Blog. Journal. Diary.

Only Time

2012-02-12T23:44:00.000+08:00

Just something for us to reflect on.

Who can say
where the road goes
where the day flows
only time
And who can say
if your love grows
as your heart chose
only time

Who can say
why your heart sighs
as your love flies
only time
And who can say
why your heart cries
when your love lies
only time

Who can say
when the roads meet
that love might be
in your heart
And who can say
when the day sleeps
if the night keeps
all your heart

Night keeps all your heart

Who can say
if your love grows
as your heart chose
only time
And who can say
where the road goes
where the day flows
only time

Who knows - only time
Who knows - only time

If you want to see the original mv - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfYIMyS_dI&feature=related

Spring Awakening

2012-02-11T00:58:00.000+08:00

After a cold and harsh winter, the sun emerges from his lair and casts warmth, and spring awakens!

But no, this isn't a post about the four seasons that countries (but not mine) enjoy. This is the story of a group of teens growing up in ancient Germany, where people go herrrr-insert-name-here. This is about teenagers falling in love, and discovering their bodies through the innocent lust of adolescence.

The musical starts with a scene of two young boys and one girl playing together. They grow up, and they enter school; one for the girls and another for the guys. The scene changes between these two schools; the giggly girls, and the boys that wank.

As life passes by, they enter into unknown areas like sex, failure, suicide, illegal abortion, teen angst, and so much more.

You probably wonder why this musical has a NC-16 rating. Let's just say, there are sexual (and physical) references to masturbation, two making-out scenes, a peek of the male butt, and a scene of two guys kissing each other.

To say anymore would clearly give the story away. But. I think this musical has potential. In fact, this would actually be an awesome musical for parents to know the impacts of the standards and great expectations they impose on their kids, as well as for students like a sexual education class sort-of.

The props are not really breath-taking, but they are very realistic. The wooden rafts and brick walls are quite befitting of the houses and schools of ancient times. As the auditorium is rather small and cosy, you really get to see the cast up close, and this does bring about a new experience, for both the audience and the cast.

Tickets are still available, and they show all the way through February.
http://www.sistic.com.sg/portal/dt?retry=1&dt.windowProvider.targetPortletChannel=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar/Event&contentCode=spring0212&dt.isPortletRequest=true&dt.provider=PortletWindowProcessChannel&dt.containerName=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar&dt.action=process&dt.windowProvider.currentChannelMode=VIEW&dt.window.portletAction=RENDER

Pizza Sleeping Bag

2012-02-09T23:42:00.000+08:00

Did your mama tell you that mysterious quote 'you can't bake your cake and eat it, but you can have your pizza and sleep in it?' No? Well, neither did mine, but now you can use that quote on your kids!

Measuring approximately (agar agar) 4 feet by 6 feet, the pizza sleeping bag is built to order. Technically, it should be called slice of pizza bag but doesn't sound quite nice. You slide in beneath the sauce, rest your head upon the crust, and hug a mushroom to sleep. I guess it would be understandable to drool while sleeping in this bag.

For $250 USD, you can grab it at http://www.etsy.com/listing/87069308/slice-of-pizza-sleeping-bag-with. Just like normal pizza, additional toppings will cost ya.

A Swimming Pool In your House?

2012-02-08T15:12:00.000+08:00

Let's face it. As populations around the world increase, the space for us to swim decreases. If you do not own an acre of land, you would most likely be destined to head to the nearest community pool to partake in water activities.

For $1400 USD, you can enjoy a swimming pool in your room! (Water bed anybody?)

How it works is you fill up the pool with 1500 gallons of water (that's about 5678 litres), attach yourself to the harness and hook on to the elastic bar that hangs overhead and start paddling away. It does sound easy to set up and to use.

To think about it, this could actually be useful for those who might need to do water aerobics or light swimming to improve leg strength or as a form of relaxational activity. Not to mention a tan as well.

Bio Robot Refrigerator

2012-02-08T11:12:00.000+08:00

Would you dare to store your food in green goo?

I came across an idea for a bio robot refrigerator that will keep your food cool in the future. Basically, this was a design competition for home appliances in the year 2050, where probably we'll be eating fake vegetables laced with melamine and meat from cloned animals.

Russian student Yuriy Dmitriev came up with this idea of a bio fridge. Made up of green gel that resembles those stuff that is widely used in Nickelodeon shows, you simply shove your food in it, such that the gel morphs around it, and it will keep it cool for you. The gel that encapsulates your products will automatically provide the right temperature to keep it cool.

Now this is just an idea for the future, and can only be made possible when technology is advanced and cost-effective. Personally, I don't think I would put food in it unless it's packaged. The idea of putting raw food like apples or uncovered food is a bit of a concern. I certainly wouldn't want to eat apples covered in green goo.

The future does look promising :)

You can find out more at http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-cetera/bio-robot-refrigerator-will-keep-your-food-cool-in-the-year-2050-2011052/

Safety or Income Generator?

2012-02-03T14:00:00.001+08:00

I was taking the train the other day, and saw this huge income generating idea. If you, like the average Singaporean, take the train daily, you would have noticed the safety barriers lining the platforms. You would also have noticed the ads plastered on it unflatteringly.

Imagine if a supermarket advertises its products on those doors, all you would need to do is to take snapshot of the products you want to purchase. Likewise, you can scan in its respective qr code or product code. The stuff could either be arranged for pickup at a certain outlet or delivered to your house.

I have come across some ads with huge qr codes at train stations. Which I believe would be highly ineffective. Who would want to stand in the middle of the station and take a min to scan in the qr code? We are all too busy dashing up the escalator to queue up to board the train. Well, majority of us are. The rest just stand in front of the door.

If I were a supermarket or grocery chain, heck even blogshops can consider this, I would advertise using qr codes or barcodes on the safety sliding barriers. Then, because smrt says we should move to the carriages at the ends so more people can go in, I would place qr codes for either more products or my whole catalogue at those ends. So, sure you can either stay in the middle and purchase one product, or walk towards the ends and view and purchase more products.

Another marketing tactic I would use would be those leaflets looped around the handles in trains. Imagine you're cramped in the train and there's this annoying leaflet ruffling your hair, you are about to push it to one side when you realize 'hey, that's a good deal'. Nah, I'm kidding. Singaporeans don't speak like that. We go 'eh cheap siol' and take down the leaflet to read. The leaflet not only show a discount or promo etc, it allows you to download the whole catalogue too.

And after browsing through, you realize you missed your stop.

Couple these two methods together, and I bet business will improve. Definitely more user friendly than those huge qr codes plastered on station walls or train windows.

What do you think?

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Arc Printer

2012-01-30T00:19:00.001+08:00

If you're the average office worker in a huge company, you would have experienced this problem before. You click print on your workstation and head to the printer, only to find an illegal gathering (five or more people, in local context); each waiting for a printout.

Annoying, ain't it? (Especially if the person in front of you printed 50 pages)

But, what's there to do? If you leave the queue now, and come back later, your printouts might be missing. (Or recycled)

Say hello to the Arc Printer. Still in its conceptual stages, the Arc Printer promises to solve this waiting game issue, thereby increasing your productivity by streamlining your printouts collection process.

The printer will automatically rotate after printing out each job, to differentiate the stacks of printouts. Based on the images on the designer's website, it would most definitely be a wireless printer. Furthermore, ARC is placed on a circular glass panel balanced on a metal pole.

While there might be some doubts about the stability of this, (think people leaning or pressing down on one side of the glass) the empty space below could fit a recycling bin or a paper shredder. (Or a coffee machine)

Who says you can't have your printouts and grab a coffee too?

For more info on this concept, you can head over to http://renelee.net/arc/

Solar Window Charger

2012-01-29T01:18:00.000+08:00

In this sunny island we call home, there is an abundance of natural resources that we are still finding it hard to tap into. What natural resources, you say? Well, we have 1) Sun, 2) Rain, and 3) People.

People equals to buildings, especially offices that inch skyward.
However, because of the frequent rain, few of these towering bureaucracies have open windows. Rather, most of their windows are composed of glass to allow its workers to be inspired by endless horizons. (Endless meaning 1km or so. Additional distances are charged at 22 cents. ) These glass windows also allow a lot of sunlight in. A lot.

Why not tap into that solar energy?

Enter in the XDModo Solar Window Charger . Simply affix the charger to your window pane, (preferably where there is strong direct sunlight, of course) and before you know it, you'll have enough juice for your devices. You can connect your phone or device directly for charging, or save the juice in the inbuilt rechargeable battery for a rainy day, pun intended.

Go to http://www.design-3000.de/en/Living+Lifestyle/Living+Accssories/Charging+Station/Solar+Window+Charger.html for more info.

Emotion Volumes

2012-01-18T01:31:00.001+08:00

A picture on each line

A thousand words for each picture

A thousand words on each line

Emotion volumes.

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Money for your gadgets?

2012-01-16T23:54:00.000+08:00

You bought a new device, effectively rendering your old device obsolete. Perhaps it's a phone, and you could just keep it as backup for next time, but what if it's a printer or a television screen or a media player? Surely you wouldn't need to keep it as backup. In California, you can actually exchange it for cash. And at an automated machine near you.

Check out The EcoATM

Built like an ATM, only instead of you inserting your card and dispensing cash, you let it consume your gadget, and get cold hard cash in return. (Can't really guarantee on the cold part in our hot humid climate)

This is how it works. You open a cover akin to that of a microwave oven, insert your device in and close it. The camera inside will detect and match the model and type of the gadget to its database, and then advise you the maximum value of the device. After which, it will then intelligently provide a power cable for you to manually connect your device. This allows the machine to ensure the functionality of the device, and refine its quote on the estimated value. Once this is completed, you have to scan your driver's license in case the devices are stolen or obtained through fraudulent purposes. After a snapshot of your license is taken and recorded, you have the option of either donating the proceeds to charity or to collect cash.

On the surface, it does sound like a really neat idea. It would be rather ironic though, if the energy required to maintain the system or keep the machine active, burns more fuel than simply throwing away the gadgets. Also, you won't get paid fi your accessories are complete. (I think.)

Maybe this could be placed at void decks and powered via a solar panel connected to the roof? It would be rather neat too, if instead of cash, one can simply slot in the atm (or tap the ez link card) and have the monetary value transferred in respectively.

There is great potential for this. But where will the money come from?

ABCD - A Breakfast Conveniently Daily

2012-01-10T01:47:00.000+08:00

Came across this product and I think it is totally brilliant!

While I contemplate on buying, I feel the idea is really awesome! The picture is actually rather self-explanatory. Eggs/Bacon/Sausages on top, Toast at the bottom, and Coffee/Tea at the side.

Prease don't tell me you need a manual for this.

You can get it at $76.99 here

Join.me

2012-01-07T01:51:00.000+08:00

What she said: "Come join me to work on the project together."

What he heard: "Come back home with me and let us work the project together under the sheets."

What she meant: "Go online to https://join.me/ and let us collaborate together on the project."

Same same but different.

Don't make the same mistake.

https://join.me/

The Sing Offs

2012-01-06T02:18:00.000+08:00

Keep your Thursday nights free for a wonderful night of vocal music!

Channel 5 is showing The Sing Offs at 10pm every Thursday.

If you ever thought your neighbor singing in the bathroom was awesome (unless you live next to insert_name_of_famous_artiste), you will be in musical paradise in this two hour long programme.

Shot in America, various acapella groups are pitted against each other for the prize of $200,000 cash and a Sony Recording Contract. No editing equipment, or sound modifiers, the teams have to win based on their vocal merit. Just their voice, their mics and slick dance moves.

To watch teams move so fluid like a body of water, and belt out tunes and notes that will make your eyes spring out, all within the space of one week's practice is just plain brilliance of such awesome raw talent.

Granted, the first few episodes might be draggy and not so entertaining, but do hang on and be patient. The last few episodes where the best go against the best, and every performance will take your breath away, is definitely worth the wait.

The best part is, Channel 5 is showing Season 3 which features Sara Bareilles as one of the three judges. She is awesomeness. Unafraid to show her playful side, she helps to provide comic relief throughout the show. One thing that might interest you is the lack of harsh comments on the group's performances. Unlike American Idol, where there is a Simon persona amongst the judges to ridicule and degrade each performance, the judges always come forth with positive and endearing comments, adding a refreshing taste to musical reality shows.

I truly recommend this show for any one to watch. It's like watching MTV but without any mixes, edits, auto-tune, musical instruments. 100% Pure Vocals. 100% Pure Entertainment.

Total Christmas Gifts Expenditure 2011

2011-12-29T16:26:00.000+08:00

UK
Iwoot - S$88.46
Vpost - S$45.89

US
Thinkgeek - $107.28
Fredflare - S$66.80
NBC - S$79.90
Comgateway - S$110.96

Total: S$499.29

As compared to 2010:

US
Thinkgeek - USD $175.28 (S$228.22)
Fredflare - USD $273.00 (S$355.45)
Vpost - S$129.69

Total: S$713.36

Brief Summary:
Well, this is a surprise. It felt as if I had spent more this year. Perhaps it was due to more merchants purchased from, a leap of four merchants as compared to two merchants last year - 100% increase.

Expenditure fell 30%, though shipping charges increased by 20.9%, perhaps due to increased shipping charges.

Still hard to say if it is cost-effective to purchase items from uk considering that vpostuk does not offer consolidation of packages. (Then again, since when is Christmas shopping ever cost-effective. )

Also, another highly influential factor would be the fluctuation of exchange rates. Without a doubt, the exchange rates would be favorable towards me now, and for times to come hopefully. More bang for my buck which equates to more bucks as the items seem significantly cheaper.

Ah time, how fast thee passeth

2011-12-25T22:32:00.000+08:00

Ah Father Time. Thee speedeth by so fast, the sun has risen 365 times already.

So this is Christmas, and what have you done?

Indeed. I have done so much and yet so little. Do I feel more accomplished in my life? More personal satisfaction? I think I do. I have found love. I am still able to help people in my work. I have helped thousands of people for majority of the year before I had to leave due to undesirable circumstances. Then I found another job, and am still able to continue serving people.

I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

Fun. What a word to describe a year. A year of fun. Of ups and downs, of thrills and spills, of broken hearts. Yet, fun is something that defies our definition of life. Can life be fun? Definitely.

What is fun? Laughter? Joy? Emotional security? Not being burdened with materialistic achievements or goals and taking a backseat to smile and be merry?

If that is so, then my year was one full of fun.

What about yours? Can your life be summed up in a word?

Ethan

2011-12-14T11:32:00.000+08:00

Ethan, me lad, I feel for you.

I watched as you walked through the restroom two to three times, your face scrunched up in worry.
Then I approached you and realized you couldn't find your dad, but his ticket was with you.
I went through the restroom and checked the surrounding foyer areas for any sign of him, but to no avail.
I advised you to sit on the cushion seats outside the door first, before we would go in together during intermission to determine if your dad was in the auditorium.
You sat down obediently, but still displaying slight anxiety.
With the wits a ten year old can muster, you told me the whole story. How your family were late. How your dad was behind you at the security counter. How you were with your younger three year old brother and your mum, and you went to the gents. Your mum then passed you two tickets, one for you and your father, before rushing into the venue with your brother.
You gave me your father's mobile and I tried calling, only to be diverted to voicemail.
I could only advise you that there was a high chance your father was inside, the underlying statement that he had gone in without you.
Then intermission came, and I brought you in to look for your family. They weren't at the seats so I brought you back to the main foyer area and there they were.
I watched as your dad stood with folded arms, and merely nodded at you as you went towards him.
Then I heard your mum scolding you being 'such an ass.'
My heart goes out to you, Ethan.
I only hope that you will build upon this traumatic incident, and not allow it to morph you. I wouldn't want to see you in the papers on a killing spree.
Ethan, me lad, take care and go forth well.

Youth Gang Fight

2011-12-08T01:34:00.000+08:00

I was reading the papers the other day about some gang fight where two youths were injured. Can't remember which one? It was the one that involved the student from Raffles Institution. I bet you can remember it now. And why not? The media subtly emphasized the educational institution the youth was from. Yet, if I were to ask you which school did the other youth come from, what would you respond?

You would probably think 'he got go to school meh?' After all, there was no mention of his school. What you just displayed or had participated in, is the effect of media on the unknowing. If you were able to find the article and read it again, you would realize only RI is mentioned and not any other schools. Subconsciously, you would recognize that as students from RI cannot be involved in gang fights; otherwise why would it be mentioned in the news article?

If that were true, the reverse would also be true. It is alright for students from other schools to be involved in gang fights. Most of you would vehemently object to that statement. But, most of you wouldn't object to the earlier statement either.

So which is which? Is your judgement being clouded by information, or lack of thorough information in the article? Is there an underlying presumption that it is a major head-turner for students from RI to be involved in gang fights?

If these were true, what about the other articles that you have read? Are you basing them on presumptions as well? Or personal knowledge? Or authenticated articles backed up by facts and statistics?

You decide.

So it is.

2011-11-29T16:35:00.001+08:00

So.

Sem has ended.

Hols has started.

I've lost a job.

I've gotten another job.

My sis got married.

Two tiring celebrations.

In life, there is always a season for everything, a delicate balance of all elements. However, this balance can often be an imbalance at times, due to our perception.

The angle we look at the balance,

The essentials we place on the scale,

The weights we use to measure,

The presets we judge from.

A tilted and un-straight line might be seen as an imperfection.

Or an artistic touch of brilliance.

Life is full of changes. We can stand and try to unchange every change, to form our own perfect lives, and die trying.

Or we can go along with the tide, and embrace each change, making the most of it.

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Family

2011-11-25T02:23:00.001+08:00

Sometimes family feuds can be heartbreaking. Conflict arising from simple misunderstandings and different orders of priorities. It's like a kid whose scoop of ice cream slipped and is now melting on the floor under the sun. Over time, the argument continues though its cause has long forgotten. What is now a puddle of color ceases to exist and the empty cone is left.

Yet the worst are the kids innocently reared in the same practice, and to maintain the family strife. Why should a new generation bear the burden of your sensitivity?

Perhaps age increases sensitivity and severs reasoning chords within the mind. I think three score and ten would suffice for me, in that case.

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Then and Now

2011-11-09T01:22:00.002+08:00

In the past, buying a mobile phone was easy and cheap.
The phone itself would come with the wall charger, manual and, in later manuals, a hands-free set.

Then it advanced.
You would need to get the mobile phone, and top up more for an additional bluetooth headset.

Now it evolved.
You need to get the phone that comes with a usb charger, get the bluetooth set, get an extra battery, and get a portable phone charger.

The bigger the better?
Nah, I think evolution breeds bleeding of the wallet.

He falls

2011-10-27T01:25:00.000+08:00

He walks along the path,
and then finds himself face down in a pile of dust.
Something is affixed to his back,
but no matter how he turns around and crane his neck and twist and contort his body, he sees nothing.
Yet he can feel the affliction,
and it gnaws at his heart.

It beats then falters,
swims then flounders,
loves then murders.

Alas, if only life did not come with decisions,
the small boy said.
Broken pieces of a jar in his hand,
as he sits at the edge of the cliff,
peering into the vast ocean beneath.

The wise man replied from yonder
then how different would your life be
than that of a stone?
the voice echoed over the constant
ebb and flow of the tide.

The boy leaps off the cliff and dives into the waters
Blue, cold, furious.
They storm at him, pushing and swelling,
like a baker kneading dough.

Alas, if only I had no troubles,
the small boy croaked.
Gasping and struggling,
to the surface he rose.

The wise man shouted through the waters
then how different would you be
from a fish who swims and eats all day
and gets eaten at the end of the day?

The boy climbs up the shore
sees nothing but sand in the distance
a vulture circles the air.

Alas, if only life was a smooth and straight path,
with no hardship or suffering,
his clothes ragged and torn,
walking into the wilderness.

The wise man bellowed through the air
from the surrounding mountains
then how different would you be
from the rest of your peers?

The boy reaches the mountains.
And searches for the wise man
but there is only him.
and him.

Stab

2011-10-26T22:50:00.001+08:00

Ethics. Morals. Values. Instinct. Fight or flee.

A tightrope sizzles and burns. Do you leap off or wait till you fall?

When shit hits the fan, will you clean the fan or buy a new one?

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Lonely Child

2011-10-21T16:04:00.000+08:00

My sister is getting married! Good news of course. No doubt I feel happy for her, that she can proceed to another stage of life. Yet, I feel a little sad within as well. Sure, I'll see her every now and then, but now it'll just be me and my parents as she will be moving out soon.

I am comfortably close with my sis. Despite five years age difference, we do get along well. I can't remember the last time we quarreled. We definitely had our differences but we are more different than similar, and we acknowledge that. That's why we ask each others' opinion because we know it would definitely be from a different perspective.

Now we aren't as thick as thieves or like super duper close sortof thing. We do embrace modern communication, and when we don't see each other physically, we communicate via other platforms like whatsapp or sms or twitter. We don't share much secrets. But we do know the meaning of empathy.

This would not have been possible without my parents. Through their actions and family or house-oriented thoughts and plans, me and my sis have learned the power of empathy in consoling one another.

And that thought that now, it'll just be me and my four walls, with no one to physically bicker about makes me rather, well, sad. I mean, blood is thicker than water. But within blood itself, there are several thickness standards. The standard between me and her is one of the highest.

Oh, I can say she'll be definitely happy when she's moving out. For a lot of reasons. I mean, we're talking about ownership, land/room/territory disputes, placement of objects, tidiness of clothes, and the list goes on and on and on.

Yet, no matter what, I know she's just a whatsapp away.

Who is she?

2011-10-16T02:15:00.000+08:00

She busies herself within the house
reorganizing the inner structure
to an inner mental map she has
in her head
that's always changing.

Her hands do not idle,
her feet do not keep still.
A cupboard here, a bed there,
Here today and gone somewhere tomorrow.

Anything that collects dust is but a parasite
Anything that is too messy
that is too untidy
that is too unpleasant for the eyes
is immediately snatched up and
thrust into a storage space.

A cupboard
A drawer
A box
Does it matter where?

Like water in its liquid form,
that's ever changing to conform to its bearer
wearing me down

I'm tired.

Your house. Not mine.

That feeling when...

2011-10-15T01:32:00.000+08:00

That feeling when... a fellow classmate sends you his assignment to look through, and you realize it's ten times way better than yours which you submitted five minutes ago.

23

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000+08:00

Ever since secondary school, I've always had the urge to help my friends. I used to exchange loads of letters with my friends. These letters would be bundled with teenage angst, suicidal intentions, overpowering emotions, doubts and insecurities about self-identities and self-realizations.

So I grew up and thought to myself 'perhaps I shall be a psychologist and study how the minds of people work.'

Then I fell victim to the strain of media that courses through my bloodline and studied media. Along the way, I did what I always did automatically.

As such, I would most definitely say it comes as no surprise to self that it was with much passion I currently work in the customer service sector. And I plan to stay here for life.

I have always yearned for a job that would be exciting and present fresh challenges every day. Along the way, it would also be engaging and yet at the same time, allow me to unleash my vocal bombardment and persuasive verbal logic of reasoning.

Yet, this job allows me to bring out the best of my qualities and raise them up to another level. Patience. Self-control. Humility.

I won't deny it has its challenges. After all, whom would want to be yelled at daily, or scolded, or be endlessly disputed with. But I believe behind every tiff lies a story.

Above all, I am most certainly blessed with a supportive life companion, an awesome sister, two enriching and rewarding occupations, leading to a very fulfilling and empowering life. :)

RIP John Dye

2011-09-29T23:31:00.000+08:00

I was watching the 63rd Emmy Awards the other day, and there was this section of the show where they paid tribute to key personnel that has passed on such as actors and actresses as well as directors and scriptwriters. It was with sadness that I realized John Dye has passed on.

I remember him most significantly in the TV series Touched By An Angel. My family would watch that show while eating dinner. It was a damn awesome show that evoked much fuzzy feelings inside, and taught me all about love. It was all about the simple things really.

In the TV shows, John starred as the Angel of Death. He would always appear in the scenes with this sad face full of anguish at horrible deaths, or at un-peaceful passing ons.

If I could, I would definitely collect the whole seasons of Touched By An Angel, and watch it over and over again with my family.

Red and White flashing strobing illuminating

2011-09-28T01:47:00.000+08:00

Red and white lights
Flashing.
Down the street into the blocks
Strobing.

Faces ash-white, eyes
Trailing.
Smell of life and death
Lingering.

Close your eyes to escape the
blinking.
Shut your windows to avoid the
flickering.

of the red and white lights
flashing and
strobing and
flickering
and blinking
and never-ending.

My Friend

2011-09-19T00:42:00.000+08:00

To my friend whom just turned 23.

A chap once said: “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”

Never let the feeling of failure bring you down. Rather, ride on it and let it propel you forward to the realm of success. May every step backwards empower to take two forward.

In our 6 years of friendship, I am confident I have been there for you where possible. Though we had certain rough moments in time where we chose to self-censor our criticisms of each other, and move on, there were moments were advice were mutually dished out in brutal honesty.

Now is such a moment as well. I believe that the value of age and the short length of life has shown up at your door. With a stark realization, you are forced to ponder certain questions and issues that did not puzzle you before. Tears are seen as weaknesses, as are lack of self-control of emotions.

But how can we not be humans if we do not have emotions? It would be so easy to hold your hand and wipe your tears away and say that it will be alright. I know you know it will not. More challenges will pass by your way in the days to come, that will tear you down, build you up, and raise you to higher heights.

As you embark on self-improvement and strive to take heed of your actions and emotions, remember not to self-censor yourself too much, lest other people wonder who you truly are and think of you as a fraud.

I dare say that you are a part of what has helped me to realize my purpose in life. But, that's another post for another time. :)

The walk to life may seem short when reflected, but its value is measured in the shortness of seconds.

express trains

2011-09-15T13:12:00.001+08:00

So I was taking a train from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay, and this idea struck me. Why not have express trains?

Imagine trains that didn't stop at every station. They would run on on tracks built along existing tracks, or at certain stations use the existing tracks.

They wouldn't stop at every station but only at selected stations, for example it starts at Pasir Ris, then stops at Eunos, then at Lavender, then till Redhill, then till Chinese Garden and ends at Joo Koon. Such an arrangement would skip the heavily congested places like City Hall or Paya Lebar, yet allow commuters to skip these stations if these aren't their destinations.

Think of it like express buses, but the rail version.

Moving forward though, I would envision a huge travellator that runs alongside these tracks. Starting would perhaps be a running track built alongside the mrt tracks, where runners can simply run around Singapore. This would aid the needy, and improve our fitness. Why take the train when you can enjoy a romantic walk with your love ones? Add in a breeze, and the picturesque scenery.

Alas, these are just fantasies. We are, after all, living in a space-constricted land.

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Mac Attack

2011-09-03T17:48:00.001+08:00

Either Macs has gotten a new director or it has decided to ramp up its profits agressively, judging by its recent onslaught of promotions.

First there was the seaweed shaker fries. Then when we barely had time to exercise and lose the additional kilos in our quest to collect all the cups. After which came the twister fries to represent spiralling fireworks of the nation's birthday. Along with it came the chilli mcgrill, and soon after the pepper mcgrill. Now both mcgrills have been 'ungrilled', the cheese shaker fries comes in for the kill. Did I mention the quarter pounder with cheese and the big 'n' tasty?

I think Mac should just organize a SSS. Shake, Singapore, Shake. Where the whole nation will come together and bond and exercise regardless of race, language or religion and shake our fries together. Of course, we'll do this in a public place, in case our neighbors can't stand the noise.

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of opera

2011-08-27T23:37:00.001+08:00

Sleeves that fly and sway against
The air, and brushes,
And shuffling of feet.

Of emperors amidst crashing cymbals,
Of princesses and partaking of wine,
And beauty and moon and long notes,
Is opera.

Tugging of strings repeatedly melody
And tunes.
Oh no!
The emperor is nowhere to be found!

A scandal emerges. A concubine!
Alas, the music heightens.

To get sent away, and get married
Without choice but the safety
Peace and harmony of two nations
Two warring states.

How great thou sacrifice. To live in a strange land, for the sake of your homeland.

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Rides Home

2011-08-18T22:51:00.001+08:00

Night journeys home,
Each of us sits,
Lost in our thoughts,
In contemplation.

Beats that rumble,
Words don't mean a thing,
Driver yawns and moves on,
In constant tandem.

The soothing lights,
The push of cold air,
As the bus slowly lumbers
Along on its route,
In repetition.

Relaxing. Peace.
Calmness.
Blessed with what I have.
With whom I have.

If I were to die today,
Would it be of joy or grief
Or sadness or regrets?

I would pass on happily.

This is something that I haven't done for a long time. I used to ask myself at the end of each day, on my journey home. If the bus were to erupt in flames, and I flame on, would I die happily? Would i smile and accept the end of the journey, or fight because I have apologies not made, or work not done, relationships not treasured, persons that mattered.....

I would pass on happily, content in bliss.

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Water

2011-08-16T23:00:00.001+08:00

Water inching struggling squirming
From middle to the side
Encouraged by the wind
Motivated by fast speeds.

Hurtling onto windshields but not
Hurting,
Shakingly on its journey.

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Look sir

2011-08-15T22:08:00.001+08:00

Look sir, with your fancy names,
Don't you know that your nice persuasion
Blatant coercion does not work on me.

Your blunt distaste for workers in
The service sector and venting
Your verbal narrow mindedness
Does not yield you much good
And respect.

Why do people look down upon others?
Why do we throw scathing comments
Onto others?
To assert authority?
Or to garner respect?

Wealth, position and power are the three
Greatest destructors.
You, sir, have none.

Don't take solace that verbal conversations
Offer anonymity and increase your power.
Be wary of what lies on the other side of the cord
The power it beholds,
At turning your life upside down,
Who do you call when your phone is down?

Consider this fair warning, sir,
As you journey across life's path.
Make peace, not war.
Why resort to violence and empty threats?

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Local Games

2011-08-14T21:53:00.001+08:00

While on a very long bus ride, my mind wandered and concluded maybe we need local games. Now, these games would most definitely appear to be rip-offs of internationally acclaimed games, yet when infused with local culture (and images), they might just be successful. Here are some of my ideas:

1) Taxi taxi.

Have you ever dreamt of being your own boss? Be a taxi driver today! Choose from a variety of models, and drive your fare-paying passengers around the streets of Singapore.

You can play the game in two versions - campaign, or chiong ah! In the first version, you start as a cab driver with the simplest car model available. You can choose if you want a full shift or a day or night half shift, and then you're off to pick up passengers, and abide by the law. This means no driving on the sidewalks, or beating red lights, or speeding. Over time, as your level and income increases, you get to unlock newer and better car models, and upgrade your vehicle. You also get to unlock new functions such as advance bookings.

In chiong ah! You have to earn as much income as you can within certain time limits, ranging from thirty seconds, to a day. You don't have to play by the rules in this version, though you should note that damages to your taxi will affect its speed.

2) Cooking zi cha

Why eat when you can cook it too? A localized time-management game, you own a zi cha store. You serve customers to their seats, then cook the dishes, like mui fan or chilli crab or hotplate tofu, and then serve to your customers, collect the bill and you're done.

When starting up, you have to do everything yourself. However, when you level up and have more cash, you can splurge on equipment upgrades, hiring more chefs or servers, and even outsource your clearing of rubbish! You can also choose to purchase tv sets or getai performances to entertain customers while they wait for food.

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Melaka Day 2

2011-08-13T18:36:00.001+08:00

I had my cherry prodded, twisted, kneaded and tickled today, if cherry were to be defined for first time experiences.

I think only thick skinned people can go for a fish spa. How else do you stand the many tiny (or well-fed) fishes nibbling at all areas of your feet? My sis and I could not stop giggling like school kids when we plunged our feet in.

We managed to keep the whole feet in for three seconds, before slowly letting them suck on our heels. After all, the heels would be the least unfeeling part of the feet. Truly invigorating first experience though.

Personally I would prefer having my first time in a crowded fish spa. Imagine having your feet tickled, and when you look left and right, the other fish are eyeing your thigh. Add the disconcerting image of opening and closing of mouths as they breathe.

After which, I gamely went for a back massage. Owww. No pain, no gain right? Besides, what's there to lose (except RM20) anyway?

I think it was more of a crash course in gymnastics than massage, as the female masseur proceeded to contort my body into weird positions.

And yes, she did crack my neck twice, once on the left and once on the right. It was scary.

The day after, I went for another massage. This time, it was on one of the numerous massage chairs spread out in the shopping centre for RM1 for 3mins. The machine-ated massage was actually more pleasurable than the human massage though.

And, now to travel home. :)

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Malacca Day 1

2011-08-11T12:35:00.001+08:00

As I write this, I am on the second level of a coach on my way to Malacca for a family getaway. The last civilian overseas trip I made was two to three years ago.

Back then, there were only one deck buses. Back then, you could grab chicken rice for 1.20.

I confess I am in a state of anxious excitement. My eyes greedily devour the sights in front of me. Luscious greens stretching till as far as my eye can see. Mountains outlines looming in the distance. Attap houses line the dirt tracks that run alongside the highway. Huge billboards erected scream with color and grasp for attention.

Yet, my mind is confused and uneasy. Oh towering blocks of flats with bamboo poles if clothes sticking out, where art thou forth? Where art thou, trees placed in one straight line beside roads?

How is it possible that there is 'nothing but blue skies for miles'? A short journey and I enter a different world.

These dirt paths bring back nostlagic memories of trekking in Thailand during my army days. Red dirt which is scarce in Singapore.

And as this journey progresses, my mind settles but briefly, ready to be reinvigorated by sights, smells and sounds.

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what are we?

2011-08-08T22:55:00.001+08:00

What are we?

Below the color, below the shade,
Underneath the crimson fade,
Of the setting sun.

Beneath the value of our skin,
Tall short fat or lean,
Of the different physiques.

Different tongues and races,
Boasting of different faces,
Of our nation.

The chinese swears in hokkien.
The malay swears in hokkien,
The indians swears in hokkien.
And we all shove our way into the train.

What say you say me say I?
Please stand behind the yellow line.
Lah, don't pai seh.
Is not i dont give up my seat,
But cause i is dont know you fat or preg.

Chill luh, relak,
Dont angry la bro
Abang adeh everywhere we go
Le si member bo?

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Dreams at what a cost

2011-08-05T22:17:00.001+08:00

Dreams.

They come and go.
Sometimes they instil a purpose in you.
A vision and a goal for a better
Tomorrow.

So you work hard towards it,
But while you're slogging at your labour,
Other dreams come alongside,
And so you prioritize.

But, when you have finally reached that
Original dream,
And after being waylaid by other
Dreams you realize you are trapped
In the circle of dreams.

Where realizing your dreams increases your
Debts
And clearing the debts require sacrifice
Of blood and sweat
And then another dream comes along,
And plunges you into financial misery.
But oh what emotional bliss
And personal satisfaction.

At what a cost.

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Lumos

2011-08-05T22:14:00.001+08:00

Stare at any lightbulb.
Close your eyes.
What do you see?

You still see the light in the darkness.

Some people in life are like that.
No matter how dark you are,
Or no matter how hard you try to shut them out,
They will always be there,
In the corner of your mind,
Bright and ever shining like the sun.

Memorable, unforgettable, unreplaceable,
Lumos!

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Unlimited sessions of permanent hair removal

2011-07-17T13:58:00.001+08:00

I subscribe to online coupons, and daily I receive notifications on new offers and good deals.

Recently, I received one, featuring unlimited sessions for permanent hair removal.

That immediately caught my eye. If the removal is permanent, why the need for more than one session, let alone unlimited sessions?

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My job or my life

2011-07-11T23:47:00.001+08:00

My job isn't easy.
Some think that being in a call centre can be very senang, cause you don't meet and deal with customers' face to face. But they forget that the phone offers anonymity mutually, and that veil of pseudo-physicality results in customers being more blunt and vocal.

A conversation I had with a customer today lasted an hour. Not the longest I ever had, but it was certainly emotionally draining. Yet, despite the ill effects they have on me, customers always remind me of many life's statements. Such as, trust has to be earned. Also, acting blur can extend longevity.

Above all, my customers never fail to instil the sense of humanity in me. In this world of hardware and software, and technology and virtual reality blur the vision of reality, it is not easy to find humanity.

When was the last time you felt the pulse of your heart? Or stopped to breathe in fresh roses? Or savour the garlic of the bak kut teh?

At the end of the day, my customers remind me that I am but a human. There will always one above me, and one below me. There will always be harsh moments, and calm soothing ones. Though they illuminate my sad side, and induce compassion, they also reveal the vengeful angry unreasonable narrow-minded sides of them.

At what costs, do we discover ourselves?

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Poor cup of Acappuccino

2011-07-11T00:20:00.000+08:00

If music be the food of love, then play on.
If singing be the meat in food, then Acappuccino please let me be a vegetarian.

I attended the first public performance of Acappuccino, a four year old local acapella group a few nights back.

It started out very very badly. It ended very very badly either.

Featuring 7 members, I think the group needs more public performances. Perhaps it was the bright spotlights, or the proximity of the audience to the singers (it was held at Esplanade's Recital Studio), I could clearly see the shock and nervousness written blatantly on one of the performer's face.

As part of their proceeds went to Japan Relief, their repertoire included numerous international songs. That said, it would only take but a few minutes to recite the names of the pieces a few time backstage. While I understand that foreign names such as Japanese might be a bit tricky in pronouncing, it isn't really very professional to read off the score, stumble over it the first time, and then recite it twice. For a moment, I wondered if they only received the score that very same day.

The second half was no better. There were times where the music seemed to pick up, and I thought that they were getting good. In fact, their Lion King song was quite palatable.

Despite that, and a rather uplifting piece when they were seated down on high chairs, the performance was a let-down. One of their singers was flat throughout her solos, and the they might consider either hiring an emcee or improving their hosting skills.

When you're performing in front of an audience, cracking internal jokes, or stopping after eight bars, just to re-tune with each other, isn't ethical.

I can only hope that they improve for their next performance. Even if part of your proceeds are for the relief efforts in Japan, and you have an array of pieces arranged by international composers, you still need heaps of work, and perhaps start by singing together on the same tempo.

ONS

2011-07-10T23:21:00.000+08:00

I had a one night stand recently.

It was just me and a warm pussy for one night.
She wasn't very fussy, didn't make much noise.
Wasn't very demanding.
Even woke me up with a lick of my cheek.
Like how often can you get that?

I had arrived home laden with groceries,
and found her curled up against my gate,
Looking at me with such woeful eyes,
melting my heart faster than the scorching heat,

I immediately dumped my groceries, bought a packet of cat food,
and invited her in.
She might have been someone's pet though; I ain't sure.
Her right ear was clipped, but she didn't have a collar.
Her nails weren't trimmed, but she was rather tame for a wild act.

She came in, walked a round, and made herself very comfortable
on the middle of my bed.
That night was one of the best nights I ever had in my life.

In fact, I think next time when I get my own loft,
I'll rear a cat and a dog. :D

Ah, poor lad.

2011-06-30T10:51:00.001+08:00

Ah, poor lad.

He speaks to his mum seated beside him on the bus. In a sad but composed tone, he says "you lie to me", his eyes glistening. "You say it wasn't there but when I went home, it was there."

Silence.

Nay a reply. Neither a rebuff nor a reprimand.

"You lie to me. Which mother lies to her son?" he utters, his face full of blatant disappointment. In those few minutes, the bridge of trust built over the years has crumbled. The firm foundations of integrity and honesty that shaped his life are now wobbling, and cracks of distrust and hurt appear.

Time stops. All those seated around are listening intently, more attentive than a student in school, or the man on the street watching the counting and recounting and recounting of votes.

As I alight from the bus, my eyes meet with the other passengers, and the thoughts exchanged are the same.

Ah, poor lad.

Really Random Rhymings

2011-06-21T18:07:00.000+08:00

Coffee sloshing from side to side
Streaming through the window panes sunlight
Day by the day, the critics fight
Till alas, they reduced and died.

One by one, they'll rise again,
Onwards to destroy and maime,
Make them deaf and mute and lame.
Never will they ever be sane.

Atop the waves we will ride
Among the shadows none of us will hide
And hand in hand
together we'll glide.

Analysis of Post

2011-06-14T23:48:00.017+08:00

The author constantly speaks in a personally intimate subject by the many usages of 'you' and throughout the whole post, there is only one 'my'. The choice of such a word would most likely signify that the subject is aware of her current situation and not in denial.

The short sentences that end with periods may not indicate closure or the end of the sentence, but rather as a symbol to indicate a pause or a moment where the author reflects or takes a breath to think.

The phrase 'help you score points and eventually move you up the ranks' seem to weigh heavily and appears to be an important issue for the author. Perhaps it might be the crux of the post which is the issue of being in charge or authority?

Overall, the article has a rather aggressive tone and leans more towards accusing than defensive or explanatory. This is also supported by the disjointed sentence structures. Furthermore, the shift from past to present to past tense through the whole article indicates a certain level of confusion present (no pun intended).

randomnessess

2011-06-06T10:59:00.001+08:00

pin drops of water
diluted saliva
with saline content
and malicious intent.

bloodcurling tao huey
piping hot teochew mui
prata la deh
oi what did you say?

the benches face the sea
they seat none but see many
walk by and watch many
lives pass and witness many
sunrises and sunsets galore.

murder and mystery
at a well known eatery
involving some pottery
and the weekly lottery.

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Cards N Such

2011-06-01T01:16:00.001+08:00

I have a godsis from secondary school whom I would send cards annually on her birthday and christmas. This year, I simply wished her on her facebook wall.

She thanked me and then asked how come there wasn't any card received this year. It jolted me.

Sometimes we do or send or give stuff that isn't reciprocated. It could be a sacrifice of our time to be with someone. It could be travelling from the east to the west just for that half an hour. Or it could be controlling your tongue and not lashing back in a frequent verbal dispute.

Yet, little do we know how blessed the other party is. At times like this, what we should do is to sit and think of the original purpose of the action. One of the greater types of love is unreciprocated love, Through it, we give more of ourselves, and receive less, if not nothing, in return. Yet, we still give.

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Washing hands

2011-05-25T12:35:00.001+08:00

Have you ever analysed your own actions? Not decisions, but actions, for example washing your hands.

Do you rub both hands together swiftly but with a higher frequency or rub them slowly and deeply? Or do you treat each hand as a separate entity and each rubs itself?

Could there be a psychological reasoning for the method of washing hands?

Think about it.

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Can or Cannot

2011-05-25T12:33:00.001+08:00

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to catch a performance held at the Esplanade concourse. As part of its Flipside festival, dedicated to showcasing the lighthearted side of life, 'Can Or Cannot' was hosted by Vernetta Lopez and a cast of three actresses and one actor.

The thirty minutes performance consisted of improvised skits where the cast had to think on their feet and come up with lines based either on random letters of the alphabet or based on lines contributed by the audience.

While the idea is most definitely creative, it certainly isn't original as any person who has watched Whose Line Is It Anyway would tell you. A blatant reproduction but with localized segment names.

Personally, I felt it was a flop. For one, the hostress was speaking too fast, and whether it be the sound system or her muffled voice, she was very unclear. While kudos to the audience for being active in cheering and clapping, the cast could have been more entertaining, this reviewer feels.

Indeed, if it weren't for blatant humor such as lines, written by the audience prior to the show, being read out at random moments, the show would have failed terribly.

One issue the producers might consider is that we do not have a definite spelling dictionary. K can be kingdom. K can also be kanasai. Also, perhaps one might play around more with a younger cast. There were times the jokes fell through, perhaps due to generation gap or age differences. There's a line between lame and funny. They were clearly in the former category.

I certainly look forward to future renditions of this 'format' of improvisation. Whose Line Is It Anyway did make it till the 8th season in the UK, and there is no reason why it cannot be replicated locally as well.

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Day you were born or days you are living?

2011-05-16T04:22:00.001+08:00

Being up so early brings me back to my army days where I had to arise at four thirty in the morning to collect morning rations. I would wake up groggily and together with a platoon-mate, we would drag our feet to the cookhouse zombiefied to collect twenty-odd packets of food.

It starts me comparing between life then and now. Two different purposes, two different environments. Is it better to have a common goal or an individuual goal? Or both?

Each of us in the platoon had our own aspirations be it a graduate or employer or scientist or teacher. Yet, we all had the common goal to complete our army stint as soon as possible.

Have you ever wondered which is more important - the day you were born or the days you are living?

Most would say the day you were born becauuse without it there would not be days you are living. But what benefit did the day you were born provide, save for a slap on the butt?
Were you able to donate your tears, or counsel other newborns?

So then, I put it to you that yes the day you were born is important, but the days you are living is more important. It defines you, and others around you. Through it, you learn patience. and hardness, and wholesome development of your soul. You take on the lives of others and set and achieve aspirations and goals. Of what good use would the day you were born be, if you have been living as a drunkard or sluggard or more?

It is good to be born. It is better to be living.

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What am I?

2011-05-10T17:25:00.001+08:00

I move people.

I am unbias, and unjudging. I enforce order in the lives of those who ride me. Yet, I do not complain. I endure the scathing insults of my pace, or lack of it.

I am but a constant in lives. I do not get a chance to travel the world and see its beauty, but I witness the beauty of those that make the world - people.

I watch babies sleeping in their mothers' arms grow to playful kids running around my metal shiny poles, to teenagers with earphones embedded in their ears, to working adults, to becoming parents again. The ageing transformation from black to white, I am but a silent witness.

What am I?

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dear child

2011-05-07T12:31:00.001+08:00

dear child, why do
you frown so much
and so tightly?

Are the worries of the world
upon your shoulder
or only books of knowledge
and power

Is the noose around the neck
are deadlines stifling and
suffocating you
depriving you of air?

dear child,
why do you frown so much?
try to stop and smell the roses
or perhaps, spot them
first.

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We are mere mortals

2011-05-05T11:49:00.001+08:00

I was working the other night for a local musical at an international acclaimed arts venue. After the musical, the artistes held an autograph session and I was positioned at the front of the queue to facilitate crowd movement.

Being at the front of the queue meant I was standing a feet away from a local male artiste, though he's more popular for his female role.

And our eyes met. Now before you start thinking of bizarre fantasies or homosexual chemistry tendencies, let me clarify that there was no love lost between me and him.

In fact, I had a brief glimpse of loneliness and fatigue. In that quick moment of clarity and bareness of the soul, I came to one realization. We are mere mortals.

No matter what positions we hold in social circles, or how high we are on the career ladder, or how famous we are due to some hit about a certain day of the week, or to never say never, we are just mere mortals.

Before you chase for fame or glory, or stab the back in front of you, pause and take a minute to know that the neighbor beside you is as human as you are.

We are mere mortals, not gods.

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Lead by example

2011-05-01T10:09:00.001+08:00

As I blog this, I am seated at a kopitiam. The auntie (aunty?) sitting beside me has just commented how uncomfortable she is feeling due to a lack of coffee for a week or so. Then she moves on to ask why the coffee lady isn't around and no one takes her order.

All these, she says while she is eating her sliced fish bee hoon and seated five seats from the drinks stall.

Makes you wonder what example the younger generation are suppose to follow.

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excuses reasons

2011-04-29T14:56:00.001+08:00

Knowledge isn't a good thing.
Say, for example, you know how a certain process is done, like maybe an installment plan or a refund. You tell the customer that it will take two to three weeks subject to approval by the finance department. And the customer shoots you down and compares to every other company which can do it better, faster, easier.

So you explain yourself, but it gets shot down again as 'a lot of excuses'.

How do you help a customer who insists on jumping off the cliff? Do you jump with him?

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Money

2011-04-27T22:30:00.001+08:00

Money.
Some say it is not easily earned;
that it is borne out of sweat and blood;
of toiling in the sun and backbreaking work.

But what if you enjoy your work?
Then, money does not seem to be
that harsh and merciless.

Yet what use if it comes easy
but never enough for stability
and insufficient to chase away insecurity
nor able to induce independency?

It's not whether we dream,
or that we need encouragement to dream.
What we need is your money.

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the marvel of my work and a story idea

2011-04-23T23:45:00.001+08:00

The marvel of my work is
the importance of voice.

I have quite a few regular customers
whom look for me when they have billing issues, and I am only too happy to assist. Who would resist unfussy customers?

They just want someone to hear them out, not throw them into another department, and to just settle their issues for them. and offer a (virtual) tissue.

After a few months of verbal interaction, and numerous calls, it can be very soothing to converse with them. No need to worry if they suddenly want to speak to a manager or not. No need to worry if they want to complain. Instead, my only concern is that some other agents mistreat them.

Protective? Yes, I am. Imagine you nurture a toddler since young, pick him up when he falls, watch him take his first steps, help him in his math homework. Then someone else walks by and makes him walk the plank.

To think of it, I am on a first name basis with some of them. And all are females, leading me to wonder, other than my hotline name, perhaps there's psychology involved as well.

I would love to write out a tv show of a budding romance between a call centre agent and a customer who later works in the same company. Now, that would be something to behold.

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communication

2011-04-23T23:33:00.001+08:00

I believe communication should be fluid.
The ebb and the flow,
should always be in constant liquidity.
Like water, it should not conform to a fixed shape.
So, why limit to just phone calls and messages?
Expan your horizons.
Live your dreams.
Use whatsapp or skype
prerecord or use a mic
hotmail gmail or facebook chat
or snap a pic to show where ya at

Don't limit your avenues of conversation.
Instead, let them merge, and converge,
never diverge.

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Primeval

2011-04-23T15:13:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered how dinosaurs look like? Or what would happen if prehistoric beasts existed in the modern concrete jungle?

The Primeval can satisfy your ancestor-ing needs. Set in the modern times, the show revolves around a group of educated personnel who discover a series of anomalies, in essence loopholes in the tapestry of space, making time travel between the past and the present possible.

It's like instead of traveling on the East-West line and then switching to the North-South line, you just take the train on the Circle line.

As the show originates from England, do expect lots of British accents. Don't expect the creatures to be Discovery Channel or National Geographic standard though. Nevertheless, the battle scenes are quite exciting to behold.

Do check it out if you have the chance. Just get it at the usual spot.

blood thicker than water

2011-04-22T02:09:00.000+08:00

The plates move apart from each other
A slight trembling within the feet
The heart gets shaken

Blood thicker than water
But anger is the thickest of them all

To apologize for something not of me
negligence
I simply cannot take it further.

To submit, to bow
To grovel
To bury my head in the sand.

Aren't you teaching me the wrong values
of retaining anger and not being forgiving

That which divides thickness
is no deeper than the grave.
That which lies within the grave
dissipates the thickness.

I got threatened yesterday

2011-04-20T11:43:00.001+08:00

I got threatened yesterday.
Of course, technically the word threatened might not be appropriate as I was rather bemused by my caller.

She had not been paying her bills for six months, and in what she might have deemed as firm and convincing tone, she told me to get it reconnected as her husband is angry and she does not know what he will do to me.

I did not reconnect.

We can fake orgasms but we can't fake fear. To tell me in a calm and firm voice that your husband is angry and might do something only indicates that either you married a person you do not know, or simply that you're trying to use the power of a threat.

And in your case, ma'am, it failed.

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if

2011-04-19T11:35:00.001+08:00

If knowledge is power,
and ignorance is bliss,
therefore we all are faced with the choice
of power or bliss.

Don't forget health is wealth,
and prudence is prosperity.

And all will go smooth in life
because a stitch in time
saves nine.

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click click

2011-04-17T01:42:00.001+08:00

click click

computer mouse
camera
pen
finger snapping
high heels walking
rubbing of two toes together
opening of a clamshell phone
two wooden clams struck together as part of a 对话 performance

A friend told me click click
What did you first think of?

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Green sheets rises.

2011-04-15T12:36:00.001+08:00

Green leaves swaying in the wind
Powerful gust
Orange leaf falls.

Heartbeats amidst pulsating bodies
Sheets
The curtain falls.

Raindrops upon attap roofs
Warmth
The sun rises.

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computers ftw

2011-04-14T23:46:00.001+08:00

My neighbor wanted to use my computer a few days ago, or so my mum told me. My mum told my neighbor she didn't know how to use the computer so she couldn't agree.

The first thought that came to me was 'no way was I going to let a stranger use my computer'. And so it struck me how protective I was about a piece of metal.

The computer has evolved from simple machines tasked to think, and crunch up numbers, and form the c in computer, to a personal assistant and life balancer. We depend on it on a daily basis. Not only does it control and grant access to our online personas, it holds our physical life intact as well.

I can't imagine the damage a stranger can do to my computer. The various accounts holding my most private data, like credit cards or addresses etc. It actually frightens me.

Furthermore, imagine if through misconduct or ignorance, a stranger introduces a virus or a hacking tool into my computer.

Who will bear the cost?

Certainly not the stranger.

Computers ftw.

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cards n such

2011-04-08T11:31:00.001+08:00

the future is all about cards and such.
Or so we're led to believe.

Ez link cards. debit cards. credit cards. membership cards. prepaid cards. top up cards. name cards. and the list goes on.

It's like we'll never get tired of owning plastic. Which is ironic, cause we're trying to save the earth and reduce the amount of paper used by increasing the amount of plastic.

But I don't think the future is in cards. I think the next step is for shops or restaurants who has membership cards to virtualize it. Show an app or scan it in to get your member discounts. Or even simply key in the member's IC number.

The problem with apps is that no one knows which OS to create it for. Apple, android, windows, RIM or symbian? Why not just make em all? After all, there won't be any new OS coming out soon. and even if there were, it wouldn't survive long. Unless it's open-source. But that would bring about security issues.

So. an app would be nice. Or perhaps a gadget that can absorb all such membership information. Imagine a small device like a dongle. It has a usb chip on it, that can be accessed at shops and restaurants. Companies upload its information onto it. You simply scan some unique barcode on it and the restaurant or shop will automatically tag in the discount for you. Like a universal card reader, only we are not talking about memory cards.

What do ya think?

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where do you sit when you board the bus?

2011-04-06T15:11:00.013+08:00

I've been thinking.
Our personality is expressed through mannerisms, like where we sit when we board the bus.

Imagine it's night, and you board the bus.
There's you, the driver and two other passengers who are sitting on separate seats on the right side of the bus.

Do you

a) sit at the back of the left side?
b) sit at the front of the left side?
c) sit at the front of the right side?
d) sit between the two passengers on the right side?
e) sit at the back of the right side?
f) stand?

a) You want to stick out from the majority, but you rather be a following of the minority than a leader. You might have a slight sense of wanting to be separate from the pack. You have no qualms about being by yourself, and solitude is your refuge.

b) You are a leader of the minority, though size of the group may not be an issue. You aren't afraid to stand out from the rise, and have enough charisma to attract followers. On the other hand, you might bail out at the first sight of trouble, and this might be an issue for you in the future. You might be in it for fame and glory, but your shoddy foundation might break you down in strong winds.

c) You are a leader of the majority. You keep your followers close, but your exits even closer and only trial will tell if you are made of steel or cheap wood.

d) You prefer to be in the midst of people, but lingering within them and not standing out. If need be, you rather be in the shadows, though that is not of utmost importance for you. Rather, you want to be insignificant and unseen to the non-observant people.

e) You live in the shadows and dwell in solitude. You secretly admire the leaders and aspire to be them. However, you need to move out of your comfort zone to achieve that ambition. Dare you take the risk?

f) You have a fear of everything around you. You are independent, and self-reliant, but this spurns people away from you. You also are always in a rush and can never seem to relax or not be stressed. You need help!

In retrospect, this looks like some Aunt Agony from Teenage magazine or some astrological sign page of newspapers eh.

did you ever imagine

2011-04-06T14:11:00.001+08:00

Soprano and a bass
did you ever hear such a pair
A duet of such a difference
on such a large scale.

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What's in a name?

2011-04-01T11:03:00.000+08:00

What's in a name?

Ridicule, shame, embarrassment.
Pride, anger, satisfaction.
Quality, productivity, efficiency.
Laziness, sluggish, deprived.
Talented, mysterious, intrigued.

What's in your name?

Life is two in one

2011-03-28T16:41:00.001+08:00

Life is like drops of rain
on a window pane.

Each individual drop of rain for
each significant life.
Alone, segmented, sole.

Till the winds of change,
or the movements of time,
breeze across the pane,
juggle and shift,
adjust and lift,
and two drops become one.

Have you noticed how two drops of water merges into one?
They lean towards each other, and be conjoined
in a new spot in the middle of them.
They leave their current position,
never looking back at their solitude,
and merge into one well-endowed drop.

Twice the value,
twice the nutrients,
twice the talent.
In one.

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I

2011-03-25T23:01:00.000+08:00

I run
knowing that every breath I take,
every second I pant,
is a breath closer,
is a second nearer
towards you.

I press on in my assignment
towards my target of 3000 words
completing my summary
and barely starting on the body
knowing that every word I type,
every sentence I craft,
is one word less
to meeting you.

If time could be sped up,
yet it is swift when we are united.
Why does it slow down when we are
separated.
Long days and short nights make for
long partings and short meetings.

as

2011-03-20T12:06:00.001+08:00

tingle as skin upon
skin as crackle
of electricity bursts
from within as desire
a lustful sin as a climax
to a blushing grin.

sandy beach
clear white sand
two pairs of footprints
and a couple hand in hand

the sun heads down into
the ocean floor
leaving his sister
to hold the tide

Atlas holds up the sky
as Perseus wanders by.
And Odysess slowly makes his way
back home.

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why should we

2011-03-18T19:08:00.001+08:00

Why should we give up our seats
to kids?

Would that not be leading to a downward spiral of social graces? Would not these kids grow up under the impression that they are entitled to seats and would not give it up to anyone?

Or perhaps this was what happened before, thus the spotlight on youths whom do not give up their seats to the elderly.

But what is elderly? How do we define age? Is there a benchmark? With dyed hair, botox, breast implants, a 50 year old can look like a 40 year old can look like a 30 year old. Surely we can't be checking their ICs for verification?

Is it really the fault of the younger generation of not being graceful? What about the future then?

Kids are growing up, with maids carrying their schoolbags, and meals already cooked and placed on the tables, or sometimes even served to them. They wake up to a set of ironed uniform waiting to be worn, breakfast on the table, and allowance on the desk.

Pampered child? Efficient parents? Disciplined maid?

Who is right or wrong? Is there a right or wrong? More importantly, which side is the media on?

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media burnout

2011-03-17T12:10:00.001+08:00

I'm getting a bit tired from studying about media. To think that I've studied it for three years and will do so for another year or part thereof.

Sure, it's fun. But when you keep studying effects of media on people, and its persuasive abilities; or agenda setting via articles; I get a bit disillusioned.

Maybe I'm more one to one basis. I would rather deal with one person at a time, than impact a whole audience at the same time.

I don't think I'll be a journalist. Yes, I can write. after alls, euu dun c journalizsts rite lk these. But writing isn't all about it, journalists have to be ruthless and fake empathy. How many times can one feel for a victim of a hit and run, or a family devasted by a natural disaster? And one has to prod and poke to retrieve all the details too.

Do you realize, that the media needs natural disasters and mankind's seven deadly sins, to be profitable? Nobody wants to read about unsensational news. That's what blogs are for.

I'm a bit disillusioned. Maybe burning out. I might be a tech journalist. Or perhaps the entertainment sector of media, like audio editing.

But for now, it's just me and my callers.

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life is a story

2011-03-16T13:18:00.001+08:00

We all have stories in life.
Previously, we shared stories.
Now we create a story.

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Window shopping

2011-03-14T23:26:00.002+08:00

In the past, window shopping meant physically trawling through the mall, and peering at delicate clothes on mannequins with perfect body shapes behind glass windows.

Now, window shopping means virtually clicking on links, and zooming in on pixellated clothes on photoshopped bodies in different browser windows.

Times have changed.

you smash my worlds

2011-03-14T18:27:00.001+08:00

You smash my worlds apart
now why did I trust you so much last time
foolhardy I behaved with you.

You young child
claiming innocence
simple in thinking,
but not far.
You know not an iota of the consequences
of your actions.

My worlds were separated and
I had allowed you a glimpse of the second
universe
and now through your childishness
you wrecked both
and smashed them together.

So i pick up the pieces and trudge on
to another battle, to a field yonder
and find someone who can forge back
the pieces and mash the worlds
back together.

I didn't ask for a parting gift.
and yet you exploit the weakness I have
and in the future when your world disintegrates
if you should ever find me,
I wont turn you away.

By then, my world will be mashed and complete.

That you would grow up faster, child,
lest your actions lead to your downfall
and life knocks you on the head
and then leaves you for dead.

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Do for me

2011-03-11T15:03:00.001+08:00

Be a good friend and help me do this survey.

http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=ebb87dff-c7fa-4c7f-af61-6d8b9ec9c381

Thank you! :)

slow as a snail

2011-03-11T10:31:00.001+08:00

We call slow people snails.
Perhaps when snails talk within themselves,
they joke and jibber at our pace,
and call fast snails people.

That said, if snails do communicate with one another, they would have good long distance communications. And long distance relationships too, for the snails which are together.

They do seem so lonely eh.
Carring a huge shell on their back
Trudging towards who knows where
Just moving steadily
at its predestined pace.

Like so many of us too.

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Virtual reality

2011-03-10T18:37:00.001+08:00

Most end of times predict a world economy as a sign. Some may call it by different names but regardless whether it's a unified currency, or a single economy, or a world money form, the definition doesn't vary.

This has led to speculation as to which currency this would be. Could it be the US, a strong contender, or perhaps China, a growing market?

But what if this currency, that is predicted at world's end, is not a nation's money?

Macdonald's has an outlet in nearly every country. Imagine if they were to come up with a prepaid card payment system. After this is implemented, they announce that cash will not be accepted, and all you need to enjoy a burger, in whichever country you are, is just a card. With this, you could literally gift-a-burger to your penpal in another partner of the world, by crediting the card.

With this in mind, ponder the possibilty of a world currency being virtual. Could the new world currency be facebook credits?

We need to widen our thinking. No longer are we living by physical means anymore. We are living by virtual means.

What do I mean?

Your salary is credited to your bank account. You use your card to pay for meals. Or to buy clothes from amazon. You use internet banking to pay bills. All these do not require the usage of hard cash.

This is virtual reality. Reality becoming virtual.

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What to study

2011-03-10T03:44:00.000+08:00

Have you ever thought
what you would study?

I mean, if you could create and choose your modules,
and not bound by costs.

I thought about mine.

I would take a module in greek mythology, in christian history, in psychology, in learning malay, and in creating an e-commerce website.

Of course, the question would then be what on earth would such a degree ever be named.
And I have no clue.

But can this be done?

I would very much choose to believe so.
I believe in the future, students are able to customize their modules
and that in that new era, employers don't question what major is your degree in
or which university is from
but rather what skills do you have
and what knowledge do you know.

The future will be a knowledge based economy.
So why worry about the name of the university
or the nature of the degree
and neglect the knowledge one has gleamed
and is able to boost the company?

a whole new world

2011-03-09T13:30:00.001+08:00

She was at the crossroads.
And for a time, she stood.
Searched among the stars,
Inquired of the compass,
Drew upon the sand.

She chose.

Now, she walks on.
Trudging along this path she has chosen.
What does she see in the horizon?
A rising sun or the setting?
A mirage or an oasis?
Does she head towards a field
brimming of life,
abound with blooming flowers
and nature's scent?
Or does she head downwards?
Into the spiral of despair and
plunge into the depths of guilt?

But, lo, what do we have here.
Another character joins the story.
With a low hat, and a grain of wheat
between his teeth,
he walks with her.
Neither in front, or behind,
but on par.

He says nay a thing,
But walks on by.
Towards the frontiers of
a whole new world.

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Imagine

2011-03-08T02:33:00.000+08:00

Say you were going to meet your friend.
But you have time to kill.
So you take the train down towards the place your friend is coming from
Against the direction your friend is travelling
And mid way, you alight and take the train going in the correct direction
in the hope of meeting your friend.

You alight, cross over, and enter at the same door
at the exact line of position.
And there your friend sits
And the whole carriage is filled
Save for one empty seat beside your friend

Now what are the chances of that happening?

Each car has 4 doors. Each train has 3 cars.
So that chance of the same door works out to be 1 in 12.

Each train has 148 seats, so that works out to 1 in 148.

Combined, both would equate to 1 in 1776.
Not that high, if you compare that the chance of winning the toto jackpot is 1 in 8.4 million.

But high enough for me.

Brother to many,
Lover to none.

Perhaps though, you will make it one.

something

2011-03-07T01:28:00.000+08:00

Something struck a chord in me
when you said that line.

You reminded me of my mother.
The tone she'll use
to assert her power and authority
that leaves no room for discussion
Even if she is wrong at the end of the
day.

And something bristled within me
In retaliation
In reaction
To that.

Now, I fear a wall will come up
every time I see you.
Partly afraid to hear what you'll speak.
Cause I'm adverse to that tone.

and perhaps I already do.

Chris Medina - What Are Words

2011-03-07T00:25:00.002+08:00

For you.

you

2011-03-06T08:32:00.001+08:00

i walked past you.
our eyes met
you only spoke three words
from the bottom of your heart
and stomach
with pleading eyes you
uttered
i want oreo.
i looked at you
speechless
expressionless
thoughtless
gave you my most neutral reaction
and walked past you
without a word.

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colors

2011-03-06T03:06:00.001+08:00

Kaleidoscope.
Colors abound
Riveting rivers of red.
Blooming brooks of blue.
Youthful yatches of yellow.
Gasping goblets of green.
Come take a peek into my life
See the colors abounding in front of me.
Dip your hand in the river
See it turn fuschia
See it turn tranquail
See it turn lilac.

Run down the field of gold
Blow white cotton puffs into the sky
Lie in yellow sun wheat
Somersault against soft pink petals.

Walk with me down the path of life
And why not let our paths converge?
Here, take my hand,
But then you have to let go of the other
Hand you're holding now.
Would you?

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happy sister day

2011-03-05T17:53:00.001+08:00

Someone sent me a message,
Saying it is happy sisters day,
And to forward the message along to ten sisters.

I don't know how to respond.

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break free

2011-03-04T17:57:00.003+08:00

Sometimes we should break free from the norm.
Most of us do that, but in an extravagant manner, holidays massages spas buffets.
What about doing it on a small scale?
Like instead of automatically plugging in the earphones, to just not listen to any music. And listen. After all, our ears are always actively recording. The crux is whether the record is to be deleted or to be retrieved.

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positive nothing.

2011-03-04T17:57:00.001+08:00

Singaporeans are a very complaining bunch.
And we always resort to threats.
Sure, it doesn't have to really criminal intimidation or life threats or paint on the walls with telephone numbers.
We don't brandish knives or raise parangs to emphasize our points.
We merely quote CEO names and baseless threats to 'complain you ah'.
It can be rather interesting how people quote the name of your company's CEO to put pressure on you. And not just once, but a few times within the same sentence as well. Sure, a group has more power than a lone person, but repetition actually decreases the weight and diminishes the effect.

When I hear a customer throw out the name of my CEO, I actually end up giving substandard service. It actually backfires because firstly, if you were that chum with the CEO, you wouldn't be calling in. You would be calling him. Secondly, dropping the CEO's name actually means you aren't appreciative of what I've done so far. And so you try to use his name to warrant more action. But you already have this mental barrier erected that limits the help I can provide you with. Most people don't realize this.

That's why we're a peaceful bunch of people. We don't know how to make the right threats to get good service. We react negatively like 'I'll sue you' or 'I'll complain you ah' instead of trying to use positive terms to help us serve you better. Thus our negative threats that equal to a positive nothing.

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destitute solitude

2011-03-03T23:33:00.001+08:00

He places a coffin standing erect at the edge of the cliff.
The door is open. And can only be opened from the outside.
He sprints and leaps towards it,
The force pushing it off the cliff,
Into the raging waters,
The force closing the door and locking him in,
The force of his own skin.

The coffin bobs sinks and rises
With each swelling wave.

Leave me. Taunt me.
Stab me with thy piercing gaze.
He takes a rock and throws at himself
Within the mirror
The mirror cracks
Yet the stoic gaze remains fixed on him.
On me.

He drags his feet across
The sound of dragged chains.
The manacles tied to a rock.

He sobs he tears
He lowers to his knee
He starves his own shadow
With evil maniacal glee
His laugh resounds through the cave.

The sun hides from his shame
Darkness swops in
Laughing cackily
Horns and thorns
Pitter pattering of feet.

Flying daggers
Arrows
All pierce
His soft skull.

He sits on the cliff by the sea
Watching waiting.
But for the sun to rise or for the sun to set.

Death to him.
Rotting from the inside out.
Darkness.
Grief.
Silence.
Of the thump of a heartbeat.
Even the crickets hush.

And angels pass over.

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please

2011-03-03T19:02:00.001+08:00

Please don't be my rebound.
Please don't be my rebound.
Please don't be my rebound.
Please don't be my rebound.
Please don't be my rebound.

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the wind

2011-03-03T11:39:00.001+08:00

The wind blows ever so gentle
Whispering to my ear
Of hopes and dreams and a
Future to look forward to
Of dashes and sashes
Of hits and the misses.

The wind swirls around me ever so lovingly
Murmuring into my soul
Of love and misplaced hatred
Of death and displaced anger
Of life and unseen hope
Of bright rays streaming through
The clouds.

The wind pushes me back
As i stand atop the cliff
Fighting to drain my sorrow
With aspirations and beliefs
And on it, I fly away.
Amidst white puffy clouds,
And the reassuring warmth of the sun,
and soft melody of harps nearby.

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Italian Proverbs

2011-03-03T00:41:00.000+08:00

I came across this Italian proverb:

"Chi mangia solo crepa solo"

It means: "He who eats alone dies alone".

And so, my death is forecasted by an Italian proverb. I will die alone. That rules out accidents, airplane crashes, boat capsizing, biochemical attack....

If someone tells you you're gonna die alone, do you feel happy or sad?

low profile

2011-03-02T21:16:00.001+08:00

I tried to be low profile at work.
Not be very well-known.
Not know very well.
But it was very very hard.
So I gave up, and tried in school.

But now it's becoming increasingly hard to be low profile.
How to, when you have a debate and various presentations?

And sometimes I have to rein it in.
The impulse to make small talk
To charm the girl beside me.
Or scare her off.
It's like controlling your fart.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it backfires.

And so now I'm trying to find the balance.
To unleash all this bottled-upp chattiness
And friendliness and warmth and concern during work,
And to be cold and composed and quiet in school.

This is going to be hard.

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ray of illumination

2011-03-01T11:40:00.001+08:00

He stumbles in the darkness
He fumbles for the light switch
It isn't there.

He treds cautiously
With prudence
With patience
Towards the door
It isn't there.

He stretches out his hands
For any of the walls
Or for any object to grope
There aren't any.

Then a prick of light.
A ray of hope.
A beam of illumination
Chance of salvation

You don't light up my life.
You're the light in my life.
But the wax is melting fast
And nearing the end
How can the wick still burn
When there is no more wax?

Sizzle and be extinguished.
I need someone distinguished.
Memories relished.

Well, at least there's you.

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and i failed my own test

2011-02-26T17:49:00.001+08:00

And looking back on
The night we spent together
As we laid on the lone bed
I realized i had failed
My own test.

Of control.
Of trust.
From that night on,
I had lost all belief in myself.
In that aspect.

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