As Time Goes By

Say cheese

2008-07-14T23:05:00.002+08:00

Arghhhhh

my post got deleted by some computer error.

Was writing that my beloved Nikon S4 died on me....so no pictures from Cambodia trip.

Hence, am not willing to have no pictures from Tokyo trip.

Have until Thursday to decide and make up mind...

Recommendations welcome.

Tokyo here I come...... =)

2008-07-14T22:59:00.002+08:00

All thoughts of austerity drive go out of the window when you faced with a good travel deal. Your mind just instinctively say yes, and before you know it, the date of the trip looms near since it is a last minute getaway.

So, Tokyo, here I come. =)

I was of course hoping the trip could be much later in the year when it will be nice and cooling. Despite being more tolerant towards heat than cold, I am starting to love the cold weather in other countries. There is something very comforting about being nice, warm and full when the weather is cold, plus it makes it easier to enter lalaland.

Also, am not too sure after Cambodia in the high heat of April, the body would not scream in protest when faced with the Tokyo summer in July.

Nevertheless, a holiday is a holiday.

If things turn out well, there might be another trip at the end of the year...
Que sera sera

Excited! =) =) =)

Watching SATC

2008-06-01T22:13:00.004+08:00

Sex and The City (STAC) is not just one of the latest summer blockbuster offerings. STAC is one of those movies where you have to be selective about who you watch it with. At least for me.

It seems apt that for a movie about girlfriends, heartbreaks, and wanton material consumerism, you should be a movie snob and choose only the right companions. At least for me.

So when a colleague asked me if I wanted to join them in catching this, I politely declined. It just wasnt right. At least for me.

That would have been treason of the highest order.

SATC is a movie that you catch with a group of your girlfriends, who have seen you through last minute exam mugging, heartbreaks, first time clubbing, first time behind the wheel, first job interviews, first jobs, first scoldings from the boss, first pay increases, first promotions, first major retail therapy with your own money, first holidays and the like.

And it could only be with the girl friends. As what a local credit card tagline goes, the men dont get it. (yes this includes gay friends)

Only then, would it be a befitting tribute to the tv series.

Which Movie Superhero are you?

2008-03-17T23:49:00.000+08:00

You're Wolverine from the X-Men movies
Sometimes your rebellious attitude makes people nervous, but maybe that's a good thing when you're battling bad guys. Some superheroes smile and show their muscles as they rescue people, but you're more likely to growl and show your claws. You'd rather make your own rules than take orders from someone else. Like Wolverine, you probably have excellent reflexes and heightened senses, so you're always aware of what's happening around you. Even if you come across as a loner, your friends know they can count on you in a crisis.

What Time of Day are you?

2008-03-17T23:42:00.001+08:00

You are 3:15 p.m.
You are the moment when the last bell rings and school lets out for the day. You are resistant to schedules and obligations, so you love feeling like you're in control of your life again. You are the very moment when the second hand hits the 12, and the halls fill with noise and motion. Even if your after-school time is packed with activities, lessons, or a job, somehow, you just feel freer in the late afternoon than you do earlier in the day. Maybe it's all that blue sky and afternoon sunshine? Nah -- even on rainy days, 3:15 is always a beautiful time.

Catch 22

2007-09-30T22:06:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since the last post.

The long pause was due to a massive bout of food poisoning that knocked me out a few months, a busy schedule and most importantly a hesistance in penning down what I want to say.

This blog was first started about 2 years ago. I wrote posts which talked about many frivolous things. The truth was that they were there, despite the frills, to serve as a reminder to the author or as lamp post in the road of life. To others, it really did not mean much.

Then, it was comfortable to give the web address to friends who knew me personally, with whom I had gone to school together and seen me through quite a few hysterial bouts.

After some time, one grows and matures as a blog writer and such frivolous pursuits hold little meaning. There were many incidents and many posts which I wanted to write. Posts which I composed in my head on the train. Posts which never saw daylight.

But I restrained myself for fear of upsetting the very people I know. Then for the first time, I understood why some blogs are deleted by their authors to start afresh somewhere after some time. The time frame for such blog harakiri is about 2 years, longer if one doesnt post frequently.

All thanks to tracker, I realised that some of my friends do pop by once in awhile for updates even if they leave no comments.

The easiest way out would be to delete this blog, set up a new one somewhere else. However, this would be an ill repayment to the very friends who have stood by me all these years. Loyalty is something I value in friendships.

Perhaps one day I will find a way around this.

A short note...

2007-05-12T01:37:00.000+08:00

Hi dears,

I apologise for not posting for quite awhile. Life has been wonderfully busy.

My holiday resume since 2007 started reads : Hong Kong, Macau, Cruise to Malacca/Klang and Ho Chih Minh City. 2007 is also the first time I've been to a Communist country...though when May is over, Communist country will become Communist countries. =)

In a few hours time, I will fly the friendly skies on almost back to back trips to Guangzhou and Perth. Will touch down again on 26 MAY 07.

Will see if I can find time to post, though the chances are not high as the lap top is staying in Singapore.

Some unknown viral disease is killing off oink oinks in Guangdong province. Have resolved to stay off porkie and perhaps with some kind blessings from above, will return in one piece, preferably happy and alive.

Till then, adieu... =)

Shell Challenge - part 2

2006-10-09T22:00:00.000+08:00

Interestingly, TNP did a short article on the challenge in Saturday's edition. I realised that one reason why TNP is probably considered a tabloid paper could be due to the less than stringent factual accuracy. Because if the grand winner travelled 160 km on 0.88 l of petrol, he would have clocked a fuel consumption of 183 km/l. On the contrary, the article gave the impression that fuel consumption was 160 km/l.

On top of what was written, here's a sneak preview for you guys on what also happened, that was not reported.

- Shell took forever to release the results...it was almost 1600 hrs. Theoretically, teams that finished after 1430 hrs were disqualified. Results were expected to be announced before 1600 hrs. Since computing the mileague did not require rocket scientists or PHD holders to do, obviously something must have happened to cause the delay.

- Back tracking on their earlier statements that teams could keep their passports as momentos, Shell staff went round collecting the passports after more than half the teams had checked in.

- Before the results were announced, Shell GM Elise Sim gave a short speech, which also included bits on how the results do not matter, the judges' decision was final, everyone was a winner.

- When he was given the results to announce, the MC Hossan Leong actually went down stage to clarify certain matters.

- After Hossan Leong announced that the Grand Prize winner travelled a total of 160 km on 0.88 l, an elderly Malay uncle said very loudly in an incredulous tone "0.88 l?". To which Hossan Leong replied that yes indeed, it was 0.88 l. You could hear a lot of whisperings and rumblings across the function hall.

- The look on the Taylors' faces as they gave out the prizes to the winners and grand winner was priceless. It made me rue my decision not to bring my Nikon S4 with me. =)

Shell Fuel Economy Challenge

2006-10-01T20:14:00.000+08:00

The Shell Fuel Economy Challenge burnt my Children's Day weekend. Which was in its own unique way, a pretty fun option to burn a weekend. Basically the challenge was a car rally with the ultimate aim of trying to get as much km as you can out of every litre of petrol.

Briefing
There was a briefing for all participants at Raffles Marina the day before (30 September 2006). A new fuel was introduced to the crowd as being the fuel that was responsible for John and Helen Taylor's Guiness World Record Round the World Drive feat of 24 tanks refill. The Australian couple were also present to give out tips on economical driving. You marvel at how two people with some of the most ordinary names in the English language could achieve something so remarkable. Yes yes, one's names has no direct impact on how much one can achieve in life. However, compare John Taylor to say Christopher Columbus...or Marco Polo..or Cheng Ho...

For some obscure reason, Shell choose to air a video clip on the development of the new fuel. An act that was generally wasted on a crowd unable to appreciate the technicalities. A group of engineers would perhaps have been sent to orgasmic heaven rather than lulled to slumber.

Race Day
Pre-flag off
Be prepared to wake up EARLY. Contestants were divided into 2 teams - yellow and red. Each colour had its own route. That is to say one team went clockwise, and the other anti-clockwise. Teams had to go for a tank fill at the Shell station along Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim at the freaking early hour of 8 in the morning before proceeding to Raffles Marina. Thankfully breakfast was provided. There was a pre-race brief (yes, another one) before teams could proceed to the registration booths to claim their first clue. At each pitstop, teams would be provided with a clue leading to the destination of the next stop. There were 8 stops in total, where teams would have their Shell passports stamped.

1st pitstop - Shell station at Upper Bukit Timah Road
My route was the yellow route, so my first pitstop was the Shell petrol station along Upper Bukit Timah. It's the one near Gombak Drive and Cashew Road, NOT the Shell stations near the Bukit Timah stretch where Lana cake is. Strangely, the cheery and friendly Shell staff were obviously unprepared to handle the number of cars that drove up. So unprepared that the staff at the pitstop itself were still discussing who should stamp the passport and who should give out the clues when I drove up. Flustered, they even told me to go off BEFORE issuing me my next clue. =p

2nd pitstop - Singapore Zoological Gardens
Teams were issued with a set of questions and a zoo pass. The answers could be found in the Australian Outback section of the zoo. Upon completion of the task, teams will be given their next clue. I havent stepped into the Zoo since Primary School days. And it has CHANGED a lot since then. I dont mind spending the new few weekends exploring it. Anyways, while on the way out, one uncle spotted the lot of us running madly and wished us good luck. (so sweet... =D) We heard him muttering to his companions, 'Shell Petrol Challenge'.

3rd pitstop - Shell station at Mandai Road
Nothing eventful other than having to drive in and getting the passport stamped. They say you learn something new everyday. I learned that there was a Shell station at this ulu stretch of the Singapore. =)

4th pitstop - Shell station at Upper Changi Road
This pitstop is along the same side of the road as Jalan Tiga Ratus.

5th pitstop - Golden Mile Building
This was a killer that made you wish for a fast forward option. Again, teams were issued with a set of questions which they had to answer. The difficult part was having to decipher the Thai words. Upon completion of the questions, teams will receive the clue to their next destination.

6th pitstop - Shell station at Havelock Road

The usual drive in, get passport stamped, drive off after waving madly at everyone present.

7th pitstop - Singapore Discovery Centre
Definitely the most fun part. If you survive the long walk to the heart of the Centre without looking like a bunch of country mice. I havent been to the Discovery Centre since well, Primary School days I think. You get to shoot at a bunch of balloons, from a manly distance of say err 7, 10, 12 metres (Am not a good judge of distance...walking from Wisma to CentrePoint is near, walking from my desk to cabinet in cubicle is far...Distance can be relative ala Theory of Relativity). The highlight of it is you get the shoot at the balloons using a M-16 mock gun. Cool! I loved loved loved it.

8th and final pitstop - Back to Shell station at Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim
Back to Shell station at Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim to refill tank, calculate mileague etc. Teams then head towards Raffles Marina to check in for fun, food and AIRCON. Last team to check in WILL NOT be eliminated. You also hand in your Shell passport for checking there.

Useful points to note:

1. Shell has been organising this challenge since 2003. Funnily, the staff on hand seemed confused and misled teams on where they could claim their first clue. This confusion was replicated along the whole race, so for future teams, if you are sure about your instructions, proceed with your instincts. Sometimes the herd is wrong.

2. Always read instructions carefully. For the tasks at the Zoo and Golden Mile Building, one only had to get 4 questions correct, so you could actually save time by skipping questions like how many kangeroos were there and having to count the kangeroos. Not very difficult to count kangeroos. The difficult part is that the kangeroos can jump!

3. Ask when unsure...it saves you loads of time. The police are really useful for this. (good to note for future car rallies)

4. The difficult clues are not really that difficult. On a scale of 1 - 10, with 10 being the most difficult Sudoku problem, it is 1. Even -2.

5. Check out the location of all Shell stations before hand. Focus on locations off the beaten track.

6. Ask yourself why are you taking part in the challenge. If you really wish to test how far per litre of fuel can take you, take it seriously. Empty your car of all excess baggage...this includes car mats and all useless barang in the glove compartment. While on the race, watch your rev and do not ever ever turn on the aircon, radio. Neither should you wind down the windows (wind drag). When this happens, it gets hot in the car. Be prepared for it. Bring a paper fan.

7. If you just wish to enjoy the car rally, then turn on your aircon/radio and leave your car as it is. There is no need to suffer the humidity and heat of sunny Singapore if you dont have to.

8. There is sufficient time to complete all the tasks and ALWAYS hold on to your Shell Passport. This means there is no need to run at the stops. However, it would be wise to have just one person in charge of holding on to the passport. Amidst all the envelopes, paper and heat, losing that small booklet is HIGHLY possible.

9. Wear comfortable shoes. It is not wise, nor recommended to wear 3' boots and run; even if it looks cool to wear 3' boots. Your feet, calves, ankles, shins protest loudly. The consequences are still felt many days later.

10. There is really no need to crawl on the road. You can get a ticket for going too slowly. My colleague was bemoaning how he got stuck on an expressway behind a car plastered with Shell Fuel Economy Challenge stickers, travelling at 60km/h.

I had great fun..and many lovely memories. Aloof Singaporeans who never so much smile at you at traffic lights, would wave happily to fellow contestants like long lost friends when they pass you on the road. The more helpful ones tell you where the pitstops are located. Some loan you their pens to write down your answers.

It was obvious that a lot of effort had gone into this and it was also obvious that contestants appreciate the effort. While it was not German clockwork perfect, the friendliness of the Shell staff was heart warming.

Shell even had a category for their staff, and the prizes were nothing to sniff at. The winner of the Shell Staff category clocked 25km per litre of petrol, which was pretty amazing.

Then Shell undid everything when they announced the results of the open category. They made a mockery of their own challenge and insulted all participants by allowing the results to stand. The grand prize winner clocked an astonishing and unbelievable 183 km per litre of petrol. For cars under 2 litres, the top three winners managed more than 80 km per litre of petrol. There were angry rumblings amongst the participants. Shell even emailed a letter to all participants the next day trying to pacify teams. But to me, the damage was done. It was a public relations disaster.

Now we know that there are at least 4 teams in Singapore who would be able to break the galatic record for fuel economy. =P

5th Most Competitive Economy

2006-09-27T20:30:00.000+08:00

*cheers*

*clap*

We're the 5th most competitive economy!

I wonder if this will translate into 5th most competitive bonus.......

Have converted my blogger into beta blogger...which must have been a crazy thing to do. Everything looks so different. Even the sign-in.

Phew

NGOs 1 Singapore 0

2006-09-16T21:17:00.000+08:00

The NGOs of the IMF/World Bank Meet in Singapore achieved what the American and Australian Governments could not do. In a rare reversal of its earlier stance, Singapore agreed to allow 22 of the 27 black listed NGO members into the country.

Which makes you wonder which pea-brained scholar was behind this.

There were 2 options which were open to us on the NGOs issue. Either we do a Germany World Cup 2006 and welcome everyone with open arms, or we choose the option more characteristic of Singapore and ban everyone. Once a decision was made, sticking to it was the easy part.

If we had chosen option Germany World Cup 2006, and we do allow them to protest here, (without imposing a million and one restrictions), and they put one toe out of line, then no one in the world would have blamed us if we had deported the whole bloody lot afterwards.

As for option Typical Singapore, if we banned the whole lot, and they move to Batam to sound war drums etc, and they put one toe out of line there, then no one in the world would have blamed us for banning the whole lot.

Given the massive number of NGO members, the odds of them putting even a fingernail out of line is extremely good.

But what did we do? We flip and we flop and we made a u-turn. So first we get flack for not allowing freedom of speech etc, then now we get flack for not giving NGOs enough time to prepare for the trip here. At the same time, now that the NGOs are united in slinging mud at us, what are the odds of them creating trouble in Batam?

For all the money, effort and 4 billion smiles we've put into this, what kind of press coverage in the world news have we gotten? Not about our beautiful country or the hospitality, for news coverage has been centred on the NGOs issue.

For this, NGOs 1 Singapore 0.

That pea-brained scholar who got us into this mess ought to be shot. Sometimes common sense is not so common after all.

Singapore 2006 - IMF/World Bank Meet

2006-09-13T21:22:00.000+08:00

This is getting ridiculous!

It's one thing to deny protestors, who probably will not achieve anything constructive other than make a lot of noise, entry into the country. It's another to make your tax-paying citizens suffer so much inconvenience for a bunch of over-paid bureaucrats who probably have never been to this country before and never will, if it is not sponsored and they are not lavished with goodie bags.

I went to buy mooncakes today, and had my bags searched TWICE. The last straw came when they wanted to search my mooncake boxes. Then you realise that being a woman has its advantages.

The policeman who barked out the order looked like a pretty high ranked officer, given the number of pins and accessories on his uniform. Plus, he was in charge of giving out orders, while others did the work.

So it was with great satisfaction, to see him glower and simmer silently when I dished out my empty airhead/spoilt brat behaviour, all the while prattling off in a high pitch tone on what a waste of manpower/tax payer's money this was, and how I didnt see why there was a need to search through my mooncakes.

Cheap thrill I know, but it was a mastercard moment, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw his subordinate suppress a smirk. But honestly, if I could get that near to Westin Swissotel, it was enough to detonate whatever bomb I could be hiding underneath my clothes, ala jihad suicide bomber style.

The lobby of Westin Swissotel looked as though a Police Convention had just ended, with police officerSSSSS loittering around not doing anything construtive. Security reasons, is a line that has been bantered about too often and loosely that it is starting to grate on the ears.

If next year my tax bill goes up, I will know the reason why.

UOB Visa Signature Card

2006-09-12T20:54:00.000+08:00

The latest credit card to hit town, with sufficient wow factor, is the UOB Visa Signature Card.

It seems that UOB is Visa's preferred bank in Singapore for launching new cards. Remember that very cutsy Visa mini, which was small enough to sling on your key chain? And if I'm not wrong, but I stand corrected, UOB was the bank that first launched the Visa Platinum card.

The concept behind the travel card is a fantastic one. I mean who can say no to complimentary upgrades to business class travel, discounts at premium hotels, dining priviledges at restaurants worldwide and even having to spend less on the card (as compared to other credit/travel cards) to qualify for the travel perks.

Until of course when you try to use the card and find yourself coming down to earth with an almighty thump. This is provided you were one of those lucky enough to be issued your card early, without having to hear the standard reply that due to overwhelming response at the card launch, processing may take a little while longer. Even as you politely thank the customer service officer, you find yourself wondering why did UOB not deploy more manpower to the processing department to deal with the surge. Perhaps sometimes, even the much vaunted private sector does have its off days.

Anyway, back to gravity, coming back to earth and the realities of trying to use the card. Then you realise as with all other travel packages, the special packages offered by the card is very much tied to the period in which you are travelling. That is, the charges are much higher during peak periods and lower during off peak. Surprisingly, you are not allowed to book travel packages for non-card members if the cardholder is not part of the travelling group. Yes, this applies even to your family members.

And some dates are black out dates, like for example, 'the date you wish to return is a blackout date', the travel planner helpfully informed me. As I did not have an alternative return date, I left without booking my holiday. After I waited at UOB Travel Planners at a queue that did not move for more than 30 minutes!!!

Which made me think how different are the packages offered by this credit card that makes it very different from the tour packages that you can select from Natas/Chan Brothers/SA travel fairs? At least at such travel fairs, consumers can pay for packages using any credit card they fancy, and/or buy packages for family members even if they are not travelling in the group. Failing which, there is the DIY travel package option where consumers book everything via internet and are not subjected to blackout dates. I subsequently booked my tickets online at SIA's website, for the precise same dates that UOB Travel Planners could not issue.

Perhaps I have expectations of a travel card that this card is unable to fulfil. Or perhaps the card was launched a tad too hastily, without having all the concepts thought through. Launching a travel card without any permanent travel benefit differentiating it is shooting yourself in the foot; since even complimentary business travel upgrade is a promotion that ends in October. Having so many terms and conditions attached does not endear the card to its holder either, especially since one has to fork out good money in the process too.

At dinner earlier, the Visa Signature advertisement came on. I spluttered with indignation at the "no black out dates" portion. But you have to give it to them for coming out with such a brilliant tagline - Where will your signature take you?

For me, it's taking me to Hong Kong in October, with my trusty DBS card.

Manga Fantasies

2006-07-30T16:55:00.000+08:00

A mother of 2 once said to me that every girl should know the story of Cinderella. I came from a primary school that believes every girl must watch the Ms Universe pageant at least once. I guess the rationale behind was the same. Evening gowns, coiffed hair and diamond tiaras are probably the cloest things that modernity has to princesses and fairy tales.

I still remember that we skipped maths, chinese and god knows what other lessons there were left in the school timetable to see Ms Chile crowned. As I grew up, I had less patience with such frivolities. But there was always a soft spot for this show.

If you have been following the papers, you would have read about how many have ridiculed Ms Singapore's choice of an evening gown. *shrugs* I wonder why people bother anyway, since we have no fighting chance in the competition. Much as we delude ourselves, we are neither as pretty, tall, graceful as the Chinese in China, the Indians in India, and the Malays in Malaysia. And of course, to be politically correct, the natives of the various lands of the various ethnic group that make up Singapore. Let her wear what she wants and have a good time.

What really surprised me this year was Japan's win for the best national costume. I think all these years, Ms Japan has always showcased the kimono for the national costume competition. To do otherwise, would be unthinkable. So my jaw dropped when I saw Ms Japan come onstage in a hot red ninja outfit complete with samurai sword and killer heels. If looks could kill, I saw many young male fans of manga as victims.

Now THAT is what I call taking a risk and pushing the borders of fashion. Ultimately, she looked like a million billion zillion bucks and not fodder for pantry gossip the next day. There is more to Japan than elaborately emboidered kimonos. Given her height and unJapanese looks, she would look totally ridiculous if she tried the submissive Japanese woman in kimono image. In that red ninja outfit, I could just picture her in a James Bond movie - as Kissy Suzuki in You Only Live Twice. ;)

Lady Luck

2006-07-18T10:10:00.000+08:00

A final post on my dodo dad's lucky streak during this WC.

We were discussing what the outcome would be at full time. So I asked how much he bought.

Dad went to rummage through his pocket and finally found his betting slip. Then I heard him go 'oh'. Curious, I enquired why. Turned out that instead of buying an Italy win at full time, he ticked the wrong box and bought a draw. I collaspe in giggles on the sofa, claiming famous last words that it will never be a draw and Italy will most likely win. My dad glared at me, as I rolled around laughing and wondered out loud if he should buy another ticket. In the end, he didnt.

So if you know the scoreline, you will know who had the last laugh.

Phuket

2006-07-14T10:07:00.000+08:00

I'm typing this from my Phuket hotel room. And I'll be here till this Sunday.

The hotel is really lovely but more of 'live' from Phuket blog entries later.

Am off to check out the rainshower in the bathroom. Woke up at 4 am this morning to catch the 7 am flight. Zzzzzzzzzzzz

Lovely holidays...... =)

Stupid Reasons Why England Lost

2006-07-02T13:32:00.000+08:00

If you were watching last night's encounter between England and Portugal, you would have been wishing you were a wizard and can use one of the unforgivable curses. Unless of course, you were rooting for Portugal.

I pulled my hair and prayed for divine intervention, bit my nails and looked down in desperation. But alas, the English went out due to......

1. Stupid referee

Which coffeeshop you got your referee license from I do not know. Rooney certainly did not deserved to be red-carded. Yellow definitely. But RED?! Which part of what he did looked like he deserved a red card?! The push, or the look of contempt on his face for you? To further compound your mistake, you did not award England with a penalty in extra time when Lenon was brought down. It was a legitimate penalty yet you waved play on.

2. Stupid coach

Look at the formation he played England in - 1 striker up front. Dont you wish you could have hex him with a few jinxes? How to win with 1 striker? He had to bring Peter Crouch for Wayne Rooney, who wasted oxygen just by being on the field. He was totally INEFFECTIVE. So from one striker up front, England was virtually playing with 1/4 of a striker. And my grandmother can tell you that this will not win you matches. In extra-time, he was placidly watching the match in a state of zen. Compare him to Steve McLaren who was gesturing wildly, drawing on the board and frantically thinking of desperate moves.

3. Stupid Carragher, Gerrard and Lampard

For missing their penalty kicks. More so for Carragher who was brought on just for the penalty kicks. They should be made to pay for their own tickets back home.

If only the rest of the team played like Owen Hargreaves .....

And I am looking forward to see the reception Ronaldo will get when EPL season starts. While it is obvious that the man loves Portugal, he appears to have forgotten that his paymasters are English.

Do Do Bird

2006-06-29T21:22:00.000+08:00

There are no soccer matches tonight.

Highly irritated. This is one of the symptons of cold turkey. Am relying on strong doses of chocolate to stay alive and human. It is strange how the female species can throng Orchard Road for retail bargains. Madness, when they could have been lounging at home in state of zen.

Since I am free, I shall blog on one memorable experience that happened during the World Cup. It is the sort where if I am ever confronted with it in real life, I shall act confused and shake head profusely. So friends, you have been warned.

The silliest thing I did during this World Cup happened during one night at 3 am. Usually, all I need to do is turn on the tv because the soccer channel is normally the one last tuned in to.

Unfortunately, this time my dad was feeling intelligent and decided to watch the news on Channelnewsasia prior going to bed. No sweat, the brilliant me could always switch things back to the channel where the REAL action was.

Yes, soccer action at last. Jeez, Starhub's new soccer coverage isnt too bad. This must be the helicopter vision that my staff appraisal report talks about. The kind where bosses are said to have and which I dont.

After 15 mins, you start to think that Starhub is taking things too far. There is only so much entertainment in watching 22 stick figures running around the pitch. Hey, even the World Cup soccer game in Xbox is tonnes more interesting. You sulk because you cannot view the corner and free kicks properly. In fact, you cannot even see the soccer ball at all!

After another 5 mins of this, you have had enough. You reach for the phone and dial the 24 hr customer service. Mentally, you are rehearsing what you intend to say. All of them along the lines of if Starhub thinks they can get away with this new age helicopter vision screening of matches, they can jolly well think again, scoundels and unacceptable.

While waiting for the line to go through, you decide to check out the other soccer channel and see if things are the same at the other end. Who knows, maybe someone was trying to cut cost and reduce the number of cameras on the pitch just because there were 2 matches going on at the same time. The boys' scout's motto is to be prepared, or something along those lines. Much better to rant about 2 channels than 1. Make you sound like you have done your checks.

Then your mouth drops. The coverage on Channel 22 is perfectly normal. You realise that something could be wrong. Wisely, you click the call disconnect button on the phone. Then you flip to Channel 27 and see all things are fine. You frown a little and change channels to 28. Once again, there is the familiar helicopter coverage.

Enlightenment dawns.

Referee woes

2006-06-27T23:54:00.000+08:00

It is now the half time break in the Brazil-Ghana match. Brazil is leading 2-0, a scoreline they thoroughly deserved and do not deserved.

I concede that man for man, the Brazilians are technically superior to the Ghanians. They can outplay Ghana just by simply stepping up a gear.

However, it is obvious that Ghana is playing with a lot of heart, spirit and fire. After having to endure boring matches that end in goaless draws, uninspiring matches decided by one free kick, and matches that resembled WWII, this is a refreshing change. This is what free flowing football is about. This keeps you glued to your seat. You can just sit back, drink beer, smile contentedly and watch football at its best. It is matches like these where I do not begrudge Starhub the extra charges for being able to watch every single WC match.

But referees who appear to have left their eye prescriptions/glasses at home ruin everything. How can the linesman not see that Brazil were obviously offside? Not once, not twice, but numerous times. Maybe he was unable to keep up with the pace of the game. If you cannot match the fitness level of young soccer players, allow me to suggest that you either retire or go train yourself.

The referee has also appeared to miss the fouls on Ghana by Brazil. Blatent fouls mind you. The kind that have me jumping out of my chair, hand in the air, screaming for blood, mainly Brazil's. On some occassions I want to hurl the remote control at the referee. I wonder if he is aware that there are 2 teams playing on the field, and he is the objective man in the middle.

For all the football playing males in Brazil, they have to bring a fat man who is past his prime, cannot run fast any more and can only shoot goals at open goal posts. Like as though Brazil is starved of talent and players. It is such a pathetic, sorry and pitiful sight on the field. The Ronaldo I remember could do wonders with his feet and creates magic for all. Now, I see another Ronaldo, the one who huffs, pants, and waits for others to create magic for him. It is sad to have to remember a great player this way.

But back to incompetent referees. The match is starting again. If only viewers could dish referees yellow cards. Or if there was some kind of feedback/rating for referees like the feedback system we have in school for lecturers.

Bleah!

The Luck of a Gambler

2006-06-27T11:20:00.000+08:00

Is something which I do not have. *mock sigh*

My father can do dodo things like go buy the wrong odds, ie buy for England to give handicap when in actual fact he wants the other team to receive handicap. Then just for that one match, England won 2-0. In fact, it was the only match where England won 2- 0. (England vs Trinidad and Tobago) *disgusted snort*

Or else, he forgets to place his stakes because he had another appointment, and the team he wanted to bet on loses/draw. Something which happens to me, only in the reverse. The matches I forget to bet in, the team I want to stake on wins.

*another disgusted snort*

So we both betted in the Australia Italy game. I went for a draw and Aussie win.After all, fortune favours the bold, or so I thought. My dad plonked money down for the Aussies to receive a handicap. Would you like to guess what happened?

The Aussies conceded a penalty in the dying SECONDS of the game. And of course, just for that one penalty, Italy with its terrible record for penalties, converted it. Bah to Totti!

My dad commented after the final whistle that perhaps Australia might have drawn the game had I not dabbled my non-gambling fingers into the pie. With a big smirk on his face!

And you know what? My dad helped me fill in my Singapore Pools betting slip. In his classic dodo-ness, he marked out an Italy win and draw instead of an Aussie win and draw. As luck will have it, I looked through the slips. And amended his mistake!!!!!!!

Later, he was under the impression that he did not place any stakes for the Switzerland-Ukraine match. Upon checking, he realised he did but forgot about it. And of course, he won again.

Bloody unfair!!!!!

South Korea is out.......

2006-06-24T22:03:00.000+08:00

Am devastated. How can the Koreans be out?!?!?! *sob sob sob*

This means that the closest thing Asians have to represent them in World Cup is AUSTRALIA, the country more popular for kangeroos than soccer, where prior to this WC, never qualified for one before.

Where were the heroics of Japan and Korea as seen in 2002?!?!?!

It's been a hot day today. Went to the new Tiong Bahru Market. Lots to blog about, which I shall do so only tomorrow, for the precise reason that it has been HOT, freaking HOT.

Underdogs....

2006-06-23T21:52:00.000+08:00

Yeah.... Australia is into the second round of the World Cup, and so is Ghana.

I love it when underdogs qualify!! =) =) =)

You can see the joy in the faces of the fans and players while everyone celebrates. The hug hug, kiss kiss, run around amok, pray to heaven, beat drums kind of celebrations. Leaves you with nice warm fuzzy feelings, the kind you get when an exercise released nice endorphins into your body.

I hope hope hope South Korea can fly the Asian flag high and qualify for the next round.

A friend I know refuses to support England (because they were our former colonial masters) and Japan (because they never apologised for WWII).

I am happy because I went blading today and there are many nice happy endorphins coursing through my body now. *grin* Just returned from dinner at Macs and realised that yours truly have been living in the jurassic ages.

Did you know that Mac also screens WC matches?!?!?......Yes, I see you nodding your head, disbelief all over your faces that someone could possibly not know this. Further confirmation of my citizenship in Jurassic Age.

Bought a nice pink lipstick after dinner. Retail therapy releases nice endorphins too... =) =) =)

Am buying quite a number of pink girly stuff...at least much more girl stuff than usual. Since I am in bimbo mood currently, I think I'll go all the way. I shall go paint my nails in England's colours to show my support. White background with a red cross is much easier than trying to paint Korea's colours.

My replies to your comments......

2006-06-23T21:45:00.000+08:00

Dear readers,

I apologise for not replying to the comments you have posted. Procrastination is a deadly sin with me. I promise not to do so in future, so do keep your comments coming. It is a great stress reliever to read what you have to say in response to my musings.

To:

Duck - It's your Xmassie pressie my dear.... (sheepish smile)

Kurakat - No prob if you want to host my Cars entry, if its not too overdue. No worries about the acknowledgments...really. As for the '8 days' entry, no I didnt rush it out. Was feeling a tad agitated when I wrote it. Did it sound rushed?

The Prof - YOU can SEW and COOK?!?!?!...... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hey Good Looker Test

2006-06-22T13:54:00.000+08:00

Kurakat has posted up pictures of the actresses in Da Chang Jin on his blog. I have no idea how he managed to find them, but you can see them as they look in Jewel in the Palace and in contemporary outfits.

Kurakat's blog is http://eldwinjoshuawong.blogspot.com/

Otherwise known as Reflections under the Full Speed To scroll bar.

It's worth a look. Some of them are really really pretty, like the actresses who played the villian Lady Cui, the goody two shoes Liansheng and sweetie pie Xin Fei.

The others look hideous in the period drama as compared to how they look like in real life. Looks like rebonded hair, make up and tonnes of photoshop do have their uses.

Period dramas are really harsh on actresses who were not born pretty of face. Partly because you will look fatter than normal due to the layers you need to wear and partly because all the drama mama hairdos, means the emphasis is on your FACE! Where because all the hair is swept back and tied into various drama mama hairstyles, the actress can not count on rebonded highlighted hair to help mask whatever flaws she has.

Hey, this could even be a good looker test to check out the natural good lookers from those who uses every single modern day comestic aid. It is fast, simple, and can be conducted anywhere and everywhere. Plus it's 100% accurate.

Women soccer fans wannabes

2006-06-22T00:53:00.000+08:00

Some of the stuff I've heard from female soccer fans wannabes (FSFW) in recent times....

FSFW: Which do you think is the best match to watch?
Me: You could try the Argentina vs The Netherlands match.

FSFW: The Netherlands is playing? I quite like the Dutch. Have been supporting them and hope Holland goes thru

*dwang*

FSFW: I'm painting my nails to show my support for England.
Male friend of mine: Ermmm, since when was England's colours blue?

*dwang*

Female soccer bimbos make my day.
Die, I will be reborn as a cockroach for my meaness..... 'cross fingers it does not happen'

=)

8 more days to smoke free coffeeshops

2006-06-22T00:03:00.000+08:00

8 more days to the day where the smoking ban is imposed in coffeeshops.

There are howls, shrieks and protests. Every self respective coffeeshop ownder is saying that it will affect their business because if you ban smoking, the smokers will not come to patronise them, buy their beers and eat their food.

Indeed!

Unless the smokers have suddenly discovered previously unknown culinary skills, they will definitely still patronise the coffeeshops. You cannot deny that most Singaporeans are lazy when it comes to having to cook. Especially when hawker food is widely available and relatively affordable.

Took grandmother to this yummylicous crab place in Ang Mo Kio today. Had to endure 3 young men at the next table puffing away. I searched for a no smoking sign and saw none. Unable to tolerate things any further, I remarked loudly to Dad that I cannot wait for the no smoking ban to be enforced. Thankfully the smokers took the hint and puffed in another direction.

I acknowledge that smokers have a right to smoke. However, puff as long as it does not affect the people around you. Non-smokers have been way too tolerant towards these smokers for the longest time. You grin and bear it once too often and soon it is accepted that you should grin and bear it.

Non smokers should stand up for their rights and fight for a smoke free environment diplomatically. No need to burn cigarette sticks and protest outside cigar shops. There are side effects to second hand smoke that non-smokers endure, and the effects are immediate for me. My nose gets runny, eyes start to water and I lose my voice complete with sore throat. I am not alone with such complaints. Second hand smoke triggers migraines amongst some of my friends.

Yet I am guilty of silently suffering smokers. Because some of them are my bosses, who have been really nice to me. Because some of them are friends and I wish to keep the peace. Because some of the settings are social and I have no wish to be a spoilsport.

Till one day when the smoke environment in a friend's office got way out of hand. And the only thing her Director could do was to send a mail to everyone saying that he will smoke outside the building from henceforth and encouraged others to do likewise. As for smokers from other offices who smoke in the common stairways, he would not do anything to keep the peace all around.

How nice it must be to be a boss and be blessed with such wonderful helicopter visions. So what if you smoke outside the buidling and others continue to do so internally? Does it solve the problem? Do you care that every single one of your staff uses the stairways, but not every one in the other offices do so?

You obviously do not. And because you are a smoker, the smoke does not affect you as much it does to your non-smoking subordinates. And because you have been such a wonderful boss, everyone suffers in silence together.

But I feel that you should have done more and could have if you really wanted to. Not come up with such a 'half past 6' email and hope that the protests dies down. Why ask for feedback then?

So I made my opinions known. And got rebutted by another friend who said I was making a mountain out of a molehill. There have been times when I have tolerated smokers and hence I have no right to speak.

So because of a few extendend trials of patience that I allow, I am doomed to hold my tongue?! Even when one is a short duration of smoke and another is perpetual everyday duration of smoke?

So now speak up I will. Smokers will try my patience and tolerance no more. If you lack social graces and common sense to see that your smoking affects everyone, it should be pointed out, albeit in a diplomatic manner, to you. I am not saying that you cannot smoke. Smoke all you want, as many sticks of cigarettes your wallet and health can afford you. Just be mindful that not everyone shares your lifestyle. Common sense is it not? Or is common sense not so common after all?

As for the misery in my poor friend's office...que sera sera. I hope it works out well for her, but I doubt so. Just when we thought that workers in Singapore only have to deal with retrenchements, structural unemployment etc etc etc. Looks like fresh clean air is now a priviledge and no longer a right.

Good things come in pairs

2006-06-21T23:44:00.001+08:00

Good things come in pairs.

First, the last few mornings have been lovely cool rainy mornings that are perfect for sleeping in.

Now, MANGO is going on SALE!!!!.....and I am ON LEAVE during the SALE!

Can it get any better? Oh yes, and England will be playing Ecuador and not Germany.

Maybe good things come as triplets. =)

Robinsons is extending their sale...and I need a new lipstick because I burnt its predecessor by placing it too near the laptop.

Maybe it is a sign to skip blading tomorrow for other more important missions like lifting the economy.

Yipeeeee

Bloody Hell

2006-06-21T12:56:00.000+08:00

I so do not believe this......

Was surfing the Auctions sites on Yahoo! and saw that someone had posted tickets to the WC semi finals for sale at a grand price of S$15,000. And that's the starting bid!!!...So what if it comes with air tickets and accommodations?

You obviously got your tickets at some lucky draw somewhere since you seem to have zero idea of which semi final it is. And instead of going on the trip, or giving it to your loved ones, you decide to sell it. How very practical and pragmatic because soccer fans are known to go crazy and pay astronomical prices for the once in a life time experience. It makes me wonder about the person that you are.

I keep my fingers crossed that no one is insane enough to allow you to profit from your one piece of good luck. Because I know that there are many people out there, who if THEY had won the prize you won, they would be packing their bags now. Because I know that Singapore is such a soccer crazy country, you will definitely be acquainted with someone who has such a passion to watch the game and could have offloaded your prize to them. Because I know that you, instead of cherishing the chance that fate has flippantly thrown your way, you abused it and hope to make a quick buck out of it.

I know....because in April, I called Emirates to check out their WC packages. And it costs 6k (air tix, accomodations, match tickets, taxes and all) to go to the Final. And what are you charging for semi finals?

Bah!

Xiaxue vs SPG

2006-06-21T01:28:00.000+08:00

It is 1.30 am in the morning...and I am aimlessly surfing the net reading blog entries as I wait for the England match to start.

Xiaxue's blog is really funny. You can find her blog under Leisure Reads, not that she would require any testimonials. I first read Xiaxue during the time where there was this big hooha about Sarong Party Girl and her nude pictures. Dan said he found Xiaxue funny. I remarked casually that I preferred Sarong Party Girl's style of writing. (Yes yes, I am a big dinosaur not to know who Xiaxue is. But it was Daily Gripe who first introduced me to this blogging business)

Last weekend, I chanced upon Xiaxue's blog again and started reading...and reading and reading. That is something you can never do for SPG's blog unless you wish for a major headache. It could be because the content is more mature and the sentences more complex (at least for my puny brain). SPG is reserved in her writing, that it is hard for you to know her via her works. And this could be the reason why Xiaxue is so widly popular. You feel the person behind the words, the raw emotions and all. But before you plunge into Xiaxue, let me qualify that this was more apparent in her earlier works. Her recent blog entries seem more 'photoshopped' for lack of a better word, yet definitely still tonnes more 'real' than most bloggers out there.

You get the feeling that this is a girl who understands that to be alive is a grand thing.

On leave again.......

2006-06-20T12:06:00.000+08:00

I am on leave...for an extended period. How wonderful can that be?

Very...trust me.

This morning, I woke up to wind and rain. Must be really lucky. There is this thing about me being on leave and the rain. Lovely lazy mornings to sleep in do not present themselves during the time when yours truly is able to sleep in.

So you would be see me online more often.....

To The Prof - Thanks for reading my blog. Could you email me your addy in the beautiful country that you're in please? Dont worry, I promise not to send anthrax, bombs, or missiles. Perhaps just a xmassie card.

WHICH reminds me, Ghosties, I am so sorry. I ran out of office yesterday and left all your pressies in office.... =(

Cars

2006-06-18T21:02:00.000+08:00

* Warning: May contain spoilers*

It is strange that this post started with the above line. Have yet to decide how the entry would go. Japan is playing Croatia in the background.

The thriller for Cars does it no justice. I am talking about Cars, the movie that combines cars and small town America. Saw the thriller prior to the screening of The Da Vinci Code. My mind dismissed it off as just another movie about appreciating the smaller things in life. Until I read the reviews.

I know many people place little faith in reading movie reviews. But the trick is actually to find a reviewer with the same taste as yours, or failing which, the exact opposite will also suffice.

The movie was worth every cent the ticket costs. It handles heavy duty topics about how the old always makes way for the young, about how quickly the flow of traffic can change a place, about being good in what you do, about taking things slower and see the roses, about how winning is not everything and yes also about appreciating the finer things in life.

It made cars, a very physically tough object, appear so emotionally vulnerable. It engages you on almost all fronts. It satisfies both the visual and the emotional. You can practically feel the G-force as the cars negotiate the bends. (If you have gone karting, you would know what I mean) You literally feel yourself punching the air in the finale scene.

Finally, as all good movies should do, it makes you ponder about things. To all the drivers out there, when was the last time you took the car out just for a spin, with no destination in mind? Or will you spin me the same old reason that oil prices are at its all time high? Have you done it before when prices were not at this crazy level?

I have. Alone. The first was when I just got my license. And many other times followed. Mostly it was on the way back and you just feel like taking a small detour. Others, it was when the mood seizes you and you feel the mood to drive. There is a certain thrill when the engine comes to life and your fingers grip the steering wheel. Then you release the handbrakes and move where the fancy takes you. Now perhaps you understand my fascination for the motorcycles and Vespas.

And yes, you do not have to have the weight of the world's worries burdening your shoulders, or crying out a broken heart to do so. The best drives are when you feel at peace with yourself, when you wish to spend sometime alone. Leave the alcohol to take care of the others.

Did you see the scenes when Hudson Hornet taught Lightning McQueen how to negotiate the bends? Or how quickly the cute little Italian car changed all McQueen's tires during his pitstop? These are what I call masters in their crafts. Just like the old Chinese adage about a scholar in every occupation.

Have you wondered how the economy today has brought us to the point of generalization? Save for professionals and the bottom rungs of the working ladder who can create something with their bare hands and imaginations, most of us have almost no skill to speak of.

My maternal grandmother who did not receive any basic education was a good cook. I used 'was' because she has lost sight in one eye and can no holder wield a wok. Till today, I have not tasted a rice dumpling better than the ones she used to make when I was young.

One of the drivers in my monopoly has perfect control of the car. He knows the precise timing that the engine will bite if the accelerator is depressed. He can squeeze into the most impossible spaces in traffic and perform the most exquisite lane changes.

Other than them, I know of people who have the gift of the gab and earn a living through sales, people who can take wonderful pictures when given a camera, people who play such a mean game of pool via a perfect control of the cue ball, people who can conceptualise designs for empty spaces in their heads, and people who can make crafts with their hands.

Yet here I am, with my university degree, and unable to even crack an egg.

Singapore Idol

2006-06-15T21:58:00.000+08:00

A colleague and I had this discussion about The Singapore Idol recently, before she toodled off to holiday in Malaysia with her kids.

The concept of the Singapore Idol works best when you are a struggling unknown singer. Someone who has been singing in pubs, clubs, dinner and dances and other public events. Someone who perhaps also holds a day job so as to make ends meet. Someone who has been slogging away at your singing year after year because it is something that you are passionate about. Someone who for some reason or so, has remained undiscovered.

The Singapore Idol would have been your big break. The one break that you have been waiting for and working towards all your life.

Perhaps then, we will not have to suffer tone deaf contestants who cannot carry a tune to save their lives, flamboyant performers and even circus clowns. Perhaps then, we will see contestants pouring their souls into their songs. Perhaps then we will see contestants singing with a passion that will bring their performance to new heights.

Perhaps then, as many Singaporeans will tune in eagerly to Singapore Idol as they do to American Idol.

Perhaps then, you will feel what amount you have spent to call in and vote for your favourite actually is worth it after all.

What time is it?

2006-06-15T21:55:00.000+08:00

Have you seen the Tiger ad that's been playing during the half time breaks?

The one where the spectators literally took things into their own hands and stretchered the referee off the field?

Check out the colour of the shorts worn by everyone on the pitch.

Sometimes its the small details that trip you up.

World Cup is coming...

2006-06-06T22:12:00.000+08:00

The World Cup is drawing near. Can you sense the anticipation in the air? I am so looking forward to zombified days, midnight supper, thrilling football action and waking up at the most unearthly hours. Non soccer fans cannot understand why just for this month, life stops. I am staying late in office these few days to clear as much work as possible, and ensure nothing blocks my enjoyment of TWC.

Have yet to plan leave, which is not good news.

Singaporeans are a funny bunch. Despite our credible literacy levels, it is a wonder that most cannot comprehend the simple theories involved in pressing for a lift. Well, it's really simple. Just press the button that indicates the direction which you wish to travel...like you know heaven wards for inspiration and hellwards in desperation. It really does not help your cause to press BOTH buttons when you only wish to travel in one direction.

Have you ever been caught in such a situation? Your lift is going smoothly on its journey. You are minding your own business. Dang, the lift door opens. The harried person looks at the light which is lit and shakes his head. Sometimes they step inside the lift before realising their destination is in the opposite direction. You can only grind your teeth in mild exasperation. On better days, you smile an amused smile.

They always say it takes all kinds to make the world. You never believe it until such encounters open your eyes.

Oh yes, caught In Her Shoes over the weekend.

On Leave

2006-05-29T15:40:00.000+08:00

Had no intention to blog. Did not wear lens to bed last night, the result of which is bleary vision this morning. Till I read Junior's blog and realised it's been a long time.

Am on leave today. Glorious leave.....Why is it that everytime you are not on leave, lovely visions of what you would do should you be on leave enter your mind? Why is it that when you are, all you want to do is to laze around and watch the minutes tick by?

Have not blog for a long time. The reason was because from my last blog entry until now, the following things engaged my time:
1. West Side Story
2. Work
3. Revision for exams
4. Exams
5. Attending rallies
6. Catching up with friends and so on.

And when June swings by, I forsee my social calender will once again revolve around a ball and 22 men. Am contemplating taking a holiday during that period, except that one needs to rush with the June Holidays crowd and that it makes no sense to go anywhere feeling zombified during the day.

The Great Singapore Sale has started.... all I have to show so far is 2 bags, a pair of slip ons and a pink cardigan. Wearing pink liberates the bimbo in you. Still cannot decide the direction I would like my work wear to head - coporate or casual. Que sera sera.

Had a crappy week at work last week. The only saving grace was Friday. So much so that I decided not to go back over weekend to clear work. HaH!

Sweet Tooth

2006-04-06T22:37:00.000+08:00

In case you think I have a sweet tooth, the truth is I dont.

I just love chocolates, full stop. Show me candy, toffee, caramel and other related sweet desserts and I wont even blink. The furthest I go is cheesecake. That is if you catch me in a good mood. The rest are quite a waste of calories.

That is why some of my friends claim I am a fussy eater. In actual fact, I am not. You just need to know which boxes to check.

Spooked!

2006-04-06T22:15:00.000+08:00

Just watched Spooked on Channel 17. It supposedly, if TNP is to be believed, single handedly caused MI5 to be flooded with eager applicants. 'amused smile' The show's impressive, especially the convoy portion. Phew, my heart was in my mouth.

Guess what time I had lunch today? -> 2 pm...at my cubicle, and desperately trying to keep up with the mails at the same time. Left work at 8 feeling like I've more than justified my salary.

Tomorrow watching West Side Story...yipeeeeee

Wondering what to have for dinner tomorrow. Met up with Junior yesterday and ruined one of my fav tops when I accidentally splashed tomato sauce all over self. Junior looks much older with the new look..kind of like it. The busy schedules that we all have nowadays. It makes one wonder when enough is enough. Is passion for the job so important that it overwhelms Life? How many of you have taken time to smell the roses, dance in the rain and watch the sunrise?

In any case, the highlight of the day was ordering the Italian Chocolate Cake over Tiramisu. It was HEAVENLY. Badgered Junior to share desserts with me, but it became my property after the first bite. I think I'll stop by Spageddies again tomorrow to fix the craving that's been creating nice dreamy images of Chocolate cake in the head.

Was emailing the chocolate gang today and raving about it. Now we have a tentative date to gorge ourselves full with chocolate at the Meritus Mandarin buffet. 'contented sigh'

Oh yes, I won my pool match yesterday.

Life's looking UP! =)

The Old Lady, Ice Age 2 and HOLIDAY

2006-04-04T22:33:00.000+08:00

I caught Ice Age 2 at Cathay.

Luckily, Ice Age 2 was screened at The Picturehouse, which is Cathay Hall 1. My lit teacher once said that movies allow you to suspend your disbelief. If you wish to be transported back in time where movie halls were works of art, this is the one. Judging from the shops that would be opened there, I am destined to suspend my disbelief a lot at Cathay in the near future.

As for Ice Age 2, it wasnt a blast as the first one. The climax of the movie didnt bring me to the same level of 'high' as the previous one did. But it is worth watching.

Am now just 2 exams away from completing diploma. Then I need a HOLIDAY in caps. Am re-reading Partners in Crime to destress. Like Tuppence, I am now craving for the spirit of adventure......

As you like it

2006-04-04T21:58:00.000+08:00

I am appalled at the lift etiquette of our fellow country men.

One morning, I was rushing to enter the lift with another friend. 2 others had entered before us and neither thought to hold the doors. The end result was that my friend and I had the lift doors banging against our shoulders. It was and still is, according to my first hand encounter, a memorable experience, but not one you would care to have repeated.

I glared at the two young offenders. I used the word 'young' a tad loosely here since they both looked like they were in their 20s. Neither had the decency to attempt to look sheepish.

We travelled up in stony silence. The lift stopped at my level. As I was walking out of the lift, the lift panel caught my eye. The remaining 2 in the lift had pressed the 21st and 23rd level respectively. Then I did something on an impulse, which till today shocked me a little.

I saw my arm raised itself, and my fingers pressed every single button in between my level and the 19th level then stopped to flick my hair back while my feet sailed out 3' heels.

A couple of my friends collasped in giggles when I related the story to them. A few raised their eyes in horror. The latter were the kind of personalities who would suffer in silence and then bitch about it at the pantry.

To be fair, I am not a believer in an eye for an eye theory. However, there are certain things that one can tolerate and certain things that one cannot. Of late, I am not one of those who will suffer inwardly and be politically correct outside. There has be an end result in sight.

To paraphrase a Tom Clancy book, if you pull the tail of a tiger, you need to be prepared to deal with its tail. It is quite useless to seeth in anger and simmer inside. Quite frankly, the only result you get is probably tonnes of wrinkles and an increased blood presure. In short, anger is pretty useless.

If you cannot do anything about it or dont wish to do anything about it, let it go.

Viva La Vie!

A series of unfortunate events

2006-03-31T23:24:00.000+08:00

I hope to think that I am an eternal optimist. But it has been hard to pull self out of this pithole. March has been one of the worst months of my life in terms of hecticness and stress. Every possible deadline was in March. Have not slept much. To compound matters, I feel that I am not only no longer in control of my life, but am also drifting further and further from what I want out of life. Add Murphy's law to the whole equation, where my Internet connection crashed on me frequently, and you get a month to forget.

Am trying hard to be cheerful, but I am not. Too many things demand attention for my limited time. My inbox at work still resembles an intable and I barely made the deadline to hand in assignments. Too many social engagements have piled up. Thankfully, I did not make matters worse by starting to clear the backlog, and making self grouchier. When I am grouchy, the only child syndrome tends to manifests itself, even more so when the required 10 hours of sleep is not a given. I hate it when I am not given a choice nor the time to make my choices.

However, 2 of my friends who went to school with me got married in March. Couple more got promoted. I won a match at my directorate's pool tournamen, played a prank.... so I guess life hasnt been in vain.

Yes, I am looking for the proverbial silver lining in cloud. After all, when you're right at the bottom and things cannot get any worse, the only way left is UP! ......

Personality tests......

2006-03-09T09:57:00.000+08:00

Your element is Fire: Strong, hot tempered,
powerful, and passionate. Well now lets see,
being fire you are quite strong and powerful
be it mentally, physically or both. People
look up to you greatly and often seek your
protection. You have the ability to gain many
friends and you are always one people can
count on to do what you say you will do. You
are extremely loyal, be it friends or family
you'll stick up for them and you are never
willing to put them in a position that could
hurt them. You know what roll you play in
life, leader, and you intend to let people
know it. Not everyone is capable of
leadership but you certainly have the
willpower and flare to do it. You have quite
a temper if it shows itself, one that can
often lead you into trouble. Once your mind
is made up there is no changing it but no one
said that was a bad thing.

.:-What is your true element?-:. -With Anime Pictures and detailed answers-

Chamomile Tea...
You are Chamomile Tea.
Your an original! Helpful to anyone in need and

always willing to lend a hand, you take

action but not through violence. People

listen to you for you have a knack for giving

wonderful advice! Many look up to you and you

try your best not to let them down. You have

many friends steadfast or no who consider

themselves lucky to be near you. You may have

been hurt in the past but you dont let that

stand in your way! You have a wonderful

outlook on life and try to see the good in

people which is an awesome gift!

What type of Tea are you? {-With Anime Pictures!-}

SWEET TEEN!!! Yes you are a teenager mmmm from 13

- 19 quite a little rebel haha just

kidding... You think as a teenager, you see

everything quite simple, soon you will

realize it is not that simple. In my opinion

you look at things in a very beautiful way.

=)

. What is you inner age?
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Personality tests

2006-03-09T09:56:00.000+08:00

Got all these tests from Elvina's blog. She's listed on my blog as I Am What I Am.

Try it out...they seem pretty fun!

Tying up loose ends

2006-02-28T21:41:00.000+08:00

Have been so busy of late.....the inbox of my personal life has a million mails in it by now. Have not had much time to reply, and procrastination does not help at all.

From reading all your comments to my 'Cant buy me love' post, I realise that you are all tremendously practical people who think with your heads. It was a surprise to me. All the while I had the impression that some of you were more emotional. This is more true of my old friends, who I know to be extremely loyal friends. Perhaps while we have all grown up, in my mind, you are all still the age when we first knew each other. I guess it is the same for you regarding me.

Am going to Chiang Mai on Friday and will be back on Monday. Have yet to pack or do anything constructive....yes, this is such a familiar refrain. It has always been a habit to pack last minute, and since I dont miss out packing anything, there is no reason to change.

Duck changed jobs recently. PY resigned. Squid just moved to a new job not too long ago though it was a lateral move. Pinky is resigning too. WT is sending out resumes and so is Junior. JH has started sending out resumes instead of conqueroring the world and volunteering in disaster areas. I have given up flipping through Recruit on Saturdays because I know it is a forlorn cause until May at least.

DK and I were emailing each other in office. I asked him to remind me again why we are in this job. On some days, I agree with JH that while the work is interesting, it is a badly run organisation. And today, while in the lift, I reflected on DK's response, which was we do not have a choice and smiled a wry smile. I had retorted that I did not have a bond to serve much to his chagrin.

It is hard when you work in an establishment that has a monopoly in the industry. But deep down inside, I know this is not the reason.

What ancient bloodline do you have?

2006-02-26T21:30:00.000+08:00

You have Elvin blood: The blood in your veins is

that of the elves. The most noble of all

bloods. The Elves are very honest and wise,

and you share that aspect with them. You are

a very fun and kind person and anyone who

meets you immediately feels safe when youre

around. You are a great person and an even

better friend. Dont ever change for anyone.

What ancient bloodline do you have?
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Cant buy me love......

2006-02-17T23:38:00.000+08:00

I pondered very long before writing this post. This happens when your friends have access to your blog. Freedom of the pen becomes somewhat constricted.

A friend I know is dating a girl who is not a Singapore citizen. By all appearances, the girl seems keen on applying for a Singapore PR-ship. Needless to say, I wondered if she was more interested in my friend, or the PR. Anyway, another friend was tasked to find out more on the necessary paperwork to get the PR.

At a get-together dinner not too long ago, where they were fashionably 1 hour and 30 mins late, the topic of PR-ship cropped up. I told her that as long as she earns a salary of $2,500, she was eligible. Friend told her that her best bet was to register with our friend, and then apply.

When they left, I asked friend why insist on her registering with our friend. Friend said that if she had heeded my advice and applied, chances were that her application would be turned down because she was not working here, and she lacked suitable qualifications. This would make it harder for her subsequent applications. It was also a hint to her that if she wants the PR-ship so badly, she would have to commit to our friend.

I laughed and told friend that I dropped her a bait. If she rose to it, it proves almost beyond reasonable doubt that she was more interested in the PR than our friend. If so, I cannot be bothered whether her application succeeds or not. In any case, it will not be my bait that would result in her failed bid but her own keeness for the PR-ship. To paraphrase my friendly hph seller when he presented me with the hph contract to sign, 'if you dont break the contract, there is nothing in there that can harm you; if you do, there is nothing in there that can help you.' Similarly, if she was keen on my friend, there was nothing that I said that could harm her, but if she was keen on the PR, there is nothing in what I said that could help her.

While I cannot be bothered to contemplate whether she deserves it or not, I would not wish a friend of mine to settle down with a girl more interested in the citizenship he can bring her than for who he is.

Friend glared at me and refused to speak.

'Shrugs'

The citizenship of my country is not for, to quote a colloquial Chinese term, any pig, dog or cat. Neither is her PR-ship. If you really want it, first prove your own worth.

I would like to hear your views, even if it contradicts with mine.

Angsana Resort & Spa Bintan

2006-02-17T23:31:00.000+08:00

The above-mentioned place I will be from Sat to Mon. =)
Will be bringing along my Nikon S4. If procrastination does not hit, pix will be up for viewing.

Wished I could write that I finished assignment. But no, the happy news will have to wait.

PY is going Italy from Sun till mid March. PSA just flew to Cairo for a 2-week course. The lucky things!

Hotel in Chiang Mai confirmed. Yipeeeeeeeeee

Sudoku

2006-02-08T00:18:00.000+08:00

Just finished a sizable chunk of my assignments. Thank heavens for the invention of the Internet. Where else will I be able to find translations of names like Penelope Cruz in Chinese?

Went to pour myself a glass of water and saw Dad playing Sudoku. Went to peep over Dad's shoulder at his puzzle and poke fun at him. Got shooed away...... =)

Romance of the 3 Kingdoms

2006-02-07T23:55:00.000+08:00

This website may prove useful for those whose command of the Chinese language is like mine.
=)

http://www.threekingdoms.com/

It has made it to my list of books to read. Will not list it as one of the books to read for 2006. That seems way too ambitious. The book is almost like a project in itself.

Read in papers today about having students study Literature. They were debating that when I was in school. 'chuckle'

Literature is one of the most interesting subjects one can take in school. But if you dont have the interest, you dont have the interest. Why push so hard for it?

I still cannot believe that Kiera Knightley was nominated for her role in Pride and Prejudice. To me, Elizabeth Bennett was a highly intelligent and sassy lady. I thought Knightley played her with a little too much cheek. Then again, this is just my own opinion. As what Pammie said, Pride and Prejudice is one book where the movie adaptations can never bring out Austen's wit and humour.

Munich opening in Singapore on 23 FEB 05. YES!!!!!!!

Good times great taste

2006-02-06T23:56:00.000+08:00

Have you seen the ad for the new Mac rice burger?

让饭更饭-tastic

Interesting isnt it? I thought it had a lot of character. Pretty uniquely Singapore.

Days of my life

2006-02-03T15:50:00.000+08:00

Am currently ploughing my way through Jewel in the Palace. Yes, I've finally caved in. Thank goodness for the fast fwd button. The Koreans are super drama mamas. Even when on fast fwd, they take forever to cry, open the door, look at the view. Imagine if I'm watching it on normal speed. 'mock horror'

Am quite amazed at the historical inaccuracies of the show.

How could they have cooked the Man-Han Banquet during that period? Did you also notice the uniform of the Ming Ambassador?

At least I think it is the Ming Ambassador, since they always referred to China as 'Da Ming'.

Nana and I were griping about it in office.

Btw, I figured out my double booking tendencies prior to CNY.

Now, trying to rush my assignments out on time. Am on Episode 37 out of 70. And resisting the temptation to watch the last disc. Duck and Pinky will roll their eyes. (grin)

The script however, is really really solid. The best kind of characters are the kind who are neither good nor bad. IMHO, that's the best reflection of life.

Happy Chinese New Year

2006-02-03T15:49:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year to all of you.

May this year be much better than the last for you and your family! =)

Tuas Checkpoint

2006-01-10T22:30:00.000+08:00

Came back this pm via the Tuas Checkpoint.

This security business is nuts.

They barricaded the place till it was virtually impossible to know which way leads to the exit.

So the policemen and Ghurka guards part time as tour guides and sign posts.

How brilliant!

Legally blonde

2006-01-10T22:16:00.000+08:00

I should be writing about my new year resolutions and posting up my holiday pictures. But I am feeling lazy. Waiting for hair to dry. 'reminder to self, cut hair' ....'wonder to self whether to keep curls or not'

Broke one of my new year resolutions (NYR). -> Not to buy anything till I've thrown something out of my wardrobe.

Saw a pair of pale lavender boots at Hush Puppies. It was on sale. Am tempted to buy, but desire to stick to NYR was strong. Besides, what the hell can I match pale lavender boots with? Other than this lovely maroon corduroy pants I saw at M&S. Also, pale lavender boots make such a statement dont you think so? Boots by themselves are already so much value add to any outfit. Imagine one in a statement colour......

Bought a pair of beige capris on Sunday. Am quite delighted. It will go so well with this pair of washed out brown mules at Hush Puppies, and brown messenger bag at Nine West. Both of which I have yet to add to my collection. All this temptation is terrible bad for my moral fibre.

The above is my attempt at sounding like a bimbo. Trying out different styles of writing. In a frivolous mood. This is fun! =)

Happy Birthday ZS!

2006-01-10T22:02:00.000+08:00

I realized that I've been whining a lot about not having enough time. Either I am trying to fix too many things into my schedule, or I'm not terribly efficient in managing my time.

Double booked myself for tomorrow and this sat. Supposed to meet Colin to celebrate me passing me exams. Just realised we're celebrating Jenny's bday tomorrow. Supposed to meet up with the rest for ZS's bday celeb, only to realise it's also another friend's bday celeb, and I had been served notice earlier. This is only the tip of the iceberg. I shall stop here, before you think me any more airhead than I care to admit.

Happy Holidays to all, and a Happy Hari Raya Haji to all those who are celebrating it.

Drove to Msia today. Had loads of fun skidding on the water at a not so manly 120 km/h in pouring rain. The kind where you wished your fog lights were brighter, much brighter. I am now a better and more complete driver. All I need now is practice on the infamous Causeway jams. 'rubbing hands with glee'

Got back home, and decided to go Msia again. My passport looks kind of funny with 2 10 Jan 06 entry and exit chops. I wonder what will the reaction be when its my turn for passport audit. 'cheeky grin'

Lastly, Happy Birthday ZS! A warm welcome to the 27th year of your existence on earth. May you remain you. I realised that nowadays, ZS is sometimes an adjective when I'm talking to PY or Dee. =)

I realised that......

2005-12-30T23:03:00.000+08:00

some of you have left comments on Daily Gripe. 'bright smile'

He has a caustic wit and a most lovely sense of humour does he not? Makes for great reading. Many bloggers there are now, but writers are few and far between.

Other than Raman Laser whom I've known for 11 years, Daily Gripe is my only other old friend (8 years) who keeps a blog. Strangely enough, both are guys and both their writings reflect a brain, loads of wit and humour as well as a flair for writing.

I wonder why many say girls are the ones who keep blogs. Check out my links and you will know why.

Oh yeah, I also noticed that Daily Gripe has linked me on his blog. *wink wink wink*

To Turtleland

2005-12-30T22:48:00.000+08:00

Am going off to Penang for New Year. Will be back on 2 JAN 06. Time flies does it not?!

Happy New Year friends. May you have many things to cheer about in the next 365 and 1/4 days.

What will your New Year resolutions be?

Merry Christmas

2005-12-22T23:41:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas friends!

Am off to Malacca for Christmas..... =)

I am off......

2005-12-13T10:41:00.000+08:00

To Bangkok...... =)

Leaving for airport in less than 3 hours time. Yet to pack. =)

Not doing much shopping this time. More of a see the world go by holiday. Will be bringing Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong there for a leisure read. Duck thought I was mad. *grin* Well, dear Duck, I would never have the patience to plough through such a book in Singapore, with so many things to distract me.

Very sleepy still. Went to catch Pride & Prejudice yesterday. Lovely! Had a great laugh. I feel so inspired to read the book again. And realised that Jane Austen is a brilliant writer. Women's suffrage has progressed much since for which I am thankful.

Something for you to ponder while I am gone.... What does Hua Ze Lei from Meteor Garden and Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice have in common?

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that every man in possession of a fortune must be in want of a wife." - Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

How far we have come since then......

Ciao

Kauri Junior

2005-12-07T11:50:00.000+08:00

Kauri's son was born on 3 DEC 2005.

Congratulations to Kauri.

I asked if he had thought of a name for the kid. He said no. I read his blog and found one super cheem Chinese poem on Cambridge written by Xu Zhi Mo (at least I think it is by XZM). Had to study the poem during a pract crit class in my first semester. Given Kauri's personality, I know whichever name he gives his boy will be an interesting and unique one.

Btw, I found the place where I went to drink with Kauri. It's called Wine Flair @ Thomson. Something like it. Now must grab Kauri to go drink again, before he flies off to work. The only thing is, I think he will prob want to spend more time with his son than go drinking.

Double booking

2005-12-07T11:23:00.000+08:00

Argh!

Memory is going. I have unconsciously double booked myself for a few appointments these last few days. Not one, not two, but .... oh damn, the exact number slips me -AGAIN. This always happens when I do not get my required 8 - 10 hours of snooze time every day. *sob sob*

Just watched TAR. Next week's TAR looks exciting. I will be in Bangkok then..... *happy smile*

Meeting a friend later for tea at Fosters. Called a few mins ago to make a reservation. Staff told me they take reservations for tea only from 3 - 330 pm. He suggested I do a walk-in, and said they would not be crowded on a weekday. Duh! So why cant you take my reservations then? Rules are man made are they not?

I love English teas, especially if you can do it either with book in hand or with a group of friends. Pinky, Duck, Ongie, KC and I did the Conrad tea earlier this year. I wonder how will Fosters measure up, given all the reviews on Fosters. 'keeping fingers xxx'

Meeting Pinky and Duck this Friday for dinner. Have not met them for the longest time. =)

Separately, I am amused by the reactions to my post on MT. Am not commenting on MT's deliberate evasion of NS, but more on the views put forth by the writer in the article and people's reaction to him. It's MT's choice how he wishes to live his life. In any case, as what a reader pointed out, he is now a Brit citizen and he has been punished. You can choose to evade NS. I can choose to buy concert tickets. But I cannot comprehend how any Singaporean will want to buy a ticket to MT's concert. That was what I was blogging about.

I really hope that if you leave a comment on my blog, you will id yourself. This way, at least I know who you are. It doesnt have to be your real name. Just something which will enable me to id you will suffice.

My life is not an open book for the world to read. I am a private person, despite my flamboyant mannerisms. Which is why if I can, I will never leave comments on other blogs using my blogger id. I seek not to get blog traffic. This blog is for my friends, acquaintances and myself. It scares me when I know strangers have access to my thoughts. It's an idiosyncracy. Please bear with me.

The importance of NS

2005-12-05T22:38:00.000+08:00

Was reading TODAY this morning over brekkie.

One article was on the lessons we can learn from the Melvyn Tan saga. Was quite amused by the writer's views.

Firstly, let me point out that no matter how world class a talent MT is, the fact remains that he evaded NS. Allow me to paraphrase WC, who like Jade Falcon, is from armour. He said that many of his platoon mates always joke about the excuses they will give to miss reservist, but every time they get recalled, the whole platoon will show up. This is what I call ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. They say that actions speak louder than words. People like MT tell me in the loudest of voices that should one day we get invaded, they will not stay to fight for our HDB estates, our hawker centres, our Changi airport, and everything else that makes our country Singapore.

Hence, I cannot believe that there are people who will BUY his concert tickets. There are some things in life that money cannot buy. Integrity is one of them. If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you dont, nothing else matters too. How can you support someone who shows so little regard for your country? The writer said we have lost a world class talent via our reactions. Only one question crossed my mind when I read the article. Are we so hard up for world class talent? I would much rather cheer for Jing Junhong in the Olympics semi finals thank you very much.

Remember new water? Up till now, I have refused to drink new water, no thanks to my friends who have tried it and made a face. But you know what? Should the day comes where we have to drink it, the same friends who made a face every time you mention new water, will rather drink new water than drink water from you know where.

The writer went on to add that we should learn from this and try to improve NS. Perhaps those who were gifted in music or poetry could serve in those departments; somewhat like medical students, who could go on to read their medicine degree before serving NS. In this way, he argued, we would not lose our talents to other countries.

I felt he totally missed the rationale behind such a decision, as well as the reason for NS. Medical students who graduate to become doctors will prove useful on a battlefield where casualties are a certainty. Our NS policy is to give us a ready army to protect the country should the need arises. Not pianists nor poets. On the battlefield, there is no place nor need for pianists or poets.

As for those who refuse to stay to do their NS, you are welcome to go.

Spy Camera

2005-12-05T22:13:00.000+08:00

I bought the Nikon S4. Have been playing with it for the last 5 days. Colin says he will give me free tutorials on it. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeee...Now my devious mind is trying to wrangle a bike ride from him. Sometimes he seems so mature despite being my junior. Especially when I keep hearing his repeated admonitions on safety.

Took leave today. Have too many days of leave to clear. Believe it or not, I'm clearing 2004 leave still. Yeah, go green!..... grin

Went blading at East Coast this morning. Dad dropped me off and went to visit my grand uncle. East Coast is pretty relaxing, peaceful and tranquail on a weekday - no crowds, no screaming kids, no cyclists on the track.

Am seriously tempted to go blading again in a few days time, have brekkie there, and read papers. I love having brekkie at East Coast Mac. It allows you to watch the world go by and contemplate your life.

Today, while my eyes follow the flight of the dragonfly in front of me, I formally bury all hopes of getting a class 2b license. It's way too dangerous. Rollerblading and karting gives me a similiar adrenalin rush minus the danger. Oh well, at 26, it's time I learn to treasure life a teeny weeny bit more.

Met up with KK and friends at Settlers Cafe. Had loads of fun.

Am now terrribly sleepy but cant go off to lalaland, at least not till I finish this huge bowl of soup in front. =p

2 sides of a coin

2005-11-29T23:52:00.000+08:00

Allow me to engage in some mindless trashy blogging. Some of the remarks below may shock you so if you wish to retain your impression of me (particularly for friends who have known me for so many years), please do not read further.

I am sure many of you have read about the deaths of a 33 year old married man and a 19 year old unmarried girl.

Have been reading bits and pieces of it in TNP. Yes, one of the perks of my job is we get trashy TNP in office.

In today's TNP, both families were, to call a spade a spade, slinging mud at each other. The male camp claimed that he was a family man, who would never cast a second look at girls even when its a boys night out. The female camp claimed that she was a lovely girl. Each camp insists or rather insinuated that this tragedy was the fault of the other.

The circumstances in which the bodies have been discovered will definitely lead to many office water cooler speculations that there was more to it than meets the eye. I am sure this has not escape the grieving family members. Hence it may explain why today they tried, perhaps in a desperate attempt, to preserve the image and character of their loved ones. Perhaps it may not have occurred to them that by doing so, they would cause the other victim to be seen in a negative light. And more importantly, cause readers to make judgements and take sides. This is to say, prior to any additional information, you would judge both to be either guilty or innocent. Now, you will judge ONE to be more guilty.

Presented with two sides of the story, who am I more likely to believe? My answer is the one put forward by the family and friends of Jerome Peck for the reasons listed below. This is my humble armchair superficial analysis, based on the articles in TNP, to give my brain some work to do. Allow me to state that it is not my intention to add to the grief of those related to Mr Peck and Ms Gian, nor to show any disrespect to the dead.

1. Contradictions

Between the 2, Mrs Peck maintained a more consistent story as compared to Linda's family. Linda had always been Jerome's friend. At the worst, she was someone who her late husband suspects to be having a crush on him. Her words were consistent with her actions - ie asking if the person murdered with her husband was the same Linda Gian.

Linda's family morphed Jerome from a casual office colleague whom they hardly saw or heard of from Linda to someone who was a 'love struck persistent suitor whom she had to turn down again and again'. Sister of Linda why then did you tell TNP the day before that your mother did not think the 2 were linked romantically only to have your mother say the very next day that she had 'expressed her concerns to the rest of the family'? Why then did you say that you were close to your sister and she only mentioned that he was a close colleague only to drastically change your story the next? Your sisters, father and yourself have also vehemently denied any suggestions that the two were linked only the day before! One day you claim that you had no idea who she was going to meet the night she died, only to suddenly remember it was Jerome Peck the next? I have heard of wonder cures for memory loss, but whichever pill your family takes is certainly worth every penny. If not, then either Linda or yourselves are accomplished liars, in which I would find it hard to believe your stories from henceforth.

2. Mother's reaction

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Monday's TNP distinctively gave the impression that the mother of the late Linda Gian had no idea that the late Jerome Peck was married until the day the wife came to id the body, contrary to what Mrs Gian claims. If not, will you wait till the wife walks past you to cry out 'He's married. He has a wife.'? Will these be the words and reaction of someone who knew that the man was a married man? I do not think so. Because that reaction was more spontaneous and immediate, I would think that is the one which is closer to the truth.

I find it strange that Mrs Gian, on one hand says that Linda has told her about the breakdown in Jerome Peck's marriage, yet on the other claims that Linda did not want to get involved in an office relationship as it would making working together uncomfortable. Shouldnt the main focus here be to NOT get involved with the man because he was MARRIED? At least that is what most sane people would think. It makes me feel that the mother did not know he was married, which effectively discredits her statements about troubled marriage etc. Also, consider the words of her brother in law, saying how they have told Linda to be careful of Jerome Peck since he did not want to meet the family. Do they sound like the words of a man who knows his sister in law is seeing a married man? A man who is dodgy perhaps, but married definitely no.

3. Authenticity of character witness

Did you notice that for Jerome Peck, TNP actually spoke to a colleague cum drinking buddy who declined to be named. It may be only one, but it was at least still a first hand information. It may be a good testimony because it came from a friend, but no one else has come forward with a contrary story. Remember the case of Liu Hong Mei where colleagueS came forth to say that they were suspected to be an item?

The story from Linda's family all appear to be second or third hand information - eg. ex colleague who told the sister Jerome Peck has a roving eye (so where are the testimonies from these female colleagues?), Brother in law saying that a close neighbour had to ask Peck to leave the house. (wah, so many of you present and you depend on a close neighbour to tell him to get out of YOUR house?!). Until the testimonies from this ex colleague and close neighbour becomes first hand, I'll have my reservations on their authenticity.

4. Inconsistencies

There have been too many inconsistencies in the story told by Linda's family. So please tell me explain to me, dear brother in law of Linda, why then did she find out the location of all your karaoke sessions so that she could inform Jerome? They do not strike me as being the actions of a girl actively resisting the advances of a man. Neither does that of a girl who would go out to meet him at night despite the discouragements of her family. And you let her go? Despite knowing that he is married? If a girl does not go out late at night, trust me, she will never have friends who will appear at the doorstep at 11 pm. You will also notice that her sister claims that Linda always brought her boyfriends home to meet the family. What caught my eye was the use of the plural term. Many thanks to Mrs Gian for reminding everyone that her daughter is only 19, a simple girl unable to handle such complicated matters. 19 years old who has had more than one boyfriend? It does not sound simple to me. It makes me wonder at what age did she start dating, and how long does a relationship last for her. If she has handled more than one relationship, such issues, logically speaking, would not be complicated for her.

Your side of the coin seems to be riddled with holes. Or could this be because while you all agreed on the story to present to the media, you did not remember to tally the small details?

It is small details like this that will trip you.

I believe it takes two to tango. There are many places to discuss matters and the carpark is not one that would immediately come to mind. Jerome Peck is definitely not an angel too. The point I am trying to make is that sometimes it is better not to say anything at all. Least said soonest mended. Why do you think Mrs Peck is stoically silent? How can you hurl mud at the man without dragging the poor girl's reputation through the mud as well?

I hope the two will find peace whereever they may be. And for the grieving families to move on, especially the two small children. When the next sensational news come, we will all forget about this.

Nikon S4

2005-11-29T23:21:00.000+08:00

On leave this thursday....

Am most likely to be getting the Nikon S4 ....its the one with the swivel lens. It's been termed the spy camera on the photography forums, where I have been spending much of my online time during the last few days. Colin has kindly offered to give me lessons on how to get nice picture effects from my S4 when I buy it. Yipeeeeeeee....... I am truly grateful for his offer, considering he is busy with his own freelance photography work, on top of silly irrelevant MINDEF work. He laughed it off saying it gives him a chance to play with the S4. Like as though my S4 will have anything for him to play with, considering his camera lens alone probably cost 3x more.

Am also most likely to be buying my West Side Story tickets too.... Still debating which category tickets to get.

SP thinking of going Batam this weekend. Good time to try out the S4.

After taking leave this thur, and 4 days in December to go Bangkok, I still have 5 more days to burn. Arghhhhhhhh

Today, we had a bday celebration for SP. Ordered a choc praline cake from Sheraton Towers. Asked them pipe the words Happy Birthday Shortie. Almost had my neck strangled *grin*

Meeting Smelly KK tomoro for dinner.......

Passed!!!!

2005-11-27T23:15:00.000+08:00

I passed!!!!!!!

Can you believe it? I actually cleared both modules. For one of the rare times in my life, I was worried that I may fail. Did better than I expected for both, though not fantastic. Dad wondered if there was some marking error, seeing that his daughter didnt even know if she was sitting for an open or close book exam the day BEFORE the paper. But who cares.... I passed. No more icky yucky management theories to read in Chinese or Chinese sentences to analyse. Yes, that's how much I hated the 2 modules.

Since we're on a happy topic, last night, at 11 plus at night, Dad and I went to Mustafa. After that, we went Geylang to eat supper. I managed to do parallel parking at the FIRST try, on a MAJOR road with traffic whizzing by. Wonders will never cease!

Pretty fun....got back at 1 plus and saw a road block at Sembawang Road.

George Best

2005-11-27T23:14:00.000+08:00

George Best has passed away.
So many talk about how they could have done much more but did not.
Does it matter now?.......

Time, I need more of it

2005-11-27T22:50:00.000+08:00

Dear Readers,

Have been way too busy to blog of late. My apologies.

I feel trapped in some time warp. Time has flown past me so quickly that I hardly had time to note its passing. It's the end of November yet you feel as though you're living only in the beginning. Need some time to reorientate self back.

The long and short of my life these few weeks have been as follows.

1. Work

Been busy catching up on work which piled up when I was away due to sprained back, exam leave and on course. Past 2 weeks, did not leave office till sun had set. Was too tired to log on when I got back. Had to do a icky yucky presentation on Wednesdays. Presentations in my opinion create work without accomplishing anything constructive.

2. Read

Have been catching up furiously on my readings. I read in fits. There are days when I dont touch a book at all, and days when I read reams and reams. Have raced through a few Erl Stanley Gardner's Parry Mason, Dad's recommendation. He sounds like a cross between the writer of Sin City (cant remember name) and Ian Flemming. Am now trying to finish Tom Clancy's The Cardinal of Kremlin and Louis Cha's Duke of Mount Deer, plus the stack of Time and Newsweek magazines on my work desk.

3. Friends

Met up with a few friends - PY, Dee and ZS to catch Harry Potter. They should have split the book into 2 movies. It was good, despite them not showing many bits. Victor was much cuter than the book portrayed. Who can forget those deep set eyes..... *drool* Met up with Junior for dinner. Met up with an ex-colleague after he came back from doing relief work in Pakistan

4. Parents

Celebrated my mum's birthday, and then dad's hatchday slightly more than a week later.

5. TV

Have only had time to watch TAR. Today, I just watched 6 hours of Qian Long Wang Chao, which Dad recorded for moi.

6. Clearing leave and holidays

Am faced with a nice problem of having too many days of leave to burn. Will be jetting to Bangkok in December and Chiang Mai in March. =) May be going Malacca for Christmas if there are still accomodations. =) Oh yes, I pushed my trip to Indonesia to next May due to the bird flu. =)

7. Retail

Went to Little India...and bought two punjabi tops and a pair of pants which looks very Aladdin. =)

Am currently shopping for a digital camera. The 64,000 dollar question - Nikon or Canon?

8. Pool and MJ

Played pool with Dad at Pool Fusion. My dad remarked that I dont seem to have improved at all. My pool is highly misunderstood. Played many a mj session with Dad. Dad is on winning streak. Damn!

I write this entry in haste, seeking only to pen down the days and thoughts before they disappear into the dust with the passing minutes.

Bottoms up

2005-11-26T01:32:00.000+08:00

Suspect may be developing an allergy to alcohol. Arm broke out in rashes after last night's drinking session at a place whose name I didnt note. The place is at Upper Thomson Road, near Thomson Plaza. There's a Mac nearby and it's above a coffeeshop (read 2nd floor). The view from the wine bar is spectacular. That was the only thing I noted. A perfect place to just sit and watch the world go by. It would have been perfect if they had tuned the music lower, but life is seldom perfect. Met up with Kauri for pool prior. Kauri checked out my cue. His face blanched when he learnt how much it cost. (Btw, before any of you intend to rib me for it, JF's cues cost a whole lot more than mine. Cheech's and YJ's cues too, when you factor in their airfare. Let us not forget Uncle Lyris's custom made cue). He threw me one of his classic lines, that made me want to wring his neck, except that he was way too tall.

In short, I had it bad from him the whole night. The only other friend who does this to me is Junior. And sometimes Dan, on the days when I tease him too much on his meetings across god knows how many time zones.

The above entry was first written on 23 OCT 05. I kept it in the drafts folder, meaning to finish it but never quite had the time. It's incomplete but I'm publishing it all the same. Because it's prob one of the last times I would meet up with Kauri for drinks before he leaves the country on a new posting. There arent many people with whom I can talk about the bizarreness of the organisation and its system.

When you say nothing at all

2005-11-26T01:29:00.000+08:00

Case in point...well way too many to list.

Patience has never been one of my virtues. (This apparently tallies with my Myers-Briggs results.) But I feel I can learn to hold my tongue better. Sometimes if one has nothing good to say, or if what one says is not constructive, it is perhaps better not to say anything at all.

People will forget the words you say to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. It is one thing to tell a friend how you feel regardless of how blunt and unwelcome the words may be, but it is another to use them as punching bags.

And I have realised that when my patience has been truly stretched, my barbs draw blood.

Sometimes, silence is truly golden.
(this is one of the entries in my draft folder. I wrote this before the 'Poem of Hope' post)

A poem of hope

2005-11-05T22:35:00.000+08:00

Composed by a young girl in Belarus, Russia, near the site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Area.

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room,

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference.

You see, it's up to YOU!

When you say nothing at all

2005-11-04T22:59:00.000+08:00

Realised that when I have insufficient sleep or am cranky and grouchy due to enforced stay at home, or when other incidences happen that causes one's, ok MY patience to wear thin, that is when people will feel the sharp edge of my tongue. And despite my mild exterior, trust me, I can sting like a bee.

Case in point...well way too many to list.

Patience has never been one of my virtues. (This apparently tallies with my Myers-Briggs results.) But I feel I can learn to hold my tongue better. Sometimes if one has nothing good to say, or if what one says is not constructive, it is perhaps better not to say anything at all.

And I have realised that when my patience has been truly stretched, my barbs draw blood.

Sometimes, silence is truly golden.

(this is one of the entries in my draft folder. I wrote this before the poem post)

Generations - Mazda Miata

2005-11-03T15:30:00.000+08:00

By: John Pearley Huffman
Date Posted 03-05-2003

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=96932

In hindsight, the hole in the market Mazda filled with the MX-5 Miata in 1990 was obvious. MG had sold its last decrepit MGB in 1980. No tears were shed when Triumph gave up and pulled out in '81. The last Fiat 124 Spider was sold to some fearless (or ignorant or deluded) soul in '85 as a "Pininfarina Azzurra." Really, the only four-cylinder, front-engine classic two-seat roadster for sale in the U.S. at that time was the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce, which was essentially just the 1966 Duetto with ugly bumpers. Any manufacturer with perception and bravery could have fed the world's appetite for an affordable true sports car. But it was Mazda that did it.

The apocryphal story is that in 1979, a journalist named Bob Hall, then working for the trade journal Automotive News, was asked by Mazda's managing director what type of cars Mazda should be building and Hall answered, "A small open two-seater." While that conversation may not have led directly to the Miata, what is undeniable is that Bob Hall went to work for Mazda two years later in California and was the product planner on the Miata development team. It's also true that the basic look of the Miata came out of Mazda's California studio, though the engineering was done in Japan and the car has always been built in Japan.

But it's probably too much to call Bob Hall the father of the Miata. Cars aren't designed by a single man working alone, they aren't approved for production by a single product planner, and a lot of things have to align just so for a car to come out just right. There's so much passion in the Miata that it couldn't have all come from one individual. And there's enough glory in the Miata's success that it can be shared among many designers, engineers, executives and product planners.

Though the Miata was developed in America and Japan, it has been a huge success throughout the world. With its tidy size, clean lines, simple drivetrain, outstanding handling and unpretentious character, the Miata maintains far-reaching appeal. There are Miata clubs in New Zealand, where there are more sheep than people; in England, where this sort of car was invented; in Sweden, where it's way too cold to drive with the top down most of the year; and in New York City, where no one drives. The Miata was, and continues to be, a phenomenon.

The Miata deserves credit not only for reviving a dormant passion for roadsters, but for emboldening other manufacturers to pursue what at first seem to be whimsical ideas — and turn out to be good business. If it weren't for the Miata, there probably wouldn't be a Dodge Viper, Volkswagen New Beetle, new Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler PT Cruiser or Chevrolet SSR.

Pop-Up Headlights (1990-1997)

Introduced in the summer of 1989 as an early 1990 model, the Miata looked somewhat like an early-'60s Lotus Elan and had a base price of $13,800. But though it was a sensation, it wasn't (and never has been) particularly quick or fast.

The 1990 Miata was truly tiny. With an 89.2-inch wheelbase and stretching out just 155.2 inches overall, the Miata was 16 inches shorter than Mazda's smallest sedan that year, the Protegé, and rode on a wheelbase 9.2 inches less expansive. Mazda made the Miata's small size a virtue. Everything about the car had a delightfully light touch. Instead of smothering the pavement under huge rubber, it relied on careful tuning of the double wishbone (front and rear) suspension to get the most out of modest P185/60HR14 tires. Power steering was an option, but the standard manual rack-and-pinion setup reacted instinctively to steering inputs and reported back even subtle details about what was going on with the tires. The four-wheel disc brakes weren't very big, but they didn't need to be on this car. A six-footer fit in the Miata, but even a five-footer felt as if the cockpit had been tailored around him, and he could operate the convertible top while seated. The shifter atop the five-speed manual transmission swapped ratios with just a nudge. The first Miata's options list was a short one and included a limited-slip differential and air conditioning. After all, loading a Miata down with luxuries beyond a radio could have upset the car's spot-on balance.

The biggest advantage of the Miata's small size was its feathery weight — just 2,116 pounds in base trim. Because light cars don't need big engines to achieve an entertaining power-to-weight ratio, the first Miata was powered by a 1.6-liter, dual-overhead cam, 16-valve inline four making a modest 116 horsepower. Magazine tests had the car waltzing from zero to 60 mph in just under nine seconds, and completing the quarter-mile in 16.8 seconds at around 80 mph. That isn't hideously slow, but hardly the sort of performance that would put the scare into a Porsche. It was enough, however, to be entertaining.

Mazda sold 35,944 Miatas during the 1990 model year in the United States. Not a lot compared to, say, the Honda Accord. But if Mazda could have made 100,000 of them, every one of them would have sold for sticker price or more that first year. About the only "Top 10" list the Miata didn't make that year was the FBI's Most Wanted.

Unwilling to mess with success, Mazda sent the Miata over for 1991 with only minor changes. Antilock brakes and a four-speed automatic transmission were added to the option list, but otherwise the changes were imperceptibly slight. Mazda also inaugurated what has become a Miata tradition: the Special Edition.

The first Miata Special Edition wore a coat of British Racing Green, as in the color once adorned by British racing cars. Mazda built only 4,000 of these Miatas, each of which had tan leather upholstery, a tan tonneau cover, a wood shift knob, air conditioning, stainless steel sill plates, a compact disc player and limited-slip differential.

A new color, Sunburst Yellow, blazed onto the Miata's paint chart for 1992. This year also saw the Brilliant Black Special Edition Miata, which had leather seating and BBS wheels. Other changes included a rear suspension cross brace and the additions of a roof liner and defroster for the optional hardtop.

A few minor tweaks came for 1993, including a new "sensory" sound system and a new corporate logo on the nose. Leather upholstery was now a regular option, Sunburst Yellow faded out and the black Special Edition model was now called the Limited Edition and sported a red leather interior.

Adding a passenger-side airbag to go with the one already in the steering wheel for 1994, Mazda made up for the additional weight by up-sizing the Miata's engine to 1.8 liters and 128 horsepower. The optional alloy wheels got wider, the fuel tank increased from 11.6 to 13.0 gallons, the brake disc diameter increased slightly, and the "Miata" script in the nameplate switched from black to red letters. Also, a Torsen limited-slip differential was offered for the first time.

The first M Edition debuted, which was basically a loaded Miata with a wood shift knob, wood parking brake handle, chrome wheels and a dunking in Montego Blue paint (3,000 were made). Later in the year, the R package debuted. Geared toward hard-core driving enthusiasts, the R featured a Torsen limited-slip differential, alloy wheels, Bilstein shocks, recalibrated springs and sway bars and available dealer-installable hood stripes. A second M Edition appeared midway through the 1995 model year, this time featuring Merlot Mica paint and BBS 15-inch wheels. Otherwise, except for a revised ABS system, the '95 Miata was almost indistinguishable from the '94.

Compliance with the U.S. government's emissions regulations for 1996 meant a new engine control computer for the Miata. Amid the recalibration, Mazda found another five horsepower in the 1.8-liter engine for a total of 133. Other than that, the chrome rings around the gauges vanished, the rearview mirror now attached to the windshield glass and map pockets were added to the doors of Miatas equipped with power windows. For '96, the M Edition wore Starlight Mica paint, 15-inch Enkei wheels and a wood Nardi shift knob. Again, 3,000 were produced.

With a full redesign in the works, Mazda let the existing Miata glide through 1997 almost unchanged. There was a new "Touring Package" that included power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, power mirrors and aluminum alloy wheels. An STO (Special Touring Option) Edition roadster was offered in a batch of 1,500 and included all the Touring Package equipment plus stainless steel scuff plates, Twilight Blue paint, 15-inch Enkei wheels and a Nardi shift knob. Only 47 brave souls opted for the competition-oriented R package, and this year's M Edition came painted Marina Green.

Technically speaking, there weren't any 1998 model Miatas (any registered as such were likely late-delivery '97s). And with the conclusion of 1997 model production, the Miata lost its pop-up headlights that gave the car the bug-eyed look of an old Austin-Healey Sprite. Some enthusiasts still miss those lights and the purity of the Miata that wore them. Others think Mazda took a noble step further along the path towards sophistication with the new '99 Miata.

Exposed Headlights (1999-Present)

The 1999 Miata actually went on sale in February 1998, and while its body was more curvaceous and it used flush headlamps, it was still unmistakably a Miata. The new Miata, unlike virtually every other "new" car ever introduced, wasn't bigger or smaller than the car it replaced. It still rode on an 89.2-inch wheelbase, was still 155.4 inches long and still 66.0 inches wide. In fact the chassis was hardly changed at all. However, the trunk was now larger (it was finally possible to shove in enough baggage to cover two people for a weekend), and there was now a real glass rear window in the convertible top (instead of hazy plastic). Additionally, a new cylinder head design, higher compression ratio and variable intake boosted output of the 1.8-liter four to a full 140 horsepower.

The most intriguing Miata of 1999 was the 10th Anniversary Edition which featured a series of visual plucks (Sapphire Blue Mica paint, glossy five-spoke wheels, two-tone leather interior trim, chrome rings around the speedometer and tach, a Nardi leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a carbon-fiber-look trimmed center console), a killer Bose stereo, a firmer suspension and, for the first time, a six-speed manual transmission. Beyond that, buyers (3,150 of them in the United States and Canada) also got a miniature version of the car, a special key ring and a set of his-and-hers Seiko watches. At $27,325, the 10th Anniversary Miata wasn't cheap, but it was the most elaborately equipped.

It would be a stretch to call the six-speed a big improvement over the five-speed, but the performance difference was there. With smaller steps between the gear ratios, the engine could stay in the meat of its power band more efficiently and, since the six-speed also came with a 3.91 instead of the regular 4.30 final drive ratio, it cruised down the freeway at slightly lower engine speeds and was therefore a tad quieter. In a Car and Driver test, the six-speed 10th Anniversary Miata made it to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds — or about 0.3 second quicker than a five-speed Miata.

The 2000 model year saw the introduction of a new Miata LS model and another limited-run Special Edition model, as well as the inclusion of alloy wheels on even the base car. The LS included tan leather upholstery, 15-inch alloy wheels and the blasting Bose audio system. Special Edition roadsters came with Mahogany Mica paint, a Parchment convertible top, Parchment leather upholstery, a wood Nardi steering wheel, white-faced gauges and polished 15-inch alloy wheels.

Mazda undertook a surprisingly ambitious improvement program for the 2001 Miata. A new front fascia featured a reshaped air intake, and headlights and taillights were slightly changed. Additional cross members in the body stiffened the entire structure; 16-inch wheels were offered on some models and inside those bigger wheels were larger diameter disc brakes controlled by an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system. More importantly, Mazda claimed that the addition of variable valve timing would allow the Miata to make 155 horsepower. This rating came from a vehicle with 49-state emissions certification. However, when Mazda decided to make the Miata a 50-state certified car, it was not given another validation. The more restrictive emissions equipment kept the car to 142 horsepower, or two more than the 2000 model's 140. To make up for the mistake, Mazda offered 2001 Miata owners free factory-scheduled maintenance for the length of the car's basic warranty as well as a $500 debit card to spend as they chose. Furthermore, if a customer wasn't happy with his Miata, Mazda offered to buy it back and refund the entire purchase price of the car including taxes. In other news, a British Racing Green edition returned, sporting polished 16-inch alloys, a six-speed gearbox, a wood Nardi steering wheel and shift knob and white-faced gauges.

The Miata was an entrenched hit as it entered 2002 and was now offered in two new colors — Vivid Yellow and Laser Blue Mica — but only if ordered through Mazda's Web site. Other changes included the option of an in-dash six-disc CD changer and two new special editions offering a choice of either Blazing Yellow or Titanium Gray paint along with the expected upgrades such as leather seating, white-faced gauges and special badges.

For 2003, Mazda's little go-kart received 16-inch wheels, a strut-tower brace, bigger brakes and a child-seat anchoring system. Other updates, such as a cloth top and aluminum interior accents on the LS, and options such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and bezels for the headlights and taillights, keep the Miata current.

Nothing about the remarkable Miata is more noteworthy than its unceasing popularity. It remains what it has been since its introduction: the best-selling two-seat sports car on Earth.

Just for laughs

2005-11-03T14:51:00.000+08:00

Click on the link.... Something to drive the blues away...... =)

http://gprime.net/video.php/tornmime

The Gaghans - a tribute

2005-11-02T17:47:00.000+08:00

The Gaghans were eliminated from the Amazing Race today. This is one of those races where you realise The Amazing Race is basically about luck. The Gaghans are the only team left in the race who would fit the theme of 'Family Edition'. Their two kids are one of the most well behaved and well adjusted children one can find.

Of all the Amazing Races I've watched, they are one of a few teams who have gone out with their heads held high for having raced with character and integrity. Another team is this pairing of 2 sisters or best friends ( I cannot remember) in another edition. The poor girl rolled more than 200 haystacks and still could not find the clue. But she kept at it till the sun set, because they refused to give up. *respectful bow*

I was rooting for them (The Gaghans) and will miss them sorely. The other team I'm rooting for is the Bransen family (Dad and 3 daughters). The Linz (Siblings) are a jolly good bunch. Watching them compete gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. It's rare to see siblings not going at each other's throats. And the 3 guys really take care of their sister. Despite all their squabbles, I'm beginning to be grow very fond of The Pablos, especially the Dad. They make good television, as most people would say.

This edition of TAR is much better than the previous few. Though it's less exciting, and one does not see as many heart stopping race to pit stops as the past few TAR have. Critics of the show have argued that it's a staged show, as opposed to being really reality. Well, it depends on how you view it. Some parts of the show could have been staged or fixed. But the end result is really quite hard to pre-determine.

I'll leave the brainwork and analysis of the various possible shot angles to those who have too much time on their hands. Every Wednesday, at 2030 hrs, you'll know where to find me, if you wish to contact me - in front of the telly, me and my Dad, with Baileys in hand.

Signing off......

Back to basics 2

2005-11-02T17:37:00.000+08:00

Am on MC again today. Doc sent me for x-ray. This enforced stay at home is driving me crazy. Hence, when I log on, I drive half my friends crazy with all my emoticons and nonsense. Dee and I had a mini conversation today based solely on emoticons. *hee hee*

Thank god today is Amazing Race Day.

Reply to comments

2005-10-31T22:20:00.000+08:00

Dear friends,

The lovely pictures were taken by a friend of mine. His name is Colin Tan, not to be confused with the Colin who posts comments on my blog. Colin is a freelance photographer who has kindly allowed me to snitch my favourite works from his collection for uploading. If you are on the look out for a photographer for various reasons, I can link you up.

Have realised that my recent burst in blogging renders it troublesome to view the comments in past entries. Hence, have consolidated what I wish to say. In alphabetical order.....

Colin - Yet to know results. I hope I pass. The idea of sitting for re-exam is trumatising enough. As you can see, Chinese isnt my forte. One word looks like another. Especially when they sound the same. If only I can bribe you to take the exam for me. =P

Dan - I still think you are the one who left the msg. Not many of my friends would have heard of the poem, let alone pen corrections. *bleah*

Elvina - ONZ. I shall chio you when I need kakis for musicals and MJ sessions too. =) Esp since you live nearby. Glad to read that you enjoyed your trip. KK was telling me his friend backpacked in god knows which country for 1 year. Sounds cool eh! I think it might just be do-able, even if con-able rich men dont come along.

Goethe - HK??? A friend I know is going HK to work too.

JF - I prayed for you you know when I saw you replied to Pinky's comments. My friend is known for her caustic wit. I have seen guys cringed before her when she casts disapproving stares at them. She must have mellowed, or was being polite. Yeah, I told Kauri to check out your cues cos he blogged an entry on how frivolous my cue is.

Kurakat - Thank you for your comments. Southpaw is a slang for lefthander. It's also a term used in boxing I think. In reply to your query, allow me to borrow another quote from boxing, 'dance like a butterfly, sting like a bee'. I am easy going as long as you dont tread on me toes.

Pinky - I miss Shannon, Dustin, and basically the whole experience. Arghhhhh.....and my dear girl, after 8 years of being friends, only now do you realise I am not a picture person? Yes, I think you mentioned the investment fella. We had a good talk over it as I recall. You know, the other night when we msged each other at 2 plus in the morning? For one moment, it felt like we were back in JC. =) And which reminds me, I went to Changi Naval Base the other day, and guess who I saw? - HS!

Pete's Place

2005-10-31T21:46:00.000+08:00

Met up with PY, ZS and Dee on Sat for brunch at Pete's Place. Ok, it was supposed to be lunch since we agreed to meet at 1130am. However, I slept till 1030 am before waking up with a start. Then began the Mad-Rush-To-Get-Out-Of-House. In 30 mins, I flew out of the house. Not bad, though I was still late. *pat on back*

Dee wanted our opinion if she should wear the 'buffet dress' she bought from CK while in Bangkok (I was the devil's advocate...hee hee) to a wedding. I was trying to convince her and PY to go and buy something Indian to wear to weddings. PY almost rolled her eyes out of its sockets *=p*

PY related a horror story about Intercontinental, where at a wedding she attended 2 weeks ago, they served the guests chocolates which had insects flying out of it. *yucks!!!*

ZS remarked that it was strange to call it 'Pete's Place' since to the best of her knowledge, 'Pete' is not an Italian name. (That is so ZS, smile)

ZS and I made PY try all the various veg to find which leaf was nutty and which was bitter, cos we could not id the rocket leaves. *hee hee* Then we played around with the bread to try the butter. They had unsalted, herb and sun-dried tomato butter.

If all goes well, just possibly, we may go on a holiday together at the end of the year. *keeping fingers xxx*

And I so so so do not believe this. They did not serve a single ounce of chocolate for dessert. sob sob ...I dont know about you, but to me, desserts are meant to be sweet. At the very least, you give your diners a choice of either sweet or sour desserts. Not a choice between sour raspberry cheesecake and lemon meringue!!! Thank god for the strawberries and grapes. This is perhaps the proverbial every cloud has a silver lining.

By chance, we saw the photo exhibition outside Liat Towers. It makes the dormant travel bug in you rear its head. Some of the places look really inviting. PY remarked that it depends. Some places make good pictures and good pictures only. She quoted an example of taking a breathtaking scenery picture from a mountain but could not recall the experience other than feeling very exhausted from the hike up. Every cloud has a silver lining indeed!

Ah Neh Land and Pool Junction

2005-10-31T21:31:00.000+08:00

Skipped to Ah Neh Land during lunchie on Friday. Nana wanted to buy something Indian to wear to a wedding. SM and I tagged along as interested bystanders. I am seriously contemplating tailoring a sari. The colours are all so pretty. *note to self - resist temptation*

When we got back, my Indian colleague gave us a short lecture on saris and punjabi suits, which I may blog about one day if time permits. Somehow the conversation went on to flowers and she remarked that 'a huay by any other name will smell as sweet'. I told her that sounded like something the educated Ah Beng will say and we all laughed. (It's a private joke)

Met WT later that evening for dinner and a game of pool. We waited for more than an hour before we gave up and left. The queue was THAT long. Never, never, never play pool on a Friday unless you go early. So I had to lug my cue back.

Was almost reduced to having to crawl home by this time. You would too, if you have been on your feet the whole day, in 3' boots. I need to appreciate my feet more. *note to self*

Far East Square, China Square and Aglio Olio

2005-10-31T20:47:00.000+08:00

The weekend where I bumped into my uni friends, KK and I were going to check out this pasta place - Aglio Olio at China Square.

We were there early. My wonderful friend who did an archi x-fac module, gave me a brief tour of Far East Sq and its design (which was based on the 5 elements of fire, water, metal, earth and wood). He had to write an essay on it, so I had fun picking his brain. It reminded me of what he said long ago, on Prof Chua's paper on the concept of space and its centre. The brilliant Professor sat at Taka for 2 days and wrote on people and their interaction with the atrium (ie the big rectangle at B2, at least I think it's called the atrium but I stand being corrected).

Anyways, Algio Olio's food was great. Unfortunately our timing was not. Erdinger was having an Oktober Fest celebration that day, and the noise was deafening. Their breaded mushroom is yummy, but skip the chicken wings, though they recommend it. KFC's chicken wings taste better. Their service is excellent too and the price reasonable. We had 2 appetisers and 2 main course. Bill came up to about 30 bucks. They had a good crowd though it was a Saturday, which to me, speaks more about the place than all the reviews you can read.

Later on, due to a breakdown in communication, KK and I walked for almost an hour to get to Straits Cafe. I love walking, especially when you have someone to talk to. But not when it's hot and humid. Grin! Basically we walked the opposite and adjacent of a triangle when we could have just walked the hypotenuse and save ourselves a lot of trouble. On 3' boots, it was no joke. My feet almost died by the time we got there. But that place is fun!!!!! Huge collection of all kind of boardgames. But it's best to go in a group to have a wider selection of games to play. =)

What Do I Like Part 2

2005-10-31T20:46:00.000+08:00

Realised I forgot to add something to my list of likes.

I LOVE chocolate and playing MJ.

The above will fall under Pt no 13. =)

Back to basics

2005-10-31T20:39:00.000+08:00

Am on mc today for a sprained back due to a fall.

Went blading yesterday after I got back from office. Yes, on a Sunday. Tell me about it. =( No, we are not going to war. Anyways, I did something stupid...was not concentrating. The end result was that I fell. My threshold for pain isnt too high. So when my body was going 'ouch ouch ouch', I thought nothing of it.

Later in the night, after my MJ session with Dad, back ached terribly. Went to the doc this morning. He said I sprained it. No blading, no carrying of heavy things, and a few more donts to remember. Got back home, grabbed my Conan Doyle and plonked self on bed to read the ache away. Even lying on the bed causes discomfort. *resigned sigh*

Looks like plans to go kayaking with PY will have to be shelved till the ache goes away. Was supposed to go Minds Cafe with KK and friends today, but had to cancel it. Mentor msged me to ask how I was and suggested I lay off playing pool too. *horrors of horrors* Apparently this back business can have long lasting consequences if I'm not careful. PY said the same thing.

I have never appreciated my back till now. *bleah*

Oh yeah, after last night's mj session, my Dad got incredibly tired of my luck at the mj table and now prefers to play pool with me. *happy smile*

Something old and something new

2005-10-29T23:58:00.000+08:00

Something borrowed and something blue......

Yum Cha

2005-10-29T23:49:00.000+08:00

What do you think of when you see this?
My mind conjurs up pictures of Chinese teahouses, old men reading newspapers/playing chess and sipping tea as well as Lu Xun. Dont ask me why.
Oh yes, as well as circles and lines. No, not the Circle line.

Say Cheese

2005-10-29T23:43:00.000+08:00

He sent me this directly after the scenery picture below. For one moment, I thought it was another scenery picture till I looked closer. Will never look at a cheesecake in the same light again. Nice hor...

Owe him big time for this. Because I shamelessly asked permission (demanded more like it) to upload the picture, and then whined that the earlier picture was in bmp rather than jpg. So he offered to convert and resent it. So nice!!!!!!

只是近黄昏，西阳无限好

2005-10-29T23:25:00.000+08:00

I gushed over this. Till friend gently said this was where many drowned when the Tsunamis hit on 26 Dec 04.
Hence, I reversed the lines of the Chinese poem which forms the title of this entry.
And of cos this did not come from me. My Chinese standard is not that good. One of my Chinese lecturers from China said when you reversed the lines, sometimes a message of hope appears and quoted this as an example.

The Right Note Part 5

2005-10-29T23:23:00.000+08:00

Does this bring to mind Casablanca and Gone With The Wind?

The Right Note Part 4

2005-10-29T23:20:00.000+08:00

Felt very zen when I saw these two shots......

The Right Note Part 3

2005-10-29T23:16:00.000+08:00

This shot reminds me of some beer/hard liquor advertisement.

The Right Note Part 2

2005-10-29T23:03:00.000+08:00

He prefered the guitar shot, but the piano one has my vote. What do you think?

The Right Note Part 1

2005-10-29T22:41:00.000+08:00

When I first saw this, I felt the vastness of space that was captured by the shot. However, when I subsequently viewed the picture again, the experience was never replicated. View it and see if you feel the same way I did.

Friend of mine took this picture. He used it as his msn pic. I love it and asked to snitch it for my blog. He kindly agreed. *happy smile*

Keys To Your Heart

2005-10-29T18:20:00.000+08:00

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What I Like

2005-10-26T21:03:00.000+08:00

JF and Elvina came up with a theme - What I Like - and requested we do a post on it.Their request brought back fond memories.

This is the 2nd time in 3 years that someone has asked me what I like. The first was at my polygraph test during the polygraph interview section. My answer was 'I like living'. My polygrapher blinked. Not long after, I found the quote by Agatha Christie which sits below the title of this blog.

Hence, when I saw JF's comments to hurry and blog on the theme, I wondered if it was a tad superfluous for me to do so. At the same time, I do not think they were looking for a blog entry with 3 words in it - What do I like? I like living. Ok, make it 6.

It is not easy to blog on the stuff one likes. Had a minor headache trying to list them. Hence the words do not flow and the sentences are jerky. Please bear with me.

What do I like? Please see below.

1. I like living.
I like living and all that life has to offer. Life is beautiful in many ways - beautiful sunsets, full moons, stormy nights, quiet evenings, sunny afternoons, the terrible earthquakes, the raging fires, the destructive hurricanes and devastating tsunamis. Life makes you acutely miserable, wildly despairing and racked with sorrow. It brings hope for tomorrow, faith that things will be better, dreams to keep you going and freedom to explore, as far as your mind and feet can go.

2. Reading
Reading has always been a favourite past time. My favourite authors include Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, David Eddings, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Tom Clancy, Ian Fleming, F.R. Rowling, Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, Rudyard Kipling, Louis Cha and the list goes on. Sometimes I like only a particular piece of work, think Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Magician. Currently am reading 'Beyond Cloak and Dagger' By Copeland Miles and 'The Duke of Mount Deer' by Louis Cha. Have not had much time to read lately. Have you ever noticed that it takes 3x as long to read a Chinese book? Make it 100x.

3. Solitude
I love solitude, especially at the end of the day, where one reflects on the journey in life so far, and the person one has become. Most people think I am an extrovert with too bubbly a personality, job interviewers included. They cannot be further from the truth. When you are the only child, you enjoy your own company best. Or rather, you learn to.

4. My room and my bed
My room is my sanctuary. It has seen me through my extreme emotions. If it could talk, I would need to enforce a gag order. Interestingly, there is no clock or stereo in it. Peace and tranquality rules. I love the round balcony in my room where I can watch the moon and stars at night or the world go by in the day. My parents will say I should list my bed as one of my favourite items though I beg to differ. Yes, I am one of those people who float to lalaland the minute their heads touch the pillow. One of those people who can sleep round the clock, wake up and go back to sleep some more. One of those people who are dead to the world when they sleep. *grin*

5. Music
My choice of music is very much influenced by my Dad. I am ashamed to say that my dad has heard of Westlife, Bread, Lisa Ono and many other singers BEFORE I've heard of them or even know they exist. Like what a colleague said 'Your dad is cool. You are not.'. There is a slight reversal of roles at home. My parents will turn on the radio. I will hollar at them to turn it off. I love Elvis Presley, Andy Williams and Englebert Humperdinck. AW and EH are my Dad's fav singers. Go figure. Oh yes, since we're on this. No one, absolutely no one, can do Moon River like Andy Williams. Go listen.

6. Musicals
I LOVE musicals. (My dad does not. He complains they put him to sleep. So I have no kaki.) Have not seen many due to high ticket prices. Many is relative, depending on which end of the spectrum you fall in. Would love to see more. Les Miserables was EXCELLENT. Phantom of the Opera is a sad imitation of the book. 42th Street had lovely dance moves. Oliver made me want to re-read Oliver Twist. Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress saw me tearing and trying to convince my partner I was having a sinus attack. (I used up 3 packets of tissue...hahaha) Mama Mia had me and PY on our feet. The Sound of Music was a walk down memory lane. I think the movie was better though the movie was inspired by the musical.

7. Movies
Another love. I like shows that make you go all warm and fuzzy inside think The Sound of Music, Love Actually, Sleepless in Seattle, You've got mail. Yes THAT kind. I also like shows which make your heart race. Think LOTR, esp THAT scene where Legolas swung himself up the horse. You know, THAT one. I watched that movie twice I think, just for that scene. And the scene where they lit all the fire beacons.

8. Adrenalin
I love doing things that give me an adrenalin rush. Think karting, watching The Amazing Race/formula one/soccer, hearing the sharp short sound a cue gives off when you hit a cue ball, waking up in the middle of the night to catch those unearthly soccer matches, feeling the wind in your face when you rollerblade...the list goes on. Previously, I used to plan my social schedule around the EPL/World Cup/EuroCup matches. When you bring formula one into the picture, it made making plans on weekends difficult. My friends were quite patient with me then. I must thank them.

9. My Dad
Between both my parents, I like my Dad more. Which is why you will notice that I talk more about my Dad. He is my accomplice in crime. We do a lot of things together like drink, play pool, watch soccer, play mah jong, eat non-Chinese food, check out gadgets, read articles on cars. Sometimes I think I am the son my Dad always wanted but never had.

10. Odd numbers/the left side of me
I like odd numbers. My IC no comprises only odd numbers. My birth time is made up of only odd numbers. I favour the left side of me more because I was born a southpaw.

11. History
Studied the subject all my life. I never thought I would do it as one of my majors in uni. Life has a strange way of making you eat your words. Love Military history and Chinese history. My favourite dynasty is Tang. My favourite Chinese Emperor - a close fight between Li Long Ji and Ai Xin Jue Luo Hong Li. The former you will recognise if I mention Yang Gui Fei. The latter if I say Qian Long.

12. Boots, Indian/Peranakan heritage
I love boots. They do everything a dainty heel can do to an outfit and so much more. I have 5 pairs of boots. 4 black and 1 reddish brown. Out of the 4 black - one is 2.5' calf length, one is pointy 3' mid calf length. The other 2 are 2.5' short and 3' short. For the last 2, which pair I wear, depends on how long my pants are, and how much of a backache and foot pain I am willing to tolerate. My parents have banned me from buying more boots. I shall quote Oscar Wilde 'I can resist everything but temptation.' I love Peranakan sandals too. They are so pretty. The reason why this is not titled shoes is because I am no Imelda Marcos. I only like boots and peranakan sandals. Full stop. Period. I like the Indian Punjabi suit, Thaveni, Sari, Chinese cheongsum as well as the Nonya Kebaya. Am too short to carry off a thaveni and cheongsum properly. So will settle for the punjabi, sari and Kebaya. I love the Peranakan cuisine and culture.

13. All other things that fit not into the categories above

I love my friends. They have brought much joy into my life and have been very patient during my neurotic moments. What will I do without them. I love travelling and people watching. There is nothing more I love to do than sit in a cafe somewhere and watch the world go by. I like mental stimulation in the form of caustic wit, world weary eyes, being spontaneous...etc etc etc.

This has exhausted me more than I care to admit. Plodded on till I hit no 13.

Am back to office tomorrow. Hopefully I still remember my log in passwords. *grin*

Till then, life is beautiful.

Cheers!

The 32 Type Dating Test

2005-10-26T19:28:00.000+08:00

Got this from Elvina's blog.
My results below......

The Priss
Deliberate Brutal Love Dreamer (DBLDf)

Mature. Responsible. Aristocratic. Excuse me. The Priss.

Prisses are the smartest of all female types. You're highly perceptive, and confident in your judgements. You'd take brutal honesty over superficiality any time--your friends always know where they stand with you. You're completely unfake. Don't tell me that's not a word. You're also excellent at redirecting internal negative energy.

These facts indicate people are often intimidated by you. They also fall for you, hard. You have a distant, composed allure that many find irresistible. If only more of them lived up to your standards.

Your exact opposite:
The Playstation

Random Gentle Sex Master

You were probably the last among your friends to have sex. And the first to pretend that you're pregnant. LOL. Though you're inclined to use sex as weapon, at least it's not as one of mass destruction. You're choosier than most about your partners. A supportive relationship is what you're really after. Whether you know it or not, you need something steady & long-term. And soothing.

ALWAYS AVOID: The Playboy, The Loverboy

CONSIDER: The Manchild

The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating.
My profile name: fairlady350

Amused

2005-10-26T00:01:00.000+08:00

Just checked Kauri's blog to see if he has updated it.

And laughed.

My blues are now gone.

Kauri blogged one entry on my cue stick. I am surprised he would waste a blog entry on my silly cue. 'amused smile'

Kauri, I actually have a post in draft folder on all the ribbings you gave me the last time we played pool. You beat me to it.

Before you roll your eyes and go 'girls!', check out JF's cues first.

Will reply your blog questions another time.

Lalaland here I come......

Perplexed

2005-10-25T22:33:00.000+08:00

Read the comments on my blog. Am a tad perplexed and disturbed.

JF has a link to my blog from his. Elvina and Kurakat vist his blog frequently. I post on JF's blog using my blogger id due to the settings in his blog. Hence I understand how they could find my blog.

Richard and Ghost are readers of Elvina's and Kurakat's blog respectively. When I post in Elvina's blog, I go by the nick, 'Life is beautiful'. When I post in Kurakat's blog, I had to use my real id once again due to the settings. However, when I posted in Ghost's blog, I used 'Life is beautiful'. There was no reference at all to my blog when I used 'Life is beautiful'. Neither was there any reference to 'Life is beautiful' when I used my blogger id.

So how did Richard and Ghost find my blog?

Msged JF to ask. As usual, he gave me an answer that had my fingers itching to wring his neck.

Btw, JF, I have already linked Elvina's blog to mine. Look carefully at the links on the left, under 'Full Speed To'. Yours is there too. So is Kurakat's.

Am now off to read Ghost's stories. Looks like the What I like post will have to be KIV-ed one more day......

Musings

2005-10-25T21:51:00.000+08:00

Colin dropped me an offline ICQ msg. I read it and was surprised.

Colin, I do not feel very strongly about things and life in general. Even when I do, I do not write with strong feelings or conviction too. In some ways, I view life from a detached platform. Which is why most friends who read my blog remark that I seem to be trying hard to find things to say. That is not the case. I just do not blog my thoughts. As I've told many people, my life is not an open book for the whole world to read.

A couple of friends after reading the entry on links and lifetimes have asked why bother blogging when the blog entry has nothing to do with the thoughts swimming in my head. Because dear friends, when I re-read the entries, they serve to remind me of what I was thinking then.

To give you a few examples, on the blog entry 'On links and lifetimes', I was actually thinking about the fraility of life and how unpredictable it is. Selena had sent me a mail the day before to say her colleague passed away. I was thinking how planning for tomorrow is a luxury we all will never have one day; how unpredictable life can be when it brings back people you never thought you will meet again; how true the phrase que sera sera is.

On the entry 'What age do you act', I was thinking about Junior and the curve balls life has thrown him.

On the entry 'Freedom', I was reflecting on what Kauri had said to me with regards to living one's life, and how I will be saying yet another goodbye to yet another friend when he leaves the country.

And as for this entry, I am musing over the sms Mad sent me last night before he left for a short trip today as well as my Myers-Briggs result. I wonder how well do I know myself.

Have not had much sleep the last 2 days. Sleep time suffers when you try to squeeze more things into your schedule. Lack of sleep tends to make me blue.

Happily Ever After???

2005-10-24T22:31:00.000+08:00

This morning, while on the train, I mused over the entries I would pen later in the day. There was the weekend to write about. It had been fun and would like to remember it. In addition, JF and Elvina had an unusual request - To write on what we like. I marvel at how they could update their blogs so frequently. Have quite a number of backdated entries, which I fear will never see the light of day. Time, I need more of it.

Was on course today. Will be on course for the next few days. *happy smile* But I am digressing. Something happened during the course which made me put all other entries on hold. Course was on the Myers-Briggs personality framework. For one of the exercises, the course coordinator, Angeline, showed us an obituary.

It was dedicated to a Susan Eu, at the first anniversary of her death. The memorial was written in the form of a letter to her by her hubby, Vincent. That was in 1999. Angeline said she chanced upon it due to the eye-catching colours (it was all black). Every year from then till now, on 24 October, one would appear without fail. There was a mad scamble for today's ST. And there it was. There were also a few new additions, like a website address.

1999 - 2005 is 6 years. Despite my other comments on the memorial and the hubby, which I shall politely refrain from blogging, I was like wow. If you have seen Desperate Housewives, you will remember some of the more memorable lines, other than the babes and the lovely 350z. One of them goes along the lines of 'yes, the vow is simple (Mary Alice's voice goes on to recite the vow). Finding that someone to make the vow to is not. But when you do, that is when happily ever after begins.'

Then half way into writing this blog entry, a friend wanted my opinion on which shirt to wear for a seminar tomorrow. So whilst waiting for him to model the shirts in front of the webcam, I checked out the website. The site address is http://susaneu.netor.com.sg/. I shall leave you to form your own opinions, as how I have formed mine.

On links and lifetimes

2005-10-23T01:10:00.000+08:00

I like writing late at night. It is peaceful and quiet. The words just flow, continously. The thoughts just come, unhindered.

Contrary to what most people think, I have no love for writing. One writes to express ideas, thoughts, feelings amongst other things. I write to maintain one's ability to pen one's thoughts and to track the more memorable episodes in life. Hence the blog's name "As time goes by", hence the blog's link "the fundamental things apply". If you are wondering, they came from the lyrics of a song, from a movie, Casablanca. "A kiss is just a kiss; A smile is just a smile. The fundamental things apply; As time goes by." And yes, when I blog, the blog entry usually has little relevance to the thoughts swimming in my head. In a sense, I blog for numero uno, to borrow a headline from TNP.

Have you noticed how working life has dulled the senses and numbed the brain? Have you noticed how it has mutated our writing styles from being uniquely one's own to officious-sounding propaganda? Have you noticed how we produced much better pieces while still in school?

Today I bumped into 2 people, both from uni days. One was a blind girl who was in my tutorial class for the module on history of modern China and Japan. The other was a guy who was in my tutorial for the module on Cold War. The girl I knew only by name and despite being in the same tutorial class for one whole semester, we never spoke. The other used to be a good buddy of mine. We could talk for hours on the phone, from night till dawn.

I was reminded of a Chinese calligraphy talk which I attended early this year. The speaker related a story. He had been invited to a conference in Japan. They requested him to write a Japanese saying. The words translate to mean something along the lines of when your sleeve brushes past a stranger in a room, it is the culmination of many lifetimes' karma.

Looks like my 'fate' with some people have yet to end.

What Age Do You Act?

2005-10-22T01:26:00.000+08:00

Got this off Junior's blog. The last time I tried it, my age was much younger. Perhaps being too sloshed with alcohol makes one more mature. Just got back from a drinking session. *grin*

You Are 28 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Freedom

2005-10-20T22:19:00.000+08:00

I am finally free from trying to decipher the nouns, predicates, verbs and other related stuff which make up a Chinese sentence. Is this called the syntax?

The last time I went through such a nightmare was in EL1101. Remembered promising self never to go through it again. Life has a strange way of making you eat your words does it not?

Am finally free. Am also shackled by thoughts of whether will I pass the module or not. *keeping fingers xxx* Oh well, que sera sera.

Back to work tomorrow. It's Friday. *happy smile*

On course next week. Have to start prepping for month long trip to Indon.

Cheers to freedom and zen like state.