Last umbrella tree

Two trees died. Maybe this will survive. I see new shoots.

Of Karma

I'm not the sort branded as religious. I will go even as far as to say that I have been labelled anti-religion. If you must know, I'm pro-science. But this does not mean I'm anti-religion.

But surprise surprise, I think I am rather spiritual. I have spent some chunk of my post prefrontal cortex development years pondering about the concept of karma. Maybe I am making a bias search, but I am becoming increasing convinced about karma. What goes around comes around and bite you in the butt, rather painfully. I see it happening to me, to people around me, and to some distant associates.

Things that happen, happen for a reason. Often times the reason is not apparent, but sometimes one gains sudden insight about why certain things occur. The clarity is painfully clear at times.

Awake at 430

Musing about friendship when I'm supposed to be working.

Create opportunities for higher incomes

I was just reading news on the 2011 Singapore general elections when I came across the PAP's slogan 'Securing Our Future Together' with its six planks (Why planks? I thought planks are pieces of wood? So we need to secure our future together with 6 wooden sticks?? Hm.. just webster-ed, my English is not good enough... apparently plank can mean: an article in the platform of a political party / a principal item of a policy or program... So there, I learn something new every day!).

The Six Planks:
- Create opportunities for higher incomes
- Improve the lives of lower-income Singaporeans
- Bring out the best in every child
- Develop a vibrant city and an endearing home
- Help the elderly stay active, healthy and engaged
- Involve all Singaporeans in shaping the future

The first thing that went through my mind after reading the 1st plank was "wah, so obvious create more opportunities for rich people ah? Like that can meh?". [Create opportunities for "higher incomes" (noun)]

I had to read that plank a few times over before I figure it probably meant: to create opportunities for (people to have) higher incomes!

How I know... maybe the government wants rich people to vote for them and keep the status quo. And is it very hard to add a few more words to prevent confusion?!

OF thought it was a not so subtle hint for the higher incomes to vote for PAP. Maybe... just maybe... If I vote PAP, can PAP please guarantee me a job when I go back to Singapore? Thank you very much!

Of Consideration

I had a short conversation with a colleague today and was struck by the consideration he has for his girlfriend. He wishes to marry her (and bring her to the US) in approximately 2 years. To do that, he plans to have an apartment all set up and ready for her by the time she arrives. It would be what she prefers. I'm too writing inapt to clearly articulate how sweet he was and so you will just have to take my word for it.

I don't know about others but such 'feelings' can be sensed. The flicker of anger, the soft gaze at the mention of a loved one, the indifference that comes with boredom.

Lonely panda

I'm really fond of this picture for some unknown reason.

Land turtle

What I come home to

This was pasted on my mirror. I can't figure out how to rotate images in html. Blah! Tech fail!