kevinsits

Moved

2008-08-20T01:29:00.003+08:00

Charlene and I have started a new blog together. You may find us at http://handsomeandthebeast.wordpress.com.

:D

Codexed online

2008-07-22T07:51:00.004+08:00

I still remember the very first time I had an online journal. It was a lovely moment. Then, I felt like I had opened up a chest of wonderful experiences. There was a certain sense of liberation in letting my writer self say the words my tongue never had the chance to or dare to speak. And I did it all on this endearing little service called, diary-x.

Well, the most unfortunate happened, and diary-x's server crashed, losing every single code, data and entry on it. And it never got back, to my dismay. I tried almost every other known services and found nothing can quite match my experience on diary-x. I was not alone.

A group of ex-diary-xers (it's quite a mouthful) had banded together, to mourn, and also to rebuild, dubbing the resurrected diary-x as Codexed. It took a few years and finally in recent weeks, it had finally became operational, albeit in alpha mode. I registered immediately, and quickly posted my first triumphant post, despite a little disclaimer claiming a possibility of losing any posts.

Codexed is still in an extreme buggy mode, but for all that is due, this is one basket that I will gladly put all my eggs in, again.

Meganiche Magazine Advertisments

2008-07-02T20:01:00.054+08:00

Hey, I'd like to show you the pages I've done for my client... (and also do a little shameless publicity for myself and my client's company that has an extensive clientele, and offers great quality products and services for corporate, business and personal gifting purposes, that you can find out more by visiting their website at http://www.meganiche.com.sg)

Here is a picture of my low cost homemade studio setup, which I've used to photograph the magazine shoots: the 3 point lighting system constructed from cupboard, aluminum foil, bulbs and lots of tape. Works pretty great!

Now that I've finished the advertisements, I'll be busy for the 2nd part - redesigning the catalog and website with similar visual identity.

Picture (to the right): The animal cautiously scavenges through the ties hoping to discover a morsel of sustenance.

The girl has been the greatest support to me in this project - from motivational to creative support.

"I might not have done it this well without your help. Thanks girl."

In His World

2008-06-20T02:30:00.009+08:00

I chanced upon this Uncle in his own ritual upon the grass, in the midst of the disapproving crowd. He wanted to leave after a short dance, but I asked if he could continue for me. He did, and even more so enthusiastically. He twirled and he waved his stick. Sometimes as a masterful conductor, sometimes as an operatic dancer, thoroughly enjoying himself, with music only heard by his ears.

I had my best photography experience.
He had his best audience.

Short Update

2008-06-01T03:24:00.006+08:00

In need of a new blog template... Will probably do one up after this busy period... Been working freelance at Mega Niche Marketing, rigged several homemade lightings (made out of cardboard and tracing paper), did several product shots and designed 4 pages worth of advertisements.

As of now the project is close to being completed. The dateline was Friday but Client managed to get it extended to Monday from the printing people. Have to make some changes with the Boss (Uncle Joe) after the service later. Uncle Joe is one of the nicest, friendliest boss I've ever encountered. Said printing people apparently extended for him on account of his niceness, when his employee called them.

Serving at the sound board later. I'm psyched. It thrills me somehow to mix a good sounding service. I feel like the master musician sometimes. The musicians may play their best, but what I choose to bring up or down can make them sound a whole lot cohesive and musical, and not too.

After a makan fellowship (that includes the Minister of Food Mary Sim, Wilfred, Johnny, Rouling, Rouying, Joy, Char and me), I had a lengthy chat with girl. Am glad that the love is reaffirmed. ~~You know, it is times like these that sometimes I think being single makes life so much easier.~~ I guess it is ~~feng he re li~~ yu guo tian qing after all. But one thing I must acknowledge is that we won't be here, or I won't be having it this easy if not for my heavenly Father. Subtly, He has bought several important people into our lifes, people who He subtly led into our life's paths too, which in the end becomes not very subtle considering the coincidental good that comes out of all that.

I know I'm blessed, I'm changed, because of my Father's love.

2008-05-14T02:49:00.002+08:00

Blogstipation... (contracted from the girl...)

GV is evil.

2008-05-02T05:18:00.005+08:00

I have 2 vouchers for '$2 OFF Regular Ticket Price' and they just expired yesterday. And they are going into my journal.

Why am I keeping them?

It is to serve as a memory for Golden Village's terrible deceptive service as a cinema operator. They gave us their vouchers with various conditions to prevent it from being used, i.e. under the misinformation of 'Not valid for films marked No Free Passes' clause. How do I get to know a 'No Free Passes' marked movie but only at the counter after I'd done all the date planning and am about to buy the tickets? It's like they gave a lollipop to a little kid and then snatch it back when the poor kid was about to lick it, just because it is a 'No Free Passes' lollipop.

And there are no membership card use day!

What is the use of all these vouchers and membership if I do not get to use them?

Dumb management. I call for a boycott.

museum makes cheap interesting date

2008-04-18T23:11:00.004+08:00

This is a personal surprise for me (as would for most people) - Charlene and I spent the whole afternoon (close to 5 hours) at the museum! The current exhibits there are unexpectedly interesting. They are about topics that are close to our hearts - fashion shopping, food (!), film... Informative and yet entertaining. There are videos, audio and images everywhere. Coupled with the well designed spaces and installations, it truely makes for an immersive experience. It felt like I was in a movie that I can control more than anything.

There is a history gallery that is all about Singapore. We had to wear this electronic 'companion' over ears that gives us an audio walkthrough through the maze of exhibits. This 'companion' allows us to customise what we want to read and listen to, and even choose a deviation in the path along the way. Starting from the 3 storey tall circular screen projecting a well documented film about 'A Day's Life in Singapore', with a majestic Singapore soundtrack, we were carried through to a panoramic live action film on the beginnings of Singapore. Learning the history never felt so fun before. There was also a re-account of old Singapore by an old man in authentic Teochew. Charlene and I were quite amused by that.

Best of all, it is free for Lasalle students. Makes it a great date location that is at no cost. Priceless.

insane

2008-04-13T03:25:00.001+08:00

Alessandro MS-1

2008-04-08T00:40:00.002+08:00

I had a wonderful Jaben experience earlier this evening. Went down wanting to upgrade to a good set of headphone, and got the Alessandro MS-1. Before that I got a wonderful orientation by the legendary Uncle Wilson who is mentioned all over the Jaben forum (my ears got spoilt by his brandless ugliest but great sounding headphone). He is very hospitable and direct. A very easy person to converse with. I was so touched when he decided to 'reward' me with an Alessandro travel case worth $39 for free.

I am one very happy... erm customer doesn't sounds right with his treatment, I felt more like a club member or something.

Jesus

2008-04-06T02:36:00.007+08:00

I have changed alot in the past years. I may have went through a whole cycle of good to bad to worse to bad to good. In the past years, I have felt my saddest, my most confused, my most depressed, and also my most happiest, my most loved, and my most achieving moments. I feel like a nice clean sponge that unwittingly fell into a dirty ditch, sucking all the lousy stuff helplessly. I continued to suck for possibly the longest time of my life and I suck until I cannot suck anymore. But Someone took me out, wrung me dry and washed me. And then it took me a while... but I slowly got dry, nice and clean again.

Take my life and let it be

2008-04-06T01:46:00.000+08:00

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only for my King,
Always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my love, my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

2008-04-02T23:10:00.006+08:00

My group had done a fantastic runway show ala presentation last Wednesday. We had given up many man hours, day and night for research and rehearsals and editing for this. Presenting on the medium of clothes as an extension of our body, we created this video as the informative backdrop of our runway show.

Credits to Ernest for the music selection, photography and photo montage of the models and the insane 4 speaker set-up.
Ryan and Janice for the funny but ever-striving pitch-perfect narration.
And all the fantastic models who did up the research and writeups for the script too!

2008-03-11T01:28:00.003+08:00

Sister just got a macbook, and her bf is waiting for his to be delivered. Guess the people around me are all jumping into the apple wagon too.

2008-03-10T01:32:00.006+08:00

Went for my primary school gathering yesterday. It was nostalgic seeing the guys again. Rouyi's house is extremely huge - it is like a resort on its own (it even has a lift!). Was interesting seeing how they have grown and changed in appearances, yet still remain the way I remembered them.

Radiohead - Optimistic

2008-03-07T13:53:00.001+08:00

Flies are buzzing around my head
Vultures circling the dead
Picking up every last crumb
The big fish eat the little ones
The big fish eat the little ones
Not my problem give me some

You can try the best you can
If you try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
[x2]

This one's optimistic
This one went to market
This one just came out of the swamp
This one dropped a payload
Fodder for the animals
Living on an animal farm

If you try the best you can
If you try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
[x2]

I'd really like to help you man
I'd really like to help you man.....
Nervous messed up marionette
Floating around on a prison ship

If you try the best you can
If you try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
If you try the best you can
If you try the best you can
Dinosaurs roaming the earth [x3]

Submitted to STOMP for a pair of $125 Maroon 5 Tix

2008-03-02T20:14:00.004+08:00

Which is your favourite Maroon 5 song and why?

Wake Up Call

Maroon 5 songs do have incredible song introductions, which I particularly love to use as ringtones. However to me, "Wake Up Call" has the most exciting one (and as a result has been my ringtone for a very long time). The first time I heard it, I fell in love from the whole gravitating synth line introduction of the song, which cumulates to a single gunshot sounding drum beat, before the voice comes in. My heart races with it when I play it loudly from my speakers.

The song continues the energy and the smooth groove through the verses, and cumulates to the chorus again. It is an exciting flow to listen. Even now, it is the one song that always sounds fresh when I listen again.

And for obvious allusion to the title, I use this as my handphone alarm sound too. I'd also like to believe that my ears have developed a deep sensitive liking to this song and will wake my body up once it is heard. While the lyrics are pretty violent in nature, I feel that it plays out like an avant-garde movie that sets my mind in a canny mood to tackle the day's events in a thoughtful way.

A Cautionary

2008-02-24T22:03:00.003+08:00

2008-02-24T21:50:00.003+08:00

I just redid my room furniture arrangement, cleared out all the months of accumulated dust and hair, threw out unwanted stuff and brought in a working desk plonged in front of the window.

Now my room feels super nice and fresh.

Lala Town

2008-02-22T10:17:00.002+08:00

There was once a little boy, who loves to fill his head with funny dreams. Good, bad, scary, he had them all. "I want to be a writer," he determined to be.

Yet he grew up and realised, it is not meant to be.

Revisit

2008-02-22T03:38:00.001+08:00

When will a blog cease to be a blog? What is a blog? Why am I questioning my blog again?

I realise part of me wants to write something and hopes that someone who read it would enjoy it. Yet a greater part of me wants to write many things that is not for anyone to read.

So I am revisiting this blog again, redefining my blogging motives. Simply because I have returned to this juncture (of my life) that is desperately self-reflective. I have so many thoughts inside my head, so many feelings inside my heart that cannot be expressed freely even to the people who know me.

I treat this as a journey of self-discovery. To realign my inner motives and redirect my mental energy. And hopefully on the whole, I will increase in my capacity as a person and a ~~budding~~ designer.

2008-02-11T00:45:00.000+08:00

Kevin Seet... Do your homework.

empower?

2008-02-10T03:25:00.000+08:00

I am becoming more of a solemn (albeit in a mature way) person. Maybe this is a part of the growing up process - I find myself becoming more cynical and more desperate in the affairs of my life. I still do laugh at myself, but I'm increasingly vindictive towards myself, not in a depressive self-deprecating manner, rather that of frustration and impatience.

And this energy makes me feel empowered.

libre

2008-02-10T02:59:00.000+08:00

There are many thoughts running through my head. They are mostly centered on the people that I have not met for a very long time. And some of these people I have contacted online or met them again in the recent months. It felt great to talk to them again.

For a moment in my life, I felt as though I was disconnected from the history of who I am, while I moved on in life and found new friends. Now revisiting these events in the conversations, I could not help but find a rock slowly affirming right under my feet. It's like all these past years of wondering has just been a chase after the clouds, when all I needed to know about myself is just right under me. Without knowing it, I've moved from where I was. And my mind relieved of fears it shouldn't even have pondered on.

I know God is doing something important in my life right now. He is helping me realise that my life is not to be obsessed about discovering who I am, because who I am is in the past; rather, He is and wants me to be interested in my future, because that requires faith, to know and become who you want to be.

A Night Event

2008-01-28T01:40:00.000+08:00

Shouts in the dead of night

A duel rather, besting each other

But one was the dominant

The dog barks

Curled in defense

At the unkind words

A girl sat silently in her room

Teardrops in her eye

As helpless as the woman

She calls Mother next door

How much the girl has changed me...

2008-01-19T17:42:00.001+08:00

I used to laugh at people wearing pink t-shirts, now I wear a pink boxer.

2007-11-27T00:17:00.000+08:00

"I am a sucky movie. I am Bleah-wulf!"

Heads up Lasalle Peeps!

2007-11-25T03:24:00.001+08:00

Anyone can be upset with matters in their schools. But a proactive action like this is what sets an art school apart.

http://lasallerevolution.blogspot.com/

Apparently the dean is organising a talk as a response to this!

Chao angmoh, this is Singapore. You think your country ah?

2007-11-18T01:07:00.000+08:00

There's this recent case, posted 2 days ago on STOMP, http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/viewPost6646.aspx, in which two teenage girls were allegedly attacked by an angmoh man and his girlfriend, and also had a heated exchange of words, right in the lovely heartland of Toa Payoh. The couple tried to escape after the assault, however many "friendly" uncles (as referred by one of the girls, who in my attention is quite an attention seeker, being quite a famous blogger) came over to help to apprehend them. A huge commotion was created as many people crowded around them, someone even called the police. Watching this kind scene play out in such a familiar place felt unnerving.

There is a long version of the happenings posted on Youtube which shows an uncle shouting repeatedly at the angmoh "This is Singapore. You think your country ah?". The crowd in general was pretty vocal and viral to the couple. And it was further exacerbated with the woman's violent veneer, provoking fiercer responses. With the mob's verbal attack on the couple following their assault, you would expect them to be skewed and placed into the pig baskets and drowned in Toa Payoh Longkang.

But of course I'm not denouncing the angmoh's terrible actions towards the girls, but I felt the response towards them were a tad too overblown. This kind of attention probably won't be attracted if I were the one being whacked.

It happened only because of two reasons: Angmoh + Chiobu. "Friendly" uncles finally had the golden opportunity to lash out their pent up hatred towards the chao angmohs aka foreign talents who think they are so superior, and used that angmoh in Toa Payoh to vent the frustrations which probably date all the way back to the colonial periods. And the Chiobu part should be self-explanatory... or not. "Friendly" uncle see xiao mei mei in distress must help, wanna impress them too. Ok, that's the furthest I will go.

Anyway here is the masterpiece from that match-up right in our heartlands: Angmoh and Girlfriend vs The Heartlanders...

Word of the Day

2007-11-15T02:50:00.000+08:00

I've learnt a cool new word. It is "Flâneur", a term that comes from the French verb flâner, which means "to stroll". A flâneur is thus a person who walks the city in order to experience it. However, because of the term's usage and theorization in cultural, economical, literary and historical fields, it has also come to become a referent for someone is understanding urban phenomena and modernity.

personality test

2007-11-07T02:19:00.000+08:00

I did this personality test from a facebook application. I must say the result is surprisingly accurate. Charlene can testify to this. ;)

Temperament
Energetic
Your energy is boundless - you are racing ahead to some goal, dream or opportunity that lies before you. And you always make sure that you are two steps ahead of the pack. You move so fast through life that you sometimes forget to take time to smell the "proverbial" rose. Channel your energy into what lies immediately ahead of you and your future will be full of even more exciting happenings.

Interests
Simple
You are continually pursuing a simpler and less complicated life - you don't allow yourself to fall victim to all of the "should do's" that society continually bombards you with. You are thoughtful about your life choices and think in terms of yourself, others and the world in which we live. You have a great sense that we are part of something much bigger and we must be good to others, if we want others and the world to be good to us.

Amusement
Thoughtful
You are easily stressed out and overwhelmed - you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Because you tend to be self reflective, you know your limits quite well and must remember to not exceed those limits. When you overwhelm your life with obligations and responsibilities, you tend to shut down and go into yourself even further. Take some time to find your serenity and kick back your feet.

Passion
Physical
You are a cuddle bug - from a warm hug shared with your best friend to steamy sex with your partner, you enjoy every bit of human contact that you can get. You demonstrate your love for others most fluidly through physical one-on-one contact and you feel the most loved when you are being touched. You feel disconnected when you are physically isolated from others. You're a people person and a lover of all things human.

2007-10-17T03:46:00.000+08:00

Just redesigned the girl's blogskin... check it out at http://i-lurve-pink.blogspot.com

oh btw... its my birthday today

2nd attempt at IPPT

2007-10-11T18:44:00.000+08:00

In my last attempt at Toa Payoh Safra, I failed my 2.4km run. Today I went to retake the test at Khatib Camp.

As I was walking out of house to hail a cab, my stomach was churning and my body was feeling funny. Suddenly all the ailments I never thought I had started to appear. I couldn't breathe smoothly, my nose was extremely blocked, my lips were too dry, I am not hydrated enough, my legs were wobbly, my back and neck was aching. I've kanna-ed the I-Scared-To-Take-IPPT disease.

The Taxi Driver was a God-sent. He realised I was going to take my IPPT and started to give me an encouraging pep talk. He gave me great advises on my 2.4km run. He instructed me to think happy thoughts as I am running: thoughts like... PASSING MY DRIVING TEST! I thought that was an unexpected suggestion - (how he'd knew I passed my driving test before?). That was like one of the major events God was surely with me to pass. I surmised God telling me that He was in this with me too. The next important thing he instructed was not to stop running (or start walking) at all. As I was paying the Taxi Driver I noticed a little cross on his dashboard.

I stepped out the taxi and into the camp with a confidence. I took the various stations and passed my 2.4km run by 5 seconds!

Looking back, I couldn't have passed without the Taxi Driver's advices. I had already planned in my head to run the first 3 rounds quickly and stop to drink water and walk a little at round 4. But if I did that I would probably have exceeded the timing. I just thought the happy things and kept running. There was a period when I was close to stopping and walking... but I just thought of the Taxi Driver's words and kept running.

But despite the stellar performance of my limp body, I still didn't pass the IPPT on the whole. I got 2As and 2Es, which equates to 12 points, and 12 points + a pass in 2.4km run equates a pass. However, no matter how many points you get, only a D is considered a pass. So in my ignorance, I failed, because I could have just went to retake those stations to get the Ds.

I thank God still. He is so good He helped me passed my 2.4km run. Now I know I am able to, with God's grace.

Stressed

2007-10-04T00:22:00.000+08:00

I'm so stressed up relaxing whole day at home.

Don't know what to do.

Wanna start work but no mood.

Never buy new games to play.

Novels I bought wanna read no mood read.

Slept enough.

Wanna go exercise but don't want to sweat.

Stressed...

from http://www.no-spec.com

2007-10-03T15:22:00.000+08:00

To those who are looking for someone to do work for free… please wake up and join the real world

Every day, there are more and more CL posts seeking “artists” for everything from auto graphics to comic books to corporate logo designs. More people are finding themselves in need of some form of illustrative service.

But what they’re NOT doing, unfortunately, is realizing how rare someone with these particular talents can be.

To those who are “seeking artists”, let me ask you; How many people do you know, personally, with the talent and skill to perform the services you need? A dozen? Five? One? …none?
More than likely, you don’t know any. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be posting on craigslist to find them.

And this is not really a surprise.

In this country, there are almost twice as many neurosurgeons as there are professional illustrators. There are eleven times as many certified mechanics. There are SEVENTY times as many people in the IT field.

So, given that they are less rare, and therefore less in demand, would it make sense to ask your mechanic to work on your car for free? Would you look him in the eye, with a straight face, and tell him that his compensation would be the ability to have his work shown to others as you drive down the street?

Would you offer a neurosurgeon the “opportunity” to add your name to his resume as payment for removing that pesky tumor? (Maybe you could offer him “a few bucks” for “materials”. What a deal!)

Would you be able to seriously even CONSIDER offering your web hosting service the chance to have people see their work, by viewing your website, as their payment for hosting you?
If you answered “yes” to ANY of the above, you’re obviously insane. If you answered “no”, then kudos to you for living in the real world.

But then tell me… why would you think it is okay to live out the same, delusional, ridiculous fantasy when seeking someone whose abilities are even less in supply than these folks?

Graphic artists, illustrators, painters, etc., are skilled tradesmen. As such, to consider them as, or deal with them as, anything less than professionals fully deserving of your respect is both insulting and a bad reflection on you as a sane, reasonable person. In short, it makes you look like a twit.

A few things you need to know;

1. It is not a “great opportunity” for an artist to have his work seen on your car/’zine/website/bedroom wall, etc. It IS a “great opportunity” for YOU to have their work there.

2. It is not clever to seek a “student” or “beginner” in an attempt to get work for free. It’s ignorant and insulting. They may be “students”, but that does not mean they don’t deserve to be paid for their hard work. You were a “student” once, too. Would you have taken that job at McDonalds with no pay, because you were learning essential job skills for the real world? Yes, your proposition it JUST as stupid.

3. The chance to have their name on something that is going to be seen by other people, whether it’s one or one million, is NOT a valid enticement. Neither is the right to add that work to their “portfolio”. They get to do those things ANYWAY, after being paid as they should. It’s not compensation. It’s their right, and it’s a given.

4. Stop thinking that you’re giving them some great chance to work. Once they skip over your silly ad, as they should, the next ad is usually for someone who lives in the real world, and as such, will pay them. There are far more jobs needing these skills than there are people who possess these skills.

5. Students DO need “experience”. But they do NOT need to get it by giving their work away. In fact, this does not even offer them the experience they need. Anyone who will not/can not pay them is obviously the type of person or business they should be ashamed to have on their resume anyway. Do you think professional contractors list the “experience” they got while nailing down a loose step at their grandmother’s house when they were seventeen?

If you your company or gig was worth listing as desired experience, it would be able to pay for the services it received. The only experience they will get doing free work for you is a lesson learned in what kinds of scrubs they should not lower themselves to deal with.

6. (This one is FOR the artists out there, please pay attention.) Some will ask you to “submit work for consideration”. They may even be posing as some sort of “contest”. These are almost always scams. They will take the work submitted by many artists seeking to win the “contest”, or be “chosen” for the gig, and find what they like most. They will then usually have someone who works for them, or someone who works incredibly cheap because they have no originality or talent of their own, reproduce that same work, or even just make slight modifications to it, and claim it as their own. You will NOT be paid, you will NOT win the contest. The only people who win, here, are the underhanded folks who run these ads. This is speculative, or “spec”, work. It’s risky at best, and a complete scam at worst. I urge you to avoid it, completely. For more information on this subject, please visit www.no-spec.com.

So to artists/designers/illustrators looking for work, do everyone a favor, ESPECIALLY yourselves, and avoid people who do not intend to pay you. Whether they are “spec” gigs, or just some guy who wants a free mural on his living room walls. They need you. You do NOT need them.

And for those who are looking for someone to do work for free… please wake up and join the real world. The only thing you’re accomplishing is to insult those with the skills you need. Get a clue.

both of us are drowned

2007-09-18T22:13:00.000+08:00

Girl's drowned by her formulas.

I'm drowned by my texts.

Although granted texts are more interesting than formulas... by alot.

It's like getting drowned in chocolate fudge.

2007-09-15T23:19:00.001+08:00

I'll be resuming my Chronicles At The "Zoo" coming this Monday. This time I'll be deployed back to St. Gab Sec for a single day.

mental note to self: stock on your bananas

For reference to the "Zoo", view my past entry "Zookeeper" - which made such a fan, out of pris, for my blog.

supper

2007-09-15T23:17:00.001+08:00

Son(me): Mother you love your son a not?
Mother: Siao ah...
Son(me): Your son is hungry.. Make him food leh...

2007-09-11T17:19:00.001+08:00

i was here

The Way Home

2007-08-22T01:05:00.000+08:00

A touching movie dedicated to all grandmothers. And when I say it is touching, it is really touching. If you love your grandmother, you will feel it right in your soul.

an uncommon trip

2007-08-19T03:08:00.000+08:00

The girl just checked one of the boxes of a secret list of things I want to do with a loved one when I grow up, which of course was started before I grew up.

We were exploring an uncommon place at an uncommon time.

I'd always wanted that, to enjoy lovely company in a foreign place.

Granted Mustafa isn't an extreme choice.

But it feels foreign enough at 2am, with an unusual crowd.

Everyone carries Crumpler

2007-08-17T23:21:00.001+08:00

I am "everyone". I carry a Crumpler.

But still, I'm irked by the idea that I buy a bag based on how "embarrassed" I am.

I think this is the one you get when you are just moderately embarrassed.

edit: It is actually not of the embarrassed group. It is 'part and parcel".

2007-08-17T01:58:00.000+08:00

On a hindsight, I realised my previous post sounded quite like an "emo" the-world-hates-me rant.

Just to make myself clear, I'm still glad to be there for you who needs a listening ear. I'd love to make a difference in your life. A good one of course.

My target group was the emotional parasites who give you every pretext of a friendship so you will be there all the time, yet not be there when you need them.

Friendships: A Convenient Handiplast

2007-08-13T16:05:00.001+08:00

The few “promising” friendships I ever had all ended up one way - in which “you” talk I listen. I have been the receiving end of the conversations for the most part. I wonder is it my personality that so attracts “problem-spillers”. Just when I'd thought I've heard their sorrows enough and want to spill mine too, I oft get a less than enthusiastic response, as if to tell me my role there is only to listen and not to talk. My suggestions hardly considered, my opinions to naught, words go unregistered, I wonder whether I'm just a convenient handiplast, which they stick on their bleeding self-esteem, and cast aside when it is healed. It sure feels like this for most parts of it. And it is a pretty sad and hurting position to be in. If I had not known my God, I'll never know what worth I actually have. But still, I thank God for the people He brought into my life - because it all points to a greater and good plan that He has for me.

Lasalle Orientation Day

2007-08-13T13:07:00.001+08:00

Discipline

2007-08-13T02:11:00.001+08:00

Once upon a time, I had something against “discipline” - the word and everything associated with it.

My maths teacher told me to be disciplined. My chinese teacher told me to be disciplined. And both of them are uncool.

Whereas Robbie Williams or Linkin Park never talked anything about discipline. And they are cool.

I thought in this world, as long as you have the love and the passion, you will live a good life. As long as it is anything besides discipline (or you will end up as funny as a math teacher - funny meaning being incomprehensible and having a habit of telling a bad joke to only laugh at it yourself).

It was only when life started to spiral in a funny way (funny meaning incomprehensible, without that bad habit of telling a bad joke to only laugh at it yourself), that I realised I'm losing control. I was losing it to my senses, I was losing it to my emotions, I was losing it to my bad thoughts. I couldn't get myself to wake up in time. I got angry easily and said bad stuff which I regretted almost immediately. I wasn't able to do the things I've promised others. I didn't do the things I needed to do. I didn't become what I wanted to become.

Remember how the principal always mentioned the athletes and praised the discipline they needed to raise themselves to that next physical level. I'd always thought how I'll never become an athlete and so I'd never need the discipline they have. I mean slackers are cool, are they not?

But I realised how flawed I was. Who was the first to say slackers are cool? Definitely not God. Definitely not King David. Or Apostle Paul, who “disciplined [his] body and make it [his] slave, so that, after [he has] preached to others, [he himself] will not be disqualified.” (1 Cor 9:27). No.. Definitely not these people of excellence. And definitely not Steve Jobs or Lee Kuan Yew.

I know one thing for sure. Without discipline, they probably won't be who they are.

I want to become that good person I want to be. And for that... I need discipline.

argh..

2007-08-09T23:36:00.001+08:00

Charlene's ignoring me. Granted that she has her final year project introduction to write. But at least a little attention from her, at this point of time, is good for the both of us, not?

I was happy that she came out to meet me. And we drove to wheelock place to get my crumpler bag. Then we went to chomp chomp and had a nice supper. The night would have ended well until we started discussing about motorcycles again. She is super-bent on not wanting me to get one.

A motorcycle is so much more economical for me. And I feel so paiseh letting people know that I drive a car. Its like they will have this alienation of me, like I'm some rich family son who has it all and won't understand them. Or at least I feel that this is the kind of image and thoughts I will project into their minds. Just like how I predicted their reaction will be when I told them that I am studying in Lasalle.

I want to ride a bike. I want to do what I want to do. I'm afraid missing out on these experiences, and of course the main experience of fighting for my own cause, will make me less of a man and of a person. I'm afraid ceding one incident like this will castrate me for the rest of my life.

If Primary Schools are Zoos, Secondary Schools are Night Safaris

2007-08-09T04:21:00.000+08:00

One of the major joys of teaching in a primary school, (especially if your previous deployment was the Night Safari), is that the Resident Zookeeper, a.k.a the Teacher, will be in the lesson with you. So the major bulk of the disciplining is transferred to him or her (hers usually), which is so much easier on me and the lesson. The Teacher has an intimate knowledge of her chimpanzees and she could easily single them out by name. Do not underestimate the power to call them out by name. I can shout “BOY BOY BOY!“ to a single chimp sitting at the back row, whilst the rest of his cagemates sit infront, and yet not get a response from him until someone calls out his name.

After teaching at two different types of primary school, I feel that my experience at the neighbourhood school was a better one. The chimps there are more friendlier and respectful. The TA Rezal, from that school, remarked that chimps now have lesser respect for the people in authority than us at that age. I agreed, but I told him that he hasn't seen a sorrier state. In the previous school I was at, the TA was issued a warning for simply scolding extremely noisy chimps, who have already been fore-warned, to keep quiet in the lab. I feel that the bad influence from the new TV coupled with the parents' over-protectiveness is breeding a generation that might jolly well do anything they want once they come of age. It is a worrying trend.

(Of course not ALL of them chimps are like that. Here I speak in very general terms.)

I feel a difference can still be made and it falls mainly on the Teacher. The Teacher must present a balanced and nuanced view of the society and its authority, and teach them to respect and to form the right moral basis before entering it as impressionable adults.

But then again, not all our teachers are filled with this crusading zeal. Paraphrasing a friend graduating from NIE, “If the place that educates the teachers is screwed up, what more the schools where the teachers go?”.

Food for thought. A no-brainer really. Maybe appetizers for thought instead.

Whatever!

2007-08-09T00:07:00.001+08:00

A totally adorable baby chimp! I like set this on repeat mode.

Moved

2007-08-08T14:18:00.000+08:00

Hey folks, I'm losing the quote-a-latin-word-as-your-blog-title-and-think-that-I-am-more-sophisicated-than-thou phase. So I've migrated myself to this blog address:

http://kevinsits.blogspot.com

Yeah yeah enough of the jokes. I WILL MAKE THAT JOKE MYSELF! BWAHAHA!

act cute sia...

Zookeeper

2007-07-12T19:33:00.000+08:00

I just ended my bi-week tenure as a zookeeper in St Gabriel's Secondary. I must say it was an amazingly challenging task, trying to teach chimpanzees how to use a computer. Firstly I must use monkey-speak or I will go frustratingly unheard. Monkey-speak involves a series of short recognisable phrases/commands designed to capture the chimpanzees' attention, like "OEI!", "What is happening over there?", "YOU!", "ATTENTION CLASS!", "QUIET!" and most effectively their respective cage names like "2E1!" or "2N2!".

But before I continue I must clearly state the above and below paragraphs are totally made in jest and do not have any effect on the high quality of training that I can offer, be it for knowledge, morals or even esteem, Parents' of St Gabriel's Secondary who have googled my blog by chance. I do see the great potential in them to be future businessmen, pastors or even prime ministers (provided the blasted government open enough prime ministerial positions by the time they are 40 so everyone of them can be one). I love your children with the love of God. And before I began every lesson I ask myself "What Will Jesus Do?".

Your children are lovely. They are so cute. I have never come across such a group of children as witty and independent as them. And they are such hungry people. So passionate for things that they love. So driven and so clear about what they want to do every time they come to my computer lab. And without fail and fear, they will ask abundant questions to fulfill their maturing curiosity. With unbeaten zeal, they will search for the things they desire. I believe that they must be extremely well loved and protected children at home and that protection extends deeply into the school.

They give me unforgettable memories.

msn, missed flight, girlfriend's angry auntie and a german tourist.

2007-06-30T02:12:00.000+08:00

First off, I like to start this post by stating how much I love late night chats, even though it maybe on the MSN and entirely by text. Somehow I feel that the night has a kind of mysterious atmosphere that allows people to open up more easily. It might be the tiredness that lead us to be less defensive, or it might be the darkness around cause us to focus more intimately with ourselves. Many heartening chats and encouraging comes mostly in the night for me I realised. Maybe that's the whole idea behind the cliche "the night is still young...", because at night when the mood is there, you know a great time is to come. No I'm not talking about one night stands if that is what you think I indulging about. Besides I am against and defensive towards one night stands and the lustful wiles that so corrupts a person's loving nature. Its about the heartening, or hearty as my girl puts it, chats. These are the chats which you never want to end, and helps you see the other person as who the person truly is - a human. The ones that can become a wee bit touching and gives you all that warm and fuzzy jibes.

Its because I love to listen to people that sometimes I feel compelled to be there when a person (even the most 'uncool' one - which of course rendered 'uncool' by the 'cool' fastidious ones) genuinely needs a listening ear, or a shoulder to lean on (for girls only). To show someone that he/she is cared for and there are people (me) who give a damn to their lifes and problems. Because I've been there once. There was a moment I needed somebody, anybody to just talk to me about anything. It felt pathetic. I made my way here only because over the years God taught me and brought good people into my life, helping me to walk out of my shell into a hopeful place.

And second off, I've rambled on too much about the first point that I don't feel like continuing. And mom came in with a bowl of 10 huge fishballs from some famous fishbal noodle shop in Bishan. Will continue on the other points another day...

2007-06-21T15:26:00.000+08:00

Intelligence plus character -

that is the goal of true education.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Four Females

2007-05-15T19:56:00.000+08:00

My life is now shuffled between four women (three women and one brat rather): Charlene, my mother, my bratty sister and my grandma, in that order of importance. And I realise that they are the first people I call on most of the time. As a respite, I hardly have male company recently. But it is an acceptable sacrifice, that these four females may be the happiest four females in the world. I feel like a 'man of the house' already.

Kevin... you have grown up...

2007-05-12T15:19:00.000+08:00

God is so good and I love my girl.

bugis chio bu

2007-04-30T05:41:00.000+08:00

Wondered what went on in my defences as I was walking through Bugis street with girl. I felt like an NS guy coming out for his first break after confinement. Guess I was too tired. I kept telling her about that ~~chio bu~~. Now in my lucid mind, I realised how foolish and wrong I was.

Me getting taken over:

Audio Camp

2007-04-30T05:27:00.000+08:00

I just ended my fun Audio camp earlier on. It was more like a chalet than a camp rather. We slept all over the stage and in the changing rooms. We ate and played Scrabble all night (and PSP... snatching for my turn with Ezra and Jeremy). And I learnt to play the drums from Jerome. Then had a drum performance with Peiying. And I found a roommate (Otter's nail) for church camp. And I scared Priscilla thrice. And then we ate again, and had alot of laughter in between.

Here's a photo to show Gabriel what he missed.

(For Gabriel's info: You can click to enlarge it bigger)

Le Assessment Day

2007-04-25T17:54:00.000+08:00

Assessment completed! Special thanks to girl and smelly sister who stayed up ALL night (and I really meant all night until the sky turned to light and I have to finally leave school for my assessment). I really couldn't do all this without you guys. And of course all this glory belongs to God on high, who blessed me with such loving companions, and anointed me through this season.

I believe I'd done quite well too. My plaster foot had been selected for photographing (which in an art school sense, 'you have done well for it and we want a copy of it so that we can show future batches of students'). And while I was keeping everything a teacher ask me to keep all my stuff intact because I might be called out for portfolio photographing! All thanks to God!

kevin_halftoned

2007-04-20T16:07:00.000+08:00

Parsed a chinese ink self-portrait through some Photoshop filters.

2007-04-20T15:28:00.000+08:00

@
@ @
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P L A S K

PROJECT LOVE AND SUPPORT KEVIN

Now accepting upwards donations of $20 or more. All proceeds will be used in the utmost preservation of this endangered species (currently suspected to have the last one to extinction).

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@

2007-04-18T15:51:00.000+08:00

Both of You Wear the Pants

You and your girl seem to have stuck the perfect power balance.
It's not that you don't disagree - it's just that you've learned how to compromise well.
You're both mature enough to know that you can't always get your way...
And usually, you're both adult enough to reach an agreement - even if that sometimes means giving in a little.

Who Wears the Pants in Your Relationship?

I got the same results. Isn't it very telling?

2007-04-12T00:21:00.000+08:00

great work :) this is called political savvy. look at them smiling so happily. and don't deny this you ministers, this is how you are really feeling (while taking our money and putting it into your grubby pockets.)

Question: Why is Singapore's government so free of corruption?

Answer: Because they legalised it.

"Where is our money?" ~ Mr Chee Soon Juan

2007-04-09T21:06:00.000+08:00

"
SINGAPORE (Reuters) -- The salary of the prime minister of Singapore is more than three times that of U.S. President George W. Bush and about four times that of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But that is not enough.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong may soon be getting a hefty pay rise as part of a controversial ministerial salary hike that has infuriated many Singaporeans.

Lee, who is estimated to earn about S$2 million (US$1.32 million) per year, said last month that the salaries of Singapore ministers, top public officials and judges have fallen way below benchmark private sector salaries and may need to be doubled.

If you love Singapore, check this link out ---> http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/
04/05/singapore.salaries.reut/index.html

XOXO

2007-04-07T17:17:00.000+08:00

XOXO XOXO XOXO XOXO!!!

I'm seeing these everywhere what do they mean! Are they promoting some enhanced brand of the wine XO which is (XO)*squared?? Or are they playing Tic Tac Toe?! I mean why sign off by drawing elementary shapes?

Ah thank you Google...

It means... Hugs and Kisses. The X is for a kiss and the O is for a hug.

Go figure..

xoxo, kevin

Free Hugs

2007-04-05T20:02:00.000+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

I feel so happy watching this video. Halfway through I felt tears welling up in my eyes... It's so inspiring.

Sometimes all you just need is... a hug.

2007-04-05T01:24:00.000+08:00

I'm right. Jeans shrink when washed. --> http://www.indigofan.com/indigofan/denimcare.html

dumb sister...

2007-04-01T12:38:00.000+08:00

Missed church today cos I'm having fever and a painful throbbing headache. I feel so giddy whenever I stand up, the whole world felt so out of balance. Even right now, I have to concentrate to make sure my hands stay on the keyboard. Anyway in my utmost boredom, I thought of a game to play in my head. It started when Othniel messaged me, and I realised Othniel = Otter's Nail. I proceeded to complete some other names I knew, specifically from the Audio team.

Otter's Nail
Cabin Seats
Please See La
Gold or Pay Me Pearl Leh
Gabra (which is malay for kanchiong which is hokkien for gabra)
A Wing
Jail Room
Uncle Jet-free
Auntie Dead-sea

2007-03-30T23:28:00.000+08:00

Visited The Clinic yesterday night. Toshi was spinning the music for the lounge-y area named Amino with his fellow DJ friend. I must say I love the music, especially when The Fratellis came on air. "Chelsea Chelsea I believe..." Girl, Camillia and Daniel were there too to lend support to Toshi. Although it was a Thursday night, but it was surprisingly filled, albeit more than half of angmohs. Guess Toshi and his friend did an overwhelming job well-done then. Drinks, music, company, love it! But smoke, *plegh*! It would have been a great place to chill if not for the smoke. But I guess you can hardly find smoke-free lounges. Which is why Liquid Kitchen still rox! Or having Kevin's home-made Ribena cum choya mix while lounging on his floorbed.

gimme a car

2007-03-27T20:15:00.000+08:00

I hate it when I'm walking the long road home and some young girl, driving pass me in a hot car, stares like I am some half-evolved species. (Ha! I have A CAR. YOU DON'T.......~) I want my own car to drive too.

START ON YOUR WORK NUMBSKULL!

2007-03-24T08:31:00.000+08:00

5 weeks left to my final assessment and I'm still experiencing a motivation crisis. Well... it's more of a fear-if-i-start-doing-my-schoolwork-and-it-turned-out
-bad-and-i-realise-i-am-not-cut-out-for-it kind of syndrome. It's not that I willingly prioritise gaming and anime above my schoolwork. It's more like I am afraid to start doing my schoolwork that I escape into the following activities. Turns out that this is becoming a vicious cycle.

Here I am on a Saturday morning with a great day to do my work and I can't get myself to start. I am getting anxious.

Maybe breakfast can do a miracle...

2007-03-24T01:17:00.001+08:00

I LOVE..

2007-03-22T23:57:00.001+08:00

I hate.

Thank You

2007-03-18T07:02:00.000+08:00

It's so easy to forget why you first started going to church, why you decided to do good around you, why you started to be aware of what's right and wrong. When you get yourself cluttered by work, by entertainment, by activities you shouldn't be doing then or yet. You have lost your first love. And you need a revival.

Then you begin to remember that sweet conviction. When you told God the greatest Thank You in your life. Ever.

2007-03-16T06:09:00.000+08:00

Sending this blogpost from my phone! Wondering if it will work...

2007-03-11T20:09:00.000+08:00

This morning, I'm in the bus with a horribly hungry stomach, en route to meet my girl for breakfast. And some sadistic auntie have to be carrying deliciously smelling chicken curry puffs on board.

I was salivating beyond torture...

charming

2007-03-09T20:06:00.000+08:00

Guess what? Gangly skinnybones here had been talent-scouted... By a model agency! And for sportswear! How horribly desperate could they be? And at that moment I was just occupied with how my complete lack of sleep can allow me to exude sexy vibes still. Eye bags maybe?

Its decided. I shall sleep lesser.

2007-03-08T23:55:00.000+08:00

Yo-Yo.

See Saw.

Ping-Pong.

My stretchy underpants.

Relationships.

What do they have in common?

They go from one state to the next and then back again. And again. And again.

2007-02-23T01:55:00.000+08:00

I met an extremely adorable gal today. As I stared into her eyes, I could see her desperation for a little empathy. I said hi. She walked over and leaned on me briefly. I offered my snack to her. But she seem to dislike it after a little taste. Without mentioning much, she just stood and watched me. As I walked on, she followed. I realised she wanted something from me. I smiled knowingly in silent reply to her and decided to offer her what she wants. Carefully I ask her to follow me, cautious not to sound overtly fierce, or too soft that she may take me for granted. And she followed on, quickly warming up to my presence.

Along the journey, I realised she must have suffered. I can see that unspoken fear in her muscles. Her ears twitched at every commotion. She paused and watched as a car rolled by. She gets startled at any sudden sound. I wanted so much to reach out and comfort her with a stroke at the back of her head, and allay that unnecessary alertness. At certain times, she seems to get ahead of herself and walk past to my front, causing me to stop abruptly to avoid bumping into her. I had to warn her to stay behind me as I'd rather remain chaste with her. For rest of the journey, we walked in perpetual silence, save for my urgings when she paused to look at a different direction.

When we finally reached my home, I wanted her to wait outside as I went to get what she wanted, but she ignored my words and ambled into my garden and started exploring the place herself. After I offered her some food, there was a sudden change in her demeanour. I could see energy returning to her as she wolfed down the food. I had to warn her to slow down in case she got choked.

After she's done with her meal, I knew I had to get her to leave before anyone else saw her. That was a hard thing to do. My sympathy was with her, yet I knew I could not afford to help her any more beyond this. I told her that was all I could give, hoping she could get the hint. Apparently she didn't. She just ambled on as before, ignoring me, as if overwhelmed by curiosity of this new environment. She wandered on and I followed behind, like a mere shadow to her. Suddenly she paused at the tap. She was thirsty. She drank and drank. She drank to her fill. And then she turned and walked out of the gate.. crossing the road, never glancing back a single time. I think she knew inside that her stay was overdue. I stared at her slowly diminishing silhouette and felt glad that I did something nice today. I wonder whether she will return now that she knows where she may find compassion.

Quietly I waved at her and said "meow...".

2007-02-20T05:29:00.000+08:00

I've resorted to eating JUJUBEES just to remember the scent of her breath. How deplorably desperate can I miss her...

2007-02-18T14:14:00.001+08:00

HAPPY

CHING CHONG

NEW YEAR!!

2007-02-17T15:22:00.000+08:00

You know what I do when my girlfriend messes with me?

I deport her to Taiwan.

Actually no lah... She'll be in Taiwan for a week to visit her cousin('s two little adorable rascals).
Spent a little time with her just now. As she left in the taxi, felt a little part of me leaving away for a vacation too.

Suddenly, I felt like I could cry.

believe in yourself

2007-02-16T10:01:00.000+08:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

- Marianne Williamson

Jesus, Jesus, How I Trust Him

2007-02-09T06:58:00.001+08:00

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise;
Just to know, thus saith the Lord.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more.

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust his cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend;
And I know that thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

2007-02-09T06:43:00.000+08:00

Was in the toilet when I heard a LOUD thump. I feared the worst and went down to my diabetic grandfather's room to check on him. Had the fear confirmed - he was lying on the floor with a huge bruise on his head. I mean HUGE... it was about 5cm in length and 3 in height. Sounded the alarm throughout my household.

I was greatly appalled by the apathy of my family. They didn't want to send him to the hospital initially. I was the only voice of reason trying to convince everyone how serious his fall actually was! (that HUGE slightly bleeding bruise was NOT even enough to convince them of that) Anyway after that my father happily feigned ignorance and for his own convenience complained of a headache and went back to bed! Wait a min... his own father is lying on the bed feeling shock and has such a HUGE bump that could lead to many other complications and what bothered him was his own headache and his work tomorrow?! I wouldn't do that to MY own father. Wait.. he is my father! Makes it a little sad isn't it... Anyway...

I called 995 and the ambulance came speedily to pick my grandfather and my accompanying poor mother (poor because she is the usual scapegoat for such situations in my family) to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The latest call from her, about half an hour ago, informed me that my grandfather is being suspected of having complications in his brain and is transferred to the Neurology Section.

2007-02-09T06:41:00.000+08:00

Passed my driving test 3 days ago. Up to now it seemed a little surreal. I know deeply in my heart, I passed this only because of my God.

2007-02-05T13:17:00.000+08:00

I have so much homework that I don't even know where to start...

3D Mock-up models plus final
Come up with 8 separate ideas for a 2D studio A1 sized piece
5 gestural charcoal drawings
8 charcoal and coloured sketches demonstrating principles of space
1 A2 of each of the former
Essay about an artist living in Paris from 1800(?) to 2000
Study and replicate an artist's work
4 A2 sketches from my external drawing lessons
and many etceteras...

*faints man...*

2007-02-04T21:53:00.000+08:00

Horror movie sequel 2 - Thailand vs. Singapore

SINGAPORE WINS!

2007-02-04T19:34:00.001+08:00

Letters from Iwo Jima! Can't wait to watch it!!

2007-02-02T23:36:00.000+08:00

I'm SWEET. :)

2007-02-02T00:41:00.000+08:00

Not convinced how incredible photoshop is? Check this out ---> http://cbeau.ca/

2007-01-28T18:36:00.000+08:00

The recent ASEAN Cup match between Singapore and Malaysia was like a horror movie. I closed my eyes and ears more than when I am watching Juon II. Everytime the Malaysian team got so close to scoring against Lionel Lewis, I could swear my adrenal gland went haywire. All in all, it was an exciting match, though it ended in the boring penalty shoot-out. But Lionel Lewis did well to stop the last penalty attempt by the Malaysian team and advance Singapore to the finals. We are meeting Thailand next. Ironic, what with all the Singapore-bashing in the Thailand media currently. The finals will be truly an interesting clash to watch. May Singapore win, and shut the Thais' mouths.

2007-01-27T00:14:00.001+08:00

I love my girl.

2007-01-22T03:34:00.001+08:00

Got my pay for the webpage job I did for Art in Bloom a few weeks back. And she (the 'boss') has given me 2 other assignments to update in her website. Glad to have this minor freelance job during my studies. It kinda keeps me reminded that ultimately after my studies, I will be out there having to earn my own keep.

missing my charlene...

DOTA!!! ROAR!!!

2007-01-22T02:44:00.000+08:00

Fantastic fan video. The team created additional 3D models and animation for this video. The whole video was edited so well with the music. Every single beat in the music seemed to have an appropriate action to synchronize with it.

DOTA Music Video by the Swedish! Apparently at one moment it was #2 on the charts of Sweden. Its lyrics are mostly from DOTA jargon. Non-players probably won't understand this video. To me its so cool that I have repeated it countless times. Gonna play it while on my DOTA. It's like somewhat a DOTA anthem. Lol...

2007-01-19T01:53:00.000+08:00

Ok... I have a geeky piece of news. Point your browser to this website which introduces a new sound editing software called Adobe Soundbooth™. In the first demo video, the narrator showed how much it is an excellent software to remove background noise from a voice recording. And then he proceeded to use that program to remove a handphone ringing that interfered with his voiceover!! That is quite a high level feat which until now, is damn hard to do without some secret kungfu manual. However, this program allows you to remove that sound by a few clicks, editing onto it like........ PHOTOSHOP! It even has a MARQUEE and HEAL tool! He just selected an area of the image, which is supposedly the rendered frequency of the handphone ring, and pressed delete. The playback sounded totally clean. How mind-boggling is that?

Oh Adobe Soundbooth™... Where were you when I was doing my church videos for the anniversary?

2007-01-17T13:21:00.000+08:00

Some people's father buy them cars once they passed their driving tests.
What about mine?
Wait... Do I even have a father?

2007-01-16T02:17:00.000+08:00

All who are borne in Christ are new again. My old man must be put away and the new man put on. The old ways are no longer. The new ways becomes the present.

2007-01-15T23:18:00.000+08:00

My new blog skin... TADA!!! I dig it! :) :) :)

2007-01-15T01:26:00.000+08:00

In my perfect world, my school timetable will be how I want it to be - starts early in the day and end well before the shops everywhere closes. My girl does not need to do her work attachment and have a lot of time to spend with me. I get the clothes and shoes I want when I want it and not worry about not having enough money to last me for the month. I can dictate my moods, to be in reading mood when I have the time to read, to start doing my homework when I need to finish them, to be spiritual when it is time to do my quiet time. I will have perfect eyesight and not need to fuss having to put on contacts. I get a good looking body without having to work it out.

But life is not perfect when I am on this imperfect world. Sometimes I do wish to run away from all these, lead a life elsewhere faraway.

Art Can Be Taught

2007-01-12T16:10:00.000+08:00

Art can be taught. At least this is what Jerry Fresia asserts here. This article came at a timely period through my inbox. Recently after rushing to complete my assignments for assessment few months back, I have started to grapple with the issue whether a person's artistic capability comes from his/her lucky genes or from months of practice and hard work. Whereas I struggle to draw well and make the end product look just a wee bit aesthetically pleasing, my classmate did so effortlessly, as if the motions of the pencil and the picture have already been incubated into his mind before birth. So I grew desperately envious of him, and fearful that I made a wrong choice to study this, despite knowing that he had already spent a fair bit of his life honing his skills while I was still blindly pursuing a future I never wanted. Thus my enthusiasm began to wane. Which was why, getting back to the topic, this article was a timely read for me.

A pretty lengthy piece this article is. The main body of it points out the common fallacy that art cannot be taught. Jerry implied that in fact our current sensibilities undermines our ability to create. Take me for an example, I decided that I cannot create art when I couldn't draw. When I read his example that the dancer cannot dance without knowing the right movements, I quickly realised that I have been misguided. I need skills to create art, and right now I do not have them yet. But these skills can be obtained by practise. And this was all I needed to know... That my fears have been totally unfounded.