Mustache philosophy

The other day when I was trying to catch up on my readings at the Journalism library, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation these two Americans were having. Their topic: Facial hair.

One of them went something like: "Wow, you're getting a really nice V on your mustache eh?" The other guy laughs and describes how's he been working on it, how he's growing it and then trimming it. The conversation wasn't that distance from the way girly girls talk about their pedi and manicures. It made my hair stand. And I actually quivered. Then came the bombshell.

"A man never really knows himself until he grows a mustache."

My eyeballs almost popped, I almost gagged and almost burst out into laughter. All these while trying so hard to concentrate on my readings about how the brain processes mediated messages. Hold you judgement, lest you think I was eavesdropping - these two were talking to each other across tables.

I had kept my head down, eyes fixed on my notes all these while. But admittedly, I couldn't resist taking a sneak peek at their facial hair, and in all honesty, they looked good. Part of me wanted facial hair like them too, just for that moment. When I got my senses back, the idea of having to upkeep it scares me.

Come to think of it, I've never seen more facial hair anywhere else in the world than here. And people actually look darn good in them. Come to think of it, most of my guy friends here keep their facial hair, even the Asians - Uncle Ll*oyd, R*intaro (he just shaved it off today though), R*oss, J*ohnny...

From Congo to Columbia

At 16, Hamis Ndebaba (far left) has probably traveled more than most regular teens. But they were no pleasure trips. Together with his family, Hamis was forced out of Congo, in hopes of escaping a war, to Tanzania, where they stayed in a refugee camp. When the war ended, Hamis and his family who are Burundians by descent, found themselves stateless. Neither Congo or Burundi would take them back.

Under a US government sponsored program, they landed up in Florida. But as food stamps and cash ran out, his father, Mukiwa decided to move, in hopes of finding relatives and more aid to support the family of 10. Since Mukiwa had a sister-in-law here in Columbia Mo., they headed here. It's been almost four months since they arrived.

It's hard not to like Hamis. He's chatty and affable. When I enter his room, which he shares with his six other siblings, he's quickly tidies his little table. On it sits a single lamp and some books. most of the furniture in the bedroom, and the house for the matter, were donated by church members (That in itself is an amazing story for another time).

He picks up his English-Swahili dictionary, flips it and pretends to read it. In fact, he's posing for my camera. I make a picture. He opens up another English text book and asks me to make another photo. The boy's clearly proud of the fact that he knows 10th grade English, and proudly so given he never spoke a word of English when the family first stepped into the US just over a year ago. It's enough to make him the unofficial spokesperson of the family.

I'll be following Hamis and his family for the rest of this semester as my group mate and I document how they settle down here in Columbia.

It's funny how I seem to wind up doing stories on migration - return migration, temporary migration and now forced migration. This would be my third one big one. But I never get tired of listening to stories of people on the move. Meeting such a big family at one go was overwhelming. There's so much energy in the house that after two hours of what was suppose to be only a "recon", I was thoroughly exhausted.

I'm excited to hear more from them and to see how they cope with life anew here. This just struck me when I was editing the photos: Because they are Christians, they are my brothers in Christ too. It's something hard to grapple with though. So often, we say we pray for people living elsewhere, facing war and famine, but never would I have thought to come into the house of a family who's been through some extent of that. I wonder what does that say about me?

Unboxing the Magic Mouse - and slamming it

It's been a long while since I bought any gadget that's truly Apple recently - except for the laptop battery, that one no count. And I've never really done any unboxing photos before. So when I got my Magic Mouse this afternoon, I decided to take some shots and write this up instead of spending time on my annotated bibliography due on Monday.









I was rather dissapointed that the mouse came in such a shabby box. It looked like it was something they would have dumped in with the new iMacs and not something you got off the retail store shelves. Maybe it doesn't matter to some, but I've always respected Apple for their detailed and intricate packaging. This one just seemed to miss the mark.

I'm not going to trumpet the benefits of the Magic Mouse - it's all on the Apple site. But after using the mouse for just a while, I'm already feeling some magical strain on the top of my hand. For one, this mouse doesn't grip as well as the Mighty Mouse. Because it's so flat, there's an uncomfortable gap between the mouse pad and my hand. I would have thought Apple would have been smarter in their ergonomics. The buttons too have an unusually loud click.

The mouse's redeeming grace has to be the touch-sensored scroll, which definitely solves the old dirty scroll ball problem. I like it a lot. I hope I get used to this new mouse without having to suffer too much. I'll give it a week and update again.

A favourite

I never thought I'd be able to say that I actually have a favourite sweater. But here it is.

I was told to stay off J.Crew. "That's my brand," R*intaro joked over a coincidental lunch today. Too bad dude, there's no turning back now.

Blessed birthday

I must admit - and I've told this to my friends - that I thought I would have a miserable birthday this year. It didn't have to be a fantabulous one, not that it really mattered anyway, but to have a miserable and lonely one was just not acceptable.

Ll*oyd and V*al were going to be in Colorado for a conference, I thought S*am and his family weren't going to be back till next week, C*allie was at camp, and R*intaro - well let's just say that he can be busy.

So never would I have thought that I would have been this blessed this birthday with a trip up to St Louis, great meals and unexpected calls.

R*intaro agreed to drive up to St Louis on Sat to do some shopping at the Galleria Mall. I got introduced to the world of jcrew and I finally understood why R*intaro raves about it. It has some of the most unique sweaters, outerwear and thermals I've seen - and btw it's a brand that the Obamas wear. So I did splurge a little on two sweaters - yep it can be pricey - and a $20 pants. After all, I do need some good winter sweaters. And after browsing at jcrew, seriously, I think I might start foresaking GAP. Too bad jcrew's not in Singapore yet.

I spotted a Harry and David store and found myself reminiscing about the chocolate pretzels Bryan and I would siphon from Prem's desk. I couldn't help but buy a couple of packets.

By the time we got done at the mall, it was past 3pm and hungry us decided to try Chr*istine's recommendation for Vietnamese - Pho Grand. The place was highly rated and not expensive at all. We headed next to check out the "Chinatown" in St Louis. There isn't officially one, but there's this area along Olive Boulevard that has rows of Chinese, Japanese and Korean supermarkets and restaurants. Olive Supermarket has pretty much everything - plus variety - of things any Singaporean would long for. Think NTUC with an added section that is set up like a wet-market. I got quite a bit of stuff from there as well.

By the time we got back to Columbia, it was about 8pm. After heading home to unpack and finish up some work, we met up again for dinner at iHOP - International House of Pancakes. And boy was the servings there huge. Inspired by Gra*, I had breakfast omelettes and three pancakes at half past ten at night. Obviously I cun finish them.

Honestly, if everything ended there and then for the weekend, I would have been more than contented. R*intaro never fails to make for good company and meaningful conversations.

On Sunday, I got an unexpected call on the way to church from S*am who said he was back in Columbia. And that he was back in town, and that so was C*allie. I knew C*allie was going to be back cos we had planned to have lunch, but I didn't expect Sam to be. So it was a pleasant surprise and we met at Macaroni Grill for lunch after service. And of course, Sam treated.


So here's a big thank you from the bottomest of my heart to those who made this birthday - my first one away from home, as Ma reminded me - so special. Chr*istine, R*intaro, S*am, C*allie - I'm truly blessed to have each one of you and be able to call you a friend and a brother/sister in Christ.

To very special and dear friends - Gra* & Ch*it, it's so good to hear your voices always. You've no idea how much your calls meant to me.

To those who left me msgs on FB and sent your greetings over MSN, you're no less un-special. If there's one thing that I've learnt over the past couple of months here is how sometimes I fail to truly appreciate my friends. To those I've known for over 10 years - my BS group, KL, A*lvin, the Sat night gang - I think sometimes I take your companionship and friendship for granted. But it's been tough without you peeps around.

To my dear parents - whom I miss dearly - thanks for that jazzy (and somewhat cheesey) online card. Appreciate it lots! Can't wait to receive your next boxes of love.

I don't think Sam's mum could have summed up this weekend better. "So you really had a blessed birthday huh?"

I did.

Dear Lord, thank you for another year. Thank you for pouring out your blessings so richly despite all the sins. Thank you for never letting me go, for the blood of Christ that I'm so undeserving of. So help me Lord, mould me to be more like you. Help me to know you more, not for any of my glory, but yours. What can I say? What can I do? But to give this heart, completely to you.

What a weekend, O What a weekend!

I did so much this weekend that I was contemplating putting them into two separate posts, but I decided otherwise. I'll let the photos do most of the talking.

The Saturday started out at the auto repair workshop where I got Bumble's mirror fixed. It cost quite a bit, but I was glad I had the peace of mind after.

After completing my assignment, I went over to Sa*m's to carve jack-o-lanterns. Halloween has never been my thing, but what's fall without having something to do with pumpkins. I must say it was not as gross as I had expected it to be. Ca*llie was the teacher on-site to help us out. My lantern turned out to be starry eyed. I must say I'm grateful to Sa*m for always inviting me to do stuff that's uniquely American.







Then I rushed down to ANF for the International Day and I must say I was awed by the crowd. It was a good time of singing, fellowshipping and learning too. For some reason, the photographer in me stepped up that evening and I begin to cover the event machiam I was the official photographer. But it was fun taking event photos again.



Rinta*ro came over later that night for tea and cake and we had a good long chat.

On Sunday after worship, we headed out for a Mexican lunch. I was devastated to learn that Chipotle isn't really Mexican. So that means I haven't had Mexican before here in the US. After comparing the menu and the array of food here, I must say that the ones in HV back at home pales in comparison. And, the portions were humongous. Ri*ntaro and I had enchiladas; Ca*llie had quesadillas.

After the heavy meal, we headed to the MKT path for a walk, deciding that it was too beautiful a day to be stuck indoors.









I must say I truly appreciate my Singaporean friends here and am at the same time terribly grateful to be able to blessed with the friendships of Ri*ntaro and Ca*llie. They're both so unique persons and yet we never quite run out of topics to talk about. It's really neat too that we share and talk openly about our faith - something that I could never ask more from true friends.

Family balls

I spotted something at Target today that gave new meaning to my understanding of family jewels.

While waiting for Ri*ntaro at the mall, Ca*llie and I were browsing the dollar section at Target, and these balls caught my eyes immediately, to the amusement to all three of us. Never would I have imagined that they sold such things in the store - then again, why should I be surprised if they sell Jesus action figures here in the US.

They turned out to be doggie toys for Christmas which made it all the more hilarious. I bought them.


If you didn't already get it, here are some equations that might help you figure what I was thinking.

Family jewels = balls that men have.
Balls with my family name = family balls

Therefore: Family jewels sort of equals to family jewels.

I think my posts recently have been rather crude. Forgive me, but this one is just hilarious.

What's wrong with treating my butt to some luxury?

Apparently, it's starting to be a crime against the environment to use three-ply toilet paper. I admit to that. In fact, I quite purposefully went in search of the most comfy toilet paper when I first arrived. And I paid quite a premium for it. But what's wrong with wanting to wipe one's ass with ultra-cushioned paper?

CBS4 reported that: "Every year, the average American uses 24 rolls of toilet paper, and 98% of all that toilet paper sold in the US comes from trees that need to be cut down." So apparently, the toilet paper I use doesn't come from recycled paper. Instead, they come from virgin forests. And at the rate we are wiping our asses, it's not good for the environment.



The other day, I was at the J-school's toilet, sitting on the throne, dazing. Then as I reached for the toilet paper, I realised that it was one-ply and it was made from recycled paper. I must say that it did not feel good. It felt like the toilet paper from China that you'd get at cheapo food courts back at home.


Here's another interesting nugget of info: Apparently, singer Sheryl Crow uses only one piece of toilet paper (as shown above) whenever she goes to the loo. How she does it is a mystery. She should demonstrate. I for one use a couple sheets - when I pee. More when I poop. Maybe it's too much info, and you should stop reading if you don't want to know more about my toilet habits. But I wipe until I can't see anymore remnants of my poop on the paper. Then I wash my butt. Is it wrong to be hygienic?

One sheet. That's too much to ask for. Admittedly, the environmentalist in me is feeling somewhat guilty for using 3-ply toilet rolls. Maybe the next time I replenish them, I'll look for 2-ply ones. Single-ply? Not for now.

WJ, how much toilet paper do you use each time you poop?

Fall

Nothing quite beats taking a slow jog after school, admiring the fall scenery (leaves are starting to turn red!), wind in your face, and talking to God as the sun sets. I wished I had my DSLR with me. For now, the iPhone's cam will do.

This was shot along the Landers' driveway. They are the farmers who rear grass-beef. The weather has been really wonky too. It falls to about 5-6 degrees C in the morning, then the sky clears up by around noon. Heats up to like 20 odd degrees then dips again.

Mizzou J-school's US$800 seats

One for the record. My butt gets ultimate luxury when I work at J-school.

The Free Tiger reports:

By Gabrielle Lipton

Published

Oct. 2, 2009

The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute boasts everything from plasmas to its own library to an espresso machine in the J-café. Upon walking downstairs in this 30,000 square-foot building, the Futures Lab only further demonstrates RJI’s ability to attain whatever is required to provide the best possible atmosphere for both faculty and aspiring journalists. With state-of-the-art technology, students can experiment with new software, attend virtual seminars, and play Rock Band—all while sitting in chairs worth $800 each.

Because it has to withstand continual use, the Futures Lab furniture must be built to last, said Carole Christie, Communications Director of RJI.

“Every aspect is built to withstand a lot of use, including a higher grade of webbing and upholstery, five extra heavy-duty reinforced steel supports on the bottom, etc.,” Christie said in an e-mail.

This level of appliance endurance does not come without a cost. These chairs generally sell for about $800 apiece. But because of the large number purchased and the University discount, the journalism institution paid half price for them.

So are the chairs worth it?

“To buy a look-alike, lower-quality product would still run you $100 apiece, and after a year or two you would end up with a storage room full of broken chairs,” Christie said.

Lifespan is not the only factor that went into this purchase. Comfort was a consideration as well.

“They are very comfortable,” graduate student Mohammed Salih said. “These chairs are expensive, but as far as sitting in them, they are very flexible.”

Back problems have long been a problem caused by too many hours spent sitting at computers. Christie said the chairs are ergonomically designed for the health of students and staff members.

Not everyone finds the chairs altogether comfortable.

“I think the back rests might go back too far,” senior Bobby Meeder said. “The engineering should be better if it costs that much.”

The final verdict from users is not unanimous. But the purchasers stand by their choice.

“This purchase was particularly efficient in terms of cost and quality,” Christie said. “We are particularly proud of that purchase.”

Boy thinks MSN can only be used in S'pore

There's only one Joel (Hint: It's PW) in this world that speaks like this.

Joel says: (12:38:54 AM)
are u in singapore now?

Derrick - my greatest nightmare is forgetting who Christ is says: (12:39:15 AM)
are u crazy? how to be in Singapore?

Joel says: (12:39:25 AM)
huh then how u use msn?!

Derrick - my greatest nightmare is forgetting who Christ is says: (12:39:29 AM)
u think US fly to Singapore take 2 hours only ah?

Joel says: (12:39:36 AM)
US got msn meh?

Derrick - my greatest nightmare is forgetting who Christ is says: (12:39:53 AM)
-.-

Joel says: (12:39:54 AM)
but u must use singapore msn then can talk to me what

Derrick - my greatest nightmare is forgetting who Christ is says: (12:40:05 AM)
US created MSN

Joel says: (12:40:20 AM)
OOOO

Joel says: (12:40:24 AM)
chey ahahaha

Joel says: (12:40:39 AM)
i thought only can talk to ppl in singapore

Joel says: (12:40:54 AM)
cuz all the ppl i see are singaporeans

What a week

It's been quite a week. One full of emotions, and happenings.

Wednesday had to be the climax of it all. I had the best and worst moments in two straights hours.

That morning, I found myself scheduled for an interview on my cow story that evening - 15 minutes after classes were to end. So I booked myself an audio recorder - it's the dua zhong professional broadcast radio kind, not those tiny ones print reporters use - and got myself excused to leave class earlier so that I could arrive for my interview in time.

I rushed back home in between lessons to pack my batteries and my memory card, got a new set of clothes since I didn't think interviewing a professor in T and berms and slippers was quite appropriate. Then I rushed to class.

When I got out, I rushed to collect my audio recorder only to realize that I didn't have my batteries and CF card to test it - I had left them in the car. So I bolted to the car and tried testing it only to realize that my CF card was not in its case. I had no idea where it was!

After trying not to panic, I decided to try using my SLR's 4GB card. "Unformat" the recorder read and none of the buttons worked. Ok, so as we had been warned, the recorder had issues with 4GB cards. So I scooted over to Columbia Photo to buy a 2GB card. Thank goodness there wasn't a line. By now, I was ten minutes late for the interview.

Got the card, ripped it off its packaging, ran to the car, slotted it in to see "Unformat".

"This had to be the worst day I've ever had here," I thought to myself. "Please God, help me."

There was simply no more time. I was late and had to make do with the little Olympus recorder I carry in my bag when on assignments - regardless the medium.

So I arrived 20 minutes late, and found myself profusely apologizing to a pleasantly rounded lady who had such a nice smile on her face.

Dr Lisa had to be one of the nicest interviewees I've ever met. She was chatty, had loads of anecdotes and even offered to have me over to her place - she owns a woods! - and said she will pass me some chillis soon.

Then I was reminded that I was going to be late for dinner with Sam and Aleks. So I scooted over to HuHot - a Mongolian BBQ restaurant - and had a wonderful conversation and meal, albeit short. The Thai group happened to be there to and I finally got to meet Kim again!

So, despite all the above, I've had hardly anything else to pre-occupy myself with. Not having work in a newsroom means I've quite a bit of time to myself, which hasn't been quite a good thing. There's still a dreadful sense of loneliness mostly. And it's making me homesick. Again.

The really depressing season premiere of Grey's didn't help. And did I mention that I was watching Flash Forward, this new drama on ABC where the whole world blacks out when my entire apartment block also lost power. I was left stunned in the dark for a moment, with the rain pouring like mad outside. Thank God I found my emergency torch. Thank God I bought one.

I want to be with the BB officers, the Sat gang, jogging with KL, Starbucks with N*at and J*arron. I want to have BS with the primers and my peers. I want to eat the braised pork Pa cooks, and have Ma to talk to.

So I've been bugging people, like S*am and R*intaro. And I wonder if they are getting irritated with me. I think they are. I would if I had someone constantly trying to invite himself into various parts of my life. I try not to bug Ll*oyd at all cause things are different now that he's engaged and he's started work on his dissertation. It's been hard not to try and compare the experiences I've had from the previous time I was here. Last time, Ben was just across the hall, Lilian and others were always around. Christine and Eugene were here and Lloyd was there to hang out with.

As much as I enjoy times when I'm alone, I realize that I need to be around people. Even if you're doing your work and I'm doing mine, I feel more comfortable with people around me, mostly.

So yep, I'm trying to hang in there, assuring myself that I can always talk to God. I'm trying hard not to compare and live this experience as it is.

And just for record sake, I got slapped with a parking fine because I accidentally threw away the coupon I was suppose to display when I trashed the old coupons. And AND.... I received my utilities bill that read US$220 that same evening. My heart almost stopped.

James 1:2-4. Persevere. So that you will become whole, not lacking in anything. If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask for it.

My larder

I wonder if I'm overstocked. Maybe I should hold off grocery shopping for the next two weeks till everything is gone. So hard to plan my meals such that I use up everything in there. Did a post about some of the buns I bought from HK market here.

More blogs

As part of my courses at Mizzou, I've started a couple more blogs.

Keeping 'em honest is about my observations on convergence journalism

Cooking up a storm is a journal of some of the food I've cooked or I've had here in the US.

Bookmark them and read them yea? I'll try to update them as much as I can!

Labor Day

It hit. After one month, I felt homesick. I was terribly missing the nice comforts of home, the chatter and company of my dear friends. So much so that I felt like curling up into a ball and just sleeping. I had initially entertained the thoughts of not going for any Labor Day events but on hindsight I'm thankful I didn't.

Friday night was a time of gathering of SEAsians and HKers. The food - Bak Kut Teh and Vegetarian Kuay Chap - really helped ease the homesickness. It was nice getting to know a couple of M'sians and Thais too.

Monday was a good time of biking with Sam's small group which brought us to the maganificant views of the Missouri River. Thought I'd dedicate this post to Sam too.

I first met Sam in 2006 - and I must admit that it was bizarre. He had contacted the Missourian newsroom after hearing from a couple that I had interviewed that they had just met a Singaporean reporter. It was Sam's first couple of months in Columbia and he was in search of Singaporeans too. So I agreed to meet up with him over dinner and he told this wild story - which at this time doesn't quite seem to matter now. Admittedly I found Sam an oddball - no offense if you're reading this Sam. And we never quite stayed in touch after that.

But Sam had heard that I was returning to Columbia this year and we got back in touch via Facebook. And I must say that that was probably one of the best things to have happened since. Sam brought me to his church where I feel is a good place to grow and introduced me to friends from a couple of his small groups, friends that I think offer true friendships. He's been truly hospitable too inviting me over for dinner and boardgames.

Through Sam's church I also gotta meet Rintaro, a Jap dude finishing his Masters at MU. After a short chat, we realised we were neighbors at Ashland Manor. It's been really heartening to have someone who's mature in thought to hang out with and to chat with about God, life, photography and culture.

Really thank the Lord for sending such a friend. It's been terribly lonely staying at a one-room apt, compared with staying at a dorm. I just go to school - and classmates seem to be less than willing to talk or hangout - and then head home after school. I've also been finding it hard not to be comparing to my experience when I was here as an exchange student.


If there's one thing that's been similar is the excitement I get when I'm out reporting. After an anxious search for farms, Steve and Sherry from Covered-L farms so graciously allowed me on their plot to see how they rear grass-fed cows. I found myself quite overwhelmed having to drive to Centralia - it would be longest drive out of Columbia. But it was worth it. I had always wanted to visit a farm, whether it was going to be for a story or not. The view was stunning, the smell not so. But it was just very refreshing to be so up close of the cattle and nature. I'm quite sure I'm going to be back there again.

Hopefully I get to visit an Amish community next.

My special thanks to Chit and SE for their encouragement this week. U have no idea how much comfort you guys brought.

Reputation

It seems Singaporeans have gained a reputation for discriminating the Chinese.

I can't remember exactly how he asked me but a Chinese classmate yesterday broached the subject and said something along the lines: "Heard they don't like the Chinese in Singapore."

That threw me off guard for a while. And I tried to explain. I don't think I sounded convincing enough though. Then he said something else that threw me off guard again.

"The Chinese are going to conquer the world."

He said it so fast - and in Mandarin, that before I could even process what he said, he apologetically said "Kidding, I'm just kidding". Laughs.