LOVEHKFILM.COM
- reviews - features - people - panasia - blogs - about site - contact - links - forum -
 
 
Search LoveHKFilm.com
Site Features
- Asian Film Awards
- Site Recommendations

- Reader Poll Results

- The FAQ Page
 
support this site by shopping at
Click to visit YesAsia.com
 
 
 
 
 
Musings from the Edge of Forever

Note: This blog expresses only the opinions of the blog owner,
and does not represent the opinion of any organization or blog
that is associated with RONIN ON EMPTY.

A Message for the LoveHKFilm.com Readership

OUATIC

As some of you may have noticed, Ronin on Empty has not been updated in more than a month. Prior to this steep drop off in productivity, I had been updating my blog on an almost daily basis, as I was intentionally trying to fill the void between LoveHKFilm.com’s closure and its eventual return. To some degree, I achieved that feat, but I meant for this increase in activity to continue beyond the main site’s re-opening.

Not only did I have the intention of writing more, but I also had the means, opportunity, and motivation to do so. Sure, I had an impending cross-country drive from California to Oklahoma. And yeah, I’d be heading to Michigan a couple weeks later. But I was prepared for how the trip might negatively impact the blog. In advance of the drive, I’d written a few rough drafts that I’d planned to polish for future use. At best, I’d post them using the free wireless at the various motels on our road trip. At worst, Ronin on Empty would go on a three-to-four day break. After that, I’d be back to my regularly scheduled blogging.

Well, life had other plans.

Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond my control, Ronin on Empty has been closed — and will be, at least for the time being. Now, I know what you’re thinking: like Webmaster Kozo’s once frequent, presumably tongue-in-cheek threats to quit LoveHKFilm.com, you’re probably wondering if my hiatuses  — for school, for summer vacation, for general burnout — are turning into some kind of unintentional running gag. And perhaps these announced breaks were in danger of becoming a recurring, unfunny joke, but the reasons for this latest absence are all-too serious.

A family crisis of some magnitude has compelled me to return home. I’m hesitant to even discuss it online, largely because the gravity of the situation is difficult to convey in words, much less deal with in the real world, so please pardon me for my reticence. Some may be surprised that anything at all is going on with me, as I’ve maintained a veritable mask of normalcy on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. But the truth is, things have been far from normal lately.

Days before my road trip, my Dad was diagnosed with leukemia. He’s been hospitalized at OU Medical Center for more than a month with various additional health complications. It’s been said that “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” and I have to admit my family has seen some dark days in the last month or so. No words can express how bad it was.

But I’m also happy to report that, in the last few days, we’ve just seen the dawn on the horizon. We’re just waiting for it to shine through. I have confidence that it will. As things develop, I’ll keep you posted.

Until next time, I leave you with a bonus installment of my running column, Great Moments in Hong Kong Cinema. It’s from a little movie called Chungking Express, one the very best films Wong Kar-Wai ever made. If you haven’t seen this movie and you’re a reader of this site, please do yourself a favor and rent/buy/see it now. The ending won’t mean much to you out-of-context, but for those who have seen the film, you’ll know that it ends on a note most Wong Kar-Wai films don’t.

…on a note of hope.

 

17 Responses to “A Message for the LoveHKFilm.com Readership”

  1. Foxlore Says:

    Sanjuro, best wishes to you and your family from all of us here in Hong Kong and hoping for a swift recovery for your dad. :-)

  2. Mike Says:

    I am praying for your dad’s recovery. Please take care of yourself.

  3. Diana Says:

    Thanks for letting us know. Clearly you have greater priorities right now. I hope you dad makes a speedy recovery. Take care.

  4. Vipula Says:

    Calvin, wishing your father a speedy recovery. Hope that the storms pass quickly, letting the sun shine on your family.

    Thanks for the Chungking Express clip. We could all use that message of hope in our lives. Wishing you the best!

  5. Yin Says:

    Calvin, thank you for taking the time to update us (though I imagine it wasn’t easy to write). My heart goes out to you and your family. Here’s to the light shining through, stronger and brighter than ever.

  6. Buma Says:

    Wishing you and your father the best, Calvin.

  7. sunnyc Says:

    Wishing your father a speedy recovery and happier days ahead for you and your family.

  8. David Harris Says:

    I wish you and your family the best of futures

  9. darren Says:

    best wishes to you and your family and i truly hope for a speedy recovery for your father, can’t imagine the hardships your going through…

  10. Wongsaurus Says:

    Calvin - You and your family are very much in my thoughts since I learned of your father’s illness. Focused positive thinking is a source of wellness and healing. Wishing your father and family all the best.

  11. Kenny Says:

    best wishes

  12. ed Says:

    Godspeed in your father’s recovery.

  13. QQ Says:

    Best of wishes and hope your father gets well soon!

  14. Donnie Yen Says:

    I formally apologize for refuting LHK claims of ip man 2 having a xenophobic ending and wish all the best for your dad’s health - may he make a speedy and complete recovery.

  15. Farid Says:

    Best wishes to your father and your family.
    Bon courage!

  16. Calvin McMillin Says:

    Thank you all for the well-wishes! I, along with my family, really appreciate it, and I’m deeply touched by your kind words. :-D

  17. Viktor Says:

    Dear Calvin,

    thank you for your great work on this site, I really appreciate every single post of yours.

    Best wishes to you and your family. We are strangers to each other, but I am sincere.

    Best wishes,
    Viktor

Leave a Reply

Before you submit form:
Human test by Not Captcha
 
 
LoveHKFilm.com Copyright © 2002-2024 Ross Chen