Looking Back

I'll be getting my Diploma soon enough. For many, it may be the final stop of their journeys of education. For others, there are still stations beyond college.

How far are you away from the end of your journey?

I just can't believe how fast time flew by. I still remember being in kindergarten, chasing my friends in the yard, tripping every so often. I also remember my first day in primary school, surrounded by crying classmates. It was a good thing I've cried more than enough during my first few days in kindergarten.

And poof! Here I am, getting my diploma.

I also remember how I was forced to wear my school uniform for a whole day, for I had no chance of going home after school. It also isn't hard to recall the embarrassment I bore when I got caned in front of the class.

And poof! Here I am, turning 19 soon.

I don't actually have to shovel my brain to remember how I reacted when I couldn't find a certain letter on the keyboard. "Mum! This keyboard doesn't have the letter M on it!!!" I yelled, while mum stared on, half amused, half exasperated.

And yet, here I am, after one whole decade of using the computer, being able to type using a keyboard with faded labels in total darkness.

And oh, you should ask my sister how terrible I was at eating. A picture of me staring disbelievingly at my family as they savour the taste of durians still pops up in my mind every now and then.

But now, here I am - I'll be able to recognise the trail of durian lightyears away and guide myself to the ultimate delicacy.

Flipping through my old stuff, I came across an exercise book I used when I was much younger. Boy, I couldn't even write my name correctly!

And now, here I am, knowing perfectly that my name is Weo Yenqi. I'll show you my identity card if you don't believe me.

Mum gave me and my elder younger sister strict education since we were barely nuts. When we were peanuts we could memorise the 9x9 multiplication table. When we were hazelnuts we could recite whole classical Tang poems. When we were groundnuts we could play the piano like there was no tomorrow.

And now that we're cashewnuts, I'm afraid I don't know the multiplication table anymore. Modern children rely too much on their calculators.

Looking back into the past 19 years, I've left so much behind. I've learnt so much. I've grown so significantly. The past is getting kind of blurred. I can't really recall the tastes of being peanuts, hazelnuts, and groundnuts anymore.

Instead, the future is getting clearer and clearer. Three more years - just three more years, I'll disembark the train and join the society.

How will tomorrow taste like?

Nature's Wrath

I read that the human population has far exceeded the limits the Earth can provide. That is, there are more humans on Earth than the amount of people the planet can support.

And it's no wonder every once in a while, Someone has to do something brutal to keep humans in check. Earthquakes. Cyclones. Floods. Volcano eruptions. Lousy internet connections.

Deepest condolences to all the victims of the two recent tragedies in Asia.

Earth has taken care of us for countless of generations. Perhaps it's time we start taking care of Her.

Juices for the Screen

There is no doubt that script-writers are running out of ideas for films and shows.

It's no wonder that they posed a big strike. They probably hoped that the story of the brave strike can be turned into a movie.

This phenomenon can be clearly seen through the contents of the shows nowadays. After the success of the Harry Potter series, storybooks are quickly adapted for films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Golden Compass (adapted from a book called Northern Lights), I Am Legend, The Devil Wears Prada, Forrest Gump etc. In fact, these are all pioneered by James Bond, written by Ian Fleming.

I recently read a book about a 14-year-old secret agent. Ha! Finally one story not yet adapted into film.

I was wrong. A quick search through Wikipedia revealed that the first of the tales of Alex Rider had been screened.

Another method of getting stories for films or shows is by portraying real life situations.

Just Follow Law reflects the situation of a Singapore government's company. Prison Break shamelessly yells at the darkness of American politics.

It's a wonder those shows still got distributed to all over the world without much complaint. Malaysia's government can't even tolerate a song posted in YouTube.

Maybe that's because everybody knows that Singaporean companies don't suck and that American politics aren't dark.

Quik-spell

"Abra kadabra!"

"Open sesame!"

"Wingardium leviosa!" (or levi-O-sa, in the film.)

Well, there's three of the world's most famous incantations. Everybody knows that the first one turns lead into gold, the second one starts a fire, and the third makes you smarter. I've been using the third one a lot, really. After all, wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.

Then brace yourself, because a fourth one is joining the team.

While it is virtually impossible to conjure food out of thin air in the Harry Potter universe, this one can.

However, it's not that simple.

Firstly, you must cast the spell in front of the den of the Golden Arches Wizards' (known as GAWD). Secondly, you must do it in front of a representative of the GAWD. And third, you must finish the incantation in four seconds.

But don't smile too soon. Because the incantation is not, er, of classic length.

And here it is!

"Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun."

Say it right, say it fast, and you get a ticket to the real thing. Yep, the patties, lettuce, and what not.

Oh, the spell only works before 29th May. This year, of course, so visit the nearest GAWD, and start casting!

Oh I forgot, you need the spellbook. Er, just get any set of McValue meal, and you'll be given the um, extract from the spellbook.



Remember to say "Thank you, GAWD!" when the spell works!