Summer Raindrops

Sunday, July 31, 2005

Turf Fight

I never failed to enjoy a slient laugh, a chuckle, within me when I see groups of people fighting over one another, in territorial and turf disputes.

Years ago, when I was slightly younger, I lived in the central part of the island, in an area know as Bukit Timah 7 mile. As a young teenager then, I was kind of an observant person of the things of the world, happening around me. One of my hobbies seems to be looking and analysing and brainstorming and predicting, on what goes on in the minds of people, and why they do things.

Bukit Timah 7 Mile
Now Bukit Timah 7 mile, is a wonderful place. A town in the middle of everywhere. It used to be a strategically located Chinese village, where farming was the order of the day. It sits in the middle of the road, connecting the Northern parts to the City, right in the South. To this day, the little town still serves this purpose, though much to a lower extend, as highways connect most corners of the island. The little town had sprawn into a hub connecting the housing estates of the west, as well as being a middle to higher income residential area itself.

Now one particular building that I used to walk by everyday, on the way to the bus stop downstairs, is the old shop/residential building next door to my block. A kind of run down, 1980s building, with old fashion white mosiac covering the exterior, and limited private residential on the 3rd and 4th floor. Right on the first floor was the typical toto (lottery) betting shop, aah beng car repair and modification shops and coffeeshops full of ah sengs. A typical building where "hooligans" and street roughs of all sort seems to frequent and gather, with the place typically crowded with people hanging around the urine smelled corridors and walkways; and cars honking each other as they compete for limited carpark space; in the hot, bright, windless, typical noon day in Bukit Timah. The temperature rises drastically at noon, and is amplified by the white broad concrete walkways around that building.

Cat Territory
Now I notice that the area boost the record number of cats in Bukit Timah. These felines, are the culprits for the urine smelled corridor that one will catch as one descend into the dark stairwell at the lowest floor, as one walks pass the occasional flower pot/ flower bed, etc.

These cats, marked their territories with their urines and faces. The smell meaning to other cat groups, that "they own the place". Seeing groups of these ahbeng and ahseng cats, lingering around the place seems to be the norm of the day, with the occassional sight of a rotting dead cat killed in the latest brawl.



Living there, I witness and heard countless cat fights, screaming a high pitch meow as they charge into one another, sometimes many to one, sometimes many to many. Noisly and yet sensational at night, as I used to study till the late hours through the night. It is common to see a cat taking off at full speed, dashing across the empty road at night, with half a dozen other cats chasing at breakneck speed.

I concluded then that Bukit Timah 7 Mile was a prized turfland for the cats.


Gang Fights

As I was in an average, neighbouring, but fast declining school, with a growing bunch of students being recruited into secret society gangs then, naturally, I'll have 1 or 2 schoolfriends who are in gangs and are even in rival gangs. A friend once told me that the building seems to be the headquaters to a local secret society gang whereby the gang's "CEO" and his "board of directors", did their everyday business. It is common to catch a glimpse of section group leaders reporting to battalion group leaders at the coffeeshops while waiting for the bus, and sometimes even seeing some of my frens following their leaders on illegal money extortion activies at the shops around the area.

Once I heard a rival secret society had invaded the area. Staging a takeover, much like what bush and his merry man had done to Iraq. The whole area was fortify as the gang people rush to and fro, like the crew of a destroyer during battle stations, as they prepare for war with the invaders.

Naturally I would pressume that "special forces" and "double O sevens" from the invading gang would be conducting recon and pathfinding operations for the main force in that area.

Fights were then common in the area. With the police increasing their patrols all the time.

I concluded then that Bukit Timah 7 Mile was a prized turf for the gangsters.


Politician Fights

Then came one of the year (I can't remember which) whereby the election was held, and Bukit Timah was contested. The whole place was literally turned into a fairy land with political parties banners, photo potraits of politicians, banners, and why-you-must-vote-for-us-campaign marketing publications. Politicians with the typical flower garland walking around for the first time shaking hands with puzzling people as they compete fiecrely with each other for Bukit Timah.

Again I concluded that Bukit Timah 7 Mile must be a prized turf for the politicians.


Analysis
Strange yet funny! Puzzling yet ironical! Over this piece of urine smelled, hot, stinging polluted air, with old fashion buildings, vulgar mouthed ahbengs, and half-developed plots,... so many souls were locked into combat with one another, planting flags and claims, and fighting for control. So much money, sweat (or urine) and time had been poured into the area, with little "return of investment" to be extracted out from it.

And the amazing thing is that these turf fighters are only after the throats of their counterparts, in their same tier! Cat fight cat; gangster fight gangster; politicans fight politicians. Heheheh, the rival cat gang, will in no way go against whichever secret society gang that is coming into control of the area, and the gang wouldn't give a damm which cat ahbeng is hanging around their area! Amazing!

I then decided then that when I grow up (finish with my studies and go into the workforce that is), I'm going to put my life goals, my values, time, etc, etc... into areas and activities that is based on more significant values, tangible and rewarding returns, which will ultimately contribute to the goal of a well meaning and abundant life.

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Modern Day Scarecrow

Yah the blog is armed with a Urine Detector. Don't play-play.



Everytime one took a lift, one will sure to see this sign, "haiz"... so sad, another one of the failed restriction gadget. The scare system thing, that will fail over time, as people (in this case, little kids) will understand and outsmart the system.

Well but at least it does cut down on such urinal cases in the lifts...


Anyway, the lifts at my block are always flooded with urine and rubbish, at least a few times in a month.

Friday, July 29, 2005

Sound the Bugle

Inspiring song by Bryan Adams. From the motion anmiation
Spirit, Stallion of the Cinammon


"Sound The Bugle"

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light feat that I will - stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on

Then from on hight - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls - remember who your are
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are
Ya you're a soldier now - fighting in abattle
To be free once more -Ya that's worth fighting for

Thursday, July 28, 2005

You Hua Zhi Suo


You Hua Zhi Suo at Suntec city lobby, outside Carrefour.

Girl's Second Dish!

Wah my girlfriend just cooked her second dish for me! :)

Is a cereal mix with milk and eggs. A great improvement so far! The first dish was a plate of instant noodles, with half the packet of seasoning.


Top View : Doesn't it look great?


Perspective View : Steady. Can smile, smile a bit.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Jump Boat

Sian, I am only 3 months into my new job. A contract position in a prestigous organisation. Just got a prospective new path with a company. To do 3D stuff. I like that job, and somemore the post they offer is a long term permanent employment, of course no such thing as long term these days (read my earlier articles), but seems to be better.

Don't know if I got the opportunity, should I jump boat after 3 month since that job is a long term job. Now I have to consider all the housing loans and future family cost that will commence pretty soon.

Working and trying to live in Singapore, certainly has a lot of liabilities.
Ties you down so much that you barely have any resources left to live a meaningful life. No wonder so many people migrate.

Sian.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

London hit by terrorist again.

Shit man, the news just reported that London was hit by terrorist again.

There were 4 bombs this time.

Yahoo UK news.

This is sad.

We are Family


Tong Xing Yuan or what?

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Racism in Japan

Japan, the modern hypercity of cheap inventions, innovative food, crazy fashion, anime, and the tikam type of toy in the box..., is actually one of the most racism society in the world.

True, true, there have been many reports in recent times, about the dark side of their society. Behind the "aligato", the smile and bow, is the ugly, pretentious, gossiping, status conscious, apettite to shun and look down on other races, die-hard attitude.

Most friendly write-up by a foreign exchange student on the racism.

Most Asians, and some Westerners will realised that the Japanese viewed themselves superior than the other races, on this 3rd rock from the Sun. In domestic dealings, in business deals, in treatment, in government services, the gaijin (or unwanted barbarians) are always undercut, treated badly. This is especally even more true for fellow Asian races.

From the Second World War to the modern day, Japan is unrepentant and had never admitted that they are in the wrong. They killed kids and babies, subject civilians to chemical and biological tests. In fact, if Bush wants to talk about Weapon of Mass Destruction and can't find them in Iraq, Japan has it all. Yet they murmur and raise voices about atomic bombs and the hardship their population faced when they were subjected to fireboming. Silly and really Hypocritical! And they "couldn't understand" why the populations of fellow Asian countries held protest against the Japanese policies.

This Japanese expatriate that I learn hobby-kit modelling from, still has the cheek to say the Nanjing Massacre is a communist fabrication, and without Japan conquering Asia, Asia will still be backward and under the angmos (westerners). Freak! The current People's Republic of China weren't even formed when the Nanjing Massacre happened back then. And how about the Massarce in Singapore? Those are live people! Somebody's father, somebody's sons, somebody's wife, somebody's monther. Are they impling on that the average Asian is stupid and couldn't stand up? They are Asians too! That means they are stupid? The peanuts conspiracy again? Give peanuts attract Monkeys?

Globalisation in Japan? Yar they have the placement and the technology long time ago... but what is it you say...? Globalisation?... global-isation... global-realisation...!

Well in the current society context... it is still a long long way for them. Definitely way after China, Korea, ASEAN, etc. And in this upcoming "Global Realisation" (much like cooperation without borders kind of deal), they will be left behind, until they really are able to understand that all races and civilisation are actually on an equal footing. It is only Opportunity that presents herself to different people at different time. And when they failed to grasp it, Opportunity will probably have left their doorstep and moved into other's courtyard.

My dear Aligato-san, Every runner starts at the same straight line.

Google got Moon!

Wah lao, as if Earth is not enough, now Google has Google moon. Yes! Google moon! I don't know what are you going to do with Google moon..., buy a property there? Sart a coffee chain club business?

Hmmm, but I still think Google Mars will be much of a better idea...

Say how about Google Middle-Earth or something?

Touched...

Just now I went by Bukit Merah Central. Went by the Church that I had always attended faithfully every Sundays a year ago. I missed the place. Just seeing the building touches me. I long to go on a Sunday service and sing to God. Praisng him and lifting him. And to listen to the wonderful sermons that always lifts my spirit up.

I seems to got a whim of reminder as I walked by the theater. I loved the place. I just don't know how to join and get accepted. Or rather, to accept myself able to be accepted by the nice people. I had always hang at the back, not daring to join the people, the activities, as I always had this troubling thought of unacceptance. But amazing still, at the back of my mind, I know I probably am too sensitive.

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Wedding Dinner 101 : Yet another wedding

Wedding dinner... yet another friend getting married.



So many people getting married. Me and my precious girl friend attended this one. The 2nd sat in a row. The first one being a ex-colleague of mine, who also knew my girlfriend when we went to her Church. She got married to a european, and is now going to Europe to stay with her new family for the rest of her life! Lucky girl she is. How blessed.

Well this was at Sheraton. It was very well done. The food was surprising fantastic. Everybody around the table gave thumbs up. The serving of the dishes was fast and efficient! The dinner started late (almost at 9pm), but everything was done before 11pm! It was fantastic! Hardly imaginable! Almost all the food from wedding dinners that I had attended in the city area (orchard, city hall, and suntec) are on the other side of the scale. And the interval in between the serving of the dishes can
put most of the guests to sleep.

Thumbs up.

Food! Glorious Food! : Manhill Restaurant



Manhill Restaurant! The fabulous, long time, long service, good quality, restaurant of Singapore! It is fabulous! Situated in an almost isolated corner of Singapore, right at the south, opposite Alexandra Tech park, near to the entrance of Labrador Park, is crowded on almost every day! This rare one stop eating house is famous for practically everything. From hor fun to the dishes of ci cha, to chilli crab, to inventions of their own! With menus written in ang mo, german, french, spanish, mandarin, and japanese, as a testimony to the many nationalities of their customers!

Order the beef hor fun, and that "yu pian chao cai" shown on the picture on the right. It is fabulous!!! The fish is indescribable. The yam ring, the chilli crab, the fried fish, the "zi bao ji" (paper wrapped chicken), and whatever catches your eyes on the menu. Highly recommended!!!