dimanche, février 29, 2004 Chance, Coincidence, and Cheryl Today was a mad rush to rehearsals in school/NUS, fund-raising seminar, signing documents legalising STAGES in Siglap, and finally, meeting Cheryl, Ron, and Kris for dinner. As usual, it was a riot of bad, corny jokes (thank you very much), and absolute fun! Fried rice at Crystal Jade will forever hold a warm place in my heart. And we even managed to meet Ying Ying at CJ! Coincidence? I think not - it was all very divinely planned. Praise God for meetings like these! It was a good time of catching up and just seeing each other's faces to reassure each other that yes, we're all still alive.After dinner, it was a hilarious time of finding the best toilet to, uh, pee in (they settled for Borders), walking to Coffeebean, turning around and trying to pay Ron's credit card bill before tomorrow (she had one more hour before her penalty fee kicked in), stood around discussing the merits and demerits of AXN stations, stood around some more discussing the possibility of finding an AXN station around where we were (near Borders), but finally, I ended the standoff by spotting one just across the road. Technology was really on our side tonight - and with Ron's bill all happily paid for, we spent the rest of the night making the most noise at Forum's Coffeebean. Then it was a roll in the red tomato (splat!), and Cheryl's leaving tomorrow, midnight, and won't be back till August. Miss you babe. [Chance, Coincidence, and Cheryl] |
vendredi, février 27, 2004 Schubert - Classicist or Romantic?  Schubert - Classicist or Romantic? That was the title of my very first music lecture, which I found incredibly interesting, to my surprise. The lecturer (Dr. J-Y Chen) started first with an anecdote, about why it was important to distinguish between the different periods - or at least, recognise the different schools of thought prevalent in the music scene. Apparently, there was a pianist, who auditioned for the Vienna Con. of Music. All went well, until she started playing Schubert. She was stopped after a couple of pages by the jury, who asked her "Why are you playing Schubert instead of a classical piece?" She replied that Schubert was a Classicist. Unfortunately, the jury didn't think so, and "needless to say, she failed the audition." Dr Chen then went on to compare one of Mozart's symphonies (I think it was the 40th?) and another of Schubert's, comparing their structure (first movements starting with strong string theme, repeated themes on woodwinds, the main melody played forte on the entire orchestra, and ending again, with full orchestra forte. The similarities in structure between Mozart and Schubert seem to lend weight to the idea that Schubert should be considered a Classicist, seeing that Mozart is undeniably Classicist. However, when comparing the progression of keys in individual phrases and themes within the symphonies themselves, there seemed to be a discrepancy between the periods. For Mozart, the symphony started off in a minor key, signifying confusion and uncertainty, and then moved up to a major key when life triumphed over death. However, when he brought out Schubert (Der Tod und Die Madchen) , the key moved from a major key (the maiden pleading for Death to let her be) to a minor key (where death says 'Come stay with me'). The difference in signification of major and minor keys (signifying life or death) between the two periods support the argument that Schubert is more Romantic than Classicist. There were bits in the lecture which went over my head, in the parts where they were discussing theory, like how the themes and phrases move to C#, but how Schubert never finishes the phrase on the dominant triad, choosing instead to end on a Cb chord, which (apparently) signals failure in the theme, and the dominance of death in the return of the minor chords. (there was bits in there about augmented 6ths, but that totally went whoosh over me). Those were fun - confusing, but fun to listen to. The whole lecture just made me so deliriously happy to be using my brain again - I thought I was using it by learning French, but somehow, a whole different set of neurons were activated while listening to this guy. The students said that he was quite boring, which rather surprised me. Am I that desperate to start studying again that my standard for lecturers has dropped so far? Hmm. I'm definitely looking forward to studying my masters. [Schubert - Classicist or Romantic?] |
dimanche, février 22, 2004 Is it just me, or have people noticed more and more films featuring boom and shotgun mikes? I just watched Something's Gotta Give just now, and the boom mikes were featured so much in the movie that I think they should have been given attribution with the credits in the end. It could be seen hovering over every single scene that was shot - what gives?This is something that has been bugging me for quite some time now - ever since Analyse This came out. (you know, the one with Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, and Lisa Kudrow.) That was the first movie I watched which featured the boom mikes - and I thought I was going nuts in the cinema because nobody else seemed to notice, and nobody seemed to talk about or refer to the annoying little stick which wasn't supposed to be in any of the scenes at all. I found (still do) find this incredulous - there was this one scene which the mike was at least a full THIRD into the frame! That's a lot of screen-space. I thought that it would get better, but it only got worse - I think the next time I saw more mikes was the other Jack Nicolson movie, with Helen Hunt ... As Good As It Gets. Amidst the tiny little checkered tiles (which JN refused to walk on), there it was again - the boom mike. And there again, in What Women Want. Is this some weird, twisted game of six degrees of separation in mike-world? Or are all the sound-men in Hollywood just wimps with no upper-body strength to keep the mike up and out of the movie frame? [addendum: 
boom mike 
shotgun mikes [boom-boom-boom shake the room] |
samedi, février 21, 2004 Je vais aller à Hanoi avec mon père Oui, c'est vrai! Entre 8 et 10eme mars, mon père dois aller à Hanoi pour une conférence, et je vais être accompagner lui. Je n'est visite rien à Hanoi; il vas être ma première fois. Je pense mon patron n'en est pas trés heureuse, mais ça m'est égal. :) Il n'est pas ses oignons.[Je vais aller à Hanoi avec mon père] |
vendredi, février 20, 2004 Bad day yesterday superceded by today. Now am itching to hate people in the office, but rational, nice, Christian side of me wants to give chance.(butmommyistillwannahatethem...DaddyuptheregivemeGraceinAbundance...please...) [badz badz maru] |
mercredi, février 18, 2004 Bite your tongue, hold your piece, remain silent.You don't want to prolong your suffering. Take it like a (wo)man, shove it down your throat breathe through your nose as your eyes drip water Above all, be sure to remain silent (but let the redness bleed out, dribble drops from the side of your mouth when you find that you are about to choke from it. Maybe (hopefully) someone will learn the real truth. But before that, remember always to) Bite your tongue, hold your piece, remain silent. You don't want to prolong your suffering. (things aren't going well at work.) [Bite your tongue] |
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Importance does not necessarily need gravity. Sure it helps, but they are not co-dependent. They should not be. So listen carefully when I'm flippant. Don't misunderstand me.
Some things are also not as important as one thinks they are. [The Importance of Gravity] |
mercredi, février 11, 2004 (my) Asian Journal of Communication Just a quick note before I go off and do ten thousand things:YES, YOU. 
The Asian Journal of Communication Vol 13 (2) 
My article: [A Comparative Analysis of the Telecommunications Sector Liberalisation in the Philippines and Singapore]. And no dissing the title. [(my) Asian Journal of Communication] |
dimanche, février 08, 2004 My (very detailed) analysis from Mark in London Name Analysis: *** ***-***Expression: 3 The Expression number shows us who we truly are, what we came into this life already knowing. This is where we feel most comfortable and how we automatically act. We attract people and situations to us that require our Expression so that they can further evolve. In this way we play the role of teacher. Naturally we are attracted to occupations that we resonate to, so the Expression number can be a strong factor in our choice of a career as well. Our Expression is the vehicle, with all its virtues and vices, that drives us along the path of our Destiny. It is the essence of our identity. Self-expression is the gift you bring to the world. Whether through the arts, writing, drama, music or through some other field, you bring joy and inspiration to all by your sunny outlook and creative talents. You can assume a new role at any time, all mediums are open to you as methods of self-expression. Soul Urge: 11 The Soul Urge number has also been called Heart's Desire and Spiritual Urge. It is our secret, innermost longing. Our dream, our motivation, the fuel that energizes our journey. The Soul Urge number reveals what we secretly strive to be or accomplish. Some have said that this number tells us what we have been in previous lifetimes, the accumulated growth of our soul. You have a direct link to inspiration and can manifest the best life has to offer through your creativity and wise use of the imagination. You inspire others to dream and to make their dreams come true. You have clairvoyant and psychic abilities, which you can develop and use to help others. Sometimes you may feel like you could burst with all of the information and insights you are receiving. Persona: 1 The Persona number describes the way we appear to the outside world, the first impression people have of us. We may not even be aware of how we are perceived by others because we are so often focused on our inner world, and many times the inner does not match the outer. Persona gives us a peek at some hidden talents we have. The talents that we use to get along in the world and in some instances, protect us from it. It is likened to a bag of tools (jewels) that we carry with us along the way. Others see you as a unique individual who always does their "own thing". Independent, capable and pioneering, you seem to take control of the situation and make it run effectively. You are very concerned with your image and always seem to dress in a way that gets noticed. Natal Analysis: July 19, 1980 Personal Year: 5 The 5 vibration brings a desire for freedom of movement, speech, and thought. Freedom to follow wherever the 5 senses lead. Travel, adventure, education, and communication are likely interests at this time. Changes are constant and the freedom to move with these changes is very important. Love affairs, sex, indulgences of every kind are a part of this vibration. This is the time to explore and investigate. You are accumulating knowledge and experience for the rest of your journey. Personal Month: 7 This is a good month to read, study and acquire information. Whatever has begun can be perfected now. Start meditating in the mornings. Don't tell anybody what you are working on. Rest up for next month you go public! Personal Day: 3Sing, dance, make people laugh! Wear yellow or orange. Today you radiate and warm like the sun. Smile and bless us all! Destiny: 8 The Destiny number describes the life lessons that we have come here to learn. It reveals to us the path we must take, and the role we must play to fulfill our mission. Often our choice of career is based on this vibration, and if not, then it will manifest through avocational pursuits. We may attract people and experiences into our lives that mirror the traits of this number for us, so that we may develop into our highest potential. We don't always welcome our life lessons, so it is a possibility that we may even feel an aversion to the characteristics of our Destiny number in other people, and we may ourselves act the opposite. In spite of the many ways we may choose to react to this force within us, we have been gifted with all of the talents and energy needed to fulfill our Destiny. You will be given many opportunities in life to learn how to wisely use power, authority and money. Whether you're the head of a great corporation a great family or a great team, your discipline, persistence, courage and strength is sure to bring you success. You have a philanthropic nature and you will learn in life that true power is in sharing this success. Sports is an area requiring the kind of strength, determination and endurance that an 8 destiny gives you, as is the business world. Cycles The destiny is divided into 3 great cycles, each governing us for specific durations throughout our life. The Seed cycle begins at birth and colors our experiences through childhood and adolescence. During the year nearest our 28th birthday, we move into the Fruit cycle which remains throughout the middle part of our life until the year nearest our 56th birthday, and the Harvest cycle carries on from there. Taken all together, the cycles show us our particular path that will lead to the fulfillment of our destiny. Seed: 7 When the 7 is the seed cycle, the child may spend much of their time alone, with their books and their ideas. Others may view them as unusual in some way. If encouraged and allowed, the 7 seed cycle can create a genius or child prodigy. (Why didn't anyone allow me to be a child prodigy?!) Fruit: 1 Initiation, independence, ambition and self-reliance are the key words during this cycle. It is a good time to work on the development and expression of original, and creative ideas. Self-confidence, strength of character and will are prevalent and success in your own business is likely. Harvest: 9 This is a time for humanitarian efforts, and philanthropy. You have plenty of opportunities for learning, philosophising and teaching what you've acquired as understanding through experience. Artistic or literary pursuits are successful now. Pinnacles The four pinnacles reveal the high spots or heights of attainment that we are likely to encounter as we move along the path of our life. The 1st pinnacle lasts from birth to around age 28. The 2nd pinnacle lasts for 9 years after that. the 3rd pinnacle lasts 9 more years, and the 4th pinnacle carries on through the rest of our life. The peak of the pinnacle is reached during the next 1 personal year. Pinnacles are like sudden inheritances from a benevolent aunt, they can transform the prevailing energies completely and suddenly. It is useful to look ahead and prepare for our pinnacles so that we can maximize their gifts to us and shape them into the most positive manifestation. First Pinnacle: 8 You will have, (and need) a tremendous amount of energy with which to transform your ambition into a tangible reality, and it is important to use the energy wisely. Sports or entrepreneurial feats may interest you now. Material support is easy to find and people believe in your ideas now. Second Pinnacle: 1 This is a period of independence, action and new beginnings. Through the power of concentration and the power of desire, manifestation is very easy during this vibration. Third Pinnacle: 9 A time of completion, change, and charity. This is a period where there will be an urge to focus your energy on humanitarian and self-less efforts. Fine artists, poets and philosophers vibrate this energy. Fourth Pinnacle: 7 This is the pinnacle of the sage or the wise woman. Life is quiet and peaceful as it's meaning unravels easily before you. It is time to contemplate, analyze and create your own unique philosophy. Challenges The three challenges show us the major influences demanding our attention during specific sections of our lifetime. The 1st challenge influences the years from birth to age 28. The 2nd challenge takes over from age 28 to 52, and the third affects us our whole life. Challenges shape our attitudes and can affect our health. These vibrations that challenge us, cause either an exaggeration of the associated qualities or a lack of them, both of which are extremes which need to be brought into balance. First Challenge: 6 As a child, 6 may have been given too many responsibilities or parental authority over siblings. They learn to equate love with sacrifice and may feel selfish if they are unable to carry too heavy a burden for another. 6's become doting "parents" to their friends and magnetize every stray animal in town. (Okay, which ones of you need a diaper?) Second Challenge: 8 8 challenge holders are "hungry" for a satisfaction that they believe money, power and prestige can give them. They are usually very ambitious, and it is important to them that they portray the "image" of success, no matter what it takes. An 8 may take an important client out to dinner, buy the most expensive bottle of wine, and then walk home, instead of pay for a cab. Family and friends who are not directly involved in the picture of success, may feel neglected, and indeed may be the one's who pay for the expensive dinners by having to do without later. There is no such thing as stress to an 8 challenge holder, they call it food! They thrive on it and usually manage to keep quite a bit around. The way to bring balance to the 8 is found in the 7 and the 9: Recognizing and having faith in a higher power, and in the worth and wisdom of all men. Third Challenge: 2 The challenge of the "thin-skinned". These challenge holders take everything personally and can easily turn tiny little mole-hills into you know whats. They can seem to become translucent, absorbing each new idea and each new person into themselves, becoming them in the process. The 2 is the number of the psychic, however, the challenge is to maintain one's own identity while accepting the powerful, empathic abilities of the 2. The main focus of the 2 challenge holder is themselves, their feelings, their wants, their lack of satisfaction. Their outer behavior is geared to keeping the peace and taking care of others while secretly hoping they will be taken care of in return. The remedy for this challenge is to become an equal partner in relationships. To realize that their ideas and opinions are valid and to stop flattering love out of people. What do you think? Accurate? Not? Pinch of salt for me. [My (very detailed) analysis from Mark in London] |
mardi, février 03, 2004 
http://www.toilet.org.sg 'nuff said. [Happy Toilets, Happy People] |
lundi, février 02, 2004 My travel agent at Contiki emailed this to me a couple of days ago:
Prize: Four (4) Grand Prize: Contiki Concept 10 days European Horizon, land only, and Food Fund US$105 per person Tour includes only QUAD share accommodation separated by gender, daily continental breakfasts, selected dinners, hotel tips, local taxes and service charges. Be sure to take me with you when you go! I've very kindly done up the answers, and left them in the document. Click [ h e r e] for the form, and send it to [contiki @ pacific . net . sg] before 31st of May. [Contiki Quiz] |
dimanche, février 01, 2004 I'm very tv-isolated these few days, so it says a lot about this William Hung thing if it manages to penetrate my schedule. Is there any way to even be unaware of this guy? But how mean are we to be laughing at him? Why do we laugh, anyway? We can't really say that we're laughing WITH him, because he certainly takes his music very seriously. And yet, to say that we're laughing at him makes us sound so... mean. So are we laughing at him, or not? williamhung.net quotes plenty of people on this..."William Hung is definitely our American Idol ! Classy, mannerly, enthusiastic - an all-around great guy (unlike ALL of his competitors). He did his best, accepted criticism, didn't attack any judges, didn't have to be escorted out by the police. He left smiling, head held high - ready to take on his next challenge. Let's start giving awards to people for being good, decent folks instead of fawning over no-talent brats who have very poor home training." Trudy, San Francisco "WE LOVE WILLIAM HUNG! "...He may not be able to carry a tune, but he carried our souls to a new level and that is hard to do at this time in Amercia. His brief few minutes on TV will last longer in our memory and hearts then any of the best songs sung by any singer. What an impact!. The show is called "American Idol". He wins. He is the type of Idol America needs. You said it all, charm, grace, and such DIGNITY. I am hoping that in someway he can find out what an impact he has made on America and that he gets rewarded by knowing that he HAS filled his dream....HE IS OUR AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!" You get four stars in my book for courage and going after your dreams..." Beachgirl, Thousand Oaks, CA I'm not too sure I find it amusing actually, I feel more ambivalent toward the issue than I care to think upon - there are so many issues surrounding this: the idea of chasing after your dreams, doing your best, media meanness, reality television and the implications for its 'Survivors', the American public and its fascination with the Other (in this case, the occidental amusement at the Chinese boy who "can't sing, can't dance, what more can I say?"), implicit/explicit racism, etc. I hope he comes out alright after this episode. [William Hung] |
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