New watch in 2-3 weeks time.

I have a Swatch watch. It has a black face with an orange rim. It also has a shiny silver strap. A few months ago it started to slow. Maybe a minute a day. By the end of a week, it’s time would have slowed to around 10 minutes short of the normal time. Took it back to the shop to check its battery power. Outlets in Raffles City and City Square JB both confirmed the battery is at full power. So the problem lies in the watch then.

Bringing it back to Singapore, where I bought it, the Raffles City branch informed me that Swatch does not do repairs. O_O What? OK, so what do I do now? The salesman (who sounds a little bit like a woman) told me, “I’ll check to see if we still have your model in stock. If we don’t, then please select something of the same price or lower, for a one to one exchange.”

Right. I take a look around the shop. Nothing looks right… Some are nice but above the price i can exchange for. And there are only what… 3 watches that have the same price?

I ask, “Why don’t you do repairs?”

He answers, “Swatch watches are laser sealed to ensure water resistency, so we cannot open up our watches to repair.”

I ask, “Can I exchange it for something of higher value, and I will top up the extra amount.”

He answers, “No.”

I didn’t need to ask to know that if I chose a cheaper watch, I won’t be refunded the access amount. What kind of a policy is that. Strangely, the branch in City Square JB told me they could send it to their factory in KL to get it fixed. But nonetheless I brought it back to Singapore because I thought it would be faster to fix it here.

So Singaporean Swatches are laser sealed, but Malaysian Swatches aren’t? Rubbish. Sometimes I hate Singaporean sales personel. And to prove my point that this salesman was just an idiot who didn’t care less about me or my watch, his colleague soon informed him that they INDEED have my watch model, and could exchange it for me within 2-3 weeks. I bet he just couldn’t be bothered by the extra work of sending it to a workshop, but instead carved up a cock and bull story about laser sealed watches. I guess he won’t have a lack of stories to tell his grandchildren in future.

Anyway, I’ll be getting a new watch, the design that I liked and still like. Just have to wait a few weeks, that’s all.

The Best Footballer in the World

Cristiano Ronaldo. Love him or hate him, he has been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year. His terrific 07-08 season, capped by his amazing 42 goals for club Manchester United, means he is the first England based player to win this prestigious award, adding to his Ballon D’or (European Player of the year).

As a staunch Man United supporter, I find myself sitting on the fence when asked how I feel about him. Sure, he’s a bag of tricks, the master of step-overs. But is he really that indispensible to the team? Sometimes I feel he has more personal reasons to be on the field, rather than to play for the team. Personal reasons such as “how many defenders can I beat today”, or “how many goals can I score today”.

First, let’s analyse his strengths. Possessing brilliant footwork, his step-overs have become his trademark, as he waltzes all over defences in England. No lack of creativity in his feet, he can always find a suitable trick or shimmy to get past defenders – one, two or even three.  Pace-wise, he can outrun a Bugatti Veyron – albeit in reverse – but how many world class sprinters can do that?

Devastating freekicks. Every goalkeeper shudders when faced with a Cristiano Ronaldo freekick. Most deal with them by just standing still and letting fate decide where the ball will end up. He has developed a unique style in his kicking technique, making the ball swerve uncontrollably and rapidly. It’s never easy to make the ball curve, much less swerve, but to develop your own technique? That’s pure genius! In the old days, only true kung fu masters developed their own styles of kung fu. And in the world of football, only true masters of the ball develop their own kicking techniques. I’ve tried his methods, and I’ve realised how hard it is. Maybe only one in ten actually swerve the way his shots do (in an S shape) but with maybe 20% of his speed and swerve.

Now, his finishing. His finishing technique and his eye for finding openings to shoot are really better than any top striker in the world. How else can a winger hope to score 42 in a season? His shots are deadly, often inheriting that vicious swerve of his. One on one with the keeper, I would bet my fortune on him scoring. His heading prowess is also sublime, with his leap and power. Just look the size of his neck and you can understand where he gets all that heading power from. A strong spine and years of physical training.

He may sound like the perfect athlete, the perfect footballer. And skills-wise, he may well be. Then why would I not like such a great player, especially if he is on our team. Well, I don’t really hate him, but his antics sometimes really do piss me off. Being the world’s best player doesn’t mean you are above the rules of the game, or the referee. You can be Pele, or Maradona, but you still get booked for a bad tackle, or for talking back.

In all honesty, I would be happy to see Cristiano get booked for a bad tackle. The problem is he seldom ever does tackle anyone. He’s great in attack, but defensively, he’s happy to see someone run past him with the ball, or to let someone who’s just stolen the ball from him escape. Rarely does he ever track back to defend, and only occasionally in big games does he ever do that. Thankfully, his work rate against Chelsea on Sunday was above his usual average.

So, he possesses all these skills, he can make a fool of the best defenders in the world. Does that mean no one is allowed to tackle him? What’s the point of kicking out after you lose the ball, or those antics he performs when he goes to ground. It’ll only make people respect him less, and notice less of his skills, more of his whining. With great power comes great responsibility, and with great skills, comes the challenge of using them wisely. Doing things like deliberately handling the ball when his jump goes wrong? Maradona might have scored with his hand before, but that would be his only action on the field that has left a blemish on his stellar career.

So what makes Cristiano think that he is above everyone else? Let’s hope that by winning this prestigious award, he can grow up and respect his teammates a little bit more. Because sooner or later, his antics will cost the team dear. And people might just start to realise that Manchester United can survive just as well with or without him.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! It’s officially 2009, and in being so, it’s officially a new year, a new start, a new adventure! Let’s hope 2009 will be a year filled with excitement, happiness, joy, laughter, good fortune, glad tidings, jobs for everyone, Man Utd winning the quadruple, and of course, dreams and wishes coming true.

To cap off this wonderfully short post, here is a video i took last night at the Marina Bay Celebrations. Fireworks display this year was fantastic, the best so far i must say. Coupled with some music, the choreography was pretty good! Sorry I only managed to get the second half of the display, I spent the first few minutes in awe, forgetting to record.

Happy New Year everyone!

Tears to my eyes

First of all, Merry Christmas everyone! It is the season of love and sacrifice, so let the love spreading begin! =D

Secondly, it’s my birthday today! No not Christmas day, but the day after. I’m 23 now. (time to act my age).

Just came back from dinner and supper with Dana, Kenny, Laura, Johnson, San San and Wang Yuan. The day started with movie! Bedtime Stories with Dana and Wang Yuan. Movie is surprisingly good, since I’ve not been the greatest Adam Sandler fan. The kids were wonderful, pure angels, and really complimented Sandler well. And the movie didn’t drag on for too long, so all in all a good movie.

After movie, proceeded to traverse among the horde of humans along Orchard road. It’s packed today, due to the Christmas performances, and bus services were interrupted. Finally, we arrived at Swenson’s and thanks to my 2 piece chicken meal from KFC earlier, I couldn’t eat much more. Happiness ensueed as Christmas presents were given to them, I hope everyone like’s the stuff i got them.

Finally the clock struck 12. The cake and birthday song I expected, but not the present i guess. Thanks alot guys, I’m truly touched. It isn’t often that I’m lost for words, but today, I was. It’s not the price of the present, or the item itself, but I’m just really touched because I didnt actually tell anyone that I wanted that thing. I just mentioned how nice it was. (If you wanna know what it is, try reading my earlier posts.) In fact, I didn’t really imagine how life would be if I had this thing. It was just out of my current price range, but life ahead will be super wonderful with it! I’m just a little sad that the first time I use it, it will probably be when Dana leaves for Taiwan. But its not for good, and you will be back. Besides, we’re sending you home, sending you to your family and friends, where love awaits! And when you get back, hehehe, the gift you guys got me will be waiting for you. 😉

And the cards enclosed were super sweet as well. In a way, they mean much more than the present. Really appreciate the effort put in to organise this for me. You know who you are, and I know who you are. And that’s why I love you so much! I really owe you a HUGE hug, (eventhough you don’t want it =P) . Eventhough everyone is financially challenged at the moment, you guys still pooled so much to get me this present. I’m truly thankful, and apologise if this meant that you would have to go hungry.

This Christmas has been a fruitful one, I’ve been getting lots of presents from my parents, and my brother. Clothes, shoes, fake Man Utd jersey (I really love this one). In the midst of joblessness, I find love in abundance, overcoming the fear of being broke, and the anxiousness of being jobless. And it’s only 2 hours into my birthday! I wonder what’s more to come.

Of course, thank you God. For bringing back my confidence in humanity, in Your own special ways. And Happy Birthday yo! Let’s eat cake together. XD

Wolverine: X-Men Origins

The much awaited and anticipated 4th installment of the X-Men franchise! This movie goes back to before Wolverine joins the X-Men. It sort of explains his background somewhat, but mainly focuses on his Weapon X times. Cameos include Deadpool, Emma Frost aka White Queen, Gambit (my personal faveoutrite Marvel superhero), and Sabretooth.

Enjoy the trailer!

Interesting Game for those who are bored

The rules:
Bold the statements that are true to you
Italise the statements that you WISH are true
Leave the untrue alone

I miss somebody right now.
I dont watch TV these days.
I own lots of books.
I wear glasses or contact lenses.
I love to play video games.
I’ve tried marijuana.
I have been in a threesome.
I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
I curse sometimes.
I have changed a lot mentally over the last year. – Double Bold
I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me. – I dont need to… my fists are my weapons
I’m TOTALLY smart.
I’ve broken someone’s bones.
I’m paranoid sometimes.
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
I need money right now. – I wish i could Italise this, but unfortunately its become a fact.
I love sushi, but not the weird ones, like octopus and eel.
I talk really, really fast. – Slow and steady wins the race
I have lost money in Las Vegas. – If we’re talking about Las Vegas at Outram Road, thats a different story… =P
I have at least one sibling.
I have long hair. – Not anymore
I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past. – Wig!!!!
I couldn’t survive without Caller I.D. But I’m totally fine if life has surprises.
I like the way I look.
I am usually pessimistic. – sometimes…
I have a lot of mood swings. – sometimes
I have a hidden talent. – All my talents are for the world to see. =P
I’m always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
I have a lot of friends.
I am currently single.
I have pecked someone of the same sex.
I enjoy talking on the phone.
I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
I love to shop.
I enjoy window shopping.
I would rather shop then eat.
I don’t hate anyone.
I’m a pretty good dancer.  – Whats “dancing”
I’m completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
I have a cell phone.
I believe in God.
I watch MTV on a daily basis.
I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
I rejected someone before.
I have no idea what i want to do for the rest of my life. – Only one goal… get rich and soak up the good life.
I want to have children in the future.
I have changed a diaper before.
I’ve called the cops on a friend before.
I have a lot to learn.
I’m not allergic to anything. – I wish this was true, but I’m allergic to bullshit. AHCHOO!
I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger.
I am shy around the opposite sex.
I have tried alcohol before.
I have made a move on a friend’s significant other or crush in the past.
I own the “South Park” movie.
I would die for my best friends.
I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
I have used my sexuality to advance my career. – I only wish i had such charm/sex appeal
I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
Halloween is awesome because you get free candy. – Not here you don’t.
I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
I have dated a close friends’s ex. – I’ve barely DATED
I am happy at this moment!
I’m obsessed with guys – LIKE NO….
I study for tests most of the time.  – No, and I’m proud of it.
I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I’ve ever met.
I can work on a car.
I love my job.  – Don’t have a job to love.
I am comfortable with who I am right now.
I walk barefoot wherever I can.
I have more than just my ears pierced.
I have jumped off a bridge. – Must be fun
I love sea turtles. – Don’t love ANY turtles
I spend ridiculous money on makeup.
I plan on achieving a major goal/dream.
I’m proficient in a musical instrument.
I worked at McDonald’s restaurant.
I hate office jobs.
I love sci-fi movies. – I love all movies.
I think water rules. – If I could SWIM, that is.
I went college out of state.
I like sausages. – Yeah… love them long pieces of meat.
I love kisses.
I fall for the worst people. – Usually just the wrong ones. No. Not men.
I adore bright colours.
I can’t live without eyeliner. – On girls that is.
I don’t know why I did this stupid thing. – I know. I’m bored
I usually like covers better than originals.
I can pick up things with my toes. – I CAN.
I can’t whistle.
I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snake’s slither. – I wish i could, instead of bending my fingers all the way back.
I have ridden/owned a horse.
I still have every journal I’ve ever written in. – Yup… this blog is my first. HAHA
I can’t stick to a diet.
I talk in my sleep. – I just snore… loudly…
I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.
Climbing trees is a brilliant past time. – Great for the biceps
I have jazz in my blood.
I wear a toe ring.
I have a tattoo. – Wish i did
I can’t stand at LEAST one person that I work with. – Totally.
I am a caffeine junkie.
I know what cosplaying is.
I have been to over 15 conventions.
I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical, the better.
I’m an artist.
I only clean my room when necessary.
I like a person of the same sex. – Define like.
I love being happy. -Who doesn’t? [Indeed]
I am an adrenaline junkie.

Siggraph and Songs

It’s 11th December! First day of the Siggraph Conference Asia. This year, it’s held in Suntec City, so off we went after an hour in the office. Tickets for the basic conference are $75.  This would entitle us to entrance for all three days, as well as admittance into the screenings, job fair, and selected talks.

The staff at the ground floor ticketing counters were unexpectedly bad though. First, we were moved from one line to another, just because we were paying, and standing in the “free line”. Hey, we are paying you bloody money. Don’t make us move around, AND THEN forget all about the person you served first and carry on with other people. Anyway, they were polite enough though, so I let them off the hook. However, they managed to get our company name horribly wrong on 2 occasions. I ended up working for Bla Communications, while Dana now works for Big Cummunications. Oddly, the others didn’t have any such problems. Must be our awful handwriting.

So, next stop Animation Screenings! watched animation clips,. short films, advertisements, Siggraph winning entries and what-not from 2pm all the way to 5.30pm. After a long tiring afternoon siting on uncomfortable chairs craning our necks trying to look around/over/under heads in front of us, we headed for dinner.

Had the most amazingly-horrible claypot chicken rice at the Food Loft at Marina Square. HORRIBLE. Never will i try it again. After chats, Adrian had to leave for his Lucas event at the Arena, so the rest of us (Me, James, Dana, San San, Adam) left for the Music Dreamers Live! Cafe at Marina Square to chill out and listen to some songs.

First thought about the place when we entered was – shabby. Cluttered with tables and chairs, and not even a sofa in sight! This is looking to be a long night… Drinks were normal. However, when the singers went upstage, the air around the place became much better. A sense of familiarity kicked in, as the singers were pretty endearing. Funny banter plus not-so-bad singing skills.

Then we dedicated a birthday song for James, and that’s when the real fun began. After a beautiful rendition of a not-so-common version of the song, (by the second group of singers), James was invited onstage. The singers told him to sing, since its his birthday. HAHA! FUN! But quick thinking James had something else on his mind. He demanded Dana sing instead, and since it’s his birthday, he gets to choose who sings for him.

So a nervous Dana went onstage, chose a song by “Sun Zi” called “Xie Yi Shou Ge” which translates as “Writing a Song”. Starting off nervous and off pitch, she soon picked up the tempo and was soon her normal diva self, charming the crowd. With applause ringing, she left the stage, and the singers even commented how well she sang. So how’s that for a birthday gift! Definitely not a gift anyone is likely to forget.

Soon other members of the audience were up on stage to sing. And some pretty good too. And so, it was time to leave for home. Happy Birthday James!

On a lighter note

On a lighter note, we had beers after lunch today which pretty much left us feeling sick/drowsy for much of the rest of the afternoon. On of the few delights of being out of a job. Pictures:-

Location, PUMP at Great World City. Beers at half price before 5pm.

Snowball of Life

Life is like a snowball. When things go downhill, they just seem to pile on more and more until it becomes so huge a snowball, you just cant hold it any longer. As much as I try, as much as I smile and laugh, I cant hold this snowball much longer. I’m losing myself, losing myself to it, slowly but surely being engulfed by snow, suffocating and paralysing.

This snowball of everything. Friends, work, money, love (or lack thereof), goals. Yes. Even something so basic and straightforward as goals. Problems seem to befall every one of these categories, and as the trend goes, it just becomes more and more. Deep inside I know I’m fighting a losing battle. Losing until the moment God decides to send me someone, to pull me out of the snowball. There is no way for me to dodge this snowball. Can’t just walk around it, because afterall, it’s my life.

Of course, good things happen once in a while, to remind you of sweet moments, and to assure you that family is always there. But yet, alone in my room I find myself unable to bank on these wonderful things to remain upbeat.

Friends suffer friends hurt friends cry. But what have I done for anyone that I can truly call touching them? Oh yes, I’m the first to offer words of encouragement. But sometimes I wonder, am I doing myself any favours by being so quick to give? When you say I love you once, it means the world. Twice, then… it’s sweet. Thrice? Hmm… do you really have to say it so many times? And the more you say it the less meaning it carries. It will just become an emotionless feeling. A habit. Not that I’m implying that my words are a form of habit. But maybe people begin to bore. Maybe people don’t feel that encouraged or touched by my words anymore. Because I say it too often, it’s lost its meaning. Which makes me wonder, is it right to encourage people all the time? Or should I just leave them be, only to say a few words of encouragement later on?

I know I’ll get plenty of slack for the above statements. But I really just can’t help wondering. I’m by no means feeling bitter about this. I’m just pondering my methods of communication. Whether I’m using the right ways to be a good friend. Because I jolly well cant remember the last time I made someone cry tears of joy.

Work and money come hand in hand. With work comes money, and without work, money wont be anywhere nearby either. Job-hunting is a chore, especially in this industry. ESPECIALLY in times like these. As if the industry wasn’t small enough, there has to be a credit crunch, and companies have to cut down on costs/labour/etc. Why didn’t I take my dad’s advice and become a lawyer? I could still draw, being a lawyer. Maybe even in the courtroom. Lawyers tend to be rich, drive nice cars, own awesome luxurious houses. But then… that really isn’t what I want.

Which brings us to goals. Oh yeah I love football and I don’t have problems scoring (or at least i don’t think so). But goals of the other kind kinda bug me too. Path A, concept art. It’s a small and specialised road, even smaller here in the confines of Little Red Dot Singapore. Not much of a community here, and not much work here. Path B, animation. Ever expanding, it is something being pushed by the Singapore Government for much more development.

So herein lies the problem. Path A is my desired goal in life. To become a leading concept artist. But yet, my skills are no where near the required level. But I cant find a job that will allow me to train or learn here in this tiny community. Path B is my second choice, not to mention not-so-favourite-choice. I like animation, but it’s just not the same as concept art. And it’s a little easier to get a job here, since there are more companies doing animation. So the question is, to strive for my goals, and starve, or to go with the flow, eat my meals until i can further hone my concept art skills. I guess for the moment, it will have to be surviving. Sigh.

Which brings us to last but not least, love. In my life, there is NO such thing as love (of the boy-girl kind). NO I’m not gay, I’m just horribly ill-fated when it comes to love. Sometimes I just wish i could have a normal relationship. Ok, maybe all the time. Step out on the streets, bump into a gorgeous babe, “hey miss, you dropped your purse”, pass purse over, hands touch (ever so slightly), electric current, kiss, happily ever after. Things like this only happen in tinseltown, but what’s stopping me from dreaming? I guess the problem lies with me, since I’ve never succeeded ever before. No use trying to console me, and say “it just not the right time yet” because I’ve heard it and I seriously don’t want to hear it again, so let’s just leave it at that.

Maybe i treat people too well? I’ve gotten that before. “You treat girls too nice”. Isn’t that what guys are supposed to do? Since when did bad boys get the girls. Whatever happened to the word gentleman. You want excitement, fine. But you still gotta treat a girl nice right? No? Oh really? Hmm… Back to the drawing board for me.

Does anyone even read this silly blog anyway? Im seriously doubting my views on life. This nice guy shit isn’t working at all. It’s time to be a gangstah. Haha… just kidding. I couldn’t change even if i wanted to. Trust me, I’ve tried.

-Inconclusive… let’s just wait and see what happens next in my life-

Where are you?

Cold days are here. But yet the skies are clear and the sun is shining. A sudden urge engulfs me. An urge to weep… and urge to sit at home all day. Yet sitting at home all day will just make it worse.

Where are you? The people I love so dearly. You guys have things on your minds… this I know. Maybe its precisely this that saddens me. That I am unable to do anything, unable to help.

This is a problem I always have… needing a hug I never seem to get. It’s just some strange reason that I need hugs so much. I don’t know why. But I always believed that hugs can do so much towards healing someone.

B, your so far away… and I really miss you… You know what? I’ll go get my overseas call thing done.. and I’ll start calling you everyday. Haha… There’s so much that I want to talk to you about. So much that I want you to tell me. How I wish i could teleport. That way, air ticket prices can’t stop me from seeing you.

D, you’re close to me, by my side everyday. But I still miss you, and the thought that you might be leaving makes me sad. You are like the sun, shining bright everyday. But sometimes when clouds cover the sun, I’m helpless in removing it. That’s when i feel sad again. When the Dingleberry Clown can make people laugh, yet is powerless to help the people he loves and cares about.

J, its been ages since we last talked, much less met. Don’t even know if you visit my blog, but I’m still gonna say it. I miss you loads too. Wanna ask you so much about your life, your guy, your work, your parties. Haha… and our movie! Its way overdue… So much overdue that its no longer a movie but 5 movies.

V, there’s so much that I don’t know is going on in your life. Just the things on the surface, but not knowing what goes on deeper inside you. Lets meet up soon k? We’ll get through these hard times together. Hand in hand (omg sounds so gay)

Others whom once upon a time felt so easy to reach out and talk to. Now feel somewhat distant. Be it jobs, girlfriends, boyfriends, or just growing sick of me. Heh~

Feeling lonely again. Its December soon, a month of love and cheer. Hopefully things will take a turn for the better. And let Christmas be a day of good spirits and good cheer. Only Christmas wish this year would be that all of you are happy.

Maybe the world isn’t that bad a place? And maybe I should stop adding to the depression… haha…

The smile is back on my face. Took me quite a damn while to finish this post, in between phone calls and all. But D, it was nice to hear your voice. After a lonely afternoon not talking to anyone. Feels good to hear your laugh again. Thanks.

Love you all… very much. My dear friends, my emotional crutches.

P/S: There might be some people whom I did not mention above, not because you are not my dear friends, but only because i don’t feel we have drifted that far. And of course, I love you guys just as much.