At this point in time, I'm about 45 minutes away from 2007, and I'm sure some other countries are already knee-deep in their revelry and drunken parties. New Year's eve has always been a time of reflection, and wonder. It is no different this year, as 2006 comes to an end. The year whizzed by, and I could hardly recall most of what went by.
A key highlight has to be the marathon I ran, and I'm seriously thinking about doing another in 2007. Another happy highlight is the fact that the band seems to be taking off (again) as we've some performances lined up for 2007.
I'm glad to announce I've passed the exams to continue the Master course. Hopefully it'll still be a breeze through 2007.
Meanwhile, if you're reading this, here's a Happy New Year to you wherever you are! Peace!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Watson's Bay - Sydney
Was in the eastern city of Australia for a friend's wedding, and decided to check out the sights beforehand. Ended up at Watson's Bay for lunch (at Doyle's, where else?!?) and took a short walk around the Southern Head tourist spot. Great summer hike.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
I'm A Marathoner!
That's right - I'm a marathon virgin no longer. Completed my first one today. Was at the starting line at 0545 hrs, sucking in the atmosphere of anticipation, nervousness, and others who were chomping at the bit, in the dawning darkness.
The run was flagged off at 0600 hrs, and it was a nice jaunt in the first 10 km. The powergel was taking effect, and I was cruising up to about 12 km. Then I had to slow down as my legs were protesting, and my blisters started to make thier presence felt.
Picked up the pace after I got used to the discomfort, and managed to slice off about 5 to 6 minutes off my previous half-marathon timing. The weather was nice and cool, which was surprising, and it helped as the morning was out of its slumber. Time check 0820 hrs. Headed onto a stretch on the beach, and saw some of my friends already on their way back. Dammit!
My thighs were now cramping up as I hit my 30 km mark, and I struggled to the nearest water station at 31 km to grab much needed hydration, and get my blisters fixed. Rubbed muscle-relief ointment on my thighs, and ploughed on.
Comng up to 35 km mark, and I had started to walk. Dammit - it's only 7-plus km more, but it felt like a thousand miles away. Forced myself to jog very lightly again, and focused my thoughts on the finish. I dedicated the last 6 km to my family; one for each member.
Finally crossed the finish line in a time that was respectable given my condition, and I felt relief and elation! I have completed my first marathon. Will I do another? I haven't quite decided. Ask me in a few months.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Masters of Introspection Pt.II
Okay, so 13 or 14 weeks have zipped past, and life's a blur. I'm now in the exams period, which basically signals the end of my first semester. It's been ages since I last sat for an exam paper, and to be honest, I have no clue what it's like to do it again.
As for my preparation, it's as crappy as crap can be - I'm frantically reading everything that should have been read weeks ago. So that's the story of my Masters prep for now.
Am I enjoying it? Well, yes and no. Yes, because it takes time away from the mundaneness of work (we all know what that's like) and it allows you to daydream, chase a particular cause, do the stuff you like. No, because there's all the theoretical stuff which is mostly inapplicable for work, and the structuredness of the course which makes you realise why rote-learning still exists.
But the students are fun - young, and full of enthusiasm - except the likes of those who have been in corporate life for much too long. Our inner cynic cringe at the theoretical stuff most times.
Anyway, I hope to get away with a pass so that I can proceed to the next semester. 2 units done, 8 more to go. Wish me luck!
As for my preparation, it's as crappy as crap can be - I'm frantically reading everything that should have been read weeks ago. So that's the story of my Masters prep for now.
Am I enjoying it? Well, yes and no. Yes, because it takes time away from the mundaneness of work (we all know what that's like) and it allows you to daydream, chase a particular cause, do the stuff you like. No, because there's all the theoretical stuff which is mostly inapplicable for work, and the structuredness of the course which makes you realise why rote-learning still exists.
But the students are fun - young, and full of enthusiasm - except the likes of those who have been in corporate life for much too long. Our inner cynic cringe at the theoretical stuff most times.
Anyway, I hope to get away with a pass so that I can proceed to the next semester. 2 units done, 8 more to go. Wish me luck!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Motor Show Pt.5
Here're two more to complete this post. And that's about all the interesting cars I saw. The Chrysler 300C is on top, and the Mitsuoka is below it.
Motor show Pt.1
Went to a Motor Show over the weekend, and these were the only photos worth posting (first one of a few). The show has shrunk in popularity over the years, and the past few years has seen it suffer. The conspicuous absence of several European marques - BMW, Mercedes, Saab, Audi, VW to name but a few - certainly hasn't helped its profile. So what's left to oogle? Fast cars? The usual suspects are there - Ferraris, Lamboghinis, Merserattis - but not others. Will the show die a natural death? Not that quickly. Does it need rejuvenation? You bet. And having more 'race queens' drape themselves on the automotives won't help...that much.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Can't Find My Way Home
This song has stuck in my head ever since I heard it some years back, with the haunting Steve Winwood overture and Eric Clapton's guitar fills adding to the desolation of the song.
The lyrics speak about possessing everything you'd want materially, but being bankrupt emotionally/spiritually. In other words, you can have a fat pay check, afford all sorts of stuff, and yet, get no satisfaction from that job. Life's one big fat routine.
There's this hollowness that rings through and through, and it challenges you to find your way back - to your own beliefs, your passion, your ideals. But materialsm keeps blindsiding you. And one does not beget the other.
There's a sense of urgency, and knowledge that life is short, and you need to do what you can, to recover your ideals and passion. And a hunch that you may go hungry again, but you're never found wanting in your calling.
Blue pill or red pill? Sigh.
The lyrics speak about possessing everything you'd want materially, but being bankrupt emotionally/spiritually. In other words, you can have a fat pay check, afford all sorts of stuff, and yet, get no satisfaction from that job. Life's one big fat routine.
There's this hollowness that rings through and through, and it challenges you to find your way back - to your own beliefs, your passion, your ideals. But materialsm keeps blindsiding you. And one does not beget the other.
There's a sense of urgency, and knowledge that life is short, and you need to do what you can, to recover your ideals and passion. And a hunch that you may go hungry again, but you're never found wanting in your calling.
Blue pill or red pill? Sigh.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Rediscovering Metal ... and Metallica
I had a discussion with a fellow muso the other day about the sad state of Metallica's recent output, and we agreed that their music has generally gone to the dogs since the Black album was released. Anyone remember the albums that came after that? Thought so.
Anyway, I decided to revisit my Metallica CD collection, and started to rip all their albums I had onto my MP3 player. Boy, that brought back memories! From 'Kill 'Em All' to 'Ride The Lightning' to 'Master Of Puppets' to '...and Justice For All', and then the Black album, and the double CD pack of Garage Days, Metallica did deliver some of the most memorable riffs in metal's history.
The band's lack of focus, from 'Load' onwards, and with various members' substance addictions, sadly derailed one of the greatest metal bands to have emerged from the SF Bay area.
Still, there's no denying the relevance that their first 5 albums will hold for the next few generations of metalheads.
Inspired by Metallica revisited, I went and bought 'The Best of Sepultura' and 'The Best of Fear Factory', two more seminal late '80s/early '90s metal bands that were on the artist roster of one of my favourite metal labels, Roadrunner Records. As is evident, my trip down memory lane is an ongoing journey.
That's not to say that the current crop of metal bands are crap either. Check out Finland's Children of Bodom, for instance. Or Trivium, who hail from Florida, US. Two new exciting metal bands among a slew of others that also incorporate the meanest guitar shredding I've heard in a while.
Things are indeed looking bright for the metal scene since it fell into a creative slump towards the end of the last Century, and I'm pleased as punch.
Anyway, I decided to revisit my Metallica CD collection, and started to rip all their albums I had onto my MP3 player. Boy, that brought back memories! From 'Kill 'Em All' to 'Ride The Lightning' to 'Master Of Puppets' to '...and Justice For All', and then the Black album, and the double CD pack of Garage Days, Metallica did deliver some of the most memorable riffs in metal's history.
The band's lack of focus, from 'Load' onwards, and with various members' substance addictions, sadly derailed one of the greatest metal bands to have emerged from the SF Bay area.
Still, there's no denying the relevance that their first 5 albums will hold for the next few generations of metalheads.
Inspired by Metallica revisited, I went and bought 'The Best of Sepultura' and 'The Best of Fear Factory', two more seminal late '80s/early '90s metal bands that were on the artist roster of one of my favourite metal labels, Roadrunner Records. As is evident, my trip down memory lane is an ongoing journey.
That's not to say that the current crop of metal bands are crap either. Check out Finland's Children of Bodom, for instance. Or Trivium, who hail from Florida, US. Two new exciting metal bands among a slew of others that also incorporate the meanest guitar shredding I've heard in a while.
Things are indeed looking bright for the metal scene since it fell into a creative slump towards the end of the last Century, and I'm pleased as punch.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Life As It Goes
I've seen or heard of three deaths in the past six months, all in the same housing estate, all suicides.
Could it be the environment? The poor in their pigeonholes? Their diminished hopes? An incurable ailment?
Is there a link between an ageing housing estate and crumbling dreams; unhappy lives, and the leap off the parapet to self-destruction?
The most recent case (which took place barely a week ago) was someone in his or her thirties. What happened? What could have helped? I don't know; and I don't know if there'll be any simple answer.
People abandoning reason and crossing the chasm - was there ever any effort to pull back? Did someone try to pull them back? Did they know how?
Could something be done to lift sagging spirits, cheer up the downtrodden, infuse hope and ambition, turn meaningless chores into purposeful routines? Would it be too late to fight the onset of hopelessness?
I don't know. Could there be a better world than this?
Could it be the environment? The poor in their pigeonholes? Their diminished hopes? An incurable ailment?
Is there a link between an ageing housing estate and crumbling dreams; unhappy lives, and the leap off the parapet to self-destruction?
The most recent case (which took place barely a week ago) was someone in his or her thirties. What happened? What could have helped? I don't know; and I don't know if there'll be any simple answer.
People abandoning reason and crossing the chasm - was there ever any effort to pull back? Did someone try to pull them back? Did they know how?
Could something be done to lift sagging spirits, cheer up the downtrodden, infuse hope and ambition, turn meaningless chores into purposeful routines? Would it be too late to fight the onset of hopelessness?
I don't know. Could there be a better world than this?
Power!
The ex-MF gang descended on Prego's yesterday for brunch and a catch up. Eveyone looked smashing - Maggie and Chris had just come back from a holiday; Doris is here for a couple of weeks since she became HK-based; Angie had just come back from Australia; Char, Boon and I didn't go anywhere. But it was fun, and we've got the obligatory group shot to prove it.
Maggie and Chris
Maggie explaining why she shopped more than she should have. Chris' thought bubble says: "Uh-oh..."
Pizza at Prego's
Doris took this shot. Later, Angie, Doris and I made sure it was well-spoken for. Yum.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Masters of introspection
I've gone and done it. I'm now in week 3 of my first semester (there are 4 if I wish to complete it in two years) of my Masters in Mass Comms course at a local uni. Yikes! What was I thinking? Maybe I was (am?) bored at work, and needed to occupy my time. Of course the family's already factored in, but there's still room for other stuff.
Anyway, my classmates are spread among the young and the young-ish. There's a swath of civil servants, foreign students, exchange students, ex-journos, ex-this and that, and me (ok, I quaify for one of the aforementioned categories, but I thought I'd make myself the exception). More females than males, although this shouldn't be surprising. Already I'm involved in two project groups - one for each class. Oh yeah, part time students (that's me) are supposed to take 10 units (or classes) over 4 semesters to complete the course, in addition to sitting for an examination for each of the classes. So I'm thinking of doing a 2, 3, 3, 2 combi. Considering the load, it's not half as bad as the full timers.
And here I am, week 3 and counting, getting used to being a student again - wondering if I've bitten off more than I could chew. Oh well, I'll plough on and post my thoughts (and regrets, if any) soon.
On the band front, it's been a relatively quiet two months since Rock D'Fort ended (in June), but we've gone on and completed a demo of 3 tunes for some SAE students, and will be meeting another SAE final year student to discuss the prospects of making an EP (about 5 songs). Ambitious we are not. Besides, J's decided to fly the coop and do her MBA in the States, which means we're now looking for her replacement. She'll be out for a year, but as the song goes, 'who knows what tomorrow brings'? Anyway, I hope to see more activity on the music front in the coming months.
Anyway, my classmates are spread among the young and the young-ish. There's a swath of civil servants, foreign students, exchange students, ex-journos, ex-this and that, and me (ok, I quaify for one of the aforementioned categories, but I thought I'd make myself the exception). More females than males, although this shouldn't be surprising. Already I'm involved in two project groups - one for each class. Oh yeah, part time students (that's me) are supposed to take 10 units (or classes) over 4 semesters to complete the course, in addition to sitting for an examination for each of the classes. So I'm thinking of doing a 2, 3, 3, 2 combi. Considering the load, it's not half as bad as the full timers.
And here I am, week 3 and counting, getting used to being a student again - wondering if I've bitten off more than I could chew. Oh well, I'll plough on and post my thoughts (and regrets, if any) soon.
On the band front, it's been a relatively quiet two months since Rock D'Fort ended (in June), but we've gone on and completed a demo of 3 tunes for some SAE students, and will be meeting another SAE final year student to discuss the prospects of making an EP (about 5 songs). Ambitious we are not. Besides, J's decided to fly the coop and do her MBA in the States, which means we're now looking for her replacement. She'll be out for a year, but as the song goes, 'who knows what tomorrow brings'? Anyway, I hope to see more activity on the music front in the coming months.
Monday, July 10, 2006
It felt good to know some things can only get better ...
... and that was evident at last night's gig: Coldplay, a band that I saw five to six years ago, when they were on the cusp of international stardom with 'Parachutes', rocked my part of the world on their far-reaching X&Y tour - show number 144 and counting.
And what a show! Lights, lasers, a gigantic video screen, 'live' film footage of the band and the crowd juxtaposed amid glowing stage lights, and giant yellow balloons filled with glittering gold confetti, and even the venue, which has a notoriety for being a sound vacuum but behaved much better last night, all conspired to make it a memorable evening.
Not to mention that Chris Martin has evolved into a consumate showman - he who once hid behind his electric piano for the whole duration of his shows: dancing, flexing his wrists, waving to the crowds on both ends of the stage runways, jumping in the crowd much later, and even doing 'calls and responses' throughout the night. Has he been watching too many U2 video re-runs?
It was a very professional, emotional evening, with the crowd evidently at one with all of their songs, singing along to hits like 'Yellow', 'In my place', etc.
The band played for a full 2 hours, and came back for an encore of 4 songs, capping the night with 'Fix You' - another perennial crowd favourite, and every chorus was met with resounding voices, unwavering, lyrically accurate - band and crowd sung as one.
Coldplay as a rightful successor to U2? Why not? They can only get bigger.
One of the best gigs I've attended this year, and certainly one to talk about for years to come. Bliss!
And what a show! Lights, lasers, a gigantic video screen, 'live' film footage of the band and the crowd juxtaposed amid glowing stage lights, and giant yellow balloons filled with glittering gold confetti, and even the venue, which has a notoriety for being a sound vacuum but behaved much better last night, all conspired to make it a memorable evening.
Not to mention that Chris Martin has evolved into a consumate showman - he who once hid behind his electric piano for the whole duration of his shows: dancing, flexing his wrists, waving to the crowds on both ends of the stage runways, jumping in the crowd much later, and even doing 'calls and responses' throughout the night. Has he been watching too many U2 video re-runs?
It was a very professional, emotional evening, with the crowd evidently at one with all of their songs, singing along to hits like 'Yellow', 'In my place', etc.
The band played for a full 2 hours, and came back for an encore of 4 songs, capping the night with 'Fix You' - another perennial crowd favourite, and every chorus was met with resounding voices, unwavering, lyrically accurate - band and crowd sung as one.
Coldplay as a rightful successor to U2? Why not? They can only get bigger.
One of the best gigs I've attended this year, and certainly one to talk about for years to come. Bliss!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
The Incredible Shrinking Service
A bunch of us popped down to Timbre the other night, to chill, catch up and watch the house band. It was the group's second time there, on the same night of the week as previously.
The first time we were there, we were let down by the service. Orders were mixed up, the food and drinks were late, and service staff had to be ambushed just to be brought to our table.
It was no different this time - and it really got our goat. We endured three rounds of mixed-up orders (service staff brought us the wrong orders thrice, and even enquired if we wanted it anyway!?!), the food was late (one of our finger food dishes arrived one hour late), and the general service attitude was completely negative and unapologetic.
To add to our chagrin, the house band started tuning up on stage, creating a din that made it impossible to have a decent conversation.
When we decided to call it a night, the final bill was (...you guessed it) wrong, and they had to revise it twice before we were satisfied. That will be the last time we'd ever hang at Timbre.
The group has chosen another venue for its gathering.
The first time we were there, we were let down by the service. Orders were mixed up, the food and drinks were late, and service staff had to be ambushed just to be brought to our table.
It was no different this time - and it really got our goat. We endured three rounds of mixed-up orders (service staff brought us the wrong orders thrice, and even enquired if we wanted it anyway!?!), the food was late (one of our finger food dishes arrived one hour late), and the general service attitude was completely negative and unapologetic.
To add to our chagrin, the house band started tuning up on stage, creating a din that made it impossible to have a decent conversation.
When we decided to call it a night, the final bill was (...you guessed it) wrong, and they had to revise it twice before we were satisfied. That will be the last time we'd ever hang at Timbre.
The group has chosen another venue for its gathering.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Lessons from a child
My boy, who's six this year, and due to enrol in Primary One next year, taught me a lesson in acceptance. We decided, for the sake of convenience, to send him to a neighbourhood school that runs single morning sessions, instead of the one that most of his current kindergarten friends will enrol at, and which starts its Primary One classes in the afternoon.
Most kids his age would have protested and sulked for a long time, but my kid, after a long thoughtful period of silence (5 minutes), accepted our decision.
When our friends brought their kids over yesterday, I overheard my son telling them that he's enrolling in said school next year, and he even seemed quite happy about that.
What struck me about this is that he's made the most of our decision, accepted it, and he'll enjoy himself regardless. I'm humbled by this simple and charming attitude. Lesson learnt. Thanks, kiddo.
Most kids his age would have protested and sulked for a long time, but my kid, after a long thoughtful period of silence (5 minutes), accepted our decision.
When our friends brought their kids over yesterday, I overheard my son telling them that he's enrolling in said school next year, and he even seemed quite happy about that.
What struck me about this is that he's made the most of our decision, accepted it, and he'll enjoy himself regardless. I'm humbled by this simple and charming attitude. Lesson learnt. Thanks, kiddo.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Zero productivity plus some upside
Too much of a good thing can be bad, so the saying goes. I don't know if this is the issue in my case, but I'm bascially doing nothing much. Which some may say is a good thing. But if I'm doing nothing really much everyday, the point of it being a good thing goes away. I need challenges to feed my mind, and if I'm not getting it at work, I'm going to have to get it elsewhere.
Music-wise, we're progressing rapidly from a band with maybe about 5 originals to one that can boast 10 new ones. Now if only we can piece them together coherently and tighten them up before we take to the stage again - which is like another two weeks away.
Anyway, as things are, it's quite uneventful (and I like it that way), but minor irritations arise now and again. Hope to grab a vacation soon.
Music-wise, we're progressing rapidly from a band with maybe about 5 originals to one that can boast 10 new ones. Now if only we can piece them together coherently and tighten them up before we take to the stage again - which is like another two weeks away.
Anyway, as things are, it's quite uneventful (and I like it that way), but minor irritations arise now and again. Hope to grab a vacation soon.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
The ties that bind
Haven't seen the gang for a while, but everybody looked good. Menotti's new at Raffles City, no?
Boon and I were the only winos today, and we tossed back a half bottle of white and 2 glasses of Sav Blanc. The rest sipped their exotic coffees. Char and I shared the warm chocolate cake - yummy.
Boon and I were the only winos today, and we tossed back a half bottle of white and 2 glasses of Sav Blanc. The rest sipped their exotic coffees. Char and I shared the warm chocolate cake - yummy.
The ties that bind ... again
Here's another picture, all looking decidedly happy at Menotti. We're recovening for dinner some time in the next few weeks, probably at a posh restaurant like Blu in Shangri-la. Mag's buying me a drink (or two). Yay!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Listlessness
I feel listless. I've not felt like this for a while. Maybe its the thought of death that's the cause. I don't know. And I don't want to introspect - there're too many synapses to fire up. And discard.
And what of death? Is it the end? Or the beginning?
End of what? Beginning of what?
Paraphrasing Dylan Thomas:
I refuse to go quiet into the night;
I refuse to go out like a light;
I will rail against the light;
I will rail with all my might
Sigh.
And what of death? Is it the end? Or the beginning?
End of what? Beginning of what?
Paraphrasing Dylan Thomas:
I refuse to go quiet into the night;
I refuse to go out like a light;
I will rail against the light;
I will rail with all my might
Sigh.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Human Again
A friend died in Beijing last Sunday, March 12. I felt numb when I heard the news. In this age of virtual relationships, and where friends are separated by vast distances, I found it hard to connect again - human to human, emotion over electronics, compassion over cyber-passion.
I felt ambivalent - how should I have felt? How do I react? What's the right emotion? Has the virtual environment severed or numbed our human emotions? Do we ever feel anything anymore?
I don't know; maybe it's just me wondering why I've become so detached.
I hope that when I finally turn up at her wake, I will know what it is like to reconnect as a human being, to feel my deep loss, to mourn with her family, grief with my friends, and feel human all over again.
I felt ambivalent - how should I have felt? How do I react? What's the right emotion? Has the virtual environment severed or numbed our human emotions? Do we ever feel anything anymore?
I don't know; maybe it's just me wondering why I've become so detached.
I hope that when I finally turn up at her wake, I will know what it is like to reconnect as a human being, to feel my deep loss, to mourn with her family, grief with my friends, and feel human all over again.
Monday, January 30, 2006
New beginning - hooray?
Happy new year - a few weeks late. It's the thought that counts, I'd argue.
Well, I've changed jobs, just 6 months after I got into that one. This one looks more promising, although I wouldn't speak too soon. But the job's mine to define, and I'm excited at the prospect of doing that. I hope this'll last - my enthusiasm, that is.
On the music-front, nothing much's happening at the moment as we've taken a short breather. I hope this isn't the beginning of the end for the band, but if it is, I wouldn't be too sorry either. I'm still trying to determine what I want from this outfit, and maybe, letting it die a natural death might be the way to go - I might realise there's nothing I'd want to pursue afterall. We'll see.
Well, I've changed jobs, just 6 months after I got into that one. This one looks more promising, although I wouldn't speak too soon. But the job's mine to define, and I'm excited at the prospect of doing that. I hope this'll last - my enthusiasm, that is.
On the music-front, nothing much's happening at the moment as we've taken a short breather. I hope this isn't the beginning of the end for the band, but if it is, I wouldn't be too sorry either. I'm still trying to determine what I want from this outfit, and maybe, letting it die a natural death might be the way to go - I might realise there's nothing I'd want to pursue afterall. We'll see.
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