Horribly Horrible Horror

Blogging through Wireless@SG at some location not at pleasure to disclose.

These few days have been hard for me both physically and mentally for there wasn't a "good night's rest" largely due to the amount of projects I had to complete.

Nevertheless, this phase is almost done and the week's almost over; I'm so looking forward to the weekends.

And no, the title of this post does not describe the workload but the lack of sleep; its horrible, trust me on that. I feel as if I'm in a dreamstate and everything around me lags a second behind.

I'm expecting another long night today, simply due to the fact that I have assignments to complete.

And oh yea, pretty excited about my first class with my student later.

I do, however, need tips on handling kids (around 6 to 7 of age) as I forsee the difficulties that I'll be facing. Hopefully the guy listens to me and concentrates on the lesson. Afterall, it would be a great experience for me personally.

Time for a couple of random thoughts (though this post is not entirely dedicated to them),

Random Thought 1: I need to get a haircut
Random Thought 2: Its creepy when people you don't know yell your name
Random Thought 3: Oh yea, did I mention anything about feeling realy sleepy? Hmm.

Thats pretty much it for this update then. Be sure to check back for articles and bear with me; I'll post more articles after this week, it has been crazy.

Cya'll later.

Remember the Time when...

Just a little detour before heading back to work.

I've added a new counter to the site, if you've managed to observe. Its kinda cool actually; it tracks your ip, the type of browser you're using, your OS, where you navigated from, etc. Pretty neat huh?

Oh, but don't worry, your privacy is safe here at metallic-stains.blogspot.com.

Anyway, moving on. I'll update my Bucketlist by this week or the next for its been uncompleted since uh... forever really. I'm open to ideas (though I've already got a few in mind) so yea, feel free to share them and click on the link on the navigation bar to your right to check it out; its rather neat (or weird).

Been feeling rather intensive these few days for a couple of reasons. Mainly due to work but an assortment of others as well.

"We're approaching what they call the Business End of the season."

And thats true apparently. We've been given piles to do, just before the end of the semester. Thats the life of professionals, I guess. Even taking some time off for family and friends might seem like a guilty pleasure.

Aside from that, I've been feeling well... out of sorts of late. I kinda know why but then again, I don't. yea I know, its complicated and rather well, personal. Snap out of it will you?! lol.

Okay fine, maybe I'm starting to feel a little "sentimental" again. I blame the late nights, I blame the oh-so-quiet atmosphere you get when you're awake at 3am in the morning alone and I guess I blame myself. Gah.

Oh well, on to the main idea of the post.

Was in the shower just a couple of minutes ago and I thought of my childhood, which then linked to my busy life now. Such differences.

I wonder how many of you guys have actually stopped and thought about your childhood despite the fact that you're growing up with different commitments and all; its really amusing, in a way.

Remember the time when...

You first wee-ed in your pants (eww.)
You took your first step (Ok I don't)
You drank milk out of a bottle
You thought everything was called by its colour (ie. Orange)
You enjoyed and hated to get out of showers
You didn't like mealtimes
You cried when you first when to school
You got back the results to your first spelling test
To you, the world was a playground
To you, ever single detail was so interesting
You enjoyed your life

Okay, not that I hate my life now, its just that theres something different about life then and life now. Simple pleasures evolve, from finding a "foil" in your weekly trading card game pack to completing an assignment. From being able to have "coco-crunch" for breakfast to being able to have Subway for dinner. You get what I'm going on about yea?

I miss my life back then, but I know I'll miss the life I'm living now, thus I cherish every moment thats ever happened to me, be it good or bad.

Life is fragile, you might be gone like the next moment, I might even die right after I type this post or I might not wake up from my sleep the next morning; who knows?

Thats why we cherish life and put it in such a high regard. Have a life? Live it.

Okay, I see the potential for an article here but I'll leave it at that for now; time to do work.

I don't see myself sleeping tonight, to be honest, though not necessarily a bad thing; Jazz+Late Nights= awesome.

Remember to check back for updates and articles and oh yea, the completion of my bucketlist.

Cya'll later,
I Hope.

Random Thought, Vol. 6

Alrighty, time for another instalment of random thoughts but first up, a little update.

Dropped by one of the nearby libraries earlier today (or yesterday for that matter, Thursday) to pick up another one of Paulo's books.

This time it was "The Zahir". And I'm hoping (though I'm pretty sure) that it'll be a good read. Might do a review after I'm done with it.

Dropped by the book store after, to see "The Witch Of Portobello" on its shelves. Though (or so I think) has been released for quite sometime, I've yet to get my hands on a copy. Hmm...

I realise that "The Alchemist" is one of those books that you'll have to buy and actually keep, not borrow from the library for a month or so and return it; lets just call it an investment.

And Mr Paulo, if you're reading this, Keep writing those magnificient and inspirational stories!

So thats that, time for a couple of random thoughts...

1) Don't you just hate it after it rains and it gets stuffy?
2) Theres work to be done
3) I wanna read my new book
4) Baby Blue comics are actually really awesome
5) The internet lags
6) I should really get some sleep
7) Hunger's creeping up
8) Its just one of those nights where you feel like running out in the cold screaming out loud at everyone sleeping
9) I'm largely satisfied at my current state of planning
10) I don't know if I can work with kids
11) I need more contacts
12) "If you want something bad enough, the entire universe will conspire"
13) Lets not get emotional
14) The night is still young
15) Tomorrow will be a better day

Hmm. Since that's settled, I guess its time to dive headfirst back into work. Remember to check back for more updates and articles.

PS. I'll update my Bucket List really soon. Promise. and I might get started on some of the tasks... mmm...

Cya'll later.

The Receding Hairline and Frayed Inspirations; What is your Personal Legend?

Quite recently, I read a book, a rather inspirational and captivating one at that, I might add (readers might take a hint from the title of this post). Needless to say, I was heavily drawn into the values and beliefs put out by the author through this masterpiece; it was peculiarly similar to the very values I live by.

To regurgitate every single piece of information and key point in the book would be an infringement of copyright and what’s more, it would be painstakingly long for both the writer (me) and the readers (you) to clearly illiterate the entire story.

But to put it simply, the book teaches people to be conscious of their life and how they live it which then branches out into many different aspects in itself.

Venturing out of your safety zones, becoming what you were meant to be, not afraid to lose it all for your dreams, empowering them and having an open eye are just a sample of what the book brought into me.

Clearly, the book left an impact on me as my way of thinking is galvanized further in terms of my personal beliefs and my goal setting.

So what is this “Personal Legend” as put out in the book itself?

I found the concept of destiny rather amusing and absurd in the past for I personally believe that destiny is in the eye of the user; the people himself shapes his destiny.

Yes, if so I may say, destiny is intertwined with this “Personal Legend” as your personal legend is what you were meant to do when you were first given life. It is what grants you your full purpose of existence and what that will make you satisfied before the day comes (refer to article, Satisfaction; the Delighted Mother and the Inquisitive Child).

There is however, a stark difference my interpretation of the term “destiny” (refer to article, Tales of the Past III; what is Destiny?) as compared to this Personal Legend concept.

You see, to me, destiny is defined as an allocation, a fixed mould in the pattern of life, for what your life would be no matter what you do. Which also means that even if the person doesn’t work towards his goal, he will still get it cause it is after all, what he was meant to be.

Your Personal Legend on the other hand, is vastly different.

I believe that everyone in existence has a purpose that was allocated to him or her when he or she was given life. Uncanny resemblance with what was mentioned about destiny? Unfortunately this is where the similarities end.

Unlike destiny, your personal legend does not provide a smooth sailing path for the person while in pursuit of his or her goals. One of the many significant quotes from the book certainly tugged at my consciousness; “Every search begins with beginner’s luck and every search ends with the victor being severely tested” (Paulo Coelho, 1988, The Alchemist).

The term “beginner’s luck” is often heard in high class hotel casinos or even shady underground gambling dens but in this case, one will not get thrown out or mugged for winning. Beginner’s luck does exist, but is often overlooked and ignored by many.
It is a sign which indicates that one is on the right track to their personal legend as it is the creator’s way of signalling to you and encouraging you by giving you a little bit of leeway.

So why do we ignore such telltale signs?
Many people overlook the fact and existence of their personal legend, in the process numbing themselves to what they were meant to be and thus also restricting themselves to being something they are not.

Most of them give up without even trying while others give up after failures. Only a handful persist through all the challenges and emerge something more; a better, more complete person. Those who give up without trying is oblivious to even the existences of personal legends while those who give up in the process lack willpower and drive to see it till the end.

But who can we blame for such alterations?

The way the society works is similar to that of a dictatorship’s rule and I’m referring that in a metaphorical sense. The society shapes its people’s minds and more rather, sets down rules and stereotypes in certain contexts.

In a way, “protection” may seem the word here, but this also restricts people’s advances on their personal legend in a way. They might not want to venture out into the wilderness and out of their safety zones and fear is an integral part that constitutes to people not fulfilling their personal legends.

I’ve always enjoyed conversing with people, especially with elders. But sometimes I can’t help but wonder if they’ve heard of or even thought about issues like personal legends or destiny.

I sense that the society’s grip on people, especially the elders is strong, partly due to the fact that they’ve been raised that way, and partly because of their mindsets. Yes, many of them have inspirations since young but only a handful of them successfully see them through.

Again, this is a prime example of the case mentioned earlier where people either give up without trying or give up while trying. They are discouraged at the seemingly adamant feasibility of realising their personal legends as they usually find it “impractical”.

But what defines it as impractical?

Impracticality largely depends on the user; if that individual feels its impractical, it is. This is also where belief and motivation comes in. More rather, I find that these individuals give up due to the lack of motivation, the sole principle of working towards a goal or an aim (refer to article, Screaming Fans; The Motivational Force and Ambition) and as their hairline recedes, so does that drive
and inspiration.

I find it sad that people give up or don’t know about the concept of personal legends. I find it sad that we let the environment around us dictate how we should live and what we should or shouldn’t do. But I find it especially sad when people give up hope or on their lives.

“Its the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting” (Paulo Coelho, 1988, The Alchemist). Many a time, I’ve come across people who come and tell me that life is “boring” and that they don’t see the joy in living.

By relishing your personal legend also means making a dream come true. And to those people, who tell me life is boring, I tell them to keep holding on and they’ll find what they’ll need and work towards their personal legends.

As for myself?

I daresay that I’ve found the path to my personal legend and that is the media. Due to its highly personal details however, I will not reveal certain details but I truly believe that this is what I was meant to be doing.

Though it may seem like a bold claim, the feeling speaks for itself. Many challenges are thrown at me, which I hope will make me stronger in the end.
There were times, awhile back, when I wasn’t sure of my personal legend or didn’t know that such a thing existed.

I felt lost, unsure and insecure. I didn’t know what I wanted nor had a clear precise goal in mind. I would give up on things or a particular aim due to distractions for clearly, my drive wasn’t there; I aim not to repeat what I’ve been through.

Yes, sometimes when challenges are thrown at you, headfirst and you can’t handle them, it may seem as if all hope is lost and failure presumes which naturally, isn’t the case here.

Challenges to me are tests. Tests that will make you stronger as it is the creator’s way or ensuring only the finest and strongest succeed in achieving their personal legend. Pass this test and another one takes its place and another and another, until the “victor is severely tested”.

Sure its no walk in the park but when you’ve finally found your “pot of treasure”, satisfaction grips you like a vice and you’ve made it for sure.

So have you found your personal legend? No matter what it is, how harsh the conditions or how impossible the odds are, hope is important for it is what keeps the engine up there going.

Thus let us empower our lives and find our respective personal legends and claim our justly deserved “pot of treasure”


*The above insight contains a only selected number of themes mentioned from the book itself. All references made belongs to the author and its contents*

Random Thought, Vol. 5

Current Location: Outside LTD-4.

Awesome, its finally...

FRIDAY

Weekends ahoy! Its been a freaking hectic week; loads of projects and late nights. Its time for a quick reprive from the hectic school life of media, though work is still of essence.

I need sleep, I need rest, I need entertainment and I also need work. Damnit, I'm sounding like a workaholic. Well, at least I have work to do.

The feeling of completion, of completing a particular project is truly amazing. Especially if you've sacrificed sleep, food and time over it, a huge sigh of relieve greets you on completion date. Phew.

Okay, time for a couple of random thoughts:

1) Work is a gift, especially when you've given a particular piece your all.
2) There are alot of people around me
3) It might rain
4) my hair is NOT in a mess
5) Everyone around me seems busy
6) I feel hungry
7) I need Talents/Actors or I'll slit my throat (no, not really)
8) I'm relatively sleepy
9) The weekends are here
10) Its lunch-time
11) Random thoughts are good
12) Picture (or do) this:

Remove ALL the clocks and time telling devices in your house for one entire day. That means NO alarm clocks, NO Handphones, NO great big grandfather clocks. The only feasible (not really, if you think about it) way to tell time would be to look at the sun. Sounds like fun doesn't it? lol.

Thats that, its now time to go grab some lunch, like I've said, I'm freaking hungry. Hope my budget doesn't blow today. Oh well.

Remember to Check back for updates and Articles over the WEEKENDS and... oh oo, thats my stomach calling out to me. time for food.

Cya'll later.

Sticks and Stones can break my Bones, but WORK will never Kill me.

Just a little update. School's been hectic these few days (as predicted) largely due to the projects that we were assigned to and an assortment of a couple of others.

*takes a short 5 second break from work*

I'm not one who normally believes in the paranormal and such, but certain events have swayed my opinion vastly in the favour of this particular subject matter after a casual browse through a couple of photos that were taken awhile back.

I was convinced that the "diamonds" that appeared on the pictures taken were by no means reflections and the such, as I've had consultation with people who were familiar in this given field.

Really really freaky stuff.

These diamonds weren't only found in a particular shot but were evident in multiple angles, shots and locations (within the same area).

When one is exposed to such an experience, your inner curiosity often intervenes. After a quick search on the net, I've gathered that the location where the pictures were taken, was originally a Jewish Cemetery (though its a rather populated area).

Okay, I know its hard to convince you guys, but I'll try to post pictures if possible; you'll have to see it to believe it.

And I know you skeptics out there are going "it must be a lens flare" or "its just a flash reflection" so yea, seeing is believing.

I can't say that I'm convinced myself, and for one, I hope that those things were just reflections. So I'll need professional opinions.

My Readers! If you're a photography buff or a professional in the given field, I'd love to hear from you after I post a couple of the pictures up.

Oh well, its time to get back to work, not that I'm NOT enjoying it, I'm just sleepy. Remember to check back for updates and articles.

Cya'll later.

Random Thought, Vol. 4

5 Words:

Click Five Visited My Blog, Period.

Okay, maybe 6.

But yea, my sources indicate that the ip address of Imire House, where the Click Five resides, visited my blog and you can't say that it isn't cool (though I cannot confirm 100% its them).

They were probably searching up about their concert and stuff and probably just stumbled onto the page accidentally but who gives? I mean at least they visited right?

So to the guys of Click Five:

Next time you're here, be sure to drop a comment! (and I hope you liked my concert review)

So anyway, time for a little update and a couple of random thoughts.

Hetic pass couple of days in school largely due to immerse amounts of projects and the such. But I must say, the weekends will certainly perk one's spirits up no matter what happens, cheers to the weekends.

A couple of random thoughts before getting back to work.

1) I'm sleepy

2) August Rush's Soundtrack ftw

3) Weather's hot

4) Water tastes good

5) The Media's a tough industry

6) Another hectic week up ahead

7) Work is a gift

8) I don't really feel like going out

9) Yellow is for pineapple

10) I'm roasting my Laptop

Oh well, thats that. I'd better get back to THINK about CREATING my WORK so that I can ESCAPE and ENJOY.

Be sure to check back for updates and articles.

Cya'll later.

The Human Behaviour (III); The Influence of Fear

As this series draws to a close, I’ve covered the various causes of Human Behavioural changes and observations to the complexity about this complex mechanism that is within all of us.

Being a conclusive instalment, I’ve decided to tackle an issue on human behaviour that has been brought up in my previous instalments, namely influencing and the element of fear in one’s mindset and how it affects the human behaviour.

Mentioned in the 1st instalment (refer to article, “The Human Behaviour (I); The Social Setting”), fear is an attribute, more rather, that alters the human behaviour in ways often unnoticed from an onlooker’s perspective.

Fear is a scary (no pun intended) attribute that crafts a person’s mindset, which is ultimately, interrelated to his or her behavioural habits.

With reference to the previous instalment, fear causes changes personality-wise and also behavioural wise, for example, in tough and awkward social settings as mentioned.

It is thus no doubt that fear is a powerful tool used by people of power or authority in our modern society to, somehow or rather, “shape” and “control” the minds of its citizens; of which I’ll elaborate more later on.

The second factor in ultimate human behavioural alteration is the aspect of influence.

Mentioned in the 2nd instalment (refer to article, “The Human Behaviour (II); The Change”), the somewhat controversial issue of influence plays a part in human behavioural changes and structures.

Strong influences in the society, culture or even race can ultimately affect human behaviour whether adversely or otherwise. However, influences or rather the act of influencing, is a powerful tool along with persuasion as it is able to shape changes in the human behaviour.

Won’t this be a little scary if its used to “programme” the masses? To have your perceptions controlled through persuasion and influences?

Evidently, I’ve decided to do a final wrap-up on these two simple (but complicated in its own way) aspects as derived from my previous instalments mainly because I’m particularly affected and drawn to the fact that human behaviour can be controlled, shaped, fabricated and even manipulated to such an extent that it changes their entire perception and mindset, which forms a chain effect that in turn, affects the human behaviour.

Sounds like an awful lot doesn’t it?

Sadly in our society nowadays, the image of fear is often anchored to the technique of influence as these two aspects and attributes match side by side, like how a puzzle fits perfectly together.

What this means is that this method, as I would like to call it, is an effective catalyst, a potent mix, to control and shape, as mentioned.

Firstly, let us break down it, word for word.

The term influence is defined as “the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behaviour, opinions, etc of others” (as cited from dictionary.com).

What this means, in laymen terms, is that influence is basically a stage by stage process which coincides with the technique of persuasion as persuasion influences people to believe or even do a particular task or matter.

The term fear is defined as “an emotional response to threats and dangers” (as cited from Wikipedia.com).

Note the word emotional, used in its definition. Fear is often associated with emotions and emotions automatically constitutes into the mind which links to the behaviour.

This is a complex chain but logical in a sense as our behaviour is very much based on our emotions and perceptions. After all, behaviour is what gives humans their character and their unique facade due to the diversity of each and every single human mind.

Putting the two attributes together is interesting and powerful then. Think of the technique of influence as a gun and fear as its bullets; its the same relationship.
Without the gun, the bullets would be useless (unless loaded into another gun) and vice versa, which can be said in a more metaphorical sense in this case of influences and fear.

By inculcating the influence of fear in one’s mind, their actions or behaviour in this case, will be motored on by their “emotional response” which in this case, is fear, and results in certain changes in the human behaviour.
Influencing fear into people thus, is like a “loaded gun” and that means it is deadly and effective at the same time.

Though it may seem common, the influence of fear in our daily lives is so subtle that in many cases, we subconsciously accept these incoming fears and believe them, in doing so succumbing to the influence of fear, which may or may not contain truth, depending on the situation.

Over the pass few days, I’ve tried to observe such examples of the “subtle details” which indirectly, uses fear to influence. I had to find a source and had to observe people’s reaction after exposure to the source and how their behaviour would change in contrast.

And for that, I turned to the mass medium of the 21 century: the television.
The media is actually a powerful influence in people’s mind. From the high intellects, to the less fortunate, these people turn to the most common medium to gain information, exposure and also unknowingly, influence.

It helps conceptualise the fact that most people actually put their utmost trust in the media and the information it delivers.

Thus, as if on express, different influences get brought across very quickly in our modern society and that’s why human behaviour and perceptions can be so easily dictated via the media and its various mediums.

Though my observations in the outside world were in vain, I turned to school and finally found my due observation.

“Bowling for Columbine”, “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Fahrenheit 9/11”. Three
controversial films in their own rights, were shown to the classes, mainly due to educational purposes and also, to stimulate the students’ thinking in such controversies.

These films were very powerful in a sense that sensitive issues were tackled headfirst and information about various conspiracies were uncovered. Persuasion and influences were used deeply in these films too, particularly the influence of fear.
Though it may not seem as an accurate sample size, I did a rough observation on the behaviour of my fellow class and course mates who viewed the film and there was an astonishing difference before and after the film, behavioural wise.

Most of them reacted strongly as compared to their usual nature before watching such films as they were purely convinced. There were a handful though, that were sceptical about the things mentioned and were by far, unconvinced.

They voiced their opinions out after the films as we held a little discussion for each film screened and some of them underwent a distinctive change in behaviour.
Perhaps their believe was shaken or that they were deeply influenced by the speech. But I chose to think otherwise.

“Fear is what feeds the mind of horrors that can otherwise be devised” A quote that I came up (with a little influence from the film, Fahrenheit 9/11) that I feel, captures the essence of the “fear factor” in this case.

The aspect and issue of fear was what my observational subjects were probably exposed to, whether to a large or small extent, which influenced and persuaded them of their thoughts and mindset, thus resulting in the change of behaviour.

Many of the films mentioned have the fear of uncertainly hidden amongst the elaborated words that were flourished in the content which were subconsciously absorbed by viewers. This was probably because most of the films dealt their respective controversies with a certain degree of doubt.

Humans are not comfortable when they’re dealing with things that they are unsure of due to their nature and thus, an apt aspect of fear used.
However, the behaviour tabulated is subjective to individuals as some perceive it differently.

For some, their behaviour “shrinks” which will then result in them retreating and contemplating about what was shown to them. For others though, their behaviour strengthens and they gain a certain boost and motivation to make a change and difference and to evict the horror that they were presented with.

And this brings me to my next objective of pointing out the different benefits of fear.

Yes, fear will often reap negative effects for some, but like the mentioned above, certain individuals see fear as a source of motivation (refer to article, “Screaming Fans; The Motivational Force and Ambition”), which is largely ideal.

The motivation for improvement is fluid as for some, it is hard to find but for others, it comes naturally. By being able to turn negative aspects like fear, into positive aspects like motivation, I find that particularly enriching.

This will also mean a change in behaviour; a change for a better one. Which is largely due to the cultivation of motivation as motivation breeds positive behaviour; a vital aspect for improvement.

But this motivation for change is subjective, depending on the context as not all motivation for changes are positive and good natured. This is also where values and morals come into play as people are tested to tell what’s right to wrong, what’s good to bad.

People thus capitalises on this detail and uses fear as an influence; to gain motivation for change.

I’d like to think of the human behaviour as a litre of water, in a metaphoric sense.
It can take almost any form, as it is easily influenced to changes and it can take any shape, as it is unique to each individual.

Many people don’t pay attention to the delicate details of that “litre of water” and when it changes its form or shape but I find it particularly interesting to chapter its changes and find out about the causes and effects of it all.

Our mind and our behaviour is a very versatile aspect of our “internal motherboard”. Foreign influences (such as fear) can alter its balance and its function.

I hope that we’ll all be able to take full control of our minds and thus, free ourselves from the various external aspects that our mind is faced with which affects behaviour.

“Life is full of daily complexities and mysteries...” (taken from “The Human Behaviour (I); The Social Setting”) and the human mind and behaviour is one such example.

I hope that this series has indeed gained a better insight into such “complexities and mysteries” of life and enrich one’s perception from a personal viewpoint.

And the Reason is...

Okay just here to share a little something with you guys, my readers. FYI, I don't usually do this for my reports and explaintions but yea, check this out.


Report for being late on 07/07/08

The reason why I’m late for today, though it may seem really ridiculous, was that I accidentally poked my nose during my shower. And as a result, I had to stop the bleeding and thus was late.

Aside from that, I woke up relatively late (7:50) but was majorly late due to my bleeding nose. I apologise for being late and assure you that I’ll not let this happen on a regular basis.

I feel that this is my first time (okay, maybe the second time) being late, I feel that you shouldn’t penalise me.

I understand that the media is a strict and tough industry with demanding timelines to meet and I’ll strive to improve on my attendance and also, try to be more careful when I’m in the shower.

I’ll wake up 1 hour and 45 minutes earlier from now on so as to prevent such mishaps from happening again.

Again, I apologise and I assure you that I will NOT be late due to stupid and careless reasons.

I seek your understanding. Thank you.

(Name here)
MS0801

*

I repeat, I've NEVER done anything like this before and certainly its the worse report I've written, even though the nose poking part was really true.

This report was submitted to my lecturer who requested all that were late to write. I really hope the reason is sufficient though it may seem really ridiculous.

Just a little something I'd hope to share with you guys. Check back for articles and updates!

Cya'll later.

A Vision of Truth? I Don't Know.

First off, I have to say that Friday Night Starbucks are really really awesome, period. Especially if its a special occasion.

I know this is coming in abit late (considering the fact that its Sunday now), but yea, the cake, the coffee, the pasta, the ghostly stories/game discussion and not the mention, the photo taking session at the end of it all, which I'll update when I get them, were all awesome moments that I'll truly remember.

On a front, we're helping Starbucks regain their market share (which they're losing due competition) but on another, Friday nights are just a time set aside for social gatherings as such. Till the day when we don't have to leave at 11pm due to curfews, Friday nights are totally awesome and we'll make the time count.

Now that that's done, time for a little update.

Ever had one of those weird dreams which you remember for the entire day? Well I have.

This dream came to me last night (or morning, I can't really tell). Its contents are unfortunately, not at liberty to be expressed (as it is highly personal, NOT in an explicit way).

Even up to now (its 5:14 in the afternoon), I remember the dream clearly. Some people believe that if you remember your dream, it'll never come true.

BS or logic?

Honestly, I don't know. But what I know is that dreams DO come true, if you work towards them (both in a metaphorical and literal fashion).

I hope the dream I had, does come true. And I'll work towards it. Its not often that a pristine dream as such comes along and I take that as a sign, a sign to work towards it.

So for those of you out there who's given up on a dream, don't. For hope exists in even the weakest and worse situation, something which I'll always remember.

Be sure to check back for updates and articles, including the final installment of "The Human Behaviour" series. Till then stay sharp and don't give up.

Cya'll later.

The Human Behaviour (II); The Change

My pervious instalment of The Human Behaviour covered the aspect of the reaction and feelings of people in particular social settings. Issues covered included the general outline of human behaviour, their distinct roles in a group social setting, humans being emotive creatures, the issue of fears in a social setting and many more.

This observational series is one that requires time and much observation in order to be acute in its reports.

I’m however, tackling the approach via a means of my personal perspective and thus, certain claims and observations might be subjective to the individual.

The ambiguity of a topic as such is evident.

As mentioned in the previous instalment (refer to article, The Human Behaviour (I); The Social Setting), the human mind is subjective and complex in its own nature. The mind of a person, being the core constitution of a person’s behaviour, decides the person’s behaviour and the way he or she acts, which might shed some light on the ambiguity of the behaviour of humans; we rarely behave similarly.

“the action or reaction under specified circumstances” (as cited from dictionary.com) fully defines the term, behaviour and naturally, as proof to my pervious claim about behaviour being subjective, “action” and “reaction” are rarely carbon copies from one human being to another.

Human behaviour therefore, is a very vast and diverse topic.

Moving on to my substantive for this instalment.

The society around us changes and shapes the very tomorrow for the lives of those living in it. For example, the government might ban education tomorrow and that will surely affect the people in the particular country (with expected mixed reactions, of course).

It is no denying the fact that changes are evident in our everyday lives, and whether if its a good or bad thing, depends purely on the mindset of a person, which often follows in a series of differentiated human behaviour.

But the question remains; how will change ultimately affect the human behaviour? Are we so superficial as to the fact that changes can alter our mindset, in doing so, our behaviour?

There is truth to that statement.

In a sense, changes fosters a different mindset due to the core dependency that humans respond to stimuli. I feel that change itself is a stimuli and thus, we, as living organisms, would and should respond to the changes around us, in terms of either refining, adapting or even totally revamping our mindset.

Though it may seem unrealistic or even nonsensical, humans undergo a series of “revamps” which also can be termed changes, in their mindset and human behaviour. Its amazing that the behaviour of humans can change drastically throughout one’s life, as I’ve found out during my observational period.

Observing changes often takes up a bunk of time and effort, mainly because changes are sometimes uncalled for and highly situational. Knowing this, I knew it was really hard for me to actually observe changes and how those changes affect human behaviour.

Thus I came up with a little something called Contrasting. It may seem complex but in fact, it is much easier to contrast rather than sit and wait for a change to actually happen; some of which can take years to cultivate a significant change in a human’s behaviour.

The concept of Contrasting is a fairly simple one. Basically, when I observed something significant in the field of human behaviour, I would compare the behaviour with the former self. This was, a comparison is created and one would be able to analyse the differences in human behaviour before and after these changes without actually witnessing them.

However, not that Contrasting may work only for certain observational types and the results are more rather, fluid and subjective and observations can only be treated as a generalization.

A good example where I used Contrasting, in a general viewpoint, is in the change of age and its effect on the human behaviour.

The change of age is an aspect that affects the one’s behaviour, in drastic fashion at that, I feel. This can be due to a number of both scientific and psychological aspects that leads to this change.

On a scientific basis, Senescence, which is the big word used to describe the process of aging, often spurs different types of “social, psychological and physical changes” (as cited from Wikipedia.com).

These psychological changes that people undergo during aging hints at the change in behaviour too, in drastic differences and fashion. The change in behaviour for the aspect of age often varies from one end of the spectrum to the other.

You would normally envision old people to be quiet, soft spoken and always keeping to themselves, which is only half correct. Age does make a person keep their problems to themselves as they gain a higher sense of maturity and wisdom; they do not want the people around them to worry. And in this sense, their behaviour will obviously change as they will become less idealistic and more down to earth, accepting things for what they are and as mentioned, keeping their thoughts to themselves in order for the society to not worry for them.

However, this is only one side of the spectrum that I’ve mentioned.

The other half of the spectrum is vocalised (pun intended) by those who develop their sense of right to speak up or being more sociable.

Though the majority lies with the former group, there are exceptions.

My daily bus rides to school granted me this insight for I observed a particularly contentions elderly man; he was voicing his opinions loudly on the bus. Though I enjoyed his rapid comments about various social issues, I pondered on the change that age has taken on him.

He was so sociable that he even spoke to another elderly man who boarded the bus about highly personal topics such as their children.

There was no clear indication that both of them knew each other but the sociable elderly started conversing in fluent dialect, as if they were long time friends. He even helped the other elderly man down the bus as he had difficulty walking.

Indeed that was an act of kindness. But I began to reason, in my head, about the behaviour of the sociable old man. Clearly the change of age has taken him (he was 65) and now has a sociable, and open mindset; lets face it, how many times have you seen younger adults being so open to people they don’t know?

Take note here that I’m not trying to criticise this type of behaviour but more rather, point it out, as people nowadays are somewhat ignorant of such subtle aspects of life.

I feel that another subtle detail that people fail to take observation and notice, in our society is all around us; our environment.

A new sign board, a different coat of paint, a new building built; these are all but a small part of our environment. I’m not trying to be over critical here but one of the main influences of the changes in behaviour is the environment around us.

When one is thrown into a new environment, one often feels lost, disorientated and insecure. Without a doubt, the human behaviour of the particular person will change accordingly. This is why people tend to be more introverted and inward when first introduced to a new environment.

The feeling of disorientation and insecurity makes a person less adventurous as they are afraid to move out of their safety zones and will also result in people putting on “false fronts” either to deceive or simply due to their fears (refer to article, The Human Behaviour (I); The Social Setting).

This however, is more often, a temporary issue as the insecurity of a new environment will fade as soon as that person gets familiar with the surroundings. Again, this is an issue of speed and subjectivity as certain people can adapt almost on the spot while other takes weeks or even months; its that diverse.

People thus undergo a duration of altered behaviour when they’re introduced to a new environment that they’re not used or comfortable with.

Most change aspects are on a long term basis but the change in environment is one of the few aspects that yields temporary change in behaviour.
As mentioned earlier in the article (and the previous instalment), the human mind and human behaviour is closely intertwined together, which means that this serves that another platform for the basis of the change of behaviour; the change in one’s mindset.

Though it may not be easy to change and, with reference to the earlier mention, revamp your mind, it can and has been done, though many people don’t notice this due to its understated observation and notice.

Very so often or another, we’ll come across that one inspirational book that will change your perspective about something. Mind, it need not be a book but can be anything, anything that inspires you to think, reflect and change your behaviour.
The change of mindset is one that not many people are willing to make nor will they notice that they have done so.

A simple quote like “every blessing ignored becomes a curse” (from The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, 1988) for instance, can change a person’s mindset and behaviour for they are then inspired.

This little motivation (refer to article, Screaming Fans; The Motivational Force and Ambition) leads to a change in behaviour as the person is influenced and motivated to lead a different life, for example and this constitutes to a change.

The change of influence is also based on the mind as the mind perceives, get influenced and acts based on the combination. I find the basis of influence extremely strong and evident amongst teenagers.

Perhaps at a young age, people are more easily influenced due to premature thoughts and unfiltered mindsets. Bad influences can thus pervade these vulnerable minds, corrupting them and tainting them with negative imagery.

I’m sure there are cases of teenagers attempting to emulate their so called “role models” by copying their actions or even mimicking them word for word, stride by stride. Let us question these influences; are they positive or negative?
It is again, subjective. Like a coin having two different sides, it is not exception here.

I feel that altering one’s behaviour based on influences is rather “self-zombifying”. The main reason being that I feel each and every single individual should be distinct and prominent; no two people are the same entirely.

Instead of subjecting to influence and mimicking due to that influence, why not change and create your own influence?

Changes are very diverse in the field of human behaviour, as with the entire aspect of it on the whole. There are many factors that contribute to the change in human behaviour of which I’ve only touched on a few.

The human behaviour is a complex issue which isn’t easy to unravel.

For my coming edition, I’ll be concluding about my observations regarding human behaviour and giving my final analysis of the psychological side of expression.

*The above references made to various authors are in no way used for the reason of blog promotion.

I Appreciate the Tiles that I'm Stepping on.

Born of decent origin and less then fortunate background, she was by no means born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Hardship and sorrow filled her pass, and though she had a happy childhood, that happiness was shortlived.

Equipped with only primary 5 education, she was thrown into the society at the tender of 13; an age where the average kid nowadays would spend time playing with computer games but she was cleaning furniture and washing dirty laundry as a house servant, a hardly glamourous job by far.

The following years of her lives were filled with hard labour, where she worked for a medical company at 14 and in a shoe factory at 15. As dark and gloomy those days were, she didn't find any joy and happiness in her life at that time.

And to make matters worse, she was thrown into the early commitment of marriage at what seemingly early age of 18, an age that the people of today find taboo to even talk about marriage.
Maybe life would improve after marriage, she insisted.

But it didn't.

She had to go back into the workforce at 18, this time as a factory worker in a socket manufacturing plant. "Sweat-shops" were an understatement in those working conditions.

Day and night, she worked for far too many hours and was paid far too little then she deserved. Whats more, being an expectant mother at that time, life was hardly a bed of roses for her; it was pure hell.

Tears and sorrow often accompanied her meals, of which she ate alone. The lack of nutrition and the lack of love and support from her "family" contributed to that; Her immediately family was located all the way in Malaysia and was brought to Singapore for the sole reason of marriage. With no support and terrible standard of life, it was no doubt that life to her was a burden.

The government evicted a series of attap houses to make way for future developments and to improve the standard of living for its citizens as a whole in the early 1970s. Naturally, she had to pay an upfront amount of money for her flat as well as the renovations. For a Mother with 3 kids at that time, it was clearly a huge burden and hardship to endure.

She could be considered the sole breadwinner of the family and she remembered distinctively that she paid for the entire marble flooring of her apartment, articulating the whole process with tears glimmering in her eyes, as if reflecting and illustrating the amount of hardship she went through.

This is the very same apartment that she still lived in today, the same apartment that I'm living in today.

My God Mum, a Mother to me. And this is but only a fraction of her life story...

*

The above narrative is a recount that I'm inspired to do, in due time. I need feedback and responses, about how do you guys, my readers, feel about this narrative.

I found it significantly moving and it hit me hard emotionally, on a personal level, as the narrative revolves around my God Mum and her rather hard and tragic life story.

What started out as a casual conversation about my school work, soon unraveled into an inspiring and touching life story on her side. I was utterly stunned about what I've learnt about her and was emotionally affected; she rarely opened up in such a way.

Constructive comments are encouraged, from you, my readers, regardless of its nature.

I hope this short "preview" has touched you guys as much as it did for me. Let us reflect on how fortunate we are in the world and appreciate what we have.

So I hope to hear from you, my readers. Be sure to check back for article updates and stay sharp.

Cya'll later.