The joys of being poor.

Hey Guys,

I've probably told anyone this...but I secretly have a fear of being poor.
That's right, like I say before in my previous post, I really hate the government for making poor people in Singapore forcefully play the hunger games, where it's the survival of the fittest.

Now, I've never really talk about it much to anyone, 'cause I felt it was a silly phobia. I mean, why would anyone be scared of feeling poor?

But, it starts to really bother me when I enter into my teenage hood. Peniaphobia (Fear of poverty) initially started well for me as a motivation for me.
Well, I'm really a soldier material, my best motivation for anything is fear.

Alright, fun fact time!
Different people have different type of drive for work. For example, some people needs people to care, take care of their welfare then, will they be able to be motivated.

For me, fear works best for me. Since I'm really scared of being poor, I'm really concerned of my own future and I'm sure as hell don't want to grow up and live in a trash bin ('Cause Trash Can can't fit me.). Call me materialistic, but I want to live a comfortable life, free from worries with my financial well being.

So I see peniaphobia as my drive for life, I mean a little motivation can't do any harm right?
Who knew it took a turn for the worst, I was so stressed up about doing well that I started doing badly in everything I was doing. So the more I screw things up, the more stressed I got, I ended up in a vicious cycle.

I eventually fell into a state of depression and I just threw everything I care about aside. I didn't cared about what I was doing, I felt that if I carried on, my life would go nowhere, but then again I really didn't care about  anything.

The story of my peniaphobia started from this:

When I was a kid, my family was affected by the economic crisis in 2008.
My Dad lost his job due to the recession and became a taxi driver.
During then, everyone just wanted to save as much as they can, so everyone chose other public transport to taxi rides. To add on, he was irresponsible to the family. Why?
He spent most of the time gambling and sleeping, so the income was never enough to feed the family.

My Mum, on the other hand sold all her jewelries, she had nothing left.
I still can remember this piece of memory vividly, probably the cause of the peniaphobia.
I happened to glance into her purse and saw all she had was 4 dollars.
She spent 2 dollars to buy a cheap burger for me for dinner.
I asked her,'Why aren't you eating?'
She told me that she's not hungry.
I offered her my burger and she smiled at me and rejected my offer.
The next day, she gave the remaining 2 dollars as my allowance.

It didn't bothered me after a few years later. I still remember that time where my family was so poor, there's no way we can get any poorer.(Maybe if we ran into dept)

My family is really poor, not in the sense like third world poor but, still poor.
My house's electricity runs on prepaid, not meter charge like others.
I could continue to complain and whine, but I'm gonna. (You're welcomed.)

So I'm gonna share today, why being poor might not be as bad as it is.
(As of writing all these, I am not saying all poor people are the same, maybe it's more about what I went through.)

When you're poor, you have nothing to lose. It would be an added benefit if you're a boy.
How so? When you're rich, you have a reputation to keep, or it's harder to let go of your money, your house and etc. So when you're poor, you have nothing to lose. Money? Haha, as long as we don't run into dept, all is well!

Poor people don't really care much about mindless things. Like how some people like to pick a senseless fight like others and the reason is because they're having a bad day. Trust me, I hear that from all the time from different people. To us, there's much better thing to attend to like what's for dinner compared to getting into an argument of silly things.

We are easily contented, we don't need much to be happy. A simple gathering of the family to have a crab dinner was all that was needed to have an enjoyable night. Happiness is simplicity right? There's really no need for expensive gifts, meals. What matters is when you have the people you care about around you.

In some ways, the government does help in my family's financial issue. I get financial aid from school, my parents gets some income thingy. So we get money for being poor! (Actually I made that up for collecting money so that I feel better.) D:

We value sharing. As one person had said it before," You'll only gain, when you learn to share."
Since we don't have a lot to begin with, so we try to help others with all with have.

Talking of which, we don't have to be poor to learn how to share. My Mum shows me an easy way to share and I thought it might be good to start.

Most of us take the public transport daily, at the stations itself, there are some street performers. Let it be a dare from me, give as much as you want to the street performers. You can freaking give 10 cents, or 50 dollars, it's not about the amount. But the act of giving. Do this for a week and come back next week and tell me how was it!

Also, to add on, I got out of my peniaphobia without the help of medication or other suggested methods. Instead, I talked it all out to my Church's youth worker. With some time, I got out of it, so if you're suffering from peniaphobia too, I suggest you find someone to talk to.

So till next time, stay awesome and rock on.

My views on: Dinesh Raman's compensation.

Hey Guys,

So just recently, another big controversy that got the some Singaporeans raged about the government's actions towards a particular case and here's my point of view as a Singaporean youth.

I am quite hesitant to talk about it since it involves politics and well, frankly there's no such thing as the a one good way in politics and I sure as hell do not want to end up in a lawsuit against the government.

Oh, but this is just my opinions, no offense intended. :D (Seriously, no offense intended.)

Recently, the big case is about Dinesh Raman. (Well, about his compensations anyways.)

I was wasting my time on Facebook when I stumbled upon one of my friend's shared links.

 An article from a rather popular website, http://therealsingapore.com/content/mha-implies-all-ite-graduates-have-no-future


Before I get too far ahead into the article, let's find out more about the person involved, Mr. Dinesh Raman.

Mr. Dinesh Raman, was declared dead 3 years ago in Changi Prison due to positional asphyxiation according to an autopsy released by the Ministry of Home Affairs.(So confirm Zhun)  

For those that have never heard about positional asphyxiation, it's basically when a person's body position prevents themselves from breathing. Statistics shows that many people die from positional asphyxiation from restraints by police or health care staff. (According to wikipedia)

So the need for this restraint is when Mr. Dinesh Raman went to kick the abdomen of one of the prison officer. Though in http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/no-basis-for-allegations/812770.html, it states that it was unprovoked, it also states that there were a verbal exchange between him with another prison officer. I'm not saying that the prison officer might have said something offensive, but who knows?

Afterwards, he passed away shortly. Though there were symptoms showing that Mr. Dinesh was breathless, i would like to reiterate that it was pretty common in a restraint, so the prison officers didn't pay much attention to it. (That's sad.)

See this Bad luck officer. He was fined $10,000 for negligence. 

Imagine you're a waiter and you're fined because you broke some glasses. 

Seems like being a civil servant might not be the best job in the world. 

As compensation for negligence, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sent their staff to Mdm. Selvi (Mr. Dinesh's mother.) for her to name the compensation she wanted. However,

(Quoted from: http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2013/09/substantial-windfall-claim-not-true-dinesh-ramans-mother)

Since Mdm Selvi refused to name an amount right? The MHA themselves made an offer.
Remember, it's an OFFER. 
The offer was made with the following guild lines.

(Stated from: http://www.mha.gov.sg/news_details.aspx?nid=MjkwNQ%3D%3D-C53RVg5vWAM%3D)

However, the amount was never disclosed to the public and the article from: (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/no-basis-for-allegations/812770.html) stares that the MHA is still open for negotiations for the compensation.

So you've got the story so far? If you did, Good Job! (If not, go and read again.)

Now here's the point that causes many people to go bananas.

The compensation offer.

Many readers from therealsingapore.com felt that the government is putting a price tag on people based on their past actions and certificates.

Remember this:

The MHA did indeed went to use the word : Generous in their statement of the compensation.

The editor went on to interpret it as the MHA being arrogant and having a elist mindset since it sees the path that Mr. Dinesh was heading and judged him based on that, and that he would at best get an ITE certificate and get a stable job. 

Of course, at the comment section, all hell broke loose. It's like all of them decided to comment all their hatred for the government be it relevant or not and in one take.

So let's focus again, netizens are angry because the government sort of condemned him because of his past history and the MHA says the ITE graduates will at best land a low paying job. 

Okie, now let's view it in another point of view.
If Mr. Dinesh decided to leave his gang and carry on with life, he might eventually become the next Steve Jobs. So if the MHA just decided to compensate $1 Million. Would the netizen keep their voice down?

Of course not, that's not fair to the taxpayers. Who can assumed him to be the next millionaire? That's right, no one.

Let's use what the article had stated, to use the median of fellow Singaporeans' salaries. Now would the netizens shut up?

Of course not again. Mr. Dinesh has never contributed to the society, probably the best he got was when he served his national service (UNDER SUPERVISION), he is a gang member, he went into Reformative Training Centre multiple times, how is it fair to use a hardworking singaporean's salary for for comparison?

In my point of view, the MHA shouldn't even compensate Mr. Dinesh's family. Why? These are the reasons why the MHA calls it generous. 


Firstly, the restraint could have been avoided if Mr. Dinesh decided to swallow down whatever the prison officer said to him and not freaking kicked a prison officer. What was he expecting?

Secondly, he belongs to a secret society. He even went to on cause a riot and commit theft. He caused damages that required the money from taxpayers to repair or clean up the act. So why should we pay more of the taxpayers' money to his parents?

Lastly, not judging, but it's not like the society hasn't given him a second chance. He was sent to Reformative Training Centre, but did he change, no! He even went to cause injuries to his mother. Another great example is that he went to kick a prison officer. So if even in a prison, and he can't control himself, can he really go on to succeed in life?

Before you guys go on and go bananas, I would like to reiterate that all these are my opinions! 

If you like it, you can accept it, if you disagree, you're free to have your own opinions. 

The reason that I felt why the MHA calls it generous is that Mr. Dinesh would obviously not have gotten into an ITE. That's pretty obvious, even for me. 

And the article went to state that," It's also clear that they believe that ITE graduates will only land low-paying jobs in the future and that's how they have calculated the compensation. "

I really don't know where in the article in the MHA's websites states that ITE graduates will only land low paying jobs? 

Try reading:  http://www.mha.gov.sg/news_details.aspx?nid=MjkwNQ%3D%3D-C53RVg5vWAM%3D 

If you managed to find it, come I clap for you. 

It states that," The State has offered a compensation quantum calculated on the premise that Dinesh Raman would have gone on to ITE and have had a stable job."

Is the editor saying that stable job equates to low paying job? (Haha, jokes on him since being an editor is a stable job.) 

Also, the compensation amount was never disclosed to the public, so how did he (or she) know that the MHA calculated based on a low paying job? 

There's way too much assumption in this article, isn't it? 

This article wasn't written by any Tom, dick or Harry. (Maybe the editor's name is Tom, dick or Harry. Haha.)

It was written by the editor himself. 

Since some readers treats the website like the new bible, shouldn't they be more careful as to what they write? Trust me, people treat this website like the new bible. 

See this guy, he literally commented on almost all the comments. Either encouraging hating the government or against people who supports the government. 

( isn't that sort of threatening? "Death bell for the pap government" who knows?)

What's more, the website is meant for people above the age of 18. That means that most of them would have been adults right? But whatever they comment or posts are like kids complaining. What's worst, they're complaining based on assumptions! 

I would like to say that I'm not all supporting the government! Mainly, because they make poor people life a living hell. Or making the poor people play the hunger games. 

But will Singaporean adults grow a pair of eyes and open them? To put it bluntly, look properly before believing some unknown sources!

Also, think before you say. Who knows? The government might just see it and next thing you know, you're in court for saying false testimonies against the government. 

Be responsible for what you say! Especially on the Internet. Like how this link was shared by my friend of the same age.(a teenager) 

Can you imagine the impact it does on people? 

Whatever it may be, my condolences goes to Mr. Dinesh's family and I really hope that Mdm Selvi would accept what the autopsy had stated. 

So till next time, stay awesome and rock on.

Hey Guys,

So I just came back from my holiday/study trip and just when I thought that things couldn't get any better, guess what I saw today?

Yes, I've finally reached my 1000 page views milestone. Though I took a bit of time to reach here, but I'm still glad I've reached here. Most importantly, I would like to thank you guys for making it happen.

So last Sunday, I just went on a school cruise trip and I felt that it was a fruitful trip since I get to get to mingle around with the class and enjoyed myself.

But wait! i will soon make a post about it soon, so stay tune!

So as a celebration for my 1000 pageviews milestone, I thought I shall do the 20 Truth tag.
You've probably seen it on Instagram (Follow me @awesome_jasper, Shameless self-promotion) that many of them did this tag where they show 20 truths about themselves and tag a couple more people. Since no one tagged, I shall do it without no one asking.

#1:
I spend most of the time on 9Gag.

I'm sure that lots of people used their apps, but I dare say that I'm on of their biggest user. I can remember if the post is a repost or not even if it was a long time ago. Also, the first thing I do when I wake up and the last thing I do before I go to sleep is to press the app icon. I sometimes felt that I bought my iPhone just to use the 9Gag app.

#2:
I drink all my drinks with 2 straws.

Some of my friends often calls me wasteful for using 2 straws. Haha, I guess habits are hard to die.
BTW, I got this 2 straws habit from my Bro, so when we go out for meals, I need to get 4 straws for the both of us. #Troublesome

#3:
I like to drink my cultured milk this way.

 I don't even need to remove the packaging, I just poke the straws in and I'm good to go. FYI, I drink all 5 in one go, and yes, I think I'm getting diabetes soon.

#4:
I love my family.

My family is really one of kind, we fight and argue way too much. But I still love each and everyone of them, I feel that those arguments made us understand each other better. <3

#5:
My cliques are old.

Most of my friends are much older than me, some of them have finished their national service, some are doing their service now. I find them much easier to communicate and in a way, they help me to mature my thinking.

#6:
I like racist/stereotypes jokes.

Haha, yes, I do enjoy racist or stereotypes jokes, but I focus more on the jokes rather than the racism in it. Well, a little humor never harms anyone.

#7:

I'm an introvert.

Not a lot of people will group me under the introvert category, only some managed to guess it correctly. I like to act like a extrovert so as to not ruin the party, but inside, it's killing me. HAHA?

#8:
I have a money issue.

Regardless of how much money i have in my wallet, I can and I will spend it all. The only time I stop is when my wallet is dry. I'm ashamed of this truth.

#9:
Sunny is my goddess.

She is one of the 9 girls in Korean group, Girls Generation. Strangely, I don't really like the group that much, but I still love her. (Not in the creeper/pervert sense.)

#10:
I have a lot of collections.

I have a bunch of collections of very random items. I have a bunch of wristbands, caps and trading cards.
Maybe way too much.. HAHA!

However, my biggest collection and is still growing would be the CO-CO comic/magazine.It's SGD 4.80 and it releases a new issue a month, so the current issue 110. Ya, guess how much that is. (hint: a lot)

#11:
I hate reading.

I really hate reading. Kind of ironic huh? A blogger that hates reading. HAHA!

#12:
I don't know what I wanna do in the future.

Though I'm achieving a Diploma in Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management, I'm still not sure what I wanna do in the future. Haha?

#13:
I'm scared of all living things.

That includes a bunch of animals, I'm especially scared of cats. I really don't know why I'm scared of them.

#14:
Though I'm scared of a bunch of living things, I love dogs.

That's right, big or small. ugly or cute, I love them all. DOGS FTW!!!

#15:
Ironically, I have way too much pictures of cute cats and dogs on my computer.

I mean. look at these:

Who wouldn't love these? Aww...

#16:
One thing that would really make me happy, is that I have a golden retriever or pit bull as pets.
Big dogs seems especially cute to me. I don't know why though.

#17:
I think that the rapping portion a song is the most essential.
People can't differentiate talking fast and rapping.  that's kinda sad, just sad.

#18:
Macklemore and Eminem are both a great rapper. I have a man-crush on both of them. hehe.

#19:
The only and only book series that I read for leisure is the Percy Jackson series.
All those that says that it was a lousy book, too bad you just missed a great book.

#20:
Last but not least,
I'm a block of wood in relationships. I don't get hints nor do I know what to do in different scenarios.
Sorry, I'm not a ladies man. D:

So, once again, thank you for the 1000 pageviews, you're awesome

Check out my buddy and I doing the Chubby Bunny Challenge. 

 So till next time, stay awesome and rock on.

Adventure Camp 2013

Hey Guys,

As most probably all of you guys know, I am a volunteer in the Boys' Brigade back in my old secondary school.

When I first entered the Boys' Brigade, I didn't know what does Boys' Brigade do. I mean Scouts are like adventure craze and NCC is like the ametuer level of the real NS (National Service).
Frankly, not a lot know about the Boys' Brigade, so I'll try as much as possible to publicize the awesome Boys' Brigade!

So last Friday, 30 August 2013, we had our Adventure Camp!

Initially, the route was planned to be 22 Kilometres, but I think we've probably skipped one kilometre or so. Haha!

From Pasir Ris Park to East coast park. 

Day 1:

Here's Max! My boy! About to enjoy our dinner! 

Next we moved to Pasir Ris Park.

On our first night, we've encountered a snake! I think it's a viper. 

The Boys' setting up the tents. 

The last parade, about to sleep!

A short day for all of us. 

Day 2: 

Preparing the 5BX, it's the 5 Basic Exercise to get the body ready for the day!

Our Captain. 

The platoon I'm taking care of. Of course, with my partner primer, Marcus!

A photo of the whole company with the beautiful Sun rise and sea as background. 

Meet the officer that took care of me when I was still a boy! Mr. Dennis Oh. 

We head out on our expedition! 

Managed to snap a picture of me!

These are some stunning scenery we had while on our expedition.

The one and only handsome Marcus.

We decided to walk across the drain, full of algae.

End up I was the only one that fell. I hate algae now. 

We had our lunch at the McDonalds. 

Swagalicious Yu Heng. 

We continue our adventure afterwards. With lesser loads though. HAHA. 

The other platoon at the same time. 

All looking kinda sad and forced to drink the milk tea. 

The rest of the company had already reached there, and was setting up the tents. 

While my platoon is sitting on the streets, waiting for safety vehicle. 

We had BBQ for dinner at East Coast Park, that's me!

I think everyone was too tired to take anymore pictures, so that's all for the BBQ.

Day 3:

We had the Sand Mermaid as the final game for the camp!

In the process of burying!!

My fellow Primer, Ruben!

The poor Jian Hong, burying himself. Haha!

About dead, HAHA!

Lobster instead of Mermaid?

My Team's mermaid!

Poor Jian Hong with sand everywhere. 

Platoon 28

Platoon 27

Platoon 26

Our platoon won!

Next were the promotion! Congrats to all!

Candid photo of the junior and senior. 

How can we end without a group picture?

Everyone was sleeping in the bus ride home, haha, can't blame them!

That marks the end of the camp. Of course I didn't managed to upload all the pictures, but these are the cream of crop since 98% were taken by someone else. I'm really not good in photo taking, haha. 

I really enjoyed myself in the camp, be it the expedition or the BBQ, all were very memorable to me. Some might be skeptical since I kept lecturing people throughout the camp. But I really enjoyed the camp!

I'm in-charge of platoon 28, the youngest platoon in the company. Sure, there are times where I get weary and demotivated, but seeing all of them enjoying this camp was really encouraging to me! 

So till next time, stay awesome and rock on.