In Love With

!!?

Lah lah lah.

~~~ the Killers - Andy, You're a Star ~~~
~~~ Grandadbob - Mmmnn ~~~
~~~ MF Doom - Doomsday ~~~
~~~ the Knife - Silent Shout ~~~
~~~ Kings of Leon - Knocked Up ~~~
~~~ Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby ~~~
~~~ Ne-yo - Because of You ~~~
~~~ Maroon 5 - Makes me Wonder ~~~
~~~ Ratatat - Wildcat ~~~
~~~ AIM - Flight 602 ~~~

If you were wondering why I don't update, its because I'm working.

The Parable of the Black Belt

A martial artist is kneeling before his master sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.

“Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test,” says the sensei.

“I am ready,” responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of questioning.

“You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?”

“The end of my journey,” says the student. “A well-deserved reward for all my hard work.”

The sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the sensei speaks. “You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”

A year later, the student kneels again in front of the sensei.

“What is the true meaning of the black belt?” asks the sensei.

“A symbol of distinction and highest achievement in our art,” says the student.

The sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. “You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”

A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the sensei. Once again, the sensei asks: “What is the true meaning of the black belt?”

“The black belt represents the beginning – the start of a never ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard,” says the student.

“Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work.”

Busy lately, a combination of work and work.

Currently reading 'Built to Last'. Another one of those books that has had immediate impact on how I think/work everyday.

January 5th Playlist

~~~ Ataris - Summer win was always our song ~~~
~~~ The Brilliant Green - Goodbye and goodluck ~~~
~~~ Cake - Frank Sinatra ~~~
~~~ Damien Rice - Volcano ~~~
~~~ Kanye West - Addiction ~~~
~~~ Kings of convenience - Love is no big truth ~~~
~~~ Pinback - Seville ~~~
~~~ Rise Against - Swing life away ~~~
~~~ Rooney - Blueside ~~~
~~~ Scissor Sisters - Take your mama ~~~
~~~ Weezer - Island in the sun ~~~
~~~ Wilco - Jesus etc. ~~~
~~~ Watashi wa - How she sees ~~~
~~~ The Strokes - On the other side ~~~
~~~ the Pillows - Ride on a shooting star ~~~
~~~ Gorillaz - Last living souls ~~~
~~~ Elliott Smith - Independence Day ~~~

12/6/06

Made some new paintings recently... they were for my family.

I heart Shanghai

Shanghai inspires me. Returning back to all these familiar places had me realize this was where I found myself 3 years ago. I still remember spending countless days wandering off the streets and/or doing whatever interests me. It was a very relaxing time of my life. Even though it didn’t happen during my stay in there, my time spent in Shanghai definitely lead me to my revelation of developing video games as a career path.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see myself living in Shanghai down the road.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson

Well I was sitting, waiting, wishing
You believed in superstitions
Then maybe you'd see the signs

The Lord knows that this world is cruel
I ain't the Lord, I'm just a fool
and in love with somebody don't make them love you

Must I always be waiting, waiting on you
Must I always be playing, playing your fool

I sang your songs, I danced your dance
I gave your friends all a chance
Putting up with them wasn't worth ever having you

Maybe you've been through this before
But it's my first time so please ignore
These next few lines because they're directed at you

I can't always be waiting, waiting on you
I can't always be playing, playing your fool

I keep playing your part
But it's not my scene
Want this part to twist
I've had enough mystery
Keep building it up
Then shooting me down
But I'm already down

Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting
Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting

Well if I was in your position
I'd put down all my amuntintion
I'd wonder why it had taken me so long

But the lord knows that I'm not you
and if I was I wouldn't be so cruel
cause waitin' on love ain't so easy to do

Must I always be waiting, waiting on you
Must I always be playing, playing your fool

email this to a friend | original link - video embed code here

Music is Love

Too much hating and not enough sharing lately... here are some singles that I've wanted to recommend for a while:

A Track
~~~ Mates of State - Think Long ~~~
~~~ The Dandy Warhols - We used to be friends ~~~
~~~ John Legend - P.D.A ~~~
~~~ Damien Rice - 9 Crimes ~~~
~~~ Sublime - Wrong way ~~~

B Track
~~~ Homegrown - Surfer Girl ~~~
~~~ Eels - Saturday Morning ~~~

+++ Ben Folds - Supersunnyspeedgraphic, the Lp +++ (album)

Live Beyond

Jon Lau sent me a link to a bunch of podcasts by this Toronto artist of the name Bobby Chiu today. The things he mentioned in them really struck a chord in me and inspired this entry today.

Goals
Set goals. This is why companies/mentors always ask you where you want to be or see yourself in X no. of years. I sound crazy, but even I asked every one of my managers from my previous jobs what their goals were. People with no goals have no plans; people with no plans have no direction; and people who have no direction will go nowhere (making more money doesn't mean you're going somewhere). So set those goals and move towards them -even if it means setting goals to further refine your goal (finding out what it is).

Execute
Everybody can talk all day. The difference between those who live accomplishing their goals and those who don't is all in the execution. The plan will nearly always be refined throughout time, so just do it. Anything and everything you say until you start executing is just an excuse.

Finish
Stick to your plans and don't give up. It's always much easier said than done, but remember this: those who don't give up never fail. Always keep your head up and your priorities straight. Stay consistent with your plans and don't budge.

Idea/Talent vs. Execution/Practice
My take on "the idea" or talent compared to execution/practice is 10/90. I know for a fact that I have absolutely no musical talent. But yet, I've decided to pick up the guitar and play (soon 7 years). I might not be as good as somebody who has played for 7 years as well, but I'm at least as good as a talented 4-5 year guitarist.

Hard work will pay off
The most difficult things I have accomplished thus far in life are probably also those that I learned the most from. Pushing your boundaries will make you broader. Its usually the things that are not in your comfort zone or do not understand that make you stronger. Don't fear anything, if you keep at it, the light at the end of the tunnel will appear, and you will be that much better when its all over.

Love what you do
Infinity amounts of good will come to you if you love what you do. You will learn more, relate better, appear more confident, appear happier, etc... seriously, I kid you not. If you love what you do, work will seem like play. You will feel unconstrained and it'll be like waking up to a tropical island everyday (assuming that's your thing). If you love what you do, your life has already succeeded beyond a good proportion of the people in this world (how sad is that).

Give back
This is one such thing I could do much better in. Know where you came from and what got you where you are. I've done a pretty bad job at giving back to my parents so far, but I will. Even the people who have helped me with my company up to this point (or those who will travel a similar path), I will give back. To be truly successful is to live beyond oneself.

---------

Maybe until I succeed in my dreams of running a very profitable video game company, some people will continue to doubt and question the choices I have made. Maybe its because I'm making video games, or that my company homepage appears very idealistic, some seem to think its all fun and games. My take on it is that I'm at least spending every waking moment of my life on the venture and even if I don't succeed and happen this time around, I can say 1)I tried my hardest, 2)I'm already living my dream, and 3)I'm learning more than I possibly ever can at another job.

Oct 30th 2006

Lately, I've been trying to learn to play Jack Johnson's 'Better Together' on the guitar. I'm going through the acoustic guitar phase again. I think its because my friend Ryan had to move back to LA. He used to on the drums while I'm on the electric, and it was great even if it was just us two jamming.
Last week, I purchased an acoustic on Ebay. A big baby Taylor. I'm very very much looking forward to it. It's about time I put aside that super high action K-Garage acoustic my brother bought when he first began to play.


What is this world coming to when people camp out at stores to pre-order a product? Yesterday, I arrived at ToysRUs at 2am to attempt to line up for a ps3 and wii. First of all, that entrance to the store looked like a camp site. Secondly, I was told I had to be 10 hours earlier than I was to get a hold of a ps3.


Guilt
Some people might think I just sound ridiculous, but I am normally at guilt of not making every second of my life. I'm not a very good procrastinator. And don't know how to lay on my back and do nothing for hours on end. I suppose a trait as such is normally what people strive for, but if you live it day in day out, life can feel murderous.


I haven't yet asked my parents about it, but they once mentioned that starting my own business would be a great experience to see what types of people are out there. Cause I'm definitely getting a good dose of that.

Times Like These

What else do you do when you're sick and home alone?

You make banana pancakes. Yep, banana pancakes. Well, actually...it was my first time and they ended up a little thicker than they ought to be. But they turned out ok. I'm not sure whether pancakes are the preferred food of choice when you're sick, but i wanted them. So yeah.

Being up at 6am and not having went to pre-order my wii or ps3 is quite dumb of me.

Wow. One of the best business books I've read for a long long while. Most business books don't tell you crap other than what is intuitive already. This book changed how I would think and work at work for the rest of my life.

B-Track
+++ Pepper - No Shame +++

On another note, if I were in a band, the Strokes would be a pretty awesome one to be in.

If my last post sounded like I'm a materialistic bastard...then don't get me wrong. Money is just how I measure my success.

I've been taking it easy over the past week. I've found that time off from work is incredibly important. I've been playing my guitar and playing video games, reading, and re-evaluating this past summer's work. I feel guilty of not getting back at my desk, but this is also probably the best time to get some rest...

More Recommendations




A-Track
+++ Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah +++
+++ Audioslave - Revelations +++

Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Beck are my idols.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

1. Rich people believe "I create my life." Poor people
believe, "Life happens to me."
2. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people
play the money game to not lose.
3. Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people
want to be rich.
4. Rich people think big. Poor people think small.
5. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus
on obstacles.
6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people.
Poor people resent rich and successful people.
7. Rich people associate with positive, successful
people. Poor people associate with negative or
unsuccessful people.
8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their
value. Poor people think negatively about selling and
promotion.
9. Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor
people are smaller than their problems.
10. Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are
poor receivers.
11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor
people choose to get paid based on time.
12. Rich people think "both." Poor people
think "either/or."
13. Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people
focus on their working income.
14. Rich people manage their money well. Poor people
mismanage their money well.
15. Rich people have their money work hard for them. Poor
people work hard for their money.
16. Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear
stop them.
17. Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people
think they already know.

A Track
+++ John Mayer - Continuum +++
+++ Snow Patrol - Eyes Open +++

B Track
+++ Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days +++

Nintendo Wii

There's no doubt this thing is going to sell like hot cakes. The question is whose stock to buy to make some extra dough off this.

The Entrepreneur's Hardship

Money

I'd be joking if I told you money didn't matter. The truth is that there will always be only a limited number of people around you who see the bigger picture. I sometimes wonder if it's because it takes a crazy person to see the light at the far end of the tunnel or if it's because many people are simply just not bright enough.


Uncertainty

Oh, how I love uncertainty. It makes my toes feel funny before I go to bed every night. Starting a company is like being lost in the Amazon. You can only make the best out of your current surroundings; you don't know what to expect next and you don't know who's coming with you. Everyday is an adventure, jackpot could be tomorrow.


People

Roleplay at it's best. Who can do what and how well. Who will step up and who will bring the team down irresponsibily. The truth is that people aren't as modular as they might seem (depends on the business). The people (the team) makes the company. One lagging peer is a hole in the balloon.

Patterns

Tell me fear I do not know
Shake my hands I've never felt
The keys to heaven are in the soul
Bring me near without a hand
For I shall swim until I fly
Baby, fear nothing.

If you want a recommendation...

Life's like a game.

You choose an avatar with different skills. You have a certain number of points to share among your attributes. You can be strong in one attribute at the cost of another. Or you can be mediocre at everything. You can't have all the stars in the sky.

So my beloved job has taken over my life recently. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not. It's stressful, but I am enjoying it. I probably wouldn't want to do anything else with my life right now. I have, however, also on many occasions put the rest of my life aside for it -and it's starting to take its toll on me.

The thought that the choices I've made and will make in life has its consequences scares me. One of such is the thought that if I devote too much of my life to my job, I'm afraid I'll lose touch with reality.

A Track
+++ Gym Class Heroes - As Cruel as School Children +++
+++ Daft Punk - Daft Club +++

B Track
+++ Banco de Gaia - Farewell Ferengistan +++

Cream Puffs.
Qdoba.
Work.
Feist.
Work.
Need time.
Need more time.
Not enough time.
Too young.
Tired.
Really tired.