The Academy Awards!!!

Ok . it is the time of the year again. Yes, there's the golden horseys ... and the Golden Globes .... but nothing quite keep the blood pumping like the Oscars Academia!!!

This year, there are so many good movies .. mostly are not big money rakers and that's quite something. This goes to say that this year's Academy will honor some works for their true artistic merits, not merely based on some popularity votes. That's not to say popular = bad. It is just sad that there were years when too many good films go unnoticed just because they didn't look quite as glitzy.

Now this year's forerunners (in no order of preference) are:

1) Aviator
2) Million Dollar Baby
3) Ray
4) Hotel Rwanda
5) Sideways

I have watched everyone of them except Sideways and I must say they all were very very good. They are all winners in my opinion and if you haven't caught them, please do so I urge you. These movies are not exactly uplifting types, but they all celebrate the power of human determination and the will do make a difference in their own and/or in other people's lives. Except Sideways which is a comedy drama, but is also very highly rated by Roger Ebert, my favourite movie critic.

Who am I rooting for? Million Dollar Baby. Hillary Swank delivered a knockout performance (no pun intended) once again and Clint Eastwood delivered too, as a man caught in a very very difficult situation. However I got a feeling the big prize is going to the Aviator - and I won't have any complains either. Great story telling and great performance by Leo. And also Jamie Foxx in Ray was astounding!!! .... and Hotel Rwanda is such a powerful film ... aw!! .. Guys ... this year's Oscars got some of the best stories ever.

Mo Chuishle

Every now and then a movie will come by and makes you fall in love with the art all over again. A projector, shooting a light stream of moving colors and images, that reflects off the silver screen. The synchronized sounds and music completes the illusion of a moving and living storybook. And what makes a great movie is what makes a great storybook too - its story.

Million Dollar Baby is a great movie, with a great story. This story has a heart, and it touches the people who watches it. It is a simple story nonetheless, of a girl who wants to make a difference in her life, and a man placed into a position to make the decisions that will eventually affect the rest of their lives. Clint Eastwood plays Frank who is a boxing trainer and Hillary Swank plays Maggie who wants to be a boxer. Morgan Freeman plays Scrappy, a character who is the friend of both and also narrates the throughout the film and that is what seems to tie the whole film together.

The joys and the pains in Frankie and Maggie's relationship is heartfelt and the story works so well not as much as a boxing story, but as a study of 2 characters being placed into situations which they must take the routes they are most unwiling to take, in order to make a difference in each other's lives - for better or for worse.

I will not want to give away the plot of the story, and strongly i urge everyone to check out this movie which is not very much publicised yet deserves all the attention it can get.

You'll find out what Mo Chuisle means.

Valentine this, valentine that ...

I had a bizarre valentine's day yesterday. It is definitely the most memorable one. No it wasn't one filled with sex, booze, romance, wine and flowers blah blah. But it was one of theatrics and dramatics - filled with tears, despressed souls and individuals indulged in self-pity. Gladfully, none of the above applies to me, I was just a spectator in all the happenings. I was just running my restaurant watching the world go by (and keeping the cash that comes my way :P).

Now what I have noticed - almost all the single individuals whom i chat with or interacted with felt one of the following: depression, sadness, unhappiness, loneliness - all because it is "V-day" and they are "still single" without a date. Now this is freaky .... Cos it is just a day with a name attached to it and if it doesn't apply to you, get over it man. You don't see Buddhists or Muslims commiting suicide during Christmas because they felt left out! But yesterday was the most extreme I had ever encountered in the my singlehood "V-day" experiences. Almost every single men and women was depressed.

I think I will be seeing more of these as I grow older as they can only feel shittier about their singlehood the older they get. One of my girl friend (I shall not be naming names) even came to my restaurant and started crying the moment I mentioned "Happy V-day!!". Woah ... I mean talk about extreme reaction man!! But it is truly "the day" that makes people compelled to do things out of the ordinary, or think in ways that may not be the most rational. For instance, this is one day people use as an excuse to execute one of the following cos it would give it the extra punch:
1) express their undying love
2) express they deepest feelings for the other party (may it be good or bad :P)
3) get hitched
4) get laid
5) or sadly get rejected

Now if you have got the right person, everyday would be like a V-day. But the expectations for extreme actions is much higher on this "tagged lovers day" so I guess, the pressure to act is much higher than usual. So whatever the case, it is a day where not just people get all the fun, but they get all the shit, just because of social pressure. Sigh .... all these unnecessary pain and self inflicted sufferings just because of a day that compels one to social norms.

I say, please get jiggy and happy. Do what you like whenever you like, don't just wait for Valentine's day. And if things turn sour, screw it and enjoy the rest of the day, week or year. :)

Peace and out.

Peee Asss Peee .. Drool ....

Ok .... i succumbed to my desires .... it was not a need. It was pure desire for a gadget that I totally do not need. But it is soo cool.... I can't help it!!!! I haven't felt like a kid, wanting a toy ... the toy behind the glass window. The toy that shimmers under the spotlight, the toy that is "sold out" everywhere ... the toy that I just gotta have ....

And now that I got it .... oh my gosh ... I pick it up .. look at it ... fondles it .... but shit .. the truth is i can't do jack shit with it. It is quite a task to put movie clips on the damn thing. It comes with only a miserable 32MB memory stick and I have to pay like another $150 to get a 512MB stick (when I could have simply bought an ipod shuffle that does music pretty well and doubles as a thumb drive and is 1/20th the size of the PSP). It doesn't have any games that I want - so far it is mainly strategy, RPG and racing games, all of which I wouldn't touch. Then there're the puzzle games like puzzle bobble which I like very much, but I would not pay a crazy 90 bucks for a game that I could buy a gamecube version for less than half the price. The only thing that I have thrown at it and it plays magnificently are pictures/photos.

But ... there's always the but ....

It is just a fine cool piece of gadget that you just must see to believe its allure .... It is the devil's work .... and damn you'd want a piece of it.

going back to droolin over my PSP ..... :P

New Year .. A New Hope

Just got back from Japan. It was a great. For those who wants to see the pictures, follow this URL http://homepage.mac.com/ywchai/PhotoAlbum28.html

Now the world seems much clearer. The air seems much easier to breathe.
All because, I've learnt to let things be. Let it be. 3 simple words. Truly words of wisdom.

The mind is a complex toy. But it is only complex if u made it so. And Complexity can stem from not being able to let things go. It is all about letting things be the way they are supposed to be - not expecting results from every action that you execute. Cos we all want to be "in control" of situations, when the truth is all that the only thing that we can be in control of , is ourselves. We should let everything be the way it wants/supposed/fated to be. As long as we've done our part, we should be accountable to ourselves. We should not be acountable for anything that we have no control over.

That's the problem with me. I have been expecting, hoping, for things to work/turn out in a certain way. More often then not, they will not and they do not. Then I feel shitty, crappy and all. And it all boils down to my own doing - I am just crapping over my own thoughts and delusions. This applies not just to relationships (all sorts) , but to work, and everyday living.

Thank you clarity.
Thank you Japan.
Thank you silence.
Thank you for letting me be.

Peace.

The Aviator and Hotel Rwanda

2 great movies in 1 weekend ...

Let's start with Aviator. Leonardo Dicaprio delivered an incredible performance. This movie kinda reminded me of "Citizen Kane" and that's a good thing. Citizen Kane was a masterpiece, and so is this movie. Leo plays Howard Hughes, a genius who is only constrained by the limits of his physical/mental capacity, as well as the people around him. He stresses out the people working for him due to his inexhaustible flame of creativity, but what those people do not realize, is that he stresses out himself even more. Finally you see his body/mind breaking down due to the incapability to sustain his passion and Leonardo did a wonderful job portraying this suffering genius. Please watch this film as this is one truly great performance by a highly talented actor.

Hotel Rwanda, is a true story based on a genocide that occurred 10 years ago. 1 million people were killed in a span of 100 days and it is truly horrific to learn that racial "cleansing" can still happen in our generation. This is the story of Hotel Milles Collines and its manager, Paul. It is the story of a modern day "Oskar Schindler" and it is truly gripping. The story told of how the inaction of people, can cause the death of so many. This is a movie that spurs people to action, and not just sit back and read/watch news - but to act upon it. Because people's lives depend on it.

Anyway

Anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
Love them Anyway
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
Do Good Anyway
If you are successful, you will win false and true enemies,
Suceed Anyway
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
Do Good Anyway
Honesty and frankness make you vunerable,
Be Honest and Frank Anyway
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight,
Build Anyway
People really need help but may attack you if you help them,
Help People Anyway
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,
Give the World The Best You've Got Anyway

-From a sign on the wall of Shisu Bhavan, the children's home in Calcutta

Bush's Freedom Peace Talk

Bush was inaugurated yesterday and his speech has a central theme - Spread Freedom. There was no direct reference to Iraq, and no specific mention of any plans for anything. It was a speech of ideals, goals and his beliefs on how freedom should be spread across the world. Below are some of his quotes, along with some of my comments.

"For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical — and then there came a day of fire."
- So for the past 1/2 a century (presumably he started count after the 1st Day of Fire - Pearl Habour), US has been standing watch on distant borders? Has he forgotten Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Vietnam, Korea and oh yes, Gulf War by his daddy-o? Is selling of arms to Isreal "standing watch on distant borders"? "Shipwreck of communism?" check out China baby.

"The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands..... The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world."
- Bush used war to liberate Iraqis from a "tyrant" ruler Saddam. He did this using phony evidence (WMD anyone?). Kinda put his "expansion of freedom in all the world" into perspective. Is his next plan to invade all the other countries whom he thinks are not aligned with his view of freedom and will create pokey evidence to do so?

"From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. ... Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time."
- So he is starting to align the beliefs of this government with that of "the Maker". And along with this is "the calling of our time", what is he setting us for? So if we're with this goverment, we're with God?

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."
- Gulps! Shudders to think what these "democratic movements" are. More tyrannical war to end tyranny?? Violence begets violence buddy.

"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary."
- Now the word is out. War was he meant. So when is "necessary"? When they found/create a bunch of reasons to go preemptive again?

"We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies."
- Is this Judgement Day? Judged by who? The "Second coming" (2nd inauguration). Who does he think he is??

"Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country."
- Err ... What if the country doesn't think democracy is good for their people? For instance China? How about the Arab countries who believes in their version of democratic-dictatorship - like Iraq? Oh we saw what happened to that. "Future leaders in your free country" - we've got an example here! Reagan planted one called "Saddam" in Iraq to take care of Iran and when that went out of control, they made him a prisoner. How's that for reversal and who makes the rules?

" I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself — and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character."
- So the "cause larger than your wants" that was "WMD" is now "freedom and liberty". And when the choice is made on wrong information, is that cause still justified? And if the cause is not justified - what kind of character is being added to the country? And war costs money - lots of money and it sure doesn't add wealth to the country, it takes it away.

"In America's ideal of freedom, the exercise of rights is ennobled by service, and mercy, and a heart for the weak. ... And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time."
- Ask the abused prisoners in Abu Ghraib about service, mercy and the heart for the weak. .. and oh yeah about racism too.

"Renewed in our strength — tested, but not weary — we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom."
- Geeze ... invading a country based on fake evidence and then claiming it to be an act of liberation is a great achievement of freedom. Let's see how history books will write about it in 20 years. It is so sad that people NOW do not see the truth as it is.

"May God bless you, and may He watch over the United States of America."
- Yup .... God Bless America. And let's just wish the rest of the World Good luck :P

Thoughts of the past week

I haven't updated the blogs with my "deep thoughts" of late. Mostly interesting articles that I've read, but that's all. Well I'll admit, it is easier to post those. Take up less time. So for the fans of my ramblings, sorry :P. Really who reads my blog anyways. So today, I've decided to write in a more freeform way. Whatever comes to my mind.

Ok, so I went to Sting's concert last Monday. Awesome!!!! This guy rocks my world. His music, his words, his works. Beautiful. And I got a feeling this might be the last time I am gonna see him live, so I tried to breathe in every air of the atmosphere, and soak into the ambience of the night. It was nice of him to remember coming back to Singapore 10 years ago, and I wonder how many of the people in the indoor stadium that night was like me thinking "I was there ..." :). Was kinda worried if the friend I was bringing will enjoy the show since she knew nuts about his music - "I only knew the stalker song ...". Now she knows a bit more about the shape of his heart and this englishman who spent sometime in NY. :)

Talking God. This was a "spiritual" week for me. Talked alot about Religion, God, Buddhism, Tarot blah blah .... with a bunch of people who were very much touched by HIM. Reminded me of the time when I was bashing Mac users and eventually became a Mac User myself. I think my friend was right, I am pretty closed though how open I claim myself to be. I should probably extend the kind of openness to God and way I opened my heart to Buddhism. I started reading the Bible again - this time, using my heart. I started praying everynight, like I did when I was small. Strange things have been happening. I think I am gonna be eating my words again.

Feeling sorry for Buddha. Now this is weird having me talk about Buddhism after talking about God. Cos I kinda feel bad for Buddha that the theories of "LIFE" and "PERSPECTIVES" that he had taught, has transformed into joss sticks toddling and idol worshipping traditions. Whatever happened to the "Middle way" and the "8 fold path"? Well, it has since become "the extreme ways" and "8 ways of burning papers". :P Well well, seems like enlightenment is the last thing on these people's minds now.

Ok ... so talking about how I was a Mac Basher? ... Now I am sooo in love with Macs. After so many years of being made fun of as a Mac User, I am so happy to see Apple kicking ass these days. Latest Toys from the Appleland? Let's start with the iPod Shuffle. Very Cool Very Small and Creative is gonna start peeing in their pants again. Granted it has no screen, but it is as small as a thumbdrive, almost like a chewing gum strip, and it is very clean looking. Oh man I am a sucker for clean designs. Clean and simple. Mac mini is another apple truimph. This machine will make tons of converts. This little computer will fly off the shelves cos why? It is simple, clean, and cheap. No .. cheap is not a good word to use. Inexpensive. YESSSS :)

Now another of cool toy recently acquired. Resident Evil 4. Awesome Game ... totally blew my mind. I wish the rest of the PS2 and Xbox world would just wake up and get themselves a Gamecube. This game is truly one of the best, most immersive I have ever experienced on any platform. :) The graphics .... are also top notch. Wow .. just awesome .... can't wait to play it when I go home tonight.

Too much money lost. Ok ... 3 weekends of mahjong has had a toll on my health and pocket. Gonna stop this week. I haven't watched a movie in a few weeks ... time to hit the movie theaters soon. What's showing now? Alfie, Aviator, damn ... too many good shows .... gonna have to choose. Do I have to choose?? Argh ...

Happy Shiny Me :)

It's a Brand New Day ....
Let's bring it on in a new way.
Leave the past behind,
And let the the Word guide the way
The lamp upon me
Will shine the path to see
The future is murky
But why should it bother me?
To know I have the faith by my side
Is the comfort I have in the darkest night
No fear or unnecessary worrying
Only the joy of everyday living.

The last word on WMD

This is a great article written on the recent report on US finally giving up on the search of WMD.

Final Word on Iraq's WMD Sounds Very Familiar

What we read from the news is what is provided to the news reporters ... who, in turn are getting their news from??... none other than the ones who wants to mislead. They do not research on the credibility .. they "relay" not "report" anymore.

And yet the most disgusting thing we see now, is how Mr Bush is trying to stand by his decisions as correct and just.

US gives up search for WMD

Ok, the news is in. No Weapons of Mass Destruction. Period. Before the invasion, it was all the shoddy facts and evidence they claimed to support it. Right now, after the invasion, after winning the US election, after the death toll of 1350 American troops with 10000 wounded, our dear Mr Bush still has nothing in his hands. But wait, he still has the world in his hands, he still stands as the president of the only country in the world with the capability to nuke the world, and he has proven how easy it is to convince 1/2 of America with cleverly constructed media.

U.S. Wraps Up Search for Banned Weapons in Iraq

I anticipate this to be the next topic to be mentioned by Jon Stewart to create some laughs. But, what the American people would be laughing, would be at their own gullibility. So is Mr Bush going to apologize to the Americans who has fought so hard for the war that was unjustified, or to the Iraqis who's lives have been shattered due to this invasion? Somehow I can sense a spin doctor working his magic behind the scenes now. Let's wait for the drama to unfold ... :)

Englishman In Singapore

Last night, I went to the Sting's concert. It was a great experience. I think this time, the crowd was better than it was 10 years ago. Here we are looking at a 54 year old man ("virile" old man in my friend's own words), who is able to get an entire sold out concert full of people to stand and dance to his music throughout most of the night. Read: Throughout Most of the concert. And this is not the teeny booper crowd we're talking. These are folks ranging ages twenties to forties and fifties. Many of these people are his fans, and it was a very surreal feeling, just listening to the crowd singing along with him.

Here's hoping there's many more years of great music from him. He's inspired millions and I hope there'll be many more. Well he has made at least one new fan out of the friend I brought along.

Personal recommendation:
1) Why Should I Cry For You?
2) All This Time
3) Fields of Gold
4) Shape of my Heart
5) Englishman in New York
6) Ghost Story
.... there are really too many :)

Celebration of Music

Songs = Music + Lyrics

Music is like the body and the lyrics make up the soul. Through the melody, the music takes shape. Through the lyrics, the music is given thoughts and meaning.

It is incredible that through the vibrations of the air, frequencies can be tuned and fashioned. The patterns of sounds composed become a melody. The melody of sounds can be arranged in an infinite number of ways and like a piece of art, it is an expression of one's feelings - be it happiness or sadness.

The lyrics of a song, serves to add meaning to a melody. The melody can be on its own, but the lyrics add to it a personality, and gives it a character. The lyrics can be the description of the melody or it can be the face of the body. It can be shaped to fit the melody, to enhance it or even deface it.

Great songs are usually a combination of great melody and beautiful lyrics. I love true artists who does both and excel.

Now what is this blog entry all about?? Well, guess really about nothing. I just felt inspired to write about this because I was listening to a new CD box set I just bought. It is a collection of songs by different artists from 11 record companies, all written by the venerable James Wong. These songs written by him are truly truly great. If you understand Mandarin and Cantonese, you should really give this box set a go. The lyrics are masterful and the melodies show how versatile he really is. The death of James Wong has brought for the first time the collaboration of 11 record companies and that speaks volumes about the kind of respect he gathers in the industry.

Now how about the English music industry, who do I prefer? Sting. Go read the lyrics of his songs - they read like poetry without even the music to accompany them. Why Should I Cry For You? Fields of Gold... and many more. And his music? He is an extremely talented fellow who tries different genres and styles of music for each of his albums. He never bores. He is also coming to Singapore for a concert on January 10th. So go get a ticket and get lost in his music. :)

Say Goodbye to 2004 ....

Guys and girls ... 2005 has arrived .. and looking back, it had been a tumultuous 2004. Even up to the very last few days of 2004, it was not an easy one for many, especially for those who's lives have been affected by the tsunami disaster. As of last count, 155,000 were confirmed dead and many still missing. At least 1/2 a million people in Sri Lanka are now homeless. 2004 has ended in a way that left millions dead, mourning, or grieving. Never in the recent history of mankind has new year been so difficult to pass. Compare the deaths in this tragedy to the one on Sep 11th 2001 where 3000 were dead, and you see the proportion of this disaster.

I had said before many times ... that 2004 is a year of change, and who would have thought the last days of the year brought more changes for almost everyone on this earth. Here's to all who have suffered, and may the new year bring new hopes and bring about a new beginning for all.

Fav Movies of 2004 Overview

Ok ... this is my list of the year ... in no particular order. These are movies which I have watched only. I am sure there are those like "Aviator" and "Million Dollar Baby" that could have been on this list, but it wouldn't be fair if I have never watched them before. Well, I might revise it again when I have watched them at a later time, or they will be on my next year's list. for now, these are exceptional in my opinion, this year. Feel free to add comments or any recommendations.

1. Kill Bill Vol. 2
2. Spider-man 2
3. The Terminal
4. The Passion of the Christ
5. The Incredibles
6. Farenheiht 9/11
7. The Twilight Samurai
8. Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow
9. The Identity

Fav Movies of 2004 Part 4

The Twilight Samurai
Great movie. Quiet yet powerful. This is not a movie about sword fights, bloodshed, revenge blah blah. It is about a father's love for his family, and a childhood love rediscovered. Now this movie is not really a 2004 movie, but apparently the western world (or the rest of the world outside Japan) only picked it up after it won a couple of awards in the Japanese equivalent of their oscars. The story is set in ancient Japan, but the problems and issues faced by the main character are just as real as those that you see in modern times.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
This year lotsa sci-fi fantasy movies topped my list. Is it because I am in need of a means of escapism? Or is this a boom year for people to think unreal? Whatever, this particular one was so simple and sweet in its delivery, I absolutely loved every moment of it. This was like a garage project done by a few people who believed in the idea, and decided to let their passion rule their head when they did this film. It was funny, campy, and yet so full of charm. This was one movie that stole my heart because of its style and the characters.

The Identity
Ok this movie actually came out last year in US. But it only came to Singapore this year. What a bummer. I'll list it as this year' anyway since many people overlooked this movie. Granted the ending was a little too .. how should I put it, slasher styled? But I liked the context of the entire story. Not your typical slasher movie. This one's got the brain.

*Updated* From Captain Sky to Sky Captain. I am a little dyslexic :)

Movies I wish I watched in 2004

There are a few movies that I really looked forward to watching this year, but they never made it to the Singapore shores. Shame on the Singapore entertainment industry. Listed are the ones I hope they will eventually bring in because it wins an oscar or something.

1. Million dollar Baby
2. Hotel Rwanda
3. Vera drake
4. Shaun of the dead
5. The Aviator
6. Ray

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Red Cross: Please help all that you can. Please

Media Release - For Immediate Release- Monday, 27 December 2004

Humanitarian Assistance To The Victims of the Bay of Bengal Earthquake and Tidal Waves

 The Singapore Red Cross Society in response to the call for international assistance by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is launching a public appeal to help the victims of the Bay of Bengal earthquake and tidal waves.

As an immediate response to the disaster, the Singapore Red Cross will be sending a sum of Singapore dollars, One hundred and fifty thousand (S$150,000) to Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India (through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). The Singapore Red Cross is also in touch with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the national societies of all affected countries to determine what assistance is required to assist the victims.

The Singapore Red Cross hopes to raise Singapore dollars, One Million (S$1,000,000) for this appeal.

The Singapore Red Cross calls on Singaporeans and other like-minded
organisations to come forward to contribute to this appeal and help the victims affected by the earthquake and tidal waves that swept across the India Ocean and affected Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, India and Sri Lanka.

The Singapore Red Cross requests donation for the affected countries. The money donated to this emergency appeal will be used to fund purchases and direct delivery of emergency items like medicine and first aid, food parcels and other relief supplies for the displaced and homeless victims.


The public can send their donations:

1) By cheque to the "Singapore Red Cross Society"
Please indicate behind the cheque "Tidal Waves Asia". Include name, address and telephone number at the back of the cheque as a receipt will be sent to you.
 
Post the Cheque to:
Singapore Red Cross, Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486

2) Donors may wish to come personally to make a donation at the Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane between 9.00am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

For more information, please contact the following:

1. Mr Lim Theam Poh
Manager, International Services Division
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6 336-0269
Email: theampoh.lim@redcross.org.sg

2. Ms Carol Teo
Manager, Corporate Services Division
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6 336 0269 / Mobile: 9847 2024
Email: carol.teo@redcross.org.sg

2 days after christmas

2 days after supposedly the holiest day of the year, comes a contrasting with the vilest of the year. The biggest of the fights, the loudest of the arguments, the most heated of the exchanges, the most things hurled in the bout. Many were awaken, many were silent. Many were shaken, and many things were never the same ever again.

I am reminded why I should leave this home. I am reminded again why I should hasten. It is 5am in the morning, and all I am wondering, is what's on other's minds. The first time, I feel the need for a religion, to see God and ask why these happen? I said this is the year of change, but I never expected the biggest turn to arrive in the middle of the night, in the wee hours of the morning, at 5 oclock at the start of the week.