About this blog and its author

The contents of this blog can be categorized in many ways: originality, subject matter and purpose.

Although many entries in this blog are original material written by me, it doesn't pretend to contain only what I write. It will contain regurgitation of what I have seen and heard, and sometimes my interpretation of it. It often contains links to other material I find interesting and inspiring.

Topics covered in this blog necessarily reflect my personal interest — music, literature, philosophy, humour and current affairs. To avoid attracting cyber suicide bombers, I try to steer clear of contentious and emotional topics such as religion and politics.

Quite apart from satisfying a thirst for writing and expressing myself, I maintain this blog to share my thoughts with others of a like mind on topics dear to my heart, in the hope of stimulating further discussion.

Equally important, this blog enables my friends and acquaintances to track what’s on my mind. It’s not quite a blow-by-blow account of my latest activities, but is a far superior surrogate.

My name is Alan Yu. I was once an occasional concert reviewer for www.Bachtrack.com: https://bachtrack.com/find-reviews

As an ex-broadcaster and humanities graduate, my interests include culture in general, music, literature, language, philosophy, and current affairs.

I am a student and observer of how human beings communicate with one another and how changes in the world take shape through human interaction. My natural curiosity leads me to explore and experiment with new ways of thinking and getting jobs done. I also love seeing the lighter side of (most) things, especially when I’m not a victim of the circumstance!

A typical jack of all trades and master of none, I have some superficial knowledge of many topics, but my attention span has never been long enough for me to dig deep into one subject and become an expert in it. At best, I’m a casual observer and amateur commentator; at worst, I’m an ignoramus with an attitude. I was even once a theatre apprentice, but gave it up long ago in response to much more pressing needs for survival.

Keeping in touch with people – keeping abreast of what they think and updating them on what I think – gives me satisfaction. Part genuine concern for what happens to people, and part showing off what I know, this penchant for keeping in touch has enabled me to maintain many relationships for a long time.

I first developed my own web page in the middle of the 90s, soon after the internet became a popular means of human interaction. I have been fascinated by technological advances which have enabled us to achieve what would have been unthinkable only twenty years ago, with rapidly increasing immediacy.

I refuse to be defined by my job, social status, material possessions and knowledge, all of which can increase or decrease depending on decisions I make at different times. I only want to be identified by my ability, or inability as the case may be, to think, and to change in light of new thoughts. I live in the true spirit of philosophy – love of knowledge or wisdom.