Unbalanced Vision

Yesterday I had a few chances to go on merry bus rides in the capital. These bus drivers, however, were not very merry at all... though it is understandable that driving through London's traffic and showing a happy face aren't very likely to happen. Both of the drivers black, reminded me of Denzel Washington's stern look always making sure that justice has been done. I had bought a valid bus pass but mistakenly showed him the wrong ticket. This dude put on an extremely solemn face and actually bothered to tear the tiny piece of paper up in half. Quite scary. The other driver, equally annoying, insisted that I should purchase a ticket before stepping on the bus, despite me explaining to him a thousand times that the ticket machine would not function properly. It would be so disappointing if Ken Livingston takes away all those old hop-on hop-off buses.

I showed my Croton (aka Joseph's Coat) to the lady at the plant shop, and asked if it needed to be moved to a larger pot, as the stem is growing quite well. She says the plant looks obviously prettier than it was at the store, and that I shouldn't bother removing it till next year. I've also bought a Cupressus, which is supposed to be another easy-care plant. I'd rather deal with plants than pets.

E just borrowed a book titled Harrap's Guide to Famous London Graves!! In it, found out that Westminster Abbey houses some of the nation's greatest minds, including Ben Jonson--yet what a weirdo. 'He was buried standing on his feet, at his own request', and that 'the body was disturbed in 1849, and it was observed that the leg bones were bolt upright in sand and the skull, which had traces of red hair on it, came rolling down from a position above the legs'.

A miserable git on Yahoo! Bid used to pester me non-stop for a damn feedback--does he understand that some people do have a life outside of bidding Websites? (This does not apply to HY.) Too bad cos I relish playing mind games, and see whether the feedback-thirsty bloke or I give in first. Anyways, now I realise the joy of receiving/giving comments, and have been writing angel-like words to strangers on the Amazon marketplace, eBay and Yahoo! in the hope that I will get something nice in return. On a different note, I feel slightly bad for charging my buyer five quid for postage and packing, 'tis the pursuit of my greed defined vice. The incompatibility of commerce and virtue has always been an intriguing issue. It is also reflected in the Chinese mentality that merchants (士農工商) are regarded as the lowest class in society, because of their association with dishonest dealings, lack of reading and passion for wealth. Hum, but Mandeville has once justified that 'economic prosperity would not be possible without the indulgence of one's passions'. And Smith holds the opinion that trade didn't necessarily counter moral excellence. Hehe, in that case I'm not going to claim the moral high ground, and I'd like the money in my pocket.

My mum e-mailed me over the weekend to ask if I've seen Calendar Girls. Funny, cos whilst I was watching this film, I immediately thought of my dear, crazy mum, for this is something she might do--you don't know what she's capable of. Well, maybe not go overboard as to pose naked for calendars, otherwise I will bury myself under a rock forever, but the energetic, outspoken spirit of it all is quite similar. Maybe I shall get this DVD for her b-day, as it is not released in TWN.
More on film watching. Besides my desire to throttle the aggressive bitch Zhang Ziyi everytime I see her, I've also been wondering why she tried to expose her bosom in front of Chow Yun-Fat in the near end of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? Then it reminded me of an article I once read about the movie and its presentation of sexual repression; this undoubtedly was analysed by yet another pervy lit. prof. For in the film, Chow and Michelle kept on reinforcing to themselves the importance of forsaking desires and leading celibate lives, despite their love for each other. (But deep down inside they just want some serious loving?) Then when the little slag came along, someone who is unrestrained by social rules and its expectations (obeying your parents, respecting elders, keeping promises, etc.), or more precisely, someone who is unafraid to challenge these conventions, Chow becomes enchanted by this breath of fresh air, though he doesn't really show it. Thus the scene, 'Here are my breasts, and I know you are looking'. Yet in the wonderful Chinese world, traditions are traditions and rules are rules--only a remorseful Zhang can satisfyingly end the film.

Bed sheets and shower curtains via MoCoLoco

Wanna sleep in the moonlight, the balcony where Romeo serenades Juliet? I'm not too interested.

Watching the three episodes of Godfather is like having a wonderfully rich three-course meal--I enjoy every bite of it. As Little E says, anything Al Pacino does is great. His calmness and sophistication in Part I, and the idea of killing your own brother and unforgiveness in Part II has kept me awake late at night. Finally, Part III has taught me how to kill a person alone with his glasses; be very afraid, people. But where is Nicolas Coppola to be found? He is the alcoholic in Leaving Las Vegas of course, and me and Sarah (not Sera) has drank in company with him tonight, cheers.

Weeks ago when we were comforting ourselves with the words: April showers bring May flowers... and now the sun is out! 'Tis amazing how spring can make everything disarmingly beautiful, especially parks in the mornings and skies in the late afternoons--such a creative assortment of colours. On a musical note, listening to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring at home can make one quite anxious, but when you are at RFH half dozing off to nocturnes, I guarantee that he is the man to keep you awake.
Brussel sprouts are deceptively cute, but have a shocking bad flavour--I don't know why I care to buy them.

The Making of Hip-Hop Culture In Taiwan 臺灣嘻哈文化的形成
民族所午餐時間

主講：林浩立先生 (國立臺灣大學嘻哈文化研究社前社長)
日期：2004年4月21日（星期三）
時間：中午十二點
地點：民族所三樓演講廳（2319室）
備註：會場提供便當，但請於當日上午十點前，向芬安預先登記（Ext：3484，E-mail：falin@gate.sinica.edu.tw）

所謂的嘻哈文化(Hip-Hop)大體而言包含DJ(唱盤表演)、MC(饒舌表演)、噴漆、街舞等四種活動，配合特殊的族群、服飾、語言、生活態度，成為當今最顯著的流行文化之一。這個於70年代末於美國紐約市區興起的文化現象，原本反映著黑人以及其他邊緣族群的集體意識，隨著媒體、商品、全球化的影響傳播至世界各地，在各地的社會文化脈絡下產生了不同的面貌。至於嘻哈文化在當今的臺灣是什麼樣的樣貌？有什麼特殊的內容？希望藉由這次的演講能給大家一個深入淺出的認識。

May I introduce you to William Hung, the most unlikely American pop idol--an overbite, tuneless, rhythmless, and not very good-looking Cantonese American (if you know what I mean) cruising to stardom. Though Hung was brutally rejected by meanie Simon Cowell on American Idol, his inspiring response has received widespread plaudits, with crazy people setting up fan clubs and Websites dedicated to his notorious audtion. Now you can buy his album, T-shirts or even undies on eBay! (Yuck!) I haven't decided if I like the guy or not, and having heard his appalling singing, the chances are quite low. However, I can understand with that type of uplifting attitude and an underdog image, you are very likely to realise the American dream. Afterall, haven't we been seeing too much of those drop dead gorgeous aliens in the pop industry--it's nice for a bit of a change. Hum, if he can manage, maybe so can I?

Hiya! This relaxing Sunday morning I had Wheatabix for breakfast, also nicked some chocolates from HY's mum's can. Later on we went to Richmond park for a long walk--saw some mild-looking deers sitting about in the grass, girls on their ponies, big dogs, little puppies, families on wheels (roller-blades and bikes), and loads of shite. Have a Happy Easter, everyone.

Yesterday evening was the big match in London--Arsenal vs Chelsea. I'm no diehard football fan, but people around me may count as such. Little E, S, A and I sat in a pub in Islington to watch the game with a room full of loud red-shirt Arsenal supporters, the atmosphere was all very exciting and energetic! Last Saturday I actually had the gall to privately support Man U. against Arsenal. 'What!?', Little E exclaimed in disgust. 'Now do you want to cheer for the snooty rich of Chelsea, or the hard-working working class of Highbury!?' OK~~ Arsenal it is. In the end they lost anyways. Highlight of the night: three jerks were yelling at each other in front of our table. I guess it was because two strapping men were blocking the view of the other shorter guy. The altercation between them went on for quite a bit, at some point I heard the short guy repeat, 'Your breath smells bad, dont shout!'. again and again. Haha! Then suddenly Chelsea scored and the three undercover Chelsea fans leaped with extreme joy--they became best mates again.

According to the great storyteller Thomas Nashe, there are eight kinds of drunkards. What type are you?
1) 'Ape drunk--he leaps, and sings, and holloes, and danceth for the heavens'.
2) 'Lion drunk--he flings the pots about the house, calls his hostess whore, breaks the glass windows with his dagger, and is apt to quarrel with any man that speaks to him'.
3) 'Swine drunk--heavy, lumpish, and sleepy, and cries for a little more drinks and a few more clothes'.
4) 'Sheep drunk--wise in his own conceit when he cannot bring forth a right word'.
5) "Maudlin drunk--the fellow will weep for kindness in the midst of his ale, and kiss you, saying, 'By God, captain, I love thee; go thy ways, thou dost not think so often of me as I do of thee; I would (if it pleased God) I could not love thee as well as I do'. And then he puts his finger in his eye and cries". (That would be me, so they say.)
6) 'Martin drunk--the man is drunk and drinks himself sober ere he stir'.
7) 'Goat drunk--when, in his drunkenness, he hath no mind but on lechery'.
8) 'Fox drunk--he is crafty drunk, as many of the Dutchmen be, that will never bargain but when they are drunk'.
Extract from The Unfortunate Traveller and Other Works.
There's not much of a difference between Nashe's time and ours, no?

Again thanks to HY, Naked Eye is no longer a derelict site. The compiler must admit that organising a blizzard of digital photos is one of the world's most difficult tasks--deleting ugly pictures of yourself and keeping the blurry ones which you look slightly photogenic--now there aren't much left, are there? Also, naming the photographs can be very tedious, especially when you have various shots of the same object, or you have no idea of what the picture is about (this happens quite often). That's why I have to come up with lame titles. Anyways, go see, go see! If you find someone who looks like you amongst the collection, remember, it might be your lost identical twin.

Me and HY waited eons for bus 38 and 19 yesterday evening. It was chilly, and after a while it started to rain. We hid under the bus stop whilst watching three 341's, which normally would run once in three million years, appear three in a row. When we finally arrived on Tottenham Court Road, 73 was no where to be seen. Now I have a particular penchant for eavesdropping and thus when a slightly attractive big-eyed chinese young lady came gliding through the dirty, damp street with two Englishmen, I just had to listen in. She (identifying herself as a Taiwanese) may have acquired a flair for the English language, with effort perhaps, yet still creditable. However, according to HY, when the poor lads showed their desire to visit China and learn the culture, she did nothing to encourage them, but quipped that the reality is different from what they see in Jackie Chan movies, there's nothing to see there, and she personally has no interest in going to China. When hearing something like this coming from a Taiwanese my hackles tend to rise. A friend in uni who has travelled around Europe and the States, when asked if she's been to China, would remark, 'Why should I go to China? It's so undeveloped'.

Blonde guy Boris Johnson is invited on Room 101 tonight--am developing minor crush on him, hehe. But for Christ's sake don't be so squeamish, and take a bite of our Chinese delicacy, the thousand-year egg; it goes extremely well with congee.