef@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTimZ58ruHrkqDYbh+2+B1Omd1paRV3cqArosvgef@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: About your cosplay
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:50:23 +0800

Hello Emily,

Please at least give me a time frame of the date you start shipping the goods I've ordered.

It has been long since the promised 48 hours processing-time for the wig, and the promised delivery on this Friday seems impossible if you haven't even start shipping yet.

I would be my last email to you, and I sincerely hope you can deliver the goods on time.

-

Lance

--

Blacklist hellocosplay.com. Suspect fraud. If I don’t receive any emails from them within this week, I’ll file a buyer dispute.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

面白い

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:

Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.

Your views on education

You may not like to study but you have many practical ideas. You listen to your own instincts and tend to follow your heart, so you will probably end up with an unusual job.

The right job for you:

You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:

Success in your career is not the most important thing in life. You are content with what you have and think that being with someone you love is more than spending all of your precious time just working.

What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Fの方

Shot in Av (aperture priority) mode. Note the shutter timings have to be longer as the aperture stop goes higher to produce the same level of brightness.

Also note the depth of field affected by changing the values of aperture stop, this can’t be previewed through the viewfinder in SLR cameras.

Common settings, ISO-400, focus are set to manual and untouched, focal length 55 mm.

And just for fun: