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pretzel_knot
24 June 2009 @ 02:51 pm
TELL THE WORLD HOW THEY HAVE STOLEN OUR ELECTION  
Hopped over to this journal from [info]impeople , who posted a link in her post.


If you are reading this right now, you have more luxury than someone in Iran could ever hope for right now. If you are watching TV or a video on youtube, updating your status on Facebook, Tweeting, or even texting your friend, you are lucky. If you are safe in your home, and were able to sleep last night without the sounds of screaming from the rooftops, you need to know and understand what is happening to people just like you in Iran right now.



They are not the enemy. They are a people whose election has been stolen. For the first time in a long time, a voice for change struck the youth of Iran, just as it did for many people in the United States only seven months ago. Hossein Mousavi gained the support of millions of people in Iran as a Presidential candidate. He stands for progressiveness. He supports good relations with the West, and the rest of the world. He is supported with fervor as he challenges the oppressive regime of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

On Friday, millions of people waited for hours in line to vote in Iran's Presidential election. Later that night, as votes came in, Mousavi was alerted that he was winning by a two-thirds margin. Then there was a change. Suddenly, it was Ahmadinejad who had 68% of the vote - in areas which have been firmly against his political party, he overwhelmingly won. Within three hours, millions of votes were supposedly counted - the victor was Ahmadinejad. Immediately fraud was suspected - there was no way he could have won by this great a margin with such oppposition. Since then, reports have been coming in of burned ballots, or in some cases numbers being given without any being counted at all. None of this is confirmed, but what happened next seems to do the trick.



The people of Iran took the streets and rooftops. They shout "Death to the dictator" and "Allah o akbar." They join together to protest. Peacefully. The police attack some, but they stay strong. Riots happen, and the shouting continues all night. Text messaging was disabled, as was satellite, and websites which can spread information such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and the BBC are blocked in the country. At five in the morning, Arabic speaking soldiers (the people of Iran speak Farsi) stormed a university in the capital city of Tehran. While sleeping in their dormitories, five students were killed. Others were wounded. These soldiers are thought to have been brought in by Ahmadinejad from Lebanon. Today, 192 of the university's faculty have resigned in protest.

Mousavi requested that the government allow a peaceful rally to occur this morning - the request was denied. Many thought that it would not happen. Nevertheless, first a few thousand people showed up in the streets of Tehran. At this point, it is estimated that 1 to 2 million people were there. Mousavi spoke on the top of a car. The police stood by. For a few hours, everything was peaceful. Right now, the same cannot be said. Reports of injuries, shootings, and killings are flooding the internet. Twitter has been an invaluable source - those in Iran who still know how to access it are updating regularly with picture evidence. People are being brutally beaten. Tonight will be another night without rest for so many in Iran no older than I am. Tonight there is a Green Revolution.


For more information:
PICTURES:
here and here
NEW INFORMATION:
Here - near constant updates
Here - ONTD_political live post
ON TWITTER:
@StopAhmadi, @ProtesterHelp


دنیارابگوییدچطورآنهاانتخاباتمان دزدیده اند
Tell the world how they have stolen our election


- original post by [info]one_hoopy_frood


And so I'm reposting this, just because its the least I can do. (:
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pretzel_knot
21 May 2009 @ 01:45 am
LOSS  
第三话： 失去

最近，一个茫然脆弱的声音冷不防的问自己：

你在害怕失去什么？ 失去你最心爱的洋娃娃； 失去你已得不到的一段初恋； 失去你已失去的纯真笑容...

在一点一滴的失去当中，你自以为拥有的，不过是一具面目全非的青春尸骸罢了...


- 静的秘密日记, 爱沙17 (Bump Off Lover)

.
.
.

I feel like watching this drama all over again. Or Mars.
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pretzel_knot
16 December 2008 @ 06:11 pm
KIDS THESE DAYS. TSK TSK.  
I wanted to blog about this since Sunday. But Sunday was over before I knew it, and Monday came and went too. AND I SPENT MY ENTIRE AFTERNOON TRYING TO FIX THE INTERNET PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED BECAUSE MY DAD DIDN'T PAY THE INTERNET BILLS. I don't know why the whole process was so complicated, but I swear I must have made a million phone calls to Singtel 'cause I couldn't connect to the net even after the bills were settled. But, now I have my internet back. (:

Anyway, this article caught my attention in The Sunday Times.

"MORE CHILDREN HAVING SEX AT EARLIER AGE"

.......WHAT IN THE WORLD.

CHILDREN?? HAVING SEX?? AT EARLIER AGE??



Yes boys, I understand that expression on your faces.

( in case you don't want to read my rant. or look at dbsk. )

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pretzel_knot
12 October 2008 @ 01:41 am
AT 2AM.  
Despite...

- all the readings that I haven't done and I'm really getting kind of worried
- essays and tests that are coming my way real quickly
- proposals and emails that I should probably complete soon to get them out of the way
- the exams that'll be in around 1 month's time and it'll be a nightmare again

and complaining about all the above and not having a social life because I feel like I don't deserve one right now...

I find myself thinking that it is not that bad to be kept busy sometimes. Like... I actually have things to complete and life's not an entire blank?

Is this what people say about affirming our own existence- by being busy and having things to do?

Strange.

Now, if only I actually get down to doing the things that I need to do, I'll be a whole lot happier about my existence. LOL.
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pretzel_knot
07 July 2008 @ 01:56 pm
JUST A THOUGHT.  
All I can say is,

若要人不知, 除非己莫为.

Don't want people to find out? Then don't do things that make you want to hide what you did from people.

I mean, to blame people when you get found out... -eyeroll- Because you have no one to blame but yourself, really.

Honesty has been a pretty good policy so far. (though some desperate situations do call for white lies. Hahaha.) We should probably stick to it. *advertisement voice* After all, it's mess-free! *big fake smile*
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pretzel_knot
11 June 2008 @ 11:13 pm
THANK YOU GOD.  
Sometimes, I think we're not thankful enough. We complain too much, we don't say enough thank yous.. (Yes I admit it. My blog is like the best proof of my complaints. HAHAHA.) I don't know, are we taking things for granted?

Like, in the million phone calls that I made everyday, I can safely conclude that more than half would complain about Singtel's service/coverage/plans/offers/promotions. Among that portion, more than half would compare Singtel to Starhub and M1. I understand why they want to compare; of course we all want the best deals. But to put Singtel down as if it is the suckiest provider is a little too much right? Since every provider has its pros and cons? And during those phone calls I can't help but think "Got offer better than nothing right." Then they will start badgering me to give a better offer, to which I can do absolutely nothing about because hello, this is not the marketing team or whatever calling you up, this is a part-timer.

And then yesterday, this lady thanked me profusely when I asked if she would like to take up an offer. I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised. It then struck me that  she seemed to be the only one who sounded as if I was doing her a great favour instead of the other way round, throughout the entire conversation. And unlike some people who act as if offers are a definite given (and question why the offer is so little), this lady was just grateful that Singtel wanted to offer her a promotion. And when I told her for the promotion she cannot terminate her line for 2 years since it's a contract, she was all scandalised that I can even suggest that. "Oh no! Definitely not! Why would I want to terminate my line from Singtel?!" I felt really happy for Singtel at that phone call though I'm not even using Singtel. LOL.

So I should probably be thankful about my job as well (even though pay is like shit and I don't enjoy it) because I did learnt some stuff from this experience afterall. Definitely not something I would want to do again, but at least I've tried it and learnt things.

(I was telling Nat and Belle that I can now add telemarketer to the list of odd jobs that I've done so far: waitressing, admin, recept, sales assistant for a day, sold the $2 tickets for "charity" for a day, roadshows, tuition. LOL.)

Oh and I forgot to update about my results. Mediocre as always. I've always been average at everything, and my results reflected that exactly. A string of Bs and Bpluses. Was quite bummed out actually. 'Cause it seems like I can never break out of my 'B' zone. Then I recalled that I seriously thought I would fail a few modules, especially HL103 (the one that I couldn't write on any quotes given because I didn't study), and I'm grateful for my B. HL105 was a horror too, so I'm happy with my B+ for that too. I guess this is what I deserved for not studying till the very last minute. Okay now for the statement that I say for every sem: I must study hard next semester! LOL. Though whether it really happens or not we shall see. But judging from how I need twice the amount of time people need to study because I tend to dream/stone a little too much when I study, yes I do need to study hard. Hmm seriously, I'm just waiting to see if this will really happen. Haha.

7 more days to go!
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pretzel_knot
21 May 2008 @ 01:40 am
CHINA'S EARTHQUAKE.  
Just thought we should all do our part and try to help a little. A little help is still considered help, isn't it? (:

China Earthquake Appeal

It's the thought that counts! And also, 积少成多. Many 'small amounts' will become a big amount. Looking from the news coverage, I'm guessing they need all the help they can get.

Suddenly, all my supposed complaints and troubles pale in comparison to the victims'. We really don't have any right to complain about anything after looking at their situation. Sigh. Is this karma for us doing so much shit to Mother Earth? Yeah I know earthquakes are considered natural disasters. But seems like natural disasters are getting more and more frequent. ): And if that's not because of us wrecking the Earth for our own benefits, please tell me why this is happening.

Sorry, late nights = emo-ing
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pretzel_knot
16 May 2008 @ 01:33 am
I NEED TO SLEEP.  
On Tuesday, [info]_ochre and I went to apply for some customer service job at the airport at some headhunting company. I felt so cheated. The woman told us they've closed the application 'cause they had quite a fair amount of applicants already, translating to mean that they don't need us. But the online advertisement said that the closing date for application was on Tuesday itself. I guess it was wishful thinking on my part that they will let us apply (since application wasn't supposed to be closed yet!) and then pick among everyone who applied. I know my resume isn't superb or anything, but at least give us a chance right? I mean, we went down all the way personally! Tskkkk. So it was first come first serve basis afterall. Kind of dumb, if you ask me.

And the lady who took our resumes (she said she'll let us know if there are other jobs available) told me that I shouldn't go back to my waitressing job because it doesn't do any good for my resume. I didn't feel good about that. In fact, I felt insulted and offended for all waitresses out there (LOL.) and for myself for being a waitress before. What, waitressing jobs not good enough for employers?? Granted, you don't need qualifications or specialization skills to do waitressing. But excuse me, I actually think I learnt quite alot from my job previously at RCCC. It taught me people skills, for one. If it's your first day at work, would you know how to interact with guests and co-workers (especially those older than you so that you don't offend them), how to phrase your sentences and questions so that you sound professional and polite? It also taught me service standards so now I know what's quality service and how it feels to be providing that level of service standard. It's not as easy as it seems. Seriously. Especially when you have bitchy and unreasonable guests. Won't such knowledge be useful in, say, customer service or the F&B/tourism industry? If I want to be more general, that being my first job and RCCC being a big company, I think it widened my perspective of the working world. I mean, you really don't know how much work goes into making an event/function happen, there's so many things to take care of, so many things to coordinate. I never knew that until I started working there and seeing how the AMs and managers becoming kan chiong spiders before events. And since its a big company like I mentioned, you get to see the ugly side of people. The office politics can get a little dramatic (and you'll learn how to avoid them and pretend you don't know anything so people naturally feel like telling you more gossip.hahaha.). Sure, I said I wouldn't go back to that job. Some people have said it as it is, waitressing has no future. Doesn't mean it was a useless part-time job that was only for me to earn money though. I actually took that part-time $6/hr job seriously, FYI. And learnt some pretty interesting stuff. It was fun while it lasted. Everyone should do F&B for at least once in their lifetime, just to know how its like. Maybe it'll teach them to respect the F&B field more.

I know that lady probably said that for my own good, and I do understand where she's coming from. But I firmly believe that every freaking job is useful somehow, it depends on how you look at it. Don't look down on jobs like waitressing just because it doesn't require qualifications. It'll just show how narrow-minded you are.

There, I've gotten it out of my system. I feel better now. (: LOL.
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pretzel_knot
14 May 2008 @ 01:49 am
IRONMAN.  
I'm slightly cranky due to some sudden cancellation of plans tomorrow. I don't like it when I had to swap my plans around like mad and in the end nothing work out. First was dinner with XJ and the rest. Angela said she can't come out as often as last time so I guess its a cue for me to not ask her out unless its a special occasion. Juliana then said she can't make it (I can't remember what reason was it this time round, there are so many that I can't even keep track). Followed by XJ and Serene 'cause they're sick. Sorry if I sound bitter, I know that you girls really cannot help it. (: Just a bit annoyed when plans fall through. Especially when its one text message after another saying that they can't make it. Supper with Nat and a few others was cancelled too. Erm okay, maybe it can't be called cancelled, because we didn't even confirm in the first place. LOL. Anyway, Belle said we could go ahead, but I think all of us rather wait till everyone can make it right??

Perks of the day only include lunch with Shu Lian followed by Ironman. Ironman was DAMN GOOD can?! I super love the effects, I think I wah-ed and wow-ed like a million times. I'm surprised Shu Lian didn't knock me out in the middle of the movie. But maybe it's because she was too engrossed also. Just the right amount of humour, and I think the storyline was realistic. (As compared to other superhero sort of movies.) The male lead acted well! (: I quite like the political aspect of this movie too. Erm, actually I'm not sure if there's one, but it felt political to me? But really, the effects are just... are just... -imitates McGriddles advertisement- LOL. Everyone please catch it. The movie ticket was so worth it. Must watch this on the big screen! Don't watch it in lousy quality by downloading it or something. Tsk. Hahaha.
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pretzel_knot
23 January 2008 @ 11:08 pm
YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME? -OKAY I'M GUESSING NOT SINCE I'M NOT BRITNEY. LOL.  

Its really a pain in the ass when people questioned me about my major.

Them: *screechy voice* hellooooo!! so long never see you!! what are you doing now? studying??
Me: Oh I'm at NTU, doing English Lit.
Them: *super shocked expression* ENGLISH LITERATURE AH?? Then next time do what? Teacher is it?! *collapses into fit of giggles*
Me: Err. I'm not very sure yet. See how first lor.
Them: Harrrhhh. See how ah. But you study this next time confirm is be teacher mah! What else can you do??

I get quite annoyed because I really don't know how to answer them. The truth is, I really really wouldn't mind teaching primary school kids, but I don't want to see that as my only potential career choice. I mean, there's surely something out there for me right?? And whatever you learnt in school doesn't necessarily mean you will definitely be able to apply it in the working world. There are so many people out there with jobs that don't even have anything to do with their diplomas/degrees. So why not just get a degree first, doing something you like? So that at least you enjoy your school years? Maybe I'm being naive for thinking that the discipline of your study is not super important. But I still think I rather study something that I'm interested in, so that even in the midst of feeling like I'm being buried alive by school work, I don't feel totally defeated. Rather than struggling in something that I'm not interested in, I choose to believe that it would be less tiring to struggle in something that interests me. I am kinda dreading the CNY visits. My relatives will definitely ask. And I have 100% confidence that they'll surely ask if I'll be a teacher next time. 9 out or 10 people had that response.

**********
So far, for my HL211 module, we've watched Broken Blossoms, Shanghai Express and The World of Suzie Wong. I think Broken Blossoms was really good, but it wasn't my kind of thing, so...I like it but didn't love it. Shanghai Express is a black and white film that was just slooowww moooviiing. I think out of all 3, I like The World of Suzie Wong the best. Its quite a comedy. LOL. The plot is such that it gets kinda drama series-like towards the end, but overall I really enjoyed it. It got me thinking a bit of what our lecturer said about the definition of 'Asian' or 'Oriental' being...not very defined. Haha! Hmm I think he meant for us to see that in all films, but because I like The World of Suzie Wong, my brain was actually functioning when I watched the film. (:

I need to start studying already. I've been slacking still. Tskkkk.

The event that Student Fund is planning is drawing nearer. This means more meetings and more work to do. I hope my school work doesn't sacrifice much. 

**********
Whooo I can't wait for the sleepover at Janesa's house next Friday! And our shopping on Wednesday! And hopefully next week I'll also get to watch Atonement. I also want to watch The Mist and 27 Dresses (it looks like an okaaay chick flick), but I'm really dying to catch Atonement. Jay Chou has a movie called Kungfu Dunk or something like that right? Hahaha please don't laugh at me. It looks stupid, I know, but I still want to catch it. /: I mean, his Initial D and Secret wasn't that bad! Speaking of movies, and celebrities, I heard from Nat that Heath Ledger died. ): So sad. I've always thought he's a rather good actor. And quite cute somemore. What a pity. And Nat said he has a kid! Ahh really very saddening. The Dark Knight haven't even start showing yet, guess he won't have a chance to see audience's response to it.

**********
I will go off in an attempt to read a bit more of Jane Eyre before I sleep. Oh and guess what. Now its my turn to have ulcer(s)!! One under my tongue, one on the gum. Ouch. I can't open my mouth too big. LOL. And I can only chew with one side of my mouth. ): I think it doesn't help that I am soo not drinking enough water.

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