Last minute

Damn those people who are queuing up to change their ez-link cards into the new ones

Queue, queue, queue. Queue their mother lah! While walking home via the MRT station today, I suffered a serious human traffic jam. Those morons who were queuing up to change their ez-link cards at the eleventh hour had basically occupied half of the walkway, hence resulting in a troublesome situation

The length of the queue was about seventy to eighty metres. One by one, as I slowly struggled to move myself forward, I stared at their idiotic faces, those useless people who always like to do things at the last minute and then complain that they are unable to do it because of this and that

I pity the poor TransitLink staff seated in that small air-conditioned room. Why must they suffer? They don't get paid for every single extra person they are serve. I believe they will still be getting the same amount of salary like every other month, correct me if I am wrong

Honestly, I felt like whacking some stupid faces while labouring myself through the crowd. Especially those younger women, doesn't matter if they are pretty, I really wanted to punch their happy-go-lucky faces. At least some uncles and aunties still had the decency to turn their face the other side when people like me looked at them

This incident all but reminds me of something. People who do things at the last moment. Like planning a gathering and only sms-ing the potential participant at 11pm the night before. How will the person be prepared unless he is also the useless kind of last minute guy? He would already be asleep by then. Even if he checked his handphone the next morning, wouldn't it be a bit rushy for him? The worst part is the guy only switches on his handphone in the afternoon when the event is already halfway through and can only rant on his blog about all these nonsense

29 Sep

After watching an entire F1 race for only the second time in my life last Sunday(the first time was last year's Singapore GP), some questions have been floating in my mind and I pondered over them. Here are some of the things which I thought about. If you happen to know the answer to any of the questions, do not hesitate to enlighten me

1. How does the driver know how many laps has he completed?

Well, you get the point right? I mean like say, Lewis Hamilton, how will he know how many laps are there more to go? After some twenty-odd rounds, an average human being would have lost count the number of times he drove around the circuit. Even if he knows the number, how about another twenty laps later, will he still be counting it in his mind? Is there an indication for him to see or something?

2. Drivers who end after N number of laps

For your information, the N refers to a small amount and not some infinite and astronomical figure. Check out that guy from Renault, definitely not Alonso, I don't know his name. He crashed out after just three laps? I wonder how would he be feeling while walking back to the garage. "Damn the car, it ruined my chance!" or "Oh yeah, luckily I crashed cos I need the toilet urgently, damn myself for forgetting to take a leak before the race"

3. What are grid girls for?

Other than standing in front of the camera to make some poses, I really don't see what's the use of them. When the winner walks towards the podium, they stand together and clap hands for him. Men love them that's why they watch F1, women hate them because they look cheap. Ironically, as a male, I happen to think like the women. Oh grid girls...GG

4. What is the experience of watching it live?

Those spectators. Standing, sitting, sneaking, shaking, skipping, snapping, shouting, sweating. After a minute or so, a bright red Ferrari drives past the crowd, zoom....That's it, you have to wait for it again, another one minute plus. Let's go have some beer first...So what's the fun of watching ultra-fast cars, smelling burnt rubber and perspiring non-stop?

5. Is it really a sport?

Can motor racing really be considered a sport when it is the machine that determines who finishes first? If you have a better car than your opponent, your chances of winning is higher than him assuming that both of you start from the same spot

***

Saw this interesting news recently so i decided to share it with you all. It is red durians! It is mainly found in the jungles of Sabah, Malaysia. Cool right? The taste is similar to normal durians but some people have said that it has a sweetish-sour taste



***

I will be attending an important event tonight. If you want to know what it is, tune in to Channel 8 at eight o'clock tonight.

2009 Singapore Grand Prix

Good Morning! Did you watch the Singapore Grand Prix yesterday? Hope you did. Firstly, let me congratulate the Lewis Hamilton for winning the chequered flag. Claps Claps

Luckily I did not follow my heart and bet on Nico Rosberg because he finished way behind at the back. But my bet on Fernando Alonso was also of no use because he end up in third place only. Should have bet on the top 3 category instead of race winner

Similar to last year's race, yesterday's one had quite a number of crashes much to my delight. I love watching car crashes, yes that's the psycho me. When Alonso was in first place at some part of the race, I thought my betting ticket would be a valuable piece of paper but when Hamilton took over I knew it was game over

Anyway, it was a good race

Go Go Go Fernando Alonso! I had a strong feeling that my favourite driver will win the Singapore Grand Prix last year and terribly regretted that I didn't place a bet on him

So this year I made sure that I did it to save myself from any regrets. This will be the last time I am betting (or like I always say: investing) for a very long time, at least until the World Cup next year. Don't ask me why but sometimes humans are like this, they want a sudden change in their lives

Although my money is on Alonso, my heart tells me Nico Rosberg. I don't know but I predict that both of them will be standing on the podium at the end of the race, regardless of position. Lewis Hamilton? I have never liked him since the first day he started his F1 career. He is the motor racing version of Cristiano Ronaldo

Mark Webber, who starts in fourth spot, looks good for a podium finish too but Hamilton and Alonso still have more quality than him. Sebestian Vettel is still too inexperienced, maybe he will end up getting distracted by our Marina Bay's beautiful night scene

The Brawn duo of But and Bar 90% confirm CMI for this race. The scene of Rubens Barrichello's crash during yesterday night's qualifying race actually made me laugh non-stop in front of the TV. Jenson Button? Try harder next year

Ok the race is about to begin

Hi all, I guess the first year anniversary celebrations have to be called off. I am not feeling very good lately. I am feeling very cold now, I am shivering. I wonder if this is the symptom of d-ing soon...Sorry to disappoint everyone but I will be back

Class gathering/Toto

My sec four class is planning to have a gathering cum dinner. Like finally after the cold war lasted for more than a year. It is suggested that it will be on a Sunday night which I believe I am unable to make it due to TV-watching commitments

I appreciate Teck Cheong for coming up with this plan and would appreciate even more if this event can be changed to a Saturday or an afternoon instead

For the location, it is alright for me but I am thinking of somewhere around Jurong West area because I badly want Jian Nan to come. Yes, this guy is staying there and we have always been accommodating to him since school days until now when we have all graduated. I admit we bully him every now so it is normal for him to make us give in to him.
So does anybody know any cafe/restaurant around Jurong West area which is suitable for gatherings, convenient to locate and most importantly, must not be too expensive

This Friday at 9.30pm. The Toto Night Race Draw to celebrate F1 being held in our country. Group one prize money is 9.7million. Don't forget to get your tickets. There's the $20 Speedy Pack which consists of Toto QuickPick System 7 and Motor Racing Series Scratchit! tickets

Yoga

Had an interesting conversation with Wani and Janice today

Me: Yoga is uselss
Wani: ya agree
Janice: no it's good
Me: who say
Raymond: you see those people that do yoga? I'm still thinner than them
Wani: haha yeah
Janice: it's about calming your mind
Raymond: where got? You see (censored), she where got calm?
Janice: that's because you made her mad
Raymond: ....

21 Sep

Alright, I'm back. I know you all miss me just that it is too mushy for you to tell me. These days are really busy for me so forgive me if you feel that this blog which is not updated is some what similar to your friends' ones. Theirs are much worse them mine. Rotting there for one week or even one month

Last Friday had meeting with Alan and Kevin. The atmosphere inside the meeting room was seriously serious. The air was stagnant, the expression showing in everyone's eyes were stern, abrupt pauses occurred every now and then through conversations

The thing lasted about forty-five minutes. When we finally ended, I thought I had regained my breathing because I hardly moved inside. It was really a genuine corporate meeting

I am sorry that I was unable to appear at Eliza's birthday party. I "generously" admit that it is because I wanted to watch TV at night. Moreover, I don't think I am in my best condition currently for my old friends to see, I am referring to my looks and image. Yes, I am a very conscious person like some superstar

Don't worry, there is always next year. I will try my very best to come, provided that the TV programme is not to attractive and I strike Toto tonight

The former might not be true but the latter is definitely real

F1

Singapore got more than just some spotlight of being world-first after holding the inaugural F1 night race a year ago

As time goes by and the new and current season begins, people slowly start to forget that the motor racing competition did occurred under the moon for the first time in the lion city

Flash back to the event and if you still remember, Fernando Alonso of Renault was the hero of the night excluding the poor sweepers who had to clean up the mess after the party was over

Foreigners from all over the world, regardless of hair and skin colour, praised the Republic's ability to stage such a successful event. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone also gave a thumbs up for it

Alonso won the chequered flag on his own, well that's what everyone else thought including the Spaniard himself. The first and only win for Renault last season was not achieved by the driver only of course, the engineers play an important role too

And the feat was engineered by Pat Symonds the chief engineer and team chief Flavio Briatore. Both technically "cheated" to ensure that Alonso was the one standing in the middle of the podium. You should have know about this news if you are reading the papers

Singapore or rather the Singapore Grand Prix has been tainted by this "crashgate" affair' where ex-driver Nelson Piquest Jr deliberately crashed his car to help Alonso win the race

It is a timely thing. Come this September, ok it's already mid-September, the second night-race will be held here. Ticket sales have been encouraging so do expect as many, or maybe even more, spectators as last year's one

Singapore gained some spotlight for being world-first last year. This year, it has gained publicity around the globe to attract more potential spectators to fly here and experience this world-first thing

Killing two birds with one stone. Or should it be gaining two things with one race?

17 Sep

I just love Yes 933

Last night, I listened to the first episode of their so called "radio drama". It is aired Monday to Friday at 6.30am, 10.30am, 4.30pm and 10.30pm. I can only listen to the last one at night because the other timeslots do not suit my schedule

It was damn funny, trust me, especially the angel who is portrayed by Dennis Chew. I cannot wait to continue listening the second one today

Ok here's a message to my readers. Why do always get random tags on this blog from anonymous people? Come on, if you know me and I also know you, why can't you write your name? Nothing to be shy about right?

Nice to meet you Mr/Miss ... from 15 September

16 Sep

Do you have the experience of riding a public bus and then someone who doesn't seem to look very desirable sits beside you only to make the trip less pleasant? I endured it yesterday, again

The bus was relatively empty with about less than ten passengers on board. Then it stopped at this bus stop where another ten new passengers boarded. There was this Indian man. If I am not wrong he was the second to enter the vehicle and there were many empty seats available

Of all the empty seats, he choose honour me and sat beside me much to my displeasure. Well, he had body odour so you know ermmm what I mean right? The good news was he alighted after three stops only but the bad news was the seat vacated by him was the only empty seat on the bus then and one new passenger boarded the bus

It was a woman this time. As expected, she sat beside me since it was the only place available. Oh and so unlucky me, she seem like some mentally unstable human being

She sat rather close to me, there was some contact I think. Then she was like quite busy looking around similar to a five year old child visiting Disneyland for the first time. After a while she stopped and decided to take a nap

The nap did not last long, she woke up after a while and went to "normal" mode. Some time later, a handphone of someone seated behind rang, the woman thought it was hers and frantically ransacked her handbag as she thought it was hers. The sound was quite far behind from estimation so there is no way it can be hers even if its the same ringtone. It scared me a little when she did that

Weird woman. Fortunately, I managed to alight the bus and reach home safe and sound. I always encounter something interesting on the bus every Tuesday

15 Sep

Congratulations to Juan Martin del Potro for winning the 2009 US Open men's final. He overcame defending champion Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to win in his first Grand Slam final. The defeat puts an end to Federer's unbeaten record of 41 matches in this tennis competition which he had won for five straight times since 2004

This shows that nobody is unbeatable, so Usain Bolt, you better watch out. There will be a faster human than you in the future. Same goes to Michael Phelps and Kenenisa Bekele

The Champions League is back again but there is nothing to be joyful of if you did not subscribe to the new pay TV service provider. Although it is a fact that viewers will have to pay differently now, the betting phenomenon in our city will not change or might actually be even greater

If you had made a loss for last weekend's Premier League matches, this is a good time for you to get back the money, or at least your capital. Champions League games always look easier to bet on than domestic league matches

Much of the spotlight will be on the four English clubs who were constantly dominating the semi-finals of the competition for the past few years. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are in for tough battles while Liverpool should enjoy an easier tie in this week's fixtures

My recommendation? Try investing on games with less popular teams. Wolfsburg vs. CSKA Moscow will draw on the 1X2. Judging from the quality of players from both teams, it should be a fair and square score at the final whistle. An exact score of 1:1 looks desirable. If you are fond of taking risks, you can try investing about 3 or 4 total goals for the Atletico Madrid-Apoel game

Just remember to bet wisely and bet legally with the legal bookmaker. Good luck to everyone

14 Sep

This is gonna be a ranting post, well on human psychology

Final Destination 4 was number one movie for the local box office last week and have slipped to second spot this week but the experience of watching it will continue to linger in our minds

I hate it when people say they were not afraid of watching it even though it is gross. I admit that I mentioned that "I wasn't really disturbed throughout the show" in a previous post but it was only one sentence. Those self-proclaimed brave souls will tell you that it is so shiok, full of gore and they still like it

They will post all their bravery on their blogs describing how courageous they were and were able to tahan all the disgusting scenes. What I would like to say is what if it is a real-life experience? What if the girl who got grinded up by the escalator with all the blood and organs crushed was your girlfriend/wife/mum/sister/daughter? Right in front of your eyes

Will you be able to take it? Will you be able to take the gore? How will you feel? Still very boastful? These people are all a bunch of cowards only who dare to talk about their fearless and bold experience to some strangers reading what they write

Ok on to the second one

Comex Show

It Show, PC Show, Comex Show. All these computer fairs. Your friend would tell you "I'm going for it, I going to buy a blah blah blah". On Monday morning, he/she would say "it was so squeezy, can't even walk around, blah blah blah". Lifeless people

Going for all these fairs doesn't make you more tech-savvy with the enormous crowd fo humans you are going to expect. Yes, you can snatch up some good deals but is it really worth it after all the sweat and energy?

Number three

MRT and its passengers. After all those extra yellow lines and arrows added and lots of publicity done, there is some improvement but overall it is still a failure

I have noticed this happening everytime I board an MRT train. When the train arrives and starts to slow down upon reaching the station, people will stand the the sides to make a way for the passengers coming out. But, when the trains finally stops, everyone would just naturally move forward and block the people who are coming out

So what's the point of standing at the side when you will drift into the centre anyway before the guy inside comes out?

Fourth one

People who cook something for you to eat and while you are eating it, they will ask if the food tastes good. The standard reply would usually be a pleasant one from the person eating

This is because the person who is eating does not want to disappoint you, that's why he say it tastes good, to comfort you. If the food is really delicious, the person who eats it will immediately make a comment. Not until when he is halfway through and you shoot in a question randomly

If it is me, I will just try harder next time if the person doesn't say anything about the food I cooked

Ok that's all for today's rant

Face

HUAT AH!!!



Sorry but I really have to say this: Arsenal sucks!

The Gunners will win the Premier League? Wait long long lah...

Anyway, recently I think I look like some mixed-blood girl. My hair is long, I think it is at its longest for the past two years. My eyelashes have miraculously curled outwards like a woman who uses Maybelline Mascara. My nose? Not much change. Oh yes and my lips, they are so red and small now like a geisha. All thanks to the cold air which dried them up until they are cracked

Yesterday I read the news and learned more about the life imprisonment sentence which former Taiwan president was "awarded" with. Good riddance man. Serve him(and his family)right, but I will still continue to support DPP anyway because I prefer them

1st year anniversary details

I shall talk about the first year anniversary celebrations that I mentioned earlier on for today's post. By the way, I am so sorry for being salah, the actual date is 26 September and not 28. 26 September last year was the date of my first post. My apologies for the error

It will be a four day party happening from 25-28 September. Attire is smart casual. Admission is free. Early-bird door gifts will be given out at the entrance. No alcohol will be served. Please head down to basement one carpark if you need to smoke. Otherwise, feel free to join in the fun

Here are some details about this virtual event which will be held in two weeks' time right on this blog

1. Story. Yes, starting on the 26th of September, I will be posting one chapter per day of a fifteen part story written entirely by myself. I shall keep it a secret for the time being and reveal more points next time. But I can tell you one thing, it will be an interesting and funny one and I reckon that you can't wait for the next day to continue reading

2. Contests! When there are contests, there will be prizes because rewards are motivates people. Participate in as many contests as you want or better still all of them. Still looking for sponsors so don't ask me what will you be winning but I can guarantee that everyone will be a winner

3. Juicy content. Everyone loves reading this kind of things right? Or else the paparazzi will be out of their jobs in no time. This blog also has its own side of mischief and candidness. This is to thank all of you loyal fans for your continuous and utmost support

4. Anything. On that day, you can request me to write anything or ask any question you want. P.S. All stuff has got to be rated PG so that it is suitable for all audiences

Ok that's about all for the time being

On Tuesday evening while I was on the way home on the bus, guess what happened? A woman sat beside me, no that's not the main thing. The bus was super crowded, ok as expected. So what happened?

Ho Ho Ho. The bus broke down! I think this is the first time in my life that I encountered such a thing. Too bad I forgot to take down the plate number of the bus to buy 4D

Here was what took place. The bus stopped at a bus stop to pick up new passengers. Up, up, up, one by one they boarded the vehicle. Door Closed. The driver starts the engine. Broom...Nothing happens. This broom thing continued for at least ten times and everyone started looking around with suspicious faces

Then the lights were switched on and off for several times. By then, I knew we were in for a "ride". The China driver called someone to report the incident and the conversation was quite loud that almost everyone on the bus could hear and when he told the guy on the other line "hen duo ren ah"(there are many people on the bus), everyone laughed out

So down,down, down, one by one all the passengers alighted. The driver gave those who alighted at the front door a complimentary ticket so that we can ride the next bus for free. Don't understand why some people still walked down from the back door

By the way, this is the ticket which I am referring to

A good experience to remember

Using Facebook

Facebook...Facebook...

Why do people use Facebook?

Let's hear what people living in Singapore have to say

"Cos there's nothing else to do in the office"

Clarence, 19, part-time office clerk

"Aiyah you know lor, so much work to do, no ending one of course need to relax mah"

Brenda, 22, young working professional

"I will die if I don't use it for one day, no should be one hour. My Restaurant City needs me every minute"

Derrick, 16, student and Facebook addict

"My daughter uses it, my niece uses it, my wife uses it, if I don't use it, I 'll be outdated and old-fashioned to them"

Lawrence, 55, semi-retired

"The girl I like has a Facebook account so I created one to enable myself to secretly view her profile everyday"

Ken, 29, legal adviser

"Actually I don't use it one but my brother went to create one for me and I got hooked onto it after two days, there are so many games in it man"

Joe, 34, computer engineer

"It the oly website that could keeps me entertanned non-stopping for the hole day in hostel home"

Zhou Liang, 21, foreign student studying in Singapore

"I need to check what my son is up to every week"

Mrs Pang, 45, housewife

"It is better than Google, you can search for more pictures in here than what a search engine generates for you"

Tim, 20, undergraduate

"I don't know, I just know that I must login to it everyday even though if there's nothing to do in there"

Angela, 31, aerospace engineer

"To kill time during my lunch break in school"

Tessa, 18, student

"Because the lesson is so boring!"

Joanne, 18, student, Tessa's classmate

"Sometimes, you know, youngsters think that old hags like us don't know technology like this Facebook thing. So they will make use of it to vent their anger about their troubles during work like cursing their boss thinking that he won't know but they had forgotten that their boss is also their friend on the website"

Muhammad, 48, manager

"People want to play all those lame farmtown farmville games, what to do? But I don't see what's the fun about them"

Anthony, 26, civil servant

"To look hip and in to my students so that they will like me"

Nancy, 40, teacher

"I need more customers, so I set up a Facebook page of my shop lor, can or not? Not happy is it, don't buy lah"

Ben, 33, owner of 3 cake shops

And last but not least

"Simple. Because it is much much much better than Friendster"

Raymond, writer of this blog, sorry age cannot be disclosed

1st year anniversary

This blog will be celebrating its first year anniversary on 28 September, Monday

One year ago on this day, the first post appeared on this blog. One year later, how many posts are there now?

Remember this date and make time for yourself to be logged on to the internet because there will be lots of fun and interesting things awaiting you. Prizes aplenty too

Shall not spoil the fun and reveal the details now, do look out for the latest updates on this blog if you want to know more

Everybody will be a winner so don't be shy, come and party with all your fellow readers

Teacher

This is the third and final of the three part series regarding school politics

***

Enough of students, let's talk about teachers today since they make up a considerable portion of the school population. Every year during the start of September, most students will celebrate this day, yes it is Teacher's Day that I am referring to

Why do we celebrate this day which is not a public holiday? Is it because we are indebted to our teachers? We want to thank them? Or are we just following the crowd because everyone else is doing it? Whatever the reason is, teachers do play an influential role in our lives

The teacher who screams at you, the one that gives you a thirty-page homework to be completed in one day or the one that is constantly bullied by the students. Now you have a rough idea of what picture I am going to paint right?

A student's performance in school is indirectly affected by teachers. Sometimes, you just have to admit that teachers treat some students better than the others. Maybe it is because these students have better looks or they share the same interest as the teacher so both of them can click well together, never mind the generation gap

If a teacher is fierce, her students will not like her and might gradually lose interest in the subject that she is teaching. So sometimes, a student's results might not directly reflect his ability and knowledge of the subject. The teacher does play a pivotal role in deciding her students' fates. I believe that most people or rather everyone would prefer a kind and gentle teacher. A nice(define it yourself)teacher can easily win over her student's heart and the latter can learn in a more desirable environment

Teachers have to take up the responsibility of being a role model in school but my experience tells me otherwise. In my secondary school, teachers can be spotted with coloured hair, red, reddish-brown, gold highlights and many more. So much so for the useless school rules that forbid students from dyeing their hair. A teacher who colours her hair gives students the impression that she is fashionable and it is important to keep up with fashion. The innocent students, typical teenagers who pay attention to their looks, might end up following their trendy teacher and then get caught by the principal and wasted some money

A teacher's behaviour in school is also crucial. What will students think if the teacher is late for class? Worst still, she did not bother to apologize or give a reason. Then there are teachers who give their students a lot of freedom and end up spoiling them. Although I do not condone wild behaviours neither do I think a serious and nerdy personality is acceptable? We are living in the twenty-first century. Not the black and white 1950s

In a whole, teachers are one of the most important people in our lives. We cannot deny the fact that our results are directly or indirectly affected by teachers. It is politically correct to strive hard and work smart for exams but still other factors play a part in deciding the grade you obtain which all sums up to school politics

Thank you for your time, hope this three part series is proudly presented to you by Raymond School of Finance and Investment

4 Sep

Due the unforseen circumstances, the third part of three part series regarding school politics will be postponed to be posted tomorrow

To make up for the disappointment, I shall share with you a video

Confirm will make you laugh one. Guranteed

Percussionist

This is the second of the three part series regarding school politics

***

Over the years, we have met all types of people in our lives. Especially during our school days, it is during that period where we get to come across people of different attitudes, backgrounds, characters, or in short ABC

I would like to talk about a classmate of mine. He plays a musical instrument which belongs to the percussion group. So I shall call him percussionist. Percussionist is smart person, not only academically but also mentally. He has a strong interest in the study of the course that we are in, hence, naturally he tends to do well in all the core modules. Needless to say, he is a top student

With all his good grades and quality assignments, percussionist is no doubt every teacher's pet. He gets a tit tat better treatment than the rest of us from the teachers. Take our "Virtual Entertainment Cultivation for a System of Interlinked Hypertext Documents accessed via the Internet" module for example. It is a subject about creating games for new media. Our teacher for this module is obviously biased towards him. Almost every lesson, you can hear her calling out percussionist's name, asking him if he is facing any difficulties or whether has he finished his work

Of course he is not the only student whom the teacher treats that way, she also does the same thing to the others but that happens occasionally. The area where percussionist is seated will always be visited by the teacher first when she walks around the classroom to help us out. Sometimes, she would even walk halfway through the classroom and then turn back and approach percussionist again, leaving the rest of us stranded at the other end

When he skips lessons due to whatever reasons, the teacher also doesn't seem to bother him because his good work has more than compensate for his attendance record. What I would like to say here is that, a student can afford to misbehave, rebel, oppose, slack in school as long as he produces desirable results

I remember when I was still in the first semester of my first year, Mathematics looked easily understandable to me and I aced through all the work without breaking a sweat. Our maths teacher then did not bother me either, even when I did an "experiment" in class by pretending to sleep, she didn't childe me at all. If it was someone else who scored sixty-five for his test, I doubt he will receive the same treatment

Unfortunately, percussionist's good results might turn out to be his downfall eventually. He is a rather proud and arrogant young man but you cannot completely blame him. It is all human nature, the desire to show off your high status to others who are below you. I was never haughty before(unless you can prove otherwise)in school or rather in schoolwork. If someone asks me a question, I will try my best to use the simplest way to explain the solution if I do know it myself, to whoever he or she is

You cannot say the same for percussionist. His egotistical character is a big turn-off to many people in our class. Although it is straining to ask him, we still do it because ultimately he is one of the best person who can help us. Gradually, percussionist will think that he is indispensable. This could possibly trigger the start of his downfall

Honestly speaking and speaking up for all those who do not dare to speak up, I would like to say that we all hate him to a certain extent. Yes we do hate him whether is it his big-headed problem, his constant disturbing of a couple of our other classmates or the favouritism which he gets from teachers. But we still choose not to tell him because he is a good student, academically, and we need him

So, dear reader, study hard

Classmate

This is the first of the three part series regarding school politics

***

What is a classmate? What is a classmate to you? What do you perceive him or her as? Someone who would become your lifelong companion or just another person whom you would come across in your life? According to Cambridge's online dictionary, a classmate means someone who is in the same class as you at school. Sounds facile to comprehend right? Well, maybe not

An optimist would say a classmate is someone you address as a classmate when both of you are schooling and as a friend when both of you have graduated and left the school. A pessimist would say a classmate is someone you address as a classmate when both of you are schooling but as an ex-classmate when both of you no longer belong in the same class or school

Comme il faut, the pessimist's viewpoint is absolutely right. Picture this. A teenage girl informs her mum that she is going out for a bbq class gathering with some people. Who? The mother would naturally enquire. The girl would reciprocate by replying my ex-classmates

See what I mean? Even when the girl has grown up and becomes a mother, she and her ex-classmates will still address one another as ex-classmates and not so much of a friend even though both parties know each another inside out. The fact that the word classmate is more powerful than friend cannot be denied

The purpose of having a classmate varies from person to person. Some believe that classmates make use of one another for the benefit of everybody. You help me write this, I assist you in solving that, he provides paper for the class, the class provide something else for him. It is a politically correct thing to do so in school as it all sums up to school politics

Your classmate is your best option after the teacher to assist you in your schoolwork. Helping one another would be advantageous to both sides and enhance one's knowledge. In short, a classmate is only really your friend in school as the saying goes friends help each other. I think it sounds something like this

How often do you contact a current classmate on weekends? Let's say there are four Saturdays and Sundays per month. How many times would you bother to pick up the telephone and dial his/her number(or using msn)for a chat that is absolutely not related to schoolwork? One out of those eight days?

Maybe most of us would have a score of zero, not surprising though, given the fact that we will be seeing them in less than seventy-two hours time before the Monday blues come back to haunt us. Weekends aside, how about holidays? School holidays I am referring to. You and your classmates are entitled to a month-long vacation. How often would you conatct one another during this "cold war" period?

Ask yourself honestly, how frequent will you make the first move to contact a classmate, be it a former or current one? If friends do not contact each other, then obviously they do not regard each other as real friends. Again, the word classmate comes to mind, it still looks more appropriate to use after all

When there are gatherings by classmates, it is always called a class gathering because each and everyone belong to the same class before even though that class no longer exist. A classmate will always be a classmate and you just can't lie

Real friendships do blossom among classmates but how many true brothers or sisters will you have at the end of the day when you finally graduate? Not those who address you as "bro" easily when you are talking with him

In short, a real friend is for life while a classmate is only for your schooling life. Look around yourself and count how many "friends" of yours who studied with you before are still in contact with you. And I don't mean the once in a year kind of contacting

1 September

When you switch on the television for the past two days, what do you see and hear? All the hype is about Japan's general election and Dalai Lama's arrival in Taiwan. Both news look rather normal but the latter somehow gives people an impression that there is a hidden agenda behind it. Just as MYJ is trying to pour the water out of his partially submerged boat, the DPP floods him with even more. Let's see how he solves this latest problem of his

By the way, let's all say sayonara to Taro Aso and konichiwa to Yukio Hatoyama

Starting tomorrow, this blog will present to you a three-part daily special documentary about school politics, don't miss it