So many things to do. Whinge whinge whinge. >< Seems like lately I’ve been spending too much time staring into space, clicking through Facebook, and playing mindless computer games to do any sort of independent thinking. I don’t have interesting opinions on politics, current affairs, tv shows, or sports to blog about.

Well, last week I saw three movies, so that was something. Up 3D was brilliant – heart-warming story and loveable characters, though the pacing was a little off in the second half. But I loved the dog mannerisms (“Squirrel!”) and the animation was beautiful. Speaking of beautiful, Ponyo also blew me away. Miyasaki is a genius. But there are no expensive 3D effects, just intricate hand-drawn cells and lush watercolours – all the better, I say. The story was whimsical, fantastical, and captivating from the very first scene. Not as epic as Spirited Away – more similar to My Neighbour Totoro, I think.

Also saw Mao’s Last Dancer the second time (this time with Mum), and it was just as enjoyable this time. Again and again I’m just fascinated and amazed at that whole period of China’s history – the way the propaganda of the Communist Party infiltrated the entire country (mind you, they still sort of do.)

Random scenes that come to mind (heavily paraphrased)

1. Students and teachers in a broken down classroom, late 1970s

Teachers: thanks to the teachings of our glorious party we are enjoying unprecedented wealth and prosperity.

Students: so which are the poorest countries in the world right now?

Teachers: the imperialist and capitalist countries, of course. Their days are filled with darkness.

2. Madam Mao is the special guest at the school’s ballet performance

Madam Mao: it’s not too bad, but where is your revolutionary thinking?

Later, the entire ballet is re-worked with the performers donning military gear and twirling around while carrying guns. Just completely absurd, but of course such was the entertainment of the day for my parents. Unbelievable. 

Was forced to download the new MSN. Oops, I meant “Windows Live Messenger”. Dislike all the changes! However, this Windows Live Writer program is pretty nifty – I don’t have to visit the LiveJournal website anymore to make a post. Not that I’ve made many posts recently … It’s probably time for an overhaul, maybe I should move to the more sophisticated WordPress or Blogger websites. Or maybe I should go back to studying. Hmm, not a pleasant proposition.

"A lot of businesses think exclusion clauses are like aspirin or holy water – take some when you're in trouble and all the badness goes away."

I'm liking myself less and less these days. I'm blunt and I seem to delight in awkward situations. 

I'll think to myself, "what's the most inappropriate thing I can say here?" And then I'll say it, just to see if I mind the increased awkwardness. Usually I don't, and then afterwards I feel slightly shocked at myself. 

I'm sorry if I've been blunt or hurt you, any one of you, these past weeks. 

Okay, now I'm going back to that assignment, and I'm going to think happy happy thoughts!

 So. So. 

I've just had one of those days. Like the bad end of a chick flick, or the uglier side of a train wreck. A funny, comical train wreck, actually. 

Feeling rather peaceful ... despite facing imminent exam doom. 

Oh well, I only need 63% in tomorrow's Criminal Law exam to get a distinction. Then again, it's going to be a super hard open-book exam. Corporate Finance is also going to be a killer, especially as it's worth 65% of the entire course. Business Statistics is ... meh. Business Strategy is, thankfully, far far away, worth only 40%, and I have six days to study for it. ^^

Hmmm ... last year I shared with you the weird and wonderful questions I found in my American microeconomics textbook. This year, I bring you ...