The Good & Bad of 2011

I can hardly believe that 2011 is ending! Hold your horses though, because I intend to make good use of the last day of 2011.

Year 2011 is a year full of ups and downs, personally, locally and internationally.

For me, I graduated with a Diploma with Merit and an award for the Kingsmen Creatives Prize. That was the glory of my life, my pride and joy. I was at the top of the world. Then, came the task of choosing a University. I fretted over whether I am good enough to enter a local University and thought that I lost my chance. In the end, I chose NUS and am planning to major in Geography.

I wouldn't say that 2011 is good to me because it isn't. The year seems to hover between good and bad, besides, I am not entirely pleased with myself and the way things are heading. Indeed, I would say that the earlier half of the year was so much better than the later half.

If there is one regret I have for 2011, it is that I failed to fulfil my goal and dream of going to USA. All these years, I worked so hard and am going to reward myself with a bang but yet, it failed to materialise. That goal is still standing. I can only hope that I can fulfil it sooner not later.

In Singapore, this is nerve-wracking year. Toes are trod-on and fingers are pointed at. We witnessed the watershed General Election and Presidential Election. I finally realised that Singapore is not what I thought it to be. I thought that people will be more grateful and thankful for we have, alas, that was not the case. People, especially, the younger generation, have grown contemptuous and cynical. They have grown "fat" from all the coddling and protection.

2011 is a year full of disasters that one can almost say it's a disastrous year. Not only are there earthquakes, floods and tsunamis with thousands of lives lost, there is also the financial crisis that sent countries into debt and the stock markets a-tumbling. The powerhouses of the world are not so powerful after all.

The technological world lost a visionary, Steve Jobs, who redefines technology. The world, too, lost dictators such as Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il.

All in all, it's been a roller-coaster ride of a year. However, I will still miss it simply because the year is gone. The new year ahead seems daunting and tough, for the world economy and for myself. Not to mention, the supposedly end-of-the-world will arrive. I will be entering into my second semester of studies and I have to grit my teeth to bear with it.

For all the pessimism I show, I still have hopes that 2012 will be wonderful as it can be. Besides, the year 2012 is made better already with the thoughts of Sherlock season 2 in January and The Hobbit in December starring both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in both shows. Oh, it's Christmas!

Brain Mush

My brains is becoming mush after the sudden switch in activities. For a couple of weeks, I was preparing exams like crazy, using lots of mind power and then, when the exams ended, it was like the button inside my head was in a switch-off mode.

Of course, I took fully advantage in "wasting" my time because when else will I get the chance?

I realised I have been neglecting my blog this year and I am not exactly satisfied with myself and the way everything is going. Sigh, maybe I am just not in the mood for anything. Maybe, I am jaded about Life in general. Seriously, even Christmas seems "off" this year. I can't really feel any excitement or the spirit I have been looking forward to. Maybe, I am getting old.

Another year is about to come to a close and like every past year, I will lament the ending and am not looking forward to another new year. Why must all the good holidays happen within a couple of months? It makes the rest of the year so drab and dull.

Best Man Wins

It was not until the wee hours of Sunday's morning that the results of the Presidential Elections were out and it was because there was a recount of votes. Indeed, it was a close-fight between Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock. Ultimately, Dr Tony Tan is Singapore's new President.

It was a close call but thank goodness for small wonders. Sensibility won by a small percentage.

After all the fuss, I'm glad that we'll have relative peace for the next 6 years. I have enough of the personal attacks and undermining of the ruling party efforts.

This is the upward trend that is going to afflict Singapore for years to come: more and more people voting for the opposition and those affiliated with them. There is no stopping this wave. There is and will be increasing fragmentation in the society where the line is draw between 2 camps; supporters of the ruling party and those who are not.

I can't help but feel that as Singapore and the world progresses, humanity is lost. The world according to some people consists of themselves and their houses. They can only see how can this and that benefit me, how can my self-interest be met.

What I want my President To Be

I want the President of Singapore to be a person with experience, dignity and ability to represent Singapore on the world stage. He must be a person who can hold his own in front of foreign dignitaries and head-of-states. He have to be Singapore's top diplomat.

I can hardly care for the "incentives" the candidates promise to bring to the people because how true that will be, no one knows. Let's be honest, where will he get the money to provide additional incentives to NS men and the lot? Out of his own pocket? Besides, how long do you think he can carry out this? One year, or maybe two?

These ideas are short-sighted and the people who vote because they can only see the benefits and care for their self-interests are completely irrational. Is that the kind of president they want? One who promises them "goodies" and an "alternate voice"?

It's disappointing that despite continuous emphasis on the role and duties of the president, there are people who just cannot look past their prejudices and tinted glasses. Their dislike for the ruling party spilled over to that of presidential elections.

On another note, is the ruling party of Singapore that bad? With the way things are going, you'd think that the party has done a great deal of injustice to Singaporeans.

If these people are really that disappointed with the system here, they ought to be shipped to Libya, where they can experience "true political injustice" and political unrest.

Furthermore, they are an ungrateful lot, I must say. Reaping in the benefits and yet pointing fingers when things are not up to their liking. The ruling party is not perfect, but they have done Singapore proud. They have provide accountability to the citizens all these years.

That being said, I am not confusing the role of the president with that of the Parliament or the ruling party. I am merely making things clear.

Confidence for the Future?

It's not whether I have confidence for the future, it's I have no confidence in the people of Singapore. With recent happenings, one have to wonder if our values is starting to erode and deteriorate.

Presidential elections will be here on the 27th of August.

I have this thought that since the President of Singapore is supposed to be just and above the parliment that maybe, there will be not be that much protest about whether he was formerly part of the ruling party. But, I was wrong. Some people are still narrow-minded, short-sighted and hard-headed.

Despite re-emphasising on the role of the President, people and even some Presidential candidates seem not to get the gist of it. Maybe, they seek to change the system or play up citizens' feelings and expectations?

The President of Singapore is mostly a figurehead, I would have thought that is established by now. To put it bluntly, he will be a "puppet". The Prime Minister has the power of the government, whether you like it or not.

Don't make empty promises like promising to change this and that and raise expectations. Is this considered misleading? I know that some citizens are fired up by the thoughts of bringing changes but they are going to be disappointed.

Time and again, various parties have stated that 'keeping an eye' on the government is the opposition party's job, not that of a President.

Past and recent examples show that 'thinking of doing something' is almost always not the same of doing it. For example, one can say he will cut taxes but in reality, he will find that it's easier said than done.

Besides, one of the main duty of a president is to be a diplomat. He will be the one whom other head of states will meet.Needless to say, there has to be a certain bearing and demeanour in the way the President conduct himself to be a representation of Singapore. The way one speaks and carries himself will reflect on the image of Singapore. And let's be honest, first impressions do count.

I like the way an editor puts it, don't hide under the axiom "Let Singaporeans decide".

Celebration of Learning 2011

Celebration of Learning marks the end of the 3 years in Poly.

Today, each of us was given a rose and received our SIP certificate to certify that one had completed the internship.

It was our last chance to take photos as a class and with teachers. Alas, I didn't manage to take a group photo with my project group mates. Hopefully, we can do that during graduation. I'm glad I stayed for a while to take pictures with some lecturers who taught me before. I am a very sentimental person who is nostalgic. Too nostalgic for my own good.

I also took pictures of the Director's Honours List AY2009/2010 board as my name was on it. Yes, it was one of the proudest moments of my school life. One of the few times I actually got recognised.

I, too, signed on as a alumni. No harm doing that, I figured.

All in all, it was a good event, too bad on the photos. Looking at the school, I realised that I have many fond memories. Projects and exams get on me, but seeing the results, it is almost worth it. Sighs, and now it's over.

Graduation next.

Hiatus

Hiatus again, I know.


Life is hectic, or should I say, school is hectic. There's only less than a month before this all ends. And then what?


It's Lunar New Year again! I'm so glad that I get this small break in the middle of the week, no less.


I had no classes on Wednesday so it's an extra day off for me. The best thing is, the weather cleared up as soon as the first day of the new year rolled in. How awesome is that?


Lunar new year's eve reunion dinner is an annual affair of steamboat. I look forward to this day every year, partly because it is the only time we get to eat steamboat. After the satisfying dinner, we watched Red Cliff and received red packets from the adults.


The first day of the new year started the same as every year. There were only a few houses to visit and we went to my cousin's house afterwards. Dinner was KFC.


If there's one thing I look forward, it's the "binge-eating" and unhealthy food you shoved into your mouth. No proper food for two days made one missed normal dishes.


The second day was more fun as we went to Sentosa in the evening. Gods, the place was teeming with tourists from the region and it was too crowded for me. Went the Candylicious but ended up not buying anything.

All too soon, the chinese new year break came to an end and I can only look forward to it next year. Sighs, what will next year brings?

The Year Gone By

Woah, hold that champagne bottle! New Year is not here, not yet anyway.

Where has the year gone?! I wonder. It seems like I just read the newspaper about the The Aughties and write that post to celebrate 2010.

Looking back, 2010 is a year filled to the brim with events and memorable memories.

The inaugural Youth Olympics Games held in Singapore, now who can forget that? It was a defining moment for us as we stood in the stands at The Float singing the National Anthem and world youth athletes celebrated their legacy. We are part of history.

Riverdance at Marina Bay Sands is another first. Riverdance tours is bidding Singapore goodbye and I am so glad that I managed to catch it live, for the first time at the gleaming new Marina Bay Sands theater.

Not to mention, this is our first time staying at Marina Bay Sands, in a suite no less. The view from the Sky Park is amazing and now I see can why it is the new jewel in the skyline of Singapore.

I got into Director's Honours List 2010 which made the past year of hard work worth it. I have been waiting for that day for one year. To earn that certificate is more than what I deserve.

How could I forget the 11weeks of internship that haunts me till this day. It was, overall, a good experience but I wouldn't want to do it again. Now, that is one thing best left in the past.

On the entertainment side, 2010 earns special mention for "movies of the year". There is the start of an end - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Eclipse, Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale, How to Train your Dragon, Alice in Wonderland etc.

There is also the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Orlando, Florida, World Cup at South Africa which Paul the Oracle Octopus got famous, the problems-packed Commonwealth Games at India and many more.

Orchard Road flooding, anyone? Where passers-by were trapped by knee-height muddy waters along the prized shopping belt. Now, that was memorable because up till that day, flooding in Singapore is close to non-existence.

Other more sombre matters to note are Mdm Kwa Geok Choo's passing - others would remember her as the late Mrs Lee, the Downtown East fatal slashing where apparently gangs are still thriving in Singapore.

Like always, I don't want the year to end. It's too fast, always too fast for me to play catch up. I look back and think, why? Year 2010 leaves much to be desired and yet, 2011 is not any better. For a start, the first 2 months are jam-packed of exams and projects submissions and did I mention, I am graduating.

White December

By Canele

Only 5 days to Christmas.

December always move too fast for my liking. For 11 months, I lamented over the slow pace of the year, yet when December comes around, it just disappears in a twinkle of an eye.

After this week, it's the New Year's week and poof! 2011 is here. Arghhh, no! It's too fast, I have yet to enjoy myself fully.

I always hate the new year, it's a year of beginnings, expectations and hopes. And I dislike that. There is the feeling that you have aged one more year, and the world will be different.

It's another year to endure. I'm the type of person who looks back and thinks of the good old days.

We all dream of a white Christmas, especially in the tropics. But, as you know, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. Just look at the conditions in Europe now, I'll bet they are sick and tired of the snow.

Indeed, the heavy snow storms and blizzards wrecked havoc and chaos across Europe. From London to Paris to Belgium, international airports has to close in the busiest season. Traffic comes to a standstill and people are suffering.

Next week, I will compile a list of the interesting events that took place in Singapore and the days which are the most memorable in my life.

Live from Orlando

I'm so glad I can be part of this glorious moment!
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This morning, which is Florida's Wednesday night, there was a live feed from Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter grand opening kick-off event. I'm so thrilled that I can be part of this, despite living halfway across USA and sitting at home viewing via telecast.

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This is most awesome news ever for the Harry Potter franchise! Ever since 2007, when Universal announced that they will be building the village and Hogwarts, I've been eyeing to go. I lost track of its progress for a few years and suddenly, in late 2009, coverage of the construction and wondrous promises reached my ears and I decided to make it my graduation present.

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Voila! The quest for earning enough money to enjoy myself fully is born!

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June 18th 2010 is the grand opening day for the Wizarding World. Today's event had actors and J K Rowling herself attending.

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At 9.10pm, J. K Rowling was on the red carpet. And the Hogwarts frog choir led by Professor Filtwick (Warwick Davis) started off singing the Hogwarts March and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

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John Williams, composer for a few Harry Potter movies, directed the Orlando orchestra. Haunting notes from Hedwig's theme floated around. My heart clenched a little because it just brought back memories.

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The Knight Bus arrived to the scene with the Harry Potter stars: Tom Felton, Oliver and James Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived in the Ford Anglia. Cheers rose as they went on stage.

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With a swish of the wands, led by Dan Radcliffe, shouts of Lumos were heard. Then, the most spectacular sight and memorable moment appeared. Hogwarts was finally revealed! It was aglow with lights; a light show and fireworks set the atmosphere nicely for those who were present.

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Even for viewers across the globe who have managed to catch the live feed on the official website, this is the moment to be savoured.

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Of course I would give anything to be there, right here, right now. It's my greatest wish to attend the grand opening! Sighs, the chance is nada unless someone offer me a ticket to Orlando.

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I couldn't be there this year, but never fear, I'll be there the next. This is my promise to myself. I will spend all I can there, to bring back memories I will always look back with love.

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Oh, what I would give for the year 2010 to speed by.

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They promise that the Wizarding World will meet the expectations of Harry Potter fans and we will get a completely immersing experience once we're there. You breathe Hogwarts, you live Hogwarts. Now is the chance to see what the other world live like.

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For a day, you can pretend you are a student, destined to graduate from Hogwarts, buying and eating wizard goods. Oh, I can't wait to get my hands on some Slytherin merchandise.

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