Recently, I have been reminded of clubbing on two occasions by my students.
I have occasionally visited some nightspots with friends in the past when I was younger -- what you would call clubbing or pubbing now. Interestingly, the term clubbing is quite a new word -- didn't have such a word last time. Also, there is a difference between clubbing and pubbing, contrary to what some of my students suggest. Clubbing is when you drink, dance, and there are tables. Pubbing is well... at pubs and bars!
In the past, I remember there was a time when tea dances were what the wild students go for to experience it legally. This was a daytime disco with no drinking for youths. The term disco is archaic! Obviously, being the goody-goody that I was, I never tried any of these tea dance thingies.
University time was when I had my first experience of nightlife. I remember going to Fire disco, I think -- for Hostel Orientation! I also remember, in 2nd year, visiting Guild House, NUS's own nightspot with a dance floor -- open till 1 am and $10 per entry for NUS people only (2 drinks too). They stopped it when I was in year 3 as it was too wild... Later on, I did visit some nightspots with my DHS classmates when we met up -- they were always meeting at nightspots!
What I do remember is people getting drunk! NUS Guild House at 1 am -- all the drunk people would come out! When you are drunk, you remove the inhibition and reveal the true you. Some get violent easily, some talk, their tongues are loosed, some are mellow, some sleeping. I've never been drunk before, or anywhere near. But I know that alcohol removes the inhibition and allows even the most shy to dance. Well, I did!
Most times, I took a Shirley Temple or some other mocktail. When I did feel like drinking, I tried stuff like bourbon coke (cola's caffeine helps keep you alert), vodka lime and tequila pop (you put the coaster over the glass and hit the glass on the table hard and it fizzes, then you gulp it down, but I was not permitted to rush the drink). Quite mild, if you drink slowly. I did not like the taste of most alcoholic drinks, which is why I can never get drunk, cos I never drink enough! But I do have a weakness for tasty cocktails though. I remember having a Long Island iced tea for the first time. Tastes just like ice lemon tea, so I was going through it very fast. My chaperone had to remind me that the Long Island tea is a strong cocktail and is notorious for making people drunk -- so he took a quarter of my drink!
Talking about chaperones... Most of the time, I function as the chaperone -- the one who will 100% stay sober and ensure the safety of everyone. Of course, being the chaperone, I need a chaperone too -- to make sure I never get drunk! One friend got dead drunk after 4 drinks! You will also definitely get drunk after 3 tequila neats (lick salt and suck lemon -- there are correct methods to take each drink! I was quite fascinated!).
Things can get quite strange sometimes at nightspots. I remember there was once when there was this queue for the unisex single toilet. A girl was inside and next thing you know, a slightly intoxicated guy comes along, jumps queue, and opens the toilet door! Don't know why she did not lock the toilet door (maybe the lock was spoilt?), but luckily, she was done and was washing her hands. Moral of the story: Whenever you use the toilet, lock the door. And go in a pair so that your friend can guard for you.
When it's time to leave, some people are a bit drunk, while some may be downright unconscious! I remember once, when it was time to leave, my friend was drunk, so she went to the ladies to neaten up. We waited and waited, but she did not appear, so we went to check and she was sleeping in a cubicle. She was really drunk, and had to be carried out to the road. I remember she was lying by the roadside while we waited for a cab -- must have been quite a sight... The other friend was a bit drunk too, but could talk coherently -- I believe the term is "a bit high". Luckily I was sober and could ensure their safe return. Oh well, I have to emphasize, whatever you do -- DO NOT GET DRUNK!
And the music is so loud at nightspots! It would be better if it was softer.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Today I went for the 2nd session of JC Physics teachers briefing at TJC. Supposedly half of the JC Physics teachers were there (less 2 JCs which opted out), but it did not look like so!
I realise that being a JC teacher means that during meetings like this, you see these few teachers all the time -- the circle is quite closed. I also realised that many people from my circle in university time are JC teachers too. And I realised that some of them are posting out soon after some time in a JC. I also realised that since there are only so few JCs, JC teachers are very reserved and guarded in their interactions with other JC teachers -- they are viewed as rivals! The life of a JC teacher is indeed vastly different from that of a secondary school teacher.
I also learned that not all JC teachers are "on" or sharp. Most RJC and HCJC teachers are good. VJC, TJC and NJC teachers are mostly quiet, so can't really tell.
I realise that being a JC teacher means that during meetings like this, you see these few teachers all the time -- the circle is quite closed. I also realised that many people from my circle in university time are JC teachers too. And I realised that some of them are posting out soon after some time in a JC. I also realised that since there are only so few JCs, JC teachers are very reserved and guarded in their interactions with other JC teachers -- they are viewed as rivals! The life of a JC teacher is indeed vastly different from that of a secondary school teacher.
I also learned that not all JC teachers are "on" or sharp. Most RJC and HCJC teachers are good. VJC, TJC and NJC teachers are mostly quiet, so can't really tell.
Monday, November 24, 2003
I bought 3 CDs today. I haven't bought CDs for a long time, but I got inspired to buy one (ok, three) when I met an old friend at Parkway MPH yesterday. He sort of recommended two CDs. So I bought 2 Emi Fujita CDs and the Kill Bill soundtrack today. The sad themes from the movie are so interesting, as are some other pieces -- but I have to admit, soundtracks are expensive to buy for just a few tracks. But I couldn't find any MP3s out there. Here's a midi of The Lonely Shepherd though....
Saturday, November 22, 2003
I just came back from chalet session with my CT class. The main activities this time was soccer, bowling, playing pool, BBQ and cycling -- not exactly a lot for a 2 day chalet, I guess. But quite a few of us still had work committments in school. We could have swum perhaps. We wanted to kayak though, but the rental kiosk at Pasir Ris Park apparently went bust already. You know what? I probably will try to round up some people to kayak/canoe at Bedok ECP one of these days...
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I have a 2 week reservist this December again as usual -- this time with a stand-by as well. So I won't be able to come out over the weekend. What to do? Combat unit is like that one... I'm an Infantry Combat Medic -- an SIR soldier. The funny thing is, all around me, I seldom meet combat people from the real combat units (SIR/BRC/GDS/CDO). Clerks, techs... combat support at most. My experiences during my NSF days from 1993 to 1999 are one of a kind -- that's just about the only advantage you get by being in a fighting unit.
Actually, I'm glad that throughout every phase of my life, I have been able to experience something and be thankful for it and say "Yes, I've done something...". From cadet scouts in TNS, school team volleyball in DHS, ODAC YLTC Camp and String Ensemble in VJC, combat medic and contributing to saving 4 lives in NS, 2 marathons, OBS 21 days, BRC attachment days and a Special Op in NS (2nd installment), sailing course, climbing Mt Trusmadi and Mt Kinabalu, etc. during the later years, to being a teacher, and a Robotics Club teacher, guiding the next generation.
I guess if a person were to think back at 29 and see that nothing significant was done, it would be most sad.
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I have a 2 week reservist this December again as usual -- this time with a stand-by as well. So I won't be able to come out over the weekend. What to do? Combat unit is like that one... I'm an Infantry Combat Medic -- an SIR soldier. The funny thing is, all around me, I seldom meet combat people from the real combat units (SIR/BRC/GDS/CDO). Clerks, techs... combat support at most. My experiences during my NSF days from 1993 to 1999 are one of a kind -- that's just about the only advantage you get by being in a fighting unit.
Actually, I'm glad that throughout every phase of my life, I have been able to experience something and be thankful for it and say "Yes, I've done something...". From cadet scouts in TNS, school team volleyball in DHS, ODAC YLTC Camp and String Ensemble in VJC, combat medic and contributing to saving 4 lives in NS, 2 marathons, OBS 21 days, BRC attachment days and a Special Op in NS (2nd installment), sailing course, climbing Mt Trusmadi and Mt Kinabalu, etc. during the later years, to being a teacher, and a Robotics Club teacher, guiding the next generation.
I guess if a person were to think back at 29 and see that nothing significant was done, it would be most sad.
Monday, November 17, 2003
I met someone on Saturday who said he would want to work and stay in Australia in a few years time. He felt that Singapore was small and overcrowded and these two factors were causing a lot of problems. He felt that Singapore was a bad place to bring up children with good values because of the overcrowding and resultant competition. But luckily, the security and education situation is good, which means it is still somewhat good for children, I guess.
Although it might be said that it is difficult to survive in Melbourne, he says that life is cheaper there as housing and rental is low. One could be doing a small business with low customer flow but survive well due to the low rental and housing. This would be unthinkable in Singapore with high housing cost and business rental. With some savings after working a few years in Singapore, one could have sufficient to go over there as a PR.
He does have a point. Singapore seems to have deteriorated somewhat over the past 10 years. Life is getting a lot more difficult with such high housing and rental cost. There is frequently emphasis on unimportant things and gimmicks, which seem to add value, but actually is money going down the drain.
We need to do something about it fast...
Although it might be said that it is difficult to survive in Melbourne, he says that life is cheaper there as housing and rental is low. One could be doing a small business with low customer flow but survive well due to the low rental and housing. This would be unthinkable in Singapore with high housing cost and business rental. With some savings after working a few years in Singapore, one could have sufficient to go over there as a PR.
He does have a point. Singapore seems to have deteriorated somewhat over the past 10 years. Life is getting a lot more difficult with such high housing and rental cost. There is frequently emphasis on unimportant things and gimmicks, which seem to add value, but actually is money going down the drain.
We need to do something about it fast...
Thursday, November 13, 2003
I managed to catch Prof Gunther's Body Worlds exhibition on Monday. Not scary at all. Definitely educational in nature, and one should marvel at the grand design of the human body. The exhibition is a bit small though -- it is just a fraction of the normal exhibition in Europe. At $18 for adults and $12 for MOE students, it is a bit expensive.
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I was at Sim Lim Square food court today with Mr Ueng and Mr Morgan (CompLab staff). We were having dinner (OK, technically I had eaten already and was snacking to accompany them) and then when we were about to leave, we found that Mr Ueng's bag was gone! Unbelievably, someone stole it right under our very noses!
The thief was a real pro! And I hope that he is pro enough to know that he should take the valuables and ensure that the bag is eventually recovered -- leave it somewhere in Sim Lim, on a bus, etc.
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I was at Sim Lim Square food court today with Mr Ueng and Mr Morgan (CompLab staff). We were having dinner (OK, technically I had eaten already and was snacking to accompany them) and then when we were about to leave, we found that Mr Ueng's bag was gone! Unbelievably, someone stole it right under our very noses!
The thief was a real pro! And I hope that he is pro enough to know that he should take the valuables and ensure that the bag is eventually recovered -- leave it somewhere in Sim Lim, on a bus, etc.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
After lunch with some of my church friends, we went out to the jungles of MacRitchie! We wanted to go see the ruins of the WWII Japanese Shinto shrine deep in the jungle. After an hour's plus trek from SICC (Singapore Island Country Club), we reached the place. It was just like Indiana Jones! Not much was left, but from the concrete steps left, I can imagine the size of the place last time! There was supposed to be a link bridge over the reservoir too, but the stumps left are under water now.
The shrine "Syonan Jinja" was constructed to commemorate the deaths of the Japanese soldiers and staff who died in the invasion of Singapore. The British understandably destroyed it after the war -- if they didn't, the people would do it!
Link 1
Link 2
The shrine "Syonan Jinja" was constructed to commemorate the deaths of the Japanese soldiers and staff who died in the invasion of Singapore. The British understandably destroyed it after the war -- if they didn't, the people would do it!
Link 1
Link 2
Friday, November 07, 2003
I watched Matrix Revolutions today. Hmm... Not a good movie! Thin plot, not very clear at times. I hope LOTR: Return of the King does not disappoint!
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I'm starting to feel old! I've always looked young, but I think I'm starting to deteriorate! I think it's time for me to use some miracle water or age-defying lotion! At 28, I think it's about time to start doing something...
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I'm starting to feel old! I've always looked young, but I think I'm starting to deteriorate! I think it's time for me to use some miracle water or age-defying lotion! At 28, I think it's about time to start doing something...
I finally managed to fix my broadband connection, which had not been working for 3 months, courtesy of my brother (younger one, of course!). We have 2 PCs at home, the stronger one being in his room, because he studied Computer Engineering. But he's not good enough to maintain the PCs -- I'm the one that does that. And I bought the PCs and most of the hardware too. Logically, my ADSL connection goes with the stronger PC in his room.
He always messes up the computer and needs me to fix things! And he used to use my email account to email (without my permission!) or put in forms so that he is unaffected and anonymous. So now my SingNet account is always full of spam!
And he infected the PC with 2 viruses! No wonder he's not an engineer now...
I guess that's the way it always is with little brothers...
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My car looks something like this... A lilac blue Hyundai Getz.
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He always messes up the computer and needs me to fix things! And he used to use my email account to email (without my permission!) or put in forms so that he is unaffected and anonymous. So now my SingNet account is always full of spam!
And he infected the PC with 2 viruses! No wonder he's not an engineer now...
I guess that's the way it always is with little brothers...
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My car looks something like this... A lilac blue Hyundai Getz.
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Tuesday, November 04, 2003
In Singapore, you simply cannot drive at the speed limit. Everyone would horn at you! I get a bit annoyed when I'm not allowed to be a good citizen!
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My ambulance attachment in 1993 was a bit of a washout. It was boring. Once, the bell sounded, and I hopped into the ambulance with the my crew and we moved off. But a suddent storm developed and lo and behold, our wipers were faulty! Because of that, we had to slow to a crawl on the PIE. Disgusted, the AO radioed in to say she was unable to reach in time, and requested another ambulance to take over the call. Then we returned. That was the only time I went out.
The ambulance carries a maternity pack on board. Erm... There's an episiotomy scissors in it -- I was told they rarely used it. I know of an ambulance attachment friend who took a maternity case. Mother-to-be went into labour with 2nd baby and wanted to wait for hubby to return home before going to hospital. When he came back, she was in heavy labour. So they called for an ambulance. When the ambulance crew came, she was in 2nd stage with imminent delivery. So she was prepped for delivery, and gave birth soon after. My friend (a male!) described it as if "the baby did not want to be born"! Did the mother suffer? Yes, she looked like she was suffering a bit, but did not scream and writhe in agony like on TV. Erm... Did the mother-to-be consent to a guy looking at her giving birth? "Of course lah!" Anyway, it was just the AO (female as usual) and the Crew (male) and my friend (Driver was in the ambulance). Now that's a good ambulance attachment, not like mine.
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My birthday is coming up! I seldom have any real celebration -- the only time I had real birthday celebrations was when I was in university. When I was a student, school would have ended (school ends before national exams), and so no one would know. Of course, now I have students, but not a lot know when my birthday is.
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My ambulance attachment in 1993 was a bit of a washout. It was boring. Once, the bell sounded, and I hopped into the ambulance with the my crew and we moved off. But a suddent storm developed and lo and behold, our wipers were faulty! Because of that, we had to slow to a crawl on the PIE. Disgusted, the AO radioed in to say she was unable to reach in time, and requested another ambulance to take over the call. Then we returned. That was the only time I went out.
The ambulance carries a maternity pack on board. Erm... There's an episiotomy scissors in it -- I was told they rarely used it. I know of an ambulance attachment friend who took a maternity case. Mother-to-be went into labour with 2nd baby and wanted to wait for hubby to return home before going to hospital. When he came back, she was in heavy labour. So they called for an ambulance. When the ambulance crew came, she was in 2nd stage with imminent delivery. So she was prepped for delivery, and gave birth soon after. My friend (a male!) described it as if "the baby did not want to be born"! Did the mother suffer? Yes, she looked like she was suffering a bit, but did not scream and writhe in agony like on TV. Erm... Did the mother-to-be consent to a guy looking at her giving birth? "Of course lah!" Anyway, it was just the AO (female as usual) and the Crew (male) and my friend (Driver was in the ambulance). Now that's a good ambulance attachment, not like mine.
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My birthday is coming up! I seldom have any real celebration -- the only time I had real birthday celebrations was when I was in university. When I was a student, school would have ended (school ends before national exams), and so no one would know. Of course, now I have students, but not a lot know when my birthday is.
Monday, November 03, 2003
I ran some errands today and managed to succeed in all! I paid my Road Tax and made my photo-card licence. I topped up the car after that. And went to Taka Kino to spend my last $10 voucher before it expires (6th Nov). [I had $50 Kino and $50 Borders vouchers last year courtesy of my College.] I managed to do that, which is a feat considering that I spent 12 hours in total over 3 days browsing the store to spend the $50. I also looked around in Borders, but nothing caught my eye. Luckily, the Borders card expires next year...
And I managed to get my phone's GPRS settings done. The settings were correct, and GPRS activated, but somehow, my phone could not connect. The M1 staff were perplexed too. They tried to download settings (which I tried before) but received no response from their server. After discussions with 1627 and their technical support, they finally managed to get it to work after 30+ minutes.
I also took a look at the Impreza Challenge at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. Wow! 57 hours already and still so many survivors, including 3 ladies!
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When I was doing my A and E attachment in 1993, I managed to see quite a few things. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unless you get to work there, of course. 3 dead bodies during my 2-day rotation. One was a cardiac case: when the doctors gave up, my friend took over to practise CPR. Another was quite sad. The old lady had a fall and got a head injury. Could not breathe, so was put on a respirator. She was in her 80s, and the doctors decided not to give resus treatment. After she was disconnected, they doctors went out to tell the relatives. The nurses left too, leaving us there. So there we were with her lying there not breathing, but her heart still beating. No wonder they all left us there alone -- no one wanted to see her arrest and die. We stuck around for 2 minutes, she still had not arrested, and we decided we could not take it anymore, and left her to die alone.
The third one was a gunshot wound. I could not believe it when the call came in that a gunshot to the chest was coming in! Robbery? Accident? No! From Pulau Tekong! Shot by M-16! The shooter shot himself afterward! We were told to prepare for 2 guys coming in. We went out to the helipad and the Super Puma came in and I rushed forward to help unload the casualty. Aircrew hands over the BVM and I continue bagging him. I thought: Oh my, he has a resus face! And quite a dead one too. I knew he wasn't going to make it.
I went back to the chopper to get the other one, but was told there was only one. Perplexed, we ran back to the driveway, but the ambulance had sped off. The police officer told us to hop into his patrol car, and he gave us a ride back to the A and E Department. Since this was a major case, we did not participate but looked from afar. Chest tube, after 10 minutes, they gave up and pronounced him.
I saw him after that when they cleaned him up. Then they rolled him out as if he was a patient. I bet no one looking knew he was dead! They rolled him to an empty room (not the usual DOA room so as not to arouse suspicion...). And then they did it: covered his head with the sheet. I remember his half-open eyes and mouth: that's how a dead resus case looks like.
The other guy was a mort. He shot himeself from jaw upwards and some of his brain went into the foxhole. He took a harbour launch to the mortuary instead of a Super Puma.
During the 2 days, I managed to see another chest tube (non-emergency) and a fracture case. I observed the triage work too.
And I managed to get my phone's GPRS settings done. The settings were correct, and GPRS activated, but somehow, my phone could not connect. The M1 staff were perplexed too. They tried to download settings (which I tried before) but received no response from their server. After discussions with 1627 and their technical support, they finally managed to get it to work after 30+ minutes.
I also took a look at the Impreza Challenge at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. Wow! 57 hours already and still so many survivors, including 3 ladies!
--
When I was doing my A and E attachment in 1993, I managed to see quite a few things. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unless you get to work there, of course. 3 dead bodies during my 2-day rotation. One was a cardiac case: when the doctors gave up, my friend took over to practise CPR. Another was quite sad. The old lady had a fall and got a head injury. Could not breathe, so was put on a respirator. She was in her 80s, and the doctors decided not to give resus treatment. After she was disconnected, they doctors went out to tell the relatives. The nurses left too, leaving us there. So there we were with her lying there not breathing, but her heart still beating. No wonder they all left us there alone -- no one wanted to see her arrest and die. We stuck around for 2 minutes, she still had not arrested, and we decided we could not take it anymore, and left her to die alone.
The third one was a gunshot wound. I could not believe it when the call came in that a gunshot to the chest was coming in! Robbery? Accident? No! From Pulau Tekong! Shot by M-16! The shooter shot himself afterward! We were told to prepare for 2 guys coming in. We went out to the helipad and the Super Puma came in and I rushed forward to help unload the casualty. Aircrew hands over the BVM and I continue bagging him. I thought: Oh my, he has a resus face! And quite a dead one too. I knew he wasn't going to make it.
I went back to the chopper to get the other one, but was told there was only one. Perplexed, we ran back to the driveway, but the ambulance had sped off. The police officer told us to hop into his patrol car, and he gave us a ride back to the A and E Department. Since this was a major case, we did not participate but looked from afar. Chest tube, after 10 minutes, they gave up and pronounced him.
I saw him after that when they cleaned him up. Then they rolled him out as if he was a patient. I bet no one looking knew he was dead! They rolled him to an empty room (not the usual DOA room so as not to arouse suspicion...). And then they did it: covered his head with the sheet. I remember his half-open eyes and mouth: that's how a dead resus case looks like.
The other guy was a mort. He shot himeself from jaw upwards and some of his brain went into the foxhole. He took a harbour launch to the mortuary instead of a Super Puma.
During the 2 days, I managed to see another chest tube (non-emergency) and a fracture case. I observed the triage work too.