::orange breakout::

Four people, six instruments

2012-02-11T09:23:00.000+08:00

And a beautiful song.

Back from an undeclared blogging hiatus

2012-02-05T21:48:00.000+08:00

A couple of days, I was thinking why I've not blogged for quite a while. Is it because I don't have anything vaguely philosophical to talk about? Or do I have no frustration to vent? But as for now, my conclusion is that nobody pissed me off recently. Until today, apparently, because I'm blogging again.

(Because my university education in a school of communication thus far has emphasized the importance of being succinct, I shall use a single sentence to let out all these angst.)

MY life does NOT revolve around YOUR priorities.

Okay, much better. If only those twerps actually read this and know I'm referring to them.

Inverted colours

2012-01-13T17:26:00.000+08:00

A sudden realization: I inverted the colours of my blog and realized that the banner looks kinda cool with the new black and blue colouration.

Anyway, it's Friday, I have no lessons, and I'm hanging out with friends now. (Actually we're playing board games and I'm defeated in this round so I'm just watching them slug it out.)

Ah...

New day, new year

2011-12-31T23:07:00.000+08:00

In about an hour, we will bid 2011 farewell and usher in the new year. What this really entails, I'm not entirely sure. Which is why this isn't going to be a lengthy passage about the past year and what's to come in 2012. Rather, this is just an excuse to show you something cute.

Cute, aren't they?

New Year Mochi Moon Bun Set by ~MoonYen on deviantART

Too good, too good

2011-12-26T19:59:00.000+08:00

Okay, admittedly I'm a fan of NICO Touches the Walls, so I might not be the mot reliable person. But I don't care: it's just plain awesome.

A new game to look out for

2011-12-22T21:08:00.000+08:00

Perhaps the grittiest installment of the Final Fantasy series.

Suck it up

2011-12-16T00:49:00.001+08:00

We live in a dysfunctional world. Complain all you want.

Sold Out by *dinmoney on deviantART

Different views

2011-12-06T21:18:00.006+08:00

Is it that difficult to reconcile two conflicting views?

Is an insistence on being open-minded a close-minded behaviour in itself? To that question, someone said: "How about 'not tolerant of any form of intolerance'."

How true.

(Oh, you can click here for the music video. It's an awesome song by one of my favourite bands, as you probably already know by now. It's the official video, that's why embedding is disabled.)

TAO by Do As Infinity
Lyrics from Cori's Jpop Lyrics

You finish talking about everything
In front of us are two paths
In the middle of our long and painful journey
Our heavy baggage separates into two

If that's so, take the right
I'll keep on believing
We go to the left

Now, the shadows melt into the distant sunset
I will wave both of my hands until you disappear

Goodbye my friend, I won't forget you
I feel proud that I met you
In place of you, the staff of hope
Will probably lead us to the end of the light

I continue to pray for the tears to dry up
Under this distant sky

Somewhere, remember again
That the same rain will surely fall on us

Ah… the cherryblossom flowers flutter
Ah… on the paths that we each dream about

Now, the shadows melt into the distant sunset
I will wave both of my hands until you disappear

Can't break up, can't break away

2011-12-04T17:34:00.000+08:00

Just a very beautiful song with a very beautiful MV that I feel obliged to share.

Happy

2011-11-26T23:03:00.000+08:00

In a single succinct sentence: the exams are over, I got a nice grade for a short film for one of my modules, and I just received my first pay for a freelance writing job.

Need me say more?

(Just realized that, even though Do As Infinity is one of my favourite bands, I have yet to share any of their songs on my blog. And oh, they recently released a new single. Hurray!)

Some updates... my seniors are intending to try out NaNoWriMo, but because it always clashes with the exam period they decided to do it in December instead, and I'm going to join them as well. Even though it's not the official NaNoWriMo, the main aim is still to squeeze out the 50,000 words within a month. It's going to be tough, and I'm a bit nervous about it, but nonetheless I want to try it out myself.

Also, of late I tried out a new game called Spiral Knights. It's available on Steam for free (and it's even Mac-compatible!). Basically, you control a knight and your aim is to delve into the underground network known as the Clockworks and gather energy crystals. It's pretty fun, and I haven't played an MMORPG is quite a while.

It's kinda cute, and the community is generally a rather nice bunch of folks. Because the game features a party play system where you form small groups on the spot and raid the Clockworks. It's possible to go solo, but it's much more difficult. The players tend to be cooperative, so it helps make the game better. Also, you need to expend energy to go deeper into the Clockworks, and you recharge your energy tank gradually, so you won't be able to play for hours on end (unless you're rich enough, in game or in real life, to afford to buy additional energy).

Also... there's this song by NICO Touches the Walls that I just wanted to share. It's entitled 君だけ (Kimi Dake; Only You) and it's really a beautiful song. And it struck me the other day because I was trying to sort out the relationship between two characters in my unwritten short story (yes, it's unwritten still) and iTunes decided to pick this song to play.

Feel good~!

2011-11-24T22:55:00.000+08:00

Because the exams are finally over and done with.

To Pigfarts!

2011-11-13T20:09:00.002+08:00

Many of my friends and schoolmates are going overseas for exchange, holidays, shopping and so on. Even though I have a good reason not to go, nonetheless it makes me kinda envious that they're going to new places while I'm still in Singapore.

So yes, I'm going to Pigfarts.

Actually, um, no. It's just a bad joke and a lame excuse to show you this wonderful artwork. But yes, I do want to travel somewhere. A couple of years back I had the opportunity to visit Germany, and for a couple of hours I wandered around Hamburg alone. It was a really great experience to be alone in a foreign country, with so many new sights and smells. The experience was enough to make me want to go backpacking, take a trip round the globe by myself, with nothing more than a camera and a notepad with me.

Which is exactly why I'll like to share this short story I found on deviantART: Train Under Water by =echelon-maniac on deviantART. It's really a beautiful piece, very well written and all, and I shan't spoil the story for you.

And of course: TO PIGFARTS by ~Knites on deviantART.

"Bittersweet/Hatching Mayflies"

2011-11-13T17:07:00.000+08:00

School of hard knocks

2011-11-02T00:24:00.000+08:00

The most important lessons you learn are the ones you learn the hard way.

I have nothing against learning from negative experiences. In fact, I can say that I've learnt most of what I know from the school of hard knocks, either because I stupidly toed the line excessively, or because things just decide to screw up on me.

I'm not complaining. It's just that I prefer my learning experiences to be less... (for a lack of a better word) dramatic.

Courting the lady of whimsy

2011-10-23T01:23:00.000+08:00

I think everyone has his or her own personal Muse. (At any rate, according to Wikipedia, there are a few different Muses, with each of them having a different domain, such as epic poetry and history and so on. So it's not impossible for there to be many, many Muses for each manner of creative expression.) And I have a sneaking suspicion that mine is one of extreme whimsy and fickleness.

My Muse must be a most whimsical lady. She doesn't come often, and she follows no schedule or pattern. She comes as she pleases, most often in the dead of the night or when I'm away from my computer or notebook (especially the shower). And when she comes, she brings with her entire flights of pegasi drawing carts brimming with inspiration. She'd dump the cartloads of ideas (related or otherwise to my creative task) most unceremoniously and painfully on my head, then leave, laughing merrily.

Fortunately, after working with her for over two decades, I think I know what she likes.

She is attracted to the smell of coffee. Black, white... depends on her mood. She loves chocolate. Dark chocolate. (Of late I have a feeling she loves beer and soju, but I can't be sure.) She likes to drop by when I'm on any moving vehicle, or when I'm in the washroom. She probably has a day job, because she usually comes in the unholy hours of the night. And she probably loves brunch: on weekends, she only comes after brunch.

And she is like one hell of an insecure lover. She leaves for no reason and deserts you, then suddenly returns and expects you to embrace her with open arms, which you do because you need her as much as she needs you (somehow). And before you know it, she's gone again, with only her laughter floating in the gentle breeze.

And I am always waiting for her to come back.

"Sliver of Blue"

2011-10-19T23:40:00.006+08:00

Even though it's just a sliver of blue. Even though it's so far away. Even though you're surrounded by all these clutter and chaos and noise, all these unhappiness.

Because that sliver of blue is still worth fighting for.

Or... is it?

Knite: Sliver of Blue by `yuumei on deviantART

For a few months there's been a lot of unhappiness. It's not just me, but some of my closer friends are also bothered by some issues in life. So over the past few months I took some time to talk to people, observe those around me, and reflect on the root cause of it all.

In my previous entry I talked about the issue of trust. And yes, it is because of our unwillingness to trust that has caused all these unhappiness. We all have different upbringings and life experiences, and so we perceive the world differently from each other. And problems arise because of this difference. Whose reality is correct? Yours or mine? And at times, we cling so stubbornly to our own realities that we're not willing to trust others.

And after a while, things like this happen.

In China, there have been cases of kind people who help others in need, only to have their kindness reciprocated by a false accusation and a lawsuit. An old woman tried to sue a bus driver for knocking her down. Fortunately, he was vindicated by video evidence, which clearly showed that he had instead helped the old woman.

(I'm aware that this video has attracted tons of angry comments about how heartless Chinese are. They're not heartless. They just don't want to be sued for knocking down the toddler. I'm also very aware that all these people have the time to sit in front of their computers and flame the Chinese, and think that they're changing the world with their comments, instead of actually doing something about it.)

The world is imperfect. Very much so. But it is how we overcome all these imperfections that makes this world perfect. Which is why (as I belatedly realize) I like post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels so much. In their world, nothing is functional, so everyone has to depend on each other for survival, for progress, for support, for everything.

And for that sliver of blue.

Except now... is it still worth fighting for?

Enlightenment!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000+08:00

Had the honour of meeting my tutor from a module last semester today in school, and we (plus one of my coursemates) had a little chat. And perhaps the most important thing I took home from this particular chat can be summarized in a single, succinct word.

Trust.

It can be the worst decision or idea ever conceived, but if you trust the person who came up with it, it's not that bad, isn't it? Conversely, it can be the most brilliant plan in the world, but if you have zero faith in the person who came up with it, then that idea is plain bad.

Retail therapy

2011-10-10T01:03:00.003+08:00

Since my previous splurge of $135 (i.e. Cloud Strife with Hardy Daytona), I have gotten myself a couple of new toys. Went out to shop, conveniently threw homework aside, and somehow I feel guiltless. I don't think it's a very good sign, but whatever. It was worth it.

Sideswipe, deluxe class. Pretty nifty, love the arm blades and the feet, although the wheels do make it difficult to balance him sometimes. The head sculpt is really pretty too. All in all very stylish and sleek. There's no photo for vehicle mode because I'm lazy to transform him into his car mode.

(Actually, I had Sideswipe for quite a while already, just that I hadn't taken any photos. But since I just bought Megatron, I might as well do a mini photoshoot for them both, right?)

And this is what I went to buy, instead of doing homework like a good boy.

Megatron, voyager class, in his Mack truck mode from the third Transformers movie, Dark of the Moon. A very rugged looking and imposing vehicle, and for once a recognizable one. Very solidly built as well. Love it. My only complaint is that the vehicle is rather small when placed side by side with Optimus Prime in his vehicle mode.

And for once, his robot mode is symmetrical. The hood is neat, hiding his damaged head nicely. Rather articulate as well and hence quite posable.

And here's the video reviews of these two Transformers, in case you wanna see more of their features.

In that one moment

2011-10-02T04:02:00.002+08:00

You can work and slog your guts out for months, and there's still a chance nobody realizes and recognizes your effort. But all it takes is a single moment, a split second whereby you finally attain your goal. It doesn't matter if your goal is a small or big one. It doesn't matter how many people know about it.

All that matters is that you have made your mark. In that one moment, you have achieved immortality.

Still tired after a long day. A follow up is in order, but before that, I think I'll want to sleep first. After all, it's four in the morning, and it's an unholy hour to be still awake.

Ditch them all

2011-09-25T02:12:00.000+08:00

Why bottle up, when all it does is to fuel more anger?
Why rant, when it's only a temporary outlet for an unending surge of anger?
Why stay optimistic, when it's just a delusion?
Why be cynical, when it's not rock bottom yet?
Why bother, when you're the only one who seems to care?
Why think about it, when something needs to be done instead?
Why take a break, when you can't even rest well?
Why work hard, when it's obviously not going to work?
Why hold on, when it's nothing more than a faded memory?
Why let go, when it's going to hurt even more?

Why hold on to all these useless doubts and questions and emotions, when you can just ditch them all? It doesn't matter anyway, at least not to what you need to do now.

Now, to finally find that damned eraser, so I can erase and rewrite.

Summoning the Muse

2011-09-20T23:34:00.000+08:00

At long last, I think I know how to summon the Muse when I really am in great need of her glorious presence.

Taxi-sick

2011-09-19T23:16:00.000+08:00

For the first time, I got motion sickness on a taxi. Apparently, the driver had been alternately accelerating and slowing. I swear he was trying to get all four of us unconscious so he could rob us or something.

Bleagh.

To all angsty/sad/depressed people

2011-09-17T01:23:00.001+08:00

The world is still a nice and happy place. Don't be sad!

Causality

2011-09-13T00:09:00.000+08:00

Cause: sleep late. Effect: tired.
Cause: tired. Effect: never read readings on the train to school.
Cause: never read readings on the train to school. Effect: readings pile up.
Cause: readings pile up. Effect: stay up late trying to study (but failing to),
Cause: stay up late trying to study (but failing to). Effect: sleep late.

I still have a couple more examples that I can interlink together. Who knew vicious cycles could have forks and confluences too? Oh wait... that sounds damn vicious and insidious.

On a side note, had a major boo-boo today. I could die of embarrassment.

Get back to work

2011-09-03T22:42:00.000+08:00

I guess I did get myself involved in too much stuff at the same time. But now that I've got help, I can finally turn my attention to the things I had to sacrifice. Things like work, personal life, sleep... Sleep is very important.

As a side note, I kinda like CNBLUE's music. Even though they are a Korean band, their music sounds somewhat similar to J-rock.

No, you're not ugly

2011-08-20T10:10:00.001+08:00

You're just under-appreciated, that's all.

Most of the time, 2NE1's songs have a sense of empowerment to them, like I am the Best and Hate You, but this time round... this song seems to go the opposite way, but the same message is delivered, kind of like in a reverse psychology way.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry

2011-08-19T19:04:00.003+08:00

After a double whammy major malfunction, I feel like slaughtering people.

Malfunction 1
Recently, I called a transport company (it's located somewhere in Pasir Panjang) and requested for a driver and a lorry. The company proudly proclaims to be "attentive enough to give the personal service you want, yet sophisticated enough to provide the wide range of services your business require". I told them that I'll need the lorry tomorrow (that is Saturday, August 20) left behind my email address because they said that they would email me soon.

Yea right. They sent me no email, told me no shit, and I had to chase them with a series of calls. And today, less than 20 hours before the time I need the lorry, they fucking bailed out on me.

Malfunction 2
Because I decided to *化悲愤为食量 (convert my anger to appetite) and went to eat. And the dessert stall lady screwed up my dessert.
*This is supposed to be a Chinese idiom meaning: convert anger into strength and do something productive (or something like that), but what I put there is a play on words.

Tell me, what in the nine hells does this look like to you? It has more ice than ice kachang, the same brown syrup as chendol, and the sweet potato and yam cubes of bobo chacha.

And so to the both of you morons, I dedicate this song to you.

Talk to me talk to me talk to me talk to me

2011-08-19T11:48:00.002+08:00

Seriously, it is not my responsibility to keep poking you for a response.

When things go south

2011-08-17T22:12:00.001+08:00

Not that things have gone south for me, but I do foresee a tough semester ahead. Even though I'm taking less modules this time round, I expect a heavy workload, especially since two of my modules are heavy on projects, and I'm taking a theory-heavy module that's starting to look like the bane of my existence.

I also have an inkling that something else not-so-nice is going to happen. Partly my fault; I didn't know that I wouldn't have enough time. A real pity though if that not-so-nice thing does happen.

Still, that's no reason to complain and whine. When things go south, man should laugh.

Be awestruck

2011-08-10T16:45:00.001+08:00

First Cut: Singapore Timelapse and National Day Parade 2011 Fireworks from Repro on Vimeo.

Not by how pretty Singapore can be at night. Not by how the music tugs at your heartstrings. Not by how hypnotic and magnificent the fireworks display is.

But be awestruck by our nation, how we have progressed from a fishing village to a bustling city. Be awestruck by your wonderful and priceless memories and experiences here. Be awestruck by what we have achieved as a nation and what we will set out to accomplish.

In short, be awestruck by Singapore.

(Goodness, I never thought I'd be the patriotic kind.)

Take a walk

2011-08-05T18:56:00.003+08:00

Shining the light into your eyes
Morning has come to start today but nothing matters
Everyone seems to find their place
Everyone seems to have a place where they do belong

You don't want to be alone
But always see the shadow of the moon

Do you feel lost in your place
No one seems to understand your mind
Does anyone care to know what is it that troubles you inside
Do you feel lonely in your heart though everything seems to be right
Take a walk with me away from everything that makes you to cry

Shining the light into the dark
Another day's gone I'm feeling new and nothing matters
Everyone seems to find their place
Everyone seems to have a place where they do belong

You hear the sound of lullabies
But nothing seems to put you into sleep

Do you feel lost in your place
No one seems to understand your mind
Does anyone care to know what is it that troubles you inside
Do you feel lonely in your heart though everything seems to be right
Take a walk with me away from everything that makes you to cry

Take a walk with me now
Take a walk with me now
I'll be your friend, I'll be your friend
Take a deep breath of air
Take a deep breath of air
To clear you mind, to clear your mind

Do you feel lost in your place
No one seems to understand your mind
Does anyone care to know what is it that troubles you inside
Do you feel lonely in your heart though everything seems to be right
Take a walk with me away from everything that makes you to cry

Makes you cry...
Can't you see...
Makes you cry...
Can't you see...

I don't know why, but a good number of songs by Clazziquai have this air of melancholy. And today, this song just connects with me. Indeed, I do feel like going on a trip to somewhere faraway. Alone or with a friend or two... it doesn't matter. I just feel like going away for a while, to drop everything and live life at my pace.

Gear up for the adventure ahead

2011-08-05T16:47:00.000+08:00

School starts in a few days' time, and I need to study harder. I also need to get more modules for this semester so I can clear enough academic units for a less hectic fourth year. I'm handling props for a theatre production. I'm also going to resume work and earn my keep, which I had to sacrifice because of my previous commitments.

Doesn't look like much, but I just don't feel up to it.

Busy, busy, busy?

2011-07-29T20:51:00.001+08:00

As much as I would not like to admit, I haven't been productive, efficient nor hardworking enough to mow down the mountains of tasks that have steadily piled up. Neither do I have the calm energy and patience to slowly sit down and trawl through everything.

Crap. I feel like strangling people.

Lazy Sunday Morning

2011-07-23T12:15:00.003+08:00

Well, it's not Sunday today, but nonetheless it's a very lazy morning.

"Nameless Hill"

2011-07-17T21:56:00.002+08:00

"The night of Yule may be the darkest and longest night of the year. But hold on and stay strong till the sunrise, for the days after Yule will get warmer and brighter."

To those who, at some point of time, have felt as though the whole world has abandoned them, have faith and stay strong.

Nameless Hill by =Ryuuka-Nagare on deviantART

A message to Vollaro

2011-07-16T21:34:00.002+08:00

Upon waking up today, I was struck by a sudden realization that FOC has come to a close. But the various 'souvenirs' of FOC have slowly weaved themselves into my everyday life: my kangaroo puppet is happily wearing the green Vollaro shades, and the camp tee and senior's shirt are hanging out to dry beside my other clothes. FOC itself may have concluded, but the friendships forged, the shared memories and experiences, and everything else we have gained will stay with us for the next four years of university life and beyond.

As the lyrics of Semisonic's "Closing Time" goes: "Every new beginning come from some other beginning's end". Likewise, the end of FOC brings about the start of a new chapter in our lives as the first semester draws nearer. We will be seeing each other again very soon, at the benches, in the lecture theatre, at hall. We'll see each other and fret over schoolwork, camwhore on Photo Booth in lecture, bitch about Canteen B food, and hang out in and out of school.

I hope that we seniors have given you all the bestest welcome to our WKW family, because you guys are the most epic and awesome freshies ever.

Rock on, Vollaro~! \m/

Have fun!

2011-07-09T12:57:00.001+08:00

Because it's WKWSCIFOC'11.

In your face by ~catchthewind213 on deviantART

A cosplay photo, a song, a connection

2011-07-09T00:53:00.002+08:00

I'm really supposed to be sleeping already, but somehow at the very moment before I closed Safari, I stumbled upon this video.

It's a live performance of the song トマト ("Tomato") by NICO Touches the Walls, which is one of my favourite Japanese bands. I particularly like the slow piano opening to the song, which isn't in the album version.

Truth be told, I don't really know why I like this band so much. I mean, they aren't the best band in Japan in terms of their technical skills, but there's something about their songs which just connects with me, even though I generally don't understand the lyrics (my Japanese is still quite horrible as of this moment). I can't really explain it, but it is a certain feel that is attractive in its own unique way.

I actually came to know of this band through some amazing cosplayers on deviantART. The cosplay photo in particular is Broken Youth: Shinken by *behindinfinity, based on a Naruto ending theme, Broken Youth by NICO Touches the Walls. (I don't even watch Naruto, by the way!) Long story cut short, one thing led to another and before I knew it, they became the band with the song with the top number of plays on my iTunes. And that is an achievement, considering how I had Gorillaz exclusively on my playlist for at least two whole months.

Well, whatever it was, I'm glad I got to know of this band.

Anyway, WKWSCIFOC'11 starts in a few days, so for about a week, I'll be out having fun in the sun. (And if you've noticed, my blog's banner has changed again.)

And now, I really need to go and sleep.

One more week...

2011-07-04T23:07:00.001+08:00

Or rather, less than a week to WKWSCIFOC'11.

It's amazing how time flew by without me even noticing. First main committee meeting, then canvassing, Senior's Camp, and now the real thing. It just feels so... unreal, how we're suddenly on the final countdown to FOC itself.

Whoa.

And, on a side note, just before any major event, I have this rather emo and introspective mood, which makes me suddenly prefer more emo sounding songs. I had this song on loop for a really long time on the way home today.

Firefighting

2011-06-28T01:26:00.002+08:00

After everything screws up on you, you start to get used to the world hating you. An average of two major malfunctions per day over at least two weeks makes you believe that.

Then, you think over it rationally, and you realize that, dammit, your perceived bad luck is nothing more than a slippery slope. Something effs up on you, you divert attention away to settle it, and then you don't have the energy or the mood left to put in your best effort after all the insane firefighting.

Conclusion: I need to up my firefighting skills. Because I am so going to need it.

Enough with the angst. Here's an upbeat song by 2NE1: Lonely (Reggae version).

"Replay"

2011-06-27T02:25:00.003+08:00

Two in the wee hours of the morning, and you're in a relaxed and calm and introspective kind of mood. And then a song you've never heard before comes along, and somehow it just connects with you.

Screwed up

2011-06-25T02:10:00.000+08:00

Just came back home not too long ago from a rehearsal for a school event. I'm involved in the organizing of the event, and so I was really busy over the past few days, making sure everything I needed to prepare was prepared, and finding enough contingency plans in case things go pear-shaped.

Which they kind of did, unfortunately. In fact, there were too many mistakes and issues I overlooked, so I'm feeling a little down now. While one of my friends commented that "better that things go wrong now than during the real thing" (or something along those lines, because I cannot recall her exact words), it still doesn't change the fact that I screwed up. But I acknowledge her point and worked to turn the situation around, since the damage was already done.

(I'm actually not sure if it's really a serious mistake, or I'm too hard on myself. And I'm also not sure if I prefer it to be the former or the latter.)

It's only after the incident is over that you realize what you could have done better, or what you shouldn't have done. The only comfort you can ever get is that, at that moment, you made what you thought was the best decision, and that you should never regret it because you did your best.

"Stereotypes"

2011-06-24T00:12:00.006+08:00

Every one of us believes it
That we stand out from the crowd
But we want to be accepted
Don't want to be the odd one out
When i look around, it seems so crazy
Everybody leaves it, it's so lazy

It's so illogical, almost hysterical
'cause in the end we're all stereotypes
As individuals, we're invisible
'cause in the end we're all stereo, stereotypes
Stereotypes

However much we all deny it
We can't escape the way we're seen
Where all you find and we can fight it
But it's the way that it has always been
We're all put in boxes, it's too easy
Nothing's ever gonna change, believe me

It's so illogical, almost hysterical
'cause in the end we're all stereotypes
As individuals, we're invisible
'cause in the end we're all stereo, stereotypes

And we all take the easy way out
We're all guilty - the judge and the jury, somehow
Stereo… stereotypes
Stereo… stereotypes

It's so illogical, almost hysterical
'cause in the end we're all stereotypes
As individuals, we're invisible
'cause in the end we're all stereo, stereotypes

It's so illogical, almost hysterical
'cause in the end we're all stereotypes
As individuals, we're invisible
'cause in the end we're all stereo, stereotypes

Stereotypes
Nothing's ever gonna change, believe me
Stereotypes
Stereotypes

Conspiracy?/Legendary sideburns

2011-06-14T03:24:00.007+08:00

I'm not really sure why, but sometimes, when I think a bit more deeply into something, I can't help but feel that it's a conspiracy. And a rather foolproof one, too. No, wait, don't mind me. It's just a random idea I got after overhearing a really loud conversation on the bus.

As a side note, as my ICT date looms closer, I can't help but worry that I will have to snip my hair to schoolboy length. And there goes my legendary sideburns. Though not as legendary as this:

Momiko by `JohnSu on deviantART

"Cassis"

2011-06-08T21:35:00.006+08:00

A cure...?

2011-06-02T12:46:00.001+08:00

I think I have found the cure to an age old problem I face.

I get bored easily, and I feel better having something to do constantly. (Once in a while, I just slack off and daydream, and I'm perfectly fine with that as long as I don't do it for days on end.) While this isn't an issue normally, I tend to get 'withdrawal symptoms' after completing a major medium-term goal (such as revision for exams). I would slack off, then find no motivation to do anything for the next few days. Unfortunately, it's happening right now after Senior's Camp, but I might have a remedy to that.

I need to find manageable tasks to occupy myself. (Crap, I sound like a workaholic, even though I abhor work, which I define as anything I have to do that I don't want to do.) And yes, I do have lots of stuff to do. Mountainloads, to be exact, and I honestly haven't found the energy to break them down into small bite-sized bits.

And thus, I prescribe for myself:

Chocolate and play: to keep myself happy. Chocolate has an additional effect of boosting physical energy, while play helps burn time.
Green tea (or coffee and milk tea, though less effective): for an energy boost. Green tea aids in boosting focus and concentration as well.
Planning in advance: helps to break down work into manageable portions.
24/7 entertainment (in the form of music and instant messaging): makes work more palatable, and enjoyable tasks even more fun.
Hot showers: for that much needed break. Showering is most effective in revitalizing the self and getting away from work, mentally and physically. (Running and exercise will help as well, plus I get to end it off with a hot shower.)

Looking at the list, it actually looks possible. I shall see how effective this cure is.

Off for Senior's Camp~!

2011-05-29T22:22:00.003+08:00

Just a quickie... Will be off for Senior's Camp for the next two days, so see ya'll when I come back. Senior's camp is sorta like a trial before the actual FOC (freshmen orientation camp), where we try out games and stuff and have fun in general.

In case you haven't noticed, I've also changed my blog's banner slightly to reflect this. (The man under the tree ain't there now and won't be till I come back.) In future, my blog's banner may change to reflect certain holidays and festivals, or key events. I may put in festival decorations, or like in this case, make a minor change. It'll be somewhat similar to how Google changes its logo on certain days, and it'll serve mainly as a status update.

Right, that'll be all for now. Gotta pack my bags and prepare for the camp ahead. =D

Running men~!

2011-05-27T23:25:00.007+08:00

Not too long ago, I found myself starting to enjoy Korean music. And now, I think I might start watching a Korean variety show.

It's called Running Man, a variety show whereby the hosts and guests compete in missions related to the landmark they are at to win Running Balls, and the team with more Running Balls win the episode. I watched one particular mission, and hilarious barely qualifies as a strong enough description. In fact, you must watch it, because I cannot describe just how entertaining it is. Oh, the subtitles are in Chinese, so pardon me if you can't read.

Seeing beyond the crossroads to the road trip ahead

2011-05-18T15:55:00.003+08:00

Every now and then, I find myself back at the same crossroads.

This semester has been one hell of a roller-coaster ride punctuated with many belated realizations. I always thought that I knew roughly what I wanted, and I knew just enough to navigate through the uncertainty of the future. Well, I have to admit, it isn't a huge surprise when I realized I had never quite settled down on a direction.

Despite giving many "you've gotta find a direction" lectures to my friends, I guiltily admit that I am the same. Fiction writing was always my first love, although it has to take a back seat as a hobby while I pursue my education. With the support of close friends, theatre nearly overtook writing, although everyone's passions seemed to have faded as the curtains closed amidst thunderous applause and tearful embraces and unspoken gratitude. Music began as a passion before it slowly claimed its place as an integral part of my life; I cannot live without my music. Yet, I never learnt the guitar, because I could not find anyone with the same music tastes to perform with me. Not everybody loves J-rock, and I've accepted that long ago. Advertising was a compromise between everything: the birthing and nurturing of a story concept to form a full advertising campaign, but for some reasons something was holding me back. Filmmaking had been an ambition once, dismissed because of the technical skills required. My course of study has offered me the knowledge and equipment and support required to explore film-making, not as an amateur, but as a student and would-be-professional. Should I seek this path and pursue an education in broadcast and cinema studies? Broadcast opened a new door as well: I found myself enjoying the process of mixing sounds and creating a soundscape for a radio drama.

I recall this period of time where I wanted to just drop everything, take with me a pencil and notebook and a camera, go backpacking around the world, and write a book about life. An oddly unambitious ambition, but nonetheless it has stayed with me ever since the impulse to do it struck me.

But what is it that I truly want? Do I want a career in filmmaking or sound design or advertising? And if so, which aspect of it would I go into? And how would I balance that with my love for writing, seeing that I do want to make writing more than a hobby?

For now, I have no answers. I never had one, and I never came close to finding one. But I guess I'm fine with that. Maybe it's alright to not see anything more than an arm's length ahead, because life's never about finding the destination. Maybe I should drop everything and go backpacking, in a metaphoric way. The ベストプレース ("Best Place") isn't anywhere else. It's the road beneath your feet.

Hello, once again

2011-05-14T16:53:00.007+08:00

Because it's too much of a hassle to go somewhere else, I am back here, with a new blog banner, a new design, and a new direction. That said, I promise to quit posting strange, cryptic one-liners, because I guess you're bored of them. Besides, this is a blog, not Facebook or Twitter.

I'm in the middle of my exam period for now (and yes, I'm actually designing a blog banner and not revising), which will end on the 20th this month (that'll be Friday). So at the moment, there won't be that many entries till I bid the exams farewell.

Of late, I'm being affected by a Korean wave. It all started from 2NE1, and before I knew it, I'm hooked on this song by BIGBANG. So here it is. Enjoy.