The Second Deconstruction

Dancing with the Boys

Nat — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:57:36 +0000

I first heard about the Boys' Town from Steven, a cameraman I'd worked with previously. At that time, he asked if I was interested in helping out by just joining the boys for games and activities - generally just being a friend to them. He also said that they had a Digital Photography club and were probably going to work on a short film project. At that time I told him that perhaps I could share some of my Photoshop skills with the boys through a workshop.

Some time later, Cisco Flip approached me to be the ambassador for their Flip for Good program, which was an outreach program in conjunction with various NPOs to use the power of Video to raise awareness for various causes. At that time, it just clicked into place that this was the perfect project to work on together with Boys' Town.

As a youth myself, I'm always supportive when it comes to youth projects, simply because I believe that our Youths are the Future and there's no better time than the NOW to nurture them. Hence, working with the Boys' Town was a very natural step.

Together with the girls from Andrew & Grace Home and dancers from O School, I came up with this video:

The message is simple - when it comes to doing something that you have a passion for, nothing should hold you back.

Don't let anybody tell you that you can't, just because of your background, or who you are, or just because they think that you're not good enough.

Just go ahead and do it, because everyone should have an equal opportunity.

In what little work I've done with them so far, I think they have given me more than I have been able to give back.

This coming 10th to 12th of September, The Boys' Town is holding a Carnival at Liang Court in order to raise funds for their new building which will give them better facilities and living quarters. This will enable them to have a more conducive environment for studying and other development programs.

Tickets are sold in cards of $10, and you can bring your friends/family for an afternoon of fun and food.

For details and/or purchase of tickets, please contact Lorraine at info@boystown.org.sg

Your support is much appreciated! :)

Links:
- Boys' Town
- Andrew & Grace Home
- O School
- The Flip / Flip for Good Press Release

My French Fling

Nat — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:17:12 +0000

I've had my share of fun, so now it's time to get down to business.

I still remember the first day I drove the Citroen DS3 into my estate. I'd parked it outside the Management Office to settle some payment, and when I came out, there was this group of schoolboys ogling at it as they walked past. To say that didn't feel good would be lying through my teeth. It was like having a trophy girlfriend.

*Female model not included

Yes, the DS3 is quite the head-turner. The buzzword for this model is Anti-Retro (to reflect that all the design cues from this car wasn't adapted from previous models) and the only thing retro about it is its sleek, old-school-styled dashboard - updated with a futuristic and sporty twist.

Couple that with the 38 different color configurations and patterns available (customize your own DS3 here), this is a beauty that you can truly call your own.

Custom detailing on the roof.

The daytime running lights, a feature commonly found only on higher-range rides, adds to the overall premium feel of the DS3 - and rightfully so, since the DS range is squarely-targeted at the discerning luxury consumer.

The Citroen DS3 is also packed with digital gadgetry-goodness. It's buttons galore around the periphery of the steering-wheel base, with two additional instrument levers near the usual signal and wiper levers. Those two levers have a variety of buttons and knobs that control everything from volume to navigating the menu to controlling your mother's microwave. (Okay, kidding about the microwave bit). The DS3 also comes with Cruise Control, although I hardly got the chance to use that here in Singapore. Still, it's one of those nice-to-have things.

One of my favourite features is the integrated Bluetooth. No need to fumble with my Bluetooth earpiece no more! The Bluetooth also does streaming audio from the phone too (dependent on handset model). Else, Citroen has also thoughtfully included a standard AUX-in together with a USB port that also does charging.

Of course, this baby has enough engine juice to match its aesthetics. The Citroen DS3 is a zippy and spirited ride. One of the configurations even shares the same engine as the Mini Cooper (1.6 THP). The only gripe I had was that the Auto was mated to a 4-speed gearbox, and gear changes weren't as smooth as I'd have liked. Still, that wasn't much of an issue for me and I still had a very enjoyable driving experience.

That was also because I had peace of mind, knowing that the Citroen DS3 has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection. The DS3's high levels of standard safety equipment include ESP, ABS with EBD & EBA, a reinforced body structure and two IsoFix child seat anchorage points. It also comes with six airbags, which is rather excessive (in a good way) for a car of its size.

All I can say is, I've had a very lovely affair with this French Fling.

If you'd like to know more about the Citroen DS3, check out its website or head on down to any of the Cycle & Carriage distributorships.

26

Nat — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:32:02 +0000

And another year was lived.

Sometimes, Life kinda just swooshes over our heads and it's easy to lose sight of purpose and meaning. Things just happen and we become reactionary or worse, apathetic - like a horde of the Living Dead.

That we forget to be Grateful for all the good things and good people that have chosen to join us on our Journey.

Some have left, others have joined, but the Heart of Thankfulness remains.

And so we soldier on, with the Wings of the Seraphs at our backs.

Knowledge of Happiness

Nat — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:29:31 +0000

Knowing.

A vital piece of information is just like the missing piece in the jigsaw.

You may have had that piece with you all that while, but until you know that it's supposed to fit into the jigsaw, your picture will never be complete.

Just like how Happiness may have always been right next to you, but you never realise it till it is revealed.