Wednesday, December 9, 2009

XOXO Wine

XOXO SHIRAZ CABERNET
  • 750 mL bottle
  • Red Wine
  • 13% Alcohol/Vol.
  • Sugar Content : 1 (Dry)
  • Body: medium bodied
  • Made in: Ontario, Canada
  • Price: $ 9.95
  • Shiraz and Cabernet grapes share a rich embrace of luscious berry flavours with a hint of spice, aromas of plum and currant, and a touch of oak. This full-bodies red pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, burgers and BBQ ribs.
The reason I decide to try this wine is the price (less than $10) and the silvery purple colour label. Well... This is not a very good way to pick a wine in LCBO, but this wine didn't disappoint me. It's in fact pretty good. It's easy to drink and the price is good.
I like the fruity finish of this wine.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

非常非常糟糕的一周...

本週是非常非常糟糕的一周... :(
很多問題發生... 工作上地震... 老細走了... (Hint)...
接下來還會發生什麼事呢?
有D depress添... 點算好呢?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Cold

I've got a cold since last Monday.
It's just a cold... NOT H1N1!! ;)
I am better now... but the coughing won't stop...

Ta Ta suggested a Chinese herbal drink. I've drank it for a few days. I seems to cough a bit less.

The Chinese Herbal Drink:
羅漢果 - 1
無花果 (Figs) - 6 (add more Figs for sweeter drink)
南北杏 (Almond Seed) - some, a small bunch
Boil the above ingredients in 2.5L of water for 35 mins.
Turn off heat and let stand for 30 mins.

It's easy to make. :D

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Destopdating invitation is malware!

Today, I've received 2 email invitations from 2 different persons asking me to join Desktopdating. It could be a new site like facebook, but the name "Desktopdating" doesn't seem legit. So, I did a search in the internet...

If you have received an email with subject " has sent you a Desktopdating invitation", don't open it and please delete it immediately!

Based on people's comments, it seems this malware only targets windows/outlook/IE. It will search your address book and send similar invitations to all of your contacts.

I didn't open my emails in outlook, so I hope my computer is not infected.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Wine Reviews

Some review on wines that I've drank before...
PELEE ISLAND MERLOT 2008
  • 750 mL bottle
  • Red Wine
  • Made in: Ontario, Canada
  • 12.2% Alcohol/Vol.
  • Sugar Content : 1 (Dry)
  • Body: light-bodied
  • Price: $ 9.95
  • Its dark ruby appearance, distinctive black current and cherry flavours are complemented by a smooth lingering finish.
  • Serving suggestions: barbecues and most pasta dishes
This wine is ok. Nothing exciting.
I prefer medium to full bodied wine.


PELEE ISLAND MONARCH 2008
  • 750 mL bottle
  • Red Wine
  • 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
  • Sugar Content : 1 (Dry)
  • Body: medium bodied
  • Made in: Ontario, Canada
  • Price: $ 9.95
  • Pelee Island Monarch Red is a fun and lively red wine with ripe and jammy fruits flavours. A welcoming aroma of cherry and violets give away to a balanced finish with robust tannins.
  • Serving suggestions: grilled red meats and full flavoured cheeses.
Monarch consists of 3 wines: Zweigelt 33%, Baco Noir 34%, Marchel Foch 33%

This wine is good. It's definitely better than the Merlot.
Based on the price, it's not something that I would be very excited about.
Don't get me wrong... It's a good wine...
but I can find similar quality wine at a cheaper price...



CESARI MERLOT 2008
  • 750 mL bottle
  • Red Wine
  • 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.
  • Sugar Content : 1 (Dry)
  • Body: light to medium bodied
  • Made in: Venezie, Italy
  • Price: $ 7.45
  • This red wine comes from grapes selected in and around the Veneto Region. It has a good bouquet and a full bodied flavour making this wine a great accompaniment to many dishes, specially meat and pasta.
This is a good merlot for the price.
I used to like Merlot a lot, but I recently found Merlot to have no character.
May be my taste has changed over time... So, this wine is not really an exciting wine for me, but the price is good.

pumpkin beer

In addition to the Pumpkin Ale by Great Lakes Brewery, I've also tried another pumpkin beer: St-Ambroise Citrouille - The Great Pumpkin Ale.


I found this beer to have more pumpkin taste.
I would recommend this to people who are interested in drinking some fun beers. ;)
It's only $2 a bottle.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Casal Thaulero Sangiovese

I am interested in wines that are under $10 and Casal Thaulero Sangiovese is one of them. For $6.95, this is a very good wine. Of course, you cannot compare this to some of the $15+ wines, but this wine stands out. It is actually better than some of the $10-$15 Ontario VGA wines.

CASAL THAULERO SANGIOVESE 2008
  • 750 mL bottle
  • Red Wine
  • 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
  • Made in: Abruzzo, Italy
  • Sugar Content : 1 (Dry)
  • Body: Medium bodied
  • This delicious wine is produced and estate bottled in Abruzzo - one of the most beautiful region in Italy. The Sangiovese grapes grown on this estate are of highest quality, creating a dry wine with fresh aromas and well-balanced flavours. Casal Thaulero Sangiovese is excellent alone or with many dishes, especially roasts, cheese and pasta. Serve at room temperature.
  • Taste: Medium to deep ruby colour with cherry flavours

Updates on 2010-01-21:
Toronto Life has put this wine as best red under $15.
http://www.torontolife.com/features/bottle-service/

Keep Waking Up at Night

Recently, I have been waking up 3+ times at night. I don't have a problem going back to sleep but I am still very very tired when I wake up in the morning. I am not getting quality sleep.

I think it all started when builder put 2 big fans inside my condo to dry the walls. I don't really know the cause, because sound usually doesn't bother my sleep. I can fall asleep when TV or radio is still on. For the last 2 nights, I've turned off the fans at night time. Unfortunately, I am still waking up multiple times. I've slept for 12 hours on Saturday night, but it just feels like I've slept for 7-8 hours.

What is happening to me??????

Symantec Report on Rogue Security Software

According to a new Symantec report on security software, tens of millions of computers are loaded with scam security software that their owners may have paid for but which only makes the machines more vulnerable.

A rogue security software program is a type of misleading application (also known as scareware) that pretends to be legitimate security software, such as an antivirus scanner or registry cleaner, but which actually provides the user with little or no protection whatsoever and, in some cases, can actually facilitate the installation of malicious code that it purports to protect against. There are two prevalent ways in which rogue security software can be installed on a user’s computer: either it is downloaded and installed manually by a user after he or she has been tricked into believing that the software is legitimate; or it is unknowingly installed onto a user’s computer, such as when a user visits a malicious website designed to automatically download and install illegitimate applications.

To date, Symantec has detected over 250 distinct rogue security software programs.


Top reported rogue security software:

Rank - Software
1 - Spyware Guard 2008
2 - AntiVirus 2008
3 - AntiVirus 2009
4 - Spyware Secure
5 - XPAntivirus
6 - WinFixer
7 - SafeStrip
8 - Error Repair
9 - Internet Antivirus
10 - DriveCleaner

Click here to see the full Symantec Report on Rogue Security Software July 2008 - June 2009

(The Symantec Report on Rogue Security Software is an in-depth analysis of rogue security software programs. This includes an overview of how these programs work and how they affect users, including their risk implications, various distribution methods, and innovative attack vectors. )

source:
canada.com
realwire

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Unique Beers

Recently, I've tried 2 unique beers from the Great Lakes Brewery: Orange Peel Ale and Pumpkin Ale.
According to the sales, you can only find this two beers once a year during Halloween time.


The orange peel ale is nice. It has an slight orange flavour and is very refreshing.


The sales person highly recommends the pumpkin ale, but it wasn't as good as I expected. The pumpkin flavour is minimal. I think it's because pumpkins don't really have a strong taste, but I would expect this beer to have a lot of pumpkin flavour.

It's nice to try them for fun, but it's not something that I would buy on regular basis. They are ok for once-a-year type of beers.

Friday, October 9, 2009

規則

大公司的規則... 複雜的流程... 過時... 不恰當... 耗時... 浪費錢...
想要更改... 但力...
非常痛苦...
每個人都看到... 都抱怨... 為什麼高層看不到?

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Top 5 Most Annoying Conversational Word or Phrase

In a recent Marist Poll, nearly half of Americans – 47% – said they find “whatever” most annoying.

Top 5 most annoying conversational words or phases:
#1 - Whatever (47%)
#2 - You know (25%)
#3 - It is what it is (11%)
#4 - Anyway (7%)
#5 - At the end of the day (2%)

I agree with #1... "Whatever" is annoying...
For the other ones, I don't think so...
I say "you know" a lot too...
hahahahaha... :D

Google Street View for Toronto

Google's street view for Toronto went live yesterday:
http://maps.google.ca/

To see the images, just pull the human figure at the top of the Google Maps zoom bar onto the map and jiggle it up and down the street for the best view.

Google has blurred faces and licence plates on all the images... well... at least most of them...

I've found one where license plate is very clear:


Some photographs that bloggers and Twitter users flagged as humorous earlier today, including one showing a man helping a young child prepare to urinate under a tree, had been removed from Street View in the afternoon.

Here are some other funny images...

People don't welcome Google:


Some Google photo stitches are incorrect... This car has 6 wheels... :P


A fire burns inside a van on Robinglade Dr. :


There are many sites showing funny photos from Google Street View:
BlogTo
Google Street View Gallery
StreetViewFun

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Battling with Water

I had been battling with water all night last night to protect my condo... I only had 2-3 hours of sleep... but it didn't matter... I had to save my condo...

Last night around 12:30am, the fire alarm in my condo started ringing. I didn't pay attention at first, but since it kept ringing, I went out the balcony to see whether anyone went outside. I didn't see anyone. Since it was raining outside, I was hoping that this was just a false alarm. To be safe, I planned to check on my neighbors to see their reactions. Then, as soon as I opened the door, I was stunned by what I saw in the hallway. The hallway was filled with smoke... not from fire... but steam from hot water... There was a layer of water on top of soaking wet carpet... The whole hallway was flooded by hot water!!!

The water was leaking into my condo from the bottom of all common walls... I had got water coming inside from the bathroom wall, the door, and closet wall. I immediately searched for something to stop the water... I put some older home clothes (clothes that I wear at home only) at the edge of the wall to block waters as my first line of defense... Then, I searched for some towels (bath tub towels, kitchen towels, etc.) to soak water as my second line of defense...

In the mist of searching and placing the defenses, I was using one hand to keep dialing the security phone #. Every time I got the security voice mail, I wanted to swear. After many tries, the security guard finally answered the phone. I told him about the flooding and he said he'll notify the firemen immediately.

Well... Water kept coming in... And of course... I am the third line of defense!!
I kept running back and forth drying the towels in bath tub and put them back on the floor to soak more water... I needed to stop the water from entering the laminated floor areas... I didn't want my stuff to be damaged...

Eventually the firemen came... I heard a lot of banging... The owner of the water leaking condo wasn't home... The firemen had to use an axe to break open the door...

I took a peak outside from time to time... At around 1:30am, one fireman told me that there was a broken water pipe in the heater of another condo... They had stopped the water leak but the water had went down 5 floors... All hallways are soaked...

At around 3:30am, the firemen had pushed a lot of the water out the hallway down the stairs. Water is still leaking into my condo but at a much slower rate. I dried all towels/clothes one more time and put some paper towels around them to replace me as third line of defense before going to sleep.

At around 5:30am, I was awakened by some loud noises. I guessed the builder had sent some people to clean up the mess. I got out of bed to dry all towels/clothes again. I had also put some new paper towels before going back to sleep.

At around 7am, some people from the builder knocked on my door asking about the damages. They said they would use machines to clean my condo but never came. I guessed they went to the other condos with more serious damages. Since I had been soaking water all night, my condo's damages were minimal compared to some other condos.

Elevators had stopped working due to the flood... I had to walk down many many floors to go to work... I was afraid that I have to walk up many many floors to go home. Luckily, when I came home from dinner, one of the elevators is working.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Cellphone ban while driving in effect October 26

Ontario's new rules prohibiting cellphone use while driving will go into effect October 26. But, it will be February 1 before drivers will be fined up to $500 for chatting, dialing, texting or emailing on hand-held devices, because there is a 3 months education period prior to the enforcement.

We'll have to take more devices (i.e. bluetooth headset, etc.) while going out... :(
When will all cars built in bluetooth phone?

Sunset

A lot of people see sunset as something depressing, but I think sunset is very beautiful!
It has a lot more colours and variations than sunrise.
Sunset is an indication that we should now relax and enjoy life! ;)

Imagine yourself sitting in a comfortable chair looking at this sunset drinking a glass of wine...
Wonderful! :D


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sound of Rain

When I think about the sound of rain, I often imagine a relaxing sound that can put me to sleep.

Well... That's not always the case...
For some strange reasons, I woke up at 3:30am last night. I was twisting and turning and wasn't able to go back to sleep. I was very tired, but I just couldn't fall asleep again.
I had to go to work the next day... but the more I wanted to go to sleep, it seems the more awake I was.
I hoped the sound of rain outside would help me out, but... the rain sounds more like unpleasing noise than smoothing music. I was even blaming the rain for keeping me awake.
I finally felt asleep again around 6am.

It's funny to see how we react to the same thing differently when we are in different moods.
Last night, I hated the sound of rain.
At other times, I would probably enjoy the sound and just relaxingly stared at the raining scene.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

繼續做好呢份工

為人贈興... 真係好難受... 越想越覺得難受...
好像是多餘的... 不想在那裡,但要在那裡...
假裝進去為了食物... 但它甚至不是我喜歡的食物...
我唯一可以做的是告訴自己... 我需要看"big picture"... 這樣做是為件事好...

神啊...你想我點啊?

最近晚上, 我重看"雍正皇朝"... 雍正仍然是四阿哥的時候... 他默默地為大清朝做好份工作...
oh well... 好似四阿哥一樣... 繼續做好呢份工吧!!

華仔自家人生日派對2009

華仔華仔支持你!!! :D

======================================
向1,500Fans鞠躬道歉 華仔流下男兒淚
(星島)2009年9月24日 星期四 06:30

(綜合報道)

(星島日報 報道)劉德華 被揭已婚後,前晚首次與Fans聚會。在長達3小時的聚會中,華仔未有談及結婚生仔之事,亦未提及太太朱麗倩的名字,但一到場即滿臉歉疚,更多次向Fans 鞠躬,表示希望大家將往事抹走,自己則像BB般重新再做人。當華仔唱出《一起走過的日子》時,更忍不住淌下男兒淚。文:林子棠 圖:朱偉彥

  在前晚舉行的《華仔自家人生日派對2009》中,劉德華與1,500名Fans一同預祝後天的48歲生日,出席者還包括華仔父母、好友林家棟與資深Fans歐陽妙芝。活動一開始,數個家庭上台合唱一曲《十年》,在台下的華仔十分感動,忍不住眼濕濕。

  Fans大叫撐你

  華仔甫上台便向歌迷鞠躬道歉,他謂:「大家經過開心與唔開心,大家喺埋一齊,就好似家人咁,給我溫暖的感覺,希望大家喺呢個家庭享受同開心。」說罷便唱出一曲《一起走過的日子》,其間更流下男兒淚。及後華仔獻唱《長途伴侶》時,台下有歌迷大叫「朱麗倩」,華仔聽到笑言:「多謝大家,近排發生好多事,希望大家將佢抹掉。放心啦!我無事,我對你們沒變。」歌迷也大叫「華仔支持你」、「撐你」等。

  及至尾聲,一眾歌迷、華仔父母與其他嘉賓齊上台合唱生日歌,陪華仔一齊切生日蛋糕。至11時25分完場,華仔再舉行慶功宴慰勞一班工作人員,但他避開記者循後門乘電梯離去,被發現時亦大方讓記者拍照,但沒有開腔接受訪問。

  避記者 玩神秘

  一家4口前來參加派對的名模歐陽妙芝,透露現場氣氛十分感動,說時更忍不住眼紅紅。她續稱:「其實華仔上台已有少少內疚的模樣,不知說甚麼好,又多次鞠躬,希望大家不要再提舊事,誠心地希望大家接受他,所以大家都很支持與體諒他,華仔天地亦像一家人似的,感覺很幸福。其實華仔很堅強,否則大家也不會支持他這麼久。」

  雖然歐陽妙芝表示華仔當晚很開心,但華仔現身慶功宴時未見露出笑容,並且大玩神秘,先叫工作人員用黑布遮蓋慶功宴會場,為掩人耳目又繞路走,更由8名工作人員和保安護駕到場,聽到Fans和記者呼叫其名才稍停和揮手,但站不足5秒便轉身離去。


=======================================

華仔感觸灑男兒淚 鞠躬答謝粉絲不離不棄
(明報)2009年9月24日 星期四 05:05

【明報專訊】劉德華 因為隱瞞與朱麗倩的婚事,未有履行將婚訊告知歌迷的承諾,令他深感慚愧。前晚他於生日會上發表深情告白,婚後的他宣言對歌迷情不變,求歌迷抹走與他之間的不快事,修補彼此間的感情。華仔亦對歌迷們的不離不棄大為感動,席上流下男兒淚,又頻頻鞠躬答謝支持。

與1500歌迷開生日派對

劉德華周日(27日) 48歲生日,前晚他跟來自世界各地的1500位歌迷,提早在九龍灣舉行「華仔自家人生日派對 2009」,這次是自華仔被爆跟朱麗倩結婚後,首次與歌迷聚會,但他並沒偕華嫂朱麗倩亮相,反而華仔的父母、林家棟和歐陽妙芝同來參與。

儘管華仔因為隱瞞私隱,而違背了承諾,但歌迷對他熱情與溫情不減,令華仔感動,男兒淚流過不停。其中開場時有幾個家庭一齊上台親子合唱《十年》,令華仔感動得眼濕濕,當他上台講話時,即以情話冧歌迷,他說:「大家經開心與不開心,走在一起好像一家人,有很溫暖感覺,我在這個家庭很享受和開心。」

之後他獻唱《一起走過的日子》終於按捺不住,感觸得落淚,感染台下亦眼濕濕。而歌迷為了鼓勵華仔,又拉出「永遠支持你,一輩子仍唱你的歌」的橫額。

朱麗倩缺席 父母上台合唱

華仔在派對上沒有提過有關婚事、生仔話題,直至他獻唱《長途伴侶》時,有歌迷大叫華嫂「朱麗倩」名字。華仔聞言笑笑口說﹕「多謝大家。」他又趁機就近期隱瞞私隱而鬧出的風波補鑊,對歌迷訴心事說:「近排發生好多事,希望大家將它抹掉,放心,我無事,我對你們無變。」台下報以歡呼回應,又高呼「無論晴天、雨天,都要與你一齊過。」到場嘉賓林家棟、歐陽妙芝及華仔父母隨即上台合唱生日歌,又跟華仔切蛋糕,令華仔非常開心,之後亦應要求獻唱數首快歌。

歐陽妙芝﹕華仔好堅強

超級擁躉之一歐陽妙芝完場時仍眼濕濕,她覺得華仔行為令人感動:「華仔上台時有少少內疚,不知講什麼,好有誠意希望大家接受,華仔好堅強,否則不會支持到這麼耐,其實好多歌迷都有兒女,不會介意。」華仔完騷後換上便服,再出席位於場館彼鄰的餐廳慶功宴,但華仔刻意繞道而行,從後門出入避開傳媒,又派多名保安守著通道,並派人在餐廳外封黑布和架起鐵欄,以免被偷拍受擾騷。

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Flu Shots and Swine Flu

To take or not to take (the flu shots)? That's the question.

Based on a series of unpublished studies from British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, the findings seem to suggest that people who got a seasonal flu shot last year are about twice as likely to catch swine flu as people who didn't. As a result of that, Ontario is changing its approach to seasonal flu vaccine administration this year.

In October, the seasonal flu vaccine will be offered to people 65 and older, and residents in long-term care homes. Starting in November, the swine flu vaccine will be rolled out. The seasonal flu vaccine will once again be offered to everyone over six months old in December and January.

The reason behind inoculating the elderly against the seasonal flu is because they are the hardest hit. The new H1N1 virus has disproportionately affected younger people. Doctors believe that young people have been particularly hard-hit because the H1N1 virus resembles a strain of flu that circulated before 1957, to which older people have been exposed.


Unpublished studies show the flu shot last year could make us twice as likely to catch the swine flu this year. What if the swine flu shot this year will make us twice as likely to catch another type of flu next year? If we take both swine flu shot and seasonal flu shot this year, are we four times as likely to catch a new flu next year? I guess no one can tell us... even doctors and scientists... :(


Source:
The Canadian Press
Toronto Star
Globe and Mail

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Ninja weapon

The following Ninja weapon 2G USB flash drives are pretty cool, especially if you love Ninja Anime (e.g. Naruto, etc.). It can be part of the cosplay outfit. ;)

The only problem is that they are very expensive. $135 Cdn for a 2G flash drive... forget it!!!




Source:
Gizmodo
Geek Stuff 4 U

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Today is 'Car Free Day'

Today is 'Car Free Day'!!

The idea came from Europe in 1999 as a way to reduce pollution and has since grown to include approx. 1,500 cities around the world. Toronto became the first city in North America to take part when it joined in 2001.

But... Does it make sense for people in Toronto to leave their cars at home today?

I would say "Yes" if GTA has a much better and convenience public transportation system.
If I take public transportation to go to work, it'll probably take me 3 hours each way (6 hours in total). If I drive, it only takes me 45 mins each way. So, for me and probably for most of the people in Toronto, 'Car Free Day' is just another usual event. Everyone will still drive to work.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Fortune Cookie

I've been having a lot of bad luck at work recently... Project is on hold, etc. :(
As part of the Pad Thai lunch brought during lunch in cafe, I've received a fortune cookie.
Inside, it says "You create your own stage. The audience is waiting."
This seems to be a good sign! :)
Hopefully, things will get better at work.

Friday, September 18, 2009

New Condo

My new condo has a nice view from the balcony.
I've been taking photos... See below... Click to see bigger photo... ;)

Day Time



People are doing yoga or pilates on the weekend. :)


Night/Sunset Time





Sunrise Time

Had to wake up early on Thursday for a 9am meeting... :(

MONOPOLY City Streets (Part 2)

I have been busy with moving into the new condo. I didn't have time to check the MONOPOLY City Streets. When I check today, all the streets that I want to buy in Toronto and Hong Kong have been purchased by someone else... woo woo woo.... :(

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Moving Day

Today is my moving day! :D
I didn't sleep much last night. I slept late last night and was up early in the morning to do last minute packing. Everything is packed except for ironed clothes, kitchen stuff, and other breakable stuff.
Movers came at around 12:30pm to move boxes to the new condo. It took around 2.5 hours.
My new condo is now filled with boxes... a very good place to play hide and seek! :P

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

MONOPOLY City Streets

A live worldwide game of MONOPOLY using Google Maps as the game board will be launching tomorrow (Sept 9).

The goal is simple. Play to beat your friends and the world to become the richest property magnate in existence. Own any street in the world. Build humble houses, crazy castles and stupendous skyscrapers to collect rent. Use MONOPOLY Chance Cards to sabotage your mates by building Hazards on their streets.

I think it's going to be fun! Hopefully it's not going to be difficult to play.

MONOPOLY City Streets site:
http://www.monopolycitystreets.com/

「粉絲」們該成熟了!

I came across the article (below) today.
I especially like the part that says:
熱愛偶像的「粉絲」,這個時候該不該為了一個未婚的謊話而怪責偶像?偶像這刻有家人身故,正要安慰傷心的妻子,作為歌迷,或作為一個有點人性的人,是否應該在這時發動退會潮,杯葛一個你曾經在他身上投放過感情的偶像呢? 如果是一班只為自己設想,為偶像一個未婚謊話而反面的不成熟「粉絲」,筆者認為不值得保留,因為他們遲早一日也會為其他小事離開。

I totally agree.
Andy is also human.
His marital status has nothing to do with his work.
I want to know too, but if he doesn't want us to know, he has a right to do so.
We enjoy his movies, his musics, and his Hong Kong style hard working legend.
Why people are focusing on one bad thing and not focusing on the other many good things that he did?
If a fan is selfish and immature, let he/she leaves... There are millions more mature fans supporting Andy!

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「粉絲」們該成熟了!

(明報)2009年9月4日

【明報專訊】部分劉德華 歌迷聲稱接受不了他曾說未婚的謊言,醞釀退會。

「粉絲」也該成熟了吧!

劉德華就算真的未與朱麗倩結婚,傳媒多年來的報道,歌迷不可能視若無睹,早該知道他倆已生活在一起。

劉德華欠「粉絲」們什麼?即使他說了謊話,也帶來了「粉絲」們多年的夢。誰犧牲更大?當然是他身邊的女人。

喜歡劉德華的歌迷,應了解偶像的苦心,同時亦應具備一個成熟的腦袋。想想偶像為何結了婚不願公開,不過是對「粉絲」的一片苦心。未結婚的形象的確有助唱歌演戲,這是不公開的主要原因。

唱情歌演情戲,偶像若有一個未婚形象,「粉絲」較容易投入。

有些藝人沒說未婚,只是結了婚公開,保住的是一個令歌迷影迷易於投入的形象。

劉德華今次被揭發已婚,起因是外父身故,他與妻子奔喪,回程時與妻子十指緊扣,已是一種公開的表示,可能想不到傳媒比他快一步,查到他在拉斯維加斯 結婚的證明吧。

熱愛偶像的「粉絲」,這個時候該不該為了一個未婚的謊話而怪責偶像?偶像這刻有家人身故,正要安慰傷心的妻子,作為歌迷,或作為一個有點人性的人,是否應該在這時發動退會潮,杯葛一個你曾經在他身上投放過感情的偶像呢?

如果是一班只為自己設想,為偶像一個未婚謊話而反面的不成熟「粉絲」,筆者認為不值得保留,因為他們遲早一日也會為其他小事離開。

今次事件,藝人需要反省,「粉絲」們何嘗不是。

郭繾澂

Link

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Sunday, September 6, 2009

Worship - Peace (和平 & 和睦)

"愛人不可虛假、惡要厭惡、善要親近。 愛弟兄、要彼此親熱.恭敬人、要彼此推讓。 殷勤不可懶惰.要心裡火熱.常常服事主。在指望中要喜樂.在患難中要忍耐。禱告要恆切.聖徒缺乏要幫補.客要一味的款待。逼迫你們的、要給他們祝福.只要祝福、不可咒詛。與喜樂的人要同樂.與哀哭的人要同哭。要彼此同心.不要志氣高大、倒要俯就卑微的人。不要自以為聰明。不要以惡報惡、眾人以為美的事、要留心去作。若是能行、總要盡力與眾人和睦。" (羅馬書 Romans 12:9-18)

"要離惡行善、尋求和睦、一心追趕。" (詩篇 Psalms 34:14)

"使人和睦的人有福了.因為他們必稱為神的兒子。" (馬太福音 Matthew 5:9)

Getting along well with others is not:
- hide from problem
- just trying to please others


How to be Peace Maker (和平之子)?

(1) Chance to discuss peacefully

-> Be the first one to start the conversation no matter who's fault it is.
-> 主動

"所以你在祭壇上獻禮物的時候、若想起弟兄向你懷怨、就把禮物留在壇前、先去同弟兄和好、然後來獻禮物。" (馬太福音 Matthew 5:23-24)

"倘若你的弟兄得罪你、你就去趁著只有他和你在一處的時候、指出他的錯來.他若聽你、你便得了你的弟兄。" (馬太福音 Matthew 18:15)


(2) Listen and Understand others' feelings

"總而言之、你們都要同心、彼此體恤、相愛如弟兄、存慈憐謙卑的心." (彼得前書 1 Peter 3:8)


(3) Focus on the problem... Not personal attack

-> Be honest

"污穢的言語、一句不可出口、只要隨事說造就人的好話、叫聽見的人得益處。" (以弗所書 Ephesians 4:29)

7 rules of fair arguments:
a) No compare
-> don't compare people
b) No point fingers
-> no "you, you, you"
-> solve the problem together
c) No commanding
d) No threading
e) No looking down at others
-> respect others
-> I am better than you or I know more than you
f) No interruption
-> listen more than talk
g) No introduce confusions
-> stay on one topic

(4) Try to compromise

"惟獨從上頭來的智慧、先是清潔、後是和平、溫良柔順、滿有憐憫、多結善果、沒有偏見、沒有假冒。並且使人和平的、是用和平所栽種的義果。" (雅各書 James 3:17-18)

-> Marriage facing death/end usually because one side always says he/she is right... Then, reason for divorce is 'Incomparable'...
-> respect each other
-> Peace is like growing a plant. If you plant peace, you'll get peace.


(5) Focus on reconciliation (和好), not resolution

"一切都是出於神、他藉著基督使我們與他和好、又將勸人與他和好的職分賜給我們." (哥林多後書 2 Corinthians 5:18)

-> It's not worth it, if you solve the problem but destroy relationship.
-> People can agree to disagree.


Take toothpaste as an example:
- if our inside is peace, when pressure occurs, peace comes out.
- if our inside is anger, when pressure occurs, anger will come out.


It is difficult to be peace maker. We need to rely on God to help us to have peace inside.
"願恩惠平安、因你們認識神和我們主耶穌、多多的加給你們." (彼得後書 2 Peter 1:2)


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聖法蘭西斯禱文

使我作你和平之子,
在憎恨之處播下你的愛。
在傷痕之處播下你寬恕,
在懷疑之處播下信心,

哦,主啊!使我少為自己求,
少求受安慰,但求安慰人;
少求被了解,但求了解人;
少求愛,但求全心付出愛。

使我作你和平之子,
在絕望之處播下你盼望,
在幽暗之處播下你光明,
在憂愁之處播下歡愉。

哦,主啊!使我少為自己求,
少求受安慰,但求安慰人;
少求被了解,但求了解人;
少求愛,但求全心付出愛。

使我作你和平之子,
在赦免時我們便蒙赦免,
在捨去時我們便有所得,
迎接死亡時便進入永生。


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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

華仔親認已婚

Dear Andy,

Happy Marriage!
:)
As your fans, I am very happy for you and I'll continue to support you.

Hope you and your wife will live happily ever after!

There is no need to say "Sorry". If you lie, I am sure that there must be a good reason.

If the main reason for lying is your fans, I just want you to know that your fans are very mature. We'll support you no matter what...


Cheers,

Your Fans

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堅稱無子女 曾與喻可欣簽婚書 華仔眼濕濕認已婚為謊言道歉

(星島)2009年9月2日

(星島日報報道)劉德華被爆已婚後,先後到杭州及北京工作,一直未有正面回應婚訊。昨日他從北京返港,終於打破緘默,承認與相戀24年的朱麗倩已婚外,更透露曾與台灣藝人喻可欣簽下一紙婚書。華仔又表示,直到目前為止,仍未有子女,新聞報道中被指與劉父飲茶的女孩,實為胞姐的孫女。

  劉德華昨日於北京返港,近百歌迷前往香港機場接機,並於閘口兩旁,舉起「你是最好的!你知道嗎?」及「我們永遠支持您!」的橫額,8名唱片公司的保安,則於現場維持秩序。昨午4時許,華仔甫出閘,現場記者及歌迷即蜂擁而上,情況十分混亂,令他寸步難行。

  希望獲大家原諒

  華仔其後轉到機場較空曠的位置接受記者訪問。問到近日每次出現都情況混亂,是否很擔心?華仔說:「擔心大家。(睡得不好?)OK啦!(壓力大嗎?)覺得自己是公眾人物,覺得自己的行為,講大話,令大家失望,我要公開同相信我的人道歉,希望他們原諒我!」語畢華仔即眼濕濕,然後續說:「我可以公開講的是,我是結了婚。(是否已有子女?)我沒有小朋友,無論男女也沒有,以前影到的全是我家人、朋友或親戚的小朋友,他們年紀還輕,請給他們過平靜的生活。」

  提到於馬來西亞被拍到的女孩,怎會又在香港與他父親飲早茶?華仔坦言:「不是同一人來的,與父親飲茶的是家姐的孫女。(是否很想有自己的小朋友?)我心裏的事,不方便講。(想接受人工受孕嗎?)這是我自己的事,想放在心內,不想公開。(是否成功受孕後才與大家分享喜悅?)到時才算。」當記者提到譚詠麟有生仔秘方可傳授他時,華仔只連聲多謝。

  未想過帶朱麗倩見歌迷

  華仔坦承公開婚訊後真的鬆了一口氣,因為這個秘密放在心內太久了。至於太太朱麗倩是否也鬆一口氣?華仔只道:「不想談論太多。(她是否壓力太大而不敢出街?)當然會,希望佢(朱麗倩)好,最擔心的是家人及佢。」對於被封為「大話天王」,華仔直言不開心,未來日子將會做得更好以作彌補,但未有想過帶同太太出席歌迷聚會。

  此外,舊愛台灣藝人喻可欣的母親,向傳媒大爆華仔曾與女兒於1985年除夕夜,在她面前簽下一紙婚書,如今仍藏於夾萬中,但據台灣法例,婚書因未有兩名見證人,所以屬於無效。記者追問華仔是否曾與喻可欣簽下婚書,他稍作思索才謂:「係有,(怕不怕她拿出來?)無所謂。」再追問是否對喻可欣不公平?華仔只是雙手合什,彎腰作鞠躬狀,便與助手一同離去,乘車返回加多利山寓所。

  喻母指簽婚書有證人

  而身在台灣的喻可欣母親對於華仔承認婚書一事說:「他承認是誠實啊,也是應該的。」她憶述當年劉德華到喻家,由她任主婚人,還有另一個朋友任證婚人,其後因為怕大家知道,所以未到戶政事務所登記。她又表示,不會在華仔有困難時拿出來公開,又鼓勵華仔不要再為影迷做一些隱瞞的傻事,祝他早日脫離現在的風風雨雨。

Link

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華仔重申無仔女 消瘦回港 親認已婚

(明報)2009年9月2日

【明報專訊】劉德華與朱麗倩24年情曝光過程高潮迭起,繼四手交纏返港確認女友身分轟動全亞洲後,又被踢爆早於去年6月23日已在美國拉斯維加斯註冊結婚,令華仔為未守跟歌迷的承諾兩度在網誌道歉,還自揭結婚是為了採用醫療方法生孩子。他的言行既獲忠心歌迷諒解,又被網友封「大話天王」,備受抨擊。面對各方壓力,華仔困擾消瘦、憔悴,昨日返港眼紅紅首度開腔承認已婚,及兩度向信任他的人講「對唔住」,說自己「講了大話」,希望未來努力做好讓大家接受。他重申沒有小孩,但被問是否計劃「人工受孕」則未有正面回答。他亦坦承1985年曾與舊女友喻可欣簽下婚書。

劉德華昨午4時許自北京返港,有近百歌迷到場支持,還特製「我們永遠支持您」、「你是最好的 你知道嗎」紙牌向偶像表心意。經過上次華仔與朱麗倩十指緊扣返港的混亂場面後,華仔所屬東亞唱片特別派出8名保安及5名助手護駕,還有高層Gary Chan。

歌迷舉牌支持

當華仔步出機場時,半百傳媒及歌迷一擁而上,令場面較上次更混亂。其間有歌迷大叫﹕「一生最愛你、永遠支持你!」華仔表現感動,跟歌迷擊掌。不過華仔為免太嘈影響其他旅客,用手做出「殊」的手勢,示意歌迷靜一點。

認講大話眼濕濕

之後華仔在機場角落接受訪問,飽受結婚風波困擾的華仔明顯消瘦、憔悴。問他是否承受很大壓力?他聞言即時感觸眼濕濕說﹕「我作為公眾人物,最近自己的行為講了個大話,令到好多人失望,我要公開跟曾經相信我的人講聲對唔住,希望大家會原諒我,我可以公開講,我是結了婚。」

避談人工受孕

一直以來傳媒拍到的女孩是否他的女兒?他搖頭說﹕「我無細路仔,男仔、女仔都無,以前到現在影到的(女孩)都是我家人、親戚或朋友的細路仔,他們仍是細路仔,希望給予平靜生活。」問到為何被傳是他女兒的女孩子,會分別出現在馬來西亞 朱麗倩父親葬禮及在港與他父母飲茶?他不禁失笑說﹕「不是同一個來的,飲茶那個是我家姐的孫女。」是否想有小朋友?他不肯明言﹕「是我心裏的事情,不方便講。(是否人工受孕?)這是我自己的事情,想擺在自己心入面。(若成功會否打算公開跟大家分享喜悅?)我不想同大家講這麼多關於這些……因為……我諗到時先算,我唔識點講!」

擔心朱麗倩受壓力

朱麗倩會否有很大壓力而不敢出街?他流露憂心之情﹕「當然會,希望她好。(是否最擔心是她?)所有人都擔心,最擔心屋企人和她。(之前不透露是否要保護屋企?)不想大家揣測,事情大家在網絡同報章看到都知道,我不想再講這些問題。我自己做錯就應該(被責備),其他人不應該。(被封『大話天王』有否不開心?)會㗎!未來的日子我會做好些,會,一定會。」本月27日是他的48歲生日,會否帶同朱麗倩出席歌迷聚會?他說﹕「未諗過,未知道。」

認與喻可欣簽過婚書

他的舊愛喻可欣近日不停公開發言,喻媽媽又說女兒與他曾於1985年在台北簽下結婚證書及蓋手印,但因未有見證人沒有法律效用?華仔被問及此事,即時深呼吸透大氣才說﹕「是真嘅!」是否怕喻可欣拿出來?他苦笑說﹕「無所謂!(有沒有後悔簽婚書?)我不想再講,唔該晒!(是否覺得喻可欣想出風頭?)不好再講其他人啦!我只想衷心向曾經信任我的人講聲對唔住!」他想轉身離開時,有人再問他是否覺得對喻可欣不公平?簽了婚書沒有守承諾?他未有回答便登車返家。

記者﹕林祖傑

Link
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Monday, August 31, 2009

劉德華 Andy Lau

Last Wednesday, the following article appeared in 港聞 (HK news) section, not 娛樂 (entertainment news) section... In the following days, a lot more articles related to the same subject also appeared in front page of HK newspapers.
Why?

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劉德華正式公開地下情
(明報)2009年8月26日 星期三

【明報專訊】劉德華與朱麗倩的地下情發展長達24年,終於正式浮面。剛受喪父之痛的朱麗倩獲「華仔」相伴前赴大馬奔喪,華仔亦正式公開朱麗倩「你是我的女人」的身分。兩人昨晚穿著白色情侶裝結伴返港,全程十指緊扣。不過,華仔開腔否認會於百日內迎娶朱麗倩「冲喜」。

與朱麗倩十指緊扣抵港


昨晚10時半,華仔興朱麗倩乘坐MH074班機從吉隆坡抵港,兩人跟昨午現身吉隆坡機場一樣,身穿白色T恤及牛仔褲、戴上口罩、十指緊扣。面對逾百香港傳媒追訪,一臉嚴肅的華仔全程拖著朱麗倩,縱使場面如何混亂都沒有放手,朱麗倩則緊緊捉著男友的手,並一度攬著華仔腰部,華仔亦摸著她的手安慰。20多名接機Fans大叫「華仔支持你」,兩人由助手及數名保安護駕,但場面實在太混亂,有人甩鞋、跌倒,短短5分鐘路程,兩人行了15分鐘。

more
----------

Is this really important HK news?
I AM Andy's fan. I do want to know whether he is married or not, but we should respect him. If he wants to keep it a secret to protect his family, why not?

If you are Andy's fan, you should know that 朱麗倩 and Andy have been together for a long time. Whether they are married or not is their business.
Actors should have a private life too!

Andy is now being called by media as 「大話天王」.
Ok... He lied... He is married but still claims to be single... Does it matter?
If you like Andy, then you'll still like him no matter he is single or married.
If you like Andy, then you'll still like him no matter he has kids or not.

Media is saying that Andy is unfair to
朱麗倩 . How do they know it's unfair?
She is not complaining that it's unfair. May be she wanted it this way so she can avoid HK paparazzis.

The love relationship is between Andy and
朱麗倩... between two people...
It's not a relationship between Andy and
朱麗倩 and the whole world... Andy doesn't need to announce to the whole world if he is not ready.

I like Andy because of his attitude... because of his work... because of his movies... because of his singing... etc... etc.... not because he is single... and not because he is not married...

I'll always support him!! :D

Andy... All your fans will continue to support you!!!

Laptop with two screens

gScreen has announced that it will ship a laptop with dual 15.4-inch widescreens, called the Spacebook, by end of this year.
This laptop is pretty cool with an expensive price tag (USD $3,000).
One monitor is definitely not enough nowadays.
Hopefully, more laptops from different companies will be equipped with two screens.
I can't wait to get one when price eventually drops to an affordable price! ;)



Source:
The Tech Herald
PC Magazine

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Worship - Passing on to the next generation

"我們曉得萬事都互相效力、叫愛 神的人得益處、就是按他旨意被召的人。" (羅馬書 Romans 8:28)

At church today, people are sharing their experiences of their short term mission in china

The greatest commandment is love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
"你要盡心、盡性、盡意、愛主你的神。" (馬太福音 Matthew 22:37)

"所以你們要去、使萬民作我的門徒、奉父子聖靈的名、給他們施洗." (馬太福音 Matthew 28:19)
- We are being called to do God's work
- If you don't love god, you won't spent time doing God's work
- People who don't believe in God can also love other people, but God shows us the sacrificial love
- Are you willing to step out of the comfort zone and the usual habits?

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Workship - Rhythm of Life

Everything has a rhythm:
- light and dark
- moon phases
- seasons
- people ages


People's perception of the relationship between work and rest:
- increase work -> you need rest so you can do more work
- work has no meaning
- working is only for salary
- resting/playing is life's target


Today's World:
- living a 24/7 life
- have flexible work hours
- play anytime
- more and more people drink coffee due to lack of sleep
- mixing work and play
- Linus Torvalds describes work is a "serious hobby"
- As a result, work and rest lost balance


On the 7th day of creation, God rests.

"你豈不曾知道麼、你豈不曾聽見麼、永在的神耶和華、創造地極的主、並不疲乏、也不困倦.他的智慧無法測度。" 以賽亞書 Isaiah 40:28

- God rests not because of tiredness
- God wants to show "I take control"
- Christ's "rest" is not a "rest" from work, but in work, "not the rest of inactivity but of the harmonious working of all the faculties and affections, of will, heart, imagination, conscience, because each has found in God the ideal sphere for its satisfaction and development" (J. Patrick Hastings bible dictionary)


Rest is God's design.
Rest:
- release us from the cruelty of work
- release us from work satisfaction -> turning into a workaholic
- release us from money -> earn more money to buy more luxury things

We are not work slave.


Rest from world's point of view:
- it's my right
- rest and vacation is my enjoyment
- want to use to fullness... Squeeze our time... Often more tired than work
- long weekend syndrome -> people are turning from workaholic to vacaholic

Rest from God's point of view:
- it's God's gift
- rest is day off with god but not day off from god
- "不要效法這個世界.只要心意更新而變化、叫你們察驗何為神的善良、純全可喜悅的旨意。" 羅馬書 Romans 12:2
- Eugene H. Peterson has said, "if you cannot afford to take one day a week for rest, you are taking yourself too seriously."
- "所以我告訴你們、不要為生命憂慮、吃甚麼、喝甚麼.為身體憂慮穿甚麼.生命不勝於飲食麼、身體不勝於衣裳麼。你們看那天上的飛鳥、也不種、也不收、也不積蓄在倉裏、你們的天父尚且養活他.你們不比飛鳥貴重得多麼。你們那一個能用思慮、使壽數多加一刻呢。何必為衣裳憂慮呢.你想野地裏的百合花、怎麼長起來、他也不勞苦、也不紡線. 然而我告訴你們、就是所羅門極榮華的時候、他所穿戴的、還不如這花一朵呢。你們這小信的人哪、野地裏的草、今天還在、明天就丟在爐裏、 神還給他這樣的妝飾、何況你們呢。" 馬太福音 Matthew 6:25-30
- we need a break to come before god


Keeping sabbath and being kept by sabbath
1) everyday sabbath (安息)
- breaks
- sleep is also serving God -> Ministry of rest
"你們清早起來,很晚才歇息,吃勞碌得來的飯,都是徒然;因為主必使他所愛的安睡。" 詩篇 Psalms 127:2
- serenity (寧靜)

2) weekly sabbath (安息)
- aware god's presence

3) ultimate sabbath (安息)
- new heaven and earth


Life as a cycle of work and renewal!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Tornado in Toronto (August 20, 2009)

Yesterday was just like any other work day. I did notice the rain and the thunderstorm, but just like any other thunderstorm, I was not too worried. The only thing that worried me was the traffic jam going back home.

Due to the heavy rain, I waited until 6:30pm to leave office. Then, I realized this storm was not like the other storms. 680News kept reporting about Tornado warnings and Tornado touchdowns.

A tornado had been reported near Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre. In the meantime, Environment Canada had issued a tornado warning for Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Georgina. Tornado warnings were also in effect for Uxbridge, Beaverton, Northern Durham Region.

"Wow... Tornado?!
When was the last time we had tornados in Toronto areas? Never!
Oh well, I still have to drive home."


To avoid traffic, I took Hwy 407.
While driving, I could see tons of lightnings on both left and right hand side of the highway. The rain wasn't bad.
I didn't see anything that looked like a tornado.

While driving, I heard that there was another touchdown at Bayview and Elgin Mills.

"This is the first time hearing tornado touchdown at places so close to my area! It's scary, but... I am also excited. I've never seen a tornado in real life... only in TV and videos..."


Here is what I have noticed about this storm:
(1)
Lightning appeared very frequently.

(2)
For other storms, lightning usually happens randomly at different location. However, the lightning in this storm did occur repeatedly in the same locations. It's easy to catch lightnings in video.

I took this video at Warden and 14th:


(3)
Either the funnel clouds changed colours or I've drove past different areas of the funnel clouds.
The clouds were grey colour in most areas.
When I was driving down McCowan, the clouds turned greenish grey in colour.

I took this video at McCowan and Finch:


Here is a video capturing a tornado touchdown in Vaughan area. I found this on youtube:

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Ping Pong Tournament

I've organized a Ping Pong Tournament at work today...
It's not something big... just a small team building event...
I've invited everyone under my manager to join.

The participation rate of 61% is good considering that we are busy at work and that not all people know how to play ping pong.

A person in my team became the Ping Pong Champion. :)
He was presented a 1st place medal... too bad I didn't take any photos....

Anyway, here is a picture of the medal:

It's not bad considering I pay less than $4 at Party Packagers. :P

珍珍's 章魚小丸子味薯片& 三文魚壽司味薯片 review

I have tried both salmon sushi flavour and takoyaki flavour potato chips before.
Even though the package looks big, but there aren't many chips inside.
I don't really like the takoyaki flavour, because I can't taste the sauce.

For the salmon sushi flavour, it tastes good, but remember don't put the whole bag of wasabi powder inside. If you put the whole bag, then all you can taste is wasabi flavour.

I still prefer Calbee chips, because for the price, I get more chips with Calbee potato chips. ;)


Calbee Korean Cuttlefish Potato Chips review


I would give it a 4 out of 5.
The chips are very crispy and crunchy in wave shape. :)
It's good. I can taste the cuttlefish flavour.

My favourite Calbee chip is still Okonomiyaki flavoured potato chips. ;)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

2nd Time Donating Blood


Once a while, Canadian Blood Services would setup blood donor clinic at my workplace.
I've tried to donate blood many times... Yes... TRIED many times!
Finally... Today is my 2nd time donating blood!!! :D
I've actually donated a whole bag of blood!

First time I was there... I didn't drink enough water... My blood was not moving... I only donated 1/3 of a bag... This time, I was well prepared... I had forced myself to drink 1.5 L of water last night and then 1L of water this morning...

Here is the usual process:
1) When we go to the reception desk, we will be given a number and a folder with a few pages to read
2) After that, a nurse will call the number to do a simple blood test... Needle puncture to the middle finger... Ouch!
3) Then, we'll be given a long list of questions.
4) After filling out all required questions, we'll need to see another nurse. This time, blood pressure and body temperature are taken. The nurse will go through the questions with us.

This is the point where I kept getting kicked out... :( One time I had recovered recently from a cold... One time I had visited Thailand within past 12 months... etc... etc...

Today... I finally got past this stage to the final stage... giving blood...
I guess the nurse noticed that I was very nervous. She gave me a first time donor sticker even though this is my 2nd time. :P

My heart was beating very fast when I lie down on bed waiting for the needle. I hate needles! :(

It took 14 mins to fill the whole bag (approx. 1/2 L in size) with blood. It did seems longer to me... The nurse said I had a big heart but small veins. I asked her to see whether I have a problem, but she told me that it's normal. I only had a glimpse of the puffy blood bag before the nurse took it away. I wonder what it feels like holding that bag. Does it feel like a warm water bottle? ;)

I had to wait 10 mins. (I think I had to wait an extra 5 mins because my hand was cold.) After that, I was taken to the cookies and juice table for goodies. :D

Even though the actual blood donation part only took 14 mins, but the whole process took approx. 1 hour and 45 mins. There was a lot of waiting in between steps. :(

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Calbee Honey BBQ Chicken Wing Potato Chips review


Calbee Honey BBQ Chicken Wing Potato Chips Review

I would give it a 2 out of 5.
The chips are very crispy and crunchy. :)
In terms of flavours, I can taste the smokey and a little bit of honey. However, I don't taste the chicken wing flavour. It's more like smokey honey chips to me.

Lotte Banana Crepe Koala Biscuit

Just feel like to be a kid today...
So, I brought a box of Lotte Koala Biscuit during grocery shopping...
I used to love Koala Biscuit when I was little... and I found a special favour today... The Banana Crepe favour....

Here is what I have for afternoon tea:
- Lotte Banana Crepe Koala Biscuit
- Mango soda (mango puree + club soda)

Yummy Yummy!!


Lotte Banana Crepe Koala Biscuit tastes more like banana than banana crepe, but it doesn't matter... It is still good! :D

Look at the baby koala with the crepe in his/her hand... Sooooo cute!

Worship - Happiness

I normally take notes during worship at Church using the Church bulletin. After I get home, papers are flying all over the place. A thought occurs to me today that I can use my blackberry to take notes and post it here.

Today's topic: Where to find happiness?
Bible: 腓利比書 Philippians 4:4-9

"你們要靠主常常喜樂.我再說、你們要喜樂。 當叫眾人知道你們謙讓的心。主已經近了。 應當一無挂慮、只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求、和感謝、將你們所要的告訴神。 神所賜出人意外的平安、必在基督耶穌裏、保守你們的心懷意念。 弟兄們、我還有未盡的話.凡是真實的、可敬的、公義的、清潔的、可愛的、有美名的.若有甚麼德行、若有甚麼稱讚、這些事你們都要思念。 你們在我身上所學習的、所領受的、所聽見的、所看見的、這些事你們都要去行.賜平安的神、就必與你們同在。"


Key to find rejoice / happiness

1) Our own choice (verse 4)

Things that take away happiness:
--> selfishness.
"在何處有嫉妒分爭、就在何處有擾亂、和各樣的壞事。" 雅各書 James 3:16

--> angry.
"又要謹慎、恐怕有人失了 神的恩.恐怕有毒根生出來擾亂你們、因此叫眾人沾染污穢." 希伯來書 Hebrews 12:15

--> Others might have hurt you once... But if you keep thinking and thinking, then you are hurting yourself many many times... Is it worth it?


2) Treat people with kindness (verse 5)

--> Don't keep calculating people (e.g. people don't say hi back or don't buy us dinner back, etc.)
--> People are not born optimistic. They just choose to be happy and not let other people affect them. It's a choice!


3) Pray to God (verses 6-7)

--> ask in Jesus' name and you'll receive
"向來你們沒有奉我的名求甚麼、如今你們求就必得著、叫你們的喜樂可以滿足。" 約翰福音 John 16:24


4) Stress more on giving than receiving (verses 8-9)

--> It's more blessed to give than to receive.
"我凡事給你們作榜樣、叫你們知道、應當這樣勞苦、扶助軟弱的人、又當記念主耶穌的話、說、施比受更為有福。" 使徒行傳 Acts 20:35

--> Care for other people... Make an effort to remember new people's name... Don't ask for return

--> A lot of people have based marriage on returns... What can the husband/wife give me back in return? That's what there are lots of complains or divorces...
--> Sometimes, wife complains that her husband is a different person before and after marriage. Well, North American is target based culture. Before marriage, his target is getting a girl to become wife. After marriage, his target is getting money for house, car, kids, etc. Husband is the same person. It's just a misunderstanding.

5) Rely on god's power more than our own difficulties. (verses 4, 9, 13)


I found out one more thing today... Pastor Yung has serve god for 30 years next year!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

親子丼 (Oyako Don)

I went to JTown today for lunch and ordered 親子丼.


It is good... but a bit too sweet for my taste...
Since this dish looks very easy to make, I've decided to look for a recipe to try it at home...

What is 親子丼?
It's chicken, onion, eggs with rice.

I've found a cooking video at youtube:


Ingredients:
(serves 1)

50ml Dashi Soup (柴魚高湯)
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1/2 tbsp Sake
1/2 tbsp Sugar
1/2 tbsp Mirin (味醂)
1/2 Small Onion
85g Chicken Meat (3 oz)
2 Eggs
10 Japanese Wild Parsley (Mitsuba)
200g Rice (7 oz)


I've also found another web site with photos teaching people how to make Oyako Don.

I have most of the ingredients... I am going to try it out this week... :D

Friday, August 7, 2009

Fruits Basket 生肖奇緣

I've just finished the "Fruits Basket" anime series (26 eposides in total) online at Megavideo. This anime series is based on the Japanese manga series "Fruits Basket" by Natsuki Takaya 高屋奈月.

"Fruits Basket" has many chinese names: 幻影天使, 魔法水果籃, 水果籃子, 生肖奇緣


The series is about an optimistic and selfless high school girl, Tohru Honda 本田透. After her mother's accidental death, 透 has to live with her grandfather and her aunt, but when her aunt's house needs remodeling, 透 decides to live in a tent in a forest. One day, she enters a house in the same forest and meets her classmate Yuki Sohma 草摩由希. She learns that the forest is owned by the Sohma family. Yuki Sohma 草摩由希, Kyo Sohma 草摩夾, and Shigure Sohma 草摩紫吳 live together in that house.

A landslide has destroyed 透's tent, so she begins to live with 由希, 夾, and 紫吳. She later learns that 13 members of the Sohma family are possessed by the animals of the Chinese zodiac and are cursed to turn into their animal forms if they are hug by the opposite sex.

草摩由希 will transform into a rat.
草摩夾 will transform into a cat (the only one not part of the Chinese zodiac).
草摩紫吳 will transform into a dog.

This anime series is pretty good. I would rate it 3.5 out of 5. I took .5 away because of the overall sadness in the series.

In general, this series does have the regular Japanese anime silliness and exaggerations. However, it does bring out some good points that require deeper thinking. For example...

In Eposide 3, 草摩紫吳 to 草摩夾:
我們同其他人相處, 就會學到比人傷害或我們傷害人, 如果我們逃避其中一種, 我們就無法學到如何去體諒人或同人相處.

本田透 to 草摩由希 and 透的母親 to 本田透:
做人應該要相信人, 不要用懷疑的態度去待人...
人一出生是沒有帶同心地好來的...
人天生只有食慾和物質慾... 這是我們生存的需要...
心地好是同我們的身體一樣, 是慢慢長大的... 這就是良心...
只是每個人的良心不同...
因為慾望是每個人天生就有的, 所以每個人很容易理解和接近個人慾望...
心地好是由不同的人長成不同程度..
所以很容易被誤解,一個好人的好心是偽善...

要不信任人...每個人都很容易做到...
要信任人... 不是每個人都做到...
你要做一個信任人的人...

In Eposide 7, 本田透's 飯糰和酸梅 Theory:
這個世界上所有人的背後都有著各式個樣,不同顏色,不同味道的酸梅。可是因為都附在背後,所以就無法看到酸梅。當你羨慕他人,只是因為你可以看到別人背後的酸梅而已吧了,自己會以為一無所有,只是白米而已,其實不是這樣的,你的背後也有屬於自己的酸梅。

In Eposide 18, 花島咲 was jealous because 本田透 is always with 草摩由希 and 草摩夾. At the end, 花島咲 realizes that:
If the people that I like always care about me... even if we don't see each other a lot, it doesn't matter... If they still care about you, then you should be very happy...

In Epsoide 21, 本田透 to 草摩燈路:
世界上有很多人為了逃避成長, 所以在思想上無時無刻都當自己是細路, 但是你肯面對和接受自己長大, 是需要很大的勇氣!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

林峰 - 峯.情無限演唱會

Raymond's Let's Get Wet concert DVD is out!!!
I've brought the special edition which also included a 84 pages photo book.


DVD 1
01. ILLUSION
02. 如果時間來到
03. 赤地轉機
04. 忘記傷害
05. 明天以後 (林峯/泳兒)
06. 王祖藍Talk Show
07. 浮誇 (王祖藍)
08. 風山水起 (農夫/王祖藍)
09. 千里之外 (林峯/王祖藍)
10. 浮生若水
11. 霍元甲
12. 愛 愛 愛
13. 你不在
14. 月亮代表誰的心
15. 愛在記憶中找你
16. 原罪
17. Tonight
18. 為你鍾情
19. 我真的受傷了
20. 我願意

DVD 2
01. 值得流淚
02. 影子的愛情故事
03. 換個方式愛你
04. In Love With You (林峯/蔡卓妍)
05. 二缺一 (蔡卓妍)
06. 記得忘記
07. Dance Battle 1 (林峯vs謝天華)
08. 女校男生 (林峯/謝天華)
09. 酷愛 (謝天華)
10. Dance Battle 2 (林峯vs謝天華)
11. Let's Get Wet Medley: Let's Get Wet/頭髮亂了/本草綱目/Let's Get Wet
12. 愛人與海
13. 朋友,請不要傷悲
14. 愛不疚

Raymond has sang a lot of other people's songs... 鄧麗君的"月亮代表誰的心", 張國榮的"為你鍾情", 張學友的"我真的受傷了", 周杰倫的"霍元甲", 方大同的"愛 愛 愛", 王力宏的"你不在", and 王菲的"我願意"...

I wish he could have sang more of his TVB series songs... He only sang 6 out of 16 TVB series songs...
  • 記得忘記 from 再生緣 (sang)
  • 真愛難共 from 雲海玉弓緣
  • 忘記傷害 from 律政新人王 (sang)
  • 雙子龍 from 大唐雙龍傳
  • 心呼吸 from 天涯俠醫
  • 與朋友共 from Yummy Yummy
  • 出鞘 from 覆雨翻雲
  • 領會 from 覆雨翻雲
  • 游劍江湖 from 游劍江湖
  • 披荊斬刺 from 布衣神相
  • 心領 from 溏心風暴
  • 愛在記憶中找你 from 歲月風雲 (sang)
  • 浮生若水 from 太極 (sang)
  • 愛不疚 from 溏心風暴之家好月圓 (sang)
  • 風暴 from 少年四大名捕
  • 值得流淚 from 包青天 (sang)
I've only finished watching the first DVD...
I guess I'll have more comments after watching the whole concert... especially the wet part in DVD2.. ;)

Twitter

People had predicted that Twitter will be the next big thing...
David McCandless has done a visual graph of the Twitter community...

I am definitely one of the 20 dead pink people... didn't find Twitter that exciting...

Source:
Gizmodo