Jeremy Teo | Just Simply Me

To Put It Simply

Been a while since I last updated, and somehow the countless thoughts always fizz away right at the moment I sit afront the laptop. Hence, I shall attempt to do a fast one by keeping things simple.

To put it simply, 2010 has been in military terms, a Charlie Mike (continuous mission). Went into my final semester preparing for interviews and assessments, all amidst a hectic rush to complete my thesis. When that was done, I dived straight into a major publications assignment which saw me clock like 3 hours of sleep within 4 whole days, with a major exam slotted right in between. Then said my final farewells to NUS, before embarking on my 2-month ‘over-seas’ trip. When that was done, work ensued, with my only ‘recess’ being commencement. No break, but I’m not complaining. In fact, I’m lovin’ it. Probably the most efficient use of my time, ever.

To put it simply, graduation has given me a taste of what’s always been regurgitated about pointless grade-chasing. Whatever paper you get in the end, it may mean something, but definitely not everything.  Too many permutations in life for one to think that his/her life is set-in-stone upon good or bad grades.

To put it simply, World Cup was about an England team lacking variations and creativity, a Maradonna who got what he deserved for his arrogance, a disiciplined and organized German team epitomising world champion credentials, and a Spanish team who probably just deserved the World title.

To put it simply, new EPL season will be about a Manchester duel at the top, and a Wolves, West Brom and Blackpool trio at the bottom. Blackburn’s been quiet, and my realistic sense points to a 12-14th finish. Rovers needs funds, and whatever takeover talks can only be positive news. Still have my reservations over Big Sam, although the Diouf loan and impending Roberts sale points to the up-side of things. Now to just show Grella out the door.

To put it simply, some Singaporeans complain and expect too much. Same people fussing about the country’s way of life are the same people reaping the benefits of uni education, proper housing and stability. Same people who question the influx of foreign workers are the same people picky about jobs. Same people who bemoan foreign sportspersons are the same people who voice dis-support for the YOG. Same people who … you get my point. All cynical-ism but no appreciation, all complaints but no solutions.

To put it simply, the Singaporean in me will always enjoy NDP. The element of patriotism is in itself inexplicably dear, and while it’s a bonus for me to embrace it, it’s simply a loss for those who choose to forsake it. Your take. I take mine with love and pride. Happy Birthday Singapore!

Best When Served Hot

Just like food, blog entries are best when served hot. However more often than not, just when I want to pen these thoughts down, they seem to fizzle away right when I sit myself down in front of WordPress, rendering them into the lost oblivion. Take this week for example. So many things had happened and there were blogging tendencies aplenty, but school work, laziness and the sudden lost of writing inspirations resulted in my entries turning ‘cold’. Nonetheless, I shall attempt to do a week-in-review of these ‘cold dishes’ in one entry.

The two words which filled both small talk and tabloids around the country in the past week, Jack Neo. The news of his affair(s) came as quite a shocker, and despite the nature of the whole thing being terry-bly (pun intended) similar to other famous sportsmen around the world, Jack Neo’s one was closer to Singaporeans’ heart. Admist the whole saga, the one person which stood out was definitely Jack Neo’s wife, Ms Irene Kng. I think she showed tremendous strength and character, and the way she handled the whole matter was really admirable. Wendy Chong and Foyce Le Xuan on the other hand, have chosen to go down an unnecessary path which I think will bring them more shame then fame (if that is what they sought for). Well things will never be the same, for the Neo family, and for Singaporeans’ perception towards Jack Neo and his future productions. After all, one can forgive but will never forget. Then again, time will heal, and I truly hope things will get better for their family.

The Jack Neo saga also brought about much criticisms on the media, and how they handled the whole issue, especially during the press conference. They were reproached for unobjective reporting, for intruding into personal space, and for snapping away at Ms Kng when she collapsed. However, I personally do not see things as negatively as people make them out to be. Sure, you could question morality and ethical conciousness, but the media are just simply carrying out their jobs. The matter of fact is that despite how most of us sympathize with the situation, the public will always be hungry for juicy news stories and scandals, and the media is simply doing what they can to provide for these appetites. We can always leave objective analysis and viewpoints to the newpaper forums, commentary columns or blogs. But if the media reports about factual incidents, how can they really be blamed?

Scandals aside, on a personal note, it was also quite an ‘eventful’ week for me. It was strange how I blogged about graduation the week before last, and straight after that I received a number of phone calls, e-mails and snail mail through the week. These string of calls and mails somewhat laid the path for my post-graduation ‘plans and activities’. For one, the commencement letter reminded me that it was finally going to be my time to throw my mortar hat, something which I never thought was possible since my poly days. Events which involved the throwing of head-dress has always been special for me, during BMT passing-out parade and OCS commisioning parade, and alike those events, this will be another milestone event, and it’ll be another one I dedicate first of all to my parents.

My ‘over-seas’ trip after my final university examinations has also been confirmed. It has been almost 4 years, and I’m feeling rather apprehensive about the whole thing, albeit having a tinge of excitement about what is to come. Also, the whole matter of jobs and interviews surfaced again in the past week. Much has changed and happened since my last entry, and my already narrowed choices have been further scoped down. It’s been a week of hard thinking, and I’m quite sure about what I want now. The lesson learnt is that it is important for one to be true to himself/herself, to listen to what his/her heart says, and to follow his/her gut feelings. A light shines, and I’m hoping it shines till the end.

The Fallacy of The Word ‘Unbiased’

Been reading much from the web at work lately, especially socio-political sites, and it triggered some thoughts which I thought of penning down.

I must say I am intrigued by the spectrum of views – some being really hilarious and entertaining, some more eye-opening and interesting, while others being too extreme and nonsensical for my liking. I did however come across a common thought on the local mainstream media – or more specifically of it being weighed as too biased and one-sided. Now that’s not for me to agree or disagree, but what caught my eye was the reasons people were giving for turning to alternative channels, claiming that they are deviating from mainstream media for better ‘unbiased’ news. As a communications and media student, I have learnt much about journalistic ethics of reporting from a neutral standpoint and carefully selecting a more ‘neutralistic’ range of words and expressions. However, despite adhering to these journalistic directives, I question if total unbiasness can really be achieved? Wouldn’t alternative media have their own biasness in some sense too? So which entity can ever be considered ‘unbiased’ and fair?

I tend to enjoy reads of those who write well, but more importantly, those who acknowledge that every issue or argument has two sides (with biasness still involved somewhere of course). Similarly, I prefer those who backs their arguments with quality thoughts for one to consider and ponder about. So it kinda puts me off when some political comments and discussions goes ‘Vote the current party off’. Fullstop. My question would be ‘Ok after you’ve done that, then what?’ Expect a new (and unexperienced) other-party to come in and do a better job, and think that no one else will complain about new problems? And just to sum my point up, I shall quote Barack Obama in his recent appearance on Jay Leno’s show.

” If there are members of Congress who object to specific policies and proposals in, then I ask them to be ready and willing to propose constructive, alternative solutions.

It is not an acceptable response to whatever economic policy is proposed by the other party. ” – Source, TNP

Facebook-alization

Prior to university education, the polytechnic route meant that anything related to social sciences were often distanced from me. I was perhaps a more technical person, and the decision to drop Computer Engineering at NTU for FASS NUS three years back was perhaps against the logic of a more ‘technical’ me. But just somehow or rather, I simply preferred NUS more. Ok but the main point is, my journey in a social sciences faculty has shaped my mind to take a more critical and analytical approach to many things in life, and these ‘observations and explanations of life’ have more than often intrigued me. Which brings me to one of the wonders of our lives today, the new media phenomenon of Facebook.

The reason for writing this entry can be traced back to a number of intriguing conversations I have had with my friends, so I thought it could be interesting to pen this down, and review these thoughts again in a few months or a years time to see what’s changed.

It all started out with Friendster at the start of the century. I remembered how I signed up for a Friendster account in a computer lab lesson in my poly days, and thought nothing much of it at first. That was until I was amazed by how Friendster could link many of my friends and myself through the ‘six degrees of separation’ concept, and how I could find back many of my primary and secondary school friends. Facebook, which was then more of a hit in America and Canada, soon gained prominence in Singapore. Again I simply signed up because my cousin in Canada was using it, and then a few months later, Facebook soon replaced Friendster, and has become the next big thing, Facebook-alization! Ok I personally coined this term up, borrowing the idea from how Google-lization describes Google’s domination of our everyday lives, and how McDonald-ization implies the prominence of Western influences on non-Western countries.

Not too long ago, when my friends and I talk about friends whom we’ve never met for a while, I seem to be able to know ‘some things’ about them, despite having not met them for months and years. For example, I have a rough idea about how they look like now, whether they are studying, have graduated, are working, are overseas, or even who they hang out with. And when asked how I know so much, my answer is simply ‘Facebook’! Well, yes I do visit Facebook at least two to three times everyday whenever I get online, but I’m sure this is considered to be a pretty average frequency in today’s Internet age. The point is that just from this few visits, I get so much information through Facebook’s ‘homepage’ (the first page after you login). So don’t call me a Facebook stalker or addict, because Facebook’s advanced concept is the real culprit here. You see it provides information about all the latest updates, from the latest pictures, videos, wall posts and even comments. And to add, it does not just include comments from my own network of friends, but even from my friends’ friends. To date, I have found out about many new relationships (and lost ones), many new friends, and many other exciting events and happenings which I would never have known of if not for the pictures and comments on Facebook. Similarly while on SEP, I got quite some updates about happenings back in NUS from Facebook alone. Yes I get a more clearer and descriptive picture from my friends’ blogs, but the ratio of blogs to Facebook accounts is like … a few : almost everyone.

I guess Facebook’s edge over Friendster would definitely be it’s improved photo and video functions, and the ability to tag the photos and videos (although I personally think the cooler name of Facebook over Friendster did play a minor part too). Facebook may not have the ‘six degrees of separation’ clearly drawn out like what Friendster did, but the tagging of photos basically touched on the same concept, and improved the levels of networking. Truth is many of us are drawn to photos (as compared to words) when the ‘homepage’ displays these updates, and I have actually found many old school friends simply because they have been tagged in photos of friends in my current network. I have also learnt of a few marriages, and of how some of my friends are still keeping in touch with each other (when I’m not). To think of it, it has become such an integral part of our lives so much so that we tend to overlook how much less ‘updates’ we will get of the people around us had Facebook not existed.

One other prime example of the power of tagging photos would be how my brother’s primary school friend had scanned an old class photo into this Facebook account, and then tagged all his old friends in it. So in this case my brother was actually alerted by being tagged in the photo, and from that very same photo he could actually contact many of his old friends. If you really think about it, if every single one of us took an old class photo, scanned it in and did the appropriate taggings, how many lost relationships would actually be bridged! Amazing.

They say you can tell a person from the way a person works, a way a person plays sports, or even from a way a person plays a game. I personally feel that to a certain extent it’s true. I’ve had friends who are more serious and uptight, and show that by being competitive (sometimes too over-competitive) when playing sports, and I’ve had friends who choose to take very laid back approaches in life, and have shown that when doing work. In Facebook-alization terms, I think I can now also tell a person from his Facebook account. Not entirely from the pictures he or she uploads, or the way he or she updates his personal information, but simply from the different wall posts, picture tags and comments in his or her Facebook account. Ok maybe I can’t tell how competitive or how laid back one is, but I can definitely know other stuff like his or her way of life and recent happenings.

The question is of course why is Facebook such a hit. Similarly to how the old boring text-only APRANET was never expected to become the must-have Internet of today, no one had really expected Friendster and Facebook’s profiling pages (similar to job-search databases and match-making services) to be such a hit. I guess I would credit this to the same reason why MMORPGs are such hit, and that is because of personal accounts. Alike MMORPGS, well-updated Facebook accounts (or good leveled up characters in MMORPGS) in some way reflects a certain kind of status you hold in society. Therefore, many people log in daily to Facebook not just for updates, but also to ensure that their own accounts or profiles are well-kempt and in proper condition. For example, some people are concerned with whether or not they look decent in photos they have been tagged in, or some people want to chalk up as many friends as possible. I even have friends who key in their full personal information which include their residential address and contact numbers, testament to my point about having a ‘proper’ profile. There’s just this sense of consciousness that ‘people are watching’.

This then would of course lead to the cons of Facebook, with personal information too openly available to anybody and everybody. In fact, it’s been known that future employers and even parents are using Facebook to check up on future employees and their children. Similarly, everyday social life is affected. It’s one thing to know everyon’e birthday to extend your well wishes, but it’s another that you can no longer give or receive birthday surprises because you now know that everyone knows your birthday. Also, has it now become an added social responsibility to extend birthday wishes, and will those who don’t be differently regarded? How many times have statuses also been casually changed, only to result in a bombardment of questions and doubtful glares eventhough you have tried hard to explain that it was just a casual status change which really meant nothing. Similarly, you give an excuse for missing an outing with a group of friends, only for them to realise you had been out with another group through photos which you have been tagged in. So on and so on …. But the thing is, despite all of us being aware of the many cons, we still do our daily updates and housekeeping of Facebook.

Well of course, much of what I have commented here are based on my own thoughts and observations through the way I use Facebook and how I think others use it. I may be over-generalising, and one can agree or disagree, but I guess this new phenomenon can be so widely argued from so many different perspectives that it properly deserves more detailed analysis from social scientist around the world (I think there already are). Friendster, although still existent, has died down much earlier than I expected simply because Facebook came about. I personally think that Facebook is here to stay for a much longer run, although no one can really predict if a next big thing would come in to replace Facebook’s dominance. With the advancements of technology today, who can really argue that something like that won’t happen soon?

Just What For?

What was unity in diversity, turned out to be diversed dis-unity. Fingers can be pointed, and to each his own reasons for certain actions and reactions, but seriously, what is all these happening for?

Some good pointers were brought up pertaining to my previous entry. Different situations may call for different responses, and some may feel that my take on the issue was perhaps too simplified, but I still hold by the main point I was trying to bring out. Whatever the situation is, can ‘respect’ really afford to be totally absent?

And apparently, the haunting has come much earlier than I expected, and in a much greater force than I anticipated. What’s worse? It doesn’t stop here, and there’s just no turning back. And to think I tried to put across the point on the dangers of undermining the importance of the people.

On a side note, the YOG games village will no longer be held at the NUS University Town. The rising cost in construction worldwide was cited as the main reason, and NTU will now be hosting the village. No doubt the reason is a valid one, and the decision may be for the good of the YOG as a whole, but I’m sure that it would be a big blow for NUS. There goes the perfect opportunity to have the whole world’s sporting and media spotlight on NUS.

Leader

Very obviously, something sparked me to write such an entry.

So what is a leader? Simply break the word up to lead-er, and the word lead stands out. So of course to be a leader, you need to lead people to accomplish or achieve a certain task or goal.

Noticed how I bolded the word people? What is a general without his men, and what is a leader without his people? Simply nothing. Leadership is never about the leader himself. Its about understanding those under you, and vice versa. So what if you have an idea, but can’t translate that idea to your men? So what if you are strong on your stand, but can’t get your men to understand, and support you on that stand?

A leader has to earn the respect from his people to be able to lead. If you really think that it doesn’t matter whether anyone respects you, or if you think you don’t give a damn about what others think of you, I’m telling you straight up you’re so wrong. It will come back and haunt you, that I guarantee.

So what if you are the leader of a project, and the project goes well? Did you gain the respect of your people under you? Did you lead them to success, or could they have even done it without you? If so, how much of a ‘leader’ are you?

A Long Chat with Mum

I always feel very blessed to have my mum and dad working in the corporate sector for years, as they are always able to provide me with a great perspective on issues pertaining to the working world. Just had a long chat with mum, which in fact is a very rare thing considering how busy we usually are, and I was speaking to her about the job market. I’ve always looked up to mum for her experience and critical thinking ability, and for all that she has gone through in life. Again, she provided me with great thoughts and encouragements, going through the different options for me, and weighing the pros and cons of each. I also talked to her about some of the possible plans I had for the future, and she was real supportive. With that assurance, I feel more comfortable with what’s ahead. You know, often we get differing views and opinions from friends, but nothing beats views and opinions that come direct from the mum. It also helps that mum is always neutral and unbiased in her stand.

Mum adviced me to take what others say with a pinch of salt, as what really matters should really be what I feel is right. That is so true. I still remember how at least three different friends gave me the “what? why the government?!” response when I told them I was going to try the civil service internship programme. The problem was that when I ask back “why not?”, they do not have an answer, so much so that I really don’t know what the basis of their sentiments were. Now don’t go thinking I’m writing some pro-government statement here or anything, because I’m neither pro nor anti. If you give me a good reason answer to my “why not?” question, I’ll gladly accept your points and take them into consideration. Bottom line is, every view and opinion should come with a reason and a backing, and not just from simple hearsays and influences.

On random issues, 2 year old super weak laptop battery finally changed, I’m putting on toooooo much weight and hk is not going to help, the much forgotten exchange awards just made me richer, and I’m thinking of changing this blog skin. Change is always good :)

Oranje Squash-ed

I came into Euro 08 feeling all neutral about it, as England didn’t qualify. Not that I was a big fan of the three lions, but its just that I am a big fan of the English Premier League. But of course, I so had to select a favourites among the rest of the teams, and it was Netherlands I chose.

So first game, 3-0 against world champs Italy, then 4-1 against former double winners France, and 2-0 against highly rated underdogs Romania. But who would think that they would actually fall to Russia. Watched the game last night, and they were totally dispirited and self destructive. Before the tournament, I was skeptical about the likes of Bhoularouz and Ooijer in defence, as neither are consistent players. But they proved to be rock walls against the French. But for last night, the rocks eroded to sand.

Somehow or rather, I felt that the Dutch were just too used to always taking the lead, and being in comfortable positions. So when they went behind last night, no one was perking the team up, no one showed extra courage and spirit, not even coach Van Basten. He for one looked the most down and out. And even when they got their equaliser, you could sense the relief in their faces, but you somehow knew that was the last goal they were ever gonna get in Euro. And so, I was proven right. The Russians outclassed them, made direct non-fancy dashes into the box, and got their two deserved winning goals.

Me being me, I shall again apply this lesson in soccer to life. I know of people who have done execeptionally well in their life, only to fall into a bottomless pit as soon as a setback hits them. All of a sudden, from the strongest to the weakest. Thats why I always believe that the strongest are never those who are always doing well, but those who have done well after setbacks. Case in point? Turkey’s route to the semis. No one can discredit them. And if you ask me, based on courage, character and determination, the Euro title should go to them already.

Getting used to work, and really enjoying the great company at work. Arts Camp is tomorrow, and its just amazing how a year has gone by just like that. Things have been looking good, and I sincerely hope it stays that way. The o-comm has done so much already, but I’m sure they would understand that as much as how much work has been put into the last 5 months of preparation, it all boils down to the next 5 days. I’ve taken a more back seat role this time, with the advices and website. Nothing much, but perhaps the least I could do for a project which meant so much to me. A year back, I cried rather uncontrollably on the last day. Something I would never imagine myself doing ever again in front of so many people. But to be honest, I myself didn’t really know if it was tears of joy, or relief, or simply juz because my dearest committee members were crying. I guess it was everything mixed into the cauldron of emotions of mine.

All the best Arts Camp 08 committee. Be proud of yourselves!

Philosophy from Yours Truly

The un-creative and un-abstract me came up with a couple of philosophical phrases to share some really important life lessons I learnt.

” I’d rather you fail by being yourself, than to fail in being yourself ”

I posted this phrase in one my entries before, and I’m reproducing it again as testimony to how meaningful this phrase really is. Moral of the phrase: Be your true self.

” It should never be what’s the best, but what you want, coz that’s the best ”

This phrase I sums up one great life lesson I learnt from 2 seperate encounters in a week. One from an e-mail exchange with my head of department, and another, from an internship session. Have been considering much of my future in the past few days, only to realise that I have perhaps been taking the wrong approach and mindset all along. I seem to be a little too practical at times, making judgements only from a surface level. Moral of the phrase: Passion and your beliefs from deep within is the key. Only you can see and feel it, no one else.

Randomness

Blogging frequency has been at an all time low, I guess it’s because of work. It’s not that I’m very busy at work or anything, but its just that I’m perhaps still not used to spending most of my hours a day at office. Makes me think twice before complaining about school.

Went to collect my CUHK offer package, and that means more forms and more procedures. And I so really need a canto crash course.

Didn’t get to watch much of Euro due to matches at the wee hours, but am glad that I still got to watch some really good matches. My prediction? Netherlands. Go Oranje!

With the Lions’ loss to the Saudis, its game over. Many people seem to criticise Singapore’s defeat to the Uzebeks after being mauled 3-7, but for me, I applaud the Lions. I never believed that 2010 was ever possible, but one has to admit that their brave showing during this journey shines some hope for 2014.

SAF deaths. The recent passing of two 20 year old servicemen is tragic. The aftermath of this incident has sparked unhappiness and concerns amongst the public. Fingers are being pointed at safety regulations and training procedures. I for one have had a first hand experience at regulations and procedures on tekong, and I look at the finger pointings as baseless and unnecessary. I have seen people commenting about how ruthless the army is to push the recruits just 5 days after enlistment. I have seen how people have commented that no safety precautions were taken. So untrue. The irony of it all, safety standards as compared the olden days is at least ten fold, but deaths as compared to the olden days? More.

And to those who keep saying how those 2 years are worthless, well its kinda reflects your own personal take on life. No doubt I am also complaining about those 2 years placing us behind our female peers, the choice was for us to make the best out of those 2 years. I’m sure I did, so if any blame is to assigned, start with yourself.

I am in currently in a dilema, which could see me forgo my bonus semester exemption as a diploma holder. What lies ahead?