Since 1819

Kernel

2011-04-10T17:22:00.003+08:00

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
It is amazing the analogy Jesus used to describe dying to self - an act that defies logic, but yet holds the key to life eternal. What's more amazing is that Christ came to be amongst us, died as a man and rose again on the third day and ascended to heaven, that all may receive salvation-bringing to light the many parallels evident in the grain of wheat analog. As we approach Easter, I'm humbled by what my Saviour did what He did for me 2000 years back at Calvary.

Breakfast

2011-03-25T12:01:00.008+08:00

"When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. " John 21:9
I typically welcome the prospect of an unrushed breakfast - not one of those where I wolf down a bowl full of cereal swimming in milk. I find it awe-inspiring that Jesus built a fire and reinstated Peter back into His service despite what Peter did earlier. It brings me much hope - that service of the Lord isn't about perfection - just a clear understanding of our dependence on His Mercy.
Amidst the air of uncertainty that surrounds us lately, it is comforting to know - that certainty does remain, in He who holds the key to Eternity.

Anticipation

2010-06-23T00:35:00.004+08:00

Not sure when this will be coming to town, but I reckon the last time I was that excited about a movie was before Sharlto Copley played "Murdock" in The A-Team. This time round though, the theme's heavier in more ways than one.
Let's see what Samuel Moaz puts forth.

In Reflection

2010-02-20T14:47:00.002+08:00

It's been a while.

Regarding Miller

2009-11-12T21:57:00.004+08:00

"I have found in my work that people can connect over good food when so many other factors seem to divide us. Sharing a table seems to unify different races, cultures, political beliefs, religious beliefs, etc. Why do you think this is so?

Eating is one of the only socially acceptable ways we can share vulnerabilities. We would never get together with strangers and use the bathroom together, but it might have the same affect. No sense putting on airs, we’re just human. So here we are, a group of people putting foods in our mouths because if we don’t eat, we die, because we are not superhuman, we are beholden to our bodies, and our bodies need food and so much more. So I think there’s a humbling aspect to eating together. And then, seated there at the table, we are even. Nobody is taller, nobody is dominating, we are eye to eye. And we have to take our time, because we are also eating, and we have to listen, less we spit soup out of our mouths for talking all the time. And it’s such a pleasurable experience too, that feeling of comfort that we are going to stay alive another few days, that we are secure. It’s a great set up for good, honest conversation. "

Donald Miller, on why people connect over good food. I'd tend to agree with what he says. I still have fond memories of the times spent in Europe, cooking a humble meal for a couple of friends from various parts of the continent. It's been a good 8 years since I started by stint in Europe, and whilst coming back home takes a bit of getting used to, it's great to see how God takes our past experiences to speak to us about various key aspects of our relationship with Him.

District 9

2009-08-15T23:24:00.001+08:00

I was a tad bit apprehensive having dragged G, AG, H, AL and J to catch this relatively unknown summer tail-end sci-fi offering. I'd tried to convince them of the impressive art direction and shooting style that caught my attention with "Alive in Jo'burg" back in 05', and right to the point where they streamed in filling up the 6 seats I'd booked on the opening day (13th of August) at Orchard Cineleisure, I was wondering if I'd gotten them into one grand 117 minute mess. But Blomkamp delivered - spade loads. For a lean $30 Million, the film looked like it was made for a budget a couple of times more. Copley's performance was more than convincing, as was the cast (if you'd consider Christopher Johnson part of the cast) who are relative unknowns in the movie mainstream. There were enough instances where the CGI was just indistinguishable from live action sequences. Jackson's WETA wizards did such a tremendous job with the props and costumes. From the ashes of the aborted "HALO" project comes this gem that makes me relive the magic of the silver screen. Herein lies the paradox as well - with a movie so well crafted, it's bound to raise expectations, where its success might work against it. I'd left the cinema only after the end credits finished its run. But I'd dare hazard a guess, I'd be watching it again, and quite possibly, again.

Eager

2009-08-04T23:48:00.001+08:00

Transformers 2 was a disappointment, for a variety of reasons. But this, I'm holding out hope that this Jackson/Blomkamp collaboration will prove otherwise. If Blomkamp's work with his HALO3 short films were any indication, D-9 looks set to please. August 13th. I'll be sure to catch it.

[Mobile Post] Coronation Plaza

2009-08-01T22:30:00.003+08:00

Having a down tempo meet up with JY, SB & Co. at the recently opened Green Mermaid Coffee joint. 2 storeys worth of concrete chill out space for the student populace. Wish I had it this good back then, but back when I was a student, shelling out $5 for a cup of coffee was considered sane probably only to Howard Schultz himself...

The Walk So Far

2009-07-27T19:48:00.000+08:00

"I will never leave you nor forsake you”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Down Tempo Modellbau

2009-07-21T20:41:00.000+08:00

I've been dreaming of this for quite a while: building models to the down tempo chilled beats of some present day looped Electronica. Coming back gave me a fair deal of time to contemplate, reflect, and just take stock of things. There's much in the pipeline, but for now, it's one day at a time.
Tomorrow, I meet up with the JackRabbit and TNCC for breakfast at the Golden Arches and for once, we don't have to go to some forsaken western corner of this island where the air reeks of a mixture industrial effluent, cocoa and automotive exhaust. I know, it's trans fat-laden-whachamacallit first thing in the morning, but we're attending a lecture by some subject matter experts and we're pretty content just taking the back seat for once.

Remembering

2009-07-19T21:04:00.001+08:00

"Life at its best, is simple."

Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah

[Mobile Post] July

2009-07-01T22:43:00.002+08:00

Out at King Albert Park Mac's. Been a day of suprises, not least of which, a lunch treat from G :) All in all, we've been taught, a grateful heart is the beginning of drawing closer to God. For all that has happened thus far, I've much to be thankful for.

Back From Cathay

2009-06-25T11:03:00.000+08:00

So June 24th came and went, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen (ROTF) opened in cinemas worldwide. We went, we watched, and we...lamented and the character development - or the sheer lack of. Michael Bay did a great job in giving his trademark shlow-moh takes, but somehow, with so little time from edit to the big screen, the whole feel of ROTF was all chopped-up.
Sure, there were the cantankerous 'bots, geriatric Jetfire, and Prime in his various guises, but all in all the movie left one a tad bit disappointed.
The sound (thanks to the THX certified cinema) was exceptional, the ILM effects, breathtaking, but the characters...somehow fell flat. The ending signaled a highly likely TF3, but let's hope it will be a true revenge of the Fallen Part 2 instead. Watch it on the big screen if you love the effects, but as a whole, it's easily **/*****.

On The Road

2009-06-03T23:22:00.001+08:00

Off on a trip again, albeit unplanned. Switching to Walawalamuciwawa for now till I return.

Contemplate

2009-04-20T20:19:00.003+08:00

The inertia was huge, but thank God it has been overcome. An eventful weekend. CG on Friday was interesting, and the Saturday mid-day coffee break before service proved therapeutic too, but the service on Sunday, as well as the chill out thereafter was even better.
Readjusting to the pace of things back here in the Tropics takes a while, but there's really no excuse not to heave myself up from bed and start plying the streets of the City once again, meeting friends and model building artisans, and just simply marveling at the wonders of God's Creation. No doubt, there's a persistent, blistering heat wave of late, but hey, it's been a while since I've enjoyed myself this much spending weekends doing stuff that's meaningful. The mini-photo essays have returned. I hope I can keep up this pace.

Back Again

2009-02-23T18:59:00.002+08:00

It's hard to believe that this is the first post of 2009. I'd thought I'd abandoned what appears to be a waning fad of blogging, but thought I'd revisit it a tad bit since I'm back in town, and feeling a tad bit nostalgic (considering I made my first entry back in March of 2005). Not much photography of late, but there'll be some, soon.

Island 1819

2008-12-09T10:04:00.000+08:00

After 6 years on the road, it's good to finally be back, and pretty much settled-in to this Island. They say that sometimes, it's necessary that you go out, to find out where home really is. I hope I have, here.

Back Home

2008-08-28T22:40:00.002+08:00

Finally. Back home after a good 6 years on the road. My first mobile post. Sitting out here with Dr. Ti at a place we where memories of our childhood pretty well flood back as we see the next Gen of this island live out their years that they too will reminisce in years to come. It's a cycle we all go through, for me, I'm just trying to make my first mobile post... Err...substantially verbose.

Deutschland

2008-06-30T21:00:00.000+08:00

I'm off again...short trip this time, but already I am thinking of coming home. Head down to the Walawalamuciwawa for now. Be back in August 08'...

Soon...

2008-05-10T00:08:00.001+08:00

Five more days and a wake up...

96 Months Ago...

2008-05-09T04:39:00.001+08:00

... on this day, WY (Jackrabbit) and myself signed on to a job that would send us halfway round the world to Europe. Now, he's a soon-to-be father of whom would most certainly be a gorgeous girl, and husband to the bubbly Red Timberwolf. Would would've guessed...

I Know...

2008-04-29T04:48:00.000+08:00

This page should really be updated more often. I will...soon.

RATify

2008-02-07T20:48:00.000+08:00

Truly, it's comforting to know amidst all the changes that have taken place on this island, that the Lunar New Year still hails as one of the most well observed of Seasons. The streets were empty in town, shopping centers were practically desolate - and all manner of decoration for the season was in place around this tiny island. In the lull between preparing for the Reunion dinner and diving into the thick of the festivities, I took a trip down town to see what it was like.
The meaning of 除夕 (Chú Xī - Lunar New Year's Eve, or literally "Change", "Eve") still figures very strongly in the lives of the people here, and it's great to return to a place like that. I would not have imagined myself saying this, but I'm glad I'm here during this season, and not somewhere else where it' still Winter. I'm definitely pleased ...

Prayer

2008-01-18T21:42:00.000+08:00

I thought it apt, to continue where I last left off in the previous post to invest more time in the study of that which mattered in the grander scheme of things. A lot of people ask these days, about Prayer, and if it really worked, or if it mattered at all? It was thus timely, that the answer came, for me at least, in the following passage taken from Yancey's recent book Prayer - Does it Make A Difference (Zondervan, 2006). Harold writes on pp. 83:

"For me, prayer is the key to making life an adventure. In the Lord of the Rings series by Tolkien, poor Frodo only gets enough direction for the next lap of the journey. As he looks back, it all works out, but most of the time he wanders around confused and helpless. Only occasionally, and in subtle ways does Gandalf actively give assistance and guidance.
Like Frodo, we live ina world of opposition, one saturated with sex and full of evil, violence and poverty. This is my Father's world? I come to God with my complaints and laments. I grapple with God, call him to account. And I believe God welcomes that dialogue. In the process, I learn who I am. Someone asked the Swiss counselor Paul Tournier, "What's your definition of a hypocrite?" and he replied, C'est moi - It is I. Prayer reminds me of that truth.
Prayer also straightens out my expectations. My son, small for his age loves to play football. He practices faithfully, slogging through the mud, and during games, he expects to get smashed by defensive players who outweigh him by a hundred pounds. He sees football as a kind of battle, and naturally it will include pain and conflict. I see the Christian's life on this planet as a battle, too. We try to follow God on a place in active rebellion against him. I don't expect prayer to make that any easier, any less problem-filled. I do expect it to give me the inner strength to keep fighting. Persistence is my way of demonstrating faith."

Yancey writes:
"If prayer stands as the place where God and human beings meet, then I must learn about prayer. I have now written twenty books, and in some way of other most of them circle around the same two themes: why God doesn't act the way we want God to, and why I don't act the way God wants me to. Prayer is the precise point where those two themes converge."

As I work my way through the book, it's becoming increasingly absorbing as it begins to reveal passages in Scripture that are jumping out at me in ways in which I hadn't perceived them before. And to think that I dared thing that life on this Island was getting a tad bit...well, I did suppose I was getting a little ahead of myself...

Brand New Year

2008-01-02T01:04:00.000+08:00

I'd wanted something meaningful to kick off the new year, not a resolution of sorts, nor new purchases, but something of a more lasting kind. 2007 was a year of being still, learning (not that it has stopped) and tons of reading - a retreat of sorts, and stock taking of many key aspects in life. But some of the most meaningful moments, were times spent in conversation with friends and family,the solitude of mornings in the city (whilst the world chugged on), watching traffic (people and vehicular) go by, within the safe haven of a muted Cafe, behind its massive giant glass walls. Donald Miller sums up pretty well the way I'd like to head into 2008. Quoting him in verbatim:

"I found myself reflecting on that hope, the hope we have in Christ, and I realized some of the greatest times in my life are times when I have had hope in something. If I were studying hard, I hoped in spring break, and if I was lonely, then I hoped in a new relationship that was blossoming. I have placed hope in a movie that would be coming out, in a sporting event of which I followed a team (Go Patriots) and some of those things worked out and some of them didn’t. But as great as spring break or a new relationship turned out to be, I think I have to admit the hope was even better. Reality can be a let down, as Solomon would say.

What I think is so remarkable about the hope we have in Christ is that this specific hope is promised to not let us down. God will come through even as He has promised He would come through. His hope will not disappoint, like so many other targets of false hope. And what is also interesting is that in light of the hope we have in Christ, all other things take their proper places, and we can see more clearly what they actually are, love for love’s sake, entertainment for entertainment sake, success in projects as fun and exciting, but nothing of eternal significance. Eternal hope for fulfillment is not in those things, it is in Christ alone. That perspective seems like it holds a lot of freedom."

There's a lot of wisdom in that which Miller expresses, and even more from where he draws his inspiration. Surely, such treasure merits a more judicious and deliberate investment of time in its study. Welcome to 2008 folks. It'll be an exciting year.

Mellow

2007-12-21T13:40:00.000+08:00

Must be the age thing...I don't feel like bloggin' much these days. Just finished the fight...but there's a huge backlog of photos and stuff that needs to be put up, and Project that needs to be run...time's a slippin', but at least the time back this time round was a lot more welcome than previous. Somethings don't change though...

Back

2007-12-05T00:32:00.001+08:00

Busy. Been back since last week, barely had time to post anything - it's mad, but I reckon I really should start clearing my leave for the year - I really should. More updates when that comes along.

Soon ...

2007-11-18T23:28:00.000+08:00

Ten days and a wake up. Looking forward to it. Check back soon.

Again

2007-09-09T21:52:00.001+08:00

I'm going to miss this place. Even though it's only been 3 months since I got stuck here, I'll miss this place. Those of you who took the time to meet up, thank you so much. And to a brother who's going through a very rough period, you are in my prayers. To the ever supportive CG group, thanks guys for all the farewell gatherings. And to those who met up during the course of the few weeks, GA and Art, EOKW and wifey, BN and wifey, S2, Synapseman, +K and family, JackRabbit and wifey, CW, Thumper, GT and wifey, ANYW, - you guys are amazing. Congrats to HisCreation and wife to be, BG. Thanks to the General and his gf for the wonderful hairdo - sorry I didn't have time for tea (Not forgetting the wonderful gift (BRAWL), thanks so much to FL too). I'm off to catch a flight now. Boss called, some last minute changes. Do tune in to the Walawalamuciwawa for the next few weeks. I'll keep you guys posted. For those of you travelling, Godspeed.

It Gets Better

2007-09-03T15:30:00.001+08:00

Spent the evening with SY and WS around Springleaf (near JackRabbit's hooch') chomping to the tune of some Shanghai starchiness. In an odd sort of way, I will somehow miss that sort of food (I don't normally miss the food back here when away). Then it was down to SY/WS's home up North of the Island for dessert - and they really pimped their home big time. It was one of those classical "Extreme Makeover moments" except this time round, we were talking about some real deal local HDB constructs being given the full overhaul by some serious engineering and clever thinking. The place looks NOTHING like what it was (walls hacked down and blasted to smithereens) and the reconfiguration was a total success. Form and function collide in a spectacular demonstration of just what can be done to even the most decrepit (read - war torn Beirut) of places. Photos to follow, but I was just so bowled over by their kitchen "Island" concept...

Evening By The Grill

2007-09-01T22:35:00.000+08:00

And so it was, an evening out with CG Epainos, plus a few distinguished guests, GA & Art, EOKW & JT as well as AT and Z with sonny ST to welcome back FL from Down Under. Pastor was there with wifey, and whilst the food was amazing, and the wine/spirits never lacking, the prayers were the most moving. The past 3 months had been a journey of discovery and exploration, these guys take it further and guide me through it all with meaning and purpose, constantly pointing me back to God above.
Thank you so much folks. You all make such a difference in life's journey, and I thank God for each and everyone of you. The men of Epainos, may His power continue to be unto each and everyone of you in the ministry that you've been entrusted. The ladies, your strength and support goes a long way in encouraging each of us to run the distance, to finish well. I'll miss you all when I'm away, but I do hope I'll do a good enough job on Walawalamuciwawa to keep you guys posted =)
Keep the Faith people.

Now Showing

2007-08-31T02:02:00.001+08:00

That Rat can cook. Really. Great show. Give it a go. Better than some of the action flicks out there. With another lead named after pasta shapes...there is really some merit in less processed foods. Create - and push far beyond the envelope within which we are EXPECTED to work in. There's really much within the film that draw parallels in real life...it's late...I just had fast food, not exactly a culinary challenge...but definitely one for the tummy. The long week is taking it's toll on me...time to crash.

Leaving

2007-08-29T21:13:00.000+08:00

There’s a comfort in this darkness
A Familiar Road
Though I know that you are no good for me
You’re a false alibi
You hypnotise and you keep tempting me
To throw away eternity

Time to wake-up and shake-up
You’ve kept me right under your spell for too long
Your promise is empty
Go dig your claws in somebody else ‘cause it won’t be me

I’m leaving
Leaving this path behind
Don’t need your sympathy
I’m leaving
Don’t try to change my mind

It’s a new day, a new way
Change is never easy enough
But I’m not giving up, I’m growing and sowing
Seeds of life beyond this shell
I’m going to be free, breakout from this cell

Shake my faith
You’re never going to break me
Take my strength you're never going to make me
Turn my back away from the truth
I won’t play your games, I’m nobody’s fool

Walk On

2007-08-29T12:37:00.001+08:00

There comes a point in life (actually, many points) where you trim the fat and go lean - travel light.

Word's out. I hit the skies again in a week or so. Walawalamuciwa will be active once more. Meeting up with part of the crew this Saturday, and it'll be a blast. +K will be there too, probably with wife and kids. It's going to be a mighty impressive CG turn out, with enough food to feed a hungry battalion. The General gave me one huge Leader Class Decepticon Brawl transformer toy for my birthday, GA and Art gave me a load of Transformers Memorabilia including an Uber cool green Autobot insignia T-shirt. S2 equipped me with a mask of both factions/allegiances of the Cybertron kind. All in all, it's great. Dad's got an exhibition due next week. Can't wait. All in all, it's been a great 3 months back here. Now for the next 3 there =)

Now Listening

2007-08-28T10:16:00.002+08:00

Been ages since the last update. What shall I write? Picked up a copy of May's latest album (after a review on TV Mobile onboard SBS Transit service 174 - amazing considering it was during morning rush hour - to be able to listen to "Shelter" above and beyond the noise without tuning into 89.3 FM for a direct feed), and her songs pretty much sum up the past three months aurally - mellow, introspective - an album you just pop into the player and leave it on Play. It's really that simple.

Back In The City

2007-07-26T02:24:00.001+08:00

Been a while since the last update. Been under the weather a bit, but hey, am back. The pictures speak.

Reflections

2007-07-10T01:29:00.000+08:00

Being stranded here doesn't quite cut it really. Thankfully, this is still home, and the Lord is kind. Met up with +K after his two week vacation in Europe. Spent a good deal of time chilling at a nearby Cafe, him working, me writing. Caught up with GA and Art', Jackrabbit and Red Tim' over the weekend with the General, then it's time with EOKW and wifey. Keen Karat is back in town, and so is the KL Swede. Managed too, to catch S2 before she headed off to her little adventure in the Chu Chi tunnels. Add to that a whole lot of time with the crew from Epainos and the time here really isn't too bad. I just need to get my butt back to Walawalamuciwawaland soon cos' there's just so much to be done and it ain't budging from here.
On a separate note, Blue Like Jazz is going to be made into a film, which is really exciting. If you've not read the book, give it a shot. Donald Miller does a great job of putting Christian spirituality in pretty much non-Christian terms...no mean feat in my opinion. I bought a copy earlier, finished it, gave it to a friend and realised I actually liked the book a great deal, so I went back and bought myself another copy. It's on loan once again - but that's how it should really be with Blue Like Jazz...pass it on.

Transformed

2007-06-29T02:05:00.000+08:00

From Bad Boys to Transformers, Bay does an excellent job. AND WHAT A JOB HE DID! In a word, the movie IS AWESOME. Jablonsky does a great job of the score. Great they've got a real orchestra doing it with a 66 piece string and 18 brass set up. For pictures of how the musical team looks like, they can be found here. CGI effects blend in seamlessly and the SOUND, gosh, the SOUND is absolutely mind blowing (AND satisfying!). Forget the pea-shooter *ping-pings*. The hearty *Thump-Thump-Thump* of really gigantic automatic weapons pounding the battlefield, the reach-to-the-back-of-the-cinema 3D audiogasmic full-bodied reverb' of the pulse lasers slamming into metal, concrete and ... well, you get the idea. Autobots or Decepticons, regardless - they moved with such gracefulness dodging all that ordnance and yet MAINTAIN that sense of weight and scale - that's RARE. Bumblebee, Jazz, Prime, Ironhide, Ratchet....they're all in there. True, many went "What's up with Megatron being an alien spacecraft...", but having watched the movie, I'm glad I didn't have to watch a silly Walther P38 pistol running about in the movie - seriously, it would have killed everything - and we're not talking about the characters in there. Starscream and company fly about and wreak havoc amongst on the silverscreen... all in all...WHAT A RIDE. WHAT A MOVIE. Go catch it.

Solace...

2007-06-26T16:24:00.000+08:00

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
You are
Te word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

A Matter Of Perspective

2007-06-08T11:32:00.000+08:00

After 12 hours in the air, delays at the runway, heavy traffic before landing and all that hoopla (honestly, the announcements made by some particular air crew should have been dispensed with...he might as well have been mumbling to himself...couple to that some poor radio discipline and absolutely embarrassing diction (thankfully no embarrassing conversations)....oh whatever, it doesn't matter). Point is, flight arrived safe. I'm home and dry...and stewardesses on duty did a mighty fine job looking after the passengers. At the end of the day, it's really the things that matter, that matter. It's good to be back.

Lift Off

2007-03-11T22:09:00.000+08:00

Yep, time to fly. Will be back in a bit...till then, it's been fab with the crew =) Quite a few of them to be honest, like +K & family, JY, KT, EOKW & Wifey, Jackrabbit & Wifey, Jackrabbit's bro, Jangle, S2, Dr. Ti & family, GA and King Art, it's been a swell time, thanks for the surprise parties and super chill out times we had, the great games of Ligretto we played - I'll bring some back when I return!!! =) Will update where time permits. Got a plane to catch.
For now, it's Walawalamuciwawa. As promised 15 months ago, it's time.

Pig Year

2007-02-20T20:11:00.000+08:00

After four solid non working days of loading up on calories, the time has come that one returns to the grind. Here's the Lunar New Year season in review... albeit a tad bit brief.

Creatures Of Habit

2007-02-15T01:35:00.000+08:00

Guess that's why they call it a hobby.

Time Transients

2007-02-12T23:56:00.000+08:00

Taking in the sights during these few days. Going to miss the tropical weather. Strangely enough, I'm actually feeling I'm going to miss this place.

Meeting +K

2007-02-08T01:02:00.000+08:00

There's something about +K that never ceases to amaze me. He suggested to meet up upon hearing the news of some recent developments. Just like that. Within minutes. So we went for coffee.

Conspectus

2007-02-05T22:18:00.000+08:00

It's a fair deal to take in at one go, I know. But the feeling is just about equal to downing that much of wine in one go - right now. Remember the Walawalamuciwawa? It's time.

Providence

2007-02-05T00:53:00.000+08:00

Some adjustments need to be made, soon. Time for reflection, purposeful contemplation and prayerful deliberation.

Hiatus Stop

2007-01-27T19:41:00.000+08:00

It's good to be back. Featuring the work of Fleaster after quite an inconvenient hiatus, no thanks to a virulent strain of the flu bug. It's good to be able to post, photograph, blog, drink (coffee that is), draw, write, etc. The simple things - as always.

To take long walks in the wee hours of the morningwith, someONE special fresh after the rain with minimal traffic and warm tungsten lit streets - watching empty taxis go by as you speak your heart out - and sweat it in the process.
To chase that dream - it's easy to forget in a city like this.
To listen to music and truly feel the emotion.
To watch a film and not be afraid to laugh with it, weep with it, and rejoice at moments that are meant to be, casting aside mock cynicism or label it "saccharine".
To realise that for all that world can offer, that all are the same in the hospital waiting room.

Cloudspotting

2007-01-08T20:40:00.000+08:00

Easy weekend. Slow. Now that the weather's improving, it's cloudspotting season. Me likes.

The Ordinary Life Lived

2007-01-07T00:54:00.000+08:00

Seriously, there's something really appealing about the ordinary life. You head out as and when you like, where you like and do what you like. There're heaps of good stuff around you, low traffic, the serenity of a nature reserve, the cool crisp tingle of the morning air and somewhat misty demeanour of the rainforest's canopy just before sunrise. I like Saturday mornings with late sleep-ins, a down tempo afternoon and an evening stroll in suburbia. Life's simple pleasures - an ordinary one.

Nocturnālis

2007-01-02T03:11:00.000+08:00

With the living room piled up high with a warehouse load of plastic injection kit boxes, I thought it was high time I did something about it. Working late into the night, I endeavour to at least finish a sizeable portion of my "back log" inventory...and that's enough plastic to last er...generations.

O-Seven

2007-01-01T02:46:00.000+08:00

It might seem odd that the year begins with something as random as an airport viewing gallery shot or something along the lines of a Project Zeta. But think of it as the end of the previous year 06', and moving on to a brand new year 07'. Somehow, the skies evoke a sense of renewal in the wake of a new year, pointing towards an infinite vastness that's filled with real possibilities that man-made artificiality simply cannot beat. And Who made the Skies? Why is it Blue? The science aside...but Who decided it'd be Blue in the first place?

Before 07'

2006-12-31T16:25:00.000+08:00

Torrential Predictability

2006-12-27T02:13:00.000+08:00

Some flashbacks of a trip from not too long ago...

The weather lately isn't something to write home about. The slightly more eager North-East Monsoon this year has practically drenched the entire island after a couple of non-stop shower spells driving the relative humidity close to 100% (if it hasn't already hit it) - wrecking furniture in ways one would least expect - via the insidious mildew. So that aside, here's what's been brewing in the workshop...

Monsoon In The City

2006-12-22T01:56:00.000+08:00

The weather has been unforgiving of late. Flash floods across many of the water catchment areas on the island. A while back, it rained non stop for a full day. We've had the 3rd highest recorded amount of rainfall in 75 years. Power failures too. But for the better part of the island, life goes on. And that means something. It's something to be thankful for.

And then, a blast from the not so distant past:

Different Seasons

2006-12-14T01:58:00.000+08:00

Confessions Of An Urbanite

2006-12-13T02:56:00.000+08:00

Urbanite I am. Country I thought I'd be, but having been there and back, it appears the urban landscape, for all its cold impersonal bluntness, it exudes a somewhat antagonistic attraction that exceeds that of Natural infinity. But we're seasonal creatures as we are those of habit. There's a season for everything. Urban is now.

Red Yellow City Lights

2006-12-11T02:37:00.000+08:00

Just back from the land of tea, Pandas and 麻辣火锅 (Ma La Huo Guo)...not that they are inter-related, but there you go. Chongqing-Emei-Chengdu. 8 days worth of mayhem, with the +K in Minstrel guise. Here's a start to the photo series in the coming week. It's back to work in 3 hours or so...time to hit the sack.

On Days Like These

2006-11-30T00:47:00.000+08:00

Farewell & Begin

2006-11-25T00:08:00.000+08:00

YH's on to something new after spending 3 months with the office crew. We're going to miss her. She's been exemplary in her conduct and industriousness - kudos! We wish her all the best in a new academic chapter, as well as on greater things to come :)

Late Nights

2006-11-23T03:50:00.000+08:00

I must be mad posting so late...where work beckons in less than 4 hours. So this will be brief.

Habitual

2006-11-20T03:10:00.000+08:00

Not content with the mayhem wreaked over the weekend, it was back to plastic vice haven.

Going Marine

2006-11-20T02:58:00.000+08:00

The Greasemonkey decides to take the plunge into the Marine World. Better late than never. For now, the provisional terrestrial shots shall suffice. The other bits will come in due course, courtesy of GA and ArtL. Star of the trip must have been PM - resident Puke Master. It's amazing that 6 hours of "digestion" produces whole leafy vegetables, bean sprouts and whole beans... PM bore the brunt of most of the day's humour - with good reason. It was a crew of 10. All came back, ready to start the new week minus the Monday blues ;) Considering this is already the end-of-season, we're very fortunate to get this trip realised. Thank God.

Return of Keen Karat

2006-11-15T23:55:00.000+08:00

It'll be a while more before Keen Karat returns to home soil, but for now, a home visit and bringing each other up to speed on life at large is always a good thing. Welcome back old friend.

Gotham In Scale

2006-11-12T23:35:00.000+08:00

Was at GT's place for a quick photo shoot. Being a true blue Dark Knight fan, he had in scale, that which would make Master Wayne misty-eyed. This is one random post...

Weekend Down Tempo

2006-11-12T23:21:00.000+08:00

One of those weekends where you just drop the gear to cruise control and just glide.

Re-animate

2006-11-04T15:09:00.000+08:00

Been a while since the last update. Much to do in the office, very little time - as usual. Not all that bad nonetheless. Here's what's been going on over the past couple of weeks, in pictorial format.

PVD

2006-10-19T01:06:00.000+08:00

Back in school (materials school that is), we learnt of the various coating techniques that existed out there for a multitude of applications. And no matter how you take things apart in theory, and break it down to all of its constituents/components/ingredients/chemicals, there's really nothing quite like holding one of it in your hands. Dr. Ti understands that very well. I'm just beginning to learn what it's all about...neat.

Back-To-Back

2006-10-18T01:20:00.000+08:00

KC got married. The General completed his ProjectEX-S mammoth of a project that spanned the year. Best thing was, he nailed down most of the new techniques and accelerated his building curve.

Freitag

2006-10-14T03:22:00.000+08:00

Two days worth of action, back to back. Loving every minute of it. Familie W called this evening, as did the crew from the surprise operation. Elf did her thing. And a couple of surprises too from friends from a while ago. It's fab to have something to be grateful about. More action over the weekend. Thank God.

Oktober

2006-10-13T01:42:00.000+08:00

For the record, it was great dinner first with family and Dr. Ti. MMJ plonked one huge surprise in the form of some MG plastic mayhem. Pufflander drops a huge parcel on me. All the TLC that went into it's preparation being very evident in the presentation of both mega prezzys'.
Then came da' surprise. The wonderful crew of EO&JT, GA&ArtL, JY, +K&BC&K-mini with sis, S2 and AL planned it all to perfection (reminding me once again that we go wayyyyy back). Braving mad office hours, parenthood and life's ups and downs, they planned it down to all possible contingencies (including me not turning up) and arrived to see to it that it took off. They topped it all with stuff from Newsboys, good copy on card, necessary (and timely!) literature and a generous dollop of Spirit.
Add to that a gift from The Tap (which I pressed straight into service), plus a timely book from The Jackrabbit, and it's about as much as you could possibly pack into 24 hours, with barely enough room to breath and RT plonks a fruit basket fit for a King on my desk with a cleverly crafted greeting card.
Thanks people. You all made my day. It's a tremendous privilege to be on the receiving end of something like this.
What a day, what a God. Ganz toll!

V.I.V.O

2006-10-11T23:42:00.000+08:00

Voracious Imagery Vast Opportunities, Very Intense Vast Outdoors...an evening excursion yielding imagery of sorts. A kaleidoscope of people, materials and eras. 5 levels plus an open "skypark" and whilst it might not be the next Mount Faber...it's become a favorite hang out of sorts for couples. That aside, that place has got good angles by the spades. Worth the trip before they're officially open (Dec 1st 2006), don't know about AFTER they're open....malls are malls after all, but we'll see.

Of Conditioners and Batteries

2006-10-10T00:08:00.000+08:00

The Geek-O-Me-The just decided to kick in tonight. Got me hands on one of them Bank O' Eight AA re-juicers and give em' batteries all the TLC you could heap on them. Toys for the boys...for sure. This is as close as you get to giving batteries a Conditioner without a chemical fallout...

Ain't Hazy No More

2006-10-09T01:07:00.000+08:00

PSI back to sub 50. That I like. Very much. Breathe easier, for now at least. A bit of rain would be fab to chill the environment a bit more and just keep them particulates down on the ground. Time to hit the sack. Going to be another mad week.

Low Vis'

2006-10-07T13:51:00.000+08:00

The forest fires in the neighbouring islands are really doing this place in. PI read 119 this morning. 100's good enough for you to get an excuse to don a 3M respirator, but 119 really gives you cause to get a bad throat (and absolutely atrocious weather for tennis...)

The view around has been almost obliterated save for what is in the "near field" regime...I normally peer out the window and see a particular hill...this morning, it was more of what appeared to be a massive white-out. Ok, going to hit the sack before hitting the office in a bit...

TGIW

2006-10-04T01:13:00.000+08:00

Weekend in review...though it's mid week now.

Wedding Day

2006-09-30T17:40:00.000+08:00

AY & PY became husband and wife today. Pictorial chronology of events went like this...well, almost chronological that is...

Post Stag Night

2006-09-29T01:01:00.000+08:00

First off, as the story goes, rushed from the office to town.

Went to pick up some "supplies" first before meeting up with the crew. My usual vice.

Then it all began:

And so the story went, AY survived it. AT helped him get onto Orchard Road, but by jove, this chap really managed to hold it all together after downing some 250% Al' down his innards...nobody dared put a tea light near him in case he cut the cheese...the whole pub would've been on fire...

Now we gear up for his big day this weekend. If this evening is any sort of indication of what is to come, we'd really like to see how this whole ceremony will turn out. Time to hit the sack.

Of Kites And Lights

2006-09-28T00:37:00.000+08:00

Finally managed to clock some decent flight time with the kites. It used to be that the Jackrabbit and myself crashed the kites before the batteries ran out. Nowadays, we can at least manage a decent landing, strong winds notwithstanding (just no rain please). These nifty things can really take a beating and still continue to fly - a testament to the efficacy of their robust design...drop by here to have a look at what I'm babbling about. Pro3 is the model we've been getting our grubby mitts' on, steering it with an Airtronics RD6000. Came back after clocking the necessary flight hours and hosed me 1/100 Scale Jünchoon ODK down with some kitchen grade Mama Lemon for a weekend build...at least after A & P's wedding this weekend. His Stag Night's due this evening. Can't wait.

Period Movies

2006-09-26T01:02:00.000+08:00

Got a sudden call from Dr. Ti for the loose Eastern interpretation of Hamlet...turned out to be a visual stunner. Costumes, arms & armour, sets, cinematography - top notch. Zhang Ziyi did a fab job...kudos.

Sabbath

2006-09-25T01:13:00.000+08:00

Highlight of the day had to be this:

Owner of M.Blog drops this surprise on me. Thanks bro!

The other surprise came from this WAVE 1/100 kit. Nightmare of a kit to be honest. Having been pampered by Bandai's latest injection plastic wonders, this 90s vintage looked like it was put together by a laser profiler-reverse engineered injection mold!!!
Gripes aside, weekend wrapped up really well. CG was fab. Post-CG meet up was fab too. Time for bed.

Old Faithful

2006-09-24T01:08:00.000+08:00

Went to the trailers site for the recent Tokyo Game Show 2006. Good ol' Harry (and Nobuko T. of course) has teamed up with Hideo Kojima once more on the latest installment of the PS Smash Hit series Metal Gear Solid. As far as initial impressions are concerned, the soundtrack is reminiscent of Gregson-Williams' earlier Man On Fire OST, with hints of MGS3 Snake Eater thrown in. Visually, it looks set to be a stunner. But all in all, Gregson-Williams on the score is a definite PLUS. I'm happy. Go here to see some of the latest TGS 2006 trailers. Expect Hideo's usual bag of twists at the trailer's end.

S.C.D.F

2006-09-24T00:45:00.000+08:00

Sure Can Do Fun. These chaps appeared to be doing a fire drill. They watered the greens around them too. Brilliant idea. This is really a photo binge.

Swiss-Cheese Nation

2006-09-22T23:49:00.000+08:00

Weekend's here. Photoshoot with AY and P. Dinner thereafter. Milled about in the city for a while. Solo. Another tunnel was soon to be opened. We're turning into Swiss-Cheese nation at the rate we're digging up this island - tunnels, optical fibre networks, more tunnels and underground city malls...

The "Bulldog" Speaketh

2006-09-19T00:55:00.000+08:00

"I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals."

- Sir Winston Churchill
(1874-1965)

Sunday Tropicana

2006-09-17T23:46:00.000+08:00

The temperatures finally dipped with an afternoon shower. Day was spent pretty much at the centre of the Island (it doesn't really quite make sense to demarcate the lsland into it's various zones when it's only 23 km long by 43 km wide and weather patterns generally....oh well, it's summer here all year round save for the Monsoon season...) messing about with bits of plastic and watching the Ten Commandments (yeah...that classic).

That being said...it's turned out to be a pretty good weekend. Finally feel recharged for a change. Bracin' for the new week ahead! Hoo-ah!

Photo Prolific

2006-09-16T22:40:00.000+08:00

Finger on the shutter trigger, day may be over but pictures linger.

Thankful

2006-09-15T09:28:00.000+08:00

Every now and then, the Elf pops up with one of these from her trips around continental Europe. She just keeps getting better. Way to go Elf. Keep shooting.

Over Dinner

2006-09-13T23:11:00.000+08:00

Typically, dinner meets with friends can go either of two ways: Run of the mill, or mind blowing. There are those that you have, and forget. And then, there are the others. The others you remember for a long time to come, and with hindsight, remember them as a turning point that led to significant events in the future.
Four of us met up at a Pizza place along Bukit Timah today. It was HT, KK, JM and myself. HT and KK met and became good friends at Church. KK went off to Australia to train to become a commercial pilot. He's back from his vacation. Over dinner, he shared his life story as a young Christian. That triggered a series of discussions that led us to conclude we'd stumbled upon something big. Time to get busy. Very busy.

Rendezvous

2006-09-10T23:59:00.000+08:00

Theme of the day - "HEAT". First morning during breakfast, then at noon on court, then at the grill. The rains did help chill things a bit by the time evening arrived.

But the real star for the day was this Mynah spotted at one of our lunch haunts:

One-legged, scruffy but still soldiering on despite the disability. That spirit is admirable to say the least.

Granny's 90th

2006-09-09T23:39:00.000+08:00

Today we celebrated Granny's 90th Birthday. A rare opportunity to get everyone back together again, especially since most of us have been out of town quite a bit, myself included. It didn't seem too long ago where we played with bottle caps and clambered for choice cuts at a certain restaurant in Chinatown during family gatherings. Back then, we'd gouge out the rubber washers beneath them bottlecaps to see if we'd won a prize or not. And there were those strange stage performance sets (percussion, keyboards, mics etc.) with them uncles in bell bottoms and oversized shades, tux and all in retro style playing the hits of yesteryear...and we'd run circles around them.

Friday Torrential

2006-09-09T00:03:00.000+08:00

We [JackRabbit, his wifey, Doc' and me] were supposed to chalk up some flight time over the Singapore River. We got a load full of tropical rainfall instead. Turned out we sought shelter in a Cafe nearby, chilled out with Doc' who was in the area, cracked ourselves up with jokes about monkey business, and I come home to see the Synapseman online, just having posted his handy work here. It's amazing. He just keeps getting better.

Weekend Rising

2006-09-07T22:59:00.000+08:00

Never thought I'd be counting down to the weekend. As a conscript, you'd count down to the number of days and a wake up before the weekend came because that drove you during the course of the week through training. As a student, you took it for granted. As a working professional now, you spend it all resting and perhaps an occasional night out with old friends and the likes... but this weekend's packed. And it's a good thing. I'm looking forward to it. Met up with EO and JT today at a Cafe/Bistro round 6th Avenue, unplanned. But it works out best like this most of the time. The day wrapped up pretty well. I'm grateful.

Fantasia

2006-09-07T01:33:00.000+08:00

Plastic Ambition

2006-09-07T01:00:00.000+08:00

Just messing around....really.

Sunday Meltdown

2006-09-04T00:41:00.000+08:00

I love Sundays. Rest. It's rest, rest and more rest. Strange that within the past 3 years or so, this pattern of activity that I've adopted now is a far cry from what it used to be...parking at one end of the city and then trekking all the way to the other, shop, then trek back all over again. Nowadays, it's the "park smack in the middle of the city - shop - chill - coffee - chill - home - sleep" drill, interspersed with old school car spots, motorbike oddities and interesting interior designs you fantasise about having in your own home in the future. Feeling a tad bit older already...

Frenetic Redux

2006-09-02T23:59:00.000+08:00

I'd planned to slow things down a little over the weekend. Turns out things went totally the other way...

Sunday On The Streets

2006-08-28T01:30:00.000+08:00

The 7th day of the week in a handful of pixels...

After The Rain

2006-08-28T01:23:00.000+08:00

The humidity has been punishing of late. The air is so heavy laden you feel you're wading in gel...but the rains finally came. All of sudden you begin to feel like an agricultural community depending on water from the sky for your micro-economy. The garden springs to life however, even after a drizzle...

Bayfront Smorgasbord

2006-08-21T01:17:00.000+08:00

The weekend in not so many words...