Brain Storm: I Like You Not

Today I saw 2 persons whom I, well, don't really like.

Truth be told, I am someone who judges by look, by impression, and worst, by feeling. That is to say, if I don't think I can get along with someone, then you can more or less expect us not to get along at all, at least for quite a bit of time. While I do know that being this unreasonable and stubborn will get me a anti social status, and it did, that is just how I act. Of this 2 people, I dislike one of them due to "a feeling thing". The other was because I just hate how he treated me/us/the whole lot of them.

However as time pass by, I do try to reduce judging the people I meet by these factors. As I get older, I realise that a wide social network is essential for survival. Whether or not the relationships are "fake", it is a must for me to make more friends than foes. That is life, most unfortunately. Not that my way of judging was right in the first place. However I must say that I really don't like to treat someone whom I dislike nicely.

Even so, with experience, I realise my "feelings" are not always the least bit accurate. There's this girl I really disliked in the past, but with projects and interactions I realised that she's actually a nice girl and became good friends thus.

Beautiful ending.

Sights And Sounds: All In A Day's Work

It was sunny and I decided to go for a swim at Hougang swimming pool. A few observations I made deserve to be noted.

1) There were swimming lessons going on and there's this coach who was disciplining his students. He asked his student which lap he was doing and his student replied "third lap". I was surprised when the coach corrected him and said "You should say it correctly. This is my third lap." I'm glad to see educators in different aspects making an effort to rid Singapore youths of undesirable speech habits.

2) I was changing out after I was done in the changing room when I noticed about 4 or 5 students from my secondary school. They were noisy, and childish. They were mainly teasing each other about changing into their swimming attire outside the cubicles, as if some of them have balls and some don't. Intriguing. Kids will be kids. Then again, I wasn't like that when I was younger.

3) I then went to Hougang Mall's Popular bookshop. I was browsing through some guides for my tuition students when I overheard this secondary school couple talking about Ten Year Series (TYS). The girl was commenting that it's about time to get one and she wants to buy the nicest looking one. Such a wise decision.

4) On my way back, I saw one of my army camp mates. We weren't close, but we talk sometimes and do acknowledge each other's existence. To my surprise, he already forgot about me and worse still, he pretended that he knows me. He was exposed when he asked me when am I going to enlist. It's so disturbing and awkward that I quickly finished off the conversation and left. Did my appearance change so much? Or was I that insignificant? I hope I was insignificant. If he forgot about me cause he can't recognise me, it would really be quite sick.

All in a day's work.

Brain Storm: Stomping Blues

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/what_bugs_me/309058/school_forces_studenst_to_wear_shorts.html#commentSection

I read the above article with amusement. But I read the comments with sadness. The article was funny, as the kid who sent the complaint seem immature. His command of the English language was rather weak, but at least it's not totally broken English or Singlish, he saved his school's face at least this much. I used to be a hard core disciplinarian. Perhaps that's why I see the punishment as a valid one. Many people, the kid included, mentioned that such a punishment was stupid, and does not serve it's means. As a school disciplinarian long ago, I knew immediately that the rule was implemented merely because "the students are seen to be naughty and not mature enough". The school, firstly, will not present this as the main, or only reason to the students. It will be backed with examples, especially one related to long pants. To my surprise, according to old Saints (what an alumnus is called in St. Andrews), it had been a tradition for Sec3 students to earn their rights to wear long pants some one decade ago. Fair enough, a tradition is what identifies a school. Then, current Saints also revealed that they were already told about this policy before the school holidays and were told the specific reason why. (I'm working on the basis that the commentators were real Saints and speak the truth) The reason was due to a large number of students in the previous batch tapering their pants, thus the school wishes to check them when school reopens before allowing them to wear long pants the week after.

If the Stompers-Saints were speaking the truth, then the article will really funny, and the kid who wrote it, is utterly hilarious.

Now, on the issues I am concern with...

Firstly, I am amazed that the kid stomped this issue. No I am not militarised (I ORDed already btw), but I feel that the kid should really have spoke to the school first. No school management in the right mind, when a student approaches them to ask for a reason for a rule, ask them to get lost and blindly follow the rule. Neither will the school management agree to such a rule at the whim of the DM or the principal. I'm afraid that's not how it works, dear Singaporeans. Back when I was in school, we had to discuss with the DM, then discuss with the principal and the rest of the management team before we can pass a policy or a rule. Don't you think it is childish for someone who due to frustration wrote to the mass media to appeal for help from the netizens? A mature student, even deaf ones who failed to hear the announcements, would ask their friends first. Then again, I guess birds of the same feathers flock together. (actually I really think it's just that one guy) There are proper procedures in each organisation and even just based on common sense, one would not publicise their organisation in a bad way without solid evidence. I feel for the school.

Secondly, I am amazed at how many Stompers commented that the kid is right about bringing this to light. They spoke for free speech as well as the fact that "a kid don't have the power to go against the school and thus should appeal to mass media". I think this is disgusting. Why would we encourage our younger generation to be such pussies wussies? If for every minor issue a Singaporean would publish in caps on the internet, wouldn't all of us become immature and spoilt soon?

Last but not least, I am quite horrified by how many Stompers insist they are right, with such a command of the language. It's like getting a male blanga to say 我的阴胫很长 (my penis is very long) but he pronounced as 我的阴道很长 (my vagina is very long), it's not convincing at all! I understand that many people make careless grammatical mistakes sometimes but some people just looked like they try too hard when they actually know nuts. And don't get me wrong, I am not saying that those people can't express their views. When you can't really put it in the right words and right expression, just don't make it sound like you're God and whatever comes out of your mouth (or whatever you typed) is right. It's all about the tone.

That said I do hope I am not one of those who are immature, spoilt, inaccurate, make assumptions without evidence, hasty and has a lousy command of language while sounding like I am absolutely right. Another thing is, I think the tradition thingy is quite cool. While many will argue that tradition that is old and doesn't make sense should be removed, I do keep my stand that every tradition is special and as long as it doesn't hold back efficiency by too much, we should keep it and respect it. Traditions come from our roots and it defines us, no?

Event: Taiwan Trip 2010

Congratulations to myself for having my first overseas vacation! (army ones doesn't count)

This is the first time I went overseas and its really cool that I had my closest friends with me. I never imagined that I would be late for something that excited me so much but still I was late :p While on the train towards Changi Airport, I was so excited that my heart kept thumping hard. It was nice to see everyone at the airport and knowing that we're going to spend the next 9 days together in Taiwan playing our hearts out.

Edwin da terrorist wearing bomber shirt!

Bye bye Singapore, Taiwan here we come!

Day 1
We landed, abit not smoothly but still, and felt the cool winds of Taiwan. While indoors, it was still fine, I kind of erm, didn't bring any jacket on my hand held bag and insisted that I wanted to "taste true Taiwan on my skin at least once without any jacket". But when we touched down, Danny insisted that I take his spare jacket and so I did. We went to do the youth thingy and then walked out. The reaction was "OH MY GOD ITS SO COLD IS ORGASMIC"! Ok we didn't say that but it was something like that. Thank goodness for the jacket. But alas the hero and heroine of the day was still Yinning and moi, as we were both wearing short pants. Everyone was staring at us as if we were stark naked outside. We took a bus to Taipei Train Station

Book: Lopsided

Lopsided by Meredith Norton.

This book is a memoir about having breast cancer. Meredith writes a realistic experience in a humorous way. Despite having a not-so-common personality and attitude, she pens the natural reactions of human beings in face of a grave disease. Take note though, this book is slightly vulgar. But I feel that adds to the realism. This book is really captivating and I finished it pretty quickly though I don't have a habit of reading that much.

From her website, I think she is still well and alive. The battle she fought as a resilient or rather, stubborn person seems worth it. She sidetracks a lot in the book but you will never feel that it was out of point. The many little stories, crude or hilarious, makes it a very human read.

Tech Speak: Nexus One

If only this has a keyboard...

Tech Speak: How Search Ads Work

Music: 夜访吸血鬼

After my Taiwan trip, I was again reminded that I totally love this song, cause I sang it in a KTV there. This song is called 夜访吸血鬼 by May Day. It's about vampires, how they're lonely, neither demon nor angel, how they can't die even though they want to. It's a really nice song with pretty interesting lyrics.

满怀忧伤却流不出泪
极度的疲惫却不能入睡
只能够日日夜夜
然后又日日夜夜
无尽的日日夜夜
永远的深陷在人间

我是蝙蝠却不能飞
困在日复一日的街
无止尽的狩猎
彷佛一种天谴

夜色就是我的披肩
日出就是我的风险
舞池里的狂颠
是我宿命制约

上帝遗弃我们却又要给
黯淡的月照亮世界
要我们无尽又无情的繁衍
看爱过的人一一告别
做过的梦一一凋谢
只留下我独自残喘的千年

无法挥舞天使的纯洁
也无法拥有魔鬼的果决
只有像每个人类
贪嗔痴傻和愚昧
找寻着体温和血
找寻着同类

满怀忧伤却流不出泪
极度的疲惫却不能入睡
只能够日日夜夜
然后又日日夜夜
无尽的日日夜夜
永远的深陷在人间

饥饿是最好的调味
孤独是最强的催眠
疯狂找一双唇
能够当我酒杯

早就对这一切厌倦
也曾愤怒喝下圣水
却又无助醒在
下个漫长黑夜

青春遗忘我们却又要给
回忆的美就像玫瑰
要余生流血又流泪的受虐
看镜中的脸慢慢枯萎
高举的拳渐渐粉碎
只留下了无限唏嘘的相片

无法挥舞天使的纯洁
也无法拥有魔鬼的果决
只有像每个人类
贪嗔痴傻和愚昧
找寻着体温和血
找寻着同类

满怀忧伤却流不出泪
极度的疲惫却不能入睡
只能够日日夜夜
然后又日日夜夜
无尽的日日夜夜
永远的深陷在人间

无法挥舞天使的纯洁
也无法拥有魔鬼的果决
只有像每个人类
贪嗔痴傻和愚昧
找寻着体温和血
找寻着同类

满怀忧伤却流不出泪
极度的疲惫却不能入睡
只能够日日夜夜
然后又日日夜夜
无尽的日日夜夜
永远的深陷在人间

一个又一个孤单的千年
只能够日日夜夜
然后又日日夜夜
无尽的日日夜夜 wu~~
我不能飞

Ramblings: Inexperiency

So I got another temp assignment. But the road to get this miserable one day temp packer assignment was a long and annoying one.

First I was told that this job may have interactions with customers so I should not have any "overly vulgar" appearance. Well she didn't say overly vulgar but she asked with concern if I have "any piercings, dyed hair or tattoo", as if having them is a crime. No can do, missy. Maybe being overly pierced or having like, dyed white hair or gigantic tattoos down my own arm can be too intimidating. But mine isn't like that. Later on I was told I can wear jeans and tee shirt. This is so on the same wavelength.

Then I was told to wear formal for the interview. Right, "interview". Temp packer, wear full formal, interview. The society nowadays is so high class that you need more than A level certificate to be a temp packer. My agent also told me not to wear my ear rings to the interview and the day itself to give a good impression.

When I went the room, the "interviewers" didn't even give a half hoot about my studs (right, I rebelled, I refused to take it off). The other guy who got "interviewed" was in jeans and tee shirt. They just called us in and started briefing us in a matter-of-factly way, as if we were already hired. So much for good first impression. Even so, I must say that the HR Dept. is overly serious. They checked all my photocopied certs against my original ones and then took all my photocopied ones away. Well done. Shouldn't have given them any of my non-educational certs.

Alright, I smell inexperience from my agent. Not that I discriminate against beginners. They should have the chance to learn as well, since I have had many interviews for many odd jobs already. But still, they should do a bit more research. And be a bit less naggy. I think I'm not going to associate with them after this one.

Gosh, what a long day.

Tech Speak: Your Email Is You

Read this article from Lifehacker.com about your email addresses and domains.

http://lifehacker.com/5447335/know-what-your-email-address-says-about-you

Your email says a lot about you. Lately, I have been preaching about how important it is to my friends, especially since we're all stepping deeper into society. That cheesy email address of yours will work no more. I mean like, what do you expect your employers and colleagues to think of "frens4va@hotmail.com" or "hotstud88@hotmail.com"? It is not professional, it does not portray a good image of you.

Then comes your domain. Okay, I used to use hotmail and perhaps I did not use the newer versions of it well enough to know if it is good (since i jumped boat to Gmail since 2004 and since never looked back). I do use it once in a while and it never fails to "impress" me. Furthermore, it gives an impression that only unprofessional people uses it. Maybe it's just me, but even yahoomail sounds so much more appealing to me. As the article above stated, the aol domain sounds so 1996. Thus in truth, your domain speaks a little about you, though there are indeed people who are less judgemental about it but hey, don't take that chance.

Everyone should have at least one yahoomail account or even better, Gmail, whose username is your own name. Eg. alvinli@gmail.com. If your username is taken, try other sequences such as lialvin@gmail.com or li.alvin@gmail.com or alvin.li@gmail.com.

I am always relieved when I hear my friends say that they actually already have a formal email account with Gmail that spells their name out. Good job there.

Event: Yet Another Decade Coming - It's 2010

My older colleagues says when you turn 21, you will start to grow old very quickly. In the blink of an eye, you will become 25. Then in another blink, 30. Thereafter, it takes only half a blink to reach 40. Scary.

Next year, I am turning 21. Shit, next year comes in 30 minutes.

No matter, this time of the year generally means new year resolution, for me at least.

Let's take a look back at what I blogged as my 2009 new year resolution.

My resolutions for 2009:

1) Try not to be so desensitised that i dont even give a damn about my closer friends

2) Try to spend less and save more for my university

3) Try to catch up on my Chinese and English language as well as some basic computing stuff

4) Maintain my weight around the range of 52kg to 55kg

5) Gain so much muscles that i will look hot in tight-fitting clothes

6) Down pes in August

7) Beat up at least 50% of the guys in my i-want-to-beat-you-up-cause-i-dont-like-your-face list by the time i ORD

8) Train my eye-rolling skills until my powers suppass Storm's

Looking point by point, it seems that I didn't even fulfil half of my resolution. For number 5, I think I look quite hot already, but I guess there's always room for improvement. Lol, just joking. For number 7, I am really disappointment that I didn't beat up a single person, but oh well, some things happened and I didn't feel like beating up anyone, though most of them did continue to raise my blood pressure throughout the year. As for number 8, I think my eyes are too small, so oh well. No count.

Joking resolution aside, I didn't save much, my bad. Will try again this year.

I did try to pick up my Chinese again, but it's not enough. I'm still trying to start Chinese blogging again, will see how. As for computing knowledge, it's really hard to start. But now that I have plenty of time, I should really start borrowing some books to read.

I didn't manage to keep my weight around that range, but I must say that I don't really care that much anymore. A light person has his advantages.

Okay, I did not down pes, cause I kind of have a less-than-willing specialist to look at me as a weakling who needs to down pes. My fault, for not being a natural liar and deceive my way through to statuses and down pes. I shall repent.

Ok so the only resolution that I managed to keep was number 1. I did try to, and manage to contact many of my friends. It's really hard to start calling them but I'm glad I did during my block leave. It's true that I was still out of touch with most of my friends until August cause army made me so busy. But well at least I did try. And actually, I did fulfil another resolution which I didn't write down - that is, to complete a full marathon.

The larger part of looking back at this year goes to thinking back of the army. So I shall leave that to the next blog post.

For now my resolutions are as follows:

1) Get a good paying job and really start saving up for university

2) Have a good start to university life, cast off my loner self and make lots of friends in university

3) Remember everyone's birthday, for once, cause this coming year, most of my friends are turning 21

4) Work out consistently and get IPPT silver by end of March

5) Complete Sundown Marathon 2010 and StanChart Singapore Marathon 2010 with a timing of less than 5 hours

6) Restart my skills allocation program, to learn either cooking, instruments, wushu, Japanese, roller blading, computing, photoshop etc.

7) Start a Chinese blog, food blog and maintain them

8) Drink way less Starbucks

Well, that's it for now.

The year we turn 21, we become adults. That's a traditional way of thinking, but I think most people still appeal to it. My closest friends, we're becoming an adult soon. Many great things in our lives are just starting. We have come a long way, we have matured. This will be a great year. The year to adulthood.

Happy New Year~

Event: Christmas Celebration

I can't say I really celebrate Christmas. But I vaguely remember that there were lots of little gatherings at Danny's House on Christmas yearly, though I rarely attend. This year I was there and we had steamboat again. It's good to sit around with your friends and have a good home dinner together. Its really hilarious when Yinning tries to stop people from polluting her food source too. Luckily nobody cut her off from dinner this year.

I baked a chocolate honey cake this year with some chocolate honey sauce. I won't say it's a success but hey, my friends havn't complained that they're having diarrhoea yet. It's a good first attempt. I'm trying to make baking one of my skills. Till the next time then.

gosh my camera phone totally sucks, its so grainy

chatty chatty after dinner~

i did cut off the top layered which is obviously burnt, but the rest of the cake was still not so bad

Brain Storm: The Water That Reflects My Body, Mind And Soul (The Beginning)

2 years ago, I was excited about entering the army. Finally, I am going to become rock solid fit and the army will force me to eat healthily. My friend used to say that he will just pretend that it's just some extended chalet and try to enjoy all the outdoors. I guess we never thought deeply enough, and we didn't know the army enough. I really cannot recall being worried at all, though I did make preparations just in case I couldn't sleep on the first day of enlistment. (I barely slept the day before on purpose, so that I would be so tired that I will fall asleep on the first day easily)

The Story... 2 days before I enlisted, I sms-ed my friend who enlisted already, and I did the same 1 day before I enlisted to 2 other friends. They both sounded alright. No big deal. But we all didn't know the first few days was just the relaxing administrative days. When I went to the interchange, I saw Tsun Wang and that really put me at ease. But I began to tense up as we boarded the ferry and went up the steps towards the back of the auditorium. Many people said they felt detached from civilian-ness when they gave their pink IC to the army. Being truly innocent and oblivious, I didn't. Even when we met the CSM and he spoke in such military style to us, I still thought that everything's gonna be fine. When we responded to him, we were zealous, we were loud. I felt that I was so into it (like Yayyyy! Army!! lol). The sadness sank in starting from the time CO spoke to me in the cookhouse, telling me to eat more. When it's time for the parents to leave, I really felt tears in my eyes. Mum pat on my head and told me to take care. I told her "不用担心, 我会照顾自己"

"Don't worry, I'll be alright, I can take care of myself."

So it begins. BMT wasn't the toughest thing I went through, despite me being only a LCP. Though it was intense, it probably wasn't as tough as it was supposed to be cause the garang spirit was still strong. I remember having the ADF in my platoon, along with a certain white horse.

Here's a few things that's imprinted deeply in my mind.

1) I happened to meet Guan Wen when I was collecting my kit, I still had my hair while his was gone. I remember we were discussing on "How we were told to wear our socks". That's the army for you.
2) I remember all the recruits mass called our parents on the first day, cause we were forced to. I hanged up promptly. At that time I still did not miss home that much.
3) I remember dragging my duffel bag to the 3rd floor and feeling tired. Wonder how the rest bring up to their 4th level bunk and 5th level bunk.
4) I remember asking my section commander if I can wear my knee support as if to do so was a crime. I was so afraid that he will scream "NO!" Instead he just said "Sure, make sure you don't get injuries from the army, it's not worth it" and my eyes just went O_o
5) Quite a few of my personal equipment were wrong size. I was totally freaked out cause I thought it was my fault when I keyed my data into the system. Turned out my platoon kept saying that he will make sure that our equipment were perfect.
6) On the first day, (even after many days from then), there were lots of sniffing at night. Lol, guys have emotions too.
7) My platoon sergeant confess that he "sniffs" everyday during his BMT. We were all so shocked, yet impressed, cause he's such a mature looking guy but he has his soft sides too. He loves his mother so much.
8) During the first few days, I called Yinning to wish her happy birthday. I was already on the verge of tears, then she passed the phone to Ching Yee. I was totally like "omg just stop this" and after a few sentence I told her I have to hang up.
9) My first impression of the ADF was good. He seems nice. Then it turned hellish. We hated him, but you've got to give it to him for making us so fit. I was the first person to do 100 push ups, given by him!
10) After a while, flutter kicks were common, push ups were alright, 100 counts of 4 of jumping jacks are nothing.
11) I remember shivering like hell during our one and only swimming lesson cause it was at night.
12) During the last few nights before the end of the confinement week, I felt numb about missing home already.
13) BMT was the time I realised guys can be really so darn vain.
14) I remember doing Own Time Own Training with Tsun Wang, forcing him to train hard so that he can pass.
15) I always like to sit next to or opposite Tsun Wang at first, cause having somebody to talk to takes my mind off my civilian world outside.
16) I remember crawling through mud and water like it was natural. I didn't squirm, didn't scream, didn't complain. It was there, and I just know I have to go through it. Though I was so glad that we only had to do the combat aggression thing once.
17) I remember my OC telling us how the army fights and how we're all here to be trained to kill. My OC is a funny person. He always say "J-T-B ah, just too bad" "I don't kid you, you're here to learn to kill. If you don't kill your enemy, he will kill you"
18) OC gave us 5AX (5 advance exercise) as punishment for being late during field camp. It consisted of diamond push up, alternate leg thrust, jumping jacks, flutter kicks and can't remember what's the last one.
19) During field camp, I swear half the time I don't know where I am walking towards at night.
20) I remember how 3SG Au hao lian about having the camouflage scarf and we can't have it.
21) The basic close combat course was utterly stupid. And I was able to tell who had martial arts background just by looking.
22) I remember lots of guys baby crawling to the staircase outside after lights out to cut our nails after being punished earlier. The whole ninja thing after lights out was fun though its because we were never caught before
23) I like the days when training wasn't so harsh and we could sleep later. Daryl and I were always the last to brush our teeth. Sometimes he would sit on my bed and we would talk. That's the best time of the day.
24) I remember shouting at Daryl (well the whole bunk was shouting at him) for over using his powder. It was so hard to sweep it.
25) My birthday happened to be 2 days before POP and to date I don't know how my bunk found out. They totally kiwi-ed my butt in the day and camo-ed me at night. Weng Kin taped up my mouth like 6 times. I had to bathe after that and kept asking Daryl who was still brushing his teeth to help me check if there's any camo left.
26) Sports day was fun and I saw lots of friends in other companies. It rained and my bunk mates threatened to wipe my face with mud. Lol.
27) Chris once commented that I'm very poor thing cause I bring my PSP in every week but I always don't get to play it. It's always in the hands of my bunk mates.
28) I remember how one of the NSPS tried to teach us VP. Thinking back, he was such a noob.
29) I remember how we shouted and singed so loudly during POP. It was the best day.
30) There were lots of bodyguards on POP day sia...

BMT was a good time of my army life. It was harsh but fun and bonding as well. I really wanted life to be even harsher after BMT. (No I'm not a maniac.) I will never forget the MO who stubbornly refused to let me go to command school. Many times were good, like having the BIC as the finale of the field camp, the route marches, the times we spent in bunk challenging each other for the stripping of our rifles etc etc. I grew stronger, and I learnt to tolerate people, communal living, and being treated like some low class species. It was the grand opening of the 2 years. And the Section 3 I so loved paved the way.

Event: First Proper Work Experience

It says "Temp Despatch" and I was told that I'm supposed to deliver stuff to nearby offices. The first thing I was taught when I came into the office was how to frank letters (you know, the ink prints on a official letter which says how many cents). Then I was taught how to recognise different company letters and deliver them to the different departments. Lastly I was taught how to send the franked letters at the post office. Nothing about despatch. I wanted this job cause I prefer to be able to walk around. In the end, I only delivered one item during my 7 days of work. But still, I like my job. Its pretty easy, I have quite a bit of free time as long as I work fast. Even though, as the week pass, I had more ad hoc admin stuff to do, such as moving the furniture around, counting the number of fans and paintings in the office etc.

I must say that the people in the office are really nice, especially the aunties who are contract workers. I love to talk to them as time pass faster. Another reason is because they always say how I look too young to be 20 years old. That always make me very happy. :) "I look young.. like, first time people say that to me"

I like the free drinks dispenser in the lounge. I always drink to my heart's content everyday. I think I have milo poisoning by now. The job scope is also not bad, though it'll get boring after a while.

It's a great first proper work experience overall.

Event: Back With My Alma Mater

Friday night, I stepped into the familiar grounds that I spent 4 years of my life in. A bunch of people whom I do not know at all said hi to me. They called me by my name.

I came back, they saw me. They asked me to give a little talk. Willing or unwilling, I know not, but they asked.

I stepped into the building. A giant wall sized photo is printed on the front of the office. That's me on it, upper left hand corner, smiling.

I went into the room. They stared. I introduced myself, they seemed to know me already.

As I speak, we went through many photos. That's me, overall in charge of so many things.

As I share, memories came back. I was the demon, the extremist, the bad guy who committed so many crimes.

As I finished, they clapped. Gullible. To them there stood a man, old, but most experienced of them all.

Last month, I went back too, I was asked, why am I not part of the alumni? I'm high profile they say, I am expected to be in it.

My alma mater, 4 years of my life. On 31st December 2005, a great man left the school.

I AM LEGEND.

...

...

...

just joking.

Lol.

They say that I am a legend. Its partially true. True because I am so notorious for my almost-demonic actions as a disciplinarian. Only partially true as I am getting older, and they still have yet to build a statue for me. So it is only sooner or later that I am forgotten.

I am starting to regret agreeing to give a speech, and not preparing a script. Cause all I said was crap. I am old and have forgotten all that leadership bullcrap. But still, even if the talk for myself, it was good. Lots of memories which I have kept in the storeroom of my brain came back. I guess I'll just take it that the talk was for myself.

It was good to see many people, though I am really upset that so few of my cute beloved juniors went back. It's once a year after all. Many thanks to Hui Shan as well, who painstakely spent time to entertain an old man from 11.30pm to 12.30am so that I would miss my last bus. It was a noble sacrifice for her. I had a great chat with the kids. Really, I kept telling myself to not treat them as such anymore but that day, I was enlightened on why I still do so. Being around their childishness really, really makes me feel old though.

It's good going back. Until next year then. That is, if they haven't forgotten an old man like me.

Ramblings: Once A Bitch, Always A Bitch

I don't like people to patronise me. That much is true. However, I would also like a bit of respect as a human being, even if you do not want to treat me like a senior that I am.

I am back as a friend, to see my beloved cute little juniors whom I missed so much over the course of my army life. I really hate to have people interrupt me and give me the look that I so detest. I mean, I know you dislike me, you also know that I dislike you. I don't cross your path, and I would expect you to do the same. If you have any disagreement or violent objections to my friendly discussions with my friends, it would be ideal to say when I am not around. Its like, I am the one who went through army, not you, bitch.

Then again, when you're born a bitch, you stay one. It's not as bad as last time though, that much I admit. At least you improved, as a human being. A little grateful, I am.

P.S. A bitch is a female dog. Says Longman Dictionary.

Now buzz off.

Tech Speak: Put On Your Goggles From Google

Google Goggles allows you to search things by taking photos. The explanation below will speak for itself. The guy's way monotonous though.

This is Android only. Way to go, Android!

Ramblings: I Am Going Crazy!! (over the lack of some stuff)

I need these things soon. I'm starting to feel breathless. Gosh.

1) New Handphone - HTC Dream ($600)

I just need a decent phone with a keyboard. HTC Touch Pro 2 will do nicely too but its way too expensive. And M1 don't sell Dream anymore. Screw M1.

2) New Earpiece - Sennheiser CX300 Precision II or Altec Lansing Backbeat Titanium ($130)

Ok, my new G2000 pants tainted my Sonic Gear Ear Pump blackish. Its unsighted and I could use a new ear piece with better sound quality.

3) New Bag - Backpack or Sling bag or laptop bag ($40 - $100)

Actually any type which looks decent will do. I hate dragging my Adidas duffel bag or my army sect comd bag everywhere I go.

4) Fix my PSP ($100)

The analog control is spoiled. It automatically goes upper left, which is freaking annoying.

5) Stationary - Pencil Case, Fanciful pens, short Pilot G2 and G3, ruler, stapler etc. ($20)

Like, I lost my pencil case, er, at home. Need to restock everything.

6) Register for Adidas Sundown Marathon 2010 ($70)

I'm afraid that there won't have anymore places if I keep dragging...

7) New MP3 Player ($200)

My Zen Stone Plus is pissing me off. I don't need a Ipod Touch. Though a Crowell S9 or Ipod Nano or Zen Xi-fi 2 will do nicely...

8) Scholarship

Stop sending me the information letters... Just give me the scholarship and save trees.

Things That I've Wanted For A Long Time And I Keep Seeing Them On Sale

1) Capsule Speakers 2nd Gen XMI Minimax II ($70)

Minimax I was ultra good. Can't begin to imagine 2nd gen. But then again, I don't need this.

2) Uniquo Jeans ($50)

For the first time I actually liked a pair of skinny jeans. But I have quite a number of jeans now...

3) Nintendo iDS ($350)

Wanted to get a large screen iDS and support original games. But the console is expensive and so are the games...

4) Some toiletries

I happen to use quite expensive toiletries and some new products are available plus sales yada yada, but my current batch still got quite a bit...

5) New Computer - Core i7 with GT275 Graphics ($2000)

Not a gamer, yet. So don't really need such a good computer.

6) NAS, Xbox 360/PS3 ($500, $400, $600)

Well, its not a must to have a home server but still...

7) Subscription to a few stuff - Hardwaremag, Hardwarezone ($200, $100)

I can just go to starbucks to read. But shit, I don't go to starbucks anymore...

8) DSLR Canon 7D/500D ($2500)

Ok this is really expensive... But I saw all the photos my friends are taking, and it's a hell lot of difference between a DSLR and a compact camera.

So actually apart from the scholarship, all I need is MONEY. But I'm going for a holiday soon. And I want to be able to spend as much as possible there. So I got to bear with it. Guess I can get my bag there. Actually I've been looking through online trade/sale Singapore webs. I don't need first hand stuff, especially for things like mp3 player/handphones/bags which will sooner or later become like shit anyways...

Damn.

Brain Storm: Why I Love Running

I drafted this a few months ago

"My buddy said its good to keep fit, but not good to be over fit. Yeah, he's referring to me. He thinks liking running and being about to run 10km with ease, is over fitness.

Running makes me feel alive, much like Henry from Time Traveler's Wife. It makes me feel satisfied, knowing that I have surpassed myself, that I have become stronger and faster. Even if I did not improve, I can at least tell myself that I have maintained, or that at least I can run faster than those fagg*ts who pant at 1km point. I always feel disappointed when I start feeling tired or give up at small millages such as 3 or 4km point. Running is a way of keeping myself in check, a way of knowing that I am still healthy. I do "sports" a lot. I don't enjoy it, but I go to gym often, I swim whenever I can, I run a lot. I do it to keep fit, to look good, to feel good. I run the most, cause its easy and Punggol is a nice place to run.

It's not a hobby, but I still love running."

As posted, I did the full marathon a few days ago. I've not fully recovered yet, and will probably still take a few days more before I can work out again. My buddy tweeted about over fitness for people who actually runs 42.125km. Yeah just say it in my face, you bitch. There's this thing known as the # or @ function.

I'll keep running. And one day, when you struggle to pass 2.4, and I don't, when you become fat and I don't, when you become weak and I don't, we'll all know why.

:)

Tech Speak: Extension Extends Chrome

Chrome Beta has something new. Well not really new but I just found out. Extensions works much like how Firefox's extensions do, but they do give a cleaner feel. Scripts are downloaded and installed into your Chrome browser. There are 3 types of scripts, one that affects the content of the web itself (Content Action), one that gives a button at your toolbar allowing you do some actions (Browser Actions) and one that detects what kind of web you're browsing and allows you do some action by showing an icon in the address bar (Page Action).

Read more at http://chrome.blogspot.com and http://www.google.com/support/chrome/bin/answer.py?answer=154007&topic=25692&hl=en_US

Try it if you don't mind using Chrome Beta.

Allow me to share some of the extensions I've used.

1) Google Translate - detects a foreign language in the page you're reading and allows you to translate the content

2) xMarks Bookmarks Synchroniser - an extension from xMarks that allows you to synchronise your bookmarks between computers and between browsers

3) Google Wave Notifier - notifies you when there's a new Wave

4) Chromed Bird - access your twitter just by clicking. its just a pop up and you can close it just by clicking on the icon again. Shows the number of tweets you want and allows you to tweet and even instantly shorten your link. Sweet.

5) Facebook Notification - Something like Chromed Bird, quite buggy though. Not recommended

6) Google Mail Checker - shows how many unread mails and opens your Gmail when you click on it

7) Flash Block - blocks any flash content on a webpage

8) Docs/PDF/Powerpoint Viewer by Google - haven't tried it yet

9) RSS Subscription Extension - detects a webpage that allows RSS subscription and shows an icon in the address bar. Click to subscribe

10) Beautify Facebook - adds transparency and shadows to your facebook interface

11) Shareaholic - allows you to share any link to quite a few sharing websites such as twitter and facebook

12) Google Calender Checker by Google - tells you when is your next appointment

13) Cooliris - lets you browse supported web photos and computer photos in 3D, also has other content provided

Cooliris showing my facebook album

Tech Speak: New Plug

This is ingenious. Don't you think?

Original article here: http://www.iconeye.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3864:rca-student-radically-improves-the-uk-plug

Event: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009

It's 3.30am and I struggle to wake up. Frankly I was quite excited. I mean, this is the first time I'm running a full marathon, though I was alone. I started the race late, cause I was queuing for toilet. -_- Like lame right, but we all should know how it feels like to have the urge to use the loo when we're running. In the end I was 15mins late, it is really regrettable that I didn't witness the flagging off cause it sounded like everyone was darn high. Nonetheless I started running, with the pace of Chi Weng's 10km run. Shame, I know, but its 42.195km, so I knew I had to conserve my strength.

The first 10km was good. I've never felt so relaxed, though I completed my first 6km in like 40mins? I was so pissed off though at the group of guys who kept chanting "left, left, left right left". Ok seriously, I know you guys haven't ORD yet, but many people around you had and we're sick and tired of it. I just felt like yelling at them. Too bad I really didn't want to increase any speed any further, though eventually I did, to escape from this agonizing group of people. I ran alongside many people. Some overtook me, I overtook some. Everyone seems to be minding their own business, unlike the runs we had in camp. Everyone's running their own race, no one's trying too hard, but they all give off the same determined feeling.

After 12km, we went into East Coast Park, really, no other places feel as good to run. Amazing was the fact that the fastest runner were already on their way back when I entered East Coast. I was at my 12km at 1hr 30mins and they were already at their 35km. The fastest runner took 2hours 12mins. After 15km, I decided to walk 2 mins for every drink station, my knees had started aching, I really thought I wouldn't be able to complete, since it was like, 27km more to go. Then I realised that every time I walked, my knee recovered and I was able to press on. At first I really didn't want to walk, cause everyone is like running. But it was my race, I had to do it my way to make sure I will succeed. By the time I reached 18km, I felt tired. I missed the banana station. You had no idea how miserable I was, feeling hungry. But I pressed on. Many people were cheering. I remember that was this ang moh who was stationed at the start of East Coast first. He had this huge sign board, with some encouragement written and he was ringing a bell. I overheard from some people that he's here every year. This and many cute girls shouting funny encouragement really spurred me on.

At 22km, I finally reached the Power Gel station. I practically gobbled it up. Small, but better than nothing. I kept telling myself, if I was running a half marathon, it would have ended already. It was during this time when I started asking myself why am I torturing myself like that. But nonetheless I kept going, especially when I saw this Temasek JC guy who's an officer, whom I kinda dislike, running at the 16km mark. He's running towards the round about, I ran past the round about already. So in my mind I was saying "hah! officer so what, so damn slow, ocs teach you to be pussy issit". Lol. I saw Kelvin at 26km I think, the timing was about 3hrs 15mins. My ankles and soles were hurting too by then. At 30km, I saw Benjamin Tee and I rested for a while there. Time was 3 hours 45mins.

Beyond 30km, it was really a struggling time. My legs kept cramping up, my knees were heavy, my soles ache with every step. I started feeling a little breathless, which is bad considering I was running so slowly. On my way out of East Coast though, I saw that ang moh again. He had a board saying "this is no walking zone" and he was flashing the board to a lady who was walking and following her. But the lady after a few seconds showed him the middle finger. Everyone around laughed. Lol. He gasped and walked back. At 32km I saw Sarah and Wei Qin, who told me not to stop, but I was cramping up, so I had no choice. I also saw a kind lady who was giving out pocari sweat drinks. I really wanted to take but decided not to, after all many others need it more than me. At about 35km, my timing was already like 4hrs 30mins. I had been walking, jogging a little, and more walking. Stretching at the side of the road don't work anymore. It was pain, tons of pain. Finally I reached 38km where Hong You, Sok Loon and Zu Yao were. It was 5hrs. I just told myself, 4km in 30mins, I don't think I can make it, but I'll try.

At 39km, I saw Yong Wen and Wai Kit resting. I walked with them for quite a while before running again. Many people were trying to chiong by then. Finally, I reached 41km. On my way to the finishing line, I saw Alpha 2IC, and his hairy chest. That made me run all the way in. One point though, everyone slowed down, almost forming one line when entering the finishing line. Cause everyone wants their photo taken by the official photographer of the marathon. Lol.

I remember being at Nicoll highway, when it seems like there was no end.

I remember seeing sarah on my way to 10km mark but it was too dark to be sure.

I remember the white adidas singlet guy who ran ahead of me but I eventually caught up and overtook him and left him in the dust.

I remember a guy in tights and shades, a guy with big thighs, a lady with the encouragement bib written "Look alive", an old man with a bib saying that he aims to finish his 5th marathon under 5hrs 30mins, a guy in full red adidas gear, a guy running barefooted, all these people ran alongside me.

I remember the ang moh.

I remember the group of malay ladies who cheered loudly, telling us to finish it in 45mins at the 36km mark and I just thought "siao". But I'm still very grateful.

I remember the lady who gave out the pocari sweat.

I remember asking for 2 bananas at the banana station.

I remember not drinking any 100 plus at all cause I thought its carbonated until the 20th drink station.

I remember a female supporter asking us to remember each other's number then correcting herself saying bib number not handphone number.

I remember the emcee at East Coast Park cheering us on and gave many people high fives.

I remember the 45yr old lady running a marathon for the first time.

I remember a malay old lady who said she's running for DRAMA.

I remember thinking to myself, shit, how can I run slower than Chi Weng's speed.

I remember having the feeling that nobody here is even thinking of taking shortcuts or cheating, unlike certain some people I know in army.

I am a finisher of 42.195km. Many people showed me their spirit. That was my inspiration. Thank you all.

Event: Work

Today was the last day of my work as an exhibition helper. It opened my eyes to a few things, though this wasn't the first time I worked. The last time I worked as flyer distributor, door to door that kind. It was hard but it was only for a day. This time I worked for 4 days, 8am to 6pm. It was tiring. Furthermore I was standing the whole day for the first day and walking around for the next few days. When I say that I really meant that the only time that I sat down was during lunch for half an hour. That means that I walked around for 9.5hours a day.

I realised that I really hated working.

Firstly I just ORD. I was just released from some time trap which seals up all my time on work days in some hell hole in Mandai. I totally do not want to go to work, which makes me wake up at 6.30, which is 45mins later than when I'm in camp, and end work at 6pm, reach home by 7.30 and after eating and all, it's almost 9. Being tired, I just go to bed, that's worse than camp, or maybe it's just because I'm still not used to it, despite being a combatant.

Secondly, I cannot exercise as and when I want. I refuse to wake up early to run in the dark, and by the time I reach home, I have to take dinner and won't be able to work out until 9 plus, which by then is too late. I can't stand not exercising for 4 days straight. It makes me feel weakened.

Thirdly, I hate to put hair wax on my hair everyday. You think it's a small issue but it really damages my hair. If I do not put at least a little, my hair makes me look like a savage and ugly. The second part really disgusts me.

Goodness, can I stay as a teenager?

Shit, I already am not a teenager.

By the way, my colleagues at work says I look way younger than I actually am. That really makes my day.

Too bad I didn't get to try this, would really want to see how it works

so elaborate for some media booth...

er, aladin's gonna bang on the door for copyrights issue soon

i think they originally already look very scary, this figurines make it worse

i saw the trailer for this cartoon, i rather watch Xiaolin Showdown anytime

i looked at this for 10 hours except for lunch for 1 whole day, standing!

Ramblings: Weakening Root Of My Life - Chinese

I've always considered my roots to be that of a Chinese. Chinese blood flows through me and I think that a Chinese needs to speak good Chinese and write Chinese well. I used to be proud that my Chinese is actually at quite a high level compared to my peers (though there are some setbacks which proved me wrong). But alas, these devilish 2 years of army has changed all that. My demonic platoon mates in Signal has influenced me to speak more English and listened to nothing but English music. (I'm actually quite jealous of Kay Siong and See Kiat for not being the slightest bit influenced and somemore Kay Siong's Chinese is thousand times more powerful than mine)

Thus it has come to this. I was at work, conducting surveys for some people. Along came this China guy who asked me if I could speak Chinese. I happily said yes. So I tried to translate the questions to him.

Ok just say that while translating, I actually felt sad that my Chinese standards have dropped so much. That bad.

难到我没有可耻之心了吗?

Transferring Chinese songs to my mp3 player again...

Event: It's Free Starbucks, But You Gotta Pay

Today, Starbucks was having Christmas Open House and anyone could have any drink on the house. 5 to 7pm. Sounds good? But they're also collecting any contributions to the Salvation Army. I would love to have a warm mug of green tea latte free (especially since the Espresso card doesn't cover it), but I am swearing off any caffeine until my upcoming marathon is over. Thus I wasn't in the mood to contribute anything since well, I don't really want to drink in the first place. And I think that it would just plain suck if you queue up for like, 30mins to an hour for a free drink, then you walk away without giving any contribution. And I think that happened for quite a few outlets.

I would support Starbucks and its causes next time, when I get my pay that is.

By the way, I need to look for ways to increase viewership like seriously.

Food: Vegetarian@E Hub

My friend recommended this small stall/shop called Yummy Green at E Hub (Downtown East) which sells purely vegetarian food. It's mainly japanese themed and I had the tonkatsu cha udon. Nice!

Tech Speak: Chromium OS

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/download-google-chrome-os-and-run-on-a-real-computer/

Most of you should have heard that Google Chrome OS has been announced. Nothing's confirmed yet, and I have yet to use it too. But I saw some screen shots, and it's quite pretty.

This link contains a guide to boot your PC using Chromium OS, which is still a relatively young project. It seems that the main issue that Chromium may not like your network adapter. Ooh, a new OS with an attitude. I like.

I'll try it soon, then I'll update here.

Ramblings: I ish goot in moi ang moh

chui noe ur engrish makes moi sick? it ish nt impressive at all. if i hv 2 read engrish rike dis, i will faintz wan.

Pardon, I had to refer to some forum to write like that. Not born with such a talent. Gosh, the headache it gives me.

Event: Gym Is In Session

I went to Safra Yishun's Energy One gym on friday with a friend. Yeah it was paid per entry, $5 plus, silly I know, but I just wanted to try it once. Apparently there's quite a number of facilities there.

Upon entering, the lady gave us 2 towels and a key. Actually I thought we looked like complete newbies cause I didn't even know how to tell her that I wanted "per entry" at first. After paying, I went inside, totally not knowing where is the locker and what to do etc. But well we did figure it out. There were a bunch of lockers outside the toilet so we wanted to change into our gear before locking things up. After walking back and forth the one and only toilet which says "for EnergyOne members only", we decided that it's the only toilet and we have to go in either way. Inside, we realised that yeah that was really THE toilet. There were larger lockers which I supposed were meant to put our baggage and the lockers outside were meant for things like water bottles. The shower cubicles and steam room was inside the toilet in another room as well.

For the gym, I did my regular sets, mainly with the dumbbells. There were quite a bit of dumbbells available, ranging from 1kg to 10 kg in intervals of 1kg, as well as 12,14kg dumbbells etc. However I must say that the space for the dumbbells and in between the machines were pretty small. The dumbbells section was like half the size of Sengkang Gym's. Overall, I wasn't impressed with the gym.

Then we decided to head for the pool. For me, I really only wanted to try out the jacuzzi. Surprisingly, there was a warm water jacuzzi right outside the exit of the gym. I really enjoyed it, the temperature is just right, though the jets were a little low for my liking. Too bad, Tsun Wang says its too hot (what nonsense, hot is good), and it has a weird smell. So after a while we went to the normal pool's jacuzzi. The jets were strong, the pool's scenery was good. Unfortunately I was all out of strength by then and couldn't swim no more.

The last part was the steam room. I really thought I will be able to take it, but I was so wrong. The heat wasn't that bad, but breathing in all the steam was intolerable. I threw in the white flag after 5 mins. There was this weird old guy talking to us inside. He asked us where we came from, what were we doing then (like, just ORDed yada yada). So I told him, I was from a SIR unit. And guess what he said?

"真的吗?你不像是个会吃苦的人"

roughly translated to "really? you don't look like someone who can take a tough life"

I went "HUH!?".

Sidetrack, but hello? My unit is not just any SIR unit. I bet you my life was hell and I pulled through just fine. And I didn't eat snakes most of the time, if you know what I mean.

Frankly the steam room was great, though I guess the enjoyment of a steam room has to be cultivated. Anyways then we went out and into the showers. The showers were warm too! There's free soap provided as well.

Overall, Yishun Safra felt a little CMI (cannot-make-it) in terms of appearance but its facilities were decent. Good things I experienced were the warm jacuzzi and the warm shower. Many people may say that it's not worth the money. I guess I won't go there regularly, but a nice treat to jacuzzi once in a while should be good.

Take note though, you only get to use these facilities if you pay for the gym. If you go to the pool only (which is free for Safra members), you only get to use the pool and the cold pool jacuzzi.

Tech Speak: Image Swirl

Google just came out with a beta image search function called the Google Image Swirl. It has a pretty interesting interface. Looks like cool stuff from Google again.

Note: Demo only apparently, not everything can be searched. So far I've tried the Esplanade, lightning, rain (it actually showed a series of Korean or is it Jap artiste Rain's photos as well), and Starcraft II

Sights And Sounds: It's The Flooding Time Of The Year

It's raining. It's been wet. It's Singapore's so called Autumn season. It's irritating.

It's making me wet. Literally.

The bus stop is totally wet...

Look at the water gushing out from the drain

It looks like darkness is consuming the sky...