Our attachments in this world
Can we truly bear to let go?
Like the missing pages from the torn book,
And the willow shedding its tears

Each life around is purposeful
Yet each life around vanishes so easily
How the children wail
How the dogs lament.

What day of age is it today
That mankind's memory of
Time and honour is lost.

What can be done?
Oh how the dogs cry!

Hi All! Do check out the New Paper next Tuesday (19th July) for the review on a newly established Korean Restaurant : Ju Shin Jung Samegaetang. I can't say much here, but the place is definitely an eye-opener to cuisine from the Far East.

Haha, the article is Table For 4, and do catch yours truly as one of the guests! Till then =)

As the water flows,

It lives, it breathes,

And it remembers.

 

In the 2 years of our time

Coming as different chimes.

The hours we shared

The joy we spread

From one another’s smile

 

AJ our second home

With sounds of laughter

and the taste of tears

We made it until now.

 

Where we started as buds

To become a majestic rose.

A rising sun over the oceans

As we journey on.

 

Things may have changed,

and it will change for sure.

But what will always remain the same

Are the moments of magic

Which we had as one AJ.

 

To always care for each other,

Wherever we are,

Whatever we do,

In the spirit of

 

Non Mihi Solum

Reading today's papers, I came across the article commentary about Singapore's High Commissioner to Britain, Mr Teo's, rebuttal against The Guardian's John Kampfner's article about "The New Authoritarianism" (See full article here)

Mr. Teo's rebuttal (See the rebuttal) titled "The Singapore Model" emphasizes strongly that while liberal democracy will work for the West, in Asia, it is a different situation altogether.

I agree with Kampfner's view that in Singapore, we are "willing to hand over several of [our] freedoms in return for prosperity or security." Certain issues like the freedom to openly make a public statement about anything has been given up for the freedom of responsible speaking, and even to hold a protest, one will even need a permit from the authorities and it must be conducted indoors. However, my contention is that what is so wrong about wanting to achieve prosperity or security for oneself, for the family and for the entire nation?

We must understand the context in which Singapore is placed in. The Republic is not a nation like those in the West. We have our own cultural values, our own systems of traditions and even our own taste and preferences. Hence, why should it be that when the nation is not following the liberal western style of democracy will it be that the government is termed Authoritarian? We have merely adapted democracy to meet our needs as a multi-racial society living in a multi cultural Asia.

Certain commentaries to Mr. Teo's article sparked concerns that while Singapore has opened itself up to the world, we are a nation that has been rejecting its influence. I feel that there must be a clear line to be drawn when it comes to governance and globalization. Globalization while the benefits are many, also bring about the system of cultural erosion as generally the Western values (such as free democracy) are imposed upon societies. However, when it comes to governance, much more is required than being dependent on the influence one's government receives across the border. It is of grave importance that the government that is in power is able to be in sync with that of its own people, and not to the ideals of foreigners.

Human Rights Groups have criticised Singapore for failing to allow total rights to its people and even Kampfner argues that "this system is morally corrupted by politicians and civil servants who want more money and power- to dictate the terms to the ordinary citizens." Nonetheless, if the Human Rights Group wish to champion about a person's rights and that the Singapore's system of governance have failed to accommodate it, I would like to question on the very right of humans to choose what they want - and in this case, for their style of governance. If the government have ignored human rights for the trade off of better prosperity and security for the nation, who is then the Rights Groups that champion for their cause when they are attacking their very own concept of Rights itself by labelling this nation as Authoritarian? I myself believe that a person is given a right to choose, and I will choose for the best of my interest and by so far, this government in Singapore has done that in their own style.

Yet still, I agree that Singapore's style of governance does have its flaws, but it is a truth universally known that there is no such thing as a perfect governance or even a perfect style of governance. Governance of a country is rather more an evolutionary process each day where it is created based on the context the country is placed in rather than the success stories of the West. China and Russia may have sent envoys and officials here to learn Singapore's own success story, but ultimately it is up to them on how they wish to adapt it best for their own society.

There is no one size fits all solution, and it will be inaccurate to label that Liberal Western Democracy is suitable for the whole world, where so many of us are so different in our cultural and traditions. Will it then come to a time when this system of democracy or in that sense any form of government be imposed onto the entire world itself such that we all will then become mere blueprints from a single government style?

The Right to choose is a basic concept. You have advocated for rights, so we choose our 'authoritarian' style of governance. It is what works best for us after all.

I wrote this little speech and presented it to my secondary school when I was in secondary 2. Hope you enjoy it and be inspired =)

Reflect on all the great leaders in the world, how did they become so successful in their lives ? How did they make people believe them ? Were they inspired and have they inspired others. Inspiration can be found in everyone. The only mystery to many is how do we unlock it. Life is an ever ongoing cycle of inspiration. You inspire me, I inspire others, they inspire everyone.

Quoting an example from Martin Luther King Jr. Spurred by the racial discrimination between ‘ blacks ‘ and ‘ whites ‘ in America, he was thus inspired and motivated to become mobilized in the movement of civil rights and racial equality. His most recognized words were “ I have a dream… “ This short phrase alone was his way of inspiring others. If we instill in ourselves this inspiration, we too can succeed in life, just like Mr King did.

Never be fearful in thinking that inspiring others is an impossible task. Everyone has this ability to inspire others. Without your knowing, you may have inspired others. If you have an inspiration, go for it. That inspiration would then be your source of motivation. Never listen to those who try to belittle you. They may laugh and ridicule, jeering about you going to inspire others. Although you are only one person, and the world may seem impossible, you can try with the person next to you. Start small and work your way. When you inspire others, you are the world to them

A rare shot of nature in action 

Can you spot the ant? Or rather two ants? I took this snappy picture on the way home from today's badminton game and didn't realise of two of nature's inhabitants scampering about the flower which my shot was focused on. A bonus! I got 3 for the shot of 1. (I have specially uploaded this shot in a large format, so click the picture to spot the ants)

The ants reminded me about a little motivational inspirational thingy which I conducted for my secondary school juniors. I got the concept from the National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) Camp which I went in secondary two. Ants are amazing creatures, they work hard all the time, they think winter all summer and they never quit!

Check out the entire post for more about The Ant Philosophy.

Cool eh? Feel free to share this little bit of motivation with your family and friends.

And don't forget to think like an ant! 

The rays of white,

all glimmer and bright,

shines its way past

the clouds of night.

 

A dawn has begun

and death is too dark

till the cycle of day

starts once again.

 

The shadow covered trees,

with the globe of white

stand hand in hand

like the very form

of Yin & Yang. 

 

Warmth and richness,

fuse with nature

as the light above

shines down to love.

 

Come what may to

night again, and there

goes the power of might.

Till time itself  repeats life again,

shining its eternal beam of delight,

once more,

forever more.

 

Note : I snapped this shot on my way to school today at about 0745. Its rare to see the glow of nature from the high heavens itself. I love this moment of beauty, don't you?

Haha, I just received an email from the National Day Parade Committee informing me that my entry for their Blog Battle Competition on What does the Singapore Spirit mean to you, has won one of the top three prizes. I will be receiving a Samsung E250 Handphone and my entry will be featured on the NDP website.

Quite cool, haha.

If you want to take a look at the winning entry, hit the link below :

Read Winning Entry!

=====The Content Below Is Yet To Be Rated. Viewer Discretionary is Advised====

Act 1 Scene 1

A moldy stage centers the scene with the director's chair empty and J2K3 standing on the stage. No one was present.

Sound effects : Howling wind created by a fan on full blast.

Props required : A bag of leaves ready for J2K3 to throw in the air and imagine is Autumn in a later scene. 

J2K3 : The time was about 12 noon. I woke up - devoid of food and the pangs of lunch growled menacingly at me. No exam papers, no need to go to school, nobody at home - all out, I was all alone....

Highly Professional Director and Producer [also J2K3 =) ] : CUT! You need to put more life in your acting. No no no no no, more passion, more action, more richness... 

J2K3 : I can't do it! Aaargh. I really have not eaten lunch yet! I am going to cook something..." *grumble grumble*

Storms off to some kitchen in another movie set

Director : Wait! I'm hungry too.

To be continued...

===========================================

Steamed Chicken Tenders

J2K3 ruffles through, I mean searches the refrigerator only to find 1 chopped chicken, 5 shitake mushrooms, 1 piece of ginger with a label "25g" on it, 1 bottle of sesame oil, and salt encrusted dangerously on a platter.

J2K3 : What am I going to cook with this? Hmmmmm...

Rubs belly and head and suddenly a spark of inspiration fluttered into the kitchen. Note: The spark is made up from a bag containing fireflies. 

=========================Scene Ends=====================

My Steamed Chicken Tenders is what you can consider a deviation from the popular mushroom steamed chicken usually served in Hong Kong Dim Sum outlets. Decidedly, I thought about what to add and in actual fact, there were not much ingredients to the dish. Well, that's what I thought about so the real recipe of those in Dim Sum stores might be different.

Anyway, anything that is steamed is a healthier alternative to cooking the standard way like deep frying or even frying (Of course there are other ways like broiling, boiling, grilling, tossed, etc. etc. etc.). So when chicken is steamed, what you get is  succulent and tender meat, unlike those at popular fast food chains which tend to be a bit dry and tough.

If you like to whip this simple yet healthy dish up for lunch or dinner, it wont take you more than 45 minutes in total. =) Quick and easy!

Steamed Chicken Tender

• 1 medium sized chicken, chopped
• 5 Shitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 25g ginger, finely sliced
• 1 chilli padi, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt

1. Mix all the ingredients together. Steam for 40 minutes.
2. Serve hot with rice.

Stephanie Yap's article succinctly sums up the cultural value and heritage in which Singapore carries as an entire country.

She raises the interesting point that in the heart of Chinatown "stands Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple", right next to it is Jamae Mosque and in Telok Ayer there is the "Al-Abrar Mosque and [the] Thian Hock Keng" Chinese Temple being close neighbours.

The view of any society's mixed heritage in a country would have been thought by the existence of distinct cultural villages. (With Chinatown being the most common) However, when it comes to the real culture (especially in Singapore), one need not go to a heritage sites in order to see how different ethnic groups in Singapore maintain their traditions.

In Singapore, we are a nation that is as diverse as any culture - even though there is the majority of the Chinese. While a country's culture would have been considered by the majority of the people living in it, I must beg to differ to that concept. How a nation's society lives and exist is hardly the same to what you obtain in another nation. The majority of Singapore may be Chinese, but we are infused with the values of each race, such that coexistence and friendship can take place.

Essentially, because of the different walks of life in which many Singaporeans come from, we have created our own distinct Singaporean culture.

Perhaps when I go to another country, I would take note of the uniqueness in which that country has to offer. And perhaps to my interest, how different races has adapted to the values and traditions of the entire society as a whole.

I remember reading an article from the newspaper about how cultural sites have slowly (or even expeditiously) become tourist traps. The notion that a country's ethnic society and community is unique and interesting is often dangled as a tempting carrot for many tourists to want and view "how" the people live. Nonetheless, sites in which tourist groups visit are often plagued by countless of souvenir shops for the tourists and hardly any real living being observed.

While we look back at our past, perhaps that was the era in which real and distinct culture actually existed in groups of people located in community.

Recall the past in which Singapore had even more cultural uniqueness - The laundrymen in Dhobi Ghaut, the trishaws bustling about the roads, the crowded Singapore river. If by any extent, that was culture in its very essence.

However, perhaps in our globalized world of today, we have reach a stage in which our cultures are slowly becoming less apparent as distinct ways of living. Even though we cannot expect much for culture to spring back to life in a community with the re-emergence or creation of a cultural village, perhaps what anyone could do if they want to experience the culture of a city is to interact with the citizens themselves.

It is the people that make up the life of the city, and it is the people who make up the identity of a nation. From my perspective, to know a ethnic culture, mingle in the heartlands and the real villages. To get a gift, go to the gift shop.

Well, you know how it gets during lecture times, when the lecturer goes on and on and on, and sometimes you don't have a clue - you are not alone. Haha, so at times I am struck with writing little thoughts that dawdle in my mind and sometimes its about a particular moment in the day which struck me.

Perhaps you can guess what these poems are about? Comment about them =)

Of Age That Is Old

I see the similarity

in their eyes.

One of a poor tire

and solitude.

Their wrinkles may give

a smile, but

that is not what they are

thinking.

The beloved leaves

for the heavens and

the mind plays trials

on them asunder.

Nothing more

can

be

said

in an hour.

Welcome that I do not feel

The foreign soul that comes.

Amidst a place

fresh and unknown.

He wanders the halls,

the corridors - the footsteps

of a lingering ghost.

Young noise infatuate

the land of brick and walls.

While only silence

beckons the warmth to him.

Like ash disappearing

bit by bit,

so does his

very own personality.

Never Ending

The orange slips folded out,

in a bid to spread its farthest reach,

towards the green, the yellow,

the glory of the sun

from once its inner sleep.

The colour that lives,

the colour that sparks,

in boldness of orange, and

just a tinge of white.

Nothing says more,

of life that exists,

wherever we look,

whenever,

we gaze.

And tomorrow it begins

yet again.

I'm alone

Years passed for me to age,

yet now I am left by myself.

Friendship I had when the Rain Tree cared

but he too has long gone.

The sights are changing,

huge behemoths are beholding

What has happened to my friends?

In the middle of the vast plains,

there I stand,

desperate,

desolate

all alone next to mankind's creation.

Will the time come

when I have to discover my entire

family gone, not only here

but everywhere else where

my far-reaching branches can go.

If not,

it will be my own passing first,

to create a land barren once more

for the future.

My life, once more,

all alone.

Nasi Lemak with Ikan Kunning

Nasi Lemak Reflection ( Sung to the tune of Reflection from Mulan )

Listen to the original tune from : Reflection

Glance at me
You may think you see
Nasi Lemak with Kunning

But you’ll never know me

Each day, only if you eat a part.

Now I see
If I wear my chilli
I can show the world
How delicious I
really am...

Nasi Lemak with Ikan Bilis

What is that fish I see?

Staring straight back at me?

Why does my omellete

always lie on top.

I am now
In a world where I have to
Taste the best
From coconut to chilli

But somehow
Only when I'm paired
With two epok-epok
Will I be loved for who I am

Sumptuous serving of Nasi Lemak Chilli

What is that fish I see?

Staring straight back at me?

Why does my omellete

always lie on top.

Must I pretend that i’m
the one from Chong Pang, or Tanjong Pagar
Then will you believe in me
That I taste as good.

There’s a heart that must
Be made to please
That burns with a need
To know the best Nasi!

Why must you all conceal
What you think
How you feel

Must you know why I taste so good
then you'll be happy!

I won’t pretend that i’m
from somewhere else

for all time

When will my reflections show,

Who I am inside?

When will you take the first bite

To love me all time.

Date of Article : 6th June 2008

I would like to add my personal opinion with regard to what the writer Mui Hoong has stated about schools using scare tactics of setting extremely difficult papers before national exams in a bid to 'motivate' their students.

As having undergone the primary and secondary levels of the Singapore Education system myself, I too have come across such 'scare tactics' in the schools set by the teachers and the difficulty of the exam papers. I still remember vividly a few of my teachers comparing my class's results to that of the top schools and said that in this national exam we are competing against them and we must work very hard because we are up against the best. While it may seem as a rudimentary motivational speech, I believe that it sounded to the extent of 'scaring' the students to work better.

I believe that it is the norm for schools to set difficult exam papers before the examinations, but from the schools where I come from, most of us understood this concept. However, maybe it is the nature of my school being a mere neighbourhood school and not those in the elite where if they do badly for their mid years and preliminary examinations, a state of panic will ensue as they are expected to do well for the examinations. I must say that these are my opinions and just a gauge of what I feel on what is happening.

Nonetheless, to what the writer has said about students being embattled in their self esteem, I believe that it does occur. However, if on the first hand, the child or teenager is strong enough in his will power and determination to make a change better for himself, I do not see the reason on why he or she cannot accept the failures. If because of the failures that a person's self esteem is destroyed, then I truly wonder what kind of system are we growing up in where we are not the tough kids from before but rather those who feel everything should flow smoothly in our path. Hence, the real question here is not about the difficulty of the education system, as I believe standards must be improved each year, but rather are children becoming more and more pampered by society each passing day such that they easily lose their self confidence?

While I condone the 'scare tactics' because of what they are, I believe that sometimes they are a necessary evil that needs to be done to jolt students into waking up and discover that you can fail too. Therefore, from what needs to be done is to work hard at the examinations. Perhaps a solution will be not to have difficult examination papers throughout but maybe a difficult paper for the Mid Years, an equivalent standard to the Major Exams for the Preliminaries and finally sitting for the Major examination. In that way, both negative and positive motivational tactics are used to push the student forth to do their best for the examinations and show the student that they can do it. Of course the assumption is based on that students will work harder after their failure in Mid Years and that they do not become complacent after their Preliminary Examinations. Hence it is necessary to instill the right mindset in them after each examination on to work harder (encouragement) and not to be complacent (advice).

My, I have said alot about examinations. Have we become a society to concerned about examinations in life? Hmm...that will be a topic for another day =) Till Then!

When I was in Sec 3, I took part in this nationwide writing competition for Senior Citizens Day (yeah...there is such a day...lol). I remember my english teacher making the competition a compulsory event for all her students to partake in. Of course not all were sent in, it was made as a challenge, so surprisingly, after a few months when mine was submitted, I received a startling call that I had claimed top prize for my level. First time winning a nationwide competition, of course I was astounded, but it did show one thing which I believed in and that is if you write with your heart and your feelings, you are placing the very emotion into your words, something which mere description cannot achieve. So yeah, enjoy reading the essay.

Essay found in the entire post :