My (May) Monday Metrical Musings #82

brown and black wooden chairs inside room

A victim of the old paper chase? Just that bit more quality is missing she saidNot once mincing her pronouncement of his mid-termsSmart he is your son, there was never a doubt But Could he say a few more words for that science test answer?Or offer to shine beyond the HumanitiesEmbrace other spheres, other possibilities, … Continue reading My (May) Monday Metrical Musings #82

Autism advocacy #2 — To label or not to label?

a handwritten slogan on a white and blue poster

Should a person with an invisible disability (PWID) like autism wear a visible identity label in public? So asked a forum contributor in the local dailies. In her letter that was published yesterday, Ms Amy LOH Chee Seen wondered if it would help to stick a label or some sign on a PWID. That way, … Continue reading Autism advocacy #2 — To label or not to label?

Am I living a “low-desire life”? ABSOLUTELY!

person swimming on body of water

Each time I go for a swim these past few years, I would complete just 20 laps. Usually finished in under 45 minutes, about two to three times a week. Some would say a leisurely life. Why 20 laps only? No rhyme or reason; I could probably do at least ten more if I felt … Continue reading Am I living a “low-desire life”? ABSOLUTELY!

Our first staycation in years!

This week, I'm taking a break from my usual Wednesday posting on Writing and Life. After four intense weeks of unpacking stuff I've learned about writing (from two years and 200 blog posts), I figured hey I've earned this break. Plus, I'm taking my family for our first staycation in years! Given how Covid's derailed … Continue reading Our first staycation in years!

How one special needs father’s response to bullying is about society’s “greater good”

Photo by Morgan Basham on Unsplash As bullying incidents go, the one that made headlines in Singapore this week wasn't unusual. After all, most of us are already predisposed to believe that bullies will always exist, just like bad hair days. And we all know there are more incidents like this not reported or made … Continue reading How one special needs father’s response to bullying is about society’s “greater good”

Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #10 The “Professionals”

close up of hand holding text over black background

Hi boys Didn't think you'll get this latest "toxic" email so soon again did you? See, your dad is capable of keeping his word. I've kept this one in the back burners for quite a while, but the time has come now to spill the beans on one of two adult working world's biggest "liars" … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #10 The “Professionals”

“Right to Disconnect” – A Matter of Culture or FOMO?!

Two days ago, a letter I wrote to our local daily The Straits Times was published. In it, I supported a labour politician's recent call that our nation's leaders put in place a "Right to Disconnect" Law, such as what's found within the "El Khomri" Law in France, as well as in several countries worldwide … Continue reading “Right to Disconnect” – A Matter of Culture or FOMO?!

Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #4 The Military “He-Man”

My dear sons Let me just say upfront that for the contents in this email, I do have a 'small grudge' that guides my writing. So you are free to take everything I'm about to say with a pinch (or more) of salt. But you have to understand. For the past six decades, I've carried … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #4 The Military “He-Man”

“O fathers, where art thou?” – One dad’s musings on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day

Sep 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day Tomorrow is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSP Day) but, I have to confess, the reality of suicide used to baffle me when I was younger and none the wiser. How could anyone summon up that much courage to inflict the kind of bodily pain that would end your … Continue reading “O fathers, where art thou?” – One dad’s musings on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day

C’mon men, enough with the small talk! We’re pass 50 already for cryin’ out loud

So, fair warning: This maybe just the beginning! Today I'm going to start a post that's either of two things: a one-off piece, or the start of a series. (Fingers crossed, I should know by the end of it!) Why so indecisive you ask? Well, quite frankly, it's been a thorn in my flesh for … Continue reading C’mon men, enough with the small talk! We’re pass 50 already for cryin’ out loud