Descendants of The Dragon

Every race has their symbolic animal. This was something I thought about back in December after watching The Hobbit and going to England.

Well clearly the etching moment of The Hobbit was no other than Smaug himself. Smaug the dragon. A dragon with a huge hoard of gold.

Funny that although European culture seems to be more prone to incorporate dragons inside stories or bravery acts compared to Oriental, the dragon itself isn't a symbol you would find in Europe (I could only think of Wales).

 

However in China, the Chinese worship dragons like Gods. Ancient emperors have dragons adorned on their robes. Buildings. Jossticks.

Everywhere.

The dragon symbolizes the Chinese so perfectly even in modern days.

A dragon is a heavenly creature. Among the 12 zodiacs, it is considered the mythical one (other zodiacs are actual living creatures you can find on Earth).

The mythical and heavenly status of a dragon puts it in a higher tier. Translated in us as a pride in ourselves. That level of imperialism that we are a better race. It is true that Chinese have a very strong sense of pride (Yes Caucasians, sometimes egoistic would be a better word to be used on us).   

A dragon also symbolizes wealth and abundance. Dragon are often illustrated  in vibrant colors in the Oriental world. But one color that really goes well with the dragon and our preference is none other than the color GOLD.

Coincidentally in European folklore, dragons are gold hoarders (yes it does applies to us Chinese as well). And you have Beowulf, St. George both related to dragon slaying. Even in the modern world we know that the US is having a hard time keeping the dragon which has woke up from its slumber.

Speaking of gold hoarding, we stinge on practically EVERYTHING! But when it comes to branded goods, my god even with our ever inferior currency, we bring European designer brands down to their knees. Our buying power is second to none. And our wealth never dwindles.

So as much as we have molded ourselves as a descendants of The Dragon, we may in fact realize that in other people's point of view, we are indeed a terrible beast.

 

Is it a pride or does pride comes before fall? Are we the dragon that reigns supreme or waiting to be slayed? Food for thought.

Antimatter

Antimatter. If you are a fan of Dan Brown's books you would have heard of this terminology.

Antimatter would be some sort of a "thing" that does not have any matter in it. It consumes matter. And in "Angels and Demons", antimatter coming in contact with matter would result in a atomic like nuclear explosion.

Why the word antimatter is so fascinating is the fact that a small amount of it in a world full of matter (our world by the way) would trigger shuddering effects.

Just like how a pot of milk is ruined by a drop of poison.

How the world changed when one angel named Lucifer decided to fall into darkness,

The wisdom we have is blighted by that speck of ignorance,

That patience we have gone incited by that burst of emotion,

That hope we have whitewashed by a second of cruel reality.


 I continue on in my journey to greater heights. But also must I remind myself it takes one step to fall down into the depths that I despise...


One step, one small bit of negativity.

Just like, antimatter.

The Difference Between Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea

What's the difference of a mission and vision:

Vision: Having the guts to say that you have the guts to knock someone off their f*ckin perch in 20 years time.

Mission: This is our season.

No I'm not saying that my beloved club is the greatest of them all. But we all knew who was the man that taught us what envisioning was all about. Creating a vision. Have your team move forward. Even though there are some seasons where we don't lift a single damn trophy. But we knew we were going the right direction. And subconsciously season by season, trophy after trophy, that vision of being the Kings of England was getting less and less absurd. Until the day the prophecy came true.

Why I dismiss Liverpool, Manchester City or even Arsenal when it comes to football analysis? Well quite simple Liverpool and Manchester City ALWAYS focus on short term goals. Rafa Benitez was so engrossed with European glory that as great as Liverpool may be in Europe, back at home they are nothing else than cannon fodder to other teams. Then came the long unheard rule of giving a defending champions a right to defend their European crown even though they did not even finish top 4 in the league. Plainly justified example. This season however may be that not so typical so-near-yet-so-far feel that they'll lament:"Argh, so close!" (But deep down I know the fact United finishing below them will make Pool fans happier than winning the league)

City? City have just won 1 title in 40 years, swoon by their unexpected success that the following seasons went into awry. They sack the messiah that delivered them to the Promise Land (bloody joke) and hire a Chilean who now haven't been able to produce a solid City like Manchini had last time. And what happens if Pellegrini fails? The sack game continues. City is nothing more a circus act. One night of fame earns you a standing ovation; one night gone wrong and you'll be fed to the lions.

Arsenal? What more of Arsenal? I heard every Arsenal fan jump for joy the moment they signed Ozil and how they performed in the early 10 matches. But they always forget come February, the loser loses it all.

No I'm not bad mouthing. Feel free to analyze each and every club that falls under my scathing but honest attack and prove me wrong.

The only team I consider a threat and a future monopoly in the BPL would be nonetheless Chelsea. Great manager, brilliant team, and unlocked potential.

And yes. Mourinho does have a vision. We all know that, it's the small but perfect ingredient to ultimate success and glory.

 

The Right Way

It is very self satisfactory when you set a small goal and achieve it.

Best still, the achievement is something visible, tangible and an incentive to move forward towards the bigger goal.

The feeling of getting that pair of pants that you always wear without clipping the front part, now fits nicely and perfectly.

The feeling of seeing the minute bulge of a tummy...

It's not vain to see yourself in the mirror for a long time. It's telling yourself how far you have come since you started the first step of that dream and challenge. And what awaits you more in the future.

Now.. to get that pair of pants so big that it is mandatory to wear a belt...

Bring back the 6 packs!

The Oscar Build Up Predicitons

Well good thing I finished American Hustle just in time before Oscar.

There are several good films this year. All of them are relatively good. And the actors too. It's hard to get a clean sweep I'd say. But that again who am I to deny such possibility.

Anyway, here's my own predictions of the winners. Let's see how I fair. Let's also see how well you fair. Got your choices finalized? Well here's mine:

Best Picture: American Hustle

Out of all the list, I've only watched The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years A slave and American Hustle. All of them are good. But I'd say I like 12 Years A Slave the least as it can be quite dark and brutal. The Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle are similar in some ways - stories of conning and deception. But overall what made The Wolf of Wall Street really good was Leonardo Di Caprio. American Hustle is good overall.


Best Actor in Leading Role: Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave)

As much as I am in awe of another jaw dropping performance by Leonardo Di Caprio, I have that feeling that Chiwetel Ejiofor may just nick it for 12 Years A Slave. Christian Bale was also good in American Hustle, but still, either one of em' wins it, I have no complains.


Best Actress in Leading Role: Sandra Bullock (Gravity)

I know Cate Blanchett is very in favor to win it. But since I haven't seen the movie Blue Jasmine, I can only put Sandra Bullock as my bet.


Best Actor in Supporting Role: Jonah Hill

Out of the list I'd probably pick Michael Fassbender or Jonah Hill, since I did not watch Dallas Buyers Club. Jonah Hill was as crazy as Leonardo in the movie, so I tip him over Fassbender to nick it.


Best Actress in Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o

I think she has dibs on this one. She had one hell of a character in 12 Years A Slave.


Best Animated Feature: Frozen

Duh...


I'll end my speculations here as these are the most sought after categories. Note that my speculations are truly 100% biased as I did not watch all of the movies. I am just able to pick out the best selections out of the possible 3 movies that I have watched.

But then again, I did watched the favored movies to win...

May the Best Picture, Actor and Actress wins!

Let It Go

Frankly speaking. I really like this song. LOL I know right... For a guy to like such a song...

This song is good both in melody and lyrics. It also has that Disney feel, which makes you think back on some of the best Disney songs.

It's a song on bravery and perseverance. It's a song on self determination and believe.

And when a girl sings that song, hits the high notes perfectly well...

It's just to easy to fall in love with their voice.

So if you guys haven't heard it yet, Disney has a 25 language version, not only just synced perfectly, but to be able to find all the singers that are quite similar with Idina's voice... Big win I say.



I particularly like the Mandarin version...

Debt

Am officially in the Debt Game...

An asset (hopefully) and a liability...

Time to save more...

Life... I hope this is for the best...