CORPORAL CHONG. That was my identity and name for the past one week as I attended my very first reservist in-camp training (ICT). It was almost 7 years ago that I had used that name, and through the ICT, hearing it again really does reminds me of the good old days when I played my active role in national defence.
@#$%^&*@!@#%^^#@&&$@@#$^^*()^$###@@. Now these gibberish nonsense were the next common thing which I hear alot in ICT. To help you decipher the code, in simple terms, these are also known as VULGARITIES. The moment I stepped into camp, I totally get bombarded from all directions by them and somehow everyone seems to have a PhD in Vulgarities! Simply amazing because it seems that there wasn't anyone around whom could pass a sentence without a foul word used!
Interestingly, I observed two kinds of people whom used vulgarities loosely.
One, these were people whom had gotten used to speaking vulgarities all their lives and it just is too hard for them not to say it. To them, having the "F" word in each sentence is just as similar as some of us whom keep using "Wah Lau!" in our speech. I have gotten to know a few of these people in this ICT, and found that other than their speech, they are really nice people to chat with. I just had to filter my ears, but truly I enjoyed moments of sharing our life experiences together.
Two, they are the ones whom are just loosely using vularities to gain attention from others and wanting to feel part and belonged to a group/clich/gang. I do feel sad for such people as they are usually by themselves without any friends. In a desperation to make friends, they become mere crowd followers rather than gaining the respect of friendship for their own identity. They are not who they really are, but rather becoming like someone else.
After one week of ICT, I left the ICT light hearted knowing that I caught up with many old friends and also made many new ones. But more importantly, I am glad that I did not compromise my own standards in anyway just to gain acceptance.
How about you? In the pursuit of studies, career or relationships, do you live out who you really are and the values you believe in? Or do you compromise your personal standards just to gain acceptance?
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The difference between a successful person and others is not the lack of strength, not the lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will. - Vince Lombardo
Abit of chemistry here. I believe every single one of us are like INERT gases, that have such potent potential that will explode when nuture till the right condition. But far too often, in the process of nuturing, we lack the will power to persist on and just give up and never reaching the greatest potential we possess.
Just another random post, with random thoughts and inspirations. :)
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Guess this picture really sums up the the current situation for me... I am RACING AGAINST TIME! Seems like so many things need my attention, but yet like anyone else on this earth, I only have the privilege of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Come next week, I will be away in camp for reservist for one whole week, and I am making sure that my work in office is being delegated or handed over nicely to my wonderful colleagues. Am also in the midst of coordinating the administrative procedures for a Japan conference trip in 2 weeks time, and being away on reservist at this crucial period doesn't help much either.
But if you ask me, "Am I stressed?" ... my answer would be "NO!" . I must admit that I do feel tense and squeezed for time, but I don't feel stressed and am still quite level headed in handling things. In fact, I feel that in seasons where I am being stretched, these are also the times that I grow most in terms of my capactiy to handle matters, people and problem management. I always remember the wise words from my mentor....
"Every crisis or situation that comes along are not meant to shatter or break you, but rather to build depth and capacity in you."
How are some of you feel right now? .....
Stressed out over exams?
Frustrated over relationship issues with your family, friends or boyfriend/girlfriend?
Seemingly hard pressed to a corner where you feel like you are going to break down?
May I encourage you to pause for a moment, take a pen and write down all these things that are burdening you down. Have a good look at them and take them on one by one. Some you can handle by yourself, some you will need help from others. Don't be too shy to ask for help. We all need help somehow. :)
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Yesterday had a fun movie outing with my colleagues and we went to VivoCity to catch the latest blockbuster local production "881". Heard so much raving remarks about it and even the news reported that its popularity and earnings have outdone some of the big name celebrity movies. So I decided to check it out myself... Boy oh boy did I have a good laugh! Was definitely worth the money and good relaxation away from the stress and hectic pace of daily life.
I particularly love the theme song in this movie. The melody is really catchy. Am still trying to figure out what the lyrics mean. Maybe once I get the chords, I will sing it at next year's Parents' Appreciation Dinner for my parents, but tweaking the lyrics abit.
Enjoy the MTV...
For all of you Hokkien folks out there.. Go catch this show and have a good laugh. It truly has captured the heartlanders feelings and emotions. Thumbs up to Singapore Film Production! :) Read more on this article...
In 2005, I ran the Half Marathon (21km) in 2 hours 35 minutes.
Yesterday, I took part in the Army Half Marathon and completed it in....... *drum roll*....... 4 HOURS 11 MINUTES..
Calculating, it would mean I am 1 hour 35 minutes slower than the previous year! Oh, and not to mention that I left the race with a strained knee. Ouch! Having already conquered marathons and the many physical challenges in previous years, why did I have to pay money and subject myself to sure torture again? Am I out of my mind or what?!?!?!
Well, my only motivation that spurred me on to run this year was because my good friend and dear brother Dy wanted to run. He was taking it on as a personal challenge, aiming to lead up to the 42km marathon at the end of the year. I was so encouraged and inspired by his decision that I decided to run alongside him to support him on. That's what buddies are for right? No point just talking about commitment and blood brothers and not doing anything to show about it!
Boy oh boy... both of us really went through a gruelling but enjoyable race. The night before, we only managed to catch 2-3 hours of sleep before checking into the race. Both of us got injured during the race and spent most of our time walking and watching bundles of runner breezing past us. I think the 70 years old uncle walked faster than us! =P
But we definitely had a wonderful time through the entire race just talking, sharing, catching up and sweating it out together. Guess being guys, nothing bonds us more together than slogging and fighting through battles together.
As we reached the end point, we were both hobbling. But we forced outself to run as we wanted to look good across the finish line. It didn't matter anymore what was our timing... We were glad we made it.... TOGETHER.
Special tribute to brother Dy:
Thanks brother Dy! I ran quite a few races in my life before, but this one gave me the greatest sense of satisfaction. Committed to you always! Let's fight on and finish strong together!
Reflection:
Many will proclaim to be true friends and buddies in life, but it will never be truly complete until you have been through thick and thin together. Buddies are tried and tested!
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I got to know Jasper during a Good Friday event in church 3 years ago. There and then, he was only in Secondary 3, scrawny little fellow, but got those cute boy-yish looks. I thought to myself then, "This dashing young boy sure got a lot of girls chasing after him one!"
After 3 years of mentoring journey till today, Jasper has grown up into a fine young gentlemen studying in polytechnic. YES! Definitely still dashing and smart in his own ways. Gone away are his WWE trading cards and everywhere he goes now, he sports on an Adidas sweater covering over his Chelsea jersey - his favorite soccer team (though I am a Manchester United fan =P).
Jasper - From boy to young adult. A man of faithfulness, loyalty and commitment. He is ever willing to learn and never shy of new challenges that come his way. More than just a close friend, brother and confidante... Jasper is like a son to me. Proud of you son! Thanks for running alongside me all these years. It's a joy, my honor and privilege! :)
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~ Albert Pine Read more on this article...
Hi everyone.. pardon me that I have been MIA-ing from blogging for almost a week. Been busy with work recently that by the time I sit in front of my laptop, I have no more "juice" to type out any blogs. I don't even feel motivated to play my secret obsession MapleStory! *Sob Sob*
Talking about MOTIVATION. This is something which we all wish we had but yet find it hard to get going. This year, one of my motivation was to exercise regular and keep fit. I had planned to go jogging twice a week since it was the easiest exercise schedule to follow through without any need to coordinate crowds of people. Excitedly, I was motivated for a month or so... soon the frequency dropped from twice a week to twice a month.
Soon from jogging, it became walking. Soon from deliberately setting aside time for exercise, it became just catching walks up and down from the hawker center to my office. This is no good... motivation is dying down... my motivation has diluted into convenience. Meaning if I got chance, then I would exercise. Else I wouldn't push for it too. "Houston we have a problem... Input is greater than Output!"
Well.. I am RE-motivating myself again this season and I decided for a start, I will pay money to attend the KICKBOXING class at the CC near my workplace! No jogging and climbing stairs for me as my knees are getting brittle after the past two years of marathon. And kickboxing looks really cool too! But the only negative point is that I heard from my friend I would be the second male species in the class, the first being the instructor! *gulp*
Have you been overly caught up with work, studies and the many many 'valid' problems in life that you have lost motivation to do things which you wanted before?
Pick yourself up again... RE-motivate yourself again... Don't procratinate anymore.. Life is not a routine!
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Found this interesting website which analyzes our sleeping position to give a clue on what kind of person we may be... Check it out, but don't take it too personally or seriously ah... *smiles*
What your sleeping position says about you ...
Foetus
Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.
Log
Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.
Yearner
People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.
Soldier
Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.
Freefall
Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations.
Starfish
Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention.
My sleeping position is usually "Foetus" or "Starfish".... how about you??? Read more on this article...
"Gosh! Young people of today really do not know how to think! It seems like they have lost their common sense or left their brains in the computer world which they are so hooked into! They act on impulse. They do whatever they like without consideration of consequences. They succumb themselves to little defeats of life and wallow there for eternity! They do not know how to be rational and think! Always led astray by their emotions and feelings. They are so sheltered that they have lost their ability to think and fend for themselves. Many youths of today are pretty much hopeless!"
These were words from a friend of mine when we were catching up recently. I was astounded by his harsh words, but to a certain extent I agree with what he says.
No, I do not think that youths of this generation are hopeless. But yes, I believe that possibly with the shelteredness and structure of way of life, youths of today grow up pretty much in a spoon-fed environment without having to trigger a thought. And possibly that's why we are seeing teenager cases sky rocketing in the past years i.e. underage sex, thefts, suicide, depression, emo-teens..etc. In the spur of the moment, the gush of emotions and adreneline overwhelms the mind and we soon become irrational and make decisions purely based on feelings and not thinking ahead of the consequences.
I am not neurologist or brain expert myself, but one thing I know for sure, if only we bother to pause and THINK before we act, we would really save ourselves from alot of problems and unneccesary pit falls.
Some youths have shared with me before, "Hmm... but we are young people, we must learn from experience. After we fall down, we will learn from it. That's called 2nd chance."
True as it may seem. But not everyday is Sunday. Not every experience gives you a 2nd chance. And in some cases, the 2nd chance may be different and comes with consequences. So before we jump into making that same statement, THINK again.
Would there be a second chance if your spur of emotions drive you to suicide?
Would your life be the same again if it were a case of teenage pregnancy?
Far fetched? THINK again. Because these are the very things that are happening around us. We can be both a victim and culprit if we don't learn to THINK. :)
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It seems like there has been this buzz or trend going around in recent years about EMO people, but yet no one seems to be able to pin point down a definition for it. So what really does being EMO means?
Does EMO means Emotional? Based on the facts that most emo people tend to let emotions overrule their brains and either burst out in mood swings or do silly things on themselves. Emotional??
I beg to differ. I believe we are all created as emotional being... that's why we have emotions and will laugh, cry, be sad...etc. I am no specialist in psychology or counseling, but I would related emo people as people whom are emotionally unstable. Overwhelming and challenging situations i.e. BGR breakup or stress stirs up that sense of fear or hopelessness within a person such that his/her emotional capacity is unable to handle it. And thus the person breaks down by taking it out on themselves i.e. self mutilation, hiding in one corner crying, refusing to talk.
It's really sad to see people dwindle down to this emo road, and I think as friends and support groups, we should and must encircle them to help and encourage them rather than ridicule or make fun of them. Don't be too quick in passing judgment!
Dangerously, there is an increasing trend of young people seeking to become emo! Their definition of emo has become a fashion trend of Gothic dressing and dark eye linings, and many of them choose to be like that even though they are not! They even think that self harm is a fashionable trend to follow! Gosh!
Think before you act. Before you jump into following a world wide culture, engage your brains to think if it does you more good than harm. Don't be Emo-Mo-Mo!!
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A traditional saying goes like this, "You will never know how important someone or something is to you until one day when you lose it."
Just this past week, I came to realise how important and dependent I was on my laptop when I had to sent it for servicing and leave it at the service center for a week! Gosh! I felt so paralyzed without my laptop! Work was stagnated because silly me had forgotten to save out all the important information before sending for repair. I also can't get to indulge much in my latest secret obesession - daily hour dosage of MapleStory. Similarly, I can't get to blog as much as I would have loved to. I remembered 3 days into my laptop-less days, I felt quite crippled and handicapped without my laptop.
But of course there were good things out of this whole experience:
1. I get to sleep early everyday.
2. I got more time to go around disturbing (nicely) my colleagues.
3. I get to spend more time interacting properly with my Mum and Dad.
Suddenly, this question dawned upon my mind - Humans manufactured computers, and by right, we should have control over it. But why is it that in turn, we have allowed computers to control and dictate our lives, that we depend on our computer so much that we cannot live without it?
Have we allowed anything to unhealtily dictate our lives until we cannot live without it? Studies? Pursuit of money and materialism? BGR?
Take a pause and think about it man.... Is it worth it?
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64 - 57. That was the score in the recent C-Division South Zone Basketball finals where Cathoic High emerged as champions over Raffles Institution. I was at Delta Sports Hall to watch this game because the coach of RI is a great mentor in my life and I was there with some other friends to cheer him and the team on. Last year, Catholic High beat RI hands down in the similar finals. This time round, RI really pushed them to their limits and gave them a run for their money. Though RI may have lost, but I was really inspired by these bunch of 13, 14 year old boys sweating their lungs out and going for the gold.
In each and everyone of the boys on the court, I saw a hunger and passion in their eyes. They have the fighting attitude and the winning mentality, and nothing less than winning the championship could satisfy this hunger.
Though at the end of the match only one team could emerge the champion, I felt that ultimately the ones whom gained and learnt the most through the entire basketball season were the boys. They have learnt how to persevere when the odds are stacked against them. They have pushed themselves to their physical and mental limits and developed a tenacious attitude that shows resiliency. And I am certain such attitude will be crucial in the boys' growth journey... a journey where boys become men!
Question: Have we learnt to develop such an attitude in life that when problems hit use, we refuse to give in and fight on? Think about it man!
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In the VIRTUAL world, I am...
MiloAhCek, Level 40, Fire Mage, in CRuSH Guild
In the REAL world, I am...
EeJay, 28 years old, Programme Executive, working in TOUCH Youth Cyber Wellness & Sport department
I am REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, not addicted to MapleStory! I enjoy playing the game, but I am seriously not addicted. However, 6 months into this MMORPG, I can understand why many youths are hooked. To find out more, check out http://comeslashwithme.blogspot.com for me and my mentor's learning journey through MapleStory! :)
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These past two weeks I have been making intentional and deliberate efforts in going round to bless people. Initially, it was quite tough as I wasn't quite used to it. But as the days go by, it sort of become something natural to do. Wherever I went, I would constantly remind myself to keep a lookout for anyone I could bless. Maybe it would be sparing a listening ear to someone in distress, or maybe it could be to lend a helping hand to someone in need, or it could be just buying a cup or kopi to lift up a tired soul, or just speaking words of encouragement to someone who feels down... and the list goes on and on. There are just so many possibilities and avenues!
And this photo taken from my office just reminds me that being a blessing to someone is just like this air freshener! People in the vicinity are just rejuvenated by the sweet scent that lingers around and spirits are lifted up!
What are you waiting for? Go and be a blessing to someone today! Just open your eyes and take deliberate notice of things happening in the surrounding!
Bring a sweet scent and NOT A STENCH!
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This beautiful gal is none other than my god-daughter, Rychelle Koh!! *clap clap clap*
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WARNING: This blog post is based on a real life story and purely just for laugh only. Please do not forward it out via any channels or with any good intentions to make the author famous. Smiles.
It was the typical warm afternoon of 1990. There was I, a chubby and plump Primary 5 school boy seated nicely away in the middle of the class, paying careful attention to the ongoing Maths lesson. I didn't really like Maths lesson because the teacher was really a nutty professor. Any slightest mistake and he would drag the student out and pinch his/her face! Scary man!
Recess was just over and I was still satisfied (smiling to myself) over the packet of fresh milk that I drank.. Yummy! Suddenly, I could feel a sudden growling sensation within my stomach and this wierd feeling overwhelmed me. I started feeling really uncomfortable with my tummy aching. Gosh! It must have be that packet of fresh milk, now the effects are kicking in! I need to toilet NOW!! Big business is coming anytime!!!
Back to reality, I was afraid to raise my hands to ask for permission to go to the toilet as I was really fearful of my Maths teacher. Yet on the other hand, the burning sensation in my stomach was reaching its limit and I feel I was going to erupt any moment soon! It was a tug-of-war moment.. to go or not to go?
In that defining moment..... Volcano erupted!!! ARGH!!!! I couldn't control any further and I let my bowels loose in my pants. Without further hesitation, I got up and zipped off to the toilet with a hand clutched on my butt to prevent anything from dropping out. That must have been the fatest 100 meters dash I have ever made in my entire life!
After relieving myself, it wasn't the end yet. I soon realised that I had soiled my shorts and undergarment badly, and there wasn't anyone nearby that I could call for help! So all I could do was to wait. I waited, and waited and waited.... and soon 45 minutes passed by. I felt I was going to die soon from the disgusting mess I had created. *sniff sniff...phew!*
Just then, hope came by! My classmate came into the toilet to check on what had happened to me. Embarressingly, I told him what happened and asked him to inform the teacher to call my home and ask my mum to deliver a new pair of shorts and undergarment. I could hear the giggles and laughters from my other classmates outside the toilet... Gosh! There goes all my reputation.. I can't face the world anymore.. It felt awful!
After another 45 minutes long wait... There came the world's most bemusing announcement from the general office.
"Attention. Will Chong Ee Jay of Class 5E, please proceed to the general office to collect your school shorts from your mother now."
Now I am really going to be famous school-wide... And how do they expect me to walk down to meet my Mum when I am already stuck in the toilet with soiled shorts?!!?!? Diaoz!!
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I blessed two very special people yesterday. I gave them a dinner treat at a Japanese restaurant. They are...... my two dear younger cousins Audrey and Nicole! Why are they special to me? More than just being cousins, but I watched (and heard) them grow up.. from crawling on the floor all the way till now where they are in JC and Secondary school respectively.
Why do I want to bless them? Because I realised that at this generation with all my cousins, we hardly ever meet up except for the annual major family event known as Chinese New Year! I seriously don't want to lose touch with my family man!
The mental picture I had about Audrey and Nicole were still of them in primary or secondary schools with pony tails and chubby with baby fats. Hahaha.. but when I met them yesterday, they have both grown up! One is a entreprenuering young lady, the other is a martial art expert aspiring to become one of the few female pilots as a career next time!
Despite being more than 10 years older than them, honestly, I felt 10 years younger when I was with them!
To Audrey & Nicole: Thank you both for making time for dinner yesterday! Really great joy to see you both! Thanks for helping me with the walkathon pledge cards too! Next time we go watch movie together and invite rest of cousins to come too! :)
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"Hmmm.. what if she doesn't like Kopi-O? What if she rejects me? What if she is busy? I really don't know how to express it to her... How? How? How? Maybe I should wait and try next time?"
Pause. Nope, don't be mistaken. I am not trying to pull off some stun and chase after a girl here. In fact, I am chasing after a lady... the prawn noodle stall auntie at the hawker center next to my office, whom I have gotten to know over the past one year as I work. I am chasing after the auntie to bless her!
I am fresh out of the oven from a church conference over the weekend which really challenged me to live out a lifestyle of being a blessing to others. And it has to be done DELIBERATELY and INTENTIONALLY! Procrastinate and the opportunity will slip by unknowingly. Seize the moment and you will sow a seed of blessing and touch one life.
I overcame all my queries and fears this morning. I bought a cup of Kopi-O, walked like a pink panther sneakily and sprang on the prawn noodle stall auntie. I just told her (in mandarin), "Hey auntie. I noticed everyday you work so hard from morning till night, and I just want to bless you with a cup of Kopi. Hope it refreshes you!"
The smile and appreciation from the auntie just warms my heart. Hey! It wasn't so difficult after all... so much for all those doubtful thoughts in my mind before that... Once I did the blessing, it was so easy!
Tommorrow I am going to do it again. I want to bless the chicken rice stall uncle. The next day the fruit juice stall uncle. I hope I can bless all the stall owners in Bukit Merah Hawker Center within this month!
It is more than just a blessing project... It is about cultivating a new lifestyle... a lifestyle that choose to bless. :)
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"No sacrifice, no victory!"
This was the famous quote that I got out from the latest buzz in town, the movie - Transformers. What is the victory? Victory comes in the form of transformation - when we get good results in our studies, when we manage to bless and impact someone's life or even when we see our dreams or goals in life come to accomplishment. That sense of satisfaction and achievement truly transform our lives! Indeed, transformation comes hand in hand with impact. And with that in mind, I am certain we all are greatly inspired to be a Transformer!
But in all things, there is a price to pay. Being a transformer requires to price too - the price of SACRIFICE.
Times when you have to sacrifice your computer games so that you can spend more times focusing on studies.
Times when you have to fork out time and energy just to encourage a friend whom is feeling lousy after a breakup (when you could either be sleeping or doing whatever you like).
Times when you give up the remaining $2 in your wallet just to buy tissue packs from a frail auntie.
Remembered what Optimus Prime wanted to do when he came to his wits end and wasn't able to defeat Megatron? He was willing to sacrifice himself to destroy the cube just to save the human race - just to save a bunch of people whom he wasn't much related to.
Want to be a Transformer? No sacrifice, No Victory.....
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"Without sacrifice, there will be no victory." - quoted from Transformers Movie
Heard many reviews about the Transformers Movie.. some good and some bad. But personally for me, whether it is good or bad, I will still watch it because this show has a greater meaning to me rather than just another A or B-graded movie. This was THE show that represented my childhood days! I grew up watching Transformers! :)
Managed to catch the show yesterday night with a bunch of good buddies, oh-man! It was a sure great movie man! I must admit cartoon-version still have a stronger appeal, but the real life action version is not bad either. Which is your favorite Transformer in the show? Are you an Autobots fan or are you a loyal supporter of the Decepticons?
My favorite is still BUMBLEBEE! One thing that struck me about this Autobot was that it was willing to sacrifice to all extend for the boy whom he was instructed/programmed to protect, even till the extent of death itself! Commitment, loyalty, servanthood.. you name it, Bumblebee's got it all!I'm not a movie buff, but each time I watch, I tell myself that there must be something I can learn from it.
Indeed, each movie is truly 'More Than Meets The Eye!" Read more on this article...