As the saying goes, "in retrospect, all is beautiful", with a blink of the eye and 4 years just whizzed past us like a Formula One race car. Looking back at all the fun moments along the IP corridor (and not getting caught); the crazy moments when we stayed up till the wee hours to rush out our assignments; the triumphant moments as we admired the star-studded GPA (discount the higher chinese grade); the fiery moments as we tore down our classrooms with our heated debates; the stressful moments when we stayed up till 9pm in the artic-freezing library to mug for promos; the joyful moments as we saw the beauty of human body, mind and soul in attaining the holy grail's of our various CCAs; the blissful moments as we see our "closer" friends becoming a LITTLE BIT more closer while trying really hard to persuade that they are universe(s) apart, I guess nothing beats the kaleidoscopic experience that I've got in this school.
Do not be mistaken! I am not singing praises of the C****'s administration for making my 4 short years here in NJ such a wonderful one. It was the people whom I met for the past four years that made the originally prosaic life of mine to be painted with the most vibrant and majestic colours. It was also the experiences that this place has given to me which will remind me of this place wherever I go.
Before I applied into NJ, it was already notoriously and mockingly labelled as a mugger school. With nothing else except for the library that is always filled up after school, blazing red-hot shorts (with tiny pockets that cannot even hold a handphone) that makes guys look like sissies, girls with long skirts stretching from the torso to the knees and students carrying a books heavier than bricks [I shall drop all the commentaries about the hair, the glasses and other what-nots]. I still applied to this school as many SJI seniors came back and told us about their experiences in NJ. I remembered that it was Justin (the undisputed champ of 202 when it comes to studies back then) who told me about this programme and I thought he was joking with me.
So I printed out the forms and shamelessly tried to squeeze in as much "achievements" when there was a freakin-big blank space left out for us to write our achievements. Somehow, by hook or by crook, I got past the GAT and the AAT. I thought I was going to die for my English section as I guessed 90% of the vocab questions (and I'm very sure that there are still some words which I do not know right now). I could still remember Jessica coming out of the test saying that the she had "no hope" already. Then came the interview. I remembered vividly that it was Mr Whitby who interviewed me and I thought: freak! My English is so bloody lousy and now I keena the English HOD for interview. Worst still, Mr Whitby asked 90% of the questions with the other four occassionally nodding their heads and laughing at my response. I could still remember that I told him that I saw this programme as something new and daring and we are all going to be like guinea pigs when he asked me why I applied for this programme. It sounded really silly, but I think that might be one of the most honest response I will make in my entire life. I really meant it and I really became the guinea pig. LOL.
05IP03 was one of the greatest gift that God can ever give me. Unlike the rowdy class of 202, this was a place where competition really heats up, but also a place of never-ending laughters. We were the sportiest class (and still is, even when Cat and co. idles around during PE classes XD), the most creative class (street-fighter style to present properties of two elements on the periodic table and using materials such as LED light bulbs, hair gel for river model project), the best humanities class under Mr Ho. We were so good that we get 1 mark deduction for a typo error in writing Cl as CL. That aside, we were also notorious for being the gambling den, girls with drawstrings and safety pins and an honest guy whose shirt was tucked out because of FRICTION with the chair! (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I wonder who) Even as we moved up, we tried as hard as we can to remain close and go crazy together once in a while, for example, watching "Love actually" 20 hours before the Bio MCQ paper during prelims!
But it was place is MORE than that. It gave me opportunities to see the beautiful world out there with an immersion trip to China that showed me how China developed from its dilapidated state back in the 1960s to a cosmopolitan one (HanDong, thanks for the two weeks being my room mate and all those lame jokes we shared), a CSR trip to Bangkok that showed me what poverty is really all about and the simplicity of life and the greatest one of all, the trip to London that showed me what being a global citizen is all about. It was a trip that really showed me how big this world is and the unlimited opportunities which we can seek when we are willing to do so. In terms of character, I think I had learnt a lot through intereactions with other people who were perfect embodiments of virtuous qualities such as humility, courage and leadership. I will always remember the glorious year of Solaris under Sasha and the 40th HAT. She is an epitome of what leadership is all about. Even though she was quite competitive at times and even demanding in the quest for perfection (we practiced A LOT for the walk-in), she was always there to do it with us and not just leave us with all the work. [Monetary contributions were immense too, thanks to Jo HAHAHAHAHAHA] Then there was Faisal, the pizza-man! SUPER down-to-earth and try-to-be-funny council pres. And now, he became the no. 1 bachelor-on-demand with those dangerous curves he got from Tekong. HAHAHAHAHAHA! But life was not always about the good things. There were bad ones too. The disappointments when we did not get our Golds at SYF; the U's we've got that demoralised us; the heated arguments that nearly ended our friendships; the bacstabbings which will remains hidden; or realising such backstabbings during our daily gossips and trying very hard to hide our emotions; to learn that you were betrayed by people whom you believed to be righteous and honest; but the worst of all, the excruciating emotional pain as we realise that all our love has been misplaced.
But then, it is only when we have tasted bitter then we know what is sweet.
The last reason which made this place so unique is its resemblance to the island which many call it home (or they did not have a choice but to call it so). In NJ, we have lots of "cheena" people who think they are very good in chinese, but uses a mix of hokkien, teochew, cantonese and mandarin to string a sentence; just like the current working class which spoke Chinese at home while educated in English in school. We have a super repressed minority group, but an extremely smart one, that adopted the semi-exotic name of "Arts FACULTY" (WOW) and resorted to producing T-shirts and pullovers to joke about their science-streamed counterparts (unless they can convince me that it isn't an intentional pun); just like the local arts community that constantly criticises the government's emphasis on sciences. We have a pretty strong-willed administration that vows to ameliorate the prosaic lives of NJCians through countless Feedback sessions with people raising issues such as "toilet cubicle locks not working", "clocks not working", "why canteen so packed" and the uglier and more controversial ones such as "feeling sorry to see two pillars in our dance studio"; just like the current government that tries to improve our lives with Meet-the-people session when some of the people attend such sessions with the motive of getting a waiver for their parking fines. We also have an admin that tries to spice up our lives with programmes such as SISC; just like how the government is trying to spice up the lives of Singaporeans with events such as World Gourmet Summit and Formula One. I shall not go on to debate about the criticisms these events had received.
There are so many memories that are tied with this school, from the library to the canteen, from teachers to friends. I guess a pretty big chunk of my life for the past 4 years was filled up by school-related stuff (yes.. even the holidays was spent in research labs doing research). I think it is the time to savour on all these past experiences and harness some motivational force from these wonderful memories to power us in this final lap and end the journey on a high note.
Can't imagine how would farewell assembly be like on friday... don't think I will cry lah... but oh wells....
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Some midnight rambling after prelims
Prelims are officially O-V-E-R. I know a big "yay" should be following after this, but I have no idea why am I not saying it "yay". It should mean one of the deepest sense of relief/enjoyment/excitement but yet I have NO IDEA how am I going to celebrate at all. And worse so, I have no one to celebrate with. That's a double dosage of loneliness and lack-of-direction-in-life that makes life pretty... boring.
A boring life.
What should we do about it? Inject humour, hang out with friends, do something adventurous, do something crazy etc. It's easy to list out the options, but I seem to be restricting myself and reducing all these options to scrap. Inject humour, right. HA-HA-HA. That's all! Short-lived. Do something adventurous... most probably OBS-related stuff. But OBS is in Ubin. Do something crazy... well, I'm not going to say "I'm a pervert" in the middle of Orchard road, somewhat conservative of me. Hang out with friends. Unfortunately, my complex brain and pre-dispositions have taught me that many of my friendships right now are going to be really transient. Who knows, 5 years down the road, I won't recall or keep in contact with them. I am seriously regreting my "foreign policy" (i.e. relationship management) is pretty lousy for the past 4 years. I have 3 CCAs and 1 class. But when it comes to close friends, I don't think I can even list one or two. Extrapolating, one can imagine how many friend-friends that I have, perhaps more of acquaintances.
Perhaps it's time to let God "take the credit" and let him be in charge (well, I should be letting him take charge since I belief in God) of my life. I really need to understand what is happiness and what I should do to get it. I guess it's really time to surrender life to destiny/fate/divine being with so much uncertainties and so many queries that is beyond the faculties of reasoning of a human being.
Talking about future, there has been lots of concerns over Uni education lately. But why not, it's really time to plan ahead and really think about what you want in life and how you want to pursue it. Another question that comes into debate is whether we are going overseas or staying in Singapore for uni education. Given the choice, I guess around half of the cohort will want to get themselves out of this (sickening)place. Singapore is not a bad place, it never was. We have multicultures, racial harmony, economic prosperity (in relative terms), efficient albeit "autocratic" government and last but not least, the kiasuism that has been pushing us up the ranks for the past 40 years. Then the equation doesn't fit! How can the puzzle not be solved when every piece of the puzzle is in place? Well, the problem may well lie in the solution itself. To compete with other financial metropolis, we have become so competitive and fast-paced, so much so that we beginning to show signs of fatigue. People are tired of such hectic lifestyles even when the government tries to do whatever they can to spice up the our lives (e.g. develop arts, F1, clarke quay etc.). And as rational people, we look for alternates (i.e. the greener pastures), US, UK and even CHINA to a certain extent.
Talking about slack life of westerners, sometimes I seriously doubt how good westerners can be. Look at SATs, look at GCSE ... the standards are appalling! These are not going to prepare them for a globally competitive world for goodness sake. And don't blame governments for not protecting your rice bowls. Look at the French, apart from the comparative advantage in winery, good food and airbus consortium, they have hardly anything which they are famous for. When new labour laws are passed that reduces job security, the kids go on strike and protest. A minimum 35 hours a week is seriously piece of cake, average 7 hours per workday, e.g. 9am to 5pm (+1 hour lunch). Look at our guys in CBD area munching down their lunches within 15 minutes, working 24/7 and threatens to be fired when they are not up to task such that we remain in the constant state of fear. But if you compare the real wages, it's a world of difference. They have everything subsidised, rebates, co-payments etc. while we face imported inflation, tariff barriers, non-tarriff barriers and the constant state of fear. Where did all the justice go? This is blatantly unfair.
Conventional economics wisdom tells us that it is time for some aggregate supply management policy, more particularly, retraining and revamping of education systems. John McCain is somewhat insane: continue with the 3 trillion dollar war, tonnes of tax cuts, retraining programmes etc. WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU GETTING THE MONEY. Unless you send Tom Cruise in an impossible mission to rob the Chinese Central Bank, not even a tonne of treasury bills is enough to cover your spending. To top that up, consider the 100 billion for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and another 85 billion for AIG. You guys better pray for a hurricane that will blow money to your shores.
That's all for now... praying for... everything. haha.
A boring life.
What should we do about it? Inject humour, hang out with friends, do something adventurous, do something crazy etc. It's easy to list out the options, but I seem to be restricting myself and reducing all these options to scrap. Inject humour, right. HA-HA-HA. That's all! Short-lived. Do something adventurous... most probably OBS-related stuff. But OBS is in Ubin. Do something crazy... well, I'm not going to say "I'm a pervert" in the middle of Orchard road, somewhat conservative of me. Hang out with friends. Unfortunately, my complex brain and pre-dispositions have taught me that many of my friendships right now are going to be really transient. Who knows, 5 years down the road, I won't recall or keep in contact with them. I am seriously regreting my "foreign policy" (i.e. relationship management) is pretty lousy for the past 4 years. I have 3 CCAs and 1 class. But when it comes to close friends, I don't think I can even list one or two. Extrapolating, one can imagine how many friend-friends that I have, perhaps more of acquaintances.
Perhaps it's time to let God "take the credit" and let him be in charge (well, I should be letting him take charge since I belief in God) of my life. I really need to understand what is happiness and what I should do to get it. I guess it's really time to surrender life to destiny/fate/divine being with so much uncertainties and so many queries that is beyond the faculties of reasoning of a human being.
Talking about future, there has been lots of concerns over Uni education lately. But why not, it's really time to plan ahead and really think about what you want in life and how you want to pursue it. Another question that comes into debate is whether we are going overseas or staying in Singapore for uni education. Given the choice, I guess around half of the cohort will want to get themselves out of this (sickening)place. Singapore is not a bad place, it never was. We have multicultures, racial harmony, economic prosperity (in relative terms), efficient albeit "autocratic" government and last but not least, the kiasuism that has been pushing us up the ranks for the past 40 years. Then the equation doesn't fit! How can the puzzle not be solved when every piece of the puzzle is in place? Well, the problem may well lie in the solution itself. To compete with other financial metropolis, we have become so competitive and fast-paced, so much so that we beginning to show signs of fatigue. People are tired of such hectic lifestyles even when the government tries to do whatever they can to spice up the our lives (e.g. develop arts, F1, clarke quay etc.). And as rational people, we look for alternates (i.e. the greener pastures), US, UK and even CHINA to a certain extent.
Talking about slack life of westerners, sometimes I seriously doubt how good westerners can be. Look at SATs, look at GCSE ... the standards are appalling! These are not going to prepare them for a globally competitive world for goodness sake. And don't blame governments for not protecting your rice bowls. Look at the French, apart from the comparative advantage in winery, good food and airbus consortium, they have hardly anything which they are famous for. When new labour laws are passed that reduces job security, the kids go on strike and protest. A minimum 35 hours a week is seriously piece of cake, average 7 hours per workday, e.g. 9am to 5pm (+1 hour lunch). Look at our guys in CBD area munching down their lunches within 15 minutes, working 24/7 and threatens to be fired when they are not up to task such that we remain in the constant state of fear. But if you compare the real wages, it's a world of difference. They have everything subsidised, rebates, co-payments etc. while we face imported inflation, tariff barriers, non-tarriff barriers and the constant state of fear. Where did all the justice go? This is blatantly unfair.
Conventional economics wisdom tells us that it is time for some aggregate supply management policy, more particularly, retraining and revamping of education systems. John McCain is somewhat insane: continue with the 3 trillion dollar war, tonnes of tax cuts, retraining programmes etc. WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU GETTING THE MONEY. Unless you send Tom Cruise in an impossible mission to rob the Chinese Central Bank, not even a tonne of treasury bills is enough to cover your spending. To top that up, consider the 100 billion for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and another 85 billion for AIG. You guys better pray for a hurricane that will blow money to your shores.
That's all for now... praying for... everything. haha.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
complexity
The human mind is REALLY complex, sophisticated, creative thinking machine. In fact, it can store information that is 500 times the Encyclopedia of Britanica (not that I'm going to read it 500 times to prove this, but that's what I learnt from discovery channel).
As an budding economist/financial manager (well.. I HOPE), I do admire the capabilities of the human mind. To be aware of the slightest change in our environment and producing equally sophisticated responses to deal with such changes, be it the stock market, driving the car or choosing my running course. We have the ability to think independently and yet collaborate effectively. A research done by some guy in New York observed that people actually walk in "platoons" to avoid crashing onto each other and blockin each other's way to ensure maximum efficiency is achieved. As someone who loves economics, I admire the fundamental principles of economics: self interest, rationality and insatiability. It simply explains almost everything happening on this Earth and how we human beings are dealing with each other everyday.
But the beauty of it is also the ugly side of it. Sometimes I hate things being reduced to formulae and equations, theories and predictions. We are so complex that we think ahead of time, we extrapolate the current things into future occurences, we think we know it all when we don't know it all. And we even think that knowing it all will give the best outcome. I resent myself for reducing relationships into mutual-beneficial equations sometimes i.e. I work with you because I believe that I can get something out of you and you will get something out of me. I also resent myself for thinking what others think about me; I will have to consciously control every word that I'm saying to leave good impressions (be it in front of friends, teachers, family and perhaps even with... umm.). I feel that I have an ulterior motive everytime I do things.
I have tried some personality tests before, but I just don't like it when my brain actually process the choices and tries to decipher which choice will represent which quality and that I should choose that option to show that I'm a romantic/nice/helpful/cheerful person. Man.. I just beat the test, I know what the test is asking for?! Then why should I even bother about the doing the test in the first place???
Final thoughts: Distracted. Seriously distracted... not sure how can I get over this one at this point of time...
As an budding economist/financial manager (well.. I HOPE), I do admire the capabilities of the human mind. To be aware of the slightest change in our environment and producing equally sophisticated responses to deal with such changes, be it the stock market, driving the car or choosing my running course. We have the ability to think independently and yet collaborate effectively. A research done by some guy in New York observed that people actually walk in "platoons" to avoid crashing onto each other and blockin each other's way to ensure maximum efficiency is achieved. As someone who loves economics, I admire the fundamental principles of economics: self interest, rationality and insatiability. It simply explains almost everything happening on this Earth and how we human beings are dealing with each other everyday.
But the beauty of it is also the ugly side of it. Sometimes I hate things being reduced to formulae and equations, theories and predictions. We are so complex that we think ahead of time, we extrapolate the current things into future occurences, we think we know it all when we don't know it all. And we even think that knowing it all will give the best outcome. I resent myself for reducing relationships into mutual-beneficial equations sometimes i.e. I work with you because I believe that I can get something out of you and you will get something out of me. I also resent myself for thinking what others think about me; I will have to consciously control every word that I'm saying to leave good impressions (be it in front of friends, teachers, family and perhaps even with... umm.). I feel that I have an ulterior motive everytime I do things.
I have tried some personality tests before, but I just don't like it when my brain actually process the choices and tries to decipher which choice will represent which quality and that I should choose that option to show that I'm a romantic/nice/helpful/cheerful person. Man.. I just beat the test, I know what the test is asking for?! Then why should I even bother about the doing the test in the first place???
Final thoughts: Distracted. Seriously distracted... not sure how can I get over this one at this point of time...
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The LURVE issue
Oh well... I thought it's time to write on a topic like that, after bottling up emotions for the past year or so. Let's start off with a song which I love (one of my favourite songs in my iPod)
等待
我随时随地在等待
做你感情上的依赖
我没有任何的疑问
这是爱
我猜
你早就想要说明白
我觉得自己好失败
从天堂掉落到深渊
多无奈
我愿意改变 (what can I do?)
重新再来一遍(just give me change)
我无法只是普通朋友
感情已那么深
叫我怎么能收手
但你说
I only want to be your friend
做个朋友
我在
你心中只是just a friend
不是情人
我感激你对我这样的坦白
但我给你的爱暂时收不回来
So I
我不能只是be your friend
I just can't be your friend
no,no,no,
我不能只是做你的朋友
不能只是做普通朋友
July was the month of emo-ness. As we step down from our CCAs and dive into school work and as we brace with each other for the final ride to the Big A's, we start to feel the nostalgia, we feel the sadness that the beautiful story is coming to an end. For the couples, its a test of love. Things change as the fate of both individuals set to change with futures hanging on a tight rope. It's now or never, my girl/boyfriend or my books (or both.. the best outcome). Personally, I hope couples that I know will survive this round, you guys have come this far. Hang in there! Disappointing as I learnt about break-ups between A**** and K*******, a pair which looked good right from the start and both put effort in maintaining it. Makes me envy them sometimes...
Coincidentally, July also happens to be the month which the youth fellowship have themed-talks on relationships (BGR, marriage) - for youth fellowship, BGR is obviously of the greater concern. First Pastor Albey talked about, how love should be like, rather than defining the rules of love. A few things that really hit into me. He said our love should reflect our love for God. They way which we portray our love in this modern world, very much reflects our love for God. I mean, it makes sense, if we don't even know how to love a physical human being that stands right in front of us, alive, how can we expect to love God? Someone who is supernatural, someone who can't be seen, but yet his power is beyond our greatest imagination. Another point that struck me, that when we start loving, or at least think you like the person, don't ask what he/she can do for you, but what you can do for him/her. It sounds like some JFK quote that "don't ask what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"... but it's true isn't it. Love in its purest form should be not be selfish and self-centred. So start thinking of other before ourselves. [This reminds me of the Josephian Pledge "to be man of integrity and man for others"]
So what's with the song? I like this song because it describes the "loser" in a relationship. We have been much flooded by the idol dramas that there will always be "winners" and no "losers" when it comes to love and relationships as we will grow in terms of emotional maturity and view life with a much more enhanced lens, seeing through all the complexities and what-nots. Personally, there are losers when it comes to relationships, and more particularly, the silent losers. Those that stand at the sidelines and face the whole process alone just to ensure others around him are not affected. (I think this is too "cheaply" described, I'm very sure that there are so much more complexities when it comes to this) I admire such courage and such capacity of individuals who can really bottle such emotions up. And those scenes which we always remember from our idol-drama series, the parts where one of the lead just stepped out to allow another pair to come together, turns around and leaves with a fading and fainting smile before breaking into tears. Awww...
This song partly describes my feelings... or at least I guess so. But the "competitor" is strong. And I look up to this competitor for his charisma and perhaps... his softer side. It reminds me of what Ms Shawna Lim asked when she was talking to the group of guys from NYP with me. She said: Why you guys are so rowdy and loud? How to expect a girl like you like that?!? It set me to reflect. But the answer is simple, guys only reveal softer sides to the girl he likes. That's to make the girl feel that she is much more exclusive to him. The underlying message is simple: You're important to me. That really explains why I am silent, soft, patient and apologetic... it's not hard to observe.
Changed-men. Recently, I witness many character changes. I saw how Reuben transformed from this crazy fella with some heck-care attitude to someone who is really meticulous and caring. Like with Wenjia, one of the prettiest girls in the school... obviously have to tone things down a bit. Wenjia can be as crazy as him, but they look... compatible! haha. Then there was Junlong, whose brother was notoriously known as the cassanova (okay.. no sex involved...) way back in 04-05 as he flirted with other girls even when he was with one of the prettiest girls in the school, Maxine. Junlong started off as someone who seemed like to flirt around a lot... and even landed himself into some big trouble when he spoke something about IP ppl that ultimately cost him a place in HAT. I watched him grew through the Floorball trainings and how his character changed in becoming a much more down-to-earth and dedicated individual (to the CCA at least.. not very sure about council). He did expressed some resentments about council, but I think he is looking at this really maturely and taking things really well. But obviously why not when Yuexi (apparently one of the prettier girls among his cohort) is in council? HAHAHA. But this guy really got some style man, I like the way he treats people, like walking her over to the other side of the bus stop and seeing her leave before crossing back to wait for his bus. It's the simple things that count and I like him that way (much better than his brother...)
Recently, I watched the movie (大城小事) by Leon Lai and Faye Wong. Even though it is already the third time I'm watching it, but I still love it a lot. It puts a very traditional context into relationships of Chinese who are living in one of the fastest growing metropolis in the world. Simply love it! Really wanted to watch it again and again. Perhaps next time, with somebody... haha.
Last Thoughts: Sometimes, it's too little too late. Or it was never meant to be? If it was never meant to be, then it wouldn't have been "late" in the first place...
Sorry Es, no tagboards yet. feel free to leave comments?
等待
我随时随地在等待
做你感情上的依赖
我没有任何的疑问
这是爱
我猜
你早就想要说明白
我觉得自己好失败
从天堂掉落到深渊
多无奈
我愿意改变 (what can I do?)
重新再来一遍(just give me change)
我无法只是普通朋友
感情已那么深
叫我怎么能收手
但你说
I only want to be your friend
做个朋友
我在
你心中只是just a friend
不是情人
我感激你对我这样的坦白
但我给你的爱暂时收不回来
So I
我不能只是be your friend
I just can't be your friend
no,no,no,
我不能只是做你的朋友
不能只是做普通朋友
July was the month of emo-ness. As we step down from our CCAs and dive into school work and as we brace with each other for the final ride to the Big A's, we start to feel the nostalgia, we feel the sadness that the beautiful story is coming to an end. For the couples, its a test of love. Things change as the fate of both individuals set to change with futures hanging on a tight rope. It's now or never, my girl/boyfriend or my books (or both.. the best outcome). Personally, I hope couples that I know will survive this round, you guys have come this far. Hang in there! Disappointing as I learnt about break-ups between A**** and K*******, a pair which looked good right from the start and both put effort in maintaining it. Makes me envy them sometimes...
Coincidentally, July also happens to be the month which the youth fellowship have themed-talks on relationships (BGR, marriage) - for youth fellowship, BGR is obviously of the greater concern. First Pastor Albey talked about, how love should be like, rather than defining the rules of love. A few things that really hit into me. He said our love should reflect our love for God. They way which we portray our love in this modern world, very much reflects our love for God. I mean, it makes sense, if we don't even know how to love a physical human being that stands right in front of us, alive, how can we expect to love God? Someone who is supernatural, someone who can't be seen, but yet his power is beyond our greatest imagination. Another point that struck me, that when we start loving, or at least think you like the person, don't ask what he/she can do for you, but what you can do for him/her. It sounds like some JFK quote that "don't ask what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"... but it's true isn't it. Love in its purest form should be not be selfish and self-centred. So start thinking of other before ourselves. [This reminds me of the Josephian Pledge "to be man of integrity and man for others"]
So what's with the song? I like this song because it describes the "loser" in a relationship. We have been much flooded by the idol dramas that there will always be "winners" and no "losers" when it comes to love and relationships as we will grow in terms of emotional maturity and view life with a much more enhanced lens, seeing through all the complexities and what-nots. Personally, there are losers when it comes to relationships, and more particularly, the silent losers. Those that stand at the sidelines and face the whole process alone just to ensure others around him are not affected. (I think this is too "cheaply" described, I'm very sure that there are so much more complexities when it comes to this) I admire such courage and such capacity of individuals who can really bottle such emotions up. And those scenes which we always remember from our idol-drama series, the parts where one of the lead just stepped out to allow another pair to come together, turns around and leaves with a fading and fainting smile before breaking into tears. Awww...
This song partly describes my feelings... or at least I guess so. But the "competitor" is strong. And I look up to this competitor for his charisma and perhaps... his softer side. It reminds me of what Ms Shawna Lim asked when she was talking to the group of guys from NYP with me. She said: Why you guys are so rowdy and loud? How to expect a girl like you like that?!? It set me to reflect. But the answer is simple, guys only reveal softer sides to the girl he likes. That's to make the girl feel that she is much more exclusive to him. The underlying message is simple: You're important to me. That really explains why I am silent, soft, patient and apologetic... it's not hard to observe.
Changed-men. Recently, I witness many character changes. I saw how Reuben transformed from this crazy fella with some heck-care attitude to someone who is really meticulous and caring. Like with Wenjia, one of the prettiest girls in the school... obviously have to tone things down a bit. Wenjia can be as crazy as him, but they look... compatible! haha. Then there was Junlong, whose brother was notoriously known as the cassanova (okay.. no sex involved...) way back in 04-05 as he flirted with other girls even when he was with one of the prettiest girls in the school, Maxine. Junlong started off as someone who seemed like to flirt around a lot... and even landed himself into some big trouble when he spoke something about IP ppl that ultimately cost him a place in HAT. I watched him grew through the Floorball trainings and how his character changed in becoming a much more down-to-earth and dedicated individual (to the CCA at least.. not very sure about council). He did expressed some resentments about council, but I think he is looking at this really maturely and taking things really well. But obviously why not when Yuexi (apparently one of the prettier girls among his cohort) is in council? HAHAHA. But this guy really got some style man, I like the way he treats people, like walking her over to the other side of the bus stop and seeing her leave before crossing back to wait for his bus. It's the simple things that count and I like him that way (much better than his brother...)
Recently, I watched the movie (大城小事) by Leon Lai and Faye Wong. Even though it is already the third time I'm watching it, but I still love it a lot. It puts a very traditional context into relationships of Chinese who are living in one of the fastest growing metropolis in the world. Simply love it! Really wanted to watch it again and again. Perhaps next time, with somebody... haha.
Last Thoughts: Sometimes, it's too little too late. Or it was never meant to be? If it was never meant to be, then it wouldn't have been "late" in the first place...
Sorry Es, no tagboards yet. feel free to leave comments?
Monday, August 25, 2008
the nationalistic issue...
After 5 "fruitful" prelim papers, i resent to admit that i'm screwed up-side-down for prelims man. it's just half way through and more have yet to come. science department has yet to unleash their greatest prowness on us and the H3-mates have yet to witness the super-ultra-"zai"-integrated H3 econs paper on the very last day of prelims (yes.. like we haven't die enough and have to screw us up even further)
like what ms M like to say, "Jason, move on with life and think simple." Those verses under the MMM (ms masnidah's mantra) rings in my head during GP, even though I think i flung my GP this time round.
But one thing that I would really like to comment on. Olympics.
Like what many people said, this Olympics is sure to be the most politicized one after the cold war-era. You bet. Right from the start of 2008, China has been taking the beating from left-right-centre. From human rights to dumping taxes to toy quality, you name it, they have it. Westerners are really mocking the small-eyed people with the yellow skin the moment they have the chance. But one thing that they are all impressed with is the effort and the efficiency which the Chinese authorities dealt with the Earthquake disaster in contrast with their communist neighbours Myanmmar, that still had the guts to hold a constitution voting in the midst of all this. And even more so when they think they are very smart by rejecting everybody's help. You know, people might not be expressing this openly and politically, but I bet half of the world out there was uttering silent prayers that the burmese will all rise against the junta. Sometimes, it doesn't take an action to change the tide, but rather the will. We have some cause for optimism as the burmese are not entirely dumb, there are intellectuals who are really thinking on their feets and doing something about it. Very much unlike another communist counterpart, NKorea, playing around with nukes (okay.. alledged-nukes)
So back onto the Olympics. Man, that was one impressionistic opening ceremony, wasn't it? This statement is goes two ways. Impressionistic for the fact that we have been marvelled by the technicality and dedication by the performers. Yea.. thousands of them moving together and even picking the people with the similar height to ensure that everything looks uniform. (just like the PLA style of doing things) But obviously, we can't leave out the spectacular fireworks (what.. 500 million worth?) that lit up the sky of Beijing.
However, things are never that simple. Even more so when you have 4 billion eyes watching you and with thousands of preying-eyes of both the media and politicians (with various political agenda), some things can't escape. The immediate responses by the 2012 London Olympics Committee and the Chicago 2016 organising committee were the same: we won't have an opening ceremony as elaborate as that. Some even went on as far as suggesting that these "bunch of white men or guai-loh (in a colloquial fashion)" are feeling intimidated. Personally, I think this is really elaborate and even some level of cultural propaganda going on. The whole ceremony was about the Chinese's 5000 years of History and how it became of what it is today(I give credit for the effort in concising all this into a one-hour opening ceremony). But is the Olympics really about learning your host nation's history? It's not history class for 4 billion viewers worldwide?! We are here to witness to opening of an event that marks the confluence of sportsmen and sportswomen around the world and once again see the true aesthetics of atheleticsm (e.g. Phelps' 8 gold medals haul), just like how the ancient greeks adorn the beauty of the human body and its physical and mental capabilities. Not to mention the sportsmanship involved of course. Some critics pointed out that around the half-mark of the show, they felt "sian" and really want to get on with things. Simply because this is becoming too elaborate.
Then there was this issue about the fireworks. No doubt that the Chinese are the inventors of fireworks (and even at some point of time, stood at the pinacle of technological development). But hey, 500 million worth of fireworks? What about the guys at Szechuan? They got a 1 Billion relief package. And it just took 15 minutes to blow up half of that amount at Beijing. Personally... I thought it was too elaborate. My dad even said that after watching the opening ceremony, we don't have to watch NDP as the firework display in NDP will be totally dwarfed by the one in Opening Ceremony.
Onto the last issue: the girl. So I was talking with Mathew the other day and saying how the chinese atheletes are performing in the Olympics. We chatted about Singapore as a powerhouse in the fields of Swimming and how Singaporeans are hoping for results from both areas. Then I said,
J: You know, Rome wasn't built in a day. We might take years.. perhaps another 10-15 years?
M: Well, so was the Bird's Nest (referring to the chinese atheletes)
J: Well, it took just one cute girl to demolish it.
M: Haha
Honestly speaking, playing cheat in front of 4 Billion viewers. Somebody is asking for trouble man. The choice of a girl is to represent the purity, innocence in character (on top of the value of integrity in Olympics) and yet the act of lip-synching really made it so paradoxical that it seemed like a slap on the faces of the Chinese authorities. (and they even went as far as changing the laws to permitting the act.. WOAH!) Like what one of the journalist in Straits Times wrote: This simply meant that it doesnt matter you have the good voice (inferring to the qualities of individuals), but as long as you have the cute look, you're in! That speaks volume... really loud.
But to put things into perspective, I think the western press put a little bit too much focus on the girl itself. Do you have to exaggerate so much? Even Pavorotti lip-synched during the opening ceremony of Turin Winter Olympics and nobody spoke much about it. (well, maybe because it was still Pavarotti's voice and he was suffering pretty bad from cancer that time). So, Hey, this is about the games. Not the girl.
Little thoughts.. should stop here. Though I would really like to talk about the cultural side of things here.
last thoughts: I'm back to the days of waiting for sms-es. haha. just infer. but perhaps, not the right signals.
like what ms M like to say, "Jason, move on with life and think simple." Those verses under the MMM (ms masnidah's mantra) rings in my head during GP, even though I think i flung my GP this time round.
But one thing that I would really like to comment on. Olympics.
Like what many people said, this Olympics is sure to be the most politicized one after the cold war-era. You bet. Right from the start of 2008, China has been taking the beating from left-right-centre. From human rights to dumping taxes to toy quality, you name it, they have it. Westerners are really mocking the small-eyed people with the yellow skin the moment they have the chance. But one thing that they are all impressed with is the effort and the efficiency which the Chinese authorities dealt with the Earthquake disaster in contrast with their communist neighbours Myanmmar, that still had the guts to hold a constitution voting in the midst of all this. And even more so when they think they are very smart by rejecting everybody's help. You know, people might not be expressing this openly and politically, but I bet half of the world out there was uttering silent prayers that the burmese will all rise against the junta. Sometimes, it doesn't take an action to change the tide, but rather the will. We have some cause for optimism as the burmese are not entirely dumb, there are intellectuals who are really thinking on their feets and doing something about it. Very much unlike another communist counterpart, NKorea, playing around with nukes (okay.. alledged-nukes)
So back onto the Olympics. Man, that was one impressionistic opening ceremony, wasn't it? This statement is goes two ways. Impressionistic for the fact that we have been marvelled by the technicality and dedication by the performers. Yea.. thousands of them moving together and even picking the people with the similar height to ensure that everything looks uniform. (just like the PLA style of doing things) But obviously, we can't leave out the spectacular fireworks (what.. 500 million worth?) that lit up the sky of Beijing.
However, things are never that simple. Even more so when you have 4 billion eyes watching you and with thousands of preying-eyes of both the media and politicians (with various political agenda), some things can't escape. The immediate responses by the 2012 London Olympics Committee and the Chicago 2016 organising committee were the same: we won't have an opening ceremony as elaborate as that. Some even went on as far as suggesting that these "bunch of white men or guai-loh (in a colloquial fashion)" are feeling intimidated. Personally, I think this is really elaborate and even some level of cultural propaganda going on. The whole ceremony was about the Chinese's 5000 years of History and how it became of what it is today(I give credit for the effort in concising all this into a one-hour opening ceremony). But is the Olympics really about learning your host nation's history? It's not history class for 4 billion viewers worldwide?! We are here to witness to opening of an event that marks the confluence of sportsmen and sportswomen around the world and once again see the true aesthetics of atheleticsm (e.g. Phelps' 8 gold medals haul), just like how the ancient greeks adorn the beauty of the human body and its physical and mental capabilities. Not to mention the sportsmanship involved of course. Some critics pointed out that around the half-mark of the show, they felt "sian" and really want to get on with things. Simply because this is becoming too elaborate.
Then there was this issue about the fireworks. No doubt that the Chinese are the inventors of fireworks (and even at some point of time, stood at the pinacle of technological development). But hey, 500 million worth of fireworks? What about the guys at Szechuan? They got a 1 Billion relief package. And it just took 15 minutes to blow up half of that amount at Beijing. Personally... I thought it was too elaborate. My dad even said that after watching the opening ceremony, we don't have to watch NDP as the firework display in NDP will be totally dwarfed by the one in Opening Ceremony.
Onto the last issue: the girl. So I was talking with Mathew the other day and saying how the chinese atheletes are performing in the Olympics. We chatted about Singapore as a powerhouse in the fields of Swimming and how Singaporeans are hoping for results from both areas. Then I said,
J: You know, Rome wasn't built in a day. We might take years.. perhaps another 10-15 years?
M: Well, so was the Bird's Nest (referring to the chinese atheletes)
J: Well, it took just one cute girl to demolish it.
M: Haha
Honestly speaking, playing cheat in front of 4 Billion viewers. Somebody is asking for trouble man. The choice of a girl is to represent the purity, innocence in character (on top of the value of integrity in Olympics) and yet the act of lip-synching really made it so paradoxical that it seemed like a slap on the faces of the Chinese authorities. (and they even went as far as changing the laws to permitting the act.. WOAH!) Like what one of the journalist in Straits Times wrote: This simply meant that it doesnt matter you have the good voice (inferring to the qualities of individuals), but as long as you have the cute look, you're in! That speaks volume... really loud.
But to put things into perspective, I think the western press put a little bit too much focus on the girl itself. Do you have to exaggerate so much? Even Pavorotti lip-synched during the opening ceremony of Turin Winter Olympics and nobody spoke much about it. (well, maybe because it was still Pavarotti's voice and he was suffering pretty bad from cancer that time). So, Hey, this is about the games. Not the girl.
Little thoughts.. should stop here. Though I would really like to talk about the cultural side of things here.
last thoughts: I'm back to the days of waiting for sms-es. haha. just infer. but perhaps, not the right signals.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A little bit... nationalistic?
It has been some time since I last posted something up here. Many things happened in between and I shall attempt to pull those thoughts in together into one piece.
Facebook and GP
Facebook is indeed some sort of social phenomenon that is worth thinking about. The textbook answer to the benefit that Facebook brings is the socio-communal network that one can form online and to keep in touch with people who lives overseas or just to have another portal for a group of close friends to chat and play around in. Obviously, there are two sides to the coin. The negative side about Facebook is the cheapen-ing the definition of a "Friend" or declining the quality of relationships. You can have an entourage that rolls like 500+ people long but i can make a relatively sure bet that you don't even talk to 10% of them. I just went to check out my home page a while ago and saw my friend Joyce tagging on her photos. Curious I was, so I just went to see her photo album and to my surprise, I just realised that this "Joyce" is the sweet-looking (yes.. im very neutral here) tennis girl I see in school. And more ridiculously, I didn't know her name until I accidentally browsed her photo album. I know I'm a bad senior who reserves little brain space for remembering my junior's name. But come to think of it... I didn't even know that I have this girl as my "friend" on Facebook when I hardly know ANYTHING about her in reality. Then again, I think the same applies in the opposite direction. She hardly knows about me. Haha.
National Day
So today is (well.. actually yesterday) national day and it's a time to ponder about national issues (even though we should be pondering about them everyday, not just national day). Letts Tan was reading the national day message from MOE and I just felt that NJCians hardly cares about this country?! People were blabbering and talking throughout. I know it's tough to answer the question "why should I be listening to this guy reading out the national day message?", but hey, this happens only once a year and even if the message is crap (crap because the message is about the same every year and for the fact that we have been brainwashed enough from social studies), it is some good crap that deserves some respect at least.
Moving onto the show segment. Not too bad, at least they got me up on my feet to sing along with their... out-of-tune singers. talking about national songs, i just missed those good old days where we had stefanie sun, kit chan and tanya chua. their national songs were bloody good and the lyrics (the chinese lyrics in particular) is really impressionistic and the melody is just unforgetable. Somehow, I just feel that chinese lyrics are more sentimental and more compassionate when it comes to bringing the message of the song across...
Ms Oon
So I was talking to ms oon on the way back from school on 156. and once again, she just impressed me with that extremely sharp critical thinking and observation of the singaporean society. We were talking about the scrapping of 1st 3 months and then talked about talent development in Singapore. So we somehow ended up talking about the development of artistic talents in Singapore. The sad fact is that we are results-oriented people and have relatively low capacity for failure and we perversely apply it into the area of the arts -though the true definition of failure in the artistic realm is pretty much difficult to be justified in rational sense-. Then ms oon asked, is the level of artistic development a true reflection of our development as a society. I just stonned down there for five seconds with my mouth opened. Reason being, we have this idea that when we have the capacity and the ability to valuate something such as art, we have moved beyond the need to address our material satisfaction. But is art really that valuable? So much so that we value it above material gains and use it as a benchmark for the development of a society. Or is it just a bourgeois thing that doesnt really reflects our position in the developmental ladder of society? Totally mind blogging and it was so lucky that we reached Bishan bus stop and I don't need to think too much about it...
Facebook and GP
Facebook is indeed some sort of social phenomenon that is worth thinking about. The textbook answer to the benefit that Facebook brings is the socio-communal network that one can form online and to keep in touch with people who lives overseas or just to have another portal for a group of close friends to chat and play around in. Obviously, there are two sides to the coin. The negative side about Facebook is the cheapen-ing the definition of a "Friend" or declining the quality of relationships. You can have an entourage that rolls like 500+ people long but i can make a relatively sure bet that you don't even talk to 10% of them. I just went to check out my home page a while ago and saw my friend Joyce tagging on her photos. Curious I was, so I just went to see her photo album and to my surprise, I just realised that this "Joyce" is the sweet-looking (yes.. im very neutral here) tennis girl I see in school. And more ridiculously, I didn't know her name until I accidentally browsed her photo album. I know I'm a bad senior who reserves little brain space for remembering my junior's name. But come to think of it... I didn't even know that I have this girl as my "friend" on Facebook when I hardly know ANYTHING about her in reality. Then again, I think the same applies in the opposite direction. She hardly knows about me. Haha.
National Day
So today is (well.. actually yesterday) national day and it's a time to ponder about national issues (even though we should be pondering about them everyday, not just national day). Letts Tan was reading the national day message from MOE and I just felt that NJCians hardly cares about this country?! People were blabbering and talking throughout. I know it's tough to answer the question "why should I be listening to this guy reading out the national day message?", but hey, this happens only once a year and even if the message is crap (crap because the message is about the same every year and for the fact that we have been brainwashed enough from social studies), it is some good crap that deserves some respect at least.
Moving onto the show segment. Not too bad, at least they got me up on my feet to sing along with their... out-of-tune singers. talking about national songs, i just missed those good old days where we had stefanie sun, kit chan and tanya chua. their national songs were bloody good and the lyrics (the chinese lyrics in particular) is really impressionistic and the melody is just unforgetable. Somehow, I just feel that chinese lyrics are more sentimental and more compassionate when it comes to bringing the message of the song across...
Ms Oon
So I was talking to ms oon on the way back from school on 156. and once again, she just impressed me with that extremely sharp critical thinking and observation of the singaporean society. We were talking about the scrapping of 1st 3 months and then talked about talent development in Singapore. So we somehow ended up talking about the development of artistic talents in Singapore. The sad fact is that we are results-oriented people and have relatively low capacity for failure and we perversely apply it into the area of the arts -though the true definition of failure in the artistic realm is pretty much difficult to be justified in rational sense-. Then ms oon asked, is the level of artistic development a true reflection of our development as a society. I just stonned down there for five seconds with my mouth opened. Reason being, we have this idea that when we have the capacity and the ability to valuate something such as art, we have moved beyond the need to address our material satisfaction. But is art really that valuable? So much so that we value it above material gains and use it as a benchmark for the development of a society. Or is it just a bourgeois thing that doesnt really reflects our position in the developmental ladder of society? Totally mind blogging and it was so lucky that we reached Bishan bus stop and I don't need to think too much about it...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
There is no charge to awesomeness
Interesting tagline (or whatever you call it). Perhaps what the message sent through the movie is right; to be awesome, all you need to to do is be yourself.
That aside, there has been quite a lot of happenings during this June Holidays which I would say, it is pretty well spent. I didn't travel like some of my friends did, or did some crazy things like skydiving and bungee-jumping. All I did was training, playing, watching football and going out with friends. This incurred a huge budget deficit for the month of June, but I will say that it is pretty well spent. I guess the greatest difference that this holiday had as compared to the other holidays is that I didn't have to go for research attachment (and no Common Tests of course). This really freed up a lot of time for me to do whatever I want.
One thing that striked me was one of the issues that was brought up on Sunday Times a few days ago. The article about scrapping Miss Singapore Universe. Honestly speaking, we are a nation with women (and men) with exceptional and unique facial and body features that can well define beauty (or handsome-ness) beyond words. Do we lack pretty and handsome people in Singapore? Hell NO! Take a walk down Orchard Road, have a burger at Raffles City or shop at Vivo City for a day, you will realise that we have people that has both style and substance (and the "looks" and curves" as well). From the way we dress, to the handbag/backpack we choose to carry out with us, we demand ourselves to be perfect - whether it is out of respect for the person(s) we are going out with or just flaunting the tangible and the intangible assets. We have the "looks" and the "faces", but perhaps, what we lack is some sort of civilised "attitudes".
I guess that is why "simplicity is beauty". When we are simple (or at least look simple), we have nothing to flaunt. All we have to "flaunt" -in this case "show" will be a better word- is our own character and personality. That is what makes us shine much brighter than those with brain and brawns, with style and substance.
Moving on, like what I mentioned above, I had more time to interact with people whom I know and find out more about them. I want to write this down so that I won't forget about this person who is exceptionally unique in his/her own way.(I shall use 'T' as his/her name, just another letter apart from 'X' which I used the other time)
T is one of the most mysterious people I have ever met and I choose to derive his/her uniqueness from this personality. He/she strikes a VERY well balance between his/her private life and his/her school life. Already pretty active in school, he/she is even more active outside school! From hip-hop to golf, to piano, he/she does all this outside school! I truly admire this passive courage of his/hers; to be able to live without close interaction from friends whom you know from school (Perhaps she does have interactions with a group of close friends in school which I don't know). I guess most of us feel so compelled to stay within the community of our classmates or friends, that we hardly do something outside this community. We desire that sort of attention from this community which we convert it as a motivational or supportive force in our daily activities. I don't know how this person does it, but he/she can live without this. That aside, I must admit that he/she has a nice-looking face which pretty well shrouds his/her mysterious personality. He/she even has this mildly-angry-but-actually-not-angry look which makes me pretty apologetic to him/her when I try to speculate someting about him/her. I don't really know T very well I must say, because "I don't know my [his/her] life". Nevertheless, he/she is defintely an interesting person to hang out with.
Last thoughts: haha... not very comtemplative this time round. School's about to reopen :(
That aside, there has been quite a lot of happenings during this June Holidays which I would say, it is pretty well spent. I didn't travel like some of my friends did, or did some crazy things like skydiving and bungee-jumping. All I did was training, playing, watching football and going out with friends. This incurred a huge budget deficit for the month of June, but I will say that it is pretty well spent. I guess the greatest difference that this holiday had as compared to the other holidays is that I didn't have to go for research attachment (and no Common Tests of course). This really freed up a lot of time for me to do whatever I want.
One thing that striked me was one of the issues that was brought up on Sunday Times a few days ago. The article about scrapping Miss Singapore Universe. Honestly speaking, we are a nation with women (and men) with exceptional and unique facial and body features that can well define beauty (or handsome-ness) beyond words. Do we lack pretty and handsome people in Singapore? Hell NO! Take a walk down Orchard Road, have a burger at Raffles City or shop at Vivo City for a day, you will realise that we have people that has both style and substance (and the "looks" and curves" as well). From the way we dress, to the handbag/backpack we choose to carry out with us, we demand ourselves to be perfect - whether it is out of respect for the person(s) we are going out with or just flaunting the tangible and the intangible assets. We have the "looks" and the "faces", but perhaps, what we lack is some sort of civilised "attitudes".
I guess that is why "simplicity is beauty". When we are simple (or at least look simple), we have nothing to flaunt. All we have to "flaunt" -in this case "show" will be a better word- is our own character and personality. That is what makes us shine much brighter than those with brain and brawns, with style and substance.
Moving on, like what I mentioned above, I had more time to interact with people whom I know and find out more about them. I want to write this down so that I won't forget about this person who is exceptionally unique in his/her own way.(I shall use 'T' as his/her name, just another letter apart from 'X' which I used the other time)
T is one of the most mysterious people I have ever met and I choose to derive his/her uniqueness from this personality. He/she strikes a VERY well balance between his/her private life and his/her school life. Already pretty active in school, he/she is even more active outside school! From hip-hop to golf, to piano, he/she does all this outside school! I truly admire this passive courage of his/hers; to be able to live without close interaction from friends whom you know from school (Perhaps she does have interactions with a group of close friends in school which I don't know). I guess most of us feel so compelled to stay within the community of our classmates or friends, that we hardly do something outside this community. We desire that sort of attention from this community which we convert it as a motivational or supportive force in our daily activities. I don't know how this person does it, but he/she can live without this. That aside, I must admit that he/she has a nice-looking face which pretty well shrouds his/her mysterious personality. He/she even has this mildly-angry-but-actually-not-angry look which makes me pretty apologetic to him/her when I try to speculate someting about him/her. I don't really know T very well I must say, because "I don't know my [his/her] life". Nevertheless, he/she is defintely an interesting person to hang out with.
Last thoughts: haha... not very comtemplative this time round. School's about to reopen :(
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Pre U Sem
6 Meals a day, 5-Day-long Seminar, Friends 4ever, 3 Fun SLOs, 2 Free dry-fit shirts, Seminar Group 1
The numbers said it all. Honestly speaking, the activities within pre-u sem isn't very much interesting. I'll give it a 2.5 out of ten. Reason being, all the presentations are pretty much the obvious things aka "duh-stuff". Obviously I know that there is brain-drain in Singapore (I can even chunk out the figures due to my little research on the topic for an essay competition). Obviously, ageing population is a problem in Singapore when more resources have to be devoted to this age group and even more problematic when there is a declining fertility rate which translates to a smaller working population for support (I can tell you that an average Singaporean lives up to the ripe old age of 85 -and it is still increasing-). Obviously, we are facing one of the worst economic vices, a widening income gap. In fact, our gini co-efficient (a measure of income inequality) is worse than philippines? (I would really like to contend about the accuracy of the figures though the source came from a UN research report)
Technically, the problem is there. Solutions anyone? There have been some good solutions proposed, though wasn't well evaluated though. (even the NJ's solution to ageing population isn't THAT good, but good enough la) So make that 3 out of ten.
Q&A was more of the subject of contention. Some asked really stupid question. Like some guy from XXXJC asked the minister about the lack of governmental efforts in tackling global inflation and income inequality. The minister immediately got up and listed out the entire set of policies in place to tackled the problems (and we are even projecting to have a budget deficit this year due to increasing government payments to address such problems). Then there will always be students from the school that symbolizes elitism to its furthest extent. "Mike-whoring" for the entire seminar. But you can't blame them, most probably that they have a quota to fulfill. Then again, there are some good comments (like the one from the IJC scholar and her rainbow colours) and some good questions which really sparked people thinking. Kudos to those students who gave in-depth replies and tolerating nonsense questions. So make that 4.5 out of ten.
Given that we got to see Vivian Balakrishnan (and even stood quite close to him as he walked down the isle), make that 5.5 out of ten. He deserved a lot of credit for being engaging and breaking away from the traditions of delivering a key-note speech. I think this is a win-win situation. He (or his secretary) doesn't need to prepare his speech while the students had more time to interact with him. You can't beat this offer right?
Last but not least, how can we forget the friends that I've made in pre-u sem? There are some rumours of me liking XXX. Say, we just clicked quite well given for our IP background aka people with the non-conformity mindsets. But apart from that, there are one whole bunch of interesting, handsome, pretty, bimbotic, smart, unique people. DaeYeon, Jason (lim), Jon Neo, Nicholas, XiuQing, Caitlin, Mathias, Shamini and etc. Crazy people to hang around with. These are the people who truly made Pre-U Sem something not just an intellectual holiday chalet. So make that 9 out of ten.
Where did the last point go to? We can never have perfections in life. Keep it that way. It's the only way for things to improve. Consider the fact that I knew a little bit more about Teena (and her private life), make that 9.1 out of ten. Haha.
Again... I have some many bottled thoughts which I really want to put it up here. But perhaps another time? Let those thoughts mature for a while more and perhaps when I'm particularly emo, I shall just let it all out.
Last thoughts: Aristal is not just a dance-affair. It was also a time to "flaunt" the beauty and show that suave body. But you were really pretty and beautiful with that dress and let-down hair. Then again, it's God's gift for girls to have long hair and can do whatever they want with it using infinite amount of accessories. As for you, simplicity is beauty. Perhaps, wearing heels will score you a perfect 10. My honest opinions. Nothing more.
The numbers said it all. Honestly speaking, the activities within pre-u sem isn't very much interesting. I'll give it a 2.5 out of ten. Reason being, all the presentations are pretty much the obvious things aka "duh-stuff". Obviously I know that there is brain-drain in Singapore (I can even chunk out the figures due to my little research on the topic for an essay competition). Obviously, ageing population is a problem in Singapore when more resources have to be devoted to this age group and even more problematic when there is a declining fertility rate which translates to a smaller working population for support (I can tell you that an average Singaporean lives up to the ripe old age of 85 -and it is still increasing-). Obviously, we are facing one of the worst economic vices, a widening income gap. In fact, our gini co-efficient (a measure of income inequality) is worse than philippines? (I would really like to contend about the accuracy of the figures though the source came from a UN research report)
Technically, the problem is there. Solutions anyone? There have been some good solutions proposed, though wasn't well evaluated though. (even the NJ's solution to ageing population isn't THAT good, but good enough la) So make that 3 out of ten.
Q&A was more of the subject of contention. Some asked really stupid question. Like some guy from XXXJC asked the minister about the lack of governmental efforts in tackling global inflation and income inequality. The minister immediately got up and listed out the entire set of policies in place to tackled the problems (and we are even projecting to have a budget deficit this year due to increasing government payments to address such problems). Then there will always be students from the school that symbolizes elitism to its furthest extent. "Mike-whoring" for the entire seminar. But you can't blame them, most probably that they have a quota to fulfill. Then again, there are some good comments (like the one from the IJC scholar and her rainbow colours) and some good questions which really sparked people thinking. Kudos to those students who gave in-depth replies and tolerating nonsense questions. So make that 4.5 out of ten.
Given that we got to see Vivian Balakrishnan (and even stood quite close to him as he walked down the isle), make that 5.5 out of ten. He deserved a lot of credit for being engaging and breaking away from the traditions of delivering a key-note speech. I think this is a win-win situation. He (or his secretary) doesn't need to prepare his speech while the students had more time to interact with him. You can't beat this offer right?
Last but not least, how can we forget the friends that I've made in pre-u sem? There are some rumours of me liking XXX. Say, we just clicked quite well given for our IP background aka people with the non-conformity mindsets. But apart from that, there are one whole bunch of interesting, handsome, pretty, bimbotic, smart, unique people. DaeYeon, Jason (lim), Jon Neo, Nicholas, XiuQing, Caitlin, Mathias, Shamini and etc. Crazy people to hang around with. These are the people who truly made Pre-U Sem something not just an intellectual holiday chalet. So make that 9 out of ten.
Where did the last point go to? We can never have perfections in life. Keep it that way. It's the only way for things to improve. Consider the fact that I knew a little bit more about Teena (and her private life), make that 9.1 out of ten. Haha.
Again... I have some many bottled thoughts which I really want to put it up here. But perhaps another time? Let those thoughts mature for a while more and perhaps when I'm particularly emo, I shall just let it all out.
Last thoughts: Aristal is not just a dance-affair. It was also a time to "flaunt" the beauty and show that suave body. But you were really pretty and beautiful with that dress and let-down hair. Then again, it's God's gift for girls to have long hair and can do whatever they want with it using infinite amount of accessories. As for you, simplicity is beauty. Perhaps, wearing heels will score you a perfect 10. My honest opinions. Nothing more.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The mid CT post
Again, I have so much that I want to say. My mind is so bottled up with thoughts that I don't know which one should be let out first. Or whether I should just let those thoughts sink to the bottom.
Something funny, but not of ANY entertainment value
Two boys were called up to sing during the assembly for being caught disrupting the assembly. Honestly speaking, I don't see how this is some form of punishment or humiliation (if it was meant to be like that). Sometimes, you just got to wonder what is Ms P is thinking. People could hardly sing the national anthem without looking at the pair of "vanguards" standing next to Mervin. Nevertheless, she said her "disclaimers" and we kind of understood the underlying message. Even though it wasnt very obvious right from the start. But I have to applaud Ms P for thinking of punishment techniques which is more creative than some of the PW presentations.
The Mid CTs Syndromme
For the past week or so, I have been slogging my ass out for some last minute cramming for this CTs. Did my effort pay off? Honestly speaking, I have no idea. I have lots of mixed feelings after every paper. I thought I had some good arguments here and there, and some which are most probably fallacious and unsound. Maths was pretty disastrous given that I left about 20 marks blank. Chemistry was... around the same, 20 marks blank. I don't know if this is good, I mean, somebody might have left more than 20 marks blank... Right now, I have this lethargy to study for the bio paper. I have to read through one thick stack of notes and I just felt like boiling them and drink it up.
A Big Miss?
I was nominated to represent the college for the Hugh Obrien World Youth Leadership Conference in Washington. At the start, it sounded really cool, but the price tag isn't. A whopping $4000 for the entire trip. WOAH. Perhaps it is by chance or some sort of intelligent design, I forgot to tell Ms M and she took it as "I'm not interested", so my name wasn't even submitted to VC. Perhaps, this might be something good. If I'm going for that, I would be misssing out on NEFMQ and Floorball Nationals and revision for prelims.
So perhaps, it isn't such a big miss after all.
Character Analysis
I'm not much of a lit student, but I have been trying real hard in observing people recently. (whether I'm good at it is another issue) Let's start with Ms M. Ms M is a VERY VERY VERY VERY knowledgable teacher (she knows things from happenings in german banks to fast food restaurants in Russia to car names in US and etc and etc and etc), but sometimes, her style of teaching is rather ineffective. Half of the time, it was a monologue and us looking like a flaccid piece of sponge and trying to absorb something from the words out of her mouth. Sometimes, you just can't have the best of both worlds. You can have a very good teacher with a hateable character OR you can have a rather not-so-good teacher with a lovable character. If you come across both, (which I think you need a poisson distribution to calculate that) you're in luck. So please go buy 4D/TOTO/Lottery.
X has been someone whom I admire for some time. Honestly speaking, I am DAMN impressed about this person's work rate and X's drive for perfection. X belongs to the higher class, not because of her family. From the way X blogs, from the way X spends and from the way X argues (with me, most of the time), you just know that X is someone of that calibre and X will make it big in the future. On the other hand, (I think) X needs confidence even though X has everything at her fingertips. X needs people who can empathise and absorb X infectious drive for perfection. Either by telling X that the level of perfection which X demands from Xself is VERY HIGH already, or by accompanying X to be as high while retaining that important value of humility. X needs people whom X admires, not someone who admires X, so that X remains inspired and continues to realise that there is a higher level of excellence which X can (and eventually) achieve. X needs someone of logic, reason and authority, not someone who is just plainly knowledgable and flaunting he is (more) knowledgable; to correct X of the most minute flaws which X hardly sees or to point out the fallacies which X ferociously defend as the truth.
Ultimately, X needs someone to walk the journey with X, and not someone who thinks that he/she understands X because the more you think you understand X, the less you are. Does that imply that I just typed out another paragraph of crap. Perhaps so. Obviously, I'm not one of those whom X will admire. I (should have) know right from the start.
Something funny, but not of ANY entertainment value
Two boys were called up to sing during the assembly for being caught disrupting the assembly. Honestly speaking, I don't see how this is some form of punishment or humiliation (if it was meant to be like that). Sometimes, you just got to wonder what is Ms P is thinking. People could hardly sing the national anthem without looking at the pair of "vanguards" standing next to Mervin. Nevertheless, she said her "disclaimers" and we kind of understood the underlying message. Even though it wasnt very obvious right from the start. But I have to applaud Ms P for thinking of punishment techniques which is more creative than some of the PW presentations.
The Mid CTs Syndromme
For the past week or so, I have been slogging my ass out for some last minute cramming for this CTs. Did my effort pay off? Honestly speaking, I have no idea. I have lots of mixed feelings after every paper. I thought I had some good arguments here and there, and some which are most probably fallacious and unsound. Maths was pretty disastrous given that I left about 20 marks blank. Chemistry was... around the same, 20 marks blank. I don't know if this is good, I mean, somebody might have left more than 20 marks blank... Right now, I have this lethargy to study for the bio paper. I have to read through one thick stack of notes and I just felt like boiling them and drink it up.
A Big Miss?
I was nominated to represent the college for the Hugh Obrien World Youth Leadership Conference in Washington. At the start, it sounded really cool, but the price tag isn't. A whopping $4000 for the entire trip. WOAH. Perhaps it is by chance or some sort of intelligent design, I forgot to tell Ms M and she took it as "I'm not interested", so my name wasn't even submitted to VC. Perhaps, this might be something good. If I'm going for that, I would be misssing out on NEFMQ and Floorball Nationals and revision for prelims.
So perhaps, it isn't such a big miss after all.
Character Analysis
I'm not much of a lit student, but I have been trying real hard in observing people recently. (whether I'm good at it is another issue) Let's start with Ms M. Ms M is a VERY VERY VERY VERY knowledgable teacher (she knows things from happenings in german banks to fast food restaurants in Russia to car names in US and etc and etc and etc), but sometimes, her style of teaching is rather ineffective. Half of the time, it was a monologue and us looking like a flaccid piece of sponge and trying to absorb something from the words out of her mouth. Sometimes, you just can't have the best of both worlds. You can have a very good teacher with a hateable character OR you can have a rather not-so-good teacher with a lovable character. If you come across both, (which I think you need a poisson distribution to calculate that) you're in luck. So please go buy 4D/TOTO/Lottery.
X has been someone whom I admire for some time. Honestly speaking, I am DAMN impressed about this person's work rate and X's drive for perfection. X belongs to the higher class, not because of her family. From the way X blogs, from the way X spends and from the way X argues (with me, most of the time), you just know that X is someone of that calibre and X will make it big in the future. On the other hand, (I think) X needs confidence even though X has everything at her fingertips. X needs people who can empathise and absorb X infectious drive for perfection. Either by telling X that the level of perfection which X demands from Xself is VERY HIGH already, or by accompanying X to be as high while retaining that important value of humility. X needs people whom X admires, not someone who admires X, so that X remains inspired and continues to realise that there is a higher level of excellence which X can (and eventually) achieve. X needs someone of logic, reason and authority, not someone who is just plainly knowledgable and flaunting he is (more) knowledgable; to correct X of the most minute flaws which X hardly sees or to point out the fallacies which X ferociously defend as the truth.
Ultimately, X needs someone to walk the journey with X, and not someone who thinks that he/she understands X because the more you think you understand X, the less you are. Does that imply that I just typed out another paragraph of crap. Perhaps so. Obviously, I'm not one of those whom X will admire. I (should have) know right from the start.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Perspectives part 2
NJC leadership symposium
This is the second time that I'm organising this "apex of NJC's leadership development programme". As the Publicity Head, there are TONNES of work to settle before the actual event itself. I've learnt a lot more about leadership, not so much in business, but rather leading a group of people, managing them and fitting them into the correct positions so that their strengths can complement each other. Things turned out to be pretty good, especially with Dr Lim micromanaging a lot of stuff for me as well. Kudos to her.
However, there are lots of places where we can improve on. One of the greatest weakness of the org comm is that there are TOO MANY PEOPLE!!! we are overstaffed! call this x-inefficiency or bureaucracy at work.
At the end of the day, the sake sushi treat just made it all worth while. It is a really rare opportunity for sapphires people to mix with councillors. I discovered that Junyang, Edmund, Aloysius and Xinglong are pretty humourous people, even though they might look geeky from the front!
MAS JC ESSAY
Writing this essay really makes me feel impressed of Lee Kuan Yew and Co. It took me like 1 whole week to think of a vision for singapore 2013, and LKY & Co. had their vision for singapore for about 30-40 years wayyy back in 1960. Consider that there is no such thing as Internet back then. Where are you going to get all the info in the world???
Enough for now... I had deeper thoughts about things that happened and observed recently... trying very hard to understand these inner emotions...
This is the second time that I'm organising this "apex of NJC's leadership development programme". As the Publicity Head, there are TONNES of work to settle before the actual event itself. I've learnt a lot more about leadership, not so much in business, but rather leading a group of people, managing them and fitting them into the correct positions so that their strengths can complement each other. Things turned out to be pretty good, especially with Dr Lim micromanaging a lot of stuff for me as well. Kudos to her.
However, there are lots of places where we can improve on. One of the greatest weakness of the org comm is that there are TOO MANY PEOPLE!!! we are overstaffed! call this x-inefficiency or bureaucracy at work.
At the end of the day, the sake sushi treat just made it all worth while. It is a really rare opportunity for sapphires people to mix with councillors. I discovered that Junyang, Edmund, Aloysius and Xinglong are pretty humourous people, even though they might look geeky from the front!
MAS JC ESSAY
Writing this essay really makes me feel impressed of Lee Kuan Yew and Co. It took me like 1 whole week to think of a vision for singapore 2013, and LKY & Co. had their vision for singapore for about 30-40 years wayyy back in 1960. Consider that there is no such thing as Internet back then. Where are you going to get all the info in the world???
Enough for now... I had deeper thoughts about things that happened and observed recently... trying very hard to understand these inner emotions...
Friday, April 18, 2008
perspectives...
It has been a while since I had wrote something up here. No one will read it anyway. Perhaps not.
Many things happened for the past month or so. Starting off with the CSR trip to Thailand with a group of NP students, then I fractured my ankle during training, Leadership Symposium, MAS JC essay and throughout this time, Pre-U sem.
I really want to write tonnes about these events, but in short, from all these experiences, I've learnt things from a perspective.
The trip to Thailand was quite an eye-opener. My impression of Bangkok very much stops at the big shopping malls and the cheap stuff that I can buy in MBK or Cha-Tut-Chat. I know poverty exists and not to mention the infamous traffic jams. This trip showed me how poverty is REALLY like by going far away from the urban areas (we aren't even talking slumps here!) to rural places where there is semi-arid lands, some labour-intensive manufacturing plants, subsistence farming etc. Having opportunities to visit agencies such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF was good learning experience as we get to see things from a more macro point of view, though poverty was merely spelt out. But what struck me the most was the things that PDA did to ensure self-sustainability as an NGO while coming up with new ways to alleviate poverty. (microcredit is not their idea, but they did apply it very well) But what makes things possible and fun was all the people whom I went with. These people are really cool and smart. Leaders of their respective fields but yet exercising ability to socialise and mix around with other "strangers" like me.
Fracturing ankle wasn't nice at all. I trained 3 years for this year's nationals and now I'm out for 3 months. Most probably, I'll be missing the floorball one as well. Though this kept me at the sidelines, I began to see things differently as people treated me differently. Some of my friends had conscious attempts to provide assistance while some stopped at the level where they just asked about my condition. Fair enough, not all friends can be good friends. Neither would I want to have friends that stick with me just because they sympathise me.
Many things happened for the past month or so. Starting off with the CSR trip to Thailand with a group of NP students, then I fractured my ankle during training, Leadership Symposium, MAS JC essay and throughout this time, Pre-U sem.
I really want to write tonnes about these events, but in short, from all these experiences, I've learnt things from a perspective.
The trip to Thailand was quite an eye-opener. My impression of Bangkok very much stops at the big shopping malls and the cheap stuff that I can buy in MBK or Cha-Tut-Chat. I know poverty exists and not to mention the infamous traffic jams. This trip showed me how poverty is REALLY like by going far away from the urban areas (we aren't even talking slumps here!) to rural places where there is semi-arid lands, some labour-intensive manufacturing plants, subsistence farming etc. Having opportunities to visit agencies such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF was good learning experience as we get to see things from a more macro point of view, though poverty was merely spelt out. But what struck me the most was the things that PDA did to ensure self-sustainability as an NGO while coming up with new ways to alleviate poverty. (microcredit is not their idea, but they did apply it very well) But what makes things possible and fun was all the people whom I went with. These people are really cool and smart. Leaders of their respective fields but yet exercising ability to socialise and mix around with other "strangers" like me.
Fracturing ankle wasn't nice at all. I trained 3 years for this year's nationals and now I'm out for 3 months. Most probably, I'll be missing the floorball one as well. Though this kept me at the sidelines, I began to see things differently as people treated me differently. Some of my friends had conscious attempts to provide assistance while some stopped at the level where they just asked about my condition. Fair enough, not all friends can be good friends. Neither would I want to have friends that stick with me just because they sympathise me.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Week 10
SSEF 2008
It ended today. Leaving countless disappointed and a deserving few jumping with joy. A year of blood and sweat, all conjugated on that single piece of A0 paper. My key to glory, my key to "immortality".
Sadly, it wasn't a glorious day, nor the day which marks my presence in NJC. It was nothing, but disappointment. It was a harsh fact and a cruel reality that I had to accept, my project was simply not the best and didn't deserve an award. High hopes also mean high falls, or worse still, falling into the dark abyss. Perhaps, it was never meant to be me. Perhaps, that is the signal for me to "hang my labcoat" and pursue some other passions in life. Perhaps, it is another test, another obstacle that I have to face in life.
Communication
It goes two ways: transmission and interpretation. When these two functions do not occur on the same medium, misunderstandings will occur. Transmission may carry certain intention or meaning, but interpretation is simply up to your imagination or what you choose to believe in. When both parties misinterpret simultaneously, the relationship comes to a test. A test of loyalty. A test of trust.
Nobody is wrong, nobody is right. When we walk away from each other, our perspectives are never the same. NEVER the same again.
NP
Apart from SSEF, for the past two days, I had been mixing around with a group of Ngee Ann Poly students! I find that they are extremely fun and interesting people to be with! The programmes they go through are very much like IP and I really missed that type of curriculum. The liberty they enjoy is immeasurable as compared to ours. The culture is so diverse that makes NJ a really dull place to be in.
People like Maxine, Hong Wei, Joyce, Jonathan and Leon, are people with unique characters and personality. Their leadership capabilities and the love they have for their passion is something which I've never seen before.
I am looking forward to this Thailand Trip and find out more about you guys!
It ended today. Leaving countless disappointed and a deserving few jumping with joy. A year of blood and sweat, all conjugated on that single piece of A0 paper. My key to glory, my key to "immortality".
Sadly, it wasn't a glorious day, nor the day which marks my presence in NJC. It was nothing, but disappointment. It was a harsh fact and a cruel reality that I had to accept, my project was simply not the best and didn't deserve an award. High hopes also mean high falls, or worse still, falling into the dark abyss. Perhaps, it was never meant to be me. Perhaps, that is the signal for me to "hang my labcoat" and pursue some other passions in life. Perhaps, it is another test, another obstacle that I have to face in life.
Communication
It goes two ways: transmission and interpretation. When these two functions do not occur on the same medium, misunderstandings will occur. Transmission may carry certain intention or meaning, but interpretation is simply up to your imagination or what you choose to believe in. When both parties misinterpret simultaneously, the relationship comes to a test. A test of loyalty. A test of trust.
Nobody is wrong, nobody is right. When we walk away from each other, our perspectives are never the same. NEVER the same again.
NP
Apart from SSEF, for the past two days, I had been mixing around with a group of Ngee Ann Poly students! I find that they are extremely fun and interesting people to be with! The programmes they go through are very much like IP and I really missed that type of curriculum. The liberty they enjoy is immeasurable as compared to ours. The culture is so diverse that makes NJ a really dull place to be in.
People like Maxine, Hong Wei, Joyce, Jonathan and Leon, are people with unique characters and personality. Their leadership capabilities and the love they have for their passion is something which I've never seen before.
I am looking forward to this Thailand Trip and find out more about you guys!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Quiet Week
It has been a quiet week, both in school and at home. I didn't feel like talking much, thinking that I should step back a little and start observing changes happening around me. In addition to that, Dad and Mom went to Japan and left me "home alone", so I have a larger space to reflect as well.
You've not been talking to me for the whole week... wonder if something happened. Or because nothing happened and remained that way? Sometimes, I just wish that there could be someone who often needs my help. It makes me feel special or treasured in one way or another. Or rather a meaning to live for. I think, I know a little bit more about you, and that's why the dynamics are different and some things will never happen...
Anyway, I went out to watch "The Leap Years", alone. The story is really touching one (most romantic movies do actually), but what makes this story special is the mix of Asian values together with the Western Literature's ideas about Love, truly fitting into the Singaporean context. Some of the scenes are really heartwarming and romantic, for example, the four girls, the first date at the rooftop and the run in the rain. In Love stories, we often talk about fate and promises, and this movie has both intertwined and truly showed how excruciating it can be to be separated from your other half. One of the things which the actor said was really thought-provoking, he said," I think you are really brave. Most people cannot stand the loneliness and long to be loved by someone. You are willing to wait for the right one to pop up. You are really special." Well, I think I fall into the majority group, not that I am that spectacular when it comes to love matters.
The only flaw that the film has is that the 4 years of waiting in between was not explicitly shown or expressed, rather it was only expressed in forms of letters, narration and quotes. What happened in between was not accounted for.... maybe it was intentional, just that I failed to see the reason behind doing so. Perhaps having some mysteries in between will spice things up a bit.
You've not been talking to me for the whole week... wonder if something happened. Or because nothing happened and remained that way? Sometimes, I just wish that there could be someone who often needs my help. It makes me feel special or treasured in one way or another. Or rather a meaning to live for. I think, I know a little bit more about you, and that's why the dynamics are different and some things will never happen...
Anyway, I went out to watch "The Leap Years", alone. The story is really touching one (most romantic movies do actually), but what makes this story special is the mix of Asian values together with the Western Literature's ideas about Love, truly fitting into the Singaporean context. Some of the scenes are really heartwarming and romantic, for example, the four girls, the first date at the rooftop and the run in the rain. In Love stories, we often talk about fate and promises, and this movie has both intertwined and truly showed how excruciating it can be to be separated from your other half. One of the things which the actor said was really thought-provoking, he said," I think you are really brave. Most people cannot stand the loneliness and long to be loved by someone. You are willing to wait for the right one to pop up. You are really special." Well, I think I fall into the majority group, not that I am that spectacular when it comes to love matters.
The only flaw that the film has is that the 4 years of waiting in between was not explicitly shown or expressed, rather it was only expressed in forms of letters, narration and quotes. What happened in between was not accounted for.... maybe it was intentional, just that I failed to see the reason behind doing so. Perhaps having some mysteries in between will spice things up a bit.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Just another tiring day.
It's WEDNESDAY! Half of the week is gone! Half a week closer to A levels :( BOO...
I was either pissed or emo. Somehow, I just didn't like training today. We started at 4pm with some stroking and then mini-competitions that were hardly productive. Then, we played Dog-&-Bone, using shuttlecocks. Fun... but not training at all. I think leisure playing is more beneficial than this. The drills were just some plain ones, nothing interesting, and before I can even get into the hype of training, it's 630pm and we packed up! WTH?! For once, I think training was so slack and meaningless.
On another note, I realised that I'm not an observant person. I don't know about "secret 1" and "secret 2" when it is obvious to the whole world! And worse still, "subjects" in secret 1 are relatively closer friends of mine!!! Then, there is another person, just when I thought I know him/her very well, I actually realised that I don't know him/her very well (at all)! I realised that the relationship here is based on something... which is very periodical. HAHAHA. (I'm trying to censor myself from saying too much stuff here) I only know so little and realised that we are actually two worlds apart! (apart from the fact that we study in NJC...) These two incidents really hit me hard and I feel so bad about it. I just don't know so many things happening around me. All I cared were LS, Thailand Trip, SSEF and blah... I feel so separated from the community around me. Lonely.
Dad and Mom are leaving for Japan tomorrow morning, so that makes me more lonelier. erm.. yes, lots of freedom, which I don't really crave for. Perhaps Irwan was right, I look quite like a mommy's boy.
Shall listen to Class 95 tonight.... not in a mood for Perfect 10.
I was either pissed or emo. Somehow, I just didn't like training today. We started at 4pm with some stroking and then mini-competitions that were hardly productive. Then, we played Dog-&-Bone, using shuttlecocks. Fun... but not training at all. I think leisure playing is more beneficial than this. The drills were just some plain ones, nothing interesting, and before I can even get into the hype of training, it's 630pm and we packed up! WTH?! For once, I think training was so slack and meaningless.
On another note, I realised that I'm not an observant person. I don't know about "secret 1" and "secret 2" when it is obvious to the whole world! And worse still, "subjects" in secret 1 are relatively closer friends of mine!!! Then, there is another person, just when I thought I know him/her very well, I actually realised that I don't know him/her very well (at all)! I realised that the relationship here is based on something... which is very periodical. HAHAHA. (I'm trying to censor myself from saying too much stuff here) I only know so little and realised that we are actually two worlds apart! (apart from the fact that we study in NJC...) These two incidents really hit me hard and I feel so bad about it. I just don't know so many things happening around me. All I cared were LS, Thailand Trip, SSEF and blah... I feel so separated from the community around me. Lonely.
Dad and Mom are leaving for Japan tomorrow morning, so that makes me more lonelier. erm.. yes, lots of freedom, which I don't really crave for. Perhaps Irwan was right, I look quite like a mommy's boy.
Shall listen to Class 95 tonight.... not in a mood for Perfect 10.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
conflicting interests?
Man... I'm the most "senior" player in the team and yet they chose to leave me out of the team. Really disappointed with the team and myself.
4 years of contribution, but at the end of the day, the effort is not recognised. but I'm also disappointed with myself because I really missed lots of training due to other commitments. but come to think of it, what can Badminton REALLY give me? we fought hard, but effort is not recognised at all?! VC decided to use the hall as replacement without even considering the problems that other CCA groups will face. She decided to listen to the solutions after making decisions! Wth is that?! Besides, LT is presentable enough for college day activity already!
This issue really makes us think what does scarcity really means? We are constantly running out of time and resources. So does scarcity exists because of the lack of resources, or the insatiable demand for more resources? One is the physical aspect of scarcity, while the other lies in the mentality of man. Sadly, the repressed greed can never be eradicated; man chooses to justify using the inherent definition of the word "insatiable". What an evil word.
The relationship between two people can sometimes be cynically defined as a partnership to maximise both parties' benefit or welfare. But a meaningful relationship (not necessarily Love okay!) goes beyond, or rather does not even consider the existence of benefits and welfare. It is because of the interest of the other person which makes friendship or love unquantifiable, or more romantically known as "priceless".
To me, doing questions and helping out was never a chore. In fact, I've lost count how many times have I helped "ABC". I willingly accept and yet I naively expect something in return. How many times have I sat in front of "ABC", just to squeeze a few minutes of interaction time in the tightest schedule of mine? So bad of me, I shouldn't expect things in return right?
The movie "The Leap Years" really provides a romantic dose of reasons for someone to learn why Love is worth your wait; why seemingly naive or improbable promises between two people can stand the test of time. I agree with what the lead actor said during the interview, he said,"being away from your love one for just a month can be extremely excruciating, you can never imagine how 12 years can be like to anybody".
Totally agree.
Think I shall watch the movie this weekend... wonder if I can find anyone to watch with me. I suppose most of them will want to watch PS: I Love You instead....
4 years of contribution, but at the end of the day, the effort is not recognised. but I'm also disappointed with myself because I really missed lots of training due to other commitments. but come to think of it, what can Badminton REALLY give me? we fought hard, but effort is not recognised at all?! VC decided to use the hall as replacement without even considering the problems that other CCA groups will face. She decided to listen to the solutions after making decisions! Wth is that?! Besides, LT is presentable enough for college day activity already!
This issue really makes us think what does scarcity really means? We are constantly running out of time and resources. So does scarcity exists because of the lack of resources, or the insatiable demand for more resources? One is the physical aspect of scarcity, while the other lies in the mentality of man. Sadly, the repressed greed can never be eradicated; man chooses to justify using the inherent definition of the word "insatiable". What an evil word.
The relationship between two people can sometimes be cynically defined as a partnership to maximise both parties' benefit or welfare. But a meaningful relationship (not necessarily Love okay!) goes beyond, or rather does not even consider the existence of benefits and welfare. It is because of the interest of the other person which makes friendship or love unquantifiable, or more romantically known as "priceless".
To me, doing questions and helping out was never a chore. In fact, I've lost count how many times have I helped "ABC". I willingly accept and yet I naively expect something in return. How many times have I sat in front of "ABC", just to squeeze a few minutes of interaction time in the tightest schedule of mine? So bad of me, I shouldn't expect things in return right?
The movie "The Leap Years" really provides a romantic dose of reasons for someone to learn why Love is worth your wait; why seemingly naive or improbable promises between two people can stand the test of time. I agree with what the lead actor said during the interview, he said,"being away from your love one for just a month can be extremely excruciating, you can never imagine how 12 years can be like to anybody".
Totally agree.
Think I shall watch the movie this weekend... wonder if I can find anyone to watch with me. I suppose most of them will want to watch PS: I Love You instead....
Saturday, February 23, 2008
really wanted to blog about lots of stuff for the past week, but I forgot what am I suppose to write the moment I sign in to blogger. LOL!
let me try to recall..
Dad can never be a philosopher
Whenever dad gets grumpy, his dramatic emotions are spewing all over the place, as if he is always right. Then, his super-duper memory will just began recollecting all the "sins" of the past and start listing them out one by one. (yea.. talk about precision memory) Subsequently, all the arguments will either be flawed or fallacious, or worse still, becomes VERY SLIPPERY (absolutely frictionless!) All I can do was to stand, stare and nod, tell myself that I will find a better time to talk to him when he comes to his senses.
Family??
Though I'm eighteen already, I think I'm still to dependent/reliant on my parents. They simply decide everything for me and I don't seem to have a problem with that. Most teens out there will be craving for some freedom and let it all out, but I will seriously sit and stone at home. People like Reg, parents don't even care if she returns home and 11 for mugging!! For my case, I have to give them a "thesis-long" explanation to them and requires some sort of "approval"?! Sometimes, I think my parents are too free? And that is why they have so much time to care about this and that.
LS
I think organising this is really tiring? It seems that the teachers are deciding TOO much for the committee! We must have this, this, this and this... So there is no point in being too creative when they want the simplest design. Even Estella finds the posters a bit plain, but she can't do much since she is under Ms C's control. My sympathy goes out to Jamie as I know that she has lots of potential when it comes to designing these stuff, but the teachers are not taking her work and kind of rejecting it all the time. I think this is really demoralising given that Jamie has to put in quite a lot of effort to this while juggling with all the German papers and Danceworkz stuff.
Today's SMU training was rather dry, despite Edmund's effort to spice things up once in a while. I think Sheryl is really inexperienced in this type of work. She didn't even introduce herself to us when the breakout session started! Dude, that is PR101?! Then the case study given was too governance-related, rather than business-related. Hardly have anything to do with driving up profits by increasing sales or lowering production costs. There isn't much dilemmas to resolve as everyone agreed on the same set of solution, which is obviously developing Bali into an nature tourism! I don't think we need a group of JC students to do that, even a secondary school student can think of such solutions.
US Politics
It seems that Obama is really doing great and seems to be the democrat representative. Of course, my vote goes to him too! haha. I think his policies will really turn America around and people will trust that his humble backgrounds will make a difference in his term of presidency. Environmentalism, tax cuts, ending the occupation in Iraq will really be a radical change for America and I think it will work out under the leadership of such a charismatic and visionary person.
let me try to recall..
Dad can never be a philosopher
Whenever dad gets grumpy, his dramatic emotions are spewing all over the place, as if he is always right. Then, his super-duper memory will just began recollecting all the "sins" of the past and start listing them out one by one. (yea.. talk about precision memory) Subsequently, all the arguments will either be flawed or fallacious, or worse still, becomes VERY SLIPPERY (absolutely frictionless!) All I can do was to stand, stare and nod, tell myself that I will find a better time to talk to him when he comes to his senses.
Family??
Though I'm eighteen already, I think I'm still to dependent/reliant on my parents. They simply decide everything for me and I don't seem to have a problem with that. Most teens out there will be craving for some freedom and let it all out, but I will seriously sit and stone at home. People like Reg, parents don't even care if she returns home and 11 for mugging!! For my case, I have to give them a "thesis-long" explanation to them and requires some sort of "approval"?! Sometimes, I think my parents are too free? And that is why they have so much time to care about this and that.
LS
I think organising this is really tiring? It seems that the teachers are deciding TOO much for the committee! We must have this, this, this and this... So there is no point in being too creative when they want the simplest design. Even Estella finds the posters a bit plain, but she can't do much since she is under Ms C's control. My sympathy goes out to Jamie as I know that she has lots of potential when it comes to designing these stuff, but the teachers are not taking her work and kind of rejecting it all the time. I think this is really demoralising given that Jamie has to put in quite a lot of effort to this while juggling with all the German papers and Danceworkz stuff.
Today's SMU training was rather dry, despite Edmund's effort to spice things up once in a while. I think Sheryl is really inexperienced in this type of work. She didn't even introduce herself to us when the breakout session started! Dude, that is PR101?! Then the case study given was too governance-related, rather than business-related. Hardly have anything to do with driving up profits by increasing sales or lowering production costs. There isn't much dilemmas to resolve as everyone agreed on the same set of solution, which is obviously developing Bali into an nature tourism! I don't think we need a group of JC students to do that, even a secondary school student can think of such solutions.
US Politics
It seems that Obama is really doing great and seems to be the democrat representative. Of course, my vote goes to him too! haha. I think his policies will really turn America around and people will trust that his humble backgrounds will make a difference in his term of presidency. Environmentalism, tax cuts, ending the occupation in Iraq will really be a radical change for America and I think it will work out under the leadership of such a charismatic and visionary person.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Not so romantic after all... haha
-A romantic fall-
many of us watch in drama series and there will always be some scene where the guy makes some sort of contact with the girl. e.g. the bus driver hits the brakes and the girl next to you just fell onto you.
as much as you want it to be a romantic moment which you won't forget for the rest of your life, it didn't really turn out to be that romantic for me. haha.
so it was like another 852 bus trip home. living up to their names of being "reckless" drivers, the bus driver suddenly hit the brakes and XXX just fell onto me. I had three choices:
1) just let her fall
2) push her back up
3) open your arms wide and catch her. give her that electrical stare. haha.
I chose.. or rather, subconsciously chose option 2! it's like a natural reflex! i was using my fist to cushion her fall and push her back up. then, we continued on our conversation before she fell. so no big deal. TVs are really delusional nowadays, especially for those taiwanese idol drama series.
-Pre-U-Sem-
Went for the first Pre U sem session and it is all about intensive and serious discussions, debates on current affairs. it is crazily mentally taxing and i could hardly focus on any texts when i went to NLB in the afternoon. i ended up sleeping in NLB for 1.5 hours.
-LS-
With 2 months left for organizing the event, I can already feel the heat and pressure from the teachers and this is really driving me crazy. it's tonnes of stuff to process and this is simply madness. got to thank aloysius who did the website which hardly anyone knows it's existence.
many of us watch in drama series and there will always be some scene where the guy makes some sort of contact with the girl. e.g. the bus driver hits the brakes and the girl next to you just fell onto you.
as much as you want it to be a romantic moment which you won't forget for the rest of your life, it didn't really turn out to be that romantic for me. haha.
so it was like another 852 bus trip home. living up to their names of being "reckless" drivers, the bus driver suddenly hit the brakes and XXX just fell onto me. I had three choices:
1) just let her fall
2) push her back up
3) open your arms wide and catch her. give her that electrical stare. haha.
I chose.. or rather, subconsciously chose option 2! it's like a natural reflex! i was using my fist to cushion her fall and push her back up. then, we continued on our conversation before she fell. so no big deal. TVs are really delusional nowadays, especially for those taiwanese idol drama series.
-Pre-U-Sem-
Went for the first Pre U sem session and it is all about intensive and serious discussions, debates on current affairs. it is crazily mentally taxing and i could hardly focus on any texts when i went to NLB in the afternoon. i ended up sleeping in NLB for 1.5 hours.
-LS-
With 2 months left for organizing the event, I can already feel the heat and pressure from the teachers and this is really driving me crazy. it's tonnes of stuff to process and this is simply madness. got to thank aloysius who did the website which hardly anyone knows it's existence.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day 2008, so it's my last V day here in NJC. Love is pretty much up in the air. A few CCAs are "exploiting" this special occasion and trying real hard to expand their "treasury". This simply shows how cash-strapped we are. Councillors played a huge part by decorating the place and having Trent (eligible bachelor) making announcements for today in his charming and cute voice. HAHA!
Happy things:
-My hair looks exceptionally dashing and standing up straight, just like a tsunami crashing onto the shores. HAHA!
-Lots of chocs, cookies, little gifts from friends!
-I gave out Ferrero Rocher again! The same old thing, but no more folding of roses though.... perhaps next time. Perhaps.
I wondered how did V Day became Friendship Day? V Day is meant to be for couples! What has that got to do with friends?! Somehow, I think Friendship day came about for the sake of those miserable souls who just can't stand being single, so they seek solace among each other. You know... gotta kick the love-sickness away and cover it up.
Training was pretty boring today. Just plain lobbing and free lance playing. Shuttlers were rather lazy today.
So many things to say... shall find another time to post it...
Happy things:
-My hair looks exceptionally dashing and standing up straight, just like a tsunami crashing onto the shores. HAHA!
-Lots of chocs, cookies, little gifts from friends!
-I gave out Ferrero Rocher again! The same old thing, but no more folding of roses though.... perhaps next time. Perhaps.
I wondered how did V Day became Friendship Day? V Day is meant to be for couples! What has that got to do with friends?! Somehow, I think Friendship day came about for the sake of those miserable souls who just can't stand being single, so they seek solace among each other. You know... gotta kick the love-sickness away and cover it up.
Training was pretty boring today. Just plain lobbing and free lance playing. Shuttlers were rather lazy today.
So many things to say... shall find another time to post it...
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