Flick, Flick, Flicker!

Yup, I've finally added the flickr album to the column you see on your right. Out with Sony's imagestation because they want me to pay!!! Not a chance in hell man!!! Hahaha. Plus, flickr is so so so much more cooler!!! However, not everyone gets to see all the pictures though, because some of them are quite *ahem* "controversial". So there has to be some censorship in place here.

By the way, Happy Halloween's people!

(ps: anyone whose a pro html editor? I seem to have difficulties aligning the flickr badge to the centre of the column. I know the codes but I have tried almost every single place there is to try, but it just won't work out... help!)

PAIN SIAH!!!

Spent the earlier part of the week recuperating from the exhaustions of sunday soccer and gym straight after. Damn my arms still feel sore and not to mention my ankle, I hurt it yet again and although it felt all right the next day, I wasn't about to take any chances. When I visited my trusted sinseh for treatment, damn it hurts when he grabbed my ankle and began pressing at the nerves. Hurts so bad I wanna cry. To hell with his advice about not playing soccer, and not taking any cold drinks, I don't care!!! They can take away the football from me, but they CANNOT take away the football passion in me!!!

Anyway, tomorrow's the second round of interview at Singapore Land Tower. Got my new funky shirts from G2000 ready (hope no one wearing the same pattern as me... haha), new rimless spectacles collected (yes, I look like a 斯文败类) and polish my leather shoes gilat gilat... WoOt wOoT woOt!!! Hahaha. Hope something good comes out of it tomorrow so that I can kiss goodbye to the days of rotting at home.

Gonna go off for supper now. Tao Huay at Geylang sucks. Don't ever go there unless you really gian. By the way, service there is almost non-existent. Auntie forever give the "ai-mai-mai-sua" face. And did I mention the 油条？Sheeesh, cannot make it man. Shanghai's ones waayyy better, no fight at all.

HEAR ME ROAR!!!

I really think this situation is getting out of hand. I met ah boon, a typical 15 yr old teen whom my mum used to babysit as a kid. He's studying in Catholic High right now, and as far as I know, it doesn't really matter which school you study in. You will somehow come into contact with zealots bearing the goodwill of the christian faith which serves to spread the true word of God. Yeah right... o_O

We all know this situation has already been happening, but can I assume it is actually getting from bad to worse? Like almost any teenagers with friends or friend's friend who go church will automatically kenna jio-ed by them to go attend their service?

And if you think the streets are safe from these hawks, you're sooo damn wrong. Even ah boon says he was approached by these people who purports to act in God's name. I myself also kenna before lah, at a MRT station. In my case, this guy was saying "Sir, would you be interested to come to our church? very interesting you know? there will be food and drinks, plus, you can meet new friends too!" I was like: "Woh woh woh, hold it man... Is this like some kinda NTUC holiday chalets promotion?" For Christ's sake! You're asking people to go to a religious institution for what purpose? Get your directions right first, you misguided one. Looks like you're the one who needs saving instead...

Normally, I would have never bat an eyelid over this. But the fact that it concerns a person close to me meant the issue is very real, and immediate. Lucky for him, despite coming from a catholic school, he wasn't influenced by the outwardly advances of some of his peers, despite going to church a few times. So I do not have to do any repair work at all.

In all fairness, if religion serves to do wonders to the mind and the soul, and teach moral lessons to people, by all means go ahead and embrace it if you feel the need for it. But if things have developed to such an extent that it creates confusion and uproar from the public, then something is wrong here.

Let me not beat around the bush here. The way some people has been actively pushing others to join them in Christianity, and eventually eternal life (wtf?!) , has been a major talking point of late. The crux of the matter lies in who is your intended audience.

I agree, no one can really say for sure whether embracing Christianity is the only way to God in the same way Christians out there say other religions are rubbish. Bottomline, if you (Christians or non-christians) don't know a shit, then shut the f*** up. Don't go around proclaiming your religion is the best just because you can separate your moses from your mary magdelenes. It really doesn't work that way.

Of course, mature Christians don't think that shallow (I hope ...). If you wanna tell about how your religion can help another become a better person, FINE, go ahead cos' no one's gonna stop you. But in all sense and logic, do it in an ethically correct manner - Pick the right people to talk to. Someone who is mature enough to able to make an informed choice, not some young helpless impressionable kids who just want to be seen and be acknowledged! It's like Michael Jackson luring young innocent kids to his bedroom on the pretext of his "love" for children right?

It has become a vicious cycle if you would have noticed by now. Young impressionable kids pyscho-ed by madcap Christians into believing that the church they are attending is actually the mickey mouse club in disguise. These kids would naturally rant on and on about how much fun they've had there with all the wonderful friends they've made, and like all good things, must share with their other friends one what.

Batch after batch, generation after generation, same old shit, same old story. Sian already I tell you. How many have managed to escape unscathed so far? Like young sea turtles that have just hatched, it is a mad scramble to reach the safety of the open seas for survival.

Never flinch once my young ones, for the crows are just circling above your heads.

The Long Ride Goodnight

Something just made me wanna hit the road to nowhere just now. It was already 11 plus and I was so sick of staying at home. Plus, I didn't really have the opportunity to really take a nice long ride to nowhere on nearly empty roads and highways before, and the weather is just perfect today.

Armed with my lumix and a short stand for taking night pictures, I donned my windbreaker and began to rev up the engine. I had to kick quite a few times before it finally roared to life, partly because it has been a week since I last rode, with the constant rainy weather being a huge obstacle.

First stop was Changi Airport via TPE then ECP from Pasir Ris. I had always liked the particular stretch of highway leading to the airport because it always evokes memories in me. Memories of going to Melbourne to study and play, memories of going to Shanghai to work, memories of coming back to this place I call home everytime I went abroad, and memories of sending off friends and relatives. All these events occupy a certain corner in my memory, often reminisced with much relish.

Parked along the road shoulder to take this picture. Hahaha... shiok man...

If you noticed the clock, its already 12:20am. Not that late, but the airport's pretty empty at this hour, save for the cleaning ladies and a few scattered travellers sleeping over for the night to catch an early flight. Reminds me of the days back in Sydney where I had to sleep at the airport too, just because the flight arrived at a rather late hour, and we couldn't find accomodation for the night.

Next was the Esplanade. Had a nice long ride down ECP towards the city area before exiting at rochor road. Took a left and within minutes, I'm at Singapore's premier architecture masterpiece. Or should I say eyesore? Heh...

Wah, the picture turned out not bad eh? That's cos I had my tripod mah, and its perched on top of a rubbish bin... (-_-") Actually the lumix's mega O.I.S anti-shake function is crap. All the hype about being able to reduce blurriness, my ass! It's all a marketing ploy! And I fell for it! *Puuii!!!* I'm sure people who bought the same model would agree too. Still haven't really figured out how to really bring out the true potential of this camera though. I'm pretty much clueless about what settings to tweak in order to shoot a really nice picture in all its grandeur.

The merlion and fullerton hotel at night. Compare with the picture above. Both were taken with the idiot-proof pre-selected night scenery setting. But why the vast difference??? Has it got to do with the light exposure from the surroundings? Even so, abit 夸张 right?

Took a few other random shots and I began to walk back to my bike which was parked by the side of the esplanade. The skies which has now ominously turned an eerie purple started to open up with a drizzle. I was thinking of taking shelter but heck! just ride lah, not as if its pouring buckets. So, I took the nearest exit to the highway just before Temasek towers and luckily, the rain did not persist when I reach marine parade soon after.

Anyway, the Macdonald's near my house has extended operating hours till 3am in the morning leh. Hmm, another place for supper, wonder if the other outlets also follow the same likewise. By the way, the chicken patty in the McChicken burger I ordered made me felt as though I was munching on a piece of rock. Bet the auntie must have dozed off while frying the patty. Ahh, that explains...

Fear Factor

Today's interview must be the most intimidating ever. 4 persons lined up before me in a conference room setting. My heart was at my throat as I struggled to compose myself before them. Never did I expect so many people to interview me, at least not for the first round you see?

After an initial period of uneasiness and nervous pitch, I had more or less settled down well enough to hold a seamless conversation. As usual, I thought I had carried myself pretty well and that I was convincing enough to make them think I am the right man for the job. Every question they ask, every scenario they seek my response on, I had a more than satisfactory reply to them. But then again, it might be just wishful thinking on my part lah.

The most interesting part of the conversation was when one of the interviewers (a Japanese man) suddenly asked me in Jap accented english whether do I drink beer or not. "Of course..." I said. "No problem at all" "Aaahh! weehry guud!" He replied. After which, the panel of interviewers broke into guffaws. Hahaha damn funny lor, I presumed they asked because there will be alot of entertaining clients involved and of course ask me drink no problem lah, bring it on man!!!

After the interview, I met Sis for lunch because they also happen to work in Singapore Land Tower. I popped by their office to take a look as it has been ages since I last worked there as a receptionist before my NS days. Now that they have shifted to this new location and the office space has seemed to shrink by quite a bit. We had lunch at Sakae Sushi at her expense, hahaha... (nevermind she said, IF I get the job I can treat her to lunch everyday. I was like ... -_-") And today I realised the Ebi Tempura doesn't really taste like prawn at all. Hmm... can slowly grow to like it.

Shaggedelic!

2 exhausting days of being rejected in your face countless times that I've already become immune to it... It's just part and parcel of working in a roadshow pushing people to signup for something which you hope they understand in a minute or two... Obviously NOT!

Day 1 was good. Fresh on the job, enthusiastic and raring to go. Day 2? Completely deflated, low on confidence and wanting so much to quit halfway. Hahaha. Imagine your legs being strained so much to the extent that you can't even sleep properly with them straight. Damn jialat right?

Anyway, its over finally... a word of thanks to the peeps whom had happened to bump into me by coincidence and signed up for the nets reward thingy, much appreciated! Don't worry, I did not con you all lah, hahaha...

The whole family's away in malaysia for a holiday. The house's so empty, but I have it all to myself! WAHAHAHA... but the bad side of it is, I have to do the bloody chores myself. Sucks big time man.

Something to look forward to this week. After a dearth of interviews, there's one being lined up this wednesday at Raffles place. And today, the job agency asked me to go all the way down to temasek tower just to talk to me for 3minutes and pass me a piece of paper. WTF man...

LELONG LELONG!!! For this weekend only!!!

Friends and foes, hear ye! I'm currently doing part time work for NETS at a roadshow just outside Tampines Mall Macdonalds. Basically, I'm selling this NETS Rewards thingy which basically the user, you, does not have to fork out a single cent to reap the benefits.

It is simple, really. You come to me, fill up a form with a few of your particulars and 2 to 3 weeks later, VOILA! You can then start to accumulate points with every transaction you make (every $0.50 for 1 Nets reward point) at NO CHARGE TO YOU AT ALL! Wow, sounds too good to be true eh? Indeed, my young ones, NO tricks, NO gimmicks at all.

So people, if I've offended any of you in one way or the other, do try to forget the incident at least for today lah, then you can curse and swear at me all you want after signing up for me. Hahahaha...

Actually no lah, I'm joking. Just to say to the people out there living in tampines area, east area or happen to be passing by tampines interchange, you can just pop by and visit me lah. Signup or don't signup nevermind lah, really. At least visit me to make my day a better one lah. You think stand and persuade people to signup for TEN hours very easy meh?

By the way, an incentive for making those who bother to come down to support me, yours limpeh will do ANYTHING except betraying my principles. WAHAHAHAHA, desperate right? Again, joking lah of cos, I will never stoop so low one lor... Maybe I'll just throw in a dinner date (girls only, hahahaha) and for guys, a once-in-a-lifetime exhilarating phantom ride with the biker man himself! Okay lah, can choose either or. Hahahaha...

So hurry people!!! Till sunday 9pm!!! Not to be missed!!!

Principles of Marketing

This is interesting. As usual, my entries about religion are bound to get some feedback. Hahaha. No, not that I mind at all. Negative feedback is also considered feedback mah. Besides, debating over the topic of christianity always helps kill time, albeit that at the end of the day, we will come to a deadlock eventually, with neither side refusing to budge. Hehehe...

Yes, I do know Boy's Brigade is an organization that teaches Christian values. The point I'm trying to make across is, one can be in such a group but yet come out of it learning other useful skills without actually becoming a Christian. I'm one example actually. I was in the boy scouts during my secondary school days but I managed to learn some nifty techniques like rope tying and such without being overtly influenced by subtle christian teachings mah.

Ultimately, the reason why such a social phenomena is happening in our schools today is because christianity is smart. It is one of the rare few religions that actually moves with the times. By applying simple marketing concepts, it has successfully turned itself into a religion that permeates into all aspects of life in society today.

By positioning itself (read: location, location and location) within the mainstream secular schools in Singapore, it has gained access to a never-ending pool of consumers where generations after generations, young impressionable teenagers will have the opportunity to know more about Christianity through these social entities such as the boys' brigade and such. These organizations are, so to speak, at the right place, right time and with the "right" product. Vital concepts which they have so brilliantly grasped in order to flourish in society today.

I also remembered saying that had if buddhist, taoist, islam or hindu influenced clubs or social organizations thought of doing this much earlier, the social landscape might have been very different today. Who knows right?

Sleepless in Seattle, err... I meant Singapore...

Shit, its 2:40am and I can't get to sleep yet. Don't know why... maybe it could have been the ice latte mocha (or was it ice mocha latte? o_O) I had after dinner with a few of my uni classmates at TCC millenia walk just now. But then again, caffeine never had any effect on me to begin with. I can drink cup after cup of coffee but when you pass me a management textbook to read, I can snooze like a log even before I even realised what happened.

Rick Price's "If you were my baby" is playing in my realplayer right now... for the nth time. The stillness in this quiet night made me thought about the many "what ifs" in life. I will most probably never know what might happen if I had taken that one route over the others. But that is life. It is about making choices and having to bear the consequences of your decisions. I must be content with what I have now, and strive to better what I have achieved thus far. Career wise, I'm definitely at the crossroads. Should I be picky, choose selectively and wait out for that much desired job? Or should I just hantam and go for a decent one? After all, if you never try, you'll never know whether you like that job or not.

I suddenly remembered reading this article in the straits times forum that this parent was complaining that her son suddenly revealed to her that he wanted to become a christian after joining the seemingly innocuous boy's brigade ECA.

Since when did the ECA become an avenue for people to practice evangelism? This is just soooo friggin' wrong man. The ministry of education should seriously partake an inquiry board on this man. How ethical is it to indoctrinate impressionable young minds into believing what is right and what is wrong? Are they really mature enough to think for themselves yet? Or should they just cast that issue aside? Afterall, they're only teenagers what. They should be enjoying the springtime of youth (like what rock lee would say in naruto). Hahaha.

So, be like me and my bunch of buddies from Anglican High School mah. Ironic huh, coming from a chinese medium christian secondary school. We never get swayed by anybody loh. We HAVE a mind of our own. Haha, actually it is more accurate to say we can't be bothered back then. I still remembered everytime the pastor was asking the school assembly to give praise to thy lord Jesus Christ *mock mr. slave's voice* , me and my good friend malau would be tearing at each other's hair to the misbelief of the people sitting around us. Hahaha, now THAT is growing up for you.

GOAL 2010 (o_O)

So I was in the lift lobby waiting and there was this 2 malay teenagers kicking about with a soccer ball. Normally, this wouldn't trigger off any reaction from anyone. But the thing is... they're playing just BESIDE a wake that was held at my void deck. (-_-")

I kept thinking what if they were to miskick the ball and it would end up disturbing the funeral service or worse, toppling over the coffin or what cos' it was just separated by a thin canvass sheet like the ones you would normally see. Okay, that was a bit far fetched...

But but... my heart was literally at my throat lah. I can't bear to watch how would things turn out if the worst case scenario really did happen. I pressed the lift button as fast as I could and god bless the boys. Amen.

But then again, its good to know our Goal2010 still has some hope in these boys. Amidst the foolhardiness of it all, the fact that these kids breathe, eat and sleep football 24/7 is comforting enough to know that someday, just someday, even the wildest dreams can come true.