The Extraordinarily Quixotic Levity of Jerrick Lim

Restarting my Old Blogs?

2009-04-06T11:57:00.001+08:00

I've managed to set up Ping.fm to upload to all my old blogs. So now if you're following my old bookmarks, you can get updates about me. Crossposting from Jerricklim.com will be easier definitely. So we'll have to see how things go

Is anyone still following me here?

2008-11-12T09:47:00.002+08:00

Hi! You may remember this blog. You may not. I've moved to jerricklim.com. Its been a while since I've updated here so why don't you update your book mark too :)

REALLY NOT USED TO WORDPRESS!

2008-06-26T22:51:00.000+08:00

Ok so i'm over @ wordpress now. But there are certain things about it that I don't... really like. But I think in time I'll get over it and learn to love it. Its such a powerful tool for blogging. And whatever I give up here on blogspot I more than make up for it on WP. So yeah. The transition has been seamless. ISH. But everyone should be able to see my blog on wordpress now.

Moving Over to Wordpress

2008-06-26T00:10:00.001+08:00

Hey all! I'm moving over to Wordpress now. So you'll probably not see this page even. However, I'm working some issues out so bear with me for a bit!

Covo Bistro and Lounge

2008-06-22T23:22:00.000+08:00

My first dinner after my Ah Kong's funeral truly was quite exquisite. It did not do all I needed to feel better, but I can say it did raise my family's morale a wee bit. I loved everything I had during the meal. The tuna, the starter... It seemed poetic. We who love and live by our food, would celebrate the ending of life and the loss by having food.

I've decided that I would like for my funeral, just one thing. Good food. Where my friends and family can gather to eat, drink and laugh. Laugh for their continued living and laugh for maybe I've found a better place. But mostly, laugh and celebrate the life I've lead, however imperfect it may be.

Its a little late, this post. But somehow. I couldn't post it... not until now at least.

A Light Satire: The Singaporean Man

2008-06-16T23:32:00.007+08:00

NB: For those of you who have not the time/inclination to plow through this long post. I'll suggest reading the intro and conclusion. They're my summary points essentially. Though I do attempt to make some thoroughly entertaining commentary in the body text so don't ignore that either! Thanks y'all!

The Male Homo Sapien Singaporus (HSS) is generally found in the tropical island of Temasek where a strong and fatherly figure has created a pleasant if slightly euthanised environment for the healthy and wealthy breeding of HSSes. These HSSes vary in size, shape, colour, orientation, movie preference, dress sense, and general grooming habits. However compared to the HSes from other nations, they're ranked near bottom of the heap when it comes to engaging in mating rituals. Such epic FAIL, can be attributed to several factors, but a couple of which stand out in the mind of this writer.

First among them is a conservative upbringing. The conservative Singaporean must necessarily be taught never to think about, mention, question, ask about, look at, switch on his internet connection for, leave the country to obtain illegally, pay for, ask for, give jewelry for, get married for and most importantly perform the act of sexual intercourse of any sort. He or she is asked to make babies. But the act of doing so repulses the Singaporean so much and he is so lightly informed about the act of producing said baby, that he or she will have to indulge in copious amounts of food; readily available from convenient stores all around the island, in place of such an action. When there is a mention of such an action, the necessary response that has been taught over and over is to denounce the person/book/action as wrong/perverted/YOU STUPID MOTHER***** GO KISS A **** and DUCK YOUR FISH, flush, and then move swiftly away and stare intently at the large woman across the street holding the ice cream cone.

As a result of such repression, mainly on a societal level, as even as the government has tried, rather unsuccessfully to get the local populace to mate at a desirable level of 2.1 children per couple, it seems that social stigma will win the day as the Singaporean is forced to hold in any desire. Often the Singaporean will have to find some other avenue of expression of his or her feelings and these can range from Shopping on the tamer side, to flaming anyone who may stand in his or her way. The unfortunate thing is that also as a result of the repression, they are unable to find expression for those desires that may lurk, and as a result there are many severely socially crippled Singaporean men who would stare enviously at those who are more equipped *Hint: some of those who've lived outside the country/ are from outside the country* to speak to a person of the opposite sex/ he's attracted to.

It is NATURALLY a generalisation that this writer is writing about and he's more than aware that he is Singaporean. However, that is not to say that he feels that he's managed to overcome or even understand his own personal demons. He's just pointing out that stereotypes are rooted in truth and here the truth stands out. There are many men who are perfectly competant at attracting and handling themselves around women, but when faced with even the slightest provocation by another man, their caveman upbringing comes to fore and they're see passive aggressive/active aggression as the way to resolve such problems. They'll swear, they'll rant, they'll do everything it takes to make their displeasure known without actually saying what they really feel to object of all this brouhaha, the WOMAN in question. I present exhibit A.

A random person (female) I knew had posted a suggestive status post on FB, i responded in kind. The response provided was Huh?, to which i just repeated the status post. Shortly after this whole debacle, I received a message from the female's boyfriend basically cussing me out with a "take down notice". I had contemplated sending several messages back, one of which involved pointing out his lack of cojones and that he should be ashamed. In the end, i decided that it wasn't worth it, and just reported the message to Facebook as harassment.

This writer is shocked by the incompetent and necessarily deprived members of the male species of Homo Sapien Singaporeus. They are a shy, unassuming breed, but when provided the tools i.e. the Internet, unleash a passive aggressive manner that both bewilders the feminine sex and gives them a red colouring that can also be attributed to their inability to imbibe copious amounts of a liquid also known as Vodka-Lime. Ultimately, this writer would like to sign off with a simple plea. Get over yourselves guys, not everyone who talks to your Gfs are trying to STEAL them and if you were that insecure in the first place, she probably shouldn't be with you.

That's All.

My Grandfather

2008-06-06T22:23:00.002+08:00

My grandfather has passed away. Aunt has asked me to write a eulogy. At a mild loss.

Please ask if you want details for wake etc.

I'm plurking now

2008-06-05T15:07:00.002+08:00

As many of you out there probably already know, I am a voracious twitterer. However lately twitter's been having some troubles. Nothing that I've really noticed, just some things here and there, the most obvious one for me is that my twitter app on facebook has not been updated in a REALLY long time. SO yeah, I'm on Plurk, but I'm still gonna be on twitter coz most people ARE still on there, no point abandoning ship just coz everyone else is.

Which brings up a very interesting point about being part of the zeitgeist, i mean the whole point of being on these social journal style things means that you'll want to be seen and be heard, so if you migrate over to a new platform, you will have to rebuild these networks. So we'll see how it goes.

PS My Plurk User is jerricklim and the picture on my profile is of Me in bali!

Sex and the City: The Movie

2008-05-30T00:15:00.002+08:00

In a word: Fabulous.

The ladies are back, their clothes are back, the men are back. And all that is left, the memories. 2 and a half hours of old school SATC wit, the banter, the levity followed by the gravitas of dealing with the complexities of living in the big city, with big dreams, hopes and Mr. Big.

Jennifer Hudson's appearance was welcome and interesting, but truly acting on all sides were just brilliant, New York was the other character that deserved top billing. The city is always beautiful, and always stylish.

We missed the ladies but they have not missed us, their lives have moved on, they've become older but haven't changed one bit and so we follow as they trot, strut and do it all. No spoilers. But yes it is worth every last penny if only to visit New York one last time with these eternal ambassadors.

Clothes: Classic SATC with the "sense" that age brings. Style: Fabulous. Women: Timeless.

I'll miss you Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, if only because you could make me cry and laugh all within a short 30 minute TV show.

I'm leaving on a Jetplane

2008-05-29T19:25:00.002+08:00

All my bags are packed-ish,
I'm ready to go, (YOU cannot believe how ready I am)
I'm standing here outside your cubicle,
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye,
but the lights are coming on,
n' lunch is over,
the officers are waiting,
they're hovering so,
already I'm so glad to say good bye.

So slap me, cos' I can't believe,
tell me that you'll wait for me,
hold on to my slice of cake at home...

Cos' I'm leaving on a jetplane,
just know that i'll be back again,
on the 3rd, coz I don't have enough leave!
Oh man, I hate to go...

See ya Singapore! Hello BALI!

Polo Girls Club

2008-05-20T20:44:00.006+08:00

These are the pictures I've taken of this new store I've discovered at Cluny Court near my place. As you can quite clearly see its a store inspired by quirk and fabulousness. And I got to meet the fantastic owner (Holly Tupper) who's settled in Singapore from New York!

And all the stitching on the Polos seen on the second picture are HAND done. Which is quite impressive for this day and age and it gives the material a slightly rough hewn quality that is nonetheless very intricate and on top of all that the little patterns on them are truly beautifully designed. Comparable to those seen @ Shanghai Tang without the kitsch built in.

Will definately be going back there when I save up enough money to buy a shirt or two! Her website's at http://www.pologirlsclub.com

I do believe that Singapore will benefit from attracting more of such boutique locations, not just for clothes but for art, for food etc. It gives our country a fresh, trendier vibe. One that we do need sometimes, and ultimately should cultivate, so support local industry! It doesn't just bring forward a nice lived-in feel but also gives us all the fabulous style synonymous with the modern metropolis. *albeit also at equally fabulous prices*

I think this lamp fits in quite well with the whole vibe of the location.

You can find Ms. Tupper's boutique at 501 Bukit Timah Road, #01-01A Cluny Court.

Oh and btw. One of the reasons I loved this little place so much is Ms. Tupper actually engaged and chatted with me, showed a genuine interest and talked about her clothes PASSIONATELY. Where is the local sales person who would do the same... Sigh. Just as an example, thos of you who know me know that I'm... Plus sized;) so I went to FlashnSplash @Plaza Sing, where the sales person gave me this incredulous look when I asked what their biggest sized board shorts were. Like I owed it to him to be thin... But i'm not overweight! I'm undertall!

The "Ugly Singaporean" Phenomenon?

2008-05-17T23:22:00.003+08:00

A friend of mine directed me at this link asking me the simple question: Are ugly Singaporeans the minority or the majority of Singaporeans. There are plenty of ways to explore this question and I could go on for hours. But here's a summary of my major points:
1) Just because someone shouts out angry words and gets it published doesn't mean that person's WHOLE nation is collectively disgustingly insensitive and dumb.
2) So called "developed nations" have their "problem citizens" too. We don't complain about them because their own citizens don't complain about them.
3) There could be a 100 reasons why someone is being "ugly" that day, does it excuse them? No! But does it happen still, hell yes! What can you do about it? Shrug. And repeat after me... Ça? C'est La Vie (That? That is life)

And now the meat of the article.

In dealing with this article, I will not descend into demagoguery and idiotic populist exertions that this person being Malaysian is automatically biased and thus anything he says must be discounted. This is not the case, the author makes certain strong points and this kind of ungracious or discourteous behavior is seen all the time. However to make it seem like Singaporeans are the only people in the world who would do such a thing is not only disingenuous but blatantly false. Let me point out that whilst it is true that "A mature, developed country isn’t defined only by wealth and education; it is also about humanity and concern for others." What is also true is that one who shouts louder or makes a more "newsworthy" statement tends to get his picture taken, comment recorded and invective published. It is however, not by any stretch of imagination an indication of the true behavior of the masses. Just because such "news" is more reportable, doesn't make it the norm present in all nations.

I should also point out that such "developed nations" as France, Italy, and the United States possess people who would laugh at the sleeping homeless person on the road, spitting on his weather beaten face. They shock and appall all those who would pass them by, but it has been recognised that in these places its just what happens. What maturity, and development! These people have recognised that ultimately not everyone will follow the ONE word given by the government. As such, I don't believe ultimately that the behavior of these boors and louts should establish how "developed" a place is, but the response provided should. Is the self-righteous anger followed with half hearted attempts at fixing the root problem? Or is this something that people realise that not everyone can fix, and ultimately a gentle, more subtle touch is required? That is the sign of maturity I think, not hundreds of posters, and thousands of angry blogposts. I do not pretend to know if there is a way to end all such behavior and to pretend to have 1 solution to all the problems is arrogant and ultimately self defeating.

The justification that just because everyone else is doing it so its fine, may seem like the argument I'm making here but I am not. Of course such behavior is not fine. But do these people have a reason to be so unfulfilled and angry? Is that middle aged businessman callousness a result of his inability to care for his fellow man? Is it due to the stress? Is it due to a myriad of factors present? Did he even mean his angry outburt on screen? Ultimately in such a situation where one is faced with a disaster of such immense magnitude, can one really fault the guy for becoming a bit of a bitch? Even if it sounds bleeding insensitive? Of course such a discourse does not make for a good article; for an article seeks to answer questions and not raise them. But I'm a blogger and such constraints bind me not. The solution this man provides however is simplistic, He says that a nation that is truly developed and truly first world and world class would have a citizenry that is also first world and world class. As I have proven already, the truth, the truth that doesn't sell newspapers in the country up north, and the truth that hurts is IT EXISTS EVERYWHERE! EVEN UP IN YOUR COZY LITTLE NORTHERN COUNTRY! Step off your moral high horse and ask yourself, can you say that any of these statements made or actions taken could NEVER happen in your country? F*** off. You know it has happened and it has probably happened in ways that are as unimaginable and as idiotic as you have made Singaporeans seem to be. (Yes, I lied about the demagoguery)

I don't like to say this but, this issue is about as simple as baking a great souffle. There IS no black and white answer. Sure there are "ugly Singaporeans" but someone who's an ÜS today, could be the best tourist Beijing has ever seen tomorrow. It so often depends on the person, and no amount of posters, and training and corporal punishment will change that. I've learned to shrug, just like the French. Because I know something's just meant to be, and we can all take it with a croissant, une petite café and a pack of gitanes.

Impossible for Obama to win over the Islamic World?

2008-05-13T22:19:00.002+08:00

Is it really impossible for Obama to win over the Islamic world simply because he was BORN a Muslim? Seeing as how Obama's father's is Muslim, thus he becomes Muslim. His conversion to Christianity will be seen as Apostasy (an act punishable with execution in many Islamic countries and is seen as akin to treason or betrayal in most) to many around the Islamic world, of which there're many important friends and foes, (Saudi Arabia and Iran accordingly). The central premise of this article argues that having a President Obama will irreparably damage relations between such nations and the USA or at least be caught in a situation where relations will not improve.

Is it really going to be like this? Will religious fundamentalism win out? I certainly hope not. What do you think?

Speed Racer

2008-05-12T23:00:00.003+08:00

First off, and this is a tangent but... BEING LIBERAL IS NOT THE EQUIVALENT TO DOING SOMETHING WRONG. ABSTINENCE EDUCATION AS A NUMBER 1 PRIORITY HAS BEEN PROVEN TO FAIL AND WE SHOULD REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS AT PROMOTING IT? HAVE YOU NO LOGIC WHATSOEVER?

With that note I begin my little talky talk about Speed Racer. I've heard so many bad reviews from around me that truly, I was feeling very skeptical. All such thoughts disappeared the moment I stepped into the movie theatre *albeit a little late; Damn* The sequence I caught was quite cute and in some ways an homage to the original SR series from Japan. Just a quick background flashback, the original Speed Racer was from the 60s and was really the first successful Japan to USA anime crossover. It was based on a manga and was basically about, to quote wikipedia: "a teenage boy with superior skills (in this case, racing skills) facing unreal adversity through a multitude of villains" and it really was every boy's dream, to be like Speed, defeating enemies and winning the race. I has some love for this cartoon as a child and that was why I was so excited that it was coming over to the BIG screen.

Speed Racer the movie, on the other hand is done by the Wachowski Brothers, the same people behind V for Vendetta and the Matrix series. On a little side note, the music was done by Michael Giacchino, and was truly amazing. The movie itself was a riot of colour, with brilliant action sequences and a cast that really were as they were, each and everyone of them cast perfectly. Homages abound with the "fights", though I use the term loosely, and the truly hyperkinetic action of the races. Rain's appearance was a little Huh? and I though Susan Sarandon's appearance did take some of the shine away from the other actors who were competent, if not great and the villian *who was also in V for Vendetta* has crystalised in my mind as the quinessential British villian.

There are naturally some problems, some problems that are sure to be a deal killer for some people. Chief among them is the whole cartoony look of it all, YES, it is effectively a live action cartoon, no one for any minute doubted that and to fault the movie for it is idiocy. It has a plot that occasionally slips into typical American melodrama, which is typical but not unexpected and is really the only flaw I can think of. I feel however, if you can enjoy a cartoon, you can and will enjoy Speed Racer.

I loved Speed Racer, it appealed not only to the kid in me, but the action fan in me, and anyone who even has a shred of the need for speed in them should watch this movie. The fact that the movie kept me in the "zone of interest" where I believed and enjoyed the movie the whole time is a testament to the Wachowski brothers' film making ability.

Go Speed Racer, GO!

Burmese Government blocking Aid to Suffering Citizens

2008-05-11T22:57:00.002+08:00

The Burmese government has been found to be blocking aid to its citizens, with the suffering they have endured and the pain they're undergoing. Evidently this is an attempt to control the situation, a situation that evidently they have had no control over. The United Nations should, in the words of the French foreign minister, fully exercise its "responsibility to protect" the suffering citizens of Myanmar/Burma. The world fears for the people of Burma, and its suffering cannot continue unabated.

On a separate note, the sham referendum held presently is stunning in its plain blatantness and sheer audacity.

On a personal note, I've donated USD10 to the UNICEF, and USD5 to the International Burmese Monks Organization through Avaaz. Please support the amazing work these organisations are doing.

Original Article found here

Marie Digby Concert

2008-05-10T21:38:00.002+08:00

I attended the Marie Digby showcase, which was sponsored by GAP. But I got my tickets courtesy of one of my dear friends from Tania. She provided me those tickets courtesy of her friend @ Soundbuzz so MAD MAD props to all these fantastic people who give me free stuff;)

First off, let me be clear and say I am a HUGE fan of Marie Digby, she's one of those brave souls who've ridden the wave of social networking and so on to become good and famous. With such singers as Sara Bareilles and Colbie Calliat as well, they all rose to semi fame through various online means and have only just managed to break into the mainstream. Its been amazing listening to them as they start off having incredible alt. cred, but on top of that they all write songs and sound really great as is, without too much pretention.

However, I found that the event was much too crowded which lent the whole venue a kinda grungy feel. And it really didn't help that everyone was snapping photographs WILDLY. I know, I know I did it too, but still, it certainly didn't help the atmosphere. The set was kinda short as well... Sigh. I know I know, I'm being Singaporean, complaining about something I GOT FREE!!! So hey, you know what the atmosphere was BRILLIANT, the people were all really high on getting to see one of the hottest singers out there at the moment, and I got a good time all night.

Check out the pictures, also had a brilliant meal which tasted way too good for me to have just IOU'd like 16 dollars (to Ridz) for, afterwards at an Egyptian restaurant. Shout out to DK, Ridz, Xing, Joanna and Ms Kim (what should I call you??? Jean?) (from Simply Jean)!

Pictures here

I disconnected myself unintentionally.

2008-05-04T22:03:00.002+08:00

As most of you already know, I was in Seoul between the 1st and the 4th of May. And during that *almost* entire period of time, I was disconnected from the wider world. It was just another day ultimately. I was so caught up with being a TOURIST, I forgot all about checking my Twitter, my facebook, my email etc. I think it was an experience that will hardly be repeated, because I didn't have anything else to distract me. Though I think if I went camping in some far off place with no internet or cell connection, and with like elephant riding, specially reinforced canoes and custom made scuba diving suits, I may actually be able to do this again.

Missing You, Singapore, and ...

http://ridz.sg/blog/1774/the-weekend-i-disconnected-technology/ was the TITLE of a blogpost that inspired me to write this post. Cheers Ridz.

GTA IV Special Edition: A Preview

2008-04-29T23:48:00.005+08:00

Just bought GTAIV (Second last set from Guerilla Games @ Serene Centre). It is really a beautiful piece of kit, with some really sweet swag. Top among them, a selection of songs from the GTAIV game. Next up, a WORKING safe deposit box, KEY and all, and a Duffel bag with the Rockstar Logo emblazoned upon it. An Art book rounds off this list of swag along with the game itself.

I am busy slapping my head right now as this afternoon, after seeing some news reports on the various games blogs on GTA's release, I immediately picked up the phone and called to place a pick-up on the game. Cut to 9ish and I was the proud owner, courtesy of the Mom Sponsorship, of GTAIV.

When I popped back home, what should happen but I check my email and receive notice that someone was offering me a copy of GTAIV for review! *not that I wasn't going to anyway, and my first impressions will be noted below* But hot DANG! I felt like I missed a train. But I am also an honest man. So. Yeah. Hem. Gimme something else instead? *COUGH Rock COUGH B... COUGH*

Upon inserting this video game into your console, you're greeted with a typically Rockstar style montage of pictures and immediately after, you are thrown into the game. There is no "select new game, options etc' screen at the start (though that could be because I button mashed alittle) and you're thrown into an opening scene on a boat, and are introduced to Niko Ballic, an Eastern European fellow on his way to Liberty City to chase the big dream and eat sweet sweet American Pie. I must state at this point the credits are shown and you're made to look at it like this is a movie's Cold Open or something to that effect. It is stylistically quite marvelous and though done before, still hasn't gotten old for me.

The visual style can be charecterised as slightly cartoonish, but with the gritty, almost painfully detailed style that has been the signature GTA look. And the graphics are simply stunning. A true LEAP from GTA's previous iteration of San Andreas. Though one can tell that the Xbox 360 has certain slowdown issues even at the very beginning because I could see some stuttering frames as the camera panned across the beautiful vista of Liberty City's skyline and waterfront. I am not sure the PS3 will have similar issues.

I played about 15 minutes of the game and I was hooked. The two charecters you meet are real pieces of work, with Nico and his cousin bantering and swearing at each other. You learn some basic moves and are immediately made to drive the cousin back to his home. The vehicle mechanics are still very GTA-y and are given to that floaty, physics- optional style that one either loves to mess around with or hates when he ends up in the water yet again. And the only problem I had at this very early stage with trying to get Nico to fight. I was taken out 10 minutes into the game, and well, that's just me trying to jack some hudlums' car. I didn't fight back coz I hadn't been taught yet how to defend myself. And sorta had to play by ear to figure it out. Which I did, much to the chagrin and eventual death of some poor little Russian lady sitting at the hospital.

All in all, a GREAT 15 minutes and this is going to be my last post before I fly off to Seoul. I cannot wait. Pics of Special Edition and swag included.

P.S. Those of you looking to pick up GTAIV yourselves but don't have an Xbox are in for a treat. Microsoft is lowering the RRP of their Xbox 360 consoles. Elite will go for S$699, Pro for S$499 and Arcade for S$399. (Disclaimer: I was sent the press release for this price drop from MSFT.)

The Open Room

2008-04-28T22:46:00.004+08:00

Two of Tech65's best friends, Brian and Tania held their launch of The Open Room and my GOODNESS, it was as fun as it was going to get. Many companies were represented at the event, Nokia, Canon and Sony spring to mind. Though I have to be honest, and my lateness did not help but I found myself gravitating towards the bloggers and the peeps I knew more than the people who brought in the stuff. Don't get me wrong there were the great guys, Nokia and Intel reps jump to mind, who were like just out there and PIMPING their stuff and talking to us and seeming to be REALLY interested in the stuff that we were doing, and there were certain other companies who didn't really seem to care whether we looked at them at all. I just think that if you're going to come for such an event, the least you could do is talk to some of us... Though I do have to say that I was quite late, so maybe they were tired but you know what? That does not make me any less of a diva-blogger! And that will not make me bitch any less about it. I didn't take any pictures personally but all the other attendees did so... shameless plug for other people's blog I guess.

Shout out to Nadnut; great to meet ya!

We're RIGHT LALALALALALALALALA

2008-04-22T20:58:00.001+08:00

We're right and that's all that matters, No NO, WE are right. NO! SHHH! Wrong! RIGHT is ME. NO. I can't hear you. Black Supremacy, Black Supremacy, Separatist, Obama wants to bomb Pakistan to kingdom come LALALALAL NONONO! LALALA SHHHH!

Tech65's Condundrum

2008-04-20T21:31:00.002+08:00

Lately it has come to our attention that certain users of Tech65's blog have not been able to access our blog. And it appears that these users are by and large users of Singtel's broadband service or of Wireless@SG's broadband service. I am presently a user of Starhub for all of my communications services save for my cellphone service. As anyone can imagine it has been terrifyingly disappointing. I post my dear friend Farinelli's (RenHao's) post here for all to puruse (with some edits of my own):

For about two weeks, starting on the Saturday when we recorded our live show for the 65th episode of 65bits, Tech65.org has been inaccessible through Singnet broadband and wireless@sg. The only way we are aware of so far to get through this problem is to create a proxy at proxy.singnet.com.sg, port 8080.

I think we're pretty sure it isn't a block by Singnet, because 5% of the time it is accessible - a block wouldn't let that happen. It is clearly some sort of connection problem, something that unfortunately after many many attempted solutions, have not lead to improved connections, and our confidence in the services provided by Singtel has completely failed at this juncture. Particularly because of the lack of support from Singtel themselves, something that has infuriated us very much.

This problem has affected our listenership very negatively, especially in recent episodes, even though many of our listeners subscribe to our show through iTunes and our RSS feeds, everything still has to go through our site, and not being able to connect to Tech65 has impeded our ability to continue providing service as many of our editors are on Singtel.

My dear readers and listeners, please blog about this as well on your respective spaces. Let the blogosphere know in your own way about this bizarre problem, and be sure to let us know if you are encountering the same problem with your site. We hope to resolve this soon and get our shows back on the smooth track.

Thank you for your support!

*Thanks to Fari for most of this text*

It is an effect

2008-04-13T00:09:00.002+08:00

It is an effect of the long nights you kept,
the wrong thoughts you had,
the strong lives you've met,
the weak moments you gave.

It is an effect that gave,
you countless maddening thoughts,
countless sleepless nights,
empty desperate cries,
for help, for love, for loss, for longing.

Those blue skies,
you dreamt of,
since the last time you spoke,
to him,
your tangible thoughts,
your intangible words,
they give little meaning to me.

I know not what I feel,
I know not what I'm writing,
The criticism inevitably will point to lack.
A lack of ingenuity, of creativity, of strength, of character.

It is an effect of living this modern life.

- To You, The Humble Honest Reader, in a vainglorious hope that you shall not rip my piece to shreds.

Dark Chocolate, Cocoa, and Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-04-05T19:49:00.005+08:00

AKA Devil's Sin's 666 Cookies

This is a recipe I cadged from Chocolate and Zucchini with slight modifications. Ok. Large Modifications because I made 120 or so as opposed to 60 as the recipe called for. The trick to do it quick though is to use one of those plastic fruit bags from supermarkets and put the dough in it, cut off a corner and pipe your mixture to perfection.

Biscuits Chocolat et Cacao et Plus De Chocolate

240 g Lindt 85% Chocolate
250 g President French Butter (I used WAY too much butter, the recipe recommended 220g)
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
250g unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Cadbury's)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chips

Makes about 120 bite-size cookies, or as preferred

Melt together 120 g of the chocolate and all of the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Tranfer into a large mixing-bowl and let cool for ten minutes. In the meantime, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in another mixing-bowl, and set aside. Finely chop the reserved chocolate, and set aside.

Whisk the eggs into the cooled melted chocolate (V IMPT). Add in the sugar and mix again. Sift in the flour mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. The batter will be thick. Fold in the chopped chocolate, chocolate chips and table salt.

Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop out rounded teaspoons of batter, shape them into balls with the tips of your fingers, and line them up on the cookie sheet, leaving a one-inch space between them. Put the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for ten minutes (if the sheet and batter are cold, the cookies are less likely to spread). Put the cookie sheet into the oven to bake for eight to ten minutes, until the tops feel just dry to the touch. Dont overbake, or they wont be as moist inside. BUT my advice is to overbake slightly if you're following my recipe exactly as the chocolate chips will melt while cacao nibs from the original recipe won't, unless you LIKE the cookies I had EXACTLY like I had it today, also your cookies should not be TOO big if not they fall apart EVEN easier.

Here's the original recipe.

Some pictures:

C'est Ma Petite Belle!

Xbox 360 2nd Anniversary Bloggers Meet

2008-04-03T23:37:00.003+08:00

First things first, and even though the news IS already out but we WERE the first to hear this GLOBALLY so boo to Joystiq.com. BUT here's the news Lucasarts' new game, Force Unleashed will land September 16th in the United States, September 17th in Southeast Asia and Australia, and September 19th in Europe. YES. This game'll be amazing and the videos we saw, but couldn't take pictures of were ultimately incredible. The physics were out of this world and you really could see the power of the force completely unrestrained and unleashed. Amazing SICK stuff...

However, that was just one specific thing in an event that really did blow it out of the water for me. Interesting finger foods (though I have to ask, who serves chicken wings at an event without any cutlery/crockery at all...), great conversation, free flowing beverages, a TORRENT of things to do, see, interact with, talk about and finally a great looking location that was only slightly marred by its PHYSICAL location, a bit of a find if you ask me, but no matter. The people from Microsoft seemed genuinely interested in what we bloggers thought, and were actually reaching out to us and to try and get us psyched about the various Xbox games and so on, and I must say that the strategy worked!

One of the games that I want to talk about personally which really SPIKED my interest was this game Mirror's Edge by EA. *Full Disclosure: Mom works there* This is a game based on the idea that in a world poisoned by an overbearing government, information has to get out, and this can only be done through Parkour-utilising, chop-socky Runners. I have not seen gameplay but from a video shown it involves lots of running round roof tops and fighting without ever picking up a GUN! Love the idea, hope the execution will be flawless and the record of DICE's previous accomplishments (Battlefield series) inspires such confidence in me.

Let me round off by commending Microsoft for pursuing the blogosphere, and trying to reach out to the more unconventional sources of news and information. The microsofties have shown a LOT of love in general to us players in Singapore, with the sheer variety of games available, great product support in general and plenty of events to keep us interested. I had a PS2 and PS1 and I liked them, but its the Xbox 360 that I truly do love. So keep up the loving MSFT.

I've posted my pictures here. Please help me tag the photos properly!

Falling away into insanity's abyss, as macabre fireworks bloom

2008-04-01T21:57:00.003+08:00

I credit Wong Renhao with the title of this poem.

As the flowers bloom,
so goes the flame,
with its effervescence,
the bubbly, the blossom,
it expands to fill the glittering
Shadows of the heart.

The insanity of loneliness,
as she sat in the zephyr,
her chocolate locks,
that drizzled like melt'd cream,
the taste of the spices that
drove me to long,
for one last touch.

As the fireworks fade,
the disgust sets in,
the cloud of smoke fades to reveal,
a night sky devoid of previous beauty,
the disgust,
a beauteous cavity, emptied by the love.

In the end, does it matter at all?
Does it matter to you now?
Or to me then?
For the lack of true fireworks,
I have to content myself with the blue skies
above your head, the same sky that is above mine.

We belong together,
and I hold all that is
just between you and I.

The spirits I hold in my heart,
threatening to be unleashed,
A vodka of Fear,
A 7&7 of Jealousy,
A Cosmo of Lust...

Let me fall again into your gravity,
let me sink into your wretched depths,
let me gaze at the wonders of the firey plumes,
let me dance, for the naked dances of the childish,
let me regale the wonders of your song

How wonderful life is,
now you’re in the world.
I believe that,
I still do,
I must believe that,
For we are all bound by our singular nature.

This poem ends not,
for it its never ending,
insanity's infinity.
I will never finish this poem,
for as long as I know to love.

I am SO gonna miss Project Runway

2008-03-30T14:46:00.000+08:00

This is just one MASSIVE inside joke. But Its so funny, I don't even care.

The One Laptop Per Child Project

2008-03-30T11:54:00.002+08:00

This simple laptop is built with one thing in mind, Kids. And not like some dinky laptop that has a 5 line dot matrix screen and loud beeps and wails, this is effectively a fully functional 433mhz Geode *basically really really really slimmed down Athlon*, 1200x900 black and white, 256 megs of RAMed laptop. This may sound like absolute piffle for the average techy, but know that this can be powered by simply cranking a crank, it can be read in BRIGHT sunlight, and this is the truly amazing bit, Wi-Fi capable through a mesh network. To use a car analogy, this is the Toyota Corolla to your Lamborguini Core Two Duo.

Another amazing feat is that this is based off a Linux Core. and makes use of a Graphical User Interface that is completely different from your windows or even Mac. Its designed for kids and for their education. The operating system has had ALL the fat trimmed away from it, and again just like your toyota corolla, its not fast, its not flashy, it goes from a to b and doesn't drink fuel like its free. Whereas the Lambo can be frequently unreliable, it can go very fast, but needs to be well maintained and must be taken out to the clubs to please the ladies. This is an insanely practical piece of kit and has the potential to lift so many children out of poverty and give them a chance to compete in the future economy.

This is brilliant in its simplicity.While this clearly could not have been possible twenty years ago, today, it is an example of how incredible technology can come together and create something that will truly change the world. This project headed by Nicholas Negroponte, whose resume reads like a veritable "mama i want to be him when I grow up" list. He's on the Board of Motorola, he's the Co-founder and director of MIT's Media Lab. The list goes on and on, and as he's had his finger deep in the tech world since who know's when and is ideal for heading up such a momentuous task!

By the way, MSFT has taken some of this kit and is working on it for something or other... And intel's initial rejection of Negroponte's has spawned their own attempt at targeting children as a Market?! Well, we all have to start somewhere, and I (Jerrick) is FULLY in support of this programme that could change the lives of so many.

N.B. This post was actually dated sometime in 2007. But for some reason it was saved as a draft. I'm posting this here now in all its glory.

A Hug

2008-03-29T01:04:00.002+08:00

A hug is something you give to your friends when they feel down, or when you meet them or whatever. But I find the most telling hug is the one you're given or you give when you meet someone, its the first most visceral reaction you have to a person, and yet somehow, its also the most intimate gesture you can give someone.

It used to be that I thought I gave the WORST hugs. Like straight backed and stiff, awkward mostly. And I always believed that it was due to my height or something. But I found that I can and do hug just fine, and its not just with friends but with people I find I like and the only problems I've had with hugging family was with people who had problems hugging themselves. So it turns out that its just selected people who get the short end of the stick sometimes, and its often at the most awkward of times that it gets weird. To take an example, at the passing of a certain teacher, I had the most difficulty ever hugging his wife. But when I received an award from her, it was fine. I don't know if there is a logical conclusion to this post but I'm gonna persevere.

My theory is that ultimately you're only as comfortable hugging someone, as that someone is comfortable hugging you. And I'm glad some of my friends have shown me the truth in that. I think I'm at peace now and I can't wait for the stuff that this year's gonna throw at me.

The 5 Stages

2008-03-18T21:23:00.002+08:00

Denial

I don't know,
I don't get it.
I don't want to know,
I don't want to get it.
Did it happen?

Anger
What did you eat? Did you honestly believe that your ACTIONS have no implications? I will RANT and I will WHINE but you SIR are a class A nutcase. No wonder you have no friends, if this is how you treat your best friends, then Fuck who cares how you treat your other friends. Your emotional maturity compels you to burn all your bridges, and I must say good riddance, praise the lord and thank Guan Yin. It is borderline disgusting. Who does that, What kind of idiot spouts this self involved crap about being above all this and so on. If you want the classic defination of therapied out? You got it my friend. Go sit under your shelter rock, because you, sir cannot be a friend. You sir have disappointed me one more time, you vindicate everything He's told me about you, ever last foible and why am I entitled to say that? Why? because YOU YOU for all your poseur shite, don't deserve the kind of support people have given you. No one gives away anything for free, and you give nothing, take away nothing and end up with nothing. So go on, rise above, Rise, for you will need to be above all this. 飞禽走兽. Just something random coz twas looking it up.

Bargaining

No, I refuse to believe this is the end. You of all people know that I don't give up, I don't burn bridges. As asinine as it may sound, but I believe that ultimately I never believe that its the end.

Depression

Twas yesterday,
Twas yesterday that I felt a sadness
fleeting
like a Suzhou Winter Snow
Snow that comes, and turns into mud,
and then Black Ice

Acceptance

Have I accepted it?
Nah I don't think so,
I'm just sure that in the end,
We will be stronger.
I will go on, I will find solace.
I know you will too.
In whom and when?
We will never know.

Allons-Y!

2008-03-16T10:22:00.004+08:00

My friend,
Who was so shocked,
appalled,
and invoked the winds of silence.

My friend,
You told me truths?
With those tales of,
woe, anguish, fear, doubt.

My friend,
I've not a doubt,
Nay a tale of woe,
Never an ounce of anguish,
but I always fear,
that I would say one thing,
and You would leave, run, desert, allons-y!

My friend,
I worry for you,
I worry for you and yours,
In all its finality,
I worry about the time that will come.

My friend,
You are my friend,
with or without labels,
You are a friend because you're here for me,
A friend who attaches no conditions,
who brooks no BS,
and my friend,
Allons-Y, onward past the savages,
they know not the things we share.

Je Suis Fatigué

2008-03-07T21:10:00.002+08:00

Its tiring, its tiring to live everyday just looking forward to the next meal, to the next miracle unveiled by the wizards of Techland. And the presence of the lord has given me some solace sometimes, the strength to look beyond this desolate expense of nothingness, to a time of "freedom" from within and without.

I want to get a scholarship, bonded or whatever, because independence from my parents is something I feel I should possess. I know, I got the world handed to me on a platter. But somehow, I just find this plate, this beautiful exquisite plate is one that comes with many conditions on sale. I am not saying I regret it, or feel resentment, I just want to know what it is like to have to depend on something else other than the unconditional love that comes with the package deal. A love that has its attendant responsibilities, and obligations. Ones that have to be fulfilled either way, and yet somehow, knowing that I have options, alternatives is a comfort. One that can soon enough become a crutch if not handled correctly.

Oh why did I make it so difficult.

A Smell

2008-03-04T00:29:00.003+08:00

I can just smell the upcoming ORD even though it is almost 6 months away still. This is particularly strong now that Dom's had his ORD dinner. I really want to move on, onward to freedom and so on. This is it isn't it?

I never liked the idea of secrets, as such always had somewhat of a disdain for it.

The Hundredth Post

2008-02-19T22:36:00.001+08:00

This post, my hundredth post will be a post for milestones. Milestones achieved, and surpassed. Not just personally but for the people around me.

I am almost at the end of my service in the Singapore Civil Defence Force, in fact there is about 229 days left and every single day that I pass in this force reinforces my belief that it can be as good as you choose to make it out to be, or as horrific as you choose to make it out to be. Ultimately it is up to you.

I am 19 turning 20 and I've accomplished certain things with my life, but living alone *effectively* for the past couple of years has told me that I am and can be independent, but has also showed me the true value of companionship camaraderie. I treasure my friends, my family and the people around me more for this experience.

I am 1/5th of an elite team of Podcasters, all of whom are warm, friendly, helpful, and yet appreciative of humour, serious when need be, and have shown me confidence, humility, and love for technology, contemporary issues and all my pet peeves.

This day marks the day I won my iPod from Microsoft. Yes. An iPod. From Microsoft. The irony has not escaped me. But is that not my life? Irony after Irony. So much so that sarcasm is my middle name, and periodic cynicism from me is expected.

The Judge

2008-02-16T12:43:00.001+08:00

You brought this upon yourself, said the judge sternly, looking down on the defendant/accuser/witness/lawyer/jury. With the Righteous fury vested in me, I must pronounce you guilty. The crowd stared at him and asked one question in unison, all expecting, What is he guilty of? He is guilty of Guilt! Of that sinful emotion, of that life sapping sensation that confuses him, when all that is obvious is obscured. I sentence you to self-exile! You can't do that the crowds screamed. And why can't I? The judge bellowed, sonorous and exultant, Je Suis Vous! Et Vous Etes Moi! I am You and You are Me! And the scene faded with a pan across the ornate, musty, delicious chocolate furnished room, into an oblivion filled only with silence and the knowledge of what he was too weak to do.

The Confusion

2008-02-16T12:16:00.002+08:00

When It Came down to it, I realised that its too easy to look away, to try and find an alternative, and yet I knew, that ultimately I can only choose one or the other.

The Now, or The Future.

Or Neither.

And it seems like this impossible situation of living, has become the definition of living. And I cannot understand it anymore, cannot continue like this. All this has become so tiring and yet its a kind of ennui induced fatigue. Just too tired to try anything. Too tired to do anything. Too tired.

Somehow it is no longer a comfort but a nervous tension. And its Me. Its nothing to do with them/you/us/me/her/Mom/Dad/Bro. I am too quick and my defenses while adequate for the odd argument, the evenly matched discussion, is mere glass for those who deign interest, who just want to talk, who love but cannot express, who enjoy my company.

Has it always been that easy to figure me out? That euphoric state of trance that you get when you hear, when you see, when you smell. That somehow these states of mind were only the illusion, to deceive, to give you the false hope that somehow all this could last... beyond an expensive plane ticket, and an almost insurmountable distance.

Saint Valentine

2008-02-13T21:37:00.003+08:00

Saint Valentine must be a pimp,
with fish swimming in his platforms,
with big-ass sunglasses,
with syncopated rhythms,
stolen from pink cards

Saint Valentine must be an angel,
Drifting through azure and sangria,
bestowing unbeknown wonders on those who believe,
believe in the unforgettable,
and dream of their deep city dreams.

Saint Valentine must be a sadist,
taunting us, those without,
those who just want to live this day like any other
enjoying the jealous looks thrown,
thrown like a towel into the ring.

Saint Valentine must want love to prevail,
he created this day for you and me,
for him and her, him and his, they and them,
to forget that would be disappointingly human,
and yet I am forced to by exigencies of the service,
to sit this one out, even when,
...

Saint Valentine's all of these things,
to all of us,
its up to us to believe,
in this Clausian charecter,
that a rose deliever'd by a burst of light,
through the ether that is Fibre-Optic,
that a cheap card, dinner and 2 kisses,
1 lip/1 cheek,
or just the simple Happy V-Day *Just like in '45*
still works.

It works. It just does.

Chinese New Year's Eve Eve

2008-02-05T22:50:00.000+08:00

Here I am sitting here, with my parents after a great meal at Corduroy and Fitch down Bukit Timah Road, off 6th Ave. Watching Golf. Waiting for the enforced gaity to begin.

Just alittle annoyed at work right now, but nothing new really. Same old issue, different if weird timing.

Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex.

I'm Peeved: With Overzealous Singaporeans

2008-01-30T22:11:00.000+08:00

Today I enjoyed my dinner at one of my (EX) favourite eateries, the Soup Spoon. I've been a customer with them since back when they were only like one or two shops, I would just bout every week, hop over to the little stand at Novena Square. And even after I left the country and came back I would go back every once in a while to have something there. I guess expansion (I was at the stall in Bugis btw) has not brought along with it better service staff.

Today, I was greeted with the most unexpected metaphorical SLAP in the face by one of their staff. When I was ushered to my seat, whilst I was carrying a nice hot bowl of soup, this little boy (or at least he looked like one; couldn't have been more than 14) was all polite and all. I had fully intended to write a glowing review and put on some nice pics on this post. This post that is now given to a rant, because I took pictures of the food, and the boy was asking me what it was for, and I said it was for my blog. Some moments later, the same boy came up to me, and said, "I'm sorry sir, you cannot take pictures of our food, it is in direct violation of our copyright".

So, without thinking very much, I just whipped my phone out, and proceeded to delete my pictures. At this point i was still quite chill, coz I didn't want to make a scene/dismember the small child accidentally with my broad sweeping gestures when I get worked up. However, he then said that he would need to look at my phone to check that I didn't have any photos left. And then I lost it, I apologised through gritted teeth and asked to speak to his manager. The manager, did NOT even have the courtesy to come over and speak to me, sending the boy over again some mintues later saying that it was ok now and so on.

Let me point out, that I had firstly GRACIOUSLY said that I would delete the photographs, and let me further point out, that COPYRIGHT only applies to things that are "works" such as paintings, or books, NOT a meal; and definitely not for things like bowls of soup, and so on. In fact, by asking me to delete my pictures, I was WILLFULLY giving up my copyright to those pictures because they were mine and my own. I would like to also say that I didn't try and steal recipes, I did not try and learn trade secrets, I just wanted to post a GOOD review on my blog. A review that could have and would have garnered good publicity for this stall. I do NOT blame the boy, he was obviously acting on orders. But who else is to be blamed?

PS. Soup truly was good, Had the basil and tomato thingy, and their set meal isn't too bad, what with the sandwich and drink. I mean 9 dollars for a complete meal in town, WoW.

Sexy Beijing

2008-01-26T12:08:00.000+08:00

Taken from Gadling.

This interesting little vodcast-like parody of Sex and the City, though a lot less... Sex, a LOT more city. I think its amazing that the host speaks such great chinese, chinese that I may be hard pressed to muster. And this content actually is quite good. You go GRRL!

See for yourself the first episode.

Somehow

2008-01-26T11:47:00.000+08:00

There's something in the air,
some change'ed quality,
the darkness that pervaded my soul,
now enters into that space,
where the purity of light,
of time, of destiny,
where is the meaning?

Why does she do what she does,
artfully avoiding,
skillfully turning,
gracefully skimming,
I can only deign to guess.

Is it fear?
Is it me?
Is it you?
Is it them?
Is it too much?
Is it too soon?
Is it complicated?
Is it effortless?

Somehow, for someone,
so used to insincerity,
so used to concealment,
so cynical,
so uninterested.
I've got my interest back.
I fear the 5 year old,
will reassert himself,
taking away what little
I have.

Somehow, I must say,
that in the end,
ultimately,
these are just words.

My Cup

2008-01-24T19:41:00.000+08:00

I broke my cup today,
it had an inkyness,
I always assiociated with her.
Somehow its now gone,
and I am without a cup.

A Strong Hand

2008-01-23T22:31:00.000+08:00

Those of you who don't already know, I will be playing Russia in the IAEA in the upcoming NTUMUN 2008. It is particularly interesting when one is allowed to simply play the arrogant son of a mother in the room and actually have it be considered a necessary part of the simulation. I am not saying Russian foreign policy is inherently arrogant and son-of-a-gun-ish but recent performance has been particularly indicative of an aggressive nation. Though strangely enough, our goals seem largely to line up with those of the USA on the issue of nuclear proliferation, but can and probably will be expected to put our own stamp on the proceedings. Its interesting isn't it, to see how I can play this out.

A strong hand is needed in any activity being conducted, and one has been a witness of the lack of such clarity recently. It is regarding the organisation of a particular event, and in the run up of the events, one must provide a public presentation. However, it seems people have got it into their heads that this task can be accomplished by asking certain unqualified people to provide for and somehow create a great looking presentation, something on the level of what one could get from the outside is simply not plausible.

It seemed like somehow the creative process was to be outsourced to one of the drunk monkeys typing away trying to create Shakespeare's writings, the duck that sits next to it quacking, and a hippo that dwells in a waterhole, (Though these animals are very tech savvy, thus fulfilling the cool factor) and the expectation was of a professional, well designed, under cost presentation. Somehow, it got into the heads of management that these animals are design gods who can in one single stroke, provide the marketing for a multi-million Hollywood movie, launch 2 operating systems for profit and create the marketing campaign for half a dozen Apple products. One may laugh, but the truth of the matter is, there's nothing and everything is somehow expected. The phrase "ask the animals, they're really good at such things, one" has been heard repeatedly, and yet somehow, if these gods were so good, why are their designs periodically disregarded and given over to others to design, or worse, watered down.

Its almost as if there is this compulsive need to obtain something just so that one can have something to reject, and if it was to accepted and were then to fail, the monkey, hippo and duck can take the fall. One has to beg the question, why can't they have just outsourced this entire project in the first place, it would have removed the compulsive need to micromanage (truly the biggest problem), and the whole layers of bureaucracy problem. May we also add lastly that the instructions for this endeavour was not passed on directly from the top to the design "team" but through 3 or more levels of bureaucracy. One cannot understand is why such things even need to be evaluated at the very top, this is not for the people at the "top", it is for those with no clue at all what is going on in the first place, so is it not true that those at the top cannot provide objective evaluation.

It is unfortunate though, that one shall not be the only person who would ever go through such examples of human behavior; somehow everyone will have undergo it at some point. Such are the symptoms of management.

Rethink Customer Service

2008-01-23T11:30:00.000+08:00

My friend Evan told me that this shop's, Jaben Network, service was impeccable, and I thought, No, that can't be true. Its some small little shop located out at this ulu place... Adelphi what?

BOY! was I in for a surprise. I mean previously I had bought in-ear earbuds from that place and I thought meh, nothing spectacular. Just in, tried a few other phones, tried my set of phones, and out. But today was an example of true service at work.

I walked in listening to a piece of music, was it from Madonna or J Lo. I forget but I walked in with the Allessandro MS-1s on my mind, and I set out to try them out, unfortunately the place was noisy with some oldies playing and people chatting and generally having a good time. Fortunately Uncle Wilson, through all of the conversations taking place directed at him, to him, over his head, towards his glorious speakers, paid me all the attention I needed as I tried out cans ranging from 165(the MS1s) to 400 plus dollars (Some Expensive brand's 860s). All of them impressive, and all of them receiving through consideration from the master himself, Uncle Wilson.

I then asked if there was any way I could get a new set of more comfortable *tips?* for my Crossroads (The earbuds mentioned earlier). He just grabbed a pair of $6 tips out of a bag, and gave them to me. I was stunned. When I decided to buy the MS-1s soon after, he said its your lucky day... and pulled out a BEAUTIFUL wooden box. And gave it to me free. My jaw hit the floor. It was a $48 dollar box, and I was only grabbing a rather plain jane set of Headphones. I paid, and was thanking and thanking Oncle Wilson, *it sounds better in French, non?*. On the way out of the shop, I stopped and stared at the new CrossRoads X3i-s that had come in, they were beautiful earphones and I asked casually about them. Boy was I glad I did. Uncle Wilson asked me to come try them out, and as soon as I was done praising them, he said, come I'll trade up your old Mylarones for the new ones. I was floored again. A USD53 value, ... for free. I was simply speechless at the end of it all.

Freebies aside *though it always helps*. This kind of service, cannot be found anywhere else in Singapore. You are not only rewarded for repeated custom, but treated like an old friend, given preferential service effortlessly, and treated like a customer, one that wants to buy things from you again and again, and not like a thief that has entered your shop to try and finagle the loss inducing price from you. Such service, such attention is a dying trade in a country that has been ranked 26th in surveys.

Which brings me to ask, if the Audiophile world can have such great service, why not the PC buying/selling world. Why can't they take care of us as well as we take care of them. Is it really because all Singaporeans are so cheap? Because yes, we may go for the best deal, and in the process put up with the long lingering stares as though WILLING you to buy something, or the blatant rudeness, *except to foreigners*, but why can't there be a Jaben Like store in Singapore. A place where one can get exceptional prices, immensely friendly service and none of that bull that other places try to pull, a place where once can truly feel like a customer, and not like the little kid who's being bullied at school to give all his money away. Is it really true that your margins are SO thin that you cannot afford to give good service? I don't really know, but I suspect that this is simply because PC peripherals have become such a commodity that one can't expect to get good service anymore. Just commodity-esque service. There's no feeling left, no emotion, just a transaction and boom done. Should there then be the creation of an elite set of peripherals? Catered to the elite? Yes, and yes it has been done, but not in Singapore sadly, and not for anything less than the top of the range. The question that begs then, is why can't they made PC-phile mid range and low range cards/processors/ram chips etc. Stuff that gives the pro-sumer and mild enthusiast shudders simply for the amazing value it offers. These questions though valid, I cannot answer and yet somehow I wish someone could.

happy birthday

2008-01-13T19:23:00.000+08:00

These eyes stare out of the window,
longing for that summer rainbow.
The crisp dew-like sigh that floats,
a sound that I can almost see,
that makes me wish I had a boat.

The rhymes that I form in my sleep,
in the dreamlike state that is so deep,
the crisp, tender touch,
that gives me -oh so much.
Who can save me now,
from that painful... ow!

She reminds me of a shiver,
that involuntary tremble,
that sets off a sliver of warmth,
resembling pleasure,
resembling fear.

Oh how I miss her twinkling eyes,
her sparkling smile,
her shining aura,
her various other cliches.

Even her strawberry scent,
I knew it meant,
that now and again,
I must abstain from those thoughts.
Of her.

Eyes that glisten like the fresh snow,
you told me about this afternoon,
snow that falls once in a while,
snow that beggars belief,
snow that is cold to the touch.

I'd kiss you for your birthday,
If I could grow wings,
If I could swim, run, fly, bribe, extort, blackmail,
my way to China.
Underneath that veneer of childish manliness,
and a slight fetish for overpriced things,
I'm your friend always.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful girl.

One Last Return

2008-01-07T23:59:00.000+08:00

I've said many times already, that "This is my last trip to China." Somehow, it never is quite the last trip. I return again and again, invariably with excuses, Oh I'm here to visit friends, to visit family, to visit the Suzhou Museum. But, sad to say all these excuses are only part of the truth. I think I've begun to call it home. A second home, A place where I can feel safe and somehow know my way around. And yet as time has passed, as I've been away, this feeling has also worn away ever so slightly, its a little like returning to a place you've lived in many many years ago, and finding that the new owners have changed the colour of the tiles, sold away your secret hideaway cabinet (Or you tell yourself).

Somehow, after all the changes that Singapore had undergone, when I returned it did not feel that different. Whereas Suzhou was like going back to an ex girlfriend, or so I hear lol, my ex *singular* is not like that... but trying to sound literature-y is always difficult... anyway back to the point, its like returning and finding that she has aged, she's had work done that didn't quite turn out well *botched boobies* etc. It was quite disconcerting and yet quite reassuring. That time has passed and I am but only one small part of this great and unstoppable machine.

The changes wrought on the "small" Chinese city of Suzhou, has not, fortunately, changed the way my parents treat me whenever I return to China. There was the outburst of emotional caring, lots of loving, extra food, general attention being given to me. If not for certain things that did happen whilst in China, I'm certain my gratitude would have been boundless and eternal. Underneath it all, I think my parents probably find it rather odd that I'm no longer by their side, and I am just generally glad that I still have such a place in their hearts. *Still can't teach me to drive properly though*

I am blessed to have met up with my friends, Amy, Tanja, Ben, Jocelyn, Vi, Trixie, and all the SSISians that remember me etc. I am blessed to have been showered with affection, to have gone to see a ballet, to take and give precious things. I am being sentimental, and when I'm sentimental I can't write without slipping into theatrics. So I shall stop. I love y'all.

You Know

2008-01-02T23:55:00.000+08:00

You Know when You think about her,
When you think of the gentle touch,
the stiff breeze, and the softness that glows,
the broken hearts and tender promises,
the dark, knowing smiles,
and joyful grins.

You know.

In the Still of the Night
Cole Porter
In the still of the night
As I gaze from my window
At the moon in its flight
My thoughts all stray to you

In the still of the night
All the world is in slumber
All the times without number
Darling when I say to you

Do you love me, as I love you
Are you my life to be, my dream come true
Or will this dream of mine fade out of sight
Like the moon growing dim, on the rim of the hill
In the chill, still, of the night

Like the moon growing dim, on the rim of the hill
In the chill, still, of the night

The Next American President?

2007-11-25T10:38:00.000+08:00

Rudy Giuliani In Drag - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

Well! He does have a sense of Humour I'll grant him that.

Indentured Servitude.

2007-11-25T01:03:00.000+08:00

I said things to her that were callous,
Selfish,
Idiotic.
I told her I was not worth it, that I was yet another in an endless stream of disappointments.
She said she understood. And Smiled.
I felt the doubt, and I felt the sadness,
I threw it away, just to believe for that short span of time
that she...

It is difficult to describe. This feeling of loneliness, overwhelming and detrimental. I have been able to talk to people yes, I have been surrounded by love, I have friends, I have family. Yet somehow, its not quite enough. Its the immense endlessness that one feels while serving his National Duty. Its the disappointment felt when yet another MSN conversation is finished unsatisfactorily. Its the pain you feel when you have to disassociate yourself, because you don't want to commit, you cannot commit. You must remain, in this span of two years altogether alone and yet surrounded by people. Most people cannot describe it, most men choose to take it out with cigarettes, with endless cycles of person after person. It is too easy to say Oh its just two years. Oh its an obligation you have to commit to. But truly, it is a melancholy one, an often disappointing one, and even more so a painful one.

What happens when the privation you feel, the emptiness you experience, the pain that has not passed, all amalgamates into a stewing loss of belief, belief in the cause, in the hand that feeds you. I must find the faith. The Faith to see, to see beyond that pale, that space that you cannot inhabit simply because there's nothing there. And nothing worth looking at.

Karma Kettle and Rhapsody

2007-11-24T20:50:00.001+08:00

These pictures are from this quaint little eatery near Serene Centre which has only been around for a couple of months. Now the interesting thing is I had passed by this restaurant for that whole two months fully intending to try it out and today, I gave in et Voilá! C'est Quel Supris. It has a rather quirky design concept, with cute little objet d'art placed artfully all around, and yet occasionally slipping into the Victorian sense of style, mildly disconcerting, but not at all unpleasant. In fact, I sense a distinct sense of humour about it all, that can only be described as perfect for the blend of food served at this restaurant.

The set meal I ordered, would've been for all intents and purposes boring. And the soup was exactly that, the classic French Onion Soup. It was not thick enough to warrant true French style, and had nothing else special to distinguish it above the fray. I enjoyed it but only because I would drink any soup with a good beef consommé and onions.

The Main of grilled Dory however was very good. The mashed potatoes were very smooth, to the point where I suspected it came from a packet. The brussel sprouts were not characteristically bitter but well cooked, but the fish was another matter altogether, fresh, smooth and with a delicious herb crust. My only complaint about the fish was that the sauce was made of a sinful butter and lemon combination. Definately not for those on a diet.

Lastly, Le Désert. Brownie, warm, and sinful. Sweet, fudgy and satisfying. A proper way to end a proper meal. The Set meal cost me 22 dollars total.

I would give this restaurant 7/10. The meal provided was good, the service attentive, and the setting quite unique. The only place they needed to adjust was the menu, providing something that no one else already had in the area.

Some Updates

2007-11-16T22:43:00.000+08:00

Recently I have been taking a lot of leave, and I mean a lot. And so far its been wonderful. Getting some time for myself, spending some time reflecting.

Today for the first time, my prayers got answered... and I mean like literally. I prayed for God to give me a strike, (at the bowling alley, not with a whip) and yes, sure enough the next one was a strike. Mmmm, Donuts... Wait no, Mmmmm Inner Solace.

Back in China 12th-25th Decembre. Yes, I'll be back, and I may be bringing some tag alongs... More Later.

I LOVE THE WEST WING.

Joce! All My Love:D

Podcast tomorrow, feel throughly un-prepared.

Je me cours de Francais a Demain, Je suis mort. (Don't make fun of my french.) Allez! Guinea-Bissau!

Some Laws In and Around the World.

2007-11-07T20:25:00.000+08:00

And I want to be a lawyer

The UK's top 10 most ridiculous British laws were listed as:

1. It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament (27%)

2. It is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the British king or queen's image upside-down (7%)

3. It is illegal for a woman to be topless in Liverpool except as a clerk in a tropical fish store (6%)

4. Eating mince pies on Christmas Day is banned (5%)

5. If someone knocks on your door in Scotland and requires the use of your toilet, you are required to let them enter (4%)

6. In the UK a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants, including in a policeman's helmet (4%)

7. The head of any dead whale found on the British coast automatically becomes the property of the King, and the tail of the Queen (3.5%)

8. It is illegal not to tell the tax man anything you do not want him to know, but legal not to tell him information you do not mind him knowing (3%)

9. It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour (3%)

10. It is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls of York, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow (2%)

False teeth

Other bizarre foreign laws voted by those polled included:

In Ohio, it is illegal to get a fish drunk (9%)

In Indonesia, the penalty for masturbation is decapitation (8%)

A male doctor in Bahrain can only examine the genitals of a woman in the reflection of a mirror (7%)

In Switzerland, a man may not relieve himself standing up after 10pm (6%)

It is illegal to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle in Alabama (6%)

In Florida, unmarried women who parachute on a Sunday could be jailed (6%)

Women in Vermont must obtain written permission from their husbands to wear false teeth (6%)

In Milan, it is a legal requirement to smile at all times, except during funerals or hospital visits (5%)

In France, it is illegal to name a pig Napoleon (4%)

Source: BBC News

Some Left Wing Liberal Reason

2007-10-22T20:53:00.000+08:00

Yes This is the reason why I love The West Wing so much

The Rant. Polite, And Non-insulting but The Rant Nonetheless

2007-10-20T14:27:00.000+08:00

In addressing the issue of the repeal of Article 377A, I have come across a thought, which I will introduce in a while, but first a preamble. Singapore is necessarily a conservative society as the numbers have to clearly show, since everyone knows that statistics don't lie. WE MUST FOLLOW THE NUMBERS, THEY WILL DEFINATELY BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE VIEWS OF EVERYONE. I have come across many arguments, moral or otherwise, that seem to suffer one monumental failure, selection of facts. I.E. Just choosing some fact and not presenting anything else because they happen to be inconvienent.

While most people are more than willing to accept that homosexuality has in popular culture more or less sunk into the mainstream, they are not so willing to accept it in their lives and around them. I am tempted to say that this is tantamount to sticking their fingers into their ears and going LA LA LA LA, GAYS DESTROY FAMILIES, LALALA, THERE WILL BE FROLICKING GAY COUPLES IN THE STREETS, LALALALALALALA, THE GAHMEN ISN'T ENFORCING THE LAW LALALALA.

It is a bold assertation to say so, and I know I won't get away with it, so let me just ask a few questions.

First. Why is this law against gay men only? Logically speaking if this law was to be fair, just, equal or otherwise, it should also be against gay women to, and whatever sexual acts they can perform on each other. So isn't there a question of equality at play here?

Second. Does the removal of this law automatically mean a profusion of gay sex on the streets and gay sex everywhere? Remember that the law against anal penetrative and oral sex between men and women is only to be repealed soon in Singapore. Do we forsee thusly a profusion of wild backdoor enterings and cars rocking on Farrer Park, Faber Hill and various other secluded locations, public and private? Is it not possible then that the government forsaw this NOT happening, and decided that it was in fact in public interest to repeal this law for heterosexual couples? So why not otherwise?

Third. For all the frequent repetitions about family values, alternative lifestyles, etc. No one has exactly told me what legalising gay sex would do. Families are being destroyed by the gays, is one oft repeated refrain, I don't really see how having gay people around would lead your thriving family to break down. I think it probably has more to do with having 2 parents with jobs, children being taken care of by outsiders and insufficient or inefficient use of resources to assist such parents. These and more reasons are a much more logical and consistent reason for the breakdown of nuclear families. Second to that point, what is WRONG about alternative lifestyles? There are plenty of people straight or otherwise that are your entertainers, your hairdressers, your writers, your chefs, your teachers. And yes, they may like leather, or have a fetish for spandex, or have an inordinate adoration for pink duck patterned wall paper, or just be a regular joe who likes Starbucks, eats out once in a while, drinks alittle, and reads chinese wuxia stories. And conversely, there are plenty of straight people who lead lives that don't conform to your norm, or his norm, or your grandmother's norm, so why don't we say they can't lead their lives the way they lead it because it spoils the property values of the neighbourhood, or because tight white T-Shirts expose too much nipple, or how eating meat's bad bad news. I don't see why YOU should be imposing YOUR beliefs upon them. They don't come into you home, or spam your blogs and say, STOP BEING BORING AND EATING BORING FOOD, DRINKING BAD WINE AND READING CHEESY NOVELS, AND ALWAYS DOING IT IN THE MISSIONARY POSITION AND WEARING CLASHING COLOURS, so why should YOU/WE/THEY judge how THEY lead their lives.

And lastly. Does this law not represent a dangerous precedent? A law that will not be enforced. A law that, on the word of a government, is on the books, but will not be enforced. Does it sound scary to you because it sure sounds scary to me that some laws can be chosen to be enforced and others not. It reminds me of that Bismarckian line, about not seeing how Laws and Sausages are made.

I welcome any and all comments on this post and wish both the Keep377A and Repeal377A camps a good day.

P.S. You can't spread gayness like the flu, and people who are sitting on the fence are sitting on the fence because they are confused. Instead of telling them that other side is EVIL and you're bound to end up single, heartbroken and lonely, why not engage them in Discussion about their feelings and attempt to guide them to some sort of conclusion? Not all gay relationships end up in failure, just as not all straight relationships end in failure. And it is more a symptom of modernity that relationships end than just the simple, Oh its coz they're gay so they must break up eventually.

The Airbus A380 is out, And Leopard's Coming 26th Oct

2007-10-16T20:45:00.000+08:00

Today, Singapore Airlines took delivery of their first Airbus A380. And with it launched a new product, Suites. This is meant to be "a class beyond first". And truly it is. For 1000 Euros an hour you get to experience your own room, much like those found on luxury yachts, high end exclusive hotels and even your own lavishly furnished, plushly designed house, and of course all this in the air and to the tune of service that other airlines talk about. I am naturally curious and immensely desirous. A room all to myself, nay to me and someone else even? What a dream come true. Though seriously this product would never be rolled out on any other class of aircraft isn't that wonderful. Its exclusivity defined!

Leopard, Apple's newest operating system will be rolling out soon. The 26th of October at 6PM Western Time. Though I think I'm supposed to get it on the 26th itself here in Singapore... I took the liberty of preordering it. Heh. Grandma! Keep a look out for me... I can't wait for Time Machine! And BOOTCAMP!

Singapore has Rejoined the UNESCO

2007-10-09T23:37:00.000+08:00

Singapore has rejoined the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation), making it the 193rd nation to do so, thus giving the UNESCO one more participant country then the actual United Nations itself. Fancy that!

Singapore has spent 22 years outside of the UNESCO and it has been more than high time that we return to the fold that brings ever so much to a nation, recognition for its cultural and national treasures, opportunities for exchange and interaction, for creating ethical standards and building consensus. In short it is an organisation that does so much good simply by getting its member nations to sit down and communicate, share and interact.

I applaud our Leaders' wise decision in rejoining this community of fellows and look forward to the great bounty of cultural exchange and increased fellowship that can and will follow.

Free Burma!

2007-10-04T09:59:00.000+08:00

In light of the plight of the suppressed Saffron/Burgandy Revolution in Burma, I'm posting this post for the children of Burma. Give them one chance to breathe the free air, one chance to live under the rule of a democratically elected leader. On this International Bloggers Day for Burma, I shall wear red... not simply because I have like 5 red t-shirts but because I believe. I believe in the right of every person to live free, and I believe in the positive effect ASEAN can and will make. Vive La Revolution!

A Sad State of Affairs

2007-10-02T18:24:00.000+08:00

Debt of Honour: Singapore’s Ties to Myanmar’s Junta

By

Benjamin Cheah

The crisis in Burma is escalating. For the first time in two decades, the people are taking to the streets. It started with protests against the doubling of fuel prices, and the sharp increase in prices of essential goods and services. 1 It has now become a call for democracy, and freedom. The military has seen fit to respond with tear gas, arrests, beatings, and live rounds. State television claims that there are nine dead. Witnesses believe that the true toll lies in the hundreds. 2

The source of this turmoil lies with the junta in power. After seizing power in 1962, the then-State Law and Order Restoration Committee embarked on the ‘Burmese Road to Socialism’, an economic policy that has done nothing but to impoverish the people. The people are kept in line through intimidation, systematic rape, arbitrary detention, forced labour, and other tools of state terror. The junta and its cronies virtually control the nation’s wealth, making tremendous profits from sales of drugs, gems, and timber. This combination of poverty, inequality, and repression has exploded into the situation we see today. 3
That the regime was responsible for this is not in doubt. However, it could not have accomplished this without the assistance of other governments. In particular, one country has provided significant economic and military assistance to the junta, enabling it to restore ‘law and order’ while fattening its bank accounts. That nation is the Republic of Singapore.
Above the board, Singapore has done a lot of business with Myanmar. SingTel was the first firm to provide Burmese businesses and government offices with the ability to establish inter- and intra-corporate communications in over 90 countries. At the same time, all computers, software, e-mail services and telecommunications devices in Burma must be licensed, a nearly impossible feat in itself. Coupled with the prohibitively high cost of computers in Burma 3 , and it can be inferred that the regime is intent on denying communications technology to the Burmese political opposition. This act serves to further enrich the Myanmese elites, and strengthen their grip on power.

Singapore invested S$1.57 billion in Myanmar in 2005, making her the largest direct foreign investor from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Since 1988, Singapore has invested about S$2 billion in Myanmar, mostly in tourism and the military. 4 Given that the junta’s cronies virtually control the legal economy, it’s safe to say that these monies have gone into their wallets, and into producing arms and ammunition. A substantial portion of Singapore's investments has gone into Asia World, a Burmese construction company, which is owned by drug traffickers and money launderers. 3, 4, 5

Lo Hsing Han is the chair of Asia World, founded in 1992. Ostensibly a successful businessman, he has served as ethnic advisor to former Burmese Prime Minister Khin Nyunt, and continues to oversee his drug operations in Burma. It has been alleged that Asia World has been used as a front for drug trafficking. 3, 5 His son, Steven Law, is the firm's managing director, and runs various other firms, which happen to be subsidiaries of Asia World. 3, 5 He also reportedly handles his father's financial activities. 3 Steven Law married his Singaporean business partner, Cecilia Ng, in 1996. Using her connections to the government, she allegedly launders money for Burma's drug barons, in addition to other legitimate business dealings. 3, 5, 6, 7

It has been further reported that Singapore allows Burmese drug barons to travel freely, the junta's generals to visit Singapore for medical treatment, in addition to turning a blind eye to shady financial practices. 3, 5, 6, 7 There is no doubt that a connection exists between the junta and the government of Singapore.

This is not the end. The Singapore government has armed the regime. Singapore Technologies has built a state-of-the-art cyber warfare centre in Yangon. With it, the regime’s secret police can intercept a spectrum of communications, from telephone calls to faxes to e-mail, from over twenty countries 3, 5, 9, allowing them to keep track of political dissidents. On October 6, 1988, hundreds of mortars, munitions and military supplies were shipped to Yangon. They were marked "Allied Ordnance, Singapore", which is a subsidiary of Chartered Industries of Singapore3, 8, 9 , now part of ST Engineering. The shipment also included license-built Swedish rockets, violating an agreement with Sweden that required authorisation for arms exports. 3, 9 The following year, Singapore acted as a middleman for a shipment of grenade launchers and anti-tank weapons from Belgium and Israel. 3, 8 In 1992, Singapore brokered a $1.5 million shipment of mortars from Portugal, violating a European Commission arms embargo. 3, 8, 9 In 1995, Chartered Industries of Singapore built an arms factory in Burma, now used to produce weapons for the Burmese military. 9 Singapore has armed the regime.

These incidents are just the ones documented in the public domain. There could have been other shady deals in recent times, one of which could have surfaced to sting Singapore.

On the 27th of September, a Singaporean was shot by Myanmese riot police.10, 11 According to a photograph of a recovered rubber bullet11, there are two legible English words inscribed on it: 'control' and 'rubber'. The official language of Myanmar is Burmese, with little attention paid to the English language; it is therefore highly improbable that the round was made produced locally. Europe and the United States have enforced sanctions against Myanmar, and have no reason to ship non-lethal ammunition to Burma. China, India and Thailand, Myanmar's largest trading partners, probably would not use English markings on ammunition, because there is little reason to mark ammunition in a language that ordinary workers probably could not read. But Singapore uses English markings on ammunition. Therefore, I suspect that the round was made in Singapore, and exported to Burma. There, it was used to shoot a Singaporean in the leg. If nothing else, this must be poetic injustice.

The Singapore Government has allowed the junta and its cronies to get richer and richer, while the people have to bear with Third World living standards and systematic oppression. Singapore has turned a blind eye to international criminal activity operating out of Myanmar, whose ringleaders visit Singapore every now and then. Most damning of all, Singapore has sold weapons to Burma, the same arms that the authorities use to keep the junta in place. Singapore is therefore indirectly responsible for the current state of affairs in Myanmar.

The world is watching. Singapore currently holds the chairmanship of ASEAN. ASEAN has condemned the junta’s response to the protests. 13 Singapore, in particular, is engaging in ‘quiet diplomacy’, and is backing United Nations envoy Ibrahim Gambari in his attempt to defuse the situation. 14 But this is not nearly enough.

If Singapore truly wishes for an end to the crisis, and is genuinely concerned about the people of Burma, it is her duty to send a strong message to the junta. Singapore must declare, and cease, any and all arms exports to the military regime. Singapore must also impose economic sanctions on Myanmar, in particular targeting strategic resources and supplies destined for the military and the police. Singapore must withdraw all investments in firms linked to the regime, and its cronies. Singapore must also investigate all reports of money laundering on local soil, and prosecute the guilty to the fullest extent of the law. All assets belonging to the junta and its cronies must be frozen. Finally, Singapore must bar the Myanmese drug barons and junta members from setting foot in Singapore. These actions would send a more direct message to the junta than any other action by most other nations.

Singapore owes the people of Burma a debt of honour. Singapore has the means to expunge it. What she needs is the political will to clean up the mess the government has created.

Sources:

1. "Q&a: Protests in Burma." BBC News. 27 Sept. 2007. 30 Sept. 2007 .
2. "THE TORRENT OF BAD NEWS." Yangon Thu. 29 Sept. 2007. 30 Sept. 2007 .
3. Kean, Leslie, and Dennis Bernstein. "The Burma-Singapore Axis: Globalizing the Heroin Trade." Covert Action Quarterly (1998). 28 Sept. 2007 http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Global_Secrets_Lies/BurmaSingapore_Drugs.html
4. "The Associated Press: Foreign Investment in Myanmar Dropped 12 Percent in 2005." BurmaNet News. 11 Jan. 2006. 28 Sept. 2007 .
5. Ellis, Eric. "Web of Cash, Power, and Cronies." The Age 29 Sept. 2007. 30 Sept. 2007 .
6. McKenna, Michael. "Singapore's Hand in Golden Triangle: Australian." Singapore Angle. 23 Nov. 2005. 28 Sept. 2007 .
7. Casanier, Francois. "Kun Sa's Surrender, a Narco-Dictatorship in Progress." Khun Sa's Surrender, a Narco-Dictat. 13 Jan. 1996. 29 Sept. 2007 .
8. Ashton, William. "Myanmar and Israel Develop Military." Myanmar and Israel Develop Military. 29 Sept. 2007 .
9. Barnes, William, and Bruce Hawke. "The BurmaNet News: July 23, 1998." The BurmaNet News. 29 Sept. 2007 .
10. "MFA Says It's Appalled by Violent Act Towards S'Porean." The Straits Times 28 Sept. 2007. 28 Sept. 2007 .
11. Htike, Ko. "Ko Htike's Prosaic Collection." Ko Htike's Prosaic Collection. 28 Sept. 2007. 28 Sept. 2007 .
12. DSCF7041.JPG. 28 Sept. 2007 . (From source 11, under post on 28 September)
13. Pereira, Derwin. "Asean Rebukes Myanmar Over Use of Force." The Straits Times 29 Sept. 2007: 1.
14. Pereira, Derwin. "Important to Avert Violence: George Yeo." The Straits Times 28 Sept. 2007: 7.

My Take on this:

I fall throughly on the more liberal side of the political spectrum, and as such there is nothing that can condone the current actions of our government. "It's Just Business" has become the siren call of the Capitalist society, and as a nation that supposedly espouses "Asian Values" it seems that there is an awful lack of values in the way our government deals with this nation. Albeit our policies have so far been engaged in the form of "quiet diplomacy" or "constructive engagement" as the term used by ASEAN. Yes, there is the general belief that one must be able to engage such a regime to try and make them see the error of their ways. But it has become obvious that the Carrot without the Stick makes no progress, makes no change, and our lack of the stick becomes painfully evident. I am shocked by the plight of the Burmese people and appalled by the previous lack of constructiveness in our engagement, one hopes that the future may bring a government that is fully aware, as is evidenced by the events of the past weeks, of the implications of its actions. The United Nations as a body is only able to do so much, Singapore by virtue of being near to this nation must use its leverage to push Burma, and the Burmese government to reform.

We've taken the steps required to make action, Mr George Yeo's choice of words calling Myanmar part of the ASEAN "family" was very much telling, we see them not as criminals, or other wise, but like brothers, or that dirty pervy uncle that hits on your Girl friends at your parties. And the use of such a word is telling because it indicates a lack of will or otherwise to apply sanctions or other such more "hard" measures and I fear that such a simple lack of fortitude will result in Myanmar simply carrying on its own merry way. I am disappointed in this government's previous actions and can only hope that the future will bring forth the proverbial sticks and stones, not on the benighted people of Myanmar but the people that deign to rule over this country. I still have the hope.

For Blue Skies

2007-09-28T20:15:00.000+08:00

Burma,
the clouds of smoke,
your tender touch, there
here, but now,
Now is the time.

Now we rise,
For now we rise,
to death,
to sacrifice,
to nationalism,
TO Freedom.

YOU, you murderous,
grieving, tortured, destructive,
Why, why stay like this,
the black sheep, the long years,
the silence, the gates, fences,
I hate you.
She is not free, for your own foolishness, Give it up...
Its Over.

The time is here,
now, for them to see the blue skies,
the green fields,
the bounties and freedoms of democracy.

For Burma, the people, the Nobel Laureates, The strongly worded statement from ASEAN, and for Ibrahim Gambari.

P.S.

asato ma sad gamaya
tamaso ma jyotir gamaya

Translated As:

From delusion lead me to truth
From darkness lead me to light

-Juno Reactor: Navras.

I Now Pronounce You, Chuck and Larry

2007-09-24T22:57:00.000+08:00

This show is, contrary to our enlightened Newspaper's opinion, actually quite worth that 7 dollars that I paid to watch it. Yes it had moments of puerile facile and just plain idiotic fun, but HELLO, did anybody get the memo? Its Adam Sandler, acting in a movie where he has a GAY marriage to a FAT man!? Hello? Did anybody not see the idiocy coming?

I am actually find it quite interesting though at the generally quite positive portrayals of gay people and the gay community in general. They aren't shown as evil menacing church destroying people, though they are generally portayed as very effeminate, and well... just generally weird and into strange sexual stuffs, which naturally makes for fantastic comedy. Heheh. What am I saying, seeing that Black dude *Ving Rhames* prance around and singing Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Wanna have fun... Or was it Chaka Khan's I'm every woman... Whatever, That was hilarious.
Seriously, watch it if your have a chance. I found it one of Mr Sandler's better attempts.

A Request

2007-09-16T21:44:00.000+08:00

I find that recently, I've been actively taking the apathetic route. I haven't been caring enough about my health, about my pet cause of International Affairs, of Human rights in general, of my cousins down in Ang Mo Kio. And what has taken its place? What seems to be endless spending on extravagance, and I say No More. *well save for those books preparing me for law school*. No more to the needless extravagance, no more to the effortless spending of money and most importantly no more to living life on material.

I'm gonna do 3 things,
Spend Less Cash
Get out more and enjoy myself more
Lose Lots of Weight

A few other things?
Learn French again
Get a less inflated opinion of myself
Fix this vacation mess of mine

So Long Pavarotti

2007-09-10T23:28:00.001+08:00

You were a true performer,
a perfect Italian,
a man who believed in beauty,
and above all, your voice will carry us all,
Through the dark, the bitter, the angry and hateful,

In This World.

Beyond Compare,

Pavarotti.

What not to do during Sex

2007-09-09T22:37:00.001+08:00

If a girl was to say to you during sex, "Get Awesome". She's not asking you to try harder, or telling you that you're doing a good job. She's telling you "Get Off Me".

Courtesy of Stuff Mag USA

My Day of... Freedom!

2007-09-08T18:55:00.000+08:00

Today is Saturday. A day for relaxation, for rest, comforts that would not normally be accorded to a person on a weekday. However in recent months my involvement in our Nation's National Day Parade, rendered my Saturdays comepletely and utterly destroyed. This is the first Saturday that I have been able to actually have some Me time. Though it did mean waking up at 730 and having slept at like... 2 the previous night I'm tired as ... well something that is known to be very tired.

So what did I do on this wonderful day?

First down to Geek Terminal for this week's Podcast on the new iPods and other tech news. Tech65 is Singapore's premier gadget enthusiast website and I am proud to be a member of the Tech65 team.

*Shamless Plug over*

After a coffee fueled podcast, I hopped over to Bukit Batok to get an appointment with my Dentist and got a freakishly decayed tooth filled in. Also happened to be freakishly painful.

Lunch at Gran's and I went home to clean up my house. Yes, But its nice and... neat now. No papers strewn all over the place. NO more clothes all over the place. Books where they should be. And yeah the underwear is where its supposed to be... *Don't ask*

I'm proud of myself now.... Really am proud...

The New iPods

2007-09-06T06:07:00.000+08:00

Duh! The Answer is OBVIOUS. The new iPod Touch... 16... err wait... its alittle... 8... No too little space... But I don't want the new "old" iPod Classic... more space yea... but... ... But... BUT!!!

Ma! All I want for my Birthday is... the 16 Gig iPod Touch?... or Should I wait for Christmas for maybe a nice BIGGER one? Argh, Decisions Decisions at 0609 in the morning!

Its been way to long.

2007-09-04T23:05:00.000+08:00

My dear blog, its been way too long. I'm sorry and I promise I will make up for it.

I just came home from watching a movie 1408. It sucks. Its a scary piece of poo. SIGH I hate scary flicks. And yet I kinda love them its such a strange love hate relationship.

I have also just bought Natalie Cole's rendition of I Say a Little Prayer for You, absolutely delicious version of this classic song. Her sultry voice and delicious vocals makes me all happy inside, despite my lingering fear that I'll be stabbed in my bed tonight or something.

Lets see, what else. China. I was in China recently as many of you all know. I got to see a much larger number of people than I expected to. I saw Joce, my dear sweet Joce; Lillian, a day before she left for France; Kim Dong-Hyun, the Korean dude; Carola, the German chick; lets see, who else. Mr House and Mrs. Brough, and a whole bunch of SSISians that I miss and love. I felt terrible that I couldn't stay longer but I did get to see one thing I would have been remiss to miss, The Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. Its an amazing amalgamation of the past, present and conceivably the future of architecture and design.

I'm getting name cards made, somehow its making me a lot more excited than I should be.

Tomorrow, I'll get going on half day of off-duty, to do what? Get my hard drive which I bought at COMEX replaced for the right one that I had asked for in the first place, on and also get the right CASE that I had asked for and bought at COMEX! Argh infuriating world, and all that is in it. But after that, I have an a cappella concert to attend. I love being in Singapore and living in this fair country.

The Day After National Day!

2007-08-10T09:48:00.000+08:00

As all of you in the know already know and those of you not in fact in the know don't already know, I participated in this year's National Day Parade. It is a display of our Nation's capabilities, and of course ME! I was apparently on TV however briefly! I love love love it.

So, I'm off today! Nothing to do. AMAZING I feel good!

Something that Couldn't Have Happened Happened.

2007-08-05T20:04:00.000+08:00

I got into SMU's School Of Law. For the Academic Year of 2008/2009. Now the question is: Do I accept? I think I should. Though I don't know if I DO go. Argh.

What a WEEK!

2007-07-26T22:15:00.000+08:00

So we all know that it is impossible to have a nice uneventful week in the life of Jerrick. And it turns out this past week has almost had the texture of my used socks. For some reason its hard in places where it should be soft, and soft and thin where it should be nice and supportive.

Last Friday I had my first dinner with my cousin with a long time, we had crab, we saw awkward looking sculptures in East Coast Park and we made fun of the lovers by the seaside. Yep, good times.

Saturday saw the return of my Mom, to our fair country of Singapore! Singapore!!! We had a great run, until she had to leave Sunday. We hung out watched King Lear with the great Sir Ian Mckellen, whom I have a poster of now hanging in my Living room. And other news.

I've failed my driving test though. For the first time, and majorly. Like 46 points failure out of 18 points. (theoretically its 20 points but you can't get 20 coz that'd fail you... and so 18 is the max that you can get without failing and You can't get any immediate failures. I failed actually coz of my completely humiliating parking.) Humiliation, blah. But what to do what to do.

It appears that I have been slow. As usual to post this up. Sigh. Whatever Its over. I'm late. Blah. I am feeling tall and uncomfortable.

A Poem

2007-07-16T23:12:00.000+08:00

When did the days become nights,
when did I start having jetlag,
without the flying, floating.
The nights have melded into the days,
when you have to get up before the sun,
when the moon shines at you before all else.

When your brother looks at you with such disdain,
when he is torn from his special second,
his two, and made to study, books that fill his mind,
with usefulness, and enterprise, and erudition,
No, he would rather a good video game, a gallivant around virtuality.

Reality is too difficult to comprehend,
better to escape into your twenty first century delusion,
spend like there's no tomorrow,
save nothing,
selfishness, emptyness, materia, mana,
I'm almost too tired to care.

Let us find the source of all.
And maybe we can find ourselves.

There is a simple explanation

2007-07-15T19:11:00.000+08:00

Today I went to an American University thing at Suntec, where all these American universities came to give us reasons why we should go to said American Universities. The people who were offering pitches were all students currently studying at the universities and suitably enough they were all Asian and probably Singaporean. The universities that impressed me the most were Berkeley and Columbia where the students actually actively came forward to talk to me, however all this impressedness would do me very little if I did not actually have to ability to convert such enthusiasm to an acceptance letter. My results are simply not good enough to gain me entrance to the schools that I really would have liked to go to. Naturally having my flaming friend around me did little to help if only providing much entertainment to those present.

To my dear friend Mr X, whose obstinacy about going to a certain Ivy Leaguer is well renown. I’m afraid I cannot help but take a nice healthy arrogant French-style sniff at you. There should not and cannot be any way of guaranteeing that you will in fact gain entry to Brown. Your idealism while touching should not lead to such foolishness where you end up not applying to any other universities. Just because it is not in fact an Ivy or located in Providence, Rhode Island is not an indication of how good or bad a university is. One must keep one’s options open, something which I hope you are doing.

To my other dear friend Daniel, with regards to your wanting me to stay in Singapore. Somehow, I don’t think that is going to happen. Not to throw hot water all over you but unless I was offered a scholarship at NUS Law with no bond or something there is very little that would induce me to stay here. This is not due to Singaporean lack of educational expertise, etc. But more to do with the more varied choices available out of the country, and the simple fact that its all about being independent and living by one’s self while out side of the country. I will however ensure that all is neatly wrapped up before I even consider leaving the country, and even if it means continuing my presence at Tech65 in kind or otherwise I will.

I have to mention something that has happened to me over the past few weeks, its been quite a amazing week for me really, I saw my Ex for what could be the last time, whether its for five months or for longer who knows but I realized something. I was wrong all along. It wasn’t so much I had been particularly a bad boyfriend, or that she was a particularly bad girlfriend, it was entirely to do with the fact that we traveled in different circles, and had our own obstinate ways of seeing the world, that though was not even that different, was different enough to matter. For what is life but the minor details.

I am frighteningly annoyed that I will be missing a whole HALF of King Effing Lear! I was at the Esp. Library today, and heard the producer eulogise about the delicious Ian Mckellen and the director Trevor Nunn. I’m thoroughly annoyed, and I think that might be the extent of the things I can say without violating some sort of secrecy laws.

The One Laptop Per Child Project

2007-07-11T21:30:00.001+08:00

This is brilliant in its simplicity.While this clearly could not have been possible twenty years ago, today, it is an example of how incredible technology can come together and create something that will truly change the world. This project headed by Nicholas Negroponte, whose resume reads like a veritable "mama i want to be him when I grow up" list. He's on the Board of Motorola, he's the Co-founder and director of MIT's Media Lab. The list goes on and on, and as he's had his finger deep in the tech world since who know's when and is ideal for heading up such a momentuous task!

This simple laptop is built with one thing in mind, Kids. And not like some dinky laptop that has a 5 line dot matrix screen and loud beeps and wails, this is effectively a fully functional 433mhz Geode *basically really really really slimmed down Athlon*, 1200x900 black and white, 256 megs of RAMed laptop. This may sound like absolute piffle for the average techy, but know that this can be powered by simply cranking a crank, it can be read in BRIGHT sunlight, and this is the truly amazing bit, Wi-Fi capable through a mesh network. To use a car analogy, this is the Toyota Corolla to your Lamborguini Core Two Duo.

Another amazing feat is that this is based off a Linux Core. and makes use of a Graphical User Interface that is completely different from your windows or even Mac. Its designed for kids and for their education. The operating system has had ALL the fat trimmed away from it, and again just like your toyota corolla, its not fast, its not flashy, it goes from a to b and doesn't drink fuel like its free. Whereas the Lambo can be frequently unreliable, it can go very fast, but needs to be well maintained and must be taken out to the clubs to please the ladies. This is an insanely practical piece of kit and has the potential to lift so many children out of poverty and give them a chance to compete in the future economy.

By the way, MSFT has taken some of this kit and is working on it for something or other... And intel's initial rejection of Negroponte's has spawned their own attempt at targeting children as a Market?! Well, we all have to start somewhere, and I (Jerrick) is FULLY in support of this programme that could change the lives of so many.

Dans La Chine

2007-07-06T22:54:00.000+08:00

I will be in China 18th-23rd Aug.

A Monday Quickie

2007-07-02T11:45:00.000+08:00

This is the first time I'm taking my off for the National Day parade practices that the rest of the world thinks I'm insane to get myself involved in. However I did what I felt was right. I get time off from the insanity that is being in this place in my life. I have to be deliberately ambiguous after certain elements have made me fear for my life. I shan't say any more.

Yea! We have Jamie Oliver on in a minute, am tres happy.

Ok, back to my life. I've put on weight sigh. The gym calls my name, with its sweaty attractions and its tortured devices. I must go there soon if not I'll be lying flat on the floor after I climb the stairs next time.

I have fallen in love with the smooth voice of Jon Mclaughlin. Its bordering on the same cottage cheese music that Mr. Manilow offers us. But No, it is so much more than that, he has so much more depth, so much more to offer to the listener. Ah Music.

I'm gonna be watching Die Hard 4 with me bro at 3ish later on. Muahah happiness is a warm ... tub of popcorn? lunch? bed? lady? *looks at Jocey* beer? Lol I don't know. Ah well.

Boring update. I apologise, don't really have anything to say today, its a slow day. And Yeah am gonna go now and lunch.

A Quickie

2007-06-22T00:05:00.000+08:00

It appears my SAT Subject Test results have arrived.

My Literature score: 670
My Math I score: 640
My World History score: 730

It all seems wrong. And yet so right. I mean my math cannot beat the Chinese peeps. And well I've always had some problems remembering my Literature concepts. And to be frank, 670 is not really really that far away and bad, is it?

World History is but my only shining light, of sorts.

On a separate note, did you know there're no SAT Reasoning test slots open for the whole of this year till like... Next March or so?
I'm so screwed.

Ocean's 13

2007-06-19T20:54:00.001+08:00

Ok so most people would come into it thinking, Hmm, another sequel, Blah Blah Blah right? Well I came into it with a very positive mindset. Its George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and of course, Ol' Matty Damon, who can't seem to go wrong these days.

First, a quick summary. Danny Ocean's (Clooney) pal, Ruben , gets screwed over by an evil SoB named Willy Bank. Yes. Willy. Bank. Sounds like a ED solving solution, but anyway, naturally revenge is on the books for our favourite anti-heroes, and the leaders of this plot, Ocean and Rusty (Pitt), pull the gang together for one mega heist: To divest Mr Bank of the millions taken in at his new er thingy shaped casino. Mr Bank and his... deprived PA Abigail Sponder are powerless to stop Danny and the gang, and the only thing we as an audience miss, is the explosive delights of Ms Julia Roberts' Smile.

Ok, so review.

The movie is wonderful, a brilliantly conceived caper, with plenty of comic moments, well timed rejoinders, ill conceived madcap obstacles, and of course who can forget the tunnel digger from the French side of the Chunnel. The double entendres are not missing from this episode of Ocean's adventures, and of course the sartorial delights that have been present since the very first movie are still alive and kicking. Danny Ocean even found time to poke fun at Mr. Pitt's abundance of kids! There're no lack of plot twists here, and certainly no lack of energy from the aging cast. The movie is a success simply because it doesn't need to try too hard. It works, everything falling into place easily without too much coaxing of your tired brain.

One strange thing I observed in the theatre though, was that me and my friend, I'll call him D, were probably the only ones really laughing in the whole theatre. I heard Chuckles, I heard Whispers, (probably questioning my sanity) but no outright guffaws. How bizarre, or is it just me? Ah well. I enjoyed it, and if you're up for some light entertainment disguised in a sophisticated veneer of slick clothes, effective nasal aphrodisiacs, and witty repartee, you'll definitely enjoy it too. If not, just go catch Shrek 3. I'm sure your 8 year old cousin and you'll have something to talk about then.

Bus Ride Part 2

2007-06-17T15:38:00.000+08:00

My iPod sings to me,
Its white façade disguising something truly beautiful,
Years of music,
House sitting peaceably next to the Rocket Man,
Kylie Minogue next to Beethoven,
I’m sure he’d have liked that.

Oh,
A lady steps into the seat next to me,
Hm, red shirt,
I’m wearing blue today…
She looks bored, then again I’m typing poetry next to her,
Nothing more boring than a person who thinks he has something to prove,
Working on the bus,
Tsk, insane little Adidas wearing boy.

He’s hugging her close,
And she’s typing a message out,
Furiously like a good Singaporean girl,
Must be to her mom,
I’m not coming home Ma,
Need to go study with Jonas.

He’s also listening to his iPod, older model though,
Wearing red too, and slightly chubby like me,
And a bit of a air-guitarist as well. Heheh. Aren’t we all,
Oo, the red lady next to me has started humming.

Half the bus is sleeping on this Sunday afternoon,
How nice though, a siesta on the bus.
I mean as if the bumping wasn’t pleasant enough,
You have snores to provide a delightful leitmotif.

I wonder about Mr Kang,
Is he feeling any better,
Will call him later, and ask.

Oh god, a boy is jumping around,
MOM, SIT HIM DOWN,
If he dies and you complain to the bus company,
I’ll testify on behalf of the bus company,
That YOU didn’t sit his ass down.

I want to buy Guitar Hero 2 for the 360.
Mmmm, the bread smell is delish…

Oh crap bus stop coming. TTYL zOMGs WtFBBQ!

Bus Ride Part 1

2007-06-17T15:19:00.000+08:00

The faux graffiti that gave it a look of urbanism,
The square buildings with an unnatural amount of portals
Leading out to certainity,
The common average teenager,
Absolutely sure of the belief,

The belief that they were individual,
That they weren’t part of another mass,
The same everywheres,
The same angers, the same fear, the same destructions,
Too much drink? Too much belief,
In the true individual,
When all you are is another clone,
Manufactured by MTV, designed by Apple,
Bought by you.

The sheer belief, the faith in the spirit of the self,
How sad,
A higher power would’ve scoffed at them,
And extended a hand, a hand to relieve them,
Give them a reason, give them a simple truth,
Anything to take away their ennui.

Mr. Hippie, when all you really are,
Another product of misguided idiocy,
Masquerading as a higher intelligence,
Laziness is not a way to lead your life,
The state cannot provide for those,
Who should be providing for themselves.

Take a look at the smiles,
They are particularly truthful,
Coming from babies, they hide nothing,
Coming from the teenagers, they tell of their fears, their angst, their sexual frustrations,
Coming from adults, they tell you the truth:
How rare it is to actually find the truth.

I prefer a sack of loaves to tell my story,

The sack of loaves,
Sitting next to me,
Giving off a scent of sambal,
Heh, I bet He didn’t get it that good,
And I am grateful for living in a lack of lacking.
I should stop wanting so much,
For it obscures the fact that I have more than enough,
And find little else wanting.

Alone.

The Slow Dances

2007-06-11T22:52:00.000+08:00

Convulsions,
Developments that he never,
anticipated,
cheggit,
OoooO

She thought about how it might have been,
and he wondered how it must have been,
she spent her days travelling,
he wished he could remember his travails,
she understood,
he defenestrated all notions of even comprehending.

The smooth jazz trumpet,
gave his heart a fillip,
OoooO
That's the way he liked to be touched,

OoooO
Her every dance made him fantacise,
And there were places
places that he let his eyes roam to,
that wouldn't have been
allowed in public places,
his mind wondered,
his soul a mess of desiry thirst,
tonight he would drink from the cup,
of lonely self-satisfaction.

The CRASHING, SCREAMING halt,
that brought him to his senses,
and awakened him to the light of,
Manly rationality,
the awareness that
it was a sweet, sober and yet melancholic
finish
like Valrhona. It left no trace of an aftertaste,
just the bittersweet memory.

He stood,
and raised his appendages,
and applauded,
the woman who brought to life all the,
pains, all the furies, the malcontents, the
described and impossible.

He knew it was time to go,
and yet he lingered,
his eyes straying,
one last time to
the slow dance,
record.

SMUN and a Quick Update

2007-06-09T21:17:00.000+08:00

Ok, First up, latest news, I have a nice haircut and somehow I've managed to get my hair to become soft again but I think I still will have to condition it a lot, argh. And I finished a carton of Sobe Soy Bean Milk just now, so delish, but its like 1 whole litre of it. Lol. I also have the worst suntan in the history of mankind, why you may ask? Well as one stands in the sun for hours as one trains for the National Day Parade without the blessed protection of Sunblock, one's tan will develop in the shape of one's bent arms, or one's uniform's sleeves/collar. Thus I have a V-shaped burn on my neck, and like this ass shaped one on my forearm and triceps. Anyway...

Came back from SMUN yesterday and seriously I was amazed at how great the event was, I mean yeah, there were some organisation and logistical difficulties, but I pardon them because they were organised by students for students and didn't have the guiding light of a dictatorial bureaucrat, a.k.a a teacher.

Anyway, Just a few points I have to make and hope that the Singaporean censors won't get to me,
1) JC students in Singapore have CHANGED, i mean really, I always had this stereotype in my mind that JC students here were like muggalicious and totally unable to have fun, and right wingers, but it turns out they can have fun, and being a mugger is actually cool because it means when you relax-ay-voo you REALLY relax, and lastly, well I haven't asked them bout their political opinions but they seem pretty liberal

2) I am not that different from them. Lol DUH right? But I was totally afraid that I'd be like the big tall guy who speaks with a funny accent and should be laughed at, but the people there were really quite accepting and completely easy to get along with, of course it probably helped that I was completely shameless at the conference and like did all kinds of embarrassing things.

3) If this is the direction Singapore, and Singaporeans are taking with regards to their political world view, and their view of themselves in the world, then I can say that I'm truly proud to be Singaporean, there's no lack of enthusiasm for engaging with world issues, and definitely a desire to know, about history, about the future, about 'most anything, and not just memorising f=ma or an-ions and cat-ions

and Lastly) F.A.M., the Food Aligned Movement, with its 6 or so permanent members will declare itself ready to eat and travel the distance to eat. We shall meet and enjoy the pleasures that comes with imbibing and quaffing and devouring.

Pictures attached above

I Heart USA

2007-05-11T20:37:00.000+08:00

The trip started in the city of San Francisco. There were so many things, some beautiful some not so beautiful but definately flavourful. Anyway here's how it all started. My trip began at San Francisco airport, where just like the last time I was there Mayor Gavin Newsom Welcomed me to SF. Interesting. Anyway, by the time we got to the hotel and had dinner it was Tres late and so I slept.

The jetlag woke me at 4ish and I started writing my letter to my foreign shall we said pen pals. They have been such a great crutch for my little, nay, socially crippling idiosyncrasies. But anyway, the next day was filled with much though.

In the morning I visited UC, Berkeley (Tkx Wayne). (Btw, I've decided to post up just one photo each for each location if not it'd be insane, the sheer amount of pictures I have.)

It was not at all like... I shalt not mention its name here for it will earn me Hisses. But it definately had great character. Beautiful doesn't quite describe it, its sub-urban, hippie, bohemian, RENT-like, etc etc. So many things. I can totally see myself studying here. First... Getting IN!

Next we visited Stanford. Which was also really great, but in a totally different way. I mean there was like this row of Palm trees, almost Hollywood-esqe Avenue of PALM trees, and it opens up into this great looking Garden, which frames this brown... coloured... building, try to say THAT gracefully!

After my Lunch, I was whizzed off to Powell Street Station where I met the fantastic Victoria Lim! But of course the first thing we were to see, a dude standing on the box, SCREAMING at the top of his voice that Jesus was here to save us all and to put our faith in the Lord. Seeing as I've recently found spirituality, it was not only disconcerting but mildly scary. We hurried our way to the bus stop and grabbed a bus down to Vic's school. And contrary to popular belief, there actually exists workable public transport in the US of A! It really just depends on the city I guess... Anyway, we hit her University first, (University of San Francisco). Where the drinks are expensive and the dorms nice and cozy. Which is just another way of saying that SF has the second highest standard of living in the USA, and the rooms are small. Sorry Vic!

This is the view from outside SFU's Law library, the other pictures were also quite good but somehow, I thought this captures SF so well!

After hitting her Dorm, we left SFU's hallowed and well trodden and mildly graffitied grounds, to go visit the Gay Mecca, A.K.A Castro. Definately a sight that has to be seen for one's self to be believed. It sorta had a carnival atmosphere even though it was just another day really. The Starbucks there was like the place to cruise and be cruised. And I got novelty gifts for the girls back home, You know who you are;)
After some trolling, we hit Fisherman's Wharf, yes, the touristy place, the place where if I had been in a right frame of mind wouldn't have dreamed of hitting. Yes. Well! Dinner though was good and I had a great time with Wayne as well. 林家团圆!

Ok. Moving along to Atlanta, as we had only one night in the great city of SF, (I know, I know but I HAVE been to SF and by now its like... yeah I've seen much of it already, though of course not the underbelly, that I'll leave to Vic and Wayne on my next trip;)

Atlanta was interesting, upon landing I was treated to a nice long ride through wide expanses of Highway, surrounded by trees. Definitely a much different sight from SF. We hit several places in Atlanta, Emory Uni, Georgia Aquarium, and of course, the CNN Headquarters. I'm just gonna skip the narrative, since I've already run to like ... Pages Lol.
First, SFO Airport where I left my Dad, he went to Colorado. Don't even know if I'm spelling this right. He looks ... either constipated or annoyed at my taking a photo of him. Can't be the latter coz I'm such a nice guy so he's constipated, yeah. That's what he is...
That's the back of Candice and her sister Ying. See the Shark? Btw, Candice is my cousin. Debater. But not in the way the rest of the world does it. Silly Americans wanting to be different.

Centennial Olympic Park and Xiao Gu

Inside the CNN HQ

Julie's Bakery, Had good CURRY PUFFs of all things. They're Jamaican, had a fun accent. Had to take a photo.

Cookie on my Lap. Why Delta, turns out to be the most special flight I've had in my life. That was the very day that Delta emerged from Chapter 11, and could start trading their stocks on Wall Street. So celebrations all round and all the passengers had champagne. What are the odds eh?
First glimpse of New York, a Tunnel. Why, coz we landed in Newark, New Jersey, thats why!

The New York Museum of Modern Art, first stop on our trip to New York. The MOMA for crying out loud! Had lunch at a classic New York Deli, I can't remember the name, but I had a meatball sandwich. Boy oh BOY what a sandwich.

Sec-Gens of the UN
Couple of the most significant buildings in the history of Humanity.

What kinda expression is that, Hue?! Us, at Les Halles Park Avenue. Yes, Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles, THE Les Halles.

Yes, that's THE Parsons New school for Design. Can't quite tell from here, but that is where the fabulous Tim Gunn would offer advice to his disciples and remind them to Carry On.

Times Square wouldn't be Times Square without a semi-naked guy lounging on a billboard somewhere now would it?
Shubert Theatre, Home of Spamalot. Yes, We watched Spamalot, yes, it was everything I wished it was and MORE! Yes! I've arrived, I can finally say I've seen a show on BROADWAY! And NOT any old show! The 2005 Tony award Winner for best Musical!

Grand Central TERMINAL not Station as it is commonly called.

A sculpture at the site of the World Trade Center. Now a memorial, albeit slightly damaged.

30 Rockefeller Center. The site of NBC's studios in NYC and home to the Today show, and SNL!

The Definitive Apple Store!
R2D2 MailBOX!

And I shall now end with a picture of Atlas, supporting the globe on his back. Whoot!

So It Is, So It Goes

2007-04-22T21:46:00.000+08:00

Kuckuu

Said the Bird.

Its not Ok.

2007-04-18T22:16:00.000+08:00

It was ok. Just ok.

I can't wait for the USA, to take me away from my work, my insanity.
And to another place, of cousins, of huge portions, of complete and utter multiculturalism,
of mass consumption, of mass ...

My thoughts for the 33...

You were innocent, and it happened either way,
you were guilty but no one can blame your going postal, if you were really just deranged.
Is no one then to blame?
The Second Amendment,
The lax laws,
The lack of preparation?
Should we blame the systems? That which is supposed to protect us?
I blame but one system, which supposes ideal conditions,
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." (Second Amendment to the Constitution.)
I cannot believe that. The argument that the "people" should be allowed to bear arms, because they are then "free" because that means they are "free" to impose terror, fear, etc. over others through their arms. Yes, they should be allowed to protect themselves, and how else but through arms. I understand that, but persons, the individual, is foolish, they are not trained, they are nowhere near qualified to be a "well regulated militia". Allow them to bear arms, but at what cost freedom? From my Singaporean perspective, we are freer for a lack of arms, we are free to stroll in the streets surrounded by people of different races, religions, beliefs, disbeliefs, or lack of all of the above.

It is not likely that the Americans will ever figure this one out, and I don't pretend to be an expert. I suppose in the end, nothing much will change. The right will criticise the government for trying to intervene, the left will beg for more controls and in the end, the status quo must remain. In the end, I can only say one thing, humans are stupid individually, but as a group that stupidity is only multiplied. Ouch.

The above post took a turn for the dark. And I apologise, once again I must categorically state that I'm but a student, and my opinion is only that, my opinion. I am personally shocked, and know that the bottom line is, some people die, It is truly regrettable. My condolences for the lost, my sympathies to ROK.

The Aftermath

2007-04-14T01:08:00.000+08:00

It turned out not to be so bad.

I did receive a word of appreciation. Which filled me with inordinate joy. Ish

I did receive the apologetic looks all round.

I did also get the adulation and love of all these various people from various places all over the place when things well almost entirely exactly how it was supposed to be.

My god there were so many suppositories in that last sentence.

But I'm still not happy with the entire lack of appreciation... Etc. Ah well. I am looking forward to my Puma shoes which I ordered.

My Devil Wears Prada Moment

2007-04-12T22:39:00.000+08:00

So today was my very own authentic The Devil Wears Prada moment. I'll provide the checklist, you provide the sympathetic looks.

1) Drive By Management: Remember to do A B and C while I go off to enjoy time off that's been granted to me!

2) Know how to do basic movie editing, yes? Good, now create 2 clips, one thirty second one, and another 1 minute one, based on my creation, using your own time, and your own DVDs. Oh and make sure it looks great when even though my original was mediocre to be kind, awful to be frank.

3) Nope, didn't like that, What's THAT its TECHNO? We can't have techno in our shows! No, lets redo it, with photos, and without any sort of direction provided, lets have pictures of people doing you know stuff that we do!

4) OH wait! No, the Order is wrong and OH MY GOD, you didn't include one detail that, comically tragic almost, is an added feature that requires the use of an extremely long antennae! Oh and find me more pictures, why don't we have pictures of non-operational jobs!

Wait, for it, Wait for it.

5) Oh scratch that, lets just use something that the department that's supposed to be handling such communcations in the first place to complete a piece in an hour, and lets not forget to mention, with a loud and noisy soundtrack. Coincidentally, let's conveniently forget that you spent a good portion of 3 days trying to do that slide show for y'all. Oh and wait up, don't go, I need you to move a table up stage, down stage, no wait up stage, down stage, with little or no regard for the fact that you actually have a lesson to be going off too and its pissing down cats and dogs.

6) Follow me tomorrow, but for now let me give you the vague instruction that you are to be my Ka-Kia, and hence run around for me. I can do that, would you like to chase my tail first. and pant? Like a dog?

Thank god, though it'll all be over tomorrow.

Thank You

2007-04-07T09:47:00.000+08:00

For justifying everything they said about you.

Love,
Candy

Oh Right... NOT me...

2007-04-02T20:48:00.000+08:00

Realising after a while,
that she said it just so it'd sound nice,
and what is society without its varied niceties
Teasing you with their long-suffering looks

Hey, its fine by me,
Just lost all interest,
Nord, Sud, Est...
Ouest
Not the best though, not the best.

All Right, not too bad.
Have learnt sometimes what someone says,
and seems to mean,
doesn't quite seem,
quite as binding,
in the light of bided time.

The people I'm interested in, properly and fully let me down,
those that I'm not prefer to simply fuck around with my mind.
The above two lines not directed at you,
you pompous prancing self indulged nincompoop.
Tired.

Round and around, I spin,
I'll just listen to my Kylie,
Loving each minute, is she
telling me she likes it like this?

Empty Modernity,
Delightful in all its sophistication,
is simplicity so much better?
No, I need my sophistication,
my subtle jokes,
my laughter that does not betray my contrarian inclinations...

The associated guilt.
HA Bullspit,
Go ahead and feel nothing,
For nothing, not one thing,
compares
to the rolling of the dice.
your twenty sided ones. :)

The Truth

2007-03-20T21:24:00.000+08:00

The short, stout man looked straight into my eyes.
Critical, should call your father,
now, today, tomorrow.

I entrusted my face with the chore of maintaining
a calmness, a serenity.
My mind was roiling around a shallow pond
that which contained a drop of the most malicious poison.

Nothing escapes from the truth,
...

I left this poem in the air,
as my cellphone burbled out a warbly girl pop ringtone.
I was licking the chocolate off a stick...
I picked up the cell, and the silence on the other end...

I lept up in my semi-pajamas, for I was naked waist down,
pulled on my jeans and grabbed my sandals, for the shoes would have taken up seconds,
I ran out the door, forgetting to close the barn door.
I stumbled into the lift, and tapped my foot as the doors closed, the plunge took hold.
The taxi was only seconds behind me and bless the driver for being at the right place/right time.
The call came as I rounded a corner.
She didn't have to say anything, I was almost sure looking at the caller Id. And when she said "Its confirmed". I didn't believe it.

It was as simple as that. I couldn't believe it, I didn't believe it. And even now, having seen her... How can I believe it? She is the Grand old dame. THE only dame left! And there wrapped up in the modern interpretation of the Mummy.

The End.

Don't Give In

2007-03-19T21:46:00.000+08:00

Don't give in. Don't give up.

Hold On, Be Strong.

Forever.

My Grand Mama.

In Concert: Rachael Yamagata

2007-03-17T23:23:00.000+08:00

Ah Rachael. Beautiful purveyor of mildly sad, "wrist slitting" music. I cannot help but be in awe of her capabilities. To be able to lead a Singer's lifestyle and still be really quite cool. The concert on a whole had its highs and lows. I throughly enjoyed her older songs from her album Happenstance, and I thought the slightly Rock-ier sound whilst in concert suited the atmosphere, as her album versions tended to be more mellow and more subtle, whilst the big hall needed bigger sounds to fill it. However, one particular moment will stick with me, it was her finale, Reason Why , Ms. Yamagata seemed to have jolted the tempo mildly with this rendition but it fitted the atmosphere of the hall. Everyone seemed mildly amped, and even I could feel the blood rushing at many moments during the concert. I think Reason Why is the quinessential Yamagata song and was alittle disappointed that she did not open the concert with it. Nevertheless, Worn Me Down, Letter Read and Be Be My Love was beautiful, slightly edgier than I remember in her album and honestly did Rachael really need any more edge? This is a really really a mild criticism. I mean who am I to criticise, I guess I just like the mildly melancholic, "wrist-slittin'" Yamagata more.

The after concert however is what I will truly remember. I rushed out to the other side of the Esp, ignoring the mild thump of my ankle, and joined the typically Singaporean queue to get albums signed. Some god above blessed me with foresight and I lugged my plastic album all the way there, and after what seemed like an eternity, I was up there with Rachael, she was quite possibly the most friendly artiste possible. Telling me about her experience playing the piano for The O.C. and leaving me throughly star-struck. As you can see from below, I'm smiling like I'm mildly retarded, but that is because at that moment I didn't have full control of any of my faculties. I had rehearsed this line in my head, I think it was " Hi Rachael, I am a huge fan, and have been since your appearance on The O.C." I think I must have babbled a lot, and she must have been throughly scared by this HUGE guy. Lol ah well, live and learn. Ultimately this was an incredible concert for me, and its gonna be hard to forget for a while.

Me and Rachael! LMAOMGzzzz
My Pride and Joy

Thanks, Rachael!

Updates from All Over.

2007-03-11T00:08:00.000+08:00

Somehow, it has been difficult for me to blog out for the past few days. Weeks even. Its almost as if there is a disconnect, between the writer me, and the me that makes decisions. Its almost painful for me, to be away from my writing for so long. I will attempt to make intelligent writings here for the public to appreciate here...

Kudos to Wan Jin, JHKL and Sandy for constantly checking back to my blog. And giving me a reason to go on writing. If not for you girls, I may be losing my ability to write coherently and consistently.

They say that NS kills off your brain cells, I am now certain it is true. I'm pretty sure that if I didn't continue studying or reading in anyway, I'd be completely be unable to keep up with coursework during Uni. I'm thinking of taking a course at APMI Kaplan in Starhub centre. Specifically the Creative Writing one. Will go find some material about it...

Its so expensive to do a SAT prep course. As in a REAL prep course. Prinston Rev. has a 699, 399 and 99 usd bunch. The 99 one is hardly different from the one offered on the College Board site. But the 399 one actually looks pretty good. Hmm.. will see how it goes.

Lets see, I'm planning on visiting the SMU, and NUS campuses tomorrow. NUS one is the one near my house, and SMU is in town. And then maybe go to the IT show later on. I'll see how my day goes...

Shoutout to Jocelyn. Who really is taking incredible care of me... even though its over the Internet. but somehow it feels good to have someone mother you. However virtual that mothering really is.

For those of you who haven't already noticed, American television is actually getting smarter. Examples of which include Studio 60, 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, House, and to a smaller extent Desperate Housewives and Lost. People on those shows actually act in a way that normal people should act, and don't have ridiculous back stories like oh I don't know Chinese-Singaporean Harvard MBA scholar, looking for a companion and MIRACULOUSLY falls in love with some SURPRISE small town girl, WHO IS invariably the same stereotypically sassy girl with an attitude. and makes him wanna chase her to the end of the world. There is possibly the evil villian, who is pure evil and makes the girl feel like down right poo and naturally the MBA dude will win the day coz HEY a Masters in Biz Admin will get you any/everything!

And when its not stereotypically the same storyline, its an import, like how many Ugly Betty rip offs, and how many conversions of Jap/Korean concepts have there been already. Sigh.

Is it because there's a lack of something or other. I don't think so, there seem to be plenty of innovative and intelligent people in Singapore. I just cannot wrap my head around it. People seem to love criticizing the Singaporean TV scene, but the question I wanna ask is, Why shouldn't it already be better? The talent IS available, I mean we have Hossan Leong, we have Gurmit, *although he does have his cornier moments*, and PLENTY of theatre folk to choose from. Why isn't the Singapore TV scene any better. Where's the Channel 8 equivalent of the OC? Where is the Singapore created game show, that's locally conceptualised and actually good to watch? The recent The Arena in Singapore's Channel 5 is an example of a truly good piece of programming, though Mr Adrian Pang does need to work on his mildly affected speaking manner, not to say that I'm NOT affected in the way I speak, I just think its a distraction and we already have enough of those secondary students trying to be CNN Newsreaders thank you very much.

Mr. Ps visit to Singapore was truly WhirlWind. But I'm glad we did manage to catch up and have a burnt spaghetti... I'm glad he's coming to visit again! Hehe get to bask in the light of intelligent conversation.

I must introduce the two shining lights of fabulousness to my dear Mr P. I'm sure they'll love him and vice versa.

Alors, I think I will end this post here. Hope I get to go to the IT show tmr!!!

Earth

2007-03-06T19:23:00.000+08:00

The quake in Sumatra has taken lives.
Regretful.

The shockwaves, we felt in Singapore,
we felt our buildings shake,
our houses quiver,
at the event that happened far away.

Some other country.
Ripples.
Send money scrambling into hiding places.
From Highs of 3000s,
disappointing lows.

It is not related. But still. They are happening together. The cascade... The cascade...
What is. Next.

Fear. of the unknown. Fear..... FEAR!

Water

2007-03-06T18:25:00.000+08:00

The beat beat . beat
And you hear the rhythms of mother,
She is her own mistress,
and she spank yo ass if you notty.

I cut through the gently falling,
heavens, they touch my skin, urging me,
faster, faster, your clothes, they are wet,
I feel reborn, but no, hardly, I'm still grimy from my day's,
work work. Just mildly refreshed... Still need a shower.

In my hand, two hangers, one pair of British India trousers,
another red shirt, in a plastic bag. and holding it, by the seam...
So it won't get wet. Afterall, you don't get something dry cleaned,
and then get it wet...

I am dog like, I taste salt. Its my sweat... highly diluted.
There's a slightly oily texture, Hm. Need to wash my face.
I am different now.
I have source material for another poem.

Another Time, Another Life

2007-03-04T12:45:00.000+08:00

The A-Level results are out. And I begin to wonder that in another life, I may also be receiving my A Level results from the Cambridge Exam Board. It is strange though, I don't know how or why but I'm pretty sure my life would be completely and utterly different.

I know I would've ended at a second tier JC. Prolly not NJ or HCJC, maybe something a bit lower end... I would have had much more local friends going into NS, I may have ended up drifting further than I have now from my CHS bitches.

I know I would have stayed mostly the way I was though, I don't think I would have changed as much as I have over the past two years. My outlook in life is much more positive, and the bottom line is... I feel a confidence in myself, that I may not have had if I had stayed in Singapore. Ultimately, the whole living in China experience gave me something different. Something that staying in Singapore might not have given me.

That is not to say that NOT staying in Singapore is completely the SCHIZZ. Well, what I'm trying to say is that I have a mildly greater appreciation for living in the country of Singapore, albeit its against the lower standards of the PRC. Nevertheless, there are some quarters tht feel that it is very strange to feel this way and even try to convince me otherwise, but the fact is, standards of living is high, there's a clean, some might say sterile environment, and most importantly, everything works.

Once you get past that, you realise, life in Singapore's not like utopia, but who wants perfection anyway... I like a fixer-upper.

We All Look for Something

2007-02-20T00:05:00.000+08:00

We all look for something to remember,
Something to remember him by,
Something for her memory of the moment,
Something that will stay with you forever.

How ironic then that the 21st century person is impelled,
forced, offered no alternative, but to take life at a rapidity,
that can only find a rival in the fastest Lamborguinis.
How disgusted I feel when I sit here,
staring at my keyboard when I've realised, a pen is not fast enough.
When it is what satisfied writers, poets, playwrights, for millenia.

I have/had/am having a great time,
so why the mild discomfort,
the slight pain in my side...

People always leave,
Or they don't even show up.

Peyton was/is/will always be right.

One Day In Your Lifetime

2007-02-04T11:59:00.000+08:00

Its another day in my life. I just got off the phone with my mother, and it was such a pleasant conversation. Its so strange, that its nearly impossible to have completely pleasant conversations with people and when you do, it often feels much too short. Sigh.

Kylie Minogue's Spinning Around live on her showgirl tour, I am totally inspired by Kylie, her infectious dancing, vocals completely unique, and her showgirlship. She's only just recovered from THE disease, Breast Cancer, and she's already up and about singing, dancing and even doing slow remixes of her Old hits.

Here's something odd, I'll be taking my Final Theory Test for Driving before I even have a driving test. Sigh. Damn timetables.

I wanna Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R

Will be going out shopping at Raffles Place later, Alone. Without anyone.

Its in your eyes, I can tell what you're thinking, my heart is thinking too...

I've just realised Kylie can make a great jazz singer with just a little retraining...

Windows Vista on my PC, its not exactly inspiring, but it is quite nice to have.

The Test

2007-01-25T22:10:00.000+08:00

The test, with you sitting in front of a computer screen,
staring ahead with a bitter taste of determination,
a sweet scent of deodorant,
the tang, ripe and tight of fear,
of possible disaster,
No... We will not fail!

We will not fail this simple,
These words in front of me,
with pictures,

Green
Amber
Red.

Why not three colors for eternity too?
For the eternal struggle,
Perfection,
The test to find out, if you really are as smart as you think
you are, can be, will be, forever are remembered as being.

Those fools, they cram and cram, they become smart.
Where is their intelligence?
You without your ability to even converse,
with the low, the high.
You without your charms
With your plebian jokes,
your wittisms

HA! The true test!
Should be how you handle a real life situation,
the only test you ever need take.

How you handle being in love,
how you handle being fired from your job,
how you handle a pan.

Those false hoods,
Those falsities...
You can't write about life unless you're out experiencing it!

Yes, You can't....

Me?

The Boy

2007-01-15T21:48:00.000+08:00

The Boy who is in love,
He stands above all,
with his voice raised high,
his banner adrift,
With the reds and blues and whites, blending
joy to the world, I am fulfilled,
Even when running to the high,
The voice never wavers,
never falters,
always dripping with the red passion
with or without his other,
Because they are
breeze.

There is a lightness in his tenor,
An added lustre to his bass,
his mind filled with songs of summer breezes,
winter strolls along the Neva.
iPods could be written and sung about this love,
but no, there is no need,
for it is already written,
the soundtrack of their Love, Actually.

The Boy who is not in love,
He stands tall,
with his righteous spirit,
I don't need anyone else,
I can stand on my own.
Who needs a crutch?

He is dedicated to the proliferation of the melancholies,
those bittersweet symphonies,
those everlasting arias,
Who says he's alone!
The songs that are sung not by the choirs,
for their masses only serve to make him.
Alone.

No, these are sung
With the soprano, solo.
She stands there, calling to him,
Her eternal voice,
reaching ever higher,
to me! To Me! Decants she!
He savours every note,
Like a Lafite,
Every bubble of her,
A Clicquot.

The Boy who is in love,
is a friend of the Boy without.
They share their trials.
Without offering his great emptyness,
to be filled with.
Their tribulations are solved,
with an overwhelming efficiency,
the one in love willing to see,
to lend his love-broadened eyes,
We need not wish them luck,
for they are lucky to have each other,
their brotherhood complete in its duality.

The Boy who is madly in love,
Hears and sees neither.

Find The Brightest Star, In The Sky, Simply Because You Can.

2007-01-08T18:06:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, its difficult for me to raise my head to those flickering lights reminiscent of a badly pimped out PC, searching with a furrowed brow, the creases on my forehead straining to leave a mark, attempting to make me look older. Yet, somehow, occasionally, I find the time to gaze to the skies. Even though those spotlights, lining the well paved, impeccably cleansed streets of Singapore are trained upon me, awaiting my opening aria, somehow longing for me to fail in my attempt, somehow emptying me of what little strength is left. Left behind, by generations of ancestors, I hope that they're up there, hiding behind those lights in the sky. Maybe behind a star, probably behind a satellite, knowing that's the last place any human would look.

Wow, thats really badly written...

Ok. So this blog isn't really much of a blog... just wanted to vent some creative spirit...? LOL.

Let there be love in this world, for there never can be enough...

I deleted your blog offa my Open Everyday bookmark list...

Step 1: You said we need to talk...

You walked...

Where did I go wrong, I lost a ...
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save... This?

Its strange how Men are only able to "FEEL", given a certain lag-time. Like we're a badly programmed piece of software in that department. Like somehow God gave us all highly efficient logical processors, but forgot all about the day to day stuff...

Disclaimer: This post is not about HER. I think I'm over that. Its just about all that freakish emotional stuff that's been going on in and around this time. Please don't think I'm about to go get myself drunk and wake up in a dirty futon on the upper east side of Broadway, with nothing to wear but Borat's swimtrunks and a tie. Next to some desperate New York hottie, the likes of which Sex and the City alluded to. Actually... that don't sound so bad... considering I live in Singapore and us Chinese, Middle Class, Single, Fat men can only dream of living such a dystopian lifestyle that epitomises the American "Dream"...

Omg this Disclaimer is longer than my actual post...:D

My Loves

2007-01-03T19:19:00.000+08:00

I don't have many "romantic" loves. No love of the night sky, or the overly sweet, under satisfying popcorn you get from movie theatres that you buy anyway because its easier than popping some at home... Anyway, I don't have many romantic loves, but I do have a few loves that made the past year so much better.

James Bond and De-Lovely. By entering my life, you brought me countless moments of reassurance, brought me pleasure when I thought none was to be found. (Mr Jer, I know you're wondering why I didn't mention RENT, allow me to come to that later)

Poetry, Writing, Blogging. Several people have made me more aware of the power of writing, I have to thank my A1 teach, Mr House, Mr P, Jer for this.

My Macbook, As I sang and wrote sonnets of praises for the Mac, all through my younger years, I never actually used a Mac, until September of this year, when I received a Macbook. It was much like having a new girlfriend, learning her tempers, finding out what pleased her, what pleased you about her, learning that she was only human... that sort of thing.

NS. NS has made me one thing, more appreciative of the smaller things in life, and treasuring the bigger things. It has thrust me into a position where I'm required to be for the first time, truly independent, its a thought that not only frightens me, but gives me strength.

My Guy Pals. They've been one thing and one thing only, my sanity all wrapped up in one convenient package, ready to be called for whenever needed, they can be stupid, they can be incredibly insane, but they're all that keeps me from running round Orchard Road, with nothing but a tie and a Sarong on. In Clashing colours no less.

My Girl Pals. They've been my emotional rock. Always ready with a sarcastic comment, a quick jab, an easy laugh. Well most of them... the rest of them have just been great simply because of their presence.

My relatives. This year, I've learned most of their names, their "cheng hu", and now it gives me a sense of pride to show the proper Chinese respect. It seems strange but some traditions, seemingly out of place in the world of First Names only, seems kinda nice, with its formality and its sense of history.

Here's to the glorious Year of 2007. I wouldn't want it any other way.

First Impressions

2007-01-01T00:43:00.000+08:00

Harking back to the beginning of 2006, I remember sitting in a crowded concert hall, listening to the deliciously light and satisfying sounds of Johannes Strauss. I ushered in this year with a mild disappointment, and an altogether Groovy time.

Kylie Covers, Retro Music, ABBA Cover bands. Ahh, Singaporean New Year Countdown parties at hotels, what a great time:D

I present to you below the first picture that I took for the New Year.

Spinning Around is quite a good song to usher in the New Year.

A liberal flow of Champagne is too:D

Sigh, plenty of eyecandy around and Parents around = a lack of action for big brother Jerrick.

New Beginnings, New Starts, Why is there a burning feeling in my heart?

Pete's Place food starting a New Year, Yum is the only word to be said.

You only Live Twice is the first movie I'm watching this year. How appropriate no?

All the girls out there *Kisses*