Disclaimer: Views are of the blogger's own and does not (necessarily) reflect actual common-sense.

Sunday 30 December 2018

Just burning things for fun

No, not a stack of hell bank notes worth millions in the underworld currency. It's just a... well, burn. So what is this burning thing all about? John has to admit that he can be very evil at times. It's not because he's chaotic evil, just that he's chaotic neutral.




Sick burning and a week-long therapy at the burn centre@SGH aside, one can't be blamed for wondering whether the fans were actually watching Burnley getting burned.

A/N: Who'd have imagined the existence of Mino Shinji at Anfield?
Seriously, what took #RoboKlopp so long to realise it should be strategically possible to convince a Brazilian that he could be a Japanese if he wanted to?

The offensive was absolutely brutal, the heat map even so.

It's crazy to imagine Mané Kuroudo slaughtering the opposition out wide like Akabane Kuroudo killing stuff for fun. If so, there has to be a visible presence at the other flank. At Stoke (on-Trent), the Great White Shaq was never the Harry Potter the long-suffering Potters desired. Inconsistent, overpriced, and still inconsistent. In a nutshell, this was the story of a Potter who was never a prince.

Then along came this Kraut.
If Kraut and Klopp rhyme like a pair of clapping hands, that's because you're most likely still in Dirndland instead of Deutschland. Just quit the LSD. Just quit it.

Whether the Great White Shaq can replicate the feat of consistency set down by another Shaq remains a question mark, but John believes it never hurts to ask King Henry IX whether a motivation session taught by the Great Black Shaq can be arranged. After all, they're both Americans in the same way Boston and Orlando are equally American.

So what this post is all about?
As suggested by the post title, this will be John doing random burning for fun. If any North London Gooners are offended, please be assured that there's most likely a Singaporean Gooner or two who would like to flay this sea otter first. So, yeah. No need to emulate the typical radical leftist goon or far right gunman. In the worst case scenario, there'd be famous people out to hire a Serbian assassin to bump off this Singaporean (sea) otter.
 






























P.S: Can't be doing this forever, so John has no choice but to stop after the final one.


Final P.S: Let it not be said that John L'Otter is nothing more than a neutral arsonist. Allow him to identify that one potential new signing who can make a difference. And no, he's not Don.T even though he enjoys being the firing gunner.
Will El Emerytus make Arsenal great again? Will it be #MAGA next season?

Saturday 29 December 2018

Johnny Chinese? Pt I

Okay, the recent few days have been weird. I won't say very weird, but I'd say quite weird. As a writer (note I never said blogger for a reason), I have the ability to recognise what I'd call the writer's fire. When we talk about writer's block, we know it means the writer is experiencing some sort of Priebus blocking his/her well of creativity. When it comes to the writer's fire, it means a burning urge to start writing something.

And speaking of writing something, I realised that unlike the first chapter, the second chapter of A Requiem From Winter Past (in its previous draft) has a longer word count. The first chapter lasted 2K+, but the second one actually lasted like less than 200 words short of my preferred 4K minimum mark (albeit I'm still not comfortable with stretching any chapter to the 5K territory, let alone doing a Rowling). Which means I'll most likely have an easier time pushing it to the post-4K boundary. Hopefully, I can get it up by next week. Knowing myself, however, I'd quite likely need a girlfriend armed with her Second Amendment rights.
Okay, the Second Amendment part was a joke. We all know guns are banned in Singapore because conceal carry is known to be every self-respecting cop's worst nightmare. For every moment of added security comes the additional risk of criminal acts, for every good guy with a gun comes at least one bad guy with a gun. Don't we all love basic mathematics?

So who's Johnny?
Don't we all love the name Johnny? Johnny isn't just a generic English name which no Singaporean millennial would like to have in order to look cool. At the same time, the term Johnny Foreigner has been seen as either another word for diversity or another excuse to endorse a divisive society. Then we have two other Johnnies. One was a Yank and the other a Brit.




Yet, it must be known that there's another Johnny apart from Shining Johnny and Dancing Johnny. Namely, Johnny Lu.

So why am I mentioning so many (?) Johnnies?
Because the reason is very simple: When we mention Johnny Chinese, the first person coming to mind would be Johnny Lu. However, history already gave us another Johnny Lu way before the showbiz industry introduced the current one.

Ladies and girls, I hereby give you Johnny Lu Su. Actually, it's not me but Chen Shou.

The complete package
It's very hard to find a guy blessed with physique, upright character, and brains. You can't have physique without an upright character because that'd make him a potential rapist and the next Brock Turner instead of the next Brock Lesnar. You can't have physique without brains because that'd make him a moron. But add all three together and you'd get the kind of guy every parent would love to have as a son-in-law. Hollywood enjoyed telling us there's no such thing as too much brawn. Don't believe me, go ask Johnny Rambo. History, however, tells us a very different story from Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The account stated by the Book of Wu was written as below:
[肃体貌魁奇,少有壮节,好为奇计。]

Trans: (Lu) Su had a strong physique with exceptional features. During his youth, he was already a man of strong principles and ingenuity.


In a world dominated by the unscrupulous, hypocritical, and utterly dumb, it's actually understandable why feminism has been occasionally associated with cynicism. From Brett the Hitman to 워마드, it's a no wonder why G.K Chesterton should be seen as a man of great foresight.

How the progressives sorely need Lu Su's voice of reason and how the conservatives truly need Lu Su's upright character. And note the italics. Whether the liberals are able to tolerate such a voice is another question altogether. Let alone the conservatives.

How Johnny Lu came about
[鲁肃字子敬,临淮东城人也。生而失父,与祖母居。家富于财,性好施与,尔时天下已乱,肃不治家事,大散财货,摽卖田地,以赈穷弊结士为务,甚得乡邑欢心。]

Trans: Lu Su, courtesy named Zijing, was a native of Dongcheng in Linhuai. His father passed away shortly after he was born and he later lived with his grandmother. His family was rich and he has a charitable character. At that time, the era was already one of chaos. Lu Su neglected the management of family affairs while freely giving away his fortune and selling his fields in order to help the poor and getting to know men of knowledge. As a result, he earned the admiration of the locals.


Does your life suck? Well, Johnny Lu Su's life also sucked. Yes, his family was rich. Very likely not as rich as those Crazy Rich Asians portrayed by Kevin Kwan Kong, but at least rich enough to give freely to the poor. But there's a problem: His dad died shortly after he was born, which by itself was a tragedy. It's like John Newton losing his mother when he wasn't even twelve. So the next time you're itching to complain about trivial things (and I mean trivial things like calling the cops for fun), remember that Lu Su lost his father and John Newton lost his mother.

In a true blue Daily Nas manner, Johnny Lu Su managed to find ways to make lemonade out of lemons. Not only that, the lemonade he made was a blessing to those around him instead of a stumbling block for the weak and suffering. But that's not all! If emulating a Jewish guy named Barnabas wasn't good enough, Johnny Lu Su went one step further by making friends with men of knowledge. If you're a regular churchgoer, surely there would be moments where visiting pastors would pop by and give a sermon. After worship, what would you do? Are you going to chat with your friends of the same fellowship group or will you be crazy enough to try initiating a conversation with that Korean pastor from the U.S?

Mr Chou sends his regards
I'm not referring to Jay Chou. Rather, it's another Chou. To put it in proper form, it's Zhou Yu. Forget about what you read in Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The real Zhou Yu was demonised in the novel even though he never disagreed with Luo Guanzhong. In fact, Luo Guanzhong existed in a much later era. Try calculating the distance between the Eastern Han dynasty and the Yuan dynasty. Zhou Yu was a magnanimous person who was unfortunately demonised because Zhuge Liang must be deified at all costs. As for history, what did Chen Shou say concerning the first meeting between two exceptional heroes of their time?

[周瑜为居巢长,将数百人故过候肃,并求资粮。肃家有两囷米,各三千斛。肃乃指一囷与周瑜,瑜益知其奇也。遂相亲结,定侨、札之分。]

Trans: When Zhou Yu was the chief official of Juchao, he sent a few hundred men over to Lu Su to send his regards in order to seek resources and grain. Lu Su's home had two barn houses of rice with each filling up to three thousand hus. Lu Su pointed Zhou Yu to one of the barn houses. As days went by, Zhou Yu got to know Lu Su's ingenuity. As a result, they became close friends.


So how much was a hu during the Han dynasty? One hu was equivalent to ten dous. One dou was equivalent to ten litres. Believe it or not, the litre is a legit measurement for grain. So how much would three thousand hus be? Astronomical by my guess. As we can see, Johnny Lu Su's family GDP was effectively America's GDP per year. Two barn houses' worth of astronomical value and one of them went to an army of hungry men. If people have the right to be stingy in times of peace, what then can we say when it comes to times of chaos! For Johnny Lu Su, there were no regrets in being his own Bill Gates. As a military man, Zhou Yu should understand the harshness of reality. In any environment where people are capable of becoming vicious animals for the sake of survival or kicks, mercy is a trait needed by the weak and despised by the strong. Zhou Yu wasn't a weakling, but he's surely a man of upright character. And a man of integrity would never allow great acts of mercy to be forgotten within the next 24 hours. So here we have a man of John Rambo's physique and the tenderness of the Apostle John.

Which now comes to the question of why Zhou Yu was impressed by Johnny Lu Su. Was it due to his exceptional kindness? Now it must be stated that most likely Zhou Yu would have heard of Lu Su's reputation as the most charitable man in Jiangdong, some (might) say the whole of China and even the whole of Korea. Otherwise, why would he send a hundreds-man brigade? To bust Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?

The first impression counts a lot as anyone can tell you that. So what was Zhou Yu's first impression of Johnny Lu Su? Quite likely a charitable man of a great heart. Yet, first impression can only tell you and me this much. Say for example, Bill Haslam.  What would be my first impression of him? Governator of Tennessee and the closest bloke to Guan Zhong and Xiao He. What about Ben Sasse? What would be my first impression of him? A man whose heart mirrors that of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin. But if there's no way for me to interact with them, it means my understanding would only stop at phase 1. Not that I'd get the honour to do so anyway since it'd be far easier for Eunice Olsen to be friends with Michelle Obama and/or Hillary Clinton. Or in Chen Shou's own words, 定侨、札之分.


To be continued because my sleep pattern has always been as dodgy as that of Kogami Shinya

P.S: Before I close this part 1, I need to point out the fact that when Zhou Yu first met Lu Su, he already rejected Yuan Shu's offer of employment. Guess who's the next one to reject the same guy?

Wednesday 26 December 2018

Merry Christmas post (?)

This year, a lot has been said about Christmas. Okay, not a lot. Only this, that, and others, One can't help but wonder what is Christmas all about in a world where many things are certified (and) fundamentally broken. While answers may/can be found in the most (?) unexpected source, John decides not set up his own pulpit. Not only is John L'Otter untrained, sea otters are also certified jerks.

Interruption from Cocteau L' Enfant Naturel: For now, I'm planning to do the 3rd edit for the first three chapters of A Requiem From Winter Past. The first chapter is already out, all that is left are the second and third chapters. For now, the second chapter will be named The Lion And His Dream while the third chapter is named The Maiden Fair And Her Prince.

This post is effectively John L'Otter being himself again. In other words, this post is all about random stuff being thrown and mixed like either a dish of rojak or a bowl of bibimbap (seriously, there are quite a bit of similarities between Singapore and South Korea). Okay, it's not that random. Unlike liberals in the West, Japan doesn't have to face accusations of invading 25th of December. In fact, the Japanese don't believe in whatever justification behind the radical left-versus-far right conflict. But that's most likely because Japan doesn't care much about the Democrats and Republicans living across the ocean.

So yes, this will be a Merry Christmas (?) post from the J-culture.








Wonder how Ad Shank would one-up the mina-san at Ufotable...





Kiritsugu uses silver to draw the circle because that’s just how loaded the Einzberns are...









Lyrics







Wonder if Kogami happened to know a certain Mat Rahmat or any bin/binte Rahmat...






Any similarities between Godo and Michelangelo's rendition of God is 100% accidental. At least John hopes so because his own hair actually resembles that of Guts.


P.S: Because it's nearing 12 midnight, John decided to end this with a few more vids.







Sunday 23 December 2018

A Crucible's Lore: The Nine Circles

Total Recall note:
This is John posting a... well, total recall note. Not literally a total recall, but you get the drift. Anyway, this post is originally one devoted to the Nine Circles. In John speak, we'd be talking about this. But there's a problem: The original deal was too much of a generic JRPG junk. Not to diss the Japanese, but people do learn as they age. Let alone a sea otter. Then again, maybe not.

Dated-19 Dec 2018

Lore: The Nine Circles
Origin:
Known during the Age of Renown or perhaps earlier when no one knows what and who walked this world, the Nine Circles can only be defined as nine planes of existence sustaining all things.
Circle of Order and known as the Canopy
Circle of Chaos and known as the Root
Circle of Ice and known as the Emptiness
Circle of Fire and known as the Destruction
Circle of Speech and known as the Bridge
Circle of Life and known as the Magic
Circle of Trees and known as the Dream
Circle of Steel and known as the Reality
Circle of Dearth and known as the Abyss

These are the nine forces at work, some say since the beginning of the Map. Yet, they are not the reason behind the creation of all things. In fact, no one knows what is the source from which all things came into being, let alone how. Whatever taking place prior to the Age of Renown or even whether there was any life back then is a mystery which most likely not even the wisest mind can understand.

Roles of the Nine:
Each Circle enforces one specific aspect of the Map which is the sole concept defining the whole universe. They cover the Map from the non-physical to the physical. However, scholars currently are only able to discern their respective roles and not the exact location. Archaeological findings from the Age of Renown offered only little with the historical text below as the only source of information.

The Circle of Order serves as the upper limit of the Map, hence the Canopy. It is to restrain all things and place them under control, for this has always been the duty of Order. It is a vessel holding the contents of the world with the lid atop shut.

The Circle of Chaos serves as the lower limit of the Map, hence the Root. Without Chaos, Order can never exist, for every existence must be justified by a specific purpose. It is a tree sustained by its roots rather than the branches.

The Circle of Ice points to the necessity of demise, for all things travel in an endless cycle. Emptiness is but a vital link. A hollow shell both waiting and meant to be filled like winter leading to spring.

The Circle of Fire points to the necessity of Destruction. Like fire melting ice, annihilation justifies emptiness and not the other way around. Like water produced as a result, obliteration begets rebirth. Like water extinguishing a fire, rebirth supplants barrenness.

The Circle of Speech is that of a Bridge connecting every Circle to every living world. It is the justification of self-expression. First the Nine Circles, then every form of life. It is a right which can only be taken away and not to be denied.

The Circle of Life is the source of Magic and justification of the living. Yet, what is alive cannot become what is magic as power is never a life unto itself. Hence, the relationship between user and the used is of two parallel lines moving forward and never a craftsman mastered by his craft.

The Circle of Trees is one giving birth to the presence of dreams. Like every forest defined by oak, birch, and softwood, the right to harbour ideals defines every person's life. Thus, the Circle of Trees is also called the Dream.

The Circle of Steel is one symbolising Reality and the authority of all which are real. Its unyielding hold is a constant reminder of what any living world is like: The conflict between realism and idealism justifying the need for both instead of either.

The Circle of Dearth is a constant source of fluster for the lesser races. Convincing themselves that people are flawed but inherently good, who was responsible for creating this greatest contradiction? If this foolery cannot be compared to an abyss, what else then can fulfil this role?

Elements:
While the current Age of Illumination identifies the four seasons as Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, they are identified as the four elements during the Age of Renown. They are seen as part and parcel of the natural order, they are also the forces from whence magic is made possible.

Association with the Nine Circles:
Elements do not operate alone by themselves. Magic itself is a beast which needs to be sustained and the four elements are for this very purpose. But to make it possible, every manner of fuel must have its source. To justify their existence, a link must be forged between the elements and four of the Nine Circles.
Spring: Circle of Trees
["Spring arrives, the trees heralding its song."]
Summer: Circle of Fire
["Summer follows, fires of passion being lit."]
Autumn: Circle of Steel
[Autumn comes, a bridge leading to woe."]
Winter: Circle of Ice
["Winter appears, the cold travelling like tireless wolves."]

Runes:
There are five runes in total, one allocated to each of five Circles. If the Circles of Trees, Fire, Steel, and Ice are linked to the elements, then the Circles of Order, Chaos, Life, Dearth, and Speech are linked to the runes. These five alphabets form the foundation upon which magic can be used.
Circle of Order: Nem (That Which Restrains)
Circle of Chaos: Lug (That Which Overwhelms)
Circle of Life: Aen (That Which Flows)
Circle of Dearth: Mor (That Which Silences)
Circle of Speech: Bri (That Which Speaks)

Anchor:
Every being of the highest self-awareness possesses an anchor. This is what separates those of greater reasoning from those of lesser reasoning. Like a ship steadied by a weight dropped to the very depths of the sea, likewise every high being's anchor roots him to a Circle. Because what roots a person is the root itself, each one's anchor goes by the name of the Circle where it is dropped. Because the Nine Circles justify every effect as the cause, the anchor also does the same when it comes to the individual's personal tendencies and potential.
Circle of Trees:
Tendency-Idealism and Stubbornness (Sea of Hope)
Potential-Recovery (Currents of Tenacity)

Circle of Fire:
Tendency-Heart and Tempestuous (Sea of Impetus)
Potential-Fury (Currents of Consumption)

Circle of Steel:
Tendency-Pragmatism and Cynicism (Sea of Realism)
Potential-Resolve (Currents of Determination)

Circle of Ice:
Tendency-Composure and Apathy (Sea of Calm)
Potential-Observation (Currents of Silence) 

Circle of Life:
Tendency-Vibrancy and Folly (Sea of Beginning)
Potential-Leadership (Currents of Galvanisation)

Circle of Dearth:
Tendency-Understanding and Despair (Sea of Destination)
Potential-Momentum (Currents of Nothing)

Circle of Speech:
Tendency-Expression and Deceit (Sea of Words)
Potential-Control (Currents of Strings)

Overlapping:
Despite every high being having only one anchor, personality is always the proof of freedom and identity. Hence, traits associated with an individual's anchor do not constitute to his entire being. Therefore, there are always plenty of instances where any unrelated anchor's tendencies and potential do overlap. In this case, the individual's anchor tendencies would assume control with its potential seen as the dominant one.


P.S: John has to stop here for a reason. Due to his family not being able to understand him, John may truly need a radiographer girlfriend.

Thankfully, John has this song to thank as a counteroffensive against the foreign invasion.

Add P.S: Sea otters are certified jerks. Because John L'Otter isn't one to drag his future radiographer girlfriend down, he decides instead to remind people to enjoy 25th December while it lasts. Because 24 hours later, we'll be seeing the same old movie involving stuff ranging from the history of slavery in America to racism in Singapore. Not to mention as well Assad most likely still bossing Syria.