Rest in peace ... for now Hello my friends, most of my new posts will now be in Age of Insanity. Thanks. Chief Seattle's Letter "The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadow, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people.We know the sap which courses through the trees as we know the blood that courses through our veins. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the dew in the meadow, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family.The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each glossy reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness that you would give any brother.If we sell you our land, remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life that it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. The wind also gives our children the spirit of life. So if we sell our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers.Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth.This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.One thing we know: our God is also your God. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator.Your destiny is a mystery to us. What will happen when the buffalo are all slaughtered? The wild horses tamed? What will happen when the secret corners of the forest are heavy with the scent of many men and the view of the ripe hills is blotted with talking wires? Where will the thicket be? Gone! Where will the eagle be? Gone! And what is to say goodbye to the swift pony and then hunt? The end of living and the beginning of survival.When the last red man has vanished with this wilderness, and his memory is only the shadow of a cloud moving across the prairie, will these shores and forests still be here? Will there be any of the spirit of my people left?We love this earth as a newborn loves its mother's heartbeat. So, if we sell you our land, love it as we have loved it. Care for it, as we have cared for it. Hold in your mind the memory of the land as it is when you receive it. Preserve the land for all children, and love it, as God loves us.As we are part of the land, you too are part of the land. This earth is precious to us. It is also precious to you.One thing we know - there is only one God. No man, be he Red man or White man, can be apart. We are all brothers after all."Image taken from www.unitedearth.com.au Age of Insanity #6 Posted on 9 February 20071st MPC Poetry Writing ContestPosted on 28 January 2007MinaPosted on 1 January 2007To The MoonPosted on 28 December 2006 Wranglers And Stranglers Posted on 20 December 2006Wearing The CollarPosted on 11 August 2006Another Reason Why I Don’t Keep A Gun In The House Psychological Test I got this psychological test via email many years ago from one of my ex-colleagues. I don’t have the original test with me but it goes something like this – "You are in the middle of a jungle. You start off with the following five animals i.e. a monkey, a fox, a lion, a rabbit and a wolf. To escape the jungle you have to abandon them one by one along your journey. Please state, in order, starting from the first animal you decided to abandon and why."Please don't look at the answer without taking the test.......................Have you taken the test?........................Are you sure?...........................Okay I believe you. :)The purpose of this test is to find out who will abandon the rabbit last and for what reason. And the reason I am looking for is you keep the rabbit as long as possible because you want to protect it from harm. (Since the rest of the animals are able to defend themselves better compare to the rabbit.)For most people, including me, we start with the rabbit and maybe end with the lion or wolf for practical reason. It makes perfect sense - get rid of those that are useless and keep those that we think will be useful to us. Always ask what others can do for me. Who wants to carry extra burdens anyway? Thus the logical thing to do is keep the lion or the wolf to protect us and say bye bye to the rabbit first because it is simply, useless. And if it is unable to defend itself in the jungle, well just too bad, not my problem.On a personal note, when I took this test many years ago I was so ashamed of myself. It was really a wake up call. And till this day I constantly remind myself – Remember the rabbit.P.S. Just for your interest another version of this test. Hmm. When will I see my light? “I say,” came Eustace’s voice much later, “are my eyes going queer, or is there a patch of light up there?”Before anyone could answer him, Puddleglum called out: “Stop. I’m up against a dead end. And it’s earth, not rock. What were you saying, Scrubb?”“By the Lion,” said the Prince, “Eustace is right. There is a sort of – ”“But it’s not daylight,” said Jill. “It’s only a cold blue sort of light.”“Better than nothing, though,” said Eustace.C. S. LEWIS, The Silver Chair Can you fall? “In other words,” he continued, “you can’t ride. That’s a drawback. I’ll have to teach you as we go along. If you can’t ride, can you fall?” “I suppose anyone can fall,” said Shasta. “I mean can you fall and get up again without crying and mount again and fall again and yet not be afraid of falling?”“I – I’ll try,” said Shasta.C. S. LEWIS, The Horse and His Boy Ten Rules for a Happy Marriage Never both be angry at the same time.Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.If you have it criticize, do it lovingly.Never bring up mistakes of the past.Neglect the whole world rather than each other.Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.At least one everyday try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your life’s partner.When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the must talking. Best of Singapore Erotica Best of Singapore EroticaL.Q. Pan & Richard Lord (Editors)In this first-ever compendium of erotic writing from Singapore, we are presented with a selection of short stories, poetry and narrative nonfiction that is as hot and steamy as the city-state itself.From the Indonesian maid to the Singaporean prostitute, the local schoolteacher to the American expatriate, the twenty-seven contributions in this book embrace a wide range of erotic beliefs and practices. Absolutely nothing is out of bounds, offering readers a glimpse into the erotic lives of Singapore's inhabitants.Gerrie Lim, author of bestselling Invisible Trade, reports on the island's hidden world of high-end escorts in Walking The Dog, Singapore Young Artist Award-winner Felix Cheong muses on exotic dancers and their customers in Dancer from the Dance and Singapore's hottest blogger, Miss Izzy, serves up some raunchy new fiction with Club Koyaanisquatsi. Local luminaries Kirpal Singh and Robert Yeo weigh in with poetry and prose, and are joined by well-known Singapore writers Cyril Wong and Chris Mooney-Singh.The subject of virginity loss is approached from various standpoints, in one story a Singaporean woman joyfully loses her virginity at an early age, while in another she keeps it well into her thirties, despite enjoying a steady stream of erotic fantasies. The female voice is articulated in a variety of social settings by Samarah Zafirah, Meihan Boey, Alice Lee Am and Alison Lester.Best of Singapore Erotica is a timely addition to the small but growing body of contemporary Asian erotic literature and successfully showcases the best writing from Singapore, assembled into Asia's sexiest anthology to date.Featured AuthorsAaron AngAlice Lee AmAlison LesterChris Mooney-SinghCyril WongEmilio MalvarFelix CheongGerrie LimHari KumarJonathan LimKirpal SinghLee Lien MingmeiLee Yew MoonMeihan BoeyMiss IzzyO Thiam ChinRachel LohRichard LordRicky LowRobert YeoSamarah ZafirahWeston Sun WenshengImage and article taken from http://www.monsoonbooks.com.sg/Great bedtime stories, any taker? :) Who is our High Mouse? “I have sometimes wondered, friend,” said Aslan, “whether you do not think too much about your honour.”“Highest of all High Kings,” said Reepicheep, “permit me to remind you that a very small size has been bestowed on us Mice, and if we did not guard our dignity, some (who weigh worth by inches) would allow themselves very unsuitable pleasantries at our expense. That is why I have been at some pains to make it known that no one who does not wish to feel this sword as near his heart as I can reach talk in my presence about Traps or Toasted Cheese or Candles: no, sir – not the tallest fool in Narnia!” Here he glared very fiercely up at Wimbleweather, but the Giant, who was always a stage being everyone else, had not yet discovered what was being talked about down at his feet, and so missed the point.“Why have your followers all drawn their swords, may I ask?” said Aslan.“May it please your High Majesty,” said the second Mouse, whose name was Peepiceek, “we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honour which is denied to the High Mouse.” C. S. LEWIS, Prince Caspian Happy Birthday Singapore Suing and “the law” should be used as the court of the last resort, not the first. A litigious culture is unhealthy for the society, destroys trust, gives terrible modeling, and at best results in compromise.STEPHEN R. COVEY, The 8th Habit From Effectiveness to Greatness Pain, Pain, Go Away! I was admitted to NUH for the past few days due to gastric infection, or something like that lah. Actually it started off even earlier i.e. more than a week ago with severe diarrhea followed by vomiting. After consulting two different doctors without any sign of improvement, my condition worsen a few days ago and I have to call an ambulance to get me to the hospital. The pain was killing me and I was just too weak to walk.It was really an “unforgettable” experience although I know this isn’t going to be my last time. I have a history of gastric problem since young.Anyway, all I want now is to be able to consume solid food again since for the past 2-3 days I have not eatean anything solid . Miss my char siew rice. :((The antibiotics given to me were really huge. May all the bad and good bacteria that were killed in this unfortunate event rest in peace.) Age of Insanity #5 Posted on 28 May 2006Why Won’t They Come?Posted on 26 May 2006RejectionPosted on 25 May 2006This is BoringPosted on 2 May 2006Kindergarten SnapshotPosted on 15 April 2006Among Strangers F for Friendster I’ve recently joined Friendster as a member.No I am not looking for old classmates or ex-colleagues although I might in the near future but my main mission is to look for people who write poems or are interested in poetry.And you know what, I am pleasantly surprise to find so many of them just in Singapore alone. Although most of their poems are journal entries but that is a good start. The seed is buried nice and cozy waiting to bloom.I am so excited and have been inviting a few of them to visit DPS (S). I really hope friendster won’t ban me for spamming. I am keeping my fingers crossed.And not forgetting … F for FEAST!!! It is time to vote! The submissions for the 5th Dead Poets Society (Singapore) are in. They can be found in this threadPoem #001 : A Precious MomentPoem #002 : Stone DestinyPoem #003 : Why I Want To FlyPoem #004 : Catching UpPoem #005 : RejectionPoem #006 : Memorable SceneryPoem #007 : Have You Seen My Shoes?Poem #008 : Why Won’t They Come?Poem #009 : OblivionPoem #010 : TwilightPoem #011 : The Road of Love – EndlessPlease support by voting for your favourite poems. Each person is entitled to two votes.Thank you so much.:) I rest my case I simply do not understand why would anyone self-published a “poetry” book when he hasn’t got the slightest clue how good poems should be written. I am referring to “Rhapsody of a Singapore Muse” by Sim Kian Kok.To be fair I read every single one of the poems and was so traumatized by the attempt that I couldn’t sleep last night. Still trying to make some senses out of it I flipped through the pages hoping to find any hidden clues that might help to justify its existence.My wife who was trying to get some sleeps, was of course equally pissed by my “Why? Why? Why?” “Why should you care if he writes bad poetry?” she snapped. I tried explaining to her that I am not laughing at the author but instead I pity him. He is in my opinion making a fool out of himself. Once he realized his mistakes it will be too late to recall all these books. He will not have the courage to write again and that will be a pity because I can see that he is very passion about it. In fact I even suggested writing him a letter.“But what if he doesn’t care? What if he just wants to have a book to call his own? Who are you to tell him he is wrong?” “But … but …”What the heck. She has a point and I rest my case.(Note: It is dangerous arguing with your wife especially if she still has the strength to kick you off the bed after work) Age of Insanity #4 Posted on 9 April 2006Feared DrownedPosted on 9 April 2006Psychology Humour #5Posted on 31 March 2006A MadmanPosted on 30 March 2006Quote of the DayPosted on 15 January 2006, Updated on 5 April 2006An Empty PursePosted on 10 January 2006Boating When getting too hard may not be a good thing Doctor: Well, what’s the problem?Me: Er… this (pointing to it), it is swelling.Doctor: Let me take a closer look.Me: Okay … Ouch! Not so hard. It is quite painful.Doctor: How long have you been having this problem?Me: Since last Thursday I guess.Doctor: So recently have you taken any medications for it?Me: Er… no but I did apply some oil lotion to ease the pain.Doctor: Hmm I see. So how often do you wash it?Me: Huh? You mean I have to wash it?Doctor: Of course you have to wash it but unfortunately usually people are simply too lazy.Me: So is my condition bad?Doctor: Not to worry, let me wash it for you now.Me: You mean now? Here?Doctor: Don’t worry you may feel slightly uncomfortable at first but you will soon enjoy it.Me: Well okay, you are the doc.(The doctor proceeds to wash it for me)Doctor: Are you feeling comfortable?Me: Er… okay I guess….Doctor: Right, now I am going to increase the pressure and if you feel uncomfortable you must let me know and I’ll stop.Me: Okay.(After a few minutes of washing)Doctor: Ah… they are coming out, all these white stuffs are the reason for your problem.Me: Ohhhhhhh …… Ahhhhhhh ….. Wow I am beginning to like this washing thing.Doctor: Can you help me to hold the tray near it. I don’t want to dirty the floor.Doctor: Here take this towel and wipe yourself, your pant is wet.(After more washing …)Doctor: Hmm… there are still plenty of dead skin cells in your right ear. Your left ear looks fine to me but you right ear is in terrible shape. I suspect some of the dead skin cells have fungus growing on them and have hardened after years of negligent. The problem now is they have attached themselves firmly to your skin and are not responding well to my washing treatment.Me: So what am I supposed to do now?Doctor: Don’t worry, I will give you some lotion to soften them and I will see you again this coming Friday.Me: Okay, if you say so.Doctor: That will be $50 for the treatment. Please collect your lotion at the counter.Me: Huh? What? Sorry doc but I am having hearing problem but did you mention $20? Thanks doc, you are so kind. Bye bye. (Give him my sweetest smile)Want to give it a try? 5th DPS (S) Poetry Writing Competition Time to have some fun!Please click here for more details. Temporary Impotence It has only been six days i.e. less than a week since I started work in my new workplace on 16 January 2006, Monday. But I feel like I’ve been stuck here for more than a month. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! The must scary part is I have no mood for sex during these few days. I am not even sure if it is still in working condition. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! A New Start I will be reporting to my new workplace on 16 January 2006, Monday. For the past few days I have been busy clearing and documenting my works for a smooth handover to my colleagues. Although I am looking forward to my new posting but I if I tell you I am not worry I would be lying. Everything will be new for me, new colleagues, new boss, new responsibilities, new office culture, etc. Well since this is the beginning of a new year, let’s have a great new start! Age of Insanity #3 Posted on 2 January 2006The Gold CellPosted on 30 December 2005 When My Son Is Sick Posted on 23 December 2005 Our Son and the Water ShortagePosted on 20 December 2005Christmas WishPosted on 16 December 2005Psychology Humour #4Posted on 12 December 2005First Sex Age of Insanity #2 Posted on 9 December 2005Freshly ChoppedPosted on 6 December 2005On the SubwayPosted on 28 November 2005Psychology Humour #3Posted on 28 November 2005Why God never received a PhD Freshly Chopped Within an hourtwo more frogsare going to die.My wife has justexpressedher craving for their legs.I must go now.It is unwise to keep a hungry woman waiting.She expectsthem to befresh.My wife would love to invite him for dinner Age of Insanity For better coordination between my two blogs, here are the links to my previous posts in Age of Insanity.Posted on 25 November 2005Your First Hunch is Your Best HunchPosted on 22 November 2005Getting OutPosted on 18 November 2005 Michiko DeadPosted on 17 November 2005Psychology Humour #2Posted on 15 November 2005The Pope’s PenisPosted on 14 November 2005The Food-ThiefPosted on 13 November 2005 Psychology Humour #1Posted on 11 November 2005How Many TimesPosted on 10 November 2005Jean Piaget: Six Sub-stages of the Sensori-motor StagePosted on 7 November 2005Jean Piaget: Object PermanencePosted on 6 November 2005Role of Play During Early ChildhoodPosted on 5 November 2005Home VisitPosted on 4 November 2005A Plate of Char Siew Rice Some changes Dear friends, starting today topics on Poetry and Psychology will be posted in my new blog i.e. Age of Insanity. So if you notice that I have not been posting in this blog, most likely is it because I am posting in the new one.Thank you. :) Chinese Wisdom on Poetry #1 In composing poetry it does no harm to create a few lines from natural inspiration. But don’t overdo it lest you become mired down … Still, if a genuine feeling just flows out, this is of course much different than someone who seeks some run-of-the-mill verse.Zhu Xi