My day starts with me going for MEP exam (feels like yesterday), and then coming back home. There isn't much featured at home, except for me being able to practise for a rare 3 hours, simply being aware of one's body posture and whether each muscle and bone is in the right place.
Sometimes pianists don't realise that their body is out of shape and thus causing injuries later in their life, sooner or later.
After the practice session, I try to find a computer game to play, but I failed. So I resorted to online games, puzzles, blah. For the first time in my life I did some of the 'escape' games, where you were in a scenario and had to find items to collect, combine, and use in order to escape the scenario ultimately.
Of course you had to expect from a person like me, with a low IQ and coupled with a lazy brain decided to take a detour but going to Yahoo and typing 'escape phonebooth walkthrough'
So there you have it. Not much of a challenge, ain't it?
I proceeded to copy the Beatles's 'The Long and Winding Road' onto a piece of paper and placed the chords in, before playing through once on the piano just before dinner and singing along. What a beautiful song - recently it was mentioned in The New Paper for Liverpool's case (a long and winding road towards losing). Hmmm, so they still remember the Fab Four!
On the right you viewers can see videos of the Beatles which I basically typed in a search for. This week's would be 'The Beatles, rooftop'.
All the videos feature the Beatles playing their last concert (very last) on the rooftop of the Apple Studios. While they were playing, they were also being recorded, so it would be something like 'Live Recording'
In any case, they were interrupted by the police by part 3, with their loudspeakers and amps being disconnected except for Ringo's and Paul's. Ringo was the drummer, so there was no way they could cut out the sound (like duh!) and they probably forgot about Paul's, so George's and John's amps were cut off.
Of course they were pissed - imagine if your loudspeakers were plucked off in the middle of a live concert which everyone was enjoying. In any case, Paul pulled it off nicely and they were able to continue smoothly, much to the dismay of the London police.
Inside the video also features the constantly talked about 'Fifth Beatle', in this case it would be Billy Preston, as he played the keyboard for this concert. However there are many 'Fifth Beatles', and I should think it's an issue which is still highlu debatable, but totally not worth debating when all you want to do is to enjoy music.
I still don't understand why people still listen to 'emo' music...makes one so emotional! If life gives good things, take only the good things! Of course, we can argue from day to night what's good and what's bad, but music should not be debated over.
It's perhaps the only thing that everyone has in common - the common ability to appreciate music, be it emo, rock, classical, pop. Since we are given the higher ability to appreciate such things, why not!
Friday, October 12, 2007
write such profound songs
Just practised for 3 hours...Felt very bored and decided to install computer game inside my laptop. But my mum didn't allow, and being Jonathan Shin I didn't argue but only stared as she deleted one by one all my installed stuff. My ears hurt even when she was shouting at me with my earphones on.
So what to do? I'm copying the poem for 'Nothing Girl' to be arranged on piano. But not in the mood now.
Shit. Very sian damnit. What can I do now? I finished MEP already, and what I really want to do now is to perhaps do something to occupy time. I can play piano now, just that I'm a little tired after just now's practice. Played a little cello!
Just read a comment on YouTube. Listen to 'In my Life' by the Beatles...they were able to write such profound songs even at the age of only 24. Talented people...
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0x3vTw6yc&mode=related&search=
Ok I shall wander of in search of better things to do in life!
So what to do? I'm copying the poem for 'Nothing Girl' to be arranged on piano. But not in the mood now.
Shit. Very sian damnit. What can I do now? I finished MEP already, and what I really want to do now is to perhaps do something to occupy time. I can play piano now, just that I'm a little tired after just now's practice. Played a little cello!
Just read a comment on YouTube. Listen to 'In my Life' by the Beatles...they were able to write such profound songs even at the age of only 24. Talented people...
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0x3vTw6yc&mode=related&search=
Ok I shall wander of in search of better things to do in life!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
out with some of
Ok a post before I take my afternoon nap. Finished literature today! I thought I did pretty well :) The rest of the subjects...blah. Except for SS, English, Lit, MEP, I don't know what I can do well for.
Basically shows you what kind of person I am.
Miss Hahn invited Jun Hong to play for a while yesterday during 4 hands class! Around 5 minutes. Just to show the meaning of staccato and detached to us pianists. But it was such coincedence he was standing outside the studio and making music when we heard him. So we just got him in lorh.
Took my guitar from the design centre and walked around the whole day with it as usual. Started in the morning, where I went to the Raja Field and played like crap in front of the Raja Block, (there was no one watching except for Ben Low, who was crying over his results) and some teachers. So of course I can only played beautiful melodies but no chords. Because my mind is one-stringed...
Tomorrow is my official last examination day which is MEP. I'm supposed to go out with some of my friends later from other schools but cannot because I really have to practise piano for Saturday's lesson. And in any case my mum doesn't allow me to go because she said I need to practise, so there goes.
Outings in my life with friends: 0
Friends who have comed to my house: 0
Times I've been invited to a party: 16
Times I've been present: 2
Shows how...erm, 'restricted' I am. But me being Jonathan Shin, bochap lah.
Ok I think I have to rest now. Will be back.
Basically shows you what kind of person I am.
Miss Hahn invited Jun Hong to play for a while yesterday during 4 hands class! Around 5 minutes. Just to show the meaning of staccato and detached to us pianists. But it was such coincedence he was standing outside the studio and making music when we heard him. So we just got him in lorh.
Took my guitar from the design centre and walked around the whole day with it as usual. Started in the morning, where I went to the Raja Field and played like crap in front of the Raja Block, (there was no one watching except for Ben Low, who was crying over his results) and some teachers. So of course I can only played beautiful melodies but no chords. Because my mind is one-stringed...
Tomorrow is my official last examination day which is MEP. I'm supposed to go out with some of my friends later from other schools but cannot because I really have to practise piano for Saturday's lesson. And in any case my mum doesn't allow me to go because she said I need to practise, so there goes.
Outings in my life with friends: 0
Friends who have comed to my house: 0
Times I've been invited to a party: 16
Times I've been present: 2
Shows how...erm, 'restricted' I am. But me being Jonathan Shin, bochap lah.
Ok I think I have to rest now. Will be back.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
for example, if
The National Piano and Violin Competition 2007 would be here in a month's time! Oh how nervous can I get. But I'm not participating though - you know when you get damn tired to compete already. Time to go home and practise, and maybe I'll be back by 2009!
No but this year I shall be relishing the opportunity to watch all my friends play and compete on stage, while I'll be at the comfort of the audience and listening to good classical music. (They'll definitely play their best...it's a competition, like duh!)
Today is John Lennon's birthday, and I felt a need to reiterate this by shouting it out in class before the Mathematics test, and of course, on MSN. 67 years back, this great singer was born somewhere in Liverpool. I just love his style of music! Yummy.
Ah. On the topic of competition: Recently a female runner named Jones confessed to her use of drugs during the Olympics. I don't know why sports has turned this way - in today's world winning doesn't only seem to be everything, it is everything.
The pressure, the stress to win pride and glory for their countries, and also more importantly to keep their jobs get them to do such stupid things. At that point of time, it may not look stupid to them, but soon after they're done with the using of drugs, they regret it, but it is too late.
Why has sports today become so marred with scandals, drug uses, and incidents?
We can only blame ourselves for this - the world population growing larger, more competition, and of course, with competition comes stress.
I suppose if I were in their shoes I may even make the wrong choice.
It is impossible to boost your piano playing through the taking of steroids though. It does not make your fingers faster. To play the piano requires full concentration, adding your own soul into the music, and of course, good technique. A good technique is the ability to organise and do whatever you want to your music.
If you have a bad technique, you are restricted to doing things you wish to your music. For example, if you want to do a scale nicely but do not have a good technique, you are restricted to do the scale up and down beautiful.
Anyway the definition of technique was given by my teacher Miss Hahn - "A good technique is the ability to organise and do whatever you want to the music".
Back to the point - fortunately taking any kind of medication will not help you boost your playing. :) So the NPVC organisation can skip the drug-testing part.
I shall make use of this blogpost to wish ALL partipants for this year's NPVC good luck, and may the best pianist win!
No but this year I shall be relishing the opportunity to watch all my friends play and compete on stage, while I'll be at the comfort of the audience and listening to good classical music. (They'll definitely play their best...it's a competition, like duh!)
Today is John Lennon's birthday, and I felt a need to reiterate this by shouting it out in class before the Mathematics test, and of course, on MSN. 67 years back, this great singer was born somewhere in Liverpool. I just love his style of music! Yummy.
Ah. On the topic of competition: Recently a female runner named Jones confessed to her use of drugs during the Olympics. I don't know why sports has turned this way - in today's world winning doesn't only seem to be everything, it is everything.
The pressure, the stress to win pride and glory for their countries, and also more importantly to keep their jobs get them to do such stupid things. At that point of time, it may not look stupid to them, but soon after they're done with the using of drugs, they regret it, but it is too late.
Why has sports today become so marred with scandals, drug uses, and incidents?
We can only blame ourselves for this - the world population growing larger, more competition, and of course, with competition comes stress.
I suppose if I were in their shoes I may even make the wrong choice.
It is impossible to boost your piano playing through the taking of steroids though. It does not make your fingers faster. To play the piano requires full concentration, adding your own soul into the music, and of course, good technique. A good technique is the ability to organise and do whatever you want to your music.
If you have a bad technique, you are restricted to doing things you wish to your music. For example, if you want to do a scale nicely but do not have a good technique, you are restricted to do the scale up and down beautiful.
Anyway the definition of technique was given by my teacher Miss Hahn - "A good technique is the ability to organise and do whatever you want to the music".
Back to the point - fortunately taking any kind of medication will not help you boost your playing. :) So the NPVC organisation can skip the drug-testing part.
I shall make use of this blogpost to wish ALL partipants for this year's NPVC good luck, and may the best pianist win!
Monday, October 8, 2007
introduced to some
Chinese and Chemistry over. Another 4 more to go! That includes MEP. Nvm, it's a good number. I'll just finish them up as best as I can.
Otherwise practising quadratic equations now, I'm sure I can do well given that I practise lots today. Yay.
Ooh and I got introduced to some new musicians today...like Mika! Can't believe it.
But hey, Beatles still forever...yeah...
Otherwise practising quadratic equations now, I'm sure I can do well given that I practise lots today. Yay.
Ooh and I got introduced to some new musicians today...like Mika! Can't believe it.
But hey, Beatles still forever...yeah...
Sunday, October 7, 2007
admit you're smarter than me
Enlightened! I'm not sure whether it's true or not, but after listening to the Beatles's 'Let it Be' I felt that I should go back to my holy past and rediscover myself.
But I'm forgotten everything...I took out the Bible and started reading. Discovered some good points I can learn. It's going to be a long road back to what I used to be, but no matter how much work it takes I'm willing to go back into the hands of God...
Ok I shall find my religious path again.
I realised that every law originates from the Ten Commandments. Now those of you who don't believe in any religion will start finding for a counter-example. Hope you find one and point them out to me.
I know by making this choice I will become a better person, but definitely not less complicated. Although I hope that my life can be made into a more simple one...but that's ok I'm fine with my current life.
:)
ultimateguitar.com is the only site where you can get chords for the pieces that you love and then play them on the piano. Got the chords for 'You've got to hide your Love away' and 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra.
We're singing the latter for MEP concert!
And I've yet to finish mugging chemistry. And chinese.
Jon Koh. I'm dead...I'll just have to really admit you're smarter than me. Warning: This isn't some emo statement. It is a fact!
And I'm quite relieved I'm allowed to drop Higher Chinese and take Normal Chinese. I simply can't handle Higher Chinese. Chinese isn't my natural language. Bodoh lah.
Anyway it definitely lightens my burden by a lot. Thanks to my parents for supporting this decision...
No musical experience today except I managed to play 'My Way' with my dad singing. Good job. And I sang 'You've got to hide your love away' solo! With the piano by me of course.
Anyone playing the guitar and drums just give me a call...We can do a little bit of fun...
But I'm forgotten everything...I took out the Bible and started reading. Discovered some good points I can learn. It's going to be a long road back to what I used to be, but no matter how much work it takes I'm willing to go back into the hands of God...
Ok I shall find my religious path again.
I realised that every law originates from the Ten Commandments. Now those of you who don't believe in any religion will start finding for a counter-example. Hope you find one and point them out to me.
I know by making this choice I will become a better person, but definitely not less complicated. Although I hope that my life can be made into a more simple one...but that's ok I'm fine with my current life.
:)
ultimateguitar.com is the only site where you can get chords for the pieces that you love and then play them on the piano. Got the chords for 'You've got to hide your Love away' and 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra.
We're singing the latter for MEP concert!
And I've yet to finish mugging chemistry. And chinese.
Jon Koh. I'm dead...I'll just have to really admit you're smarter than me. Warning: This isn't some emo statement. It is a fact!
And I'm quite relieved I'm allowed to drop Higher Chinese and take Normal Chinese. I simply can't handle Higher Chinese. Chinese isn't my natural language. Bodoh lah.
Anyway it definitely lightens my burden by a lot. Thanks to my parents for supporting this decision...
No musical experience today except I managed to play 'My Way' with my dad singing. Good job. And I sang 'You've got to hide your love away' solo! With the piano by me of course.
Anyone playing the guitar and drums just give me a call...We can do a little bit of fun...
Saturday, October 6, 2007
later I knew there were bus tags
I feel hurt.
Don't worry, this isn't another emo post! It's about my thumb. The wound reopen this afternoon in the car again and it started bleeding real badly. Like all the blood flowing, not oozing. Nearly kenah from my mum because if any blood fell onto the seat she did kill me.
Oh wait, did I mention that everytime I get an injury she will start whacking me? Lol actually I just realised that's the reason why I don't like getting injured, because since Primary 1 I had this mentality that getting injured wasn't the problem, getting scolded was the problem.
So any injuries suffered, keep your mouth shut and don't tell the mother.
Wrapped a plaster around it, filled a pail with hot water and stuff my thumb into it. I felt it throbbing...what a wonderful sensation of pain. And it did work - I did what Clement always had done. When experiencing pain, keep repeating to yourself...
"Pain is pleasure." And you really feel that it's pleasure. Of course, I know what are the limits of the human body, and taking the fact that I'm a piano player I shouldn't start hurting my fingers.
The idea of 2 concerts in 3 days is very appealing to me. I wonder what it is like to be preparing for concerts all days of your life, and not needing to worry about how you are going to prepare for your Maths.
I realised I'm very dependant on my parents. It's easy.
Let me elaborate:
This incident took place in Primary 1, the first day of primary school for me. And so we were all dismissed, and the discipline mistress announced all those who took bus stand on this half of the hall, and those who didn't stand on this half.
For goodness sake, how was I suppose to know what bus they were talking about? I didn't know they were talking about the school buses, and I still remember the first time I panicked and got very very afraid. So I thought...I did take a bus I remembered. But it was a public bus. And those other kids...all had tags on them saying A1, B2, C5.
(Later I knew those were bus tags)
So I went to the 'bus' side of the hall. After that several bus aunties approached me and asked me where I was supposed to go. I said I didn't know...I just knew it was bus 187.
They had this 'wth' look on their faces, and my mum got so panicky not finding me she went on stage and asked the discipline mistress to call out my name. And I was finally found and given a huge scolding.
You get a scolding for everything wrong I guess.
So yep, that shows how dependant I was.
From Primary 1 until Primary 5, I never told a single lie, I swear to everything on this Earth I never told a single lie for those 5 years. Guess it was because I went to Church and I was a holy boy, for I prayed everyday with my Dad, and went to church every week and classes.
And then I realised that when you didn't lie you get beaten up for everything. When you said you had 5/10 you get beaten up...and when other people had 3/10 but they lied and said they had full marks, they didn't get touched. Even then, even if they scored 5/10 their parents which just say it's ok, try harder.
I thought I was in the wrong family seriously. Don't know what's the problem with my mum and why she is like that. For goodness, when people get shit marks and they lie they don't get scolded. When they spill milk on the floor, their parents just say 'careful next time don't spill' but I'm always the one who gets screwed.
Hai...
Then start lying also still get beaten up in the end. Tell the truth also get beaten up. So how to live life? What if you naturally cannot do well in your studies? What happen if you're not as clever as people like B. Yap and Andrew? (Ok nothing against you'll just using as example :)
Back to the point, I'm still dead in the sense anything that I do results in me getting beaten up...And then I remembered those days doing Maths.
I don't know why my experience is so different from others. Why doing Maths was so tormenting for me. When I was in Primary 1, I scored full marks from my first math test. Subsequently, out of the whole year, I scored 399/400. I mean for all the subject tests. The four subjects, English, Math, Chinese, Science.
Then after that my mum had to push me so hard that I completely self-destruct. Learning Math was supposed to be fun, enjoyable. But I was forced to do literally 20 to 30 worksheets, with her sitting opposite me with a cane.
And everytime I finished a paper, I passed it to her, and for every question I got wrong she would cane me. Why...I mean must be so tormenting meh. Why other friends of mine don't get scolded even though they do badly. Honestly felt like crying when I asked someone what his mum said when he failed. He told me, "She just said 'Work harder lorh' "
And then the next time he did really well, and duh his parents were happy.
But from the tone of my voice I guess you all know that I have admitted defeat and I shall not fight anymore. Still have to continue to get scolded for things you don't know, and for things you know you don't get scolded.
I'm ok now with not being praised, for I've learnt that there's no way I'm going to get praised seriously. It's just good, ok no scolding. If bad, screw you. So seriously, what's the point?
Remembered last year when I forgot there was school on a Monday and I didn't come. And that day was a test paper returned back. And then my mum had to rub on my mistake and said that I lied about forgetting because I didn't want my paper back.
What the fck?
K cool. Sometimes in life there are ups and downs. And I figured that whatever you do, there will always be an up. Somewhere. The only thing that matters is whether you end your life on an up or a down.
I just thought of this: In order to do something well, you must know that it's the best thing you're doing in your life.
Eg. If you want to fold laundry well, you must treat it like the best thing that's currently going in your life, and you fold your laundry with all the dedication needed to do the best thing in life.
Complicated?
Don't worry, this isn't another emo post! It's about my thumb. The wound reopen this afternoon in the car again and it started bleeding real badly. Like all the blood flowing, not oozing. Nearly kenah from my mum because if any blood fell onto the seat she did kill me.
Oh wait, did I mention that everytime I get an injury she will start whacking me? Lol actually I just realised that's the reason why I don't like getting injured, because since Primary 1 I had this mentality that getting injured wasn't the problem, getting scolded was the problem.
So any injuries suffered, keep your mouth shut and don't tell the mother.
Wrapped a plaster around it, filled a pail with hot water and stuff my thumb into it. I felt it throbbing...what a wonderful sensation of pain. And it did work - I did what Clement always had done. When experiencing pain, keep repeating to yourself...
"Pain is pleasure." And you really feel that it's pleasure. Of course, I know what are the limits of the human body, and taking the fact that I'm a piano player I shouldn't start hurting my fingers.
The idea of 2 concerts in 3 days is very appealing to me. I wonder what it is like to be preparing for concerts all days of your life, and not needing to worry about how you are going to prepare for your Maths.
I realised I'm very dependant on my parents. It's easy.
Let me elaborate:
This incident took place in Primary 1, the first day of primary school for me. And so we were all dismissed, and the discipline mistress announced all those who took bus stand on this half of the hall, and those who didn't stand on this half.
For goodness sake, how was I suppose to know what bus they were talking about? I didn't know they were talking about the school buses, and I still remember the first time I panicked and got very very afraid. So I thought...I did take a bus I remembered. But it was a public bus. And those other kids...all had tags on them saying A1, B2, C5.
(Later I knew those were bus tags)
So I went to the 'bus' side of the hall. After that several bus aunties approached me and asked me where I was supposed to go. I said I didn't know...I just knew it was bus 187.
They had this 'wth' look on their faces, and my mum got so panicky not finding me she went on stage and asked the discipline mistress to call out my name. And I was finally found and given a huge scolding.
You get a scolding for everything wrong I guess.
So yep, that shows how dependant I was.
From Primary 1 until Primary 5, I never told a single lie, I swear to everything on this Earth I never told a single lie for those 5 years. Guess it was because I went to Church and I was a holy boy, for I prayed everyday with my Dad, and went to church every week and classes.
And then I realised that when you didn't lie you get beaten up for everything. When you said you had 5/10 you get beaten up...and when other people had 3/10 but they lied and said they had full marks, they didn't get touched. Even then, even if they scored 5/10 their parents which just say it's ok, try harder.
I thought I was in the wrong family seriously. Don't know what's the problem with my mum and why she is like that. For goodness, when people get shit marks and they lie they don't get scolded. When they spill milk on the floor, their parents just say 'careful next time don't spill' but I'm always the one who gets screwed.
Hai...
Then start lying also still get beaten up in the end. Tell the truth also get beaten up. So how to live life? What if you naturally cannot do well in your studies? What happen if you're not as clever as people like B. Yap and Andrew? (Ok nothing against you'll just using as example :)
Back to the point, I'm still dead in the sense anything that I do results in me getting beaten up...And then I remembered those days doing Maths.
I don't know why my experience is so different from others. Why doing Maths was so tormenting for me. When I was in Primary 1, I scored full marks from my first math test. Subsequently, out of the whole year, I scored 399/400. I mean for all the subject tests. The four subjects, English, Math, Chinese, Science.
Then after that my mum had to push me so hard that I completely self-destruct. Learning Math was supposed to be fun, enjoyable. But I was forced to do literally 20 to 30 worksheets, with her sitting opposite me with a cane.
And everytime I finished a paper, I passed it to her, and for every question I got wrong she would cane me. Why...I mean must be so tormenting meh. Why other friends of mine don't get scolded even though they do badly. Honestly felt like crying when I asked someone what his mum said when he failed. He told me, "She just said 'Work harder lorh' "
And then the next time he did really well, and duh his parents were happy.
But from the tone of my voice I guess you all know that I have admitted defeat and I shall not fight anymore. Still have to continue to get scolded for things you don't know, and for things you know you don't get scolded.
I'm ok now with not being praised, for I've learnt that there's no way I'm going to get praised seriously. It's just good, ok no scolding. If bad, screw you. So seriously, what's the point?
Remembered last year when I forgot there was school on a Monday and I didn't come. And that day was a test paper returned back. And then my mum had to rub on my mistake and said that I lied about forgetting because I didn't want my paper back.
What the fck?
K cool. Sometimes in life there are ups and downs. And I figured that whatever you do, there will always be an up. Somewhere. The only thing that matters is whether you end your life on an up or a down.
I just thought of this: In order to do something well, you must know that it's the best thing you're doing in your life.
Eg. If you want to fold laundry well, you must treat it like the best thing that's currently going in your life, and you fold your laundry with all the dedication needed to do the best thing in life.
Complicated?
2 concerts on the 25th and 27th
Just finished musicology class just now! Currently studying Chemistry and Chinese.
I don't have much to talk about, except that I'm performing on the 25th of October and the 27th of October. The 25th October one would be for MEP High Scorer's Concert, I'll be playing Tempest again. For the 27th one it would be the YST Festival and I'll be playing Tempest because it's just about one of the middle Beethoven works.
Other than that I wanted to discuss about food disorders but decided against it because of my lack of information and experience from friends. I wanted to discover why these people develop such disorders, and of course felt that this might be affecting their lifestyle in some cases. So there you have it, I wanted to talk more but nope.
I don't have much to talk about, except that I'm performing on the 25th of October and the 27th of October. The 25th October one would be for MEP High Scorer's Concert, I'll be playing Tempest again. For the 27th one it would be the YST Festival and I'll be playing Tempest because it's just about one of the middle Beethoven works.
Other than that I wanted to discuss about food disorders but decided against it because of my lack of information and experience from friends. I wanted to discover why these people develop such disorders, and of course felt that this might be affecting their lifestyle in some cases. So there you have it, I wanted to talk more but nope.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
a political view of Indonesia
An afternoon post for your reading - a political view into Indonesia
If Indonesia's government were like Singapore's government, we'll be dead 45 years ago. Fortunately, Indonesia's government has never reached the standards of our government, and at the moment, we have nothing to worry about, pertaining to Indonesia.
For the 15 years I have been living on this area of South-East Asia, my mindset of Indonesia has been crafted into an unsightly shape.
Whenever I think of the word 'corruption', the first country I would think of would be, you guessed it, Indonesia.
Now why do you think I would say that? Am I, by any chance, racist against people of different cultures? No.
As a matter of fact, the reason why Indonesia ranks high in the corruption list* can be based on the economy of this archipelago. Here is a passage from Infoplease.com:
"In the summer of 1997, Indonesia suffered a major economic setback, along with most other Asian economies. Banks failed and the value of Indonesia's currency, the rupiah, plummeted. Antigovernment demonstrations and riots broke out, directed mainly at the country's prosperous ethnic Chinese. As the economic crisis deepened, student demonstrators occupied the national parliament, demanding Suharto's ouster. On May 21, 1998, Suharto stepped down, ending 32 years of rule, and handed over power to Vice President B. J. Habibie"
Previously, in the years under Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, Indonesia had prospered in terms of economy. This was immediately after gaining independence from the Dutch.
After passing on the control to Suharto, the nation continued to prosper and its economy improved tremendously. Although there were general elections, the present government had very huge control over the oppositions' actions.
And that significant year of 1997 saw the crash of the Asian market. Indonesia was badly affected, and the rupiah was affected so much so that one Singapore dollar would be a thousand or so rupiah.
Unfortunately, this has lead to worsening of the country's situation - corruption would soon be rampant. Imagine you were a policeman earning so little income a month, and a criminal offers you a hundred-fold of your current salary to let him off. At the point of time, it is indeed forgivable to forget about the safety of one's nation and think about the safety of yourself.
With such a huge amount of money in your hand, you would be able to support your inpoverished family,only able to eat a bowl of rice every day. This decision would indeed be inevitable. The power of money is of course, very delicious.
Bringing you back in to the context, should such a case affect every official in Indonesia, it is not surprising to see why Indonesia has turned into such a corrupted country. The road back to clean politics would not be easy, considering once again the large population of the archipelago state.
In order to attain balance, Indonesia must strive to bring its economy back on track.
However, this is easier said than done. There are a number of factors that do not allow for such a change for the better to be made. These include: the population, the lack of morale within the law-keeping departments, and ultimately, the poor economy.
Today, many Indonesians are still living in the mire of poverty and the inability to keep up with the urbanisation.
Given the current position of Indonesia, there is definitely no cause of worry for Singapore to face stiff competition from them in economical terms, and in a more serious case, a military conflict.
Do catch the 8.00pm show on CNA of Myanmar: War of the Worlds
*corruption list to be found here:
If Indonesia's government were like Singapore's government, we'll be dead 45 years ago. Fortunately, Indonesia's government has never reached the standards of our government, and at the moment, we have nothing to worry about, pertaining to Indonesia.
For the 15 years I have been living on this area of South-East Asia, my mindset of Indonesia has been crafted into an unsightly shape.
Whenever I think of the word 'corruption', the first country I would think of would be, you guessed it, Indonesia.
Now why do you think I would say that? Am I, by any chance, racist against people of different cultures? No.
As a matter of fact, the reason why Indonesia ranks high in the corruption list* can be based on the economy of this archipelago. Here is a passage from Infoplease.com:
"In the summer of 1997, Indonesia suffered a major economic setback, along with most other Asian economies. Banks failed and the value of Indonesia's currency, the rupiah, plummeted. Antigovernment demonstrations and riots broke out, directed mainly at the country's prosperous ethnic Chinese. As the economic crisis deepened, student demonstrators occupied the national parliament, demanding Suharto's ouster. On May 21, 1998, Suharto stepped down, ending 32 years of rule, and handed over power to Vice President B. J. Habibie"
Previously, in the years under Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, Indonesia had prospered in terms of economy. This was immediately after gaining independence from the Dutch.
After passing on the control to Suharto, the nation continued to prosper and its economy improved tremendously. Although there were general elections, the present government had very huge control over the oppositions' actions.
And that significant year of 1997 saw the crash of the Asian market. Indonesia was badly affected, and the rupiah was affected so much so that one Singapore dollar would be a thousand or so rupiah.
Unfortunately, this has lead to worsening of the country's situation - corruption would soon be rampant. Imagine you were a policeman earning so little income a month, and a criminal offers you a hundred-fold of your current salary to let him off. At the point of time, it is indeed forgivable to forget about the safety of one's nation and think about the safety of yourself.
With such a huge amount of money in your hand, you would be able to support your inpoverished family,only able to eat a bowl of rice every day. This decision would indeed be inevitable. The power of money is of course, very delicious.
Bringing you back in to the context, should such a case affect every official in Indonesia, it is not surprising to see why Indonesia has turned into such a corrupted country. The road back to clean politics would not be easy, considering once again the large population of the archipelago state.
In order to attain balance, Indonesia must strive to bring its economy back on track.
However, this is easier said than done. There are a number of factors that do not allow for such a change for the better to be made. These include: the population, the lack of morale within the law-keeping departments, and ultimately, the poor economy.
Today, many Indonesians are still living in the mire of poverty and the inability to keep up with the urbanisation.
Given the current position of Indonesia, there is definitely no cause of worry for Singapore to face stiff competition from them in economical terms, and in a more serious case, a military conflict.
Do catch the 8.00pm show on CNA of Myanmar: War of the Worlds
*corruption list to be found here:
three days of fun though
I didn't know that Wacko! could be so fun! Except now we have the shields and the actual rolled-up newspapers. I don't know how the fun started, only know that the first thing I knew everyone was whacking each other with newspapers. And then I brought in the box, and thus became known as MY shield.
Just that it was shattered, torn literally apart by Ian after he whacked my left leg with his wonderfully-crafted 'sword'. After I dropped mine on the ground with only the shield to cover me, he kept on whacking. And thus my shield broke open, and I brought in 5 new box shields for the class!
Yay we play after eoys. But we had three days of fun though. Started with me and Geoffrey, him with a file and two razor-sharp (literally) brochures, et me with my box shield and rolled-up newspaper 'sword'.
You know, it really feels good to be whacking people, (for guys)you really feel blood pumping and...just got to be in the middle of the fight to know how it's like.
Injuries sustained:
1) Paper Cut on Day 1
2) Wrist Cut on Day 2 (Nigel's thrust)
3) Thumbnail bleeding on Day 3 (Nigel whacked with his damn long newspaper)
Will continue whacking after EOYs...Cockroach Wars, here I come!
Just that it was shattered, torn literally apart by Ian after he whacked my left leg with his wonderfully-crafted 'sword'. After I dropped mine on the ground with only the shield to cover me, he kept on whacking. And thus my shield broke open, and I brought in 5 new box shields for the class!
Yay we play after eoys. But we had three days of fun though. Started with me and Geoffrey, him with a file and two razor-sharp (literally) brochures, et me with my box shield and rolled-up newspaper 'sword'.
You know, it really feels good to be whacking people, (for guys)you really feel blood pumping and...just got to be in the middle of the fight to know how it's like.
Injuries sustained:
1) Paper Cut on Day 1
2) Wrist Cut on Day 2 (Nigel's thrust)
3) Thumbnail bleeding on Day 3 (Nigel whacked with his damn long newspaper)
Will continue whacking after EOYs...Cockroach Wars, here I come!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
not your fault
I would, as usual, like to always think that I’m the only person of 15 in Singapore or the whole world doing what I’m doing – the same old topic of living two lives at once. And I feel a compulsion to remind my audience time and again that I’m doing!
How discouraged I felt when Mrs. Kuah, my chemistry teacher said, “your life is in a mess. How do you think you can handle all this? Your chemistry is already like that and you still want to do your degree. Think clearly, lah.”
Here’s the night read of the day:
You’re a motorbike champion, winning many prizes every year because of your ability. Finally, when you can turn professional, your seniors encourage you and push you, and say if you don’t get into the professional school they will be very disappointed. Then they taunt you consistently, and you work your ass off. But they still taunt you and no matter how hard you really do it, no matter how well you controlled your engine and maintained your technique, they still say you cannot make it.
Then they threaten to burn your one and only motorbike, and say forget motorbike racing, and they don’t let you practice driving your bike. But you still take the every opportunity to practice, and of course, happy endings, you get into that professional academy. But ho, they say it is luck, and say it’s not because of your abilities, but because of other factors.
Then after getting into the professional academy…oh wait, I forgot. You’re not a 20 year old person, but a 15-year-old adolescent driver. You still have your studies. And wait, you get an average of 4 pieces of homework every day. Or more. (not maybe, but definitely)
And then your seniors leave you in the dump, refusing to take responsibility of getting you into the academy, and comment how poor your studies are and meanwhile asking for the standards of your motorbike driving to improve. Then when you study damn hard and get good results, they say you suck. (although if I were the driver, I will never get good results)
Then when they say at first how going to the academy is your life, and if you don’t make it, you’re dead. After you get in, you screw up your studies, and then you say you want to concentrate on motorbike driving, your seniors tell you to go to hell, and that studies are more important.
What do you do?
Think – what would happen to the driving if you do your studies?
What would happen to your studies if you do your driving?
And it’s not your fault that you cannot quit studying .
And no one has the best of no worlds.
On a more optimistic note, all things do work out in the end, I know from experience. I suppose I may have gone through enough to understand that all things do work out at the end of the day, the only different being time.
How discouraged I felt when Mrs. Kuah, my chemistry teacher said, “your life is in a mess. How do you think you can handle all this? Your chemistry is already like that and you still want to do your degree. Think clearly, lah.”
Here’s the night read of the day:
You’re a motorbike champion, winning many prizes every year because of your ability. Finally, when you can turn professional, your seniors encourage you and push you, and say if you don’t get into the professional school they will be very disappointed. Then they taunt you consistently, and you work your ass off. But they still taunt you and no matter how hard you really do it, no matter how well you controlled your engine and maintained your technique, they still say you cannot make it.
Then they threaten to burn your one and only motorbike, and say forget motorbike racing, and they don’t let you practice driving your bike. But you still take the every opportunity to practice, and of course, happy endings, you get into that professional academy. But ho, they say it is luck, and say it’s not because of your abilities, but because of other factors.
Then after getting into the professional academy…oh wait, I forgot. You’re not a 20 year old person, but a 15-year-old adolescent driver. You still have your studies. And wait, you get an average of 4 pieces of homework every day. Or more. (not maybe, but definitely)
And then your seniors leave you in the dump, refusing to take responsibility of getting you into the academy, and comment how poor your studies are and meanwhile asking for the standards of your motorbike driving to improve. Then when you study damn hard and get good results, they say you suck. (although if I were the driver, I will never get good results)
Then when they say at first how going to the academy is your life, and if you don’t make it, you’re dead. After you get in, you screw up your studies, and then you say you want to concentrate on motorbike driving, your seniors tell you to go to hell, and that studies are more important.
What do you do?
Think – what would happen to the driving if you do your studies?
What would happen to your studies if you do your driving?
And it’s not your fault that you cannot quit studying .
And no one has the best of no worlds.
On a more optimistic note, all things do work out in the end, I know from experience. I suppose I may have gone through enough to understand that all things do work out at the end of the day, the only different being time.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Of teenage girls and their World
Here's another post for the night, when I'm relaxing and there isn't really anything to do except for practise piano, do Chinese, study for physics, and do research on Liszt's Sonnetto del Petrarcha. Anyone wants to give a helping hand?
Probably another reason why my blog should be visited very frequently because of the updates. :P
Today was Prometheum Day, which would mean for Raffles the current CCALs (CCA Leaders) would pass on a symbol of the CCA to the new CCALs for next year. So of course in the case of RISE we had to do the violin. I suppose we could have done the baton, but Raffles Voices were given the baton as a symbol to hand over. It wouldn't be the same should they have a diaphragm to pass on, albeit a fake one. (A real one might work, I guess)
I still have not handed in my Chinese project which was due in January, and yes, you're reading a paikia's blog. No no, change it to hippy. Sounds more hip. I refuse to cut my hair, because I'm going to grow long hair. Hope I can reach shoulder length by December. It's currently over the ears already, but I hope I can tahan.
Might need a hairband someday.
Meanwhile, here's the night topic for you to read before you sleep:
Of teenage girls and their World
(immediately the girls will scroll down and start spotting for any mistakes or anything possible to criticize and scold me for writing such comments)
Relax. It's not going to be anything offensive. Because if it is, then you're not going to have a good time. And if you reveal too much, you're going to have a worse time. And if you talk honest, hell.
Welcome to Girl's World.
I thought it would be interesting to share my very small insights of the Girl's World. Yes, it's Girl with a capital G.
Now in Girl's World, a girl has to act like a girl, or else you're an outcast. Not simliar to Guy's World, because if you act with a different personality in Guy's World, you're not touched. In fact, we will bond better.
Let me give you an example, albeit a harmless one. Ben Low, a soprano. Even though his voice is very high and different from (low pitch) - ours, we still accept him and we do not treat him like a person from comet 0382. A clear evidence is that both him and Douglas have been living together in 3L peacefully for the past 10 months.
Now in Girl's World (notice it's Girls, not Women, for Women are already matured in the sense they deal with problems much better than Girls. Notice how Mum warns Daughter about pre-marital sex. Explains a lot.), if you don't follow the rules, you're seriously an outcast.
I believe I have enough evidence to substantiate thy claim, considering experience is an important factor when dealing with sensitive issues such as this. That's why I don't go into the topic of sexual diseases, because I'm innocent. (Wait, there's no sarcasm in there, and you will never find any in this paragraph. :P)
When I say 'don't follow the rules, I mean when you don't act like a girl usually does. Like for example, what a guy expects from a girl would be for the girl to be demure and caring. It is no wonder you don't see normal guys loving girls who say that word 247, unless it's literal. But really, you don't get much.
Only guys who are like, probably more open and acceptable and look through and into the book really don't mind. Now put those guys into handsome faces and suits, couple them up with a little bit of shrewdness and some talent, and voila, your dream man/guy/boy.
When I mean typical, I mean sort of like probably my RI type? Because I haven't seen so many guys, and I said experience is an important factor, thus proving my innocence once more.
In any case, you still don't see Barry Tng liking a drunk Britney Spears. (On a sidenote, the case would definitely be reciprocal)
Now adolescent girls, are really a tough bunch of people. They grow through hardships, both biological and psychological, and they have to live up to expectations. In terms of beauty and the likes, yes, they have to live up to that.
Going through all these hardships will soon, gradually from primary school to secondary school to junior college, the girls soon follow a common set of rules, these rules being forged just because they go through the exact same biological hardship.
That phrase practically shapes what the girl would be, whether she would grow up to be a clever lawyer or a lowly CEO.
Now the problem with talking to them would be their restriction to follow the rules.
Talking online. Not just the normal talking.
Talking online makes it even harder for us to know their true feelings, which is what guys really really need to achieve - to understand girls.
At this point of time you may really start thinking, this guy is a piece of crap, and him predicting all my thoughts really gives me no kick, but it's actually true. Somewhere in there you know it...
Isn't that the reason why we have "hehe" and "haha" and "omg!" and "!!!!!!"?
Simply saying, should I strip all of these words out of a conversation, a girl does not sound like a girl anymore. And us guys being accustomed to the fact that when you talk to a girl, you need to hear all these words, otherwise, that girl would be viewed at least differently from the others?
I remembered that feeling when a girl actually showed her true feelings. And hell, it was terrible man. Like seriously, you actually know that she's pissed and what she really means is no party, no fun, business-talk.
And if girls were to start doing that everyday, the world would definitely be no fun. So they should still stick to Girl's World's rules and play the game properly.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of girls still trapped by this adolescent-age girl problem (specifically for girls only, thank bio). In fact, every girl is trapped by this problem - the need to constantly adapt and change to the situation around us, to live up to expectations, and ultimately, be the true 'girl'.
(There is NO SUCH thing as a true 'girl')
Those who dare to venture out of the rules and be themselves lose out - it's a fact that can never be change until this mentality changes, which I would say never, until biology decides to take a turn and place the hardship on the guys. Ouch.
For now, to all guys out there, please do treat them nicely, for without them there would be no us, without them I probably would be able to MSN the whole day.
For girls, just continue sticking to the rules.
For those who dare venture (be it girl or guy)...be free, and let no others block your way!
Comments on the tagboard!
Probably another reason why my blog should be visited very frequently because of the updates. :P
Today was Prometheum Day, which would mean for Raffles the current CCALs (CCA Leaders) would pass on a symbol of the CCA to the new CCALs for next year. So of course in the case of RISE we had to do the violin. I suppose we could have done the baton, but Raffles Voices were given the baton as a symbol to hand over. It wouldn't be the same should they have a diaphragm to pass on, albeit a fake one. (A real one might work, I guess)
I still have not handed in my Chinese project which was due in January, and yes, you're reading a paikia's blog. No no, change it to hippy. Sounds more hip. I refuse to cut my hair, because I'm going to grow long hair. Hope I can reach shoulder length by December. It's currently over the ears already, but I hope I can tahan.
Might need a hairband someday.
Meanwhile, here's the night topic for you to read before you sleep:
Of teenage girls and their World
(immediately the girls will scroll down and start spotting for any mistakes or anything possible to criticize and scold me for writing such comments)
Relax. It's not going to be anything offensive. Because if it is, then you're not going to have a good time. And if you reveal too much, you're going to have a worse time. And if you talk honest, hell.
Welcome to Girl's World.
I thought it would be interesting to share my very small insights of the Girl's World. Yes, it's Girl with a capital G.
Now in Girl's World, a girl has to act like a girl, or else you're an outcast. Not simliar to Guy's World, because if you act with a different personality in Guy's World, you're not touched. In fact, we will bond better.
Let me give you an example, albeit a harmless one. Ben Low, a soprano. Even though his voice is very high and different from (low pitch) - ours, we still accept him and we do not treat him like a person from comet 0382. A clear evidence is that both him and Douglas have been living together in 3L peacefully for the past 10 months.
Now in Girl's World (notice it's Girls, not Women, for Women are already matured in the sense they deal with problems much better than Girls. Notice how Mum warns Daughter about pre-marital sex. Explains a lot.), if you don't follow the rules, you're seriously an outcast.
I believe I have enough evidence to substantiate thy claim, considering experience is an important factor when dealing with sensitive issues such as this. That's why I don't go into the topic of sexual diseases, because I'm innocent. (Wait, there's no sarcasm in there, and you will never find any in this paragraph. :P)
When I say 'don't follow the rules, I mean when you don't act like a girl usually does. Like for example, what a guy expects from a girl would be for the girl to be demure and caring. It is no wonder you don't see normal guys loving girls who say that word 247, unless it's literal. But really, you don't get much.
Only guys who are like, probably more open and acceptable and look through and into the book really don't mind. Now put those guys into handsome faces and suits, couple them up with a little bit of shrewdness and some talent, and voila, your dream man/guy/boy.
When I mean typical, I mean sort of like probably my RI type? Because I haven't seen so many guys, and I said experience is an important factor, thus proving my innocence once more.
In any case, you still don't see Barry Tng liking a drunk Britney Spears. (On a sidenote, the case would definitely be reciprocal)
Now adolescent girls, are really a tough bunch of people. They grow through hardships, both biological and psychological, and they have to live up to expectations. In terms of beauty and the likes, yes, they have to live up to that.
Going through all these hardships will soon, gradually from primary school to secondary school to junior college, the girls soon follow a common set of rules, these rules being forged just because they go through the exact same biological hardship.
That phrase practically shapes what the girl would be, whether she would grow up to be a clever lawyer or a lowly CEO.
Now the problem with talking to them would be their restriction to follow the rules.
Talking online. Not just the normal talking.
Talking online makes it even harder for us to know their true feelings, which is what guys really really need to achieve - to understand girls.
At this point of time you may really start thinking, this guy is a piece of crap, and him predicting all my thoughts really gives me no kick, but it's actually true. Somewhere in there you know it...
Isn't that the reason why we have "hehe" and "haha" and "omg!" and "!!!!!!"?
Simply saying, should I strip all of these words out of a conversation, a girl does not sound like a girl anymore. And us guys being accustomed to the fact that when you talk to a girl, you need to hear all these words, otherwise, that girl would be viewed at least differently from the others?
I remembered that feeling when a girl actually showed her true feelings. And hell, it was terrible man. Like seriously, you actually know that she's pissed and what she really means is no party, no fun, business-talk.
And if girls were to start doing that everyday, the world would definitely be no fun. So they should still stick to Girl's World's rules and play the game properly.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of girls still trapped by this adolescent-age girl problem (specifically for girls only, thank bio). In fact, every girl is trapped by this problem - the need to constantly adapt and change to the situation around us, to live up to expectations, and ultimately, be the true 'girl'.
(There is NO SUCH thing as a true 'girl')
Those who dare to venture out of the rules and be themselves lose out - it's a fact that can never be change until this mentality changes, which I would say never, until biology decides to take a turn and place the hardship on the guys. Ouch.
For now, to all guys out there, please do treat them nicely, for without them there would be no us, without them I probably would be able to MSN the whole day.
For girls, just continue sticking to the rules.
For those who dare venture (be it girl or guy)...be free, and let no others block your way!
Comments on the tagboard!
Back to NUS
Normal day, having semester break is over in the other half of my life. Back to studio class later, and I'm missing some masterclasses. Guess who's coming to Singapore on the 4th? STEPHEN HOUGH!!
Woohoo he's my idol man. Must be all the hard work he has put in...must be like him when I grow up, maybe doing less stuff but all the same having the same passion for music and writing.
CCTs coming up, we start studying like crazy.
Woohoo he's my idol man. Must be all the hard work he has put in...must be like him when I grow up, maybe doing less stuff but all the same having the same passion for music and writing.
CCTs coming up, we start studying like crazy.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Of Facebook and Friendster
An evening post, of course.
A new e-mail arrives at my e-mailbox. Thinking it could be the latest concert to the SSO or an important message from Mr. Albert Tiu, I hurriedly open up my mailbox, only to find...of course an e-mail.
But this e-mail is different, for it calls me to an e-invitation to join Facebook. What a waste of e-muscles! But well, tons of e-mails are received and open every minute, and this was one of them.
Welcome to Facebook. I shall greet it with an open mind, thinking of its daily uses and how it can benefit my life. Upon second thought, maybe throwing sheep isn't really benefitting my life. Neither is putting my photo there and e-inviting e-people to e-join my Facebook!
So what does our dear Facebook have for us? I've apparently been living under a rock (from the Sunday Times article this morning, it states that 'if you're knowing about Facebook for the first time, you've probably been living under a rock."
Well, it's my first time knowing about Facebook, and I've done my research for this afternoon, and have come to the conclusion that I would be better off living under a rock, for Facebook, like Friendster and mySpace and yourSpace has been a waste of time!
Totally.
I mean, what can they do to help us in living life better? Do they save the hungry in Africa? Do they stop the Islamic radicals? Do they make the sick people be healthy and happy again?
We all know the answer.
It's no!
I admit that I do have an account for Friendster. Well, that's because I was stupid enough to get distracted. When I could have learnt how to do that quadratic functions question, I was busy setting up and updating my Friendster's account.
And really, I don't see any goal-achieving done by Friendster, or Facebook.
Fancy throwing sheep...and poking people.
Gosh, do it in real-life man.
Now let's hear what people on Facebook got to say on my anti-Facebook blogpost.
Post it on the tagboard!
A new e-mail arrives at my e-mailbox. Thinking it could be the latest concert to the SSO or an important message from Mr. Albert Tiu, I hurriedly open up my mailbox, only to find...of course an e-mail.
But this e-mail is different, for it calls me to an e-invitation to join Facebook. What a waste of e-muscles! But well, tons of e-mails are received and open every minute, and this was one of them.
Welcome to Facebook. I shall greet it with an open mind, thinking of its daily uses and how it can benefit my life. Upon second thought, maybe throwing sheep isn't really benefitting my life. Neither is putting my photo there and e-inviting e-people to e-join my Facebook!
So what does our dear Facebook have for us? I've apparently been living under a rock (from the Sunday Times article this morning, it states that 'if you're knowing about Facebook for the first time, you've probably been living under a rock."
Well, it's my first time knowing about Facebook, and I've done my research for this afternoon, and have come to the conclusion that I would be better off living under a rock, for Facebook, like Friendster and mySpace and yourSpace has been a waste of time!
Totally.
I mean, what can they do to help us in living life better? Do they save the hungry in Africa? Do they stop the Islamic radicals? Do they make the sick people be healthy and happy again?
We all know the answer.
It's no!
I admit that I do have an account for Friendster. Well, that's because I was stupid enough to get distracted. When I could have learnt how to do that quadratic functions question, I was busy setting up and updating my Friendster's account.
And really, I don't see any goal-achieving done by Friendster, or Facebook.
Fancy throwing sheep...and poking people.
Gosh, do it in real-life man.
Now let's hear what people on Facebook got to say on my anti-Facebook blogpost.
Post it on the tagboard!
and I basically
The joy of organising!
If you had stepped into my house yesterday, and into the study room, you could have kicked yourself for not bringing your swimwear...you could have dived into the sea of worksheets, assignments, tests, rough paper, tons of manuscript paper, hole-punchers, staplers, manuscript books, lyric sheets, files, pencils, textbooks, scores, tissue paper (used and unused/new), bags...with that swimwear of youea.
I wanted to take a photo of the mess, but couldn't find the camera.
So what's my point? Get organised man...
At the start of the year my files were pretty neat...by May you could see small stacks of rough paper here and there, partly 'organised'. Come New York in June and I had already stuff all these worksheets - from Chinese to Literature - into drawers and other holes which you can stuff them into. So still it was 'neat'. (At least there weren't any puddles formed yet)
By July you could clearly see the pot-holes and really, it always appears every year. Actually it's on-going, but you know sometimes you do put in effort to tidy up a little.
By yesterday the entire study room was looking like 'shit' already, and I thought I might as have well put in some effort to tidy up.
And so I took 2 hours to tidy up, and well done, now you see a row of files, each for different topics. So we have RE, Social Studies, CLE, Math, Chinese, Literature, English, Physics, Chemistry, and another big stack for music-related stuff.
And then I realised, something else was really messy, and it was thy Math file.
Well, the Math file has already been due for checking about 2 months ago, only I have yet to give it to Mrs Tan for her to check. She's been bugging me since the duedate, and for the rest of the month, until all of us got back the files, except me, because there was nothing for her to return, for the file was still in my hands.
And I thought, of course I couldn't give it to her, it was still in a mess (and always had been). There weren't any dividers for the different topics, and I basically stuffed any new math worksheets coming my way.
There you have it, a tortured blue Math file (folder) with all the worksheets being stuff inside it. And the exterior really looked battered inside out, so I got it a change to a big silver file.
Voila! I managed to file everything inside the file.
Time? 10pm...and I started cleaning up at 7pm. Goes to show you how important organising is.
Moral of the first story: Organise.
There's no second story here, except while I was organising I was tracking the Arsenal-West Ham results. And Arsenal won! Yay...Arsenal forever.
If you can see the picture below the tagboard that would be our Beatles...the names below start from the left. I've been listening to them all day again. It's no wonder why Clement said I was born in the wrong century. And perhaps many others.
It's probably my up-bringing. Like having a dad who shares with you such music everyday, and also classical music which has extended to the 1920s and Gershwin have brought me to touch rock and roll at the surface. Upon contact the first song of the Beatles I ever heard was 'Help!', and then so on and so forth discovering the beautiful songs and lyrics of their pieces.
First thing in the morning when I wake up a Beatles song immediately goes into my head. And today's tune was 'Penny Lane', so I hummed it basically from morning till now. What will be for tomorrow?
'Yesterday?'
If you had stepped into my house yesterday, and into the study room, you could have kicked yourself for not bringing your swimwear...you could have dived into the sea of worksheets, assignments, tests, rough paper, tons of manuscript paper, hole-punchers, staplers, manuscript books, lyric sheets, files, pencils, textbooks, scores, tissue paper (used and unused/new), bags...with that swimwear of youea.
I wanted to take a photo of the mess, but couldn't find the camera.
So what's my point? Get organised man...
At the start of the year my files were pretty neat...by May you could see small stacks of rough paper here and there, partly 'organised'. Come New York in June and I had already stuff all these worksheets - from Chinese to Literature - into drawers and other holes which you can stuff them into. So still it was 'neat'. (At least there weren't any puddles formed yet)
By July you could clearly see the pot-holes and really, it always appears every year. Actually it's on-going, but you know sometimes you do put in effort to tidy up a little.
By yesterday the entire study room was looking like 'shit' already, and I thought I might as have well put in some effort to tidy up.
And so I took 2 hours to tidy up, and well done, now you see a row of files, each for different topics. So we have RE, Social Studies, CLE, Math, Chinese, Literature, English, Physics, Chemistry, and another big stack for music-related stuff.
And then I realised, something else was really messy, and it was thy Math file.
Well, the Math file has already been due for checking about 2 months ago, only I have yet to give it to Mrs Tan for her to check. She's been bugging me since the duedate, and for the rest of the month, until all of us got back the files, except me, because there was nothing for her to return, for the file was still in my hands.
And I thought, of course I couldn't give it to her, it was still in a mess (and always had been). There weren't any dividers for the different topics, and I basically stuffed any new math worksheets coming my way.
There you have it, a tortured blue Math file (folder) with all the worksheets being stuff inside it. And the exterior really looked battered inside out, so I got it a change to a big silver file.
Voila! I managed to file everything inside the file.
Time? 10pm...and I started cleaning up at 7pm. Goes to show you how important organising is.
Moral of the first story: Organise.
There's no second story here, except while I was organising I was tracking the Arsenal-West Ham results. And Arsenal won! Yay...Arsenal forever.
If you can see the picture below the tagboard that would be our Beatles...the names below start from the left. I've been listening to them all day again. It's no wonder why Clement said I was born in the wrong century. And perhaps many others.
It's probably my up-bringing. Like having a dad who shares with you such music everyday, and also classical music which has extended to the 1920s and Gershwin have brought me to touch rock and roll at the surface. Upon contact the first song of the Beatles I ever heard was 'Help!', and then so on and so forth discovering the beautiful songs and lyrics of their pieces.
First thing in the morning when I wake up a Beatles song immediately goes into my head. And today's tune was 'Penny Lane', so I hummed it basically from morning till now. What will be for tomorrow?
'Yesterday?'
Saturday, September 29, 2007
surrounding these protests
In the light of the current Myanmar pro-democratic protests, I started thinking once again how lucky I am to be living in Singapore (probably politics are the only things Rafflesians really do care about).
Sitting here in the comfort of my study room with the walkman playing "20 Golden Oldies Volume 1", I compare my comfort to the situation in Myanmar - what would happen if Singapore was controlled by a military junta? Lol in any case PM Lee Hsien Loong shall be our Brigadier-General...
The politics surrounding these protests have affected the ASEAN, the United States, the United Kingdom, big players China and India.
China and India have been mentioned in the media as close partners to Myanmar. So why is China keep quiet and not intefering much with the problems surrounding this once-colonial military regime?
Well if you have done your research, you would have realised that China has plans with Myanmar to build a pipe connecting both countries, and that this pipe would transport oil into Mainland China.
Here's the link for the news: http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070619/3/33l0w.html
Should China intefere any deeper or irritate Myanmar...there goes the oil and loss of money for our big player in Asia.
I shall elaborate on the protests should any of you not know about it - thanks to the military government raising the fuel prices, the already impoverished people of
Myanmar decide to protest on this high prices. Long story short, the monks join in the protests, and while listening on Saturday for the Arsenal game, I heard on BBC World News about the symbolic event of the monks visiting the detained Miss Aung San Suu Kyi.
"She placed her hands together in the Buddhist sign of respect for the monks and the people. Together with her were two of her attendants, and the civilians started crying and weeping."
Guess I'm probably one of the first people to hear of that. In any case, the incidents have snowballed into the huge demonstrations on Thursday.
Put it this way...imagine being so poor and probably hungry for most of the day, and having the fuel prices being RAISED. Holy crap, the military government should go to Kunokuniya to borrow a book on "Governing for Dummies".
Today's Strait Times have rather long articles on Myanmar's past and present, before the British colonisation, during the Japanese Occupation.
For a 15 year old like me, Myanmar has always been a country which really isn't placed importantly on a world map, and you only remember there's such a country called "Myanmar" when you see it on the papers. And that, is rare.
We cannot start criticizing governments - that action is immature. We can however, continue to live life and think that Myanmar is none of our business. The Strait Times had already stated the 4 ways in which this protest can end - the protesters stop protesting, which I think is rather impossible, considering the unanimous decision that it is 'now or never'.
The second way would be for the government to split up and democracy to take over in Myanmar. Today I could hardly contain my laughter and my shock at the human emotions: there was a General Election in 1994, and Miss Aung San Suu Kyi's democratic party won.
The military refused to hand over power after that! Gosh, the power of money. One really has to understand that the world is unfair, and money is the driving force for everyone.
As a ordinary citizen, my most optimistic hope for Myanmar would be for the citizens to settle into democracy with the least possible bloodshed for the civilians. And down with the restricting military government!
How indeed the media has influenced us. I'm a pro-democratic blogger in such a sense!
Sitting here in the comfort of my study room with the walkman playing "20 Golden Oldies Volume 1", I compare my comfort to the situation in Myanmar - what would happen if Singapore was controlled by a military junta? Lol in any case PM Lee Hsien Loong shall be our Brigadier-General...
The politics surrounding these protests have affected the ASEAN, the United States, the United Kingdom, big players China and India.
China and India have been mentioned in the media as close partners to Myanmar. So why is China keep quiet and not intefering much with the problems surrounding this once-colonial military regime?
Well if you have done your research, you would have realised that China has plans with Myanmar to build a pipe connecting both countries, and that this pipe would transport oil into Mainland China.
Here's the link for the news: http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070619/3/33l0w.html
Should China intefere any deeper or irritate Myanmar...there goes the oil and loss of money for our big player in Asia.
I shall elaborate on the protests should any of you not know about it - thanks to the military government raising the fuel prices, the already impoverished people of
Myanmar decide to protest on this high prices. Long story short, the monks join in the protests, and while listening on Saturday for the Arsenal game, I heard on BBC World News about the symbolic event of the monks visiting the detained Miss Aung San Suu Kyi.
"She placed her hands together in the Buddhist sign of respect for the monks and the people. Together with her were two of her attendants, and the civilians started crying and weeping."
Guess I'm probably one of the first people to hear of that. In any case, the incidents have snowballed into the huge demonstrations on Thursday.
Put it this way...imagine being so poor and probably hungry for most of the day, and having the fuel prices being RAISED. Holy crap, the military government should go to Kunokuniya to borrow a book on "Governing for Dummies".
Today's Strait Times have rather long articles on Myanmar's past and present, before the British colonisation, during the Japanese Occupation.
For a 15 year old like me, Myanmar has always been a country which really isn't placed importantly on a world map, and you only remember there's such a country called "Myanmar" when you see it on the papers. And that, is rare.
We cannot start criticizing governments - that action is immature. We can however, continue to live life and think that Myanmar is none of our business. The Strait Times had already stated the 4 ways in which this protest can end - the protesters stop protesting, which I think is rather impossible, considering the unanimous decision that it is 'now or never'.
The second way would be for the government to split up and democracy to take over in Myanmar. Today I could hardly contain my laughter and my shock at the human emotions: there was a General Election in 1994, and Miss Aung San Suu Kyi's democratic party won.
The military refused to hand over power after that! Gosh, the power of money. One really has to understand that the world is unfair, and money is the driving force for everyone.
As a ordinary citizen, my most optimistic hope for Myanmar would be for the citizens to settle into democracy with the least possible bloodshed for the civilians. And down with the restricting military government!
How indeed the media has influenced us. I'm a pro-democratic blogger in such a sense!
Friday, September 28, 2007
after a while
I got 19.5/30 for my Math test! What a success considering I'm so busy. -.-
We didn't manage to go for auditions today because Adriel said there will be audtions after the EOY so we will most likely be going for that one.
I'm working with Bryan for National Day RE project next year! Thought that might be something good to note about. We're hoping to recruit somemore people. Probably Benjamin Low, considering he's from choir.
Starting to transcribe the latest song for three voices, one guitar and one piano already...thought of it during nap.
A good quote from Shanghai..."You know what makes a good nap? After napping you feel even more tired. (YAWN)!"
My computer's lagging suddenly. damn it. get's irritating after a while. It's like, typing one whole sentence and it takes 10 seconds to appear. Irritating...
We didn't manage to go for auditions today because Adriel said there will be audtions after the EOY so we will most likely be going for that one.
I'm working with Bryan for National Day RE project next year! Thought that might be something good to note about. We're hoping to recruit somemore people. Probably Benjamin Low, considering he's from choir.
Starting to transcribe the latest song for three voices, one guitar and one piano already...thought of it during nap.
A good quote from Shanghai..."You know what makes a good nap? After napping you feel even more tired. (YAWN)!"
My computer's lagging suddenly. damn it. get's irritating after a while. It's like, typing one whole sentence and it takes 10 seconds to appear. Irritating...
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I have nothing much to blog about today, except we rehearsed with Nabil and Jiawei and Adriel some of the songs. Cool huh?
Cool...
There wasn't really much except going to the studio and I sang one of the songs in my project file with Benjamin (Low) on piano. Wanted to get him to sing but he refused to because he couldn't learn it so fast (blame it on me).
Some people are born cultured.
Some people are born...simply wild.
Some people are born to know the human emotions better than others.
Some people are born to be in the picture.
Some people are born to be the viewer.
Some people are born to be the frame.
Some people are born to be the artist.
Some people are born to vandalise - they vandalise the picture to make it look better, and make it look worse!
Some people are born to dictate regimes.
Some people are born to lead the country into freedom, peace, love.
Some people are born to hate.
All people are born to love.
Cool...
There wasn't really much except going to the studio and I sang one of the songs in my project file with Benjamin (Low) on piano. Wanted to get him to sing but he refused to because he couldn't learn it so fast (blame it on me).
Some people are born cultured.
Some people are born...simply wild.
Some people are born to know the human emotions better than others.
Some people are born to be in the picture.
Some people are born to be the viewer.
Some people are born to be the frame.
Some people are born to be the artist.
Some people are born to vandalise - they vandalise the picture to make it look better, and make it look worse!
Some people are born to dictate regimes.
Some people are born to lead the country into freedom, peace, love.
Some people are born to hate.
All people are born to love.
but we skipped
At the rate we're producing songs, we're going to finish in 2 weeks. Or maybe a week and a half. Anyway it's really fun to create music with friends. After rehearsal Bryan and I went to RJC composing room/practice room 4 and we sang my newest and uncompleted song, "We'll be strong", but we skipped "We're in love again", cos I played it already -.-
Then recess Adriel came and played the cello part, and dang some people really can improvise very well, and there he did the cello part for "We'll be strong". Half an hour later at 1100h Ben Lee came into the Design Centre and took out his violin, for I invited him to play with the band the night before. And so we went through the pieces, and I showed him a little bit of my manuscript book, and off he went. THen I proceeded to continue my newest work.
It's so damn fun to be a songwriter. Just churn things everyday. Then you adjust the mugging times around your composing. :)
___________________________________________________________
And here, is a little excerpt from Benjamin Yap's blog.
So anyway, today was some prefect thing during assembly. And lo and behold... i ask another question to boggle the minds of everyone in my immediate vicinity and caused norman and andrew to debate over it for about 30 minutes.
What is the difference between a prefect and a normal student? I can say nothing. besides booking everyone for the smallest things. What does a prefect have that a normal student doesnt? Black shoes, shiny new badge. That's all. I mean really, you don't have to be a prefect to do those things that prefects do. I think, it's the title. It just elevates you to think you have more power. Where you really dont.
One awesome question to ask prefects: Would you do what you promised if you did not become a prefect?
Possible answers: No. Why? because being a prefect gives me a position to speak and therefore voice my opinions, yadayadayada.
Lies. What is stopping a normal student from voicing his opinion? If only prefects have the right to do so, RI is an extremely elitist school. And if these prefects who are our leaders, and many of them candidates to lead the country, will they not shift Singapore closer and closer to becoming an elitist society?
I can say that a normal student CAN do more than a prefect. His tools? Passion and a genuine desire to improve the school in any way. Let's see. Recently, 3L has been repeatedly voicing our opinions on DMP. Straight to the form teacher. And many prefects are saying that they will help us talk to teachers and negotiate. yet, here we are, negotiating, arguing, without the assistance of prefects. sure, the message isn't getting across, but at least we genuinely want this changes.
Alright, i will now contradict myself. Prefects have something. Motivation, the obligation to do something, just because they are a prefect. But really, do we want people to help us because they think they have to? Or because they want to? I'm not saying there aren't any prefects with passion/whatever. I'm saying, they don't have to be a prefect to do it. Also, prefects have one more thing going for them. Title, again. it's all about the black shoes. It gives them confidence that they will be listened to. But then, once again, i reiterate, you can have that confidence without being a prefect.
So really, is the prefectorial board nothing but enforcers of discipline? Sure, they organise stuff. Once again, you don't have to be a prefect to do that. The RIPB is there so that there are people who provide manpower to do these things, because, frankly, i don't think the teachers believe anyone will willingly step up to organise things. And frankly, no one really cares sometimes. Maybe the prefects are just people who are being whipped by responsibility and obligation to do these things.
Let us look at some cliche campaigns from the nominees.
You can come to me to talk about your problems! No thank you, i'd rather go to someone i know.
i'll fix ____ problem! And how does that warrant my vote? If i really cared about ___ problem, i would go about fixing it myself.
I have passion for the school and want to rekindle the rafflesian spirit! How does being a prefect help you then?
So, if we really think about it, maybe this whole prefect business is like some kind of cheap labour for the school. People who are responsible to do these things, merely because they're in it, not because they want to do it. If Rafflesians require such motivation to do anything for the school, i don't really think the Rafflesian spirit exists in any form at all.
_________________________________________________
There you have it. I don't really agree with the last sentence, and I do believe the Rafflesian Spirit exists.
Then recess Adriel came and played the cello part, and dang some people really can improvise very well, and there he did the cello part for "We'll be strong". Half an hour later at 1100h Ben Lee came into the Design Centre and took out his violin, for I invited him to play with the band the night before. And so we went through the pieces, and I showed him a little bit of my manuscript book, and off he went. THen I proceeded to continue my newest work.
It's so damn fun to be a songwriter. Just churn things everyday. Then you adjust the mugging times around your composing. :)
___________________________________________________________
And here, is a little excerpt from Benjamin Yap's blog.
So anyway, today was some prefect thing during assembly. And lo and behold... i ask another question to boggle the minds of everyone in my immediate vicinity and caused norman and andrew to debate over it for about 30 minutes.
What is the difference between a prefect and a normal student? I can say nothing. besides booking everyone for the smallest things. What does a prefect have that a normal student doesnt? Black shoes, shiny new badge. That's all. I mean really, you don't have to be a prefect to do those things that prefects do. I think, it's the title. It just elevates you to think you have more power. Where you really dont.
One awesome question to ask prefects: Would you do what you promised if you did not become a prefect?
Possible answers: No. Why? because being a prefect gives me a position to speak and therefore voice my opinions, yadayadayada.
Lies. What is stopping a normal student from voicing his opinion? If only prefects have the right to do so, RI is an extremely elitist school. And if these prefects who are our leaders, and many of them candidates to lead the country, will they not shift Singapore closer and closer to becoming an elitist society?
I can say that a normal student CAN do more than a prefect. His tools? Passion and a genuine desire to improve the school in any way. Let's see. Recently, 3L has been repeatedly voicing our opinions on DMP. Straight to the form teacher. And many prefects are saying that they will help us talk to teachers and negotiate. yet, here we are, negotiating, arguing, without the assistance of prefects. sure, the message isn't getting across, but at least we genuinely want this changes.
Alright, i will now contradict myself. Prefects have something. Motivation, the obligation to do something, just because they are a prefect. But really, do we want people to help us because they think they have to? Or because they want to? I'm not saying there aren't any prefects with passion/whatever. I'm saying, they don't have to be a prefect to do it. Also, prefects have one more thing going for them. Title, again. it's all about the black shoes. It gives them confidence that they will be listened to. But then, once again, i reiterate, you can have that confidence without being a prefect.
So really, is the prefectorial board nothing but enforcers of discipline? Sure, they organise stuff. Once again, you don't have to be a prefect to do that. The RIPB is there so that there are people who provide manpower to do these things, because, frankly, i don't think the teachers believe anyone will willingly step up to organise things. And frankly, no one really cares sometimes. Maybe the prefects are just people who are being whipped by responsibility and obligation to do these things.
Let us look at some cliche campaigns from the nominees.
You can come to me to talk about your problems! No thank you, i'd rather go to someone i know.
i'll fix ____ problem! And how does that warrant my vote? If i really cared about ___ problem, i would go about fixing it myself.
I have passion for the school and want to rekindle the rafflesian spirit! How does being a prefect help you then?
So, if we really think about it, maybe this whole prefect business is like some kind of cheap labour for the school. People who are responsible to do these things, merely because they're in it, not because they want to do it. If Rafflesians require such motivation to do anything for the school, i don't really think the Rafflesian spirit exists in any form at all.
_________________________________________________
There you have it. I don't really agree with the last sentence, and I do believe the Rafflesian Spirit exists.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Existence of the RIPB
We had the prefectorial candidates forum. And so being a forum the candidates expressed their wish, basically, to be a prefect. I'm simplifying things to the basics now, since the reasons they were there was to convince us to vote for them.
Now we were led to the questions-and-answers session, before Benjamin Yap turned to me while I was playing with chalk (yes, the white material your parents used in school). Then he said, "What's the difference between a normal student and a prefect?"
So while the candidates were busy answering the questions, I pondered his question, and I said, "They have the ability to keep discipline?"
"That's booking. Anything else?"
Questioning the Existence of the RIPB
__________________________________________________________
So I really did my best to find whether they had any difference from normal students. They organised events? Wait. They had student councils to handle these. And who was part of the student councils? Normal students.
And who did National Day? RE student group.
And the inter-class? CEC council.
And I haven't come into the problem of the Prefectorial Board's only purpose as felt by the general voice of the Rafflesian Population - the existence of it would be to book people.
In nicer terms, let's all call it "maintaining discipline".
'Maintaining discipline' in Raffles would be to book people, and accumulating 6 demerits points for 6 bookings would result in detention.
That's fine with me, seriously. I mean, if it does help in maintaining discipline - by the way, there are still people coming in school late every single day, eating outside the canteen, sporting long hair. And right, I only know of this three bookable offences. If there are others, I'm a good student and only have been booked for this 3 offences over my three years in Raffles.
So wait, the RIPB exists just to curb these 3 sins? Or 5 sins? 6?
No, they also exist to organise Rafflesian Spotlight, and the likes? Yes.
Now, let's move on to the other aspects - what if RIPB didn't exist.
Well, we can all still survive, albeit with 'lesser discipline' then before. Late arrivals - wait that can be detected by the teachers. Those not on the attendance list are considered late. That isn't hard work, considering how our CEC aids the teachers. Mrs Tan just asks, "Who isn't here?" during morning assembly, and whoever is not in the line would be marked absent. And if he comes later, he's of course, late!
Forget about writing reasons - how ever good the reason would be, whether you're involved in a car crash and couldn't get on time, you've got your demerit point and would be later sent for detention upon being involved in 6 car crashes.
So there. But wait, that is unfair! What happens if you're sick? States on the Raffles Handbook that if you're sick, you should call the General Office and inform them you're late. They will inform the teachers of that class. Let's say maybe about 10 students a day. Not tiring, just call in, copy the name class, and send to the teacher.
You will then be marked absent for the day, and no demerit points for you. And if you want to play truant, you can't because whether the RIPB is in existance or not you still have to go to school. Fail to produce an MC, you are reported to the discipline master or the level head.
Any mention of RIPB in my process of being late? No. If you come later that day, your responsibility to inform the form teacher. Any difference should Matthias the Prefect or Kristian the Prefect were there?
No.
Let's now move on to Hair Check. So Kristian goes down the entire line, as with all prefects from 1A to 4T. The prefects move down the line. Along with the CEC. The prefects will then single out students with hair that is too long. CEC would then do the attendance.
Wait, so why can't Ben Low move down the line, spot out the hair-failers, send them to the clock tower, and check the missing people? Is he in any case, more supceptible to bribery compared to the prefects? If he is, why is he part of the CEC then? Is he, in any case, have a psychomotor disablity to spot the hair-failers and the absentees in less then 2 minutes? It's a class of less than 30. Just sweep through twice and you're done - efficient.
Any void so far left by the prefects' absense? No.
Eating outside the canteen.
Now let's say from tomorrow we were allowed to eat outside the canteen.
We would have insects everywhere, ants, cockroaches, and the like. And I totally despise people who argue that it's the cleaner's job to clean up after all. We would all come to the consensus that we would not be able to study with rats scurrying around 3L, or the design centre.
The CEC can't do anything - they are based in class only and they can't go around just looking for people who eat outside the canteen.
In fact, no one is deployed just for a single purpose - to check people from eating outside the canteen.
And that, readers, definitely includes the RIPB, for RIPB consists of students who need a life, who need lesser stress, and more time for themselves.
No, I'm not saying that members of the RIPB do not have a life. Among those 70 people, how many of them truly enjoy their posts? Ok. Prefects who are reading this blog, I'm not psychic, and I cannot think what you are thinking.
You may enjoy the job, but after reading my points and feeling no need for you to be present in hair check and late-coming, are you going to exist for the sole purpose of looking for a piece of bread outside of our canteen? And for goodness, what can be eaten during recess outside of the canteen?
Bread? Biscuits? The management has indeed produce a good solution to this problem already - go to the 1st floor to eat your sandwich.
And why don't you see many people doing that? Probably because of the inaccessibility to the lifts. But, you see, it all fits perfectly - allow acess of the lifts during the official break periods! No teachers would be using the lifts then - they would by then, be in the canteen or in the comfort of the staffrooms.
Trust me, teachers, you would still be able to use the lifts. Should there be overloading, off the students go. And for goodness, students know their limits. We are not stupid enough to enter a lift with teachers inside.
As to the rest, we have to base on our own principles. Show others what it means to be a Rafflesian. After all, we cannot always depend on prefects to make us Rafflesian.
We cannot depend on them to keep ourselves neat and in-check.
We cannot depend on them to come on time everyday.
At the end of the day, we have still have to depend on ourselves. I believe fullheartedly that you can survive a day without mentioning RIPB.
And oh yes, about playing soccer in uniform. We stopped playing when Ms. Martina Ong saw us and stopped us from continuing. How many teachers do not pass the Astroturf frequently? Or even the field? Or the basketball court?
And trust me guys, playing with school uniform and sweating like hell isn't going to work. If you can't resists (which happens most of the time), borrow a PE kit from your friend.
Personally, I do not think you want to look transparent with sweat when you go to J8 after your soccer match - looking presentable is totally based on your ownself. And by the way, bring a bottle of deodorant always. I believe that's the best you can do to keep yourself, presentable.
Let's not burden our fellow friends and transform them into policemen. Remember when you wanted Shanzhi to play soccer with you all, but are not able to because he's a prefect, and he can't play with his school uniform? Of course he can't play - you will get him all sweaty and transparent - his responsbility gets him to bring his own PE kit to change into. And what gets him the responsbility? It's the Rafflesian Spirit - willing to keep our uniforms clean, and be proud of ourselves.
It's no wonder we don't have the Pasir Ris Secondary School Spirit - the thinker, leader, pioneer is inside all of us - we don't need any policemen to keep our actions in check.
Lastly, to all Prefect Nominees. Be proud of who you are - the name Rafflesian is already enough. As a Rafflesian, you're a Thinker, Leader, and Pioneer. Do you have to be a prefect to be a thinker, a leader, a pioneer?
To Karthik - do you need to be a prefect to call for the allowance for students in lifts during official break hours and after school?
Do you need to be a prefect to organise the Raffles Sport Colosseum? No. Just ask for permission from the school adminstration and off you go, organise.
Thus I conclude this blogpost questioning the existence of
the RIPB, and emphasizing the importance of the CEC, and of course,
the Rafflesian Community.
Now we were led to the questions-and-answers session, before Benjamin Yap turned to me while I was playing with chalk (yes, the white material your parents used in school). Then he said, "What's the difference between a normal student and a prefect?"
So while the candidates were busy answering the questions, I pondered his question, and I said, "They have the ability to keep discipline?"
"That's booking. Anything else?"
Questioning the Existence of the RIPB
__________________________________________________________
So I really did my best to find whether they had any difference from normal students. They organised events? Wait. They had student councils to handle these. And who was part of the student councils? Normal students.
And who did National Day? RE student group.
And the inter-class? CEC council.
And I haven't come into the problem of the Prefectorial Board's only purpose as felt by the general voice of the Rafflesian Population - the existence of it would be to book people.
In nicer terms, let's all call it "maintaining discipline".
'Maintaining discipline' in Raffles would be to book people, and accumulating 6 demerits points for 6 bookings would result in detention.
That's fine with me, seriously. I mean, if it does help in maintaining discipline - by the way, there are still people coming in school late every single day, eating outside the canteen, sporting long hair. And right, I only know of this three bookable offences. If there are others, I'm a good student and only have been booked for this 3 offences over my three years in Raffles.
So wait, the RIPB exists just to curb these 3 sins? Or 5 sins? 6?
No, they also exist to organise Rafflesian Spotlight, and the likes? Yes.
Now, let's move on to the other aspects - what if RIPB didn't exist.
Well, we can all still survive, albeit with 'lesser discipline' then before. Late arrivals - wait that can be detected by the teachers. Those not on the attendance list are considered late. That isn't hard work, considering how our CEC aids the teachers. Mrs Tan just asks, "Who isn't here?" during morning assembly, and whoever is not in the line would be marked absent. And if he comes later, he's of course, late!
Forget about writing reasons - how ever good the reason would be, whether you're involved in a car crash and couldn't get on time, you've got your demerit point and would be later sent for detention upon being involved in 6 car crashes.
So there. But wait, that is unfair! What happens if you're sick? States on the Raffles Handbook that if you're sick, you should call the General Office and inform them you're late. They will inform the teachers of that class. Let's say maybe about 10 students a day. Not tiring, just call in, copy the name class, and send to the teacher.
You will then be marked absent for the day, and no demerit points for you. And if you want to play truant, you can't because whether the RIPB is in existance or not you still have to go to school. Fail to produce an MC, you are reported to the discipline master or the level head.
Any mention of RIPB in my process of being late? No. If you come later that day, your responsibility to inform the form teacher. Any difference should Matthias the Prefect or Kristian the Prefect were there?
No.
Let's now move on to Hair Check. So Kristian goes down the entire line, as with all prefects from 1A to 4T. The prefects move down the line. Along with the CEC. The prefects will then single out students with hair that is too long. CEC would then do the attendance.
Wait, so why can't Ben Low move down the line, spot out the hair-failers, send them to the clock tower, and check the missing people? Is he in any case, more supceptible to bribery compared to the prefects? If he is, why is he part of the CEC then? Is he, in any case, have a psychomotor disablity to spot the hair-failers and the absentees in less then 2 minutes? It's a class of less than 30. Just sweep through twice and you're done - efficient.
Any void so far left by the prefects' absense? No.
Eating outside the canteen.
Now let's say from tomorrow we were allowed to eat outside the canteen.
We would have insects everywhere, ants, cockroaches, and the like. And I totally despise people who argue that it's the cleaner's job to clean up after all. We would all come to the consensus that we would not be able to study with rats scurrying around 3L, or the design centre.
The CEC can't do anything - they are based in class only and they can't go around just looking for people who eat outside the canteen.
In fact, no one is deployed just for a single purpose - to check people from eating outside the canteen.
And that, readers, definitely includes the RIPB, for RIPB consists of students who need a life, who need lesser stress, and more time for themselves.
No, I'm not saying that members of the RIPB do not have a life. Among those 70 people, how many of them truly enjoy their posts? Ok. Prefects who are reading this blog, I'm not psychic, and I cannot think what you are thinking.
You may enjoy the job, but after reading my points and feeling no need for you to be present in hair check and late-coming, are you going to exist for the sole purpose of looking for a piece of bread outside of our canteen? And for goodness, what can be eaten during recess outside of the canteen?
Bread? Biscuits? The management has indeed produce a good solution to this problem already - go to the 1st floor to eat your sandwich.
And why don't you see many people doing that? Probably because of the inaccessibility to the lifts. But, you see, it all fits perfectly - allow acess of the lifts during the official break periods! No teachers would be using the lifts then - they would by then, be in the canteen or in the comfort of the staffrooms.
Trust me, teachers, you would still be able to use the lifts. Should there be overloading, off the students go. And for goodness, students know their limits. We are not stupid enough to enter a lift with teachers inside.
As to the rest, we have to base on our own principles. Show others what it means to be a Rafflesian. After all, we cannot always depend on prefects to make us Rafflesian.
We cannot depend on them to keep ourselves neat and in-check.
We cannot depend on them to come on time everyday.
At the end of the day, we have still have to depend on ourselves. I believe fullheartedly that you can survive a day without mentioning RIPB.
And oh yes, about playing soccer in uniform. We stopped playing when Ms. Martina Ong saw us and stopped us from continuing. How many teachers do not pass the Astroturf frequently? Or even the field? Or the basketball court?
And trust me guys, playing with school uniform and sweating like hell isn't going to work. If you can't resists (which happens most of the time), borrow a PE kit from your friend.
Personally, I do not think you want to look transparent with sweat when you go to J8 after your soccer match - looking presentable is totally based on your ownself. And by the way, bring a bottle of deodorant always. I believe that's the best you can do to keep yourself, presentable.
Let's not burden our fellow friends and transform them into policemen. Remember when you wanted Shanzhi to play soccer with you all, but are not able to because he's a prefect, and he can't play with his school uniform? Of course he can't play - you will get him all sweaty and transparent - his responsbility gets him to bring his own PE kit to change into. And what gets him the responsbility? It's the Rafflesian Spirit - willing to keep our uniforms clean, and be proud of ourselves.
It's no wonder we don't have the Pasir Ris Secondary School Spirit - the thinker, leader, pioneer is inside all of us - we don't need any policemen to keep our actions in check.
Lastly, to all Prefect Nominees. Be proud of who you are - the name Rafflesian is already enough. As a Rafflesian, you're a Thinker, Leader, and Pioneer. Do you have to be a prefect to be a thinker, a leader, a pioneer?
To Karthik - do you need to be a prefect to call for the allowance for students in lifts during official break hours and after school?
Do you need to be a prefect to organise the Raffles Sport Colosseum? No. Just ask for permission from the school adminstration and off you go, organise.
Thus I conclude this blogpost questioning the existence of
the RIPB, and emphasizing the importance of the CEC, and of course,
the Rafflesian Community.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
and the building right in front of me
I stepped out of YST entrance yesterday.
And the building right in front of me, slapped on my face - "NUS MUSEUM"
Then I started laughing like, really mad!
Today during uni tutorial Dr. Edwards mentioned about this ballet which showed really really random stuff. Like a man acting gentleman and giving a rose to a female and kissing her, before taking out a knife and cutting her eye.
And of course, two priests in a living room dragging a grand piano with a dead donkey on it!
I mean, how RANDOM can that be.
Check out on youtube, "Ballet Mechanique", and you know what I mean.
And the building right in front of me, slapped on my face - "NUS MUSEUM"
Then I started laughing like, really mad!
Today during uni tutorial Dr. Edwards mentioned about this ballet which showed really really random stuff. Like a man acting gentleman and giving a rose to a female and kissing her, before taking out a knife and cutting her eye.
And of course, two priests in a living room dragging a grand piano with a dead donkey on it!
I mean, how RANDOM can that be.
Check out on youtube, "Ballet Mechanique", and you know what I mean.
Friday, September 21, 2007
This 4 days haitus has brought me a successful concert and a song!
Ok for those who don't know yet I performed a few days back (Tuesday) at Yong Siew Toh Consevatory Concert Hall, but I only knew Fiona and Edwyna came. Any other RI people?
For me I thought it was one of my best concerts I've ever played it, or probably the best. Maybe. I just did my best and I thought I played my best. So the hard work did pay off. After the concert we went to have pizzas and curry puffs and desserts and drinks, lots and lots of photographs and laughter, and there you have it. I left at about 10.30pm, though the concert ended at 9.15 I think. Time does pass quickly when you're happy.
On Wednesday I decided to start proper on the Rafflesian Spotlight song. So I basically thought of the melody while I was showering again (as per usual), and then got out in towel to write our first two stanzas. Called up Adriel to say we have our first two stanzas, then ate my dinner.
The next morning I showed it to him, without no chords and nothing, only me to sing it for him. He asked me to continue, and then I finished sorting out chords during external MEP DMP, then performed it for the instructors, instructors said they loved the verses and the lyrics, just need to show out the chorus more. And the pre-chorus wasn't clear, so yep, went home and finished everything. Took about half hour.
The next morning I cleaned up my song in the car, 5 minutes. Met Adriel at Junior Block Seminar Room 4, played it to him, we sang and recorded it.
6 hours later played it for Chenghan, he said it was draggy but he said it was nice, and he recorded it again, this time video.
Impromptu-ed a song for Kuangnan in support for MaoZeDong, and david, kuangnan, chenghan, adriel and I all had a good time laughing like shit and singing.
And then Adriel said the song I wrote was dedicated to Jiale and David, but haiz, of course, after all I've been saying, it definitely sounds like a love song, and yes it is!
Shall record it professionally first before I attempt to put it out here. On Youtube, I think.
I'm currently copying to a clean manuscript my sketchcopy of "Tango", a piece composed by me as a assignment for tomorrow's class. And when I mean sketch, really sketch.
It's damn dirty.
Ok for those who don't know yet I performed a few days back (Tuesday) at Yong Siew Toh Consevatory Concert Hall, but I only knew Fiona and Edwyna came. Any other RI people?
For me I thought it was one of my best concerts I've ever played it, or probably the best. Maybe. I just did my best and I thought I played my best. So the hard work did pay off. After the concert we went to have pizzas and curry puffs and desserts and drinks, lots and lots of photographs and laughter, and there you have it. I left at about 10.30pm, though the concert ended at 9.15 I think. Time does pass quickly when you're happy.
On Wednesday I decided to start proper on the Rafflesian Spotlight song. So I basically thought of the melody while I was showering again (as per usual), and then got out in towel to write our first two stanzas. Called up Adriel to say we have our first two stanzas, then ate my dinner.
The next morning I showed it to him, without no chords and nothing, only me to sing it for him. He asked me to continue, and then I finished sorting out chords during external MEP DMP, then performed it for the instructors, instructors said they loved the verses and the lyrics, just need to show out the chorus more. And the pre-chorus wasn't clear, so yep, went home and finished everything. Took about half hour.
The next morning I cleaned up my song in the car, 5 minutes. Met Adriel at Junior Block Seminar Room 4, played it to him, we sang and recorded it.
6 hours later played it for Chenghan, he said it was draggy but he said it was nice, and he recorded it again, this time video.
Impromptu-ed a song for Kuangnan in support for MaoZeDong, and david, kuangnan, chenghan, adriel and I all had a good time laughing like shit and singing.
And then Adriel said the song I wrote was dedicated to Jiale and David, but haiz, of course, after all I've been saying, it definitely sounds like a love song, and yes it is!
Shall record it professionally first before I attempt to put it out here. On Youtube, I think.
I'm currently copying to a clean manuscript my sketchcopy of "Tango", a piece composed by me as a assignment for tomorrow's class. And when I mean sketch, really sketch.
It's damn dirty.
Monday, September 17, 2007
concert tomorrow free admission 7.30 YST
Ok today was the last rehearsal for my Primarily Piano concert for tomorrow.
Let's say you just had 10 of your favourite Marie biscuits and a Swiss roll. How will you feel? Just like vomiting.
Borrowed the book "Carl Czerny - ON THE PROPER PERFORMANCE OF ALL BEETHOVEN'S WORKS FOR THE PIANO", which had Thomas Ang commenting with the words 'shit' and 'wahlau'.
Probably going for Spotlight, but going to have to pen some words and chords and melody down before we actually rehearse. Tomorrow? Wednesday? I don't know.
I'm sorry if I had pushed you too much. I guess sometimes people get worried too much, and then they let their emotions take over.
Otherwise, I don't think I have too much to post accept that I talked to Alan (Choo) lots today and also with Jun Hong...you just can't believe how much fun YST and RISE have for me.
Let's say you just had 10 of your favourite Marie biscuits and a Swiss roll. How will you feel? Just like vomiting.
Borrowed the book "Carl Czerny - ON THE PROPER PERFORMANCE OF ALL BEETHOVEN'S WORKS FOR THE PIANO", which had Thomas Ang commenting with the words 'shit' and 'wahlau'.
Probably going for Spotlight, but going to have to pen some words and chords and melody down before we actually rehearse. Tomorrow? Wednesday? I don't know.
I'm sorry if I had pushed you too much. I guess sometimes people get worried too much, and then they let their emotions take over.
Otherwise, I don't think I have too much to post accept that I talked to Alan (Choo) lots today and also with Jun Hong...you just can't believe how much fun YST and RISE have for me.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
blog quiz
Sorry to everyone about not posting yesterday. Anyway today was nothing special, for the first time didn't practise that much piano and didn't do much work. Tuition at 9am, and then the entire family went shopping for shoes.
This pair of shoes would be for my upcoming concert on Tuesday, cost me close to a 100 bucks. And then I got a blue tie to go with my white long-sleeve shirt and black pants. So that would be my concert attire.
Other than that during shopping I actually got a call from Mr Sze about preparing a new piano concerto. Quite good timing because my piano teacher may want me to play a concerto some day. Went from People's Park to Dhoby Ghaut, and then back to Serangoon, where the parents parked their car.
Dropped by my cousin's house, went to the basement for some blog surfing and John-Lennon-listening, and after one hour, I was gone, back home again.
Now, get ready for my first-ever blog quiz! Thanks to Fiona.
Here goes:
From Fiona's blog
List out your top 5 birthday presents you wish for:
1. Another grand piano, probably a Steinway. Yamaha's good enough.
2. 5 stacks of golden oldies.
3. A badminton racket.
4. A guitar, doesn't matter if it's acoustic or electric
5. World peace.
1. the person who tagged you is?
- Fiona
2. your relationship with him/her is?
- Good friend. cos she came to my concert even though it was $20. Wait, wasn't it complimentary? oops!
3. your 5 impressions of him/her
fiona:
- insightful
-honest
-likes 2 use shortcuts often unknown to me. Aight?
-has the ability to look at the picture and not be in the picture. May sometimes be part of the picture though, but it’s ok.
-very strong character, but unfortunately like all girls, does have a soft spot. Or make it like all people. Including me!
4. most memorable thing he/she has done for you?
- came to my concert to support lorh. Thanks ah
5. most memorable words he has said to you?
- not words, but philosophy.
6. if she becomes your lover, you will?
- write some viola and piano pieces. After all, I’m a musician. But unlikely to happen, lah!
7. if she becomes your lover, things he has to improve on will be?
- her viola playing. Cos it’s going to be very difficult man... I realised my cello pieces are near impossible to play. But my piano writing has improved!
8. if she becomes your enemy, you will?
- I don’t have enemies. I forgive enemies. Will definitely try to makeup
9. if she becomes your enemy the reason will be?
- She didn’t play the viola part well...
10. the most desired thing you want to do for her would be?
- to listen to whatever she has to say 247. Unfortunately my profession kinda restricts that some bit... I will listen and advice for anyone really – just ask.
11. overall impression of him?
- a strong lady who’s got character. Most likely profession: your next best Singapore author. Stays true to herself and others...
12. how do you think people around you will feel about you?
- hopefully a nice guy. Bryan Choong actually said if his entire family was gone the next family he would like to be in would be mine.
13. the character you love about yourself is?
- I’m an optimistic freak and bring joy and music to everyone. And a listening ear. Add the crying shoulder part...
14. the character you hate of yourself is?
- Self-sacrificing and begging to do all the work during music projects and letting everyone slack. I will continue to do so, so others don’t worry!
15. the person you want to be?
- the same old Jonathan Shin
16. for people who care about you, say something!
- the old word thanks and I will always be your friend!
17. pass this quiz to 10 people to know what they feel about you.
1. Audrey
2. Paul
3. Nigel Lua
4. Melissa
5. Adriel Chang
6. David Ng
7. Li Jinghui
8. Fiona
9. Bryan
10. Jiale
Who is no6 having a relationship with?
- no. 10
is no9 a male or female?
- male
if no7 and no10 are together, will it be a good thing?
- someone between adriel and jinghui will get damn pissed. But no, definitely not.
how about 8 and 5?
- might work out considering the kind of girls 5 likes...apparently non-bimbo
what is no2 studying?
- how to bite fingernails. Goalkeeping?
when was the last you talked to no3?
- my cousin. Few hours back...looking at racist jokes.
what kind of music does no.8 like?
- from latest blogpost: Oh, and yes, I love Julie Andrews! And all the beautiful musicals which we no longer see any successors of nowadays: The Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady. And the film Victor/Victoria is so super! It’s kinda old, but do check it out because it captures some gender issues
Wait, erm, those are musicals. How about...a couple of oldies. And some modern songs.
does no1 have any siblings?
- yup
will you woo no3?
- my cousin leh. But I suggest girls to go woo him.
how about no7?
- fck u blog quiz. Wait until I stop being a musician.Never...!
is no 4 single?
- don’t know never seen her for so long liao!
whats the surname of number 5!
- the famous Chang. The name Adriel is synonymous with Chang. Really...
surname of no 10?
-phua
hobby of no.4?
- music?
do no5 and no9 get along?
- they don’t know each other
where does no2 study at?
- RI
talk something casually about no1?
- Ya. That’s she’s been too stressed out, like probably all ny girls.
have you tried developing feelings about no8?
- And no. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9, and 10
where does no9 live?
- forgot already!
no5 and 1 best friends?
- nope.
does no7 like no2?
- nope 7 thinks he’s gay and is adamant about it.
how you get to know no2?
- classmate!
does no1 have any pets?
- nope...her brother counted?
is no7 the sexiest person in the world?
- dream on!
This pair of shoes would be for my upcoming concert on Tuesday, cost me close to a 100 bucks. And then I got a blue tie to go with my white long-sleeve shirt and black pants. So that would be my concert attire.
Other than that during shopping I actually got a call from Mr Sze about preparing a new piano concerto. Quite good timing because my piano teacher may want me to play a concerto some day. Went from People's Park to Dhoby Ghaut, and then back to Serangoon, where the parents parked their car.
Dropped by my cousin's house, went to the basement for some blog surfing and John-Lennon-listening, and after one hour, I was gone, back home again.
Now, get ready for my first-ever blog quiz! Thanks to Fiona.
Here goes:
From Fiona's blog
List out your top 5 birthday presents you wish for:
1. Another grand piano, probably a Steinway. Yamaha's good enough.
2. 5 stacks of golden oldies.
3. A badminton racket.
4. A guitar, doesn't matter if it's acoustic or electric
5. World peace.
1. the person who tagged you is?
- Fiona
2. your relationship with him/her is?
- Good friend. cos she came to my concert even though it was $20. Wait, wasn't it complimentary? oops!
3. your 5 impressions of him/her
fiona:
- insightful
-honest
-likes 2 use shortcuts often unknown to me. Aight?
-has the ability to look at the picture and not be in the picture. May sometimes be part of the picture though, but it’s ok.
-very strong character, but unfortunately like all girls, does have a soft spot. Or make it like all people. Including me!
4. most memorable thing he/she has done for you?
- came to my concert to support lorh. Thanks ah
5. most memorable words he has said to you?
- not words, but philosophy.
6. if she becomes your lover, you will?
- write some viola and piano pieces. After all, I’m a musician. But unlikely to happen, lah!
7. if she becomes your lover, things he has to improve on will be?
- her viola playing. Cos it’s going to be very difficult man... I realised my cello pieces are near impossible to play. But my piano writing has improved!
8. if she becomes your enemy, you will?
- I don’t have enemies. I forgive enemies. Will definitely try to makeup
9. if she becomes your enemy the reason will be?
- She didn’t play the viola part well...
10. the most desired thing you want to do for her would be?
- to listen to whatever she has to say 247. Unfortunately my profession kinda restricts that some bit... I will listen and advice for anyone really – just ask.
11. overall impression of him?
- a strong lady who’s got character. Most likely profession: your next best Singapore author. Stays true to herself and others...
12. how do you think people around you will feel about you?
- hopefully a nice guy. Bryan Choong actually said if his entire family was gone the next family he would like to be in would be mine.
13. the character you love about yourself is?
- I’m an optimistic freak and bring joy and music to everyone. And a listening ear. Add the crying shoulder part...
14. the character you hate of yourself is?
- Self-sacrificing and begging to do all the work during music projects and letting everyone slack. I will continue to do so, so others don’t worry!
15. the person you want to be?
- the same old Jonathan Shin
16. for people who care about you, say something!
- the old word thanks and I will always be your friend!
17. pass this quiz to 10 people to know what they feel about you.
1. Audrey
2. Paul
3. Nigel Lua
4. Melissa
5. Adriel Chang
6. David Ng
7. Li Jinghui
8. Fiona
9. Bryan
10. Jiale
Who is no6 having a relationship with?
- no. 10
is no9 a male or female?
- male
if no7 and no10 are together, will it be a good thing?
- someone between adriel and jinghui will get damn pissed. But no, definitely not.
how about 8 and 5?
- might work out considering the kind of girls 5 likes...apparently non-bimbo
what is no2 studying?
- how to bite fingernails. Goalkeeping?
when was the last you talked to no3?
- my cousin. Few hours back...looking at racist jokes.
what kind of music does no.8 like?
- from latest blogpost: Oh, and yes, I love Julie Andrews! And all the beautiful musicals which we no longer see any successors of nowadays: The Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady. And the film Victor/Victoria is so super! It’s kinda old, but do check it out because it captures some gender issues
Wait, erm, those are musicals. How about...a couple of oldies. And some modern songs.
does no1 have any siblings?
- yup
will you woo no3?
- my cousin leh. But I suggest girls to go woo him.
how about no7?
- fck u blog quiz. Wait until I stop being a musician.Never...!
is no 4 single?
- don’t know never seen her for so long liao!
whats the surname of number 5!
- the famous Chang. The name Adriel is synonymous with Chang. Really...
surname of no 10?
-phua
hobby of no.4?
- music?
do no5 and no9 get along?
- they don’t know each other
where does no2 study at?
- RI
talk something casually about no1?
- Ya. That’s she’s been too stressed out, like probably all ny girls.
have you tried developing feelings about no8?
- And no. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9, and 10
where does no9 live?
- forgot already!
no5 and 1 best friends?
- nope.
does no7 like no2?
- nope 7 thinks he’s gay and is adamant about it.
how you get to know no2?
- classmate!
does no1 have any pets?
- nope...her brother counted?
is no7 the sexiest person in the world?
- dream on!
Friday, September 14, 2007
My first performance as a conductor ended on a quick note, literally. I beated the two beats normally and resulted in our concertmaster Jinghui looking :O and confused. But it's alright, we all need experience.
DMP philosophy course on art and morality, and our group pondered whether pornography was considered art. We of course fought for the no part, and then started asking the meanings and definining and arguing the cause.
After that was rehearsal from 2pm, pretty much administration and running through of all 3 new pieces for our Year-End concert. I will most likely be singing and playing the piano with David and Daniel on guitar and drums respectively. We'll be doing "Fly me to the Moon". That's for the Chamber Concert.
And then I heard the Mendelssohn's Octet in E flat, where I had to clap, and gosh, it finished together and sounded good. Nice work, guys. We'll work harder and progress!
Before that I was playing a little street soccer in the mid-afternoon, and my team was good. Another clap for me and my team. Being all sweaty as per usual thanks to my high workrate and long stamina (weird. I seem to run all the time. Probably exercise), I was rushed off to YST by my manager/mother. Scolded in the car as per usual, and then I was off at YST.
Proudly displayed the RISE jacket, and went for the rehearsal. I was SOo freaking nervous I tell you. My first YST rehearsal was like, to me so big. But everyone (note 19-21 year olds) was like ok rehearse. You wouldn't believe it, but I was shaking so much that my score was vibrating on my lap and it nearly fell off. Phew. And what, Jenny was sitting beside me. If I actually dropped it I will be so bloody paiseh.
Tempest went pretty well! Can't believe it also but I did play well. Magic moment - checked. Singing run - checked. My ffs and my sf in context of p were too loud - let's say it's the piano's fault.
By the time it was done it was nearly 7 and a visit to the third floor settled everything. Came back to ground, say bye to security guard, and off.
A day in a life at YST.
And you. You're so foolish I tell you. Never forget the sms I sent you - yes, that long one. There are so much more I can tell you, but you probably have to learn it the hard way. Perhaps being selfish is the only way to let you learn...there's not a single hint of jealousy in thy voice. I just don't want you to learn it the hard way.
DMP philosophy course on art and morality, and our group pondered whether pornography was considered art. We of course fought for the no part, and then started asking the meanings and definining and arguing the cause.
After that was rehearsal from 2pm, pretty much administration and running through of all 3 new pieces for our Year-End concert. I will most likely be singing and playing the piano with David and Daniel on guitar and drums respectively. We'll be doing "Fly me to the Moon". That's for the Chamber Concert.
And then I heard the Mendelssohn's Octet in E flat, where I had to clap, and gosh, it finished together and sounded good. Nice work, guys. We'll work harder and progress!
Before that I was playing a little street soccer in the mid-afternoon, and my team was good. Another clap for me and my team. Being all sweaty as per usual thanks to my high workrate and long stamina (weird. I seem to run all the time. Probably exercise), I was rushed off to YST by my manager/mother. Scolded in the car as per usual, and then I was off at YST.
Proudly displayed the RISE jacket, and went for the rehearsal. I was SOo freaking nervous I tell you. My first YST rehearsal was like, to me so big. But everyone (note 19-21 year olds) was like ok rehearse. You wouldn't believe it, but I was shaking so much that my score was vibrating on my lap and it nearly fell off. Phew. And what, Jenny was sitting beside me. If I actually dropped it I will be so bloody paiseh.
Tempest went pretty well! Can't believe it also but I did play well. Magic moment - checked. Singing run - checked. My ffs and my sf in context of p were too loud - let's say it's the piano's fault.
By the time it was done it was nearly 7 and a visit to the third floor settled everything. Came back to ground, say bye to security guard, and off.
A day in a life at YST.
And you. You're so foolish I tell you. Never forget the sms I sent you - yes, that long one. There are so much more I can tell you, but you probably have to learn it the hard way. Perhaps being selfish is the only way to let you learn...there's not a single hint of jealousy in thy voice. I just don't want you to learn it the hard way.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Style? 0
We had the external DMP module for "Song-writing, Recording, Production and Audio Engineering Techniques" today. And we did do audio engineering. I thought it was kinda tough for them, considering how messy all of us were.
My day started at 11am, for once. Woke up finding myself practising Chopin's Op 25. No. 1 "Harp" Etude. Then after that I got a call from Jonathan Lim, and called my mum to fetch me to RI and there I was.
Because today was debates.
You see, I'm not born to debate, I'm born to produce music for your pleasure.
Oh and guess what, we had personality test today, and they found out I was a advisor and a listener. Ya, I think that's what I see myself as. It'S what they call, cool. You know, cool.
Back to debate, other than making the class laugh a little, there was little I could do except to repeat my points again and constantly "strengthening" (repeating) my points. Time taken? 1.2m.
Style? 0.
For external DMP I had to activate a quartet (as mentioned in my previous blogpost) to record for this session. We did, and earlier in the morning upon arriving in my class I found a guitar, and they proudly proclaimed it a class guitar, and allowed anyone to bring back home. I took it around with me today, and along with my cello for the quartet, that's two instruments on my body.
But I carried David's violin for Benwee, that makes it three instruments at once. No wonder they said I'm a musician. You don't see normal people carrying three instruments around the school. What's next, trolley for the piano?
So basically everywhere I went today was pretty much music, considering how I missed 10 mins of lesson time yesterday playing the piano with my friend and singing.
I played "Hey Jude" in class today and Eugene and Samuel played the guitar parts. And they requested me for a new pop song next week, which I have gamely completed while on the way back home. Upon reaching home, I tried it out, and voila, now to confirm the lyrics and chords and bring it to both of them next week where we will record it for the 2nd part of the External DMP.
Is anyone out there interested in joining a band?
My day started at 11am, for once. Woke up finding myself practising Chopin's Op 25. No. 1 "Harp" Etude. Then after that I got a call from Jonathan Lim, and called my mum to fetch me to RI and there I was.
Because today was debates.
You see, I'm not born to debate, I'm born to produce music for your pleasure.
Oh and guess what, we had personality test today, and they found out I was a advisor and a listener. Ya, I think that's what I see myself as. It'S what they call, cool. You know, cool.
Back to debate, other than making the class laugh a little, there was little I could do except to repeat my points again and constantly "strengthening" (repeating) my points. Time taken? 1.2m.
Style? 0.
For external DMP I had to activate a quartet (as mentioned in my previous blogpost) to record for this session. We did, and earlier in the morning upon arriving in my class I found a guitar, and they proudly proclaimed it a class guitar, and allowed anyone to bring back home. I took it around with me today, and along with my cello for the quartet, that's two instruments on my body.
But I carried David's violin for Benwee, that makes it three instruments at once. No wonder they said I'm a musician. You don't see normal people carrying three instruments around the school. What's next, trolley for the piano?
So basically everywhere I went today was pretty much music, considering how I missed 10 mins of lesson time yesterday playing the piano with my friend and singing.
I played "Hey Jude" in class today and Eugene and Samuel played the guitar parts. And they requested me for a new pop song next week, which I have gamely completed while on the way back home. Upon reaching home, I tried it out, and voila, now to confirm the lyrics and chords and bring it to both of them next week where we will record it for the 2nd part of the External DMP.
Is anyone out there interested in joining a band?
With lots of love and support and thanks
Hello. It's been a long day and I'm feeling very tired. And sad. And at the same time, happy and relieved. Tonight isn't a really starry night, but it's ok.
Supposed all of you heard of Mr. Otto Fong. I may have been shocked at first, never knowing the possibility, until I realised that there was indeed nothing wrong as long as he has never broken the law.
And btw, I would like to say that he's a good teacher, and was the one who recommended me to the Science Club after I talked to him about Relativity. But luckily I didn't go because I got 10/45 for physics later LOL. That was 1 year ago. He also wrote a comic on electricity, which really made it easy for us to understand. The electrons moving in directions, those fuels, yep, those stuff.
And so I would like to , no, not profess I'm gay, but express my support for my teacher, my RI teacher, my cool RI teacher. I don't see anything wrong with him - we can continue life as peacefully. Will it make you shocked if I professed that I'm a Eskimo?
No it wouldn't. Although Eskimos don't play Faure or Mozart or Debussy.
That's that.
Some people see the whole picture, but most people don't. Some of them are in the picture, some are outside the picture. For me, I'm the frame. I know what's inside the picture, yet I hold everyone together.
A pacifist.
A musician.
A guy who wants his job and money.
Probably shouts my name out to you when you read this.
Some quotes today - Miss Hahn "A good student is one who remembers."
When she says one thing, you do the same thing for any passage that appears similar.
Lots of love and support and thanks to everyone,
Jonathan
Supposed all of you heard of Mr. Otto Fong. I may have been shocked at first, never knowing the possibility, until I realised that there was indeed nothing wrong as long as he has never broken the law.
And btw, I would like to say that he's a good teacher, and was the one who recommended me to the Science Club after I talked to him about Relativity. But luckily I didn't go because I got 10/45 for physics later LOL. That was 1 year ago. He also wrote a comic on electricity, which really made it easy for us to understand. The electrons moving in directions, those fuels, yep, those stuff.
And so I would like to , no, not profess I'm gay, but express my support for my teacher, my RI teacher, my cool RI teacher. I don't see anything wrong with him - we can continue life as peacefully. Will it make you shocked if I professed that I'm a Eskimo?
No it wouldn't. Although Eskimos don't play Faure or Mozart or Debussy.
That's that.
Some people see the whole picture, but most people don't. Some of them are in the picture, some are outside the picture. For me, I'm the frame. I know what's inside the picture, yet I hold everyone together.
A pacifist.
A musician.
A guy who wants his job and money.
Probably shouts my name out to you when you read this.
Some quotes today - Miss Hahn "A good student is one who remembers."
When she says one thing, you do the same thing for any passage that appears similar.
Lots of love and support and thanks to everyone,
Jonathan
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
New Quest
And so I have just returned from Miss Hahn's piano lesson. Oh wait, there's a new quest for me.
"Hi Jon Shin, can you activate a string quartet for this week's DMP lesson? We're doing some recording. "
Alright. Time for Jonathan Shin to get down to some musical work again. Loads and loads of shit coming your way, watch out!
But no, seriously, at least this kind of things I enjoy doing. Music. That's why I want everything. I want the best of both worlds. And these worlds come under one universe of Music. And I cannot appear in both worlds at one time. That's when the spaceship comes. It eases my trouble. Driver of the spaceship? My mum. Kudos to her for driving up to sometimes 100km a day.
Unbelievable? Ask yourself. Bishan-Clementi-Mr Song's house (somewhere near Pasir Panjang?)- Bishan - VCH - Home
Sometimes worse than that. In any case it's getting bloody streneous, and it doesn't help when I see more people falling in despair everyday. I don't like seeing people in dispair, but even though I'm sometimes in despair (near suicidal) I always manage to pick myself up.
Ok so better spread on the joy to other people.
Next week I will be having my first Primarily Piano concert at YST. It's free so if you're free please come. It's on the tuesday. Yep, so I will be playing Beethoven's "Tempest" 1st movement.
It's strange. I am the only guy, out of 4 million people, doing this. But what an exciting life. No one ever gets what I get.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Shin
"Hi Jon Shin, can you activate a string quartet for this week's DMP lesson? We're doing some recording. "
Alright. Time for Jonathan Shin to get down to some musical work again. Loads and loads of shit coming your way, watch out!
But no, seriously, at least this kind of things I enjoy doing. Music. That's why I want everything. I want the best of both worlds. And these worlds come under one universe of Music. And I cannot appear in both worlds at one time. That's when the spaceship comes. It eases my trouble. Driver of the spaceship? My mum. Kudos to her for driving up to sometimes 100km a day.
Unbelievable? Ask yourself. Bishan-Clementi-Mr Song's house (somewhere near Pasir Panjang?)- Bishan - VCH - Home
Sometimes worse than that. In any case it's getting bloody streneous, and it doesn't help when I see more people falling in despair everyday. I don't like seeing people in dispair, but even though I'm sometimes in despair (near suicidal) I always manage to pick myself up.
Ok so better spread on the joy to other people.
Next week I will be having my first Primarily Piano concert at YST. It's free so if you're free please come. It's on the tuesday. Yep, so I will be playing Beethoven's "Tempest" 1st movement.
It's strange. I am the only guy, out of 4 million people, doing this. But what an exciting life. No one ever gets what I get.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Shin
HELP. HELP NEEDED.
I now sincerely wish I had two bodies to go with.
I need to get back to RISE, but I also have to go for Primarily Piano rehearsal.
I need to go back to RISE, but I have LRSM exam.
I need to return back to RISE, but I have my dental appointment and NRIC.
I'm now thinking - how am I going to handle all this.
Let's consider this together:
If I don't go to RISE:
1) I will kenah.
2) I will not know my music.
3) I wouldn't have time to rehearse
4) I don't play soccer with my friends.
5) I wouldn't be able to have experience conducting.
If I don't go to YST rehearsal:
1) I will do badly for Primarily Piano concert
2) I won't know my music.
3) I won't have time to rehearse.
4) I don't get to eat with my friends.
5) I wouldn't be able to have experience performing.
6) And if I do badly, I wouldn't be able to perform already and this would lead me to not collecting enough credits, and thus ruining my entire future.
But if I don't go for RISE, and I get kicked out of RISE, which is really below the last thing on my mind, I will just lose my sanity because that's only where I've got actually friends.
But if I go for RISE, I will miss out YST, and my parents will kill me, and Miss Hahn will be 'probably' be pissed.
But Mr Sze is also pissed because I didn't go for RISE rehearsal. Picture this - roughly 30 seconds after Miss Hahn called me to arrange lesson time, Mr Sze calls me and ask why I didn't come for rehearsal and that I failed to provide an actual reason. (although I did send an email through my computer)
And I only have two options - either RISE or YST. And I cannot have the best of both worlds. My parents will 80% disown me if I don't go for YST classes (which are almost everyday nowadays)
This is what I'm hoping for: That there is no YST rehearsal on Friday and next Monday.
That RISE has its rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
That YST shifts 4 hand classes to a Thursday so at least I can skip MEP. Definitely RISE over MEP.
That RISE understands my fcking problem - it's probably the decision of my life.
Readers PLEASE PLEASE tag your comments on my tagboard about this post. I seriously need help and comments.
This aside, many many other things are bugging me. I'm very tired really. I couldn't sleep last night and resorted to practising piano about 1. My mealtimes are all screwed. I feel hungry at 12 and rather full in the afternoon. I wait till 10pm for my dinner.
My right hand has a scar and a bent fourth finger. My hair is looong and full of dandraft. Yucks. And my right eye is probably nearly screwed. Its swollen. I probably sound like a freak. Thank you September holidays.
And I really do have three homes now. Home, RI, YST. 9 hours at home, 8 hours at RI, and 7 hours at YST.
SICKENING.
I need to get back to RISE, but I also have to go for Primarily Piano rehearsal.
I need to go back to RISE, but I have LRSM exam.
I need to return back to RISE, but I have my dental appointment and NRIC.
I'm now thinking - how am I going to handle all this.
Let's consider this together:
If I don't go to RISE:
1) I will kenah.
2) I will not know my music.
3) I wouldn't have time to rehearse
4) I don't play soccer with my friends.
5) I wouldn't be able to have experience conducting.
If I don't go to YST rehearsal:
1) I will do badly for Primarily Piano concert
2) I won't know my music.
3) I won't have time to rehearse.
4) I don't get to eat with my friends.
5) I wouldn't be able to have experience performing.
6) And if I do badly, I wouldn't be able to perform already and this would lead me to not collecting enough credits, and thus ruining my entire future.
But if I don't go for RISE, and I get kicked out of RISE, which is really below the last thing on my mind, I will just lose my sanity because that's only where I've got actually friends.
But if I go for RISE, I will miss out YST, and my parents will kill me, and Miss Hahn will be 'probably' be pissed.
But Mr Sze is also pissed because I didn't go for RISE rehearsal. Picture this - roughly 30 seconds after Miss Hahn called me to arrange lesson time, Mr Sze calls me and ask why I didn't come for rehearsal and that I failed to provide an actual reason. (although I did send an email through my computer)
And I only have two options - either RISE or YST. And I cannot have the best of both worlds. My parents will 80% disown me if I don't go for YST classes (which are almost everyday nowadays)
This is what I'm hoping for: That there is no YST rehearsal on Friday and next Monday.
That RISE has its rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
That YST shifts 4 hand classes to a Thursday so at least I can skip MEP. Definitely RISE over MEP.
That RISE understands my fcking problem - it's probably the decision of my life.
Readers PLEASE PLEASE tag your comments on my tagboard about this post. I seriously need help and comments.
This aside, many many other things are bugging me. I'm very tired really. I couldn't sleep last night and resorted to practising piano about 1. My mealtimes are all screwed. I feel hungry at 12 and rather full in the afternoon. I wait till 10pm for my dinner.
My right hand has a scar and a bent fourth finger. My hair is looong and full of dandraft. Yucks. And my right eye is probably nearly screwed. Its swollen. I probably sound like a freak. Thank you September holidays.
And I really do have three homes now. Home, RI, YST. 9 hours at home, 8 hours at RI, and 7 hours at YST.
SICKENING.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
As good as he can be
Ok I finally really wanted to post. The other days I'm just too tired to do anything. So here I am, in front of the computer, wondering what I can type here.
Ok firstly my university courses are long up and running, and I have been going there for almost everyday. I have three homes, Raffles, YST, and Senja Rd. Seriously. I spend around 6 hours in Raffles, YST practise and courses around 6 also? And then the rest of the 12 hours at home, 6 hours to sleep and the other 6 to do things.
But it is a rather fun lifestyle no one else has. What a privelege - a sad one sometimes. Today was RISE BBQ day, and damn, was it fun as usual.
Firstly I feel a need to say thanks to Adriel Chang - gosh you cannot believe what this person has done.
And also David for all the fun and kicks and girls. It's something you can't be missing.
YiYang for being always the model Rafflesian in my head, and Kuangnan, ah well he's as good as he can be.
And then we have the RISE guys, I don't know it really makes me feel like I'm at home. Bloody hell. RISE forever. Thanks Sec 4s.
If given a chance, I want to skip school - go to the design centre and practise piano, then go for CCA, then YST, then home, and the whole thing repeats again.
And probably our dear Jonathan Koh has heard of this already, but girl I promise I'll be back after 3 years. When I'm older and earning money, I'm going back to you again!
Ok firstly my university courses are long up and running, and I have been going there for almost everyday. I have three homes, Raffles, YST, and Senja Rd. Seriously. I spend around 6 hours in Raffles, YST practise and courses around 6 also? And then the rest of the 12 hours at home, 6 hours to sleep and the other 6 to do things.
But it is a rather fun lifestyle no one else has. What a privelege - a sad one sometimes. Today was RISE BBQ day, and damn, was it fun as usual.
Firstly I feel a need to say thanks to Adriel Chang - gosh you cannot believe what this person has done.
And also David for all the fun and kicks and girls. It's something you can't be missing.
YiYang for being always the model Rafflesian in my head, and Kuangnan, ah well he's as good as he can be.
And then we have the RISE guys, I don't know it really makes me feel like I'm at home. Bloody hell. RISE forever. Thanks Sec 4s.
If given a chance, I want to skip school - go to the design centre and practise piano, then go for CCA, then YST, then home, and the whole thing repeats again.
And probably our dear Jonathan Koh has heard of this already, but girl I promise I'll be back after 3 years. When I'm older and earning money, I'm going back to you again!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Quiz!
| Your Kissing Purity Score: 83% Pure |
 But the kisses you've given are very missed |
| You Are 70% Psychic |
 |
http://www.blogthings.com/areyoupsychicquiz/">Are You Psychic?
| You Are 84% Burned Out |
 |
http://www.blogthings.com/areyouburnedoutquiz/">Are You Burned Out?
| You Are a Fun Flirt |
 |
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofflirtareyouquiz/">What Kind of Flirt Are You?
| Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ESFP) |
 Only about 7% of all people have your personality, including 9% of all women and 5% of all menYou are Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving. |
http://www.blogthings.com/howrareisyourpersonalityquiz/">How Rare Is Your Personality?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Put your head up high
sian. die already. cannot talk liao. haiya why everything must like that...
Haiya!
eh how come I wrote three posts and I never posted anyone of them.
Anyway I would like to thank everyone who's been behind me for the start of my semester at YST.
These people include Fiona, Jonathan (Koh), Audrey, and my dad.
Although my mother still does not understand why is that so, it is because you need company and support from friends to make it. We are social beings, and we need each other. It's not the case of whether they distract me or not, it's just that when I'm feeling down or bad there's somebody to talk to.
So there. Lately I've not been smsing much to people or msning because apparently. No wait, not apparently. They just got deleted by who-else and of course I'm irritated.
But heck. I have lots and lots of work to catch up on and I don't think I can handle them all.
But I shall. Put your head up high!
Haiya!
eh how come I wrote three posts and I never posted anyone of them.
Anyway I would like to thank everyone who's been behind me for the start of my semester at YST.
These people include Fiona, Jonathan (Koh), Audrey, and my dad.
Although my mother still does not understand why is that so, it is because you need company and support from friends to make it. We are social beings, and we need each other. It's not the case of whether they distract me or not, it's just that when I'm feeling down or bad there's somebody to talk to.
So there. Lately I've not been smsing much to people or msning because apparently. No wait, not apparently. They just got deleted by who-else and of course I'm irritated.
But heck. I have lots and lots of work to catch up on and I don't think I can handle them all.
But I shall. Put your head up high!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
NDP day, mah-de
I'll be performing at Marina Bay later, so do catch me!
I think it's possible to catch me on TV, probably on the big screens, but maybe it will last for about 10 seconds. It's rather late/middle in the show, which is probably bad news for some of you, but good news for anyone who is watching the entire show.
And I'm super happy because can-you-believe-it-or-not I completed another song!
I hate my mum. She intrude in other peoples' privacy. She opens my MSN contact list and sees what is inside my conversations, which do not reveal anything at all. And she doesn't want me to talk to any girls. What, she wants me to turn into some gay? Loser.
Sometimes mums just don't get it, right?
Right?
;)
I think it's possible to catch me on TV, probably on the big screens, but maybe it will last for about 10 seconds. It's rather late/middle in the show, which is probably bad news for some of you, but good news for anyone who is watching the entire show.
And I'm super happy because can-you-believe-it-or-not I completed another song!
I hate my mum. She intrude in other peoples' privacy. She opens my MSN contact list and sees what is inside my conversations, which do not reveal anything at all. And she doesn't want me to talk to any girls. What, she wants me to turn into some gay? Loser.
Sometimes mums just don't get it, right?
Right?
;)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Pop Music
So I've actually written about 9 songs already, and recorded 4 songs (one isn't mine) for my greenwave project with my RE mates. Then the rest include 'Pretty Girl', 'When the Sun Shines', 'If Monday never came' and the last one I can't remember.
I would like to collaborate with more people though. Maybe now I know why double gender bands do not really work. But some do though (ABBA, Black-Eye Peas). Usually when there's single sex bands, it is easier to communicate, and probably share jokes. Besides, there are really very little all girl bands anyway. (Pussycat Dolls, Spice Girls)
So I've actually done one album in my life already! Green Crotchets -.-
Which is good ok. At least there's something called PROGRESS. (:
Oh i'm doing it this way now (: not this way :). I've been INFLUENCED! :O
But it's ok. (:
I would like to collaborate with more people though. Maybe now I know why double gender bands do not really work. But some do though (ABBA, Black-Eye Peas). Usually when there's single sex bands, it is easier to communicate, and probably share jokes. Besides, there are really very little all girl bands anyway. (Pussycat Dolls, Spice Girls)
So I've actually done one album in my life already! Green Crotchets -.-
Which is good ok. At least there's something called PROGRESS. (:
Oh i'm doing it this way now (: not this way :). I've been INFLUENCED! :O
But it's ok. (:
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Chemistry. DIE....Ensemble FUN!
Oh so I did finally say it. That takes a huge load off my mind.
In any case I have to find a teacher who can teach me Chemistry. Here are my choices:
1) Mrs Kuah (my chemistry teacher - she's good, but my chemistry mind is a little bit slow)
2) Matthew Chua - brother of Andrew Chua, GPA 4.0 Chemistry
3) Audrey Ng - topped class for Chemistry, teach cousin Chemistry, GPA for Chemistry most certainly 4.0, had me confirmed as a total crap for Chemistry
(but a little inconvenient)
Then I have to ask all of them the tuition fees. Anyway, I just don't get it. Why does everyone seem to excel in Chemistry? I most definitely think that the Sciences have never been appealing to me, and I would be better off doing English, Humanities, and Music. Languages and Arts.
What I should do for my music career:
1) Be a good student conductor
2) Play wonderful music
3) Set up a permanent quartet where I can go to for rehearsals every Sunday
4) Do well in university, basically survive
Considering what Adi said this afternoon, his idea has lots of potential. Just that he does not really know how unpolitical it is. But I have harboured (heeheehee) thoughts of it - a full-sized orchestra evolved from RISE.
Imagine how much trouble Mr Sze has to go through, trying to get members from band, to come in, MEP.
Bureaucracy matters.
And looking at human emotions and feelings, it's not surprising to see politics starting to appear. After all, politics is almost based entirely on human emotions, feelings and relationships!
In any case I have to find a teacher who can teach me Chemistry. Here are my choices:
1) Mrs Kuah (my chemistry teacher - she's good, but my chemistry mind is a little bit slow)
2) Matthew Chua - brother of Andrew Chua, GPA 4.0 Chemistry
3) Audrey Ng - topped class for Chemistry, teach cousin Chemistry, GPA for Chemistry most certainly 4.0, had me confirmed as a total crap for Chemistry
(but a little inconvenient)
Then I have to ask all of them the tuition fees. Anyway, I just don't get it. Why does everyone seem to excel in Chemistry? I most definitely think that the Sciences have never been appealing to me, and I would be better off doing English, Humanities, and Music. Languages and Arts.
What I should do for my music career:
1) Be a good student conductor
2) Play wonderful music
3) Set up a permanent quartet where I can go to for rehearsals every Sunday
4) Do well in university, basically survive
Considering what Adi said this afternoon, his idea has lots of potential. Just that he does not really know how unpolitical it is. But I have harboured (heeheehee) thoughts of it - a full-sized orchestra evolved from RISE.
Imagine how much trouble Mr Sze has to go through, trying to get members from band, to come in, MEP.
Bureaucracy matters.
And looking at human emotions and feelings, it's not surprising to see politics starting to appear. After all, politics is almost based entirely on human emotions, feelings and relationships!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Ants and Blogskins. No Cs, sorry
There has apparently been an ant invasion happening right on my desktop, and I still cannot find the source of it. Might be a crumb of Oreo behind the table, or a dead lizard in the middle of the books, but I'm not really sure.
I don't know how it will look like if I find the source. The source. Probably all the ants will be like "??? Who's that!" and then start scrambling around, looking for the nearest paperclip to launch at me or the largest book to hide in.
After all, they don't have to worry because I'm not planning to find it. If I do find it, then they will have to build their civilisation one level down.
I've been over the months trying to find for a new blogskin, but Blogger does not accept anytime, either because one of the wordings don't seem to fit, or they just don't want their own blogskin to be replaced.
LOTS of work to do, which includes practising piano, doing homework, talking on MSN, going to CCA etc.
How stressful can life get? Very.
I don't know how it will look like if I find the source. The source. Probably all the ants will be like "??? Who's that!" and then start scrambling around, looking for the nearest paperclip to launch at me or the largest book to hide in.
After all, they don't have to worry because I'm not planning to find it. If I do find it, then they will have to build their civilisation one level down.
I've been over the months trying to find for a new blogskin, but Blogger does not accept anytime, either because one of the wordings don't seem to fit, or they just don't want their own blogskin to be replaced.
LOTS of work to do, which includes practising piano, doing homework, talking on MSN, going to CCA etc.
How stressful can life get? Very.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
My WEEK
We'll see about that, audrey.
Right here goes my blogspot. It's going to be longer...but no pictures.
Maybe there will be pictures, but I don't know! We shall see about that.
Monday was the piano majors barbecue. Did I mention that? At the gathering were all the piano majors (duh), Julie (owner of Music Essentials, where we all get our scores), her husband, Mr. Albert Tiu, Dr. Hecht, and some other adults who contributed in the cooking or were part of the faculty.
And then the food was wonderfully cooked I tell you. There was beef, chicken, stingray, durian and manjo cake, plus spicy stingray!
But I skipped the stingray in any case. The rest was absolutely fantastic, really. Imagine beef so tender and soft...the taste that melts into your mouth...I had 3 slices of it, and that was all I had for dinner. I skipped the chicken also, because I didn't feel like getting my fingers oily. But it surely surely looked good.
And sounds good ;)
Before the eating though there was a briefing of this semester's happenings, and the exams and blah.
Once again I saw Clarence, someone I knew for 2 years already. He's really someone I respect, not because he's my senior but because of his skills. Then after that there was Tarin and Akkra and Andre, and the girls too. Imma? and then there was Eng Han. Freshmen, but me and Aidi are part-timers.
Then there was graduate Lee, who was the cook of the day...thank you for the food.
Did I mention fresh salad? Lettuce, tartar sauce, tomato... just to clear out the oily stuff.
Perfect.
Then there were the games - Taboo. Ok fine, game.
I was with Clarence, Tarin, Aidi and all the other adults. Basically it's a game where the person goes up there and acts out a word (or alternatively some other words) and the group he belongs to will start guessing the correct word.
I collected all together 10 points, in the whole game. Dr. Hecht did 11 in one go, the record of the day. And Clarence was a pretty good actor too...then we realised Tarin was having a fever. But in any case I went back at about 10pm. 3 hours of fun!
On a side note thanks Mr. Sze for letting me off early, but I have to buy him a tub of Haagen-Daas, when I have not even tasted a single DRIP of it.
How about a mamashop one? Just kidding.
Some of the thoughts that came into me while I was in the shower/practising cello/basically doing other things:
I only grow on Saturdays and Sundays.
(Because I get to sleep early and wake up late, which means ENOUGH time to grow in my sleep. Not more)
And then from Maximillian Viera.
"Are you tired?"
"Yes"
"No, you're Jonathan Shin."
"(THE look) "
"What!"
And then from me, this time in class.
"When you're Norman you know who to call..."
(after 6 seconds of silence)
Norman, Enghan, Clement - "...?"
Me - "...?"
then we started to ROFL...
Right here goes my blogspot. It's going to be longer...but no pictures.
Maybe there will be pictures, but I don't know! We shall see about that.
Monday was the piano majors barbecue. Did I mention that? At the gathering were all the piano majors (duh), Julie (owner of Music Essentials, where we all get our scores), her husband, Mr. Albert Tiu, Dr. Hecht, and some other adults who contributed in the cooking or were part of the faculty.
And then the food was wonderfully cooked I tell you. There was beef, chicken, stingray, durian and manjo cake, plus spicy stingray!
But I skipped the stingray in any case. The rest was absolutely fantastic, really. Imagine beef so tender and soft...the taste that melts into your mouth...I had 3 slices of it, and that was all I had for dinner. I skipped the chicken also, because I didn't feel like getting my fingers oily. But it surely surely looked good.
And sounds good ;)
Before the eating though there was a briefing of this semester's happenings, and the exams and blah.
Once again I saw Clarence, someone I knew for 2 years already. He's really someone I respect, not because he's my senior but because of his skills. Then after that there was Tarin and Akkra and Andre, and the girls too. Imma? and then there was Eng Han. Freshmen, but me and Aidi are part-timers.
Then there was graduate Lee, who was the cook of the day...thank you for the food.
Did I mention fresh salad? Lettuce, tartar sauce, tomato... just to clear out the oily stuff.
Perfect.
Then there were the games - Taboo. Ok fine, game.
I was with Clarence, Tarin, Aidi and all the other adults. Basically it's a game where the person goes up there and acts out a word (or alternatively some other words) and the group he belongs to will start guessing the correct word.
I collected all together 10 points, in the whole game. Dr. Hecht did 11 in one go, the record of the day. And Clarence was a pretty good actor too...then we realised Tarin was having a fever. But in any case I went back at about 10pm. 3 hours of fun!
On a side note thanks Mr. Sze for letting me off early, but I have to buy him a tub of Haagen-Daas, when I have not even tasted a single DRIP of it.
How about a mamashop one? Just kidding.
Some of the thoughts that came into me while I was in the shower/practising cello/basically doing other things:
I only grow on Saturdays and Sundays.
(Because I get to sleep early and wake up late, which means ENOUGH time to grow in my sleep. Not more)
And then from Maximillian Viera.
"Are you tired?"
"Yes"
"No, you're Jonathan Shin."
"(THE look) "
"What!"
And then from me, this time in class.
"When you're Norman you know who to call..."
(after 6 seconds of silence)
Norman, Enghan, Clement - "...?"
Me - "...?"
then we started to ROFL...
Sunday, July 29, 2007
NDP
ok i finally post after so many days.
Our RE group really did a stunt as what jinghui said. 6 pop songs in 4 weeks. Can you believe it? I seriously cannot imagine.
Anyway yesterday was NDP preview and I performed! I think my face was on the 2 big screens but I'm not really sure because while I was playing my back was faced towards the screens and the main floating platform.
Anyway the whole thing was very very cool. DJs...blah
right. so I finally touched this blog post after 1 week. how stupid can this get!
Very.
Our RE group really did a stunt as what jinghui said. 6 pop songs in 4 weeks. Can you believe it? I seriously cannot imagine.
Anyway yesterday was NDP preview and I performed! I think my face was on the 2 big screens but I'm not really sure because while I was playing my back was faced towards the screens and the main floating platform.
Anyway the whole thing was very very cool. DJs...blah
right. so I finally touched this blog post after 1 week. how stupid can this get!
Very.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Harry Potter - Spoilers
Just watched harry potter last night at Junction 8, but didn't really enjoy it.
The aircon was so cold that me and Nigel (my ACS cousin) periodically gave each other my jacket.
And the movie itself is so ???.
Ya, gives you a little of that ??? feeling. Some parts are seriously damn funny, but the rest of the show is of mr. potter dreaming and predicting, and of course two wizard fights.
A little Spoilers start here.
One wizarding duel between Voldemort's Army and the Order of the Phoenix, and another one between, of course, Dumbledore and Voldemort. Yum Yum.
But oh mine Sirius Black died just an anti-climax death. No wonder Aveda Kedava is hopeless. The person just turns pale and fade away. Dang...
But I didn't know Black was so good in casting spells and fighting, seriously. I mean, his costume is so cool, and it just makes him a Jack Sparrow wizard, cunningly twisting and turling the wand, pushing and pulling, punching and kicing.
Of course, it isn't real. Anyway I spotted almost the whole class of 3F, and Angela from St Nicks String Ensemble.
THe coolest thing was of course me and my 5 cousins, the youngest being p4 (that's 9 years old) and the oldest being 18. Imagine us wondering around at what, 10pm, and afterwards 1am.
Thanks guys. :)
Oh, Spoilers end here. Or just now.
Yesterday afternoon we had a instrumental workshop from 3.30-6.30. 3 hours of fun and good knowledge, probably for future quartermasters.
During the holidays I might go and be an assistant there, but I might as well be a piano tuner...$50 a day!
The aircon was so cold that me and Nigel (my ACS cousin) periodically gave each other my jacket.
And the movie itself is so ???.
Ya, gives you a little of that ??? feeling. Some parts are seriously damn funny, but the rest of the show is of mr. potter dreaming and predicting, and of course two wizard fights.
A little Spoilers start here.
One wizarding duel between Voldemort's Army and the Order of the Phoenix, and another one between, of course, Dumbledore and Voldemort. Yum Yum.
But oh mine Sirius Black died just an anti-climax death. No wonder Aveda Kedava is hopeless. The person just turns pale and fade away. Dang...
But I didn't know Black was so good in casting spells and fighting, seriously. I mean, his costume is so cool, and it just makes him a Jack Sparrow wizard, cunningly twisting and turling the wand, pushing and pulling, punching and kicing.
Of course, it isn't real. Anyway I spotted almost the whole class of 3F, and Angela from St Nicks String Ensemble.
THe coolest thing was of course me and my 5 cousins, the youngest being p4 (that's 9 years old) and the oldest being 18. Imagine us wondering around at what, 10pm, and afterwards 1am.
Thanks guys. :)
Oh, Spoilers end here. Or just now.
Yesterday afternoon we had a instrumental workshop from 3.30-6.30. 3 hours of fun and good knowledge, probably for future quartermasters.
During the holidays I might go and be an assistant there, but I might as well be a piano tuner...$50 a day!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
why am i staying at HOME?!
And so we did RE for about 2 and half hours.
We managed to complete 3/4 of a new song today, and progress is generally ok, except that there is definitely room for improvement, we don't stop trying!
I visited Nigel's blog and I have reconfirmed my hypothesis - that blog pictures indeed boost your visitor ratings.
Unfortunately I'm not fond of taking photo, neither do I have the skill to operate connecting the camera to my computer quickly. The camera. Not the phone camera.
And considering how unlikely I'll bring my camera to school everyday/at all, the chances of me posting photos are very little.
I don't even know how to connect my phone to the computer! How stupid can things get for me.
Anyway today our first period was Chinese, Chinese was pretty normal - the mood was relaxing and she didn't understand much English. When teachers don't understand English, insulting the teacher with words seem like a huge treat. But we don't do that, because she's a good teacher. Old, but experienced, and like a grandma to us. She's quite caring man!
And then I had a free period, AND Norman's history class was also having a free period, which meant that I stayed for that one whole hour to play volley-balloon.
Volley-balloon isn't really something like a party, it's basically taking a balloon and playing it like how you play tennis/volleyball. Quite tiring, considering everyone was jumping for the ball, blocking, setting, smashing.
Woohoo. After one hour all our uniforms were wet with sweat. Probably should have a youtube.com video to go with it. But some other time.
Perhaps tomorrow ;)
Physics next, then recess, then Maths.
Maths was as per usual, meaning that me and Benyap at the back could have stood up on the chair for 2 seconds plus without her noticing.
Imagine students standing up and sitting down at the back of the class. Childish, but come on, considering my childhood has been lost, it's my only chance of OBTAININg it back man.
Today's my mum's birthday. Happy birthday mum, may you guard your prison better.
And then we had the famous RE period, where we literally composed 5 songs in 3 weeks.
We were slacking for the first half of the entire year. Or the entire first half of the year. So we suddenly found our spark of inspiration, and wrote the songs!
Yeah, we're going to get $6000 man. $5000 goes to the school, $1000 to us. I'll take 100 of 250 and donate it to charity. :)
As per usual!
We managed to complete 3/4 of a new song today, and progress is generally ok, except that there is definitely room for improvement, we don't stop trying!
I visited Nigel's blog and I have reconfirmed my hypothesis - that blog pictures indeed boost your visitor ratings.
Unfortunately I'm not fond of taking photo, neither do I have the skill to operate connecting the camera to my computer quickly. The camera. Not the phone camera.
And considering how unlikely I'll bring my camera to school everyday/at all, the chances of me posting photos are very little.
I don't even know how to connect my phone to the computer! How stupid can things get for me.
Anyway today our first period was Chinese, Chinese was pretty normal - the mood was relaxing and she didn't understand much English. When teachers don't understand English, insulting the teacher with words seem like a huge treat. But we don't do that, because she's a good teacher. Old, but experienced, and like a grandma to us. She's quite caring man!
And then I had a free period, AND Norman's history class was also having a free period, which meant that I stayed for that one whole hour to play volley-balloon.
Volley-balloon isn't really something like a party, it's basically taking a balloon and playing it like how you play tennis/volleyball. Quite tiring, considering everyone was jumping for the ball, blocking, setting, smashing.
Woohoo. After one hour all our uniforms were wet with sweat. Probably should have a youtube.com video to go with it. But some other time.
Perhaps tomorrow ;)
Physics next, then recess, then Maths.
Maths was as per usual, meaning that me and Benyap at the back could have stood up on the chair for 2 seconds plus without her noticing.
Imagine students standing up and sitting down at the back of the class. Childish, but come on, considering my childhood has been lost, it's my only chance of OBTAININg it back man.
Today's my mum's birthday. Happy birthday mum, may you guard your prison better.
And then we had the famous RE period, where we literally composed 5 songs in 3 weeks.
We were slacking for the first half of the entire year. Or the entire first half of the year. So we suddenly found our spark of inspiration, and wrote the songs!
Yeah, we're going to get $6000 man. $5000 goes to the school, $1000 to us. I'll take 100 of 250 and donate it to charity. :)
As per usual!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Girl's Sorrow
My love, my dearest sweetheart,
How you are to me like a flower's bloom,
Beautiful fragrance, nature's art
Yet by your fires my body consumed
You whisper the sweetest nothings into my ears,
I can only surrender with soft reply,
My eyes are wet with happy tears,
Why would our love ever die?
The birds sing of your arrival,
and I can embrace your's.
The light kisses those petals,
My heart opens its doors
Gentle lips upon gentle lips,
Fingers inter-twining fingers
Softly in your arms like in a baby's crib,
It is with you my heart lingers
Sweetheart, my darling
You know I love you,
Sleep tight, my darling,
I'm always with you.
But that day you brought it down
My mind was brought senseless,
My feelings astound
I felt my life was hopeless.
When I ran my fingers through,
Your hair, that golden colour of hay,
When I asked whether you love me,
And you told me you were gay.
How you are to me like a flower's bloom,
Beautiful fragrance, nature's art
Yet by your fires my body consumed
You whisper the sweetest nothings into my ears,
I can only surrender with soft reply,
My eyes are wet with happy tears,
Why would our love ever die?
The birds sing of your arrival,
and I can embrace your's.
The light kisses those petals,
My heart opens its doors
Gentle lips upon gentle lips,
Fingers inter-twining fingers
Softly in your arms like in a baby's crib,
It is with you my heart lingers
Sweetheart, my darling
You know I love you,
Sleep tight, my darling,
I'm always with you.
But that day you brought it down
My mind was brought senseless,
My feelings astound
I felt my life was hopeless.
When I ran my fingers through,
Your hair, that golden colour of hay,
When I asked whether you love me,
And you told me you were gay.
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