對酒當歌，人生幾何

我們沒有校訓

2012-01-07T23:28:00.003+08:00

如果說，一個號稱歷史長達一百多年的大學沒有校訓的話，你會相信嗎？

我本來也是不信的，但是新加坡國立大學就是這麼活生生的一個例子。

有一次和國大辯論隊的同學們到中國打友誼賽兼旅遊的時候，到了當地其中一個大學，主持人在台上介紹作為來賓的我們，說新國大多好多好云云，其中還提到了我們的校訓是“xxxx”。

當時我和台下的隊友的第一個反應是互相對望了一眼，然後小聲地說一聲，“我們有校訓咩？”

現實就是這樣，我們沒有校訓，我們也似乎從來沒有在意我們沒有校訓這回事。

但是停下來想一想，一個歷史這麼悠久的大學怎麼可能沒有校訓呢？如果我說在歐美國家哪個古老的名牌大學沒有校訓的話，你會相信嗎？聽起來太荒謬了吧？

順便在這裡談一談國大的歷史吧。

1905年，海峽殖民地及馬來亞聯邦州政府醫學學校（Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School）成立，後來改名為愛德華七世醫學院（King Edward VII Medical School）。國大的歷史也是從1905年開始算起。

1928年，萊佛士學院（Raffles College）成立。

1949年，這兩間學院合併為馬來亞大學。

1955年，南洋大學成立。

1962年，馬來亞大學新加坡校區改名為新加坡大學。

1980年，新加坡大學與南洋大學合併為新加坡國立大學，也就是今天的NUS。

這一路走來，其中的歷史大部分學生其實都不知道。今天很多學生都不知道國大本為馬大分校；也沒聽說過南大被合併的故事，甚至會以為此南大即為彼南大，個中歷史緣由也不敢在此贅述。

不過，個人總覺得這都是和國大似乎缺乏一種“身份認同”（identity），其中沒有校訓就是很關鍵的一點。

馬大的校訓“Ilmu Punca Kemajuan”，譯為中文就是“知識乃成功之本”；南大的校訓是“自強不息，力求上進”，怎麼到了國大就沒有校訓了呢？

在寫本文之前，為了證實國大沒有校訓，我上網努力搜索了好久，也沒有找到；甚至在百度知道看到以前有人和我問過一樣的問題，得到的答案是國大沒有校訓，只有願景。

國大的網站寫的是國大有的“vision”，就是“A leading global university centred in Asia, influencing the future”，我姑且譯為“一所以亞洲為中心，影響著未來的國際領先大學”。

好吧，我不知道有多少國大生會看到這個願景然後有一種身份認同或是自豪感。如果你有的話，不好意思，那是我失敬了。

前些天看到港大慶祝一百週年的音樂視頻，找了港大校友許冠傑作曲，林夕作詞，謝安琪等人唱了一首歌，慶祝港大一百校慶，“明德格物”一直在唱，看了我都覺得港大真的令人嚮往。

只是很突然的，有時也會希望我身邊可以看到更多的文化人和知識分子。

國大最近幾年還新創了一個新的概念，前校長特別喜歡用鮭魚（三文魚）的例子，說鮭魚都會回到它們出生的地方繁殖產卵，希望畢業生也會多多回饋母校。最近學校建築和周邊產品都多了很多以鮭魚為主題的設計。

但我每次聽到這個故事的時候，我總是想到的是，鮭魚回到出生地產卵後就會死去，這點幹嘛忽略掉呢？對不起，那麼我寧願不要做這個鮭魚。

開開玩笑，各位看官別當真，有機會還是應該多多回饋母校的。

只不過，就覺得沒有校訓，不懂校史，這個學校總是感覺缺乏一種歷史的底蘊、那古老的韻味和那種讓人很自豪地說我們成立了多少年的感覺。那些畢業自歷史悠久中學的人，就應該可以明白我想表達的意思。

所以國大生，下次要是有人問起，我們的校訓是什麼的時候，請你們回答說：

對不起，我們沒有校訓。

明年复明年

2012-01-05T23:39:00.003+08:00

新的一年又來了，如常地看到很多人都為新的一年立下了新願景、目標和願望；但我似乎沒看到多少人在反省、回顧與比較去年的目標的。

最近看到一個台灣報章報導台灣選舉新聞，其中有一則談起馬英九，說他在執政三年多的任期內，僅完成了他自己政見的43.9％。

這個數據是通過羅列馬英九在前次競選時所提的政見中，比對其成功達成的事項；而報導認為馬英九任期已過了五分之四，政見完成率卻連一半也不到，可見他的政績單不及格。

姑且不論這個數據的算法是否科學，也不去探討一個政治人物可以達成政見的43.9％，到底是“僅能”還是“竟然能”，或是這個報章是否傾向蔡英文。

這則報導也讓我想到周圍朋友的新年願望和目標，要是大家也把去年的目標和願望羅列出來，在這份成績單上，到底又有多少人能夠及格呢？當然，這個目標必須是很實際的，最好是可以量化的，這樣也比較容易衡量和比較。

若是在一個個目標旁邊，打勾的是佔大多數，那麼恭喜你，你達到了大部分的目標，今年也請你繼續努力加油，維持這份得來不易的“及格成績單”。

然而，倘若你的一個個目標旁邊都是打叉或是問號（你竟然不記得你去年定下的目標？！）的話，那麼或許你是時候順著這份清單，一條條地去反省了。

到底是目標立得太高了嗎？太多了？還是自己沒有去堅持？還是目標立得太籠統了，說得容易，做起來很難呢？

我不及格，我反省了，所以這篇文章才會出現。

以古為鏡，可以知興替，此言誠然不假。只有在比較過後，才知道自己失敗在哪裡，曾向自己許下了多少不能兌現的逾期空頭支票。誇張者甚至乎可以從多年的目標在新的一年裡又重新循環使用，在新的一年裡又只陶醉在那新氣象裡，說出心中豪語壯志，過去的事又何必再管他呢？

伊索寓言裡面有一個關於螞蟻與蚱蜢的寓言，蚱蜢因為在冬天來臨前只顧著玩耍與享樂，沒有儲存食物，最後在冬天餓死了；但我覺得這只蚱蜢要是僥倖冬天沒餓死的話，說不定明年也會繼續玩樂，這次冬天也許就沒這麼好運氣了。

不要明年复明年，明年何其多了。說不定，我們真的沒有明年了。

祝大家新年快樂。

Google translate blunder AGAIN~

2011-08-09T22:08:00.002+08:00

I am sure most Malaysians who are active in Facebook has seen this one.. Google translate's been having some bug.. But I just checked just now, and it has been fixed..

Well, I was actually more curious than just "copy" n "paste" like everyone else on Facebook.. So I checked and realised there was a bug that changed all the countries' names to translate into "Malaysia".. I wonder which smart guy did that.... Great bug...

My Favourite Comic Book Writer-Artist: Frank Miller

2011-07-05T21:53:00.009+08:00

I really fell in love with Frank Miller's work recently. Not that I have never read his stuff before, maybe because I was too young to understand and appreciate a lot of it. So much depth, so much content, and yet so much space left for wonder and thoughts that linger after you finish reading them. I'm telling you, his work is really unlike the "normal" typical superhero comics that we are familiar with, a.k.a some guy got powers - decides to make a difference - beats a bad guy - makes the world a better place - goes home with the girl, that kind of comics.

No, his work has so much more complexity to it, that his take on certain characters and message that he implies often arose controversies, like his writing of "The Dark Knight Strikes Again" and "All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder". His comics often has a "darker side", dealing with deeper political and social issues, which is possibly why it really attracts adult audience and not just simple minded kids. I mean if you read some (if not most) comic books on the market, you probably can flip through the book in a matter of minutes, quick browse at the cheesy content and the photoshop-coloured pictures that all look so similar. Fast-food type of stuff.

Frank Miller's stories? A totally different story. He is the type of comic book writer that will make you think you are really reading mainstream literature. Serious literature. The suspense in the story line, the dialogues, the building up of the characters, the depth in the background story, the not-so-happy endings etc. Great stories that will leave you thinking, not just waiting for the next issue.

Move on about his drawing, his drawing style is so distinctively different from other artists that I can spot his work right among other artists' artwork. I think he is really good with lines and shadows, which is great for black and white comics, or just with simpler colours. Not those photoshop stuff you see everyday. Real art, real drawing. His style also gives a darker feeling to the tone, which suits his story really really well.

I mean think about it, how many good comic book writers these days can draw? Great and good writers like Alan Moore, Jeph Loeb, Geoff Johns, Brian Vaughan, Greg Rucka, Grant Morrison all don't draw their own comic books. Even Stan Lee doesn't draw his own comics. I can only think of Frank Miller and Mike Mignola (Hellboy writer-artist) and maybe a couple few more in this era that can both write and draw very very well. (Lets not include Japanese writers/artists in this discussion.) With all due respect, I am too young to appreciate the works of Jack Kirby and Will Eisner, which is why I said in this era, this unique talent is really really rare.

By the way I really like the movies 300 and Sin City. Did real justice to the original work. Its like watching a story in a story. His comic book is like a movie. His movie is like a comic book.

I think there are two types of people in this world. People who loves Frank Miller's work, or people who have yet to grab a copy of Frank Miller's work. Go grab your copy of Ronin, 300, Sin City, The Dark Knight Returns now! Haha!

His artwork is really breathtaking, which is why I decided to share a few of my favourites here with you.

Taken from 300. Like I said, good with the simple lines and shadows, along with the simple colours, just great stuff.

Cover art for Batman Black and White.

Taken from The Dark Knight Returns. Notice how he draws the shape of the cape without really drawing a cape.
Artwork for Hellboy. Though he never draws for Hellboy, but his gritty style seems to fit with the Hellboy's mood and image very well.

From Sin City. Look at the four faces. Same face, same position, but the different shades of shadow seems to animate the face with a grim expression.

From Sin City as well. This is his typical style in the Sin City series, the art style is dark and strong. So distinctive. It is really amazing how he seems to put so much "motion" in a figure that is preparing to leap out from the dark with such simple lines of black and white.

Oh this is simply my favourite. The silhouette of Marv in the rain. Just a lot of white lines in a black background. The way the rain drops hit his coat makes him look so lonely. Like a warrior heading to his death. Lonely and sad.

Google translate: Tim Drake

2011-07-01T00:30:00.008+08:00

Apparently DC Comics uses Google translate too.. HAHA.. LMAO!! ROFL!!

Tim Drake = 蒂姆公鴨

p.s.: drake [noun] - a male duck

Taken from Red Robin issue 17, published Jan 2011.

Gmail is SMART!!

2011-05-25T15:45:00.002+08:00

I think Google Mail is DAMN SMART!!! This thing really helps.. Stops me from accidentally sending email without actually attaching the files I wanted to send..

Kudos Gmail! Sorry Yahoo! and Hotmail.. I have given up on you guys long ago..

kj picture of the day 04/05/11

2011-05-04T03:46:00.001+08:00

Taken: 03/05/11
Camera: Nokia 5530

Studying at Mc'D NUS for my final finals.. Probably the last time I am gonna study overnight here... Bye bye NUS..

kj picture of the day 03/05/11

2011-05-03T04:04:00.002+08:00

Taken: 12/11/09
Camera: Sony DSC-T2

A simple meal I made for myself.. One of my favourites! Real happy meal.. Life's simple pleasures..

What Democracy Means to Me

2011-05-02T06:13:00.003+08:00

Democracy sucks.

Come on, just admit it. Did anyone of us ever really get anything out of democracy, perhaps except the brief moment of joy when you see the candidate that you liked (hated) won (lost) the election?

Look at Taiwan, before all this mess about Chen Shui Bian, his alleged self-directed shooting act as well as the more recent corruption charges, could you remember why he was voted into power in the first place? Everyone complains about the eight years of Democratic Progressive Party rule, but they were in power in the first place because people were dissatisfied with the KMT. Eight years have passed, and people forgot why they voted out the KMT in the first place, and voted them in again. Now let me ask you, what real change did you think that has been put forward through this 3 presidential elections? I really don't know.

Well I know some of you are probably going to say that Taiwan is still a young and immature democratic society, we should perhaps look at other countries, like the US instead. Since I was a kid, US presidents went from Bush, Clinton, Bush jr. and Obama, or Republican, Democrat, Republican and Democrat. Their policy debates included budget surplus/deficit, military spending, gun control, social security, foreign policy, blah blah blah... Obama says, "Change! Yes, we can!" That's a real catchy slogan man! But what has really been achieved by the system of democracy itself?

The answer is not easy. This is because democracy was never meant to be there to achieve something. Instead, it is there to make sure the other guy doesn't achieve anything, or better known as "checks and balances". It is a system designed to prevent one side having too much power to do whatever they want, at least not without punishment, or facing the fear of being voted out of office on your next term. It is also about the idea that every one will be represented, along with their views and beliefs, even if they are minorities, or more ideally, especially if they are minorities. At least that's the definition on paper.

Don't get me wrong. I did not for an instance said that I am against democracy. It is just maybe that there will never be true democracy in the world. And maybe that's why it sucks. People are just deceived time and time again to believe in some faint hope that seemingly will never come true. You can call me a cynic or a pessimist, but I think most people are too naive or optimistic. I see myself as a realist, just driven by facts and truth.

Why am I writing all this? Its just that with all this heat going on due to the anticipation of the upcoming Singapore and Malaysia elections, I would just like to reflect on what democracy means to me, and maybe you and the society. Just my two cents' worth.

And please, don't even for a second that you think I am a fan of dictators. Even though democracy has its flaws, one would definitely like to live in a democratic country instead of under a dictatorship of the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Kim, or Castro. "The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting", said Charles Bukowski. (I don't really know who this guy is but I really like this quote.)

In a democracy, candidates voted into the government are given the power to rule, but they also face the possibility that this power will be striped by the people when voting comes. This is the real difference between democracy and dictatorship. Now comes my real question. What happens in the 4 to 5 years between the elections?

Back to reality, voters don't get any say on the policies once the elections are over. Once the candidates are voted into power, they are given the right and power to decide for the greater benefit of the people, or so they claim to be. The people couldn't even make sure the politicians will hold on to their promises.

The hope of the people lies in that a democracy also usually means more than one party in the parliament, not-including self-declared democratic socialist countries, which means there will be some form of checks and balances in play. Yet the way I see it, the democracy systems in the world seems to resemble more of an oligarchy, where a small group of people holds all the power, with both elitism and nepotism often in play. Ask yourself, is democracy really fair? Does all the different needs and views of the people from different social groups represented and cared for? I seriously doubt so. Yet perhaps it is as fair as a system can be.

So basically, summarising my chain of thoughts,
1) You can't really change anything by voting. Sorry to break it to you. If you really want to change, be a politician and let others vote you into the system.
2) When the elections are near, the politicians will promise you a lot of things that you will like to hear. (Maybe along with some threats)
3) Once the elections are over, the politicians will have all the power to do all they want.
4) Opposing parties/candidates in the government are the real people with any form of power to affect the decision making process.

So maybe you don't agree with me, but actually consciously or subconsciously, we all know these. We are taught to believe that voting is both a right and a duty, and as such we are to choose as carefully as we might, and then leave it to them. Once they are in power, it is really nothing much we can do.

But that is perhaps the real reason everyone is so hyped up during this pre-election period. Even friends who are genuinely ignorant and disinterested about social issues want to engage in pre-election discussions and share their views, just to be part of this process. This is the only time that the people feel that they are involved, and their views are deemed important. This is the time when the voices of the people can be heard and not ignored. This is the time when the editorial pages and political blog posts are really read and spread around. This is the only time, that the politicians will not seemed so high up and unreachable, and instead will try to act like grassroots and go door to door in order to shake your hands.

The people go to political rallies not to listen to what the candidates have to say, but hoping to hear what they already have in mind, to come out from the mouths of the candidates. They are not there to be enlightened, but to be heard.

This is what democracy is really about. The campaigns. Rallies. Elections. Voting. And the power that comes with it. So enjoy it while it last. Savour whatever glory that you might feel the moment the results are announced. And life moves on.

Democracy sucks. It really does. But after all it is still the best in the world. (Sounds like a sad world eh?)

As Thomas Jefferson once said, "When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." The way I see it, democracy gives people liberty, once every five years. That's it. But still, its better than none at all. At the end of the day, having that silver lining is perhaps not too bad after all.

kj picture of the day 01/05/11

2011-05-01T22:14:00.003+08:00

Taken: 22/09/08
Camera: Sony DSC-T10

I wondered if anyone noticed this last time.. 3 different names for 1 bus stop.. very confusing if you think you can still take bus 95 to sheares hall.. well at least now they have already changed and standardised it..

kj picture of the day 30/04/11

2011-04-30T23:27:00.002+08:00

Taken: 17/04/11

Camera: Sony DSC-WX5

Running into a brick wall.....

kj picture of the day 25/04/11

2011-04-25T22:54:00.001+08:00

Taken: 25/04/11
Camera: Nokia 5530

I really love black n white photos! haha!

kj picture of the day 20/04/11

2011-04-20T23:42:00.000+08:00

Taken: 18/04/11

Camera: Sony DSC-WX5

Time is running short my friends!!

kj picture of the day 19/04/11

2011-04-19T22:55:00.001+08:00

Taken: 07/01/11

Camera: Sony DSC-WX5

再見了中文系！我會想你的！

kj picture of the day 18/04/11

2011-04-18T23:17:00.004+08:00

Taken: 17/04/11
Camera: Nokia 5530

Can you guys guess where/what this is?
It's NUS McD's wall! I'm lovin it!

kj picture of the day 17/04/11

2011-04-17T20:33:00.012+08:00

As I have decided to post a photo that I like on my blog everyday, I shall begin with this:

Taken: 17/04/11

Camera: Sony DSC-WX5

Empty NUS Mc'D in the middle of the night.. Maybe no one knows that it is open for 24 hours?

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

2011-02-05T13:13:00.006+08:00

Since one of my new year resolutions is to keep my blog alive, I shall start by writing about why Hard Rock Hotel Penang sucks and I wouldn't recommend anyone (sane) to go there.

First of all, the name of the hotel is just plain deceiving. I mean, “Hard Rock”, what would be the first thing that came to your mind? Rock music right? In order to make sure I am not sounding like I am persecuting the hotel unjustly, I searched for the definition of the phrase “hard rock”, which includes garage rock, punk rock, metal etc. with heavy use of electric guitars, bass and drums. (ie. not just any popular music). I myself would think of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Def Leppard, GnR etc. Then I searched for the theme of this “Hard Rock Cafe” chain, and I realised that it is a “rock and roll” theme, which is different form “hard rock”, which means it is deceiving from the start, if you know some rock and are following my string of thoughts. Alright, lets settle for rock and roll then. Then I started looking for anything associated with this theme, which baffles me.

Yes, there is a lot of guitars around. A huge guitar outside, guitars on display and guitars printed on the cushion cover, on the pillow case, on the blanket etc. Yes, there are some used guitars and clothes by famous musicians on display, as well as portraits of the Beatles (on top of your bed) and Elvis (in your bathroom). But it is going to take much more than some decoration to convince people that this is a rock-themed place. Where is the spirit man? It just ain't there. And whoever that did those decoration had no idea about rock. At all. There was this display near the entrance with portraits of Elvis surrounded by busts of two Beatles on each side. One would have thought the Beatles to be Elvis's band-member if they didn't know better. What is the rationale of that display? I would wonder. Another thing that makes me feel so disappointed to see a huge statue of Michael Jackson sitting outside the hotel's main entrance. Don't get me wrong, I love that guy! But he is the King of Pop. He really got nothing to do with “hard rock” or “rock and roll”. And that is the only statue in the hotel! Its like going to a “Football Hotel” to see a huge statue of Michael Jordan out there. As much as I like MJ (pun intended), I don't see any business of him being there. In other words, if you are a rock fan, you probably don't want to go there. It is meant for people who feels “shyiok” taking photos with famous musicians' guitars or portraits. That's all.

Such a luxurious hotel, you would probably think that even if you are not a rock fan, you can enjoy a good stay in a good hotel right? Nope, it just ain't worth it. The hotel's location is at Batu Ferringhi, which is kind of far from town and it is surrounded by fancy restaurants. So if you are in Penang looking for good signature hawker food like most Malaysians, you are in the wrong area. They do have a clean beach thanks to their effort of cleaning it up, but the sand isn't particularly fine for one to go there on purpose just because of the beach. The beach faces North, which means one can neither see sunrise nor sunset from the beach, which is another minus point if you are there for the beach. They also have a local band which performs live 6 nights a week. Yes, the same band which doesn't sound good at all. Sigh. The television in the room lags like crazy, due to their usage of a very laggy software. There isn't a bathtub in the bathroom, which is another surprise if you think luxurious hotel should have one without doubt. I would give compliments to their showers though, which is really strong and powerful and relaxing, which reminds me of Tune Hotels. (This is really a compliment. Tune Hotels' showers are really good.)

The buffet breakfast in the morning was totally chaotic, and horrible. There was no one at the counter to check whether you were a guest at the hotel or you just sneaked in for free food. It was totally messed up, as people would just walk in and try to find seats in a over-crowded place. The venue was a open area and smoking was allowed. I could accept separate smoking and non-smoking zones, but the whole area being a smoking area? Dude, you must be kidding me. I thought this is Malaysia we are talking about here. The food wise, is even worse. The choices were few. They have a tray labelled “scrambled eggs” which turns out to be hard-boiled eggs with sambal. The pastry was dry, cold and hard. The fruit juices taste like they are made from concentrates. Their hash browns made me miss Mc'Donalds. You get my point.

All in all, this is a hotel which is well known because of the famous chain of various “Hard Rock Cafe” in the world, but comparing the price and the experience overall, it is just plain not worth it. In other words, if you are going there for the hotel experience, don't go there. If you are going there for the music experience, don't go there. If you are going there for the food experience, don't go there. If you are going there for the beach experience, don't go there. So far the only reasons that I can think of to persuade anyone to go there is that they are a huge fan of branded hotel chains, not a fan of music, don't believe my taste and has tons of money to waste. Well, maybe then you should to go Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

中華盃落幕 (posted on facebook 13/10/2010)

2011-01-01T14:02:00.000+08:00

寫給今年的中華盃隊和告老還鄉的我：

又一年的中華盃落幕了，對我來說已經是我到現場的第四次中華盃了。

一年級的時候，我是隨隊，nus拿季軍；

二年級的時候，我是替補，nus拿季軍；

三年級的時候，我是正選，nus拿冠軍；

四年級的時候，我當陪練，nus拿亞軍。

我以前就說過我大四的時候要當中華盃的領隊的，像是完成我一年一年在中華盃“升級”的身份～哈哈。。而且我也知道過了今年，自己就沒辦法像假假一樣，畢業了踏入社會後，還可以和願意花費這麼大的時間和心思來帶這麼一個隊伍。加上我明白beaste前前後後大比賽很多，也累了，因此，我就毛遂自薦地和beaste說我要帶這個隊伍。但後來，因為假假可以帶，所以就讓他帶了，beaste改而叫我當助選員，並有空回去幫你們。你們有假假當你們的領隊，是你們的運氣，他是一個好領隊，甚至我覺得是一個越來越好的領隊。而我，在當了你們助選員、模擬隊、陪練後，看著你們的成長、凝聚、突破，想起以前的我，讓我心裡有所感觸。因此，雖然真正意義上，你們不是我帶出來的，但對我而言，我一樣是像看著自己的弟弟妹妹長大一樣的欣慰。

先講講我過去幾年中華盃的記憶吧。

一年級的時候，我和小明、何月隨隊去看中華盃，我還記得那時的陣容依辯位是劍聲、明敏、恆順、邵哥，替補是重遠。那時候的中華盃是隊裡不怎麽重視的比賽，根本就沒有人帶，fox不在新加坡，比賽基本上是由三年級的邵哥在帶而已。所以當恆順和我都說你們其實是很幸運的，你們應該明白當年他打比賽所經歷過的無奈和無助。（假假：有這麼誇張嗎？呵呵）半決賽時遇上馬大，馬大隊是黃聰涵她們黃金一代那四個女的，題目是“經濟發展和古蹟維護可不可以並行”，我們無奈地敗下陣來，我記得糾結最多的是到底什麼是“並行”。

二年級的時候，我選上了，但和重遠是替補而已，正選是李昂、杜馨、詩書、小明。領隊是假假。那時候fox回來了，但他也沒有很看重這個比賽，整個準備都是很鬆散，很沒有隊伍的感覺，沒有目標，沒有高昂的士氣。半決賽的時候，看著我們兩個半月前剛菜掉的馬大隊，同樣的秋樺、國興、永建，這次卻士氣高昂，勢如破竹，我只能坐在觀眾席裡無奈地嘆息。那種無助誰人知？

三年級的時候，正是我們幾個的巔峰期，我、小明、海洋，還有三個大二石楠、仲鶴、龐穎，選入了中華盃隊。領隊還是假假。而beaste，也是面對自己掌教後的第一個挑戰。大家士氣高昂，在前幾個星期的煩躁、迷失、磨合後，終於在海洋的提出一個問題後，得到突破。他問：“你們有誰覺得以我們現在的進度下去，可以奪冠的？”我們都沒有人好意思舉手。於是大家打開心胸，我覺得那個有隊伍的感覺就是那時開始的。那天是9月16日，我的生日，所以我記得特別清楚。這件事，還真的要感激一向嬉皮笑臉的海洋，突然很認真的以這個問題突襲大家，讓我們都嚇到了～呵呵。。我們還得到了空前的各方支援。大媽、易傑、重遠、假假幫忙準備；嘉菱、依華、王明、婉怡、俊傑、逸帆當我們的支持團，我至今依然非常感激。比賽的成功，在於大媽和易傑的理論、beaste輪流用替補的戰略、假假和重遠不斷地在模擬賽菜我們。。。。

到了今年，我覺得自己以後沒有機會再像今年這樣，陪一個隊伍去比賽幫忙了。比賽結束後，覺得沒有遺憾是假的，但比較多的是愧疚。我這兩天腦海中就是“強制”這個詞！我覺得“方言”這個點，還不是你們的致命傷，而是他們用“強制”這個詞讓你們的一定變得價值很低，讓你們最重要的優勢都沒了。。。我一直當你們的陪練，甚至早在選拔時，我就一直用這一點攻擊你們，但卻沒有好好告訴你們要如何去反擊應對，這一點，我覺得是我的錯，對不起了。如果你們自由辯裡早點說，我們的一定是一種堅持，不是強制的話，整個感覺就不一樣了。（至少我是這樣想的）我覺得這一點你們場上沒有好好反到，讓他們一直說“剝奪自由選擇權”而沒有應對。

但是，我覺得，就像我在判決出來前和你們說的，我覺得你們就是冠軍，因為你們都打出了超水平的比賽。如果硬要選一場比賽當你們的代表作的話，決賽絕對是最精彩的。你們每個人在自己的位置上，都做到了自己該做的任務，扛住了，還打出多波精彩的高潮，讓觀眾掌聲連連。你們雖以微差落敗，但在觀眾和評委心中，都是那麼地令人印象深刻，那麼地值得嘉賞，那麼多的掌聲都是獻給你們的！

給beaste：

辛苦你了！我只能這麼說。你花這麼多時間和精力準備這麼多比賽，根本就不是osa跟你那種微薄的薪水可以衡量的。經常四處奔波，為了辯論而向老闆請假，真的是難為你了！你是一個好教練，我們都感激你！繼續加油！國辯隊加油！

給假假：

從08世辯，08中華盃，09中華盃，10中華盃，你都是我們的領隊，真的是辛苦你了。你還有約當越好的趨勢哦～呵呵。。還記得當時08年世辯半決賽前大家集體崩潰的時候，你安慰了我；還記得08年中華盃，fox在輸了比賽後發脾氣帶隊離開，你可憐地被丟在南方學院一個人等閉幕儀式；還記得09年中華盃，我們奪冠的時候，你那眼眶裡打轉的淚水。我大學的辯論生涯裡，都離不開你的影子，雖然你離開場外，經常假假地難以接近，但知道你心裡是一個善良的好人，謝謝你啊，職業領隊！哈哈～

給阿雷：

阿雷，除了去年debate trip以外，我好像和你也沒什麼合作過。你從去年的不知所云（哈哈哈哈）到今年的最佳辯手，真的是進步蠻多的。當時候選拔成績公佈，你打電話給我，說雖然名單上說名次不分前後，但根據排法，你應該是只拿第三，不是很理想，問我有什麼可以改善的，當時我就想你真的很認真，很有上進心，很不錯！我本來還擔心，中華盃這個隊伍，沒有明星辯手，沒有真正能扛得住大場面的人，但你證明我錯了。你果斷的肩負起隊裡領導的角色，將自己的水平提升到另外一個層次，成為可以信任的好隊友、在危機時大家會望向你的人。鎖定勝局或力挽狂瀾皆在你，這個最佳辯手，是你應得的。比賽前，我覺得你是我學弟。現在，我覺得你長大了。

給小貓：

小貓，在這6個人裡，我和你應該是最不熟的了吧。本來和你就沒什麼合作，加上你本來外表冷冷的，我也不是很搞懂你的性格啦，所以一向也沒很敢和你說話。。呵呵。。這次比賽，你卻讓我想起去年的我。不是明星辯手，卻是一個表現平穩，讓人信任，覺得心安的隊友。但你還有一樣做得比我好的，你自由辯站得雖然不會特別多，但每次站起來，都會讓人覺得你站得很有用，很關鍵。作為隊裡另一個大三，你的確有做到一個值得讓學弟妹們學習的榜樣。

給煒璋：

你是一個很有火的辯手，可惜的是經驗不足，而且容易緊張。在模擬賽和訓練時，都看得出你的想法和反應不錯，要好好利用。經過這次比賽的磨練，你的進步非常明顯，我給你的目標就是：學會放鬆！克服你的緊張，明年中華盃舞台就是你的了。下次比賽，不要再給我看到有線條的襯衫和段襪子！呵呵。。

給依華：

小妹，你是在這6人裡面，應該算是和我最熟的了吧。。從新生賽開始就帶你，你的成長我一點點地看著。你擔心自己肩負比賽壓力而喪失辯論樂趣，我都理解，希望這次後你能明白，辯論的快樂，若是仔細尋找，其實就在其中。之前你和我說你們沒有隊伍的感覺；但比完賽後，我覺得你們有了。看著你們6個人，變成1個隊，在sakae sushi碰杯共飲時，覺得挺感觸的。你在你這屆的確是很優秀，你這次的表現也顯得你越來越成熟了，明年繼續為nus蟬聯最佳辯手吧！哈哈。。

給奕楠：

奕楠，你進隊前，我們在招新時，就說你想國務院發言人/播報員之類的，哈哈。。你這次的比賽，就表現出你在陳詞方面的優勢：溫文儒雅，翩翩風度。你決賽的稿，寫得不錯，沒贏雖然可惜，但也顯示出你這一方面的天份，若要繼續往一辯方面發展，是可以多多加油的。

給泇境：

泇境，和我也是超熟的。。你成為nus十年來第一個上正賽的新加坡人，是你有值得驕傲的地方的。我雖然經常嘲笑你中英文都爛，但你。。。真的是爛啊！！哈哈。。開玩笑。。你這次比賽，沒有像我們之前談的，你一上場就輸了，所以算是不錯啦。。哈哈。。你還是有一點緊張，寫稿方面還要再加強，除此之外，你還是表現得不錯～

給你們6人：

你們雖敗猶榮。你們從6個人，變成1個隊。你們從小學弟妹，都長大了。你們精彩的表現，贏得現場觀眾的尊敬和如雷的掌聲！

順便提一提馬大。

要知道，馬大的那三個欣盈、威德、勁暉，去年大二的時候也是落敗，一年後重整旗鼓，水平大大提升，你們幾個大二的，不要氣餒，繼續加油。馬大的立論，或許我們不喜歡，但馬大很多值得我們學習的地方，我們還是應該要看到的。馬大的一邊，立論清晰，背稿流暢，從來都不會是花瓶，而且幾年來我看過數場馬大的比賽是他們的一辯後我就覺得比賽可以不用看了，水平之高你們可以想像。馬大的辯手，為了準備比賽，那種盡心盡力的程度，是我們無法想像的。馬大的團隊合作，千呼後應，渾然一體，不是經歷多次的訓練時無法達成的。

好了，廢話到此為止。在這裡長篇大論，是要告訴你們，在我心中，你們就是我的冠軍隊！

告訴我的隊友們，謝謝有你們一路的陪伴！

告訴我唯一的領隊，假假，謝謝你無私的付出，這幾年來就像一個大哥哥一樣看著我們的長大！

告訴我的學長姐們，謝謝你們犧牲自己的時間和精力，來幫我們訓練、準備比賽，讓我們獲益不少！

告訴我的學弟妹們，一個隊伍良好傳統的延續，就在於承上啟下，要感激幫助你們的學長姐們，然後像他們一樣地去幫助你們的學弟妹們！

google 與共產黨

2010-04-03T16:51:00.006+08:00

最近和小明發現了google上很有趣的一件事情。習慣用 google 來搜索東西的諸位看官應該知道，google 的 search bar 里面，是有個 function 提供 search suggestions，當你輸入一些字，停頓兩秒，它就會出現一系列的關聯詞供你搜索。

先來說一下英文的google，當我輸入“communist”一詞時，出現的是很正常很中立的詞，如“communist party”、“communist countries”等。

接下來到 google.sg 的中文版，輸入“共產黨”（簡體），出現的頭兩個關聯詞是“共產黨腐敗”、“共產黨滅亡時間”、第五的是“共產黨下臺”等。。。。。。搞笑吧？我決定自己再試試別的 google 版本。

google.my，出現的和sg的也差不多，只是順序有點變了。。

google.hk，出現的沒有“滅亡”這一個選擇（好和諧！和諧好！），但就多了一個“共產黨黑社會”的選擇，真的是區域性不同啊。。

google.tw，出現的新選擇，還包括了“共產黨篡改歷史”、“共產黨倒臺”等。。

所以說，這個google還挺有意思的，它的search results是怎麼list出10個建議出來的，我不懂，但就覺得挺搞笑的。。

最後，為了博各位看官一笑，請看百度的10個建議～

當大四的好處

2010-03-12T01:23:00.002+08:00

這個學期，因為我完成的學分已經達到120MC（一般一學期是20MC），所以就提早進入了大四生的行列。。。

本來覺得好像沒什麼所謂的，除了因為要開始拿大四的課而感到吃力且在一整個班里都不認識人的感覺，就想算了咯，就這樣撐著吧。。

但最近兩天才發現，原來圖書館允許給大四生的借書的期限和數量都是和大一到大三生不一樣的！！哈哈！

普通大一到大三生可以借20本書，每本2個禮拜，頂多更新兩次，最多就是6個禮拜。。

大四生可以借30本書，每本4個禮拜，也可以更新兩次，就是可以借長達12個禮拜哦～而且是30本咧。。哈哈！

當然自己沒辦法借+看完這麼多本書啦。。但是就覺得很爽。。做研究的時候不用擔心自己借不了這麼多書或者要趕著還咯。。

前天，拿著一個環保袋，裝著10本書，開心地從圖書館走回宿舍，心滿意足中～哈哈，爽啊！

nus亞坤

2010-03-09T02:15:00.004+08:00

好久沒有寫博客了。。

亞坤在nus開分店了，相信喜歡亞坤咖啡+烤面包+生熟蛋的人當初知道這個消息都會很興奮。。

結果我是乘興而去，敗興而歸～

別誤會我的意思。它的咖啡依然那麼濃郁。它的烤面包依然香脆美味。它的生熟蛋依然是有大大的蛋黃，半生不熟的火候掌握得剛剛好。

它就是少了一種feel。因為它一定要打包帶走的，沒有所謂的“堂食”。

給大家看看兩張照片就會明白了。

原裝（正常）亞坤：
用瓷杯裝的咖啡
用碟子裝的烤面包
用碟子裝的雞蛋，自己加胡椒和醬油
有點小仿古的桌子和氛圍

NUS（打包）亞坤：
紙杯裝著的咖啡
紙袋裝著的烤面包
小塑料盒裝著的雞蛋，胡椒和醬油已經配好了
黑色的鐵桌子
塑料袋（好不環保哦！呵呵～）

或許有人覺得我小題大做。不就是一樣的咖啡烤面包雞蛋嗎？隨便一家食堂kopitiam都有的吃啦。但對我而言，依然是有那種淡淡的失望，無法言之。那種在亞坤慢慢吃一口面包，喝一口咖啡，吸一口雞蛋的悠然心情，蕩然無存～

品味，不止是你吃什麼東西，同樣的東西，在不同的地方吃，被不同的氛圍環繞，用不同的餐具吃，以不同的心態吃，感覺都會是不同的。

前幾天路過亞坤，沒有買雞蛋面包坐下來吃，只是打包了一杯咖啡去上課，一面聽許齊雄老師講課，一面小小泯一口咖啡，另有一番滋味～

（希望那個不允許人家拍照的亞坤不會告我啦～呵呵。。）

小弟壩羅兩日游

2009-06-08T22:03:00.004+08:00

趁現在還記得就把行程記下來吧。。去了好多地方啊。。但由于還是時間不足，有一些趕時間，尤其是第二天，吃得超級飽的。。當然還要特別記得的就是“安記”芽菜雞和“明閣”香港點心都因為小弟來，所以不開，讓他沒口福了！哈哈。。可憐的吳品漸。。。

03/06（三）
Medan Gopeng - 下車
老黃 - 芽菜雞沙河粉
Greentown - 兜風。。。
慧娟“伯伯”家 - 唱k

04/06（四）
富山 - 香港點心
火車站 - 問車票/看怡保樹
舊街場新源隆 - 白咖啡/烤面包
育才小學 - 大眾書局書展
SriMaju -買車票
Gold Vision - 葡式蛋撻
Jusco
My Point - 西餐
余合香餅
兵如港 - rojak
宴瓊林 - 鹽焗雞
Oldtown kopitiam

05/06（五）
兵如港大樹腳 - 釀料粉
SriMaju - 坐車，拜拜！

《天冷就回來》有感

2009-04-29T15:29:00.008+08:00

考試前一周的reading week，我和堅堅去看了新加坡本土制作的音樂劇《天冷就回來》，估計是因為梁文福的原因，好象又像兩年前一樣，場場滿座，本人也是蠻期待的，看後一些感想，在這里寫一寫。

不知道是否它的名聲太響亮，讓我對它的期望過高，其實看完后還是有一點失望的。先聲明一點，我覺得整體來看，整部劇是蠻不錯的，絕對值回票價，但是還是有些“差一點”的那種感覺。這部“音樂劇”，“音樂”的部分，我覺得很好，當然多首歌本來也是耳熟能詳的音樂，本來就做的很不錯，贊美之語比比皆是，我就不再贅述。然而，我覺得在“劇”這方面，就實在是做得不夠好。

劇情大概是這樣：新加坡人阿樂，充滿音樂天分和興趣，想要創出自己的一片天空，但在女友小靜去世后，覺得不再有留戀的地方，就背著個背包到紐約去嘗試創一創。到紐約后不到十天，在街上遇到同鄉pizza boy阿強，阿強把他帶到批薩店里去，店是新加坡人程叔開的，請的全是新加坡人，阿樂也跟著做起送外賣的工作。後來就與同樣喜愛音樂的阿強和批薩店熟客rose成為好朋友，決定一起繼續追尋音樂之夢。後來他才知道程叔原來也有音樂之夢，但沒成功，決定留下來培養下一代音樂人才；阿強是個失戀基佬；rose將要為了一個音樂劇的女主唱位置愿意被導演“潛規則”。與rose相互與好感的他，最後決定回家，在新加坡做音樂，rose最後也決定不演了，回新加坡找阿樂，兩人最後終于在一起。

說完了，再提醒一次大家，劇名叫《天冷就回來》，那么我的問題就是，“冷”在哪里？程叔有冷過，劇中“天冷”這首歌也是他負責唱的，他的夢沒成功，辜負母親的期望，母親臨終也沒趕回去，非常辛酸；阿強冷過，因為他被拋棄，然後音樂之路又坎坷，青春漸漸流逝；rose冷過，因為她去音樂劇的試鏡屢試屢敗，屢敗屢試，最後選擇只有讓導演xxx。阿樂呢？到紐約不到十天就遇到同鄉，找到工作，工作場所都是同鄉，沒有人歧視他，沒有受到挫折打擊，遇到志同道合的好朋友，還有愛慕他的女人，照顧他的長輩，完全就像“第二個家”，很冷嗎？不覺得嘞。。。最後他決定回國，好像也很突然，試問，沒有真正冷過的人，又怎么可能真正明白“家”的好，“冷”的時候應該回去呢？所以我覺得劇情趨于平淡無奇，缺乏一部戲劇里最重要的鋪展、起伏和轉折。

My version（如果我是編劇）:阿樂不會是這么開朗的人，女友死後，變得茫然，不明白努力的目的，喪失追求人生目標的動力，然后決定離開傷心地，到紐約過新生活。然而，到紐約後，人生地不熟，才華不受賞識，又被種族歧視，一個星期內，財物被偷或被劫了（拜托，那是紐約咧），找不到工作，留宿街頭。在機緣巧合之下，遇到了同鄉阿強，把他接到店里，給他工作，讓他再次體會到同鄉的溫情。在聽過程叔的辛酸史後，在明白阿強在他之前所碰過的壁後，在明白rose永無出頭日的感慨後，他才明白，原來“家”才是那個幫你遮風擋雨的避風港，不會“冷”到。rose的決定，更令他突然明白，外面怎樣都不比過家里好，才決定回家。他應該從性情大變，到內心掙扎，再到看過外面世界後，嘗盡世間冷暖，人變得成熟了，這樣，才比較像是有天冷後懂得回家的感覺吧。。雖然就是一個平凡加老掉牙的劇本的感覺，但是好歹會讓我覺得有達到天冷這種老掉牙的題材吧。。。

就這樣，我覺得結果“音樂”與“劇”的配搭沒有達到很融合的狀態，大家看完后對前者的印象肯定比較深刻，這也應該算是一種遺憾吧。。

所以總的來說，這部很不錯的劇，卻讓我對新加坡的劇更沒有興趣和期待了。怎么說呢？如果一部中上水平的劇，是這樣的話，就是很不錯啦；但是如果這部劇被捧為很好的一部劇，那么普通的劇到底是怎樣的水平呢？就不敢期待了咯。。。

west coast plaza 二游

2009-04-16T05:18:00.002+08:00

覺得前天算是個特別的日子。。。因為有一門課（CH2222 中國散文選讀），我沒有逃過課，把所有的lecture + tutorial 都上完了。。。是不是有值得慶祝一下呢？哈哈。。。經過了4個學期/2年/23門課，這是第一次哦。。。好有完成壯舉的感覺，各位看官切莫驚訝，熟悉我的人就應該會知道我是個懶人啦，而且如果不喜歡老師就會逃課那種人咯。。。算一下，經濟學我拿了10門課，有7門上的lecture少過一半，所以明白我所謂的“壯舉”了吧。。

不止如此，話說那天是我做完這個學期所有功課的一天，加上堅堅的文字學作業拿A，照事前協定，是該慶祝一下的，所以就出街去！！

之前說好了要去 new york new york 試試，我們點了一份pork ribs，一份fish n chips，還有一份mussels。。結果呢，如果問我覺得食物怎么樣，我會說（1）太油膩、（2）不入味、（3）不新鮮。。。呃，好像都是缺點哦，如果非要說有什么優點呢。。。。讓我想想啊。。。。。。。（1）大份、（2）很大份、（3）真的沒有了啦，你想怎樣？！所以呢，吃過一次后，my verdict: BAN!!

繼續逛街中，看見有一間剛開不久的Nike Factory Store，里面東西都有打折，大概30-40%，我和堅堅就一人買了一件衣服，各21塊錢。。。

作為愛好閱讀的知識分子（咳嗽。。），順道去了大眾書局看了下。。要批評咯，這個文具店竟然沒有中文書，O level 高級華文參考書不算！就是一堆英文書，學生參考書，還有多多文具！不過剛好它們有一些英文書有減價20%，堅堅就買了一本twilight，我買了兩本經濟學的書。paul krugman:the return of the depression economics and the crisis of 2008 還有 tim harford:the logic of life。

填飽肚子，買了衣服，準備了精神糧食，下一站：星巴克咖啡！由于之前有拿到一個coupon，快要到期了，就快快用掉。是買一杯 tall mocha frap 或 caramel frap 送一杯，所以就是5.50喝兩杯！星巴克沒什么人，我和堅堅就在那里一面喝咖啡一面看新書，很悠閑的感覺。。當場就愛上了paul krugman 的書，改次借給大家看吧！不愧是拿過諾貝爾獎的牛人。。。看著星巴克里讀書的學生，覺得自己好像很有閑情。。。這就對了嘛，不要有壓力！！哈哈。。

離開星巴克，準備回學校，走到樓下，有個星巴克的店員拿著個tray，上面放著小小杯的dark cherry mocha frap給路過的人嘗試。。于是我們又試到新味道啦，個人感覺不是很好喝，還是最喜歡java chip！我就和堅堅開玩笑說，我們花了5.50就喝了三個味道的星巴克啊，真劃算，哈哈。。

天暗了，我們走路回學校，其實蠻近的，走到clementi wooods，然后kent vale，然后走回rvr。。雖然回來感覺想很奢侈，花了很多錢的感覺，不過久久一次還好啦，就算考試前的放松吧。。想了想，買兩件nike衣服還比new york new york便宜，3本書也沒貴那一餐多少，不劃啊！決定了，多看書，少吃貴嘢！

或許有人會疑惑，為什么逛街會去west coast plaza這種地方。。其實還算不錯啦，（1）近、（2）方便、（3）少人。。就像放學后不想去多多人的遠遠地方擠，west coast還是不錯的，學校里還有shuttle bus可以去到哦。。。少人的starbucks，喝起來也感覺比較悠閑舒適。。。大家沒去過可以去散心，考試壓力大嘛。。。（我沒有拿傭金啦！！！）

凌晨三點鐘：subway

2009-04-14T06:43:00.002+08:00

考試又要來了。。。

不過還好就是從今天開始，到考試期間，nus的subway和mc'd將會改成24小時開著哦！

既然我住這么近subway，今天它第一天開“夜市”，我有怎能不去捧場呢？哈哈。。。總是覺得在半夜吃subway，有種不一樣的感覺，空蕩蕩的店面，沒有那午晚飯時間的永無止盡的人潮；凌晨涼快的空氣；還有月光陪我走去買subway！！哈哈。。。

不過還是要批評一下咯，就是為什么凌晨的時候他們都沒有每一種面包呢？剛才竟然只有wheat 和 honey oat。。。我的第一選擇hearty italian，第二parmesan oregano，第三italian為什么都沒有？？？算了啦，就吃wheat咯。。。（我又不是yeeyee，我不喜歡honey oat的啊。。）

大家要努力讀書哦。。。有誰想半夜吃subway或mc'd的，記得約我哦！哈哈。。