Friday, August 31, 2007
I'm not sure about other faculties, but I think that the Economics and Commerce faculty is the only place where people refer to spending less on shopping to save to buy an Ipod, as a decrease in current consumption to increase saving, or a reduction in the marginal propensity to consume, or a increase in the marginal propensity to save. Yea...we are a very sad bunch of people. On a separate note, I hate accounting. Not that I don't understand it, but because I hate the people in my tutorial. It's like they gather together in an effort to make me feel stupid, churning out accounting jargon and numbers, like the relation between the policy reaction function and aggregate demand. OK, so I guess I'm the econs version of my accounting tutorial...
Holidays are coming!!! One more week I think...no idea what I'm going to do...
Dan
3:00 pm
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I had an entry before this, but apparently it was labelled as plagiarism so I shall create one of my own, but while I do that, I would like those who bother to check out my Dad's blog, in particular his 12th July entry, it is one of my favourite. Today was a fantastic day, and the cloudless sky allowed me to enjoy the beauty of the sunset.
"They took the lift to level 4. It was quiet in the building as people dug their heads into their laptops and books, while listening to their music on their Ipod. The sun was close to setting as they reached the sofas. The view that was before them was spectacular.
He dumped his bag on the floor, and fell into the same sofa as her. The smell of her hair, coupled with the beauty of her eyes, and serenity of the sun, it was the perfect ending to a hard days work. He put his arm around her shoulder and smelt her hair again, he saw the sunsetting in her eyes, and as she looked back, he let her eyes explore his.
She placed her bag on the coffee table before them, as she arranged her hair after a day of hard work on Elm's Street. His company, with the tranquility of the sunset was just what she needed after Freddie's horrific acts. She fell into the sofa and sunk into his body, as she let his arms wrap around her shoulders. She watched the sunset as she felt his gaze fix upon her, she turned to face him, and their eyes met, as she swam in his gaze letting him explore her eyes.
Dan
11:47 pm
I feel like time is passing by very quickly down under. Maybe it's the way the day is with the sun setting early and all. I also feel like I get more work done down under. OK so maybe I only have work to do down here, since I'm having holidays when I'm in Singapore, but I guess the sense of accomplishment is different. This week I have started my revision on the first half of semester 2 work, and it's no easy feat, especially with assignments and tutorial work every week. But glad to say that come tomorrow, I'll be one assignment closer to the semester break, which I'm looking very forward to. It proves to have a fantastic start...not a very bright end, but I guess, as I learnt in finance, in times of uncertainty, to reduce risk I could get a derivative, but I think derivatives don't exist for my future.
"Shelves upon shelves of books surrounded them. Where was the book they were looking for? He looked around, half his mind on call number 940, half his mind on her radiant beauty. Did she know how he felt? It couldn't be more obvious. Everybody else seemed to think so, clearly she couldn't be so oblivious to it. He focused his attention to the book in front of him, 880. They were no where near, yet she seemed to look as if it was. Was she even looking, or thinking the same thing as him?
"It's not here. Come lets try the next shelf."
He stretched out to take her hand instinctively as he led the way through the shelves, she didn't fight off his grip. He grew more confident, and held it longer. For a moment he forgot about 940.
She saw him look from the corner of her eye. This was clearly not the proper shelf with numbers up to 880, but she didn't complain. She knew. It was so obvious, did he think she was that stupid not to have realised it by now? She played along, and pretended to search for book 940.
"It's not here. Come lets try the next shelf."
With that he took her hand. Surprise filled her eyes as their hands met for probably the longest time ever. Did he see the look in her eyes? Her heart raced, as excitement built up inside her. For a moment she forgot about 940."
Dan
1:15 am
Monday, August 27, 2007
Whenever we have issues, whenever we have problems, who is the first person we'll turn to? Our girlfriends? Friends? Parents? Strangers? Leaders? God? It struck a raw nerve when that was the question being asked during one of the sermons. We always want answers now, we want them today, but we don't realise that God doesn't work that way. We pray and we pray, and at the end it's like we put earplugs into our ears, blindfold our eyes, and then cry out "GOD!! Have you not heard me? Where are you!!" I've been through some tough issues this semester, and in each of them, I've sought advice from friends, thinking that they would know what to do. Of course seeking God at the same time. But I cannot help but wonder who would have a greater influence over my decision. Yesterday at sermon, one verse really spoke out to me. I start everyday and end everyday with a prayer, and in every prayer I ask God for wisdom and understanding.
Job 28: 28 "And he said to man,'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'"
The fear of the Lord...shun evil...if only actions and thoughts were as easy as speech.
Dan
10:33 am
Saturday, August 25, 2007
This is shocking. I have nothing on my mind to blog about today. Actually I have a lot I want to say, and a lot I want to tell, but today was so incredibly special to me, that I don't think I can find any words to justly describe it. I'm on cloud nine.
Dan
7:49 pm
Friday, August 24, 2007
I'm sure that at some point in life, all of us have looked back and just gone "wow", I didn't know God was that amazing. The things He did in your life, you wonder now, why?? Then ten years later you realise he always had your best interest at heart. Well, I know it's not over yet, but looking back on 20 years I am already very thankful for the perfect plan that God had put in my life.
I'm thankful that I went to the states to study when I was 6.
I'm thankful that I was (still am) terrible at Chinese.
I'm thankful that I took the entrance exam to ACS(primary).
I'm thankful that I didn't make it to ACSI for one year.
I'm thankful for going to Barker instead, where I met Kenchin.
I'm thankful that I passed the entrance exam again to ACSI in sec2.
I'm thankful that I still didn't excel in Chinese in secondary school.
I'm thankful that Chinese wasn't the only subject I didn't excel at.
I'm thankful for getting 38 points in my O level prelims.
I'm thankful for Dr Ong's life changing letter.
I'm thankful for Poly not offering Law.
I'm thankful for my parents being supportive of me coming overseas.
I'm thankful that I got rejected from a prestigious prep school in Australia.
I'm thankful that I went to Trinity instead.
I'm thankful that I was born on May the 2nd.
I'm thankful that I had to serve NS early.
I'm thankful that my mum and cousins introduced me to SYFC.
I'm thankful that I met Esther and Dawn.
I'm thankful that they introduced me to OCF.
I'm thankful that despite all my complaining, God never wavered in His plan for me.
I'm thankful for everything and to God, because I thank Him everyday for you.
Dan
8:31 am
Thursday, August 23, 2007
I just read the most absurd post in the forum today. Apparently some people want to muzzle up dogs just because they scratch and bite. I know girls who scratch and "bite", could we muzzle them up too? Dogs are great creatures, and they perform some functions that are incredible for animals, such as those dogs that help the blind, or those dogs that comfort people. Dogs perform so many good things, and do we reward them for that? Humans are unreasonable creatures.
I can't wait for Saturday...
Dan
8:33 pm
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I've been blogging a lot lately. I guess it's because I've had a lot on my heart and mind. Now I've got one worry off my chest, and now a new one has set in. It's strange, how you think everything will be over, everything will be alright once it's done, but then a new set of problems and concerns presents itself. I reckon the only thing I can take comfort in right now is that I won't have to face it alone, which is more than I can ask for. What colour do you get when you mix blue and pink?
"He heaved a sigh of relief as his ordeal saw its end. The stress, the worry, the concern had all finally paid off. As he looked out into what now seemed like a happier world. Then his head started to fill with scenarios. He hated his wild, imaginative mind. When would he ever find the peace and tranquility he desired?? She held his hand, letting him know he wasn't alone.
Dan
2:07 pm
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
It seems that Singapore's education system is starting to take some heat in the forums, and I like that. Seeing as I'm not a huge fan of it either, I think the system could do with some criticism. The letter I read commented that with an average class size of 40 students, the Singapore teachers actually do a very good job, and I could not agree more. But if we know that 40 students a class is big, why do we not employ more teachers? Then the government will say it's not if they aren't trying, but not many people find it very rewarding. Low pay, almost dead end future. I like teaching, and I really do see myself becoming an educator one day, but the incentives of the business world are just too big to ignore. What am I saying? The government should stop saying they are trying, and actually start trying to try, but offering incentives which can compete with the business market. You want talent, you got to work, and pay for it.
"He felt like throwing in the towel. After all he had done, he could not help but wonder if it was enough. Demoralised, he sunk into the sofa, slid into the player a familiar VCD, and enjoyed the comic relief it brought him. Why couldn't life be like that portrayed on the screen before him? Simple, straightforward, humorous, without the hint of stress, worry, or responsibility. Then the computer gave an alert sound and she was online.
She arrived home after a long tedious day at school. Being dragged out of bed while the day was still young was not her thing, and being awake for most part of the day was something rare for her. Yet it amazed her that she still found the energy to keep going on. Dumping her bag and books onto her bed, she hit the shower to wash off a day of dirt, and stress. She hated winter as she came into contact with the cold air. Switching on her laptop, she settled down for a night of reading, and chatting, then her laptop gave an alert sound and he said heyy."
Dan
4:36 pm
Monday, August 20, 2007
I think its very common of people to make stereotyped judgements based on age, sex, race, nationality, culture, the list can go on. Take Singaporeans for example. Nobody would expect Singaporeans to show the slightest care or concern unless it involves themselves. You always have the crowd gather, and everybody wants to see whats going on, but nobody wants to get involved. I have no idea why. And to show just how extreme this behaviour has gone, the strait times forum posted a series of thank-you letters, small acts, like returning a lost file, letting a person jump queue. I'm not saying that we should forget such small acts, but if we have to commend such small acts in this manner...or perhaps it's just our culture to make public these affairs. Again, another stereotype.
"He arrived hours before the allocated time. The hall was cold, and he cursed himself for having only brought out one layer. He was going to freeze. It was almost time, and the hall was still quite empty. Where was everybody? Did they forget the time? Anxiety started to feel his heart as each minute that passed felt like one more closer to failure. He needed to get busy, take his mind off things, or get calm, and put his mind at ease. He walked around the now, sparsely filled hall, looking for things to do. Nothing. Then he remembered, he did the only thing that he knew would bring him peace, prayer.
She woke up, sun in her eyes, books all over the place. The place was a war zone. She laid in bed awhile longer, enjoying the feeling of waking up late. She didn't want to face the reality of life. The deadlines, the stress, the responsibilities. She longed for those carefree days of childhood. As she pulled off her blanket, the cold air struck her skin, which was layered with clothes. Washing up was a chore, getting the water to the right temperature, brushing her hair, making sure she looked fine. It was going to be time soon, and she would soon head down to the hall. The thought of just walking that distance was enough to put her off, but she had agreed to go, where was she going to find the energy to drag herself out of the house? Then she remembered, she did the only thing that she knew would give her the energy, prayer.
Dan
2:25 pm
Sunday, August 19, 2007
No creative story from me today, but I was just wondering, if we were all living during biblical times, and we all saw Jesus, and his miracles, would we believe? Now, I think at some point in time, we would all think about this issue, but our faith in God would be greater and stronger than doubt.
Why would I think about such an issue?? Well for starters, I just found out yesterday that you can freeze bread!!! Did you know that!!! I was totally repulsed by the idea, I asked around and apparently, everybody does it!!! So I came back to read the label, and it seems like you can, but I'm still not going to freeze my bread....because it is gross!!! But no harm trying right?? Though I'm still trying to get my head around the idea.
Dan
11:29 pm
Saturday, August 18, 2007
About 12 more hours to E-night, and I think it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. I had just finished the bulk of my assignments, and I am about to enjoy my first free weekend in 3 weeks I think. I know that for many of you who have to endure the hard life in Singapore, my life sounds like a dream, and I'm not arguing with you. OK, following my recently founded writing skills I've decided that this next short excerpt shall talk about my current situation, and what I plan to do about it, enjoy.
"Rained poured as she made her way to the hall, strange faces passing her along the sidewalk. She could feel something coming from him. Was he trying to tell her something? The door was just a few feet away, and the faces started to look familiar. The hall was crowded when she had entered. She found a seat at the back, and sat down, wiping herself dry. She settled fine, and looked up, to see him sitting a few rows in front. Would he turn around? As her mind drifted off to what could be, the music started to play. As she stood up, her eyes caught his for a split second.
Time seemed like such a distant thing now, as the room filled with familiar faces. He chose a good spot under the heater and did not want to turn around. He knew she was there. She could see him, and turning around would just kill it. But who would know? Perhaps he could sneak a peek. His heart yearned for it so much. Control. That was what he needed. The music started to play, and this was it, the moment of truth. As he got up, he deliberately turned around, and saw she was there. Their eyes met for a split second, before he calmly turned around. It was done."
Dan
2:31 am
Friday, August 17, 2007
I've finally got the date and time system on my blog to function properly. If anyone has noticed ( and I bet no one did), my posts were always coming out one day late. That means that if today is the 15th, my blog would post it as the 14th. Just the little things that bother me. I have nothing interesting to say today. I guess it's because I know that most of the assessment is done for now, so I can relax. Lately, I've been thinking in story-format...does that make sense? Everything seems to be so story-like, wonder if there will be a happily-ever-after. I should try creative writing as an elective. So here's one I'm making up on the spot. I'm gonna throw in all my feelings, all my anxieties, and my current environment, and let's see if you can make it out.
"He walked out of the hall filled with jealousy. There was no where to go. He would have to go back in soon, and he could not afford to have this feeling tie him down. He walked towards the bathroom to wash his face. What was happening to him? Just a few days ago, he was fine, the stress of work, the worries of life, but not this, never this. He rationalised with himself in his head. It didn't mean anything. Everybody had to do it, she was just following the crowd.
She stood on the dance floor, lost. She had no partner, and the music was about to begin. Where was he? She remembered seeing him get up from his table, and then he was gone. Had he gone to the toilet? Did he know she was waiting? She turned on the spot, and when she had made a whole round, there he was standing before her...just that it wasn't him. He put out his hand for a dance, and she accepted. Everybody was doing it. It was just for fun. Then she saw him, walking out of the hall. Where was he going? He looked troubled.
Enough was enough. He had to go see it for himself. He walked out the toilet and walked objectively into the hall once again. She already had a partner, as he expected. The smile on her face was more than enough to send the jealousy coursing through his blood again. He took a deep breath, and controlled his feelings, then walked over a table near by and sat down. He watched intently, seeing if there was anything more than what met the eye, paying no attention to the conversation going on next to him."
OK that's all from me now. Man, I love my creative writing, however boring and true it may be.
Dan
11:23 am
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Finally, the assessments for the first half of semester are coming to a close, and so is the first half of the semester. I know what you are thinking. But you just started. Oh well...I would say something smart, but my brain doesn't seem to be functioning very well today. Thank God I finished my finance assignment last night. If I had to do it now, in this state of mind I think I would just die.
I was told today that I would be acting in the E-night skit (again). I guess it's good to try something new every now and then. I'll try not to give too much away, but it looks like I'll be playing ME when I was 15. The words, ideas, and probably the entire attitude is just..well was just me. Plus I guess I should be able to pull off being 15. I think I can pull off being 13 if I really tried. The best part, I think, is that Ken Chin is supposed to be the grown up version of me. I wonder which part of me resembles him...no wait, I wonder which part of him resembles me.
Now let me tell a short story. "He sat on the bench looking out into the field. The extraordinary green grass beneath his feet, the cold winter wind blowing against his skin, the bare naked tree hanging over his head. His thoughts wandered as he saw a group of three playing basketball. Was she thinking about him too? Of course not. Why would she? He shook his head, not wanting to drift into dangerous territory. An old man was running on the fields, alone. Was that what he was to become? An old man, alone? He closed his eyes, trying to refocus his thoughts. He blamed the fish."
Dan
9:54 pm
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
He looked at the computer and liked it because it was cheap.
She looked at the computer and liked it because it was pink.
He bought it for a practical purpose.
She bought it for vanity's interest.
He uses the computer because it's the only one around.
She uses the computer because its fun and round.
Ask him why he likes the computer, because he can play games.
Ask her why she likes the computer, because it helps to boost her fame.
Now the time has come for the computer to stand the test.
Will he succeed based on price and recreation,
Or will she stand firm based on colour and recognition.
This poem sucks, and the analogy is terrible. But I tried my best to come up with this crap in less than 10 minutes (trust me). It embodies my feelings, my dilemma, and my opinion, if you are free enough, to break it down.
Dan
2:22 pm
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A concerned citizen wrote into the forum to complain (?) about the use of short form when children these days use SMS. The concern was with the pronunciation of certain words such as "finite" and "deadline". Of course, the blame was pushed to the schools as usual, questioning their methods of teaching, and whether teachers today realise the seriousness of this growing attitude. Therefore, I think it is certain to say that this letter was written by a parent, who by the looks of it, is very well English educated.
First we complain about a fear of a monolingual society, then we complain about the fear of the use of broken English, and then we push the blame to the government and the schools. Why can't it be the homes? Because our so "innocent" parents would like believe that their homes are the perfect environment for their children to grow up in, and any bad influence must have originated from the outside world. I'm no parent, and neither am I very concerned about the broken English that is used these days, because it serves as a form of entertainment to me. If people are not ashamed to put up such poorly constructed signs, language wise, why should we be ashamed of them?
The fear of languages in Singapore will never die out, because English speaking families will emphasize the importance of English, and Chinese speaking families will emphasize the importance of roots. Because some families value one language more than the other won't make it any more important. And I'm proud that I'm from Singapore not because I can speak two languages, which I really can't, but that I can properly pull off Singlish, which is an art.
I would blog about her, but anything I say would be too obvious now, and it's still too soon. Hence I shall bottle it up inside me for now, and perhaps one day when it's less obvious, or when the time is right, I'll let it out again. I hope what I said isn't already too obvious.
Dan
4:43 pm
Monday, August 13, 2007
I don't know what goes on in a woman's mind, and I shall not bother guessing, neither shall not I bother to amuse myself by trying to figure out how they think. But I know that for guys, we need a purpose. We need to know what we are going to do, and why we are doing it. The sense of responsibility, a sense for a purpose, will carry us through, or break us down. Sadly, such senses come with sacrifices, sometimes too hard to make, or too difficult to bear. But men who can make such sacrifices, will go on to be great men. Behind every great man, is an even greater woman. Oddly, we all assume that the woman in the famous saying is his wife. What happened to friends? It definitely isn't his mother. Why? Because it's not how a man grows up that makes him great, but the choices he makes. And I'm pretty sure that 99% of men, do not discuss decisions with their mothers. In fact if there was ever a hierarchy, I think parents would be at the bottom. It's a pity, but I guess it just goes to show the amount of power and influence the media has.
On a separate note, the forums have been having a heated debate about second language studies in Singapore. Fears that if it is phased out, Singapore's future will be one of a monolingual society, and we will lose our competitive edge as a people. If you ask me, the best solution is for the government to make the study of a second language compulsory (yes I know, hypocritical of me), but not to make it compulsory that that second language be mother tongue. Singaporeans market themselves not because they know mother tongue, but because they know two languages.
Dan
4:45 pm
Sunday, August 12, 2007
My eyes circled the room searching for her radiant beauty to enlighten me, but she was no where to be found. My instincts settled for the door, as I was certain she was to walk through any moment, sending my heart racing times over its normal heart rate. Conversations passed me like wind through the leaves, and flashes from cameras distracted me from the prize I so earnestly searched for. Friends chatting, and music playing in the background. My stomach rumbled as hunger surged through my body, and then she appeared. Like an angel from heaven, she walked through the door, and graced her walk to the table.
She was the prettiest lady in the hall, and her face brought joy to my heart. I thank God that I sat opposite her, so that looking at her throughout the whole event didn't seem too obvious. Every time a break presented itself, I gathered friends and on the pretence of taking photos ventured across the dance floor to bask in her beauty. She was so much more beautiful up close than she was when I saw her across the hall. Walking up just to say hi, seemed like a challenge, and as I returned to my table, I felt the regret building up inside. I resolved that the next break would be more fruitful.
My eyes found it hard to leave her ever captivating beauty, and as she danced in the corner I sat at the table filled with mixed emotions. Then came my turn to dance, and I felt apprehensive. Asking her for a dance was out of the question, and I settled for dancing with a few friends, always thinking about her, and how it would feel like if we danced instead. I could not get her out of my head as much as I tried, and I really tried.
Then the event came to a close, and soon I would be sent spiralling back to reality. I needed to save this moment, to capture a time, a picture. Then the time came to leave. I sadly said my goodbyes, and thought of her on my way home. Rain drizzling on my Armani suit, shoes dragging along the tar. A fast next week for the answers I desire, I wonder how much longer I'll hold out.
Dan
1:27 am
Saturday, August 11, 2007
This weekend has been and will continue to be a very eventful, action-packed, and also high intensity weekend. So high that I won't be able to discuss everything that happened. Last night I had a very weird dream. I dreamt that I was looking at the verse Matthew 5:34-35, which says "But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King." Now I do not know what that means, or if it was just a dream. Then I dreamt that the words "The Lord is sufficient for you" written on a piece of paper, in a verse form, on the kind of bible paper.
Recently I've been praying about an issue close to my heart, and I am just amazed at the way God works. Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The issues close to my heart really need answers.
At OCF this weekend, one of the topics brought up was that of fasting. Today people fast of msn, people fast of television, but I can't help but think people are starting to lose the meaning of fasting. But that's not what I'm concerned with now. While that topic was being deliberated I suddenly felt something tugging at my heart telling me that I should fast. Therefore I shall fast next week, praying and listening, waiting for God to give me the answers to the issues close to my heart.
Dan
10:55 am
Friday, August 10, 2007
One of the recent topics in the Strait Times forum has been about this homosexual event that was to be held in Singapore. Apparently a foreign speaker was supposed to speak at this event about how homosexuality should be embraced, and how the law should make amendments to accommodate this new lifestyle choice. He supposedly does so by citing international laws and foreign precedents.
Firstly, I'm very glad that the Singapore government has not and doesn't look like it will succumb to the pressure of passing a new legislation to make homosexual marriages legal. Granted that my opinion is very biased, based on the fact that I'm a Christian, and that I like girls. Sorry that should be girl. In the forum it says "Attempts had been made to extend such special rights, to the point of banning religious texts like the Quran and Bible as 'hate literature' for 'incit(ing) hatred against sexual minorities' because these texts categorically reject homosexual behaviour." Hence proving my theory that mine is a biased view. If being a Christian, or a Muslim, means having biased views that rules out about half of the people in Singapore. Thus, the only people who can make a credible stand, in their view, are individuals without a religion, and just view homosexuality as a crime.
But my argument, well more like my hatred, towards this lifestyle choice, is first and foremost that it is a choice. It is a widely agreed fact, and therefore means that these people choose to be homosexuals, and are not forced upon them. Some may argue that they were born this way, but I believe that no baby boy or girl is born with a fixed mindset, just like no baby boy or girl is born a genius.
One of Singapore's main concern is to uphold racial and religious harmony. I do not see how homosexuality fulfills either one of these categories. In fact, should a bill be passed to accommodate this group of minorities, I foresee much religious disharmony. If this major concern was was the reason that was used to gather support in a fight against terrorism, why can't we use it again to gather support against homosexuals?
Dan
10:24 am
Today was a fantastic day. Spent national day at my friends place. We had steamboat, and then we sat down and sang national day songs. It felt great, and was awesome, and had a...whole homey feeling. I would blog more, but I think today is the next most eventful day after my road trip.
Dan
12:26 am
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Have you ever done something during your sleep that you weren't aware of? Like talk, or walk, or eat...I think anything more than that would probably be quite dangerous already, but I suppose some drive, some shop. Last night I apparently took off my shirt. Now I have no idea how did that lying down...if I was even lying down in the first place. I've talked in my sleep a couple of times, but I was aware of that...so I guess you can't say I was really sleeping. But this time I had absolutely no idea. I was half asleep in slumberland, and then I realised my shirt was gone. Well...there isn't much concern there, since it rarely happens. Just something interesting.
Today is a beautiful day. The sun was out bright and there was actually heat. I can feel spring coming. Though a bit windy, but I guess I'd take the occasional breeze over cold temperatures. The grass seemed greener today as well. I know, it's always green, but today it looked like...healthy green.
Studies haven't been too good lately. It seems like a repeat of last semester, which isn't really a bad thing since it ended quite well, but it's unsettling nonetheless. I think the right word is frustration. I know the law test is easy, but I'm frustrated...because it'll be easy?? Seems too easy for comfort. I know the answer to the finance assignment, but I'm frustrated because I can't seem to put it in the right words. Accounting is frustrating because the content sounds simple and straightforward, but I can't seem to understand it fully. Macro is probably the only thing I can take comfort in right now. Perhaps I do know my stuff, but it's precisely because I know my stuff, that I'm frustrated, because I'm so used to not knowing.
Dan
1:57 pm
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Finding a needle in a haystack. Thats the phrase commonly used to express an extreme difficulty in finding something, like finding a needle in a haystack. But I realised that it is now easier to find a needle in a haystack, than to find a person in the uni. All you need is a magnet. It will no doubt, take some amount of work, but the magnet will make life all the more simpler. Or perhaps, roughly knowing where the needle will be might make it easier as well. Why am I talking about needles and haystacks? Because I spent a few hours yesterday roaming around uni looking for that needle, and I had no magnet. I did however make a few intelligent guesses as to where the needle might be. Sadly, the needle was not found, otherwise there would be a different post today.
On a different note, I was browsing through the ST forums, as usual, and I found a letter complaining that Mac's Ez-link system of payment was causing children to "cheat" their parents of money. First thing, Mac's doesn't and won't care, because this new mode of payment will increase profits for them. Second, economists will agree with Mac's because it increases total surplus. And third, what really is cheating? The moral issue can be debated, that this mode of payment will promote unhealthy thinking, but is that a concern that the financial system should worry about. However, if children are willing to cheat their children of Ez-link money, which as far as I know, can only be used on transportation, and Mac food, how desperate must they be?
Another article complained that a 24hour clinic charged 4 times the normal rate during the night, than in the day. On top of that, A&E cost $10 to $20 cheaper. Again it can be debated, the true price of good health. But to think about it logically, go back 30 years, would we have 24 hour clinics? Would we even have clinics in such convenient locations? One problem I find common in many adults, and the generations around them is that they tend to compare the prices today with the prices of their time. Inflation people, inflation. But they will never understand because MRI's, CT scans, Lumbar Punctures, lab diagnosis are all things of the future, which adults will treat as nonsense. They want quality but they want prices to remain the same.
Dan
2:04 pm
Monday, August 06, 2007
Ignorance is bliss. That was the debate topic that was on television last night. It's a very stupid topic to debate about I know, but it was a comedy show. A debate by comedians, so I guess you don't really expect much. But I had to give it to the side arguing against that all time favourite catch phrase because it is not easy. Of course they lost in the end, trying to prove the point that knowledge meant happiness. This morning, however, I realise that ignorance is indeed bliss.
To quote some of the examples from last nights debate. If you're not a doctor, and you have a rash, what do you do? Rub some cream on it, and carry on your day, passing it off as nothing important, not knowing that that rash is the sign of a terminal illness that'll kill you in two days time. If you are a doctor, with substantial medical knowledge, and you have a rash, knowing that it'll kill you in two days time, you be freaking out, finding out how to save yourself, or spend your last 48hours. If you're in a plane and you hear a bum, or a knock, not being a pilot, you will just ask the stewardess for another cup of wine, and a bag of peanuts. The passenger next to you however, is a pilot, and knowing what the bum and the knock means, has his head between his legs praying for his dear life. If you like a girl, and you have a plan on how to court her, you walk about your daily life thinking that it's a beautiful day. The girl however, who shares no such sentiment, and has no interest in your courtship, she too walks around thinking it's a beautiful day.
Ignorance is definitely bliss, as today is a beautiful day.
Dan
11:53 am
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Sometimes people ask me if I think before I blog. In the past, I believe not, it was a form of expression, in today's modern society, where snail mail are a thing of the past, I think to some extent you can call blogging an art. And like art, it's influences are very hard to control. I'm no artist or historian, but I believe that the famous painters and sculptors of the past, would never have imagined their art being viewed from every corner of the world. To take it one step further, I'm pretty certain that some of the interpretations of their art, were not even thought of by them. So are there any parallels we can draw from art and blogging.
We can improve our future by studying our past, and I think it's safe to say that I've matured in my blogging style. Matured sounds like such a positive thing, but with maturity comes a bag of deceitful mentalities. I believe the best bloggers not to be those who have the most hits on their blog site, or the most comments on their tag boards, but the ones who can successfully manipulate their blog, knowing their readers, hence achieving either the desired outcome, or to the very least, predicting the outcome and always being one move ahead. Cunning, I agree, so do you still like it that I've matured in my blogging style.
Something to think about, as I master the art of inflation, savings, and wealth.
Dan
10:47 am
Saturday, August 04, 2007
I told myself after some calculations this winter, that the ideal age to get attached is between 26 to 28. Date for 2 to 3 years, and then get married. Ideally starting married life between 28 to 30. Hence I started reading a few christian books on dating, trying to convince myself that I'm not ready for it, and that nothing is gonna happen for the next few years. That, at least, was the 5 year plan, which many businesses adopt, and stick to quite often. I'm glad to report that I was on track till I realised that love isn't math. It can't be calculated, or planned for. It can however be controlled, manipulated, and to a certain extent premeditated.
Why am I suddenly talking about this? During a friend's recent birthday party, we were bombarding him with questions about marriage, the usual young adult parties, and he, much to our delight, succumbed, and started to leak out the dirt. "Vision 2012", as we call it, was a very well calculated, and planned vision, with the only problem that by the time vision 2012 was to be in action, the very person that was necessary to put it into place would be gone!! Or so we believe.
Sad to say, my dear friend isn't alone in the tough predicament of whether Vision 2012 should be reconsidered to achieve completion at an earlier date. I too have been tossed into the eternal abyss of reconsideration, not by circumstance, nor by environment, but by a particular someone. Of course I'm filled with all certainty that nothing will materialise of this, due to lack of opportunities, my unfortunate bad timing, and my recent annoying behaviour, which sent me on a rampage earning the OCF convention an extra $180 in cash and credit, that would have otherwise been spent on something else.
Therefore, till I'm relieved of this what is to be unbearable torture, war has begun on 4 fronts, with law, econs, finance, and accounting challenging me with tests and assignments, so people, this is a warning to be prepared for my onslaught of blog posts, which you should have noticed by now is on a daily basis, to relief me of my stress both from love and from war.
Dan
4:48 pm
Friday, August 03, 2007
The Strait Times forum is filled with so many interesting issues, its like my playground. I know its a sad reality, but I guess a analytical mind is more exciting than some other rather boring stuff. A article recently commented on the swimming system in Singapore schools, and its ineffectiveness. The writer drew that conclusion from the fact that many people have seemed to be drowning in Singapore. When I was in school, I too had to take many swimming lessons, and personally I found it waste of my time. Eventually I would end up playing with water with my friends, thank God I didn't drown there.
I'll have to agree with the response to that letter, which said "I don't think any amount of swimming lessons will help you if you get caught by strong currents in the sea, reservoir or canals.. think the MOE is barking up the wrong tree with swimming lessons, should instead teach water safety (can't swim? then don't swim) and teach practical stuffs like how not to be stupid think that a handphone that has dropped into the canal costs as much as a life."
If we want to bring it to an extreme, I'd say that if the government had real concern for the safety of it's people in waters, it should adopt the same policy with swimming as it does with driving, so that when people pass, they really know how to swim. Granted not every situation can be covered and taught in class, enough should be taught so that swimmers know what to do in an emergency, just as drivers will know what to do when a police car comes down the road with its siren on. If you ask me, I think I drive better than I swim.
Dan
2:37 pm
Thursday, August 02, 2007
I've been recently intrigued by the Strait Times forum online, and if you have the time I would definitely recommend reading some of the views of Singaporeans on issues that are almost indefinitely interesting, or of great concern. Recently the topic of much heated debate is whether of not the pressure to do well in Singapore schools is too much to handle. Coming from someone who has left the system I will have to sadly say that the pressure though is too much, is beneficial to us, and also essential to what makes us Singaporeans. There are many great things in life, education of which is one of them, but of greater importance than that is the attitude of learning. Sad to say, the Singapore system has brutally butchered the love of learning with the pressures to perform, and produce quick, positive results. Then again, my opinion is a biased one.
What sparked greater interest to me in the forums was a letter about foreign students studying in Singapore, criticising the Singapore culture. Trying to imitate our Singlish, and so on. Personally I don't see what the big fuss is all about. If we continue to use Singlish, even after being taught that it's not proper English, through those Speak-Good-English campaigns the government organizes, then I think we deserve to be laughed, and probably mocked at.
Dan
2:14 pm
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Job vs Calling
Obligation vs Passion
Which should we follow? A calling from God is impossible to resist, but in this cynical world that we live in where jobs, money and material are so vital to survival, how can we neglect the former to follow the latter? Often we are asked to imagine life without a cellphone, or a computer, or internet, and already in our minds we can see our world going into chaos. Then, we imagine life without God. Do you see much chaos there? Will the mobile network suddenly fail without God, or the internet shutdown for lack of religion?
Then we have our obligations. Obligation to our family, our friends, ourselves. The time and money invested in getting this far, we look back and wonder what would happen if we chose a path that few took. A path without much prospect of job opportunities, or a high income, a path filled with uncertainty and doubt. But we argue that it's our passion. A passion for the people, a passion for the poor, the lost, the disabled, Oh how so noble we sound. Then wave after wave of "concerned" people take their turn to throw arguments our way...our passion.
Won't we feel like we're letting the people who put us here down if we chose the latter? Or have we been so influenced by the world, a world where people depend more on technology than on God, that suddenly such passions seem meaningless. A calling from God...Or a fantasy of our mind?
Dan
10:30 am