5.26.2003
Neuroscience
It's funny - when I think of A, the name of B comes to mind; when I think of B, the name of A pops up. I suspect latency of information processing in my brain. =P
It's funny - when I think of A, the name of B comes to mind; when I think of B, the name of A pops up. I suspect latency of information processing in my brain. =P
Bumpin' Bumpin'
I can't believe that I actually agreed to go to the dragonboat race next month. By doing so, I've pretty much dumped all my dignity (or what's left of it) into Lake Ontario. What the hell?? I thought I made a pact with myself that I will not give in, but I did!! It doesn't even matter whether I really do end up going or not...the point is that I've taken this long-established (but apparently not very strong) line of defence right down with hardly any external persuasion given. What really mattered in the end, was how I really felt. And I hate myself for it!! x_x
I can't believe that I actually agreed to go to the dragonboat race next month. By doing so, I've pretty much dumped all my dignity (or what's left of it) into Lake Ontario. What the hell?? I thought I made a pact with myself that I will not give in, but I did!! It doesn't even matter whether I really do end up going or not...the point is that I've taken this long-established (but apparently not very strong) line of defence right down with hardly any external persuasion given. What really mattered in the end, was how I really felt. And I hate myself for it!! x_x
5.20.2003
Jewel Or Yevel?¹
The honeymoon period is over - German is starting to trouble some ppl in my class, possibly due to the fact that we've been learning quite quickly in the past 2 days. What really generate problems though, are the verbs. Just to note that in German, verbs are ALWAYS the second element of a sentence. So given a direct English translation, it'd be something like "Today is the weather very good" ("Heute ist das Wetter sehr gut") instead of our usual "Today the weather is very good". That's not the worst part though. What's worst is that most ppl don't even know what a verb is. I think that if English is your first language, you tend to pay less attention to what verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and so on, mean. I know many ppl, who were born & raised here, that still can't distinguish the difference between any two of the above. However, if you've learnt English as a second language (which is my case), you are slightly more obligated to figure out what those terms really define. Same thing with grammar. I, at least, am very careful with grammar because of the way I learnt it. I was never given the chance to err, as everytime I did, I was immediately corrected. There was simply no "slipping", since "you must learn a second language right" (ironic that you don't think the same way with your first language huh??). Of course, there's a threshold to everything. You can't expect someone who's new to English to speak as fluently & grammatically correct as a native Canadian. Point is, once you've reached a certain level, the difference shows. And today, it did.
(Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that ESL speakers will always end up with an advantage over those who use it as a first language. All I'm trying to say is, while mother tongue speakers may apply better, secondary ones usually understand the basis better.)
¹: Just decided to give this title a lil explanation 'cause there's a good anecdote behind it. In German, "j" is pronounced as a "y", and "w" a "v". So today during class, someone asked our prof, "So how do we say 'Jewel' (the singer) in German?? Do we say 'Yevel'??"
I don't think the class ever laughed that loud before...xD
The honeymoon period is over - German is starting to trouble some ppl in my class, possibly due to the fact that we've been learning quite quickly in the past 2 days. What really generate problems though, are the verbs. Just to note that in German, verbs are ALWAYS the second element of a sentence. So given a direct English translation, it'd be something like "Today is the weather very good" ("Heute ist das Wetter sehr gut") instead of our usual "Today the weather is very good". That's not the worst part though. What's worst is that most ppl don't even know what a verb is. I think that if English is your first language, you tend to pay less attention to what verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and so on, mean. I know many ppl, who were born & raised here, that still can't distinguish the difference between any two of the above. However, if you've learnt English as a second language (which is my case), you are slightly more obligated to figure out what those terms really define. Same thing with grammar. I, at least, am very careful with grammar because of the way I learnt it. I was never given the chance to err, as everytime I did, I was immediately corrected. There was simply no "slipping", since "you must learn a second language right" (ironic that you don't think the same way with your first language huh??). Of course, there's a threshold to everything. You can't expect someone who's new to English to speak as fluently & grammatically correct as a native Canadian. Point is, once you've reached a certain level, the difference shows. And today, it did.
(Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that ESL speakers will always end up with an advantage over those who use it as a first language. All I'm trying to say is, while mother tongue speakers may apply better, secondary ones usually understand the basis better.)
¹: Just decided to give this title a lil explanation 'cause there's a good anecdote behind it. In German, "j" is pronounced as a "y", and "w" a "v". So today during class, someone asked our prof, "So how do we say 'Jewel' (the singer) in German?? Do we say 'Yevel'??"
I don't think the class ever laughed that loud before...xD
5.19.2003
Constructive Interference
Two things that I need to address.
First, persistent nagging works. Well, when you're an only child, at least. After years of begging and pleading, I finally have a digital camera. The ironic part is that I wasn't there to pick it with my parents. What's even more ironic is that I was dead sick when I got it, so there was simply no "Waaaaa!!" happiness for me. It was more like, "Oh, a digi cam, yay. Now leave me alone so I can get some sleep." O_o
Second, I think I've watched too much CSI - I've seen at least 8 episodes in the past 3 days. I can't help but dream about Grissom & Co. in the middle of the night. I can't help but wonder if I should've gone to UTM for forensics after all. Still, nothing's gonna stop me from watching this favourite drama of mine. 2 more on TV tonight, & maybe a few on DVD too if I have time!!
Two things that I need to address.
First, persistent nagging works. Well, when you're an only child, at least. After years of begging and pleading, I finally have a digital camera. The ironic part is that I wasn't there to pick it with my parents. What's even more ironic is that I was dead sick when I got it, so there was simply no "Waaaaa!!" happiness for me. It was more like, "Oh, a digi cam, yay. Now leave me alone so I can get some sleep." O_o
Second, I think I've watched too much CSI - I've seen at least 8 episodes in the past 3 days. I can't help but dream about Grissom & Co. in the middle of the night. I can't help but wonder if I should've gone to UTM for forensics after all. Still, nothing's gonna stop me from watching this favourite drama of mine. 2 more on TV tonight, & maybe a few on DVD too if I have time!!
5.16.2003
Dogs, Pigs, & More...
Argh...I'm now stuck at the rank of 2 stars, "Studio Fly". It's so hard getting to know celebrity friends 'cause these virtual bitches & bastards really think they are all that. Watch it when I get to the top...you'll all be some very sorry asses!! (see what lack of sleep can do to you...O_o)
It's been raining non-stop since last night¹...normally I'd be staying home, either watching TV or surfing the net. Today though, I gotta go out & meet my gkcombi peeps. Kinda excited I must say...we're planning to take lots of pictures (yes, using a digi cam, which I still don't own but some other more fortunate beings do =P), so I'll probably put them up here later or something. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go suck up some more to these "hot celebs" that are supposed to make me become a superstar faster. Hurray.
¹: Was für ein Hundewetter, I say!! =D
Argh...I'm now stuck at the rank of 2 stars, "Studio Fly". It's so hard getting to know celebrity friends 'cause these virtual bitches & bastards really think they are all that. Watch it when I get to the top...you'll all be some very sorry asses!! (see what lack of sleep can do to you...O_o)
It's been raining non-stop since last night¹...normally I'd be staying home, either watching TV or surfing the net. Today though, I gotta go out & meet my gkcombi peeps. Kinda excited I must say...we're planning to take lots of pictures (yes, using a digi cam, which I still don't own but some other more fortunate beings do =P), so I'll probably put them up here later or something. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go suck up some more to these "hot celebs" that are supposed to make me become a superstar faster. Hurray.
¹: Was für ein Hundewetter, I say!! =D
5.15.2003
Glitter
I'm so obsessed with the new Sims expansion pack, "Superstar". It's just so much fun...definitely the best one so far (well, I haven't bought "Unleashed" yet, but I doubt that'd be as cool as this). What I like about it the most is the fact that now you don't have to work by a rigid schedule (if you're a celebrity, that is), so I have a lot more flexibility on time management. Another thing that really rocked is that the friends problem is finally fixed!! With the phone book, I can now call anyone & everyone, as opposed to before where only a limited number of individuals showed up as possible choices (because of this stupid restriction, I lost quite a few friends...ToT). Getting famous is more challenging than I expected though...then again, if they made it too easy, it wouldn't be fun. Right now, I'm a "Name Dropper", that's 1.5 stars out of 5. Still a long way to go...thank God my 4-day weekend is here, so I can play with it as much as I want. Woohoo!!
P.S. I get enough excitement just by screaming "I'm a star!!" everytime I visit Studio Town & the loading screen appears...lol...xD
I'm so obsessed with the new Sims expansion pack, "Superstar". It's just so much fun...definitely the best one so far (well, I haven't bought "Unleashed" yet, but I doubt that'd be as cool as this). What I like about it the most is the fact that now you don't have to work by a rigid schedule (if you're a celebrity, that is), so I have a lot more flexibility on time management. Another thing that really rocked is that the friends problem is finally fixed!! With the phone book, I can now call anyone & everyone, as opposed to before where only a limited number of individuals showed up as possible choices (because of this stupid restriction, I lost quite a few friends...ToT). Getting famous is more challenging than I expected though...then again, if they made it too easy, it wouldn't be fun. Right now, I'm a "Name Dropper", that's 1.5 stars out of 5. Still a long way to go...thank God my 4-day weekend is here, so I can play with it as much as I want. Woohoo!!
P.S. I get enough excitement just by screaming "I'm a star!!" everytime I visit Studio Town & the loading screen appears...lol...xD
5.13.2003
I Am 2 Weird 4 U
Lol this is so fucking hilarious. I can't stop laughing now. It seriously made my day. xD (warning: large image; oh & btw, ignore the signatures...i24 & I are having a silly "campaign" of our own...=P)
Lol this is so fucking hilarious. I can't stop laughing now. It seriously made my day. xD (warning: large image; oh & btw, ignore the signatures...i24 & I are having a silly "campaign" of our own...=P)
5.11.2003
Labour Day In May
As nerdy as it sounds, I'm actually very excited that summer school's starting tomorrow. I miss the subway rides where I enjoy the scenery enhanced by the music of my MD player. I miss the beautiful buildings of the St. George campus (hey Gerstein, I'm back!!). I miss the cute ppl whom I can't help but stare at in the midst of boring lectures...whoops, did that just slip?? xP It just so happens that I've chosen the course with what's possibly the most class time (8 hours per week, Monday to Thursday), making it all the more enjoyable. Plus the fact that I'm so eager to learn German...wow, this summer's gonna be so cool. =D
As nerdy as it sounds, I'm actually very excited that summer school's starting tomorrow. I miss the subway rides where I enjoy the scenery enhanced by the music of my MD player. I miss the beautiful buildings of the St. George campus (hey Gerstein, I'm back!!). I miss the cute ppl whom I can't help but stare at in the midst of boring lectures...whoops, did that just slip?? xP It just so happens that I've chosen the course with what's possibly the most class time (8 hours per week, Monday to Thursday), making it all the more enjoyable. Plus the fact that I'm so eager to learn German...wow, this summer's gonna be so cool. =D
5.09.2003
Betcha Can't Eat Just One
It's amazing how far we'd go to make ourselves feel better about munching junk food. Blue tortilla chips?? They sure look appetizing. Now, if you'd pass me the blue salsa...
(According to Time magazine though, they are actually better-tasting than the regular ones. So I might as well give them a try...^^;)
![[Natural Tostitos]](tostitos.jpg)
It's amazing how far we'd go to make ourselves feel better about munching junk food. Blue tortilla chips?? They sure look appetizing. Now, if you'd pass me the blue salsa...
(According to Time magazine though, they are actually better-tasting than the regular ones. So I might as well give them a try...^^;)
5.04.2003
Intruder Alert
There's this cat who's been visiting our backyard frequently these days. It's a big, furry, grey & white cat...not to mention ADORABLE (for those who don't know, yes, I love cats). I've named it too...Fluffia it is (pronounced fluf-FEE-ah...I'm assuming it's a her). Everytime it's here, my whole family would just stop whatever we are doing & run to the backyard glass doors to check her out. In return, she'd acknowledge our existence by staring back. She even winked at me just now. Awww. xD This is the time when I need a digital camera...
There's this cat who's been visiting our backyard frequently these days. It's a big, furry, grey & white cat...not to mention ADORABLE (for those who don't know, yes, I love cats). I've named it too...Fluffia it is (pronounced fluf-FEE-ah...I'm assuming it's a her). Everytime it's here, my whole family would just stop whatever we are doing & run to the backyard glass doors to check her out. In return, she'd acknowledge our existence by staring back. She even winked at me just now. Awww. xD This is the time when I need a digital camera...
5.03.2003
So Easy, I Can Do It With My Eyes Closed
I have this weird talent of writing songs. Really, I do have this special way of composing some pretty darn impressive (for some reason, always Chinese) pop tunes in my head. The problem is...I hear them in my dreams. This probably sounds all too bizarre, but once in a while, I'd dream of watching a music show on TV & there I would "see" this song performed live...it would be a brand new song that I've never heard of, one that usually sounds awesome. Everytime I wake up, I have the urge to write the song down so maybe I can send it to the singer (or her company...somehow, it's always a her) I envisioned it with. Like right now, I have this great love song "written" for Kelly. It's just very scary...I can still remember that in my dream, I came up with the song's piano intro in no time. It was in a matter of seconds, something that's simply impossible for me to do in real life. I wonder what this means...should I drop out of life science & switch to music?? xD Mind you, I don't even play the piano...
(God...I just have the most interesting dreams, don't I?? =P)
I have this weird talent of writing songs. Really, I do have this special way of composing some pretty darn impressive (for some reason, always Chinese) pop tunes in my head. The problem is...I hear them in my dreams. This probably sounds all too bizarre, but once in a while, I'd dream of watching a music show on TV & there I would "see" this song performed live...it would be a brand new song that I've never heard of, one that usually sounds awesome. Everytime I wake up, I have the urge to write the song down so maybe I can send it to the singer (or her company...somehow, it's always a her) I envisioned it with. Like right now, I have this great love song "written" for Kelly. It's just very scary...I can still remember that in my dream, I came up with the song's piano intro in no time. It was in a matter of seconds, something that's simply impossible for me to do in real life. I wonder what this means...should I drop out of life science & switch to music?? xD Mind you, I don't even play the piano...
(God...I just have the most interesting dreams, don't I?? =P)
5.02.2003
Bubbly
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Mary. She had a crush on a guy named Kevin, someone whom she had never talked to. She knew nothing of him other than his name (through eavesdropping), but from the looks of it, it seemed that Kevin was at least a lil bit interested in her. So one day, using some undisclosed method, Mary broke into his house trying to find out more about him...most importantly, to find out whether he had a girlfriend. Unfortunately, after a few minutes of searching, she saw exactly what she didn't wanna see - love letters that Kevin sent to his loved one. Heartbroken, Mary decided to go home & cry. Just as she was getting ready to leave, however, she realized that Kevin's mom and brother ("He has a brother??!!", she thought) were coming home from the front door!! Freaked out, she ran into the washroom (which was huge...it was more like a public washroom) & hid in one of the stalls. Kevin's brother though, happened to walk right in. Surprisingly, he didn't catch her, even though she was just right in front of his face. It was then that Mary realized Kevin's brother wore super thick glasses, so she thought, "Thank God, he probably can't see me with those." Yet as she was getting relieved, his mom came in, & clearly, she didn't have a problem with sight. She caught Mary immediately, & gave her a glare. Mary just stood there, speechless, as Kevin's mother approached...
(Now, in case you are wondering what all that was about...well, it was my dream last night. xD Of course these ppl didn't have names, I just named them randomly.)
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Mary. She had a crush on a guy named Kevin, someone whom she had never talked to. She knew nothing of him other than his name (through eavesdropping), but from the looks of it, it seemed that Kevin was at least a lil bit interested in her. So one day, using some undisclosed method, Mary broke into his house trying to find out more about him...most importantly, to find out whether he had a girlfriend. Unfortunately, after a few minutes of searching, she saw exactly what she didn't wanna see - love letters that Kevin sent to his loved one. Heartbroken, Mary decided to go home & cry. Just as she was getting ready to leave, however, she realized that Kevin's mom and brother ("He has a brother??!!", she thought) were coming home from the front door!! Freaked out, she ran into the washroom (which was huge...it was more like a public washroom) & hid in one of the stalls. Kevin's brother though, happened to walk right in. Surprisingly, he didn't catch her, even though she was just right in front of his face. It was then that Mary realized Kevin's brother wore super thick glasses, so she thought, "Thank God, he probably can't see me with those." Yet as she was getting relieved, his mom came in, & clearly, she didn't have a problem with sight. She caught Mary immediately, & gave her a glare. Mary just stood there, speechless, as Kevin's mother approached...
(Now, in case you are wondering what all that was about...well, it was my dream last night. xD Of course these ppl didn't have names, I just named them randomly.)
