As frightening as the title may have been, a simple tune has made it into one of the most recognised melodic words in recent history. The Sound of Music phenomenon is truly quite outstanding.
The reason this has come up is that The Duff had gone to watch the musical version of this movie classic on Thursday night. A birthday treat from his girlfriend. He thoroughly enjoyed the evening, eventhough he feels that the movie version was better somehow. Maybe it was just Julie Andrews.
It actually is a true story. The Von Trapp family escaping into the States during WWII. Of course it was made easier being that they were not poor Jews, but nevertheless, the creators of the musical and movie made the tale that much more emotionally involving. A few creative aspects were added, like making the eldest child a girl, and giving us the lovey dovey song "16 going on 17".
They eventually started a music school in America. I cannot imagine what it must've been like to be a student in such an environment. To be surrounded by such talent. But then again, The Duff wonders just how talented the whole family really was. Cynicism is such a party pooper.
The Duff hasn't read any new comics in quite a while. He misses the escapism tremendously. He has been on this Earth for too long. He longs for the fantasy and the unreality. Does this mean he is less rooted? Does this mean he is aloof, and less ambitious to get ahead in life, to have the finer things?
The Duff thinks not. Life is a balancing act, and he thinks we should all really just learn to have fun when we can, even when misery is perpetually following us. For really, life is too short. We have all heard that before, but do we really do anything to seize the day?
So chase that dream, marry that girl, start that company, paint that image, buy that handbag, go for that holiday, squash that bug, test drive that car, get his number, watch that movie, help the poor, .............................Just Do It.
Share your truths. Its within you.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Lessons
The Duff has just returned from a finance course. He is mentally drained, yet curiously satisfied in having learnt and experienced much, from the course material and his coursemates as well. Life is good for him. He wonders when it'll start tumbling down. He has been on an upturn for quite a while now.
During the course, his usual ADD brain kept wandering away from the topics, or blacking out into oblivion, for as usual his cerebral cortex was lacking a few dozen hours of sleep recharge logging. If sleep came in a pill, he'd be popping them by the hour.
Financial terms and going-ons (goings-on?) had been a puzzle to him, but like a magic jigsaw that solves itself, some gaps in his company's structure has come to light. Group work was interesting for he interacted with colleagues (in a loose sense) from other countries. Friendliness and cooperation were the rules of the day, and effort prevailed to produce good work from some humble folks.
Accomodation was in a hotel, with very good service and facilities. The room was clean and comfortable. All in all a wonderful experience.
The Duff pumped V-power fuel into his chariot today. He has used 98 for his last tank and had noticed increased mileage. He has decided to continue with the test for an even higher grade of petrol. Of course, this all depends too on his method of usage. Hard acceleration and exorbitant speeds all could eat into the better mileage claims on the posters. Time will tell.
For now, share your truths. The Duff awaits you, for you are the Truths of the world.
Peace out.
During the course, his usual ADD brain kept wandering away from the topics, or blacking out into oblivion, for as usual his cerebral cortex was lacking a few dozen hours of sleep recharge logging. If sleep came in a pill, he'd be popping them by the hour.
Financial terms and going-ons (goings-on?) had been a puzzle to him, but like a magic jigsaw that solves itself, some gaps in his company's structure has come to light. Group work was interesting for he interacted with colleagues (in a loose sense) from other countries. Friendliness and cooperation were the rules of the day, and effort prevailed to produce good work from some humble folks.
Accomodation was in a hotel, with very good service and facilities. The room was clean and comfortable. All in all a wonderful experience.
The Duff pumped V-power fuel into his chariot today. He has used 98 for his last tank and had noticed increased mileage. He has decided to continue with the test for an even higher grade of petrol. Of course, this all depends too on his method of usage. Hard acceleration and exorbitant speeds all could eat into the better mileage claims on the posters. Time will tell.
For now, share your truths. The Duff awaits you, for you are the Truths of the world.
Peace out.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Cahos Toehry
The Duff spent zero dollars today. As in no cash from his wallet was reacquainted with another's sticky paws.
But in another sense, he has spent hundreds. He drove his car, he paid for his car. He has a home. He used water. He used electricity. Such waste. Such Decadence. Rots the soul.
He went for a Defensive Driving Course today. Supposed costs for each participant was around 200 bucks. He went through slaloms, emergency brakes with ABS and without, screeching and skidding over dry and wet surfaces. He even drove towards a live instructor at 70kmh before swerving away. Nerve racking it was. The Duff wonders how much the instructor's insurance premiums cost, if he has any anyways.
The Duff had 3 chunks of ham, 1 and a half slabs of steak and half an English sausage for dinner on his birthday. He didn't really eat anything the next day.
Maybe it was because the ugly English royalty decided to have a joyous affair on The Duff's birthday. Bad enough he had to share it with his sibling.
The Duff thinks Sin City the Movie rocks.
The Duff went to Malaysia last night, just for a Coffee. Without his passport. He went into the railway station along Keppel.
Verbal Diarrhoea on a Monday. Accepted in most developed countries.
Earthquakes again. Has our time really come? The news over the radio had a Minister insisting that Singaporeans are safe from Earthquakes. Just because some idiots felt the ground shake, they are scared shitless. Pussies.
If only an earthquake hit Singapore. It would be the only earth-shattering event in modern history here.
Truth of the Day. The triangle of survivability. In case an earthquake strikes, do not hide under tables, or below beds, but rather curl up just beside them. Rationalize this. The Truth is within you. Live and Learn.
My mental sphincter shall now become operational.
But in another sense, he has spent hundreds. He drove his car, he paid for his car. He has a home. He used water. He used electricity. Such waste. Such Decadence. Rots the soul.
He went for a Defensive Driving Course today. Supposed costs for each participant was around 200 bucks. He went through slaloms, emergency brakes with ABS and without, screeching and skidding over dry and wet surfaces. He even drove towards a live instructor at 70kmh before swerving away. Nerve racking it was. The Duff wonders how much the instructor's insurance premiums cost, if he has any anyways.
The Duff had 3 chunks of ham, 1 and a half slabs of steak and half an English sausage for dinner on his birthday. He didn't really eat anything the next day.
Maybe it was because the ugly English royalty decided to have a joyous affair on The Duff's birthday. Bad enough he had to share it with his sibling.
The Duff thinks Sin City the Movie rocks.
The Duff went to Malaysia last night, just for a Coffee. Without his passport. He went into the railway station along Keppel.
Verbal Diarrhoea on a Monday. Accepted in most developed countries.
Earthquakes again. Has our time really come? The news over the radio had a Minister insisting that Singaporeans are safe from Earthquakes. Just because some idiots felt the ground shake, they are scared shitless. Pussies.
If only an earthquake hit Singapore. It would be the only earth-shattering event in modern history here.
Truth of the Day. The triangle of survivability. In case an earthquake strikes, do not hide under tables, or below beds, but rather curl up just beside them. Rationalize this. The Truth is within you. Live and Learn.
My mental sphincter shall now become operational.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Ancient History
26 years ago today, a young and lovely lady was carrying a cake to her son's kindergarten. It was his birthday. He was 6. The appearance of his mother made his day, as well as the many kisses he received from his class mates.
The lady was also carrying other things, namely a handbag, another bag with clothes, and a foetus in her womb.
As she put down the cake on a table in her son's class, she felt a huge kick and started feeling contractions. She stayed on through till her son blew out the candles before excusing herself from the scene, rushing to the hospital. She registered herself in, and made sure the nurse informed her husband of the impending arrival of their second child.
As she lay on the hospital bed, waiting for the next contraction, she thought to herself,"Damn stupid baby. Had to be early. Had to be on the same day as the other kid. Which is kinda cool, but, what the??? Oh, here comes the next one. Ooouuuccchhh!"
A few hours later, the doctor held the slippery baby by the legs and bitch-slapped his ass. He started crying, and cheers went around the delivery room. The husband smiled, and held his wife's hands. Both were very happy. Nothing could go wrong in their lives at that moment.
The doctor faced the couple and offered his congratulations. A nurse approached him and stretched out her arms to take the babe. The doctor absentmindedly handed the baby over before she got to him. The baby fell to the ground and landed harshly with a "DUFF"
The lady was also carrying other things, namely a handbag, another bag with clothes, and a foetus in her womb.
As she put down the cake on a table in her son's class, she felt a huge kick and started feeling contractions. She stayed on through till her son blew out the candles before excusing herself from the scene, rushing to the hospital. She registered herself in, and made sure the nurse informed her husband of the impending arrival of their second child.
As she lay on the hospital bed, waiting for the next contraction, she thought to herself,"Damn stupid baby. Had to be early. Had to be on the same day as the other kid. Which is kinda cool, but, what the??? Oh, here comes the next one. Ooouuuccchhh!"
A few hours later, the doctor held the slippery baby by the legs and bitch-slapped his ass. He started crying, and cheers went around the delivery room. The husband smiled, and held his wife's hands. Both were very happy. Nothing could go wrong in their lives at that moment.
The doctor faced the couple and offered his congratulations. A nurse approached him and stretched out her arms to take the babe. The doctor absentmindedly handed the baby over before she got to him. The baby fell to the ground and landed harshly with a "DUFF"
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Death is but a moment away.
The Duff almost died today.
It wasn't bad enough that he had a swollen ankle and a stiff back. After a hard day's worth of slog, he got into his chariot, and away he rode, down the concrete roads that maze around the kingdom. All too soon he had bounced unto the straight country road, and he got into the "fastest" right lane, keep in mind that it was rush hour. The speed was sleepishly hypnotic.
And with his eyes ahead, at the tail of the chariot was his focus total. Yet, with just a blink, the chariot ahead suddenly seemed much closer. The Duff slammed on his brakes, and skidded. He could feel the shudder of the machine and the roughness of the granite on his pedal. He had thought that his chariot's bodyworks had hit the ground.
He stopped just in time. He trace the dust patterns on the number plate in front of him onto his windscreen. That was how close he got.
In a daze, the journey continued, uneventfully. The teachings on Sun Tzu on his MP3 player did not alleviate his lethargy. He was glad to reach his destination, his spirit totally spent.
The Truth he learnt today, was that Death is but a moment away. All the devil had to do was to complete the swing of his scythe, instead of pulling back as he did, however out of character that may have been. Its times like these when The Duff believes that everything happens for a reason, and that sometimes humans may just be part of some grand design.
Carpe Diem!
It wasn't bad enough that he had a swollen ankle and a stiff back. After a hard day's worth of slog, he got into his chariot, and away he rode, down the concrete roads that maze around the kingdom. All too soon he had bounced unto the straight country road, and he got into the "fastest" right lane, keep in mind that it was rush hour. The speed was sleepishly hypnotic.
And with his eyes ahead, at the tail of the chariot was his focus total. Yet, with just a blink, the chariot ahead suddenly seemed much closer. The Duff slammed on his brakes, and skidded. He could feel the shudder of the machine and the roughness of the granite on his pedal. He had thought that his chariot's bodyworks had hit the ground.
He stopped just in time. He trace the dust patterns on the number plate in front of him onto his windscreen. That was how close he got.
In a daze, the journey continued, uneventfully. The teachings on Sun Tzu on his MP3 player did not alleviate his lethargy. He was glad to reach his destination, his spirit totally spent.
The Truth he learnt today, was that Death is but a moment away. All the devil had to do was to complete the swing of his scythe, instead of pulling back as he did, however out of character that may have been. Its times like these when The Duff believes that everything happens for a reason, and that sometimes humans may just be part of some grand design.
Carpe Diem!
Monday, April 04, 2005
2678400 seconds later
The Duff™ is back.
So the Duff had some time off. Laziness took hold over his being for an entire month. He uses Opera as his default browser, but this disallows him to post blogs through it, and he has to use the Devil's browser (IE) to blog. Probably some problem with his cookie settings.
Too many things to recall over the past month to state back here. The Duff would rather state what is now.
The Pope is dead. Another earthquake hit. A lady is slowly dying in the US from malnutrition. The Duff's ankle is busted. Star Wars M&Ms are for sale. The end of Science Fiction is nigh. The Duff wants to get out of the rat race. Sin City debuted at number 1 in the US box office. Comics are expensive. Movie tickets are rising in prices as well. Weights are heavy, water is wet and air is polluted.
The world is going to hell.
But the Truth is out there. Within you. Enlighten the Duff. He is bored. Lift this cloud that lingers over humanity. Do the right thing.
The Duff is outta here. More to come later.
So the Duff had some time off. Laziness took hold over his being for an entire month. He uses Opera as his default browser, but this disallows him to post blogs through it, and he has to use the Devil's browser (IE) to blog. Probably some problem with his cookie settings.
Too many things to recall over the past month to state back here. The Duff would rather state what is now.
The Pope is dead. Another earthquake hit. A lady is slowly dying in the US from malnutrition. The Duff's ankle is busted. Star Wars M&Ms are for sale. The end of Science Fiction is nigh. The Duff wants to get out of the rat race. Sin City debuted at number 1 in the US box office. Comics are expensive. Movie tickets are rising in prices as well. Weights are heavy, water is wet and air is polluted.
The world is going to hell.
But the Truth is out there. Within you. Enlighten the Duff. He is bored. Lift this cloud that lingers over humanity. Do the right thing.
The Duff is outta here. More to come later.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Rhyme Thyme 1
The Duff painted his gate.
Yup you got that right.
He painted it late,
in the middle of the night.
He painted it black,
over the whites.
He did not slack,
after dinner bites.
His father forced him,
in a subtle way.
He just started painting,
in his seat The Duff couldn't stay.
So his arms are now spotty,
with thick black paint.
It actually looks quite gory,
like his skin is nothing but taint.
Give it a day he thinks,
it should all come off.
If not he'd rub it pink,
with something that is rough.
Yup you got that right.
He painted it late,
in the middle of the night.
He painted it black,
over the whites.
He did not slack,
after dinner bites.
His father forced him,
in a subtle way.
He just started painting,
in his seat The Duff couldn't stay.
So his arms are now spotty,
with thick black paint.
It actually looks quite gory,
like his skin is nothing but taint.
Give it a day he thinks,
it should all come off.
If not he'd rub it pink,
with something that is rough.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
CAR
The Duff has his car. His own car. His own piece of transportational excellence. His very own slice of motoring excitement. His one and only spot of mercurial travel equipment. Alas, it has arrived.
For 2 whole dreary months, The Duff had awaited the arrival of his carriage. For 2 months, he went through nail biting anxiety while he awaited the arrival of his carriage. For 2 months, he waited.
The wait is now over.
But, he has limitations. He cannot rev the engine beyond 3000rpms. Or go above 100km/h. He cannot jam on the brakes nor swerve too harshly. In fact, he is supposed to treat the workhorse like a metallic virgin.
However, he has flaunted all the above rules. His workhorse shall not be spoilt. Much like his previous 4 wheels, this one will be treated to the utmost toughest regiment of mechanical gruel.
To him, machines are tools to be used, not to be fussed over.
The Duff will simply not stand for pussy cars. That is his truth. Is it yours?
For 2 whole dreary months, The Duff had awaited the arrival of his carriage. For 2 months, he went through nail biting anxiety while he awaited the arrival of his carriage. For 2 months, he waited.
The wait is now over.
But, he has limitations. He cannot rev the engine beyond 3000rpms. Or go above 100km/h. He cannot jam on the brakes nor swerve too harshly. In fact, he is supposed to treat the workhorse like a metallic virgin.
However, he has flaunted all the above rules. His workhorse shall not be spoilt. Much like his previous 4 wheels, this one will be treated to the utmost toughest regiment of mechanical gruel.
To him, machines are tools to be used, not to be fussed over.
The Duff will simply not stand for pussy cars. That is his truth. Is it yours?
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Redemption
Carrying his case, he enters the casino resort through the front door. Along the carpet he strolls in between the slot machines and makes his way through the crowd. Surrounded by people losing all their money to the casino while hanging onto their hopes, he shakes his head and smirks. He sees a family with 2 little girls laughingly enjoying their holiday. They remind him immediately of his own family. Or rather, what was his, but is now lost.
All was fine before the casino came to Sentosa. He had a good job, manning the bridge, and collecting toll for its short 1km stretch. It paid him enough for his frugal living habits and to support his loving family, even enough for his 2 young girls to see them through to whatever tertiary institution that might gain their fancy. He had his whole life planned out beautifully. His wife was gorgeous, and supportive. There was nothing more that he could have asked for. He was truly in bliss.
All was fine in the world, until the Government accepted a proposal for the Casino to be built on the island. The management immediately decided that the immense traffic that would use the bridge would be jammed up if the toll booth were to continue its lucrative, but ultimately unnecessary existence, and he was fired.
It really went downhill from there. He never got another job. His wife left him, along with the 2 girls whom he never saw again. He took to drinking, and blaming the world for all the ills he had to suffer. In the months that came, he had to sell his apartment just to make ends meet. After the mortgage and monthly payments to his re-married ex-wife, he was quickly siphoning off whatever sum was left.
He couldn't find the light at the end of the tunnel, and decided to go out with a bang, literally. He plotted his revenge.
As he carries the case filled with a timer and explosives, his mind fixes upon delivering it to its target. He nonchalantly puts the other hand into his pocket, and fiddles with the few coins that are in there. They are all that's left that he can rightly call his.
He fishes them out. A dollar and twenty five cents. As he passes the 5 cent machines, he pops a coin in, and continues walking. The machine rings and pops but simply swallows the gold-tinged coin. Small loss.
He turns left into the alley with the twenty cent machines, heading towards the lobby. He inserts the twenty cent coin in his hand, simultaneously getting a static shock from walking on the carpet. This time he stops. Cherry. Banana. Orange. Just as he expected. Again.
"Almost time," he thinks to himself. He imagines the collateral damage that would occur when the timer reaches its hour mark. It would be amazing. He had spent his last eight thousand dollars building this bomb over the last six months. He still remembers how to build one. National Service may have been years ago, but his time in the Engineer Corp was well spent on training.
He took another left and reaches the lobby. As he covers the expanse towards the reception counter, he passes the largest slot machine in the Casino. He pops the last one dollar coin. A million to one were the odds, largely branded above the machine in bright neon lights.
He hits the jackpot.
Immediately, bright spotlights shine on his person. The hotel manager, dressed in a suit, offers his hand and grabs the man's from his side, shaking it fiercely. The man goes into shock. Music starts blasting from all directions and a person announces over the intercom that the ten million dollar jackpot has finally been won. Confetti starts falling from the ceiling.
As he regains his senses, his left arm suddenly feels infinitely heavier. As he grasps the concept that his life has undoubtedly taken another turn, he starts to sweat profusely. It can all be salvaged now. He can even have his family back, and not worry about a thing again. With this jackpot, he can live like a king. Now he just has to excuse himself from such overwhelming attention, and quickly turn off the timer away from prying eyes. There is still a chance. Adrenaline courses through his veins at light-speed. His other hand shakes. He wet forehead glistens in the glare of publicity. The man in the suit grabs the case from him, and gestures him to follow as he leads the way towards a stage.
"NO!" He screams, and lunges towards the case. The hotel manager struggles with him, and tries to persuade the man to let go, and assures that the case would not be lost, that the concierge would take care of it. The man jerks it free violently. He hugs it and turns to run.
BOOM.
All was fine before the casino came to Sentosa. He had a good job, manning the bridge, and collecting toll for its short 1km stretch. It paid him enough for his frugal living habits and to support his loving family, even enough for his 2 young girls to see them through to whatever tertiary institution that might gain their fancy. He had his whole life planned out beautifully. His wife was gorgeous, and supportive. There was nothing more that he could have asked for. He was truly in bliss.
All was fine in the world, until the Government accepted a proposal for the Casino to be built on the island. The management immediately decided that the immense traffic that would use the bridge would be jammed up if the toll booth were to continue its lucrative, but ultimately unnecessary existence, and he was fired.
It really went downhill from there. He never got another job. His wife left him, along with the 2 girls whom he never saw again. He took to drinking, and blaming the world for all the ills he had to suffer. In the months that came, he had to sell his apartment just to make ends meet. After the mortgage and monthly payments to his re-married ex-wife, he was quickly siphoning off whatever sum was left.
He couldn't find the light at the end of the tunnel, and decided to go out with a bang, literally. He plotted his revenge.
As he carries the case filled with a timer and explosives, his mind fixes upon delivering it to its target. He nonchalantly puts the other hand into his pocket, and fiddles with the few coins that are in there. They are all that's left that he can rightly call his.
He fishes them out. A dollar and twenty five cents. As he passes the 5 cent machines, he pops a coin in, and continues walking. The machine rings and pops but simply swallows the gold-tinged coin. Small loss.
He turns left into the alley with the twenty cent machines, heading towards the lobby. He inserts the twenty cent coin in his hand, simultaneously getting a static shock from walking on the carpet. This time he stops. Cherry. Banana. Orange. Just as he expected. Again.
"Almost time," he thinks to himself. He imagines the collateral damage that would occur when the timer reaches its hour mark. It would be amazing. He had spent his last eight thousand dollars building this bomb over the last six months. He still remembers how to build one. National Service may have been years ago, but his time in the Engineer Corp was well spent on training.
He took another left and reaches the lobby. As he covers the expanse towards the reception counter, he passes the largest slot machine in the Casino. He pops the last one dollar coin. A million to one were the odds, largely branded above the machine in bright neon lights.
He hits the jackpot.
Immediately, bright spotlights shine on his person. The hotel manager, dressed in a suit, offers his hand and grabs the man's from his side, shaking it fiercely. The man goes into shock. Music starts blasting from all directions and a person announces over the intercom that the ten million dollar jackpot has finally been won. Confetti starts falling from the ceiling.
As he regains his senses, his left arm suddenly feels infinitely heavier. As he grasps the concept that his life has undoubtedly taken another turn, he starts to sweat profusely. It can all be salvaged now. He can even have his family back, and not worry about a thing again. With this jackpot, he can live like a king. Now he just has to excuse himself from such overwhelming attention, and quickly turn off the timer away from prying eyes. There is still a chance. Adrenaline courses through his veins at light-speed. His other hand shakes. He wet forehead glistens in the glare of publicity. The man in the suit grabs the case from him, and gestures him to follow as he leads the way towards a stage.
"NO!" He screams, and lunges towards the case. The hotel manager struggles with him, and tries to persuade the man to let go, and assures that the case would not be lost, that the concierge would take care of it. The man jerks it free violently. He hugs it and turns to run.
BOOM.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Everybody's Birthday
Today is officially Everybody's Birthday. The Duff wishes one and all, a happy birthday. A year older, a year wiser. Hopefully.
Its been a week since The Duff blogged. Time really flies when you are having fun. The Duff visited many relatives whom he last saw a year ago, under similar circumstances. The Duff also planned to steal his great-grandparents' portraits during one of these visits. Ask him about that story sometime.
Collecting Hong Baos will never lose its charm.
Gorging has been the rule this past week. The Duff is a few kilograms heavier for sure. Which is good. He plans to use alchemy to turn it to muscle.
Valentine's came and went with the usual hoo haa. The reason all these money churning festivities are planned in February is becase the month is the shortest of the year, and all businessmen still have targets to meet. First a festivity that requires enormous spending, and giving away of money to the age group with the highest spending power on Valentine's, and then followed by Valentine's itself in quick succession. Coincidence? The Duff thinks not!
The Duff had a great time with The Nix. A most excellent time. Points to take note. Cooking is good. Washing is bad.
The Duff just realised that A&W Root Beer has been around since 1919.
The Duff is getting bored. No more holidays to look forward to for quite a while. It is time for him to start looking for other things to do, and more Truths to seek.
Share your Truths. Peace out!
Its been a week since The Duff blogged. Time really flies when you are having fun. The Duff visited many relatives whom he last saw a year ago, under similar circumstances. The Duff also planned to steal his great-grandparents' portraits during one of these visits. Ask him about that story sometime.
Collecting Hong Baos will never lose its charm.
Gorging has been the rule this past week. The Duff is a few kilograms heavier for sure. Which is good. He plans to use alchemy to turn it to muscle.
Valentine's came and went with the usual hoo haa. The reason all these money churning festivities are planned in February is becase the month is the shortest of the year, and all businessmen still have targets to meet. First a festivity that requires enormous spending, and giving away of money to the age group with the highest spending power on Valentine's, and then followed by Valentine's itself in quick succession. Coincidence? The Duff thinks not!
The Duff had a great time with The Nix. A most excellent time. Points to take note. Cooking is good. Washing is bad.
The Duff just realised that A&W Root Beer has been around since 1919.
The Duff is getting bored. No more holidays to look forward to for quite a while. It is time for him to start looking for other things to do, and more Truths to seek.
Share your Truths. Peace out!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Been a while
9 days have passed since The Duff last blogged. Have you seen more Truths in the world? The Duff eagerly await your sharing.
The Duff had a wonderful 9 days actually. Events have piled up in his life such that he didn't really have time to blog. During the time since, he had worked his ass off, and played his ass off. Spent a bundle on doodads and knick knacks. Shopping truly is therapeutic. Read some excellent comics (We3 rocks! go check it out!).
Had some fine dining. At the Esplanade. On a rooftop. In the evening. With his soulmate.
The celebration of life with festivals and holidays. They break the monotony and liven up everybody's lives. They remove people from the norm and dull routine that society has pigeonholed everyone into. Only the daring escapes this circle of routine, but may fall into another nevertheless. Thus, Holidays do enliven lives.
With the Lunar New Year officially minutes away in this time zone, The Duff would like to wish one and all to have a most excellent New Year, to thank everyone for contributing to the economy, and lastly, to show him the money.
Drink<->don't drive.
Truth to ponder.
"I'm just giving my two cents worth."-> Giving my opinion.
"A penny for your thoughts?"-> What are you thinking?
Does everyone talk more than the listener wants to hear?
The Duff had a wonderful 9 days actually. Events have piled up in his life such that he didn't really have time to blog. During the time since, he had worked his ass off, and played his ass off. Spent a bundle on doodads and knick knacks. Shopping truly is therapeutic. Read some excellent comics (We3 rocks! go check it out!).
Had some fine dining. At the Esplanade. On a rooftop. In the evening. With his soulmate.
The celebration of life with festivals and holidays. They break the monotony and liven up everybody's lives. They remove people from the norm and dull routine that society has pigeonholed everyone into. Only the daring escapes this circle of routine, but may fall into another nevertheless. Thus, Holidays do enliven lives.
With the Lunar New Year officially minutes away in this time zone, The Duff would like to wish one and all to have a most excellent New Year, to thank everyone for contributing to the economy, and lastly, to show him the money.
Drink<->don't drive.
Truth to ponder.
"I'm just giving my two cents worth."-> Giving my opinion.
"A penny for your thoughts?"-> What are you thinking?
Does everyone talk more than the listener wants to hear?
Monday, January 31, 2005
Exhaustion is exhausting.
The Duff had a tough week. In between helping his elder brother move, he also had functions to attend, soccer to practice, work to do and food to eat. On top of that he had to fix up his own home, especially the supreme mess of the Universe, his room.
Time seem to be a very limited commodity to The Duff. He finds that it is getting out of hand. Time management is required in his life. Does anyone out there have any suggestions?
The Duff had soccer practice yesterday. Right now, he cannot feel his legs. They have disappeared from him, and are reluctant to return to his body because of the strain that he put them through. In spite of a rigorous warm up, they were still tortured into putting up a good show for The Duff's new colleagues. They are pretty sure the moment they return, he would put them through a regular exercise regime. They are sure of this. Very sure.
Right.
Nothing much going on in the Comics scene. A few good comic-based movies are premiering soon though. After the abysmal Elektra, the next one will be, woah, Constantine. Matrix with magic. Sin City is in April. Nice. Star Wars in May. Fantastic Four some time in the summer. Very exciting year indeed. And who can forget, BATMAN! The Duff wishes to watch all these at sneak preview weekends, and cordially invites all his friends. RSVP.
That's all for now. Till the next time The Duff gets more inspired, do share your Truths, right here in this blog.
Time seem to be a very limited commodity to The Duff. He finds that it is getting out of hand. Time management is required in his life. Does anyone out there have any suggestions?
The Duff had soccer practice yesterday. Right now, he cannot feel his legs. They have disappeared from him, and are reluctant to return to his body because of the strain that he put them through. In spite of a rigorous warm up, they were still tortured into putting up a good show for The Duff's new colleagues. They are pretty sure the moment they return, he would put them through a regular exercise regime. They are sure of this. Very sure.
Right.
Nothing much going on in the Comics scene. A few good comic-based movies are premiering soon though. After the abysmal Elektra, the next one will be, woah, Constantine. Matrix with magic. Sin City is in April. Nice. Star Wars in May. Fantastic Four some time in the summer. Very exciting year indeed. And who can forget, BATMAN! The Duff wishes to watch all these at sneak preview weekends, and cordially invites all his friends. RSVP.
That's all for now. Till the next time The Duff gets more inspired, do share your Truths, right here in this blog.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
As the days go by
The Duff slowly finds his days being taken up, even after work. And this pisses him off. His so called free time to spend with whomever he wants is being spent on people that he might not want to spend time with, the decision being not his at all. When doesn life spin out of control, and out of your hands?
Just this week, 4 evenings have been booked. Now one might suggest that this isn't that bad, as it would seem a healthy social life is in place. Unfortunately, a social life beyond control is not what The Duff thinks of as ideal. One should have some time off each day free from committments, and to spend finding one's bliss.
Committment. Has it become a dirty word? Where do your loyalties lie? How do you prioritise? Can society as a whole destroy the individual to such as extent? Share with me your Truths.
Just this week, 4 evenings have been booked. Now one might suggest that this isn't that bad, as it would seem a healthy social life is in place. Unfortunately, a social life beyond control is not what The Duff thinks of as ideal. One should have some time off each day free from committments, and to spend finding one's bliss.
Committment. Has it become a dirty word? Where do your loyalties lie? How do you prioritise? Can society as a whole destroy the individual to such as extent? Share with me your Truths.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Give The Duff A Break!
The Duff had just gone through a break. No, not a break-up, but a 3 day long weekend break.
While most of it wasn't rest, The Duff somehow feels rejuvenated. On top of helping move some heavy duty furniture and getting his hands dirty, it was good clean hard work, and not of the cerebral nature. The Duff believes sometimes a little physical toil is what the body needs. Maybe the endorphins the body produces during phycial exertion cleanses the soul.
The Duff recently read a comic book (Planetary Issue 21) wherein the writer spins a yarn regarding how shamans and mystics manage to know so much about the afterlife and other things. Usually they indulge in some herbal concoction before performing their rituals. The writer suggests that its perhaps because the herbs come from the deep forest, with roots going way down, sucking nutrients from animals and even men who have died before, and thus retain the knowledge somehow. Good stuff.
The Duff also had 2 excellent nights with his gal. After all the hard work during the day, he can only manage sitting in front of a screen in pitch darkness with a whole other bunch of strangers, watching photons hit the screen seemingly at random. How this phenomenon coupled with timed sounds manage to whisk them to Neverland and the Marvel Universe must seem like magic to people from a 100 years before, but something everyone takes for granted now.
The Duff is constantly amazed at how magical technology has become. Has the world come full circle? Are the shamans of today the so called technological wizards? There will come a point when the technical know-how needed to understand how a certain piece of technology works will be way beyond the common man. Wouldn't that, at that moment seem like a magical object?
That is a Truth that the Duff is slowly learning to accept, much to his dismay. What do the rest of you think? Do you share in this Truth?
While most of it wasn't rest, The Duff somehow feels rejuvenated. On top of helping move some heavy duty furniture and getting his hands dirty, it was good clean hard work, and not of the cerebral nature. The Duff believes sometimes a little physical toil is what the body needs. Maybe the endorphins the body produces during phycial exertion cleanses the soul.
The Duff recently read a comic book (Planetary Issue 21) wherein the writer spins a yarn regarding how shamans and mystics manage to know so much about the afterlife and other things. Usually they indulge in some herbal concoction before performing their rituals. The writer suggests that its perhaps because the herbs come from the deep forest, with roots going way down, sucking nutrients from animals and even men who have died before, and thus retain the knowledge somehow. Good stuff.
The Duff also had 2 excellent nights with his gal. After all the hard work during the day, he can only manage sitting in front of a screen in pitch darkness with a whole other bunch of strangers, watching photons hit the screen seemingly at random. How this phenomenon coupled with timed sounds manage to whisk them to Neverland and the Marvel Universe must seem like magic to people from a 100 years before, but something everyone takes for granted now.
The Duff is constantly amazed at how magical technology has become. Has the world come full circle? Are the shamans of today the so called technological wizards? There will come a point when the technical know-how needed to understand how a certain piece of technology works will be way beyond the common man. Wouldn't that, at that moment seem like a magical object?
That is a Truth that the Duff is slowly learning to accept, much to his dismay. What do the rest of you think? Do you share in this Truth?
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Chapter 2
He freezes. He could feel his face turn white while he watches the blood drip from the carvings.
"Why have they come back?" He terrifyingly questions himself, when deep down he knows the answers. "How could they know?"
His hands begin to shiver, as the fear and reality grips him. The inevitable hard fact that he will never escape from the Organization hits him like a truck. His knees buckle and he crumbles to the ground.
All other matters that had bothered him in this new life seem trivial once again. No matter how hard he had tried to run, it seems they have found him. His eyes begin to tear as only hopelessness can bring about. In submission, his shoulders falls. In defeat, he surrenders to fate.
"Steel yourself, boy. I've spent too much of my precious time on you for you to be like a wet dog that you are!" A booming voice resounded along the stairwell. It was a voice he thought he'd never hear again.
"Have you come for me then, old man? Come to finish the job that they sent you to do? I always guessed it would be you; and in some ways, even hoped."
The old man begins to laugh, a hearty laugh from the depths of his body. In the distance, thunder ripples through the air.
"I have not come to finish you off, you little pup. But there is a need for you now, more than ever. The Organization is in chaos. It has become two halves with which one has decided the world is better off without you. I lead the other half. Now come with me. There is much work to be done."
He gets up from the ground and turns around to face the old man. Their eyes meet and they both smile. They embrace each other like old friends. There is much history between them.
Aeons.
"Why have they come back?" He terrifyingly questions himself, when deep down he knows the answers. "How could they know?"
His hands begin to shiver, as the fear and reality grips him. The inevitable hard fact that he will never escape from the Organization hits him like a truck. His knees buckle and he crumbles to the ground.
All other matters that had bothered him in this new life seem trivial once again. No matter how hard he had tried to run, it seems they have found him. His eyes begin to tear as only hopelessness can bring about. In submission, his shoulders falls. In defeat, he surrenders to fate.
"Steel yourself, boy. I've spent too much of my precious time on you for you to be like a wet dog that you are!" A booming voice resounded along the stairwell. It was a voice he thought he'd never hear again.
"Have you come for me then, old man? Come to finish the job that they sent you to do? I always guessed it would be you; and in some ways, even hoped."
The old man begins to laugh, a hearty laugh from the depths of his body. In the distance, thunder ripples through the air.
"I have not come to finish you off, you little pup. But there is a need for you now, more than ever. The Organization is in chaos. It has become two halves with which one has decided the world is better off without you. I lead the other half. Now come with me. There is much work to be done."
He gets up from the ground and turns around to face the old man. Their eyes meet and they both smile. They embrace each other like old friends. There is much history between them.
Aeons.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Balance
The Duff has reached an intersection in his life, which is kind of fast, what with him being so 'young'.
One path leads upslope, up a hill with poison ivy and thorny bushes, with pebbles and landslides, pitfalls and perils, but also found in the distance, mansions and cars, nice clothes and all the other things good in material life. This path signifies the road taken by most who sacrifice much to further their careers, forsaking their innocence and friendships, their care-free lifestyles of the distant pasts.
The other path leads neither upslope nor downhill. It winds sideways, and in all gradients. It has less hazards, but also less mansions, and more of straw huts and brick houses with peeling paint. The dirt track is clear and distinct, with only light shrubs on the sides. This is the path taken by those who prefer to enjoy the finer things in life, to not let their jobs steal away their habits and wants. To have freedom as society allows, while at the expense of not having the full luxuries that life may or may not provide.
The Duff needs to decide which path to take, for once taken, the 2 paths seldom intersect, and a barb-wire fence borders the 2 paths.
The Duff feels that life is too short. Once the road is taken, there can be no turning back. For looking back means having regrets, as well as neck aches.
The Truth is needed. The Duff seeks it daily. Share your Truths.
One path leads upslope, up a hill with poison ivy and thorny bushes, with pebbles and landslides, pitfalls and perils, but also found in the distance, mansions and cars, nice clothes and all the other things good in material life. This path signifies the road taken by most who sacrifice much to further their careers, forsaking their innocence and friendships, their care-free lifestyles of the distant pasts.
The other path leads neither upslope nor downhill. It winds sideways, and in all gradients. It has less hazards, but also less mansions, and more of straw huts and brick houses with peeling paint. The dirt track is clear and distinct, with only light shrubs on the sides. This is the path taken by those who prefer to enjoy the finer things in life, to not let their jobs steal away their habits and wants. To have freedom as society allows, while at the expense of not having the full luxuries that life may or may not provide.
The Duff needs to decide which path to take, for once taken, the 2 paths seldom intersect, and a barb-wire fence borders the 2 paths.
The Duff feels that life is too short. Once the road is taken, there can be no turning back. For looking back means having regrets, as well as neck aches.
The Truth is needed. The Duff seeks it daily. Share your Truths.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Chapter 1
He abruptly sits up in his bed. His clock is ticking away as he takes short, shallow breaths. His forehead has a layer of cold sweat,his heart beating like a korean drum.
The alarm goes off. He clicks on the 'Alarm Off' button. "Just in time," he thinks to himself," and not a moment too soon."
He could see the street outside his room through his blinds. Car lights filter through the dirty window, casting cold, long shadows across his ceiling. He gets off his bed and his feet automatically searches for his slippers. He hates cold floors.
The bathroom greets him as it always had each morning. His place of solitude. The man looking at him in the mirror looks oddly familiar. He goes through his daily morning routine, coming out of the bathroom ready to tackle the world.
He picks out his uniform and gets dressed. Getting his bag and shoes, he tries to leave home as quietly as possible. His family is still fast asleep. He closes the main door, and puts on his shoes. As he stands up, an iron tang in the air hurts his senses.
He looks up and sees the word "HELL" carved into the wooden door.
The alarm goes off. He clicks on the 'Alarm Off' button. "Just in time," he thinks to himself," and not a moment too soon."
He could see the street outside his room through his blinds. Car lights filter through the dirty window, casting cold, long shadows across his ceiling. He gets off his bed and his feet automatically searches for his slippers. He hates cold floors.
The bathroom greets him as it always had each morning. His place of solitude. The man looking at him in the mirror looks oddly familiar. He goes through his daily morning routine, coming out of the bathroom ready to tackle the world.
He picks out his uniform and gets dressed. Getting his bag and shoes, he tries to leave home as quietly as possible. His family is still fast asleep. He closes the main door, and puts on his shoes. As he stands up, an iron tang in the air hurts his senses.
He looks up and sees the word "HELL" carved into the wooden door.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
The Apathetic Shoe Salesman
The Duff keeps hearing things about the young people nowadays not caring about the world beyong their own. The do not participate in the political system, and they do not cherish what they have, having been living in a world relatively secure and untouched by the perils of the reality.
Apathy develops in people too much into their comfort zones. Without a challenge to their established realities, it is hard for them to imagine a life otherwise. How can they be bothered with affairs of the outside world?The Duff was thinking, what with the terrible tragedy of the tsunamies in the region, was all the help really sincere in all sense of the word? Were they really helping out to make the life of strangers better? Or were they just doing it for the credit, the recognition, the social pull of such an event and its 'rewards'? Or is The Duff just too skeptical? The appearances of roller blades and snowboards amongst the donations just didn't appease The Duff's cynical side at all, not one bit.
What about those who continued to sell vouchers, or collect donations on behalf of other charities? Did their 'business' decrease due to a shift in the tide of sympathy? What about the charity shows on television? Were their collections less, now that people have blown their tax-write-offs on tsunami donations already?
The Duff supposes that for us, the favoured in the eyes of the world, to truly appreciate the goodness that can be done, we have to really see and experience the tragedies. To walk among the fields of the dead, and to console the inconsolable. To step into another's shoes, as wretched as those shoes may be, without soles or spiked with thorns, those unbearable shoes. Simply giving out monies, and goods, as kind and well intentioned, cannot be compared with those who went over to the disaster areas, and to get into the thick of things.
The Duff salutes them. They are heroes. They are The Truth.
Apathy develops in people too much into their comfort zones. Without a challenge to their established realities, it is hard for them to imagine a life otherwise. How can they be bothered with affairs of the outside world?The Duff was thinking, what with the terrible tragedy of the tsunamies in the region, was all the help really sincere in all sense of the word? Were they really helping out to make the life of strangers better? Or were they just doing it for the credit, the recognition, the social pull of such an event and its 'rewards'? Or is The Duff just too skeptical? The appearances of roller blades and snowboards amongst the donations just didn't appease The Duff's cynical side at all, not one bit.
What about those who continued to sell vouchers, or collect donations on behalf of other charities? Did their 'business' decrease due to a shift in the tide of sympathy? What about the charity shows on television? Were their collections less, now that people have blown their tax-write-offs on tsunami donations already?
The Duff supposes that for us, the favoured in the eyes of the world, to truly appreciate the goodness that can be done, we have to really see and experience the tragedies. To walk among the fields of the dead, and to console the inconsolable. To step into another's shoes, as wretched as those shoes may be, without soles or spiked with thorns, those unbearable shoes. Simply giving out monies, and goods, as kind and well intentioned, cannot be compared with those who went over to the disaster areas, and to get into the thick of things.
The Duff salutes them. They are heroes. They are The Truth.
Monday, January 10, 2005
The Agony of Love
The Duff had recently been listening to another series of audiobooks. The latest was a series of interviews with Joseph Campbel, who was an authority on mythology, stories from the dawn of time to recent history, stories from all cultures, religions, geographies and philosophies.
In them, he found many similar themes from totally unrelated periods and peoples. It was as if stories were being tapped from a world ether that everyone shares. The innate desires and fears, trials and tribulations of all, except The Duff, seem to be the same, whenever and wherever we hail from.
One of the chapters described Love. And Sacrifice. Funny how both are associated together. In that chapter, he described love as being an agony, the agony of being apart from that special someone whom you yearn for. But with that agony comes bliss when being together. In life, there is always a balance.
Love is a very human condition. No other creature in the world could possibly fathom such an emotion. Some species of animals do practice monogamy, but love simply transcends such simple biological functions. There are many forms of it, from brotherly to romantic to familial.
Poems have been written about it. Movies made, songs sung, paintings drawn, lives lost, lives Lived, all for this simple yet unquestionably complex human condition. It takes years for one to come to terms with it. To truly appreciate and understand its function in its many forms.
Does one let it overcome oneself? Does one hold it back, in control on a leash? Does one live with it, side by side, or like an acrobat on a highwire? Is it overated? Is it understated? Its a conundrum to say the least.
Give me your truths. Give me your words. Give me your opinions. You Are The Truth.
The Duff? He seeks romantic love, lets it overwhelm him, then lives beside it, and slowly controls it. Its a ride The Duff enjoys, and thinks life is much more fulfilling because of it.
The other loves supports romantic love. But these pillars are also very important. Without them, it all fails. These are what The Duff opinionates.
Now go seek, and ye shall find, while The Duff goes singing in the rain.
In them, he found many similar themes from totally unrelated periods and peoples. It was as if stories were being tapped from a world ether that everyone shares. The innate desires and fears, trials and tribulations of all, except The Duff, seem to be the same, whenever and wherever we hail from.
One of the chapters described Love. And Sacrifice. Funny how both are associated together. In that chapter, he described love as being an agony, the agony of being apart from that special someone whom you yearn for. But with that agony comes bliss when being together. In life, there is always a balance.
Love is a very human condition. No other creature in the world could possibly fathom such an emotion. Some species of animals do practice monogamy, but love simply transcends such simple biological functions. There are many forms of it, from brotherly to romantic to familial.
Poems have been written about it. Movies made, songs sung, paintings drawn, lives lost, lives Lived, all for this simple yet unquestionably complex human condition. It takes years for one to come to terms with it. To truly appreciate and understand its function in its many forms.
Does one let it overcome oneself? Does one hold it back, in control on a leash? Does one live with it, side by side, or like an acrobat on a highwire? Is it overated? Is it understated? Its a conundrum to say the least.
Give me your truths. Give me your words. Give me your opinions. You Are The Truth.
The Duff? He seeks romantic love, lets it overwhelm him, then lives beside it, and slowly controls it. Its a ride The Duff enjoys, and thinks life is much more fulfilling because of it.
The other loves supports romantic love. But these pillars are also very important. Without them, it all fails. These are what The Duff opinionates.
Now go seek, and ye shall find, while The Duff goes singing in the rain.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Good Food, Clean Living
The Duff had an enormous dinner today. 4 appetizers, 2 main courses, a dessert and a coffee. Caloric intake was estimated to be 100,000,000 kCals.
The Duff shall work out tomorrow.
Does this constitute as a good health practice? Do you first eat beyond your needs, and then work it out? Or do you first work it out, then replenish what you have lost or are going to need? The Duff supposes over-eating is never good, as wonderfully out of this world it may feel during the process, the after effects leave little to be desired.
Nutritionists suggest eating 6 small meals a day. The Duff thinks the Hobbits might have been on to something with their many meals. Perhaps that's why they are so small. Eating many small meals supposedly quickens your metabolic rate. Small meals constitute sandwiches, apples, high protein or carbohydrate bars, cereals, etc.
Not exactly great food in The Duff's humble opinion.
Nothing beats an oily sausage, freshly cooked bacon strips, a chunky hamburger, salty fries, bloody steak, cheesy hotdogs and any chinese dish.
Give The Duff your opinion on this topic. You Are The Truth. Share your Truth,share your Word.
The Duff, he likes food.
The Duff shall work out tomorrow.
Does this constitute as a good health practice? Do you first eat beyond your needs, and then work it out? Or do you first work it out, then replenish what you have lost or are going to need? The Duff supposes over-eating is never good, as wonderfully out of this world it may feel during the process, the after effects leave little to be desired.
Nutritionists suggest eating 6 small meals a day. The Duff thinks the Hobbits might have been on to something with their many meals. Perhaps that's why they are so small. Eating many small meals supposedly quickens your metabolic rate. Small meals constitute sandwiches, apples, high protein or carbohydrate bars, cereals, etc.
Not exactly great food in The Duff's humble opinion.
Nothing beats an oily sausage, freshly cooked bacon strips, a chunky hamburger, salty fries, bloody steak, cheesy hotdogs and any chinese dish.
Give The Duff your opinion on this topic. You Are The Truth. Share your Truth,share your Word.
The Duff, he likes food.
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