26 Dec 2006
Foreigner at Home 7:40 am
Orders fish head curry, sotong in black sauce, chap chye and lime juice...
Don't you sometimes feel as though you're red amidst a sea of blacks and whites? A lobster out of water, somewhat? As I squeezed through smiling bodies along a lighted Orchard Road, I don't exactly feel the intended Christmas blizz being at the heart of "Christmas in the Tropics". Fighting with prams that clip at your heels and flaring arms does not help the cause. But this is home. Or technically, an extention of "home".
Celebrating midnight Mass at Holy Spirit Church was home; the same joy as we celebrated the g0d-child's birthday; the carols that filled the air, greeting friends from days when I still did not have facial hair (some may argue I still don't), having family close at hand, this was home. Having the precious one sit next to me at a children's Mass earlier in the evening felt comforting, with the only discomfort being how this Christmas seems so awkwardly placed in my life; there hasn't seemed to be an preparation for its arrival, and for a moment actually felt foreign to me.
I am extremely glad to get to spend time with loved ones, with Yong and old old friends and family. That is home. Yet, it seems foreign when certain circumstances have changed; people who once were dating are now not, that seemingly commonplace in today's restless world, but disconcerting when you thought that relationship would see you at a wedding banquet in the end. There are no rules for love, for relationships specifically. One would be naive to think that any sort of empirical precedence would akin to rules in such complex matters; being attached to close to a decade doesn't mean you'll end up together.
It is just sometimes that you feel fundamentally disconnected from the very system that bred you. It is, possibly, at such times that you seek a life-changing experience. An experience that can change your perspective on the littlest things in life; the toilet as an unexpected haven, life as a gift, trees as perils to drivers...Changing perspectives, dynamic perspectives. When I saw the book "Jazz 101" on Desmond's organ, I thought that would be that book that would change my musical understanding, hence a how I may perceive life as a whole. From Borders to Kino, the book is out of stock for an indefinite period. Will continue to seek the book with that sureity of wanting that that epiphany-perspective change.
Uncle T
Don't you sometimes feel as though you're red amidst a sea of blacks and whites? A lobster out of water, somewhat? As I squeezed through smiling bodies along a lighted Orchard Road, I don't exactly feel the intended Christmas blizz being at the heart of "Christmas in the Tropics". Fighting with prams that clip at your heels and flaring arms does not help the cause. But this is home. Or technically, an extention of "home".
Celebrating midnight Mass at Holy Spirit Church was home; the same joy as we celebrated the g0d-child's birthday; the carols that filled the air, greeting friends from days when I still did not have facial hair (some may argue I still don't), having family close at hand, this was home. Having the precious one sit next to me at a children's Mass earlier in the evening felt comforting, with the only discomfort being how this Christmas seems so awkwardly placed in my life; there hasn't seemed to be an preparation for its arrival, and for a moment actually felt foreign to me.
I am extremely glad to get to spend time with loved ones, with Yong and old old friends and family. That is home. Yet, it seems foreign when certain circumstances have changed; people who once were dating are now not, that seemingly commonplace in today's restless world, but disconcerting when you thought that relationship would see you at a wedding banquet in the end. There are no rules for love, for relationships specifically. One would be naive to think that any sort of empirical precedence would akin to rules in such complex matters; being attached to close to a decade doesn't mean you'll end up together.
It is just sometimes that you feel fundamentally disconnected from the very system that bred you. It is, possibly, at such times that you seek a life-changing experience. An experience that can change your perspective on the littlest things in life; the toilet as an unexpected haven, life as a gift, trees as perils to drivers...Changing perspectives, dynamic perspectives. When I saw the book "Jazz 101" on Desmond's organ, I thought that would be that book that would change my musical understanding, hence a how I may perceive life as a whole. From Borders to Kino, the book is out of stock for an indefinite period. Will continue to seek the book with that sureity of wanting that that epiphany-perspective change.
Uncle T
13 Dec 2006
That sense... 1:00 am
The moment that iconic tower topped with the ball came into view in a backdrop of a green coastline, the sense quietly crept up against my skin. As the plane taxied through the terminal upon touchdown, seeing Singapore flags on the sides of other SQ planes had that sense take a better grip of my consciousness. And it was when the leading flight stewardess welcomed Singaporeans home over the announcement system when that sense engulfed me. Home.
I was home, a first homecoming, at least a proper month, for this was the furtherst and longest I have been away from home, from Singapore. I was not exactly nostalgic, wherein old memories float through my grey matter, where old smells and senses teased my almost air-plane-sterilised senses. I just smiled, sensing that sense.
Returning into the embrace of the sun and the arms of that precious one further bolstered that sense. No, not nostalgia again. These experiences had no room for former memories to enter the experience itself; I was just living in the wonderment of that moment. Nice. Family, my room...
But where IS home? Not a new question, really? Could I get the same kind of sense being with close friends and family in another obscure part of the world? Possibly. I am often quoted to saying "home is where the heart is"; since I've forgotten who I picked that clever line from, I'll just assume its mine to some extent.
But how true is that truism? While I figure that out, I'll enjoy this sense in the meantime. Cheers, with kopi peng and mee pok tah....
Uncle T
I was home, a first homecoming, at least a proper month, for this was the furtherst and longest I have been away from home, from Singapore. I was not exactly nostalgic, wherein old memories float through my grey matter, where old smells and senses teased my almost air-plane-sterilised senses. I just smiled, sensing that sense.
Returning into the embrace of the sun and the arms of that precious one further bolstered that sense. No, not nostalgia again. These experiences had no room for former memories to enter the experience itself; I was just living in the wonderment of that moment. Nice. Family, my room...
But where IS home? Not a new question, really? Could I get the same kind of sense being with close friends and family in another obscure part of the world? Possibly. I am often quoted to saying "home is where the heart is"; since I've forgotten who I picked that clever line from, I'll just assume its mine to some extent.
But how true is that truism? While I figure that out, I'll enjoy this sense in the meantime. Cheers, with kopi peng and mee pok tah....
Uncle T
27 Nov 2006
Memories... 9:16 pm
Atop Scarfell Pike, 980m above sea, with the family, Singapore flag, and hale on our faces. NS, take that!
Fall from grace; From mountain to comfy sofa by the fireplace back at base
Uncle T
The Little but Big Bounce 9:16 pm
Where is that bounce?
The one which encroaches
The privacy of the other,
Inflicts insecurity of the chasing
Competitor, the one that
Drives the pack forth,
The one that invigorates
And inspires both
Self and team?
The onward bounce,
The inspired passion.
Come back, come home
Today.
Uncle T
The one which encroaches
The privacy of the other,
Inflicts insecurity of the chasing
Competitor, the one that
Drives the pack forth,
The one that invigorates
And inspires both
Self and team?
The onward bounce,
The inspired passion.
Come back, come home
Today.
Uncle T
From the peaks of Hindsight 9:27 am
Orders ovened turkey leg with rosemary, froe grais & French toast...
Thinking back, it seemed far more dangerous than it was when we were actually on that near-vertical cliff, clinging onto grass and shrubs for dear life. But hindsight reveals more than that danger; it was the camaraderie, the adventure, the courage to take the next step that we possibly haven't taken before.
Ten of us headed out to Lake District over the weekend, the birthplace of Peter Rabbit, beautiful English hills and Ben&Jerry's inspiring cow,grass & blue skies scenery. It is also home to Scarfell Pike, highest peak ,at 980m (above sea level), in England. We made it to the summit, and made it back alive.
It is indeed so hard to fully describe the exhilirating experience, especially having related it to numerous others and replying 'how was it' questions; the greater the repetition, the greater the amount of magic lost. And in such cases, possibly the few means the magic will be relived is either going again or sharing it with people who were with you.
Just an attempt to make cursory mention of note-worthy points: we actually had to rock climb, winds at the top were close to 20knots, we experienced hale (and had hale fights), dangerously scaled the cliffs along the valley that the river runs through, cramps, trekking fields of rock rubble, singing the National Pledge with the National flag at the summit, trekking in the dark and rain to get back to base, excellent Richard-dinner, excellent memorable company, Land-Before-Time inspiring scenes of inter-locking spurs and peaceful lakes...
The memories will continue to live on; I am just blessed to have had the opportunity to enter this experience, and to know how humbling nature is, both in beauty and might. I shall be eternally grateful for the company as well (at the point I left my room before setting off, I didn't fully know who was actually going for the trip). I guess in such cases, the best in people is brought to the foreground. I was privileged to see that bests.
Amen. For the peaks of hindsight.
No amounts of photgraphs can
Vividly capture the wonders
Of those memorial magic.
Uncle T
Thinking back, it seemed far more dangerous than it was when we were actually on that near-vertical cliff, clinging onto grass and shrubs for dear life. But hindsight reveals more than that danger; it was the camaraderie, the adventure, the courage to take the next step that we possibly haven't taken before.
Ten of us headed out to Lake District over the weekend, the birthplace of Peter Rabbit, beautiful English hills and Ben&Jerry's inspiring cow,grass & blue skies scenery. It is also home to Scarfell Pike, highest peak ,at 980m (above sea level), in England. We made it to the summit, and made it back alive.
It is indeed so hard to fully describe the exhilirating experience, especially having related it to numerous others and replying 'how was it' questions; the greater the repetition, the greater the amount of magic lost. And in such cases, possibly the few means the magic will be relived is either going again or sharing it with people who were with you.
Just an attempt to make cursory mention of note-worthy points: we actually had to rock climb, winds at the top were close to 20knots, we experienced hale (and had hale fights), dangerously scaled the cliffs along the valley that the river runs through, cramps, trekking fields of rock rubble, singing the National Pledge with the National flag at the summit, trekking in the dark and rain to get back to base, excellent Richard-dinner, excellent memorable company, Land-Before-Time inspiring scenes of inter-locking spurs and peaceful lakes...
The memories will continue to live on; I am just blessed to have had the opportunity to enter this experience, and to know how humbling nature is, both in beauty and might. I shall be eternally grateful for the company as well (at the point I left my room before setting off, I didn't fully know who was actually going for the trip). I guess in such cases, the best in people is brought to the foreground. I was privileged to see that bests.
Amen. For the peaks of hindsight.
No amounts of photgraphs can
Vividly capture the wonders
Of those memorial magic.
Uncle T
9 Nov 2006
Niceties of Reading Wk 6:35 am
Orders ovened chicken with mushrooms stir-fried in cheese...
As compared to the forceful stress of last week, this week is comparably nice. No doubt not a bed of roses a reading week initially entailed at the start of term, but what more can I ask?
Have been playing badminton (under the guise of training for Notts games this coming weekend), netball (the boys being trashed by Notts netball girls), having been to the gym as well as taking a nice jog on Sunday. Decent amount of outdoor activities for the weather now, as frost slowly overstays its nightly adventure into the early hours of daylight.
Last evening was a pleasant one; had lovely jazz to accompany me as I ploughed through the theories of international relations. There is just insurmountable literature on the various theories. But what I found interesting is the addressing of epistemology within the confines of world politics theories, something I, too, address in Descartes in philosophy. I guess this is but one of the comforting thoughts about reading PPE. To finish off the lovely evening, I got a call from Jeff, a director from Theatreworks. I will be lunching with him this Friday! Highly interesting, this little chat I reckon.
After catching "History Boys" last week, I am now in possession of the printed play. Should catch this Alan Bennett play. The French reparte in there is another good motivation to tighten up my French, which is currently abysmal. Another ever so random thought: I cooked a decent dinner tonight!
Well, work beckons; there never seems to have an end is there? Worst when there is a convergence of assignment deadlines at the end of term and the next 3 consecutive weekends will be spent away from Warwick. (Ian watch out!). And I have Birmingham debates to come tomorrow evening, which are public. I'm gonna so freeze and die, looking like a retard dumbfounded at my speech.
Well, come what may. Bring it on!
Uncle T
As compared to the forceful stress of last week, this week is comparably nice. No doubt not a bed of roses a reading week initially entailed at the start of term, but what more can I ask?
Have been playing badminton (under the guise of training for Notts games this coming weekend), netball (the boys being trashed by Notts netball girls), having been to the gym as well as taking a nice jog on Sunday. Decent amount of outdoor activities for the weather now, as frost slowly overstays its nightly adventure into the early hours of daylight.
While taking a jog...
Last evening was a pleasant one; had lovely jazz to accompany me as I ploughed through the theories of international relations. There is just insurmountable literature on the various theories. But what I found interesting is the addressing of epistemology within the confines of world politics theories, something I, too, address in Descartes in philosophy. I guess this is but one of the comforting thoughts about reading PPE. To finish off the lovely evening, I got a call from Jeff, a director from Theatreworks. I will be lunching with him this Friday! Highly interesting, this little chat I reckon.
After catching "History Boys" last week, I am now in possession of the printed play. Should catch this Alan Bennett play. The French reparte in there is another good motivation to tighten up my French, which is currently abysmal. Another ever so random thought: I cooked a decent dinner tonight!
Dinner! Ovened chicken with mushrooms
Well, work beckons; there never seems to have an end is there? Worst when there is a convergence of assignment deadlines at the end of term and the next 3 consecutive weekends will be spent away from Warwick. (Ian watch out!). And I have Birmingham debates to come tomorrow evening, which are public. I'm gonna so freeze and die, looking like a retard dumbfounded at my speech.
Well, come what may. Bring it on!
Uncle T
26 Oct 2006
Chicago, the way forward 6:18 pm
Orders sheperd's pie, stir-fried beef with milk and mushrooms, chicken curry...
A philosophy essay and a politics project is the cause of the lag from my recount of "Chicago" the musical last weekend.
Yes, I was part of the chorus in Warwick's rendition of "Chicago". It was an experience to savour, especially in a learning and inspiring sense. It's something I never got a change to experience back home, possibly due to a run of bad luck, but I've never seen talent so casually congregated before than in "Chicago".
Almost everyone could dance AND sing, not in a do-it-in-the-shower way, but actually of a certain quality. Guys who did ballet for 10 years, and ones with exceptional acting ability; one cannot help but feel inspired at the same time awed. At least I did. The more startling thing is that this was an unauditioned chorus!
Anyhow, it has inspired me to push my boundaries (that have been majorly defined by my Singapore-education experience) both musically or academincally. And the reward I got at the end of the performance was a flower from both Ailin and Shuki...
A cauliflower
Uncle T
A philosophy essay and a politics project is the cause of the lag from my recount of "Chicago" the musical last weekend.
Yes, I was part of the chorus in Warwick's rendition of "Chicago". It was an experience to savour, especially in a learning and inspiring sense. It's something I never got a change to experience back home, possibly due to a run of bad luck, but I've never seen talent so casually congregated before than in "Chicago".
Almost everyone could dance AND sing, not in a do-it-in-the-shower way, but actually of a certain quality. Guys who did ballet for 10 years, and ones with exceptional acting ability; one cannot help but feel inspired at the same time awed. At least I did. The more startling thing is that this was an unauditioned chorus!
Anyhow, it has inspired me to push my boundaries (that have been majorly defined by my Singapore-education experience) both musically or academincally. And the reward I got at the end of the performance was a flower from both Ailin and Shuki...
A cauliflower
Uncle T
20 Oct 2006
Randomness of it all.... 7:03 pm
orders some chicken sandwich fillers with wholemeal bread...oooiii! kani** where is my bak cho mee? Na** :)...
Randomness of it all....
I just watched my first episode of West Wing (recommended by a debate senior); just had my first ice-cream yesterday since starting school; listening to a new acoustic indie group Urusen; missed my girlfriend hell lot when I looked at the frisbee she bought me; 2 essays of 1500each and a maths test in the week after; trying to kick-start an engine that took a hiatus in the military.
The randomness of it all.
Physically, I've settled in. I get to bed by simply lyind down, I awake and know I'm 13 hours away from home. I feel rather at home in my Tocil 49D flat, and enjoy the kick-ass mix of company in my flat. No, this land doesn't seem to foreign. Wait. Possibly it does.
The autumn leaves look so beautiful; much more than seeing it in Getty images and Hallmark movies. Watching these maple souls fall to the ground ironically refreshes me instead of drag me down. And wish that I had Yong with me.
Yet, the randomness of it all.
Whilst in politics seminar, a self-proclaimed imperialist (as if I know what that means) Caucasian, who has been staying in Brunei for a number of years as an expatriate, commented on the political landscape in Brunei: "there is no politics". Wow. Sounds impressive, especially when you watch it with his presumptuous spit flying everywhere and his straight blondes flapping. And I stood up (surprised myself too) and said "Objection!". I would very much like to delve into the analysis of how such a ignorant comment, if reflective of "free speech", I'll rather do without.
Again, randomness.
I am looking to do "Chicago" the musical this weekend! But that would mean missing out going to Cheshire Oaks with the rest of the Singaporeans. That means 2 in a row; was out debating at UCL last weekend whilst they explored Birmingham.
Just played badminton. Going to study now. Jam. Lecture. Chicago practice. Home; where's that?
Amen.
Uncle T
Randomness of it all....
I just watched my first episode of West Wing (recommended by a debate senior); just had my first ice-cream yesterday since starting school; listening to a new acoustic indie group Urusen; missed my girlfriend hell lot when I looked at the frisbee she bought me; 2 essays of 1500each and a maths test in the week after; trying to kick-start an engine that took a hiatus in the military.
The randomness of it all.
Physically, I've settled in. I get to bed by simply lyind down, I awake and know I'm 13 hours away from home. I feel rather at home in my Tocil 49D flat, and enjoy the kick-ass mix of company in my flat. No, this land doesn't seem to foreign. Wait. Possibly it does.
The autumn leaves look so beautiful; much more than seeing it in Getty images and Hallmark movies. Watching these maple souls fall to the ground ironically refreshes me instead of drag me down. And wish that I had Yong with me.
Yet, the randomness of it all.
Whilst in politics seminar, a self-proclaimed imperialist (as if I know what that means) Caucasian, who has been staying in Brunei for a number of years as an expatriate, commented on the political landscape in Brunei: "there is no politics". Wow. Sounds impressive, especially when you watch it with his presumptuous spit flying everywhere and his straight blondes flapping. And I stood up (surprised myself too) and said "Objection!". I would very much like to delve into the analysis of how such a ignorant comment, if reflective of "free speech", I'll rather do without.
Again, randomness.
I am looking to do "Chicago" the musical this weekend! But that would mean missing out going to Cheshire Oaks with the rest of the Singaporeans. That means 2 in a row; was out debating at UCL last weekend whilst they explored Birmingham.
Just played badminton. Going to study now. Jam. Lecture. Chicago practice. Home; where's that?
Amen.
Uncle T
11 Oct 2006
No, don't allow it.
Even if the wind of
Stifling systems blow through
Don't let it.
The world's our stage
My stage, and yours.
Rush not, for there is expanse,
For you and I.
You create yours, and I,
Mine.
With patience, I'll be my
Director, and you,
Yours.
Don't let it.
Don't let them.
Don't let anything take you
Away from the blossoming expanse
That is a gift to you.
Amen.
Uncle T
Even if the wind of
Stifling systems blow through
Don't let it.
The world's our stage
My stage, and yours.
Rush not, for there is expanse,
For you and I.
You create yours, and I,
Mine.
With patience, I'll be my
Director, and you,
Yours.
Don't let it.
Don't let them.
Don't let anything take you
Away from the blossoming expanse
That is a gift to you.
Amen.
Uncle T
8 Oct 2006
Oh Well, if that's the way its meant to be 9:35 pm
After looking forward to this opportunity, it has fallen six feet under through the rabbit hole; I'm down with a wicked throat that only allows me to make unintelligible grunts. So much for Chicago's auditions. Wonder if they have a role for a toad. I would ace that perfectly.
Oh well. If that's the way the autumn blooms begin for me, so be it. There is hardly much I can do but go for the unaudtioned chorus for Chicago; and hope I'm well by next Sunday for Copacobana's next week.
On to happier notes, and forget the glitches. Queen is providing excellent motivation from my speakers: "We are the champions...No time for losers". How apt. No blurdy time for the loser with no voice.
Last evening, some Sporean year-ones headed over to Mok-Richard-Jasmin's house warming at Hearsall Common, just beyond campus grounds. We had roasted duck, seasame chicken and chicken rice!!!! My gosh! In part imported from Burmingham and in part due to Richard's culinary expertise.
Sometimes you get real nasty luck.
"Mister Cellophane,
SHould have been my name..."
"Cause you can see right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I am there"
Uncle T
Oh well. If that's the way the autumn blooms begin for me, so be it. There is hardly much I can do but go for the unaudtioned chorus for Chicago; and hope I'm well by next Sunday for Copacobana's next week.
On to happier notes, and forget the glitches. Queen is providing excellent motivation from my speakers: "We are the champions...No time for losers". How apt. No blurdy time for the loser with no voice.
Last evening, some Sporean year-ones headed over to Mok-Richard-Jasmin's house warming at Hearsall Common, just beyond campus grounds. We had roasted duck, seasame chicken and chicken rice!!!! My gosh! In part imported from Burmingham and in part due to Richard's culinary expertise.
Sometimes you get real nasty luck.
"Mister Cellophane,
SHould have been my name..."
"Cause you can see right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I am there"
Uncle T
7 Oct 2006
Random shots 2:07 pm
My very own lunch I made within half an hour one cold afternoon.
And this, the Sporeans very first home-cooked meal! Not much, but much to be wanted by our cold stomachs here.
Seeking its warm spot in the/ Cold soil of the expanse 1:49 pm
Drats. I am nursing the onset of a wicked sore throat, with auditions in a couple of days. After all the missed opportunities back home, I've decided not to let this chance go by without a shot at it; auditioning to be in musicals. "Chicago" auditions is on Sunday and the "Copacabana" ones are next week. The week after will also be for the Big Band's singer.
After just barely 2 weeks here, one realises how much greater this global pond is. Or rather how perochial my view was back home. Now, possibly, I have a glimpse of why peeps back home grouse about the influx of foreign talent who unseat their employment; something which I earlier did not sympathise with.
Regardless of it being a sport, a political party, musicals or academics, an average 19 year old student here at Warwick may have done the following:
1. Played at the state level for a sport, and still not make Warwick's team
2. Joined a political party and stood for local elections
3. Done 6 musicals before, and lead actor in all
4. Studied law & politics at A Levels, and spouting statements like "globalisation as a march of imperialism"
The list goes on.
And I, an average 21-year-old from Singapore has barely skimmed the surface of other activities at these levels of commitment. I am definitely not discouting what an avergage Singaporean kid does back home, the O Levels, A Levels SATS blah (the peeps from other countries do those too), but outside the classroom, it is hard, in my opinion, to find avergage SIngaporeans dedicated to a CCA at similar levels of participation and commitment.
Again, this is a sweeping statement, but it is exactly how I feel talking to these kids younger than I. No doubt, I pride our local boys on going to army with the artillery, but here is another guy who has been doing humanitarian work since 13, and acting out his convictions by being an avid activist.
Well, whatever truth that lies beneath the broad assumptions I have made above, this is my opportunity to take in the sights of this greater world that I have long been shielded from through my mundane humdrum back home.
Amidst the Coventry greens
Do I seek the budding hope of
Autumn magpies and hungry
Squirrels.
An alien blossom
Seeking its warm spot in the
Cold soil of the expanse
Of this small Universe.
There is always something
Bigger out there.
Uncle T
After just barely 2 weeks here, one realises how much greater this global pond is. Or rather how perochial my view was back home. Now, possibly, I have a glimpse of why peeps back home grouse about the influx of foreign talent who unseat their employment; something which I earlier did not sympathise with.
Regardless of it being a sport, a political party, musicals or academics, an average 19 year old student here at Warwick may have done the following:
1. Played at the state level for a sport, and still not make Warwick's team
2. Joined a political party and stood for local elections
3. Done 6 musicals before, and lead actor in all
4. Studied law & politics at A Levels, and spouting statements like "globalisation as a march of imperialism"
The list goes on.
And I, an average 21-year-old from Singapore has barely skimmed the surface of other activities at these levels of commitment. I am definitely not discouting what an avergage Singaporean kid does back home, the O Levels, A Levels SATS blah (the peeps from other countries do those too), but outside the classroom, it is hard, in my opinion, to find avergage SIngaporeans dedicated to a CCA at similar levels of participation and commitment.
Again, this is a sweeping statement, but it is exactly how I feel talking to these kids younger than I. No doubt, I pride our local boys on going to army with the artillery, but here is another guy who has been doing humanitarian work since 13, and acting out his convictions by being an avid activist.
Well, whatever truth that lies beneath the broad assumptions I have made above, this is my opportunity to take in the sights of this greater world that I have long been shielded from through my mundane humdrum back home.
Amidst the Coventry greens
Do I seek the budding hope of
Autumn magpies and hungry
Squirrels.
An alien blossom
Seeking its warm spot in the
Cold soil of the expanse
Of this small Universe.
There is always something
Bigger out there.
Uncle T
5 Oct 2006
This was Day One at the Piazza. Doesn't look like that in early mornings after parties at night...
The garden where Alice in Wonder
Below is the view from my window. Autumn leaves...
Uncle T
3 Oct 2006
The peeps that make Warwick warm... 3:34 pm
Cheers, to the peeps that make Warwick warm!
All that grocery shopping, all the time, perpetually, in Coventry
Yup, that's how the Brits get their size
Soccer on a wet English field next to me flat at Tocil
ah yes, the English fish&chips at OxfordThen Jia Wei and I went to Topman to grab gloves. Guess what. Their smallest size was too big, and so I settled for a Nike kids pair. Taking it further, Jia Wei quipped that he shall open a retail chain just for me, Topkid. Presenting to you, the proud owner of Topkid!
Do check up http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicfoo/ for more photos for now, as in the future.
Uncle T
From the Land of Alice in Wonderland 1:31 pm
From the Land of Alice in Wonderland...
This is indeed way overdue. I've arrived here in Warwick for a week and a half, and only know am I saying hello.
To get some the major did-you-knows out of the way: I'm studying at University of Warwick, just on the fringe of the town of Coventry. Its north-west of London, about under 2 hours to get to London by rail. I am studying Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE) and am staying in Tocil residence on campus.
I start classes proper today, and am looking forward to finally teasing an army-frozen brain to life with 3 seperate disciplines. My course is one of the heaviest degrees here at the university. I have to check 3 pigeon-holes, 3 notice boards, and 3 times the workload of a single-subject degree. Nasty.
Weather is turning cold. But despite that, have had a number of morning runs through campus with squirrels, ducks & hares for company. We also play soccer in the cold, wet English weather on the very beautiful fields here; its like carpet grass here. We slide, get muddy, get flung, all just to play a good game of soccer :)
My room's slowly becoming comfy, and yes, its me very own roomhold, where I am matron; I manage food, household, transport allowance, cleanliness, decoratives etc. What a fast-track to growing up.
The campus is lovely, and I'm slowly making new friends (for the Brits possibly only in the bar. I'm just kidding. You know that right? Ha). But it is hilarious to know how much people know about Singapore. They think: "Singapore? How's that dictator" "Singapore, do you know kung fu?" "SIngapore, how is it now that you're back with China?" "Singapore, sorry I don't speak Singligh. Can you speak English?"
Cheers!
Me final farewell with family back at Changi Airport
View of Central Asia from SQ318
My very own sandwich brand in the UK!!
Shakespeare's house, and Shakespeare's student
Picadilly Circus, London; my first view as I stepped out to London for the first time. Lovely.
Uncle T
This is indeed way overdue. I've arrived here in Warwick for a week and a half, and only know am I saying hello.
To get some the major did-you-knows out of the way: I'm studying at University of Warwick, just on the fringe of the town of Coventry. Its north-west of London, about under 2 hours to get to London by rail. I am studying Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE) and am staying in Tocil residence on campus.
I start classes proper today, and am looking forward to finally teasing an army-frozen brain to life with 3 seperate disciplines. My course is one of the heaviest degrees here at the university. I have to check 3 pigeon-holes, 3 notice boards, and 3 times the workload of a single-subject degree. Nasty.
Weather is turning cold. But despite that, have had a number of morning runs through campus with squirrels, ducks & hares for company. We also play soccer in the cold, wet English weather on the very beautiful fields here; its like carpet grass here. We slide, get muddy, get flung, all just to play a good game of soccer :)
My room's slowly becoming comfy, and yes, its me very own roomhold, where I am matron; I manage food, household, transport allowance, cleanliness, decoratives etc. What a fast-track to growing up.
The campus is lovely, and I'm slowly making new friends (for the Brits possibly only in the bar. I'm just kidding. You know that right? Ha). But it is hilarious to know how much people know about Singapore. They think: "Singapore? How's that dictator" "Singapore, do you know kung fu?" "SIngapore, how is it now that you're back with China?" "Singapore, sorry I don't speak Singligh. Can you speak English?"
Cheers!
Me final farewell with family back at Changi Airport
View of Central Asia from SQ318
My very own sandwich brand in the UK!!
Shakespeare's house, and Shakespeare's student
Picadilly Circus, London; my first view as I stepped out to London for the first time. Lovely.Uncle T
17 Sept 2006
The Science of Packing 8:55 pm
Orders poh chai pills after downing Russian stick, Cheesy Pizza, nasi lemak...................
(in random order)
1. You have to ensure that all requests for farewell meals are met, friends and enthusiastic acquaintences. If not, guilt and harrassment will precipitate.
2. Clothes must be folded in a specific means to fit the size of the container (suitcase)
3. blah blah...
4. blah blah...
Yup, I've entered the last week before I take flight, to enter a fresh beginning. Unlike many previous ones, this one unfolds in a foreign land, the heart of a foreign culture.
Leaving becomes more difficult with loved ones tugging at your heartstrings ceaselessly. Even if you will against it, trying to stay emotionless, one just cannot help but allow it. Perhaps only those in such a circumstance, or vagulely similar, will understand this irrationality.
Well, before I continue to pack and embrace the warmth of loving company, let me watch ma Anfield team trash le Bleu! :)
Goodbye!!!!!
Uncle T
(in random order)
1. You have to ensure that all requests for farewell meals are met, friends and enthusiastic acquaintences. If not, guilt and harrassment will precipitate.
2. Clothes must be folded in a specific means to fit the size of the container (suitcase)
3. blah blah...
4. blah blah...
Yup, I've entered the last week before I take flight, to enter a fresh beginning. Unlike many previous ones, this one unfolds in a foreign land, the heart of a foreign culture.
Leaving becomes more difficult with loved ones tugging at your heartstrings ceaselessly. Even if you will against it, trying to stay emotionless, one just cannot help but allow it. Perhaps only those in such a circumstance, or vagulely similar, will understand this irrationality.
Well, before I continue to pack and embrace the warmth of loving company, let me watch ma Anfield team trash le Bleu! :)
Goodbye!!!!!
Uncle T
16 Sept 2006
The Bedfellow & Ribbons 10:21 am
The Bedfellow & Ribbons
Amidst all the luggage do I sit
Swarmed by alien clothes and anxious thoughts,
Excited nerves and tested faith.
Time has its way
On messing the head.
Too little, we buckle,
Too much, the devil sets up shop;
The furniture arrived
Followed by the decoratives
I sure hope the bed does never arrive.
I will be looking to evict this uninvited
Bedfellow. Be gone!
Indeed, the beauty of our humanity
Is the gift of the conscience
With pretty ribbons of emotion.
But at times do we not
Get entangled in these long flows of string
As we unravel the parcel?
Uncle T
Amidst all the luggage do I sit
Swarmed by alien clothes and anxious thoughts,
Excited nerves and tested faith.
Time has its way
On messing the head.
Too little, we buckle,
Too much, the devil sets up shop;
The furniture arrived
Followed by the decoratives
I sure hope the bed does never arrive.
I will be looking to evict this uninvited
Bedfellow. Be gone!
Indeed, the beauty of our humanity
Is the gift of the conscience
With pretty ribbons of emotion.
But at times do we not
Get entangled in these long flows of string
As we unravel the parcel?
Uncle T
12 Sept 2006
Joy, Love, Hope. 12:42 am
Joy, Love, Hope.
Something I put together this afternoon. For the less for fortunate who share our home.
Uncle T
Something I put together this afternoon. For the less for fortunate who share our home.
Uncle T
3 Sept 2006
Forsaking tradition for true Humanity 12:02 pm
Once, Queen Victoria of England invited an African chief to dine with her and her royal subjects in her residence. At the end of the dinner, finger-bowls were brought out following English tradition. However, the African visitor, unaware of the prevailing custom, drank all the contents of the finger-bowl. The Queen followed suit. Stupefied, the rest of the her subordinates did the same.
Jewish laws dictated that the hands and utensils must be ritually cleansed before a meal. Yet, Jesus allowed his disciples to eat with ritually unclean hands. And did "work" (such as miracles) on the Sabbath, which was considered a sin by the Pharisees' code.
Queen Victoria's magnanimity is laudable. How many of us possess and act upon such grace towards the people around us, especially those that extend beyond kin? Especially to go against the orthodoxed social codes to act with true humanity?
With the startling results of Milgram's obedience experiment in mind, I can only wish that the better number of us, myself included, will sometime attain such Grace that allows us to act with our conscience.
Uncle T
Jewish laws dictated that the hands and utensils must be ritually cleansed before a meal. Yet, Jesus allowed his disciples to eat with ritually unclean hands. And did "work" (such as miracles) on the Sabbath, which was considered a sin by the Pharisees' code.
Queen Victoria's magnanimity is laudable. How many of us possess and act upon such grace towards the people around us, especially those that extend beyond kin? Especially to go against the orthodoxed social codes to act with true humanity?
With the startling results of Milgram's obedience experiment in mind, I can only wish that the better number of us, myself included, will sometime attain such Grace that allows us to act with our conscience.
Uncle T
1 Sept 2006
Devil Wears Prada 9:14 am
It was meant to be only a dinner, but a hedonistic rush sent us reeling.
We three (Russ, Yong and I) ran for the box-office. By a sheer twist of good fate, we got our tickets ahead of the queue, and we were in: Devil Wears Prada.
There were memorable one-liners, caricatured characters and tear-jerking moments. I must say acting was pretty decent, though I am but a poor judge.
However, certain potentially-poignant scenes could have been further exploited by investing more time and emotion, but the plot just chugged on, focusing more on the Gucci handbags and Chanel boots. Certain character foils (Nigel) could have been better dealt with to provide a little more balance amongst the characters.
Nevertheless, last evening was a memory-worthy one, not forgetting the mad frenzy to catch the last bus home. Not to mention the company.
Uncle T
30 Aug 2006
Directionless Mutter 2:08 pm
As dark tropical clouds gather, and a storm anticipating its cue, I just ponder on nothingness and everything. Wading through the marshy middles of my mental mess, I contemplate my impending departure, running through mental checklists for the trip, about the prospect of my music growth; about leaving behind that one special person, my family. Surprisingly I'm unfazed by the prospect of having to leave this life behind; indeed, I'll miss the sun, but not the battles that take place at train doors.
I know I'll miss friends, the boys, the Church people, but its not sinking in; I know the meat is there but it ain't cookin'. I know I'll miss the food, but that's not taking a toll on my taste-buds as yet.
World Bank rests on my mind too. A dormant but pervasive thought, along with the diplomatic service.
I had lunch with Ivan yesterday, and dinner with Mic Parry the day before. That only further cemented this directionless.
Uncle T
I know I'll miss friends, the boys, the Church people, but its not sinking in; I know the meat is there but it ain't cookin'. I know I'll miss the food, but that's not taking a toll on my taste-buds as yet.
World Bank rests on my mind too. A dormant but pervasive thought, along with the diplomatic service.
I had lunch with Ivan yesterday, and dinner with Mic Parry the day before. That only further cemented this directionless.
Uncle T
27 Aug 2006
news of Hype 5:38 pm
news of HYPE
First, it was the Iraq war. All forms of media were fronted by pictures and reports of devastation. Report after reports covered the pages of the newspapers. Now, after the media had come full circle by questioning the Bush administration and its minions on the war, the hype is gone. So are the reports and pictures.
Then it was the Lebanon-Israel conflict. The news jumped in head-on. And, again, now that the "hype" is over, the news has shifted its focus. For the local papers, its dear ole Vincent Lam-Youth Challenge and immigrants welcome-package.
Yet, there are still scores of innocent blood spilt in the Middle-East, with current reports only carrying a miniscule portion on the local papers.
Is not the media's role to keep us informed of issues? Media, our eyes to the world beyond our shores?
Or is media largely about making money? And hype sells.
Youth Challenge
Yet another in the hotseat.
I do wonder how will this particular case turn out. Possibly, the personality, hence the organisation, may escape legal prosecution, but possibly face moral persecution.
I have faith that our society, increasingly showing signs of maturity, will be pertinent enough to stand up against individuals, or groups, that seek to tear social fabric and trust, will stand with impregnable solidarity.
Civic society.
First, it was the Iraq war. All forms of media were fronted by pictures and reports of devastation. Report after reports covered the pages of the newspapers. Now, after the media had come full circle by questioning the Bush administration and its minions on the war, the hype is gone. So are the reports and pictures.
Then it was the Lebanon-Israel conflict. The news jumped in head-on. And, again, now that the "hype" is over, the news has shifted its focus. For the local papers, its dear ole Vincent Lam-Youth Challenge and immigrants welcome-package.
Yet, there are still scores of innocent blood spilt in the Middle-East, with current reports only carrying a miniscule portion on the local papers.
Is not the media's role to keep us informed of issues? Media, our eyes to the world beyond our shores?
Or is media largely about making money? And hype sells.
Youth Challenge
Yet another in the hotseat.
I do wonder how will this particular case turn out. Possibly, the personality, hence the organisation, may escape legal prosecution, but possibly face moral persecution.
I have faith that our society, increasingly showing signs of maturity, will be pertinent enough to stand up against individuals, or groups, that seek to tear social fabric and trust, will stand with impregnable solidarity.
Civic society.
23 Aug 2006
Standing & Independance 8:10 am
This entry has 2 subjects, rather unrelated but heck.
Standing!
About to start Day 3 of work. The thought of standing for 8 hours is already causing discomfort in my poor feet. But the prospect of relishing in the satisfaction of closing a deal is invigorating. Fathoming the thought of rich Indon families and ang mohs who don't check price-tags before purchase gets the jealousy-meter rising too.
Independence
"Claiming oneself to be independent, for most people, would just be a short-term inability to recognise our intrinsic interdependence."
To make such a claim is bold, I admit. But that's how it formed in my head so early this morning. Do drop your comments if you wish. I may elaborate on it further.
Essentially, we are all dependent in the long-run, on our environment and people. It is possibly that our egos are creating this short-term myopia, making us emphatically trumpeting that we are independent individuals.
The Happy Stranger challenges you to think about this.
Uncle T
Standing!
About to start Day 3 of work. The thought of standing for 8 hours is already causing discomfort in my poor feet. But the prospect of relishing in the satisfaction of closing a deal is invigorating. Fathoming the thought of rich Indon families and ang mohs who don't check price-tags before purchase gets the jealousy-meter rising too.
Independence
"Claiming oneself to be independent, for most people, would just be a short-term inability to recognise our intrinsic interdependence."
To make such a claim is bold, I admit. But that's how it formed in my head so early this morning. Do drop your comments if you wish. I may elaborate on it further.
Essentially, we are all dependent in the long-run, on our environment and people. It is possibly that our egos are creating this short-term myopia, making us emphatically trumpeting that we are independent individuals.
The Happy Stranger challenges you to think about this.
Uncle T
21 Aug 2006
Liberation!!! 11:28 am
Dental Liberation!
Yes! After 4 years, my braces are finally off! Just this morning.
Liberation through memories revisited
Last evening I had dinner with Roger, J Liew and a few of us from the SJI EXCO. Something that was so integral in my formation and development, finally revisited after about 4-odd years.
It was reaffirming and warming. To see where we came from, and how far we've come. And possibly a glimpse of times to come.
Revisits from beautiful memories sometimes provides clarity to the uncertainty-marred future. Yesterday's Muthu's Curry dinner and nydc-dessert helped in correcting that ubiquitous doubt.
The Happy Stranger did get happier.
Off to work!...again.
Uncle T
Yes! After 4 years, my braces are finally off! Just this morning.
Liberation through memories revisited
Last evening I had dinner with Roger, J Liew and a few of us from the SJI EXCO. Something that was so integral in my formation and development, finally revisited after about 4-odd years.
It was reaffirming and warming. To see where we came from, and how far we've come. And possibly a glimpse of times to come.
Revisits from beautiful memories sometimes provides clarity to the uncertainty-marred future. Yesterday's Muthu's Curry dinner and nydc-dessert helped in correcting that ubiquitous doubt.
The Happy Stranger did get happier.
Off to work!...again.
Uncle T
17 Aug 2006
11 Aug 2006
City of God 11:56 am
I still wish to go there. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
"City of God" is set in the public housing ghetto, City of God, of Rio. The irony of the title is evident from start to end of this film. Blood bath of feudal gang wars, spilling of innocent blood just to appease a young child's blood lust.
To most Singaporeans, this life seems a universe away; where being "hoodlum" was a profession; kids not only don't have 11pm curfew by law, but wield murderous guns; dead bodies lying on the streets. It was a stark reminder to me that this was no scene of a war; this was someone's WAY OF LIFE.
The film comes full circle, when the opening scene of an innocent chicken-chase of an escaping poultry is repeated close to the end. How apt that the movie calls it "The beginning of the end".
Despite the death of the biggest gangster, 'Lil Ze, at the end, I suspect the movie was highlighting the vicious cycle of violence and crime in the ghetto. With the fall of one bandit, will arise from its ashes a new reign of terror. How apt, therefore, the movie ending with a scene of a bunch of boys (I mean those around 7-12 yrs old) wielding guns that killed 'Lil Ze: the beginning of another end.
I thought the cinematography aptly captured all the emotions that the dialogue did not. In essence, of what that could not be justified in words was richly conveyed through the use of clever camera movement and manipulation.
It really left me with a sense of dread. That while I, we, are sitting cushy in our parents' diligence and prudence, while others a third of our age fend for their own survival, where even loving a pretty babe was a crime necessary of execution if the gangster had an inferiority complex.
True, it is an unfair comparison. We all are born into different lives and therefore adopt to varying circumstances accordingly. Yet, one cannot help but respect those who fought their way out of ghettos and earned themselves an education and a life they carved for themselves.
These men; in comparison to our friends who inherit Namly bungalows and own Porshes (only to stop every 50m at traffic lights) before 30.
Yet, in amidst all this violence, there is an eerie beauty about these people's situation, and the way they side-step these shitholes in their lot. Tragedy is an everyday affair, yet they live. I still wish to visit Brasil. Amen.
Uncle T
"City of God" is set in the public housing ghetto, City of God, of Rio. The irony of the title is evident from start to end of this film. Blood bath of feudal gang wars, spilling of innocent blood just to appease a young child's blood lust.
To most Singaporeans, this life seems a universe away; where being "hoodlum" was a profession; kids not only don't have 11pm curfew by law, but wield murderous guns; dead bodies lying on the streets. It was a stark reminder to me that this was no scene of a war; this was someone's WAY OF LIFE.
The film comes full circle, when the opening scene of an innocent chicken-chase of an escaping poultry is repeated close to the end. How apt that the movie calls it "The beginning of the end".
Despite the death of the biggest gangster, 'Lil Ze, at the end, I suspect the movie was highlighting the vicious cycle of violence and crime in the ghetto. With the fall of one bandit, will arise from its ashes a new reign of terror. How apt, therefore, the movie ending with a scene of a bunch of boys (I mean those around 7-12 yrs old) wielding guns that killed 'Lil Ze: the beginning of another end.
I thought the cinematography aptly captured all the emotions that the dialogue did not. In essence, of what that could not be justified in words was richly conveyed through the use of clever camera movement and manipulation.
It really left me with a sense of dread. That while I, we, are sitting cushy in our parents' diligence and prudence, while others a third of our age fend for their own survival, where even loving a pretty babe was a crime necessary of execution if the gangster had an inferiority complex.
True, it is an unfair comparison. We all are born into different lives and therefore adopt to varying circumstances accordingly. Yet, one cannot help but respect those who fought their way out of ghettos and earned themselves an education and a life they carved for themselves.
These men; in comparison to our friends who inherit Namly bungalows and own Porshes (only to stop every 50m at traffic lights) before 30.
Yet, in amidst all this violence, there is an eerie beauty about these people's situation, and the way they side-step these shitholes in their lot. Tragedy is an everyday affair, yet they live. I still wish to visit Brasil. Amen.
Uncle T
10 Aug 2006
New Found Inspiration!!! 10:36 pm
Just found a new, nice, sexy way to play Coldplay's "Yellow". Enjoying it! I call it the "wala wala" style; edgy, progressive, sexy.
Yong on piano! :)
Uncle T
Yong on piano! :)
Uncle T
An Eyeball on The World 10:15 pm
I picked up some incisive points about the Middle-East crisis currently raging in Lebanon from an article by Prof Robert Page from Chicago.
Hezbollah's Nature and therefore...
Hezbollah is essentially neither a militia or political party, but rather evolved as a movement that resisted Israeli occupation of Lebanon in 1982. However, it today has become an umbrella body for numerous like-minded groups, religious and secular.
Despite its semblance of structure as an organisation, and therein can be "destroyed", Hezbollah's essential nature is a more far-reaching one; a movement of nationalism, a deep-rooted cause driven by higher emotions.
If Israel is acutely aware of this point, then the Zionist movement will know they are trodding down the wrong path. Very wrong. By aiming to annhiliate Hezbollah's missle launch-pads by military force, it in fact is counter productive as the scores of civilian fatalities only serve to enforce Hezbollah's status as a valid movement, and provides a platform for militia groups globally to step on and reinforce their cause.
I do believe Israel knows. But by the virtue of its national pride, and precarious artifically-created geographical location, it is difficult to put down its arms and come to the table for the diplomacy route. At the very least, it may take a series of symbolic victories in Lebanon before the Israelis would come to the table.
Uncle T
Hezbollah's Nature and therefore...
Hezbollah is essentially neither a militia or political party, but rather evolved as a movement that resisted Israeli occupation of Lebanon in 1982. However, it today has become an umbrella body for numerous like-minded groups, religious and secular.
Despite its semblance of structure as an organisation, and therein can be "destroyed", Hezbollah's essential nature is a more far-reaching one; a movement of nationalism, a deep-rooted cause driven by higher emotions.
If Israel is acutely aware of this point, then the Zionist movement will know they are trodding down the wrong path. Very wrong. By aiming to annhiliate Hezbollah's missle launch-pads by military force, it in fact is counter productive as the scores of civilian fatalities only serve to enforce Hezbollah's status as a valid movement, and provides a platform for militia groups globally to step on and reinforce their cause.
I do believe Israel knows. But by the virtue of its national pride, and precarious artifically-created geographical location, it is difficult to put down its arms and come to the table for the diplomacy route. At the very least, it may take a series of symbolic victories in Lebanon before the Israelis would come to the table.
Uncle T
The Campaign To Confer The Public Service Star on JBJ 9:18 am
Nope. There was no need to profane a superfluous slew of Singlish in an attempt to accurately capture local sentiments. It took piercing, no-holds-barred insight, pithy analogies and penetrating satire to present a felicitous opinion of how some Singaporeans view ubiquitous red-tape and OB markers.And there were only 2 actors.
You would have to watch it to decide if you'll agree with its propositions, but judging from the audience participation and response last night, it sure seemed the majority relished in Eleanor Wong's perspective.
Theatre's Rightful Place
What struck me from last night's play at the National Library, beyond the play's message, was theatre's role, if it even has one in Singapore, in civic society and society at large.
The way theatre has been presented to us since mainstream-schooldays, it is but a CCA and SYF-medal opportunity (thereby CCA points). Beyond that, it was for the lofty, the "creative", surely not as common place as mIRC or MSN Messenger.
But that was exactly what struck me; that theatre could be a very viable mainstream forum where ideas are exchanged, between cast, playwright and audience, and acts as a springboard for discussion after curtains fall.
In the play's synopsis, Ivan Heng's commentary suitably sums my muses: " Once in a while, a play comes along that reminds us about the necessity and role of theatre."
A partner, naturally
And what better way to appreciate such work with a well-dressed, smart, stage-experienced, critical and lovely partner? What better way to conclude a beautiful evening (albeit having to sidestep through the after-Parade crowd) by taking our after-thoughts of the play all the way to supper (and added kilos)?
I had Yong. Thank you.
Uncle T
5 Aug 2006
Freedom 12:49 am
I want to live free. Free from superimposed regiment that the Others create. A framework they actually give your life. It is ridiculous, especially that every one of us is unique.
I am positive that the Creator made us individually unique for a purpose: a sign of our specialness as individuals.
He is my only regulator. I am my only CEO.
"Butterflies are petty things for people's fancy"
Uncle T
I am positive that the Creator made us individually unique for a purpose: a sign of our specialness as individuals.
He is my only regulator. I am my only CEO.
"Butterflies are petty things for people's fancy"
Uncle T
29 Jul 2006
Aliens 6:59 pm
A draft I did sometime back.
"Alien ferocious bodies plant themselves in a host and lurch out, burst through the chest and attack the person next to the host and in doing so, kills the host...Hezbollah is the alien body and Lebanon is the host...And the mother alien producing this poisoned eggs is Iran, with its way station to Syria. Israel would be the bystander struck by the alien monster."
-Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu
Can Israel be still considered a mere bystander in the current bloodbath unfolding in Lebanon? True, the initial kidnapping of the two Israeli soldiers was a symbolic stab at Israel's sovereignty, but the retaliatory actions has not come without collateral damage. And from a ubiquitous moral standpoint, further articulated by the Geneva Convention, killing of civilians is wrong.
Despite understanding the breadth of damage of its attacks in Lebanon, the Israel does not seem keen in looking at resolving this conflict that will reduce the tragedy of the ordinary Lebanese. I may be saying this without qualification, but I am sure Israel's "popularity polls" is not doing too well globally.
So far, it seems to suggest diplomacy does not seem to be a first-option for the Israeli state in the face of bilateral and/or unilateral conflict.
Uncle T
"Alien ferocious bodies plant themselves in a host and lurch out, burst through the chest and attack the person next to the host and in doing so, kills the host...Hezbollah is the alien body and Lebanon is the host...And the mother alien producing this poisoned eggs is Iran, with its way station to Syria. Israel would be the bystander struck by the alien monster."
-Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu
Can Israel be still considered a mere bystander in the current bloodbath unfolding in Lebanon? True, the initial kidnapping of the two Israeli soldiers was a symbolic stab at Israel's sovereignty, but the retaliatory actions has not come without collateral damage. And from a ubiquitous moral standpoint, further articulated by the Geneva Convention, killing of civilians is wrong.
Despite understanding the breadth of damage of its attacks in Lebanon, the Israel does not seem keen in looking at resolving this conflict that will reduce the tragedy of the ordinary Lebanese. I may be saying this without qualification, but I am sure Israel's "popularity polls" is not doing too well globally.
So far, it seems to suggest diplomacy does not seem to be a first-option for the Israeli state in the face of bilateral and/or unilateral conflict.
Uncle T
Kampong Glam 10:21 am
Sites I never knew existed.
Makes me wonder why,
When living on an island that
Doesn't take an hour
To cross.
Where have our eyes been looking?
Where have our hearts been hanging?
Do I, do you, have an identity
That strongly binds you to
Grandma & grandpa?
"Life goes on at such a pace
A few years full of youth and grace
And then you fall flat on your face
Before world history"
Uncle T
28 Jul 2006
Care to lend a hand? 7:31 pm
I wrote this poem (actually it came to me as a song) just before I attended a docu-film premiere cum discussion with Mr Kishore Mahbubani. This was a week or two ago.
The session revolved around the film's title "Broken Promises- The UN at 60". With BBC images and disparent views on the Lebanon crisis swirling, I penned the following. Care to lend me a hand, giving it a title and completing it?
The song came in a Blues form, with chord progression I-IV-V, typically 12-bar Blues. The second verse came as a bridge:
Its for you and I.
You don't even need to try,
And it's there for you
To help see you through.
I know it sounds unbelievable
But why put yourself through all that trouble?
The hope of your future
Is free.
Even if all the rockets
Take all in your pockets,
Nobody, I say nobody,
Can rob you of your dignity.
Uncle T
The session revolved around the film's title "Broken Promises- The UN at 60". With BBC images and disparent views on the Lebanon crisis swirling, I penned the following. Care to lend me a hand, giving it a title and completing it?
The song came in a Blues form, with chord progression I-IV-V, typically 12-bar Blues. The second verse came as a bridge:
Its for you and I.
You don't even need to try,
And it's there for you
To help see you through.
I know it sounds unbelievable
But why put yourself through all that trouble?
The hope of your future
Is free.
Even if all the rockets
Take all in your pockets,
Nobody, I say nobody,
Can rob you of your dignity.
Uncle T
Missing Jazz 1:13 am
Took quick glimpes of the latest Singapore Idol jazz episode. That only served to reignite my desire to sing. Sing jazz.
I cannot wait, again, for a chance to stand before a mic, singing a jazz standard. Conveying all that the song wants to say, expressing the cacophony of clashing emotions the Blacks intended to convey in their Blues and sincerely adopting the song as a medium to express my undescribables that whirl through me.
Sometimes, just for the chance to share my music, I wished I joined Singapore Idol. And then when I watch the bitch-fest, I remember why in the first place, as a purist, how sincerely beautiful music can rarely be made if made the bed-fellow of the pursuit of fame and stardom.
Uncle T
I cannot wait, again, for a chance to stand before a mic, singing a jazz standard. Conveying all that the song wants to say, expressing the cacophony of clashing emotions the Blacks intended to convey in their Blues and sincerely adopting the song as a medium to express my undescribables that whirl through me.
Sometimes, just for the chance to share my music, I wished I joined Singapore Idol. And then when I watch the bitch-fest, I remember why in the first place, as a purist, how sincerely beautiful music can rarely be made if made the bed-fellow of the pursuit of fame and stardom.
Uncle T
Vernon Good-book Little 1:02 am
I completed "Vernon God Little" by DBC Pierre this evening.
To those who want an easy read which is beyond chick lit, this is it. I am impressed by this book, its intent, and the vehicle it employs to convey its point.
========================================
Drats, the Ubin trip is cancelled! And still have stuff to prep before flying... -_-
Uncle T
To those who want an easy read which is beyond chick lit, this is it. I am impressed by this book, its intent, and the vehicle it employs to convey its point.
========================================
Drats, the Ubin trip is cancelled! And still have stuff to prep before flying... -_-
Uncle T
24 Jul 2006
And to complete a beautiful life... 9:00 pm
And to complete a beautiful life...
A wonderful friend, partner, lover.
Amen.
Uncle T
A wonderful friend, partner, lover.
Amen.
Uncle T