Sunday, July 13, 2003

Bought a new pouch finally! Yea, been wanting to get one to replace my Deuter for so long and finally got it from OP. 20% discount so not that bad. O well, school again tomorrow.

he spoke at 6:54 pm

Managed to see that infamous RJC video and from the 3 minutes footage, it seemed that the student was not as innocent as the media portrayed him. It seems that this was not the student's first time handing in substandard work and had promised the teacher that he would improve just a few weeks ago. The teacher mentioned that action speaks louder than words and can understand why she got so mad. Who will not? If you gave the person another chance and the person does the very same thing, how will you feel? The words she used were apparently from some literature text so it probably only those familiar with the text will be familiar. Another case of the media showing only one side. Had they showed the entire 3 minutes or the front, public opinion will probably had been different. I really do not think the student was innocent. How can a person who was asked to use text A and used text B instead expect to get got off scot free? How "good" can that student be?

he spoke at 1:46 pm

Am absolutely disgusted by what Dr Benjamin Carson said about the twins seperation operation. He said something like if he was in charge he would not had allowed the operation to go in a session even though at the request of the twins and those concern. Please, saying such things after the operation is over and the result unfortunate. As what some interviewed said, if he really felt so strongly about the issue and was a good doctor, he would had disagreed at that point of time. What's the use of saying such things now? To save his name? What a fucking asshole! So easy to push all the blame to this tiny red dot huh? And the reports that Malaysians say that Singapore everything want to be first so take up this operation so that we can be first. All that coming from a country who claims that our fighter pilots when fly past their houses wave at them and fly our flags. Wow, you mean at that speed and height which they fly you can actually see the pilots?? They must have got superb eyesights! Such a level of IQ those people have; if you are to ask me, I just say that their IQ is way below standard! Even the kindergarten kids in Singapore know better than to claim that they can see the pilots in the planes while flying. Idiots.

Was watching Kids Central and realised that the prize of the Guess the Tune contest is a handphone. What a weird prize for a kids contest! Imagine a 5 year old winning a handphone! Haha, wonder what's the use. Thought maybe a gift voucher would had been more practical. O well, guess they know best.

he spoke at 11:54 am

Saturday, July 12, 2003

Cannot believe the standard of how the match is broadcasting S-League. As of this point, Geylang is leading 4-0 but if you are to watch it on TV you'll only have seen 2 of the goals 'live'. That's because while the other 2 goals were being created and scored, TV viewers are watching a replay!! Man, I really cannot believe it, after missing out on a goal, the broadcaster did it again! In the European matches, usually the director will see how the match is going before inserting a replay. Meaning that the replay will have to wait or be cut off when a goal is in the making, but no, that is not the S-League, they do it the other way; instant replays regardless of how the match is going in my opinion. Sheesh!

he spoke at 8:09 pm

Completed Lance Armstrong's biography and am really impressed by him, his mother, wife, agent, Nike, Oakley and Giro. By Lance Armstrong simply because of his courage and determination. His mother for being so brave and dedicated. His wife is simply the dream wife of almost every guy, not for her looks but by the way she stands by Lance (ok they may now be splitting up but still her determination and the way she rallied him on was beautiful). His agent for having a super high tolerance. Nike, Oakley and Giro for putting a human face during Lance's battle against cancer. They never abandoned him even during his illness, they could had terminated his contract so as to "save money" but they put aside monetary benefits and stood by him and even supported his charity event. Wow, to be able to battle a 3% survival chance from testicular cancer to win the Tour de France, not once but challenging for the record fifth title this year. Now that is an amazing feat for any athlete let alone a cancer survivor. Guess reading that book had also changed my perspective on cycling and how the entire team chips in to have only one victor. True sacrifice. Amazing!

he spoke at 3:58 pm

Friday, July 11, 2003

A show that I've been addicted to these few days is Spongebob. Why did I start watching the show? Someone's favourite show so one day during the hols I decided to watch it and see why that person likes it so much and guess what, I got addicted to it too. Sheesh. What I like about the show? Dunno too, maybe its the innocence of Spongebob or his simple minded friend Patrick or the scrooge Mr Crab or maybe even the groucy co worker, can't remember his name though, but he's a squid or maybe its just a package of the entire show. Like the way the show has real images in the cartoon. A bit like Who frame Roger Rabbit, but Spongebob has more cartoon than real images. A real sweet show on the whole and not to mention that Spongebob is adorable. Haha.

he spoke at 5:43 pm

A rather slack day in school. Fridays are the shortest days for my class, go to school only for a 2 hour lesson. Enjoyed News Writing today cos guess it was something I was hoping Exploring Contemporary Issues will be like. Free discussion on the latest issues. Now, that is fun, so hoping that the rest of the lessons will be like that too. How often do we ever get a lesson like this. So fast, the first week of school has ended. Was rather pissed when I heard that the TV exercise is going to be graded. I mean we all know nothing much about how to operate the studio and now our very first exercise is graded?? Is that ridiculous or is it just welcome to year 2? Like to think its the fomer. Going to try to enjoy the weekend if it is possible, yes if it is cos sometimes, something will just crop up. O well.

he spoke at 3:34 pm

Thursday, July 10, 2003

Not sure why, but seem to take note of people's name especially if its a bit weird. Take for example my TV Pro lecturer. Her surname is Thong, no there is no spelling error, its spelt Thong and not Tong. A rather unique surname in my opinion, at least the first Thong I know. Must be quite a childhood growing up with a surname like this, especially if you are surrounded by damn childish people. Other surname that I never saw it weird until a recent report is the surname of Juve's keeper. His name is Gianluigi Buffon. Soccernet reported something like he is the probably one of the best keepers around but a rather unfortunate surname because his surname sounds like an idiot. No idea how to spell it, a baffon or what.

There has been lots of articles with regards to gays after PM Goh's admission that the civil service has been employing gays even in sensitive positions. Articles we get both encourage such a move but there are also those that slam it. Now when I look at it, I'll support the government in such a move, after all aren't homosexuals the same as you and me? Moreover I do not think that such a move will attract homosexual numbers to raise or be a bad influence to children. Come on, I seriously do not think that by seeing homosexuals holding hands etc in the open will actually make a person a homosexual. Their sexual lives is the same right? It's not as if they are going to do it in the open for everyone to see. It'll be just like any other sex life except that the partner is of the same sex. I also do not think that by forcing a homosexual into marrying a person of the opposite sex is going to help. Why make every party suffer? Do you really think that he or she will turn straight after marriage? I doubt so. Was quite pissed when I read a letter in the forum to ask the relevant authorities to put a stop to the rumoured gay party on the Sentosa during National Day. The writer called the even an insult to the nation etc. If that is an insult, that she in my opinion is an embarassment to the nation. Ironically I do understand her stance for I got to admit that I was not like that say 5 years ago. Kind of changed my thinking over the years. Guess when you are in a boys school, the thinking is usually of anti homosexuals. But after going to JC, army etc, guessed the kind of opened my eyes to see that homosexuals are very much humans and normal. Maybe the late Paddy Chew did leave an impact and changed the way I think. During my past year in poly, people like Brian have further reinforced in perspective. No for those who are thinking otherwise, I'm not implying that he is gay or anything but he is really a good person to talk to about homosexuality cos he is really well read in the issue. And no, I'm not turning gay. Feel that there's always this idea that an advocate or a person who does not disagree with homosexuality is a homosexual. really hope that this mindset will change in the general public. If it changes, than maybe we can see a greater change in overall mindsets. A big group I admit that the mindset must change is the older generation especially the older chinese population for I believe that they are the largest group around. Got to remember also that they are the people that the government must please too cos they are the largest voting population. No, the government is not being unfair or idiotic but that happens in all countries. The group that has the largest saying power is the group that holds the most number of voting power.

Amazing that a country can have a gun ownership number of almost a gun for every of its citizens. The country I'm referring to is not some war torn third world country but the United States of America. Yup, Uncle Sam himself. A country that has so many guns but not many gun responsible people, and the result of it is a highest number of people killed by guns. Go watch Bowling for Columbine, its now showing in at Lido as it is back by popular demand. One of the biggest culprits in my opinion is the NRA or the National Rifle Association, the number one gun advocate in the US. US to me is really losing its grip on its gun crazy citizens. Look at the kids who are using it. Think that there are at least 5 incidents of children using guns on others in and remember these are those reported by the wired services. What about those that are not, which I believe is quite a number more. How about the recent case of the 3 Matrix fans who were just moments away from Columbine deja vu? 2000 rounds of ammo, that is really a huge cache of ammo. That is more than 60 fully loaded M16s and more than 300 .39 Smith and Wilson revolvers. With a cache like this, assumming that they have a horrible aim, at least 30 people would have been victims. 20 if they can be gunned down in time. The question now is how can teenagers like them, the oldest being only 18 if I remember correctly, have so much fire power in their hands? Scary to think about how relax their gun laws are. All these after Columbine and Sep 11. I really think that even if I'm in the US at this very moment, me being an Asian tourist, can just walk into most gun shops and buy a gun or even a rifle. That maybe my assumption but I really think it is a reality.

he spoke at 10:15 am

Wednesday, July 09, 2003

Was at Novena Square earlier and while my sis was buying shoes, I was outside the shop looking down at the foyer. Could not help but notice a lot of toddlers around. Don't know why too, maybe its because of the proximity from United Square, or maybe they are there after their parents pick them up from the day care, but the sight of them playing and running around was so therapeutic. Yes, some of you maybe thinking its just some pesky toddlers irritating the hell out of everyone there, but no, I thought otherwise. I know this may sound corny to some but in them I saw energy, innocence and hope. Energy maybe from the way they were running her and there. Innocence simply because they have just started out in life and have yet seen the harsh world that awaits them. Hope for they are as the cliché goes, children are out future, and also they are the hope of their parents. Each of them probably do not know this yet, but they all have heavy burdens to bear, not just those from their parents but also that of society. Still remember this toddler who cannot talk but was so fascinated by these 2 slightly older boys and was running towards them. His dad called him, he turned, ran towards his dad than got distracted by the 2 boys again. When the 2 boys left, his dad called him again, he ran towards his dad's arm. Man, that sight was so sweet. Another was the younger of the 2 boys wanted to go to the toilet and think he was damn urgent, so his dad held his hands and they started running towards the toilet. Cute part was his dad was quite tall so it seemed like the boy was taking leaps and not running naturally. Guess that 15-20 minutes I spent watching the children around me was like an amazing visual relaxation.

Went with my family to have supper but initially refrained from eating but my dad had to call a 2nd fish and I succumbed to temptation. Haha, yes, I've a weak spot for fish. Dunno why but apart from fried fish, I like it all.

Not sure why but quite excited about doing the journal for Web Design. Seems really fun and think the end product should be really something that will be very personal. An assignment that even if we take out 10-20 years later, we'll still think back fondly about poly life. Don't know what to do for the website though. Prob will be a journey but not sure about the content. Soccer will be so overdone and unoriginal, but apart from it I think there is nothing much I know. My life story? Think people will just be bored about it. Maybe I'll do about tennis or booze. Some beer review. Haha. Can always rope in my bros.

he spoke at 11:45 pm

A rather nice day in school. Did not do much but yea, was quite relaxing. Know that this will not last for long so am enjoying it while I can. Got to thank Elwin for helping me with my group's upcoming video exercise. Was very surprised that Mrs Neo actually mentioned about me to her sister. Thought all the long she was just saying. Ms Ang resembles her sis quite a bit in the voice, some facial features and the liking for dry, black humour. Going for dinner, will prob blog more later. Hunger sia!

he spoke at 6:39 pm

Tuesday, July 08, 2003

Kept wanting to blog this but always forgot. Damn happy that my ICQ buddy is in my IS class!! Yea!

he spoke at 10:23 pm

Singapore to allow bar top dancing, that's really good news for all clubbers. Better still is not there is no restriction on where clubbers can dance. My only hope is that those fuckwits out there will no do some stupid thing like be drunk go up fall or kick or injury other clubbers. All we need is a few cases of immature people doing retarted things and soon all the "freedom" we get will be lost. I got a gut feeling that those ah bengs and lians will do something that might cause all these policies to be taken away or have further restrictions.

he spoke at 10:11 pm

Just confirmed it, I got quite bad comprehension. Yup, there is no PR this thursday!

he spoke at 9:27 pm

Stunning news, guess by now that most people will have known that the conjoined twins Laleh and Ladan did not pull through their seperation operation. Got to say that I was really shocked simply because I had faith in the doctors, the twins and of course God that the operation all turn out smoothly and well. I hardly had any doubts on the operation turning wrong and all these is just unthinkable. Was very moved by they way AP reported what happened and I quote from the report by D'arcy Doran "In their homeland, people cried out in shock or wept as Iranian state television broke into normal programming to announce their deaths on the operating table in Singapore." and "'[e]veryone upstairs is crying," said the nurse, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We treated them like family because they had been here for seven months.'" Really do not what to say but I am sure their passing will be felt by not only their family and friends but also the medical staff, Iranians, Singaporeans and a number of people in the world who follow closely to their progress. Guess God had other plans for them and I quote from former US President, Ronald Regan's moving speech after the Challanger disaster, "'We will never forget them nor the last time we saw them this morning as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God''"; the journey towards a normal life.

he spoke at 9:08 pm

Monday, July 07, 2003

What a waste that Chelsea had not earlier offered Zola a new contract. All it took was 48 hours and the result was a loss of a great player in their ranks. Being the gentleman that he always is, Zola decided to honour the verbal agreement he had with Cagliari, despite Chelsea offering him a contract that will no doubt pay him better. He does not blame Chelsea at all as he knows that they had more important things to do than to offr him a new contract. Wow, that's so rare as Chelsea than was in talks about their future. Any bratty footballer will probably say that he now knows how much he meant to his club and all that crap. Was also impressed by his reasons for joining Cagliari, "That adventure is now over and Zola outlined the reasons behind his decision.

'To play in the Champions League again would have been very attractive,' he said.

'But I made a choice. I know what I'm losing but I made my choice for other reasons.

'This is not just about playing football - it's about doing something I believe is right. Money is important but some things are even more important.

'This is the longest I've been at a club. I'll miss my friends here and the everyday life - and my children will miss it as well.

'But I care about the people in Sardinia. Football is very important in their lives and I want to share it with them.' "


The third Grand Slam of the year is over and the Men's Singles has a new champion in the form of Roger Federer. He managed to overcome the Scud in straight sets and got to say that his performance in the final was magnificent. This year's Men's Singles has been a thrilling event and a spectacle. Though I do not like the Williams sisters, but got to applaud Venus for battling an injury to play in the finals. No doubt she lost but to come out and play through pain is amazing. She said something like it was for the fans and I really think that's so sweet and nice. Can't remember which player said before, think its Pat Rafter, that he played on despite injury simply because he did not want to take away any glory from his opponent's victory. Asians too performed not too badly, Ai Sujiyama teamed up with Kim Clijsters to win the Ladies' Doubles and Leander Paes together with Martina Navratilova to win the Mixed Doubles. With that victory, Naratilova has equalled Billie Jean King's record of 20 Wimbeldon titles. Todd Woodbridge again proved that he is probably the best doubles player around by winning the Men's Double with Jonas Bjorkman. Can still remember his partnership with the now retired Mark Woodforde, a partnership that was amazing. Think they are probably one of the best if not the Doubles partnership in the open era. Its a real shame that the Indian pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had to break up due to quarrels and all. They were at one point the number 1 in Doubles ranking and were winning Grand Slams on top of tour titles. They really had the much needed chemistry in Doubles play and would had really given the "Woodies" a run for their money.

he spoke at 11:12 pm

A rather boring start to the first day of school. My Contemporary Issues lecturer is damn boring and cracks corny jokes. Most memorable part of the lecture was Pearlyn turning to Caleb and I to say how lame his jokes were. Yup, its that bad. Guess just got to stick around, tahan and hope that he will not be so bad when lesson proper begins. Got Brian, Winston and Ke Jia in my group for that. Financial Planning wasn't that bad, Ben Tan was quite ok and he mentioned lots of interesting stuff. Think the best was that he gave illustrations about certain concepts. Went to the library after class to meet Penny and Yah Yah to go down town. Borrowed a Devil's Advocate. Initially wanted to borrow The Crimson Petal and the White, but the book was too think and was rather lazy to carry it around. Went to town with my sisters, Keng and Grace. Met Elwin along the way and he was saying that the IS related to cars cannot get to meddle with cars because the workshops are in another zone, how stupid. Arghz! Nevermind, will see how lecture tomorrows go about, hope will be not too bad. Yah Yah was saying that Blk 68 is the convention centre, man, it'll be nice to have lectures there sia.

he spoke at 6:45 pm