8th June 2008
Sunday
Lost skills
How long has it been since I last handled a deck, or performed magic? Slightly over 3 years I guess. It makes me sound old, but that is life. After 3 long years, I have totally forgotten all my sleights and flourishes. (Not that I have that much skill to be proud off.)
But after such a long time, I finally picked up the cards and did a simple Ambitious Card effect for a friend. My movements were mechanic, but thankfully, I pulled it through. No one seemed to notice anything, and as expected, they were amazed by the simple sleight that made it all possible.
One whole night without sleep, and playing with cards led me to the realisation that I have totally forgotten the revolution cut that I once tweaked to call my own deriviation. Upon viewing tutorials, I have gotten slightly better, but I still have not gotten the knack of it yet. And not only that, even my hot shot cut is gone along with the fans and shuffles.
I need more practice to at least remember how to handle cards properly.
Oh, and after a long week away from the trumpet, I finally got to rebuild my chops. As expected, the sound is weird and total control over it seems impossible. But this is only temporary. Hopefully, by the end of this week, I will be moving forward from my stagnated state.
As they say, practice makes perfect. So I'm off to practice my cuts and my trumpet.
"As a performer, you have to be prepared for anything, anytime."
-Han Yong
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Issues - NS & Studies
5th June 2008
Thursday
Couch potato
I'm rapidly becoming a couch potato. Except that I'm losing weight instead of gaining weight. Tonsillitis sucks. It kills your appetite, makes you puke, and makes swallowing difficult. Put that, that and that together and you have a major headache on how, or what to eat.
For the past few days while I have been killing myself at home, I managed to get certain things sorted out. Well, not without lectures and naggings from certain people.
NS deferment. It is a pain in the ass. But at long last, I received my SingPass from the post, and in a series of clicks, all done! But waiting for SingPass takes a long time. One working day to process the application, and another four to mail it to your house.
Application for Diploma in Music (Teaching). I couldn't really make up my mind on this issue, but yesterday, almost everyone started calling me. Mr Adams called me and asked if the Ministry of Education (MOE) has contacted me. (I was supposed to contact them). Since I haven't done anything, then of course MOE have not contacted me. So I replied with a truthful no.
Right after that call, 28 minutes later, David Smith called me, asking me about the teaching course. It was a few minutes of discussion, which lead to no where and my throat was making it impossible for him to hear what I was saying. So he simply told me to think over it carefully and contact Adams for a discussion on the course.
About 2 hours later, Heidi, from Marketing & Admissions, called me to lecture me on why I did not call MOE. After the first 7 seconds, my mind switched to hibernate mode. So I have no idea what she went on and on about.
After that phonecall, I dialled MOE officer, Ms Annie Tan's, number, just to get referred back to the online registration. And I had to call back again, which I did right before I started this post.
All that for? A chance of getting into the teaching course. And my questions are not yet answered. Hmm. The efficiency of a so-called organised world.
I ought to get back to my trumpet after tomorrow. Tonsils are healing up pretty nicely now.
"When opportunities knock at the wrong time, do you take them, or turn them away?"
-Han Yong
Thursday
Couch potato
I'm rapidly becoming a couch potato. Except that I'm losing weight instead of gaining weight. Tonsillitis sucks. It kills your appetite, makes you puke, and makes swallowing difficult. Put that, that and that together and you have a major headache on how, or what to eat.
For the past few days while I have been killing myself at home, I managed to get certain things sorted out. Well, not without lectures and naggings from certain people.
NS deferment. It is a pain in the ass. But at long last, I received my SingPass from the post, and in a series of clicks, all done! But waiting for SingPass takes a long time. One working day to process the application, and another four to mail it to your house.
Application for Diploma in Music (Teaching). I couldn't really make up my mind on this issue, but yesterday, almost everyone started calling me. Mr Adams called me and asked if the Ministry of Education (MOE) has contacted me. (I was supposed to contact them). Since I haven't done anything, then of course MOE have not contacted me. So I replied with a truthful no.
Right after that call, 28 minutes later, David Smith called me, asking me about the teaching course. It was a few minutes of discussion, which lead to no where and my throat was making it impossible for him to hear what I was saying. So he simply told me to think over it carefully and contact Adams for a discussion on the course.
About 2 hours later, Heidi, from Marketing & Admissions, called me to lecture me on why I did not call MOE. After the first 7 seconds, my mind switched to hibernate mode. So I have no idea what she went on and on about.
After that phonecall, I dialled MOE officer, Ms Annie Tan's, number, just to get referred back to the online registration. And I had to call back again, which I did right before I started this post.
All that for? A chance of getting into the teaching course. And my questions are not yet answered. Hmm. The efficiency of a so-called organised world.
I ought to get back to my trumpet after tomorrow. Tonsils are healing up pretty nicely now.
"When opportunities knock at the wrong time, do you take them, or turn them away?"
-Han Yong
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Tonsillitis
31st May 2008
Saturday
A day with tonsillitis
I woke up at 5am to puke. And nothing came out. That's not surprising considering the fact that I had totally no appetite for the past few days. The total of what I had over the past 4 days is approximately equivalent to what I usually eat in a day. And so I puked. And there wasn't even digestive juices that came out. But that made everything feel better though.
And for the first time in a long while, I woke up at 8 am without any external help. My tonsils just felt horrible. Well, at least it got me up and about.
On Saturday mornings, what is the best thing you can do to kill time? Watching cartoons of course! And so, I spent my time trying to swallow a slice of bread while melting into the couch and staring at the television screen. Until P*w*r R*ng*rs came on and its ridiculously senseless plot, I finally picked up the remote control and switched off the set and came online.
This is pretty boring. Barely 10 people online at 10am.
Oh well, I'll slot my main post in later.
Saturday
A day with tonsillitis
I woke up at 5am to puke. And nothing came out. That's not surprising considering the fact that I had totally no appetite for the past few days. The total of what I had over the past 4 days is approximately equivalent to what I usually eat in a day. And so I puked. And there wasn't even digestive juices that came out. But that made everything feel better though.
And for the first time in a long while, I woke up at 8 am without any external help. My tonsils just felt horrible. Well, at least it got me up and about.
On Saturday mornings, what is the best thing you can do to kill time? Watching cartoons of course! And so, I spent my time trying to swallow a slice of bread while melting into the couch and staring at the television screen. Until P*w*r R*ng*rs came on and its ridiculously senseless plot, I finally picked up the remote control and switched off the set and came online.
This is pretty boring. Barely 10 people online at 10am.
Oh well, I'll slot my main post in later.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Degradation of society?
五月 二十一日 二零零八年
星期四
A day's work in a nutshell
I attempted to write this post in Chinese. But as you can see, it turned out to be a complete failure. Maybe except for the date, which I think I got it right. At least I hope I got it right.
Well, my PS went pretty badly. With only a couple more weeks before school officially starts for me. (Actually its about 6 or 7 weeks) Should I get a job? Or should I spend all my time on the trumpet. I am planning for my AOWs in mid June. But without a job, I can't get the money to go. But with a job, I don't have the time.
That aside, recently a rather interesting video has appeared in the many streaming sites around. I wonder if I'd get arrested for talking about it here. But the video is about the state of affairs here in Singapore and it pokes fun at the way the country is managed. Well, it does raise a certain level of political awareness among the citizens. Especially among the more rebellious group.
Speaking of which, I am utterly disgusted by the youths of our nation. (Specifically referring to those born in the 90's, about 92 onwards.) Their attitude and behaviour in public is simply atrocious. On several occasions, I had to scowl at their blasting music from their mobile phones and their uncouth language.
Just prior to this post, I had to put up with three Pei Hwa boys who were acting like hooligans and threatening to beat someone up over the phone. Vulgarities were flying all over the bus. Yes, it was a public bus. And that had no effect on them, evident from the loud music they were playing from their mobile phones.
Hello? Public transports are known as public transports because they are for the PUBLIC. And for your information, public refers to the general citizens of the nation. Although you, as citizens of this fine (ironic, but true) city, is part of the public, you have no right to disrupt their lives with loud, distasteful noise from your personal belongings. Ever heard of the term "Public Nuisance"? Yes, it refers to you.
It puzzles me when I see so many young people think that they look cool while blasting music, or shouting loudly in public. Maybe it is fun. But have they considered what others feel? Or is it evidence of the degradation of society?
星期四
A day's work in a nutshell
I attempted to write this post in Chinese. But as you can see, it turned out to be a complete failure. Maybe except for the date, which I think I got it right. At least I hope I got it right.
Well, my PS went pretty badly. With only a couple more weeks before school officially starts for me. (Actually its about 6 or 7 weeks) Should I get a job? Or should I spend all my time on the trumpet. I am planning for my AOWs in mid June. But without a job, I can't get the money to go. But with a job, I don't have the time.
That aside, recently a rather interesting video has appeared in the many streaming sites around. I wonder if I'd get arrested for talking about it here. But the video is about the state of affairs here in Singapore and it pokes fun at the way the country is managed. Well, it does raise a certain level of political awareness among the citizens. Especially among the more rebellious group.
Speaking of which, I am utterly disgusted by the youths of our nation. (Specifically referring to those born in the 90's, about 92 onwards.) Their attitude and behaviour in public is simply atrocious. On several occasions, I had to scowl at their blasting music from their mobile phones and their uncouth language.
Just prior to this post, I had to put up with three Pei Hwa boys who were acting like hooligans and threatening to beat someone up over the phone. Vulgarities were flying all over the bus. Yes, it was a public bus. And that had no effect on them, evident from the loud music they were playing from their mobile phones.
Hello? Public transports are known as public transports because they are for the PUBLIC. And for your information, public refers to the general citizens of the nation. Although you, as citizens of this fine (ironic, but true) city, is part of the public, you have no right to disrupt their lives with loud, distasteful noise from your personal belongings. Ever heard of the term "Public Nuisance"? Yes, it refers to you.
It puzzles me when I see so many young people think that they look cool while blasting music, or shouting loudly in public. Maybe it is fun. But have they considered what others feel? Or is it evidence of the degradation of society?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wandering.. Through wonderland?
18th May 2008
Sunday
Wandering thoughts
How long would you spend on someone who will not spend a single second on you? This thought came to me randomly. Like how things happen without warning at times. But still, it is a question I cannot answer.
It depends on the situation I guess. If the person is someone important, I guess I will wait for a while. But even so, if the important person feels that it is not worth spending time on you, then it would mean that he cannot be bothered with you. Then is he still important to you?
Nothing happened to me. I am perfectly sane and fine. Just that its ironic how some people will spend half their life doing something for someone who is just using them for a purpose. No examples here. But you can just look at big companies retrenching old workers just because their pay is getting too high.
I guess you can say that I have too much time on my hands. Well, truth be said, I do have that much time on my hands.
"There is always the risk of the breeze turning into a gale."
-Han Yong
Sunday
Wandering thoughts
How long would you spend on someone who will not spend a single second on you? This thought came to me randomly. Like how things happen without warning at times. But still, it is a question I cannot answer.
It depends on the situation I guess. If the person is someone important, I guess I will wait for a while. But even so, if the important person feels that it is not worth spending time on you, then it would mean that he cannot be bothered with you. Then is he still important to you?
Nothing happened to me. I am perfectly sane and fine. Just that its ironic how some people will spend half their life doing something for someone who is just using them for a purpose. No examples here. But you can just look at big companies retrenching old workers just because their pay is getting too high.
I guess you can say that I have too much time on my hands. Well, truth be said, I do have that much time on my hands.
"There is always the risk of the breeze turning into a gale."
-Han Yong
Monday, May 12, 2008
Emotional peaks and dips - Do they really matter?
12th May 2008
Monday
Emotional peaks and dips - Do they really matter?
Oh crap. It already is May of 2008! The last time I remembered checking the date, the year was still 2007. And I was still feeling awkward about writing 2007 instead of 2006. This reminds me that time does not wait for anyone. Anyone. Well, maybe until someone manages to find a way to control time. But that is never going to happen. Since we don't have any visitors from the future coming up to us and telling us that they are from Earth in the year 20515.
Anyway, I was looking at MSN contacts, and I noticed my cousin's display name. "Best friends never exist, it was just a mere illusion." And this. "Reduced to a point whereby even if I'm gone , no one would realise."
Sounds like me from a couple of years back? Well, now with the benefit of hindsight, I can laugh at myself for how silly it all sounds. It is a stage in growing up I guess. Where everything seems so uncertain and everyone is doubting their bonds with society.
But too much negative emotions will undoubtedly lead to a breakdown at some point or other. And will definitely affect one's social life and working capabilities. What else can I do other than leave him to his own means to overcome this period by himself. That's the only way you can get out from the abyssal of depression with a regained self confidence. That is if you leave out professional help.
But still, looking at someone so similar to you is ironic. Especially if it amuses you to the extent of blogging an entry on it. Talk about irony.
Some random guy which I knew ages ago from the 29th Band NCO camp suddenly started talking to me because of a girl in my display picture. What the fuck? Any idiot would know that "Han Yong" is a guys name, and would have no relation whatsoever with the girl in the display picture. If there is, then the girl must be closely related to that guy.
And with that having said, which idiot would ask the guy
Life is getting so weird. Especially with weird people like this one, with a seriously geeky picture for a display picture. With that aside, I think I ought to be doing something more constructive rather than bitching about some Gaylord with a capital 'G' from MSN.
"Peaks and dips are part of the life experience"
-Han Yong
Monday
Emotional peaks and dips - Do they really matter?
Oh crap. It already is May of 2008! The last time I remembered checking the date, the year was still 2007. And I was still feeling awkward about writing 2007 instead of 2006. This reminds me that time does not wait for anyone. Anyone. Well, maybe until someone manages to find a way to control time. But that is never going to happen. Since we don't have any visitors from the future coming up to us and telling us that they are from Earth in the year 20515.
Anyway, I was looking at MSN contacts, and I noticed my cousin's display name. "Best friends never exist, it was just a mere illusion." And this. "Reduced to a point whereby even if I'm gone , no one would realise."
Sounds like me from a couple of years back? Well, now with the benefit of hindsight, I can laugh at myself for how silly it all sounds. It is a stage in growing up I guess. Where everything seems so uncertain and everyone is doubting their bonds with society.
But too much negative emotions will undoubtedly lead to a breakdown at some point or other. And will definitely affect one's social life and working capabilities. What else can I do other than leave him to his own means to overcome this period by himself. That's the only way you can get out from the abyssal of depression with a regained self confidence. That is if you leave out professional help.
But still, looking at someone so similar to you is ironic. Especially if it amuses you to the extent of blogging an entry on it. Talk about irony.
Some random guy which I knew ages ago from the 29th Band NCO camp suddenly started talking to me because of a girl in my display picture. What the fuck? Any idiot would know that "Han Yong" is a guys name, and would have no relation whatsoever with the girl in the display picture. If there is, then the girl must be closely related to that guy.
And with that having said, which idiot would ask the guy
"why u always put this chio bu picture for msn display pict?"And even going to the extent of saying
Hello? Are you gay or are you seriously horny and desperate enough to try and hit on a girl through a guy you do not even know personally? Even gay friends that I have don't do such retarded stuff like what you are doing. Go stare at cartoon characters and wank off if you are that horny. And stop telling me that you are lonely. Because you know what? I don't give a rats ass about it. And I doubt anyone will too."i see already remind me that i'm lonely."
Life is getting so weird. Especially with weird people like this one, with a seriously geeky picture for a display picture. With that aside, I think I ought to be doing something more constructive rather than bitching about some Gaylord with a capital 'G' from MSN.
"Peaks and dips are part of the life experience"
-Han Yong
Friday, May 09, 2008
Baroque Trumpet
9th May 2008
Friday
Baroque trumpet
Time really do fly. It has been almost a month, but not quite there yet, since I last updated this blog. For this hiatus, I have no better reason other than pure laziness. Well, I think most people can relate to my situation as blogging sometimes take away energy and mood.
Lessons are behind me now for the time being. And I am expected to take up a job to ease my financial status. But working sucks. And the pay for most places is pretty low. My brother initially asked me to go work part-time for G*ld*n V*ll*g*. But the pay is only $4 per hour! That is slightly better than golden 'M' i think. Anyone would expect a well established company with so many cinema to have a better pay rate than that.
Anyway, Smith brought in a Baroque trumpet to lend Shaune and the others to use for excerpts exam. The instrument is really cool and the sound unique. Here you can view a video of a few members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment playing a short piece on period instruments. Most of the musicians around really have no idea where their instruments came from or sounds like before.
Friday
Baroque trumpet
Time really do fly. It has been almost a month, but not quite there yet, since I last updated this blog. For this hiatus, I have no better reason other than pure laziness. Well, I think most people can relate to my situation as blogging sometimes take away energy and mood.
Lessons are behind me now for the time being. And I am expected to take up a job to ease my financial status. But working sucks. And the pay for most places is pretty low. My brother initially asked me to go work part-time for G*ld*n V*ll*g*. But the pay is only $4 per hour! That is slightly better than golden 'M' i think. Anyone would expect a well established company with so many cinema to have a better pay rate than that.
Anyway, Smith brought in a Baroque trumpet to lend Shaune and the others to use for excerpts exam. The instrument is really cool and the sound unique. Here you can view a video of a few members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment playing a short piece on period instruments. Most of the musicians around really have no idea where their instruments came from or sounds like before.
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