Tag: dailyprompt-1876

From Childhood to Today: The Movies and TV Series I Keep Watching

Some movies and TV series are more than just entertainment—they become part of who we are. They shape our imaginations, inspire us, and even comfort us during different phases of life. I’ve always believed that if a movie or show is worth watching once, it’s worth watching again. And if I’ve watched something more than five times, that means it has truly left a lasting impact on me.

Looking back, I realize that the stories I loved as a child still hold a special place in my heart. But as I grew older, my taste evolved, and I discovered new favorites that resonated with me in different ways. So, here’s a journey through time—from my childhood to today—of the movies and TV series I’ve watched more than five times.

The Early Years: Imagination and Wonder

1. Land of the Giants (1968 – 1970)

I still remember the first time I watched Land of the Giants. The idea of humans being stranded on a planet where everything was massive fascinated me.

“We are nothing more than insects to them.”

Every episode was a thrilling survival story—how would they escape? How would they avoid being captured by the giants? As a child, I would imagine myself in that world, strategizing how I would survive. Would I hide inside a matchbox? Use a giant’s shoelace as a rope? My young mind was always trying to figure out how I’d handle the challenges the characters faced.

Even today, whenever I rewatch it, I get that same sense of adventure. It reminds me of how powerful imagination can be.

2. The Jetsons (1962 – 1987)

As a child, I was obsessed with the future. Flying cars, robot assistants, automated homes—The Jetsons had it all.

“Meet George Jetson…”

This show made me dream of a world where technology would do everything for us. And looking at how far we’ve come, I have to say—we’re getting pretty close. Video calls? Check. Smart homes? Check. AI assistants like Rosie the Robot? Almost there.

Even now, whenever I rewatch The Jetsons, I can’t help but compare it to real-world innovations. How much of what they predicted has come true? It’s amazing to see how a cartoon from the ’60s was so ahead of its time.

Teenage Years: The Rise of Sci-Fi and Adventure

3. Back to the Future (1985 – 1990 Trilogy)

There was a time when I wanted nothing more than a DeLorean. I mean, who wouldn’t want to time travel?

“Great Scott!”

I was fascinated by the concept of changing the past and seeing the future. The storytelling was clever, the humor was spot on, and the attention to detail was incredible. I’ve watched this trilogy countless times, and I still discover new things—like how every timeline has subtle changes, from the Twin Pines Mall becoming Lone Pine Mall to small Easter eggs hidden throughout the films.

Even as an adult, Back to the Future still excites me. The time travel paradoxes, the idea of destiny vs. free will—it’s a movie that makes you think while still being wildly entertaining.

4. The Matrix (1999)

I remember the first time I watched The Matrix—it blew my mind.

“What is real? How do you define real?”

This movie introduced me to deep philosophical questions about reality, free will, and artificial intelligence. At the time, it felt like pure science fiction. But today, with AI advancing rapidly, I sometimes wonder—what if we really are living in a simulation?

Each time I rewatch it, I catch something new. The symbolism, the foreshadowing, the hidden messages—it’s a movie that keeps on giving. And the action sequences? Still some of the best ever made.

Adulthood: Deeper Stories and Timeless Classics

5. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003)

When I first watched The Lord of the Rings, I was completely captivated.

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

Everything about this trilogy was perfect—the characters, the storytelling, the breathtaking visuals, and, of course, the music. I remember sitting through the extended editions, fully immersed in Middle-earth, not wanting the journey to end.

Even now, whenever I rewatch it, I appreciate it even more. The lessons about perseverance, friendship, and courage never get old. It’s not just a movie—it’s an experience.

And yes, I still watch the extended editions.

6. Star Wars (Original Trilogy: 1977 – 1983)

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, before The Matrix, there was Star Wars.

“Do, or do not. There is no try.”

I grew up with Star Wars, and it still holds a special place in my heart. The battle between good and evil, the hero’s journey, the iconic characters—it’s a timeless story.

Even after all these years, hearing a lightsaber ignite still gives me chills. And Darth Vader? Still one of the greatest villains in cinema history.

I’ve watched the original trilogy more times than I can count, and I’ll probably keep rewatching it for years to come.

Why I Keep Watching These Movies and Series

People sometimes ask, Why watch the same thing over and over when there’s so much new content out there? My answer is simple—because great stories never get old.

Each time I rewatch these films and shows, I see something I missed before. I appreciate the storytelling on a deeper level. And sometimes, I just want to relive the emotions they gave me the first time.

Watching Land of the Giants brings back childhood excitement. The Jetsons reminds me how far technology has come. Back to the Future makes me think about time travel. The Matrix challenges my perception of reality. The Lord of the Rings teaches me about resilience. And Star Wars? Well, that will always be a part of me.

These movies and series have grown with me—from childhood to today. And no matter how many times I’ve seen them, I know I’ll always come back to them.

So, what about you? What movies or TV series have you watched more than five times?

When Was the Last Time I Felt Truly Present in the Moment?

There are moments in life when everything fades away—no distractions, no thoughts about what’s next, just pure presence. For me, one such moment happened during my visit to the World Smart Cities Expo in South Korea.

I’ve attended countless conferences, given speeches, and engaged in deep discussions about IoT and smart cities. But this particular trip? It was different.

The Moment That Stopped Me in My Tracks

I remember stepping into the exhibition hall, the bright LED screens displaying futuristic city models, the buzz of conversations around me, the hum of technology working in perfect harmony. But it wasn’t the grandeur that caught my attention—it was the real-world application of something I had been advocating for years.

South Korea’s public transportation system was nothing short of an engineering marvel. It was smart, connected, and seamless. The integration of AI, IoT, and data analytics wasn’t just theoretical—it was happening right there, in real-time.

I stood at a train station, observing the efficiency of the system. Everything moved with precision. People didn’t have to guess when the next bus or train would arrive; the information was at their fingertips. The city wasn’t just a collection of buildings and roads—it was an organism, alive, breathing, adapting to the needs of its citizens.

At that moment, I wasn’t thinking about my next meeting. I wasn’t worried about emails piling up or the next big project on my plate. I was just there, fully present, taking it all in.

Why This Moment Mattered

In my journey through the world of IoT, I’ve spent years pushing for smart city solutions. I’ve written articles, delivered keynotes, and advised policymakers. But seeing it all come together in South Korea hit me differently.

This wasn’t just a case study. This was reality.

I could imagine Malaysia having a system like this. I pictured Kuala Lumpur’s traffic flowing smoothly, buses running on time, and sensors optimizing energy use across the city. It was a vision I had always believed in, but standing there, I wasn’t just thinking about the future—I was experiencing what was possible.

I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, but also an urgency.

We have the technology. We have the expertise. What’s stopping us?

It wasn’t a fleeting thought. It was a realization that made me more determined than ever to push harder for change.

The Power of Being Present

That moment reminded me why presence matters. Too often, we get caught up in the endless cycle of planning, executing, and chasing the next goal. But when we’re constantly looking ahead, we sometimes forget to experience what’s happening right now.

When was the last time you truly felt present?

Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

For me, that experience in South Korea was a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. It reignited my passion. It reinforced my mission. And most importantly, it reminded me that while technology is powerful, its impact is only meaningful when it truly serves the people.

Bringing That Presence Into Daily Life

Since that moment, I’ve been trying to be more intentional about staying present. Whether it’s a conversation, a business decision, or even a simple cup of coffee, I remind myself to be there.

Because in the end, the moments that shape us aren’t just the big milestones—they are the times when we pause, observe, and truly connect with what’s happening around us.

So, when was the last time you felt truly present?

Science Says Superstitions Are Nonsense—But Why Am I Still Avoiding That Ladder?

Are you superstitious?

Am I superstitious? Hmm…

I pause for a moment, letting the question linger in my mind. It’s a simple one, yet complex in its implications. Superstition—an age-old belief system passed down through generations, often defying logic and science. Do I subscribe to it?

I grew up in a society where superstitions were woven into daily life. “Jangan duduk atas bantal, nanti bisul!” (Don’t sit on a pillow, or you’ll get boils!). “Jangan menyapu waktu malam, nanti rezeki lari!” (Don’t sweep the floor at night, or you’ll lose your fortune!). These warnings were given with such conviction that, as a child, I hesitated before dismissing them outright.

But then, science happened. Education happened. My logical mind took over. I pursued engineering, a field built on precision, facts, and repeatable results. Superstition had no place in an oscilloscope reading or a circuit analysis. It was either true or false, 1 or 0.

And yet…

I find myself occasionally hesitating when opening an umbrella indoors. I still feel a slight unease when someone breaks a mirror. Not because I truly believe in bad luck, but because the echoes of cultural conditioning run deep.

So, am I superstitious?

Not in the strictest sense. I don’t believe black cats bring misfortune, and I certainly don’t arrange my meetings based on astrology. But I do respect traditions, even the irrational ones, because they are part of our history, our upbringing, and sometimes, they bring comfort in an unpredictable world.

Maybe it’s not about belief, but about understanding why such beliefs exist. And in that sense, I suppose I am not superstitious—but I acknowledge the power that superstition holds over the human mind.