May

And soon I won't be a teen.

Day or night person? And with whom? Did you spend the day or night with? In the end, do we all reach a steady state? Aging the antithesis of the law of entropy. From a chaotic mess to a constant. Collin said "Now I understand what they mean when they say 2 years is a sacrifice." But just because this isn't the original path doesn't mean it doesn't mean anything. Because any RPG needs fulfilling side-quests to be a true epic. O god. Nerd.

Musings. I used to do that where I'd just type out my thoughts. Whatever comes out. Incomprehensible or abstractly so. Somewhere in the mess is me and somehow I can discern it all. I read through it and like a puzzle solved it comes back to me what I was thinking then in an un-straightforward way and so unlike me. Right?

I wish I had more time.

Change

My elder bro's back!

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Yams came back the other day and we had outings together for two days ending in a sentimental moment. Wish we could pause. But as the Paramore song goes ~ "It's time to move forward..."
 Going to leave Sierra Wing after 3 months... dam. Don't know where I'm going.
YY was really happy that "I had friends" lol. Shaun pointed out I'm very different in school and in army. Maybe. Or it's just the same and I'm showing more of one side. I just cannot feel free in the army. It's like when I got spectacles haha.

Guess I intended to write this a little earlier. But it's OK.

I love white.

My old friend whom i've known for a while does too... http://keepingcomposure.tumblr.com/
And so does this photographer... http://vincentmunier.com/

Web Comics

Web comics will erase all your available time for studying.
forlackofabettercomic.com
loadingartist.com
smbc-comics.com
explosm.net
buttersafe.com
thedoghousediaries.com

(gaming)
awkwardzombie.com
rarecandytreatment.com

(currently off)
hejibits.com
player-two.com

How important is worldly knowledge?

I often get annoyed at 井底之蛙. Something tells me I'm just being mean and judgemental. How important is general knowledge, really?

Let's be practical first.
There is no fixed syllabus (unless you count the GP one), and even if there was, by nature, this hypothetical textbook would just keep expanding and expanding. So why waste time reading today's news if it might just change tomorrow? How do we determine the relevance, the sensitivity of an issue? Frankly, I've probably already forgotten 80% of what exactly I read two TIME issues back.

Even if we knew these things... does it matter? OK so Xi Jinping got kicked out of the Communist Party Politburo. Ok Mitt Romney won the Republican Primaries. Woop Woop. Wait a minute, how the hell does this affect me again?

Perhaps this is something difficult to measure, or understand. Like why music works. Why can it calm someone down, why can it hype someone up? Why do people who know more about the world seem better at analyzing, at thinking and conversing smartly? Perhaps intuition tells us its just a good thing to know about. The world at large I mean.

And I guess, when it boils down to it, reading current affairs is a syllabus that you master over time. That, in the long run, one can tell instinctively, if this is going to be big. That even if it didn't appear on the front page, it's going to in the future. Its a trained, sense. Kind of like social skills right? You just sort of, know.

The context.
Though we live in a relatively safe society (which in itself could be the problem), you never know. If I told you that Incans lived in Africa and predicted the end of the world in 2014, would you believe me? Of course, when I phrase it like that, you wouldn't. But maybe you didn't realize that earlier I said Xi Jinping got kicked out of the Communist Party when actually it was Bo Xilai. And that the former is actually the vice-premier soon to be premier. Do you realize how easily manipulated you could be without trying your hardest to find out the truth? Or just trying to figure things out yourself? Back when information was scarce and localized, was also back when voodoo was widely practiced and people believed that some divine human-looking beings lived on a nearby mountain whose name is now a photography and consumer electronics brand.

Rumours work on the ignorance of its purveyors.

Isn't it scary to think that the people around you could be so easily manipulated then? And perhaps all because they were lazy? Or apathetic?

Sometimes my classmates ask me to chill when I get pissed that they don't know certain things. Granted, I have gone overboard sometimes regarding less well-known issues. But questions like 'China is a democracy? Since when?' should not be disregarded, because it reveals how vulnerable we are should someone attempt to use the foolish to forward his personal whims. I'm afraid the person who asked that question, is also in Raffles Institution. Nothing could be more shocking.

"Two Things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." -Albert Einstein

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When you play inverted, you endanger the lives of those around you.

Ambivert

Finally a term to describe me. After establishing my belief in my extroversion and succumbing unknowingly to social convention that charisma, energy, action, American-ish traits are better then solitude and contemplation, my introvert self has been left woefully neglected. As it should be shouldn't it? And its so sad that when we just want to be ourselves its because we're emotional or not in a good mood. What's that supposed to mean? Too long have we understood homo sapiens as social beings, a result of group selection, that we respond negatively to quiet, deep thought by one's self.

Perhaps the supposed anger and insecure that emanates from introverts manifests from the social perception that such behavior is 'anti-social'. This, in fact, instead of improving their sociability, grossly undermines their confidence and self-worth, a detriment to their creativity and productivity. A sure trait of the introverted intellectual.

I should try to stop talking in sophisticated fashion.

I really could feel the sincerity in this talk.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html

Jealousy, turning saints into the sea

When you share music, share a youtube video, share a quote. Do it because you want to convey the message. Do it because it is an amazing inspiration, a good laugh, a soothing tune. Not because you want to be a hipster.

Honestly, I have to keep telling myself that. I wonder if in all my arrogance and showboating, a dark cynicism had manifested - that people all carry this flaw of showing off. Of wanting to be the first to tweet that, knowing some underground music people haven't heard of, spouting trivia, sharing random 'expert' tips.

And because I am aware of it, and because it was so difficult to correct, I decided to re-enter my lonely castle, just so that I will stop sharing for the wrong reasons. I decided, also, that I was just too afraid of being wrong, that my trivia would be beaten, that I am just inferior.

Paul said in Philippians that despite some Christians mere sharing the gospel in competition, in rivalry and jealousy (I've converted X number of people, how many have you brought to God eh?) and not out of love, he rejoiced, because as long as the message stayed true, that the word, that scripture was not compromised. Then why should we be concerned?

Still. It eats me, I hate that anger. I hate this bestial competitiveness inside.
Just moments ago, I saw someone post that Vimeo video of 'Mountain'. Husain shared it on his blog and I thought it was so awesome, extremely wonderful. (Thanks Husain) And then all of a sudden my photog seniors and friends all start commenting "Woah so wonderful! Good find! This is aamzzzinggg". And I couldn't help it, and I hate it, that the nasty thought 'wtf I found it first' just immediately sprang in my head. Why is it that I seek so much attention and likes and comments huh? That video, is just worth sharing with people, and I did share because of that! Btw the vid I'm talking about: http://vimeo.com/22439234 Go watch if you haven't its really spectacular! Full Screen and blast the Nuvole Bianche!

I rarely share anything on Facebook though. Or be the first to share. I just feel undue. I feel that maybe, someone out there was like me, and I know how he feels, when say one person shares, and everyone pays no attention and the next moment this popular kid shares, he gets a thousand likes. Its why I have so few actual photographic shots on Facebook.

So I'll keep to this policy of quiet sharing (trivia, songs, etc.). To just show you I'm sincere about it. So what if I get credit or not.

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I was told not to post anything Photog related. Woops.

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Do you see someone acting out? Do you see someone telling cliché joke? Do you see a similar photo you've taken before? Do you see that person getting way more appreciation than you?

Do you see someone treating others differently from you? Do you see someone getting compliments for traits you have? Does it irk you? Will you shy away or protest? My OP topic is bullying, believe me when I say I know how it feels.

Take a popular person A. Take a friend B. What if you're friends with A, and you seem to click quite a bit.? What if friend B seems to give you a colder shoulder? A weaker smile? An unexcited conversation? But completely opposite when talking to A? Sometimes even when talking about. The. Exact. Same. Thing. And you just wonder, what is it you've done? What impression did you give? You just can't help but feel insecure. Guess what, its called relational bullying.

They say you can't be friends with everyone. That's true if it was pretty obvious why. (Maybe he's just a Republican and you're a Democrat) But given the above scenario, you just can't help but ask why can't you be better friends with B when B seems to cozy up to A so well, and A has similar mannerisms, characteristics, tastes, as you. Why is it, that they just don't want to engage you.

Why is it that people can't let go of their impressions.

But what is all the fame in the world, compared to having a relationship with God through Jesus? Tell me, what does the emptiness feel like compared to just knowing, that you're truly loved and justified by the Lord? Matthew 16:26 (Also quoted by Clarence on his blog):

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

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Title of the post is from (as I'm sure everyone knows) Mr Brightside ~ The Killers

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Its been a long time since I had a proper, raw post like that.
Bryan Lum intro-ed
I enjoy the mellowness, a bit less pop, less mainstream Coldplay. Just pure, soothing listening. Lyrics are meaningful too. Btw I looked it up and the title has nothing to do with the song lol. Chris just wrote it while in Amsterdam

Storm

This post is a few days late. And if you count from the actual first post (meant for a secondary 1 assignment on blogging), it's actually, the 300th post of this blog. 300. THIS IS SPARTA.

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I'm a social butterfly, so there.

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Storm. Troopers
Two days ago, due to the fairly early ending of my PW meeting in school, I was left with an empty afternoon waiting for a night out with VS buds later.

Hence, being the insecure Singaporean teenager who must be productive at all costs, I deliberated on the way back alone how I should spend my time.
Do PW. HELL NO
Sleep. Tired of sleeping
Emo and blog. Later
Do assorted things at home. WASTE TIME.
Do photography. OK fine.
Where though? I had many ideas back then. It wasn't a pleasant idea to travel far out . OK somewhere in the East. Err. That rain tree I never took in Paya Lebar? Meh, that's only one spot. LABRADOR PARK. What the hell I said East. Hmm. Hmm. BEDOK RESERVOIR.

So I returned home purposely, showered and got my gear together, which took an abnormal amount of time because I had to change into something that suited photography at a reservoir AND a formal occasion (Grad Night) later.

Three things I thought of but did not bring: Umbrella, Cap, Tripod. Woe is me.

As soon as I stepped out of the bus. BOOM. Rain. There you have it, best outing ever. Wearing nice fairly new canvas shoes with jeans, camera equipment, no cap, no umbrella. And wow, it ain't like MacRitchie with wood platforms. Its SAND. Porous silicon dioxide that stores pools of muddy water.

And I was alone. I mean what do you expect from a spontaneous photography outing in the east of all places. Rifdi, preparing for LSD art exhibition. Husain, training. Marcus, rotting in Nanyang. Clarissa, PW. Even asked some non-easterners that I met in school. Songyuan, not free. Daru lent camera away. An hour earlier. WAIT WHY DIDNT I ASK ZENIA? Oh shit nevermind. Let's just go with, there's an unwritten rule that its quite weird to ask a girl out one on one unless she's your GF or consistent good friend. (hey they're both GFs!) Yupz. OK moving on :)

So there I was, caught in the rain (which became so heavy I took shelter in a toilet with sandy shoes). Having all these negative thoughts.

Then the rain subsided after 10 minutes and I walked out, feeling weird. I told myself I should stop complaining. I'm not alone, God is with me. In me. In fact just today at church there was a profound message that's relevant as I look back.

Give thanks in all circumstance.

Not just positive, negative, but whatever circumstance.

So I said. God took away my cap, my umbrella, and my sheltered feet so that I may experience the fullness of the blessed rain on a sunny day. And so I exited the toilet as the heavy pour became a drizzle, placing my lens hood on to give my camera some form of moisture protection. Hmm, haven't named it yet. I shall call it Daphne :) Daph90. D90. Lovely name. And it has to do with Greek Mythology! Yay.

It was not surprising that my photos sucked.
1. I'm noob.
2. Uninspiring afternoon lighting
3. Only had a chance to explore un-interesting parts of the reservoir.
4. Stormy skies = dullness everywhere.

Then I thought. Well. I suppose. When all your photos suck and are dull, might as well make it a black and white series. Lol.

Was going to post a dozen pictures here, then realized. WTFISH AM I DOING? OK. Chance to use Picasa Web Albums slideshow gadget. The photos are on the right called Bedok in Black. Not all are B&W. A sparse number of colored photos are added in the mix as they look better in color. (Edit: I tried using the gadget and its freaking difficult to use so I'll just embed here.)


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So after that short excursion, it was time to head back to VS for Grad Night (and later to VJ for the LSD art exhibition) and dare I say it its 1AM so I need to sleep. Till next time.

Unlocking the Secrets to Lameness: Requested by jaren

Indeed. I could have blogged about other things, but since I'm just spontaneous like that and Jaren suggested it, let's share some secrets to lameness!
Lameness and the pre-requisites.
Let's first define lameness as the state of mind achieved or activated by an individual that translates into getting physically abused or ._. expressions from surrounding homo sapiens.
Anyone can be lame in theory, but not everyone gets injured that easily makes the cut off their leg.
IMO, there are two things one needs to have for one to be lame.

1. ATTENTION
That's right, you need to be paying attention. Paying attention to what your friend just said, something off about that facebook comments' sentence structure, something ironic in that picture.

2. Bravery
It takes guts to be an asshole. It takes guts to risk awkward stares and having no friends. It takes guts to be an idiot and pull it off. You need joker gas genes.

These are the two things that are more difficult to train and hence are pre-requisites.
Here are the skills I think one needs to acquire and hone.

3. Quick Connections 150mbps
Wait too long and the joke turns sour. An individual must be able to make quick connections, flip perspectives, notice pun-ishable moments. Be the first.

4. Stimulus and expansion
Very related to quick connections, but while that's about speed, this is about width. The scope of one's vocabulary and the ability to link several words all at once is a must.

5. Execution
About how you tell the joke, more later.

Now for some guidelines and tips.

Some common forms of lameness will be
Purposeful misunderstanding (Especially in serious situations). Usually involves acting dumb. A common form of bastard-ing people who seem depressed over something. Effective for laid back people or bastards (who don't usually take well to other lame jokes)

Puns. A play on words to invoke comedy. Must be voiced out and executed with degree of obvious-ness to work. More effective when specific to current trend (Bhagi did it after a Chem exam)

Switch-a-roo - Shifting words and phrases

Whimsical mindset - Going against conventional wisdom, and misleading the audience into thinking a certain way before bombarding them with a retarded answer or outcome. Another example is on Jaren's tumblr about a person 'going to jail'

Series - Similar lame jokes grouped together to augment the effect of the "facepalm" or to mislead the receiver into a lame trap at the end. Link to my occupation jokes (expanded from those from general knowledge) http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150098009139692

(For more references, try explosm.net, hejibits.com or buttersafe.com)

Important

Post-joke phase

Its important to give a retarded reaction to lame jokes depending on the type and lame-ness. Generally 'cooler' people might choose to say the kind of (racist) Malay 'che' after each joke, lean back a little and give an epic drowsy smile. Others might choose to chuckle or whatever! Really, it depends on what kind of person you are. Just like executing any joke, delivery is very important. Special case: Marcus Liu ends lame jokes with 'nuuuuu' or starts pointing his fingers up and down at the victim ('like shooting with fingers') while leaning back and smiling or giving a sly expression.

Intellectual prediction

You need to know your audience, how well you think they'd understand the joke, how many clues you give them if it was a riddle, etc when you formulate jokes. This is a given, but many people don't imagine the reactions, are overly pessimistic or overly optimistic. Be tactful and don't downplay the joke too much, people are pretty smart. This will also affect the post-joke phase you should look for.

Originality

There isn't anything stopping you from reciting jokes you found online or in a book! Honestly! But coming up with your own to supplement them is always way more awesome! :) Singaporean Context is one of the ways you can be different from the global lame community

This may sound really serious for joking, but truth is some people are not natural jokers, and even stand-up comedians practice and know how they look on stage! Was quite fun writing this though its not complete!

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Really enjoy it when the band tries to inject some hipness into their performances! Its important not to distance yourself from the crowd when doing performance art! Yes, always have the traditional pieces, the sophisticated music, definitely, but some of the best groups appease the audience especially.

Quotes - Who says I can't reblog

Wei Chung's
Don't trust too much. Don't love too much. Don't hope too much, because that too much can hurt so much.

Ironically, also from Wei Chung's blog

You're the one that I stay up all night thinking about, coming up with cute things that I wish could happen.

Clare's (Re-blogged from someone else)

Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.

Jaren's

In the world of dreams I'm a frequent flier.

Dorcas'

Time lost is time when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment, and suffering. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Gwyneth's
"When smeone is crying, of course, the noble thing to do is to comfort them. But if someone is trying to hide their tears, it may also be noble to pretend you do not notice them." Lemony Snicket

Hidhir's FB
Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward. ~Robert C Gallagher


Disclaimer

What has not been re-blogged is not a signal for anguish but symbol of cherished differentiation. Or lack of time.

Marcus's
I have yet to discern
How you're so damn stubborn.
Oh would you please unlearn
Your pretentious concern?

The bullshit that you churn
Common sense that you spurn
Its not a new pattern
I'm out of cheeks to turn.

I'm not yours to govern
Not from my stem to stern
On whatever I learn
Or what I could then earn,

With a fist of iron
Composure's on' downturn.
Well you've a keep to earn
And I've bridges to burn

So please don't you return
In a future I yearn

Bless all you peeps! I shall share two I've found :)
Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch it to be sure. ~Murphy's Law


From Infopack.
You taught me to be nice, so nice that now I am so full of niceness, I have no sense of right and wrong, no outrage, no passion. ~Garrison Keillor. 
(This seems anti-empiricist/counter-John Locke? KI correct me if I'm wrong [Also, funny how your name is KI and I'm asking you to help with philosophy])


KI's (picture comes last for formatting convenience)

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From my studying playlist

Heart-Ripping

One of the most chilling videos I've ever watched. Thanks Paul for posting this.


I remember posting in anger at some of my classmates for joking that they were 'enlightened' by Mr Khoo's conspiracy video of the 9/11 attacks. Honestly, just because its against convention doesn't make it more credible. And nevertheless, the blame game must stop. Everyone needs to right the wrong. Brinksmanship again.

Initially, I was going to post about other things, but ever so often, I think it is good practice to sensitize yourself to others. Which is why I read about current affairs, or why people should read.

The video just shocked me to the core. For a moment, I was just there. I was just in that smoking office room. And then it was over. Evil prevailed as the last words 'oh God, oh God' just ringed in my ears. And even now as I look around in my room, watching the cars outside my building run past, nothing feels real.

I remember watching on the screen in the hospital. Yes, my younger brother was born at that moment, within the hour of the attacks for certain. It is truly a tragic miracle. Back then, I didn't really get things like that.

But now, a decade down the road, after all the countless times I've tried to imagine myself in their shoes, the pain and the extreme terror, my heart just aches deeply. Literally. A sharp sting, in my left chest area.

'The death of one is a tragedy. The death of a million is a statistic.' ~Joseph Stalin (I checked, Jaren)

As we just continue on with our lives. The PW. The Promos. It just seems wrong doesn't it? And yet we can only live and pray.

God just heal all the broken hearts, heal the intangible scars as only you can. I just pray for those affected by the attacks. Never let it happen again.

TIME

IT'S TIME I STOP OVER ANALYZING
IT'S TIME I LOOSEN UP
IT'S TIME I ACT OUT OF LINE
IT'S TIME I LIVE AND LET LIVE
IT'S TIME I STOP BEING AN ASS (TO MYSELF)
IT'S TIME I GO OUT AND JUST TAKE RANDOM PHOTOS
IT'S TIME I STOP BEING CYNICAL
IT'S TIME I BE LESS CALCULATIVE
IT'S TIME I TURN OFF CAPS LOCK
IT'S TIME I STOP SELF-INDULGING IN VICTIMIZATION
IT'S TIME I LISTEN TO MY FRIENDS
IT'S TIME I LIVE WITH OPTIMISM AND HOPE AGAIN
IT'S TIME I LET MYSELF HAVE SOME FUN
IT'S TIME I CARE LESS ABOUT BEING JUDGED
IT'S TIME I STOP JUDGING
IT'S TIME I LOVE HUMANS
IT'S TIME I GET HIGH WITHOUT COFFEE
IT'S TIME I STOP TRYING TO PLAN AND RUSH THINGS FOR MY FUTURE
IT'S TIME I GIVE TIME TO MY FAMILY
IT'S TIME I DEAL WITH CONSEQUENCES INSTEAD OF AVOIDING FAILURE
IT'S TIME I STOP ASKING TOO MUCH FROM MYSELF
IT'S TIME I JUST SING, AND DON'T CARE

About time...

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Do you remember this?


Now imagine we were playing handball and I was the English keeper...
And that adds to my list of the most 'I hate myself' moments in my life... probably more, just that I've (hopefully) erased them from memory.
1. Thinking the subject 化学 meant Art and getting hopelessly ridiculed by my China buddy.
2. (This one) The 'Robert Green' moment during PE.
3. Every time I rage at innocent people... which leads me to...

SORRY RACHEL

Currently - Irritated

So this is those kind of rant post that just happens at the moment. Thought I'd just type it out.

Tomorrow is the so-called PW PI deadline for most.

So, the usual chatter of last-minute chiongers, who, to my utmost annoyance, still score better than diligent students. Not to be arrogant, but compared to my class, I seem a diligent pupil.

THAT IS JUST. FUCKED UP.

Mhm. To all these assholes who didn't give any fucking shit in class and bombarding the attentive pupils in class with stupid questions answered by the teacher before, and or who only sit up and do work when the deadline is less than half a day away and is counted in exams... Here's something for you.

_|_

OK. I understand you. Of course.
You had a lot of homework.
Your teacher happens to suck.
You didn't realize the deadline was tomorrow.
You were busy.
You didn't see this part or missed out this point.

I can understand all these reasons. But the list is not complete.
Has my generation become the individualistic, self-important youths of America?

Scenario 1: You really like, say, this book. Your friend learns about it, and says it sucks. You rage because you really love that book. Then he asks you to 'chill'. Although no one party is right, I'm fucking pissed a little saddened that your friend cares not about your feelings anymore, because if he does, he should understand that since you seem so passionate about this book, obviously you like it very much, and his statement was kind of offensive, even if you don't like the book very much, or was joking. Nope, your friend thinks you should 'relax', stop being such an angry douche. Amazing.

Our society puts others into their own shoes instead of putting themselves in others. What does this lead to? Inexhaustible amounts of teasing and people of strong character getting constantly bullied just because they put all their effort into tolerating it, for your friendship.

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"If people try to judge you, by how much you make, then you give them this!" Suddenly thought of high ministerial pay when I typed that.



This guy is actually part of the like, poetry slam movement, ya know what I'm saying?

Weekend

Lately my posts have been fueled by concentrated emotions (~1mol/dm3). So during the weekends when I'm mostly slacking, goofing off and the like, there isn't really much to be angry/depressed over. Its a time when I''m actually happy.

So... LET'S TALK A BIT OF POLITICS.

Firstly, as a left of center person, I am open to change and new ideas, but I always consider the cost and radicalism is a big no-no. I also believe that you don't need to commit to any one party, and even if you do, you don't have to like everything about them, nor support them all the way. In other words, compromise - a big part of any democracy.

Let me just do a quick summary of my views, because if you really want to talk you can just do so elsewhere so not to bore the rest. (If my views seem very radical or hard-line, its just for comical purposes xD) I don't feel like elaborating. So I'll just make it a bunch of asshole statements xD

First up: Pro-PAP/Anti-Opposition views
1. Lofty Western Ideals are pure rubbish. In fact, its garbage and rubbish at the same time. Its GARBISH.
2. Many Voters are RETARDS.
3. The American political system SUCKS.
4. Minimum wage is SPASTIC.
5. Track Record, level of Education and Credentials MATTER.
6. Change is DANGEROUS/RISKY.
7. Money & Economics are IMPORTANT.
8. National Education, maybe a little bit of biasness is NECESSARY.
9. Protests and inciting violence AIN'T COOL.

Now, Pro-Opposition views/Anti-PAP views
1. GRCs are OK, gerrymandering is NOT.
2. 85 - 2 parliamentary standings is BULLYING.
3. Smear campaigns are DIRTY. (No pun intended)
4.Threatening is NASTY.
5. Continuous, blatant rampage of constitutional change and passing of bills is SPARTA MADNESS.
6. Accountability is a MUST.
7. Some competition HELPS, NOT threatens.
8. Apologizing only during elections is WTF.
9.Complacency & Corruption likely HAPPENS.

The election results were pretty predictable IMO.

AND THAT'S IT.

Some entertaining vids.
Darn, wish I could hear LKY in the old days.


NEXT TIME? NEXT TIME? YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE



For SNSD and Mr Brown fans alike

To whom it may concern (if any) up there, I'm getting your message

Lately, been facing a lot of setbacks, problems or annoyances. But hey, I guess, it's bound to happen to anyone.

Another thing though. Getting a lot of Dejavu lately. Sometimes, its pretty scary. But I don't want to act on it. My principle belief is not to change my mindset in any way until proven wrong. In a sense, I cannot be sure of this feeling, so I'll just let it slide. Its a logical fallacy to think that because something can be explained be in a certain way, means it has to be true if it happens. What we know as 'truth' is only belief. I could explain it, but maybe you'd prefer to watch this crude and ridiculously educational and hilarious clip, part of a series.

WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT

Permit denied for human rights march

In the home section of the Straits Times today, an article with this title can be found.

In a gist: "Police have turned down an application by the Singaporeans for Democracy political association for a permit to stage a march on Friday to commemorate International Human Rights Day"

So That's the first line of the article, and I'm immediately thinking: "Wtf, how could they? Its perfectly commendable!" Police cited a vague reason as usual 'law and order issues' they say. Once again, I'm astonished, is it an inside job? I'm already thinking.

Then I went on reading and found the answer.

"30 people...march with placards calling for freedom of speech and assembly, and free and fair elections, among other things" and "planned to hold the march from Hong Lim Park to Parliament House" AND "Police are advising the organiser to hold the event at Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park.

Want an L4 answer? The police is a branch under the government and hence blah blah blah. Standard no-brainer.

Now do you want an L5 answer?  Well IMO, protests and march have a knack for drumming up issues for no reason. For instance, after witnessing the Red Shirt protests on the news, for some reason, I just thought half of Thailand's population consists of red shirts, the other half being yellow shirts. Which is really superficial thinking, but its true. People just need to see these sort of big events staged by a small numbers to become over analytical.

In fact, the red shirt protests only covered SOME of Bankok. Compared to the rest of Thailand. Super small. Yet, there's so much hype about it! True, there was also a lot of violence in this event. But don't you think calling for human rights and free and fair elections in front of Parliament may cause some misconceptions?

Passerbys may start thinking that Singapore's system of Government is in some kind of peril or facing imminent collapse and about to be taken over by Hitler or something. Don't underestimate the power of suggestion.

Bottom line: Staging such a march MAY cause a frenzy for no reason. It may even undermine the government in the process.

In fact, I was just talking to my ex-classmate yesterday (actually today at around 1am). To me, protests always bring attention, but rarely change.

Do you know Jon Stewart from the daily show? He organised a 'rally to restore sanity'. One of his key points was: We cannot allow radicals from different sides to always be shown on the news and slowly becoming the voice of the people. He was speaking of recent Christians VS Islam events in the USA. And I agree with him. Seeing all these marches/protests may not really be the voice of the people, but merely a small group of radicals CLAIMING they represent the majority.

Of course, you can disagree with me! This is a blog, not a encyclopedia. There have been protests that succeeded, and I think partially because they did represent the majority. Like marches for Women Rights back in 1960-80s? America.

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Just watched Valkyrie yesterday (rented the DVD from VideoEzy)
Good movie, as history students, we know the outcome but we still want to know what really happened that led to it. Was a good thriller and most of the facts are fundamentally there. Tom Cruise seriously looks like Von Stauffenberg, the other actors and their respective roles too.
About the real story, they tested certain change in factors later on and the conclusion is really sad.
Had the 20 July bomb:
1. Been detonated with both explosive packs that Von Stauffenberg had
2.Been detonated inside the reinforced command bunker as was planned before the day was too hot and shifted to the conference hut with windows
3. Not been shifted by one of the German officers to behind the table's leg that shielded Hitler by accident
Hitler would have been killed.
I respect these brave men.

Me-day

The word 'alone', to many, carries negative connotations.

But it isn't necessarily so. I believe that the sooner someone stops thinking that being alone is boring, depressing, anti-social, or sad, the sooner he can enjoy being by him/herself.

We all need friends, I agree. But how is it that my generation just has to call someone up on his iPhone 4 or waste hours sms-ing just to escape solitude, I do not know. Why is it that you can't spend some time having your own fun for just a day or two, or an hour? Have we lost ourselves to socializing?

Till this day, there are still hermits, there are still elderly singles, people, who spend a possibly endless time alone. Maybe we are all just scared we'll end up shooting ourselves one day and die single due to loneliness.

Its true that staying lonely forever is really really tough. But not for few hours. Why not do the things you always wanted to try? There's no one around to judge after all.

Well, today my entire family is out and I'm by myself alone in my house.

I woke up like any other day and drank milk, read the papers, played some single player Warcraft, showered, read some Lord of the Rings. Went out for lunch, still by myself, listened to music, progressed on my new year's resolution by renting a movie (instead of every Singaporeans basic instinct to Torrent).

Every person should be him/herself. I sometimes feel that we all have lost some originality in ourselves somehow. 

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Rifdi's text break!! =DD

It may seem strange to some of you when I refused fast-food with friends. But that's just me. I'm certain there are others who would do the same.

Well in the news today, on Prime Page A3 you can see an article on how hawker food ain't healthy either.

But one cannot be too shallow.

When you eat fast food, where does the money go? To TNCs who already earn billions. Turn on your television and you'll be hard pressed to not find at least one advert on fast food. Do hawkers advertise their sodium-rich, msg-drenched, processed food via mass-media?

And its ironic here isn't it? Do you notice these adverts often have youngsters (and sometimes elderly) chowing down on their products with glee? And yet, nowadays, while teens go on about rules and nasty parents, rebelling against 'the system', they are easily taken in by popularized products and fast food which insidiously do harm to them?

Then again, I know that everyone IS different! So if you just NEED to go out and spend everyday with friends, go ahead =D

Bah, time to stop ranting and get on with my single-player afternoon =D

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HAH TWO DAYS NIA. Sim City 4 can do it in seconds!!

Century Post

Haha some kind of reblogging. I saw this and thought it deserved some recognition haha. 'Reblogged' from fomfomfom.tumblr.com

This is my 100th post since restarting, and nothing special to say.

Wow. Most amount of flaming I've ever seen

Woah! Have any of you seen the amount of flaming and argument in here?
Click the link I put below, and read through some of the 'this comment has been flagged as spammed'
Notable flamers here:

Alkbjaopeir
somuchsolittleful
ContemplateYourLife
elearis1
berriwine

I'd just like to warn you its not for the faint hearted, for I too felt a tinge of hatred after reading certain comments. Then again, I laughed out loud at others. Howvever, I'll try to remain as neutral as possible because people are entitled to their own opinion for all I care.

The video I'm talking about

I just want to put in perspective here, that I don't think almost any arguement here can be credible concerning individuals because this is cyberspace. People don't know each other. They don't see each other in real life. The only evidence they have are the comments they have put up. Which is why it is very difficult to make sound arguments.

They don't have the context.

That's why we study history is it not? Like Mr Khoo said, we don't go into an exam blind.
No one knows what the others been through in reality. Thats why we need to be understanding and respectful. Its not as cut and dry as some SBQs like Harry Truman speaking about communism.

This is a bit of an add-on to that previous post on the 911 conspiracy. I mean, I see people who act 'enlightened' when they have just closed their mind. I believe that not all sources are reliable just because they go against convention, in fact, that's totally wrong. They are only reliable when they go against their OWN convention, for instance, if a person blames himself.

I think I'm starting to beat around the bush, maybe you should just read some of the comments and tell me what you think? If anyone actually reads my blog haha.

Radicals on both sides

Like I often stress, there's always two sides to something and that balance if often my preferred route.

I'm not saying its black and white, but both sides have extremes and such.

Two articles interested me today, one on September 11 commemorations plagued by protests and one on MM Lee's interview.

There were both protesters supporting the ground zero mosque and protesters against it.

Things always start with a noble cause, don't they?
Those supporting the mosque speak of religious freedom and tolerance, a symbol of progression towards peace.
Those against the mosque spoke of insensitivity, that such a project should at least be mindful and respectful, and that the center should at least be relocated.
Unfortunately, extremists always ruin the initial noble cause.

Those against the project, who tell us its insensitive to build a mosque two blocks from 'ground zero' are now burning Korans. Irony?

Hah! I bet you thought I'd stop there? No? Really? Dang.

Those supporting the project, who say 'peace', 'freedom', even 'tolerance'. Nice words aren't they? Now they start finger pointing and calling the other side racists. Accusing them of bigotry, making false assumptions. I mean, if I say I don't really want to go out for movies today your going to call me anti-social? Blaming always lead to more blaming.

On to MM Lee's interview.
In a way, its really the same thing I'm getting at. He claims 'the greater good'. Well, I guess, everyone claims 'the greater good' don't they? Things always seem noble ideas at first. If MM Lee was willing to jail without trial because he thought it was for the better (and he was right), I'm willing to bet the communist thought spreading discord and killing people was for the better too.

I'm not attacking anyone really, I'm merely pointing out some of the fallacies and flaws of humans.
Humans are complex and imperfect, you can't expect everyone to always make the right decisions, so lets focus on the good aspects of someone who outweigh his faults.

Its from Harry Potter isn't it? Dumbledore planning mass genocide for 'the greater good'.

More from Jon Stewart, for Zaki?
The community center of death!!!

Fight fire with water not more fire

As the Straits Times aptly put, 'two wrong don't make a right'.

So what in God's name, yes I say god, is pastor Terry Jones doing?

Negativity adds, not multiply. Who in their right mind would prove their enemies well, right? No one. To be fair, fanatics on the opposite side have been burning American flags and shouting 'death to America'. This doesn't mean you should do the same.

During the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, both John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khruschev displayed brinksmanship for the greater good. If we liken the Nuclear Arms race to one of recruiting arms race between Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist, the obvious choice is to disarm if we want peace.

So don't press that button. Don't invade Cuba. Don't send a Medium Range Ballistic Missile right into Russia, because they can just as well throw it back, and only innocents will suffer.

Let us quote this 'pastor' for a moment. "We feel lives are in danger whether we do it or we don't do it...if we do not stand up now to try to expose this for what it is, in 10 years, will we even have the opportunity?" Expose what? That Islam is the spawn of you know who? Yah they heard you the first time. I guess what, their not going to feel guilty, apologize, repent, or convert to christianity. Why? Because your claim is based on a small group of people, oh wait I've heard that before...

"A small church, in a small town...burning copies of its own books, on its own property, is not responsible for the violent actions anyone may take in retaliation to our protest...If violence happens in reaction to this, the violence was not caused by us, it has just been exposed." Guess what Terry, terrorists are a small group of radicals too, yet they do so much damage socially, economically, etc. In the end, this pastor's actions are based on the false presumption that all Islam are evil terrorists. So I guess its time we call all Christians 'crusaders and Jenovah Witnesses'.

What of the Islamic Center two blocks from Ground Zero? I support it. Those people who lost their lives in a ruthless act of violence do not want to start wars. They don't want more lives to be lost like theirs. They don't want their families to continue endless arguments, stay depressed over them and never move on.

'It's an affront to the familes'? How can it be when its construction is meant to progress towards peace? How can it be that an Islamic Center = Terrorist Center?

Only if you understand sarcasm.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart