883 days to go…

Today was an exciting day. Joined an event which brought us to a number of places, including a fish farm (not qian hu – one that is relatively uncommercialised), a bee farm (didn’t know there was one in Singapore), haw par villa and finally macritchie reserviour.

The fish farm was pretty normal. Fish (yes…), nice scenery, nice breeze. Bee farm was ok ok only. Learnt that there is only 1 queen bee in each community and well, after copulation, the drone bees will die. oh well.

Haw Par Villa is still interesting after so long. Shot a few pics. Not as many as I usually do though. Maybe I can go again sometime soon

Met many people, some interesting, some erm… more reserved bah… hahahahahaha…..

The classical Haw Par Villa shot. How could I miss this?

The pitchfork caught my eye first, followed by the man

ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

I find this very peaceful, very serene.

884 days to go…

Went for a curatour today. Been meaning to go for one for a while, but somehow, the timing I can go for and the interesting exhibitions don’t seem to match. Wasn’t too keen on either exhibition actually, but decided to go along just for the experience.

And an experience it was. Led by the very knowledgeable director of SAM, Mr Kwok Kian Chow, we were brought on a whirlwind of sculptures, photographs and paintings, their history, their significance and their background. Learnt that we need to interpret art in the context of the political situation then. Got some new inspiration for photography too (you didn’t think I’d miss that, did you?). Got to see my 2 fav painting by Tan Swie Hian too! (posted below).

Chatted briefly with the director after the tour too. Really nice and friendly guy

Humming Birds Racing

Night Kites

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Director’s Curatour

Kwok Kian Chow, Director, Singapore Art Museum

Let our director personally guide you through the museum’s current exhibitions which include the blockbuster show All the Best. The Deutsche Bank Collection and Zaha Hadid, Telah Terbit (Out Now): Southeast Asian Contemporary Art Practices during the 1970s, and Art of Our Time. Gain a deeper insight into the fascinating world of art as SAM’s Director addresses your queries on artists and their art.

Kwok Kian Chow is the founding director of the Singapore Art Museum. He studied art and art history at NSCAD University and University of British Columbia graduate school. Author of Channels and Confluences: A History of Singapore Art (1996) and many art history articles, he has also co-authored Dongnanya xiandai meishu (Modern Art of Southeast Asia, 2006). In 2002, he was awarded Chevalier de l‘Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France. He was a member of the selection panel of the Fukuoka Triennale and the Hermes Korean Art Award, and was the commissioner for Singapore’s first participation in Sao Paulo Biennale and Venice Biennale. Kwok Kian Chow is an active member of many public art, visual arts and art education boards and committees.

Kwok Kian Chow

郭建超

Poem 4

Life
~anonymous~

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person

that wasn’t supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once –>

and it’s harder every time.

You’ll break hearts too,

so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You’ll fight with your best friend.

You’ll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You’ll cry because time is passing too fast,

and you’ll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much,

and love like you’ve never been hurt

because every sixty seconds you spend upset

is a minute of happiness you’ll never get back.

 

Don’t be afraid that your life will end,

be afraid that it will never begin.

Poem 3

The Woman You Are

The Woman You Are
Is More Than Reaching For Stars
She Is Touching The Depths
Of The Known

The Woman You Are
Walks With Unseen Energy
The Ones of The Past Guide Her Way
You Are A Connection of Hearts

The Woman  You Are
Brings Angel Energy To Others
They Feel Good Around You
The Others Thank You

The Woman You Are
Knows Wisdom From Afar
Gently Sharing With Others
Love Thoughts And Prayers

The Woman You Are
Dances With Moonbeams
Remembers In The Ancient Way
Brings Forth The Love of Ages

The Woman You Are
Walks With Dignity
Speaks With Truth
Remembers Her Royalty

MBTI profile

Used to be ESTJ as a student. Looks like I’ve changed since then… Now ENTJ

Do you agree with this? But then again, I took the full test then, and this is adapted…

—————————————————————————

“I don’t care to sit by the window on an airplane. If I can’t control it, why look?”

ENTJs have a natural tendency to marshall and direct. This may be expressed with the charm and finesse of a world leader or with the insensitivity of a cult leader. The ENTJ requires little encouragement to make a plan. One ENTJ put it this way… “I make these little plans that really don’t have any importance to anyone else, and then feel compelled to carry them out.” While “compelled” may not describe ENTJs as a group, nevertheless the bent to plan creatively and to make those plans reality is a common theme for NJ types.

ENTJs are often “larger than life” in describing their projects or proposals. This ability may be expressed as salesmanship, story-telling facility or stand-up comedy. In combination with the natural propensity for filibuster, our hero can make it very difficult for the customer to decline.

TRADEMARK: — “I’m really sorry you have to die.” (I realize this is an overstatement. However, most Fs and other gentle souls usually chuckle knowingly at this description.)

ENTJs are decisive. They see what needs to be done, and frequently assign roles to their fellows. Few other types can equal their ability to remain resolute in conflict, sending the valiant (and often leading the charge) into the mouth of hell. When challenged, the ENTJ may by reflex become argumentative. Alternatively (s)he may unleash an icy gaze that serves notice: the ENTJ is not one to be trifled with.

Functional Analysis

Extraverted Thinking

“Unequivocating” expresses the resoluteness of the ENTJ’s dominant function. Clarity of convictions endows these Thinkers with a knack for debate, or wanting knack, a penchant for argument. The light and heat generated by Thinking at the helm can be impressive; perhaps even overwhelming. Experience teaches many ENTJs that restraint may often be the better part of valor, lest one find oneself victorious but alone.

Introverted iNtuition

The auxiliary function explores the blueprints of archetypal patterns and equips Thinking with a fresh, dynamic sense of how things work. Improvising on the fly is something many ENTJs do very well. As Thinking’s subordinate, insights are of value only insofar as they further the Right, True Cause celebre. [n.b.: ENTJs are capable of living on a higher plane, if you will, and learning to value individuals even above their principles. The above dynamic suggests less individuation.]

Extraverted Sensing

Sensing reaches out to embrace that which physically touches it. ENTJs have an awareness of the real; of that which exists. By stilling the engines of Thinking and iNtuition, this type may experience the Here and Now, and know things not dreamt of nor even postulated in iNtuition’s philosophy. Sensing’s minor role, however, puts it at risk for distortion or extreme weakness beneath the hustle and bustle of the giants N and T.

Introverted Feeling

Feeling is romantic, as the ethereal as the inner world from whence it doth emerge. When it be awake, feeling evokes great passion that knows not nuance of proportion nor context. Perhaps these lesser functions inspire glorious recreational quests in worlds that never were, or may only ever be in fantasy. When overdone or taken too seriously, Fi turned outward often becomes maudlin or melodramatic. Feeling in this type appears most authentic when implied or expressed covertly in a firm handshake, accepting demeanor, or act of sacrifice thinly covered by excuses of lack of any personal interest in the relinquished item.

Famous ENTJs:

U.S. Presidents:

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Richard M. Nixon

Benny Goodman, “Big Band” leader
General Norman Schwarzkopf
Harrison Ford
Steve Martin
Whoopi Goldberg
Sigourney Weaver
Margaret Thatcher
Al Gore (U.S Vice President, 1993-2001)
Lamar Alexander (former governor, US Secretary of Education)
Les Aspen, former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Candace Bergen (Murphy Brown)
Dave Letterman
Newt Gingrich
Patrick Stewart (STNG: Jean Luc Picard)
Robert James Waller (author: The Bridges of Madison County)
Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask)
Steve Jobs
Penn Jillette

Happiness Poem

If a happiness poem could bring forth a smile,
Then my face would always dress in style.

If my ears could hear my computer screen,
From one to another, they, too, would grin.

My keyboard types for my eyes not my tongue
This happiness poem will never be sung.

But what of my eyes? Don’t they shine?
Yes, but not from this poem of mine.

The pen is mightier than the sword,
But a pen can write only words.

The feelings I sense and the senses I feel
For keyboard and screen remain far too real.

My ears and my nose remain at rest.
My cheeks and hairline are doing their best.

But if this happiness poem could make my mouth smile,
My face would forever dress up in style.

World Happiness Manifesto

My personal manifesto for a better world

I am a member of the human race. The only race I recognize is my own — the human race.

Members of my race are carbon-based bipods, with one head and one heart. They all smile. They all despair. They all feel anger and pain. They all feel joy and hope. They see. They smell. They hear. They learn. They love. They seek happiness for self and for others.

Members of my race speak many tongues, wear their skin and hair in a variety of hues, choose from thousands of occupations and live in a multitude of places. They are all good. They are all worthwhile. They are all human. In my world, the only racism is love of the human race.

I am a citizen of the world. I recognize my overriding responsibility to be a good citizen. To care for my fellow citizens. To share with my fellow citizens. To be a good steward of the planet and its resources, for the wellbeing of my fellow citizens and of future generations. The absence of a world government in no way diminishes my obligations of citizenship or my sense of belonging.

As a citizen of the world, I recognize local governments. I pay my local taxes. I obey local ordinances. I salute my local flag. I protect my neighbors and their rights. My responsibility to my neighbors and to my local government is part of my citizenship in the world.

It is a sad reality that many local governments do not recognize my citizenship in the world. I pray for the day when no person shall be called an “alien” anywhere in my world.

I am a child of god. I reside in my family home with my brothers and sisters. To the best of my ability, despite my many weaknesses, I will endeavor to do god’s will. I recognize that most of my brothers and sisters also do their best to follow god’s will, even when the message they are following sounds different than what I have heard, or messages that come from different gods. I will not second-guess god’s message to others; I respect god’s divine right and wisdom to send different messages to each of us children.

I am an instrument of peace. Happiness and peace go hand-in-hand. Complete happiness might be unattainable on this planet, but it remains crucial that we never stop striving for it. Therefore, we must all be instruments of peace.

Members of every race sometimes fight amongst themselves. As a member of the human race, I will strive to promote understanding amongst humans and to reduce conflict within our race.

Members of every nation sometimes bicker amongst themselves. As a citizen of the world, I will strive to promote understanding amongst citizens everywhere and to reduce conflict across our planet.

Members of every family sometimes quarrel amongst themselves. As a citizen of the world, I will strive to promote understanding amongst my brothers and sisters and to reduce conflict within our family.

Attribution

This happiness manifesto is based on a manifesto produced by The Happy Guy’s happiness website. Please follow this hyperlink to view The original World Happiness Manifesto, a production of

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More ways to remember names

1. SIMPLE STRATEGIES
   1. Pay Attention
      1. Decide to remember.
      2. Ask for a repetition if necessary.
      3. Realize that people are flattered when you take an interest in their name.
   2. “Save” method
      1. S – Say the name 3 times in conversation.
      2. A – Ask a question about the name (e.g.: how it is spelled) or about the person.
      3. V – Visualize the person’s prominent physical or personality feature.
      4. E – End the conversation with the name.
   3. Make a Simple Association
      1. Same name as someone you know.
      2. Celebrity or famous person – Monroe, Wayne or Moses
      3. Occupation – Singer, Smith, Gardener
      4. A thing or animal – Kane, Woods, Cooper (coop), Swan, Fox, Paige, Rose
      5. Brand name – Campbell, Ford
      6. Rhyme it – Kwan/Swan
      7. Convert to other words: Askew (ask you); Honeycut; Slatsky (slat sky); Cameron (camera on); Carson (car son)
      8. Note the nationality, if obvious – Lombardi, Sanchez, Wong
      9. Translate – Morgenstern is morning star
      10. Adjectives with characteristics: toothy Ruthy, dapper Dan, jaunty Jack. (You don’t have to tell the person how you are recalling their name.)
   4. When convenient, make notes on calendar, note pad, roster, program, etc.
      1. Name and prominent feature
      2. What you talked about
      3. Person’s interests, job, family, etc.
      4. Can keep permanent notes in rolodex, address book
   5. Review the next day and week until the name is known.
   6. Use your friends’ names daily in conversation, even if silently.
2. REMEMBERING GROUPS OF NAMES
   1. Acronyms – first letter of each name spells a word.
      E.g.: Mary, Alice, Margaret and Evelyn = MAME
   2. Acrostics – first letter of each name stands for a word in a sentence.
      E.g.: Fred, Lois, Pauline, Ida = Find little pickles immediately.
      More bizarre sentences are easier to remember.
   3. Keep a file or notebook of names for each of your activities or groups. Review before each meeting.
3. IMAGE NAME METHOD
   1. Note the person’s prominent facial or personality feature.
      
   2. Make a simple association or find substitute words in the person’s name.
      
   3. Link the person’s prominent feature with their substitute word in an unusual mental image.
      1. E.g.: Elizabeth is very fat; imagine her as a queen at an Elizabethan Feast.
      2. E.g.: Jack is a very big man; imagine him as Jack the Giant Killer.
      3. E.g.: Mr. Steel has steel gray hair; imagine brittle steel all over his head.
      4. Bizarre or unusual images are easier to remember.
   4. If their prominent feature does not directly fit their name, find a substitute word in their name and imagine it interacting with their prominent feature.
      1. E.g.: Valerie has a dimple in her chin; imagine a valley there.
      2. E.g.: Mrs. Gianelli has curly, long hair; imagine Ghiradelli chocolate dripping from her hair.
   5. These techniques are abstract and take practice. Just trying will focus your attention and improve your memory.
4. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS – when meeting someone you know and cannot remember their name
   1. Try to recall the situation in which you met them or saw them last. “How long has it been?”
   2. “I remember you well, but your name has slipped my mind.”
   3. If introducing them to another person, say the name you do know and hope the person will volunteer their own name.
   4. “Oh, hello there; I didn’t recognize you at first. How have you been?”
   5. Some people use the alphabet effectively to cue themselves.
   6. Remember, it is unrealistic to remember everyone’s name! Decide not to be embarrassed. Everyone has the same problem.
5. SUMMARY

   1. Pay attention.
   2. Repeat the name.
   3. Note the person’s outstanding feature.
   4. Find substitute words in the name or make a simple association.
   5. Link the facial feature and substitute words in an unusual image.
   6. Make notes when convenient.
   7. Rehearse, practice and have fun!

How to remember names

1. Face association
Examine a person’s face discretely when you are introduced. Try to find an unusual feature, whether ears, hairline, forehead, eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, chin, complexion, etc.

Create an association between that characteristic, the face, and the name in your mind. The association may be to link the person with someone else you know with the same name. Alternatively it may be to associate a rhyme or image of the name with the person’s face or defining feature.

2. Repetition
When you are introduced, ask for the person to repeat their name. Use the name yourself as often as possible (without overdoing it!). If it is unusual, ask how it is spelled or where it is comes from, and if appropriate, exchange cards. Keep in mind that the more often you hear and see the name, the more likely it is to sink in.

Also, after you have left that person’s company, review the name in your mind several times. If you are particularly keen you might decide to write it down and make notes.

Summary
The methods suggested for remembering names are fairly simple and obvious, but are useful. Association either with images of a name or with other people can really help. Repetition and review help to confirm your memory.

Success Rules

You can achieve success if
1) You choose to always see the positive, to be a problem-solving go-getter
2) You recognise that you can improve yourself
3) You are willing to re-examine every aspect of your character, you constantly analyse yourself to see how you can do things better and quicker
4) You commit yourself to Constant And Never ending Improvement (CANI)
5) You recognise that the skill-set that makes you a good employee is insufficient, you must develop your autonomous skills
6) You realise that Success is a habit and attitude and a skill
7) You learn a set of skills and tricks which you can use to help you become more efficient
You write a Success Diary to note down every time you go outside your comfort-zone, conquer a bad-habit, surprise a colleague, friend or relation with your thoughtfulness, every time you achieve a mini-goal or get paid a compliment.
9) You appreciate that you live in the most wonderful age of opportunities, inventions, technologies, health improvements, travel possibilities and new sports you wonder how you how you can possibly fail.