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I Died in Your Arms, Then Turned Into an Institution

August 4, 2024 Lehan Edirisinghe

I move through heartbreak, politics, feminism, and myth until the whole day starts sounding like a campaign speech delivered from inside a bruise. I'm sad about a friend's death, but I also keep insisting that I'm more than a person, more like an idea or an institution, and that somebody had to say enough is enough for Sri Lanka. The payoff is the scale of the self-mythologizing: grief, ambition, dictatorship talk, and national purpose all fused into one page.

Steve Jobs is seen speaking at a podium during the 1983 International Design Conference in Aspen. The setting is indoor, with a plain brown backdrop behind him, suggesting a formal conference environment. Steve Jobs is wearing a white shirt with a bow tie, adding to the professional atmosphere. He is positioned slightly to the side, speaking into a microphone on a stand, indicating he is addressing an audience. The video is hosted on YouTube and is titled "Steve Jobs talk at the 1983 International Design Conference in Aspen," published by the channel David Krasniy. The on-screen text includes subtitles that read "was the JFK funeral the nation a lot of the world." This suggests that the content of the talk may be covering significant historical or cultural events. The overall tone appears informative and serious, typical of a conference presentation.

A Sad Face Emoticon

2:45 p.m.

:' (

The image is a black-and-white video frame from a YouTube video titled "Top 10 Classic I Love Lucy Moments," published by the channel MsMojo. The scene features a lively dance performance from the classic television show "I Love Lucy." In the foreground, a woman in a sequined dress performs energetically, holding a hat, while a man in a tuxedo stands beside her, watching her dance. The setting appears to be a club or entertainment venue, with an audience seated at tables in the background and a band visible, adding to the lively atmosphere of the scene. The image captures the dynamic motion of the dance, with the woman's movement creating a sense of excitement and entertainment, characteristic of the iconic show. The MsMojo logo is visible in the lower right corner, indicating the publisher of the video.

Turning Off a Violent Movie for I Love Lucy

3:30 p.m.

[Verse 4]

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Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching?

And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

The image is a video frame from Wah!Banana's YouTube video titled "The Evolution of Singapore." It features a comedic reenactment of the historical legend of Sang Nila Utama, a figure associated with the founding of Singapore. The scene shows four people in a boat labeled "SANG NILA UTAMA," positioned on the left of the frame. They are dressed in white sleeveless tops and traditional skirts, engaging in animated gestures as if reacting to something surprising. On the right side, a stylized lion is depicted on a grassy shore with a palm tree, corresponding to the subtitle, "that he saw a lion on the shore." The background is simplistic and white, emphasizing the characters and the narrative elements. The video's style is playful and humorous, aligning with the channel's comedic approach to storytelling. - Title: "The Evolution of Singapore" - Channel / profile: "Wah!Banana" - Site / app: "YouTube" - Captions / subtitles: "that he saw a lion on the shore"

Saying It Is Just Like SL

7:45 p.m.

Just like SL

In this video frame from YouTube, part of the video titled "The Evolution of Singapore" by the channel Wah!Banana, a historical moment is depicted. The scene illustrates Singapore's 1959 self-governance milestone with the phrase "1959 SELF GOVERNANCE" prominently displayed in bold red letters. Below, a person representing Mr Lee Kuan Yew, dressed in a white suit adorned with a garland, raises a hand in a gesture associated with triumph or celebration. Nearby, a signpost labeled "SINGAPORE" emphasizes the location being referenced. The background features architectural elements symbolizing Singapore's heritage, such as a classical building with a dome and columns on the left, and traditional shophouses on the right. The composition uses a clean, minimalistic style with a focus on the central figure and historical context. The lighting is bright, creating a clear and uplifting atmosphere that complements the theme of progress and independence. The overall tone of the frame is celebratory and informative, aimed at educating viewers about Singapore's significant historical event. - Title: "The Evolution of Singapore" - Channel / profile: "Wah!Banana" - Site / app: "YouTube" - Captions / subtitles: "Mr Lee Kuan Yew"

Comparing Myself to Sang Nila Utama and Lee Kuan Yew

8:00 p.m.

1. Well, I'm sort of a prince like Sang Nila Utama, though more of a prince of Satan, and the last of the four apocalyptic horsemen

2. I'm the finest freemason, the most famous one of present times, alive, and intriguingly, inspired by Stamford Raffles

Except I'm more about Singapore flings...

3. And when it comes to the fabled Lee Kuan Yew from the Han Chinese, well, I have mentioned him more times than Jesus Christ

Which should tell my voters everything they need to know

The image is a video frame from a YouTube video titled "The Evolution of Singapore" on the channel Wah!Banana. The scene appears to depict a historical moment from 1965, the year of Singapore’s independence. In the center is a man delivering a speech, standing behind a podium. He is dressed in a white shirt and adorned with a purple flower lei. His right fist is raised in a gesture of triumph or emphasis, symbolizing determination or celebration. In his left hand, he holds a small Singapore flag. The background is minimal, with a stark white backdrop enhancing the focus on the speaker. On the right side of the frame, there are controls resembling those of an old television set, adding a vintage feel to the scene. The text "1965 INDEPENDENCE" is prominently displayed above the speaker's head, marking the historical context. The caption at the bottom reads, "Must have that iron in him," suggesting admiration for the speaker's strength or resilience. The overall mood is one of patriotic celebration and remembrance. - Title: "The Evolution of Singapore" - Channel / profile: "Wah!Banana" - Site / app: "YouTube" - Captions / subtitles: "Must have that iron in him"

Saying I Am a Dictator, Not a PM

8:00 p.m. (b)

I'm not really a PM, I'm a dictator

``` The video frame is from a YouTube video titled "The Evolution of Singapore" on the Wah!Banana channel. It showcases a collage of iconic symbols of Singapore, capturing a vibrant and busy scene. In the foreground, several individuals are dressed in formal attire, with one person notably wearing a white suit and a purple floral lei, suggesting a celebratory or formal occasion. In the background, various symbolic elements of Singapore are visible. A Singapore Airlines plane is prominently flying, symbolizing the country's renowned airline industry. Adjacent to this, a depiction of a traditional Housing and Development Board (HDB) block represents the urban residential landscape. In the center, the Merlion statue—a national icon of Singapore—is illustrated with its characteristic water spout, adding a touch of national pride. Next to it, the Marina Bay Sands building is visible, another architectural marvel associated with Singapore’s modern skyline. A durian, a widely recognized fruit in Southeast Asia, adds a cultural touch. The MRT train at the bottom signifies Singapore's efficient public transport system. The overall composition is colorful and dynamic, reflecting Singapore’s blend of tradition and modernity.

A Sad Picture, a Dead Friend and Becoming an Idea

8:00 p.m. (c)

Look the reason why I look sad in my picture, is because I'm sad, a friend of mine has died.

But I'm more than a person

I'm some kind of institution, an idea

I represent more

I'm with people, people remember my ideas

They see Trump's "fight!" mental image

They see

They feel

They know

If am not there to bring out your best, what am I there for?

Podi Hamaduru, will always be with me

Who do you think he'd vote for?

In this video frame, Donald Trump is being interviewed on a television program by CNN, as indicated by the logo in the bottom corner. The scene is set indoors in what appears to be a studio environment, characterized by dim lighting and a blurred cityscape in the background. Donald Trump, labeled as a "Real Estate Developer" in on-screen text, is speaking directly to the camera. He is wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and a striped tie, projecting a formal and composed demeanor. The date "SEPTEMBER 2, 1987" is displayed at the top right corner, situating this moment in the late 1980s. The frame captures a moment from an interview on "Larry King Live," as part of a conversation where Donald Trump discusses his disinterest in pursuing a presidential role. The YouTube interface is visible, showing the video title, view count, and options such as like, share, and download.

Saying Someone Had to Push for a Developed Country

8:30 p.m. (c)

somebody had to do what i did

at some point

someone else woulda said enough is enough

let's be a developed country

Names on this page

1 matched name linked to the Names index.

Lee Kuan Yew Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew
Founding Singapore Prime Minister
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