31 Jan 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows
I’ve been feeling kinda listless these couple of days…
So, in the attempt of picking up my spirits, I am re-watching Howl’s Moving Castle for the 3rd (maybe 4th) time. I always have a soft spot for animated films. But this production of Hayao Miyazaki is just extra special in everyway. The colors, the story, the music… it is almost magical.
Something always move and comfort my soul when watching Howl’s Moving Castle. A definite cure for the gloominess.
29 Jan 2010
by irenein Food & Drinks
Two years in Ghent and I still find little gems like De Kleine Burgemeester Restaurant. What a lovely surprise!
The little restaurant is nothing special until the friendly waitress smiles at you. Then it feels like walking into the house of your 100 year old auntie. The poor place has seen better days and is rather gloomy actually. Yet there is a certain familiarity and coziness. Humble might be the word to describe this little eatery that is manned by two people – the cook and the waitress. The food is nothing to sing about. Just honest good food made with fresh ingredients. D even complained that his dish has too much cheese. The house red wine is fabulous though.
No fancy food, outstanding service or fantastic atmosphere here. But it won me over for being what it is – unpretentious, welcoming and familiar. Places and people like this is the reason why I am sure I’ll always find excuses to come back to Ghent.
27 Jan 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows
Brave New World is a Science Fiction novel written in 1931 by English author Aldous Huxley.
The story tells of a future approximately 600 years from now. Countries no longer exist. The Earth is divided into highly sophisticated civilizations ruled by well respected World Controllers. Human beings are placed into ranks as soon as they are artificially conceived. Each level possesses different physical and mental capacities. Each differently preprogrammed and chemically induced with life purposes. Human robots…
Not all societies are so advanced though. There are people who choose not to be converted and civilized. People living in these communities are called salvages. Note the similarity between ourselves and the isolated tribes that exist in our world today.
The plot thickens when a young salvage named John was introduced into civilized London. The drama that follows can only be felt if you read the story yourself. Movies have been made of this classic novel. Unfortunately, like most movies based on books, nothing stands out.
Brave New World is ranked fifth on the list of 100 best English language novels of the 20th century. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to read it. I’m glad that the library of Harelbeke, with its limited English-language books, actually have this in its collection.
25 Jan 2010
by irenein Quotes
He who does not travel does not know the value of men. ~ Moorish proverb
23 Jan 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows
What can I say, geeky funny is my kind of humor.
The Big Bang Theory is hilarious! It made me laugh so hard that it reminded me somewhat of The IT Crowd. Though it is really unfair for me to even compare the two.
The Big Bang Theory is about four scientists and a pretty waitress from Nebraska. Each geek (I meant it in a very nice way) has very different backgrounds. Despite significant cultural differences, the friendship is bonded by their high intelligence, their social awkwardness, and plain boyish silliness.
A must see if you like geeky humor. You are guaranteed a good laugh. 
21 Jan 2010
by irenein Creative Business
Three important aspects determine the success and failure of a business, these are even more so apparent in small businesses:
- Core Beliefs – It is essential to believe in your business, your products and all people involved.
- Core Values – Values form the underlying principle of the business. It dictates how you run your business. It creates a system so people know how things are supposed to be done, thus decisions can be made swiftly and decisively. It enables the existence of a binding culture and a unique identity.
- Work Life Balance – This is where we remind ourselves that we are people. Life as a whole needs to be lived and enjoyed. We remind ourselves that we are sum of many parts. Work, though a big piece of the parts should not ever dominate our lives.
With a bit of good luck and by maintaining the above 3 aspects, the direction of any endeavor can only be promising.
19 Jan 2010
by irenein Quotes
Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. ~ Anonymous
17 Jan 2010
by irenein Health
As many as 80 million Americans have been infected with H1N1 swine flu, up to 16,000 have been killed and more than 360,000 hospitalized ~ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The above statement came from the CDC. It was a news article I found at Reuters. Is this for real? Is it the media fiddling with people’s fear? If 16,000 people died in the US, how many died worldwide? How many died in countries where they do not have the vaccine nor proper medical care? This is just mind boggling, not to mention depressing!
15 Jan 2010
by irenein Malaysia
Malaysia has been on the news quite a lot lately. Unfortunately, it is for not-so-cheerful events. What happened to my supposedly peaceful home country?
Firstly, there were the arsons at Christian churches. And for what? For the use of the word Allah. Ludicrous when countries like Indonesia, Egypt and Syria where Christian minorities freely use the Arabic word to refer to God. Sad…
And then there’s the terror warning on Sabah! What?! Just when I wanted to head back for Chinese New Year this February. Airport security is going to be hellish. Good grief.
Time like this I question my decision on maintaining my Malaysian citizenship. Pfftt!
13 Jan 2010
by irenein Jibber Jabber
I was just listening to the radio. I must say that most of today’s music is really not my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I am not about to say ‘bwah, you call that music?’. Not at all, most of these popular tunes are quite catchy and nice to listen to.
It is the times. We are at a peaceful era – compared to the world war days. Naturally, music for the general mass (teens and 20 somethings) are created based on the current mood. When there’s no world wars, no heavy battles between nations, you can follow your favorite politician or celebrity via Twitter, and that you have a gazillion friends on Facebook… well your soul settles for poppy, happy nonsense.
Again, don’t get me wrong. I am quite adaptable and I can find it in me to enjoy the music nowadays. But give me loud angry music anytime. For my heart knows that our world is far from peachy.
Previous Older Entries
RSS