Sunday, 12 February 2012

Last Week of Fuck-All

Sometimes, I wish that I had been given a character creation screen. You know, like one of those video games where you can cherry-pick all aspects of your character. Things like facial features, body type, hair, ethnicity, special skills, special flaws, superpowers and so on. Then I could've chosen to be a cyborg. Looks perfectly human, but with a processing chip, not a fucking heart. A cold, logical, machine. No emotions, no morality, no complexities of life. Just logic, reason, and a goal. It would bloody well have made my life easier. I mean, I'd probably be the perfect bloody Terminator, if you remove all my flaws and my emotions. It's a pity, then, that I never got to that screen. All I got was the randomizer. Just like everyone else, really. No point complaining about it. But sometimes, I wish.

Last week of school. Apart from the exam. I'm ignoring that. Most tiresome semester ever. Probably to blame for the high blood pressure. Too many fucking idiots. I'm one of them, sometimes, so don't go crying about language, or moral high grounds, or painting people with the same brush. Who the fuck ever came up with that line, anyway? Painting people with the same brush. It's not like anyone would literally do that. Bloody waste of paint.

Where was I? Right, too many fucking idiots. Yep, I meant that. And if you're reading this and wondering hey, did he mean me, then what the fuck do you think? But there's light at the end of your tunnel. I hope it's a train. End of the semester, I'm gone. Finished. What passed for a casual acquaintance, and was probably just a vindictive rivalry, done. I'm removing you all from my life, as you would probably want to do to me. Let's not piss around. You lot think I'm an arrogant bastard, and I think you're worth less to the world than the sticky, decaying gob of pink gum I found stuck to my shoe that one time, so don't pretend to be anything else. Rather not see you again for as long as I live, however short that is. Or long. Doesn't really matter either way. In the grand scheme of things, it never does. And yes, the list is long and distinguished. Just like my Johnson. Make of that what you will. Or not. You probably didn't get the reference, did you, you lilliputian-brained slime-sucking imbeciles.

And if anyone wants to call me out on all the aforementioned statements, you can't take a fucking joke, can you? Fuck you, and go fuck the yeti you rode in on.



Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Whatever Happened To Saturday Night?

And along with it, 2 years of my life? I sure wish I had some of it back. But I guess that it's time to start yet another chapter, and sign off on the last one. Sometimes I wonder, what would our stories all look like in a library. Whose would be in the funny section? And who would be a tragedy? Or perhaps we're all doomed to be simply, non-fiction.

The last 2 years in CMM have been well spent. Granted, I wish I could have said some things different, and done some things very different, but sadly, I am not a Time Lord. Besides, the year has been kind. Granted, I've gotten into a scrape or two, and probably cheesed off several people, but I seem to have turned out relatively alright. And was I really all that scary in first year? I find it hard to believe when people tell me that. I sure don't remember walking around with a scowl on my face all the time. But if I did scare people off, my bad. Sure didn't mean to.

Time for internships! To quote my partner in crime, my job involves [CLASSIFIED CONTENT], which means I get to [CLASSIFIED CONTENT] most of the day, which involves [CLASSIFIED CONTENT], and also [CLASSIFIED CONTENT] which I find remarkably enjoyable. I could tell you what I do, but then I'd have to kill you. Heh heh.


But honestly, the new job looks like a blast. The dress code rocks, too. Jeans and polos completely normal. A bit overdressed, even. I shall bring my windbreaker, just to look semi-formal. AHAHAHAHAHA. The only issue I have at the moment? My lack of expertise with Final Cut Pro. But that can be remedied, I think. A quick call to Mr Awesome Guo, and he shall impart to me his 1337 technomancer powers. Failing which, TO THE INTERNET!


It's my first day on my own, and I miss everyone so badly. It's like when I turn to my left, or right, I expect to see one of the guys, up to something stupid again. Or one of the girls, happily discussing how the guys are always doing stupid things. Today's just Monday, so just imagine how bad it's gonna be tomorrow, on what used to be Broadcast Day. Or Thursday, once Multicam Day. And Friday, when we all went Radio Gaga.

Jrrx 0, Lrne 1. Lbh fng arkg gb zr va gur pbzchgre yno. Ze T jnf tvivat bhg fpurqhyrf, naq qbvat vagebqhpgvbaf. Jr gnyxrq. Lbh jrag guebhtu zl jnyyrg. Jr qvfphffrq gur zbivr gvpxrg fghof lbh sbhaq va gurer. Jr ynhturq. Zber gnyxvat. Zl urneg fxvccrq n orng. Jvfu V fnvq zber.

Sunday, 13 February 2011

Dilemma of the Day

Okay, so tomorrow is Monday. Not too bad, I can deal with that. I mean, not too much happens on Mondays, right? Hit the gym, clean up, head to school. Triple C classes, lectures, then go home. Not too complicated.

Hang on, it's February 14th tomorrow. That means... ERIC CLAPTON!!!! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, Slowhand himself is in Singapore! And I have a ticket! OORAH!!

But it's not just Clapton Live Appreciation Day tomorrow, it's also Valentine's Day. Even at this late hour, I'm torn on whether or not I should get something for the girl I'd like to be my Valentine. I mean, I was hoping for some kind of courier service to deliver a bouquet, but there are none, and I'd rather remain an anonymous admirer for now (with oh-so-stunning alliterative skills).

Also, I don't want to make my feelings absolutely obvious, as there is the huge chance of making a right fool of myself in public. For some reason, I am given to flights of romantic fancy from time to time (blame those Austen novels I read when I was a kid), and might say or do something incredibly stupid/sappy/embarrassing. Hell, I even wrote a poem and made a card for her, but scrapped it after reading it through. I might post it on this blog next time, when I am drunk as a judge. Like that'll ever happen.

Oh, and I'm scared that if anything goes wrong, I lose a friend as well. Or friends, as the case may be. Word travels fast in my course. If only life was as easy as a book or a movie. Or perhaps a box of chocolates. That's it! I'll get her some chocolates! Hang on, maybe she doesn't like chocolates spiked with liqueur.

And of course, there's the complication of my dear classmates. I suspect some of them know what's going on, and are prepared to hang as much shit on me as they can, if I make any moves this time. And here I was thinking I hide my feelings pretty decent. Ah well, c'est l'amour. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.

Tuesday, 11 January 2011

Adaptation or Institutionalization?

Right, it's been awhile. Lots of stuff happening, and the holiday train simply flew by, with little to no interest in stopping to let me on board.

New term's been a heavy hitter so far. Deadlines and commitments are piling up like there ain't no tomorrow, and they've no intention of slowing down. At times, I really hate our subject leaders for how (badly) they planned it all, and then I remember that they are in as much of a pickle as us. There are of course exceptions to the rule, but I name no names. I will however say that I absolutely detest Triple-C at the moment. It teaches us nothing, the person running the exam is only interested in regurgitated keywords, and its required reading/watching list is absolute crap. The Joy Luck Club? Seriously? WHAT A WASTE OF MY TIME. Stupid, sappy, weepy, overhyped, overrated piffle. Piffle Piffle Piffle. It is as bad as all that crap them white crackers used to pull about "me love you long time". Absolute drivel. Oh, and did I mention it's a laugh riot? I did? WELL I LIED!

That apart, I'm coping a little better with the other stuff. Broadcast is awesome as always. Radio could do better with its deadlines and project topics, but no major complaints. MEP is annoying as ever, but compromises can be reached. And Multicam is fairly straightforward, just needing a little work on deadlines too.

Which leads me to the topic in question. I have three theories as to why time moves differently in CMM.

Theory the first, we are all Time Lords (or at least Time Knights), and can manipulate time to adjust our deadlines, so we finish right on schedule. Also, hammerspace.

Theory the second, we have simply adapted to our conditions and surroundings like the smart critters we are, and cannot be killed by them deadlines. We are simply too strong. Too fast. Too good. Can't touch this.

Theory the third, we have been institutionalized. Like inmates of a prison, or the local nuthouse where screwies end up, we are part of the system. We meekly accept, rebel in small ways, and simply sink into the slimy quicksand of our own slavery.

And there we have it, JJ's guide to the CMM hypothesis on the question of relative time. Hope you enjoyed that little bit of insanity.

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

The End Is The Beginning

Alright, so I'm finally updating my blog... silly, eh? It's taken me a whole semester and a bit to get back to writing. But I have my reasons. First and foremost, last semester ran me off my feet. Literally. So much has happened in such a short time. But another chapter has closed, and I am left with the usual. Memories, laughs, a musing or two, new friends, and as always, a few regrets. Still, I am happy. At least until the next time I see a textbook, lecture notes or a timetable.

Okay, I'll start talking academics. This has probably been one of my favorite terms, just because I got to muck around with radio and film equipment. Plus, I got to talk rubbish on radio, edit it, and turn it into hilarity. And my grades haven't been half bad, either. So yeah, this run's been much better than previously. I've also made quite a lot of friends along the way, so I'm all the better for it. To think, at the start of term I was absolutely morose, just because I refused to be more open-minded. Well, lesson learned. Thank you, CMM class S1-T02-2010, for being a real eye-opener. I especially thank all those who were my fellow group members, for putting up with my slightly deranged moments. I hope I haven't scarred y'all for life. No hard feelings, yeah?

Getting our classes all mixed up again wasn't that cool at first, but I guess we all coped with it in our own ways. Plus, we got to use the MediaBiz Studios as our hangout/chillout/do all kinds of nonsense/sneakily eat and drink spot. Cool, huh? Plus, free air-conditioning! Sweet, sweet canned air.

Alright, so we have a whole new semester coming in less than a week. And I'm not going into one of my "here we go again" moods. I'm actually excited about this semester. I mean, what with my grades improving and all, it should be a blast.

So, what have I been doing this round of holidays? Well, not a lot, if you must know. I've been going to the gym regularly, and hitting the pool occasionally. I guess I'm finally able to adapt to a scheduled workout as part of my week. I only hope that next semester's schedule can continue to give me time for a workout. I do wish that people would schedule more sports activities, though...

Right, what else have I been up to? Well, I have yet to rebuild my movies, music and games collections, after my last laptop crash coincided with a hard disk problem that has left me rather peeved with technology. So yeah, I've had to make do with my iPod, singing along to Youtube videos, and some television. Pity there isn't much rugby on the telly at the moment. And no, I refuse to subscribe to Singtel until they integrate their damned set-tops.

So... one week of holidays left. How should I spend said week? Top of my head, I have five things to do.
  1.  Get some new belt buckles. Or perhaps a pair of cowboy/trooper boots.
  2. Buy new jeans, my old jeans have gotten rather loose and baggy. I'm down to 2 wearable pairs.
  3. Plan a new wishlist, budget accordingly. Possibly negotiate increase on allowance *Not ruddy likely*.
  4. Consider whether I should repair my shoes, or buy new ones.
  5. Have dinner with a friend. Or friends. Whoever I can get hold of first.
And there we have it, my holiday in a nutshell. Last week of freedom. BRING! IT! ON!

P.S. For those I haven't met in a while, I have long hair now! And it's just a matter of time before I can rock an Elvis do...Bring back the 60's!

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Circumstances

Things seem to move fast these days. And some things just don't work out, I guess. But as always, the trick is not to rail against the injustice of it all, but rather, roll with the punches and hope everything turns out fine.

Year 2 of my stay in Temasek. For some reason, my elective options didn't work out. I guess going in two day after everyone else wasn't one of my brighter ideas. Pity, I thought the computers would've sorted things properly. Ah well, spilt milk under the bridge. Heh heh....there's a whole bunch of cows somewhere mooing in protest at that statement.

My new class mostly isn't the "party animal" kind of cool, which is good. I'm aware that some people in my year have cheap liquor running through their veins, but hey, that's their life, not mine. How they want to ruin it ain't none of my beeswax. Anyway, back on topic. My class...yeah, they're awkwardly interesting. And maybe I need to moderate my view on one or two members. Nobody's perfect, I guess.

I have new subjects to take! Unfortunately, lectures so far have been dry and soporific. On the flip side, tutorials have been a blast. I just hope that we can all get through the semester and our group projects safely. And I need to stay ahead of my work. One or two things went a little out of hand last term, so I'm not taking any chances this time.

I'm hosting TP's Got Talent this Friday, alongside Genevieve. Should be an interesting time, especially since there are new changes to the dang script.

Arthur and Stanley are leaving the region...two less reasons to be part of the youth. I grew up alongside them, so I feel it's kinda stupid to move 'em over technicalities. I hate bureaucracy. And I hate blinkered leaders even more.

Right, gotta go. Audio Production tutorial in a bit. Til next time.

Thursday, 8 April 2010

Wild Berries On The Boardwalk

I visited The Resorts for the first time this evening. I had a delicious dinner, an enjoyable ramble through the resorts, and a refreshing dessert. I sat at the side of the bay, taking in the spellbinding view, talking and laughing.

And above all, I spent time with a great friend. Thanks, J. You were wonderful tonight.

P.S. The view of the bay was the second-most beautiful sight tonight.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010

Marching Into April

March holidays are here! Wait. hang on, I've been on holiday since Chinese New Year. My course is awesome, right? But what have I been doing so far?

1) Sleeping. Yes, I know, I do that all the time. It's just that I've been getting a bit more. I'm happy about that. It means my body recovers faster, and I can thus be happy, longer.

2) Eating... Slightly Less. Miraculous, ain't it? I've actually brought my diet under some semblance of control. Apart from that nice Feeding Frenzy a few weeks ago, I'm done eating my usual gigantic portions, unless I'm absolutely sure I'm starving. Also, less carb intake. According to my dad, I don't need too much extra energy, so I need to reduce the amount of rice, noodles, pasta and other such things. Fair enough. I am on holiday, after all. Of course, I'll still get plenty of meat and fruit. But I still don't like most vegetables. They still taste like boiled grass.

3) Exercising. Okay, I'm pretty proud of myself on this one. I've been rather out of practice, but when I hit the gym or the pool, it feels good to be up and about. It's just not much fun working out alone. And of course, there are those who sleep and rise at very odd hours, making it nigh impossible to go exercise with them. Oh well, c'est la vie.

4) Guitar Practice. I have 3 chords down, but I need a lot of work on my laborious chord changes. Anyone free to teach me?

5) Reading. For some reason or another, I've re-read all my old paperback novels, and most of the hardcovers. Also, the ebooks and the comics I grabbed off some highway. Heck, I even went through the military history and technology books, just for kicks. I used to love reading when I was a kid. Guess that wasn't a bad thing. The bug just left for a little while, I guess. But the bookworm part is back, and I think it's back for good. Once again, that ain't a bad thing.

6) Outings. Gone out a few times with the different bunches of crazy people I know. Then again, I'm probably the craziest of the lot. Heh heh.

So yeah, that's what I've been doing with my holiday time. Hell of a way to spend a vacation. I have a few things left on the to-do list.
  1. Keep exercising. Exercise is good.
  2. Go kick, throw, or punch a ball with some friends. I need the social side of sports too!
  3. Buy some new tuning pegs and strings for my classical G.
  4. Ponder on my choice of Broadcast as an elective option. Should I have taken film theory first? Should I ask to switch options?
  5. Go to the Chili's at RWS with someone.
  6. Go to HRC with someone.
  7. Spend an entire day with someone.
  8. Download more e-books. Read more, read often.
  9. Play and practice on my guitar. Sing my songs.
  10. Smile.
Until we meet again.

Congratulations, J.

Thursday, 11 March 2010

The Holiday Clock Ticks On

Wow, has it really been more than a month since I last wrote in? Well, I guess now's as good a time as any to update. The match highlights don't start til 12am, and I can't go to sleep because my muscles are aching peacefully. More on that later.

My first year in Temasek has been great. No disrespect to my other classes, but 04 currently occupies top spot in my list of "The best classes I've been a part of". I wonder what happens now. Do we stay as a nutty bunch of friends, or do we all slowly drift apart? I pray we all remember each other, and stay in touch. Because y'all are seriously awesome.

Staying on the topic of 04, the beach outing was one hell of a time. For those who missed it, why? Y'all missed a great day at the beach, and the Ultimate Frisbee game! But maybe we'll have one more party, eh? Somebody rent a chalet or something before we go back to school. Hopefully Mr. E can turn up this time. We owe him a party, at least.

I do wish that the classes stay the same next term, but I don't think that will happen. Anyway, I've signed up for Broadcast, so I hope I made a good choice. And apparently we'll have a killer subject or two to study for..(yes, I'll be having exams again... Humbug!) Anyway, I will have to keep up better with my classes, which means *gasp* LESS GAMING. Yes, I know, kinda hard to imagine, eh? But what with my bro going off the net to get ready for the A's, I can't do the lazy bear act I usually pull off, ot he'll make me look bad. So yes, I'll be reducing my gaming hours.

Rahman's been sent to the Fire Brigade. Hope he can make good and proper friends there, not end up as the educated man amongst the sea of stupid manatees named "Hugh". How the hell a man of his talents ended up in a horrible posting, I'll never know. Ah well, such is life, unfair as it is, and each man to his own.

Big thank you to everyone who turned up for the Feeding Frenzy. The thing was a great success, and I'm grateful y'all could come and break bread together. Now I've got to go to the gym tomorrow as penance for tonight's excess. Heh heh. No pain, no gain. Unfortunately, since I'm tremendously out of form, there's a lot of pain involved.

Oh, you haven't heard? Yes, I'm going to the gym now. I don't think I want to go to NS unfit and slow, so it's time to get to work. Yes Bryan, I know that me getting even bigger might sound scary, but hey, I'll still be the same happy fella. Just a little fitter, that's all. And odd as it seems coming from a guy who loves food as much as I do, I'll be reducing the amount of food I eat. The good part is, that includes vegetables. I never was a big fan of them anyway, especially the leafy stuff. Darn things often taste too much like grass, and I don't mean the kind you smoke. XP

Next time, I discuss more holiday plans, muscle aches, and how I view how the world views me! Stay tuned!

Monday, 1 February 2010

Feeling February First

Two months into 2010. So far so good, I'm staying afloat with all the projects and deadlines. A few tests on the horizon, and a few presentations. Bit of a hiccup on permission for our photography project, so my backup plan is to go photograph the MMA gym. Good idea, but aerial shots might be hard to get. Still, nothing totally nuts yet. That's a good sign. Sometimes life throws a leg-spin at me, but so far it's just been fast bowling. I can handle that.

The Brotherhood will not meet til after Chinese New Year, thanks to an interesting job choice from the Panzer and the Hermit Crab. Ah well, at least we'll have enough money to splurge on a buffet. I've missed all the nonsense and mischief we usually get up to. Seems like we're growing up. Heh. Anyway guys, if you're reading this, we meet sometime after CNY and exams, so keep 50 bucks plus aside yeah?

Another buffet raid is planned, this time with Arthur, Ivan et al. Where and when, I have no idea. Suffice to say we'll all have money after Chinese New Year, so once again, we wait. Hope we can go somewhere I can be in my element...as a natural carnivore.

February 14th. Usually it's just Valentine's, but this year it's red packet day as well. Darn...guess I gotta put any Valentine's Day plans forward or back. Still, I can afford to take my time. The horizon's looking pretty clear at the moment, and the weather forecast is good.

10pm edit: Nuts, just saw a post on Facebook. A very good friend lost her iPhone... Called to confirm, and was rewarded with no answer. Dammit. Curse whoever nicked it. And bless them if they return it. If they don't, may they get knocked over by a cement-mixer, survive and end up brain-dead in hospital for the rest of their misbegotten life.

Now I'm pissed off. All I can do is howl at the injustice of it all. Otherwise, I can't do a thing. I hate being unable to help. Bollocks.