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If only it was true that the results are releasing soon. Rumours have been spread from last last friday, to last Friday, and hopefully the last piece of information that it is this coming Friday would be true.

Not that i am very eager to see the “fabulous” results that i am hoping to get. It’s more of the 1 day off that i can get away from NS to collect my results and once again return back to school to visit all the has been all over again. The band, teachers, landscape and memories that was left and kept there.

Hopefully everything goes well, hopefully. Getting into the desired course is the ultimate goal right now, which it definitely has to come along with good grades.

This blog is starting to rot, seriously rot. Whenever i have some thought than i want to pen it down, i would tell myself that i will share it when i get home. But it seems that whenever i reach home, my brain would be so switched off that i forget what i initially wanted to say.

If only they allowed Laptops in camp, which they didn’t forbid just that the chargers are prohibited.

If you are wondering how’s PNS life is like. You’ll get what i mean in a couple of sentences below. Some of the things which we did the last week.

1. Watched a soccer match between Home United and Dalian Live at Bishan Stadium
2. Went for a Heritage Tour
3. Enough time at night to sleep and wake up to find that it’s not lights out time yet.

Well, of course i’m not complaining that it’s too slack in there, or rather it should be rephrased as most of the time we’re wasting time. But if time are being utilised properly, they could have well shorten the training period from 3 months to 2 months. Now that my batch has training for 4months plus, which makes the thought of this even more unbearable.

NS is a whole new disruption to the life for guys. Looking at your female friends of the same age entering University, while we are still serving the Nation. Completely switched off mind during the 2 years period and then back to books again. There are pros and cons to it, but the pasture at the other side always look greener and more delicious i have to say.

This is what has been spread around, and it seem pretty true looking at the state people around us are. The post NS syndrome, which makes people look older than they seem to be. With more serious look, and mature thinking… *shrugs* How true it might be, you determine it yourself.

But still, i want to be myself. The change might be gradual as we start to take on more roles and responsibilities after we pass out, and hopefully it’s for the better.

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Yesterday marks the last day for Prep Course, where it is a phase to train up less fit people like me to be geared up for Basic Police Training (BPT).

It’s really rather fast, that one month is gone just like this. Though it’s officially one month, but the actual days that we spent there are only 3weeks or so, thanks to the many holidays during the period and weekends.

We survived Prep Course, more things are coming up in the week up ahead.

1. Law Lessons
2. PSOC Lessons
3. PDT Lessons
4. Swimming Lessons
5. Range
6. More IPPT..

Well, i guess we’re more or less starting to get accustomed to the kind of life we can expect in HTA. In such cases of situation, there’s no point sighing or grumbling about the wastage of life and time there. More complaining and cursing will not make the situation any better.

My piece of true advice would be that to take things in your stride. Regardless of SAF or SPF, i believe it is only through these mindsets that smoothens our 2 years path in NS. We’ve got to accept fate that it’s the path that we all have to go through as guys under the Enlistment Act to serve the National Service for the Republic Of Singapore.

It’s interesting in a sense that when we’re starting to get used the life there, all the punishments and stuffs, we don’t get so uptight about being punished and scolded. Somehow i guess the instructors are too tired and can’t be bothered to scold and nag so much already, unless it’s some major faults and errs.

To sum up my first 1 month there..

5 most hated words/phrase

• to the left/right on your palms down
• heads out
• fall-in
• confinement
• “unlimited counts of jumping jacks, exercise begin”

5 most loved words/phrase

• ” Squad, Keluar Baris”
• Last count and still
• walk-out
• lights off
• POP

I tend to let my mind run real wild when i’m in camp. Thinking back about the different stages of life that we have walked through.

In Primary School, we always found P.E sessions too short and insufficient.

In Secondary School, we dreaded physical training, but loved the games that we can play then.

In JC, PE was one of the most hated lessons.

…

But all these were still not as bad as Physical Training (PT) in NS. Like one of the instructors said, back then in school it was Physical EDUCATION, now its TRAINING, different, period.

As true as his words meant, the discipline level is definitely much much higher. More endurance and determination would be required. No more spoon feeding and pampering.

-

Also, teachers once tell us to put our fingers on our lips, to make sure we keep quiet. In NS, it’s about the same, just that the action of putting the finger on the lip is replaced by push-up positions and jumping jacks.

In the past, we were not allowed to run along the corridors, if not the prefects will write our names down in the pathetic blue notebook to report to the teachers.

In NS, we’re expected to run everywhere, from this destination to the next. How we wish we could reverse the conditions and the situations around.

Contrary of Life..

-

I was bored and tried to login to NYXCHANGE LITESPEED. Apparently, it doesn’t recognise my IC anymore :(  I’m an expired student.

Cheers!

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Happy New Year Everyone!!

It’s the brand new year all over again, like just waking up from your cozy bed, and finding yourself stepping to another realm of the world.

Based on year count, i’m 19 this year. the BIG 2 is only around the vicinity already. Though it’s just a matter of a year difference, it’s starting to gain a whole lot of impact for me, and the friends around me. Especially our pockets.

The transportation fare’s going to cost a bomb, it more than a 100% increase. Now a trip to HTA would most likely cost $2+, with the train service and the feeder bus service.

Like Carol said ” Welcome to the Single Beep World”

or

Daowei : “Please remember to TITO” (Tap In Tap Out)

Looking at the past year, the events and happenings around me. It has inevitably moulded my own character and carved my ideologies and way of thinking.  The exams, the competitions, the stress and everything. Hopefully, it has strengthened my will and determination to handle with things, to becoming more successful.

I’m a little starting to miss school life, it was only 1 year ago, at this exact instant where i guess most students are fretting on their uncompleted holidays assignments , coupled with the excitement of meeting friends again, and new challenges in the upcoming new year.

Though it might sound kind of bizarre to some of you who are still schooling out there, you will understand when you are in the same side of the shoe as me, or the rest of the people in my batch.

I so want to go back to school, why not i pay a Secondary School Kid a 100 bucks a month and go back to school, enjoy all the rates and treatment of a 15year old kid.

Sounds great?

The cheap canteen food, the allowances that our parents are providing which cushioned our path in search of knowledge,  concession charges for almost everything for students. I would gladly do the exchange.

-

Back to reality, stop complaining..  You’re no longer a student!!!  Act like an adult, especially when you are paying for it’s fare.

As boring and aimless 2008 might prove itself to be, but some of the things i want to accomplish and hoped for could probably be.. not in any order of importance..

1. Gold for IPPT
2. Decent A Levels results, for me to enter ICT
3.  
4. Achieve a good posting upon POP
5. Better health and fitness for all family and friends around me
6. and the list goes on… ( as time passes due to the unpredictably nature of 2008)

This post sounds more like a complain post to me.. on second thoughts, i think it’s not so much of a ..

“Happy” New Year.. nothing much to be happy about?

pull your own ears instead

Enjoy 2008 folks, while i silent myself for the next few days and get back to more trainings.

Did i mention that i passed my IPPT? So no confinement for me..

It’s not a crime to be fat, stupidity can lead to more crime due to the incapability to make correct decisions. People from PES Bp can pass IPPT too, so guys in my squad, if i can do it, so can you.

All the way!

Cheers,

2008 and beyond..

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Alright, my grandmother’s been admitted into hospital again, period.

Its the almost 3rd of 4th time since she has visited there a few years ago , mostly due to diabetic conditions of further complications leading from diabetes.

Sometimes i really feel that old people are bunch of stubborn people, they refuse to heed the advice of people and carry on with the unhealthy dealings they are doing.

Take for example my grandparents, they folks know clearly that they are not really in the best of their health, yet they continue to eat all the most unhealthy food they can find.

What’s worst, my grandfather smokes, even with past records of heart and lungs problem.

What exactly is their problem i don’t get it, really i don’t.

Its not that i am trying to dampen the relationships between them and me, or try to be an unfilial grandson. The fact that we provide them with the best information and advices for them to lead a better life ahead, they just can’t get it into their head.

What’s the joy of scrimping every cent of them they have, only have to suffer the pain illness, which is going to cost even more money still.

Why can’t they understand that it is not going to implicate themselves but also the people around them. I can see my dad these few days, running topsy- turvy to and fro the hospital to visit my granny.

Well, its definitely the responsibility of a child to take care of their parents when they age. But do it have to end up this way where one is lying on the bed, while the other by the bedside looking after?

I guess what’s best is to get them to live healthy NOW!, yes now, before its too late. I’ve seen too many cases of illness due to persistent unhealthy lifestyle and i would not wish that to strike on any of my family members.

Its not a case of denying the role and responsibility of a child, but think of it. Wouldn’t it be good for both party if both can enjoy the bliss of family happiness without much suffering pains and trouble.

You guys get the punt?  

You never know what’s going to happen in due course, start early and reap the good karma in the long run.

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Well, I’m currently in the AMKSS Band Room, using the ingenious method of obtaining wireless connection using the school LAN Ports.

The dreadful exams have finally ended like 2 days ago for me, and somehow the feeling is just a block of emptiness in my mind, though i have tons of stuffs that can keep me accompanied with.

The life in Nanyang was a swift one, in a twitch of an eye, its all over. Reminiscing the early days in there where i practically hated everything there, the school , the system the band, the people and stuffs. But i had to succumb to fate that NY was truly my school and i’m going to spend the rest of my 2 years of pre university education there instead of AJ, though ii am quite glad now that i have made the right choice that is more suited for me.

After about 1 and a half years there, though short, but still something that had left an impact in my life and will be remembered through the memory lane in the later part of my life.

 Some of the nitty gritty things  that i will probably miss..

• Chasing the 133 Bus from my house’s busstop.
• Sleeping in the library with 0603guys during breaks.
• The hell load of fun during the PW period, where we gamed more than we worked.
• The tremendous amount of tutorials AK would throw at us.
• The criticism and sarcasms of TJW.
• and a the list goes on and on…

Now that exams and schooling is officially over, its kind of weird doing things that we don’t usually do in the past, or for the pass few months and weeks.

I was lazing around the bed the other day, then i suddenly had the thought that i was supposed to like not waste my life around but to revise through my notes and stuffs. It was only then i realised “hey man, alevels’ over, exams’ over”. Its not like a sinful thing to just lie on the bed, looking aimlessly on the ceiling, unlike the past.

Its a breakthrough from the monotonous life that we once walked on, going through the same procedures over and over again everyday. Waking up and heading to a fine destination to mug, and then back home.. SLEEP.

After the 12 years of education, this is like the biggest transition in life. To get into the workforce and serve the nation(for guys) and stuffs. This is the point where it marks adulthood. No more concession fares for students, be it on buses, gyms or swimming pools. I guess the burn in our pocket is just going to get bigger when January 1st strikes.

Congratulations to Bio Students which apparently just finished their last paper.

Till then

Happy Holidays

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Here i am once again blogging at MacDonalds, taking a break away from the overwhelming ageing population policies.

This would probably be the last time i would be here overnight as my papers resume on Tuesday. As what i can feel on myself, persistent mugging and having the owl lifestyle is nowhere beneficial for health. Funny health symptoms starts appearing and thats when you know that your body is telling you 

 ”hey.. time to give me a break ! “

I’m starting to love geography more and more. Its getting more and more comprehensive as i start to delve more into it.

Geography, as scary it may seems on the part of memorizing, is one of the subjects that i feel that can change the way one think and be of great use if life even if your future career doesn’t depend on it.

The content of geography is so down to earth that its all around us, just that we do not really  bother about the causes and effects unless we really go into the studies of it. It’s everywhere.

Looking back at the time i had spent in JC, it suddenly struck me that i actually learnt so much things in the course of 2 years.

Ranging from volcanoes to river floods, atmospheric conditions and hazards like global warming, cyclones and drought.  As for the human aspect, the economical globalization of the world, the changing demographic patterns of societies and the development of cities in urbanization. And all these is just for geography only, not forgetting other subjects like Math, Economics, Physics, GP….

As hateful i might depict JC life to be in my heart, but truly i feel that there aren’t much educational levels that allows student to absorb so much things in a mere 2 year course.

Though it has its own set of complains that people raves about that the stress and workload level is unbearable as such. Its probably some of the sacrifices that we have to put in for  education.

So, for those who are contemplating whether to embrace JC life or some other institutes, ask yourself if you are ready for college, and whether is college ready for you. Are you prepared to put in the extra effort and sacrifices to go thru the arduous 2 year course.

It’s almost inevitable to suffer setbacks and emotional states during the course of 2 years, its part of the growing process that makes you a stronger person, being able to deal with more challenges in the later part in  life.

I have reached the end of college life in a blink, its fast, especially this year when events like SYF and other stuffs just take up all your time that one wouldn’t have much time to think about other things other than school most of the time.

For those who are still hanging on to college, continue and bear with it! Its halfway thru the journey and not worthwhile to give up just like that.

-

Its the society that we are living in, the level of competitiveness we have for one another. Its the harsh fact that however friend we might be with one another (your counterparts), we are still competiting!

Was having a short conversation with Deborah in the afternoon, who she is now mugging for University exams. I cannot imagine myself, having to go through all these all over again in like another 365 days if i make it to Uni. Very glad, very, that there is NS to tide me over and give a break to studying. Hopefully that the brain wouldn’t turn rusty.

This is reality, the reality that in order to step into society with more glam, we need qualification, a mere piece of paper. What do we want to achieve in the over decades of educational life we go through? Paper?

Is it really that we want to achieve, if that is, i think it’s kind of sad. What is the main motive in life that is actually keeping us going..

We shall look for the answers ourselves, if we ever find it.

The reality is this, paper it is.

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Is Singapore way of efficiency getting into our way of life. I certainly think so.

Right now, I’m still feeling sore about the incident that happened this morning, where the issue of efficiency comes into the picture.

I was at the coffee shop savoring my bowl of fishball noodles, when nature called on me. Due to the fact that i was alone, i placed the chopsticks and spoon in a neat way on the bowl, indicating that i’m not done with it, as there’s still like 1/3 of it left in the bowl.

BUT.. When i came back, my bowl of noodles was gone.. Yes, GONE! I’m sure i took less than 2 minutes, its was definitely done in a jiffy. But its gone. At the very instant, i was feeling so @#$%^&*( about it. I had to spend another 80cents on a piece of pancake of fill my full.

Is it really that big a necessary to clear the plates and dishes the moment i leave my seat, or is it that there is also some kind of competitiveness in clearing plates in the coffee shop, where each one of them have a certain quota to meet at the end of the day, like 100 plates, in order to maintain their rice bowl.

There’s competition almost everywhere and at any instances on this small island call Singapore. Where here i am, competing with 10 over thousands of Junior College Students for the entrant to a University, probably the guy that’s beside me now is competing with another 62billion people out there for a job.

The way our society has brought us up to till today has made is such that competitiveness is inevitable and it has been integrated in our daily life. Just take the library for example. All libraries in Singapore opens at 10am. I decided to try my luck for a nice studying place there, and knowing the exam period, there’s bound to be a high influx of muggers making their way there right before the opening hour to secure a place there.

But, to my dismay there was a whole lot of people when i arrived there. Its really illustrates the rat race in the society really well. The moment the doors opened, it seemed like it was the treasure cave in the Ali BaBa story, everyone stormed in grabbing any (treasure), in this case, seats, that they are able to get hold of.

Any step slower than the rest and there goes your chance of studying in the library. Fortunately, i managed to get a seat, by being a typical Singaporean, dashing up the stairs when the door opened.

Thats the reason why I’m here at Starbucks coffee, my favorite hunt once again. I don’t even have to make my orders, the coffee maker just smiles at me and asked me if it was the usual, and headed on with the coffee in my tumbler.

Great ain’t it?

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I happened to see this piece of news feed on my desktop. It was such a influential issue that the news made its way to the international dashboard of the BBC News.

Singapore’s parliament has voted against a proposal to decriminalise sex between men, despite receiving a petition signed by thousands of people.

The plan was part of a wider reform of sex laws, many dating from the British colonial era half a century ago.

The chamber passed a bill legalising oral and anal sex for the first time, but only between heterosexuals.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the government did not consider gays to be a minority with minority rights.

In a rare speech to parliament, he said Singapore was a conservative society, and he wanted to keep it so.

Tuesday’s vote means Singapore’s anti-gay law 377A remains, although prosecutions are rare.

Under the legislation, a man caught committing an act of “gross indecency” with another man could be jailed for up to two years.

BBC, Tuesday, 23 October 2007, 23:45 GMT 00:45 UK

As commented that there has been petition signed by thousands of people to relax the gay laws that is enforced in Singapore, does it imply that there is a increasing increase in the number of gay communities we have in Singapore, or is it just that Singaporeans are getting more open with such relations that they do not mind having such people in our communities.

One of my teachers did mentioned before, if we take a look around the world, like for example places like Paris and Vienna, where the culture of Arts flourishes. In would be almost inevitable to find great musicians or artistes that are indeed homosexual. Many would arguably say that it is because of their homosexuality that leads them to producing such great pieces of work.

Such incidences can also be seen in the local communities, just that the magnitude is much lesser, that people who have higher order of creativity, or artistic sense tends to be more “exquisite” in the way they carry themselves.

Also, not forgetting our famous Singer Elton John and actor Leslie Cheung.

So, in Singapore’s attempt to promote and develop Singapore into a arts hub, would such a bill that’s passed hinder its process..

To a certain extent yes, but the fact still remains that the Asian Values that is running within the majority of us does not see homosexuality as an an act of decency. Moreover, the thousands that have signed the petition would probably be the minority that well could accept them.

Probably in another 10 or 20 years, where more Americanization sets place in our society, it will then be more appropriate as people becomes more liberal with homosexuality.

Just imagining yourself, a heterosexual, living in a society full of homosexual or even bisexual. How would you feel?

In my personal take, i think such acts are rather unpleasing. I was at Starbucks when i saw 2 ladies, one dressed like a butch, but still unable to conceal the fact that “he” is female, with another lady. They were smooching each other with high acts of intimacy. Certainly not something that’s well-liked by the public i guess. They could at least made it a closed-door affair or share their love for each other in private. Not somewhere where they will be seen and scrutinized by people.

God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. So lets just stick with it and not mess up the wonderful love and relations a man and woman can achieve.

Cheers!

For heterosexuality

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Spending the last few hours of the day before going to sleep packing clothes is surely one of the most arduous task to complete. Was bugged by my mum to get some of the old clothes that i haven’t been wearing out of the cupboard to give it away to some less fortunate and people from the more backward countries.

I knew it was going to be difficult, considering that i do have A LOT of clothes. As i begin packing, there were many of them which i had never actually seen or wore before. To make a decision, whether to keep or to give away, these are some of the criteria that i take into considerations.

1) The clothing quality

In my take, the top priority on the list would be comfort. I hate clothes that makes me feel uncomfortable wearing it, i think it defies the whole purpose of wearing them. Why bother so put on something that will make you feel uneasy.

Also, clothes that are too old have to be taken off the shelve. Remembering that there will be newer ones to replace them.

2) Branding

Well, if you think I’m not the materialistic kind of person, then think twice. Somehow, the brand of clothes that you wear tells another story about yourself when one walks on the street. People do notice about the type of shirts you are wearing and judge you just by it. Though the saying goes.. “Never judge a book by its cover”, somehow its just not applicable here.

Most of the time, good brands come with good quality material and design. So, its a hit for three. Why not?

3) Design

You’ve got to admit that some shops do sell clothing that has pretty good and interesting, though they are not very branded or popular. Its just another personal feel, when the designs look good, why care so much about the brand. Though the quality and material of it still stands.

4) Sentimental

Some clothes you just have to keep them, not because its nice or whatsoever. Its just the priceless value behind the piece of rag that is deemed treasure in the eye of the beholder. Some of them would include the old class t-shirts, or band t-shirts. Its definitely something that you can’t just pick it up from the stores, even with the purchasing power to do so.

So, my criteria seems to be rather strict aren’t they? But somehow.. Whats left is still massive.

The Reason: I do have really loads of them.

My sources of clothings are huge. I have relatives and friends that contribute to them, my dad who never fails to get Adidas’s merchandise from India everytime he visits there (he’s coming back soon), also some by me myself and my mum.

Sometimes, i do wish that i can have multiple bodies, so that i can ever finish wearing all of them. I think at this rate, i can afford to wear one every single day, without replacing them for at least 2 months.

The problem lies when there are some which are considered to be favourites and is more frequently worn than the others, resulting the others to be neglected and forgotten.

My wardrobe has exploded. I would invest in a walk-in wardrobe next time, if i ever own a house of my own. Something which will look like this..

More picture..

The stacks and bags of clothing that is going to leave Daryl soon. May you find a better owner, or find a better purpose in life. Maybe as a rag or something, rather that lying in my shelves collecting dust.

The leftovers, though its still a lot.

Yes thats so much of clothes i have.

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Recently, actually not recently, quite long ago, MSN launched their new messenger, called the Windows Live Messenger. This launch is with conjunction of the new Operating System Microsoft has came out with the Windows Vista.

Few months back, they forced users(like me) that were using the old MSN Messenger to get the new update, if not they would not be able to sign-in. I had no choice but to abide by it, though i knew that the new program would have a high consumption of RAM, furthermore i had to open 2 messenger accounts due to the fact that i had 2 accounts. Blame it on them that they restricted the number of people that one could add to a number of 250 contacts last time, due to the exploding number, i had to open another account.

Overtime, i realised that the RAM consumption is really too high and my system is unable to afford it, thus making me switch to Trillian, a third-party MSN Messenger client where i can sign on multiple MSN Messenger on extremely low RAM usage. However, Trillian is not without its negative sides. It is less appealing visually compared to MSN Messenger and that there were many functions like sending of files, Web Conference, and writing options that were void from Trillian which were once a favorite for me.

Today, i managed to get away from things and a breakthrough from the restriction.

I got hold of this article where by there are MANY others out there which shared the same sentiments as me. The love for the Old Version of MSN Messenger. Now i shall share with you guys how to get hold of it, if any of you all want to do the same.

First, download the old version of MSN Messenger. Its available here .

Second, you got to uninstall all other newer MSN Messenger on your system.

Third, install the file which you have recently downloaded.

If you want to patch the Messenger, with stuffs like ads removed and polygamy. Use A-Patch.
You have to download the correct version. Which is the MSN 7.0.0820 version.

Then BINGO! You will have your “new” MSN Messenger. It will defintely make your system less lag if you are not high on memory. Especially for people like me who opens loads of application on the go, this will give your system a boost.

Enjoy the “new” look on your MSN.

Good nights.

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Share something that i have recently heard from a master somewhere, to take you away from the boring daily dosages that i have been writing.

The 5 pillars of life.

These 5 pillars of life are indicators to make someone a better person. It is definitely very general, however it covers a great aspects of life. It is important that one lead life through these pointers to make him/her a better person. It is almost impossible to follow and perfect all of the indicators. If you can, then you would be saint already and not be here reading, trying to be one.

The 5 pillars. Not in any order of importance and priority.

1. Be a good son/daughter of your parents.
2. Be a good student of your teachers.
3. Be a good follower of your religion.
4. Be a good citizen of your country.
5. Be a good friend of your friends.

1) Parents are the people that bring us to life. Furthermore, their role does not just end there, they have taken the extra mile and bore the responsibility of nurturing us to useful people in life. Hence, in my own point of view filial piety should be the most important and it can come in many forms. It may not be just speech recognition or materialization of life. It might be the small nitty gritty things in life that actually shows the true heart and feelings.

2) Teachers are the bearer of knowledge, hence as important as knowledge is in life, the carrier of it should share the similar amount of significance. Though some teachers might be overbearing at times or not showing the correct attitude in teaching, but still we as students we got to acknowledge the fact that it is only through them that we are able to get wiser and more learned.

3) Religion is something which i believe can craft character out of a person. As long as the religion is orthodox and it does a greater good for the society. To strongly believe and be a good follower of the religion you are in, it will ensure that the path that one takes and actions one does it rightfully accounted for.

4) The country is like a nest for its people. By being a good citizen of your country, it is just the gratitude one can show for the country for accommodating us all these years. Being a good citizen can exists in many forms, which some include obeying the laws and being considerate to the people around us, and also not make oneself be a social hazard.

5) Friends are people around us that we can’t live without. They provide the support both physically and emotionally to one which others in the family cannot give. The companionship friends give in times of need, by lending a ear or shoulder is truly remarkable. You won’t really feel it until you desperately need it.

The above are just a rough guideline to follow to becoming a better person in life. I have to admit myself that i ain’t no saint myself, hence constant self reminders of these easy guidelines would be great in daily life, especially when making a difficult decision or in a dilemma.

If you have something which you think is too an important pointer in life. feel free to share by leaving your comments.

Thank You.

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When we were still young, we could play all day without worrying about work.

When we were still young, we could make mistakes and be expected to be forgiven.

When we were still young, we want to grow up quickly.

When we were still young, nothing seemed to trouble us.

When we were still young, day passed by slowly.

When we were still young, we stayed in class after school everyday.

When we were still young, we envied the grown ups.

When we have grown up, we missed our past.

Band Perth Trip 2003

Racial Harmony Day 2/1 2003

Last day at 2/1

2/1 X’mas Party

Thousand Hands Statue @ Sentosa

4/2 Graduation Day 2005

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Have you seen this new vehicle on the road?

Yes indeed, this is the new fleet of bus models presented by SBS Transit. It does really look pleasing both in the interior and the exterior.

However, do you know what’s the special traits of this bus that other models of such doesn’t posses?

Bingo! This is a wheelchair-accessible bus. Meaning that they are slightly wider than most other buses in Singapore, also they have a nice position at the standing area for the wheelchair-bounded. There is also a special bell built just for them.

So, how many of you out there have truly seen someone in a wheelchair board such buses. Let me share my experience.

I was at YCK Bus Interchange waiting to board bus 76, there was this wheelchair bound lady also waiting to board bus service 76.

Alright, here’s the start of story..

When the bus arrived, the bus captain had to refuse entry to passengers who are boarding the bus. Just in case there are people who do not fatefully tap their EZ-Link card without someone keeping an eye on the machine.

The captain then had to open the door at the rear, and manually deploy the ramp that enables the captain to wheel her up the bus. After that, the captain will situate her comfortably in a nice and safe position in the designated area.

Then the captain had to assemble back the ramp and allow entry to the other passengers. The whole process takes about 1-2mins.

Thats for the entry part. When the lady wanted to alight, she would press the “special” bell, which sounds different from the norm.

Upon stopping, the captain would then repeat the whole process again. Refuse entry, deploy the ramp…

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This whole thing might not seem as good as it is deemed to be.

Firstly, if its the peak hour. The number of passengers on the bus would be high, which makes it difficult for the bulky wheelchair to maneuver around.

Secondly, the time taken for the whole process. Imagine you are rushing for time. I bet you would curse and swear.

Thirdly, due to space constrains, it only allows 1 wheelchair.

What i think of this is that, the biggest barrier for these physically handicapped people would be that they think of themselves as a burden to the society. Even with the new arrangements, they might still feel ostracized.

I guess its all about being considerate and tolerant to the people around us. In order to make Singapore a more gracious society, these are the efforts that we have to put in to make things come true. Maybe we should have more people like Sebastian and Poh Boon around.

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Thanks to Glenn’s recommendations, i have a new spot for running; the MacRitchie Reservoir.

All along, I’ve know that place to be a great place for Cross Country. But now, I’ve truly understand and experience the joy of running there. Its really a perfect place for running in my point of view.

After all the kind of places I’ve ran at; roads, treadmills, track, park, sand.. By comparison, MacRitchie is really awesome.

• Firstly, the air is superb. High oxygen level with little pollution. Eases running and reduces chances of bad breathing. Unlike roads and parks that are near the road and with inconsiderate people smoking.

• Secondly, the heat. As mentioned in the first point, the high level of oxygen makes the air cooler. With addition, the canopy of the tall trees makes heat difficult to penetrate through.

• Thirdly, the terrain. There are many upslope and downslope route, which makes the run more challenging and interesting. Also, the land is gravel and some soil and stones. This gives the run an extra push as one has to concentrate in order not to fall.

• Fourthly, the routes. There are many different kinds of paths and routes that one can take upon reaching there. There’s the HSBC Treetop Trail, the Jeultong Trail, and many more. The furthest one is the trail to Bukit Timah Hill, its 11KM. Thats my target for the week and the upcoming or so. With these different routes, running can never be interesting enough. There are also nice scenery and interesting creatures like squirrel and monkeys around for you to spot them!

• Fifthly, the MIND. As mentioned by WaiSze, this is an important X-Factor that determines the journey. One doesn’t tend to give up easily while running there because of the yet to reach destination.

I managed to complete about 4KM in the trail, and the journey back home with Glenn today. It’s time for him to increase his training at Bishan Park before hitting back there again, all the best.

A word of caution, for those intending to run the trail. It is best that u leave the trail to the main road by 1845. If not it would be terribly dangerous as there are no lights in it and it will be pitch dark. Surely you wouldn’t want to get lost in it do you?

Run with a watch and keep track of the time especially if you are running in the late afternoons. Best is get a partner and not push one’s limits when its getting too dark.

So, anyone want to join in the trail?

Till we meet again,

Happy Belated Children’s Day (Gerald’s Birthday)

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In the recent months, there has been a new fad, the new fad about doughnuts. Mind that it’s doughnuts, not donuts. How long will this trend follow on, we don’t know. But one thing we know for sure is that in Singapore, it won’t last real long. 

Recall back the craze of bubble tea and luohan fish, and you will know what i mean.

Some histroy and tales about doughnuts

• Tale #1

Captain Hanson Gregory whose mother sent him off to sea with– what else?– fried pastry (also known as doughnut now). During a violent storm, Captain Gregory needed both hands free to man the wheel of his ship, so he impaled his doughnut upon the top spoke of the wheel, thereby creating the center hole.

• Tale #2

A more likely explanation is that the center of the pastries had been notoriously hard to cook thoroughly. They usually ended up a doughy, oily goo. By punching a hole in the center, more surface area is created, therefore allowing for faster, more even cooking.

 It’s all up to you to decide in which one to believe in

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What i feel that is appealing to the customers are the way Mr. Doughnut dresses up himself. Other than the orginal icing sugar, chocolate and rainbow rice coats he has, now he has a brand new wardrobe of coats to choose from.

Interesting coatings include tiramisu, oreo cookies, strawberry, ceral, cheese, wasabe, and the list just goes on and on.

However, the fact that it’s still a doughnut remains as it is. It’s just made from dough and just adding of toppings on the surface. Though i can’t rebut the fact that it is indeed more appealing and tasty, but the truth is that it’s making it more unhealthy.

Just imagine the amount of sugar that u are consuming from each doughnut, not forgetting the carbohydrate from the leading actor. Also, some doughnuts do contain trans fats which makes it even worst.

So, despite these, why are people still queuing up hours and hours for them. I guess the main factor is still the way it presents itself to masses. People now do not buy them individually, most of them buy it in dozens. Just to have a huge array of varities of doughnuts to choose from. Its too definitely sweet, really “sweet” to recieve such gifts from friends as such.

The few powerhouse for doughnuts in Singapore are Munchy’s Doughnuts and Doughnut Factory. I tried e-doughnuts and it doesn’t really taste that good, its too sweet. Munchy’s a good deal i thought after trying some bought by my cousin for birthday. (The picture is in the post of “Birthday Bashed“)

One way i would reccomend in eating doughnuts if it’s not straight from the oven would be that by heating and toasting it up in an oven for about 3mins. Do remember to thaw it first if you have left it in your fridge. The doughnut will taste just right, with the outside crispy, inside soft and tender. Most importantly with the chocolate topping melting as it reaches your mouth.

So, the bottomline would be that enjoy your doughnuts while its still trendy and available. Not consuming excessive amount of them, which will eventually jerpodise your own health. Exercising can make the deal less sinful too.

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