Womb environment 'makes men gay'
A man's sexual orientation may be determined by conditions in the womb, according to a study.
Of course I haven't read the report, so don't ask me about methodological flaws etc.
The same story at Scientific American: Having Older Brothers Increases a Man's Odds of Being Gay
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Porcine humour
the transcendental pig: A picture-thinking xmas special! - really funny, if a little erudite.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Post-Christmas Nostalgia
Boxing Day early afternoon. It's still raining, and outside my balcony, the birds are flying low and crazily, like stunt pilots gone wild. I'm feeling lazy, and my violin teacher is pissed with me again.
It was a pretty quiet Christmas, largely because I wasn't where I expected to be, and because my family very smartly decided to repair our 2 PCs on Christmas (and repairs lasted till midnight). I gave the bf a choice between listening to me sing songs over the phone or proving once and for all that he really really really doesn't love me.
I spent the rest of the night after that remembering all the friends I did not have the ability to hold on to.
Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas.
Quote courtesy of Jean, who SMSed it to me in the morning, as I was waking up from hazy dreams of those who're no longer by my side.
Because I'm not as forward-looking as most of you think.
It was a pretty quiet Christmas, largely because I wasn't where I expected to be, and because my family very smartly decided to repair our 2 PCs on Christmas (and repairs lasted till midnight). I gave the bf a choice between listening to me sing songs over the phone or proving once and for all that he really really really doesn't love me.
I spent the rest of the night after that remembering all the friends I did not have the ability to hold on to.
Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas.
Quote courtesy of Jean, who SMSed it to me in the morning, as I was waking up from hazy dreams of those who're no longer by my side.
Because I'm not as forward-looking as most of you think.
Monday, December 25, 2006
March Odyssey (三月天一征) by NUS Chinese Orchestra (新加坡国立大学华乐团)
Doing a bit of a promotion for a friend. Do go if you're curious about/ interested in/ enjoy Chinese music!
1st Christmas on justareed
Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy the celebrations and/or break from work!
I've been complaining about work these few days. But the moment I get free time I happily, voluntarily start researching. Because I want to. Go figure. I think that probably the best way to get me to do work is to give me a holiday.
Curse of the Golden Flower is a good show. Go forth and watch! Unfortunately Jay is a really really really lousy actor. In the only scene where he had any real acting to do, people actually laughed. You've gotta do better than that, Jay. Especially since everyone else on the cast is a pretty good actor/actress. But I like the song hee.
I've been complaining about work these few days. But the moment I get free time I happily, voluntarily start researching. Because I want to. Go figure. I think that probably the best way to get me to do work is to give me a holiday.
Curse of the Golden Flower is a good show. Go forth and watch! Unfortunately Jay is a really really really lousy actor. In the only scene where he had any real acting to do, people actually laughed. You've gotta do better than that, Jay. Especially since everyone else on the cast is a pretty good actor/actress. But I like the song hee.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Holiday mood rant
I really really need a holiday. I need the type of holiday where everyone gets drunk and we're all too busy having fun to even think about work. Cos guess what? I'll have to bring work with me wherever I go... again. So I need the type of holiday that I usually avoid (usually I want to read).
I'm in the 2nd trimester now (cue pregnancy jokes), but really, it feels like it's been one whole, extra-long, upsized semester.
You working types will probably laugh at my lack of stamina. But I swear studying takes more out of you. (but who am I to say?)
I'm so tired. The past 2 assignments were literally started and completed on the day they were due. Looks like tomorrow's assignment will be the same. I'm so tired, I don't even care about the quality of my papers anymore. I've actually written things I knew were wrong (or rather, very dubious), but I put them in anyway. Anything to get rid of the assignment.
Perhaps part of the problem is I haven't been skipping class. Yes, I know, the sun's been rising from the west these days, or haven't you noticed? I feel compelled to go to class in a way I haven't felt since my primary school days. Not because I particularly enjoy the classes, but simply because.
I hate regular schedules with a vengeance. Even though I only go to school twice a week, I hate the thought of having no choice but to go to school on those 2 days. It starts out as a small irritant, a small loss of freedom, a small price paid. Then after a while, it starts getting on my nerves, and I start feeling really restricted. And school's so far away (by public transport), and it's been raining these days. But I go anyway.
Plus, as always, you don't see me anywhere without my readings. I'm starting to hate that these readings seem to have taken over my life. Even if I don't read them, I take them everywhere, and I keep planning my schedule around them (implementation is another matter). I'm starting to crave being able to take a minuscule/microscopic bag out with me... one that is less than A4, less than A5 even. Something that only has space for cash and lipstick and cell. In fact, I'm tempted to just leave my cell at home.
And no, there's no rest for the weary this holidays. Happy holidays to the happy people of the world anyway. *bitter*
I've been ultra-whiny these few days. Apologies to all, especially long-suffering bf.
Also, looks like I've to reluctantly turn down get-tipsy offer from J, cos my family's travelling early Sat morn. Thanks for the offer though. I'm really tempted, and if everything had been different... *sighs regretfully*
*whine*
Well, hopefully with that out of my system I can finally start writing this darn review.
I'm in the 2nd trimester now (cue pregnancy jokes), but really, it feels like it's been one whole, extra-long, upsized semester.
You working types will probably laugh at my lack of stamina. But I swear studying takes more out of you. (but who am I to say?)
I'm so tired. The past 2 assignments were literally started and completed on the day they were due. Looks like tomorrow's assignment will be the same. I'm so tired, I don't even care about the quality of my papers anymore. I've actually written things I knew were wrong (or rather, very dubious), but I put them in anyway. Anything to get rid of the assignment.
Perhaps part of the problem is I haven't been skipping class. Yes, I know, the sun's been rising from the west these days, or haven't you noticed? I feel compelled to go to class in a way I haven't felt since my primary school days. Not because I particularly enjoy the classes, but simply because.
I hate regular schedules with a vengeance. Even though I only go to school twice a week, I hate the thought of having no choice but to go to school on those 2 days. It starts out as a small irritant, a small loss of freedom, a small price paid. Then after a while, it starts getting on my nerves, and I start feeling really restricted. And school's so far away (by public transport), and it's been raining these days. But I go anyway.
Plus, as always, you don't see me anywhere without my readings. I'm starting to hate that these readings seem to have taken over my life. Even if I don't read them, I take them everywhere, and I keep planning my schedule around them (implementation is another matter). I'm starting to crave being able to take a minuscule/microscopic bag out with me... one that is less than A4, less than A5 even. Something that only has space for cash and lipstick and cell. In fact, I'm tempted to just leave my cell at home.
And no, there's no rest for the weary this holidays. Happy holidays to the happy people of the world anyway. *bitter*
I've been ultra-whiny these few days. Apologies to all, especially long-suffering bf.
Also, looks like I've to reluctantly turn down get-tipsy offer from J, cos my family's travelling early Sat morn. Thanks for the offer though. I'm really tempted, and if everything had been different... *sighs regretfully*
*whine*
Well, hopefully with that out of my system I can finally start writing this darn review.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
This is ruining my life
Why is no one impressed by my newfound ability (thanks to James）to type in Chinese? 爲什麽?
Monday, December 18, 2006
Why I need a thesis supervisor with a sense of humour
Thesis Sup (referring to outline): So, what do you mean by 'ASEAN multilateralism'?
Me: Erm... well... I guess the ASEAN Way? Wait, what am I thinking. Erm... give me a minute. *closes eyes, opens eyes, but he hasn't disappeared yet* I guess I mean ASEAN attempts at multilateral diplomacy?
...
TS: What is this section supposed to accomplish?
Me: Hmmm. I think I thought that with this section, I could... *blah*
...
TS: Ok, so you can review this book for next Friday.
Me: Erm, the deadline for the book review is this Friday.
TS: The deadline is this Friday and you haven't even chosen your book?
Me: *laughs nervously* *bites tongue to stop self from telling him I also have an essay due tomorrow that I haven't started on*
(Yes, I know my classmates talked to you about the book review like, 3 weeks ago. Damn those civil servants.)
...
TS: What is your writing style? Are you the type who waits till the last minute to write or...
Me: *nods emphatically*
TS: I had a feeling you would say that.
Me: *kicks self for nodding too emphatically*
...
TS: It sounds exciting.
Me: *realizing that nothing is going to improve my image, sticks tongue out at him and tries to act cute*
In the end, I waltzed out of his office with a pink, furry halo of hard-earned bimboticness.
He saw the sheen of stark panic in my eyes, and verily, he was amused.
This is also the reason why I avoid meeting my supervisors until I've submitted my thesis. Just so they don't get scared off.
Me: Erm... well... I guess the ASEAN Way? Wait, what am I thinking. Erm... give me a minute. *closes eyes, opens eyes, but he hasn't disappeared yet* I guess I mean ASEAN attempts at multilateral diplomacy?
...
TS: What is this section supposed to accomplish?
Me: Hmmm. I think I thought that with this section, I could... *blah*
...
TS: Ok, so you can review this book for next Friday.
Me: Erm, the deadline for the book review is this Friday.
TS: The deadline is this Friday and you haven't even chosen your book?
Me: *laughs nervously* *bites tongue to stop self from telling him I also have an essay due tomorrow that I haven't started on*
(Yes, I know my classmates talked to you about the book review like, 3 weeks ago. Damn those civil servants.)
...
TS: What is your writing style? Are you the type who waits till the last minute to write or...
Me: *nods emphatically*
TS: I had a feeling you would say that.
Me: *kicks self for nodding too emphatically*
...
TS: It sounds exciting.
Me: *realizing that nothing is going to improve my image, sticks tongue out at him and tries to act cute*
In the end, I waltzed out of his office with a pink, furry halo of hard-earned bimboticness.
He saw the sheen of stark panic in my eyes, and verily, he was amused.
This is also the reason why I avoid meeting my supervisors until I've submitted my thesis. Just so they don't get scared off.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Studying the wrong thing
Ed, pls note.
Yay consistency :P
| Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking |
 You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language |
| You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy) |
 You're a great thinker and a true philosopher. You'd make a talented professor or writer. |
Yay consistency :P
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Too much drama
I figured that if I was going all the way to the airport, I might as well go there early so I could study there.
Unfortunately, I didn't count on me being me. I was so bored and sleepy, I locked myself in a toilet cubicle, just so I didn't have to act like a normal, functional adult.
If you haven't realised (which tends to be the case for people who don't lock themselves in toilet cubicles unless absolutely necessary), a toilet cubicle is a boring place unless you have pressing matters to attend to inside the cubicle. And being a product of modern society, my sole source of entertainment was my handphone. So I started taking pictures of myself in the cubicle (from the neck up only!). If anybody is interested, I've got a rather boring sound recording of people washing their hands.
Maybe I'll tell you about my encounters (all in the past week!) with hookers, sex maniacs, film-makers and civil servants some other time.
PS. If you think you know the author of this blog, let me assure you that you've got it all wrong. That girl you know? She would never consider locking herself in the toilet for 20 mins. Never. And the handphone antics? Not a chance. Just remember the next time you see her, She Didn't Write This. In fact, she spent those 20mins identifying her dissertation research question and she finished the 3 books she brought with her to the airport. Yeah, that's what she did.
Unfortunately, I didn't count on me being me. I was so bored and sleepy, I locked myself in a toilet cubicle, just so I didn't have to act like a normal, functional adult.
If you haven't realised (which tends to be the case for people who don't lock themselves in toilet cubicles unless absolutely necessary), a toilet cubicle is a boring place unless you have pressing matters to attend to inside the cubicle. And being a product of modern society, my sole source of entertainment was my handphone. So I started taking pictures of myself in the cubicle (from the neck up only!). If anybody is interested, I've got a rather boring sound recording of people washing their hands.
Maybe I'll tell you about my encounters (all in the past week!) with hookers, sex maniacs, film-makers and civil servants some other time.
PS. If you think you know the author of this blog, let me assure you that you've got it all wrong. That girl you know? She would never consider locking herself in the toilet for 20 mins. Never. And the handphone antics? Not a chance. Just remember the next time you see her, She Didn't Write This. In fact, she spent those 20mins identifying her dissertation research question and she finished the 3 books she brought with her to the airport. Yeah, that's what she did.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Bad day
I've been an idiot :P Ah well, what's new?
Research is essentially a solitary enterprise. It's simply learning and knowing and thinking... all by yourself. Even if you discuss with someone else, or work in a team, you're all on your own. The thoughts are all yours, the work's all yours. Even if you get a research assistant, there's no escaping it. Writing is so individualistic, I can't see how any academic can survive without an invincible self-esteem. When it comes to academia, I have a huge inferiority complex. :P
The past few weeks have been so hectic, and I've been constantly surrounded by people, so it's difficult to get back into research mode. Usually I'm good with solitude. I like solitude. Solitude tastes like tea without sugar or milk. Tea without sugar and milk is my alone-drink. But solitude + research + out of town bf really takes some getting used to.
I'm not a sports person. Far from it. But as long as I'm not wearing heels and not carrying too much stuff, no one's ever been able to outwalk me. I walk when I can't get my thoughts straightened out (which is often the case these days). Unfortunately, walking doesn't straighten my thoughts out. Looks like walking is my substitute for thinking. Sometimes I miss having someone walk with me.
Argh I'm so worn out.
Research is essentially a solitary enterprise. It's simply learning and knowing and thinking... all by yourself. Even if you discuss with someone else, or work in a team, you're all on your own. The thoughts are all yours, the work's all yours. Even if you get a research assistant, there's no escaping it. Writing is so individualistic, I can't see how any academic can survive without an invincible self-esteem. When it comes to academia, I have a huge inferiority complex. :P
The past few weeks have been so hectic, and I've been constantly surrounded by people, so it's difficult to get back into research mode. Usually I'm good with solitude. I like solitude. Solitude tastes like tea without sugar or milk. Tea without sugar and milk is my alone-drink. But solitude + research + out of town bf really takes some getting used to.
I'm not a sports person. Far from it. But as long as I'm not wearing heels and not carrying too much stuff, no one's ever been able to outwalk me. I walk when I can't get my thoughts straightened out (which is often the case these days). Unfortunately, walking doesn't straighten my thoughts out. Looks like walking is my substitute for thinking. Sometimes I miss having someone walk with me.
Argh I'm so worn out.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Frailty, thy name is woman!
被爱的女人
李玟
作词：许常德 作曲：郭子 编曲：钱幽兰
在镜子前面 我是个被爱的女人
他站在门外 这个周末我可以依赖在他的胸怀
在情人面前 我还是单身的女人
爱若缺了缘份
我想我只能用情至深
但不能太认真
为什么被爱 有时却觉得悲哀
为什么我还是害怕一个人醒来
为什么相爱 日子却依然空白
为什么你 走不到我的未来
让爱固定下来 我不会永远青春可爱
我的美丽要你的温柔帮我保留下来
让爱固定下来 我和你 不要不要分开
我不要爱一再一再彩排
我不是每次失恋后都能从新再来
李玟
作词：许常德 作曲：郭子 编曲：钱幽兰
在镜子前面 我是个被爱的女人
他站在门外 这个周末我可以依赖在他的胸怀
在情人面前 我还是单身的女人
爱若缺了缘份
我想我只能用情至深
但不能太认真
为什么被爱 有时却觉得悲哀
为什么我还是害怕一个人醒来
为什么相爱 日子却依然空白
为什么你 走不到我的未来
让爱固定下来 我不会永远青春可爱
我的美丽要你的温柔帮我保留下来
让爱固定下来 我和你 不要不要分开
我不要爱一再一再彩排
我不是每次失恋后都能从新再来
Friday, December 08, 2006
Words heard
Seen in a female mag - 'chiffon and ruffles for a Marie Antoinette chic'. What? The headless kind?
Seen on cubicle doors of Far East toilet (female of course) - 'bidet'. Like your regular Far East-going population would know what a 'bidet' is.
Actually, I haven't really had the chance to talk about the trip to Taipei. What struck me most was how so many people were interested in freedom of speech/democracy/blogs. (My paper was on politicized blogging in S'pore, which has nothing to do with what I'm studying now, but heck.) The comment I received most frequently was 'I was listening to your presentation, and I was struck by how similar your country is to mine!' Hmmm.
If you look closely at the news, you'll find plenty of blog-related developments. Eg. China may make bloggers give ID. Thanks to James for this one, I've just stopped keeping tabs after I got the paper over and done with. :P
Oh, and let me whine about how Singapore's bookstores never carry the books I need. *whine*
Seen on cubicle doors of Far East toilet (female of course) - 'bidet'. Like your regular Far East-going population would know what a 'bidet' is.
Actually, I haven't really had the chance to talk about the trip to Taipei. What struck me most was how so many people were interested in freedom of speech/democracy/blogs. (My paper was on politicized blogging in S'pore, which has nothing to do with what I'm studying now, but heck.) The comment I received most frequently was 'I was listening to your presentation, and I was struck by how similar your country is to mine!' Hmmm.
If you look closely at the news, you'll find plenty of blog-related developments. Eg. China may make bloggers give ID. Thanks to James for this one, I've just stopped keeping tabs after I got the paper over and done with. :P
Oh, and let me whine about how Singapore's bookstores never carry the books I need. *whine*
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
In the Mood for Music
Argh this isn't a time for one of my music moods to come along. I don't have the time.
Digging up all my old CDs, and listening to songs I haven't listened to for a long long time. I can't seem to concentrate on anything else when I'm in this mood. (besides blogging that is)
Listening to someone's playing for the 1st time is an important thing for me, largely because it's just important lar. Don't ask me why. :P
And I really don't have the time. Argh.
Oh, and I don't just need a bag. I need The Bag. The kind of bag Superman brings to the Sun when his arms are occupied with carrying Lois Lane and he's got no pockets to store his toiletries and the Empire State Building (all the better to swing around, my dear). The kind of bag that laughs at the thought of falling apart because it is Superman's Choice. The kind of bag that will never break before my shoulder does, and preferably the kind of bag that I can hang around my neck/waist/toe even after my shoulder breaks. Because I'm just so tired of having bags fall apart on me.
Digging up all my old CDs, and listening to songs I haven't listened to for a long long time. I can't seem to concentrate on anything else when I'm in this mood. (besides blogging that is)
Listening to someone's playing for the 1st time is an important thing for me, largely because it's just important lar. Don't ask me why. :P
And I really don't have the time. Argh.
Oh, and I don't just need a bag. I need The Bag. The kind of bag Superman brings to the Sun when his arms are occupied with carrying Lois Lane and he's got no pockets to store his toiletries and the Empire State Building (all the better to swing around, my dear). The kind of bag that laughs at the thought of falling apart because it is Superman's Choice. The kind of bag that will never break before my shoulder does, and preferably the kind of bag that I can hang around my neck/waist/toe even after my shoulder breaks. Because I'm just so tired of having bags fall apart on me.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Incoherent thoughts
The weather sucks in Singapore.
The work piled up like crazy while I was away. Which sucks.
I'm sleepy. That sucks too.
I need to start working on that thesis! (and to stop sleeping! I'm not even jetlagged!)
I still have a lot to learn when it comes to relationships of all kinds.
I hate going for official dinners. I really REALLY hate it like crazy. But I don't seem to have a choice. Argh.
I wasted 65SGD today. Sighz.
I really can't think of anything coherent to say. Too tired.
The work piled up like crazy while I was away. Which sucks.
I'm sleepy. That sucks too.
I need to start working on that thesis! (and to stop sleeping! I'm not even jetlagged!)
I still have a lot to learn when it comes to relationships of all kinds.
I hate going for official dinners. I really REALLY hate it like crazy. But I don't seem to have a choice. Argh.
I wasted 65SGD today. Sighz.
I really can't think of anything coherent to say. Too tired.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
back from taipei
Just got back from Taipei, which is a really lovely city. I'm in love with the people there haha... and the international delegates as well! *big muackz*
I guess I learnt a lot too. However, now's not the time to talk about that. Just finished settling some stuff, really braindead, and off to either get some sleep or play the piano.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
I guess I learnt a lot too. However, now's not the time to talk about that. Just finished settling some stuff, really braindead, and off to either get some sleep or play the piano.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
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