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!

Silly Priorities

A professor tells a class that people have silly priorities. People pursue what they think would make them happy, not what actually does.

Balloons and Purin

A Violin Named Lilac

I had my Czech violin for a few years. If the label is accurate, the violin was made in 1928 in Bohemia. However, I've strong suspicions about its background... the label appears to be pasted over another. Whatever, it is really not supposed to matter (even though I am a sucker for history and tradition). It is also made by this Martin Figuer person. I can't find any history about the maker on google, but then, internet doesn't exist back in those days.

I've never really settled on a name for my violin. My previous instrument was named Luke. Luke was a handmade (mass produced?) China made instrument. The Czech violin is 'pretty' and delicate. On good days, it sounds almost sweet. I was debating between 'Lilac' or 'Lavender'. Well, Lavender sounds too sweet and girly for my liking so I guess my violin is currently named Lilac. I know it doesn't make much sense, using a color as a name for an instrument. It is odd on so many levels. For one, people don't usually name their musical instruments.

But whatever, a blog post to Lilac on Valentines Day.

Tourist and a Veteran

I was sulking on the "R" train as I made my way to school when I saw a man poring over the subway map plastered to the train wall. He was trying to find his way to South Ferry terminal when an old man offered his help. After explaining that he should get off at Whitehall Street, the old man shared this story:

Old man: I will never forget Whitehall St. When I came back from Vietnam, they processed us at Whitehall. I was only 17 when I joined the army. They told us to join to army to see the world. I joined the army not to see the world. I wanted to get away from my mother! (laughter)

Message to a violinist friend on facebook

"poke" a violinist
when i ought to be practicing
maybe i'll improve

Being Nice

From 9 Chickwick Lane, Jan 10, 2011

Putin's Blueberry Hill

Somehow, this makes me smile.

A quiet moment

I went for the memorial service today and finally got a chance to know him better. It is rather sad to only know him better after his death.

I quote the pastor: When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.

The Real Death of a Facebook Friend

Recently, someone I know, a facebook friend, an okay acquaintance of mine passed away in the most unfortunate of instances. I'm rather confused about how I should feel as we are acquaintances. I don't feel particularly entitled to be upset. It is for his family and close ones to grieve, for my grief is only self pity, a cry for attention that really unneeded in these times. I don't know what to feel but hope those who cared deeply for him find solace that he had led a good life, successfully pursuing opportunities limited to a worthy few. His circumstances were not great and he had managed to get to where he did. I almost feel undeserving to be his peer, for not cherishing what I have and the opportunities given. With as little morbidly as I can muster, he probably deserve his PhD position more than me.

I was speaking to a rather good friend about this incident and he said: At least I'm glad you are still alive. It is at once, a flattering yet chilling reminder of how the inward focused life has become. I'm glad my friend prefers me alive, but he seems not to be at all afflicted with general malaise caused by the passing of an acquaintance. Perhaps I am at the wrong extreme, generally feeling upset for people that I don't know well, 2nd degree friends etc. Maybe I shall better utilize my energies, for I too have learnt that really no one cares a crap about you.

Death is just another event in life. And I have recently been reading this (from a mobile app): Ordinary people seem not to realize that those who really apply themselves in the right way to philosophy are directly and of their own accord preparing themselves for dying and death. - Socrates

我问天 variations

Possibly the original Hokkien version. The other 2 videos below are in Chinese with han yu pin yin... they are much easier to sing along but I much prefer the Hokkien version. I'm perpetually fascinated with such LC stuff, LC-ness is an inherent suppressed part of me that is dormant in NYC. Urgh. That why I have to go back. I wonder whether I would be so LC in Singapore. OF is, of course, appalled by me. But he is sort of used to it and even sings along these days.

Entitled to what?

I hate the North American self-esteem hogwash. I don't appreciate the "everyone gets a trophy for participation" thing. Hello, get what you earned. Live with what you have, there are no participation trophies in the real world.

The things people should be entitled to: human rights, aka you should have the rights not to be tortured, horribly humiliated etc etc. Everything else is extra. So, you are not entitled to have the best seat in the restaurant, have people give up their seat for you, for me to help you etc.

There is a clear distinction between what you are entitled to (ie food you paid for) and what is extra (others being nice, considerate, wonderful).

Okay, granted, it might suck if your parents hate your existence, maybe they should fulfill their parental responsibilities and make you feel loved, provide decent parenting, food, education and shelter... But I don't get this entitled thing!? Why do people feel entitled to stuff.

Granted, I am a rather lazy, spoilt, highly neurotic person who needs to be shoveled off the couch when I am home. So who am I to comment on the rest of the possibly less-glued-to-the-couch people.

I guess my point is that most people think that they are better than others (cite research) and hence, believe that they should be treated differently. How irrational everyone is! I need people to be more objective, to more accurately gauge themselves, their expectations, their desires.... I'm filled with dark, horrid things and at least I'm clear and objective about it.

Alter Ego 2

from Calvin and Hobbes Nov 4, 2010.

Rather similar to this. I guess I like the same things.