颖姿 YingSphere

5首让我掉泪的歌 · 5 Songs That Make Me Cry

2012-02-14T00:56:00.001+08:00

有些歌让人听了开心过就算了，但有的歌听几次都还是会让我感触良多而掉泪。你呢？
There are some songs that make people happy, but some never fail to make me cry after listening. What about you?

我想先声明，我听的歌很多，但真正喜欢的挺冷门的，不好意思哦。为了撰写这篇博文，我又伤心了几遍，认真筛选让我哭不停的歌。边听边撰写，文字间也有此刻的泪水。
I gotta say that while I listen to a lot of pop songs, the ones I tend to like are lesser-known. So in order to write this entry, I spent my Monday night crying in front of my computer, FML. And left some of those imprints between the lines of this Top 5.

（5）Cher - You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me

如果你看过电影Burlesque，对这首歌也许不陌生吧？
You probably heard of this song if you watched Burlesque the movie.

这首歌的层次安排得很到位，歌词在挫败中却也表现出一种内心的坚强，对我来说是很大的鼓励。很多时候觉得被击败了，听这首歌能让我坦然面对自己的失败，然后放下低落的情绪重头再来。
I think the song has very good arrangement and showed a kind of strength within the vulnerability displayed. The song is great encouragement for myself whenever I face setbacks, and needed to face my failure, let it go and start over again.

（4）阿桑—一直很安静

有些时候觉得听过世的歌手唱歌诡异，却也更有意义。
Sometimes I feel a little creeped out knowing I'm listening to songs by a deceased singer, but it also seems more meaningful.

会听这首歌是因为哥哥追看《仙剑奇侠传》，而当中的一句歌词让我听了很是心痛。
I first heard this song as the OST of a chinese show, and there was a line that made my heart ache.

“给你的爱一直很安静来交换你偶尔的关心”
The love I gave you was always silent in exchange for your occasional appreciation

有些朋友的单恋/暗恋就是如此吧，总是默默地为某人付出，感情得不到回应便靠偶尔的谢谢和微笑让自己感觉满足。有一种爱就是无声无息无形的，那是最容易满足的时候。
I guess it's what some of my friends experience when their feelings aren't reciprocal. They are often contributing in silence for the occasional thanks from their eye candy to feel happy. It's a kind of love that you can't see but feel, and that's when you are the easiest to satisfy.

（3）Kanjani8——Heavenly Psycho

难得听的日文歌，是理工学院第一年好朋友介绍的歌。以上的片段是本来的版本，但我听的是Ryo Nishikido在演唱会独唱的，哭死我了！那首歌听了有一个礼拜吧？也断断续续哭了那么久。
A rare japanese song that I listened to, one introduced to me by a Poly bestie. The video shows the official version but the one I came across was my idol singing it solo at their concert. For a whole week whenever I watch the video, I just couldn't help but cry.

很喜欢舞台，也很喜欢舞台的感觉。虽然不知道这首歌的歌词写的是什么，但就是让我很感动！加上现场粉丝合唱，有种“音乐是伟大的”的感触。
I love the stage, and more than that, I love being on stage. Till today, I have no clue what the lyrics are about (and can't be bothered to google it), but it made me feel very touched, especially the concert version when everyone in the theatre sang it together. Music has no boundary indeed.

这首歌也有另一个意义。有个好朋友知道我很喜欢这首歌，便慢慢拼出歌词，自己唱录一遍给我当生日礼物。我觉得……我从来没有好好对待这位朋友，但她那份努力也让我感动了许久。
On the other hand, this song also has another sort of significance- my good friend knew that I love this song, and actually made out the syllable to record it for me as a birthday present. I feel like I've never treated such a friend well, while her effort made me super touched.

（2）周杰伦—上海1943

第一次真正的听‘流行歌曲’所接触的就是这首歌。那是小学六年级的事情吧？当时的实习老师（我还记得他叫祝老师，总是在看我们会不会把他的姓氏写错）把歌词打印在A4纸张发给全班，然后用录音机播这首歌给我们听。
This is the first "pop" song I listened to in my life, some time during primary six. The teacher from NIE printed the lyrics on a piece of paper for each of us, and played it from the CD on the radio in class.

这首歌的感觉很陈旧，有种感伤。
There's a really aged feeling to the song.

后来这位老师的实习日子即将结束，最后一堂课他又分发了同一首歌的词给我们，但这次是为我们班改的词。很不幸的，歌词在换房间的时候不见了，剩下的只是旋律和回忆带给我的感动。
When the teacher's intern term was about to end, he came in to the last lesson with the lyrics, this time changed to bid our class goodbye. Unfortunately though, I lost the paper when I was moving room. All that was left were the music and the memories.

（1）萧煌奇-阿嬷的话

就如我朋友说的——必。哭。歌。
Like what my friend said - sure-to-cry song.

尤其是像我们这些失去了祖父母的孩子，听的时候总是心酸的。常常在想，如果她还在，是否会感到安慰、是否会担心？她是否知道我们在做什么，是否看得到我们？
Especially for people like me who have lost the grands. Each time I listen to it, I feel my heart shatter, often wondering how they are doing up there, and if they are still with us.

我的阿嬷是传统的重男轻女，但在女孙中却又确确实实地疼爱过我，所以对于她我总是又爱又恨。很多大人们之间的纷争我选择不让我们这一代延续，亲人走了剩下的应该只有美好的回忆。
My grandmother was a traditional woman who loved (grand)sons over (grand)daughters. However, among the granddaughters, I was one she doted on. So in a way, I was in a love-hate relationship with her. I don't wish to let the dispute from the older generation be brought down to us, because I believe when they leave, all they should leave us are beautiful memories.

这首歌让我的心纠结得很痛，可谓需要我哭，播这首就好了，真的。
This song made me cry super hard. In fact, if I ever need to cry on command, just play me this song. I'm not even kidding!!!

最近心情挺好的，但为了介绍这五首歌（偶然在情人节登出，真的纯属巧合！）今晚哭得超惨的。就当这是平衡太多的喜悦吧。
I've been in a pretty good mood recently, but that was changed when I decided to write this blog entry. Coincidentally, this post is up on Valentine's Day, FYLs. Cried too much this Monday night, but I shall take it as an attempt to balance out too much positivity in life.

如果有哪首歌也让你感动，不妨告诉我，看还有多少歌可以让我感动~
Let me know what song(s) touches your heart, and I'll listen to see if it has the same effect on me!

情人节快乐！（……对不起，有点讽刺。）

Happy Valentine's Day, with a bit of irony.

分岔路 · Crossroads

2012-02-12T03:21:00.002+08:00

去年很受一篇搏文（点击阅读）影响，所以借此也想分享我的感想。
I read an article on Kenny Sia's blog some time last year, and have been wanting to blog an entry for those at the crossroads in life.

致：在毕业分岔路口的学弟妹们
Dedicated to all the juniors and youths at the crossroads of your lives

在中学生涯写过报章报导的学生很可能对“新加坡是个文凭挂帅的社会”这句话不陌生吧。
Some of you have heard of the phrase "Singapore is a society where your educational background matters" in argumentative essays.

虽然我也曾经套用过，但我最终却成为没有就读大学的“那种学生”。很多年轻人从学院毕业后，都可能为了该读么、读什么而挣扎过，所以我想分享有关选择的五件事：
Although I've personally used it in my essays before, I didn't turn out to be a believer, seeing how I did not pursue The Piece Of Paper in uni after polytechnic days. Many youths have probably thought and even struggled to make The Decisions - should I continue my studies? What course should I take?

So I want to share five lessons I've learnt in the process:

（5）如果你觉得中学、初级学院学习压力可怕，大学的压力只会是……更大。
If you think secondary school and JC lives were stressful, uni life would only be... worst.

中学的课业对我来说简直就是噩梦。即使在课堂上我能够专心听课，完成作业，但上了考场却会因为压力太大而脑袋放空。
Secondary school was a nightmare for me- I blank out during examination no matter how attentive I am in class and have no problem completing my assignment.

理工学院对我来说是十年挣扎之后终于找到的天空，我离开了笼子，在空中翱翔得自在。
Polytechnic days were liberation for me after ten years of educational abuse, and I finally found where I belong and the right way for me to learn.

如果你也是在崩溃边界完成中学和初级学院的学子，或许你应该静下心问自己是否能够承受即将要面对的压力，而这一切又是否值得你去坚持？大学不是乐园，是个逼迫心灵像海绵那般使劲吸收知识的草原。如果你选择了，就要给自己心里建设，才有足够的勇气面对成长。
If you were one of those who struggled by the borderline in school, you should probably take some time to consider the stress you may face in uni, and think if it's worth persisting. Uni is not a playground, but one where you are pretty much forced to absorb as much as you can in lessons. If you think you are on the right track, be prepared to face the challenges.

（4）看似一样的学科，更要仔细选择
Take time to tell the differences among similar courses

选择科目千万不能随便，因为看似大同小异的学科，教学范围很可能有差别。就像我选择的中文系，主修华文，选修媒体。后来有了中文媒体系，便是主修媒体，副修华文。看似没差，但是学习范围的差别真的大不同。
Always take the time to understand what the courses are about! A few courses in the same faculty may seem similar, but their syllabus are bound to have significant differences. Taking myself for example, I enrolled in Chinese Studies, a course that is major Chinese minor media. Then a Chinese media course was introduced, that was major media minor chinese. They seem the same, but the lessons was really different.

（3）如果不是需要，那就不是必要
If it's not a need, it's not a must

长辈的压力对亚洲孩子的影响挺大的，所以我们往往从小就被洗脑——小学读完要上中学，中学过后要考上大学！
Asian kids are often pressured by parents, so we've been brainwashed from young - proceed to secondary school after primary school, and then we should aim to get into uni.

把潜意识中的理所当然搁着，仔细考虑你的选择——你要从事的行业真的需要上大学吗？为什么那么坚持上大学？如果你上大学是为了平凡、面子、顺从父母，那我觉得你倒不如把学费省下，把学额让给更需要那门知识的学生。
Try putting such presumptuous thoughts aside, and consider your choices carefully - does your dream job requires a uni qualification? Why are you insistent to be in uni? If you're in uni just to be the norm or filial, or even simply for pride, then I would suggest you save the expense, and save the chance for other students who NEED the slot.

千千万万不要因为别人申请大学，自己也盲目地跟着做，因为到最后痛苦的只有你自己，反倒也捞不到什么好处。
Never EVER apply for uni just because "my friends are doing the same", because you're the one who would suffer at the end of the day.

（2）经验 VS 学历
Experience VS Qualifications

对于我个人而言，报读大学和找份工作之间的选择是挺容易的。以媒体工作而言，有人曾经告诉我媒体的知识每三年就过时了。所以说，如果我上完大学，在理工学院学的技术就都用不到了。
In my opinion, the decision is clear. Someone in the media industry once told me that the knowledge is renewed every three years. Meaning to say, what I learnt in Poly would be useless by the time I graduate from uni.

我问自己是否有把握在大学名列前茅，显然不可能。所以我考虑着——三年的经验和三年换一张中庸的文凭，哪个对我比较有利？我选择了前者。
I questioned my ability to remain at the top of the game in uni, and I knew very well it's impossible. So I weighed the outcomes - three years of experience or three years in exchange for a cert with mediocre results? I chose the experience.

投身媒体行业有辛酸也有收获，两者往往是对等的。我在工作上用得到理工学院学的知识和技术，也在学习的过程中得到了更多的知识。那些是课本和教材，甚至是实习所学不到的。
Being in the industry itself has got me my share of hell and gain, and I choose to believe that the exchange is equal. As of now, what I learnt in poly could apply to my work, and I'm learning more and better in the practical process. This is something that no textbook or syllabus can impart.

那叫经验。
Something called experience.

（1）大学是条道路，现在不选不代表永远的遗憾
Uni is a choice, and you can always return for it

我周围有很多年轻人选择不上大学而是求职，或者用一段时间去揣摩思考自己要的是什么。其实生命的选择不是只有成功和失败，更多的是选择努力、坚持、矛盾、相信或是失败。
Some of my friends had chose to find a job after poly graduation, just to give themselves some space and time to think about what they really want. I think life isn't just about success or failure, but more importantly, perseverance, effort, struggles, faith and failures.

此时此刻的你如果找到了很想追逐的梦想，千万不要因为正规的大学道路而退缩或迟疑。如果你想用点时间试镜、投稿、采访，就让你的勇气带着时限追逐梦想。就算你的努力没有结果，但是你对自己多了份认识、信任和尊敬。后来再想上大学也未尝不是一种可能性。
If there's any dream you wish to pursue right now, give it a shot, and never let uni be the stumbling block. If you wish to spend some time going for auditions, interviews and penning your thoughts for journalism, let your courage lead the way. Even if you don't succeed at the end of the day, you've earned yourself better knowledge of your ability, self-respect and confidence. It's never too late to go back to schooling.

放宽你的心胸，敞开你的心怀，成功没有绝对的方程式，只要不是裹足不前的状态，你就是在进步并成长。
Always keep your heart and mind open, as there's no definite formula for success. So long as you're not remaining where you are, but moving forward, you're always growing and improving.

Favorite Shows - Hosts

2012-02-04T23:06:00.001+08:00

I'm hooked on shows aired on We TV/SET recently (since November 2011 actually)!

I watch the shows aired on mio, and I got to say that channels 20-24 air some of the most impressive shows I've seen.

Decided to write this entry to list my top three favourite show hosts, because they are so awesome, and it seems to me that their character made the show a success. (or maybe it's the work of the editor)

#3: Rachel Zoe

Although I've only watched one episode of The Rachel Zoe project, I have great admiration for Rachel.

She's the kind of girl I aim to become - successful, confident, and knows exactly what she wants. Also, that little bit of nerves.

From an outsider's point of view, I guess it's really cool to find employees who know just what you are looking for, and it's awesome to have the same ideas, and can talk about the same brands when styling for a celebrity.

More about the show: http://www.bravotv.com/the-rachel-zoe-project

#2: Tatiana Londono

You know a show is great, when it isn't a genre you fancy, but makes an exception to attract your attention.

I hate anything science/maths, but this show made me want to watch on and on! It's about the industry, how people work altogether and how to handle human relations, and most importantly, it's about making the right decisions for things to work out.

Sometimes the decisions Tatiana has to make go beyond the industry, and works in common daily situations. The show made me think about what may happen in my life, and how I should deal with it. Simply put it, a show that teaches how to raise your EQ and OQ.

I appreciate how she learns to put different types of different employees in different working situations, so as to let them reach their fullest potential. Some people work better in teams, some work better on their own. In her mentality, it seems like everyone has a place where they belong, and it makes me feel a sense of acceptance and hope.

More about the show: http://www.hgtv.com/property-shop/show/index.html

#1: Tabatha Coffey

Here comes a successful woman to change someone's life, and affect many around them.

I love how she changes not just the shop front, but also the people's lives. It's easy to tell when someone is trying to help because they truly want you to be better.

She has an aura that signifies power and authority, yet doesn't seem too revolting. She says all she feels like saying, and no matter how straightforward she is, it's all because she really wants to make something work out.

In my opinion, meet just one such person, and my life is complete. She teaches the right way of life and of work, of logic and of relationships, of money and of minds.

More about the show: http://www.bravotv.com/tabatha-takes-over

*****

The above are my top three favourite show hosts so far, and it's not difficult to see that they all have a thing in common- successful.

I guess part of my appreciation comes from the fact that I'm not a confident person and these people who have the courage to fight for what they know they want have me awestruck. In a sense, they are way better teachers than what I learn in school. They teach about life through the smallest decisions, and watching the shows made me grew in ways that I never knew till recently.

For that, I'm really grateful that Mediacorp shows are so horrible, being a catalyst for me to sign up for such channels.

新年 · New Year

2012-01-18T01:13:00.003+08:00

新年新希望！想了想，决定公布今年的目标，希望别人对自己严苛地监督亦希望对得起自己。

1. Run at least 5 days a month
As you may know, I completed 100km last year. But the thing was that, the routine wasn't fixed. As in, I hardly ran in the first half of the year, and it was successful mostly because of the hardwork later in the year.

So this year, I just hope to run five days a month, and if each time I can still manage to run 3km. That would be a whopping [ (5 x 3) x 12 ]km = 180km. So still comparably good relative to last year loh. But I'm pretty sure I won't be able to stick to this EVERY month. *chuckles*

I'LL TRY!

2. Launch CL website and/or YouTube channel
I've been wanting to do a real Chinese website eversince OVB times, because I believe there is such a potential Chinese market out there. So since last year, I've been talking to Hui Ting, Pohpee and Shi Qi about it and I'm hoping to launch it, latest, by June this year.

As for the YouTube channel... It's just a thought. I feel like I'm growing out of blogging and I want to try some more. Since Facebook is not on my list... Why not YouTube, right? ^_^

3. Remain single
Self-explanatory.

4. Try 5 new things and visit 5 new places
I'm never really an adventurous person, seeing how I can go to the same coffeeshop for 5 years and only had ONE same dish there every. single. time.

So this year... I want to try new stuff! Before I turn 21. (:

注：这篇登出后，得到一群好友和同事的支持，但我想在此澄清三‘不’：
不去夜店、不违法、不勉强道德
Note: I've received a few positive comments from friends and colleagues, but I'd like to clarify the three "WON'Ts" - Won't go clubbing, Won't do anything illegal, Won't go against my principles

5. Read more newspapers and books
The reason being... I really like buying and reading books, but eversince I started working, I find myself having significantly lesser time to read my bookshelf collections. So this year I hope I'd be able to find time, amidst all the craziness, to read some of the books. And update myself on the news every now and then so that I won't be an ignorant adult.

6. Blog more, relative to last year (172 entries)
I really wish to document more highlights of my life in my blog but I'm lacking the motivation to come online, post pictures and recount the fun stuff. Or happy stuff. So I wish to share more of those this year! (:

7. Lose 5kgs
Self-explanatory. Didn't succeed last year, gotta keep trying man!

8. Be more organised
For my expenses and for managing the household bills. I hope that we won't get any overdue bills letters this year especially because the fine now is no longer 50cents, but 1% of bill instead. Can you imagine that? If utilities bill is $200, the fine would be $2. Super waste money for no reason.

I've downloaded an Android app called Lemon, and hopefully I would be better at managing and keeping my expenses in line... resulting in more savings. (:

9. Watch 10 movies and/or performances
The first one coming up would be AJ Rafael's performance that I'd be covering at work!

10. Write a diary (hardcopy) in Chinese
Yes! Previously in Poly, I'd scribble my thoughts and all in my notebook where I write all my lecture and tutorial notes. But now that I have graduated, my notebook has mostly consisted of notes for work that I only need to refer to every now and then... Plus my calendar that records the plans I have made to meet people and whatnot.

And also... Some time last year end, I found my handwritten diary of when I was in Xinmin... I realised that it was an extremely precious way to document my thoughts and how I felt at those points in time.

Looking back, a lot of the memories are very vague. But because of the diary, I felt my fears and successes more clearly. It opened up my brain to a lot of memories that I have forgotten in time. So this year... Seeing how I wish to accomplish so many things... I wish to document how I feel at those moments too! It would be, frankly speaking, more honest and clear than what I blog because some of those feelings are very personal. And also, those things that I can't divulge related to work, I can write them in my diary.

PLUS! I realised that I have sorta lost touch with Chinese so I wish to start making myself reflect in Chinese every now and then... And practise writing Chinese characters! Something that I have seen great improvement personally just ten days into writing. (:

______________________________________

Message for Hui Ying in 2013-

As I write this entry, there's a lot of doubt as of how much I would be able to accomplish- would I feel bitter if they aren't accomplished as successfully as in 2011? Or would I see the need to push myself even harder?

I hope you realised, at the end of the year, that all this pressure you placed on yourself was worthwhile and meaningful. It isn't entirely about the numbers, but trying to pull yourself back in time to find the dreams that you have long forgotten or abandoned.

Your biggest enemy is yourself, and if you can start having the mentality that yes you can achieve! maybe you are doing yourself a favour, and taking the big step into adulthood.

All these while since graduation from Xinmin... You've had a lot of doubts and low points, wondering if going to Poly was right, if missing Uni was right. Never forget the determination you had to excel, to beat yourself and prove others wrong. You are who you are, whichever way you choose in life. You may feel left out in the simplest situations when your friends make purchases with student concessions.

But keep in mind... Those are just a few years of discomfort. They don't mean much. Between 3 years of education and 3 years of experience, you chose the latter. There's nothing wrong with that, if you made the decision worthwhile by fighting hard every moment you have now.

I wish you all the best, and hopefully you'll smile and find even more courage to excel in the new year.

Always remember, stay brave, Hui Ying.

最后想说…… 脑袋可以没有方向，但是心绝对不能失去直觉性的方向感。

If you are anyone I know, and you wish to help me out for any of the NYR... Like going somewhere with me or wanna watch a performance with me... Let me know! Leave me a comment, or contact me!

爷爷 · Grandfather

2012-01-08T03:08:00.005+08:00

It was Granddad's death anniversary on Saturday and we woke early to pay respects to him.

As the years go by, the significance of the ritual seems to dwindle, and instead, I get a sense of peace. It's still painful to think about how he left sometimes, but it all seemed so distant to me by now, as if it can't hurt me anymore.

Here's a picture of my grandfather, just in case anyone is curious.

Like what I've always said, he's sort of like the hero in my life, in my eyes.

He was the guy who smoked, but could have the determination to quit the instant upon request. He was the one who made me felt loved amongst so many grandchildren of his. He was the person who cared that I greeted him when visited and before leaving his apartment at Lorong Ah Soo.

Even in the last few years of his life when dementia won the battle over him, all it takes to brings peace to me was a look in his eyes. Those eyes were so deep, it felt like... my problems became so insignificant. He made me feel loved and safe.

He left on 8th January one year when I was still in primary school, in the morning at 9.30am, between a break when a nurse was changing his breathing pipe. In between the process of taking out the pipe and putting it in, he breathed his last.

For years, I've blamed myself, because 9.30am was my recess time, and I blamed myself for not being by his side. When he breathed his last, I was in school running around with my friends during the meal break.

It has been almost ten years, and I still can't really get over the fact that he's gone. Sometimes when I feel really depressed, I would even cry. And on important occasions like my graduation, birthday and the day I got my first job, and then my first pay, I wished he was still here to be proud of me.

It had been really easy to say, all my grands had left me. But that's just verbal an expression. There's no word to describe the missing pieces in my heart and soul. But I'm stronger now. I realised not to blame myself- I was ignorant that he left during my recess time. I realised that it's memories of him that no one could take away from me. I've grown up and became stronger a lady.

And then this other photo of my grandfather surfaced.

This photo was taken in the balcony of my home, as you may see the distinct green tiles in the background. The person behind him was our maid hired to take care of him, Mastura. She was great towards him, and in a way, was the woman behind this hero for the last few years of his life.

Here's a really sad story behind this photo though.

For the many years he was with us, my uncles and aunt never visited.

Not once.

Every now and then in the mornings, the maid would help him wash up, shave his sideburns and whatnot, put him in nicely ironed clothes, and wheel him to the balcony.

Doors opened, in hope of seeing one of his children coming to visit him.

However small a dash of hope, the dear maid never gave up. No one knows if my granddad knew anything, but it remained a pain and anger for me, that his children never once came to visit their dear father.

It's such a depressing thought if you put yourself in his shoes- how would you feel if you're old and sick, and everyday you sit by the door hoping to see them coming to visit, and all you got was day of disappointment after day of disappointment?

With that thought, I am almost relieved that at least he was too ill to acknowledge that kind of pain.

Even when he left, I felt a sense of relief afterwards, knowing the wait was over, knowing that the pain was over.

What life had it been, with just lying on the bed, endless waiting and just being fed through tubes to stay alive?

Haven't wrote such a close-to-heart entry in ages, and just felt like... I had to do it tonight. Even though it's 3am now.

I don't think there's ever going to be any love as great as what he had for me.

Cherish your dearies while they are around. Let there be no regrets nor pain.

伤口 · Wound

2011-12-13T20:15:00.002+08:00

那道隐形的伤口
The wound I didn't know existed

很多人事物就像爱情一样, 未必能够察觉, 但只要有个种子, 会逐渐萌芽。还有另一种, 是你可能不以为意, 但早就在你的内心里划破成道伤口。
There are many relationships and experiences like love- you may not know their significance but so long as a seed was planted, it would sprout in you. There's another kind of significance- you think it doesn't matter but in actual fact it has been deeply etched with a wound.

有种成长, 不困难、不关键、不明显, 却很深刻。
There are some seemingly simple and unimportant points in growth that may not be obvious but are, in fact, really memorable.

这种深刻, 可能深得入坎却不着痕迹。
Such depth of memory may be so deep down in you that you don't even know of its existence.

绕嚷那么多, 其实就是不愿意承认此刻是现实的。
Crapping so much because I'm hesitant to admit what I'm feeling this moment.

事情其实很简单, 不就是义安来了两位Mass Comm的学妹, 希望我们能采访他们明年筹办的大型活动。
Juniors from another course came to request for media coverage.

艺人、红地毯。
Stars, glamor.

为什么我们没有如此的机会, 没有得到如此的信任与责任。
Why didn't we have such an opportunity? Why couldn't our lecturers place such faith and responsibility in us?

我们实习的回忆莫过于被放逐的罪犯, 有权威的人能吆喝我们, 亦可在我们的背后道尽闲言闲语无不刺穿我们的心。
My internship felt like.. we were a bunch of criminals sent to exile. Those with authority made us puppets, they hurt us with their words like swords on our hearts.

有的人就像这学妹们那么庆幸, 能够得到最好的机会。
Some people are lucky and they get the best chances in life- these are the juniors.

有的则因为有野心没能力, 那叫遗憾。
Some have the ambitious attitude but thy don't have the capabilities- they leave regrets.

像我们这批有能力没机会的, 留下的是悔恨与悲痛。
What about us? The ones who have the capabilities were shot down in our attempts to soar- all we have left is regret and pain.

从不知道我的内心有这道再再划破我坚强外壳的伤口, 让悲伤不着边际地蔓延。那份痛楚就像被剑刺心后溅出的鲜血, 震撼人心, 沾染遍地, 难以磨灭。
I never knew that the internship did manage to corrode my strength and left me with endless sorrow. That sort of pain is like I've been stabbed in the heart, leaving the blood splatters that can never be removed thoroughly.

我能够正常的操作, 但是只要亲亲触碰那伤口, 一切的防备都化为乌有, 只有那要人命的难受。世界瓦解, 视觉模糊, 内心混乱。
I can live on because life goes on. But all it takes to break me down is the slightest touch of the wound. All my self-defence stances would reduce to nothing.. I lose sight of life and reality, and I don't know what I'm doing anymore.

我们要的爱很简单, 大人怎么就只会利用与伤害?
The love we wanted was extremely simple. Why did the grown ups have to make use of us and cause us such intense pain?

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自私 · Selfish

2011-11-24T00:27:00.000+08:00

向公司请了六天假，在家里大翻新、大反省了一番。
I applied for six days of leave from work since last Friday, and have been spending time at home renovating and redecorating the room. The process also included a whole lot of reflection on things that happened.

一切从慵懒调开始，母亲周一到缅甸旅游后，所剩的三天就是努力地粉刷、整理、安排以及改进房间的一切。就如有的歌词所写，“扫地扫地扫心地，心地不扫，空扫地”，所以在努力中，我的精神也经历着对人生的反省。
The break from work started with letting myself relax untilk my mum left for Myanmar on Monday morning. Smoothening the wall and painting followed thereafter, and I took the time to change things both in my physical room and in my psychological state.

赫然发现，自己是多么的自私，多么的孩子气。
I realised how selfish and immature I had been.

往事多提了，小六在会考前闹失踪，跑去校外篮球场与陌生人切磋球技，害父母着急得找校长求助。
Let's talk about the past- I went missing just before PSLE examination started, and went to a neighbourhood basketball court to play with strangers. It made my parents so worried that they sought help from my principal.

在玩耍的面前，我变成自私而不负责任的小孩。
In face of fun, I had been a selfish and irresponsible kid.

中二分流年，年中考试因为英文不及格而拿了个“Overall FAIL”，老师要求见母亲也就算了，我还在教务室师长面前拿Reader's Digest丢老师，理直气壮回到课室。
During the year of streaming in Sec 2, I failed my overall results because I failed English as a subject. My teacher called my mum in, and I threw a Reader's Digest at my teacher outside the staffroom, before walking back to my classroom like I didn't do anything wrong.

在失败的面前，我变成无理、激动且失去理智的神经质。
In face of failure, I could become such an unreasonable and worked up fellow.

最近一次，就是离开家里127天到武汉浸濡留学，回到家后仍然叨叨着武汉的好。似乎没什么，但这两天才觉悟——那是对迫切期盼我回国的母亲多么大的伤害。
As of most recently, I returned home from 127 days of cultural immersion in China, and couldn't stop thinking about all the goodness of hostel life. It may seem like nothing, but it only just occurred to me how much I've hurt my mother- she had looked forward to my return and all I fed her with was my thoughts longing to return to China.

在自由的面前，我因为新鲜的体验而失去对其他人感受的敏锐度。
In face of freedom, I lost sight of sensitivity towards others' feelings for fresh experiences.

回首过去，难免有太多的后悔、遗憾与不足。但这就是人生、就是成长，这我都接受了。不过我没有办法完全地弥补周围的人因为我所受的伤害，这才是让我心痛的。
Looking back, there have been too many regrets and imperfections. But this is life, and this is growth- I get it. But I can never make up for all the hurt I've caused to those I've hurt- the pain that comes with such a thought kills me.

情绪只是人类的导火线，而不包括付诸于行动的真正“改变”。弥补是很可怕的包袱，却也是自私的自我安慰。
Emotions are merely triggers, and they don't guarantee actions to make real changes. Making up for mistakes can seem like a really heavy burden, but it may also just be a form of selfishness to make ourselves feel better.

价值 · Value

2011-10-26T23:37:00.004+08:00

今天早上看了一段电视节目，记录了一个价值百万新币的婚礼。

Source: anewportweddingplanner.blogspot.com

起初我并不能理解人怎么能够那么挥霍铺张地筹办一次婚礼，到在那集节目中，我却能够深深体会父母对独生子的厚爱。

那对情侣19岁就在学校认识了，交往了一阵子就分手。分隔五年的期间，女生嫁人了，男生却发生严重车祸，差点赔了小命，也有可能半身不遂。就在男生住院的时候，女生恰好离了婚，得悉前男友的遭遇便探病去。

这两个人就因为这一次的车祸旧情复燃。刚好有位顶级的一生成功复制了不知道是什么的东西，让男生不但走出危险期，甚至能够恢复正常人的生活。

他的父母原因他是独子而已疼爱有加，这次的车祸又让他们更加疼惜，所以决定不设任何限制地让他们办场梦幻、奢华且难忘的婚礼。

但婚礼上的奢华对我而言只是过眼云烟，真正让我感动的是那位医生在访问中说的话。

他说：“我以这技术已经帮两百多位病患动过手术，久而久之便忘记了治病的意义。就是这种婚礼等，才提醒了我医术的意义、对于病患家人的重要。”

其实一种道理能够通一百种例子——我们每天忙忙碌碌地活着，小时候是为了某个目标而决定努力拼搏，觉得赚大钱才能实现梦想。

长大后似乎淡忘起初的热忱与目标，盲目地、不断地向着怎么赚钱、怎么赚更多的钱，甚至是怎么赚钱才会比某某人多。

生活逐渐围绕着这些失去意义的“目标”打转，甚至觉得为了赚钱，放弃梦想是理所当然的。

忘记的是——原先想赚钱的最初目标，就是梦想。没了梦想，有再多的钱，又怎样？

人必须有所坚持、有自个儿的原则与目标，但切忌变成一种执着，否则一切的努力都是枉然的，一切的付出，都失去意义。

不再 · Gone

2011-10-12T00:46:00.000+08:00

昨天晚上和妈妈聊天的时候，她忽然问我几道问题。
Was having a chat with my mum last night when she asked me a few questions out of the blue.

（1）你最开心是什么时候？
When were you feeling the happiest?

其实有很多哦。这才发现我的回忆中往往选择记得快乐，所以才那么容易伤感。
In actual fact, that was pretty often. That's when I realised that I tend to remember the wonderful parts of my life, that's why I get emoey easily just thinking about how happy I had been.

例如……即将从中学毕业的时候。那时的华文老师告诉我，没有所谓的‘毕业’，因为人要不断地学习、不断地进步，从学校走出去之后也是一样的。所以只有死了，我们才能说是毕业了。那时候感觉自己很有用，好像能学的、能懂的，都很多。
An example would be when I was about to graduate from Xinmin Secondary. Our Chinese teacher told us that we aren't exactly "graduating" because we have to learn and improve continuously even after we leave the school. That means to say that only till death do we truly graduate from life. It was that moment when I felt like I'm actually pretty useful because there's so much out there that I can learn and understand.

最开心的是进入中文系吧。那是拿到O水准成绩后，因为高级华文成绩是C6很沮丧……却也突然发现身边其实有很多很好的朋友默默地支持着我、祝福我。忽然收到了很多的简讯说虽然未来可能失去联络，但永远都相信我办得到我想要做的事。有的甚至比我更相信我自己的能力，比我更确定中文就是我的跑道。
The happiest, though, is probably when I got into Chinese Studies. It was post-O'Levels results day and I was devastated that I attained C6 for Higher Chinese. However, I was pleasantly surprised because I began to see the many friends who had been by my side supporting me in the dark. I received a bunch of well-wishes saying that although we may lose contact in the future, they would always believe that I can achieve what I set out to accomplish. Some of them even had more faith in me than I personally do, believing that Chinese is indeed the way I'm set to soar.

（2）你最伤心是什么时候？
When was your lowest moment?

愣了愣，想了想…… 大概就是从中文系毕业的时候吧……？
I was stunned by the question, and thought a fair bit. Probably the time when I had to graduate and leave Chinese Studies?

后来想想，改了答案——离开武汉之际。
After a little more thought, I revised my answer- the lowest moment was when I had to leave China upon completion of the immersion program.

我能说的是，前往武汉前一度很担心自己会受伤、吃亏、吃苦，毕竟中国在许多人口中是多么可怕且不可靠的地方。后来想想，反正自己也没有什么好失去的，何尝不是很好的学习机会？那一刻什么都放下了。
All I can say is that pre-trip had been a nerve-wrecking period, as I psychoed myself to worry that I may get hurt, I may be taken advantage, I may suffer and whatnot. Afterall, China is a place where many have said to be unreliable. But after much thought, well, I didn't have much to lose either, so why not make full use of the chance to learn? That was when none of those worries got to me anymore.

湖北武汉是那么热情地欢迎我们，让我们吃遍了美食（到现在还在努力恢复之前的体重），也看遍了美景。人们开始总是那么好奇地揣测我们来自哪个国家，后来总是那么热情地款待我们。那是一个暂时离开现实生活与忧虑的机会，真正敞开心胸地交朋友，浸濡于其文化中。
Wuhan had welcomed us graciously, letting us try out so much good food and enjoyed such beautiful sceneries. Well, to the point that I'm still trying to shed the weight I gained from the food there. People had been extremely curious as of where we are from, and upon understanding, they had been such gracious hosts. It was a good break away from the worrying life here, and I got the chance to truly open my heart and build friendships, immersing in the culture in China.

即将离开武汉的时候心里真的很挣扎、不舍。那种沉重的心情，就像是背叛了家人，弃其而去的罪恶感。回到新加坡之后也很忧郁，什么不想见到任何人，不想做任何事。甚至有那么一瞬间，心似乎承受不住思念。所以那是最伤心的烙印。
It was the period when I was about to leave Wuhan that tore me apart. The heavy heart feeling made me feel like my departure was as much as betraying my loved ones and that made me feel guilty. Upon returning to Singapore, I had been very depressed, not even interested to meet anyone or do anything. There was even a minute when I felt like my heart couldn't contain all the feelings I had taken home with me from China. That was one deep pain etched.

（3）最疼爱的是谁？
Who do I love the most?

这问题我倒回答得很干脆——爷爷。
This question didn't take much thinking- my Grandfather.

在重男轻女的文化中，我往往是隐形的。但是他的双眸却总是能找到我，仿佛让我知道有人在乎我。即使后来他得了老人痴呆症，每当我感觉生活郁闷，课业压得我喘不过气时，只要悄悄进入他的房间，握着那皱着却很柔软的双手，看着他那有故事的双眼，一切的压力都瞬间消除了。换来的是一份安心、一份平静，一份只有他的双眼能够带给我的安慰，把我自个儿筑起的围墙给拆了，把那空虚的心装得满满的。
In a culture where adults fancies sons more than daughters, I had been the invisible child most of the time. But somehow granddad's gaze never seem to fail to find me, as if letting me know that someone actually does care about my existene. Even in the later part of his life when dementia struck him, all it takes for me to feel better from worldly struggles and pressure had been to slip into his room and hold his wrinkled but soft hands by his bedside. Not to forget the deep gaze of eyes that seem to tell his life stories... Those were my sanity. What he constantly gave me had been a feeling of peace and assurance, a kind of comfort that is uniquely from him. The kind of comfort that breaks down all walls I had built around myself from the world, the kind of love that fills my heart so full to the brim.

（4）最讨厌的人是谁？
Who do I hate the most?

一位宗教师。这也是想了好久好久才得到的结论。
A religious leader. This was also an answer that took me eons to conclude.

我很容易讨厌一个人，但那总只是个过程。时间久了，跨越了讨厌，就是对那个人完完全全没有感觉。站在我面前的仅是个模糊的人物，不会让我留下任何记忆的轮廓。
I hate a person easily, but hate is usually just a process for me. Beyond hate, all feelings I have for the person would be completely neutralised. So that that person can be standing right in front of me, but I don't feel nor register anything.

但这位宗教师呢？因为她的“好意”纠缠，害我没能赶得及与一位我很珍惜的长辈告别。当时我们三兄妹与朋友一同练法器，之后要赶去见她最后一面，但这位宗教师自以为是地坚持带我们去吃晚餐。后来呢？我们赶到那里看见的只是棺木、眷属、探丧的亲朋戚友——那些对我来说都失去了意义。
So what is it about this religious leader, you may wonder. It was because of her supposedly "good intentions" that made me too late to bid a final farewell to a family friend. My two brothers and I had been for some religious practice, and had intended to rush to her house for the final farewell. However, after the lesson, this person insisted on taking us to dinner. When we finally got to the place, all that was left for me to see was the coffin, the loved ones and friends and families who came to pay respect- all of which meant nothing to me anymore.

那是小时候没能懂得自行掌握并决定所留下的遗憾，但也因为这个人的多管闲事，让我的心有那么深的伤口。
This was the kind of regret I had as a child when I couldn't grasp the last bit of my loved ones because I had no control over my decisions nor fate. It was because of this person that I have such regret and pain in my heart till this day.

（5）最对不起的人是谁？
Who's one person I think I could have treated better?

奶奶。还是那个重男轻女的故事。
Granny. And it's still the same old cultural tendencies story.

奶奶总是带我的哥哥到坡底买Power Ranger的玩具，一去就是一天。有些时候买到的不是我哥哥要的模型，我还得跟妈妈拿到邻里的玩具店交换。
Granny always brought my brother to Chinatown area to get Power Ranger toys, and whenever they go, it would be a full day. Sometimes when my brother returns with the wrong model of Power Ranger, my mum and I would have to make a trip to our neighbourhood toy store to exchange.

那是心理一种不平衡与瞋恨，后来变成一种脆弱的无助——奶奶，你怎么总是只牵哥哥的手？
I had felt emotionally imbalanced and anger, which gradually translated into a form of vulnerable helplessness. I couldn't help but hear that tiny voice in me hoping time and time again- granny, why don't you ever hold my hand instead?

长年累月的奢望、失望让我变成很讨厌她的性格。只是长大后慢慢理解那种社会文化对人的影响并不是奶奶的错，所以一瞬间忽然很心痛，总觉得如果我真的那么聪明，其实不应该那么小气，反而应该更珍惜她老人家的。
The hopes that never came true brought about more disappointments, and I became a granddaughter who simply hated her granny. It was only years later when she had left and I had grown up, did I understand that it was the culture and generation that she lived in that caused such a scar. It made my heart hurt even more to think that if I had really been a smart granddaughter, I wouldn't have been so petty, and I could have been so much nicer to her.

已经许久没有那么深入地回顾并反思过去20年的岁月了吧，所以昨晚感受特别深刻。只是因为昨晚跑了4公里，看了两部电影，实在没有体力打好这篇稿，今晚总算补上了。
Seems like ages since I last looked back at my life stories with such depth. It's probably why I had such strong feelings for the conversation I had with my mum last night. Just that I had completed a 4km run and watched 2 movies with my brother that made me too jaded to write the entry the night before. Well, at least I managed to pen it all down tonight.

感悟与心得
Life Lessons and Conclusions

索性决定把这篇名为《不再》，象征着许多的美好、可怕、幸福与遗憾都成为了过去，已经不可能再回到从前，更不可能再改变什么。不断地回头不是为了眷恋，而是选择不时沉浸在当下的感受，在从中走出来，吸取更多的人生经验与感悟，这就是成长吧。
I named this entry "Gone" because it signifies that everything has now become history, be it the high or low moment, be it the pride or the regrets. There is simply no way for me to return to the past, and there's no chance of "putting anything right", again. However, I got to look back constantly not to brood about the pain, but to immerse myself in the emotional rollercoaster, and then learn to walk out of it with more lessons learnt for the future. I guess that's what growing up is about, right?

当下不懂得珍惜只会酿成来日的遗憾，当下的珍惜却也暗示着软弱的威胁随时能够打击一个人的稳定。人生没有所谓的平坦，也没有所谓的特别煎熬，所有的崎岖不平、所有的起承转合，都是回顾时才显得格外有意义的人生课程。与其让匆忙冲昏了头，更应该把握当下的每一个细节。
While wasting the present may bring about regrets in the future, cherishing the present also hints at oneself's vulnerability in the future when it comes to loss. Life is never monotonous nor too tough to be true. It's all the lessons, the good and the bad, which makes life an exceptionally meaningful lesson. Never let the insignificant hustle and bustle of life get in your way of cherishing the smallest details in life.

问问你自己吧——从家门走到房门，一共是几步？那么多年了，你知道吗？
Just try asking yourself this- How many steps does it take to get from the entrance of your house to the entrance of your room? It had been that many years, do you have an answer?

给钱 · Compensate

2011-09-29T00:08:00.000+08:00

“给钱”直译成英文想必是 “to pay money”，但为什么是 “compensate”呢？

The direct translation of this post title could have been “to pay money”, but why did I choose to translate as “compensate”?

这是一篇成长的笔录。

This is a memento of my growing up years.

妈妈刚问我明天早上是否能够接大舅母，而讨论她的行程后却说不需要了。

Moments ago, my mum was asking if I could pick my aunt up tomorrow morning. However, she called off the arrangement upon discussion with my aunt’s daughter.

后来听着妈妈与舅母女儿通电话聊走马看花的行程，心里忽然有种遗憾——因为工作时间而无法陪亲戚，好想给妈妈一点钱，让她代我陪伴。

When I heard my mum’s conversation with her regarding the touring plans for my aunt, I suddenly felt a little regretful that I couldn’t bring her around Singapore. Following that, I had a thought of giving my mum some money to “reimburse” for the expenses she would incur when bringing my aunt around.

原本觉得这样的念头并没有什么不对，直到后来想想，我怎么会想用钱弥补自身无法办到的事？

I didn’t think much of the thought at that moment, but upon reflection, I started to ponder about a question- since when did I learn to compensate what I couldn’t do in person, with money?

这是否就是双薪家庭中，独生子女一贯的经历？

And was this how the only child of the family with two working adults was always said to feel?

这“给钱”的用意，是否就是一种弥补、一种赔偿？

What exactly is the intention behind this giving of money? Is it a kind of compensation?

这钱的意义究竟是“我的遗憾，祝你快乐”还是后来演变成的“我不重要，物质能代我陪伴”？甚至是“有钱就好，哪需要我？”

Does it mean “I can’t be there for you, but I hope you have a reason to be happy”? Or the gradually-changing form as “my companionship isn’t important as money would do the trick”? Or even “what value is my physical companionship when all you need is money?”

从理工学院毕业不到一年，我的思想、行为等似乎都在潜移默化中经历了诸多的改变。我是否也会变成无法明白年轻人、用大人的方式敷衍他人基本需求的混蛋？我是否也正学着用物质收买人心，糟蹋他人的努力与心意？

It has barely been a year since my graduation from polytechnic, and my thoughts and actions seems to have changed gradually, unconsciously. Am I becoming one of those adults who would fail to understand the youths in the future? Would I become one of those moronic adults who do a superficial job of socializing with just money? Am I also learning to bribe people with materialistic gains, forsaking true effort and thoughtfulness?

在这“给钱”表面上就能解决问题的社会中成长，我究竟会蜕变，还是“退”而“变”劣？

Just what kind of individual am I developing into, when I’m positioned in a shallow society that simply solves problems with money? Would I truly develop, or become one of those backward individual who stoop that low for gains and successes?

思索着。

I wonder.

纯 · 属娱乐 PURE Entertainment

2011-09-09T00:49:00.000+08:00

最近十分忙碌，但仍然记得讲师的鼓励——点子是难得的，记录是必然的，表达是关键的。

因此，在闲暇之余，总是逼自己再努力一点，记下想要表达的内容，待有空的时候再抒写。

***

新加坡的大选让许多人回顾过去的光彩，却也以更加严苛的标准要求新加坡的政府与子民共同迈进。很可惜的，有些东西是难免在退步的，甚至可谓已经从昔日的巅峰期慢慢走向瓶颈。

例如电视台的作品魅力光彩已不再、公民记者揭发的丑态变成一种常态、而人们仅剩的幽默感与墨水似乎离不开色情的元素。

就以报章而言，买晚间的中文报章常常陷入尴尬的窘境。只因为头条新闻不时就有放大的暴露、暴力、误导性的字眼。难道不跟色情、强奸、淫照、非礼、是非等挂钩的头条已经不再能够吸引人们的注意了吗？

早报固然是了解家事天下事的主要新闻传播方式，但分享国内闲杂新闻之余，晚间的报章是否也应该担当起宣导正当行为、鼓励读者关心国家大事呢？

不久前决定搜集一些值得鼓励的网络用户内容，因为有一群用户在有关色情的内容能搏收视率与点击率的情况下，坚持了创意和单纯的娱乐内容。

他们才是正当知识分子的希望！

#1：Charlieissocoollike

他的视频内容是起初让我思考娱乐和八卦是否画上等号了的导火线。

别说是八卦内容，他的作品不但纯属娱乐，甚至还有教育性。人们总是无师自通地学会把简单的东西复杂化，而他却有本事简化复杂的学术知识，是娱乐也是教育管道。

#2：KevJumba

必须要承认的是——他并没有完全脱离八卦的元素。

不过，非常佩服他的一些想法。例如询问有多少人真正地仔细聆听歌词的意思、鼓励留言者避免使用含色情成分的词汇、甚至是与父亲一同出镜，作为现代青年叛逆的反转典范。

#3：Fine Brothers Productions (TheFineBros)

论努力、论内涵、论语言能力，这两位制作人兼演员都是数一数二的精英。

他们在七分钟内总结七部哈利波特的作品，节奏紧凑，内容丰富又富有娱乐效果。

另外每个周末上载的儿童回答系列也十分有趣，让成人从小孩的角度看世界，也鼓励小孩思考自己所见所闻和所学。

论电视节目，不可少的绝对是梁家班，无论是《搞笑行动》还是《钱不够用》，不但不需要八卦吸引观众，甚至还以本地化的幽默让人单纯地捧腹大笑。

我绝对不会忘记梁婆婆、Lion King等角色，那种简单而恰到好处的幽默感。

当然，还有那人人喜欢的《敢敢做个开心人》，坦白逗趣地台词、演技不错的演员，也不需要飞到哪个国家进行成功的作品。

回想起来，没有色情成分的娱乐似乎很遥远，但其实人们只是因为一时的自由断了线，忘了回返的路途。我选择自我删减我不能接受的内容，但是尊重那些追看那种节目的人。我相信总有一天，自由累了、零食吃腻了，大家都会回到正餐及有规律的生活。

适当的约束、限制，未尝不是好事？（：

自欺 · Self-bully

2011-08-25T01:06:00.000+08:00

一方面觉得较少登入是很惜的一件事，因为很多的想法都随着琐碎的生活细节而流失。

但换个角度想，真正有灵感、有热忱的时候，自然会有更新的冲动。

******

今天早上去上班的途中，碰到了小学同学的母亲。

经过那么多年的经验，我早就学乖了——不要询问同学的近况！

但那位母亲很自然地就和我聊到她的女儿，我的同学。

话说我的这位同学成绩不错，能就读的大学要求她用半年的时间适应学院生活后才开课，而另一间N学府则称她的成绩太好，没有适合她的财经学科。所以她的结论是……

……先找份工作，明年再申请看看好了。

因为时间的关系，我没有办法和她多谈，但是难免觉得作为母亲的，被孩子骗是很可悲的事。

（1）本地大学那么难考进，怎么可能会想放弃？

（2）我有那么多同学也都就读大学，事实上我的哥哥们和远亲也上大学，从来没有听过哪间知名学府说要半年就读适应期的。最多也是迎新会嘛，对吗？

（3）我不相信所谓另一间学府会因为‘成绩太好’所以就不接受学生。学生成绩越好，学校声望与名誉就更上一层楼，怎么可能拒绝？颁发奖学金都来不及了呢！否则每届状元不都准备离校好了？

（4）别的国家我可不清楚，但在新加坡而言，理科学生从来都不用担心没有适合他们的学校。因为人文是在本地被看轻、被忽略的，而数学、经商、会计等的课程可谓一箩筐，怎么可能一科都没有？

所以说，长辈骗小孩是无知，晚辈骗大人呢？悲哀。

但是！！！

还有另外一个可能性，就是母亲自己自欺欺人。

举另一个例子好了——就像孩子说三个月天天加班不回家也深信不疑，其实早知道女儿放荡的性开放生活，却选择相信孩子的那一套谎言……

那已经超越一般的悲哀了！简直是…… 众人皆醒我独醉，悲哀自欺无人怜。

所以说……

生孩子是一场很大的赌注，我非常敬佩迎接小孩进入他们生命的家长。

愿意下赌注是勇气，愿意被孩子便仅剩悲哀。

MC King

2011-08-08T00:45:00.000+08:00

你可能不知道蓝钦喜/Jimmy Nah 是谁，但你可能会记得MC King这号人物。

他在2008年1月4日过世，还记得我一度非常伤心，因为他是一个值得我欣赏的人。后来我在这个部落格登了一篇我写的‘诗’纪念他，亦是为了抒发悲伤之情。

这篇作品在今年年初颖姿重顿中移至另一个网站，而今晚偶然又出现在眼前。觉得值得回味、缅怀、分享，再次让它回到颖姿。

_______________________

如果有一天，

If a day comes,
我无声无息地离去，

And I leave without a sound nor sign,
请不要为我伤心，

Please don't feel sad for me,

因为我只是去了一个更好的地方，

Because I'm just leaving for a better place,
就像从学府毕业一样，

Just like graduation from school,

迈向更辽阔的空间。

Heading for a better place to be.

如果有一天，

If a day comes,
我再也不能守在你们身边，

And I can no longer be by your side,
请你们原谅我，

Please forgive me,

并且帮我照顾我可爱的家人。

And help me take care of my lovable family.

如果有一天，

If a day comes,

我的脉搏请了长假，

And my pulse decides to take eternal leave,

请允许我的器官服侍另一条生命。

Please allow my organs to serve another life.

如果有一天，

If a day comes,

我再也不能让你取笑我的咪咪眼儿，

When I can no longer let you laugh at my small eyes,

我再也没有力气陪你玩耍，

When I don't have the energy to play with you anymore,

我再也没有元气和你拉拉扯扯，

When I can't ramble with you,

请不要难过，

Please don't be sad,
亦不要落寞，

Nor be disappointed,

因为你曾经陪伴我，

Because you had stood by me,

我已满足；

And I'm contented.

因为曾经出现在你的生命，

It's because we've met in this life,

我相信来生还会再碰面。

That's why I choose to believe we'd meet again.

如果有一天，

If a day comes,
我合上了双眼，

And I gently shut my eyes,
切记，

Please remember,

请默默地祝福我，

Do wish me well in your heart,
以笑声送我最后一程，

And send me off my final journey with laughters.

不要再责怪、后悔、悲伤，

Don't blame, don't regret, don't you cry,

因为我的自传已成功落幕，

Because I've told the story of my life,

需要的不是未来，

What I need is not any future,

而是珍惜曾经的力量。

But the ability to cherish all I had had.

如果有一天，

If a day comes,

时间到了而我该离开，

When my times is up and I ought to leave,

请别在我的四周徘徊，

Please don't stay by my side,

请别被困在遗憾中，

Please don't wallow in remorse,

请继续过着你的生活，

Please continue with your life,

如果想念我，

And if you miss me,

努力时，

Work hard,

请出双倍的力量，

And put in twice the effort you usually do,

就当是帮我做了我的那一份；

Take it as you're working my share too.

开怀大笑时，

When you allow a hearty laugh,

请笑双倍的声量，

Make that twice the volume,

就当是帮忙笑了我的那一份……

And take it as you've laughed my share too...
我很爱无缘无故地笑，

I like to smile for no reason,

你应该没忘记吧……？

I'm sure you remember that...?

如果有一天，

If a day comes,
我的部落格再也没法更新，

When I can no longer update my blog,

请不要毁了他们，

Please don't close them down,

因为它见证了我的过去、现在、未来；

Beause they have witnessed my past, present and future,

因为它最真实，最可爱；

Because they are as real and as valuable as can be,

因为它该原封不动地传个世世代代；

Because they are worth passing down to generations that follow,

因为它证明了我的爱。

Because they have witnessed my love.

哪怕有一天，

If a day comes,
这篇文章忽然应验，

When what I write in this poem comes true,
请不要惊慌，

Please don't panic,

请不要迷信，

Please don't worry,

而该为我高兴，

Please be happy for me,

因为这说明我已胜过天——

Because it shows that I've won life...
我抢先一步，预知了我的未来。
...by foreseeing the arrival of this day.

_______________________

武汉·Wuhan

2011-07-31T00:24:00.000+08:00

自大选结束以来，这个部落格就几乎没有再更新过。

无论是工作、家庭还是个人方面，都发生了许多事情，总觉得自己的心情需要沉淀一会儿。

有一位我欣赏的作者曾经说过，人的房间就像他的心，心乱房便乱。既然如此，不如就整理房间，也是整理心情。

今晚整理房间的时候，偶然翻出在武汉留学即将毕业时所写的稿。那是代表新加坡、代表该学系的感谢词。感触很深，在此分享……

院长、各位老师和同学们，大家好。

今天的结业礼表示我们的中国浸濡和进修课程到了尾声，今天不仅是向华中师范大学告别的一天，也是向武汉告别。

我想借此机会感谢参与我们生活的许多人物。

首先，感谢院长让义安理工学院的同学们有机会到贵校来进修。还记得院长在迎接我们的时候说武汉有500多处工程在进行，其实我们也随着武汉一同成长。在拍摄短片的一项作业里，我们把国际文化交流学院形容成‘小联合国’，也就是因为院长等的细心安排，我们才有与世界接轨的机会。新加坡以多元种族和文化享誉全球，而这次的交流平台也让我们对世界各地的同学有更深一层的认识。

其次，我也想感谢义安理工学院、郑君心老师、萱萱老师以及界我们回国的陈老师。郑老师和萱萱老师总是在第一时间关心我们的生活，即使不在身边也通过电邮为我们打气。从最初的签证、课程和考试安排到最后的退房定金细节，他们都为同学们费尽了心思。另外，感谢陈老师从新加坡到这里与我们一同‘享受’武汉的寒冷天气。

第三，感恩所有的讲师——戚老师、刘老师、林老师、朱老师、王老师、庄老师、滕老师和查老师。老师们走进课室里的第一句话常常是温馨的嘘寒问暖，再三嘱咐我们多穿、多休息、多努力。对于我们在课堂上实践的‘还价’也常常得到老师们的体谅。老师们在传授知识之余也不遗余力地传达人生哲学思想，为此也想说声谢谢。

还有另外一群老师是我想感谢的——负责行政、文化之旅、社区服务和金钱事项的罗老师，以及在幕后默默帮助我们的其他老师。无论是准备我们的课本、安排我们的课室还是在庐山之旅中协助我们的老师，我代表同学们表达谢意。

第四，我想感谢默默奉献的其他人物——宿舍管理层、打扫阿姨、维修人员等。很多的便利和生活环境标准是他们的努力才有的，所以也想借此机会提醒同学们，他们的付出并非理所当然，临走前也记得向他们致谢。

最后，我想感谢全体的同学们这些日子来的配合与努力。郑老师总是强调‘相识容易，相处难’，但非常感谢同学们互相忍让、扶持和陪伴的心思。我们一同度过了许多充满欢笑和悲伤的昼夜，希望这份友谊不会在班机抵达新加坡后成为过去。

谢谢大家！

*****

说实话，这份稿并没有修改太多次，也没有花太多时间撰写，因为忙着读书、忙着把握最后的几天与武汉与所有人道别。

但这份稿隐藏了许多暗示，或许只有一同经历的大伙儿才会明白。或许，只有我心里明白。

今天不仅是向华中师范大学告别的一天，也是向武汉告别。

我说过了无数次，在武汉想念新加坡的情绪是可以克制的。因为我们绝对会回国。但是与武汉道别，下一次的重逢遥遥无期，更令人伤悲。

拍摄短片的一项作业

那是一项同学剪辑，我修改到凌晨四点看武汉天黑慢慢转亮的一天。还记得收拾宿舍准备离去的晚上，是第二次，也是最后一次。

次的交流平台也让我们对世界各地的同学有更深一层的认识。

无论是意大利人、美国人、保加利亚人还是耶门的人，大家见面都能不设防地打招呼、嘘寒问暖。那是一种大家庭的感觉，很温馨、很珍贵。

郑老师和萱萱老师总是在第一时间关心我们的生活

还记得有一次我因为班长的重担无助地哭了，郑老师不计海外通话的费用，安抚并帮忙解决了同学们的问题。还有萱萱老师不断问我课业的进度、同学们的状况……

最后的退房定金细节

不愉快的记忆。

与我们一同‘享受’武汉的寒冷天气

当时是3摄氏度（°C），是那种上课时会忽然飘起小雪的浪漫气候。

多穿、多休息、多努力

很难忘戚老师的‘你们怎么穿那么少啊？’、庄老师的‘天气那么冷别乱跑，没事就在宿舍休息！’、朱老师的‘你们早餐吃什么？’以及刘老师的‘如果可以，就努力背些诗歌，有一天会明白的。’等等等。

在庐山之旅中协助我们的老师

还记得当时因为另一个科系的学生也到了武汉，性格相冲，又是一大批人，超麻烦老师的。

宿舍管理层、打扫阿姨、维修人员等。很多的便利和生活环境标准是他们的努力才有的

宿舍有什么东西坏了到柜台说，两天内就修好，能不感恩吗？还有我们离开时清洁阿姨们帮我们清理至凌晨三、四点，最后一分钟还找到一位同学落下的手机，只能说很谢谢他们的呵护与关心，不愧无微不至的爱。

相识容易，相处难

争吵、闹意见、不悦，相信大家都有所体会与领悟。能够互相包容，就能一起走到终点。

时间不够用！ In need of time!

2011-06-06T01:27:00.000+08:00

刚刚完成了亲戚拜托的简单设计。
Just completed a series of simple designs my aunt requested.

有些时候看上去很简单的东西，制作过程却十分的讲究。不但需要资源，也需要精神集中、细心和耐心。
What seems simple and straightforward may turn out to be a grueling process that calls for extreme meticulous attention sometimes. Other than the right resources, it also calls for concentration, meticulous and patience.

创意嘛~ 由于不是大型制作所以不是特别的讲究。毕竟这次着重的是传达讯息而不是搞创意。
As of innovation... It isn't particularly important in this assignment because it's not a large-scale one. The focus of this project is to bring the message across, and not to showcase my creativity.

所以说，以上的图案（左）是网上用谷歌找到的。下载后，再用Photoshop稍微修改成右边的图案。最后的作品让我十分满意，但却不方便放上网，因此只有以上供对比。
So anyway, the picture on the top left is what I attained with Google search, and the one on the right is what I get after downloading the original and editing with Photoshop. I'm pretty proud of the final work but as I can't put it here, these two are used for comparison.

最近的工作量大幅度增加了，上班时上班，下班后还是在为工作动脑筋。当然，还有家庭、生活和朋友。
The workload has increased significantly recently, and other than working hours, I'm also cracking my brain thinking about work during my free time. Of course, there's also family, life and friends that require my attention.

让我最担心的就是维持网页的能力…… 有时真的抽不出时间，即使有想法、有灵感，却没有充足的时间撰写，十分可惜。
The most pressing issue to me recently is my ability to maintain this website... To the point that I can't even pen my thoughts and inspirations due to the extreme lack of time. That's a real pity.

庆幸的是，工作环境让我复习英文，生活中还有许多事情让我继续修读华文，可谓难得的‘两全其美’。
However, I'm still extremely lucky to be in a working environment that helps me to get back on the English track, and have chances in life to continue improving my Chinese. It's truly the rare case of getting the best of both worlds.

所以就算累死，我也甘心。
I'd even die happy this way from exhaustion.

因为就如许多人所言，我已经很幸运了。
Because like what many people have told me, I'm already very lucky.

生日 · Birthday

2011-05-30T00:09:00.001+08:00

“小时候同学过生日，我一定第一个写卡片给他。因为我希望我过生日的时候，我也可以收到生日卡片。可是不知道是不是因为我太天了，我生日那一天一张卡片都没拿到。从那一天起，我想我再也交不到朋友了。”

——06：28-07：00

最近追看这部不知道几时出版的《新兵日记》时，忽然看到以上的片段。

心里有种莫名的悲伤，似乎因为尘封已久的伤口忽然被挖掘出来，又发现伤口没有愈合的迹象。

童年开心的岁月当然有，但对我影响最大的还是一次次的创伤。

无论是上幼稚园前两天的无助与冒失，还是二年级被班导在全班40人面前乎巴掌，甚至是四年级全班同学无法接受我而公然告诉老师‘如果她加入这组，我就要离开’让我完全没有朋友……

这些老师与同学或许都忘了、或许不是有恶意的，但对我来说，那些伤口不曾愈合过。

记忆中，第一次收到卡片是生水痘的时候，回校第一天收到好多同学的卡片。

第二次是小六那年，许多同学给我意外的惊喜，把生日礼物与卡片藏在我的书桌下或是椅子上，等待我去发现。

欢喜和悲伤我都记得，而两者都是我继续改进、迈进的动力。

我不会忘记那些排斥我、欺负我的老师与同学，但也因为他们的磨炼，今天的我才不是省油的灯。但是我不能否认，那些伤口在我的成长岁月中可谓一步一脚印的深刻……

在冷不防的情况下被挖出的伤痛很心寒…… 但我会继续努力前进……

毕业 · Graduation

2011-05-26T02:32:00.001+08:00

左盼右怕，毕业典礼可谓‘总算’到来了。

该来的总要来，其实没有什么需要担心的。有人告诉我，在舞台的那分钟应该活在当下，感受并珍惜三年努力拼搏的成就与荣耀。

在毕业前两天，我都处于十分忧郁的状态。我总觉得人类很可笑，等到即将失去的时刻才学会珍惜。在过去三年中，我常常埋怨老师、同学、生活、功课等。但就在一切即将画上句点的时候，我希望那一刻能够停留。

今天的毕业典礼是我们生命中的里程碑，大家的方向也即将分歧，并且越走越远。没过多久，我们就会发现有的友谊和情感已仅存于回忆。

还记得从中小学毕业的时候，我也曾那么忧郁过。当时，我用了好长的一段时间才放下那悲伤的情绪。

但我已经长大了。

我觉得不舍是人之常情，只要曾经付出、曾经在乎，在某个时间点上总会有种不舍。差别只是在于情感有多深，影响有多长远罢了。

我很不舍的中文系这个大家庭，因为再也不会有一个地方、一群人，像中文系的家庭那般珍惜中文、维护中文。不会有一群人愿意陪我谈华文趋势，也不会有人能够理解阅读华文书籍的魅力。

因为我在乎中文系导师们用心栽培我们，所以一直不舍得把他们当成过去，迈开步伐向生命的高峰前进。

因为我曾经是班长，所以我把同学当成孩子来照顾，总希望大家能过得快乐一点。还有那句‘我们要一起努力、一起毕业！’

因为我曾经痛哭、曾经欢呼，所以我很在乎。痛哭不是因为懦弱，而是为了勇敢面对自己的错误和真实情感。欢呼不仅是为了成功而喝彩，更是为了在艰难时期相互扶持、打气。

我能够放下一切继续前进，但中文系永远都会是我的……soft spot.

中文系形成一种独特的磁场，大家的潜意识似乎都是牵连着的。我们虽然竞争但我们会拉彼此一把，我们虽然自私但还是会顾全大局。我觉得这是难得可贵的风气与精神。

在就读中文系的1000多天里，我从来没有因为中文系而感到羞愧。我总是能够很骄傲、自信地告诉别人——我是义安中文系的学生。因为我知道我的未来曾经遥不可及，但中文系的存在让一切落实了。

我找到了理想的工作，也在学院生活中结识一群很讲义气的知心好友。终于得到家人的认同了，也迈开了进入社会的步伐，找到了自己的节奏。我真的不能再奢求什么。

把钱搁着不说，其他的一切都是中文系给我的。没有中文系，我什么都不是，也不可能是。

感恩。

幸运星 · Sunshine

2011-05-25T00:13:00.000+08:00

致：过去三年最艰难时推动我努力的幸运星·Sunshine
To the Lucky Star and Sunshine who have pushing me towards excellence for the past three years

有些缘分是很奇妙的——有的人第一眼就能让你很有安全感，觉得很踏实。
Fate can be really marvelous sometimes- there are some people who can make you feel safe and assured at the very first sight.

就凭着这个感觉，我度过了三年的理工学院生涯。
I went through three years of Polytechnic studies while holding on to that feeling.

每当我因为尽了最大的努力却还是没有结果而沮丧时，我就会想到你。只要告诉我自己，你办得到，我也可以。你的终点，就是我的终点。
Whenever I feel down from fruitless effort, I would think of you. I would tell myself that I can achieve whatever it is if you can do it. That your success would be my success.

就这样，你的存在让我坚持到了毕业的前夕。忽然发现，我真的办到了。
Just like this, your mere existence made me persevere to the eve of graduation. It suddenly occurred to me that I've achieved what I've set out to do.

你的终点，就是我的终点。
That your success would be my success.

虽然没有和你交谈，也不与你相识，但你却一直都是我的推动力。想到你的成就，我总会会心一笑，觉得前方的路并不是未知的。
Although I don't know you in person nor have I chatted with you, but you've always been my inspiration to work harder. Your success would always bring a smile to my face, and reassure me that the road ahead isn't the kind of unknown we fear.

此时此刻，我仍然有机会感谢导师、家人、同学等，但我已经不知道你去了哪里。
I can express gratitude to my lecturers, family and friends, but at this moment, I've lost sight of you.

似乎就像真正的Sunshine一样，在故事的下半段选择到了我看不到的角落。
It's almost as if you're really the sunshine that goes down beyond our sight for the second half of the day.

其实我很喜欢这种朦胧、模糊的感觉，甚至默默地希望我们接下来的生命是平行线，再也不会相交。至少那纯真、踏实而确切的感觉会永远存在我心中。
In fact, I embrace the strange and unclear feeling I feel about you, and secretly hope that our paths would never cross ever again. At least I'd be able to hold on to that feeling forever, and preserve it at the bottom of my heart.

如果有机会让你知道了，我只想说……
But if I ever have a chance to let you know, I wish to say...

谢谢。
Thank you.

毕业前夕 · Graduation Eve

2011-05-24T23:53:00.001+08:00

今天是毕业的前夕了。

最近感触很多，昨天也因为一首歌为导火线，昨晚哭了一场。

违背了学校和老师们的期望，我选择进入理工学院，又是最少数的中文系。虽然有爸爸妈妈的支持，但总觉得冒了险。

回顾三年的时光，却是脱离教育刻板制度最开心、最充实的岁月。

理工学院的学生可谓‘什么款’都有，出的花招更是五花八门，无奇不有。有些时候会嘲笑、偷笑他人，当然也有羡慕与同情的时候。

说真的，理工学院真的不好‘混’——不是党派的混，而是混日子的混。

理工学院的专修几乎是全神投入一个领域，帮助我们走入社会。迈开步伐的挑战总是在踏出第一步的挣扎，但如果没有热忱，那会是很可怕、艰辛的一步。但是如果热衷选择的科目，多难都能够咬紧牙关度过，也就是所谓的‘平平安安’。

昨天有好朋友告诉我，天下无不散之筵席，会留在身边的朋友就有重逢相聚的机会，不会留在身边的已经留给我们回忆。

我必须同意，但对我来说，更挣扎的是放下这三年以来的情感包袱。

无论别人怎么看待学院，对我来说，我付出了三年的心血与热忱。把求学、交友、溜达、吵架、煎熬等成分隔开，那还是我的家。

我也要承认，我并不是个好学生。当我的老师是9生修来的……孽缘。

我会顶嘴，也会选择叛逆，只要是心情不好或看你不顺，我都会让你上课上得很难过。

但是我也不完全是那么可恶的学生（thank goodness）。

今天早上特别早起以写出以上的感受，因为我觉得中文系永远都是我的一部分，他们也永远甩不掉我。

中小学固然重于扎根，但让我改变最大的还是中文系。

感恩好老师们的培育与信任，也要感谢对我严苛刻薄的导师让我能成为严寒中茁壮成长的梅花。

还有那一群貌离神合的L1T02，谢谢大家三年来的合作、捣蛋还有努力。

还记得身为新进生对彼此的承诺吗？

我们真的要一起毕业了……

内阁 · Cabinet

2011-05-19T02:11:00.000+08:00

总理李显龙今天公布了新内阁的名单，其中有三位部长选择退休，分别是黄根成、马宝山和林双吉。这次的名单让我看到人民行动党再次的成长——大选期间受到苛责的交通和组屋价格总算有了个交待。

PM Lee Hsien Loong announced the new Cabinet namelist today, and three of the Ministers have chosen to retire- Wong Kan Seng, Mah Bow Tan and Raymond Lim. This namelist shows the evolution of People's Action Party (PAP), and the much-debated issues like cost of housing and transportation have finally gotten a response.

另外，威胁华文存在的教育部长职务调换也让我松了一口气。虽然就像外交部长一样，绝对不是他一个人的主意，但我认为他离开至少是对我们的一个交待。但是人才就要留，所以知识调换何尝不是好事。

On the other hand, I'm glad that the MOE whose existence is a constant threat to Chinese in Singapore has been switched to another position. Just like Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, the policy may not have been his idea alone, but I think it's a response to us nonetheless. However, we can't deny that he's a talaent, and switching role may be a good idea afterall.

我只是个年轻人，现在只不过努力地尝试认识新加坡的政坛。我以我们的国会没有肢体冲突而骄傲，也必须承认对总理作出一系列艰难决定的气势与智慧。

I'm just a youth trying to get a better understanding of the local political scene. I'm proud of the orderly manner the parliament functions, and have to acknowledge the PM's courage and wisdom in making tough decisions at such crucial yet unknown turning points.

身为支持反对党的年轻人，我认为一件事情是新加坡人必须认清的：

As a youth Opposition supporter, I think there's something Singaporeans should not deny-

建国有成的功劳虽然不全归李光耀和吴作栋，但我们必须承认他们的付出。就以数字而言，有多少人能够为了同样一件事情付出宝贵的52年的黄金岁月与光阴？无论他们做错了多少事，总算有对的时候，否则新加坡不会有今天的成就，不是吗？无论在尔虞我诈中可能有多么的心狠手辣，但我相信新加坡和联邦分开时他所留下的泪水不是为了戏剧效果。即使是争权夺利，我相信其中还是有一定成分的爱。

Nation-building may not be solely credited to MM and/or SM, but we have to acknowledge their contributions. Taking numerical proof for instance, how many people can dedicate 52 solid years of their lives to a single cause, especially when it's their prime years? No matter how many mistakes they made, they have done something right, isn't it? How else would Singapore have the prestige and success to date? No matter how scheming anyone can be, I believe that his tears when Singapore had to leave after the merge was genuine. It wasn't for any sort of ficticious dramatic effect. Even if it has ever been a fight for power, fame or glory, I believe love makes up a substantial portion of it.

_______________________________________________

部长

MINISTERS

张志贤

Teo Chee Hean

副总理兼国家安全统筹部长及内政部长

Deputy Prime Minister, coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs

尚达曼
Tharman Shanmugaratnam

副总理兼财政部长及人力部长
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance and Minister for Manpower

林勋强
Lim Hng Kiang

贸工部长
Minister for Trade and Industry

林瑞生
Lim Swee Say

总理公署部长
Minister, Prime Minister’s Office

雅国博士
Yaacob Ibrahim

新闻、通讯及艺术部长
Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts

许文远
Khaw Boon Wan

国家发展部长
Minister for National Development

黄永宏医生
Dr Ng Eng Hen

国防部长
Minister for Defence

维文医生
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

环境及水源部长
Minister for Environment and Water Resources

尚穆根
K Shanmugam

外交部长兼律政部长
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law

颜金勇
Gan Kim Yong

卫生部长
Minister for Health

吕德耀
Lui Tuck Yew

交通部长兼外交部第二部长
Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs

易华仁
S Iswaran

总理公署部长兼内政部第二部长及贸工部第二部长
Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs, Second Minister for Trade and Industry

王瑞杰
Heng Swee Keat

教育部长
Minister for Education

陈振声少将
MG (NS) Chan Chun Sing

社会发展、青年及体育部代部长；
新闻、通讯及艺术部政务部长
Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Minister of State for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts

高级国务部长

SENIOR MINISTERS OF STATE

傅海燕
Grace Fu Hai Yien

新闻，通讯及艺术部长；环境部和水资源部长
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

王志豪
Mr Heng Chee How

总理公署

Prime Minister’s Office

国务部长

MINISTERS OF STATE

李奕贤

Lee Yi Shyan

贸易和工业部长；国家发展部长

Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development

许连碹
Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan

卫生部长
Ministry of Health

马善高
Masagos Zulkifli

内政部长；外交部长

Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

张思乐
Teo Ser Luck

贸工部长
Ministry of Trade and Industry

哈莉玛
Halimah Yacob

社会发展、青年及体育部长

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

杨莉明

Josephine Teo

财政部长；交通部长

Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport

黄循财

Lawrence Wong

国防部长；教育部长

Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education

陈川仁：

BG (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin

国家发展部长；人力部长

Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Manpower

高级议会秘书

SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES

贺华吉

Hawazi Daipi

教育部；人力部

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower

孟理齐博士

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman

国防部；国家发展部

Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Development

陈振泉

Sam Tan

外交部；社会发展、青年及体育部

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

沈颖
Sim Ann

教育部；法律部

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Law

_______________________________________________

我们曾经批判本地传统媒体缺乏公正报导的公信力，而新媒体发展的趋势却非进步，而是往反方向极端化，不也是缺乏公信力之举？

We've once been so critical about the traditional for losing credibility when their reports are biased. However, the trend of new media development hasn't been correcting the situation. Instead, it's going in the opposing direction from traditional media, towards the other polar end. Doesn't it lack the same credibility then?

正反两段不应是相克、非要你死我活的。人需要在两者间取得平衡的认知，而趋势嘛，风水轮流转的，只是交换命运的差别罢了。
I don't believe that ruling party and opposition are a "either-or" case where one dies while the other survives. What people need is a balanced knowledge of both ends, and as of the trends, well, it's only a matter of time when the trend reverses.

极端 · Extreme

2011-05-18T00:06:00.001+08:00

卫赛节快乐！
Happy Vesak Day!

今天傍晚和妈妈聊天时谈到宗教的极端分子。仔细思考后，我发现其实每个宗教都有各自不完美的缺陷，而许多反感和问题都是随着人们越来越极端而产生的。
Earlier this evening, I was having a discussion about religion with my mum. After much thought, I realised that no religion is perfect, and many of the dislike and problems occurred because people became increasingly extreme.

有的教徒因为思维太极端而引起他人排斥，这是几乎每个宗教的共同点。无论是对于同样宗教信徒的强力逼迫还是外教的行为与思想，都是‘极端’闯的祸。
Some followers of religions are disliked because their thinking can be too extreme, and that seems to be the case for almost every religion. "Extreme" causes problems for both followers and non-believers alike.

不久前，许多人因为奥萨马的死而欢呼。我在一个网页上看到一位伊斯兰教的信徒留言。他说他们的宗教没有错，错在有些人太极端地信奉，最后思想失去理智。
Not long ago, many people celebrated the death of Osama bin Laden. I saw a comment by an Islamic follower on a certain webpage. He said that there's nothing wrong with Islam as a religion, but the problem lies with people who get too extreme in their beliefs and losing their rational thinking.

我选择相信大家都是平等的，不可能有任何的神会指派任何人去毁灭其他人。宗教没有教你这么做，是你走火入魔了。
I choose to believe that everyone is equal, and that it's impossible that destroying any other groups of the mankind would be the instruction of any god/Buddha, etc. Religion didn't teach us that. We went overboard in the belief because of ourselves.

我相信宗教的存在对于古人而言是一种因为无能而设以平复情绪的神话，也是引导思想的途径。对于现代人而言，宗教是一种心灵寄托，也是一种自律与回馈的方式。
I believe that religion came into existence in the past because people needed psychological assurance for misfortunes and nature that are beyond their control. It is also created to guide the thinkings of their children and grandchildren. As of the present, I think that religion is meant to be spiritual sustenance, and a way for people to be self-discipline and give back to the society.

我更选择相信，没有宗教的创立是为了带来负面的影响。
I choose even more to believe that no religion was ever created to bring negativity.

经过时间磨练的宗教一直尘封不变……变的是人们的心灵。
Religion has gone through the tests of time, and has remained unchanged. What changed was none other than the human spirit.

外来人才 · Foreign Talent

2011-05-14T09:09:00.000+08:00

Has anyone read about the shipyard blast in Singapore on Thursday afternoon, that killed two foreign talents?

Here's the article- CLICK.

I did not know about the accident until my father came home from work. Apparently his workplace is not far from the shipyard, and the building of his workplace shook for a whole 4 seconds as an effect of the blast.

4 seconds may not seem like a lot. 2 foreign workers did not seem like a big deal in Singapore, even more honestly because it wasn't Singaporean, and thus wasn't paid much attention in news.

What occurred to me was, how close I was to losing my father that one random afternoon.

Of course, some news reports stated that the Bangladesh worker had only been in Singapore for 3 months as brought in by his relative, hoping that it would improve his life.

How about the Malaysian?

Not long ago during General Election, people were talking about curbing the number of foreign talents.

I have to agree with that, because of the 5million population in Singapore, only 2million plus are "native" Singaporeans, so to speak.

But then if you look at this case, how many Singaporeans are willing to take up some dangerous jobs? And the salary is, what, SGD$1000 or less?

My point is, while there are sectors that the government should control the influx of foreign talents, we cannot deny their effort totally. In fact, think about National Day Parade, when the organising committee had to resort to "collect your own rubbish and stand a chance to win a prize" or something along that line.

To a certain extent, Singapore is a clean and green garden city because

(1) our government can afford (financially) to hire more foreign talents to clean the environment, and
(2) there are people taking time to add in the greens in the heartlands and city alike.

On a certain level, I cannot agree that Singaporeans are the ones who keep the environment clean. Just see the mess we leave after celebrations and whatnot.

薪水 · Salary

2011-05-09T01:32:00.000+08:00

想写些和大选没有关系的内容……

I have the urge to blog about some thoughts not relevant to General Election...

身为理工学院毕业生，我觉得找工作并不难。但在呈交履历表等资料时，我觉得有一项特别难填写——预期工资。

As a Polytechnic soon-to-be graduate, I think it isn't hard to find a job. But when it comes to filling in a resume, there's a certain blank I found difficult to fill in- Expected Salary.

初入社会，对于职业的薪水了解是课堂上几乎没有提到的。因此，总觉得十分为难。刚毕业填多了或许会被嫌弃，甚至是失去机会。如果填少了，久而久之又有自己很‘廉价’的感觉，有点难受。

It's the first time I'm joining the industry and society, and salary is one thing that is hardly talked about during lessons. Therefore, I've always felt myself being in a difficult position. What if my expected salary is too high, and the employer would look down on me or deprive me a chance for interview? And what if my expected salary is too low, and I'll find myself "cheap" in the long run? That's really hard to accept.

还有，最近在考虑购买手机，所以正在思考怎么安排和控制花费。

On the other hand, I've been considering to purchase a new mobile phone, and was planning how to arrange and curb the expenses that are likely to incur.

忽然发现，对我来说一个月的薪水能做的远超过洗碗阿姨薪水能做的；而又有的上阶层人士一个月的薪水等于我一年的薪水。又有点难受了。

I suddenly realise that in relative, my monthly salary can be used in more ways than that of a cleaning lady, and that there are also people in higher positions whose monthly salary is a year of mine. That's another thought that is hard to accept.

小学时期第一次听到同学之间说交换‘口香糖’，我就很想加入某个小团体。后来才明白他们说的是电脑游戏世界Neopets中的‘口香糖’。但我也就因此迷上了Neopets。

I remember back in my primary school days when I first heard two classmates talking about exchanging "bubblegum", and I wanted to join their clique. Some time later, I came to understand that they meant "Bubblegum" in the Neopets world. But anyway, that's how I started getting obsessed with the Neopets world.

其实Neopets虽然是虚拟世界，但有的规律还是和真实生活类似的。

In fact, Neopets has pretty much similar rules and underlying principles with reality.

我喜欢通过游戏赚钱，但对我哥哥而言，在虚拟世界中炒股票的利润更多、更快速。

I like to earn Neopoints through games, but my brothers prefer to invest in stocks that are more profitable within a short period of time.

所以就算是在虚拟世界中，还是有的人平凡地努力、有的人投机取巧、有的人稳扎稳打且步步为营。

It shows that even in a cyber world, there would still be some people trying the traditional way to work hard, and there would also be a bunch of people who earn money by taking chances. Of course, there would also be people who choose to earn money the stable and consistent way.

这仿佛是人类潜移默化中的思维与生存模式，只是说成人比较有可能意识到阶级差别罢了。

It's like a principle of life of mankind, in our thinking and means of survival. It's just that relative to children, adults are more likely to be aware of the situation.

当然，永远都会有一群人是任劳任怨继续一点一滴地拼搏的。

Of course, there would always be a bunch of people willing to work hard, bit by bit.

大选结果 · GE Results

2011-05-08T00:24:00.003+08:00

蒙巴登 Mountbatten
PAP：11965（58.65%）
NSP：8436（41.35%）

武吉班让 Bukit Panjang
PAP：20349（66.26%）
SDP：10362（33.74%）

拉丁马士 Radin Mas
PAP：18591（67.11%）
NSP：9110（32.89%）

黄埔 Whampoa
PAP：13015（66.11%）
NSP：6672（33.89%）

摩绵—加冷 Moulmein-Kallang
PAP：44828（58.26%）
WP：31721（41.44%）

如切 Joo Chiat
PAP：9630（51.01%）
WP：9248（48.99%）
2006: PAP won by 61.05% votes.

丰加北 Hong Kah North
PAP：18149（70.61%）
SPP：7553（29.39%）

马林百列 Marine Parade
PAP：78182（56.65%）
NSP：59833（43.35%）

后港 Hougang
PAP：8053（35.19%）
WP：14833（64.81%）
Workers' Party voting percentage increased by 2.07%.

淡滨尼 Tampines
PAP：72664（57.22%）
NSP：54337（42.78%）
2006: PAP won by 68.51% votes.

白沙—榜鹅 Pasir Ris-Punggol
PAP：100382（64.79%）
SDA：54546（35.21%）
2006: PAP won by 68.70%.

西海岸 West Coast
PAP：72465（66.57%）
RP：36395（43.35%）

盛港西 Seng Kang West
PAP：14667（58.08%）
WP：10585（41.92%）

裕华 Yuhua
PAP：14081（66.87%）
SDP：6977（33.13%）

榜鹅东 Punggol East
PAP：16969（54.53%）
WP：12765（41.92%）
SDA：1386（4.45%）

碧山—大巴窑 Bishan-Toa Payoh
PAP：62282（56.94%）
SPP：47092（43.06%）

东海岸 East Coast
PAP：72465（66.57%）
WP：49342（45.17%）

先驱 Pioneer
PAP：14581（60.73%）
NSP：9430（39.27%）

三巴旺 Sembawang
PAP：84185（63.89%）
SDP：47578（36.11%）

义顺 Yishun
PAP：80659（58.39%）
WP：57482（41.61%）

荷兰—武吉知马 Holland-Bukit Timah
PAP：48682（60.10%）
SDP：32322（39.90%）

蔡厝港 Choa Chu Kang
PAP：89605（61.20%）
NSP：56817（38.80%）

阿裕尼 Aljunied
PAP：59732（45.29%）
WP：72165（54.71%）

裕廊 Jurong
PAP：76489（66.96%）
NSP：37734（33.04%）

宏茂桥 Ang Mo Kio
PAP：112544（69.33%）
RP：49779（30.67%）

投票日 · Polling Day

2011-05-08T00:16:00.000+08:00

投票日的晚上，果然是不同凡响。后港体育场就在我家附近，工人党支持者的声浪已经把我的情绪推到最高点！

The night of Polling Day is definitely different and unique. Hougang Stadium is near to where I reside, and the cheerings from the Workers' Party supporters who gathered are getting me on all adrenaline rush!

新传媒电视频道在将近凌晨12点还未公布成绩，但雅虎（Yahoo）和Today Online已经传出一部分成绩的谣言了。（报导）

While Mediacorp channels have yet announced the "official" results close to 12am now, Yahoo and Today Online have tweeted and reported on some rumored results. (Click here to read Yahoo Article)

以下是后港体育场的情况，以及家人为成绩揭晓的准备！

Here's first-hand photo of the situation at Hougang Stadium, and what my family is preparting for the results!

大选结论 · GE Campaign Conclusions

2011-05-06T01:40:00.000+08:00

群众大会等拉票过程在今晚告一段落，明天可说是近期以来难得平静的一天。

我还没到投票年龄（差得远），但这次的大选让我有很多感触。

说真的，我很讨厌新加坡的政府。但近日以来反对党掀起许多丑陋的政策和错误，我开始思考，是真的讨厌，还是一种厌倦？

至于年轻人是否有政治冷感，我相信社交网站上的趋势就是这言论不攻而破的最佳证据。以下是27日以来，我在Twitter上收集的趋势动态。（因为我没有面簿户口）

从以上趋势可以做出三种猜测：

（1）新加坡年轻人是关注本地政治与时事的；

（2）反对政府政策和作风的人民找到了发表言论及‘怨气’的平台；

（3）传统媒体选择性的报导模式逐渐失去公信力。

我觉得有些灰色地带是必须理清楚的：

（1）不支持执政党 ≠ 反对党

最近我努力聆听正反两党的言论，在某程度上是为了用开阔的心认同执政党的功劳、认清他们的作风与错误、发掘反对党的潜能以及用客观的角度观察反对党。

但许多人认为批评政府的某项政策代表否定执政党的努力。我觉得这不是对错那么清楚的，可以是支持各党的某些做法，考虑并融为一体，才是政府进步的方向。

（2）各有所志，各有所好，只要行正言顺，都应接受

在网上可以看见反对执政党的声浪，也有相反的。我认为国家信约是新加坡的预言——

‘无论言语宗教，团结一致’

忽略了文化和国籍的差异，所以人们忘记接受他人的想法与国籍。

难道不同的想法不能共存吗？每个人都有梦想，怎么能强迫他人放弃呢？无论是威胁、污蔑还是没有意义的毁谤，都不是公正平等的民主社会。如果人民无法意识到这一点，谈何争取呢？

每个人都有发表言论的自由。支持反对党的人应该能体会昔日意见被压抑与过滤的痛苦，怎么在新的媒介平台上还要强迫执政党支持的声浪呢？是否应该学习尊重彼此，可以讨论但不要争吵呢？

（3）执政党的反义词不是反对党

我认为两者都有存在的必要，反对党的意思只是‘非执政党议员’，不代表是反对或者与执政党言论背道而驰的人。

在某次层面上，两者算是被媒体利用来制造话题的玩偶。

最后，总结这几天听到、知道的课题，我有以下的看法……

（1）网络的数据只是一部分的选民

有的政党、人选等在网上的支持率十分可观，但那并不等于投票率。网上的意见有大部分来自年轻、甚至还为有资格投票的年轻人。

我不觉得网上的人气代表候选人之间是能够进行比较的，尤其当两人的资历悬殊。

（2）资深候选人应该谦虚处事，而新进候选人则应敬老尊贤

我觉得资深候选人应该谦虚处事，而新进候选人则应敬老尊贤，论事不论人。

网上的八卦是必然的，但当候选人之间进行无谓的相互攻击时，我认为仅是显露人性的丑恶罢了。在竞争与压力下不能冷静而有道德地处理批评、言论等，又怎么出得了大场面呢？

（3）给人民投票的权利是一种努力，但弃权是一种侮辱与浪费

有此看法是因为选举期间，我在住家周围完全没有看到一张革新党的海报、没有见到人影、更没有收到传单。

在提名日成交竞选团队资料不是一个步骤，而是一份努力的开始。而这份努力也不是五年，只是九天。

我不能理解也不能谅解革新党缺乏斗争的态度。如果要给人民投票抉择的权利，也要给人民看到你们的一份诚意、一份希望企划，不只是写个名字。

这不是给人民投票的权利，是浪费资源与人民精力的行为，显得不负责任也令我失望。

（4）怎么投票？

我觉得支持反对党，让执政党知道人民的不悦是一种用心，虽然不能苟同但还是认同这种想法存在的重要性。如果大家居安而不思危，沉默而不求上进，是不可取的。就像在一班学生中，总要有一个最优秀的。差别是平等的代价。

但是我觉得有的反对党也需要吸取一些经验，在茁壮成长的同时不可以辜负他人的心意，不能忘记自己的根。另外，有的也需要明白在别人背后捅一刀是不可取的龌龊手段。

投票给反对党固然没有错，也不是见不得光的事，敢作就要敢当。不要认为可以支持但又不敢挺身而出，害怕失去每逢大选的‘横财’或福利。

另外，为了向执政党反映的人也应注意，如果反对党的人选也不是很理想，我觉得废票是更好的选择。那不代表你没有意见，而是认为两方都有待进步。

群众大会 · Rally (VII)

2011-05-05T09:13:00.000+08:00

为期九天的大选转眼就到了尾声，今晚的群众大会是最后的冲刺。

The 9-day campaign for General Election 2011 is coming to an end, and tonight's rallies would be the grand finale.

这九天以来的新加坡出现了前所未有的言论与自由，让执政党听到了人民的心声与抱怨。对于反对党来说，是处于戒备状态但难得接触其他地区选民的大好时机。

In the past 9 days, never-before-seen-and-heard voices and freedom has surfaced in Singapore, and I think it's a good chance for the ruling party to hear what the people have to say amidst some grievances. As for the opposition, it's the time for them to stay on high alert, but also a chance for them to interact with residents from other constituencies.

身为宏茂桥集选区选民，我对革新党却有点失望——就像先上车后补票，后来却不负责任，几乎都没有看到他们的努力。气起来后我要说，真希望他们拿不回那提名费用。

As a resident of Ang Mo Kio GRC though, I've been disappointed with the lack of fight from Reform Party. It's just like going forth to do something, but not staying back to fight for it or be responsible. A thought of anger from me, how I hope they don't get back the deposit from Nomination Day.

激动情绪放一旁，接下来就是等待星期六的到来。

Frustrations aside, all we can do is wait for Saturday's arrival.

今晚（星期四）的群众大会地点如下：

Thursday rallies-

群众大会 · Rally (VI)

2011-05-04T00:35:00.000+08:00

热闹、高调而具争议性课题与新闻的大选即将结束，随着时间逼近投票的星期六，群众大会的次数也跟着增加。

An extremely high-profile, controversial and happening General Election is coming to an end, as the various candidates and teams alike countdown towards Voting Day this Saturday. The number of rallies is on the rise with the increase of excitement.

今晚（星期二）的群众大会地点如下：

Here are the rally locations for tonight (Tuesday)-

群众大会 · Rally (V)

2011-05-03T01:12:00.000+08:00

今晚（星期二）的群众大会地点如下：

Here are the rally locations for tonight (Tuesday)-

群众大会 · Rally (IV)

2011-05-02T00:20:00.000+08:00

祝大家劳动节快乐！

Happy Labour Day to everyone!

话说新加坡的人口至今约5百万，其中有将近一半的人数不是‘土生’公民。也就是说，有可能是为了工作而到宝岛新加坡的。

As the statistic goes, almost half of the 5million people in Singapore are not 'native' citizens. That probably means that they are here in Singapore to work.

本地是否该筹备些慰劳新加坡人和‘外来人才’的劳动日活动呢？

Therefore, should there be activities in Singapore to show appreciation to both local and foreign pools of talents?

这节日固然没有商机，但总该过得有意义。

There may not be business potential in Labour Day, but I think it should at least take place with special significance?

明晚（星期日）的群众大会地点如下：

Here are the rally locations for tomorrow night (Sunday)-

超值套餐 · Extra Value Meal

2011-05-01T01:46:00.001+08:00

集选区制度就像快餐店的超值套餐。

Group Representation Constituency (GRC) is like any fastfood Extra Value Meal (EVM).

套餐的食物未必全是你喜欢的，但却是一并购买所得。

There may be things you like and/or dislike, but they come as a set.

集选区的制度是自1988年实行以来，新加坡所独有。最初的单选区演变成三人一组的集选区，至今的团队则可多达6人。

Such an electoral constituency, according to dearest Wikipedia, is unique to Singapore politics, and has been around since 1988. What started as Single Member Constituency (SMC) became 3-people teams, and by now, up to 6 people a team.

但就像超值套餐一样，我未必喜欢所有的候选人。

But just like any extra value meal, I don't necessarily like ALL the items.

关键就在这里——

Here's the catch though-

你可以把薯条加大、把水换了，但你没有办法对集选团队进行任何的改变。没有灰色的地带，只有完全接受或完全拒绝。

You can upsize your fries or change your drinks, but you can't make ANY changes to the GRC team presented to you. It's a clear choice of YES or NO.

事实上，这就等于你的选择只能是购买或离开。

In reality, that's almost equivalent to either having an extra value meal, or simply walking out from the food chain.

就以以上例子而言，我不禁思考为什么新加坡人能够接受这样不合逻辑的制度。

Having said that, I start to wonder what made Singaporeans willing to accept such illogical systems.

团队中几乎都会有优秀的团员，所以为个别候选人投票不是更合逻辑吗？无论哪个党，只要以得票率最高的候选人为新委任团队，有何不可？这不就两全其美、各有发展、各得奉献的平台与机会吗？

There's almost always bound to be a good candidate of a team, so wouldn't it be better for the voters to vote for members from both GRC teams, and the highest votes candidates get the seats? I think that's having the best of both worlds, and both parties get to serve the constituencies.

还有另一件关于集选区、超值套餐和提名日的事情想说一说——

Another thing about GRC, EVM and Nomination Day-

我觉得既是没有竞争，集选团队也应经过拉票和投票过程，让人民有所认识外也确保所有候选人都是通过努力才能得到议席，尤其是新进候选人。

I think the candidates should still go through campaign and voting on Voting Day even if there's no competition, so that no candidate especially newly-introduced ones would get a free pass to Parliament without effort.

我相信如果能实践，肯定有关于一位年轻就退休，言行举止不是非常妥当的候选会引起大众的讨论。

For one, I guess people would have something against Major-General Chan Chun Sing, with the way he speaks and carries himself.

学历和能力搁着不谈，候选人也需要得到人民认可和认识的能力。我觉得这是人民行动党在长年累月的胜利中逐渐淡忘的重点之一。

Credentials and capability aside, ability to connect with the people and get their approval is the most basic thing that I feel PAP has forgotten.

我还有一些想法……

Here are my thoughts-

当议员不再走向人民的一天，就是人民离你而去的一天。

The day you stop moving towards the people is the day the people start moving away from you.

当任何候选人告诉你：‘注意候选人以外，他们背后的党’时，反问他们：“你是会为有投选能力者服务，还是为人民服务？”

While the candidates ask you,"think if you are voting for a candidate or the party",

pose them the question,"are you helping the voters, or all Singaporeans".

看看老一辈的议员现在的现况，然后扪心自问是否愿意踏上同一条路。

如果不要，就要思考怎么努力与改变，到时候才能过得比他们好。

See how the elder MPs are like, and ask yourself if you want to be in their shoes.

If your answer is no, think about how you can get better by their time.

如果集选区的制度是可取的，何不见其他国家效仿？

If the GRC system is correct, why isn't any other country adapting it?

最后，还想要回复一些部长所不能苟同的两个司机言论。因为可见他们没有搭普通巴士到马国的经验。

And in response to a few ministers' response about the two-drivers example, apparently you guys haven't been average a person enough to take a bus/coach to Malaysia.

从新加坡往返马国的巴士就是有两位司机的例子，谁说没有的？另外，会发生意外的往往就是司机睡着或副司机没来轮流带班。

Those indeed have two drivers, and the cases when accidents happened were when either one fell asleep or that the other was absent from the trip.

群众大会 · Rally (III)

2011-04-30T23:16:00.000+08:00

新加坡大选对垒战如火如荼进行，即将迈入第四天。而选举似乎耗尽了许多候选人的体力与精力。

We're into the third day of General Election campaigning, and it seems to be taking it's toll on the candidates.

这是否是星期天群众大会总数减少的原因呢？……也有可能是想在少数的地方聚集更多的选民吧。

I reckon that's why there's a cut in number of rallies this Sunday... Or maybe it's just to get a higher concentration of crowds?

对了，明晚（星期日）的群众大会地点如下：

Anyway, here are the rally locations for tomorrow night (Sunday)-

群众大会 · Rally (II)

2011-04-30T14:09:00.001+08:00

今晚（星期六）的群众大会地点如下：
Here are the rallies locations for tonight (Saturday)-

值得关注的是人民行动党今晚将到前天工人党聚集超过15,000选民的地点（后港大牌837），谁的支持者多，今晚成绩分晓。

One of the highlight is that PAP would be holding their rally speech at where Workers' Party successfully gathered over 15,000 voters last Thursday (Hougang Blk 837). It would be a clear benchmark of who has more supporters tonight.

但是！聚集全身白色和拿着党旗的是自己人，不能算数！

HOWEVER, we have to take those in white top and bottom and/or holding PAP flags into considering of exclusion, because they are the PAP people themselves!

不知道这次又要去哪里载老人来……

I wonder where they would be getting people by shuttlebus to the venue this time around...

群众大会 · Rally

2011-04-29T09:08:00.000+08:00

新加坡2011年大选在提名日的热闹中正式掀开战火，而第一晚（星期四）的群众大会更是办得有声有色。

Singapore General Election campaign officially kicked off with an extremely exciting and "happening" Nomination Day, and yesterday (Thursday) was the first night for the various parties to hold their rallies and let the people know what they have to say.

因为我的工作性质，所以有机会到工人党在后港的群众大会拍摄。第一次看见那么多人聚集在一起，又有团结如一家人的感觉，情绪十分激动。

Due to the nature of my work, I've had the chance to film at Workers' Party rally last night. This is probably the first time I've seen so many people and feeling united and home-y. It got me pretty overwhelmed and emotional.

以下是TODAY上载的视频，感谢他们正反报导平衡，让无法亲眼目睹各党人选风采的人有机会听到当晚的精彩言论。

I'm really appreciative of TODAYdigital for uploading the rally speeches of the various candidates and parties, because they are the ones who are giving a balance and fair report of al the parties. It's also a chance for those who couldn't attend hear what the candidates had to say.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TODAYdigital#p/a/u/1/If1bXl7gZ_0

今晚（星期五）的群众大会地点如下：

Here are the rallies locations for tonight (Friday)-

民声 · Voices from the Ground

2011-04-25T01:48:00.000+08:00

随着大选的脚步逼近，到处都是许下承诺的人选。

General Elections is just around the corner and there are plenty of people out there in heartland areas willing to promise almost anything.

其中无论是平民百姓还是高职大官，无不强调对民声的重视，并且通过走访地区等与民接触。对此，以下是我作为平民的基本要求，究竟有多难办到呢？

The constant emphasis from high-ranking MPs and average citizens is the high regard for the voices from the ground. And the former has been on walkabout at constituencies to interact with the people. As such, I see no better a chance to talk about my basic expectations as an average citizen, just to let people think about how hard it is to make life better for people.

第一、翻新固然不错，但不要建一些不好看又没有用的设施。
Firstly, stop spending money on useless and visually-unimpressive "neighbourhood upgrades".

就以以上为例，新增的架子不是有盖走廊，下雨时毫无作用、晴天时无能遮避阳光，外形又不好看，建的意义不明，浪费资金。

Taking the picture above for instance, the new metal construction can provide neither shade nor shelter during rain and shine, and it isn't a piece of visual art either. I don't see why such a construction is required, and not an "upgrade", just a mere waste of money.

第二、把天桥还给我。

Secondly, return me the overhead bridges.

左边是普遍的天桥，而右边是在新建筑工程中的完工例子，在友诺士组屋区、榜鹅、实龙岗北部等都可见。这是无障碍设施的一个改变，但对于赶时间或平时提着大包小包从菜市场回家的阿嫂来说，是多么地不方便！

What you see on the left is a typical overhead bridge you see being built in Singapore over the years, and the one on the right is the new design you see in areas like Eunos, Ponggol, Serangoon North Village, etc. I understand that such a change is brought about with the aim of a wheelchair-accessible Singapore, but have they considered what an inconvenient detour it is for people in a rush or the aunties with the bulky groceries?

无障碍的努力没有错，但错就错在设计不实际，给大部分（也就是非残障）的人民带来更多的不便，得不偿失。看到这样的设计，可就别怪人们要非法过马路了。

It's not wrong to improve Singapore to be wheelchair-accessible islandwide, but the problem lies in changes which brings more inconvenience to the majority who are mobile, and doesn't really do the handicapped much help. Seeing such design, they can't actually blame the people who cross the road illegally.

第三、无障碍设施不人道。

Thirdly, consider how inhumane the slopes/ramps are.

以上是我亲自到后港拍摄的画面。

The picture above is a scene I captured personally at Hougang.

试想一个坐轮椅的老人独自出门，还要左右转弯七次才能到车站，这是何等的不人道而折腾。很难想象所谓的知识分子会允许新加坡各个地方有这种不切实际的设计，唯一的利益或许就是建筑商用的材料增加能从中获利。

Think about an elderly person trying to go outdoors by himself, and actually has to turn SEVEN times down the slopes before he gets to the bus stop from the void deck. Did anyone designing or allowing such a construction consider how tormenting and inhumane it is? It's hard to believe any educated (or just sane) person would allow such designs to be executed. The only party I can see benefiting from such design is the construction company which may get to charge more for the amount of material and labour work into creating such rubbish.

我相信一个月内使用次数不上十次。

I believe that that slope above is used less than 10 times a month.

第四、重新探讨巴士设计的改变是否弊大于利。

Lastly, re-evaluate the 'improvements' of public buses.

就以服务线的灯而言，新的橙色灯光在白天几乎看不到，到了晚上又因为字体太小而看不到。另外，是否有顾虑到闪光近视的人民呢？

Taking just the service line number boards as example, the new buses with the orange lights are actually causing problems when it is hard to see in daylight, and too small a font to see at night. In addition, how about those who have visual difficulties?

等巴士已经很痛苦了，看不到服务线显示等，真的是自作聪明而让人雪上加霜的改变。

It's already a torture to wait for the never-seem-to-come buses for school and work, and with such "improvements" by the smart-alecks, I think it's making life harder for people.

红星大奖2011 · Star Awards 2011

2011-04-24T19:01:00.000+08:00

点击以阅读全文 · Click to read more

《红星大奖2011》又来了！去年在实习期间做的相关的报道，所以今年也觉得是生活的一部分，值得报导。

在演员阵容方面，我觉得《破天网》会是大热门。

《我在你左右》让我联想到美国的《鬼语者》(Ghost Whisperer)。

《走进走出》的戏名则让我有点错愕，也让我联想到去年第五频道的作品。

预测：《最火搭档》

虽然剧情让我觉得很幼稚，但总觉得是让人印象最深刻的。

在到中国修学期间，听到最多的就是《梦·窑匠》，而我所看过的《回家走走》总是有太多的泪水，让我有点不耐烦。我很喜欢《名厨出走记》的节目概念，但觉得内容方面却是平均水平之下。

预测：《梦·窑匠》/ 《回家走走》

最佳综艺特备节目总让我感觉是‘凑数’的奖项，因为入围节目不是慈善就是选秀节目。我认为这更适合安排为第一场颁奖典礼的奖项，作为答谢特别安排的团队。

预测：《才华横溢出新秀》

《美差事·苦差事》让我想到Discovery Channel的Dirty Jobs. 至少节目内容有所不同，算是一种进步。《星期二特写》似乎常常是热门得奖的入围节目，节目构思也总能发人深省。

预测：《星期二特写》

这次入围最佳男主角的都是旧面孔，是否是新传媒的危机呢？说实话，我都不认同以上五位的角色和演出，但更大的问题或许是剧情。如果要选，我认为是资深而适合角色的郑斌辉。

预测：郑斌辉

又是欧萱尬上白薇秀，加上冰山公主、资深哎哟哟老师以及新进演员周颖。瑞恩演技一般，总是离不开哪几种表情，虽然咬字进步了，却还是有点刺耳。

预测：周颖

周颖是我心目中的人选，但如果她得奖，就不知道这回又要怎么安抚那两位抖得凶的公主了咯……

眼看五位入围男演员，似乎有个共同点，就是演技在相比之下比较……夸张。但角色演得到位而不过火才是配角的精神——出色而不争鸣。

预测：林明伦

又是旧面孔。如果说栽培演员从配角开始，那新传媒可有得担心了！不但缺乏新面孔，入围的均是推前浪的后浪，退下当配角助阵。新人都去了哪里？

预测：郭舒贤

模仿似乎是过去一年以来的娱乐趋向，继中文节目《爆料黑玫瑰》后，第五频道也有The Noose，一部让人笑看新闻时事的模仿秀。这类的节目也得到媒体的关注，也让人看到节目制作背后的用心。

预测：庄米雪

庄米雪总是有中让我反感的磁场，但就以上言论所见，她在中英两台都有出色的模仿成果和努力，值得嘉奖！

所谓主持人，就像是观众的引导者，把节目内容呈现给大家。李心钰自《与心共舞》就有出色的主持能力，但似乎也成为她成长的限制，裹足不前。郭亮总让人有种‘知识分子’的感觉，比起主持，作为综艺主持人更合他意也具突破效果。李国煌的橘子皮外貌总是媒体和去年典礼的笑话，但这次的节目也正好适合他的形象。

预测：李国煌

感觉上，王禄江的心似乎已经离开了电视台，而白薇秀……陪跑吧！还有很漫长的成长道路呢。

董素华和张海洁固然优秀，但前者似乎没进步，后者让人感觉陌生而遥远。王征似乎尚未成熟，还不是得奖的时候。赵文蓓让人感觉轻且，但就我来看，已经处于退步中。林启元总是陪跑，陪得都变成一种变相的笑话，让人心酸。他的表现沉着而不失亲切，我不禁为他叫屈。

预测：林启元

无论是实力或态度，我都觉得他的表现足以得奖。他没得到认同却不屈不挠的态度让我想到新加坡的反对党，尤其是徐顺权……是时候还他应得的奖励了啦。

时事节目一向来不吸引我，但我觉得不应得奖的是林有懿和琪琪。前者给人不舒服的感觉，后者的表达于咬字仍然有待进步。其他三位则皆当之无愧。

白纸黑字 · Black and White

2011-04-02T00:32:00.004+08:00

我觉得世界的‘白纸黑字’形式已经受到了威胁。

I have the feeling that the black-and-white way of work has been threatened with the development of cyberworld and technology.

就以扫描科技来说，很多事情变得‘死无对证’。

Taking scanning technology as an example, many things became impossible to verify as there's no proof for some electronics stuff.

(Click to read on)

为什么这么说呢？看到一则网民的抱怨，说搭地铁时无法扫描卡出关。后来到柜台弄一弄，就能出去了。他去看了车费记录，发现扣了七角钱。

Why do I say that? Well, I came across an article on STomp of someone complaining that 70 cents was deducted from his card when he couldn't scan his card to exit from MRT station. The person at the help counter just scan his card on the system and he could exit thereafter. Upon checking his transportation record, he realised the SMRT person deducted 70 cents from his card.

完整的报导在这里：http://bit.ly/flgRlb
Click on the link above to read the complete article.

有些人说便宜了他，但我是有买月票的，今天傍晚也同样无法出关。也是弄了弄，什么都没说，就能出去了。

Some people said that his fare should have been more than that and he shouldn't complain. But the same thing happened to me this evening, and I'm actually a concession pass holder. An SMRT person simply scanned and returned me my card too, before I could leave the MRT station.

我觉得SMRT这样没有交代或解释的做法十分不老实，也让人们可能在不知情的情况下吃亏。

Under such situation, I think SMRT should have made things clearer? Instead of such simple-solution-no-explanation method that gives people the impression of "cheating money without our realisation".

一个月月票已经将近一百元了，如果你们还没交代就随便扣除，是不是很没有道理呢？

A concession pass is already costing a student like me near to $100 a month, and if you just deduct money from our cards so easily without explanation, don't you think this is a little too much?

明天我又要特地到地铁站查看了。如果有扣我的钱，三件事情会发生：

Anyway, it seems like I would have to make a trip down to the MRT station tomorrow to check my card history. What made me worry was that the screen didn't show the usual concession "2 rides left" when I scanned out, but showed my card monetary value.

If I find out that they did deduct my money, three things would happen-

（1）屏幕显示的照片会出现在这里，额外赠送一篇臭骂的佳作；
I'd grab a screenshot of my transportation record and publish it here, which would possibly come with a complimentary cursing entry;

（2）找SMRT职员理论，要求他们道歉并退钱；
I'd argue with the SMRT staff and demand refund;

（3）让以上连接网址的篇章有下文。
Let there be a part 2 to the STomp article above.

如果没有，我会在这里澄清……但还是要提醒其他人这种事件的存在。
If they did not deduct money from my card this evening, I would clarify here, but this entry would stay as a reminder to other users out there.

没有白纸黑字多了便捷，但那是用权利换来的，所以别高兴得太早。

A world without the current principles of black-and-white for transactions and whatnot may be convenient, but keep in mind that such convenience is exchanged at the cost of our awareness of what's happening, and our welfare. So don't be too happy about it too soon.

Edit: I've checked and they didn't charge me extra money. But still...

愚人节快乐 · Happy April Fool's Day

2011-04-02T00:29:00.001+08:00

最近觉得关注Twitter的趋势排行榜（Trends）很有趣。

Recently I’ve been very interested on what’s trending on Twitter.

单是愚人节就有很多无聊的怪东西上榜，例如英文字体Comics Sans 和Helvertica。

Just an April Fool’s Day, and all the weird stuff started to be trending, like font names such as Comics San and Helvetica.

除此之外，上榜但不光彩的也包括海峡时报（Straits Times）。本地的传统主流媒体从来没那么受关注，今天又是什么原因呢？

In addition, another but not-so-glamorous trend is Straits Time. Local traditional and mainstream media has never gotten such attention, so I was pretty curious what happened.

点击图案阅读全文 · Click on picture to read what happened

原来又是犯了错的轩然……小波。网络上的系统让人们一次能够登入多过一个户口，方便的同时也更容易搞砸正事。这种新媒体的方便，也因此模糊了工作和私生活的界限。

Well, apparently there was another mistake caused by the convenient nature of Tweet Deck that allows users to access more than one Twitter account at a time. Convenient, but at the same time, make screwing things up ten times more likely to happen as the margin between personal life and work get increasingly blurred.

Tin Pei Ling

2011-04-01T01:17:00.001+08:00

I guess when people say social media changes the way things work, they meant it.

For the past I-don't-know-how-many years of my life (that's pretty much all of it), I've always been taught about how "restricted" China is, as a country. In the case of freedom, many sites like YouTube and Facebook can't be accessed, and information are filtered to the smallest microbit.

In recent years, though, I became increasingly aware of just how "restricted" Singapore has been, and possibly may no longer be.

Having been to China, just their TV commercials were enough to blow me away. Almost everything has got a TVC, not just shows, but also for things like plastic surgery, hospitals, cigarettes, etc.

So what's my point?

People are getting onto social media and internet, just to get back at people and things they can't deal with in real life. Or lack the guts to anyway.

After The Online Citizen has been gazetted by Singapore, I guess many things changed and people are even more sensitive and aware of what is going on.

And when PAP tries to get the crown of "having the youngest candidate", the plan absolutely backfired.

Are things really as bad as netizens made it sound like? Well, not exactly.

This is Tin Pei Ling, 27 years old.

The commotion?

She's too young.

Her biggest regret was not bringing her parents to Universal Studio.

She was posing with a HUGE Kate Spade box (they should pay her, seriously).

Her Twitter account picture didn't relate to people as a potential MP with what casual beach look.

And what happened within the next 48 hours was probably the biggest nightmare of her life.

At one moment people around her are telling her she's great at this age, being the grassroot leader, working at some place that makes her feel like she can connect to the older crowd, being in-charge of platforms that make her feel connected to the youths...

Then the next, everyone is telling her NO YOU DON'T MAKE THE MARK.

Suddenly the smallest thing she does is wrong. She can't speak intelligently. She uses a not-passport-photo in her daily life. (Actually I think anyone who believes that's all to any candidate's life is super naive.) She has no extreme opinions or revolutionary ideas unlike youths.

I can't even bear to go on.

When she was first introduced, I saw PAP trending on Singapore Twitter. 24 hours later, Tin Pei Ling joined the list.

I don't support PAP much, but I think she's a victim who appeared at the wrong time and caught with the wrong (read: unsuitable) people.

So here's some stuff to think about, and approve of her, just to add some positive energy to the cyberworld:

(1) She put in the effort to look like typical passport photo despite her happening private life

(2) She isn't putting up those "know-all" or "haughty" front like some others

(3) Her tweets aren't all bimbotic and ignorant-sounding

(4) She hasn't lost control like Peter Coffin, going everywhere declaring herself a sad victim

(5) At least her posing didn't include excess flaunting of assets?

(6) She tried to answer tough questions, instead of "I don't know" (though which would kill her anyway)

On the other hand, here are some things which I feel... not quite right!

(1) Positioning herself as tech-savvy but failing to protect her tech-privacy

(2) Not knowing policies well enough to think about what can be done/changed

(3) "Hiding" after the cyber hoo ha

(4) Not realising nothing is truly delete-able on cyberspace

From a youth's perspective, I couldn't help but wonder how much running for the election, even in GRC, means to her. People usually want to present the best of themselves. Heck, even Peter Coffin tried to get himself a girlfriend.

What was she thinking, not hiding her photos and private life? Has she ever thought of protecting those around her? And being tech-savvy, is it right for her to be ignorant to cyberbully as it is now?

Secondly, I've always thought people would want to over-prepare than be caught under-prepared, especially when you are dealing with the media. Maybe you can't be all pro and recite the things you know, but at least do a little research! Check for at least 5 policies/ political updates (enough to use at numerous interviews), and think about what's your opinion. Or at least which part of it you think can be improved. Or what Youtube-ers and netizens are complaining which you hope to look into.

That's when your cyber-pro-ness comes into work, no?

That's when you show people how much you care, and the homework you have done before the presentation?

You can't just walk in to an interview and tell the boss of some magazine, I want to work for you, I'm the one you should hire, BUT. I have never read your magazines.

Right?

Next concern is how she seems to be reserving her presence and comments after the hoo-ha. EH DUDE. THIS IS A CHANCE TO PERFORM, TO DELIVER. If you can't stand strong from something that can't even get into physical contact with you, how are you going to handle the dangers like others did?

I don't care what the party is saying, but as an individual, she should at least be allowing herself to stand out and accept what people have to say. And say things like she would reflect, and after a while, say what this taught her, how it is useful for her tech-functions knowledge, and finally letting people know the bigger stand she has other than Italy and Universal Studio.

Yes, I appreciate and applaud for her honesty and family-oriented perspective, but make up your mind in this realistic industry- Do you want to come across as tech-savvy connectable-with-youths-and-old-alike, or do you want to be seen like the modern woman in the family like Jeannette Chong?

This isn't lying.

This is reality.

This is marketing.

This is, ultimately, what election is about.

Trends

2011-03-29T00:41:00.000+08:00

Here are a few stories you shouldn't have missed for the past fortnight:

(1) Rebecca's BLACK Friday Music Video

60million views to date, you have probably been living in a secluded cave with no opening for the past two weeks if you haven't heard of her yet.

However, I don't really think it is her fault. Some people have been diligent enough to look up who wrote those (stupid) lyrics, so I think that's where the bombardings should head.

And if you watch the interview of her, you would realise that she actually has a great voice without all the technical altering. This is how technology SCREWS the talent of people. Those people who did that should be ashamed of themselves.

Another thing people have been saying that all her friends either have moles or braces. Truth is, all those in the MV are her friends. You don't choose friends through audition, do you?

(2) Peter Coffin and his.... imaginary (girl)friend

....got busted.

Some bloggers in Singapore blog about absolutely nothing substantial- food eaten from day to day, some random camwhores, random emoies or cheesy lines that send goosebumps down your back.

But some like Xiaxue, they actually churn out some diligently-researched posts that have people awed by the amount of effort they put into their work.

Well, even if the entry is meant to BREAK someone.

The whole story revolves around 2 people and 2 blog entries in Xiaxue's blog. Here's the summary: http://www.urlesque.com/2011/03/25/peter-coffin-fake-girlfriend/ .

I don't know what people think, but the psychotic look on his face? Never a chance be someone I'd subscribe to on YouTube in the very first place. I think the Friendster (yes, that's my generation) syndrome is creeping in on Facebook and Twitter users alike now. All the collecting people and friends stuff.

Sometimes you follow random people to learn random things. That's how some random people become "famous" without good reasons. Then one day you realise the person you have been following was no better than the foe you hated in school? How do you feel about being one of those followers then huh?

Just a thought to think about.

(3) 91.3FM Cultured Call

The audio wave is, by now, removed from the website. Serves you right, for not keeping up with the news. See how much fun you missed.

Anyway, the story goes along that... A person by the name of Samantha called in to 91.3FM, and started with this whole talk about how heartlanders should stay where they are, because Holland V. people are more cultured, high-class. And questions why go all the way to their Holland V. for laksa?

But I must agree, sometimes slippers just ain't the right thing to wear, you know? I've seen people wearing slippers for job interviews and auditions. Like, what's going through your head? Do you save your nice shoes for the wet market?

(4) New Ris Low

Maybe I should have placed this on the top of the list, but anyway, there's this new girl from a bikini competition, and she has a quirky accent and sense of humour.

Personally I find her more likeable. (:

But I'm not gonna hyperlink the video here. Don't like to give that site any hits at all. Hmph. Go google it yourself.

(5) A primary school habit gone wrong

The storyline is pretty clear- NS man. Maid. Bag. Maid carry bag. NEWS.

I'd call this a primary school mistake gone wrong, you know. Principals like the one I had in Xinmin, told us that we should take responsibility for our own belongings. If that is your bag, why should your mum be carrying it for you?

I never once allowed any family member/adult/anyone else to carry my bag since. But in this case? Maybe the habit is still there.

From another perspective, maybe he has a reason afterall.

Not sure if anyone else has such an experience, but I've a minor sprain of my ankle, so when I board the bus to school, I quickly sit down. Then some elderly board the bus, everyone looks at me.

At that moment, I just wished my ankle would make beeping sounds telling people "She is lame, you should stand up instead". Maybe that would make things less awkward for me.

Just like what my lecturer said before, why point fingers and volunteer others? Stand up, if you want, if not, just keep quiet!

So maybe he had some problems too. Maybe if the photo was from Hogwarts, we would have seen a .gif-like file that can clear the air?

优先权 · 人权

2011-03-18T01:39:00.001+08:00

文化是很奇妙的东西，有的时候也是‘蝴蝶效应’的最佳代表。

每天早上搭公共巴士转地铁上班时，最温馨的就是礼让的一瞬间。

这所谓的‘礼让’，不仅是让出标明为‘有需要者有优先权’的座位。因为在新加坡实施这种措施时，让出了座位也提高了人们的礼让意识。大家对于老人、孕妇等上车或上地铁都更加敏感了。

搭巴士时最开心的莫过于看到人们互让的情景——很多人在转换站下车，空位又让新乘客补上。但看到老人上车时，年轻人把位子让出，而坐在一旁的老人也帮忙拍拍位子，坐下时不会感觉到前者的‘余温’。

提出这种措施不但让年老人士等不必站着，也在潜移默化中修正新加坡人的思维举止。

谁说新加坡只是个‘fine’ country呢？

但新加坡的文明却还是不堪一击的。

说到大减价、地铁刚到站、领取免费赠品，新加坡的‘文明’便会在瞬间瓦解得干净利落。

今天读了一篇有关日本人文明处理国内灾情的报导（点击此阅读），我不禁开始设想新加坡人成为灾民后的状况：

当然，新加坡理应不会发生偷窃、暴乱等事件。至少以新加坡除了六十年代的种族冲突前科外，纪律的记录还算良好。

但休想新加坡人会安静、冷静地等待援救和情况逐渐恢复。就说不久前POSB系统故障为例，新加坡人的怨声四起，有多不方便就说到多不方便。别说是没水没电了，没有网际网络便足以让国人抓狂。走在路上，不妨看看有多少人在用智能手机吧。

至于领取配粮，我觉得起初还是需要某些团体/义工帮忙组织安排，确保人们排好队，拿分配的分量为限。偶尔应该会发生插队或不满排长龙的纷争或投诉，但大致上也不会有太大的问题。由组织支配人们怎么做似乎也是本地的文化，缺乏一点自理能力。

最后，对于暂住集中地就要看新加坡政府会怎么处理了。是否会坚持人道的空间安排、有什么是‘必须’的设备、一间房是否会规定住几个人、什么种族和国籍比例呢？这些倒是未知数。部分的原因……也取决于来临的大选结果。

日本的文明让全世界各地的人民都上了一堂很宝贵的课，让我慎重地思考自己处于什么样的状况。新加坡也有让人温馨的亚文化，我相信是在仔细观察生活才能体会到的。

日本 · What happened in Japan

2011-03-14T01:36:00.003+08:00

Just in case you're those one of those cavemen, here's what happened in Northern Japan last Friday.

What happened all over the world for the past 72 hours and on had been nothing less than impressive.

Old debts aside, people and organizations all over the world are showing care and support for the misfortune which hit thousands of people without a sign. It was a wake-up call to mankind, that no matter how technologically-advanced we are, there's no way we can win Mother Nature.

Some say women are unpredictable, and I guess that's why the Nature is The Mother.

More importantly, it brought me to the point of understanding the power of cyberspace, beyond those lame and stupid stuff people do on social networking websites.

Minutes after the disaster struck, news spread on websites, and minutes later, retweeted, forwarded and every-other-mean-possible-ed splattered all over the internet.

Twitter, for one, had seen #prayforjapan trending, and many news sites are updating every possible minute on the progress of the salvations, and the disaster updates.

Next thing you know, the disaster rose in the list of Top Search trends on Yahoo, and you can watch the latest raw footages recorded by those near the place where disaster struck.

But what touched me the most, was how some online celebrities are doing their part to pass the message on.

Unlike commercial advertorials, it doesn't really pay to talk about such things to your fans, karma excluded. But I really saw how people became sensitive to the Japan counterparts, and toned down on their usual sense of humour just to show respect for the unfortunate victims.

The funniest thing I saw out of many webpages was.... Ugliest look challenge? Even that wasn't very funny, and I'm extremely grateful for that. I'm sure many people do.

I appreciate how people rise to the occasion, and do what they are suppose to do. And sometimes going beyond their obligations, going the extra mile.

I've come across people who made light remarks about how what they did came back to them a disastrous way, but that being said, these people decided to put such ancient feuds behind, and pray for the victims and survivors.

Some of the statistics and figures do scare me.

One moment you're having a childish fight with your family member, and you slam the door to work. Next thing you know, he/she may never make it back to the house to make things up with you. Heck, your home may not even be where it used to be. And then you realise, your life would never be the same again.

People like me living overseas are the ones so far who have the chance to undo the things we screwed, and we have the chance to reflect, redo, remake and repent. But for many out there, their stories finished way before they want it to. And that there's nothing they can do to make things right anymore.

Such thoughts have been whirling in my mind all weekend, but the bottomline is,

be extremely grateful for all that you have,

for all that happened and did not happen,

for all that you get and did not get,

because it may be the last.

Don't give yourself a chance to think that your dad doesn't love you enough, cos I think there isn't anymore anyone can ask for from anyone else.

Don't let yourself live a day and think back realising you did not do something you should or always wanted to. If that's how you're going to look at your life if you leave this moment, there can't be any worse feeling.

For now, let's count our blessings, cherish every morning we get to wake and every night we get to lay in bed.

Aboveall, pray hard for those out there, and help if you know of any way you can. Be it an act of monetary donation or a simple retweet, just to let more people know what's going on.

Outcast

2011-03-07T00:25:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I wish people would be more sensitive/subtle when it comes to judging others.

Some people are born rich, but more of us are born poor. Some people can play all day and ace all work, while some die from working hard and never once get a taste of fruit of their labor.

I don't have a smartphone, I don't have a Facebook account, I am not ever-connected to the cybersocial networks, but that doesn't mean that I'm all ignorant. More importantly, I'm still a living individual with feelings, and I am definitely better in some other aspects compared to every other individual.

In fact, everyone has their strengths. It's just a matter of how long it takes for each person to discover their talents, and how many chances in life they get to excel, be it chances they give themselves, or chances people bestow upon them in life.

Truth is, some people just don't get a chance their entire lives. That's how they fade away gradually, and give in to a pragmatic way of life, working just for the sake of earning a living.

As for those bright and glamorous stars above, well, you never know how much effort some of them put in just to be there.

Like how much effort it took me just to understand the kind of clothes so-called 'normal teenagers' wear.

Sometimes when I get snide remarks, I wish that person has one chance to be in the body of a wrinkled and critically ill obese illiterate handicapped. Maybe that's what it would take for them to realise that not everyone is fortunate like them, to be raised and fed well, to be part of the in-crowd by nature.

Because life is unfair in such a way that, some people, no matter where they are, just become an outcast, by default.

I really wished you knew.

Pictures from photo.net and inluck.biz respectively.

自制 · Control

2011-03-05T23:08:00.002+08:00

刚才难得看《钻石夜总会》（本身不是特别喜欢这个节目），刚好是收看第100集的狗狗比赛。

其实我觉得挺残酷的——想象你的父母以你喜欢的东西引诱你，放在你面前又不让你得到。或许就是因为媒体大肆的那么做，所以不人道地作弄家畜的行为也变得不必经过思考的自然。

这就像是父母告诉你，考试成绩不错就买篮球或是自行车给你。不过，你达到他们的要求后，他们却告诉朋友们你很乖但不需要实行诺言。

那种滋味，又有多少人真的会去设身处地体会呢？

其次，这也关系到人类和畜牲的比较。

如果一只小狗都能够低档诱惑的魅力，做主人所谓‘对’的事，那些受金钱等诱惑而丧失职业道德和人生原则的人，又算什么呢？

告诉你行医的重要、意义、原则等，然后却为了金钱利益与前者背道而驰，挣入己囊的钱是何等地肮脏呀。

……更别说是与畜牲相比的结果了。

心态 · Mentality

2011-03-02T22:07:00.000+08:00

生活辛苦与否，我觉得是心态在作祟。

今天和妈妈在讨论有关工作的事情，因为有的人因为不满工作而闷闷不乐。

就像一些中年妇女会说她们没有读多少书，能找到工作都已经很好了，哪还敢挑？

说真的，我觉得新加坡人没有资格说找不到工作。

随便翻开报纸吧、随便到任何一个购物商场走走看看吧，不都是在聘请人员吗？

还有，同样是洗碗碟的工作，看韩国的洗碗达人，不也是一种启发，让你知道心态转变自己也会好受一点？

如果你把每个碗碟当成$1，你就会收到很开心，不争就很好了。而不是一直去想说是不是别人没有做那么多、自己很委屈等。身体在受苦了，心理还要折磨自己，理智吗？

(Click to read the English version)

I think the problem of whether your life is great or screwed ultimately boils down to the mentality of an individual.
I was chatting with my mum earlier today when we were discussing about occupations, because she knows of people who are simply unhappy with their working.
Just like how some aunties always say they don't have the right to choose their occupation because they didn't study much when they were younger, I guess the mentality is more or less the same, and satisfaction is one key factor.

Frankly speaking, I don't think Singaporeans have the right to say that we cannot find a job.
Just flip through the Classified section of the newspapers, or take a stroll in any of the shopping malls. Can't you see that many of the outlets are actually hiring?
On the other hand, take a look at those employees in Korea who are super-pro at washing the dishes, and how they take pride in doing the job well. Shouldn't that be a kind of inspiration, even if it's just to make yourself feel better?
Just imagine that every dish is $1, and you'll be happy collecting them all day. Don't think about how other aunties slack, or how miserable you are. You may already be suffering physically at the job, so why be so sadistic as to torture yourself mentality even more?

公平

2011-02-27T00:03:00.001+08:00

许多本地人都关注一样足以影响生活和度假安排的事情——大选。

大选要来咯！

星期六的一份晚报报道有关划分选区的争议：如切路不在如切区，让居民觉得怪怪的。

具体的报导我没有细读，但有关划分的问题对我而言是折腾新加坡本土和外来人民的问题。除了政治上公平与否的问题，更重要是平日的影响。毕竟那才是日常生活的大部分，不是吗？

就以我的住家而言，叫做后港，静山区（ChengSan），所以购物商场中的图书馆叫做静山图书馆。后来不知怎么的，我们无形地‘搬迁’成为阿裕尼选区（Aljunied）。在后港坊（Hougang Mall）对面的一个花园，又名为勿落什么的，隔几条街的花园又叫榜鹅花园（Punggol Park）。

名字换来换去，后港不像后港、似是阿裕尼而非也。

我觉得很讽刺，换个地区划分的名称看似芝麻绿豆，让所谓的参政人选得到人民的支持，为人民服务。但也就是这该死的名称，让海内外的人民晕头转向。

怎么说呢？

首当其冲的是德士师傅，假如一个外国人说是要去Bedok-View Park，大概就把车开到勿落找吗？找了老半天，在后港哦！

还有一个实际例子，我搭德士时师傅问我住后港哪里，我说体育场旁边。他问说后港，是反对党那里吗，我说是阿裕尼区的。咦？他说，阿裕尼不是在地铁East-West line吗？

这下可好了：到底是我疯了，还是他不识方向呢？

非也~ 这只是为人民服务的大选的战略之一！

为了一时的胜利，随意地划来划去，让人民听到如切又不肯定是指‘如切’的‘如切’，多棒呀！

新加坡就像中学历史课本中的一幅漫画一样，任人划分宰割，到头来还是一场悲剧。

屁股，你的还是她的？

2011-02-26T23:34:00.001+08:00

前一阵子到淡滨尼购物广场的厕所时，听到一位母亲和小女儿的对话：

‘妈，我要尿尿。’

“哦。大便leh？”

‘我只要尿尿’

“为什么没有大便？没有大便麽？”

相信很多人都知道“大便”是很不雅的词汇，尤其是在诸多特别场合更不得使用。换句话说，没有人要知道你要去厕所干嘛，所以就所上厕所/洗手间/卫生间好了。

如果真的需要详细说明，也该用“办大事”、“需要多一点时间”等，婉转地表达。这是对别人的一种尊重，也是对自己人格的一种交待。

话说回正题，那位母亲把“大便挂在嘴边”，在厕所的五分钟内说了不下十次。为什么不需要、为什么没有、怎么会没有、几时才会有……

有时候真的觉得这些家长很好笑。那不是你的膀胱或什么的，怎么那么确定小孩的答案是错的呢？那孩子的声音听起来也有小学二年级吧？怎么还会问这种“你的膀胱怎么了”的问题呢？

如果是七老八十的或许还能因为‘水龙头松了’而明白其顾虑，但小孩子的身体也没怎么样啊！上厕所就不能只为了解决小事情吗？怎么一定要办大事呢？

《咖啡王子一号店》里的孔佑对那姐姐的执著，最后用作总结的词汇是‘习惯’。这让我感觉到大人‘习惯’的可怕。

习惯能够强迫一个人逼别人用自己的方式做事，甚至认为那是唯一的解决方法。

习惯足以逼迫孩子按部就班，失去年轻人脑袋发挥创作的能力。

习惯更叫人性难以捉摸，或者太容易把握，成为自己的死穴。

定时会做的事情久而久之就成为习惯，而之后就成为自然行为的一部分，缺少了思考的过程。就像那位妈妈一样，没有思考习惯性的关心背后的意义，成为多此一举的例子。

你的习惯，又怎么控制了你呢？

Lies- Yes and No

2011-02-23T11:49:00.001+08:00

There are some things you should never lie about.

Qualifications
Results
Occupation

That's pretty much all.

申请大学的心态

2011-02-18T22:09:00.001+08:00

今天是申请大学的最后一天。

最近同学们都纷纷在申请个别学院和学科。

为了避免学生以买马票的心态申请（买越多中奖机率越大），每次申请都需要付$10行政费。

和同学讨论时发现，有些人的心态有些不健康。

有些人根本没有想要读大学的打算，只为了证明自己的成绩足以占有一席之地。换句话说，只是为了争一口气——不是我不能上大学，是我拒绝了大学。

说实话，我也一度有这样的想法。甚至不惜花多几十元申请多几间。

但后来想想，这对于真正想就读大学该系的学生是很不公平的。第一轮申请不如选，接下来就是让人灰心的面试，也是一种‘请求’了。

为了让自己的自尊心好过，牺牲其他人的前途，是否很自私呢？

当然，这也是教育系统的一种漏洞。

如果把这个问题放大，你能想象这种教育制度牺牲了多少学生吗？

长年累月的问题，后果是很可怕的。

Eggy Gaga

2011-02-16T00:35:00.000+08:00

Just visited Youtube, and saw Lady Gaga's "spectacular" entrance at the Grammy Awards.

I was alright with the fleshy costumes and whatnot, but this? I don't know. Either too over the top, or her attempt to inspire local *ahem* business. New style, lower price, more job opportunities.

Come to think of it, not bad.

崇洋——全球化的灰色地带

2011-02-14T00:18:00.001+08:00

注：这是投稿至《早报网》的文章，在重整颖姿时加以收录。

[8747]　(2010-02-05)

不久前收到某个机构的电邮，准备让我成为正式的实习生。我一直都十分期待职场实习的机会到来，直到我读到电邮里的一项要求——“XXX机构有一个习俗，请事先为自己取一个‘洋名’（工作交际需要）”。
　　读到此，我不禁纳闷，华人的华文名字真的就那么见不得光吗？从古至今，人皆有姓名，甚至有号、字等的区别，因场合及身份而异。随着世界瞬息万变的蜕变，一部分的文化已经流失，剩下的只有姓名，多则四个字，少至两个字。与其说是‘简化身份’或‘交际需要’，不如说是文化的流失。
　　我在过去的工作经验中也曾经发生过类似的问题。老板因为华文水平低，因此自动提议为我取个洋名，以方便他记得。当时我拒绝了他的要求，因为我认为记得我的华文名字也是一种种族文化的尊重。
　　就读小学的时候，老师常常提醒我们不可以为同学取外号，要尊重大家各自的姓名。回想至此，我开始思索，洋名称得上是一种外号么？我认为那是对自身文化的一种背叛和鄙视，‘方便’也成了一贯泛滥的借口。为什么华人却迟迟未醒悟，理解自己姓名背后的文化价值？
　　眼看罗志祥等艺人以洋名称之，又有多少西方艺人会一样积极为自己取华文名呢？我们没有看见Beyonce、Lady Gaga、Jason Mraz等歌手为自己取华文名，难道这就代表他们不能进军异国市场吗？难道Lily、Geraldine等洋名就能够和华文名的意思与象征画上等号？
　　全球化是多方位、多方向的趋势，人们必须跟得上发展的脚步才不会被淘汰。面对异族文化，人们的确应该保有正面态度，积极学习并以宽阔胸怀容纳。但是，随着‘融合’和‘取代’的概念渐渐混淆，华人必须认清两者之间的界限。否则，华人在不久的将来不是‘蜕变’成地球人，反而‘退（步）变（质）’成可悲的‘无根族’。

　　林慧颖

中文系：我逆流的快乐

2011-02-14T00:15:00.001+08:00

注：这是投稿至《早报网》的文章，在重整颖姿时加以收录。

[8554]　(2010-01-14)

我是义安理工学院三年级的学生，在2010年年末将到中国武汉修读四个月的课程。这将是我第一次长期离开新加坡，可说是百感交集。

　　我是在华语家庭长大的女生，因此修完中学课程后，十分向往中文媒体的发展。选择了中文系并不是一个完全没有后悔过的抉择，但是也因为如此让我看清了新加坡生活的方程式。

　　就和本土发展一样，本地人要在社会立足的时候往往是向往前人走过的成功道路，总觉得万无一失。经过长年累月的思维影响，理工学院给许多人的影响是‘次等学院’的选择。而中文系也没有其他课程的长久历史，因此许多人更无法苟同该系的潜能和重要性。
　　回头看过去的两年里，有许多人问过我修读什么科系。就像著名部落格女王下雪所面对的反应一样，许多人的回应都是冷淡或否定的。有些时候我会理直气壮地争取说服他们的机会，有些时候则独自思考中文系对我的重要性。
　　如果快乐指数是衡量对错的一把尺，在中文系的两年里我比在中小学的十年更快乐。如果人生的充实度是衡量对错的那把尺，我认为在中文系度过的两年比在中学的两年充实得多。如果真实性是衡量对错的一把尺，在中文系度过的日子无比地真实，因为我有了人本应有的教育选择权，让我所吸收的知识最有真实性也最深刻。
　　否定我的人最初虽然动摇了我的心，后来却巩固了我的立场，化成我迈进的力量。所谓“逆水行舟，不进则退”，当我在本地的生活方程式定律中，推翻了理科重要的理论、打破‘二流学府’的刻板印象后，反而看清楚自己要走的人生道路——虽然没有效仿的方程式，但却也因为如此能够留下自己的足迹，挥洒青春。
　　不久前因为修读的摄影科目要求，我们一群中文系的学生到出租摄影器材到校外拍摄。当时我们搭了德士，和德士交谈了几句。听说我们是中文系的学生，就断断续续地谩骂——这科没前途！天真幼稚！薪水低！最好的还是经商科！
　　当时的我们有点吃惊，但却是宝贵的一堂课。从德士司机的话中，他的人生似乎也是本地生活方程式的‘信徒’之一。其次，本地中文媒体走不出小红点，就是因为众人投了不信任的一票。就是因为如此，难得的梁导演的大胆才会得到喝彩与赞扬。他对于中文媒一票足以开拓一个属于他的市场和舞台，在中国等异乡拼出属于自己的天空。
　　人因梦想而伟大，如果年轻的学生个个投入受欢迎的科系，本地的竞争力也将逐渐衰弱。因此，拥有稍似‘初生之犊不畏虎’的稚气和傻劲儿何尝不是一种发展的可能性？另外，英文有句话说Love your work and you never have to work again，说明了薪水并不是最重要的。对于工作有热忱与希望才能不断进步和为自己增值。
　　如果能在遇见那位德士司机，我想问问他：“至少我对于到中文系上课的每一天都是愉悦欢喜的，那您呢？”
　
　林慧颖新加坡义安理工学院人文学院中文系三年级生