Sunday, April 24, 2011

22 April

DSC_8920_e

Image Credit: Ansen

Diary of a Madwoman

DSC_8868


Madness, gender relations, technology. These were just some of the themes explored in Chin Woon Ping's Dairy of a Madwoman, which, courtesy of the SAJC drama club's performance on Friday night, gave me a chance to get out of the house. (Okay, perhaps I am exaggerating this a wee bit.)


I must say, I quite enjoyed the play, especially for its staging - the simple setting served both metaphorical and actual significance, and served only to highlight the intensity of [one of] the actor(s). But what bothered me was this: The play explored simply too many themes, to the point that its message of feminine struggle was lost underneath the mess of criticisms on technology, cultural norms etcetera. But that was not the drama club's fault, [I believe] it was the playwright's.


Prying eyes [are everywhere]


The performance of one of the mad woman was really commendable, and equally so was the use of choric effects, to portray the masses as seemingly demonic (as is in the mind of the madwoman).


That being said, I think I enjoyed the time I spent with Ansen and Joel prior to the play more than the play itself - its been a while since I've been with friends outside of a school setting.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

vintage projector

projector


I found this photo on my computer just a while ago. It's really steampunk-esque eh? That being said, in reality, its just a vintage film projector from the '60s. Still cool nevertheless. It reminds me a little of those tin robots that a friend of mine loves. Vintage stuff are so Back to the Future!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

#2

Image Credit: dothaithanh

Disgruntled

The past few days have not been particularly fantastic for me. Rather, they have been disappointing and dreary, and I have to let it out. These 3 things in particular leave me feeling especially disgruntled.


1.
PW Results (Friday) - Where do I even begin with this? I know that some people in my class are happy with their B, but I most certainly am not. And I know really well that Joel isn't exactly a happy camper either. His face went black I worked really hard for this bloody subject. As did he. As did my project work tutor. And as such, it feels horrendously miserable to not get a distinction. Its like the gold sticker that a kindergarten teacher would award a child for his or her efforts. But I rest my case, whatever I got was in accordance to the will of God, and this I will accept it. Whether I am happy or not, is entirely another matter, but no degree of sadness/anger/disappointment can change this. God help me with this.


2. BT1 Results - Econs: S, GP: C, Physics: S, Mathematics: U. I have not got back my literature results (that'll come tomorrow), but I already know that it won't be good. Heck, my results this time around are horrendous, and I am truly mortified by them. It was not about clearing the necessary rank points (though this time around, it'll be impossible), but it was about the lost pride - pride in doing something well.


3. Piano Grade 7 Results (Today) - I do not quite remember when I decided to pick up piano again, but I most certainly know why. I thought it was a shame to discard something that I have been enjoying (well mostly at least) for the past 12 years of my life, merely for the pursuit of a 2 year academic programme. I think I stretched myself a little too thinly with this pursuit, but I most certainly did not want to receive a mere pass (117/150) for this.


There are other [comparatively] minor things that have peeved me lately: The Wuthering Heights reading quizzes, the workload at school, the lack of chances/time to wander around (I find this really therapeutic) just to name a few.


Evidently, they are mostly/all related to results or academics, and I am starting to feel marginally disillusioned with the concept of education in Singapore. Slaving off gives you merely mediocrity. And the worse bit is when its close to excellence, but falls short, marginally. You still feel equally shitty, instead of feeling relief that you have rose above mediocrity. You still curse at yourself for your inadequacies. You still wallow in sorrow over the lost opportunity. In essence, you feel disappointment. I sincerely hope that what Henry Ward said is true, that "one's best success comes after their greatest disappointments." I am rambling.


I truly fear I am losing the passion to do things [well]. Or rather, that I am losing the capacity to do so.


God help me.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

City in A Bag

cityinabag

Image Credit: Muji

Très adorable! I want them all!

Live Minimally


Image Credit: Minim

Carbonara

carbonara

Image Credit: Ferf3n, SG Desert


Canele's carbonara is the best that I've ever tried so far. In fact, I'm craving for it now. Now I've gotta try those at Ricciotti, La Strada or La Villa - gosh this seems like a to-do list.

Risk & Conflict

"If you want to be technical. I guess we broke our word."

Terry Jones

Its utterly tragic that such words could be blurted out by a pastor - going against a promise of not torching the Quran. In fact, he was quoted as saying "not today, not ever". It is because of people as false as him that the Muslim world finds reason to hate Christians.


He took a risk, but at what cost? Were not the deaths and violence he caused in September last year not enough? Must he have the blood of 20 innocent lives on his hands?


And as for the Afghan president, it was highly unnecessary to broadcast the work of a delusional man among his people - most of which would probably have not known too much about this incident if it were not for him. Is not national security more important than entertaining someone else's delusion?

Bistro du Vin

DSC_8737_e


DSC_8738_e


DSC_8739_e


DSC_8741_e


I had quite a memorable night yesterday; it marked several firsts in my life. For starters, it's my first time eating French bistro food (no I didn't have any in Paris). It was also my first time eating quail, unless of course you consider quail eggs as also being quails (that makes you wonder, did the egg or the quail come first eh?) And I must say, while the quail was nice, it was a [insert expletive here] to cut. Perhaps ordering something else would have made the night a little easier, but heck, it was an experience eating that little [formerly] feathered thing.


P.S. The scallop entr�e was divine.
Oh and the place was quite charming, pity I don't have any pictures.

Friday, April 01, 2011

BMCE Headquarters, Foster + Partners



Image Credit: ArchDaily & Nigel Young


Foster and Partner rarely does work like this - things that aren't out of the sleek minimalist post-modernist realm. So it's really interesting to see how they integrate Moroccan culture into the design of this bank. I really love Muslim mosaics, and though this is not as colourful as those or the souks of Morocco, its tasteful restraint makes up for that.


Oh and yes, happy April Fools' to everyone