Starcraft 2, the Peak of gaming nirvana?

This video I found today will explain all.

Whats keeping me away from work this time?

Having a blast, blasting things around the dessert planet of Pandora with my soldier class Roland. And one thing that seems to work for me in this game is the RPG elements in it. Gives an updated feel to RPG games which have always been with swords and sorcery, only now its plasmids and guns.

You still have your favorite class of heroes. There’s Mordecai, the Hunter\Sniper, Roland the Soldier\Support, Lillith the Rouge\Assassin and Brick the Tank\Heavy. Each have their own set of skills and capabilities as well as personal story lines. Story goes that each of them have a reason for being in Pandora aside from the main quest of searching for the ever elusive ‘Vault’. Meantime, there are tons of quests, side quests and challenges to keep you busy as well as to toughen up your avatar.

Being made from 2K Games, which were the generators of another one of my favorite games “Bioshock” they did not disappoint when it came to bringing the feel and comfort of gun handling in Borderlands. At the moment I’ve just started out with Roland and did some main quests till I unlocked a buggy which I can either load a machine gun or rocket launcher attachment on. I expect a lot out of this game in the time to come.

Meanwhile, I also have this to keep me company.

Honestly, I have no idea why so many people hyped about this game’s drawbacks. It handles just as well as its predecessors and has only a few minor changes to the mechanics. Sure, you don’t buy moves with blood points anymore, instead you can only unlock the moves with proud souls which can only be gained from a higher rating on mission completion. I noticed the fight style is slightly slower, but not too slow until fights become static. The combo’s and insane build ups with gun and melee is nearly unstoppable as before. And despite what many say, Nero is not that bad a character. I think it actually adds some challenge for Dante, who by the way is looking pretty ripened now.

In fact, I love this game as the new visuals make the fighting sequences even more exciting and the ‘perfection within a second’ fight style looks glorious. Maybe I could be bias, since I do love the DMC series, but when I think about that and remind myself of the negative reviews from others, I realize I’m still playing, and I’m still enjoying the fact I’m bashing up 8 to 10 monsters simultaneously with out dropping my style bar. So, tough for you guys who think it went down, DMC4 is the perfect fix for a boring day in.

Money well earned and well spent I would say, these two games will keep me company for a long time indeed. Well, that is until I finish my assignments and exams.

Lazy day(s). What was happening and what will happen.

I’ve been lazy! I know. Hey, at least I’m being honest about it. Ha ha.

Yes, I did not update yet again last night. Well, that’s because Seng Ming, had an emergency, which was that he had no commis for his kitchen class, so I decided to come help him for the night. And ended up helping Ozeir and Big Jon too. Well, what to do? Commis, who like us before in Diploma, are actually supposed to help us seniors out voluntarily. However, many nowadays tend to ignore this simple duty and some even ask for a fee to do so. Kinda puts me off, but I can understand where their coming from, I mean I did not like it at first myself.

When I started out as a commis for my seniors, I too did not have a good feeling. In fact the irony was that I started out very excited with the idea, learning from a senior on cooking and meeting new people. The first senior I commised for was young girl, not local from what I gathered and had no clue as to cooking food. But she tried, and in the process, injured me. I was told to come and get ingredients from the tray with her, which lead to her swinging her arm back with her recipe list, causing a paper cut onto my left cornea.

It hurt like HELL. And to make  matters worse, me, being young, wanted to show I was eager to work, also not wanting to make my first attempt as a commis a bad one, I soldiered on through the night, raging against the pain of my slit cornea and groaning every so often to control it. I teared like mad every 15 seconds or so. Even Pn. Siti saw me and kept telling me to go home. But I wanted to finish what i came to do. So I did, foolishly. And when i got home around 11pm, and Mom gave me a check up, we were at the Optometrist the very next morning. And wow, the image was not pretty. After a minor check up and a white eye patch later (plus MC) I went home to rest up. What a time.

But that was only THE FIRST time. In a weird sense, I popped that cherry, but the popper went to my eye as well.

However that does not explain this other scenario. This time I was in term 3, much more confident in the kitchen and have already gotten the hang of many techniques. In fact most of the time, seniors who were not from the Culinary side aimed for me. Apparently kitchen is still on their finals, (like me now) and they have forgotten most of their basics. So, having me to help made things a lot easier to understand and learn. I can’t remember how many times I made Mornay Cakes and Fish roulades with white wine sauce during those classes. Even Chef Chong with his trusty camera became familiar with me all too well.

So one fine day, I was asked to be a commis for another random senior. He looked like he was just sentenced to a death penalty when I met him. I did the usual introductions and made some idle chatting, but he seemed imminent on staring at his blank recipe sheet. I asked what he would like me to do, he just mumbled to himself and ran off to his buddy, apparently he was as blank as a monk’s mind in deep meditation. I soon got it out from him, that he was a freshie, transferred from another college, where he never had to cook before. So I decided to help him out with what little I had with me. If course certain skills that need to be done by him, were.. none existent. His frenching of the lamb rack was rather Chicago, (if you get the joke) and he seemed so immersed in massaging it rather than cooking anything else.

End of the day, whatever I could get my hands on, was cooked and prepared as properly as I could to present something for him. His contribution was a well kneaded lamb rack, mummified by strings and a blank stare in contemplation as to whether he was holding a potato or an egg. Then he decided to ask me, I told him it was an egg. And he went back to contemplate some more.

In factuality, there were many more stories to add into. But to counter it, there were just as many, even plenty more good and awesome stories. Commis duty is lots of fun, no doubt. Doing it to learn is one thing, meeting new people is another, and of course being able to play around and explore new things too. We only have so many kitchen classes, and it helps to be able to practice as often as you can. I picked up quite a few tricks from commis duty and new friends, and also got to eat some really good food too. The things I cherish the most about this tradition of getting commis with senior’s is that no other course of study actually puts a junior of any rank to be on the same playing field with a senior. In the kitchen you learn as you go, and what your lecturers WILL teach you can be seen from your seniors handiwork. And its really good fun. Thats why I usually find myself being a commis 2 to 3 times a week.

So I don’t understand whats to dislike about being a commis. You have so much to gain from it, and if more people were pro-active in supporting it, as they should, they can see it to be a great ice breaker for seniors and juniors to know each other. I have made many new friends with juniors and I appreciate each of them for their help, and I repay the favour too by supporting their projects and giving advice. Win-win situation.

So why push aside or cheapen something fulfilling for you? Look at the bigger picture guys and girls. We were once in your shoes and have seen plenty on the world you are about to enter and learn to love. And everyone could use a big bro or sister to help you along the way. You only need to ask nicely.

Cest la vie

That kind of sums up my day. =)

Won’t say who, but a very clever person only alerted my group about a certain group assignment which is due the very next day. And it pisses me off to know that other groups have already started where as we have less than 24 hours to complete our ’share’ of it. So thank you to the person who did so. Maybe next time you could be more considerate with your timing.

When we went Wii, they went wee wee.

An interesting read I found today. Looks like the pressure has really been strung upon Sony and Xbox from the Wii’s unique motion sensor style system. The latest in  the news from Sony is that they plan to implement the new motion controller for the PS3. How original thought I. As if the Wii had not already borrowed the conventional controller schematics for some of their games, it’s no surprise that the other consoles follow suit.

Here’s the idea of their Wii-mote Sony motion controller for the PS3.

Which looks very similar to the old VCR remote controls that we used to have back in the 90’s. I wonder what will come of this?

For comparison’s sake here is the actual Wii-mote.

And also the Xbox 360’s motion controller as well.

Of course at the moment I can’t say for sure if this is actually going onto production, and more to the fact, to what end will this ‘new’ add on bring to games? Most of the PS3 games are awesome with the Sixaxis controller and are very easy to play with. Granted that the Wii is great fun too, (my brother has one)  its fun in the sense that games require actual movement and participation, but with somewhat slower response time. I mean, you really expect to play games like Bushido or Ninja Gaiden which are fast paced using a Wii-mote? You can’t move that fast, (without endangering someone else or the TV) to gain that feel.

But one thing to note that MAYBE a good thing in the future is from Microsoft’s Xbox, Project Natal. The ideas improvised from it are very promising and might finally get our mom’s to stop complaining that we never get our asses moving when we play games.

These are signs that the age of gaming is about to achieve its next milestone. First they came as a new way to spend time and to challenge us. Then they started telling stories, the color and shapes were introduced, finally moving pictures and the next thing graphics were installed, the age of CGI and motion capture actors and finally this.

With each passing year, the gap between player and the world of virtual entertainment closes are much more. Soon, there won’t be a gap and the likes of consoles and motion remotes may well be a thing of the past. Who know? The next best thing could be a complete download of ourselves in a surrounded virtual world, where we can be away from reality, just like in the movies.

As said by Oliver Wendell Holmes, “The Future Is Now”.

Get down on it, come on and, study!

If your are a college student, or ever was one, you’d understand what I mean when it comes to ’studying’ for your exams. I say this with a sense of humor, since, well lets face it.

Do we ever get to studying until ONLY when we’re at the brink of no return? Most of the time, yes.

Could we start, say, favorably 3 weeks before? Not likely.

How about 2 weeks before? Close, if we really felt like it.

1 week before? Well any smart fellow would say yes to this, but I’m not JUST any smart fellow.

Day before exam? No stress please, I need to relax my brain for the paper, all work no play will cost us in the end.

1 hour before paper?

OMGWTHBBQSOSXtothepieof4dividedby2minusthe3frythepepperchillisaucegravychicken

knockersDoesthatmakesenseIdontknowOMGkillmenow

Half of the time, they will end up like this.

Yes, it is true. Sad but true. I thankfully never had the privilege of reaching such a state of mind, and I do not hope to. But I admit, the stress level in college is rising, I’m already in my final term for my Higher Diploma in Taylor’s College, with no less than 7 weeks left of revision classes. To give us an additional kick in the gonads, our first week has us missing a few classes already as lecturers were no where to be found. Also the Chinese New Year holidays are arriving, leaving us off another week of revision. And to put the cream on top, we also have a wonderful TIS report\dissertation to complete by the month of March. Can I get some fries with that please?

That’s a lot to take in for just one paragraph ain’t it? Well, I’ll level with you. I’ve been on both sides of this party before, in high school and in my Diploma days. I’ll be frank and honest here, most of the time when they tell you to study, they mean it. Not to be a full time nerd I mean, seriously, that’s asking way too much from us. But sometimes, they do mean it, and that can be hazardous to us, ditto if this comes from parents too. Studying too much and too early on will have a very heavy side effect as I will elaborate later. Another thing to note is from your companions, despite their cool and suave looks, saying ever so confidently, that studying is for losers, and that last minute is always more than enough. Tell them to go be happy with their ideals somewhere else, because this picture is a good example of some noobs who did take them seriously.

So where does this put us? Well, in the middle of course. Think about it, when people pressure you, they always try to either scare you with an extreme or persuade with another. The funny thing about people is that they never seem to notice how simple and easy things can be by just staying mediocre. Not mediocre as in just barely passing exams, but by having a balanced personality.

Here’s what I mean. Take the advice from both parties, and combine them. Why? Well, they are on both extremes, so half of each will give you the perfect balance. Don’t deny the logic, even in theory it can be put to practice.

Like this for example, your teacher recommends you study everyday, your friends say you need to play as hard as you study.

Answer:

Do so, study a bit on a subject everyday. Read something you’ve learned before or just learned today. Take like an hour or more if you like and then get to playing. But limit yourself here. As your friends said, play as hard as you study, so keep a balance check on just how much you play compared to studying. You can’t lie to yourself, and more importantly, you shouldn’t. After all if life was an online game, you’d be the loser who could never level up fast enough or complete quests with the bonus if you spent all day at the inn.

Here some things that would help give a better idea on my point.

1.) First start, by starting,

Always get yourself into the idea that studying is part of your life. Start to accept that, because its a fact. Wherever and whenever, you’ll always learn something new. When you realize that its a natural trait for us humans to be inquisitive and curious, the easier it is to begin.

2.) Eat a good meal before or after.

Snacking before and after are fine, not during. Despite what people say that eating helps you focus, its most likely your focus will be on the food. When you eat something, not only is your mind interpreting the taste and textures of your food, but you nose, mouth, ears and even your eyes are all working into registering it. That’s all five senses at work already. It may seem like a minor thing, but there’s a lot going on with every chew and slurp.

3.)Make it your ‘thing’ to do each day.

Another natural trait we have is in finding rhythms or having a ‘thing’ we do everyday at a particular time. Make studying a part of it. Like me, when I first started blogging, I tend to give it up for months on end. Recently, I have developed a habit of posting something everyday, and not just anything too. These articles help me understand myself better, and for you to understand me.

4.) Speeding kills, turtles get run over.

Likewise, don’t rush through the books or aim too high like completing the novel “War and Peace” in one session. Ditto for aiming to finish that book by the time you hit 70+ when your only 20 this year. Take it slow and relax, go at your own pace. Start with a sub topic (or a page, your own limit) and then a chapter. Once your comfortable, set a time, 45 minutes to an hour is solid, granted you really try and reach your goal.

5.) Have fun.

Seriously, do have fun. The best part about it is that when you learn something, how we learn is unique to us. For example when I started to learn the strings on a guitar, the book said to memorize, Every, Boy,Good, Deserves, An, Elephant. Couldn’t stick. Until I memorized it like this, Eat, Bugs, Get, Diarrhea, All, Evening. It even helped many of my friends who were amateurs too. So make what you’ve learned into something fun and crazy, it helps you remember better and its a great way to open conversations.

Keep these in mind and if you put your heart to it, you can achieve anything.

I don’t wanna be anything, other than what I’ve been trying to be lately.

When we were young and when we were pure, we all had dreams to being many things. Playing games together, using our imaginations we could be anything our hearts desired. So obviously, we start to build ourselves, our characters from our imaginations, our heroes and their distinctive traits. Each of us has our own version to it, and today for the feeling of melancholy, I’ll share some of mine.

The first time I played imagination we were playing police and thieves. No, I didn’t want to be a cop, instead I was a robber. But not just any robber, I was one of the best. I could blend into any crowd and be invisible in a blink of an eye. Of course unlike the common perception of thieves, I don’t rob for personal gain, instead I robbed for the needy and I dislike the notion of murder and killing. I was a thief with a heart of gold. Which was quite a lot for a kid of only 11 years old. Thinking back, I was quite surprised at not only my desired impression of this thief, but also his moral values.

Then at the age of 12, I got my hands on my first fantasy novel. One that involved what would become one of the most notable persona’s I come to respect and love. The Knight. I’ll absolutely loved the idea and the picture of knights. Being decked in armor, master of weapons and the champion of good. I adored everything about knighthood, from the combat to the code of honor each one had to respect. Rescuing damsels from dangerous beasts and riding home to glory and fortune. From the books I read cover to cover, I studied and practiced what I understood about being a knight. Being respectable, a gentleman and always choosing the side of good against evil.

But then I came to see that not all was to  be. Because at that time I was very young and had much to learn. So I had to leave out  my dreams knighthood for the time being. So instead I decided to get a dose of reality and try to find something that I could relate with. Something solid. So of all thing, until now I can’t tell why, I actually intended to become a lawyer. I guess part of me that still believed in justice prompted me to it.

Thankfully that was a short term dream. A very short one indeed. Considering I could not see the joy of being one, nor tell whether it was for me at all. Even my grandmother was against it. The mere mention of the profession got her warning me about the ‘lies’ and deceits I would have to face every single winking moment of my life. I too despised the desk job with the mountainous  load of paper work. The life was not for me. Which then lead me to my next field of interest. The field of acting.

In particular, I admired many actors, but the one I admire most is Russell Crowe. I admire his strong style as well his charismatic demeanor. He has the ability to gain respect and take command at any time. His most memorable roles were in Gladiator as well as in Master And Commander. He was quite alright in A Good Year as well. Being which when I understood his personal profile, I understood as to why he can control such emotions. Read about it and you’ll know. Needless to say, my choices to an acting career were not so lucrative and I decided to find greener pastures. Which lead me to a more proactive goal. To become a fire fighter.

Which led me to joining the Fire Fighter’s club in high school. I took part in it as best I could and learned up on the safety rules as well as life saving techniques. Which were not given to me at the club, as it was new and not properly established. So the only thing we did there was march. That’s about it. I was all out for it, from the many great stories and the life, I wouldn’t mind living it up as a fire fighter. I desired action, and to be out of the office. I realized I’m not someone who can sit still for very long. Not counting gaming.Then revelation struck me one day, for a life that was bitter sweet but in a way rewarding for me. The life of an entrepreneur the hospitality sector. To be precise a restauranter dealing in pastries.

So from all that I was a kid to the growing up, I guess I did pick up some pretty good habits and techniques along the way to help me learn and grow. Ironic. I feel. But its what I feel confident in now and will do so for my future. Maybe in time to meet my bucket list too. I enjoy life and all it has to offer, so I’ll keep on working to my dreams. Who knows, maybe I might even change my dream again. I can’t say for sure, but what I do know is, no matter what it maybe, it matters to have a dream to begin with, rather than spending away time considering the if’s and maybe’s. If you have them, don’t consider them with your words and what you may know, get out there and find out for yourself. To know something is to become something, so get your info form the best source, the people who do them.

Don’t be afraid to try new things, because good or bad, there is always plenty to gain from it.

Getting sick, being sick, staying sick. Its just sick.

Hooray, I have a sore throat and a blocked nose. That’s just sarcasm by the way. Getting sick is pretty much a staple for me and my family. Whenever a flu bug or a nauseating virus comes to town, chances are, one of us will get it, and like the caring people we are, we start to share it amongst each other.

We’ve come to live with it. I for one have accepted the fact that no matter what, I will almost always catch something horrendous just before something important or exciting is about to happen. By no means, do I act such a way as to ignore or avoid my responsibilities. In fact I missed out on lots of fun stuff because of these damned infections. My mom had to pressure me out of the college project because she didn’t want me coughing about with the food. (which is good advice, but I REALLY wanted to be there)

So anyways, I figured when I get sick, I’ll just be a smart guy and not add more stress to the microscopic battles that’s ensuing within myself. I’ve seen people drag themselves to work in the name of being hard working and diligent. But really when I see the end results, chances are there is more damage done then good achieved. Not only did the guy’s condition end up worse, there was not much work he could do and he actually put the rest of his crew at risk of being sick, which many did the following week. So my advice to all those tough and strong people, (or those who assume they are) play it smart and stay put. If you can, why not do work from home, if its that urgent ? We have e-mails, messenger programs and the wide web as our disposal.

But I digress, sometimes some work can’t be sent over in digital form. If your work happens to involve a lot of physical stress or more towards the technical sides, then you are better off not being there and should be resting. In fact take some tips from me  when I get sick. I always try to get back on my feet as soon as possible, but not by force. I know myself in a way that only each of us can about our own bodies. For me, when I get sick, the most important thing is not just to sleep it off, but instead its to keep myself calm. When I get sick, my body tends to tense up and in some cases, actually sweat out as if I’ve been running a triathlon. So what I need to do is keep calm, here’s my usual repertoire.

I always start with a good warm shower, nothing revitalizes the body better than having a warm and comforting shower that cleans you up and refreshes your system.

Next thing I do then is walk into the kitchen and check the fridge, as well as the dry cabinet. Because its then time to make comfort food for the ailing person. Now, keep in mind that though I deal and study with fancy foods most of the time, I’m really a simple guy at heart and enjoy even the simplest of foods too. Like soup. Who can deny a good warm bowl of soup on a cold wet day? That’s what I usually make to give me a perk up on slow days like these.

Here’s a very simple recipe to try. It does not involve very heavy work and can be made in a leisurely pace. All you need is a stove, a simple chopping board with knife and pot of water.

Pick Me Up Chicken Soup (makes enough for 4 bowls)

Carrots         1 whole (skinned and cubed)

Potato           1 whole (skinned and cubed)

Leek              1\2 a stick (sliced into circles)

Garlic            5 segments (skinned and sliced through)

Onions          1 whole (skinned and sliced into half circles)

Oil                   1 one teaspoon

Bayleaf         1 leaf

Chickn Stock  1 cube

Salt n Pepper    A\N

Water                 A\N

Chicken Meat      200gm (cubed) ((breast is best here))

Optional : A few strands of spaghetti

1.) Clean and prepare all the veggies, season the chicken cubes.

2.) Start by adding the oil into the pot and put on high fire.

3.) Add in the garlic, onions and let them cook till aromatic. Toss in the chicken cubes and cook till brown. Then carrots and leek.

4.) Once veggies and meat are mixed well add in water, to about 2\3 of the pot. Toss in the bayleaf and the chicken stock cube. Lastly the potaoes. Now cover the pot and bring to a low flame. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

5.) If you want to add in the spaghetti, now would be a good time. Test to see if the potatoes and carrots are soft enough. Taste the soup, if you like it thicker, you can add some corn starch or tapioca powder. Season to taste and enjoy while piping hot.

And to accompany that I will of course grab a cup of hot tea. Its one of the best cures for a sore throat or running nose. It always calms me down whenever I need to take a break.

Oh, and a good book too! Not only does this give you valuable you time to enjoy, it also gives opportunity for you to escape to your imagination and to stories that are much much more interesting to enjoy compared to the television. Be it any genre on any topic, being sick is one of the best times to enjoy a book. Because the energy you need to read a book is little compared to the attention you give to a squawking sound box with a lot of bright colours and loud noises.

And one more thing I truly need is a place of comfort. A place to rest and restore my energy. Someplace comfortable and relaxing. For some its the garden, others the couch, some even enjoy their bathrooms. Which I can see, especially if your bathroom looked like this.

I’m not fortunate enough yet to have such a bathroom, so I tend to cozy up on my bed beside my window. Perfect lighting and a perfect place to just let your hair down, if I had any hair long enough to let down.

And last but not least, music is very important too! Good comforting music, acoustic and acapella  works wonders. I usually have a play list with some Jason Mraz, Corrine Bailey Rae, Micheal Buble or some Acid Jazz lounge music playing about in the background as I envelope my imagination with the writings of various novelists. I’m working my way with “Addition” by Toni Jordan currently, seems like a good novel so far. Its a nice feeling to have, being surrounded with so much warmth and comfort, as you read each passage and picture the scene in your mind, you somehow become attuned to the entire picture, and slowly, your heat beats to the rhythm of the music, you sooth with the warm aroma’s of the tea, and every so gently, so peacefully, you yawn, and you rest your eyes just for a second…..

Samurai Strategy

I’ve been reading and re-reading this book for as long as I can remember. It has thought me well on being prepared both mentally and physically for my life. It has given me knowledge and patience as well as encouragement in living each day with fulfillment.

I have this very book, its not the original Japanese copy written by the legendary Miyamoto Musashi, but then again if it was, I can’t read kanji anyway. So many thanks to the translator.

The book talks about the 42 steps to understand and apply in your personal discipline, its not to say a do or die kind of ritual, but rather more like a book that gives a very solid and to the point advice on how to handle yourself. I’m really glad I picked this book out from those self help books that I originally intended to buy. I sauntered over to the Japanese culture section in MPH one day and saw this thin black book, book cover facing out. When I picked it up, I could not let go.

I’ll share here some of my most favourite lessons, the ones I take to heart.

Rule No. 1 Have goals

In everything you do, in everyone’s life, with out a goal to work for, there is, to say, no life in you. A person’s meaning or purpose, how little or big it may be, is show through their goals in life. A small thing like wanting a new gadget, will start the cycle of passion and dedication to getting it. It is this untapped power within all of us that can easily be obtained, with a simple want.

Rule No. 3 Train To Win

Putting aside the idea of samurai’s in olden times, where they must uphold this rule to ensure their survival, people in modern times are fortunate not to have to do so. We instead do battle in another form. Usually like work and competitions. Everytime we set out to do something, like study or play a game of golf, we would notice that we work on it, regardless of how much,(or little) we still do. This is because we want to do well in it and because we have a desire to succeed. So the most important thing to understand, is that training is always important, so make it count.

Rule No.4  Always be prepared

Self explanatory isn’t it? Much like training to win, the more you know, the easier it is to win. I like this one a lot. I was a lazy brat, so when I got this idea kicked into my head, I realized that work was a lot easier to manage than before. Pays to do homework mate. =)

Rule No.10 Learn from your enemies.

I like this one, its not to say that i have many enemies, but it means to study and understand what happens with the people around you. From competition and from friendly rivals. Information and character are two very different things. Knowledge is gained universally, and can be shared within a certain limit, character however, is completely unique to an individual, and it is this uniqueness that can be extremely beneficial to others in reaching the unreachable.

Rule No.11 Pay attention to detail

Yes, that’s true. See things big and small, as they say the little things matter just as much as the big things. Be proactive and take the benefit of doubt by reviewing and double checking yourself. Its not to say being overcautious, but rather to look out for yourself. The world can be a dangerous place, and there are people who, for some reasons beyond understanding, are out to cause trouble, so be attentive.  And when you are confident that all is fine, then you can take the next step.

Rule No.20 See the big picture.

Don’t be blinded by the many graphics and effects, look at the picture as a whole and understand why everything is as it is. Look for the reason of balance and how it all comes together. Like life, if you focus primarily on only the bad, how can you enjoy the good? Likewise, being complacent and just taking in the good, how will you understand the hardships and struggles that provides the feeling of achievement?

These are just some of the many rules that I come to observe and practice as best I can everyday. It feels great to do so, and I’m not just saying that. I mean it, its much better than being lost and just waiting away my life. Now I appreciate things better and am proud to say that despite my shortcomings, I feel as though I have almost reached a peak, higher than Mt. Everest.

Chinese New Year is here. Gong to the Xi to the Fa Fa Chai!

A forward note to all Chinese and non, a very Happy Chinese New Year!!! Gong Xi Fa Chai!! Lots of luck and money to all who celebrate and enjoy all the yummy foods and snacks with your family and friends.

And to give a clear picture to all who are reading, I’ll explain to you all about this wonderful celebration.

This holiday marks the New Year for the Chinese, it happens once every year. It follows the Chinese Calender where it will fall upon the first day of the first month and ends on the 15th day. This day is usually known as Chinese New Year (CNY), Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.  Much like Christmas is to the Western side of the world, CNY is celebrated with as much fervor and as much love, preparations start a month or two in advance to accommodate the humongous celebrations. Its this time that people get out and buy food, decorations, clothes, presents and so much more! And its times like these that restaurants can truly roll in the dough. Homes have to be cleaned way in advance and very immaculately so, as there is a belief that to sweep or clean the home during the new year is to sweep away your good luck. So it helps to get it done early.

Naturally, when it comes to tradition, each and every family has their own unique version. Most of the time the traditions will involve dining in or out, having gatherings or traveling around to visit relatives far and near. But above all that, the most important tradition is the New Year Dinner. This is where all the family members gather together at the dinner table and share the joy and  happiness together once every year. I believe it is one of the most important and influential traditions to honor. Regardless of where you are and what you do, you should at least make it the prime effort to return home for this dinner every year. I was once sucked away from it, for the sake of work, but I was glad my mom and dad were adamant about it. I would never have seen it that way if not for them.

Next comes the second most important tradition. Ask any Chinese guy or girl whats the one thing that will come to mind during this period, and odds are 9 out of 10 will mention ‘Ang Pau’s’ on their first guess. Yes, the wonderful Ang Pau. Its a red packet adorned in golden motifs, it contains money inside as a form of a blessing to the receiver, wishing good fortune to them and also to spread the good luck all around. The red packets are handed out by married couples to children and to those who are not yet married. While most people would concern themselves as to how much they collect at the end of the day, we should not forget to be thankful and keep in mind that it was the thought that matters more than the amount of money received. I personally love getting them and keeping the red envelopes in my desk drawer, after I bank in the money. Some of the packets have very nice designs and most of the time it feels nice to see them and be reminded of the fun I had.

Also to explain about the whole red and gold theme. Gold is simple enough, to represent wealth and good fortune. Money is always good to have. Red is decorated and worn, in all shades and tones during the festivities as the color red acts as a ward to all unfortunate and evil beings\spirits. Along with that, firecrackers being shot into the sky and the roaring booms and bangs with the bright lights do the same thing, to ward off evil. In fact there is a Chinese Folk story, where an evil demon would swoop down from the skies and terrorize the people, until one day when they had enough, the villagers discovered gunpowder and placed it into bamboo segments with string. Upon the arrival of the beast, they lit up and aimed the little rockets at him and blasted him. The loud sounds and blinding lights terrified the demon and it ran off. Ever since then, as tradition comes, they celebrated every new year with fire crackers.

The fourth, (or was it third…) tradition that is a must every CNY is the dances. Not just any dancing, but more specifically the Lion Dances, Dragon Dances. These represent two of the Chinese Zodiac, the Lion and the Dragon. The Chinese Zodiac has 12 animals in them, where it starts from the rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, chicken, dog and pig.

You can imagine now Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s point of origin.  The two have been specially chosen as the fantastic creatures to be the messengers of good fortune and prosperity, almost always by their side is the God Of Fortune. That’s right, a hit song has been made for him, people revel in his grace and he is to us in the East what Santa Claus is to the west. Always smiling and holding a pot of gold ingots with him, he enjoys spreading wealth to all. He is, Cai Shen, (財神).

Check out the song from Sam  Hui. =) I could explain more on the games like Mahjong. But the song tells it much better.

Enjoy that melody until you go crazy for the new year. Till then, hope this has given a good idea as to some of the many rich and wonderful traditions we practice. Have a Happy Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Chai!