Sunday, November 02, 2008
So I take 2 weeks off from work to attend an event in Shanghai and two weddings in Malaysia. I get back into Singapore and whaddaya know. One housemate has decided to move and the other believes he's going to as well.
Very good congratulations and this is what happens when you return from an event in Shanghai and two weddings in Malaysia to news that both your housemates are moving.
One. You fume; and then slowly get used to the idea. Alright, so one isn't happy that his rent's too high and the other tenants make a habit of wearing indoor slippers about the flat and he's the only that does the cleaning *coughbullcough*. Well then he should have done his homework and not taken up the room in the first place if he was going to be so unhappy about it nevermind the fact that his housemates were being unfair at least they'd made it known that it was an unfair split in the first place but thats not the point anymore so why harp on it. Another didn't have much of a choice so lets not be angry with him and try to attend his wedding please. Besides, where's the point in fuming so long. Circumstances change; you adapt to them.
Two. So. You announce your acquiescence to those circumstances, just as long as your existing housemates find replacements for their rooms and you don't end up having to fork out their portions of the rental for the flat. You contemplate moving out somewhere cheaper too but then you pause to consider: You're striving to be bestjournointheworld, you have neither the time, money nor the patience for shit like that. You'd also have to forfeit your deposit to a landlord whose got balls fer brains, you'd end up living with strangers anyway and, why the hell should you be the one losing out on your money, time and patience when the issues leading to the current circumstances aren't yours in the first place?!
Three. Ok. Then you leave it to your housemates to sort out matters on their own. If you want to leave, by all means. Just find me a goddamned replacement for your room that isn't too much of a freak and we can all get on with our lives and never live together again. Nooooooo. Communication between everyone in the flat begins to disintegrate. You find yourself relaying messages to two people who live right next to each other when you're in Penang stressing over a story you have to file when you're on holiday. (Said story was a winner so all past grievances are forgotten with good will).
Four. In the end, things get so muddled, you end up being sat down by friendly neighbours with good intentions and being told you're the ultimate casualty if you let things be any longer. You get told you have to step in and set some cut-off points and expectations. Everyone needs to agree to these new terms. Its all so simple when someone who isn't involved points things out to you. The new terms are: 6-162 Block 163 of Bishan Street 13 is in want of tenants for its masterbedroom at $850 and for one of its common rooms at $700 - it was $750 before. Broadband and utilities are to be split between the number of people in the house please. You've got to be Cina from Malaysia or Singapore and be someone who doesn't work for Lehman, Merrill or Bear. AIA Singapore still can. Oh, and please move in Nov 5 for the common, Dec 1 for the master. Please don't be too much of a freak too. Or this striving bestjournointheworld to be could very well end up with no home and no deposit.
I have this list I keep for people I don't like. On it, I have my ex bosses at Deloitte, my landlord with balls fer brains, and my exboyfriends and their pretty wives. Sometimes I wonder if its not time to add to that list.
Very good congratulations and this is what happens when you return from an event in Shanghai and two weddings in Malaysia to news that both your housemates are moving.
One. You fume; and then slowly get used to the idea. Alright, so one isn't happy that his rent's too high and the other tenants make a habit of wearing indoor slippers about the flat and he's the only that does the cleaning *coughbullcough*. Well then he should have done his homework and not taken up the room in the first place if he was going to be so unhappy about it nevermind the fact that his housemates were being unfair at least they'd made it known that it was an unfair split in the first place but thats not the point anymore so why harp on it. Another didn't have much of a choice so lets not be angry with him and try to attend his wedding please. Besides, where's the point in fuming so long. Circumstances change; you adapt to them.
Two. So. You announce your acquiescence to those circumstances, just as long as your existing housemates find replacements for their rooms and you don't end up having to fork out their portions of the rental for the flat. You contemplate moving out somewhere cheaper too but then you pause to consider: You're striving to be bestjournointheworld, you have neither the time, money nor the patience for shit like that. You'd also have to forfeit your deposit to a landlord whose got balls fer brains, you'd end up living with strangers anyway and, why the hell should you be the one losing out on your money, time and patience when the issues leading to the current circumstances aren't yours in the first place?!
Three. Ok. Then you leave it to your housemates to sort out matters on their own. If you want to leave, by all means. Just find me a goddamned replacement for your room that isn't too much of a freak and we can all get on with our lives and never live together again. Nooooooo. Communication between everyone in the flat begins to disintegrate. You find yourself relaying messages to two people who live right next to each other when you're in Penang stressing over a story you have to file when you're on holiday. (Said story was a winner so all past grievances are forgotten with good will).
Four. In the end, things get so muddled, you end up being sat down by friendly neighbours with good intentions and being told you're the ultimate casualty if you let things be any longer. You get told you have to step in and set some cut-off points and expectations. Everyone needs to agree to these new terms. Its all so simple when someone who isn't involved points things out to you. The new terms are: 6-162 Block 163 of Bishan Street 13 is in want of tenants for its masterbedroom at $850 and for one of its common rooms at $700 - it was $750 before. Broadband and utilities are to be split between the number of people in the house please. You've got to be Cina from Malaysia or Singapore and be someone who doesn't work for Lehman, Merrill or Bear. AIA Singapore still can. Oh, and please move in Nov 5 for the common, Dec 1 for the master. Please don't be too much of a freak too. Or this striving bestjournointheworld to be could very well end up with no home and no deposit.
I have this list I keep for people I don't like. On it, I have my ex bosses at Deloitte, my landlord with balls fer brains, and my exboyfriends and their pretty wives. Sometimes I wonder if its not time to add to that list.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Returning the favour.Everybody, please meet my friend Joky. Joky has just blogged about me on her blog:
http://www.xanga.com/jokyz
I'm so honoured and touched. Such a pleasant surprise. Joky, I love you very much and I laughed out loud at your blog. Lol.
I first met Joks on 15 March 2004, my first day at Deloitte KassimChan. We went out for lunch together and she had big curly hair back then. I thought she was an idiot at first but now we know better because Joks not only ended up my yoga/Taman Tun hill/Cats Whiskers/Butik Amor/fellow camwhore/Janice's chi mui/do hair partner, amongst other things, she became one of my bestest girlfriends. We have since spent many hours howling with laughter and taking many pictures. Remember the time we ber-cam-whored inside the GAP changing room? Joky, you are my favourite sei pat por.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
At a wake I attended Saturday on behalf of daddy dearest, my now late grand aunty's twin daughters told me they read The Edge with gusto after we met for the first time. But all I wanted was to sit quietly next to my grandmother and hold her frail hand. What will I do when she's gone?
In a random MSN conversation with Mr Poh the same night, I was pleasantly surprised and touched because Mr Poh, ex-colleague, fellow pool enthusiast and now respected friend, told me whenever he reads the weekly he looks for the stuff I write first. How fuckin cool is that.
Today in the afternoon I watched a play with Uncle Perry that reminded very much of how I am with my two baby sisters, loud, coarse and intentionally irritating. I ignore the second who talks too much on purpose, and jabber incessantly at the younger one who doesn't talk enough. But they know and I know and mom and dad know I suppose, that this big sister would give all but her tight ass that resembles Trinity's God bless Trinity's ass, for her baby sisters' health, happiness, and general well being.
And after dinner tonight Fay and I went shopping for lacy, satin underwear that feels so light its like its not there.
But as constant as heartbeat through my not so humdrum weekend, all I could really think about was kissing you under a small brolly with our fingers intertwined while the rain cascaded steadily on us, splattering to the ground and dirtying our feet as it fell in sheens of wet haziness.
Ends.
In a random MSN conversation with Mr Poh the same night, I was pleasantly surprised and touched because Mr Poh, ex-colleague, fellow pool enthusiast and now respected friend, told me whenever he reads the weekly he looks for the stuff I write first. How fuckin cool is that.
Today in the afternoon I watched a play with Uncle Perry that reminded very much of how I am with my two baby sisters, loud, coarse and intentionally irritating. I ignore the second who talks too much on purpose, and jabber incessantly at the younger one who doesn't talk enough. But they know and I know and mom and dad know I suppose, that this big sister would give all but her tight ass that resembles Trinity's God bless Trinity's ass, for her baby sisters' health, happiness, and general well being.
And after dinner tonight Fay and I went shopping for lacy, satin underwear that feels so light its like its not there.
But as constant as heartbeat through my not so humdrum weekend, all I could really think about was kissing you under a small brolly with our fingers intertwined while the rain cascaded steadily on us, splattering to the ground and dirtying our feet as it fell in sheens of wet haziness.
Ends.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Hello friends and family. I bring thee all good tidings from Gate 16 at the Hong Kong International Airport, where I am patiently waiting to board an aeroplane bound for Singapore. Perched with my legs folded beneath my charming backside and with laptop on lap, I am amusing myself by playing a series of 80's music and singing aloud along to it. There's a family seated behind me and so far they haven't batted an eyelid, nor made any effort to move away from the ruckus I am creating. I think they are either sitting around for some free and good music, or or they really like my singing, or they must be quite deaf. I am now singing Careless Whisper. There are other passengers sitting around me now. And noone's batting an eyelid. I find this peculiar but am too comfortable to bother, really. I shiok.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I am suffering from Post Holiday Syndrome. Am a day back from a diving trip at the Perhentian Islands and I miss it there. I'm island-sick. Just thinking of the beach, the dives, the company and the food is making me feel extremely agitated and fidgety. I can't concentrate on my traditional Chinese medicine and potato stories. I keep thinking of islands and fish and finding my neutral buoyancy. I keep thinking I look sexy in a wet suit. That suit made Trinity's ass look fucking amazing. God bless Trinity's ass. I think I love diving. Its so peaceful down there. So beautiful below the surface. I think this is part of what life is about. Discovering and seeing what mother earth has to offer us in the span of time she allows us here. And mother earth offers plenty.
Our chalet was basic, with makeshift furniture and 2 beds. It was air conditioned all the same. This was where we sat in companionable silence while the heat of the day subsided, one with an mp3 player, another with a mobile phone, the other with a PSP. We contaminate the innocence of nature with technology designed to lure us from mother earth's bosom and into the clutches of cyber space. This was where we fell asleep laughing ourselves silly. Where we took shelter from the night, each of us tired out from having spent the day under the sun and sea, but neither of us having felt more relaxed than we could remember being for a while.
I've been pondering over whether I'm growing weary of Singapore. Boring of the country. 1st June marks my first anniversary here. Its been everything I've wanted it to be, and all I've ever wanted from this country is the experience of having lived it. And lately I've pondered over 'Where to next?' and it led to my mulling over the slightly disconcerting fact that I'm still not yet anchored to a long term personal settlement plan. Everywhere I go, I'm always wanting to live more, see more, experience more. Maybe its because I have no reason to stay. No, thats not true. My job is my reason to stay. I'm earning the least compared to what everybody else is earning but I'm the only one who loves it that way.
I want to climb mountains. I want to see whats beneath the sea. I still want to make love in every country in Europe. I want to live in different countries, soak up the culture, bask in various ways of life. And I'm still waiting for you. I want you to be my anchor, or I'll never stop drifting. Anywhere the wind blows. Doesn't really matter to me.
To me. Mama, do I believe in God? I know you really want me to, so you'll see me when its through, but Mama, life has just begun, will I really go and let it drift away? Mama, oooooooh. Didn't mean to make you cry, if I'm not there with you when its all over, carry on, carry on. As if nothing really matters.
Our chalet was basic, with makeshift furniture and 2 beds. It was air conditioned all the same. This was where we sat in companionable silence while the heat of the day subsided, one with an mp3 player, another with a mobile phone, the other with a PSP. We contaminate the innocence of nature with technology designed to lure us from mother earth's bosom and into the clutches of cyber space. This was where we fell asleep laughing ourselves silly. Where we took shelter from the night, each of us tired out from having spent the day under the sun and sea, but neither of us having felt more relaxed than we could remember being for a while.
I've been pondering over whether I'm growing weary of Singapore. Boring of the country. 1st June marks my first anniversary here. Its been everything I've wanted it to be, and all I've ever wanted from this country is the experience of having lived it. And lately I've pondered over 'Where to next?' and it led to my mulling over the slightly disconcerting fact that I'm still not yet anchored to a long term personal settlement plan. Everywhere I go, I'm always wanting to live more, see more, experience more. Maybe its because I have no reason to stay. No, thats not true. My job is my reason to stay. I'm earning the least compared to what everybody else is earning but I'm the only one who loves it that way.
I want to climb mountains. I want to see whats beneath the sea. I still want to make love in every country in Europe. I want to live in different countries, soak up the culture, bask in various ways of life. And I'm still waiting for you. I want you to be my anchor, or I'll never stop drifting. Anywhere the wind blows. Doesn't really matter to me.
To me. Mama, do I believe in God? I know you really want me to, so you'll see me when its through, but Mama, life has just begun, will I really go and let it drift away? Mama, oooooooh. Didn't mean to make you cry, if I'm not there with you when its all over, carry on, carry on. As if nothing really matters.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Jo was keeping a list of movies that she's watched for the year with her own emoticon ratings on her blog. Is it still there Jo? Anyway, I'm copying your idea for this post.
List of movies I've watched since January 2008 in no particular order and what I thought of them:-
1. 27 Dresses - Pleasant.
2. Definitely Maybe - I expected more, though Rachel Weisz was superb. I love her like I love Cate Blanchett.
3. Over Her Dead Body - I expected less.
4. PS. I Love You - I enjoyed this and I cried buckets. And its got Gerrard Butler, my new obsession.
5. Nim's Island - Really, really liked this. Thought it was very clever and original. And its got Gerrard Butler, my new obsession.
6. The Bucket List - Not too bad.
7. Atonement - Yea, I liked this one. Though I had to get used to the idea of the ending. But once I did, I thought it was a good watch.
8. Untraceable - Good. Relevant. I like. But before the message of the film hit me, I wasn't really enjoying it for the semblance it bore to Saw. But Saw is just mindless gory ingenius. Untraceable was gory but it had a point.
9. Forbidden Kingdom - Kill her now. She felt like she wasted 2 hours of her life. Good lord.
10. Juno - This was original and it touched me. I thought it was very good.
11. Persepolis - Er. Ok la quite interesting.
12. Sleuth -Even though I was totally engrossed, this film left me feeling quite perplexed.
13. My Blueberry Nights - Yea, I liked the arty fartiness of this show. I think Wong Kar Wai is good and unique. This would be the second time Natalie Portman and Jude Law teamed up to produce an unconventional show. I always like their unconventional shows because of the different perspective. And it had Rachel Weisz at her best.
14. The Savages - This was just alright.
15. The Other Boleyn Girl - I enjoyed this muchly too.
16. Jumper - No good. Too Hollywood. In this film, I started finding Samuel L Jackson extremely irritating.
17. The Spiderwick Chronicles - This was fun while it lasted. But easily forgotten.
18. The Golden Compass - I suppose this would have been better if I'd read the book. On the surface, just another forgettable movie for me.
19. Sweeney Todd - Dark, disturbing, entertaining. I like. Especially the part where he threw her into the furnace. Best. Joaaaaaanna I feel you.
20. The Kingdom - I enjoyed this too. It was very Hollywoody, but I thought it was relevant. See, whenever I watch a movie I must take something away from the experience. Either a different perspective, a really good laugh or cry, or I learn something from it. Otherwise I'll feel like its a waste and my mood will be affected for the rest of the day.
21. Beowulf - Eh, I liked this wor. I can still remember it, and not because it was bad. So that means it was good for me. I liked the story.
22. Elizabeth - Hey its Cate Blanchett. 'Nuff said. I've heard some saying the movie wasn't good but I loved it because even though it didn't play out much of the Armada's defeat under Elizaebeth's reign, it focused more on Elizabeth as a person, allowing a glimpse of the person that she was and how she thought and felt behind the famous Ice Queen facade, which in my opinion, calls for more talent and effort in the acting itself, rather than the showy special effects movies these days practically survive on.
23. Iron Man - Yea pretty cool. But Samuel L Jackson is irritating. I think he is incapable of playing other sorts of roles.
Actually I noticed that I liked most of the films I watched this year. I guess this is because I am very selective of the movies I watch. So I usually pick the films I think I'll like. Hmmmm.
Movies I wanted to catch but didn't:
1. Lust Caution
2. Kite Runner
3. Love in the time of Cholera
4. Charlie Wilson's war
5. Darjeeling Limited
6. Warlords
Movies I'm looking forward to for now:
1. La vie en rose
2. Indianna Jones
3. Narnia
4. The Lovely Bones
5. Wilde
6. Black Book
7. The Incredible Hulk
8. Get Smart (for some strange reason)
List of movies I've watched since January 2008 in no particular order and what I thought of them:-
1. 27 Dresses - Pleasant.
2. Definitely Maybe - I expected more, though Rachel Weisz was superb. I love her like I love Cate Blanchett.
3. Over Her Dead Body - I expected less.
4. PS. I Love You - I enjoyed this and I cried buckets. And its got Gerrard Butler, my new obsession.
5. Nim's Island - Really, really liked this. Thought it was very clever and original. And its got Gerrard Butler, my new obsession.
6. The Bucket List - Not too bad.
7. Atonement - Yea, I liked this one. Though I had to get used to the idea of the ending. But once I did, I thought it was a good watch.
8. Untraceable - Good. Relevant. I like. But before the message of the film hit me, I wasn't really enjoying it for the semblance it bore to Saw. But Saw is just mindless gory ingenius. Untraceable was gory but it had a point.
9. Forbidden Kingdom - Kill her now. She felt like she wasted 2 hours of her life. Good lord.
10. Juno - This was original and it touched me. I thought it was very good.
11. Persepolis - Er. Ok la quite interesting.
12. Sleuth -Even though I was totally engrossed, this film left me feeling quite perplexed.
13. My Blueberry Nights - Yea, I liked the arty fartiness of this show. I think Wong Kar Wai is good and unique. This would be the second time Natalie Portman and Jude Law teamed up to produce an unconventional show. I always like their unconventional shows because of the different perspective. And it had Rachel Weisz at her best.
14. The Savages - This was just alright.
15. The Other Boleyn Girl - I enjoyed this muchly too.
16. Jumper - No good. Too Hollywood. In this film, I started finding Samuel L Jackson extremely irritating.
17. The Spiderwick Chronicles - This was fun while it lasted. But easily forgotten.
18. The Golden Compass - I suppose this would have been better if I'd read the book. On the surface, just another forgettable movie for me.
19. Sweeney Todd - Dark, disturbing, entertaining. I like. Especially the part where he threw her into the furnace. Best. Joaaaaaanna I feel you.
20. The Kingdom - I enjoyed this too. It was very Hollywoody, but I thought it was relevant. See, whenever I watch a movie I must take something away from the experience. Either a different perspective, a really good laugh or cry, or I learn something from it. Otherwise I'll feel like its a waste and my mood will be affected for the rest of the day.
21. Beowulf - Eh, I liked this wor. I can still remember it, and not because it was bad. So that means it was good for me. I liked the story.
22. Elizabeth - Hey its Cate Blanchett. 'Nuff said. I've heard some saying the movie wasn't good but I loved it because even though it didn't play out much of the Armada's defeat under Elizaebeth's reign, it focused more on Elizabeth as a person, allowing a glimpse of the person that she was and how she thought and felt behind the famous Ice Queen facade, which in my opinion, calls for more talent and effort in the acting itself, rather than the showy special effects movies these days practically survive on.
23. Iron Man - Yea pretty cool. But Samuel L Jackson is irritating. I think he is incapable of playing other sorts of roles.
Actually I noticed that I liked most of the films I watched this year. I guess this is because I am very selective of the movies I watch. So I usually pick the films I think I'll like. Hmmmm.
Movies I wanted to catch but didn't:
1. Lust Caution
2. Kite Runner
3. Love in the time of Cholera
4. Charlie Wilson's war
5. Darjeeling Limited
6. Warlords
Movies I'm looking forward to for now:
1. La vie en rose
2. Indianna Jones
3. Narnia
4. The Lovely Bones
5. Wilde
6. Black Book
7. The Incredible Hulk
8. Get Smart (for some strange reason)
This morning at about 4am a very strong wind blew in Bishan. It blew my window wide open and knocked over a ginger beer bottle serving as a vase on the dining table at 163. I'd already dozed off from coming back from dinner and dessert and drinks and extended drinks with Kenny and Wilson at Holland Village and then the usual at Social Singapore, but the gale blew me awake and I got up to shut the window and call Jin, who wasn't back yet. I was worried Cyclone Nargis had come from the lower planes of the Irrawaddy to blow him and Angie away.
I'd wanted to head out to Holland Village on my lonesome for a cosy dinner with The Edge and to satisfy my craving for Cold Rock ice cream last night. En route, I delivered a simple bouquet of five red roses to 181 for my friend Pek Bee. Fay and I had went to explore the plant nurseries on Thomson Road in the morning and I bought myself a mini orchid plant and red roses because red roses make me happy. Fay and I are experimenting with a plant each. If the mortality rate is low, we're going back to buy a garden.
Anyway I picked up Kenny and then Wilson who came to Holland V with me, and then headed for Social Singapore, where I discovered my new favourite song: Unintended by Muse. Hohoho. Now I'm going to drive my housemates crazy again by looping the song.
Red roses really make me happy.
A lot has happened since my last post in April. I lost my other grandfather. I wasn't close to this one like I was close to my other granddad though. I have no memory of him beyond a couple of years. Though it struck me how fast one's health can detoriorate when one is old. My memory of my granddad from a couple of years ago was of a strong and independent old man who could drive himself from Johor to KL without any help. The last time I saw him 2 months before he died he was weak and small. And just like that another life is over.
I went to Elton's concert. I must say I have excellent taste in music. It was a great concert, I don't think the Rocketman let anyone in the audience down. 2.5 hours straight of first grade entertainment I'd say, though he didn't play The way you look tonight, Nikita, Sad songs, Can you feel the love tonight and Circle of life. The Rocketman did tell me however, that life was wonderful with me in the world. No straight man has ever said that to me. All straight men ever say to me is hi you're cute or lets have sex. So you can imagine my elation.
There've been some changes at the office. I got confirmed, and finally some positive feedback on my work. I'm not sure if its healthy or unhealthy that my chief editor holds the key to my sanity. One word from him is sufficient to either make my day, or break it.
There've also been some 'softer changes' from the black and white switch from tax to journalism. Lets just say...the same way I conditioned my mind to rationale and sensibility when it comes to irritating emotional matters of the heart, I'm learning to keep a clear and mature attitude when it comes to 'soft matters' at the office. "Just focus and work and improve, Chern," I tell myself sometimes. I notice though, that a positive and cheerful attitude really works wonders when it comes to emotional things. I think its going to help me live long long.
I'd wanted to head out to Holland Village on my lonesome for a cosy dinner with The Edge and to satisfy my craving for Cold Rock ice cream last night. En route, I delivered a simple bouquet of five red roses to 181 for my friend Pek Bee. Fay and I had went to explore the plant nurseries on Thomson Road in the morning and I bought myself a mini orchid plant and red roses because red roses make me happy. Fay and I are experimenting with a plant each. If the mortality rate is low, we're going back to buy a garden.
Anyway I picked up Kenny and then Wilson who came to Holland V with me, and then headed for Social Singapore, where I discovered my new favourite song: Unintended by Muse. Hohoho. Now I'm going to drive my housemates crazy again by looping the song.
Red roses really make me happy.
A lot has happened since my last post in April. I lost my other grandfather. I wasn't close to this one like I was close to my other granddad though. I have no memory of him beyond a couple of years. Though it struck me how fast one's health can detoriorate when one is old. My memory of my granddad from a couple of years ago was of a strong and independent old man who could drive himself from Johor to KL without any help. The last time I saw him 2 months before he died he was weak and small. And just like that another life is over.
I went to Elton's concert. I must say I have excellent taste in music. It was a great concert, I don't think the Rocketman let anyone in the audience down. 2.5 hours straight of first grade entertainment I'd say, though he didn't play The way you look tonight, Nikita, Sad songs, Can you feel the love tonight and Circle of life. The Rocketman did tell me however, that life was wonderful with me in the world. No straight man has ever said that to me. All straight men ever say to me is hi you're cute or lets have sex. So you can imagine my elation.
There've been some changes at the office. I got confirmed, and finally some positive feedback on my work. I'm not sure if its healthy or unhealthy that my chief editor holds the key to my sanity. One word from him is sufficient to either make my day, or break it.
There've also been some 'softer changes' from the black and white switch from tax to journalism. Lets just say...the same way I conditioned my mind to rationale and sensibility when it comes to irritating emotional matters of the heart, I'm learning to keep a clear and mature attitude when it comes to 'soft matters' at the office. "Just focus and work and improve, Chern," I tell myself sometimes. I notice though, that a positive and cheerful attitude really works wonders when it comes to emotional things. I think its going to help me live long long.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
When I first started chern.blogspot.com almost five years ago, it was because it was the next cool thing; you know, it started with IRC, then ICQ, then MSN, then ecircles, friendster, the blog, and now facebook. Kinda like natural progression.
I still remember those days. All the cool people from college had a blog. We'd link each other, get shoutboxes, leave comments. It was the greatest thing. I used to be an avid blogger. The text kept flowing, and it always felt great - and it still does - when someone left a comment telling the author that chern.blogspot.com was the bestest. I blogged because somehow there was so much I had to say. I blogged because it was cool. I blogged because I enjoyed writing and I knew I was good. Well, better than most, at least.
The reason I'm still blogging today, albeit very sporadically, is because I still enjoy writing and I'm still under the impression that I'm good. Well, better than most, at least. Mostly these days I blog when I need to articulate my thoughts in writing, and I blog for my friends.
But my perception of blogging has changed. Just a couple of weeks ago Mel and I were chatting and we both agreed that this whole blogging thing has become simply nonsense. Let me explain.
Some weeks back, I attended what the press invite described as a "Bloggers' debate" on the future of the blog. Four prominent Asian blogger from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and India would be part of this debate. Incredulous - because I personally thought some of them wouldn't have the intelligence to handle an open debate -and out of curiosity also, I attended this event.
It turned out to be more of a bloggers' forum on the reasons why these bloggers thought their blogs were so popular, and how much money they could earn from leveraging on the popularity of their blogs and allowing them [their blogs] as advertising space.
I was appalled at what one blogger said: "I don't read the newspapers. I rely on blogs for my news and if the news is important enough, I will eventually hear about it on mine, or someone elses blog."
Want to know what I thought? I thought that if every blogger in the world blogged with such immaturity, self indulgence and plain stupidity, I'd cut out my ovaries and end my lineage right there because there no longer would be a future for the world.
I was appalled that the popularity of another blog earned that blogger apparently a comfortable amount of advertising income. Kudos to the advertiser for his efforts in taking advantage of popular media connection points. Good on the blogger for gaining sufficient popularity to warrant an income from his or her blog. Alas for the blog's readers.
All I'm saying is that there is nothing on this particular blog besides silly, shallow, superficial things that bring no value. There's more to life than proms, celebrities and good looking people. I'm not saying its wrong and noone should read silly, shallow, superficial blogs for entertainment. All I'm saying is that if the majority of society continues to thrive on such silliness, they are directly maintaining and/or increasing the popularity of such shallowness, and therefore perpetuating the superficiality of it all.
And this will invariably and inevitably lead to the immaturity, self indulgence and plain stupidity of the first blogger I mentioned.
Oh but I'm sure most of us who read these kinds of blogs are just reading them for entertainment and are mostly intelligent and opiniated enough not to be influenced by it all. Lets not forget, people in general follow the masses. They "go with the flow". If people in general were mostly intelligent and opiniated, the Holocaust wouldn't have happened. Religion wouldn't be an issue. Perhaps we wouldn't fight over strips of land. Perhaps aid could be brought in quicker to Myanmar. Perhaps less would have believed in the claims of the existence of WMDs.
Admittedly though, the blog IS extremely useful and beneficial. A clever means of getting information across, farther and wider than any local newspaper ever could. For sharing thoughts. Personal updates. Airing opinions. As alternative media. In voting for change. Ricebowl for some even. (Though the last time the author of some silly blog gave me his business card with his name and profession: blogger printed on it I almost spuked the contents of that day's Indoenesian lunch on to his left shoe)
Like in this extremely amusing MSN conversation I had with dad the other night. Kudos to my dad. And less can be said for my country's government.
Chern: What are you doing online pa? Pei is not here. TR is not here.
Dad: I am going through my emails.
Chern: Who email you?
Chern: You receive emails wan ah?
Dad: I got blogspot also ok.
Chern: WHAT?!
Chern: Where?
Chern: What you blog about? Your plants ah?
Dad: Trying to sell things la.
Chern: Wahhhhh.
Chern: I'm impressed.
Chern: You understand the importance of blog advertising.
Chern: You know how to transfer pictures onto the blog or not?
Dad: Yueyue teach me.
Chern: You got camera or not? You wait when I come back from diving then I buy for you one. I bought for Pei mp3 player.
Dad: No need. Now camera in Malaysia very cheap.
Chern: Can sell ah your things?
Dad: I am replying this idiot's email. He lives in Penang. I put my phone number there but he dunno how to call. Must email. Waste time. Bodoh.
This coming from the man I once had to teach the art of using a mouse, mind you. For the record, TR, Pei and Yueyue are my brother and sisters respectively.
Its late.
I still remember those days. All the cool people from college had a blog. We'd link each other, get shoutboxes, leave comments. It was the greatest thing. I used to be an avid blogger. The text kept flowing, and it always felt great - and it still does - when someone left a comment telling the author that chern.blogspot.com was the bestest. I blogged because somehow there was so much I had to say. I blogged because it was cool. I blogged because I enjoyed writing and I knew I was good. Well, better than most, at least.
The reason I'm still blogging today, albeit very sporadically, is because I still enjoy writing and I'm still under the impression that I'm good. Well, better than most, at least. Mostly these days I blog when I need to articulate my thoughts in writing, and I blog for my friends.
But my perception of blogging has changed. Just a couple of weeks ago Mel and I were chatting and we both agreed that this whole blogging thing has become simply nonsense. Let me explain.
Some weeks back, I attended what the press invite described as a "Bloggers' debate" on the future of the blog. Four prominent Asian blogger from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and India would be part of this debate. Incredulous - because I personally thought some of them wouldn't have the intelligence to handle an open debate -and out of curiosity also, I attended this event.
It turned out to be more of a bloggers' forum on the reasons why these bloggers thought their blogs were so popular, and how much money they could earn from leveraging on the popularity of their blogs and allowing them [their blogs] as advertising space.
I was appalled at what one blogger said: "I don't read the newspapers. I rely on blogs for my news and if the news is important enough, I will eventually hear about it on mine, or someone elses blog."
Want to know what I thought? I thought that if every blogger in the world blogged with such immaturity, self indulgence and plain stupidity, I'd cut out my ovaries and end my lineage right there because there no longer would be a future for the world.
I was appalled that the popularity of another blog earned that blogger apparently a comfortable amount of advertising income. Kudos to the advertiser for his efforts in taking advantage of popular media connection points. Good on the blogger for gaining sufficient popularity to warrant an income from his or her blog. Alas for the blog's readers.
All I'm saying is that there is nothing on this particular blog besides silly, shallow, superficial things that bring no value. There's more to life than proms, celebrities and good looking people. I'm not saying its wrong and noone should read silly, shallow, superficial blogs for entertainment. All I'm saying is that if the majority of society continues to thrive on such silliness, they are directly maintaining and/or increasing the popularity of such shallowness, and therefore perpetuating the superficiality of it all.
And this will invariably and inevitably lead to the immaturity, self indulgence and plain stupidity of the first blogger I mentioned.
Oh but I'm sure most of us who read these kinds of blogs are just reading them for entertainment and are mostly intelligent and opiniated enough not to be influenced by it all. Lets not forget, people in general follow the masses. They "go with the flow". If people in general were mostly intelligent and opiniated, the Holocaust wouldn't have happened. Religion wouldn't be an issue. Perhaps we wouldn't fight over strips of land. Perhaps aid could be brought in quicker to Myanmar. Perhaps less would have believed in the claims of the existence of WMDs.
Admittedly though, the blog IS extremely useful and beneficial. A clever means of getting information across, farther and wider than any local newspaper ever could. For sharing thoughts. Personal updates. Airing opinions. As alternative media. In voting for change. Ricebowl for some even. (Though the last time the author of some silly blog gave me his business card with his name and profession: blogger printed on it I almost spuked the contents of that day's Indoenesian lunch on to his left shoe)
Like in this extremely amusing MSN conversation I had with dad the other night. Kudos to my dad. And less can be said for my country's government.
Chern: What are you doing online pa? Pei is not here. TR is not here.
Dad: I am going through my emails.
Chern: Who email you?
Chern: You receive emails wan ah?
Dad: I got blogspot also ok.
Chern: WHAT?!
Chern: Where?
Chern: What you blog about? Your plants ah?
Dad: Trying to sell things la.
Chern: Wahhhhh.
Chern: I'm impressed.
Chern: You understand the importance of blog advertising.
Chern: You know how to transfer pictures onto the blog or not?
Dad: Yueyue teach me.
Chern: You got camera or not? You wait when I come back from diving then I buy for you one. I bought for Pei mp3 player.
Dad: No need. Now camera in Malaysia very cheap.
Chern: Can sell ah your things?
Dad: I am replying this idiot's email. He lives in Penang. I put my phone number there but he dunno how to call. Must email. Waste time. Bodoh.
This coming from the man I once had to teach the art of using a mouse, mind you. For the record, TR, Pei and Yueyue are my brother and sisters respectively.
Its late.
