Thursday, May 28, 2009

1 Litre of Tears


Ichi Rittoru no Namida (1 Litre of Tears)

1 Litre of Tears is about a girl and her family and the hardships they endure for a number of years after she is diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Degeneration Disease (spinocerebellar ataxia), a progressive disease. It is an immensely touching and inspiring true story based on a diary written by Kitou Aya who suffered from this disease. Her diary, entitled "1 Rittoru no Namida", has been published in a number of languages and has sold millions of copies since her death over 2 decades ago.

Aya's Diary. Written from the age of 14-20.

Ataxia often occurs when the areas of the nervous system controlling motor functions are damaged. This results in the loss of muscle control in arms and legs causing a lack of balance and coordination. The term 'spinocerebellar degeneration' is used to describe the changes taking place in the nervous system. Spinocerebellar ataxia may be hereditary or sporadic (i.e. no history of the disease in the family).


Kitou Aya: left - age 15; right - age 23 with her Mother
| 1962 - 1988 |

Currently, this disease has no cure.

This Japanese drama is one that I recommend to everyone. I cried so much during the happy times and the sad times. A story of hope and courage filled with life and love, it's truly heartwarming. 

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Reality

"I only believe in what I can see. Once I can see it and feel it, it's real."

Ever heard people say that before? It's often said with reference to the concept of religion, but that's not what I'm getting at here.

"There are alternate realities. Parallel universes."

Recently, I've been watching shows that have been using this idea. Well, just 2 shows really: an anime and a TV show. Both rather interesting.

The show: Fringe

This is an amazing show that I find incredibly interesting. I'll admit, there are some things that can be slightly disgusting to some people but slightly interesting to others. I have a friend who got pretty grossed out and thought it was scary when she saw what I assume was part of the first episode of Fringe. Strange, considering that she's studying to be a doctor and I couldn't recall anything scary or gross from the first episode in comparison to the rest. Such a shame.

Well, onto the alternate reality bit of the show. It mostly happens in the last few episodes of the season. So if you don't wanna read, then...don't. =] They were explaining the concepts of there being alternate realities and the déjà vu experience. Dr. Bishop's explanation was that we experience déjà vu because, in another reality, it did happen to us. Every decision presented to us gives options. We may choose one option while in another world/reality, we choose the other option. And each choice presents with another choice and another and another and it continues like that. That's the basic gist of the whole alternate reality thing.

The anime: Noein ~Mou Hitori no Kimi e~
 
This is basically an anime about Quantum Physics. The whole concept of the anime is pretty simple and easy to follow, whether you do or don't know anything about physics. 

I was actually watching this before I started catching up on Fringe. The concept is more or less the same as what I previously explained for Fringe, except for the déjà vu part. There was no mention of déjà vu. It was slightly more complex in the anime though, with the future and the past and alternate realities being all mixed up. The word used in the anime was "timespaces" and there are some "timespaces" that are similar, while others are very different, based on the choices that are made in each one. As I said, each choice is followed up with another and another and continues branching out in such a way that there are an infinite number of "timespaces"...an infinite number of possible realities.

Short summary: A world known as Shangri-La is trying to merge all timespaces in to one. In the present timespace that the anime takes place in, a team known as the "Dragon Knights" come from a future timespace in order to obtain what is known as the "Dragon Torque". The dragon torque is the key that can either destroy all the timespaces or save them.

In just 3 days, this whole alternate reality thing has been bombarding me and I can't help but wonder why.

Maybe in some other world, this blog does not exist.
=]

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Movie Night

So, I noticed the official New Moon poster was released just recently. Really like it. Minus a few flaws. Seriously. Bella shouldn't be as pretty as she looks in this poster. Bella...the plain girl who, if I remember correctly, doesn't wear make up. I can really see some make-up on her in this picture though. I shouldn't. Just saying. =]

Taylor Lautner's looking pretty good, although, I would've expected him to look a little...taller. How tall is Edward supposed to be again? I've forgotten but I'm sure he's gotta be shorter than Taylor by the end of the book, don't you think? Darn it, I've forgotten those little details. Ah well, such is to be expected after many months of studying =]

And Rob Pattinson? Well, he's just Rob Pattinson. Looking pale and stuff in the foreground. Love the fierce look in Jacob's eyes, keeping Bella and Edward apart. Did you know? My favourite character from the Twilight saga is Jacob Black? Yes, that's right, I'm on team Jacob. =P

In other news, I went to watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine this evening. Didn't happen. Instead, I watched Fast & Furious. It was good but I really did want to watch Wolverine. All available media stated that there was a 6:45 show, but no, when we get there there's only a 9:15 show. Ridiculous. From the ruckus people made during the trailers (especially after the Wolverine trailer), I knew we weren't the only ones who got their movie plans changed up. They better bring back a 6:45 show. I really wanted to watch that on a big screen!

And, again, I must mention Star Trek. It's been a trending topic on Twitter for DAYS since it's release. I never really counted the days but, correct me if I'm wrong, I believe it's been trending for at least 5 days so far. Pretty cool, huh? Yes, yes, marvel in it's greatness xP

I wonder what the next movie I see shall be?

Monday, May 18, 2009

Logical or Illogical?

I've finally restarted the Left Behind series. A couple of months ago I had left off at Book 5: Apollyon. Now that summer is in the air, I'm more than happy to continue reading the series. Starting with, of course, Book 6: Assassins.

I've been doing stuff in between and keeping busy, so I haven't really gotten far in the book. Tomorrow I'll be picking up from Chapter 7.

I'm still madly and insanely happy about watching Star Trek. I'm even happier that it was the first movie of my Summer vacation. I love that movie. Seriously. That's a must have on DVD for me. How can I not have a movie that I'm this in love with on DVD? There are few movies that I'm usually THIS enthusiastic about so that's saying quite a lot, in my opinion. My obsessions normally only last for a month, at most, so I'm curious to see how long this one will last =] Next movie to see: X-Men Origins - Wolverine.

And then there's the Jonas Brothers. I've been a huge fan of theirs since August last year and I still am, surprisingly enough. As previously mentioned, I don't usually have long lasting 'obsessions' so I think the Jonas Brothers have definitely made an impression on me. It's not just how they sing or what they sing about, but also the way they live their lives everyday and see how they can truly motivate people through music. Unlike some certain tunes out there in existence that are, honestly, just crap. They may sound upbeat and great to listen to, but the lyrics are awful and disgusting. Really. Crap. Of course, I hardly care about what other people think of my taste in music =]

Star Trek isn't my only recently picked up obsession. But Zachary Quinto is as well. An impeccably talented actor. He portrays his characters so well that I can't help but get caught up in them. I'm only still learning about him little by little but reading about his past, after graduating from University reminded me of something: Every successful person in life has a story. Every person who is introduced into the prosperity of their successes has had an incredibly "down" period of their life. 

I think that staying true to oneself is key.


Zachary Quinto
From: GQ Germany Photoshoot

Sunday, May 17, 2009

"Live Long & Prosper"

Doesn't the shape of the Sydney Opera House remind you of something? Hmmm...I wonder what?
I think that was the perfect venue for the world premiere of Star Trek.

I love Star Trek. To be honest, I haven't even seen the original series in over 10 years I'm sure but I do remember that I used to really love the show. I was always one to be fascinated by everything astronomical. I loved learning about stars, planets, and the universe in general...in fact, I still do. It's the very thing that always used to draw me to the Star Trek series.

As we all know by now, I've just started off my summer vacation and the first movie that I saw for the summer was none other than...Star Trek! I must admit: I had no real interest in seeing this movie. I saw the trailer but it hadn't sparked any sort of interest...I mean, sure I was mildly curious, but not enough to be dying to watch the film. Then my friends were saying that they were going to watch it and I went with them! Mainly because I hadn't hung out with them in awhile and I kept hearing about how great Star Trek is and how well it was doing in the larger continents. So I figured, why not?

Now I must say that I'm completely in love with the film. The humour, visual effects and, not to mention, the cast, all made the movie as epic as it was. I have a friend who once told me: "Bad trailers translates to great movie. Great trailers -> not-so-great movie." That's probably right. Seriously. That movie had me cracking up. A good dose of action and comedy. What more could I ask for? I'm really enjoying the beginnings of my summer.

And, of course, I love Zachary Quinto! He is an amazing actor and, in my opinion, he played the role of Spock wonderfully. I should also admit that he was part of the reason for being mildly curious about the movie when I saw him in the trailer. I am quite a Sylar fan, of course. =D

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Jotaro Saito

Exams are over! And summer has blossomed =D

モード和食総本店 笹次 - Japan
Look at the roof!

I was browsing around the internet and I came across this website for Jotaro Saito. He's a 27-year old artist, born in a family of artists and has been deemed as one of the youngest kimono designers. He also does interior designing and has various other products. So I was looking through his various collections from over the years and I really liked these:
   
     赤いキモノ [2004]         百鼠 (ひゃくねずみ) [2007]

Gothic Camillia [2008] 

If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that he's one of the few kimono designers who designs kimonos for everyday wear instead of only special occasions. 

I know putting on a kimono is a rather long task that can't be done on your own but I'd love to try one on someday =]

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Three

See that huge Pathology book on the right? I have yet to open it for the year. Very bad!

I've reached the great halfway point of my exams! Three down, three to go. The next three combined has way more information to study than the first 3 combined. That's very bad considering that I'm not even half prepared for any of them! They're all courses about body systems:
Haematology
Respiratory System
Neuroscience

I must admit that I haven't been having much fun with the exams so far. Despite that, I still keep my chin up and a smile on my face because there's always room for improvement. I'll see to it next semester. Got it all planned out.

Wish me luck!

Monday, May 11, 2009

We Are One

"For the past 46 years, I have been searching for the meaning of life. But now, I know that I can do my best to help our global family, our ONE family. Thank you for being with me here, and let's join hands to build a better future."

Just yesterday I was watching the news on CCTV and heard about Jet Li's One Foundation and that tomorrow, May 12th, will be the anniversary of the devastating 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. This is a week of remembrance for many as so those persons have lost a lot of things precious to them in the earthquake last year: families & homes.

Jet Li's One Foundation is partnered with the Red Cross Society of China and was founded by, of course, Jet Li, a Red Cross ambassador.

The foundation believes that: 
“1 person + 1 dollar/yuan + 1 month = 1 big family”. 
If each person donates at least one dollar/yuan each month, our individual donations can be transformed into a much greater fund. When we combine our charitable strength, we can make sure that the most vulnerable members of our global family will receive the help they need.
[www.onefoundation.cn]

Many are still working hard to rebuild their lives. Others still suffer and have difficulty moving on from the past. But whoever it may be, for those who lost in the Sichuan Earthquake, I send my prayers out to them.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Capacity

I'd love to be able to go to a place like this. Meditate.

It's been...2 weeks or so?...since I blogged about my study habits. I was actually doing pretty well with the studying to the point where it just became a habit to study. Studying wasn't so hard to do anymore and I didn't have a need to go to the library anymore. I stayed home and was able to be productive. 

Then all of a sudden, I couldn't study anymore.

I can't understand why. I just don't want to look through books or lectures anymore. I don't want to learn or revise anything anymore. Exams have started and this week is crucial to studying. It's like the final lap around the track and I'm nearing the 200m mark to the finish line. That's the part where you burn all the extra energy you've got left to pull through to the end. So why is it that I'm doing the opposite?

I've got an exam every day this week. Less than 24 hours between each exam and once I include my 7 hours of sleep (which I refuse to give up since my brain doesn't function so well without proper sleep) I'll have a maximum of 15 hours study time between exams. I'm hardly even half prepared for any of the exams I've got coming up. Guess I'll be spending some time in the library once more.

I'll be praying. Not only for myself but for the rest of my class. We're all working pretty hard, I'm sure.

For All The Moms...

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Must Be Paranoid

"Everytime I turn around
Something's just not right"

The Jonas Brothers' new single Paranoid was released May 8th! It's available from iTunes May 12th =] Go take a listen!

I currently can't stop listening to it...it's just so great. And it's doing a good job with me too...I'm dying to hear the rest of the album: Lines, Vines and Trying Times to be released June 16th! 

"It's like a poison in my brain
It's like a fog that blurs the sane
It's like a vine you can't untangle
I'm freakin' out"

I wish I was gonna be in the U.S. when the album is released but I'm not...I'll be leaving N.Y. on the 2nd =[ I'll find a way to get it for sure though!

I absolutely Love the new album cover!

"If you hear my cry
Running through the street
I'm about to freak
Come and rescue me"

P.S. Exams have finally started (also on May 8th)! I can't wait for next Friday when they end! I'll need all the luck everyone has to offer lol =P 

Monday, May 4, 2009

My Dearest Dell


My dearest Dell =]
See how there's a lovely glowing blue light that's just glowing off of any nearby object that catches the light? Guess what that is =]

Oh how I love my Dell. It's barely 3 years old and my lil Inspiron 6400 is starting to go downhill in its functions. Of late, the system would freeze and become totally unresponsive (any repeated attempts for response evokes a rather loud and unpleasant *BEEP*). It's been going on for the past 3 weeks or so and its only been getting progressively worse. 

Recently, I've been using the laptop as little as possible so that I can concentrate more on studying. However, when I do decide to make use of it to check email, etc. it constantly frustrates me. Not to mention, when I'm in a rush and need to find something urgently, whether it's to open a file, a folder, or check an email, it just HAS to freeze up on me. I can tell you, that everyday my laptop froze at least 10 times for about 2-3 mins. And programs alone...well it happens so often I'm not sure if I'd come up with a high enough number.

It's becoming really frustrating and the fact that it's getting worse doesn't make things any better at all. I don't know what's wrong with it...3-4 weeks ago, my laptop was working like it did 6 months ago and now all of a sudden it goes plop? I run daily virus scans (automatic) with AVG and I never get any reports about threats and stuff on my laptop. I dunno. 

In about a month, I should be getting a new laptop. A 17" MacBook Pro. I can't wait for it. =D But I'll still be keeping the good ole PC around...for as long as it lets me =] I still love my Dell the best because it survived a swim in Fruit Punch (all thanks to a stupid 6/7 yr old boy who seemed to have thought it would be fun to pour juice on the keyboard) without any problems at all. (Yes, I was very surprised too...I was ready to cry at it's funeral because I only got the laptop 6 months earlier)

So, I said I'd take a pic of the lovely blueness of my awesome new cooling pad and so you've seen a pic! Yay! I thought I'd take a peek at what it looks like under the laptop too and it looks pretty cool too =D 

Can you see all 3 fans? Here's a hint: they're glowing =o

P.S. The laptop froze 3 times and the browser froze 5 times in the time it took to type up this blog. How awful is that?