During these 2 months I spent about 45 hours in the air, taking 9 different flights on 3 different airlines.
My first flight was on a KLM B777 (thank goodness for B777s) from Singapore Changi Airport to Amsterdam Schipol Airport, which was a very beautiful airport with lots of shops selling lots of goods which I could not afford. Chocolates - 10 EURO. Parker pens. Cheese. Wooden Clogs. Salami. Cameras. DVDs. Expensive European newspapers (why buy when you can get it on the plane?).
My second was on a KLM Fokker 50 (which seats 50 passengers in a single class) from Amsterdam to Koln-Bonn Airport. The Fokker 50 was a propeller plane with 2 prop jets on its wings. When I embarked the plane, the temp was 0 degrees C. I was freezing, yet the pilot said on the PA, I'm sorry that our heaters are malfunctioning today. We will turn on the engines to keep the temperature comfortable. And so he revved up the propellers, and i smelled kerosene. Was frankly a bit worried but I told myself, it's KLM. Royal Dutch Airline. It's safe. And off we went to Cologne!
When I arrivded at Cologne, I found out my passport was missing! I put it in my back jeans pocket but it's not there anymore! OMG. Was terrified. I searched high and low, checked my pullover pockets, my jeans, my bag, no where to be found! Thankfully I stood up and found out I have been sitting on it all along! Relief man!
My third flight was the same KLM Fokker 50 back to Amsterdam. Watched the beautiful sunset from 20,000 feet. Was gorgeous i tell you. The guy beside me was irritating tho. he was doing something on his laptop and was probably racist.
My fourth was a KLM B777 back to Singapore from Holland. Because I did not sleep the previous night and had a pretty long day (flight's at 9pm), i slep throuhout the flight depsite having a world class entertainment system in front of me. The KLM entertainment is not bad, with good songs and up to date movies (I watched Simpsons and 2 episodes of Heros and lots of comedies on the way to Holland). but due to sheer exhaustion, I just slept. Until the fat flight attendent in the KLM Blue uniform came and put a tray of breakfast in front of me... I ate some breakfast (no mood really, cos I was very very sad that I had to leave my friends from around the world after a week of joy and fun)... and listened to classic Elvis songs. Cant help falling in love, in the ghetto and Bridge over troubled water moved me to tears (well, nearly)... I wanted to whip out my camera to see the photos all over again which was in my jeans pocket but I couldnt... I had to stand up to loosen the pocket and i did not want to stand up because i was sitting right smack in the middle of the centre.
My fifth was a JAL B777 (thnak goodness for B777s, I just love the plane).. I sat beside a Japanese dude who kept asking fro Bi-ru bi-ru from the flight attendent... Luckily he's quite nice to me, and the best thing was that I had the window on the B777! Hahhaah.... 2 noisy Singaporean kids were seated behind me, so I had to adjust the volume of my Die Hard 4.0 movie to ultra loud... Food was good, completely own the KLM food.
no.6 was back from Narita Airport on a JAL b747. Sat on the last last row of the B747 (thankfully window seat again), and the view was fantastic. Food was good, movie was good (Bourne Ultimatum), service was good. Absolutely perfect except that the trip was over :(
I was apprehensive about flight number 7, a Garuda Indonesia B737 flight from Singapore to Jakarta. But the food was good (or I was just extremely hungry)... Turbulent flight but it was quite okish... The couple from France behind me kept talking and talking, but i'm ok... Was thinking about what to present in the conference to eavesdrop...
Number 8- Garuda 747 from Jakarta to Bali. Btw, did I mention that Indonesian Airports are quite cool? Jakarta has this kampong roof like structure which was culturally appealing to me. I slept during the 2 hour transit in Jakarta on the seats... too tired...
Number 9- Garuda 737 from Bali back to Singapore.. Also did not sleep much the night before. Was sitting at the emrgency exit, i read the emergency operating manual at leats 5 times, I could memorise it already. The pkane kept bouncing up and down throughout the flight, and I kept looking out of the window...saw nothing but clouds. Beautiful. Did not eat the food served on board cos I full from the big mac meal which i ate in Denpasar Airport. There was a taiwanese couple (who apprently are Singapore citizens) sitting in front of me and I could sense that there maariage was on the rocks man. Their son is some snobby dude who is only 13, and so the flight attendent told him not to seat at the emergency exit where only 15 year olds and above could be seated at. So he took his ipod from the baggage compartment above and scooted to the bakc of the plane to sit, leaving his parents at the seat in front of me. The father is some grumpy idiot who is very typical Singaporean and likes to complain here complain there. Not cool. Not cool. His wife is ok, luckily did not lie back and give my legs a hard time. Behind me was a bunch of crazy British talkative tourists who keep thinking Batam was Singapore. And the british woman behind me keep pushing against my seat, i wanted to turn around and say something but decided to give Singapore a god image. Aiyah, tolerate a bit and let the Singapore tourism prosper more lor. After all, if I turn back and say something, the women will not come back to Singapore, so whats the point?
So after my 3 trips, I returned (for good) to my bed in my home. Home Sweet Home. I love my home, and my room and my bed.
No hotel can beat my home. No hotel bed can beat my bed.
My mum also came back from Taiwan on Xmas eve, and my sis from Kathmandu, Nepal, more recently. My sister kept her poor father and mother and brother waiting outside for her while she shops for perfumes and cosmetics inside! We waited 2 hours already for you cos your flight was delayed! Thankfully she bought lots of stuff for me so i'm not complaining:)
What a long post... Sigh.. I better go plant trees to offset my carbon emissions already...
Sunday, December 30, 2007
2007
I had wanted to write a long long post about 2007, but decided otherwise.
If you want to hear about issues, go yahoo and search bush, iran, iraq, saddam, terrorists, nuclear, natural disasters, ... or you may just type shit and all these stuff will appear immediately.
Of course, there's a lot to talk about climate change as well, but well, international herald tribute writes better than me.
2007 for me was a good year. and I will tell you why. now.
Because in 2007, i gained something very extremely important and valuable... and that's perspective.
Yea, i know, you must be thinking, what the hell is this idiot writing here? What is perspective?
Yea yea yea, you'ld rather think about that cute boy or cute girl in the opposite class... Oh I saw him this morning! ooh ohh!
Yea yea yea, you'ld rather think about Jay Chou is coming to town! And pawn off your mother's wedding ring to afford the tickets to his show...
Yea yea yea, some say Halo 3 is the most important thing in 2007. Or cry over Vista...
And of corse, there are some real important decisions to make throughout the year... Should I watch Book of Secrets or I Am Legend? Oh my... what an important decision.
Of course, none of the above matter much to me. For me, it's How on Earth did Man Utd lose to West Ham last night? And how on Earth did Ronald miss that penalty? And why on Earth did Fergie play Flectcher instead of Anderson?
And tyco chelsea just won against newcastle. crap.
Anyway, there's so much to cheer about in 2007!
Firstly, I was kicked out of ISLE back at the start of the year. Thank you hor, Mr Seah, for kicking me out of your prestigious prgramme. I am eternally grateful to you for giving me the chance to go to Germany (where I met great friends from around the world, 16 other countries, to be exact), to go to Japan (where I made friends with RJC students and managed to catch an idea of what university life overseas is about, and visit Disneyland (for the fifth time i am saying OMG that place is just fantastic, and i just love disneyland), and to go to Bali for an evironmental conference where i made more friends from around South East Asia. Of course, Germany and Bali really motivated me and gave me resolve.
So Thank you for kicking me out of your wonderful programme! (no offence to students to participated, just that sometimes, the adults p*** me off.)
And of course I am very very grateful to the wonderful (this time, I actually mean it) corporations, organisations, government and indviduals who nominated, recommended, selected, and sponsored me to go for these trips! Without these 3 trips, I would probably not gained the most important thing this year, which is 'perspective'.
Secondly, I found out that RJC is not as bad as it seems afterall...
The percentage of irritating people as cmpared to the entire student population is merely about 50%, which was way-off the initial estimation by me (80%)...
and although the school is really an institute where time-wasting, useless protocol observance and bureaucratic measures rank really really high (perhaps second only to governments), there is also lots of good stuff in the school. Stuff like what?
1. RISK, where i always enjoy seeing myself get thrashed or thrashing others
2. Drama and gossip(not performed by Raffles Players)
3. Celebrations (there's always something to celebrate, no matter what)
4. Sleeping during lectures (which I will try to not practice next year, it's one of my resolutions)
5. PW (it's finally over!)
6. Ice tea (better not be affected by inflation, i'm warning you, stall 2 auntie)
7. Opportunities (Ok this one's really true, this school is a place of opportunities)
As I flip back my calender before recycling it, there's actually not much stuff la... sometimes there are tests, sometimes SPA, sometimes Inter House Championship stuff, and a whole lot of events and celebrations.
But there's one thing that p*** me off. Mr Hodge said, guys, we want you to help the poorer students in the school who cannot afford the school fees. Yes sir! THEN WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND $30,000 ON NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS? AND OH YA, BEFORE I FORGET, THERE'S ALSO TAKE 5! Oh my oh my? Where is the love, indeed...
Ok, Mr Hodge, you are a good principal and I will miss you, but i still cannot understand why are you willing to spend spend spend like that? Do you know that 30,000 means you can give 1,000 bucks to 30 deserving students?
But no, you choose instead to entrust the tax money of my papa and mama to a group of wise leaders called student councilors (no offence, really) to blow it away! In 3 hours, the money is gone! Oh....my.....money!
Yes yes, the performance was good. take 5 was wonderful. But to students who need to give tuition after school to pay for their lunch the next day, 1,000 bucks is better.
Which is why One Earth is commited to helping these folks. the proceeds of our MEGA jumble sale will be 100% directed to helping RJC students in need. We believe in social responsibility, heljng not just to protect Earth and it's finite resources, but making sure that people benefit from it as well.
Happy 2008! (Note, there's free breakfast on the first day of school! )
If you want to hear about issues, go yahoo and search bush, iran, iraq, saddam, terrorists, nuclear, natural disasters, ... or you may just type shit and all these stuff will appear immediately.
Of course, there's a lot to talk about climate change as well, but well, international herald tribute writes better than me.
2007 for me was a good year. and I will tell you why. now.
Because in 2007, i gained something very extremely important and valuable... and that's perspective.
Yea, i know, you must be thinking, what the hell is this idiot writing here? What is perspective?
Yea yea yea, you'ld rather think about that cute boy or cute girl in the opposite class... Oh I saw him this morning! ooh ohh!
Yea yea yea, you'ld rather think about Jay Chou is coming to town! And pawn off your mother's wedding ring to afford the tickets to his show...
Yea yea yea, some say Halo 3 is the most important thing in 2007. Or cry over Vista...
And of corse, there are some real important decisions to make throughout the year... Should I watch Book of Secrets or I Am Legend? Oh my... what an important decision.
Of course, none of the above matter much to me. For me, it's How on Earth did Man Utd lose to West Ham last night? And how on Earth did Ronald miss that penalty? And why on Earth did Fergie play Flectcher instead of Anderson?
And tyco chelsea just won against newcastle. crap.
Anyway, there's so much to cheer about in 2007!
Firstly, I was kicked out of ISLE back at the start of the year. Thank you hor, Mr Seah, for kicking me out of your prestigious prgramme. I am eternally grateful to you for giving me the chance to go to Germany (where I met great friends from around the world, 16 other countries, to be exact), to go to Japan (where I made friends with RJC students and managed to catch an idea of what university life overseas is about, and visit Disneyland (for the fifth time i am saying OMG that place is just fantastic, and i just love disneyland), and to go to Bali for an evironmental conference where i made more friends from around South East Asia. Of course, Germany and Bali really motivated me and gave me resolve.
So Thank you for kicking me out of your wonderful programme! (no offence to students to participated, just that sometimes, the adults p*** me off.)
And of course I am very very grateful to the wonderful (this time, I actually mean it) corporations, organisations, government and indviduals who nominated, recommended, selected, and sponsored me to go for these trips! Without these 3 trips, I would probably not gained the most important thing this year, which is 'perspective'.
Secondly, I found out that RJC is not as bad as it seems afterall...
The percentage of irritating people as cmpared to the entire student population is merely about 50%, which was way-off the initial estimation by me (80%)...
and although the school is really an institute where time-wasting, useless protocol observance and bureaucratic measures rank really really high (perhaps second only to governments), there is also lots of good stuff in the school. Stuff like what?
1. RISK, where i always enjoy seeing myself get thrashed or thrashing others
2. Drama and gossip(not performed by Raffles Players)
3. Celebrations (there's always something to celebrate, no matter what)
4. Sleeping during lectures (which I will try to not practice next year, it's one of my resolutions)
5. PW (it's finally over!)
6. Ice tea (better not be affected by inflation, i'm warning you, stall 2 auntie)
7. Opportunities (Ok this one's really true, this school is a place of opportunities)
As I flip back my calender before recycling it, there's actually not much stuff la... sometimes there are tests, sometimes SPA, sometimes Inter House Championship stuff, and a whole lot of events and celebrations.
But there's one thing that p*** me off. Mr Hodge said, guys, we want you to help the poorer students in the school who cannot afford the school fees. Yes sir! THEN WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND $30,000 ON NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS? AND OH YA, BEFORE I FORGET, THERE'S ALSO TAKE 5! Oh my oh my? Where is the love, indeed...
Ok, Mr Hodge, you are a good principal and I will miss you, but i still cannot understand why are you willing to spend spend spend like that? Do you know that 30,000 means you can give 1,000 bucks to 30 deserving students?
But no, you choose instead to entrust the tax money of my papa and mama to a group of wise leaders called student councilors (no offence, really) to blow it away! In 3 hours, the money is gone! Oh....my.....money!
Yes yes, the performance was good. take 5 was wonderful. But to students who need to give tuition after school to pay for their lunch the next day, 1,000 bucks is better.
Which is why One Earth is commited to helping these folks. the proceeds of our MEGA jumble sale will be 100% directed to helping RJC students in need. We believe in social responsibility, heljng not just to protect Earth and it's finite resources, but making sure that people benefit from it as well.
Happy 2008! (Note, there's free breakfast on the first day of school! )
Saturday, December 22, 2007
I am very much grateful to all of you
Things are turning out fine for me. Slowly but surely, there is progress. With response from schools getting better and Samuel working harder than ever to pull in more schools, I am quietly confident that Thingsyoucando! will create history in Singapore as the first youth-led major initiative that advocates action and awareness at the same time. Even Primary Schools and Special Schools are joining hands with us to make this project a success.
Yesterday was a tiring day. Together with Zi Jian (Film Soc vice chair) and Ming Quan (Alchemy Club chair) we worked 7 hours straight, skipping lunch, and pausing only for toilet breaks and the occasional chat, to produce the backbone of the Thingsyoucando slides and the complete production of the trailer. The trailer has been a long story. When I flew back from Bali, I immediately sent an email to Zi Jian, persuading him to produce the trailer for Thingsyoucando!... I alone cannot do much... But Thingsyoucando is a beauty in itself. With zero funding (as yet), minimal advice from RJC, we still managed to pull through to today. Why?
The answer is... friends.
Without friends I am nothing. I am useless. But with the support of Alex Goh and his talented team of artists, we produced the posters. With the support of Zi Jian, we produced the trailer. With the help of Samuel, we managed to contact all the schools in Singapore. With the support of Calvin, we will produce the video. With the support of Arun, Ming Quan, Muhd, Nick, Thingsyoucando held firm. With the support of WWF (Singapore), NEA, SEC, ECO, and even CNA we found support and advice. With the support of an MP, Dr. Fatimah Lateef, we found hope. With the support of my overseas friends, in particular Renzo and Anthony, I found encouragement. With the support of my family members, I found strength.
Without the support of my friends, Thingsyoucando would never have been born.
The Thingsyoucando! report, Conversation for Conversation pre-planning report and the Hu Ching 2007 Year End Review will be published next week on my blog.
Thank you so much. Hu Ching is not perfect, and never will be, but he loves all his friends.
And he is grateful to all.
RJC is indeed a place of talents.
Yesterday was a tiring day. Together with Zi Jian (Film Soc vice chair) and Ming Quan (Alchemy Club chair) we worked 7 hours straight, skipping lunch, and pausing only for toilet breaks and the occasional chat, to produce the backbone of the Thingsyoucando slides and the complete production of the trailer. The trailer has been a long story. When I flew back from Bali, I immediately sent an email to Zi Jian, persuading him to produce the trailer for Thingsyoucando!... I alone cannot do much... But Thingsyoucando is a beauty in itself. With zero funding (as yet), minimal advice from RJC, we still managed to pull through to today. Why?
The answer is... friends.
Without friends I am nothing. I am useless. But with the support of Alex Goh and his talented team of artists, we produced the posters. With the support of Zi Jian, we produced the trailer. With the help of Samuel, we managed to contact all the schools in Singapore. With the support of Calvin, we will produce the video. With the support of Arun, Ming Quan, Muhd, Nick, Thingsyoucando held firm. With the support of WWF (Singapore), NEA, SEC, ECO, and even CNA we found support and advice. With the support of an MP, Dr. Fatimah Lateef, we found hope. With the support of my overseas friends, in particular Renzo and Anthony, I found encouragement. With the support of my family members, I found strength.
Without the support of my friends, Thingsyoucando would never have been born.
The Thingsyoucando! report, Conversation for Conversation pre-planning report and the Hu Ching 2007 Year End Review will be published next week on my blog.
Thank you so much. Hu Ching is not perfect, and never will be, but he loves all his friends.
And he is grateful to all.
RJC is indeed a place of talents.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Announcement
Hey guys, gals, everyone who knows me.
Just wanna inform you that I am still alive and that this blog is still functioning. I seriously dun know if anyone still reads this blog but I really dun have time to blog these days.
I just came back from 2 overseas trips, where I had a lot of fun and thoroughly had so much fun and learnt so much. I will be going overseas again next week from sunday 9th to wed 12th, this time to Bali, Indonesia, where I'll be a delegate for Singapore for the South East Asian Youth Environmental Network (SEA YEN) held in conjunction with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN FCCC). This time this trip is very formal, very serious and I am excited. We're going to attend 3 full days of discussion and conference with youth delegates from South East Asia and we will produce a charter to be presented at the Framework Convention through United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
I have recently posted photos of my Germany and Japan trip on my facebook, please click on the link you see on the link list if you want to see more.
I am also very occupied with Things You Can Do!, which is, as you know, my environmental project. In addition, I am also planning ahead for One Earth activities which are the putting up of school toilet posters in partnership with council, the setting up of 11 more recycling bins around the school in partnership with Estate office, giving advice to IHC games next year, the planning of Conversation for Conservation, and the Jumble Sale and Earth Week.
As you can see I am very busy, I havent touched my homework and I'm a bit worried that I may have to spend Christmas stuck at my desk, alone, studying and revising and doing all these stuff.
I am afraid that I have no time to be an OGL. I have decided that should I become OGL, I would be a burden to my fellow OGLs which is why i rejected the offer. I hope you undertand you know who you are. On the other hand I will still perform my duties as a registration officer for Oteam because this is my responsibility and I will not run away. Even if I have to hide alone next year along school term to mug in the toilet I will not run away from the things I should do.
This is also the reason why I had to disappoint my juniors for declining your invitation for me to perform for that special concert. I simply had no time but I will still attend the concert as an audience because I would like to clap for you guys.
After returning from Bali I will focus on my One Earth stuff and my academic work, which remain my main priorities.
Thank you for staying with me if you're still reading this.
See you soon :)
Just wanna inform you that I am still alive and that this blog is still functioning. I seriously dun know if anyone still reads this blog but I really dun have time to blog these days.
I just came back from 2 overseas trips, where I had a lot of fun and thoroughly had so much fun and learnt so much. I will be going overseas again next week from sunday 9th to wed 12th, this time to Bali, Indonesia, where I'll be a delegate for Singapore for the South East Asian Youth Environmental Network (SEA YEN) held in conjunction with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN FCCC). This time this trip is very formal, very serious and I am excited. We're going to attend 3 full days of discussion and conference with youth delegates from South East Asia and we will produce a charter to be presented at the Framework Convention through United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
I have recently posted photos of my Germany and Japan trip on my facebook, please click on the link you see on the link list if you want to see more.
I am also very occupied with Things You Can Do!, which is, as you know, my environmental project. In addition, I am also planning ahead for One Earth activities which are the putting up of school toilet posters in partnership with council, the setting up of 11 more recycling bins around the school in partnership with Estate office, giving advice to IHC games next year, the planning of Conversation for Conservation, and the Jumble Sale and Earth Week.
As you can see I am very busy, I havent touched my homework and I'm a bit worried that I may have to spend Christmas stuck at my desk, alone, studying and revising and doing all these stuff.
I am afraid that I have no time to be an OGL. I have decided that should I become OGL, I would be a burden to my fellow OGLs which is why i rejected the offer. I hope you undertand you know who you are. On the other hand I will still perform my duties as a registration officer for Oteam because this is my responsibility and I will not run away. Even if I have to hide alone next year along school term to mug in the toilet I will not run away from the things I should do.
This is also the reason why I had to disappoint my juniors for declining your invitation for me to perform for that special concert. I simply had no time but I will still attend the concert as an audience because I would like to clap for you guys.
After returning from Bali I will focus on my One Earth stuff and my academic work, which remain my main priorities.
Thank you for staying with me if you're still reading this.
See you soon :)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hey everyone!
I just got back from Germnay yesterday but unfortunately will not be able to distribute the gifts and share the phots now cos I'll be flying off again tml, this time to Japan....
I met lots of ppl there and miss them very much now....
Everyone is so friendly!
See you soon guys and gals in Singapore! I will be back soon...! I will miss you'all!
I just got back from Germnay yesterday but unfortunately will not be able to distribute the gifts and share the phots now cos I'll be flying off again tml, this time to Japan....
I met lots of ppl there and miss them very much now....
Everyone is so friendly!
See you soon guys and gals in Singapore! I will be back soon...! I will miss you'all!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Hello from Cologne, Germany!
Hey everyone,
Here is Germany, after 14 hours of flight.
I'm safe and sound, the keyboard is very hard to type cos its for german users! Look at this ÄÄÖÖÖ cool huh?
Here is Germany, after 14 hours of flight.
I'm safe and sound, the keyboard is very hard to type cos its for german users! Look at this ÄÄÖÖÖ cool huh?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Time to go...
I'm leaving for a week to Cologne and Leverkusen, Germany, then will be back for a weekend, before flying off to Tokyo, Japan.
During this time from 17th to 24th, then 26th to 3rd, I will be away, but there will be internet where I am going so communications should not be a problem, just perhaps a little slow. Email me: fabienrules@hotmail.com.
I have already informed samuel, ming quan, alex, muhd and kephren of ECO about thingsyoucando! and I trust them fully to handle everything better than me.
I am very sorry that I was unable to help out the j1 booklet team because of my schedule and some unexpected events but please understand the former was the reason why I chose programmes and why I wanted registration.
Everything is in place now, finally, and I can leave without worries.
During this time from 17th to 24th, then 26th to 3rd, I will be away, but there will be internet where I am going so communications should not be a problem, just perhaps a little slow. Email me: fabienrules@hotmail.com.
I have already informed samuel, ming quan, alex, muhd and kephren of ECO about thingsyoucando! and I trust them fully to handle everything better than me.
I am very sorry that I was unable to help out the j1 booklet team because of my schedule and some unexpected events but please understand the former was the reason why I chose programmes and why I wanted registration.
Everything is in place now, finally, and I can leave without worries.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The environment
The press these days have been focusing a lot on the environment. It is indeed comforting that more people are being more aware of the climate change crisis and global warming.
Just a few hours it was reported in the news that Police officers in Thailand have embarked on a new plan to recycle used cooking oil. By handing out tanks to hawkers, restuarants and households, used cooking oil will then be collected and recycled into fuel for powering Police cars. A simple project that saves up to SGD$10,000,000 (ok i think its the figure. I heard it in the Chinese news and I'm not very sure I caught the figure properly but i think its S$1o million. Anyway the thing is they saved a lot of money, and conserved a precious resource - fuel)
It was reported in time a few months ago that Sultana High School in San Bernardino, California, USA, managed to cut its annual energy bill by US$100,000 by promoting basic conservation techniques like shutting off lights and equipment when not in use. Imagine, how many flag days is needed to raise this figure? How many fund raising items need to be sold to raise this figure? How many busking days are needed to raise this figure?
WILL HUMANS BE ENLIGHTENED?
RJC is a large consumer of energy and electricity. Here we are, organising so many fund raising events, CIP activities, so many fund raising here and there, but do you realise that by closing the doors and windows when air con is on, setting it to more than 25 degree Celsius, turning off toilet lights, switching off classroom lights, you save possibly much much more than you can raise?
Imagine that we can save SGD$50,000 a year at RJC. It is not impossible you know.
Can you imagine how much more money the school can give your CCA or you? Can you imagine giving this money to financially deserving students?
Can you imagine that we can actually give this money to build your so called student's den or to fund your national day ceremony at school?
Raffles One Earth does not have many fund raising activities. But we urge people to conserve, and by conserving, we save!
Currently, Raffles One Earth has partnered the 27th Students' Council to bring forth the environmental message in school. Very soon, you will see posters appearing behind the door of every single toilet in school to remind you to switch off the lights after use. Toilet lights (and fans) can be switched off anytime, especially during after school hours. We made sure that the posters are of the highest aesthetic standards and quality.
We are working very hard, negotiating with the estate office and a private company to bring more recycling bins to school, especially in the canteen. A metal can recycled saves the energy required to light a lamp for 3.5 hours. Recycling trays meant specially for paper will be placed in every tutorial room, and they will be cleared frequently.
When the new principal comes into office, I will try to push environmental issues in school up her agenda. With the support of the school administration, i believe that RJ can and will become a greener institution.
We are also planning an IHC game next year. A special committee of dedicated members have been selected to plan and organise the IHC game. I cannot disclose much but I can say that it's gonna be quite BIG, definitely.
Thingsyoucando! will bring forth the environmental message to over 100,000 youths next year. The speakers have been set, the PR department is working very hard (right samuel?) together with ECO Singapore's PR side, the Slides and Scripts are planning the content of the talks, the Research and Design team are working very creatively on their posters, the trailer crew, thinking of ideas and putting them into film.
Earth Week next year will be something BIG as well. In fact, if the council admin and teacher do not disrupt our plans, you will see a major coordinated effort to tie in the IHC game together with Earth Week.
Also, a major conference will be held next year5 in RJC as well, brigning together the leadership of green clubs all over singapore. These youths leaders will come together to share ideas on how to make this isalnd even greener. I believe that if adults do not wish to take the lead, we youths have to step up and take the initiative to show that how things should be done. Conversation for Conservation will be held on April 22nd.
EC networking session will also be continued next year, in partnership with NEA. The J1s will be responsible for EC networking.
.
.
.
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Yes indeed environmentalist/environmental activists/campaigners face a hell lot of setbacks and challenges. In my school alone the pressure to deliver is mounting. Some teachers dun even know that an environmental club exists. If I call them ignorant, would I be rude or honest? Some CCALs have no respect for us. If I dish out some justice, would I be ungentlemenly or valiant? It's time to shout out loud!
And we face a hell of bureaucratic challenges. The authorities who disapprove something so simple, something so beneficial, something so clear, because of... politics? Dammit I'm sick sick sick of politics. Paperwork, totally redundant and time consuming.
Once I remembered li jian and I attended this FOSL workshop and there was a point in time during the workshop when the entire class was listening to me and the teacher mr k debating abt the environmental movement in RJC. Come on man, it's not as if I'm the principal la. Please la... please wake up. You think it's so easy why dun you be an environmentalist yourself? Take some initiative la...
I hate people who argue with me for the sake of arguing. Bloody hell.
It is indeed disappointing to see all these happening but if I were to give up now, or anytime soon, would I be proud to call myself son of my father, father of my sons?
The going is tough but we will not give up.
The nature with most environmentalists are that they are soft hearted, kind and gentle. People tend to exploit these characteristics. I am none of the above. If anyone dares exploit me, hohoho...
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.
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Environmental concerns are for real. Global warming is for real. You think your oil can burn forever? You think the snows on the Swiss Alps will forever be there for you to ski? You think polar bears can swim forever? They need icebergs to rest on. And ice bergs are melting...
Act now. Start with the 7 Easy Green Habits:
1. Reject Plastic Bags. Tell the person behind the counter, "no thank you!"
2. Recycle Paper. Print both sides. Dun throw away paper, put in a tray and recycle the stack of waste paper. Use paper that has already been printed on to do your physics practice.
3. Reusable Stationery. I use only refills.
4. Open that window and use a fan instead of an aircon. If you turn the aircon on, set it at above 25 degree celsius
5. Do not leave the heater on for too long before you take a shower.
6. Turn off your TVs, PCs after use. Standby mode sucks energy from the mains, and money from your pockets. Make sure that little red LED light is not lighted on.
7. Public transport. You only need 45cents for a trip.
Also fill up a 500ml bottle with water and put it into the water tank behind your toilet bowl. It saves you 500ml of water everytime you flush.
It is this simple.
Poster design: Fransisco Chandra, another talented member of 08SO6Q and thingsyoucando!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
They say absence make the heart fonder.
Very true indeed.
After close to one year since I left Chinese Orchestral music, I miss it a lot.
I think perhaps I would be unable to perform now, given that I havent touched the zhongruan or sanxian for close to a year already.
Those times...
from sec 1, playing with that tennis ball...
wise words from seniors
mr yeo
malaysia-penang
concerts
syf
malaysia-melaka
bad performances
good performances
sightreading when coming late for practice
getting scolded a million times
talking back to ___
practising till the finger skin turns red and peels
coming back from breaks wet and sweaty
AWOL for CO camp after getting through the bloody auditions (one of the biggest regrets in my life, only 2 people know the true story)
the backstage of SCH
the performing stage of SCH
Practice, diligence, hard work, is key to a successful performance.
December 14th concert: a tribute to mr yeo.
Very true indeed.
After close to one year since I left Chinese Orchestral music, I miss it a lot.
I think perhaps I would be unable to perform now, given that I havent touched the zhongruan or sanxian for close to a year already.
Those times...
from sec 1, playing with that tennis ball...
wise words from seniors
mr yeo
malaysia-penang
concerts
syf
malaysia-melaka
bad performances
good performances
sightreading when coming late for practice
getting scolded a million times
talking back to ___
practising till the finger skin turns red and peels
coming back from breaks wet and sweaty
AWOL for CO camp after getting through the bloody auditions (one of the biggest regrets in my life, only 2 people know the true story)
the backstage of SCH
the performing stage of SCH
Practice, diligence, hard work, is key to a successful performance.
December 14th concert: a tribute to mr yeo.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Arrival hall
trying to look retarded...
skinny gangster...lol
Yix, satay please...
at the arrival hall...And samuel, Head, Public Relations, Thingsyoucando! campaign, at the headquarters of ECO in Bugis, being very professional in an important phone call with a school official.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
This is not emo, but rather reflective.
_____
Being introduced to the theories of Malthus and Structuralist Geography (opposing theories) have perhaps been my most enjoyable experience in academics this year. I have always believed that Structuralist Geography, coupled with enlightened political leadership, education and human ingenuity will one day relieve, and heal the world of pressing issues, which, in my humble opinion, are environmental problems, poverty, disease, and an unequal playing field.
____
In hindsight, I am also grateful of the 2 opportunities which I was given.
____
I also took the personality test, and I can testify that it is very true. My personality type comprises only 3% of the entire human population, they said. Recommended career choices came as a pleasant surprise.
____
I am off to watch Castaway, one of my favourite movies of all time now. It's a fantastic film which showcases the purest essence of human society and love. A classic.
_____
Being introduced to the theories of Malthus and Structuralist Geography (opposing theories) have perhaps been my most enjoyable experience in academics this year. I have always believed that Structuralist Geography, coupled with enlightened political leadership, education and human ingenuity will one day relieve, and heal the world of pressing issues, which, in my humble opinion, are environmental problems, poverty, disease, and an unequal playing field.
____
In hindsight, I am also grateful of the 2 opportunities which I was given.
____
I also took the personality test, and I can testify that it is very true. My personality type comprises only 3% of the entire human population, they said. Recommended career choices came as a pleasant surprise.
____
I am off to watch Castaway, one of my favourite movies of all time now. It's a fantastic film which showcases the purest essence of human society and love. A classic.
Hey everyone,
Just to inform everyone that I am still in Singapore and that this blog is not out of service. I have enjoyed the class chalet thoroughly despite having to leave at 6 30 with yix the following morning.
I will continue to blog after I become less busy, calm down and recover my emotional health.
Till then,
Thanks everyone for your care and concern.
If I appear quiet or distant or unfriendly or unable to reproduce my humour, may I ask for your understanding and forgiveness.
I have many things on my mind right now. I need to spend more time with my family also.
Some unexpected events have rocked my life but I am positive that Hu Ching will be back.
Just to inform everyone that I am still in Singapore and that this blog is not out of service. I have enjoyed the class chalet thoroughly despite having to leave at 6 30 with yix the following morning.
I will continue to blog after I become less busy, calm down and recover my emotional health.
Till then,
Thanks everyone for your care and concern.
If I appear quiet or distant or unfriendly or unable to reproduce my humour, may I ask for your understanding and forgiveness.
I have many things on my mind right now. I need to spend more time with my family also.
Some unexpected events have rocked my life but I am positive that Hu Ching will be back.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
this weekend has made me think
The purpose of this entry is to allow me to look back in perhaps 9 months time when I need to make a crucial decision. This entry is meant for myself, so i will only record the event that took place. the (extremely private) details will be archived in my head.
The places where i've visited this weekend, the ppl whom i've met made me reflect a little bit.
1. on fri, during the dinner.
2. on sat, when i went down to bayer offices.
3. when i met jia wei, the phD whiz.
4. when i went to lunch with previous batches byees.
5. when my mum told me what my teachers said of me.
6. when i went down for the branch event at SBWR.
7. when we rushed back to launch the counter strike.
8. when i was talking to _____ & dr._____
9. when i spoke to anandraj from nus about uni research.
10. when i went for ecoguide briefing.
The places where i've visited this weekend, the ppl whom i've met made me reflect a little bit.
1. on fri, during the dinner.
2. on sat, when i went down to bayer offices.
3. when i met jia wei, the phD whiz.
4. when i went to lunch with previous batches byees.
5. when my mum told me what my teachers said of me.
6. when i went down for the branch event at SBWR.
7. when we rushed back to launch the counter strike.
8. when i was talking to _____ & dr._____
9. when i spoke to anandraj from nus about uni research.
10. when i went for ecoguide briefing.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
lessons from a board game
today while playing risk,
i learnt the importance of winning with humility, losing with graciousness, and fighting with determination.
i also learnt that all's fair in love and war is not true.
i also learnt that you do not need to spend money to get fun, laugher, and joy.
i also learnt that arrogance is the most worthless thing on Earth.
i also learnt the significance of teamwork.
i also learnt that pride goes before a fall.
i also learnt that you should listen to only your mind, not to your heart and not to your balls.
i finally learnt that victory is sweet.
i learnt the importance of winning with humility, losing with graciousness, and fighting with determination.
i also learnt that all's fair in love and war is not true.
i also learnt that you do not need to spend money to get fun, laugher, and joy.
i also learnt that arrogance is the most worthless thing on Earth.
i also learnt the significance of teamwork.
i also learnt that pride goes before a fall.
i also learnt that you should listen to only your mind, not to your heart and not to your balls.
i finally learnt that victory is sweet.
Monday, October 22, 2007
a follow-up
After talking to cheang mun yoong on msn, i realise something. that he had tried his best for his students, although that fact alone cannot cover his incompetencies as a teacher.
A nice person he may be, a smart student he may be, he is not a good teacher. He lacks the basic qualities of a teacher, and that is understanding, patience and firm-ness when required.
He has given me the permission to say what I wish to say about him, and I will. I cannot blame him, as I have mentioned earlier. But if I could, I would wish to slap him.
3 hard times.
When I went back to him for consultation furing the Septemer holidays, I brought along a thick file of chem notes, filled with post-it notes. Siti and Jukie can testify for me. I went to him, humbled myself, asked him desperately to explain some important terms and concepts to me.
HC: Hey, can you please explain this for me?
CMY: no.
At that point of time, what else could I do? I was like a beggar, begging him for enlightenment, of which he dispensed little to me.
Compare that to Mr Koh, who patiently explained the questions to me when i went back for consultation before the CTs.
It is not his fault. He arranged for extra lessons, he tried to be serious, he spammed emails with notes, he planned extra questions, he bought chocolates. Maybe his style did not suit me or my class.
The bottomline is: I screwed my chemistry, a subject which I have absolutely no passion for, big time, and CMY is just coincidentally my chem teacher.
A nice person he may be, a smart student he may be, he is not a good teacher. He lacks the basic qualities of a teacher, and that is understanding, patience and firm-ness when required.
He has given me the permission to say what I wish to say about him, and I will. I cannot blame him, as I have mentioned earlier. But if I could, I would wish to slap him.
3 hard times.
When I went back to him for consultation furing the Septemer holidays, I brought along a thick file of chem notes, filled with post-it notes. Siti and Jukie can testify for me. I went to him, humbled myself, asked him desperately to explain some important terms and concepts to me.
HC: Hey, can you please explain this for me?
CMY: no.
At that point of time, what else could I do? I was like a beggar, begging him for enlightenment, of which he dispensed little to me.
Compare that to Mr Koh, who patiently explained the questions to me when i went back for consultation before the CTs.
It is not his fault. He arranged for extra lessons, he tried to be serious, he spammed emails with notes, he planned extra questions, he bought chocolates. Maybe his style did not suit me or my class.
The bottomline is: I screwed my chemistry, a subject which I have absolutely no passion for, big time, and CMY is just coincidentally my chem teacher.
Wrecked
After a day of thinking, talking to friends, discussing about life, arguing with my parents, listening to music, walking around in my small room, playing some guitar, looking out of the window, and staring into space, it is now time to write.
I have let down a lot of people. Teachers, yes. Friends, yes. Parents, yes. And most importantly, myself, yes.
Why and how did this happen, i know. I know exactly the reasons. I can only blame myself. Not any teachers. Not any lecturers. Not the heavens. Only myself.
Only I can say whether I did well or not. And i am saying right here, right now, that i did not do well. I did not perform to my capacity. I did not fufill my expectations. And this feeling sucks.
Who knows what I have been through? On the very first day of the week-long examinations, I return home, only to realise that I have defined ageism as ageing population. I held the dictionary in my hands, my feet shaking, my body trembling, my mind trying to stay calm. I knew i was in deep shit. There was no way i could pass my GP essay. I have let Ms Chan down deeply. I do not really know what her expectations for me were, but I was on form for my essays in term 3 and 4. And on that monday afternoon, I had lost it all.
I was heavily demoralised, but what was I to do? What was over was over, and I was to pay for my fatal mistake. It took a hell lot of resolve to get back into studying. If there was something I could learn from this experience, it was resolve and determination. It was picking yourself up after a setback and fighting hard again. I can tell you that although I may not be the toughest fighter out there, I may not be the smartest student, or the most hardworking, but having been exposed to so much shit since young, I am one of the most adaptable.
I felt that I have not reached my expectations of all my subjects. This is really disappointing. I think many people are feeling the same way about their respective marks.
What exactly went wrong?
Inadequate preparation, yes. I started studying 3 weeks before the start of promos. A fatal mistake. I had to read all the notes from scratch, because I had not been paying attention during tutorials and lectures. I slept in class. I talked in class. The 3 weeks were hardcore, but they were not enough. Consistency is far more important. I started far too late.
Like what KK said, many people spent too much time in front of the computer. I cannot agree more.
Complacency did also play a part. Especially for guys, whose egos are ususally bigger.
Ego. What a word. I admit that I indeed have a huge one. It is good, at times. It gives you self-confidence. It makes you walk straight, with your back straight, with your eyes looking up, not at your shoes. It gives you style. Posture. Charisma.
But it is also bad. Very bad. My geog teacher said, he doesnt want to give my essays any more marks for fear of inflating my ego. wth. But i shall accept it, as i have done so with all the shit my short life have presented to me so far.
I suddenly feel very tired. I do not feel like writing this piece anymore. When I make a comment, some people think that i am full of shit.
These people are immature. They havent seen half the world out there.
I only speak the truth. My comments, if you like it, fine. If you do not like it, fine too. I do not have to listen to these people.
Since young, when my dad brings me out to meet those old lawyer dudes and business people at those social parties, I have been listening. And I have been listening hard. And one evening with these people can change your perspective on life.
For me, they have. My outlook on life is therefore different from most teenage boys.
Why did the Greeks execute Socrates in 77BC?
If you know the answer, you will accept my words.
On this rainy evening of doom and gloom,
I fare you well upon a journey of hell.
I only have a message for my detractors:
I may be defeated, but I will be back.
I have let down a lot of people. Teachers, yes. Friends, yes. Parents, yes. And most importantly, myself, yes.
Why and how did this happen, i know. I know exactly the reasons. I can only blame myself. Not any teachers. Not any lecturers. Not the heavens. Only myself.
Only I can say whether I did well or not. And i am saying right here, right now, that i did not do well. I did not perform to my capacity. I did not fufill my expectations. And this feeling sucks.
Who knows what I have been through? On the very first day of the week-long examinations, I return home, only to realise that I have defined ageism as ageing population. I held the dictionary in my hands, my feet shaking, my body trembling, my mind trying to stay calm. I knew i was in deep shit. There was no way i could pass my GP essay. I have let Ms Chan down deeply. I do not really know what her expectations for me were, but I was on form for my essays in term 3 and 4. And on that monday afternoon, I had lost it all.
I was heavily demoralised, but what was I to do? What was over was over, and I was to pay for my fatal mistake. It took a hell lot of resolve to get back into studying. If there was something I could learn from this experience, it was resolve and determination. It was picking yourself up after a setback and fighting hard again. I can tell you that although I may not be the toughest fighter out there, I may not be the smartest student, or the most hardworking, but having been exposed to so much shit since young, I am one of the most adaptable.
I felt that I have not reached my expectations of all my subjects. This is really disappointing. I think many people are feeling the same way about their respective marks.
What exactly went wrong?
Inadequate preparation, yes. I started studying 3 weeks before the start of promos. A fatal mistake. I had to read all the notes from scratch, because I had not been paying attention during tutorials and lectures. I slept in class. I talked in class. The 3 weeks were hardcore, but they were not enough. Consistency is far more important. I started far too late.
Like what KK said, many people spent too much time in front of the computer. I cannot agree more.
Complacency did also play a part. Especially for guys, whose egos are ususally bigger.
Ego. What a word. I admit that I indeed have a huge one. It is good, at times. It gives you self-confidence. It makes you walk straight, with your back straight, with your eyes looking up, not at your shoes. It gives you style. Posture. Charisma.
But it is also bad. Very bad. My geog teacher said, he doesnt want to give my essays any more marks for fear of inflating my ego. wth. But i shall accept it, as i have done so with all the shit my short life have presented to me so far.
I suddenly feel very tired. I do not feel like writing this piece anymore. When I make a comment, some people think that i am full of shit.
These people are immature. They havent seen half the world out there.
I only speak the truth. My comments, if you like it, fine. If you do not like it, fine too. I do not have to listen to these people.
Since young, when my dad brings me out to meet those old lawyer dudes and business people at those social parties, I have been listening. And I have been listening hard. And one evening with these people can change your perspective on life.
For me, they have. My outlook on life is therefore different from most teenage boys.
Why did the Greeks execute Socrates in 77BC?
If you know the answer, you will accept my words.
On this rainy evening of doom and gloom,
I fare you well upon a journey of hell.
I only have a message for my detractors:
I may be defeated, but I will be back.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
RISK
Risk is a really educational game. Other than learning abt geography (which is very very important), we learn about risk taking, stragetic planning, alliance forming, dice rolling, etc.
I played 3 games today. Wild boar, after beating me during the first game and forcing me to concede the 2nd (since it was time for physics lecture) decided (wisely) to not play the 3rd game. Instead, Gabby and Muhd entered the fray against my blue troops.
The 1st game with wild boar was not good. I started quite well, managing to invade the Dark Continent (Africa) and Latin Amercia, before conquering Europe and attacking North America. However, with some really good dice rolling, the wild boar attacked (hard) and whacked my troops into dispair. We had to seek refuge in Harry Truman's land.
My blue troops were severly outnumbered. wild boar had achieved domination of Asia, Oceania, Africa and South Amercia. With his stronghold in Venezuela and Iceland, I could not fight back.
Second game was a tough and very even fight between wild boar and me. Using key places like Middle East, Egpyt and Northern Africa, the fight was difficult. My europe was under attack. (See the video above). Wild boar and his advisor.
Third game was longest and arguably the most exciting. Started off with gabby muhd and I.
Using Australia to back my Siam troops, I defended Asia from Gabby's green army. Using also Southern Europe to attack Africa, I expanded my blue troops into Africa. The blue empire strtched across South Asia all the way to Europe. We are strong. (see above)
The muhd and gabby decided to form an alliance against me! Fine. The brave and gallant blue troops fought hard, just like the Spartans in the Battle of Thermopalae (spelling not sure) when King Leonidius's (spelling not sure) 300 spartans soldiers fought against Xerxes' many many Persian soldiers. With Gabby attacking from Greenland, Afghanisation and Ural, and muhd attacking from the South, my troops could not withstand such heavy fire.
hahah Risk is such a fun game.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
SIAN
omg school is so sian these days
the lectures are so freaking longgg. Cant take it already. Actually they should just return the promos lor, so that those who did badly will pay more attention, and those who did well will also pay attention (cos they're already hardcore muggers by nature). 1.5 hours of maths or physics or chem or even even geog just bores me like siao.
boring. boring. boring.
the lectures are so freaking longgg. Cant take it already. Actually they should just return the promos lor, so that those who did badly will pay more attention, and those who did well will also pay attention (cos they're already hardcore muggers by nature). 1.5 hours of maths or physics or chem or even even geog just bores me like siao.
boring. boring. boring.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Welcome tourist!
Welcome to Singapore!
We shall start our tour at Raffles Junior College, where you will see young kids rehearse hard for their Project Work Oral Presentations.
After that, we head down to J8 for lunch!
Very soon, your tour guides will arrive. Oh, they're soaked in the rain! hahah.
We shall shop around j8 for about 1 hour, then take the train down to Orchard. At this point, please be reminded to bring along your NETs or Credit Card, for its extremely vital to have either one in your wallet before you head for orchard!
Once at Orchard, follow Tour Guide Zhuang and Banker Samuel around. They're very very exprienced shoppers, although their taste may be weird at times. Samuel is especially fond of military colours (freak!) and black/grey/brown and thick jackets. Zhuang's taste is quite good, I have to say. If you like Polo tees, stripes, and jeans, short pants, all kinds of tshirts, sunglasses, caps, flip flops, shoes, baiscally everything, you can follow these 2 ppl around.
We will pass through all the major shopping centres all the way from orchard to somerset. It's a long tiring journey, so make sure you're in comfortable shoes!
After dinner, we head for more shopping! Shop shop shop. Havent got enough cash? Try window shopping (the zhuang way). If you're evil like samuel, you can go shop to shop and try on their newest clothes, then just return the clothes after trying and leave the shop.
We shall start our tour at Raffles Junior College, where you will see young kids rehearse hard for their Project Work Oral Presentations.
After that, we head down to J8 for lunch!
Very soon, your tour guides will arrive. Oh, they're soaked in the rain! hahah.
We shall shop around j8 for about 1 hour, then take the train down to Orchard. At this point, please be reminded to bring along your NETs or Credit Card, for its extremely vital to have either one in your wallet before you head for orchard!
Once at Orchard, follow Tour Guide Zhuang and Banker Samuel around. They're very very exprienced shoppers, although their taste may be weird at times. Samuel is especially fond of military colours (freak!) and black/grey/brown and thick jackets. Zhuang's taste is quite good, I have to say. If you like Polo tees, stripes, and jeans, short pants, all kinds of tshirts, sunglasses, caps, flip flops, shoes, baiscally everything, you can follow these 2 ppl around.
We will pass through all the major shopping centres all the way from orchard to somerset. It's a long tiring journey, so make sure you're in comfortable shoes!
After dinner, we head for more shopping! Shop shop shop. Havent got enough cash? Try window shopping (the zhuang way). If you're evil like samuel, you can go shop to shop and try on their newest clothes, then just return the clothes after trying and leave the shop.
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