Monday, 30 November 2009
En Fenrik
I am getting quite excited about the CLT course. I hope it stays that way no matter what it actually turns out to be like. Today, I find out we have to stay-in for nearly a week. This should be interesting. I am praying that I will be an example of God's glory during the course. This is the perfect oppurtunity for me to do so. So God help me. Amen.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Restlessness
My daily routine now consists of PT, pipe practice and reading. I am anxious to get the new set of uniform next week to start working on it. Hopefully it comes with the OCT rank slides.
Pipe practice at PA tomorrow. Quite looking forward to it as well. Nearly finished reading Geoffrey Bennett's Nelson The Commander.
Pipe practice at PA tomorrow. Quite looking forward to it as well. Nearly finished reading Geoffrey Bennett's Nelson The Commander.
Monday, 9 November 2009
Anniversaries
There is something about the anniversaries of historical events that really gets me up and going. Today, for example is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I’ve got a picture of the fall on my desktop just for today. For me, these events mark key points in human history, points which define our mindsets till this day. The fall of the Berlin Wall, for example, is the enduring symbol of freedom, of unity. In some sense, it echoes the immortal words of the Deutschlandlied – “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit für das deutsche Vaterland!” It is the powerful imagery of common people tearing down walls of oppression to achieve their freedoms and liberties that really enthralls me. It’s the same for other events. Powerful imagery that shapes the way we think and form opinions. The handover of Hong Kong in 1997 represented the end of an empire that spanned the globe. D-day represented the beginning of the fight to take out Nazi tyranny once and for all. Trafalgar proved that Britannia ruled the waves. All these events have their own particular imagery for their significance.
But one symbol that really moves me is the red poppy of remembrance. This is not the same poppy used for drug production; although that’s the sort of confusion I seem to be getting around this time of the year. Because it grows on disturbed ground, it grew among the trenches of the Great War. The imagery is best described in John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place.” In Singapore, this flower has no cultural significance except for perhaps the connotations of opium production. It explains all the weird looks I get, and it explains the long stories I have to tell people whenever I have to explain its significance. It really bugs me sometimes when Singaporeans have no idea of the suffering soldiers go through in war. Perhaps it is because Singapore experienced war as a civilian population, and the people protecting us were the British. What is taught in our textbooks and is often emphasised is that the British lost. True, but it stops short of the experiences of the Diggers and Highlanders on the ground. The textbooks often praise the Malay Regiment, but they forget all the other regiments present. Imagine fighting thousands of miles from home and the enemy is right at your doorstep. In Hong Kong, the pillboxes had the names of the streets of old London Town on them. They missed home. So we have homesick soldiers fighting a losing battle. After the surrender, they are sent to crowded POW camps, and then some are sent to die working to build a railway for the enemy. This is one of those truly depressing scenarios that have failed to have been brought across.
Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth. Fine, we had not many local combatants, but that is beside the point. Allow the words of Atatürk, leader of the Turks at Gallipoli to bring across my intended message. Maybe they are slightly out of context since the Turks were the enemy but the words are still applicable anyway - “You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Let me say this, that there is no shame in showing our gratitude to those who have fought for our freedom by remembering them. In fact, the ceremony yesterday at Kranji was extremely humbling. I saw, in front of me, a Royal Marine veteran with the South Atlantic Medal (with rosette) across his chest. I then realised he was one of those who fought and yomped to reach Port Stanley. I suddenly felt very, very small.
However, what really had my blood boiling yesterday at Kranji was that some uniformed groups did not remove their headdress during the prayer. Commander Haycock had already asked all uniformed personnel to remove headdress, and then he did so himself. All the foreign colonels and captains solemnly removed their caps. And the cadets and officers of the uniformed groups stood there without a clue as to what was this strange foreign protocol was, that gentlemen should remove their caps when they are praying. Ignorance should not, and should never be an excuse, when it comes to ceremonies bordering on the near-sacred such as these.
When will we ever learn?
But one symbol that really moves me is the red poppy of remembrance. This is not the same poppy used for drug production; although that’s the sort of confusion I seem to be getting around this time of the year. Because it grows on disturbed ground, it grew among the trenches of the Great War. The imagery is best described in John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place.” In Singapore, this flower has no cultural significance except for perhaps the connotations of opium production. It explains all the weird looks I get, and it explains the long stories I have to tell people whenever I have to explain its significance. It really bugs me sometimes when Singaporeans have no idea of the suffering soldiers go through in war. Perhaps it is because Singapore experienced war as a civilian population, and the people protecting us were the British. What is taught in our textbooks and is often emphasised is that the British lost. True, but it stops short of the experiences of the Diggers and Highlanders on the ground. The textbooks often praise the Malay Regiment, but they forget all the other regiments present. Imagine fighting thousands of miles from home and the enemy is right at your doorstep. In Hong Kong, the pillboxes had the names of the streets of old London Town on them. They missed home. So we have homesick soldiers fighting a losing battle. After the surrender, they are sent to crowded POW camps, and then some are sent to die working to build a railway for the enemy. This is one of those truly depressing scenarios that have failed to have been brought across.
Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth. Fine, we had not many local combatants, but that is beside the point. Allow the words of Atatürk, leader of the Turks at Gallipoli to bring across my intended message. Maybe they are slightly out of context since the Turks were the enemy but the words are still applicable anyway - “You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Let me say this, that there is no shame in showing our gratitude to those who have fought for our freedom by remembering them. In fact, the ceremony yesterday at Kranji was extremely humbling. I saw, in front of me, a Royal Marine veteran with the South Atlantic Medal (with rosette) across his chest. I then realised he was one of those who fought and yomped to reach Port Stanley. I suddenly felt very, very small.
However, what really had my blood boiling yesterday at Kranji was that some uniformed groups did not remove their headdress during the prayer. Commander Haycock had already asked all uniformed personnel to remove headdress, and then he did so himself. All the foreign colonels and captains solemnly removed their caps. And the cadets and officers of the uniformed groups stood there without a clue as to what was this strange foreign protocol was, that gentlemen should remove their caps when they are praying. Ignorance should not, and should never be an excuse, when it comes to ceremonies bordering on the near-sacred such as these.
When will we ever learn?
Thursday, 5 November 2009
1st Post of November.
Next year's Chem is a nightmare. Even the Course Companion's first chapter is so complex. I still haven't worked out how the mass spectrometer works. Need to start mugging now or else, no six points for next year...
On a side note, my 2.4km timing went down to 12:15 from 12:36...Hopefully I can reach 11min by December and 10min by the next NAPFA.
On a side note, my 2.4km timing went down to 12:15 from 12:36...Hopefully I can reach 11min by December and 10min by the next NAPFA.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Music and plenty of other things.
So what's the difference if you listen to music without words rather than listen to popular music?
You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.
But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD
(In no order of merit)
(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)
1. Valdresmarsjen
Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.
(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)
Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...
I think I'll start ranting about something random.
Something like...careers.
Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.
When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.
Everyone asks me about my future career.
I can never tell them what it would be.
I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:
Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?
Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)
I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?
Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.
I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.
You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.
But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD
(In no order of merit)
(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)
1. Valdresmarsjen
Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.
(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)
Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...
I think I'll start ranting about something random.
Something like...careers.
Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.
When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.
Everyone asks me about my future career.
I can never tell them what it would be.
I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:
Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?
Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)
I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?
Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.
I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Trettisju
Success. 37 Points. I am home free...its just that I probably cannot go for any Bachelor of Science courses for Uni because I am in no position to take HL Maths or Sciences. Linguistics or Modern Languages sounds like a better idea. English A1 HL. I had better pray and hope this turns out well.
My preferred subject combi would be:
English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.
Just hope they let me have this combi.
On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.
I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).
And now for a recap of the past week's events.
Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.
The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.
One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.
Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.
Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.
What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.
As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?
Just some food for thought...
My preferred subject combi would be:
English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.
Just hope they let me have this combi.
On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.
I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).
And now for a recap of the past week's events.
Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.
The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.
One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.
Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.
Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.
What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.
As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?
Just some food for thought...
Monday, 19 October 2009
Beginning of a fun week...
Yes, today was fun. Somewhat.
Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.
Haizzz...
Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.
Haizzz...
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