大腿杰

Drunk Eve of CNY Eve

2012-01-22T08:51:00.000+08:00

Who celebrates the Lunar festival with a great hangover? Well, us.

It made for an incredible exhuasting and painful realisation thereafter, but no one can deny the kick gotten out of it from the whole process. Clubbing was uneventful, as per expected. That's also because I've never been a huge fan of the crowded premise.

Apolinar's appearance was certainly one of the highlights and I still feel that he's really sweet and concerned about Yuling. Don't really the clubbing scene, but I accomplished what I wanted to do: experience the ride.

The drinking game was horribly fun. Yuling is really the one and only when it comes to organising and hosting this kind of games. Then accompanied by her boyfriend, it was a disaster meant to tip yours truly way drunk for the night. As expected, the alcohol claimed Huangmu as a first victim. Some truly amateurish sabotage backfired as the couple got a taste of their own medicine. Of course, I was game enough to down some shots on my own.

Oh how I regret that kind of ill-conceived bravado. I routinely, as they called it, merlion-ed throughout the night at Yuling's, as well as when I got home. Horrible horrible aftermath. No appetite at all, coupled with a boggling headache and queasy stomach, I had officially the worst day of my life yesterday. But boy was it a fun experience.

CNY, gawd the dread. I hope it passes so quickly that I don't even know of its passing. Suddenly had many memories from The Forces flooding back, must be also due to my IPT sessions and the return to Kranji. Recalled the Channel 8 New Year show that time, Reunion Dinner. That was so good, and kind of highlighted a particularly trying and what-if period of my life. Sigh~

- Domon

Resolutions 2012

2012-01-07T21:59:00.000+08:00

Hey you

I know I know, you 'should' have made all the resolutions prior to the start of the new year, at least most would. But whatever, and that would be my first resolution: care less about what people, society and others think and instead be adventurous and do things that I want to do. Be spontaneous, live life as it is. Afterall, this is the final few months before I step foot onto the wondrous land of endless office-politics and OT for seemingly underpaid hours. Hello adulthood.

I would of course, strive to jump more and further. The test has always been my Achilles Heel so far in my life, and the only obstacle standing before me is the jump.

Since I've got my virgin clubbing experience taken away already, I hope that I'd get involved in a few more parties before I retire from doing that. That is cause I'm not even a big fan of what I experienced the other day, but an experience is an experience. As mind-boggling and Captain Obvious that sentence sounds, you have to try it to know you'll not someday regret it.

In my imaginary Neverland of perfection and niceties, I'd still need to lose another 5 more kilograms to be satisfied. I look falsely fit now, but clothes are there to cover your unpretty areas. The aim is to hit the much coveted six O in 2012, and maintain it there all the way.

At the tender young age of 23.01 (Birthday just over. For example, Tingwei would be like 23.97), I've got my fair share of unpleasant, untimely injuries. It's all relatively fresh and novel for an ex-obese kid who never exercised, but the rate my body is crumbling has been nothing but shocking and alarming. So for this year, I'd start to take care of my body, and not subject it to unnecessary stress. That means rationing my tennis, difficult task ahead.

2011 showed me that I can do lots of things, hell even great things if I can stay focused. One thing I particularly loathe about myself is my laziness and general short attention span. I'm driven and love a challenge, but the last year I've found myself unable to muster enough motivation and energy to be productive. Too young for such brain fatigue.

Important for 2012, don't dwell on the trivial stuff. These days I've gotten more and more hot-tempered (As attested and practiced by Huangmu). When I look at people and things, the brains automatically conjures negatives images and connotations. I'm trying to step back and think again before uttering any nonsense or words I'd surely regret later on.

2012 resolution: heck the organising. Too many distasteful experiences with organising meetups, well culminated at last December. So for the new year, I'd choose to bring less nuisance to myself and instead focus on the true friends whom I care for and those that truly give a damn about our friendship.

Improve my tennis. I've always been competitive, but never on the physical side of things. Sure I tried to outrun Yuling during our TAF Club explosive training but that's only because I was the sole guy in the group and ego is a bitch. Tenis has gradually become an inseparable part of my life which gives me so much passion. I seek to improve all the while and it's time to be more competitive now to truly develop my skills. This may all sound dandy and lofty but I just lost a match meekly and the feeling I can tell you, simply sucks.

Learn my Japanese and learn it well. I still kind of berate myself, internally and really not till the extent of berating, about the foolish choice of not taking the language until second year second semester. It was obvious I loved anything Japanese since young, even my mother gave me a slightly Nihon countenance to boot. (No serious, my AB214 tutor, the great forgot-his-name said he thought I was a Japanese, read my archives)

Open up myself more. I may not be introverted to anyone who knows me, but most of the time I'm dispensing crap and useless banter. Only the rarest of times (Where the likes of SMRT breakdowns and POSB involuntary fund withdrawal happen) would I confide and share of real thoughts. Over the years life, family and friends have taught me how to masterfully lie, conceal and sugarcoat myself and my words to fit to the norm. But as one grows older, the thinking matures. Like I've said, follow the heart, because life is so short and we're supposed to be at the best period of our lives.

Lastly, as Barney from HIMYM (Yea still crazy about that show) says: Stay awesome!

- Domon

It's Going To Be Legen... Wait For It... Dary

2012-01-05T21:01:00.000+08:00

Hey you

A new show for the new year! Thanks to my stint in Canadian Insurer, I got to know a new 'Sistel' from our Actuarial class, Ms JF. And she kindly saved me all 6 seasons of HIMYM.

Yes, How I Met Your Mother that is.

Hilarious sitcom, started way back in 2005. I'm thoroughly entertained but still kind of hate myself for only starting to watch now, since I'm on the last week of the holidays.

These years, I've chosen to be more selective in stuff I watch. Other than the inevitable ones that caught my attention (Recently-concluded 巾帼枭雄 on Channel U was so good but heavily depressing), I'm really more inclined to entertaining and light-hearted content on TV or in theatres. Unless it's really critically-acclaimed, I'd most often avoid the heavy stuff.

That is why I sat through Michelle Chong's Already Famous twice, even though I Already Watched it, and that in spite of the acceptance that the plot kind of sucks. I like to laugh along more than ever, so as long as it fits the bill.

So I'm done with the first 2 seasons of HIMYM in 3 days thus far, will try to finish season 3 by the end of holidays. Productive indeed!

- Domon

Of 2011

2011-12-31T11:06:00.000+08:00

Hey

Time's magazine has the 'Protestors' named as the 'person' of 2011. Meaningful. Interesting. Just a while ago I thought about the possibility of the quintessential Singapore icon to make it to the distinguished front cover: The Singaporean Auntie. They can write pages and pages about their blatant kiasu-ism, arrogance, elitism sometimes. Then do a full analysis of such a desirable Singapore spirit.

Ok that aside, I've decided to do a month by month recap of the year.

In January I made my resolutions for this year: no resolutions. Yep, none. So on the basis of no expectations I hoped for even better things. That month I started the second semester of my Actuarial career. Felt an acute sense of urgency and pessimism as I struggled to keep up with the modules. On top of that, I took part in my first ATP Challenger event in Singapore. That kind of coincided with my first few weeks and explains a little my inability to catch up. ATP Challenger event was almost a flop because entirely of that screwed up Singapore weather which incidentally (Or not), we're experiencing again. Has a great Genting trip again with an even larger AJ gang this time. Admittedly was a little bored of the theme park already, but the company was good. Had my childish moments but thinking back now it was just dumb. Probably my last time ever after Huangmu told me some spooky stories.

February has always been the traditional quiet month. Nothing siginificant really happened. So just kind of soldiered through the month, increasingly being boiled down by impossible schoolwork.

I was ecstatic during March. Much because the only gem was on the 8th of March, where it's the release of Stefanie Sun's album since a 4 year long hiatus. Of course I'd be excited. It was a great album, and Weijing, Seok and I went down for the autograph session at IMM. I can still remember the murky weather, with all the people suffocating each other and some PRCs who couldn't grasp the concept of queueing. March was supposedly the NTU Novice Open for me as well. I signed up for both the singles as well as doubles with Kar Wai. Heart was filled with so much anticipation but imagine the horror and despair when I injured, for the very first time, my right wrist. So serious was the pain that I was shattered. Went as long as one month without touching the racquet.

April was again quiet. But it had the rumblings of something big coming up: Examinations. Of course and also the General Elections. April was also the time where I think I bonded quite well with Cui because of all the modules we're taking together, on top of the history in The Forces. Another frantic preparation phase for the dreaded May. Also got to know another one of a kind idiot: Jason Quek. Haha, too much coincidence there. Name aside, he's studying in the same course as Soh Zu Hua and knows Kassler! What are the odds? But I knew him through tennis, and that's where I realised he knows OKS and Edwin. He'll keep appearing of course in the subsequent months.

Lightning struck in May. Not without the addition of some knock out hammering. It was truly a spectacle to witness, especially considering the newly conferred 'voter' status. It was, also an especially trying period to keep the focus, having to keep abreast with the political issues (Again, the pros and cons of being a voter), whilst worrying and mugging the the imminent exams. One of my great outing was to the Hammer Party's last rally at Serangoon Stadium with Jason (Told you he'll be appearing). That was something insane and incredible at the same time. As someone who's relatively calm, collected, or if you're blunt, nonchalant most of the time, it's rare for me to get roused, spurred and emotional. That's what happened that night, I was genuinely affected by their impassioned speeches and the rallying cries of those thousands who stood in support. The results, though never in doubt, proved a progress of some sort for the country.

June was mainly about my then new internship with Canadian Insurer. I would be complaining lots about my co-workers, but it'd all turn out well in the end. In fact, we did achieve some improbable ending. Work wise, I learnt quite a lot about this industry, thanks to Clarissa's guidance and also my Boss, Qian Hao. I also met a group of wonderful guys during June who've since become my really good friends that I can count on. Brother finally had a girlfriend again after so long, at least I only know about these 2. Sixuan's decision to enlist finally sunk in at this point as her enlistment nears. And then I also realised how quick it has been, as my female peers all got ready for their graduation and job hunt.

July, one of the more momentous moments in my life. I made an important decision, stuck by it, and was extremely grateful for it. July was also the end of my brief internship with Canadian Insurer. I'd have come back for more in the subsequent months though. Went to Huifen's ocnvocation and was truly happy for all my friends who graduated. Finally has a decent meet up with the AJ gang prior to Sixuan's enlistment. One thing I realised is how comfortable everyone is of bringing their steads to our groups gathering. And I'd like to at least make it comfortable for everyone. Harry Potter saga also ended in July, this movie would stay with me for a long long time, especially this long episode, since it's impact on my goes far beyond the storyline.

I used to like August quite a lot. There are going to be holidays, we've 2 birthday celebrations, so at least 2 weekend gatherings, and the start of a new semester and academic year is always going to be slow and manageable. Not this August though. It is still the most depressing and poignant month I've been through. I got my guidance from Salim, I made my choice and although it was hard, it was also the right thing to do. Rest of August flew by as I tried to unsuccessfully focus on my school work. It was then that Canadian Insurer called back to offer a part time stint which I gladly took up. That would occupy all my time, along with school and tuition, I would be busy. With Mong, we escorted Sixuan to the fabled Tekong island for her BMT. Some memories! Especially considering Mong and I set foot on Tekong together for the very first time together too during a JC trip.

The final season of Desperate Housewives started in September and that kind of coincides with my final year of school-life. Okay rubbish linkage but the ladies have been with me since 2004, so nostalgia again. August rampage was still clear in my mind, but I also found myself increasingly unable to cope with the myriad of responsibilities. Barely had time to spare to play tennis, as September flew by without my playing much. Even had to skip Zhiyuan's birthday celebration altogether!

October was another quiet month. By then I've started some frequent and random meet ups with the AJ gang, mostly Huangmu on some Friday nights where I'd be working. Had to regrettably miss the October birthday celebrations again. October also marked my last lesson with my beloved Sam. Sometimes while reading his model essays and fantastic sentences to my friends, I'd still laugh like a madman, but thereafter I'd be a little sad too. At least he scored an A for PSLE, I'm relieved I didn't screw up!

November was the full power mode month. I had only 4 modules, but wisely (Or not) planted 3 of the kickass hard modules to have their final papers taken on the same day. Ingenious right? This semester I've also got a lot closer not only with Lim Zheng Xiang again, but also Theven, the FYP group mate. Team Rocket, Anders (Another fellow 41), plus also Cslvin Tse, resident closetted bitch of the class. We really helped each other tremendously, without which I'd habe floundered and be seen hanging dead on the S3 corridor. Also had my rounds of interviews which sadly, I've not heard any results so far. In addition, completed my part time rather meekly with the Canadian Insurer, without much hoo-haa this time round considering I'm a mere temporary stuff this time round. But luckily for me, this stint taught me even more things that during the whole 10 weeks of internship. Although that kept my schedule on a suffocating pace, it was meaningfully spent.

December, the month where rain once again substituted for snow. Of course it's not like we're getting any anyway. We had out annual Christmas outing again, which I failed to blog about. It was fun but the gift exchange I thought could be better. We should really try Secret Santa next year! Makes the buying process much easier. I'm not a fan of useless gift (Aka Mini Toons and Action City where they've sections of stuff that just scream 'USELESS AND JUST FOR CHISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE!'). The gang all bought at least partially usable stuff, so thankful for that. Feast has always been great every year, stuffed and contented that I didn't even bother about having dinner. This year brought a mini surprise and Mong himself bringing the surprise was much a surprise as well! Wow, that sentence is sprinkled with surprise huh? Very meaningful Christmas. My birthday on the other hand was pretty low key. To be perfectly honest, I only had 3 dinners! But it doesn't matter, like I've always said, the premise for birthday gatherings is really to just give us a reason to meet. So this month, I've met almost all of my most treasured friends, so I'm already happy.

I don't know why but 2012 brings a great feeling. I know it's the end of the world all that, but I can't help but feel extremely positive for the new year. I hope the final semester would be rewarding, not just in terms of grades of course. I hope most importantly now, for my good health, as well as the people I care about. I wish Sharapova would stop sucking and Federer to win the Golden Slam this year. Too many resolutions make a greedy man, but perhaps saying this now is too late. So happy new year, everyone! I'd not expect people bombarding my phone with messages now with the advent of Facebook and Twitter. So, have a great one tonight!

- Domon

Scam!

2011-12-27T14:11:00.000+08:00

Hey you

All along I've think that my life has been a quiet, unassuming one with barely a ripple. Of course that's the family history is another long grueling chapter of its own that I've decided to gloss over for the time being.

Until this morning, I thought my life got some unnecessary colour.

As I was out tennis-ing with TK, my phone meanwhile chalked up an all-time record of 32 missed calls during that 2.5 hours where the my trusty gadget wasn't near my side. Thirty freaking two! As I had a quick scan over the callers: Brother, Niang, Uncle Eric, Home.

Okay, something must have happened to the grandmother.

Or so I thought. Never for a second did I entertain the possibility of me being the 'victim'.

At somewhere around half past nine, an anonymous caller dialed my house number (Okay this is sounding creepy like some episode of 'Missing' or 'Crime Watch' but I'm going to do a factual recount of events so bear with me), obviously the home-alone grandmother picked up the phone. Anonymous caller broke the news that 'I' was on their hands. 'I' had gone into a fight with them (What the fuckety fuck!!!???) and they asked me for money. 'I' said I didn't have any money and they proceeded to beat me up more and captured me. They then proceeded to let 'me' speak to the grandmother, in which 'I' groaned in pain and agony pleading for my grandmother to make them stop the beating. S$5,000 for the safety of my life. Grandmother being poor but still deceptively clear-headed, asked for verification but decided that 'I' sounded to much like me. She haggled with the kidnappers citing her inability to raise that kind of money.

Long story short, 'I' was kidnapped and a ransom was demanded.

Firstly, I don't ever get into fights. Nah.
Then, I'm worth only S$5,000!!!???
Next, shame on whoever it is who masterminded the scam. Obviously you're some kind of friend, or maybe acquaintance. And to betray that trust, especially targetting an old woman, you can probably just fucking die. Last time I checked, many places are still hiring and just fucking man it up and look for a job.

Okay, now that I realised how ridiculous the whole episode is, I wish the kidnapper fucking happy new fucking year. May your ass be busted soon.

- Domon

23rd Birthday

2011-12-20T00:26:00.000+08:00

Hey you

Since I'm awake might as well be the first few to wish myself a great birthday and wonderful year ahead.

With each passing year, the significance of the birthday does increasingly fall off the radar. At least to me. With a constant renewal set of problems, dilemmas and worries, each year seems to get bleaker. Calvin Tse once remarked that he has altogether forgo the celebration or even the mere mention of his birthday since he has almost nothing to show for it. But the again, he's a pessimist by nature, an extreme kind if I may add.

I'm not that particular about myself. I just want to enjoy the years that I've survived, and be thankful of the (Generally) good health and fortune for surviving and in some instances, even thriving in the past year. For every year lived brings about learning experiences, maturity, questions and hopefully answers as well. Without these experiences, whether good or bad, we'd not be where we are today. So for that I'm thankful.

Life goes on. This day might be better remembered for the funeral of North Korean leader Kim Jong II, but in this small corner of the earth, I've my friends who celebrate my humble birth 23 years ago. And for that, again, I'm grateful.

- Domon

SWTE 2011

2011-12-18T22:55:00.001+08:00

Hey you

I had a fun 3 days rehashing my linesmen duties again at the inaugural Singapore Womens Tennis Exhibition 2011 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for the past weekend. It was a real eye-opener especially with regards to the quality and calibre of the players and the level of play involved. Previously, although YOG was great introduction to professional hitting, they were still, afterall just juniors. Then the ATP Challenger event held earlier this year was much more intense and the balls were literally speeding by. The atmosphere was more tense as the guys were really fighting for valuable ranking points and prize money. I still remember the excitement of seeing Dmitry Tursunov eating a packet of Mixed Vegetable Rice by my side.

This year, the SWTE 2011 gathered 6 high ranking WTA professionals, with the lowest ranked 27th in the world (Anabel Medina Garrigues) whilst the highest ranked the number 6th player in the world and reigning US Open champion, Sam Stosur. I do find myself immensely proud to be a part of this tournament involving the best of the best players in the world. Watching them warm up and effortlessly increase the pace of their shots are mind-blowing. Hantuchova is so pretty and has such delicate features, that on close look (Which believe me, I am always in close proximity), she looks just like those H&M mannequins.

Throughout all the matches that I've 'watched', the most exciting one is certainly the semifinal clash between Pennetta and Stosur. I can finally see through my initial hate for the Italian, due to her untimely defeat of Maria at the US Open this year. She's a feisty, incredibly entertaining counterpuncher. She doesn't have any best of all time strokes, but boy she's a dogged competitor. Very versatile around the court, very likely a product of her successful foray in doubles. Smart player too who absorbs her opponent's pace well and redirect them with interest. I find her to be a much talented version of Radwanska (As also evident by the result of the finals played today between them), so I don't understand why she's not ranked higher. She's also the one who's the most game enough to provide entertainment value for the audience, seeing as this tournament is afterall, just an exhibition.

Stosur is all business on court, as would be expected. And her famed kick serve and that forehand, both are truly devastating shots. The wrist snap generates so much spin and kick on her strokes that when she's in the zone (First set first 6 games against Pennetta), she's world class unbeatable. But being a known headcase, I guess the 3 set loss result is hardly a surprise.

Now, I've heard rumours that they are trying to import a WTA tournament next year into Singapore. I do love my tennis, and I adore the drama of the WTA matches and players. But I really do not think this will work out.

One of my main issues all weekend is how thin the crowd was. Looking at the sparsely filled stadium especially on Friday, it's disheartening to even think about how the players would feel playing for nobody. It appeared even worst on the papers when the photograph showed something like 15 people in the stands? That's bad publicity for a city that aims to hold a world class professional tournament in the next year.

Public interest is lacking, that's the concern. In general, tennis is not a major sports outlet in Singapore. The only one with a legitimate claim to that is soccer. Even sports like table tennis and swimming, I do not think that can pique the public interest enough to fill up stadiums and stands. They only got the attention, rightfully, because of them being medal-winning sports.

Often I feel this goes down to the root of not having a born-&-bred or at least imported-&-converted champion in Singapore. Last time I checked, we do not have a Singaporean player in the Top 100 of either ATP or WTA. It's tested and proven: a player making it big in the international arena of any sports will spark interest back in their home country. Look at Djokovic's success and the booming tennis scene in Serbia. Look at Wozniacki's success and the Copenhagen tournament. Singapore is simply not producing world class tennis professionals to generate enough interest to the sport.

In addition, as someone who've experienced the harsh weather and its subsequent effects on locally-held tournaments (Read: Rain-out), I'd say any tournament held here should be indoors, like the just concluded SWTE. Having all the rain and humidity would absolutely kill the schedule and match rythm as well. The Challenger event this year is a great cautionary tale I feel.

As for the SWTE 2011, my opinion is that the organiser did not do enough to market the tournament over here. Personal grudges aside (Oh, aplenty for all the linesmen), they should really do more in their promotion and marketing to get more people to come in and watch the matches. No engagement with school tennis clubs? That proved wildly successful during the YOG. Give out student discounts and special price cuts for members of school tennis clubs, Secondary, Primary Schools, JCs as well as tertiary institutions. Also to outside independent tennis clubs, or current school team players. These are the people who should and would fill up the Friday afternoon working hours. And the price tag is TOO expensive yo. I just find it a waste that such a great opportunity to promote tennis has been let slipped, especially with such an impressive roster of players.

Nonetheless, I had fun and the linesmen family feels tighter than ever.

Gosh, birthday's coming.

- Domon

Even With My Dark Side?

2011-12-13T00:19:00.000+08:00

Hey you

Kelly Clarkson just released her new album. Won't say it's her best offering, Breakaway still takes the cake. But this song caught my attention. Love the lyrics and the melody flows well with the theme.

There's a dark side to everyone. We don't reveal it often but if we do let you in, would you still love and accept them for who they are?

Kelly Clarkson
Dark Side

There's a place that I know
It's not pretty there and few have ever gone
If I show it to you now
Will it make you run away

Or will you stay
Even if it hurts
Even if I try to push you out
Will you return?
And remind me who I really am
Please remind me who I really am

Everybody's got a dark side
Do you love me?
Can you love mine?
Nobody's a picture perfect
But we're worth it
You know that we're worth it
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Like a diamond
From black dust
It's hard to know
It can become
A few give up
So don't give up on me
Please remind me who I really am

Everybody's got a dark side
Do you love me?
Can you love mine?
Nobody's a picture perfect
But we're worth it
You know that we're worth it
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Don't run away
Don't run away
Just tell me that you will stay
Promise me you will stay
Don't run away
Don't run away
Just promise me you will stay
Promise me you will stay

Will you love me? ohh
Everybody's got a dark side
Do you love me?
Can you love mine?
Nobody's a picture perfect
But we're worth it
You know that we're worth it
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Don't run away, don't run away.

- Domon

Stop Hating

2011-12-10T23:46:00.000+08:00

I've just watched two separate videos on Youtube. Very inspirational stuff, touched some raw nerves as well.

For one I can never understand how people can be so hateful against each other. No matter the choices (Or not even choice) made, why would others want to judge and even criminalise it?

The worst thing to do is to force one's belief and opinion on others. Ridicule, bullying, rejection.

I've somehow walked the road before and am still treading water. It's not fun. If only everyone would step into each other's shoes and think for others, and for once look beyond themselves.

Stop hating. Please.

- Domon

那些年，我不能说的秘密

2011-12-04T21:04:00.000+08:00

Hey you

I just finished watching the film Apple of My Eye. Well that despite I still couldn't manage to find a single soul who hasn't watch the film. Or more appropriately, anyone who hasn't watch and feel like watching it.

Somehow I didn't enlist it on my 'Must Watch' radar since the phenomenon happened. Which is weird considering how I should really be a sucker for this kind of genre of shows. Gradually preparation for exams consumed all my attention and the movie disappeared. Anyway by a stroke of luck I come to know that the movie is uploaded on Youtube and I happily watched it. Nothing like the kiasu Singaporean attitude to ensure I viewed it before the internet police remove the show.

This kind of 纯爱 movie genre has always been a huge hit for me. In fact, I got vaguely reminded of my love for 不能说的秘密 all over again. Except that this time, Apple has none of the theatrics and time-travelling aspects woven into the story. And while it's safe to say that Secret still remains updisputedly my top movie, I can see why the fanatics over this show. Especially comparing it to the disappointment I watched yesterday. Already Famous wasn't bad per se, just disappointing.

Apple is a quality show. And for the Twilights and other useless big budget productions filled with paper thin plotlines, there'll be quality storylines like Apple which relies heavily on the plot to generate buzz and word-of-mouth. I've got friends who've watched it repeatedly in the theatres already, some even wept a little.

Now all great movies always end with some kind of pity. The build up of this fragile relationship always plants seeds of hope in the viewers' minds. So seeing how easily hopes and dreams disintegrate leaves the heart with an incomparable tinge of pity. That's what Apple is. On top of the various little memories of the schooling life, and endearing aspects of the teenage phase that you know will never come back. The chances that you may or may not have taken, opportunities missed or wasted, taken and lived through. Admittedly, Taiwanese environment is not quite our own, but the feelings and emotions, confusion and uncertainty, that's universal teenage language isn't it?

I like the ending. I do also believe that rarely is the first someone's last. It's a nice touch at the ending to actually cleverly incorporate some humour with the poignant ending. Definitely one of my top few movies ever.

Sigh, why can't we make such movies?

- Domon

I Can't Go For That/You Make My Dreams

2011-11-25T11:54:00.000+08:00

I'm sitting in the FAL blogging, doesn't sound like much productive stuff eh? But hold on, I'm extremely addicted to this glee mash-up now. I never realise other than emo-nemo songs, I've a GIGANTIC soft spot for upbeat numbers.

Glee Version

Original version by Hall and Oates, used in the movie "500 Days of Summer", which I really REALLY want to watch after the exams.

- Domon

Jam Hsiao

2011-11-21T21:16:00.000+08:00

Hey you

Figuring why I'm so active on Blogger when (Firstly people don't really blog nowadays but that's another story...) it's the exams period? Well, it seems that somehow I've made enough time for myself during this mugging period to drop by my little relatively unknown nest and just write some rubbish.

Speaking of which, I think a tad too many people have come to know of the existence of this blog, which is NOT my intention at all. I didn't publicise it throughout the years, but neither do I have a strong mandate on shielding it from anyone. I think I should. Besides, my (Informed) guess is that I'm the only one out of my friends who've not had a change of URL since the inception (Other than those who abandoned theirs). Heck, even the title has been the same for 5 years, skin has been like that for 3 years (Relatively new yea).

These months I've suddenly taken a liking to Jam Hsiao's songs. Firstly, I've to get this off. What's is wrong with all the C-pop singers' names nowadays? I used to think the name Fish is weird. Then along came things like Yoga (I love his music though), Crowd (Yea him too). Show?? Jam?? Why for the sake of having Christian names so they just want to leave a greated impression, without realising how ridiculous it sounds? But hey, let's not even go to the bands and groups (Nationality irrelevant). 2PM?? 2AM?? Lollipop?? Beast?? Pardon me, Chinese tabloids are almost completely devoted to Korean celebrities now.

Anyway that's not the main topic. This semester I'm super addicted to Jam (Heh) Hsiao's songs. Especially the second album. It really came out of nowhere. It's one of those instances where you didn't notice this song before but picked it up 2 or 3 years later. Did my taste changed or what? Then I started to go back to his first album released way back in 2008. I was already a huge fan, was one of the first albums that I 'got' wholesale from the net. Brought back lots of memories of The Forces cause Winston and I used to K his songs anytime anywhere (Even on his bike).

His songs are infectious. Especially the devastated, emotionally turbulent ones that are gut-wrenching and heart-thumping. His voice does the trick. It may well be the elaborate drag, or the deep vibrato. But whatever it is, it's working damn fine because I'm so hooked that I want to go to KBox. Badly. Probably after exams. Looking at you again Huangmu, Robert, Peijie and co. :D

- Domon

Hold 不住, 就逊掉了

2011-11-16T23:34:00.001+08:00

It's the much talked about, abominated, detested period of the student life again: hail the exam period's arrival. Landing upon us yet again like a huge juggernaut of uncertainty.

I'm holding my own this semester (Probably not evident based on the last entry) but yea, still feeling alright.

A well known fact (Ok maybe not a fact but starting with that kind of phrase just adds credibility, where I just reversed the intended effect...) about Singaporean students is that we are skilled exam paper takers. Smart? Debatable, but hardworking is a definite. So much so that the arrival of the much-vaunted exam period also signals with it the arrival of 'NO LIFE', as yet again evident from my last entry.

For me the effect is not that outstanding because I started out with almost zero fun throughout the semester so my 'NO LIFE' has a limited capacity. But some of my peers, they literally carry the meaning all the way. No play, no this no that, just mug. Well, that is still alright because it's their own business. But when they hear that I'm going to, let's say play tennis for the night, go KBox on the other (Looking at you Huangmu, Robert and co), they either immediately jumped at my supposedly high level of preparation for the exams, or judge quietly at the back of their minds that I'll flunk the exams.

Guess what? I do all these because I know I can HOLD 住整个场面. Exams period doesn't mean you don't eat, don't surf the net (Cause half of the time these students are 'mugging', they are on Facebook on other what-have-you), don't watch TV etc. For some those are their essentials, for me tennis is one of those. That's tantamount to DJ NOT watching 康熙来了　every week, Huangmu not eating Sakae buffet every month or so despite swearing off it after each meal... The routine stays quite simply because we can HOLD 住.

So bottomeline is, if I can HOLD 住 and you can't, 你就逊掉了. And don't always pepper me with the 'Wahhh so zai ah confirm score A already' false praises when you hope I am stuck at the bottom of the bell curve so you have a higher chance of scoring A. Not cool yo.

- Domon

I'm Not Dead

2011-11-16T00:04:00.000+08:00

YET.

I'm limping and barely reaching the half-way mark (Mini finish line if you're optimistic enough to refer the end of first semester to an end).

This whole semester is like one huge messy mess of... mess. Reached its absolute crescendo during the October month where work studies FYP this and that just had an orgasmic convergence that left me wasted and feeling GG-fied countless times.

After the interview today, which I think I kind of screwed up, this semester has finally reached its climax. Now is the calm before the storm. Nothing and just mug mug mug. Need to get the pace and motivation of last semester back. I've set some lofty targets (Yet again) so I do not want to disappoint myself.

All in all, I've been one gigantic piece of NO-LIFE for the past 3 months or so. That roughly translates to an actuary by the way.

Will blog more when I should be doing.

- Domon

&^^(&%$^($%^

2011-10-20T22:42:00.001+08:00

Constant stress. It's rooted in the equation this semester.

When Final Fantasy characters are low in HP, I'll check them in an inn, or use the item called 'Tent' to let them sleep over. The whole idea is to restore the HP, let them recuperate and cure all ailments and naggy injuries. Supposed to symbolise a home of some sorts.

Well, it's so tiring with all the work and studies now. But once I come home it's another round of *(%&@)^&#^$@)!_*&^.

And people question why I don't like to stay at home. It's supposed to make me feel relaxed duh.

Supposed lah.

- Domon

The End Game

2011-10-11T23:36:00.001+08:00

Hey you

Just thought about this today for a while, so wanted to jot this down somewhere.

End game refers to the final happily ever after moment. In Singaporean (Or conservation Asians' context), it simply means finding someone you (hopefully) love, get married, have a bunch of kids (Or actually just 2 in Singapore, preferably 1 girl and 1 boy). Nice little car, complete with a cosy 5-room HDB flat (Or Executive Condominium). There, perfect end game scenario.

Sounds familiar? Isn't this find someone, get married, produce a few kids the ultimate 'perfect ending' for life? Somewhere in those storybooks, somewhere at the final last episode of a drama serial, some musings of relatives (READ: Your parents). Since young, this is the image of perfect life instilled via all channels: that you ought to find someone, then you ought to get married, naturally raise kids.

Nothing wrong with that either. You can't expect the story to go 'live happily ever after... and then they realise they can't afford housing, and they couldn't conceive, have a strenous relationship with the in-laws...' It's too depressing, and dare-I-say, realistic. Painfully so. So it's reasonable to expect that to achieve this end game scenario ever since young.

But the funny thing is, people grow up. Our thinking outgrown some of these myth and hypothetical futures, least I hope.

When you're in Primary School, that's the end game that you faithfully envision, though that point of time the enormity and practicality of it all escapes your young and naive sight. Teenagers, secondary school. Puberty raged and you act cool by pretending you're not interested in such idealistic possibility, but deep down you still picture the end game as it is. Now, of legal drinking and smoking age, I guess most are informed and experienced enough to know that the end game is not an end by all means. It's merely one of several possibilities. But of course being Asian and family-oriented and all the what-have-you, somehow everyone expects you to eventually settle down, marry, raise kids, END.

I used to be this person who harbours such thoughts as well. It's easier to dream when you think that your life is ending when you're enlisted into The Forces. Haha. But I just don't believe in that anymore. Sure with my own experiences and family history, this is a TOTALLY biased source so to speak. Would I like the end game scenario? Sure why not. But let's not go pretending that that is the perfection all through. And please do not expect everyone to share the same end game scenario, because life is unpredictable. It brings along shit and challenges, some of us may not necessarily be where we originally set out to be.

In short, this is a post laughing at the absurdity of the end game scenario. More specifically, at my peers who think that end game is really end game for all.

It's really not.

- Domon

火球

2011-10-03T00:03:00.000+08:00

Hey

I'm back blogging after a semi-not-so-long hiatus today mainly because of 王姑娘, my beloved tuition kid, my boy Samuel. You see, today is our official last lesson, sigh~

The feeling was both a mix of relief and sadness. Those of you close friends who read this blog and those whom I talked about Sam to, would know that as angry as this kid makes me sometimes, mostly I really like him. He brightens up my day somehow, keeps me entertained (Though that is on purely, a personal level of enjoyment not to be mixed up with the main job of tutoring), and frankly, I'm seeing him like a would-be younger brother if I ever had one.

I've always maintained the view that Sam is a clever, semi-mature-thinking child, yet lazy kid. He has all the potential, with his ideas and wits. Just can be a little more sociable, and less attached to the games. But again, what was I doing back when I was 12? Oh wait, yea playing my Playstation.

Being a primary school kid, his now immediate concern would be how to best spend the vast amount of time he'd have after the next 2 days. Well, comes as no surprise that the tutor, me, is actually quite conscious about this last lesson than him. Since he couldn't wait for it to all end. I know it's not a comment to be taken personally though, he likes me (Ok I hope he genuinely does) but hates the lessons.

Today he read one last time for me, recited a passage before the comprehension questions. And although I do not dare say I've been a great teacher (Most of our lessons were filled with mindless banter, chit-chat about his school life, which bullying incidents he witnessed and chose to keep quiet), but he did make quite good progress compared to when I first taught him. Again, I wouldn't say it's entirely my doing, but somewhere some point along this journey I should have contributed, no?

Before his last spelling I was recounting to him how shocked I was when I first read his 火球 essay. And then the subsequent one with the child killing his mother just because she commented that he was fat. I thought back then that I'd surely be dead, teaching this kid would be a definite challenge. He laughed with me, it was pretty funny thinking back.

His mother asked me if I want to continue through secondary school, I declined the request. I'd love to, but I don't think tuition for language is anymore effective in secondary school. That is the time where personal interest and drive should take over. PR reasons aside, I myself do not have the time to do it anymore. It started out as a part time job to earn some money, I was never meant to be a teacher.

So yea, that concludes my journey together with my first, last and only tuition kid. He asked me to add him on Facebook, but he doesn't have a face picture uploaded! What irony!

- Domon

Help

2011-09-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

I'm floundering.

Don't think I can keep up anymore.

Yea yea.

After this round of whining, life goes on. Sigh~

But it's tough.

- Domon

Sunday Evenings are Sad...

2011-09-18T19:10:00.000+08:00

Hey you

It's pretty interesting now that I think about it, no one, no one I've known in the College of the West knows of the existence of this humble little diary. Back since I enlisted in The Forces I've not told Anyone about the blog. Now that I'm embarrassed or anything (This entails another separate story about the laughable debate about my English proficiency), but I just don't see the need to advertise this semi-private space that is almost exclusively reserved for my JC mates. Sure, through the sheer powers of the logarithms of Google's programmes, many discovered my musings eventually. (Ironically they got linked through others' blogs most of the time at the mention of my name, which is quite unique :) )

Over the years I think I've became more comfortable in my own skin. Sure I'd never ever be completely satisfied, but that's human being right? And somehow I got even crazier nowadays. Of course, that's IF I'm surrounded by good friends, then I give myself the liberty to go insane around them, sometimes even towards those that I've just known. Granted, when alone thrusted into a foreign environment, I'd still be introverted and silent.

Anyway I was just wondering if I've been talking too much crap these days. It's as though everything that comes out of my mouth is garbage, you know, those of (Hopefully) great entertainment value but harbours no 'nutrition' at all. How reminiscent of a comment made years ago about me being quite 'shallow'. Just a random thought anyway, if people realised that I'm much more 'deeper' than I portray in classes/outings? HEH HEH. I'm nothing but sophisticated and worldly :D

Are we all risk-averse? In classes this week, we were taught that insurance company exists because humans are inherently risk-averse. That's true. But we also have this part of us that's daring, impulsive and probably devilish, raring to go, risk-taker. I myself have so many objectives and personal goals set that I want to achieve long ago I thought were quite risky. First thing's first, I do consider myself as pretty risk-averse, making safe choices and generaly being predictable. But I've my adventurous time. Especially since when you're different, you think different, you're born and bred differently, it is easier to want to break out of the mold. It probably doesn't make sense though, haha. Nevermind.

Oh I've a lot of things that I want to buy by the way. Although ever since holidays started in May I'm seriously over-spending. I discovered that my shoes are all over-sized and that's causing some problems for me now. And my body type is unconventional to say the least, so the clothes rarely fit well. So new track shoes, new clothes, new bag. :D

- Domon

Topicless X^7 III

2011-09-13T00:47:00.000+08:00

Hey you

Sometimes I wonder if anyone still drops by this blog. Haha. I do still go through my links, mentally reminding myself to check for updates, on those rare few who still keep their blogs updated.

Didn't really plan on blogging, but was talking to ahmin88, and decided to just write something.

Now that I've planted myself in such a huge mess, I'm starting to enjoy the routine and structure of it all. Waking up every morning, dragging myself to work/school, having minimal time for myself to procrastinate and idle around, that works really well. I don't think I should have enough time to rest, it should be all work work and work.

Went for an impulsive Kbox session last week and it was just too expensive. In my normal senses I would NEVER do that. Guess I still feel something clinging bah. Highly volatile emotionally these days. Thought it's slowly getting better.

I looked at my boy today for a while during lesson and it struck me how close the end is coming. In 3 weeks time he'd be taking his PSLE exams and by then, I'd have given my final lesson to him. Sigh~ time flies indeed. Till now he's my one and only (HAHA). I don't believe in being a strict teacher, especially to kids as young as those in primary school. Though his mother always alternates between calling me teacher and kor kor, I never once call myself teacher, nor require Sam to address me as one. We operate more like friends, yes, generation gap and all. To my secondary school cousin, then it's a different story. A few times I thought she's going to cry cause I was nearing my limits of tolerance. Anyway, like I said before, I'm going to miss my boy. It's fascinating to think that I've been a part of a young child's life and growing phase. Now that he's preparing to embark on this journey of adolescence that's filled with uncertainty, I do hope that he makes all the right choices in the future. He's a bright boy, should be fine. I made a mental note to add him on Facebook, see!! Facebook during secondary school ah, kids these days!!!!

On a personal note. With friends, it's always a delicate balance. Sometimes you love them so much cause they say the funniest things, make you feel important, connect so well with you. Other times they make you want to strangle them cause they are such a pain in the ass, and not in the good way kind (Just got to quote this brilliant line seen on Facebook). We got to compromise people, accept each others' flaws and all. It's so hard to do, but I always believe in 多一事不如少一事. Are there times I feel like punching the molars out of your mouth? Yes. Are there times where I feel like scolding you for all your insensitivities? You bet. But other than very few occasions, I mostly just suck it all up and overlook these small unhappiness. One person unhappy > everyone unhappy right? At least if I don't flare up over it means it hasn't cross my threshold yet so all's good.

Come on, if you step back and think about it, life's not all that bad.

- Domon

Dirty Laundry...

2011-09-08T23:58:00.000+08:00

Oh my...

It's the last season of Desperate Housewives this season. The years it has accompanied me, the longest running show I've followed, pity.

Though admittedly the quality has nosedived since the awesome first season.

Brothers and Sisters was also canned. :(

- Domon

Topicless X^7 II

2011-08-28T19:29:00.001+08:00

Hey you

刘子千really isn't that bad. Today, defying my supposed study schedule (As usual), I indulged in a hobby I've not engaged in for a long loonnnnnggg time: Taiwanese variety show on the web. Ever since *ahem* happened, I didn't really manage to watch any shows on Youtube. So today I caught Jeremy Liu on 百万大歌星. He definitely is the highlight of the whole show. And if you look past everything, his voice is not THAT horrendous. Unconventional yes, but there is potential bah. And his genius of a dad wrote a wonderful 1st single for him. Add to that he has an endearing personality, being filial and courteous will never garner too much hate for you. Refreshing especially considering he's ABC, but who knows perhaps it's all marketing *Just got to be skeptical*.

It was pleasure to listen to the likes of 赵传, 卢广仲 and 萧敬腾 covering their songs, each others' songs and classics. The one segment where 哈林, Guang Zhong and Jam Hsiao came together to finish that song was just superb. I really like this new 四小天王 thing, with Lu Guang Zhong, Jam Hsiao, Khalil Fong and Yoga Lin.

Met for epic Xiao Long Bao buffet at Crystal Jade yesterday for Robert Ong's birthday celebration. Firstly the weather was piss poor for the whole of yesterday. Actually I love myself some rainy days, PROVIDED there's no tennis for that day. Saturday has been my traditional tennis day ever since I came into NTU. Then, Fumin was late as usual. Ok no surprises there. Sixuan went missing was another out of the blue epic. I really like how it was suddenly resolved when it was revealed that she overslept and decided to give it a miss. Ahhhh, pity.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself. 2 consecutive days of hotpot is no joke though. The little dull sense of doing something repetitious quickly gave way to satisfying tastebuds of Xiao Long Bao meat juice. I love the Xiao Long Bao man, and also the dumplings.

The ice-cream eating after that was LOL-worthy. I just don't know why. All these meetings are really happening round the year yet somehow something new always comes up and cracked us up like never before. Was actually very tired after buffet but after a while my engine got moving again, so I talked and talked, most of the time nonsense but yea, it was a great atmosphere. Could've ate lesser ice-cream after that crazy buffet spread though.

Temporary assignment starts the week after next. I'm sure I'll be one hot mess once it commences. But I think I need to push myself, I require this relentless stream of activities to occupy myself. During this last year, I want to think for no one but myself. If I can survive this one last stretch of my education journey, I can do anything. I mean it.

- Domon

Ok

2011-08-19T00:51:00.000+08:00

You know the situation where you talk talk and talk with a person, mostly communicating via SMS or MSN, and he/she suddenly throws in this word 'ok'.

Point blank, 'ok' and just that, nothing else.

What the fuck is that?

I used to dislike it with mild disgust when Huangmu used it, but since then the negativity died down a little and also due to her not using it as often during our MSN conversations.

Her official explanation for using that is: nothing to talk about anymore. So her solution then to quell such awkwardness is to introduce a phrase with induces even more uneasiness around.

But of course, it's not her anymore.

Now, the people I talk to, someone uses this phrase much more liberally, at all junctures of a conversation. I would know, because now I use them for a variety of reasons as well.

The most of all, is to convey anger, annoyance, and all those sorts of negative emotions. Notice how 'ok' by itself is much a neutral word, and with this lies the flexibility of this phrase. Depending on the setting and tone, 'ok' can lend itself to display a variety of feelings.

The frequent usage of 'ok' for yours truly, is to convey anger and dissatisfaction at the most indirect manner as possible, yet supposedly felt by the receiving end. It's an art of talking, but I think by now I've fully mastered the passive aggressive style required to successfully maneuver the phrase. I'm just not an all out person, I prefer the snark, although I recognise how unhealthy and detrimental it is.

But once you stand at the receiving side of it, you get even more riled. Since you understand his/her intention, yet being on the defensive makes you appear petty instead.

Seriously, wtf is 'ok'?

- Domon

Smile...

2011-08-10T23:53:00.002+08:00

Smile

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile

开始懂了

我竟然没有调头
最残忍那一刻
静静看你走
一点都不像我

原来人会变得温柔
是透澈的懂了
爱情是流动的
不由人的
何必激动着要理由

相信你只是怕伤害我
不是骗我
很爱过谁会舍得
把我的梦摇醒了
宣布幸福不会来了

用心酸微笑去原谅了
也翻越了
有昨天还是好的
但明天是自己的
开始懂了
快乐是选择

- Domon

Mong Lvl 23

2011-08-07T22:39:00.002+08:00

Hey

Mong just leveled up today. 23 years old liao. So in the morning I accompanied him for his favourite past time - gym, and promptly took a photo of him fiddling with his new phone. Oh, Hougang Mall Kopitiam auntie gave him semi raw eggs for his birthday too, made him pissed like hell.

Later at night we had a simple dinner at Seoul Garden. I actually kind of remember most of the 30/05 went for a Seoul Garden lunch back when Ang Mo Kio still had one outlet. It was really most of the class, with Zawiah, a few of each from the different major cliques. Even Peirong I think! So it was quite funny when we came back to Seoul Garden again for Mong's birthday.

I literally LOL-ed when I saw Mong's SMS reply when I told him what's on the menu. He said, and I quote: 'smlj is Bi Bim Bap?' Hahahahaha, funny as hell.

Thinking about it now, it was a relatively low-key celebration, by our standards. Definitely I think Sixuan and Yuling's presence were missed. Still, the healthy turnout was good.

Yet another evidence of ageing: kept getting reminded of past events. Was talking to Tingwei and recalled sending her off at the airport, THE late night random phone call whilst I was in camp, writing the letter for her, meeting for her farewell. As STM as I am, the brains does remember the most random of events. I guess such selective memory reflects what the mind truly wants the brains to register. My memory for Pek stopped at when she broke up with her Baby, so I was honestly quite shocked to hear of the new boyfriend, apparently already 6 months strong.

Actually, true enough, I think I also didn't show enough concern for her bah. That's probably why I didn't get to know her latest updates. Sometimes I think I'm a naturally cold person.

As for Mong, I still don't know why we talk, especially after the wanting-to-punch-each-other-in-the-face feeling we had initially. Hahaha. Thanks for tolerating me sometimes, and please change your bad temper (and language)!!

- Domon

Attitude vs Aptitude

2011-08-03T11:41:00.002+08:00

Hey you

I think I owe myself an entry about my internship in Canadian Insurer. As always, like the old retrospective uncle I am, I like to summarise stuff after some key major events in my life. All along, the purpose of this blog, like what I've said since eons ago during its inception, has been to jot down my thoughts, especially through the years where my (short-term) memory unfortunately fails me more often than not. That's also the very reason why I bought my camera.

The attachment, like all other temporary assignments I've undertaken thus far, has been enjoyable. Moreso than others, it was especially enlightening and informative, as you'll be hard-pressed to find an 'actuary' if you randomly scour the streets for one, as opposed to say a salesman (No offence though). As cluelessly as I stumbled into this field, I can finally proclaim that I've least an inkling of what the actuary does in an organisation. Alas, the different layers of requirement are still too perplexing and baffling for a 10-week old actuary intern like me to fully comprehend.

The colleagues have been more than pleasant. I guess age plays a big part as well, with the mean age of the actuarial team hovering around mid to late twenties, I almost felt like I was in school! Special thanks to Clarissa, Yin2 and Gerald, who were quite the closest and most accomodating to the interns. Also to my supervisor, Qianhao and Elke, who remained ever so patient despite the many blunders I made. There's a genuine warmth in Canadian Insurer, especially the 7th floor, despite the unusually cold temperature required to cool the servers.

They say the main purpose of an internship seeks to introduce you to the organisation, the profession and ultimately, allows you to decide whether this is the right path for you. Although I've a clear idea of the profession and Canadian Insurer's working environment now, I still remain hesitant, in fact, much more than prior to the internship, on accepting actuary as my future career path. Or maybe, that as the immediate career after graduation.

Granted the lacklustre results didn't help much in pushing me towards such an exam-oriented profession, the job scope and examination requirements are simply quite overwhelming. It's one thing to look at it from a student's point of view, whilst entirely different altogether to experience it when you're on the job. I'm someone who places extreme importance on work-life balance, meaning I need my sufficient amount of sleep and enough time with no work, no studies, just relax.

On the job, the actuary's job doesn't exactly scream 'exciting' as well. It's a somehow monotonous, at times challenging scope. I don't complain much about the job though, because I see no inherent difference across most office jobs. Bound to be down times, for fresh graduates, bound to have those hollow moments when you basically operate like a machine, Excel sheets and all. It's the other requirements like examinations that are starting to weigh a little substantially on my decision-making.

I suddenly remember what Mok said years ago when I chose business as my major. She commented that I'm not a business person, more in fact, probably geared towards the arts side. On hindsight, I do agree that if you give me something artsy and something math and science like to do, I'll take the arts anyday. Stereotypically, I'm a big fan of the arts. Of course, not the crazy extreme kind who breaths and lives by the arts. But I enjoy my fair share of music, theatre, literature, history, plays and musicals. The attitude is there.

However, I recognise I do not have the aptitude for it. Sure I like to use the thesaurus to enhance my language to make it more flowery on humble blogs like this, but I'm simply no good in answering those structured open-ended questions in exams. How do you even examine something as subjective as the arts? That's not a convenient argument to subtly hint that my answers are still good despite the entirely subjective marking scheme, but just to highlight my inability to engage arts as an examinable subject.

On the other hand, math and science, that's the easily quantifiable parts. Hard figures, concrete facts, that's also what I like, certainty. That's the aptitude part. I don't ever feel like I'm exceptionally good with math and science, just passable. A lot of it comes from practise and memorising. The thing I like is the certainty about them, you never get too much fluff in these subjects. The sucky thing was that I'd sworn off engineering since secondary school, and I don't like science one bit, so they were automatically eliminated during the choosing of major phase. The best marriage of both attitude and aptitude to me than, was naturally business.

And now, choosing actuarial science over human resource, which I was quite interested in was yet another decision borned out of practicality more than anything else.

Now that I've supposedly gained a better idea of my prospective profession, I come back to the same question: how viable is it to base a career on interests, as opposed to something that you're good at? Some are fortunately blessed with a career that taps on their interest, which also happens to be something that are proficient in. Some people would also say, if you're interested in something, you'll naturally be good at it. Is that really true? I don't know which stage I'm at now, but I guess I still have one year to figure out this whole attitude vs aptitude situation.

Till then.

- Domon

我的字典里没有放弃

2011-07-30T21:45:00.003+08:00

I was reading about this song.

They even used 魔音　to describe his singing voice. So much so that it brainwashes everyone who comes into contact with the tune. All the hype just means I need to listen to this.

Actually, the tune is really catchy. His voice is indeed a bit cringe-worthy la. Kind of like the whole Rebecca Black debacle with Friday. The spoofs are ridiculously funny though.

- Domon

No One

2011-07-28T23:52:00.001+08:00

I think

No one really understands me.

Yep.

Including me.

- Domon

Topicless X^7 I

2011-07-24T20:33:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Weekend was good. I'm not sure if it's the completion of the final engagement presentation or simply because it's the last week of internship next week, that I'm getting the feel-good vibe already. Maybe the fact that we had an awesome outing yesterday helped.

Speaking of final presentation, I did a final picture video which took up freaking hour plus on Thursday night. Turned out I was dumb enough to not send the video itself with the presentation. Sometimes I do wonder how I manage to survive NS being so blur cock and all. So we did the final engagement without the video, heart pain. And that was also when I started to emo over 路小雨 cause I decided to pick that tune as the background music. Realised I've lost the soundtrack music too. Gutted, will get from Zuhua during the free week.

Which brings me to the free week. It's going to be hell hectic, primarily because I thrown some of those outings wholesale to the free week, effectively snowballing them into one huge pile of mess. It's not to say I don't want to meet up, but my battery life is now functioning at maximum 8 hours per day for engagement in meaningful gatherings, else half of the time I'll be zombie-fied. Already factored in a lot of tennis sessions, K, badminton. Uh, I'm starting to regret doing so.

Hair for Hope was okay. To sum it up nicely, went there, met up with Zheng Xian, queued, shaved and then went home. Haha, as uneventful as can be. But ultimately it's the thought that counts, and I really appreciate each and every donation made. The idea behind this is to raise awareness, hence cannot be solely quantified by monetary terms alone. To be clear, I'm not a good samaritan too. I'm not at all passionate about the cause, it's a neutral feeling towards. I just went along cause Zheng Xian jio-ed me, and I'm fine with the idea. No hysteria or big enthusiasm.

It's Viknesh's birthday today, quite embarrassing to say, most of the time these days, other than really good friends, Facebook is the only source for me to remember these birthdays. Viknesh is a funny guy, I reckon a great great friend if we had the chance to actually talk more. You know what they say, the funny guy always has a few stories to tell. Viknesh is simply too funny to not have something much more deeper inside. With him, I'd always remember that night's out in which I was too shagged to go, and he stayed on in camp because he was, I presumed, broke. So he came over, I was lying on my bed, and we somehow had a mini HTHT, army style. Very very nice person to talk to. Which makes the present that little more unfortunate, as circumstances do not really allow us to connect.

Do people think I'm fake? I'll admit sometimes for the convenience of it, certain degree of playing along happens, especially with me, who dreads awkwardness and too confrontational moments. In addition to that, there're simply too many things in life where you cannot just decide to be blatant about them. Lying, acting, all those inevitable, just how at ease you're with them. But there's one thing that I truly retains no control over: the bloodshot face. When I'm embarrassed, shy or mortified till the extreme extent (Ok maybe not even till that extent), it's like an automated process where the blood just surges to the brains, bringing the scarlet through the skin, which although much less fairer than before, still projects the red evidently. Even when the expression doesn't say anything, the face, especially the ears will tell people how I'm feeling. Makes me feel like a young boy caught stealing sia!

Shet, I'm not prepared for the next semester. I'm forseeing one hellish year ahead, so much junk. I promise when term starts, I'll still try and make time to meet my friends. OK HUANGMU?

- Domon

Chomp Chomp Nom Nom Nom

2011-07-23T22:18:00.003+08:00

Hey you

It's quite surprising that after a long day, I'm still sane and awake enough to immediately blog about what had happened. For starters, the mood today has been consistently jovial, and reached its peak during dinner.

Started out the day with tuition. Suddenly I realised it has been close to 2 and a half years since I've took up this assignment. Though this remains my one and only tuition assignment, I've already decided long ago that never am I going to do this shit all over again. The thing that sparked this mini recollection: a very drama moment as usual. I was early and looked at my boy, and realised he has grown a few cm taller, and suddenly I couldn't help but feel time is really passing so fast. Getting really old. Although I still dread the prospect of each lesson, they are definitely enjoyable. And the satisfaction derived when Sam manages to solve some problems is immense. Still, I've no patience at all to teach, period.

Supposed to join TS for badminton. And I did. Gosh how much my badminton skills have deteriorated. Ever since my relationship with tennis blossomed, I've not touched badminton for quite a while. Just so clumsy playing. And add to that those people aren't exactly novice, so I was almost helpless there. So mortified that I jumped to tennis at 3 sharp. Haha. The convenience of playing at Yio Chu Kang is the presence of the tennis centre (And the Japanese club that I know). Quite a good match in the second, wasted numerous match points in which we were either 40-0 up or 0-40 up on their serves. Managed to get a 7-5 win. Fulfilling!

Then met up with the gang for dinner. Didn't join for cycling cause firstly, already had the badminton session, and secondly, can't really cycle for nuts. So saved the long journey to East Coast and met them straight at Chomp Chomp. I remember last time I was there was with Mok and Mong for the latter's 21st birthday. Immediately after, I met Huangmu and co for our first Genting trip. That was some crazy fond memories.

Camped with Peijie and crapped with Weijing while waiting for tables. Gosh, another evidence of ageing, even Weijing is going to work now. That means adult, mature Weijing. Very happy for most of my friends who've some direction already for their career. As for those who are still looking, don't worry, think about Huangmu!

In the dessert shop, was chatting with Sixuan about army. Taught her all the bad stuff, and recounted how I felt like I'd literally die if I enlist when I was in secondary school. And then now I've already ORD-ed for close to 2 and a half years. OLD.

Met a new friend during tennis. He's from SP, 2nd year, so around 19 now. When I told him I'm in NTU and already ORD-ed, he told me that I don't look like I've enlisted. Initially flattered, then the reason he said was because of my still relatively fair skin colour. Ok, not the most accurate gauge but since he's *only* 19 I'd let it go.

Sixuan sent me one of our J1 class photos, with a specially cropped out me beside Selina. Damn, I was just round. As Saengthit would say, roly-poly. Haha. And my legs look very short, almost the same height and proportion as Selina's! All these pictures!! These few weeks have seen more and more people discovering my plump past! I need to start taking down some Facebook pictures.

I really really like our group dynamics. Thinking about it now, it's been what? 6 years already? Although with some notable figures missing in action, I still hope that they'd rejoin the gang soon. Each one is unique and valuable, no one is dispensable. Sigh~

That's it for today, I need to sleep early.

- Domon

Autosave

2011-07-18T23:22:00.001+08:00

NEVER

BLOG

A

LONG

POST

WITHOUT

AUTOSAVE.

RIP.

- Domon

Severus Please

2011-07-17T11:27:00.002+08:00

It's funny cause I didn't even started out being a fan of the whole Harry Potter series. But if you ask me now, I can still recall all the details vividly how myself arrived at 4 Privet Drive.

It was during June school holidays during my Secondary 4 year. We were all required to go back to school for supplementary classes in preparation for O levels. That very day, Ms Balan wasn't around for her English or Literature class, and somehow the class didn't take this opportunity to just go. So some of us just hung around in the classroom, chat and banter. Then I saw Kaiyin (Very nice girl from Taiwan) watching intently at a screen. It was a portable VCD/DVD player. And there I saw Dumbledore on 4 Privet Drive, accmopanied by McGonagall, absorbing the faint light sources from the street lamps with his illuminator. They were about to give the then just-orphaned baby Potter to the Dursleys.

Wasn't the most eye-catching opening but I watched the whole Sorcerer's Stone with Kaiyin. And then I borrowed Chamber of Secrets, watched Azkaban on TV later. Slowly fell in love with the series.

Actually, I can't believe I'm crazy enough to watch it twice! I wasn't even sure that I was such a huge fan before this. I tried reading the book but alas, it was so long! And one of my CO juniors actually told me this before: Why read when you can watch them move, with sound and graphics no less! Don't agree whole-heartedly but at this instance I'm more than happy to accept this theory.

The progression of the mood and tone of the Harry Potter changed drastically from the earlier films and the Deathly Hallows has been darker than ever. It has evolved into something that's larger than a normal children's novel already. The common themes now loom largely around death, resurrection, greed, love, desire, acceptance. The common issues we all think about, and quite masterfully put together in this film, or should I say saga as a whole.

One of the aspects of Deathly Hallows that I really like is the music, the soundtrack. The beginning scene with the Dementors surrounding a misty, vaguely visible Hogwarts castle was accompanied by this poignant slow-moving piece of melancholy, understated but rather crestfallen reminder of what had happened in Part I.

And then there was Severus Snape.

There must be something about it. Or everything actually to do with Alan Rickman. The portrayal of this lonely soul was so moving I genuinely felt for the supposedly cold and aloof wizard. The way he speaks, each tone, each breath, the enunciation of words, and the elaborate pauses, deliciously wicked. I cannot be more impressed by the actor (and character that Rowling created).

The scene which sold it for me would be Snape's memories. The one which was contained in his tear, where Potter saw through the Pensieve. Remarkable storytelling, on par with the excellent sequence used to tell the story of the three Deathly Hallows in Part I. That was the one part that really moved me a lot, with young Lily and Severus laying down on the plains, in their own undisturbed serenity, looking at the skies, ignoring what others view as their 'abnormalities'. Equally heartwrenching moments when Snape confessed to Dumbledore, howled at Godric's Hollow, and when he summoned the Patronus Doe when he answered 'Always' to Dumbledore's question. Sold, completely sold the performance.

Admittedly though, the fight scenes were a bit underwhelming, as impressive as the graphics were. 3D was completely unnecessary too. The Bellatrix Molly fight scene could have been more drawn out, thrown in with some backstory. And also the final epic conclusion fight between Harry and Voldemort was anything but epic. Would have enjoyed a more dramatic and busy wand fight.

The absolute letdown for me would be the hasty conclusion. The sudden time jump forward is really, UGH. And so much for being the shortest movie in the whole series when you could have extended the film longer to make it a much more enriching experience.

But all in all. Love it. Also said goodbye with a mild tinge of sadness, as this really represents some sort of a farewell to the childhood. Granted, I was not THAT young when started out.

He was particularly noisy during the movie though, as always. In a way he's like an insatiable inquisitive child, forever armed with so many questions. And excitable in all ways, kept asking me for answers. It was inappropriate in the theatre at the middle of the movie la! Haha, but I'm quite amazed by some of his observations. Quite keen to point out the potential loopholes and all, whilst I was there happily watching just to be entertained.

- Domon

Judgemental

2011-07-14T23:18:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Frankly, I believe I'm quite a judgemental person. Sometimes too much of it ain't good at all. Doses of cynicism and skepticism all that are funny, but full-fledge? No way man.

So that got something to do with how I see myself too. It's because I'm having this outlook, I automatically assume people look at me with the same standards as well. Hence the projection of my expectations onto myself, very much through the lenses of others.

Not a good thing, seriously. And I'm trying to change it.

One good example is the recent target: fellow intern in Canadian Insurer. Well, you may remember (Or can very well trace back) how I dissed about the fellow intern a few weeks back. Ok lesson learnt, don't judge so hastily. Especially not at human beings. He's really a nice guy, although I stand by how he randomly, at the least appropriate of moments, shoot off stuff without much thought. He's actually a pretty good kid, went through some family shit, and is good for some serious discussion. The key: changing own perception instead of striving to change the world around you.

Reminded me of some of you people too. The prime example being Mong. I was just so annoyed (And little bit intimidated) by him at the start that I just didn't think we'd talk much at all for the rest of our JC education. Ha! And then there are the ones whom I thought we'd still be great friends now...

So moral of the story: don't be a judgemental bitch! Even if you can't help it, don't get personal with comments!

- Domon

At This Night...

2011-07-07T23:51:00.002+08:00

Hey

I've been thinking alot these few days. Actually nothing seemed to happen for this short period, but I don't know, for me a lot happened.

Somehow I thought about everything a lot more. I don't know where and how I got the time to engage in these little mini mind conferences but they scheduled themselves in I guess.

Then I looked at some of the 2009 photos I took, boy do I miss that year. So carefree, everyone were so close to each other. No half-ass relationship problems.

I should use my camera more, although the model is kind of old now. Can't believe it has been almost 2.5 years since that day when I dragged Mong down to Expo to get my first electronic gadget.

And then I looked at my iTouch, where my brother gave me 3 years ago when it was just released, then the 'it' product. Now it just looks ancient compared to the iPhone don't know which generation. But I still love it, for so many reasons. Yea, too many. But I realised the songs aren't there anymore, some good ones which I still have in my HDD, some bad ones which carry depressing moments.

Why do men lie? Why do we need to lie?

I thought of my friends. I thought of Huangmu. Then I thought of Mong. Then I thought of Mok. And then... and then...

I need to sleep bah.

- Domon

Hello

2011-07-02T12:49:00.000+08:00

I am Wee Jia.

Nice to meet you.

And today is a good day.

:)

- Domon

Freedom To Love

2011-06-20T00:03:00.002+08:00

No Prejudice.

No Discrimination.

No Limitations.

No Boundaries.

No Labels.

Just the freedom to love.

Is Singapore finally maturing?

- Domon

On-nn Ga-ku

2011-06-16T20:46:00.000+08:00

Hey you

Going to moblog again. Blogger is kind of behind at this department.

Well, I bought Mr. Fang Da Tong's new album, '15' without even previewing it (Ok I did listen to the 1st single but that's not previewing to me). As much as tradition being a driving force behind this almost impulsive decision, I don't regret forking out money to buy a good ol' CD is this era.

For me, the principle is clear. If I like the singer and the songs enough, I'll buy the album. Especially chinese ones, partly because getting it from the net is becoming too much of a hassle.

There's something about Khalil's style that appeals to me, and I don't even consider myself a hardcore RnB fan. But his concoction of East meets West music just attracts me. In his latest album, it's in particular those quirky tracks that stood out for me. Recommending 张永成, 二人游 and Over for those into his music.

For me, another anticipated album recently is from Yoga Lin. I pay close attention to the trio of Khalil, Yoga and Crowd Lu during that summer of 09. It was fruitful musical experience for me, with of course Amite's album as another gem during that year.

Again, it's the unique style of Yoga that attracts me. He's easily the most non-conformist singer in the Chinese music industry today. Even more so, it's his singing style that enhances his music further. Unlike Khalil, Yoga is not responsible for writing his songs, but I still applaud him (Or his producers and management) for putting out well thought-out and all around balance album again and again. I just like the way he sings with abandon in the rock numbers. Currently hot on my list is 纪念品.

- Domon

Topicless X^7

2011-06-13T23:39:00.002+08:00

Hey

I did 70 Topicless entries already. That's kind of long eh?

Anyway Michelle Chong is now perpetually stuck in my head. Or should I say, Apple Tham? HAHHAHAA. Like what I've told You Zhen on Saturday, I've been religiously watching the same Malaysian gambler clip once every night ever since I saw the clip Yuling tagged me in Facebook. I can literally memorise her whole segment now. Michelle Chong is seriously the gem of the show. Quite underrated is her spoof of Pamela Chee in the same episode. Although I do not follow Point of Entry at all, the hilarious catwalk and poses she struck, seemingly for nothing but the sake of doing so, are too wickedly funny. Also a little like those meaningless act-cool pose Rui En likes to do when she's acting as a cop.

After I got the results, my mind often wandered momentarily back to analyse why I got what I've got this semester. Frankly speaking, nothing much has changed. My studying method remains consistent as the last semester. I still play tennis every week, still get absorbed into watching Glee, Desperate Housewives and other shows online when I really shouldn't. In fact, this semester started out really bad because I was doing the linesmen thing during the first week of school, effectively missing a lecture and also zombie-fied during the first Models seminar. I just don't know how the results came about.

Well, I've wanted to write something on work, maybe tomorrow.

- Domon

HTHT At The Randomest of All Occasions

2011-06-12T12:38:00.002+08:00

Hey you

My Sunday got a little better now. And I've had another great week of meet-ups, sort of like a Forces-esque meet up theme. Caught X-men yesterday and that was epic! K afterwards was great as well, but left me completely drained. Sometimes I wish I can just sit there and sing, but I guess it's not me if I don't goof, move and generally clown around.

Like what I've said in my previous postings, there are three interns including me working at Canadian Insurer. One of whom I'm not particularly fond of, but things got better, primarily because of a change in perspective.

Anyway back to topic, on one fine Thursday afternoon, where we were all (Ok mostly me) sleepy during the post-lunch lull, went to the pantry together to take a 'coffee break'. Speaking of which, I'm having too much coffee in this place, and it's not even doing the keeping-me-awake job well enough.

In the pantry, whilst co-intern was mixing his milo formula and co-intern 2 was sipping her coffee whilst I was nonchalantly drinking my mocha, an uneasy, uncomfortable and slightly awkward conversation ensued. Co-intern has a weird logic of thinking, coupled with say-anything-without-much-thinking attitude, not a good combination. Co-intern2 and I don't really get his thinking but figured everything's still acceptable. Somehow the floodgates opened in the pantry that day when co-intern2 questioned co-intern on his almost hour-long private phone conversation in the morning. Then it slowly dived into a discussion on principles, friendships, criteria, perspectives, and basically, deep thinking kind of stuff.

All the while I just stood there wishing it would end right there and then. But a part of me was intellectually participating in the whole debate, albeit without making any sound. It was interesting and intriguing in many ways, especially when it was sprung on you during such a dreary hour in office. Mentally, I was registering their arguments and points intently. Makes for much interesting afternoon as compared to staring at excel sheets (Well I got a kick out of devising formulas and VBAs now so that's another entry another day.).

Both were not wrong.

Co-intern was saying that he's just the kind of person who's naturally friendly, well, no arguments from me there. To him, anyone can be aloof and indifferent to him and his actions (Like yours truly), but he just can't help going back again to the same person and try to rehash the same old routine. It's him, and he likes doing this, and if it's possible, he might just be able to forge a relationship of sorts in that process, possibly altering the initially disposition of the originally-disinterested one. He is of the view that everyone can be friends with everyone, or let's say, he can be friends with everyone. Everyone being unfriendly to him doesn't change the way he wants to approach them. In fact, he'd relegate those who do not accept his way of conduct simply as mere acquaintances. Probably just somewhat of a person you know on a superficial level, but still a friend nonetheless.

Again, I see his point. I totally get his argument, and in fact, to some extent, I agree with him.

Co-intern2 believes that the intricacies of human relationships are quite simply based primarily on the emotions, feelings and perhaps, compatibility of the parties involved. It's of course natural to have people that you favour over others, and other parties that you might prefer not having to deal with so much in life. Bias is reality, and it's innate. She argues that instead of trying to get personal with everyone, why not take a hint and do not attempt to build a relationship with those who clearly are not on the same page as him? Instead of labelling them as acquaintances and still trying to do his routine repeatedly, he could have just avoid all the hassle and keep it simple. Afterall, co-intern2 thinks that co-intern is classifying said acquaintances as friends, but just not those who really 'get him'. And that, she feels, goes against the very definition of friends, which in her opinion, is certainly not on the acquaintances level.

Similarly, I understand her viewpoint as well.

It's hard to see through everyone's thoughts, even if you think you know them well and long enough to do so (Unless you're Charles/Professor X). I do think that through initial interaction and the almost intangible 'gut feeling', one can usually sieve out those potential friends whom you can identify with successfully. It's nothing personal, just a natural process which is dependent on individual's personlities. But again, rather than making enemies, it would do everyone good to have a friend instead. You can argue that it's just another calculated decision designed to conform to reality and others' expectations and whatever, but that's how the world works. And until Mars is ready for human lives, we have to ALWAYS work around others' expectations. We would always have to work with each other somehow somewhere and from there, I can completely understand co-intern's point of view. It's up to you to determine how to project your individuality yet NOT isolating and shutting out others around you.

Harping onto individuality without sparing a thought for others is so secondary school/JC, and even I don't do that (often) now.

It's interesting stuff to me, thoughts?

- Domon

Topicless X^6 IX

2011-06-05T12:42:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Now the Ah Ma is on her usual daily grumbling session. Recently the spate of barbs and criticisms are wired towards the elder brother. After acquiring a steady one whom he frequently brings back home for some nice dinner preparation, the Ah Ma inexplicably got irritated. Sour-tongued and all, I'm just glad I'm so accustomed to her nonsense jealousy and out of the blue emo-ness that I can comfortably brush aside her non-concerns. Though admittedly, the elder brother has been positioning himself (with actions and that attitude) in prime position for the verbal assault from the Ah Ma. Naise family dynamics.

Again, this morning started pleasantly... if only I were to snuggle in bed and continue forcing myself to sleep despite the 8 hours. But no, I've a morning date. Even the weary rain didn't manage to douse my fiery passion for physical wellness and fitness. HAHA. On a serious note, I needed the exercise, Roland Garros screwed all my exercises for 2 weeks, on top of the gatherings. Mong on TV, double LOL! I was just telling him who would've thought the very first person from the gang who would appear on national TV would be the least likely one of all? Still, refusing to praise the guy for all his inventions and stuff.

Speaking of which, I told the arrogant Mong that one of my managers in Canadian Insurer just reminds me of the Mongster. The arrogant look, slightly offensive but somewhat intelligent, timely digs at people, elaborate attempts to try and not maintain eye contact, I just thought I know a guy like this. Indeed, said manager was from Catholic High, HA! Anyway, it's not that I dislike him or anything, just find the resemblance uncanny. In short, I may probably like this manager guy afterall.

Li Na just won Asia's first grand slam title. Admittedly when she defeated Sharapova, I was kind of de-ver-stated because it was really the best chance she could've completed the coveted career grand slam: winning all 4 slams. But by the next day, I'm all but over it (Well, mostly...). Well, if she were to lose to anyone, I reckon Li Na would be a good opponent to lose to. She's funny, witty and charming in all ways possible. Humble and dilligent, and her game was just on firely, love the forehand on clay. And by raising the profile of tennis in China, it would hopefully elevate the sports' status in whole of Asia as well.

Am going to watch Fed vs Nadal tonight. Will try my best to be objective, and as aloof as possible since we all know Nadal is going to win pretty handily. But as a stan (READ: devoted fanboy), I still carry that slight glimmer of hope that the GOAT (READ: Greatest of All Time) would bring that form he displayed against Nole to the final. Serve well and defend well with your backhand please. A French Open title, beating Nadal, at this stage of your career, would be HUGE. No pressure, heh.

Every holiday, I'd try to learn something new. I've something in mind, probably going to start organising soon. And, kind of sorry that I couldn't join for Seok's birthday celebration, but we'll meet again.

LOL, still think it's funny Mong's on TV. Interviewed. LOL.

- Domon

Topicless X^6 VIII

2011-05-30T23:37:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Am going to give a pretty detailed update of my last week.

Well internship has started and all's well so far. In fact, I'm so lowly paid that I have absolutely no qualms in leaving the workplace on the dot and arriving just a little late. I know, probably not seeking long term employment from Canadian insurer, not much chance.

On a serious note, I kind of like my internship. The company is pretty good, strong financials, solid foundation, expanding currently. The actuarial team is young, dynamic and quite a fun group to work with. Already the one week has exposed me to so much more than I ever absorbed during BA220 and Jack's boring crap during lessons. I believe it genuinely helps in fulfilling the original objective of an internship: to really get a feel on how working in a particular occupation is really like.

On the other hand, life has been a pure havoc ever since exams ended. I do not know why but this semester just felt like a suffocating load, probably due to the short break in between which made it more like a one full year semester instead of two. Apart from endless tennis-ing, I've also enough tennis on my TV to keep me extremely happy. I've always adore the months starting from May till August, cause that's where the real tennis calender culminates. Roland Garoos started last Sunday, and it's been pure madness trying to catch all matches I'm interested in. This period, with 3 hard core grand slams and multiple big tournaments, coupled with the fact that it's term break, totally rocks.

During the last week, I've also met up with many groups of my friends. The previous Saturday, met up with Slow, Robert and Huangmu for KBox. Although the schedule was slightly tweaked and location was not that ideal for me, we still had loads of fun. As it was quite distant I can't really remember the details, but as always, the combination doesn't do any wrong as far as I'm concerned.

Monday, first day of work, really tired but still met up with the BMT friends. Can you imagine? BMT? For that short 3 months that our lives congregated, it somehow allowed the select few of us to bond together. And that is so precious to me. I've always believe that the relationships built in times of adversity (And I truly consider the BMT as one prime example) are truly special and valuable. So Liming, Jieren and Shiliang, 4 of us went for short dinner and dessert. Was fun crapping and suaning each other, like we always do. Shocked to hear about Liming's health problems. The last meet up was as far back as January 2010, so that kind of explains the lack of updates.

Tuesday was meet up with the Mayflower gang. Right now when talking about my dear secondary school, there's really only 3 groups of friends, and one of them is the Zhiyuan group. Ben is going for USA Work and Travel and it reminded me of myself during the start of year 1, when I was so excited about this opportunity that Calvin and I both went for the information session. I even did stupiak things like pinning the little flyer on my board in my hall. Alas, the cost was too much for me, well, actually even now. We met up to have a little birthday celebration for Ben before he flies. Ben was doubly funny that day, and it's only then that I realised how he kind of makes up funny words that are chapalang English and Chinese. Again, just having time to sit down and talk is so gratifying already.

Friday was kind of a last minute decision to get Huangmu to accompany me to Joy Cuisine cause I regrettably had to miss Tuesday's session due to Ben's birthday. And also due to some other not-to-be-elaborated reasons that Huangmu somehow ingeniously deduced. Must say I was impressed with Sherlock Fumes. Not sure if I was tired that day or something but couldn't keep up with Huangmu during conversations. This already happened on Sunday with Peijie during KBox, so I guess I'm just ageing. Anyway, knowing Huangmu, she's again LATE although her SMS specifically asked me not to be late. So yea, nothing's definite with her when punctuality is concerned. Crapped my way through the dinner, Sixuan is just too freaking funny sometimes. And I love the special sauce chicken! Funniest shit was when we were walking towards bus stop and somehow we did the teleportation thing, laugh until I cannot walk.

Last weekend was tennis camp. Clay court in Singapore is sadly, a disappointing replica of the European courts. It's more like sand courts and random gravel and rocks. But the court gives weird bounces sometimes and the kick generated pulls the ball so high sometimes that it's just impossible to hit it. Overall, it's a good experience but seriously not worth a second outing there.

Working in Canadian insurer, I'm all good except for the fact that one of my fellow interns is just annoying. I just can't even begin to describe how he irritates me. Tried to explain to Huangmu and I think she roughly got what I mean. So he's not here today and my mood became 150% better. Sigh~ another workplace caveat: suck it up as far as working with crap co-workers go, as long as they are productive beings I guess.

Waiting patiently for Soderling to finish his mugfest before Sharapova turns up. Got to sacrifice my sleep for this now :( Hopefully worth it.

- Domon

Perspective Perspective...

2011-05-25T22:08:00.002+08:00

Hey you

I was just thinking about the I heart AJC video posted that I tagged so many of you. And the part on my favourite photocopy shop auntie ever, auntie Ju Eng (The name of which gets so deeply-etched in my mind as bus 86 always passes by this Ju Eng Home for the elderly when I'm going home).

By now most of my friends should know that I'm deeply nostalgic, likes to take pictures and generally reminisce at all the random times possible.

Well, it's not without any reason.

I will, imagine a state where what I've experienced actually didn't occur at all. So the school I've attended, the people I've met, the events that took place, all of that didn't happen. I know it sounds crazy but seriously, if only you know about let's say event A happening, then you're the sole power behind the actual 'occurence' of A, no? If 3 friends know of A, then the actual occurence of A is decided by the 3 people who have knowledge of it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I sometimes have this irrational fear of things that happened actually being un-happened. It's basically a wild, atrocious thought but you can perhaps infer what an insecure guy I am (Kidding).

Pictures in a way help me remind and preserve these memories, in case I forget about them and people who were involved forget too. I don't know, I just find the possibility of memories being 'erased' in this manner very very scary. Is it just me?

So when I saw Ju Eng appearing in the video, still looking the same, joking around in her little photocopy shop at the corner, but only now she's talking to people from classes like 23/10, 21/11. I began to think that as one of the many batches of students studying in the school, our existence is almost insignificant. Our 'moment' was during 2005, 2006, and now frankly speaking, I doubt we're remembered. That's precisely the feeling of being 'erased', as though the memory was a false injection.

It's almost like losing an identity.

Of course, I still have Hui Cheng, at least I hope, hur hur.

- Domon

Thunder Hammer!

2011-05-05T23:18:00.002+08:00

Hey you

So I went down to the last Hammer party rally tonight. And boy was the atmosphere fierce! I had a brief brush with the fanatic supporters earlier when they had their rally at Sengkang East near my house. I was pretty overwhelmed by the emotions of the mob. Today it was out of this world, given that I was rooted pretty deep inside the crowd, quite near to the stage. Rough estimate turnout figure was 30,000. Politically apathetic Singaporeans eh?

The decision to attend the rally was a simple one. Firstly, the official news channels provide me with more than enough coverage of the Thunder Whites' policies and rebuttals. So it's safe to give their rallies a miss. Secondly, the almost rock-star like atmosphere is too big a lure.

In my eyes, the Hammer party is probably the only legitimate opposition party so far in this political arena. They have the experience and credentials as far as I'm concerned, to attract me to listen to what they have to offer.

I believe that as voters, we all should be informed. Sometimes this criteria is not magically met with the stipulated age barrier. Not everyone over 21 knows what they're doing with their vote, and that is a dangerous thing I feel. We have a responsibility to know who we are voting for, and why we are doing so. I used to consider myself politically apathetic, but now I realise just how important to be aware of these issues. Because quite frankly, politics' everywhere. And I don't want to have no option one day in the future but to leave this country due to bad policies.

Information is power, and no one with the privilege to vote should waste their voice, or make a decision based on poorly researched information.

Hammer party largely didn't impress me much with their speeches, but that may be because I've already read them all through the various channels (Read: Facebook). I'm however, more impressed with Hammer party's female leader and the Indian chap from the Aljunied squad. They both made sound and inspiring statements. Low is a respectable figure no doubt, but I believe his purpose is more of an emotional ground, to rouse the supporters, to tug the strings of the hearts. But as voters, we should all be able to differentiate the facts from the opinions. Voting based on purely emotional heat should not be perpetuated. And so cooling day I think is quite a good thing.

The Thunder Whites have done great so far. In my opinion there're certainly many issues that they could've done better. Hammer made some good arguments. And we shouldn't pretend either way: the main aim of the opposition in this country is to be a substantial moving force in providing check and balance in parliament. 2 seats = not enough. But there should not be a government with almost equal political clout split amongst multiple parties. Bi-partisanship is easier said than done, as we can see from American politics.

It's an important choice. I like this country, for each complaint I have there's something else that I like. So this motivation is enough to make me sacrifice one night 2 days before my first paper to get some last minute involvement in the politics of Singapore. Afterall, it's only a once-in-5-years event.

- Domon

That Voting Thing

2011-04-26T22:33:00.002+08:00

You know what

Vivian, for someone with a female-sounding name, you sure are one bitch.

I mean throughout this whole stretch of bickering, strange (non) accusations, public housing and cost of living debates, I'm pretty impartial. I thought sometimes, people are trying too hard to find faults with the incumbent, you know for the mere sake of doing so. I mean, if the reason is just to present an alternative voice in the Parliament, that I'd find that a more valid argument then clutching-on-straws reasoning.

But boy oh boy, did the white on whites resort to a much underhanded campaign route. What exactly are you insinuating with all this talk about the gay agenda? Even the oxymoronic parts about being not concerned with personal preferences rang so impossibly sarcastic to the ears.

It was a bad, distasteful, calculated move, dear Vivian.

On other news, everyone please listen to Adele, I'm quite impressed by this Brit powerhouse.

- Domon

Mercedes Crept Into Me Dream

2011-04-24T12:36:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Blogging after a nice workout finally with Mong today at our favourite hangout place. Am typing this with Rondo alla Turca on, my 3 minutes feverish craze has brought me to classical music this time.

Anyway this is just a short one to describe my weird dream last night. Although dreams are all weird for that matter.

So the dream started out with some PG stuff, then it slowly moved to a Glee-centric dream. Probably cause I rewatched 'Night of Neglect' last night before sleep so I think that kind of got registered in me brains.

I don't know why but I was with Mike Chang in my dream. We started running, from Mercedes apparently. And Mike Chang and I just belted out Mercedes' original song, 'Hell to the No' in Glee right in her face, all complete with her Diva routine with the swaying index finger pointing to the air. Guess that kind of pissed her off and she started chasing us. And soon after I woke up, feeling a bit cold.

And for the record, I love Mercedes.

Yep end of dream.

We should have another outing to Sixuan's chicken rice stall cause Mong, Mok and Yuling still haven't been there yet.

- Domon

The (Damn) Research Methods

2011-04-20T22:40:00.003+08:00

Well

Ever since I've set foot on the holy soils of Pulau NTU, I've had my fair share of shit. Sometimes I wonder why I study some stuff, and at other times I just go through the motion without putting much thought into it.

Then came Research Methods. To summarise neatly, it is a disproportionately created module such that you've to slog your hearts and soul out to achieve a 3AU pass. With a kickass project requirement which truly tests your limits, including the fact that it is worth a grand total of 30% of final grade, it also expects us to study useless survey methods and fieldwork-related best practices which if I may mildly put it, is as relevant to me as soccer and rugby.

However, as I sat through the final rounds of presentations yesterday, I did found one rather interesting topic that one of the groups was presenting about. It was something like an investigation of impact of semantics and phonetics and some other sound stuff in brand names with regards to perhaps purchase behaviour or goodwill.

Now that's quite an refreshing topic I thought. Albeit kind of hard to generate meaningful analysis based on the limited scope of our projects and also the required scale of the intended study. Moreover, I thought their presentation kind of weighed down the otherwise could've been pretty impressive presentation. The guys were especially dreadful, since they did looked like they were out to impress.

Okay, since I'm here, and tomorrow there's this quiz, I shall do a revision here in desperation to prove the day was well used.

So the disgusting process starts with the problem definition. With that we mean to find a problem somewhere from our field of study, ask relevant research questions like why is no one using Friendster anymore? Then from there come up with more research objectives based on said question. Like to find out factors which lead to Friendster's demise, and to provide recommendations to revive Friendster's fortune. With that set we need to do extensive literature reading to give a background study on our project. There're three broad kinds of research design: exploratory, descriptive and causal. So exploratory is a research design used when there is ambiguity and subject area is not well defined and problem still appeared fuzzy. More qualitative. Rest are more quantitative, descriptive seeks to explain the characteristics, while causal wants to determine cause and effect.

With all factors read up on, we draw up the all important conceptual framework. Then we decide the questionnaire design. Out of all possible data collection methods, survey is the most practical, and even that we have many forms. For survey designs, we can choose from quite some scales but mostly ratio is more useful.

Now that I've got ready my little questionnaire, it's time to pick out who I want to sample. That should obviously be already covered in conceptual framework part. But if not, we can decide now through various sampling methods, broadly categorised under probability and non-probability methods. For sampling, there'll always be errors around which we need to address. In short, no matter how you do it, there'll be errors. Seriously fk this shit since there'll be so many errors right?

Next up once you're done with this background planning crap, cut to the gist of it all: data collection. Which quite frankly is just asking your friends do survey. And that again can be achieved through multiple methods. But in case we decide to do large scale one-on-one or door-to-door surveys, the school kindly taught us about fieldwork. Like how to select your fieldworkers (None except if you include all group members), how to train them (Not necessary cause no fieldwork there), how to brief and how to supervise, in case they decide to take a break and fill the quota themselves.

After getting the data anyways, we do data analysis duh. Fun fun fun fun. Using the SPSS, we got to 'clean' our data first, so to achieve reliability and validity. Sure got lots of fun doing that for three days straight. After it's cleansed, then can we do the analysis. Where we test out hypotheses using the various statistical test, t-test, ANOVA and some might be able to fit regression models.

That concludes the module with a nice 30 page report at the end.

- Domon

Khoo

2011-04-12T23:34:00.003+08:00

Out of the blue, I thought of it.

I'll always remember this song, it's an apt description.

Even till now I can quite clearly remember how I was introduced to it. Sharing the same piece. On the bus.

Angel or devil?

Angels Or Devils
Dishwalla

This is the last time
That I'm ever gonna come here tonight
This is the last time - I will fall
Into a place that fails us all - inside

I can see the pain in you
I can see the love in you
But fighting all the demons will take time
It will take time

The angels they burn inside for us
Are we ever
Are we ever gonna learn to fly
The devils they burn inside of us
Are we ever gonna come back down
Come around
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could make us cold

This is the last time
That I'm ever gonna give in tonight
Are there angels or devils crawling here?
I just want to know what blurs and what is clear - to see

Still I can see the pain in you
And I can see the love in you
And fighting all the demons will take time
It will take time

The angels they burn inside for us
Are we ever
Are we ever gonna learn to fly
The devils they burn inside of us
Are we ever gonna come back down - come around
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could break us

If I was to give in - give it up
- and then
Take a breath - make it deep
Cause it might be the last one you get
Be the last one
That could make us cold
You know that they could make us cold
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could make us cold

- Domon

Post About Self-Acceptance

2011-04-12T00:12:00.002+08:00

Hey

Was thinking quite a bit lately, as usual, times when you hit the latest obstacle will set you back by a few steps and there and then you procrastinate. Particularly prominent in University life, these nasty hurdles.

Thinking: Do you yearn for acceptance, have you wished for acceptance from others, ultimately, want to achieve some level of self-acceptance?

Well I've never been someone who has particular high level of self-concept since young. I grew up thinking world is terribly unfair, and still am one of the stubborn headcases who firmly believe that I was given the short end of the stick. I do think I'm one of those who always start out behind others.

That didn't work out quite well in the past, you know, the self-pity and endless spiral of despair and depression.

Therefore some time ago I tried to advocate for more positivity on my part: looking at what I have instead of what I don't.

That worked fine for a while. But humans eh, grass' always greener on the other side they say.

I guess everyone wants to be accepted for who they are. As much as we may like to intentionally or not trumpet the grossly overused term 'individualism' to define what's different about us from others, truth is, we don't live in this world as individuals per se. We still desire some form of recognition from someone, perhaps not the whole world, but certainly someone. Someone you care for and vice versa.

And the carefree childhold and tumultuous teenage adolescence would be filled with our own rudimentary ways of seeking approval and acceptance. From teachers, friends, classmates, parents, relatives. And then that's also when we first tasted rejection.

And boy did it left a bitter after taste that simply refuse to go away.

Often we talk about the fear of unknown, but if that something that's known is so awful, knowing it somehow doesn't elevate the agony of experiencing it all, does it?

I have this innate fear of rejection, which I attribute to the sting of prior experience. So I thought I do not give a heck about acceptance, and individualism for the win, all that crap. But no, I'm just more afraid of rejection, that it. And I'd so much more prefer being accepted for who I am, then being rejected for who I am. Sense the melancholy of it all?

The dumb thing I used to do was to project what people want or need of me. Not necessarily a complete overhual of character, but I used to have many facets to this personality. It was highly adaptive for its social surroundings. But now, I no longer have those, I'm just as one-dimensional as can be, and it's just a product of growing up. So I don't change, I can't.

The best thing I can do is to present myself, honest and hopefully you will accept me for who I am.

Rejection is a bitch, and in that regard, I'm especially sensitive. With each passing year, I get more responsive to people, particularly those 'new friends'. I don't know what you see of me, I don't know what you think of me. And until I sort that out myself, everything you say, all the looks you give and all the reactions I see, I will judge.

Not you, but judge me through your eyes. I'll anticipate, and once the slightest inkling of possibility arises, I'll withdraw and disengage myself from you. Because I fear rejection and going through that is torturous.

Man, what a feel good post. Forgive me, it's 12:40AM and I was waiting for a SMS just now.

- Domon

You Remind Me of Good Times

2011-04-09T23:35:00.003+08:00

Hey you

Good times eh?

After surviving a mid term test this morning, Cui and I took the train back home together. Admittedly, I've been seeing a lot of Cui during this past 1 year. As I've probably not introduced Cui before, maybe just to give a background.

I came to know of Cui during our fun days in The Forces. Cui was that 2nd batch of specialists, joining the wretched unit sometime round November of 2007. Cui was quite the quiet guy, not too loud, not the worst, not the best commander, all in all befitting of the term lurker. Still, hee always got his job done, prim and proper.

We spoke quite a bit, given my then still pretty sociable nature. And grew much closer later, also after I fished out the information that he's going to study in NBS.

Fast forward to year one and then we both stayed near each other in the Pulau NTU campus. But aside from few superficial nods as acknowledgement, we never seemed to as much as converse (Even less so than I did with Gabriel, the PC9) when we met. So that's that.

When I realised that we (And somehow coincidentally the only few 41 guys I know in NBS) all ended up in Actuarial Science, we somehow strangely resumed where we left off when he ORD-ed. It's like the mini-hiatus was a stop-gap measure for god knows what.

So today whilst on the train, we talked about stuff, school, internships, our school projects, the test which just ended. Sometimes I got to admit, with Cui, it's never about relaxing stuff. Somehow this Cui in NBS just gives me the impression of someone entirely different from the 41 Cui. It is weirdly, probably due to his strong drive to succeed. Perhaps I'm accustomed to seeing my army friends in a one-fits-all laidback characterisation.

And out of the blue, he said he really enjoyed seeing me (And the likes of the few others mentioned earlier who were from 41) in class, because we remind him of the good times. Wow. It always leads to some conversation about The Forces. And I can't disagree with him there. So far, university life had never brought about any good times for me at all. I was just experiencing that mix of shock and delight when Cui made that remark cause he became familiar again for that moment.

What reminds you of the good times?

I was just reading some of my archives circa 2009 again, those were good times.

Sometimes I go through our facebook photos too, mostly good times as well.

Watched some clips of Zettai Kareshi on Youtube again and that serial was freaking gem.

Recently got hooked onto Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. cause of Glee. On the other hand, thansk to Nodame Cantabile, I've found some magic in classical pieces. Listening to music, great music, some archived music, all remind me of those good times as well.

Just that in such dreadful moments, where the present looks so gloomy, we all need some good times. Even if they've well and truly, passed us by.

- Domon

Topicless X^6 VII

2011-03-27T22:42:00.003+08:00

Hey you

I'm holding back tears as I type this thing. Not because I'm so overwhelmed by emotions, but because my right wrist fucking hurts now. Yea, no wrong there, I used an expletive to describe the extent of pain I'm suffering right now to show how freaking demoralised I am.

Well, I should have known better. I guess it's the new strings I got onto my racquet, or is it those piss poor techniques? Whatever it is, I'm not so sure if I can be ready for Wednesday's match, and Friday's doubles. Well I've been waiting almost a year now for this, and I'll be one disappointed guy if this looking more and more like a wrist injury thing is going to wash down all my chances.

No joke, it kept me awake almost throughout my whole sleep last night (As ironic or incomprehensible as it sounds...).

Maybe I should quit tennis for a while :(

On other news, as I was rather bored, I checked the trending topics on Twitter and this Rebecca Black name jumped out. Having already heard this name quite some time, most often touting her as next Bieber, I finally watched her 'smash' single, 'Friday'. This song, is legendary. Just listen, serious. How can anyone sing about Friday with so much depth and emotions is beyond me.

But that is not the gem.

Start watching the video at the 1:11 mark and notice the 3 girls dancing at the back of the car. Pay particular attention to the girl in pink. Her dancing made me LOL-ed for minutes straight. I wish I've the gif made by some netizens because words alone can't explain the hilarity. Awkward dance moves FTW.

Anyway girl in pink is called Benni Cinkle, very down to earth and mature girl for someone who's only 13. Used her new-found fame for some charity which impressed me.

I was in FAL printing notes the other day and saw Deon. He's one of those lurking readers who's been following my blog, though exactly how they came to know of its existence bewilders me. I wasn't particularly open about this place since JC so yea.

There's this creeping insecure feeling I have this semester. As compared to last semester, where I thought it was all good. And immediately after the long holidays and YOG, I was certainly motivated for that semester (How that worked for me eh?). Now, mid-way through, I just feel unhinged.

During one of those NTU Career Fair, Seok came down and we met briefly with Weijing. Walked with her to her school's little cosy corner. Had a little chat. I guess I do kind of enjoy some talk. I realised I've really changed. I used to be more open, somehow somewhere down the road, I've became more guarded. I need to identify myself again. I just can't get everything going together in my life now, it's what people call a slump.

But for this moment, the crap right wrist commands my whole attention, every single second. Ever since I've shed some weight and enlisted into The Forces, I've been pestered by numerous nagging pains and injuries. Not that I yearned those 胖胖眯 (Coined by Jiahan) days but back then I had no chance of even suffering from an injury. Then slowly, the back pain came, the knees began to go away some days, the shoulder, then the left foot. The right wrist has been giving me some warning signs but I've chose to ignore them like any supposedly healthy, fit young adult. Trust me, out of anyone else to actually indulge in the 'Yay I'm young so all these stuff won't get to me' thinking. Of anyone else!

Let's write about happy stuff shall we? But what? Japan in still suffering. So are my friends, so is my wrist, so are my grades, so is my confidence.

Oh wait, I got confirmed an internship position. YEA. And WTH my brother just walked out of room with ankle weights, trying to tone his legs but probably could have chosen a less sissy way?

Incoherent max. Thanks for concern via Twitter fumes and slow :D Like all Japanese stocks I'll rebound after this crisis!

- Domon

Topicless ろくじゅろく

2011-03-13T13:48:00.002+08:00

Hey

As I've been telling people, I'm taking level 1 Japanese this semester. Good luck to myself. So far it's manageable. And it always seems like a logical choice given how I'm intricately linked to the Japanese culture. The small eyes, the anime, the Japanese tennis club, you get it.

You know how sometimes feelings just swell inside of you and certain breaking points just happen that cause some kind of emotional nirvana? Like emo trauma? Now I've always considered myself really heartless. But the recent spate of quakes and tremors just struck a chord with me. The New Zealand quakes were bad, but as Barbarella would say, this one at Sendai, Japan is far more de-ver-stating. It's a strange deja vu kind of thing with the 2004 Indian Ocean quake, which caused drastic damages to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and other countries. The memory was vague but the imagery still fresh. Again, I saw how the waves crashed upon the Sendai coastlines, subsequently engulfing the houses, farms, what a throwback to the 2004 disaster. More can be done, definitely. Probably the only saving grace is that it happened at the most prepared of all nations. But if even Japan, cannot prepare 100% for such a catastrophe, imagine if other countries were hit by it.

Agree with Mok that this is just life. Is never a bed of roses, but also never entirely made up of hell. It's a whole lot of in between, and frequently adjusts based on the perspective you take on. If anything, I believe Japanese are hardened and seasoned enough to look forward than to dwell on this. Come on, Japanese. For the love of salmon sushi!

On other news, had a meet up yesterday after Saturday lesson with the AJ people. Oh, since I'm watching Glee now, I've noticed this guy, Darren Criss, he looks like Apolinar. Serious, no jokes. Ok, back to topic. It was belated birthday celebration thing for Peijie and again, we never really cover that part, except for Tingwei's personal birthday gift for her. Had buffet at Kushin-bo (again) and obviously, high-tea buffet selection is much limited compared to dinner, but price is definitely more forgiving to wallets. Had a drink after that, so is this like our official go-to activity during times of boredom? Fumin must be happy.

I need to play some mahjong, been at least 1 year plus since last played. I might just call Zu Hua after my exams.

The thing with Yanzi's latest album, is that the lyrics are all really good. It's meaningful and go along very well with the tunes. In all honesty, I can't pick a song that I truly feel bland about in this album, unlike her past works. And I adore her for the fact that she's not trying to achieve some forced breakthrough for the sake of it. As a true blue NBS-marketing graduate, she understands the delicate balance of realism and creativity. 当冬夜渐暖 has the feel of a mash-up between 我怀念的 and 我不难过. While it's not heartbreaking as the former, and not as tearing as the latter, it is definitely a grower. I didn't even like the song on first listen, but it just captivates upon repeated plays. I like the macro focus on time, and not mere sappy love lyrics. Some of the lyrics just pierce through your heart.

To break it down:

For the K and emo songs: 当冬夜渐暖是时候
For the alternative: 世说心语快疯了
For the feel good: 追空口言
For the acclaimed: 明天的记忆 180度　时光小偷

- Domon

It's Time Part II

2011-02-26T23:01:00.002+08:00

Hey

I don't know why. Oh wait, actually I do.

I was searching for Yanzi's new MV, then I came across this youtube upload by THE guy, sugoi something. You know, the guy who always has the firsthand Taiwanese variety shows updates.

And he uploaded the Yanzi's interview with Zhang Xiao Yan. After watching that, I just gone on a Yanzi video viewing spree.

I must have said this too many times, but the songs, the songs they really take you back man. I got goosebumps when I listen to Wo Yao de Xing Fu, Tong Lei, and even Wo Huai Nian de.

To date, I feel that Yanzi's best album was her Stefanie album. Musically it was the best, diverse range, listener-friendly, musical yet not overly commercial. There are some of her leng men songs which not many people know, and I find it a pity. Cause they are so outstanding.

So imma just list down some here.

1. Zhu Ni Kai Xin (Wish you are happy) - Incredibly feel-good song. Puts a smile to your face, but in a very subtle way.

2. Yan Shen - Her own composition which I freaking love. It's a standard ballad but I don't know why it just captures me.

3. Xiang Xin (Believe) - One of her older songs. It's the way she sings it.

4. Yin Xing Ren (Invisible Man) - I like the Singaporean pairing of Huang Yun Ren and Xiao Han, beautiful melody and lyrics.

5. Meng You (Sleeping Walking) - Very lullaby, almost hypnotic song.

It's way too long till 8th of March!

- Domon

Sick and Senile

2011-02-22T20:22:00.002+08:00

Hey you

I'm sick. And yesterday I forgot to take out my thumb drive, so it stayed overnight in the FAL.

It's always this annoying feeling when you're down with a virus.

You can't talk without being accused of trying to be sexy. Can't position your head downwards, which is how normal people write. Cannot concentrate, be coherent.

I feel so awful.

Plus tonnes of backlog of work to do.

Crap.

Oh well Yanzi's new song is comforting, at least.

- Domon

How Bad Is This Semester?

2011-02-15T18:20:00.000+08:00

Apparently so bad that I'm here mobile blogging on the peak hour MRT train. It's times like this that makes me want to graduate now and work.

This semester is beyond crazy. Of course, looking at my timetable, you may not find anything worthy of whining about. As all professors receiving a 20 page report would tell you, it's all about the quality and not the quantity. The rush for Professional Attachment, the FYP hussle, the AB213 project, and to top it off I'm seeing consecutive Saturday morning lessons for this whole 2011 (Yea that's 2 whole semesters for you).

Just yesterday I received an email from Hall 8 offering a placement. I'm actually on the waiting list. And I did consider, but nah, decided that I want no more hall.

Which led me to think about 2009, that first semester. It was an incredible feeling, as I recall it now. Everything was fresh and new, moreso after the 2 plus years of break. The unrealistic ambitions, the almost utopian scenarios, all probably a result of The Forces.

As anti-social as I am in school, I was equally hopeful of at least something happening. Getting to know more friends, probably doing some crazy stuff together, organising events, incredibly lame late night suppers...

Unfortunately all these just do not appeal anymore. Or should I say, like a dude going through mid-life crisis, I cannot summon an ounce of enthusiasm for these activities whatsoever.

And that makes witnessing them all too labourious.

I just want to make more money now.

- Domon

It's Time

2011-02-14T23:26:00.003+08:00

Hey

To say absence makes the heart fonder is an understatement.

Time whizzed by, and before you know it, 4 freaking long years have passed since Against The Light. 4 damn years, and I didn't thought I would miss her music so much.

It's time, finally.

Welcome back.

How come no place to pre-order in Singapore? Damn.

- Domon

Different

2011-02-13T22:06:00.002+08:00

I'm not like all of you.

Sigh, sometimes being different kind of suck.

- Domon

王姑娘！

2011-02-01T22:18:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Chinese new year is around the corner, hope everyone have a nice break and receive lots of red packet.

I was at my boy's place for tuition earlier and he reminded me indirectly of a nickname I coined for him 2 weeks ago. Clearly, he remembers.

And so I thought long and hard...

And it just came to me.

王姑娘!

Hahahaha. Cause I told him he always whine like a girl when I give him spelling and homework, and he really detests that name (But somehow think it's kind of funny?). When I call him that I always get that funny expression so it makes my day. See, using students as entertainment, no good.

Sometimes I really like my dynamics with 王姑娘. I used to be delusional, as I thought I would manage like a bunch of tuition kids to earn lots of pockey money. And 王姑娘 happened which sent me crashing back to earth. Tuition is hard, damn. I can't even handle one 王姑娘, much less a bunch of them. So as 王姑娘 passes his PSLE hurdle in the near future, that's most probably the last tuition (And first) assignment I'll ever take again.

Oh, 王姑娘 has a facebook account. Haha, I semi-threatened him to accept my friend request and I'll tag his name(s). Omg primary school children with facebook accounts, even I waited for secondary two to have a Friendster then.

- Domon

Australian Open 2011

2011-01-18T22:48:00.002+08:00

Hey

My mood has been foul all weekend, and culminated into something you may know, called 'release of results'. As much as I try my darnest to take it all with a pinch of salt...

Saturday started out great with some chicken rice together with great people, but it got horribly wrong when I was late for my subsequent appointment. Specifically a misunderstanding, on my part. Then it was all bad bad bad, didn't even muster enough optimism to face Samuel whom I think, depressingly, is almost of the same standard as some 2 years ago.

So I tried to cheer myself up, apart from ponning the outing with fellow ACS people. As though what I need now is more gloating. Shit, I just have this inherent, compulsive need to see everything and everyone in such negative light when my mood's soured.

Anyway I was saying, I'm lucky that Australian Open has started, so that helps in keeping the mind occupied for 2 solid weeks. Of course, school's starting together with Challenger event next week but those are secondary. Ehh, why did my results crap out again?

Extremely relieved that Maria got her first round out of the way. Admittedly, Tanasugran wasn't going to be a Kirilenko-esque opponent for Maria, she's just too unfit to register an upset. But that aside, Maria's serving problems are alarming, definitely something that needs to be addressed.

I managed to catch Clijster versus Safina today, one of the two most hyped-up first round matches to be played today(Or whole tournament in fact). Well, in the end I doubled my time while watching livestream of Ivanovic against Makarova. Clijsters was so efficient, or maybe Safina was just plain bad today that it was one way traffic throughout. In tennis, such a merciless scoreline is called a double bagel, innovative eh?

Speaking of Ivanovic, holy crap. I caught her first set and she was cruising, serving well and hitting her forehand imperiously. Then out of nowhere, she got dragged into this extended thrid set tussle with the little know Russian. As the shock wore off, I began to realise why. Ivanovic simply did not hit her strokes aggressively anymore, and the ball toss was all over the place. That happens when nerves kicks in, trust me, unfortunately I know. Add to that Makarova was actually playing well, hitting her leftie strokes with good power and placement. These days, it's just so easy for upsets to happen on the WTA side.

The great find today is in the other purported giant first round clash between Hewitt and Nalbandian, in what was be the repeat of the 2002 Wimbledon final. Ahh, how the mighty have fallen. Now reduced to facing each other in the first round, but again, that's the reason for all the hype. And it lived up to its billing with all kinds of epicness. I caught on the match late at set 3, after both claimed a set each. From what I saw, Hewitt was the steadier player up till the middle of the fourth set. He was quick, played smart defense and controlled aggression. Nalbandian, one of my favourite players, somehow woke up after surviving 3 breakpoints at 1-3 down. He's such an all-court player, and although he's always accused of being unfit, his strokes are just awe-inspiring. Loved how clean he hits his strokes through the fourth and fifth sets, the angles he can generate! Quite some highlight-reel worthy rallies between both as well. An almost five hour epic between these 2 men ended when Nalbandian flicked a lob over Hewitt, at almost 1AM Melbourne time. Orgasmic first round match! Pity unfit Nalbandian is most probably going to lose to unheralded second round opponent, fatigue and all.

Tomorrow there are 2 matches that are on my radar. Sharapova versus Razzano, just because nowadays, any match for her is not a given. Anything can happen. Next is Federer against Simon. Well normally I won't worry for Federer in a Grand Slam second round match. But Simon leads their head to head 2-0, and just won a title in the Australian Open leadup. A dangerous dangerous opponent.

Anyway, I realise I'm in quite a deep funk, so apologise to anyone whom I've seem almost aloof to. It's the emo-ness.

- Domon

Unhappy

2011-01-16T00:21:00.000+08:00

Unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy unhappy

To think I'd delve into this kind of irrationality as well.

- Domon

Covers

2011-01-13T15:12:00.005+08:00

Hey

I've been listening to songs on Youtube recently. Mainly some english songs, cause I believe it'll be quite dull on the Chinese side until Yanzi finally releases her album.

Sometimes, all those electronic, dance, techno whatever genre of songs really hide the fact that some melodies and hooks are really awesome. A song doesn't need too much to distract the audience from its tune.

Unwittingly, I got influenced so much that I kind of like SNSD's Gee. It's really catchy. But beyond that version, I found this.

I've this habit of finding cover versions on Youtube once I manage to find a song that I really like. These really talented people manage to create magic out of these songs, and turn some disastrous ones into great versions.

Quite a find, try it.

- Domon

Childhood

2011-01-12T14:07:00.002+08:00

Hey

A while ago I was thinking about a person's childhood. Specifically, I was dwelling about how childhood affects a person's thinking, actions, logic etc.

I believe that as we grow old, our mindset, principles constantly get tested, and gradually evolved as new experiences set in and mold our beliefs. Even in your adolescence, through The Forces (Boys), it changes and changes and changes.

We change.

But I do think the most crucial of it all is childhood. The one phase where you're the most impressionable, the one 'sponge' period, where it's just absorbing absorbing absorbing. And where does all those come from? Immediate family influences, to some degree, classmates. A whole lot of TV I guess, and in this era, probably lots of internet.

That's why when people scold, it's always 没家教, 有爹娘生没爹娘教 all that. It starts from the family. My kid sucks in his mother tongue, it's not an innate inability to excel, it's just the environment that he is in. That cultivated his apathy for the mother tongue, which subsequently evolved into some degree of distaste for the language. Another cliche, drama serials always show this: the problematic child in the gang, probably a product from dysfunctional, single-parent families (Some time ago it went the 'Rich wealthy family but no time to pay attention to child' route but that too, became a cliche in a while).

I don't think it's that much of a secret: a happy, wholesome childhood sets a child at the right frame of mind, with a moral, solid character nurtured. On the contrary, a less than ideal childhood is almost certain to prove detrimental for a child's future growth. I guess if we trace, such a toxic environment would certainly be a hotbed for the slew of perverse actions committed recently.

I used to think I've a great happy childhood, but that was when I was still in the midst of being a child. On hindsight, I'm always, always exposed to poison. The family has thia truckload of issues and grudges that somehow I'm always the one who is aware of. I did not learn to reject that, and now I can't get out of this vicious cycle. I'm forever stuck in this system.

The family has always been incomplete, and sometimes I think the presence of some of the family members is doing more harm than good. Just as I neared the end of the childhood phase, I realised that I'm not happy. Never, because the environment is pernicious. Among the adults, I was never allowed to live a life just like a carefree child should. Never on the material needs, never on the emotional side.

I guess that's a prelude to me being psychologically unstable and sometimes unstable now.

Have been reading 鲁迅's 风筝, which I'm pretty sure I've read on some textbooks before. The kite has been trampled with long ago, and that left a mark. And I can't forget, because I'm always reminded of it. Them.

So the main point of this entry is, deep down, I'm a troubling, moody soul. Come bah, save me!

Bless me.

Oh and save the children.

- Domon

Highlands II

2011-01-10T21:27:00.002+08:00

Hey yo

I've been back from the exhuasting trip we had for 2 days already. Ok that's lame cause truth is I didn't need 2 full days to recover. I've aged but I'm not that old.

Won't lie, the second time round is still fun. Sure it didn't match up to the first time, simply cause the weather was perfect then, and for the novelty's sake. Whilst the first night stayover at Seok's was as disastrous as any sleepover is (ie. not sleeping much), that proved fatal for my body the first day we reached Genting.

The weather was really bad, and with bad, I'm saying really chilly, persistent drizzle, thick fog kind. So that effectively took away the outdoor theme park from our itinery for the first day. That so happens to be the main component of our WHOLE itinery so imagine how that worked out for us. Nonetheless, we had 8 people, so we couldn't go on sulking, or play mahjong anyways.

Indoor theme park is too PG, family friendly stuff = BORING. Bumper car was the only highlight. And even that is due to Peijie's inability to steer clear of the stands, and actually BUMP into cars instead of railings. HAHAHAH.

The 4D movie this time round was sh*t though. Hahaha. Not that I think the previous one on missing the school bus was any better content wise, just maybe cause it grew old in a while. Plus the haunted house prompting the creepy annoyance of gas blowing towards your face. Spells EWWW. They got a cat to be the main lead of the movie by the way. Mong must be a happy man.

Knocked out way too early on first night. Like 12. I was already mentally a mess halfway through hotpot dinner and felt super lethargic. Add to that Peijie somehow miraculously recovered from her fever, and I creepily got the flu. Managed to suck out the vitality. Day 1 was pretty down and dull.

Once the weather was cleared for playing, Day 2 just went under way. We professionally got ourselves so swiftly to the rides that day it was just shiok. Only disappointment was the closure of KFC Rocks cause that was one of the highlights then.

Oh, breakfast episode was funny as well. One half of the group decided to have Macdonald's for breakfast while the other walked about finding other alternatives. In the end, we settled for KFC. The whole front counter, at approximately 9.30AM, had a grand total of 1 service staff. Poor guy served us so earnestly, always armed with his smile, but still did not kept us from waiting for 20 minutes for 1 X Zinger and 1 X Twister. We joked that maybe he did the serving, ordering, cashiering AND cooking all by himself.

In the end, old Mong, despite loudly proclaiming to me that he'd be game for anything that does not invert and stays there momentarily, did not attempt Space Shot, which basically shoots one up while he sits upright, stays there a while, and drops him back down. It's a really fun, simple, uneventful ride what.

Casino was indeed a real eye opener. Disregarding the fact that strangely, everyone needs to smoke a cigarette somewhere in a casino, it is everything like what I've watched in 双天至尊. Only the Big-Small game was fundamental enough for the 3 of us noobs to understand and feel brave enough to gamble a teeny. We set our ceilings and observed long and hard, trying to decipher patterns, making mock predictions, all along well knowing that it's really a game of luck. (No, not bring probability theories and statistics in here) The funniest episode was when we took 100 and wanted to exchange for 5 tokens of 20 ringgit. That simply because the minimum bet was 20 ringgit, reasonable assumption by us, no? We egged Yuling to change the tokens for us, only to be told by the croupier that the minimum token amount is 25 ringgit. How's that for declaring to the whole table that we're noobs!? Hhaha, paiseh till the max.

Fun aside, gambling is indeed a troubling issue. We can all see our evil sides so clearly during this casino saga. It's like, we're reliving those scenes from the yawn Mediacorp drama serials that urge people to stay away from gambling. It's alarming, and to some extent, disgusting to me, how I can instantaneously transform to that insatiable creature. Now I see where the big hoo-haa came from when the Gah-men decided to grant the IR licenses.

The second night was just wild. Well, it was the usual Indian Poker madness that was identical to the first time round. But this time, it all went crazy when I got Yuling's dare option. It was seriously hardcore, even for me! But in a way, I guess it's lucky that I got it instead of all the other girls. So I guess I did a good deed. Ditto to the 2nd consecutive dare that followed. I drank so much that my whole head was so heavy and hot. 230 in the morning, saw the bed and off to dreamland I went.

I thought the last day was going to be uneventful. But it turned out to be pretty hilarious too. Firstly the bus ride. I couldn't get to sleep cause I got my (almost) 8 hours full night before. The long journey didn't comatise me, so I just chatted with people all the way. Peijie, Sixuan, Fumin, Weijing, Mong. We had this incident with Huangmu's hand which is, on hindsight, an act born out of total boredom. Sixuan did her usual crazy devour routine, this time Huangmu's hand which she somehow prefers to hang behind while she sleeps. Then Weijing and I offered to be the witnesses. Don't know why. So the drama that Huangmu wrote in her blog is actually one about law, but with the 2 witnesses (Aka Weijing and I) as the main leads. Not lawyers, mind you.

To save it till the last, the hot plate hawker. Never ever paid attention to your stall, but now I will. I swear by whatever, I ordered audibly 饭, why the other guy and you persistently repeated 河粉 after me ordering 饭 still remains a mystery to me. Almost an enigma, but thanks for the laugh anyway.

Overall, still a fun trip. First trip was great as well. But really, no more Genting in the short term please. Nothing more to explore there.

- Domon

Im'ma Just Complain

2011-01-04T23:03:00.003+08:00

You know

Today's the first day of school. For those Primary, Secondary, JC kids. I chose a wrong time to take a bus, right on the 1300 margin. Catastrophic. I almost forgotten how much I hate all these school kids load up the buses in packs, talking and chirping, laughing and giggling. Worst of all, to be audible enough for me to understand and yet confused at their conversations all at the same time.

To think I used to reside in that very same position.

Makes me recall how I half-jokingly (And kind of seriously) joked with Lim Zheng Xiang about how irritating the freshman looked this semester. As though being a sophomore magically bestows me the power to criticise, keeping in mind it was just months before that I was an irritable as well as irritating freshman.

It's the same principle, you do something, you look back and you go 'EWWWWW, why the hell I go do that?', and attempt to wipe off traces of evidence.

That's ageing for ya, ruthless.

Being the air-headed school kid has its perks. You get away being completely un-fashionable, forgiven for eating too much (Puberty), excused for shooting your mouth without thinking, having your face pimpled... It's a good time to be carefree. Makes witnessing all that as a kidult or semi-adult now, exasperating.

Start of school means North Spring Primary beside my block will be doing their afternoon assemblies and ridiculous pep talk in the afternoons and evenings. And the street of parents, armed with bicycles, trams, trolleys, whatever, will cluster along the whole stretch, effectively rounding up the school compound. Means: I can't walk without going through you people.

Here's a proposition to cyclists: don't tap your service-counter-esque little silver bell like a honk whilst you're happily riding along the pedestrian pavement. It's not your road, certainly not made for your cycling. I've no issues with sharing, communal all that stuff, but you don't come up ring you silly little bell and expect people to clear up the way for your like you're parting the sea or something.

Newspapers, tabloids, quit doing meaningless stories, will you? I guess writing tabloid and meaningless is somehow an oxymoron. Just going to stop there.

North Korea, freak? Bomb bomb bla bla, 10 plus mansions with a connecting train system just for your freaking Kim household? Again, freak?

Ivory Coast's Gbagbo, narcissism much? Clinging on to power is so World War II era. Move on, your country just defaulted on their bond payments, you know how that work out for Greece and Ireland right (And they didn't even default)?

NEX, NEX, NEX. For a shopping mall your colossal size, you're a terrible bore. So many girly shops, and then the over-priced expensive foodcourt fare. See, another case there, oxymoron.

Ok done for now.

- Domon

2010 Has Passed

2011-01-01T12:09:00.002+08:00

Hey you

I'm kind of, afraid to do end of year reflection entries. It's just, time is passing by scarily fast, if there's such a description.

Last year I wished for a more honest, self-controlled me. I've still not attained that. Makes one wonder the rationale for setting all these aims huh? 2010 brought me something I'm truly grateful for, I love it.

Great thing this year is I've known more friends. Really glad to add Edwin and Kuang Xiang to my growing list of tennis khakis, as well as old birds. Although I'm no longer part of the tennis club, it's wonderful that we're still keeping in touch, and that I'm still invited for events.

Whilst the first half of the academic year was spent in hall, half-studying without knowing the consequences, the second half was spent labouring through a horrifying specialisation called Actuarial Science. A little poignant everytime I recall that conversation I had with Derek during the summer break about entering the banks and working hard alongside each other. But now, I stay convinced that I made the right choice. Though the modules are hard, but I guess it's the same everywhere else. Would have gone crazy without the tennis sessions interpersed between, other than that it the course of a semester is always dry, dull, pressure-filled, depressing. No meet-ups, less gatherings, forever with insufficient time to do tutorials. Good thing is the recent semester I was blessed with awesome professors throughout, if only that is reflected on the degree audit page.

2010 marks my second temporary job stint in a bank. Kiwi and Kangaroo bank was a nice work environment. Firstly, NEL transports me directly there so that's a plus. Then the people there are nice, minus the factions and different loyalties. The marathon bank wasn't that dire in terms of office politics, it was always fun and laughter abound with colourful characters like Leon and Emil. Kiwi and Kangaroo bank's admin department is an all-ladies department, less the new temporary staff then which were us 3 guys. The internal conflict was astounding, like the deep, troubling undercurrents beneath the seemingly peaceful ocean surface. The only disappointing thing at Kiwi is that I probably didn't learn as much as I'd have liked, mundane filing and all.

Of course, Singapore had the first YOG, and I was a part of it. The tennis was good, the players were friendly and I just freaking loved every moment of it. Ok, other than the hideous uniforms and the occasionally PMS Singapore weather, it was fantastic. Being a linesman is really one the most difficult jobs that stresses me out. And I can't believe I'm taking up the job again this year. :D

There's just something about 2010 that's inadequate, and I know what it is. Relatively, we didn't meet up as frequent as we did in 2009. And most of the time, even when we did, it's not the complete group. It's just a pity really. Because whenever we do meet up, it's always so fun, and meaningful. That's not exclusive to 30/05 people though, also Xiuhua, Xinyi, Zhiyuan, Fong Mun and gang. Was 2010 such a busy year?

Lastly, my friends, who I supposed are the only few beings on Earth who still visit this blog regularly. There's really only one target audience I supposed. Haha. I don't think we are those friends who need to always MSN daily, SMS each other, meet everyday kind. We're also not friends who will shut out others automatically after not contacting for a few months. We still care, but we're just not explicit about it. And the magic always reproduces whenever we come together. That's why I love our friendship.

Resolutions are crap, now I discover. So I'll not make any for 2011, and hope wherever it leads me to, I'll find a way to survive it.

Happy 2011.

- Domon

Social?

2010-12-27T18:19:00.002+08:00

I was out that day, for a dinner gathering with army mates.

And as the fun and food craving went off, we foot our bills and left.

I should have known since I'm out with them. The next best activity, should I say, the only one that they always have in mind: LAN.

Well, the history of me and LAN is that there is no history. Ok, I had an embarrassing encounter once but it's mortifying enough to think, so I shall not put you through this.

So needless to say, I declined the invitation. For one last push to persuade me, Jingwen and I had this conversation.

Jingwen: Just play lah.
Me: Don't want lah, don't know how to play leh. Don't like also.
Jingwen: You know, it is not really if you like or not. It's about being social... It's about zuo ren...

Hmmmm, nice logic.

How many times do we do things because we really just don't want to be the wet blanket, or disappoint others so to speak? Somehow we've grown, within our social circles, to let our actions and thoughts be determined by what others want, and not by how we feel. It's a scary proposition, but I've been a victim of that.

So even if I really detest playing LAN, but by playing, I ensure that everyone enjoy themselves, isn't that great? No, only that I'm not happy. Not truly happy, anyway. It's the utilitarianism ethics point of view all over again. Should I do what's right to me, or should I do what's going to result in the maximum good?

No right or wrong, just something worth considering in your everyday actions and thoughts. Sometimes a little individualism is good, sometimes perhaps compromising is the best way to avoid unnecessary conflict.

- Domon

Have A Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T23:59:00.003+08:00

HO HO HO

After that fabulous night of wine and dine, we will not see the same of Christmas staple phrases again. Or mistletoe, or random movies. Hell, start revising some Chinese A people.

Of course, and Tai Chi. HAHAHAHA.

So yesterday was the Christmas party 2010 edition. 2008 was a really nice one I remember, cause many people were there, and I was close to ORD-ing (But not quite yet so it was bitter-sweet). One of the first few occasions that jump-started the dinner party and celebration trend at Sixuan's. I can still recall fondly the pear cake, the at best ordinary appearance belied its delectable flavour.

This year, we missed out some of the original cast - much missed, Mok and Tingwei. But as Queen would say: show must go on. Whilst the budget per head increased, it's delightful that the variety and cuisine offered were so much traditional Christmas, and very easy down the throat to boost. I must say, Chef Goh, you've outdid yourself this time. The decorations, Christmas tree, head-dresses, food, games, music were all so thoughtfully planned that it concocted such an indulging Christmas atmosphere.

I've always been easily satisfied regarding food. I'm just not a food gourmet kind of person. But still, always impressed by Sixuan's keen eye for details, especially in food preparation. Just a big fan of her cooking I guess. I love the ham, and the shephard's pie, which was really good.

Wine played a huge huge part in the party. It's as though we just passed 18 and were so eager to shout out to the world that we can legally consume alcohol. Drank so bladdy much, but luckily it's not that strong. So no drowsiness, no 'sleep like a log aftermath', no hangover, which is nice. But it's wonderful that we can all just sit around the dining table (Which magically always manages to squeeze each of us around it, regardless of the occasions), enjoy nice food and drinks, chit-chat and then eat and repeat. I guess a stuffed guest is the best compliment to a chef, and I was thoroughly filled up.

Charades was one of the two big highlights of the night. I didn't know how Sixuan would pull it off, but we all did. Haha, I almost forgotten what kind of people we are, we are just frankly, siao. And I still can't imagine how a team with me, Weijing and Robert Ong, with themes like Chinese Literature and movies can fail 3 times in a row? To take it all into perspective, the other team consists of one who didn't take Chinese A (Specifically dropped very early), one took it for one year, the other is not a Chinese! Arghh. Haha so that contributed heavily to my alcohol dosage. By this time, Huangmu and Peijie were already so red it's scary. I think Robert said Huangmu looked like 关公. HAHAHA, pretty apt.

The other part was the Christmas presents exchage segment. To be honest, I thought my present was really okay, then Peijie told me chocolate was not allowed or something. So that got me feeling so bad about my present that I started associating my present with Weijing. Which to be fair, is miles better then Sixuan's. But mine's better, seriously. Oh, and amidst all the frantic exchanges and swapping, I got Yuling's computer mouse. I thought I was so lucky, cause my mouse broke down days ago. BUT, yes but, the mouse can only scroll downwards. LOL. It's a great WTH moment when I realised, in which I can only laugh. Anything beats Tai Chi manual though, hahaha, but who else other than Weijing is suited for that? Yea, no one. So it's a very successful exchange afterall.

So slow pangseh-ed me and I went home alone. I think I laughed so much in the party that I've probably laughed more than the whole semester in school combined. Superb friends.

That's how Christmas should be like every year.

- Domon

Jiggle Jiggle All the Way

2010-12-23T10:47:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Yeah so it's that time of the year again. No, not collecting GST Credits, it's Christmas. Yay~? Great snow, glorious Christmas atmosphere, warm carolling, occasion for giving thanks and gratitude. Nah, not here.

Over the years, I've grown from really liking the holidays to somewhat disdain to now general apathy. As children, holidays are meant to be taken at face value, except for Chinese New Year which is supposedly the GRANDEST thing. For us then it was just due to no school, and that alone is cause for joy. Now, I still enjoy holidays for the breaks and all, but also try to understand the distinctive parts about them.

Christmas is the coolest holidays cause we supposedly have snow, and Santa Claus and mysterious gifts from him. In socks. But of course, being a Singaporean kid we know since maybe Primary 2 that all these do not exist and for those lucky enough to even have parents try to feign a meek attempt of 'Santa giving just what you wanted to you for Christmas', bless you. Anyway, as said, no such atmosphere over here.

That's where I want to merge it with another seemingly unrelated topic: Me love for Glee. Keeping in mind how I fervently espoused my love for the musical TV series, the thing is how it introduces and reintroduces music to the viewers. I love love that aspect. The last episode they did a Christmas special, and while the episode itself was nothing spectacular, the songs: good old Christmas carols and others, are great.

I've especially fell in love with the Wham classic, 'Last Christmas'. Ok, don't deny, you must have heard it somewhere, on radio, best compilation album advertisments on TV, The 20 Top Christmas Songs, and the likes. During the Christmas period in particular, you can never escape from this tune.

As Wham belts about unrequited love and how he gave his heart, but the other 'gave it away' on the very next day, it all felt tediously ordinary. Like all love songs, yet another one about unrequited love. And somehow, this time the tune and lyrics and timing, everything just clicked. Perhaps it's really the atmosphere, guess I'm in the Christmas mood.

Speaking of which, now that all is done and dusted, I shall wait till the release of results to sulk my heart out and go through the drab little routine of emo-ing again.

Just to gauge the full impact of YOG, last year this time, I was already 1 full month into holidays. Yea, it sucks that the holidays' got pushed so far back that I couldn't even enjoy any semblance of a birthday spirit. Glad that Christmas isn't going to be squashed by that. I've still got presents to settle. Really excited about this anyway, I love love the 2008 edition at Chef Goh's. And we still have the Genting trip next January. Short but packed break.

Oh, I've took a special liking in musicals recently as well. Thanks to Glee again, I do find the marriage of drama and music a perfect fit for me. Musicals is an unique genre of its own, and the songs have meanings that encompass so much more than solely the plot. Musicals have long been used as a platform to raise social issues into awareness, not unlike what Glee is attempting to do now. What's more, it's all live, a real challenge for the performers. So I heard Rocky Horror is coming to Esplanade next January. I was all but set to get tickets, but it start out at a staggering $80. Ouch, bust my budget.

Lastly, thanks all for wishing me during birthday. I've grown like a woman in this aspect, birthdays are bad now. Haha, especially with each passing one. Add to that a killer paper this year, the birthday was dreadful. But made special by all. Salvaged.

:)

- Domon

Print More American Money 2

2010-11-21T22:22:00.003+08:00

Hey

Watched this hilarious video and just want to share with people.

Quantitative Easing 2 explained in the most layman terms. As no expert myself, and with principle of economics a distant subject taken 1 year ago, I'm not an expert with economics (Again think mediocre). But this does bring some kind of general picture about what's Quantitative Easing 2 and why the big hoo-haa it has generated. Alas, this video just shows why Americans would be angry, the big issue this time round is more about it's global effect with the onslaught of American dollar.

I don't necessarily agree with the teddies here, especially on the count that an economy with deflation is on the highway to economic prosperity, just look at Japan. But the frequent jabs directed at Goldman Sachs is too funny to miss.

Enjoy!

- Domon

The Entry About Mediocrity

2010-11-21T19:24:00.003+08:00

Hey there

As age catches up (I know we're too young to use this phrase but still...), I'm becoming more accustomed, and afraid of mediocrity. Of being mediocre, of being absolutely normal, plain, dull. In fact, being just like anyone else.

Under the grand reasoning of individualism, everyone ought to be different, and in essence, strives to do so. Who would want to be an exact replica of anyone else? So, there, part of the nature vs nurture debate comes in as well in defining the individual. What we sre given and what we have acquired.

It dawned upon me that we are really all stuck in that perpetual state of mediocrity. And in a select few areas, we somehow attained excellence, again, equally due to talent and/or effort. Many things else, we are basically neither really good nor really bad.

It's funny, cause when I was younger, think circa secondary school days, the delusion was that I was good in a few areas. In fact, convinced myself that I'm superb in them, simply because I was downright incompetent in others, not even being on the edge of amatuerish if I may add. So it's been pretty unbeliavble looking back how I was supremely overconfident, albeit privately, about my abilities as opposed to what they were practically worth.

Probably because feeling you're good, heck, even the best at something, promotes that wave of euphoria which elevates your confidence, instilling an even stronger sense of self-belief that persists in that 'benign' cycle.

Which works wonders.

But as I've said, the age and experience, brought in a state of realism that brought me back to earth. So even if in all relative terms, I'm really hell good at this, but really, I'm not THAT good. (Confusing? It's night time so the inner wannabe surfaces)So what does that leave me with? Yea, mediocrity.

And honestly, sometimes the term mediocrity does even lend itself to positive scenarios. If you think you're evil, probably being snarky and sarcastic and all aren't really that heinous a crime. Likewise, being simply too lazy to finish a tutorial doesn't really mean you are going to fail in your future career. In the kind of unfavourable circumstances, you being mediocre probably ain't such a bad thing. I mean, sure it snowballs and all, but it's not that bad. You are not that bad.

The whole 1 year and a half in University has thus far been irreversibly scarred with mediocrity. Everything from studies, to social life, to friends, to achievements. As much as I think in absolute terms that the results that I have to show is god damn awful, but it's plainly and unbiasedly, just mediocre. In retrospect, I'm not the worst of the lot, but nothing to pop champagne about either. Heck my professor asked about my CPGA and immediately told me to stop when I muttered the first number. How's that for been inspirational? (Still one of my favourite professor though)

That was when I started to think and feel that we are all settling with mediocrity. We acknowledge things that we are not good, and can't be bothered to get better in, so probably just lay it to waste. Then on the flip side, there are areas that we think we are proficient in, probably thinking ourselves being more savvy than we really are. But to me, most of these things we are just interested in, which basically means we are not aversed to doing them. We don't really commit ourselves to study them, you know, get in those deep levels of understanding to become a qualified 'really good' at them person.

That's why we are all mediocre, because we like to persuade ourselves that so much is already sufficient most of the time.

Of course, you cannot be sandwiched in the middle if there is no one sitting on you and being your comfy mattress below. There are people who do not even bother to be average, and some who just strive to be great. Not everyone can be great in everything (No-brainer alert), but the key lies in the specific areas that you're really interested in.

So if I have a self-professed interest, yet I'm not even that good in it, so what does that place me? Again, mediocrity.

The career services lecturer told us about the interview stuff. And this perfectly logical yet harsh reality really got me: if your result is bad, suck it up (Not exact wordings) and be ready to defend yourself (And insert long illustrious list of internship and co-curricular nonsense). Because whilst studying, your job is a student. And the quality of your work is automatically presented through that final CPGA figure on your resume. If mediocrity is what I can show for my work, then that's a pretty solid incentive for employers to hire me, no?

It's not a feel-bad entry though, although the mood around big thigh Jie has been rather gloomy. It's just a small sobering fact that I'd perhaps want to share. Mediocrity can be good, can be bad. It's in your hands and on your perception that determines which side it lies.

Heh, Andy Lau's commercial said that not everyone can be a Heavenly King. Duh. Here's the catch: you can be one if you fork out a few hundred dollars for that vibrating chair. What's up with these nonsense commercials lately. Don't even get me started on that horrendous Star Search crap that I accidently watched today. CRINGE-INDUCING.

Okay, enough with the minor rant. Paper on a birthday, never thought I'd live to experience that.

- Domon

Topicless X^6 V

2010-11-18T00:19:00.002+08:00

Hey there

I probably need an outlet.

Got a confession.

It's going to burst, if it's suppressed any longer.

You know, it's funny, cause do things change, so rapidly.

Humans.

Emotions.

Wrapped up in confusion, inability to administer control, discipline.

The vulnerability, yea.

Stoic.

Are you scared? I mean, there are so much uncertainties.

Ego.

The best defence is offence, so people demonstrate.

Shame.

Sacrifice.

It rained, poured, drizzled.

I studied.

Man, this is killing me.

Calvin, damn my heart goes out to you.

- Domon

Damn

2010-11-17T14:25:00.001+08:00

Why am I here?

- Domon

Topicless X^6 IV

2010-11-04T00:32:00.002+08:00

Hey you

I slacked the whole day away. And that, for any single day for this remaining semester, is a guilty pleasure. One that possibly bears severe consequences. But for now, I'm just going to do that anyway.

My right wrist kind of hurt after tennis today. Well, there's some inkling of pain probably going on for a while now, but it affected play today. Along with that, I've got an almost chronic condition now with my left knee, and also the ankles a bit. Am I getting too old for my routines? Am I putting too much unnecessary stress on my joints? Siao liao, and it's not like I'm playing any better.

Exchange is kind of doomed now. Don't talk about that, just pains me when I think about all the darn preparation that went into the course selection, application and what-not. Screw all of that. I'm going to take all my money and spend it away. (Joking by the way)

Kenny told me today: 'I think you are a 开心果.'

Of course, understand that the man has been undergoing an excruciating recovery journey from a cruel 劈腿 that his now ex-girlfriend did. Kenny thought I was funny.

I don't think of myself as that anymore. I can't seem to be 'funny' anymore. It's the weight of expectations, it's the sad state of realism instilled in me. Or probably, it's the age and years factor.

Probably, that's how I want people to see me as. So subconciously, as the self-fulfilling prophecy states, we'd behave in accordance to what we feel we are irrespective of our true personality. I thought I was funny, but maybe I wanted to be funny, maybe I needed to be funny?

Then there's this thing with people too. Perhaps we have some pre-determined traits that we want to have, so we steer our actions, thoughts, comments that way, so much so that it reeks of unnecessity, just trying-too-hard. Like for example, I'm all for being skeptical. I'm an inner cynic myself. But it's probably too tiring to be cynical towards every damn thing? I mean, it's okay to give everyone a break on and off.

Oh, I used up my buffet quota for this semester. Honour went to Huangmu and my naive promise earlier on to go for Sakae buffet with her. No regrets though, laughed so hard that night.

Actuarial Science is really hard. Really really hard. I'm a sad sad man, and why the bladdy hell I need to learn how to prepare financial statements? Sian, I'm whining like a Robert again.

You know something is wrong with Singaporean teenagers. When people go around hacking, stabbing and killing without any form of reason, it's dire. I mean, few seconds of mutual eye contact? Seriously? Why not just take it as a wink and move on? Get a few more tattoos, smoke one more stick, continue loitering around other malls or void decks, that won't get you into jail or (comparative) trouble anyway. And the most absurd case: random stabbing by NSF. Just another argument for scrapping the service. (But I do like my own time in The Forces, that another story)

I realised, I've not been talking about my University friends a lot. So probably I should today. Generally, I'm a loner in school. I don't like (Or maybe I don't have enough) to hang around in cliques, mostly, I'm with Zheng Xiang cause he's the only one from the year 1 who went to Actuarial Science. There I discovered Chen Cui Xiong is there too. And it used to be Sim Ken Wee who still frequently posts rubbish on my wall, and lives in Sengkang. Best of the lot are the tennis friends, know a lot of them, Paul He and Xing Hong. Yep yep. Professors are mostly great. And... yea, that's my really limited pool of friends. Sometimes do get to see those 'Eh I think I know them' faces, but yea, generally don't care too. I always wear the dao face, so I was telling Mong maybe I got to be careful these few weeks, probably the next eye-staring-turned-stabbing victim.

And this is to Yuling, I'm really glad that your blogshop is doing well. Haha.

Oh god Sharapova got engaged. No chance for me :(

And why the hell is the 不能说的秘密2 about magic? Wake up your idea Jay Chou!

Ok, now that I'm done with ramblings. End off with some trademark nostalgia.

I do kind of miss Chinese Orchestra. All the humming and singing of the compositions with Xiuhua just took me back to those days. They were definitely enjoyable. What can I say, I'm a music and sports person. HEH.

And yea, I miss Anderson JC life. True, it's not cool school ala ACJC, it's not top academic school like HCJC, not even a true blue neighbourhood school like SRJC, just a mugger school, complete with dreadful school uniform colours and worn-out buildings. But somehow that suits me, perfectly. It's the quintessential AJ spirit, care about your ownself, mug mug mug. But when time calls for it, bond together get the job done. Make great friends within the same frequency, and delve into that exclusive world where no other understands. And really be happy about simple stuff in life. Like random I&E day with no school, early release which meant KBox.

Sigh, the perils of aging.

- Domon

Run & (Almost) hit

2010-10-24T20:46:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Strange day.

I ran and I ran, then the car stopped. And I ran in front of the car, and the car started its engine. Car sighed a long roar, whilst I planted my hand momentarily on the front engine, as if summoning some superhuman strength to miraculously stop the car. The lady driver must have shot me a mean glare, but I chose to focus on my route.

The long walk back from stadium to home took 1.5 hour, my left calf cramped twice.

My mind cleared and I started to wonder how I'd wasted my JC life. Had no CCA, was not that studious, lots of free time that went missing.

My NS life was pathetic as well. The weekends I mean. The only great thing perhaps was my taking up of tennis during that period.

Argh, I'm struggling to write my experimental filmaking essay. It's a drag, I don't understand Brakhage's shorts. Damn, I'm screwed.

- Domon

Topicless X^6 III

2010-10-09T22:33:00.002+08:00

Hey you

There I am complaining about the lack of time for studies, and here I sit typing an inconsequential blog post. Ha, the irony.

Was blog reading as usual, much liky my routine nowadays. Actually, has all along been my twice or thrice a week routine. Used to be daily when blogging was the hot thing, and people (READ: Huangmu) actually blogged everyday. Sadly, the populous networking sites ala Facebook and Twitter just spelt demise for good old online diary keeping. Still hesitant about Twitter though I do finally have a functional mobile device that comes with internet connection. I do Facebook, but I really like writing a lot as well, though may noy seem like it. Explains the longevity of thick-thighed Jie and my loyalty to its humble beginnings in Blogger.

Ahh, I should explain.

Blog hopping revealed lots of dead links, and included some which I do already know since ages ago but was simply too lazy to do anything. And also some recently migrated sites, to other online diaries, you know, deadjournal, tumble, wordprest and the likes. Me here really like to read lengthy posts, hence the affection towards crafting longwinded entries myself. It's sometimes an art of perseveration, to maintain a blog and stick with it for so long. There are bound to be those crazy times where you just don't have the energy (Nor see the need) to carry on writing anymore.

So kudos to all who still write. It's a good hobby.

I thought Lee Kuan Yew's eulogy was pretty damn touching. Original First Lady was no friend of mine, but the onslaught of media reports and snippets of newsfeed almost gave me an entire autobiography of Mrs Lee like I've known her since 1947 (You know, the year they were married, the first time). Anyway I'm still glad the media went crazy over it, cause admittedly, I didn't pay attention to her cause hey, she was low-profile like how she wanted to be. Glad to know of such a wonderful figure and hope she would RIP.

Oh ok the uncle just got back home after being missing for a full month. The signed-on brother also returned today. Wow, is it Mid-autumn all over again?

Watched Wall Street yesterday night, though really more interested in Philip Morris. Guess I'd find another time to watch that. Wall street was alright, like a half-documentary half-sappy drama for me. Just neither her nor there. Not for the financial illiterate though, it's not a step-by-step, hold-your-hand lesson on how the various financial instruments brought about the financial crisis.

School has been challenging so far, and if there's any comfort in it, recess week is coming soon. Yay for multiple project deadlines and impending mid-terms. Woohoo.

And I've ran out of quirky, intelligent, or wholly nondescript answers to the question of the semester: Why did you shave your head ah? I'm going to play the inspired-by-Agassi card next.

Oh great, thanks to the uncle, living room TV is on and it's showing 三更之饺子. Seriously, that's one disturbing movie. Really creepy.

Fumin, happy birthday! Haha.

Shit, the movie is disrupting all of my thoughts. Can't continue writing anything. Shall watch it anyway.

To think I wanted to sleep early today.

- Domon

Bullies

2010-10-06T00:08:00.002+08:00

Before I go to sleep.

Bullies should not be tolerated. Never ever should they be allowed to go around terrorising people, no matter if you're 12 or 21.

It's with great disgust that I read over the past 1 week or 2 the sudden surge of teenage suicide cases. Reason? You guessed it, bullying.

Bullies are everywhere, with the internet now, cyber-bullying becomes one of the most heinous crimes ever IMO. But that's not to say the conventional bullying goes out of style immediately. We've all seen these bullies before, and they sure love to administer the good old sneeky brand of bullying: backstabbing, discriminating, stereotyping, bashing, ostracising... List goes on and on.

And what do all these dumb teenagers who chose to give up their precious lifes have in common? They are all insecure, young teenagers. It's not like we don't see bullies anymore. Bullies do not have an age limit that caps the population, like as though over 21, bullies are officially criminals or something. The low-intensity, mild bullying still carries on everywhere, work place, school, homes. Just that with age and maturity, more often than not we hope that bullies grow out of it eventually, whilst we ourselves gain enough experience to be more resilient in face of such childish acts.

But these young kids, in their confused stage of adolescence, are the most vulnerable. They do not know what is right and what is wrong, they think friends are everything. Like everyone else, teenagers long to be accepted (Most of all by their friends unfortunately) and the mere inkling of being 'different' sets teenagers into panic overdrive. But what for seriously? We wanted so desperately to be aligned to our friends, missing out on the fact that innately, we are all different from each other. Sometimes, it's really the work of nature.

Why get bully into submission? Or probably the question is, why bully people into submission? Most of the time, bullies are ironically the ones who are most insecure themselves, hence the need to mask that with a face of aggression, unfortunately targetted at equally insecure peers. The slight indication of fear stemming from their individuality almost seems like fresh blood to sharks for these bullies. They thrived on such fear and their appetite grows exponentially, as though by putting people down they can essentially erase their own insecurities as well.

We've all been bullied before I believe. For those who haven't, good for you. It can get really hard to bear, especially through teenage years, the fat jokes, the pimple jokes, the bad hair jokes, everything that seemed as though they were convenient crackers in classes, unfortunately weighed on the poor victim and his/her self-esteem.

Why do we have to be punished for being different? Why do people like to attack those who are? It's just a vicious cycle.

No matter if it's to bond with 'cool' friends, or to show that one is 'cool', or to make oneself feel better, bullying should never be tolerated, period.

Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Billy Lucas, Raymond Chase and so many other victims of bullying, RIP.

- Domon

Friday Night

2010-10-01T23:20:00.003+08:00

Hey

My friend experienced a devastating break-up recently, kind of reminds me of Slow's turmoil earlier this year. Just that my friend experienced worst, was 3-timed.

Then he started to post emo statuses on Facebook, which are basically some emo lyrics.

From 我怀念的.

And I went to listen, still listening. And suddenly I got very emo also.

Guess it's the Friday night.

And Mong pang-seh-ing me tomorrow. :(

- Domon

Happy Teacher's Day

2010-08-29T23:09:00.003+08:00

Damn

My boy almost made me cry today when he gave me this card. Barring the possibility that he's nudged by his mother to do it, I'm still quite amazed that he's done it (Handwriting tells it all).

Sam, although you're pretty damn hard to teach, hard to sit still, hard to stay attentive, and definitely lazy, but all in all you're just a typical kid.

But for one, you're a smart, lovable, and fun boy to be with. I'm glad to be your teacher!

- Domon

Hello Everything New...

2010-08-28T00:20:00.003+08:00

Hello to...

And goodbye to the long-serving Samsung. Thank you for your durability that saw our relationship last through A Levels till end of freshman year. Many more times ahead with future reservist!

And also welcome to...

Complete decision of impulse. While I admit that the thought crossed my head before but the sudden surge of 'let's do this' just hit me today.

And I realised the gatherings have recently revolved around drinking. Wow, aren't we a bunch of alcoholic?

- Domon

YOG: Stefan Micov arghhhh

2010-08-24T23:07:00.002+08:00

Hey you

I've gotten back from the YOG, erm actually already full 3 days after the conclusion of the tennis tournament. Must say that as skeptical as I always am, the event truly turned out to be a blast. Interaction with several though unfamiliar but definitely impressive (And world-ranked) junior players was indeed the most exciting and satisfying part. On top of that, being able to present myself, stay confident within my line of duty has been really rewarding, especially when the chair umpire acknowledges and the players can only lan lan suck thumb and accept my call. Hahaha, pure joy.

As you would have probably known and seen from my Facebook account, the insane amount of photos I took during this 1 week long 'fiesta' are just what remained after my own line of QC. The fun really began when I started bringing my camera along on day 2 and snapped away like nobody's business. My personal philosophy for taking pictures is 'Just take whatever that interests me, lah', revolving around a central theme called 'Random'. So the result ranges from ball-kids, to random angmoh kid to random TV station crew from other countries. The wonderful thing is neither felt awkward in acceding to my out-of-the-blue photo-taking requests.

Strictly speaking, I was there not as a volunteer but as a technical official. And the difference shows in terms of the whole hospitality. We had our own air-conditioned tentage, great snacks and coffee/tea machine, 2 more extra pair of berms. Haha. The only sucky thing was the portable toilets. And on a milder note, the gross inflexibility in scheduling and allowing officials to fill up obviously empty stands.

Within the pack of line officials, I've got to know some great friends. Some whom I've noticed since the very first training we had in NIE, like the cute couple, Jody and Ivan. Then there are the adorable fasting friends, and I must say, the group has quite a considerable size of Malay peeps. Nisa, Halifah and likes, entertaining people. They got some of the more qualified and experienced officials down to join us as well, so there were great additions as well. The 3 福禄寿 Zack, Fred and Rutger were really awesome. And also Tay Pinghui lookable Greg. Course not forgetting the NTU Tennis Club gang whom brought even more fun during the tournament.

The players, gosh, can't believe the oldest is only 18. Some are too damn tall, and the girls are so built that they put the manliest man (Fumin and Mong) to shame. This one Hungarian, Timea Babos, freakish muscular girl, scary serve (180 kmh) has striking facial features, and looks like Kate Winslet. Left a deep impression.

Then of course I must talk about the guy in the subject title, Stefan Micov! He's from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, I copied pasted that by the way. Haha. He's super nice and the story I've to go through from day 2 of the competition. Being bored, Andre and I made our way up to the guests' stand of centre court and decided to just chill there despite there being empty and had no matches going on. So I, staying true to the theme random, got this random Croatian lady to take a picture with me (She's most likely a coach). Then this another guy came up to the stands and sat beside her and I figured, 'Why not?'. So we 3 took random pictures together and he already left a great impression cause he just played along with whatever pose I had.

So end of day 2 and again we got up to centre court stands, and poof! He's there as one of the players playing doubles against the top seeds! And here's the thing: he's got a fantastic and aesthetically-awesome single handed backhand! Probably the only player there with a one handed backhand and the swing-path is so elegant! He has a really good game, quite effortless power, but just a tad bit too generous with the errors. On second last day, he was competing in the consolation boys singles final and lost. Although he'd just lost a match, he still posed happily(Genuine) with me for my latest profile picture. So yea, that's how he pretty much became my favourite junior player. Haha.

There's another group of people who further enriched my experience and they are the chair umpires. The one whom I really liked is Molly Kam! She umpired my first ever match in the tournament and she's freaking nice. Hailed from Hong Kong so you can imagine the adorable Hong Kong accent. She's also really friendly to us despite the first match being the only match we ever did together. Subsequent days we would always chat once we meet, or when she steals in our tentage for snacks.

Yea so all in all that's my account for my whole YOG experience. Oh yea!

- Domon

Jump!

2010-08-14T21:08:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Recently, I've been trying to rush finish this Japanese novel, and stayed in Sengkang MRT station, sat on one of the chairs and finished it. If you do have the time, you can borrow it from the library, it's Jump by 佐藤正午. I still can't quite get the title, since most of it doesn't really have anything to do with jumping, skipping or anything like that.

That said, I enjoyed the novel tremendously.

The synopsis was written in such a fashion that it misleads readers (Me) to think that it's a detective, thrilling novel describing how the male lead goes on this exciting journey to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend's disappearance. Think Conan + CSI + Kindaichi. Probably involving some blood, murder, lots of pieceing-the-parts-together sequence and the 'I know whose the murderer!' conclusion.

And of course, it didn't unfold that way. The novel, like a lot of Japanese creation, is a thoughtful, subdued interpretation of the choices that we make in our lives. It's a simple story, revolves around the idea of choices, and using the missing and lost elements as the vehicle to convey the author's ideas.

It's funny how we often assume things in our own perspectives. And how easy it is for us to skew things out of proportion when we conveniently convince ourselves that that is the truth. In the novel, the girlfriend disappeared into thin air the following morning after leaving the drunk boyfriend at her place, with the promise that she'd be back after she'd bought apples, as requested by the guy. She was decided to be missing after weeks, months after the boyfriend had absolutely no idea where she went to.

So boyfriend went on a journey to try and piece it all together. He traveled around the country, basing his hypothesis on bits of clues that he'd extracted from whoever he got hold of. And suddenly, he gets a clearer picture of the events that took place after that fateful night, but still can't figure out what happened after that, and the rationale for girlfriend's disappearance.

I've developed this liking towards detective stories, just like the Channel 8 show, Unriddle. I really like a story that keeps me guessing, that has twists and turns, and shows more than the obvious. So I followed this book, well knowing that it's not going to present the classic gore details, wickedly genius villians toying with pollicemen. Instead, Jump crafts a simple yet poignant story about the everyday decisions we make, knowingly or otherwise, and also the overlooked fact that perspective changes the way we see, interpret, and believe in things.

There's one particular part that I really like in the novel. The boyfriend, after 6 months from the disappearance, went from fervent anxiousness, to reluctant acceptance to his girlfriend being 'gone'. Then this morning, he stayed in the local Starbucks and just decided to spent a few minutes there, even though he should be at work answering his mails and phone calls already. That, simply because he believed, in the split second, that his role would be taken over by someone eventually, the company would still operate, and at large, the world still rotates and life goes on. So he met his colleague, who happened to be skiving off a little. And colleague noticed how the boyfriend was always moody these 6 months, and knew he had something on his mind. Boyfriend kept mum on the disappearing girlfriend, and said he'd join the colleague soon after he had sort out his thoughts, after both engaged in a small conversation regarding lost personnel.

And before colleague leaves, he left boyfriend with this, 'Ok, so I will see you later. And "Alright, I'd join you later after I've sort out my thoughts" would be your last words before you go missing. Which after, you'd not appear anymore.'

I sucked royally in translating it from Chinese, partially cause I returned the book already and I'm just merely writing what I can remember. It struck me in a powerful way, because to be missing always hits me cause it makes the case into, well, a mystery. And a mystery is always begging for some investigation, which may well led into hidden stories and difficulties. I don't know, all that is fascinating to me.

Every minute, every second, somewhere, someone is missing. Some new guy is probably gone from public eye, and where exactly did he went to? We probably think, kidnapped. He probably saw an old classmate, talked a little, got invited to their nearby house, and decided to spend a night there. Drank a little and didn't call home. She'd probably met with a car accident, got knocked off and rushed to a hospital. He'd probably decided that enough is enough, the mundane 9 to 5 life isn't what he wants, he packed his belongings, left his own apartment, and traveled overseas for a month. What I'm trying to say is, a missing case can be interpreted in so many ways that with any information we have, we may come up with biased conclusions based on them only.

And for the missing personnel, it's what they'd chosen sometimes that led to them being 'missing'. The girlfriend in the novel was pushed into a series of coincidental events that changed her original plan (To buy apples for boyfriend) and brought her further away from boyfriend. But after settling everything, she made a choice, which separated both of them for an even longer period of time.

I'm not sure if people will get this entry or not, either way doesn't matter. Haha, it's my blog.

Just as I was walking home, I was thinking about what I was going to do. I was going to return my library books, after that make a trip to Rivervale Plaza to buy some medicated plasters for my Ah Ma. And it was near 7pm already. What if I decided to just run away whilst I'm in Rivervale Plaza (Just a fleeting thought, no reasons whatsoever)? What if I saw a pregnant lady near my block who was alone and had her water broken? What if I witnessed a car accident, with the seriously injured dumped by the car owner? I'd not be home by dinner. And from then on until the time I remembered to call home, I will be missing. And what if after these events, I somehow cannot call back due to one reason or another, and I got stuck, unable to go home? No one will know where Chew Wee Jia is, and I will be missing.

Wha, I'm thinking (And writing) nonsense now. Better stop.

- Domon

Topicless XXXXXXII

2010-08-12T23:16:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Just had a very discouraging game of tennis. First time I felt totally over-powered. Good that I get to play against this kind of players who have strokes that are technically unsound, but somehow still generate so much pace. It's exciting to play against them, though admittedly depressing too in situations like tonight when I can't seem to hit the ball as cleanly as I want to. Meh.

Tomorrow would be the last day of my work at the Down Under financial institution. Pretty good 2, almost 3 months I would say. Still stand by what I blogged earlier, the workload is both boring and atrocious at the same time, and politics still daunting. But nevertheless, the working with people process has taught me several things. Whilst the gossip and laugter, especially behind the boss' back were exceptionally entertaining. Will not miss this place, but times were great.

YOG starts on Saturday, got to feel pretty excited about that! And my linesman duty starts on this Sunday. Wish me luck people, and watch out for me in case you manage to watch any live televised matches. Better yet, buy the tickets to come down watch the matches, it's quite cheap I heard.

Somehow I always admire and envy people who can be really open about their thoughts. It's something I can never do, even if I genuinely want to share. It's like there're so many layers and locks, guarding and guarding, in defence of god-knows-what.

- Domon

The Entry About National Day

2010-08-09T22:05:00.002+08:00

Hey you

It's National Day again and I caught a few segments of the parade on TV earlier. Actually, was stopped by the parade of armoured vehicles, instinctively stood there and tried to name some of them. They've included Broncos this year, which is... well... interesting.

Anyway I was a huge fan of NDP years ago. Specifically years 2002 and 2003. Haha, 2002 was the worst. I remember that before the parade, my Ah Ma just had to bring me out to relative's house, and I was so anxious about missing the parade that I pressed my Ah Ma to go home at around 6 or so. Even on the cab, I was very very impatient.

The reason for such fuss? Sun Yanzi. HAHA. She sang the theme songs for both years, and I was especially determined to not miss her performance during 2002. (Fact that those days, the songs were so much nicer helps)

So yea, I guess I can say that I was once a very patriotic guy. Hey, I don't really dislike this country, so now, I like Singapore, STILL. Sorry just had to reference that. Like what Mok said over her blog, this country just isn't too shabby for living standards and convenience. In fact, already quite a top choice for many.

It's awesome how 'Home' still manages to bring out the patriotism and nostalgia in me all at the same time. Super song lah.

Anyway the vainity took over full flight, the contacts always made me overly drama and emo when I am walking around. Still getting used to it.

By the way, I just sat in front of a television to watch a channel 8 drama. In front of the TV worrr, it's not catch-up TV or stream on the internet eh, I actually have to sit through commercials! Yea, was watching 最火搭档. As usual, watched partly because of Chen Liping, but I've always got a liking towards this kind of detective/police shows so I find the plot kind of attractive too. Must-watch!

Happy National Day!

Huat!

- Domon

Singapore's 3rd IR...

2010-08-09T13:26:00.002+08:00

Hey

So if Singapore decided to build a third IR, with the (almost) resounding success of the Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Resorts, what would you name it as?

The Noose finds out the winning entry of the 'Name the 3rd IR' competition at 6:00 of the video.

Cheers to creativity!

- Domon

Topicless XXXXXXI

2010-08-06T23:39:00.002+08:00

Hey yo

This is my current most favourite song from his album, really like how it starts with this guitar solo, and slowly changes mid-song into this 中国风 oriental style. The 'handover' part is extremely well done. Indeed, 方文山's lyrics' so much more fluent and beautiful as compared to the chunky bits of 超人不会飞 and the cliche 说了再见 (Though I like both songs as well).

Spent a bomb literally last saturday making new spectacles. On hindsight, I almost feel like I've wasted my money in buying something that I don't really need. You see, originally the little supporting part fell off and that prompted me to want to change the almost 2 year old Soviet, alas (Or not), the kind shop assistant, through the course of convincing me to take up even more exorbitantly priced lenses, helped me to replace the spoilt bits. Ahhhh. Ok nevermind, take it as my way of contributing to the economy, but I really felt like bleeding, from the wallet, haha.

Doing research for my course/future job prospect/life, as well as exchange have all combined to be hell of a bitch. Doesn't help that the area is so so specialised that information, relatively, is so scarce. But good that I did manage to get a clearer picture thanks to Apolinar and others. It's scary to think that next week would be my last week at work and after YOG that follows, it's school all over again.

Speaking of work, today's Han Lei's last day at work. I realise that with respect to the current job, I've not spent much time talking about it at all, bar the detailedly described other temp, who is an over-zealous workoholic. Han Lei was the first of the trio of us to come into the bank and was my very first lunch partner, good crap mate throughout, and he's an all around great buddy to work with. Made my time so much more enjoyable.

The one thing that saw us through mundane work life was The Noose! Hahaha. Yes I AM! So I was really sad, like de-vers-stated or someting, that it was the last episode this week. But for the last 2 weeks, it sure didn't disappoint. Leticia's special report, the repeated appearance of Wan Mo Peh, and of course, surprise visit of Lulu! And also Nancy Goh! Till now, I'm still tickled by Reese Low every single time.

Watched the highly anticipated Inception yesterday night after a tiring day at work. But that sure didn't bring down my spirits cause the movie was just fantastic. Awesome mindblowing stuff, such a calculated, provoking commercial flick. My brains were wholly consumed in the dream/inception/extraction/limbo state after the last scene cause it's simply impossible to adapt back to normal immediately. And I've also browsed through some incredible debates, theories and speculations, and that's exactly what a good movie does isn't it? Arousing interest so strong that they thrive and spread on their own. Glad I watched it, definitely a great movie.

Well, after the Mong's birthday (OH NOW is Mong's birthday le) celebration, I'm going to seriously retire from organising all such gatherings for a little while. It's really another royal pain in the behind, especially due to so much conflicting schedules and the sheer difficulty in coordination.

That's it, happy 22nd Mong. Last year this time I was on the bus with Huangmu and gang to Genting, right after celebrating Mong's birthday at Chomp Chomp!

EDIT: Super fuck emo and pissed now. Hope sleep would solve the issue.

- Domon

Vlog

2010-07-25T21:58:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Just want to spread some of my Glee love around by posting some videos of my absolute favourite character: Coach Sue Sylvester. Little meanie lady with an acid tongue and sharp wry sense of humour, adore this woman.

Sneaky Gays! LOL

And this... I haven't really got the chance to listen to Jay's new album. But this song is good. And look, 小雨!!

- Domon

Fish Soup for the Emo-ed

2010-07-23T22:42:00.003+08:00

Hey you

This is especially dedicated to un-named friend who is suffering from mild depression due to a de-ver-sta-ting confidence crisis.

I guess it's all too common for people to feel depressed, or fashionably emo at least once in a while. It's part of the growing phase, the adolescent must-have. When we were just growing up, we confronted changes to all facets of our lives then, physically, emotionally. That uncertainty eventually led to some kind of emo-ness when we became lost and were unable to comprehend solutions to solve our problems. Then after some experience, most probably from observing friends, talking, we learnt to handle these changes well and gradually adapted, and the emo-ness slowly died.

That's for the lucky ones who are confident enough, and found nothing that is a significant worry in their lives. Too bad that such people are far and few between.

Humans are born insatiable, greed as one of the 7 sins. We are just not that easily satisfied. But again, it's always in relative terms when we think about what we want in our lives, probably safe drinking water if you're in Darfur, probably less floods in Bukit Timah, cleaner distilled water in China. We always want more, with respect to what we already have.

I do think it's normal for people to behave this way. But sometimes we create such monsters in us that we strive so much to achieve something that we fail to realise the perfection that we already have. In such blind pursuit, we often let go of other precious things we once possess. And if ultimately, we fail to obtain whatever we had so doggedly fought for, then we would end up having nothing left.

In times of emo-ness previously, I liked to sulk, get even more emo by thinking more negative thoughts. The human brains play their part by linking from one bad occurence to another, and soon, a D-day-esque scenario would play out in my mind. What a major mood-downer that always manages to spoil my whole damn day.

These 1 or 2 years, I've got around my emo-ness by trying to think more positively. Don't ask why, but sometimes you just got to emo. It can be as trivial an event or comment, or just some random thoughts, like about my bleak future, those kind of stuff, that trigger some sense of negativity in you. And once I sense that coming, I just try to lift myself up (Not literally) by thinking more positively.

It's DAMN HARD sometimes. Cause when you're down, you just don't see anything great, or even remotely decent about yourself. You get such a fatal shot to your confidence that it just plummets, as if wholly thrown out of the window. Confidence is one hell of a mood-swinger, seriously. But once you get yourself more upbeat about everything, future prospects, yourself, whatever, then it's when the emo-ness would slowly dissipate.

For me, I just try to think about what I want to achieve at the end of the day to keep me motivated. I always remind myself that everything that I'm doing now, serves an ultimate purpose and I want to have that clearly etched in my mind. Because without that, it's like a life lost, without directions, just going through the motions. And when things don't work out, plan and regroup, and decide on a new goal. It's a WIP and I'm a strong strong believer that everything would turn out better, and it should be 先苦后甜 as Ms Kathy (Mother) taught me.

At the end of the day, I forgot where I read this or heard from, but someone said before that no matter what, we must live our lives till the fullest. Do not waste any moment of our time because we've only got so little left to spend. The worst question to ask ourselves at any point of time is 'What if?' when we think back on our past. Regrets are such bitches that never fail to affirm the pessimist in you. Avoid that!

So, un-named friend and all others who occasionally suffer from that inexplicable emo-ness, stay positive! We're no longer secondary school students who can sulk and emo whole day long! Must learn to pull ourselves out of the funk fast!

As for my motivation, let's just say it's a lot of vanity, and really materialistic. Haha. I'm practical, I know.

- Domon

射手座

2010-07-20T00:37:00.002+08:00

This stupid application on Facebook that Tingwei sent me. And stupidly, I went to try. Must be due to the late nights. But it's kind of accurate, though nothing that I've not read about my horoscope before.

射手座(Sagittarius)

乐观与忧愁：射手座人的内心不是外表看上去那么乐观的，因为喜欢看的远，容易担忧的事情也就多，在他们的字典里，即使现在好，也不一定代表未来好，有时候很多人觉得很好的一个工作或一个伴侣，他们很轻易的就会放弃掉，可能只是因为一个毫不起眼的小原因。所以，这样的外在表现，就让人们觉得他们不喜欢被某件事情或某个人束缚住，追求自由的，没有压力的感觉。

现实：常说射手座是追求梦想的人，但往往忽略了他们现实的一面，算计起来不会比处女座差哦，只是更高明更隐藏罢了。射手座人的梦想是必须建立在现实的基础上的，一般他们很少谈及自己的梦想，而是实际的去做一些向梦想靠拢的事情。如果可以借巧力完成的事情，决不会多花一点工夫。所以有时候射手座也容易给人耍小聪明的感觉。可是，不得不承认他们完成的还满不错。也许终其一生，他们都在考虑怎么巧妙的做一些事情，花最少的精力去达到最好的效果。所以，很多射手座看上去让人们会觉得很懒，但是其实他们的大脑可没有停下过思考现实的事情。

拒绝低俗：几乎所有的射手座内心都是骄傲的，其程度绝不亚于狮子座。只不过他们不会显现在脸上，外在的表现总是随和的，恰当的。可是内在有着极强的自尊心，敏感也情绪化。因为射手座人心中是骄傲的，所以他们拒绝低俗，不喜欢任何俗气的、粗鲁的事或人。如果可以，他们希望一切有关的事物，都是优雅的、高尚的，值得品味的。而真正能让他们觉得值得交朋友或谈恋爱的人是很少的，虽然表面上他们是很随和的。

多情：很多人说射手座多情，尤其是男性。其实在射手座人的心目中，对于爱情确实有理想化的倾向，和他们谈恋爱，是一件高难度的事情。他们非常讨厌俗气的人，所以你不能很物质或喜欢谈钱，但是他们又很现实，所以你不能一文不名，各方面也必须有一定的实力。物质与精神，你必须平衡的刚刚好，才让他们觉得你值得去爱。或者，你有足够的神秘感，可以让他们不知道你的缺点在哪里，而盲目的爱你。一般，当然是没有完美无缺的人的，所以，可能象金牛座这样永远会让射手感觉捉摸不透的闷闷的人，会非常吸引他们；或者象双子那样，足够机智，懂得察言观色，捕捉他们的情绪，才会让他们感觉到爱情的甜蜜。一般射手的感情模式是，第一阶段，你们还不熟悉，他（她）爱上了你，非常热情。第二阶段，你们逐渐熟悉，而他（她）开始龟毛，整天挑剔你的毛病，无论是背地里还是当面。如果你有幸通过他（她）的挑剔过程，基本挑剔出的毛病为零或者你把缺点保密的非常好；那么进入第三阶段，他们就又是忠诚和热情的爱人了。但是基本能通过第二阶段的人非常少，所以有了射手多情一说。其实射手对恋人的挑剔，是源于对爱情的挑剔，对丧失自由感的恐惧。射手座人的人生，往往是幸运的，因为他们是聪慧的、明朗的、通透的。与众不同，也许是他们终生追求的梦想，希望每一个射手人，可以找到他们的梦想！　　

人人都说射手座是感情的骗子，对爱情不尊重，只追求片刻的快感，是花心与冲满欲望的象征。朋友们…你们了解射手座最真实的一面吗？射手座是大孩子，天真与善良，遇到爱情时，可能让人感觉不认真，付出的比谁都少。可是，知道吗？射手座很想爱，却也很怕爱！刚开始他们只是慢慢的付出，谨慎的爱，好怕自己会受伤。可是在一句一句的爱，一天一天的相处下，射手座把带刺的防备丢掉，开始不顾一切的去爱他们所爱的人，在别人眼中，只是射手座为了达到某种目的而作的行动。可射手座不介意，他会在自己幸福的想象中陶醉，希望对方能感受自己的爱，想对方觉得与自己一齐是幸福的。在射手座爱上了一个人，他会把自己放到最后。有苦自己承担，可能会因为吵了一场小架而不开心，却也是最快认错，无论谁的错，他们都会包容，知道吗？射手座会因为深爱一个人而原谅他的背叛，会因为你的一句话付出很多。他们爱玩，在玩的同时，也希望把那一份好心情带给你，射手座是乐观的。　

人们总觉得射手座的世界很快乐，可是呢？射手座难过时没有人知道，他不想让别人可怜自己，射手座不坚强，可是很善良。在你难过时哄你开心，让你有依靠，分手后，他会哭者去想属于你们俩幸福的回忆，也不想爱的人因为同情而勉强和他一齐。他比谁都希望自己爱的人快乐幸福，却常常忽略了自己，全身都是伤也笑着告诉你，我很好不用担心。　　

在所有人看到他的笑容以为他没事，却不知道失恋对射手座有多大伤害，华丽的外表下有一颗脆弱的需要别人了解和安慰的心。知道嘛？你的一点关心，心思细腻的射手座会记得你对他的好，把自己的爱毫无保留的送给你，射手座是不被了解的，可他们不会怨谁。他们会傻傻的认为，让我承担吧，别让别人也受到伤害。所以，不要让快乐的射手座痛苦，别让他们最有魅力的笑容成为掩饰痛苦的伪装，认真爱射手座。你会知道射手座的爱，是充满泪水的…

Really accurate, no comments on the love love parts but the front parts are literally spot on.

Anyway I'm quite amazed that our 30/05 gang's individual blogs are still going strong, many of my other friends' blogs just died silently, broken links and all. Not ours, must have been around for at least 5 years and counting, what a dedicated bunch we are.

- Domon

Return Lies Within Hasty Keys

2010-07-17T21:08:00.003+08:00

Hey you

It's surreal how everything felt just like before when the bulk of us met, went in to the unfamiliar camp premise, went through the familiar wait for nothing procedure on and off again. And all other things: the meals, the pre-sleep chatter, the toying around Sasi, sweating profusely whilst donning the green uniform, so many more. It's like picking up where we left off, and I kind of appreciate that sense of familiarity, especially with the people around me.

Thanks to Zuhua (This is a special mention courtesy of Fumin who remarked about the disappearance of my camp mates' names on 大腿杰) and Brian, we've spent most of the nights listening and emo-ing ourselves to sleep with songs from Secret.

Ahhhh, the good times. Love, love freaking love this movie still (Oh ya, please catch the latest episode of The Noose, or just Youtube the essence: Michelle Chong's ultimate spoof of Ris Low, LOL-ed my way throughout). Just listening to the music pieces brought back scenes of the film and endearing memories of it.

And till next year, brothers!

- Domon

Look Where I'm Back to Again!

2010-07-11T23:55:00.002+08:00

I miss my friends from The Forces.

No kidding man.

As I was packing/or unpacking the stinky remains of the 2 years I had with The Forces, a myriad of emotions just hit through me like the North Korean missiles sinking the poor innocent South Korean ships.

It started with some kind of disbelief, that I've actually completed my service, and it already ended for like 1 years plus (Only). Then I got a little disgusted, by the fact that we'd be taken over by a (Sources-cited) garang till the max officer during our coming one-week stint. Soon, it evolved into some sense of chirpy anticipation, really cause looking at the greens and browns, each piece of almost artifact-like parts speaks of some story. Significant or plain brainless, it constitutes a part of my life in The Forces. Contributes a part to the whole of me.

So it stayed there, I'd say, cautious optimism, and a certain level of happiness, to meet those brothers again (I just don't like to use this word in any scenario, sounds too mud/act-close to use casually in day-to-day). We'd all withstood shit, and sometimes, that's the only way to form a certain unique bond one would call: brotherhood.

So, yea, I'd be looking forward to my reservist. Still, a little slack routine would do no harm ya?

*Barbarella* Ya? That's right, tangs everybody, tangs. *Hand straight up with fingers clasping in and stretching straight out again*

- Domon

A New Phase...

2010-07-10T00:59:00.002+08:00

For the best track friend ever (Since I only have one).

I guess it's always 感慨 when you've reached a certain 里程碑 and these are the times when you look back and start to appreciate how far you've come along. It of course, has been a tiresome, long journey, but nevertheless, one that's filled with so much joy and fun.

It's all equal, and trading anything for something else is going to cost you one way or another. So, I should say, I'm glad that you experienced whatever that you did. All the pain helps build your character, and all the tumbles help craft your resilience.

All handy in the days to come where working world looms.

Really, selecting the photos and going through them brought me lots of great memories, and *cliche* realised how time simply doesn't wait. We're ageing, slowly, whilst it's perhaps sad, but we are learning, maturing, and more at ease with ourselves.

Great job, Fumin! And we should set up a Michelle Chong/Barbarella/Lulu fan club right now.

- Domon

Topicless X^6

2010-06-29T22:59:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Needless to say, I've been following the action in London, Wimbledon of course. For the uninformed, Wimbledon has created some great storied matches around the well-manicured lawns. In my humble eyes, it more than held its own against the sporting juggernaut that I'd simply term as 'WC'. The most unbelievable, almost fabled storyline came from the Isner-Mahut classic which put all the matches in sporting history that are running for the 'longest-ever' title to shame. The 2 men came, played and went back for 3 consecutive days, clocking up to 11 hours of play which leaves an awe-inspiring final set scoreline of 70-68 (Which is 138 games alone in a set), as well as an undeniable place in tennis fans' hearts.

I'm disappointed of course that Sharapova fell to Serena, but that said, the American certainly served like a beast out that. With that kind of serve that just doesn't falter at all, one has to wonder who has the ability to stop her on grass, which exemplifies her serve prowess even more? Maybe Venus, maybe Kim, but really, no one else in sight. All in all, Wimbledon this year has been great.

Enough tennis for a while. As like a certain track friend mentioned in her blog, the number of times that I organised gatherings can be easily counted using one's non-master hand (Although the need to differentiate either escapes me, since we have 5 fingers on both anyway). But recently, buoyed by a certain something (Means I also can't detect the reason), I'm actually kind of in the mood to do something. So Huangmu's convocation dinner is more or less set, just that we still don't know where to eat, but that's the least of all concerns, no? As discussed with Peijie, Mong and a bit with Sixuan, I was thinking of organising a picnic. The each of you bring your little something to share picnic, ideally, at the Sengkang kite-flying field between Compass Point and Anchorvale CC/Sengkang Swimming Complex. I've always wondered who discovered that place and somehow attracted so many families there to enjoy some great time during those lovely weekend evenings. Think that'd be great gathering. Close to home some more, HAHA. Cannot always go Bukit Panjang la aiyo.

Oh have I said before that I absolutely adore Glee? If not, yea, I just got to love the show even more after I've watched the finale. The great thing about this show is that it again reintroduces great songs that I've missed out or simply has forgotten about. Pleasantly surprised when Vocal Adrenaline performed Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in Regionals, and as accompanied by Quinn's giving birth scene, made up for some heavy and intense drama in between. Queen's songs have been a real bizarre collection, they are simply non-conforming to any kinds of standards. Most distinct of all (If not already due to that mish-mash of genres in their tunes) would be that unmistakenly passionate vocals of the frontman, Freddie Mercury. He alone, injected even more life and mystery into the band, and nothing represents the band as wholly as probably their most recognisable hit ever, Bohemian Rhapsody. Quick Wiki check would reveal much history of the song, technicality and all. Another round of Googling reveals even more variations of the hidden or not as veiled meanings of the lyrics. All in all, love this song, love the show. During JC times, there was once I sang this song, much to the horror of Xiuhua and Duojie because of the strange tune, lyrics and music video. Ahhh, mamma mia!

Calvin has just confirmed that he will be having his lasik operation at the end of July. Damn, having my eye-sight sorted out has been one of my greatest dreams ever since that fateful day where a certain chubby primary 2 kid clumsily walked right into the gate and smashed his glasses (And created a temporary scar between the brows). The troubles and inconvenience associated with spectacles can take me days to list down, and lasik has been one of my goals that I'm working towards. Alas, money is a big issue, as it always has been. It doesn't help that I'm seriously planning to go on exchange the following semester after this coming one.

As most should have already known, the blog's owner's job at a certain financial institution hasn't been that great. No no, the colleagues are okay and the boss has been non-existent so far (Meetings and everything), it's the job scope. Obviously, accepting a job offer with a title called 'admin' doesn't convey exciting prospects and especially challenging tasks. But still, the hopes have gotten too high to not warrant a nosedive of emotions when actual work leaves one so bored that he emails his friends at home, at work, anywhere.

That said, the colleague cum fellow temp staff working alongside, whom I shall named M, has alerted me of the probable future of Chew's long agonising road to secure employment. M is the quintessential poster boy of a business undergraduate. President of his school's investment club, outspoken, inquisitive, thrives and savours all kinds of networking opportunities, never one who lets his opinions unheard (Positive, constructive kind), and speaks with a calm demeanor that hides a great hunger for success (Could almost see the gleam in his eyes). He's that kind of competitor that's the most dangerous, cause he's not all out war on you, yet he's prepared to grab the attention, of course, at the expense of you. M frankly annoyed me cause being the insecure being I am, just somehow detects some kind of threat from him. However, I'd say M served to remind me that even in the most mundane of back-end operations department, one still has to make use of whatever he's given to make something out of it. If you can't handle a seemingly simple task well, how do you go on and take care of a complex department?

Down side to working has been waking up early, and till now, I still can't adjust to that. Tired as hell every morning and post-lunch hours.

- Domon

Topicless XXXXXIX

2010-06-21T23:17:00.003+08:00

Hey you

WTF WTF WTF. I just got home and Fed is struggling against one of his pigeons, Falla -_-'''. Please Roger, last time I checked you're not supposed to be pulled to 5 sets in your opening round match, at Wimbledon some more!

Ok now that he's a double break up I shall blog what I was supposed to write about.

So the second last entry I was talking about this one new show, Glee. Well, here to expound my love for this show yet again. There are several captivating factors that made the show so wildly popular, and basically crowned Glee as the new 'it' show of 09/10. The combination of songs and drama isn't a fascinatingly new idea, but unlike certain pointless musicals *Read: High School Musical*, the show utilises the songs so well and yet does not try too hard to shove it down your throat. In fact, a couple of Glee-d songs, I find them personally, much better than the original. The show also makes it clear that it's going to be super drama, yet completely over-the-top (By now you should've realised I'm a sucker for OTT, dramatic stuff), deliciously evil, unabashedly honest and sarcastic, all coupled with great moments of hilarity. True there're the usual blatant stereotypes used in the show, the big black girl with the matching pipes, the cool jock quarterback, the coveted cheerleader captain, the metrosexual homosexual... you get the drift. But just cause it's Glee, and honestly, that alone is reason enough to accept whatever unrealistic, convenient plotlines and laugh it along. Fantastic guilty pleasure though.

YESSSSSSSSSSS! Love set in the fifth set. I don't know what happened there but Federer, please win your second round easily, no high hopes now hur hur.

Work has been boring, sedentary, dull, lifeless, boring, dreadful even. Ok now that I've done my DJ-type whining, I shall acknowledge that I'm still happy that I'm working and with where I'm working, just hope it's not the current department. But alas, what are the choices for a undergraduate student looking for a vacation job? Somehow, the colleagues do make a vast difference, and last year, there were simply too many colourful and unique characters in Tampines that it's hard to top it off anyway. Strangely enough, I thought about Sin Teck whilst my eye balls were momentarily sucked off by the prolonged staring of my Dell dual-screens. Images of his broken Chinese, strange expressions, and frequent emails complaining how bored he was plus being strategically situated just opposite the big boss just suddenly popped out from nowhere. Haha, funny guy, wonder how he's doing in The Forces.

Took up a new sport which kind of consumed my weekends. So far I'm quite enjoying it. Still can't master the technique completely, but trying hard and definitely physically demanding. Fun though. Lots of arms.

Last week I took days off work to take part in the Validation Exercise for YOG. I can't really remember if I've blogged about it but anyway, I've signed up with my tennis club people to join as line officials for the coming Youth Olympics. And so we had this mini training camp sort of practice to get us ready for the real thing. Well, aside from the disastrous weather (Yea one of the days was the big Orchard flash-flood episode so you can imagine), the level of the under-16 players really wow-ed me. As lean as those kids are, they sure serve and hit with real pace. Must be years of consistent training and a definite amount of talent there, a real treat I must say. But as we're warned, the world juniors surely play with almost ten times faster shots so brace yourselves my friends, I may just die due to an unfortunate accident involving a 121 mph serve smacked right into my body. :(

Meeting up with Munjee was both weird yet 妙. Definitely that's the word. Like what Huangmu said, I'm quite the 闷骚 type of guy whose just not the friendliest and most vocal from the get-go, especially during first meetings. So I'm not the most ideal guy to bring about for socialising or mingling purposes. But the great thing is that MJ didn't stray too far from my expectations, haha. If I've to really describe, he's really Munjee LOL. Feels like I've known him for a while despite him being a second degree friend. And I unwittingly agreed to a future meetup, haha. We should all turn up in full force, the SClub7 meets AJC clique meetup, epic!

Now that all's done and dusted, and I've only myself to blame for not getting into my favoured specialisation, I'm at ease with my choice. Actuarial sure sounds hard, looks hard, and as far as sources indicate, is hard. But what can I choose, I'm no marketing guy, IT is never my cup of tea. Did spend more time fretting between actuarial and HR though. New year new resolution, after this new low I don't think I can sink any lower, haha *cues pissed-off bo bian laugh* ...

I was looking for a book in the library earlier on but someone was reading it. So conincidentally I wound up at the Chinese Singapore section and saw this familiar text. I picked it up, read a familiar passage, smiled (discretely to myself) and borrowed the book. Haha, guess what, it's a 唐宋诗词选中华文学系列 textbook! And the passage that I came across was 虞美人! Haha. Bet you all can still remember the lines lor, I did: 小楼昨夜又东风故国不堪回首月明中. Wahhh memories sia. And although it's meant for secondary school but I find the other poems and lyrics so tough that even if we studied that during CLA it'd be quite a task. Nice read.

Ok done with incessant rants and long-winded updates. Remember guys, the Noose tomorrow night! Tangs tangs~

- Domon

Domon Times III

2010-06-09T00:03:00.002+08:00

Hey you

As mundane a country Singapore is, we still occasionally experience those quirky, and sometimes potentially game-changing news that can send shockwaves through the entire nation.

As if the religion sector has not been scrutinised enough with the Renci fiasco, now we've another big bomb coming in the form of City Harvest. I'll be the first to say I'm never a great fan of the church. It started with a ridiculously childish disdain for Sun Ho (Still stands), and gradually evolved into a more calculated distaste for the church's culture after gaining a more first-hand experience of it. The service can be quite overwhelming, with its almost concert-like performances, enthusiasm and turnout. Perhaps the spontaneity permanently scarred my little suspicious, skeptical mind. Anyway, the news is not particularly surprising, especially with all the republic has seen in these few years involving scandals/scams/frauds, but it's interesting to see the voices supporting and berating the church. As I've highlighted, the spontaneity and enthusiasm of the devotees can be pretty staggering at the face of confrontation.

The other thing that caught my attention particularly is the graffiti news. All I can say to the poor Swiss, is that he'd chosen the wrong country to commit such an act. Couple of issues here. I do think that in terms of the crime, or offence committed, the punishment is kind of serious. Yes, I do see the multiple possibilities of unauthorised personnel breaking into secured areas (ie. Terrorism), but fact is the guys only (Relative term) spray-painted the trains (Albeit a beautiful work of art). 3 years jail, caning all that are somewhat exaggerated if you ask me. Of course, I do think that the real party at fault is our dear SMRT. The crap security measures and aged fences pretty much summed up the efforts devoted to safeguard the very public carriers that transport thousands everyday. Wow, and here's an even crappier reasoning: 'SMRT says staff mistook graffiti on train for advert'. HAHAHAHA. What the...

Oh and by the way, reading the news sometimes really reminds me of Daljit. Take Thailand for example, the bloodless coup that forced Thaksin into exile was in 2006, damn, everyday I cut and followed that news, highlight until the newspaper turned into a colourful mess. And now Thailand still as messy as ever. Then they had this really short but devastating war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza if I remembered correctly, ditto for the continued devastation.

The current optimism surrounding the appointment of the new Japan PM is nothing new. The incumbent PM, Hatoyama, also enjoyed high initial approval ratings, which ultimately suffered during his brief tenure (US airbase relocation shit). Hopefully Naoto Kan really 'Kan' bring Japan forward. Its debt to GDP ratio is simply mind-boggling!

- Domon

GleeRolandGarrosDesperateBrothersNoose

2010-06-06T22:06:00.003+08:00

Hey you

So I'm watching Soderling slowly and painfully choking away the first set of the Roland Garros final to Nadal. Damn. Although the Toad took out yours truly at the quarterfinal stage this year, I'd still rather anyone win the French this year other than Nadal. Ahh, finally closing in to the net more often, wonder why he's insisting on camping at the baseline against Nadal.

Speaking of this year's French, it's just more unusual than the usual unpredictability of the claycourt slam. Stosur vs Schiavone women final? And Schiavone winning it all? Too much surprises packed in all! But compelling nonetheless. Now if only the Toad hurry up and cleans Nadal in 4 sets (EDIT: 5 sets).

Been watching quite some shows recently. Desperate Housewives ended its sixth season with a very strong finale I thought. But admittedly, the show has lost much of its glow and luster since the insane creativity and wicked humour of season 1. However, the show has carved out several great characters that though occasionally thrown into lacklustre storylines, still manage to stand out with their personalities. Gabrielle has grown so much (along with that 2 little devils of her) that the Solis family has become one of my most-loved families around on Wisteria Lane.

Brothers & Sisters this season is very very good. Emotional, family drama at its best. Freaking loved the finale, great cliffhanger and super dramatic stuff.

These days, I've been trying to stuff Michelle Chong down people's throats. Not in the literal sense obviously. But she's really really such a talented lady who didn't have much chance to showcase her real prowess: comedy. And if I've to be specific, it's her comedic genius in spoofing and imitating people. Watching the latest season of The Noose (Which by the way, you can probably catch it on xinmsn like me), it's no doubt that for me, Michelle (Barbarella) is the star attraction of the show. Whilst I caught her earlier Noose acts on Youtube, I wasn't convinced that she'd fare equally great over at Channel 8, but gosh, she proved me wrong with her appearances on Black Rose. This woman is pure gem! The Noose is good show I tell you, every Tuesday night channel 5 yo.

Oh and I started watching Glee, so I'm officially a Gleek now. If you're bored, have too much time to spend, or too busy either way, catch the show, but only if you can accept random singing of songs, no commitment to plot continuity, and over-the-top scenes and dialouges, otherwise, it's a complete worthy indulgence. I was completely won over by the witty dialouges and sneaky swipes right from the first episode. The characters are all great on their own but Sue definitely stands out as the jackass Simon-esque villian(ess) of the show. Watching the show it's almost like having the wildest imaginations in your secondary school life being played out scene-by-scene in front of you... well, mostly OTT ones.

Er... I'm still reading weekly episodic guides of mega-drama 爱. I admit I'm still kind of hooked on finding out how each character ends up. But I'm also extremely annoyed by their obsession with lengthening the life of this drama, and that by constantly introducing new characters. Quite... despicable hahaha, what a way to tie down the aunties.

And Soderling decided to change from choking modestly to start royally sucking against Nadal. ARGH!

- Domon

Morning

2010-05-24T09:37:00.003+08:00

Woot

Somebody around my neighbourhood is either blasting her karaoke system really loudly, or engaging a live funeral band to showcase her pipes. Anyway I think it's the latter since the block just had a wake recently.

It's actually quite nice haha.

Best thing is she's now singing 十二莲花, pity ahhhhhhhhhhh.

Here's hoping the one month break ends today.

- Domon

7 Deadly Sins

2010-05-19T23:42:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Not a Catholic or what, just got pretty inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist. As I continued to hang around doing nothing at home, I picked up where I left off with the anime and boy, it's really a gorgeous show. The underlying themes and storylines can be so complex yet philosophical, artwork and animation are both astounding. It's a dark, sometimes even depressing portayal of humanity, if you can remember my entry written in chinese regarding one of the driving principle, 等价交换.

One of the most interesting aspects of the characterisation that I found, is the creation of the homunculi, or artificially created beings in the manga. These creatures each represents one of the seven deadly sins as recognised by the Catholics/Bible. And true to its namesake, the homunculi each demonstrates aptly the different sins with deep story-writing and character development.

The latest episode was quite phenomenal for me. Envy, *cuts long story short*, one of the main antagonists, was caught, repeatedly killed and finally knocked back to its original sorry state of a puny, slimy green worm. Envy enjoys stirring shit, and especially likes to provoke humans and in his own words, despises them. The sad part is, Edward (Main protagnist) who happens to be a human, saw through that Envy is only jealous of humans ultimately. And this realisation and understanding of Envy, supposedly coming from a 'lesser' being, humiliated the homunculi so much that it committed suicide. Okay, this may not be the best narration around but you need to understand and have watched the anime to follow and appreciate the awesomeness of that scene.

Lust
Gluttony
Wrath
Envy
Greed
Sloth
Pride

Aren't we all infested with these 7 sins? Everyday, we are committing these sins and we are so accustomed to them that we think nothing of it. Of course, it would be unrealistic to think of purging these undesirable traits altogether since we're human beings afterall.

Just thinking a bit lately, since time is on my side.

And this is also why Japanese anime owns all (well most) other cartoons.

- Domon

Topicless XXXXXVIII

2010-05-16T00:07:00.002+08:00

Hey you

Being 2 weeks since the last paper, and as long a time I've spent warming the couch at home, it feels like everything is back to normal again. Well, meaning that during this time, it almost felt like last semester is purely an anomaly, or a short-lived stint somewhere (Ok NTU) that ultimately, brings us back to where we were before. Ok, not making any sense here. Basically, the time spent studying is much like short periods interpersed between the past year, as opposed to the continuity of say for example, a JC education, if you get what I mean.

Needless to say, feeling of being unemployed sucks. Well, that aside, I've had a couple of things in mind that I want to start soon, just that I can't really find a you know, fire to start the whole thing. Not literally. And I must say, my house is definitely the lousiest place to learn or study, 100%, weather isn't helping either.

KBox was fun today, and what can I say, everything just felt right when the same people converge at that same old smokey place. Guess that's how they'd describe friendship. Like Tingwei, eons since we last met and really chat, but the moment I saw her on the bus, we can just pick off from where we stopped maybe 2 years ago. That's perhaps the innate chemistry that's so vital in forming durable friendships. Sometimes you just know you can talk to some people while others you might just want to cut short the conversation asap. It's a different dynamic altogether and so plain obvious. The JC group is truly one of a kind, do miss you though, Yuling, can't believe you really '封唛'.

As we were chatting on the bus ride home, Tingwei shared her bad experiences that could be summed up using the idiom 人言可畏. Was initially shocked to hear the same old petty JC/Secondary School girls' antics reprised in university, but guess as long as there's a group of people (Note: Cliques), rumours are bound to fly. I do feel lucky that I'm not a target (yet) but honestly, between juggling studies, beefing up resume and staying physically fit, who really needs the additional pressure given from course mates. Yikes, not the ideal studying condition I suppose.

Something terrible happened this week. Carolyn, dear erhu junior, passed away on Tuesday. It's depressing when after a while, you're hit by such news concerning a friend whom you were obviously close to, but ultimately drifted apart due to various circumstances. Either way, death is not the easiest thing to handle. It's always MFCO, and always the one year younger batch, the last case was David.

Again, it's important to stay grounded, and realise, how insignificant our problems are as compared to what others are genuinely facing. We often dwell too much on our own feelings, flawed perspectives, or even indulge in self-pity, that we fail to see the overall big picture, and let go of our negative emotions. We know what's the right thing to do but ironically, we always avoid them.

What's most important, of course, is to treasure our friends, loved ones. And especially, to treasure the time we have. Instead of questioning the viability, we should question 'why not?' more often with an open heart. With new challenges we gain new experiences, and humans always have goals and ambitions to meet and fulfill. Even a simple task, a wish, make it happen. Because time passes us by too fast to give us a chance to procrastinate.

If you never try, you'll never know.

The worst feeling, at the end of the day, is asking yourself, 'what if?'.

What if?

- Domon

Don't Take That Away!!

2010-05-12T23:28:00.002+08:00

Hey you

A few weeks ago, I already wanted to blog about the then-latest changes to our transportation system. Aside from the journey fare standardisation, the one thing that I have huge issues with is the decision to can long journey bus routes.

I'd be one really unhappy man with this change. Purely for personal reasons though. As a diehard advocate of doing things slowly (when possible), I always like to go for the longer bus journies if I'm not exactly pressed for time. One thing is that I reckon the probability of finding a seat in a bus is much much higher as compared to in a train cabin, though obviously most of the time train rides do the transportation job faster. And obviously I'd like to sit down comfortably, and the seats of MRTs are just not comfortable (picky I know). And then the train layout is just, uncomfortable for me too. Sometimes when you're sitting in the train, you either have to look at people sitting opposite you or those standing in front of you wearing those godforsaken expressions like you owe them money or something (by taking their seats).

Sitting on top of the double decker bus at the first row facing the wide windscreen, wow, that's my favourite seat, with ample view of the surroundings, wherever the bus brings me to. I always think that people who sleep on buses or read really miss out a lot (though me happen to do those some times). After I had my MP3, it's a joy to just sit through one of those long bus rides, relax, listen to music, take in everything that I've not seen. Just really attractive mah, no?

Then now they want to stop that. Not everyone wants to be fast fast fast all the way you know. Efficiency is important but do we really need to tinker the fine-as-it-is transport system to yet another version?

Yea, I admit, I'm a pure bus-fan. Don't like to take MRT, nay.

- Domon

Samuel Is One Happy Boy

2010-05-09T18:45:00.003+08:00

But he's still practical.

I don't know why but my lessons with Samuel always end up like half-chat half-teaching sessions where sometimes I just teach him everything from politics to history. So one contentious issue I raised today: mother tongue.

For the uninformed, in a nutshell, they are considering lowering the weightage of mother tongue in the PSLE score such that it becomes more English-Mathematics-Science heavy.

It's a no-brainer that I'm all against this ridiculous idea. Contrary to what many think, I do not love my mother tongue. But I appreciate the language, much much so than the one I'm using now simply because it's so so rich and interesting. While people thought I was a weirdo for choosing Chinese A during JC times, I'm truly grateful for that because it taught me a beautiful language that has so many variations and usage which spawns over centuries. And there I was thinking I've already mastered the language more or less. Till this day, I'm often amazed by how beautiful the poems, and even the basic idioms were crafted. A simple idiom like 立竿见影 has both a story and a immediate interpretation to its meaning. The mother tongue is indeed both an elegant yet practical language.

And in all fairness, the decision to target the mother tongue seems like taking the easy route out uh? I mean, come on, what about those weak in say, English? Reduce weightage, can or not? There are still a lot of chinese-speaking and malay-speaking families around who speak their mother tongues at home. So why listen only to the english educated parents? To think of it in another way, I'd be so happy if they reduced the weightage of English back in PSLE. But did they? And that's why I could only suck thumb and try harder to pick up the language. It's what you do when you have difficulties in learning any subject, you practise harder, not give up by looking for an easy way out. I would say it sends out all the wrong message to the children.

Now to debate the timing, it's funny that such announcements surface when the talk is all about China. Encouraging businesses to venture into China, China leading world economic recovery, Shanghai Expo blablabla, and BAM, Singapore says to our children, don't care so much about chinese, lah. It's kind of contradicting for common folks like me.

So even Samuel, after expressing his initial delight, showed his occasional (Really occasional) maturity by saying that it's (The policy change) not really good as he'd not know the language as well. I guess one thing is that we have to understand how the mentality of these kids work. And being a tutor of only one child, I don't really boast of a wealth of experience but I reckon I've learnt something. Like it or not, we're all results oriented, and that's partially thanks to the education system and its influence on us. Children, especially at Sam's age, just do not know the seriousness of their actions. They need constant supervision, reminder, as well as motivation towards a goal. As they are apathetic towards the mother tongue right from the start, the decision to de-emphasise the language would further push these kids away from the language that they are already not comfortable with. And that, scarily, sounds like the intention of this whole policy change, to just let those who are weak slip, fall, and quit.

Shouldn't it be the mission of all educators (Albeit part-time ones too) to encourage and motivate our children to learn despite all challenges? In face of difficulties, isn't it better to teach them how to tackle and overcome rather than hide and run?

Makes one doubt the whole point of having a bilingual language policy in the first place when now we're trying to make the mother tongue even less consequential. I mean, we've already have Chinese B and all those crap standard mother tongue programmes that teach teenagers kindergarten level mother tongue. And to bring out the cliche argument, what a shame if as chinese, malays or indians, we can't even be proficient in our mother tongues.

I'm glad my boy has the maturity to recognise the importance of his mother tongue, although he absolutely hates it for now. This alone, makes him much more mature than all those obnoxious parents and forum writers.

- Domon

No Longer Fresh!

2010-05-02T21:41:00.002+08:00

Hey you

The minute I rushed finish my business law paper, and discovered that through the hustle and panic I actually did have 1 minute or so left to let my mind wander, was then that I started to think about the absurdity of the post-paper commotion. Cause you know, once the invigilator (Or in our case, the pre-recorded man voice) announces that we can all leave, the hall would be simultaneously filled with the sounds of dragged chairs and instantaneous chatter. So I got to wonder, what are the odds of people sitting next to friends they know in a hall of about, I don't know, 600? Because I wanted to find people to do the what-every-student-should-do thing which is check answers with friends, complain about how difficult the paper is, or in some others' case, pretend how difficult the paper is when you know it's just so simple. And I always can't find anyone I know. Yea, maybe it's the friendless me but I do find it fascinating that people can almost immediately find others to complain and check answers with.

So, I'm not longer a freshman, wow. Now I can confidently say, that this one year, or almost one year, is the fastest year that I've ever experienced. No matter it's during the term, or during the breaks, it's almost as fast. Now that I've completed 1/3 of my education in the school, I'm starting to think about what I've learnt, and really, knowledge-wise, I've gained tremendous and the path looks clearer to me now (But all subjected to results, gah). But I guess the social, fun side of school still evades me, haha. Not that the folks in classes aren't great, in fact, some are just round my frequency, which can be rare. Don't know, just feel that I've accomplished too little over this one year.

Which makes for quite a lot of plans I have for this holidays. It's going to be long and work is definitely a must. Along with that, I think I'd like to go out more and get involved with stuff other than the usual activities. Never too late to express interest in new things right? That's not to say I'm going to stop doing what I always love to do, like for example slow's Kbox session is what I've sorely missed for the whole of last semester. To make holidays even more eventfuly, The Forces forcefully came back into my life again after a short 15 months hiatus, and whoa, reservist. Can't say I'm delighted or depressed with that, looking at the positives yea.

Michelle Chong is a gem. I just didn't know how talented she is and bam, that clip from The Noose is just... it tickles you in all the right spots. Not to say the others are bad, it's just that Michelle Chong shines in virtually every role that she's playing. Recently she's been appearing on that Channel 8 show as well, you know, 爆料黑玫瑰 and again, no matter if it's Fiona Xie, Ris Low, or 侯佩岑, she's incredible in all of them. Got to give mad props to The Noose, I never thought I'd have seen this kind of slapstick humour in Singapore, some of the jokes are so direct that it feels weird that it's showing on Mediacorp.

Speaking of talent, 周崇庆 and 权仪凤 are both superb on 爆料黑玫瑰 as well. The most recent episode on Star Awards is great.

Guess that's all I've got now. A bit scared of ageing these few days, don't know why. It's like we're seeing our time pass us by slowly, and thing is we can't really do anything about it but watch. Hits you when the radio station says 星晴 is 怀旧金曲.

- Domon

大腿杰