Exams are ending soon

My last university paper will be on 3rd May 2006, where I will contest and conquer the final boss code named "M463: Fluid Mechanics". Hopefully, I will graduate and convocate this semester. Till then, no new blog entries until the end of my papers.

With the GE round the corner, let's see what events will unfold. Till then, stay tuned. I'll blog again after 3rd May 06.

Political Apathy in Singapore??

With the General Elections coming up, many Singaporeans are eager for a chance to vote. In order to create a greater awareness of political issues amongst the younger generation in Singapore, Channelnewsasia broadcasted a talkshow called "Why my vote matters- a dialogue with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew". I had to watch it online via google video as I rarely watch television (about 10 hours of TV a year). You can watch it and recap the major issues that were brought up below.

(FAST Broadband connection recommended to watch the streaming video)

After the show was broadcasted last week, there is now a major stir that the younger generation of Singaporeans do not show adequate respect to the Minister Mentor (MM Lee). The dialogue session was harsh and direct with normally shunned questions being brought up directly to MM Lee. The "panel" of 10 Singaporeans, below the age of 30 brought up almost every single issue that was brought up by the opposition parties with regards to the upcoming elections and Group Representative Constituency (GRC). Questions like the People's Action Party (PAP) were depriving the opposition of a level playing ground. Controversial topics like the PAP being arrogant and power crazy were brought face up to MM Lee himself. Of course, the big question of whether the PM Lee Hsien Loong was backed by MM Lee in parliament. Questions like the PAP being seemed as intimidating were also hung up. Unfazed by the barrage of direct and blunt questions, MM Lee remained sharp and gave back authoritative and candid replies. No stone was left uncovered and statements with the lack of evidence were shot back firmly.

After the broadcast, public opinion was hugely divided. One school of thought consisting predominatly of the elder generation (1st and 2nd generation) of Singaporeans claimed that the younger generation showed a lack of respect for the man behind Singapore's remarkable progress in nation building. The other school of thought, consisting of the 3rd generation of younger Singaporeans rebutted back claiming that the questions were not provocative but was meant to voice out the opinion of people and to bring up issues which were normally considered taboo.

I agree that it took courage to bring up senstive issues face on with a man of MM Lee's stature. Afterall, MM Lee has tasted more salt than what most younger singaporeans have encoutered. Thumbs up to those who brought up taboo topics, this is how society operates. The truth is never sweet tasting, and most of the time, it's sensitive to mention anything openly. I believe that this is a sign that people believe strongly in democracy. People should always have the right to say and bring up constructive criticism. This is the only way for us to strive forward. If Singapore is to maintain her worldclass standards in many aspects, locals should be more broadminded and critical on national issues. Kudos to those who braved the mental fear to voice the public's opinion.

It's ironic that despite the objective of the dialogue session was to provoke a sense of political awareness, people are complaining that the younger generation who is "politically ignorant" are being too hard on in criticising the government. I see these behavoirs as a sign of different cultural upbringing. The english educated generation is more direct and open, while the chinese educated generation believe more on moral and social values. Either way, both parties win despite their differences on opinions and thoughts. Singaporeans are now talking about politics in their daily lives. The public apathy on national issues and politics have suddenly been given an upheaval. People are now better aware on the issues like the importance of elections, government and the political systems of Singapore.

For more information, read up on news articles on this recent issue. Here's the side of the story from the people who were involved in this dialogue. Channelnewsasia will be broadcasting another episode on the aftermath of the dialogue session.

Here's what to expect from channelnewsasia

That Dialogue
Was I Rude Or...?
A discussion on "Why My Vote Matters - A Dialogue with the Minister Mentor" created a stir after the programme went on air. One camp applauds the young Singaporeans for daring to brave MM Lee. The other found their manners wanting. Hear their takes on the issue. Thu, Apr 20 @ 2030 SST.

I'll catch the upcoming episode (online) if possible [even though I'm in the midst of my exams]. A good debate stimulates my inner burning desire all the time. Let the sandstorm begin and stir up some dust! Who says there is political apathy amongst the younger generation of Singaporeans?

********
(Updated 8:45 pm)

On a lighter note... Check out what Mr Brown has for his latest podcast. Simply hilarious!!! Here's a spoof , tastefully done via Star Wars style.

Better Man(R) : So you wanna contest me in the
upcoming jedi election eh? Feel my lightsaber!!!

Browncast: Jedi elections special (Click to listen)

Editor's note-
*In yoda speak*
Mr Brown and Mr Miyagi - Funny... you people are. 2 thumbs up! Like podcasts... I do. Heh Heh.

Exam grades spoof

Report card day spoof. "What?! You got a B+ ?!"





*Sobs* Don't scold me.... *Sobs* I promise to score all 'A's the next time round...

Nervy jitters

Just came back from Eugene's hall for revision. It's ironic that the more we revise, the more worried we become. Starting to have the tingling nervy jitters for my first paper (M481) tomorrow. I hope the paper will be managable. This prescribed elective seems a little too taxing for my liking. No chances for any mistakes this semester. Everything must be cleared at all cost.

13 hours & 15 mins to go. The clock is ticking.

Muggerisation

For the past 2 weeks, I realise that mugging for the exams has turned my life upside down. I'm officially infected with "muggerisation". Here's why.

10.30 am: Wake
10.45 am: In a state of daze
11.00 am: Read notes
11.30 am: Brunch
12.30 pm: Study
6.30 pm : Dinner
7.30 pm : Study
11.45 pm: Night snack
12.00 am: Study
3.35 am : Zzz

2 days and counting. Honeydew day approaches. Ain't you envious of my "nerdificious" life? *zzz* Let's over and done with the papers. I wanna graudate!!!

When +ve becomes -ve

I was speaking to my ex over the phone a few days back and there were somethings which left me pondering. During the midst of the conversation, she told me that during our recent 3.5 years of courtship, I tended to think highly of myself and probed her whenever she was troubled. She told me those were 2 weaknesses which I really should attempt to change.

Hmm.. which brings me to question the very fundamentals on how I was brought up. My parents always taught me to set standards for myself and to be confident in my actions. I was also encouraged to open up and ask whether in doubt. These traits seem to be positive at a young age but they seem to become negative as people grow up. Strange isn't it?

Confidence breeds success doesn't it? If I don't think highly of myself, I will not have what it takes to drive myself forward. I know that over confidence is dangerous, but cockiness only comes with great self belief doesn't it? If I don't elude any form of confidence, then I'm definitely not meant for greater things in life. Achieving greater things in life also means building for a better future. No? Hmm.... So what's wrong with me?

"Ask whenever you're in doubt", my teachers used to tell me during primary school. If you are unsure of how someone is feeling, then ask him/her. No point guessing right? Surely I cannot be expected to guess someone's thoughts all the time? Asking seems to be the logical way for me. Guessing games ain't my cup of tea. I prefer to get the facts and opinions and lay them out to discuss. I really cannot comprehend secretive people. (There is nothing wrong in being secretive though). But if there is nothing bad, then what's there to hide? Just let it out and let people close to you share your woes. Why keep worries to just to yourself? Whenever people ask, it's a sign of love, care and concern. If you didn't mean anything to me, why would I even ask what's troubling you? Hmm... So what's wrong with me?

So exactly, what's right and what's wrong? That will probably be a question which I may not have an answer to. Then again, maybe I'm just not able to see things outside my perspective.

Do guys and gals really think at different frequencies? Maybe that's why some people say that "Men are from mars & Women are from Venus."

Side note- It's a warm and humid night as I blog this entry. My 1st paper is 4 days away... Exams sux. :/

Stressed out?

People get stressed out over many reasons. Work, school, personal life, family and financial problems. Feeling upset and falling into depression? Destress the Super Mario way!

Click on the picture to watch.
Jumping helps you destress!

*Groan* 5 days to my first paper (affectionately known as the Honeydew day) *I can will be ready to kill the exam papers!*

Day Break

Dawn signals the end of night and the beginning of day. The break-in sunshine brings in hope, tranquility and warmth to our daily lives. Sometimes, one really has to learn appreciate the simplicity that nature has to offer.

It's politically correct to say that tranquil moments never last. We live in a world of chaos. Enjoy your inner peace while you can. Soon, it'll be time to yield your weaponry and fight for your worldly possessions and gains; both tangible or intangible.

The examinations are nearing coming in 6 days. Battle royale is about to commence...

The Da Burger Code

If you have read "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, you'll probably find this following text extract and this infamous drawing familiar.

"The Vitruvian Man," Langdon gasped. Saunière had created a life-sized replica of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous sketch.

Considered the most anatomically correct drawing of its day, Da Vinci's The Vitruvian Man had become a modern-day icon of culture, appearing on posters, mouse pads, and T-shirts around the world. The celebrated sketch consisted of a perfect circle in which was inscribed a nude male... his arms and legs outstretched in a naked spread eagle.

Da Vinci. Langdon felt a shiver of amazement. The clarity of Saunière's intentions could not be denied. In his final moments of life, the curator had stripped off his clothing and arranged his body in a clear image of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.

Leonardo da Vinci had a well documented history of including hidden cryptographic codes in his drawings. "de Cryptographie" often spend countless time in solving the cryptic puzzles. I saw this drawing when I was down at Orchard Road. Introducing, "The Da Burger Code".

Messieur da Vinci seemed to have a love for burgers during his time. Do you have what it takes to decrytify the meaning of this drawing?

Small bear biscuits

This is something which i MUST bring to the attention of all "Meiji" fans! I'm sure many of you have seen this familiar packaging in assorted flavours that looks like this?

How about this? Check out these "Hello Panda" biscuits (affectionally known as small bear biscuits) which were packaged in CUPS. I found them at Prime supermarket. Heh. "La pi xiao xing" will be crazy over these "xiao xiong bing gan".

Heh Heh. I like small bear biscuits. They are the coolest biscuits in town. :)

The beginning of the end

The time is 0423 a.m as I blog this. My roomie, Zhijian is asleep and there are pesky light-loving insects hovering above my table lamp.

It's official! I've attended my last lecture in university. The lecturer, Prof "Spot" was mumbling about turbomachinery and something about the radial flow turbine which I believe is not examinable for the paper. 4 years of lectures and tutorials in the university is more than sufficient for me. 8 gruelling semesters, countless tutors and lecturers. But I must say I have utmost respect for 2 special professors who had the most impact on me. They were there to help and pull me up whenever there were pitfalls. Prof Yeo Song Huat and Prof David Lee Butler. They are the best 2 teachers I ever had for my entire course of formal education. Despite having some torrid times in school (failing certain killer modules which I had to repeat), I will have to say that university life has got to be the most formative period for me. I feel that it has been most enriching, fun, shaping me towards independence. 4 years of staying in NTU's halls of residence have brought me wonderful memories. Looking back, I've been studying for the past 18 years. That's almost 2 decades of education to get me ready to contribute to society.

Counting down, it's 10 days to my first paper of my FINAL examination. I can't wait to get over it even though I have not been revising as hard as I should. To be truthful, I'm quite sick of studying. 18 years of formal education is indeed a long time. Jer replied to one of my emails and in it, she wrote "Study hard and you will do well". I'm happy and I really feel very much more motivated to press on for my final lap. Simple words of encouragement that pushes me on. It's a nice to know that she still cares. Sometimes, words have a different impact when said by people close (or used to be close) to you.

Not forgetting those who love me (or used to love me), to those who encourage me, to those who who bother to make cards to cheer me up, to those who provided great company, to those who were in my external event committee/sub committe, to those who slogged with me as a business manager to secure sponsorships, to those who provided endless fun during freshmen orientation camps, to those who nudged me awake during boring lessons, to those who studied together in the tutorial rooms/study benches/ study rooms/ canteens, to those who gave me wake up calls for my morning lessons and morning papers, my tertiary life would have been monotonous if not for all of you.

Zhijian and I discuss about life after university now and then. The future ain't gonna be a bed of roses, but I still do look forward to it. Career, Girlfriends, Flings, Family, Friends & Finances.... whatever... What does the future hold for a 24 year old undergraduate? It's going to be a new path in life where I finally get a chance to decide on what I really want to do. The first thing I'll do after graduation is to personally thank all those who have encouraged me to bravely move on. I am what I am today because of all of you.

Alright. Time check. 0520 am on a Friday morning as I close this entry. I'm suppose to help Linda with CMP polishing at the clean room @ 12pm, meet Prof David Butler @ 3pm to submit my FYP report and study for my upcoming papers later today. Meantime, I'll open MS Word and start finalising my report. It's time for me to hit the books. I don't think I'll sleep today. :)


Side note-
Fatality count of light loving insects since I started this entry: 6

Cat-Lee

Post entry update! (6th April 06)

I was reading Kenny Sia's blog yesterday when I saw him posting these pictures. I can't help myself but to update this entry. What a coincidence. Those vandals are funny. Horse Lee! Haha.




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(Original Entry)
Meet my new friend, Cat-Lee. Proudly named after my superstar idol Kelly. She pops into my hostel room once in a while. :)

This is one cool cat. I think she's my lucky charm.

Mac rules. Windows suxs.

Click here to zoom in

A total fresh new look! I simply love the gorgeous iMac interface!

Johnny says- This is an enhancement. NOT cosmestic makeover!

Next up. I'll revamp my life. I deserve better. Really.

The promise

I thought we had an agreement.
I thought we promised to notify each other.
I trusted you enough to inform me.
Yet I had to ask before you told me so.
No excuses are needed.
The promise has been broken.

Is there still a mutual trust between friends?
Friends respect each other.
Friends abide to promises.
Friends share their joys and sorrows.
Don't they?