回去宝岛
一趟知性之旅，即将启航。
引颈期盼的一刻，终于到来。
尽情期待，相逢聚首的时刻。
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Jacky to Medan
Time really flies. Jacky will be leaving for Medan this coming Sunday. He will stay there for the next 2 years, teaching English to the rich and affluent. He will also bag an income that an average Singaporean would covet. He is the man in black:
It has been 4 years since I know Jacky and my other USP friends. For Jacky, I knew him from my YEP experience in Thailand. A group of us went to a rural village in northern Thailand to promote AIDS awareness via forum theatre. We were trained to act and stage our performances to a village audience. Little did I know at that time that a juicy gossip awaits us. Jacky and his love-distance friendship. It came to nought. Personally, I had a great time there conversing with the locals in simple Thai and enjoying authentic Thai cuisine. I could understand what the cabby was saying to Boredin, and had built up my endurance for spicy food. Which reminds me: Yuting was a native of Chongqing. She had soup noodles and deemed them too tasteless. Right before us she threw in a potful of chilli sauce and the broth became a red, thick gravy. I applaud her powerful taste buds. That was my most memorable bowl of pork noodles.
Our USP clique with Jiayi and Jane met up last evening to gather with Jacky before he goes to Medan. He owes Boredin and Jiayi a treat for having been too smart a year ago. The gathering had been fun. We had dim sum and porridge. Jacky recently had his wisdom tooth extracted and bearing with excuriating pain, joined us nevertheless. We admire his tolerance and friendship. Jiayi and I had some drinks with Jacky at TCC before we could bear to part. Parting is hard, but our friendship will be "harder", more "solid"! As I swallow my last bit of tears, allow me to wish Jacky Bon Voyage and all the best to his teaching stint in a foreign land. We shall meet again. :-)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Response to comment
My dear friend Jacky lives in a world of self-delusion. He must engage the real world and confront the fact that Jacky Wu is indeed famous and popular. The truth is Singapore's retail outlets had imported his CDs and the CDs were all sold out. I was merely too slow to act. Nonetheless, I will be meeting Jacky soon to convince him out of his fantasies. :-)
My dear friend Jacky lives in a world of self-delusion. He must engage the real world and confront the fact that Jacky Wu is indeed famous and popular. The truth is Singapore's retail outlets had imported his CDs and the CDs were all sold out. I was merely too slow to act. Nonetheless, I will be meeting Jacky soon to convince him out of his fantasies. :-)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Some thanks...
First and foremost, I must thank Derrick for getting my Jacky Wu CDs autographed in Taiwan! 8 in total! Very happy. I could not sleep on Monday! Jacky Wu leh! No small fry lor. I had tried to buy some of his CDs here in Singapore but failed, because they were sold out at all retail outlets. Haiz. 本土天王，人红可不是盖的！
Next, I must thank my Beijing clique for helping me out and allowing me to enjoy my TA stint. But Boon Boon will be leaving for Malaysia soon. 人生之无奈何其多啊！
And my dear friend Jacky will be heading to Medan soon. I must meet up with him, Boredin, Jiayi and Yuting soon before my Taiwan trip materializes. I have yet to book my air ticket, so my timetable for the time being remains flexible. Sad yet happy. How ironic.
First and foremost, I must thank Derrick for getting my Jacky Wu CDs autographed in Taiwan! 8 in total! Very happy. I could not sleep on Monday! Jacky Wu leh! No small fry lor. I had tried to buy some of his CDs here in Singapore but failed, because they were sold out at all retail outlets. Haiz. 本土天王，人红可不是盖的！
Next, I must thank my Beijing clique for helping me out and allowing me to enjoy my TA stint. But Boon Boon will be leaving for Malaysia soon. 人生之无奈何其多啊！
And my dear friend Jacky will be heading to Medan soon. I must meet up with him, Boredin, Jiayi and Yuting soon before my Taiwan trip materializes. I have yet to book my air ticket, so my timetable for the time being remains flexible. Sad yet happy. How ironic.
Pessimism?
The Massachusetts Constitution states that all men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness. Are men all born free and equal? Obviously the answer is negative, with the axiom as old as the hills that all people are equal but some are more equal than others. How true, and you realize it only when you come of age. Indeed, as Jean-Jacques Rousseau puts it, men are born free but everywhere he is in chains. There are rules and regulations to be conformed to, as well as duties and responibilities shouldered upon right from the minute when you were born. All in the mind? Then, may I ask, when will I ever break free of the shackles from both within and without? A social contract binds us together as communities, and powerful forces of inertia are supplements that foster the Prisoner's Dilemma between us. Selfishness eliminates all possible means of cooperation and hence change. A vicious cycle rolls and before anyone knows it, we are now lost in the abysses of space and time.
I can't go to Taiwan yet, for reasons too complicated to be explained here. I shall update on my recent China trip soon.
The Massachusetts Constitution states that all men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness. Are men all born free and equal? Obviously the answer is negative, with the axiom as old as the hills that all people are equal but some are more equal than others. How true, and you realize it only when you come of age. Indeed, as Jean-Jacques Rousseau puts it, men are born free but everywhere he is in chains. There are rules and regulations to be conformed to, as well as duties and responibilities shouldered upon right from the minute when you were born. All in the mind? Then, may I ask, when will I ever break free of the shackles from both within and without? A social contract binds us together as communities, and powerful forces of inertia are supplements that foster the Prisoner's Dilemma between us. Selfishness eliminates all possible means of cooperation and hence change. A vicious cycle rolls and before anyone knows it, we are now lost in the abysses of space and time.
I can't go to Taiwan yet, for reasons too complicated to be explained here. I shall update on my recent China trip soon.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Back!
I'm back from Beijing. Met new friends such as Charis, Davin, Eunice, Pooi Yean, Tian Boon, Wan Jun, and Yuan Ting. Seen old ones such as Jie Chun and Pei Fun. Very happy!
I feel old though. Overcome by fatigue as I struggled to type these words. I shall talk more about the trip in the days to come. Now that I'm back, away I hope to be! Taiwan awaits me.
I'm back from Beijing. Met new friends such as Charis, Davin, Eunice, Pooi Yean, Tian Boon, Wan Jun, and Yuan Ting. Seen old ones such as Jie Chun and Pei Fun. Very happy!
I feel old though. Overcome by fatigue as I struggled to type these words. I shall talk more about the trip in the days to come. Now that I'm back, away I hope to be! Taiwan awaits me.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Some things never change
We are now living in the twenty-first century. Yet parents have been telling their children that if they don't study hard, they will have to dump rubbish for others. I wonder if some teachers entertain the thought too. Anyway, with such remarks, these parents have contributed to the very rubbish that they are talking about. Good grades equal good jobs? Education should never be commodified! In my capacity as a prospective graduate, I shall defy conventional wisdom and social norms. I will be receiving less than 2000 bucks per month for the next few years. And hence open to scorn and criticism. About me being a vermin of society who leeches onto the riches of others. Fine. If this is what it takes individually to dispel the dumb discrimination against the lowly-educated.
We are now living in the twenty-first century. Yet parents have been telling their children that if they don't study hard, they will have to dump rubbish for others. I wonder if some teachers entertain the thought too. Anyway, with such remarks, these parents have contributed to the very rubbish that they are talking about. Good grades equal good jobs? Education should never be commodified! In my capacity as a prospective graduate, I shall defy conventional wisdom and social norms. I will be receiving less than 2000 bucks per month for the next few years. And hence open to scorn and criticism. About me being a vermin of society who leeches onto the riches of others. Fine. If this is what it takes individually to dispel the dumb discrimination against the lowly-educated.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Cute eh? They are named "Tuantuan" and "Yuanyuan".
Interesting?
It should remain the moral imperative of the civil society to denounce any form of unjust propaganda by either words of speech or acts of deeds. Even if they are committed by a single individual. Mixing personal issues with general affairs is irrational, irresponsible and stupid. Overwhelmed with emotions, someone with stones for brains had sprouted some amoral nonsense in some part of the world. This very someone obviously has some distorted code of morals in her. Indeed, not very Buddhist of her. Oops.
It should remain the moral imperative of the civil society to denounce any form of unjust propaganda by either words of speech or acts of deeds. Even if they are committed by a single individual. Mixing personal issues with general affairs is irrational, irresponsible and stupid. Overwhelmed with emotions, someone with stones for brains had sprouted some amoral nonsense in some part of the world. This very someone obviously has some distorted code of morals in her. Indeed, not very Buddhist of her. Oops.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Redundant
Zong Hao and his newfound accomplice Alex had just crushed me at the table. Losses were not recouped, and a new tragedy unveiled. Derrick, however, treated me to a Thai dinner and promised to have my Jacky Wu CDs autographed during his Taiwan trip. A tasty and satisfying consolation, I guess!
Sometimes I would wonder if it is necessary for me to stare at the mirror every morning to groom myself in preparation for the day. Looking into the mirror is akin to seeing a portrait. I am trying to present myself in a way deemed acceptable by other people. In a way that I can identify myself with as well. On a personal note, what's the point for me? Most of the people whom I meet are either my friends or mere strangers. If my friends dislike me because my hair is not in place or I have forgotten to shave, then they are the superfluous ones whom I can forgo. I love my single but unavailable life, and there is no incentive for me to impress gals and attract unnecessary attention. My verdict of the day, therefore, is that I should spend less time at the basin and wash up just enough to face the world. Just for courtesy, not vanity.
Zong Hao and his newfound accomplice Alex had just crushed me at the table. Losses were not recouped, and a new tragedy unveiled. Derrick, however, treated me to a Thai dinner and promised to have my Jacky Wu CDs autographed during his Taiwan trip. A tasty and satisfying consolation, I guess!
Sometimes I would wonder if it is necessary for me to stare at the mirror every morning to groom myself in preparation for the day. Looking into the mirror is akin to seeing a portrait. I am trying to present myself in a way deemed acceptable by other people. In a way that I can identify myself with as well. On a personal note, what's the point for me? Most of the people whom I meet are either my friends or mere strangers. If my friends dislike me because my hair is not in place or I have forgotten to shave, then they are the superfluous ones whom I can forgo. I love my single but unavailable life, and there is no incentive for me to impress gals and attract unnecessary attention. My verdict of the day, therefore, is that I should spend less time at the basin and wash up just enough to face the world. Just for courtesy, not vanity.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
What is Life?
Kenny just asked if I am feeling depressed. I had long passed that phase. My youth is past. I have reached an impasse. In life. Most, if not all, things are now transient to me. No more press interviews. No more contests or competitions. No more awards. No more grades. No more conferences, seminars or talks. No more glory and fame. No more ceremonies and dinners. No more functions and parties. I hanker after these no more. I used to. But absolutely no more. I shall not update my profile for greater prominence and more opportunities. Neither will I seek to improve myself for the sake of improvement. Progress (Power) corrupts. I must be in tune with the Flintstones. No need for 933 and 98.7.
Bored, and hence thinking too much? Not exactly, with my research in a stalemate. Lack of a "special someone"? I think I will be more troubled if I have one. Jacky said that with such a mentality one cannot hope to excel in this country. In total agreement with this view, I had never and will not hope to achieve. I had long come to terms with how I feel. I am actually a happy-go-lucky person now. I just don't understand why people around me are so bothered by the present and the future. Am I sane? I think I am. Still. At least for now. I feel more Buddhist than ever. But not reclusive. Please don't distort my meaning here. :-)
Taureans are never suicidal. This entry may sound sad but I am actually happy. I look forward to more gatherings and overseas trips in the near future. As for events that may spread my name far and wide, I will give them all a miss. Even if they are held in America.
Kenny just asked if I am feeling depressed. I had long passed that phase. My youth is past. I have reached an impasse. In life. Most, if not all, things are now transient to me. No more press interviews. No more contests or competitions. No more awards. No more grades. No more conferences, seminars or talks. No more glory and fame. No more ceremonies and dinners. No more functions and parties. I hanker after these no more. I used to. But absolutely no more. I shall not update my profile for greater prominence and more opportunities. Neither will I seek to improve myself for the sake of improvement. Progress (Power) corrupts. I must be in tune with the Flintstones. No need for 933 and 98.7.
Bored, and hence thinking too much? Not exactly, with my research in a stalemate. Lack of a "special someone"? I think I will be more troubled if I have one. Jacky said that with such a mentality one cannot hope to excel in this country. In total agreement with this view, I had never and will not hope to achieve. I had long come to terms with how I feel. I am actually a happy-go-lucky person now. I just don't understand why people around me are so bothered by the present and the future. Am I sane? I think I am. Still. At least for now. I feel more Buddhist than ever. But not reclusive. Please don't distort my meaning here. :-)
Taureans are never suicidal. This entry may sound sad but I am actually happy. I look forward to more gatherings and overseas trips in the near future. As for events that may spread my name far and wide, I will give them all a miss. Even if they are held in America.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
MSN Chats
I had just chatted with Debby, Gail, Jacky and Peggy online. A pesky mosquito kept disturbing me. My killer instinct was aroused for the first time in several months.
A brief summary of what we had talked about is as follows:
Debby questioned me on my sexuality.
Gail asked me some questions pertaining to Chinese history.
Jacky argued with me over some issues and plans.
Peggy provided me with details of what I can expect from my upcoming Taiwan trip.
Nice chats on the whole! I must remain optimistic about the future. Life is not about maximum payout, but optimal play.
To Derrick: Your proposed plan is feasible but troublesome. There will be too many transfers involved. Please seek transport to Taipei and work your way from there. It will be much easier.
I had just chatted with Debby, Gail, Jacky and Peggy online. A pesky mosquito kept disturbing me. My killer instinct was aroused for the first time in several months.
A brief summary of what we had talked about is as follows:
Debby questioned me on my sexuality.
Gail asked me some questions pertaining to Chinese history.
Jacky argued with me over some issues and plans.
Peggy provided me with details of what I can expect from my upcoming Taiwan trip.
Nice chats on the whole! I must remain optimistic about the future. Life is not about maximum payout, but optimal play.
To Derrick: Your proposed plan is feasible but troublesome. There will be too many transfers involved. Please seek transport to Taipei and work your way from there. It will be much easier.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Recent Updates
Met up with loads of people in the past 2 weeks. Jiahao, Tipin, Andrew, Nick, Raymond, Jiayi, Yong Chang, Crystal, Melvin, Boredin, Sam, Soon Kit, Joseph, Teng Hui, Jane, Jacky, Jianhao, Daniel Lee, Sor Hui, Cheryl, Daniel Chua, Derrick, Zong Hao, Seng Hwa, Chee Ming, Kenny, Si-Rong, Siyu, Daniel Lim, Dingguo, Bryan, Nian Long, Rachel, Shaun etc. Hope I have not left anyone out. Will be meeting Gail and gang next week. Happy that Debby and Vivian read my blog from Hong Kong. My professor must not know of all these. I have not completed my data compilation and field research yet. Here's my recent photo with Dingguo and Bryan.
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