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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008
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2:34 pm - Off to the land of smiles!
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In a few hours time, I will be on my way to Bangkok with Carol. This trip has been a long time coming. Can't wait!
It is time for us to.... UNLEASH THE SHOPPING MONSTERS IN US!!
Muahahaa!
Hopefully we can meet up with Denise on Monday after she finishes classes in her Uni at Pathumwan.
Friends who have asked us to help buy stuff, we can't promise everyone. Apologies if we can't get what you want but we will keep a look out for the items. There is so little time and only 2 pairs of hands. In fact, we realised that we have more items to help friends buy than for our own shopping! *sweat drops*
We came up with a shopping 'battle plan'. Shall have to see if we can execute it! lol
We'll just try our best and see what we can grab lah ok? :)
We will be back on Tuesday night.
Sawasdee Krup, Thailand!
current mood: excited current music: HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR - Hot Limit (TMRevolution cover)
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| Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
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4:09 pm - Returning to the 90s
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Went for my haircut at Orchard Point yesterday evening. The hairwash seat was killer. The backrest hahad s a vibrating massage feature. Shiok man! Ehh Chun, tell you already. Orchard Point better! lol.
After I was done at the salon, I headed down to HMV at Heeren. I was there for a good 2 hours, checking out new albums and sampling them on the CD players. It felt like going back to my poly days. Back then, I would travel down to Tower Records (Pacific Plaza) or HMV myself whenever I felt like it and spent hours checking out music. Whenever any friends I was suppose to meet turned up late, I could always while my time away at either music stores until they arrived. It was often "Ok. Just look for me at Tower Records." No probs.
I still remember going to HMV with Ming quite a lot back then. We'd sometimes pick up a Jpop/Jrock CD at random and buy it without even sampling the CD. We went totally by our gut feel. Most of the time, the CDs turned out to be great buys. There was also a time I bought CDs at HMV so much that I regularly redeemed free CDs for completing the stamp cards. Yes, that was how much I spent on CDs. Whenever I was broke, it was because I bought too many CDs. That explains the amount of CDs I have at home lah lol.
Come to think of it, I guess it runs in the family. My parents bought many cassettes (we had drawers full of them) when I was a kid. If the tv was't turned on, the stereo would be blasting music at home. I was ermm... merely carrying on the 'family tradition' lol.
Naturally, I felt kinda nostalgic as I roamed HMV on my own yesterday. It felt like I was going back to the 90s. I realised how much I miss that kind of freedom and joy in discovering new music.
Eventually, I left HMV with Sodagreen's album going at only $9.90 and Dir en Grey's latest album.
current mood: nostalgic current music: Trivium - Shogun
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| Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
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11:59 pm - Comeback performance
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Watching SPEED at their comeback performance brought a smile to my face.
No more of the high pitch shrieks and simple jumpy dance moves. Looking more mature and with slicker dance moves.
Welcome back, Japan's biggest girl group ever. Better than ever. SPEED.
:)
current mood: satisfied current music: SPEED - Ashita no Sora
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| Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
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10:38 am - Lots to edit and book shopping
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Managed to borrow Dad's digi cam cable as Carol couldn't find hers. Upon transferring the files over to the laptop, I realised that I have over 200 pics to edit and upload! *sweatdrops*
That is only ONE DAY worth of pics man lol.
I reckon it's gonna take a little while. I'm only half done with the editing.
Heading out to Borders now for book shopping with the Library teacher in charge. Couldn't convince her to go to PageOne ley. Oh well. Next time then.
[edit] Book shopping trip postponed to next week.
current mood: peaceful
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| Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
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11:44 pm - Burning out
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Working practically 12 hours every other day is finally taking a toll on me. On top of that, I have to deal with numbskulls from 'up there' who have brains located in their bums. All eye/mouth power and inefficient buggers. Drives me up the wall man.
I came home today feeling like shutting out from the world for 48 hours so that I can don't give a damn about anything and just recuperate.
But alas, work beckons again tomorrow.
I do apologise if I unknowingly appear unfriendly to anyone today. I'm just... damn fucking tired.
Watching SPEED's reunion song did make me feel a little better though. Another 3 more damn rehearsals and the actual performance on next Tuesday, then I'm going to start planning to clear my leave.
Thank goodness that the girl guides are such angels to work with. Full of energy and initiative. Or else I would've collapsed by now. How ironic it is, that students who are 2 decades younger have more brains, initiative and are more efficient than those 'people up there'. *rolls eyes*
I can't wait for end November to come. Bangkok trip feels so far awayyyy!
All right. I'm hitting the sack. Good night world.
current mood: exhausted current music: Marilyn Manson - Eat me drink me -11- Eat me drink me
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| Monday, October 27th, 2008
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10:09 pm - A happy place, destroyed by one man
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I may have been away from the company for almost a year, but I am still in tune with what is going on.
It is very sad and disappointing how just ONE person's influence is dividing everyone. An influence that divides people and causes discrimination is bad influence.
That influence is also causing some whom I have known to be humble and simple living people to splurge and over-indulge in superficial material things.
Honestly, ask yourselves. A good friend will tell you frankly and help guide you to a smoother path. Would you consider someone a good friend if all he does is to spread bad vibes around, cause division amongst everyone and influence you to spend money like water?
A bad influence is like a disease. It spreads like a plague and soon enough, it will suck everyone into the black hole, destroying everything.
It is up to YOU, to make a stand. To stand up and have your OWN opinion. Think about your life and not follow a bad influence, thinking that everything is all right.
Please. Stop and think the bigger picture. Life is more than just a whole load of rah-rah diva-like glam. Don't fall into that vicious cycle. You do not have to follow the rest if you do not think it is right.
If that virus is there to break people up, then it is obvious who should be leaving the place.
I sincerely hope some of you read this. If any of you take offence in my words, then I guess I hit a raw nerve. It is about time for you to reflect and look at things from the bigger picture.
It still hurts me to see the unhappy and tired faces of those who have made the place full of cheer and happiness back then. I hope to see a happier aura around when I drop by the next time. I really hope so.
Let's put the smile back into the place, for EVERYONE. I always believe in one for all and all for one. Leave no man behind.
current mood: discontent current music: Marilyn Manson - They said that hells not hot
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| Sunday, October 26th, 2008
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11:49 pm - Vanished dream on a Sunday afternoon
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I took a nap this afternoon and had a dream. I seldom slip into dreams when I sleep, so this is a rare thing.
So anyway, I had this dream when I was napping. I dreamed that I was writing a song with the band and this very very catchy melody came up. I wanted to immediately wake up from the nap so I can record that idea down or something, but my damn body refused to allow me to get up.
So by the time I woke up, I clean forgotten about the melody! *slaps self*
A song idea just vanished like that lol.
Anyway after the nap, Carol and I decided to take a walk down to Queensway Shopping Centre. My intention was to buy a vest, but the one I was interested in had no sizes. Damn shop don't seem to cater to tall people. Damn it! Can't tall people get some nice clothes too? lol.
Ended up buying a pair of cheap $9.90 flip flops instead. Just as well, since my usual pair (POWER brand slippers which I wore since 1998!) is finally giving way.
We were rather amused by the gay staff when I was choosing my pair of flip flops. We've got nothing against gay people. Just that this guy was well, rather entertaining with his way of speaking and hand gestures lol. Great customer service too, even when I was just buying a pair of cheap slippers. 2 thumbs up!
I bought Arch Enemy's Rise Of The Tyrant album too. Came with a DVD. I watched it and was rather amused by how this guy dug out Ace of Base and ABBA CDs from the members' bags lol.
Had a rather relaxed Sunday to rejuvenate. Tomorrow shall be a day of curry feasting. YES! Happy Deepavali to all!
current mood: amused current music: Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal
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| Friday, October 24th, 2008
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2:46 pm - Another whirlwind of a weekend
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Last weekend, the band joined a Japanese song competition for fun. Somehow we won the band category and went on to bag the top prize for the overall grand finals.
Funny how things somehow fall into place nicely when you go in with a carefree and "just do it lah!" mindset. :)
It was tonnes of fun and I felt very very thankful to friends who came down to cheer and shoot photographs for us. I could really hear you folks from the stage. You all ROCK!
We have put up pics and videos up on our LGF Facebook page. If you're not on Facebook, what are you waiting for? Register an account already! We are damnnnnn active there. Especially the Spam-your-Facebook-with-comments Chinese Girl, Regine lol.
Oh and our LGF blog is updated with lots of new stuff and new layout too. Go check it out!
******
A little ranting here. Feel a need to air some thoughts and observations I've had in my head for quite a while.
I wonder why do some people put so much focus on exterior and material things. Having lots of fancy gadgets/clothes is great. But that does not make one a better person and it surely does not really impress me.
Why do some people spend so much money on things that they cannot afford just so that they can look all impressive and 'glamorous'? Is it very difficult to simply live within one's means? All that material stuff is just a facade. How long can one impress people with an iphone or some branded bag?
I've got nothing against people who splurge on high end garb and expensive gadgets. If you can afford it, then by all means. It's good for the economy too. But if you can't, then just get on with it. Is it that difficult?
Then there are people who are so pretentious, it makes me want to puke. Seeing people carrying balls and blatantly stroking egos for others with ulterior motives (to get something out of others) just disgusts me.
Yes I know, that is the real world out there, some may say. Call me stubborn, but I strongly believe that if one works hard and treats people around him sincerely, things will somehow fall into place. There is no need to stoop down so low.
I'm not the kind who can put on a fake smile and act all chummy with people I don't like or feel disgusted with. I'm sorry if I'm that stubborn. I just can't bring myself to do that.
When I can sense the pretense in someone (which I can smell from a mile, really), I would practically treat that person as transparent. Yes, it gets pretty obvious but I can't help it.
current mood: thoughtful current music: Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone -04- Psychosocial
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| Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
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10:13 am - Exhausted but all worth it
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Squeezing a little bit of time in office for a quick update here.
It was a whirlwind and memorable weekend. The compilation album launch was loads and loads of fun. Most of us suffered from aching necks, backs and ringing ears. All the hours of preparation, recording and all. It was all well worth it. I can't thank friends and all enough for coming own to support us and the bands. Of course, huge thanks to the folks at The Enigmatic Army for all the hard work put in to make the event a success.
All the pics and FLOOD of comments (we are going to break Facebook records at this rate! lol) are up on our LGF facebook page. If you are not in Facebook already, what are you waiting for? Join lah!
Oh and if anyone who couldn't attend the gig for some reason but is interested to purchase the album, it can be purchased via the Release website. I'm still checking if it can be purchased via other modes. Please buy and support ok? :)
On another note, there were also some things that I saw which was really quite a put off to me. I am rather disappointed and disgusted by the irony and pretense of some people. Oh well. I think I shall keep the negativity side of things aside to prevent more complications, at least for now. Sometimes it feels suffocating that I can't really say it out though. *sigh*
Going to be a hell of a week. Lots of rehearsals, camps, excursions and all for the students.
Mon: Worked 7am to 7pm. Tue: 7am to 6/7pm. Wed: 7am to 6pm + 9pm to midnight at camp in Yishun. Thu: 7am to 6pm + overnight students camp in Yishun. Fri: Back in office directly after overnight camp + staff meeting Sat: Jamming + band competition. Sun: Band competition (finals, if we get through)
It's only Tuesday and I'm already feeling damn exhausted looking at the gruelling schedule ahead lol.
Oh and another 2 'Amazing Race' excursions at the S'pore Flyer next week. It will be my 4th time there. I think I can be a tour guide there already man lol.
All right. Back to work. Gambatte!!!
current mood: exhausted current music: Sound of students noise outside the office (recess time lah)
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| Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
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12:14 pm - A quickie
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Been so tied up with things everyday, this blog is already covered with cobwebs.
Trying my best to balance music, work, family, gf, friends and all. So far so good, though on some days I just feel like going "fuck it!" and sleep through the day without giving a damn. But that's just a fantasy lah. Life has to continue moving.
One of the things I've been busy with is preparation (jamming/recording/photoshoots) for an upcoming compilation album release with the band. We will be having an album launch gig at Home Club on 11th Oct. Check out the details here. Do come down for the gig and buy the CD k?
I forsee Nov and Dec to be very busy months as well, in terms of the music side. But it's all good. More than happy actually. I'm looking forward to get down to it already!
Oh and I have got to practice on the cajon I bought more too.
Another thing to look forward to: Bangkok trip in Nov with Carol. :)
Eat and shop til we drop!
current mood: excited current music: LGF - Zhe Yang De Wo (1st mix)
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| Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
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7:22 pm - Memorable quotes from Drum Fest 2008
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These are not the exact same words that they have said, but I've basically put the gist of it into my own words. :)
From Mr Q, who plays drums for Jay Chou and Powerstation (he spoke in mandarin of course).
On the topic of recording and performing for Jay Chou: "I don't have to think or plan much when I play for Jay, as he pretty much has fixed ideas for everything in his music."
On the topic of the most challenging concert he has played: "Emil Chau's (Zhou Hua Jian) concert. It lasted almost like 4 hours. We started at about 8pm and ended around midnight. It was the physically most draining concert I have played."
On the topic of studio recording: "It is very important to have good communication with the producer and bandmates. Listen to one another and be open to ideas."
*****
From Teddy Campbell, drummer for American Idol's house band.
On the topic of how he manages to learn and remember thousand over songs in 2 weeks: "I don't remember songs anymore. I read them."
On how he got into drumming: "I was born into this world by God to play music."
On how he developed his drum chops: "I used to play 4 times a week in church service. What we played got the people dancing. I must be doing something right if the people are up on their feet dancing!"
*****
From Sy Smith, backup singer for American Idol and big time singers such as Whitney Houston.
On the importance of using her own equipment: "I always bring my own microphones to gigs and recording. Different microphones for different gigs. I have one for jazz, another for pop and so on. That is very important. Have you ever seen a guitarist or keyboardist going on stage without their own instrument?"
*****
From Storm Large, finalist in Rockstar Supernova (the rock singer version of American Idol).
On the topic of still performing at age 38: "If you believe and have passion in something, keep doing it. Don't give up something that you love doing. Everything will fall into place somehow, someday."
On the topic of fame: "I don't believe in doing music for fame. Even before Rockstar (the reality show), I had a career of singing and performing going on. Rockstar just helped a little more people recognise me, that's all. People who can't sing but do it for fame are just.... URRRGHH! Britney, I'm talking to you!"
On doing warm-ups before each gig: "It is very important to do warm ups before each gig AND cooling down after each gig. Cooling down is just as important. I used to just down ice cold water thinking that it will cool me down after a gig. But a vocal therapist told me to imagine an athlete who downs cold water immediately after a run without doing cooling down exercises. It has more bad effects in the long run. The same thing applies for vocals."
On stage presence and understanding movements on stage: "Even when you are having a bad day... The moment you step on stage, you have to tell yourself that "I FUCKING RULE THIS STAGE". Use the stage like you have been there all your life. Knowing the songs well also helps you plan when to do what (jump, run etc) and when you can catch your breathe."
On her favorite drink in Singapore: "I drank this Aloe Vera drink by chance. It has pulps in it. I fucking love it! Can anyone tell me if I can bring a carton back to the States or something?"
*****
From Arthur Kam, the young M'sian who won the recent Modern Drummer Worldwide Undiscovered Drummer 18 & Under Category.
On how much he practices each time: "I don't count the hours. I set out to achieve certain goals when I practice each time. It is not the time spent, but the goals achieved each time."
*****
From Brandon Khoo, local drummer who plays for Ang Moh Pai (they did the soundtrack for 881 and 18 Lotus), and drummer for The UnXpected band.
On how he developed his chops: "There are no short cuts. Just keep practicing. Start slow and build it up."
On how he applies his metal influences to the pop music he plays: "I'm just confused!"
******
From Johnny Rabb, the master of live Drum & Bass music played with live instruments.
On how he gets sound ideas: "I get them from anything and everywhere. Don't be afraid to experiment."
*****
There are still a lot more inspirational words and advices from the artistes from Drum Fest. Enjoyed and learned so much in 2 days.
Unfortunately, this might be the last ever Drum Fest. The organizer lost LOADS of money for doing 2 years of Drum Fest. Kudos to Tan Boon for the 2 years of hard work. Well, at least it was awesome while it lasted. :)
PS: Pics taken at Drum Fest are in my facebook. I took pics with Storm Large too! Hilarious lady.
current mood: thoughtful current music: Storm Large - Ladylike, Side One -02- Ladylike
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| Sunday, September 7th, 2008
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9:02 pm - Song dedication to you!
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| Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
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10:34 pm - Had a bad day at work?
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No matter how bad a day you have at work, please do not resort to doing this.
I have only one word to say...
OUCH!!
******
We had the folks from MOE HQ answering our queries and doubts in class on Monday. It was great that we could clear some of our doubts on the 'grey areas' especially since our EDA position is a completely new one.
What really bugged me (and many others in the class) was how a few kept asking questions like "how long should our lunch break be?", "can I do this? can I do that? must I do this and that?" and a whole lot of questions that were really redundant.
I don't get it. We get lots of flexibility to plan our time at work, and here we have people asking about the nitty gritty specifics. Wah lau eh! Cannot use own initiative and brain to decide what is best for themselves meh?
Career Q&A sessions are meant for useful and intelligent (although this is rather subjective) questions. Like what are the career paths and possibilities etc. Not questions that one can easily find out from their own supervisors and colleagues back in school.
The beauty of our job is due to the nature of our role, we get to plan how our own approaches, working style and timetables at work as long as the work gets done. Honestly, if one wants very fixed timing for everything, this job is not for them. Go work 9 to 5 in an office or something.
No wonder people are laughing at S'poreans for being such rigid people. *sigh*
Some of us were hoping that those officers who took down notes during the Q&A session won't do things to alter our work flow and schedules! *fingers crossed*
current mood: amused current music: Tourbillon - Break the Chain
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| Saturday, August 16th, 2008
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1:52 pm - The beautiful people
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As some will already know, I'm in the 2nd week of my 4 weeks course for my job. I'm having a ball of a time with my course mates. A hilarious and fun bunch of EDAs (Education Associates). Full of fun and laughter in class everyday. We look forward to seeing one another in class each day!
We decided to hang out at Starbucks after class yesterday. I have to say, that was probably one of the most hilarious 3 hours I have had in my life. I don't remember when was the last time I laughed as much and continuously for 3 hours!
The 'lame' riddles and jokes shared. There were all different races. Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasians and Caucasians. We were cracking tonnes of racial stereotype jokes at one another and laughing at them together.
That to me, was the most beautiful thing about this group. Everyone is able to laugh at ourselves irregardless of whatever race and backgrounds. Everyone is easygoing and share a common passion in wanting to help kids.
The chemistry and bond that this class has is incredible. We are already dreading the day when we finish the course! lol. But we told ourselves we are going to organise gatherings and get involved in activities together as a whole after this course. We have even elected a chairman, assistant chairman, treasurer and secretary so we can get things organised even when we don't get to meet regularly. We want to be able to have peer support when we are struggling in our own schools.
We will make EDA batch 2 the BEST group of EDAs ever. We will bring the best out of our kids. Long live EDA 2! :)
******
Try out this personality and self awareness quiz if you have time to spare. It only takes a couple of minutes.
This was one of the tests I did during my self-awareness module. Apparently my score was 54. Hmm I can be rather impulsive sometimes, which I am aware of even before doing this test. This test reminded me that I need to continue to keep my impulsiveness in check. Most of my classmates fall within the 40 to 50 range.
So what is your score?
current mood: happy current music: Plainsunset -01- Johari Window.
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| Thursday, August 14th, 2008
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9:56 pm - A late night commotion at the MRT station
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As I was on my way home late last night, I noticed some commotion at Commonwealth MRT station. There were many police cars and Civil Defence men at the station. The train on one side of the platform was stalled. Carol and I were wondering what was going on, but we decided not to waste time checking it out.
Then when I reached home, the curiosity somehow got greater. I wanted to know what happened at the station. I remembered seeing a SCDF man carrying out a stretcher. So I reckon it wouldn't be any case of bomb threats.
Then I decided that since I was not in the position to find out what was happening, I decided to call up Channel News Asia to give them a news tipoff. I reckoned that the journalist might just be able to find out what happened there.
I listened to the news on the radio and scanned through the newspapers today for anything related to the incident. None at all.
Then I scoured the net and viola. I found this. Can always depend on the 'resourceful' (or kaypoh and bitchy) hardwarezone people to put it up.
That led me to think, why is it not covered in the news at all? The first couple of such incidents were covered, but apparently the subsequent few were hush hush. Hmmmm... A case of media whitewashing?
On the lighter side of things, I found this as I was going through that particular thread in the forum.

SMRT Man to the rescue!
I wonder who was the wise guy with this 'brilliant' idea. Probably got inspired by the legendary VR Man lol.
current mood: indescribable current music: Soulfly - Conquer -09- For Those About To Rot
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| Monday, August 11th, 2008
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11:32 pm - My mother - the judge
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Mum walked into my room while the television had Superband on. She commented: "What the heck are they singing? All like anyhow shout only. Even I can tell that they are all singing off key."
Then she left my room with a half-annoyed frown on her face.
That was coming from a person whose only contacts with anything music are the radio and her weekly Kbox sessions with friends.
What more need I say? lol.
current mood: amused current music: Soulfly - Conquer -04- Warmageddon
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| Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
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10:10 pm - Burning out - almost
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It's only midweek and I'm already feeling totally exhausted. Getting more cases and responsibilities at work. On top of that, not forgetting the admin side of things at work. Reports, lesson plans etc. I'm even starting to bring work home sometimes, which is something that I try to avoid as much as possible.
Got to start replying to all the emails to re-schedule whatever meetings that I am supposed to attend but I can't, as I will be away on course for 4 weeks. Need to clear the left over admin work too. Seems like everyone is assuming that I will be around...
Can't wait for the well deserved 4 weeks break away from the hustle and bustle in the school. Looking forward to go learn some new things and take my mind off work a little.
Whenever colleagues tried to get me involved in cases/projects coming up, I sometimes I felt the urge to reply them: "Fuck this! I'll be away for 4 weeks. I don't care!"
But of course, that thought only stayed in my head lah lol.
All right. I badly need some sleep right now.
current mood: exhausted current music: Sex Machineguns - Dokumamushi
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| Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
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10:34 pm - Malmsteen joins Sex Machineguns!?
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That was the first reaction when I watched Sex Machineguns' latest video.
Their new guitarist bares uncanny resemblance to Malmsteen. Same plump round face, hair and tight-suffocate-your-balls pants. Heck, he even uses a Strat guitar, like Malmsteen.
I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw the new guitarist in the band lol.
Oh and look out for 3:58 in the video. Sex Machineguns never fails to give such funny surprises. Must be Anchang's crazy ideas lol.
current mood: amused current music: Sex Machineguns - Shigotonin
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| Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
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3:01 pm - Failblog
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My currently fav website to visit when I'm bored shitless these days is Failblog. Some hilarious stuff there.
My fav so far has to be this video of Failed Mascots lol.
current mood: lethargic
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| Monday, July 14th, 2008
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9:12 pm - The long lost one...
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Eons ago, during my Polytechnic days, I lost my entire Great Teacher Onizuka VCD boxset in the computer lab. I really loved the drama. G.T.O was easily my fav J-drama of all time. I've been wanting to get a replacement set for ages, but the stores here just don't sell it anymore.
( Well, guess what? )
current mood: enthralled current music: Cherry Boom - Qin Ai De Wang Zi
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