Anti Drug Campaign Abuse 2016: Escape Game

Presenting to you
Anti Drug Campaign Abuse 2016 - Addictive Escaping is hard; What choice do you make?
Will you let addiction consume you?


For this year, it is presented in an escape Game format.
Where one is set in the environment where dangers and perils of drug consumption is lurking everywhere, here you experience the hallucination effect of drub abusers as you attempt to escape from the clutches / temptation of drugs.

Oh This is for post secondary students Ages 17 to 25 years old
Venue: Suntec convention Hall 405 & 406 ,  Suntec City
25th June 2016 (Saturday)
click here

[25th June] 10.00am
[25th June] 11.45am
[25th June] 1.30pm
[25th June] 3.15pm
[25th June] 5.00pm

Then there are the public slots on 26th June 2016 (Sunday)
Click here

[26th June] 10.00am
[26th June] 11.45am
[26th June] 5.00pm

Your life not just affects you!

It affects everyone around you. Your family. Your friends. etc

Don't let a one time off curiosity destroy your life.

Its not worth it!

Some info on the effects of drugs

Cannabis (hash, weed, grass, skunk, marijuana)

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a calming drug that also alters perceptions. It's seen as "natural" because it's made from the cannabis plant, but that doesn't mean it's safe. It can be smoked, often with tobacco, in a "joint" or "spliff", or in a pipe or "bong". It can also be drunk as a "tea" or eaten when mixed with food, such as biscuits or cakes.

How does cannabis make you feel?

Cannabis can make you feel relaxed and happy, but sometimes makes people feel lethargic, very anxious and paranoid, and even psychotic.

How does cannabis affect your health?

Cannabis has been linked to mental health problems such asschizophrenia and, when smoked, to lung diseases including asthma. 

It affects how your brain works, so regular use can make concentration and learning very difficult. Frequent use can have a negative effect on your fertility.

It is also dangerous to drive after taking cannabis. Mixing it with tobacco is likely to increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

Can cannabis be addictive?

Yes, it is possible to become psychologically dependent on cannabis. And some people do experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. 

Cocaine (powder cocaine, coke, crack)

What is cocaine?

Powder cocaine (coke), freebase and crack are all types of cocaine, and all are powerful stimulants. Freebase and crack can be smoked, and powder cocaine can be snorted in lines. Both cocaine powder and crack can also be prepared for injecting.

How does cocaine make you feel?

Cocaine gives the user energy, a feeling of happiness and being wide awake, and an overconfidence that can lead to taking risks. The effects are short-lived, so more drug is taken, which is often followed by a nasty "comedown" that makes you feel depressed and unwell, sometimes for several days.

How does cocaine affect your health?

If you take cocaine, it's possible to die of an overdose from overstimulating the heart and nervous system, which can lead to aheart attack. It can be more risky if mixed with alcohol.

Taking cocaine is particularly risky if you have high blood pressure or already have a heart condition. If you're pregnant, cocaine can harm your baby and even cause miscarriage. If you've had previous mental health problems, it can increase the chance of these returning.

If you snort cocaine, it can damage the cartilage of your nose over time. If you inject it, you are at higher risk of dying as the result of an overdose, and your veins and body tissues can be seriously damaged. You put yourself at risk of catching HIV or hepatitis if you share needles.

Can cocaine be addictive?

Yes, cocaine is highly addictive and can cause a very strong psychological dependence. 

Mephedrone (meow meow, m-cat, bubble, meph)

What is mephedrone?

Mephedrone is a strong amphetamine-like stimulant with some effects similar to ecstasy. It was once available to buy on the internet as a "legal" alternative to drugs such as speed or ecstasy.

Mephedrone, and other drugs like it, are now Class B drugs that are illegal to possess or supply to others. It is a fine white or off-white powder that is usually snorted or swallowed wrapped in paper. It's also sometimes injected.

How does mephedrone make you feel?

Mephedrone can make you feel awake, confident and happy. But it can also make you feel paranoid and anxious. It causes vomiting and headaches in some users.

How does mephedrone affect your health?

Mephedrone can overstimulate your heart and nervous system. It can cause periods of insomnia, and its use can lead to fits and agitated andhallucinatory states. It has been identified as the cause of a number of deaths.

Ecstasy (MDMA, pills, crystal, E)

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a "psychedelic" stimulant drug usually sold as tablets, but it's sometimes dabbed on to gums or snorted in its powder form. It's also known as MDMA or "crystal".

How does ecstasy make you feel?

Ecstasy can make you feel alert, affectionate and chatty, and can make music and colours seem more intense. Taking ecstasy can also cause anxiety, confusion, paranoia and even psychosis.

How does ecstasy affect your health?

Long-term use has been linked with memory problems, depression and anxiety. Ecstasy use affects the body's temperature control and can lead to dangerous overheating and dehydration.

But a balance is important as drinking too much fluid can also be very dangerous for the brain, particularly because ecstasy tends to stop your body producing enough urine, so your body retains the fluid. 

Is ecstasy addictive?

Ecstasy can be addictive, as users can develop a psychological dependence on this drug. It is also possible to build up a tolerance to the drug and need to take more and more to get the same effect.

Speed (amphetamine, billy, whizz)

What is speed?

Speed is the street name for drugs based on amphetamine, and is a stimulant drug. It's usually an off-white or pink powder that's either dabbed on to gums, snorted or swallowed in paper.

How does speed make you feel?

Speed can make you feel alert, confident and full of energy, and can reduce appetite. But it can make you agitated and aggressive, and can cause confusion, paranoia and even psychosis. You can also become very depressed and lethargic for hours or days after a period of heavy use.  

How does speed affect your health?

Taking speed can be dangerous for the heart, as it can cause high blood pressure and heart attacks. It can be more risky if mixed with alcohol, or if it's used by people who have blood pressure or heart problems.

Injecting speed is particularly dangerous, as death can occur from overdose. Speed is usually very impure and injecting it can cause damage to veins and tissues, which can also lead to serious infections in the body and bloodstream. Any sharing of injecting equipment adds the risk of catching hepatitis C and HIV.

For enquiries please contact:

AntiDrugEscapeGame2016@gmail.com

or 6659 2002

Drooling new flavor from Ben and jerry - salted caramel

Back to share about my newest craving!

Omg!

Have you tried this ice cream flavor from Ben and jerry?

If you, like me, is a craze over caramel and sea salt combination. This is it. 

The combination of the sweetness from the ice cream and the gooey salted centre - heavenly. 

Melted away all my moodiness :)

See! See! 

Got to move

OBS NATURE APPRECIATION PROGRAMME - THE ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED ME 'GROW UP'

Hello everyone!
No excuse for the long hiatus. But here I am :)
My first post in 2016.
Hopefully more to come!

So are you curious as to why I'm back?

My best memories when I was young was during my OBS Camp where I was given the chance to explore and ignite my sense of adventurous spirit. The days out at sea and the regime to try and go for it - I felt kinda groom me to how I go about my daily activities.

And so introducing to dear parents and children,
Upcoming OBS Nature Appreciation Programme
* Light refreshments will be provided for all participants and programme is free of charge.

HOW TO RSVP
https://obs.nyc.gov.sg/events-and-media/events/obs-march-holidays-nature-appreciation-programme 

Note: Families age limit 6-60 years old #1 & #2

1. Family Eco Adventure

"Come as a family for an adventure in nature: to discover interesting local plants and animals and learn more about how nature works! This “soft adventure” experience will help your family learn about the environment together and make meaningful memories!"

Date:    15th March 2016, Tuesday

Time:    8.30am - 12noon                                                                               

Venue:  Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
 

Attire:   Light-coloured shorts/pants; covered shoes (no slippers/sandals)

               Please also bring a water bottle & insect repellent

      
Registration starts at 7.30am sharp @ Punggol Jetty.

2. Art in Nature

"Learn mindful parenting techniques using the outdoors as a classroom – understand your child better, use things from nature to create artwork with simple art techniques to make family mementos and learn lessons from the outdoors, whilst incorporating modern lifestyle and technology."

Date:    15th March 2016, Tuesday

Time:    2pm - 5.30pm

Venue:  Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
 

Attire:   Light-coloured shorts/pants; covered shoes (no slippers/sandals)

               Parents are encouraged to bring along a family photograph for the
               activity

               Please also bring a water bottle & insect repellent

               
Registration starts at 1.15pm sharp @ Punggol Jetty.



Note: Families age limit 13 years old & above  #3 & #4 & #6

3. Ubin Trail

"A walk that will bring you to cover aspects of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology, through an experiential learning of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch."

Date:    16th March 2016, Wednesday

Time:    2pm - 5.30pm

Venue:  Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)

Attire:   Light-coloured shorts/pants; covered shoes (no slippers/sandals)
               Please also bring a water bottle & insect repellent

Registration starts at 1.15pm sharp @ Punggol Jetty.

4. Nature Walk around Ubin

"Join us on a terrestrial fauna & coastal fauna appreciation walk around Ubin, while you get the opportunity to also learn more about the flora & culture."

Date:    17th March 2016, Thursday

Time:    8am- 12noon

Venue:  Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)

Attire:   Light-coloured shorts/pants; covered shoes (no slippers/sandals)
               Please also bring a water bottle & insect repellent

Registration starts at 7.00am sharp @ Punggol Jetty (Breakfast packs will be provided).

6. Nature Trail

"We will identify different types of habitats found along the trail, while sharing interesting facts of certain floras & faunas. You will also learn the many reasons why the forests are important."

Date:    18th March 2016, Friday

Time:    2.30pm- 5.30pm

Venue:  Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
 

Attire:   Light-coloured shorts/pants; covered shoes (no slippers/sandals)

               Please also bring a water bottle & insect repellent

Registration starts at 1.15pm sharp @ Punggol Jetty.

HAVE FUN! 

Kudos to Singapore Shortcuts Films 2015 -Awesome Films

Returning with its 12th edition, Singapore Short Cuts continues to be one of the most distinguished showcases of Singapore short films. The programme features a wide selection of recent works including documentaries, animation and experimental films paired with engaging post-screening discussions with the filmmakers. Some of the filmmakers whose films have been featured in previous editions of the Singapore Short Cuts include Ho Tzu Nyen, Anthony Chen, Boo Junfeng, Sun Koh, Tan Pin Pin and Eric Khoo. 

Last year I did not manage to catch the films and this year I'm glad I did. Specially since its SG50 and I heard more funding was provided and hence there were more films to choose from to feature. I hope its not SG50 but that the government will create more funding for anyone who is interested in portraying an issue through films - and Provide more avenues for these films to be shown - best if throughout the years - in schools; in their functions etc - to create more awareness and support. 

24 October, 3pm (M18)	25 October, 3pm (PG)
The Tiger of 142B Pifuskin The Great Escape Not Working Today The Body November  Passenger Total running time: 104mins	The Swan of Tuonela Three Little Pigs Anchovies Dahdi My Autograph Book  Total running time: 102mins

After having watch the films featured on 24 Oct, I just had to go back for the 25 Oct. And this time making time to hear from the directors and cast. 



There were many of the films that I liked, but these few stood out and tugged at the strings of my heart.
The great thing about films is that the symbolization and themes are how you interpret them to be with your actual experiences and the learning from your own reflection.

#1

The Tiger of 142B
Dir. Henry & Harry Zhuang
2015 | Singapore | Drama/Mystery | 11 mins | In English | PG13

Synopsis: Kevin, an unemployed man in his late twenties, finds communicating with his girlfriend increasingly difficult. At the same time, a series of mysterious killings suddenly unsettles the people of Block 142B. Some claim to have seen a roaming tiger at the estate… Adapted from Dave Chua’s short story ‘The Tiger of 142B’ from the book ‘The Beating and Other Stories’.

This film spoke to me in these cuts:
Unemployed husband living on the salary of his working wife - where he tries to please her by pretending to be someone he is not (said he will repair the piano that she likes but instead spends the money she gives him to get a repairman to tune the piano). She strays and is found smsing 'a friend' on the phone constantly and eventually he spots her going up the 'friend' car. He rejecting a job because of the look in the interviewer eyes. And the tiger appears in his life. 
- To me, the tiger was symbolizing him. The desperation and losing of control and most importantly lacking of respect from others, caused him to take on another role in the fantasy he lives in. Someone with power, who vents his frustration through the killings, just to escape from the reality which no longer accepts him.

#2

Passenger / Tang Kang Sheng / 19:30 / NC16 – Special Jury Prize; and Best Performance (Teo Jun Jie & Lau Xiang Ying) – w/ director and co-writer in attendance - Zhen Hui and Minyi run into each other at a class gathering during their final year. Through the night they rekindle the past and romantic interest grows that was already there before. However it is unable to progress because something hangs over them and they quickly realize that what they have with each other has to expire. .

Passenger 夜路 Trailer from Tang Kang Sheng on Vimeo.
This film spoke to me in these cuts: I can't remember word for word but here's the gist
Can you be more responsible? You were the one who said you did not want to go home. What were the last few years to you? Laughter and giggles. 
- Many people try to maintain relationships by shutting themselves down, not communicating, but disregarding to prevent quarrels. And after a while, just like a seed, this irritation grows till it finally explodes and it leads to divorce. And just like the laughter and giggles that tries to hide the tension, its a short term solution that won't solve the problem.

Three Little Pigs

Ang Geck Geck

Cecilia, an introvert preschooler, is selected to represent her school in a storytelling competition. But first, she has to present the story to her classmates. Excited by the opportunity, Cecilia is determined to shine despite the many obstacles in her way.

在幼兒園上課的Cecilia 被老師選為班上的講故事代表。獲得這次難得的機會，她感到興奮不已，但卻也讓自己陷入了自我的掙扎之中。

This film caused me to tear :

- Do we know our neighbors? Will we render help OR do we just say its other people's business? How many children such as the protagonist is still waiting for that kind assistance in Singapore? I've seen many similar situations and I lament at myself in forgetting, in not searching them out to provide a more long term assistance. Its not the grandparents fault. Many are 'thrown' with the children because the parents separate or at times end up in jail due to petty crimes and they themselves are struggling to survive to care about the 'heart welfare' of the child. Many children end up with the dreams of escaping by dropping out of school and working at very young ages, and finding security in the wrong places - and that vicious cycle for the next generation. If only. 

Dahdi [Granny]

Kirsten Tan 
Singapore / 2014 / 

An elderly widow finds an unexpected visitor, a young asylum-seeking girl, in her home during dinner. The widow is trapped between morality and legality. She chose legality.Inspired by a 2012 event, whereby 40 Burmese Rohingya asylum seekers due to shipwreck arrived on the shores of Pulau Ubin.

This film caused me to tear :

- The eyes of the child so lost and so helpless and so fearful of the world - Left with no one. Yet because of possible circumstances, (what came to my mind when I watched this film was the sharing by my Burmese friend that a lot of the Rohingyas nowadays are rumored to actually be paid by ISIS to spread the ideology in the countries they escape to, and in Myanmar these days, Rohingyas have become rich and are moving closer and closer to the city center.) and so do we disregard rationality ? Same as how the problem now is with European Refugees ; and instances of Australia and USA with the extreme ideologies of the shooters. How many things that we hope are simple are instead that with many layers of complexities. Am I being selfish to be considering those other factors?

The Autograph Book

Singapore /Wee Li Lin

Autograph books, filled with poems and prose penned by friends or frenemies alike, were key to deciphering the messy web of primary school friendships. Take a nostalgic meander down memory lane in Autograph Book, which looks at how a tender friendship between two 12-year-old girls is put to the test.

This film made me reflect:

- on how past experiences have made me who I am today. Friendships. Failures. Successes. Relationships. 

Let our journey be something we enjoy not live with regrets.

Not Working Today

Shijie Tan
Singapore / 2014 / Fiction / 19'19

Synopsis: Apu Ahasan decides one day to not go to work but instead go to the governmental office to complain against his employer who has not paid salary to him and his co-workers. However to prevent being found out, he fakes illness.In the governmental office, an errant lawyer comes up to him to suggest to use him as a lawyer which thankfully he did not accept and the officer who questions him on the case.

This film made me reflect on the current migrant situation in Singapore:
- These bosses who do not pay salary, you are incorrigible. Coming from 2 sides of the coins, There are Migrant Workers who truly need help and those who are just taking advantage of the fact that they are migrant and then cheat through their situation. And many have commented that the tone in which the officer use is not appropriate just because they are migrants. But... The officer uses the same official tone with us Singaporeans. Its their duty to find out the actual situation and ask questions. 

And it made me reflect on M21- A social enterprise that I visited in Hongkong where students were given the fundings and courses to explore issues through making of a film. I wonder if we could explore this further in schools. Its an effective way of education through reflection rather than just instructions and words.

There's one last showcase on 31st October. The theme seemed to be horror though. So if you are a fan of such theme, join them! #imtooscareycattodoso

31 October, 3pm (M18)
		Chamber of Tongue Ripping  Forest of Copper Columns Chamber of Rock Loop  Chamber of Ox Mountain of Knives Yard of Stone Mill Total running time: 62mins

Free tickets can be collected at the National Museum of Singapore (Visitor Services Counter) from 17 October 2015. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and limited to four tickets per person. Any remaining tickets will be given out at the door on the screening day. 

National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road
Singapore 178897, Tel: 6332 3659
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm

Valid identification showing proof of age is required for all screenings.

Movie review - The good Lie - Whay will these lost sudan boys remind you of ?

Just had to write on this amazing and heart wrenching movie that I watched recently on the flight!
My eyes were puffy from the crying when I got off the plane.

The film is a masterpiece. The storyline and scenery, the cast and everything about the film is just wonderful.
It slowly guides you through the emotional state of the characters and gives you time to reflect. 

Here's the summary

Five Sudanese children were orphaned after their village is massacred in the Second Sudanese Civil War. They were then made to go on the arduous and dangerous trek through the plains in order to reach a refugee camp in Ethiopia. 

Along the way one of the boys asked the eldest brother (also known as the chief) to let them rest as they have been walking for many days without rest. A costly mistake as in the morning, he was noticed by their pursuers and his  'chief' took the rap (while keeping the rest of them hidden) and went back with the pursuers. The remaining 4 of them continued their way to the refugee camp. They finally make it there however 1 of them died due to illness. 

They lived many years in the refugee camps (and my heart pained from seeing how many of were hoping and waiting for a new life in America, just like the recent Europe-Sudan-Syria crisis - where they all had one hope which was for a better life in another country - that hope. ... And in this show, the camp seemed well - allowing the character to be able to learn the skills of being an assistant ' doctor' , in having sufficient food, in having friends, but I'm sure not all refugee camp have such amenities and might not even have sufficient food, and the females having to fight off 'predators'  - all the scary scenarios you see written in the newspapers and social media)

Many Years later , these 3 youths were among 3600 selected for resettlement in America, only to have the one girl among them sent to Boston, while the three boys must to make a new life in Kansas City. 

(Yes the bags are the only belongings that have - reminded me of how much we have yet we always say there is not enough. Its all about expectations. But the current generation lament whenever I tell them we have so much already - why do you compare us with the third world when we are already in first world - what I'm saying is to be thankful. It doesn't mean being in first world means you are entitled to more. The foundation of whats important is still the same - employment, food, family etc)

Together, these young men must adjust to an alien culture even as the emotional baggage of their past haunts them. 

(Food wasting scene at the supermarket tugged at my heart and reminded me indeed how wasteful I am in a developed countries where we usually won't touch food beyond expiry date while in the other needy countries, food is food. Peel off the moldy parts and eat the good parts. Even if it has been a trash, as long as its edible its good)

 However, these newcomers, and their new friends like employment counselor Carrie Davis, strive to understand each other in this new home, as they make peace with their histories in a challenge that will change all their lives.

(Reunion with their sister and brother reminded us indeed how family is the foundation of everything. The deepest love of all. )

(Comparison of the life when he returned back to the refugee camp many years later to search for his brother - with that of his peers who till date have not made it out )

(while sourcing for a job, also reminded me that those who need help, probably it isn't to make them fit into the job, but to check out their strengths and love then to match the jobs to it, so they are internally motivated to keep themselves in the job rather than others having to keep an eye on them to make sure they are still in the job)

Now while living in comfort, we are going back in times looking for the basic foundations -to care for others, to show gratitude, kindness - the values which have been lost in the times where we were taught to live for ourselves. And this movie reminded me of how much more we should be thankful for.