Friday, September 26, 2003
I was at the airport tonight to send a friend off to the greener pastures of Edinburgh. Quite the same old, the photo-taking the hugs the jokes and ultimately, the tear-filled eyes. Evidently the happy moment, yet with a tinge of lingering sadness of leaving the loved ones behind. The airport never fails to tempt me with the possibilities of exploring the world out there via the exit of its gates, and I would gladly exchange places with the male-in-question tonight. With thoughts like this, it seems to make me less emotional compared to other girls around me. The usual claims of 'I can't bear to leave the comfortable nest', 'It's tough to be out there alone and self-reliant with no one familiar in a strange place' don't bother me much, instead I long for that adrenaline rush of independence, of a new experience. Hopes that have been so far dampened by the lack of opportunity and financing. I envy all who get to go, even for a term.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Sunday, September 21, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Three U.S. soldiers were killed in separate attacks in the volatile region of central Iraq — one by a roadside bomb, two others by a mortar attack, the military reported Sunday.
This can't drag on anymore. Inevitably the human cost of any war is high, but it hurts when you see reports of couple of deaths today and some more deaths tomorrow as you browse the news sites. US is bound in a Catch 22 situation, unable to get out unable to do very much in there either. To exit now would be a humiliating withdrawal, probably proving her critics right, but staying on would mean enduring further loss of military servicemen - take away their kevlars and uniforms, those are just innocent young dudes with a supposed future. The process of achieving her military aims could be long and slow, but the patience of the other countries is wearing thin. To make or break it, it isn't all in US' hands, and whatever the outcome, it could come at the cost of an election, international relations and even more human lives.
This can't drag on anymore. Inevitably the human cost of any war is high, but it hurts when you see reports of couple of deaths today and some more deaths tomorrow as you browse the news sites. US is bound in a Catch 22 situation, unable to get out unable to do very much in there either. To exit now would be a humiliating withdrawal, probably proving her critics right, but staying on would mean enduring further loss of military servicemen - take away their kevlars and uniforms, those are just innocent young dudes with a supposed future. The process of achieving her military aims could be long and slow, but the patience of the other countries is wearing thin. To make or break it, it isn't all in US' hands, and whatever the outcome, it could come at the cost of an election, international relations and even more human lives.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
As one of the most outstanding examples of investigative journalism, 20/20 remains one of the most informative and entertaining programmes on tv. Through which I learnt about bystander apathy today - an interesting concept.
Friday, September 19, 2003
As I was fumbling with my seat belt today, I whined " I can't get it into the hole.." Ian (aka mom-to-be) sitting next to me had to add, "Come, let me help guide your hand to get it in." I find his sense of humor hilarious, and have made up my mind to care for his foetus as if my own from today onwards.
Thursday, September 18, 2003
I got hit by another bout of flu. Exactly one week after the last attack. Even as I thought I am well on the road to recovery and am all set to go for training today, it struck this morning moments after I had stepped into class, just before my FNCE202 test. Coupled with an increasing workload, it doesn't help matters much. The day passed uneventfully - everything sucked and I triumphed in being most uncooperative, blamed for spreading the virus in every air-conditioned room.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
I got lucky last night - watched a good movie from TV's usually-mediocre selection. I didn't even know Runaway Virus was showing until it started, and didn't know it was good until I watched. 1918 had always struck me as a war year. The movie got me intrigued, led me to probe on an occurrence in 1918 I didn't know about, at least until yesterday. And I began to understand more why the recent SARS scare was, and still is, the cause for a big whoo-haa. I have decided to read up on this topic (via library borrowings/ bookstore purchases - if I have money to spare) in the holidays when I am less tied down by collegial burdens. Never underestimate the educational values of a relatively-unknown flop-type movie.
And you thought this is only a 2003 phenomenon.
Two informative links, if you are still interested.
Arctic Graves May Yield Clues on 1918 Epidemic
The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic, and the Hong Kong Incident
And you thought this is only a 2003 phenomenon.
Two informative links, if you are still interested.
Arctic Graves May Yield Clues on 1918 Epidemic
The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic, and the Hong Kong Incident
Friday, September 05, 2003
This morning I had stumbled upon him as I left my tv rambling on, doing my things and in short, contributing to the non-conservation of electricity. Mmm .. women always have a weakness for cute guys, particularly so if he is a chef. Nevermind that he dips his finger into simmering broth licks it for taste and does not practise quality hygiene, the fact that he can cook, makes everything look easy to prepare and delicious, do we care if he works that boyish charm on us?
Thursday, September 04, 2003
I was at a lunchtime talk yesterday by the Asian Bureau Chief of Dow Jones Newswires, "Is Truth the First Casualty of War?" It was very insightful, with a variety of issues brought up, almost rekindling the embedded-combat-politics-journalist-wannabe in me.
Monday, September 01, 2003
My nose feels raw, had a lingering cold the whole of yesterday which led to an early night on the sofa, texts unread.
