Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Monday, 20 September 2010
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Sunday chronicle
A typical British meal...
with a reliable company...
and a cup of Americano to stay awake...
with a reliable company...
and a cup of Americano to stay awake...
THE weekend
This weekend has been a blast so far.
I went out with work colleagues for dinner and drinks at All-Bar-One and Oxo Tower on Friday. Yesterday was fun with Janette and Diane at the Friendly Society bar and proceeded to Heaven/G.A.Y club near Charing Cross with the kids (the really young ones). I got home at nearly 4 am. Today, I'm meeting up with Tess for coffee and fish and chips in Oxford Street.
This week's all about the Papal visit and the closest I got to this event was yesterday, in total awe of seeing not one but a few roving helicopters around Londontown. Although, I still couldn't shake off the 12 million taxpayers money spent for his visit. But crazily enough, when James got the paper armband for the club last night, he had it next to the pink band he's got from the Papal parade. I joked, "Aren't you supposed to be creating a sin first then find atonement later?". He laughed nervously.
I have reasonable excuses for closely harbouring that hedonistic lifestyle this weekend. To my surprise, I passed my dreaded essays after two months of agonising wait. In fact I promised to study more if I get a minimum passing mark as retribution to the eternal use and abuse of luck. That being granted, I've got to keep that promise. To break it is human but to forgive inconsistencies is divine. But it's worth the try.
Also, my emotional fragility at the moment is in question, that all possible distractions are welcome with open mind and heart. To find short term happiness in adversities is human but to be understood by people who you want to care with utmost sincerity is divine.
This is my last weekend before my journey back home home. I expect nothing less of it. This is debatable but I only live once.
I went out with work colleagues for dinner and drinks at All-Bar-One and Oxo Tower on Friday. Yesterday was fun with Janette and Diane at the Friendly Society bar and proceeded to Heaven/G.A.Y club near Charing Cross with the kids (the really young ones). I got home at nearly 4 am. Today, I'm meeting up with Tess for coffee and fish and chips in Oxford Street.
This week's all about the Papal visit and the closest I got to this event was yesterday, in total awe of seeing not one but a few roving helicopters around Londontown. Although, I still couldn't shake off the 12 million taxpayers money spent for his visit. But crazily enough, when James got the paper armband for the club last night, he had it next to the pink band he's got from the Papal parade. I joked, "Aren't you supposed to be creating a sin first then find atonement later?". He laughed nervously.
I have reasonable excuses for closely harbouring that hedonistic lifestyle this weekend. To my surprise, I passed my dreaded essays after two months of agonising wait. In fact I promised to study more if I get a minimum passing mark as retribution to the eternal use and abuse of luck. That being granted, I've got to keep that promise. To break it is human but to forgive inconsistencies is divine. But it's worth the try.
Also, my emotional fragility at the moment is in question, that all possible distractions are welcome with open mind and heart. To find short term happiness in adversities is human but to be understood by people who you want to care with utmost sincerity is divine.
This is my last weekend before my journey back home home. I expect nothing less of it. This is debatable but I only live once.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
xxx
Inside the pub...
Canadian Man: Fancy a fuck upstairs?
Irish Woman: Why not.
The next day...
Irish Woman: Can I borrow your toothbrush?
Canadian Man: You sucked my dick all night so I don't see any reason why not.
Few months later and they're married (and still married to date).
Thursday, 16 September 2010
plan B
I am sucker for love (I could hear the sound of that stretched skin from raised eyebrows of friends). Not that I have to tell my friends that. A colleague from work who I've known for years said last week that I'm "co-dependent". I tried to correct the notion by saying, "inter-dependent...".
My status has changed and I'm not going to say "back to square one". I say, I'm back to dreaming. Since my early days in London, I have wished for a man who I'd have that instant attraction and his opening lines wouldn't be, "fancy a shag". It would be something less shocking than that but nevertheless romantic. I like the process of feeling butterflies in the stomach and giggly moments in my aloneness. They are like fuel to that dying hope of romance.
I used to actively look for it after a crash and burn of a relationship. For now, I'd like to scrutinise the world for its intricacies and appreciate the minute details that I've passed on and missed when I was busy looking at the eyes of my dearly departed ... err... dearly beloved ex. Last week, I took the escalator at Tottenham Court Road Station and only realised the existence of pretty mosaic patterns as you approach the upper tier. It's lovely.
I know love (and loving) but I will have to seek the lesser known avenues of love in my life for now i.e. traveling, cultural stuff, photography and more time with friends. This weekend, visiting Kew Gardens is a good start.
My status has changed and I'm not going to say "back to square one". I say, I'm back to dreaming. Since my early days in London, I have wished for a man who I'd have that instant attraction and his opening lines wouldn't be, "fancy a shag". It would be something less shocking than that but nevertheless romantic. I like the process of feeling butterflies in the stomach and giggly moments in my aloneness. They are like fuel to that dying hope of romance.
I used to actively look for it after a crash and burn of a relationship. For now, I'd like to scrutinise the world for its intricacies and appreciate the minute details that I've passed on and missed when I was busy looking at the eyes of my dearly departed ... err... dearly beloved ex. Last week, I took the escalator at Tottenham Court Road Station and only realised the existence of pretty mosaic patterns as you approach the upper tier. It's lovely.
I know love (and loving) but I will have to seek the lesser known avenues of love in my life for now i.e. traveling, cultural stuff, photography and more time with friends. This weekend, visiting Kew Gardens is a good start.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
here's why
What kind of a player stands out as a towering champion as well as a work in progress? The kind of guy who delivered the best quote of the U.S. Open when he said, after his semifinal win, "I don't go to the practice court to practice. I go to the practice court to learn."
P. Bodo's blogpost on Nadal.
http://espn.go.com/sports/tennis/blog/_/name/bodo_peter/id/5568951/no-end-rafael-nadal-upside
P. Bodo's blogpost on Nadal.
http://espn.go.com/sports/tennis/blog/_/name/bodo_peter/id/5568951/no-end-rafael-nadal-upside
neon pink contact lenses
I have been having this conversation with Mrs. Manager for few minutes when she said something that took me by surprise.
Mrs. Manager: Hey. What's wrong with you Ryan?
Moi: Hmm...nothing. Why?
Mrs. Manager: I just noticed that you seem far far away with your thoughts.
Moi: Really?
Mrs. Manager: You seem strange today. You look as if you're somewhere else and you don't have that usual sparkle... just strange.
Moi: I'm fine... just tired, I suppose.
Mrs. Manager: Is Booyonce OK?
Moi: (I choked and replied in a subdued manner)... He is OK.
What I picked up from the conversation was the word "sparkle". I didn't know I've lost it today.
I need colourful contact lenses ASAP.
Mrs. Manager: Hey. What's wrong with you Ryan?
Moi: Hmm...nothing. Why?
Mrs. Manager: I just noticed that you seem far far away with your thoughts.
Moi: Really?
Mrs. Manager: You seem strange today. You look as if you're somewhere else and you don't have that usual sparkle... just strange.
Moi: I'm fine... just tired, I suppose.
Mrs. Manager: Is Booyonce OK?
Moi: (I choked and replied in a subdued manner)... He is OK.
What I picked up from the conversation was the word "sparkle". I didn't know I've lost it today.
I need colourful contact lenses ASAP.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
babel
I am surrounded by the people of the world. From where I'm sitting, I hear a myriad of languages. The melting pot effect is at its highest and the ambiance is cultural. I mean, touristy. Somehow, I feel at home around this mix of inaudible murmurings and loud conversations. Amidst the stream of words and people, I am at peace.
It is five past seven in the evening and the London chill is back. The flashing of cameras and the seemingly hurried pace of cultural people are distracting. Every second is an account to valuable existence. There seems to be a pattern of borrowed life in every stride; like the world is about to end in a year's time and there's no second to waste. Even the very few who laze as they adore the statue of Eros in Piccadilly have that restless look about them. Their mind is in mid-flight. They're ruminating about: buffet in Chinatown or a pint of beer in the pub. They are mentally debating whether seeing the sights of London is enough and the nightlife is just a distraction to the sole purpose and focus of finding the real city within the city of London.
They are such a beguilement... and I like it.
They are too many to be ignored. Paying them a little of my attention is bliss. They are somewhat a cure and I hope they forgive me for using them in my aloneness.
... in my solitude.
g'dammit!
Dear USTA
...put/install a bloody retractable roof next time, will ya?
Sincerely,
mister peeved
...put/install a bloody retractable roof next time, will ya?
Sincerely,
mister peeved
Sunday, 12 September 2010
versus the Pope
I went out with my friends last night (trying to cheer me up) and came across this postcard. They are stacked on top of the cabinets and desks inside the pub. As always, religion is a tricky (and volatile) subject.
a different facet
There are certain things in life that I'm good at. Being "social" and that ability to cope well are just two of the ways I can do with my eyes closed even with a bruised ego. I simply cope and move on easily.
However, the older I get the more it gets difficult to practise the art of living. Try disrupting the system with love matters and it makes it even more convoluted to the point of no return. Well, there is point of return but normalcy is purely a state of mind; try convincing yourself that you are normal and you sink deeper into that chasm of undetermined self belief. There is a danger of bitterness, jadedness (just like using the word) and a broken piece in the puzzle that's not going to be replaced.
Breakups and old age (overly dramatic) don't mesh well. They are incongruent with each other. They leave a scar to remind you of your battles you may have won but in a painful way or the battles lost that you'd live to tell your future generations to circumspectly avoid should similar predicaments come their way.
I think I am lost. For now, I don't want to be logical. I just want to grieve.
However, the older I get the more it gets difficult to practise the art of living. Try disrupting the system with love matters and it makes it even more convoluted to the point of no return. Well, there is point of return but normalcy is purely a state of mind; try convincing yourself that you are normal and you sink deeper into that chasm of undetermined self belief. There is a danger of bitterness, jadedness (just like using the word) and a broken piece in the puzzle that's not going to be replaced.
Breakups and old age (overly dramatic) don't mesh well. They are incongruent with each other. They leave a scar to remind you of your battles you may have won but in a painful way or the battles lost that you'd live to tell your future generations to circumspectly avoid should similar predicaments come their way.
I think I am lost. For now, I don't want to be logical. I just want to grieve.
Friday, 10 September 2010
banana cake
This moment deserves a drum-roll!
I just baked my first ever cake and it turned out to be just as good as Bo's (if not better - wink!). I just conquered my fear of flour, egg and butter mishmash.
I just baked my first ever cake and it turned out to be just as good as Bo's (if not better - wink!). I just conquered my fear of flour, egg and butter mishmash.
jazz hands
Venepuncture and Cannulation dummies...
Don't you find these arms/hands doing a Bob Fosse?
Don't you find these arms/hands doing a Bob Fosse?
Thursday, 9 September 2010
up close
My NEW YORKER friends decided to do some stalking (at this year's US Open) and stumbled upon the MAN of the moment. I'm so envious that I lost my appetite.
pride and proud
It is good to know I am in good company.
King’s rises in world league table
08 Sep 2010, PR 188/10
King’s has risen two places to 21st position in the world in the 2010 QS international world rankings, formerly the Times Higher Education/QS rankings.
QS World University Rankings measure university research quality, graduate employability, teaching commitment and international commitment. QS rankings use a combination of global surveys and audited data including citation counts from Scopus, the world’s largest database of academic publishing.
The Principal of King’s, Professor Rick Trainor, commented, ‘Naturally I am delighted that King’s continues to rise in this important international league table and all credit must go to the staff and students of the College who work hard in the pursuit of excellence.'
In this year’s table the top spot is taken by Cambridge for the first time, overtaking Harvard which has held the position since 2004.
The Top 200 results and methodology is available on www.topuniversities.com.
Notes to editors
King's College London
King's College London is one of the top 25 universities in the world (Times Higher Education 2009) and the fourth oldest in England. A research-led university based in the heart of London, King's has nearly 23,000 students (of whom more than 8,600 are graduate students) from nearly 140 countries, and some 5,500 employees. King's is in the second phase of a £1 billion redevelopment programme which is transforming its estate.
King's has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading. The College is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of nearly £450 million.
King's has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs. It has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest centre for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe; no university has more Medical Research Council Centres.
King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts are part of King's Health Partners. King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering global collaboration between one of the world's leading research-led universities and three of London's most successful NHS Foundation Trusts, including leading teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services. For more information, visit: www.kingshealthpartners.org.
King’s rises in world league table
08 Sep 2010, PR 188/10
King’s has risen two places to 21st position in the world in the 2010 QS international world rankings, formerly the Times Higher Education/QS rankings.
QS World University Rankings measure university research quality, graduate employability, teaching commitment and international commitment. QS rankings use a combination of global surveys and audited data including citation counts from Scopus, the world’s largest database of academic publishing.
The Principal of King’s, Professor Rick Trainor, commented, ‘Naturally I am delighted that King’s continues to rise in this important international league table and all credit must go to the staff and students of the College who work hard in the pursuit of excellence.'
In this year’s table the top spot is taken by Cambridge for the first time, overtaking Harvard which has held the position since 2004.
The Top 200 results and methodology is available on www.topuniversities.com.
Notes to editors
King's College London
King's College London is one of the top 25 universities in the world (Times Higher Education 2009) and the fourth oldest in England. A research-led university based in the heart of London, King's has nearly 23,000 students (of whom more than 8,600 are graduate students) from nearly 140 countries, and some 5,500 employees. King's is in the second phase of a £1 billion redevelopment programme which is transforming its estate.
King's has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading. The College is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of nearly £450 million.
King's has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs. It has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest centre for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe; no university has more Medical Research Council Centres.
King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts are part of King's Health Partners. King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering global collaboration between one of the world's leading research-led universities and three of London's most successful NHS Foundation Trusts, including leading teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services. For more information, visit: www.kingshealthpartners.org.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
the youngest bionic boy in the world
May I introduce Patrick. His father is Frank and his Auntie is Barbara.
Patrick is the youngest bionic boy in the world and my claim on this is:
I work with Barbara (Practice Development Team) who...
...introduced me to her brother Frank, who is a writer.
I spoke with Patrick few times in the past; the latest asking him for an ORANGE WEDS 241 text.
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