Woke at 6am this morning. Tone slept over at my place for gig this morning. Interesting experience, but super tiring! haha.
So i nap 2pm. Got interrupted by a call from patrick.
Edgar (Patrick's ex partner and ongoing business partner for almost 15 years) bought him a macbook pro. A freaking macbook pro.
I thought that was really nice of him; it's such a fantastic gift anyone can receive!
Yet, the evil jealousy reins. I will not like to admit it. And if patrick or edgar is reading this I don't know how things will go from now on. Seems like blogging gives me a sense of release, at least I know my thoughts are out there for those who care to pry.
Maybe I'll not publish this blog entry. maybe.
The first thing that comes to my mind is: FUCK! That's a $4000++ gift and Edgar only earns as much as patrick does. I can't help but wonder in amazement. How can one afford such an exorbitant price tag?
And if one is able to, is appropriate to give such a gift? Yes, I understand that any one gift can trump another easily in price. But this is the first time i hear a good friend buying a fucking notebook for another friend. One that costs (presumably) at least a third of a monthly paycheck! Should I practise restraint on gift buying if I am affluent, knowing that my best friend's perhaps Jessica, Yanting or Sergeoh's partner cannot afford the gift I'm purchasing?
The issue here seems to be my basic insecurity. Seems like patrick and his friends have financial mobility that I have not experienced for myself. And that scares me. Couldn't he just have bought something less expensive? A voucher for a future purchase of a macbook or like a time machine ($400+) or something? So many possiblities! "Any other gift would have been a waste of time/money" is not a valid reason to buy someone a $4000+ gift!
With that money I can afford a fucking head to toe outfit from any fashion week designer in paris or milan and still have probably cash to spare for accessories.
I am jealous. Jealous of the financial mobility that I bathe in very often with affluent people and that I am unable to wield myself. And I am tired. I'm tired of fighting my emotions with logic.
-jho
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Lost & Love
Sent off my best friends yesterday and last wednesday.
-jho.
Just hit me that I'm probably not going to see them for another 10 or so months.
Lost. It's quite sudden.
Love. This video also touched me quite a bit. within it's 1min run it almost made me tear. Such a perfect world. Love the soundtrack, the actors are fantastic in delivery and the director is just spot on.
You have to watch it and love it...
-jho.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Looks: July 2008 (Ete)
The Sunday Brunch Classic~ Purple mocasins/driving shoes, I love!
The Working Boy~ so hard to pull off this look! Only in Milan!
The Messenger Chic~ wish singapore wasn't so fucking humid! Can't wear jackets in the day! Arrrgghhh.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A quote from the website: http://www.prcouture.com/:
" Hiring a PR agency is not cheap, but it’s certainly less expensive than advertising - and when done correctly, it can be much more powerful. Consumers have become, for lack of a better term, advertising savvy, and they understand the difference between advertising and editorial. They know that advertisements are bought and carefully controlled. Whether it’s fast-forwarding the Tivo, changing the radio station as an ad starts, or just flipping past advertisements in a magazine, consumers’ advertisement filtering systems are second nature – advertisements are generally seen as a necessary evil that interrupts their entertainment. Editorial product placement, on the other hand, is just the opposite – it is the reason that they picked up the magazine in the first place. Consumers look to their favorite magazine or daily blog reads to show them fresh, exciting new products, trusting that editors only write about things that excite them and in which they truly believe. "
So true!
-jho.
" Hiring a PR agency is not cheap, but it’s certainly less expensive than advertising - and when done correctly, it can be much more powerful. Consumers have become, for lack of a better term, advertising savvy, and they understand the difference between advertising and editorial. They know that advertisements are bought and carefully controlled. Whether it’s fast-forwarding the Tivo, changing the radio station as an ad starts, or just flipping past advertisements in a magazine, consumers’ advertisement filtering systems are second nature – advertisements are generally seen as a necessary evil that interrupts their entertainment. Editorial product placement, on the other hand, is just the opposite – it is the reason that they picked up the magazine in the first place. Consumers look to their favorite magazine or daily blog reads to show them fresh, exciting new products, trusting that editors only write about things that excite them and in which they truly believe. "
So true!
-jho.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
the Good Underwear Experience
Not much is being said about Men's undergarments. Yet, the market is growing and growing with more and more varieties. Gone are the days when my mom buys my underwear and i'm subjected to the mundanity of pastel coloured briefs.
I had a good underwear experience today. This is with my new pair of C-IN2!
Not only does it feel comfortable with the soft cotton material, it has a sling support technology and lifts the crotch to give it that fuller look! Women can have their wonderbras, men can too have our wonder briefs! I normally do not like the waist band for all briefs or boxer-briefs that I wear, but the waist band for C-IN2 has been quite accomodating to movement so far. It also does not leave train-track trail (tongue twister) marks on your hips.
I am ashamed to say that I have yet to own a pair of Calvin Klein's especially since they're soooo affordable!
A good underwear experience is one of enlightenment. That is not to say that one should splurge on 20 pairs of luxury undergarments, save the good underwear for that hot date, that special occassion, those hot jeans/khakis (tip: cotton/soft trousers rather than jeans allows for more protrusion to peek through) and wear the basic ones for the rest of the week.
Looking forward to my next G.U.E with Calvins, Aussiebum and perhaps other brands. The Heeren level 4 (i think) has NUM and another store that specialises in men's undergear. Excite!
-jho. re-runs of Buffy. sleep. LEAVE DAY :D
I had a good underwear experience today. This is with my new pair of C-IN2!
Not only does it feel comfortable with the soft cotton material, it has a sling support technology and lifts the crotch to give it that fuller look! Women can have their wonderbras, men can too have our wonder briefs! I normally do not like the waist band for all briefs or boxer-briefs that I wear, but the waist band for C-IN2 has been quite accomodating to movement so far. It also does not leave train-track trail (tongue twister) marks on your hips.
I am ashamed to say that I have yet to own a pair of Calvin Klein's especially since they're soooo affordable!
A good underwear experience is one of enlightenment. That is not to say that one should splurge on 20 pairs of luxury undergarments, save the good underwear for that hot date, that special occassion, those hot jeans/khakis (tip: cotton/soft trousers rather than jeans allows for more protrusion to peek through) and wear the basic ones for the rest of the week.
Looking forward to my next G.U.E with Calvins, Aussiebum and perhaps other brands. The Heeren level 4 (i think) has NUM and another store that specialises in men's undergear. Excite!
-jho. re-runs of Buffy. sleep. LEAVE DAY :D
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
A drive nostalgic; a future lingering
Right after teaching in Woodlands I took the car for a quick spin to the nearby Innova Junior College. I miss school.
I miss how carefree life was. All I had to do was study. Times spent at the library mugging and writing essay after essay. Times spent in lecture theatres listening to Keynesian vs Monetary policies, Malthus' vs Boserup population theories, the tragic flaw of Lear.
I stared at the wide linkways between blocks and imagined/remembered myself walking those very paths in my hot sauna of a uniform. I stared at the "learning studios" and thought how nice it would be again to sit in tutorial listening to Mrs Naidu leading the class in her worldly unyielding wisdom, Mdm Mas' loud rossby waves and Hadley cell discussions, Ms Lim's marginal social benefit & costs, Ms Baey's The Lion & the Lamb.
I stared at the track (the smell.. mmmm..) thinking how nice it would be to restart my drills; shuffling, butt-kicks, leg-lifts, bounding, leg-extensions. The anticipation and breathlessness before and after each timed-200m sprint. The sense of accomplishment walking to Woodlands MRT legs all wobbly with a mix scent of sweat and deodrant, 100-plus lime in my right hand, geography "man-killers" on my left.
I stared into my past and now when i'm about to ORD, am blissfully reminded how the last 4 years have been. Ups and downs, the coming out, the supression of individuality in a combat unit, basic military training, the surreal diving experiences, failing driving once, travelling to vienna & budapest, getting into MDC and becoming music i/c, performance show-tour to rockhampton, my a-levels results, not making it to law school, meeting patrick, national day parade 08 with Jacintha, Chingay 08, working at Style:Nordic, Tone's inaugural concert a success, making great friends in the process, making life happen....
Cliched albeit true. How time just flew...
Will I do it all over again? Yes.
Here I am, starting the 21st year of my life, picking up a third language, heading off to business faculty in university - a path which was quite unexpected, about to record an album with Tone, still in a 3 year relationship come march, best friends never left, family trying to stay strong, dog as loveable as ever.
I hope this is considered to be living.
-jho. shower. decompress. sleep.
I miss how carefree life was. All I had to do was study. Times spent at the library mugging and writing essay after essay. Times spent in lecture theatres listening to Keynesian vs Monetary policies, Malthus' vs Boserup population theories, the tragic flaw of Lear.
I stared at the wide linkways between blocks and imagined/remembered myself walking those very paths in my hot sauna of a uniform. I stared at the "learning studios" and thought how nice it would be again to sit in tutorial listening to Mrs Naidu leading the class in her worldly unyielding wisdom, Mdm Mas' loud rossby waves and Hadley cell discussions, Ms Lim's marginal social benefit & costs, Ms Baey's The Lion & the Lamb.
I stared at the track (the smell.. mmmm..) thinking how nice it would be to restart my drills; shuffling, butt-kicks, leg-lifts, bounding, leg-extensions. The anticipation and breathlessness before and after each timed-200m sprint. The sense of accomplishment walking to Woodlands MRT legs all wobbly with a mix scent of sweat and deodrant, 100-plus lime in my right hand, geography "man-killers" on my left.
I stared into my past and now when i'm about to ORD, am blissfully reminded how the last 4 years have been. Ups and downs, the coming out, the supression of individuality in a combat unit, basic military training, the surreal diving experiences, failing driving once, travelling to vienna & budapest, getting into MDC and becoming music i/c, performance show-tour to rockhampton, my a-levels results, not making it to law school, meeting patrick, national day parade 08 with Jacintha, Chingay 08, working at Style:Nordic, Tone's inaugural concert a success, making great friends in the process, making life happen....
Cliched albeit true. How time just flew...
Will I do it all over again? Yes.
Here I am, starting the 21st year of my life, picking up a third language, heading off to business faculty in university - a path which was quite unexpected, about to record an album with Tone, still in a 3 year relationship come march, best friends never left, family trying to stay strong, dog as loveable as ever.
I hope this is considered to be living.
-jho. shower. decompress. sleep.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Je m'appelle Jeremy
Had my first french lesson today @ the Alliance Francaise!
Was fun! Quite refreshing to be learning to (barely) converse in a 3rd language - considering my mandarin and cantonese takes up only 0.5 of my linguistic ability each.
Quelle est ta nationalite et habites ou?
Je suis Singaporean et habite a CCK!
Quelle est moi profession?
Je suis ORD personnel en Fevrier neuf!
There's an Australian and Japanese babe in my class, with an Iranian man, Indonesian and Malaysian-born Singaporeans and also a Chinoise touriste in the mix! Tres internationale!
Hope I don't loose steam with this. Jeremy tends to give up on structured learning you see. Unless it's official school work. (speaking in third person because i'd rather not associate with that undesirable trait. Hehe)
Anyways, i'm off to the gym now. Salut!
-jho. gym. meet pat. sleep.
Was fun! Quite refreshing to be learning to (barely) converse in a 3rd language - considering my mandarin and cantonese takes up only 0.5 of my linguistic ability each.
Quelle est ta nationalite et habites ou?
Je suis Singaporean et habite a CCK!
Quelle est moi profession?
Je suis ORD personnel en Fevrier neuf!
There's an Australian and Japanese babe in my class, with an Iranian man, Indonesian and Malaysian-born Singaporeans and also a Chinoise touriste in the mix! Tres internationale!
Hope I don't loose steam with this. Jeremy tends to give up on structured learning you see. Unless it's official school work. (speaking in third person because i'd rather not associate with that undesirable trait. Hehe)
Anyways, i'm off to the gym now. Salut!
-jho. gym. meet pat. sleep.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Dumber by the day.
This is ridiculous.
I can't converse in full complex sentences nowadays without tripping on my words.
My vocabulory is dwindling and because of my effort to try and dig up complex words to express myself, I stumble on my grammar too!
This is ridiculous!
I have not written a full length academic or journalistic essay for as long as I remember. To be accurate, my A Levels were about TWO freaking years ago! Gosh! That's quite scary.
This is ridiculous!!
But the worst is I cannot bring myself to write a piece. I'm so unmotivated by my dormant linguistic ability.
Where are all my acronyms and my fluent oral expressions?! (no puns here.)
This is frustrating!
I can't converse in full complex sentences nowadays without tripping on my words.
My vocabulory is dwindling and because of my effort to try and dig up complex words to express myself, I stumble on my grammar too!
This is ridiculous!
I have not written a full length academic or journalistic essay for as long as I remember. To be accurate, my A Levels were about TWO freaking years ago! Gosh! That's quite scary.
This is ridiculous!!
But the worst is I cannot bring myself to write a piece. I'm so unmotivated by my dormant linguistic ability.
Where are all my acronyms and my fluent oral expressions?! (no puns here.)
This is frustrating!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Pre-
Radio tuned to Lush 99.5, oversoaked cereal on my left, the sun blazing through my window on a misty day.
It's pre- work and pre- official vacation day!
I'm still sick. Can barely croak an octave; still have to sing for work later.
I'm still orally impaired. Can't chew for nuts (or nuts).
Wow... depressing isn't it?
I just hope I can recover from this quick enough. Vienna & Budapest awaits!
I need positive thinking. Positive thinking!
To think, I'm actually going on a holiday with my own capabilities, well, considering the I only agreed to fly if the flights are already paid for (Flyer miles!) - I still can't afford expensive airfare! I'd say it's pretty darn good.
Just dug up old medication and taken whatever prospective pill I can find.. I'm such a druggy.
Luggage 70% packed. Mood: Mellow.
-jho. positive thinking.
It's pre- work and pre- official vacation day!
I'm still sick. Can barely croak an octave; still have to sing for work later.
I'm still orally impaired. Can't chew for nuts (or nuts).
Wow... depressing isn't it?
I just hope I can recover from this quick enough. Vienna & Budapest awaits!
I need positive thinking. Positive thinking!
To think, I'm actually going on a holiday with my own capabilities, well, considering the I only agreed to fly if the flights are already paid for (Flyer miles!) - I still can't afford expensive airfare! I'd say it's pretty darn good.
Just dug up old medication and taken whatever prospective pill I can find.. I'm such a druggy.
Luggage 70% packed. Mood: Mellow.
-jho. positive thinking.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Simplicity
As you progress in life, do you tend to yearn for simplicity?
As youths, we face a mirage of emotions, a buffet of choices and opportunities, a plethora of ideals and dreams.
Yet I crave to simplify all that. I crave simplicity.
Just like my desire to change my blog skin to something managable. Something blogger provided. No mess, no tag board, no jibberish scribbles.
Life would have been much simpler if I didn't simply crave to practice law.
I would have simply be simplistically contented studying SocialSciences.
It is not that I do not like the socialsciences,
It is that it's difficult to give up a dream you had since you were eight years of age.
Patrick says I'm going to look back, 10 years down the road and realise,
"Why was I wasting so much of my time worrying about this?"
Well. I can't imagine myself saying that now. But hey. That's the reality of it as Youths.
Youths who can't see past a period of their lives.
Who can tell me for sure what they can see themselves doing after they ORD?
Who can tell me for sure what they can see themselves doing after University even?
Not anyone I know.
I'm thankful for many little achievements I have attained throughout the past 1.5 years.
I-SO-TONIC, TONE's Inaugural concert was a success.
I became MDC Vocal Ensemble's Musical i/c - as much as I moan about my job, I do love working with the guys and with TTBB music :)
I opened my eyes to people's toxicity and am glad i'm out of that environment soon.
I have a wonderful partner who has stayed true for more than 2 years.
I have a pool of ex-classmates/friends/colleagues that are always there for me
I have Four singers/close friends whom I love and enjoy being around with.
I can potentially travel for 3 times independently this year - more than I ever had.
Some say i'm lucky as it is to have those things.
But yet, I'm still yearning for that place in Law school - local that is.
Should I just be resigned to facts?
Should I?
ETERNAL QUESTION:
Is life telling me I should fight on, stay resilient, build character or,
Is life directing me to another path?
"I took the road less travelled,
And it made all the difference." - Robert Frost
Guten Nacht.
- jho. "Samantha Who?". sleep.
As youths, we face a mirage of emotions, a buffet of choices and opportunities, a plethora of ideals and dreams.
Yet I crave to simplify all that. I crave simplicity.
Just like my desire to change my blog skin to something managable. Something blogger provided. No mess, no tag board, no jibberish scribbles.
Life would have been much simpler if I didn't simply crave to practice law.
I would have simply be simplistically contented studying SocialSciences.
It is not that I do not like the socialsciences,
It is that it's difficult to give up a dream you had since you were eight years of age.
Patrick says I'm going to look back, 10 years down the road and realise,
"Why was I wasting so much of my time worrying about this?"
Well. I can't imagine myself saying that now. But hey. That's the reality of it as Youths.
Youths who can't see past a period of their lives.
Who can tell me for sure what they can see themselves doing after they ORD?
Who can tell me for sure what they can see themselves doing after University even?
Not anyone I know.
I'm thankful for many little achievements I have attained throughout the past 1.5 years.
I-SO-TONIC, TONE's Inaugural concert was a success.
I became MDC Vocal Ensemble's Musical i/c - as much as I moan about my job, I do love working with the guys and with TTBB music :)
I opened my eyes to people's toxicity and am glad i'm out of that environment soon.
I have a wonderful partner who has stayed true for more than 2 years.
I have a pool of ex-classmates/friends/colleagues that are always there for me
I have Four singers/close friends whom I love and enjoy being around with.
I can potentially travel for 3 times independently this year - more than I ever had.
Some say i'm lucky as it is to have those things.
But yet, I'm still yearning for that place in Law school - local that is.
Should I just be resigned to facts?
Should I?
ETERNAL QUESTION:
Is life telling me I should fight on, stay resilient, build character or,
Is life directing me to another path?
"I took the road less travelled,
And it made all the difference." - Robert Frost
Guten Nacht.
- jho. "Samantha Who?". sleep.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
SCREW LA!
Ok.. Don't read this if you don't want to hear me vent my (older) teenage frustration.
YES, because i'm 19 and still in the 2nd decade of my life, i am ENTITLED to vent. VENT on my fucking blog. Vent vent vent!
I'm emotionally stunted. I disguise emotions through logic, intelligence and sarcasm. Deal with it!
I hate feeling emotional about things.. I HATE HATE HATE IT!
Today's my first day at SAF MDC - the most heavenly place on the SAF planet. Free and easy use of gym, pool. Early book out. Short working hours (compared to stay in). I get to sing. Its freaking SAF heaven!
YET YET YET, I'm soooooooooo freaking irritated. Not at that one person in particular. But at myself. Yes, i can't control my emotions. SOORRRYY LAA! But do you have to be so un-understanding!?!?! Sometimes a girl, i mean a guy, just needs comfort and assurance that everything will be alright... OR A FREAKING SIMPLE EXPLANATION as to why you can't call/text at night when overseas la!!!
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BRING IN, "But YOU always knew.. I told YOU that bla bla bla bla.. keep YOUR emotions in check... I NEVER do what YOU ARE doing now to YOU...". YA, you're the greatest. You're emotiopnally steady. You don't break down easily to tears or emotions. You are superior. I admit. And this is not out of spite. You can handle your emotions well enough. You have got years on me to practice that.
I'm 19. Emotionally stunted. Unsure of the boundaries of relationships. I always cross the line. I'm soooooo much better at being single. NO FREAKING hang ups. I will not be concerned about what time is sleeping time, what time to call, what to do, how to behave, how to include, how to please. I'm learning to be attached. So yes, give me some credit. Give me some advice. DOn't push me away.
Rant over.
-jho. no mood for anything but sleep.
YES, because i'm 19 and still in the 2nd decade of my life, i am ENTITLED to vent. VENT on my fucking blog. Vent vent vent!
I'm emotionally stunted. I disguise emotions through logic, intelligence and sarcasm. Deal with it!
I hate feeling emotional about things.. I HATE HATE HATE IT!
Today's my first day at SAF MDC - the most heavenly place on the SAF planet. Free and easy use of gym, pool. Early book out. Short working hours (compared to stay in). I get to sing. Its freaking SAF heaven!
YET YET YET, I'm soooooooooo freaking irritated. Not at that one person in particular. But at myself. Yes, i can't control my emotions. SOORRRYY LAA! But do you have to be so un-understanding!?!?! Sometimes a girl, i mean a guy, just needs comfort and assurance that everything will be alright... OR A FREAKING SIMPLE EXPLANATION as to why you can't call/text at night when overseas la!!!
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BRING IN, "But YOU always knew.. I told YOU that bla bla bla bla.. keep YOUR emotions in check... I NEVER do what YOU ARE doing now to YOU...". YA, you're the greatest. You're emotiopnally steady. You don't break down easily to tears or emotions. You are superior. I admit. And this is not out of spite. You can handle your emotions well enough. You have got years on me to practice that.
I'm 19. Emotionally stunted. Unsure of the boundaries of relationships. I always cross the line. I'm soooooo much better at being single. NO FREAKING hang ups. I will not be concerned about what time is sleeping time, what time to call, what to do, how to behave, how to include, how to please. I'm learning to be attached. So yes, give me some credit. Give me some advice. DOn't push me away.
Rant over.
-jho. no mood for anything but sleep.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Birthday Wish
Never been one who indulges in my birthday.
I don't believe in the celebration of ME. There's nothing to celebrate. I'm born on this day (19 freaking years ago). That's all.
But i'm really looking forward to this birthday. Because it's going to have my bestes best friends, family and my partner. May not be the most respectful of combinations, haha, but nevertheless, it's a gathering of people i love. And Moreover, i'm celebrating it with my best friend, Yanting as well! So am really looking forward to it.
I'm taking all this merry celebration and joyous spirit to spur on certain dreams i hope to achieve.
ToNE is still looking for it's official 5th member - Bass, baritone, Tenor or Vocal Percussionist.
I hope that happens soon.
ToNE is seeking to venture into a full fledge concert early 2008. We have been postponing this for almost two years now.
I hope that happens soon.
I'm looking for an acoustic band to perform at open mic sessions. This is to discover my solo singing side.
I hope that happens soon.
Of course there is a much more extensive wishlist. But since i'm currently on the computer dealing with music related stuff. I'm
hoping for those things at the moment.
Do visit TONE's blog @ http://tone-r-us.blogspot.com/
-jho. blog. plan. execute.
I don't believe in the celebration of ME. There's nothing to celebrate. I'm born on this day (19 freaking years ago). That's all.
But i'm really looking forward to this birthday. Because it's going to have my bestes best friends, family and my partner. May not be the most respectful of combinations, haha, but nevertheless, it's a gathering of people i love. And Moreover, i'm celebrating it with my best friend, Yanting as well! So am really looking forward to it.
I'm taking all this merry celebration and joyous spirit to spur on certain dreams i hope to achieve.
ToNE is still looking for it's official 5th member - Bass, baritone, Tenor or Vocal Percussionist.
I hope that happens soon.
ToNE is seeking to venture into a full fledge concert early 2008. We have been postponing this for almost two years now.
I hope that happens soon.
I'm looking for an acoustic band to perform at open mic sessions. This is to discover my solo singing side.
I hope that happens soon.
Of course there is a much more extensive wishlist. But since i'm currently on the computer dealing with music related stuff. I'm
hoping for those things at the moment.
Do visit TONE's blog @ http://tone-r-us.blogspot.com/
-jho. blog. plan. execute.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Updated Wishlist & great performance
This is what i call a great performance! Engaged, focused, smooth transitions and real! Nicole sherzinger is really on her way man!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Dinner on a "nights out"; the military is not my thang
Just came back from a nice but short dinner with patrick and his friend wai kong.
Was at CHIJMES at this Pizza restaurant - i forgot the name already. Ooops!
Had some small talk and decent conversation, fairly relaxing until it shifted into my National Service and my attitude towards it. Am actually quite embarrassed about being so direct and curt. Especially since it's only the second time waikong i've actually met waikong. So waikong, if you were ever to read this. I apologise if i'm being too forward and argumentative. Haha. Just my nature.
This led to somewhat of an insightful discussion with two extreme views of the military in Singapore. Some people (and perhaps most people) feel that national service can also instil some form of nationalistic fevour into the men of the country. I on the other hand, bat for the other team (no pun intended)- (ok, maybe all oun intended. Haha!). I don't believe that the military can instil national pride in me. I'm proud of my country naturally, just not proud of being in the military.
I'm proud that we can go for runs in the wee hours of the morning without being mugged. I'm proud that we have a relatively ok exchange rate. I'm proud of the Esplanade. I'm proud that we have swimming pools in almost every major neighbourhood. I'm proud that we have racial tolerance and a diverse range of all things that different races can offer. And have it known that i'm proud of my education system, though somewhat stifling and one-directional, but nevertheless academically apt and enabling; my passport to the world of academics.
But i'm just not capable of viewing the military as being a source that adds to my nationalism. I'm in the military and i experience first-hand the well-known fact that it is in fact very inefficient at the grassroots. Perhaps i'm just "not that into" big guns (hmmmm....) and big tank tops... i mean Tanks. Or the whole pseudo machoness that my superiors seem to put on just because they are in the military when they are in fact hen-pecked husbands.
The very idea that the military is an avenue of nationalism is both disagreeable and yet real to me for i have seen it in others; their eyes gleaming with pride and honour when talking about their 2.5/2.25 years of service for the nation. Yet it is not at all applicable to me for the time i feel most proud about my country is when people talk about how we have progressed economically and socially. And this is felt most during my student years. During long lectures with my mind drifting into never never land (no, not Michael jackson's), i find myself thinking that the lecture room i'm sitting in is actually a well spent investment on students of this country. The rewards are world renouned scholars and professionals in various fields. Visiting two of my favourite Singaporean establishments the Esplanade and Changi airport also brings me great pride.
I'm proud of certain things my country has constructed, but see/feel no pride in the military. I just have different visions of when a country has done good i suppose.
If i were to put yes to command school on that faithful day and end up being a specialist or an officer, i would think that i'd still keep the same opinion i have today: I'm proud of my country, I'm willing to serve my nation as it needs my help. It is my responsibility. But I do not have to like the responsibility.
My affair with SAF is hopefully a short-lived one. Like all bad marriages from the start, it has to end somehow someday. We just have to spend some time in settling all the responsibilities and will be back to being singletons- joyful and out of each others' faces.
-jho. sleep. another day in camp.
P.S. Happy Birthday to Angie!
Was at CHIJMES at this Pizza restaurant - i forgot the name already. Ooops!
Had some small talk and decent conversation, fairly relaxing until it shifted into my National Service and my attitude towards it. Am actually quite embarrassed about being so direct and curt. Especially since it's only the second time waikong i've actually met waikong. So waikong, if you were ever to read this. I apologise if i'm being too forward and argumentative. Haha. Just my nature.
This led to somewhat of an insightful discussion with two extreme views of the military in Singapore. Some people (and perhaps most people) feel that national service can also instil some form of nationalistic fevour into the men of the country. I on the other hand, bat for the other team (no pun intended)- (ok, maybe all oun intended. Haha!). I don't believe that the military can instil national pride in me. I'm proud of my country naturally, just not proud of being in the military.
I'm proud that we can go for runs in the wee hours of the morning without being mugged. I'm proud that we have a relatively ok exchange rate. I'm proud of the Esplanade. I'm proud that we have swimming pools in almost every major neighbourhood. I'm proud that we have racial tolerance and a diverse range of all things that different races can offer. And have it known that i'm proud of my education system, though somewhat stifling and one-directional, but nevertheless academically apt and enabling; my passport to the world of academics.
But i'm just not capable of viewing the military as being a source that adds to my nationalism. I'm in the military and i experience first-hand the well-known fact that it is in fact very inefficient at the grassroots. Perhaps i'm just "not that into" big guns (hmmmm....) and big tank tops... i mean Tanks. Or the whole pseudo machoness that my superiors seem to put on just because they are in the military when they are in fact hen-pecked husbands.
The very idea that the military is an avenue of nationalism is both disagreeable and yet real to me for i have seen it in others; their eyes gleaming with pride and honour when talking about their 2.5/2.25 years of service for the nation. Yet it is not at all applicable to me for the time i feel most proud about my country is when people talk about how we have progressed economically and socially. And this is felt most during my student years. During long lectures with my mind drifting into never never land (no, not Michael jackson's), i find myself thinking that the lecture room i'm sitting in is actually a well spent investment on students of this country. The rewards are world renouned scholars and professionals in various fields. Visiting two of my favourite Singaporean establishments the Esplanade and Changi airport also brings me great pride.
I'm proud of certain things my country has constructed, but see/feel no pride in the military. I just have different visions of when a country has done good i suppose.
If i were to put yes to command school on that faithful day and end up being a specialist or an officer, i would think that i'd still keep the same opinion i have today: I'm proud of my country, I'm willing to serve my nation as it needs my help. It is my responsibility. But I do not have to like the responsibility.
My affair with SAF is hopefully a short-lived one. Like all bad marriages from the start, it has to end somehow someday. We just have to spend some time in settling all the responsibilities and will be back to being singletons- joyful and out of each others' faces.
-jho. sleep. another day in camp.
P.S. Happy Birthday to Angie!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tagged - Favourite Food
Hmmmmm... I've been tagged by my god pa on this chain blog thing.
Fav food fav food... Hmmmm.. Can't think of any one in particular...
OK. But what drives me absolutely nuts is the food at Maxwell Market. Woah! Shiok-a-dang-dang!
From the Hokkien Mee to the Fish Soup to the famous Tian Tian Hananiese Chicken lice! I can't choose!
But if i am interrogated (notice the militatized choice of diction :# ) between these three, it would have to be the Chicken Lice. Coz that is what else epitomizes the Singapore cuisine. Our famous chicken rice-s around the island.
Chicken Lice. Fast. Easy to eat. Fragrant. Take-away-able/Dine-in-able. Satisfies the hungry. Simple: Chicken, Rice, (optional) Soup, Occasional Veggies.
So yup yup.
I Tag
JASMINE - my fellow alto from TONE.
HAO REN - my fellow classmate from Innova
JADE CHEN - my fellow classmate from Innova
==============================================
The following text was copied:
Proposition: What is your favorite food in your state or country? Requirements: Find some info about the food and show delicious pictures of it. Quantity: FIVE PEOPLE. Tag Mode: You leave their blog and post link and add to the list below.
Mybabybay loves Asam Laksa from Penang, Malaysia
JustMyThoughts loves Penang Char Koay Teow
My Lil Venture loves Laksa Sarawak
Monterssorimum loves Teluk Intan Chee Cheong Fun
Chinnee loves Melaka Wan Tan Mee
PeimunLeah loves Hakka Lei Cha
Hui Sia
Jonamum
Karen loves Pan Mee
Something about Lai loves Crispy duck skin from China
Simple American loves Cheese Enchiladas
Nicole Tan loves Char Tau Kueh
Velverse loves Otak-otak
Kenny Ng loves Jawa Mee
Fatty Poh loves Nasi Dagang Kelantan
wmw loves Kuih Tutu.
Nigel loves Char Kway Teow
Fav food fav food... Hmmmm.. Can't think of any one in particular...
OK. But what drives me absolutely nuts is the food at Maxwell Market. Woah! Shiok-a-dang-dang!
From the Hokkien Mee to the Fish Soup to the famous Tian Tian Hananiese Chicken lice! I can't choose!
But if i am interrogated (notice the militatized choice of diction :# ) between these three, it would have to be the Chicken Lice. Coz that is what else epitomizes the Singapore cuisine. Our famous chicken rice-s around the island.
Chicken Lice. Fast. Easy to eat. Fragrant. Take-away-able/Dine-in-able. Satisfies the hungry. Simple: Chicken, Rice, (optional) Soup, Occasional Veggies.
So yup yup.
I Tag
JASMINE - my fellow alto from TONE.
HAO REN - my fellow classmate from Innova
JADE CHEN - my fellow classmate from Innova
==============================================
The following text was copied:
Proposition: What is your favorite food in your state or country? Requirements: Find some info about the food and show delicious pictures of it. Quantity: FIVE PEOPLE. Tag Mode: You leave their blog and post link and add to the list below.
Mybabybay loves Asam Laksa from Penang, Malaysia
JustMyThoughts loves Penang Char Koay Teow
My Lil Venture loves Laksa Sarawak
Monterssorimum loves Teluk Intan Chee Cheong Fun
Chinnee loves Melaka Wan Tan Mee
PeimunLeah loves Hakka Lei Cha
Hui Sia
Jonamum
Karen loves Pan Mee
Something about Lai loves Crispy duck skin from China
Simple American loves Cheese Enchiladas
Nicole Tan loves Char Tau Kueh
Velverse loves Otak-otak
Kenny Ng loves Jawa Mee
Fatty Poh loves Nasi Dagang Kelantan
wmw loves Kuih Tutu.
Nigel loves Char Kway Teow
Monday, June 18, 2007
Genres that Define Jeremy Ho
Genres of music i absolutely love - R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz.
Here I am having my Marigold Peel Fresh orange juice and listening to the lastest downloaded album: Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad",
makes me wonder why I love these genres of music so much.
Random thought: I'm, starting to love Peel Fresh orange juice. Maybe it gives me pseudo comfort that i'm finally drinking healthy - amidst all the crap sweet drinks around. Plus the vitamin C! Worst, i drink it by the carton, a carton a day! Quite scary...
Anyway, yes. R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz.
Just bought like 5 CDs in the past month.
That CD Shop along Scotts road always has this 3 for $49.90 thing going on for current releases. And since my mom dragged me to her shop at far east plaza to help renovate after POP on the 12th, i thought i'd just escape by the overhead bridge to a CD store where my soul can truly regenerate itself.
While Pachelbel Canon in D by Vienna Boys Choir along with some musky Enya track was playing in the background, i just randomly chose 3 CDs to buy. Call it retail therapy of the 2nd highest order (Highest being Clothes and fashion!)
Landed with
Katherine McPhee's self titled debut album [In the cover, she crowns a hairdo that of a pasar malam auntie selling handphone covers/takoyaki balls with this seriously bumble-bee looking outfit. Katherine McBee?? - I know not funny. Just laugh la!]
Maroon 5 - It Won't Soon Before Long [Much more respectable CD cover]
Shayne Ward's self titled debut album (deluxe edition) - of which I have yet to listen and review.
In May, i also bought Joss Stone's "Introducing Joss Stone" (acclaimed to be her best and most personal album yet) and Michael Buble's "Call Me Irresponsible".
have always been my groove through life. Sexy, slick, smooth, rhythmic, melodic and filled with harmonies (most important!). Think i'm attracted to this genre because it's generally Feel-Good music.
Most fav. R&B artistes ever? Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Joss Stone, Anita Baker.
spells itself. Catchy, idiot-proof melodies/harmonies, dance-able.
Most fav. Pop artistes ever? Woah.. Difficult to list!
Ummm.. Probably the likes of Maroon 5, Daniel Bedingfield, Kylie Minouge, Pink, Madonna, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, James Morrison, Fergie, George Michael, Nelly Furtado just to name a few...
Music nowadays are filled with fusion sounds. Quite improbable to pin down one song to a particular genre. Jazz and/or Ballads often come together in this generation.
With the likes of Michael Buble, Renee Olstead. Jamie Cullum, Josh Groban.
And i'd just like to say NORA JONES is getting on my nerves! Everytime her "new" song plays on MTV, I MUST change the channel even if i've been sitting my lazy ass on the couch for the past two hours watching Judging Amy re-runs too languid to reach for the remote! Her "new" songs are starting to really irritate. It's always the same old moaning, mumbling singing and expressionless, autumm-coloured, progressively-slower-walks-down-the-streets music videos!
Doesn't her creative team have any other ideas up their little heads???? No wonder she didn't win any more grammys after her debut album Come Away With Me - which is one of my pride and joys in my entire CD collection.
As for the blacksheep of the family, I have regretted buying stuff like the new INXS - Switch album which i would gladly switch for even a linkin' park CD! Or maybe not........
Along with Ricky Martin's - Life album. Besides the good looks and nice body in the album's pictorial, it's hardly worth two loops. He's just a more buff Enrique Igloosiass (bleah~~) with the same penchant for over-the-top choruses and under the bridge soft verses (which i cannot deny is quite soothing).
I also regret buying albums where I only like the single and nothing else - impluse buys! This rarely happens but it does.
Oh ya... Jason Mraz's "Mr A-Z". After three loops, it filled me with this icky feeling. Like green slime mixed with pink candy floss stuck in my throat. Dunno why also....
Anyhoos... Army life sucks, Law school rejected me, My body lost it's desirable muscular mass, I'm using a non-camera phone and i'm PES-fucking-A which means a high chance of a combat vocation in NS. Life just does not give you smooth concrete paths all the time huh?
I do miss my army buds quite a bit - the waking up and team-bondedness. The late nights of talking cock and tau-pokking (Bom bom, bom bom, bom bom bom!) Oooo well.. We have to move on i suppose.
Clubbin was fun though @ Zouk. Caught Jane and Aaron in the queue and actually managed to gain access to "The Nest"! Felt so darn exclusive man! But exclusitivity isn't exactly my clubbin style. Prefer to jam and mosh with the masses. More thrilling to know you're one in a crowd and nobody's watching what you do (like take of your singlet) except your friends.. Heehee..
And of course, a relaxing weekend was just what i needed. No hassles. Just movies (Fantastic 4 & Ocean's 13!!), meals and shopping.. Would have loved to have gone swimming or the beach though.. Bad weather..
-jho. Notes On a Scandal. prep music for teaching tml. sleep.
Here I am having my Marigold Peel Fresh orange juice and listening to the lastest downloaded album: Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad",
"... under the umbrella ella ella eh eh eh/under my umbrella ella....."
makes me wonder why I love these genres of music so much.
Random thought: I'm, starting to love Peel Fresh orange juice. Maybe it gives me pseudo comfort that i'm finally drinking healthy - amidst all the crap sweet drinks around. Plus the vitamin C! Worst, i drink it by the carton, a carton a day! Quite scary...
Anyway, yes. R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz.
Just bought like 5 CDs in the past month.
That CD Shop along Scotts road always has this 3 for $49.90 thing going on for current releases. And since my mom dragged me to her shop at far east plaza to help renovate after POP on the 12th, i thought i'd just escape by the overhead bridge to a CD store where my soul can truly regenerate itself.
While Pachelbel Canon in D by Vienna Boys Choir along with some musky Enya track was playing in the background, i just randomly chose 3 CDs to buy. Call it retail therapy of the 2nd highest order (Highest being Clothes and fashion!)
Landed with
Katherine McPhee's self titled debut album [In the cover, she crowns a hairdo that of a pasar malam auntie selling handphone covers/takoyaki balls with this seriously bumble-bee looking outfit. Katherine McBee?? - I know not funny. Just laugh la!]
Maroon 5 - It Won't Soon Before Long [Much more respectable CD cover]
Shayne Ward's self titled debut album (deluxe edition) - of which I have yet to listen and review.
In May, i also bought Joss Stone's "Introducing Joss Stone" (acclaimed to be her best and most personal album yet) and Michael Buble's "Call Me Irresponsible".
R&B and Soul
have always been my groove through life. Sexy, slick, smooth, rhythmic, melodic and filled with harmonies (most important!). Think i'm attracted to this genre because it's generally Feel-Good music.
Most fav. R&B artistes ever? Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Joss Stone, Anita Baker.
Pop
spells itself. Catchy, idiot-proof melodies/harmonies, dance-able.
Most fav. Pop artistes ever? Woah.. Difficult to list!
Ummm.. Probably the likes of Maroon 5, Daniel Bedingfield, Kylie Minouge, Pink, Madonna, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, James Morrison, Fergie, George Michael, Nelly Furtado just to name a few...
Jazz (or Ballads).
Music nowadays are filled with fusion sounds. Quite improbable to pin down one song to a particular genre. Jazz and/or Ballads often come together in this generation.
With the likes of Michael Buble, Renee Olstead. Jamie Cullum, Josh Groban.
And i'd just like to say NORA JONES is getting on my nerves! Everytime her "new" song plays on MTV, I MUST change the channel even if i've been sitting my lazy ass on the couch for the past two hours watching Judging Amy re-runs too languid to reach for the remote! Her "new" songs are starting to really irritate. It's always the same old moaning, mumbling singing and expressionless, autumm-coloured, progressively-slower-walks-down-the-streets music videos!
Doesn't her creative team have any other ideas up their little heads???? No wonder she didn't win any more grammys after her debut album Come Away With Me - which is one of my pride and joys in my entire CD collection.
As for the blacksheep of the family, I have regretted buying stuff like the new INXS - Switch album which i would gladly switch for even a linkin' park CD! Or maybe not........
Along with Ricky Martin's - Life album. Besides the good looks and nice body in the album's pictorial, it's hardly worth two loops. He's just a more buff Enrique Igloosiass (bleah~~) with the same penchant for over-the-top choruses and under the bridge soft verses (which i cannot deny is quite soothing).
I also regret buying albums where I only like the single and nothing else - impluse buys! This rarely happens but it does.
Oh ya... Jason Mraz's "Mr A-Z". After three loops, it filled me with this icky feeling. Like green slime mixed with pink candy floss stuck in my throat. Dunno why also....
Anyhoos... Army life sucks, Law school rejected me, My body lost it's desirable muscular mass, I'm using a non-camera phone and i'm PES-fucking-A which means a high chance of a combat vocation in NS. Life just does not give you smooth concrete paths all the time huh?
I do miss my army buds quite a bit - the waking up and team-bondedness. The late nights of talking cock and tau-pokking (Bom bom, bom bom, bom bom bom!) Oooo well.. We have to move on i suppose.
Clubbin was fun though @ Zouk. Caught Jane and Aaron in the queue and actually managed to gain access to "The Nest"! Felt so darn exclusive man! But exclusitivity isn't exactly my clubbin style. Prefer to jam and mosh with the masses. More thrilling to know you're one in a crowd and nobody's watching what you do (like take of your singlet) except your friends.. Heehee..
And of course, a relaxing weekend was just what i needed. No hassles. Just movies (Fantastic 4 & Ocean's 13!!), meals and shopping.. Would have loved to have gone swimming or the beach though.. Bad weather..
-jho. Notes On a Scandal. prep music for teaching tml. sleep.
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