Hopping into 2011

So, our baby millennium's turning 11 tomorrow, which means we'll be in the Rabbit (兔) year, according to the Chinese zodiac. So....what's in store in 2011?

So, how has this year (2010) been?
Well, World Cup happened, octopus predicts results, octopus dies, volcanic eruptions in Iceland, North Korea fires a couple of missiles onto South Korea, China exports less rare earth products, the Aussie dollar gains parity with the US dollar.....on the whole nothing really world changing happened in 2010.

On the personal side, I got into a relationship, got out of a relationship, faced a changes here and there in various parts of my life, hosted a blog carnival, saw Japansoc and Japundit get replaced by JapanBump and JapanLike. If you were following this blog from last year, you might have noticed a few changes here and there. On a whole, meh.

So, on with it then, hmm?
Alrighty then, let's get on with it. From the New Year (yes, that's one-one-2011) onwards, Through Eyes From Afar have a new header - the winning entry (below) from Orin in this contest.



Next year, I'll be headed to grad school, something I've been wanting to do for some time. Am looking to live healthier and to see the world through a calmer pair of eyes.

Also, is there anything you (yes, you reading this) would like to see more of on this blog?

The rabbit is out of the hat
Here's something the crystal ball has to say about 2011:
A peaceful year of the rabbit, calm, not much events. More efforts and peacemaking on all levels. 2011 is not a year for great ambitions, but one for family, higher education and improvement of the world picture and the environment. So keep things low risk and low key - predictions by Suzanne White

For Librans, the year seems to be good overall, and obsessive compulsive behavior can help prevent trouble - predictions by gotoHoroscope

Oh well, only we can know what 2011 will be like, good or bad, by living it. Goodbye 2010, and here's to a joyous, fruitful 2011!

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Meri Kurisumasu

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, all! This year, I received Christmas lists from certain readers, and in the spirit of the occasion, I shall help out:

Dear Envoy,
This Christmas I want:

Item 1: Christmas in Japan


Item 2: A real life date with a Japanese girl
I can't bring a real life girl to your doorstep. But I can show you how to the first thing to say/type on a date today. How to write Merry Christmas in Japanese:
Romaji: Meri Kurisumasu
Katakana: メリークリスマス
Hiragana: めりい くりすます

Item 3: To be surrounded by people







Item 4: Scarlett Johansson

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Mindfuck

A "mindfuck" or "shit bricks" picture is a picture where there is a hidden image in there which is not immediately apparent. See if you can spot it in the following Japan related "mindfuck" ones:

More here:

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One Night in Bangkok

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DIY First Aid Kit

A first impression of first aid kits is that they are only necessary on trips to the deep jungle, or at a clinic. First aid kits are essential in every part of our life: at home, school, work or on vacation. In fact, the best thing is to have it within reach at all times.

Making a first aid kit is simple. It requires just a tiny bag (toiletry bag) and a single trip to the pharmacist. What you need in a first aid kit:

1. Paracetemol (e.g. Panadol) tablets for headaches, fevers, pain relief

2. Antiseptic cream (Savlon, Burnol) for scratches and minor wounds

3. Flu medicine (like Rhinopront, Clarinase) – for colds

4. Plasters (band-aids) and bandages

5. Antihistamine – for wasp stings and insect bites

6. Other types of remedies/medicine that you may need

You can also keep a toothbrush (cover the head), toothpaste or tiny bottles of soap in your first aid kit. Since these kits do not take up much space, you can keep it in your backpack, briefcase or handbag.

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Contest From Afar

Dear readers,

Through Eyes From Afar is holding a contest for most creative image creation/editing

What?
All you have to do is create/edit an image including the Through Eyes From Afar symbol (below) in the image:


Rough guide for image size: No smaller than 500x500; has to be square (equal width and length) - don't make it too small!

Winners will be picked based on the quality, creativity and suitability of their work to this site.

Why?
The winning image will be used as the Through Eyes From Afar header starting from the New Year.
The winner will also get to decide the topic of the New Year Post (or get me to perform some other service for him/her/it).

All other entries, along with their authors, will be published in a separate post.

Deadline? When will the winner be announced?
Deadline for contest entry is 28th December 2010. Winner will be announced on 30th December 2010.

Submission: Either email it to me as an attachment (theenvoyoftefa@yahoo.com) or upload it somewhere (a forum, photobucket, picasa, imagehost etc.) and point me to it.

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