During my college years, most anti-activists I’ve encountered on campus were deans, department chairs and professors. With all sorts of letters after their names. One wasn’t even shy preaching about how schools should remain neutral and defending the policies of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in one breath.
Category Archives: Asides
Sanae Takaichi breaks the ‘glass ceiling’ in Japanese politics by becoming the nation’s first female Prime Minister. However, don’t expect radical reforms from her government as she is a far-right conservative & ultranationalist: opposes same-sex marriage, allowing female accession to the Chrysanthemum throne, advocates for stricter immigration policies, media regulation and historical negationism that downplays Japanese war crimes in WWII.
On the other hand, Taiwan and the Philippines would find a friend in her as she is a China hawk, although she is of the view that the pacifist provisions of Japan’s constitution should be changed. It remains to be seen how long she would be able to stay in office.
Double disqualification for Ferrari at Chinese Grand Prix
Ferrari fans all over the world are in shock and tears. Lewis Hamilton’s maiden pole and win for the Scuderia at this weekend’s Sprint race has been all but forgotten after both drivers were disqualified from the Grand Prix itself.
Cars undergo scrutineering after a race to check for compliance with existing regulations. Unfortunately, both cars had been found to violate said regulations. For Charles, his car was 1kg short of the required 800kg minimum. As for Lewis, the plank assembly of his car was 0.5mm below the limit.
It’s already been a tough start to the 2025 season but I never thought I’d see the day that both Ferrari cars would be disqualified from a Grand Prix.
The Admirable John Amos
I first learned of the talented John Amos when I watched The West Wing, in which he played Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He played the role brilliantly, and even though it was part of the supporting cast and had fewer scenes, his character had some of the most beautiful lines.
To hear of his passing, on the 25th anniversary of The West Wing certainly hits differently. Thanks to The West Wing channel on YouTube, we can relive the brilliant lines masterfully delivered by John Amos as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace:
Norah Jones – Running
22 years ago, Norah Jones’ debut album “Come Away With Me” was released. It became number one on the Billboard charts and one of the best-selling albums of all time. Feels like 22 years have just flown by, and it’s great to see her first studio album in nine years. It’s something to brighten up 2024. Here’s the first single from “Visions,”