http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:08 EDT Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:08 EDT Zorpia.com http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1725013 <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M4MESMi44wQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed allowNetWorking="internal" AllowScriptAccess="sameDomain" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M4MESMi44wQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1725013 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:44 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1725012 <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4OCdLcEk09M"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed allowNetWorking="internal" AllowScriptAccess="sameDomain" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4OCdLcEk09M" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1725012 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:42 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1718641 <embed allowNetWorking="internal" AllowScriptAccess="sameDomain" id="eda_smash_ePlayer" src="http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/embed/embedflv/swf/fop_embed.swf" width="412" height="430" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="" allowScriptAccess="always" flashVars="id=v45701948&autoStart=0&songPurchasing=&pm=1&eID=1301797&ympsc=4195329"></embed> Music http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1718641 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:01 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1695375 When I was born, a beautiful baby girl, my parents named me Aidli. When my Uncle Kamalrudin (Aunt Latifah’s husband) found out, he was unhappy. He didn’t like the name. He wanted to call me Shahira. Being nice and diplomatic, my Dad told my Uncle, if he agrees to be my Godfather, Uncle Kamalrudin could call me any name he wishes. So, Uncle Kamalrudin did just that! He paid my Dad a whole sum of 10 cents and ‘bought’ me as his daughter. But the name Shahira didn’t stick. He called me Lin, just like everyone in the family! That was more than 30 years ago… Just now, very early in the morning, around 5am, my niece Ernie sent me an SMS. Just a short SMS that shook me so violently! The SMS tells me that my Godpa has passed away… the man I loved like my own Dad, the man who was so proud of me when I graduated from Uni, the man who told me that I was right in the middle of the Kosovo controversy, the man who believed I should lead the tour group when we were stranded at the airport in Jeddah… my Godpa made me realize that I am my own person and a woman is worthy of respect! Today, he passed away peacefully, in his sleep and I’m trying my best to remember how he looked like through the years. I was at the funeral… Trying my best to be strong. I’m trying my best not to shed tears. He’d wanted me to be courageous and offer strength to his other children… my many, many cousins. That’s exactly what I did… I offered my arms, shoulders and chest for them to cry on. I held on to their bodies as they shook off their tears of sorrow and pain. The sorrow and pain of losing this Father we loved so dearly. But as they prayed and said their final goodbyes, as I watched the hundreds of people whose lives had been touched by his kindness and love, I can’t hold back my own tears. Gushing down my cheeks, in big, heavy droplets… I cried silently. Suddenly, I too died silently. I remembered what happened last Saturday. I died the day I lose the love of my sweetest… and finally, today, those tears are finally released, when I realized that maybe he’s never coming back to me at all… Miscellaneous http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1695375 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:12 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1693811 <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4L9-AvjsB6g"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4L9-AvjsB6g" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1693811 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:59 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1689594 *Delusional disorder, previously called paranoid disorder, is a type of serious mental illness called a "psychosis" in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. The main feature of this disorder is the presence of delusions, which are unshakable beliefs in something untrue. People with delusional disorder experience non-bizarre delusions, which involve situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, deceived, conspired against, or loved from a distance. These delusions usually involve the misinterpretation of perceptions or experiences. In reality, however, the situations are either not true at all or highly exaggerated. People with delusional disorder often can continue to socialize and function normally, apart from the subject of their delusion, and generally do not behave in an obviously odd or bizarre manner. This is unlike people with other psychotic disorders, who also might have delusions as a symptom of their disorder. In some cases, however, people with delusional disorder might become so preoccupied with their delusions that their lives are disrupted. Although delusions might be a symptom of more common disorders, such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder itself is rather rare. Delusional disorder most often occurs in middle to late life and is slightly more common in women than in men.* -TYPES OF DELUSIONAL DISORDER- There are different types of delusional disorder based on the main theme of the delusions experienced. The types of delusional disorder include: [EROTOMANIC: Someone with this type of delusional disorder believes that another person, often someone important or famous, is in love with him or her. The person might attempt to contact the object of the delusion, and stalking behavior is not uncommon.] [GRANDIOSE: A person with this type of delusional disorder has an over-inflated sense of worth, power, knowledge, or identity. The person might believe he or she has a great talent or has made an important discovery.] [JEALOUS: A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that his or her spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful.] [PERSECUTORY: People with this type of delusional disorder believe that they (or someone close to them) are being mistreated, or that someone is spying on them or planning to harm them. It is not uncommon for people with this type of delusional disorder to make repeated complaints to legal authorities.] [SOMATIC: A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that he or she has a physical defect or medical problem.] [MIXED: People with this type of delusional disorder have two or more of the types of delusions listed above.] - WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DELUSIONAL DISORDER?- The presence of non-bizarre delusions is the most obvious symptom of this disorder. Other symptoms that mighty appear include: “An irritable, angry, or low mood… Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there) that are related to the delusion (For example, a person who believes he or she has an odor problem may smell a bad odor.)” -WHAT CAUSES DELUSIONAL DISORDER?- As with many other psychotic disorders, the exact cause of delusional disorder is not yet known. Researchers are, however, looking at the role of various genetic, biological, and environmental or psychological factors. [GENETIC: The fact that delusional disorder is more common in people who have family members with delusional disorder or schizophrenia suggests there might be a genetic factor involved. It is believed that, as with other mental disorders, a tendency to develop delusional disorder might be passed on from parents to their children.] [BIOLOGICAL: Researchers are studying how abnormalities of certain areas of the brain might be involved in the development of delusional disorders. An imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, also has been linked to the formation of delusional symptoms. Neurotransmitters are substances that help nerve cells in the brain send messages to each other. An imbalance in these chemicals can interfere with the transmission of messages, leading to symptoms. ] [ENVIRONMENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL: Evidence suggests that delusional disorder can be triggered by stress. Alcohol and drug abuse also might contribute to the condition. People who tend to be isolated, such as immigrants or those with poor sight and hearing, appear to be more vulnerable to developing delusional disorder.] -WHAT COMPLICATIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DELUSIONAL DISORDER?- People with delusional disorder might become depressed, often as the result of difficulties associated with the delusions. Acting on the delusions also can lead to violence or legal problems; for example, a person with an erotomanic delusion who stalks or harasses the object of his or her delusion, could lead to arrest. Further, people with this disorder can eventually become alienated from others, especially if their delusions interfere with or damage their relationships. -WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR PEOPLE WITH DELUSIONAL DISORDER?- The outlook for people with delusional disorder varies depending on the person, the type of delusional disorder, and the person's life circumstances, including the availability of support and a willingness to stick with treatment. Delusional disorder is typically a chronic (ongoing) condition, but when properly treated, many people with this disorder can find relief from their symptoms. Some people recover completely and others experience episodes of delusional beliefs with periods of remission (lack of symptoms). Unfortunately, many people with this disorder do not seek help. It often is difficult for people with a mental disorder to recognize that they are not well. They also might be too embarrassed or afraid to seek treatment. Without treatment, delusional disorder can be a life-long illness. -CAN DELUSIONAL DISORDER BE PREVENTED?- There is no known way to prevent delusional disorder. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help decrease the disruption to the person's life, family and friendships. {Phew! What an article! I’ve learnt something new today! Hope it has been useful to you too! :-) Hee hee! } Science http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1689594 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:46 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1665230 Sadness is a feeling - it's one of the many normal human emotions, or moods, we all have. Sadness is the emotion people feel when they've lost something important, or when they have been disappointed about something, or when something sad has happened to them or to someone else. When they're lonely, people often feel sad. When you're sad, the world may seem dark and unfriendly. You might feel like you have nothing to look forward to. The hurt deep inside may crush your usually good mood. Sadness makes you feel like crying, and sometimes the tears are hard to stop. Crying often makes you feel better. Sometimes when your mood is sad, you just feel like being alone for a little while. Or you might want someone to comfort you or just keep you company while you go through the sad feeling. Talking about what has made you sad usually helps the sad feeling melt away. When sadness starts to go away, it can feel like a heavy blanket is being lifted from your shoulders. Feeling sad every once in a while is natural. Maybe you didn't get something you really wanted. Maybe you miss somebody. Maybe somebody you really like doesn't want to be friends, and you don't feel so great about yourself. Maybe an illness or condition gets in the way of doing some things you want to do or makes you different from your friends. There are lots of reasons that people feel sadness. Most of the time, sadness is because of a loss or separation, a difficult change or disappointment about something... Hmmm... I really don't know anymore. :'( Romance & Relationships http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1665230 Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:12 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1664850 Here (In Your Arms) - HelloGoodbye <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8bUkxTznujo"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8bUkxTznujo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Movies & Videos http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1664850 Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:52 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1661096 you think i'd leave your side baby * you know me better than that * you think i'd leave you down when you're down on your knees * i wouldn't do that * i'll tell you you're right when you want * and if only you could see into me * ha ah ah ah ah ah * oh when you're cold * i'll be there * hold you tight to me * when you're on the outside baby and you can't get in * i will show you you're so much better than you know * when you're lost and you're alone and you cant get back again * i will find you darling and i will bring you home * and if you want to cry * i am here to dry your eyes * and in no time * you'll be fine * you think i'd leave your side baby * you know me better than that * you think i'd leave you down when you're down on your knees * i wouldn't do that * i'll tell you you're right when you want * and if only you could see into me * ha ah ah ah ah ah * oh when you're cold * i'll be there * hold you tight to me * when you're low * i'll be there * by your side baby * Music http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1661096 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:40 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1659223 <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ax4QD4DqvA0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ax4QD4DqvA0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Movies & Videos http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1659223 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:57 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1646715 What's in store for the OX and the DRAGON in the year of the PIG? Check it out... Hey, I know this is super TACKY but it's nice to know... Hee hee! (Provided by Astrology.com) * Ox Overview * [You'll begin the year with good resolutions: to put your love life in order, to pull away the bad grasses of doubt and boredom, to dispel once for all the last misunderstandings. But such are things that are not as simple to achieve as they are to say. Fortunately, the astral influxes will stimulate your willpower and allow you to get results worthy of your requirements and hopes. Generally speaking, you'll have a new rendezvous with luck, success, vitality and love this year. The stars will help you solve your various problems, whatever they may be, because you'll be borne by great enthusiasm and will no longer be alone. Nothing could succeed in discouraging you; on the contrary, obstacles will stimulate you. You'll be well decided not to let yourself be disheartened.] * Dragon Overview * [You'll devote much of your time and energy to the task of bringing to a successful conclusion the projects that you have your heart set on, but some unexpected obstacles will slow down their progress and put your patience to the rough test. Also, you'll often be set against yourself, for you will have too much ambition and will forgive yourself no weakness or shortcoming. Try to be less tense and you'll be promptly rewarded, as this year the stars will greatly favor patience and tenacity. Casual encounters may very well end up as profound friendships. These relationships will prove most interesting to you since, apart from their sentimental aspect, a common intellectual research will give your exchanges a non-conventional character that will delight you. Remember that 'friendship doubles joys and reduces sorrows by half' (Francis Bacon).] Miscellaneous http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1646715 Sun, 18 Feb 2007 10:05 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1646660 WE JUST DON'T CARE <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q9nJaZEqRno"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q9nJaZEqRno" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Movies & Videos http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1646660 Sun, 18 Feb 2007 06:18 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1646086 THEATRE REVIEW : Business Times [An exploration of alternative sexuality] - 'Fundamentally Happy' is a provocative play that deals with the sensitive issue of paedophilia, says PARVATHI NAYAR - (THE Necessary Stage's recent revival of playwright Haresh Sharma's 2006 work Fundamentally Happy worked well as part of this year's M1 Singapore Fringe Festival whose theme was Art And Disability. As Happy's programme leaflet asks us to ponder, what if 'paedophilia is itself a disability'?) [Compelling acting: Aidli 'Alin' Mosbit and Chua Enlai give superb performances in Haresh Sharma's work] - It is a provocative question. However, what the play explores is less this murky question of paedophilia as a hardwired genetic predilection, but rather the even murkier territory of alternative sexuality. Could paedophilia, it subtly wonders, be an all-encompassing negative label that is sometimes wrongly applied to cases where a child's awakening to sexuality by an adult is a pleasurable experience? Our civilised mind recoils from the very idea. Of course, it's not a new one - from the days of Lolita, at the least, the complicity of certain children in the act of seduction has been questioned. However, it's hard to get away from the fact that children, on the whole, are on the wrong end of the power balance with adults, and in no position to make informed choices. Obviously Sharma intends to provoke and in this intention he is successful; however, the overall handling of this sensitive issue felt imbalanced. Sharma does take on other aspects of paedophilia, such as the issue of memory and what we choose to remember. 'Sometimes what you remember can be distorted,' says conservative Habiba (Aidli 'Alin' Mosbit) to social worker Eric (Chua Enlai) in Happy. Eric, has returned to his old neighbour Habiba's home after many years. Though the pair are initially delighted at the reunion, it transpires over the course of their conversation that when Eric was just 10 years old and a frequent visitor to Habiba's home, her husband Ismail repeatedly molested him. Habiba tries to query the veracity of these accusations by whatever means possible - including questioning the child Eric's memory. Both actors were compelling, and the space - the National Museum Gallery Theatre - worked well to support the action of the play. As a script, it is one of the stronger pieces of writing to be seen here recently, but certain transitions within the play were problematic. While the emotional see-sawing between the players kept the pace snappy and gripping, the motivations between some of the mood-shifts were unconvincing. Through Happy, however, The Necessary Stage shows us what it is so good at doing; as with its acclaimed Off Centre or Still Building, it takes on a topic of relevance to the community, and uses theatre to question how we respond to these issues. Photography & Art http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1646086 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:00 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1640782 <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OW-cnizLDEE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OW-cnizLDEE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> TV http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1640782 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:28 EDT http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1640742 [ARIES MARCH 21 – APRIL 20] Nothing seems to ruffle you more than a lack of discipline, disloyalty and decorum. But Arians are also known to go into a rage very easily when challenged. Those of you who have been on the receiving end of the Aries temper know that if not calmed down they can even get violent. But one thing is certain if the opponent remains calm and does not react to their outburst, Arians cool down very fast. They are also the first to apologize, which makes them easier to forgive. [TAURUS APRIL 21 – MAY 20] You are generally quiet and have control over your emotions. It is difficult to predict what will upset you, so when you do lose your cool, people don’t know how to react. Your temper is like that of a raging bull, and anyone trying to pacify you will be the first one to get a verbal bashing. You generally get upset when you are concerned or when people accuse you of doing something wrong. You also hate being reminded about mistakes you’ve made in the past. You also have the potential to be terribly vindictive if rubbed the wrong way. [GEMINI MAY 21 – June 29] You are recognized by your cheerful disposition and your jovial nature is easily susceptible to anger. In fact, you are the best person to have around when there is an ugly scene at a party you can bring the warring factions together quite diplomatically. But when you lose cool, you yell and scream and will not listen to reason. You must have the last word in a wordy duel. Your capacity to argue aggressively is matched only by your seductive charm. [CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21] Considering how charming, caring and kind you are, you dislike unpleasant scenes, much less creating one yourself. You have great tolerance and rarely get provoked into losing your temper. If someone is unreasonable or trying to create trouble, you are more likely to walk away quietly. But that does not mean you do not have a temper. When angry, in your effort to control your emotions, you tremble, your hands get sweaty and sometimes you fumble for words. Tears roll down your eyes easily and the opponent is touched by your innocence and will seek an apology immediately. [LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21] If anyone has total control over their emotions, it is you. But then, you can be described as stiff, cold and uncaring. You are known to lack spontaneity but you really don’t care about opinions. You don’t like to create scenes and will never accept invitations to a party where you suspect the presence of an unruly lot. But your very presence seems challenging to some and they take vicarious pleasure in your disquiet. When angry you can use critical language. A dressing down can humiliate your opponent, causing a strain between both of you forever. [VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21] Most of you are gentle and have full control over your emotions but those of you given to temper tantrums can certainly get violent. When see things with rage, you yell and shout and tend to break things lying close at hand. You can even harm yourself by banging your hands on a glass top table or wall. You should never get into any argument, for you are a sore loser. You feel that others are trying to persecute you and don’t quite respect your opinions. When hurt, you can also hold grudges forever. [LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22] Did someone say that you are the charmers of the zodiac? Well, it’s true. Few have ever seen you ruffled or angry. You are very conscious of your image, and you believe that anger distorts your face and personality. You also think you are above things like anger. But wait before you get into self-congratulatory mood. Your family or those very close to you know you better. You have an unmatched temper amongst all the zodiac signs, and what makes it worse is your capacity to justify it. [SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21] Of course you don’t lose your cool. But your very demeanor (manner) projects haughtiness (arrogance, pride), pride and grand disdain (disregard) for lesser mortals (human). Others are often found saying that anger sits on your nose and you are raring to give your piece mind to the first person who try to be funny with you. You are selective in the choice of your friends, and have a low tolerance for the superfluous (extra) types. Your tongue-lashing (attack) is generally in a soft hissing tone for when you scream, your voice tends to get shrill and loud and you do hate drawing attention to yourself! When upset, you are angrier with yourself for having shown weakness, for the last thing that Scorpio wants to show is being out of control. [SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20] You are insensible and generally have no complete control over your emotions. You do get angry quickly and others marvel at your anger levels even when provoked. Actually, you get tongue-tied when angry and you will remove your anger waiting for the other person to calm down. Then you will reason with your opponent and convince the other person in a very gentle manner that the whole thing was just his mistake. You’re also likely to totally sever ties with someone when you’re upset with them. [CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19] Few will believe that a hardcore practical and materialistic person like you is capable of sensitivity and genuine emotions. You project a hard exterior but are actually very sensitive, a trait you successfully hide from others. You can see thing with anger but will not betray your feelings. But then, there are times that even you cannot control your temper. Under such circumstances you can shout and scream, more with frustration at the situation than with anger at any particular person. Your outbursts can shock others and can make them feel guilty too. [AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18] You are noble and kind and dislike losing control over your emotions. It is very rare for you to get angry. You are also the pacifier in situations that involve arguments. It is always your endeavor to be perfect and socially correct in your behavior and attitude, but if misunderstood and slighted you can give in to an angry outburst. You will shout and scream and then walk out from the scene. You cannot easily forget the situation and will be bitter about it for a long time. [PISCES FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20] The only thing that can be said about you dreamers is that you appear even more attractive when angry. You are very sensitive to others’ feelings, so you rarely hurt them. But when others tend to hurt you, then things take a nasty turn. You will yell and use harsh words and feel inclined to shake everything and everyone up. Your creative imagination is at its best when angry, and you tend to get pretty dramatic. When upset, you refuse to listen to reason and wish to be left alone. But once you calm down, you repent your tantrums and seek forgiveness. SO nobody can be upset with you for too long. Romance & Relationships http://www.zorpia.com/daesmith/journal/1640742 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:26 EDT