Sunday, March 25, 2012

More interesting facts from QI: The Book of General Ignorance

‘Something’s “poisonous” when you bite it, but it’s “venomous” when it bites you.’ – Hence a “poisonous” snake would be a grass snake, although vipers and cobras are “venomous”.

Nero couldn’t have been playing the fiddle while Rome burned, as the fiddle wasn’t invented till the 15th century. In fact, Nero was more than 56km away at his seaside holiday home, and raced back to Rome upon nearing the news to take charge of the fire-fighting efforts.

Underwired bras act as portable lightning conductors in a storm.

There is no such thing as Tutankhamun’s curse.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

The blues

So half my weekend is gone, just like this. Didn't seem to do anything today beyond ballet related stuff - mock exam, some self practice, wasting time sewing elastic on shoes just cos the school's preference is to have double 'X' strap.. some games in the morning and some tv in the evening but somehow the events of the day are unsatisfying.

Feeling kinda demoralised as well - I can only see some huge obstacles ahead, lots if fog that needs to be cleared and just insufficient intelligence and talent on my part. Sigh. How I wish I could just waste away the weekend in a blissful haze of tv shows, games, and wandering around outside. 

Sigh. Life is hard.


Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Slut Walk and Perverts

Someone recounted how her friend, while returning home one night in Japan, encountered a local man who followed her with his pants down and jerking off. Said person was using this unfortunate encounter, together with all those weird Japanese variety shows, to conclude that the Japanese are very perverse.

I don't know how late the girl was in getting home or how she was dressed when the encounter happened, although I do know she is half Caucasian - which in Japan makes one more prone to victimisation due to the exoticity; I know two white British girls who had a similar encounter in the wee hours at an entertainment district in Kansai. But this made me wonder if dressing, time and location can ever be reasons to sympathise less with those who meet with perverts or violence, and got me thinking about Slut Walk.

It is precisely this sort of thinking that Slut Walk is campaigning against. The message is that women have the right to wear what they want and should not shoulder blame for sexual violence because of their dressing, nor should their clothes be an invitation for violence. I have always felt that rape is one of the worst things that could happen to a person, and can't even begin to imagine the trauma of sexual violence. I also agree that one has the right to wear what they wish. Yet, I wonder if, just as hanging your fancy camera round your neck or having your wallet stick out of your bag identifies you as an easier target for theft than the person next to you with no valuables in sight, would revealing dressing make one appear to be an easier target compared to someone dressed differently?

The blame still lies with the perpetrator - I'm not saying that victims are inviting violence or asking to be victimised - but as long as they exist, criminals will choose their targets. There has to be some form of discrimination process, and I'm pretty sure that in the case of sexual violence, a short skirt or tiny top - both of which provide 'easier access' - together with the location and time of day are factors, regardless of the (supposed) rights of people to be wherever they want whenever they want and dressed however they want.

As for the pervert in Japan - I hesitate to say that there are more perverts in Japan than elsewhere, as I think the variety shows on tv are an indication of differing social perceptions on what is acceptable and what is not. Incidences of rape and sexual violence in Japan is lower than in many other countries, and frankly I'm quite happy for people to watch 'sick' programmes if that means my safety on the streets - certainly the actual act of sexual violence is more sick than public masturbation at a distance. I also know Japanese people whom, from all appearances, are as (un)perverse as you and me. The point is, you can't judge one's private persona by their public face, and I think it's unfair to write off an entire country just from one (second-hand) experience. There certainly was no such judgement from the two British girls I know.


Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Da Nang, Vietnam

Crowne Plaza Hotel in Da Nang, Vietnam, is a pretty swanky new hotel. I think we all pretty much agreed that it’s among the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed in.

IMG_0593

IMG_0599

The hotel has a travel desk of sorts, where staff will provide recommendations and assist in calling for taxis – it’s all rather convenient. That said, the travel desk is quite essential, as English proficiency in Vietnam is very low – much lower than I’d thought, especially given how touristy Da Nang and Hoi An are – and taxi drivers could never bring us to Hoi An Old Town where the sights are, but would always take us to the ‘modern’ part of town (where there’s nothing of interest to the typical tourist) first. Even communicating with the hotel staff in English or Mandarin (70% of Crowne Plaza’s guests are from mainland China) was quite a pain as I struggled to communicate, although the staff are patient.

The rooms are pretty, with a nice balcony. My side of the hotel wasn’t facing the sea though:

IMG_0670

IMG_0673

IMG_0677

Unfortunately, the hotel still has some areas for improvement – the bathtub did not drain well, the weighing scale did not work, there were some faulty electrical sockets, the rooms were very dark (even with all the lights on) and there was no master switch – i had to turn off about 10 switches each night before bed.

On our last day, the hotel’s power was shut down due to some construction works, and it was promised that backup generators would kick-in to provide electricity. However, electricity only came on for about 20min at a time, following which there would be another 20min block of no electricity - what I presume was recharging of the generators. During the blackouts, the lifts could not work, hotel doors could not be opened using the guest key cards, and there was no water supply either – not exactly the best state of affairs.

Nonetheless, Da Nang has a nice beach with soft sand and few people:

IMG_0694

It has a pretty darn nice pool area too – pity though, about the construction on the spa facilities right behind where I stood to take this picture:

IMG_0692

Gamblers would also appreciate the adjoining casino (which was very quiet and empty) with its nightly musical fountain display. We passed by at least 4 other casinos on the way in from the airport:

IMG_0749

All in all, Crowne Plaza Da Nang is a very nice resort, and I didn’t quite want to leave:

IMG_0684

Thoughts on Vietnam

IMG_0701

Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam, at Crowne Plaza Hotel.

My verdict on what little I have experienced of Vietnam in the past 6 days is that Vietnamese food isn't as bad as I have been led to believe by the beef pho and fresh spring rolls that I have had (in Singapore). That said, Vietnamese food is simply okay - its tastes do not excite me or leave me immensely satisfied, like other types of cuisine do.

Also, while Vietnam may have beautiful beaches and charming old towns like Hoi An, its urban areas are none too pleasant an experience. The roads are dangerous and noisy due to the numerous motorcycles, pavements are non-existent, and areas are in general crowded with people and vehicles.

I suppose that's life as it is in Vietnam, but I guess I'd prefer to holiday elsewhere...

Thursday, March 1, 2012

How to make your own fancy butter

Here’s a guide to making your own fancy butter – or flavoured butters.

I especially like the one with citrus and might try it myself!

(picture from here)

 
design by suckmylolly.com