rettorically speaking

The Preacher's Warning

2012-01-25T01:23:00.002+08:00

A knock on the door reminds her;She'd almost forgotten this place.A surge of poison defiles her;She was always forgetting the way. As she wonders and waitsFor this too to pass,She sees no light for eachOf her hearts and souls lost. The sun sets in a rushAs her fire burns out.And cinders coat her smile To fill the space it once was. The people stop to watchIn distant disregard,In curious concern,

Indie Ink Challenge Dec 19 - Dec 23

2011-12-23T00:56:00.001+08:00

I write likeStephen KingI Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing! I write likeJ. D. SalingerI Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your

what becomes of the anything-hearted?

2010-07-16T02:02:00.000+08:00

Love flew away; it was meant for greater things than her.

damn the man.

2010-07-14T16:50:00.000+08:00

Had two interviews today.One was rubbish - they seriously expect a freelancer who will be at their beck and call 24/7. When they asked how promptly I can deliver artwork I knew it was over before it began. They don't know the difference between copy and art. I wish them the best of luck.Next one was good, big clients and high expectations. I've got a good feeling about this. Things that just fall

Stupid Soccer Babes, and the men who come with

2010-07-13T00:01:00.000+08:00

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is finally over.My laptop is totally screwed up.I got 2 job offers today.And I can't sleep because my clock's all footballed out.Exciting, yes?Today I was watching reruns (okay fine, like the whole Netherlands Vs. Spain match) and they had a Justin & Vernon (DJs) show at Resorts World. I think it might have been filmed the night I was there. And they had 2 "soccer babes"

first of the gang

2010-07-06T16:24:00.000+08:00

I've been having the ultimate Morrissey/The Smiths day. He does add to depression and a general state of melancholy, but in the most beautiful way. Yesterday was a much better day than today. Spent hours exploring BooksActually, and bought an old skool vintage notebook, an old bus ticket, 3 pencils and 2 notebooks with quotes on them. I was also given a free postcard and a typewritten poem. This

let it bleed

2010-07-04T14:11:00.000+08:00

I offer you my heart to break,so break it well and make it bleed.For all you gain it what you've lost:A little girl with brazen knees.And I will have these streams of life,This bloody ink I need to write.So break it well and please be mean,I beg of you, just make me bleed.

put the blade back in the box, you nut.

2010-07-02T17:48:00.000+08:00

And she held it to her skin, contemplating, wanting, needing... something.She thought for too long and the moment was lost; a moment of hesitation was all it took. This realisation she stored away for future salvation. But now, just for now, there was no need for it anymore. She was calm - maybe even happy. Besides, it was time to get ready. She'd meet her friends smelling of sunshine and

don't stop stop don't stop

2010-07-02T10:10:00.000+08:00

My eye can't see, my heart is broken, my mind's gone wild, spirit's been forgotten.

This doubtful guest

2010-06-27T23:25:00.000+08:00

I love my friends and all, but I feel so distant sometimes.I don't understand manicures. I don't understand shoes. I don't understand branded goods. I don't understand wallets that cost more than what they contain.It happens quite often that a certain brand/celebrity/type of shoe/whatever is mentioned in casual conversation and I haven't a clue what/who it is. Sometimes I'm glad because perhaps

FULL TIME OR FREELANCERS WHO WRITE, I DEMAND EQUAL RIGHTS

2010-06-25T14:44:00.000+08:00

My cheque for May was supposed to be in 3 weeks ago. Then it was delayed as the person who needs to sign it was on leave. But I still don't have it now. So I inquired.Maybe end of next week, or the following week, I was casually informed. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN THREE WEEKS AGO.I'm really upset. Where is the justice for freelancers? I told them that I look forward to getting paid and in the

hey you with the tan

2010-06-22T14:13:00.000+08:00

When it starts to rain they run for shelter. Everyone's so afraid of your storm because they try so hard to ignore their own. I think the world would be a better place if we all acknowledged our storms and made a plan to weather them, instead of forgetting our own rain and overlooking the bad weather of our friends because we're so blinded by the manufactured sunshine that we insist exists.

Football Feverrr

2010-06-19T14:01:00.000+08:00

Completely wiped out mentally and am not going to do ANY work today. I shall have a weekend for the first time in a while! Have been partying up at BeerFest, met lots of really cool people. Josh from New York Times (read: opportunity) and Regina who rocked out with me for Killer Queen, and a whole bunch of Mervyn's friends - we all had quite a wild time. On the football front, Germany and England

accidental new template

2010-06-15T11:34:00.000+08:00

So I have a new template. New thing by Blogger and I thought I was trying it out, but as it turns out, I've permanently applied it here. So it shall remain for now.World Cup's on and proper sleep is not much on the agenda. First feature for SgKopitiam up here! These uncertain times are exciting. Never knowing what's coming next, or if anything IS coming next, well that's the way life should be,

And all our bad days will end

2010-06-09T23:30:00.000+08:00

I've finally gotten paid. More than I expected! More work than I can handle too. So I'm set for awhile. I'm even finally going to cut my hair and buy some tickets. I did have lots of lovely things to say about how everything is butterflies and roses and sunshine and ponies now.Unfortunately, my mood has been killed by an article I wrote that was just torn apart. I'd much rather be unpublished

things to look forward to

2010-06-05T20:30:00.000+08:00

I'm looking forward to the week ahead, intimidating as it is.1) Finally getting paid. Not all of it, but it's a relief. A HUGE relief.2) Start work on World Cup coverage!3) Countdown to WC and Beerfest!4) Catching up with wifey & a few friends who I've missed due to lack of money/time5) Great Singapore Sale video shooting6) Free, new cocktails at Zouk all in the name of journalismLots of work to

the market is done

2010-05-27T18:35:00.000+08:00

So I've submitted my first article for SGKopitiam. My wet market adventures are over.It was quite exhausting but I do miss this - sneaking about at ungodly hours to get a story, interviewing unsuspecting people, taking my own pictures - I miss it all.Some pictures not being used for the article:Get your herbs hereOld lady selling veggiesFishies =/A man peeling onions

longest day yet

2010-05-26T23:02:00.000+08:00

So my day began at about 5am, headed to the markets after 6, investigated Chinatown Market, then Wholesale shipping place and then Marine Terrace, where I was allegedly pushed around in a pram more than 20 years ago. I like old people fussing over me telling me I'm pretty and I look 16. Headed home, slept for a bit before getting down to work. Back to Starbucks, got hardly any work done due to

And still he wondered why

2010-05-24T22:05:00.000+08:00

Her heart was worn. And it was worn on her sleeve. The rain continued to splatter on the sidewalk.He heard a new noise.It interrupted his comfort. His eyes suddenly aware; his soul.Her heart was shattered; its location was conducive for shattering. That was why it was always broken.That was why it was always bruised. She couldn't bear to keep it there.But it would not fit anywhere else.

I think we can make a new tomorrow, today.

2010-05-24T13:20:00.000+08:00

I think I can change things. It doesn't really have to be like this.I've got amazing family, and my friends are something else too.Maybe we can stop the madness. xoxoRett

Heaven can't be on earth without you

2010-05-20T01:56:00.000+08:00

18 May 1980 - Ian Curtis watched Stroszek. Then he put Iggy Pop's The Idiot on his turntable. He then went to the kitchen and hung himself.19 May 1951 - Jeffry Hyman was born. Queens was never the same again, and neither was the world; Punk was born. When Ian got to heaven they all danced danced danced danced danced to the radio.And when Joey entered the gates, everyone cried, "Gabba! Gabba! We

somewhere they can't find us

2010-05-14T13:03:00.000+08:00

Why, she wondered, can't we quit the production andgo back to what's real?--Meet me at the intermissionand take my hand, I'll lead you to where the flowers are realand the sky can't be reached.I don't know where the rain comes from,but let it rain on me.I don't know how the bees got here,but let them buzz around you.And I'll lay with you in the sun-scorched grassand forever try not to remember.If

would you like to buy a vowel?

2010-05-12T10:55:00.000+08:00

Well, at least my editors take me seriously. So do I.Sometimes, even that's a bit of a stretch - taking myself seriously, I mean. I wonder what they think of me - that I just sit around wasting away all day, every day?That's the only reason I can see for being tasked with various daytime activities. I'm getting published. My name is getting around. I'm going places. Opportunities are coming in.

with what's left

2010-05-10T21:15:00.000+08:00

I got my first byline in a print,music publication! My review of Rock & Roots Festival came out in the May issue of Junk. Two more will be featured in the June issue, can't wait!And I got news of more work coming in. I wish some of the money I'm owed would come in too. Boo.One thing that has been annoying me is people arguing for the sake of arguing. Okay, I know it's cool to diss Shakespeare,

A&E: my heart is in my hard drive

2010-05-10T00:21:00.000+08:00

My laptop is in terrible condition. It breaks my heart to see her this way. I've tried everything - tomorrow I'm bringing her in to be completely wiped out. I've managed, with much difficulty that requires the patience I lack, to back everything up amidst constant pop-ups from Viagra sites and CLICK HERE FOR FREE #%&*@$#!$#@ and having to restart all the time. Saved bookmarks and made a list of

find your pain, feel it again

2010-05-04T07:37:00.000+08:00

Okay, today will be a better day.I mean, TFF is tonight, how could it not be awesome?I was reading up about Arthur Janov, a psychologist whose book is behind the name Tears for Fears (Johnny Lennon is also a fan).In The Primal Scream: Primal Therapy, he says that the suppressed pain we deal with comes about because of trauma, often in childhood. There is a way to resolve this pain and trauma - to

I wanna be everywhere in every way

2010-05-03T10:12:00.000+08:00

I like meeting deadlines, but when they have been met and the list fails to grow, that is a bit frightening. Hasn't happened so far but we're getting close. It's scary because there's a lot that I want to do that I haven't begun. A bit of free times means I can.My cousin is getting married this weekend, I don't know what I'm going to wear! I need shoes. And a dress. I like weddings.

A bite of Peaches

2010-04-29T17:25:00.000+08:00

Last night was PEACHES! I thought I was going to be alone but Thomas, and later Casandra and Fir, found me. Peaches came on at about 10pm - the crowd had picked up by then, I was getting worried!I have to say, this was by far the most involved I've ever been at a gig. She walked on us. Literally, we held our hands up and she walked all over us in those boots that were made for walking. That's

GMH>FML

2010-04-27T15:31:00.000+08:00

Just submitted a proposal for an article - it's for a magazine I haven't written for before and it's quite a big deal. Fingers crossed that they love my proposal as much as I do. I really do.I've recently discovered GivesMeHope, the response to FML. Its slogan is even: GMH. Like FML. But for optimists. It's such a beautiful site, the response it's getting is amazing. It's easy to see how your

Shakespeare's not overrated, saying something is overrated is overrated.

2010-04-25T14:10:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine recently stated, on facebook, that Shakespeare is overrated. Responses and discussions followed: how only in Singapore does this happen, other countries have vibrant conversations/dialogues about other writers, plays staged, etc. And also how Shakespeare is promoted here, in schools and on stage, because he's not as opinionated/critical/political as other writers. And how other

Her continuing ascent into madness.

2010-04-24T22:36:00.000+08:00

She was bleeding but she didn't know why - everything was broken but she couldn't remember how that happened either. She wished she knew who was in control of what was happening, but she didn't. All she knew was that it certainly wasn't her. --And you can tellBy the red in my eyesAnd the bruises on my thighsAnd the knots in my hairAnd the bathtub full of fliesThat I'm not right now at allThere i

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

2010-04-21T14:24:00.000+08:00

So after meeting my self-imposed deadline for The Fray article for Junk magazine yesterday and getting a head start on today's work, I was as pleased as pure petroleum and all set to finish writing about the 60s in Singapore today.But I'd forgotten, my mind enjoys focusing on other things, and people, at the most unfortunate times. I also discovered the magazine (THAT magazine) is going to be on

And as the rain fell, so did she.

2010-04-19T21:19:00.000+08:00

She was walking home only because the rain had let up slightly.Halfway through and with nowhere to hide, it began to pour; one step short of running, she felt as grey as the damned weather.The rejected rain, in conspiracy with gravity, pushed a lock of hair into her face. Forgoing the satisfaction of annoyance, she instinctively caught it in her mouth, like she always would as a child, and fed

It's Been 22 Years And I'm Still In Love With Alice

2010-04-15T10:24:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, while moping about being depressed about the magazine, I decided that this day would be the day I'd finally watch a movie alone in a cinema. Been meaning to catch Alice in Wonderland and it was my last chance, there are no more screenings today.So I did. With almost the whole cinema to myself at 2.15pm, I entered wonderland in 3D. It really was exciting - the movie in general was a bit

Oh, wow.

2010-04-13T11:51:00.000+08:00

So I just went for a media preview of Singapore Arts Fest dance films. Setting up interviews and discussing feature articles/profiles and all that.Last night I went for the review at Timbre and I was literally writing the review in my mind as the new menu/cocktails were being sampled. And then rushed over to SMU and got connected, typed it out and sent it over, received pictures I've been

All done, you mad world.

2010-04-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

Today was a productive day.After about a week of visiting places, meeting people, sampling food, cocktails, wine and more food, and watching food being sampled, listening to descriptions of food being sampled, it has almost come to an end, for now.All my reviews were completed and submitted today, except for one more which I have to go to tomorrow. Yes, today was a very productive day.Finished

Oh so tired

2010-04-10T00:03:00.000+08:00

I didn't know doing restaurant reviews could be so tiring. I know it's a wonderful job perk but 4 reviews in 3 days is a bit much.Stop giving me free food and wine, please! I'm actually serious. Today I went to Timbre for a review, which is funny because I could write a whole essay about Timbre without bothering to go there, but a communication breakdown that had nothing to do with me led to it

bosses, labels? We're bigger than that.

2010-04-08T08:09:00.000+08:00

So yesterday was my first restaurant review. It was a 5-course meal (4 for me because the 4th was fish/steak) and they were more than happy to prepare vego variations for me, except for said 4th course. I also discovered truffle, I think it was a first for me. I'm still not sure what it is. I only know that they come from the ground and you need a special pig to dig it up. Reviews are fun, I got

Today = ?

2010-04-06T23:47:00.000+08:00

I'm not quite sure what to make of today.For the first time in years, I found myself at Potong Pasir MRT. There's a reason I've made sure I haven't been there in so long. Case of the ex. I was afraid; I really was. I was trying not to cry, I was trying hard to walk - but I was mainly trying to overcome the demons of my past. I was thinking, bring it on. I was feeling, please, anywhere but here. I

After-Easter Effects

2010-04-05T14:00:00.000+08:00

Easter weekend was eventful. My favourite part is always the egg hunt we have for the kids. Weather was not so hot but the hunt was, as always, a resounding success. Funny quote of the weekend:My aunt (as she dropped something): Oh, Jesus!Me: Is Risen!Noelle: Hallelujah! HAHAHA. Happy Easter, everyone. Went for a forum on the Myanmar elections this morning, it was at the Institute of South East

April: For Fools and Lovers

2010-04-02T22:04:00.000+08:00

It's April already - that's bizarre. It was just Christmas.Two thing I've been thinking about. Well, two of many things. 1. How a series of small things add up to potentially life-changing outcomes.If I'd stood anywhere else, if I'd asked anyone else, if I'd been delayed 30 seconds at any point of the day, I wouldn't know you. I wouldn't know anything about you - makes me wonder what I'd have

Work x 1billion

2010-03-31T14:03:00.000+08:00

So much work to do! I do seem to enjoy biting off more than I can chew, don't I.One article down, 8 to go. By Monday. Yay.Massage. Now. Please.

I'm down with madness (and other allergies)

2010-03-29T00:15:00.000+08:00

I love Opshop, I really do.Band from New Zealand - their music isn't what I'd usually listen to but dammit, it's good. Listen HERE. Plus I hung out with them during the festival, as well as tonight after their gig at East Coast, and now we're all BFF. Too bad I can't get my favourite track from them until August at least, when their new album comes out. According to them, even their wives can't

Last Night Rocked

2010-03-27T12:10:00.000+08:00

About to go and interview The Fray. I haven't interviewed a band in a while, forgot how exciting it is. I'm feeling all funny inside.

Rock, Roots, Rain, Ready!

2010-03-26T13:21:00.000+08:00

So Rock & Roots is a few hours away. I'm psyched.Very psyched.In fact, I'm so psyched that the words I am normally very well-acquainted with have escaped to roll around in the rain, leaving me to express my emotions in the form of an interpretive dance. It's been awhile since I've attended a gig/festival as part of the media. I do love the perks of writing about music.

Easy/Lucky/Free

2010-03-24T23:00:00.000+08:00

I'm listening to Bright Eyes - can't believe I stayed away for so long - years, really.Conor, you've remained on my wall all this time for a reason, and it isn't that I couldn't be bothered to take you down. You don't quite fit in with The Clash and Sex Pistols (on my wall and in my playlist), but you're a poet, a star, you really are. Music stays with you, forming the soundtrack of your life.

And All That Jazz

2010-03-23T21:04:00.000+08:00

Today I sent in my first article for The Expat Guide, it was an event listing that I compiled - concerts, musicals, performances. I was honestly a bit nervous as it wasn't exactly what I was meant to do, I just felt it would be a relevant contribution to the magazine. I also wasn't sure of the style I should use, how much wit/humour/slang could be thrown in and all that. Just got an email from KL

not all those who wander are lost

2010-03-22T00:05:00.000+08:00

Am absolutely exhausted. Didn't get much sleep last night after Noelle's 2nd party which was wonderful and the day's been nonstop since. So, I have a new job and all. There's a magazine, originally in KL, called The Expat Guide which will be launched here in May. I'm now the Editorial Assistant and will write for them too. I've spent the past 2 days at Suntec Convention Centre meeting expats,

Make it Matter

2010-03-20T01:01:00.000+08:00

Just had a family thing for Noelle's birthday.Some of the kids ate cake on my bed. And then they traumatised my cat.They thought it funny on both accounts. Anyway. --She wanted to be recognised, to be considered, to be a factor.She didn't want to have to leave home because it wasn't hers anymore. Why did some have two homes while she had none?It really wasn't fair. They always told her, nothing

The Never-Ending Why of my Ashtray Heart

2010-03-18T14:10:00.000+08:00

Shila and I were going to do our usual penniless fan thing by having a picnic outside Fort Canning while listening to the band. We were going to do it tonight for Placebo.But I have just received news that Shaun's DJ friend has gotten us 4 free tickets and now we can go! Yay! When good things keep happening to me it makes me nervous; what will eventually be expected from me in return? Karma and

Brighter Days Ahead

2010-03-17T16:33:00.000+08:00

So as of today, I have a smashing new haircut and two new jobs that I can't wait to get started on. Oh, the possibilities are infinite!As usual, Kelly had her own ideas about what to do with my hair, and what I ended up with is nothing like what I wanted. As usual, it's much better/cooler/stranger than what I wanted. Kelly is awesome. I was stopped by a lady who was trying to get donations for

Home, at last

2010-03-16T14:28:00.000+08:00

The bus ride was NOT 12 hours. It wasn't 14 hours either. It was almost 20 hours. It really was. Fortunately I had a single seat to myself and several stops along the way for dinner and toilet breaks. A handsome Malaysian boy who I'd been chatting with tried to kiss me just before he disembarked in KL. Needless to say, this took me by surprise. Thank god for my Spiderman reflexes. Catching up on

1 hour from now

2010-03-14T14:47:00.000+08:00

Booked my ticket, left my backpack at the travel centre and am currently having lunch at an English bar. Decided I could afford the extravagance as it's an hour till I leave and so much Baht in the wallet. I also took a picture of the Chelsea banner for Dad.It was sad to leave the others, especially because I was the only one leaving today. Some left yesterday, the rest leave tomorrow. Min (

Take Me Home

2010-03-14T12:06:00.000+08:00

Leaving for Hat Yai very shortly. I'm coming home. 16 hours in the bus, have to pick up my ticket at 4pm then will have a couple of hours to explore. I must say I'm very pleased to have survived 3 weeks in Thailand on less than $300. Yay.Perhaps I'll do some shopping in Hat Yai. Country roads, take me home,To the place, I belong.Through Malaysia, then to Katong,Take me home, country roads.

Day 21 - Last Day

2010-03-13T10:24:00.000+08:00

I'm leaving tomorrow but some are leaving today as they have to head back to Bangkok and the journey takes 16 hours. I'm sad it's over but really looking forward to going home as well. Travel in a group or just not travel? I can't decide. Last night I was called a baby. I didn't do anything to deserve this, just that they came up with the idea that I couldn't be left alone. The boys came along

Day 20 - The Haunting & The Boycott

2010-03-12T14:08:00.000+08:00

The HauntingMy hotel room is haunted. I swear to God it is.The other day when I was reading on my bed, I saw something on the TV (which was off). A shadow moving around. And it wasn't a split second 'did I see something?' situation, it was me, fully conscious, looking at the black screen and wondering what the hell it was. There was nothing in the room that could have caused a reflection; I

Day 19 - so terribly hungry (but still vegan with a vengeance)

2010-03-11T15:04:00.000+08:00

Last night I didn't have dinner because I was busy sulking about the group's dismissal of my part. This morning I missed breakfast because I woke up late. I just don't like this whole be-downstairs-at-8am rule and everyone hops onto the bus and goes for breakfast. It annoys me how we're treated like kids sometimes, and it must be much worse for the Doctors and all. Up until then it was no one's

Oh you can all just kiss off into the air.

2010-03-10T20:05:00.000+08:00

Remember when you were a kid and the grownups were having their grownup discussion, and you bugged them to bring you to the playground.Yes, dear, in a minute. But they really just wanted you to stop bothering them so they could go back to their grownup issues. On a separate note, intentionally brushing shoulders with someone before sauntering off is childish, in my less-educated-than-you opinion.

Day 18 - I will abduct you and force you into a cocktail position.

2010-03-10T16:04:00.000+08:00

I just have to share some of the gems in our group report.Two of my favourites:1. The Buddhists are mainly Buddhist temples.2. The drug abductors make their bodies into a cocktail position.It's not even a case of editing/rewriting to make things clear. I actually have no idea what some of these things mean. I asked, is a drug abductor some sort of kidnapper who steals helpless little pills from

Day 16 - Of conversations and Calamity

2010-03-09T13:29:00.000+08:00

The group report is... really something. I'm not quite sure what to say. At least some of us had a few laughs. It's about conflicts but there's one paragraph on conflict. And it just says, there are no conflicts. Last night was another secret riverside party. We're just living in the dorms but at times it really does feel like we're uni students. Our numbers are growing, wayward friends slowly

Day 15 - Spontaneity Thrilled the Cat

2010-03-08T10:02:00.000+08:00

Had an interesting lecture yesterday about post-violent conflict recovery. I learnt that Lao has/had the highest amount of bombs per population. The lecturer was Dr Jacqui Chagnon from the US, and she was very interesting except that having a powerpoint presentation to introduce yourself is just slightly over the top. Discussed our report about conflict in South Thailand with the group and it was

Day 14 - Not-so-Free Day

2010-03-06T23:19:00.000+08:00

Today was supposed to be our free day.The group was going to go to the beach and get some shopping done. Meeting time: 8am.Now this in no way constitutes a free day. Waking up at 7am is not a free day. I deliberated right up until this morning when I woke up at 830am. There really isn't anything to do here and it's hard to get around if you don't have a car/bike. I decided the beach sounded like