The Chronicles of Desprorado

2009-06-17T11:17:00.001+08:00

Today is the 17th of june..Just dunno... feel like typing something...

Does a person who appears happy to u be really happy in his/her heart?
Does a person who appears sad to u be really sad in his/her heart?
Does a person who appears to be strong to u be really strong in the heart and mind?
Does a person who appears to be weak to u be really weak in the heart and mind?
Does a person who appears to be carefree be really troubled-free?
Does a person who appears to be in troubled be really tt troubled?

When i keep quiet, do you think i am unfriendly, dao? or just troubled? or in deep thoughts?

When i talk alot, do u think i am active? am really happy? or trying to hide myself?Are u scare of being in the centre of attention? or,Are u scare of being left alone, not being notice by anyone?

Are you troubled by money?Are you troubled by love?

It's hard to understand how a person truely feels and thinks. Most pp wont show what they truely thinks to others easily. Some will just show it in their face easily.

- For original copy please refer to http://sanzo86.blogspot.com
haha..

2009-03-07T00:34:00.001+08:00

Ohya,

I think my new year resolution is the same as last year.

1. I will keep all my resolutions for the year.

2. I will become an awesome leaner and meaner war-machine.

3. I will snag a girl of my dream.

4. I will get richer. (Buay 4d tio 4d, buy toto tio toto, buy lottery win lottery, go genting win Jackpot)

5. I will wake up from my bl**dy idea, cut down procrastinating, get back to reality and get down to business.

2009-03-07T00:32:00.000+08:00

Halo...

Finally i am here to overwrite the algae blog... Suddenly got feeling wan to blog... heh*
Really its been very long... think most of those who came to see my blog before ASSumed this blog is History...

Above is copied from a friend.

2008-01-19T18:24:00.000+08:00

Created a new blog using wordpress as at Dec 17 2007.
Original purpose was to describe my army life and explain my difficult situation.
Wrote 1 post only.
Questioning myself whether to carry on or abandon it (new project).
Thought twice about it.
Seemingly better interface.
More themes available etc.
Conclude that I'm most prob going to abandon this blog.
Try out something new.
But remains the same old me.

2008-01-05T13:25:00.000+08:00

New Year Resolutions!

1. I will keep all my resolutions for the year.

2. I will become an awesome leaner and meaner war-machine.

3. I will snag a girl of my dream.

4. I will get richer. (Buay 4d tio 4d, buy toto tio toto, buy lottery win lottery)

5. I will wake up from my bl**dy idea, cut down procrastinating, get back to reality and get down to business.

2008-01-01T01:01:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!

2007-12-25T17:39:00.000+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2007-12-19T18:18:00.000+08:00

Memorable Trip

Had concluded an 11 days military exercise on 17th Dec. Country of destination is none other than the one most feared by NSFs and regulars. Tons of people had given me unkind comments on the country. Hmm.. Let's cut the complaints and listen/read to what I've got to blog.

Day 1

Boarded a charlie-one-thirty (military plane) on a friday morning, a day where most of the NSFs book out and return to the comforts of their home. It is my first time travelling out of the country without my parents *gasps*, my passport and my PSP. Okay, I was kidding on the last part, hah.

All in all, I'm in an unfamiliar territory as I had a group of men to lead and manage, new environment, language barriers etc. Fortunately, I had other fellow sergents in same dilemma as well as superiors who had been in the country before.

To summarise day satu, I came, I unpack, I eat, I unpack, I eat, I shower, I read, I sleep. In two words, settle down.

PS - It has been awhile since i really last blogged with my heartfelt thoughts, weird sense of humour and 'inspirations'. No worries, I would be back to blog a longer version of my experience as I have like dozens of overdue and urgent matters to attend to. Including picking up my sis.....

2007-12-18T23:23:00.000+08:00

too long nv log in... wasted some time figuring out my user name and pwd... Will post abt my experience in Brunei tmlo. tmd.

2007-07-06T17:57:00.001+08:00

I'm a 1 year soldier.

2006-09-17T15:53:00.000+08:00

Clubbing

At the age of 20, I finally went clubbing with my bunkmates... Ministry Of Sound. Initially, I thought about becoming a 'pilot' because of several factors like costs, late hours and my dad. Yea, what has it got to do with my dad? Actually he approved my 'application' to go club but I felt that he doesn't really like it . Hence, I was weighing the good and bad and eventually consult my 2nd sis. She msged me the go-ahead as clubbing is going to be a new experience for me. Without further ado, I was outta my hse in 5 mins. Hah..

1st impression: The cigarettes smoke both outside and inside. Several hot babes. So-so music. Sardines grooving to the music.

Paid entrance fees of 28 bucks (inclusive of 2 drinks). Found out that I can't shake my dead body hence had a shot of tequila (1st time) and bourbon coke. Alas, it had not much of an effect on me. Paid for another tequila and were treated to some vodka lemonade as they brought a jug. Finally got a bit of kick and i just bob my head around abit.

Final impression: Clubbing is just another excuse to squeeze and be squeezed that's all.

In another separate incident

I was called cute...
*Vomit*

I know what you guys are thinking of...

WOW! Some babes find me cute?

BUT

That person is an uncle.. Phui!

2006-08-27T16:35:00.000+08:00

Dead or Alive

After 7 weeks in the army, I think that it's like back to the same old situation again. I'm at the crossroad once again and stuck between a rock and a hard place. Whether I expressed interest to be a commander or not, I'm still going to chiong sua and should not even think of getting an 8-5 vocation. The difference lies in the respect, responsibility and pay. No matter what, I'm going to do my time...

So how has the Army changed me?

1. The room must be clean and you can be dirty while it was the other way round back then.

2. It exposes me to new and interesting 'punishments' and vuglarities. Hah~ My favourite would be the latest catch phrase in my coy. "I'm a 7 weeks old maggot"

3. Chao keng will not solve your problems, it only shows your character as a person.

4. While singaporeans are debating on standards of hawker food, I'm eating combat rations & actually love some of it. With names like oregano pasta and japanese curry noodle, the army had improved alot from the 'dog' biscuits.

5. News had became history to me.

An Army song

Training to be soldiers.
Fight for our land.
Once in our life,
two years of our time.
Have you ever wondered
Why must we served?
Because we loved our land (Cos we have no choice)
And we want it to be free to be free ya! (And we lan lan have to serve have to serve ya!)
Stand up
Be on your guard
C'mon everybody do your part
C'mon everybody
Soul and heart
Do it for our nation
Do it for our Singapore ya!

2006-07-30T14:55:00.000+08:00

Army Days

In fact, I've got nothing much to say about the Basic Military Training. Physical training was tough but still reasonable. Wt's worse is the mental aspect. Till now, I'm still unable to come to terms with the fast pace. There is an information overload for me as I'm still unsure about some of the procedures and so on. Yet somehow, I've managed to survived the first 3 weeks of the 9-weeks BMT. This coming week will be the field camp = 7 days in the jungle without bathing, shitting outside, commando mosquitoes, lack of sleep and memories tt is guarantee to last a lifetime... Enjoy~

At least one thing is for sure, I'm nt going to sign on.

2006-07-05T19:03:00.000+08:00

The mosquitoes decided to give me an advanced farewell party early morning. Currently, awaiting the welcome party going to be hosted by those commando mosquitoes. Hahaha...

Hasta la vista baby!!

Stay here, I'll be back.

2006-07-03T13:36:00.000+08:00

Army Daze

Woah~ Recently, I’ve been bombard with lots of information regarding the army. As a result, I’m in a daze now. Somehow, whoever I spoke with will always talk about the Army. Be it the army oldies, the rookies or even the non army, all of them got lots of info to share.

The Dos and Don’ts. (Whatever it is, don't get caught)
The ghostly encounters. (The 'ninja' boy)
The f****** up sarge. (Sorry for f***?)
The horrid physical training. (100 pushups in the morning + 1 hr in push-up position)
The loneliness. (No gf... Those got gf also scare gf ran off.)
The politics in the platoon. (Backstabbing)
The ‘fun’ adventures. (X!X!X!)

HOO!

WARNING: THERE IS INSUFFICIENT SPACE IN YOUR MEMORY. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY FILES ON YOUR WORKSTATION.

Sidetrack-

Dad: Do you know that the pick-up can only drive up to 70KM/H?
Me: Ya, I know.
Dad: The road limit is also only 70 KM/H.
I was driving at around 80KM/H and there were countless cars zooming by. The road ahead is also clear.
Me: Ya.
Dad: Later you get caught then you know.
Me: Orh. (Reduces speed to a snail’s pace of 60+KM/H)

Later on the expressway.

Dad: Stay in the left lane behind that van.
Me: Orh.
Dad: You cannot overtake the van because it’s traveling at 70KM/H. If you overtake it and the traffic police saw that, you’re going to get a summon straightaway.
Me: Orh.
Dad: (Continue grumbling and repeating the ‘law’ of not overtaking a 70KM/H vehicle)
Me: Dad, then why are you always overtaking vehicles when the limit is only 70KM/H? Later you get summon how?
Dad: CHOY!!
Me and my mum: (LoL!)

Conclusion: My dad is loud. I still feel thrilled to be driving four wheels. I reckon it’s because I’m unpro hence the excitement is still there. = )

Countdown: 2 days 3 nights.

2006-06-29T17:43:00.000+08:00

Pets and kids

Recent events had led me to a conclusion that kids and pets (Think dogs, rabbits, hamsters and cats etc) are alike. Very.

Both are energetic. (How else can anyone explains their boundless energy as they either screams/barks and ran around for hours?)
Both tends to be cute to the extent of irresistible.
Both pets and children have the privileges of making a mess and getting away with it. Arghh...
Both are free to roam the world untroubled. (They haven’t learn the word ‘trouble’ yet.)
Both are great conversation topics as proud parents compare with others over their upbringing and skills learned etc.
Both adds on to the expenses of the household yet it’s a necessity.
Both of them are great sources to spill any good or bad news. (I wondered if people are mad to talk with pets or did the talk actually made them stay sane..?)

Perhaps it’s the act of caring for them that gave us motivation to be better than before. Almost everyone would like the best for their kids/pets. Yet ironically, it also brought about additional stress as one struggles to stay afloat while caring for a kid/pet at the same time.

Hmm... Whatever it is, they complete us. They had momentarily let us put behind our worries, bring out a smile in us and made us realize that those hollow thoughts or possessions are actually really nothing.

Although they may grow old, lose their innocence and even die. Hah~ That is my realist view. Their existence would definitely make our life more enriching and interesting.

Note: Nope, I did not keep any children or pets so there’s no way of any deaths in my place. This is a mere observation.

2006-06-26T18:12:00.000+08:00

It’s almost time...

In 10 days time, I would be defending the nation. I’m not sure whether if it’s good or bad but I’ve pictured some ‘expected’ scenarios below.

1. I’m going to get a welcome treatment by the tough as nails sergeant as soon as our parents bid us goodbyes.

2. New and most probably crazy friends to be made.

3. New environment to adapt. Good examples would be a ‘new’ bed as well as the mosquitoes infested jungles.

4. Suffocating laws to be followed.

5. Lots of drillings (Marching and formation etc)

6. Instructions on weapon handling.

7. Physical trainings and more physical trainings. Full stop.

8. Teamwork concept One for all, all for one. (One kena, all kena)

9. An allowance of $300+....

10. Fun?

Now, I’m feeling kind of queasy as I’m about to embarked on another chapter of my life. Hah... Although most of my friends think that the army would be a piece of cake to me. I felt the same way too as I’ve expected the above scenarios. While, I might have slipped a few points but the main points are roughly there. So I guess I’m mentally prepared. Prepared to get screwed... =(

PS -

My graduation turns out fine. I did not trip on the steps. Lol~ In fact, I looked smart in a jacket. =)

I'm in a dilemma no more. =)

2006-06-21T09:54:00.000+08:00

Dilemma (x3)

Note: A rather confusing and probably meaningless entry. Read at your own risk!

It’s not like I’ve got nothing to blog. In actual fact, I’ve got too much to blog that I do not know which to start first. To make matter worse, when I had inspiration to blog, I found that the topic “Absence makes the heart fonder” being taken up by someone else’s blog that I read. Hence, I was like duh~ I felt like I would be like a copycat if I gave the same answer when others had already given it. To conclude, I suppose that I’m not going to blog read first when I’ve a topic in mind. Ignorance is bliss perhaps?

Secondly, there were quite a few happenings (cold war, driving & sis’s graduation) in my life recently. However, it was all too personal and I did not want to bore people with details in my rather insignificant life unless it’s entertaining or something.

To those interested: Cold war had ended. I managed to drive the pick-up and I’m still alive after my maiden voyage to the eastern side and back.

Good – My dad was beside me to guide. =)
Bad – My dad who’s scratching his legs beside me is roaring at me. =(
Good – I’m glad that he’s not a car tester or driving instructor. =)

Lastly, as I began to blog read. I found that there’s another blogger who faced a similar problem as me. A problem that is there and not quite there. Hah. I'm not purposely confusing people but I can't help be confused too. Once again, to those interested, you may click on this link to find out the similar problem that I face. http://cruzteng.com/2005/06/07/wtf-was-he-thinking/

I’ve questions unanswered yet I do not want to probe for the answer. The answer would surely put a strain on my relationship with either party. Truth be told, it feels so awkward for me that I really do not know what to do. Yep, I’m in a dilemma.

Hmm... Perhaps I should just clear up problems/tasks of my own instead of bothering with other people’s problems. What to do?

2006-06-20T21:27:00.000+08:00

Graduation

3 years of slavery for 10 seconds of fame...
2.5 hours of boredom for your child’s 10 seconds of fame...
15 minutes of tea reception at the lounge..

Is it worth it? Yes, definitely... I would give the food a thumb up. Lol~

PS – These are my views as I watched my sis graduation. Let’s see how it would turn out during my graduation on Fri. Hah~

2006-06-16T18:22:00.000+08:00

Cold War...

I’m not sure why but it’s really a pure coincidence that as soon as I’ve finish writing my previous entry, my mom asks me.

Mum: Did you greet your dad recently?
Me: Nope.
Mum: Why are you so petty?
Me: Where got? I did not do anything wrong.
Mum: He’s your elder and your dad, you should greet him.
Me: ......
Mum: You greet your dad and let him happy awhile then all problems will be solved.
Me: Lanlan... (Speechless)

Thereafter, I escaped into my room.

Subsequently, I spent the past few hours staring at the computer, surf net, playing freecell etc. Thought about that faithful day when I was struck an emotional blow to my heart. I still felt angry because on that night, I was crying as I slept... I was that upset yet I weep silently... His harsh words have really hurt me deeply because he’s my dad... Ever since then, we did not talk much to each other. I’m always giving a one-word answer to piss him off. HAhaha~

After a series of win-lose in freecell, I began to think about how long am I going to wage war with him? Till I enter army? Or until when? I mean realistically the stain could have last until god knows when. Besides, my dad’s does not eat humble pie. His pride/face is way important to him and I don’t recall him saying sorry to anyone else besides his clients. He’s that headstrong or pigheaded if you want another description...

Then, I thought about myself. My mum’s statement of “Why are you so petty?” I’m thinking in my mind “If he did not hurt me first would I be so defensive?” I do not wish for things to happen this way. Who would want a tragedy? Besides, I’ve long forgiven him, I was only hoping that he would apologise to me first. Hahaha... Like real.. Anyway, I did not want my mum to be troubled, so I thought I’ll give my mum face and be forgiving.

Hence, I thought of how to settle this cold war in a manner that would be a win-win situation for both of us. Apology is out of the question. It is quite awkward for me to apologise when it’s no fault of mine. I thought for a while...

I sent a message to him.

I’ve got my license. So are you going 2 help me buy the triangle plate?

Hahaha... One stone kill two birds. I need not spend my own moolah to get the triangle plate and he also has an opportunity to get down the stage. So far, there’s no reply....

2006-06-16T09:55:00.000+08:00

I’ve got it so what now?

Hah~ When things changes, thinking also changes.

So I’ve at long last gotten that license that I coveted for. Then, I began to think about ‘new’ problems like my 1st accident, CHOY! Touch wood. Then, I also began to think about how I am going to memorise all those road and ways to get from point B to point C.

Of course! I also thought of ‘how am I going to get a car?’ Using my dad’s pick-up? No way! Not until the cold war is over. Yes, I know that it’s been 2 months but if he’s stubborn, I must have inherited his genes pretty well. =)

Thus, for the short term I don’t foresee driving a car and besides I’m entering the Army in a few weeks time. You may question what’s the use of getting a license then if you cannot drive?

My reply: Take the plastic card and go around showing off? Hah~ Nope, it’s not my character to show off and there is also nothing much to show off anyway. It’s just an additional skill that I have and now I can look under the dispatch and delivery as well as the drivers and chauffeurs section. Hah.. That is not a dream job but just a spare tyre that may or may not be used.

In the long term, I thought about ‘Ways to own a car?’ In Singapore, a car can seriously cripple your finance even if the exorbitant price tag does not manage to give you a heart attack right away. Even if you have a car, there are always the ‘extras’ that you are going to pay for like the road tax, COE, petrol, piranha interest, parking coupons, season parking, maintenance and fines etc. Based on my rough estimate, a person may need to earn at least 6-8K and above to get an average car including inflation rates and rising oil prices. In order to earn that amount, it may take me 8-10 years at least and even then, I may not reach that salary range...

Under economic terms, it’s not economical to get a driving license. Under safety terms, it’s not safe to drive around when there are reckless drivers around. Hahaha.. I’m not referring to myself as I’m still a rookie and consistently checking my blind spots. In fact, it is much better if more people don’t drive because I’ve already add on to the traffic jam. =) Just kidding... If you have the money, time and will. By all means, do what you want as long as you are happy. Haha.. I’m still lost in lala land and it may take a few days before I get out of it. Hah~ Cheers!

2006-06-14T23:25:00.000+08:00

The Final Countdown

As I was changing lane to the left, the tester hit the dashboard. Damm... I was caught.

Before I start driving, the tester briefs about the emergency brake and told me to step on the brakes immediately when he hit the dashboard. Yet, I was really surprised as he knocks on the dashboard when I was lane changing back to the left. Wtf? I was stunned and earned myself 2 points barely a minute into my test. This is not looking good...

Then, as I was about to turn right to enter the S-course... A learner driver was trying to play punk with me. He was coming from another direction and signaled way too early and misleads me into thinking that he was going to turn into the junction before my S-course. Who knows? That a**hole must have absentmindedly left his signal on and he actually drove straight. For that, I earned myself an additional 4 points within 5 minutes.

It was a case of history repeating itself once again... But I was not demoralized this time.I scored another 2x2 points for silly mistakes in the circuit. Hence, I earned myself 10 points in the circuit alone. I muttered a few silent curses, let it go and try to stop thinking about it.

Finally, it’s time to hit the public road. In my mind, I was thinking about my chances. Yet, I remain slow and steady. It is because I recognized that I can’t outrun against the seasoned drivers out on the road. They do not need to check blind spots nor do they care about the speed limit. The road’s limit is 70KM/H but how many drivers are really driving at that speed? Obviously, there were just not many drivers out there who would let you lane change in front of them.

So, my strategy is simply remaining slow and steady and not letting those idiots to scare me off by trying to kiss my bumper. Screw them for all I care, I’m here to get my license and not rushing to get to heaven or hell. Nor do I want to reincarnate so soon, my time as an earthling is not through yet. I continued at my own pace which is neither too slow nor too fast. When the road is clear, I accelerate close to the speed limit. When the traffic is too heavy and no one lets me change lane, then I just let them go first because it’s definitely smarter to have a proper lane change rather than trying to act hero and lane change against those pros. It would easily earn you points for that.

Yet, I still meet with some incidents on the road... Then, before I knew it. The tester was leading me to the room to reprimand me... He’s carried an unsmiling face throughout the test... He asked me why I move off when the learner driver was going straight.. I explained that the signal was on and I thought that he was going to turn left into the junction so I thought that it’s safe to turn right. Who knows? That a**hole did not turn left nor did he turn into the S-course that I was going to turn into. Wtf?

He made a few more comments on blind spots checking etc..

Well.... In the end...

I...

Have failed...

To...

Disappoint.

HAhaha~

I’ve PASSED!

I’ve finally got that monkey off my back... No more worries about driving... Except that I don’t know the roads....

Note to all learner drivers or driver wannabes:
Do not let your mistakes affect you. Let it go. Continue your driving.
Remain slow and steady and not letting others to pressurize you into errors.
Maintain a ‘confident’ face even though you may be trembling inside.

It may not be easy but you either do it or you lose it.

PS - Actually I was planning to blog this down a day ago but I think it's not very encouraging so I did not blog it down the day before. Now, it doesn't matters. =)

2 Months Rust.

It's has been like 2 months since I've touched the steering wheel... The feeling is like back to a student once again, with the instructor doing what he does best, instruct. Somehow, I don't feel as confident as before. Perhaps due to the rust, or the trauma of 48 demerit points. Whatever... I've no expectations this time. Hah~ Maybe I can set my target at 47 demerit points. Hmm.. The last attempt, I was confident as the instructors did not kpkb much. This time round who knows? I can only hope that my driving instinct could make a miraculous return.

2006-06-09T19:20:00.000+08:00

Entrapment

Came across the word “Entrapment” in The Straits Time today and out of curiosity I read the whole article. I find it interesting and also silly in a sense.

Firstly, the definition according to www.answers.com, “The act of government agents or officials that induces a person to commit a crime he or she is not previously disposed to commit.” In simple terms, it means the government asks you to commit crime. !!!

In the article, a guy was persuaded to bring drugs by a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officer to have ‘fun’. Unsurprisingly, he was nabbed on April Fools Day and sentenced to 8 months jail. As a learner doctor, his career’s most probably history...

Hence, the case sparked this article and also this blog. The experts began to argue against the pros and cons about setting up trap to net those ‘alleged’ drug offenders or ‘would-be’ criminals. FYI (For your information), entrapment is perfectly lawful in my country, Singapore. In other countries, it may or may not be use as a defense (excuse) by the defendant. It would be subject to ‘different people, different opinions’.

To cut short, I’m against it period. In my view, the role of the police force is to ensure peace and order within the nation. Instead, they are trying to put thoughts into other people’s mind. C’mon, you may be bored after lunch and having constipation problems so you thought that you might as well arrest some thieves to move your bowels. Who knows? At the end of the day, you may be promoted and the best thing is, Tadah! Saysaysaysaysay~~!! HOO!! YAHOO!! You have won yourself a pile of sh*t and the feeling must be orgasmic. ??

I’ve no idea. In another case reported, the CNB officer offers a “big” insurance policy for an Ecstasy pill. The “big” policy would have ensured the ordinary insurance agent some food to eat, clothes to wear and a place to sleep. It turns out to be a ‘dream’ that guaranteed 6 years and 3 months of free food, free clothing and free lodging. Hahaha.. Isn’t it such an irony? I’m not laughing at the pitiful girl whom I find really heartbreaking. I dare not laugh at the law either. It’s just natural for me to laugh when I feel like it. I’ve no idea. Hah~

Sarcasm aside, the pros of entrapment is that drug-lords and notorious criminals may be hooked. Those are the monstrous creatures who have time and again escape unharmed. Yet, they are just too slippery to get caught. Probably their feet are greased, hence they remain alive and well. (Greased feet is actually an indirect Chinese translation and it means cunning) How unlikely it may be, may the sword wield by lady justice strikes them... Better still, strike them where it hurt the most. *Ouch*

So, can you resist temptations? Control yourselves?
OR
Would you fall against temptations? Getting out of control?

One last point to add:

“Humans are also a species of animals. That is undeniable and is nothing but the whole truth.”

2006-06-08T22:52:00.000+08:00

Renewed Focus

It’s easy to stray from one’s goal and purpose. It’s easy to just give up and throw in the towel. I’m not a spur-of-a-moment kinda guy. I do not have a 3 second temperature that comes and goes just as easily. Once my decision is made, that’s it. No more dilly-dally, shilly-shally. No more excuses or bull****. No regrets. How others live their lives are their own businesses.

Sidetrack -

A teacher once asked “Where is the richest place on earth?”

A dozen replies like “Banks” “Gold/diamond mines” “Dreams” “Governments” “Books” “Bill Gate’s House” “Heaven” “Earth” “Heaven & Earth green tea?” (Okay, I made the last one up...)

The supposing correct answer is cemetery. His particular logic is because that is where people die with their unfulfilled dreams buried with them. The whole class almost jeered at such an explanation. What kind of answer is that?

Now, thinking about it. He’s probably correct in a ‘sense’. Though his thoughts are outstanding or should I say out of the ordinary, at least his features match up to his theory. What’s with a pony-tail?

I’ve made my decision and you have made yours. Even sitting on the fence is considered a decision. Technically speaking, it is not a decision because I asked a Yes/No question and you are just not responding to it... There’s nothing much I can say... Whatever it is, once you have made your decision, you either live with it or you conduct yourself as a sore loser. Behaving as if the world owes you money, when you are the one who lost it in the first place. There’s no cure, you can only stop screwing yourself or you can continue if it pleases you so much. Adios~

Ten 2-letter words advice to anyone looking for “The Force”

IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME

2006-06-05T11:02:00.000+08:00

Staying at home...

I think I’m getting obsolete and detached from the outside world as I holed myself up at home with my mum holding me captive. Hah.. Doing mundane chores like cleaning (name anything that can be clean or scrubbed) and painting the wall which helps in contributing the excruciating soreness to my neck and arms.

Just imagine yourself raising your arms in the air supporting a paintbrush as you strain your neck to paint the ceiling bit by bit so that the paint wouldn’t spill. This is an extremely good way to build patience and endurance as you progress slowly. After the first hour, I began to procrastinate and began taking short breaks of 10-20 minutes. It was such a chore that I really wanted to just rush it through and get it over and done with. Yet, I can’t hurry because the paint would drip and the results won’t be good anymore. There’s no point in painting if you are just going to do a lousy job. You might as well do other things worth your time.

Hence, I continued painting at a snail’s pace partly due to the painting ‘requirement’ and aches suffered. Hey, I’m not trying to make painting the ceiling seems so tough as if I’m exaggerating but it’s really tiring to strain your neck, raise your arms, holding a paintbrush and waving it to and fro for a few hours. It was so exhausting that I felt weak while playing basketball during the night.

Despite the sufferings, what do you really get in the end? A well painted wall that will deteriorate in a few years? Damm... But life's like that, nothing lasts forever.

2006-06-02T22:04:00.000+08:00

A bargain

Mum: How much for this bunch of bananas?

Fruit Seller: $1.80

Mum examines it further. Found some common black bruises on the bananas.

Mum: There are a few dark stains on the banana. Why don’t you sell it to me at $1.70?

Fruit Seller: Mdm, those dark marks are made when loading/unloading the bananas. It is inevitable to have such marks.

Mum: But the blue black will make the banana spoil faster.

Fruit Seller: Ok lah. Ten cents also make no difference.

Mum paid $1.70...

The morale of the story: Do not try to bargain with my mum, her $0.10 is bigger than the bull cart wheel... Lol~ Come to think about it. It’s rather remarkable that she managed to scrimp and save up those ‘pathetic’ few cents to raise 3 kids. I’m literally raised up on those few cents. Hah~ Amazing...

2006-05-30T11:40:00.000+08:00

Inspired blogging Vs Forceful blogging

A number of people blog for the sake of blogging, writing down their daily happenings and also as a mean to communicate ideas with others. Blogging started out to be a personal diary sort of online journal whereby folks write down their feelings for their own sake. Then, people began to judge a good blog from a so-called lousy blog.

What happens usually is that the bloggers would begin writing to please others. They began to blog even when they don’t feel like it. They are trying to force out their thoughts and the passion fades... They start to treat blogging as a task whereby they must blog at least once per day so that others would know that they are alive and kicking. The words used would become unimaginative and soon, the crowd would thin as they went in search of better blogs.

I started out blogging because I’ve ideas to share. I do not want to force myself cuz I’m not a slave. I’m not paid. I blog because I feel like it. I write down stuffs because I feel like it. It becomes a chore when others begin to expect too much from me. Ideas would become stale and the constant pressure would only make me write rubbish. Likewise, a joke is not funny anymore when it becomes forceful. That applies to drawings as well. What started out as an excellent parody becomes tasteless...

Normally, I do not blog when I’ve no inspiration as the words would come out flat. Since I can’t write something worth reading, I would rather do something worth writing. Or at least do something worthwhile like reading a good book or something. Once the ideas flash, I would capture it and develop the negative onto the blog. (I’m using a metaphor btw)

Anyway, it’s rather easy to spot an inspired blogging and a forced entry. The words are not as colorful, the entry feels silly and most probably the blogger is using third party material and copying and pasting it on the blog. You just have to feel it for yourself and you will know the difference between an inspired and unnatural post.

So... Is this entry forced or inspired?

2006-05-25T17:39:00.000+08:00

I saw this quotation in a shop.

“Some people dream of success while others wake up & work hard at it.”

Interesting. I would take it as it is even though it may not be exactly accurate.

2006-05-22T15:22:00.000+08:00

What is my level?

Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs

I studied this in my management module in year 1 semester 1 of my polytechnic course. In simple terms, there's this genius named Abraham Maslow's who put forward the idea that human’s needs can be divided into five levels as shown above.

As I explored further, I found out that Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing people:

They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
They are creative.
They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority.
They judge others without prejudice, in a way that can be termed objective.

Hold on... I think I skipped a few levels like sex, relationships, achievements, reputation and so on... Hmm.. How could that be? SEX!? Dotdotdot... -_-'

Anyway, Maslow also admits that there were exceptions to this rule. For example, the great Indian leader, frequently forgo his physiological and safety needs when he was protesting. He was running on the self-actualization ‘fuel’ while he went on hunger strikes. (I guess that it's pretty obvious who I'm referring to)

Similarly, I had also forgone some of the physiological needs and wants. I do not need luxury items which are often costly and unnecessary. Ok... I take back my words, I bought a pair of shoes yesterday.. However, I treat it as a need (essential) not a want (desire). I can differentiate between the 2. A ‘need’ is like the hunger for food and you simply need to eat. While a ‘want’ is something that you desire like a Mc Donalds meal, ice cream and chocolate et cetera. You are selecting the ‘best’ item to eat while I’m left with no choice but to faithfully eat my mum’s cooking... =(` Just joking. Hah~ Mc D’s may be ‘tasty’ yet in all honest truth, I love my mum’s cooking. Hah!

I believe that my needs are somewhat special and perhaps I’m special. Who knows? In due course, I would find out if I’m special...

2006-05-20T10:10:00.000+08:00

Theories, rules, policies, laws, regulations, terms and conditions?

Desprorado’s number 1 rule:

“All the above rules are subject to changes”

Effectively speaking, this last rule is always the most powerful rule in the history of mankind.

I respect the laws and order but it doesn’t mean that I’m going to adhere to it. Since young, I had learnt that books are dead and humans are alive. Am I talking craps? Nil...

The education system in my country had taught me that we should always raise our left hand when crossing the pedestrian (zebra) crossing, only crossing the road when the green lights are on and not to cross when the ‘green man’ is blinking. These are all politically correct moves as it will inculcate ‘good’ habits and safety movements. They taught you what is considered right and what is wrong. It’s called education. We are taught not to smoke, gamble, drink and other vice activities. Yet, most teens nowadays are getting more foolhardy. They are revolting and breaking the exact same ‘laws’. What the heck?

During my teens, I learned that it’s in a sense quite silly to always wait for the ‘green man’ before crossing the road. I began to understand that life’s not always that clear cut. What happens if there are neither traffic lights nor anything to guide you in crossing the roads? Do you blindly wait for ‘others’ to build traffic lights just for you? That is way out of the question because of the scarcity of land space and it would be pointless to build a traffic light in every corner just to accommodate one person. A trip outside would have cost you more time/money as you would need to wait for that little green man to light up. Besides, no cars would want to venture out when it’s uneconomically and downright expensive to own a car that takes hours to travel from one location to another destination. What the heck?

Hence, I exercised caution when crossing the streets. I learned to take care of my own safety. Most importantly, I learned not to get caught in the act when committing the heinous crime. Hah... I use logic and reasons to question myself. I think. I read the rules. I comprehend it if possible. Finally, I either follow it or make my own rules. On one hand, I’m not intentionally breaking rules and living my life on the edge. On the other hand, I’m living near the edge... What the heck?

I guess... At some point in time, we need to re-educate ourselves. Instead of blindly following everything that is taught to you by your teachers, parents and friends. What makes you so sure that they are correct? They may be people whom you respected but you need not take in everything that they said. They may be right to say that coffee is bad for you. Yet, they may be wrong as well because researches frequently came up with both good and bad points of coffee. One day it may be bad for health, the other day it may be good for health. That is why it’s all up to you in determining if coffee is good or bad for you. What the heck?

Life’s not just purely black and white; there are different shades of grey.

PS – I used the words “What the heck?” to question people and hopefully to spark up their thoughts. May seems crude but if it can get people to think, it would serve its purpose. Though I still feel that this entry is slightly deep for some people. It's also sort of 'disorganised'. What the.... Who cares?

2006-05-19T13:03:00.000+08:00

3 Blind Men & An Elephant

I trust that most people have read this story before. Nevertheless, it’s my topic of the day. The following story is extracted from http://www.kheper.net/topics/blind_men_and_elephant/Sufi.html. I could have created my adaptation but it’s pointless to waste my time. By the way, there are other websites that offers explanation of the morale of the story like http://www.aish.com/shmooze/4_blind_men_and_an_elephant.asp & http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm413342.html
So here it goes...

“A community of blind men once heard that an extraordinary beast called an elephant had been brought into the country. Since they did not know what it looked like and had never heard its name, they resolved to obtain a picture, and the knowledge they desired, by feeling the beast - the only possibility that was open to them! They went in search of the elephant, and when they had found it, they felt its body. One touched its leg, the other a tusk, the third an ear, and in the belief that they now knew the elephant, they returned home. But when they were questioned by the other blind men, their answers differed. The one who had felt the leg maintained that the elephant was nothing other than a pillar, extremely rough to the touch, and yet strangely soft. The one who had caught hold of the tusk denied this and described the elephant as, hard and smooth, with nothing soft or rough about it, more over the beast was by no means as stout as a pillar, but rather had the shape of a post ['amud]. The third, who had held the ear in his hands, spoke: "By my faith, it is both soft and rough." Thus he agreed with one of the others, but went on to say: Nevertheless, it is neither like a post nor a pillar, but like a broad, thick piece of leather." Each was right in a certain sense, since each of them communicated that part of the elephant he had comprehended, but none was able describe the elephant as it really was; for all three of them were unable to comprehend the entire form of the elephant.”

This simple story may have been around for ages. Yet, subconsciously most people are just like the blind men. Although they were all partly right, they failed to perceive the whole picture. What’s worse? Some may really turn a ‘blind’ eye to what is really happening and have too strong a belief that they are always right. This is what people called stubborn.

Likewise, I may be one of those blind men but I’ve gradually ‘open’ up my mind a few months back. I found that I’m able to learn and understand more when I take in the views of others. Effectively, I’m trying to do a jigsaw puzzle and forming a complete picture of what is really happening. I’m trying to determine what works best for me. To sidetrack, I remembered learning two contrasting theory by quality gurus Joseph Juran and Deming.

One said “Fear brings out the best in people”
The other said “Fear inhibits growth and potential”

By all means, both theories are correct. Some people do need pressure in order to deliver the goods. While others may need breathing space to deliver the goods. The term ‘deliver the goods’ does not refer to the physically delivering of goods ok?

To conclude... The truth is out there waiting for us to piece it together. It may hurt a little but it sure is much better than constantly living the lie. Are you happy? I’ve no idea...

2006-05-17T13:23:00.000+08:00

The cab.

Normally when people talk about taxi drivers, they are often associated with the negative side of the story. Today I shall share a positive story about taxi drivers.

It was pitch dark at East Coast Park, a trio was making their way out of the chalet and trying in vain to hire a cab. Cabs were dashing by with either the ‘Hired’ or ‘On call’ sign. The time was 11 and we’re stuck in an ulu (secluded/remote) part of Singapore. I’ve no idea why taxis are thronging in hot spots like Changi Airport whereby the queues are in the hundreds while other areas are left for the dead.

I know that it make perfect sense to hold on for bigger fish to be hooked. In a sense, they are trying to bait us into calling a cab thus making another few bucks. Even if we did not call up a cab, the midnight surcharge would burn a hole in our pockets sooner or later. Hence, time is on their side, they have absolute advantage. Meanwhile, it is also rational to try and pick up passengers who happen to live in areas that are not so isolated so that there’s a good chance to get another business. I presumed that must be the way that taxi drivers think... Yet, most of them often failed to consider the risks involved if they refused to pick up passengers. People may make complaints, take the night-riders bus or the first bus in the morning or so on. They may also give in and accede to the demands of the cab driver. It’s a two way process, they are not really wrong to try and hook up a bigger fish. Every man for himself...

After a few ‘good’ minutes, I suggested to go up ahead to the Mc Donalds area as the possibility of getting a cab is higher due to human traffic. Bingo! I was right but after we had decided to move on, other people who had fixed to their spots appeared to have gotten on to the cabs. Hah~ It was like we should have stayed in our position longer and perhaps we would have gotten the cab. I seemed to be the sinner yet I did not reproach myself. I lived by my decision and joked that we might have saved a dollar if we got a cab at the Mc Donalds area. Although the truth is, time was ticking by and the cruel reality of midnight charge may be much more than a dollar...

We decided to stop when we are left with only a third or a quarter of the journey to reach Mc Donalds. Or rather, they decided to stop as a few cabs had past us by and often they carried passengers who had stood their ground and waited. I guess they must have felt slightly upset that if we had persevered, we might have been sleeping in the cab by then. After a ‘good’ 10 minutes or so, we continue our journey to the west. Hah~ We are indeed walking towards the west side.

Finally, we reached Mc Donalds and it was another setback once again as there was no taxi stands or taxis waiting for us like I had envisioned. Yet, I had not failed completely as human traffic was high and it means taxis are dropping passengers at this ‘hotspot’. So, we managed to ‘get’ a cab in 5 minutes upon reaching. Too bad, the cab driver rejected us after hearing the words “Woodlands”, the northern part and often regarded as the ghostly area.

I was rather pissed obviously after the long and arduous journey. Yet, I respect the fact that the truth is real and I guess they have the right to reject us. Can you imagine earning $20+ a night for some hours put in? Hmm... Never mind, I spotted another cab dropping passengers hence I raced across the street after traffic on both sides are safer. This cab driver did not reject us and we were on our way.

During the journey, the cab driver did not talk much. That is really unusual because cab drivers would tend to be a little talkative in order to stay sane. Anyway, the driver did not talk much and neither did the trio of us as we were too exhausted to mutter another word. Yet, I kept awake through out the journey in the hope of recognizing the road somehow. It was a wasted effort as I lost sight of the road names etc and the expressways seems never-ending.

Finally, we reached the northern area. My friends alighted first and I was the last to alight. As we were approaching a junction, the traffic lights were turning to red but the taxi driver still turn left. It wasn’t dangerous or anything but I liked that. Hah~ That corresponds to one of my attitude. Then, he finally reached the bus stop near my house. The total cab fare was $22+ and he said that he’s not charging me for those few cents. That scored him another brownie point and I gave him a $2 tips. Yup, I know it’s only $2 but I wasn’t exactly rich either. It’s just a tiny token of appreciation for getting me from point A to point B. God knows, he thanked me profusely. I used my heart to think and I tipped him, he was glad and I was happy too.

I guess the following quotation best summarize the experience.
“The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of” – Blaise Pascal

2006-05-14T18:11:00.000+08:00

The After Chalet Syndrome

It seems like I’m weak after a 3D/2N chalet trip. I’m convinced that people are just more susceptible to the ACS that I’ve mentioned. I defined the After Chalet Syndrome as a combination of too much barbecue food, lack or a diet of nutritious and wholesome food (Fresh fruits and vegetables), soft drinks or flavoured drinks and the most vital point, rest.

But I would take it, though I’m feeling the ‘heatiness’ now. It’s worth it to get down with the potential fever or flu. Like all the BBQs I’ve been to, there are always the usual games like mahjong and cards. Likewise, conversations also arise as people talk about the past and the future. The common questions of “Are you engaged? Have you gotten your licenses? What are you doing now?” As people aged, their thoughts also evolved and some of them grown up mentally while the others are still able to remain at sweet 16.

Maybe it’s the rare occasion that most people can finally get around, meet up and chilled out together. The 3 days escape from reality, being with people in their natural behaviour without having to consider how others scrutinizing their every moves. Though there may be a few who did not want to meet up and so on. I wished them all the best anyway...

Frankly speaking, I was not close to any ‘groups’ formed when I was in secondary school. I’m not really considered anti-social or anything like I used to believe. LOL! I was just a neutral party as I did not stick to just 1 group or whatsoever. Groups are formed because of common interests, protection or certain physical aspects. Once you join groups, things may often become a little complicated and political as you may miss the chance to communicate with people from other groups. In the end, the ‘groupless’ me may feel left out and felt anti-social. Anyway, it doesn’t bothers me anymore as I’ve the unexplainable ‘strength’ and the “Who cares?” attitude.

All in all, I would rate this chalet as 7.5 out of 10. I would based my assessment on 3 main factors: Food, fun and feel.

The food was moderately above average if not for the ‘Not Spicy’ otah. Hah.. It was fish paste in banana leaves that taste like fish balls? I do not want to argue with the manufacturer... It’s like chicken rice without the meat. That is the feeling that the gentle otah had on me. Luckily or unluckily, there was equal amount of otahs as the organizer ordered both the normal and abnormal otahs. Then, the chicken wings were simply marvelous while the BBQ stingray tastes like rubber. Following night, we had catering and it was up to standard.

Hmm... Due to the irregular rain conditions, we did not play much outdoor activities. Apart from that, we did learn a new poker game called ‘Bridge’ which is I believe is not considered popular in Singapore. It was a ‘new’ game to us and there’s much interest obviously. Then, some of the others went for KTV during the afternoon since the weather looks gloomy. The self-professed pros like me and a few others stayed back. Hah~ We are just too pro for KTVs. Or rather, I lame around that my favourite song cannot be found in the KTVs. Lol~ I used the word pro because my so-called favourite song is ‘Da Bei Zhou’ and the KTVs just do not have my song. Hah.. A friend joked that my lyrics are moving at too fast a pace that it is a piece of cake for me if I went to sing with them. Lol! Hence, the stayers chatted and played mahjong. I was the only crazy fellow who went out to explore. I cycled from one end of the East Coast Park to the other end including a 5 minutes timeout as I went back to the chalet and drank a can of red bull.... I did not check my timing but I was in high gear nonetheless...

Feel is also what I called the effort factor in the whole planning of the chalet. Kudos to the organizer who puts in much effort in ensuring that the entire process went smoothly. It was not a mistake on her part that no one touched the prawns during the catering. She had done her part in planning that there’s something for everyone. There’s fish, chicken, prawns, vegetables and 2-3 fried stuffs on top of the noodles and rice. In fact, I had heard that she had even considered organizing some ‘group’ games to be played out. Since no one touches the prawns (With shells), it’s highly possible that no one would be sporty enough to play those ‘group’ games. Some people are just way too cool for that while I’m okay with it.

So... For her efforts, I gave her a 10/10. I had also genuinely thanks her for her efforts and left some words. Hah.. Often, people claimed that my words left an impression on them. I think it’s because I did not talk much hence my words seems to have much more meaning and authority from that of a chatty person. In the olden days, it’s really miraculous for a guy like me to say thanks and showing appreciation. People often joked that they stand a good chance of striking lottery. I guessed that I’ve changed... Anyway, her smile in that instant was the brightest I’ve seen over the past few days. In fact, if no one is around, I’m afraid that she would hug me or what. Lol~ Ok... My imagination was a little too fertile. Hah..

I’ve been through that before and I knew how pressurize it can get when the weather is against you, people are criticizing you and the worse part is having no one to show some appreciation towards your effort. That feeling... is... really like....

PS – I’ve got another ‘taxi’ story coming up soon... A good cab driver story.

2006-05-12T06:38:00.000+08:00

Pictures taken with a 1.3Megapixel camera cellphone

(I really liked this picture)

2006-05-11T13:56:00.000+08:00

AWOL (Away on Leave)

Goin to chalet with secondary school friends for 3 days starting Friday - Sunday. Hanging out with a small group on my bday night. Cool~ Desprorado's going to have some fun. On the other hand hoping that there's no birthday bash in advance or I'll be left there hanging... Hanging like a sandbag awaiting impending destruction..

2006-05-08T23:30:00.000+08:00

Birthday Wish.

Hah~ My birthday’s is coming in around a week’s time. Care to know what’s my wish?

Nothing. I’ve no wish list or anything. In fact, my mindset is the same as a good friend in polytechnic. QQ (not his real name) mentioned that “It’s just another day. No big deal. There’s no need for expensive presents or anything.” Now, I realized that QQ was right. It’s just another day. The world still spins, it’s no big deal.

Or rather, it’s a big deal in that my mum carried me in her wombs for 9 months and finally ‘ending’ the battle as she releases me out to this world. Only to experience further heartache of her son’s ignorance in the early years. Hah~ Now, I dare to say that I’m able to take care of myself. Oops... If not for the 'occasional' dishes that I abhor to wash up, I’m nearly perfect. Lol..

Alas, having been through so many birthdays (including siblings and friends), I merely wishes that people would be happy. I do not want to burden people and demand gifts unlike people with thick skins who post their unfair demands on their blogs. I would be contented if friends could be a little more thoughtful and perhaps show me some respect. Hah~ I don’t mean the respect of kneeling and bowing to me for 3 times sort of respect (Respecting the dead), I mean the act of acknowledging my presence. Hah.. Guess I was thinking too much as usual. Dot dot

I do not need unnecessary gifts or anything. I believed that a simple greeting of “Happy Birthday” is enough for me. I mean there’s no need to make me feel like a king on my birthday to treat me like a fool any other day. That is one of the reasons why I dislike anniversaries. You do not have to treat me so good just on ‘my’ day. It would be good to treat me fine every other day. Ok... I guess that is not possible too...

Then, I’ve also experienced the headache of buying presents for friends on their birthdays. I’ve been through enough of it to know that it is not pretty to have people sharing gifts and ended up arguing over money matters. Then, there’s also the question of what to buy when the person seems to have it ‘all’. People whom I’m closed to should have known by now that I’m not really a money-oriented person. Sure, having money is good but I’m way beyond that. My belief’s that “Worldly possessions are nothing; certain things in life are much priceless”. I’m looking for that something else. I do not need the fanciest gadgets or anything. I cherish relationships way ahead of money.

Next up, I would begin my usual criticism of someone or rather people in general. I condemn people who practically ‘whore’ themselves by publishing their wish lists on their blogs. It’s like asking your friends to get presents for you in an indirect way. I would be ashamed to commit such a ‘sin’. Maybe my skin’s just not thick enough to ask people for presents. Maybe I would jokingly say that I want something that is way beyond the capability of people. But I would never ask or should I say beg for presents like branded clothing or branded stuffs etc. I believed that people should not solicit (beg) for presents as it would reduce their value greatly. Posting up a wish list is as good as telling people that you need presents in order to feel happy. Friends are optional, the presents are more important. Is that what you need? The best clothes, best car, best handphone and best whatever to make you happy? So be it... If you’re really happy, I will be happy for you too. Though I may not like the idea but who cares?

Last words...
“You may be nothing to the world, but you may also be the world to somebody” Think about it.

PS – I do have a sudden wish. A wish to have a peek at the chio bu from a friend’s birthday chalet party. It would be better if ya know... Well... Hmm.... OMG! I would really die a happy man. HOO~!! (What are you all thinking? I’m innocent as always. Lol~)

2006-05-06T18:08:00.000+08:00

A beautiful morning

This morning is beautiful. The morning dews on the grasses are beautiful. The chirping of the birds is a joy to hear. The sky’s beautiful as well. I love the natural world! The sun brightens up the world. If just feels so good to be out there enjoying a walk in the morning. I simply loved it... I guess I’m a nature lover as well as a ‘morning’ person. I felt happy to be just out there in the warm sun and walking for like 40 minutes? It heals my soul, mind and body. Walking at my own pace, basking in the tender sunlight while the rest of the world are either sleeping or zooming by at a frantic pace. I felt refresh, recharged and ready to go. Ahhhh... Song~~

2006-05-05T10:31:00.000+08:00

Mother’s day?

Have you ever wondered how it feels like to carry a heavy burden for years? Not including the 9 months that we were in our mothers’ wombs, a few years of being carried like a prince and the after years of ensuring that the child turns out alright?

Seriously speaking, the ‘debt’ and immense love from our mothers are immeasurable. I used the word debt because from the moment we were born till now, only one person has been showering us with care and concern without asking for much in return. True, our moms may want us to score good grades, eat our vegetables and be a useful person. Is it wrong for them to do so? Which mother would like to see their children working as manual (blue-collar) workers? Which mother likes to see their children always sickly and weak? It’s a fact that eating vegetables help to deter certain sickness and improving the overall body immune system. I’ve no answers for that... I eat my veggies.

Though my mum may nag at me at times, I know deep down that she really cared for me. Why do you think she bothers to nag at you? Do you think that she’s so happy to be constantly nagging at you? With the exceptions of some mums who really like to nag over trivial (unimportant) matters, I’ve always believed that our mums brought us up in this world and they certainly have the right to asked questions about who we are hanging around with and whathavesyou.

As I think back of my early years, I realized that I’ve really made my mum upset at times. I was mischievous and at times rebellious because I just can’t seem to take in my mother’s words of wisdom. I lacked the immaturity to understand that certain things should be left the way they are. Hah... Especially the spotless walls and other things that I could get my hands on. Oops... I’ve also hurt her for some regrettable and nonsensical words when I can’t seem to get her point during my hormonal and angst filled teenage years. The proper term for that us puberty. Hah.

Whatever the case is, I know that I would treasure her. I do not need a so-called mother’s day to celebrate with her. I’m aware of the little intangibles that I did which is much valuable than the expensive dinners or luxurious items. It may not be pretty, but it’s the little things that really matters. It may not be much yet it may mean a lot. I do not need a mother’s day to be appreciative of my mum. I’m treasuring her everyday till the end of my time in this place called earth.

I ain’t going to be some fools whose actions never fail to amaze me. Often, they would realize their mistakes when everything is too late. They would take things for granted and expects their parents to be always there for them. Their parents would often live to a ‘ripe old age’ and would never fail to support them when they need help. I’m so amazed by their apparent ‘innocence’. Why must some people learn their mistakes when it’s all over? Maybe this is human nature but I’m not going make the same mistakes that so many people have made.

I love my mum and I’m proud to be called a mama’s boy. Hah... I made a promise to myself that I’m going to make her proud of me. Her love and passion would always remain in my mind. A mother’s love is just so noble. If people are still in denial and fails to appreciate their own moms, it’s NOMB. As long as I know that no matter what happens, I would continue my ways as long as my conscience is clear

PS – I would attach a story of the apple tree which I believe some people have read before. Yet fails to take any actions or their actions were short-termed. I would like to remind everyone that it's virtually impossible for a tree to grow in 1 day. You need to shower it with love and care in order for it to bear fruits. Likewise with mother's day, you do not need a special day just to 'show' that you care for her. What about the 364 days?

Apple Tree Story

A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the tree top, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow...He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him.Time went by... the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree everyday.

One day, the boy came back to the tree and he was sad."Come and play with me," the tree asked the boy. "I am no longer a kid,I don't play around trees anymore." The boy replied, "I want toys. I need money to buy them." "Sorry, but I don't have money... but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money." The boywas so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.

One day, the boy returned and the tree was so excited."Come and play with me" the tree said. "I don't have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?""Sorry, but I don't have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house." So the boy cut all the branches of the tree and left happily.The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then.The tree was again lonely and sad.

One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. "Come and play with me!" the tree said."I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?" "Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy." So the boy cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.

Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years."Sorry, my boy.But I don't have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you..."the tree said. "I don't have teeth to bite" the boy replied."No more trunk for you to climb on" "I am too old for that now" the boy said. "I really can't give you anything ... the only thing left is my dying roots" the tree said with tears. "I don't need much now, just a place to rest.I am tired after all years." The boy replied. "Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, Come sit down with me and rest."The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears.......

This is a story for everyone. The tree is our parents. When we were young, we loved to play with Mom and Dad... When we grown up, we left them...only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble. No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could to make you happy. You may think the boy is cruel to the tree but that's how most people are treating their parents. Taking them for granted.

2006-05-03T23:22:00.000+08:00

What is wrong with me?

Note: Coarse Language. Irrational sentences. Pent-up Rage. Misunderstood.

Tonight, I’ve messaged a few friends to the basketball court. I’ve left out some of them as I knew that they are busy working or something. As for others, I knew that they are waiting for people to ask them to play basketball. So I did not bother asking them also as I believed that if they have the ‘heart’ to play basketball, they would come down. Instead of me 'begging' them to come down, they should have taken the initiative.

After awhile, the soccer players come down again. No fights or argument this time round, they asked if they can play full court. My reply was that they can play as long as they don’t anyhow ram the ball at us. They behave as reasonable young adults this time and did not quarrel or anything. Though, they threw their soccer ball from high floors again. Heck... Let’s wait till it strikes somebody before they learn a lesson. I do not want to wage another war again. I’m drained out... Maybe I would join them to play soccer next time. Lol~ I’ve got crazy ideas. I mean... I’ve in a sense ‘fought’ hard for the right to play basketball on the court. Yet... When we had the basketball court to ourselves, no one went down to play basketball. In that case, I might as well join them to play soccer instead. Anyway, I’m entering the army soon. The ‘court’ would be theirs sooner or later. Unless others would ‘defend’ their rights to play on the basketball court, there’s no point going to war with them.

Next, a long-time enemy (NB@) appears... He’s my enemy because he was my friend before. A friend who does not have the balls (gut) to tell me that he had misplaced (lost) my basketball. People may think that I’m petty (narrow-minded) to remember an incident that took place years ago. Well... I’m indeed petty over such things because he was a good friend of mine at that time. Yet, he did not apologise nor do anything to show that he is sorry for losing my basketball. I was really upset by that. It is like he had done nothing wrong when he had lost my first leather basketball which is fully sponsored by yours sincerely (me). Since he did not appear apologetic and treated me as invisible, I decided that he and I are no longer friends there and then... If he had apologised, we might still be friends now. It is good that it turns out this way as I can view his true colours.

Anyway, ‘NB@’ really pull my hidden ‘anger’ out. Seeing his face automatically made me played to my potential. I played hard bball. I’ve managed to won two rounds against him. Probably, he was not in his best condition after jogging but who cares? There was a few questionable fouls then might not be appear to be fouls if there is a proper referee. Yet, no one argues with me... No one in his right mind would argue with an ‘uncontrolled’ beast on the loose. No one argues with Desprorado when he’s wild... E'nuff said.

At this point in time, I’m really at a lost as to the ‘mistakes’ that I’ve made. I sincerely do not want to force other people to do things that they disliked to do. They are free to roam the world. I’m only giving advices and guiding them. If I’ve ever imposed my will upon you, I’m sorry and I do not mean it. I would just take a step back and leave you untouched. BUT... I would still 'point out' peoples’ shortcomings so that they would be able to know where they have gone wrong. I’m entitled to my own opinions and thoughts. Even if I’ve few friends left... I would persevere in what I feel is ‘right’... When no one supports me, I would defend myself. I would take care of myself... I’m motivated to become a stronger person. Hah~ That’s why I’m going to the gym tomorrow. A strong mind coupled with a strong body, my National Service would be a breeze~

2006-05-01T13:27:00.000+08:00

No More Late Night Or Early Morning Outings

I’m in a real comatose state right now. In other words, I’m hanging grape juice/banana juice at this moment of blogging. Hah~ I’m just too weak to compete with ‘them’ now. My usual waking hours varies from 5+ - 8+. Mostly 7+ in the morning I would be up while sleeping at 12+. That works out to a comfortable 7 hours of slumber time which is enough for me.

Due to a late night out with the dudes, I’m convinced that my ‘stamina’ is not up to their standard. It’s beyond comparison. It’s like comparing 2 different kind of matter altogether. Instead of comparing apples with apples, I’m like a banana versus lemons. They are able to amuse themselves late at night whereas I’m already thinking of my bed.

Give me just one good reason why I should risk my health to go out with them at the dead of dawn to some lousy pub and breathing in fresh ‘aroma’ of second hand cigarettes’ smoke? I do not smoke by the way (another story told another time). Why? For the sake of ‘friendship’ or loyalty? Or was it the backlash they would gave to you when you do not join them for a ‘wild’ night out? Peer pressure? I’ve no idea but they can condemn me for all they want. I’m not going to succumb to their pressure tactics. No way! Unless I stand to benefit from it, I would take no part in it.

I went with them anyway and I regretted not to have an outburst when they are taunting another poor fellow. I should have just left with him while we were still on the train. C’mon... The poor fellow was already out working in the sun for one whole day. It’s a lot more tiring than sleeping at home during the day or working for a few hours in an air-conditioned room. Too bad... ‘They’ lacked the intelligence to figure that out. ‘They’ are out to have ‘fun’ while he was psyched into the late night outing. Obviously, his face was on the long side.

To make matter worse, ‘they’ began to criticize him for showing a sullen face. Telling him to go home and all. As a sane person can see, he is going to be criticized no matter what.

Scenario 1

He didn’t go. à Guilty. Reasons being not ‘steady’, ‘everyone’ is going and you are being such a spoilsport (wet blanket). Then, he would get condemned by so-called ‘friends’ who as I’ve mentioned lacked some logical thinking skills.

Scenario 2

He did go but was like a rape victim. à Guilty. Reasons being ‘unwilling’ to go in the first place. Yet he was ‘forced’ or ‘peer pressured’ into late night activities. If that is not raping then may I know what is considered raping? [Rape - The act of seizing and carrying off by force. Abusive or improper treatment. The crime of forcing another person to submit to sex acts, especially sexual intercourse.] I’m beginning to wonder how a person can be happy in the first place when they are literally forced against their own will. Maybe some of my ‘friends’ can enlighten me. Then, after successfully ‘raping’ him, they taunt him to go home.

Scenario 3

He went and went off ‘early’. I mean 2 AM is really considered early? Yea right, it’s already early morning. à Guilty. Reasons being going home early. He was condemned for being a mother’s boy who needs to go home early? Needless to say, my ‘friends’ have excellent stamina while the poor dude was really ‘lousy’ after one whole day under the sun. It’s only a day under the sun, small matter only. Only ‘weak’ people cannot survive after a whole day out in the ‘comfortable’ sun. The rest of ‘them’ are all iron man, superman and inhuman. (Notice that it rhymes. Lol.)

Honestly speaking, with ‘friends’ like these. Who needs enemies?

PS – When I say ‘friends’ ‘they’ ‘them’, I’m only referring to some people who shoot their mouth off without first consulting their brains. There are still ripe and good fruits among them for the harvesting.

Needless to say, I find myself drifting away from ‘them’. I will walk my own path while they walk theirs. Our paths crossed because we had a common interest. I used the word ‘had’ to signify the past. People change; their interests change and their priority changes as well.

What was once considered fun was not as enjoyable anymore. What was considered ‘fun’ by ‘them’ was not amusing to me.

2006-04-29T23:43:00.000+08:00

Loose Sand...

At times, I questioned myself. Now?
I've no more doubts that I'm perfectly fine.

Since the fault doesn't lies with me. Then, it's none of my business anymore. I can only do so little. They are like loose sand. It is just too bad that I can’t be the glue to hold them together. Poor organizing skills and an optimistic yet dreamlike attitude will only direct them to disappointment.

When I look at the so-called ‘barbaric’ people playing soccer on the basketball court, I regret to say that they are at least united together. Yet, looking back at our own ‘people’, I’m totally wounded. There is this lack of unity among them. I would cite 3 historical moments in time to back up my claims.

On the ‘big’ night when a fight almost broke up, I saw 1 guy against a group of barely legal age teens along with 2 policemen. Hence, I call out to the rest of them to stand together. A few responded and I’ve no idea what the others were doing. Continuing to shoot the basketball perhaps? It may be true that our guy (Forever 18 years old) is a hero. He dares to speak up and call the police and all. It’s good to have heroes but I would rather not to have heroes out there saving the world while the rest of them are continuing their lives as if nothing had happened. As long as our hero is around, we would be safe. No worries, someone will step out and be a hero.

The organizing of T-rex chalet party. Poor responses. Lack of ‘care and concern’. (Refer to previous posts for details)

The breaking up of the team, if one could call that a team that is. I remembered saying that if they want me to join the team, then they must really make it a team. I relented and joined the ‘team’. Needless to say, it crumbles soon after a bunch of games with rival teams. Too much infighting and lack of responses. No respect is given to the captain as many questioned his drills and so on. Everyone can criticize but no one can plan up other drills. Talk is cheap, action’s much more expensive perhaps? That is why no one bother to do.

The captain and players were also not taking themselves seriously and were often late for practices or did not put in more effort during practices. I do not deny that I’ve also not put in my best effort at times. It’s simply because I really cannot work with certain people who does not know the meaning of basketball. As a result, I was often reprimanded by others when I played ‘badly’. The actual fact is I’ve given up hope to play with some people. I simply can’t work with senseless people like the boy who cried wolf. I’ve tried... Ultimately, the downfall is inevitable (unavoidable).

Based on these 3 historical events, I can safely say that I’m right. Loose sand just cannot stick together, no one is going to gel them up. Even if one tried to glue them back, the result may be disappointing. I’ve my fair share of heartbreaks.

Like I’ve said before, Desprorado’s willing to be the fool again and again. I've also mentioned the below sentence before...

One day, you might understand my effort.
One day, you might appreciate my effort.
One day, you might acknowledge my effort.
One day, you might be grateful for my effort.
One day, you might express thanks for my effort.
Yet...
One day, I may not reciprocate the “feelings”...

2006-04-26T00:34:00.000+08:00

AM classes = ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES

Lesson Learnt– When a dog bites you. You do not bite it back.

The reasoning is simple because it’s true that a sane human do not stoop down to the level of dogs (They are actually nice creatures, this is just an example). A rational person would probably just let the dog off or ask the SPCA to capture the crazed dog. Humans do not ever bite back at the dog. It indicates that the human is ‘stupid’ or silly to get back at such a lowly animal. Hence, it would be best to just let it go.

A good example would be the taunting made by insensitive people like a self-named “God (Old Man)”, I knew that I’m not going to be easily let an immature person spoils my mood. It does not matter that he insults you, your skills or even your entire ancestors from the 18th generation onwards. Why should I get angry? There’s no point in getting angry as you cannot control the other people’s mouth. Instead, you can control your own anger or taunt him back and let him have a taste of his own medicine. A genius would not let such tactless people to have the opportunity to make fun at him as well as making him feeling angry and irritated. A smart person should remain composed to deter the hurtful remarks and continue doing what he feels is correct (supported by facts).

Next, one should also learn to keep his cool unless it’s really over the ‘limit’. Even then, it’s still unwise to be behind bars because of such laughable and insignificant event. It is a fact that most murders happen because of such “rage” that is uncontrollable. Husbands killing wives over the remote control, affairs etc. ‘Boys’ killing other ‘boys’ because of toys, games and girls. Killed in fights over “staring incident”...

At times, some murderers would reflect on their mistakes, repent on their mistakes and really think that it is extremely bird-brained to commit a mistake in their moment of RAGE. In my case, I would rather let the dog get away with the bite than be jailed for killing it in a moment of madness. Unless, the dog is endangering other people’s life then I would consider calling the SPCA to put it to sleep or lock it up.

My life’s much precious than all these... Why should I? Some people just cannot keep their mouth shut or their mouth will sprout elephants tusks (Chinese term – Meaning foul-mouthed). Just remember one thing, do not challenge GOD.(Inside joke) Lol~ You will surely lose...

Hah~ Remember one of my previous entry,

“NOW... I’m already irritated by the lack of sleep, as well as lack of responses (another blog-worthy story) and the taunting/screaming by one of the soccer player. I FINALLY ERUPTED!! I shouted out something like “Hey! You don’t force us to call the police OK!”. When I shouted out the words, I’m in fits of ANGER. The soccer players began to sort of square up to me. Their “leader” (an under probation person or tagged with the police tag) began to ask me “Why do you need to shout at us? We are also people okay?” Then, another soccer player add in more fire by saying “You think we are dogs? Shout at us for what?” Freaks... I was trembling... But not in fear, instead, in ANGER. I proceed to talk with the “leader”, but the situation was quite difficult because all of us are still hot-headed. He demanded why I shouted at them, I replied that they were threatening us by saying they are going to rambut us. OF course I’m furious. Then, he dare to have the cheek to say “We only say say only. Did we rambut you all?” Too bad.. I did not think of a good reply of “We only say say to call the police only. Did we call?” Of course, some of my basketball friends were also helping me to “talk” with the leader. I forgot the exact dialogues but it was interesting as I’ve never felt that “trembling” feeling before. I forgot how we managed to solve the problem but I did remember shaking hands with the leader twice to calm him down. Do not ask me why. But it works to a certain extent. In the end, there were no bloodsheds (I’m not a fighter also). There was no stopping us from playing basketball, nor do they stopped playing soccer. They still played full court while we played half court 3-on-3. Amazingly, a few players from both sides said sorry when they accidentally hit the ball at us. Obviously, they did not hit us with any hard balls nor do we purposely crash into them or anything. It would be a night in the history of the basketball court.”

This incident made me realized that I must always remain calm even though I’m already feeling angry. I must talk reasons with a reasonable person. There’s no point in talking to “fools”, they can’t understand you. Earn their respect or at least let them be aware of your existence. Lastly... Do not ever challenge others to a fight or accept their challenges. Both sides would be hurt and it’s meaningless to fight for your right. Gentlemen use words, facts and reasons to spar with one another. (Like the always 18 years old fellow) If you like to fight and die like a fool, then you would be better off joining the terrorists. Be wise; use non-violence and truth to win over others.

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." Mahatma Gandhi

"The Truth is far more powerful than any weapon of mass destruction". Mahatma Gandhi

Please do research on Mahatma Gandhi. His views and beliefs had inspired Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr, The Dalai Lama, Lech Wałęsa, Cesar Chavez, Aung San Suu Kyi, Benigno Aquino Jr., Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela... Incredible. Even, Albert Einstein said of Gandhi: "Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood." He also once said," I believe that Gandhi's views were the most enlightened of all the political men in our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil." Now, that’s what I call “god-like”.

PS – So far, Banana had erupted and grape had burst. Heh.. Wondering when watermelon will collide? Haha.. “Jiu zai jing tian (x2)”

2006-04-25T19:09:00.000+08:00

Cold War...

It has been two weeks... I’m still having a cold war with my dad. A ridiculously, incredibly and silly miscommunication like a cruel joke played out. Only thing is that, it’s not funny...

(Loosely translated in Chinese)

Me: I’ve failed my driving test.
Dad: YOU HAVE FAILED!!?? (The fellow blockmates from 2-3 floors up/down should be able to hear him)
Me: Ya...
Dad: YOU HAVE FAILED!?
Me: How many times must I tell you that? (Sounding abit irritated)
Dad: Cham liao lor. (You’re doomed) You failed liao (already) still tell me ar?
Me: Why? Cannot fail ar?
Dad: (says something sarcastic)
Me: Why? I’m using my own money what. I did not get one cent from you OK!!
Dad: You are going to work like a bull or a horse in the future.
Me: (Speechless... Close to a volcanic eruption)
Dad: What to do?
Me: (Speechless... Went out to play basketball soon)

Now, luckily that person was my dad. I cannot imagine anyone saying that to me. Fair weather friends would probably not be friends anymore. Good friends would also take a few weeks and months before my anger subside. If any other idiots dare to mock at me, he would most probably be hanging grape juice in the hospital bed till now, which is like a fortnight?

Hah~ The joke’s not over yet. My ‘foolish’ dad had actually heard wrongly. He ‘thought’ that I’ve failed my polytechnic studies... What’s worse? Me? Failing? LOL!~ Although I’m not done very well academically, but the possibility of me failing is as close to striking lottery. Then, he did not ‘talk’ to me anymore. Neither did I attempt to ‘talk’ with him since it wasn’t my fault that he misunderstood me in the first place. He’s not to be blamed entirely also... Now what? It’s just a silly misunderstanding... Who cares?

Imagine that... Your own dad not talking to you for two weeks due to an idiotic misunderstanding. Not a single word uttered. His face is more important then his son that he cannot even says a single word of “Sorry”. This is serious AP and I know that I could have initiated the conversation. Yet, I knew that I’ll not say sorry or start the talking simply because I’ve my own pride as well. It is also a good thing because I’m going to be in control of my own life from now on. I’m not going to ask him for a cent. I’ll beg, borrow or steal to survive... For the debts that I owe him (monetary and personal), it would be impossible to quantify everything. He’s still my dad after all... That’s all I can say. Hah.. He’s stubborn and I’ve inherited some of his bad genes as well.

Heck... I will just toughen myself up, get things on my own and do whatever it takes. It’s a good opportunity to be almost independent also. Hah... Let’s see who shall surrender first. This shall be a long battle... Cold war.

PS – Apologies for a few not up-to-standard entries these days. Feeling insipid but I would be fine. If things are good, my next entry shall be about AM classes.

2006-04-19T22:42:00.002+08:00

==Jobs==

Just realised that I've done a helluva jobs before. So I thought I shall share with peeps on the pros and cons of some of the jobs that I've done. Starting with my very first official job.

Security Officer - 16 years old
Location - One of those dormitory for mainly foreign workers (think blangadeshi, china man, m'sian, thai, viet etc)
Working hours - 8 AM - 8 PM or (8 PM to 8 AM includes 2-3 hours of sleep)
Working days - 6 days week
Pay - $40 per day
Days or Months lasted - 1+ month

Pros - Nothing to do. Only do a bit of clocking (taking a small device to designated points and scan those points.) Clocking is considered quite a major event as you would often see some things interesting. Writing down visitors IC and issue a contractor or visitor pass. Having 'fun' chasing after cars that happens to park at the dormitory (I've no idea why also but 'management' will scold if you don't do that.) Basically you have the time to do whatever you want and is also the best time to think things through or read some books or something. Physical fitness need not be tough as you will most probably be sitting all day long.

Cons - Same as above. To quote a friend "StupiD Job, HIGHLY NOT Recommend" You must be mentally tough to withstand the long and often boring hours or you would go kuku (crazy) and scratch your head for years... You may consider switching jobs to a ant-logists, rat-logist or cockroach-logist after observing how they move, their diets and their level of resistance before dying. There are plenty of ways to 'K' those creatures and all you need is a fertile imagination...

Misconceptions - Security officer must catch thieves... Security must be very fit. Security must know the roads around the area well. Security are friends with the ministers (inside joke).

Lessons learnt - "Time is never wasted when you have wasted all away."

Career Prospect - Not much of a career advancement... Would be suitable for retirees though as they can often reminisce about their "glorious days". I'm not bias against the elderly but it is often the case.

Shall be continued....

2006-04-16T11:00:00.000+08:00

Success’s my only *********** option, failure’s not
**************************************************

Spoilers - This song is strictly for adults only as it contain crude language. I chose to blog it down because I can relate to this song.

Artist:Eminem
Title:Lose Yourself

*Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?

[Verse 1]Yo, his palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There is vomit on his sweater already
Moms forgettin' he's nervous
But on the surface he looks calm and ready
To drops bombs, but he keeps on forgetting
What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud
He opens his mouth but the words won't come out
He's choking, how? Everybody's jokin' now
The clock's run out, time's up, over BLOW!
Snap back to reality, oh there goes gravity
Oh, there goes Rabbit, he choked, he's so mad
But he won't give up that easy, no he won't have it
He knows his whole back's to these ropes
It don't matter, he's dope, he knows that
But he's broke, he's so sad that he knows
When he goes back to this mobile home
That's when it's back to the lab again, yo
This whole rhapsody, better go capture this moment
And hope it don't collapse on him

[Chorus]You better lose yourself in the music
The moment you own it you better never let it go, oh
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
Cuz opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo
You better lose yourself in the music
The moment you own it you better never let it go, oh
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
Cuz opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo
You better

[Verse 2]Soul's escapin' through this hole's that is gaping
This world is mines for the taking
Make me king as we move toward a new world order
A normal life is boring
But superstardom's close to post mortem
It only grows harder, homie grows hotter
He blows us all over, these hoes is all on him
Coast to coast shows, he's known as the Globetrotter
Lonely roads got him
He knows he's grown farther from home, he's no father
He goes home and barely knows his own daughter
But hold ya nose cuz here goes the cold water
These hoes don't want him no mo', he's cold prada
They moved on to the next shmo who flows
Who nose dove and sold nada
And so the so proper
His toll, it unfolds and I suppose it's old, partner
But the beat goes on
Duh duh doe, duh doe, dah dah dah dah
[Chorus]

[Verse 3]No more games, I'ma change for due called rage
Tear this muthafuckin' roof off like two dogs caged
I was playin' in the beginnin', the mood all changed
I've been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage
But I kept rhymin' and stepped writin' the next cipher
Best believe somebody's payin' the pied piper
All the pain inside amplified by the
Fact that I can't get by with my nine to five
And I can't provide the right type of life for my family
Cuz, man, these goddamn food stamps don't buy diapers
And there's no movie, there's no Mekhi Pfifer
This is my life and these times are so hard
And it's gettin' even harder tryin' to feed and water
My seed plus teeter-totter
Caught up between bein' a father and a pre-madonna
Baby momma drama, screamin' on her
Too much for me to wanna stay in one spot
Another damn or not has gotten me to the point
I'm like a snail, I've got to formulate a plot
Or end up in jail or shot
Success is my only muthafuckin' option, failure's not
Momma love you but this trailer's got to go
I cannot grow old in Salem's Lot
So here I go, it's my shot
Feet fail me not
Cuz maybe the only opportunity that I got
[Chorus]

[Outro]Duh dooYou can do anything you set your mind to, ma

You may think I’m crazy. So be it. You may think that I’m still upset by failures. So be it. Cuz when I’m in the mood. No one besides myself understands me. Anyway, failure is the act of losers who have lost hope. Instead of looking back at their mistakes, they failed to see it. I acknowledge that I may be wrong. However, failure only serves as another step towards apparent success.

If I said that I did not fail, it would be lying to everyone. I failed yet I did not fail. It is because in my mind, I’ve just not succeeded yet. I shall prove myself... Talk is cheap and my actions shall prevail. I can either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. I chose both.

2006-04-15T10:44:00.000+08:00

Doing the right things

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said the following words
(African-American who won the nobel prize award. Do look up his achievements if possible. His greatness is beyond description.)

Cowardice asks the question - is it safe?
Expediency asks the question - is it politic?
Vanity asks the question - is it popular?
But conscience asks the question - is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.

That is what I'm going to do. I've found that I'll not be 'shy' anymore when it comes to doing the right things. Based on some of my past histories, I've dare to complain against a security officer. I've dare (courage) to ask the town council to repair the rim. I've dare to argue against the soccer players. I've dare to wrote my 'opinions' against my best friend. SO... I'm going to do what is right. I'm not really a person with a strong sense of righteousness (justice), but it's my life. I can either let others to lead me or choose to influence others. It's now or never... Yup.. It sounds familiar doesn't it? You may like to listen to Bon Jovi's song - It's My Life.

PS - My watermelon friend did admit some of his shortcomings. He did not blame me or whatever. Hah~ It was a miscommunication. A good miscommunication indeed. Anyway, I've a few more words for him. Lol.. "Be discipline if you really want to do something BIG in life. Let your actions do the talking and I'll always 'support' you. Haha.. Nope.. I can't support you financially or physically. Lol! I can only support you spiritually." Btw, I've realize that I'm a SNAG as well... Desprorado's a SNAG!!? He's supposed to be a bold outlaw who does not care how others view him. That's who I am.

2006-04-14T00:22:00.000+08:00

================
TO WATERMELON...
================
Note: You may not want to read this but I am going to blog it out anyway because you are my ‘best’ friend. I may even lose you as a friend but who cares?

Let’s recap some historical events.

Have you ever wondered why your mom bothers to ask you to eat? Asking you if you need this or do you need that? It is because she cares for you. I know your character well yet not very well. You do not like to be ‘forced’ to do things. BUT most of the times you do not have an idea on what you are going to do. A good example would be your education. You are not stupid... You just do not like people (teachers, parents and friends) to nag at you. The more they tell you that “Education is for your own good. In the future, you want to be roadside cleaner ar?” The more you dislike studying...

Let’s think about it... Our parents, friends and teachers have always choose the most appropriate path for us, you may not realize that when you are still a kid. Come to think about it, have you ever regret learning Mathematics (counting money), English and Chinese (communication) and Science (logic)? Most people if not all will answer “No. I’m glad that I know math that is why I’m earning money now and not getting cheated by the cashier who counted wrongly.” To sidetrack, I know that I’m going to further my education this time because I’m doing it for myself. I’m not doing it for my parents’ face (pride); I’m doing it for myself...

At the very least, my best friend knows that he do not want to be a roadside cleaner. The bad thing is that he does not know what he really wants to do. Right now, I ain’t expecting you to straight away give me a reply that “I want to be a $5,000 per month cleaner (inside joke)”. There is still time to think about your own future, around 2 years to be exact. I only hope that you can slowly think of what you are going to do with your life. Your mum is not always going to be there for you, I am not purposely cursing her. Sorry... Likewise, my mum is not going to be there for me always. This is reality.

Like it or not, you may think that I’m a busybody. BUT when you see one of your closest friends smoking, would you let him to continue with the knowledge that smoking kills or would you rather nag at him, giving him a tight slap or just breaking off that friendship? I would rather not know him in the first place. True to say, you are not committing any crimes or doing anything against your conscience. BUT you have been “sleeping” for a long time; I feel that it is time to shake you up. It doesn’t matter if you like my opinions or not as long as I know that I’m doing the right things. I cannot bear to see you wasting your time away and before you know it, I’m already dead... Let me explain myself. I’m not looking down at cleaners or low-wage workers as long as they do their job, I will respect them as well. I understand that it is not pleasant to be cleaning up after other people so I sincerely salute them.

Let’s have another example, you struck lottery. So what are you going to do with the money? I don’t think you would know what you want to do with the money. Sure, you may crave for some worldly possessions, never work again and ‘enjoy’ everyday. BUT is that all? Is this the best you can do? C’mon... Even if you want to strike lottery, you must know what to do with the money also or it would all go down to the drain. Nevertheless, I still hope you are able to achieve your ‘dream’ of striking lottery at the age of 21.

Next, is our MSN conversation today...

Watermelon says:
heard there gt 1 shop call xxx house
Watermelon says:
i wan go there cc
Desprorado says:
arbo u jio XYZ go there lah
Watermelon says:
no need lah... i still thinking wan go or not
Desprorado says:
let me ask u
Desprorado says:
wt will u be doing if u dun go?
Watermelon says:
??/
Desprorado says:
wt will u be doing if u dun go?
Watermelon says:
at hm lah
Desprorado says:
at hm do wt?
Watermelon says:
nt sure
Desprorado says:
nua....

He did not reply after this. He’s probably angry at me? Why? Who cares?
By the way, “arbo” means why not, “jio” means ask, “nua” means slack, XXX is not a pornography shop and XYZ is a person. Lol... I edited the names and so on to protect the identity of the persons involved.

I shall ask you another question. Why did I bother to say all these things and risk damaging our years of friendship? The answer is simple. I care for you. Ewww... Sounds so gay....

Even if you do not like green tea, you should acknowledge that it is quite a healthy drink. Since it is a healthy drink, why not taking it one sip at a time? I’m not asking you to drink the whole can at once. I will be pleased if you can take in a little bit and try to adapt to the taste. Initially, it may not seem nice but once you are able to take it. You know that it is good for you. Good for your health as well. For once, I hope you can adapt to the taste and fight away the fears of drinking green tea. At the end of the day, no one can force you to drink green tea. The decision must be made by you yourself. It would be an achievement if you manage to overcome green tea. At least you know that you are not afraid of drinking green tea anymore. You can even tell others that you have done it. My last question of the day, “What will you do if you weren’t afraid?”

2006-04-11T22:26:00.000+08:00

Top 1000 reasons why I failed my driving test...

FYI (For your information), I’ve scored an astonishing record of 48 demerit points and 1 immediate failure. Currently, I have 2 schools of thoughts.

“The tester would surely let you pass if you are as good as you claim to be. If you did not make any faults, you will surely pass.”

AND

“When the tester wants to fail you, he would find a lot of ways to do so. Every move you make, every thing that you do or did not do. You are going to get penalized for it.”
(It’s exactly like an old saying “When the heart is willing, it will find a thousand ways. When the heart is unwilling, it will find a thousand excuses.”) I find this true. You may think it’s a case of sour grapes whereby I claimed the grapes are sour when I cannot get to eat it. A proper definition would be “Denial of the desirability of something after one has found out that it cannot be reached or acquired” from http://www.answers.com/.

Let’s have a recap of the “mistakes” in my 48 points.

For my NARROW COURSE (circuit course) like S course, crank course and directional change. I scored 0 points.

For PARKING (both vertical and parallel), I scored 2 points for “requiring additional reverse movement”

For SLOPE/GRADIENT, I scored another 2 points as the vehicle rolled back for less than 1 metre.

For MOVING OFF, I scored 2 points for “delay in moving off”

For FORWARD DRIVING, I scored 6 points for “failing to keep left”, 2x4=8 points for “veer off course”, 2x4=8 points for “change lane abruptly”, 2x2=4 points for “fail to use the appropriate gear”, an immediate failure for “fail to give way to traffic with right-of-way” and another 8 points for “cause other vehicles to slow down or take evasive action”.

For JUNCTION, I scored 2 points for “incorrect positioning” and 2x2=4 points for wide turn and sharp turn respectively.

For SAFETY CHECK, I did not score a point.

For BRAKING, I scored 2 points for “incorrect braking”.

That is it... 48 points. WHOOP!! I’ve no idea whether to be happy that I might have broke their record for scoring the most points or should I be sad that I was such a “lousy” driver? 48 POINTS!!!! 48 POINTS!! YES! I’VE BROKE THE GUINESS WORLD RECORD! (Pardon the craziness, but it’s really ridiculous to score so much point) To me, I can accept failure if I’m really not that good. BUT I cannot accept failing for the wrong reasons like “veering off course”, “incorrect braking”, “delay in moving off” and many more. I strongly suspect that the tester was really too generous with the points.

How I scored an immediate failure and 8 points.
I’ve gotten an immediate failure and 8 points (cause other vehicles to slow down or take evasive action) for this. After the test, the tester even agrees that the blue car is a learner driver and may be slow or lousy also but you should have let him cross first. I’ve 2 views on this incident.

The angelic view – The learner driver did not signal that he/her is going into the circuit. I should have been more alert instead of making an ASS of U & ME. ASSUME... So what even if the yellow car behind is going into the circuit? It is a big mistake on my part..?

The devilish view – That blue car is really an a**hole. It hesitates before moving off hence creating the impression that I’ve cause the blue car to slow down. As for failing to give way to traffic with right-of-way, I “feel” that I can move out already since the yellow car is turning in but the tester did not felt that way so he gave me an immediate failure for this. I’ve no comments...

So in the circuit I’ve only scored 2 points or maybe a few more points for things like “incorrect braking” and such “mistakes”. This means that I’ve scored almost 40+ points while I’m on the road. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I could have failed 3 times for that amount of points given... This is utterly bullsh*t...

Now, I do realize why my poly friend says that “Testers are biased. You need to have another few more tries in order to pass. When I attempt and pass on my 3rd try, I’ve made some mistakes as well but the tester also did not say anything” Was it really because of that? My first test ended just like that?
That friend also said that he was “sick” of driving tests. I agreed with him completely although I’ve only failed once. I still love to drive but since the tests are going to be so discriminating, it creates the “sick” feeling. Like him, I just want to get the test/s over and done with. My bank account is almost dried up and I cannot afford to fail again. I do not know what will happen... I may be going to army soon and I really hate to fail for the wrong reasons... I’m getting sick and tired because of the test and not the driving...

Isn’t it ironic? Delay in moving off and cause other vehicles to slow down or take evasive action. It’s like kena (getting) screwed from the front and the back at the same time. If the traffic is heavy then how? You get 2 points for that. If you attempt to be hero and chiong then congratulations, you earned yourself 8 points for “causing other vehicles to slow down or take evasive action” and maybe also an immediate failure for failing to give way to traffic with the right-of-way. Did you see that? No matter what you do, you are wrong and the tester is always right. The tester’s view and your views are different. They are like god when they are in the car, they decide your fate. I’ve known several people who prefer females to males, white to black to Asian, young to old, certain religion to another religion and so much more. This is what I called DISCRIMINATION.

I’ve perhaps a thousand reasons and excuses why I failed my driving test. I shall list down some interesting and possibly illogical ones.

1. I did not touch watermelon’s stomach before going to the test. That’s why I don’t have luck. (Inside joke)
2. The tester has a quota that they must fail x amount of people. So I must fail.
3. There are too many people on the road so they must fail you.
4. They need to earn your money so you must fail at least once or else tester would be out of their jobs.
5. They expect you to be “perfect”. No ‘incorrect braking’ and all those BS. You need to be perfect in order to pass when they are not perfect themselves.
6. My forehead is carved with a “Please fail me” that only the tester can see.
7. The tester was having a bad day and he took it out on me. Then, I will take it out on the next ‘poor’ fellow who tries to play a fool with me.
8. My back has a “Screw Me. I enjoyed getting screwed” note that I don’t remember seeing. Only god knows...
9. My mum telling me to remember the 4 digits of my car number when I pass. (I’m not joking. May sounds funny but its nothing but the truth. My mum did say that.)
10. My driving centre car number is 88. (What an auspicious number. No Joke!)
11. The tester is jealous that I’m taller and better looking than him. (Opinions vary)
12. My dad did not give me any support.
13. I lacked confidence? (Nope. Not true. I may be a bit shaky because of the tester sitting beside me but I’ve confidence in myself and my driving skills because when I’m undergoing revision, my instructor did not reprimand me much and that is a good sign considering the fact that they will always try to ‘lecture’ you. No comments mean that they did not find anything wrong with you. They will not praise you even if you are a good enough driver. The closest ‘praise’ that I’ve gotten is “You can drive, just relax for your test and good luck”.)
14. I’m a bad driver that is why I got 48 points and 1 immediate failure. (The ‘facts’ seems like that. I’ve really had no idea...)
15. I did not pray before going out. (Next time I will do that. Better pray to get a kind and benevolent tester and good traffic conditions rather than depending on my 3-legged-cat skills)
16. I did not attempt to please the “god” in the car. I should have help him to polish his boots or at least give him some kopi money (bribery).
17. April 10th is not my day. The tester is not my tester. The test route is not my route.
18. I’m overconfident? (Nah.. I can distinguish between confident and overconfident. I wasn’t cocky but the tester may not think so...)
19. The traffic conditions are not good.
20. The learner driver dropped a bomb on me.
21. I should be more cautious yet brave enough to change lane.
22. I should have brought myself red underwear for “good” luck?
23. I’ve placed too much pressure on myself. My family and friends also expect me to pass. (Kinda true. I’ve sacrificed a lot of things in order to ‘fail’. I may have gave myself a lot of stress unconsciously.)

My feelings are mixed now. A bit of sadness, lots of anger and an unknown feeling that I can’t find the appropriate term to describe. For no good reasons, I was slapped in the face. If anyone knows or has learned about Chinese history, they should remember someone by the name of Yue Fei, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yue_Fei). Like him, I was executed for “no reasons needed (Mo Xu You- 莫須有)” Coincidentally, he happens to be a Hakka (same dialect race as me). Hah~ Similarly, I wished that I could be like him and say “Huan Wo He Shan (Give back my rivers and mountains)”.

PS – I’ve got a crazy idea. If I’m so fortunate to meet with the same tester again, maybe I will langa (crash) the car or attempt to drift the car. So that he would know that I’m for real. Then... I can go ahead and booked my 3rd test. I can only control the car, if the traffic conditions are not good or the tester tries to screw me again. There’s nothing I can do but I will most likely perform some stunts. Hah.. I’m Desprorado!

I’ve another idea... Let’s see if I can develop that idea. Will blog it down if it came true. I do not want to carry such high hopes. Oops... I did not get the 4 digits... Who knows? I may struck 4d for the 'lucky' number.

2006-04-10T23:16:00.000+08:00

I've failed...

Details shall be revealed tomorrow.. Brain's not functioning well, emotions are taking over.. Felt cheated, screwed and ****** up. I'm more angry than sad. It's a joke to score 48 demerit points (passing rate is 18 or below).. Tired.. Going to have a "good" rest..... Sun will still rise tomorrow, no big deal.

2006-04-08T01:32:00.000+08:00

Optimism and pessimism

Based on a true story – Desprorado’s story

Around 4-5 months ago, I made a decision. A life changing decision, I decided to continue my driving lessons. Nah... It’s true and I’m serious. That decision changes my life or rather, it opens up my mind. What’s the big deal? It may seem that I’m making a mountain out of a molehill but I’m not.

Faced with the options of giving up or continuing the lessons, I chose the latter. The reason is simply the amount of money I’ve sunk into the lessons. It would be a waste if I did not continue and besides, some of my friends had already gotten their licenses and I would appear to be the black sheep among them without a license. I suppose that is a good form of “peer pressure”. Hah.. Maybe it’s just to save my own ‘face’ or pride but I had spent most of my savings/earnings on the lessons. It’s my money. Every cent spent in the lessons belongs to me. Hence, it would be foolish to waste so much money ($1,800+) and not getting anything in return.

Then, another reason for my decision to continue the lessons is because I’ve just thrown in $45 for the MRT concession pass. My thoughts at that time “Since I’ve already thrown in the $45 for MRT pass, I might as well fully utilize it.” As a result, I renewed my membership with Bukit Batok Driving Centre and Provisional Driving License ($42 & $25).

I finished up the lessons nearing end-December and booked my revisions and final practical test on this coming Monday, Apr 10th. Assuming the traffic conditions are good and I remains cool, calm and confident. My chances should be decent. I can’t guarantee anything. If it happens, it happens. I will just give it a go.

Ok! What is the moral of the story? Where does it incorporate optimism and pessimism? Well, it does not directly link to being optimistic and pessimistic but it did link to being realistic. To me, optimistic and pessimistic does not exist in my dictionary anymore. An optimistic person may look at the bright side of things and live life with zest (passion). On the other hand, a pessimistic person may look at the bleak (dull) side of things and live life with a lack-of-interest mindset. The simplest example would be the weather.

Basic assumptions –
It only starts raining in the afternoon.
The optimistic person fails to plan for bad weather.

Current status - Morning

Optimistic person – The weather seems perfect for a day at the beach. Sun’s shining yet not overpowering. Perfect.

Pessimistic person – The weather seems like its going to rain. Sad... Think I would just stay at home and play Chinese chess or rot.

Desprorado – Aw shucks! The newspaper says afternoon most areas would rain.

Current status – Afternoon

Optimistic person –Hey, its raining, the sun’s so good in the morning. Hai~ *Mood darkens with the weather*

Pessimistic person – It’s raining. Luckily I did not go out to beach. Heng (lucky) ar!

Desprorado – It’s okay. Though it rains, I shall move on to plan B. If plan B fails, there would be a plan C and so on. The weather will not greatly affect my mood. Sure, I certainly hope for a fine weather, but if it rains, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ve got lots of activities to do and I can always chill out and wait for some ‘inspiration’ for blog entries. I will not blame the weather for spoiling my beach trip. Blame (Potential topic for my later entries). Instead of blaming the weather, one can only blame oneself for poor planning.

Conclusion – The optimistic person may not be such an optimistic person as portrayed. He/She may or may turn moody when it rains. However, that is assuming that they really did not plan for rain and they really showed their inner disappointment instead of portraying a smiley face.

Likewise with the pessimistic person, who may be satisfied that his/her predictions are correct yet failing to step out of his/her decomposition state. It’s good to score victories most of the time but it’s miserable to score such victories as it means that the person is really pessimistic. Confused? In simpler terms, the predictions are correct and it rains indeed. However, what is the point even if the pessimists are correct? They would still be rotting at home.

Desprorado’s mindset – Pessimistic and optimistic is nothing. The important point that matters to me is to be honest to oneself. Look at the facts, “Showers with thunder are likely in the afternoon over many areas.” Look at your chances or the probability that you belong to those few areas not affected. The facts do not lie. Do ponder about it. With that, I shall end this post with a century old joke.

One of the best professions is being a meteorologist. They can’t be fired...

PS – The joke may not be funny to some. Do not fret over it. I did not get it as first, maybe it was more a riddle than a joke?

2006-04-06T08:52:00.000+08:00

Personal Updates

Apologies for the lack of posts for a week... Below is a recap of my happenings over the past week. For those who are not interested, it’s ok to skip this entry.

Due to some technical problems (com spoilt from 30th till April Fool’s Day).

On March 31st to April 2nd, I went to a pre-scheduled advanced birthday chalet. I’ve brought premium scotch whiskey, Chivas Regal. I’ve also brought along my sister’s video camera to film the actions! On the surface, the “birthday” chalet was good. Grape even comments that the buffet was great... I’ve no comments with regards to food.

Luckily or unluckily, Bday boy’s mum and relative were around. A good point is they have prepared, cleaned and ensure a smooth flow of the chalet. Thanks to them.. Bad point was the lack of “wildness” as Bday boy’s (T-rex) mum is around. Nonetheless, I would take the good points over the bad anytime.

Behind the scenes and in my utmost honest opinion, the attitudes of some people left much to be desired. Shall not name names but I shall drop hints. The playstation 2 was operated for hours, not everyone who plays it is guilty but some people are too much. The mahjong/blackjack was only slightly better; I shall make myself clear that not everyone who plays is people with bad attitude. Come to think about it, we are supposed to come and enjoy ourselves, chit-chat, mingle around and wish T-rex a happy birthday in advance. Maybe I’m the odd one out; I’ve a unique idea of what a birthday chalet should look like. Too bad... Our purposes are different; their idea of a birthday chalet is much different from mine. Anyway, if T-rex mum was not around, the chalet would be horrible. Everyone wants to play and have fun but not much people would work for it... Only a handful (includes Desprorado) would work behind the scenes and carry out the ‘dirty’ job.

April 3rd was spent figuring out how to transfer the birthday video to the computer and editing videos. Went to Watermelon’s house to try out also. The transferring part was rather time and space consuming, so many formats etc.

Apr 4th is T-rex and another good friend’s actual birthday. Went for my long awaited driving revisions, then, I rushed to collect his presents (DVD Recorder, ice cream cake and girlfriend included), brought it to his house. We played some board games, chit chat, sang birthday song and gave him the present. Atmosphere was warm and cosy, gift wise I was the minority shareholder, his girlfriend was major shareholder. Unfortunately, what I did not expect was the technical problems in setting up the DVD recorder; hope that the birthday boy could somehow solve it... In a ‘worse’ case scenario, he could have brought the DVD recorder to his girlfriend’s house since they are so close. I doubt that he or she would mind anyway. Or maybe get some technician experts to fix the gift which turns out to be a problem... Perhaps it’s a problem with his TV and maybe we can give him a television set as birthday present next year. Hah~ J/k only.

Apr 5th was mainly spent on driving lessons, editing and burning videos. Yup.. It’s completed and I’ve even added in credits. Not bad, I’ve learnt how to transferred, edit and even use shortcuts. Basically, Windows Movie Maker is a good start for beginners, but it lacked some functions and enhancements. Nevertheless, it was rather fuss-free and operates like PowerPoint and Macromedia Flash.

At night, I went down to the bball court, what else? The boy cried wolf again... He was sleeping and was the last one to arrive at the court. When another latecomer called his house, his parents even helped him to lie by making some sh*tty excuses. It’s true, his mum said that his son was sh*tting in the loo. %$&@*! To make matter worse, he’s the one with the basketball also. WTBF!? Luckily, it rains soon so I just went home without biding them goodbyes. Poor manners on my part but I was fuming mad...

It’s so hard to play basketball nowadays ever since my basketball went burst. Its fine with me as I’m entering National Service soon, maybe a change of scenery would be good too. I dislike playing with liars and people with attitude problems. F*** la, play basketball still must jio (call or SMSs) so many people, all of them are afraid that there would be no one down on the basketball court. Why? What is there to fear about? No one coming down on the court but you can also play basketball alone if you have the basketball. Too bad... Some people are simply too lazy to bring bball down or whatsoever, some are too dependent on others to bring basketball down and some live away from the basketball court so I do not blame them. For me? I happened to be in the “dependent” category now, every since my basketball went burst. Maybe and just maybe, I would get a basketball but you can bet that I will not lend it or use it to play with such AP people; only a few people would get to touch it.

Black Eyed Peas sang the song “Where Is The Love?”. I alter it to “Where Is The Trust?”

PS - Noticed that I've finally use some vuglar language (expletives) but I censored it anyway.

2006-03-29T18:37:00.000+08:00

The Child Who Cried Wolf (2)

With reference to my previous entry: http://desprorado.blogspot.com/2006/03/child-who-cried-wolf-note-most-people.html

Actually the inspiration for this entry was due to a basketballer ABC. He was always toying with peoples’ trust and feelings. Then, on that particular day he got his retribution. It amuses me as I suddenly thought of him as the “boy” who cried wolf. In the end, no one trusts his words when he was telling the truth.

In my view, people were generally honest and trustworthy to begin with. However, they become corrupted, influenced or perhaps were cheated before hence they began to be untruthful. That mindset becomes “Since people cheated on me, I shall cheat people back.” To me that is so wrong... How could they cheat other poor innocents who done them no wrong? If they really want to get even with, they should settle their scores with the people who cheated them. Isn’t that the one of the most “correct” way? Instead, they felt that there is a need to cheat others as it made them feel good, groovy and great. Those “corrupted” people felt a sense of happiness because they have “infected” fellow companions who would suffer the same way as them. The sick feeling of being betrayed... I have absolutely no idea why “betrayal” starts in the first place but I do know that betrayers are “sick” people like the basketballer ABC.

As for me, I would not be like those sore sickos who felt the need to cheat or betray the trust of others just because they were cheated upon. I do not see the point or felt the satisfaction from betraying others. What’s the point? Cheat and be cheated is a vicious cycle and it never ends because of fools like basketballer ABC. Then, I would also not deliberately take revenge back on people who let me down. I would take it as a lesson and be more careful with such “people”. I may even forgive them, but I will never forget their deeds. I’ve a poor memory with certain matters but you can try me with regards to stuffs that I deemed to be important or memorable for good or bad.

Before ending, I shall make a clearer point on the word “TRUST”. Try flipping through any newspapers and you would see numerous cases like: daughter molested by dad, xxx company share prices increases and certain political party won and so on. The examples are endless. Like it or not, everyone is essentially trusting/expecting/believing somebody or something. More often than not, it is the betrayal of “TRUST” that causes a lot of people to be angry or mad. There is no reason not to trust people just because some bad eggs screwed you up. True to say, it is often difficult and may take time to trust others after getting hurt emotionally or physically. However, Desprorado is willing to be hurt again and again...

PS – If I’m not going to suffer, who’s going to suffer? Yea... Age old question “WHY ME!?”

2006-03-27T10:26:00.000+08:00

Feeling hungry and creative...

2006-03-21T12:35:00.000+08:00

Resignation effective March 21st 2006

The story goes that Desprorado had too much “care and concern.” Hence, he decided to name himself as the organizer for his friend’s chalet cum 21st birthday party from 31st March to 2nd April. Below shall be the 1st email sent to his fellow friends requesting them to think of gift ideas and such. The names below are changed to protect the identity of his fellow ‘friends’. Do note that 21 years old is the coming of age in Singapore where a person is an adult and is responsible for his own actions. Then, this email was sent on 8th March.

Hey guys,

T-rex’s chalet coming up soon. So I would like to ask u guys to think of possible presents for him. I need at least 2-3 ideas from each and everyone of u cos I dun wan to screw up T-rex’s 21st bday with any last min nonsense [think: condom (app. gift), underwear, zy's jelly]. Tis also serves as a reminder for everyone of you to save up some moolah (money) for his bday gifts.

Another issue is, I do not wish for things to turn ugly. This is because some people for example ZY would most probably be paying 1st for gifts. Then, the others would pay back later.. However, based on my observations, people tend to be forgetful about such payments to be made. As a result, ZY would also feel "ashame" to ask those people for $$. SO.. To avoid any unhappiness or "souring" of relationships, I would like to urge everyone (me included) to play their role and seek to pay back cash ASAP (As Soon As Possible). In the case of ZY, I guess we guys should know how long to drag. Hah~

Due to the complexity, I suppose that everyone of us should AT LEAST set aside like 25-40 bucks. Since it's a 4d/3n event (MAY include complimentary meals), I think that the money is considered quite discounted liao besides it's his 21st bday. He would be an adult or a fully grown man then. Nonetheless, most probably a paralysed or half-dead MAN aft his bday bash. LOL!

Btw.. the gifts that we all thought of are not necessary going to be expensive. As long as the presents has certain perceived or sentimental value, it would be good also. With that, I hope tt T-rex’s Bday would turn out well done. Hopefully, he would be WELL-DONE aft the bash. *evil grins*

Lastly, Grape says that he wants to be the party crasher. I guess he wants to crash T-rex’s frail body... -_-"

PS: Can someone (most preferably someone by the name of LZY) forward it to the ladies as well as other gentlemen that I've failed to forward to?

Best Regards,
Desprorado

Four days later, I forward another email on 12th March.

Hi, so far I've gt 2 ideas.
1st, Grape’s photoshopped poster of T-rex.
2nd, my own idea of borrowing a video cam and video his so-called April Fool's joke of a "birthday" for the 3 days. Note: The video would be clean, no porno clips shall be filmed.

May I inquire what other inexpensive yet high value ideas that anyone else have thought of? I'm open to new/original ideas anytime. No ideas also nvm, you may think of piggyback on Grape’s idea like wt i modified/zhnged.

Grape’s original idea: Photoshopped T-rex’s poster.
Desprorado’s modification: Signing our limited edition autographs at the back of the poster (A3 sized/drawing block sized). If Grape dun mind my modification.. Yea?

OR

Think of some activites to do during the 3 days. Instead of the usual, tok c***, sing song, play video games, ban luck etc. U may consider forming a big hole or creating the biggest hole to bury T-rex alive etc. Btw, I'm not referring that we are not going to tok c***, sing song etc. But wt other activities can be done? Maybe Grape can enhance T-rex night activity? Lol~

If all else failed, then we will juz go thru another usual and normal bday celebration. It's gonna be juz another day, another routine. Since some people may be too busy to care for another friend's coming of age, I've absolutely no comments. Due to the lack of responses or maybe the creative juices are not up yet, I would only require an idea or an activity from each of you. Even if the idea sounds stupid also nvm, since we can always modify it but do not give me some really unintelligent (stupid) ideas like plucking the moon down or shooting the stars for him. Puleazzzz

YA.. The budget that I've estimated is the money for the present. I would like to repeat ONE LAST TIME, most of us here are going to stay and play T-rex for 3 days. We are not paying for the cost of the chalet as well as a few meals. Thus, my budget is considered very DISCOUNTED liao. Then, we might NOT spend the maximum capacity of the budget, it is also a ploy on my part to ensure that all of us have the sufficient time to save money so that the spare money from the savings can be spent if we decide to go theme park, cinema etc. We still have 19 days, 1 day save $2 and you would have $38. Do not give me craps, excuses and everything. If you are really that poor, then u can at least think of some creative and inexpensive ideas for presents. Both Grape’s and my ideas may not worth much, but I bet that it would be memorable to say the least.

It would be best if ur idea or activity can be submitted to zy or me as soon as possible, ASAP. Thks..

PS:
Everyone - Do check ur mails for any updates.

ZY - Pls help to forward this to the ladies and the dudes that I've left out. To save u the trouble, cc one copy to me also so anyone can contact me thru email. Since I've not found PT job yet, I've helluva time. So I shall be the organiser, and Zy shall be co-organiser. Any problem with tt, ZY? Anyone who's interested to get involved in organising can also applied the post and send ur resume to me. Btw, Watermelon and Grape are self-professed bashers...

23 - Thanks for noticing my "care and concern".

Best Regards,
Desprorado

Today is already Tuesday, 21st March. I’ve not gotten much of replies from anymore people. I accepted that not a lot of my friends “know” how to check their emails. They would have probably deleted my “care and concern” email anyway. However, that is not a good excuse as they could have asked around if anyone has ideas on what to get for T-rex. To be honest, 10 days is not very long nor short. If they have better ideas or intent to go to T-rex’s birthday empty-handed. I guess it is alright since I understand that T-rex would not mind anyway as we are his “close” friends whom he has invited to stay over the chalet during the 3 days.

Basically, I felt I’ve done my duty as a friend to organize his chalet but there is only so much that a one-man-army can do. I’ve put in much thought as can be seen from my emails. Budgets, ideas and everything above. Then, if anyone reads my post on Tuesday March 14th: http://desprorado.blogspot.com/2006/03/recap-of-mar-13th-note-shall-be.html. One would have understood the sentences “Hah.. Maybe my “positive” energy also have something to do with it because they finally began to talk of the plans that I’ve organized. I mean they talk only, no actions yet. Talk only...”

True enough, they talked about it only. No plans, no actions. Talk is so cheap... I remembered someone saying “I saw a laptop carrying case that is quite nice. I think we can buy it for T-rex” Yet, there is no actions or intentions to compare the prices, brands and which is the supposedly “best” laptop case. Talk is cheap... I could have plucked the moon for T-rex also.

Okay! I shall type another email to inform them that I’m going to quit the position as organizer.

My predictions: Some ‘friends’ are going to ask me. “Erm... Desprorado, why did you quit? Then now what about the presents? Can we share your idea? Wa lau, how can you quit halfway? We trust that you can settle everything”

My reply would probably be:

“$#^% it lah! This is not my problem. It’s none of my business anymore. You think for yourself. *&%$&$#@” Then, I would show some AP (Attitude Problem). Come to think of it, was I the one with AP in the first place or did they literally “forced” me to show AP to them? Think about it and judge for yourself, my conscience is clear.

OR

I would coolly reply: Oh... I don’t know. I’ve thought of my own ideas already. Sorry...

PS – Why did I bother when some people cannot be bothered? My time is precious also. Though I’m not earning a few millions or killing thousands of creatures. I can only say that my limits, patience and attitude are only so ‘short and narrow’. I cannot think of a brilliant idea in a day’s time (Yes, I've done tt for Grape's Bday). Why? Why should I care? Probably because I’ve witnessed the ‘face’ of my friends. Who thought of the bracelet for Grape’s birthday? Who thought of spending time with my watermelon friend? If I’ve not done that, they would probably have been happy anyway. Maybe I’ve too much “care and concern” and they misunderstood it as busybody or treat my kindness for granted. Who cares? It’s only a birthday. I shall enjoy myself over at the chalet while the poor birthday boy and perhaps my watermelon friend would BBQ everything while I can sit down relax and feel the breeze if any. Ahh.... It feels so good to imagine it right now. Feels so good...

2006-03-20T15:55:00.000+08:00

Scars

The song “Scars” by Papa Roach would best explain my feelings now. Ironically, it is one of my favourite yet a song that I hate as well. A love-hate relationship exists because it is such a beautifully crafted yet tragic song. The lyrics are as follows:

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
My scars remind me that the past is real
I tear my heart open just to feel

Drunk and I'm feeling down
and I just wanna be alone
I'm pissed cause you came around
Why don't you just go home
Cause you channel all your pain
and I can't help to fix yourself
Your making me insane
All I can say is

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
My scars remind us that the past is real
I tear my heart open just to feel

tried to help you once
A kiss will only vise
I saw you going down
But you never realized
That your drowning in the water
So I offered you my hand
Compassions in my nature
Tonight is our last dance

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
My scars remind us that the past is real
I tear my heart open just to feel
I'm drunk and I'm feeling down
and I just wanna be alone

You shouldn't ever came around
Why don't you just go home?
Cause your drowning in the water
and I tried to grab your hand
and I left my heart open
but you didn't understand
but you didn't understand
You fix yourself

I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
My scars remind us that the past is real
I tear my heart open just to feel
(Chorus x2)

One day, you might understand my effort.
One day, you might appreciate my effort.
One day, you might acknowledge my effort.
One day, you might be grateful for my effort.
One day, you might express thanks for my effort.

Yet...

One day, I may not reciprocate the “feelings”...

PS – I’ve posted the exact lyrics in my old blog... Who knows? I posted the lyrics again.

2006-03-17T09:46:00.000+08:00

The Child Who Cried Wolf

Note: Most people should have heard of the story of “The child who cried wolf”, but the moral itself? Some may know the moral, some may not know the moral even they have aged till the 70s or 80s. Maybe some of them know the moral but just did not apply it. So today, I shall tell you the story once again. Then, I shall cite long examples based on the concept of this story in my next entry hopefully. I may have a lot of research to be done on the internet although I can readily supply some personal experiences of my own. Please do not think that I’m insulting your intelligence. I’m not...

Since there are so many adaptations or versions that could be found on the internet, I shall give you the various links that I’ve found. Yea.. I knew that if I told my story, it would still be one way or the other similar to all the different versions found on the different search engines.

The links are not in any order of ranking or whatsoever. As they are handled by 3rd parties, I shall remind my blog readers to “read at your own risk”.

http://aesopscoolfables.blogspot.com/2005/08/george-who-cried-wolf.html
This blog was actually created for the purpose of spreading the stories by Aesop. To find out more about him, you may wish to search in the search engines if you are really so interested. Btw, he’s the inspiration behind the idiom “sour grapes”. Hah.. Another worthy entry that I may blog about.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_Who_Cried_Wolf
One of the most popular encyclopedia, need I say more?

http://www.bloggerheads.com/archives/2005/07/the_boy_who_cri.asp
Another different kind of edition of the original story and this edition sparks the fire in me. Would like to blog about it as well, when I’ve the feelings.

I guess this 3 links should be sufficient, you may find out more from one of the greatest invention of all times.

PS – My watermelon friend commented that my language is too chim (profound/complex) for him. I’ve no idea... But I would continue with my style anyway since I cannot alter my writing method to suit everyone. Lol~ He shouldn’t expect my style to be so noob (newbie) since this is my second blog. I may put in more brackets like (xxxx) to explain some words that may or may not be too difficult for everyone. If people are irritated by too many brackets, please do not blame me. I’m just trying to make sure that people could have understood my blog. If people cannot understand a single word that I’ve said then it would be really a waste of my time to spread goodwill (kindness). Yet, if my blog entries are so simple, it would not be a challenge anymore. People may not be keen to know about the messages that I’m spreading. WTF!? I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place, meaning that no matter what I do, I’m equally at a disadvantage. Hah... Nvm (never mind). Take care everyone... I will be back after my research and would make sure that my next entry would be much more understandable. May be wordy but who cares?

2006-03-16T23:38:00.000+08:00

Proof of my Slavery

Unwashed Water Chestnuts

Washed and Clean Water Chestnuts

Water Chestnuts after cutting

Ripe Pineapple

Beheaded Pineapple

Partially Sliced Pineapple

Sliced Pineapple with pattern

Sliced and cut pineapples awaiting death

Looks like I've the potential to be a fruit seller or cutter. My mum certaintly thinks so... No comments.

2006-03-16T12:35:00.000+08:00

Red Hot Chilli Pepper

Note: Chili or Chilli is both accepted as the correct spelling and the definition in http://www.answers.com/ is “The pungent fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum, used especially as a flavoring in cooking.” Then, this shall be a personal entry again. Ya, I know that my personal entries have been too much lately and people may not be interested to know what had been happening to me, Desprorado. But from my personal entry, I hope that it can bring about some inspiration or just for entertainment and easy reading. Here it goes...

Recap of Mar 15th 2006 activities

Forgotten my waking time, perhaps it’s around 8+. My mum mentioned that she’s going to change the bed sheets the day before. As a filial son, slacking-at-home-nothing-better-to-do person and mummy’s boy or whatever you want to call it. I proceeded to undress my bed and pillows after having breakfast. Then, I also found out that my literally pig of a second elder sister at home. Hahaha... As a psychotic and sadist person that I am, I gently woke her up by asking why she did not go to work. She replied that she has taken her leave in lieu or something like that. It means that she had worked overtime (OT) and is claiming an “off” day. I asked her to change her bed sheets as well. The reason being that “more hands make light work” meaning the task can be accomplished quicker as there is one more “labour”. To sidetrack abit, more hands may not mean everything can be done quicker. For example, the maximum capacity at a small hawker food stall is 4 staffs; you cannot expect to increase the risk of 2 more staffs because the output will be the same. There can only be one person chopping the chicken if it is a chicken rice stall, than what can the other 5 staffs do? Do think about it. Actually, there is a proper economic theory that is called “Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility”. Here’s a website, http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lawofdiminishingutility.asp .

Back to my tale, I managed to out talk my 2nd elder sister to change her bed sheets as well as my elder sister bed sheets as my elder sister is performing her task as a “Florence Nightingale” hopeful. Do check out what it means if you are unsure who this person is. Hah~ I’m creating the “curiosity kills the cat” mood again. Anyway, it’s quite an uphill task for me to actually out talk my 2nd sister and to “force” her to change bed sheets. Lol~ Her intention of taking the leave is to sleep the entire day, no jokes. So you can see the reason why I’m so disrespectful to call her piggy. It’s all in good manner of course.

Then, my mum came back soon after her morning session of “Qi Gong” and exercises. Her face did not feature any “surprised” look nor was she touched to see her children taking the initiative to change the bed sheets. Hah.. I thought too much already. Instead, she asked me to vacuum her bed sheets as well. Dot dot dot... Never mind, it’s time for me to play my role. Do note that I’ve also been changing bed sheets as well, but compared to her years of changing the entire household bed sheets. I’m just like a hill compared to a mountain. Before my dear blog readers think that it is easy to change bed sheets and I may have exaggerate too much, do think about the time you need to spend to change out the pillows covers, bed covers, vacuum the beds and pillows and changing new covers to not one bed and a few pillows but to 4 beds and many pillows. Well, my mum has been doing that for years and it is only occasionally that I actually helped her since the entire family is “busy” with school, work and other commitments. Only my mum is a full-time housewife whose duty that you may think is ordinary. (I shall not stir up too much of my dear blog readers’ feeling again). I shall leave it at that. Please think about it and treasure what you have before it’s gone.

Then, I will not go into details of my cruel labour. However, my mum is not exactly stupid either. She made me bite into another trap. Lol (laughing out loud).. This time she asks me nicely whether if I’ve the time to spare and help her grind the chili with the electric blender. I stepped into the trap again, knowing that I’m literally sending the poor sheep into a tiger’s mouth. That’s a direct translations by the way (btw).

I forgotten the exact conversation, but I remembered that somehow I ended up using the ancient tools used by my ancestors. Picture as belows

Ancient Stone Pounder

I asked my mum just now and she replied that I was curious perhaps. That’s why I used this stone grinder to make the chili paste. But I do remember my mum saying something about my dad loving the hand-made chili by my 3rd aunt. Dot dot dot... I’ve fallen into another sinister plot by my mum... Or was it my deserved retribution for being curious and making my blog readers curious with some of my entries? Argh~!! NO!! This is not my retribution. I’m only trying out whether if my dad would be moved to tears when he knows that his precious son suffered to make his beloved chili paste. Nah.. My sadistic thinking was actually if he would cry when he tried my red hot chilli pepper. *evil grins* I’m convinced that I’m crazy and a sadist as well... So sad.. =’(

Okay! Or was it K.O? I began to peel the garlic and ginger skin. My mum chopped the small reddish devil into pieces for easier pounding. First, I put a few pieces of garlic into the crusher. It was the easiest of the 3 ingredients, within five minutes the garlic paste was done. Yea right.. That was only the few pieces of garlic and was considered the first batch. There would be like 5-6 more batches to go... LOL! You knew what I did?

Since my sister was at home, the traditional way was really too slow and I’m pro. I used some simple thinking to trap my sister this time. Lol... I said something like “Since you are at home, why don’t you help out?” My sister would reply “No... I’m going to sleep soon.” Then, I shoot back “Why don’t you use the electric blender to blend the chili?” My sister may have been thinking but she rejected my kind offer again. This time I said something like “Why not we see whether if dad can test out which is better or not? We split the ingredients into almost equal portions. If electric blender is better, then next time we will use the blender. Save my effort also.” *Grins* This trick sure worked this time round, she said that she would blend the chili after using the computer. Lol! I’ve actually outsmart my sister twice that morning. Sadly, my mum has also outwitted me. Argh~~~

Then, slowly and bit by bit, I managed to up my level from garlic to ginger and to the big boss level. The devilish chilli... Case in point, the chili can really irritates the skin and may even cause blindness if it brushed against your eyes. Since I’m bespectacled, chances of fresh chili juice making contact with my eyes are extremely low. However, if anyone of you experienced raw chili juices on your skin. You will feel really COOL~~ The juices will feel even better if it comes into contact into your restricted areas. Haha.. Let me remind you.. I’m crazy and a sadist as well. Btw, I realized that there is a slight difference between blending the chili and pounding the chilli manually. The seeds are the crux. When you blend it, the seeds would still survive the blades but the seeds would “die” if they are crushed into powder. Obviously, it would take a great deal of effort and I only crushed like up to 85% of the seeds at most. The lowest percentage should be 50% that I confirmed would be crushed.

To cut short, I wonder if people really like the traditional method. Or do they like the fact that people has suffered for it. That’s why the result tastes better in their heart. This is not a typographical or typo error in short. Instead of using mouth to taste, they use their heart to taste the food. I’m sorry for side tracking again but it’s important. Do think about the below scenarios.

Example 1
An ordinary black wallet was lost or so it seems.
In fact, the wallet may be a gift from your dear ones and you treasured it very much. But to ordinary people, it does not seem much. Not branded, not expensive not attractive as well.

Example 2
An “ordinary” person is dead. Like the above example, that person may not be doing “big” things or influence a lot of people. But to his friends, he’s a loyal, caring and superb friend that anyone could have.

Do my dear blog-readers got it? “You might not be anything to the world, but you may mean the world to some people” Btw, I read this from an email or something. The quotation was not by me although I may have changed a few words.

Back to my recap, the day was almost over and I used around 2 hours to write my heartfelt entry yesterday. In the evening, went for a walk with my piggy sister which is rare as well. Returned to my other home (basketball court), played a few good games. Though my teams lost twice and won once, the feeling is rather good when you know that you have tried and our opponents are 2 “beasts” and some role players. The “beasts” are even bigger than me, I’m only 1.80 metres tall and weighs around 73-75 kilograms and the monster is slightly taller than me and a whole lot more heavier than me. I was practically trying to push against a mountain. Though we lost, I guess the opponents also felt as good as us since we played serious basketball. Then, I shall not name the culprits as since we are playing as a team and some times our shooting percentage may be heading south. Haha.. For people who do not know what heading south means, do think about it. Hint: North, East, South, West... The direction. Do drop by in the comments box if you think you got the answer. See ya then!

Now... My mum bought water chestnuts today.... Its unprepared water chestnuts... Meaning that... I’ve to prepare it... Dot dot dot... Be right back to post the pictures as evidence that I’m not joking.

PS – I’ve noticed that my entries are unusually long and wordy. May turn people down when they read it. But who cares? Since I’ve the inspiration to blog, I shall write all I want. The fact is that I could have been more descriptive in my blog, add in more details but I do not want to write a chapter of a novel. So I only chose what I feel are appropriate to readers.

2006-03-16T11:46:00.000+08:00

My Best Friend Has Finally Found This Blog!

After dropping hints, I've decided to let him know about this blog... Partly due to him, this blog name is called Desprorado. Dun be so happy hor... Des pro.. Des pro.. Desprorado!
Anyway, my best friend is non other then Watermelon a.k.a yuan in this blog. He should feel honoured. Hah~ Enjoy my entries.

2006-03-15T16:31:00.000+08:00

LEE KUAN YEW GLOBAL BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION at Singapore Management University (SMU)

Initially, I thought that my entrepreneurship group was nominated for the competition. Basically, my group was comprised of students from different course of studies like 2 accountancy and finance students, 2 engineering students (specializing in Multimedia or something like that) and 1 engineering student (specialize in those network or something). This cross functional group was formed during my course of study and we do not know one another beforehand except my fellow accounting polytechnic classmate.

The story goes that, we need to do up an entrepreneur project in less than 20 weeks. Some of the difficulties faced.

1. A need to break the “ice” and build a working relationship.
2. An idea that must make use of technology, feasible and the last criteria (I forgotten).
3. A prototype.
4. 3-4 formal and informal presentations to our lecturers as well as to outside judges (manager or CEOs of company) on the so-called “Entrepreneurship Day”
5. Meeting up for only 2 hours a week, for less than 20 weeks. (2-3 weeks meeting are cancelled as lecturers are busy or not scheduled)

I must say that it is remarkable considering the difficulties we faced. Yea... Self-praise is international disgrace. So I shall let my blog reader/readers to judge for them.

Story continues... The team managed to think of a feasible idea, work it out (detailed analysis, conclusion and recommendations), done a prototype and finished the presentations. Everything should have been wrapped up on the Entrepreneurship day in mid-February. Our end products are a report of over 40 pages with a font size of 12, one and a half spacing and inclusive of appendices. Plus, about 20 slides of PowerPoint as we only need to present our idea for around 10 minutes.

Then... I received a call from our lecturer-in-charge that my team has been nominated for the LKY Business Plan competition. I was glad of course as it means that my team’s effort has been sort of recognized by the school and we are going to be one of the teams to represent our school. (This may sounds so clichéd but that is how I felt). The day was March 9th, and this is the so-called secret on my blog entry that only my grape friend did I mentioned it to. LOL~ I even told him to keep it a secret as I want to be sure that I did make it to the preliminary rounds before I hao lian (show off) to my family and friends. HAH~! Actually is to surprise them that I could have “perform” on a big stage.

Thereafter, the lecturer in charge emailed us that we need to register our business plan by 10 AM the following day. Due to the unexpected nomination, almost all of my team members are dazed and on cloud nine at the news. However, some of them just started to step into the working society and one member was even in her native country, Vietnam.

Next, we are faced with the problem of the registration as we do not have the guidelines to register. Do note that it is a rather complicated registration; moreover I did mention that one team member was still in Vietnam at that time and I’m unsure if she could access internet as and when she wants.

After that, the registration was completed without my team member as it was too urgent and she did not check her emails until much later. Then, we also need to submit our report to SMU through the internet. The submission of our business proposal was another problem faced. I contacted the lecturer and he said to email him our proposal and he would make changes to it. The file did not reached him until Mar 10th, I do not know what had happened as I cc a copy to my other email and my project team members email account and all of us received it.

Then on Mar 10th early in the morning, I was already up due to the excitement. Let me tell you something, the Global Biz Plan is quite prestigious I think. C’mon... There are undergraduates, college and polytechnic student from around the world participating in this event. The cash prize is US$1,000 for semi-finalists; at least US$5,000 for the 4th to 6th finalist, 3rd prize is US$10,000, 2nd is US$15,000 and 1st prize’s worth US$20,000. Well... Guess you should get the idea how grand the competition is going to be.

So on Mar 10th morning, I contacted my lecturer as he was supposed to send me the amended business plan. Instead, he told me that I shall submit the plan 1st as the school had already posted a copy to SMU. But... I do not have the amended business plan and the submission process needs a word document in order to complete the submission process. To solve the situation, I handed in a blank document so that the submission process can be done. OK! Everything’s done...

Later in the morning, I received another call from the lecturer who told me to submit the business plan again as he was supposed to send me the amended copy. The time was well over the deadline of 10 AM. I said “Okay. I would be home in 20 minutes.” Once I reached home, I came online to check my email immediately. Emails were received but none of them contained the attachment document. Time was close to 12. I waited till 12 plus and I msg the lecturer that I still have not received the document yet. He replied that he would send it over ASAP. After a few clicks of the “refresh” button, there was still no emails received. I did some work and checked the email at close to 1 o’clock. Finally, the mail was received. Without delay, I submitted the amended copy. Problem solved.

Ytd, on Mar 14th, I sent an email to ask a few questions as follows.

1. What are we going to be doing on Mar 20th when we meet some of the top CEOs
2. Must everyone be present?
3. What about Mxxx who was not registered?
4. The venue that we are going to meet them, time and other information
5. Are our business plan accepted? (because of the delays and sudden events etc)

I even add in a paragraph as follows.

“Sorry for troubling you but there are no one else to turn to. Hope to hear from you soon. On behalf of my team, I would also like to thank you and XXX for selecting us and giving us the opportunity to represent the school. Our team are glad that our work has been recognized by the school and would hopefully help the school to better glory if possible. Cheers~PS - I'm aware that some of the questions may not be easily answered. Do give us some information if possible.”

He replied back at 3.01 PM with the questions answered. Case dismissed.

Today, on Mar 15th morning, I received another mail from him.

“HI Desprorado, regret to inform you and all that your team, Massager Jacket is not selected for the CEO feedback on Monday, 20 Mar 06. Thanks all for the time and effort put in to register, and submit your entry

All the Best to all !”

It was literally a slap in my face... Such an emotional roller-coaster of highs and lows. True to say, we might not stand a chance against the undergraduates or other representatives from other polytechnics around the WORLD. However, I dare to say that literally the blood, sweat and tears. The hard work. The (true) team work. The forming of an idea from scratch. The process. The end product. The support. The difficulties faced. Everything has been so wonderful. I can’t believe that... But tears are on automatic mode now... Nah.. I ain’t feeling sad that it is over, but was truly glad that it had happened. I’m really in tears now... Thanks team. We might not have shared a lot of time together. I may not understand all of you, neither do you understand me. But it was such a beautiful process~ Looking at the positive side; we managed to be short listed as one of the 8 or 10 other teams from out of perhaps a hundred teams in the school. I really do have some reasons to be proud of the team. Good job!

PS – I shall share with you my executive summary. It’s done by yours truly. Since every word is written by me, I guess I shall have the right to introduce the team’s project to the world. This entry shall also serve as a reminder to me for certain reasons.

Here is my executive summary, anyone using the summary for project or commercial purposes. Pls do update me in the comment box as basic courtesy to say the least.

Executive Summary

After a hard day of work, being all worn out regardless of the working environment. Be it an air conditioned office or working under the sun, toiling for 8 hours away without a break. What usually follows are the aches and cramps after being inactive or overly active during work. It is a fact that blood circulation is weak after staying in a poor posture without much of a movement, as a result individual’s health will start to take a beating. What can be done to solve this problem?

Hereby, introducing you to our Reliever, it is a revolutionary portable massager that can be worn whenever wherever you are situated. Our unique selling proposition is a truly portable and hands free jacket that can massage those aching muscles at the same time. Unlike major competitors with their “portable” massage that requires A/C power supply and the usage of hand to apply pressure, our Reliever is totally hands free and can be worn as a jacket that makes a fashion statement at the same time.

The main objective of our business is to improve the well being of people in general. Our vision is to create a healthier body for people at a low cost. Our team believes that health is much more precious than wealth and prevention is definitely better than cure. Thus, our products seek to relieve people of their problems before they even exist. Due to the special design of our product (direct acupuncture points), it can enable better blood circulation that would prevent aches and cramps from occurring. As a result, the body would feel better and health would also be enhanced.

In brief, our business model consists of ourselves as the product owner who owns the patent rights over the innovative Reliever. From there, we would source for contract manufacturers from China. After production, the completed massage jackets would be shipped back to Singapore and stored in the warehouse. Thereafter, we would be able to supply the Reliever to our distributors (major departmental stores) who will in turn sell them off to the final consumer after mark- up.

At this stage, we lacked the huge capital, economies of scale of manufacturer and marketing experience of established distributors. For our business model, we will focus more on the design aspects in addition to improvising our products. Then, we also did background researches on the internet and newspapers to check whether there are any similar products on the internet. In the end, we found out that there is an identical massager in the United States awaiting patent. However, there is a main difference as their motor massage vest is not as convenient as ours due to A/C consumptions while the Reliever is battery operated.

Subsequently, we also recognized some of our major competitors and they are: Osim, Ogawa and Oto Bodycare. Although, they did not have any similar portable massagers their experiences and presence in Singapore and major countries made it difficult for us to enter the market. Besides, they also have the financial power to advertise their products, open outlets and invest in research and development.

Nevertheless, the Reliever strengths lie in its portability, convenience and style. From the analysis of our competitors, we realized that their prices are quite steep and they did not consider the interests of lower income group who may not be able to fork out a few hundred dollars for a massaging device. Thus, our massager would be more affordable as compared to our competitors’ products.

Next, we also did a market research out of a sample size of 100 people. From the survey that we have done, we found out that majority of the surveyors are health conscious and have bought health products before. These establish the point that people are willing to spend money in their own personal well being. Besides, the results also show that consumers are willing to try out a relatively new brand as long as the product is good. These boost our confidence as we were concerned that the lack of branding would be a critical hit to our success.

Under the business implementation, we proposed a selling price of $50 to our retailers, major departmental stores. As part of our promotion, we would have approaches such as packaging our products with other interrelated health products, giving out free movie vouchers etc. Then, we would also promote our products through pamphlets and positive word of mouth.
In the financial plan of our business, we projected first year sales unit of around 21,110 Relievers. As we are selling to major departmental store, the sales units would be quite sizeable. Then, after subtracting our expenses from the gross profit, we would get a net profit of $197,360 after taxes. Based on the cash flow figures, we would be able to repay our capital of $100,000 within a year.

In conclusion, our product can be considered as the first truly portable, fuss free and inexpensive massage equipment that can be worn as normal clothing. We foresee a good chance of succeeding in the market in the initial years as long as we continue to churn out new forms and designs of our Reliever. Besides that, we would also include a timer, variable intensity and a heater to market to other sections of the population. With these improvements done to the Reliever, we believe our products would be able to sell well locally and expand into the global market. The business venture is worth investing.

2006-03-14T19:22:00.000+08:00

Recap of Mar 13th

Note: Shall be a personal entry again. Language shall be my normal standard. Lengthwise may be long as it has been an eventful day, too much happenings in fact.

Every since, the mosquito bites, I stayed awake the entire morning as I was going to report to work. No, I didn’t call the relevant authority with regards to the mosquitoes. That story shall be another told at a later date when I’m feeling it.

Story continues... I was awake and saw some chums online in the dead of the night. So I approached an old friend (He’s residing in a Uni in KL, while I’m in S’pore) that I seldom contact online. How seldom? Yesterday’s contact was the second time if I’m not mistaken. He asked me some standard question like “How’s your life been?” A normal or sometimes lazy person would give a standard reply of “fine” Guess by now, people shall know that Desprorado’s not normal. So I gave him a summary of some highlights as well as a little details of what’s happening in my life (he also gave details about his life as well). To cut short, I’m glad I approached him and “talk” online. But I wished that it wouldn’t happen always as it means I can’t sleep. The time was around 4+ or 5+ when I “talk” with him online.

Next, I went to my first day of work. Initially, I thought that I would only be reporting to the headquarters (HQ) to settle issues like where I’m going to work, uniforms etc. Who knows? After reporting to HQ, the fellow secondary friend who went with me for the interview rejected the offer made by the company. It’s because of the branch he had to report to, too inconvenient for him. Besides, he prefers to “work” with a same branch with me as there’s a familiar face to accompany him. True, I’ve thought of rejecting the offer too. But I managed to ask for my dad’s opinion before leaving the house; he said that it is okay for me to work over at the company though d pay may be not up to my standard. Can’t believe that my dad would view me as such a low wage worker!! Regardless, I accepted the offer.

After accepting the offer, the human resource lady asked me to report to the branch directly. So, I left with my secondary school friend and took a train to my workplace while he went home. Btw, if you (blog reader/readers) have read my previous post, you would notice that another 2 friends have not went with us to HQ. They might be taking of on airplane or flying kite somewhere for all I care.

At last, I reached my new workplace. God knows, I worked from 10+ or even 11 till 3 o’clock that day. Was going for a lunch break but the assistant store manager (ASM) asked me to work till 3 so that it would be easier to calculate the hours worked. Do take note that, I was a “surprise” that day as the HR from HQ did not contact the branch that I’m working at. So, there are some administrative matters to be settled. Basically, I was given an orientation by the ASM and he asked me to just walk around the shop and remember where the various kinds of products are situated. I did not mingle much with other staffs since they were doing their job. Just a brief exchange of names and a few sentences here and there. I mainly talked to the ASM. Hah~ Only the Assistant Store Manager have enough rank to talk with me. Lol~

After work, I went straight home and have my overdue lunch of curry puff, fancy breads and other junks. My mum had eaten my official lunch as high tea as she thought I would have eaten already. So not much of a choice as I wolfed down the breads. Came online afterwards, was mainly listening to songs, chatting with my watermelon buddy and exploring the World Wide Web. Conked out (slept) at around 4+ to 5. Woke up at close to 7 PM or was it 6+? Still feeling the urge to sleep...

A basketball (bball) friend msg me out. Had a rather serious conversation with 2 fruity friends, watermelon and grape with regards to going down to play basketball or not. LOL! A serious conversation indeed, as my watermelon pal drew up pictures using the MSN drawing function while another cracked lame jokes. Also cracked lame jokes as well. Thereafter, another bball buddy jio (ask me along) me down to play basketball. So... I made a decision to play. The “fruity” friends were going down as well despite a tiring work and (easy) studying commitments.

Went out to played basketball at around 8, the soccer players were already dominating the court. One of them thinks it’s funny to scream at me “TODAY NO BASKETBALL!!” That was an incredibly huge mistake on his part. Slowly, my basketball friends began to grow. Not taller or wider, but the number was increasing to 6. We proceed to shoot some hoops. Then, we intend to play a game of 3-on-3. As the soccer players were playing full court and their numbers were bigger, they demanded us to let them play. Before the age-old question appear “This is a basketball court, not a soccer field”. We replied cannot of course, then they begin to make noises and I heard the word “Rambut”. Unsure whether if I’m correct with the spelling, the word actually means ram (To strike or drive against with a heavy impact). It means that they are actually threatening us that they may begin to play “rammed the soccer ball”, of course the targets are going to be us.

NOW... I’m already irritated by the lack of sleep, as well as lack of responses (another blog-worthy story) and the taunting/screaming by one of the soccer player. I FINALLY ERUPTED!! I shouted out something like “Hey! You don’t force us to call the police OK!”. When I shouted out the words, I’m in fits of ANGER. The soccer players began to sort of square up to me. Their “leader” (an under probation person or tagged with the police tag) began to ask me “Why do you need to shout at us? We are also people okay?” Then, another soccer player add in more fire by saying “You think we are dogs? Shout at us for what?” Freaks... I was trembling... But not in fear, instead, in ANGER. I proceed to talk with the “leader”, but the situation was quite difficult because all of us are still hot-headed. He demanded why I shouted at them, I replied that they were threatening us by saying they are going to rambut us. OF course I’m furious. Then, he dare to have the cheek to say “We only say say only. Did we rambut you all?” Too bad.. I did not think of a good reply of “We only say say to call the police only. Did we call?” Of course, some of my basketball friends were also helping me to “talk” with the leader. I forgot the exact dialogues but it was interesting as I’ve never felt that “trembling” feeling before. I forgot how we managed to solve the problem but I did remember shaking hands with the leader twice to calm him down. Do not ask me why. But it works to a certain extent. In the end, there were no bloodsheds (I’m not a fighter also). There was no stopping us from playing basketball, nor do they stopped playing soccer. They still played full court while we played half court 3-on-3. Amazingly, a few players from both sides said sorry when they accidentally hit the ball at us. Obviously, they did not hit us with any hard balls nor do we purposely crash into them or anything. It would be a night in the history of the basketball court. News would spread...

Proceeded to enjoy playing my game, it’s not that I’m proud of my achievement. But my team didn’t lose a game after several rounds. The fact is that I “think” players from the opposition team were slightly dazed by my previous outburst. I was also what basketballers termed as “in the zone”. It means that I’m too hot to handle. I’m really enjoying my game as I played hard ball. The players alike were also quite “motivated” in the sense to play some good basketball.

At around 9 or 9 plus, a friend came down. I let him take over as I felt quite good already. What I meant was, I felt I’ve played enough of high level basketball not that I’m tired or anything. I could have continued playing, but I felt that it has been such a long day and though my energy was still there, there is no need to suffer aches for giving my body additional workout. There was another reason, which I think reader/readers can guessed easily so I will leave it at that.

Stayed till the lights off at 10 o’clock at night, talk some craps and also plans (another good story to be told another day). The guys are also feeling quite high I guessed. LOL~ Because I played a very “high” energy song thru handphone while I’m out not playing. Hah.. Maybe my “positive” energy also have something to do with it because they finally began to talk of the plans that I’ve organized. I mean they talk only, no actions yet. Talk only... Said goodbyes. Strangely, no one really talk about my sudden volcanic eruption.

I went home and the story ends. You bet! I bathed and ate my dinner. Goodness, I’ve weird eating time? Nil.. I just do not want to play basketball on a full stomach. I did eat a chunk of watermelon before playing basketball. Too many stories (not made up) to tell. I can only say that I’ve literally touched 2 people with my “care and concern”. Adios~

PS – I’ve finally got a blog fan. Even my watermelon friend and grape friend also didn’t know that I’ve kept a blog. I’m still keeping my watermelon friend in suspense as I want to let him think more as I dropped hints along the way. Maybe he would find out? After all, I created this blog on his birthday and he was aware of it. But what he did not expect was that I update this blog a few days after his birthday. Hah.. If he manages to find out he would finally understand why I kept saying “Jing shi bu tong wang re” meaning the present situation was not like the past, it changes.

2006-03-13T03:20:00.000+08:00

Mosquitoes

WTBF! It’s 3+ in the morning and here I’m having a sleepless night thanks to the bloody suckers. ARGH!!! It’s driving me crazy... The spots on my thighs are all red and sore now. I did not have the intentions to rub on them but subconsciously I’ve been doing so. OMG~ Since I’m so irritated now, I shall attempt to kill them all by using my Dad’s favourite racquet. Before u’r left wondering wt’s so special about the racquet, I shall googled the keywords mosquito racquet. True enough, a fellow blogger with such information sprung up on the 1st spot. So I shall refer the URL for anyone who is interested. http://pchere.blogspot.com/2005/06/electronic-mosquito-racket-zaps-pests.html

But... There is still a problem. That is the mosquito would still continue to regenerate and it quite useless to fight against such a huge battalion of mosquitoes with a tiny racquet that zap them alive. It would be wiser to work on the prevention methods then finding a cure or remedy after being nipped by such pathetic yet powerful insects.

The reason why I said that it is powerful is because it has managed to outlast dinosaurs. That is the best proof that it is actually quite smart and able to outplay, outwit and outlast such ferocious creatures. Hence, before you dismiss it as just another domestic fly, think again.

As for the prevention methods mentioned earlier, currently there is only one that I can think of and that is none other than educating the public on ways to prevent mosquitoes from growing up. Before I nagged on the various life stages of a mosquito and bored anyone who’s happens to read till here, I shall grabbed myself some biscuits since I’m feeling hungry now. A hungry man is an angry man? Nah... An angry man is also a hungry man.

So back to our topic, the life stages can be found on the internet and I shall post another url: http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/mosbiol.htm for readers who might be interested to find out more on the low life. As Singapore was faced with threats of mosquitoes a few months back, the health minister at that time made quite a few appearances on the mass media and quite a few prevention techniques were also taught on newspaper and televisions etc. Since the sudden explosion of mosquitoes then, the situation has subsided. However, a few precious lives were lost due to the deadly virus by the mosquito notably the dengue fever which may kills. Now, the mosquitoes may not have the intention to kill but it acts as a carrier for distributing the virus from an infected person to another healthy person. To cut short, you may like to have a look at another url that I’ve googled (http://www.dhpe.org/infect/dengue.html) to find out more on the symptoms of the deadly virus.

So basically, what does the various government agencies did to help solve the problem? Firstly, they used the prevention method which is to create public awareness. Then, they also set up emergency website on the “hotspots” area whereby there is unusually high concentration of reported cases. This measure would have alerted the public to avoid the “hot” areas and also made residents in those areas to work harder to prevent mosquitoes or they can kiss the value of their house goodbye. Then, the government also increased the number of inspections along with mosquito fogging around the small island otherwise known as Singapore. However, I was skeptic about the Pros and Cons of mosquito fogging. Since in MY opinion, it gives me an impression that the human body would be harmed as the smoke itself ain’t exactly friendly to me. Please note that I’m not trying to question the government or gahmen (slang for government) as others would call it. In fact, I would like to praise the work of our government as they had managed to solve the sudden explosion of mosquito bites inflicted.

Now, you (if you are still there) must be questioning why I’m so bored as to blog on such topics and even giving opinions on the government which may attract unnecessary attention. I just have to say that I’m a victim of the mosquitos’ bites and was feeling annoyed. However, I’m feeling much better after blogging as I’m able to forget the itch and use my two hands to type while my body miraculously heal the swells. At the same time, information is shared as to the danger of mosquitoes. As a matter of fact, I did praise our gahmen on their efficiency in solving the problem.

PS – I think I’m going to contact the relevant authority with regards to the mosquitoes in my estate. I’ve been suffering for at quite some time, from a few visits per fortnight to a few visits in the last couple of days. In turn, I feel terribly restlessness during daytime. Going to check up on the website and wait for the sun to rise as I foresee another sluggish Monday...

2006-03-11T16:51:00.000+08:00

Oscar’s Movie Reviews (Part 2)

3. Brokeback Mountain

Movie Synopsis – Set in the 1960s, Brokeback Mountain narrates the tale of 2 guys who happened to have a special bond after obtaining the task of sheepherding in the lush greens of Wyoming (a state of the Western United States). The intensity and degree of love shown is special and transcend beyond the understanding of normal people.

My personal opinion: The accents by the actors are too strong for my liking as I struggled to understand their conversations throughout the film. Yea, I’m a Singaporean and not accustomed to foreign tones. Hence, I’m unable to make much of a comment. Nevertheless, it’s still another Oscar award winning film with noteworthy scenes and lush landscape.

Length of film: 134 mins

Best defining quote/tagline: “I wish I knew how to quit you”

4. Transamerica

Movie Synopsis – The main character of the show is a male to female transsexual who is about to undergo the last stage of his operation. However, he learns that he had a son at the last hurdle. As a result, he’s unable to continue his operations without resolving the issue. To make matter worse, his son is a troubled teenager who was mistreated by his step-father.

My personal opinion: Felicity Huffman is a real life female. In this film, the make-up and expressions of hers made her looks exactly like a transsexual. She was credible in her role that I thought that a male was acting out the role. Besides her acting, the film itself also led us to think about the various situations that a male faces in order to become a female.

Length of film: 103 mins

Best defining quote/tagline: “My body may be a work-in-progress, but there is nothing wrong with my soul.”

5. Crash

Movie Synopsis – 2 young African-American thieves, a African-American detective, a white district attorney and his wife, a Hispanic locksmith, a white cop and his partner, an African-American producer and his wife, and a Persian store owner. This is not a typical racism film, as the sub-plot intertwines to form the aptly named “Crash”.

My personal opinion: This film sets me thinking and also affirmed my belief that things are not as simple as it seems. To sidetrack awhile, a psychotic murderer may be the results of an abusive father. A talkative and friendly person may feel lonely and insecure, hence the need to “attract” attention. Back to the film, the storyline on racism is hard to explain as its like bits and pieces of puzzles which forms a complete picture when completed. A nice picture indeed, I would have ranked this before the other Oscar’s movies due to its wonderful story which can be related to any normal guy out on the street. Bravo!

Length of film: 113 mins

Best defining quote/tagline: “You think you know who you are. You have no idea.”

2006-03-10T09:30:00.000+08:00

Summary of Mar 09 2006 events

Note: This shall be a personal blog entry and serious readers may wish to turn off. The language and grammars as well as my colourful vocabulary may not be up to my usual standards. Apologies...

A Long Summary of an eventful day

I woke up at my usual time of 7 to 8+. Then, I dilly dally for quite awhile. Enjoyed my usual unspectacular breakfast of bread and some biscuits. Sipping on my daily large cuppa Milo, reading outdated news. Time passes by and it’s almost 10. Went for a jog, and I went half-monty at a ulu (secluded) path. Did some exercise of pull-ups, sit ups and cool down etc. Bought my best friend’s “fav” drink of green tea and I swore that the ah lian (female gangster) completed with a tattoo on her arm, was actually smiling and even said thanks to me. I ain’t making this up, and I was stunned as well. Hehe.. I’m going to patronize her stall in the future. Lol~ Just j/k only.

Then, I got back home and saw 2 missed calls and a msg received. Details shall not be revealed. But I was very happy then and still happy now. You can try asking me, but I may not tell you. Cos the time is not ripe yet, once it’s ready I would let you guys know. So far I’ve only told one friend and not even my family is aware of it. Once everything’s confirmed, I would make it public. Hah~ I’m creating mystery, letting the curiosity overwhelm you (blog readers). *evil grins*

Then, I bathed aft calling my friend. Later on, I came online as usual and find a fellow hunter to chat about any job openings. I’ve actually got a secondary school and primary school cum basketball friend hunting for jobs. So I intro them and we had a MSN conference, I managed to set up a time and place to meet up and search for jobs. On the other side, I’ve a self proclaimed noob (newbie) frend who is jioing (gathering) friends to accompany him to the IT Show at Suntec, Singapore. So I sat down in front of my computer screen and was looking for jobs on the straits time classified section, eating my pathetic lunch of instant noodles with a side order of chee kueh (my mum bought back from market), having 3 separate conversations with a few guys as well as replying SMSs. *jaw drop* That is what I called multitasking, ability to do several things at once and ends up screwing up everything. Hah.. The screwing up part is not true of cos.

Shortly after lunch, I called my friend (pri-bball) of a pig. Cos I knew that he would still be sleeping and we actually ended up reaching earlier than my estimate of 3.30PM. We waited for my friend and he’s actually bringing another friend along. Too say that it’s a coincidence would be an understatement lol.

Firstly, the three of them are from SP – Singapore Polytechnic and have seen each other as they are in engineering courses.
Secondly, apart from my secondary school friend, the 3 of us are from the same primary school.
Thirdly, we lived in the northern part of Singapore except for my sec friend who used to lived in the northern part.
Lastly, with so many similarities and interwoven relationship, you can imagine the chaos and eagerness of the foursome to engage in talks.

So, we went to town area and tried our luck twice. So far, we have gotten one confirmed jobs. As expected, the pay was not up to our standards. LOL~ We have got high standards. Ahahha.... After that we split up into 2 groups as we are going to different places. My sec friend and I went to City Hall MRT, which is like a mile away. While my primary school friends went to Clarke Quay which is a few stone throws away.

If you have been following the story, you shall guess where I’m heading to next. Of course, the IT Show and I ended up walking a kilometer or so. By then, my muscles were already aching and still aching now. I’ve come to a conclusion that instant noodles really have not much of a nutritional value. I should have eaten some wholesome and fresh food to aid better repairing of my body system.

Back to Suntec, I spent awhile going through the level 4 of the exhibition hall. Heheh.. Saw a bikni-clad babe on the Olympus stage, my grapey friend and I gawk for less than 15 secs and the show’s ended. Damm... We were too late should have went straight over to the booth if I knew such a show was going on. Btw, I happened to see my Poly friends promoting printers. He’s none other than the most zai (best) public speaker in my class. So, he’s over at Suntec and attracting a small crowd by using a mic and demonstrating the functions of the printers. It’s an extremely difficult job because the Olympus booth is just besides it and has a stage as well as bikini-clad model. Despite the odds, he still managed to attract a small (ard 10) people to watch his demo. OMG~ He’s truly an excellent public speaker with his fluent and good command of English.

Thereafter, my friend and I went over back to Xbox exhibits at level 3 since we were not buying any high ended IT product and also partly because there was no bikini show. Xbox 360 has good graphics, highly intelligent AI, realistic, detailed. It was really a good experience. One thing though, there are still games from the last century. Can u imagine my friend’s lameness when he leveled up to the 2nd level? The game was typically those internet downloaded “Rotate the hexes to form 3 alike coloured hexes and the hexes will burst sort of game”. I guess the game was really downloaded from the internet, since Xbox 360 supports online downloads as well. Hah.. Wt a joke.. Playing “hexes” game on the Xbox 360? Wt a great idea!

Finally, the rest of the groups came down after their purchases at the 6th level a.k.a japalang or miscellaneous and low end IT products. Did I mention that my grapey friend and I had not eaten dinner? Time was around 9 and I figured the lack of nutrients also caused my aches to sustain till now. In brief, I reached home at 10+.

PS – My Oscar’s nominated/winning film reviews (Part 2) might take a longer time then planned as I’ve a few activities coming up. Rest assured that I would finish my part 2.

2006-03-08T10:21:00.000+08:00

Oscar’s Movies Review (Part 1)

Since I’ve been watching several Oscar awards nominated/winning movies like the Constant Gardener, Brokeback Mountain, Hustle & Flow, Transamerica and Crash, it would be sensible for me to give my amateurish and humble opinion on the various movies. !!Spoilers Forewarned!!

Note: The below reviews would not be possible without http://www.imdb.com/ as well as the fabulous productions of the films.

Constant Gardener

Movie Synopsis – An activist (campaigner) was murdered in Africa or so it seems. However, the truth lies far from that, and the widower (male widow) seeks to find out the truth, tossing his life in danger.

My personal opinion: The scenery of Africa, culture and realism of the directing etc helps to promote this movie experience. The actors/actresses were brilliant in their roles and the script itself is thought-provoking as it questions the way that large corporations handle situations. Are they really helping to create jobs and boost economic conditions or are they actually harming poor people. Thus, it creates the effect of “The poor gets poorer while the rich gets richer”.

Length of film: 129 mins

Best defining quote/tagline: “Big pharmaceuticals are right up there with the arms dealers.”

Hustle and Flow

Movie Synopsis – Story starts with a pimp who has an ambition of becoming a hip hop rap star, however the odds are against him as he struggles to make ends meet. Worse still, he’s approaching the grand old age of 40, which is considered “old” in the dog-eat-dog world. Not merely an inspirational story, the true to life storyline is superb.

My personal opinion: The convincing acting of the lead character, Terrence Howard as Djay fits to a T. The songs that are created in the film form a perfect combination with the story. It details the hard work and amount of blood, sweat and tears that the pimp took in making the record. It also opens up my mind and I realized that the whole process of making an album is much more complicated and it requires not only diligence, talent and a great deal of luck. You would really need to go through the whole movie to understand the meaning that the song is conveying. Pls do watch this movie.

Length of film: 116 mins

Best defining quote/tagline: “The music will inspire them. The dream will unite them. This summer get crunk*.”

*crunk – slang. Mixture of the word crazy and drunk

PS: This post shall be my first official entry of this blog. The post below is an unofficial entry tt shows the crunk side of me. Hah~ A new word learned.

2006-03-04T00:44:00.000+08:00

Yuan's Bday

Happy bird-day to you
Happy bird-day to you
Happi Bird-day to YUAN!!!
Happy Birdday to u....