Begins with a single step. (Lao Tzu) Indeed after a long period of inactivity (of blogging, not of life, my life was far from inactive!) mired with with bulls and bears, I finally had the courage to look back at the past 7 months of my life. Consider this a Q1 & Q2 report if you will, for I must admit that the journey so far has been rough and difficult. And I forsee many bumpy hurdles ahead, some that will test the pinnacle of what I am myself. Nonetheless, the lessons that I will learn from these tests will be priceless and beneficial to me. As NUS beckons next week, here is a look at the hectic life that I chose to follow.
On Relief Teaching: Teaching in a gifted school was certainly an eye opener for me. Some students really challenged me intellectually (well done!) while others gave me a tough time. I really had a blast with 2B,D,E and K in particular. For my other 4 classes, I still enjoyed teaching you guys (C with all your nonsense and J with your tricks and stunts). I'm sure most students under me had a great and fun time studying Chem right? The only bond after all is James Bond... MM 08 was a great 1 week getaway in which I saw both the good and bad side of students. So to those of you who were inspired by me (I hope there are some), keep on enjoying Chemistry (though I'll probably teach Physics in the future...)
On Gaming: There were a few new games that I played after my december review. Top on the list was GTA IV. That game is absolutely gorgeous. I fell in love with it straight away. Everything in that game was solid. Definately contender for the game of the year award man! Of course there was Kane's Wrath, the expansion to Tiberium Wars. A bit short on the storyline but an enjoyable game nonetheless. Battlefield B Company reminded me of NS and all the war movies I've seen. Destructable environments, check. Explosions, check. Humour? Check!
On Financial Education: This is a new and recent area of interest that I had to force myself to start immediately and from scratch. It came about due to some financial issues at home and also from the fundamental question, "If we are going to learn it later when we work, can we learn it now?" It stems from the question I ask myself before I decided to learn how to drive. However, unlike driving, Financial Education is limitless. We can never ever master financial education, but we can be well prepared. Lots of people think investing is risky and saving is safe. I believe it's the opposite. I'm not going to waste my time explaining because I've tried to explain to my close friends and family members but not many believe this. Luckily I've found a group of friends who are fully dedicated, if not more so than me, in pursuing this cause...
******************Transmission Lost. Do Not Panic************************
**********************Rerouting Power... Failed***************************
*************Shutting Down All Systems on 09/08/08********************
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Mobile Blogging
It's been a long absence from blogging... The reason being compared to the green days, the pink days are much much more hectic... Then why the sudden post? Cos I am free now! In fact, I am currently waiting for James at Harbourfront MRT station with nothing to do, I started blogging... Wait... How is that possible? By mobile blogging of course! Well I saw the Nokia N series free Wifi zone and used my N82 to connect and started writing... I am still trying out the new system so I'll see how it goes in the future. Mobile blogging, the way to go... And speaking of go, I got to go... James is here already.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
O-O Transition
By the 5th day of work this newly minted 2008, I did something remarkable that shocked the very virtues of my patriotism. The total times I sang the national anthem eclipsed the total number of times I sang it for the past 2 years (Twice for both years). The crux of this problem lies not in the nature of my current position, but rather, the nature of my previous position. Which all bogs down to the BIG question. What the heck was I doing in the past 2 years?
Frankly, truthfully and candidly, the answer is very simple. Learning how to drive. That's it. Oh and maybe carolling during my free time. And of course, singing the national anthem a great grand total of 4 times. A swell way of spending 2 years of my life. There you have it. If anyone asks me again what I was doing the past 2 years, I'll direct him/her to this post.
As much as I wished that 2008 was supposed to be 2006, in reality, time has moved on. 2 simple years have passed. And suddenly it hits you. I'm seriously outdated. Be it in technology, computer games (I'm not lying, I'm still playing C&C 3!) and basically life in general. Knowledge of 9233 is not assumed. And the most compelling evidence is when you start getting owned by gifted people. Sigh... The best thing is that they ask super hard questions expecting you to answer them but when you answer them they get so confused because they haven't shifted house yet. It's like trying to force an en bloc sale even though you're not ready to move yet. But any form of challenge is appreciated. I guess that's the difference between this year and the past 2 lacklustre ones. It's not the absence of the layer of protective oxide, nor the presence of a fully filled valence electron shell, nor even the Bohr's atom. It's the challenge from things like this. Just bring it on baby!!! The greatest challenge is how to transit from being owned to owning and God Like status!!! I'm calling it the O-O transition. Owned-Owning transition.
Frankly, truthfully and candidly, the answer is very simple. Learning how to drive. That's it. Oh and maybe carolling during my free time. And of course, singing the national anthem a great grand total of 4 times. A swell way of spending 2 years of my life. There you have it. If anyone asks me again what I was doing the past 2 years, I'll direct him/her to this post.
As much as I wished that 2008 was supposed to be 2006, in reality, time has moved on. 2 simple years have passed. And suddenly it hits you. I'm seriously outdated. Be it in technology, computer games (I'm not lying, I'm still playing C&C 3!) and basically life in general. Knowledge of 9233 is not assumed. And the most compelling evidence is when you start getting owned by gifted people. Sigh... The best thing is that they ask super hard questions expecting you to answer them but when you answer them they get so confused because they haven't shifted house yet. It's like trying to force an en bloc sale even though you're not ready to move yet. But any form of challenge is appreciated. I guess that's the difference between this year and the past 2 lacklustre ones. It's not the absence of the layer of protective oxide, nor the presence of a fully filled valence electron shell, nor even the Bohr's atom. It's the challenge from things like this. Just bring it on baby!!! The greatest challenge is how to transit from being owned to owning and God Like status!!! I'm calling it the O-O transition. Owned-Owning transition.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Oh That We Were There, In Those Lacklustre Organisations
Ok I admit, I'm supposed to write this on New Year's Eve but I didn't have time this past 2 days. So although it's already 2008 and all, it's time to look back one last time on the spectacular events and defining moments of 2007 (which was supposed to be done on 31/12/07)...
Presenting the top 5 memorable events of 2007. At (5), Singapore is a much more bigger place than meets the eye. Just like "Transformers", which was incidentally shown last year, Singapore is indeed a bigger place than I would have thought. Not to discredit the land reclamation project, but I really feel that there are other projects out there that make Singapore a much more bigger place than it really is. These unsung projects deserve much more praise for doing their part, more so in this age, where satellite imagery is widely available to the public, and in a way influencing the people by limiting their definition of land expansion to what they can see. 2007 has shown me a glimpse of the unseen part of land expansion. Just like the "Transformers" motto. More Than Meets The Eye! A step up the ladder at (4) is choral singing. Be it in VJ Choir for carolling or In Song for VC, this year's choral singing was a unique experience for me. Even though it didn't make it into the top 3, it did secure 4th spot because of the familiarity of the certain songs that we did (Miao Jia, Lux, Deus, carols etc) and the "kick" of doing novel songs (Together since anyone?). Now if only we had sung O Magnum Mysterium... That would have propelled this experience to the top 3 for sure.
In the middle of the ladder at (3) is the Orchard Road Experience. It has been electrifying exploring Orchard Road and the neighbouring Dempsy Road. P.S Cafe, Ben & Jerries, Samy's Curry and co. brings back the memories of "Ah Seah" cars (350Z, Audis, Mercs, BMWs, Porches, VW, Volvo etc) and much more... The Orchard Road experience has been sprinkled with visits to Fish and Co., Cafe Cartel, NYDC, Billy Bombers, Manhattan Fish Market and Mac (a bit anti climatic) and a dash of cinematic experience (Shaw, Orchard Cineplex, GV PS and the new cinema besides GV PS). Almost topping the ladder at (2) is the driving experience. All the way from preparing for the test, to the fear and trepidation of taking the test and the thrill of driving on the highways after the test. Whether it's my love for driving, or the fact that driving was the only thing I've learned in 2007, it's no denying that the driving experience is a deep and exciting one. I vividly recall during the preparation stage, there was a day when it rained so heavily, I could barely see 5 metres in front on the windscreen. It was really a free car wash out there and we were travelling at 20km/h. What a unique experience it was. Like what CL said, "We're Drivers Too!"
And taking top spot by default, ORDing has been the most memorable experience of 2007. Despite all the efforts to lengthen the process, I was not to be denied what is rightfully mine. The feeling is really inexpressible. And I think I've said enough about that day already. So it's time to move on.
So here are the top 10 things to (hopefully) accomplish this 2008. By no order of merit.
1) Thrive in a school environment by being a relief teacher
2) Operation Top Secret
3) Operation Top Secret
4) Operation Top Secret
5) Operation Top Secret (Yes Operation Top Secret has 4 objectives to be completed!)
6) Earn more money
7) See the world (I can't think of anymore things to accomplish, I'll anyhow whack the remaining 3 options.)
8) Do useful things during the holidays
9) Plan a Uni timetable that only requires me to go to school for 4 days or less a week
10) Get A Nobel Prize (It's never too late to aim high!)
Oh and before I forget, the phrase for 2007, all spelt out in my title. As to what organisations I'm referring to, I'll leave you to guess. One should be easy to guess. The other is more ambiguous...
Presenting the top 5 memorable events of 2007. At (5), Singapore is a much more bigger place than meets the eye. Just like "Transformers", which was incidentally shown last year, Singapore is indeed a bigger place than I would have thought. Not to discredit the land reclamation project, but I really feel that there are other projects out there that make Singapore a much more bigger place than it really is. These unsung projects deserve much more praise for doing their part, more so in this age, where satellite imagery is widely available to the public, and in a way influencing the people by limiting their definition of land expansion to what they can see. 2007 has shown me a glimpse of the unseen part of land expansion. Just like the "Transformers" motto. More Than Meets The Eye! A step up the ladder at (4) is choral singing. Be it in VJ Choir for carolling or In Song for VC, this year's choral singing was a unique experience for me. Even though it didn't make it into the top 3, it did secure 4th spot because of the familiarity of the certain songs that we did (Miao Jia, Lux, Deus, carols etc) and the "kick" of doing novel songs (Together since anyone?). Now if only we had sung O Magnum Mysterium... That would have propelled this experience to the top 3 for sure.
In the middle of the ladder at (3) is the Orchard Road Experience. It has been electrifying exploring Orchard Road and the neighbouring Dempsy Road. P.S Cafe, Ben & Jerries, Samy's Curry and co. brings back the memories of "Ah Seah" cars (350Z, Audis, Mercs, BMWs, Porches, VW, Volvo etc) and much more... The Orchard Road experience has been sprinkled with visits to Fish and Co., Cafe Cartel, NYDC, Billy Bombers, Manhattan Fish Market and Mac (a bit anti climatic) and a dash of cinematic experience (Shaw, Orchard Cineplex, GV PS and the new cinema besides GV PS). Almost topping the ladder at (2) is the driving experience. All the way from preparing for the test, to the fear and trepidation of taking the test and the thrill of driving on the highways after the test. Whether it's my love for driving, or the fact that driving was the only thing I've learned in 2007, it's no denying that the driving experience is a deep and exciting one. I vividly recall during the preparation stage, there was a day when it rained so heavily, I could barely see 5 metres in front on the windscreen. It was really a free car wash out there and we were travelling at 20km/h. What a unique experience it was. Like what CL said, "We're Drivers Too!"
And taking top spot by default, ORDing has been the most memorable experience of 2007. Despite all the efforts to lengthen the process, I was not to be denied what is rightfully mine. The feeling is really inexpressible. And I think I've said enough about that day already. So it's time to move on.
So here are the top 10 things to (hopefully) accomplish this 2008. By no order of merit.
1) Thrive in a school environment by being a relief teacher
2) Operation Top Secret
3) Operation Top Secret
4) Operation Top Secret
5) Operation Top Secret (Yes Operation Top Secret has 4 objectives to be completed!)
6) Earn more money
7) See the world (I can't think of anymore things to accomplish, I'll anyhow whack the remaining 3 options.)
8) Do useful things during the holidays
9) Plan a Uni timetable that only requires me to go to school for 4 days or less a week
10) Get A Nobel Prize (It's never too late to aim high!)
Oh and before I forget, the phrase for 2007, all spelt out in my title. As to what organisations I'm referring to, I'll leave you to guess. One should be easy to guess. The other is more ambiguous...
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Victory! But At What Cost?
Indeed, this year 07 has been a rather topsy tervy one, a year filled with ups and downs, a year of completed goals and misses. But despite all the misses this year, it has been a victorious one, amidst the high price that was paid to achieve it. So on this penultimate day of the year 07, let's count the cost to victory...
On 31/12/06, I wrote about the 10 objectives for this year. As the dust settles for this year, the score is 80%. 8 out of 10 objectives completed. Here are the summary details of what happened, including the dates (if I remember correctly)...
1) Driving License (280207)
2) IPPT Silver (070207)
3) Earned More Money (Still Ongoing...)
4) Pink IC (05/11/07)
5) Didn't See The World
6) Went for Carolling (10/12/07-25/12/07)
7) Performed in Chorale's In Song (260807)
8) Performed 3 Songs in SOV (080407?)
9) Got A New Microsoft Vista Com ( 280307)
10) Didn't Get A PS3
In a chronological nutshell, the first battle was fought on GB 800m track. The victory was assured once broad jump was cleared. This event was so significant to me that I felt as if I ORDed at that point, which was quite near the truth. There was nothing "military "left to clear. Just civilian things left. Like? Continue reading... A few days later, another battle was fought along the roads in Ubi. A lucky break for me despite crossing double white lines confirmed victory. Then in the next month, my old com finally died and had to be replaced with a new one. I got a Microsoft Vista com because of DirectX 10 and the 8800 GTS 320MB graphics card. At that time it was a big deal. Imagine playing Tiberium Wars at the max settings! Beautiful is the word. Then, there was the 3 songs for VJ choir's SOV a few days later. All Creatures Now, Miao Jia and a medley of Indonesian songs. Fast forward to In Heav'n... I mean In Song. In line with VC's 20th anniversary. Bound as one. At least at that point of time... A few months later, the Great Escape. Pink ruled the day the IC was returned to its rightful owner. And after slacking all the way through, it ended with a meaningful Christmas well spent with the fortunate (carolling with VJ Choir) and the less fortunate (old folks)... Not to forget simultaneously earning more money, though not much, but still more. Even adding a cent is still an increase right? [Oh and notice the difference in formats of the dates. Even this symbol is a powerful one by its own right! ;) ]
So what went wrong for the 2 objectives? The easier explanation first. I don't need a PS3. It was never my intention to get one. Cos my trusty 360 will suffice, with Halo 3, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Fifa 08, Forza Motorsport 2, PGR4, GOW etc etc, thought it's plagued by the red ring of death now. I guess that's what the 3 years warranty is for. As for seeing the world... The only reasons I can give is probably difference in plans, timings, budgets, and locations of my friends. (I'm supposed to go with 3 different groups of ppl!!!) So we had no choice but to postpone it to next year.
But all wars have casualties. An apt quote from Starcraft Brood War Ending Cinematic for the Terran Campaign. So what are these costs? These costs are the processes that led to the achievement of these victories or even the conflicts that arose in the midst of achieving these victories. The ever present danger of extras, the audacity and hypocrisy of the xin jiaos and not forgetting the unnecessary, needless, pointless, redundant, superfluous, gratuitous, unwarranted, uncalled-for and excessive daily drills. Hell, I think if someone makes me super angry, I'm going to shout all the previously drilled drill commands at the perpetrators, never mind that Koala Bears are endangered. If I invent a memory erasing device, this and all my memories of the tree hugging days will be the first to go. But thankfully all these ended on the Pink Day.
However, there were other problems to come after that. Like alien surroundings, foreign places and unfamiliar people. Although there are good amenities around (e.g Botak Jones, Com game shops, swimming pool, NTUC Xtra, cinemas etc), space was compromised. Houses shrank because of both land scarcity and soaring housing prices. Then there is the other issue of leaving all your friends behind. It's so difficult to meet up sometimes. Especially if you're the minority... Cramming in a sardine packed MRT doesn't improve the situation. To worsen matters, traffic jams and long waiting time for buses just strenthens that reluctance to travel that far. So in a nutshell, it all boils down to economics. Opportunity cost. And sometimes the rationale for meeting is so... childish or lame.
And it only gets worse. Another conflict was bound to brew during the carolling days. The question of allegiance... It happened to a close friend and was hinted a few times to me too. Now when allegiance gets into the picture, something is not right. And I will not elaborate further for the fear of saying something politically incorrect or factually incorrect. Either way would not benefit my current position. So perhaps the best way is to retire. Another way to look at it is to recharge the batteries, from a different point of view. Whether or not The Last Hurrah was on Christmas 07, we shall see, as only time will tell. But one thing's for certain. My beloved section is in great hands, 'nuff said. Which paves the way for a great blending into the distance. How ironic that last year I was talking about a revival. Even more ironic is the path that I'm headed. The day the music died, again... Only now it's not because it's compulsory but elective instead...
In conclusion, although the score card read 8/10, I would say it was more of luck that influenced the scores. There is no doubt that the results speak for themselves on the marked improvement compared to last year (thanks to a hungrier drive to redeem myself after last year's farce and of course one less distraction). However, the gloss of the score conceal some hidden underlying problems that may come back to haunt me in the new year. However, with no easy or effective solutions in sight, the only way out is to bask in the successes of this year and hope that the problems will not mar the successes of next year.
On 31/12/06, I wrote about the 10 objectives for this year. As the dust settles for this year, the score is 80%. 8 out of 10 objectives completed. Here are the summary details of what happened, including the dates (if I remember correctly)...
1) Driving License (280207)
2) IPPT Silver (070207)
3) Earned More Money (Still Ongoing...)
4) Pink IC (05/11/07)
5) Didn't See The World
6) Went for Carolling (10/12/07-25/12/07)
7) Performed in Chorale's In Song (260807)
8) Performed 3 Songs in SOV (080407?)
9) Got A New Microsoft Vista Com ( 280307)
10) Didn't Get A PS3
In a chronological nutshell, the first battle was fought on GB 800m track. The victory was assured once broad jump was cleared. This event was so significant to me that I felt as if I ORDed at that point, which was quite near the truth. There was nothing "military "left to clear. Just civilian things left. Like? Continue reading... A few days later, another battle was fought along the roads in Ubi. A lucky break for me despite crossing double white lines confirmed victory. Then in the next month, my old com finally died and had to be replaced with a new one. I got a Microsoft Vista com because of DirectX 10 and the 8800 GTS 320MB graphics card. At that time it was a big deal. Imagine playing Tiberium Wars at the max settings! Beautiful is the word. Then, there was the 3 songs for VJ choir's SOV a few days later. All Creatures Now, Miao Jia and a medley of Indonesian songs. Fast forward to In Heav'n... I mean In Song. In line with VC's 20th anniversary. Bound as one. At least at that point of time... A few months later, the Great Escape. Pink ruled the day the IC was returned to its rightful owner. And after slacking all the way through, it ended with a meaningful Christmas well spent with the fortunate (carolling with VJ Choir) and the less fortunate (old folks)... Not to forget simultaneously earning more money, though not much, but still more. Even adding a cent is still an increase right? [Oh and notice the difference in formats of the dates. Even this symbol is a powerful one by its own right! ;) ]
So what went wrong for the 2 objectives? The easier explanation first. I don't need a PS3. It was never my intention to get one. Cos my trusty 360 will suffice, with Halo 3, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Fifa 08, Forza Motorsport 2, PGR4, GOW etc etc, thought it's plagued by the red ring of death now. I guess that's what the 3 years warranty is for. As for seeing the world... The only reasons I can give is probably difference in plans, timings, budgets, and locations of my friends. (I'm supposed to go with 3 different groups of ppl!!!) So we had no choice but to postpone it to next year.
But all wars have casualties. An apt quote from Starcraft Brood War Ending Cinematic for the Terran Campaign. So what are these costs? These costs are the processes that led to the achievement of these victories or even the conflicts that arose in the midst of achieving these victories. The ever present danger of extras, the audacity and hypocrisy of the xin jiaos and not forgetting the unnecessary, needless, pointless, redundant, superfluous, gratuitous, unwarranted, uncalled-for and excessive daily drills. Hell, I think if someone makes me super angry, I'm going to shout all the previously drilled drill commands at the perpetrators, never mind that Koala Bears are endangered. If I invent a memory erasing device, this and all my memories of the tree hugging days will be the first to go. But thankfully all these ended on the Pink Day.
However, there were other problems to come after that. Like alien surroundings, foreign places and unfamiliar people. Although there are good amenities around (e.g Botak Jones, Com game shops, swimming pool, NTUC Xtra, cinemas etc), space was compromised. Houses shrank because of both land scarcity and soaring housing prices. Then there is the other issue of leaving all your friends behind. It's so difficult to meet up sometimes. Especially if you're the minority... Cramming in a sardine packed MRT doesn't improve the situation. To worsen matters, traffic jams and long waiting time for buses just strenthens that reluctance to travel that far. So in a nutshell, it all boils down to economics. Opportunity cost. And sometimes the rationale for meeting is so... childish or lame.
And it only gets worse. Another conflict was bound to brew during the carolling days. The question of allegiance... It happened to a close friend and was hinted a few times to me too. Now when allegiance gets into the picture, something is not right. And I will not elaborate further for the fear of saying something politically incorrect or factually incorrect. Either way would not benefit my current position. So perhaps the best way is to retire. Another way to look at it is to recharge the batteries, from a different point of view. Whether or not The Last Hurrah was on Christmas 07, we shall see, as only time will tell. But one thing's for certain. My beloved section is in great hands, 'nuff said. Which paves the way for a great blending into the distance. How ironic that last year I was talking about a revival. Even more ironic is the path that I'm headed. The day the music died, again... Only now it's not because it's compulsory but elective instead...
In conclusion, although the score card read 8/10, I would say it was more of luck that influenced the scores. There is no doubt that the results speak for themselves on the marked improvement compared to last year (thanks to a hungrier drive to redeem myself after last year's farce and of course one less distraction). However, the gloss of the score conceal some hidden underlying problems that may come back to haunt me in the new year. However, with no easy or effective solutions in sight, the only way out is to bask in the successes of this year and hope that the problems will not mar the successes of next year.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Oh That We Were There
A very apt phrase for this year, taken from one of the Christmas carols. It epitomises whatever that I've done this year; in short, a summary. NS, DL, qieing, enjoying good food, ORD, IC... Been there done that. Chionging games... I've been doing that since the beginning of this year, both on 360 and PC. Moving house... Xiong but a new experience. Swimming and running... Since the JC days, stopped during the NS days and now continuing on, to advertise the banner of freedom. Carolling? 6 times with VJ Choir... Need I go on?
But since it's Christmas time, I'm not going to continue with the expected Merry Christmas to you. If it was during 04 to 06, I would be more enthusiastic about carolling, you could say my interest in carolling waned. Compared to last year or even 05 or 04, my attendance could be described as lacklustre. From an impeccable record from 04 to 06 to a dismal one this year. Why? Because instead of concentrating on carolling with VJ Choir, which I have been doing faithfully for 3 years, it's time do move on and do something more different, more meaningful. For 3 consecutive years, I've attended the carolling sessions from 20th to 25th without fail, not to mention those before the Christmas week. This year something stayed my hand. A combination of factors which culminated in me attending 6 sessions only. On further analysis, that's actually close to 70% of the carolling. It's still quite a lot in terms of percentage, I realised. Whatever... Here are the reasons in no particular order of importance.
1) Technically since I was an appeal student, I was "encouraged" to attend carolling sessions in year 0. But I didn't, so when I was in year 3, it was to repay the carolling I owed during year 0. Now that means that I didn't carol at all for year 3 (since year 3's carolling is used to pay for year 0) so this year's carolling is used to pay for last year. And since I didn't really see many year 4s (who are not in VC) who come back for carolling, my attendance for next year's carolling should be easy to extrapolate.
2) Another guilt factor. I promised someone I'll be singing for his special concert but I didn't (my bad) so that was why I went for the reunion. I owed him one.
3) People factor. Not many of my batch people went for VJ choir's carolling so it didn't seem sensible to be an extra. After all, I don't really know this year's batch people except the year 3 seniors (and a few year 4s here and there)! It was fun carolling with you guys...
4) Power factor. Ever since year 1, I've always known that VJ Choir will lack singers as the seniors all flock to VC like bees to honey. Add those who pon and those who are sick and you get a skeletal crew of singers for VJ Choir. I'll never forget the time when there were only 2 tenors carolling. 1 T1, 1 T2... That was in year 1. Hence, the motive to carol with VJ choir. And on those days where they were shorthanded only. Hence I didn't go for all!
5) Weather/lazy factor. Bad weather coupled with the common disease called laziness ruled on certain days. 'Nuff said.
6) Passion/Purpose factor. By far the most important of all factors I feel (factors 1 to 5 can be called excuses), carolling is about the passion for singing and spreading the Christmas joy. If you are passionate and want to spread the Christmas joy, then by all means carol. But if the passion is not there, then it is better to do something else instead to spread the Christmas joy.
The question then is, what better way to spread the Christmas joy if not carolling? Simple. 2 cases as examples. My dad recently had to send a Christmas package of goodies to someone. Only that this someone is a wife of a jailbird. Imagine the sadness of spending Christmas without someone you love, knowing that he or she is spending time in a cold, dark and damp cell... Imagine the joy it would bring to that wife if she were to receive a gift from her soulmate although her soulmate is in prison. Now because we live very far away, it would be expensive to take a cab (with the bloody price increase) and very inconvenient to take a bus/MRT. So I volunteered to be the chauffeur. And I tell you that was the most meaningful chauffeuring that I've ever done so far. Although I did not went with my dad to deliever the goodies, knowing that I had played my part was touching enough for me.
Not convinced? Just the sunday before Christmas, I went to a nearby Old Folk's home with some of my peers to spread the Christmas joy via carolling. We sang, shook hands with them and wished them Merry Christmas. Now seeing their happy and contented faces as we spread the Christmas cheer was so touching. It struck me that ironically the last time I'd visited them to spread the Christmas cheer was back in 03! Yes indeed, before I joined VJ Choir. I realised that I'd been missing out on the other side of Christmas, being so involved for the last 3 years with VJ Choir instead.
To conclude, I'm not saying that in retrospect, I regretted spending so much time with VJ choir. In fact, I truthfully enjoyed every second of carolling with them for 3 consecutive years from 04-06. What I mean is that after 3 long consecutive years with VJ choir, it's time to scale down my commitment with them and instead, spread the Christmas cheer to others less fortunate then us. I feel they deserve it more than others who are more well to do. Heck, if VJ Choir were to do something meaningful and carol in some old folk's home or in some prison in the future, I'll most definately be honoured to join. Sadly, knowing VJ Choir and the phrase "a leopard never changes its spots", it would seem that my days of carolling with them has ended, until the time comes when I feel passionate and wanting to spread the festive cheer to other more fortunate people again, though I don't forsee that time coming anytime soon.
But since it's Christmas time, I'm not going to continue with the expected Merry Christmas to you. If it was during 04 to 06, I would be more enthusiastic about carolling, you could say my interest in carolling waned. Compared to last year or even 05 or 04, my attendance could be described as lacklustre. From an impeccable record from 04 to 06 to a dismal one this year. Why? Because instead of concentrating on carolling with VJ Choir, which I have been doing faithfully for 3 years, it's time do move on and do something more different, more meaningful. For 3 consecutive years, I've attended the carolling sessions from 20th to 25th without fail, not to mention those before the Christmas week. This year something stayed my hand. A combination of factors which culminated in me attending 6 sessions only. On further analysis, that's actually close to 70% of the carolling. It's still quite a lot in terms of percentage, I realised. Whatever... Here are the reasons in no particular order of importance.
1) Technically since I was an appeal student, I was "encouraged" to attend carolling sessions in year 0. But I didn't, so when I was in year 3, it was to repay the carolling I owed during year 0. Now that means that I didn't carol at all for year 3 (since year 3's carolling is used to pay for year 0) so this year's carolling is used to pay for last year. And since I didn't really see many year 4s (who are not in VC) who come back for carolling, my attendance for next year's carolling should be easy to extrapolate.
2) Another guilt factor. I promised someone I'll be singing for his special concert but I didn't (my bad) so that was why I went for the reunion. I owed him one.
3) People factor. Not many of my batch people went for VJ choir's carolling so it didn't seem sensible to be an extra. After all, I don't really know this year's batch people except the year 3 seniors (and a few year 4s here and there)! It was fun carolling with you guys...
4) Power factor. Ever since year 1, I've always known that VJ Choir will lack singers as the seniors all flock to VC like bees to honey. Add those who pon and those who are sick and you get a skeletal crew of singers for VJ Choir. I'll never forget the time when there were only 2 tenors carolling. 1 T1, 1 T2... That was in year 1. Hence, the motive to carol with VJ choir. And on those days where they were shorthanded only. Hence I didn't go for all!
5) Weather/lazy factor. Bad weather coupled with the common disease called laziness ruled on certain days. 'Nuff said.
6) Passion/Purpose factor. By far the most important of all factors I feel (factors 1 to 5 can be called excuses), carolling is about the passion for singing and spreading the Christmas joy. If you are passionate and want to spread the Christmas joy, then by all means carol. But if the passion is not there, then it is better to do something else instead to spread the Christmas joy.
The question then is, what better way to spread the Christmas joy if not carolling? Simple. 2 cases as examples. My dad recently had to send a Christmas package of goodies to someone. Only that this someone is a wife of a jailbird. Imagine the sadness of spending Christmas without someone you love, knowing that he or she is spending time in a cold, dark and damp cell... Imagine the joy it would bring to that wife if she were to receive a gift from her soulmate although her soulmate is in prison. Now because we live very far away, it would be expensive to take a cab (with the bloody price increase) and very inconvenient to take a bus/MRT. So I volunteered to be the chauffeur. And I tell you that was the most meaningful chauffeuring that I've ever done so far. Although I did not went with my dad to deliever the goodies, knowing that I had played my part was touching enough for me.
Not convinced? Just the sunday before Christmas, I went to a nearby Old Folk's home with some of my peers to spread the Christmas joy via carolling. We sang, shook hands with them and wished them Merry Christmas. Now seeing their happy and contented faces as we spread the Christmas cheer was so touching. It struck me that ironically the last time I'd visited them to spread the Christmas cheer was back in 03! Yes indeed, before I joined VJ Choir. I realised that I'd been missing out on the other side of Christmas, being so involved for the last 3 years with VJ Choir instead.
To conclude, I'm not saying that in retrospect, I regretted spending so much time with VJ choir. In fact, I truthfully enjoyed every second of carolling with them for 3 consecutive years from 04-06. What I mean is that after 3 long consecutive years with VJ choir, it's time to scale down my commitment with them and instead, spread the Christmas cheer to others less fortunate then us. I feel they deserve it more than others who are more well to do. Heck, if VJ Choir were to do something meaningful and carol in some old folk's home or in some prison in the future, I'll most definately be honoured to join. Sadly, knowing VJ Choir and the phrase "a leopard never changes its spots", it would seem that my days of carolling with them has ended, until the time comes when I feel passionate and wanting to spread the festive cheer to other more fortunate people again, though I don't forsee that time coming anytime soon.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Reinforcements
Always arrive at the last minute... I witnessed this first hand recently when my friend and me teamed up for one of the most thrilling matches I've ever played in Fifa 08. Now teaming up with a friend is not easy, unless you can read his mind. Mistakes bound to happen by the numbers, especially when we didn't really practice enough. However it was a surprise that we took the lead first before the equaliser. However, we scored two more before the semi pro com added one more. As we held on to our dear lives amidst the ticking clock, the com equalised again in the last minute of injury time when practically the whole United squad ran into the penalty box. It was inevitable that one of them scored. And mind you, it wasn't a corner kick. Their last minute reinforcements outnumbered our defenses. So it was on to extra time and they scored first. But in the second half of ET, it was our turn. This time the spurs players chionged into the penalty area to reinforce the fact that reinforcements indeed arrive at the last minute. So it was a scintillating 4-4 draw.
Virtual reality aside, let's talk about real life applications. Back when the world was a much greener place, I vividly recall that the rain always falls at the last minute or not at all during training days. There was only once that it rained after training, which in a way impeded my plans to rush home. What a wonderful sight when the nature's timely reinforcements arrive, be it rain or haze! Conversely, what a sorrowful sight when nature abandoned us. But generally, I thank God for his timely intervention almost every four days.
Finally, the last review of the lot. Mass Effect, from Bioware, is a RPG game about a guy/girl named (insert name) Shepard. So Mr. or Miss Shepard is main protegist of the game. You can customise his/her name, looks, history, characteristics and class. And you set forth into a galaxy filled with inter-alien politics and conflict. Ultimately, whatever your actions, be it a diplomatic, alien loving person or a hard core pro human person, you'll be given the overwhelming task of saving not just the Galaxy, but the Universe, from utter destruction by the Geth and their master, Sovereign. Mass Effect is essentially a game where talking to someone and giving an appropriate response is important. There are myriads of dialogues to choose from. In fact, it is the first game that has all the different dialogues narrated! The voice acting and the lip synching are realistic, as are the graphics of the different alien species and the terrain of the countless different planets. The gameplay music is also top notch and when dialogue fails, the combat is exhilarating and challenging. Indeed, charging head on a la COD style would not work. You have to pause the game and look around for explodable objects to exploit or use your special abilities. The amount of customisation to the weapons, armour and the character itself is deep and complex but this gives you the satisfaction when you create a God Like Character. There are also 2 sidekicks out of 5 that will tailgate you, though they are neither smart nor resourceful. Some problems that plague the game include uneven frame rates, "frozen" sidekicks (which is irritating because it means you're solo and generally suicidal to do so), boring uninhabited planet exploration (trust me, it's fun and unique the first few times but gets monotonous after a while) and the cluttered pause menu that overwhelms you especially when you're new to the game. However, a good storyline with a scintillating twist(duh), wonderful graphics, fantastic and colourful alien characters, good voice acting, lively sound effects and music, challenging fights and a whole lot of customizability to the character, weapons, dialogue responses and subplot endings (yes the game's romantic subplot got it banned for a day), Mass Effect is a must have for the 360, and sets the benchmark for the game's hinted sequels.
Virtual reality aside, let's talk about real life applications. Back when the world was a much greener place, I vividly recall that the rain always falls at the last minute or not at all during training days. There was only once that it rained after training, which in a way impeded my plans to rush home. What a wonderful sight when the nature's timely reinforcements arrive, be it rain or haze! Conversely, what a sorrowful sight when nature abandoned us. But generally, I thank God for his timely intervention almost every four days.
Finally, the last review of the lot. Mass Effect, from Bioware, is a RPG game about a guy/girl named (insert name) Shepard. So Mr. or Miss Shepard is main protegist of the game. You can customise his/her name, looks, history, characteristics and class. And you set forth into a galaxy filled with inter-alien politics and conflict. Ultimately, whatever your actions, be it a diplomatic, alien loving person or a hard core pro human person, you'll be given the overwhelming task of saving not just the Galaxy, but the Universe, from utter destruction by the Geth and their master, Sovereign. Mass Effect is essentially a game where talking to someone and giving an appropriate response is important. There are myriads of dialogues to choose from. In fact, it is the first game that has all the different dialogues narrated! The voice acting and the lip synching are realistic, as are the graphics of the different alien species and the terrain of the countless different planets. The gameplay music is also top notch and when dialogue fails, the combat is exhilarating and challenging. Indeed, charging head on a la COD style would not work. You have to pause the game and look around for explodable objects to exploit or use your special abilities. The amount of customisation to the weapons, armour and the character itself is deep and complex but this gives you the satisfaction when you create a God Like Character. There are also 2 sidekicks out of 5 that will tailgate you, though they are neither smart nor resourceful. Some problems that plague the game include uneven frame rates, "frozen" sidekicks (which is irritating because it means you're solo and generally suicidal to do so), boring uninhabited planet exploration (trust me, it's fun and unique the first few times but gets monotonous after a while) and the cluttered pause menu that overwhelms you especially when you're new to the game. However, a good storyline with a scintillating twist(duh), wonderful graphics, fantastic and colourful alien characters, good voice acting, lively sound effects and music, challenging fights and a whole lot of customizability to the character, weapons, dialogue responses and subplot endings (yes the game's romantic subplot got it banned for a day), Mass Effect is a must have for the 360, and sets the benchmark for the game's hinted sequels.
- Overall: 9.0/10
- Graphics: 9.0/10
- Gameplay: 10.0/10
- Sound: 9.5/10
- Music: 9.0/10
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