Dark Garden

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Today was supposed to be a long post. About Orchard. About singers who write horrid poems (And can't really sing really). About Gift of Reading Camp. About stupid library payment systems. About just about everything that's happening so fast now, or so it seems.

I'll just have to put things off. Because of the Pekin trip, the Pekin packing, the Pekin nightmare. I fear it like any other living being will. The fear of the unknown. Yet, it seems fun with all the culinary recommendations, the bargaining/identity crisis adventures and even the canteen revolution. Promising?

Let's just wait for the next 5 weeks or so to elapse.

So I'll say my last goodbyes as if I'm about to disintegrate and become the next unknown poisonous chemical in some constituent ingredient (made in China) of some well-known product.

And thank people in a desultory fashion.

For Beijing, thanks Weize and Shiyi. You've been a great help really giving me all sorts of advice. I'd love to try speaking Japanese and also the theme park mentioned.

And Ephraim, Ming and Joel for that wonderful dinner although haha technically you're coming too Ming. But it was great just talking and meeting up before Beijing. And I loved everything. EVERYTHING! The poems and songs were so....Unique! The "prose" as well! Bravo!

Gift of Reading people as well! Making the last two days I suppose, so meaningful and enjoyable with the camp although I was only present for one and half days. Sorry about that but Beijing calls! Have fun tomorrow!

All the rest with well-wishes etc. Thank you and I'll come back in one piece. Intact of course. (Though I can't say the same for Vernon hush hush)

Yup.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays?

And Shiyi, this might be quite late but I hoped you blossomed during the nationals! Just hoped I had been able to see you in top form performing. And have fun with Disney on Ice!

Dark Memories[11:47 PM]

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Friday, November 28, 2008

Xujun's blog posts are getting more interesting and so are his chemical ventures audacious. Recently I was being compared to a desperate housewives character as he compared Room 13, our BSC room, to Wisteria Lane.

This is Vernon:

Gabrielle Solis, the ex-runway model who always tries to have an affair without her husband knowing. When she finally divoces her husband in season 3, she married someone else, and had an affair with her ex-husband. In room 13, Vernon Yim always attempts to have minor escapades, hoping not to be found out by the rest of his roommates. Then he comes to his senses, gets bored, and tries something new again.

This is me:

Carlos Solis, Gabrielle's husband, who always tries to expose Gabrielle's dirty secrets but is not very successful, until season 3, when he divorces Gabrielle and starts being the 3rd party. In room 13, Ho Yao Nian does not attempt to cover up his hatred for Vernon and will no doubt sabotage him at any opportunity, but is sometimes torn between cursing Vernon and helping him.

I thought it was definitely amusing and yet...derogatory at the same time. I mean please...Why am I Vernon's husband?? He may be gay and all that but I'm sure I've got better taste than to indulge in him urgh. Oh yes, I for your information, won't help Vernon unless it's for the greater evil of bringing him down eventually.

Oh Yu Pei's parallel is fun:

Susan Mayer, the perpetually smiling devil who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, including burning down her rival Edie's house. Edie Britt, Susan's bitter love rival, fights with Susan for every man that comes her way, and gets her own back by burning down Susan's house. In room 13, Neo Yu Pei, the only one with 2 drama serial counterparts, smiles and looks vulnerable, but behind that facade lies internal struggles and a murderous tendency.

Can you imagine? Behind those innocent smiles of Yu Pei...(Insert dramatic thunder and lightning) lies...Internal struggles yes but gasp! Murderous tendency...That's why you see, Yu Pei's our top spy because he's the one who'll never be suspected...And yet also the one who'll never really do his job...But still, one can't deny he has potential.

And then Xujun's next blogpost was on his Vancome escapades which really impressed me. I particularly loved this part:

Me: (spotting the Chemistry O Level guide she held) Oh you need help in Chem too?
Sandra: I failed chem EOY
Me: Yea me too. I didn't know what methylboraxovaricide was.
Sandra: WHAT? (another look which lasted 3 seconds)
Me: Tcha...you know what?

Xujun's just getting much better so I'll have to work on Vancome insults too. Just for Vernon. And ouch, Xujun's just burnt himself with quite a dose of capsaicinoids in an accident during capsaicin extraction procedure. Ouch. I'll have to bring my gloves and all to Beijing to aid my own experiments with my own plant extracts.

Besides, there're lots of guinea pigs besides Vernon.

Dark Memories[12:10 AM]

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Monday, November 24, 2008

And so THIMUN '08 ended with a less than emphatic bang, or so it did for the admin. With all the clearing up of chairs, tables, projector screens, boards etc. But not being glam didn't mean that it wasn't just as amazing. I thought my admin team was wonderful. Thanks Teck Seng and Daniel! We had so much fun uncovering what hidden treasures lay when cleaning up the APQN room, including apple cores, love letters literally in cut out in a heart-shape and of course, a plethora of water bottles or varying water levels. And we sort of defaced the whiteboard or rather, decorated it to read APQN and on it the last vestiges of our sessions.

Ending pose, bottles and the board

22nd month anniversary...And the note shaped like two 2s that make a heart...Cute

The last day was more relaxed than the previous, considering the fact that the entire committee had more or less perfected the proposal. And we were all just waiting for the Security Council to come in to evaluate the clauses etc and make suggestions/amendments. So APQN was geared up and all when the Security Council came up. And even the admin team (That'd be us) had quite a bit to do setting the room for a sudden doubled amount of people. And of course our water provision service which we take so much pride in haha. So everything was in place, amendment sheets, water bottles, tables and chairs all set neatly awaiting the Security Council's arrival. And they did in a pack of 15!

The admin set this up! In session with the Security Council.

The one in the background is APQN. So they engaged in a heated debate...Yea right. More like the Security Council's passiveness or rather, incompetence was just unexpected and laughable. It was just pathetic that they could barely find any fault with the proposal and those horribly shallow queries of theirs.

Point of contention 1: Erosion and plant degradation due to tourism?
which we easily countered by stating that the necessary measures will be taken to preserve the ecological state of Nepal because after all, the environment is what the tourism is all about isn't it?

Point of contention 2: Cultural erosion?
Err...We threw globalisation being inevitable.

Point of contention 3: Proposal states that laws protecting workers' rights of the formal sector, but not the informal sector?
But too bad they didn't think that those working in the informal sector, mostly in agriculture, would have no maximum working hours or minimum wages. Those are all dependent on their the quality and quantity of their produce.

Point of contention 4: Proposal states that only those below the poverty line in Nepal will have their medical care sponsored so what about those above the poverty line? Like 1 cent above?
Well, we introduced subsidies. That way everyone stands to gain. And then that particular delegate of the Security Council proceeded to recommend providing free healthcare for ALL...And quoted UK as an example...Which is ridiculous given the vast differences in both countries' goverments' financial states and the geographical/socioeconomical factors.

Point of contention 5 & 6: Women should know about contraception and World Bank should be given appreciation in the proposal.
FINE!

See? I learnt from Evil Genius, never take anything at face value but that's exactly what the GREAT Security Council was doing. So when they cleared out, we sliced through their 8 amendments in barely half and hour.

APQN back together

And everyone was free to chat...move around etc, enjoying the last hour or so with the fellow "experts" of APQN. So people went around taking photos etc...

Random shot

Another random shot

The entire APQN!

Deputy President Evan and President Rachel

And some photos of me:

That's Emil, the multi-linguist German, and on the right, Dhruv, the one who passed the first interesting note haha - Enquiry about a girl's name and her grade

Jasmin on the left who was really nice throughout the entire MUN and Radhika on the right who got me to take random photos haha.

I've got more photos on facebook so if you're in love with APQN too, by all means go take a look! I had fun in the MUN process, got appointed "Admin who did not sleep" muhahaha. Showing them the alternative route to the canteen - Past the bushes near Block C, down the stairs, and cutting down the slope towards the canteen. Listening in on discussions, which was very enriching really. I couldn't sleep on the last day because I was too amused and busy keeping up with the Security Council's scrutiny of the APQN proposal. Mmm, that's why a copy of the proposal should be provided for all admin staff. I understand Nepal so much better now haha and got to know the useful NGOs like UNHCR...UNHCHR...UNICEF...IMF...UNMIN...Huma Rights Watch etc. And it was hilarious why they couldn't just pronounce Medecins sans frontier the French way though. Oh wells, I loved the constant American accent though. And the occasional touch of German. Chatting with Ephraim and Joel...Discussing all our delegates and stuff...Bradley too with his literal "Thundergod's wrath" haha. And Kevin! We enjoyed blasting the failed human rights homosexual resolution. Of course Kevin and Bradley brightened things up. Together with him I guess, dance was super fun! I can't emphasize more that it was the best night out I've ever had with friends dancing! Wait...It's the only night out that I've danced with friends...Oh heck it was really enjoyable! I'm joining THIMUN next year! Not as an admin! I want to participate as a delegate! Or expert in APQN! Ending off with photos.

Bottles! We provide water! For all! Only in APQN!

It's Ephraim but taking photos when at least 5 people are squished against you isn't easy...With Jonathan and Kenneth in the background

Guess he did have fun...

XUEZHENG! ZOMG! What politically-correct message are you sending!? And Joel seems pretty happy while Junxiang tries to laser-eyes him into nothing...

Page one of our proposal with my notes

Things that bored admin staff do: Try to recreate and incorporate periodic tables into proposals. Unfortunately...my periodic table knowledge was getting rusty...

Poor poor ephraim...Front and back...Double-sided assaults. Yup, that's Ling Feng and Bradley. Sexual obsession is contagious...Of course, Ivy is immune to that, along with all poisons and diseases etc.

Frontal assault by Bradley...And well, no surprise he's enjoying it. I mean Bradley of course.

Last memories...

Dark Memories[11:12 PM]

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Saturday, November 22, 2008

My first search for plant porn resulted in this result:

Artist opens first plant porn theater

So click on to satisfy your kinky botanical fantasies. Now, don't ask me who introduced or was responsible for planting this seed of thought. It was just a very curious, imaginative mind that regards me as a genius.

Also I learnt how to get girls to grind against you. After the most successful demonstration of the process which included the following methods but not limited to:

Scouting for a girl with most importantly the suitable face.
Making sure she is of the correct height, that is, very similar to yours so as to "get the most out of the situation"
Ensuring that she is swaying her hips violently amidst the rest of the 50 or so dancing in a (NOTE!) TIGHTLY PACKED crowd so as to increase bodily contact.
Planting yourself behind her and checking that your hips actually touch.
Dancing. Dancing to the beat yourself innocently.
Moaning if you wish to as well, the lady grinds against you.
(Probably not included in demonstration) Getting off in the bathroom.

Had fun today I suppose. Dinner was ok. Dance was...an adventure? It's those freestyle disco type which is so chaotic and noisy. I actually danced to Gimme More and a few other songs after that. But the failure of a deejay failed to play Fergalicious which I requested before we left. Ephraim was great, flaunting himself with no restraint. And it was just aggravating how they played Womanizer just when we were told to wait outside for the bus...

Sigh. 12.35am and there're still THIMUN sessions tomorrow. So I shall update with pictures and more elaboration tomorrow? I think.

Dark Memories[12:15 AM]

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

I love my sub-committee. Haha and there's some guy who calls me Ho-Yao-Nian in one short burst - UNMIN. The Beijing guy that spoke super fast Chinese - UNHCHR. Jasmine who is real nice - UNHCR. And also the Indian delegate who got best delegate in iMUN - UNICEF. Business-like Andrew - EU...The German kid haha - HRW. Plus the rest of course. I only know the organisations they represent but not their names...Humanitarian is so much better than political because well, everyone here has accents! Of course, on the whole the Advisory Panel packs quite a punch because the political sub-committee is real strong too. Have to remind ourselves we're one committee rather than adopt an us-vs-them attitude.

Today we finally finished our clauses for humanitarian sub-committee. And went halfway through debating one clause of the humanitarian proposal. And thank god, there was this entirely misdirected resolution from the Human Rights Committee against homosexual discrimination that failed. It was total crap really. The initiatives served to further segregate homosexuals instead and contradicted the very purpose of the resolution...Ridiculous initiatives like relocating homosexuals? A completely insulting infringement of human rights.

I got my photo taken by the Indian delegate. And once again I couldn't smile properly.

Perhaps it would be easier to smile...And feel it...If I didn't have to pretend almost everytime.

Dark Memories[11:43 PM]

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Butterscotch
Banana Split
Vanilla
Coffee
Strawberry
Ol' fashioned Vanilla
Sticky Chewy Chocolate
Cookies and Cream

Ain't that fun? Throw in a terror drone and a dancing prospector and it becomes a "HAPPY DAY"!

Ok nevermind. THIMUN officially started today though I hate to admit it did so on well, let's just say on both left feet. I enjoyed the experience nonetheless but as Ephraim said...They should have just hosted it in a hotel...Well I spent my morning listening to delegates' open speeches blah blah blah which was the most boring part. Because introductions to different Nepalese parties are not exactly things that would register on my radar. But the president and deputy president were really nice which proves my theory that Westerners are definitely more polite. Well at least the THIMUN lot. Oh Indians are too. They say thank you when you hold doors and stuff. And once again...Most words of thanks came from the feminine gender...The only males were mostly the male CAUCASIAN teachers and Evan, my deputy president. And in case you don't know, I'm in the Advisory Panel on the Question of Nepal or just APQN. So instead of delegates, everyone is referred to as an "expert". Representing organisations ranging from Nationa Democratic Party (Nepal) to World Health Organisation. Then we split up the various issues into humanitarian and political. So the admin. staff got split up too. Teck Seng and Daniel stayed in the political room while I got whisked off to Humanitarian.

It was fun being a slave haha. The debate on clauses was really interesting and once again I gained more valuable MUN experience muhahahaha. And being "glamourous" to quote Miss Tan. And I couldn't sleep haha because the few times I was half-asleep, I had the experts to thank haha. They kept making me pass notes and amendment sheets which is really good since the debate became more interesting and I didn't have to worry about dozing off.

Ephraim is so right. An accent gives you instant street-cred. Well, an American one at least. At the start before we were split, I couldn't tell apart the Chinese from the Japanese, or the Koreans or even the Arabians! Via the accent of course. Everyone had an American accent! Ok the Singaporeans were too obvious except for one of them who put up quite a decent accent. Had much fun talking with Ephraim and Joel about the accent topic (And also criticising our fellow Hwachongian delegates, some of which we feel should not be participating) and also allowing the Malaysian delegate to grab lunch from the Admin HQ illegally haha. It was great and even that Malaysian had an American accent! Haha Ephraim said that particular Malaysian was saving the grace of the entire nation. Of course unlike Ho Lit Xian urgh...Who has such a...Unplaceably false accent.

Of course I found my attempted french accent all this while sounded German argh! There's a German in my committee yes. Tomorrow's going to be much more intense! And hopefully more amusing and insightful.

A photo which I should have posted a long time ago but I didn't have it. Yup, here's Gift of Reading's last session for semester 2 2008.

One of few rare smiles I didn't force. I'm already missing the children! And Wai Yan! The one on my lap. Guess what? He has an American accent.

Dark Memories[8:32 PM]

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Got my photos taken at ICA today, plus that agonizing wait for my IC. The audacity of that horrid photographer witch to turn me into a vampire. Pale face, red lips, ghost of a smile...You get the idea. And so I had Dirty Laundry on repeat while reading Charmed until my turn. They took my thumbprints...Both of them. Guess I'll have to burn them off huh?

And I found xuezheng an excellent companion! Say hello to Jonathan Khoo! Another politically-correct one.

Excerpt:

I learnt a lot from the programme, including resilience and teamwork. It is important to be friendly and not hold grudges against others. All I can say is that this is a very helpful course, especially for future leaders like Hwa Chong students.

What's this? Compulsory post-AStar camp reflections? It reeks of lies! Lies I tell you...It doesn't pay to be that friendly...When half of the time those that you correspond with barely understand you or hurl insults like Molotov cocktails. Be friendly and you'll be despised...And holding grudges...That's both objective and subjective. But I do.

And the last part about future leaders like Hwa Chong students...That was such an amusing attempt at satire...

Oh "All I can say"...Jonathan!!!! You're so much better than that! You don't need this!

Looking forward to high-class slave labour in THIMUN starting tomorrow.

Dark Memories[9:45 PM]

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Monday, November 17, 2008

You gotta love THIMUN. Preparation day was a blast! With Ephraim and Joel, Kevin and Bradley and Jonathan...Ling Feng, Zhi Hao, Kenji and him during lunch. Let's give a random list of issues discussed.

1) HSM3!
2) 20 years into the future?
3) VERNON (Such a classic)
4) Fashion?
5) Consortiums...
6) ZOMG SAMUEL TAN HAXXXOR (Lunch! Such an appetite booster! He finished two packets of rice in no time)
7) Politics in HP?
8) EP3 juniors who are academic failures
9) And just about everything else under the sun

Plus, I discovered that there's a dinner & dance event at the end of THIMUN, something like prom night. Hurrah! As long as the venue isn't chosen by Vernon!

Oh and halfway through our supposed journey to help Yong Xiang carry projector screens and whatnot, Kevin, Joel and I somehow lost track of Yong Xiang and gang. Because we were such kind souls to stop by and hear about Ephraim's situation and then wished him good luck. Thrice. And then we even went around the fountain near the staffroom to look for the thumbdrive Ephraim misplaced. Of course we didn't find it. Then we tried looking for Yong Xiang and failed too sniff.

So we spent like half an hour lingering around talking! About Beijing! Holland! French cuisine! Paris! Disneyland! It was just Around The World in 800 seconds or something.

We even missed the debrief! Of course it wasn't much but what shocked me was that Miss Tan Yew Hui knew my name! And she could relate it to my face. More impressively, she recognised me from the back! Shocking!

Oh yes, if anyone of you knows Joshua Ng Yi En. He stole my library book today. Yes, that means taking it for personal reading without seeking permission beforehand. And I intend to make him pay.

Dark Memories[8:45 PM]

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Sunday, November 16, 2008

If a flower could move

*

Arrogant blossom standing tall
Irresistibly vermillion, gold
Tapered with scarlet
succulent petals sparkling
with morning
lachrymation

Endowed with a kinetic gift
It sways
Left, right, left
Frantically
Hopefully
Awaiting its patron

A buzz of ebony and yellow
Zigzags past the thousands in the meadow
Left, right, left
Frantically
Hopefully
Seeking its workplace

The regular arrives and begins its
routine
Pestering, probing
Trying to find an avenue to its
fluid prize

A slow and gentle
yet inexorable
Swat
And then a push
Shoo, vile ball of fur
And exoskeleton
Anthers or stigma shake it off

Fervent and impatient worker
yet diligent
Push in
Into the core

Increased pressure
Violent swings
As the host shows its disapproval
of crazed insistence

A compression a tad too
Hard
And the insectoid mass flees
20 miles away
Crushed

Introspective plant
Sniffs, sobs, pines
Cognizant of its biological
Need,

It refuses to breed.

*

Dark Memories[8:40 PM]

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Friday, November 14, 2008

BSC workshop today was obsolete. And I can't believe I was late for something I shouldn't even have gone for. On the plus side, I had a great time catching up with Kevin, Ming, Zheng Yi, Cao and all. And this new friend I made called Han Loong! He added me on facebook! I had so much fun today speaking French to him. And him Malay to me! What a lovely toy I toyed with. Although I apologise for the immaturity but simple verbosity it seems wouldn't have gotten his attention. Oh and I showcased YIM Possible! So that's one against Vernon! And I'll be working on another song soon! Tried singing Parle a ma main with Ming but it's just too fast.

Here are my StrengthsQuest results:

Strategic

The Strategic theme is a distinct way of thinking that allows one to seek out the best route among clutter. This perspective allows one to see patterns where most others cannot and constantly plays out potential and alternative scenarios to anticipate whatever obstacles they may face. One then eliminates each undesirable option until the best one remains and then follows it.

*Don't be afraid to be different
*Be creative in your studying
*Do more than is expected
*Seek a leadership role???
*Participate in research
*Search for ways to express your creative thinking
*Work backwards from your goal

Intellection

You like to think. You like mental activity. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, you may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on your other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what you are thinking about; it simply describes that you like to think. You are the kind of person who enjoys your time alone because it is your time for musing and reflection. You are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. This introspection may lead you to a slight sense of discontent as you compare what you are actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that your mind conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as the events of the day or a conversation that you plan to have later. Wherever it leads you, this mental hum is one of the constants of your life.

*Take Philosophy, Literature or Psychology
*Schedule time for thinking
*Keep a journal and write REGULARLY
*Talk to people with same interests
*Research subjects that intrigue me
*Read and collect books that interest you
*Study to understand and learn, NOT MEMORISE
*Think and plan before an assignment

Input

You are inquisitive. You collect things. You might collect information—words, facts, books, and quotations—or you might collect tangible objects such as butterflies, baseball cards, porcelain dolls, or sepia photographs. Whatever you collect, you collect it because it interests you. And yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. If you read a great deal, it is not necessarily to refine your theories but, rather, to add more information to your archives. If you like to travel, it is because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. Why are they worth storing? At the time of storing it is often hard to say exactly when or why you might need them, but who knows when they might become useful? With all those possible uses in mind, you really don’t feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It’s interesting. It keeps your mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.

*Devise a system for storing and easily locating the information you gather
*Save notes to create a personal library
*Schedule time looking up information that goes beyond classes
*Prioritise the most critical information to study
*Collect as much information as you can about your interests
*Select classes that broaden your general knowledge base

Individualisation

Your Individualization theme leads you to be intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. You are impatient with generalizations or “types” because you don’t want to obscure what is special and distinct about each person. Instead, you focus on the differences between individuals. You instinctively observe each person’s style, each person’s motivation, how each thinks, and how each builds relationships. Because you are such a keen observer of other people’s strengths, you can draw out the best in each person. This Individualization theme also helps you build productive teams. While some search around for the perfect team “structure” or “process,” you know instinctively that the secret to great teams is casting by individual strengths so that everyone can do a lot of what they do well.

*Read about people
*Take note of how authors set up uniqueness of different characters when reading
*Constantly observe people around
*Keep a journal about specific observations of people
*Establish study groups with people with a wide range of talents and perspectives

Ideation

You are fascinated by ideas. What is an idea? An idea is a concept, the best explanation of the most events. You are delighted when you discover beneath the complex surface an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are. An idea is a connection. Yours is the kind of mind that is always looking for connections, and so you are intrigued when seemingly disparate phenomena can be linked by an obscure connection. An idea is a new perspective on familiar challenges. You revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so we can view it from a strange but strangely enlightening angle. You love all these ideas because they are profound, because they are novel, because they are clarifying, because they are contrary, because they are bizarre. For all these reasons you derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to you. Others may label you creative or original or conceptual or even smart. Perhaps you are all of these. Who can be sure? What you are sure of is that ideas are thrilling. And on most days this is enough.

*Role in a group is to brainstorm and explore new possibilities
*Keep an "idea journal"
*Find a partner who would enjoy implementing your ideas
*Avoid environments with routine
*Surround yourself with friends that listen as well as probe
*Choose creative projects rather than just exams and papers

*

I'd say I've quite a healthy mix. Which means I'm missing the other more...sociable qualities. And the important one Focus. Empathy...Restorative...Harmony. I'm missing all these abstract qualities and having these 5 rather technical themes. Can't say it's bad though.

He's right. Just because I'm around different people doesn't mean I'm a different person. Perhaps the accent...Or even the mannerisms. But...I won't truly laugh at something I don't find funny...

And the question he posed still haunts me.

I may just go insane with the obsession about the answer.

Dark Memories[10:51 PM]

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Apparently, I'm Admin Staff for the Advisory Panel, which by the way I have no idea about. Well, Kevin's lucky to be Admin Staff for General Assembly and someone is not so fortunate to be in the computer room. Ling Feng's also involved I realised and a whole lot of others.

So for orientation games...Meh...Only the first game which was a pseudo-blow-wind-blow was fun. The rest of the games like human knots, crossing the red sea (Sabah rip-off) and erm...the blind man thingy was just...Urgh. Vernon-like. And so we thankfully finished the games and went for the story-telling workshop, where we learnt how to tell stories! There was this activity whereby a group of five would have each member tell their own personal story, let the group decide on one common one and then have each group member tell that same story five times to another group. Then the other group will have to guess who that story belongs to. Then the process repeats, vice-versa. So our entire group had stories about Vernon. Two of them were the same, each expressing their shock after the elections they attended. One had the same story but said "I didn't feel anything." No prizes for guessing who. And two (me and xujun) had the same story, expressing our horror upon the discovery of Vernon as chairman. So they used my story, which was about 96% similar to Xujun's. And the other group (Vernon's), used the elimination process, under Vernon's direction, and eliminated us till me and xujun were left. And Vernon was commenting about a supposed discrepancy in Xujun's account, saying that 7/30 was too high a score for xujun and hence, he wasn't credible. Thus, he decided on me. How desultory. And then for folk tale story-telling in groups of five, I was in Greg's group and wow. I have to say his story was the best because it was so unblemished. Because he started first and gave us a really dramatic account full of British and Japanese accents. Then it was Jerome's turn and Gregory just kept laughing uncontrollably as he turned everything in it sexual. And Jerome wasn't too helpful by using all those suggestive phrases. And the cute juniors Hanwee and Shi Yuan laughed along cluelessly. Then they must have been shocked when they told their stories because only Greg, me and Jerome were laughing as Gregory turned more folk tales into rated stories.

Had fun meeting Zheng Yi at the bus stop and laughing at those noob Gunz players.

And to commemorate the birth of my core group name, YIMba drama cyclorama (YIM DC), I shall edit the Kim Possible theme song. In case you didn't know, Vernon's surname is YIM.

Original Song: Call me, beep me
By: Christina Milian

Edited song: Call me, Beep me (YIM Possible)

*

Ooohh yeahh yeah
I'm your average crappy dude
Became chairman by a fluke
You must hate me
Cause I'm YIM Pos-si-ble
There is nothin' I can't screw
And when drama calls
Just know that I am on my way

It doesn't matter where or
When there's trouble
I caused it all the same
YIM Possible

Call me, beep me you can
Try and reach me
Even if you reach me I'll be late
I try so hard but I can't hear
My alarm ring
Doesn't matter if it's big or small
Saikang you can have them all
When it's time I can party
Call me, beep me make sure
That you reach me

(Vernon here, you did everything?)

Message clear, I am here
(But much later than me)
I’m never gonna leave you alone
(Vernon Go Away!)
You can always count on me
To get MSG above 3
But still I am chairman today
(Still chairman today)

It doesn't matter where or
when there's trouble
I caused it all the same

Call me, beep me you can
Try and reach me
Even if you reach me I'll be late
I try so hard but I can't hear
My alarm ring
Doesn't matter if it's big or small
Saikang you can have them all
When it's time I can party
Call me, beep me make sure
That you reach me

Call me, beep me make sure
That you reach me
Tell me when there's dota though I can't really play

Doesn't matter where
Doesn't matter when
I'm still a real irresponsible chairman
Danger or trouble
I'm off on the double
You know that you never can trust
YIM Possible
Yeaahh yeaah

Call me, beep me you can
Try and reach me
Even if you reach me I'll be late
I try so hard but I can't hear
My alarm ring
Doesn't matter if it's big or small
Saikang you can have them all
When it's time to slack,
When it's time I can party
Call me, beep me you can
Try and reach me
Even if you reach me I'll be late
I try so hard but I can't hear
My alarm ring
Doesn't matter if it's big or small
Saikang you can have them all
When it's time I can party
Call me, beep me make sure
That you reach me

*

Dark Memories[12:00 AM]

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Monday, November 10, 2008

Back from Vietnam. An enjoyable trip I suppose but too packed and rushed. Plus I didn't bring the DS or laptop...And didn't get to see the Vovinam Grand Master...Wasn't all that good. But I'll update later when I get pictures.

So I came back yesterday night with 20 emails and 10 smb messages. And only one was important. The smb message that told me to prepare a portfolio of my written work by 10 Nov. Which happens to be today. So I spent yesterday night abruptly ending long-term writing projects and gathering all my random pieces of writing that had been scattered all around in different corners of cyberspace folders. Printing...Preparing the cover page...Getting the portfolio ready blah blah. But it's for the Best English Student Award Nomination thingy hurrah!

And today we had drama again. Wasted at least 2 hours outside the OBA room doing mostly nothing, productive. Well Greg showed me a small portion of his repetoire of accents including Southern British, Philipino, Sharpay (TM), African, French, Canadian and Australian. And then we were trying to get the paroles of Parle a ma main. And just talked. Sec 1s entertained themselves once again with handphones and Russell brought his DS. Which Xujun and gang had fun with playing the Brain training thingy. Practised my audition lines...Meditating...Smacking juniors' heads. And also had Shi Yuan crushing me on a table. Until I made him relinquish with my nails. Of course the audition sort of was just horrid. From like 2 plus when we were brimming with energy...I got auditioned at about 5? When I was so drained from the going ons of outside. So I forgot a line...Gave my evil laughter. And then Ross, the trainer got me to do an improvisation involving me playing a doctor, Dracula-style. Wow.

Let's see what Vernon has to offer for the club games tomorrow.

Dark Memories[7:48 PM]

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Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The Thinker

As an INTP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

INTPs live in the world of theoretical possibilities. They see everything in terms of how it could be improved, or what it could be turned into. They live primarily inside their own minds, having the ability to analyze difficult problems, identify patterns, and come up with logical explanations. They seek clarity in everything, and are therefore driven to build knowledge. They are the "absent-minded professors", who highly value intelligence and the ability to apply logic to theories to find solutions. They typically are so strongly driven to turn problems into logical explanations, that they live much of their lives within their own heads, and may not place as much importance or value on the external world. Their natural drive to turn theories into concrete understanding may turn into a feeling of personal responsibility to solve theoretical problems, and help society move towards a higher understanding.

INTPs value knowledge above all else. Their minds are constantly working to generate new theories, or to prove or disprove existing theories. They approach problems and theories with enthusiasm and skepticism, ignoring existing rules and opinions and defining their own approach to the resolution. They seek patterns and logical explanations for anything that interests them. They're usually extremely bright, and able to be objectively critical in their analysis. They love new ideas, and become very excited over abstractions and theories. They love to discuss these concepts with others. They may seem "dreamy" and distant to others, because they spend a lot of time inside their minds musing over theories. They hate to work on routine things - they would much prefer to build complex theoretical solutions, and leave the implementation of the system to others. They are intensely interested in theory, and will put forth tremendous amounts of time and energy into finding a solution to a problem with has piqued their interest.

INTPs do not like to lead or control people. They're very tolerant and flexible in most situations, unless one of their firmly held beliefs has been violated or challenged, in which case they may take a very rigid stance. The INTP is likely to be very shy when it comes to meeting new people. On the other hand, the INTP is very self-confident and gregarious around people they know well, or when discussing theories which they fully understand.

The INTP has no understanding or value for decisions made on the basis of personal subjectivity or feelings. They strive constantly to achieve logical conclusions to problems, and don't understand the importance or relevance of applying subjective emotional considerations to decisions. For this reason, INTPs are usually not in-tune with how people are feeling, and are not naturally well-equiped to meet the emotional needs of others.

The INTP may have a problem with self-aggrandizement and social rebellion, which will interfere with their creative potential. Since their Feeling side is their least developed trait, the INTP may have difficulty giving the warmth and support that is sometimes necessary in intimate relationships. If the INTP doesn't realize the value of attending to other people's feelings, he or she may become overly critical and sarcastic with others. If the INTP is not able to find a place for themself which supports the use of their strongest abilities, they may become generally negative and cynical. If the INTP has not developed their Sensing side sufficiently, they may become unaware of their environment, and exhibit weakness in performing maintenance-type tasks, such as bill-paying and dressing appropriately.

For the INTP, it is extremely important that ideas and facts are expressed correctly and succinctly. They are likely to express themselves in what they believe to be absolute truths. Sometimes, their well thought-out understanding of an idea is not easily understandable by others, but the INTP is not naturally likely to tailor the truth so as to explain it in an understandable way to others. The INTP may be prone to abandoning a project once they have figured it out, moving on to the next thing. It's important that the INTP place importance on expressing their developed theories in understandable ways. In the end, an amazing discovery means nothing if you are the only person who understands it.

The INTP is usually very independent, unconventional, and original. They are not likely to place much value on traditional goals such as popularity and security. They usually have complex characters, and may tend to be restless and temperamental. They are strongly ingenious, and have unconventional thought patterns which allows them to analyze ideas in new ways. Consequently, a lot of scientific breakthroughs in the world have been made by the INTP.

The INTP is at his best when he can work on his theories independently. When given an environment which supports his creative genius and possible eccentricity, the INTP can accomplish truly remarkable things. These are the pioneers of new thoughts in our society.

So what's your stand? Somehow I can only identify with sarcastic and critical.

Birthday wasn't that impressive really. If it was the drama club's idea of a present, the drama training was great really. We had all sort of vocal exercises, warm-up games to improve reaction and improvisation, sound exercises, breathing and relaxation exercises and of course the many activities like sharing, impromptu skit and 24 hours were really interesting. Sharing was simple, just stating of names and what you see yourself as. I said "Poison Ivy" after much consideration. Mmhmm. Sherwin was "water". Delvin...Black pepper beef? Xujun was a scapel. And Greg a crayon. Guess what we did for impromptu skit? We were just given the scene "Office". And the first thing that came to my mind: Womanizer. So we were discussing/wasting our precious preparation time talking about who ought to be Britney Bitch and the guy, and err...the photocopying machine strangely. Then I hurriedly stopped us from actually doing a skit of that and suggested Vancome Lady! But even for her we had so many choices. We initially decided on a clinical office but then changed our decision to a banking office and went with the Hostage negotiator episode.

Got quite a few laughs for that with Xujun's imitation of Vancome. Then had 24 hours whereby you pretend to be someone and mime all the actions, starting at a certain time, and ending 24 hours later. I was "Poison Ivy" molecular biologist, planting an anthrax bomb to kill people. Then spending the rest of the day laughing at all the screams and reports of deaths on television. Established myself as an "enemy".

Then rushed home as my mother spontaneously told me to do so and got whisked off to Holland Village for dinner. Ate at 211 roof terrace cafe which I initially was very displeased with owing to its obscure location. But of course, the food turned out to be great though I didn't take any pictures given the fact that we dined outside with only a candle flame for most of the light. Unless you count the moon and stars (One star, moon was a crescent). Drank margarita for the first time. Frozen margarita actually, and it's pretty good, not as bitter as wine, nor as strong. Fruity flavours went very well with it.

Went back to my grandma's house and had another celebration. Actually, it was just the cutting of a cake my uncle insisted on buying. So we had mini celebration with the song and photo. Blah Blah. But the best part was when my grandma smiled because that's so rare. Although I feel kind of guilty for waking her up.

Wasted a whole lot of time today playing Gunz. And then I went to the library to meet Shiyi for City of Rats. Read for an hour or so there. Talked. And then went home for more Gunz. And then dota. An interesting thing I discovered is how powerful the invoker's firestorm is. Yes, the old invoker. At level 6 he could triple kill if done properly. Or take down a tower singlehandedly. Because as the fireballs rain down, they only damage organic creatures but afterwards when they leave behind those magical flame thingies, those detonate and damage everything. So 6 of those near a tower, each detonating for 150 dmg in a 300 aoe. Imagine the damage to the tower when you're just level 6. And 6x150 to three enemies. See? I double-killed against the retarded ai. But imagine aoe stunning..together with detonation...Ouch. Considering the max number of fireballs - 16....Multiplied by 150. Anyone staying behind in that AOE can be potentially dealt a 2400 nuke. Destroying one of the raxes instantly, or any tower for that matter.

I really want to go for drama on Thursday...But sigh...I'm leaving for Vietnam tomorrow and returning only on Sunday. So till then, a la prochaine?

Thanks Shiyi for City of Rats. Shall be my reading companion.

Dark Memories[12:04 AM]

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Sunday, November 02, 2008

Hi club,

We are going to have our club dinner on the 12th of November, during
the drama camp. This club dinner is for us to sit back and relax, and
enjoy the nice food at... Madjack! That's right, we are going to dine
out at Madjack at Duke's road (which is near Coronation Plaza). The
dinner will start at roughly 6.00pm and we have to be there at 5.30pm
This dinner is also a farewell dinner for our sec 4s, to bid them
farewell.

Here is the menu. You need to pre-order what you want, so that on the
actual day itself, there will be no hassle of choosing what you want
on the menu. Plus, you do not need to wait for the food once you get
there. It will be ready and served to you immediately, convenient and
hassle-free.

I will post up the menu up here. Please take a look, and tell me what
you want on Monday, November 3rd, meeting.

Here is the menu:

1. Fish & Chips Set Dinner - $18.75
2. Grilled Fish Set Dinner - $18.75
3. Grilled chicken Set Dinner - $17.75
4. Crazy Chick Set Dinner - $18.75
5. Fish Baked Rice Set Dinner - $18.75
6. Chicked Baked Rice Dinner Set - $18.75
7. Thai Curry Chicken on Rice Dinner Set - $18.75
8. Lasagne Dinner Set - $19.75
9. Turkey Bacon Burger & Chips Dinner Set - $17.75
10. Spicy Chick on Rice Dinner Set - $17.75
11. Blue Mountain Beef or Chicken Burger - $17.75
12. Blue Mountain Beef or Chicken w/chips - $19.75
13. Penne Pasta Set Dinner - $19.75
14. Stir Fried Tomato beef on Rice Dinner Set - $19.75

**Please Note: All Set dinner comes with - Soup of the Day, a Soft
Drink & Dessert. The above prices are further subject to 20% Student
discount. You need to add 7% GST.

In fact you can visit the website at www.madjackcafe.

com for more
information

*You will not be personally paying for the meal on that day

Please tell me what you want on Monday's meeting. If I do not get
your order after Monday, please send an e-mail to me telling me your
preference, latest by Tuesday, November 4th. If by Tuesday I still do
not get your order, I would order for you the the default 3. Grilled
chicken Set Dinner - $17.75.

*As for the sec 4s, please drop an e-mail stating your preferences by
Tuesday.

Thanks, Have a nice day.

Cheers,
Yuan Zhi

Whatever happened to buffet-styled dining? Or at least the $10 price?

Mad Jack's...Sigh...Can drama club get any worse under Vernon's reign?

Gah let's make Gregory chairman. At least we'll be dining in style.

And not pay for overpriced food that's possibly much more of scam than poolside.

Oh and Vernon posted a "gentle reminder" for drama training on Monday.

What an excellent cadeau.

That completes mon anniversaire.

Dark Memories[12:13 PM]

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Saturday, November 01, 2008

I must try and keep up my blogging spree...Like the killing sprees I have using the heroes from the "FUN" tavern in dota. Just type -fun after your preferred mode and voila!

Try the old butcher who's one heck of a pusher...Or the old CHEN who is much much more of a pusher. I mean come on...1500 range AOE (AREA OF EFFECT) holy persuasion, 12 units and a time, NO CAP! Cooldown of 2 minutes...In 10 minutes an army of 120 neutral creeps? No wonder he was axed soon before the 6 versions. Oh but there's no hp bonus...Meh, doesn't make a difference since the hp of the extra creeps far exceed the pathetic bonus in current versions.

And on the subject of dota, Jonathan Khoo has finished his third game rather well according to his blog, referring to the popular multi-slash ultimate of Juggernaut as "Omnirush". Well, you've got to give the mugger-boy credit for actually knowing of dota...And half the name of that ultimate. So let's now all hope that he keeps to his promise, and thrashes me in the game in Beijing. He's got to be kidding...

On a more realistic note, I attended my cousin's solemnization ceremony today. Most joyous an occasion but I felt so self-conscious because of my attire, which was so very inferior to my counterparts of my aunt's side of the family. Oh well, at least the food was good. And once again, I couldn't smile during phototaking. Unfortunately, the only smiles I can create in front of the camera are pained ones or evil ones as shown from HIC. And yet at other times, real smiles. Or then again, they could be false. As long as there's no camera...

Hmm update update...Genting was close to boring...Other than finishing the Miss Marple book...And teaching my friend dota...The theme park was a joke. And the magic acts entertained me for a while as I tried unravelling the mystery. Oh yes, the tigers and white lion. Made me ramble on and on about animal abuse. That'd be all, though I liked the weather.

And the next day after Genting, IGCSE. And unfortunately, the writing mood eluded me again...Well, the only time it was with me under test conditions was ICAS writing last year. Although I must say I'm pleased with the plot considering how I plotted my plot before the actual test. Thanks to "Endless Night" by Agatha Christie, I made my protagonist the murderer. Giving the unexpected twist to the essay mandatorily titled "Locked In". But due to time constraints...And well, the rather uncomfortable one my bladder was experiencing, my transition from innocent to murderer was laughable. Anticlimatic as described by Shiyi. Sigh. Two guys locked in a place, one guy locked in an addiction to murder. Apt huh? I'm the murderer. Guess whose name I used for the victim? Hint, he thought he found a solution for escaping with triumph but failed. And I stabbed him from the back though in my position while taking the test, he could have stabbed me from behind. Hmm, wasn't much of a hint but no prizes for guessing either. So conclusion: Loved the plot and ending sentence, but writing was tasteless and lacked vocabulary. How amateur...Oh yes, the writing errr..Any resemblance to living people are purely coincidental and none of the actions expressed in the writing are meant, including stabbing. Usually the opposite of my writing is meant. Wait, that only applies to IGCSE, not my blog posts.

The AOS guys have gone with the wind. And they celebrated Halloween! Leaving the unfortunate me stuck in an Asian culturally-dominated country to spend that splendid night watching Cardcaptor Sakura. And the creepiest card I got to so far was Time...

So much to do...So much to blog...So little time.

Glad that someone used a :). Cheered me up more than any number of Poison Ivy kisses. Thanks.

Glad that someone enlightened me with "No one can hurt me more than I hurt myself". Thanks also.

Glad that I found Escape Velocity!!!! Muhahaha! Higher Institute of Villainous Education I shall attend!

PS: Reminder to edit Bottle It Up.

Dark Memories[8:25 PM]

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