iOpinionize : Korean hostages in Middle East

posted by Justin D. Pereira

A very mature topic which I would say is found widely in newspapers this recent week. While I admire the fact that these group of South Koreans placed it in their hearts to go down to Middle East to help the needy, they ought to have placed the bigger picture in their minds first. Now that they are kidnapped and the Taleban is demanding for ransom, it certainly puts the governments in play at a very difficult position. As they decide the correct move to make of either exchanging the rebel prisoners or even withdrawing of the troops as an incentive, it certainly adds to the turmulating pressure of saving the foolhardy people or result in take-advantage of me situation - a path where many countries are familiar with. The South Korean group had the welfare of others at heart, however they should hold the welfare of everyone else in a bigger picture. Perhaps by contributing in a different way , within their own country and solving domestic problems first, should they then consider moving on to other places. Still, may God bless their safe return for time is of essence.

Idiot's bliss...

posted by c0mb0kick | LeRoy

I hate weekends.
That includes friday nights.
I really hate weekends.
Used to love 'em.
Hate 'em now, because.....

And sometimes I ask myself, what is the worth of all this?
Every single thing.
Mummy shared something today regarding purposes. Are they God's, or ours?
I really don't know.
And I don't want to know either.
I don't want to know anything, anymore.
I'd rather be dumb, and stupid, and ignorant.
Because then, you don't worry, or feel upset, or get hurt.
Idiot's blessings.

It seems that there is no point in knowing, or understanding.
You just get hurt more,
Regardless the situation.

Try try try.
Cry cry cry.

I ask you, what is the point?
Where is the point?
Everything I once believed in, are now shattered,and poured down the gutter in the rain.

I hate the rain.
Used to love 'em.
Hate 'em now, because...

I have so much I want to say.
But I can't, for obvious reasons.
Or are they really that obvious?
I don't know who to believe anymore,
Or who to trust.
I don't know what's right, and what's wrong.
I don't know who is on my side anymore.
Because nothing is going right.
Nothing is working out.
Everything I've fought so hard for,
Made a fool of myself for,
Has betrayed and hurt me.
I want to go out and run.
And cry it all away.
I remember so much,
And for what?
What sake?
Who's sake?
Yours, or mine?

Does anyone even know what's truly going on?

No!

Why?!

Simply because,
There is a lack of trust.
It's a defence sorta thing.
I don't know who I can trust.
Who I can hold a secret with.
I don't know who wouldn't betray me,
Hold it against me!
Use it against me!
It's all so bloody complicated and...
I don't know what I'm doing.
I don't know the purpose of my actions,
My reasonings and thoughts.
Indeed, I am a hypocrite.
And for all the pains,
I keep silent.
[Not entirely, but neither do I proclamate.]

There is nothing great about me.
There I've said it now.
In spite of everything that has been recorded & written,Scientific studies & proofs,
At the end of the day,
I realise that there's nothing awesome, or fantastic,
Or Special,
About MYSELF.

I'm just an underaged-juvenile, in the eyes of the law,
Studying under the watchful eyes of the Singapore government,
Hoping to do well enough to get to a university where I may study a course of my choice.
The course itself, is uncertain,
And changes with the seasons of inconsistent self-created fads.
All in the bid to make myself seem like I'm worth a lot more than one can expect.
I do not, and cannot, lay claim to intelligence,
Or wisdom,
Or understanding,
Or empathy.
I am neither an ambassador for either,
Nor one for a combination.
I do not have an issue of self-esteem right in this post,
For I do not lay claim to extreme stupidity or retardedness either.
[Although, there is greater respect for these handicapped few.]

I am just, an Average.
Nothing more, and nothing less.
This is not humility on my part either,
Whether faked or sincere.
If there was one thing I lacked,
And I say it now,
It's humility.
I'm far to arrogant for my own good.
We are each born with our share of pains and hurts,
Trials and obstacles,
I won't deny that.
Whether it is fair or not, or equivalent,
Is debatable, but not the issue at hand.
But likewise, as how we are each given our share,
We are each also given our share of change to look at ourselves,
And be a critic for a moment.
And at this moment,
I say that,
I am nothing.

It's so quiet.
So, so, quiet.
And I feel lonely.
I am alone.

We come together,
To fall apart again.
'Tis the law of life.

In memory of Raeven Gotterdammerung,the one person who makes life in JC so much more tolerable.
Sounds so wrong but this is the best I can think of to honor her words...

Its finally the end of the week!

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Yeah...after a long day as carpark in-charge for todays JC1s' Parents-Teachers Meeting, the day is finally over. As usual, the gang at the carpark is damn fun with some of us dancing the day away. ( not me of course...ahem- i had to maintain my ....hmmmm ;) ) After the PTM, most of the councillors on duty ( okay some... ) went to KFC. We sure made a hell lot of noise there, but I sincerely say its on pure fun and joy. I AM SAYING THIS EVEN THOUGH I BECAME THE TARGET OF A WEIRD FOOD COMBINATION. hehe...

Now, I am in the Students' Council and currently going to be in the next executive committee as Marketing Department Head ( or marketing exco for the more jargon friendly blog readers out there ). There's one thing I love about being in the council and that is the family spirit and fun we can have out of each other. Although there will be some politics, but still the council is where I believe many of us will call home.

Of course, now as marketing exco ( or after the 3rd August - investiture ), my department and I would have to promote key events to the school. maintain the image of the council and get sponsors for our events. Quite a challenging new experience I would say. I strive to do my best!

Really cannot wait for the council to get together again..oh the sheer joy.

P.S. There is this strange character called RoyDude. He knows Leroy and me, but I cant seem to figure him out. Help anyone.... =)

... I was bored...LOL

posted by c0mb0kick | LeRoy

one word: ENJOY...ROFL!
(* some ''colourful'' language will be used in these films...you have been warned)

I'm from England...Ahhh...




Asians are not all Chinese!...lol




LOL...''that one''(in Chinese)



Fun with Chinese names...lol




one more reason why we say mandarin not Chinese




And...for the finale.. ''Somebody's gonna get a hurt real bad!!'' lol


Seriously now we get by what it means to say '' Laughing is the best medicine'' =D

17/07/07 Birthday Continued...

posted by Justin D. Pereira

17/07/07 Birthday!

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Reflections, zaniacs and more...

posted by Justin D. Pereira

An interesting illuminating speech by Leroy (a.k.a Combokick). Well one thing for sure which I liked the best from his essay is

"finally met a group of students that are really worth having a conversation with in my JC"

It's interesting how its phrased isnt it. Hmmm what is he trying to imply? The sophisticated power of words.

Well, I said I'd get back in my last post, well here I am. Couldn't help it as I was chatting away about the Sembawang Council with Jian Wen ( council advisor ) and its interesting to know more about his character when he plans to carry out stuff. Well, its important for all of us as a learning point that whenever we are feeling down in life, we must pick ourselves up and not stay stagnant in one spot forever. Most importantly, that setback should not always constantly remind of failure but rather one of that of experience and encouragement through experience.

Since Leroy posted his expectations of himself, let me list mine down as well.

1. Get into council executive ( position doesnt matter as long as my best is given )
2. Obtain an A for General Paper, Chemistry, Mathematics
3. Obtain a B for Economics, Literature
4. Obtain a D or C for Chinese Language
5. Finish the planning of the council investiture asap and of course execute it well.
6. Project Work to be done with my best effort in all aspects
7. Tutorials - well I have started changing my perspective to tutorials and each time the lecture is finished, my hand seems to start writing away for the homework answers. That's a very good sign. Hope to keep it up.
8. Most importantly, find some time for myself and get to know more friends!

I leave you all with a little something which I have read, learnt and followed.

"Any man can lead in times of peace and certainty. However, only a man who is a true leader is able to lead the people through the storm."

Here we go ...again

posted by c0mb0kick | LeRoy

You know, i never really did appreciate the weekends up until now where even Saturdays are hard to come by. Sigh... a gruelling week once again for this ''normal'' jc life of mine. i think I've already been forced into this void of acceptance of the world around you. i miss my old self, but if that were to ever revive again, i think I'd be getting a mental break down the moment i step into school again. Anyway, i think the only good news would be that my sales for the fund-raising have never been better(I'm currently fund-raising for an Overseas CIP(OCIP) trip to Cambodia or Vietnam to help the kids there in one way or another. The funds are going to the kids, so if any kind soul out there have a sudden craving or are willing to donate, please do not hesitate to approach me). But then again, i think i can still do more in the fund-raising. Problem is, i am now seriously lacking the encouragement from my peers and am truly running on my own super weak self-encouragements.

Well, at least it's a start. i think now I'm currently taking the days as it goes by, rarely trying to plan for tomorrow just so that i do not get disappointed or stressed up. But sadly, planning ahead seems to be like the most essential, important, DIE DIE MUST DO habit for me this year.(those who know me well will understand my EOY holi's are almost gone) So i just hope i plan for the right things and not procrastinate anymore.

And rather shockingly, I've suddenly been a new addict to reader's digest. Maybe because now JC demands more General Knowledge from you( know you know why it's called GENERAL paper) or maybe I've grown more mature into reading articles.
So having already said so much, i think its high time i made some goals for me to strive for this month and see how it goes...

1. Get a C grade for Physics during the 13th August test
2. Be on task with my tutorials and do them the moment the lecturer finishes the particular section.
3. Learn how to fold heart origami out of notes( a new encouragement for saving money)
4. GET MY FREAKING HOUSE T-SHIRT!!!
5. Excel in my GP all the way( MUST ACE THIS FREAKING SUBJECT!)
6. Get some respect from my class by improving my overall management of my homework
7. AND finally, completing all of the above.

Though some are really short and sweet, i think it is really essential for one to know and keep track of one's goals if he wishes to improve and do better in life. My only problem would be on how i should go about encouraging myself. Well I've done wonders for Chemistry and GP, why cant i do it for the others????

*Note to self: If one cannot get any encouragement from one's peers, why not get the teachers*

LOL..

Btw, i've finally met a group of students that are really worth having a conversation with in my JC. Not only are they knowledgeable and intelligent in many ways, they allow me to express freely some of the pent up expressions and phrases that seem too sophisticated for the average student to comprehend.

I think i should end of here before more peeps start making the keyboard their bolsters...lol

A long week

posted by Justin D. Pereira

I say it has been a loooooooooong week for me. Got so many things on my hands. Council Invest, Dinner and Dance, Council Exco Interview. Whew. and on top of all of that Project Work, Homework. Yipes! and of course the top-secret BravoXperior stuff which I have been chasing Combokick about. AAarrgh...

There are many things which I would realyl want to post and say, but I really have no time. Its a stroke of luck I have a few minutes on my hands to blog now.

I will get back in time...got an interesting conversation on my hands now...hehehhe

Block Test: A History

posted by c0mb0kick | LeRoy

Can you believe that for one to get 57/100 for the GP paper is already so demoralising. But seeing that i got 92.9 percentile for my GP did make it a bit more tolerable. This block test has really been a death roll for me...Want to know why? Here are my results

Gp-57/100
H1 Chem-55/100
H2 Physics-35/100
H2 Maths-33/100
H2 Econs-22/100
H1 chinese-30/100

Needless to say, I would already have a place booked for me in the Saturday Study Programme aka SSP.( Two D's and four U's aint gonna cut it, i'm just ready for the gallows!) Hai...and as if the block test had not destroyed my moral enough, we only had 3 days of mourning, on how badly we knew we did for the BT, before going back to school and facing JC life all over again. Seriously wishing I'm still in sec 4 mugging for me O's. Miss the company, atmosphere and the teachers too...lol

So life now is just one big, pack, busy and exhausting cycle. There's seriously no time to even get a breather from all the projects, homework and stuff. Been skivvying off B*** again, just hope no one ,that matters, saw that comment. But seriously la, I know where I'm not wanted and I'm just currently too tired to bother about pleasing the masses(section) anymore. Maybe a change in lifestyle might be tempting.

Well, I better be off now trying to complete my enormously large pile of homework. I know, I know, should have completed it earlier. But I think my ''no time'' reason has long ago turned into a invalid excuse. SIGH... Just hope I'm still whole after this week. I'll seriously put a whole new meaning to ''dead''. O.o a laughing zombie??..LOL...but then again, i also think the laugh in me has already long packed-up and gone on a holiday to some foresaken universe. So okay see you people soon, I hope.

There goes my weekend. Busy as ever.

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Well, so it seems that the two weeks leading my Students' Council Investiture is going to be as busy as it can get. Haha, i can just laugh at myself. Just on Friday morning, I thought to myself and asked around who the bloody hell was the organisers for the investiture as the deadline was drawing nearer and still no response and then at about 11am, I received a message from my oh Powerful Students' Council Headmaster - Mr. Cheng, that I was 'selected' to be one of the organisers. Hahahahahahahahah. Ironic, isn't it.

That's that and I knew my weekend was gone with the wind. Not only did I now have the investiture to plan, I was also voted by the organisers to lead them ( talk about more stress ). Furthermore, there is still the BravoXperior Proposal ( revised ) to submit this Wednesday for Sembawang Secondary School, and also the AJC Dinner and Dance for the JC2s ( I am in the logistics team, not too bad, but still a lot of work!)

...oh yeah...there's homework too. Hehe -.-'' Talk about a busy schedule. So much different from secondary school, but I don't know what's wrong with me. I seem to enjoy this. Geeps!

Anyway, on Friday, I went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. A great movie, and the plot is definitely darker. I don't want to spoil the show for you guys, so go catch it. Its great. With lots of cool special effects, intriguing emotional scenes, and especially the battle at the end. Though I expected more spectacular effects. Can't wait for the final book next week Saturday. Less then 7 days, and with my Borders $30 book card in my hand, I will rush with another $25 cash and get it on the very first day. Oh yes, I am zealous for it.

Well, its late, and I have lots to do still, so till then, good bye!

Recipe : Fragrant Kway Teow Stir-fry and my 102th post.

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Ingredients :

• 1 table spoon dark sweet sauce
• 2 table spoon light sauce
• 1 table spoon sesame oil
• 1 egg
• ground white pepper
• handful bean sprouts, plucked ( approximately 20 grams )
• Approximately 30 grams green cai sim leaves
• 6 prawns, peeled and deveined, keep the heads
• 150 grams white flat kway teow, fresh and soaked in water
• 3 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

Method

• Marinate prawns with 1 tablespoon light sauce and a dash of pepper.
• Heat oil in pan and stir fry the prawn heads till fragant. Dispose prawn heads.
• Stir fry garlic in pan. Add in kway teow and fry evenly with 1 tablespoon dark sweet sauce, 1 table spoon light sauce, sesame oil and pepper.
• After about 2 minutes, push kway teow to one side of the pan and add in the prawns.
• When the prawns are half cooked, mix the kway teow and the prawns thoroughly. Add in the vegetable leaves and bean sprouts.
• Keep frying the kway teow mixture till the vegetables are cooked and the prawns are a nice pinkish red.
• Place fried kway teow to side of pan and break an egg at the empty side. Quickly mix the egg and the kway teow together.
• Stir fry for another 2 minutes.
• Serves 2

~

I have already reached my 102th post. So its just great that it is a recipe! Anyway, I have been too busy this past week to do any blogging, but I had to find time to post this recipe up. I came up with it out of the blue in a moment of inspiration. Hopefully, you can use it and comment on it!

Recipe : Ginseng Herbal Steamed Chicken

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Ingredients
- 2 3grams slices of Red Korean Ginseng or 1 standard size ginseng.
- 6 clove garlic, peeled
- 20ml of Chinese Herbal Wine / Rice Wine / Dry Sherry
- Dash of White Pepper
- 1/2 white chicken
- 2 tablespoons of Black Sesame Oil

Method

1. Place the chicken inside a steaming bowl or any equivalent bowl to use for steaming.


2. Tuck the slices of ginseng under the skin of the chicken and scatter the garlic around it.


3. Pour both the sesame oil and chinese wine over the chicken evenly and dash pepper over it.


4. Steam the chicken for 2-3 hours until soft and serve.


5. Pour the chinese herbal wine over the chicke
   

~~

I have yet to taste the chicken as it is still cooking in my kitchen, but this is the recipe I used and I have tried the broth which tastes great! If you tried cooking using this recipe, come back and comment on it and perhaps improve with your variation!

~~

Black Pepper Stir-Fry Beef. Delicious. Yum

look at it steaming!

Beansprouts stir-fry. Mmmmmm.. Clear and crisp. Refreshing

My June Holiday Blogging Task

posted by Justin D. Pereira

The following comment is copyrighted under Justin Daniel Pereira. In no part of it shall it be reproduced in any form or idea. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved the Intellectual Property of the owner.

All views are of the author and in no way should it be deemed liable to his perspective.

In Singapore's context, I would sincerely believe that Szilagyi's views should be adopted but at the same time not to the overall extent that the press' freedom of speech and free reporting is prohibited to a mere list of 'safe' topics for Singaporeans.

The media and more importantly the press, plays an important role in any society in the world. It has the distinctive authority to influence the people like no other organisation in the world. People have come to accept it as being 'The Truth', although stories of the same issue may vary throughout newspapers. Henceforth, it is essential that this 'true word' be socially responsible such that it would not cause societal upheaval or mobs in the classes. Drawing from the more recent example of the caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in the Danish and Norwegian newspapers, certain members of the press argued that their freedom should not be withheld and censured as after all it is a democratic society. Nonetheless, their stance came especially at a wrong time where sensitive issues on Islam was already rampant throughout Europe caused by the varying likes of the common concept on terrorism and extremist religion. In this case, those who stood still to their argument were certainly not being socially responsible for their actions. In short, they have failed in their perspective to the global issues that their words would account for, and the fatal consequences that it would bring. If such an attitude is to be observed in Singapore, the tension would be even greater. Singapore bears in itself a multi-racial community, and sensitive issues like such being brought up by the 'true word' whilst forgoing social responsibility is tantamount to cause a direct upheaval between the many races. As a country, we are not invulnerable. The Mariah Hertogh riots in the 1950s of early Singapore is a classic and vivid example of social unrest because of the irresponsible press. Thus, the views expressed by Szilagyi is a concept that should be used in this country where the press takes a wider glance at the consequences that would follow in its papers.

However, Singer's perspective of the true essence of the freedom of speech is nonetheless also valid in any democratic society. Perhaps the true problem here is the term democratic itself and the freedom it promises to every single person. If every government is to promise no laws to its citizens against society dangers because of radical and uninformed arguments, would this not lead into a dire result of mayhem? As free of a speech a person can be promised, responsibility should also be part requisite of its 'freedom'. Furthermore, as long as the speech makes sense, is thoroughly thought through and 'untwisted' evidence to support it, I believe that that speech should be made. Singapore has gradually moved from the introvert conservative society it once was, to a more liberal perspective today. But a parental government still hovers about its citizens to protect them from views that are too liberal and radical to the point that western societies are calling the country, a nanny-nation. Singapore may be a nanny-nation, but its over-protectiveness is part and parcel of the experiences which she has a nation has undergone. As compared to the western democratic societies of the west, Singapore's societal instability is visibly of a much lower percentage. Hence, perhaps its apprehension on the total freedom of speech is maybe a positive point, but still no nation which advocates democracy should restrain its citizens or the press from expressing their own views that are socially responsible and of course, logical.

A true democratic nation shouts for democracy but it is also the conservative nature of it that also whispers to be patient. In any nation where there is cultural and racial pluralism like Singapore, a balance should be struck between the liberal expression of the freedom of speech and to that of responsibility of what the press and citizen say in order to maintain a posture of civil order and respectfulness. But which side you stand for, is still how you define which is more important, the freedom of speech or social responsibility.

Commonwealth competition..hope i can win!

posted by Justin D. Pereira

The following essay extract is copyrighted under Justin Daniel Pereira. In no part of it shall it be reproduced in any form or idea. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved the Intellectual Property of the owner.

Slavery, as defined by Macmillan’s English dictionary is the system of owning people as slaves, or having to work for another person against one’s will.

To what I understand, slavery is similar to that of a person’s life and soul being bounded and chained in shackles to his master with the sheer chance of being free almost impossible, or at least until death comes knocking at their door. From the old age of time, till the revolution of the world and today, slaves have been used. They were regarded as different things throughout the ages, from a mark of muscle in the neighbourhood, to being a tool of the fields, and a way to make an easy profit without incurring extra expenses. Although, people now have a strong view against the use of slavery, it is a sad fact that it is still occurring in the world. Though not frequently or openly mentioned in the newspapers, the very act of owning another person’s life to use it for one’s benefit is moving underground, stealthily, not to the knowledge of many people. Slavery still breathes in this battered planet we live in, but is our fight against it successful?

Slaves have been used since the ancient days till our now ameliorated world. Ancient Rome, known by many as one of the greatest ancient cities that the world has ever seen, had laws which were detrimental to the lives of these silent and usually unwilling members of society. Flavius Gratinus, a Roman Emperor from the fourth century ruled that if a slave were to accuse his master of any crime, he would be burned alive immediately. It was also legally right in both Ancient China and Rome for a master to kill his slave at his whim. These societies flourished and thrived on the use of slaves. The life of this workhorse did not matter to them and it was regarded of little importance. To them, having slaves was an image of power, a status in society and “he” became an “it”, an object, a property and a purchased good. Even though historical sources note that slaves in many parts of the ancient world had the free right of marriage and accumulation of wealth, it is hard to deny the fact that they still had only one objective, to serve the master.

The mood I am in now...

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Pain and hurt is everywhere.
I am forlorn and my mood is solemn.
Where can I find the very solace in my heart,
such that it beats the death beat not.
My counterparts are indifferent towards me,
the very being above has left me.
When in this world of ages can I,
pick myself up again,
and once again
recover from
the pain.



I believe music expresses the unspoken word of emotions. Listen to this and feel my suffering in you. Empathise with me, oh my unsaid heart. Empathise with me.

The bad news is out, and I failed Chemistry, I failed Mathematics, I failed ( I don't know what else yet ). I passed General Paper with a miserable C, I passed Chinese with a Happening D. But worst of all, the subjects which I truly love, the reason why I chose the combinations, my mind is thus playing tricks on me. What else can I contemplate oh so this deep desire for the solace of happiness and peace.

The Important Value of Committment

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Committment is one of the biggest values any person in this world can have. If you are committed to the work which you are doing, you will be able to produce the best results. However, in this real world of ours, committment as a moral itself is absent when people choose to forgo their current work and skip to other plains for greater experience.

When the morality of committment does not exist, what more is to say about the character of such a person. Yes, he may argue that he would be able to juggle his time between the two projects. However, he must firstly ask himself, is he even capable of it? There is a difference between knowing that you are capable of it and deluding yourself by saying, "well I can try to be capable of it." Ultimately, it all boils down to one's inner principles to choose. Its not wrong to jump ship, or even plan so hard but not be there at the last minute as the person that will really lose it out is the planner himself. Still, in order to showcase that you are capable of a task, take it on and finish it till the end. No matter what the outcome, as long as you know you have did your best and you know that your committment is given to its very best and not half hearted because of some other prior committment, then you have succeeded in your own personal way.

Being committed to oneself and others is also of major importance. In any task given, one should display the committment value of finishing it on schedule when ample and sufficient time has been given. It may seem that it would not hurt to delay by a day or two, but it is important not to forget the imminent circumstances that surround the situation. If the deadline is near, you submit late, in the end you affect others. In any of today's organisational structure, each committee is interdependent on one another as each has their own expertise. Thus, if one committee does not wish to exude the exact amount of committment value, he will in the end affect the progress of the work at hand and dare to say, the morale of the team.

The Imperial Seal, results and more...

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Well, it has been a great week. Tons of homework, tons of results being revealed ( and all of them not so promising ). Anyway, heres the latest report of my results which I know so far

Chemistry MCQ : 10/20 (just passed)
Chinese : 51.5/100 (40 is the passing mark)

Damn it, how are these results going to clinch my a scholarship. Yikes, but do not fear, all my young juniors out there. JC Life can be achieved well enough if you manage your committments and time properly. (Something which I must learn and do from except sleeping the whole day....argh). I am determined to get my A Grades and as such imprint MY IMPERIAL SEAL on it - and I do not mean the animal.

The Imperial Household Seal of Justin Pereira

Well, Sunday was a great day, with Heng Kai, Anthony, Leroy and Me meeting together to discuss a TOP-SECRET END OF YEAR EVENT for Sembawang Secondary School. It is such a BRAVE EXPERIENCE for us to engage in such an activity. We furthered the discussion and hope to present it to the almighty Mr. Raj on Thursday (tomorrow). Of course, we already got the seal of approval. ( *Anthony, Leroy, and Heng Kai makes seal sounds --- auwk auwk... )

It has been mighty stressful for the committee members so hopefully things will go well and the campe...I mean students...will get to enjoy the entire 6 months process of planning. Got to stop now, as I cannot reveal too much. Anyway, enjoy the pictures of the meeting below.

Heng Kai looking for coins to buy snacks...

Heng Kai and Leroy at the meeting deep in contemplation...

Anthony : no no ..dont take my handsome face...

Obviously my camera is faster than that. You seldom see him with this hair style do you ? Its the latest fashion, the just-get-out-of-bed look.

Handphones - the pride of technology or the disaster for communication.

posted by Justin D. Pereira

Handphones, a common sight in today's materialistic world of ours where nearly every person on the street carries one while almost of a third of them are using it for either calling, text messaging, games, surfing the internet and whatever deemed possible from the handphone itself. Only about ten years ago did the handphone market truly flourish, and imagine the many benefits it brought to everyone in the world. However, negative aspects came along as well, and the cultures which we once had when handphones were non-existent are disappearing slowly into oblivion.

The obvious plus points with the presence of a handphone include a more efficient form of communication with another fellow person in either society, or even at a business level. As it is portable with its wireless technology, it allows anyone to make a quick call or a text-message to another person almost instantaneously and in economic terms, it may even be the clincher for a proposed business deal. Also, with its presence, help is only a button away, and countless of lives are being saved just because someone dialled for the ambulance when the accident occured. When time is of essence, the little gadget called a handphone is truly a livesaver.

Nonetheless, while all the benefits of for a more efficient lifestyle, handphones have contributed greatly to the lack of direct human communication. On the streets, ordinary people, especially teenagers can be seen text-messaging their friends or even calling on impulse that long lost relative who lives in the next city. This leads to a straight drop in the direct verbal and face to face communication that we humans have had in the past with those close to us. Of course some may argue that with handphones, it allowed us to communicate even better rather than not to communicate at all. However, the true essence of a heart-to-heart talk dissapears with the handphone and with that our culture as family-oriented beings have somewhat vanquished. Henceforth, this amelioration is the technology of mobile phones has created a generation which is largely incapable of communication at a upfront, personal level. Deprive the teenager of his handphone, and he will feel lost and detached from society when he leaves his house. A feeling that is rampant amongst many today, thus are we degrading to a state of insecureness because of the lack of a simple mobile communicative device?

While it is agreeable that with a handphone, convenience is a main factor, it has also led to a lack in the cultured civilisation which we once had as human beings of a more personal level. The day is not far off when all of mankind would own a handphone and by then, what will happen to this communicative world which we live in?

Games, games and more games

posted by Justin D. Pereira

It's the Youth Day holiday in lieu for school kids tomorrow and I must say that I plan to spend it studying away the whole day. Don't get me wrong, I was playing non-stop since this morning and yesterday. So, its way too much. Haha.

For some strange reason, I started installing all my games into my portable hard disk. Of course you still need the CD to play, but I have the source files nontheless. Anyway, I found my Red Alert 2 after soooooo long. It was stuck between the CD Case of my The Sims Superstar Box. Haha...finally. Hopefully, I can get some screenshots up soon, well depending on my mood.

Honestly, another plan for this blog is to include detailed game reviews. I have sourced the web for similar stuff, but most of the time, its backdated and no one plays it much anymore. Sigh...so what can I do but to take matters in my own hands. Well, not forgettin that this is a blog powered by Google's blogger, comments are allowed and that's the greatest part - to have input from the community. So once I get the list of games up, fire away guys.

P.S. oh leroy, its ok to type long posts, as long as it logical. I mean....simple...i mean...i don't know what i mean. haha.

What a day!

posted by c0mb0kick | LeRoy

Wow, today must have been one of the warmest days on record!! The scorching heat just made shopping so unbearable! Was practically melting i tell you!

So had this super huge lunch with my family at the Amara(Hotel at tanjong pagar) today to celebrate my sis's bday( HAPPY BDAY FRAN!!! SWEET 16,lol). The food there was okay, not very appealing i would say but appetizing enough to have me stuff my face till i almost exploded...lol. But i think the main attraction about the buffet lunch would be the chocolate fondue fountain. Heaven on earth i tell you. The marshmallows were almost gone after i was done with it and just before we left the place(the poor waiters had to clear our plates every other time, luckily we were beside one of their clean-up counters...lol) the pathetic fountain was barely able to continue that constant flow of chocolate :D. So to all chocoholics out there, have fun when you spot this wonderful chocolate fountains, but please observe your eating etiquettes as it is rather horrible to see kids with chocolate-covered mouth licking away at their satay sticks and reusing it to dunk marshmallows into the fountain again. :D i know what your thinking but i used a plate and lots of satay sticks... okay enough of the chocolate heaven.

So after that was a constant battle with the soaring heatwaves as we walked around Chinatown, looking for the best bargains. Finally admitted defeat after having our clothes stick to our skins for hours and headed home to enjoy the rest of the night.

I'm seriously starting to wonder, of all the wonderful e-mail adds i could have used for my gmail account, i had to use one which maxed the e-mail username character limit, supercalifragilisticexpialious@gmail.com... Seriously tedious when you want to sign into the blogger, after since blogger merged with googles! So ya.. those would wish to add me, i apologise in advance for the super lengthy e-mail add. :D

PHEW! i think i should end here for now if not Justin would kill me for spamming his blog....lol. BUT you did ask us to contribute, right Justin. Ha...maybe a little too much.

And HAPPY YOUTH DAY to all those young and young-at-heart people of the world...lol.
Here is wishing one at all to stay young in this ever aging world, I FEEL OLD ALREADY!*sobs*

yours truly, LeRoy

Gazooka! New Layout

posted by Justin D. Pereira

So what do you all think! Isn't this layout great or what? I simply can't sleep as I think about this new skin for the blog. HAHA. I think it looks quite cool. Yeah. Anyway, the "status" of my 4 closest friends in the biodata above are actually whether they are blog contributors. I have sent invitations to all, but only 1 responded. So yeah, please wait, and I see if I can round up the rest. hehe.

I am so excited with this new design. Looks way much better than any I have done before!