Luckily I left my house early in the morning this time. The past few days, the rain always managed to thwart my plans. =l Yeah, so this time, it's my turn to thwart the rain's plan. *revenge sparkles* =Pp Phew.. at least it only started to rain after I finished my swim.

Haha! I really like the feeling of swimming. It's pretty energizing. Rather strange that I like swimming, seeing as how I don't like water sports. Just don't like getting wet. Eh? Yah, I know you must be thinking - swimming also gets wet too - 'cos that's what I'm also thinking about that at this moment. Hmmm... Haha! Oh well, that's just me. =)

Went to buy a cordless mouse today. Notice how I use the word 'buy' here, I think us guys would use that word while girls use the word 'shop' in their daily purchases. Be very careful. That is one dangerous word. 'Shop' incorporates the meaning of spending a great amount of time in a day in browsing through on-the-way items before reaching the key-item of the day, which is the main objective for embarking on that journey in the first place.

Oh, forgive me for digressing.

It's amazing how the prices start dropping as you keep going in and out of different shops. Haha! It's like playing some game and you progress by finding the decreasing prices before you can finally reach the end. Yup, finally gotten it in the end.

So my laptop has now got a new friend called... "Tail-less Mouse". -_-"' <{=------- Never did like those touchpad things. =s

Been pushing my laptop to see how much it can take as well. Running all the high-end applications on it to verify whether the specifications actually mean what they display. And so far, the results been satisfactory. Yeah! =) They may not be running at top-notch performance, but they are running in a decent manner. Unlike my loyal desktop, which simply cringe and show my gray and black images. Very good, very good. ^^

Found out last night that a laptop can harbour the tablet function in the lcd screen. Well, a friend of mine has one. I find that very cool. I'm still stuck in the notion that tablets are a separate piece of thing altogether, with the stylus pen. Now, you only need a stylus pen. WoW!! O.O Haha! Never tried drawing on a computer before, wonder how a manga drawing will turn out... *ponders*

I have a wacky idea with tablets too. haha! But I shall not mention it, 'cos... haha! Abit lame. My friend thinks the same way too. Although it can be fun too, if it works. *slaps me silly me*

Right. End of entry.

Haha! I don't usually like chinese rap songs 'cos I always feel they sound very wannabes from the original black rappers. But I came across this chinese rap song which is surprisingly... catchy. Yup, think that's how I would describe it.

And if you closely listen to the lyrics (although it can be a little difficult sometimes...), it is very funny. Hm, crude at some parts but that's what makes it funny if you listen to it with a lighthearted mood.

Haha! MC Hotdog - Wo Ai Tai Mei (translates to 'I Love Taiwan Girls'? something like that). It's worth a listen. (^^)

I watched 'Fearless' recently. Yeah, I know it's old but I didn't bothered to watch while it was airing in the theatres. I thought I wouldn't like those china thing-ys and guys with a donkey tails on their shining heads. It doesn't quite go with my cup of... whatever.

Well, I've watched it and true enough, luckily I didn't watch it then. I can understand why it appeals to some people as a few of my friends mentioned that it's good. All the honour; competition to be no. 1; revelation; and of course, in such films, you can never do without china's honour (yeah, yeah...). Aiyah, I can't enjoy such films with their expected plotlines, especially since almost all of Jet Li's chinese movies revolve around the same axis everytime.

It's like taking the MRT from home to work, and work to home everyday. You know what's all going to happen in the end and you just sit through the whole way, trying hard to appreciate the view that's going past the train. Although the view can be good and exciting at times, but at the end of it - boring.

Hm, can't Jet Li be fighting for other reasons other than defending China's honour? One time's good, two time's acceptable, three time's.... I'm looking for Jackie Chan's films instead.

But I must applaud his martial arts, kung fu, wu-shu skills of his. They. Are. Marvellous. I'm always impressed about his action sequences. 'Nuff said.

Next up would be 'Hostel'. Gory film. Bloody film. Violent film. Nauseating film. Grimacing film. Squeamish film. Gory film. (eh? think I said 'gory' twice... but it's okie, as it's worth the 2nd mention.) And that's the basically the one-big plus factor in the whole film. Oh, there's some nudity involved too but ar gee... it's very boring compared to the violence illustrated.

Okie, this plus factor may sound a little sick but it is very well done. All the effects and make up will make anyone move about in their seats. If there's anyone who can avoid feeling squeamy in their first run-through, I would suggest having their mentality checked. Sometimes, I would be attempted to avoid some scenes, but then I thought, how can I be watching the movie if I avoid the scenes... Phew.. luckily, I wasn't eating anything or feeling full.

The goriness is worse than 'Saw', but 'Saw' has a plotline that wins it hands-down. (erm... no violent notion intended...)

Maybe the problem lies with me, after watching everything, I still don't know what's going on. Unlike 'Saw', which blew me away with the wonderful twist. The reasons and mystery of everything still remains unclear to me. Maybe my mind was so freaked out by the explicitness of the whole thing that I couldn't care less. (Due to readers' discretion, I shall avoid describing the detail of some scenes here, but if you know me, can ask me though.. =P)

Oh well, if anyone has the guts (not again...) and has watched 'Hostel', they could kindly enlightened me on that?

I would really love to watch 'Daisy' next. Prolly 'cos of Jeon Ji Hyun, I always felt she has an excellent eye in selecting her movies. Still don't know when I wanna catch it though.. =s Hopefully, I'll not miss it again like how other movies had passed me by.. =(

'Put yourself in his/her shoes', they said; 'Take a walk in them', they said; 'Before you lay any judgement', they said... Yup, these are some of the hackneyed phrases which we hear from time to time.

Look out the window, take a look at someone far away, and notice how small he/she is, but if you think about it, in his/her eyes, you appear to be very small too. Same difference, I should say. No matter how meaningless this little example is in your perception, I believe it explains my point.

In any relationships in our human Life, we are plagued by this curse of perception. Most often than not, our outlook on things is based only through our own eyes and not others. It is difficult to picture how the angle of the other party may appear completely diffierent from ours. That's where one of the sources of friction occurs.

Unknowingly, we may offend people; portray a image that is 360 degrees different from what we wanted; or even frighten away people. And when these people have these kinda reactions, they too, fall under the curse as they fail to look at it from another point of view. Aahhh... perception is such a dangerous and contagious thing.

Sometimes, we may forget to think about how others may feel or how others perceive things differently and simply act on our own accord. This is probably 'cos humans are of an individualistic nature. No matter how selfless everyone wants to think they are or want to be, deep down, there will always be the presence of a 'little me' that thinks for himself/herself and with a desire to protect himself/herself. A little cynical thought though, I might add. But this makes it all the more worthwhile when we see actual cases of selfless-ness happen in our everyday Life, doesn't it?

Imagine... one day, you were walking along in a field and accidentally knock down an ants' nest. First reaction! Jump around in a bid to scare off or kill any ants that have emerged over their demolished nest. Subsequent reaction! Run off or carry on walking. I don't think anyone would even think twice about what they had done. It was only an ants' nest anyway.

Right, now imagine... you are watching television, playing that favourite video game or having lunch in your cosy home. Suddenly, someone, much stronger and much powerful than you, comes into your house and wrecks the h*ll out of it, and that someone proceeds to burn it down to the ground without any regards to your existence at all. All of this is happening for no-good reason as well, with you standing helplessly in a corner. Would this incident be classified as only just your home being burned down?

I don't think so...

I decided to bring up these two scenarios from two different perspective to bring two different kinds of feelings. The seriousness takes a very very drastic change just by taking a new perception to it.

Of course, I'm not saying everyone should be so careful of everyone else by learning to perceive this and perceive that. Nothing good will come out of it anyway, as I know if I do that, I'll be so tired of being with people, I'll just find a convenient cave somewhere and practice isolation for the rest of my Life.

Even though I've mentioned that perception is an important factor in any kind of relationships, it is but a mere thought to take into account and not to take it into practical use at every single opportunity.

I believe the beauty of any relationships occurs when you can throw the idea of perception away because both parties know each other very well already. Most of the time, you can just act yourself 'cos you know the other party wouldn't perceive it the wrong way. And it works vice versa. Okie, I wouldn't say the idea of perception is gone, but rather, it has kinda melded together with the realtionship to become one. No holds barred, I guess. That's the way it should, be it between good/best friends or intimate lovers or any other kind of relationship you can think of.

With that, I shall end this post on a lighter note -

"Before you judge anyone, put yourself in his shoes and walk a mile in it. Even if you judge wrongly, you'll be a mile away from him already anyway." haha! Cheerios!! ^^

Alright!! I've gotten my laptop at long last. Although it seems to be a hasty decision but I've gotten my eye on it for a while and yesterday, all 'signs' pointed into purchasing it, so there you have it!

Hm, not much to say in this post. All I can think of is.... SwEeEeTtT!!!!

If you're wondering, this post was still done on my trusty-old-loyal desktop. haha! =D

Oh. I didn't expect the title of this post to have a lil irony in it. Haha! 'First' and 'Last'. Just scribbling a title into this post and poof! quite a good title. =P Alright, alright... enough about that.

Actually, I simply wanted to say how much I've actually missed my old diary. After posting my entire story up there, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Still remembered the JC days where I pour out my hart and soul in there. During that time, unknown to almost everyone, during that time, all my entries are all subtle ways where I express my hartfelt feelings through self-experiences. All of them have a link to the actual me. The entries were not without basis, unlike some of the random thoughts I write nowadays.

Maybe it's my way of escape. Maybe it may hurt alot if I really think about myself and write based on me. Maybe I just want to try and get lost in the ambiguous words, in a bid to forget that it is actually me. Hm? Yeah, silly me.

Opendiary was the first place for me, my first haven, my first little corner in the whole wide web.

Over at opendiary, it was the first time where I experienced the power of words; the pen is mightier than the sword. It was also where I penned my first entry and that first entry which caused me to cry in front of my PC. I kept telling myself to stop, that I should be stronger than that and it was nothing but the past. But did I listen myself? I guess I was rebellious... That incident was so bad, I couldn't finish writing it in one sitting without running to the washroom, and returning again to finish it again, which promptly ended me up in the washroom again.. -_-"'

Yep, I never told anyone about that, so I guess this is my first too.. That was the power of words.

I like my new place, "ChroNicLeS of the HaRt™" but ultimately, I still feel more 'intimate' with opendiary. If I have more sensitive stuff to think about, I'll still think of opendiary. Maybe "CotH™" will contain random and meaningful thoughts. Yeah, maybe that'll work out.

Some time ago, I was still thinking if I should give it up since it's nothing but filled with the past... and now, I'm thinking I should keep it going and fill it with my future.

Yesterday was a tiring day, but although I felt tiring during the walk, but after the whole thing, I was able to take off that tiredness coat and chuck it aside. Maybe 'cos I still needed to go somewhere else soon after reaching home. Hm, home... My mind was still remarkable feeling bright and clear and some thoughts even popped up for me to pen down. haha!

Oh, don't think I've mentioned what long walk happened that deserved to be remembered - 4 of my friends and I embarked on the Treetop Walk Trail at Macritchie Reservoir. So there you have the 5 of us trekking through the tropical rainforests for approx. 6 hrs!! Prolly 'cos this was my 2nd time up there and on the same trail, I didn't find the view as spectacular as I did the first run-through. But it's definitely worth the walking for a first-timer! I know I felt that way the last time.

If you love the Jurassic Park series, then the suspension bridge where you go over the treetops produces this unique feeling; if you can just imagine the huge trees shaking, like clearing a path through them, coming towards you.... oohh, betta run, T-REX is COMING!!! Haha! Alright, You get what I mean... it's but another random thought in my mind. But it adds to the experience by being on the suspension bridge, for me, that is. =)

And then, I was wondering, if this is a treetop walk, would the people there, like, need to ensure the trees do not grow too tall? And above the suspension bridge? haha! It would be real funny if people spent so much time and effort reaching there, reach the centre of the bridge and realize.. eh? How come I'm in the tree canopy?!... ?!?... ?!?!!! RAGE!!! <{=..... -_-"' The sole ranger on duty should be equipped with firearms then. If not for anyone else... I know I would throw him off the sides of the bridge. *evil gleaming in the eyes*

Thank heavens it didn't rain yesterday afternoon.. if it did while we were in the jungle trails, oh boy... Only one thought comes to mind, quote: "Out of the 36 strategems, Running is the best option." But Kerion did bring an umbrella along though... but for the 5 of us?? Hm, I don't think it'll work out.. therefore another thought came to mind, quote: "Every man for himself!!!" *evil gleams once again* =Pp

This is bad, been allowing this evil symmetrical side out too often le, time for it to get lost!.. haha! Oh well, juz kidding man! 0=)

That's the long walk to remember and trust me, it felt really long to us.. What was the initial plan of having lunch together after the walk became having dinner instead. All the while, I could feel the sun mocking us as it moved across the blue sky faster than we making progress along the treetop trail. Towards the end, I felt like an extra from "Resident Evil", you know how the undead there walk and their desire to feed. Yeah, something like that.

But all in all, it definitely deserved to be remembered. All the crapping, laming, joking, talking cock, brushes with nature and wildlife, it's been fun.

I'm finally done!!!!! Alright!!! The date is now 19th April. The time now is 2:55pm. I've completed my best work yet. Well, I understand 'best' is rather subjective but to me, it's the story where I've placed the most effort in and it is a piece which I can say I'm proud of. For keepsake, I've decided to print it out, after I go through the task of proof-reading it, though I think I'm having a headache now.

Okie, I'll be posting it up in my old diary very soon. I think I shall put it up chapter by chapter.. It's 5 times as long as "91215225"; 4 times as long as "Starry Starry Rose"; 3 times as long as "An Angel's Hart™". I didn't expect to really bring this story to Life but I guess I did after all. haha! Have fun people!!!

My latest attempt at amaterish writing - "A Wish Upon A Girl".

I have alot of things in mind to write in this blog. But now... all priority goes to something else more important. Hope I'll get round to it soon, almost done by the way, if ya wanna know. =p Anyway, just wanted to pop by my blog and leave a quote I came across.. Nothing complicated, but I find it very meaningful. It is nothing much, just strikes me on a personal note, that's all. =)

"Love hurts not because it goes away... but because it goes on."

Sacrifice... As I'm looking this word, my mind is wondering what its base word is. "Sacred", "Crucify" are some words that pop up in between the thoughts. It is a word many of us don't wish to tread on, but sometimes, circumstances forbid us the luxury of such choices.

We often see sacrifices being portrayed in movies, books, games, comics... All these man-made devices known as entertainment and recreation. Because we don't wish ourselves to be intertwined with "sacrifice", the safest form of experience would be through these avenues. A safe vantage point, I might add.

Sacrifices basically comes in two forms. For yourself in getting better in Life; for others in helping them in small ways or big ways while you stand at the disadvantage. In sacrificing for others, this act is usually, or should I say, always glorified ten times over. Hundred times over. Thousands times over. Yes, to sacrifice for others is tough, for one thing, that person should be pretty important, be it in friendship or love. One is willing to give up something possibly, unretrieveable, just to benefit the other party. It is a very noble act and not easily performed by others.

But as we allow our "hero" complex get the better of us, we fail to read the small print at the bottom of every sacrifice. It's a very small principle that comes along with the it. In order to save/aid someone else, we sacrifice, without any regards for ourselves. Yet...
In actuality, we are dealing some pain to that particular person. Be it in small amounts or large doses, there will always be pain inflicted on him/her. If that person is someone we cherish alot, likewise the hurt we cause will be greater. This is the principle that is not easily understandable.

Are we doing it solely for that person... or in the process of supposedly sacrificing for others, we are doing it for ourselves? So that we might have a peace of hart knowing we have did something concrete to prove that person means alot to us? Or we really wish that him/her well?

Maybe this is why sacrifices prove to be even more intriguing. For me, that is.

I guess, in a bid to prove the beauty of humanity, people will still be willing to sacrifice for someone they treasure. At least, we can live in the knowledge that there are instances we can forget ourselves just for him/her, to experience the immense feeling our harts can possess for another individual. It's just... beautiful, isn't it? =)
And we can only hope he/she understand the predicatment the sacrifice-r is going through and resolve the pain we have caused in the process as quickly as possible.

Yup, I believe that's how I intepret the essence of sacrifice. After all, it could be a 'sacred' word to begin with. A cold and warm sensation, both at the same time.

Will U Sacrifice?

Gee... what a lousy Korean movie that was. I just finished watching "The Art of Seduction", you know, the movie that's curently/going to be screening in cinemas. Yep, it's that show. Don't ask how I'm watchin the dvd version already, just gotta know Singapore is abit slow in some movies..

I thought it would be interesting to see her deviate from the usual role of the quiet, demure girl, since she's supposed to act as a seductress?! Well, that was what I thought.

Anyway, don't waste your time or money. There are much better Korean movies out there. Or rather, there are much better Korean romance movies lying around. But if time is really on your side, have a look then... You may see worthwhile parts which I couldn't catch. Please tell me, will you?

No romantic scenes; No special memorable scenes; No/hardly any comedic scenes; No touching moments; No love scenes; No-sense plotline... what genre is "The Art of Seduction" in again?

Maybe it's the actress, Soh Ye Jin... I don't know, I may appreciate "Summer Scent" but I've never liked any of her movies. And definitely don't remind me about "April Snow"... that movie is so cold and boring, I really thought it was winter. Just because it showcases what's-that-handsome-guy's name and her stripping at certain points in the movie, the producers thought they had it all saved. Another waste of my time... >=(

Been trying to find "A Moment to Remember", another starring Soh Ye Jin movie. After reading the synopsis, I have a good impression of the plotline and stuff, haha! Hopefully, it'll improve my image of her in 2-hr movies instead of in 20-hr dramas. =Pp

Really miss the older Korean classics.. Alright, stop!!!

Enough romance for one morning, need some horror in my Life now... "Into the Mirror" I go now.

Phew... I never knew attempting to write a decent story is kinda tiring. My past "works" were rather... I don't know, very basic? Probably like a skeleton of something bigger and better.. Now, I'm try adding more sugar and spice to it, hopefully it turns out well. *crossing my fingers*

But it's been fun just allowing what you want to happen and how you want every scene to happen become alive as the words appear on the screen. But it's tirin 'cos ya mind turns into a loose train and you have to keep a tight rein on it. And not to mention the fact that to keep the story interesting, one has to keep churning new ideas and words... Aahh...

I would like to give a big bow to all the writers out there. I can understand the hard work behind a thousand-page novel now. *impressed*

Due to this new-found commitment which I have to finish, else it'll keep bugging me in the head, my blog will prolly be a little boring, at least till I finish writing my own fantasies (don't go thinking on the wrong track now, you perverts... haha!) Kidding. =Pp

Wish me luck!!! It's my biggest "work" ever yet!!! ^^

Started watching "Love Story in Harvard" today. I'm only at Episode 1 by the way. I've started watching movies, animes (Currently, it's Inuyasha..), dramas (read above..) that has always been on my hit-list but have been lacking the time to do so while in the army.

Just thought I might share the beauty of the female lead with everyone. In a way, this could be deemed a publicity for her and the drama. haha! I still can't say if the drama is wonderful to watch but for the girl... yes! *nods* Enough crap from me, let's go. *swoosh*





Wow, isn't she a beau? I guess this is what they call a perfect photo as it really emanates a photoshop touch. How can anyone have such perfect features and skin?! Hm, that's my opinion. Probably she'll look like this if she's ever immortalized. =p

This is a... cutesy version of her? Yeah, she's cute enough. (^^)






The following pictures portray her in some traditional costume. Not exactly korean, 'cos they don't look korean to me. Spanish maybe?






















Jump-started time and here's her in modern clothes. Hmmm, I prefer her when she smiles =), don't you think so?

The smug look just doesn't fit anywhere on her.
























A cool black coupled with a cool look.













That's it. Haha! I can hear your disappointment all the way from over here. Actually, this is the first time I've seen her act in a drama, although I think she has been around for some time and acted in "Stairway to Heaven". Probably I've not gained that much of an insight into the Koreans. Personally, I prefer Korean beauty to Japanese beauty. It would be the elegance of beauty which I like. *shrugs* Hm, don't worry, I've not forgotten about Singaporean beauty seeing as I'm a Singaporean but I reckon it'll be more fun if I do something not seen here everyday.

Right, this would be a segment I have created in my own blog, "Angels of my H♥Rt™" where I showcase these wonderful creations of god in a clean and beautiful light. Don't bother looking for big hooters here, wrong place! I think the sphere above the neck is much more important than the two spheres below the neck as most of the interaction with a girl involve that upper sphere... isn't it? I'm still a little stumped at how some people can become famous (or infamous?) simply by having humongous jugs, (bleagh!) while having a face that's (bleagh!) again. =Pp

Imagine talking to a pair of breasts? Dang! I'll feel so retarded...

Ahhh... don't you just love duets? (^^) I don't know about you, but usually duets end up being my some of my favourite songs. It lifts your spirits up as it softly touches the insides of your hart. I always find a magical aura instilled into duets that separates the male and female singers involved with the rest of the world. While they indulge in the loveliness of the song, the rest of world can only look in awe and soak in the lovely feeling produced as a by-product by the song. That's my revolution of thought whenever I hear or watch a duet being performed.

The simple structure of a duet comprises the essence of relationships. It's like a compressed understanding of how relationship between two persons work. Singing a duet with another counterpart requires a certain bit of chemistry, knowing when's your turn to sing, when's your turn to support the other half and when's your turn to basically shut up and allow him/her to shine in his/her own sections of the duets. You cannot just think about yourself whenever you perform in a duet.

In a way, relationships function in the same manner. There are times when you support your other half; times where you receive support and times when the other half simply requires you to listen to him/her. Pretty simple huh? If only... there won't be so many problems. 'Cos sometimes, humans are independent beings in our own right, when two beings are together, friction occurs. We tend to forget about the other party and that's where the fire starts.

If everyone is able to sing every duets well, the world would be such a perfect place. But screw that thought, it's just a harmless idealistic idea. =P For now, let's just enjoy the beautiful form of songs known as duets, shall we? I'm listening to "Wu Ding by Jay Chou & Wen Lan" now. Would love to see the MtV if there is, anyone know?

*One day, I shall find her to sing my own duet with... and with all my hart.* =)

I've decided to keep my account at "opendiary.com". Was reading through some of my better entries in there (haha! personally, they mean alot to me, whether in a subtle way or not.) and the only reaction was did I ever write that? After reading through all that, I'm rather concerned if my writing standards have fallen a great deal after being in seclusion for so long already. Ar... panic strikes, after all, I'll be studying the English Language in about 2 months time...

Besides that, alot of memories came back, be they good or bad. Hm, quite an experience as I recalled all the things which happen in my Life that prompted me to make those particular entries. Makes me wonder the number of things I have hidden away too. Silly silly me. Perhaps then, I was the silly me. *shrugs*

Leaving that aside, I cannot bear to delete it away. It had been my little corner in the world wide web where few know about and a place where I can express freely. But to be able to juggle both a blog and a diary would be a lie to myself, I know my limits. Thus, I decided to keep the diary for the silly stories which I sometimes have the impulse to write and sudden ideas for unique plot lines which I'll throw in there as well. Think of it as my little storage space this time as this is my little corner now.

Okie, my opendiary account stays. Check back only when it's prompted here else it'd just be the SOS (Same Old Shit) haha! Ciao everyone, have a nice night!!! =)

Argh! My stupid PS2 is acting up again... F%ck man. It refuses to read any other discs besides audio cds... Great, I've got a whole new hi-fi set now. =s

After nearly 4 days of abstinence from it due to time constraints, it decided to slap me right in the face this morning with its stubborness at functioning its primary role. Mixed feeling of frustration and sian-ness churning around inside me.. f@ck it! >=( ---- -_-"'

Sigh... seems to me like it has come to that time of the year again.. it never fails to give me problems at least once a year. I will probably dissect it tomorrow... again, if all else fails.

Gee.. better hope it works tomorrow. =(

It's done! I've finished watching "Full Metal Alchemist" (it's an anime by the way..) and thought I would not do justice to it if I didn't got around to writing about it. This is not gonna be a formal review but more specific, my thoughts after watching it.

You pay for what you get. To gain something. you have to give up something in return. This is also known as alchemistical equilibrium. It is a principle we believe in. These are the opening sequences of every episode of the anime. Not sure if "alchemistical" is a proper word, I don't really trust the english subtitles in japanese anime sometimes.

A pair of brothers, Edward and Alphonse, influenced by their father, decide to take up alchemy for fun, seeing as how cool it seems. Their father left the family for research purposes and never came back, even on their mother's deathbed. Saddened, the brothers decided to turn to alchemy for comfort. While dabbling in alchemy, they heard about forbidden ways of human alchemy. Even it is forbidden due to horrific results in the past, they went down that path. They studied under a teacher and decided to try reviving their mother using alchemy.
Alas, the result was disastrous. Under the rule of equivalent exchange, Alphonse was taken away in return for their mother. In a bid to save his brother from death, Edward gave up his right arm and left leg to save Alphonse's soul and attached it to a suit of armour. Though without a flesh body, he was still "alive". But their mother did not return, instead... a monster came back in her place. A failed human alchemy experiment.
Edward had automail attached to his lost limbs. While recuperating, they heard about national alchemists, people who serve the military and in exchange, their alchemy powers would by amplified via a silver watch presented to every national alchemist. He thought of using the military powers to research further into alchemy and probably find a way to restore their bodies back to normal.
On the way, they hear about something called the philosopher's stone. An item that allows the user to break away from normal alchemy boundaries. Equilibrium no longer applies. Anyone could get anything without paying anything in return. This poses a great amount of hope for the brothers and thus began their quest for the stone and to find the answer of forgiveness to their sins in committing human alchemy...

That's the gist of the story. About half of the story deals with politics in the govenment and the military, the things they do in the open and well, some other things which they have done and swept under the rug. Along the way, there will be a vigilante seeking revenge against the military for a crime they did to his hometown some years ago; and a group of artificial humans who possess special powers while also on their search for the philosopher's stone. The artificial humans were created due to failed human alchemy. They lack a soul which would make them a whole human. They believe the philosopher's stone would allow them to acquire it. The climax of the story reaches when the philosopher's stone isn't quite as simple as it is thought to be.

On the surface, it would seem like a pure action, adventure anime, that is if you shut your mind and hart and simply open your eyes to absorb in the moving animation. The reasons for each characters action delves quite deep where once again, the areas have been grayed out, leaving you to sympathize with them. There are definitely some episodes which were very touching, as always, sacrifices are hard. Anyone would probably enjoy this more if they undestand Japanese or if there is a english dub version somewhere. It's abit hard to understand the military actions given the bad english subtitles, leaving abit confused sometimes. But no problem, it's still an enjoyable experience watching the brothers slowly grow, mature in their thinking and overcoming the dangers of Life and Death out in the world.

Personally, the later episodes grew to be a food for thought for me. Even though the brothers fought so hard for their believe in the principle of equlibrium, paying for what you get, one of the artificial humans brought up this principle in her viewpoint - "You don't always get for what you pay for in the real world." Instance, everyone works hard to succeed in Life, only a few do... how many do actually get what they pay for..? A baby born with a terminal disease, even though the baby is struggling hard to live on, the baby will still die eventually... should the baby get Death after trying so hard...?

I'll bring up something closer, in schools, everyone tries hard to score well, yet not everyone gets the grades they desire or should deserve. Did they get what they pay for? You may say that our grades could be based on a cumulative curve to distribute out the points, but it doesn't defeat the idea not everyone get what they pay for. When a someone falls in love and tries hard to impress and win his/her hart, but in the end, rejection was the word of the day... Did that someone receive what he/she should deserve...???

Is this really the reality we are living in? Such a cruel one??

Sigh... I was pretty stumped when I saw that scene and the principle behind this thinking. I... just cannot deny it. Probably 'cos I'm actually more of someone belonging to this logic and it hits me right at the hart. But even so, I'm sure everyone have had this experience before. We don't usually get what we deserve. This is also one of the factors that score points on my side.

Gee... what a cruel world this is... oh well, I still don't know which principle I should believe in. Choose..? or both...??