| ARCHIVED |
[Oct. 10th, 2005|08:48 pm] |
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The Black Journal in Shanghai is now officially closed and archived. |
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| MIA? |
[Jul. 26th, 2005|06:30 pm] |
Missing In Action?
Oh yea.. most definitely so...hehe...my humble apologies.
What's been happening? Well, I have been busy with work and play. The past week has just whizzed by; a hectic Monday to Friday at the office, mingled with the Shanghai community and watched live rugby at an Irish Pub on Saturday, slept comfortably until noon Sunday and finally topped it off with a fantastic home made dinner at a friend's lovely apartment later that night. A movie ensued as well but unfortunately we chose "War of the Worlds", which was despite the hype, a total letdown. Don't watch it. And I really mean that. ;) But all was good though.
I like Shanghai very much in this sense. There is always something to keep you busy or entertained. You could always argue that location doesn't matter...it's more about what you do yourself to make life eventful regardless of whether you're in NYC or the Mongolian Desert. If that's the case, then I must've really been sleeping my life off back in Malaysia...haha.. (then again...all 'this' back in Kuala Lumpur...hmm..)
Anyways, before I start talking about what I had for lunch, I think it's time for me to leave you again until the next update. I will be back at full blogging speed again when I am ready. You'll know when. ;) |
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| Your Weather Personality |
[Jul. 16th, 2005|10:46 pm] |
The weather here in Shanghai is pretty taxing at times. I've already fallen prey to the humidity and got myself a cold packaged together with a nasty headache to boot. ( And in winter, I'll be complaining about how freezing it is here too... ;) )
"There is something about the weather that shapes a community's social behaviour". I've heard this at least 10 times in the last 3 months I've been here through conversations with various friends. The idea I suppose stems from visiting China's two main 'gateway' cities, Shanghai, Beijing and comparing the social behaviour of the respective communities. Beijing's weather is a lot harsher than Shanghai. While I complain about the extreme heat and extreme cold, I apparently have not experienced what it is like to have freak sandstorms in summer (yes...in the city.. think The Day After Tomorrow) and -15 degrees celcius winters!
From what I'm told, the people in Beijing are much more harsh, rude and unfriendly than their Shanghainese counterparts. If you want to ask for directions, you might as well be asking a brick wall which might start shouting at you for asking it twice. If the taxi driver took you for a ride to fatten up his meter, expect him to tell you off if you approach him about it. If you'd like to chit chat, people might just give you a sneering look. Of course, this is just a general view.
In Shanghai, I find the people generally very nice in a daily life situation. Nearly everyone asks directions (even the locals...all the time..), the taxi driver will chirp happily back at you that he has no problem with giving you a cheaper fare when you tell him off for using a longer route (well at least they're good at faking the happy attitude), people walk (almost skipping) along the street whistling or singing. I think the mood here is pretty light, not at all what I was told before I came.
I can't say the same for Beijing yet but when I experience it first hand, you'll hear from me about it. Back to the weather and social behaviour, I believe there may be a grain of truth to it. Of course we all know that when it is cold, people stay indoors and when it gets hot, people come outside to the fresh open air. However, taking it a step further, does the weather contribute to the shaping of one's personality? If I were to grow up in Beijing for instance, would I have more likelihood to turn out like the Christmas Eve Scrooge? (Baaah, humbug!) Or will it not have any relevance at all?
Hmm... |
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| Update |
[Jul. 10th, 2005|03:05 pm] |
Part of Birmingham was evacuated yesterday as a safety precaution after some supposed threats. All is good though. London seems to be doing well so far. In fact, they seem pretty nonchalant about the whole bombing incident. This letter pretty much sums it all up.
"We're going to take care of the lives you ruined. And then we're going to work. And we're going down the pub."
You gotta love the British.
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Updating may be a bit scarce these coming weeks. I'm going to try and evaluate how the site is going to end up in the long run. We all gotta slow down once in a while and figure out where we're headed to ...innit?
Enuf wit all this Brit talk... ;) Signing out. |
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| London Bombing : Another Black Day For The World |
[Jul. 7th, 2005|09:51 pm] |
I know every blogger out there is blogging about the London bombing attacks that occurred early this morning (UK time). Even though I picked up the story quite early (I monitor the news), I felt that I didn't want to add anything based on all the bits and pieces of speculation. Give the media some time to get their facts straight. A relief that the G8 venue where there are even more people were not attacked.
It is yet another sad day for the world. I watched the second plane hit the Twin Towers on 9-11 live on television and I'll never forget the images. As a spectator from a different country, I'll admit that the impact will never be as strong as to those affected directly by such horror.
My condolences goes out to the people of England and to those affected by the attacks. You will be in my prayers tonight.
I'd like to pass on a message for Divabat, she is looking for Jenine and Naren/Kabir Gill as mentioned in her blog.
Anyone else looking for loved ones in London, you may leave a message in the comments section and I will highlight it for you. You may also try calling the London Police Casualty Bureau hotline number at 0870 1566344. The number may not work due to congested lines.
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If you would like to keep updated on the London bombings, do refer to the following sources:
UK News Media
- BBC News
- Times
- Guardian
- Jeff Ooi
- Google News
Blogs
- Tim Worstall
- Jeff Ooi
(leave a link in the comments section and I will highlight it) |
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