Uncle T
6 Jun 2006
Lovin' Sundays! 2:03 pm
Orders some Latin samba and jazz!!!!
Words and Notes! Da Best!
Sunday was a windfall. I bought 3 books from Borders! One on mathematics, a Bill Bryson (History of Everything) and Vernon God Little. Amazing! The satisfaction I get from buying books. Hey Dilane! More books for the book club!!
In the company of Yong, I grabbed a CD from one of my favourite CD shops at Marina Square. Got Syro Gyro. They rock! Love the way that over the years their music has "smoothened", allowing jazz and Latin to fuse seamlessly. Due to cashflow problems, I didn't get The Hollies,which was extremely tempting, tagged at only $12.90 for their "best of".
The Babe!
Indeed, company matters. Yong was with me from lunch on. :) Her friends do love her I tell you! (hint: she got her bday present from her SMU gals).
We had a great dinner (albeit lots of calories) at the Marina Square foodcourt. At this point we have to complain: Marina Square's air-con has freaking no thermostat!!!! It was so arctic that evening,walking about Marina Square.
Feline Groove!!!!!!!!!!!! Cat Empire!
After leaving Arctic Marina, we walked right out into the evening's humidity and headed for the Esplanade. I had half the mind to hop onto a bus and head home to crash. Tired. But Yong urged me to check out the performance at the outdoor theatre. Boy did I not regret.
Ladies, and gentlemen, presenting to you my latest love: Cat Empire!!!! They really rocked the house at the open-theatre. It has been a very long while since I last saw Singaporeans dancing at a public concert, grooving to the passionate sounds of Cat Empire's fusion, jazz and latin. Amazing! The trumpet really got me moving.
Before I knew it,Yong and I were swaying, groovin'. Are there clubs in Singapore who played such Latin stuff??!?!?! I was perspiring profusely at the end.
What a fantastic Sunday. I am blessed.
Words and Notes! Da Best!
Sunday was a windfall. I bought 3 books from Borders! One on mathematics, a Bill Bryson (History of Everything) and Vernon God Little. Amazing! The satisfaction I get from buying books. Hey Dilane! More books for the book club!!
In the company of Yong, I grabbed a CD from one of my favourite CD shops at Marina Square. Got Syro Gyro. They rock! Love the way that over the years their music has "smoothened", allowing jazz and Latin to fuse seamlessly. Due to cashflow problems, I didn't get The Hollies,which was extremely tempting, tagged at only $12.90 for their "best of".
The Babe!
Indeed, company matters. Yong was with me from lunch on. :) Her friends do love her I tell you! (hint: she got her bday present from her SMU gals).
We had a great dinner (albeit lots of calories) at the Marina Square foodcourt. At this point we have to complain: Marina Square's air-con has freaking no thermostat!!!! It was so arctic that evening,walking about Marina Square.
Feline Groove!!!!!!!!!!!! Cat Empire!
After leaving Arctic Marina, we walked right out into the evening's humidity and headed for the Esplanade. I had half the mind to hop onto a bus and head home to crash. Tired. But Yong urged me to check out the performance at the outdoor theatre. Boy did I not regret.
Ladies, and gentlemen, presenting to you my latest love: Cat Empire!!!! They really rocked the house at the open-theatre. It has been a very long while since I last saw Singaporeans dancing at a public concert, grooving to the passionate sounds of Cat Empire's fusion, jazz and latin. Amazing! The trumpet really got me moving.
Before I knew it,Yong and I were swaying, groovin'. Are there clubs in Singapore who played such Latin stuff??!?!?! I was perspiring profusely at the end.
What a fantastic Sunday. I am blessed.
Patty #2: The Necessity for a Lesser Evil 1:50 pm
Orders porridge and milo peng...
Regardless of an organisation's level in any given social, political or corporate strata, it is essential that it places high emphasis on its image to its users, voters or customers.
Especially monopolies. These jaggernauts in their fields often display pomposity that is unbelievable. That air of self-confidence reaks with disgusting arrogance. Do they not fear that their privileged position may one day be undone? Is such common sensical prudence blinded by the myopia of a system where the winner takes it all?
We now have a global environment where decisions (be it votes, purchases)are made inspired by profit maximisation, self-benefit, using currency of benefits. Yet, how an organisation is seen morally, can still lend some weight in the final outcome of the decision-making process. Humility is crucial.
These gargantuan organisations must keep in mind this. Even if they were not to be moral angels, they MUST understand that even just "seeming" like one is the lesser of the two evils, to the end of bolstering their current stature.
Uncle T
Regardless of an organisation's level in any given social, political or corporate strata, it is essential that it places high emphasis on its image to its users, voters or customers.
Especially monopolies. These jaggernauts in their fields often display pomposity that is unbelievable. That air of self-confidence reaks with disgusting arrogance. Do they not fear that their privileged position may one day be undone? Is such common sensical prudence blinded by the myopia of a system where the winner takes it all?
We now have a global environment where decisions (be it votes, purchases)are made inspired by profit maximisation, self-benefit, using currency of benefits. Yet, how an organisation is seen morally, can still lend some weight in the final outcome of the decision-making process. Humility is crucial.
These gargantuan organisations must keep in mind this. Even if they were not to be moral angels, they MUST understand that even just "seeming" like one is the lesser of the two evils, to the end of bolstering their current stature.
Uncle T
5 Jun 2006
TGIF! 3:00 pm
Orders so so so much food!
We were SUPPOSED to head down to Marina South for steamboat, and I'm glad we didn't. In the end, the boys met at Marche, Suntec City, last Friday evening.
The evening started, as always with silly good jokes and taking disses at each other was generous. It was good dinner, after which, after much debate, we decided to head for Max Brenners.
It was the first time for the couple of us. And boy what an evening it was on this virgin visit! The fondue, the hug mugs of white choc, it was just out of this world. One could get high on chocs I tell you!
And then Yong joined us. Finally, the gang enjoyed a nice walk to Millenia for a round of good booze. And of course, after an evening like that, what better way to end it of than to run for our last bus!
I'm blessed to have this bunch. Who said life was shit? Huh?
I'm thanking my lucky stars.
Uncle T
We were SUPPOSED to head down to Marina South for steamboat, and I'm glad we didn't. In the end, the boys met at Marche, Suntec City, last Friday evening.
The evening started, as always with silly good jokes and taking disses at each other was generous. It was good dinner, after which, after much debate, we decided to head for Max Brenners.
It was the first time for the couple of us. And boy what an evening it was on this virgin visit! The fondue, the hug mugs of white choc, it was just out of this world. One could get high on chocs I tell you!
And then Yong joined us. Finally, the gang enjoyed a nice walk to Millenia for a round of good booze. And of course, after an evening like that, what better way to end it of than to run for our last bus!
I'm blessed to have this bunch. Who said life was shit? Huh?
I'm thanking my lucky stars.
Uncle T
2 Jun 2006
The Burger Buns... 8:22 am
Orders a teh peng, mee pok and long bean omelette...
Yo-yo Friday
Just a week back, I was strolling through Takashimaya, chomping food-court fishballs. I stopped by the central toys bazaar, only to find a forgotten memory on a stage: Yo-Hans.
My sis and I can recall the days when we used to be Pro-Yo crazy. Remember the Bumble-bee? Walk-the-dog? There he was, the World Record holder of the greatest number of yo-yo tricks in a minute, Yo-Hans, on a measely stage in Taka.
Nevertheless, I was there at stage side as he wowed kids by breaking his own record: 54 tricks per minute. He autographed the fateful yo-yo thereafter and offered it to the audience. Guess what? Instead of giving it to his screaming kid-fans, he turned to the oversized buffalo munching on balls;me.
Yes, I've now got an autographed Yo-Hans yo-yo which he did 54 tricks with, and the harrowing memory of the glares from disgruntled parents who believed the yo-yo should never have ended up with a fumbling furball,but with their kids who were on stage front.
My Apple dream...digested...gone!
Yo-yo Friday
Just a week back, I was strolling through Takashimaya, chomping food-court fishballs. I stopped by the central toys bazaar, only to find a forgotten memory on a stage: Yo-Hans.
My sis and I can recall the days when we used to be Pro-Yo crazy. Remember the Bumble-bee? Walk-the-dog? There he was, the World Record holder of the greatest number of yo-yo tricks in a minute, Yo-Hans, on a measely stage in Taka.
Nevertheless, I was there at stage side as he wowed kids by breaking his own record: 54 tricks per minute. He autographed the fateful yo-yo thereafter and offered it to the audience. Guess what? Instead of giving it to his screaming kid-fans, he turned to the oversized buffalo munching on balls;me.
Yes, I've now got an autographed Yo-Hans yo-yo which he did 54 tricks with, and the harrowing memory of the glares from disgruntled parents who believed the yo-yo should never have ended up with a fumbling furball,but with their kids who were on stage front.
My Apple dream...digested...gone!
I've always wanted an Apple. Wanted to be a staunch convert. Even the battering practical advice of Yong seemed futile against my desire for sheer class. Then, the music stopped. The flags stopped flying, the trumpets died.
I could afford the Macbook, but cannot afford the softwares. Pro tools, Logic, the softwares that I thought would help my music-making cause cost a bomb. So does Office for Mac.
Perhaps it is to be a long-drawn battle. Perhaps one day I shall return, better armed (with freaking lotsa cash), and reclaim that lost dream! O Steve Jobs! Discount leh!
Working with volunteers
Not exactly a sudden realisation, not exactly a startling epiphany, but I've come to be mindful that when working in a community of volunteers (church groups, VOs etc), it draws on a different set of skills and sensitivities as to working at work, school etc (where there is obvious personal-interests involved).
Seems like an obvious understatement, but often overlooked.
Uncle T
1 Jun 2006
A poem that never got posted too. Written this year... 2:40 pm
Again...
The wind has once more blown a hole through my web.
It is not as if I have not laboured tirelessly to fully establish a sturdy web.
I try, learn from failure, yet this wind continues to wreck my aspiration.
How shall I climb out of such a recess of pessimism?
The humility to accept what I cannot change.
The wisdom to change what I can, is what I need.
But despite the incelement, cruel weather,
Shall I not be found blessed
With a lovely partner
With me.
Be with me.
I am proud of you.
Uncle T
The wind has once more blown a hole through my web.
It is not as if I have not laboured tirelessly to fully establish a sturdy web.
I try, learn from failure, yet this wind continues to wreck my aspiration.
How shall I climb out of such a recess of pessimism?
The humility to accept what I cannot change.
The wisdom to change what I can, is what I need.
But despite the incelement, cruel weather,
Shall I not be found blessed
With a lovely partner
With me.
Be with me.
I am proud of you.
Uncle T
28 May 2006
A Warm Glove Amidst the Chill of a Forested Night 3:26 pm
Orders some wasabe marinated fried prawns...
It had been awhile since I got that rare magical feeling. Last evening I attended the wedding of Gary and Elaine, atop Fort Canning Hill at The Legends.
Sure. Gerard and I were anticipating the cheesy moments: "Final Countdown" being played as the waitresses walk in holding up trays. (It turned out, the couple seized this cheesy moment and made the best of it: they played some song about Smurfs marching in while the waitresses did their hackneyed thing).
Sure. There was wine and food, I might add LOTS of wine and pretty good food.
Sure. There were the "best friends" and "best" men who ensured that Gary, the groom, did a forfeit at practically every table he visited for photgraphs. At our table, he had to eat fishballs. Apparently he has a terrible phobia of them. His facial expressions were classic Kodak moments I tell you.
But what took me was the warmth the celebrations. The long-time friends who did the slideshow of how the star lovebirds first met and grew up, the JC classmates of the bride who stuck it out with her through thick and thin, and the joy the couple displayed (not to mention the sympathising affection the bride showed her groom for all his forfeits).
In this age of the instant generation, fast food, high-speed LAN connections, faster fast cars, we tend to gravitate to quick solutions to problems that crop up don't you think? If weddings are on the rocks, its mostly accompanied by a divorce.
Where has that capacity to weather hardships, endurance, patience gone to in the summer of technology and fast-paced change? Is our strength to face hardships head-on in its winter years?
To the newly-weds, my blessings. To the rest of us, all the best.
Uncle T
It had been awhile since I got that rare magical feeling. Last evening I attended the wedding of Gary and Elaine, atop Fort Canning Hill at The Legends.
Sure. Gerard and I were anticipating the cheesy moments: "Final Countdown" being played as the waitresses walk in holding up trays. (It turned out, the couple seized this cheesy moment and made the best of it: they played some song about Smurfs marching in while the waitresses did their hackneyed thing).
Sure. There was wine and food, I might add LOTS of wine and pretty good food.
Sure. There were the "best friends" and "best" men who ensured that Gary, the groom, did a forfeit at practically every table he visited for photgraphs. At our table, he had to eat fishballs. Apparently he has a terrible phobia of them. His facial expressions were classic Kodak moments I tell you.
But what took me was the warmth the celebrations. The long-time friends who did the slideshow of how the star lovebirds first met and grew up, the JC classmates of the bride who stuck it out with her through thick and thin, and the joy the couple displayed (not to mention the sympathising affection the bride showed her groom for all his forfeits).
In this age of the instant generation, fast food, high-speed LAN connections, faster fast cars, we tend to gravitate to quick solutions to problems that crop up don't you think? If weddings are on the rocks, its mostly accompanied by a divorce.
Where has that capacity to weather hardships, endurance, patience gone to in the summer of technology and fast-paced change? Is our strength to face hardships head-on in its winter years?
To the newly-weds, my blessings. To the rest of us, all the best.
Uncle T
23 May 2006
The Bruised Ego? 11:25 pm
Orders mee pok tah, less chilli, tam pok ketchup...
You punch me, I stab you
It just may be pure coincidence. Rather, more possibly a heightened awareness; that of late I have noticed, regardless of the circumstance (at work, in voluntary church work, amongst relations...) that there is the occurance of the bruised ego.
Such laceration is manageable, but the defensive stances and mechanisms that kick in, in consequence, is something that glares right at me. Startling. Daunting. Rather disturbing. Person A's words and/or actions injure Person B's ego. In retaliation, Person B acts and/or says something in defense.
Seems perfectly natural in the natural world, but couple it with human malice, sarcasm, vindication, it only but serves to present the ugliest side (sight) of people.
Look me no up? Why look me up and down?
Ever walked into a local cafe, and seemed as though the whole restaurant turns to look at you, and for a few minute moments size you up?
Or how you meet an old friend along Orchard and you're with your girlfriend? And noticed the first moments you exchange greetings, YOUR friend is looking at your girlfriend (and not you)?
Yong and I have noticed this disturbing occurance in Singapore. I initially brushed her growing concerns about others who keep sizing her up along the streets, saying she was being paranoid and laughed it off. But I soon reassessed this.
Given the opportunity, on MRT, bus stop, makan place, anywhere in Singapore, people look each other from head to toe. If there is an "other half" around, a few muttered words will be exchanged, with their eyes trained on the "person" in question. I admit to this too.
But what is the motivation? The reason? I can only make wild guesses at what goes through people's head when the size me up on the streets:
"Wah! The guy damn fat la"
"Biang! His shirt super ah pek!"
"Hmmmm...think is gerfren taller then him leh!"
Can anyone shed light on this? Why do we Singaporeans size each other up like that? An insecure society, perhaps? I hear that in Western societies, such occurances are significantly less. Is that true?
Help me. Ask friends. Then drop me a mail. Will put up your hypotheses here.
Uncle T
You punch me, I stab you
It just may be pure coincidence. Rather, more possibly a heightened awareness; that of late I have noticed, regardless of the circumstance (at work, in voluntary church work, amongst relations...) that there is the occurance of the bruised ego.
Such laceration is manageable, but the defensive stances and mechanisms that kick in, in consequence, is something that glares right at me. Startling. Daunting. Rather disturbing. Person A's words and/or actions injure Person B's ego. In retaliation, Person B acts and/or says something in defense.
Seems perfectly natural in the natural world, but couple it with human malice, sarcasm, vindication, it only but serves to present the ugliest side (sight) of people.
Look me no up? Why look me up and down?
Ever walked into a local cafe, and seemed as though the whole restaurant turns to look at you, and for a few minute moments size you up?
Or how you meet an old friend along Orchard and you're with your girlfriend? And noticed the first moments you exchange greetings, YOUR friend is looking at your girlfriend (and not you)?
Yong and I have noticed this disturbing occurance in Singapore. I initially brushed her growing concerns about others who keep sizing her up along the streets, saying she was being paranoid and laughed it off. But I soon reassessed this.
Given the opportunity, on MRT, bus stop, makan place, anywhere in Singapore, people look each other from head to toe. If there is an "other half" around, a few muttered words will be exchanged, with their eyes trained on the "person" in question. I admit to this too.
But what is the motivation? The reason? I can only make wild guesses at what goes through people's head when the size me up on the streets:
"Wah! The guy damn fat la"
"Biang! His shirt super ah pek!"
"Hmmmm...think is gerfren taller then him leh!"
Can anyone shed light on this? Why do we Singaporeans size each other up like that? An insecure society, perhaps? I hear that in Western societies, such occurances are significantly less. Is that true?
Help me. Ask friends. Then drop me a mail. Will put up your hypotheses here.
Uncle T
There is Hope! 12:05 am
And the Heavens are not blind!
There is yet hope
In the mud and drudge of things!
Never say die
Up, man! Try!
Uncle T
There is yet hope
In the mud and drudge of things!
Never say die
Up, man! Try!
Uncle T
16 May 2006
Greyness looms... 12:57 am
How one phone call may potentially purge dreams, smudge out hopes. I did receive one of such nature.
That aside, it was a delightful gathering at Lucas' (sure, with a choc fudge banana cake from Secret Receipe's) for his 21st. (All it takes is a string of these 21sts and a month's wage can diminish with such unwitting speed).
The whole bunch were there, with good Peranakan home-cooked, wacky conversations and to top it all off, the traditional get-around-the-table-after-dinner chat, of random topics, jokes and disses. I for one appreciated the long relations I have had with the people at the table, especially the birthday boy.
To an old friend (or is it foe?), here is a tribute to the years I knew you as one helluva character that I will always have in my memories. To your future, to you as a person and your family, cheers.
O how sweet it is
In the world of the silly
Where there is only space
For joy!
Uncle T
That aside, it was a delightful gathering at Lucas' (sure, with a choc fudge banana cake from Secret Receipe's) for his 21st. (All it takes is a string of these 21sts and a month's wage can diminish with such unwitting speed).
The whole bunch were there, with good Peranakan home-cooked, wacky conversations and to top it all off, the traditional get-around-the-table-after-dinner chat, of random topics, jokes and disses. I for one appreciated the long relations I have had with the people at the table, especially the birthday boy.
To an old friend (or is it foe?), here is a tribute to the years I knew you as one helluva character that I will always have in my memories. To your future, to you as a person and your family, cheers.
O how sweet it is
In the world of the silly
Where there is only space
For joy!
Uncle T
14 May 2006
Lost. 5:06 pm
And you thought it would
Last?
Romantic! Worse!
Naive! No?
Sprouting from same the earth
Nurtured by the same
Light
But who knew which species?
You thought all were to
Cherish such nostalgia?
Darkness
Is a greater appeal!
You think they would allow you
In to share the morning worm?
Bah!
Think again!
We are all kings and queens,
Dukes and dutchesses,
Nobility
Of avarice and greed!
You say what?
Hope? Goodness?
Dignity? Chivalry?
Sure. Pull out
The dusty fairy tales.
Sure.
And you thought it would
Last?
Romantic! Worse!
Naive! No?
No. Naivety carries no such
Conviction as you do;
No such tears of despair
Wept for this barren earth;
No such hope
Of the rebirth.
Till "happy ever after",
It won't last.
Last?
Romantic! Worse!
Naive! No?
Sprouting from same the earth
Nurtured by the same
Light
But who knew which species?
You thought all were to
Cherish such nostalgia?
Darkness
Is a greater appeal!
You think they would allow you
In to share the morning worm?
Bah!
Think again!
We are all kings and queens,
Dukes and dutchesses,
Nobility
Of avarice and greed!
You say what?
Hope? Goodness?
Dignity? Chivalry?
Sure. Pull out
The dusty fairy tales.
Sure.
And you thought it would
Last?
Romantic! Worse!
Naive! No?
No. Naivety carries no such
Conviction as you do;
No such tears of despair
Wept for this barren earth;
No such hope
Of the rebirth.
Till "happy ever after",
It won't last.
11 May 2006
The Useless Little Shoot 5:54 pm
Orders a cup full of leniency for the lack of poetic beauty...
The young shoot
Frolicking amidst the
Luxury of youth,
Blessed by Time.
It seeks the birds
Bids the bees
Embraces the sunlight
Kisses the earth.
What joy! What freedom?
"But what purpose?
Useless!"
So says the tree
With Aged bark,
Towering above the little shoot,
Casting a dark shadow:
"Such decadence,
With no direction!
Grow branches and leaves!
Immature!"
Little shoot cowers in
Self-consciousness, guilt.
Shivering in the sudden chill.
Why? How? Where?
"Little one, look up! Why do you tear?
Shall you not someday grow to be
A sturdy tree, with full crown and
Nest of flowers?
"Your time is to come.
"Worry not about Aged Fury,
Listen to pretty Nature.
Follow your good heart".
The blind forest allowed Time
To Pass, and one found a
Young tree, strong and happy,
And an aged bark, dying.
That dark shadow,
Cankering at its roots,
Decaying from within.
Why? O justice?
It clamoured for the sun
With such purpose it forgot
To take firm roots in the
Ground.
In the end,
It was the useless little shoot,
That patiently grew
And found its eternal purpose.
09may06
Uncle T
The young shoot
Frolicking amidst the
Luxury of youth,
Blessed by Time.
It seeks the birds
Bids the bees
Embraces the sunlight
Kisses the earth.
What joy! What freedom?
"But what purpose?
Useless!"
So says the tree
With Aged bark,
Towering above the little shoot,
Casting a dark shadow:
"Such decadence,
With no direction!
Grow branches and leaves!
Immature!"
Little shoot cowers in
Self-consciousness, guilt.
Shivering in the sudden chill.
Why? How? Where?
"Little one, look up! Why do you tear?
Shall you not someday grow to be
A sturdy tree, with full crown and
Nest of flowers?
"Your time is to come.
"Worry not about Aged Fury,
Listen to pretty Nature.
Follow your good heart".
The blind forest allowed Time
To Pass, and one found a
Young tree, strong and happy,
And an aged bark, dying.
That dark shadow,
Cankering at its roots,
Decaying from within.
Why? O justice?
It clamoured for the sun
With such purpose it forgot
To take firm roots in the
Ground.
In the end,
It was the useless little shoot,
That patiently grew
And found its eternal purpose.
09may06
Uncle T