Convicted Freedom

Privacy

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:21:00 +0000

You know how people are unshy about being in the limelight nowadays? Think: Reality TV.

It annoys the heck out of me. Think about how celebrities are plagued by the paparazzi and tv shows make it seem like celebs are living the life. Of course they are, they're doing something they love and are paid handsomely for it. But the privilege of privacy is taken away. Sidebar: Privacy used to be a right, not a privilege. Now every other person wants to be a reality star. No doubt, some use it as stepping stone to further their career in the biz but you've got to be very careful which shows you use as your star vehicle. American Idol: Okay. Jersey Shore: Not okay.

Then there's Youtube where producers and execs are by-passed and it's voila! It's published. The first numa numa boy liked his 15 minutes of fame, but pretty soon after, he didn't like it.

It feels like privacy is taken for granted nowadays. Most likely also contributed by Facebook. Privacy settings are open to everyone by default, and Mark Zuckerberg says that's what people are doing nowadays. Bah! Some people in specific circumstances could really use some privacy. E.g. women and children trying to lay low from an abusive husband and father. If they use Facebook and weren't clear on Facebook's new privacy settings, they could've been easily found by the man. That's a threat on their lives.

Do you still think privacy isn't something you should cherish?

Humidifiers and timing

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:37:00 +0000

This one made me LOL. Not because it's funny, but because it was timing, a huge theme for me right now. I saw humidifier filters today, and coincidentally (not "ironically"!), my flu or whatever was brought on by this lack of humidity. Then there's also the not totally unrelated thing with my laptop dying on me at the beginning of the school semester and end of my 3 year extended warranty. And now, Deng's also a bit sickly now, so we both could use a humidifier. Talking about filters, the air here can be really dusty! Add that and the heat, I just want to go to New Zealand!

I sound like a man

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:37:00 +0000

I have the flu. I think.
The weather's crazy hot and dry. And then there's the lack of sleep, because without my laptop, I can't do anything quick enough. So I have to continually go to the computer lab which means I'm always out under the hot sun. It all makes so much sense now. I feel a bit sorry for myself when I'm coughing my lungs and other fluids out. Tomorrow, I'm going to see furry animals and take lots of photos.

Nutrients in a pill - Does it work?

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:51:00 +0000

I just had a an epiphany about diet pills. The thing about diet pills is that they appeal a lot to busy men and women who think they have no time to exercise or eat right. With diet pills, all the nutrients they need are compressed into a little pill that they consume frequently. If the pills work, great! But if you choose not to take them and opt for a not-so-fancy method, you go for the real stuff. I.e. eat foodstuff that contain nutrients the pills claim they have. But the thing with fruit nutrients that my father has drilled into my head is that, after you cut them, their vitamins are quickly oxidized so you should consume them as soon as possible. Now what about diet pills that claim to have fruit nutrients in them? Wouldn't that mean that the nutrients are ineffective, even if it contains them? Here's a site where you can learn more about diet pills.

Wrinkles

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:52:00 +0000

So I recall this post by my friend about having to start stocking up on wrinkle creams. She was only 20 years old then. We hear from a lot of girls that we have to start young when it comes to facial care. If that's the case, what is the best wrinkle cream for girls in their 20s? I don't think we even have that many wrinkles to begin with, do we? I'm pretty sure I'm not even familiar with wrinkles. I may even confuse them with creases in our skin.

Diet pills and side effects

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:44:00 +0000

Diet pills are a bit like the best thing since chocolate and peanut butter, but they're also a little bit like the after effects of too much chocolate and peanut butter. It can be great yet bring you grief. The thing with pharmaceutics is that they may work well. For a while. Before they start to produce side effects. Take a look at this website that features a review of adipex, "America's #1 Selling Prescription Weight Loss Supplement"! LOL moment right there. While they doprint warnings on the labels of bottles, I think the desire to lose weight at that moment could supercede the warnings your surpressed thoughts are trying to tell you. Makes me wonder why products with the weirdest side effects are approved by the FDA.

Testosterone creams

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:25:00 +0000

Deng and I were discussing testosterone creams yesterday night. I wondered how they worked. Since they're creams, they're topical, right? So does that mean you apply them on an area and that area will be affected by the hormones? Say I applied some on my chest, would that stimulate growth of chest hair? Cause you know, that'd be super weird. And then I wondered under what circumstance would one need testosterone cream for. I had no clue. No wait, I have one. If you're embarking on a journey to manhood. Seriously.

Ellipticals

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:17:00 +0000

Up till today, I still have no clue as to what ellipticals do for your body. Tones your thighs? Butt? Bit of arms? Yeah, probably. But the thing with stationary exercising machines is that I get bored easily and minutes feel like... more minutes. But recently, I took, yes, took, up badminton, which other than making me feel healthier, made my pants feel tighter. Weird. Though it gets boring, it won't stop me from getting on one just for fun.

Get more out of your wedding package

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +0000

What I learnt from Deng about weddings is that the planning process can get very frustrating. But I also learnt that you can be frugal about the whole process which includes the end of a wedding reception. If you're having a second wedding reception in another country, the wedding accessories from the first reception/ceremony can be reused! Cause you've already bought it, see? Alternately, you could save them (car ribbons, flowers, knickknacks) for decoration at home, or accessories to include on your Christmas gifts! I can't really tell you what you can haggle for because I've never done it, but I know it can be done! Get them to throw in outfits for the bride's maids and groom's men, make up for all, etc. The best situation you could be in, is if your friends include photographers, make up artists, event planners. And it's all very possible if you're in the relevant fields.

Pharmaceutics and brands

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:24:00 +0000

I think pharmaceutics have so many brand names that it makes the buying process quite difficult. One medication can be called "A" and also "B", "C" and "D"! E.g. Accutane, Isotane, Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravix, Decutan, and Roaccutane -- they're all really the same medication. Like, some guy would ask, "do you have any accutane reviews", and no one would understand. Accutane is for acne treatment by the way. There has got to be a much simpler way of selling pharmaceutics without compromising brands.

Cycle of death?

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:24:00 +0000

As I've written before, Mesothelioma or malignant Mesothelioma is the cancer of the protective lining of your organs, mostly caused by exposure to asbestos. And you usually find asbestos in construction material, insulation material, ship material, etc. Now think about it some more, which socioeconomic group is commonly working as construction crews? With some stereotype used, it's the lower income group (dependent upon location). Can they afford healthcare? That's difficult to say. Read: location dependent. Let's say they can't, then factor in that there is no cure for cancer. So let's also assume they succumb to their illnesses. That means a new batch of
workers from lower socioeconomic means take their places to continue the cycle. Am I being overly dramatic here?

Forget the cold, be bold

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:26:00 +0000

The last time I wrote about Orlando vacations, it was snowing, or something like that, there. Well, I just want to say, despite that, you can still have fun in Disneyland (and other theme parks there). I was in Japan in Fall and it was very cold, yet park admissions were plenty. Now, the temperature's at 10 degrees Celcius, or 50 degree Fahrenheit. And it's sunny! So it's great! When you need a little warmth, you step into the sunlight. Then when you're a little too warm, you step back into the shade. It's very handy! Yes, the title's a sad attempt at rhyming.

Fridges

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:25:00 +0000

I bet most of you didn't know you had to refill the water storage tray thingy behind or under the fridge so it would work properly. Or so I was told. Refrigerator water filters... now I'm not sure what exactly they are but rest assured they have something to do with that tray thing. I loved to refill that tray when I was little. Now I don't know if I'm imagining things, but I seem to recall an incident where a dead rat was found in that water tray thing. Pretty scary stuff for a kid. Come to think of it now, if it really happened, it's awesome! How many of you can say that you found a dead rat in the fridge's water storage area?

Eczema

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:25:00 +0000

Moi sister's had eczema for a really long time now. Her eczema treatment has included steroids, Swedish bitter, lotion, aloe gels, etc. She makes sure that area is dry after showers and keeps it moisturised to reduce the itch. People keep thinking it's a hickey but jebus, if it really were a hickey, it'd be an ugly fungous hickey. It's gross. It won't heal so now she has this constant itch on her neck. If she were the Hunchback of Notre Dame, it'd be her little hump.

Crazy child druggies

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:25:00 +0000

I used to have a lot of these little Vitamin Cs at home because my Mum worked at a pharmaceutical company. Instead of seeing them as vitamins, I'd take them like they were candy. (I think) My mum told me to bring two to school everyday. School was from 7am till 4pm. But instead of two, I'd bring a bunch because like child druggies, my friends and I would switch vitamins and keep popping them. For all I care, they were orange flavoured candy. Ah, good times.

Cosmetics and social pressure

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:26:00 +0000

I've always opined that when people want to look nice, they're doing it to please others, not themselves. If you feel judged when you don't look good and as a result start to beautify yourself to remove that negative feeling and also to make yourself feel better, you're ultimately doing it to please others, aren't you?
As such, I've been thinking, (WHOA, I'M THINKING!), living in the city, how many people actually stop and stare at your face, taking in every detail? Do they notice your flaws? Of course they do. E.g. pimples, acne, moles, etc. But what about the not so noticeable ones like wrinkles? Especially wrinkles around the eyes. Does it justify buying eye wrinkle cream then?

Today we talk dirty

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:23:00 +0000

I was going to write a script for this post because then, it would seem a little more tasteful than saying it outright. It's an uncomfortable topic people don't like talking about. So let's talk hemorrhoids. Go Wiki it for some pictures. It's kind of disgusting but it's educational.

I'll just jump right to the juicy bits. There are lots of hemorrhoid relief options like topical corticosteroids and hydrocortisones. There's also some more natural alternatives, like squatting when you do your business, taking in more dietary fibres and fluids, maintaining a good posture and exercising.

As the remedies tell you, inadequate exercise, poor posture and diet can cause hemorrhoids. I usually find that this can be great encouragement if you're constantly reminded of how your butt looks like to your other half. Cause y'know, it's awkward.

Muscle Building

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:26:00 +0000

So so so, I've been playing some badminton for the last 4 or so weeks and I'm beginning to gain some serious muscle (, skill and stamina!). For one, my biceps are bigger (and I feel thinner!). Actually, my left arm looks a little bigger, so I alternate between arms when playing. But unlike body building, I won't need the best muscle building supplements for this. Although I supposed if I wanted to, I could stock up on protein.

Scrub scrub scrub

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:25:00 +0000

OMG! I think I really did have acne all these while! There are scar like marks on my forehead. It's a "breeding ground" for eww-y pimples and acne - it's a prone area. On the other hand, I'm not entirely sure they were full fledge acne. It was just a spur of the moment thought. Oh well, too late for acne solutions! But always remember, wash your face to remove oils so your pore don't get clogged.

Holy copyright infringement, Batman!

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:26:00 +0000

Malaysia is suing Apple for copyright infringement?

This concept about reaching middle ground isn't anything new, is it? It actually reads more like The Onion - a load of bull for laughs. And apparently, Indonesia stole the our batik ideas and Singapore our Ampang Yong Tau Fus. Well, uh, I once heard someone comment that Malays are descendants of Parameswara (who is Indonesian) as well as natives here (Orang Lauts and whatnot). So, what's not to say that the batik is a shared culture? And honestly, Yong Tau Fu sounds like a Chinese dish, which coincidentally, Singapore has millions.

Holy acne, Batman!

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:24:00 +0000

I've been fortunate enough to not have severe acne problems. Actually, I'm not sure if I've ever had acne. Anyway, the only time my hormones go crazy and give me pimples is when I have my monthly visit and I sleep late. So, so far, good for me! But if ever you have acne, remember to hydrate and go all health nut on us.

Drums for anything

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:19:00 +0000

When I was younger, I had this Playbill toy truck all decked out with African Safari themes, and there was this drum/barrel I really liked to play with. I'm not quite sure how I played with it because it was just... an inanimate drum - it did nothing. Well, in its defence, it was cute.
Of course I don't feel the same way anymore. I used to wonder where a personal buyer would get a stainless steel drum for their own purposes. Tons of things you can use it for; store liquids, foodstuff, chemicals, corpses. You know, lots of things!

Car shopping?

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:18:00 +0000

If you're looking to buy a new or used car, you'd probably start with eBay, Craigslist or even the classifieds, right? But there are websites out there that simplifies your search for the cheapest car prices (e.g. http://www.carseek.com). Like the others, it's an enormous database of used and new cars. Their search options are very user friendly. That said, remember to do your homework and don't pay money for something you haven't seen for yourself.

Memorising things easily

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:18:00 +0000

I'm going to share with you a trick I learnt from Ron White, a memory expert, from his seminar I attended. In order to remember things easily, other than visualising them, you can also associate them with objects in your surroundings. Say I spout a list of canine breeds in a certain order (e.g. 1. German Shepherd, 2. Chihuahua, 3. Pug, etc.), and I want you to tell me what the second breed was. Of course, in a real demo you won't be able to see this list.

What you can do to help you remember is to associate them with objects you can see, like I mentioned above. I.e., 1. German Shepherd = windows, 2. Chihuahua = exit signs, 3. Pug = chairs, etc. So when I ask what the second breed is, you can tell me it's the Chihuahua very quickly.

Glove up! Or not

noreply@blogger.com (cheahwey) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:18:00 +0000

Halfway through my semester in Perth, I'm going to slowly freeze. My hands, at least. The first time I experienced Fall, I thought, "wow, good thing I brought my gloves". Turns out, they didn't do anything to keep my hands warm. They were cheap gloves from China, I think. But somehow I'm thinking of Mickey when I think of them. Not sure how they're related.... Oh wait, I first experienced Fall in Japan. THAT'S WHY I KEEP THINKING OF MICKEY! I was in Disneyland while I was there. Anyway, between the cheap gloves and Michael Kors (leather gloves), it's undecided. On one hand, I would totally love the warmth in leather; on the other, I'm a masochist.