Everything but the girl
Ahh yessss, love that smell of freedom. Or is that asphalt I smell instead?
Yup, prelims are done and dusted, 2 and a half weeks of mental torture have finally gone, and I'm glad to report that I didn't suffer from any mysterious anxiety caused stomach/head/backache this time.
Off my head, nothing much of significance really happened, been taking this time to sleep in, read, and ultimately take a breather before the real thing comes along.
Econs s is just an exercise in futility, I was trying to force quotes to make them make sense, which is a very bad thing. Was pondering whether I should come up with a quote myself and attribute it to an economist by the name of John Smith who like Mendel published his work in obscure journals. Was contemplating the name alan smith but sowden would probably have a coronary if he sees the name of Judas reincarnated (to him anyway).
Finished Da Vinci code. I finally join the ranks of the many people who have read this book, and frankly I wonder what's the fuss is about. Sure it was exciting at times, but it got a bit repetive when the main character keeps on having "eureka" moments. He must have had like 7-8 of them in the book. Another thing that bothered me was the sheer length, as most of it was spent doing detective work which didn't really move the story along. I sort of laboured through it, as at times mr brown didn't know what kind of story he wants it to be, a sherlock-holmes type or indiana-jones type.
The first few remarks I heard about this book was its anti-christ theme, and having read how the church has attempted to cover up a lie leads me to wonder a few things. Firstly, how much of the work is real? Places seem real enough, too much intricate detail to be fabricated, it'll be interesting to see what was fact and what was fiction in the book. Another thing which stuck in my mind was Mr Tan, normally a mild-mannered person, had strongly said that the contents of the book was false. It seems that the content did strike a nerve, but I would think it is hardly damaging. Personally, I have nothing against the christian faith, I believe as a whole, it promotes good moral behaviour, but it is undeniable that its past is tainted somewhat. Nevertheless, so what if christianity is based on a lie? Lots of other things are. It just so happens to be the biggest one ever. Anyway, I wouldn't go so far as to pigeon hole every christian to be a bible-thumping evangelist. They come in shapes and sizes.
On a more earthly issue, on the day I was scoring a hat trick of U essays for econs s, wayne rooney, still 18, scores a hat trick of stupendous goals, a left foot lash to the back of the net, a feint and a right footed daisy cutter, before a free kick that brought back memories of a certain mr david beckham. I wished I watched the live match. I would have cried my eyes out with tears of joy and woke up the whole estate with my shouts. 6-2. The last time Man Utd was on the right end of that scoreline was when they shot the magpies down in their own nest, with scholes netting a hattrick too. The only I can complain about was the defence going to sleep twice, letting in 2 goals of the silliest quality. But otherwise, it was a great performance, made even better by a superb player. Think about this. Guys his age (which is also my age) get nervous when asking a girl out or taking an exam, but in front of a stadium 67 000 fans, you score a hat trick with nonchalence, like it was a kick about in the park with your mates. Now, I DARE anyone to write Manchester United off.
Ruud, rooney, ronaldo, roy and rio. The stuff of dreams, ironically in the Theatre of Dreams. Rio holding the fort, roy snapping at the heels of the opposition, giggs and ronaldo giving fullbacks twisted blood, ruud and rooney making defences piss in their pants, plus a very strong squad, I do think we stand a good chance this season. And hopefully it'll be a throwback to those good old days of free-flowing Manchester United football, exciting, incisive and devastating.
Haha, jimmy just asked me about my nick, which is the same as the title of this post. Oh well, at least I have "everything" right? The girl can come later...
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Up close and very personal
Wrote this to help my CT write my testimonial, and rather than let it rot in my hard drive, might as well put it out here and let people read. As honest as it gets. Haha maybe after reading you can write me a testimonial on friendster. (*hint I'm not that desperate hint*)
Ng Zhao Yang 2SO3E
1) List 5 adjectives that best describe you.
Easy-going, passionate, meticulous, analytical, affable
2) Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths: Tries to come up with different solutions to problems, will always strive for the best possible solution, but still willing to compromise for the group.
Weaknesses: Lazy at times and tends to suffer no fools. Not very tactful either, says things before thinking.
3) Personal mission statement
"Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly, the ill deeds, along with the good, may I be judged accordingly. The rest... is silence."
4) Subjects I like
Economics. Being the subject that is most relevant to my life now, I can relate to it well and use concepts learned in everyday life. Furthermore money is the new religion of the modern economy therefore as a student it helps me have a grasp on what is happening in the world, where money is a very important concern. In addition, the concepts in economics can be challenged and have a human angle, which is similar to my first love law, and it lacks the dryness and absolute-ness of science, where everything is more or less cold hard fact and I just have to accept it.
5) Hobbies
I like reading and writing, but my major writing projects tend to fall through halfway thanks to either writer’s block or lack of time. I also play computer games. Now and then I’ll play football and basketball with friends, or go swimming in my estate’s pool. I rarely watch television save for live televised football matches and played the guitar very rarely. I also have an interest in japanese animation and japanese culture. Also in possession is an almost obsessive liking for the cartoon Transformers, to the point of imaging how cars on the street would look like if they could transform.
6) Challenges over the past 2 years
Personally, I think in my first year I tried to do a lot and found myself with little sleep and a lot of stress at times. I wanted to experience as much as I could as I believed each experience is a learning experience. In the end, I helped out in many areas and aspects, be it in my 4 CCAs or at home. Part of the learning experience was also the independent way of studying required for JC, as you are basically left alone to fend for yourself. Sometimes I would devote all my time to other things and neglect my studies, but in the end I struck a balance and learned to take only as much as I can handle.
7) 3 things I value in life
Family: 2 parents 3 siblings plus various relatives, when everything goes against you at least they’ll be there for you
Friends: No man is an island, we are all social animals and we need friends. Peers, for better or worse, are important in a young person’s life
A (warped) sense of humor: Otherwise, everything would be too dull
8) Course I wish to pursue
I wish to pursue law, specifically biomedical or biotechnological law, as I have interest in both biology and law. It is my belief that these two subjects are the most dynamic subjects today, new laws are being set everyday and we have only started to scratch the surface of biotechnology. I hope that once I graduate I can be the forefront of such changes. In addition, I feel that law suits my outspoken and analytical persona, as I have been actively reading about law ever since I was exposed to it in secondary 2.
I wish to study law, in order of preference, England, Australia then Singapore. I hope to be able to experience the English way of life and by living overseas learn to be independent. Undecided at the moment about the choice of which university, but veering towards the University of Nottingham.
9) CCAs
Fencing:
I started fencing slightly later than the rest, as I had joined the CCA later. However, I soon got the hang of the skills necessary and made great strides quickly. I have a good attendance record, despite having to juggle various other CCAs. I would participate actively in the trainings, working hard under the coaches to learn the skills. Although I was not from a sport CCA before so I was unfamiliar with the concept of a sport CCA, but eventually I got the hang of it.
I attended the various camps and clinics organised. Although I didn’t hold a leadership position in fencing due to commitments in other CCAs, I still actively helped to carry out the activities, even though I did not help in the actual planning process itself. I helped out in a fencing clinic for disadvantaged children, as well as initiating activities in the Fencing camp for the current J1s. I also attended some extra trainings as I was eager to try and improve my skill level.
In competitions, although most of the time we faced up against far superior opposition, we still gave it our best try and gave it all we got.
From my time in fencing, I learned various skills, notably, determination to practise hard to master the techniques; teamwork in order to work well with my teammates in team matches; time management to juggle between studies and CCA; leadership as sometimes I had to lead my friends in stretching and drills. In addition, I enjoyed the camaraderie of my club mates, and I shall take away fond memories of my time in fencing. Given a chance in the future I would want to pursue fencing again.
Events Organised / Participated In
Pesta Sukan Team Championships 2003
Raffles Invitational 2003
Novices Fencing Championships 2004
Singapore Junior Fencing Championships 2004
Schools Invitational Championships 2004 (Div A)
Fencing Singapore International 2004
1 Clinic for welfare youths (9th Sept 2003)
School Clinic Camp for current J2s
Camp for current J1s
Scouting:
Ng Zhao Yang was a member of 01 Raffles Scout Group from 2000 to 2003. He was a volunteer leader with the Group during his first Junior College Year in 2003.
Ng Zhao Yang served in the Group Council of 2003, a council dedicated to the direct administration of the Group’s scouting programme, serving his council position as Venture Vice Chairman. Zhao Yang executed his duties with pride and dedication. He was in charge of the matters involving the Venture Troop consisting of Secondary 4 students, namely their pursuits of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA). The ultimate goal was to train them to take on the mantel of Group leadership in the Group Council the following year. His efforts together with Lee Wen Jun Edwin the Venture Chairman were rewarded when the Venture Troop was awarded the Frank Sands Award Silver. Despite having no portfolio in 2004, Zhao Yang still occasionally helps out, drawing upon his experiences to educate the younger Scouts, and has provided advice on matters concerning the new Council before.
Zhao Yang was not confined only to his portfolio, as he played his part in helping the running of the activities of the Scout Unit as well. Despite facing disruptions due to the SARS outbreak, the Group Council organised a diverse range of activities for the Scout Unit, ranging from Scout skills-based sessions held in school to outdoor orienteering exercises and night hikes, ensuring that the Scouts are well equipped to handle life’s challenges, true to the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared”. This ten men team also organised a Community Involvement Project, a Campfire as well as four camps over the course of 2003. Through their efforts, they fostered group spirit and camaraderie. Zhao Yang was instrumental in the successful running of the aforementioned activities.
During his time as the Venture Vice Chairman, Zhao Yang displayed maturity in thought and action to communicate and work well with charges only a year younger than himself. He won their respect and trust with his affable personality, but was tough when important decisions had to be made.
Zhao Yang also actively seeks to improve himself, and his efforts saw fruition as he was awarded with the Venture Scout Standard.
Despite having to juggle other commitments in the form of other co-curricular-activities and his studies in college, he still always found time to attend to his charges’ welfare. A vocal person, he frequently contributes ideas to Group Council discussions, but is also able to know when to put aside personal beliefs to stand by the Council consensus. Zhao Yang is also a situational leader, able to think on his feet and react in a decisive manner to all sorts of problems that may crop up. He carries out his duties in a responsible manner, always meticulous and making sure that everything would run smoothly when executed.
A person who exudes confidence, is passionate about what he does and works determinedly to attain his goals, Zhao Yang has a bright future ahead of him, which would see him being an influential figure in any organisation he goes to eventually, impacting the lives of those he meets.
Raffles Faction:
As a member of Raffles Faction, I played a part in many school based projects, like Open House and Faculty Initiation. In addition, I also helped organise faculty based events, and helped foster friendship and togetherness within the medicine faculty. Although it was hard going at first as we were a relatively new organisation without a clear goal, in the end we managed to find a purpose for ourselves and worked towards achieving it. Through my experiences in Faction, I have learnt that bravado does not get anything done, one must still go through the proper channels in order to get something done. I also learnt that the seemingly impossible task of motivating a large number of incredulous 18 year olds who deem school events as dumb is not that impossible at all. All you need is a thick skin, mega watt smile and sincere words. Not all will sway your way, but those that do, at least that’s worth it.
Rafflesian Outlook:
My interest in writng brought me to Outlook, where I was the vice-chairman. On hindsight, the job required me to do more than what I had expected, I thought all I had to do was to write and write, but I ended up doing interviews, organising layouts for the magazine itself, coordinating between the photography club to take the necessary photos etc. It required my organisational skills to ensure everything ran smoothly. Also with our club’s small size and infrequent meetings, it was hard to pass information along easily and we also had to sort out that problem, which we did using a message group. My time in outlook, although short, was fruitful as I picked up useful skills such as discipline in meeting datelines and working with a small team.
10) Scholarship
Honestly, I hope to get any scholarship that can help me study law in the UK. I am currently looking at the PSC scholarship, but there is a sad lack of scholarships for prospective law students
Wrote this to help my CT write my testimonial, and rather than let it rot in my hard drive, might as well put it out here and let people read. As honest as it gets. Haha maybe after reading you can write me a testimonial on friendster. (*hint I'm not that desperate hint*)
Ng Zhao Yang 2SO3E
1) List 5 adjectives that best describe you.
Easy-going, passionate, meticulous, analytical, affable
2) Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths: Tries to come up with different solutions to problems, will always strive for the best possible solution, but still willing to compromise for the group.
Weaknesses: Lazy at times and tends to suffer no fools. Not very tactful either, says things before thinking.
3) Personal mission statement
"Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly, the ill deeds, along with the good, may I be judged accordingly. The rest... is silence."
4) Subjects I like
Economics. Being the subject that is most relevant to my life now, I can relate to it well and use concepts learned in everyday life. Furthermore money is the new religion of the modern economy therefore as a student it helps me have a grasp on what is happening in the world, where money is a very important concern. In addition, the concepts in economics can be challenged and have a human angle, which is similar to my first love law, and it lacks the dryness and absolute-ness of science, where everything is more or less cold hard fact and I just have to accept it.
5) Hobbies
I like reading and writing, but my major writing projects tend to fall through halfway thanks to either writer’s block or lack of time. I also play computer games. Now and then I’ll play football and basketball with friends, or go swimming in my estate’s pool. I rarely watch television save for live televised football matches and played the guitar very rarely. I also have an interest in japanese animation and japanese culture. Also in possession is an almost obsessive liking for the cartoon Transformers, to the point of imaging how cars on the street would look like if they could transform.
6) Challenges over the past 2 years
Personally, I think in my first year I tried to do a lot and found myself with little sleep and a lot of stress at times. I wanted to experience as much as I could as I believed each experience is a learning experience. In the end, I helped out in many areas and aspects, be it in my 4 CCAs or at home. Part of the learning experience was also the independent way of studying required for JC, as you are basically left alone to fend for yourself. Sometimes I would devote all my time to other things and neglect my studies, but in the end I struck a balance and learned to take only as much as I can handle.
7) 3 things I value in life
Family: 2 parents 3 siblings plus various relatives, when everything goes against you at least they’ll be there for you
Friends: No man is an island, we are all social animals and we need friends. Peers, for better or worse, are important in a young person’s life
A (warped) sense of humor: Otherwise, everything would be too dull
8) Course I wish to pursue
I wish to pursue law, specifically biomedical or biotechnological law, as I have interest in both biology and law. It is my belief that these two subjects are the most dynamic subjects today, new laws are being set everyday and we have only started to scratch the surface of biotechnology. I hope that once I graduate I can be the forefront of such changes. In addition, I feel that law suits my outspoken and analytical persona, as I have been actively reading about law ever since I was exposed to it in secondary 2.
I wish to study law, in order of preference, England, Australia then Singapore. I hope to be able to experience the English way of life and by living overseas learn to be independent. Undecided at the moment about the choice of which university, but veering towards the University of Nottingham.
9) CCAs
Fencing:
I started fencing slightly later than the rest, as I had joined the CCA later. However, I soon got the hang of the skills necessary and made great strides quickly. I have a good attendance record, despite having to juggle various other CCAs. I would participate actively in the trainings, working hard under the coaches to learn the skills. Although I was not from a sport CCA before so I was unfamiliar with the concept of a sport CCA, but eventually I got the hang of it.
I attended the various camps and clinics organised. Although I didn’t hold a leadership position in fencing due to commitments in other CCAs, I still actively helped to carry out the activities, even though I did not help in the actual planning process itself. I helped out in a fencing clinic for disadvantaged children, as well as initiating activities in the Fencing camp for the current J1s. I also attended some extra trainings as I was eager to try and improve my skill level.
In competitions, although most of the time we faced up against far superior opposition, we still gave it our best try and gave it all we got.
From my time in fencing, I learned various skills, notably, determination to practise hard to master the techniques; teamwork in order to work well with my teammates in team matches; time management to juggle between studies and CCA; leadership as sometimes I had to lead my friends in stretching and drills. In addition, I enjoyed the camaraderie of my club mates, and I shall take away fond memories of my time in fencing. Given a chance in the future I would want to pursue fencing again.
Events Organised / Participated In
Pesta Sukan Team Championships 2003
Raffles Invitational 2003
Novices Fencing Championships 2004
Singapore Junior Fencing Championships 2004
Schools Invitational Championships 2004 (Div A)
Fencing Singapore International 2004
1 Clinic for welfare youths (9th Sept 2003)
School Clinic Camp for current J2s
Camp for current J1s
Scouting:
Ng Zhao Yang was a member of 01 Raffles Scout Group from 2000 to 2003. He was a volunteer leader with the Group during his first Junior College Year in 2003.
Ng Zhao Yang served in the Group Council of 2003, a council dedicated to the direct administration of the Group’s scouting programme, serving his council position as Venture Vice Chairman. Zhao Yang executed his duties with pride and dedication. He was in charge of the matters involving the Venture Troop consisting of Secondary 4 students, namely their pursuits of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA). The ultimate goal was to train them to take on the mantel of Group leadership in the Group Council the following year. His efforts together with Lee Wen Jun Edwin the Venture Chairman were rewarded when the Venture Troop was awarded the Frank Sands Award Silver. Despite having no portfolio in 2004, Zhao Yang still occasionally helps out, drawing upon his experiences to educate the younger Scouts, and has provided advice on matters concerning the new Council before.
Zhao Yang was not confined only to his portfolio, as he played his part in helping the running of the activities of the Scout Unit as well. Despite facing disruptions due to the SARS outbreak, the Group Council organised a diverse range of activities for the Scout Unit, ranging from Scout skills-based sessions held in school to outdoor orienteering exercises and night hikes, ensuring that the Scouts are well equipped to handle life’s challenges, true to the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared”. This ten men team also organised a Community Involvement Project, a Campfire as well as four camps over the course of 2003. Through their efforts, they fostered group spirit and camaraderie. Zhao Yang was instrumental in the successful running of the aforementioned activities.
During his time as the Venture Vice Chairman, Zhao Yang displayed maturity in thought and action to communicate and work well with charges only a year younger than himself. He won their respect and trust with his affable personality, but was tough when important decisions had to be made.
Zhao Yang also actively seeks to improve himself, and his efforts saw fruition as he was awarded with the Venture Scout Standard.
Despite having to juggle other commitments in the form of other co-curricular-activities and his studies in college, he still always found time to attend to his charges’ welfare. A vocal person, he frequently contributes ideas to Group Council discussions, but is also able to know when to put aside personal beliefs to stand by the Council consensus. Zhao Yang is also a situational leader, able to think on his feet and react in a decisive manner to all sorts of problems that may crop up. He carries out his duties in a responsible manner, always meticulous and making sure that everything would run smoothly when executed.
A person who exudes confidence, is passionate about what he does and works determinedly to attain his goals, Zhao Yang has a bright future ahead of him, which would see him being an influential figure in any organisation he goes to eventually, impacting the lives of those he meets.
Raffles Faction:
As a member of Raffles Faction, I played a part in many school based projects, like Open House and Faculty Initiation. In addition, I also helped organise faculty based events, and helped foster friendship and togetherness within the medicine faculty. Although it was hard going at first as we were a relatively new organisation without a clear goal, in the end we managed to find a purpose for ourselves and worked towards achieving it. Through my experiences in Faction, I have learnt that bravado does not get anything done, one must still go through the proper channels in order to get something done. I also learnt that the seemingly impossible task of motivating a large number of incredulous 18 year olds who deem school events as dumb is not that impossible at all. All you need is a thick skin, mega watt smile and sincere words. Not all will sway your way, but those that do, at least that’s worth it.
Rafflesian Outlook:
My interest in writng brought me to Outlook, where I was the vice-chairman. On hindsight, the job required me to do more than what I had expected, I thought all I had to do was to write and write, but I ended up doing interviews, organising layouts for the magazine itself, coordinating between the photography club to take the necessary photos etc. It required my organisational skills to ensure everything ran smoothly. Also with our club’s small size and infrequent meetings, it was hard to pass information along easily and we also had to sort out that problem, which we did using a message group. My time in outlook, although short, was fruitful as I picked up useful skills such as discipline in meeting datelines and working with a small team.
10) Scholarship
Honestly, I hope to get any scholarship that can help me study law in the UK. I am currently looking at the PSC scholarship, but there is a sad lack of scholarships for prospective law students
Soqed Hezi
Strangely enough, my much-maligned and misunderstood alias has never made an appearance on my blog. In the jewish bible it's the name of the Angel of the Sword, i gleaned it off an evangelion fanfiction website, and it has since been mispronounced and massacred by many others. My favourite, "Socketed Hazy" thanks to the Diablo 2 craze in sec 4.
Catching up on beloved sleep nowadays, to the point I'm still alert close to 1 am. Murphy's law at work. Still need to get started for Econs S as well. Why isn't there like "The definative guide to studying for Economics S level" on the market, the physics people have this large black book with green lettering on the front that's like their physics s bible. And the best part is I don't have the slightest idea how to go about studying for it. Jolly. Shall figure it out somehow. Don't want sowden to give me a sneering look when he returns me my paper.
Otherwise, it's a rather relaxing time for me. Watched Kid's central, someone please lend me gundam seed cds, am starting to have an interest in it. My weakeness for giant robots is showing again. In any case, it's still a generic only-pilot-is-a-kid-who-doesn't-want-to-fight anime. Been that done that a long time ago, with eveangelion and a host of other animes. At least the male lead is not as whiny as shinji and he has girls actively after him. And hopefully he doesn't go bezerker and kill everyone eventually.
Hmm LaU asked me a question yesterday, and I never got to answer it. "What really goes on in your mind zhaoyang?" Sometimes I wonder too. Sometimes I'm so sure of myself, so sure of what I'm doing, so in my element that I feel like I'm invincible. Then on other days I feel so swamped by things and elements unknown that I just feel so overwhelmed and frustrated, even if these things wouldn't have bothered another person for one second.
Good enough answer? At least that's what I think.
On a final sidenote, I really miss fencing, on many levels, fitness wise, challenge wise, and company wise. Seeing my foil lying forlornly in a corner of my studyroom collecting dust is a real sad sight to behold.
Good luck to all those taking S papers!
Strangely enough, my much-maligned and misunderstood alias has never made an appearance on my blog. In the jewish bible it's the name of the Angel of the Sword, i gleaned it off an evangelion fanfiction website, and it has since been mispronounced and massacred by many others. My favourite, "Socketed Hazy" thanks to the Diablo 2 craze in sec 4.
Catching up on beloved sleep nowadays, to the point I'm still alert close to 1 am. Murphy's law at work. Still need to get started for Econs S as well. Why isn't there like "The definative guide to studying for Economics S level" on the market, the physics people have this large black book with green lettering on the front that's like their physics s bible. And the best part is I don't have the slightest idea how to go about studying for it. Jolly. Shall figure it out somehow. Don't want sowden to give me a sneering look when he returns me my paper.
Otherwise, it's a rather relaxing time for me. Watched Kid's central, someone please lend me gundam seed cds, am starting to have an interest in it. My weakeness for giant robots is showing again. In any case, it's still a generic only-pilot-is-a-kid-who-doesn't-want-to-fight anime. Been that done that a long time ago, with eveangelion and a host of other animes. At least the male lead is not as whiny as shinji and he has girls actively after him. And hopefully he doesn't go bezerker and kill everyone eventually.
Hmm LaU asked me a question yesterday, and I never got to answer it. "What really goes on in your mind zhaoyang?" Sometimes I wonder too. Sometimes I'm so sure of myself, so sure of what I'm doing, so in my element that I feel like I'm invincible. Then on other days I feel so swamped by things and elements unknown that I just feel so overwhelmed and frustrated, even if these things wouldn't have bothered another person for one second.
Good enough answer? At least that's what I think.
On a final sidenote, I really miss fencing, on many levels, fitness wise, challenge wise, and company wise. Seeing my foil lying forlornly in a corner of my studyroom collecting dust is a real sad sight to behold.
Good luck to all those taking S papers!
Saturday, September 25, 2004
All that one needs
Well well, it's the sign of the changing times that I am actually blogging in the afternoon, instead of studying or sleeping while studying. Yeah, it's the end of the A level prelims, still I got my Econs S paper but that's for later. Much later.
Friday was quite the enjoyable day, with various interesting experiences interspaced with many guys moments. It started with me waking up feeling still a bit zonky, thanks to me staying up late to watch OC. Struggled to school and to stay awake somewhat, in between reading my notes and taking a few cat naps here and there to try and raise my attention levels.
Bio paper 1 was quite easy, but I made one really careless mistake. Argh. Hopefully this paper pushes my Bio grade up. Felt very glad for it to be psuedo over, as the 2 weeks had taken its toll on me. Inexplicable aches and what nots didn't really help me.
Took the train with mogilan to dhoby ghaut, and argued with him whether there is a need to understand the why of everything. A longer elaboration another time. Anyway we got there and saw no one, but js murugan and kenneth came just behind us. The rest joined up later at different times. We got over to paradiz and ate macs for lunch, and that was the start of my money begging to mogilan, as I forgot to top up my wallet before leaving home.
Quote of the lunchhour:
"It's based on a true story right?" Js, refering to the Terminal when everyone else was talking about dodgeball. LaU started to tell us about Valerie, which I am damm convinced is fabian in disguise.
And yes, the whole of yesterday was punctuated with dodgeball jokes, which I could not understand nor appreciate.
Lunch done, we began to LAN. An attempt of battlefield vietnam was aborted soon after, as it was too laggy and boring. We switched to the original battlefield, and kenneth created a server where the bots outnumber us by 10 to 1. But it was really, in truth no kick at all. Plus somehow we didn't really get that many bots. In the end, kenneth decided to go for the jugular and changed the ratio to 100 to 1, and started laughing madly and shouting "Song bo? No kick right? Now sure got kick!" as he pointed at the tactical map, with the numerous blue dots compared to the measly few red dots we had.
Now, that's what I call fun. When you throw your grenade you can kill up to about 7 bots at one go. And they started to try and fly (and crash) the planes again. Finally figured out how to drive the tank properly.
CS was next, and we tried out the new features of 1.6, namely the tactical shield for the CTs. It's amusing to see 4 CTs charging up the italy tunnel with the shields. I shotgunned my way around. This time got less drama, no one headshoted himself with his own grenade, or flash his own teammates. Or maybe I should say I wasn't on fabian team that's why.
3 hours and $5 dollars later, we trekked over to HMV to kill time, saw DC and his gf(?). Anyway we harassed him for a while, before letting him be.
At HMV saw cheryl, went in to talk to her for a while. The rest were playing finger games and trying to contact edwin. Then he did show up, and we flashed lenty of thumb-ups.
In the end we came to a consenssus (after threatening to keep on forming horseshoes around me), to got to suntec for dinner. Along the way, as I was already quite tired due to lack of sleep and my heavy bag of bio stuff I started to whine, the other DC style, much to kenneth's chagrin, who then threatened me with the "umbrella". We slacked at esplanade, under the stern glare of a security guard there. Brandon had to leave for Lingli's birthday party, and sufficiently rested we hit suntec foodcourt for dinner. Following which mogilan told us about this quiet place in suntec where we can just sit and talk cock, and led us to the sky garden.
Well, if you never been there before, DON'T go there unless you're with your other half. I think we unwittingly passed by 9-12 couples making out under the dim lights.
Gosh. We couldn't really find a spot devoid of them, so we just sat on the floor, as far away from them as possible.
My eyes were hurting due to my contacts, and fabian's unfunny jokes were not really helping. On another day I would have laughed but not yesterday. Edwin had joined us for dinner and they were grilling him.
The I saw it. I couldn't really believe it at first, as my eyes were quite blurry, but I asked edwin and mogilan if what I saw was correct, and they confirmed it.
In truth I don't quite know what to make of it. In any case, it's something I found a tad disturbing.
Yeah, maybe towards the end of the day I was not quite myself, but yeah I had fun. Maybe, just maybe, like mogilan said, why waste yourself looking for that one love, when all you need is the company of friends?
Well well, it's the sign of the changing times that I am actually blogging in the afternoon, instead of studying or sleeping while studying. Yeah, it's the end of the A level prelims, still I got my Econs S paper but that's for later. Much later.
Friday was quite the enjoyable day, with various interesting experiences interspaced with many guys moments. It started with me waking up feeling still a bit zonky, thanks to me staying up late to watch OC. Struggled to school and to stay awake somewhat, in between reading my notes and taking a few cat naps here and there to try and raise my attention levels.
Bio paper 1 was quite easy, but I made one really careless mistake. Argh. Hopefully this paper pushes my Bio grade up. Felt very glad for it to be psuedo over, as the 2 weeks had taken its toll on me. Inexplicable aches and what nots didn't really help me.
Took the train with mogilan to dhoby ghaut, and argued with him whether there is a need to understand the why of everything. A longer elaboration another time. Anyway we got there and saw no one, but js murugan and kenneth came just behind us. The rest joined up later at different times. We got over to paradiz and ate macs for lunch, and that was the start of my money begging to mogilan, as I forgot to top up my wallet before leaving home.
Quote of the lunchhour:
"It's based on a true story right?" Js, refering to the Terminal when everyone else was talking about dodgeball. LaU started to tell us about Valerie, which I am damm convinced is fabian in disguise.
And yes, the whole of yesterday was punctuated with dodgeball jokes, which I could not understand nor appreciate.
Lunch done, we began to LAN. An attempt of battlefield vietnam was aborted soon after, as it was too laggy and boring. We switched to the original battlefield, and kenneth created a server where the bots outnumber us by 10 to 1. But it was really, in truth no kick at all. Plus somehow we didn't really get that many bots. In the end, kenneth decided to go for the jugular and changed the ratio to 100 to 1, and started laughing madly and shouting "Song bo? No kick right? Now sure got kick!" as he pointed at the tactical map, with the numerous blue dots compared to the measly few red dots we had.
Now, that's what I call fun. When you throw your grenade you can kill up to about 7 bots at one go. And they started to try and fly (and crash) the planes again. Finally figured out how to drive the tank properly.
CS was next, and we tried out the new features of 1.6, namely the tactical shield for the CTs. It's amusing to see 4 CTs charging up the italy tunnel with the shields. I shotgunned my way around. This time got less drama, no one headshoted himself with his own grenade, or flash his own teammates. Or maybe I should say I wasn't on fabian team that's why.
3 hours and $5 dollars later, we trekked over to HMV to kill time, saw DC and his gf(?). Anyway we harassed him for a while, before letting him be.
At HMV saw cheryl, went in to talk to her for a while. The rest were playing finger games and trying to contact edwin. Then he did show up, and we flashed lenty of thumb-ups.
In the end we came to a consenssus (after threatening to keep on forming horseshoes around me), to got to suntec for dinner. Along the way, as I was already quite tired due to lack of sleep and my heavy bag of bio stuff I started to whine, the other DC style, much to kenneth's chagrin, who then threatened me with the "umbrella". We slacked at esplanade, under the stern glare of a security guard there. Brandon had to leave for Lingli's birthday party, and sufficiently rested we hit suntec foodcourt for dinner. Following which mogilan told us about this quiet place in suntec where we can just sit and talk cock, and led us to the sky garden.
Well, if you never been there before, DON'T go there unless you're with your other half. I think we unwittingly passed by 9-12 couples making out under the dim lights.
Gosh. We couldn't really find a spot devoid of them, so we just sat on the floor, as far away from them as possible.
My eyes were hurting due to my contacts, and fabian's unfunny jokes were not really helping. On another day I would have laughed but not yesterday. Edwin had joined us for dinner and they were grilling him.
The I saw it. I couldn't really believe it at first, as my eyes were quite blurry, but I asked edwin and mogilan if what I saw was correct, and they confirmed it.
In truth I don't quite know what to make of it. In any case, it's something I found a tad disturbing.
Yeah, maybe towards the end of the day I was not quite myself, but yeah I had fun. Maybe, just maybe, like mogilan said, why waste yourself looking for that one love, when all you need is the company of friends?
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
The Lazarus Effect
Almost there. 2 more subjects left. Chem was quite harrowing, especially for paper 1, you need to do so much for just 1 measly mark. Maths was interesting as well, as the questions were not the run-of-the-mill type and required me to think a bit further.
I'll be glad once all this is over. But till then, still need to stay focused. At least I get a bit of respite for tommorrow.
Hmmm, wonder what to write here. Oh Silvestre uses his head to good effect and vanquishes the Reds. Rio's return is somewhat like the Lazarus effect, I hope his return would bring back the days when Man United played great football that brought a lot of joy to me.
Overplayed songs on the radio
1) She will be loved
2) My happy ending
3) the reason
I beseech the radio stations to not overplay songs, so much so I am almost sick of she will be loved, which is a beautifu song which is chock-full of meaning. To think that I thought it was the weakest song of the album, going on from Shiver to Tangled immediately.
Media merger = media death. It's back to shitty standards of programming again, it is really a case of how low can they go...
Seems that more people are tagging now. Yeah just tag if you like what i write here, if you don't well we just differ in opinions.
Late at night again. Decided to put off the econs mcqs for now, until tommorrow at least. Realised that, my mind, without work to occupy it, started to wander off to something I thought I had forsaken.
The evils of an idle mind.
Hmm I think I shall post something more interesting next time, after the prelims.
Almost there. 2 more subjects left. Chem was quite harrowing, especially for paper 1, you need to do so much for just 1 measly mark. Maths was interesting as well, as the questions were not the run-of-the-mill type and required me to think a bit further.
I'll be glad once all this is over. But till then, still need to stay focused. At least I get a bit of respite for tommorrow.
Hmmm, wonder what to write here. Oh Silvestre uses his head to good effect and vanquishes the Reds. Rio's return is somewhat like the Lazarus effect, I hope his return would bring back the days when Man United played great football that brought a lot of joy to me.
Overplayed songs on the radio
1) She will be loved
2) My happy ending
3) the reason
I beseech the radio stations to not overplay songs, so much so I am almost sick of she will be loved, which is a beautifu song which is chock-full of meaning. To think that I thought it was the weakest song of the album, going on from Shiver to Tangled immediately.
Media merger = media death. It's back to shitty standards of programming again, it is really a case of how low can they go...
Seems that more people are tagging now. Yeah just tag if you like what i write here, if you don't well we just differ in opinions.
Late at night again. Decided to put off the econs mcqs for now, until tommorrow at least. Realised that, my mind, without work to occupy it, started to wander off to something I thought I had forsaken.
The evils of an idle mind.
Hmm I think I shall post something more interesting next time, after the prelims.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
I-don't-want-to-tell-you-but-I'll-tell-you-anyway
Let me tell about a syndrome that is named after the title of this post. That is just a shortened name of the syndrome and does not accurately reflect its nature. The real nature would be "I want to tell you something but I don't want to be so direct and tell you so I'll drop hints to make you ask me or somehow shift the conversation towards it so I can tell you." It is believed to have its origin in the times when women would fan themselves slowly and claim it's hot to show off their diamond ring. This is especially so when it concerns matters of the heart or achievements.
This syndrome is accredited to mr nicholas tsao wen jie who has been very perceptive in pointing it out and coining the term for it.
Confused? Here are some examples to illustrate this syndrome.
1) Jake is with his friends studying. Jake then looks at his phone and announces loudly, "Oh shit, I forgot to call Jessie! I promised to go out with her today! No she'll kill me!" Then he waits for his friends to start questioning him about his relationship with Jessie.
2) OR Jake sighs and says "man later still need to go buy new clothes. Need to to meet Mr Nathan for the awarding of my scholarship." and then waits for his friends to ask about it.
3) OR Jake receives an SMS and laughs happily and audibly, then saying "hey look at this... aiyah never mind" Having aroused his friends curiosity, they would badger him for an explanation.
4) OR suddenly, out of the blue, Jake asks, "hey do you think Jessie is pretty?" Then when his bewildered friend replies, and asks him why did he ask that question, he'll just dismis it with a mysterious nothing, before leading his friend on to probe further and then he'll say.
Got a better idea about it? Actually, this syndrome is a good form of conversation starter, but when it gets to more sensitive subjects eg. wealth or achievements they tend to cause resentment in other people who deem it as an indirect way of showing off. Or people would think you're a chronic attention seeker.
Well, I must confess to having fallen prey to it a few times. But hey, it's relatively harmless, and among friends it's fine, as they won't get wrong ideas of you being cocky. Personally, try not to do this so much, but among friends you guys can have a good laugh about it. Besides, by not doing it, there would no longer be conversation for conversation's sake, and life would be so boring.
Reproduced with permission from nicholas tsao.
Are you guilty of this syndrome?
Let me tell about a syndrome that is named after the title of this post. That is just a shortened name of the syndrome and does not accurately reflect its nature. The real nature would be "I want to tell you something but I don't want to be so direct and tell you so I'll drop hints to make you ask me or somehow shift the conversation towards it so I can tell you." It is believed to have its origin in the times when women would fan themselves slowly and claim it's hot to show off their diamond ring. This is especially so when it concerns matters of the heart or achievements.
This syndrome is accredited to mr nicholas tsao wen jie who has been very perceptive in pointing it out and coining the term for it.
Confused? Here are some examples to illustrate this syndrome.
1) Jake is with his friends studying. Jake then looks at his phone and announces loudly, "Oh shit, I forgot to call Jessie! I promised to go out with her today! No she'll kill me!" Then he waits for his friends to start questioning him about his relationship with Jessie.
2) OR Jake sighs and says "man later still need to go buy new clothes. Need to to meet Mr Nathan for the awarding of my scholarship." and then waits for his friends to ask about it.
3) OR Jake receives an SMS and laughs happily and audibly, then saying "hey look at this... aiyah never mind" Having aroused his friends curiosity, they would badger him for an explanation.
4) OR suddenly, out of the blue, Jake asks, "hey do you think Jessie is pretty?" Then when his bewildered friend replies, and asks him why did he ask that question, he'll just dismis it with a mysterious nothing, before leading his friend on to probe further and then he'll say.
Got a better idea about it? Actually, this syndrome is a good form of conversation starter, but when it gets to more sensitive subjects eg. wealth or achievements they tend to cause resentment in other people who deem it as an indirect way of showing off. Or people would think you're a chronic attention seeker.
Well, I must confess to having fallen prey to it a few times. But hey, it's relatively harmless, and among friends it's fine, as they won't get wrong ideas of you being cocky. Personally, try not to do this so much, but among friends you guys can have a good laugh about it. Besides, by not doing it, there would no longer be conversation for conversation's sake, and life would be so boring.
Reproduced with permission from nicholas tsao.
Are you guilty of this syndrome?
Friday, September 17, 2004
Cower in the face of danger
After the maths paper on monday, took the train home with yangqi. Boarding it, I noticed a large cardboard box, waist high, written on its side was "korean ginseng tea". And it was stashed near the clear side of the doors, with no obvious owner in sight.
Well, after being well drilled in knowing when to spot danger, I got a bit jittery, thinking it was a bomb. I nervously told yangqi my suspicions, and he pooh-poohed it immediately and loudly.
In the end, I had to endure my over active imaginations as I envisioned a sudden explosion and a large fireball rushing after me while I try to out run it ala insert-any-action-hero-name-here.
Finally, as I heaved a sigh of relief as I left the train, I hazarded one last glimpse at the box. I saw was that the guy sitting closest to it stood up, inspected it for a while, and then indicated that I was crazy by drawing a circle around his temples.
Well, nothing blew up in the end, right?
After the maths paper on monday, took the train home with yangqi. Boarding it, I noticed a large cardboard box, waist high, written on its side was "korean ginseng tea". And it was stashed near the clear side of the doors, with no obvious owner in sight.
Well, after being well drilled in knowing when to spot danger, I got a bit jittery, thinking it was a bomb. I nervously told yangqi my suspicions, and he pooh-poohed it immediately and loudly.
In the end, I had to endure my over active imaginations as I envisioned a sudden explosion and a large fireball rushing after me while I try to out run it ala insert-any-action-hero-name-here.
Finally, as I heaved a sigh of relief as I left the train, I hazarded one last glimpse at the box. I saw was that the guy sitting closest to it stood up, inspected it for a while, and then indicated that I was crazy by drawing a circle around his temples.
Well, nothing blew up in the end, right?
Occam's Razor
When faced with many solutions to the same problem, choose the simplest one. That's the gist of Occam's razor.
Somehow, as my bored self channel surfed today, I came across this drama serial that had 2 characters telling each other what love actually is. It struck me as their defination was quite simple.
1) If you are scared to talk to the person, yet feel unhappy if he (generic he here) is not around, you'll feel unhappy as well
2) When you're happy, you want to share your happiness with him; when you're sad, you want his shoulder to cry on and for him to comfort you.
3) When you like someone, you want to do things for him to make him happy, as making him happy would make you happy as well
There were others, but they slip my mind. Well, it seems to show that love is actually such a simple thing. Maybe it is just as simple as 2 people who have mutual feelings for each other which are stronger than friendship, who come together, do things together, do things for each other, and admiration will evolve into love, which continues to blossom as they go along life together. A very big maybe then. How's that for simplifying the most complex process or emotion in life into one sentence?
I always say, if life was too easy, the challenge would go out of it. Still, maybe some things are in need of simplification, of keeping other things ceteris paribus while you deal with it. Can we ever do this? The other factors change too fast, and what you do may mess it up more...
Oh well, still a bit affected by the music video for kiss' because I'm a girl. It's about this photographer guy who meets this hairdresser girl and well fall in love, but he leaves a bottle of developing photos liquid uncapped and she accidentally knocks it and it pours into her eyes, blinding her. Blaming himself, he gives his eyes to her as a result loses his career as a photographer. It's very touching, so much so this heartless idiot felt some twang of the heart strings.
What of it? I swear to always cap everything I use from now on. And well, when the right time comes, everything will fall in place.
When faced with many solutions to the same problem, choose the simplest one. That's the gist of Occam's razor.
Somehow, as my bored self channel surfed today, I came across this drama serial that had 2 characters telling each other what love actually is. It struck me as their defination was quite simple.
1) If you are scared to talk to the person, yet feel unhappy if he (generic he here) is not around, you'll feel unhappy as well
2) When you're happy, you want to share your happiness with him; when you're sad, you want his shoulder to cry on and for him to comfort you.
3) When you like someone, you want to do things for him to make him happy, as making him happy would make you happy as well
There were others, but they slip my mind. Well, it seems to show that love is actually such a simple thing. Maybe it is just as simple as 2 people who have mutual feelings for each other which are stronger than friendship, who come together, do things together, do things for each other, and admiration will evolve into love, which continues to blossom as they go along life together. A very big maybe then. How's that for simplifying the most complex process or emotion in life into one sentence?
I always say, if life was too easy, the challenge would go out of it. Still, maybe some things are in need of simplification, of keeping other things ceteris paribus while you deal with it. Can we ever do this? The other factors change too fast, and what you do may mess it up more...
Oh well, still a bit affected by the music video for kiss' because I'm a girl. It's about this photographer guy who meets this hairdresser girl and well fall in love, but he leaves a bottle of developing photos liquid uncapped and she accidentally knocks it and it pours into her eyes, blinding her. Blaming himself, he gives his eyes to her as a result loses his career as a photographer. It's very touching, so much so this heartless idiot felt some twang of the heart strings.
What of it? I swear to always cap everything I use from now on. And well, when the right time comes, everything will fall in place.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Pit stop
Well well, prelims have been fun. Yes fun. Strangely enough, I seem to enjoy having my brain teased by the questions. Maths was doable, now I'm afraid it's too doable that my frequent careless msitakes would condemn me. I got a good feeling about econs essay, having spotted oil and budget deficits. Chem err well, got nervous, forgot formulae, basically to quote joshua "never felt so screwed after a paper before". Bio was ok, but was giving answers off my head as I didn't really touch the topics that came out.
And, chem paper 3 and econs paper 3 on the same day, absoultely no joke. Wrote until my hand ached.
Slept at 10 on tuesday night, as I just couldn't take it anymore as I slept at 1230 the previous night mugging for chem and econs. Set the alarm for 5, didn't wake until ah ma woke me up at 6, thus my plans to study early in the morning went out of the window.
At least I get a break for tommorrow, as I don't take feesixs. Will resume with biotech paper on friday.
Went online and looked at universities. Well, to me, all the Uk universities for law are all about the same, so I really have not my idea which one I want to go...
Hmm, recently I realised that I have cultivated for observing cars on my way home, only in a different way. I'll look at a car, and try to imagine how it would transform if it were a transformer. If I see a subaru I would think Smokescreen, a red sportscar Sideswipe, a yellow car with a hood I think Sunstreaker, a beetle I think Bumblebee. Pity no red semi-trucks though. Anyway I remember how esther commented how nice the BMW Z4 looked, I agreed and said it would make a good transformer. New levels of obession haha.
Speaking of which, I must proclaim that there is god on earth, and his name is Don Allen Figueroa. This guy took every transformer featured in their earthen forms, and redesigned them to give them cybertonian forms for the prequel comic. Everyone of them looks good, with homage to their future forms, plus they all transform. In addition, he can draw the transformers the best of all the comics artists.
On a different note, I shall leave with this quote from catch me if you can.
"Why do the (New York) Yankees always win?"
"It's because the opponents get distracted by the pinstripes."
Go figure.
Well well, prelims have been fun. Yes fun. Strangely enough, I seem to enjoy having my brain teased by the questions. Maths was doable, now I'm afraid it's too doable that my frequent careless msitakes would condemn me. I got a good feeling about econs essay, having spotted oil and budget deficits. Chem err well, got nervous, forgot formulae, basically to quote joshua "never felt so screwed after a paper before". Bio was ok, but was giving answers off my head as I didn't really touch the topics that came out.
And, chem paper 3 and econs paper 3 on the same day, absoultely no joke. Wrote until my hand ached.
Slept at 10 on tuesday night, as I just couldn't take it anymore as I slept at 1230 the previous night mugging for chem and econs. Set the alarm for 5, didn't wake until ah ma woke me up at 6, thus my plans to study early in the morning went out of the window.
At least I get a break for tommorrow, as I don't take feesixs. Will resume with biotech paper on friday.
Went online and looked at universities. Well, to me, all the Uk universities for law are all about the same, so I really have not my idea which one I want to go...
Hmm, recently I realised that I have cultivated for observing cars on my way home, only in a different way. I'll look at a car, and try to imagine how it would transform if it were a transformer. If I see a subaru I would think Smokescreen, a red sportscar Sideswipe, a yellow car with a hood I think Sunstreaker, a beetle I think Bumblebee. Pity no red semi-trucks though. Anyway I remember how esther commented how nice the BMW Z4 looked, I agreed and said it would make a good transformer. New levels of obession haha.
Speaking of which, I must proclaim that there is god on earth, and his name is Don Allen Figueroa. This guy took every transformer featured in their earthen forms, and redesigned them to give them cybertonian forms for the prequel comic. Everyone of them looks good, with homage to their future forms, plus they all transform. In addition, he can draw the transformers the best of all the comics artists.
On a different note, I shall leave with this quote from catch me if you can.
"Why do the (New York) Yankees always win?"
"It's because the opponents get distracted by the pinstripes."
Go figure.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Now what...?
"To see or dream that you are a minister, suggest that you need to be more compassionate and understanding in some situation or relationship. Alternatively, it indicates that you have overstep your boundaries and into another's rights." Courtesy of dreammoods.com.
Ok means I have to retrace what I did on thursday that may fall into this category. Anyway, to all. Let's whack some prelim butt.
And as cheryl/raine has implied, I'm normal. So there.
"To see or dream that you are a minister, suggest that you need to be more compassionate and understanding in some situation or relationship. Alternatively, it indicates that you have overstep your boundaries and into another's rights." Courtesy of dreammoods.com.
Ok means I have to retrace what I did on thursday that may fall into this category. Anyway, to all. Let's whack some prelim butt.
And as cheryl/raine has implied, I'm normal. So there.
Philogynist
Now to the normal stuff. Been a crazy week, where I was out of home more than I was in, school surprisingly is rather conducive for study, if you managed to snag a coveted seat in the library. Mugging with christelle is scary. She's so motivated that you get frightened into studying. No wonder she's a top student. Had a few consultation sessions, with ms lui and mr chan, ms lui was swarmed by her numerous students, so I only managed to squeeze a few questions in. Mr chan is really damm good, man if he was our bio teacher from the start maybe my bio wouldn't be so screwed up now. He's so analytical and explains the concepts well. Spent 2 hours with him going through assorted questions from the 2002 set of papers. He even said idiot once when he got led on a merry wild goose chase doing a genetics question. Of what may have been sigh. I bet his J1 classes want him back badly.
Thursday, went to RI with ed nick and jun seng, ate ban mian again, sans egg, washed down with s-11 ice lemon tea. Tried to some essay outlines, but I dieded midway as my contacts hurt damm badly, a combination of the lens being worn out and the mosquito coil smoke getting into my eyes. The power also went out of us in the den, forcing us outside. In the end, we got bored, started talking a bit crap, before breaking for dinner. Bet edwin that lin jun jie is from SAJC (and won as of today!). Had dinner at J8, then jimmy had to leave for his date with a HC girl.... at the tuition centre, leaving ed and I talking cock till about 8, before I went home. 8 as ed wanted to catch singapore idol on the bus.
Friday, woke up late thanks to a another weird dream. Dreamt that PM Lee gave up his post, and Nick of all people was the stand-in Pm for 2 months. Then it was time to vote for the new PM, and weirdly I was voted to be the next PM. Then all I can remember after that was I had to make a speech in 2 hours, during which i was looking for something, which I don't know. In the end, i woke up even before giving any speech, or finding what I was looking for. Uber-weird. Yet it felt damm real at one point. Unbelievable yet real. Another lucid dream.
Got up, played a bit of warcraft, ate lunch and wne tot be a errand boy. Got egg tarts for al as her birthday was yesterday (9/11), and passed the econs compliation to jane, thanks to ed blabbing. Settled down to do a bit of chem, then elft at about 6.
Saturday, ed and adrian came over to study, I picked up dark designs, wildman's art is bad compared to figueroa's. I think I'm too spoiled by Don's great artwork. Anyway adrian left at about 6 while ed and I had dinner at home, before we started to watch, out of curiosity the channel u talent show. Excuse me as I go wash my eyeballs and ears out with dettol again. I can assure you that feels better than watching them (supposed finalists) give listless performance after listless performance. Ok maybe not. Listless is far too kind. More like totally absymal. Gah.
Oh and are you a philogynist? I think I'm an electic one, at times the subjects in question irritate me, but nonetheless they are still engimatic and capricious creatures that are hard to fathom yet strangely appealing. Just my opinion, dont lynch me.
Prelims, here i come. Ready or not.
Now to the normal stuff. Been a crazy week, where I was out of home more than I was in, school surprisingly is rather conducive for study, if you managed to snag a coveted seat in the library. Mugging with christelle is scary. She's so motivated that you get frightened into studying. No wonder she's a top student. Had a few consultation sessions, with ms lui and mr chan, ms lui was swarmed by her numerous students, so I only managed to squeeze a few questions in. Mr chan is really damm good, man if he was our bio teacher from the start maybe my bio wouldn't be so screwed up now. He's so analytical and explains the concepts well. Spent 2 hours with him going through assorted questions from the 2002 set of papers. He even said idiot once when he got led on a merry wild goose chase doing a genetics question. Of what may have been sigh. I bet his J1 classes want him back badly.
Thursday, went to RI with ed nick and jun seng, ate ban mian again, sans egg, washed down with s-11 ice lemon tea. Tried to some essay outlines, but I dieded midway as my contacts hurt damm badly, a combination of the lens being worn out and the mosquito coil smoke getting into my eyes. The power also went out of us in the den, forcing us outside. In the end, we got bored, started talking a bit crap, before breaking for dinner. Bet edwin that lin jun jie is from SAJC (and won as of today!). Had dinner at J8, then jimmy had to leave for his date with a HC girl.... at the tuition centre, leaving ed and I talking cock till about 8, before I went home. 8 as ed wanted to catch singapore idol on the bus.
Friday, woke up late thanks to a another weird dream. Dreamt that PM Lee gave up his post, and Nick of all people was the stand-in Pm for 2 months. Then it was time to vote for the new PM, and weirdly I was voted to be the next PM. Then all I can remember after that was I had to make a speech in 2 hours, during which i was looking for something, which I don't know. In the end, i woke up even before giving any speech, or finding what I was looking for. Uber-weird. Yet it felt damm real at one point. Unbelievable yet real. Another lucid dream.
Got up, played a bit of warcraft, ate lunch and wne tot be a errand boy. Got egg tarts for al as her birthday was yesterday (9/11), and passed the econs compliation to jane, thanks to ed blabbing. Settled down to do a bit of chem, then elft at about 6.
Saturday, ed and adrian came over to study, I picked up dark designs, wildman's art is bad compared to figueroa's. I think I'm too spoiled by Don's great artwork. Anyway adrian left at about 6 while ed and I had dinner at home, before we started to watch, out of curiosity the channel u talent show. Excuse me as I go wash my eyeballs and ears out with dettol again. I can assure you that feels better than watching them (supposed finalists) give listless performance after listless performance. Ok maybe not. Listless is far too kind. More like totally absymal. Gah.
Oh and are you a philogynist? I think I'm an electic one, at times the subjects in question irritate me, but nonetheless they are still engimatic and capricious creatures that are hard to fathom yet strangely appealing. Just my opinion, dont lynch me.
Prelims, here i come. Ready or not.
Tough love
Ok now I'm just feel with frustration and I just have to blast it all out here so bear with me if you hate angry rants.
1) They. Did. It. Again. I couldn't believe my eyes when i saw the bloody @(*#^%(!#&#!( cock up. What happened to the normally calm silvestre? What happened to the normally unflappable howard? Someone sponsor me a trip to manchester now, I think a few very choice words in hokkien would be able to wake all of them.... Gah....
2) Everything the media in Singapore serves up these days...
a)Why is ananconda the no. 1 movie in Singapore???? Ooh man gets eaten by snake wow! Sheesh. Even in America where I always thought had bad taste at least their no.1 movie is Zhang Yimou's Hero. So again, why spend good money or a show that can be considered campy and stupid at best? If one watches that stuff for entertainment, well all I can say if you want to watch snakes watch the Discovery channel and learn something! Besides snakes are more likely to run away from humans as they have highly sensitive ears and are frightened by the vibrations footsteps make. So not only the movie is just plain stupid (no better word describes it) it puts snakes in a bad light.
b)Now back to familiar territory. Mediacock has done it again. After my last rant, where they brought in my big fat fiance or whatever that show is, I thought they couldn't sink any lower. Well, apparently the ground has a false bottom. Mediacock went and got MORE reality shows, which according to PACE, the programming revisory body, are "morally decadent and teach the wrong values" To that effect anyway. Seriously, who wants to watch shows like who wants to marry my dad? or bacholerette 2000? I really cannot stand it anymore. Mediacock is using prime-time slots to spread such drivel to the population! Most reality TV try to push the envelope with crazier and dumber acts, to the point it just gets disgusting. The only reality programmes to have any sort of credibility are amazing race, which I feel is a true advertisment of how global our world is now, and the idols concept, but only if they celebrate true talent. Anything else is just trash. No other intrinstic value but just to accomodate the lowest common denominator of crass and tasteless. All in the name of entertainment.
In this time and age where reality TV threatens to take over any semblance of prime-time, I think shows like friends are badly needed. Humor that is yes crass at times, yet it doesn't come across as being trashy. Pity it ends its run for forever tommorrow. Maybe Mediacock can try to put better shows earlier for once. If they could do it for charmed, why not for Alias, OC (questionable whether it's a good show) Practice, or CSI? CSI especially, CSI is so engaging and informative that it shoudl deserve a prime-time spot, not shelved away into the bewitching hour. The Pratice I agree should be put back a bit, due to the sensitive nature of the topics they deal with, but not till 12, where no one witll watch.
And once again, I say this. If we as a society, allow such tasteless and degrading programming on to our screens, we will find it hard to progress to become a cultured nation. I appeal to Mediacock, please have some moral integrity, find it within that profit maximising soul of yours to do something about the current sorry state of affairs of the shows in Singapore. And please, as a reader, do not contribute to this trend. Do you really enjoy what you are watching? If not, please, i implore you, turn off that TV, call your siblings together, blow the dust off that scrabble board, and play a game. Not only does it sitmulate the mind, it builds family bonds, something the goggle box can never do.
At this point, I would like to say yet again I'm no snob. I understand there is some value, however disgusting it is, to such shows. My point is, these shows are not worth showing on TV, neither are they watching. I hope by saying so much it'll make people understand that such shows should not be watched a lot or at all. Neither can I say what type of shows are better. But all I know is, such shows are definately not worth you wasting your time on.
c)Someone please tell me why is a certain william hung on ou friendly shores? All I know he has made the asian male the biggest joke in the west, embarrased himself and the whole chinese population. And he's here, on our fair island. Well, I blame those who actually brought him here in the first place. One word: profiteering. Cashing in on a freakshow. And to those who, higher being forbid, *shudder* who actually LIKE him apart from his parents, and actually bought his album, well, I'm speechless. Who can actually like him? Sure like any one-trick pony he was interesting for a while but he most definately outlasted his 15 seconds of fame. And now, they made hima judge of a talent contest! Granted the talent contest was half-baked to begin with, but again what does it mean to our society? That a screw-up who cannot dance or sing properly is qualified enough to be a judge in our fair island? Well if that's the case I'm qualified to be the next prime minister. And waht message does it send to our potential talent? That all of you are so screwed-up that even william hung is better than you that's why he's in a judge's seat. And call a spade a spade. He's not some star, he's just a joke that refuses to go away, one that outstays its welcome. Sure he has his "i tried my best and nothing else matters" crap but that nice enduring human characteristic is now gone forever. All I see is a misguided young man with delusions of popularity. William, if you do read this, for the love of any higher being you believe in, the world is laughing AT you, not WITH you. You're the joke.
Ok, feels better to get all that out of my system. Any opinions please use the tagboard.
Ok now I'm just feel with frustration and I just have to blast it all out here so bear with me if you hate angry rants.
1) They. Did. It. Again. I couldn't believe my eyes when i saw the bloody @(*#^%(!#&#!( cock up. What happened to the normally calm silvestre? What happened to the normally unflappable howard? Someone sponsor me a trip to manchester now, I think a few very choice words in hokkien would be able to wake all of them.... Gah....
2) Everything the media in Singapore serves up these days...
a)Why is ananconda the no. 1 movie in Singapore???? Ooh man gets eaten by snake wow! Sheesh. Even in America where I always thought had bad taste at least their no.1 movie is Zhang Yimou's Hero. So again, why spend good money or a show that can be considered campy and stupid at best? If one watches that stuff for entertainment, well all I can say if you want to watch snakes watch the Discovery channel and learn something! Besides snakes are more likely to run away from humans as they have highly sensitive ears and are frightened by the vibrations footsteps make. So not only the movie is just plain stupid (no better word describes it) it puts snakes in a bad light.
b)Now back to familiar territory. Mediacock has done it again. After my last rant, where they brought in my big fat fiance or whatever that show is, I thought they couldn't sink any lower. Well, apparently the ground has a false bottom. Mediacock went and got MORE reality shows, which according to PACE, the programming revisory body, are "morally decadent and teach the wrong values" To that effect anyway. Seriously, who wants to watch shows like who wants to marry my dad? or bacholerette 2000? I really cannot stand it anymore. Mediacock is using prime-time slots to spread such drivel to the population! Most reality TV try to push the envelope with crazier and dumber acts, to the point it just gets disgusting. The only reality programmes to have any sort of credibility are amazing race, which I feel is a true advertisment of how global our world is now, and the idols concept, but only if they celebrate true talent. Anything else is just trash. No other intrinstic value but just to accomodate the lowest common denominator of crass and tasteless. All in the name of entertainment.
In this time and age where reality TV threatens to take over any semblance of prime-time, I think shows like friends are badly needed. Humor that is yes crass at times, yet it doesn't come across as being trashy. Pity it ends its run for forever tommorrow. Maybe Mediacock can try to put better shows earlier for once. If they could do it for charmed, why not for Alias, OC (questionable whether it's a good show) Practice, or CSI? CSI especially, CSI is so engaging and informative that it shoudl deserve a prime-time spot, not shelved away into the bewitching hour. The Pratice I agree should be put back a bit, due to the sensitive nature of the topics they deal with, but not till 12, where no one witll watch.
And once again, I say this. If we as a society, allow such tasteless and degrading programming on to our screens, we will find it hard to progress to become a cultured nation. I appeal to Mediacock, please have some moral integrity, find it within that profit maximising soul of yours to do something about the current sorry state of affairs of the shows in Singapore. And please, as a reader, do not contribute to this trend. Do you really enjoy what you are watching? If not, please, i implore you, turn off that TV, call your siblings together, blow the dust off that scrabble board, and play a game. Not only does it sitmulate the mind, it builds family bonds, something the goggle box can never do.
At this point, I would like to say yet again I'm no snob. I understand there is some value, however disgusting it is, to such shows. My point is, these shows are not worth showing on TV, neither are they watching. I hope by saying so much it'll make people understand that such shows should not be watched a lot or at all. Neither can I say what type of shows are better. But all I know is, such shows are definately not worth you wasting your time on.
c)Someone please tell me why is a certain william hung on ou friendly shores? All I know he has made the asian male the biggest joke in the west, embarrased himself and the whole chinese population. And he's here, on our fair island. Well, I blame those who actually brought him here in the first place. One word: profiteering. Cashing in on a freakshow. And to those who, higher being forbid, *shudder* who actually LIKE him apart from his parents, and actually bought his album, well, I'm speechless. Who can actually like him? Sure like any one-trick pony he was interesting for a while but he most definately outlasted his 15 seconds of fame. And now, they made hima judge of a talent contest! Granted the talent contest was half-baked to begin with, but again what does it mean to our society? That a screw-up who cannot dance or sing properly is qualified enough to be a judge in our fair island? Well if that's the case I'm qualified to be the next prime minister. And waht message does it send to our potential talent? That all of you are so screwed-up that even william hung is better than you that's why he's in a judge's seat. And call a spade a spade. He's not some star, he's just a joke that refuses to go away, one that outstays its welcome. Sure he has his "i tried my best and nothing else matters" crap but that nice enduring human characteristic is now gone forever. All I see is a misguided young man with delusions of popularity. William, if you do read this, for the love of any higher being you believe in, the world is laughing AT you, not WITH you. You're the joke.
Ok, feels better to get all that out of my system. Any opinions please use the tagboard.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Conversation for conversation's sake
Went to RI and mugged with ed jim and nick. Was a partial success i guess, as we got to do the essay outlines we set out to do, just not all 20 of them. oops.
E.S Posthumus is a great composer. Nara is good stuff. I can just imagine the hero trekking across the harsh desert as the camera pans up towards the scorching sun, and as the tempo increases, it falls in sync with his heavy footsteps, yet he still goes on.
Will talk about this title another time. Eyes hurt too much after wearing contacts for too long.
Went to RI and mugged with ed jim and nick. Was a partial success i guess, as we got to do the essay outlines we set out to do, just not all 20 of them. oops.
E.S Posthumus is a great composer. Nara is good stuff. I can just imagine the hero trekking across the harsh desert as the camera pans up towards the scorching sun, and as the tempo increases, it falls in sync with his heavy footsteps, yet he still goes on.
Will talk about this title another time. Eyes hurt too much after wearing contacts for too long.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Assuming an air of superiority and refusing to pander to the intellectually feeble
An interesting incident happened, but i decided to respect the privacy of the person writing it, but i shall talk about my opinions of it. My point I want to make is, RJ people are normal! At least most of them are, but that's for another post. I don't think we're superior or anything, I think we're a bit sheltered in fact. My time in RI and RJ has been a bit insulated at times, and the skateboarders incident is testimony to it. (go check the archives july 03 i think, pre-campfire period) I personally think that RJ people have loads to learn from other school people, those supposedly and wrongly deem as "intellectually inferior".
Well, I think RJ people can learn a few things about humility, social graces, and most of all street smartness from them.
And about RJ people being superior, that frankly, for a lack of a better word, is bullshit. We're just superior in terms of studies, maybe we can memorise more facts than normal and know how to regurgitate them when the time comes for the exams. In other areas I feel we can learn more and transcend further.
Confuscious said, "when 3 people walk together, at least one can teach me something." I agree wholeheartedly. Like esther taught me what are qulots (sp?), and crystal told me about hiflux etc. One should have his head too high up in the clouds to not realise that everyone can teach you something. You can't profess to know everything.
Argh, caffeine is messing up my system. It feels like my body wants to shut down but my mind doesn't want to. Or maybe the other way round. Can't really determine where
this swirly fatigued feeling is coming from. Swearing off coffee until the A's.
Mugging in school is quite ok, surprisingly. Monday's session in the council room was juxatoposed by various incidents happening in the council room, like J1s screaming, crashing around the very messy, worse than the den when patrols don't do den duty for a month dirty. Reminded me of a mini version of trash hills of phillipines. To any J1 counicllor who reads this, please do clear up. It's a reflection on you. If you can't keep your own room clean, who's going to trust you to handle more important stuff?
Tuesday mugged with ms 11 A1s, bombarded her with loads of questions, and throughout the 2 days was doing bio papers. They're fun to do, especially when HCJC comes up with this mammoth mcq question taking up a whole page. Found that there is wealth of stuff I read and forgot. Very encouraging. Stuff like Vagus veins, position of sino-atrial node and pseudomonas, how could i forget them, my favourite tut... i mean bacterium.
A funny thing is that the libarian would sound a bell like an ice man seller to signal the start of "happy" hour, it's 5 and it's time to mug elsewhere as the library is going to close.
Ok my body is really feeling weird, shall stop now. Hey, you cut me, I bleed. We all do.
An interesting incident happened, but i decided to respect the privacy of the person writing it, but i shall talk about my opinions of it. My point I want to make is, RJ people are normal! At least most of them are, but that's for another post. I don't think we're superior or anything, I think we're a bit sheltered in fact. My time in RI and RJ has been a bit insulated at times, and the skateboarders incident is testimony to it. (go check the archives july 03 i think, pre-campfire period) I personally think that RJ people have loads to learn from other school people, those supposedly and wrongly deem as "intellectually inferior".
Well, I think RJ people can learn a few things about humility, social graces, and most of all street smartness from them.
And about RJ people being superior, that frankly, for a lack of a better word, is bullshit. We're just superior in terms of studies, maybe we can memorise more facts than normal and know how to regurgitate them when the time comes for the exams. In other areas I feel we can learn more and transcend further.
Confuscious said, "when 3 people walk together, at least one can teach me something." I agree wholeheartedly. Like esther taught me what are qulots (sp?), and crystal told me about hiflux etc. One should have his head too high up in the clouds to not realise that everyone can teach you something. You can't profess to know everything.
Argh, caffeine is messing up my system. It feels like my body wants to shut down but my mind doesn't want to. Or maybe the other way round. Can't really determine where
this swirly fatigued feeling is coming from. Swearing off coffee until the A's.
Mugging in school is quite ok, surprisingly. Monday's session in the council room was juxatoposed by various incidents happening in the council room, like J1s screaming, crashing around the very messy, worse than the den when patrols don't do den duty for a month dirty. Reminded me of a mini version of trash hills of phillipines. To any J1 counicllor who reads this, please do clear up. It's a reflection on you. If you can't keep your own room clean, who's going to trust you to handle more important stuff?
Tuesday mugged with ms 11 A1s, bombarded her with loads of questions, and throughout the 2 days was doing bio papers. They're fun to do, especially when HCJC comes up with this mammoth mcq question taking up a whole page. Found that there is wealth of stuff I read and forgot. Very encouraging. Stuff like Vagus veins, position of sino-atrial node and pseudomonas, how could i forget them, my favourite tut... i mean bacterium.
A funny thing is that the libarian would sound a bell like an ice man seller to signal the start of "happy" hour, it's 5 and it's time to mug elsewhere as the library is going to close.
Ok my body is really feeling weird, shall stop now. Hey, you cut me, I bleed. We all do.
Monday, September 06, 2004
New packaging, same product
And I don't want to finish off this line by BW megatron as it is far from savoury. In any case, got a bit fed up with the grey hues of the previous template, so decided to go with the standard templates offered by blogger. Surprisingly, did not wrestle with the code, did the template in 6-7 minutes. Now my blog looks fresher and brighter, to coincide with the wave of optimism (no sacrasm intended) sweeping throughout RJC.
In any case, somehow this template miraculously resurrected my archives links, which I though were gone for good after I messed up the code.
In any case, the number of posts would slow down, as more time is spent on studying rather than doing anything else that would be worth writing about here.
Full throttle people.
And I don't want to finish off this line by BW megatron as it is far from savoury. In any case, got a bit fed up with the grey hues of the previous template, so decided to go with the standard templates offered by blogger. Surprisingly, did not wrestle with the code, did the template in 6-7 minutes. Now my blog looks fresher and brighter, to coincide with the wave of optimism (no sacrasm intended) sweeping throughout RJC.
In any case, somehow this template miraculously resurrected my archives links, which I though were gone for good after I messed up the code.
In any case, the number of posts would slow down, as more time is spent on studying rather than doing anything else that would be worth writing about here.
Full throttle people.
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