"Smoked Out"

Here's a preview of one of my Journalistic Writing ICA4 articles.

It's about a smoker. Enjoy.

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He blew out his puff as he sat there quietly, watching the tip of his cigarette die out. He had finished the second stick of the day, so he stubbed it out and threw it into the ash tray. As he looked up, his face expressionless, he tried to recall the days of how that age old habit started out in him.

Muhammad Arifin, is only 18 this year, but he has already been smoking for 4 years now. Studying in Nanyang Polytechnic’s Media Studies & Management (soon to be rebranded as Mass Media Management), he has been depending on the magic stick to keep him going through the tough life of polytechnic. But how did he pick it up in the first place?

It all started when Arifin was in Secondary 2. Back then, he was schooling in Ang Mo Kio Secondary, studying in the express stream. The thing is for Ariffin, he never really had smoker friends back then. He started smoking due not to peer pressure, but more to personal issues. His dad was already a smoker, and he was having trouble with his studies. So one day, he decided to take his first puffs which lead him onto a never-ending journey of tobacco.

“I could still remember my first pack. It was Marlboro Reds.” He said.

“I didn’t know what else to buy, so I bought it from a shop under my block. The uncle there assumed I was old enough, and sold me the pack.”

Nowadays, Ariffin would smoke different brands depending on his mood and the money he has in his pocket.

Ever since, he has discreetly smoked throughout his secondary school life and into his tertiary education. He had been caught before by his parents, but after countless berates, they have more or less given up on him.

However, Arifin had tried to quit the habit before. Over the course of his smoking career, he has tried to quit for at least about 6 times. One time, he was almost successful, going as long as 6 months without a cigarette.

“It was because of this girl, I liked. She told me, she’ll only be with me if quit smoking – which I did. But she disappeared eventually, which gave me a reason not to quit anymore”, Arifin recalls.

Arifin explains his life as a roller coaster ride, with more downs than ups. This made him go back to the comforts of tobacco every time something doesn’t go right. Sometimes he feels as if he doesn’t want to be dependent on the stick, seeing he isn’t exactly the healthiest guy on earth.

He had tried various ways to get him out of the habit. At first, he tried to simply satisfy cravings by having a sweet every now and then. However, that became a much more expensive method than buying packs weekly. Eventually he tried Nicotine Gum, a gum that supposedly gives smokers their nicotine fix without the stains of tobacco. His parents bought for him the gum for his 17th birthday. He tried it a couple of times, but hated it due to its bland and spicy taste.

No matter what he tried, the call of the cigarette was too strong for him to resist. To him, smoking isn’t just because of his addiction to nicotine. He feels at ease with it. It calms him when nothing else can.

“Sometimes, I feel that cigarettes are the only thing that truly understands me”

Muhammad Arifin doesn’t intend to give up smoking anytime soon now. He now believes it’s the only thing keeping him together after all he’s been through, and he doesn’t regret it at all. Even if he did have a chance to forever quit smoking, he would rather stick to the stick.

Carry On Wayward Son

Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I'm dreamin', I can hear them say:

Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed about I'm like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune, but I hear the voices say:

Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more NO!

Carry on, you will always remember
Carry on, nothing equals the splendor
Now your life's no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you

Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry
Don't you cry no more

-------------------

A classic.

Just felt like it.

Please Don't Slow Me Down, If I'm Going Too Fast....

Holy shit, it's finally over.

For now.

For the past week, I've been on the fucking edge from the moment I wake up, till I close my eyes and go to sleep. I don't know why. I've been waking up late every morning. Rushing to school, keeping my cool and all. It's pretty obvious to people I'm under pressure and my angst is getting the best of me at times.

But that's me, when I'm all drained out. I wasn't under that much pressure. I can handle the stress, but when an overload of stuff comes down on me, I get tired. I was just shagged for the most part. Planning and directing a play, planning group projects and executing roles, doing assignments and studying for tests and all. Mehhh...

At least I'm done with it. Thank god. You have no idea how good I felt while I was in that taxi, after I sent her off, on the way home. I felt refreshed and I literally felt something heavy was off me finally.

Now my goal is to sleep, stay in bed, and watch the World Cup all the way till the start of term 2... BUT WAIT!

Luqman, you forgetful ignorant lazy baffoon. Of course you can't rest now! There's still much to do over these 2 weeks! When school reopens, everything will come running down my doorstep like a bull seeing red.

So okay, here's the plan - take a break for 2 days. Once Wednesday passes, get back on my toes and do things SLOWLY. Yes, take it slow. An advice I made up, but never really uphold myself. I'm a such an hypocrite.

----

Any-vayz...

I vuld liek to thank ze Year 2 Dramas for putting in their precious time for StageArts Night. I know the story and all isn't exactly right, and the crowd laughed at the wrong times, and the sounds cocked up, and everything didn't went smoothly, and I was stressed out and all.

But seriously, everyone thanks.

Now we all can vanish and make our dramatic comeback to Stage Arts, one by one, when production comes along. Or not.


Whatever it is... I wanna not do stuff anymore. For now.

Me? Sarcastic? Nahhhh....

What a mess. What's a mess? Everything is!

But it's the kind of mess that keeps us moving and not loathing around, doing nothing. Being lazy-ass bums.

Shit happens all the freaking time. Like everyday, there's bound to be something trying to bring you down. It can be as small as dropping a coin the floor, or as big as a fight with someone. Basically, a lot went down over the past week or so.

Good and bad. It's funny how so many things can happen to you, when you've hardly done anything at all.

Anyways.

School - same old, same old.

Good news?
I passed both my Journalistic Writing and Media Market Research written test. Not exactly flying colours, but not exactly borderline average either. I'm happy because these bastards decided to pop-up on my birthday, and I fucking took them down like the bitches they are.

Bad news?
Lots of work, Multi-cam was a nerve-wrecking. I'm constantly being late for classes. I'm always coming home late, and dying on my desk. I've been starving during the day, and always end-up eating a lot late at night.

Drama taking a toll on me. I'm directing a play for StageArts night. I fear, I won't get everything done in time. I'm good at executing, but organizing ain't my cup of tea.

Also, I got appointed as leader for two module ICAs. I didn't had a say. But meh, I'll show them whose boss! That would be ME. I haven't done anything. Looks like I gotta move the cogs in the machine. That's what I'm always expected to do.

Hmm, as far as my relationship with her is concerned, we've gone through rocky waters. But fortunately all is fine. She's simple, yet confusing. Or maybe it's just in my head. Maybe I just don't know how to handle and adapt to sudden chances in the tide.

Sometimes it feels like an unstoppable force, meets an immovable object. Nothing is gain..

Needless to say, it's part and parcel of everything. That's reality, nothing is ever you expect it to be. Still, I'm not complaining. I'd take this over being lonely and upset all the time, any day.


NOW. Only ONE MORE FREAKING WEEK. After this week, well .. technically, there is no "holiday" just a break. Hell, the break won't even be a break.

BUT WE MUST BE OPTIMISTIC. For we must remember - It's always darkest before the dawn.

NOW. ONWARDS. after I finish this cookie.

Caught in a Crossfire

Here's a situation for you little people. Play it out in your head.
It may require some flexible ethics depending on who you are.

Scenario:
You are out with two good friends. One of them is your significant other, the other, her/his best friend. Everyone's having a great time, until suddenly, a tiny issue is raised and everything goes sour.

Your significant other fires harsh words at their best friend. There is an awkward silence.

You are left alone.

Both parties are badly hurt. Your significant other is now emotional and regrets their actions.

Do you still comfort and support them?

What about the other friend? Remember, they're still a very good/close friend of yours.
Would it be biased if you tend to your own partner only? Will they feel neglected?

The best course of action is obviously to be Neutral. But what do you say to be neutral? How will you break the long silence? What do you do to mend the situation?

-----

I hope someone can give me an answer to this, because I suck at it. Thanks.

Send me your best answers, and you'll stand a chance to win a Sandwich... made by me.

I must confess that I feel like a monster...

What is wrong with this animal
I'm terrible
I hope you never see me wind up!

The barrage of workload and endless nights reign once again. The sudden transition from relaxation mode to work-mode is never an easy shift. My fatigue is showing. But, I have to put it aside to attend to other matters.

In-Course Assessments every single week. And unlike last semester, where I was lazing my ass off throughout, I'm actually trying to put effort now. I actually studied for a written test that wasn't an exam. Things are moving so fast, it still feels as if the holidays just ended. But in actual fact, that was more than a month ago.

Today, my angst got a grip on me once again. I never liked myself when I'm angry, 'coz, I don't think. I snapped at Arifin, my good friend, while he was having a good time. For no reason. I don't know why. I felt so bad after wards. I don't know how many lives I've shook because of my unforeseen mood swings. Unpredictable anger is the worst form anger ever. I need an anger management therapist... Like Dr. Buddy Rydell! Anger Management was a good movie.

The face that killed a thousand angry brain cells.... wait

Tomorrow's Vesak Day, a public holiday. I wanna go out. My parents promised me an outing, though that hardly seem possible now. I find it funny, they hardly acknowledged even my own birthday. My dad anyways. I didn't receive a present or anything. Have they given up on me?

Maybe not. I pray not.

I guess, it's the perfect time to catch my breath, and take a break. But nah, I've never been one to sit still and rejuvenate. I'll find a way.

Okay enough of this depressing bull shit. I'll crap about something magical tomorrow.

OWW!! I mean... AAHH!! ... nah, not really.

Well, well... look who's an old dude now.

Yours truly. I got so caught up with all the excitement and glamor of having those kick-ass rock star parties all night, I forgot to wish myself my own Birthday.

So,

Happy fucking Birthday to Me.

I'm finally a 19 year-old awesome guy. No not really.
But I am 19... Sigh.

So how I did I really celebrated the official start of my final teenage year? Not much. All I did before the barrage of facebook wishes came raining down my Notification box was, sitting on my arse, eating chocolate chip cookies and watching Family Guy till 4am in the morning. Best Party Ever.

But before that, the guys and me head to that Grassroots club/building next door to the school, and had a few friendly games of Pool. What started out as a joke, became a real fun event for us.

Youliang takes a shot.

All we needed were leather jackets, epic beards, a Jukebox, cigarettes, glasses of beer, and a hot waitress walking around taking our Steak orders... Yeah keep dreaming Luq, this ain't America.

A Tuesday Evening well spent.

The next day, as a birthday present, Miss Ang thought it'd be nice to give us a test! Journalistic Writing! Yay. It feels so fun to pick up the pen and paper again, and actually write an article/composition with it. Sure, my hand felt crampy after wards, but it was worth it! Memories of days old where this was a norm and writing story involved a pen, correction tape, and an endless supply of paper. Secondary school compo days were awesome ... except when it comes to Mother Tongue. Fuck you Karangan.

After all that, I met up with her and we had a mini-date to Pastamania.
It was, an intriguing experience for me, filled with interesting tastes that made my tongue danced out loud. Tasbasco Sauce ftw.

Also, I've NEVER eaten in at Pastamania before (I've been more of a Take-away kind of guy), so I was kinda lost with the what-nots of the restaurant. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle!

That new experience was her birthday gift to me. It was all I needed, and I'm more than happy with it.

I just wish I wasn't so much of an idiot during the night. One stupid move by me without thinking, and everything went haywire. I felt like screaming and tearing off some heads in the bus. Sigh. But alas, what was done, is done.

And so, that was my 19th birthday in a wrap. To think since I'm 19, and I'm celeberating on the 19th, and I was born 1991, I would have a string of some magical or epic number-19 filled events. But, I've never been one for such trivial celebrations. It's my final year as a teenager. I'll need to live it all. When I turn 20, and look back at how I grew up, I want to remember my teenage-hood as an extravagant series of events that fully shaped my life for the better, and not remember it for the wrong reasons.

We're the new face of failures.

Oh god, do I always sound like that?

That was one ride of a week. Fortunately, it's all over. Let's do it again.... NOT!
You have no idea how relieving it is to see her again. It's like, all my sickness and worries suddenly went away.

A silly skinnies shopping trip in town, somehow ends up on the rooftop of Vivo City.

An intense drama meeting, somehow ends up at a quiet corner of Republic Poly.

I feel fantastic.

----

Please do not disturb the bear during this hibernation period. Thank you

Hey, it's been awhile since I've blabbered about school! So why not I get back to that, huh? How's school? Puuurrrfect. So far, all I've been doing is an endless barrage of boring lectures and tutorials. They range from the horrendously dry, to an exciting water-slide. But honestly, for me, it's been in one ear and out the other.

I slept through Media Market Research, twice. Both tutorial and lecture. It's that horrible of a module. I remember the first lecture (technically, it was the second lecture, since I couldn't make it for the official first lecture), I almost immediately fell asleep. I awoke to the silent chuckles of my friends around me. They too, more or less, showed signs of being drained out from that drought of a lecture. Near the end of it (I awoke around this time), I was shocked to see someone actually asking questions!

Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

People who were actually paying attention to whole thing??? BLASPHEMY.

I don't know, it's just me. I have never been one who would actually be able to pay attention to things I don't bother giving my two cents about. I mean, we're media students. We're not god-damned scientists or engineers. Hell, being a business person wasn't even part of the deal when we entered this place (well, for most of us anyways).

But still, thank god for Media-related modules. Yes. Modules that a Media Student can actually be proud of. You know, those modules that we were expecting to learn when we SIGNED UP for this god-damned course?

Journalistic Writing is much more fun when you're actually WRITING rather than just sitting there listening HOW to write.

And I know I'm just going to miss Multi-Cam when the Semester is over.

But whatever. Who am I to complain, it's school. Those stuff will probably haunt or come back at some point of my life. Might as well suck it up and live with it. Like two years ago, I lamented at the fact I was taking Food and Nutrition. But guess what, who'd knew all that could actually get me some attention from some people., heh.

Falling In Love - McFly

And I'll survive... Paranoid.

Pig-casso's bored in class...

Well this sucks. It's only half of the week, and I have my back against the wall. I'm stuck here in between being the exuberant hyper monkey I am and being totally depressed. I don't know, I just don't feel like myself since the week started.

Dipping in and out of fevers..
Asthma-like coughs randomly spouting..
A blocked nose, causing unsettling noises and breathing...

Nah, I'm fine now. The flu came and left as fast as it got to me. But the worst to all this was that, I had to push myself despite the fact I was almost dying. Trust me, standing directly behind a burning spotlight while your whole body is burning a nice 39 degrees on the inside (not to mention wearing a 3 layers of a Hooded shirt, a shirt, and a blazer) is not an experience for the faint-hearted.

Monday night, I was enjoying my wholesome rest. *beep beep* Oh no, I gotta go for a last-minute movie screening of Robin Hood. The other 2 can't make it, and I'm their last hope. Sigh... I slept through the whole movie either way. Immediately next day, filming and it took fucking forever. I was this close to just collapsing halfway on camera.

No one's in the mood to be on camera right now...

After the whole thing, I popped in 2 tablets of paracetamol. Hood up. Dozed off in the heat of the crowded canteen. 10 mins later, Aaron and Hakim woke me up and I dragged my sorry ass to lecture.

And I'm just gonna put this out straight - I'm seriously close to just giving up the "game".

I may. Seem strong? But that's what we liars do. We put on a mask and stay that way, when behind I'm just dying. Fuck. I'm acting. Act Act Act. Drama what.... alamak. I know it's not been even a week but .. maybe it's the fever. Yeah, those headaches and what not got me thinking too much. I just don't know anymore.

Only a day left. Tahan.

Random Flu Bug is Random.

Pop goes the Kitty :3

Recently, whenever I reach home early or before 10pm, I'll always see this one cat sleeping or just laying down along my block's flight of stairs. For the first few times, whenever I approach it, it'll go into a defensive stance. But now, I think it somehow gotten the idea that I'm not worth the effort to be scared of. Now it'll just sit there and stone at me whenever I pass by. Cute lil' bugger.

Anywho,

Ahhh my legs are all cramped up. Well my thighs are. And I haven't even been to the gym in a month. I gone back to my running routine. Surprisingly, I managed to do 2.4 without stopping. Shocking, especially since I've been smoking like a bitch. Gotta keep it up.

But right now, I don't think I can. Every part of my body seems to aching today. I woke up this morning with a terrible sore throat, and along the day, I got a terrible cold. Every sneeze I took, felt like a chainsaw grazing through the insides of my throat. I just want to tear my throat off. Guuh.

After a quick (though distasteful) nap, the cold sort of went away. But my throat still hurts badly. Thank god class is canceled tomorrow. Saves me the trouble of photocopying a Medical Certificate and sending in an online Statement of Absence. So fucking leceh.

Oh, and Hani, don't stress too much. Alright?
Take a chillaxative. I'll be fine.
I'll see you in a week... (:

The Runaways (2010) Movie Review

Technically, I'm a movie reviewer/critic now. I'm one of NYP TV's Movie Musketeers, so looks like I've gotta start review some movies now eh? As a media student, I'm more than happy to do so.

So recently, Aaron and me were invited to watch "The Runaways", a reenactment of the events that brought the 70s all-girl band, The Runaways, into fame and fortune. So let's begin.

I came into the cinema with low expectations for the movie. Even though the trailers for the movie were pretty eye-opening, I was expecting the movie to be another cliché “Rock Band-gone-bad-due-to-fame” kind of movie. What’s more, it was supposed to be based on the original “The Runaways” band, and knowing how Hollywood likes to cheese out and exaggerate the ‘real’ story for their movies, I thought it was probably going to be another one of those sad excuse for a movie.

However, I’m actually surprised how the movie went. It more or less gravitated towards the original source material of how the band came about (I know this, because I kind of did some research about the band), with a one or two slight diversions from the real events to fit a 2 hour storyline.

The movie really brought out the dark and dirty scene of the night social life of the 70s/80s. Drugs and booze were a norm, and overdressed partygoers were actually considered “hip”. “The Runaways” used this to give the audience an impression just how low the band was before they soared. It more or less worked.

Resident Twilight girl, Kristen Stewart, played as Joan Jett. Her performance was surprisingly awesome. She managed to bring out the angst and rough lifestyle of a Rock Star, while Dakota Fanning, played as the band’s lead singer, Cherrie Curie, completely turned her “innocent girl” look into a disturbingly believable jailbait that would leave hundreds of men ashamed to actually ogle at a 15 year old. Both actresses did a fantastic job completely transforming themselves into their characters, going out of their way to exit their comfort zones and be something they could never portray from their previous movies.

Spot the jailbait.

In terms of storyline, it was rather expected. Badass girl wants to be a rock star. Innocent girl wants to be a singer. As fate would have it, they meet and get a chance to form a band with the help of a wacky psychotic Record Producer, Kim Fowley (played by Michael Shannon). They start small and struggled to make themselves known, and through the hard life style of rock and roll, they eventually make a breakthrough and achieved the title of Rock Stars. However, fame and drugs get into their heads, and things don’t work out as well, so the band dissolves. Everyone took their own paths (with Joan Jett continuing her musical dreams, forming “Joan Jett and the Blackhearts”), and it ended with a cute phone conversation/reunion within Joan, Cherrie, and an awkward Radio DJ.

Cool ah...

The movie focused mostly on these 2 characters and Fowley. The other members in the band were not fleshed out as much as, and felt more like extras to keep the fact that it’s about a rock band. Though, after some research, the producers had actually intended to bring out story of the original bassist of “The Runaways”, but due to legal issues, it wasn’t possible. I have no qualms over this, because the movie was only an hour plus long, and trying to squeeze in the back stories of 5 members within a small time frame would just make the movie a lot messy and won’t really focus on what happened to the band.

Now available, "The Runaway" Dolls! In stores now. (bassist not included)

It’s a nice movie to watch if you’re into the explicitly of being a Rock Star and I say 4 nachos. Watch it if you can.

Every thug needs a lady...

It's times like these you learn to live again It's times like these you give and give again It's times like these you learn to love again It's times like these time and time again

Oh the things I do for love.
The cheese I spread across everything I do and say. It'll make half of you people want to puke out your hearts out instead.


It's been almost 2 weeks, and my new girlfriend has kept me sane.

What's her name, you ask? Princess Honey. Go figure.

The past two weeks have been a constant tide of ecstasy and trauma. To be honest, as much as I look like the kind of guy who knows what's what in a relationship, I'm as much of a newbie as she is. I'm not exactly sure or know when to do what. I'm only acting on instinct, perception, luck, general knowledge and from what I learned from movies and books.

I'm the worst kind of cliche anyone can ever get.

But that got me somewhere, so I guess I must have done something right. Heh...

Well, we haven't had much time going out due to educational obligations. This is really another long distance relationship. She lives across the country. Her school is across the campus from mine. But, being the kind of guy I am, I go out of my way to keep her company as much as I can.

Yes, I'm so sweet, you can actually die from diabetes.

Anywho, today my schedule was packed, ranging from the stupid to the awesome. As usual, met up with her, and planned to go somewhere.

Who'd knew tonight would be so awesome. It was impromptu, but somehow everything went so smoothly. Didn't had a plan... somehow ended up in town and Esplanade/Clark Quay of all places. Which is kinda cool, 'coz Esplanade used to be my central area for hanging out. And I haven't been there for god knows how long.

(not in picture) a bunch of mumbo jumbo construction stuff.

We sat, we talked. Conveniently, I had my guitar with me. So, out of nowhere, I ahem serenaded ahem her.

Yes, you may start puking your hearts out. Your hearts, you imbeciles, not your dried up, nicotine-filled lungs!

Okay, not exactly serenade. I just played a few hits that I thought might put a smile on her face. It more than just made her smile, heh.

So we left the area. Sent her home and we had a heart-to-heart (if you can say that) talk. It was unexpected, but it was bound to happen eventually. And it happened in the train. Hmm, come to think of it, lots of stuff happened in the train for us. Hehe.

Let's just say, I feel we made a difference tonight. The wall of secrets between us have lessen. It's nice. We needed that talk anyways. I mean. The fact we got together so fast, just like that ... seemed a little too good to be true. So, some back-story from both parties had to be filled in to see how the pieces fit. Now that's the picture is complete (somewhat), it makes more sense to why things happened the way they did.

Well, that's enough soul-searching for one night. I'll be back to my normal narcissistic nonsensical blogpost by tomorrow or so. Have a good night.

This is my gift; and my curse... I'm Spid- .. Luqman.

You know. Come to think of it, my life right now feels like the events from the Spiderman movie trilogy. And I'm Peter Parker.

No, I didn't get bitten by a radioactive spider (at least I think I didn't).

No, I don't shoot web out of my wrists nor do I swing from building to building.

And no, I can't climb walls (actually I can, but not as often as I used to anymore).

Just that specific themes of the events that happened from Spiderman 1 to 3 somehow to relates to what I've been doing and going through. Let's analyse, shall we?

----

With great power comes great DVD deals

So okay, let's begin with Spiderman 1.

In Spiderman 1, Peter Parker is introduced as the nerdy loser kid who's just leading and average life. There's nothing special about him, he wears specs and has only one friend.

That was me. More or less. I came to Poly like everyone else, no credit to my name, and was the average guy who wasn't a joker/jock/cool dude/etc.. I was another cog in the education machine. I had my crushes whom I almost never talked to and had more than enough selengeh-ism (loser-like day-to-day fails) in everything I do.

So okay, soon Peter gets bitten by a Spider, and one morning he wakes up with a changed body.

I was a fat kid, and one day I realised ... wow, I, lost weight?

So yeah, you get the point. I'll keep the self-praising to a minimum.

Mmmmm, yeah. Nothing much else that relates from Spiderman 1. I didn't fought any green goblins. Oh wait, I'll consider my schoolwork as an epic battle. All those late night struggles that almost brought me down. They count for something, right?

Taste my Presentational fury Pang! ... oh wait

So yeah, all was well. I've fully moved into a new lifestyle. Poly changed me for the better and all was well, for awhile. Just like how Peter feels when he's completely into being Spiderman and finally everything ends well for him.

At least that's what we thought.

So okay, this is where the fun begins. Spiderman 2.

This is when Parker becomes a depressed Spider and the whole world is against him. He's fighting to survive on a daily basis, having trouble expressing himself to the one he loves, and at some point just doesn't want to be Spiderman anymore.

This was when I got suddenly depressed at some point in my life. If you read my previous blog post ... well let's say that story has a part in it. I just felt like I everything was fucked up and I was just waking up. Survive the day. Go back to bed. Life was mundane and I hated it.

Me: 0, Big Bad World: 1 ... Nuff said.

But eventually, after much inner struggling (also some references from my previous blog post), everything suddenly cleared. A heavy burden got lifted off my shoulders and all I could do was sit there and think "Wow, is this for real?".

Just like how Spiderman 2 ends. Mary-Jane finds out who Peter really is, and all Peter could do is sit on his bed and look out his window and think, if everything really is going to change.


Now we move on to the finale, Spiderman 3.
This is where I am currently at.

Peter is happy. Everything is for him now. He's got the girl, the fans, and the fame. Everything's going great.

That's what I'm feeling right now. It's like, my life took a turn and now every since the first day of the first week of school started, everything feels so fine. So far so good.

Peter lets it get to his head, and is too into himself. His girl, Mary-Jane, isn't exactly having a time of her life, and has problems of her own, but Peter is too distracted to see this. Now this sounds familiar, although I won't go into it because I'm not in the position of explaining. But, you get the idea. However, unlike Parker, I am aware of Mary-Jane's problems, and despite my better efforts, I want to help solve it.

So yeah, basically where I am at now is, well. I'm an overly-happy douche ... with emo hair.

It's not hard to imagine my face there.

That sort of wraps it up. Sort of. The movie is still playing for me, so I'm just gonna see how it rolls. Spider-man 3 isn't exactly the best movie out there, so I'm guessing the fact that I'm comparing my life with it goes to show how much of a fail and douchebag I am. But. Meh. I digress.

The Princess and the Subtle Pauper.

Good evening kiddies from all over.
Gather 'round, for a story is about to be told and it's not over.
Get your blankets and your pillows,
And embrace the joy as we pass around marshmallows!

:D

Okay enough of that bull crap.

This is a story about Boy, a Girl, a wise wrinkly Black Man, a Genie, a strong brave old Lady and a magical 3g iPhone.

Once upon a time in the land of Annwaiipee, it was ruled by a magical imaginative kingdom who proclaimed themselves as the Artstagers.

In the kingdom, lived a beautiful Princess. She was the sweetest thing to have ever lived. Some say she was even as sweet as Honey... well okay enough with the mushy stuff. Let's just call her Honey.

One day, a guy flew from the distant white lands of Londore and arrived in Annwaiipee, just 3 weeks before the start of an annual Orientation Festival. He went by the name of... uhhh... hmm... Lego. (i blame that small lego toy sitting on my desk)

You see, Lego was the kind of guy who held back a lot and needed to be provoked in order to get going. Lego had traveled to Annwaiipee because through his magical 3g iPhone, he had word from a Dark mysterious man, that an epic Festival was coming and soon he became fascinated by it. He had intended to learn more and perhaps be part of the special event that only occurs once a year.

He finally made contact with the people of Artstagers and after much deliberation, he soon became one of them as well. Soon, preparations were on the way as the number of days shorten towards the arrival of the Festival.

Lego had made several new acquaintances. One of them was an old lady, but don't be fooled by her age because she was strong willed and had a powerful roar that shook the bonds of a thousand douchebags.

He eventually found out that the mysterious man who told him about the event was actually a very wise wrinkly black dude who had a premonition for Lego's future.

Lego had also befriended a Genie who could only eat specific kinds of food that fell under the category of "meatless"..

But one thing was bothering Lego. One day, while lepaking with his crew (yes that's a traditional Artstager's past-time) he noticed the beautiful Princess Honey walking by. As she gracefully breezed across the hallways with her pure bright eyes and innocent smile, Lego's heart stopped. He stoned in fear. But it was a good kind of fear. The kind of fear where people in the modern days would call, love.

As days passed, he would see the Princess more and more and eventually found ways to talk to her. They spoke, but did not converse long. Neither of them had the chance. It was hard and awkward. Until one day, Lego summoned the magical Facebook and enchanted the MSN spell which allowed them to talk with one another much more easily.

Soon, the Genie became suspicious of Lego's doings. She with the help of the her magical crew, they sought to bring out the truth through dastardly interrogations. Lego was strong, he held back and didn't give in. However, it was at the cost of his own self-esteem and the awkwardness with the Princess.

Lego didn't know what to do. He was in the belief that he was fighting a losing fight within himself, and he would never win the heart of the princess because he was just another every-man who sprung up from nowhere. But, the wise wrinkly black man saw through Lego's troubles and comforted him. He gave words of advice and motivation to encourage and boost Lego's ego to be the charming prince that he is.

Soon, after much consultation, everyone was on Lego's side. After a daring after-dark gathering at the Beaches of East Coast, it is where Lego had learned the ultimate truth of his real actions and how it was bringing him down. He knew how high the stakes were now, and the Genie and her crew finally pledge full support to Lego.

One night, after the Princess returned home from her maiden voyage. Lego unleashed himself and slayed the awkward monster that stood between him and the princess. Words were said, and a date was set.

All was well.

As days passed, the festival began. They played it low and under the radar, but was mutual for the most. After the first day of the Club Crawl festival, Lego finally gathered enough effort and pulled the most "smoothest" cheesiest thing ever. I swear, you would have laughed if you were there. Gahhhhh. Well played Lego. Well played.

The Princess agreed to Lego's offer, and they both were happy.

But their adventures did not stop there!

One day, the terrifying NEh Monster was terrorizing Artstagers, especially the Princess and it was ruining her focus for much important things. Lego offered his help, and together with the help of the Princess's handmaidens, they managed to edit a video that would put down the monster once and for all. The princess and her handmaidens thanked Lego.


So now it's all cool, and the rest... is history.

-------------

Thanks for reading. Now go turn my story into some big-budget Hollywood/Bollywood Blockbuster Hit.

I suggest casting Ewan McGregor for Lego. He's cool.

I'll club you till you crawl.

The week ends! NYP's first week of school closes and with that, I hope you freshmen had a good time. Savor it. It's not gonna be heaven forever, prepare to taste the fiery goodness that is Polytechnic. Endless projects, muggings, lectures and the likes. Live it, breathe it, eat it, sleep with it. Why? Because you are it.

And with that Drama performances are officially over! I'm done! Done! Over the next one!

Club Crawl closes with the roar of a thousand thunderstorms. We came. We saw. We... didn't exactly conquer but still we stood out.

This time I played as one of the Three Little pigs. To sum up our play - Fairy tales crossover with a cliche love twist. Nuff said. BUT IT WAS AWESOME.

For pigs, WE LOOK GOOD.

I had to wear make up for most of the day. You have, no idea how much dignity I've lost. How could my previous character - Mr. Hottie, get so low as to turn into a purple/pink-ish pig. Urgh, two days of walking past people laughing and giving me the "What. the flying Fuck." face and giving me sarcastic comments about how I look, only to "oink oink" my back not even a minute later.

Nevermind. A shot of Redbull will take all the embarrassment away.

We gave it all. We had fun. We cheered our lungs out, dash across the stage as fast we could, jumped and flailed our arms around in euphoria, and celebrated our victory as if we had just won the World Cup. Nothing beats that satisfying feeling of completing a huge burden with a big bang.

All our efforts were never in vain. So screw you Miss "You Guys Are Disappoint, Need to Have More Fun, and Be Real Life Fairy Tale Characters Through Therapy Sessions". You know who you are. You were never there to see how much planning had gone into each scene, nor were there when we were laughing at each other during rehearsals, or stood in for someone's part when they weren't there. Just because we were not feeling well that one night (which so happened to be the first fucking day of school, mind you), you thought we were just showing attitude. It's obvious you don't know us as well as you think you do.

You know who you are.... *glare*

Well, to put it in wraps it was a fun event and I'm glad I can put drama aside for now. I've been missing my "Juboh" crew and the warriors of MS0901.

Seriously. You know you're being left out from school when a classmate goes "Hey, I'm doing PR tutorials", and you go "PR what?!".

Back to the land of endless easy words turned complicated terms, emailed notes, queer angsty comedic lecturers, and camera works.

I guess just because my name is "Bozo", I was destined to be a Clown...

So there was I.

Shirtless in the salty waters of East Coast park, gazing at the endless rows of fleets blockading the Singapore seas. Watching the sun setting in the horizon. I thought to myself - "There's something icky touching my feet".

Apparently it was a seaweed. I kicked it away and continued my underwater stoning.

I sat on the wet sands, with the water at my neck-level for a good 15 minutes. All the while, it felt like forever. I was deep in thought about people, someone, and the stuff that's about to come.

I know this isn't East Coast Park. I didn't have a picture of the beach from yesterday, so shut up!

You see, I like to think. A lot. Perhaps maybe too much. I don't show it, but I do. I keep my thoughts to myself. Why? I had a harsh time growing up. I grew up in an environment where my opinions don't matter and everyone shoots me down for everything I say. So I could never really say I what I mean anymore after awhile.

In my head, lies a constant game of chess. Or any strategy game for that matter. I'm the kind of guy, who plans my moves waayyy before hand. I would play out any given situation in my head. And then think about the possibilities, the outcomes and consequences. The advantage of this is that I would come in real life ready. However, living this way for most of my life, I now see the flaws in this style. And it outweighs the advantages.

One thing, I would be ready and armed. I'll know my rotations of the words and actions to do when the time comes. Problem is, once that set is done, and I'm all out of cards, I'll be blanked. Unarmed, empty, and vulnerable. That's when things go wrong with me, and I fucking hate to be in that situation.

Another flaw involves the preparation. Thinking a lot is good. Thinking too much, will just get me killed one day. My thinking process goes something like this -

[Possibility]

- becomes-

[Idea]

- becomes -

[Possible Outcome]

- but -

[Plausible flaw]
- becomes -

[Consequences]
- turns -

[Plausible Problem]

- becomes -

[Chaos theory]

- ultimately -

[Failure to execute idea]

And the vicious cycle repeats.

It's actually much more deeper than that. But I'd rather not go into it so much.

I don't know why I do it. It just becomes instinct after going through a lot over the years. Both good and bad. Most of the time I would just go "Ah screw it" and I'll ignore everything and just go for it. And for the most part, the actual outcome of my supposed action would be far from what I would have expected. Sometimes better. Surprisingly, knowing this already I still have the habit of playing the guy who is tipping his toe over the edge of the Bungee platform, thinking if he should just go for it, try sitting and sliding down, or call it quits.

Nike is brilliant with their slogan - "Just. Do. It."

Guess all I need sometimes is a little push to get me going. And start thinking less negative and more positively, of course.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go over and sit in that corner and think about what I just wrote here.

BANDAID.

No you

No you

No you

No you

No you

No you

No you

No you

No you

No you

No

No

No

No

No

FUCK.

Cutest Days, Angsty Gays, and a Heroine in a daze.

Life moves so fast.

One minute, the year had just begun. You're at the start of a new chapter. Before you know it, the first act ends. My second act is about to begin this coming Monday. I shall be a Year 2 Media Student. A senior. With juniors who would eventually call me douchebag and the likes.

But at the end of each "Act", lies a conclusion. Something that would link the future and the now. Mine ended with something I didn't had expected at all. Out of the shit that I may still be in, I feel I may turn out to be a better person or remain the same.

This holiday, I set myself to regain ground with old friends and strengthen current ones. I got back to my old NCC camp and it was a fucking hell of a night to be with the old gang once again.

I had a short (it was seriously short to me!) vacation overseas in the Land of Endless Cold, Yellow-filtered Marlboro Lights, Beautiful Women, and Teas & Biscuits. A.k.a London. AWESOME. My dream fulfilled to walk in the streets of England and come home as Paddington Bear (don't ask. Inside joke).

My parents

It was the best trip ever! I didn't feel lost there at all. Somehow, I could just as easily read their subways and maps. I could practically figure out where to go just as easily! Interacting with the people there were great too. Sure, I had to put up an accent sometimes. But it's so fun. They probably didn't suspect I was faking it. Maybe.

I friggin' went to every corner of London. The towns and suburbs (where the normal people are) and the high-class places (shopper's delights and tourist attractions and such). Emirettes Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Tower Bridge, Eye of London, Thames River, Kensington Palace, London Film Museum. It wus rather intriguing [/fakebritishaccent]

Oh, and I got into a fight with an old black lady. While shopping for groceries, I accidentally kicked her walking stick. I apologised, but she went berserk on me. Thinking I was some hooligan trying to cause trouble. I walked away with my head in shame. But so what? It was an experience, and heck, I'll never see her again anyways. Aha.

I came home and almost immediately began something new. I haven't forgotten about my CCA, StageArts Drama. Heck, I practically went straight for rehearsal right after I landed in Singapore. I just missed them all.

Oh yes I do.

After nights of tiresome training, finally managed to performed to a crowd of juniors. Our faces and characters will be forever (or at least until a certain point of time) imprinted into the minds of the younglings of SBM & SHS. (SHS can go suck a dick).

I didn't regret any of it! Seriously, we are now tighter than a pair of skinny jeans on a mat-rep. Fucking fun.

Believe it or not, my character is actually the "Hot guy".

During the rehearsals, I caught up with my fellow drama mates, and good buddy Fin. We talked and shared tales. I have never been one to open up, but he's a really great person to talk to. We're both Media Students, which makes speaking our mind out much easier. Dude, if you're reading this. You. Are. Fucking Awesome. (I'm officially coining the acronym YAFA).

And remember when I said I'm still in shit earlier? Well, let's just say - Mr. Feelings and Miss Jealousy, it's been awhile since they graced me with their annoying voices in me. Apparently, I've been noticing... certain people. What turned out to be a simple "Oh that's nice", became "Why am I thinking this way?!". It's, a little wounding right now since half of my mind keeps telling me it's probably gonna end up the same way again. It's no fair and fun but it happens to me. But nonetheless, who knows. She's nice, and I'll do something... Somehow. Gah. I've got an objective, and time is running out.

Anyways. School's starting. Holidays are ending. My GPA is bad (to me. yeah call me a nerd..), and my life is surprisingly unpredictable (No shit, Sherlock). Let's see where all the small things lead to right now. I know it's a journey to success, and I can already see the "Sssssssssssss".

Now buggah off.

Stealth is Key.

If you know me, I have a thing for stealthy and sneaky acts. Dwelling in the shadows, blending into the darkness, only to strike when everyone least expects it.

This comic basically crossed all my favorite Stealthy Characters into one streak of hilarity.

In order of Appearance:
Altair, Sam Fisher, Solid Snake (Old), Batman, Robin ... I mean Spy.

I'm glad to see someone out there shares the same interests as me. Touche'.

"V" Headshots an Innocent Kid

This is what happens when you're bored, and all you have is a ball, a baseball bat, a mask, and a camera.