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
17 Sept 2006
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