Friday 31 August 2012

Poetry of the Day

The things that plague us in our subconscious...
random firings of the brain? 
Nightmares about spiders and things that fall apart.

I'm held captive by thoughts of every failure. 
Waking up too early.
And sleeping too late.

Saved by morning and consciousness.
By breakfast and sunshine.
Is there redemption in waking?

I'm held captive by thoughts of every imagined failure.
Unintentionally roused too early.
And sleeping too late.

Haiku of the Day

It's always sunny,
somewhere, so why does it seem
We've got new complaints?

Thursday 30 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

What's 'illegitimate rape?'
Please, someone explain to me.
Sounds like legit bull.

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

Folding paper cranes
Pinching creases and corners
Hope I get my wish...

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Poetry of the Day

Teenagers in malls.
Hand in hand in hand in hand.
Taking up every slippable corner.

Chit chattering in stores.
Deals and negotiations.
Parents scolding children rolling eyes...

Back to school time.
Crowded and overcrowded.
Everyone has something they think they need.

Sunday 26 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

Joss Whedon is cool.
Don't cut anymore of him.
Give his shows a chance.

Saturday 25 August 2012

Thought of the Day

If I ever pulled out my cell phone in class during high school, my teacher would've ripped it out of my hand and kept it the entire day. And I wouldn't have screamed at them that my daddy would sue them.

What happened to respect for one's teachers and authority figures? I'm not saying we blindly accept and follow precisely what they say, rather that we should have some critical thought and realize these people are trying to mold our brains. Maybe we shouldn't be texting about what Johnny was doing in the bathroom with Katie.

Now, I didn't grow up with a cell phone. My parents had one (to share between the 3 of us) in high school, which they lent to me when I went out. I didn't have one for school until my first year in University. So I don't get or fathom the difficulties teachers have to face with all this new technology. But I figure cell phones are the modern day note-passing.

Yup. If a teacher were to catch a student passing notes? Expect the note to be read aloud. And you know what? It builds character.

Your $300 smart phone? I don't think that builds character. Not when daddy bought it for you.

So c'mon guys. Have some respect. Realize that these years in high school DO determine what happens during your future. That Johnny and Katie aren't the bane of your existence. That you are more than just what happens in your social circle. Put your damn phone down and take a look around at the world around you for a bit. You may find the world is actually quite fascinating.

Friday 24 August 2012

One-Sentence Review of... The Bourne Legacy

Jeremy Renner looks grouchy and can kick ass all whilst protecting a very beautiful Rachel Weisz.



Hope you aren't mad at me, Mister...

Haiku of the Day

Oh, you're so scary,
tiny little terrier...
Bark louder and see...

Thursday 23 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

Years and great distance.
Haircuts and bodily change.
And my eyes get wise.

My memory serves.
Ice cream and yearning for boys.
They're all but men now.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

4 Construction men.
My kitchen in small pieces.
Sigh... Renovations.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

August Topbox

Yes!! Another good month for Topbox. Let’s jump right into what I got!

Yay for:
Chloe L’eau de Chloe Scented Body Lotion                                    30ml

This smells very light and surprisingly fresh. This is a very good sample size, in an adorable little package. I’m going to reuse this bottle after the lotion is all gone for sure.

Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume                                                    4ml

Two fragrance samples? Oh my! Both with adorable packaging? Perfect! I love this little bottle with the dotted butterfly on the top. It smells floral, but not overwhelmingly so. I do like Marc Jacobs scents, so I’m excited to get to try this one out.

Kellett Skincare Clarifying Acne Treatment                       10ml

This comes in a little pump bottle, which is very convenient. It looks very sleek. I haven’t tried this before but I know my skin reacts to benzoyl peroxide much better than salicylic acid. So I’m glad they offer this product, as most acne treatments have salicylic acid.

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner       89ml
Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo                        89ml

These are HUGE samples! Considering they’re shampoos and conditioners? I can’t believe it! These are perfect for travelling. The shampoo smells like coconut to me, and the conditioner is a bit more fruity. I am very impressed with the size!

Nay for:
Nothing. Very happy with this month’s box.

Meh for:
Expression Blush Brush                                                       Full Size

I don’t hate this. I don’t love it. I don’t use blush so I’ll use this for powder or something else. I’d rather have an eyeshadow brush or something else. But no big deal, it’ll still get used.

Pink Wipes Feminine Wipe                                                  1 wipe

I don’t really see the appeal in these. I understand they’re convenient and good for travel, but they’re not really for me.

Overall Impression of August’s Box:
I’m very pleased. Great sized samples with a bit of everything. I would like to see some more makeup, but from the email Topbox sent, looks like we’ll be getting more makeup in upcoming months!

Monday 20 August 2012

August Glymm Box/Bag


This month I got my Glymm Bag quite early (on the 16th of the month). As soon as I took the bag from my Postman’s hands, I noted how light it felt.
Alas, I was not to be dismayed YET.

Then I unwrapped everything and was left very underwhelmed. Well, I like all of the products… but they’re all so SMALL. So yes, there are items that I am stoked about, but only because they’re there in the first place… I’m very unimpressed with the sizing.

Yay for:
Vitamin & Sea Mineral Clay Mask                           5g

This comes in a little glass jar, about the size of a lip balm tin. According to the online product information, this will last 3 uses. I say it’ll last 3 uses if you have a very small face… this isn’t going to go too far. It feels okay… but the scent is a little odd. Very earthy.

Benta Berry Crème Hydratante Regulatrice                      3ml

On the Glymm Facebook page, they were revealing little parts of this product each day, building up anticipation. I think this was very misleading… as we received such a small sample. I’ve heard of Benta Berry before and have heard good things, but I want to be able to try this out for more than just once or twice!

Nay for:
Mai Couture Foundation Powder Paper in Fair Glow       2 papers

I don’t like the idea of smearing paper on my face. That’s pretty much why this isn’t for me.

The Laundress Delicate Wash                                 15ml

I find it very impractical to buy specialized laundry detergent for delicates. I figure that’s what my delicate cycle on my washer is for! I’ll save this for vacations… even though putting regular detergent into a zip-lock baggie and hand-washing would probably yield the same results. What pains me about this month’s bag is that THIS IS THE LARGEST SAMPLE. And it’s laundry detergent!

Meh for:
Naked Princess Luscious Lip Gloss in Barely Blush           0.25g

I’m not crazy about the shade I got. I’d much prefer something darker, though from the looks of it this brand doesn’t supply very many darker shades. It does have a very pleasing scent though, however small the sample may be.

D’Atelier Cologne in Vanilla Insensee                     2ml

This is a very intense smell. Very strong. I much preferred the one we got from D’Atelier Cologne a few months back, that smelled exactly like oranges. I find Vanilla scents a little overpowering.

Overall Impression of August’s Bag:

Bring back the Box! Bring back the product information cards! Bring back full sized products! I saw some other customers got full sized nail polishes in their bags, and I feel very envious. Sigh.

Sunday 19 August 2012

Instead of...

Instead of...

...Telling girls they shouldn't dress slutty or else they'll attract rapists,
don't be a rapist.

...Telling people they shouldn't leave their bags unattended or else they'll get stolen,
don't steal.

...Telling people not to walk home alone late at night or else they'll get attacked,
don't attack people.

...Believing and thinking everyone has a hidden evil agenda, don't have an evil agenda and restore people's faith in humanity so we can start establishing trust and respect.


So easy guys. 

Saturday 18 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

Online shopping woes...
Nothing is free or easy.
Ship to Canada!!

Friday 17 August 2012

My thoughts on... Technology

Technology.

I have a love and hate relationship with technology and science.

For many years in high school, I was the first person to get every new piece of technology. I had the first iPod. The first Laptop. New phone? Must have. Cool new kitchen gadget? Consider it bought.

However, as years passed, I stopped pining after all these innovative new products. I couldn't care less if a TV ad came on for a new vacuum or trash compactor.

My main issue is this:
Why, after all these 'technological developments,' (designed with easing housework and lessening the time necessary to clean) does it take the same time to clean a house as it did in the 1950s?

We haven't made anything easier. We have, in my opinion, made it more complicated to do a simple task. Oh, I take a picture? Cool. Post to Facebook. Instagram. Twitpic it. It used to be if you wanted something pretty, you go print it and show it to people face to face. Those types of interactions have vastly changed.

Back in the 1950s, there were no 'carpet pre-cleaning serums' nor 'carpet deodorizers.' We've invented these products to appeal to the masses - Oh, hey, this product will make blahblah easier and quicker for you!.... But only if you use these specific products in this order!

This 'advance' in technology and science is an illusion. I am not saying there aren't advances. There are. But coming at it from a purely pragmatic point of view, advances should make things more efficient. So far, I have yet to be hugely impressed by any product that claims to make anything more efficient.

I'm waiting for the world to wake up and realize we don't need dishwashers that cost $1000. We have our hands and soap. We don't need $5 skin-safe, tough-on-grease dish detergent. We have regular soap. We don't need a garburator to dispose of our waste. And whoever thinks their carpets will be (or even look) cleaner with special pre-treatment and serum-soaking? You're deluded. No one is taking out a microscope to look at your carpets. It isn't like in those commercials... no one cares about microscopic bacteria.

Okay, okay, you say you have kids and they're allergic to these bacteria and they'll get sick.
Haven't you read any of the latest medical journals? Most studies now show that we NEED bacteria, and we SHOULD be exposed to germs. These build our immune systems and strengthen us. I'm not saying you should stuff your infant's face into the carpet and demand them to breathe... I'm saying YOU SHOULD.

Breathe. Relax. Understand that microscopic bacteria exists whether you try your darnest to prevent it. Understand that life finds a way... and that all these technological and scientific advances won't necessarily make your life easier.

Simply, make life easier by eliminating the things you know you don't need. Live simply. Back in the caveman days, an alpha male would spent about 20 hours a week hunting and gathering. Then the rest of the time? Socializing. Eating. Finding women. Rearing children. Telling stories. Singing.
Our society expects 40+ hours from us. And people are still starving and struggling. Think about it.

Thursday 16 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

Spiders. My downfall.
Nothing needs more than 4 legs.
My tiny terror...

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Haiku of the Day

They're mowing their lawns...
It's 7 in the morning.
I just want to sleep.

Tuesday 14 August 2012

One-sentence Reviews of Recently Watched Movies

I've been pretty 'busy' lately (my excuse for being lazy and kind-of legitimately busy) so I haven't been able to put up full reviews for some of the films I've seen recently. Alas, some of them did stand out to me, so I think they warrant a few choice words!

Men in Black 3
Rating: PG-13
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

The plot according to IMDB:
Agent J travels in time to MIB's early years in the 1960s, to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.

One-sentence review:
Pop-culture references overwhelm this plotless ‘action-movie,’ compensating for the average acting by two actors who seem like they’ve run their course with this franchise.

The Avengers
Rating: PG-13
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10

The plot according to IMDB:
Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army.

One-sentence review:
Joss Whedon delights viewers in another witty and banter-filled action-packed and star-studded thrill… expect quirky and clever writing, intermixed with good acting.

The Amazing Spider Man
Rating: PG-13
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

The plot according to IMDB:
Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner.

One-sentence review:
Garfield is a huge improvement over the past franchise, as a handsomer and charming replacement to Toby Maguire, bringing new life to fresher challenges and a better view into Spider-Man’s development and embrace of his powers.

The Dark Knight Rises
Rating: PG-13
IMDB Rating: 8.9/10

The plot according to IMDB:
Eight years on, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

One-sentence review:
Nolan impresses once again in this darker but more realistic depiction of a vigilante hero, leaving viewers gripped whilst watching seemingly impossible action-scenes with impressive actors.

Savages
Rating: R
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10

The plot according to IMDB:
Pot growers Ben and Chon face off against the Mexican drug cartel who kidnapped their shared girlfriend.

One-sentence review:
Lively acts annoying and spoilt whilst her two good-looking mistresses seek to recover her from a surprisingly impressive Hayek, with a pretty unimpressive conclusion that leaves me wondering if they know that pot-growing and dealing is inherently dangerous.

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Pet Peeve of the Day

Doing laundry.

Beyond my usual complaints that my skills are better employed elsewhere, and that it's a sexist and domestic chore... there's just too much of it!

Now, a long time ago I heard people on Fashion Television say that you should be washing your clothes after each time you wear them.

What? ...Are you kidding me? I do not (save for a dip in a mud puddle) wash my jeans after each wear. Nor hoodies. Nor dresses or pants or tank tops.... I could go on.

The only thing I wash after each wear is underwear and socks. That is about it. I don't think I'm completely unique on this one either, I'm pretty sure most people don't put their t-shirts in the wash after one wear. Unless you have a swear disorder or play extremely hard, I can't see anyone getting their clothes that dirty!

But somehow, despite the fact that I don't have too much stuff to wash each laundry cycle, my father does.

Yes. I live at home with my parents. But I am Asian and unmarried, so this is allowed/encouraged/expected.

I do all the laundry. I put it in, take it out, hang it out to dry, fold it all up nice and tidy.

But my father, for some reason, washes everything after each and every time he wears something. Multiply an outfit for a day (I assume underwear, undershirt, pants, shirt, and socks) by 7? I'm drowning in laundry.

What bugs me is that my mother and I both do not produce half of what my father does. Are men that stinky? Are they sweaty gym towels just waiting for a wring? Seems like yes, they are. I have convinced myself that my father is subtly trying to dissuade me from living at home... but at the same time, he loves having his laundry done for him. So what gives?

See, I know my problem. I won't stand up for myself. I know if I don't do the laundry, that my mom will. I don't want my mom doing the laundry because she works hard enough as it is. But if I won't, and my mom won't, my father sure as hell won't. It'll sit there, wrinkling, stained... he doesn't know about stain treatment! Let alone about separating colours from whites or delicate cycles! He knows very little about delicate anything.

So to save the entire clan from dirty and unkempt wrinkles, I suck it up and suffer. AND THEN RAVE ABOUT IT.