In Your Darkest Hour
In Your Deepest Despair
I Will Still Care,
I Will Be There,
In Your Trials And Your Tribulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.

I sleep soundly every night, knowing that I have made every possible effort within my means and physical strength to take care of you through out the time, despite the fact that of not receiving support from closed ones. Rest in peace.

Its been 7 yrs. We fought, we quarreled, we disagreed. But that just made us understand each other better. Its only do when we mattered to each other, then would we have make the effort to quarrel and confront each other. Thanks for the company all these while from sec sch till now.

flashback (II)

As I held his hand, and felt the warmness of his touch, staring into eyes, he said, " its so horrible, it's been so horrible...I have no one else, take me away from this pain and sufferings." It faintly reminded me of someone I knew. Tears streamed down my eyes depsite my desperate measure to hold them back. For once I felt so helpless.

He couldnt see me cry. But he felt my love once last time.

But I never did manage to say goodbye..
Never will you realise how important or valued someone is to you, till you never get to see them again....

Flashbacks

Time to revive this award-winning blog I guess..Strangely, I can relate to this song and the song writer...hmm, sadly, I don't think one would want to...

Adia lyrics

Adia I do believe I failed you
Adia I know I let you down
don't you know I tried so hard to love you in my way
it's easy let it go...
Adia I'm empty since you left me
trying to find a way to carry on
I search myself and everyone to see where we went wrong'
cause there's no one left to finger
there's no one here to blame
there's no one left to talk to honey
and there ain't no one to buy our innocence'
cause we are born innocent
believe me Adia, we are still innocent
it's easy, we all falter
does it matter?Adia I thought that we could make it
but I know I can't change the way you feel
I leave you with your misery
a friend who won't betray
I pull you from your tower
I take away your pain
and show you all the beauty you possess
if you'd only let yourself believe tha
twe are born innocent
believe me Adia, we are still innocent
it's easy, we all falter, does it matter?
believe me Adia, we are still innocent'
cause we are born innocent
Adia we are still
it's easy, we all falter ... but does it matter?

Sarah is a great singer, and there was an version done by Avril Lavigne.

Yea, we were born innocent, and we are still innocent....
Will we falter?... ...

what a week!

Well, it has been a rather fruitful, happening, and relaxing week....At least my hols din go to waste bah..Sun was pretty fun at the aloha loyang chalet to celeb my coms grp memember 21st birthday! Thought it was rather subtle, and not much of a hype... but well, tha's her style i guess..Monday was spent with my OETI techy friend, who came back from seattle. Conversations were good, and there was lots to bitch about.haha, Tues was then to celeb a colleague's 21st birthday in town. The poor guy was still sick when he met me..hope you get well soon! =) After which I headed down to pasir ris chalet for a chillout session.Wed was physical! running and gyming sumed up the whole day of activity. Thurs was a nite of seafood and cycling with the gang. Lotsa good conversations, and silly remarks... Fri was spent meeting my ord colleagues! We had O Brien's Sandwich for lunch, which was absolutely fabulous.. at least that's wat i n j tot so. Then it was off to my neighbor cum friend slumber party at his place. It was an awesome bbq with plenty of good food. However, I had to leave early, cuz i was really shagged out from the past days of chionging. Yesterday, was spent nua-ing at home. Packing up the room, and having a nice relax drink in my armchair. The belated celebration is still on-going! and i think it's going to spread over a month instead! hmm..nice..oh well.. There's something missing..oh yes, KL come back quickly! the gang is asking when they can celeb for me! and i said till KL comes back first!!! =D ...so get ur dam ass into sg customs..erm, u better not arrive home with fever and flu hor..then u kena quarantine till nxt year liao..can forget about celebreation.. the bottles of absolute vodka, icewine, martini and champagne are untouched in PL house..they are eagerly waiting!!! hehe

happy sunday pple!

a little less conversation, a little more action! how AWARE are you?!

Well, today I am going to discuss about the past issues that have been prominent in the Singapore news. That would be about the AWARE organisation that has been the headlines for many weeks. The Singapore government did mention that they would not wish to interfere in this issue, because it involves the committee and their members directly. My personal opinion is that AWARE is an organisation that caters to the women's needs regardless of race, religion and sexuality! For the fact that, the new exco storms into the scene and evicts the old guard out, isn't a very friendly gesture. There isn't a formal, or proper handover being done either. Besides, the new exco are driven by pro-christian values, and they imply the fact that they discriminate homosexuals and regard it as a 'sickness'. Doesn't this contracdict the focus of the organisation of helping women regardless of race, religion and sexuality.. Furthermore, would they advocate christian values through their counselling sessions, and use it on the women who seek help? I am not against any religion, but being an organisation, they should have a neutral approach to such matters. In 2007, the majority religion in singapore of 42.5% is buddhism. And 14.2% of christianity. So will the new exco draw a line for women of different religion? The old exco doesn't promote homosexuality. They merely rendered help to gay women who were in need. They counselled those who needed the emotional and mental support, taking no stand on whether it was right/wrong, or attempting to counsel them along the way to 'straighten' their thoughts which the new exco seems advocate. So does that imply promoting? so not promoting means, not helping them till they become straight women? haha, what a joke..seriously. Besides, they have not been transparent in lotsa their actions. From handling the funds, and taking over the organisation. Do they have other ulterior motives in hand? Maybe? I believe what has sparked the outrage done by the new exco, is the way the members are handling the situation. Their actions of locking out the old guards from the office, etc etc. Their actions and behavior speak loudly abt their personality which would dictate how they would run AWARE in the future. This is probably what many women won't want.

And...my eyes are yawing..me is so tired...i am turning in..nitez pple..and feel free to drop ya comments! =)

it's been a loooooong time...

well, yup..it's been a looong time. I finally get a chance to take a break from work. Its been a ardous week of revising and studying. Man, i am so time and shagged out. It's time to let lose, and catch up with things I am suppose to be doing..Oh, and I should be having some belated celebs soon with quite a number of people. You know, I really hate people who makes use of you. In that sense, when they are down, or have no one to turn to, and they come to you. You give them all your love, comfort and care, and they crawl back up again. From which they totally throw u aside after that, and leave you to rot and decay. And there are those who uses ur company as a substitue to pass their time and for entertainment sake. Both of you are like related to each other from the time you meet till the time you head home. Other than that, the person doesnt care less if you have gotten into an accident, or had a terrible day that you need someone to rant to.When you ask them out, they either say they are busy, or they are broke. The interesting fact is that, the reason they are busy, is because they are going out with their huge circle of friends every other day which they claim. When you get that, it usually means 'eh, I don't wana go out with ya, so screw off! ' Just accept the fact that your company is not appreciated despite you being so nice to the person. Obviously he finds someone else that can provide him with better company cum entertainment, he throws you away like a broken furniture, and you will never hear from him again. It's often that the victims are the nice guys, with a good personality. They are self-sacrificing and caring at heart. THey are often the ones that end up being emotionally hurt and scarred. I truly understand, because I have been there before. Oh and i forget to mention about those, who utterly use every bit of you at work and you summon every ounce of your energy to help them when they are in trouble. After that, when they are done with ya, they won't even bother to reply to ur casual smses like how have been? etc. Well, to them, between you and them, there's nothing much to talk about.

What I do not understand is how the fact that these people have the conscious to do such things? Me, being me...will never be able to do these things to someone who have been constantly nice, caring and helpful to me. Well, i guess, it's them being them then. My best pal kl use to tell me, how the hell do you get to meet these horrible circle of friends of yours? U should just leave all of them, they are draining you like crap. Well, to me, I just can't turn down someone in need of desperate help or comfort. My motto in life was not to leave any fallen men behind me. That was what i practiced in SAF, and I took the blame for many people, and I fought for many fallen men. I don't see myself as a hero, no way near there. I just saw myself as someone not being selfish, someone who would help others in need to the best of my abilities.

Someone told me, "there you go again kelvin.Helping people that don't deserve you, caring for those that don't care less for you, sallowing your pride to be nice to them whom regard you as crap, and treating him so well but yet he doesn't reciprocate anything back! why? wake up your idea. "
ya, maybe i haven truly awoken yet. They say if you can't beat them, join them.
It's either I wake up one day being cold, heartless and superficial like some of those around me, or, these people wake up one day to be kind,sincere and loving.

maybe one day things will change. But as for now, it's the continous strive to reach my goals in life.

time flies

Well, it's coming to the end of the semester. My group presentation has looooong been history, but I guess it has left a legacy behind for achieving the highest grade. My e-port folio is done, and I can say that the results has been rather satisfying almost in the top end range. Finals are coming, and that means, the holidays are HERE TOO! ahhh..well, the long awaited break. Will be attending PL 21st birthday party today. Well, it's going to be interesting....cuz i am part of the organising committee, or u can say i m his main advisor...and THERE WILL BE ALCOHOL...and LOTSA GOOD CHOW...fantastic...hopefully it will be fun...ahhh the long weekend..so many things to do..KL wish u were here to join us...never mind, I will try to skype u in today =)...snoober, enjoy ur time with dota and good cheap kl food.... when u get back, we shall celeb my success....u ownz, and i pawnz...everyone...takecare

Deflated, Inflated Reflated

Well, my coms group members are suffering from post project syndrome. They have been complaining to me that they do not know how to spend the rest of the time that has been freed from the end of the project. The 4 hours long meeting on weds and fris, and the 5hrs long intensive sessions each day as the deadline drew near had already been history. But, well they all miss the all so familiar get togethers and chit chat sessions. They feel lost with nothing else to look forward to. I guess I get rather teary as well, as I am what that makes this group so united I guess. Nevertheless, it's been a wonderful journey. At the moment, I have been juggling quite a few things at a time. From the meeting of the needs of my dementia grandfather, to the handling of housechores that the new maid is oblivious about. sigh.not forgetting meeting deadlines and trying to mantain relationships with loved ones and people. I believe that I will get stronger by the end of the day. More hardy, more experienced. Haven been to the theatre since last Dec. I have soooo many movies I would like to watch - Slumdog Millionaire, The Tale Of Benjamin Button, Watch Man, Push, IP Man, Street Fighter, Coming Soon, Let the right one in, and the list goes on. I think it's partly caused by the reviews on all the different movies in my COMs moduel. OF COURSE, definitely the upcoming x-man origins, transformers, terminator...OH MY GOODNESS....i feel so behind time... =( jw, we better start our movie outings again, jin n pl i wana watch a 3D flick? KL...its coming to april...I soooo hope u r doing fine out that...i haven heard from ya for some time..u ok? erm..I want u to come back and eat at glutton bay with me...deep fried squids, sambal stingray? u better come back alive, i m sure u wld learnt a trick or 2 frm the army rite....I am waiting to feast with ya...

random thoughts...oh so random...

well, i spent the day, sending my beloved maid to the airport. she has worked 4 yrs in my household, and has indeed been a really good worker. I don't see her as a maid, but more of a friend whom does housechores for me.Having so much laughter and talk, and yet sometimes, venting my frustration on her doings, all make me feel that I have owed her so much. I always thought that maids are really respectable. For coming to a land so foreign, and meeting physical demands to earn a meagre salary. So i told myself, i had to push away all appointments regardless whoever the person was, to be there and send her home. yes, she has decided to return back to her home country, and it's something that we can't stop, as it would be selfish for us to do so.

Spent the day at home with my grandfather. He has lost his senses, and needs someone to give him directions. Just spent an hr helping him to bathe and he feels fresh and happy now i guess. He doesn't even know how to bathe, ya that bad eh...well, it seems that i do not have much time to attend to my social life these days with all these things breathing up my neck..oh well, it's time for more management. yesterday, was the end of my long-awaited oral presentation on cameras for my comms module also known as Shumi Gumi group. Well, i hoped everyone lurved it. My group members were really brilliant and capable, and i feel so lucky to have them around. What makes it more touching was the after notes and emails they sent when it was all over..well done guys. and i would like to share a small excerpt, written by one of them:

"How many hours, days and weeks has it been? No matter, duration does not play any significance. Words alone can't quite convey all my feelings, but here's my pathetic attempt nonetheless:Despite me being an obnoxious, rude, vulgar, in-your-face, judgmental, critical, gaming-while-discussing asshole, YOU always shut an eye, grit and bear without personal grudge (i hope (: ). Time spent with you guys makes me want to take the first bus to school everyday. Time spent with you guys makes me burst out of ESL 407 straight into the student lounge. Time spent with you guys makes me da pao my food to attend meetings. The laughter, groans, moans, smiles, crazy antics and comfortable silence we shared - will forever be cherished by me.
Kelvin - your leadership and patience never ceased to amaze me. You keep a calm disposition and strong focus on the work at hand but they never get in your way of sharing a good laugh. On top of which, you present genuine concern for others despite of your own troubles. You're a strong person and I truly admire you in many ways. Not to forget your superior dramatics and creative mind, you have brought our project great success and I must say I enjoyed every strenuous sessions we had to get it down. For all this I thank you and am grateful to have made your acquaintance. HELL, You're a GREAT FRIEND!"

Thanks so much to you, for making all of this come true as well.. god bless you and our proj presentation. it's the combined effort of everyone that makes us so unique and strong. thanks for appreciating me as much as i have appreciated u as well. well done well done and well done again. i love all u guys.....god speed.

INTERNET and COMPUTERS (COM)

Well, the long-awaited IT fair has arrived. This is usually seen by the long queues of cars jamming it's way into the carpark of Suntec City. Everyone jostles in the crowd to catch a glimpse of what's on sale. Apparently many people have told me the prices there are the lowest you can ever get. Talk about global economic recession, and yet people are still buying laptops and desktops off the shelves. I guess that in era of internet and World Wide Web, it's no wonder that one has to get it computer, as it works hand in hand to achieve what users want. Now to think of it, my computer is 6years old, with a loud whirring fan that irritates me. It's running on a really slow processor and has hardly enough hard drive left to install any programmes. Furthermore, I don't own a laptop too, which makes me ponder if i should head down there tomorrow. Oh well. Nevertheless, I would like to touch about computer mediated communication today thru the wourld of the internet.







Check out the 2 comics below:

The first comic tells us about computer mediated communication at work. It refers to a form of communication which uses computers, networks to relay messages through a platform of communication. This allows access and intereaction between people and databases over the world. The internet allows fast access to information, and provide users a personal identity that no one would know. The content touches on how Mc Cain would like to invade Nigeria on the internet scams. Bascially what happened was, a cyber crime was committed. There have been many instances of fraud through the internet with reference to Nigeria. The fraud always run along the line of needing money for investment whereby, returns would be given back to the investor in a short period of time. This usually involves stating established firms like petroleum company of Nigeria, bank of nigeria etc. This is done via email, and therefore many victims do not know the true identity of the sender. This have led to many Americans falling for the scam. Thankfully, cyber crime leaves cyber prints. Therefore, regardless of what anonymity, the culprits could be tracked down. Though I think Mc Cain wouldn't do such a silly thing, I think he got the US economy to care about.

The second comic tells us about the way internet and computers have affected us. It has become so part of our life, till that the boss rewards his employees with 2 days membership for a webpage. Besides, it also kinda ridicules the fact that, internet and computer has been so important to these people's life that they would take " time-off" in the virtual world than in the real world. Therefore, it has invaded into the world of many people. The virtual world has served many purposes. From getting information to meeting new people. It has been a platform that allows one to let more people to know more about you and vice-versa. It also enables people who have difficulty in relating to people in the real world, to provide them with an opportunity to communicate with others. However, I still abhor the fact of communicating online as it's just so much faster to talk, then put thoughts down in word, not to mention the lack of emotions involved. Unless one really know who he is talking to on the other end, he would really not be able to assume on how is the person feeling. I guess computer mediated communication does has it's limitation to a certain extent. I think we should all excercise some caution with regards to how we see the virtual world. This is because we will never know who were are interacting with on the other end, similarly, we shouldnt get to understand people through this platform, as it would mean less contact with the social world, and would thus be unhealthy.

a bunch of love

Strangely, in the past 2 days, 4 of my relatives in my extended family, both my paternal and maternal side, joined the ranks of my grandmother, and passed away. hmm, i guess life is just fragile these days, and who knows it could be my turn anytime soon? well, i guess after my accting exam, things have gotten slightly better. And I am much relaxed and happier, till they throw me another quiz or exam nxt. I have also sorted things out, more or less. I am sorry things went that wrong, I assure you that it won't happen again cuz I understand better...really..
And I got a party this sat nite to attend to.lotsa good food and drinks await..i hope i can find time to go out on sat..hmm...proj presenation is nxt fri. we will prevail.....................



to kl- hang in there, remember what i told ya, obstacles just make us grow stronger, don't detest them, cherish them for making u wiser.

to - u r not alone in this world ;) always....

Mass Communication and Globalisation (COM)

This blog entry is dedicated to my late grandma who passed away peacefully on the 05 March 2009, at 5.45pm. She's 81 this year. She has been a strong woman, battling diabetes, kidney failure and an in-curable eye condition called glaucoma that led her to become blind. She makes really good rice dumpling aka bak chang, and will be dearly miss. God bless her soul.

This 2 weeks have been dreadful with 2 midterms and one quiz. Adding on to another midterm next mon. This week especially with the death of my grandma, and the sudden decision with the giving up of one of the joy i have known. I guess with so many problems to cope with, hitting me here and there, the volcano just erupted. to the person, i have tried my best to be the best. I am also thinking deeply these couple of days to make a choice. I think the choice for me, is the choice that would make me happy, because it's my life, my decision and shouldnt be wavered by the opinions or view of the people surrounding me. I think it should go to you too. really.
And i really missed the copying of homework , and the part where you keep seeking the enlightenment of physics..... but we shall see...

And so over that, where i continue to ponder on. I shall talk about something today.First check out the comic below:


and the next one below to :


well, what do the 2 comics have in common? yes, it relates to mass media. And in particular, reporting and news telecasting and print, in this case. Well, the first comic, relates to a much past event with regards to the Late Saddam Hussein, which depicts about how indepth is the coverage of the war by news media companies that the dictator don't have to hire spies to track the movement of the enemy forces. And in the 2nd comic, it's a clear cut meaning of how a reporter attempts to get the answer out from God about regarding the chicken and the egg. Media messages play a very important part in our everyday life. They are directed to large heterogeneous groups can come from complex organisations that has specialised individuals creating them. And with regards, to news media, their main purpose is to inform and raise the importance of an issue in the public's mind. In the case of the first comic, we have CNN, US and Europe newspapers in the picture. We all know that CNN is a news media company that is focus on reporting US news, and it is widely recieved globally. Therefore, it can be so readily be viewed by Saddam himself. Furthermore, CNN had live reporters that travcelled with the US army that constantly gave 24hr report on troops movement. Similarly, so does the print media of the newspaper companies that distribute the papers globally which Saddam can get his hands on. The news media potrays these events basically to show western domination in particular US to the world. It shows how the US stamps out one of the most feared dictator, and indirectly tells us that they are still the super power of the world. Besides, the news media company would have to be selective and potray all the good sides of the US, as they have to represent what the world percieves the US power, and at the same time, make the White House adminstration look good. The comic also somewhat ridicule the news media company of doing such a good job in giving insides of the war to the public that Saddam dont even need to waste a spy to study the troops movement. It's somewhat rather suggestive as well. But I really think it's very creative.
As for the 2nd comic, it answers the long time question of whether the egg came first or the chicken. And it dates back to the time of evolution where no one could figure out too. Therefore, a reporter and his camera man finds god to gets the question answered. Well, why do most people consume the news media? One reason that it sells, is because they address problems, and seek answers to what the public wants to know. On the other hand, they can create a way of looking at the world that eventually becomes a commonly held view. The comic, shows how the reporter attempts the impossible to get the answer to the widely sort after question so that he can get back to the public. The cartoonist wants to potray the importance of how reporters need to satisfy the public's thirst to what they want in order to be a good broadcasting news company. But of course, I believe that the public should be given a general dose of everything and not only things that would concern them. Thanks to media globalisation, we can have access through all the different news channels. At the same time, we can see western dominance overwhelming our TV channels where most of the shows played are from the US. For example, quite a number of countries buy the right to play American Idol in their country, but nobody buys the right to air Singapore Idol? I grew up in the world of MTV, american idol and wheel of forture. Therefore, I guess i am rather americanized. Whenever I flick on my TV, its either starworld, axn, discovery, history, mtv etc. Seldom would I scroll to Ch 5, and even if its channel 5 it would be Lost, CSI etc. We have been so used to seeing americans acting for us on TV through out our lives, that we dont' feel so different from them. Maybe because of my americanism that i am studying in a US university. Oh well, but I do wish I can travel down to Warner Bros one day, and be on the ELLEN DEGENERES show!!! and dance with her, because she's hilarious and wacky. Time to go, and plug on the TV, to watch survivor. a CBS entertainment american production! haha.

One Bloody Mary please! (COM)

TGIF! really...I have been running on negative energy...I am in a bad debt of sleep, and energy deficient. Egg Head, I don't think I will be able to attend ur finals singing competition tomorrow, or go out the stage to give you flowers! lol.. but i wish that you would do really well and have fun. In other news, I am planning to indulge in lotsa comfort food this weekend, starting with freshly cut sashimi, fresh juicy oysters, live poach drunken prawns and many many more. God, I can't wait...in other news, my grandpa thinks that he's drinking coffee when it's water in his mug. And keeps adding more "coffee" from the flask, when it is actually water.I wonder if he was to be given actual coffee, would he think it's water? hmm..shld try. haha, god bless him. And so we were walking aimlessly that day, sharing a moment of peace from the traumatic world, and I caught sign of a poster that was pretty "stunning". It was at night, and it wasn't a very pleasant sight.And I shall give you an indepth analysis of it today.

Well, well do have a close look at this. This was taken from the Singapore Police Force Crime Prevention News Letter. This was put up in conjuction with the recent festive seasons whereby there are a higher chances for drink driving to occur.

This poster was put in place, to warn people, not to drink and drink. This is suppose to reach out to the masses. It is relevant to all the different cultures in Singapore, as it mostly common across all of them to consume alcohol during social festive gatherings. Furthermore, being in a collectivist cultural society, it's no doubt that many people would take part in social drinking in a group, rather than to be left out. As in such a cultural society, we practised high level of conformity and readiness to coporate with members around us. Nevertheless, being in set in such a difficult position, it's not wrong to take a few drinks, but the key is not to drive after that. Even though, there are many who drives to the venue with the intentions of not consuming any alcohol, but end up taking on a few drinks. These are the people who shouldn't be driving back. And because we are in such a high context cultural society, whereby politness and 'face-saving' precedes over the truth, and people always say that they are not drunk, and can drive back. This usually leads to fatal accidents.

The advertisement here uses the concept of pathos to appeal to the viewers emotions, on the fatality in an accident. The potraying of the victim drenched in blood attempts to scare most people that this could be what would happen to them if they drink and drive. Thus by inducing fear, the police force hope that this image would be imprinted on the driver's minds when they wish to drive after drinking, hoping that it would deter their actions. Besides, you can find these posters everywhere, at bus stops, train stations and malls. Thus with such high frequency, it's also naturally that peole would select this poster to see over others, and remember it better. A high level of gore and blood is used to show the intensity of fatality and danger involved in drink driving, which is what the police force wants to tell the public. If we do take a more in depth look into the figure and ground of the poster. Whereby the figure, is the accident victim which exerts most of the influence, and the ground is a scene of where the accident actually took place. But why is the scene so blurry? Well, this is because it wishes to potray how the road or surroundings would look to a person under the influence of alcohol. At the same time, to show the fast movement effect, on probably the tremendous speed at which the car was travelling. We can also see part of the wreckage in the back ground.

One thing that appeals to me, and to most of us, is the use of the term bloody mary. It appeals to our logic here. Whereby bloody mary is an alocoholic drink, at the same time, it also describes a woman with blood on her. So, in the poster, they use a lady that is involved in the accident and stains her with blood. They call her bloody mary, at the same time, they use the fact that she consumed the alcoholic drink bloody mary that caused her tragedy. As a result, being aware of the alcoholic drink, our cognitive schemata aka our brain would be generally link it to the reason why the lady ended up to be so bloody. Therefore, I am sure that many of us would have a deep impression of this. And of course, the words on the poster explains it all, using a intensity of vocab that one don't normally use in everyday conversations to warn the public.

Well, other than bloody mary, Singapore Sling is one of the all time favourite cocktails here. Though I am now imagining what they can do with that term, and what would be the result of the poster.Hmm, a singaporean flying out from the car upon impact and landing on a hammock sling concidentally? LOL..I don't know...just my wild imagination. Good nite folks.. Don't have nightmares because of her...

Greed........(COM)

Well, this week has been a fairly fruitful week....i guess...it's my birthday week, and under the legal law, I am officially an adult...hmm..*thinks*, what's so great abt it? well it definitely gave me a REASON to party more, splurge more and feast more, but doesn't an older age come with greater responsibilities? Furthermore, it signifies the degradation of your body. Decrease in metabolism, wrinkles etc. of course not so sooon for me, but i mean, that i will get there one day. But i guess birthdays are the day when you know who likes you, loves you truly or doesn't care for you. The copious number of greetings written on my facebook wall, and the SMSes i recieved meant something to me. And I am currently suffering from an overdose of birthday cakes, but i guess that happens only once a year, so heck it. Regardless, my heart is still heavy, and I haven't decided whom yet. Nevertheless, I would like talk about advertisements today.





Advertising and commercials play a huge part in our everyday lives. Their purpose is to deliver their message across in its most effective manner, and hoping that the viewer would have a lasting impression of it. So, I would like to share a review with you on one of my favourite commercials on our local TV. Here's the link-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chbjc-XDKLw





It's basically a commercial to warn the public on the problems caused by gambling, and to excercise caution. The logo of the Nation Council on problem gambling is shown at the end, to inform the viewers that there's a government organisation available to seek help from if such problems still occur. This commercial has effectively delivered it's message across to the audience with the re-enactment of the father and daughter, leaving vivid impressions on people.


Being a commercial, it's a linear model of communication, whereby viewers are passive target of the message, and regarded as a source centred process of message transmission. Thus its very important for advertising companies to get the message across, as there's no opportunity for audience to provide feedback.





The commercial appeals to the emotion of audience. At the start, the camera focus on a middle aged Chinese man who appears to be talking to the camera. The background displays a portion of his house, which depicts it, as simple and basic. Potraying that he isn't very affluent. And the fact that he isnt well dressed, and looks very haggard, catches most of our attention. This a concept of figure and group as a brain attempts to organise the information being displayed. The figure is the man, and the ground is the house. And the figure exerts a large influence on our perception of the whole commercial. As base on our selection process, this is a novel stimuli percieved by our brain. This approach is rarely seen on TV commercials. Our personal prototype of commercials are bright colours, catchy songs, good looking people and extravagance, which is clearly not seen in any case here. I think we should applaud the acting of the Chinese man, I say he does potray his character really well. Through the tone of his voice, we can infer that he's very desperate and down.There isnt much body language throughout only till he emphasises the fact that he be given one more chance to try, and sticks out his finger one. We can see how verbal and nonverbal work together, as he repeats his emphasis of one more try, before stretching his hands to get the piggy bank. There's a lot of pauses and fillers within his speech, as we can see that he's trying to get his message slowly across to his daughter, hoping that she will buy it. Furthermore, his pitch and volume is subtle, with a tone of begging. The intensity of his words used draws audience to select this commercial consciously.Nearing the end, we see a little girl carrying a piggybank with disappointed looks on her face. The physical object potrayed which is the piggybank, links the information in the viewers brains, and finally answers the question of what the Chinese man is asking for. And with the nice gentle tone, and strong eye contact, we can infer that the girl is probably his daughter. A further emphasis by the advertising company is done, whereby, it says " Often the people who suffer from gambling arent the gamblers" This is to illiterate the point that loved ones are affected in the process. Thereby, potraying scene of how a father loses control of himself, and turns to taking money from his own daughter's savings appeal to our emotions, and leaves us to ponder over this issue. Beside, the ingeniuity of this commercial is the fact that, when it was first played, many people didnt wanted to leave their screen when it was showing. The idea of having an emotional chinese man that just started talking of stuff that seemed irrevalant made people want to know more about what's going on, and eventually sit through the advertisement. The uniqueness and contrast of this approach stands out from the rest. And during the period of time he's talking, viewers are constantly trying to figure what to link his conversation to, with whatever perceptual sets that they had before. Because of the commercial constantly being shown during prime time hours, it's high frequency has allowedthe image and message to sink deeper into their memory. I believe that this commercial has done it's job on educating the public on the dangers of gambling.





From my point of view of gambling, well firstly I believe that the greatest brains are behind casinos and gambling machines. This is because they work on the greed of human nature to make their living. Banking on the fact that one can win money effortlessly through some games, attract a large number of people to their 'playing ground'. And why the brains? Because gambling is a cocktail of calculations and probability. And the chances of one winning is very very slim, but it's human nature whereby one feels the thrill of attempting to win, and wish to savour the triumph of eventually winning. Some people do it for the ego as well, they want to win the banker, they want to succeed in winning the house. Doesn't the catch phrase " the house always win" explain a lot? If casinos were a charity ground, whereby the public could easily win cash, then Steve Wynn wouldn't be travelling around in limousines and private jets. I think those people who are weak in the mind are very susceptible to the dangers of gambling, and those who do not excercise much self control over themselves. Have I gambled? Yes, I have. Just for the fun and experience of it. I feel that people who wish to have some fun and entertainment may juz take out a small amount of cash from their pockets to try their luck. But I feel that it's a "past time" or activity that is mainly catered to the rich tycoons and socialites. How does one stop himself from wasting cash on gambling? Well, firstly I would place bets on games with high odds on winning. Upon winning, I would take 1/10 of my profits to bet again. And if i won, I would take double (1/10 + 1/10) the fraction of my profits to bet again. If I lost on the 2nd round, when i bet with 1/10, I would still have 9/10 left. I can always choose to con't betting or leave with 9/10 of profit. Nevertheless, I will always leave with either a fraction of profit or leave upon all the profit has been lost back but cost still covered. This equates to breaking even. Thus I wouldnt have lost nor gain any money from the casino. But at least I had some fun, and made some new friends around the table! maybe this advice should be subscribed into a commercial! haha..





Well, that's all about it. It's the weekend, time to let my hair now and relax. Got some movies i really wana watch, but not sure if i have the time... anyway, happy birthday to me! Oh well

=)

Let's Turn The Clock Back.....(COM)

Well, it's almost closing to the end of the week, and boy am I feeling drained or what, just by the workload piled on me. Furthermore, I have come to made certain decisions in my life the past few days, it took me quite sometime to think through about it, and I am still wondering if I have made the right choice. I am just very tired of the things happening around me, and I guess what I need is the motivation, care and affection from you! As I try to manage the things around me, I feel dreadful to live up to the so many expectations, but I would try to hang in there.



Nevertheless,in the past month, we have seen an influx of movies in a theatre. And today I shall critically analyse a small part of this bold upcoming movie - Valkyrie.









This movie is basically set in the time of the Hitler regime. It depicts the story of how Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg a loyal officer in Germany, plots a cunning strategy to attempt to overthrow the Nazi government and assassiante Hitler, before the tyrant actually destroys germany and Europe. With everything in place, the future of the world lies in one man's hands. Basically, Tom Cruise starrs as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg which is also one of the main reasons why many would want to catch this movie, having an A-list actor in it. Here's the short part i would like to talk abt-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hDW90AfQDY&feature=related



This scenerio depicts how Colonel Claus colleague is warning him that his efforts would be sucidal by going against the Nazi regime, he urges Clause not to prevent Hitler from carrying out his plans, as he wouldn't wish to be anyway involved in his mutiny against the leader.

This scene basically shows the interpersonal communication existing between Colonel Claus and his colleagues. It takes on the form of a qualitative approach of dyadic primacy, where we can see a series of exchanges between 2 persons. Their communication is based on a colleage relationship, however conflict occurs due to differences in perception whereby Colonel Claus takes on the idea of hatching a plan to bring Hitler down, whereas his colleague, wishes to do as he's told in the force. There's also a difference in motivation, whereby Clause wishes to save the europe and germany by eradicating hitler, whereas his colleague probably wishes to stay alive. Thus the factors in both can be dysfunctional for them.

Just at the start of the scene, we observe the paralinguistics of his colleague, whereby he takes a serious and hostile tone, yet keeping his voice to the minium to warn Claus to stop pushing him. He varies his quality of voice as a non-verbal cue to highlight to Clause that he's not welcoming what he's doing. It's also very obvious that Claus saw this coming, as we can see that his reaction was calm and subtle, with a very formal tone and not even showing eye contact to his colleague. This was definitely not greeted well, by his colleage, because we can see an immediate change in tone and loudness of his voice. The non-verbal cue of kinesics is displayed too, which means his body language. As he strides over in great steps, we can infer that he's actually impatient and frustrated with Claus take on the situation. He raises his voices and shouts to him. At the instant, Clause makes " an eye" contact with me his colleague for the first time, and keeps it that way as they speak. Whereby both officers try to make their point across to each party.

As their conversation goes on, I would like to bring your attention to the time frame of 0.30 of the scene. Do notice that how the camera zooms in on him washing his hands in the toilet. Are they trying to potray the artsy way of washing hands? Or how did the germans Nazi people wash their hands back then? Or to show us how his beautiful his hands are? Nah, I doubt so, i think my hands would probably be nicer.haha. Anyway, my point here, is that i believe the director wanted to potray a metaphorical meaning to this, he's trying to indirectly say that his colleague is 'washing his hands off' Colonel Clause, and would cease trying to persuade him not to carry out his plans of Hitlers. assassination. Thus the camera zooms in just on the washing of hands for a few seconds before panning back to Colonel Clause. See the link? Or maybe the other meaning could be, his colleague tries to cool down and distract himself by washing his hand, and keeping his mind occupied with that. I think this is something to keep u thinking for the day yea? haha.. Well do let me know your comments on that too. I guess I would like to catch the whole movie this sat if time permits. And I would give you the reviews next time. Have a good evening ahead!

Going Green....(COM)

Well, it's almost coming to the end of Chinese New Year, and my supply of pineapple tarts and bak kwa are indeed depleting. This is absolutely astonishing, when I haven't got a chance to reach out to them due to my busy schedule. Must have been my grandpa then. I always feel that we should have longer holidays for CNY and X'mas as we spent weeks preparing for this festive ocassion, and it just boils down to nothing after a day or two. I spent hours sending out greeting cards, and decorating up my room every year, so I think a longer holiday would do me justice! haha, and I am sure most people won't mind either. Actually left my folder in the lecture theatre today! How frustrating it is, to reach home and to realise that all my notes are not with me, and at the expense of the caretaker's mercy! I pray that she's nice this as it's chinese new year, and just leave it where it is,so that i can collect it tomorrow.

In other news, I came across this comic strip that I would love to share with all you people out there.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/arctic-circle/?urldate=20090201

I found this pretty hilarious, especially the one with the botox. We all know that in order to project a good image, people who are chosen to appear on magazine covers or posters are often subjected to the extreme-makeover treatment. They get their hair done up by famous hairstylists, face done up by beauticians, sponsored with designer clothes. We can actually infer that the writer's perception is that anyone whom is to appear on adverts or posters have to look 'perfect' and extremely attractive.This can be clearly seen through the ways she potray Grath going through all the makeovers. However, I believe its also partly due to the mental workframe of humans that we are wired to assume that all people on posters should be good-looking. And its our selection process that would occur in us, whereby we would subsciously discard posters that are appearing all around us, until someone goodlooking appears in it and we would take a closer look. We humans clearly have the perception that models appear on posters, which we have the prototype or idealised versions in our mind, that has been embedded in us, that models = goodlooking.And even if Grath isn't a model, he would be subjected to all forms of 'torture' to make him goodlooking enough to be poster boy. If not, nobody would bat an eyelid when they come across the poster, and the poster wouldn't be able to deliver it's real message. However this is the secondary message that comes across this comic. The primary would be discussed soon enough.Nevertheless, we are understand that the walruses are fat juicy creatures with lots of insulating fats all over their body to keep them warm from the cold climate. The excess skin to store the fat is actually what that caused the wrinkles, and not due to old age.

Though we can all have a good laugh at this comic strip, I think there's a very important messeage brought forward to us, which to play an active role against global warming. There are many methods in communication for environmentalist to get the messeage across to people. The first method is to hit on the harsh reality by bring on the bare facts to readers, this is usually appealing to the people's pathos and logos. For example, how most of the coral reef around the world is dying, how the amount of NON-BIODEGRADABLE rubbish is piling up and nothing is being done about it and many more, which points the finger back at us. These facts are supported by gruesome terrifying photos that leave deep impressions. 1 year back, Nobel Prize Winner Al Gore produced a documentary film called An Inconvenient Truth. It depicts the constant damage humans are doing to the environment. Armed with statistics and bare facts, he definitely left an important message to audience leaving the theatre. He made the film to educate, to leave a message, and not to entertain. And he did communicate effectively using a social constructive perspective in which viewers have not been able to understand the drastic effects of global warming through direct experience.Only expertise in their various fields or victims of tsunamis etc would have gone through it. Thereby he brings the facts to us, and process the information for it to be easily understood across different cultures and races. Similarly this comic strip, would want to touch on the lighter note of our emotions. With humour and entertainment, it wants to tell us that it is possible for Garth to be extinct in the near future if we do not do something to global warming. By applying humour, she's able to break the barrier of culture, race and religion, regardless who you are, as long as one understands the eng language, she is able to relate and communicate her message across effectively,as humour is universal,and everyone can laugh to it.Looking at the natural disasters in the past few years, we know that there's something wrong with the climate. And many people are still not bothered with it. Well I can understand to a certain extent that many people around the world are having problems with the economic crisis, and medical problems etc. They are so pre-occupied with handling problems and making ends meet, that caring for the environment would be the last thing on their mind. In our education system, all students are required to study geography which teaches about pollution and global warming. Strangely I believe many students do apply or practice what they learnt, they are studying it to make it through the exams! I have seen students throwing drink cans away into dustbins, when the recycling bin was just next to it. Is there a failure in our education system, that many are just studying to PASS and move on the NEXT LEVEL of education? I truly agree. In Singapore, I truly believe that most people would be able to make sense of what this comic strip says, or the meaning behind inconvenient truth, simply because they were EDUCATED about it before. But it would just slip off their mind the next minute.

I think this happens because our government is not putting enough effort to fight climate change. They are not encourage people to do so, and definitely not promoting the ways to stop global warming. This is results in their own people, us, not bothering much, despite the fact how well comics, movies posters, are able to commuicate their meaning across to us. Firstly, we don't see commercials on local TV to cut down on the use of energy, rubbish or paper. Ironically we see celebrities endorsing food products, cars, air-conditioning; items that are constantly adding to our carbon footprint, and not telling us to take public transport to cut carbon emission or say NO to plastic bags etc. The Land Transport Authority limits the import of diesel automotives, and place high road taxes on anyone who wishes to purchase a diesel vehicle.Is this a way of promoting environmental friendliness? Let it be know that diesel engines emit less pollution and enables vehicles to travel further per litre.It gives more power and torque too! If i were to purchase a car, it would definitely be hybrid or diesel. In europe and US, citizens get to choose whether they want vehicles in petrol or diesel drive. And majority choose the latter as it is more economical and environmental friendly! You have diesel driven Volvos to Toyotas and Mercedes. And they claim that road taxes and ERPs are meant to reduce the number of cars on the road, which is good for the environment. I think both platforms don't address the situation because people would still get cars, and introducing such would just make it more difficult for them to make ends meet in this high cost living country. First step of a green environment would be cut cost on public transport, and make hybrid/diesel vehicles more affordable to the masses. The other thing that I use to laugh about is the fact that they introduced the system of paying for plastic bags on wed. I mean I applaud the idea of doing away with plastic bags, but the fact that is put forward here is, " bring your own bag, or pay 10ct to get a plastic bag". What are they trying to mean here? Why can't we just do away with the plastic completely? The irony here is, well it's ok..just pay 10cents, and you get a plastic bag, and just forget about saving the environment. I think knowing how affluent Singaporeans are, $2 worth of plastic bags would mean nothing to them. I think it would be more appropriate to up the rate to $10 per plastic bag, that would be more effective. I feel that thanks to education and the media, people are environmentally aware of what's going on here. But the crux is you can't just be mentally aware to stop climate change! you have to be environmentally active too! And this can only be achieved if the government promotes and encourages this in various forms of media and campaigns. They have to start with changing the perception of the people, in order for more progess to be made.I hope more things can be done. For now, i will just wait and see. Well, I have got to go tol Cold Storage to get some groceries now,and of course I won't forget my biodegradable fibre cloth bag! Hope you bring yours the next time too! =)

One more comic strip below to cheer YOU up for the day!

Use Paper Wisely!

CNY greetings! God Bless Obama and his White House (COM)

Well, it’s the fourth day of the Chinese Luna New Year, and the festive mood is slowly starting to die down. I love this festive holiday, as it gives me the excuse to buy clothes and of course, there’s food all around us, what more I can ask for? Indeed, I guess I have over indulged in too much the past few days, just the fact that I got 4 different brands of Bak Kwa in my house probably speaks a lot, or 6 different types of pineapple tarts to start of with! Haha, all thanks to my parents with their good working relationships with all their client. Despite the economic recession, I guess we all should pull ourselves away, and bask in the mood. My cousin did mention that Chinese new year won’t be the yearly affair without the traditions that we do every year like the various Cantonese cuisines that we prepare for meals, the games that we play, etc. A reunion dinner not at home would just seem strange too.

I came across a news that I would like to discuss over the past few days. In conjuction with the New Year, the White House email system actually crashed, and the Obama’s aides had to resort to using the pen and paper method to get their work done. You can read more from the article posted on the internet –
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/ITeS/White_House_email_system_crashes/rssarticleshow/4035849.cms
I found it pretty hilarious when I first came across the article. The White House is the heart of the country where many decision making takes place, and information is circulated around. It’s the core of communication of the US political ground. Therefore, it’s pretty embarrassing for something of such to happen, don’t they have a back-up server ? Well I believe that communication have gone on to a whole new meaning with the introduction of technology. Now people communicate through various platforms from email to text messages to online chats. I guess it’s something that we can’t avoid in the modern world, and it saves time. Such interactive model of communication is currently practiced on a global scale, however I believe that there are a a few disadvantages along with it. Take for example, in the office environment that I worked with a few months back. Though the staff would be well within talking range of one another, they would instead send emails to each other to discuss matters or seek confirmation. The simple reason behind that is they want to keep the emails as evidence on what the other party promised. Through normal conversations, there won’t be any documented evidence that can prove who is telling the truth, if one of them decides to go against his word. The people’s perception are influenced by psychological factors, they do not trust each other and fear that any mistakes made would get them into hot soup, thus by using documented evidence would prove them innocence. So, everytime when I step into my workplace, I know that there are conversations going on every minute. Emails shooting above my head from one cubicle to another cubicle, but the place just seem rather quiet. This is practiced in many organizations and workplace. To me, such communication just reduced the warmth and sincerity of pure conversations. In a normal transactional model of communication, one can get feedback from the other, and his reply would be influenced by the other party’s body language, emotions and expressions. But through email, it’s brought about to be cold, and hard form of getting the message across and getting things done.

I believe this also applies to text messages as well. The introduction of text messages was meant for a form of communication for people who wished to deliver a short message or reminder to someone without having the trouble to call the person because both parties maybe inconvenient to pick up the call. Text messages share the same features of emails except they are much shorter, and have a different purpose of use after all. Nevertheless, though text messages maybe useful in our everyday lives, I feel that we shouldn’t over depend on it. There have been many instances whereby, I have misinterpreted the messages that closed ones sent to me. Because the text messages do not hold any emotions or expressions with it, unlike a normal conversation, it’s very easy for one to jump to conclusion that the sender may meant an underlying meaning that he might not mean. You may probably think that the sender meant to be sarcastic to you, however in actual sense, he just meant it out of good will with no harm intended. Thus text messages have caused me to have misunderstanding with loved ones in that sense, whereby I over conclude or perceive it to be of other meaning. Personally I feel that it’s a dangerous form of communication if both parties are communicating on sensitive issues. When it comes to deep issues or problems to be discussed, upfront conversations are just the best method to get the meaning across. Furthermore I would like to add that, breaking up a relationship via text message is one of the most irresponsible thing to do as well.

I believe that one of Obama’s key to winning is the ability to use technology to reach out to the IT-savvy people out there to get their attention and votes. Though, its not the best way for him to communicate with them, but it’s the smartest way to do so, because it’s a widespread practice and it’s the only way to get to these people. The fact that he embraces technology probably distinct him from his other candidates. Being a technophile myself, I applaud his idea. I hope that the white house get their emails system back up on time! Now it’s off to the gym to burn off those extra calories from pineapple tarts and bak kwa. Have a good festive season ahead! =)

Obama Inauguration Speech Extract (COM)

The video that you can view from the website given below is the first part 1 of Obama Inauguration speech,LIVE from CNN-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-zjho9SPgA.

In his speech, Obama mentions about the changes that he would push for in his term of presidency and how they can be achieved with the help of the people.He also answers the doubts of others who are sceptical of what measures that can be done with so much mayhem going on throughout the world.For this event, the audience comprise mainly of important government officals, and citizens. Therefore, the decorum is formal and the atmosphere is serious.The venue, content of speech and audience, all speaks of an important event where changes are to be announced to the world. As it is the correct opportune for Obama to bring his message across to the nation.

We can see how the leader uses logo and pathos simultaenously to show his sincerity in convincing how he's able to bring US to greater heights.In his speech, he speaks very carefully, weighing each words with an intended meaning for the audience to decode it slowly and think about it. He talks in an assertive and factual manner, confident of his facts, he reveals the dreadful problems that faces US in a harsh tone, with an aim to wake up the fellow citizens. Furthermmore, from 4.30 - 4.45 of time frame, Obama states of a point that appeals to the emotions of people whom are under the inequality and discrimination of the society. He says "all are equal,all are free and all deserves a chance to pursue happiness" , emphasising the term "all" with each phrase, to bring the message across that no one would be left back.

The scene depicts are interactive model of commuication whereby the audience would provide necessary feedback with applause and cheers, thus a 2 way active participation. Being the first African American President, Obama should feel a burden of representation of his own race to perform. If he doesnt bring about what he promise, will US citizens hesistate to vote for another African American president in the future? I guess it could be something possible. Therefore, there tremendous pressure on him. His speech motivates and brings hope to the people. He takes a cultural perspective approach to make himm feel closer to the people, and convince them that he was chosen as The One. He does this by going back to history, mentioning that 44 americans have taken the presidential oath, which is a custom that all citizens know. And possibly implying that he's the 45th, and should be seen equally as the rest of them, and not as a different race. Well, as there's so much he can say, as time goes by, we would know how capable he is as a political leader. But I believe to be able to reach where he is, in a country that was once racist to his race, and a support of African slavery, is quite a feat and definitely proves to be a good start that he may live up to his words.