The Tales of Two Neighbours.

We are living in an environment at least for 80 percent of us in Singapore, where my floor is another person's ceiling, that my ceiling is another person's floor and we all share a common wall. That is the wonder of living in a boxed up apartment blocks.

It is an unpleasant reality that though we have had almost more than 40 years of communal livings where your neighbours consists of families of different races and religion, sadly many Singaporeans are still unable to live with their immediate neighbours in common decency and respect.

We read on the newspaper on more than one occassions of neigbours dispute turned ugly. It just brings me to wonder why after so many years and many campaigns after, we still are not able to respect our neighbours and treat them with the utmost respect. At the end of the day, aren't they someone that we can turn to in times of needs or to get help from.

I have been living in a boxed-up apartment block for as long as I could remember and frankly I would never dream of ever wanting to give up that way of living for the comfort of isolation or a property all by itself on a piece of land. Evertime on my way to work or the journey back, I would travel down a piece of road where there are landed properties on both sides. Singaporeans are famously known of building fences around their property and those fences tends to outdo each other more than the house itself. If not for a government regulation that limits the height of a paremeter fencing I am most certain that we will not just stop at a 2.1 meteres parameter fencing but the fences would have met new heights never been achieved before.

I observed as I drove past how isolated their lives are, all within the confine of their fences. Not knowing who their neighbours are. But living in an apartment block gives you a new whole dimension of communal living. My parents know our neighbours two floors up and two floors down across the span of 12 units. That is how far an outreach our knowledge is. My mum being a housewive herself on many occassions cared for my neighbours children whenever their parents are away for the day, we shared our cookings and visits each other during the festive seasons. Why then are we unable to respect our neighbours?

Take the Everitt Road neighbourhood dispute for an example. It is a rather unusual community dispute, prolonged and convoluted, so much so it generated much media attention. As many as seven families in the Joo Chiat street were involved, with the police, lawyers, the courts and even an MP being drawn into the dispute. The whole dispute had turned into a media frenzy that draws public attention for the wrong reasons. There are reports that visitors from across the straits had even pay the once quiet street a visit all in the hope of catching a glimpse of the families in action, taunting each other.

How could a supposedly affluent Singaporeans behave like a lowly street punks and hooligans, resorting to mocking and act of mischief. And if we were to analyse the root of the problem one would be amazed that the cause of all the ruckus is becuase of a stupid acts of placing items along the road to reserve the parking spots. How incredibly stupid can one be?

And if you think that such behaviour is only restricted to those living in a house, you will be surprised that such juvenile acts are also seen in those living in apartments blocks and in an alarmingly increasing numers. Neighbours installed CCTV cameras to monitor every movement of their neighbours. Throwing of faeces and defacing onces property are just some of the common acts that some ugly Singaporeans are resorting to.

I am just so glad that none of my neighbours are as stupidly juvenile as some Singaporeans can be. But here again, their stupidity are a source of enjoyment for us to read and see i supposed. Let the circus continue.

Porn Industry Seeks Bailout, Yah Sure Way On

I supposed only in America can such things happen. I will be speechless if the American congress would actually put forth the motion in the halls of congress and grant the porn industry the bail out that they requested for.
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LOS ANGELES - TWO porn moguls including Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt are seeking a US$5 billion (S$7.36 billion) bailout from Washington, arguing that the limp US economy has thrown cold water on the adult entertainment industry.

Flynt and 'Girls Gone Wild' video series creator Joe Francis asked the newly convened 111th Congress 'to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America' in a bailout move similar to the one set aside for US auto manufacturers.

'Congress seems willing to help shore up our nation's most important businesses, (and) we feel we deserve the same consideration,' Francis said in a statement. 'In difficult economic times, Americans turn to entertainment for relief.

More and more, the kind of entertainment they turn to is adult entertainment.' The pair were quick to admit that 'the US$13 billion industry is in no fear of collapse, but why take chances?'

Francis, recently imprisoned for nearly a year on a prostitution-related charge after pleading no contest in a plea bargain, cited industry figures that show adult DVD sales and rentals decreasing 22 per cent in 2008, as people turn to the Internet for adult entertainment.

'With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind,' Flynt said. 'It's time for Congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America. The only way they can do this is by supporting the adult industry and doing it quickly.'

Flynt said people were 'too depressed to be sexually active.' 'This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such, but they cannot do without sex.' – AFP
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It is the biggest joke at the turn of the new year, that is the only thing that I could think of. For the porn industry to ask for a bail out is shameless and unethical, but well what can you expect from a industry that has no moral standards whatsoever. I do have to admit that I am impressed that both the porn moguls have the audacity to actually ask for the bail out. What thing for certain it gives a whole new dimension to the term "STIMULUS' package.

Americans are too depressed to be sexually active ? To think about it, I think the economic depression could be the best thing for the environment. If people are too depressed to be sexually active then maybe, just maybe we can for control the population boom that has put a incurable strain on the earth's resources.

I would think that economic stimulus package bail out is to save an industry which would have an impact on thousands or millions of people or at least on a sizeable portion of the community and not to save the hides and asses of a few individuals who makes their millions and enjoy the wealth on the shameless exploitation of others. SHAME SHAME SHAME on the porn industry to even asked for a bail out and depriving that money from being used for something more meaningful. Just imagine what 5 billion could do to the education or pursuing the research on AIDS or even alternative energy sources.

If the American congress did actually grant the bail out, then I think there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

I have been to 3 continents in 4 hours !!!

It is one of those rare occasions that I have no plans and end up spending my whole day at home resting and lazing on my bed. I had completed my PC games, Star Wars Rebellion a strategy game which I had bought almost a year back and never gotten around to play it. Waking up early in the morning, I had a quick glass of milk and put on my running shorts and shoes and ran a quick 3 miles jog around my neighbourhood. Though the sun was covered by the thick clouds that suddenly appeared out of nowhere as is they know that I am going to run, the lack of sun was compensated by a cool strong breeze that blew endlessly.

A quick shower thereafter, I completed a stage in the game and was quickly bore by it from all the planning and strategies that is required. No matter what I do, I end up losing big time. All the cheats that I installed to make the game less painful does not seems to help me progress. I am resigned to the fate of losing and I realised that I 'sucks' big time in playing game.

I end my game prematurely not even bothering to save the game that I have played and turned on the cable television. Switching from one movie channels to the other, I watched in passing all the reruns of movies that were played. Sigh... the only day that I am at home without anything to do, there is not even a single good movie being played. HBO is playing a movie which was produced in the 70s, even before I was born. am certain that most of the actors are either dead or dying, that I am certain as I could not even recognised a single actors.

I turned the local TV and a drama sitcom was being played. Yet another cheap local drama production which has no entertainment value. As I was just about to turn off the television. I accidentally switched to Discovery Travel channel. The channel was showing a series about the best steak in America and I was brought from one state to another in America where supposedly the best steak exists. Hmmmm that is interesting. For a change something that I have never watched before. I have never been to the states but watching the show, I was exposed to across the states from the North to the West, from New York to LA to Texas.

As the show came to a conclusion, another travel show was aired where i was brought to the mysterious Mediterranean. Depicting Marrakesh, I was exposed to Mediterranean culture and cooking and watched as they host savour in Mediterranean cooking at its best. One hour after the other another travel show was aired and without realising it I spent a good portion of my afternoon infront of the television.

I have been to 3 continents in four countries all in the comfort of my bed. That is the power of cable vision. It is interesting how the advent of television has changed one perspective of the world. I supposed when the television was first invented, it was never with the intention of bringing the world to the viewer but now that is what it has been achieved. Next to electricity, I think television is best invention ever made that has a huge impact on our lives. Just imagine, the cultural and race that one can see, the countries and places that one experience without even having to leave their own country. Why even bother to line up for an air ticket and be subjected to the hassle of airport security and long flights just to experience another cultural, you can have all that just by a click of a button. You want a better view of the world, get a bigger television set. With my 42" LCD television I was able to immerse myself with different cultural.

Of course nothing beats having the real experience, sweating it out and drowning yourself with the smell and sight of the real thing, but I supposed if you are unable to travel, the television serves the same purpose.

I learnt where the best steak in America is being served, I have learnt how kebab is being prepared, I have learnt what the Haitians staple food is, I have learnt how my best Bryani rice is being cooked in India, I have learnt the history of the Moguls and the Shahs of India and I have also learnt why the Haitians placed high importance on body tattoo as a transaction to adulthood. All this was learnt not by me going over to each individual country but by sitting infront of the television set.

The advances in television technology wonders still surprise us and make us wanting more and more. Television has became so popular all over the world now and there is no country, region or village where people don't know what a TV is. Television is the main source of our information. Daily people listen and watch a short news sequence that provides us with the necessary information and keeps informed during the day. Also, no doubt, television is the way to entertain oneself, for it offers a variety of possibilities to have fun sitting on your couch and relaxing.

For me, I have found a new channel that is now safely said to be my favourite. I do not mind giving up my movie channels but I will never give up on my information channels. At least not for now. Till the day come where I can retire and travel the world. I will travel the world in the comfort of my own room.

The Beautiful tunes of Bagpipes

I have always been fascinated as a child by the sound that is produced from the pipes. The first time that I attended a pipe band assemble was many years ago when I attended a parade ceremony in UK where they have pipes bands from differents states performing under the baton of a single major. The tune that they played which I remembered till now was 'Highland Cathedral'

The melody composed for the bagpipes was written by German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb[1] in a Scottish style. It has been proposed as the Scottish national anthem to replace unofficial anthems Scotland the Brave and/or Flower of Scotland. It has subsequently undergone various orchestrations and had lyrics added in English and in Scottish Gaelic.

And who could ever forget another all time favourite tune, 'Amazing Grace' This tune has never failed to move me to tears whenever I hear it.

Abide with Me" is a Christian hymn written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847 while he lay dying from tuberculosis; he survived only a further three weeks after its completion. The hymn is a prayer for God to remain present with the speaker throughout life, through trials, and through death. The first verse is probably the most well-known:

New Year... Old RESOLUTION ??

It is the time of the year again where everyone seems so intent to make a new resolution. Frankly speaking I do not understand the affiliation with new year's resolution at every turn of the new year. Every where I go everyone without fail will say either "So what is you new year's resolution?" or "My new year's resolution is...." New year resolution seems to be the topic of the day for the first few weeks of the new year. Everyone seems to be talking about it.

No matter how successful one has been in following the resolutions in previous year, one makes fresh resolutions for the coming year with full determination and will. The starting days of New Year are the most crucial in order to plan for the entire year. These are the days when most of the people sketch a graph for the whole year. To materialize the things thought of is somewhat difficult but still some people manage to do so.New Year resolutions provide a sort of direction to people to lead the coming year.

Some of the most popular New Year resolutions are – losing weight, earning a good amount of money, paying debts, starting a good exercise regime and resolving conflicts. Some people also think of giving money in charity in the coming year. But to me, I am still lost with our need to make a new year resolution every year. Why must we be so focused in making a new year resolution now and why must it be made every January. Why cant we make a resolution in the middle of the year. To me I would think that when you need to change something in your life u do not have to wait till the end of the year to make one. Do something about it now instead of waiting for the year to start a new.

I have to admit that I am one of those majority, I must say that was so into making new year's resolution. I always told myself that I want to take up learning how to play the flute when I was fifteen, but three years later, I have not even blown into the mouth piece of a single flute. I told myself that I wanted to take up fencing after watching the Olympics when I was eighteen, but a decade later, I have not even wield a single epee or sabre. And my all favourite, without fail my new year's resolution was to pamper myself and travel to at least one foreign country each year, but many years later I am still stuck in Singapore working my butts out.

For much of the world, January 1st marks the New Year. In many cultural be it you are an Asian, Hispanic,or western, it is only traditional to make a New Year resolution promising to accomplish something difficult in the year ahead. But to me I am resigned to the thinking that making a new year's resolution only serves to accomplish one thing and that is to remind oneself how we have flaws. If your resolution is to lose weight it just serves to remind you how fat you are or if your resolution is to exercise and keep fit, it just proves how unhealthy your life have been or if your resolution is to make more money it only proves that your job sucks.

Let’s face it — it’s pretty pointless waiting all year to decide on one or two things that you kinda, sorta want to stop doing, but that you know full well you’re not really committed to following through with anyway. If you want to change something in your life that you do not like or you want to do something that you have always yearned to do, why WAIT !!.

I came across an article that said why resolution doesn't work and there are basically four main points.

1. They’re all about what you think you should do.

All new year's resolution sounds good on the surface. Loose weight, stay healthy, more work life balance but typically a resolution is based on what you think you should be doing, rather than what you really want to be doing. Asked ourselves why do we even make a resolution. the answer is more than often we make resolutions after looking at other peoples expectations or by reading a magazine or looking at advert that tells you what you should achieve in life. Nonsense - forget about what you or other people think you ought to be doing and look at what you really want instead.

2. Resolutions are like goals.

Some resolutions are like goals in that they are about getting more of something out of nothing. The trouble is that goals - which have been imposed upon us rarely work. In work we have targets and goals to achieve, and more than often we do not achieve them, even if we do it is all about manipulation of data and figures and at the end of the financial year where the accounts are presented, it is all rosy and nice. But we all know that the facts are far from the figures.

The problem is that as soon as you set yourself a goal you are saying to yourself that you want more in your life than you have right now. The very nature of goals make you look forwards at what is next, never at what you have got right now. Goals have the tendency to make you feel less-than, because there’s something you don’t have now that you aspire to have in the future. Goals introduce a gap between where you are and where you did like to be, which instantly makes part of where you are right now a place you do not want to be - and this is how the very nature of having goals can hurt your self-confidence and self esteem.

Most people tend to think they need to set themselves goals and objectives to see things happen, but that is missing the point. Show me a goal-hungry person and I’ll show you someone who is always wanting something better to come along, someone who’s convinced - albeit perhaps not consciously - that reaching their goals will lead to their happiness. Even if that person reaches a goal it’s all too likely that it lacks meaning and personal relevance, and so the hunt for meaning, relevance and happiness goes on.

Once you reach a goal, so what is next? You must have another goal? Then another, then another. When do you get to stop and just enjoy life right where you are? The real gold and real value is in the experience, NOT in the end result.

3. There’s no motivation or commitment.

Many of our resolution do not even make it past January and many even are abandoned come March. The reason, simple there is No commitment. The problem is that you’re taking something that do not mean anything to you and trying to make it happen. Resolutions lack a foundation of meaning and personal relevance that makes sure they run out of steam.Sure, you might get an initial burst of motivation that gets you started, but that never lasts. Motivation is like the big rocket boosters on the space shuttle - it gives you an initial spurt of energy to get up and get moving, but it’s just not sustainable.

What you need is something more fundamental, more central and more important to you. What you need is something that comes from the inside, something that’s based on what’s important and what matters to you.
That’s the only way to get behind it, have confidence in it and keep the motivation and commitment going.

4. The timing’s all wrong.

Not only are you coming off the back of the holidays and getting back to the harsh realities of the world, but you see the whole of the year stretching ahead of you. It’s not exactly an inspiring picture, is it? And what kind of person waits all year to make a choice about something anyway? Why wait for one particular day to make a decision, when there are 364 other equally great decision-making days available to you?

So, the next time that anyone asked me what is my new year resolution, I will say, I do not have any. As in the wise words of Horace, Carpe Diem, Quam minimum credula postero, Seize the Day, trust as little as possible in tomorrow. If you have something that you think you ought to be doing, then for the love of god, DO IT NOW !! WHY PROCRASTINATE !!.