Oct 31, 2007

More YouTube Videos



Fine. Though I often project myself as a cynical and world-weary person, there's an undeniable streak of humanism in me. I love this video, and I wish more such videos are available in YouTube and less on hate rhetorics.

Currently reading



The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, by Samuel P. Huntington.

Fascinating read thus far. Totally change your perception on current trends in global politics. Whether you agree or disagree with the author, it is nevertheless a highly-recommended read to anyone.

Oct 28, 2007

A Voice of Reason

Wafa Sultan. Such passion. Such insight. Such courage. Such charisma. I've never been so moved by someone's conviction in my entire life. In 2 short videos, she managed to completely won me over.



Oct 25, 2007

Oct 12, 2007

My Verdict


After 5 listens of the entire album (4 by order, 1 shuffled), I have finally come to a verdict:

This may be the best Radiohead album yet!

I say 'may', because my initial reactions to each individual Radiohead albums have always been grossly different from my final opinion after months and years of listening to them. (While I like most albums by other artists early on and get tired of them eventually, Radiohead almost always causes the opposite. I hated it at first when I listen to the latest released album, then gradually warm up to their new creative direction, and ultimately embraced them as geniuses who's still at the top of their form, constantly exploring new sound and structure).

But this is a first Radiohead album which I consistently like every single songs in the first couple of listen. There is not a single weak track here, but a whole chain of multi-layered, painstakingly crafted songs. To say that I'm blown away is an understatement indeed!

My favourite Radiohead albums have been OK Computer 1st, Kid A 2nd, The Bends 3rd. And now in Rainbows threatened to knock all 3 down 1 spot! Yes I actually (may) liked this more than the legendary poll-topper OK Computer!

Oct 11, 2007

Radiohead Day


Seems like I'm not the only one who's going gaga over Radiohead's IN RAINBOWS. The internet community is already calling 10/10/2007 (UK time) Radiohead Day. Music industry reacts with shock with the unusual release of the album: you pick the price! Experts and fans are all analysing the potential impact this move will evolutionize the music industry.


Take a look yourself:








- Wired: Radiohead Hides Several Pots of Gold 'In Rainbows'



-The Times Online: Music industry reaction to Radiohead's album

- Minnesota Public Radio: The day the music (industry) died?


- PC World: Big Acts Follow Radiohead's Lead: Let Their Music Go Free



- Rolling Stone: Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood on “In Rainbows”: “It’s Fun to Make People Think About What Music is Worth”



Today... is a GREAT day...

iN rAINBOWS

OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING I'M LISTENING TO RADIOHEAD'S LATEST ALBUM: IN RAINBOWS NOW THIS IS SO FREAKIN' UNBELIEVABLE IT'S SO SURREAL

HELP HELP I'M HYPERVENTILATING HELP HELP

OMG I'M DROWNING IN THE MUSIC NOW THIS IS ONE OF THE MILESTONE IN MY LIFE

NO NO NO WORDS CAN SUFFICIENTLY EXPRESS MY EXCITEMENT NOW SO I'M JUST GONNA SHUT UP AND DROWN MYSELF IN THE MUSIC FOR THE NEXT 10 HOURS

BYE BYE BYE PEOPLE

Oct 9, 2007

Humility Where Art Thou

The lack of humility among med students around me is appaling. And I'm not even talking about the kiwi students.

Oct 8, 2007

Thom Yorke/ Symmetry/ In Rainbows


This is Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, my favourite band. That particular drooping left eye-lid he has is due to a surgical complication, when he has a paralysed left eye.

Wondering how he would look like if he never had that 'botched' surgery, I tried cutting the 'normal' half of his face and joined it with an identical flipped image. The results:

I'm fascinated with the results really. I remember some documentary discussing about how symmetrical face is usually judged to be beautiful/handsome by the crowd. Following that logic, I repeat the experiment with the other side of the face.


The results?


...


Here you go:


P.S. The official download for Radiohead's latest album, In Rainbows, will be out on the 10th of October. The price for the download? You decide! No really, you call the price! Have a look yourself!