UNCERTAINTIES

NOTHING IS CERTAIN BUT DEATH AND TAXES

(Benjamin Franklin - yes, the man we have to thank for electricity!)

Sounds daunting doesn't it? But let's admit it, we all go through times when we are faced with doubts. Many of us still go through it. As much as I'd like to say that's 'another phase of life'...I don't think it is. The truth is that uncertainty is simply a part of life.

Whether it is the decision of joining a new society in school, choosing your career or even moving homes - there is always THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. Like it or not, we are constantly filled with 'WHAT IF' questions :

'What if they think I'm an idiot?' 

'What if I don't fit in?'

'What if my project/ presentation/ date / exam / play *fill in the blank* goes horribly wrong?'

There are no guarantees in life. Well, apart from death. And taxes as mentioned. And all those terrible diseases you'd get if you don't exercise. No one can guarantee that we will wake up the next morning or that the sun will shine.Yet, uncertainties are what push us to our limits. It is the very fact that we do not know the outcome that we work harder and strive for the best. It is what drives us and encourages the creative process. Thomas Edison didn't know that he would invent the light bulb but he tried and finally succeeded on his 100th? attempt. 

Uncertainties is also what give us the excitement and flavour in life. Can you imagine knowing how your day will turn out every. single. day? Or if you knew you would be unsuccessful in something. Would you still attempt it? The fact is, uncertainties give us that mystery in life and every so often, we are greeted with pleasant surprises.

I know it's difficult sometimes when there are just so many variables. Especially if you're making a major decision that could be life changing. So to ease that anxiousness, here are my advices:

3. Embrace it - accept uncertainties and treat it like your friend to push you to do better or just keep that spice in your life

2. Understand that Life has its own plans - it sounds silly but I really think it's true. Sometimes shit happens and you think it's probably the worst thing that can occur then. But somewhere down the road, when you look back, whatever happened was just necessary for you to grow and make you stronger

1. Love yourself - at the end of the day, it is yourself against uncertainty. You will have to deal with your decisions and emotions. What's important is to remember that we often neglect the most important person to us - ourselves. We are quick to self blame but never fast enough to give ourselves a pat on the back when we do something well

Now, after this very long post (which is unlike me), I shall leave you with this picture to ponder upon.

IF YOU KEEP HESITATING AND NEVER TAKE THAT STEP FORWARD BECAUSE YOU'RE UNCERTAIN, YOU WILL NEVER DISCOVER THE ADVENTURES THAT AWAIT YOU!

(PJ - PHANTOM BLOGGER AT SMALLDOTFARTS)

*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

JOE HISAISHI (久石 譲)- THE PATH OF WIND (風のとおり道 / KAZE NO TOORIMICHI)

Joe Hisaishi, is a composer and director known for over 100 film scores and solo albums dating back to 1981. He is best known for his work with animator Hayao Miyazaki, having composed scores for many of his films including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), Porco Rosso (1992), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), Howl's Moving Castle (2004) and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008).

This piece, 'The Path of Wind' which I wish to introduce to everyone is from the soundtrack of My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ). There's just something really magical about this arrangement. I came across it randomly as I was searching for the soundtrack of Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し), whose film score was also composed and conducted by Joe Hisaishi. In short, he's a musical genius. Being able to breathe life into the notes coming from his piano alongside the most perfect accompaniment of cello sounds, this is more than just a song.
It's perfection in itself.

The first time I watched Joe Hisaishi performing this song (video attached below), I just froze. Its melody carried my mind along with it into the wind, allowing me to visit places I've never been and from there, it became clear that the music was simply trying to tell a story. I was so absorbed in his music that I unknowingly had tears flowing down my cheeks. The story, the melody and the harmony was poignant in every way. From soft keys of uncertainty to the flawless blending of melancholic sounds from the cello, I was sure that this was love. The unbelievable teamwork of both Joe Hisaishi and the cellist allowed the song to flow smoothly without awkward gaps or pauses. During the entire time, they were both possessed.
Possessed by the music that spoke through their fingers.

It's just amazing how I felt so much emotions in the span of one song. Confusion, joy, pain, doubt, distress, fear, love and last but not least, hope. It's definitely music that transcends generations and speaks for itself. Nothing I say here can truly describe how beautiful this piece is and how much it moved me inside.

I hope that you'll be able to see what I see.
Enjoy.

*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

PHANTOM (팬텀)- BURNING (버닝) MV [HAN. | ROM. | ENG.]

Phantom's a hip hop project trio under Brand New Music which I've recently discovered. The group consists of three members: Kiggen, Sanchez and Hanhae. 

I love the melody for 'Burning'. The chorus, really. It's very addictive. 

"I'm burning down tonight. I still can hear your voice."

"I'm burning down, my girl. I keep seeing your smile."

"I've been blinded by you. It doesn't make sense. We're too young."

"Maybe I'm crazy. Please don't let me go."

Needless to say, the lyrics are about a man who's still haunted by a recent break up. His burning heart was a representation of his love for her although I must say that it's pretty funny to see so much fire in the video. Sanchez just reminds me of firebender, Aang. And the most ridiculous thing in the video? Did that girl just pour alcohol over the fire to EXTINGUISH it? -_- 

But anyway, regardless of the music video, I must say I like the song. The lyrics portray nothing more but hurt so there's not much explanation needed here. 

Enjoy the song! :)


*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

HAVE A FARTILICIOUS SUNDAY!

As you all must be aware by now, here at smalldotfarts, we encourage healthy farts. 

The reason behind the name? 

An inside joke we siblings share :)

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, have a great day! 

And here, I shall impart a 'flailing-chicken-tryin-to-fly' picture from the gardens of Drum Castle. 

Pretty classy, eh? heh.

*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

G-DRAGON- 그XX/그새끼 [UNCENSORED | ENG.]

Were you getting sick of the bleeping sound while listening to this song like I was? Well, I've got an uncensored version right here with English subs. I know it's a swear word that's dubbed inappropriate for those under 19 but heck, we all have mature minds that won't get rotten just from hearing a curse word. Don't you think it's important to listen to the whole song without being distracted by the bleeping sound? It just disrupts the whole flow of the song, na' mean? Besides, the lyrics of this song expresses the pain of a man who tries to suppress his feelings for a friend who's taken. 

"They say love is blind. Oh, baby, you so blind"

Being attached to an unfaithful man and yet living in denial is our heroine who's snatched GD's heart. Refusing to believe that her boyfriend would cheat on her and giving him her full trust, she's an ignorant one. They say ignorant is bliss but it doesn't apply in relationships. 

"What does that bastard have that I don't? Exactly why can't I have you?"

"That bastard doesn't love you. Until when are you going to cry like a fool?"

GD, on the other hand, in short, has been friendzoned. Yup, that's the only way to put it. He feels like dying every time he sees her sad but there's nothing he can do. She's happiest when she's with him and that's what friends do, right? Support each other? 

NO! 

YOU'VE GOT IT WRONG! 

I know it's just a song but in reality, this isn't what you should do! You can't just stand idly by when the girl you love is being two-three-four-timed! This is why there's so many cliched Korean dramas out there! 

The pain of unrequited love. 

Like a few thousand jabs to the heart. But worse. 

I'm not telling you to go about breaking good relationships apart just cause of what you read here, but seriously. If that man's bad for her, let her know. So many woman live in denial and sure enough, they'll come to regret it someday. Because the REAL person who loved her didn't step up. 

What's worse than an unrequited love? 

NOT KNOWING. 

That uncertainty will haunt you forever. 

I've just got one thing to say; "If you love her, LET HER KNOW!"

I didn't mean for this to become a rant but it just did. ahahha. 

미안!

Go on and enjoy the pain! (Turn on 'CC' to view subs!)


*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

LEO SAYER- YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING

I've decided to dedicate a corner tagged #OLDIEBUTAGOODIE :D

During my summer break in Scotland, I remember annoying everyone with this song. ahaha. It was just so addictive! And you know what's the worst part? I had no idea what the lyrics were and just mumbled the tune repetitively. But this is such a great song. It really is!

I challenge you to sing along to it! If your head doesn't start to bop and you fight the urge to flail your arms, you, sir, have yet to enjoy life! tsk tsk!

*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

PSY - Matrix Deleted Scene??

'Oppa Gangnam Stye!'

You must have heard it somewhere, at least once if not many times! PSY's Gangnam Style has taken the world by storm and it seems that this song (and the horse-riding dance) is not slowing down. PSY was recently invited to the MTV VMA 2012 in California and even made it to the 'Best Dressed' list on Bilboard!

With all that craze going around, there undoubtedly would be a gazillion videos made about/for him.

This is one of the most popular one these day, with a mash-up of the all time cool slow-mo firing action movie - MATRIX- and the elevator scene of his song.

Popularly dubbed 'The Matrix Deleted Scene', I'm sure you'd agree it fits perfectly! (Especially after watching Neo's expression at the end!)

*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)

G-DRAGON : THAT XX (OFFICIAL MV)

If there's one word to describe GD, it would be V.E.R.S.A.T.I.L.E.

Be it fashion or music, there's no territory uncovered by this talented young man. 'One of A Kind' was just out there with a heavy bass and was in your face. 'That XX' is a 180 degree change with a simple guitar accompaniment and a more easy-going MV. 

Fret not, this song still maintains its level of badass! ;)

*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttssss!* :)