Jac's

2010-06-02T22:17:00.002+08:00

Life is perhaps nothing more than energy forms. It is said that mathematicians (yes and not some religious priest or biologist or anthropologist) who calculated and speculated the probably presence of different dimensions in life. If these different dimensions is what some refer to as the different realm of life.

If such speculations are true then humans are probably a result of our 4 dimensional energy form trapped in a 3 dimensional shell. Possible? Maybe. Some said we cannot look across to a higher dimension (we can look down though, hence our ability to see 1D and 2D stuffs) and situations where people see spirits are the result of an isolated incident of dimensional cross-over. I don't know how true is this man.

Perhaps we all crossed over from the 2nd dimension and came here with a purpose. Perhaps death meant a liberation... ...

2010-05-21T01:55:00.002+08:00

有人对我说过人与人之间或许是上辈子互相相欠所以这辈子来讨责的吧。但是有时后我觉得别人对你好可能意味着下辈子你要还他一个人情。在我生命中我遇见很多贵人，妈妈常说或许大家上辈子欠我的吧。但是我觉得或许以后我会有机会还他们这个人情吧。

人生是没有时时刻刻一帆风顺的，人生一定会有低朝。每个人心中一定有害怕的事，黑暗的一角。这一切并不是别人能理解的。

我害怕有一天一切会回到原点。我害怕面对从前的自己。我害怕有一天你会离开。我害怕如果有一天我回到原点，你会一起离开我。是你给我向前走的勇气，宝贝我爱你爱得太深。这几年来我应为害怕伤害所以心中一直有所保留。尽管如此我还是很爱你。你知道爱一个人爱到失去自我那有多可怕吗？

我真的害怕失去你，也害怕终有一天我会回到原点。深爱一个人也可以是件可怕的事。我需要的事对未来的一点点肯定与安全感。

不在乎天长地久，之在乎成经拥有。这一点还真的是说得容易做的难啊。我爱你。

Time to plan seriously...

2010-05-18T15:47:00.003+08:00

What exactly do women want from men? Honestly, as a woman I am as confused as the men are. We wanted equally of genders, the right to vote, levelled playing field, financial and education equality. We've been given them all, never mind it was given with much grudges on the part of man. We've been given what we asked for - to be treated equally. But we contradict ourselves when we want man to treat us as women, to give us specialty. Ironic.

We've blindly gone so far into the battle of gender equality we lost ourselves and confused everyone. It is perhaps time for us women to stop and ask ourselves what exactly do we want. We can never deny the primitive roles of man and woman play in procreation. Ultimately and crudely speaking procreation governed a lot of our actions and behaviours today. Everything boils down to procreation no matter many complex terms we try and coil to name and explain our actions and the dynamics between man and woman. Lets face with bluntly, that is the ultimate aim of a species isnt it? We humans just happen to have a higher order of intelligence and hence things get complicated with emotions and thriving to create a "better" environment.

That invisible ceiling which exist in the workplace is real and we have to face it. It never meant to be totally equal. Our fingers aint equal anyway. So sisters, lets face it and start planning for urself. You cant depend on any one or any man (cant trust them totally). Marrying a rich man aint a ticket to financial safe-land, neither is it a fool-proof insurance policy. Even the best GDIs gals will tell you that its just part of the ticket. At the end of the day, dont be dumb and plan ur own nest egg because women are always on the losing end in a failed marriage (successful GDIs not counted alright).

Well... its about time i get my ass warmed and plan my own nest egg and insurance net. I've been putting it on hold for too long. Its not too late yet I hope. Discipline discipline discipline. Time to pad my ass before its too late. If you think i'm planning to jump on the bandwagon of GDI, no i'm not. I prefer making my nest. Anyway, come on my gals, stop living in fairy tale and stop being so dumb.

Ranting

2009-04-06T10:45:00.003+08:00

Its been eons since i last type and entry on this cob-web filled blog page of mine. I guess blogging ain't something as interesting as it was.

When the going gets tough what do you do? Who do you go to? It didn't sound like a biggie when he told me his life would suck without me this morning. Right now, I couldn't have agree with him more. Baby, my life would suck like hell without you as well.

So much happened within this short period of time. The pass 3 years felt like a dream to me, especially after I met him. Graduating isn't as happy as I picture it to be. Graduating seems to mean waking up from my dreams. I woke up with a ton of emotions and obstacles ahead of me. There are so much inside which I cant seem to handle right now. Perhaps I ain't as strong as I thought.

Why do people embrace religion? I never thought i needed one. But now I think I do. Yet I'm so stubborn its hard to embrace one. There's so much up there, nothing seems to be going right, I'm getting so tight and lethargic. Oh well...

Perhaps

2008-09-05T15:37:00.002+08:00

Have you ever felt lonely or bored or empty inside? Life has been really busy with all the tight datelines and hectic schedules. Although the arrival of long holidays is worth a celebration bang, it brought out the emptiness in me. Yes we all complain of hectic schedules and not getting enough breaks. Perhaps a couple of us have been so used to the hectic schedule that long holidays bore the day lights out of us. Time no long fly by as quick as before, and I didnt know I'll feel so bored to the extent of being lonely. Gosh.

Don't regret.

2008-06-15T21:56:00.003+08:00

Fathers' Day!! Mothers' Day!! Booming business for restaurants and florists.

Who's the most important person in your life? Daddy? Mummy? Siblings? Friends? Lover? As we grow and matures, along the way we met different people and experience different things. Change is perhaps the only constant and the only thing that is perpetual. Who we met and how we're brought up mould us into who we are. How often do you actually stop and tell those who are really important to you that you love them? Well you may not be comfortable confessing verbally, but little gestures in your everyday life makes a big difference. Everyone likes to be told they are loved and cherished, don't you?

Its really shameful if you cant even remember your loved ones' birthdays, Fathers' or Mothers' Day. Perhaps you should ask yourself have you been too busy lately that you neglected them. While filial piety and gestures of love should not be limited to such commercially designed events, it gives the busy bees and those who don't know how to express themselves a chance to show that they care.

You don't have much time to show your love to those around you. And if you choose to give yourself a chance to regret, I wont wipe away your tears of regrets and grieve next time. Doesn't matter whether you've been given the life of Bill Gates, average Tom or Lilliputian. That should not be a reason not to love them. Perhaps you're not family oriented, I don't know and I don't want to know. But I'll say this again, don't give yourself a chance to regret next time. They gave what they could.

Loves Love. :)

Fine Balance

2008-04-29T23:20:00.002+08:00

You're walking on a fine wire with a balancing rod. Its hard to strike a balance and walk across safely isn't it? Why, those performers did it with so much ease and grace. Yet in reality, its hard to strike a balance in life. A rod with added weights make striking a balance even harder.

One moment

2008-03-23T22:04:00.005+08:00

Straddled in high heels, head held high, she looked ahead with confidence and to the little kids ranks below her. This gal is never easy to please in the eyes or her counterparts and admirers, and surely she is not someone to mess with.

The day she met someone stronger and someone so charming, she's determined to charm. She finally realise the little wrongs in life. He's so charming that she lost herself. Happily and blindly in love, nothing else mattered.

The waves and the tides of a beautiful story are bound to set in. When all's over, the calm sea took her into a world of self realisation and reflection. Who is she? Which and where have she gone? Gone for good and for the better? She look upon and struggle to find herself in the midst of this blinding charm and love.

All for love. She smiled.

Lost??

2008-02-18T21:38:00.003+08:00

Here's a couple of quotes to help those lost sheeps out there. :)

Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right. - Aldous Huxley

If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up some place else. - Yogi Berra

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've chose to advice those few of you through these quotes rather than going into a lengthy post. Guide yourself. :)

Education now is all about economic survival in the future.

2007-12-27T11:49:00.000+08:00

A child in Singapore undergoes at least 10 years of general education which comprises of at least 6 years of compulsory primary school education and 4 years of secondary school education today. The main motive for such a regulation by the Ministry of Education was to ensure that all Singaporeans are equip with basic fundamentals which will allow them to secure a job. When Singapore gain independence in 1965, there was a need for economic and social development on top of racial and religion harmony. MM Lee saw the need and subsequently made the call to make education compulsory and accessible for all children of schooling age. Over the years, Singapore gained the title of a 'World Class Education Hub' which undeniably contributed tremendously to our economy on top of all the right economic calls made by the government.

Today's India is similar to Singapore then, besides the fact that they have much more manpower and resources to tap into. While all eyes are cast at the world's second largest and uprising economy, there are many road blocks which can potentially cripple the country's dream.

With a population where 40% are under the age of 18, India faces the challenge to educate its young to fuel its economy. Nearly half of the poorest 20% of the population illiterate and barely 2% graduated from high school. However, out of the country's richest 20%, only 2% are illiterate and nearly half are high school graduates.

While the country is enjoying tremendous economic growth and development, the challenge here is to ensure even the poorest of the poor benefits from it. India faces the need to churn out skilled labours to fuel its economy, and the need to quench the population's growing thirst for education as more realise that the only way to jump on this economic bandwagon is through education. On top of all that, a rock solid system to ensure that education is accessible to all particularly those at the bottom.

Will India be able to break out of its legacy of weak schooling for its young? Never mind about those top notch world class public university which is not as significant an issue as providing proper basic education for the population, in particular for the poor. However hopeful, I'm still skeptical with regards to India's ability to break out of this legacy. First and foremost, forget all those money pumped in to build more schools and provide better schooling facilities. Without a strong, dedicated, passionate teachers and corrupt free officials, no matter how much money is being pumped in, nothing will come out of it. Take for example, while the government pledge an increase in country's spending in education, exactly how much have reached and truly benefit at a ground level? Not much. Bribes demanded by village heads, corrupted and zero-dedication teachers are not helping at all.

At the rate which the economy is progressing, will the nation be able to educate its people fast enough to fuel itself? What happens if India fails to educate its poor and help bring them onto the bandwagon in time? What happens if its efforts to provide enough skilled labours falls short? No doubt the country will continue to develop and progress, but closing the income and literacy gap will be a big hindrance. Without a need to spell it out explicitly, you would have guessed it, social instability will kick in.

When the fundamentals of a nation to fuel its economy and develop itself is not strong, it's hard for sustainable economic progress to take place. Take Singapore as a good example where the fundamentals of providing the population with good basic education is met, strong economic progress will follow. All eyes are on the world's oldest Democratic country, will they emerge as strong as we expect?

Education now is all about economic survival in the future. The nation has come to realise this, but will they be able to build a foundation strong enough for their future generations to survive and rely upon? I wonder.

No Anorexia

2007-10-20T15:44:00.000+08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7053725.stm

Are you anorexic?

How much does it take to help someone realise that they are anorexic? Education? Campaigns? Media influence?

Over the years anorexic and ultra-skinny models sashayed on fashion shows leading to society's change in perspective for beauty. Models are often regarded as the ones with "perfect bodies" by teenage girls. The idea of a perfect body means you need to be ultra-skinny and/or being anorexic spreads like a pandemic.

Last year, in a Madrid fashion show, ultra-skinny models were banned and in Milan under-weight models are required to be medically certified as healthy. This is a good start and a good way to reduce the number of anorexic. More importantly, a good way to get the message across to people while education and campaigns have proved fruitless.

The photo shot by Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani showing anorexic actress Isabella Caro came under fire. What puzzles me is the reasons that were given by the Publicity Control Institute as well as Advertising Verification Bureau.

Which part of the photo breached the code of being honest, truthful and accurate? In what way did the photo offend civic, moral and religious beliefs as well as disrespect human dignity in all forms and expressions???????????????

Probably both institutions need to do more to convince the photographer and the public on that.
Contrary to the belief of the institutions, I would say the photo is HONEST, TRUTHFUL and ACCURATE and did not in any form offend civic, moral and religious beliefs. Neither did it disrespect human dignity.

What the photo put across is a true reflection of anorexics. It is in fact a good wake up call to anorexics when they see their own reflections in posters like that. And it serves as a reminder to society that there is a group of people who have been lead down the road of becoming anorexic because of society's notion of beauty.

Force feeding in hospitals, education and campaigns have failed. It would be much more effective to use such a method. Since many anorexics look up to models as having the perfect body, let the models be the ones to make the first change. We can hope that a change in the media and fashion line's belief to be the catalyst in championing the course of 'No Anorexia' and bring about a change just like they did decades ago.

Curvy is pretty! :)

Machina ~

2007-10-12T22:36:00.000+08:00

After a long break its finally time to get the engine started once again. Churn n puff n grind. Its time to work hard and harder. :)

Walking

2007-10-11T00:17:00.000+08:00

Of all the people in this world,
I've chose to walk side by side with u.
Laughter or tears,
Fights or quarrels,
Rain or shine,
I've chose to walk side by side with u.

Even if we fight,
Even if I'm angry with u,
I'll still walk beside u.
This I promise u.
I know you do.

Silent killer

2007-10-07T23:32:00.000+08:00

" Dee! Dee! Dee! Dee! Dee!!" "Door Closing"

Its the sunday late night peak hour and the cabin's packed with commuters. Couples busy smooching, friends chatting, dozing sleepy heads and rocking ipod hippies. Everyone was in their own world, oblivious to everything around them. The people in the cabin seems to be competing to bag home the 'I've got the loudest voice' prize. The noise level was exceptionally high with the Bangalas and many groups of friends speaking at the top of their voice. The temperature was cool except for the slight stench of sweat and Jasmine flower.

All of a sudden!! A silent bomb diffused through out the whole cabin. The source of the bomb unknown. Happy, bored and clam faces cringed with annoyance. Fingers took on the role of a buffer outside the gates of the two hairy caves. As the silent bomb continued its journey across the cabin, feelings of annoyance spread.

"Dee! Dee! Dee! Dee! Dee!"

Phew~! I alighted and fresh air greeted me. :)

Speak!!

2007-10-07T00:48:00.000+08:00

Have you ever listen to your own speeches or daily conversations? Are you singlish speaking? Do you speak bad English? Or you are one of those who speaks perfect good English? And what constitutes good English?

Born into a Chinese speaking family, friends around you are singlish speaking but you don't have the habit of decorating your conversations with "la", "lor", "leh"? So you think you are speaking good English just because you stayed away from those redundant sounding words? Think again.

Is having limited vocational vocabulary a sin or fallacy that warrants you to be deemed less smart? I tell you, that's a myth.

Look around you and listen to the conversations going on. So what did your ears pick up? Singlish? Bad English? Good English? What matters more? Someone who can speak good English or someone whom you can fully understand and communicate with?

While some occupations, sports or culture may require you to speak good perfect English finished with bombastic vocabs, not being able to doesn't mean you're dumb. In today's society, where many of us grew up having to master a few language, many of us fail to fully grasp one. Jack of all trades, master of none. If you ask me, what does it mean to be a Singaporean, I'll tell you its the ability to use more than 4 languages in one sentence. Want to blame someone for your bad English? My teachers speak Singlish too.

Think you can't speak good English and take makes you less 'high-class'? Bullshit. Rather than thinking you've failed your language I think you've mastered a wonderful skill. The ability to use multiple languages so well that you have have the capability in using them all in one sentence. :)

Its NOT the End.

2007-10-04T14:31:00.000+08:00

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20071002-28162.html

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20070926-27077.html

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20070926-27070.html

" Aiya, your boy from EM3? No future ah! "
" Go ITE? Its The End you know?! "

To start with, lets us recall one successful local movie that hits the raw nail in society's out right discrimination for the less academically inclined students : I not Stupid. Well, the main aim in streaming students and categorise them into EM1/2/3 was to help students cope better with studies. The whole idea was to put students with the same pace of learning together so that the curriculum can be formulated to best cater to their abilities. This move was to make sure every student is given the best opportunity and help to excel and learn. Not every student learn at the same pace and not everyone is as academically inclined.

However, as touched by the movie " I not stupid", this streaming system created discrimination towards these students as well as segregation among students. Discrimination among peers and parents. Many parents saw EM3 students as stupid just because they are not as academically inclined. The elite students saw themselves as one notch higher and discriminated others. Parents pushed their kids real hard to make sure they make it into EM1. Well, realistically speaking this is human nature. Which parent does not want their kids to do well and be considered one of the elites? Its not before long that students who are less academically inclined see themselves as stupid and dumb as compared to their peers. Lets not deny it, confidence and self- esteem is dampened.

As these students move on to secondary school education, the streaming and banding system continues. Now we've got the Special stream, Express, Normal Academic and Normal Technical. Yes, no repeats needed. We've all been through the system we know the discrimination's existence. Despite this, the whole idea of streaming stands firm. To cater to the capabilities of the students to help them excel and do their best.

When the Institute of Technical Education was setup in an effort to provide a more technical kind of education to cater to the less theory-kind of students, the same discrimination occurred. Many saw an ITE education as " Its the End" for those students. Many think they are a bunch who cannot make it. Till today, some still cast a discriminating look on these students. ( Totally bullshit )

Oh come on! Its time to see these students differently! Today, the Institute of Technical Education is one which is recognised by the international arena to be Singapore's Jewel. The institute has proven to be a successful one in nurturing students who eventually even make it to university. They may have took a longer time, but the made it too no? :) Years ago, many thought polytechnics are for those who can't make it to JCs but look at the situation today! And now look at those who were once considered as dumb by you! Yes, many of them did well under the ITE system and even go further then what people think they can.

With the recent change in the Normal ( A) and (T) system, it is a sign that this discriminatory blanket is thinning. With more efforts put into helping students tap on their capabilities and talents, no one should be considered dumb any more. No, not being as theory-inclined does not mean the person is stupid! Kudos to the changes made and efforts put in. Kudos to the success of ITE.

The shift over the years from a very theory based education system to one which recognises the talents in the less academically inclined is a good one. This goes to show how we've come to recognise that success is not measured just by how academically inclined you are. And I applaud the government when they say all these efforts is to make sure no talent is wasted. Further more, the recent efforts to have specialised officers in schools to help identify dyslexics and to help students with learning difficulties is no doubt a good effort that every single kid is given the full opportunity and help to excel. :) Now I would say we truly possess a world class education system.

There she goes...

2007-10-03T22:12:00.000+08:00

He says: Damn, it happens every single month. There she goes again. Her emotions fluctuates like the stock market. For a moment she's happy and next she's angry for no good reason. It hard to please her during this period of time and its even harder to comprehend what she wants. It drives me nuts at times. But since it happens every single month, I've gotten used to it.

She says: Its irritating when your emotions are at the mercy of those damn chemicals. For no good reason I'll feel irritated or angry and then the next moment I'll feel happy. Sometimes as much as I don't want to feel angry with some things or someone, I just can't help it. Sometimes I know its not a reason to be angry of flare up, but i just cant help it. All i need is some understanding that I can't control those fluctuations myself. At times I'm irritated because I can't control my emotions. I needed badly to eat something or do something to feel better.

Its an understanding among women. Its tolerance and understanding for men. Now ladies, don't' we just appreciate that poor man who understands and tolerate us during such times? :) I do.

Salutes!

2007-09-28T23:01:00.000+08:00

Oh Salute the saffron robes!
They fought against colonial rule.
They fought for democracy.
They fought for the survival of the people.
Altruism is what they have.
Protectionism is what drove them on.
Oh Salute the saffron robes!

The recent protest in Myanmar raised the profile of this infamously mysterious country. A nation where Buddhism is deeply rooted in the hearts of society itself. Monks are highly regarded and the nation boast a good 50000 professional monks. What was suppose to be a fight for democracy is now seen as a fight for survival.

Myanmar has one of the world's largest army and ranked one of the poorest together with Somalia. The junta believed that having a large army is the only way to democracy. Today, Myanmar in my opinion is very much of a soldier-producing factory. What was suppose to guard and protect a nation is now seen as a murder. And what was suppose to be a symbol is religion is now the guardian angel of the people.

Will Ibrahim Gambari be successful? Will the rest of the world be able to bring about change to this nation? With humanitarian concerns complicated with the need to pressure the junta with sanctions, can a we find a solution that was never found for 40years? Will the one-meal a day life of the people change for the better?

The world is watching with anger, frustration, empathy for the people and support for the monks.

6th Anniversary of Sept 11

2007-09-11T22:25:00.000+08:00

11th September 2001, the most tragic thing that anyone can ever imagine took place. Planes crashed into World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. The whole of America was in shock and wailing, mourning the number of lives lost. Streets were covered in ash, shocked and terrified survivors as well as grief stricken relatives. Fire- fighters, paramedics and volunteers take on the rumble, frantically searching for survivors. The world mourned and extended their greatest sympathy for the once vibrant nation now covered in a blanket of solemness.

Before I go on I extend deepest condolences to the family members, relatives and America.

Today, as we mourned over the victims and the sacrificed, the question that we need to ask ourselves is exactly how much longer are we going to mourn as a country? There is no wrong in mourning over the deceased, but for a 6 years and as a nation, is it too much? On an individual basis, you can mourn for as long as it helps you to feel better. Yes, lives were lost, stock market crashed and lives were disrupted. After the tragic event, America and its allies invaded Iraq to hunt down the terrorists involved. All was well with America determined to eradicate terrorism, with the other sympathising countries helping. The war on terror did not proceed as hoped and now we're faced with a even more torn region ( Middle East aka terrorist producing and breeding factory ). The whole issue was even used as a political carrot by the Democrats to win the recent election. Right know Americans themselves are calling for the withdrawal of troops from the region. We see a total 360 degree change in reaction of the people. And why is this so?

From invasion till today, the number of soldiers lost is sky high. Soldiers on war are now under trained and not given equipments of the supposed quality. Families, soldiers, Americans are no longer sure of where the war is headed for. Patriotism is wearing thin as families want their soldiers back home. This is what is happening besides the sky high lost of lives and the chaos in Middle East now. Solution? White House hasn't given us a satisfying one. And right now, even the heros of the moment are asking for compensation for the detriments of their health.

So now it is about time America steps out of the grief blanket to look at the situation again. I know its easier said then done. But mourning over the lost of a family member is different from doing it as a nation. Right now, perhaps the most important thing is finding a solution to the war on terror. The mess that was caused ( indirectly because of 911), the lives lost and disrupted as a result of this. While the rumble are cleared and the new buildings about to be built on Ground Zero, its also time people move on as a nation. Because America needs to move on as a nation and let history be history, settle the mess in front of them right now. There is only so much a nation can mourn, too much and it blurs a nation.

I don't have a solution because I'm not General David Petraeus. But as a third person, I wonder how much longer will this mourning as a nation take place. Are we gonna mourn for a decade like that of Princess Diana? Like I've said, familial mourning is not an issue, but nation mourning needs to have a limit. I'm not gonna go too much into this over here because I now there are people who reads my blog who are still very affected by this emotionally. Never mind if you think you're ready for this. I'll keep this issue for my coffee mates. :)

In loving memory of the victims of Sept 11.

Studies first or Part- time job??

2007-09-09T12:18:00.000+08:00

I refer to a rather ridiculous letter written into Straits Times " Studies first of part- time job". This writer cited his concerns over the recent trend of increasing number of full-time students working part-time. It was also proposed that formal guidelines be drafted up for employment of these students and at the same time formal guidelines be incorporated for institutional approval.

Now we say this is totally ridiculous and the writer had totally failed to see the exact problem in this situation. Or rather, there isn't much of a problem here at all. In today's entry, we'll look at the exact underlying problem and how this problem in itself is not a big issue of concern. Also, we'll look at how if a solution needs to be put across, other solutions will work much better.

First lets us look at the status quo. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of full-time students working part-time during school term. The increase in numbers came namely from polytechnic students. There has been concerns that such a trend is unhealthy as students' attention is being diverted when they should be focusing solely on their studies. However, there isn't any out cry from institutions with regards to any significant drop in students' results as a result of this trend. And neither has this problem breed any other social problems. We are still a country providing world class education, but instead we've breed students who can multi-task with this increasing trend.

Before we go on, let us examine exactly which are the groups of student involved.
1) Students who came from very low income families. There is a need for them to work to help lessen the family load or even to help bring home bread and butter.
2) Students average income families who need to work for extra cash to lighten their parents load and to feed their own needs and to seek independence.
3) Students who work for the sake of wanting to be independent financially.
4) Students who work for the sake of gaining experience.
5) Students who work due to peer pressure.

Now, having said above, never mind whether or not the student is forced by the situation to work, they are responsible for their own grades. At any cost, these students know they are responsible for their own grades and forced by situation or not, they have to find a way out to study and produce the grades. It is not the government's job to nanny every single student to study and not work, unless but of course some form of financial aid can be provided for the needy to help them. Just like any other social trends, this is not one to be alarmed. Students have to be aware of the consequences and need to have proper time management. There is no reason why the government should step in and interfere with 1) the students' desire to be more self reliant, or 2) the need to lighten the family load.

In terms of financial aid, one might say there is scholarships and bursaries around to help the needy students. Now, I'll tell you the exact loop hole of this system that in a way helps breed the increase number of full time students working part time. Firstly, based on the parameters set by the government for eligibility of bursary, the family income has to be below $1500. We say, yes this may cover a large group of students belonging to this very low income group and they may have benefited. But, the criteria have failed to identify students whose family income may have burst the government set ceiling, but may have more than one siblings at home receiving tertiary education. Or, they may have family member receiving long term medical treatments. Comparing a family with $1500 monthly income but with perhaps two young kids, with one income of $2000 but with two siblings receiving tertiary education or maybe one family member receiving long term medical treatment. Now you tell me. Who's much more in need of the bursary? While it is not entirely the government's role to come up with bursaries and financial aid to cover everyone, some revision can be done to help this group of sandwiched students.

Revisions can include more detailed information on family background and instead of basing solely on income, other factors should be considered as well. This will ensure that students who are really in need will be covered instead of having to go out and work part-time.

As for students who are working for the sole reason of wanting to gain independence, they have the responsibility to keep their grades up. Now lets look at why this current trend will in fact be beneficial to us on the whole. Firstly, while students work and study at the same time, they learn to prioritise and to manage their time well. Secondly, when these student graduate, they have had prior experience in working thus making them more competitive and value added a group. Lastly, it goes to show our education system isn't so harp up on just studies but we allow our students the little bit of freedom that they are left with to work and do things they like.

On the whole, this in itself is just yet another social trend that requires no huge Hoo-Haa or policies or guidelines. We say, leave things as it is. Leave the students to decide what is more important and give them the freedom to lead the kind of lives they want. Leave them the freedom to think how to solve their own financial problems which the government cannot help, because this is how society works. You work hard to put your own rice bowl on the table because no one's gonna feed you if you don't.

Doted

2007-09-08T19:36:00.000+08:00

How much of are pet are you at home? How often do you stop and think how much are you being doted on by the people around you? When I say so I don't mean in the form of materialistic splurge or senseless giving in all the time. Alright that won't be counted as being doted on, it would have been prince-Ly or princess-Ly.

But then again, how much do we then considered someone as spoilt? I may have my benchmark and you may have yours. That would be unfair to someone being called spoilt brat no?

Anyway many a times the elders do tell us to count our blessings in life. Perhaps you might say why should you do that? Because the fact that you have to work and slog your life off for that bread on the table means you aren't getting enough in life. Oh wait, stop stop stop. When we mean count our blessings we mean the little things in life. Even if its just having bread on the table and never mind if its whatever AAA brand bread.

Back to the topic on being doted on.

Sometimes in life, never mind how much we have to slog during the days for bread and for survival. Have you ever stop and think how much others are slogging or worrying because of you? And by that, I mean this is really how much they dote on you. If not, would they bother to even care about you? Why do i care when you're sick or feeling comfortable or why do i bother to accompany you to coax you to bed if i don't dote on you? Right? By this context, I would say it doesn't always have to be smooth sailing relationship or one with lots of splurging to be counted as being doted on. All that is important I would say is how much people care for your when you're in down times or sick times. They don't have to be there for you always but just their care during times of need is enough to show they care and dote on you. By that, never mind how hard life is. I thank the people around me for always doting on me. Particularly those I do quarrel with in my daily lives and did not say my "I love You"s. Thanks for putting up with my spoilt brat personality when I'm sick. Thank you for caring! I love you guys!

Torn

2007-09-03T22:31:00.000+08:00

Like a razor blade, your words cut my soul.
All the scars from the past surfaced.
All these that i've been trying to hide.
All these that i've been trying to put behind.
Each time i do so you came along with you razor blade.

And i'm to call 'em love and care.
Each time i struggle to pick myself up.
Each time i fall
I only fall harder.
Each time i struggle to stand up
Its juz gets harder.

While some may think i'm emotional.
While some may think of me as u do.
While some may think i'm weak like an idiot right now.
I'm sorry.
Coz there ain't anyone who has tried wearing my shoes.

I'm so torn.
I need to find my own identity.
I need to know where i belong.
I need to hide those scars and move on again.

Each time i see you,
I wanna hate u.
But i can't bring myself to hate u.
This is frustrating.
Coz i fail to even hate someone i so rightfully should.

Hah. This is life.
Perhaps my only consolation would be the little blessings i get.
I'm blessed becoz each time i fall and angel catch me.
Each time i fall someone grab me.
But no.
This ain't fair. Its not his fault.
I love him and therefore i wanna protect and give him my best.
I'm sorry i've to put you through all these with me.
Darling thank you.

Yes, I will walk out.
No it aint easy this time round.
I've fallen so many damn times.
I'm so tired now.
All i wanna do is to retreat back to a comfort zone.
But i dunno where and i dunno how.
I can't bring myself to look at you into the eye.
Coz when i do, all i see is my own scars.

While i so badly needs his comfort.
I dun wanna see him.
Coz each time i do that little girl in me juz wanna cry.
But each time i he puts a smile on me it feels so warm.

Oh lord.
This entry is for myself.
Jac, stop pitying yourself.
No I can't.
Coz the tears wont stop this time round.
Coz i'm so torn.
Coz i'm so hurt.
Coz i dunno wad to do with myself.
Coz i juz wanna leave.
Coz i dun have the energy to fight no more.

Baby thank you for everything.
I will walk out.
Coz i'm Jacinthe the mighty one.
Coz i've a happiness delivery man.
:)

Huff

2007-08-28T10:33:00.000+08:00

Huff and puff
Huff and puff
How am i suppose to contain all these?

Many a times the penny rules the lives of lower income families and at times even the average. Put it this way, there is no way one can point in a certain direction and blame it for your fate. Never mind if life is never fair, because it will never be. Its not the fault of the society or the country or your family members.

Sometimes its hard not to have feelings of resentment in you. You know its not their fault that things turn out this way. Its not their fault that the penny rules. As a matter of fact things could have turned out much better penny wise without you. Never mind about that because you can't reverse time.

What's it like to be in this pair of shoes? Many wouldn't understand, or i should say no one would. Perhaps fellows in this same pair of shoes would. But does it matter? No. Buy a bottle of fighting spirit, and buy some empty bottles to contain those resentment. All these nonsense all these bullshits, get 'em bottled up and store away because their absence is your smile.

While China prays for a meteorological deus ex machina, I wan one too.

Dried

2007-08-28T00:19:00.000+08:00

What does it feel like to be completely dry of ideas and inspiration? Perhaps not many will be able to understand the kind of frustration where you feel so voided inside.

The source of this void feeling cannot be traced and neither can the root be found. Is there a need to find it, you may ask. No, there isn't a need. Some may say, sit around because inspiration will come with the flow of time. I say not true at all, not a least bit. Inspiration comes only when you make the effort to focus. Any inspiration will probably fly pass your head if you're not into searching for one.

This dry period for writing inspiration is expected. Well i saw this coming months ago. Many things, passion, inspiration and flair for things cannot be taken for granted. Once lost, its hard to get it back. Finding something like this is difficult and made harder with the extra clutter in the mind.

Daggers and Darts

2007-08-05T21:00:00.000+08:00

The Darts are flying
The Daggers are stabbing
The acido-meter dropping to an all time low

Watch your back
Watch your front
Sharpen your eyes
Toughen your back

Welcome to reality
Where Darts fly
Where Daggers Stab
Where the acid0-meter dives
Where soapy-slippery-alkaline wets the floor
Where graciousness, selfishness is the antidote

Yo"mama say
Watch your back
Watch your front
Watch your sides
Its raining acid and darts here.

Welcome to life.

Man's

2007-07-31T22:41:00.000+08:00

VOICES / TODAY / Friday / July 27, 2007

Handling hecticschool life readieskids for workforce
Letter fromDAVID WONG BINGXIONG

WHILE it is known that the educationsystem here is similar to that ofa pressure cooker, it is not completelybad if parents and children themselveshave the right approach to handlingstressful situations such as dealingwith heaps of homework and projects.What does not destroy youmakes you stronger, and this ties inwith actually trainingthe children from youngto handle the hectic lifewhen they enter theworkforce, not to mentiondeveloping and enrichingthe child’s mind.In Ms Tay’s article,she laments how youngchildren who have inclinationsin arts and music be limitedin opportunities to pursue theirtalent.I beg to differ.For one, there are many musicallytalented child prodigies andprodigies-to-be taking lessons outsideschool to pursue their talents.Aspiring young artists would attendart lessons to hone their skills.The education system is to developthe child’s arithmetic and linguisticskills — both of which arevital to do well in the modern economy.The system encourages themto push themselves in these fieldseven though it may not be of interestbecause it will be useful intheir lives should they decide tohave a career switch down the road.The stressful scenario thatMs Tay described in today’s schoolsis perhaps due to the culture of competitivenesstrickling from the adultworld down to the children. It is thisspirit of competitiveness that drives theworkforce, and therefore the economy.On a personal level, it is what inculcatesthis unquenchable thirst for individualsto push themselves further.Yes, it is true that pushing ourselvestoo far could result in depressionin school, as Ms Tay has pointedout. However, it is possible tochange this without revamping theeducation system — and everythingstarts from home.Parents are not to blame entirely,but perhaps little changes at hometo break the monotony of children’sregimental academic-centred routinescould help brighten their faces. For example,fortnightly visitsto the park to releasetheir pent upenergy with sports, oreven a movie or two,would aid in helpingthe child to unwindmentally and take hisfocus off the books forthat little while.A study “time-out” during theirbusy day could show children thatthey can have their own life outsideof school, similar to the recentwork-life balance that civil servantsare being encouraged to have. Notall parents in Singapore are as unreasonableas they seem, there isa large number who can identifythat their children still require theirown time to let loose and go wild.Homework and stress are inevitablein today’s society, more so inSingapore. Start from home, changethe child’s schedule to include playtimebreaks rather than insisting theydo so only after completing their work.If even machines can wear out afterprolonged use, what more children?

More to life than good grades

2007-07-27T21:37:00.000+08:00

Voices // TODAY Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Jacinthe Tay Wei Qi
Everyone has their perception of happiness. While some will say simplicity is true happiness, others might embark on the endless pursuit of materialistic satisfaction. To the innocent and young minds of children, happiness is nothing more than being able to scream, laugh and play without a care in the world.

Singapore's education system is constantly being revised to ensure the competitiveness of our students in the international arena. But have we perhaps gone too far in that respect? Are we placing too much emphasis on grades? I agree it is wise to be pragmatic to nurture and prepare the future leaders of our country, but when pragmatism backfires, shouldn't we stop and reflect? It struck me when a Primary 4 student recently spoke to me about the education system being too rigid and stressful, and that it was "all study and no play".

Why are children questioning the system instead of enjoying their childhood? I recently browsed through the Primary 3 syllabus and was astonished by how much the level of difficulty had increased. I wonder if our young can fully understand what is being taught in the classroom? It is common to see their tiny frames weighed down by heavy school bags. After spending half the day at school, they have to plough through piles of homework. Weaker students are told to attend extra lessons to help them catch up with their peers. Weekends are partly devoted to preparing for upcoming tests and exams. Is this the kind of childhood they should be having? Why are children today not enjoying the sort of carefree childhood their parents and grandparents did?

Many secondary school students are so bogged down with schoolwork that some buckle under the stress or suffer from depression at one point or another. Are teachers and parents aware of this? Why set up helplines and counselling avenues when we should be targeting the root of the problem instead? Yes, we may argue that this is an unavoidable aspect of progress. It is essential to make sure our students keep up with global developments. But should we be doing so at the expense of the happy childhood that children deserve? Are we sending the message to our children that life is all about studying and getting good grades? Logical thinking is not the only form of intelligence. Why should those who are more inclined to art or music be given limited avenues to pursue their talent while struggling to cope with the demands of the education system?

If we want a more creative society, we need to start making the education system less rigid. Allow people to question convention, politics, traditions and theories freely. Don't hush them with, "Don't ask so much, just do it." There is certainly more to life than scoring good grades. Isn't it time we did something and address the cries of students to lighten their load? Give them the time to be children and scream and run around carefree while developing their interests at their own pace instead of bogging them down unnecessarily with schoolwork.

The writer is a private tutor of primary school children.

( I'm proud of my own work. As much as it may sound rather personal, I'll offer a different perspective with regards to this entry soon.)

Culture of Silence

2007-07-08T15:58:00.000+08:00

Remember those times where you're hushed by the elders for "asking too much"? Recently, an Indian expat wrote an article citing Singapore as deafening quiet surprised me. How can is it possible that after growing up for almost two decades here, I failed to pick up this issue? Well, I came to a verdict that like many others, I'm accustomed to the silence.

Observe the morning commutators and you'll realise 7 in 10 are well absorbed into their own world of music, text messaging or dreamland. Try offering a hearty morning greeting to someone, a dark-faced and cold response is what you'll get most of the time.

So what breeds this culture or ours? I would say down to our paternalistic politics, education system and social culture is the root cause of it. I remember hearing the line, "Don't ask, just follow" umpteen times since young. Be it my question of the logic and reasoning behind maths formulas, culture, tradition, politics or scientific explanations, I'm hushed out and bushed off.
I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. We'll this hasn't stop me from questioning just that its down deep in the oceans of my cerebral fluid or with my dearest.

It pains to see the culture or verbal communication being so lowly ranked in our society's emphasis. We're not encouraging people to speak out and confront theories, policies and even to gossip. Come on people, open your mouths and debate, question, confront and even to gossip. After all what puts the human race one notch higher then animals is our ability to analyse and maximise our verbal skills.

Singapore needs to start breeding the culture of speaking up and allow for more political questioning space if we want a more creative society. What really spark new inventions, ideas and harmony is when people start conversing. The ultimate ability to hold conversations is when you read enough, never mind if its just entertainment news.

For now, I'm glad I've at least found someone who's out of the convention population. Oh lets debate and talk. :)

Hide

2007-06-18T13:47:00.000+08:00

The sky is cloudy and calm.
The morning's been cool.
There was no screaming kids,
No scorching sun to irritate you.
No screaming alarm clocks,
No nagging dowager.
For once,
Everything was tranquil.

The lazy bone laid in bed.
Whoa, what a day.
So tranquil, so peace, so clam
You just don't wanna get out of bed.
Lazing in bed, staring in blank.
Its a day where you just decide...
I'm not gonna do anything,
I'm not gonna think about anything,
I don't wanna face anyone,
I just wanna stare blankly into thin air.

Oh no~!
The mobile phone rang.
The morning disturbed,
Back to reality...
Ah~ I don't wanna think about what to do.
I don't wanna think how to answer that query.
But I have to.
Oh no~!
Here comes another one.
An order to get out of the house to run some errand.

Argh~!
Reality~ Oh that sour grape.
There goes it!
Back to reality.
No more hiding from the hustle and bustle of life,
No more running away from reality,
No more lazing in bed.

Not even a single day?
Epees~!

Systems

2007-06-15T22:38:00.000+08:00

Imagine yourself as a scientist right now. A scientist looking at this world as though you're viewing a computer game, a movie, a mega-electric circuit board.

What do you see??

We're a system born into a system with many different sub-systems, and we're capable of creating new systems and analysing existing systems.

For all our lives, we live as a system which exist within systems. The human body itself consists of more than a dozen different systems which builds up as a system. In nature, every little thing come together as a system. The water cycle, food chain, relationships, renewal of resources... etc. In our daily lives, even the most insignificant stuff is somehow related to a certain system. Does that make us addicts of systems? Or rather, we can call systems a placebo.

What will happen if one day systems cease? Will we still be able to function? Well, think of a computer's system shut-down. How does it look or feel like? Why are we so dependent on systems itself? I'm only able to offer one possibility here. The human brain and body are constructed in such a way that it builds upon various different systems. We are structured to think and work with systems, so should a system fails, we're practically screwed. What is your first reaction when your computer system crash or when a certain system goes haywire? Yes, we panic, we scramble to get the backup systems running while repairing the failed system.

When we talk about systems, we're simply looking for a certain degree of orderliness. Assuming we define chaos and mess as the time when things fail to work in an orderly manner. In that sense, it is important to us that things function in a certain manner with a certain degree or order. What does order means to you then? Repetitive same occurrence?

And so, if we're made up of systems, we can well be a subset of a larger system. This is what I've told you to do in the beginning. Step out and see the world like a computer game. Imagine yourself controlling the systems. Its like playing super Mario no?

While constantly trying to figure out the various systems that made and surrounds us, at the same time we're creating more systems to work FOR us. Remember the car systems, the electric circuits, the computer systems. Yes, we created them to help us discover the systems that made us and surrounds us. Ironic isn't it?

At the end of the day, we're just a system out of the systems. Perhaps one day, our system will fail while the others thrive on and its their turn to create new systems and discover our systems. We're like a land of electric waves with lots of systems running all over the place. Complicate aren't they? So why are we so keen on understanding them and at the same time unknowingly create more of them? Because we're addicts to it. We cannot work and function without it. The universe, our body, our computer, the water cycle.. etc.

Systems within systems, created by systems.

Democracy and Freedom

2007-06-13T00:14:00.000+08:00

Before we start, let us get some definitions right first.

Democracy:
- government by the people; especially : rule of the majority
- a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
- the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges.

Freedom:
- the quality or state of being free
- the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action

- liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another
- the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous
- the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken
- a political right

Have you ever question the true concept of democracy and freedom? What does democracy and freedom means in today's society? How did democracy and freedom evolved to what it is today? Are we living in a democratic society with freedom or is it all but a smoke screen politicians use? No, we're not talking about the necessity of democracy and freedom. We'll look at the situation from the perspective of human rights and not power-hungry politicians.

As much as there are many various different forms of democracy, from direct to tribal to socialist, the main principle and impetus behind it is the same. Never mind about the history of democracy and how it all started. Going by logic, am I not right to say that democracy is all about creating a society that is pro fairness and freedom? Freedom of choice, freedom of speech, the right to choose and giving the each and everyone a voice they so deserve.

What was the drawing power of democracy that communism and authoritarianism lack? Democracy is not a fashion trend whereby tons of lost sheep following blindly in the name of wanting to look "cool". As much as many equates westernization with modernising, erosion of traditional conservative values, these are in fact the effects of democracy. With democracy, people are given a voice and a right to choose what they want. This starts with the right to choose the ruling party, the right to choose if a bill was to be passed. OR at least, this was what democracy was suppose to be. It works in a way whereby its government- for-the-people. Freedom of speech in this case is a measure of how much political right the populace is given. No doubt, many other developing and soon-to develop countries look up to the west side of the world as a role model. To take on democracy which somehow means better economic and social progress. The question comes again. How do we know if a country is progressing socially? Yes, you're right, increase in human rights and welfare.

Ask yourself, why would you choose to stay in a democratic country over a communist country or one that is practicing authoritarianism? The human nature comes into play. No one likes to be under coercion or to live under a authoritarian. I am definitely not stereotyping when I say all of us want to have our voices heard and to be given the right to choose. Oh, who likes rules, regulations and laws? Not me, for one.

Look at the structure of today's society. Let us start from the basics, the political game. Democracy and progress is suppose to give us a society with freedom and right to choose. While it used to be government-for-the-people, it is now a totally different game. It is no longer a job for the one with an altruistic heart. Let us face it, the political scene is not as altruistic as it used to be, but rather, a game of power struggle for the power- hungry man. Politicians are expanding their political power like nobody's business and we're even paying them and crediting them for doing so, in the name of them being altruistic and that they know what's right for us as a state, a nation. Do we dare deny the fact that we consider a government good because they are able to deliver lots of laws, restrictions, and at the same time pass a few bills that please us? How often do you hear yourself saying, " I disagree with this bill. I hate to pay taxes and fines. Why do I have to be fined for packing my car longer then i should have? And then you talk yourself to a simmer by thinking that the government did all these with our interest at heart."? Yes, I would not deny that rules, laws, fines, regulations are there to ensure a certain amount of order in society. Take yourself out of the thinking that the government is always altruistic and right, do you not feel like you're living under coercion?

Pay your fines or you'll pay a higher fine. Put up you flag or pay your fine. Zoom pass that red light and you'll be sure to get a ticket from the traffic police. Litter the bus or the roads and I'll fine you. Defame a politician or company and you'll have to face the court. Serve your NS or face the law. Smoking is prohibited in many places, try to light a cigar and see what comes after you. The list goes on and on none stop. Given the time you'll probably be able to come up with a book. It has come to such a stage whereby we're living in a pseudo democratic world with coercion coming under the smoke screen of altruism.

Politicians are coming up to say things which you want to hear (perhaps with the exception of Barack Obama). They buy into your good books with promises which we'll only know whether they're really able to deliver after they're elected. From the collection of taxes to numerous laws to make people submit to them is a clear cut act of power expansion and power hunger. With one big influence to start with, G.W.F.Hegel one said, " the state is... a moral and intellectual domain, a moral authority and power exalted and majestic, to which the subjects must submit". Just like what is happening today in our "democratic" society. Your life is in the hands of these people whom we trust to ensure a better life for us. Just like blind little lost sheep. You refrain from doing something for fear of offending these people, you do something because it is against the law if you do not. You thread you life according to what is being set by the ministry, government. The number of years of education and so on and so forth. Do you not feel like little chess pieces being moved around and coerced to move by these small group of people who are entrusted to give you a better life in the name of democracy. Is this not a pseudo democratic world that we're talking about? What human rights is there to speak of?

The one who spreads democracy and pledges itself to help others modernize and achieve a better life, she herself is in fact trapped in a cycle of political power struggle and coercion. Its like a cycle, and we're heading back to where we've started. I don't mean in terms of economic development and modernisation. Why is the big brother so fearful of countries heading towards authoritarianism? Look at the mirage of paternalistic laws in some countries.

Like I've established earlier, don't think about how it is necessary for for such laws and all to exist in the name of more orderliness. Take yourself out of the shoes of politicians and judge the situation according to what the original impetus of democracy should be. Bring yourself down to a selfish level who thinks about nothing but human rights and your own rights. Yes, this is a very selfish way to see things, but its time to stop, re- track and reflect on our own progress.

Are we really living in a true democratic place? Is democratic really good? Are we not blinded by complacency and belief that the government is always altruistic and right? Are we turning a blind eye or simply being oblivious towards the coercion that is going on? Have the true meaning of citizenry, freedom and democracy been lost? Have we lost the kind of political right that we're suppose to have?

You answer those questions yourself. I'll have to admit, this entry isn't very well structured and probably not many of you will be able to grasp what I'm trying to say. I know the entry is every where, messy and all over the place. Well it will take the length of a book for me to break down, analyse and structure this. And I'll probably be sued till bankrupt after that for all the defamatories. But yeah this is solely for fun and there should not be any republications or quoting.

Seismic

2007-06-10T23:15:00.000+08:00

Tremors after tremors
Tremors used to cause trepidations
Not any more
Right now
Tremors say consternation

Tremors have lost their effects
Tremors are like wind gushes
Gushes that says
Spread the desertification!

The world says IMMUNITY
Tremors, tremors tremors
Little wind gushes they be
Tremors, tremors, tremors
Now we speak no tremors
Seismic hits

Seismic, seismic, seismic
And the troubled seeks placebo
Placebo for tremors
Placebo for seismic

When the placebo hits
Tranquility sings her song
Pale blue skies and green meadows
Spread your wings and soar up high
For tranquility and placebos are there
Fly, fly, fly

Pale blue skies
Green meadows
Unlatch, unleash
And swoop~!

Good? good enough?

2007-05-14T18:05:00.001+08:00

How good is good? Good is what others perceive you to be. How can you be good enough for others? Never I guess.

Life is never fair. There are some who are blessed with a set of genes that set them ahead of others. No need for muggings and slogging and their ahead of others. We call that natural talent and blessed by nature. What about others who aren't so lucky? It goes two ways.

First, they whine like mad and couldn't be bothered by what others perceive of them. They can't be bothered because they are happy about themselves.
Second group of people are the ones who slog their heads off all their life just to meet the expectations of others. There is no room for them to think they're good enough, because they are never good enough. Never good enough in the eyes of others, never good enough in their own eyes. Perhaps the worse is not about how others perceive of you, but what you think of yourself.

It sucks to know that you've tried so hard and yet still never good enough for others for yourself. Its unfair isn't it? So unfair that while we slog like shit just to be on par or maybe better then others, these people are born and blessed to be clever. The question is how good is good? Is results everything? Is getting that expected good results and achievement really mean you're good? Does it mean we are not good just because we are a normal student all our life?

What kind of students is our enducation breeding? In this society, pragmatism, meritocracy, excellent results are super glued together. Are we really breeding all rounders? Is our "world-class" education system really good? Do you consider an education system directed at improving the economy and leaves no room for personal development really good?

while we might say its good on the whole. But most parents are ignoring their child's personal interest and casting it as second of importance compared to getting an education that will increase the chance of a high paying job. While we try to cater for as much of the majority as possible, an education system so stuck up at producing good "results" sets those not so academically inclined as lousy and maybe even being called stupid. Lets leave out the group of people who surrender to such an issue and lead a life of self satisfaction despite how others perceive of them. Personally i admire them.

But, I belong to the group who works her ass off just to climb the ladder and be perceived as "good" enough. Good enough for the educators, good enough for the future corporate world. All of a sudden it hit hard. What is my personal interest? Is studying all that i can do? I look back at my own childhood so far and i see nothing. How i envy others with a colourful life. Its too late to turn back now and my whinings shall just stay in my head. But I challenge all you readers to answer me what is your impetus and goal in life? Is there any one time in life where by your decision was not ruled by pragmatism and careful thought out life plans? Like how you choose to do something instead of another just to beautify your curricula vitae? Yes, we do what we do to ensure a better life for the future. What if you were to die the very next minute?

As much as I regret and am still regretting not being able to spend more time with my love ones, do i have a choice? Or for that matter, do you have the choice if you're in my position as well? After all the sacrifice, it sucks to know you're still not good enough in your own eyes, in the eyes of others. While most of us are stil powerless to change things, we are all gonna be pathetic-lifeless-dreamless-passionless-never good enough soldiers of this society and this world ruled by the blessed smart Alecs in the cabinet of our "oh so good" education system and politicians. Just how hard do i have to study? Is studying everything?

You know when someone is going mad when such nonsenses comes up. Because life back to the primitive is like a huge lollipop to me now. And yes, after this, pragmatism comes into play and we're all going back to our books and our jobs. Shit. I'm just whining and some of the superficial comments sounds stupid. Don't mind me.

Man

2007-05-03T23:19:00.000+08:00

Brown eyes,
Huge and intriguing pupils,
Bushy brows,
Warm arms,
Manly scent.
That's my man.

I long for him,
I miss his scent,
I long for his embrace,
I miss his kiss,
That's my man.

I wanna tell the whole world:
I'm so in love with him,
He's such a great guy,
I'm so crazy about him,
He's the hottest man on earth,
I'm the happiest woman on earth.

I'm sorry I can't be there always,
We know what each other is going through,
Departing drives us crazy,
Absence makes the heart fonder.

I may not say,
But you know how much I miss you.
I may not say,
But you know how in love I am.

Darling,
We'll brave through these.

Darling,
I love you
I miss you
You make me crazy
You make me the happiest woman on earth
I never wanna let you go
You're my man
You're my rainbow.

The sun rise from the East

2007-04-30T22:11:00.000+08:00

THBT the sun rises in the East and sets in the West.

For the Opposition's point of view, read this.

Ladies and gentleman, speakers of the house. In today's debate, the opposition did a brilliant job in telling us why China will not become the next superpower. However, as the proposition today, we'll look at the issue from a few perspectives and analyse the situation with factual datas. Before we go into the analysis and tearing down of the opposition arguments. We will look at the whole issue the point of population numbers, trade, oil consumption, global influence as well as the quarterly GDP growth.

When we talk about the rise of a nation as a superpower, we must but of course first defined the meaning of superpower. What makes a superpower? We say the nation must be the lead in the economy race, global recognition, as well as vast influence over all other nation. Not forgetting, she must be able to extend help to other nations in need. Recall the point of time whereby industrialisation take over the reins of the economy from manufacturing, that is the critical point. From that turning point, U.S. has been the superpower of the world (More or less, lets leave out Russia on this). While the U.S leads the economy race, China and other nations are sprinting their way up. Today, the census of China quantifies all the ways a poor country is getting rich. And here comes the reasons why Easternisation is the next "in" thing.

1.Population numbers in relation to labour and economy benefits.
With a population of 1,314,480,000 , China definitely has an edge over U.S whose population of 301,325,000 stands tiny against China's. There is no need to talk about the technological aspect of a country right know. At this era, while U.S still possess the most advance technologies, China has the capability to possess them as well. And we are talking about China acquiring such technological advancement at a rate U.S cannot catch up. Take an example if NASA space technologies. Need i say more? Although the world's economic battle field stays as knowledge-based products, labour plays a relatively important role. Number counts. A large labour force will mean a cheaper workforce as compared to that of U.S. and this determines one important aspect, trade. ( we'll cover that later)

2. Trade in the aspect of foreign investments and business expansion of the Chinese.
In the earlier paragraph, we've covered the point on China's large labour force. Labour cost and quality is but of course one of the top considerations of MNCs. While we cannot deny the fact that the quality of U.S. workforce far exceed that of China, MNCs are willing to pump in the money to train the Chinese in return for a cheaper workforce and cheaper cost of setting up the business and factory. With that, companies are able to produce goods at a lower cost and thus mark their price lower making the industry much more competitive. Look around you and see how many items are NOT made in China. Comparatively, China's workforce is catching up tremendously while that of U.S is pretty stagnant. To substantiate this point further, China's trade stands at whooping $177.5 billion SURPLUS while that of U.S, $225 billion DEFICIT. Till today, after the accession of China to the World Trade Organization in 2001, China remains a vast market that has yet to be fully tapped and a low-cost base for export-oriented production. There you go~!

3. Oil consumption.
With one data calculation I'll tell you why the opposition's motion falls. With continuation of the current rate of growth for oil consumption, by the year 2030, China's oil consumption stands a 15 billion barrels a day. Mind you, this is HALF that of U.S. On top of that, we have to take into consideration that the oil consumption of China will Decrease over the next decade or so. This is due largely to the China government's effort to build ( its already building) geothermal powers. In the near future, China will be the world's largest geothermal user. On the other hand, US oil consumption is bound to be on the rise together with its unwillingness to sign the Kyoto Protocol. So who's the one fueling global warming and sucking dry resources? Who's the one who is gonna suffer a greater aftermath of such actions?

4. Global Influence
I believe there is no need for me to touch on the famous and infamous issues of US in relative to global influence. To quote a few to help the lost sheeps, Iraq war, Afghanistan war, North Korea's Nuclear disarmament and the list goes on. The chaos in congress, the upcoming 2008 presidential election, the strain in military forces as well as the fall in public poll rates. As for China's influence globally, there is no need for much elaboration as well. In Africa, the Chinese investment lies in the building of roads and railways as well as the opening of textile factories. In Brazil, soy and beef export trade boomed because of the Chinese as well. In northern Thailand, along the Mekong River, locals found work after years of subsisting on whatever they can make from farming and smuggling before Chinese engineers blast opened the upper Mekong river.

To the advantage of China is the fact that they are on good terms with the Middle East and largely the rest of the world. With the belief that it is not right to interfere with other country's' internal politics, China will make it far as a better superpower. With its influence and rise moving at such a steady and rapid rate, it is but of course a matter of time before Easternization is the next blood. Where do the issues of global warming and resources stand against all the above hard facts? Global warming is a phenomenon which the whole world faces and given the influence and technological capability of China, there is no doubt these can be worked around. Lets not forget that the rise of China is not the only contribution to global warming and she herself will not make a big difference if she were to NOT rise as a superpower. On the issue of resources ceasing, we say the blame should not be put solely on the shoulders of China. We're talking about the rise of a superpower in terms of influence globally and economy aces rather than whether the nation is able to rise on ceasing resources. If the ceasing of resources were to be factor in, it would be an issue affecting the whole world. But of course, it can be a factor to further trigger the fall of U.S which then put China in a stronger position thus the global big brother.

Looking on the political and economic progress of China, as well as the hurdles in front of U.S. there is no reason why Easternization will not be the next blood of the world. And therefore the opposition's motion falls. :P

Ashes & Dusts

2007-04-21T01:10:00.000+08:00

Ashes to ashes
Dusts to dusts

Smart Alecks. Or so Man choose to think he is. Manipulation and shaping of his world is just as easy as it can be. Mother nature, she gave him smart Aleck characteristics. Today she suffers the pinch her creation of man brings about. Ouch~! As he enjoy the success of prolonging life and shaping the environment, she wince in pain and puff in anger. She punish them like their mothers do so. But, man, the stubborn smart Alecks refuse to learn fast enough. Gosh, she's so drained and stoned.

Her tolerance stretch till the sky's limit. Argh~! And so she finally take off that benevolent smile. Boo~! Man are after all her creation from ashes and dusts.

Ah~! And so she sigh. No more stubborn smart Alecks to be created.

Ashes to ashes, dusts to dusts.

Broken

2007-04-14T12:41:00.000+08:00

Laughter is the only medicine for a broken soul.

Picking up the pieces after each time is a torture.
Laughter is the only medicine.
Immunity build by repeated self console.
Smiles to mask the broken soul.
Independence to prepare for flight away.
Just a broken soul.

Just how long can one turn a blind eye, a deaf ear?
Just how much can a person's tolerance and patience stretch?
Just how long more can a broken soul hold on?
Just how long more can compassion last?
Just how benevolent can one be?
Just a broken soul.

come on broken soul.
Smile on.
Laugh on.
Mask on.
Hold on.
Tolerate on.
Let that patience last.
Wait on, the day will come and you'll spread your wings and soar.
You'll make your mark and recognition one day.
Come on, walk on.

No money, No honey?

2007-04-12T13:10:00.000+08:00

This is a set of counter arguments for Dave's entry.

As much as I agree to the fact that Singaporeans are the major shareholders of Singapore Pte Ltd, it is however unfair and unjust to compare it to the corporate world. Firstly, we have to take into consideration the scale of responsibilities and the number of shareholders involved. Take any MNC for example. The number of board of directors are but a handful and a call for votes is not much of a problem. Now, is it then feasible for the government to call for voting across the country over such a matter? Perhaps you may say that representatives of the various sectors and organisations can be the ones to participate in the voting rather than the whole country, is this fair to rest of the shareholders then?

Secondly, the scale of responsibility and job scope of a high flying CEO CANNOT be compared to that of a member of the parliament. For a CEO, his responsibility stops at ensuring the profit- driven company meets its annual target and nothing else. To a certain extent, you can say he's working for himself. So long as he meets the company's target and goals he's rice bowl is safe and sound. This is however not the case for a minister. Every single decision made by the minister, every single bill to be passed requires very detailed planning and thinking. The minister's responsibility however does not stop at ensuring he's own rice bowl is intact and that the country functions. He needs to take into consideration that everything he do will affect the entire population of Singapore and the whole country is constantly watching him with a critical eye.

Chapter 1:- The Price of Good Governance
Chapter 2:- Benchmarking & KPI (Key-performance Indicators)
Chapter 3:- Public vs Private Sector
Chapter 4:- Timing of the announcement

Chapter 1: The Price of Good Governance.
On the issue of good governance, the whole crust of it is not about how high is high for the pay cheque. Neither is is about price tagging good performances or politicians. It is true that we are a meritocratic society, however with that comes the issue that people consider the amount of responsibility one has to bear with the amount on their pay cheque. Put it this way, the responsibility a CEO bears way pass that of a admin assistant. This is also justifiable by the fact that a CEO gets paid much more. When you compare the responsibility and job scope of a CEO and that of a minister, can we deny the fact that the latter bear more responsibility. And with that, Singapore as a meritocratic society, shouldn't we pay our minister more than what a high flying CEO gets?

It is also a fact that CEO get bonuses and pay incentives if the company hit its targeted profit. Do our poor ministers get that? Singapore being a prospersous country with a well developed economy, but do our ministers get incentives or bonuses or pay increment periodically for that? While they helped the rest of the country progress and increase our pay cheques, isn't it than justifiable that they get their share of increment too? Giving our ministers pay increment is but of course our way of recognising their efforts put into the country.

Perhaps you will say that ministers need to run the country with an altruistic heart and that their pay cheque should not be a factor to affect their performances. Lets be realistic over here. They are also humans born with a degree of greed for better life and they have a family to feed as well. We're not Tibet where a group of extremely altruistic Dali Lamas run the country. Ministers are no monks or nuns or saints. It takes quite a bit of altruism to put down a much higher paying private sector job for one which requires more responsibility, sacrifice, time and lower paying ministerial job. There is a limit as to how altruistic a person can be and how long he can hold on before he succumb to the seduction of a higher paying, lesser responsibility private sector job. It is only fair to our ministers if we give them their much deserved pay increment.

If we are to follow the structure whereby your pay cheque is a reflection of the amount of responsibilities one have to bear, our ministers are still under paid even after the increment.

Chapter 2: Benchmarking and KPI
Before we start, let me cast you a few questions. How often do you NOT look at the performances and decisions made by the ministers with a critical eye? Are the constant critical staring of the population not acting as a form of benchmarking and KPI for the ministers? KPI and benchmarking done in the corporate world cannot be applied for the various ministries. It is easy to set a certain benchmark and a set of KPIs for the CEO of a company. It is easy for the handful of board of directors to come together and say the CEO has failed his job because the company's profit was not met. How is it possible for us then to have a list of KPIs or benchmarks for the ministers? The amount of profit the country earned? The amount of jobs created? The drop is the number of crimes? All these are not things which we can fairly set as KPIs. The fluidity of a country's progress cannot exactly be compared to that of a company. It is then not fair for us to use it as a set of KPIs for the ministers.

Lets sight one example over here. Recently, there is another increase in transport fare and it certainly stirred up some unhappiness among the citizens. Those who are affected by it will stand up and say the Minister for Transport, Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat, is not doing his job. These people will say the minister is not doing his job in making sure that transport fare is within the means of the citizens. This will however not be the case for the rest of the population. And than again, if we were to use improvement in transport facilities as an KPI. While I may say there is improvement made, others might beg to differ. The population by far due to the large number will come with many different standards of KPIs for the ministers. Who is than in position to set the KPIs? Unlike that of the corporate world, there is no way a board of directors can represent the population.

In a way, having a transparent KPI for the ministers is not pragmatic and feasible. Also, if any minister is under performing, it is sure to be picked up by the critical and sharp eyes of the population.

Chapter 3: Public vs Private sector
Like I've mentioned earlier, the responsibility one has to bear working in the private and public sector cannot be compared to that of a minister's. By using the salary band of the private sector as a benchmark for ministers' salary is in fact a way to keep talents in the parliament. The ministerial posts are in fact a form of job which is only fair if the amount of salary paid keeps up with the country's progress. On the issue of altruism, I've already mentioned earlier as well and shan't repeat.

Last point for this chapter, it is unjust for us to say that it is easier to lose your job in the private sector as compared to that of a government's. In this case, any under performing minister will sure to be voted out by the citizens during election. The pressure ministers have to face to do well and to deliver is in fact greater than what they will face in the private sector. There isn't a need to talk about competitiveness among ministers here. Employees of the private sector are not under the constant pressure of the critical eyes of the population of Singapore and therefore such competitiveness is a need to drive them to strive. As oppose to that, ministers are under the pressure to deliver by their fellow countrymen. Like you've mentioned, because they are Ministers.

Chapter 4: Timing
I would beg to differ on the issue that right now is not time for ministers to take a pay increment. If not now, then when? Which is the right moment? When we've lost a bunch of good ministers to the private sector? When the pay of a minister is nothing but that of a small company's CEO and below? When we finally deem that they are under paid?

Proposals to increase funding for the poor are constantly being submitted to the parliament. It just so happen that one of such happened recently. There is no reason why it should be taken into account as to whether ministers deserve a pay increment. Will a deprived of pay increment on the part of the minister mean more funding for the poor? No. Why should we determine if our ministers deserve a pay increment on the note of how much funding is going to the poor?

Lastly, the GST hike of 2% is in fact again nothing to do with the issue of ministers' pay increment. Just in case you don't know, GST hike affects the entire country INCLUDING the ministers themselves. They DON'T get GST exemptions when they make their purchases do they? The whole idea of a GST hike is to close up the widening income gap in the country and nothing else. Will it help to close the income gap if the ministers do not get a pay increment? Again no.

There, you be the judge.

War for War

2007-04-09T17:30:00.000+08:00

When war and invasion evolve into civil-sectarian genocide and violence addiction.

For nearly 3 decades long, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan government has been at a cut-throat war with each other. Various efforts to bring about ceasefire between both sides failed with each saying the other is not sincere about it. The Tigers wants an autonomous state of their own, the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka, to be called the Tamil Nadu. The war between both sides was sparked by the minority Tamils accusing the Sinhalese dominated government of unfair treatment and being bias towards the majority Sinhalese Buddhists in the South and Western part of the country.

This cut-throat violence started out with pushing for more rights in the country and also to achieve an autonomous state. Today, the war has evolved into a deep-rooted civil addiction to violence sparked by individual protectionism instincts.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans got displaced and became refugees within their own country. To put it bluntly, majority of them lead the life of nomads - shifting from place to place to escape artillery shelling and violence. Schools are practically dysfunctional as children are yanked from school even at the whiff of the slightest potential of violence erupting. There is for sure no proper education to speak of as lessons are constantly disrupted and children miss school for long periods of time. Many teenagers are recruited as fighters for the LTTE at a very young age while the success stories at schools fled the country.

The test of time however did put the LTTE in a weaker position. This is accounted for by the internal dispute within LTTE and the subsequent splitting of one group of LTTE out of the original rebel group. Ironically, the group of Tigers who left LT TE joined the government military in fighting against their old comrades. Now, here's where we say the war is no longer as it is about 3 decades ago. Why did those Tigers left and broke off from the original LTTE? And even more perplexing is that they joined the government military.

The war within Sri Lanka itself is no longer as simple as a push for autonomy and a larger voice. It is in fact an addiction on the part of the society to violence. With many generations being born and fed under such violence, the alcoholism and suicide rate in the country is one of the highest in Asia. I would not say this is a shocking phenomenon. Humans are influential creatures and being under such constant violence, this is but of course something within the spectrum of the expected.

To add on to what spark the conclusion that the war has evolved, many Sri Lankans are picking up violence in the name of protectionism. Violence is seen as the only solution to protecting their family and the individual from the ongoing violence. The exact impetus of the war is no longer as clear as it is decades ago. What autonomy or rights is there to speak off when majority of the country is in refuge within itself?

What Sri Lanka need right now is nothing but understanding and reflection on the part of the government and the LTTE. Of course it is easier said than done on my part. :P What needs to be thrashed out is the fact that the society itself is addicted and haunted by violence. The war right now is nothing but just for the sake of war. The current leaders are a generation born into the believe that the other party is never going to come to a compromise. They are nothing but breeding more generations of violence- alcoholism- addicts and suicidal- thoughts- haunted teens.

There is a need to recognise the fact that the people are at war with themselves and for the sake of war. Civil wars are never easy to solve, and their evolution into an addiction will only make it worse. To be truthful, the Iraq war in my opinion is already heading for such a grave yard like Sri Lanka. To enlighten you a bit on why I say so, here it goes. It is not just the individual Shi'ite and Sunnis that are fighting. In fact there are many small little groups under the name of these two huge "superpowers" that are fighting each other outside Bagdad. Not forgetting the fact that in time to come the Kurdistans in Iraq Kurdish might just lose their patience with the rest of Iraq. They might just stand up and ask for autonomy as well, of course at the risk of facing all the other unfriendly Middle Eastern countries on their own. OK, that is a bit of off-tracking.

And so. Its a War for war. How are we going to solve such a shit mess? Spare a thought for the innocents born into such violence.

Where's daddy?

2007-04-08T20:08:00.000+08:00

Are you born into the third generation of offspring whereby paternal guidance is being represented by the absenteeism of your father?

In the Asian family structure, the man is the bread-winner and the woman the home- maker. Often, the dad is given the role of an authoritarian and the mum the softer role. As a result, many people see the dad as playing the bad guy and the mum the angels. Pardon me for the little bit of assumptions and stereotyping I'm making here.

As with development, come sacrifice which we have to make. Take for one example, global warming is the sacrifice we have to make for industrialising. Now, as society evolve and standards of living increase, dads now have to spend longer hours at work. Being the responsible man, they feel obliged to ensure their children are well clothed and fed. Not forgetting, employers being largely profit driven demands more from their employees. Many dads sighted as being unable to take leaves during and/or after the birth of their child. Gone were the days where dads are good friends to chat with and our number supporter during sports day. Welcome and embrace the time whereby dads are just a parent figure at home.

A victim of such a paternal absenteeism phenomenon, dad is just a parental figure. He, for that matter is not a friend or confidant to me. Perhaps, many others born into this generation will agree with me. Alright that's not the crust of this entry. Studies reported that children born under such family structure are more aloof, detached from the family and have lower self-esteem. These people are going to carry on this phenomenon into their own family life because to them, the absences of daddy is a norm.

Right now, many countries such as Japan are trying very hard to push dads to take a greater role in their kids' life. Employees with children under 3years of age are given extra 2weeks of paternal leave. Dads are encouraged to take time off to accompany their children. This is in line with society's increase in awareness that the dad plays a relatively important role in the growing up years of the kid. With many families being duo income, more dads are feeling the stress and strain. They felt torn between wanting to play a greater role in the household, sharing the responsibility with their wives and having to face the demands at work.

The job scope of a working mum includes juggling her work and running the household. Right now, perhaps the job scopes of working dads should change as well. It is in fact gonna be a big challenge in changing the perspectives of dads born under the generation of paternal absenteeism.

Now, now daddies~ If the ladies can do it, so can u. ;) Be a friend to your kid and share the load with your wife. The job scope of a dad right now does not stop at bringing the bread and butter home. Kids these days have higher expectations of you just like you have for them. Society has it, dads need to be more involved with their kids. It is not about clothing your kids and watching them do the right thing. Its all about teaching them to do the right thing when you're not around and being a friend to them. There are certain values and things which dads are more effective in imparting as compared to mums. After all, dads have the gift of nature at being more masculine and gives a better sense of protection. A sense of protection and guidance mums cannot provide. To a certain extent, nature has it that man and woman are after all not equal. To each his own.

Daddies, your kid needs your time. Take the advantage of employers giving more leeway for dads to take time off to accompany their kids~!

Blogging

2007-04-06T16:21:00.000+08:00

The motion of the day: This house believes that bloggers should register with their state government.
Let's play the opposition party in today's motion. Read Straits Times for the proposition entry.

Ladies and gentleman, speakers of the house, good evening. In today's principle debate, the opposition will raise three issues on why it should not be mandatory for bloggers to register with their state government. Firstly, on the issue of breaching the culture and purpose of the Internet. Secondly, what's going to happen when a nation's politics intrudes freedom of speech and individuals' privacy. Lastly, why there is absolutely no need for such a measure to be implemented to help ensure a higher level of national security.

Let us now touch on the first issue, the culture and purpose of the Internet. The impetus of the Internet was to create a platform for the sharing of information across the globe. It was believe that such a platform would greatly accelerate globalization and development when people across the globe are able to communicate and share information at a faster rate. No doubt, right now the Internet has evolved from a platform of information sharing to one which offers undue freedom of speech when blogging came about. Many took the advantage of the freedom the Internet provides to air their views, especially for citizens of countries whereby freedom of speech is relatively limited or even condoned. Unlike the media, the Internet is still relatively out of the reach of the arms of the restrictive and sometimes absurd laws. When the proposition party came up with idea of making it mandatory for bloggers to register with their state government, we say they've made themselves an object of ridicule for the blogging community including myself. Not only do they not understand the nature and impetus of blogging but also the Internet. There is a reason why blogging was fast to be picked up by the general public and became what it is today, a culture of its own. Many made use of this as a platform to share information with their friends and family, and some others like me use it to air my views. It is also a personal preference to either blog anonymous of vice versa. Making bloggers register not only robed the blogging culture of its essences but also bloggers' privacy. The Internet was never a place for laws and politics to take a stand. (Neither should it anytime soon or you'll never see such entries from me :P )

It is a common phenomenon for the media to be used as a platform for the parliament to relate and communicate with the general public. How the public perceive a ruling party, its image and votes collected during election is very much in the hands of the media. The general public are just like a blank piece of paper waiting to be filled with information. In this case, the media acts as the only mode for election parties to sell themselves. Therefore, usually the government of each nation and state holds strict controls over what the media can or cannot publish about them. This nevertheless also means that freedom of speech of the general public over the media is confiscated. It is not uncommon for individuals to be sued for defaming of members of the parliament over the media. As a result, many resort to blogging as a means to release those emotions built up inside. People see the Internet as a mode of tension release and that is the only little freedom they have. Robbing citizens of even such freedom is like robbing them of their privacy at home. There would no longer be any freedom to speak off and no platform for debates, true suggestions and altercations from the public. This when exaggerated can mean a lack of political competitiveness as well as a lose of ideas. It will be like double locking in an already caged bird in the name of securing your asses. ( Alright, asses sounds wrong. Votes and image to be exact.)

Lastly, there is absolutely no need for sure a measure to be implemented in the name of higher level of national security. In fact, as of status quo in Singapore, some MPs actually have a blog of their own. This is something commendable as it shows their willingness to integrate with the community and extend whatever efforts they can to communicate with us. While it is not mandatory for bloggers to register, it is in no way compromising with national security. Although they have been cases of teenagers being sued for publishing entries which may stir up racial unrest. But, random checks on the part of the government is much more reasonable and easier for the blogging community to swallow. In a way, their privacy and freedom of speech is not taken away outright in their face.

And therefore, with the above three reasonings, the opposition stands.

Its a lousy debate, I know that. But I'm bored.

The above entry is purely for fun and the author has no intention of offending anyone or any organisation. The entry should not be subjected to any republications without the author's permission.

Candle Night

2007-04-04T22:55:00.000+08:00

Please don't get misled into thinking I'm gonna talk about some candle light dinner issues in this entry. (Right Honey? Lol.)

Candle Night here simply refers to a certain event held in many parts of the world in an energy conservation effort. One very good example would be Japan who just had a Candle Night event. During which, across Japan, more than 400 odd gatherings took place. (If my memory serves me right)

I know you fellow folks still don't have a single idea about this. Here it goes. On Candle Night, many parts of Japan would unplug their electric sockets for two hours. Homes, shopping malls, and even the renowned television tower in Tokyo went black for two hours. During this two hours, citizens would gather around streets holding candles. This is a time for people to connect with nature and to experience primitive life and also to learn to appreciate their resources. In fact, not only Japan holds such an event. Many other parts of the world, people are participating willingly and voluntarily to this event. Now here comes the power of Candle Night, volunteerism.
The nature of the event is so much so that it promotes individuals' feelings of responsibility for the environment. We inhabitants of this tiny- bruised- pathetic mother earth should take responsibility of it. Put it this way, nothing in this world comes without responsibilities and consequences. We selfish craps have been sponging off mother nature for as long as we know and yet we take so minimal responsibility to the damages done. Yes, i hear the protest. We're born here and IF we don't sponge off her, where else? Right? Yes, I hear that protest. Its not about whether we should be sponging off her but rather taking responsibility for damages done. Excavations, mining, drilling, CFCs, green house gases and tonnes of other harmful things we're doing. Gosh.

Now, perhaps you would say all these are just part and parcel of development, globalization and perhaps even civilization. Lets face one harsh fact here. We humans DEFINED on our own what comfort meant. And how do we define that? We define comfort as being in air-conditioned environment, being sheltered in concrete buildings, having images flash in front of us and having lots of paper made stuffs. Well, since development has already come to this stage, there is no reason in clinging onto the Ifs. We still have time for the remedies and delay of worst environmental changes.

Lets not poke into the issues of human greed and selfishness that leads to what we are today. The whole issue here is that we should all take responsibility for the environment. At least feel the pinch when redundant harm is being done to the environment. Well, for example, the burning of tonnes and tonnes of paper in the name of tradition during Qingming. Aren't we digging our own graves to buy us comfort when facing the graves of our loved ones? Is this tradition worth following? Even when right now global warming is proceeding at an alarmingly fast rate. We all feel the heat on our skin don't we?

Must we wait till the day where all the low lands of the world gets submerged by melted ice caps before we learn our lesson? In the 1970s, we ignored our beloved scientist's warnings, 1980s, we did the same, 1990s, we feel it and we are FINALLY doing something, but its not enough. Right know, in our 21st century and we're all burnt and scorched by the environment, we are FINALLY taking a more proactive approach towards this issue. But, I must say, environmental conservation IS NOT proceeding at a fast enough rate to keep up with environmental degradation.

Seriously, I don't know when will we break away from stupid traditions and stop burning unnecessary papers. I don't know how bluntly must we put it so that ignorant-selfish humans will start to learn. Environmental conservation is not the job of the politicians or scientist. Technology which gave us what we have today will not SAVE your dear mother nature.

Harming the hand which feeds you for our definition of comfort, development is plain stupid. Since we've been dumb asses for so long, shall we start being real smart and save the earth. Well, its not so much of saving the earth for everybody else, but for yourself. Imagine a poor mother earth with many plasters on her and yet we are still setting so many hot spots on her wounds. Poor her. Well, if personification of the earth gives you a better picture, please do so.

I'm glad if you manage to read up till here. And if you did, may i urge you to think about this whole issue. Lets support Candle Night~! Well, not exactly just candle night, but environmental conservation as a whole. Candle Night is a good way to start things though.

The above entry is written with absolutely no intention of offending any kind- hearted, environmental-conservation-ignorant-idiots, and tradition loving individuals. But if I do, too bad, take this as a wake up call. Your child may have to live in even warmer conditions with worse environmental conditions. Think about it. Are you still going to waste paper just in the name of tradition and comfort? Or you're gonna start a whole new tradition of environmental conservation? If we can start traditions, we should end it if its built on nothing but ignorance, and if it means the survival of human civilization.

Stop cursing me if you are right now. I rather we engage in friendly debates or altercations. ;)

Transsexuals

2007-03-28T23:01:00.000+08:00

How did the Spaniards showed the world that they are extremely for sexual equality?

Spain's parliament ruled on Feb. 27 that transsexuals CAN choose their OFFICIAL GENDER.
And on Feb. 29, crosswalk signals in Fuenlabrada, south of Madrid , suddenly donned skirts in an effort to promote "equality in traffic safety".

On the first issue whereby Spain's parliament allow transsexuals to choose their official gender. Alright, let us examine the sentence closely, word by word. When it is said to be a RULE laid by the parliament, it means that it is legally acceptable for one to change their gender. This means that you are allowed to have the state to recognise you for whatever gender you choose to be rather than your biological gender. Although transsexuals have had undergone a certain degree of sex change, it is still a question of whether they are biologically sex-changed. Next, 'official gender' denotes that the not only Spain, but the international community are to recognise the person for his new proclaimed gender. Let us just poke the whole issue with a few sensitive question. Firstly, what kind of impact will this rule have on the image and credibility of the parliament's official documentation in future? Secondly, will it then become a loop hole for terrorist to enter any other country? Thirdly, will it stir up more confusion on the issue of gender- recognition for this community and the general society? I shall not address these question here just in case I get myself involved with the law. Anyway, its up to you to challenge those questions.

However, it is not fair if we do not look at the benefits of such a rule. First, it will boost the image of Spain as a country to be very open to transsexuals. The transsexuals are definitely gonna accept this new rule with a big welcome yell. Well, it is good to know that we are giving more humanity rights and recognition to this community of people. And yes, they are also humans and should be protected by the law. Under this rule, it will actually boost the integration of this group of people into society. There is a need for us to protect the true identity of these transsexuals and protect them from gender discrimination. When transsexuals are given recognition of their new proclaimed gender, it will do away with the embarrassment they have to face when others question their physical gender and gender-on-paper.

So there, a pro and con situation for you to run your mind through.

Well, now let us then address the interesting issue of crosswalk signals donning skirts in an effort to promote "equality in traffic safety". Hello~ is there a NEED for it? What is the exact impetus of it? What are you trying to promote? Alright, I'll be blunt with this. Is there any out cry or protest from the woman community that those blinking lights which featured only men is not being fair to us ladies?? How is such an effort going to help boost global image or internal harmony? Yes, although there isn't much of a cost increase to change the crosswalk signals, but is there really a need for it?

Alright, if it is done once a year as an icon for World's Woman Day then there is a reason to it. So now, the Spain which we know is now full -fledge for gender equality. Hello... is there really a need?

The above essay is based on author's personal opinion and should not be subject to any study on the situation.

Charity shows

2007-03-25T20:51:00.000+08:00

" Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our annual fund raising event... Please call 1800 XXX XXX... We hope we've managed to touch your hearts... Please call XXX..."

Are such charity shows healthy for our future generation? What kind of social culture are we trying to breed? How long can such commercial- charity shows last and stay transparent without its corruptions? Do we really need a bunch of celebrities to monkey on stage just so that we'll show our kindness and empathy for the less fortunate? Well, are money donated under such circumstances really meaningful?

Lets examine the issues one by one.

Firstly, it is definitely far from being healthy for such commercialised charity shows to be aired. Perhaps you don't get the picture here as to why it is unhealthy. Alright people, put yourselves in the shoes of a growing- innocent- young kid and picture yourself viewing such charity shows. What kind of message are you taking home? One, there are a group of less fortunate who desperately needs our donation ( good for you if you are taking this message home). Two, society will only donate and show their empathy towards the less fortunate when a group of kind hearted souls monkey out on stage. Boohoo~! Now, lets not talk about the probability of kids taking home the second set of message. The fact that such a message is being sent out is enough to raise our concerns. If you are on the receiving end of the help and donations, will you truly feel blessed? Blessed that the large masses donate and takes notice of you ONLY when such an annual event is being aired. Even so, whether or not the fund raised are from the right mind set is a total different issue. So we're trying to tell the majority of our kids that donation is on a annual basis when celebs sweat and monkey it all out on stage? Well, I'm making a tiny bit of stereotype here and I shan't deny that. But, go down the street and make a survey and you will know why i say so.

Secondly, on the surface level we are in fact breeding a very good culture. A culture whereby the nation takes pride in taking care of every single of its citizen. A very good boost to our global image. But, like I've mentioned earlier, what kind of message is being sent out to our kids? Perhaps it sounds like I'm exaggerating a tiny issue here. However, we all know the power of trends and bad social phenomenon. I believe i don't need to explain further to you smart- Alexs out there.

Thirdly, how long can such shows stay transparent and on track with its true purpose? Lets not deceive ourselves OK. We've seen it happen for XXX and how sure are we that it will not happen again? Perhaps I would say this is a minor issue on its own due to the measures and guide lines charity organizations now have to follow. These guide lines are no full-proof jackets though.

Next, is there really a need for the celebs to risk their life? Why should we dish out our money to help others under such circumstances? The question of whether we are really donating to help the less fortunate or we are barely paying support to those poor celebs is what many of us will avoid to answer. Search your soul and ask yourself that question. Are your intentions just as pure and altruistic as the celebs are when you call those hot lines?

Of course, there is no exact right or wrong to this issue. There are many other ways to raise awareness for the less fortunate and tap on society's empathy juice then having such annual charity shows. I've heard many questioning the need for it be an annual event, the exact impetus and intention of such shows.

There, you be the judge for yourself. Right or wrong or you're gonna sit on the fence is up to you.

I know it's an ultra flimsy and unsubstantiated entry, but heck, I'm bored.

Dark tunnel

2007-03-23T21:47:00.000+08:00

If you were to describe your relationship with the people around you, what will it be? Your relationship with your mum, dad, siblings, friends and lover. How will you describe it? Cut throat relationship with your mum? Yet at the end of the day there is nothing you can do because afterall she's your mum. A family life that is full of downs, fights and blue days and you can do nothing as well. Why? Because at the end of the day, you love them as your family. Ever wonder how things would be different if you were to be in a family setting that is unlike what it is now? Will you be happier? There is nothing i can do but to tolerate and to make do with the situation. Why? Because she's my mum.

Have you ever wondered how your relationship with a particular someone would be different if you had not been who you are? If you have to let the special one know you love them, would you do it with actions or with words? What if things are not what you perceive it to be? Would you dare to ask the other person about it? What would you do when the line of friendship is blurred? What would you do when you wonder what is your relationship with the other person?

Have you ever wondered how friends can change your life? All these quesitons... all these doubt... all these uncertainties flows through my mind. They vanish into thin air when i see you. Ironically, you're a uncertainty to me as well.

HUmans, life, relationships... what a complicated question which comes with a sophisticated and perplexing solution.

Singlish

2007-03-15T23:15:00.000+08:00

Can singlish be called a language? While I must admit that singlish is what many Singaporeans speak and are proud to call it our own, can it really be considered as a language? Wait, lets examine this "language" of ours. Firstly, it is a combination of english with hokkien, malay, chinese and tamil. Secondly, it basically follows a set of grammar rules with comes from god knows where. Thirdly, singlish itself has a set of unique vocabulary. Lastly, each word can hold a hell lot of different meaning depending on who are you talking to.

Ok. Here it goes. The number of different languages of the world is more than your fingers can count. However, all these languages have itself a set of known and recognise set of grammar rules and vocabularies. Many a times, or rather all these languages have been published officially by the country or state of people who speaks them. Take for example teochew a certain chinese dialect. The teochews have their own songs, books and dictionaries and a set of their own vocabs and grammar. Well, you can then say it is a language and the same goes for the numerous others. The debate comes is as to whether we can all singlish, this local tongue of ours a language. There exist no dictionary, no proper set of grammar rules and vocabs. Does it even fit to be called a language? Are we even suppose to be proud of this "language"?

Perhaps you will argue that by speaking singlish, it brings a feeling of closeness and identity to us. I shall not deny that. Yes, it is something unique to Singapore and it is something which marks the cosmopolitian society of ours. Now, since there is no hard and fast rule to this language, there can never be any grammar wrongs. Ok, since singlish is build on english, there need to at least be a certain level of grammar in it no? It strikes me hard when recently I began having difficulty understanding some of my friends. Not that they use flowery english so much so that I can't understand with my little vocab capacity. I'll put it this way, the singlish is way too singlish? Right, this sounds wrong. Hm... the language which they use is way to wrong gramatically that I can't catch what they are trying to say? This sounds more reasonable.

Singaporeans oh Singaporeans, are we trying to use singlish as a way to musk our poor english standard? Or are we truly trying to come up with a unique language of our own? If its the latter, well we are pretty bad at doing it. No doubt the world is begining to accept singlish as something unique to Singapore, it has to at least be a language which others can understand! Singlish has evolved from the general "la, lor, lei, sia" to many many more. My Question is, while we can try and create a language unique to us, it has to be one which still allows good communication. It has come to a point whereby singlish is no longer about it being a "language", but rather a feeling of chemistry being spoken.

Here's a challenge to you fellow readers who are perhaps rather perplexed now. Try using your set of singlish to communicate with someone totally new to you and at the same time try and understand his set of singlish. Yes, you'll get what i mean. There is no way two person without a certain level of understanding and chemistry to communicate in singlish freely without asking each other to rephrase. What happends when two seasoned singlish speaking strangers try and communicate without a common set of vocabs? This is where misunderstandings and miscommunications sets in.

Now, can we really call singlish a language of its own? If yes, where is that singlish dictionary which our kids should be carrying? If it is something we should be so proud of and use it widely, why are we still teaching British english? Come on stop giving those bullshits. Learn your english well! Alright, there is no need for you to aces in your O levels english paper but at least speak a certain level of proper english. Minor grammar errors and a bit of " la, lor, lei" here and there is acceptable. BUT, if you're gonna cut short everything and start flowering it will all sorts of other languages, please make sure the other party knows what you're trying to say.

Its wierd when i'm trying to improve my english and expand my vocabs yet people are trying to expand their singlish vocabs and grammar. Gosh.

India (2)

2007-03-11T23:03:00.000+08:00

Beep Beep~~ Beep~!! Beep~~Beep!! It was a real eye opener upon stepping out of the airport onto the streets of Bangalore. The traffic was really chaotic with narrow and multi directional roads, the hardly seen traffic lights, the endless hornings and many close brush passes of vehicles. As we sat in the mini bus with the hindi music blasting on the stereo, the sights of india sets in. Behind the chaos, the polluted air and the saris, there is a rich culture and seductive beauty and this is India. While we read on the papers that India's income gap is a huge 13billion, exactly how bad is the situation? Well, a huge and magnificent three story house home to a family of say 6 can stand beside a zinc roofed-mud walls tiny house home to the same number or people. And while the some kids throws fries on the floor or MacDonalds in shopping malls, a toddler for instance wailed for food along the dirty streets. Mind you he's barely a toddler with nothing except a tiny dirty shirt clapse to his tiny frame and he sat along the streets with no one and nothing to help him brave the chilly night. Take note that while we crush chunks of meat between our teeth and still complain of its bad texture, kids in the village are eating a meal a day which comprises of low grade white rice with curry soup (curry soup with nothing except a few strands of veg). Although it really brings a heavy rock to the heart, this is reality and it is for us to accept it. Anyhow, the closeness to nature as well as the chaos itself sets me at peace with it. It just feels so real, so calm and so beautiful. All the memories and quiet nights is what i'm thankful for. For that, i must say thank you to india for bringing back that me in myself. I seriously miss India a lot...

Poems

2007-02-25T11:03:00.001+08:00

Here's a few poems for you while I'm away.

Hope is a Thing With Feathers
by Emily Dickinson

Hope is a thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings a tune without words
And never stops at all.

And sweetest, in the gale, is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That keeps so many warm.

I?ve heard it in the chilliest land
And on the strangest sea
Yet, never, in extremity
It ask a crumb of me.

Coffee Lovers
by Aindr閍s Brennan

Silently,
He smiles to himself,
As he thinks of her,
Sitting alone in her kitchen,
Sipping coffee.
She thinks of him too,
But little does he know it.
Shamefully,
Both pass each other every day,
Without passing on the knowledge,
Of their inwardly turned love.
Time and time again it happens,
For who has the courage to say it first,
Or do they just enjoy,
Their secret love affair.

THE MOUNTAIN.
By Emily Dickinson

The mountain sat upon the plain
In his eternal chair,
His observation omnifold,
His inquest everywhere.

The seasons prayed around his knees,
Like children round a sire:
Grandfather of the days is he,
Of dawn the ancestor.

India (1)

2007-02-24T23:36:00.000+08:00

A foreign land where I don't know what to expect from except statistics. Yes, I'm rather reluctant now for reasons which shan't be spoken over here. Lets just hope everything will be alright and we'll all have a unforgettable experience. Truth is that 2 weeks will really fly by in a blink of the eye. While 2 weeks on the clock is fast but 2 weeks for the heart is like decades. And I hope not. I leave for India with reluctance and in a falling sick state, lets hope I'll come back with a different perspective. On the issue of conservatism, lets hope I can survive it. Seriously I can't imagine myself to be in a place of such conservative socio culture. Or perhaps I'm wrong about it. And also not forgetting the bad experiences I have had previously as well as the kind of propaganda perspective I'm given for as long as I know. Let me be proved wrong and let what needs to be overcome be.

Bond

2007-02-16T22:36:00.000+08:00

In a blink of the eye, one year passed and spring is here to greet us again. Sounds funny to say spring since for all our lives we inhabitants of this tiny red dot don't have any 4 seasons. Hah it doesn't seem to bother anyone at all anyway. We had fake spring flowers in replace of the fresh ones that blooms in other countries. And we had Chingay in replace of fire cracker as well as fake snow for Christmas. Gosh, we are fake-co number one. Haha.

There seem to be a not so glamourous trend threading its way along as we age. Those in their childhood will love cny well for the angbaos and the visiting of relatives. The teens will whine at the annual spring cleaning and boring house visiting. The 20s and 30s will hate cny for the need to answer yearly repeated questions post by those kaypo relatives. The married fret over money spent and comparison relatives. And the grandparents love cny as its a time for them to gather with their sons, daughters and gradnchildrens. DO you see the cycle and the trend?

Cny used to be all about collecting red packets, the goodies and the visiting of relatives. All these got my adrenaline pumping without fail, but it no longer do so. Right now, cny is all about the bonding and fun you get when the whole family gets together to shop for stuffs and spring cleaning. As one grows, the impetus behind cny revolves and its no longer so superficial. Its the bonding that we get once a year for family like mine who doesn't really bond even on such festive period its minimal. Its during such times that you realise how much you really love your family. When you look back to the past year, all the unhappiness is of nothing and bygones should be bygones. Forgive and forget. And its also during such a time that you realise how much a person mean to you.

Appreciation

2007-02-07T13:16:00.000+08:00

How often do we make known our appreciation for the little things in life which others did for us? Christmas, Lunar new year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Appreciation day...etc. Many of us are guilty of this big "crime" which ultimately pose us as unappreciative, heartless or arrogant. Are you for that matter guilty as well?

Appreciation have transformed from heartfelt and sincere words such as "thank you" to today's luxurious gifts we shower others. Perhaps in the begining of the transformation, these gifts are meant to double up on that sincerity we try to show and that appreciation we have for others. But these days have come whereby we buy gifts not for the meaning it used to be. These gifts have in fact take on the role of an investment in return for our reputation.

The various different special dates no longer hold as much weightage as it used to be. The highlight of Christmas is now all about the exchange of gifts and that of Lunar new year, the receiving of red packets.

Where did the good old "Thank you", "I appreciate it very much", "I love what you did for me" go to? In fact all these words coupled up with sincerity is pretty much better than any gifts in this world isn't it? Some tradition in this world ought to stay for good. A gift bought to double up your sincerity is always better than a gift bought to buy back your reputation. But at the end of the day, it is exactly what's writen in your eyes which counts, doesn't matter the cost of the gift.

Alright, now lets get back to the topic of exactly how often do you show your appreciation for someone. Have it ever crossed your mind that IF you do not show your love and appreciation for someone now, what happends if you lose the chance to do so? I believe anyone would feel guilty and down right regretful should they for some reason never get the chance to show their appreciation for someone they truly am thankful for.

Perhaps it time we all learn to show our appreciation and love for someone else. Procrastination in this case may mean a lifetime of regrets and guilt.

Ouch!

2007-02-05T15:10:00.000+08:00

Dirty and muddy sty accompanied by lots of meals a day is where I call it my heaven. Roll Roll Roll! Food Food Food! Oink Oink Oink!!! Together with my ten other brothers, growing fat is our top priority in life. Oh well at least this is what we were taught since day one. The only entertainment we get is butt banging with each other and of course the frequent kisses from our dear friends (from flies or from pigs doesn't matter, we love kisses). Till we meet our dooms day, this is our routine.

10Kg, 20Kg, 3oKg... Ahhh...
"Choose me~!!!" / "No, no not me!!!" (I can't decide which one they should be screaming).
Either way we'll end up at the butchery or supermarket before those picky consumers scrutinize our muscles and organs like gems.

Imagine a baby calf barely 2 years old being skined and double boiled along the streets. Ok, no joke this happened some time ago in China. The baby calf was skined whole ( the eyeballs are still intact, juz imagine a cow standing with everything but its skin) and double boiled while hundred others stood along to witness its agony. There was perhaps 2 thoughts running around the minds of the viewers. One, people symphatise and feel the agony and pain of the calf. Two, some drool while imagining the tender juicy beef tearing between their teeth. Which one do you belong to?

Imagine one day You are the one in replace of the say pig or baby calf. First, your flesh and organs is being cut up and scrutinised by the consumers. Second, you are skined down and well perhaps alive and feeling all raw. Imagine your raw and bare body swimming in boiling water.

Ouch.
( ok, this is an ultra lousy satire. Maybe the calibee potatoe chips advertisement is a better one. Potatos being "spa-ed" then packaged and still feel happy when they are about to be crashed by our nasty teeth. Sadist, but heck they taste good. ) : P

Alright, I'm off to the supermarket to get groceries. Black pepper pork, mushroom omelate, stir fry veg. Drooling??

Shhh...

2007-02-03T23:28:00.000+08:00

A quiet night
A peaceful night
Smoky engine slowing down
Tired soul echoing a sigh of relieve

A quiet night
A peaceful night
Every breath is marked
Every sigh is echoed

A quiet night
A peaceful night
So quiet
So peaceful

A quiet night
A peaceful night
Smiling moon
Twinkling stars

... A sigh of relieve and comfort broke the peaceful silence...

Climate changes

2007-02-01T14:09:00.000+08:00

Longer and stronger monsoon for Singapore and floods for Malaysia. First fall of snow after 20 winter-less years for California. Hazy air for Indonesia and crazy storm for Europe. Highly mutagenic H5N1 virus thats turning increasingly pathogenic to the human race faces the world. So what's next? Will the next human pandemic be caused by H5N1, climatic change or simply any other highly pathogenic-mutagenic virus which a single vaccine cannot handle? Many belief that these are the signs which spell the nearing of the end of the world, the end for the human race. How long can we hold on to this belief? How long more are we going to cling onto such ideologies and beliefs before we take more awareness and proactive actions? EVEN IF such beliefs and predictions are gonna come true, are we not gonna do somthing?

Looking at it from a more scientific perspective, the recent climatic change can be accounted for by a chain of events. Global warming giving rise to a rare change in the direction of the El Nino making the effects of it stronger. The stronger monsoon COULD be due to a stronger El Nino and increasing global warming. The sudden ( not exactly very sudden though) appearances of H5N1 is just part of nature. All these events are simply part of nature, the cycle of climate change, the El Nino and the appearance of new virus. Although the increase in frequency of such events is alarming and could be due to human activities, it should be embraced by us and not ousted. It is simply impossible to put a definite culprit to a certain climatic change because its a cycle with a "signal transduction" effect ( haha i can't find another better illustration for that).

Talking about having proactive actions taken by the politicians and the general public, its difficult. Alright, maybe we'll put it this way. The difficulty in it does not lie in the fact that prople are unwilling to do so. Its rather unfair to pin point and push the blame to any particular group of people. Not the politicians, not the NGOs, not UN, not anyone of them can handle the matter single-handedly. The economic, political and social implications as well as the practicality of it is enough to put people off. Although there are many efforts springing up, it is not enough and can i say it is simply not effective enough?

Perhaps learning to accept and coexist is a better way out? I'm not driving along the line of allowing the continuation of environmental distruction and acceptance for increase in release of green house gases. While many predictions of the future (including the possibility of a cease in human race) continue to echo through, there is a need for us to learn about this place we call earth. A remedy will be ridiculous, but a set of preventive measures will be good.

This beautiful place we live in is nothing but the art of a pervious drastic change the earth experience. We, being in the midst of another drastic change could well be part of what needs to be sacrifised for the next beautiful nautre of another civilisation of god knows what. Imagine your fossiles being studied like how we're studying the fossiles of the previous civilisation. Interesting eh??

Its about protecting and enjoying the beauty of nature. Isn't it interesting to experience the power, the strength and the beauty of nature by being part of it? Drastic and horrible changes it may be, but look at this beautiful piece of art work as it is. Mother nature, she's amazing isn't she?

Soccer noise

2007-01-27T23:06:00.000+08:00

GOOOALLLL!!!! AHHH!!! OOHHHH!!! GOOALLL!!!
This is what makes soccer season special for the soccer idiots. The housewives gets annoyed by the empty beer cans rolling around the living room and the peanut shells swept under the table. Business prospered for the ear plug manufacturers and wine brewers. While some students get torn between the tv and their books, some others whined at the noise generated by excited soccer fans. So what's soccer season to you? Sleepless nights catching match after match? Well, as much as the soccer season being fun time for many, its also soccer noise season to many.

R.e.f.l.e.c.t.i.o.n.

2007-01-18T21:23:00.000+08:00

Have you ever stood in front of your own reflection and stare hard? And i mean literally hard. You known the kind of things you do when you're damn bored, stoned and just need to kill time. It is freaking amusing to just stare at your own reflection and ask yourself who is that person in the mirror. The same old reflection that you see everyday and you thought you know that person inside out. Ok, at least we think we do. Hey hey, I don't mean how many blemishes or pimples or wrinkles you have. You might ridicule the idea of staring at your own reflection and ask yourself who is this person in the reflection. Maybe one day when you're bored, you should try it. Hah! So you think you know yourself? Ok, have you ever take time out and stare at the people around you? Alright, maybe most of us don't, apart from exceptional situations. One of the best way to know a person is none other than to just sit back and observe the person. Sounds lame? I guess there is no room for me to deny that. So, you think you know the people around you well? Hmm... oh well.. maybe. Imagine each and everyone as a book, a sophisticated book. Scrutinize the book. Exactly how many pages have you read? How much do you understand about the content? Now take another step back and take a good look at the book which records your relationship with this person. So, what has been recorded? The relationship of a couple? A pair of good friends? Two enemies? A prospective couple? No name to it? Well, I don't know, you decide.

Man and woman, man n man, woman and woman. Imagine the world as a HUGE library with lots of books. Books of scandels, news, friends etc. So you think you know yourself and the people around you? So you think you've read every single book? But have you truly examine them, study them and understand them? Maybe these books don't spark your interest or maybe you just can't be bothered to read them. Or maybe you think you've read them all. If not, maybe you are only interested in the book that bears the name of a certain someone. I don't know.

Heck. The perplexity of these "books" is simply amusing and interesting. People watching is a good way to kill time too. Reading and analysing the conflicts and politics of other countries around the world over a cup of well brewed coffee over a lazy afternoon is a luxury (at least it is to me). Perhaps, when you're done with that you shouldn't pick up you stuffs and go off. Sit around and observe the activities buzzing around. Where is that lady rushing off to? Why is that man looking so shack? Amidst the buzzing activities and annoying traffic horns, get absorbed into a world of quietness which only you know. A world of observation and analysis which only you have access to. A world of luxury your cup of coffee brings for you. Ooh that soothing and rich velvet rolling down your throat. OoHh... Enjoy that.

I miss those times where I've got the luxury of sipping a cup of good coffee in a cosy cafe and just laze the afternoon away.

So you think you know yourself? So you think you know the people around you? Give a good scrutinity to that reflection you see everyday. Take a good look into the eyes of your loved ones. Observe the people and activities around you. So you think you know it all well? Think again.

Sorry but this is an ultra long and random entry. Ok, I'm bored and... well... dillusioned. This happens when you try so hard to read, understand and examine a certain book in your world.

The end.

A whole new year~!!

2007-01-02T00:53:00.000+08:00

As I bid goodbye to the eventful year of 2006, I embraced a whole new year Happy and Budding with energy! Its gonna be a wonderful and very eventful year this year with Interpolys debate, running of Intersch competition for NP, Inter-institute debate, YEP-india, possibly All Asians in South Korea and the start of year2 lined up for the year! I'm entering and embracing the year with much anticipation, happiness and burst of energy. To those whom I've done wrong to in 2006, I apologise and seek ur forgiveness. To those who wronged n upset me, I've already forgiven you a long long time ago. To those who had braved through all the happy n sad moments with me, mainly my darlings n family members, THANK YOU~!! To those who had left my life, I'll never forget you guys and the memories we had. To those who entered my life, I thank god for you guys! Its a whole new year and let us have a fruitful year ahead.
We shall all be thankful for wad we are given for a matter of fact that many out there are not as blessed as we are. Although dad is jobless but that didn't stop me from entering the whole new year full of happiness and energy! No matter what i belief we'll tide through things and its gonna get better!
For this new year I just hope i can get a part time job soon and that all other good things jux fall upon my family, friends and myself.

God bless us all.

This is the season to party ??

2006-12-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

Recently i came across an article by Barbara Ehrenreich on "Fight for your right to party - our ancestors lived for holidays. keep that in mind this season". From the title itself I suppose its not hard to anticipate what the author is trying to get at. Many decades and probably centuries ago, festivals are celebrated with much elaboration and the joyous spirit they exude suffocates one. Maybe its time we stop and think through the repercussions of our workaholic society. Festivals are no longer celebrated for the reasons like before, take for example christmas and lunar new year. Majority of the people see these festivals as a much appreciated break from their hectic work and school schedules. Guilt stricken, I'm one of them. It used to be said that eonomic development and environmental conservation can never come to a compromise, does that have to be the same for festivals? Are we so success driven that we allow it to corrode cultures? However, speaking from the convict's stand, it is understood that time is precious. Every single minute has to be used wisely and simply none of us can afford the time to have an elaborate festive celebrations like our ancestors do. Perhaps its just a matter of priority of life, the difference in priority we have in contrast to our ancestors'.

Just as much as we want to party our time off, we are reluctant to fight for that right. You can never find a boss who's willing to sacrifice man-hours of his business just to allow you an elaborate celebration. Oh well, you can if you insist but at the expense of your rice bowl or your academic results.

Perhaps this Christmas you won't wish for more time but rather more benevolance on youself. The benevolance to allow yourself time to unwind and be embraced by the joyous mood. And maybe a little courage to say you deserve this break.

I'm far from being that benevolent to myself and I truly lack that courage. Maybe I'm not ready to party at the expense of my project grades and business failure. Procrastination may serve the situation right at this moment.

Change as it changes

2006-12-13T20:19:00.000+08:00

" The only thing that is perpectual is change itself ". This line was quoted by the MP of Clementi GRC on one of the edusave scholarship ceremonies quite a few years back. Many a times humans resist change just like the theory of inertia. The behaviours of man kind is what we call influencial behaviour where we change with the change itself. Not everyone in this world is born blessed with a silver spoon or angel- like features. As much as this attributes to what we deem as "good" life it is not something many of us are given at birth. You reap what you sow and you bear your own consequences, like it or not. People say life is but a matter of choices and decisions and your destiny lies in your own hands. If so, account for the decisions and choices in life where we are not given a say in then. Life itself is nothing but a ring of fire fueled by precious raw materials. So what does that make of us in this holy ground? Angel or a devil, either way you slog for your own destiny and luxuries. Some of us are blessed with a fertile land while others are given just a scum to begin with. It doesn't always have to work the way we define Markovnikov's rule, the rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer. The reverse can always happen as with the story of Cinderella. When there's a will there is always a way, and it all lies in your determination. Let's not bring in the fairy tale decorated word, fate, which i simply don't believe in. Its just a word for the broken soul in need of some consolation, and an excuse for the guy who waits patiently in his dreams for destiny to be bestowed upon him. Never will that ever happen, unless but of course you mean an empty destiny. Save those dreams for the lonely nights and those tears for that broken soul stuck in the cycle of self pity. Thrown into this ring of fire fueled by raw materials, fan by hypocrites, intensified by broken souls, and the destiny is yours to make. But of course, what could be wiser than working with what you have? Face up to reality, the world is this harsh.

Change itself is constant, so constant there is no need to comprehend them except to ride on it. The destination is not the highlight of the trip because its the journey that feeds the soul. The well fed soul with carve his/ her own destiny in however harsh conditions. Are you strong enough to douse the fire and build a castle of your own while others struggle to find a foot hole in this ring of fire?

I am, I will, and I can build my own destiny... even if I were to fight the battle alone. But then again, this is a battle to be fought alone.

a miracle...

2006-11-03T23:11:00.000+08:00

I thank god every night for your appearance in my life. From the begining until now, I still feel as if i'm dreaming. Everything just feel so right, so real, so comfortable, its as if its a dream. Shall not say much over here... its a feeling which words cannot describe. A feeling you just want to keep. God, thank you.

I love them~!!!

2006-10-24T15:23:00.000+08:00

Recent happenings gave me a very insightful thought about life and the people i love. The harsh reality of the outside world is what i've yet to comprehend and perhaps will not do so anytime soon. It is only recently that i finally understand the essence of the proverb, as cunning as a fox. I suppose its time i start learning, understanding and protecting myself against the world outside. What truly send warmth to my heart is knowing and feeling the support and presence of the people i love and trust. Thankfully for their presence and guidence to help me through, to help me understand the harsh reality of the outside world. I do feel guilty for always making the people whom i love worry for me. Well, at this point of time i really hope that i will somehow be able to me sharper. I shall thank god for sending these people into my life to help me out. Yes, i promise myself to learn to be sharper, to learn to better protect myself. And to my buddies, I'll learn to be less BNC. Oh well, my buddies will noe what does the abbreviation stand for. Time to learn, time to grow up!!! Thank you peeps~!! You guys rock~!!!

LaLa...

2006-10-13T01:26:00.000+08:00

Smile like an ange,
Sparkle like a star,
Melt it with eternal flame,
And make it race like never before,
Again.

Haze!!!

2006-10-10T23:26:00.000+08:00

Lately the skies of our garden city got painted grey by the haze blown over from Sumatra, Indonesia. The source of the haze is from over five hundred fire spots in the forests of Sumatra by farmers who needs fresh clearings of land. Indonesia's economy is still pretty much dependent on exports and a relatively large part of its population are in the farming industry. Many farmers chose to clear lands by burning as that would mean saving cost for other purpose. To add on, burningof the forest to make way for land will also mean that the charred forest wood acts as fertilisers to the crops. Looking at the issue starting from the environmental aspect, such fast rate clearing of the forest will post great damage. Tropical forests in Indonesia houses a large variety of animals and much of it is in danger of extinction, take for example the Sumatra rhinoceros. Apart from this, cross boundary pollution such as the recent haze which results in many falling ill with related respiratory ailments. Many of us stayed indoors during this period of time whereby the PSI is sky high hitting its highest at 150. Pollution such as this is not as simple as staying indoors and in air conditioned places. The economic impact varies for the different industries. For example, an outdoor restaurant along East Coast saw a tremendous decline in business on the night where PSI hit its highest. Although it seems like situations like this is beyond our control, but policies can be introduced to curb further burning of the forest. Indonesian authorities claim that thay have had done the best they could and am helpless of the situation as well. To a certain extent, waiting for the arrival of the rainy season at the moment is the only glimpse of hope we have. However, this must stop, there is a need to put an end to cross boundary pollutions such as haze. Responsibility must be claimed, the health wealth fair of the people of Indonesia as well as other neighbouring countries.

It is not about having the best solutions to stop the fire but rather proper measures and policies to prevent more of such land clearings. To nib the problem at the butt of it is always better than to remedy the situation when it has already happened. Besides the haze affecting the economies of neighbouring countries to a certain extent, Indonesia herself being a developing country will be at a even more disadvantaged position. Although many developed countries faced pollution problems during their developing periods, but this is not a reason or excuse that can be used to pardon the situation. It had been proven that economic developement and environmental conservation can reach a compromise, for instance the city of Kitakyushu, Japan. There is no reason why we should harm the environment when it is mother nature which gave us what we have. The raw materials for our industries. To a certain extent it is ridiculous that we are using what we are given to harm the source which gave us what we own.

The environment which we are dependent on is ours to protect and conserve rather than satisfy our greed at its expense. Hopefully more will see the importance of environmental conservation at an earlier stage, instead of as stated that environmental conservation usually kicks in when the country's GDP hits a certain value.

( The above entry is purely based on my views and it holds no offence to any of the above stated countries or organization. Appologise to anyone who find this entry offensive. )

Eternal Flame

2006-10-08T22:50:00.000+08:00

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

I believe it's meant to be, darling
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame

Say my name sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

how agonising ...

2006-10-03T23:58:00.000+08:00

How do you measure one's reliance on technology and its buddies? I guess i've got the answer right now. It is simply just how agonising you get when a certain technology or its buddies fail on you. Impatience and angony are two words to describe how i feel right now when i couldn't sign into MSN messenger. Sounds pretty much of a joke isn't it? I guess given the same situation to anyone living in this age will have the same reaction. Alright apart from that i guess my bolt of feelngs this week is due to PMS. This anyone in the right mind will have to spare me the rod, who can blame me when its the fault of nature? Wahaha. Its been quite an eventful few days for me as well as my family. First comes the shifting and changing of rooms and next also the most torturous one of all, the packing. What else comes as a worst news that i can only and probably take of my splints only next monday. Hell!!! I must thank him for being there for me and hearing me whine. He sure have his way of making me feel better after a horrible or eventlful day. The decision to put myself to the test came while i was laying on bed thinking through things. I decide to test myself to see if i can stand not talking to him for one day or if he can do so. It was an almost successful challenge until i receive his sms less than an hour to midnight. Proud to announce that it was a failed challenge. Never mind about that at this moment, i admit that part of my angony of not being able to sign in to MSN was due to my hope of chatting with him online. Well, spare me the sharp look because i'm not at all shamed. I suppose i give up trying to sign into MSN, its time to hit the sack and i hope tomorrow will be a better day for me and for him. Prayer of the night will be the usual which i'll not disclose and on top of that speedy recovery of his hand. I can't help but imagine that freaked out look that he wears when the blood fail to stop for some time. Sounds bad eh? Sorry boy didn't mean it. You know i was equally freaked out when i received your message about your injured hand. Anyway, time to sleep!!!!

Oh well...

2006-09-03T00:08:00.000+08:00

Life is rather short as the days and the minutes pass like nobody's business. There are many things is this world which cannot be left till tomorrow. No one knows exacty what is going to happen the very next minute and therefore life holds a myraid of surprises. Many incidents took place so far that left me in regrets rigth now. One of it which i stil regret till today is where i let a chance slipped and someone became a stranger forever. There is one thing which i swear i never want to regret about. This one thing is saying ' thank you ' and ' i love you ' to the people whom i love dearly once or still loving. That perhaps explains the intention of my previous two entries. There are many people whom i want and need to thank in this life time... one of which is my group of friends. I'm thankful and i think all of us should be for the many little pleasures in life which we often take for granted. Definitely grateful and honoured of my loved ones and those in my life. Procrastination can lead to regrets for a life time. God Bless.

The ones i'll die without...my family...

2006-09-02T23:53:00.000+08:00

This entry is dedicated to the few i love dearly.
I thank god from the bottom of my heart for giving me these people i hold dearly to my heart. Thankful for a pair of caring, fun best companions... my two elder sisters. Thank god for allowing a caring and loving couple, my parents, to bring me to this world. Grateful for having a pair of doting god parents. They are the ones i love dearly, and i will for as long as i'm alive. No matter what happen, i'll love them lots and i'll die without their love. I thank them for showing me what is true love. Their love nurtured and guide me through river of life. Their care sparkle like stars to me in the darkness. To them, i wonder if its a blessing or a torture to have me in their life. But hey, like it or not you got a blur queen stuck up in your life. Haha~!! Special thanks to my two sisters for putting up with my blurness, lameness and crappiness. They are my best companions. My prayer for these people whom i love deeply is ever lasting good health and happiness. A big thanks to them. God bless.

Thank You my friend

2006-09-02T23:37:00.000+08:00

This entry is dedicated to the one i once loved very deeply.
I wanna say I'm really thankful and grateful that i got to know you. No matter what happened, no matter if the decision then is right or wrong. You are still the one i once loved so deeply. Thanks for always being there for me when i need you. Thanks for all the comfort, care and motivation you showed. A word of motivation from you still matter a lot to me though it carry a different feeling right now. Thank you so much. Thank you for knowing when and what to say and knowing how i feel. I must admit you are better right now than then. I thank god for giving me the chance to know you. I thank you for once letting me stay by your side as someone who love you lots. And i thank you for staying by me as a good friend now. A good friend who knows me better than anyone else. I thank you for your motivation right now. I'll stay strong and i'll Jia You.. for the people i hold dearly to my heart. Thanks dude. I guess this is the first time i'm saying thank you to you for all that you have done. You may not know how significant the things you've done is to me. Somehow this day, this time, i feel like its time i say a Big Thank You to you. I hope for the best of things for you down the road. I treasured and cherished our relationship then and right now i treasure and am grateful for our friendship. God Bless you and continue to Ganbate dude. JIA YOU WOR~!!!!

5th Sept...

2006-08-28T13:33:00.000+08:00

The best things in life is when you feel the love and care the people around you have for you. I'm glad that god blessed me with such good friends and family who are always there for me. Their love and care is what gave me the strength to move on. This time round its gonna be an even more major op compared to the bone grafting i had in the earlier part of the year. But somehow I don't feel as depressed or distress about it as compared to the last time. Probably because i'm less on stress on the academic aspect and because i finally realise and feel the care and love showered on me by people around me. I must thank someone who has been praying for me. This so call stranger, though i don't really know her but i really do feel her prayers for me. Thanks a lot. I feel the need and urger to meet up with all my good friends and take pictures with them before the op. Don't ask me why, its not exactly because i want to see the before and after effect. Rather, i really don't have the reason behind my actions. Somehow i just feel the need to see them and have a nice chat, call it bonding if you must categorise it. Somehow i don't really feel much for it. It all appears to be as if its gonna be a come and go thing. No longer am i as anxious and excited about the ending as i was. In a way, my family members and relatives are the ones who are very anxious. Put it this way, to me life is short and no matter the outcome, the present is more important. Whether or not complications will strike me, whether or not it will be a sunshine after rain incident, i really don't know. But all that doesn't matter anymore. When its time for you to go, no matter how hard you struggle against it, you will have to go. God Bless.

darkness hits once again...

2006-07-21T23:55:00.000+08:00

Who can i describe and confide my fears to? Its yet another op to go through, yet another set of preparations that never fail to leave me drained. My fear this time round is so real, so true. I was clearly told about the complications that can arise during the op and what are the chances of it. I'm glad vf is rather confident that the complications will not occur and i know i'm in good hands. But then again, I'm human with feelings and all other things, i'm not just a piece of flesh. I thought i was ready to face it all mentally and to say, i was rather motivated. However, i was wrong and my motivations and hope wasn't able to drive me through. Its just the tip of the ice bergh and i'm drained, fearful, lost and whatever that i can think of to describe my feelings. Its gonna be a tough fight this time round, a real though one. I'm feeling so alone in this though many ppl around me are giving me their support. Lets be frank, i appreciate all it but none of you truly understands what i'm going through. The mental roller coasters, the pain, the fear. Please don't say you understand, cause you don't. I looked around me and there is no one to share this fear with. No one there for me to cry on. I wonder how i'm gonna push through these when adding on the exams are round the corner. I cannot help but to be bugged by the risk factors. what if complications do occur? What if the worse occurs? What am i to expect from it? What will happen after it? Its all so scary and so dark. Yeah, i need to learn to face things on my own. But this fear is what i don't know how to face alone. Can i not smile and pretend that i'm taking things well and that its all nothing much to me? Yes i need to be strong, and yes i'm kind of familia with stufss already. Everyone in there cares and support me, this is one thing i know for sure. But can i not be strong and smile and joke in front of them? Can i say i'm so frighten deep down? Can i say i'm scared, i'm afraid? Can i cry and be true about my feelings to someone? Just someone. I wanna give up, i wanna end all these. I don't wanna go through it all. Yes, yes, i can only keep all these to myself. My fear, my tears, they are all my to keep and hide. Its just soon that i guess i'll break down once again. Right now, i just wanna give up, walk away and end it all. But no i can't, its just the begining of a whole lot more. Will i see heaven this time round? 我的泪水只有我知道，我的害怕只有我感受的到，我的黑暗只有我看到。。。

Forgive and Forget, a virtue to practise

2006-06-16T17:29:00.000+08:00

As the saying goes, "Its human to err, its human to have feelings". Many a times in life we are flooded by a vast of emotions. Its part and parcel of life to have to tolerate others as with others tolerating and accepting us. Each and everyone of us are characterized by our difference in characters and personality. Probably due to the distinct of our genes and difference in upbringing despite the fact that we can come from the same family. Life is all about giving and taking, tolerating and enduring others as how others do so towards us. Mother Theresa's undemanding love, selfless giving and forgiving for others is what i take heed in learning and cultivating. However much i try to keep my temper in control and my emotions in check, I have to admit that there are still times whereby i lose control. For these times that I've lost control and for the people who innocently have to face my nasty emotions, I appologies from the bottom of my heart. I'm not an angel yet and I'm still far from being saint alike, so pardon me. Like me, many of us make mistakes in life, but before we seek for the forgiveness of others ask yourself if you are able to forgive yourself if given the same situation. It's easy to be angry, easy to be upset. But it takes a lot of courage, love and disciplin to forgive and forget with compassion. Doesn't matter how long you took to forgive that person, all that matters is whether you forgave that person from the bottom of your heart or you simply do so just for the sake of it. If you are doing so just for the sake of it, please feel ashame of yourself. Life is short and it is definitely not worth living it with a heart full of hatred and evil. Tick- tock tick-tock the time never stops for anything or anybody, not even god himself. There isn't much time for you to fret over things and stay angry with someone. While you are reading this post think to yourself is there someone you want to appologise to? Is there someone you want to seek forgiveness from? Is there tosomeone whom you care for and love deeply but have yet to let that person know? Is there someone you have hurt and have yet to appologise? Its all about giving and taking, tolerating and accepting. Accepting that everyone has flaws including ourselves. Next time before you start criticising and being judgemental of others, think how you will like it if given being in their shoes. Try accepting that person with compassion and love instead. If you can't bring yourself to do so, at the very least keep those nasty words to yourself or even better, don't even think of it. Remember the last time you threw a coin for a begger along the streets? Did you do it out of shear love and compassion or simply because you want to get rid of those coins and at the same time look good doing it? They are human and are definitely worth our effort to try to help them and save their dignity. Human are creatures full of love and compassion, but has our dreams and greed for fame and wealth blind us? No doubt its human's nature to greed after fame, wealth and power. But that should not blind us away from howing true love and compassion for others.

Inconsiderate behaviour

2006-04-16T00:14:00.000+08:00

Young and fit both at heart and physically, it is not surprising that youngsters are unable to understand the needs of senior citizens. I'm sure sign boards and notices in Singapore are very reader friendly. So why is it that many youngsters still fail to give up their seats when they come across senior citizens on board public transports? Tired? Didn't see? Alright, lets be frank, all these are simply excuses we made to hide our lazy and guilt stricken conscience. Hello~!!! It is defininetly not very hard to give up ur seat for someone who needs it more then you. If u need someone else to tell you to give up your seat, it is time to reflect.

What should i do?

2006-01-03T18:56:00.000+08:00

"Life is full of choices". Many a times in life we'll reach a junction whereby our decision about the path to take on is very crucial. Well, perhaps you would say just follow what your heart tells you. The fear mostly likely came from our uncertainty about what lies ahead of us. Perhaps i'm more of a careful worker, I tend to always choose the path with the lowest risk. When others have full confidence in you to execl in a certain thing, it just adds on to the presure. Should i go Poly or should i go Junior College? I know exactly which field of studies i would like to pursue in University or to say poly if i were to attend one. Others have full confidence that i'll excel in Junoir College. Having weighed the pros and the cons of poly and JC, i'm still in a delimma about which path to choose. What if i don't do well in JC? I would have wasted two years and then have to spend another three years in JC. In admission to Uni, JC students however are given priority above the Poly students. Poly has the advantage that i'll graduate with a diploma and the curriculum is much more practical based. Well, that's in line with Poly's aim to train the students to be ready for admission into the workforce isn't it? Perhaps I'm just being paranoid, overly worried and probably i lack the confidence in beliving that i'll do well. Well, i'm really at a lost now... Poly? JC? What if i do not do well enough in JC to qualify for Uni? well as for poly, what if i do not do well enough for Uni? Will i be able to successfully further my studies in Uni after i graduate from Poly? What if i do not get my desired course in Poly? Haiz... The junction ahead of me may be simple, just a two way junction. But, its a difficult decision which will affect my future and it could mean the kind of life i'll lead in future. God... how??? Haiz...

Confusion...

2005-12-25T21:35:00.000+08:00

Many a time people get confused or stuck in a situaion they don't know how to handle. Ever wonder what's the root of confusion? I know what the word "problem" came to your mind. But, no i'm not talking about that. No doubt the problem is the starter of our confusion, but it is definently not the root of it. When a situation strikes us head on, I don't believe that a solution doesn't tags along. We get confused because it is in human's nature to find the solution amongst the solutions that benefits us most in the situation. Some of us will deem running away from reality, not facing the problem as a form of coward act. Think again. It may not always be a bad thing to run away from reality once in a while. Why is that so? The reason is that when we allow ourselves some time away fromthe problem, when you next return to face it you will be able to see things from a total different perspective. And yes, bingo! The birth of a whole new perspective towards a situation follows the birth of a solution to the problem. When in a total confusion and dilemma, are you a thinker or a feeler? A think will follow the solution in which he thinks is the best. A feeler onthe other hand, follows the solution that he feels the most for. The solution however may not be an absolutely correct or good one, chances of it being one which others see it as a wrong approach is high as well. Whatever solution you choose to take on, whether it is right or wrong, it must be one which you really one. This is to prevent yourself from regretting it and allow yourself greater ease in following the problem adn solution through because what you have chosen is what you truly believe you should. God Bless... I hope i can find the solution i truly believe in.

Mind you...!

2005-12-13T22:48:00.000+08:00

" The customer is always right " I believe this line is being told numerous times to all promoters and retail assistances. Perhaps I'm just more particular about customer services. Should the person providing the service failed to meet the standard I will not hasitate to lodge a complain. Has our government's effort to promote good customer servicing failed? Or is it that some people are purely unreceptive to the efforts? I just wanna say... Auntie~! Mind your attitude~! Is that shity attitude of yours anything near to GOOD customer servicing? Better thank god that i didn't not lodge a complain to your manager~! I'm being kind enough to not spoil your rice bowl~!

Haiz...

2005-12-09T23:15:00.000+08:00

rainbows vanished,
Sun set,
Stars disintegrate,
Road blocks everywhere,
Raindrops fell,
Thunder lighting strikes,
A dark maze with no ending,
Smiles to hide the maze...

Haix...

2005-12-08T21:49:00.000+08:00

" Its human to err". The learning nature of human is wierd isn't it? Remeber how your mum used to tell you not to touch that hot pot when you're a toddler? We never learn our lessons until our itchy hands got scaled by the hot pot. Funny isn't it? Many a times we refuse to learn despite how others try to get the message across to us. The truth is that it is this root of learning nature that account for our intelligence. We fell and learnt our lessons from there. However much you hate to fall, it is impossible that you don't. Perhaps i'm running away from reality, refuse to face the situation head on. Nope, i'm not trying to be a coward. I'm in a dark maze deep inside and i wore a smile to pretend everything was fine. Call me stupid and i don't deny it. I hate to make others worry, perhaps hidding was my speaciality and my way to things. Just when i thought i had successfully hid my maze, i found a big rock in front of me. A rock that appeared because of a blundder i made. Well, i'm one who let reasons and rationale rule over feelings, and i bear the consequences of it. I'm not questioning the decision made, i'm questioning myself now. Whatever it is. God Bless.

Humanity...

2005-12-08T00:01:00.000+08:00

How humane is our society? Singapore is known for her clealiness and her strict laws. But are we so blinded by our goals and reasons that we leave no room for humane exceptions? Yes it is true that no one is above the law and everyone has to abide by it. Laws are made by human isn't it? If so why can't we make exceptions at times? Is sticking to laws and policies really that important? We need to understand the position the government is in as well. If they make one exception, there'll be more exceptions in future. This will not only render the policy ineffective, it may also cause them to lose their political positions. Society will think that the government has not been firm enough and is probably showing biasness. When such views about the political party occurs, the position of the party is affected. We do not want to spoil the image of Singapore do we? However, as the person in the situation itself, such human exceptions could change a life totally. Recently it was brought to the attention by the media of how foreign workers on work permit married locals without the permission of the MOE. People say that marriage is between two persons and why does it need to involve the government. But then again, think about it, without the involvement of the government, things could have just got out of hand. However, in the midst of all these, such problems are bound to occur. Should an exception be made is a question to be argued. Looking at things on the whole, i guess there is no way to compromise things. You need to be at the extreme stands i guess. I believe the government are bounded by the constraints that forced them to make no exceptions. We need to understand their positions. However, at times i really wonder, we are the ones who made the laws and policies, so why is it not to the benefit of all us? In this world, due to the vast population, there is no way that a single issue, law or policy can be made such that it pleases every single one. Our society is full of constrains, but are these constrains beneficial? Something debatable. { A personal view with no intention of causing any harm to any organisation or peronnel, appologies for any inconvenience or damage caused }

Regrets?

2005-12-06T23:25:00.000+08:00

" Life is short, live it without regrets because you never know what comes tomorrow..." Many a times we find ourselves regretting a certain action we've done or words we spoke out of impulse. As the saying goes, " Its human to err and saint to forgive". Time never wait, the river will never stop flowing and the globe will not stop for you. To regret is to live in the past. Think about what you are actually doing when you regret. Got the answer? No? Well, when we regret we often moan to ourselves, " Oh no, i should not have done this" Simple as that, you waste time thinking of the past and your brain starts churning out the possibilities which can never ever happen. What possibilities? Possibilities of how things would have been different had we made a different decision. I hit that raw nail didn't i? Yes, no doubt we need to learn from our mistakes, but regretting is not learning. Made a mistake? Sit down and think how to move on from where you have landed. Make a note to yourself not to repeat that mistake and move on. Now do you see the difference between learning from a mistake and regretting? In life there are simply too many decisions we need to make. Imagine spending time regretting over what you have done, isn't that a total waste of time? See it from a total different perspective if things are still not convincing enough for you. If you were to die the very next minute, will you have any regrets? I've always thought i'm one who lived without any regrets. Perhaps in a way its true. If i were to die the very next minute i'll not regret. However, today i realized a mistake i made and i'm regretting it now. Yeah, here comes the contradiction. There were so many reasons why i left him then. Till today, i still strongly believe that my decision was correct. In the midst of all these, i betrayed and deceived my own feelings. Oh well, isn't it something that's so funny? Now i wonder if my decision then was truly a correct one. But i guess it matters no more. Right or wrong, what's done cannot be undone. No use crying over spilled milk yeah? Memories flooded me today when i met him, but i'm not gonna moan. Yes, you are right, i do miss him all these while. And yes there is no turning back. As said in the previous post, one has to shoulder the consequence of your own decision, good or bad. Where do i proceed from here? Seriously speaking, I do not have the very least bit of idea at all. There's a mandarine saying that goes, "chuan dao qiao tou zi ran zhi". I suppose that's how i'm gonna move on from where i am right now. Feels horrible to regret. And i see the true power of words now. Words, something so powerful in our current society, something you can never say it and catch it back with your hands. Ain't it right to say we are defeated by our own creation, words? God Bless.

Haix...

2005-12-05T20:26:00.000+08:00

Life and death seems destinated from the day we're born. The birth of a new life often brings joy while the departure of one spells tears. Death and departure of a loved one is more often than not a painful event. However, death is not always a bad thing. Looking at it from another perpective for instance, death is in fact something to rejoice. It marks the end of our life time and the more religious ones would say the decease has returned to the arms of god. If one has been suffering and had a hard life, death is in fact a form of relief. Scientifically speaking, our bodies function as a complex machine where with the progress of time it wears off. There'll be a time where the machine breaks down isn't it? I guess most of us had ever come to the situation where the life and death of a loved one lies in our hands. If you're to make the decision at that very critical moment, what will your decision be? Honestly if i'm the one, I'll choose to let my loved one leave this world into the arms of god. Where else is a better place to be other than in the arms of god?

Think about it...

2005-12-04T00:19:00.000+08:00

"The road to wisdom is to listen and observe twice as much as you speak" Never be too fast to shoot your mouth off. Process what you are told first before you shoost your mouth off about the situation. To learn, it does not always mean knowing the exact answer. If life can be measured that way then it will be dull isn't it? There's no definent answers in life, ask why instead of asking others how.

Hm...

2005-12-03T13:32:00.001+08:00

"GIve a man a fish and he will feed for one day. Give him a rod and he will feed himself for the rest of the time." Are we doing the latter?

Language

2005-12-03T13:32:00.000+08:00

The greatest creation of mankind results in the greatest destruction to man. From the time human civilization occurs, man with its undue intelligence created sounds. This evolved into the creation of words which allows greater efficiency in the transmission of information and knowledge. While human and other organisms started out on par, the creation of words allowed us an upper hand in the game of survival. While language became part and parcel of our lives, it soon enough became the source of destruction as well. Often enough, fights occur due to the mis-use of our own creation. How often do we not fight because somebody else said something bad about us? Or when a certain statement or comment does not appeal to us? The destructive power of words is far beyond any physical attacks. A wound on any part of our body may take just a couple of days or weeks or even months to heal. It will however heal fully with time. An insult or a statement with the intention of causing a person mental harm will leave a scar for life. While our creation helped us accelerate, often enough it caused us to fall as well. However great a creation maybe, the disadvantages of it always follow no matter how significant it may be. Perhpas the usuage of language became part and parcel of our lives so much so that we neglected the disadvantages of it. Or could it be the great deal of advantages which follows with the creation of language that caused us to overlook the disadvantages. What we created caused destruction to us despite the purpose of the creation being be an advantage to us. The contradiction is that there is no way we can create something that will not cause us any destruction. { a personal opinion with no intention of causing any harm to any organisation or personel }

Gross

2005-12-03T13:31:00.000+08:00

Call me a cleanliness maniac, i won't beg to differ. It simply makes me sick and nausea when someone sneezes at me (though its only on my feet). I always thought we had learnt a good lesson from the outbreak of SARS not long ago, but it seems like I'm wrong this time. Prokaryotes breed and gets transmitted fastest in mucus and rubbish dumps. Is it that hard to cover your mouth and nose when u cough or sneeze? While we educate and remind ourselves of these appropriate measures, did we neglect the people in the extreme age groups?

Mine mine...

2005-12-03T13:30:00.001+08:00

" Captain of your own boat, you steer it where you want it to go" We came to this world without a penny to our name, we'll leave this world just as we have came, penniless. The only things that we take away with us are memories and experiences. Oh well, as the Chinese belief that you will drink some potion to erase your memories when u enter the nether world. So, at the end of the day you bring nothing with you to the nether world as well. Isn't it only logical to make full use of the short time span you have here? At least that's what i think. Many a times we are brought up to believe that in life it is the destination that matters. May i beg to differ? I choose to believe that it is not the destination but rather the journey that matters. Others may take a shorter period of time to achieve a certain goal as compared to you. But does it really matter? Ultimately, you reached your goal. The important thing here is not how long you took to accomplish your goal. It is the experiences you gained along the way that benefits you. Nothing in this world is impossible, so long as you put your heart and soul into it, there will be one day where you will achieve it. " There can be miracles when you believe, you will when you believe". Friends and family are often guides and helping hands along your journey. The final decisions always lies in your own hands, as for the consequences, you got to shoulder it yourself. Follow your heart and move without any regrets.

Here...

2005-12-03T13:30:00.000+08:00

Just a simple quote told to me by someone, " Life lies ahead of you like a field of snow, be mindful how you thread it, every step shows". Meaningful isn't it? Worth taking sometime out to think about it.