Condensed thoughts.

Sat, 11 Dec 2010
3 min read
Add Comment

This is one of the downsides of not having a mobile data plan – being unable to share my very interesting thoughts (yeah, right) with all of you ON THE FLY.

However, the corollary of that would be permanent cyborgism i.e. if I had a mobile data plan, I’d probably be Tweeting and Facebooking non-stop like some of you losers (wei… just kidding).

So in no order of merit but in some order of chronology, here is what has happened over the last two days:

  • Was travelling along Upper Thomson Road yesterday, on my way to Khatib Camp, when I went past Nee Soon Camp. Both sides of the road were lined with cars. I was like: WTF? Is there some large-scale mobilisation or something like that going on? Was simultaneously worried and intrigued at the same time.
  • I realise I have a very deep fascination with military camps – so long as I’m not forced to have to stay in one.
  • Military facilities e.g. camps, live firing areas, etc. in Singapore have some of the most beautiful architecture or scenery in the land but unfortunately, the majority of the people who have the privilege to appreciate this beauty are Philistines. Philistines, I tell you!
  • I have a newfound love and appreciate for the word “Philistine”. Other words I love but rarely have a chance to use: zeugma, anthropomorphic and bond-free.
  • On my way back from Khatib Camp, travelling along the same road, I discovered the reason for the rows of parked vehicles: Friday prayers!
  • It’d be nice to work for PIONEER again. That way I can write and live out my concurrent fascination/repulsion for all things military in Singapore. (There are downsides to this but I shall not discuss them today.)
  • I’ve finally learnt how to work the Closed Stacks system at the National Library. It may be a tad premature to make this judgement, but IMHO, the NUS Closed Stacks > National Library Closed Stacks system.
  • In any case, the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library experience, much like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, has been quite good and user-friendly, so far. Good work, the two librarians – yes, you; the ones who Googled my name.
  • I miss being a student! Somewhat.
  • Munshi Abdullah is hilarious. For some good chucks, please read The Voyage of Abdullah (959.51 ABD).
  • Popcorn. To be elaborated on in a future post (hopefully).

That is all. You may now express your adoration for me by clicking the ‘Like’ button below this post.

Stuff you must read today (Sat, 27 Nov 2010)

Sat, 27 Nov 2010
1 min read
Add Comment

Stuff you must read today (Sun, 21 Nov 2010)

Sun, 21 Nov 2010
2 min read
Add Comment
  • What would you be if you had more than 2 gender choices? (Transgender Awareness Week)

    • “I first became properly aware that it was Transgender Awareness week when I stepped into my Introduction to Gay and Lesbian Literature class.

    I walked in to see my normally dashing and charming professor dressed up as a woman. ‘The walk from Modern Languages to this building has never been so long,’ he began. ‘But I must say, the people on campus are extremely polite.’ Here, he mimicked a few alarmed side-glares and whispers. ‘Somebody even complimented me on my heels!'”

  • Life-Altering Traffic Light Design Concept of the Day.

    • This makes much more sense than present designs. But we don’t need to throw the baby out with the bathwater – a countdown timer atop traffic lights at present should do the trick.

  • Past to Present: Hands at a Gig.

    • Two astute commentators pointed out that: (a) the graphic is missing a lighter, and (b) what about a Black Power fist? But still, it’s a very apt picture.

  • Still Life, with Grandmother.

    • “On the way out the door she explains that I should lock both locks. I should pull the shade down halfway. I should level off one teaspoon of instant powder for her coffee. The thermostat is too low. The light in the hallway needs to stay on at night. She won’t eat oatmeal. I put too much food on her plate.

    I am being calibrated. For what, I don’t know.”

  • Complexity of possible ogamies (and non-monogamy).

    • A chart that maps out possible ogamies/the variety of intimate relationships that human beings have.