Burung Pipit

I had moved!

2006-06-23T08:08:00.000+08:00

dear fren i had moved to a new domain. Please visit me by clicking here. See you there!!

Father's Day message

2006-06-19T16:41:00.000+08:00

An open letter to my unborn child....

Dear son, Yesterday was father’s day. I had celebrated another father’s day without you. Do you know that it is actually embarrassing to celebrate father’s day without you. You may be wondering how come daddy and mummy got married for nearly two years and we still haven’t called for you. Please be assured that we love you and would very much like to have your company. Let daddy explain to you. We didn’t call you in the first year because we would like to settle a few important issues like why your mummy liked to squeeze the tooth paste in the centre instead of at the end of the tube. After we settled the important issue of where to squeeze the tooth paste, your mummy complained that the kitchen and the toilet were dirty. You may wonder what the toilets and kitchen got to do with you. Son, it has everything to do with you. Mummy did not want your food to be prepared in an old and presumably dirty kitchen. Son, you will spend the first few years of your life making a mess of yourself. Your mummy will have to clean up after you, and she thinks we better renovate the toilet as well, as you and her are going to spend a lot of time in the toilets. Because renovation needed money, daddy had to give up the notion of buying that 500cc new golf driver that daddy had been eyeing for a long time. So, when you grow up and stare down at the toilet bowl in the toilet, imagine you are peeing into the 500cc golf driver that daddy always wanted but never had. We always want the best for you, son. According to an East Asia survey, Singapore is the best place to have a baby. In another survey, the finding showed that a lot of youngsters here would like to be borne “white”. Although daddy cannot make you “white”, 1 out of 2 is not too bad, right? Mummy always worry that Singapore is too competitive for you and would like to register you as a Malaysian. Daddy thinks the decision on citizenship is better left for you to decide. Daddy will just write “nationality undecided at the time of birth” at the citizen column. Son, daddy would like to let you know that not a single day passed without thinking of you. In fact, on father’s day yesterday, daddy woke up a bit early to have breakfast with your mummy. After which, we took a walk at the park near our home. Well, you may ask daddy what that got to do with you again, right? Well, calling for you is not as easy as picking up the phone and dial o-r-d-e-r-b-a-b-y. Daddy needs to put mummy in a good mood so we can call for you together. There is a lot of hard work involved. So much so, after calling out for you, we were usually left gasping for breath. So, when the next time you hear heavy breathing coming from our room, don’t ask why. We are calling for a little brother to keep you company. My son, by now, you probably knows how much we love you. If you can hear daddy now, all daddy’s effort on this year father’s day had not been in vain. We look forward to see you in April 2007. If you forget to bring your kukujiao come April, it is ok. You just have to work harder on your listening skill and forgetfulness when you grow up.

Smile, it is TGIF!

2006-06-15T12:12:00.000+08:00

The week is coming to an end. This week, we in the land of Singa should end it with a smile. A smile that is Unikly Singapore, in tandem with the latest govt buzz to "Welcome the world with four million smiles". This latest govt campaign is created to welcome the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group meeting in Singapore in the coming September. Singapore is a 3M country, not to be confused with 3M the "sticker tape" company. Singapore 3M is ahemm...mo dei (no land), mo yau (no oil) & mo yan (no human resource) and i take my hat off to the govt for their creativity in coming out with this latest "product". We are effectively selling "smiles" and for the chinese you know what that means. "Selling smiles" is synonym with the products that bar hostesses hawk in karaoke lounges. So, one up for the marketing of Singapore Inc.! The IMF & World Bank come and go... but deep within, we do have reasons to smile. Those on my short list are.... Singapore Zoo spent $250,000 to rehab "Chawang" the elephant which gored its trainer last year. SZ could have just shipped Chawang to another zoo. According to the zoo, Chawang is very rare as its tusked are crossed. Glad to hear our zoo residents are treated like stakeholders instead of just mere exhibits! Hougang & Potong Pasir residents can rejoice as they, die2 will get their lift upgrading come 2015, as promised by the government. In the meantime, they must gwai gwai queue behind other PAP wards. Without the promise of upgrading, the govt need to change the "smile" campaign tagline to "4 millions smiles excluding those in Hougang and Potong Pasir". Hahahaha...can still watch some matches free...courtesy of RTM1 in Channel 39. As the commentaries are in Malay, can brush up my rusty Bahasa Melayu too. Kill 2 birds with one bola!! In my dreams i smile a lot...as i always (day)dream i am like the towkay above, closing deals in the comfort of my limo with a handphone!!

Procrastination costs me RM120

2006-06-13T16:04:00.000+08:00

I am indulging myself in some Ipoh old world charm come early next month. The old ACS gang and some x-MGS girls are getting together for a gathering at Destress on 8 July. Last count...about 80 of us. If any of you guys and gals out there who were from ACS/MGS cohort of '83 (Form 6), please don't feel shy... come, come and join us!

Was going through the AirAsia website when i saw this GREAT offer of RM9.90 AirAsia ticket from IPOH-JB flying on 11 July. After discussing the plan to fly with SO, i went online again to book the tickets the next day. Niamah! 24 hours and the ticket price up went by 700%.... to RM69.90 each. For two persons, i am paying additional RM120, OUCH! Procrastination hurts!

Aliens in my fish tank

2006-06-09T16:06:00.000+08:00

Last week the plague hit my fish tank. Before i start yakking about what had happened, allow me to introduce my watery friends... cardinal tetras, a happy family of 50 red nose rummy tetra, about 13 of them black tetras, 9 of them

and a couple of congo, bottom-feeding catfish and my pet Harlen, the up-side down catfish. In Singapore, we like to do upgrade: handphone, homes, even religion as Rev Kong Hee of City Harvest would have told u... My fish tank was a plain vanilla type with a few stones and a sand base. Last weekend i decided to do an upgrade for my fish tank. I added some plants, prawns, air stones and more sand to increase the substrate base. I constructed a garden with the plants and stones for my fish when incident struck.

My cardinals started to go kaput on Monday. I changed the water, added in some Chinese tea, substitute frozen worms with dry pellet (sinking type), isolated the sick fish and say a l'il prayer before the dying finally stop on Thursday. About 40 cardinals and 2 rummies perished...just like that. The cardinals and rummies were given by my friend KK and he only visited the Sunday before. Very paiseh leh... as he commented that i had done well with his fish and I had to text him on Thursday to break the bad news to him...

I managed to identify the disease through searching the internet . My finding shocked me! My fish had died of a terrible disease very much like what happened in the movie Alien when the parasite alien popped up from the gut of its victim. The fish died from parasites that burrowed through its intestine and attached itself to the fish muscle tissue. The sick fish body would turn whitish and became crooked before finally dropping dead.

The following is the abstract from the internet... The disease cycle begins when parasitic spores enter the fish after it consumes infected material, such as the bodies of dead fish, or live food such as tubifex, which may serve as intermediate hosts. Once in the intestinal tract, the newly hatched embryos burrow through the intestinal wall and produce cysts within the muscle tissue. Muscles bearing the cysts begin to die, and the necrotic tissue becomes pale, eventually turning white in color. I am glad i manage to bring the situation under control. But the crisis is not over yet as i have not identified the cause of the infection. I am sharing this with anyone who keep pets and probably have sad experiences on the demise of their pets in the past.... and hopefully bring a closure to this sad episode. You can pay your pak kum to my fish who had gone to the big tank in the sky by feeding my electronic pet at the bottom of this blog.

Zie Zie must try...

2006-06-08T10:06:00.000+08:00

Cocka "Z" tag challenge, here i come!!! 1. Zeppelin...this is not. But if you have the urge to ride some hot air (beside the one from your boss) you can try the hot air balloon ride near to the open field next to the 7th-storey hotel ...psst FF, are you listening? 2. ZZZZZZZZ....my state of mind when the actions are happening LIVE in Germany. Niamah, Starhub (the cable co witht he sole right) is charging $15.50 for the privelege to watch the World Cup 2006. Even free also don't want lah...my beauty sleep is more important. Anyway, not that crazy over soccer! 3. Zircons are not only the oldest minerals on earth, they also show another interesting feature. Their oxygen isotopic composition has been interpreted to indicate that more than 4.4 billion years ago there was already water on the surface of the Earth. Who says blogging doesnt increase your general knowledge? 4. ZARA...a fashion store in town where i spent a lot of time in following my wife on her shopping trips. This is the only place where my wife will let me ogle gals, so i would leave her alone and not pester her to leave... 5. ZERO...wish everyone will have more of these in their bank account by end of the year! 4D idea for the weekend...4972! Don't forget my 10% commission if the numbers come out! 6. Zara...a potential applicant to the Malaysia Book of Record (MBR). She will be in the good company of Amber Chia & Datuk Michelle Yeoh. Read about her exploits in Zara's Mama & MBR in Teh-C ! For those with sons, if wont hurt to be friendly by dropping-by Zara's Mama blog. But my guess is, it is aready too late cos ZMM has tons of followers!! 7. Zombie...reminds me of Michael Jackson's Thriller music video. I missed his BAD's days! 8. Zakat..is the tithe the Muslims pay to the mosque... not to be confused with Zakar, which means penis in malay. So, be careful how you address the Encik Zakaria in tis world! 10. Zhonghua...also Tionghua or Choongwah in dialect...which loosely interpreted as "Chinese in the Centre". This is a hangover phrase from the olden Chinese empire which see China as the centre of the universe...and others as uncultured barbarians. BTW Zhonghua is also a brand of Chinese cigarettes that retail at RMB 50 (SGD $10, RM 23) a pack. It is the Davidoff equivalent in China. Offering Zhonghua ciggies to Chinese is a good ice-breaker...But caution hor! Offering ciggies in Singapore is an offence!

ATM Card Skimming

2006-06-06T17:00:00.000+08:00

Today Straight Times reported the first case of ATM card skimming case in Singapore. I nearly fell off my chair this morning reading it. Got diagram some more on how the scam works! I knew ATM card skimming cases happened in Malaysia and HK, but it took a while for the fact to sink in that low-crime Singapore is not immuned. Well, it seems crime has also got onto the "Globalisation" bandwagon. Blogger Mike reported his card kena eaten sometimes back and i thought that was an unrelated isolated incident. Well, i was wrong! So, what are the measures we can take to prevent from falling victim to this scam? Beside going high-tech with a new generation of chip-implanted card, I have a better idea. Maybe we can go back to basic...using human teller. Kill 2 birds with one stone... increase security & safety and at the same time nip the 5% unemployment problem in Singapore. But we don't have to tell the consumers and no one is wiser!

Human ATM Prototype 1... maybe need to work on the sitting ergonomic a little This concept can have other applications as well.... Photo Kiosk...sharper images & better quality photos with instant consultancy!

Coffee Vending Machine...Personal service at a fraction of Starbuck price!!

Jalan-jalan on a friday evening

2006-06-03T10:50:00.000+08:00

Friday evening, went pak toh with SO at our regular haunt at Jurong Point which is very near our place of work. Dinner, we ate at Pizza Place...a small cozy corner just opposite Crystal Jade Lah Mein. Was at CJ last week, we waited half an hour for a 15 min meal. What to do, suddenly had this craving for their onion oil Lah Mein. SO went shopping for bag, was browsing at this shop selling NODA's bags. For a fashion-challenged guy like me, i couldn't help but noticed that these Japan-imported bags are very chic looking and come in reasonable price range of $50 to $80. We didn't buy any as SO couldn't find anyone that she really like. If you ask me, i would have bought the white colour one on the top left hand corner ($60). I like it funky look. Hahaha just for comparison, if i were to buy a bag, i would probably look for one of these above... men or issit just ME that is boring and colourless? Hush Puppies...offering 70 percent discount and we bought some stuff for SO's nieces. I still can't figure how you size kids' wears. SO's nieces varies from 5 to 10 years old. But the clothes she bought for them look like more or less the same size to me. I advertised in both Yellow Pages and Green Book (above). After seeing the above pic...I better cancell my Green Book advertisement next year since now i know what people do with it! I discovered a national conspiracy at Jurong Point basement...people are siphoning Singapore currency out of the country by remitting their SGD$$ overseas... ...and the scary thing is, it is legal... and there are queues of people everywhere doing it! Even our Singapore Post is doing it...albeit as an agent! Post Office opening until 8 pm...unheard of when it was a gahmen agency...well, privatisation has its benefit! Da Vinci Code...the biggest conspiracy of all! In this movie, there are mutants everywhere you turned. i see mutant Magneto masquerading as a holy grail searcher, Sir Leigh Teabring; Dr Octopuss (Spiderman 2) moonlighting as Bishop Aringarosa when he is not wreaking havoc as a multi-tentacle menace and Ron Howard, leaving his Happy Days behind, is venturing into Doom Day with this dark and controversial movie.

10 simple pleasures

2006-05-31T19:07:00.000+08:00

I was tagged by Helen and here goes, not in any particular order of merit 1. Catching a movie in town with the family

2. Have a bowl of Ipoh prawn mee with siew yoke....

3. Knowing the fable of "Ugly Duckling" do exist, otherwise this is how my wife will look like...

4. YUM CHAR at Ipoh old town kopitiam, where my yong tau hu noodle and white coffee come with a retro ambience...

5. Seeing my catfish "Harlen" finally realised its dream of becoming a dog...it has even learned a few dog's tricks like fetching bola...

6. Still young at heart and have the ability to be thrilled by rock acts like Avril Lavigne, Eminem....

7. Have a cuppa on one hand and the morning newspapers on the others on a Sunday morning

8. Making new friends on the internet....pls meet my fren, cocka from JayBee

9. Getting the hang of Yoga...finally manage to do the fish pose (above) without feeling giddy and nausea

10. Having a meal with all or most of the family members around

X-Men 3 - love story on steroid

2006-05-28T10:54:00.000+08:00

Beside the busy plot with so many characters and loud pyro-technic from its action scenes, “X-men, The Final Stand” striked me as a Love Story on steroid. Dr Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), the heroin in the first two installments has a split personality called “Phoenix”. Dr. Jean Grey, now Phoenix in this film is out to kill anyone who stands in her way and annihilate all life on earth. Wolverine (Jack Hughman) who ‘tan leun” (secretly in love with) Jean, have to kill Phoenix in order to save earth and release Jean from her evil twin sister. Jack Hughman, is fantastic here as a tortured soul with an unrequited love for a colleague, Jean. Of course, don’t ask me how Jack can hide his feeling from a colleague who can read mind! How I wish the love scene with Jean in the lab could be better developed. If you had followed Famke since her Goldeneyes’ days, you know what I mean. I missed Famke in her Goldeneyes’ days. Her death-lock love-making scene with James Bond (Pierre Brosnan) was tantalizing, to say the least. Famke’s “Xenia Zaragevna Onatopp’ was visually stunning and that impression had remained. X-men 3 is an accidental love movie that I like. Like Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal original Love Story in 1970, the tagline (Love means you don’t have to say “Sorry”) applies equally well here. In the final showdown, when Wolverine stabbed Phoenix and killing her, Jean schizoid twin, I could almost hear Jean telling Wolverine “love means you don’t have to say “Sorry”. Despite the loud and crowded actions in the final scene, i was surprised the message "Forgiveness and letting go…the greatest sacrifice of love" reached out and touches me.

I can’t believe this is the last installment. There is no closure and a lot of questions remained unanswered. Is Cyclop, the original love of Jean gone for good? How Jack is going to spend his loveless life since he had accomplished his two missions…the mutant school was already in the good hands of Storm and the world had rid itself of Magneto, what is next? Will there be an X-Men 4…I would not rule it out.

"Incense papers burning" tradition in urban living

2006-05-23T11:02:00.000+08:00

Cannot burn incense papers, issit?

Then, why provide incense burner here?

In highly urbanised Singapore, it is difficult to maintain the tradition of incense burning without irritating residents whose flats' windows are facing the burners. Instead of punitive measures, isn't it better to have better designed burners that can eradicate the smoke and keep the ashes from flying around? Or have a designated area where the smoke and ashes will not be a nuisance. However, i learned from my lo ma chi that burning must be done as close to our apartment as possible, which usually means downstair, so whoever we are offering the incense to, know it is from us. Hello! the offerings are not for people like you and me. The so-called "they" are celestial beings who do not subscribe to the constraints of our physical world... so why do we need to confine our burning to any available space downstair and irritate the hell out of our neighbours living in the lower storey? Traditions steep in the Taoist belief are fine with me but can't we update it abit?

Maybe the Taoist mission (www.taoism.org.sg) can enlighten on the subject.

Is it true that burning must be close to the apartment of the burners?

If electric candles can be used, can we use electronic substitute for this tradition?

Tom Cruise & his Impossible Missions

2006-05-18T17:09:00.000+08:00

If I were in Ipoh and crave the famous Ipoh Hor Fun, I would not be too please if the seller offers me a souped up version of their famous dish. Tom Yam Ipoh Hor Fun, anyone? No, thanks... just the Ipoh Hor Fun. This famous dish derives its fame from the rich soup base, smooth hor fun and the chicken breast meat topping. You don’t go for IHF to savour the taste of tom yam…absurd & ridiculous!! Of course if you just wanna fill a hungry stomach, it really doesn’t matter, does it?

Mission Impossible III is the type of gah yim gah cho (add salt add vinegar) Tom Yam Ipoh Hor Fun dished out by the commercial chef “Tom Yam” Cruise.

The original Mission Impossible TV series chronicled the adventures of the Impossible Mission Taskforce (IMF), a team of government spies and specialists who were assigned "impossible missions" by the unseen "Secretary". The team consists of the Team Leader, the Techno-Wizard, The Strongman, The Master of Disguise, and The Femme Fatale.

Its opening mission assignment (conducted by a pre-recorded tape), the theme composed by Lalo Schifrin, the leader's selection of mission agents from a dossier, the opening briefing, the intricate use of disguises and a typical "mask pulloff" scene near the end of most episodes….were the definition and character of any show that carries the MI logo.

MI3 is totally action and suffers from a severe lack of character. Director JJ Abrahm “interrogation” opening scene will never measured up to John Woo stylishly choreographed “self destruct in 5 second” exploding sunglasses and motor chase scene in Mi2. For his lack of idea, JJ filled the void in his Mi3 with a lot of firework that numb the senses after a while. Look like Tom has lost the plot and JJ was brought in to provide the pyrotechnic firework that made this Mi3 a very ordinary action film. There are too much adrenalin pumping scenes that do not fit into the MI mould. For me, the scene that really does justice to the MI franchise is the Vatican Ball plot to capture the baddy played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Planning, deception, disguise, high tech wizardry and masterful execution…they are all here. That’s MI pure and simple. Cruise’s pandering to a 1.2 billion Chinese market is so shameless and obvious. How can you hide an ang moh in China and of all places, in a river village? River villages are so backward; they had not been touched by development for the last 30 years. You can’t even hide a Shanghainese there without attracting a visit from the local police. I can tell you if Cruise were to produce the “The Last Supper” I would not be surprised if he cast a Chinese as one of Jesus disciples. Maggie Q is no ass kicker but a sad token wall flower. Q couldn't even deliver her cantonese lines fluently...i rest my case.

Instead of team work, we have too much of Tom Yam Cruise. Tom Yam rescued colleague, Tom Yam shot down drone plane, Tom Yam stole the rabbit claw, Tom Yam rescued wife….. Maybe because he takes a cut of the film revenue, he tried to do more. Slowly but steadily Tom is turning the Mission Impossible into “Tom & his Impossible Missions”.

The action maybe hot, but who is kidding who… this is one action movie that is ripping off the good will of the Mission Impossible legacy. Tom Yam is turning the MI into a bland popcorn franchise...niamah!! ACTION has not been this dreadful!

ACJC student vs Ministry of Foreign Affair

2006-05-17T10:01:00.000+08:00

This interesting exchanges on the future challenges faced by Singapore between a 17 years old ACJC student, Gayle Goh and the 2nd Perm Sec of the Ministry of Foreign Affair was carried in the Straight Times today. http://i-speak.blogdrive.com/

Why i never celebrate Mother's Day

2006-05-15T12:01:00.000+08:00

I never celebrate Mother's Day...and i never will. I don't believe in distilling my love for my lo ma chi to a single day. As i was ashmatic and physically very weak as a child, nothing in my childhood is more vivid than the memory of my lo ma chi taking care of me...waking up in the middle of the nite to comfort me when i had my attack, cooking special food for me to boost the body system (thanks to her effort, i had tried crocodile meat, dog meat, live rat litters, queen of ants etc) and carrying me piggy back to see a doctor when i could not walk on own. She had made my life less miserable when i was weak and feeble. Her manifestation of love for me was 24x7 and never only confined to Children Day. Now it is my turn. Lo ma chi is already 86 and can't walk too well. Thanks God, she is still sharp and in good health. Beside playing mahjong at home, watching TV and going for breakfast at the neighbourhood coffee shop, she is basically confined to the four walls of my apartment. It is a lonely and depressing existence, at least by my definition. As much as possible, we try to bring her out for makan when weekend comes. If buying dinner for lo ma chi is MD celebration, we are doing it nearly every weekend.

As for this year Mother Day, we spent it fulfilling one of lo ma chi's wishes. We were shopping around in Chinatown for a gift for my auntie 80th birthday at the end of the month. We initially wanted to give ang pau but lo ma chi insists we should get a gift. She wanted one of those "longetivity" character in gold and framed up in a glass box. We figured we could not get this type of traditional gift at Lee Wah or Soo Kee.

MD comes and goes. But lo ma chi is here with me every day. Well, i am lucky to still have my lo ma chi living with me. I can dote on her, Mother's Day or not.

When falling asleep is embarassing

2006-05-12T16:31:00.000+08:00

I finally gave up my thursday tennis to take up YOGA class. YOGA is so relaxing, one can actually fall asleep doing it....which i did. I actually fell asleep during the relaxation exercise at the end of the class...and snored like a fire engine. Well, maybe this is my way of getting some attention in a nearly all female class....that you should not imitate...especially when your wife is in the same class.

the grasshopper pose...one of the many sadistic contortion i subjected my body and limbs to in what is supposedly a relaxing class...YOGA learning is NOT fun at all!!

SKY TFUCK

2006-05-09T10:03:00.000+08:00

Spotted this truck at CTE near to the Moulmein exit. SKY TFuck....is it the recruitment for membership for the mile-high club?

A closer look... $#%%@$#$#%!

Lunch at Sauk (off Gerik)

2006-05-08T22:04:00.000+08:00

Taiping has two places that are good for its fish. One is at Sepetang, a kelong restaurant and the other is at Sauk. On the last trip, i tried the Restoran Chan Kee at Sauk which is famous for its fresh water fish. Its fish are caught in the wild and does not have that earthy smell which deter a lot of us from enjoying the delight of fresh water fish. The restoran is about ten minutes drive from the North South Highway exit at Kuala Kangsar.

One of its signature dish is the steamed river whiskered catfish (pak soh kung). The light treatment of steaming using only soy sauce and ginger for garnishing allow the natural taste of the fish to come through...

Yue Lam is never my favourite fish dish cos of the fishy smell. Chan Kee's steam cooking using bean sauce somehow had my curiosity overcoming my prejudice. As the dish was moving fast, i grabbed one piece and just put in into my mouth. Wow! Good and Bad! I like it but too bad, that was the last piece. Verdict: The meat was thick but surprisingly smooth in texture. No fishy smell!

Malai (kampung) chicken steamed with XO, anyone? Not much oil and got that chicken aroma that i had not tasted since i was a kid staying in kampung... The only dish that was not steamed... fried intestine. Got slight pipi smell - only for the strong hearted and hardcore fans of spare parts! Steamed frog legs...not much meat and too bland in taste. Still prefer the spicy frog legs from Geylang Lorong 5.

Who is the campaign strategist for WP?

2006-05-05T14:28:00.000+08:00

rock concert organised by WP at AMK yesterday (4 May 2006)

kapok this from the sammyboy forum... The Workers Party pacing and intensity of the campaign has been first rate so far. Did they hire Karl Rove Consultants for this assignment? Notice the subtle tactics: 1. One election rally site per day. So that there is perceived unity. Crowds and supporters are herded in one place and move to the Pied Piper as each day it moves from one site to another site. 2. Policy of not engaging with PAP in war of words on anything other than the issues 3. Policy of not communicating the real intent of their manifesto through the local mainstream media (because the know they would not get the coverage anyway) but directly to the citizens through the daily walk abouts, the volunteeers and of course through the rally. 4. Potrayal of the humble background of each candidate and their identity ...all of them are able to say that they had been part of the Masses and not part of the elitism class. (except maybe James Gomez..) 5. The placement of the Suicide 6 indeed is a clever move. Besides giving AMK GRC a chance to vote..it is also a national referendum on PM's approval ratings. In other words, through the proxy AMK GRC, it is hoped to extrapolate the margin of loss/win to be PM Lee's approval ratings on the job.

Inconvenience at Cantonment Police Complex

2006-05-05T13:52:00.000+08:00

Cars can't stop at the lobby of the Cantonment Police Complex due to security purposes. So, cars double parked on South Bridge Road to do their business.

The man with the red umbrella ran all the way from the complex some 50 m away to take some forms from the driver of the first car. This is the de facto alighting and picking up point if you have business in the Cantonment Police Complex. Totally unsafe and illegal.

Aljunied GRC is red hot!!

2006-05-04T16:36:00.000+08:00

1988 (65,351,voters)SDP Team consisting of Mohd Jufrie, Neo Choon Aik and Seow Chuan Hock managed to garner about 43.67% of the votes. 1997 (103,466,voters)SDP Team consisting of Aziz Ibrahim, Kwan Yue Keng, S. Kunalen, Tay Hoon and Wong Hong Toy managed to garner 32.98% of the votes.

From the above two results, there are at least 30% Hardcore Opposition voters. These voters are real hardcore who will even vote a Dog standing as an opposition candidate. However, the incumbent PAP team is strong and anchored by Foreign Minister George Yeo. The PAP is not resting on its laurel, it had strengthened its team by transferring Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, its Women Wing head (the highest ranking woman in the current government) from the “pau jiak” Marine Parade GRC. This maybe a direct response to Ms Sylvia Lim, the Chairman of the Workers Party who is leading the opposition GRC team in this ward.

My strong (read kiasu) feeling is the incumbent will win but election is never an absolute science… What are the factors that may tilt the balance? 1. The Sylvia Lim effect could sway the young women voters and more young male voters with her charm, eloquence and confidence 2. The James Gomez saga PAP sustained effort to discredit him may mobilise the sympathy vote to WP 3. Internet Young voters who are exposed to un-biased news reports and without the historical baggage may want an alternative voice in parliment 5. Stronger & Credible Opposition Workers Party has been consistent and organized in this election. WP fielded their A-Team and voters may want to give the WP a try 6. The Low Thia Kang Effect Mr Low sure knows how to work and connect with the ground. His rallies are unlike rock concert with standing room only and causes traffic jam 5 km away 7. Bread and Butter Issues People have short memories but not as short as to forget the recent price hikes and the high costs of living in Singapore 8. 30% Hard Core Opposition Supporters Compared to the national average of 20%, WP works from a higher base and theoretically an easier task to upsurp the incumbent 9. PAP's joke turned bad PAP branding of the WP as the "wayang party" in the Gomez's sage may backfired. People may just vote the WP in to provide some entertainment in the serious business of government

PM Lee Rally in Boat Quay

2006-05-03T16:26:00.000+08:00

after lunch eat snake went to attend PM Lee rally at Boat Quay near UOB Plaza . It was a hot afternoon and the organiser was smart to organise it under the shade of the UOB Plaza lobby. I was late and there was already a big crowd when i reached...

the rally site was easy to find... but to my surprise the stage was obsecured and "low' in profile... fighting my way to the front to get a view of the great man... hei... this is no PM LEE? wrong rally! diu! why the police didn't stop her..ah! wasted my precious lunch time!

finally found the rally site... the camera tent... with stage and proper shade... hmm...where is PM Lee ah?

there he is...PM Lee!! and the Jalan Besar Members of Parliment... at 1.30 pm it was hot and sunny. someone had obviously forgot to put a shade over the stage. this is really one hot rally where our MPs got to really sweat it out! Not to mention the distraction and competition from the old lady who was holding her own mini rally a stone throw away...

a 3 hours rally under the hot sun, this is no joke... or issit intentional? PM Lee's way of putting his Jalan Besar's GRC team through the fire test, maybe and telling us he meant business?

1,000 came to hear PM Lee at YCK Stadium

2006-05-03T15:39:00.000+08:00

PM drew a crowd of 1,000. small crowd indeed. maybe there is nothing new to hear, we know our PM & his vision well. or is it the rain? maybe as private citizens, we would like to keep our patriotism the same way too. this is intriguing....

from a local newspaper (adopted from electionpictures.com)....

Estimated 120,000 attended WP rally in Hougang

2006-05-02T14:42:00.000+08:00

After reading Mother Superior 's entry on the general election 2006, i went over to yawning bread to check out the size of the Workers Party rally on the 30 April 2006. My God!! estimated number...120,000!! People really connect with Mr Low Thia Kiang, the incumbent opposition MP. YB also have pictures of rally by Senior Minister Goh in the same ward the night after. You have to go to YB to see it for yourself to see the unbelievable difference in the turnout!

Lengthy Road Notices

2006-04-30T15:26:00.000+08:00

While I was visiting relatives in Malaysia over the weekend, I noticed there were a lot of road notices worded in lengthy Bahasa Melayu. I wonder why there is a need for such lengthy notice if there is equivalent Highway Code that conveys the same message. It is not only taking away drivers' precious attention time, it is also wasting tax payers' money. Furthermore, Malaysia, sandwiched between Thailand and Singapore, has its fair share of daily cross-border drivers who would not be able to read these notices. If the Tourism Board can to tell the world it is "Truly Asia" in English, I don't understand why it can't adopt the same spirit in its road signs. Driving visitors are tourists too, you know. They bring in revenue by paying for goods and services during their stay here. Notices like... Lebuhraya sedang di naik-taraf, sila pandu dengan berhati-hati (Upgrading work in progress, please drive with caution)

Kawasan zon sekolah sila kurangkan laju (School zone area, please reduce speed) ...are totally unnecessary and can be replaced with International Highway Code signs like

"MEN AT WORK" and

"SCHOOL ZONE".

i saw this sign "Banji lalulintas sedang dijalankan, sila pandu dengan perlahan" (Traffic census is being conducted, please drive slowly) between Taiping and Gerik. I scratched my head over this. Isn't it peculiar to ask drivers to slow down for traffic count when you wanted to obtain actual traffic flow data for planning and design purposes? Maybe this is the tip of an iceberg of what could be.... ahem... this is entirely burung pipit's wild "conspiracy theory" Malaysia is conducting a feasibility study to tax all cross-border drivers. What bettter way to start than by counting the number of foreign-plate cars in Malaysia to establish a cost-benefit study of such a move. To be counted, you need to slow down enough for counter to read your license plate. This may explain why drivers need to slow down in a traffic census. Malaysia government wants to certify all cross-border drivers to ensure familiarization with common Malay used in their highways and roads. Something like the undang undang (Highway Code) test drivers took before getting their "L" licenses in Malaysia. ...to ensure all kopi license drivers understand the hazard in front of them as these small and dwindling (I Presume?) group of drivers may not be too familiar with the Highway Code. Pak Lah's way of a more compassionate government? Whatever it is, lenghty road notices are here to stay. For non-Malay readers, it is time to pick up a bi-lingual guide to Highway Code in Malaysia. One tip here...the ubiquituous blue colour "Jalan Sehala" is not the most common jalan (road) in Malaysia, it is the sign for "One-Way Street".

Apology

2006-04-30T14:27:00.000+08:00

Thank you Maggieluerva and Mother Superior for alerting me through your sms on the problem with my blog comments function.

I had accidentally turned ON the "moderated comment" function without leaving a return email. Hence, i believe some of the comments left on the earlier entries had been lost. My sincere apology to those who had taken time and effort to comment.

I had since rectified the matter and again, a big "SORRY" to visitors to my blog for the last two weeks.

Table Service & Service Charge explained at Cafe Cartel

2006-04-27T06:41:00.000+08:00

SO and i were pleasantly surprised when we patronised the Cafe Cartel outlet at Marina Square yesterday. Instead of the opening line "May i take your order, Sir?", we were greeted by CC table service statement. We were told that our dinner would come with table service and it would cost us 10% of our dining bill. The service would entail free cold/hot plain water (a contentious issue that was press fodder recently), free flow of bread & butter and having our dinner served at the comfort of us not having to leave the table. I don't know whether this latest move is mere gimmick or a reaction to the recent bad press on customer service, CC had just upped our satisfaction index. Our only lament was CC could have trained their staff better on the line delivery. The waitress was rushing through her lines and fumbled half way through. She had to repeat twice for us to catch what she meant.

Undiscovered Pleasure

2006-04-25T13:29:00.000+08:00

As one who like to eat out, it never fail to thrill me when i find a place that i really like and never visited before. One such thrilling discovery is the Shore Restaurant, a seaside seafood eatery. Tucked away at one corner of Changi Coast Road it is a good place for a romantic dinner for two. It is located at the Sea Sport Centre premise, accessible from the Changi Coast Walk...

With breeze in your face and a good sea frontal, a perfect set-up for a romantic dinner... The beach is so near, you can hear the sound of breaking wave if you are dining alfresco...

If you don't mind the plastic chairs and sand in your sandal, you can catch the beautiful sunset in the horizon at the open-air dining area

Sunset with the downtown skyline in the horizon ... notice the plane silhouette in the sky? As the restaurant is very near to the Changi Airport and in the landing path of planes touching down at Changi, the sight and sound of a landing plane can be quite daunting. If the up-close view of a plane fuselage appeal to you, this is the place...

Another view of the sunset... isn't it beautiful?

If you don't like your seafood to come from the fridge, there is a nearby breakwater you can go to, to do your own fishing...

The sea around this place is rich, if the good size of the garoupa in the pic is any indication...

Married man also got to make effort

2006-04-22T09:01:00.000+08:00

Yesterday i arranged a dinner at my neighbourhood coffeeshop for my mum-in-law.

After reading mike blog and mother superior insightful comment "the institution of marriage requires effort, women will be doubly pleased if there were some effort in TRYING. ", i decided to do the "TRYING" to ensure that nothing will pop up unexpectedly to spoil the evening.

I go through my mind of the things that will spoil my nite and come out with the following list of action...

timing. knowing SO disdain for being late, i ended my work slightly earlier to cater for the friday nite heavier than usual traffic
menu. thought about the menu in advance, bearing in mind the preferences of my family members
ETD (estimated time of departure). manage the duration to ensure to ensure everyone would be home (except us) to catch the 10 pm " Jewel in the Palace"

We arrived on time at the coffeeshop and manage to put in our order before other diners started streaming in. Dinner started on time. I ordered steamed ching yi, vege with lean meat soup, steamed tauhu with crab floss and fried kai lan. Mum-in-law tried to stopped me from further order as she had just taken a bowl of laksa earlier. For good measure, i put in a final order of prawn with XO sauce. I had selected a "light & oil-less" menu for tonite. The volume was just right and it had gone down well with everyone. All in all, we had a good time and my in-laws, who were staying half an hour away from us managed to reach home in time to catch their favourite tv program.

Some effort in planning had make tonite dinner a little more satisfactory for everyone, especially SO. My wife is my life and soul partner and trying a little harder to be a good husband is definitely worth it. Thank you, MS for that enlightenment on the women's psyche.

A1 or F1 Grand Prix in Singapore

2006-04-19T13:47:00.000+08:00

BT 18 April 2006 - Big names vie to bring back motor racing

Singapore is going into the lifestyle business big time. As i am still digesting how the Integrated Resorts in Marina and Sentosa, Marina Public Golf Court, Singapore Eyes, New Museum and soon to be completed Vivo City affect Singapore and my life in the not too distant future, Singapore is off again courting another big name in the sport world...this time it is the F1 and A1 Grand Prix franchise. The founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew had said "NO" to car racing before. It seems nothing is sacred now, not even the words of MM Lee. Between the two, F1 will require a $200 million race track and US$30 million to host/operate; A1 can use existing streets and come with a cheaper US$18 million H/O bill. A1 host needs to field a racing team and that could spark the development of a motor racing scene here. This latest development can dovetail with the National University of Singapore effort in the development of a motor racing business eco-system. NUS has a racing team that compete in inter-varsity racing in the US. The following locations are reported as possible venue

Marina South

Tuas near Raffles Marina

Sentosa

downtown along the Durian

around the Padang

Changi

Pasir Ris

Downtown, despite its convenience, will create severe noise pollution and traffic jam in other part of town. Not a good idea if the government really wanted to convert more old offices into residential usage in Shenton Way. Tuas, Changi or Pasir Ris will be ideal but these are ulu places. If it is Changi, the evaluation committee will need to conduct a proper traffic impact assessment if we want to avoid a Sepang situation here, where the route to the F1 circuit share the same road to an international airport. Hei, it is no fun if you have to start your journey to Changi airport two hours earlier on race day!

Despite its many strong points, A1 is relatively young and not as established as F1. However, F1 itself is a tough call, as having two F1 circuits at 400 km apart is too near and will spark intense competition for the precious spectators' dollars. This is one neighbourly competition we should avoid. Anyway, Singapore is short of land and building a $200 million race circuit just to burn tyre is difficult to justify. A1 is a good piece to fit into the "Team Singapore" sport theme. This is another "gold medal" prospect that Singapore can realistically aim for.

My pick, if Singapore is going to host a leg of the Grand Prix, it will be the A1. Venue? either Tuas or Marina South. If this industry takes off, Tuas can be our new automobile hub and Singaporeans can wish for a new ambition... that of a race car driver. So, don't be surprise that in future, go-karting maybe offered as a Junior College core curricular activity.

No Crooked Bridge, Please!

2006-04-15T16:03:00.000+08:00

"Malaysia -Singapore Bridge called off

Malaysia has cancelled the bridge project to replace the Causeway. The Cabinet made this decision because of legal implications and the public’s negative reaction to Singapore's demand for sand and use of Malaysian airspace as a trade-off. "

This is a tough decision to call for Pak Lah. My hat off to him for taking it. Rakyat's money $100 million into the longkang...RM600 if the full bridge is to be built

I support the no-bridge camp and here my 2 kupang....

we don't want a bridge, we want speedier border crossing

we don't want more toll or rather more expensive toll

we are masochists, we like traffic jams at the causeway, thats why we don't use the 2nd link

the bridge will open up the waterway below the causeway and easier link to Pasir Gudang Port, we don't want that. Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) is giving Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) enough headache

we don't want our version of the Berlin Wall, announcing to the world how bengkok (crooked) our relationships are

we like the soon to be completed custom complex in JB, as a new sophisticated shopping mall

PAK LAH, 3 cheers for u!

One: for taking care of Dr M suzhou shit

Two: for not pinning the blame on Dr M

Three: for showing us you got gut and a good heart

Butterflies in the Stomach

2006-04-12T17:58:00.000+08:00

How do you react when you meet someone you share so much over the blogosphere but otherwise a total stranger? Wear your blogger's image or let your true self through or do a combo? Do you call them by their nic or their real name?

I don't know but as with all experiences new, i look forward to it. After a no-hold-bar, messy, all-fingers chilli crabs feast, there is really not much to cover up. The feeling is not unlike the first time i went to see SO. Only this time it is not a do or die mission. Relax lah! *Taking a deep breath*

Busy TV Nite

2006-04-12T17:50:00.000+08:00

much is going on on tv tonite 1) 8 pm MM Lee on 8 (CNA) 2) 10 pm Gospel of Judas on 11 (Nat Geo) 3) 10 pm Chicago on 5 (Ch 5) 4) 10 pm CSI Las Vegas Season V (AXN) 5) 10 pm Da Jeung Gum on 9 (Ch U) Lucky i don't have to stay home and fight over the remote tonite. I love 2, followed by 3/4. Will catch 1 rerun at 11.30 pm.

Bloggers Gathering

2006-04-11T17:42:00.000+08:00

Chilli Crab anyone?

Venue: Jumbo Restaurant at East Coast Seafood Centre

Time: 7 pm

Date: Wed 12 April 2006

Confirmed: Mother Superior, Fantasy Flier, Seefei

Leonard?

Diva?

Helen?

Teh-C?

LL?

email: seblow2001@yahoo.co.uk

come direct

Stupid is Smart

2006-04-09T21:10:00.000+08:00

My cousin who is currently working in China finally agreed with me that the Chinese will not be able to catch up with the rest of the world in ten years time. This is the conclusion to a small after dinner argument that we started in a Shanghai restaurant three years ago.

He arrived at that conclusion after watching the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and some other Chinese series on China recent history. I felt that way too after watching ROTTK during my one year stint in China. The mainland Chinese were so ahead in term of management, logistic, strategy 2200 years ago, you can't help but ask what went wrong? And why overseas Chinese like Stan Shih, Wang, Sim Wong Hoo, Lee Kuan Yew (ahem got to give credit where credit is due, ok?) are more closely associated with success than any of the mainland Chinese in recent history? In ROTTK, i can see the mainland Chinese were very smart but in-fighting within the Kingdom that undone the success of the founding family. The Chinese were smart but too smart for their own good. The lack of a system to share power breed contempt and finally mutiny that overthrow the system that had given the initial success. The system had not changed much in term of power sharing and promotion of innovation, science and technology.

So, when Li Ao said "Singaporeans are stupid", we should take it with a pinch of salt. Sometime, too smart is not good.

Timing

2006-04-09T20:16:00.000+08:00

Timing is a personal thing and i cant agree more. No one define time alike. When i sent SO's mum off to holiday to China last week, arriving two hours at Changi Airport before departure time was considered nearly late. All the relatives had already arrived and we were the last to walk into the departure lounge. Sorry, dear, i promise to camp at Changi Airport before the day your mum come back from China. When my cousin said Cheng Meng would be at 7 am, so it was normal expectation for out of towner relatives to arrive early like 7 pm and rest well. Mine, arrived at 2 am and took one hour to freshen up before retiring. I like to register a big "thank you" to my 4th cousin-in-law for accomodating all our whims and fancies ... Now i have to adjust my mental clock to these two sets of relatives with pole-apart definition of time.

2007 resolution

2006-04-09T17:30:00.000+08:00

It is memorable when you got stuck for more than an hour in traffic jam in Singapore and painful when you could have avoided it. I told myself last year never to do Cheng Meng in Singapore on a weekend. It is not logical to spend more than half a day doing something you could breeze through in two hours in a weekday. Especially, when you are the one signing your own leave form.

This one goes straight to the top of my 2007 resolution list

1. Never repeat the same mistake at the same time/place

2. Make more $$

3. Make baby

Root Crossing

2006-04-07T11:46:00.000+08:00

Singapore is a nation of trees lovers. This observation came from my brother who visits frequently from Hong Kong. "You guys have more trees in your city than our sub-urban township." He was actually referring to the heavily vegetated areas at Marina Square below the Sheares Bridge.

However casual his remark maybe, if you really look around you hard enough, there are ample evidences that this is a small nation of tree huggers. Did you see what i see in the photograph above?

Look, the gahmen actually built a crossing for a tree root who was looking for greener pasture across the other side of the drain. I don't know who invented the zebra crossing, but i am sure Singapore can lay claim to be the only nation that build root crossings.

Singapore A-sai (can)!!

High Maintenance

2006-04-06T17:04:00.000+08:00

Amuse... when my friend Fei Loh commented that SO (my girl friend then) looked high-maintenance from a photograph that i showed him two years ago. High maintenance as in expensive taste and upkeep. Muse Fei Loh was right, in a way....and i am a convert too. But our lifestyle feed neither the owners of fine dining restaurants nor high end boutiques as we keep our high maintenance activities to the upkeep of our apartment and not some businesses in Orchard Road. Appreciation Thank you mum-in-law for bringing up such well-balanced kids...

Baby Hope

2006-04-05T23:17:00.000+08:00

Have you heard this one? "If you want to know how your gf or wife looks like in 30 years time, look at the mother"

SO's mum was in town today and i knocked off early to have dinner with her. For the record, I would not have a clue how SO will look like in 30 years time as she doesn't look like her mum. Except she would not need to join any Marie France's class any time in the next 30 years if she inherit her mum's "slim" genes. Beyond the physical attributes, SO is a near carbon copy of her mum. Of all the siblings, her characters and nuances are the closest to her mother. Both are principled, organised and homely. As i had been an happy go lucky and carefree fellow for most of my life, it is like fitting a square coq into a round hole when i first got married. Being homely myself, i have to work on the 67% rough edge. SO had introduced the order and discipline that i badly needed, both in my personal life and business dealings. This marriage had steadied the ship that was fast losing its direction and slipping into the darkness of the middle age black hole. Maybe, thats one reason i didn't want a kid in the freshman year. There were just too many differences and outstanding issues to iron out. GoD!, unitl today we are still working hard on it. As we counted our blessing of having married for a full 12 months and happy at that, we are ready for a little baby. For that, i have to cut down on that burger, especially the one burns a size $101 in my pocket.

Cheng Meng Weekend

2006-04-04T15:32:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is 5 April 2006, the 8th day of the Chinese lunar month. 5 April is the Chinese All Soul Day, commonly known as Cheng Meng. Chinese all over the world will pay their respect to their long departed loved one and forebears one week before and after the exact date. With one fourth of the world population observing the Cheng Meng rite, it escapes me why Cheng Meng is never declared a holiday. Primarily, maybe it is not a day to celebrate or/and rejoy. Secondary, most Chinese will take the convenient weekend before 0r after the exact day to observe the rite, so there is really no need to allot a "holiday" to it.

Although Cheng Meng is always associated with the dead, its observation hold many lessons for the livings too. It is on this day, that many of nephews and nieces asked me about our grand parents, their lifestyles, just like what i had done many years ago when my papa was alive. From some of these stories, i knew my grandpa was one of the heavenly kings in his kampung by virtue of his business. My grandma was a very strict disciplinarian. She would expect everyone, including the youngs like my elder cousin and brother, to take their meal seriously (read fast). She would order the table cleared atfter she finished her meal. So, everyone got to finish before she did. Well, we are not so draconian nowadays, but the spirit of grandma had lived on. We never turn on the TV when we eat our dinner.

Cheng Meng is also a day where the whole clan gathered together, without the distraction of other festive activities like Chinese New Year. It is a good time for bonding between the youngs and the youngs-at-hearts. It is during many of Cheng Meng family gatherings that i discover my nieces cyber nicks and their latest hair colour. Cheng Meng is also the day some of us senior members play Santa Claus or Aunt Agony to the younger members of the clan. When my father and his younger brother was alive, we would go out for dinner together in both my father's and my uncle's jalopies. This was a reunion dinner that we were never able to have during CNY as both the brothers were living far apart. That tradition had survived until today and now we actually have a dinner fund for this one purpose.

I will go back to Melaka this weekend for my annual Cheng Meng rite. After fending off questions like when i would get married for the last ten years, I am bracing myself and SO for that one logical follow-up question...

Uberburger at Millenia Walk

2006-04-01T23:17:00.000+08:00

After our Da Paolo venture, SO and i went back to our familiar old haunt, Cafe Cartel at Marina Square. But today we made a special detour. We parked at Suntec City and walked through Millenia Walk to Marina Square. The purpose, we wanted to recce the Uberburger (9 Raffles Boulevard #01-06, 6837-0280) that sell Ferrari burger at $101 a pop. For $101, you get wagyu beef & foie gras in your burger. Opened two Sundays ago, 15 customers had tasted the Ferrari burger. "It is better than sex", said the first customer. Luckily, not all burgers start at the Ferrari set. More humble fare starts at $9, like the diced chicken burger. As SO is not a burger enthusiast, we did not eat there tonite. I would definitely like to pay Uberburger a visit again, to have a real sit down diner experience. Ferrari burger, naah! sex could not be any better!!

Pregnant Friday

2006-03-31T11:13:00.000+08:00

Friday is here again. This is a pregnant Friday as a lot of expectation is riding on it. After battling the flu bug for the good part of the week, I am really looking forward to the weekend for a well deserved rest. This is really fat hope. I don’t think I will get much rest this weekend as a lot of events happening next week will need our attention this weekend. Next week going to be a touch and go week for us… SO’s mum is visiting in the middle of next week so will need to play driver. Wanted to do a good job to show my appreciation for the many wonderful things she had done for me when I was courting her daughter. For example, her encouragement, hospitality when I visited and stayed overnight but most of all for generosity in letting go her only daughter that had stayed with hers. We are leaving town for Melaka to do our Cheng Meng rite on Friday and probably a shopping spree in KL on Sunday. So next weekend will be one hell of a hectic weekend and we need REST this week to store up energy for such adventure. Most headaches of all, we still haven’t found a renovation contractor that is good in both the price/service department. We had tried a lot of reno shops but none meets our criteria. So, back to square one. Although all these demands are conflicting in nature, I am happy nevertheless. Why? For the simple reason it breaks the monotony of our mundane routine and doing good to people who matter in your life like attending to SO’s mum. I feel stretched but not stressed. That basically sums up my feeling for this Friday and the coming week. Have a good weekend, all you guys out there!!

Sick Building Syndrome

2006-03-29T21:12:00.000+08:00

Despite the state i was in, i managed to finish my client report and made it home for dinner with SO. One less angry client tomorrow, i managed a smile as i walked out of the office. As soon as i stepped out of the office, i already felt much much better. My Niagara nose had run its waterfall course. I read somewhere that the poor indoor air quality of office building do affect one's health. Bad air quality could cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Symptoms like teary eyes, running nose and migraine could be the symptom of SBS.

In fact after dinner, i felt as energetic as a Tiger. When i relate the SBS and my pussy cat condition in the office, SO was quick to retort, "Aiyah! It is just your excuses of not wanting to stay in the office and work!" She may have a point, and i concurred. Now i know ......

I am allergic to work, SBS or not!!

Wa Demam liao!

2006-03-29T16:52:00.000+08:00

I’m tired and have to sleep soon. My blocked nose is restricting my breathing and I got to try real hard just to stay alive. Ok ok maybe a bit chock tai (exaggerated). But this is true, OK! After numerous attempts to clear my nose, my desk is now littered with my snotty tissue wantons. That makes me feel hungry and sleepy and extremely guilty. I will need to call my client very soon and drop him the bomb that his already delayed project got to delay a few more days. But this is nothing compared to the soon to be missed opportunity of meeting my sei tong (gang) this weekend in Ipoh... ARRGH!!!

Be Hip Buy Original

2006-03-28T21:35:00.000+08:00

Film Synopsis Be With Me the new film by Eric Khoo (Mee Pok Man, 12 Storeys) is a tapestry of stories woven around the themes of love, hope and destiny. The characters lead separate lives but are bound by one common desire - to be with their loved one. The protagonists in the movie are fictitious bar one - Theresa Chan, a courageous deaf and blind woman whose life story inspired Be With Me. Named after the colloquial Malay word for "anxiety", it is nonetheless told with great assurance. Fans of her last movie, the interracial romance Sepet (2004) will be pleased by the return of protagonist Orked (Sharifah Amani Al-Yahya) and her kooky clan. But Gubra is different from the lightweight sentiment of Sepet. The director states her intent at the opening, which quotes from the Quran, "In the name of God, the most loving, the most compassionate". Gubra is not just a love story. It is also a meditation on what it means to love, to live and to have faith. Brothers & sisters...dont buy pirated DVD lah, support our movie makers lah. Just bought Kuku's Be With Me but still haven't watched yet lah. Good movies lah these two ...Gabra & Be With Me. Got love, got hope, got destiny... OK!! If you gonna treat yourself to one OKOK two lah DVDs this year, make it Gabra or Be With Me!!

Singapore for Oscar 2

2006-03-28T12:53:00.000+08:00

After yesterday casual kacang putih blog about Singapore's Oscar ambition by one STraight Times journey girl Sah Hor Fun, i read about Kuku's movie situation in Page 14 of today ST Life. This one put more than a smile on my face. His latest short movie "No Holiday Work until You Die" is wanted by the Kunt Film Festival and the Ceongjau Internal Film Festival in Korea. That is really a coup, as Kuku is known as an arthouse director whom movies are as deep (read zzz....) as Teh C's blog. BTW, Teh C is one blogger that possesses the "zzz" factor and harbours a HoliBoliwood ambition. Also in the same paper today, Kuku's family had just being enriched by 2.32 billion pound. Tiunaseng corporation, is buying up his family stake in the Squadchart bank. BTW, Tiunaseng corporation is our answer to Boleh's Kazamana corporation across the causeway. I am actually happy by this latest development. With that kind of family wealth, i pray hard hard that Kuku will throw his weight behind Singapore's Oscar ambition. If the angmoh CAN! we also BOLEH! Wait for (TAN) KUKU lah!!

Singapore for Oscar?

2006-03-27T17:05:00.000+08:00

I read the Straight Times today and smile a little smile. Singapore is gunning for the Oscar!! A good movie starts with a good story. Good story can only come from imaginative and slightly cranky minds. After a few months in bloggerland and glancing through the "Lin Dynasty" saga, I am sure there is a lot of closet writers waiting to see the light. Bl0gger Desiderata invitation to join the Asian Script Writers convention in Singapore was apt in timing and set me thinking. He thinks Asian should seriously consider sending their script to Hollywood for an airing. If i am a betting man, i would not mind to put 10 big 10 small on either entity... one is a blogger on a mission, while the other is a goal getting nation of 4 million.

Friends after big 4!

2006-03-25T14:18:00.000+08:00

This guy is 250 years old and dead.

This lady is turning 40 soon and loved by many.

I had passed 40 but still feel not a day older than my ACS days. Why, things had not changed over the last 30 years. Had this eerie feeling like I am stucked in a time capsule. For example, hanging out at the sarabat store playing games together on a weekly basis sharing dvd, songs, stuff we enjoyed yonks ago talking about school days like we left one month ago Through the wonders of technology, we manage to keep in touch; you won’t believe this, on a daily basis. Through blogging, we are also invited to be a witness of their inner thought. Leslie, is one such friend. So much so, that sometimes SO wonder aloud, “After all these years, you guys never get enough of each other mei?” I have this explanation…maybe we are worn down by the mundance daily grind and family commitment, old friends are like our comfort bolster that we will never give up, no matter how appealing other things around us had become!

Cheng Meng Plan

2006-03-24T18:24:00.000+08:00

Cheng Meng is coming next week and got to finalise my travelling plan for April. In the past it was just Melaka, lo ma chi (mother) and i. Now, I have to add another 800 km return trip up north with SO in tow. Not that I am complaining but just trying to maximise the trip as to coincide with the mini gathering of former ACSians and some former classmates from MGS. There maybe a thin chance of meeting up with the Ipoh bloggers. I am entertaining that thought, nevertheless. Better not think too much about this as I have the habit of sleep murmuring lately. Niamah, why can’t some bloggers just choose a less name-like nick. Better take precaution, will name my one and only upside-down catfish “Hairlen”. Hairlen when we just got it from the pet shop three years ago

Almost Famous

2006-03-24T04:42:00.000+08:00

Friday and i am taking the day off. Big day today as i got an interview with the Straight Times Sunday Life. Need to prepare, man! Straight Times Sunday Life, can you imagine that?!! . They want a story on me, "... the most misunderstood blogger without a fan base." But isn't that an oxymoron? Who want to read a blog that they can't understand? It is not very flattering to receive comment like "...sorry wrong blog. can't understand a word being uttered." Anyway, i will take my 15 minutes of fame. I was quietly running through the trivias they gonna ask me... I don't want to be a misunderstood and boring blogger. an excerpt is included here... STSL: What would you do if you are marooned on an island? SF: Will apply for PR so i can buy an pigeon hole from the mafia of the land STSL: Er... I don't mean Kiasuland SF: Robinson Crusoe's type? STSL: Yes SF: will bring Mr Martin Yan, need cooked food to survive, Mrs Smith, bodyguard for security and other unprintable reasons and Bob the Builder, to build a sampan to escape from the island STSL: What about your wife? SF: Nope. She would not survive a day out here. Anyway, don’t think she will get along with my bodyguard STSL: What if you are only allowed one company? SF: Then I will take along one Mrs Martin Yan the Builder… You get the drift…. As I was waiting for the lift, I hold SO’s hand gently when she suddenly turned to me and said “Dear, what are you doing pulling my hand? It is 3.30 am in the morning!” Oh, my God!! I am dreaming again!! But it was good while it lasted. Who has the address of Bloggers Anonymous?

Meal with a View

2006-03-23T14:58:00.000+08:00

“I survived past Wednesday liao!” Just another excuse to have a quiet night out with SO. Wanted a restaurant with a view downtown, but thrifty SO suggested jap fast food and we ended up at the neighbourhood “Feista” at Jurong Point. We were early but still ended up sitting like 3 seats away from the store, in front of the conveyor belt. Not the best of seats but it was near the food preparation place. We had a very clear view of serving chef. Suddenly a lousy seating arrangement became a strategic lookout point. Freshly prepared salmon sushi or soft shell crab just out of the wok…. Not only we were aware what was freshly made, we could also place our order directly to the chef bypassing the waitress with the benefit of a shorter waiting time. The salmon sushi on the belt didn’t look too good but no problem. We just placed our order through the chef when we saw some “sashimi” grade salmon on the chef’s table. We also didn’t waste much time placing our order of soft shell crab handroll when we saw soft shell crab on the chef’s cutting area. We had a good time and made the best of a lousy situation. No restaurant with a view, meal with a view will do fine!!

my special order fatty salmon sushi!!

Bloggers Anonymous

2006-03-22T14:15:00.000+08:00

I think I have a severe bout of BA…blogging addiction. I have not dreamt for a long time. But recently I started to have dreams about things that I blogged. It is not actually things I blogged but bits and pieces in a jumbled up rojak from blogging, bloggers, reality, worries carried over from the day before. For example, this morning…I dreamt my house was on fire… It was a very huge fire that has reached the white heat stage. With so much smog and yelling around, my mind went totally blank. The only thing that mattered then, was to find my favourite book “MY ALL” by the author, Helen. Before I managed to find the book, my house collapsed on me and jolted me out from dreamland….. Actually, “My All” was one of my many haunts in bloggerland. Someone should start a self-help BA (Bloggers Anonymous) for those with BA.

Discount

2006-03-21T15:03:00.000+08:00

Maybe i am a newbie in business, but there are some practices in the business world that really doesn't make sense, beside spending times over mission statements. During lunch today, i received a call from a prospective client, one Executive Director of a construction company, asking for a discount of $200 over a $3,000 job. I am not surprise if someone asks for a bigger amount but $200 over a project that cost over a SGD million? My part is only $3,000, how much can you save? I won't waste too much clicking time over this issue. But i will sure sleep over it tonite and ask my secretary to consider asking for those $0.10 discount that we had neglected so much in the past. For the record, my client got his discount and i can upgrade my lunch to Da Paolo tomorrow. Da Paolo is a western restaurant in Holland V that serves pricey Italian food in a serving size that will only appeal to those strictly on diet.

My Mission Statement

2006-03-20T22:27:00.000+08:00

“Kiss and say “I love U” every day at least once to the Significant One” My mission statement doesn’t help me make more money. It doesn’t even make sense. But I’ve never seen a mission statement that met either of those tests. At least I keep the SO happy and assured that I will start the day on the right side of the bed.

There is a Chinese saying, “Gar Woh Man Si Heng” which means Prosperity starts with keeping Harmony at Home. So, having a happy home is half the battle won in this dog-eat-dog world of business. If i ask for a grading of 100, what grade would you give my mission statement? I would like to hear yours too, if you have one!!

Well of Knowledge

2006-03-20T13:53:00.000+08:00

When i was a kiddie, papa already sowed the importance of knowledge and continuous learning into my young mind. One fine day, he told me, "fei chai, do you know that wealth and knowledge go to the one with knowledge?" Papa words, as usual, were always above my understanding. So, I asked, "Papa, where can I get this knowledge thingy?"

That little conversation started my life-long love affair with books and libraries. The Tun Razak Library in Ipoh then, was brand new and seen as the THE place to hang out. As a member, I had spent many an afternoon there, both studying and doing other ECA activities. Beside Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys etc, there were a lot of Ah Hua, Ah Mei, Ah Lian and seniors there that started me on my route to the acquisition of the other all-important certificate. In the age of pre-Internet and Dummies books, many "social" skill was picked up in Tun Razak. I learned that i could send a signal to a party of interest by arriving SUPER early to chop a place for the two of us. That signal could be reinforced with some logistic services thrown in like offering to send that party of interest home after library hours, in my trusty 50 cc Honda cub. Never mind that she lived in Menglembu (North) and me Kg Bercham (South).

The Tun Razak experience had built a foundation had got me through SPM, STPM and NUS... with the ROM certificate coming only two years ago. It seems all those social skill learned in Tun Razak never worked or is it my poor execution... i really dont know. I still got to know my significant one through the old fashion way - friend introduction....and the help from technology. As we 700 km away, we were like Hank & Ryan in "You Got Mail". We were email/yahoo friends for like an eternity before we finally met. I had no visual of her at all during that period and the only impression was "Meg" in that movie. We finally met in Ipoh after three months and my first impulse was to bring her to "Tun Razak". Better sense got hold of me and we ended up in DR Park before adjourning to dinner at Indulgence, Ipoh.

Well, the rest like they say is "history!" With the youngs nowadays and their internet lifestyle, Papa's script and the Tun Razak experiences would be best left on the shelf. Never mind, i can still afford the time to write a new one. Let me google this first and see what we have... "dating in the internet age"

Dinner with Brocolli

2006-03-18T20:53:00.000+08:00

Hei! I can't have dinner at the same table with this woman - Broccoli Barbara. BB is the co-owner of the Bond franchise. I don't care even if it means throwing away the chance of a pair of premier tickets to the lastest Bond flick - Casino Royale. Anyway, JB is a tired theme that is running on bottom of the barrel materials. More of this later. I am not alone, Snr Bush shared my dislike of this woman too... " Bush banned Broccoli from the White House and Air Force One: "I'm President of the United States, and I'm not going to see any more Broccoli! (abstract from...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_H._W._Bush - 151k ) After my limited research on the net, this woman is everything that i despised...lack of respect for elder, cronyism, hold grudges, lack of ideas, bad taste!!

disrespect for elder...

it is drastic to kick out Brosnan just like that! can't she do a old spy new spy swap like the original "Casino Royale" of 1967? She can take a leaf of Kiasuland in this instant. Kiasuland is paying a respectable elder a cool 2 mil a year just to look after money that nobody is sure exactly where and how much. The last elder asked and the gahmen took two years to get back to him. The answer was that the gahmen was not sure and still counting. Dont quote me ok? Still need to cari makan (scavenge for scrub) in Kiasuland.

cronyism...

Doesn't this man look like her squeeze? Got husband and wife look mah!! SURE got something on, one!!

Hold grudges...

Father broccoli didnt get the right to Casino Royale in 1967, who went to one "Charles Feldman". Now the Broccolis are doing a new "Casino Royale", just to get even.

Lack of ideas...

Man, she tried to inject a taste of exotic Asian, youth appeal, East-West conflict but all ended with rojak results. The franchise is holding up based on the momentum of a group of die-hard and I am sure , fast greying fans base...

Goldeneyes (1995)

In her debut as co-producer, she displayed her feminine activist facade by installing " Judi Dench as M who describes Bond as a "sexist, misogynist dinosaur. A relic of the Cold War." It is to Judi's credit that she had done a good job since!!

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

a very lame excuse using the potential China-UK conflict to send 007 on another mission...and casting Dato M. Yeoh as an ass-kicking vase. High profile but lousy role. No wonder Dato M has yet to get another main stream English movie. Lee Ang's Tiger show is not a mainstream English movie, ok? It won the best foreign language movie in the Oscar, get it?

The World is Not Enough (1999)

This is a movie with a $$ message, if you look beyond the fireworks - OIL is Everything!! If after watching this movie, you went out to buy some oil shares you will be a very happy person now. Good movie but how many working class cinema goerS like ME would catch it?

Die Another Day (2002)

Asian (in this movie, North Korean) was installed as the new villain. Ouch... after Fu Manchu, now we have Kenneth Tsang as the new face of a misunderstood father... Looked like Tsang was in the wrong movie and the wrong role. Had to resort to a scene of wave surfing to attract the young generation.

Bad TasteThis is my guy! He will have my "license to kill". The player, yeah, a real proven lady man!

If casting a fellow that appeared haggard and looked like a two-timing tennis player is gonna bring a contemporary edge to the Bond's role, HEI!! Broccoli, you better get your head examined. I like to know what was she trying to tell us in the "old" Bond... BROSNAN's Bond was like the kind of sensitive new age guy who was not a womaniser... someone you would like to bring home to show mama. Another old dinosaur to be discarded like "M"?

This guy looks more like rushing to a dinner after a tennis game...without taking his bath first!!

B. Broccoli's Profile

Barbara Broccoli Barbara Broccoli (born June 18, 1960) is the daughter of the famous James Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli. Broccoli majored in motion picture and television communications at Loyola University prior to working in the casting and production departments at EON Productions, the production company responsible for every official James Bond film ever produced. Currently she co-produces Bond films with her stepbrother Michael G. Wilson. James Bond Franchise Barbara Broccoli got her start in the James Bond franchise as an assistant director on the movie Octopussy. In 1987 she worked her way up to become an associate producer on the film The Living Daylights. She is most notable, however, for being a producer of the Pierce Brosnan Bond films. Following a suggestion that the new M for GoldenEye should be a woman, Broccoli cast Judi Dench. This arguably risky move has proved very successful, allowing new character traits of the Bond character to be explored. Dench's character tells Bond "I think you're a sexist, misogynist dinosaur. A relic of the Cold War.

If you ask me... Miss Broccoli, this is your guy..............

he is suave.....with a pair of most expressive eyes in this part of the world

a proven lady man .................

got experience some more......in this genre

most of all, he is funny.... the missing ingredient in your tired formula!!

Needs and Wants

2006-03-17T16:55:00.000+08:00

Friday is here again. After making predictions of what I wanted to do for the last two weeks and never achieved it, it suddenly dawned on me that marriage life is no longer about what I want to do but what I need to do…. For example... I want to sleep until 10 am tomorrow morning but I need to wake up early to meet the designer for our apt renovation. I want to play tennis in the late morning but I need to perform driver duty to the significant one. Reason same as above. I want to watch movies and shop for CDs in the afternoon after the designer’s meeting but I need to go to buy fruit from our favourite stalls in Tanjong Pagar and do the renovation budget thereafter. I wanted to stay single but I need to get married to continue the family line …. hahaha not this one. I do WanT to get married and share my life with that one Significant One. I NeeD to keep this entry short because I WanT to knock off early from work today to celebrate the birthday of the Significant One tonite. It would be good to hear from fellow bloggers how you balance your NeeDs and WanTs!!

Writing - a dying skill?

2006-03-16T17:22:00.000+08:00

Have to skipped tennis today as a few work datelines are looming and how I wish I am not human… but an octopussy with 8 arms and hands. I am in the business where my productivity, in a way, is determined by how fast I think and click on the keyboard. I am always grateful that I was an ACSian from Ipoh. ACS seemed to be the only school in Ipoh then to offer typing class. Unfortunately the class was abolished after the retirement of the typing teacher. Those were pre-computer days and typing was probably considered a low-level skill that was not a pre-requisite to a successful career. We were lucky to be the last few cohorts before the class was abolished. I wonder whether schools offer typing class now? If not, where do youngsters nowadays pick up typing skill? Typing is such an important skill in this world of electronic mail and word processing, it will be interesting to know where do people pick up this cannot-do-without skill from? So, if you meet an Ipoh ACSians circa 83 or earlier and he claims he can’t type to save his life… you know you can’t trust this guy.

On the other hand, does the development and advancement of word processing slowly and surely pushing the skill of writing into oblivion? I have friends who swear by their word processing machines that they can't live without it. Writing is too slow to follow their train of thought, they argued.... and lack the flexibility of rearanging their thoughts at a click of the mouse. I, for one, don't think i will have a business venture, if i have to type (using a typewriter)or write my reports. Maybe it is a sign of time. As our life become more complicated and the pace of life become faster, manpower (read hand writing/typing) is giving way to machine (read computer). As our need (of a writing instrument) reflects our lifestyle, it is not unnatural to slowly give up something that had spent so much time and effort in learning. Even at the expense of something as personal and as beautiful as a person handwriting.

some interesting links on computers, typewriters and history of writing....

http://members.aol.com/typebar/collectible/typewriter.htm

http://www.hitmill.com/computers/history/index.html

http://www.historian.net/hxwrite.htm

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltypewriter.htm

Dinner Invitations

2006-03-15T13:09:00.000+08:00

Money woes aside, i am positively and absolutely think i am gonna end this week with a bang. My fairy godmother Helen had given me the power to deal and wheel in a parallel universe filled with stars, celeb etc... I was given three no-hold-bar dinner tickets to date the hottest stars in Hollywood...**sob, sob...** I cant possibly do justice to such a gift with just one entry. So **sob, sob...** will do three instead. First i need to get my dinner guests list up first... Hot on my lists are... Barbara Broccoli ...protest! protest! Daniel Craig sucks! Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott... famous directors come together to to do a movie... i have the pau jiak (sure fire) formula Sam & Carrie from "Friends" fame...just the company i need to relax after the first two HOT dinner engagements Thank you, Helen my fairy godmother **sob, sob...**!!

Who Do You Work For?

2006-03-14T17:34:00.000+08:00

When I was young, I almost hated it when my papa went to work every morning. I would cried and cried …. and papa would carry me in his arm trying to sooth me. When I was old enough to talk, I asked papa why he had to work everyday. What he said on that fateful day had really set my life anchor. He told me he needed to work and he was doing it for me. So, at the back of my mind I knew then that papa had to go to work because of me…. and I never cried since. But for the last 40 years I have no family to pass the words of wisdom and the life anchor that my papa had given me. I drifted and was starting to query my very own existence. Papa worked for me, I work for whom? If I didn't get married, why do I need to work or rather work so hard for? I have nobody to work for beside the selfish motives of keeping my comfortable lifestyle!! I sometimes pray to God for answers. And I think God heard me when He asked me this question….. Why work for Cash? Cash who? Pat Cash or Johnny Cash? Both Cashes are suppose to be funny and entertaining. Since Singapore has no Cash whatsoever, no wonder my life feel so miserable. The face on the note doesn't look very happy, either. If you look carefully, it actually looks like Al Capone, the mafia. Dont believe? I got proof... Here is the picture of the real Capone.

Oopps wrong picture. This guy is no crook. He is just trying to build a crooked bridge from Malaysia to Singapore.

Here it is!! Without trying too hard, isn't there some resemblance?

In Singapore, the guys with serious cash without any doubt are the merry bunch below. Nobody would argue with me that most, if not all, of us at some points in our life have worked for them or contributed to their family kitty. As usual, those disagree can post a comment!!

Sir John Bond (HSBC)

Wee Cho Yaw (UOB)

Jackson Tai (DBS)

Monday Blue

2006-03-13T21:51:00.000+08:00

Someone sent me this picture, supposedly to perk up my Monday. It was tongue in cheek, really but when you look at it carefully, it is actually very zen-ny…. If you substitute fuel with all pleasure-seeking activities, the equation still holds true. So, we need money to have pleasure, to be happy… It is like a reminder that we have to work hard to be happy… it is a cliché really. Since I was born without even a tooth, not to mention silver spoon, life is nothing but a grind. A cari makan journey to the West, where it all will ends. So, instead of cheering me up, it is like a grim reminder… I don’t know whether I am just being cynical or the Monday blue is bogging me down. Either way, it doesn’t matter now as the day had ended …. I survived another Monday! Yeah!! cari makan = looking for food

Singapore kiasuism

2006-03-11T13:59:00.000+08:00

When government talks about an ageing population and the need to plan for the handicap and the aged, I take my hat off to their vision. When I see project on lift upgrading to every floor (yes, in Singapore lift don’t stop at every floor in public flat. It was a short-sighted cost saving measure of the past. A genuine mistake no doubt as the government would like to reassure us), construction of lift in MRT stations, etc I applaud their commitment. Talk is cheap but it is difficult to argue with a government that backed its words with action plan. When the government talked about building ramps in public housing estate, it is a very bold statement considering 80% of Singaporean lives in HDB flat and a very welcome one indeed. I don’t know whether it is common in Malaysia but in Singapore we often see senior citizens being wheeled around by their children or maids in shopping centers, hawker centers etc. As a caregiver to my late father, it was no easy task pushing a wheel chair through a neighbourhood full of kerbs and steps. A small ramp is hardly noticeable to the able bodied but it is a highway to a freedom that we take for granted. An unassisted visit to the neighbourhood barber, coffee shop, bank teller machine etc put the “Quality” back into the life of these group of people. Indeed on a personal level, I look forward to these handicap-friendly measures, as my mother who is pushing 90 will definitely need a wheel chair to move around in a few years time.

Singapore is not well endowed like its neighbours. We need all able bodies as well as those not so “abled’ to power the economy. Hence, it is a move in the right direction to make Singapore more handicap-friendly. The handicaps are leading a more normal life now and are more mobile. No hot statistic to prove my point but my observation of a couple crossing the road last week in a pair of wheel chairs tell me that Singapore is kiasu, in this case, in the right direction. kiasu = scare to lose

Brokeback Mountain vs Love Story

2006-03-10T19:46:00.000+08:00

Will try to catch BB Mountain in the cinema as well as the classic "LOVE STORY" on dvd this weekend. With so much raves about BB i actually feel guilty to have nothing to say. Homo vs Hetero. Thank you Lee Ang for giving us this "study" of the other side. The love genre will never be the same again!!

Golf Trip to JB

2006-03-10T07:30:00.000+08:00

It is never a trip of complete pleasure when going on a golf trip during the weekday across the Causeway. It is always pleasure mixed with pressure. The thought of getting caught in a traffic jam that last as long as your golf game is never far from the mind. Pressure also come in the form of client calling in to remind you that he need that report by this Christmas, or worse, he need it yesterday. The bad press on the violent crime in Johor recently didn’t help either… All these added up, I actually feel guilty resting a productive day chasing a little white ball in the middle of nowhere. Isn’t it ironical that I go through all this troubles, just because I wanted a day off to escape the mundane of daily grind?!! The fact remain that a few stolen moments in a backdrop of great landscape and greenery and the company of a few good buddies do wonder for the mind. It is also a good opportunity to renew our bonds with friends that we don’t meet socially or professionally. Today game is one such moment. Cheeze was my buddy from university. He was and still a guy with big personality and love for the Arts. He used to buy tickets in advance and invite his friends to art performances. Art performances were cheap then and a typical Hong Kong gig like Alan Tam can be had for $10. At one Singapore Symphony Orchestra concert he actually bought 20 tickets in advance for his friends. I didn’t go for that one as I was in Malaysia. He ended up in the good company of 17 ladies for the evening and sold away the 2 unused tickets at the concert venue. What I admired about him is that he had no ulterior motive in his action as he dated and fancied none of them. Pure friendship. Period. It was a good trip today as we managed to come back in one piece and on time. The only blot on a good day was some silly marketing company calling up asking for a few seconds of my time as I was lining up for a killer putt. Some good holes earlier had put me in a good mood, so I generously gave him 3 seconds as that’s all I needed to say “Not interested” and hang up. I missed my putt!! @#$%^!! JB is literally littered with hundred of eateries that serves good food at affordable prices. It is almost like an unwritten rule that a golf outing will end, not at the 18th hole but at a good makan (eating) place in JB. Dinner was a surprise experience today. It was not at the usual town eateries but at a kelong restaurant by the seaside at Tanjung Kabung. It does not have the commercial trapping nor the romantic ambience of “The Sampan” in Melaka. The seafood could not get any fresher than here as the fish were actually kept in pents in the sea. Dinner was a mix of veggie, steamed fish, fried egg and mussel downed with fresh coconut juice and chrysanthemum tea. For RM80, it was an experience that everyone and anyone can afford. The only catch is, the place is rather out of the way and not that easy to find. It was tucked away at an ulu corner of Pasir Gudang in JB behind the Tanjung Puteri Golf Course. All in all it was a good “holiday” in the hospitality of our northern neighbour. Good food, good company, affordable golf… great combination that will relax the most tired of mind. Did I talk about pressure? Not a hint of it around after we had finished our dinner. That’s the reasons we are coming back again and again despite the incidental inconvenience with a golfing outing in JB.

Me No Blind!!

2006-03-07T10:31:00.000+08:00

A young relative who work in Balikpapan think he is so clever, he gave me this challenge. He sent me an email with the pic above and the caption below. Suppose to test my observation skill.

Advertisement

Thought you might appreciate the subtlety of this ad, done by a Brazilian ad agency, for a lubricating gel (K-Y equivalent) targeting the Frenchmarket. They were trying to come up with an ad that is not offensive or tasteless.The picture looks completely innocent until you notice the details...Apparently, it has created quite a buzz in Europe.

Although my eyes are "low fah" , uncle here is no stupid you know!! uncle here eat more salt than you eat rice, walk more bridge than you walk road... Wah liao, trying to test me!! One look i already know. The gal is looking for her boyfriend or husband or gigolo lah. That poor fella must had felled into the longkang or canal something. Quite obvious slipped on the slippery KY on the pavement !! Must be true lah as this is a KY ad, right? The gal must be waiting for him to surface from the water. Poor gal!

Next time wanna test uncle, try something got more brain one lah!! Anyway, dont worry, keep them coming. Uncle, although lau liao, but can still take challenge or a joke or two.

Anyone not agree, pls indicate in the comment column. Best comment win one week supply of KY or equivalent.

My Neighbourhood

2006-03-06T18:39:00.000+08:00

As a house-proud owner, i was annoyed by this piece of crappy notice pasted on my front gate. The handwritten note shows some sincerity of the prospective buyer but if you really are a serious buyer, Mr Wong, get a decent housing agent. Try the Yellowpages. The bloody Yellowpages was not invented as a substitute for pang sai jua or kacang putih wrapper. I called up that number after dinner, just to have a closure on my anger. The teleconversation went like this: ..... SF: How much are you offering for my property, Mr Wong? Wong: $5,000 above valuation SF: How much is your valuation? Wong: $320,000 SF: So you are offering $325,000 lah, Mr Wong Wong: Yup SF: Thats too low, how about 20% above evaluation Mr Wong: Thats too ex. SF: But didnt you say you like my area, its environment and the friendly people. Actually, what do u mean by that? Wong: Oh! I like the beach ...

SF: Oh sure! we have great beach parties here every weekend and my house is at the high level. Can see Batam on a good day!

Wong: I think the neighbourhood is great. The people are really friendly.

SF: You can say that. There are a lot of characters living in this neighbourhood. Do you have kid Mr Wong?

Wong: Yup. two fast growing teenagers who always talk non-stop on the phone.

SF: With the Tammy fiasco, i think it is comforting to you if i tell you that this place is so safe, anytime a mobile phone is lost, the police will waste no time in looking into it.

Wong: Thats sound great, man!

SF: So, do you still think the price is unreasonable?

Wong: No lah. actually it is out of the quantum covered by my bank.

SF: (murmuring) @#$%^!!

SF: Mr Wong, take it from me. Either get a more generous banker or pick a neighbourhood that fits the size of your pocket!

Am i too nasty to Wong? Take a look at my neighbourhood and you be the judge!!

View from my master bedroom...

Weekend parties that i talked about...

My neighbour on the right, Helen the blogger. sometimes moonlight as stand-in in Hollywood. Goes by the artist name of Helen Hunt...

My left neighbour, a silai who has a daughter that like to sing in the toilet. Now a big time singer in Hollywood...

and last but not least, the security is top class. you cant get any safer than this!!!

Dont you wish your neighbourhood is as nice as this?

pang sai jua = shit paper

kacang putih = white nut

Final Destination 3, I like!!

2006-03-05T22:54:00.000+08:00

After the slow pacing and thinking movie “The Crimson River” on Saturday, watching Final Destination 3 on Sunday was really a welcome change. It is the “tonik” movie that I need to perk me up for Monday. I can imagine absolutely nothing more gratifying than watching some perfect ang moh ah bengs, ah lians with perfect breasts or massive biceps succumb to the gruesomely violent, and yet goofy at times, shock of Death. Nothing else in the horror genre can compare to the pure, unadulterated simplicity of this Destination installment. James Wong, who took a break from the second installment, is back in his element in this third installment. Call me shallow, but I actually like this movie. No character development, philosophical pretension, unnecessary plots to deviate away from the balance equation of a good formula. Death, has never been as crowd pleasing as it is in any of the Final Destination films. I don’t see any reason why the series couldn’t extend indefinitely. It’s a one-trick movie to be sure but, my God, it’s a great trick. I left the cinema feeling guilty pleasure. Death should not be so entertaining, but that's what this movie is all about. Ang moh = red hair Ah beng = male teenager Ah lian = female teenager

Going French

2006-03-04T23:46:00.000+08:00

Too lazy to catch a movie in town as I was stressed out by work in the office today. Maybe will go tomorrow. As a result, i had a bad case of "Oscar Fever" withdrawal symptom earlier in the evening. As i could not stand the itch anymore, i reached for my "mopiko" - my "rojak" collection of vintage (old lah actually) movies collection and pick one of the movies that i had watched long time ago and had totally forgotten its story line.

It is a French movie dubbed in English - The Crimson Rivers starring Jean Reno and Vincent Cassel. Anyone heard of it? If you like the American's Seven and Serial of the Lamb, you will like this French offering. I like the movie for two simple reasons - Jean Reno, the only French actor I recognize & like (beside Alain Deloine) and the serial killer genre with its CSI-like forensic scenes minus the ~~bad~~ creative lighting. This is one good movie for a slow Saturday evening. If you have nothing on Sunday and are sick of watching re-run CSI Supreme Weekend, it is worth you while to try out The Crimson Rivers.

There are some grisly images. Make sure juniors are not around when you are tuning in.

mopiko - common brand of soothing balm for external use

rojak - oh moh salad with lots of crutched peanuts topping

oh moh - dark hair that grow on the human body

Movies Weekend

2006-03-03T14:02:00.000+08:00

Oscar fever is here! and TGIF!! So many movies to watch and so little time. Quick glance through the papers today, three of the oscars fav like B. Mountain, Munich, & Crash are showing in town. And together with the ang moh pontianak movie (Underworld) & 444 movie (Final Destination 3) showing, we are spoilt for choices this weekend. I already know my choice for this weekend, it is the same one as the significant one. Hope you guys will have a great time this weekend and maybe we can compare "movie" notes next week. ang moh = red hair pontianak = vampire 444 = die die die

Tanjung Rambutan Stud Farm

2006-03-02T17:19:00.000+08:00

Tanjung Rambutan in the outskirt of Ipoh is famous for its rumah sakit gila (mental hospital) and hot spring. So, when your Bolehland colleagues are telling you, mockingly "Are you from Tanjung Rambutan?" it is a sign your idea sucks big time and a good signal to look for alternative lunch partners. TR also has a lesser known attraction, that was started as a brainchild of the late Tengku Abdul Rahman. It is the Tanjung Rambutan Stud Farm. An avid patron of the Sport of Kings, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, Malaysia's first Premier believed that the breeding of Thoroughbreds was possible in the tropics. So the wheels were promptly set in motion, which led to the establishment of the National Stud Farm in 1969 by the Malaysian Totalisator Board. From its humble beginnings as an experimental project, the National Stud Farm has since staged 27 successful auction sales of over 900 Thoroughbreds. The Farm has come a long way in its development and many of the sale graduates have been successful on the local race circuit, beginning with C'est La Vie, Tote Buster, Tuneful Melody, Joel and Tres Bien. To date, graduates of the Farm have earned their owners no less than RM20 million in prize money.

Well, this is a retired race horse heaven. After spending half their life running in a circle, it is a reward for the good one to settle down to do something more exciting like running in circle in a stud farm.

Of the 3 attractions, at TR, i had only visited the stud farm. Ya.. i was the one in bell bottom. Look, so retro now!! In the pic we were given a short discourse on the "Art of Karma Sutra in the HOrse World". The railings, where the man was leaning on are to keep Miss Ma still when Mr Ma is doing its businesss. Notice the small wooden door on the lower right? It is closed during the course of mating to prevent an unhappy Miss Ma from showing her displeasure by raising her third... or fourth leg. Not very romantic, right? Too bad, we didnt notice any action during our visit. I cant remember whether we did anything more interesting than this. Not a very touristy attraction, this stud farm. Recommended for someone who really want to watch some real horsing around. Miss Ma = mare Mr Ma = sire

Hot Chicks of 2006

2006-03-02T11:46:00.000+08:00

My list ...ahem Little Chicken suppose to make Disney laugh all the way to the bank. It bombed so bad, nobody is laughing KFC "heaty" chick that sent one Colonel laughing all the way to the bank Bird Flu femme fatale that make you lembek (soft) at the knees without taking her clothes (feather...?) off NYP Tammy the One who started a national debate on value of modern youngsters and change the way we "look" at lost handphone Evelyn Lee (who?) the cover girl of the "Tammy" pirated CDs in Bolehland. collateral damage from the NYP Tammy fallout Dr Rosemary Tan the entrepreneur who "a week after giving birth to her 2nd child,... was on a plane overseas to talk shop". Dr Tan is the Boss of Veredus, among the first in the world to sell the bird flu H5N1 detection kit commercially. Singapore Boleh!? Helen the blogger one silai (housewife) from Ipoh who ~~diu~~ deals her way into the hearts of many bloggers with her big personality and mak toh tak (no hold bar) blog. silai man sui!! (housewives of the world unite!) Note No chicks were harmed in the compilation of tis list. Dont worry abt the chikcs at KFC, they are already dead, anyway! All opinion expressed are mine. No insurance cover here so dont think of suing me if you dont like my list. Pls feedback, comment, advise, consult as you like. Criticism is not welcome, constructive or otherwise. The list is not exhaustive and subject to change without any further notice.

How your order a cup of hot water in Singapore?

2006-03-01T21:33:00.000+08:00

I have a bit of problem getting a cup of plain hot water this morning at a fast food joint in the West. What happened was i ordered a breakfast meal and asked for a cup of hot water, instead of the usual tea/coffee. The counter girl told me that i couldn't exchange my coffee/tea entitlement to a cup of plain hot water. Coffee, Tea or nothing? Hei! this is rare knowledge and totally illogical and absurd. I didnt know whether to feel angry or to laugh. Not wanting to hold up the Q, I ordered a cup of teh kosong without teh/sugar. I walked away from the counter smiling, this girl had made my day. I got my cup of plain hot water, naturally. I didnt know whether the counter girl action was intentional or a tease on this uncle with the "blur" look. Whatever it is, Singapore service industry, i think we have along way to go.

Please Scroll Down

2006-03-01T09:40:00.000+08:00

Today's entry "Where is Block No: 4? is accidentally published as a 22 Feb entry as i used a draft that was created on that date. So, please scroll down. Sorry for the inconvenience.

"Escape" movies

2006-02-27T12:58:00.000+08:00

When i was small, i watched a lot of movies. My record was 52 movies in a year, achieved during one of my secondary school years. It was a one-off record that was never repeated. Movies was my escape. Ironically, i never like "escape adventure" movies like Poseidon Adventure, Towering Inferno, Babylon, Airports 'XX... These movie typically would have some heroes (dont know why no heroines...) leading a bunch of ppl running here and there. Watching this type of movies give me phobia until today.... of cramped space, distrust of women as crisis leader (dont prosecute me, ok!! freedom of speech wat!) and fear of going on holidays. So, when that significant relative of mine wanted to watch "Titanic", i gave all sort of excuses like headache lah, cannot get tickets, blah blah blah. I will never watch another "escape" movie. period. Except of course, if it is Tom Hank and/or Steven Spielberg movie. which was why i gambled away 2 hours of my weekend with "The Terminal". I thought it was the most wu liao movie about someone stuck in the JFK airport in NY. Only Tom Hank, an expert in acting with himself (Castaway was a good example) could pull it off. Otherwise how could one act through an english movie as a non-english speaking tourist. "Wat!! i am wrong? Mr Bean also can act without speaking a sentence of English?" Hei! Mr Bean (forgot his name) is a comedian lah, we are talking about serious drama actor here!! hehehe i am still right. Maybe the accidental love story between TH and Catherine Zeta-Jones distract abit. Anyway, our hero wasnt trying too hard to escape after meeting this "Meg Ryan" look-alike. I am a sucker for TH-MR romance movies. CZJ with the pouty lips really looked like the cutesy MR in this movie. Actually "Terminal" look a lot like a rojak of TV "Survivor" and "Friends" with its "no-money many-friends" theme. I mean it cos there were so many CCTV in the airport, Hank's antic was good TV to the sadistic Airport Manager and his kakis. No privacy in American's airports? I am actually surprise why the movie was not banned in Singapore. Tom Hank was really bad here as a role model. Ripping airport property, repainting wall (read grafitti)... vandalism in short!! Canning if get caught in Changi. Maybe Hank's acting was so good, the censors missed it? Well Hank/Spielberg combo is a sure "pau jiak" winner. A really good wu liao movie to spend 2 hours with over the weekend!!

Tribute to S Rajaratnam

2006-02-24T17:16:00.000+08:00

Why do we only read about great people when they die? As i slowly read the story on Mr S Rajaratnam in the Straight Times over the weekend, i was amazed by the many achievements of this great man who was a founding father of modern Singapore. I dont know much about Mr Rajaratnam not because of a lack of interest in history nor natural apathy about politic. Just that there is so little on his contribution to modern Singapore in the public psyche. Off the cuff, i can count.... Mr Lee Kuan Yew got his 2 volumes of memoirs Sheares, a bridge Yusof Ishak, our money "face" Ahmad Ibrahim, the highway guy Raffles, the jaga beside the Singapore River Parameswara, etched permanently in our history book Come on, he is the man who wrote the National Pledge, stood up to supporters of Soviet Union supporters like Assad of Syria, Saddam Hussein & Fidel Castro, envisioned Singapore to be a "Global City" before globalisation become a business fad. He was also a staunch supporters of multiculturalism, avid photographer, deep thinker and a great wordsmith. In his late years, he was often quoted as saying: "On my IC, it says my race is Indian. But I don't care if you call me an Indian or Eskimo. What is important is whether you consider me a good man." I know my words would not do justice to such a great man who had contributed so immensely and left such a vast legacy. Nevertheless i like to end my tribute with.... MR RAJARATNAM, SIR YOU WERE, AND STILL ARE A GREAT MAN!

Reading between the lines...

2006-02-23T19:13:00.000+08:00

The Straight Times 22 Feb 2006 Poly Student in homemade sex video gets counselling Teachers in other schools say many teens use phones to capture nude photos, sex clips ...Many teenagers-girls as well as boys-have been caught with pictures and video clips showing themselves and their partners naked or having sex. The Straight Times 13 February 2006 Singaporeans lose 22,000 mobile phones a year Estimate based on figures from phone and cab companies ********************************************************************************* Reading between the lines, if 10% of the 22,000 lost phones belong to teenagers, and if 10% of these phones have sexual contents, we are looking at 220 lost phones with sexual/pornographic contents per year. Without realising it, there are actually ample raw material floating in Singapore for the opportunists to make a quick buck....if the figures from the phone and cab companies are to be believed. Btw, what type of counselling given to the poor gal who lost her phone? Wat? Dont play with the mobile phone while romping between the sheets?

Where is Block No: 4?

2006-02-22T17:35:00.000+08:00

Where is HDB Block No: 4? Missing Block No: 4 at Jalan Bukit Merah. A neighbourhood that was built more than 20 years ago. Is it superstition to leave out no: 4 as "4" sound like "die" in the Chinese Cantonese dialect? Another nearby neighbourhood without a no: 4 block? This development is also more than 20 years old. What were those guys at HDB thinking more than than 20 years ago?

Found!! Block with no: 4! This was at Toh Yi Drive, a relative new development of 10 years old. No: 4 is not taboo here! How come? I really dont know. Maybe it is the sign of time. A change of guards at HDB management. A new management, like the Modern Singapore, has no place for superstition.

So, if you are a non-local staying in a flat (yup, thats what the call HDB residential home in Singapore) you can roughly determine the age of the neighbourhood by looking at the signage to your neighbourhood!!

HDB = Housing Development Board (HDB) . HDB is the Housing Authority that was responsible for building 80% of the public residential homes for Singapore citizens.

Expressway to No Where

2006-02-22T13:16:00.000+08:00

Everyday doink! doink! doink! The sound of infra construction works ...arghh!!

Since the 80s the proliferation of highways and MRT lines seem never ending.

Someone told me, this is called progress. I agree cos i am a driver too!

Started with a small PIE, then CTE, BKE, SLE, bigger PIE, upgraded ECP, TPE...

and the still unfinished KPE & PPSE.

KPE, the longest tunnel-highway in the world looks like a dragon.

This dragon of whole 9-km long goes in, goes out, goes in... of the earth so many time

i think we better change its name to RCE - Roller Coaster Expressway!

Just look at the pic above. The highway just seems to just disappear into the ground...again.

The one that didn't make it... one of the Circle Line MRT stations. My condolence to the families of the those who perished. For all the convenience and comfort that we enjoy now, we should spare a thought for those who lost their lifes in the name of development. May their souls rest in peace

Pls enbloc me!!

2006-02-21T17:55:00.000+08:00

The Straight Times 20 Dec 2005 (abstract) HOUSING MARKET STIRS AFTER 5 SLUGGISH YEARS Recovery focused mainly on high-end segment, but may turn broad-based next year IT LIVES! After nearly five years of sluggishness - and quiet despair among owners - the sleepy property market finally came back to life this year. By Fiona Chan & Joyce Teo ************************************************ Fiona's & Joyce's, i marked your words on it, on this so-called Property Market resurgent. Whatever the direction of the property market in the next 12 months, any one of the followings happening will put a smile on my face

property price go up by 20%. fat hope but a hope is a hope...
my block kena en-bloc. more likely but dont know when, so still fat hope
someone offers 20% above market value for my property. my flat got seaview one, ok!!

In the event of any of the above happening, Fiona & Joyce, i will buy dinner for both of you at any restaurant of your choice!! You can mark my words, too!!

Multi Tasking

2006-02-21T14:31:00.000+08:00

My new pencils holder My old pencils holder

I got a new pencils holder today!! Ok, not really pencils but stationery. The new one got masking tape , multiple holders & a swivelling base. My old plain vanilla pencil holder just lost its job and heading to the bin. Even pencil holder, a simple device nowadays come with "multi-tasking".

When come to multi-tasking device, i guess no progress in science and technology beats the speed of the development of the mobile handphones. It is so fast, i am not surprise that by next year, i will be able to shave using my Sony Ericsson Gillete mobile phone!!

Staying Relevant

2006-02-20T16:33:00.000+08:00

Hei! Fancy having your sec-school days idol belting out disco number on your daily morning traffic jam... We are not talking about remix oldies but serious new work. Well, the queen of disco, Madonna is back! She had released a new disco compilation last year: "Confession on the Dance Floor". Aiyoh! I dont know how to describe it. But really, listening to her music is shiok! Disco music was part of life then and it had brought back many nostalgic and sweet memories...

Parties. Girls. Camping in Pangkor. Bell-bottom Pant. 50cc motorbike

For a 47-year old, Madonna is really mo tak teng (incredible). She had changed over times to remain relevant. And am i glad that she had gone back to her root in disco with this new compilation!! Madonna is the chameleon that had adopted, adapted, changed, shocked ... to remain relevant in this fast changing music world. She is a woman, mother, wife, icon blah blah... Can we draw a lesson here? Yes, i can think of a few...

there is still life after 40s
breast feeding increase creativity
do what you do best ....

Bluerain had landed!!

2006-02-19T12:05:00.000+08:00

Bluerain: request permission to land Seefei: Permission granted MSN (in chinese): Bluerain had landed! Bluerain: Request video and audio connection Seefei: Permission granted Bluerain: Can you see me? Seefei: Bluerain, we can see you Bluerain: Can you hear me? Seefei: We can hear you. Bluerain(my niece), we are through!! Can you please get your daddy (my bro)? The marvel of technology! Click, click, click... two families that are thousands of kilometres away are linked. For the first time i can see my bro and sis family and talk to them at the same times. Call me a dinosaur but at this particular moment, i feel like i just call someone from the moon!! I don't know what's the implication of this is. It is great and we are enjoying it. Family gathering and chit-chat session can be more often - thats what we need in this everyone-is-busy world!!

Will they talk to one another?

2006-02-18T20:19:00.000+08:00

Dont know whether these two babies will talk to one another? Just keep my fingers crossed that my new bluetooth earpiece will "connect" with my old mobile phone. Well, if i dont answer my mobile phone during the next few days, most probably they dont and i am on the road.

I actually bought the device from one of the big telco shops and had expected better customer service. The one who sold me the bluetooth earpiece couldn't be sure whether they would be compatible. I had to take the sweet sales girl's assurance that the compatible brand bluetooth earpiece would work just fine. Testing was not possible as all showpiece models were not charged. I also suspect the sales girl was a part timer as i was very surprise at the lack of knowledge of the products on show and their compatibility. If not for the $50 loyalty voucher, i would had walked out and patronise another shop that was more customer-friendly.

Lazy Man Game

2006-02-17T17:19:00.000+08:00

Squash is the game. Not really a lazy man game as there is really lots of running to do chasing that little ball. But it is very effective and fast to work out a sweat. Hence, very suitable for someone who want a good workout with minimum spare time. You can get a good work out for 45 min and it doesn't come with co$tly equipment outlay. Maybe thats the reason i have been playing the game since univ days when cash were a lot tighter.... with the same buddies. Rain or shine you will see us at a squash court between 7.30 to 9.30 pm. The only time i broke the routine was when i sprained my ankle and later picked up golf. Some of the courts we had played on are no more. Casualties of redevelopment and change of use probably due to the general waning of public interest. Well, as a group we also lost a few members to golf and family commitment. We are not chasing the balls as hard and worry too much about the score line nowadays. However, the joy a quick adrenalin flush and meeting of old buddies is driving us on. Occasionally we get free coaching tips when, Zainal Abidin the ex-National player is giving lesson next door. Our squash days are numbered but till then we look forward to our Tuesday of squash fix.

The Flu...

2006-02-16T19:21:00.000+08:00

On the last few days, i had come across a number of blogs with entries of flu hitting either the bloggers' family members or the bloggers themselves. If bird flu can mutate into a strain that kill ppl, can e-virus evolve into the common flu bugs and transmit through the internet? NAH, crazy thinking!! Wish these bloggers will get well soon and continue to illuminate the blogsphere! I dont have to name names as you know who you are!! Did a quick goggle on "flu" and i got like 222 million hits!! the followings links maybe of use and were found on the first page http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/sick/flu.html http://www.fluwikie.com/ http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/flu.html

Valentine ... the journey

2006-02-13T16:20:00.000+08:00

Despite the numerous politically correct answers "Celebration is not important but the thought thats count" on the radio on the VD yesterday the huge traffic jam on the road on a mid-week working day would tell you that there was still a group large enough to rush to downtown for the celebration to cause such a huge jam. VD celebration was turning into a Very Delayed celebration for a lot of people. Of course there will be some collateral damage as those poor fellows who lives in Town will also be caught in the jam. Sorry to these fella!! Convenience comes at a price$$.

I think the traffic police would not be too happy with us drivers yesterday as we turned the roads and highways into parking lots yesterday. However, the taxmen and petrol station operators would not complain too much with current state of the oil tax and prices. A normal drive of 15 min turned into 1 hr 30 min, not the kind of travelling duration drivers are accustomed to in Singapore. Anticipating a long journey i had purposely dropped our favourite italian singer into the car CD player earlier in the morning. The long journey had provided a good activity-less one and a half hour of talking and communication between See and i. With soothing italian music in the background, it was the perfect opportunity to ease our mind into the VD mood that we had not felt during our courtship days. With a little early planning, the journey with the anticipated jam had been turned into an integral part of the celebration...

Another Birthday?

2006-02-10T17:49:00.000+08:00

Today just felt like another day of CNY with so much festivities around and my visiting bro family still in SG. However, Bro is flying off today and there is a tinge of sadness in the air with the impending departure. Hence, my BD elation is somewhat tempered this year. With VD just 2 weeks away and wifey's slightly further away, it seems like there is a lot to celebrate in the span of 45 days. I opted for a simple dinner at Sushi Tei and a slow walk along Orchard to catch the rehearsal Chingay 2006 - Parade of Dreams. Another BD... Yes!! No big deal? No!! Another BlesseD year... thats how i look at it!! I am looking forward to the next and the next and the next....

CNY 2006!

2006-02-10T10:05:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year is here again! After the mad rush to tidy up last minute work and getting the preparation done for CNY, finally can sit down and "wait" for the CNY to come. The theme for this year is "SIMPLE". Out are yesteryear stuff that really drained our energy and spirit which we are not ready to tackle this year. My "OUT" list

OUT list

Home-cooked re-union dinner, replaced with Crystal Jade Pun Chooi which is not bad!! Chief cook (my mum) had retired and we are buying time to do up the kitchen and training the replacement cook...

Heavy "Spring" Cleaning, replaced with close monitoring of cluttering in the household whole year round and weekly cleaning. We are replacing Sprint Cleaning with Marathon Cleaning...

Elaborate decoration, replaced with simple and easy to take off decoration.

Chinese New Year is always an enjoyable occasion but good time really fly... before you know it CNY is coming to an end. officially this Sunday at 12 Feb. CNY is never complete with a tour of China Town but this year we just viewed the festivities from our car. Too tired to walk... This CNY is really special as this is the first time the two families (my bro and i) are celebrating together... and playing bowling together. For the record, my team was thrashed by big bro. average score 136 ag 86. "Hei! there is a lot of Milo here for $2..." my niece from HK on her first encounter with the SG Milo Dinosaur at our local sarabat stall

Ipoh ACS83 Gathering on the 2nd day at Tuck Kee at Pasir Pinji. First time see a decent pic taken by the serving waitor. 17 came, see and sapu ....

YC played host this year for the SG leg of ACS gathering. Our usual pot luck arrangment had upgraded to a very much grander affair with YC's wife mini buffet line. The mini buffet line was special with is special dishes like fusion fried spaghetti, beef rendang etc.

1st Wedding Anniversary

2005-12-20T18:47:00.000+08:00

19 December 2004... Our wedding lunch with the ACS bunch in Taiping

19 December 2005... Dinner at "Capella" at the quiet CHIJMES... we had passed our 1st year "peacefully" with no 3rd party.

Escaping the Chinese Double Ten

2005-10-10T05:00:00.000+08:00

China National Day celebration (10 October) aka double ten usually will see an exodus of expatriates balik kampung. I always look forward to double ten as i will get to catch up with my buddy Soon Fatt, who is based in China, when he performed his annual "balik kampung" ritual. This time round, we manage to round off a few other buddies for a Chilli Crab feast.

Venue: Bukit Batok East Ave 4. dinner was at 730 pm. the empty chair was for eddy who was could only make it at 8.

Chilli Crab, Venison Meat, Foo Chook Roll, 4 season beans, pai guak wong (rib).... yummy yummy. On top of this we polished off two plates of noodle - yee meen & sang meen.

ah piew who had to go off early & offered to pay for the meal. we were thankful. he put $20 on the table. the meal cost $95. piew... u owed us $75. will collect when we meet again hehehe!!

Smiles! Dinner over! SF would be off the next day to "tour" Malaysia for a week.

Will meet again when thili in town next week

My Mother

2005-07-22T23:22:00.000+08:00

Fei's Mother and Auntie (far left)
Originally uploaded by See Fei.

20 Oct 2004
Today is my ROM. After today there are two women who matter the world to me. One had accompanied me for the 1st half of my life and the other is my partner for the next lap of this marathon called life.

my mother is never comfortable in front of the camera. but judging from her big smile, i know that smile comes from the heart and that she is really happy for me and See.

See & Fei

2005-07-19T23:38:00.000+08:00

See & Fei
Originally uploaded by See Fei.

Celebrating my first birthday as hubby & wifey with See.

about seefeinetwork

2005-07-19T22:58:00.000+08:00

i am fei and my wife is see. together we form seefeinetwork which sound like a network of gossip in cantonese. but rest assure, no see see fei fei (gossip) here but just news on families & friends that we love and care about. we just got married last year. we held our wedding dinners on 18 and 24 dec 04 in Taiping and Singapore, respectively. And overnight our circle of families and friends had grown. it is hoped that, through this seefeinetwork, we can keep everyone updated and be updated on everything and anything that are of interest. our first task, see & i hope, through this blog is to dessiminate our wedding photographs for our friends and relatives to view. we know it has been a while but late is better than never. but first let us figure out how to go about posting... so be patient.