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Exam Special: Ji Inn's Tiny Study Tip
Thursday, November 21, 2013 | 10:42 PM

So exams are round the corner for most of us (finished, for some? I know Maddie's done - congratz!), and I'm here to share a little study tip that I think is pretty useful! (Sorry Maddie it's a bit too late for you.)

I don't pretend I know THE SECRET to exam success, but I (sort of) came up with a daily study plan that I personally think is quite good. Heh. This probably isn't something new, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded!

So the main idea is to break your day into study blocks. It gets really tiring when you're trying to plough through your notes for hours and hours, so this is a great way to break up the monotony. I have a 9.30am - 1.30am day, and this is how I do it:

  9.30am - 10.30am   Wake up and have breakfast, read newspapers
10.30am - 11.00am    Buffer time to check emails, updates, etc
11.00am -   1.00pm    Study Session #1
  1.00pm -  2.00pm    Break for lunch
  2.00pm -  4.00pm    Study Session #2
  4.00pm -  5.00pm    Break for tea/shower etc
  5.00pm -  7.00pm     Study Session #3
  7.00pm -  8.00pm    Break for dinner
 8.00pm - 10.00pm    Study Session #4
10.00pm -11.00pm    Break
  11.00pm -  1.00am    Study Session #5
    1.00am -  1.30am    Prepare for bed

Yup so that's the general plan. I don't follow it religiously though. The idea is just to break up your study hours into manageable blocks so you don't get too tired of it. I know most advice say 1 hour study with 5 min break or something but then I get distracted sometimes during the 2-hour blocks anyway and I don't think it's possible to concentrate so hard for so long (for me anyway). So 2 hours of about 90% concentration is quite good in my opinion. It's best if you switch off your computer and leave your phone somewhere far far away, though I know some people have issues about this (you could always use the "I was studying" excuse, which isn't really an excuse!), so you do what works for you.

There are many variations you could do. You can adjust each study timespan, or wake up earlier to squeeze in another study session (I'm too lazy for this), or just plunge straight into studying when the last of your breakfast is shoved into your mouth. I don't recommend this though. If you rush for everything, you'll just create, or exacerbate, the feeling of stress.

Of course this comes with a longer-term study plan, i.e. how many days you have for each subject, which days you plan to study which subject(s), what are you looking to complete by today. This will trickle down to each individual session. It's important to be clear what you're aiming to do within each 2-hour block. If you finish ahead of time, you can bring everything forward, or just work on something else. If you need more time to complete something, either push it to the next slot (bearing in mind you already have something else to do then) or just cut a bit of your break. Oftentimes you will find that you'd rather take a cut in your break just so you can complete a particular chapter or topic. (And then you'll feel proud of yourself for choosing study over break, like what?!)

Okay this is kind of getting very long and I presume you guys have to go back to studying (but hey, it's break time!), so that's all, folks! Hope this helps in your revision. And so very sorry for the lack of posts recently. Us girls succumb to the mug-mug-mug mantra all too often.


Best of luck for your exams,

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Afternoon Delights in Tiong Bahru
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 | 12:23 PM


Stella's
Ji Inn and I finally met up after summer break. The first thing we did was explore Tiong Bahru together!  After seeing a photo of Books Actually somewhere online, I was excited about visiting it because it looked like a cosy wonderland with its fairylights, homey decorations, and of course, rows of books. That sparked off the idea of a Tiong Bahru visit. So on the Monday of her recess week (and my free day), Ji Inn drove to NUS to pick me up and we headed to Tiong Bahru for lunch.

Our first stop: Flock's Cafe. The food was not bad, didn't really surpass our expectations but pleasant enough. We visited a few other places before deciding on that one because of pricing and food, and also because most of the other places happened to be closed on Mondays so it was a real pity.



The next place we went to was Books Actually. I loved everything from the front of the store to its deco to its variety of books. Walking into Books Actually feels like walking into someone's home because it's inviting and personal. It has a character of its own. The thought came to mind when I was browsing in one corner and found books which looked worn and yet were placed with all the other books on sale. They were large notebooks, and when I opened one it looked like a log book. Exploring Books Actually was like exploring the items in someone's home, and you almost feel a bit embarrassed to be looking into these personal items.

There was a discount of 20% if you bought 3 books, so I bought 2 while Ji Inn bought 1. We spent quite a while browsing though, and there was a section of old books that I really liked. I picked up a book called "The World's Best 100 Detective Stories Vol. X" (the centre one of the 3 red books) and wasn't sure if it was actually for sale because it didn't seem to have a price tag and all the books there were so old. The sales staff said it was though, and I briefly contemplated buying it but decided it was too expensive in the end. I have always loved reading detective stories, and the old ones have a charm of their own. They are more slow-paced and intellectual (vs the fast-paced action and cunning of contemporary Crime & Thriller novels), and feature lovely characters with odd quirks.

Reading picks of the day for me were "The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson and "Freedom From Fear" by Aung San Suu Kyi. I chose the first one because it sounded like an interesting adventure. I started reading only a bit, but have to say it's pretty slow or maybe it just takes time for me to be engaged. The concept is worth thinking about though. When you're 100 years old, and nearly on the brink of death, it
doesn't really matter what you do anymore. Even going against the law. For the second one, I chose because I liked the writing style after I read a few pages. It's now with my mum though, because she was saying that she has nothing to read and she likes such political books.

We explored a few more shops after that. Wanted to visit Nana & Bird but it was closed.


Our final stop: Drips Bakery Cafe. We ordered tartlets (chocolate for me and raspberry for Ji Inn) and Ji Inn ordered a green tea latte as well. It was really good, but after the tartlets (which were a bit too filling and too sweet) we didn't feel like having anything more. When we dropped by Tiong Bahru Cafe, we took one look at the many pastries and decided we couldn't stomach the sight of any more baked goods (haha pun intended).


All in all, a good leisurely afternoon spent in the cafes and bookstores of Tiong Bahru. Most of the time was spent in Books Actually so we didn't explore much (and a lot of shops were closed), but kind of glad anyway for that time to just read and browse. 

Delighted,


Ji Inn's

My turn! Shall just add on a bit since Stella has already detailed most of the trip (thanks dear!). NUS U Town was tricky to get to because it wasn't in my GPS and I missed the turn-in the first time round. I'm kind of a road idiot (direct translation from Mandarin) so yes driving is quite bad for me. Anyway, I did manage to pick Stella up and we did get to Tiong Bahru so I guess it was okay.

At Flock's Cafe I ordered a sandwich with prawns and avocado etc. Thought the combination sounded quite interesting and yummy. It was not too bad! But a bit bland after a while I guess.


Then we popped into Books Actually and didn't pop out again until eons later. Kind of expected for 2 book-crazy girls! I didn't expect to buy books actually (oh my god unintended pun!) but Stella was already picking books which made me tempted too. Searched high and low for a good one because I didn't want to spend money on a book just for the sake of it. Finally found one called The Promise Bird, which was translated from Chinese I think. I've never really read much Asian books so I thought I'd give this a try. Plus it looks really pretty and feels nice.


Also saw this lifestyle magazine/book that was simply lovely. It was called Kinfolk, and it was pretty expensive. Went to find it online and lo and behold: the Kinfolk magazine! I was thinking about how I really admire the clean and artistic feel of the whole design, and I suddenly realised I could work on magazine designs for my Aesthetics term paper! Just an idea though. But... it'd be a great excuse to actually get the book :'D (except I'll have to go down to Tiong Bahru again...) Oh oh, the green tea latte from Drips Bakery was amazing! I think if I go back there I might order it again. Not the tarts though, they were too much ><

So that's about all from my side! It was a good mid-term trip out with Stella whom I hadn't hung out with for ages. We should do this again, and more often. Can't wait for Maddie to get back for the Dec hols. The three of us are gonna have some fun!


Enjoying the literary goodness,

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Imperfections and Insecurities
Sunday, October 6, 2013 | 1:24 AM

Sorry for the slightly late post this week! It's recess week and I've been rather busy, what with an outing with Stella (will post about it soon!), project meetings and salsa camp.

I've been meaning, on various occasions, to talk about my insecurities regarding my physical appearance, but I just never took the time out to really think about it and frame my thoughts properly. Also, I guess I'm still kind of afraid of saying all this out loud in a public domain. After all, these are things I'm not confident about, so obviously I would be reluctant to share. But I guess if I really want to not mind it I would have to first not mind talking about it yes? So here goes~

I don't think I'm very unattractive. I don't think I'm pretty, but sometimes when I look in the mirror (without my specs on, hahaha), I'm not really unhappy with how I look. So that's alright. What I really mind, though, are my thighs and (lack of) chest. Number 1 would be thighs, because it's hard(er) to conceal, especially for people like me who prefer wearing skirts or shorts, so my legs would seem longer (I'm not tall). I've always been very envious of girls with long and slim legs, who look good in any type of bottoms. I don't fancy the super thin ones; just the average slim would be good enough. I get it that even those girls think they have fat thighs and some tell me I'm fine. But it's not like I can't compare and see for myself. I've considered liposuction (not very seriously -- ie, haven't done the research and all), but some things just keep bugging me.

1. I am very aware of how feeling so insecure about my physical appearance is shallow and a product of society (even if it's a very entrenched one and obviously guys are more attracted to good-looking girls). I know it shouldn't be something I should be ashamed of, especially since it's probably genetic (I'm not fat elsewhere, in my opinion), and I know if I could get past this barrier I'd be a lot happier. I'm worried about how really taking the plunge to undergo plastic surgery would be conceding defeat in my struggle to attain that elusive state at which I would not mind my imperfections. I'm afraid I'd be a failure, a weak creature in my own eyes, someone who succumbed to societal pressure. In recent years I've taken steps to try to better myself and become a more positive person, and I really don't wish to admit to myself that yes, I'm a very weak person after all.

2. If a person likes me romantically in spite of the way I look, then that would be someone worthier than anyone who'd like me after I've become slimmer and prettier. And I feel hypocritical about this because I'm attracted to good-looking guys too. If I'm only interested in such guys what gives me the right to have a good-looking guy who likes me in spite of how I look? And there are just way too many other thoughts about this that don't really have a time and place here.

3. You can't run from genetics. They will appear in your offspring sooner or later. I really don't want to have to explain myself to my daughter, and to have to try and convince her that yes, fat thighs and a small chest are okay and you shouldn't care about what other people think, when her mother herself went under the knife. I want to be able to tell her, look, it does not matter and it shouldn't dictate the way you lead your life, and heck those boys, the right one will come.

4. I'm not 100% sure I can't get rid of my thigh fat through exercise. I've never been a fan of exercise, though recently I've started getting more accustomed and accepting of the idea of it. (One day I'll talk about exercise - keep reminding me!) I've read somewhere that thigh fat is especially hard to reduce, though not impossible. And it has to be coupled with at least 4 or 5 times of cardio exercise (running, swimming, dancing etc) a week. My mum believes it's not really possible since it's genetic and all. I started some thigh exercises a couple of weeks back but I've been slacking off. And the cardio plan isn't working out either... my dance classes aren't as intensive as cardio would require. And I don't run enough. I think if I'm hardworking and persistent enough I just might succeed, so lipo is the easy way out. And I don't like the idea of easy-way-outs. 

Because of the above reasons, I don't think I want to undergo cosmetic surgery. Truth be told, there are good days, and there are bad days. Some days I feel all motivated and 'positive spirit-infused' and I start to believe one day I'll be free of my own shackles, while on particularly bad days I hate how I look and I detest even more how I feel so unhappy in my own skin. Now I think the struggle will always be there; I should consider it progress made if I manage to decrease the number of times and the intensity of those feelings when they surface. If on an average day I'm happy with how I look, I think I'll be fine.

I'm still struggling, and I'm still trying. Still trying to slim down, still fervently wishing I didn't care about slimming down. I wish society's definition of beauty wasn't defined this way, but then that's too much to wish for. I really admire people who truly feel confident (at least on most days) regardless of how they look or weigh, and I hope all girls can grow to feel that way someday.

All the best to my comrades out there. You're not alone. Be brave, be strong, and we'll conquer this.

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Why So Adorable
Thursday, October 3, 2013 | 9:54 AM

This is why I love the bromance between McKellen and Stewart, whether they are on-screen or off-screen. Apart from McKellen officiating Stewart's recent wedding, here's what they've been up to:

Roaming the streets of Times Square

Loving the touristy shots!

In typical teenage BFF fashion.

They are such riots okay my heart cannot take this anymore.

What adorable old men, really. If only I could have a picture taken with them!

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The People Around You
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 | 1:11 AM

I've wanted to post this for a while, and it was inspired by Tzu Hsiang.

Plenty of times we don't look around to realise how incredible the people around us are, and what they signify to us in our own lives. 

So this is a post for the people around me - thank you for being who you are, and I'm blessed to know you. This list is far from exhaustive, but it'll do for now :)

My mum taught me many things. To be strong, to be kind, to be diligent, and to find many ways of getting to one place. Essentially also, to never give up on something you really want, even though that's a lesson I'm still reluctant to learn (there are times when it is unimaginably difficult). Cliche as it is, I felt this was the best starting point because my mum has shaped much of who I am.

The leaders around me (Ling Hong, Daryl, Sean) All of you together have taught me so much about leadership, and, collectively, this one big lesson: to invest in the growth of the people you lead. I am really very lucky to meet leaders who care so much about the people under them, and who have shown me what innovation, conviction and commitment mean.

Tzu Hsiang always surprises me. In good ways. I'm going to write a little more for this one, just so she knows what a gem she is.

Passion Reading about her own mad obsession with starting a magazine, many of the emotions resonated with me, and it's cool to see her chasing her dream. I'm impressed by the seriousness with which she went into it, and the quality of the work produced. Hope it works out well!

If you're curious, here it is: http://heartmagazine.sg/

Energy & Spontaneity despite always looking half-asleep and hugging everything from trees to sofas like a koala (TH aren't you glad I put a real koala instead :P), she's often game for new and spontaneous experiences. I love her for that because it's refreshing to meet people with so much energy and spontaneity, and it's hard not to catch on to her spirit and want to do things too.


 Friendliness Something I always admire in TH is how she makes friends so easily. And she's so real that it's hard to fault people for liking her. If there's one thing I would want to learn from her, it's to be more friendly and genuine, and to take a real interest in the lives of people I don't know.

Her voice She has the most angelic voice when she sings, and so different from her usual, that it still surprises me when she sings. Again, if you're curious, here's her channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/speciallyi?feature=watch. Good things are worth sharing :).

Her authenticity (and sanity) I think what makes it hard to believe is how sane and authentic she is while being all that. She's very down-to-earth and authentic as a person, and cool precisely because she doesn't try to be. That's the part I love most about her <3 keep your head up!

Yup, that's all from me. Who are the people in your own life who mean something to you?

Inspired,

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6 Things We Did When We Had Unlimited SMSes
Sunday, August 25, 2013 | 10:45 AM

I couldn't help myself, the previous post was too much fun to write, and brought back so many memories. So here's the anti-thesis of it!

6 Things We Did When We Had Unlimited SMSes

1. Texting all your friends letting them know of your new number

And that you had UNLIMITED MESSAGES OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. You are now one of the cool kids who could fire messages away. And you just cannot believe it when your friend can't text you all day like you wanted to. What do you mean, you can't send more than 16 messages per day?!?!?!!! You need to change your plan. Now.

2. Passing on chain messages
If you don't forward this to 7405986017834650784275806728 people, Rag Doll will appear and kill you in your sleep.
These were the worst. I did not appreciate getting suspicious whenever I was trying to fall asleep at night, or being worried that I wouldn't be kissed until I was an old hag. I was so close to dressing up as a rag doll and killing whoever sent me those messages. If you'd sent me these sort of messages before, there is a high chance this is why we never spoke again.

3. Sending silly broken messages

H
A
P
P
Y

 B
I
R
T
H
D
A
Y

 !!!!!!!

What?! You remember doing this too. Sometimes not by yourself, because you've got 2 other friends crowding around to discuss who's gonna send H, who's gonna follow up with A, and who's the last one to send P. Rinse and repeat for PY BIRTHDAY. We truly thought it was fun back then.

4. Wishing all your contacts Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Even if we don't talk for 364 days, that's fine. On that very special day, I will wish everyone in my contact list (and that includes you) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Because it is only between 25th December and 1st January that I realised I have too many unlimited SMSes that I could use just like that.

5. Saying goodnight about 99 times before you can finally sleep

 Goodnight.
Sweet dreams.
I love you.
I love you too.
I love you more.
No I love you more.
Muacks.
Muacks back.
Goodnight.
Sweet dreams.
I love you.
I love you too. But ARE YOU DONE YET? I NEED MY SLEEP.

6. Text your buddies all the time

Because you could. And you'll never bust your bill. This is also the reason why we were constantly texting in class, even if your buddy was sitting just two tables away from you. Sorry not sorry to our teachers, cause better texting than talking in class, right?

Two kids not paying attention is better than causing
other classmates to get distracted while they chat.

Looking back, I think having limited SMSes seemed to be more fun? Oh, the thrill that comes with being a reckless teenager. #livingontheedge #yolo :') We might have been stupid while dealing with limited messages, but it seems like we did sillier and more exasperating stuff when we had unlimited messages to spare, hahahah.

Hope you liked this too,

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On Appreciation
Saturday, August 24, 2013 | 1:07 AM

This post is inspired by a certain post on a friend's blog, and I think it appropriate to add a disclaimer here that this is purely my own views on the issue, something I've come to understand for myself over the years.

Appreciation is not a straightforward emotion. It is not a strong, direct feeling like anger, sadness or elation. It is nuanced. It is a mild thing that you express or feel when someone does something nice for you. But more often than not, we are also obliged to express our appreciation in regard to something someone thought it was nice to do for you.

The thing is, you can't truly feel appreciative of something that holds little or no value to you, even if the person who gave it to you feels otherwise. You can pretend to be thankful, but really, all you can be thankful for is the effort the person put in, believing you would like it.

When the value two people place on the same thing is different, the mismatch results in one party feeling bad to the other for not being truly appreciative, while the other becomes upset that the recipient has an obvious lack of regard for what he/she thinks is important.

If you really want to do something nice for someone, think about what that person places high value on, not what you place high value on. Putting that person's values above your own is a surer way to please him/her. And anyway, if you truly want to do something you think is nice for someone, then please refrain from expecting appreciation and just do it for the sake of doing it. I know how under-appreciated we all feel when something we do is disregarded, but I'm starting to learn how to expect things from people based on their values, not my own. Thinking from their perspectives helped to shape some of the choices I've made these past few months. It's not easy and it can be heartbreaking when it goes against the choices you might have made on your own free will, but if you care, if you really want to care for someone, then that person's feelings take priority over yours. Even if that means stopping or being less persistent about 'caring' for that person. (Of course this is a general statement and is not meant to be applied to every situation and aspect.)

It's not that you yourself doesn't matter. It's important to be true to yourself, but that's just exactly it: be true to yourself. Once it concerns another person, you can't just think of yourself. The world is full of complex beings who have their own set of value judgment. Show some toleration and spare some thought for their feelings. You would think people would do that for the ones they care about, but it's astounding just how many of these well-intentioned actions are actually well-intentioned towards themselves. I have to admit I'm guilty of that sometimes. Perhaps most of us are. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you're doing something nice for someone (thereby warranting their appreciation) when you're just doing it because it makes you feel good (that you are doing something nice for that person).

I think I probably strayed a little bit. Bottom line is, for recipients of supposed well-intentioned gifts or actions, express your appreciation, even if it's just for the effort. Because you, too, have to take into account the giver's feelings. It's socially expected (and on social expectations, there're lots to talk about but it's for another day). For 'givers', think about how what you want to do would affect the intended recipient. Think about his/her values, not your own. It's like choosing a birthday present. You'd want to get something he/she would like, not what you would like.

I hope this post isn't misunderstood to be targeted. It's meant to be an expression of my own views for everyone else. You may not agree with some of my opinions, but if this strikes a chord within you, please do yourself a favour and reflect upon it to see whether, perhaps, what I say makes sense. If it doesn't, then oh well, nevermind.

All the best,

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6 Things We Did When We Had Limited SMSes
Thursday, August 22, 2013 | 9:14 AM

The conversation that inspired this post. 
And oh, Whatsapp, what would I do without you.

Those were the (good?) old days, of not having apps that work on 3G networks to send messages freely. So here's a tribute to the things we used to do when we had limited free text messages to work with.

6 Things We Did When We Had Limited SMSes

1. Dividing 500 over 30 and realising that you could send 16.6666666666666666666667 texts per day

Don't pretend you'd never done that. Because we all know we've only got that many text messages to spare, and we gotta plan wisely who we wanted to waste our messages on. Reply your groupmate about that project? Nah, you'll see each other at school tomorrow. You gotta spend that 16th message saying goodnight to that darling who had been wishing you sweet dreams for the past week. That's right, we got our priorities real straight!

2. Rushing home after school to be online on MSN

Cause chatting on MSN was free. And everyone you needed to talk to will be on MSN after school. Every. Single. Day. Once upon a time, we were replying messages on our computer screens more often than on our phones. And people actually asked for your email address before your number or Facebook. Oh, memories. :')

3. Typin sumtin lyk dis bcox...

It was extremely important to maximise the 150 characters you've got.So the objective is to squeeze everything into a single text message.Also you end up eliminating the spaces after the full-stops.Because that is a waste of characters.150 characters isn't a lot because the ever-important closing line "i luv u muax <3" already costs you one-tenth of the characters. (It really amounts to 15 characters. Are you counting it.)

4. Getting panicky right before the bill come

Because you're pretty sure you'd sent about 167 messages, instead of 16.6666666666666666666667, each day. When the bill is due to arrive in your mailbox anytime, you start to get really nervous because oh gosh how would the parents react?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!! No regrets, though. Did anyone actually regret busting their bill?

5. Deny that we are dating someone

No mum, what are you talking about. Of course I'm not seeing anyone. I just happened to have a lot of projects that I needed to discuss with my group mates. Seriously. You see this incoming message? It's for a really important project that I'm working on.
.
.
.
Oh shit, please don't grab my phone because that's him advising me how to worm my way out of this situation. Shit shit shit. Wow, that look on mum's face. Goodbye guys, it was nice knowing everyone.

6. Being punished for exceeding the limit (or for 'dating at such a young age')

Sorry dad and mum, for getting carried away with sending too many messages that were supposed to be "the last one for the day". But my 15-year-old self still insists that if you'd extended my curfew just a little bit longer, I wouldn't have to resort to flirting over text so much.

Hahahah, who am I trying to kid.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it, and comment below if you found yourself chuckling because you used to do these things as well! Coming up soon, 6 Things We Did When We Had Unlimited SMSes. If you could identify with this, I hope you'll like the next one too!

Teehee,

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What If They Were Bigger, Stronger, Smarter?
Saturday, August 10, 2013 | 12:56 PM

I recently chanced upon this article, here's an excerpt:
Dolphins have the longest lasting social memory ever recorded for a non-human, according to new research that leaves open the possibility that dolphins possess the world’s most impressive memories.

Dolphins have what are known as “signature whistles” that function like their individual names plus added information, such as sex, size and health status. Humans have something similar. When a person says his or her name aloud, for example, listeners may infer additional information. For example, a large man with a head cold is more likely than certain others to have a loud, deep and nasally voice. Figuring these sorts of things out among humans is not an exact science, though, as a short guy with a booming voice might prove.

At any rate, dolphins each have their own signature whistles, and other dolphins certainly pay attention to them, as Bruck determined.

He played recordings of signature whistles to dolphins that had once lived with the animals that made the calls. He also played recordings of dolphins that the listeners had never met.

Bruck found that “dolphins get bored quickly listening to signature whistles from dolphins they don’t know.” When they heard calls from their long-lost friends, however, the dolphins immediately perked up.

“When they hear a dolphin they know, they often quickly approach the speaker playing the recording,” Bruck explained. “At times they will hover around, whistle at it, try to get it to whistle back.”

In one notable example, a female dolphin named Bailey, now aged 24, heard the signature whistle of another female named Allie, whom she had not seen in more than 20 years. The two females used to share digs at Dolphin Connection in the Florida Keys.

Bailey appeared to be thrilled to hear the recording of her old buddy, and tried to communicate back.

There is little doubt that relationships among these animals are deep and meaningful. The findings also indicate that these are highly intelligent animals capable of very complex mental processing.

Their communications are equally complex, such that Bruck and some other researchers now wonder if dolphins have their own language. The creation and possession of language has never technically been applied to any species other than humans.

“We know they use these signatures like names, but we don’t know if the name stands for something in their minds the way a person’s name does for us,” Bruck said. “We don’t know yet if the name makes a dolphin picture another dolphin in its head.”

For his next round of research, Bruck said, “That’s my goal — show whether the call evokes a representational mental image of that individual.”
You probably didn't read all of it, but if you did, a trophy to you. Long story short, dolphins are found to have incredible social memory, and are suspected to have their own language.

Picture of a dolphin because who doesn't like looking at dolphins?

Since young, I've always been pretty uncomfortable when people referred to the sounds crows made as 'noise'. What, are crows simply nature's accessories meant to sit quietly in the trees as decoration? Yes, the crows' incessant cries may be annoying to our ears, but do they not deserve to interact with their mates as well? (Hmm crows' rights. And ravens are so much noisier than crows, trust me.)

Isn't it incredibly pompous to think that we are the only animals who can communicate using language? And isn't it even more conceited to think that all animals should interact the way we do, as if our way is the only/ cleverest way to communicate?

In fact, while reading children books and watching 101 Dalmations, I've wondered if all animals are capable of speaking to one another without humans knowing. Do you remember how the dogs and horse basically saved all the dalmations, while the people could barely do anything? What if everything in nature could shout secrets, and humans are the only ones left out? What if we are the ignorant ones?

What if, huh?

I'm aware I sound a little crazy (this is kinda thoughnotreally what I meant when I mentioned I have uncommon ideas in my introduction), and I shall end this here. Dismiss this entry if you'd like, but if you're actually pondering, please comment/ hit me up, we could be friends.

Kinda wack,

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Thoughts While My Phone's 3G Data Was Down
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 | 12:22 AM

Why is my Whatsapp message not getting sent?
Are you kidding me, why is my data not working?
Is this really happening again?
Maybe it'll come back after a while, it often does.
I'm so annoyed right now.
Can my message just get sent?!
Maybe I'll scroll through Instagram while waiting.
Oh crap, Instagram can't load without the internet as well.
I'll just go to bed.
Why is it not working...
Why is it not...
Why is it...
Why is...
Why...
Nice and sunny today! Wonder if it'll rain later.
Accuweather requires the internet too.
My life is getting ruined because I don't know if I should dress for rain.
I really want to know the weather for the rest of the day.
Maybe I can try restarting my phone.
This usually goes away after I restart my phone.
I hope it works this time.
No it's not working.
I give up.
I'm not giving up.
I'll remove my battery and try again.
Why not I remove my sim card as well.
Please work.
Why does it not work?!
What is wrong with my phone?!?!?!!!!!
Maybe I should change my phone.
But there's nothing wrong with my phone!!!!
Perhaps I'll call the help centre.
I'll just wait a little while more, cause it usually comes back.
It's been two days it's not coming back!
C'mon Maddie you gotta do something.
I'll check all the settings right now.
Mobile network settings sounds about right.
Access point names.
ACCESS POINT NAMES.
OMG THE APN.
I want to punch myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why didn't I think of this sooner?!??!!!!!!
What screwed with the APN?!?!?!!!!!
Whatever, I'm changing it back.
Please let this work.
I think it's coming back.
I see the H sign.
IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S COME BACK.
I'm gonna test it with a whatsapp message.
IT GOT SENT.
Why are you not replying.
Please reply so I know this works.
I'LL TRY INSTAGRAM.
I can see the latest pictures!!!!!!!!
THIS WORKS.
I am a genius.
Wow, why am I such a genius?
I think I should be awarded a prize.
No, seriously, I'll text my friends and let them know I deserve a prize.
Is it really already 12:52am?
What exhausting 2 days of not having mobile data.
I am so dependent on the internet that it's ridiculous.
Ridiculously funny.
Oh, a friend just Whatsapped me to ask if I'm going for lecture tomorrow!
I guess I am because I RECEIVED A WHATSAPP MESSAGE ABOUT GOING TO LECTURE.
I can go to bed now.
I should go to bed now.
But I'm so happy.
What do I do with all this adrenaline.
I shall blog about it!

Trying to go to bed,

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