Military Genius

by Gary Orona

Alone on Christmas Day. Nothing to do.  I chanced upon an advertisement about the new exhibit at the Hongkong Science Museum.  It was interesting >>> Julius Caesar, Military Genius and Mighty Machines.  We all know the name but few of us knew the man.  The exhibit showed interesting facts and information about him. Great mind on strategies and management.   It is quite fitting to call him a genius.  Although the exhibit was quite small, it was entertaining and educational. A great way to learn things and educate yourself.  

If you happen to be in Hongkong at this time, do watch the exhibit.  For more information visit the museum  website at  http://hk.science.museum/spexh/jc/en/index.html

Les Miserables

by Gary Orona

This is not a movie review.  I don't do that.  I just can't help but give a little word about the film.

I have just watched the Les Miserables and happen to like it very much.  It is the music that is poignant, so moving that it will draw you to watch the film's entirety in silence and with great interest.  The cast gave a powerful performance and will leave you in awe.  In the end, Jean Valjean's words will echo in your ear --- that although for most people life is miserable, it is loving someone that will give meaning to your life.  

To love someone is to see the face of God. 

Christmas Eve with The Nutcracker

by Gary Orona

So, it's Christmas Eve and I am alone.  My expat friends went home for the holidays. And I, I have too much work before and after Christmas so I did not book a flight to go back home.  So I stayed in Hongkong.

It's a good thing one of my favorite ballets is showing at the Hongkong Cultural Centre.  I bought a ticket online and got something to do "alone" on Christmas Eve.  

The choreography was quite different from all the other Nutcracker ballets that I have watched. It was given a twist but quite nice.  There was a little comedy which explains why the advertisement says its for audiences 3 years old and up.  So I have expected it to be more children inspired piece. Except that I think they had too many pas-de-deux and even included a pair of Chinese acrobats to do the pas-de-deuxs, which is of course not surprising since HK is a Chinese country.  The stage and lighting  are excellent.  So it was quite a good Christmas eve, and I am glad I watched it. I even bought a souvenir >> a trio of mini Nutcrackers. 

At the grand theater, waiting for the Act One.

The Nutcracker souvenir

Smile

by Gary Orona

I woke up on the right side of the bed. I was happy.  I went out of the house with a smile on my face.  I was smiling while I was walking on my to my office.  It was a lovely day.

I noticed something.  While walking, everyone was smiling back at me.

SMILE.... it's contagious.