derrick writes.

Greener Pastures

2010-04-11T23:29:00.001+08:00

Time to grow into something less fussy for awhile - or maybe just permanently.

Life needs to be more than just a feisty person to blog for the entertainment of others. As a blogger, I still have my life and obligations and I am still willing to share it all on my new site.

Yes. I've gladly taken up a new platform. As much as I am not very willing to leave a platform that is very flexible to work on, I can only say that nothing much is permanent if you look at it in a very distant long term.

So, to continue to enjoy my writings, wherever you may be; where I'd be continuing my random notes and writings - plus articles and whatever more I hope to achieve. They will still be authentically mine - heartfelt, honest and nothing much peppered to make it sound worst or glittery.

The new site:

http://derrickwrites.wordpress.com

Till the next time I return to using Blogger again - thank you for the wonderful 6 years of blogging and sharing my life. You've been such a wonderful platform for me and I promise to promote you when I meet someone who wants to start writing somewhat like me.

Sent from my iPhone.

How much is your Twitter Account worth?

2010-04-03T10:40:00.002+08:00

I know this is so bimbotic, but I guess I really had to do it.

I tried the site mentioned above - you could google it, and here are the results I got searchinbg my friend's twitter account too.

I don't know if I should laugh or not, but it's just damn funny!

WOAH!

2010-04-02T12:38:00.001+08:00

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

Posted via web from Derrick Posts

Long Days and Nights

2010-03-14T01:39:00.002+08:00

Yes, I know I owe you guys Part 2 of my NZ Exercise trip.

But I've been so busy and in fact I've been working so much on the comp, it failed me and I've decided that to salvage it, I had to format it.

So no worries, I'll try my best to come up with Part 2 with what I have left.

I just came back from Winston and Josephine's wedding, and I'm bustling with joy.

But I also had a tough week; especially at certain people.

So yup.

Five Hours Before Singapore: The Exercise Phase Part 1

2010-02-13T10:20:00.018+08:00

I know this is late and I've split the entry into different parts, but in order, so if you do not mind, I'm gonna take my time.

I'm trying to recall as many things as possible, at the same time, try to be as discreet to the sensitive issues that might tie in when I was in New Zealand, especially in Waiouru. So do not mind me.

The photos are not of high quality because I only had a 3.2MPX camera to work with, and half the time, I didn't really care. Plus I've not edited the photos, or some of them are not salvageable.

If readers (related to any parties in writing) do have any issues with anything in this personal entry, please feel free to email me at dawickk@gmail.com.

It was an honour to be able to be attached to 20SA Charlie Battery for Ex ThunderWarrior 2010 (ExTW), one of the few Artillery Warrior series of overseas firing exchange programmes. ExTW, as per usual, was held at the Waiouru Army Camp, New Zealand.

My flight to Auckland. SIA!! (Photocredits: Nick Tay)

The waiting area, crowded by just us military personnel on the way to NZ. (Photocredits: Nick Tay)

I glee-lessly (because I couldn't have time to convert my Glee episodes into iPod format) flew off on 20th Jan. It was a just a normal journey, no hiccups or anything. I've not flew on SQ for a long time, so it was a pleasant trip for me, what more New Zealand being a first for me.

Taken from the coach. Right behind this, is a busy international airport.

Upon reaching Auckland, I was surprised to see fields surrounding the airport. The chilling wind was also welcoming to me because I really like colder climates. (1WO Chiok told me that it snowed when he was in NZ... Hmm... Hehehehe...)

We were whisked up coaches almost immediately, I guess because it was going to be a long ride to Waiouru Training Area/Army Camp..

Waiouru is in the center of the north island of New Zealand, Auckland is up north. That meant that we'll be on a long roadtrip. We left Auckland International Airport at 8.30AM (NZ Time). You may want to keep a mental note about that.

The roadtrip was quite a sight, with a lot of fields and the blue sky on the way out of Auckland. It's not like in Singapore where you see mainly buildings, and trees.

So on the way, we stopped by 2 pit stops, mainly tourist spots. I didn't take any photos because I was taking in all the fresh air. I bought a bottle of water, and it lasted me quite sometime.

We went to Rotorua and had lunch at Kingsgate Rotorua. It was horrible, honestly speaking. (And Rotorua literally stinks. I'll go more into that when I talk about our R&R.) I guess the lack of photos of the food and place was evident of its suckiness.

Coach! Coach! (Photocredits: Ben Tan)

So on, after a simple lunch, we went back to our coaches and continued our way to Waiouru, which was where the fun began.

When we reached Waiouru, it was 4.30PM (NZ Time). Spending 8 hours on the road, with the view of vast fields, blue skies and whatnot we do not have in Singapore, we finally reached Waiouru Army Camp.

After a short briefing session about the regulations in the camp premises and other stuff, we were sent up to our bunks. I was lucky to be in the bunk with randomly fun people, Yingjie and Teck Wee, and not forgetting the vehicle mechanic, Dzikri.

The view from my window.

My ~~bed~~ personal space.

I brought a few things to keep my free time productive, I should have taken another photo of my bed closer to the end of the exercise, because it became piled up with newspapers, snacks, books and power adapters, chargers, plugs.

The bed is snug with a huge comforter (the maroon blanket thingy), 3 gray blankets, and 3 bedsheets. A nightlight provides illumination for night-time music reading.

Oh yes, I brought my planner, and a few music books to plan for Acappuccino's music for the year also. Not bad a trip for me.

Anyway, after a wonderful dinner (compared to Kingsgate Rotorua's lunch), we had free time, so I mingled around and got to know more than just my roommates and gunner, hopefully at least it'll make going outfield not that bad.

Not long before we retired for the night, our night snacks came......

Holy!!! (Photocredits: Nick Tay)

Our night snacks come with:

something fried; goreng pisang, samosa or some pie,
a candy bar; Bounty, Morro, Crunchie, Mars or a muesli bar,
a cake slice of many differing flavours,
and a drink.

I was thinking that they have to be kidding. They wouldn't try to fatten us up, make us lethargic and then blame us for not meeting expectations during the exercise right?

Oh right. It was supposed to be an incentive trip for being best battery during their India exercise phase.

Go Charlie Battery!! I hope.

Anyway, we were scheduled to visit the marae of the NZ Army. Basically, it's a piece of sacred land used for varying reasons. And it was there where we were welcomed! No big bang or anything, just speeches and prayers.

At the marae. (Photocredits: Ben Tan)

And on our end, 21SA presented the cheesy army songs that were taught during BMT while 20SA (yay!!) presented a snippet of their NDP wushu performance. No comments, because I caught up with Jon Kee and Ding Jie. So fun! We had tea in the other building next to the marae.

The biscuits were nice! (Photocredits: Ben Tan)

Anyway, it was an eye-opener. I only wish I could post more pictures, but I couldn't decide which ones are nicer.

After the visit to the marae, we went back to start preparing for the outfield phase of the exercise, which will be in Part 2!

Seeya!

Photo credits:
Most photos uncredited in caption are mine; and most of them were taken off FaceBook from my friend's albums. I thank you guys all for taking such fabulous photos and being such fun people.

To those whom I might have missed out or miscredited (maybe because you passed your camera to someone else), forgive me and accept my thanks.

I Am A Thunder Warrior

2010-02-05T01:21:00.000+08:00

In less than half a day (Singapore Time), I'll finally reach Singapore from New Zealand.

It will be great, because I know I miss my family and friends.

And Glee. Even though they were showing the series in NZ. I couldn't catch it anyway.

Seeya back in Singapore,
Derrick in Auckland signing off!

Auckland, New Zealand

2010-02-04T09:22:00.000+08:00

Hi everybody!

Blogging while on the sightseeing (and shopping) tour of Auckland!

It's been quite an exciting time, leaving Singapore for Waiouru, then leaving Waiouru for Rotorou, and I'm in Auckland via coach throughout the whole journey.

It's my last day here in NZ and I'll be sure to haunt people for pictures and post them up for the enjoyment of you readers who have missed my writings/musings and stuff...

Seeya!

Hi from NZ!

2010-02-02T16:58:00.000+08:00

Hi all! I'm blogging from Titus-Unlimited (my E61) on Vodafone Prepay!

I'm leaving for Rotorou and Auckland over the next 3D2N! Hope I can take more pictures. Because it's quite busy being somewhat "popular". (Remember, I'm in an army settlement.)

Waiouru is nice and is grand in scenery. It's going to be a place I'll miss because it has been a wonderful 1.5 weeks and more.

anyway,will update all asap!

Take care!

I am not a ThunderWarrior

2010-01-20T16:14:00.001+08:00

Hi everybody!

Yes, it has been quite sometime since I last blogged, and it's funny why I still do when I'm in a rush only.

I'm flying off to new Zealand for Exercise ThunderWarrior, and that is all I am revealing. Do not worry about me, let me do the worrying.

God bless, and please take care.

Yours in writing,

Derrick

One Short "Work" Day

2010-01-08T10:09:00.000+08:00

'Next station, Admiralty.'

Here I am, sitting between a young hippy locked into his iPhone, and an old man on those dark-coloured reserved seatings.

It has been a horrible time outfield, and I'm definitely not Mr Sunshine, despite being in my brightest yellow ever. I still want to wear my vest and shirt ensemble, but I guess it has to be tonight.

I personally cannot see eye-to-eye about certain issues on hand that I believe were meant to target me.

Why me? Why not those whiners who cry for offs and leaves incessively day after day.

I might be slow on the grease monkey end of line, but I'm definitely not stupid to feel targetted for no apparent reason.

I have never, in my life, applied for Urgent Leave, and have to appear in camp still to sign papers or whatsoever. It can be settled the next day, backdated. Otherwise, why's it called Urgent Leave?

*beep* Next station, Kranji.

I'm now between two ladies, both dressed in officewear, possibly taking their time to the office or shiftwork.

Doesn't anyone know that I do not have enough time for myself? My family demands for attention, so do my friends (especially those chronic ones, they deserve to go to hell sometimes for bugging me day and night too) and my workplace (they're banished, exorcised, boomz, vanquished, whatever). I'm juggling between passion and what I "need" to do.

So here I am, blogging into this pathetic piece of equipment which my dearest a cappella group bought for me. I suspect the joystick's down again, soon.

And I bet a good 95% of the people I work with doesn't know what a cappella is.

They just know that I sing, and they call it choir. Fine, whatever, you nitwits.

I don't give a care to your nightly obssessions with WoW, DoTA, L4D2 and whatever other nonsensical games you guys play.

Now at Yew Tee. Same two ladies. I've a feeling they're Jurong East people.

To think I thought I should be more avid in my thinking, but I guess this "JC" batch of technicians which my bosses seem to worship can do the work while I'm away.

Don't get me started on my superiors. They're very good at what they do. Those who do work, and those who blow hot air, or deal with issues - it's all work. For us, work equates to having to fix, replace, repair, clean, wash, and be there at beck and call.

Heard of double standards, my fine superiors?

Anyway, I just can't wait to slowly utilise my half-year's worth of leave. Unless of course, like we all know, the white demon's gonna come and cut off my feet.

Load of Things

2010-01-07T23:05:00.002+08:00

At the moment, in the process of reinstalling Photoshop and Dreamweaver... which can only mean a few things..

I'M BLOGGING MORE AGAIN!

Yay!! Finally have that tiny bit of a chance for more updates, especially highlighting the days before I go into freedom (read: no more irresponsible management)!!

I'll update more as I go. I'm going have to restart my system.

December Highlights

2010-01-03T11:35:00.003+08:00

I know its pretty outdated, but I guess we can start the year anytime we want. Been busy preparing for my New Zealand trip, and keeping busybodies out of my way so I can focus on work on hand.

So here I shall present you the highlights of LES VOIX 09, held at the NYP Theatre Of The Arts on 4th December, for the benefit of those who couldn't, or chose not to go. =)

Just to give a short commentary, the first half of songs were mainly serious folk pieces from around the world, and also in different languages.

Guantanamera (Acappuccino)

We a tad under rehearsed for that actually, but we still sounded decent. =)

Edo no Komoriuta (the whole NYPVE & Alumni)

Edo Lullaby was good, but the video recording couldn't bring out the hair-standing effect we felt as performers. And in case you were wondering where this blogger here is standing, I am the first guy from the left, last row on the risers.

We had a short intermission, followed by VoiceDance combined.

Which was the opening piece for Acappuccino's contemporary set,

Good Ol' A Cappella (Acappuccino, with me on lead)

We all had fun doing this old classic from our repertoire. Ruby was saying there were people who thought the song was great. Well, I thank you people for loving it.

The combined ensemble took the stage with Sting's Fields of Gold (and Every Breath You Take, but I so prefer Fields of Gold and this is my blog yaddah, yaddah.. :P)

Another chilling piece, From There, followed by a heartwarming You Raise Me Up:

(And yeah, I noticed the ensemble looked very tidy and neat in formation for the last song. -_-")

The audience was pretty enthusiastic, so we dug out an old song, and we did Angel.

Pretty much whacked out from the concert, the rest of the month was left to recuperate for us at Acappuccino, and for me to start working to prepare for New Zealand.

I promise a continuation! Seeya!

These Are The Days

2009-12-15T20:12:00.002+08:00

I like the text at 2:53 onwards! Wonder which Emily Dickinson poem was it.

And at 4:12, is a poetry that I really enjoyed reading, which happens to be part of the title of the piece, These are the Days When Birds Come Back, also by Dickinson.

These are the days when birds come back,
A very few, a bird or two,
To take a backward look.

These are the days when skies put on
The old, old sophistries of June,
A blue and gold mistake.

Oh, fraud that cannot cheat the bee,
Almost thy plausibility
Induces my belief,

Till ranks of seeds their witness bear,
And softly through the altered air
Hurries a timid leaf!

Oh, sacrament of summer days,
Oh, last communion in the haze,
Permit a child to join,

Thy sacred emblems to partake,
Thy consecrated bread to break,
Taste thine immortal wine!

Inspired

2009-12-08T04:30:00.000+08:00

Yes, I know I've not been writing for a long time. Possibly because I've been so busy with Les Voix 09, which is my most fulfilling concert to date over the span of the last 2 years since I started choral conducting full time (or rather, to kill time).

Photo Credits: Victoria Siew

The rehearsal process was a exhausting 3 months, since September. Coming in on Mondays, discussing repertoire and practice, Kakis' practices on Tuesdays to leading sectionals on Wednesdays and then Acappuccino's practices on Saturdays. And on concert week, my unofficial duties include having to warm them up (much to my own comic relief (think Mu-oo-wa-ha-ha-ha-ha) and pleasure) and also to ease their burden by being their comic relief too. :P

Sectionals was fun, I tried to make it light, yet firm - so as not to bring in too much stress, maybe until the 2 weeks prior to concert. Random jokes (sometimes not caught) was mentioned, and the occasional breakdowns that can happen to them all.

Photo Credits: Chan Yu Qin

Acappuccino's taste of Latin-American pieces as a vocal ensemble was commendable, especially since we've been working hard to pull the performance through. I can't be more proud of the rest, actually, to make this homecoming performance a landmark for us as a group.

Yuqin as Costume Mistress to the group and for the Kakis, Gerald busy day-in-day-out from camp to practice (he had to book in after the concert even!), Alvis as assistant director for the group for this performance while Fanella and Farhanah are busy with work. I was liaising between the main Voice Ensemble, Kakis and the group itself, and also ensuring that everything was done up for Mr Ong to come in fuss-free.

At the end of the concert, the usual reception for members and friends was another affair that cemented the purpose of the concert. We're not here to just perform songs, but rather, we're here because we enjoy singing and we want to show it.

All in all, at this hour, all I can say that, I really enjoyed this year's concert, if only there were more real photos by real photographers, not some unprofessional kid who cuts off groups as if playing around. I enjoyed those by the members and alumni, and am looking forward to those by the Photography Club.

To end this post, I present you BETTER WORLD (compoased by Ryan Cayabyab, arranged by G Peleria) performed by the combined chorus of the Singapore Youth Choir Ensemble Singers (Singapore, Jennifer Tham director), Gaia Philharmonic Choir (Japan, Ko Matsushita* director) and the Ateneo Chamber Singers (Philippines, Jonathan Velasco director) for the THREE! concert series.

Last note, I believe this song was written for the Philippines Madrigal Singers? Nice song anyway.

* I think Ko Matshushita has this exuberance and charm which makes me feel envious about myself. I need to work on it even more. =)

I Hate Guard Duties

2009-11-08T09:45:00.002+08:00

Well, it's a known fact. I will not talk about it much.

Life has been pretty busy, especially with the collaboration performance with the NYPVE (check out Acappuccino's blog!), plus we're doing new materials for next year and already started planning for our concert!

So anyway, I just returned from guard duty and am going straight for a photoshoot with the VocaKakis. Long day ensues, but I'm recharged.

Some nagging questions in mind, but I guess I'll leave it for another day.

Long Update?

2009-11-05T01:36:00.002+08:00

It's been ages since I've updated.

The colleagues from India have returned, oh well. I guess I have to live with the noise again, and all the bastardly attitudes which really put me off work.

Those people who go around, openly whispering/gossiping about others.

Like how an emotional creature I am. Oh well. Poo-poo to them, not that I can be bothered. I have neither passion nor drive to work in such an environment forced unto me, but what can I do anyway. So I'll just write about it and let it be.

Pretty much nothing else to life, I'm in quite a plateau in my artistry and basically, I still can't share much (despite what people have been doing, rest assure that they will be dealt with) and I am definitely not looking forward to meeting some of them.

Soon, I'll blog as if I'm someone desperate seeking attention by giving a lot of details, a blog post not to be missed!

No more?

2009-10-30T01:46:00.002+08:00

Some people asked me why am I no longer complaining about life and about the ill-attitude people around me, like I used to.

The only reason I can give at the moment is that I've too many friends who act similarly, but are not ill-in-attitude.

And that some of them would tend to think I'm bitching about them, which is pretty unfair for me as these are also people who complain I do not blog enough and think that I'm talking about them whenever I do blog.

So what do I do also, now that I'm running both "Of Spurts" and "Derrick Writes" at the same time? Of course I need to survey and weigh in my blogging options and what I type on the other side too, since it is strictly only for my artsy-fartsy stuff.

So what do you think is the problem, my lack of blogging or me having shallow friends?

Long time

2009-10-23T03:18:00.002+08:00

It's been such a long time since I've really sat down and blog because of the workload in camp that has increased two-fold (and that is actually an underestimation).

So what else is new?

Oh did I mention that I received Schafer's Magic Songs? Hahaha...

So this is a short post to remind everybody that I'm still alive.

Thanks for all your birthday greetings, and I love you all!

Busy, busy

2009-10-10T11:39:00.002+08:00

I have been rather busy these few days, with so many things in my mind, and physically handling.

Of course, there are people who go, "It's your fault because you don't delegate your job, so you have no rights to complain."

BAH.

And I only go BAH. to losers. Childish, but whatever.

Life has essentially been alright, except for a few qwerks which I realised recently because of one person's attempt to attract attention to himself. I shall mask the identity of the person by using generic male terms.

Now you see, sometimes we all love our privacy. I've been through that issue with a Noose (insiders joke, but if you get it - good for you).

I simply hate it when things supposed to be private between a "you and I" becomes an issue with people not related to it. And besides the fact, the person who divulged the information don't understand how things work totally and went on to assume how it goes, because he thinks it is wrong.

"Fine. It is wrong then. So Derrick is wrong. No mistakes in that."

And thus so, this creates fine lines between me and other friends, and breaks down whatever little cliques we all have. Isn't that wonderful, the guilty one - trying to break down friendly relationships?

I hate it even more when people assume (thus the italics) that whatever I do is wrong, and weaves a tale that is even more sordid and makes it look like I killed someone.

And funny how some of these people are those who make it seem like they can't live without you?

I'm going to openly tackle the most personal of these issues here, on my bleeding blog.

Financial Issues

Here are what some of these self-righteous zealots said (of course I don't phrase it like that do):

He spends his money like water, and is still so broke. I thought being in NS would actually help him save up and stuff. I see him spending on things like branded stuff, new items which he can do without. I feel angry at him la...

I'm drawing an allowance of $440. That is before the freaking deductions they make, and all these delays. Thus sometimes, I loan from friends, but that usually never mean they have the right to bypass and talk about this to people, not even to other friends.

Let's break down how much I spend the $440 a month:

a. I spend $50 on my train concession, and another $30 for bus rides (which I top up).
b. I need to pay off bigger debts owing to different companies, that takes away at minimum $300.

which leaves me with $60 to spend a month?

So what "branded stuff" did I get?

Oh that pair of $20 earphones?! Hasn't anyone heard of saving up for it? Besides, I bought one for Fanella too.

And that doesn't happen every month. Go ahead, ask Fanella.

My last purchase for myself, was a torchlight for field camp, and before that was a Giordano tee.

(and of course between those was the earphones.)

So what else did I splurge on besides food? Do you need food? I need food, I'm very sure of that! And note that I said "for myself". My $60 is usually spread between my brothers (to cut down on my mum's expenditure at times) and also on things I need at home.

So what do you think? I went for a huge buffet dinner with $60 a month and can still go watch a movie?

Which brings me to these question: Is it wrong to watch movies? Or have dim sum? Or walk along Orchard Road (people think I'm rich to be able to walk down Orchard Road - isn't that stupid?)

Read: How I spend my $60 a month is my bloody business. So stop spreading stories around!

The Journey of a Thousand Miles

2009-10-08T03:17:00.001+08:00

rightfully begins when someone throws you out.

I'm pretty much not in the mood for anything much, except ONLY productive things, like emotions, work status and such.

So get it up, or get out.

Hurt?

2009-09-29T01:47:00.002+08:00

I fell down earlier while getting to the bus stop because of the muddy slope.

I remember falling down when I was younger, grazed myself, then I went up to my mum and went (without crying), "Ma... My hand pain."

She panicked, and quickly washed it and made sure I was okay.

I walked into the house and saw my mum on my brother's mattress sleeping, and all I thought to myself, "It'll be alright - I can clean it myself."

Sweet nostalgia.

The More Uninhibited...

2009-09-14T06:40:00.003+08:00

I've decided to separate my "creative escapades", i.e. my artistic direction "speeches"/reflections and other things into another blog.

Reason being, there are things I want to keep in this new blog free from the flow of my daily life.

As I said - it's part of my creative cycle.

I've noticed that over the past two years, I've been working on so many things but I rarely come close to fruition. Not because I don't have the relevant exposure or people to help me.

But I never find enough flow with issues like idiots from a certain place, and the daily haggles and stress I can talk about (but I rarely do so because most of them are private to me).

Thus the only things I work on are music-related. A Cappella, Choirs, Instrumental Accompaniments.

Gone are the days I talk about writing scripts, or poetry. And it's getting really FREAKING HARD for me to archive/consolidate/sort these entries. THUS THE DEMAND FOR A CLEAN SLATE, OR AT LEAST SOMEWHERE FOR ME TO START FROM WHERE I LEFT OFF!

Now to keep this simple, follow these few equations:

Creative, Artistic Things + Reflective Input + Artistic Nonsense = http://derrickk.wordpress.com

Life + Angst due to Idiotic People + Reflections upon Life in general + Nonsense in all sense = HERE.

So, here's to me continuing on my artistic journey! *chinks glasses*

NOTE: I'll still blog here, doofus! I'm not giving up both blogs. But I won't say if I'll devote more time to any of them - I'm too tied up with Acappuccino and other pressing matters everyway first and foremost.

Scripting

2009-09-14T03:48:00.003+08:00

This is random, but I can't believe I just watched the part I auditioned for being played before my own eyes.

"I asked God why. I asked Him (beat) to take this away from me. By the time I entered secondary school, I realised He wouldn't."

The lines seem so surreal, though just minute compared to the scene.

Now, if only I got the part, but hey - he did it better than me. I was too nervous during the screen test. Haha..

The script was based on the first story off Suchen Christine Lim's book, Lies That Build A Marriage - a series of shorts that speaks about "the unsung, unsaid and uncelebrated" in our island.

The Morning After (the title) had a few quotes which I particularly enjoyed and find a certain attraction to. One of them as follows:

There had been a seismic shift the night before. No one noticed it. Singapore the morning after was still the same. The sun rose as usual. Everything looked the same.

How powerful the author meant for the line to be with the words "seismic shift" and contradicts with "No one noticed it" immediately.

Does such ever happen - that a huge change happens and we do not even notice it? Maybe that's why it's really out of sight - and we treat it like it is out of mind.

And my favourite scene - there's something about neo-western (or untypical fusion) family scenes which I really like a lot. The communication between the characters are typical of western cultures - open and mature, but it brings about still, the innocence and typical Chinese behaviors within a conservative Chinese family. (A contradiction lies here itself, I know, but I'm really unable to express it in words. Maybe you could help me, if you think you may - that is what the comments link is for.)

Imagine it with me now with the passage from the book:

‘Mum, I don’t want to live a lie. I want to live in the open. In the light. Not hiding in the dark,’ he said softly.

Brave words from a nineteen year old. But I was afraid for him. From the outside we’re a tolerant, multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-everything society. But inside there’s a hard kernel. Like an apricot’s. We can be most unforgiving. What if the army finds out? He hasn’t completed his national service yet. What if the Singapore Public Service Commission finds out and takes away his scholarship? It will break his heart. What if ...? What if ...? I started to pray.

......

When I woke up this morning, I was surprised at my own calm and collected state. My world hadn’t fallen apart. David had declared that he was still the same David.

‘Nothing has changed, Mum. Only your knowledge. That has changed. Not me. I want you to know about me before I go to the States, so you won’t blame the US or the West for corrupting me.’

I was impressed that he had thought about this.

......

He looked into the distant past. I saw the tears gathering.

‘I prayed, Mum.’ He paused, searching for the words. ‘I asked God, “Why? Why me?” I asked Him to take it away.’ He fell silent again, trying to bring his feelings under control. When he looked up, his eyes were sad. ‘I knew God wouldn’t take it away when I went to secondary school.’

‘But you kept it to yourself.’

I was incredulous. Images of David as a ten-year-old schoolboy in blue shorts and a white shirt, and as a thirteen year old in a white shirt and white trousers, floated past my inner eye. Meanwhile, David stood silent before me as though I had accused him of deceit.

In a quiet voice he said, ‘I couldn’t tell you earlier. I had to be sure first.’

I hugged him. I wanted to hug away all his years of lonely struggle. I wished I could. ‘You’re my son. Whatever happens to you, you are still my son.’

And now for a moment - why didn't I really give my 200% at the screen test? *grins* It doesn't matter anymore.

Now to be shameful - who wants to lend/get me a copy of the book?

Acer being Stupid?

2009-09-14T03:24:00.002+08:00

I'm hopefully going to send in my laptop tomorrow to ACER to check for any hardware defects.

It's close to a year and I feel that I should just send it in for a full check before anything dies off for good. But WTF to their infamously bad customer service.

Don't they know it's bad for them that when people don't like their service - and then run off to competitors?

C'mon ACER, the only reason why I got a laptop from you is because it's cheap and lasting (well, supposed to be). The first one lasted a year and a half, and I'm hoping that this will last 2 years.

Then I'll see if I'm able to get something better, like an iMac or MacBook Pro.

And since Fanella said you guys had some claims on your site claiming same day returns - I hope that you guys are able to return me my laptop within the same day - hopefully I can drop by collect it then go for my hospital appointment.

Now, what is it that I wanted.. Hmm...

I guess I'm just lamenting about that csrss.exe problem.

And thinking that it might have been a hardware problem instead.

Childhood Miniatures (and more...)

2009-09-11T13:31:00.003+08:00

Went for The Singers' latest concert, Childhood Miniatures, with the group and Jiaqi.

I told myself nothing should get in my way for a good concert night, even if people were irritating me the whole day, but that is an issue aside.

Repertoire performed:

1. Monday's Child (from Five Childhood Lyrics, 1973) - John Rutter
2. "When I..." (5 from A Cycle of Miniatures, 2002)* - Vytautas Miskinis
3. Weather Report (2005)* - Bob Chilcott
4. I'll Follow The Sun (1986) - Arr. Grayston Ives
5. Sesame Street Theme (2009)+ - Arr. Lawrence Ng
6. Five Nonsensical Songs (1967)* - Norman Luboff
7. I Don't Want To Live On The Moon (2001) - Arr. Chan Zhuomin
8. Four Shakespeare Songs (1984) - Jaakko Mantyjarvi

Come Away, Death (Twelfth Night 11:4)
Lullaby (A Midsummer's Night Dream, 11:2)
Double, Double Toil and Trouble (Macbeth, 4:1)
Full Fathom Five (The Tempest 1:2)

9. Five Hebrew Love Songs (2002) - Eric Whitacre
10. Amor De Mi Alma (2001) - Z. Randall Stroope

The concert circled around a few themes, mainly three: Childhood, Shakespeare Love and Nonsense. They did a few miniatures, mainly nonsensical ones which really cracked me up.

Rutter's Monday's Child was a great opening, with its vocal layers and texture which the Singers are wonderfully built for with their experience. Adorned on the projection screen was paintings dedicated for the song (correct me if I'm not wrong) by a local artist for the concert.

Brilliant accompaniment of the non-musical kind.

Miskinis' "When I..." cycle of miniatures was a light take of situational ethics. But of course that is how I see it. I particularly how the lyrics of the various miniatures were projected onto said screen.

Weather Report was particularly interesting with the Singers opening the moment (before the song begins) with a real weather report from the UK. The song is humourous in its take of the obsession with "How's the weather?". Followed up by Ive's arrangement of I'll Follow The Sun, the Singers followed up the song...

With the theme from Sesame Street! How apt and shows very good programming in my opinion. A local commissioned arrangement of the song.

Luboff's set of Five Nonsensical Songs is hilarious in its take. I only remembered one of them going "Beauty if for now. Stupidity... is forever."

My first personal highlight of the evening would be their arrangement of Ernie's hit song, I Dont' Want to Live on the Moon. There is nothing bad about the performance of the song, except that it brought back nostalgia of the old TV set when I was young. Dreamy and lyrical, Wilson's solo on the song was well done, with nuances of Ernie's subtleties.

Mantyjarvi's Four Shakespeare Songs isn't a stranger in Singapore choral culture - with many JC choirs still doing it. The Singers added the depth of their performance further by having Susan Tordoff (actress from the UK) to do vocie acting upon the Shakespearean texts before the song, giving the impression of the Literature lessons I so look forward to during school time.

Except that it was cooler with the Singers' interpretation of the song (instead of some overly dramatised stagework, which is equally good, but lacking in the oomph).

Whitacre's timeless Five Hebrew Love Songs was done with pianist Shane Thio and violinist Karen Tan (from the SSO). Wilson conducted the Singers this time round. The translated texts were projected onscreen and their rendition of the piece was simply effortless.

I liked it somewhat when Wilson read the Hebrewian text for Eze Sheleg. It sounded really as if I was brought to when Hila Plittman wrote the texts.

The Singers closed the evening's delights with Stroope's Amor De Mi Alma, and the translation were projected onscreen once again. This time, you can literally feel the audience holding their breath as the songs climaxed in emotions and dynamics.

You are The Love of my Soul, so goes the song, and so goes to the fans of the Singers for a night that couldn't be possible with the inspirations and support each singer has gotten throughout their lives to this day.

Quite an inspiring concert, I say and it was worth it.

I Don't Want To Live On the Moon

2009-09-11T00:24:00.003+08:00

Dedicated to readers and people who used to sit quietly before their television, as restless children even, listening to this whenever Sesame Street plays it.

I love the message that impressed unto me - we all have places we like to go to, but we know that it is not where we want to be permanently.

Ernie expresses his desire to visit the moon someday, but ultimately decides he doesn't want to live there. He also sings about wanting to travel under the sea and to a few other places, as long as he is able to return home to those he loves.

I heard the song at the Singers' concert. Arranged for them by a late friend (who passed away recently), the song was fondly reminiscence of my childhood days. I'm definitely glad I went for the concert, which I'll talk about in a separate entry, because the Singers are just too damn good.

Oh!

And guess what I found on YouTube?!

Those who know, Jim Henson was the original puppeteer for Ernie, and when Jim passed away in 1990, Steve Whitmire took over as Ernie's puppeteer in 1993 (God knows why the lapse in time). And voice.

You might find it irrelevant, but let's hear Steve Whitmire as Ernie. Besides, a new arrangement of the song with country singer Shawn Colvin.

There's another video of Ernie singing the song with Aaron Neville, that was between 1990-1993, where Henson's voice was mixed into Neville's recording to make it seem that it was Henson performing.

Colvin and Ernie's duet was in 1998 for Elmopalooza, Sesame Street's 30th Anniversary music special episode. (In Elmopalooza, the irritating, self-centered and idiotically-senile Red monster locks up the producers and hosts to the Anniversary Music Special in their own dressing room and decides to host the whole show himself.)

Oh, just in case, the lyrics to the song:

Well, I'd like to visit the moon
On a rocket ship high in the air
Yes, I'd like to visit the moon
But I don't think I'd like to live there
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above
I would miss all the places and people I love
So although I might like it for one afternoon
I don't want to live on the moon

I'd like to travel under the sea
I could meet all the fish everywhere
Yes, I'd travel under the sea
But I don't think I'd like to live there
I might stay for a day there if I had my wish
But there's not much to do when your friends are all fish
And an oyster and clam aren't real family
So I don't want to live in the sea

I'd like to visit the jungle, hear the lions roar
Go back in time and meet a dinosaur
There's so many strange places I'd like to be
But none of them permanently

So if I should visit the moon
Well, I'll dance on a moonbeam and then
I will make a wish on a star
And I'll wish I was home once again
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above
I would miss all the places and people I love
So although I may go, I'll be coming home soon
'Cause I don't want to live on the moon
No, I don't want to live on the moon

The line that speaks most to me: "So although I may go, I'll be coming home soon."

I'm a sucker for lyrics that speak close to my heart. Now, that's a piece of Derrick you guys are really meant to be readers to know.

Enjoy the videos and feeling nostalgic!

P.S. With regards to the Singers' loss of a friend, Mr Chan Zhuomin; I dedicate this entry to him, for doing a great job arranging the song, with all the subtleties that really made this song what it is. And as much as the song doesn't mean to depict death in anyway, I know that sometimes in such cases, our hearts wish that the person is really coming back soon.

P.P.S. The Yib-yibs at the end of the MV is damn cute.

Being Normal

2009-09-08T17:07:00.000+08:00

- A friend once told me, "But you are not common and normal, you are a celebrity." And I replied, "Yeah but the only reason why I became a celebrity, is because the world likes to read how common and normal I am." -

Was reading random articles and stories when I chanced upon this - and it caught my attention; and I asked myself:

Why is it that some people become famous, popular or just well-known?

Is it because they're really normal people doing extraordinary things or just extraordinary people (finally) doing normal things like failing?

Let's ponder a moment as I prepare to rush out.

Hairspray. Or not.

2009-09-06T19:26:00.001+08:00

Am youtubing random Hairspray videos - only the Broadway Cast, please.

If I try hard enough, I can be Link in the upcoming production, but no thanks.

But no thanks, I cannot imagine myself being in the shadow of Zac Efron doing 60's. Though it's cool to think about dancing those old stuff in suits.

Haha!!!!

No Updates?

2009-09-06T04:45:00.002+08:00

I've been busy resting, as I'm going into the sore throat phase of my recovery.

Now, you might ask why am I awake. Simply because I need to take my medication and I can't sleep thereafter.

So this is a short update before I just go back to my supposed programme of playing Zelda and the Phantom Hourglass - which is a good game. I completed Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box in under 12 hours, not a miraculous feat considering I didn't complete all 138 puzzles, nor finish fixing up the camera, getting Benson (the hamster) in shape and doing the hidden puzzles. I merely completed the storyline.

But that is not important. What is important is that I didn't refer to a game guide at all.

So now, Link (or he's known as Derrick in my game) is drastically dying for my attention, so if you may... ^^

You want pictures? Erm...

We'll see again.

P.S. Anyone willing to help me do a solo photoshoot for free? Haha.. I'm planning to do up some shots for portfolios and publicity stuff for my group also, but for now it's just me. Contact me at imtellingyouits@gmail.com!

Random Late Night YouTubing

2009-09-03T03:45:00.002+08:00

I like songs that speak to me, and I hope this song speaks to you too. =)

From the Broadway version of The Lion King, the Circle of Life is the opening number; and paired up with sonar imageries of the plains land the majesty of the song is in its meaning.

Tonsillectomy

2009-09-01T12:02:00.002+08:00

Yes, I know.

I've been irresponsible and didn't update the blog - but look at Yijing and Shuying's blogs also ma!

Haha!!

Fine, I shall give a long, elaborated account of what happened.

So yes, I finally went for my tonsillectomy - removing my tonsils. If some have experienced it, you'd know the immense pain that comes with it and the trouble to find food with it:

1. You are unable to speak properly, so stallholders do not understand you.

2. Your illiterate mother cooks fried eggs and rice every day, and wonders why you don't eat at all.

And it's been crazy fighting all these cravings - firstly for STEAK.

I don't think it stemmed from the Botak Jones outing with the Meat Lovers' Club (more later), but I think its sickening to eat only chicken porridge everyday that led me to start to have this craving...

Next would be for PRATA.

"Isn't it soft?" You might ask me - but think about it - since when do I go for soggy prata, unless I dipped it into curry myself? Besides - curry is a huge no-no now with the operation scars still hurting. Spices irritate the hell out of them (OMD! I HAVE HOLY SCARS!)

Most recently, I've a craving for pancakes - which will definitely not come to pass, because the illiterate woman (my mum) at home doesn't get it why such foods are so expensive, and cooks her bleeding-hard version of them.

I tell you, if I need to count the number of times I snapped (over the last 4 days) at the poor lady, I need more than just my hands and feet.

I've been forced to buy instant porridge, just in case she doesn't cook proper food again - and at the same time in case I need to snack. But I recommend against buying Quacker's instant oat porridge - it smells weird.

Now if you all must, I need to eat after waiting for 2 hours for food to come - in which during the time taken, I went to buy a new box of instant porridge. I should freaking claim the money back.

My Birthday Wishlist 2009

2009-08-18T13:44:00.004+08:00

People have been asking me what to get for a 24-year-old-to-be, and I've compiled this list.

Please inform me if you're "claiming" anyone of these, so I'll strike it off, to prevent anyone from getting me 2 of the same gifts - no use anyway.

And if you're planning to get anything on the list, and is still clueless to as what to get for me, please feel free to read on till the end - you might get an epiphany.

1. The Love of Siam 3 DVD set

I'm a sucker for foreign films with youthful vibes, and a strong soundtrack of originally-composed songs. Love of Siam has proven itself to be a good contender (was thinking of this other French film), as it breaks the stereotype of Thai films from the horror genre. How unconventional - so me!

It is only available via this link here. And in case you're wondering, it costs approximately $35 after shipping.

2. Clothes

I know this is a weird thing to ask for, especially since I never asked for it over the last few years.

But everyone, especially this year, has been talking to me about what I should wear, from where and what cut, etc...

So to the fashionistas in my life and the horde of beautiful people - feel free to make it my day, if you wish, but please do not purchase anything over the top.

And to the rest who do not know what apparel I like, feel free to get me a jacket from Adidas or Nike, you know the colour to pick,.

And oh, no undergarments this year, please.

3. Books

There are some nice books that I want to collect, and maybe it is really the season to just ask and hope to receive.. =P

The 2 titles I'm looking out for are as follows:

a. THE WICKED YEARS series by Gregory Maguire, which includes:

Wicked,
Son of A Witch, and
A Lion Amongst Men, which would be out September 1st, 2009

All are purchasable from BORDERS, KINOKUNIYA or other respectable fine bookstores at less than $50 for all 3.

b. The Harry Potter boxset and The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J K Rowling

The link goes to the hardcover edition, but of course, I'm cool with the paperback edition. Only reason why I like the hardcover edition is because of the cover sleeves.

And since you're getting the boxset, it won't kill to add another book to the list, right? *twiddles fingers*

4. Rajaton's Butterfly

I do not want a butterfly, and neither is it a breed of butterflies.

Mia Makaroff's composition (titled Butterfly) is Swedish vocal group Rajaton's famous piece, and can be purchased (with a bit of problem as I doubt any of us are able to understand how they operate) from Sulasol.

5. The Wacom Bamboo USB 7" Pen Tablet Digitizer with Backlit Buttons

You can click here to find out what it is and be glad I didn't ask for anything else more than <$100. Hahaha!!! But it'll be cool for me to work on my designs and stuff. =) Something else?

Yes, I know all three in my birthday wishlist are really specific items, or require a tad of knowing me better to judge, but I guess it boils down to the few things which I look out for in a gift.

a. It's practicality.

Clothes are practical - I wear them out. Books are, I read them, and the DVD is amongst the few material things that I want for now. But the gist of the point is clear - if you want to get me something practical, you have you be able to find uses for it too. Haha..

b. It's meaningful.

No need to elaborate - it's purpose to remind me how wonderful you people are is important for this milestone in my life too, compared to something which I finish using in days. =)

What not to get.
This is a long list and it begins here: Undergarments, Photoframes, Mugs, Mini-Fans, Compilations CDs, Towels, and the list is inexhaustive.

P.S. This is good!!

Affected?

2009-08-16T11:24:00.003+08:00

I understand it is not a very nice thing to read about things that are disagreeable towards what you believe, or rather, what you WANT to believe in.

I'm not affected by what the tagger said, because I know that I did not call being a Armament/Heavy Arms Tech, a calling.

In fact, I find it even funnier how someone can be affected enough to retort that line; and even dissed Ning off. My good friend (Ning, I meant), just ignore them and not do what you do best.

Yes, nobody called me to blog. I did it out of myself, and I am glad I did.

At least what I write is generally what I feel. And compared to the blog's previous incarnations, I've toned down a lot in subjective writing; because as much as it makes me feel better, it is not good for social reasoning.

And no, I will not stop just because I've been called Satanspawn.

You guys need to know how much "ROFLMAO" meant to the few of us when we read that.

Like OMG, how affected can someone be to actually say such things? I guess very.

Then I'm so sorry that I have to be a thorn in your flesh, but I guess, and hope, you have bigger issues to deal with besides me. No need to reply me, please.

No. I'm not dead.

2009-08-14T21:20:00.001+08:00

If I were, there would be no e-mail updates.

Yes, I've been busy being a storeman; but it's just a favour to tide over this week. I enjoyed the work, but still the calling at the moment would be for me to remain as an armament technician.

Though, in my humblest opinion, I'd have made a better Combat Engineer. I never minded the physical hardship nor the mental stress. Fine, maybe not the latter, but I'd much rather be there. But oh well... I'm a happy Armament Tech.

To my dearest superiors who had a golly good time reading my blog - welcome to my paradoxical logic-pad which is affectionately known as my blog. This is where I usually unload, and rarely do I mean what I say when I say something along the lines of "I want to kill Gaylord"... And until you figure out who's "Gaylord", maybe you want to think why the animosity, and if such a person ever do exists.

Anyway, was kidding. Welcome to my blog and feel free to call me to discuss content. =)

I can!

UPDATES

2009-08-08T22:18:00.002+08:00

In the Chamber Choir Category of the A Cappella Champships held on 1st August 2009, ACAPPUCCINO got SECOND PLACE! Amongst the chambers choirs that performed!

Praise God and thank you all for your support and what do you know, my dearest fellow "brewmates" too!

Let's just hope Gerald is safe and sound on Tekong (for his field camp la.) and that Alvis and I will have a breakthrough in our health statuses as we go on to our operations!

via e-mail posting

The Spiritual Journeys

2009-08-08T21:02:00.001+08:00

How many breathers must one take in order to feel whole again?

Deep? Think it through and you might understand what is going through my mind at this juncture in time, followed by the next question:

WHY?

SILVER!

2009-08-02T15:05:00.004+08:00

Silver!!!

After a grueling 1.5 months after we finally decided to compete, and dug up old songs (plus the still slight unpolished Words), we emerged 4th out of 7 choir last night and with a SILVER trophy!

This was us, half an hour before we went onstage, attempting to do a chill out pose for a "nice" photo:

Chilling? Not really.

Yes, Laprick III's behind us, and that is the dressing room allocated for us for the champs.

If you're wondering (maybe because you're not on Acappuccino's FB group or Fan Page) what songs we did, the follow would enlighten you (along with the original artiste and the genre):

I Get Around (Beach Boys, Barbershop)
Longer (Dan Folgenberg, Classic Ballad)
Words (Anders Edenroth - The Real Group, Vocal Jazz)

Oh Perfect Day.

2009-07-31T15:03:00.006+08:00

Yes. Today's going to be a perfect day.

No one in Terpsichords (including the Bundle of Joy I called the beatboxer) will be late for no reason.

Everybody in Terpsichords (including the Bundle of Joy I called the beatboxer) will be in tune, beat and not trying to "experiment" with new things. Maybe except the BoJ.

Nobody at all will try to call me from XXXXX999 and tell me something happened and I need to report to some wretched hellhole. NOBODY AT ALL.

Because, I am Derrick and I had a bad day, so I'm taking one down. If that's not a good enough reason for you, you can go kiss my victory picture:

No need to worship me.

1 More Day to the Championships

2009-07-30T20:58:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow, Terpsichords will be competing in the Semi-Finals at the Arts House.

If you're wondering what the hell are "Terpsichords", let me give you a short brief.

But before that, you might want to play this:

"Sail away, sail away, sail away!"

If only somewhere in Singapore has 6-10 wireless headmics to spare. =X

Currently in this Celtic Woman mood (not women, and neither am I referring to some cultural fetish women), and they have rather interesting interpretations of Orinoco Flow and The Prayer.

Which leads me to the Terpsichords. No, they're not Celtic, but they're able to carry off Celtic as a style.

(from left) Joycelyn, Ji Hyun, Jiaqi, Fanella and Seok Hui

They're the female quintet I've been working with over 3-4 months and spent the last 2 months over to work on the upcoming A Cappella Championships.

And if you're wondering how Acappuccino is sounding, you might want to watch us this coming Saturday at the Esplanade Recital Studio, 7.30PM. Tickets can be bought at the door at $25, and the event?

The A Cappella Championships - Pop Choir category Finals!

Yes! We got into the finals! Don't ask too much, we just did and we hope we'll be able to present a good show despite all of us being down vocally to a certain extent..

So anyway, I shall cut this random post short before I really go out of point.

Something to warm your heart with

2009-07-27T15:06:00.001+08:00

For those young at heart and having a poignant soul within.

Layout finally redone.

2009-07-26T08:31:00.003+08:00

It took me quite a short while to get it fixed, and I thought, why not just give it a new update?

Yup, found a picture of a red iPod nano from Flickr. A great resource and I just left everything else to my imagination.

Some of you might complain the lack of depth in the picture, but whatever. It's my blog and most importantly - it is what I blog about that matters.

One of the few things that I finished on the nagging To-Do list was finish the arrangement for Wondergirl's Nobody. Only thing left is to insert suitable vowels and romanised lyrics, though I am very tempted to leave the Korean lyrics and actual romanisation instead of the phonetical ones.

On a side note, should I branch out a cappella arrangements into Acappuccino Inc, or should I just put it solely as for Acappuccino arrangements? Maybe I should just stick to InSignia MW - no need for the added frustrations, I guess.

What's next for the music pad? I guess possibly a trio for the ladies, for next year's concert... Something I've been looking forward to for a long time... A concert that has no strings attached, nor anyone anchoring - just Acappuccino.

4 years of singing should culminate into something of substance, hopefully.

I can't wait for Christmas, it's always a wonderful time of the year. I'm just somewhat thankful it doesn't snow here in Singapore, but it'll be good for costuming. HAHAHA...

Anyway, before I go off to TAPAC for potluck and combined practice, here's me signing off!

P.S. Gee, you're one fat emo beast.

I Hate Fridays

2009-07-25T01:32:00.002+08:00

I actually waited past midnight to blog.

Yes. I've not been blogging for a long time - and nonetheless to even fix the layout. Go blame me for falling sick and also being tied up by army commitments.

Not to sound like I'm complaining, but meeting idiots after sometime away from them is very bad for health. Especially people who flirt day and night, pondering who they should "lavish" their attention on and who to demand attention from.

Oh, please. Stay out from my sight.

I'm actually sunburnt, slightly, thanks to the stupid Sentosa outing with the platoon mates. No pictures, but I made a vlog, which I'll upload sometime later.

Now, you might want to know why I hate Fridays out of a sudden.

You see, the rationale is simple:

1. The resident stay-in personnels in camp book out on Fridays, before 3PM. Sometimes in the morning.

2. So the whole camp complex is empty, which means no (intellectual) company in garage.

3. The freaking shuttle service reaches my block at 1745 hours; but I end work at 1700 hours.

4. That means I have to walk out of the already-ulu camp, into the very ulu street outside, turn into Yio Chu Kang Road, which is ulu by itself and slowly walk to YCK Station. Ulu-after-ulu streets is really very lonely.

5. I never walk out with idiots. Not often, and definitely not for company.

So you see?

And I know I've been whining on MSN, Twitter and stuff, but I feel that I need to say it out loud on my blog:

I WANT TO GO FOR NDP!!!

Someone with a ticket to this year's National Day Parade.. PLEASE OFFER IT TO ME!!!!! I'll be eternally grateful until I forgot, which is not a high chance, but I'll be grateful to you indefinitely!

I hate watching NDP over TV because my TV isn't very big, and neither do I have chums that are nice enough to bring the gang of us over to his/her place and watch it together and be sincere and warm about celebrating National Day together.

Really - it's damn hard to find company, thus its harder to find a soulmate. And... unless you have a soulmate, you have no right to say otherwise.

Call me materialistic, but I have a fondness for this Anne Demeulemeester jacket I saw online; and I'm just gonna keep it a mystery which one because I'm too lazy to dig it out.

I turn 24 in months to come, and maybe for once I want something luxurious for myself - hopefully?

and oh, before I end this post.

HAPPY ONE-YEAR IN THE ARMY, DERRICK!

So sad that I cannot "celebrate" it with the likes of Ming Yang, or any of the old friends.

One more year to go - hopefully no more heartbreaks to come. =)

Impending Monday

2009-07-12T14:01:00.002+08:00

I really hate Mondays, or weekdays in general as long as I am still serving the freaking nation.

You pull me out of the things I want to do, you put me in places that nobody would want to go (besides the regulars, I guess), make me do things which are sorta interesting, and best of all, you still yell at me with impending stress.

So what's there to update - in fact a lot.

I've been out with the sisters on 2 occasions and we're looking forward to a third, coming Wednesday to celebrate Eileen's birthday. (Oh, did I make mention I have 24-hour Guard Duty on Tuesday?! Oh joy!)

And of course on 2 occasions, we did camwhore - or rather I did. I can't help it, because its the only few ways I have pictures of me for events and material!! Kidding, but yeah.. LOL..

Anyway, am hungry, gonna go off for lunch.

Till the next post!

Off day!

2009-07-10T08:45:00.002+08:00

And one more half-day off for the 31st before the Acachamps.

What started off as an accident for the day became quite an occasion. Considering the result was a 3-day weekend, which I really didn't mind. As long as I won't be touching my last half-day off soon before the 31st.

That's a current song I'm currently feeling nostalgic to. Sandi Patty's LOVE WILL BE OUR HOME, written by Steven Curtis Chapman. I sang the choral version (arranged by the wonderfully talented Mark Hayes) when I was still under Mr Kam's choral direction.

I'm just taking this morning easy.

So till my next entry!

Closure?

2009-07-03T11:05:00.002+08:00

I was reading the usual culprits when I read Xiaxue's blog and went on and on...

Felt that I should share what I wrote to Nino.

Hi Nino!

Just my $0.02, nothing in support of anyone, just read it and maybe delete it if you don't like it, k?

"Generating buzz for that blog that doesn't deserve it? Why would I be that silly?"

*coughs* Xiaxue doesn't require ANYONE (at all) to generate any buzz with her direct (though offensive) and honest (to herself) writings. Each of us are direct and honest to ourselves, just differing in various degrees.

"A lot of stuff is not meant seriously and I advise you, don't take yourself so serious, you are NOT perfect, just like I'm not, Brad is not and especially that blogger is not."

Nobody is perfect, but if we do not take ourselves seriously, how are we going to be ourselves? As a blogger who claims that "This blog says a lot about" you "but not everything", you should know that this very well.

About your last entry about Dawn Yang - admit it, it reeks of disgust for Xiaxue. Not wrong, but it just reeks of it. I can't blame you to be mad (read further later when I give my $0.02)

I read both blogs and maintain a neutral stand about what goes on, but you're over-the-top with the sudden declaration over Dawn Yang and hints, even more down to idolising her with her background to contrast with (I quote) some other Singaporean bloggers, who are plain trashy and shallow (End quote).

Besides, you talked about sources and you quote your sources, what about this line, which you didn't do any referrals for:

"If you look for trashy shallow posts, you know where to look."

Unless you're guilty of actually referring to Xiaxue.

*coughs* and you do remember writing this:

"I write mostly about things that affect my life."

So if you can be so worked up over Brad and Wendy to idolise Dawn, which is no wrong (I cannot repeat this enough); Wendy can do so too, and what we can all do is blog about what we feel, and let it pass.

And yeah, just something that's irking me out as I write this. LOL

"I don't censor. Hate speech, spam and insults won't be published."

Maybe just "Hateful comments and spams will be deleted though." will suffice? Haha...

I'm not pushing my views to convince you anything, just my $0.02, and that with it, we would be able to look into ourselves.

I've learnt something new through this incident arising; we cannot fail to fight for our own say, but we need to learn to tame it.

Happy blogging,
Derrick

Mental note: to think rationally often also.

The Leader

2009-06-23T02:37:00.005+08:00

I'm known to be the leader of vocal group Acappuccino.

And also recently, spearheading the Nanyang Polytechnic Voice Ensemble Alumni Choir, aka the VocaKaki(s).

What makes a leader, a leader?

Is it the capability to do everything within the committee, and thus s/he is one?

Or is it the strength to be able to go under firing when trying to implement something new?

I believe in one thing for sure, that as a leader, you forget yourself.

Of course not for good. What good is a leader who forgets about himself to even neglect his own image?

Last night's VE Alumni meeting went so-so, and that was just what came up in my mind.

Slow

2009-06-20T13:03:00.003+08:00

I'm taking things slowly.

This following week has been rather tiring; from being appointed to do things to habouring thoughts to proceed with certain actions and etc...

Of course, due to the sensitive issue of my bosses, I'm unable to share with you people in detail again what transpired over this one week. But rest assured, my friends that if I die, Singapore will snow (or I'll make it snow).

But what the hell, just to make time pass easier for me, before I go for my India trip (and will be away from a computer with any form of internet connection) and then my eventual passing out from National Service, I've decided to embark on some projects, some silly, some insightful.

Blog-Email Project

I received a few emails from my appeal for anecdotes. Please keep them coming! If things go well, I might seek permission, find an editor and publisher, and do a compilation of stories from the heart.

In this metropolitan Singapore which we live in, it is hard to find people whom we can openly share emotions with. I'm not being saintly here, but I believe I might be able to help someone else with stories from people who has been through certain situations.

Just for the record, what caught my attention to share here was this story by a queer man.

(By that I meant, yes, he's gay. Gay people have emotions, but whatever you might think, I shall still go on.)

William sought after a companion, of course via the conventional way of finding other men online. Most of these people are superficial, and are only keen for one-night-stands.

There was this particular person which he met up and have grown quite a fond liking of, and what made it better was that they didn't meet up for any physical action. But then the person suddenly stopped replying his text messages, seemingly trying to avoid him.

What else to do but to forget him, putting him amongst the many others who has screwed him and left him by himself.

The process of forgetting these people constantly puts a very heavy load on his mind.

But I believe this story, when shared in detail, might bring some light to some people who are facing the same situation, even if you're not gay.
Being fully ambidextrous.

As some of you who knew me since young, I tend to swap hands to write and over the years, I've grown lazy and thus wrote with my right hand instead, partly being left-handed-unfriendly Singapore.

So I've shifted my mouse to the left of my laptop to begin with; and continued my writing exercises with my left hand. Hopefully it'll affect my thinking, and broaden it also.

You might ask, what's so good about being ambidextrous? Why want to be so exclusive?

I tell you, it's just something I want to do, no particular reason. I'm not going to mope in the future if I am still unable to write as legitimately as my right hand. But it's fun!
CLEAR MY ROOM

Yes. I'm going to throw away a heck load of things from my room, including things I thought would have sentimental feelings to me.

I realised the emotional baggage one can have with such things, and actions such as hoarding is actually preventing the mental capacity of anyone to grow.

Of course, you should have one life partner when you marry. I'm talking about things which should have been done with and outgrown, like old textbooks from secondary school (not the whole stack, but possibly just a few as keepsakes).

So what about you also? What are you trying to do to pass time off nowadays?

Finally a post!

2009-06-16T21:03:00.002+08:00

Yay!!

I'm finally posting... a short entry, no doubt.

I've been busy. Very tired from camp and stuff.

But I've something to share.

Some readers emailed me to share their stories of love. Unexpected, but a good read. I learn quite a bit, but only one question which I do not seem to find an answer to when I read these anecdotes.

You see, these are success stories of their persistent to work towards getting the person that they cannot shake off their minds.

(So far, I've really never read about how people get over people they fall out from, or just find it impossible to be in a relationship with.)

There has to be someone you like, but he (let's put it in the female context) might be married/attached/gay/overseas/has objective parents against you/bisexual/has a very bad habit you totally detest/broke.

So how do you free yourself from the thought? I really want to know, out of curiousity, and preferably via personal anecdotes.

I've been very encouraged, not by such stories, but by the act of interacting with me. Reader to Blogger and vice versa - that's how we share, make friends and even learn new things we never thought possible before.

And so I'm encouraging you guys to email me like what many has done. Whenever I open my inbox, I see new email, some from regulars and some new. I do reply to your emails, and if I don't, it might just be that I am unable to find a response worthy of your effort, unless you guys don't mind a simple "Thank you".

Haha..

Before I forget, email me, the blogger, at imtellingyouits@gmail.com.

BTW, I really enjoy reading emails!

P.S. Remember the request: Stories that talk about forgetting people you like, because of some incidences or whatever it is you guys cannot be together! =)

Blackbird + Red post

2009-06-06T08:08:00.002+08:00

Yes, I know it's pretty early in the morning, but what more than to put up a new post!

Besides, I want to post my late maiden RED post!

Firstly, if you're not sure what I'm referring to when I said Blackbird, you know you're not someone who searches for nice music often. =P

I'm referring to the Beatles' song - Blackbird.

McCartney was inspired to write this while in Scotland as a reaction to racial tensions escalating in America in the spring of 1968, and (according to Sony/ATV Songs LLC 1968) McCartney stated that he had a black woman in mind when he wrote the song ('bird' being British slang for a woman).

Give a listen to the song as recorded for "Across The Universe", the Beatles' musical movie:

Now, about Red.

I was at the National Museum for less than 20 minutes to check out the Christian Lacroux exhibition. There was these sponge panels outside the exhibition space (where it is still free for entry - cheapskate me? It wasn't open ANYWAY.) and they were talking about how colours are matched, the meaning of colours, the theories behind it, etc...

And guess what, the only thing about red I saw was pitiful.

But my current idea of the post is for you guys to know that it is still open free to public until tomorrow. the national Museum is located near SMU, in town.

:D

Yeah, I know... very short, but I really had something huge in mind, but it's just very tiring to upload so many things.

I tell you, M1 SUCKS.

Night with the eyes...

2009-06-02T22:37:00.001+08:00

, originally uploaded by just_league.

Nobody can deny that pictures that have depth is rare.

Not depth has in the physical distance one can see, but how much the content reaches to you to feel a certain way.

Saw this picture of my friend's on Flickr and it reminded me of a few things:

1. Sunset

I love sunset. be it just a normal vermilion skyline or a magnificent cloud structure; it just sings out to me that a day has ended and I've succeeded in living again.

2. Whitacre's Water Night

Depth in the text by Octavio Paz and the cluster chords that shimmer. The song about eyes of shadow, well and dream water speaks about the perspectives a heart can take to feel.

3. Photography

It's been a long time since I took up a camera.

Alright, I've never too pictures with a camera-camera, but at least it's still an image-capturing device. 3.2MPX, but still workable for me.

I shall call myself the kid-amateur photographer. =P

----

Not as if I've not written for a long time, but I've been busy in camp. Especially also discussing ideas for my blog layout and skinning it is also on hold.

Till my next entry!!

New Skin!!

2009-05-31T23:56:00.001+08:00

Not yet, but I was chatting with Ning over MSN when she said she has this brilliant idea and it just so happened that I was on the same frequency.

Of course I need to change the layout at the same time.

And what's with people on Twitter suddenly? Like OMG. I've been having Twitter since 3-4 years ago and suddenly people think that Twitter is some latest craze.

Sighs. People and being stupid.

An In-Camp Update

2009-05-29T12:07:00.002+08:00

Yes, I'm in camp.

Wonderful? I concur.

Well, life's been nothing much short than exciting. Especially since I've just returned from an outfield exercise.......... (insert a monologue-ish attempt to talk about what happened from Tuesday to Thursday).

Yes. I will stick to what I mentioned before and not talk about what I do in public. HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Anyway, I'm seriously wondering why people are not going for lunch.

Usurp!

2009-05-29T01:23:00.002+08:00

This is really stupid.

I asked Pig if Cat was around, and Pig asked me why didn't I asked if Snake was around...

Especially since I like Snake as a person

Of course, being me to find such an issue an epic showcase of stupidity, I walked out of the conversation.

Why are people often so politically jealous?

Who am I to Pig that it matters that I, sort of, prefer Snake as a person more than Pig.

Not as if that I'm unable to work with Pig, I believe I'm that professional enough (not totally, but enough) to be able to work with Pig irregardless who I prefer.

Though, like Fanella said. It'll be just be much easier if I work with Snake.

But do I have the chance?

So excuse me for being so damning clever, alright?!

It's not everyday that you see epics like me amongst mere mortals.

And yeah, I do see the childish Pig has adopted to deal with the situation.

My only question left after the previous one (the one asking who am I to Pig): Am I right or are you that wrong to actually even consider my word against your character?

Sounds like Pig has fallen badly.

From There

2009-05-20T17:39:00.002+08:00

With a new theme comes a random post on WEDNESDAYS!

You might wonder what's with the title, FROM THERE, and what it means and such. It's not much of a mystery to the juniors at NYPVE.

The description from my merchant goes:

A tender, intimate glimpse into the most private place of grief, this rich, emotional original expresses the universal longing for one who has passed on, while gently questioning the mystery of the world beyond. With words written in memory of the lyricist's father and music born out of the resonant experience of the composer who lost her daughter...

The lyrics follows as such:

From there, pray don't sense my saddened heart.
Know only this, that my love goes on.

From there, pray forgive my failings;
if I lack the grace to let you go.

But where, where is this I'm calling?
In my earthly attire, shall I ever see beyond?

Shall I know whither kindly angels
have carried off your soul, carried off your soul?

Can I run to you? How I long to.
There are so many words I've yet to say.

Promise, promise me
You're not far away.

A beautiful song that speaks of longing; yet beautiful in its poetic passages that brings about such emotions. It questions about what's beyond after someone has left.

The song struck me when I heard the rough pickup from the last VE practice I attended. Well, it has been 2 weeks already; and I'm looking forward to attending this upcoming one. Of course not for that one song, silly doofus.

Coinciding with Benedict's death anniversary, I hereby dedicate the song to him in my personal memory and to all who know him. We, as a class, will never forget your shrill laughter that would send the class on peals of laughter that never end.

Of course we never find the future a mystery, as we hold the spirit in our hands to mould our future, no matter how bleak; knowing you'd watch upon us while you're in the arms of God above. Let's just hope you don't laugh too much at the silly things we do that you'll slip back to Earth. Hahaha...

It has been 4 years since you've left, since the fatal accident and since you set off for greener pastures to do what you want with your parents. Not forgetting that you've left to join your brother Warren.

I assure you that Dad and Mum are still fine, and that I drop by at times to visit them. My recent visit was pure nostalgia as Dad and Mum are moving out of the place you lived since childhood into a somewhat smaller place.

As much as you're not far away, the whole house, and the empty rooms, are a staunch reminder of the solitude the elderly couple has faced. It rings out to me whenever I see the desk in your room, and the etchings we carved as primary school children; to the drawings on yellowed paper on the wall, still being held by equally-yellow scotch tape.

Some of the drawings were collaborations, some were just purely abstract (and I have forgotten what was it that transpired you to create such a masterpiece) and some were mine, all in the box meant for keeps, and some meant to be thrown.

I couldn't bear to even take another look at the desk, with the funny faces we drew and preserved with layers of glue and scotch tape. Apparently, as secondary school students, we've stopped seeking imagination, and moved on to bigger things of the world, like how are we going to fit in to certain people; and what time are we going to leave school, so as to meet with so-and-so and who-was-it.

But deep inside, I doubt I ever left that place; in fact I'm seeking solace in it whenever I can. Praying that when I do meet you again, you'd have aged gracefully also, and not remain the 19/20-year-old you were when you left the worldly bond and struggles of being a man.

I left the house, walking away just as Dad and Mum passes by with the moving truck following them to their new place. I'd have to remember where they stay, and not return to a place where I used to spend hour studying and playing before I return home or to hostel.

I kept the picture I drew of the group we often hung out with.

As I took down the final pieces of drawings, I felt a breeze in the usually-still room that was once your bedroom.

Sometimes I really wonder, how far are you to us?

61 more weeks and I'll be through.

2009-05-19T18:59:00.002+08:00

It's not that I have an issue with anger management.

It's not that I have an issue with interpersonal relationships amongst my colleagues.

It is definitely not the fact that I think too much.

Besides the last point - it is groundless to really judge people by the things they do.

All of us needs to survive, but do things have to come to the extent where we bite people for wanting to survive?

So yeah, if you people from camp don't mind, let me play Ignatius (Ahem. My Nintendo DS Lite) in peace or you'll be in pieces.

A CAPPELLA MONDAY!

Right. I'm late, plus it's Tuesday, but I cannot resist not showcasing you what I found on YouTube.

You heard of multitracking. The infamous Star Wars a cappella barbershop multitrack has led many people to do their own, from Star Wars to Simpsons.

Until yesterday, I cannot believe I've actually found someone who would do a Whitacre multitrack. Even more by a guy!

Yes, I really hate it when female singers think they're really suited to sing what is written by them - especially when they screw it and they turn around and blame the MIDI, the composer, the arranger, the director to the piano.

Here are traanncce's multitrack recordings of "i thank you God for most this amazing day" and "Water Night"

i thank you God for most this amazing day, Eric Whitacre

traanncce made an effort to interpret the song, especially showcasing his technical talent. Only thing I didn't like was how he didn't commit to the bridge (motif from I Will Wade Out from the set) before the final outro.

Water Night, Eric Whitacre

Seamless, but choppy, that's all. It's sheer harmonic joy!

Yes, I know. I imagine some of you guys going, "Boring. Derrick and his choir songs again for A Cappella Mondays."

I assure you, I have something interesting next Monday for you!

A CAPPELLA MONDAY!!

2009-05-11T20:40:00.002+08:00

I always talk about the term a cappella, but how many people do know what it means?

One thing for sure, it is more than just a genre.

In the dictionary, the term, is defined as a song "sung without instrumental accompaniment".

Songs like Bin-nam-ma, below, is sung a cappella:

Bin-nam-ma, by the Victoria Junior College Choir, Singapore
Why is it that many people think that "a cappella" is a genre, represented by:

I'm Your Man, by Rockapella, USA
This, my friend, is POP (or contemporary) A CAPPELLA. Not definitive of a cappella music in general.

If you guys think how can something so cool not be "truly" a cappella, I might want you to read on. It's just short.

In the early church days, say early BC/AD, monks sing without instrument in harmony to each other in worship and fraternity.

There you go, music (or rather a cappella) history in one line.

With music being such a broad and diverse subject of matter, a lot of people have pursued a cappella as a mean of expression - you have African chants and the black hymns the slaves (or now, African Americans) sang, beautiful sweet melodies that choirs take up and now, sound, e.g. shouting, beatboxing, etc...

Thus with different styles and backgrounds, people has come together to produce instrumental sounds to bring the orchestrated effect band music has to enhance performance.

Of course we still have barbership music, choral, tribal and even jazz a cappella, and all these are under the main wing of a cappella music.

So for a start, please do not think of a cappella as instrumental-less singing of chart hits.

For a reward, I present to you a little favourite of mine. Click here.

Treats! Treat! Treats!

2009-05-11T10:33:00.002+08:00

I'm finding reason to spice up my blogging experience, and so you readers will have a treat reading my blog.

Before I formally bring in Eileen's entry, I just need to set these from mind to blog first.

Some of you readers out there has been wondering what's up with stupid people and why is it that I meet some everyday. The reason is simple - I choose to talk about them, and my stories usually are experiences brought forward and pent up, so for a few days I'll recall and whack them hard.

But anyway, back to the treats that I was talking about.

You guys know how some bloggers have daily themes like Naked Thursdays, V-Neck Sundays, Singing Wednesdays and such...

I've decided to formulate one for myself - so at least when I feel not like writing and I need to do something besides idling off Ignatius (my NDSL), I should just get writing to work up my brain juice first.

Of course, anything else out of the daily themes occur as and when it is.

So here it goes:

Mondays is now A CAPPELLA MONDAYS! I'll scour the net for articles, videos, soundclips and more related to the art of singing without instruments. From the bad and good, to personal reflections and tips.

Tuesdays will have to be GYM TUESDAY!! After gym, I should be reflecting and writing issues pertaining health and such. And maybe talk about random things Yijing and I are up to when we're gymming. HAHAHA...

Wednesdays should be a relaxful day. So it's a free theme day.

Thursdays should be RED THURSDAY because I don't do nudity, I don't do V-necks and neither do I critique fashion. So I'll find Red things and talk about them.

And being the end of the working week, I should take Friday as another free theme day.

Saturdays are previous commodities to me, so I shall dedicate Saturday as FREE SATURDAYS where I discuss what to do on Saturdays! From games to outing places and suggestions, I'll find things to do when freeeee...

So which leaves Sunday, and I shall title it RANDOM SUNDAYS. I'll post random things, from videos to conversations about anything and everything. Of course, I still have limits.

So what do you think?

You guys can actually be part of the articles by sending me suggestions to my email (imtellingyouits@gmail.com, or my private one if you guys know) and I'll look through them. I will not commit a faux paus by putting up something on my blog and it actually brings harm or cause problems for people.

So stay tune to my first edition of A CAPPELLA MONDAYS!

Being Who I Am

2009-05-09T10:01:00.003+08:00

Was chatting with an ex-cell group member.

As some of you might remember, I made the decision to take a break to not attend cell group because of personal matters (which I do not wish to discuss) and I was getting frustrated with things within, like management and responsibilities.

I do not wish for this entry to make it sound like I'm anti-CHC or anything negative. I love CHC for being a place who has groomed me sine I started attending it and I love God still. I just chose not to do anything during my "last few months" in cell group because I was tired, and frustrated at how I was constantly being challenged in light of the negative things.

From hearing about how I am a bad example to others (and thus should stay away from) to saying that I'm beyond hope and not worthy of help. I can only put myself to blame for not sharing what is going on.

I'm unable to do so, thus maybe that's why I just keep quiet and take it all in; especially seeing the differences that people have set amongst each other within the cell group and things that really turned me off.

I never compared leadership.

When CW asked me one day if it's because of her that I started to showed some "signs of rebellion" (in my own words, I forgot what she said) - I cannot help but to want to tell her that it isn't.

I never told myself that JC, SL, and KG has outdone each other because they have their own flavour - which I very much admire. The church is big, and you need people who can be big to group cell group - CW is big also, and I'm very sure that N425 will grow.

I happened to drop in message to RY that day when I cabbed past his place while to work; and it was quite an experience, not knowing what sort of response to expect.

What happened to being general?

Questions like "How's everybody?" should yield a general answer; not a demand (it has kinda sounded like one after 3 texts) for specific people - and then being questioned why I missed out certain people.
If it doesn't matters to me, why would I text you?

Somewhat I'm not letting myself (or anybody) get affected by what Ren has mentioned (he's only 15-16, so cut him some slack) and be more general.

People do not care about things if they never ask about it.
If you want me out of the picture; you have done a good job.

I never felt so out of the picture when I left W231 just before JC stepped down and SL took leadership.

Really.

I'm not going to compare, but when I drop texts to members, they were okay and friendly, though I was often quite nonchalant, but at least I felt the need to search into my heart and be nicer and think about what to do in my life.

Eventually, after a bad, long semester at NYP, I found myself going back for cell group again; and things kicked off for me once again, being active and such.

I really don't know. Didn't meant to say so much, but even if I were to delete it, there will be a small handful who would remember what I've been through.

From being judged prematurely to being accused for lying about not receiving messages; and the most recent being the very fun-spoiling incident which looked very choreographed, I'm consistently praying for an answer what to do.

People like MY, BG, WL and others from church are equally surprised things like that are happening, but they felt that it's a challlenge from God. But will God put someone above me and challenge me to upthrone my leader?

Never, in my opinion.

So what is this feeling I'm feeling? I'm really not sure.

I wanted to write about what a long weekend it'll be again, and how I start work on a particular weekday again, but I suddenly remembered I have people who might stalk me.

I shall digress from my previous train of thought and talk about stalkers.

Like, please give me a challenge?

Don't come up to me and ask whether I am "Derrick Titus Kam", because it is irritating, and then you see them whispering (more of chattering loudly) from a distance, "That's the guy who wrote about TKSS Choir copying AJC's Bin-Nam-Ma!"

Not my business people brought it up - as I said, 400-600 readers a month, with 60 unque readers a week max so far - anyone could have caught it. And I maintain that those who have EYES will be able to see it.

Worst - "That's the guy who writes like nobody's business and says he's from CHC. CHC people all like that one leh..."

And then when I approach them (to go to the proper gate for my exit), they hush each other up and pretend that they never knew each other.

Do you know what sort of behaviour type I find most familiar with that?

Disgustingly fat, pimply, single/widowed 60-year-old aunties who hang out at the wet-market in their big Mrs-Rosie-Phua-ish colourful and big floral prints; holding their ~~pirated and obviously fake gucchi/pa-la-da~~ inspired Gucci/Prada bags, fighting for 20 cents off their fish which the poor fishmonger doesn't want to sell cheap because they're just too ugly and loud.

Oh dear - Singapore has aged tremendously mentally!

sickening

2009-05-08T01:11:00.001+08:00

Ignatius Junior (my NDS Lite) is getting a facelift - and will be back!

Why sickening? It's sucks to be in camp.

Really.

And I wonder why some people are damn stupid.

oh dear...

2009-05-03T12:28:00.003+08:00

AWARE saga continues with Dr Thio So Mein, "Feminist Mentor" stating that she is so because "the people" (to be exact, she said, "YOU") put her in "the book" and it's on page 73 apparently.

(It looks like some old-old-old-old primary school exercise book.)

And she needs to speak as if she's Big Mother of the whole conference. Fancy having "House Rules".

Dearest Dr Thio - If people are not captivated by your retort of any form, even if you're on a podium, naked to full sight , nobody will give a damn. I can testify to that, referring to an incident that happened not so long ago.

OH, the video's here:

Note, I don't give a damn to the AWARE saga, but I find it ridiculous how things boil down to this. It's really stupid how old women have really lost it over mere titles.

What are these anyway?!

I have whores who tell me they cannot hang out with me/us, do certain things, or have certain say because they're in the Ex-Co of a school group.

WHAT THE HELL? A school group?! A BLOOOOODY SCHOOL GROUP - Not some society outside or some upper-class groupie.

Too bad, I started mocking by forming my own Ex-Co. To join this highly-prestigious Ex-Co, please click here to view the form and send it in to imtellingyouits@gmail.com.

Then apparently (according to Fanella), people like to be in books. That's why there are a lot of biographies are being published.

So you know what? I realised on my Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) exercise book, I realised I'm featured on Page 60!

Dr Thio can have her ancient Majapahit Primary School (established 9BC for Feminist Mentors) exercise book for all we care. Like, who has the book? I believe only she has it.

(She claims she's Singapore's Feminist Mentor because she's the first female dean at NUS Law School. My only retort is - you are what you are by the chance given to you, and they didn't ask you to be Feminist Mentor. Besides, what is the job scope of being Feminist Mentor? Please, besides talking like an old grandmother and telling everyone the same dope - who'd believe you're not receiving any "small" amount?)

So click here for the form to be on The Book.

You're gonna love this. I'm being nice to open up places in the Ex-Co and the Book for you people k!!

And no need for house rules when I'm talking, I love a good rebuttal; but just don't be rowdy.

NOTE: As much as I'm quite ignorant about the whole saga, I'm glad that the Lau Exco has "graciously" resigned. For goodness sake, you don't call yourself "gracious" - it's conferred upon. But to resign after spending $90k on a silly EGM because you're that unproductive/inefficient - you're better off dying la...

Congrats to the spanking-new Exco!

Beyond Lame

2009-04-29T19:36:00.002+08:00

First things first.

I should have made a bet that my superior will release us at 5.45PM (or at least a minus 5 minutes range) when Ben told me he has to be home by 6PM for some SingTel package.

Last I saw, he was on the shuttle bus to Ang Mo Kio, with no signs of urgency to reach home.

Poor package from SingTel - it must be crying it heart out.

Maybe I'm too judgemental. But what the hell is wrong with everybody in camp?

YOU KNOW YOU'RE TURNING STUPID WHEN...

You don't realise routine and try to skirt around it still. To no avail, of course;
You lie to people who can see through you,
You try to no avail (again), to disappoint people who have backup plans at every beck and call, like me; and
I find out you lied; and that makes you the biggest loser.
And if you take too much aspartame, like what Fanella said.

Hui commented before, and I love to tell people that my commitment to people I treat as friends can be compared in such a way that Lassie stands second place.

Lassie - the dog from the old vintage movie. Totally, committed and loyal dog.

Anyway, I'm way too tired to linger onto these issues anyway.

You should go on YouTube and find Kristin Chenoweth singing "The Girl in 14G".

LOVELY!!!!

Bah.

2009-04-27T23:38:00.000+08:00

I hate it when people jump to conclusions.

Or, on a different note, say things without any basis.

I don't want to say anymore, but the fact remains that these are not kids - so I shouldn't be bothered until I get to talk to them (yeah, in a group or no go) and bring consensus.

If otherwise even then, too bad.

A decision was made, someone just happened to want to play the nice person.

I said it once, and I will say it again - I mean business when I do business.

Don't come and mess me up or throw me into uncertainty - or else you'll face a greater uncertainty - YOURSELF.

People who bring themselves down are just losers, in my opinion, they have no backbone and yet some of them are so unwilling to let go of what little pride they have amongst their circle of friends.

I tell you, it's not just me.

Many others are feel that way too.

So, look at my left hand, and when I'm pissed, it's called the "BAH." hand.

Bah.

Get lost and don't come back when you're better or you're batter.

And so it goes

2009-04-25T12:32:00.002+08:00

I was never a fan of Billy Joel - because I don't know his songs.

Until one day, a very pretty lady on a very prominent show sang And So It Goes.

Carmen Rasmusen sang the song as a Top 7 finalist on American Idol, Season 2. It was Billy Joel night.

Her voice was okay for the song, strong yet vulnerable and the lyrics melted off like butter on a searing pan. The performance was fluid and it was a killer - anyone who didn't vote for that performance would have been killed actually.

(I followed Season 2 thoroughly - and it was amazing anyway.)

There you go.

A Bad Year?

2009-04-24T22:23:00.001+08:00

One fine day, if I'm ever King of the World...

I will banish despair.

Eternal damnation to the core of the Earth - where it can burn itself to crisp.

Touched!

2009-04-19T04:12:00.003+08:00

If you've not heard about it, go click HERE and be impressed by Susan Boyle.

Here the story goes, she never sung before and being the hermit she is, people think that she is just a Elaine Paige (of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS fame) wannabe, and stink of cabbages (alright, I added that in).

She lives in this place that is (I quote) "a collection of villages", is 47 and is unemployed.

And Simon Cowell (of ~~potty-mouth~~ American Idol fame) looked non-chalant, as if to say, "You stink, Susan. Just sing your 16-bars and die there."

Nothing more from the other two judges. Even the hosts felt that she's just quackers.

Then she sang.

I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables (pronounced "Leh Mee-Ser-Rah"), which (correct me If I'm wrong) is Fantine's soliloquy - touching and heartfelt. I think Fantine sang it before she dies.

Derrick Corrects:
On Wikipedia, I quote, "Fantine sings about her broken dreams and about the father of her daughter who abandoned her". So "I Dreamed A Dream" ws sung before Fantine prostituted herself. Sad song still. =)

And Susan Boyle shocked the audience, and judges and hosts, shitless.

On pitch, extraordinary and with emotions. It is the biggest thing to hit so far - and I'm so glad that I've listened to Farhanah and searched for Susan Boyle.

According to the hosts, never before on Britain's Got Talent that all three judges gave anyone an ovation, and all agreed unanimously to let her through.

By the way, she was good enough to make me feel the song - and yes, almost cried.

I became her fan on FaceBook!

And what more - to see Tōru Takemitsu Choral scores is joy too!

Foxkeh Day

2009-04-14T22:37:00.002+08:00

I hereby declare 14 April 2009, Foxkeh Day.

Personas for Firefox, the next best thing a boy like me would want for my internet browser! No more irritating hunts for skins to find out that some elements are not nice.

I like my basic, default Firefox browser theme; so Personas is, like, the best thing to have happened!

A horde of Foxkeh skins! If you don't like Foxkeh, no need to tell me. Just go upload your own picture to act as your skin, you narcissists.

Grandmother requested that I stick to the baptism name chosen at birth, and I think Ignatius is fine afterall. It sounds like an explosion, burning and rage.

Ignatius means fiery, and it has a greek background. Titus, which is now a pen name for me (though I might use it because I like it, thus the hesitation - silly grandmother, but I love you still), means honour, latin based off the word, "titulus" (title).

Even more reasons to be using red anyway.

Anyway, I asked myself on the way back from Yuffie's place at Henderson (OMG YOU GUYS ARE SO GONNA STALK ME!).

What is your friendship amongst your own friends, especially the good ones made of, preferably random things that really mean a lot.

And since I'm celebrating 10-Years of Sibling-hood with the Sisters (Eileen's entry coming up soon! I promise not to spoil anyone's surprise this time...), I suddenly remembered.

Yuffie and I go way beyond 10 years.

With Yuffie, the things I remember are Kickapoo, Coke and lots of sweat. Haha.. We're always running around, exploring new places (and I'm surprised that Mrs Yeo knows!).

If only Harshad was still within contactable means, it'll complete the whole package.

And if only Jill was still living at Portsdown Road, not that new kindergarten facility that now stands at that block. -_-"

Otherwise, we'd have this cool chi-chi club that people will die to join us!

Anyway, some people will ask, what about the things that were part of my 10-years with the Sisters?

For friends like the Sisters, it was neoprint, books (from the library) and bubble tea.. LOL... HAHAHA!!

(Part 2) I have Dedication, I shall have this post honoured...

2009-04-04T00:47:00.006+08:00

OMG! Did you see light radiating from her pores?! *bows*

... to Yijing!

Goodness, has it been 10 years! I think we took this neoprint like... in 2004, 2005?

Yes, I look better on print, in pictures, than in person.

What more, I dated it, and I didn't put in the year. How funny la!!

And the feathers remind me of Final Fantasy 8's opening!!!!! okay enough being random!

Yijing is definitely the closest of the 3 sisters! With Shuying either huddling her hubby (remember she is attached, k!), or in Australia working her best; and Eileen working and studying her ass off for a better future, Yijing and I go out a lot.

Of course we don't go out for posh events la...

We usually visit the gym, once a week and then we take time after gym to just chill, have a spot of food (usually just me. Yijing rarely eats after exercise), and then we usually take the bus home.

Yijing's the quietest amongst the 3 sister as well, when you do see the three of them together, you'll know. (No la.. I'm not trying to say that Eileen's the noisest, but we can't deny that after the damn noisy me, which sister is more prominent, not in size?)

When it comes to food and portion size, Yijing's one person, when in the mood, she can eat on, comparatively, sometimes even more than me! I went for steamboat with Yijing and we ate from 2PM till close to 5.30PM! Imagine the amount of food and things we can talk about!

Also, with her around, I have K-box company! (I refer you to my foodie ~~23rd~~ 14th birthday post in 2008, where I posted a K-Student session with Yijing, which we had hotpot at Hotpot Culture before that.) She has a decent voice, k!!!

All my sisters can sing, alright!!

So just so end it proper, I shall say that I won't make everybody wait for weeks for Eileen's presentation appears. It should follow shortly, unless some idiots make my day again. :D

Then we'll check out how some of us look from before till now. Hahaha!!

Who is my current musical squeeze again?

2009-04-01T12:36:00.003+08:00

Yeah la, yeah la.. Call me gay when I use the terms "musical squeeze" on David Tao? You guys are stupid la, stupid la.

I don't see me outing girls as lesbians when they like Fish Leong.

DERRICK ANSWERS!

2009-03-31T22:33:00.000+08:00

It's been such a long time since I reply emails via the blog, so here I am this time, slightly free to actually do so!

From: Richard

Hi Derrick!

It's been way back since I started reading your blog from LiveJournal and I'm glad that even in times when you're busy with National Service, you still make an effort (though sometimes, you're not really bothered) to make your thoughts known.

So how is it about time to come to terms that you need to find a partner, like talk about what sort of a girl would interest you or turns you on?

...

Dearest Richard,

Thank you for your sincere support of my writings, abeit somewhat personal at times. It is my pleasure to know that I have readers following up till this day.

Though in all, I do not wish to focus on any form of a relationship besides a platonic friendship one at this current juncture in time.

But in general, girls I like are rare. Hahaha...

Yours,
Derrick

Note to everybody else: STOP FLOODING MY EMAIL WITH THAT QUESTION.

Writeup: The Pop Choir

2009-03-30T21:16:00.000+08:00

This person from YOUTH! Australia asked me this before;

You advocate about music groups, especially choirs [and vocal ensembles] to stand out to do contemporary styles while sticking to classical roots of techniques and vocal projection. So what is your defining point of a pop group [choir]?

Well, I don't know where my "standard" stands, but it is still a requirement that choirs take up pieces that are progressive to the standard required to perform in any style comfortable vocally and personally.

Let me show you what I found online these few days that let me to decide to do this writeup.

(text link)

(text-link)
Of course I provide the best in aural pleasure by recommending you to listen to it while relaxed, and feeling in the mood for hot chocolate and cushy cushions.

Such sounds are well blended, because of the techniques involved that layers the sound and gives it that push to a fuller sound.

That, in a few lines, is my standard for a pop choir. Not a pop ensemble, because that would refer to something like this:

(text link)

Now, you might say that those are accompanied pieces. Let me show you what I feel is scarily good.

(text link)

Creole Lady Marmalade!

A very short update

2009-03-28T15:13:00.001+08:00

I'm craving for steamboat!

S-T-E-A-M-B-O-A-T!

I want chicken, beef and other stuff in a spicy (and also non-spicy) soup base!

Moody week(s)

2009-03-19T23:52:00.002+08:00

Flaunt what you have, when you have it and, needless to say, irregardless people like it or not.

Needless to day, it is a good week to play games because idiots around me in camp have been emoing, and affecting everybody. And yeah, I got a new Nintendo DS. CRIMSON ftw! It's not JUST red for the record book.

Before some "ex-co bigshots" call its red like how they call metallic rose pink.

So in return, I'll make sure you all see me emo and pay for it. All in the "emo family" (as quoted by some ball-less creep) shall be snapped at by me big time.

I'm sorry if I do snap at some people, only because of their affiliation to emo people. If these people are your "good" friends, and you're not productive - it is within my duty being ANTI-EMO to snap at you to snap out of it.

And I am ANTI-EMO because I'm in the Ex-Co too. Being in the Ex-Co gives you a lot of rights to do ridiculous things. People in the Ex-Co are Bigshots, like what I've said before.

And I snap at Emo people because I am in the Ex-Co.

I do not answer to anyone unless I feel like doing it because I'm in the Ex-Co.

I say that Acappuccino is the best vocal ensemble I ever led because I'm in the Ex-Co.

I'm sorry, you have to go through ONLY ME for my scores because I'm in the Ex-Co. (OooOoOhh... Familiar!!!)

And because I am in the Ex-Co, I say that all idiots trying to play punk in my choirs should drop dead and beg to die instead of living a lie to work "well with Derrick" when in actual fact, you're just lying to yourself.

And because I'm in the Ex-Co, I wish to see 10,000 more readers, whether or not you're interested in what I'm writing.

Before I dish out Part 2...

2009-03-09T03:14:00.002+08:00

I guess I just needed to blog. LOL

It's been a long time, and I've not been talking much about what I'm really doing.

And I won't be doing that about my camp anytime soon. (Yes, pretty much idiots are everywhere. Poor readers who are actually interested.)

Acappuccino's doing fine. Jazz has been quite a bit to tackle; but we're pulling through. Finally we're going back to competing locally, and we're being ambitious by going to tackle overseas next year at the WCG.

Yes. World Choir Games!!! SNAPPSSS!!! (Okay, that was so damned Legally Blonde. Forgive me.)

But that over, I've come to terms with certain things in my very own life, and I need to say certain things to put things at ease. Considering the amount of people who read my blog are co-related to a certain extent.

If you're looking for a goody-goody Christian blog that goes "Jesus, I so LURRRVVVVE You because You saved my (friggin') soul from total damnation.", you might find it here occasionally.

If you're looking for a badass blog that condemns everything in live, and showcases the latest scars I've acquired with my blade collection; I'm sorry to disappoint that it will never happen.

My life might be of extremes, that is because I don't talk about in-betweens; neither do I like to talk about certain things like what I do on a daily basis, because you're not here to read about my life.

60% of readers want to read about what I feel about things, THEN read about my life... Otherwise, I would have titled my blog "Derrick's Life" and start to ramble.

Of course, most of the time, I end up bitching. Guess what. It's not going to change for the moment until I get over certain things placed in my life.

Anyway, life hasn't been very much like a bed of roses. Edward Poh, one of my teachers from school, ever said that it is a delusional thing to really perceive life as "a bed of roses" to be easy sailing, because a bed of roses has thorns.

Especially church in particular.

Before any of you start to condemn me or anything, I just want to say the following:

I don't give any damn to any fucking shit that you throw to me; because these are just what I feel, not putting into consideration what is going behind because I don't know what goes around behind except for the people who are behind.

And of course, it will sound very unfair; but considering that I've put up with it before shows that I've been a very patient person and I've bottled too many things up to consider bottling more.

But of course, before you continue, if you do not wish to hear/read me, please do not continue and click here.

I'm taking a short break from church - doesn't mean I won't go for service; more likely I won't be attending cell group for an extended period of time.

Keeping in character, I find myself understanding Rorschach from Watchmen. He's one-of-a-kind I might say. In the movie, he reveals his own disordered personality, shaped by humiliation and persecution. A crippled figure driven by rage and bitterness, he’s tragic. He finds rest not in forgiveness, but in retribution.

Of course, I'm not that extreme.

I just wish for people to understand that I need time for myself before I turn bitter against them. There is no need for me to say or do anything; as if certain things mentioned already proven a point that a sabbatical is in lieu.

There is no need for a change in environment, as such would only prove to confuse me at this current juncture and would draw me further away. Some people will say, "If you're for God, why would this happen?"

I would ask in return, since Jesus is the Son of God, why then, would He still need disciples?

He is also human, understanding the need for company (if any were to misunderstand this statement, that person is so going to hell on their own accord). Fellowship has been a major part of His life besides teaching.

But what went wrong?

I really can't bring myself to detail, but to say that disappointment has set in. Both sides, because I wish to keep silent - my fault.

So, I'm taking the silent approach. I'm taking my leave until I'm better, and not hoping for a welcome even when I return for cell group, because it just looks very... insincere.

I'm not a sucker for SUCH attention. Instead, I have talents for that, you see.

But now, I don't fucking care anymore.

A Post With Dedication (Part 1)

2009-02-25T20:38:00.006+08:00

... to my dearest sister who is in Australia...

Dearest Shuying, if you're reading this, I only did colour-editing to make you even more radiant and alluring to my readers.

Isn't she beautiful? I'm kinda expecting guys out there to start flooding my email with requests to meet her when she returns.

BUT she's already taken. =) *pats poor guys in pursuit and kicks that very one whom we detests* ;)

Here's to always looking your prettiest and happiest forever with him!

The favourite couple of the moment amongst us at 3 Girls and a Guy. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, step aside.

Enough anyway. Basically, I dedicate this post to her because it's the 10th Anniversary of us knowing each other, plus Yijing and Eileen at 3 Girls and a Guy.

And midway talking to her, i suddenly remembered we started taking neoprints in 2000! Which means that 2010 is our 10th Anniversary of us taking Neoprints!

I know that sounds silly to some of you guys, but I enjoy taking neoprints with my sisters! We used to do it WHENEVER we're outside, which kinda encourages me to be in my best. Why look drab when you still have to face the world everyday anyway?

(Besides, looking good will make people who hate you frown because they don't understand why you can look good with their existence; and then they'll frown until they have wrinkles and they look old. Note: Gerald T says I can pass off as a sec 3 kid easily. Go figure!)

Anyway, back to Shuying and our anniversary plans.

I'm trying to see if I can take time off to visit Shuying. I'm furiously saving up to visit her, otherwise, us here will wait for her to come back for a HUGE FEAST to celebrate!

And about neoprints... Here's one from a long time ago:

Yes, I still had that center-parted hair, ala school day. But what else to style long hair those days?

One of the few neoprints we took as 4 of ur. Hahaha!

Well, time moves on and we grow up. Looking back at the neoprints we took since 2000 (Yes! I still keep them - so does Shuying!), we've really grown a lot and a lot more better looking.

Of course, I shall leave that for the concluding part of this Anniversary series...

Part One: Shuying, will move on in time on the internet, maybe into our 15th anniversary and longer...

One day, when I look back, I wonder if I still have the neoprints we took in 2000.

Okay. Now, I rant.

1. NUS Choir's concert was a ripoff.

So what if they were attempting Whitacre? In my opinion, if VJC Choir and Victoria Chorale combined can fill UCC Concert Hall aurally, why can't a larger NUS Choir do so?

Something wrong with their projection? Or are they really handicapped with only certain members of each section blasting while the rest are there to fill in numbers?

As much as I do agree that UCC is the worst place to hold a choir concert, in fact any music event, I have to disagree with some interpretations of their performance pieces; and the way some were performed.

Cloudburst was the worst piece - somemore the finale. *tsktsk*

Out of the repertoire performed, I only felt that the easier pieces, e.g. This Marriage, Animal Crackers, that make use of thirds and fifths are best presented, but still lacking an element - the SOUL of a song.

The songs didn't carry to me because it fell flat when I thought about the song and it didn't channel in well with their interpretation and "vocal prowness".

If Cloudburst is a ritual, Linden Lea must be a jovial piece; even though the latter is their inaugural anthem.

2. Feeling appreciated

If anyone has a bone to pick, I should be the one picking them clean.

I've promised not to divulged too much information, but I'm only willing to say that

a) Some people are definitely much more deserving than others;
b) Some people do actually make an effort to think things through; and
c) Some people really want it more than others.

I don't see why such issues should arise.

I bitched enough.

Anyway, Zhong Yang, if you're reading this...

HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY!!

I will make sure that lunch happens, even if I have to cancel other things that cancelled your plans the last time round; and YES, I bloody mean it.

Nobody gives me last minute events to go do. I decide what I want to do, and draw up schedules, if I can't fit you in, don't bother trying to make me change my decision. I don't make you change your schedule to fit mine either, so screw it.

But to go as far as to cancel another person's birthday lunch plans indirectly is just downright low, and so condemning of fun.

Till the next entry, this is Derrick signing off!

Update

2009-02-14T10:40:00.002+08:00

Life has been very tiring with so many things to do, but it'll take some time for me to break.

You see, unlike some people who moan and groan all day about how life should be and how National Service stinks and reeks, I have a life of my own out of camp and even though it is tiring at times, I still enjoy what I do.

I sincerely hate it when some people (obviously some international students and/or females in particular) come within my sight and go, "Oh, you know how National Service stinks because.." and gives some lame, crappy idea what National Service should be or must be.

One of these things I hate the most is, "National Service is so hush-hush! You can't talk about work and what you do and what's keeping you up and such."

Read my lips: Official Secrets Act. And: I am keeping mum. Still.

Well? So? What's it about national security that you silly twits that you don't understand and have to poke your noses in?

I don't see you poking your nose in when September 11 happened to volunteer your services! I don't see you giving a damn about Singapore politics, like "Oh-wow. You're not interested in who's MM Lee and you want to know which vocation I am and what (I quote) "juicy nuggets of detail I can share about my work" (end quote)."

And you know what should happen after that? I stop telling you everything I do. Yes.

Because there is no reason to tell anyone about my work, because I am a technician, which means I deal with my superiors/vehicles/weaponry/other technicians directly.

For goodness sakes also, I don't even tell my mom; what more somebody I'm not close to.

Next, you have people who try to shrink off responsibilities to frolic around and push the blame and faults to a defenseless comrade/person.

That, in my opinion, is really screwed up. How do you like it when people push all their work to you? Don't you enjoy that?

And, if you can push your work to another person, so can someone else do the same to you.

I pray that the lighter workload of someone else won't be passed to you, ever. Because you'd just screw it up. You know, like go "1 + 1 = 3" for a Mathematics paper.

All in all, this was how I felt about many things these few weeks. =)

I promise a full length and solid entry next week, hopefully more frequently also!!

I'd Be Happy To Die For...

2009-02-01T03:34:00.003+08:00

... A taste of what Angel had - Someone to live for, unafraid to say "I love you".

What are we afraid to do in our everyday lives?

This passing week has been shrouded with fears. For life, for living, for death, for each and every day, for your own sanity, for your own material.

Reminded me of this scene from Rent, from Mark's soliloquy "Halloween"; to the ensemble on "Goodbye Love" which lasts till the end of the video.

(Collins' partner, Angel, just passed away and everybody is gathering for the burial from the funeral, which in my opinion was a very heartbreaking scene to have Angel die in the first place.

In my opinion also, Angel did die a happy person. She had Collins' love and affirmation of heart, plus the many friend in Alphabet City.)

How could a night so frozen be so scalding hot?
How can a morning this mild be so raw?
Why are entire years strewn on the cutting room floor of memory,
When single frames from one magic night forever flicker in close up
On the 3-D IMAX of my mind.

... Why am I the witness?
And when I capture it on film,
Will it mean that it's the end.. and I'm..
Alone...?

- "Halloween", from Rent

Was doing my regular workout, jogging around the neighbourhood when I remembered there was a fitness corner somewhere. Promptly jogged there and started to do an array of sit-ups, crunches and then more exercises.

It kept my mind away from so many things, partly because it was preventing me from visiting the gym.

My weight against my body, the weight against my mind and all. (The silly poetic line I had was: "My Weight Against My Body", but I want to remain as clear vernacular-wise as possible.) The feeling was liberating as well as healthy.

(Spoiler alert)

I still think it isn't enough, because I'm not feeling aches. I need to work out more than just a sweat. You know like how people say they have aches all over after a good workout, then have a good day's rest, then continue the day after?

Yeah. (I hope so.) That sorta intensity of exercise.

Minerva and Bernard are at it again. Haha.. Freakishly random, but sometimes, I wonder why as well.

They were pushing buttons and asking why didn't I go to ACJC when I had a choice, considering I did quite well (if not, VERY WELL) for my O's. If any of you do not remember, I went to Raffles JC.

Minerva was saying that it'll be really fun for me to be in Acsian Theatre and the Choir, to which I just told her that any ACSian know that both CCAs are very intensed and will not join both. I don't know about anyone else, but ACJC Choir is so active by itself already.

Bernard was just being lame, and insisting that I decided to be a traitor to the ACSIan Spirit.

Random video with huge meaning for me:

Don't you think Eden Espinosa has a good voice? She was quite an admirable Maureen in the closing show for RENT too.

It's in the song you choose to sing actually. "Once Upon A Time" is like... my song of the moment.

So yeah, we were talking about Minerva and Bernard. Both are loyal ACSians. But I wasn't very close to them until we caught up at a friend's funeral - what a place - and started to chat often, and they'd often chide how I became a Rafflesian. (If it ain't obvious, they're engaged.)

Well, anyway, RENT speaks to me about a lot of things as much as other forms of literature has.

Happy Lunar New Year!!

2009-01-24T11:47:00.002+08:00

I finally posted a new post!

Yes, like finally, after battling broken pipes, walls, doors, boredom, shutters and pillars, I'm back with a new post!

I've been well, except for the occasional outbreak of the common cold (Why is it called by that, I am curious.) and the usual epidemics around a typical Singapore HDB 3-Room flat.

Well, nothing much exciting has been occuring publicly as I've been in camp, so if you think I lead a boring life, you should look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you're so outdated by my publicist.

OH YES. I do have one, in case nobody realises.

You do know how irritating it is to not receive a reply fast sometimes, especially when it's a phone message. So I enlisted the help of a publicist, who has done such a good job.

I totally hate it when I send a text message, and I receive a response in 6 hours. Add the fact that the response required is urgent.

I think the worst was actually that one incident when I text-ed this girl for some details of an event, and guess what?

Instead of informing me straight on the spot, she went through my superior. Like, WHAT THE!? I don't do that. I make it a point to say "Please help me disseminate the information to the rest."

I don't go straight up to the boss.

Yes, this post has a lot of I's. But I don't really find it funny. Imagine if I ever text Seok, but I go through Gerald and say, "Please tell Seok: She can bring alcohol to the CNY Party we're having tonight."

That is rude. You either text a reply to the direct person, OR you just get your own publicist to handle such for you. Only because it is rude, that's why I say it.

And yeah... Guess what my publicist is none other than ME. To much contrary, Ning's not my publicist. That basically means that I'm the most polite person around, tarts.

A random video. I want an iPhone.

Oh My Night..

2009-01-10T11:13:00.002+08:00

La-la!

Alright, enough of Whitacre. I've been spamming Whitacre's "With A Lily In Your Hand" over Titus and I still find it quite an interesting piece.

Before I go on, I shall share a bit of poetry.

HIGH FLIGHT
- John Gillespie Magee (1922-1941)

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle flew –
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Captivated by the line"I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace, / Where never lark, or even eagle flew" and am still a sucker for poetry that talks about flight.

DERRICK ADVICES!

I'm bad at pronouncing Hebrew syllables and it is even more so when I need to perform in Hebrew (twice, and I took two weeks to master the placements for these songs).

So I'm taking a popular pick: Whitacre's Five Hebrew Love Songs and who better than Eric himself!

So I don't want to hear anything wrong for any performance of FHLS, k?!

(I know, NOT AS IF YOU CARE, right? That's probably because you are shallow. Never mind, not important anyway.)

It is important that when someone goes for a music concert, be it a choir, symphonic, philharmonic or event a pop concert, and be enlightened.

Not Hallelujah-with-angels-over-your-head enlightenment, but just a new understanding. Maybe in the area of "I didn't know that can be done!" or in my case - the exposure factor.

I like to go to a concert and hear new interpretations and new music. Not your common "Oh, that's Sigulempong." or "Their Exsultate Justi is damn off.". The worst it can get is "I will never attend this choir/band's concert ever."

And yeah, before I sign off again, I just want to say that I do not like to work with people who have already "shut down" (not able to work) on me. One night of being unproductive irks me out. Like totally.

Youth Ambassador for the Arts 2009

2009-01-04T23:55:00.002+08:00

Thank you, everybody! ^^

(Yes, I know I deserve it in some way, but not everybody feels that way.)

FLU SUCKS.

2008-12-31T23:59:00.001+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May your 2009 be blessed and all.

DERRICK WRITES IS 9 years old!
(Alright, alright. I officially called this Derrick Writes in 2005, then fine. It's 4, you old men and women who'll nag at every instances.)

Hee!!

Possibly the legitimate long post in such a long time

2008-12-28T10:54:00.002+08:00

And I'm not surprised why.

I've been depriving real readers from reflections and material, something this blog started out. The edginess is lost, kinda, and it is up to me to pick it up.

I have been busy for the whole week! And it has nothing to do with being halo-fied, Serena or Celine Dion. It's Christmas week, and I'm going through some management changes in camp.

Which I love to emphasize to bulging airheads that I will not talk about my camp here. If you do not believe what I told you about being sued and stuff, forget it all, I just don't want to tell YOU.

Believe me better now? Go hate me. =)

NOW, this should be shocking.

I laughed at others about it, I made sure I have all made all security measures to protect it.

My MSN Messenger and Facebook accounts were hacked into yesterday!! How do I know: My friend pasted a conversation from me, and it's not even me! It's not those lame bots who send you funny things like "Check out these photos of you!!"!

Besides, I was at a dinner yesterday. How can I be online is a mystery.

Callahan (extreme right): No way.
Elle (in pink): Yes.
Warner and Vivienne: OMG! Derrick was hacked!!! (Warner: Viv. Why are you smiling?)
*and they broke into song and danced*

FaceBook-wise no comments, cos its uber private and I'm inactive to the extent of coming to it one a few months. It's a social networking site with millions of users, I shouldn't be the one who gets hacked.

UNLESS someone has a some silly guts to do so to spy on me, for what reasons I don't know. I don't exactly do things on my FB, maybe except post nice pictures of what I do (not in camp, stupid) and have fun with the silly little games.

Yeah, occasionally I might have struck off people from the list, but needless to say, my friends list is small thanks to fact that I filter people to those I'm really close to. It's uber private, except for my Fan Page, which I'm not a part of... and Acappuccino's Fan Page too.

By all means, hackers-wise, I've contacted FaceBook and they'll look into the matter and said that they will take legal matters because it is their duty to ensure that FaceBook is a safe place for everybody.

Now, Elle can rest her feet in those killer heels.

And I want to talk about JERKS who calls others JERK. Let's get straight to the point, the following message is dedicated to the Jerk, who called me a jerk, maybe because he wanted to say beef jerky and thought that it'll be cool to use something like that to insult me - THE AUDACITY!

Well, what about you? If you were ever reading this, get a life. If there's one thing you can't face being called a jerk - don't call others a jerk, because you're just one mega-jerk for not doing what you should have.

Yes, we're not perfect. I know the verses and the quote that say that, but that doesn't discount the fact that you "threw" the blame elsewhere.

And I made it simple so that jerks like you can understand.

I'm nice, see!

We all love Serena, no?

2008-12-27T14:02:00.004+08:00

Alright. I was a bit bored earlier, so I did a bit of photoshopping. Who knows it would be so addictive?!

Today's blog post is dedicated to Serena Wong - our Crossroads Socialite.

I begin first with a mundane, yet pretty picture of Serena.

(Credits: The Serena Wong Fanclub)

Yes, common classy black and white shot at Takashimaya, possibly at Kinokuniya.

I was thinking, for a socialite who really loves to dress up and look pretty.. Why not I improve this natural shot of her to make it really classy, like totally.

So here's the shot of my good friend. Keep your eyes peeled.

Ohmigawd..

How did I do it? I don't know, was really experimenting around. But these are what I did:

Coloured the portrait
Un-puffed her cheeks (she removed wisdom tooth that week, I think)
Blusher
Eyeshadow
Gave her necklace a better shine (the thing is that I don't even know how that piece of jewelry is supposed to shine, but whatever)
Gave her Queen crown earrings (a bit hidden behind the ears. Well, to make it even natural looking.)

Interested parties, feel free to email me. (For photoshopping, not matchmaking please!)

Boxing Day

2008-12-26T17:56:00.003+08:00

It's Boxing Day, and i stayed home almost the whole day!

Of course, clearing work and stuff - what else can I do?

And obviously I got bored.

Got to feel like a celebrity sometimes - that's why God gave us life - to live it to our fullest! Posted quite a few stuff online - mostly other people's stuff which I promised to do up for them.

So till the next entry, I shall rest!

The Power of The Dream

2008-12-24T00:30:00.003+08:00

Deep within each heart, there lies a magic spark
That lights the fire of our imagination
And since the dawn of man; the strength of just "I can"
Has brought together people of all nations

There’s nothing ordinary in the living of each day
There’s a special part, that every one of us will play

Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
As the world gives us its best
To stand apart from all the rest
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

Your mind will take you far, the rest is just pure heart
You’ll find your fate is all your own creation
Every boy and girl as they come into this world
They bring the gift of hope and inspiration

There’s so much strength in all of us
Every woman, child and man
It’s the moment that you think you can’t
You’ll discover that you can

The power of the dream
The faith in things unseen
The courage to embrace your fear
No matter where you are
To reach for your own star
To realize the power of the dream

My favourite Olympic theme, since I first heard it in 1996 after Gloria Estefan's Reach and I never exactly let go of the song.

This Christmas, let me wish you all well for this season, with the power, faith, and courage to realise your dreams.

BORED? Yeah..

2008-12-21T17:21:00.002+08:00

I've been tagged by kor. Hahaha!

And since it's from xiao-june. OKAY! HAHAHA!

RULE #1:People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2: Tag 5 people to do this quiz and those who are tagged cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by continuing this game by sending it to other people.

1. Do you have secrets?
Whoever said they never had any is an idiot.

2. Would you fall in love with a boy/girl older than you?
It depends. It's reliant on that connection.

3. How long do you intend to wait for someone u really love?
As long as it takes. Seriously.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Do what I should do with it. =)

5. Will you fall in love with your best friend?
Hahaha... Refer to question #2.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Both!

7. How do you define love?
You don't want a thesis here. =)

8. If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
Nothing!

9. Is there anything that has made you extremely happy?
Yeah, a good concert with minimal hiccups. Haha! Willing performers and helpers with standard, not lousy school people!

10. What makes you sad?
When I'm being misunderstood, when I feel that people are not doing enough, etc..

11. Describe the person who has tagged you.
Brother. =)

12. Who is currently the most important people to you?
Singular or plural?

13. What is being regarded as the most important thing in your life?
God!

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married but poor?
I'd be rich. With money, I can still find someone I love.

15. What is your favourite colour?
Red!

16. If you fall in love with two people simultaneously, and both of them do the same, who would you pick?
I'll not choose. Really, no point wasting brain juice, and go for the one I like more.

17. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing the someone has done?
Yeah. Irregardless.

18. What do you want to tell the someone you like?
"I love you."

19. If there is a choice between lover and friends, which will you choose?
Friends. Haha...

20. Do you believe that there's "True Love"?
Yeah.

5 ppl who's going to do this survey.
1 - 5) Anyone who wants to do it, but you have to say I tagged you!

Something to Say About.

2008-12-20T14:55:00.003+08:00

I'LL START WITH AN AUDITION CALL!! LIKE OMIGOSH (if I quote from "Legally Blonde")!!

A group of friends and I are forming a SATB choral group to further singing in a choir (hopefully gradually to a professional level) and for music exposure! We're being ambitious, but what's a bit of challenge anyway?

Details for the auditions are as follows:

Date: 28th December 2009, Sunday
Time: 7.30PM
Location: The A Cappella Society Studio, #02-07, Telok Ayer Performance Arts Centre

The nearest MRT to the place is Tanjong Pagar. If you're coming, please drop me an email at imtellingyouits@gmail.com and I'll arrange to either meet you (at 7.15PM at the station) or stright at 7.30PM at the studios.

Be prepared also, because it's a rehearsal session-cum-audition. Auditions will cover a range, pitching and aural test. The rehearsal will cover 2 simple songs, and then auditionees will be put into an ensemble to hear blending.

Auditionees who pass the auditions will be informed and rehearsals will begin on 11 January.

So no need to present your Rainie Yang, Show Luo, Leslie Gareths or Pavarotti.

I have not set how many will make it into the group, but I'm looking forward to 100% passes for the audition, as this group is still very new. Still, my vision for the group is simple.

I want people to sing, thus an audition process.

The group will not be a copy of any other groups, even if the choral repertoire might overlap with another group that is currently doing this. I have enough of people comparing what I do with the likes of Mr Nelson Kwei (because I like Whitacre) and other instructors because I tend to look out for obscure, uncommon repertoire (like El Hambo and folk songs) and such are very unfair criticism, because the groups I've worked with so far, have been of varying configurations and so I have to rely on tried and tested repertoire to work.

So far, I'm proud to say that Acappuccino can do better than some of the groups I've heard of (yes, including that lousy copycat "great" choir).

Why? Because unlike some other groups, who do openly tell me that we suck, they don't understand the music they do. They just know it's a pop song/17th century sacred piece/contemporary song/elemental suite.

Like, I can tell with my little pinkie that it's printed on paper.

I intended for this entry to be longer, but I guess I have other things to attend to.

So in case you guys say anything.

I'm okay if someone does Acappuccino's repertoire, because you'll never have that essence, nor have the same name.

Tonight I'm gonna be blinded

2008-12-15T18:42:00.004+08:00

By the SUPER TROUPER! *screams*

I was glancing through my albums listing on Titus (my iPod) when I chanced on Mamma Mia! movie OST.

And of course, besides 'Voulez Vous' and the entrancing 'The Winner Takes It All', I really like how Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Christine Baranski has presented 'Super Trouper'. It reeks of nostalgia and also the brilliantly written piece is an icon of its time.

Alvis introduced this video to me, and I found it hilarious and witty! Fancy that!

And yeah, I'm so excited for FRIDAY! Because we (my course-mates and commanders) are going to have a extremely heavy and scrumptious BUDDHA JUMP OVER THE WALL lunch!

Now, to distract everybody else, I'm posting another meme which I receive over tag. Okay. Not really, but whatever.

A. Attached or single ? - SINGLE! AND Happily Unavailable!
B. Best friend? – Quite a few.
C. Cake or pie? - Chocolate FTW.
D. Day of choice? - Fridays!
E. Essential item? - Titus and Matthew. Go figure.
F. Favorite color? - Blue and red
G. Gummy bears or worms? – BEARS!
H. Hometown? – SINGAPORE!
I. Favorite indulgence? – Chocolate Ice-cream / Sleep / Really Nice Choral music without the flarey people.
J. January or July? - January
K. Kids? – Erm. None.
L. Life isn’t complete without? - God (I know some of you guys are foaming at the mouth now. So be it. Bless you.)
M. Marriage date? of my parents? 14 Oct 1984
N. Number of magazine subscriptions? - Newsweek.
O. Orange or apple? - Orange. Juice.
P. Phobias? – I'm acrophobic.
Q. Quotes? – Huh?!
R. Reasons to smile? – When I do something right, When People Do What I Think is Right, When Music is Right.
S. Season of choice? – Winter
T. Tag 5 people – Any 5 random friends/readers.
U. Unknown facts about me? – loves to exercise
V. Vegetable? – except caesar's salad, nothing.
W. Worst habit? – Not sure if I have any that would be considered WORST.
X-ray or ultrasound? – X Ray.
Y. Your favorite food(s)? – SASHIMI!
Z. Zodiac sign – Libra

the one about the nice sales

2008-12-10T19:24:00.004+08:00

Looking out for a good deal on certain items you want to get for Christmas or just for keeps/use?

Try this entry!! Haha!!

I kinda promised some of my friends I'll plug some of the items they're selling, only because they're my friends and for some of them - it's their bread-and-butter or just for side-earnings. So be nice and look through this entry and maybe buy an item or two!

You guys know I don't really post "ads" but as I said, they're my friends; besides, I don't earn from any of them by putting them on my blog (okay, maybe a bit from Rubez, but I'd rather she put them into Building Fund, to be honest =D ).

1. Interested in in-ears?

Click here and be surprised when I say you can get it at $35 even through Zhen Jie!

Long story short, I recommended Alvin to get the Creative X-Fi player for his anime and music needs, and the EP-830 in-ear earphones came attached in the package. Being musical me, I of course have this want to have this earphones, because its comfortable, produces a clear sound and brilliantly with what I do on my laptop.

But, as you read, it costs $79.... until Zhen Jie told me that he's carrying that model (he also carries Seinheisers and Bose in-ears at nice prices, which I felt tempted to buy from, but I resisted due to budget constrain) and when he revealed the price, I leapt for joy!

$35 for a durable and acoustically-adaptable playback in-ear with noise-isolation.

WOW!

"And so?", you guys can ask.

I got the EP-830. *smiles*

Besides the Creative EP-830, he carries other brands of in-ears/earphones/headphones, just inquire with him via his email (captainjack90@hotmail.com) or call him at 96574627 directly!

2. Clothes!

I know it has been a long time, but Rubez has clothes to sell! These are clothes she bought, but has only wore either once or never before!

Click on the picture to see close-up.

Items 1 and 2 were bought around $20 odd. Item 3 was only worn once (the only item out of four to be worn before), price unknown as she bought it a long time ago. Item 4 was bought at a private GAP sale, so the tag has been cut off but it's way below what you'll pay for at GAP!

Contact me (Derrick) at imtellingyouits@gmail.com if you're interested. Remember to put your subject line as "Rubez's Clothes Sale". Prices are negotiable, but have been considered thoroughly before settling on $20.

3. KOREAN FOOD ANYONE?

Haha! I'm plugging this actually, after a vvvv good treat at the restaurant.

But before I can go further, read this, because I've done a review on hungrygowhere.com before.

And I'm gonna plug new items on the menu, plus promotions as soon as I get more details!

So till the next update, I shall leave you as now!

Good Morning Singapore!

2008-12-08T04:52:00.002+08:00

It's raining where I am, and a thunder-flash reminds me of...

CLOUDBURST!

YES!! HAHA!!

Blogging from the E61

2008-12-07T16:46:00.001+08:00

This is so damn cool!

Yes, I know you guys have, like, the latest and coolest phone from Nokia/SonyEricsson/Samsung/LG/whatever and it allows you to listen to songs, take pictures, surf the net and blog and even do things like watch YouTube videos at the speed of light.

Frankly speaking, do you need to do all these at the speed of light?!

My phone(s, the E61 and SE W950i) only lack a camera function, otherwise there exist no other problem to actually warrant such comments just because I'm using an old phone.

It's new to me - and that's my problem! ^^

There, I've blogged from my E61!

The Importance of a Chorus in a Musical

2008-12-05T20:37:00.003+08:00

As mentioned before, I watched Legally Blonde (the Musical, for all that is good) and actually have the soundtrack. So out of curiosity one day, also to try out the web browser function of Matthew (my E61), I went to wiki out the musical and I'm amazed at the accolades this musical has gotten actually. To be honest - only one.

(Text Link)

Legally Blonde won Outstanding Broadway Chorus from the AEA.

It's a worthy win, in my opinion, because they really sound wonderful - blending, tone and character - be it on stage or on the soundtrack. It livens up the musical, and thickens the storytelling element.

So, if you allow me to try, I shall recall what I actually had before that document crashed on my phone.

What most musicals locally produced lack is a strong chorus.

Take my participation in 'Believe' as an example.

An eager, yet overenthusiastic production team's shortcoming would be the lack of a proper score, as music was originally piped from a music console, and cast members were just taught to sing in thirds. During its second run after the school-base workshop (known as the public production), 'Believe' had a three-piece band that could have been better coupled with a real chorus.

Don't judge me by my lush choral background of grand chords, majestic Amens and Hallelujahs, but if a musical such as 'Legally Blonde', with a book that was ripped (if I put it crudely) from the movie has such a brilliant chorus to bring out the score, of course with an orchestra too.

Before my time with 'Believe', they had a (supposedly) brilliant Music Director, but he left, then almost close to the performance rehearsals came this new addition of a Music Director (by this you can tell that her arrival is really, really late). The "chorus" (that is if we were called one) was told to harmonise in thirds and occasionally an inversion for the males to sing, usually a fifth or seventh.

As much as I had fun during rehearsals and performance, the musical wasn't much of the highlight of my time. Think about it, a mediocre script, which at occasion has a bold focus on the subsidiary lead (the Probation Officer, played by the librettist himself) and too little time to cause premature judging on the capabilities on cast members' acting, dancing and singing.

Why am I digging out after one year since the show ended its public run?

I shall make it public now.

I'm compiling a random mix of songs, orchestrating them into a musical, complete with script and scoring for instruments and vocal parts, definitely more than a three-piece band (at least a five-piece band like Rent).

Of course, I won't put the chorus in on every song in the musical - it's technically very jarring. and lacks creativity, something I don't need to take a module/elective in Theatre Studies or Musical Theatre to know.

And also, it's going to be a difficult task ahead, which makes it a challenge. Why, you as? Simply because I'm not formally trained. I learnt to read notes, and a lot of musical jargons myself before I started on voice training. Writing a good book for the show isn't going to be a downhill task set aside for me, but I'm looking forward to bringing it to fruition by having a workshop to finetune everything for a period of time before it gets premiered.

When will that be?

Don't ask me. I'm still praying about it, and am thankful that God has given me such creative power to bring it together in my head, and to paper at random times.

Imagine a random chart hit and story when underneath my working element.

SPECIAL EDITION: SHOW-AND-TELL

2008-12-05T09:12:00.002+08:00

Since I can't be at cell group this week thanks to ~~some screwed-up arrangement by kindergarten kids~~ guard duty, I will proceed with my show-and-tell HERE!

These are my belts from my northern wushu days. I used to take wushu as a very young kid, since Primary 3 and proceeded onto black (not shown here, but red and brown grades are just before it respectively) and into my further stages (the red-black) in Primary 6. I stopped in Secondary 2.

If you're asking why the red belt looks rather orangey, it's because of the camera's white balance, which was tweaked rather yellowish. And it looks new because I took the brown belt grading exam shortly after receiving my red belt, so you can say I was pretty stuck with my blue belt for quite sometime.

I remember how I went for my black belt grading, and was nervous, because if I fail it, I had to retake it the next year (Black belt grading doesn't take place thrice a year), and I was so surprised when I got 2 belts - the black and red-black, which meant that I did really well.

It is just a waste I couldn't continue due to school commitment, but hey, I proceeded to TKD (though I was too lazy already to go for grading) during my JC days.

I'm going for WYCF!! Haha!! *sings a song* INVITED, INVITED! *ends the song*

Too bad I can't be at the JC Choirs night, and am praying that my mood won't get dampened, or else it's going to be really, really ugly, I promise. People who spoils my mood for choral concerts are really scums who don't know how to appreciate such things, as these are just definitive "social statuses" to them.

I did a rather long blog entry on my phone, meant for today, but apparently it crashed, so I can't post it, so I shall go by my memory.

WHICH WILL BE UPDATED LATER. =)

Do this meme

2008-12-03T21:39:00.004+08:00

I got this via e-mail, which is weird, but whatever... I thought it was a pretty interesting meme for the blog. Just to let you guys know, THANKS for all the emails and to those who are disappointed that I didn't reply - please remember that you're not the only ones, and I'm relatively busy most of the time I'm online.

RULES
Do the “Letter MEME”.Tag no less than 5 other people, and leave them a comment, informing them that they have been tagged. Then copy the “How-to” Letter Meme, and finish your blog entry.-> How you do the Letter Meme:

Dear (the last person who left a comment on your blog).

I don’t really know how to tell you this, but ___1___. I think I realized it ___2___ __3___ and I saw you ___4___ ___5___. I’m sure you’re ___6___ enough to understand ___7___. I’m returning ___8___ to you, but I’ll keep ___9___ as a memory. You should also know that I ___10___ ___11___ .
___12___

-Your name-

So, here I go.

Dear Timothy*.

I don’t really know how to tell you this, but I'm pretty sure that you want me to reply you. I think I realized it not too late (more of immediately actually) and like every other email - they all deserve for some certain amount of attention and I saw you being so nice to actually send me such an interest meme and I'm pretty sure you realise that I've not done any for ages. I’m sure you’re pretty sane and intelligent enough to understand that I'm not any typical blogger who would just go "bah" and discard the email. I’m returning a reply via this meme to you, but I’ll keep the sent email and ensure that this post will be a part of me on this blog as a memory. You should also know that I pretty much like to poke fun at others but this is not the time for it.

Thank you, and congratulations for being "featured" on my blog,

Derrick

*I don't think I want to reveal the person's full name, but here you go, Timothy. You know who you are!

That was so damn fun, I decided to just let my hair down, especially after my Practical Exam (which I cannot say anything about because I'm not so stupid like some people who think that just because someone else from the Army tells him/her/it everything s/he is going through inside means that it is legal to do so) and I have an upcoming Theory Exam, followed by a break and then the cycle repeats itself some time more.

Means I'm not a very free person.

But anyway. Here's that pretty random meme, but differently phrased randomly:

Dear Sir Elton John.

I don’t really know how to tell you this, but I used to be a big fan of yours when you were working on the soundtrack of Disney's The Lion King (of course, the movie). I think I realized it is not exactly plausible to see a lion cub, a wild boar and whatever that Timon character is supposed to be, hanging out together and singing and dancing, and I saw you legally pushing for your rights to marry your (obviously male) partner and am kinda-bit disgusted by the imagery drawn in my head that Simba, Timon and Pumba are all males and wondering if the songs they sing ever had any innuendoes. I’m sure you’re clever to disguise such stuff enough to understand that the movies was meant for families to enjoy together (even though some families are sick, evident by the 4-year-old kid who saw the word "SEX" during the scene when Rafiki was blowing out, into the air, some dust from the ground. I’m returning this question I had as a young boy to you, but I’ll keep this decision closed and let it serve me better at my age as a memory. You should also know that I feel that you should lead your own life and blame the paparazzis for screwing up your life by making every single detail of it quite graphic.

Cheers to your next album, (hopefully it has nothing to do with dead people or boyfriends or circles or lions or Eygptian Princesses)

Derrick

I know it isn't funny. The humour was lost because I lost my train of thought when I suddenly realise that I've yet to open my Cranberry Almond Crunch cereals - they're my breakfast and snack for tomorrow.

Diet plan!

Yes. Diet plan - not to lose weight, but to lose excess fat surrounding certain body parts. Most of you don't get to see it, so don't ask.

*waves*

Welcome O Royal-Majestic-Colossal Highness, The Grand Magi Sir Derrick of Singapore, here is your handwriting analysis, which anyone else can take by clicking here.

Derrick uses judgment to make decisions. He is ruled by his head, not his heart. He is a cool, collected person who is usually unexpressive emotionally. Some may see him as unemotional. He does have emotions but has no need to express them. He is withdrawn into himself and enjoys being alone.

The circumstances when Derrick does express emotions include: extreme anger, extreme passion, and tremendous stress. If someone gets him mad enough to tell him off, he will not be sorry about it later. He puts a mark in his mind when someone angers him. He keeps track of these marks and when he hits that last mark he will let them know they have gone too far. He is ruled somewhat by self-interest. All his conclusions are made without outside emotional influence. He is very level-headed and will remain calm in an emergency situation. In a situation where other people might get hysterical, he has poise.

Derrick will work more efficiently if given space and time to be alone. He would rather not be surrounded by people constantly. In a relationship, he will show his love by the things he does rather than by the things he says. Saying "I love you" is not a needed routine because he feels his mate should already know. The only exception to this is if he has logically concluded that it is best for his mate to hear him express his love verbally.

Derrick is not subject to emotional appeals. If someone is selling a product to him, they will need to present only the facts. They should present them from a standpoint of his sound judgment. He will not be taken in by an emotional story about someone else. He will meet emergencies without getting hysterical and he will always ask "Is this best for me?"

People that write their letters in an average height and average size are moderate in their ability to interact socially. According to the data input, Derrick doesn't write too large or too small, indicating a balanced ability to be social and interact with others.

Derrick will demand respect and will expect others to treat him with honor and dignity. Derrick believes in his ideas and will expect other people to also respect them. He has a lot of pride.

Derrick will be candid and direct when expressing his opinion. He will tell them what he thinks if they ask for it, whether they like it or not. So, if they don't really want his opinion, don't ask for it!

In reference to Derrick's mental abilities, he has a very investigating and creating mind. He investigates projects rapidly because he is curious about many things. He gets involved in many projects that seem good at the beginning, but he soon must slow down and look at all the angles. He probably gets too many things going at once. When Derrick slows down, then he becomes more creative than before. Since it takes time to be creative, he must slow down to do it. He then decides what projects he has time to finish. Thus he finishes at a slower pace than when he started the project.

He has the best of two kinds of minds. One is the quick investigating mind. The other is the creative mind. His mind thinks quick and rapidly in the investigative mode. He can learn quicker, investigate more, and think faster. Derrick can then switch into his low gear. When he is in the slower mode, he can be creative, remember longer and stack facts in a logical manner. He is more logical this way and can climb mental mountains with a much better grip.

Derrick is a practical person whose goals are planned, practical, and down to earth. This is typical of people with normal healthy self-esteem. He needs to visualize the end of a project before he starts. he finds joy in anticipation and planning. Notice that I said he plans everything he is going to do, that doesn't necessarily mean things go as planned. Derrick basically feels good about himself. He has a positive self-esteem which contributes to his success. He feels he has the ability to achieve anything he sets his mind to. However, he sets his goals using practicality-- not too "out of reach". He has enough self-confidence to leave a bad situation, yet, he will not take great risks, as they relate to his goals. A good esteem is one key to a happy life. Although there is room for improvement in the confidence catagery, his self-perception is better than average.

Derrick is sarcastic. This is a defense mechanism designed to protect his ego when he feels hurt. He pokes people harder than he gets poked. These sarcastic remarks can be very funny. They can also be harsh, bitter, and caustic at the same time.

Derrick is very self-sufficient. He is trying not to need anyone. He is capable of making it on his own. He probably wants and enjoys people, but he doesn't "need" them. He can be a loner.

Derrick is having a lack of physical energy at the time this handwriting was written. If someone has very short and straight down lower loops (like in the y or g), this indicates this person's physical drive (activity or sex) is compromised. Usually, this indicates the person simply isn't interested in getting too physical right now. This could be a temporary mood which often happens when the body is sick and is healing. Or, this could be a result of an emotional or physical issue that is effecting Derrick 's energy level and interest in sex. Sex doesn't seem to be a priority at the moment.

Something is incomplete in Derrick's life. He feels frustration relating to his physical needs and desires. Somewhere in his life there is some disappointment, non-fulfillment, and interruption. This is very likely to relate to Derrick's sexual needs.

Derrick has difficulty trusting anyone. In fact, he trusts no one completely. This is a result of his trust being betrayed in the past. He has closed up, thus ceasing to allow close friendships. Derrick truly wants close friends and desires physical relationships, but he fears he will get hurt, again. He is lonely, yet has a crying need for close friends. This trait can cause much unhappiness. However, it can be changed.

Derrick has a healthy imagination and displays a fair amount of trust. He lets new people into his circle of friends. He uses his imagination to understand new ideas, things, and people.

Derrick has a very unusual lower zone y loop. If the data input is correct, Derrick's y or g is large and opens up to the left side of the page. This is not a common trait, but the implications are very interesting. As you begin to study handwriting analysis, you will learn any loop indicates imagination. This lower loop indicates the amount of imagination Derrick has regarding sex and physical things. So, his lower zone stroke is large, so his sexual imagination is large and open. Furthermore, because the loop is incomplete and extends to the left, this indicates a particular fascination with certain aspects of sexuality that have not been fulfilled, yet. In a nutshell, Derrick is open to some very new ideas sexually and is willing to try anything once.

For a graphologist, the spacing on the page reflects the writer's attitude toward their own world and relationship to things in his or her own space. If the inputted data was correct Derrick has left lots of white space on the right side of the paper and the writing seems to be moving leftward as it creeps down the page. If this is true, then Derrick has an unhealthy relationship to something in the present and has a fear of moving forward. The right side of the page represents the future and Derrick seems unwilling to face the fear of getting started living now and planning for the future. Derrick seems to be clinging to past events, withdrawing, and spending lots of time thinking about what happened or what might happen in the future. It would be best to leave the past behind and move on. Stop crowding that left margin and face his demons.

Life

2008-12-02T19:38:00.004+08:00

Life - it come and goes like a thief, the least you know it.

But dying in the midst of a nation-wide terrorist attack, and it's not even your homeland, to me, is something that is tragic and unforgettable.

Miss Lo Hwei Yen

Most of the end last week and this week, I've been hearing about the terror attack in Mumbai - from word-of-mouth to print media. I just told myself to keep it in prayer and hope that nobody, much more a Singaporean, to lose his/her life.

And when I was watching television yesterday, I am shocked to hear that a fellow Singaporean, Ms Lo Hwei Yen has been killed.

Of course, it is unfair. Especially to die while being held hostage (and to lighten the mood a little, while at a five-star hotel; which, of course, is out of the topic).

But we all know what's done is done, and no matter how much we, non related readers/bloggers/people can feel/say/write/sing/upload videos and such; we will never be able to feel the extent of anguish and loss that her family faces, much less to say anything.

That's just my personal thought into this and more...

Just how long should the world tolerate this? I read from TNP yesterday that the Indian government had actually 3 chances to confront the situation right in the face before it happens.

Will Singapore be as complacent as the Indian government? I can only cross my fingers and hope for the best.

I do not know what more to say, but to send my deepest condolences to everyone who is reading this for Ms Lo to her family.

Walk Away

2008-11-30T07:26:00.002+08:00

My favourite scene from HSM3.

To those who never watched it because you never liked the franchise nor the cast members, note that my forehead (clearly shown in multiple pictures) doesn't show 'DISNEY EXECUTIVE', so STOP TELLING ME HOW THE MOVIE SUCKED (FOR YOU) BECAUSE I DON'T THINK IT DID, YOU SICK PEOPLE!

Why were you watching it in the first place, depriving some kid from watching it?! Multiple laughter, 6-stars, shizzles for the innuendo.

And no. I didn't watch it recently, I watched it like at least a month and over ago.

Off for service!

Surprise Update!!!

2008-11-27T01:05:00.003+08:00

Was at Nuffnang's Blog Manager to see around, and I've got quite a good surprise!

Readership has increased! Not a lot though (grrr..), I'm now serving 15-16 average readers a day, and I've served 390+ UNIQUE readers last month (counted from 27 Oct to 23 Nov)! This is wonderful, considering my last update on statistics was about fifties of people away from that figure.

I don't know - maybe a picture that makes me look fat encourage more readers to see how National Service has fattened me up, or laugh at me?

But for the record, it was the angle the camera was shooting me. I have another picture of me on my FaceBook which was taken directly in front of me. If I were to be fat, that picture would have made it even more obvious. =)

As I mentioned last post, before the Comfort Food post, I was catching/watching Legally Blonde the musical.

I have readers asking me about it and the answer is...

YES. There is a musical written according to the first movie. Find out about it here, like you could have just Googled ot Wiki-ed it. Never mind, I'm feeling nice anyway.

Comfort Food

2008-11-25T19:07:00.001+08:00

Posted by email from Derrick Posts (posterous)

New Skinning: About

2008-11-23T10:46:00.007+08:00

I've been putting this off ever since I started using the title which has become household to me, so as a new update with the new colour scheme, I present: myself! *golf-claps*

For the millionth time since I started blogging since 2000 (that was so LiveJournal then), I am Derrick and the face above (plus the masthead, and side profile) is me!

Normally I won't look like that, but I just do so that moment when this random picture was taken while at Changi Airport. (What I was doing there is not anybody's business unless you're a close friend.) I have slightly more hair than compared to that picture now.

And if it isn't obvious, I do like Red amongst so many things. I have a par of red spectacles, a few red bags, a pair of red shoes, multiple red t-shirts, a red mouse, and am proud to not own any red jeans as they are horribly ugly.

I love to sing, especially as part of a chorale or a group, and thus Acappuccino was born last July with Farhanah, Gerald and Alvis (Tracie and Fanella came in to close the "circle of singers").

A Thank You card sent to various people upon the success of VOIX II,
where I was the co-organiser

Acappuccino celebrated one year of music-making with Vox Astra at VOIX II this year at Republic Polytechnic's TRCC.

Acappuccino in Rehearsal, December 2008

I'm proud that amongst a few social circles, people say that we're almost reaching the level of professionals, but of course we don't sit on our Greek pedestals (mine's dodgerblue) and soak in the glamour. We continually practice to hone our techniques, harmony and stagework.

And erm... Acappuccino's a quintet, Tracie sang with from May 08 (starting out) to August 08 and from then Fanella took over. I should know.

Yes! My favourite place for October!

I love food - the more the merrier. And that's why regular readers noticed that I became slightly wider nowadays (especially since National Service does really fatten some people up). Food with occasion makes it even more exciting because I'll be reminiscing the event even more.

If you have a good food place to introduce it to me, either blog about it and send me (imtellingyouits@gmail.com) the link or just email me about it. You'll be sure to be credited for it!

And yeah, I'm not ashamed to say that if any food places needs just that extra advertisement, JUST FEED ME WITH YOUR FOOD!! If it is really meeting expectations, I'll be sure to write a very good report and send people packing your location!

This was quite long ago.. At least a year back.. Sighs.
No updated photos of my current cell group!!

As everybody knows that I'm a believer of the Christian faith, I naturally go to church regularly and serve in a cell group. Sounds familiar? Yes, CITY HARVEST CHURCH! *pushes the church sign right in the faces of CHC detractors.

As much that people are finding fault with the church and writing to the media just about everything and anything, note that my adornment for the Lord comes first, then the church, that of which I believe is the modus operand of the many believers from the church. We're not Sun Ho worshippers, neither do we support gay rights, lead brain-washed lives or anything.

I don't see any brainwashing... (Source: CHC)

I love music. It forms an integral part of my life, and I listen to loads of them, amongst so many, here are some and possibly, my favourites:

Yay!!!

So in actual fact, I'm very human, I guess. Haha...

I'm really sorry to abruptly cut this short, but I'm distracted by Legally Blonde the Musical. Yes, there is a musical based on the Reese Witherspoon movie, and it's wonderful in my opinion!

Bye!

What is wrong with everyone?

2008-11-17T01:36:00.002+08:00

Was at a friend's blog after returning from a long time out visiting my cousin in hospital and I saw worrisome comments passed.

What is the problem with you people?

The lesson I took away from writing this journal/blog is that whichever I do, I can never please everyone - be it in person or as a writer. I have enemy-turned-friends from my writings and vice versa.

But what I saw was so wrong - childish, in fact.

I encourage and feel that all bloggers should stand up for their rights to be heard, and to be protected from being bullied anonymously via tags and such.

If you're a blogger and you're guilty of such a grievous sin, repent and be part of this movement and make Blogger/BlogSpot/ALL BLOGS a friendlier environment!

I'M AGAINST INTERNET BULLYING. WHY SHOULD YOU NOT BE?

Utter ...

2008-11-12T22:49:00.003+08:00

Is it petition period and I've not been told?

I was sent petitions, and surveys.

Please show discretion what you send me too. I'm not allowed to divulge where I'm posted to and what I'm doing and I'm not female - so I shouldn't be doing a survey for bras nor a petition to have feministic natural beauty (against plastic surgery).

I was on FaceBook for sometime to read latest happenings - like on the stocks, how things work and then I came to MORE PETITIONS amongst all. LIKE OMG! GET ME OFF!!!

Check this FaceBook group out, and they've spawned off a site!

And in case Bernard is reading this: NO. I'm and I will not endorse or support your cause. Read on to find out why.

And readers who sent me this, thanks.

To bloggers (individual or group), groups & organisations,

Hi Friend,

My name is Bernard Chen, 23, a student at Temasek Polytechnic, one of 10 young Singaporeans, who are initiating a nationwide National Petition for Fairer Transportation Fares for Polytechnic/ Tertiary Students to collect between 30,000 to 100,000 actual signatures of support.

For more information on this nationwide campaign, please refer to http://www.petition4fairtransport.org

We would like to obtain your official endorsement to promote this youth campaign.

If you wish to encourage youths of today to make a difference and take ownership of the destiny of this nation, please kindly send your logo/ header/ diagram/ picture to petition4fairtransport@gmail.com. Basically, we need something that readers can identify you with.

We hope to be able to put your logo/ header/ diagram/ picture up on our website under the “Endorsements” page and visitors to our website will be able to access your site through a direct link found on the logo/ header that you have provided us.

We would also appreciate if you could please put up our campaign logo on your website. The campaign logo can be found at http://www.petition4fairtransport.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/blog.jpg

We are pleased to also announce that TheOnlineCitizen (http://theonlinecitizen.com) is the official media channel for this campaign.

I must reiterate that we are a non-profit organisation, just a sincere group seeking your valuable support.

With your official endorsement, we will be taking a giant leap towards a successful petition campaign.

Thank you for taking the time to consider any endorsement. I look forward to your kind endorsement.

Regards,
Bernard Chen
Organiser(s) of the National Petition for Fairer
Transportation Fares for Polytechnic/ Tertiarty (sic) Students

I remember my days as a polytechnic student after graduating from JC, and yes... One of the few things I have to adjust to is the sudden increase in transport fee.

But of course, instead of a crowd (see how harmful some are?) that gathers that only complain and fuel each other, I accepted what my concession card can do for me - monthly concessions!

After trying what I felt to be more economical - topping up $10-$20 once a week, I decided to get monthly concessions because it's cheaper and its available for use.

So I find it stupid why polytechnic students, supposedly to be more technically-inclined, would not think out of the box to cut down on transport costs on their individual level. It sounds so childish - to go straight up and realised with some embarrassment that you actually have a cheaper alternative to transport - just that possibly you are too lazy/stupid/ignorant to find it.

Let's say if I'm like Mr X from the FB Group and top-up $10 every 2 days. His expenses for transport would be $150. For what he needs to traposrt himself to and fro, I don't care, but I know that if I were to buy a Bus Concession Pass, it'll cost me $52, and $42 for train concession. The hybrid pass would just be the both added together.

$97 dollars for a month of free bus rides and 4 train rides a day. So in case train concession dies for the day, you can take the bus back.

The reason, I feel, why poly students are not given subsidised transport rate is simple (because I'm the simplest person around when it comes to such directives). It's solely because the government has subsidised so many fees for polytechnic students. Schools Fees, Tuition Fees and Institutional Fees, like canteen food.

You might argue it is a flawed argument, because Secondary School/JC students are also subsidised, but think about it - how much are the basic school fees that a Secondary School/JC student (or rather the students' parent) needs to pay compared to a tertiary institute's school fees.

Besides, with 'O' Levels and possibly, 'A' Levels, you are not able to find a self-sustaining job that can last. Don't even talk about 'N' Levels.

Diploma/Degree holders are able to seek employment with a specialised pedagogy taught to them in the marketplace.

And don't poly students want to be treated like adults?

Oh wait. Some of them become useless Comms Techs who are so lousy to be unable to make it to School of Signals instead. Awww... *pats them with a newpaper*

Go ahead, shoot me. Tell me how you feel, and all I can say is that - we'll see then.

Preferably by email please. The tagboard, it seems, to be used by close friends, gaylords, advertisement bots and readers who just wanna drop a note here and there.

On a side note - I think I read somewhere this September that LTA is considering revising transport rates for students, but till now since Saturday I can't find that article online nor in print.

Well, I pray that it is not an attention seeking "I will victor" mission that Mr Bernard Chen is trying to hit.

It's so easy. Let the petition last till they announce the revision, and then claim victory.

Pfft.