ROCKY

A short story by Khairul Ameer

“I told you she wouldn’t come.” People know Robert for his notoriously sharp tongue but those words he spat behind me as we were dismissed off the mundane 6pm meeting has been repetitively playing in my head.

I was not always like this. A year ago, I would have jumped at any opportunity to drink a glass of vodka; but after mid-April, I cannot bring myself to enjoy a Friday night without her. The memory of Jenny’s fingers relaxing and the life in her eyes disappearing into nothingness after the accident is still fresh in my mind.

What was once her joy that filled the empty void in my soul has been replaced with this stupid job and the money secured in my bank account at the end of the month. Gravity Engineering is nothing less than unsatisfactory. My daily responsibility is going to rich people’s houses and fixing the air pump in their home tubes.

It’s undoubtedly intelligent, nevertheless. Convenience comes when humans get creative to combat their laziness; first comes the ladder, then the staircase followed by elevators. Lifts come after and when that gets too slow, air tubes were invented. A blast of air either pushes you up to your room or cushions the fall from your balcony to the kitchen within seconds.

How lucky of me to be stuck in the same company I had my internship with a decade ago. When I was an intern then, Jenny was the front desk receptionist.

On one of our dates, we went to watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show. A timeless 1975 classic that had the right amount of risqué content. Enough to make me feel a certain way when the moonlight hits Jenny’s face while we’re waiting for a taxi. That kiss I planted was electric and I’ve spent every night reliving that moment.

They are called OCULUS E: Experience an experience. A dumb slogan, yet such a brilliant invention. Some Indian student from Singapore made them. Goggles that can sync your mind, as well as your friends’, into a variety of realistic servers that can combine your memory with optical sensors. Of course, the first player’s memory will be played out if the programme is shared.

I’ve been in numerous simulations, mostly alone; movies, theme parks but the one I love most is going to the Rocky Horror Picture Show with her.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repetitively experienced the things Jenny and I did that night; going up on stage to be volunteers for the third scene, getting wet and sneaking backstage before getting shooed off by the stage director. For that brief hour, it was as if she never left. Without even changing out of my work uniform, I flipped open my laptop, popped on the goggles and laid down.

The sensory shift as the goggles sync my mind to the server fascinates me every time. My fingers that were once caressing the edge of my leather sofa suddenly felt wet. Raindrops were falling from the night sky, just like how I remember.

“Come to the shelter!” There she was in her vermillion raincoat, I bought for her 27th birthday, just like how I remember.

The introductory skit was unsurprisingly spectacular but all I noticed was Jenny’s giggles. It’s amazing how detail-oriented this piece of technology is. They got everything right; from the raspiness in her voice to the mole on her left eyelid.

“Look out!” The audience stood up abruptly and Jenny swiftly took cover behind my shoulders. The first five rows were just about to get splashed with water when everything froze. Everything.

The people, the cast and Jenny, whose hands were still clenched and her head still ducked behind me. Even the splash was frozen solid in midair. It was as if someone had hit the pause button. Everything around me stood still and became quiet. Only my own breath was audible.

An unsettling feeling began welling up inside me and the pounding in my chest started becoming louder and louder. Something was wrong but I could not tell what it was. This has never happened to me before.

Lord knows the number of times I screamed: “Quit sim!” but nothing. No one could hear me and I know my body’s just lying on my couch at home in the real world. The only way I could wake up is if there was someone else in the same server but I know there wasn’t. This programme was not shared and it took me a while of running around the fake, digital universe only to remember that my laptop’s battery was at 12%.

It all makes sense – my laptop shut down while I was still inside, cutting off communication with the link while my mind was still on the server. Great… and I have an early day tomorrow.

Running to and fro inside the theatre and the parking lot was pointless. I have never felt more alone. Even the raindrops outside were frozen in mid-air. How I wished I could feel the chilly wind or hear the pitter-patter of rain dancing on the pavement. The stillness just reminds me how all this has never been real. Jenny isn’t real anymore and I feel pathetic to realise how many times I’ve repeated this memory.

All I could do then was sit helplessly on the side of the pavement with tears bursting forth like a dam, wetting my cheeks and soaking my collar. Without any assistance, I am eternally stuck in this frozen limbo. My mind is racing, just thinking about how this flaw in the system has not been made known publicly yet. I was already forming the words on the letter of intent to sue I’d be writing if ever I get to escape this fate.

I was staring into the distance with my eyes tired from crying, despairingly waiting. I lost count of how long I have been sitting here; could be an hour or a whole week. I was just starting to feel creeped out knowing all the audience including Jenny were frozen in their seats like mannequins when I heard a slight buzzing. It was muffled at first before slowly getting louder and louder. I felt as though I was inside a vibrating phone.

Then, everything continued to play again, all at once. The rain, the flickering lamppost and the thunderingly joyous singing from the theatre. Even the road started to resume it’s simulation with cars zooming past and people yelling at me to get off the road.

Suddenly, I was lying down. There were flashes of screaming lights on my face and people were swarming around me.

“Get out of the way!”

“Call the doctor!”

I couldn’t move or say anything. In the distance, I could hear the beeping of an electrocardiogram over the silvery voice of Giuliana Rancic from E! News.

“This just in: The woman trapped in an OCULUS E simulation has awakened from her coma and we have former Glee star: Naya Rivera, to thank. For without her going to the same server to relive her days playing Magenta back in the day, she would never have found her.”

 

*****

 

 

Film Review: CRAZY RICH ASIANS

I’m a Singaporean and to have a Hollywood blockbuster film to be located at the place I was born in is obviously very exciting. For the first time, I get to see the places I have been to on the big screen. It’s amazing how with proper lighting and the right camera angle, the place looks a lot vibrant than the way my eyes see it.

I was in awe throughout the movie but the elation is solely based on the cinematography and location choice. Sad to say, that’s the only factor keeping me from leaving halfway through the movie. The overall storyline falls flat for me; I’m sorry Kevin Kwan.

Despite the cliché, expected plot and the predictable conclusion, there are some pleasant elements in the film that I must highlight, some would say daring.

SPOILER BELOW:

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is about an Asian American lady, who has to brave through his boyfriend’s family, relatives and exes in Singapore upon being introduced to them; where he is apparently, the most eligible bachelor who’s next in line to his rich family’s fortune.

By the synopsis, you can predict drama that occurs on screen even without watching it; clashes between the main protagonist with her boyfriend’s mother-in-law and exes are the heavier parts of the film, ending with the main couple being together at the end, not without a little lesson learnt by the antagonists.

The daring and honourable mentions that I need to mention are two of the characters in the film, written by Kevin Kwan; which to me is quite controversial.

A little background on the author of the book, he is born and raised in Singapore before leaving for the states at the age of 11. In Singapore, it is compulsory for all males to go through National Service once they reach the age of 18. Kevin who “escaped” the 2-year sacrifice simply based on the circumstance he’s in ought to be arrested upon arrival if ever he flies to Singapore.

Questionable Honour

In Singapore, National Service is considered one of the highlights of the nations and the Chief of Army for the Singapore Armed Forces is considered to be one of the highest and honourable positions one can have on the island. For Kevin Kwan to write Astrid’s husband; an ex-chief of Army (Michael) as a cheater is undoubtedly controversial and scandalous – reminding us that you can be at the peak but if you have the tendency to cheat, position can’t stop you no matter how high.

Rainbow Sheep 

Singapore is known to be one of the most financially advanced country with first world economy yet we are still conservatives when it comes to sexual identities between two consenting adults. The idea that there can be more colours in the spectrum than heterosexuality is still taboo and against the law, which makes the openly gay character, Oliver T’sien, a rather bold statement in the films. Oh, the irony of how confident he is amongst the other cast, resembling the normality of the uncommon sexuality on the island, and how important he is in the development of the main protagonists’ character.

Overall, I give the movie a 3/10. Predictable plot but the cast works well together, accompanied by excellent cinematography and music which captures the beauty of Singapore.

Fox’s Glee was Robbed in Singapore

Rob // verb

(robs, robbing, robbed) [with obj.]

• take property unlawfully from (a person or place) by force or threat of force

• take someone of something

 

I grew up watching television. The convenient, black magic box placed strategically in the middle of the house, to me, is what brings the family together. That and the kitchen. If I remember distinctively, Fox’s Glee was shown on Mediacorp’s Channel 5 and as a little boy with a burgeoning, not to mention hilarious, dreams of breaking into the showbiz one day, that series was extremely iconic to me.

As consumers of the media, we merely watch and enjoy what is presented to us. However, with the availability of Netflix literally in our fingertips, Fox’s Glee is shown again on this media service provider and me, now as a twenty-one year old, am obviously ecstatic to be able to feel that same glee I felt back then.

The only thing is, as I watch the first two episodes of season one, I realise something different. Something new; and by new, I meant new scenes that I don’t remember watching before as a prepubescent child. I have quite an excellent memory when it comes to films and television – just ask my friends how good I am at impersonations.

It hit me.

Every episode from every season has been censored to cut out all the suggestive scenes that might promote a riot in this financially progressive, yet ironically, mindfully conservative red dot. Ratings such as G up to R21 have always been there but to cut out chunks of scenes (need I say, important ones too) on a show that’s shown on mainstream television says something about the over-sensitivity of what the nation find acceptable; homosexuality themed scenes.

It’s hilarious to me how when those scenes are edited out, Fox’s Glee seems like a normal musical, high school themed, romantic comedy series; showing us that they are ultimately normal people, going about their daily life as normal human beings, which is something homophobes here who lives of the law of Section 377A*, probably won’t be able to comprehend, thus, the reason of cutting out the ‘inappropriate’ scenes to these religious conservatives.

* ‘Section 377A of the Penal Code of Singapore is the main remaining piece of legislation which criminalises sex between mutually consenting adult men.

Section 377A (“Outrages on decency”) states that:^[1]

Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years.

• it’s just funny to me how there’s a law against gay men, but not against lesbians on the island

I remember watching it on the television and feeling a certain attraction to the characters Kurt and Blaine, even Santana and Brittany; both couples were the main attention in the homosexuality plot of the series. Maybe, they’re the only relatable ones and I do remember wondering why were their characters not expanded. Apparently, they were; just that we don’t get to see it.

Only now, with Netflix, my eyes are broaden to these new scenes that not only educates me on how much I’ve been missing – probably there’s other US series shown in Singapore that I need to rewatch for this sole purpose – but also the amount of control the government have on what content or news they’d would like to disseminate to the general public. Stay alert, or woke as the millennials call it.

Home isn’t a Place

Ask any Singaporean man and they would know of the term ‘adjustment week’. Although it was only meant to be endured during national service, I never thought I would experience it again when I manage to enrol myself in a prestigious local university.

Having to travel from the east all the way to the other side of the island daily for 8am classes sounds extremely dreary, hence, I signed up to stay at one of the rooms in the dormitories available; opting for a shared, non-aircon room with another roommate, as that’s the cheapest and most affordable monthly option for someone with not that many zeros in his bank account.

Somehow, I don’t miss my home. The house I grew up in holds many memories, both good and bad, but the whole process of buying new bedsheets, pillowcases and candles from IKEA, not to forget, shifting toiletries, cutleries and clothes, turtleneck sweaters included of course, only brings me joy and a sense of freedom. Finally, I get a taste of how it’s like to have my own apartment; like how the youths in the states are culturally influenced to move out by the time they’re eighteen.

Another reason why I don’t miss it too is that things happen as you get older and you start to realise the flaws and cracks in the walls. Let’s just say that I have to get away from it all and this room in a dormitory far from the east is exactly the escape I need to heal and grow.

These four walls are my home now. Home, to me, isn’t necessarily the place I grew up in. A home ought to be a place where you can feel free from your 8-5 job, a place where you can relax and be yourself; and being myself apparently wasn’t good enough or acceptable in the eyes of the people who owned the house I grew up in.

Yeah… that’s a long story for another day. The boredom that fueled the spark for this blog post is slowly depleting just as fast as how my eyelids are getting heavier by the second. These IKEA pillows are calling me; better give in for the early class tomorrow…

 

4 Raya Tips for Millennials

While we are still in the month of Syawal, there are some of us who have yet to or are still in the midst of planning a day out with friends.

Differences in our timetable is probably one of the biggest factors that hinders us from confirming a date but until that day arrive, here are some suggestions that you might want to consider for an improved visiting experience.

Because it is not often that we are able to find a day where all of us are free. Myself being a millennial is able to relate to that, constantly struggling to squeeze a little catch-up session with friends when we’re all grown.

Of course, these tips are solely based off my experience so you don’t have to follow everything. But do keep in mind that they come from a good place 🙂

1. MORE ISN’T ALWAYS MERRIER

The right energy is definitely one of the most important factor for fun and positive vibes throughout the day. What I’ve observed is that sub-cliques are often created in a BIG clique, and by big I mean around 8 people or more. The smaller the group of friends, the higher the chance that everyone actually do get along well with each other.

It’s not often that people are able to find similarities and naturally connect with a whole lot of people, unless there’s a hidden agenda. Going out with friends who you aren’t that close with will find yourself making an effort to start conversations, which is not only tiring for your mind but insincere. They know it, you know it and its vice versa.

My maximum is 5 people, unless the agenda for the day is to catch up with all 12 of your secondary school mates and get more green packets. Although the conversations might be split to a 5:3:4 ratio, just a thought.

2. FOOD PLAN

What is served on the table is also important but imagine going to three to four houses that serves the same dish. With the different versions of the same food, comparisons is inevitable and the battle of who’s version is the best only brings unnecessary internal drama.

So my suggestion is this. Decide before the big day what every house will be serving. It sounds weird, and probably haven’t been made mainstream yet but trust me. This is not only good for the group dynamic but your tastebuds as well.

3. BRING A TOOTHBRUSH

Nothing’s worst than having a tiny bit of oil from the Mee Siam gravy splashed on your baju kurung. You might want to ignore it, maybe pass it off as an abstract art, because it’s small and probably blends with the pattern (if any). But it’s there, bugging you and you can’t help but grind your teeth, wondering why are you such a clumsy cunt. Pardon my french.

I am pretty sure I invented this because I have not seen anyone else come up with this. Or learn it myself, at least. From pass experiences? Definitely.

Before you go out, slot a toothbrush into your bag. Preferably a new one, not the one you’ve been using the past two months. Whenever an unfortunate splash happens, excuse yourself to the bathroom and put a little soap on the brush. Splash a little water on it and start scrubbing gently on the stain in circular motions. Watch the oil slowly lift off from the fabric together with the suds. Don’t forget to rinse it off.

Of course it’ll be wet and it’s evident when you leave the bathroom, so I recommend dabbing tissue paper on it. If there’s a hair dryer, even better. If not, then be prepared to get teased by your friends but I’d rather get teased and have the water eventually evaporate rather than endure an annoyingly tiny speck of oil throughout the day.

4. RECYLING IS IN

It is common for house owners to use styrofoam or plastic plates and utensils for an easy cleanup. You just trash them in a big black plastic bag and that’s that.

However, humans have left enough waste on this planet and it’s nice to try and make an effort to reduce our carbon waste as much as possible. Just a reminder that we have only one Earth and until NASA have found another habitable planet for us and have build a rocket for the entire human population to transfer there, it’s best for us to all try and do our part.

Please do not buy styrofoam. It is not only non-biodegradable but it’s also non-recyclable. The only way for us to truly get rid of it is by burning, releasing gases that are harmful to not only us but the ozone layer.

Plastic is recommended BUT to do our part in the environment, put the plastic waste into a bag meant for the recycling bin instead of a regular one where you throw the food waste.

Put a label on these two bags too: it’ll give a good reason for you to nag at your friends, scoring points on how annoyingly environmentally-friendly you are.

If you are that one friend who’ve yet to be given a label (like the hoe, the drunk, the driver…etc) maybe this could be it: The Eco-Friendly Annoying Prick, The Green Fart or Mother Bitch. Your choice, though the last one truly speaks to me.

So knock yourselves out with these tips and enjoy the day with your friends! The toothbrush one is my favourite tip. It’s a necessity not only for this occasion but quite possibly for any time you’re outside.

Film review: The Incredibles 2

words by: Khairul Ameer

I have no words. Being a grown adult, I would never have expected an animated movie to have this magnitude of an impact on my mental state of mind.

The first movie came out in 2004 and I was 7 years old then. Just a young boy, still learning and experiencing things for the first time and that movie introduced the very concept of superheroes to me.

Can you imagine me being 21 years old now with an enthusiasm for the Marvel/DC universe; the first spark was that Disney/Pixar film.

When the poster for the sequel was released, I was hoping that the film will be taken place at a time when Violet & Dash are adults with Jack-Jack as a rebellious teen. The story will be revolving around the trio and they would be the protagonists. A new villain would be introduced, some flashbacks on their trailblazing parents who initiated the new era for Supers would surely be included and not to forget new suits designed by the incomparable Edna Mode.

I must admit I was initially disappointed to realise that the story would pick up immediately from where it was left off, which was the introduction of The Underminer. Maybe I wanted the characters to grow along with me as I myself grew from a child to an adult between the pilot and the sequel films.

But I’m a great believer of ‘everything happens for a reason’.. perhaps my initial hope for the film might be the plot for the third addition to the franchise, who knows?

I just hope it won’t be release when I’m 72 years old on a wheelchair. The spark of joy from that news alone might give me a heart attack, worthy of a flatline. I will be so mad at God, to have died and completely clueless about the Parr siblings’ future.

The Incredibles 2 was amazing and I managed to catch the film thrice. The first time alone, followed by watching it with a friend and then with my family – alone just so that no one can disturb me absorbing every bit of colour, sound, detail, speech pattern, easter egg(s) in the film.

Being a prospective film student, I immediately was able to pick up who was the villain within half an hour into the film. The writers did not make it subtle at all with their facial expressions. That’s all I will say because I’m sure some of you have yet to watch.

And also, ELASTIGIRL. Wow. How do I even begin how amazing the full potential of her power skill set was. Almost every aspect of her ability was showcased and it was in the most fashionable, stylish and unforgettable manner.

Turning her body into parachutes and extending her limbs to great lengths were already displayed in the first movie but the sub-ability that I am most amazed by was that she was able to mimic the gliding pattern of a flying squirrel, flattening just the right parts of her body to allow her to ‘fly’ or glide with the wind pattern, rather.

It was shown only for a short while, but that scene paired with the magic touch by the audio guys in the editing room was enough to make it memorable.

I was hoping that we are able to see more of Dash’s ability. His sister was able to transform her force fields into discs that when forcefully generated has the power to shatter walls, while Dash’s ability is still stuck at running fast.

The writers could’ve given him the ability of phasing where his atoms are able to vibrate so vigorously that they are able to sift through solid matter. Or maybe he could generate powerful winds, even tornadoes, just from circling his arms. Since he was able to pedal at a speed so extreme that running on water is already made possible, why stop there?

The other Supers are a cute addition. Their powers are eyebrow raising and undoubtedly have potential but the lack of exploration in the film make them look just like what they are – merely additions.

Voyd was the only one that stand out, with her portal generating abilities which Elastigirl described as ‘inter-dimensional’. Although, I would like to see her using that power destructively.

What does happen when the portal for an object or a person is close halfway as they’re going through it? Will they simply slice in half?

The storyline was okay. Not amazing but typical. The concept is downright similar to previous stories with superheroes and villains. Unexpected, which we already ought to expect, and with that knowledge already ingrained in us, we find the film to be expected as we crave that unexpectedness.

Jack-Jack was another star of the film, being able to showcase all 17 of his powers when he encountered and even battled the raccoon in the backyard, though it wasn’t a fair fight.

Edna Mode described him to be a polymorph.

He is able to change the molecules of his skin to different properties such as a devilish form, metal, a highly durable gelatinous structure, self-combustion and even metamorphing his skin to mimic someone else.

Additionally, he possesses the powers of telekinesis, laser eyes, phasing, dimensional travel, electrokinesis, superhuman durability, self-duplication and even size manipulation, with increased strength the bigger he gets.

Yes, that’s a lot of power for a baby.

I’m not gonna spill too much because this isn’t a spoiler ridden article but merely just a toe dip into the film, just so you’d know what to expect or look out for.

Hope this film brings you flashbacks of your childhood or ‘complete’ it, rather. So book a ticket now and enjoy being at the edge of your seat.

Unpopularly Popular Opinions

Words by: Khairul Ameer

Millennial creatives never fail to come up and, not to mention, keep up with trends in social media; it being our second home when it comes to lifestyle news and finding out what is the latest direction.

No doubt, that content creation is the sole purpose as to why these sites existed in the first place and putting out one’s ideas and opinions into the void, hoping that someone (anyone, really) might read and agree with it are one of the few many things that us, social media users, find riveting.

The harmless ones got out while the more provoking, eyebrow-raising and tea-spilling ones are buried deep inside our heads. Maybe it’s because of the value of sensitivity OR that it might be something most people are already thinking of but are too afraid to say – of course, it has to be harmless. Not targeting any race, gender, religion, sexuality or a specific group or individual.

This new trend is simple, yet effective in getting people to talk, at the same time garnering numerous retweets and likes – basically shares, if Twitter.inc is an ocean you have yet to dip your toe in.

The topics are endless. One person can tweet something such as “Unpopular Opinion: (inserts event, holiday, culture, lifestyle, celebrity, education)” and other accounts ‘quote tweet’ the original post with an honest opinion regarding that topic.

Below are some examples.

These confessions are not only revealing but they re-educate us on what are the underlying issues that have settled into oblivion just because no one talks about it that often anymore.

Just because it isn’t talked about doesn’t mean it isn’t there, and just because nothing has been done doesn’t mean it’s no longer a problem.

It amazes me how some of these issues do occur in our daily setting, and I, as well as many others, are sure to have grown accustomed to it to the point where we don’t realise that’s it is problematic to begin with.

For example, the first picture regarding telling the females in our family to cover up. I’ve always thought it’s an act of respect. But then this tweet made me rethink. It was never about respect, it has always been about not wanting male relatives to view our daughters and nieces in that light. In a way, we are protecting them. Then again, they should have never even begin to sexualise a relative in the first place… It really does make you think, doesn’t it? Because sexual assault has occurred even among the people closest to you, evident from unfortunate events covered by the news.

Bringing back to the act of respect that I’ve mentioned, since when was it even a thing that other people’s body or skin is taught to be disrespectful, when we have the same exact anatomy? Culture truly is a curious thing.

Makes me wonder who even thought of these stupid things in the first place.. and how come there are so many believers until it becomes a tradition filled with people who are blind to how problematic the general concept actually is.

As a millennial who can’t help but succumb to trends, I too have come up with my own opinions.

My opinions are definitely based on my experiences. It can be different from yours, but that’s the beauty of it. OR it might even be relatable, who knows? So go ahead and hop on the bandwagon if you want to. Search ‘Unpopular Opinion’ in the Twitter search bar, find a topic close to your heart, and retweet with a comment. Enjoy :))

Kelly Clarkson: I am so sick of ‘Moment of Silence’, it’s not working.

Never have I ever been a fan of watching music awards show in full. Sitting down on the couch watching back to back performances by current artists with snarky comments in the middle of them by whacky hosts and of course, the presentation of awards which we ALL know is rigged has never been something I enjoy. I’m more of a scroll through Twitter and selectively watch the performances only by my favourite singers. For the Billboard Music Awards 2018 that happened on the 21st of May, live performances by Ariana Grande for her latest single ‘No Tears Left to Cry’ and Dua Lipa’s ‘New Rules’, an upbeat song that somehow became an anthem for the gay community, were the only ones I took interests in, and boy, do they deliver…

But something else happened that night that not only caught my attention but changed the way I view the way we handle tragedies.

Kelly Clarkson giving a speech at the Billboard Music Awards 2018. IMAGE VIA GETTY IMAGES/ JEFF KRAVITZ/FILMMAGIC

Kelly Clarkson; singer, songwriter, producer and host for the evening, started the show with a medley of anthems that have been played repetitively on the radio for the past couple of months; ranging from Sam Smith’s ‘Too Good at Goodbyes’, to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’. With her vocal control and range, the winner of American Idol’s First Season added her own powerful spin to the medley, proving to us once again that she still possess those golden pipes.

Before that, however, Clarkson began by addressing the shooting that happened at Santa Fe High School, robbing ten innocent lives and wounding thirteen more. The mother of 4 fought back her tears while sending out a message to the public and what she said truly moved me. Click the link below to watch the video.

Kelly Clarkson Makes Tearful Plea for Gun Control During 2018 Billboard Music Awards

The 36-year-old said: “Once again, we are grieving for more kids that have died, for just an absolute no reason at all. Tonight, they (the producers) wanted me to obviously pray for the victims and their families but they also wanted me to do a moment of silence, and I am so sick of ‘moment of silence’. It’s not working, obviously”

Once again, we are grieving for more kids that have died, for just absolute no reason at all

At this point, Clarkson’s voice has started to crack, with her breath quickening, fighting back tears.

“So why don’t we do a moment of silence, why don’t we do a moment of change. Why don’t we change what’s happening, because it’s horrible! And mummies and daddies should be able to send their kids to school, to church, to movie theatres, to clubs.. you should be able to live your life without that kind of fear. So we need to do better as people are failing our children, our communities and their families…”

“..I cant imagine. I have 4 children, I cannot imagine getting that phone call and that knock on the door,” she said, tears starting to roll down her cheeks.

“Tonight, in your community, where you live, your friends and everybody, let’s have a moment of action. Let’s have a moment of change.”

Clarkson was right. Moment of silences for preventable tragedies have truly done nothing. They simply remind us of what is lost. But without change, without stricter, lawful actions that can be implemented to prevent that tragedy from happening in the first place, moment of silences will just keep on happening.

Recipe: 4-Ingredient Detox Water

Hydrating ourselves is a basic knowledge us humans have been naturally programmed to do. 8-glasses of water daily is a known fact that contributes to our health, skin and our mood. Sometimes, you can just tell when someone’s dehydrated; possibly by how agitated they look, the dullness in their skin or how chapped their lips are (which, I must say, is never flattering).

Water is cool, I guess (get the pun) but there’s nothing wrong with adding a few ingredients to give that H2O some healing properties that not only hydrates, but detoxifies you from the inside out. Giving your skin that inner glow and that water a little “oomph”, as I’d like to call it.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to stretch your dollar for these ingredients, they are probably already lying around in your refrigerator.

Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Lemon and of course, Water. Yes! That’s all the ingredients you need to whip up a homemade golden elixir.

The tricky bit here is the taste and it all depends on our individual tastebuds. Some people may like it a little sour, others a little more sweet. I like it to be a little in between, hence, I splash the same amount for all the ingredients; 2 tablespoons each, and that formula, to me, is a godsend.

A brief introduction to the flavours; Honey is sweet, ACV is sour/bitter and Lemon is sour

Now, let’s talk about the benefits of it as there is a reason why those 3 ingredients are chosen, out of a plethora of others on the supermarket shelves. Apart from being extremely inexpensive and accessible, they hold amazing health boosting and detoxifying benefits.

1) Honey

We all know how honey is made and to most of us, it is simply a golden syrup to be drizzled on our pancakes. Well, this syrup holds so much more than that and I find that we don’t include it in our diet as much as we ought to.

Honey contains numerous proteins, minerals, enzymes and vitamins that is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, which explains its healing properties. It helps in reducing the chance of having cancer, strengthens your immune system to keep those pesky flu bugs at bay and is also an excellent spot treatment for pimples. Simply dab a little on those red spots and watch them heal faster than they normally would.

Of course, Manuka Honey would give you 10 times the benefits but they are pricey. If you can afford it, go ahead, but regular honey works just fine.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar

I use ACV in almost all my cooking to add a little zip. Any recipes that requires the use of normal vinegar, I’ll replace it with ACV instead because why settle for a bland, less flavourful option when you have the decision to splash a little more colour to the dish?.. and me being a health conscious freak who identifies with Kourtney more than the rest of the Kardashians sisters for obvious reasons, would definitely recommend the organic bottle on the shelf.

My pick would be Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

ACV has the ability to assist in weight loss, reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, improve skin health and delving acid reflux symptoms. This is due to the vinegar containing a number of Vitamin Bs, such as, biotin, folic acid and niacin, Vitamin C and healthy acids.

Skincare enthusiasts includes ACV in their skincare regimen too as a toner or a mist for the face. It helps regulate the PH levels of the skin and the malic acid present in the vinegar acts as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which assist in exfoliation.

3) Lemon

Drinking pure lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach has been a beauty ritual from our ancestral days, said to be an excellent mode of detoxification and health booster.

The high content of Citric and Ascorbic acids, otherwise known as Vitamin C, in lemons are definitely the reason as to why that is. It helps in boosting your immunity, thus, improving your overall general health.

Do give this recipe a go to get your morning started with a boost, preferably to be consumed with an empty stomach. Another way to utilise this recipe is to use this combo instead of regular water to loosen the blades before blending a fruity green juice in a blender.

Film: Marvel’s Deadpool 2

DISCLAIMER: SPOILERS BELOW

 

photo courtesy: MARVEL

 

There’s something therapeutic about watching a movie alone. Maybe it is just me, but the perks are definitely number 1: no one to disturb you by asking unnecessary questions, and number 2: you get to absorb everything that’s happening on the screen. No distractions. Just you munching on the salty-sweet popcorn, the gigantic screen and the surround sound that almost vibrates your chair, especially if you’re watching an action movie, a genre I am heavily fond of.

Being a Marvel enthusiast and an avid reader of the comic books, I for one do not want to have any unnecessary disturbances watching the premiere of this highly anticipated movie on the first week of its screening.  The first Deadpool was amazing. It was everything I expected it to be thanks to the great writers not to mention Ryan Reynolds who accurately depicted the character. What you see on the screen is exactly what you get in the comics Earth-616 universe. Now when I read the prints, I’ll hear Ryan Reynolds and it is truly magical.

So that’s what I did. I woke up on a Monday with no work that day (thank God), so i head to my local theatre, buy a ticket and because I booked one of the morning slots, there were only 5 of us in the whole cinema. If you have watched the first movie, you would pretty much get an idea of the film’s approach in the cinematic universe. Deadpool is known for breaking the “fourth wall”, hence, flashbacks, monologues, comments to the audience is the norm BUT it might be confusing to new watchers.

The storyline was pretty straightforward following the shenanigans that happened in the first movie. Wade and Vanessa getting closer after the first movie in their apartment with him still going out and fighting bad guys (violently, of course), getting a pass from her as long as he gets home before dinner. Obviously, she gets in the way as the bad guys are smart enough to find out where he lives and what follows after is a huge introduction to the cinematic universe; the concept of Death.

photo courtesy: MARVEL

Comic book readers know that Deadpool cannot die. Not really. His abilities of rapid cell regeneration aka healing allows him to be able to survive near-death experiences. Even more than Wolverine because unlike the three-clawed mutant who’s known for his anger issues, Deadpool can regenerate whole limbs, if severed, whereas Wolverine can only heal scars, cuts and bullet wounds.

Also, ‘near-death’ is an understatement. In the comic books, he has in fact gone through accidents where he is pretty much flatlined and has crossed the realm between the living and the dead, however, gets pulled back into the real world as soon as he dips his toe into the afterlife. Perhaps death doesn’t want him or he is just not meant to die, that is a question many of us fans also need an answer to. The portrayal of it in this movie is such an experience and is difficult for me to describe it in words.

photo courtesy: MARVEL

Fun fact: Death was given a female identity in the comic book universe. Pretty dope huh? She only comes into Deadpool’s life whenever he goes through a near-death experience and at one point even fell in love with her, purposely putting his life at risk just so he can see her.

The real exclamation and definite highlight of this film, however, is the portrayal of openly gay characters: Negasonic Teenage Warhead and her girlfriend Yukio. As someone who identifies as a queer myself, you can only begin to imagine how happy this makes me feel.

photo courtesy: MARVEL

“There were no sugarcoating or hints that they are partners by holding hands whatsoever. It was clear, straightforward and unapologetic. “

“This is my girlfriend, Yukio,” quoted directly from the movie said by Warhead during an introductory scene. There were no sugarcoating or hints that they are partners by holding hands whatsoever. It was clear, straightforward and unapologetic. I love the writers for fully utilising the M18 rating. Apart from the expected gore, same-sex relationships are still considered taboo, especially in certain South East Asian countries like Singapore, and by having scenes as such in the mainstream media only promotes and work in the favour of the LGBTQ community, raising awareness to heterosexual conservatives by saying ‘We are here, present and growing’.

photo courtesy: MARVEL

Of course, the new characters deserves a shoutout. Cable is okay I guess. Son of Cyclops and Madelyne Prior (clone of Jean Grey) from the future, who was infected by the techno-organic virus which explains the metal arm and has telekinetic abilities, telepathy and a little chronokinesis. He’s a pretty straightforward guy. But the bigger star has got to be Domino. She’s a mutant with luck abilities. Sounds weird, I know but the proper term is Probability Manipulation. She’s a mercenary who can subconsciously alter probability to work in her favour which to me is such an amazing ability. Even more amazing is the way it is portrayed in the film. To see her abilities at work visually is an experience.

What you can expect also is the amount of easter eggs in this movie. Clues were dropped from the start till the end, giving me numerous hints of future films and maybe a crossover between Deadpool and the X-Men franchise. It just makes sense since Deadpool is a mutant, everyone in the movie is.

There was the Essex House, which is a reference to Nathaniel Essex aka Mr Sinister, a notorious villain in the X-Men universe. He was also included in the post-credit scene in X-Men Apocolypse which makes me wonder if there would be a possibility of a future film where Deadpool will be joining the X-Men to take him down, possibly after X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

photo courtesy: MARVEL

A reference to Cables’ daughter, Hope Summers, was also included. Which to those of you who don’t know, Hope Summers truly is the OP in the X-Men world, often being referred to as the ‘mutant messiah’ or a ‘voodoo doll for the whole mutant race’. Do yourself a favour and research on her to find out the reason why she was given those titles, or better yet, read ‘X-Men: Second Coming’. You’re welcome.

photo courtesy: MARVEL

For a movie on Hope to be released, there needs to be a unification of the Avengers as well together with X-Men, also Deadpool, not to mention New Mutants which will be released in 2019. I don’t know how the writers are going to carry this out if it is even in the works, but if it were to happen, let’s just say that messy is an understatement.

All in all, it was a good film, scoring a rating of 9/10. There was no post-credits scene for Marvel’s Deadpool 2, which explains why I minus a point from giving a full score. So don’t bother sitting until the end of the credits for a scene. You won’t get any.