Now this is what I call a REAL Simpsons fan

Someone actually took the trouble to film the introduction of The Simpsons cartoon using real people. I applaud their efforts.

In case there were some caveman lurking around in the 21st century. Here's the intro to The Simpsons cartoon for you to compare with the Real Live version shown above.

ADDENDUM
I found out that the clip was not done by a Simpsons fan. It is an intro of a Simpsons episode. Specifically episode HABF08 - Homer Simpson, This is Your Wife. FOX Network screwed with the little guy once again.... Stupid Flander.

Another Part of Growing Up

~ Best Friends Forever (Only in Hollywood) ~

The holidays have been eye-opening. This Chinese New Year (CNY) has not all been about Red Packets, or rather the money that is within. Through a series of events, I came to accept a bitter part of life - the losing of a good friend.
-------
This lost is not a physical death but a relational degradation. I look through my mobile phone address list and could not find a single person residing in Singapore, whom I can label as a 'Best Friend'. I've taken away the 'best friend' status of the last best friend that I have (and now had) this CNY. There's no drama, I just find that he does not understand me anymore. This was a very bitter realization on my part because after all, I have known him for a good 14 years and we did go through many joys and sorrows together.
-------
I had known all along that knowing a person that long will guarantee nothing. People change. That includes me. The idea of Best Friends Forever (BFF) is such a beautiful idea, but at least for me, will remain to be just that - A Beautiful Idea. Change is such a defining constant throughout all of our lives and to say that anyone will remain friends forever is - in my opinion - juvenile, because no one can say what's going to happen tomorrow.
-------
So What Then FD?
[ I will treasure the friendships that I had, the ones I have and those that will remain for a time, during which, I hope that our friendship will draw out the best in us. I will be hopeful that each one has meaning, that each one will contribute immeasurably to that time in our lives. I will be thankful, but when the time comes, I will let them go to touch the lives of others. ]
- Mr Holiday

Singapore Budget 2007 Revealed

Mayor Joe Quimby ( A Character from The Simpsons )

Yesterday, Second Minister for Finance (Singapore), Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam delivered the Singapore Budget Speech for the financial year of 2007 in Parliament. Almost instantaneously, I recalled a few lines from The Simpsons which I found to be rather apt.

-------

Barlow: Mr Mayor, I have a question for you. You're are well known, sir, for your lenient stance on crime. What if YOU came home one night to find YOUR family tied up and gagged, with SOCKS in their mouths. They're screaming. You're trying to get in but there's too much BLOOD on the knob!!!
Quimby: What is your question about?
Barlow: It's about the budget, sir.

-------
Funny stuff, I've been having spasms all morning.
For more information on the character of Barlow, click here.
For more information on the character of Mayor Quimby, click here.

A Righteous Win

~ Dixie Chicks Winning All 5 Grammy Award Nominations ~

I'm so very happy for the girls. They really overcame all odds to obtain these affirmations. I was especially attracted to them when I heard their cause - they opposed President Bush, making it clear that they want Americans to be brought home from the war in Iraq. As soon as they made their stand, radio stations began to ban them from airwaves and fellow country singers began to condemn the group.
-------
They did not waver in their beliefs. They went ahead and made another record "Taking the Long Way" with the hit single "Not Ready to make Nice". When I bought their album and read the lyrics of that song, I was able to connect with their frustration and feelings of betrayal from the music industry (especially the country music industry) through their songs. They felt so betrayed that they decided the Dixie Chicks would no longer be labeled under a Counrtry Genre.
-------
The Grammys provided perfect righteous vindication for the group, bagging all 5 nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Country Album (ironical isn't it) and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. In my heart I was rejoicing with them because they took the higher way, the harder way and still came out tops. President Bush on the other hand was given a thumping, losing both the Senate and the House of Representatives to the opposition (Democrats).
-------
I have nothing but admiration for the girls and I gave them my support because they became a voice for the people that were either to afraid, to ignorant or too busy kissing the wrong ass to speak up.
-------
If only Singapore produced artistes with such convictions. Here is a link to an article in The New York Times.

Unworthy Me

Today, a feeling of worthlessness swept over me.
-
I felt so angry, so powerless.
-
This was not triggered by any one thing in particular.
-
I recollected myself and it became blindingly apparent to me that I was on a verge of depression.
-
I pull myself up because I know me well enough - If I let myself go, depression will overwhelm me and I do not know if I'll have the strength then to stand back up again.
-------
I hide away from friends because I do not want to answer the same questions.
-
I put on a false front because I will not allow my parents to shoulder the emotional burdens of my failures as well.
-
I know that I'm being incredibly shallow but this is the easiest route.
-
I know that when I'm finally on my two feet, I may be standing alone because I've systematically excluded myself from my 'society.'
-
I'm behaving in a cowardly manner I know, but this is the easiest route.
-
I do not think I have the mental capacity to behave otherwise.
-------
Chin up FD. Look ahead. Take another breath. Move another step. Mon ami, C'est la vie.