How to use 'aiyah'?
Aiyoh, goodness gracious?! This kind of article also can make it to the front page of the Straits Times ah? What has Singapore come to, man?
Dunno how to use 'aiyah'? Dun use lah. Liddat how? Everything must go online to look it up? Wah lau! The sky turn dark liao man, waiting for their reply to a remark I make or question I ask.
Singlish (ok, ok, the more authentic speech form is Singrish) is not at all difficult to understand what. Just listen to the tonal inflections and you know whether people are exasperated, questioning, exaggerating, emphasising, or what liao ma... Still need to check online dictionary? Where got time? And like your online dictionary is so dynamic to account for all the nuances associated with free speech (eh, don't be sotong, ah! Free speech is not the same as freedom of speech, ok?)
Can't believe people eat full can't shit, whole day nothing better to do, go and compile this kind of list. I tell you ah, like that huh, at the end of the day ah, by the time you try to see what each of the ah means in this article, you can go to bed tonight then come and tell me ah.
Actually ah, I'm quite evil here lah. I never indicate my tonal preferences for each of the Singlish items in italics. Really hor, liddat can be quite confusing one leh. But if I try leh, people will go siao trying to figure out how each tone sounds. If you are not brought up in the Singapore or some South East Asian context where you have a mixture of Oriental and Proto-Indo European languages, you prolly won't understand even a bit. Oh yah, and you need to know mabbe other languages even, so by the time you try to figure out this piece, you probably will go, aiyah, so blardy troublesome. I not interested liao lah. So bo liao.
[This blogger has a fellow classmate in his English Language Honours Class who scored the only First Class Honours. His thesis is entitled something to the effect of "The particle one in Singapore English", and the entire 12 000 word dissertation only discussed the article, "one" in Singlish. If anyone think they could use the online thingy and get anywhere to understanding Singlish culture, I believe they would be sadly mistaken.]
Friday, February 10, 2006
31 Years and 2 Days
31 Years and 2 Days
Yes, the inevitable had to come. So I turned 31. Yah yah, I've fallen on the wrong side of 30. Of course the big four-oh is in the not-so-far horizon. But you know what? I don't feel a year older than 28.
Ok, I know the constant lies people tell about their ages. Pop idol Alan Tam has been 25 for the past 30 years (?) and women are 18 for too long, even when they look like 81. Ah, never mind. Physically, I'm probably 31 going on 70. Mentally, I'm 80 going on 120. Yup. I'm an old old old old man trapped in my 31 year old body. My thinking is outdated; pre-modern if you so desire.
I could be a stickler for tradition yet I hate the deadwood of tradition. Simply put, what works and still are best practices must be retained and proliferated. What is broken by now ought to be discarded.
No matter what, there are certain hypocrisies that one ought to retain. We don't live to this old if we did not know how to slither through some awkward enough situations.
I count my blessings each day and while I still bitch like there's no tomorrow, I seldom retaliate much. At least allow me the freedom to indulge in free bitch. Aiyoh, sorry, free speech.
So I am 31. Big deal. I'll look forward to another 3 rounds of being 31!
Yes, the inevitable had to come. So I turned 31. Yah yah, I've fallen on the wrong side of 30. Of course the big four-oh is in the not-so-far horizon. But you know what? I don't feel a year older than 28.
Ok, I know the constant lies people tell about their ages. Pop idol Alan Tam has been 25 for the past 30 years (?) and women are 18 for too long, even when they look like 81. Ah, never mind. Physically, I'm probably 31 going on 70. Mentally, I'm 80 going on 120. Yup. I'm an old old old old man trapped in my 31 year old body. My thinking is outdated; pre-modern if you so desire.
I could be a stickler for tradition yet I hate the deadwood of tradition. Simply put, what works and still are best practices must be retained and proliferated. What is broken by now ought to be discarded.
No matter what, there are certain hypocrisies that one ought to retain. We don't live to this old if we did not know how to slither through some awkward enough situations.
I count my blessings each day and while I still bitch like there's no tomorrow, I seldom retaliate much. At least allow me the freedom to indulge in free bitch. Aiyoh, sorry, free speech.
So I am 31. Big deal. I'll look forward to another 3 rounds of being 31!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Malacca
Malacca
Visited Malacca and met up with my godma there. We caught up with news and had a good meeting.
I was pretty ambivalent about the trip, except that it was a welcome break from work.
Hope to go further the next time. I want to visit Cameron Highlands again.
Visited Malacca and met up with my godma there. We caught up with news and had a good meeting.
I was pretty ambivalent about the trip, except that it was a welcome break from work.
Hope to go further the next time. I want to visit Cameron Highlands again.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Mohammed Cartoons
The Mohammed Cartoons
I have seen the cartoons on the web.
Apparently,
The Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten created the furor over depictions of Mohammed by publishing a series of 12 drawings after a local author said he was unable to find any artist willing to depict Mohammed for his upcoming illustrated book. The publication of the images in Jyllands-Posten has been condemned around the Islamic world, and has led to calls for a boycott of Denmark by Muslim nations.
Yet when a delegation of Danish imams went to the Middle East to "discuss" the issue of the cartoons with senior officials and prominent Islamic scholars, the imams openly distributed a booklet that showed 15 images -- not only the original 12 cartoons, but three fraudulent anti-Mohammed depictions that were much more offensive than the ones published in Denmark. It is now thought that these three bonus images are what ignited the outrage in the Muslim world.
I have also seen 3 additional pictures which were believed to be the cause of the recent outburst. Indeed, the 3 additional pictures were totally uncalled for.
Being racially and religiously sensitive and respectful, I refrain from all comments.
In pure, honest, innocent curiosity, I seek the answer to just ONE question:
How did belligerance get so entrenched in the practice of religions of peace?
I have seen the cartoons on the web.
Apparently,
The Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten created the furor over depictions of Mohammed by publishing a series of 12 drawings after a local author said he was unable to find any artist willing to depict Mohammed for his upcoming illustrated book. The publication of the images in Jyllands-Posten has been condemned around the Islamic world, and has led to calls for a boycott of Denmark by Muslim nations.
Yet when a delegation of Danish imams went to the Middle East to "discuss" the issue of the cartoons with senior officials and prominent Islamic scholars, the imams openly distributed a booklet that showed 15 images -- not only the original 12 cartoons, but three fraudulent anti-Mohammed depictions that were much more offensive than the ones published in Denmark. It is now thought that these three bonus images are what ignited the outrage in the Muslim world.
I have also seen 3 additional pictures which were believed to be the cause of the recent outburst. Indeed, the 3 additional pictures were totally uncalled for.
Being racially and religiously sensitive and respectful, I refrain from all comments.
In pure, honest, innocent curiosity, I seek the answer to just ONE question:
How did belligerance get so entrenched in the practice of religions of peace?
Losing Sight
Losing Sight
Interestingly, what seemed to be perfect vision then have mostly become soft vision now.
Often, we set out to achieve certain goals. We espouse what we believe are the clearest of vision and noblest of values. We emphasize and reiterate how critical it is to get to where we set out to do.
But the goal is the destination. The learning is in the journey or the process.
Singaporeans will remember the "Stop at 2" birth policy that was put in place soon after our independence.
If we didn't, Singapore will be overrun by our own people. We will remain poor. Our infrastructure will not be able to support the exponentially growing population...
So successful was this policy that our birth rates are now one of the lowest in the world. This is despite a policy reversal some years back when Singaporeans were encourage to go for 3 or more kids if they can afford.
Sadly, the practice for many couples now is "Why start?". For some others, "Why stop?". Yet there are some who say "One is enough!" and some swear by "Two's perfect". But the dominant trend seems to be "Why start?"
We are not alone in this misery. China's "Stop at 1" policy had been so successful and the Chinese obsession with male babies (to carry on the family line) had led to so many illegal abortions of female foetuses or infanticide of female babies that the guys of marriageable age significantly outnumber the girls.
Smaller families bring about other problems.
The caring of the old parents fall on the very few number of children at home. Population ageing becomes a critical issue. Medical and health facilities become indispensable as society grapple with the ails of an ever-greying population.
I will not go on ranting lest I sound like I'm over-flogging an deader than dead horse.
So what's my point?
Human vision and intelligence get us far ahead. But nature humbles us in ways beyond our belief.
What we believe to be panacea will in turn poison us in the due run.
Utopia only exists in your mind, and so cultivate yourself.
And stop trying to associate meaning to everything because the process of living is itself a meaningful journey, even if many things are meaningless.
Learn introspection. And then practice it again and again.
Realise that even your best intentions are erroneous, but never ever lose sight to do more bad by doing good now.
Interestingly, what seemed to be perfect vision then have mostly become soft vision now.
Often, we set out to achieve certain goals. We espouse what we believe are the clearest of vision and noblest of values. We emphasize and reiterate how critical it is to get to where we set out to do.
But the goal is the destination. The learning is in the journey or the process.
Singaporeans will remember the "Stop at 2" birth policy that was put in place soon after our independence.
If we didn't, Singapore will be overrun by our own people. We will remain poor. Our infrastructure will not be able to support the exponentially growing population...
So successful was this policy that our birth rates are now one of the lowest in the world. This is despite a policy reversal some years back when Singaporeans were encourage to go for 3 or more kids if they can afford.
Sadly, the practice for many couples now is "Why start?". For some others, "Why stop?". Yet there are some who say "One is enough!" and some swear by "Two's perfect". But the dominant trend seems to be "Why start?"
We are not alone in this misery. China's "Stop at 1" policy had been so successful and the Chinese obsession with male babies (to carry on the family line) had led to so many illegal abortions of female foetuses or infanticide of female babies that the guys of marriageable age significantly outnumber the girls.
Smaller families bring about other problems.
The caring of the old parents fall on the very few number of children at home. Population ageing becomes a critical issue. Medical and health facilities become indispensable as society grapple with the ails of an ever-greying population.
I will not go on ranting lest I sound like I'm over-flogging an deader than dead horse.
So what's my point?
Human vision and intelligence get us far ahead. But nature humbles us in ways beyond our belief.
What we believe to be panacea will in turn poison us in the due run.
Utopia only exists in your mind, and so cultivate yourself.
And stop trying to associate meaning to everything because the process of living is itself a meaningful journey, even if many things are meaningless.
Learn introspection. And then practice it again and again.
Realise that even your best intentions are erroneous, but never ever lose sight to do more bad by doing good now.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Bananas
Bananas
The bananas are ripe again.
The last bunch of bananas were thrown away before CNY as I didn't particularly fancy keeping a bunch of dark, spotted stuff over the new year.
I'm a traditional person.
On my goodies table, I have a pair of oranges with the stalks and leaves on, a pomelo, a bunch pineapple buds, glutinous rice cakes (stack of 2), "huat kuey", bananas, cooked rice, a pumpkin, and 4 mandarin oranges. All in all, I have 9 items to pass the new year with. Each has its significance.
The two types oranges are both known as "kum" or gold in Cantonese. The ones with the leaves signify exuberance, and I always like fruits with their stems and leaves on, as it also shows how fresh they are. The bananas are called "chew" in Cantonese, and signify "chew chai", meaning attracting wealth.
The rice is a traditional thingy, signifying abundance. The rice has turned entirely mouldy and that is a good sign, as the process of getting mouldy is called "fa" (prosperous).
The huat kuey is for prosperity, while the glutinous cakes (nian gao) is for "nian nian gao sheng" or promotions/raises every year.
The pumpkin is called jin gua or gold melon in mandarin. I guess that does not need further explanations, right?
The pineapple (or "wang lai") is to invite prosperity and luck, the pomelo is for blessing the descendants.
I had bought a bunch of green bananas, but they are ripe now. Monkey time! Again...
The bananas are ripe again.
The last bunch of bananas were thrown away before CNY as I didn't particularly fancy keeping a bunch of dark, spotted stuff over the new year.
I'm a traditional person.
On my goodies table, I have a pair of oranges with the stalks and leaves on, a pomelo, a bunch pineapple buds, glutinous rice cakes (stack of 2), "huat kuey", bananas, cooked rice, a pumpkin, and 4 mandarin oranges. All in all, I have 9 items to pass the new year with. Each has its significance.
The two types oranges are both known as "kum" or gold in Cantonese. The ones with the leaves signify exuberance, and I always like fruits with their stems and leaves on, as it also shows how fresh they are. The bananas are called "chew" in Cantonese, and signify "chew chai", meaning attracting wealth.
The rice is a traditional thingy, signifying abundance. The rice has turned entirely mouldy and that is a good sign, as the process of getting mouldy is called "fa" (prosperous).
The huat kuey is for prosperity, while the glutinous cakes (nian gao) is for "nian nian gao sheng" or promotions/raises every year.
The pumpkin is called jin gua or gold melon in mandarin. I guess that does not need further explanations, right?
The pineapple (or "wang lai") is to invite prosperity and luck, the pomelo is for blessing the descendants.
I had bought a bunch of green bananas, but they are ripe now. Monkey time! Again...
CNY Days 2 and 3
CNY Days 2 and 3
Day 2
Woke up in the morning and took my morning bath. When I walked out of the bathroom, I saw a lizard on my freshly done handkerchief. My laundry!
Calmness! Don't freaking panic! Stay cool. You know what to do.
Found a pair of chopsticks and went to the lizard. Hai....yah! Managed to twist the chopsticks across the midsection of the lizard. It fell to the floor.
I emptied the dustpan where it had fallen on and then I saw it on a stack of folded newspapers. It ain't that dead yet. So I flicked it off the paper and it landed on its feet. It looked ready to bolt!
Heck! Take a deep breath. Don't freak out now. Ok. Got it!
Take the chopsticks and do the mad piercing. On the third thrust, I landed squarely in its midsection once again. It was amazing. The lizard did not even have time to drop its tail.
Pick up carcass with chopsticks, packed it within folded newspapers and tie up in a pack.
Threw it away with the rest of the rubbish later. (Of course, the fermented beancurd in the bin the night before went on fermenting and my bin is now full of its "fragrance".)
Other than that, Day 2 came and went rather uneventfully. Visited some friends and caught up with the latest.
Day 3
Visited a friend and proceeded to spend the entire afternoon watching about 8 episodes of Desperate Housewives Season 2. Goodness, it must have been the most fruitful of the past 3 days!
There were a couple of spoilt episodes, due to poor downloading but I didn't miss that terribly much. Also, the flashbacks helped me piece the missing parts together somewhat.
It was a good break, being a couch potato.
Day 2
Woke up in the morning and took my morning bath. When I walked out of the bathroom, I saw a lizard on my freshly done handkerchief. My laundry!
Calmness! Don't freaking panic! Stay cool. You know what to do.
Found a pair of chopsticks and went to the lizard. Hai....yah! Managed to twist the chopsticks across the midsection of the lizard. It fell to the floor.
I emptied the dustpan where it had fallen on and then I saw it on a stack of folded newspapers. It ain't that dead yet. So I flicked it off the paper and it landed on its feet. It looked ready to bolt!
Heck! Take a deep breath. Don't freak out now. Ok. Got it!
Take the chopsticks and do the mad piercing. On the third thrust, I landed squarely in its midsection once again. It was amazing. The lizard did not even have time to drop its tail.
Pick up carcass with chopsticks, packed it within folded newspapers and tie up in a pack.
Threw it away with the rest of the rubbish later. (Of course, the fermented beancurd in the bin the night before went on fermenting and my bin is now full of its "fragrance".)
Other than that, Day 2 came and went rather uneventfully. Visited some friends and caught up with the latest.
Day 3
Visited a friend and proceeded to spend the entire afternoon watching about 8 episodes of Desperate Housewives Season 2. Goodness, it must have been the most fruitful of the past 3 days!
There were a couple of spoilt episodes, due to poor downloading but I didn't miss that terribly much. Also, the flashbacks helped me piece the missing parts together somewhat.
It was a good break, being a couch potato.
Monday, January 30, 2006
CNY Day 1
CNY Day 1
I kept my mouth shut mostly during this year's visit. I tried to avoid filling my mouth with too much food because goodies are not good for health. Irony, isn't it?
I kept quiet because there was nothing much to say. While many relatives are hoping that I'll get married, I'm happy being single and swinging. Never mind my availability but why the heck do I want to get a cow to own a farmhouse? The house can wait, I suppose.
So, CNY day 1 came and went.
Breakfast was at 1 am at Jln Kayu. The prata was a gross disappointment. So was the Indian rojak. The teh-O ice was cloyingly sweet. Yucks.
Breakfast part 2 was at 10.30 am, a bowl of rice vermicilli (sp?) for longevity. These days, medical advances let you live long enough. Longer than you should, I think. But the quality of life is glaringly absent. Live a shitty life for a super extended period, FOR WHAT?
I think mankind is again let down by mad scientists, whose sole purpose in their lives is to prolong our agonies. No?
Came back after visiting 5 families and proceeded to cook some dinner.
Washed and cut some chinese cabbages and dumped in some ham into the dutch oven to cook. Turned on the hot plate and VIOLA! The plate is dead. Uh oh... Never mind. After fiddling and twiddling with the multiplug, playing musical chairs for the plug sockets etc, I decided to declare TOD for the hotplate. Hm...
And so, I depended on my trusty microwave to radiate my vegetables and ham to food heaven. After about 20 minutes of microwave radiation, my instincts told me that they are good for part 2.
Took out the casserole and tasted a little of the stock in the dish. Cabbage tends to give out a lot of water. Bland. So I decided to use a piece of fermented bean curd to spice things up a little.
Honestly, I have been in constant regret ever since I bought that bottle of fermented beancurd because I find it too salty and too bitter. But I did not think it good karma to throw away. So I have been mixing it with porridge or adding it to whatever dish I can use it in to finish it.
Took it out of the fridge. It slipped through my fingers and fell to the floor! I heard a sickening "platt!". Well done! Luo di kai hua. (The flower blossoms as it its the floor - a Chinese saying to deflect inauspicious stuff. When something drops on the floor, it tends to spray out upon contact. We use kai hua to liken the blasting to the blooming of a flower.)
Picked up the big pieces, took up the glass bottle and saw that the lid is cracked. Oh, perfect excuse to throw the entire bottle away. Sure beats having to swallow a sliver of glass by mistake.
So I cleaned up the place with water. Chinese customs dictate that we cannot sweep on day 1. So I used a wet cloth and mopped the place up.
Cooked up dinner, ate and watched some TV. Then I went to bed.
I kept my mouth shut mostly during this year's visit. I tried to avoid filling my mouth with too much food because goodies are not good for health. Irony, isn't it?
I kept quiet because there was nothing much to say. While many relatives are hoping that I'll get married, I'm happy being single and swinging. Never mind my availability but why the heck do I want to get a cow to own a farmhouse? The house can wait, I suppose.
So, CNY day 1 came and went.
Breakfast was at 1 am at Jln Kayu. The prata was a gross disappointment. So was the Indian rojak. The teh-O ice was cloyingly sweet. Yucks.
Breakfast part 2 was at 10.30 am, a bowl of rice vermicilli (sp?) for longevity. These days, medical advances let you live long enough. Longer than you should, I think. But the quality of life is glaringly absent. Live a shitty life for a super extended period, FOR WHAT?
I think mankind is again let down by mad scientists, whose sole purpose in their lives is to prolong our agonies. No?
Came back after visiting 5 families and proceeded to cook some dinner.
Washed and cut some chinese cabbages and dumped in some ham into the dutch oven to cook. Turned on the hot plate and VIOLA! The plate is dead. Uh oh... Never mind. After fiddling and twiddling with the multiplug, playing musical chairs for the plug sockets etc, I decided to declare TOD for the hotplate. Hm...
And so, I depended on my trusty microwave to radiate my vegetables and ham to food heaven. After about 20 minutes of microwave radiation, my instincts told me that they are good for part 2.
Took out the casserole and tasted a little of the stock in the dish. Cabbage tends to give out a lot of water. Bland. So I decided to use a piece of fermented bean curd to spice things up a little.
Honestly, I have been in constant regret ever since I bought that bottle of fermented beancurd because I find it too salty and too bitter. But I did not think it good karma to throw away. So I have been mixing it with porridge or adding it to whatever dish I can use it in to finish it.
Took it out of the fridge. It slipped through my fingers and fell to the floor! I heard a sickening "platt!". Well done! Luo di kai hua. (The flower blossoms as it its the floor - a Chinese saying to deflect inauspicious stuff. When something drops on the floor, it tends to spray out upon contact. We use kai hua to liken the blasting to the blooming of a flower.)
Picked up the big pieces, took up the glass bottle and saw that the lid is cracked. Oh, perfect excuse to throw the entire bottle away. Sure beats having to swallow a sliver of glass by mistake.
So I cleaned up the place with water. Chinese customs dictate that we cannot sweep on day 1. So I used a wet cloth and mopped the place up.
Cooked up dinner, ate and watched some TV. Then I went to bed.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Keep Them
Keep Them
It was already two days before Chinese New Year and the fruit seller is still so smug.
I had already bought three pairs of ornamental oranges and a bunch of bananas from him and he insisted on wanting to charge me $10 for a box of premium grade mandarin oranges.
Not that I'm stingy but he says there are only 13 oranges in that box and since I'll be giving those premium oranges away for the less than premium ones anyway, I thought it an unnecessary expenditure.
I looked for something less expensive and so he suggested something less premium, 15 oranges for $9. What an idiot.
So the oranges are no go.
I went to look at the pomelos. He wanted $8 for each. They are way too big, I said. So he replied, take this one lah. I charge you $7. Looking at that pomelo, I would only have agreed for at most $6.
Ah, keep them, I told him.
I got the $9 oranges for $5 at Chinatown and the pomelo at $5 at Chinatown last night.
I guess I know my market rates well.
It was already two days before Chinese New Year and the fruit seller is still so smug.
I had already bought three pairs of ornamental oranges and a bunch of bananas from him and he insisted on wanting to charge me $10 for a box of premium grade mandarin oranges.
Not that I'm stingy but he says there are only 13 oranges in that box and since I'll be giving those premium oranges away for the less than premium ones anyway, I thought it an unnecessary expenditure.
I looked for something less expensive and so he suggested something less premium, 15 oranges for $9. What an idiot.
So the oranges are no go.
I went to look at the pomelos. He wanted $8 for each. They are way too big, I said. So he replied, take this one lah. I charge you $7. Looking at that pomelo, I would only have agreed for at most $6.
Ah, keep them, I told him.
I got the $9 oranges for $5 at Chinatown and the pomelo at $5 at Chinatown last night.
I guess I know my market rates well.
Cheating
Cheating
The annual Chinese New Year rush for bak kwa (roasted pork slices) have seen at least one shop being caught for shortchanging customers.
This is really unnecessary. In any case, I hope to see a huge fine for the shops that are caught.
The shops have already raised the price for the festive season. There is no reason to say that giving the customers a little more will erode their bottom lines.
Also, there are always smaller, fractured pieces of the pork which could be added to the packs for the full weight. Why cheat?
As it is, to slap on 3 to 5 pieces of oil paper (their explanation is to absorb the excess oil) is already unethical. They should weigh the goods neat, and then pack. At this rate, the amount obtained through cheating is definitely substantial.
Maybe the authorities could consider a fine commensurating to that applied for cigarette smuggling.
The annual Chinese New Year rush for bak kwa (roasted pork slices) have seen at least one shop being caught for shortchanging customers.
This is really unnecessary. In any case, I hope to see a huge fine for the shops that are caught.
The shops have already raised the price for the festive season. There is no reason to say that giving the customers a little more will erode their bottom lines.
Also, there are always smaller, fractured pieces of the pork which could be added to the packs for the full weight. Why cheat?
As it is, to slap on 3 to 5 pieces of oil paper (their explanation is to absorb the excess oil) is already unethical. They should weigh the goods neat, and then pack. At this rate, the amount obtained through cheating is definitely substantial.
Maybe the authorities could consider a fine commensurating to that applied for cigarette smuggling.
Passing of the Torch
Passing of the Torch
In-camp training this year is special to me in many ways.
My boss is retiring. I have worked for her since 1999, when I re-enlisted to serve out my National Service after my studies. She had been and is still a wealth of knowledge from whom I learn. I'm going to miss working for her.
I seriously don't know who is coming over to take over her place or who I will be placed under after she leaves but I know it would be tough to find someone like her. I believe many of the NS guys who have worked with her would agree.
My unit will be reorganized into two or even three units and my future is uncertain. The people whom I've worked with since 1999 are all going to different places. I know for sure I'm going to miss working with them.
In a way, in-camp trainings are a sort of reunion for me. Every year, my army colleagues look forward to my going back to serve and I also look forward to go back to serve.
The renewal of ties and the updating of knowledge play a critical role in our growth. Our relationships have matured to the point where we can catch up from where we leave off very quickly. Even while I only serve about a fortnight each time I go back, we have never lost the camaraderie of working in a team or even helping each other.
We still make great saves for each other.
I don't think I'll ever be able to find a group that cohesive and that supportive.
And that's my boss' style: Build a team and trust the team.
In-camp training this year is special to me in many ways.
My boss is retiring. I have worked for her since 1999, when I re-enlisted to serve out my National Service after my studies. She had been and is still a wealth of knowledge from whom I learn. I'm going to miss working for her.
I seriously don't know who is coming over to take over her place or who I will be placed under after she leaves but I know it would be tough to find someone like her. I believe many of the NS guys who have worked with her would agree.
My unit will be reorganized into two or even three units and my future is uncertain. The people whom I've worked with since 1999 are all going to different places. I know for sure I'm going to miss working with them.
In a way, in-camp trainings are a sort of reunion for me. Every year, my army colleagues look forward to my going back to serve and I also look forward to go back to serve.
The renewal of ties and the updating of knowledge play a critical role in our growth. Our relationships have matured to the point where we can catch up from where we leave off very quickly. Even while I only serve about a fortnight each time I go back, we have never lost the camaraderie of working in a team or even helping each other.
We still make great saves for each other.
I don't think I'll ever be able to find a group that cohesive and that supportive.
And that's my boss' style: Build a team and trust the team.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Nose Part 2
Nose Part 2
The antibiotics are working. The swelling maxed out on Saturday and it is healing a little now.
However, the pimple has also split into two parts, one on the nose's external and the other is inside the nose. Darn.
Anyhow, there was apparently army mobilisation for my unit on Saturday and for some reason, I was not part of the call-up. Maybe I've been a good soldier.
But still, someone from my unit called me up and asked about my MC. I said I had informed the unit because it's courteous to do so. If I were not on recall, he could ignore the information about me being on MC. Anyway, if I was not required to turn up, I don't need to produce proof that I couldn't turn up.
Anyway, the antibiotics are killing me. 7 hours after each dose of antibiotics, my stomach will be growling and I will get a lot of pain and flatulence. And the pain gets worse and worse until I get something to eat. But then, the cycle repeats itself because after dinner, I need to eat the dose of medicine again.
The swelling has subsided a bit and it is not that painful on the touch now. I am super duper tempted to break the bloody pimple once and for all but somehow I don't think I want to risk meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining). This would be suicidal, since the diagnosis is usually by spinal tap (drilling the part of the spine near the lower back to draw out blood for tests).
I think I'll just grin and bear and before I know it, it's Chinese New Year. Anyway, these days, people concentrate more on my growing stomach than on my face. I wonder if this is a better consolation.
The antibiotics are working. The swelling maxed out on Saturday and it is healing a little now.
However, the pimple has also split into two parts, one on the nose's external and the other is inside the nose. Darn.
Anyhow, there was apparently army mobilisation for my unit on Saturday and for some reason, I was not part of the call-up. Maybe I've been a good soldier.
But still, someone from my unit called me up and asked about my MC. I said I had informed the unit because it's courteous to do so. If I were not on recall, he could ignore the information about me being on MC. Anyway, if I was not required to turn up, I don't need to produce proof that I couldn't turn up.
Anyway, the antibiotics are killing me. 7 hours after each dose of antibiotics, my stomach will be growling and I will get a lot of pain and flatulence. And the pain gets worse and worse until I get something to eat. But then, the cycle repeats itself because after dinner, I need to eat the dose of medicine again.
The swelling has subsided a bit and it is not that painful on the touch now. I am super duper tempted to break the bloody pimple once and for all but somehow I don't think I want to risk meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining). This would be suicidal, since the diagnosis is usually by spinal tap (drilling the part of the spine near the lower back to draw out blood for tests).
I think I'll just grin and bear and before I know it, it's Chinese New Year. Anyway, these days, people concentrate more on my growing stomach than on my face. I wonder if this is a better consolation.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Logic
Logic
The family disagreement before CNY.
I despise the fact that the people who ought to be clearing the air for "misdeeds" sneaked off for a holiday (although finances are tight) while the person who ought to go off felt there is nothing to avoid.
I wonder how anyone can deem taking 2 weeks' leave and bringing a parent on a (expensive) holiday can be deemed "not an act of filial piety". So, after this year's trip, no more holidays. Simple as that.
And how can anyone be so naive to think that buying nearby houses and staying close together is important? For goodness sake, why do I want to let my life be dictated in this manner? Do I have no right to decide where I want to stay?
Anyway, now I'll save money and I'll get to have time on my own. For starters, I don't even have a maid to clean my place. I do my own laundry, ironing, cleaning, toilet washing etc. I even cook, when I am in the mood. No need to find time to bring people on holidays.
I'm loving it!
The family disagreement before CNY.
I despise the fact that the people who ought to be clearing the air for "misdeeds" sneaked off for a holiday (although finances are tight) while the person who ought to go off felt there is nothing to avoid.
I wonder how anyone can deem taking 2 weeks' leave and bringing a parent on a (expensive) holiday can be deemed "not an act of filial piety". So, after this year's trip, no more holidays. Simple as that.
And how can anyone be so naive to think that buying nearby houses and staying close together is important? For goodness sake, why do I want to let my life be dictated in this manner? Do I have no right to decide where I want to stay?
Anyway, now I'll save money and I'll get to have time on my own. For starters, I don't even have a maid to clean my place. I do my own laundry, ironing, cleaning, toilet washing etc. I even cook, when I am in the mood. No need to find time to bring people on holidays.
I'm loving it!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Distorted Nose
Distorted Nose
Cannot believe it. My nose is distorted by a pimple.
A few days ago, a pimple grew in my nose. It is at the apex of the nose.
And it grew and grew.
Then it got too big. It pressed against the nasal bone and distorted the nose. And there was this pain that starts from the tip of the nose and spread upwards all the way to the scalp and inner ear.
So off I went to my trusty doctor and told him I've got a unique situation for him. I asked for instant relief. It's ok to lose some blood. So long as I can break the darn pimple and get some relief from the pressure, I'll be happy enough!
Then he checked me and agreed that it was indeed a unique situation. Then he went on to mention that the pimple was at the apex of my nose (as I have pointed out and he has confirmed). And as the nerves from the brain end there, touching it at all is contraindicated. That means, he could not do anything. In fact, there is nothing that any doctor would do for any pimple inside the nose.
This was the worst news I've heard. Then he went on, no touching, no piercing, no squeezing (even when the pimple is ripe), no rubbing. Absolutely nothing, because an infection would be terrible.
Of course, we also both observed that the pimple has grown to a point that it is observable from the outside of the nose as well.
Being under immense misery, I asked if he could pierce the offending cone from outside the nose and draw out the insides for relief. So he went, no. Outside in cannot, inside out also cannot.
Shucks!
So I'm back on antibiotics. I'm allergic to tetracycline so I'm taking something else. It cost $1 per tablet. Twice a day, 2 tablets each time. Wish I could exchange the tablets for a bowl of fishball noodles, really.
The pain is still there and there is the intermittent itch that really gets me scratching discreetly.
In short, I'm miserable.
All because of a PIMPLE.
Cannot believe it. My nose is distorted by a pimple.
A few days ago, a pimple grew in my nose. It is at the apex of the nose.
And it grew and grew.
Then it got too big. It pressed against the nasal bone and distorted the nose. And there was this pain that starts from the tip of the nose and spread upwards all the way to the scalp and inner ear.
So off I went to my trusty doctor and told him I've got a unique situation for him. I asked for instant relief. It's ok to lose some blood. So long as I can break the darn pimple and get some relief from the pressure, I'll be happy enough!
Then he checked me and agreed that it was indeed a unique situation. Then he went on to mention that the pimple was at the apex of my nose (as I have pointed out and he has confirmed). And as the nerves from the brain end there, touching it at all is contraindicated. That means, he could not do anything. In fact, there is nothing that any doctor would do for any pimple inside the nose.
This was the worst news I've heard. Then he went on, no touching, no piercing, no squeezing (even when the pimple is ripe), no rubbing. Absolutely nothing, because an infection would be terrible.
Of course, we also both observed that the pimple has grown to a point that it is observable from the outside of the nose as well.
Being under immense misery, I asked if he could pierce the offending cone from outside the nose and draw out the insides for relief. So he went, no. Outside in cannot, inside out also cannot.
Shucks!
So I'm back on antibiotics. I'm allergic to tetracycline so I'm taking something else. It cost $1 per tablet. Twice a day, 2 tablets each time. Wish I could exchange the tablets for a bowl of fishball noodles, really.
The pain is still there and there is the intermittent itch that really gets me scratching discreetly.
In short, I'm miserable.
All because of a PIMPLE.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Snippets
Snippets
The morning bus is getting progressively crowded. It did NOT help that in order to improve service, SBS Transit has cut down by one bus during the morning! I hope things get better.
The Buangkok MRT station on the NE line is drawing few passengers. Too few, in fact, for any station! Well, expected. Singaporeans want everything but when they are given it, they take it for granted and leave it to rot.
"Ask yourself what not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Yeah right. I've decided that I can't do anything for my country and my country doesn't let me off. So exciting right? Jail for skipping NS is a joke. The price one pays for skipping NS is already immense - he must renounce his Singapore citizenship and never set foot in this cursed land or he'll be arrested and punished. Anyway, people can say what they like. My only take is, if you are going to skip NS, f**king never go anywhere south because you probably need to stop by Singapore for a connecting flight. Otherwise, be smart. Take TG.
Anthony Hopkins won the Cecil DeMille award at the Golden Globe. He acted in almost 100 movies in his 40-year career. I wonder if I will be able to work for 40 years. I hope not. I'm hoping to retire in the next 10.
A friend wrote to me and asked if the laws of inequalities held for complex numbers. Specifically, if z1 > z2, then is -z1 < -z2. I don't think so. Never thought of this question because to me, complex numbers are treated more like vectors, and I don't recall doing inequalities for vectors. However, one can do comparisons on the real and imaginary components. I might be wrong - budding mathematicians may wish to verify the facts and let me know.
Saw another question in a website where a student asked why for 0 < x < 1, ln x < lg x. But for x > 1, lg x < ln x. Maybe I should offer a prize for the most elegant rudimentary explanation.
It's been a long time since I've read a good book. I should go and find one. I've been reading too much terrorism related stuff and honestly, I'm getting rather bored. Almost everything that I read talks about terrorism, somehow. This is especially so for the reading stuff I get at work. Oh, I have a set of terrorism bulletin that I need to vet tonight. I want to read something nice. Anything.
Ang Lee won Best Director at the Golden Globes Award for his gay movie, Brokeback Mountain. I'm so glad for him. I think he's come a long way and even till now, to win in an foreign competition. And I am impressed with his English mastery.
There was too much chilli in the rojak! Terrible. The lady making it just dumped in a lump and gave me a rather swollen mouth from the heat.
The pineapple tarts I recommended earlier are GORGEOUS. I know. When I opened a tub on Sunday, everyone went "WOW! So fragrant. The tarts are so nice!" Ok, good buy.
I'm getting bored and sleepy.
I didn't play my Superstar Mahjong today. I feel deprived. But I have no interest to use my brains today against a biased computer programme.
I think I go and vet the terrorism bulletin.
The morning bus is getting progressively crowded. It did NOT help that in order to improve service, SBS Transit has cut down by one bus during the morning! I hope things get better.
The Buangkok MRT station on the NE line is drawing few passengers. Too few, in fact, for any station! Well, expected. Singaporeans want everything but when they are given it, they take it for granted and leave it to rot.
"Ask yourself what not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Yeah right. I've decided that I can't do anything for my country and my country doesn't let me off. So exciting right? Jail for skipping NS is a joke. The price one pays for skipping NS is already immense - he must renounce his Singapore citizenship and never set foot in this cursed land or he'll be arrested and punished. Anyway, people can say what they like. My only take is, if you are going to skip NS, f**king never go anywhere south because you probably need to stop by Singapore for a connecting flight. Otherwise, be smart. Take TG.
Anthony Hopkins won the Cecil DeMille award at the Golden Globe. He acted in almost 100 movies in his 40-year career. I wonder if I will be able to work for 40 years. I hope not. I'm hoping to retire in the next 10.
A friend wrote to me and asked if the laws of inequalities held for complex numbers. Specifically, if z1 > z2, then is -z1 < -z2. I don't think so. Never thought of this question because to me, complex numbers are treated more like vectors, and I don't recall doing inequalities for vectors. However, one can do comparisons on the real and imaginary components. I might be wrong - budding mathematicians may wish to verify the facts and let me know.
Saw another question in a website where a student asked why for 0 < x < 1, ln x < lg x. But for x > 1, lg x < ln x. Maybe I should offer a prize for the most elegant rudimentary explanation.
It's been a long time since I've read a good book. I should go and find one. I've been reading too much terrorism related stuff and honestly, I'm getting rather bored. Almost everything that I read talks about terrorism, somehow. This is especially so for the reading stuff I get at work. Oh, I have a set of terrorism bulletin that I need to vet tonight. I want to read something nice. Anything.
Ang Lee won Best Director at the Golden Globes Award for his gay movie, Brokeback Mountain. I'm so glad for him. I think he's come a long way and even till now, to win in an foreign competition. And I am impressed with his English mastery.
There was too much chilli in the rojak! Terrible. The lady making it just dumped in a lump and gave me a rather swollen mouth from the heat.
The pineapple tarts I recommended earlier are GORGEOUS. I know. When I opened a tub on Sunday, everyone went "WOW! So fragrant. The tarts are so nice!" Ok, good buy.
I'm getting bored and sleepy.
I didn't play my Superstar Mahjong today. I feel deprived. But I have no interest to use my brains today against a biased computer programme.
I think I go and vet the terrorism bulletin.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Poetic
Poetic
Suddenly, the idea gripped my mind and I typed Poetic without thinking much.
I knew what I had wanted to do here but now I've completely changed my agenda.
Now I want to share some lyrics in a song which I find is extremely poetic. If you have others, feel free to share them with the others.
I've been humming Stefanie Sun's "Tears become Poems" (Yan Lei Cheng Shi) today. I especially like the first line. I'll share the first two lines:
I already have turned my wounds into roses
My tears have turned into rain, after they've been reincarnated
I think it is so visually appealing, to describe the indelible scar that is left behind after a particularly bad wound as a rose. I guess many of us have different roses all over our body, heart and soul then.
There are other songs that I like a lot too, but I chose this maybe because I'm feeling a little melancholic today.
Suddenly, the idea gripped my mind and I typed Poetic without thinking much.
I knew what I had wanted to do here but now I've completely changed my agenda.
Now I want to share some lyrics in a song which I find is extremely poetic. If you have others, feel free to share them with the others.
I've been humming Stefanie Sun's "Tears become Poems" (Yan Lei Cheng Shi) today. I especially like the first line. I'll share the first two lines:
I already have turned my wounds into roses
My tears have turned into rain, after they've been reincarnated
I think it is so visually appealing, to describe the indelible scar that is left behind after a particularly bad wound as a rose. I guess many of us have different roses all over our body, heart and soul then.
There are other songs that I like a lot too, but I chose this maybe because I'm feeling a little melancholic today.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
"I'm spineless, watch me lean"
"I'm spineless, watch me lean"
The MRT train pulled in at Jurong East and these 3 young things come in. Immediately one spinelessly leaned her back on one of the holding poles on the train. She immediately crushed four people's hands.
They withdrew their hands and glared at her.
Yet, she shamelessly leaned back. I had in good mind to give her a ticking off but seeing one of her seniors (one of the more senior passengers whose hand she crushed and of the same race as hers) did not say anything to teach her a thing or two, I realised it's not my place to do anything.
The forum is not right.
So Miss Spineless Leaner carried on all the way to the end, at Boon Lay.
The MRT train pulled in at Jurong East and these 3 young things come in. Immediately one spinelessly leaned her back on one of the holding poles on the train. She immediately crushed four people's hands.
They withdrew their hands and glared at her.
Yet, she shamelessly leaned back. I had in good mind to give her a ticking off but seeing one of her seniors (one of the more senior passengers whose hand she crushed and of the same race as hers) did not say anything to teach her a thing or two, I realised it's not my place to do anything.
The forum is not right.
So Miss Spineless Leaner carried on all the way to the end, at Boon Lay.
Just burn one pack lah!
Just burn one pack lah!
Went to the temple to pray to my grandparents ahead of Chinese New Year's Eve. It's one of those routine prayers that one makes in the course of a year.
So as I completed buying my stuff, I had to buy the joss papers before going to the temple.
I had wanted to buy two sets of the papers for burning, because my friend is doing his prayers today as well.
The vendor in the market found that he only had 2 sets of the yellow papers that I wanted 4 sets of.
So he started rummaging his stash and when he couldn't find any, he proposed something as a replacement. The shortfall is obvious and I'm not about to burn less than what I normally do.
So he said, "Why don't you just pray one pack and burn one pack lah!"
This is so audacious and sacrilegious.
How can one ever suggest something like this? I really wonder.
Went to the temple to pray to my grandparents ahead of Chinese New Year's Eve. It's one of those routine prayers that one makes in the course of a year.
So as I completed buying my stuff, I had to buy the joss papers before going to the temple.
I had wanted to buy two sets of the papers for burning, because my friend is doing his prayers today as well.
The vendor in the market found that he only had 2 sets of the yellow papers that I wanted 4 sets of.
So he started rummaging his stash and when he couldn't find any, he proposed something as a replacement. The shortfall is obvious and I'm not about to burn less than what I normally do.
So he said, "Why don't you just pray one pack and burn one pack lah!"
This is so audacious and sacrilegious.
How can one ever suggest something like this? I really wonder.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Tarts
Pineapple Tarts
The pineapple tarts I've ordered for my friends arrived today. I'm sure many people will be enjoying their tarts later.
My own stash arrived just now and for those who are really really interested, I got the tarts from Joyus Pastries (HP 9618 1238 - Leo Tan).
Hm... I must charge Leo for advertising fees.
By the way, any other recommendations for excellent tarts? Joyus is the one of the very best I've tried so far. Nothing comes near, unless you consider eating pineapple tart jam on its own. :)
The pineapple tarts I've ordered for my friends arrived today. I'm sure many people will be enjoying their tarts later.
My own stash arrived just now and for those who are really really interested, I got the tarts from Joyus Pastries (HP 9618 1238 - Leo Tan).
Hm... I must charge Leo for advertising fees.
By the way, any other recommendations for excellent tarts? Joyus is the one of the very best I've tried so far. Nothing comes near, unless you consider eating pineapple tart jam on its own. :)
Strategies of Supermarket Selling
Strategies of Supermarket Selling
Went to the supermarket yesterday, in the rain, because I managed to loan a car for my shopping for essentials.
I started off with buying spaghetti sauce. There are large bottles and small bottles. I ended up with two medium sized bottles. Why? So I don't have to store any excesses. I'll just use the whole darn bottle and if I have a little leftover, I'll feed the dustbin with it. No point keeping, because knowing my cooking frequency, the leftover will go mouldy before I get to use it. Unless I deep freeze the leftover. But I really don't want to go there - I've got too many deep frozen stuff already.
Then I bought washing powder and Dynamo washing liquid. First I saw the medium sized 3l bottles that went for $7.27. And then I saw the 2l bottles going for $5.30. A quick calculation says the 3l bottle is a better buy. As I exited the aisle to the next one, I saw 5l bottles of Dynamo going at $9.95! Incredible. And it claims to kill bacteria as well. So, it's a better buy. I put the 3l bottle where I took the 5l one. Ok, I'm an idiot, but hey! That's how those supermarket fellows get to keep a job!
Wanted to buy 2 kg of rice, but as I eyed the sticky rice from Australia which you could use for sushi, I decided to buy it instead. It exceeded my initial buy and weighed in at 2.5 kg.
Goodness! End of the trip, I was absolutely positively dying of overload. The washing powders came in at 11.5 kg, the Dynamo is a good 6 kg (hey! Dynamo is denser than water, ok!), 2.5 kg rice, 900 g Vanish powder, canned food, spaghetti sauce... All because the larger the pack, the less I pay per unit.
I must qualify that I have stopped buying large packs because of economy of scale, but because these are items that I use to the last molecule, I'm not averse to buying large. I know that I've started paying more for smaller packs of food but in the long run, I save because I don't have to throw away the spoilt portions. I buy stuff enough for a meal and stuff everything down for that meal. Ok, I'm joking here! But I try to stop the buying urge.
The other reason for such sprees is simple. When you have the cash, stock up. You never know when cash is going to run low in tandem with supplies. Reminds me of this joke: A Japanese salesman was asked to give the supplies to a customer when he arrived. He hid himself in a wardrobe and when the customer arrived, he sprang out and shouted "Supplies!" Ok, seriously, I am a squirrel in nature. I stock up when my economy is good. When it's bad, I can still survive.
I have yet to buy the canned abalones for Chinese New Year. Any donors?
Went to the supermarket yesterday, in the rain, because I managed to loan a car for my shopping for essentials.
I started off with buying spaghetti sauce. There are large bottles and small bottles. I ended up with two medium sized bottles. Why? So I don't have to store any excesses. I'll just use the whole darn bottle and if I have a little leftover, I'll feed the dustbin with it. No point keeping, because knowing my cooking frequency, the leftover will go mouldy before I get to use it. Unless I deep freeze the leftover. But I really don't want to go there - I've got too many deep frozen stuff already.
Then I bought washing powder and Dynamo washing liquid. First I saw the medium sized 3l bottles that went for $7.27. And then I saw the 2l bottles going for $5.30. A quick calculation says the 3l bottle is a better buy. As I exited the aisle to the next one, I saw 5l bottles of Dynamo going at $9.95! Incredible. And it claims to kill bacteria as well. So, it's a better buy. I put the 3l bottle where I took the 5l one. Ok, I'm an idiot, but hey! That's how those supermarket fellows get to keep a job!
Wanted to buy 2 kg of rice, but as I eyed the sticky rice from Australia which you could use for sushi, I decided to buy it instead. It exceeded my initial buy and weighed in at 2.5 kg.
Goodness! End of the trip, I was absolutely positively dying of overload. The washing powders came in at 11.5 kg, the Dynamo is a good 6 kg (hey! Dynamo is denser than water, ok!), 2.5 kg rice, 900 g Vanish powder, canned food, spaghetti sauce... All because the larger the pack, the less I pay per unit.
I must qualify that I have stopped buying large packs because of economy of scale, but because these are items that I use to the last molecule, I'm not averse to buying large. I know that I've started paying more for smaller packs of food but in the long run, I save because I don't have to throw away the spoilt portions. I buy stuff enough for a meal and stuff everything down for that meal. Ok, I'm joking here! But I try to stop the buying urge.
The other reason for such sprees is simple. When you have the cash, stock up. You never know when cash is going to run low in tandem with supplies. Reminds me of this joke: A Japanese salesman was asked to give the supplies to a customer when he arrived. He hid himself in a wardrobe and when the customer arrived, he sprang out and shouted "Supplies!" Ok, seriously, I am a squirrel in nature. I stock up when my economy is good. When it's bad, I can still survive.
I have yet to buy the canned abalones for Chinese New Year. Any donors?
My Love-Hate Relationship with Cough Mixture
My Love-Hate Relationship with Cough Mixture
Been in this stupor since Monday. If I take my cough mixture, I'll be condemned to sleep for hours (with the exception of bed time, where I simply fail miserably to get to sleep fast enough). If I don't take my cough mixture, then I'll be coughing and I could feel the phlegm swirling at the top of my throat.
Even when I stay off, I am drowsy as ever. Feels as though the cough mixture has given me a hangover (though I don't know what a hangover really feels like, never been drunk).
So now what? I hope this bad bout of whatever you might call it blows over quickly. I don't particularly like the feeling of not being able to stay sober or eat what I like.
Been in this stupor since Monday. If I take my cough mixture, I'll be condemned to sleep for hours (with the exception of bed time, where I simply fail miserably to get to sleep fast enough). If I don't take my cough mixture, then I'll be coughing and I could feel the phlegm swirling at the top of my throat.
Even when I stay off, I am drowsy as ever. Feels as though the cough mixture has given me a hangover (though I don't know what a hangover really feels like, never been drunk).
So now what? I hope this bad bout of whatever you might call it blows over quickly. I don't particularly like the feeling of not being able to stay sober or eat what I like.
Whitelisted
Whitelisted
Just about the best email I received for a long time. My travel blog has been whitelisted after a long time.
Blogger thought that was a spam blog and required me to do character recognition for every single entry I posted.
Can you imagine how much work went into the latest China pictures? I nearly went nuts, except that I perservered and kept at it because I believe in sharing the pics. (Ok, I glorify myself, but once you realise the hassle of reorganising the pictures because Hello by Picasa and Blogger were not synched because of the character recognition step, you will hopefully appreciate my efforts.)
Finally, I'm free!
Just about the best email I received for a long time. My travel blog has been whitelisted after a long time.
Blogger thought that was a spam blog and required me to do character recognition for every single entry I posted.
Can you imagine how much work went into the latest China pictures? I nearly went nuts, except that I perservered and kept at it because I believe in sharing the pics. (Ok, I glorify myself, but once you realise the hassle of reorganising the pictures because Hello by Picasa and Blogger were not synched because of the character recognition step, you will hopefully appreciate my efforts.)
Finally, I'm free!
The Flight that Fought Back
The Flight that Fought Back
I caught the docu-movie on Sunday, when it debuted on Discovery Channel.
Honestly, I had imagined it to be more saucy that what I had seen. I thought it more complicated that I imagined. I believed it more violent that I thought. In short, it was a sort of dampener for me.
I was expecting to see the full-blown actions but I never got that.
What I got was a minute-by-minute development of the story, interspersed with character introductions or interviews with the deceaseds' families.
The plot evolved around the planning and execution of the attack. Technological advances made the movie possible - although there were 40 onboard the flight, people made phone calls to their loved ones on and off. This allowed the picture to be pieced together coherently.
I must also admit that once the families were aware of the hijack, they were extremely alert to what they hear over the phone conversations. This helped to piece the situation in the plane believably.
The fact that the plane passengers spoke in measured, calm tones tells us how much these people loved their family members. To panic would mean to scar those at home. By keeping their hopes that everything might be all right, the passengers allowed themselves room to do what they want, rather than having to spend time and effort calming down hysterical family members. The families' belief that their loved ones know what they are doing and are doing the right things supported the passengers greatly.
Though they know that all might be lost, everyone took it in their stride to have meaningful conversation, to express love for one another, to provide comfort that all is all right, and to give support right to the end.
The toughness of the societal fabric is not something that we can build overnight or achieve easily. The ability to bounce back and face reality starkly are virtues that we can only hope to have.
Even though the attempted was thwarted, the cost of human lives was immense. But in the books of history, these people will be forgotten but their act of bravery will be feted.
May their souls rest in peace.
I caught the docu-movie on Sunday, when it debuted on Discovery Channel.
Honestly, I had imagined it to be more saucy that what I had seen. I thought it more complicated that I imagined. I believed it more violent that I thought. In short, it was a sort of dampener for me.
I was expecting to see the full-blown actions but I never got that.
What I got was a minute-by-minute development of the story, interspersed with character introductions or interviews with the deceaseds' families.
The plot evolved around the planning and execution of the attack. Technological advances made the movie possible - although there were 40 onboard the flight, people made phone calls to their loved ones on and off. This allowed the picture to be pieced together coherently.
I must also admit that once the families were aware of the hijack, they were extremely alert to what they hear over the phone conversations. This helped to piece the situation in the plane believably.
The fact that the plane passengers spoke in measured, calm tones tells us how much these people loved their family members. To panic would mean to scar those at home. By keeping their hopes that everything might be all right, the passengers allowed themselves room to do what they want, rather than having to spend time and effort calming down hysterical family members. The families' belief that their loved ones know what they are doing and are doing the right things supported the passengers greatly.
Though they know that all might be lost, everyone took it in their stride to have meaningful conversation, to express love for one another, to provide comfort that all is all right, and to give support right to the end.
The toughness of the societal fabric is not something that we can build overnight or achieve easily. The ability to bounce back and face reality starkly are virtues that we can only hope to have.
Even though the attempted was thwarted, the cost of human lives was immense. But in the books of history, these people will be forgotten but their act of bravery will be feted.
May their souls rest in peace.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Going Bananas
Going Bananas
One drawback of staying alone is that you can't buy "mass fruits" or "whole fruits" like bananas, watermelons, papayas. Unless you manage to find the really mini-sized ones.
But the very small fruits are normally not nice - how else do you think they fail to grow big? So, once a while, I buy one of those big, mass fruits and immediately regret.
The first time, I got myself a pineapple. That was not that bad, since I love pineapples. I polished it off in two sittings.
Simultaneously, I got myself 2 starfruits, which my housemate (who happened to be around) and I ate during the first round of pineapple eating. He doesn't like pineapples, so I ate it by myself.
The second time, which is a long time after, I got myself a dollar's worth of papaya. There are 4 pieces, which works out to about 2/3 of an entire papaya. And I ate it over two evenings.
And on Sunday, I was craving for some bananas and I bought an entire bunch. I ate 5 for the first night, 4 for the next two nights, and I still have about 15, I think. I'm turning into an ape soon.
I wonder when is my next folly.
One drawback of staying alone is that you can't buy "mass fruits" or "whole fruits" like bananas, watermelons, papayas. Unless you manage to find the really mini-sized ones.
But the very small fruits are normally not nice - how else do you think they fail to grow big? So, once a while, I buy one of those big, mass fruits and immediately regret.
The first time, I got myself a pineapple. That was not that bad, since I love pineapples. I polished it off in two sittings.
Simultaneously, I got myself 2 starfruits, which my housemate (who happened to be around) and I ate during the first round of pineapple eating. He doesn't like pineapples, so I ate it by myself.
The second time, which is a long time after, I got myself a dollar's worth of papaya. There are 4 pieces, which works out to about 2/3 of an entire papaya. And I ate it over two evenings.
And on Sunday, I was craving for some bananas and I bought an entire bunch. I ate 5 for the first night, 4 for the next two nights, and I still have about 15, I think. I'm turning into an ape soon.
I wonder when is my next folly.
The Rain
The Rain
It has been raining quite a lot recently. I love the rain. Even if it means getting caught in it. (Maybe that's why I'm sick.)
Temperatures have generally fallen to the comfortable mid-20s. Few people are out and it is possible to get around without having to squeeze among crowds. Wonder if it's me or if Singapore is getting really crowded.
I need to do some essential item shopping soon and the rain just got heavier. But heck, I'll go ahead nonetheless.
It has been raining quite a lot recently. I love the rain. Even if it means getting caught in it. (Maybe that's why I'm sick.)
Temperatures have generally fallen to the comfortable mid-20s. Few people are out and it is possible to get around without having to squeeze among crowds. Wonder if it's me or if Singapore is getting really crowded.
I need to do some essential item shopping soon and the rain just got heavier. But heck, I'll go ahead nonetheless.
Sick
Sick
Fell sick on Sunday. Full-blown on Monday. The cough was terrible. A very very bad bout of flu.
Still coughing away and the green cough mixture tastes horrible. It is green and tastes minty. Cools the throat, which I like, but the taste of it is not pleasant.
And after taking the cough mixture, I am knocked out. This, I hate. But if I don't take the medicine, I cough my lungs out. I don't love this at all, either.
Fell sick on Sunday. Full-blown on Monday. The cough was terrible. A very very bad bout of flu.
Still coughing away and the green cough mixture tastes horrible. It is green and tastes minty. Cools the throat, which I like, but the taste of it is not pleasant.
And after taking the cough mixture, I am knocked out. This, I hate. But if I don't take the medicine, I cough my lungs out. I don't love this at all, either.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Matthew 10:16
Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
A superior brought up the quote above during a work discussion today. It summarizes the attributes that a employee of my outfit should have.
Interestingly, the more I think about it, the more relevant it becomes.
There are also other parables in Buddhism that speak of the same. I would believe that other religions probably have the same idea.
I guess it is something to work on.
To stay a sheep among the wolves is a tough; many will quickly shed their sheep's clothing and reveal themselves as wolves too.
Being wise as serpents is not easy; many become vicious as serpents instead.
To be harmless as doves is a tough act; many fly away at the first sight of trouble.
It is indeed a lofty ideal, and to us, it serves as a constant reminder to stay true to the course of our work.
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
A superior brought up the quote above during a work discussion today. It summarizes the attributes that a employee of my outfit should have.
Interestingly, the more I think about it, the more relevant it becomes.
There are also other parables in Buddhism that speak of the same. I would believe that other religions probably have the same idea.
I guess it is something to work on.
To stay a sheep among the wolves is a tough; many will quickly shed their sheep's clothing and reveal themselves as wolves too.
Being wise as serpents is not easy; many become vicious as serpents instead.
To be harmless as doves is a tough act; many fly away at the first sight of trouble.
It is indeed a lofty ideal, and to us, it serves as a constant reminder to stay true to the course of our work.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Tastes Like Duck
Tastes Like Duck
Since time immemorial, when someone is commenting on a piece of meat that they either cannot identify or are in denial over the origins of, s/he will probably say it "tastes like chicken".
It has come to a point that so many things taste like chicken, except chicken.
So this is a meat that tastes more like duck.
It has the chewiness of duck. It has the slight scent of duck. Heck, it's cooked like duck. Even from certain angles, it looks like duck.
This dish came braised in dark soy sauce and well seasoned with five-spice powder. The dried chili pods provided the dish with a slight kick and fragrance.
4 pieces of darkly coloured, succulent flesh sits on a square dish with parsley scattered over it. The sheer fragrance of the dish alone makes me unable to resist giving it a try.
My brain registered the initial taste of the meat: it tasted like duck. I gave it a second, bigger bite and let the flavour saturate my mouth. It tasted good. So good that I was soon tucking into my third piece.
It is really a wonderfully done dish and lovely to eat.
Final hint for my readers: In descending order of tastiness, what goes yellow, black, flower, white, mongrel?
Answer: Dog meat.
Yes, it was a dish of dog meat.
Ok, take a break - go scream, vomit, puke, tear your hair out, work up your anger and come back to discuss moral issues.
Ok, so what if dogs are men's best friends? Look at these articles first.
A reporter from the Guardian Unlimited, Stuart Jeffries, a graduate of the world's most cowardly culinary culture, pits his taste buds against the cuisine of Shanghai - from posh fusion to dog penis and fake crabs. So for the sake of news, he ate dog. But there is more to it.
Dog eating is legal in China. Dog production is evolving to a large-scale industry. Some farms breed more than 10,000 dogs. Dog meat is more and more popular. The Chinese import St Bernards and cross-breed them with other species.
I don't pretend to be on moral high ground. Although dogs are animals, if we eat pork or beef, why shouldn't we eat dogs? It's a cultural issue. Besides, Western countries eat horse meat. So who's the noble one here?
I don't point fingers either that those eating beef or veal (young cows which were never allowed to grow up). What about those people who would only eat female crabs with the eggs? The crab population would dwindle if population regeneration is not allowed! The Vietnamese eat duck eggs which are almost ready to be hatched, together with the formed duckling in it. Then what?
What about those people who wear mink? Those cute little seals are viciously clubbed to death so that the hunters can rip off this initial layer of white soft fur before the cubs shed them for blubber skin. The dogs I ate are reared for eating, just like chickens. And killed humanely (or the meat would be mashed up instead of being in nice pieces). Were the seal cubs reared for mink?
It's just a matter of perception and culture.
Someone said that he would comment that I'm a horrible creature for eating dog, man's best friend. My reply is simple: I love dogs so much that they are now part of me.
We only live once.
Since time immemorial, when someone is commenting on a piece of meat that they either cannot identify or are in denial over the origins of, s/he will probably say it "tastes like chicken".
It has come to a point that so many things taste like chicken, except chicken.
So this is a meat that tastes more like duck.
It has the chewiness of duck. It has the slight scent of duck. Heck, it's cooked like duck. Even from certain angles, it looks like duck.
This dish came braised in dark soy sauce and well seasoned with five-spice powder. The dried chili pods provided the dish with a slight kick and fragrance.
4 pieces of darkly coloured, succulent flesh sits on a square dish with parsley scattered over it. The sheer fragrance of the dish alone makes me unable to resist giving it a try.
My brain registered the initial taste of the meat: it tasted like duck. I gave it a second, bigger bite and let the flavour saturate my mouth. It tasted good. So good that I was soon tucking into my third piece.
It is really a wonderfully done dish and lovely to eat.
Final hint for my readers: In descending order of tastiness, what goes yellow, black, flower, white, mongrel?
Answer: Dog meat.
Yes, it was a dish of dog meat.
Ok, take a break - go scream, vomit, puke, tear your hair out, work up your anger and come back to discuss moral issues.
Ok, so what if dogs are men's best friends? Look at these articles first.
A reporter from the Guardian Unlimited, Stuart Jeffries, a graduate of the world's most cowardly culinary culture, pits his taste buds against the cuisine of Shanghai - from posh fusion to dog penis and fake crabs. So for the sake of news, he ate dog. But there is more to it.
Dog eating is legal in China. Dog production is evolving to a large-scale industry. Some farms breed more than 10,000 dogs. Dog meat is more and more popular. The Chinese import St Bernards and cross-breed them with other species.
I don't pretend to be on moral high ground. Although dogs are animals, if we eat pork or beef, why shouldn't we eat dogs? It's a cultural issue. Besides, Western countries eat horse meat. So who's the noble one here?
I don't point fingers either that those eating beef or veal (young cows which were never allowed to grow up). What about those people who would only eat female crabs with the eggs? The crab population would dwindle if population regeneration is not allowed! The Vietnamese eat duck eggs which are almost ready to be hatched, together with the formed duckling in it. Then what?
What about those people who wear mink? Those cute little seals are viciously clubbed to death so that the hunters can rip off this initial layer of white soft fur before the cubs shed them for blubber skin. The dogs I ate are reared for eating, just like chickens. And killed humanely (or the meat would be mashed up instead of being in nice pieces). Were the seal cubs reared for mink?
It's just a matter of perception and culture.
Someone said that he would comment that I'm a horrible creature for eating dog, man's best friend. My reply is simple: I love dogs so much that they are now part of me.
We only live once.
My 2005
My 2005
Read a lot of others' reflections of 2005. What was my 2005 like? I don't want to look back and reminisce.
Time past is like water under the bridge. No number of "I should (not) haves" would change anything. Also commonly quoted as "Don't cry over spilt milk".
Selective amnesia/memory is the most powerful defence. What I cannot remember probably didn't hurt me and still won't.
(Pretend to) be grateful. Say thank-you, even if you don't think they deserved it. No one harbours as much ill-will to a polite bastard than to a rude one.
If unsure, apologise first. The harm and damage you caused will be viewed in logarithmic proportions. If you were not the culprit, then you will be remembered for your integrity. If you were indeed the culprit and you didn't apologise, woe betide you.
Pick your fights. Choose someone who is unable/unwilling/unlikely to retaliate. Shower tender loving care after the fights. The words "No hard feelings, I know you are not at fault" is perfect salt for the wounds you've opened up. It makes you invulnerable to fight backs (after all, the outburst/tongue lashing was not intended at the recipient) and makes you a reasonable bastard.
Ask rhetorical questions and really expect an answer. If not given one, ask for it. Questions like "Darling, do you really love me?" and "How come you say you love me but you won't commit suicide (so that I can really get the estate that you said you have willed to me!)?" are best examples. When used properly, these make you more endearing to your darling.
Start and end the cold war. Remember the first mover's advantage. Starting the cold war first allows you to blame the other person. Ending it first shows your magnanimity.
Say things you don't mean and get people to get you off the hook. For example, "Oh Mary, I forgot again. Remember I promised I'll get you those delicious pineapple tarts from XYZ Confectionery? Aiyoh, I forgot again because every time I'm near there, I'll be doing my weekly shopping and honestly, I have too many things to buy." By now, Mary would have told you it's ok if you can't get it and she'll get it herself.
Do things that you don't say. "Eh Mary, you must try these delicious tarts (you tart!). You know, they are made with real butter (since I can't be skinnier than you, I'll make you my size or bigger). Nice aren't they? Here, you can have the entire jar of them. It's ok, I've another 11 jars at home..."
Find your guinea pigs. "Erm, try these. I bought them from Timbuktoo. Yah, haven't tried them yet. Tell me if they are nice (if you don't die, I'll try them after you)."
Show genuine concern (for the latest gossip). "Eh? Really ah? Pregnant again? Her husband not 45 already meh? He so steady ah? Then she still so young meh? Still can give birth? Wah, women older than 40 very dangerous you know. You all know Down Syndrome, right?..."
Keep a circle of close friends. If they have nothing good to say, they know to come sit next to you.
It's been a bitchy 2005.
Read a lot of others' reflections of 2005. What was my 2005 like? I don't want to look back and reminisce.
Time past is like water under the bridge. No number of "I should (not) haves" would change anything. Also commonly quoted as "Don't cry over spilt milk".
Selective amnesia/memory is the most powerful defence. What I cannot remember probably didn't hurt me and still won't.
(Pretend to) be grateful. Say thank-you, even if you don't think they deserved it. No one harbours as much ill-will to a polite bastard than to a rude one.
If unsure, apologise first. The harm and damage you caused will be viewed in logarithmic proportions. If you were not the culprit, then you will be remembered for your integrity. If you were indeed the culprit and you didn't apologise, woe betide you.
Pick your fights. Choose someone who is unable/unwilling/unlikely to retaliate. Shower tender loving care after the fights. The words "No hard feelings, I know you are not at fault" is perfect salt for the wounds you've opened up. It makes you invulnerable to fight backs (after all, the outburst/tongue lashing was not intended at the recipient) and makes you a reasonable bastard.
Ask rhetorical questions and really expect an answer. If not given one, ask for it. Questions like "Darling, do you really love me?" and "How come you say you love me but you won't commit suicide (so that I can really get the estate that you said you have willed to me!)?" are best examples. When used properly, these make you more endearing to your darling.
Start and end the cold war. Remember the first mover's advantage. Starting the cold war first allows you to blame the other person. Ending it first shows your magnanimity.
Say things you don't mean and get people to get you off the hook. For example, "Oh Mary, I forgot again. Remember I promised I'll get you those delicious pineapple tarts from XYZ Confectionery? Aiyoh, I forgot again because every time I'm near there, I'll be doing my weekly shopping and honestly, I have too many things to buy." By now, Mary would have told you it's ok if you can't get it and she'll get it herself.
Do things that you don't say. "Eh Mary, you must try these delicious tarts (you tart!). You know, they are made with real butter (since I can't be skinnier than you, I'll make you my size or bigger). Nice aren't they? Here, you can have the entire jar of them. It's ok, I've another 11 jars at home..."
Find your guinea pigs. "Erm, try these. I bought them from Timbuktoo. Yah, haven't tried them yet. Tell me if they are nice (if you don't die, I'll try them after you)."
Show genuine concern (for the latest gossip). "Eh? Really ah? Pregnant again? Her husband not 45 already meh? He so steady ah? Then she still so young meh? Still can give birth? Wah, women older than 40 very dangerous you know. You all know Down Syndrome, right?..."
Keep a circle of close friends. If they have nothing good to say, they know to come sit next to you.
It's been a bitchy 2005.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Gold Dog Watch Now?
Gold Dog Watch Now?
There is this stall at opposite my flat that has been playing those so-called "crystal music". It sounds like those "hollow" music that the monks chant to in those tape/CD recordings.
There is a limited collection of songs, worse, Chinese New Year songs, which the stallholder is playing ad nausem. Nonstop. It woke me up and honestly, after almost 5 hours of bombardment, I'm going nuts already.
The music is so bloody characterless and while not loud, pierces the ears. It's the frequency of the music, rather than the volume, that is causing me to go nuts.
Anyway, something that I could not understand - Jingle Bells (jing gou biao = gold dog watch: Hey Satchel, I've got you a new watch! It's gold in colour.) is part of the CNY song collection.
Hm... There must be some celebration crisis here.
There is this stall at opposite my flat that has been playing those so-called "crystal music". It sounds like those "hollow" music that the monks chant to in those tape/CD recordings.
There is a limited collection of songs, worse, Chinese New Year songs, which the stallholder is playing ad nausem. Nonstop. It woke me up and honestly, after almost 5 hours of bombardment, I'm going nuts already.
The music is so bloody characterless and while not loud, pierces the ears. It's the frequency of the music, rather than the volume, that is causing me to go nuts.
Anyway, something that I could not understand - Jingle Bells (jing gou biao = gold dog watch: Hey Satchel, I've got you a new watch! It's gold in colour.) is part of the CNY song collection.
Hm... There must be some celebration crisis here.
Hugging the Buddha's feet
Hugging the Buddha's feet
[This is a tongue-in-cheek entry and is not meant to slander or blaspheme any religion. It's just a thought that arose after my trips to China.]
At the Lingshan Buddha attraction, visitors are allowed to "hug" the Buddha's feet at a price. We paid and went up.
The Chinese call the act of mugging just before the exams "hugging Buddha's feet". It is akin to begging the Buddha for help to pass the exams. Maybe if I start a temple that allows Chinese people to hug Buddha's feet, franchise it across the China, I'll be rich come entrance examinations!
And I can probably spend the rest of the year figuring out how to spend those money.
I should register my company soon. The Compassionate Foot Monastery (Ci Jiao Shi). I'll shave myself once a year and don a monk's robes. I'll fan myself at the feet of the Buddha statue and smile compassionately and wish my devotees "bang shang you ming" (name is found on the scholar's board) and "guang zong yao zhu" (bring fame and glory to one's ancestors) while deep inside me, I go nuts trying to suppress the desire to laugh.
Eh, don't pray pray, ok? This is a sure win enterprise. Different from IR. In an IR, people hit jackpot, you payout. Lose money. Here, people hit jackpot, they come and give thanks = more monetary donations!
I will franchise this to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and wherever else people believe in the prowess of Buddha's leg.
[This is a tongue-in-cheek entry and is not meant to slander or blaspheme any religion. It's just a thought that arose after my trips to China.]
At the Lingshan Buddha attraction, visitors are allowed to "hug" the Buddha's feet at a price. We paid and went up.
The Chinese call the act of mugging just before the exams "hugging Buddha's feet". It is akin to begging the Buddha for help to pass the exams. Maybe if I start a temple that allows Chinese people to hug Buddha's feet, franchise it across the China, I'll be rich come entrance examinations!
And I can probably spend the rest of the year figuring out how to spend those money.
I should register my company soon. The Compassionate Foot Monastery (Ci Jiao Shi). I'll shave myself once a year and don a monk's robes. I'll fan myself at the feet of the Buddha statue and smile compassionately and wish my devotees "bang shang you ming" (name is found on the scholar's board) and "guang zong yao zhu" (bring fame and glory to one's ancestors) while deep inside me, I go nuts trying to suppress the desire to laugh.
Eh, don't pray pray, ok? This is a sure win enterprise. Different from IR. In an IR, people hit jackpot, you payout. Lose money. Here, people hit jackpot, they come and give thanks = more monetary donations!
I will franchise this to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and wherever else people believe in the prowess of Buddha's leg.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Mt Yandang Shooting Star
Mt Yandang Shooting Star
Was at Mt Yandang at night to view the wonderous night scenes. The light from the stars and moon (there was no moon the night we visited) illuminated the mountains and at different angles, the silhouettes resemble different things. It was interesting, but not as interesting as seeing a sky dotted with more stars than the eye can handle.
And then one of them whizzed past and dived into the horizon.
It was a shooting star!
Quickly made a wish. When you wish upon a star...
Was at Mt Yandang at night to view the wonderous night scenes. The light from the stars and moon (there was no moon the night we visited) illuminated the mountains and at different angles, the silhouettes resemble different things. It was interesting, but not as interesting as seeing a sky dotted with more stars than the eye can handle.
And then one of them whizzed past and dived into the horizon.
It was a shooting star!
Quickly made a wish. When you wish upon a star...
Wuxi
Wuxi
According to a website, Wuxi is "Crowned with the name of 'Little Shanghai'" and "is one of the origins of Chinese national industry. The open reform has witnessed its dramatic economic development and made the city a glittering economic star in the coastal areas. The fascinating landscape, first-calss investment climate and best financial refund have turned Wuxi into a hotbed for foreign investors."
If you ask me, Wuxi is nothing like Shanghai. Ok, in terms of rude people and ethics, maybe. But culturally and economically, I doubt so. But I'm saying this from an outsider's view. Let me share with you what Wuxi is like in my eyes.
1. Wuxi residents are rude and arrogant. Our driver, being more of a speedster than a sign reader (like me), occasionally loses his way. This is quite common as you go on two-to-go trips like mine. Drivers are assigned to travellers regardless of their knowledge of the roads and terrains. So, poor Mr Wang made a wrong turn at the toll gate exit and instead of telling him how to get to the right place, the toll fee collector simply waved him away. When Mr Wang persisted in seeking directions, the irate fellow simply barked, "Can't you read the signs above? Go! Turn right."
"Yeah, right!" I thought. Another feature of such small tours is the absence of a full-tour guide, the additional pair of eyes for the driver. The full-tour guide follows the group for the entire trip and is often quite familiar with the common routes. They also communicate with the drivers and sometimes lead the way. Often, the drivers are plucked from nowhere and asked to drive a group of tourists around the places based on some itinerary. If there are many places where the driver is unfamiliar with, good luck to all of you.
So we turned right and the road seemed to lead to nowhere. We had to stop by the roadside to ask another rude fellow, only to be told to "follow the road". So we did. And we paid another round of toll to make the U-turn.
Small wonder the car in front of us before we got into this trouble actually reversed from the toll gates to change to the correct lane. We should have done the same.
The speed of change in China has changed the landscape faster than expected. Two months off the road and everything would have changed.
2. Wuxi people are money grabbers. They build the Lingshan Big Buddha on the hill and while trying to build the large broze statue, built many small replicas along the way. And now, for an auspicuous sum of CNY 88 888, you can bring home one of the small buddha statues to your home or office.
They even have instalment plans to help you pay for them. And they also show your name on the outer walls of the temple so that everyone knows you have paid for a statue. Don't ask me where the money goes, but I am rather disgusted when faith can be measured in monetary terms.
3. Wuxi people think they know a lot. God! Even as you point out the inconsistencies in their explanations and share with them why such gaps appear, they still do not think that they need to rework their information. How arrogant.
4. Wuxi food is poor - for a place that wishes to be "Little Shanghai", the food needs improvement. Of course, while food in Shanghai is not exactly good, there are good tasting, cheap fare along the streets. We would have done well to forget about meals in Shanghai and take care of them on our own. But hindsight is 20-20.
5. Wuxi is a dustbowl. Enough said.
Wuxi means no tin. In the past, they were called, youxi, which means full of tin. The place has its tin resources largely mined away. But little does one expect that their good sense and upbringing were lost in the process as well.
According to a website, Wuxi is "Crowned with the name of 'Little Shanghai'" and "is one of the origins of Chinese national industry. The open reform has witnessed its dramatic economic development and made the city a glittering economic star in the coastal areas. The fascinating landscape, first-calss investment climate and best financial refund have turned Wuxi into a hotbed for foreign investors."
If you ask me, Wuxi is nothing like Shanghai. Ok, in terms of rude people and ethics, maybe. But culturally and economically, I doubt so. But I'm saying this from an outsider's view. Let me share with you what Wuxi is like in my eyes.
1. Wuxi residents are rude and arrogant. Our driver, being more of a speedster than a sign reader (like me), occasionally loses his way. This is quite common as you go on two-to-go trips like mine. Drivers are assigned to travellers regardless of their knowledge of the roads and terrains. So, poor Mr Wang made a wrong turn at the toll gate exit and instead of telling him how to get to the right place, the toll fee collector simply waved him away. When Mr Wang persisted in seeking directions, the irate fellow simply barked, "Can't you read the signs above? Go! Turn right."
"Yeah, right!" I thought. Another feature of such small tours is the absence of a full-tour guide, the additional pair of eyes for the driver. The full-tour guide follows the group for the entire trip and is often quite familiar with the common routes. They also communicate with the drivers and sometimes lead the way. Often, the drivers are plucked from nowhere and asked to drive a group of tourists around the places based on some itinerary. If there are many places where the driver is unfamiliar with, good luck to all of you.
So we turned right and the road seemed to lead to nowhere. We had to stop by the roadside to ask another rude fellow, only to be told to "follow the road". So we did. And we paid another round of toll to make the U-turn.
Small wonder the car in front of us before we got into this trouble actually reversed from the toll gates to change to the correct lane. We should have done the same.
The speed of change in China has changed the landscape faster than expected. Two months off the road and everything would have changed.
2. Wuxi people are money grabbers. They build the Lingshan Big Buddha on the hill and while trying to build the large broze statue, built many small replicas along the way. And now, for an auspicuous sum of CNY 88 888, you can bring home one of the small buddha statues to your home or office.
They even have instalment plans to help you pay for them. And they also show your name on the outer walls of the temple so that everyone knows you have paid for a statue. Don't ask me where the money goes, but I am rather disgusted when faith can be measured in monetary terms.
3. Wuxi people think they know a lot. God! Even as you point out the inconsistencies in their explanations and share with them why such gaps appear, they still do not think that they need to rework their information. How arrogant.
4. Wuxi food is poor - for a place that wishes to be "Little Shanghai", the food needs improvement. Of course, while food in Shanghai is not exactly good, there are good tasting, cheap fare along the streets. We would have done well to forget about meals in Shanghai and take care of them on our own. But hindsight is 20-20.
5. Wuxi is a dustbowl. Enough said.
Wuxi means no tin. In the past, they were called, youxi, which means full of tin. The place has its tin resources largely mined away. But little does one expect that their good sense and upbringing were lost in the process as well.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Shanghai Showdown!
Shanghai Showdown!
I am jumping the gun a little as I write this. But I simply had to get it off my chest. So, let me bring you through my last dinner in Shanghai.
We entered the restaurant and were each served a small cup of tea. You know, those chinese tea cups which probably hold a gulp and a half? Yes, those cups. And all throughout the meal, I sipped the tea even though I saw a teapot right by my side.
This is rather uncharacteristically me, as I would often go through many cups of tea at a meal. I like my Chinese tea and I do drink a lot of tea - I can name most Chinese teas by smell and taste. Unless you try something out of this world that I am not acquainted with, then I will not know. Otherwise, I have rather developed tastebuds (and that probably explains my big size).
Another reason for not partaking in more tea was the fact that my travelling companion and I had just shared between us a bowl of pork ball soup, a bowl of vegetables and pork dumplings, and steamed pork dumplings (with soup wrapped inside the dumpling - the locals call this xiao long bao). So I was not that thirsty.
End of dinner, I wanted to have more tea to clean off the slightly numbing salty taste in my mouth. A fresh mouth is important, especially so as we were flying back to Singapore that same night.
So I took up the tea pot and immediately I placed it down. It was E M P T Y!
Heck, the waiters left an E M P T Y teapot on my table. My companion came back and I took the pot, decanted it and out came some leftover drops of washing water.
He asked, "You drank all?"
I replied, "Check this out." I flipped the cover open and he opened his eyes wide and stared at the pot.
I called the waitress nearby and asked, "Why is this teapot empty? Where is my tea?"
The waitress replied, "You want tea?"
Me, "No, I am asking why is the teapot empty, and why did you place an empty teapot on my table?"
Waitress, "I can remove the teapot."
Me, "That's not the point. Where is my tea? Why is the teapot empty?"
Waitress, "If you don't like, we can remove the teapot."
Me, "Then why not remove your head? Why place your head on your neck when it's empty?"
With that, we walked out.
Shanghai? Forget it. Poor service, pathetic wannabe people, exorbitant prices, a characterless mish mash of cities like London, Edinburgh, Paris, Bangkok, KL, etc put together.
Gone are the glory days.
And I might add, rightly so!
I am jumping the gun a little as I write this. But I simply had to get it off my chest. So, let me bring you through my last dinner in Shanghai.
We entered the restaurant and were each served a small cup of tea. You know, those chinese tea cups which probably hold a gulp and a half? Yes, those cups. And all throughout the meal, I sipped the tea even though I saw a teapot right by my side.
This is rather uncharacteristically me, as I would often go through many cups of tea at a meal. I like my Chinese tea and I do drink a lot of tea - I can name most Chinese teas by smell and taste. Unless you try something out of this world that I am not acquainted with, then I will not know. Otherwise, I have rather developed tastebuds (and that probably explains my big size).
Another reason for not partaking in more tea was the fact that my travelling companion and I had just shared between us a bowl of pork ball soup, a bowl of vegetables and pork dumplings, and steamed pork dumplings (with soup wrapped inside the dumpling - the locals call this xiao long bao). So I was not that thirsty.
End of dinner, I wanted to have more tea to clean off the slightly numbing salty taste in my mouth. A fresh mouth is important, especially so as we were flying back to Singapore that same night.
So I took up the tea pot and immediately I placed it down. It was E M P T Y!
Heck, the waiters left an E M P T Y teapot on my table. My companion came back and I took the pot, decanted it and out came some leftover drops of washing water.
He asked, "You drank all?"
I replied, "Check this out." I flipped the cover open and he opened his eyes wide and stared at the pot.
I called the waitress nearby and asked, "Why is this teapot empty? Where is my tea?"
The waitress replied, "You want tea?"
Me, "No, I am asking why is the teapot empty, and why did you place an empty teapot on my table?"
Waitress, "I can remove the teapot."
Me, "That's not the point. Where is my tea? Why is the teapot empty?"
Waitress, "If you don't like, we can remove the teapot."
Me, "Then why not remove your head? Why place your head on your neck when it's empty?"
With that, we walked out.
Shanghai? Forget it. Poor service, pathetic wannabe people, exorbitant prices, a characterless mish mash of cities like London, Edinburgh, Paris, Bangkok, KL, etc put together.
Gone are the glory days.
And I might add, rightly so!
Shanghainese Ethics
Shanghainese Ethics
1. Enter a food outlet and ask for recommendations. The waitress will promote the most expensive dish on the menu. WITHOUT FAIL.
2. Order something like dumplings and they will immediately log in the most expensive dish containing the words dumplings and bill you for it.
3. Christmas Eve meals at restaurants are all set-meals and if you don't eat something on the menu (e.g. main course), there are no replacements or alternatives. Take it or leave it.
4. The bottle of free wine that comes with every two set meals ordered will not arrive unless you ask for it.
5. Bitch 1 will snatch the taxi hailed by Bitch 2 and the two bitch gangs will fight over the taxi and the taxi driver will watch while waiting for them to settle the fight.
6. They build many doors in a building but because the weather is cold, they will only leave the main door unlocked (thereby freezing all of you to death outside the building).
7. They will place a lock on the toilet cubicle door and spoil the hatch so you cannot pee or shit in peace. (The Chinese have this ridiculous habit of crashing into locked doors just to check if it is really locked. Stupidity extraordinaire!)
8. They will build sinks with hot and cold water taps and dispense freezing water from one and freezing water from the other.
9. They will sell you fish food even though there are only that few fishes and the entire water surface is already semi covered by unconsumed fish food.
10. Tourists are like one-night-standers. No need to treat them well. They'll go off and forget anyway.
1. Enter a food outlet and ask for recommendations. The waitress will promote the most expensive dish on the menu. WITHOUT FAIL.
2. Order something like dumplings and they will immediately log in the most expensive dish containing the words dumplings and bill you for it.
3. Christmas Eve meals at restaurants are all set-meals and if you don't eat something on the menu (e.g. main course), there are no replacements or alternatives. Take it or leave it.
4. The bottle of free wine that comes with every two set meals ordered will not arrive unless you ask for it.
5. Bitch 1 will snatch the taxi hailed by Bitch 2 and the two bitch gangs will fight over the taxi and the taxi driver will watch while waiting for them to settle the fight.
6. They build many doors in a building but because the weather is cold, they will only leave the main door unlocked (thereby freezing all of you to death outside the building).
7. They will place a lock on the toilet cubicle door and spoil the hatch so you cannot pee or shit in peace. (The Chinese have this ridiculous habit of crashing into locked doors just to check if it is really locked. Stupidity extraordinaire!)
8. They will build sinks with hot and cold water taps and dispense freezing water from one and freezing water from the other.
9. They will sell you fish food even though there are only that few fishes and the entire water surface is already semi covered by unconsumed fish food.
10. Tourists are like one-night-standers. No need to treat them well. They'll go off and forget anyway.
VVIPs
VVIPs
Visiting China during the lull season on a specially arranged itinerary is great.
At many places, there were about 3 people visiting - my companion, our tour guide and I.
We felt so honoured. It is as though that the scenic spot was open specially for us.
It felt great!
Visiting China during the lull season on a specially arranged itinerary is great.
At many places, there were about 3 people visiting - my companion, our tour guide and I.
We felt so honoured. It is as though that the scenic spot was open specially for us.
It felt great!
16 Dec - At Nanjing Airport
16 Dec - At Nanjing Airport
The long, dimly lit corridors that led to the immigration counters got progressively cooler as we walked. The windy conditions made the ambient 7 deg C seem a little colder than that. My windbreaker went on and it was quite enough.
The first stop we cleared was the health screening. The avian flu scourge has made the Chinese authorities require all arriving and departing passengers to be screened for body temperature. We handed over the health clearance forms and walked towards the immigration counters.
Nanjing surprised me for their flexibility - the diplomatic lane officer actually called visitors in other queues over for clearance because his lane was free! This departure from the usual bureaucracy was refreshing. Looking back, it is quite expected too - after all, Nanjing was capital of China for six dynasties and 10 emperor reigns (correct me if I had understood this incorrectly). Nanjing is indeed ahead of its peers in other parts of China.
Clearing immigration was easy enough. Singapore visitors no longer require a visa and once the immigration officers are satisfied that everything is in order, s/he stamps on the passport and it's off to passport collection.
At each belt, there are two outlets where the luggage come out from the runway into the building. At our belt, only the left outlet was in use. Why? I do not know. The first luggage arrived promptly enough, and then we waited.
Waited.
Waited.
Waited.
You get the drift. Yes, by the time the next bag came out, we were already wondering if our bags had been misplaced.
During this long wait, a quarantine officer walked around the passengers with a dog that pawed at bags, sniffed them, and if it smelt food, tries to pry the bag open. A caucasian was asked to "surrender" his private cache of premium cheese, caviar, beetroot paste and other savoury items to the QO. Quite a sight to see this poor guy take out pack after pack of frozen food stuff, only to hear the surrounding passengers gasp in mock horror (hey, I would be heartbroken if I had to give those up, since I already know that food in China is likely to be major disappointments!).
Anyhow, the food packages came back and the guy was allowed to bring all the food in, with possibly a warning not to do it again the next time.
And then more people got asked to open the bags because doggie was super duper hyper active that morning. I think it was so starved that any food scent at all would have lured it to the bag.
Thankfully, our luggage finally appeared after a good 30 minutes. We cleared the customs and walked out. The weather was sunny and there was a cold breeze.
The long, dimly lit corridors that led to the immigration counters got progressively cooler as we walked. The windy conditions made the ambient 7 deg C seem a little colder than that. My windbreaker went on and it was quite enough.
The first stop we cleared was the health screening. The avian flu scourge has made the Chinese authorities require all arriving and departing passengers to be screened for body temperature. We handed over the health clearance forms and walked towards the immigration counters.
Nanjing surprised me for their flexibility - the diplomatic lane officer actually called visitors in other queues over for clearance because his lane was free! This departure from the usual bureaucracy was refreshing. Looking back, it is quite expected too - after all, Nanjing was capital of China for six dynasties and 10 emperor reigns (correct me if I had understood this incorrectly). Nanjing is indeed ahead of its peers in other parts of China.
Clearing immigration was easy enough. Singapore visitors no longer require a visa and once the immigration officers are satisfied that everything is in order, s/he stamps on the passport and it's off to passport collection.
At each belt, there are two outlets where the luggage come out from the runway into the building. At our belt, only the left outlet was in use. Why? I do not know. The first luggage arrived promptly enough, and then we waited.
Waited.
Waited.
Waited.
You get the drift. Yes, by the time the next bag came out, we were already wondering if our bags had been misplaced.
During this long wait, a quarantine officer walked around the passengers with a dog that pawed at bags, sniffed them, and if it smelt food, tries to pry the bag open. A caucasian was asked to "surrender" his private cache of premium cheese, caviar, beetroot paste and other savoury items to the QO. Quite a sight to see this poor guy take out pack after pack of frozen food stuff, only to hear the surrounding passengers gasp in mock horror (hey, I would be heartbroken if I had to give those up, since I already know that food in China is likely to be major disappointments!).
Anyhow, the food packages came back and the guy was allowed to bring all the food in, with possibly a warning not to do it again the next time.
And then more people got asked to open the bags because doggie was super duper hyper active that morning. I think it was so starved that any food scent at all would have lured it to the bag.
Thankfully, our luggage finally appeared after a good 30 minutes. We cleared the customs and walked out. The weather was sunny and there was a cold breeze.
16 Dec - Singapore-Nanjing Flight
16 Dec - Singapore-Nanjing Flight
The flight was about half-full when it departed Singapore for Nanjing. We were seated at the first row of the economy class on the starboard side of the plane, with a seat between us. "The flight's not full, so we will give you the entire row (of three seats)." The check-in counter staff told us. She even helped us change our seats from one row back to this front row.
The First and Raffles (Business) classes are empty on this Singapore Airlines flight to Nanjing. The flight attendants promptly drew the curtains and kept the lights of those sections switched off. The rows of economy class seats are occupied at an average head count of 4 to 5 per row of 9 seats.
I guess it is either SQ is really expensive or it is really the lull season for this Jiangnan tour that I'm on. Perhaps both.
The flight was smooth and pretty uneventful, and the absence of wailing babies on the plane was a bonus. In fact, any flight with crying babies is a misery for the passengers. Till now, I still believe that babies ought to be lightly sedated during take-offs and landings. No exception. This way, no one suffers. The parents are relieved of their anguish, the babies of their discomfort, the flight attendants of their worries, and the other passengers of their auditory discomfort.
In so many trips I have taken, there was only ONE instance when this chief stewardess on an SQ flight took over a baby from a fatigued mother and calmed the little one down, quietened him, and lulled him to sleep as the plane prepared for descent. I must say that the airline is blessed to have magical hands like hers and even though she is probably in her 40s, her ability with babies is unmatched. Whoever said that we should only have pretty, YOUNG things on the flight? [I guess no one would take grammatical offence if I had written "pretty young things" as well. Ok, I admit. I was reading "Eats, shoots and leaves".]
So I digressed. But what is a good blog entry without digressions? To digress is to let you into more of my world.
What was available for breakfast (main course) was made known to our noses long before the menu reached us: rice with Chinese sausages and Mushrooms wrapped in lotus leaves. And when the food came out, the main course was indeed wrapped in lotus leaves! I am impressed.
But as glutinous rice gives me indigestion, I opted for the omelette instead. Talk about bad luck! But the sausages that I tried, offered by my travelling companion, tasted good. Hm... I still recall the time when I took the S$128 flight to Bangkok during the heights of the price war between premium and budget airlines and SQ had the audacity to serve fried rice with ketchup! Well, this is a great improvement.
Breakfast went by, drinks came. Service was good: there were enough rounds of drinks to keep any one reasonably hydrated. Then the snacks came. Ha! The puff pastries were cold but thankfully, they tasted good.
Along the way, I was channel surfing KrisWorld. There were so many movies to watch and I ended up watching Wallace and Gromit - I didn't think it would make sense to watch plasticine figures in a cinema and I was right. I browsed through the rest and played some games.
Before long, the plane landed in Nanjing. There was only ONE moment that I complained that the 4h 40min trip was BORING. And it was because I was too overwhelmed with options on KrisWorld and ended up taking a break from the information/entertainment overload. Oh, yes. There were lots of stuff to shop in the air as well. Goodness gracious! A flight these days are so different from just a few months ago. And I guess the airline you choose makes a difference as well.
We disembarked rather quickly into the cold but slightly damp Nanjing Airport.
The flight was about half-full when it departed Singapore for Nanjing. We were seated at the first row of the economy class on the starboard side of the plane, with a seat between us. "The flight's not full, so we will give you the entire row (of three seats)." The check-in counter staff told us. She even helped us change our seats from one row back to this front row.
The First and Raffles (Business) classes are empty on this Singapore Airlines flight to Nanjing. The flight attendants promptly drew the curtains and kept the lights of those sections switched off. The rows of economy class seats are occupied at an average head count of 4 to 5 per row of 9 seats.
I guess it is either SQ is really expensive or it is really the lull season for this Jiangnan tour that I'm on. Perhaps both.
The flight was smooth and pretty uneventful, and the absence of wailing babies on the plane was a bonus. In fact, any flight with crying babies is a misery for the passengers. Till now, I still believe that babies ought to be lightly sedated during take-offs and landings. No exception. This way, no one suffers. The parents are relieved of their anguish, the babies of their discomfort, the flight attendants of their worries, and the other passengers of their auditory discomfort.
In so many trips I have taken, there was only ONE instance when this chief stewardess on an SQ flight took over a baby from a fatigued mother and calmed the little one down, quietened him, and lulled him to sleep as the plane prepared for descent. I must say that the airline is blessed to have magical hands like hers and even though she is probably in her 40s, her ability with babies is unmatched. Whoever said that we should only have pretty, YOUNG things on the flight? [I guess no one would take grammatical offence if I had written "pretty young things" as well. Ok, I admit. I was reading "Eats, shoots and leaves".]
So I digressed. But what is a good blog entry without digressions? To digress is to let you into more of my world.
What was available for breakfast (main course) was made known to our noses long before the menu reached us: rice with Chinese sausages and Mushrooms wrapped in lotus leaves. And when the food came out, the main course was indeed wrapped in lotus leaves! I am impressed.
But as glutinous rice gives me indigestion, I opted for the omelette instead. Talk about bad luck! But the sausages that I tried, offered by my travelling companion, tasted good. Hm... I still recall the time when I took the S$128 flight to Bangkok during the heights of the price war between premium and budget airlines and SQ had the audacity to serve fried rice with ketchup! Well, this is a great improvement.
Breakfast went by, drinks came. Service was good: there were enough rounds of drinks to keep any one reasonably hydrated. Then the snacks came. Ha! The puff pastries were cold but thankfully, they tasted good.
Along the way, I was channel surfing KrisWorld. There were so many movies to watch and I ended up watching Wallace and Gromit - I didn't think it would make sense to watch plasticine figures in a cinema and I was right. I browsed through the rest and played some games.
Before long, the plane landed in Nanjing. There was only ONE moment that I complained that the 4h 40min trip was BORING. And it was because I was too overwhelmed with options on KrisWorld and ended up taking a break from the information/entertainment overload. Oh, yes. There were lots of stuff to shop in the air as well. Goodness gracious! A flight these days are so different from just a few months ago. And I guess the airline you choose makes a difference as well.
We disembarked rather quickly into the cold but slightly damp Nanjing Airport.
Friday, December 16, 2005
At T2 McD
At T2 McD
Wah, didn't know that I can blog at Mc Donald's at Terminal 2. I really quite the mountain tortoise.
Anyway, checked in to the flight already. Will be sitting on the wrong side of the plane. So, we'll have quite some sunshine.
The baggage has grown from 2 to 3. No choice. One piece of winter suit took up almost half the luggage because of its sheer bulk.
Moved out some less important things and well, things got easier and better. And not to mention an additional luggage (for shopping). I am resisting the temptation to shop this time. I'll let you know if I succeed.
We were the 2nd and 3rd passenger to check in this morning. Hm. So the early bird reward is that our luggage is coming out LATE! Well, small price to pay considering the fact that early passengers get to check in a bit more luggage - plane is still quite light mah.
I think we're flying the B777-200. IMHO, it's safer than the B777-300. The 300 series is so long that the plane seems to sag at the ends. Quite scary. Hope there's no wind shear this morning.
Oh yes, some interesting sights this morning: There was this caucasian woman who joined the check in queue and looking at her nipples sticking out of her stretched top, it's not hard to guess what she's wearing underneath. Eh, quite bad taste actually. Should have used some tape of something to hide that thing. Wait some older, "cheeko" people heart attack, how?
Saw these two American guys. One of them was eyeing my travelling companion. Hm...
Oh yes, this morning, the boots that I wanted to wear on the trip gave way. The sole flaked away. Phew! It happened outside my house and not after I have left. That's a good start, and it'll only get better.
Unless I get free blogging opportunities again, here's wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays. T'is the season for giving and be kind to your loved ones. Give the gift of your time. Spend time with them!
Wah, didn't know that I can blog at Mc Donald's at Terminal 2. I really quite the mountain tortoise.
Anyway, checked in to the flight already. Will be sitting on the wrong side of the plane. So, we'll have quite some sunshine.
The baggage has grown from 2 to 3. No choice. One piece of winter suit took up almost half the luggage because of its sheer bulk.
Moved out some less important things and well, things got easier and better. And not to mention an additional luggage (for shopping). I am resisting the temptation to shop this time. I'll let you know if I succeed.
We were the 2nd and 3rd passenger to check in this morning. Hm. So the early bird reward is that our luggage is coming out LATE! Well, small price to pay considering the fact that early passengers get to check in a bit more luggage - plane is still quite light mah.
I think we're flying the B777-200. IMHO, it's safer than the B777-300. The 300 series is so long that the plane seems to sag at the ends. Quite scary. Hope there's no wind shear this morning.
Oh yes, some interesting sights this morning: There was this caucasian woman who joined the check in queue and looking at her nipples sticking out of her stretched top, it's not hard to guess what she's wearing underneath. Eh, quite bad taste actually. Should have used some tape of something to hide that thing. Wait some older, "cheeko" people heart attack, how?
Saw these two American guys. One of them was eyeing my travelling companion. Hm...
Oh yes, this morning, the boots that I wanted to wear on the trip gave way. The sole flaked away. Phew! It happened outside my house and not after I have left. That's a good start, and it'll only get better.
Unless I get free blogging opportunities again, here's wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays. T'is the season for giving and be kind to your loved ones. Give the gift of your time. Spend time with them!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Watch the thermometer dip
Watch the thermometer dip
I'm getting worried. In just over a week, the average temperatures in China has dipped about 5 degrees. Oh my goodness, I'll be there tomorrow and I wonder if I will have enough to keep warm.
Yeah, yeah, but blubber can only help that much.
Lucky for the heat packs that I'll be bringing. Hope they work fine and I'm looking forward to enjoying every single minute of my trip.
I'm getting worried. In just over a week, the average temperatures in China has dipped about 5 degrees. Oh my goodness, I'll be there tomorrow and I wonder if I will have enough to keep warm.
Yeah, yeah, but blubber can only help that much.
Lucky for the heat packs that I'll be bringing. Hope they work fine and I'm looking forward to enjoying every single minute of my trip.
Moustache
Moustache
A colleague returned to work yesterday after a week's leave. He sported a moustache, which I thought made him look very good. But the guys and gals in the office teased him to no end. It's gone today.
Hm... thought it gave his face a sense of 3-d-ness. Well, to each his own.
A colleague returned to work yesterday after a week's leave. He sported a moustache, which I thought made him look very good. But the guys and gals in the office teased him to no end. It's gone today.
Hm... thought it gave his face a sense of 3-d-ness. Well, to each his own.
Contrary to popular belief
Contrary to popular belief
Yes, contrary to popular belief, despite my big size and seemingly obscure, absent neck, I DO HAVE A NECK.
How else do I feel the neck aches that I am suffering now?!
Yes, contrary to popular belief, despite my big size and seemingly obscure, absent neck, I DO HAVE A NECK.
How else do I feel the neck aches that I am suffering now?!
All in a day's work
All in a day's work
T'was a meeting that has gone on way too long. I was getting edgy and honestly, my patience was being stretched and tested.
I reached the end of my tether when a member remarked, "Sometimes we conduct raids with intelligence."
And I immediately asked, "Other times?"
I swear there was a deafening silence.
T'was a meeting that has gone on way too long. I was getting edgy and honestly, my patience was being stretched and tested.
I reached the end of my tether when a member remarked, "Sometimes we conduct raids with intelligence."
And I immediately asked, "Other times?"
I swear there was a deafening silence.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
So you love my elbow?
So you love my elbow?
It was crowded and we were all trying to get past each other. Remember, getting past someone is not getting someone.
Keep to the side of the passage way. If you try to walk down the centre, then don't be surprised if you knock into someone.
So this bitch came along swaggering down the path in the centre.
I kept to the sides and tried to avoid her.
And yet, she could walk STRAIGHT into my outstretched elbow. Talk about cock-eyed people. Sigh.
Hip hip HOORAY! 1 - 0 to His Royal Highness The Supreme Bitch.
You've got to do something yourself, bitch. Either you steel yourself or you grow some brains. Your opponent, ME, is GREAT!
It was crowded and we were all trying to get past each other. Remember, getting past someone is not getting someone.
Keep to the side of the passage way. If you try to walk down the centre, then don't be surprised if you knock into someone.
So this bitch came along swaggering down the path in the centre.
I kept to the sides and tried to avoid her.
And yet, she could walk STRAIGHT into my outstretched elbow. Talk about cock-eyed people. Sigh.
Hip hip HOORAY! 1 - 0 to His Royal Highness The Supreme Bitch.
You've got to do something yourself, bitch. Either you steel yourself or you grow some brains. Your opponent, ME, is GREAT!
How to buy 3-in-1 Ovaltine?
How to buy 3-in-1 Ovaltine?
aka "I Know What You Did Last Night"
1. In a family of 2 consisting of parents, grandparents, and 2 children, gather at the rack where the 3-in-1 Ovaltine packs are found. Each pack contains about 20 or 30 sachets of the powdered stuff, to which you add hot water to get a hot cuppa malt chocolate drink. (For the uninitiated, Ovaltine is similar to Milo. If you wish, it's the Pepsi of malt chocolate; Coke being Milo. Or the other way around.)
2. Start a deep discussion whether you should buy a pack of it. (A pack costs S$6.10 or about USD 3.60.) Meanwhile, the older girl (about 3 or 4) runs in and out, thankfully quite noiselessly. She knocks into you and brush past you. She squeezes between her parents and snakes in and out of the crowd. Runs up and down the aisle. The younger child, the son, sits quietly in the pram.
3. The grandparents listen to the wife in stoic silence, grandpa occasionally grunts a word or two. Husband is generally quiet. Wife is vocal but very cultured. No loud noises.
4. Quite some ten minutes later, the wife decides that the Ovaltine is ok to buy. Takes one packet and pushes the shopping trolley to the next stop.
5. Grandma starts grumbling to grandpa. Grandpa nonchalantly listens and takes her along, behind wife to the next station.
I lost track after that.
aka "I Know What You Did Last Night"
1. In a family of 2 consisting of parents, grandparents, and 2 children, gather at the rack where the 3-in-1 Ovaltine packs are found. Each pack contains about 20 or 30 sachets of the powdered stuff, to which you add hot water to get a hot cuppa malt chocolate drink. (For the uninitiated, Ovaltine is similar to Milo. If you wish, it's the Pepsi of malt chocolate; Coke being Milo. Or the other way around.)
2. Start a deep discussion whether you should buy a pack of it. (A pack costs S$6.10 or about USD 3.60.) Meanwhile, the older girl (about 3 or 4) runs in and out, thankfully quite noiselessly. She knocks into you and brush past you. She squeezes between her parents and snakes in and out of the crowd. Runs up and down the aisle. The younger child, the son, sits quietly in the pram.
3. The grandparents listen to the wife in stoic silence, grandpa occasionally grunts a word or two. Husband is generally quiet. Wife is vocal but very cultured. No loud noises.
4. Quite some ten minutes later, the wife decides that the Ovaltine is ok to buy. Takes one packet and pushes the shopping trolley to the next stop.
5. Grandma starts grumbling to grandpa. Grandpa nonchalantly listens and takes her along, behind wife to the next station.
I lost track after that.
So much to write, so little time
So much to write, so little time
Wow! One week whizzed by without my realising it. I had told myself time and again that I want to add to this blog. I've got so much to say and write. Alas, I didn't manage to do it.
Part of the reason, or rather, the main reason for not blogging is due to my erratic internet connectivity at home. Being a super duper cheapskate (I reckon I could get away with that better than saying, Having a super duper cheapskate housemate) who insists on tapping on the remnant signals from my neighbours unsecured internet connection, I lose the connection rather easily. The signals are not too strong to start with, having passed through many walls, and so the fear of "write and then lose everything" probably outweighs the desire to write.
Still, getting to write is great. I'll be getting my own broadband internet connection on Boxing Day. I am seriously thinking of going the Mr Brown and Mr Miyagi way of registering for my own domain. But that remains a thought. I wanna get my own house first.
Then, what should I call my domain? www.mrteflon.net? Hm... interesting. No firm ideas yet. Maybe www.mrteflon.xxx. You know, cyber regulators are indeed thinking of the .xxx domain. That'll free me to write a lot more stuff than I usually would. But then...
It's always the "but thens" in life. Especially in Singapore. Everything's too big a risk and every OK is mitigated with a but-then or maybe more. Sense of insecurity? Probably. Arises from the fact that the penalties are too harsh.
I wish I could go on, but then I'm so scared I'll be sued...
Wow! One week whizzed by without my realising it. I had told myself time and again that I want to add to this blog. I've got so much to say and write. Alas, I didn't manage to do it.
Part of the reason, or rather, the main reason for not blogging is due to my erratic internet connectivity at home. Being a super duper cheapskate (I reckon I could get away with that better than saying, Having a super duper cheapskate housemate) who insists on tapping on the remnant signals from my neighbours unsecured internet connection, I lose the connection rather easily. The signals are not too strong to start with, having passed through many walls, and so the fear of "write and then lose everything" probably outweighs the desire to write.
Still, getting to write is great. I'll be getting my own broadband internet connection on Boxing Day. I am seriously thinking of going the Mr Brown and Mr Miyagi way of registering for my own domain. But that remains a thought. I wanna get my own house first.
Then, what should I call my domain? www.mrteflon.net? Hm... interesting. No firm ideas yet. Maybe www.mrteflon.xxx. You know, cyber regulators are indeed thinking of the .xxx domain. That'll free me to write a lot more stuff than I usually would. But then...
It's always the "but thens" in life. Especially in Singapore. Everything's too big a risk and every OK is mitigated with a but-then or maybe more. Sense of insecurity? Probably. Arises from the fact that the penalties are too harsh.
I wish I could go on, but then I'm so scared I'll be sued...
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Why John Rogers Needs Therapy
Why John Rogers Needs Therapy
I just saw this at The Therapy Sessions. I think this is another reason why therapy sessions are that important. Look what what John has written.
Bad Poetry
Pakistan is purging a poem from its school textbooks.
Apparently, the first letter of each line spells out "PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH," and this is causing an uproar in Islamabad.
The people who approve textbooks missed the "error," and the poem is being removed because it was anonymous and copied from the internet.
Copied from the internet. Could there be a better place to find quality poetry to teach the kiddies?
"The official said the concerned wing of the ministry was probing how a number of committees that sift through all textbooks, failed to take notice of the glaring blunder.
According to the paper, the unidentified official also wondered as to why the writer was kept nameless."
I'll take a stab at that mystery: The writer was kept nameless because his work was an embarrassing piece of shit that no student should be allowed to read, much less forced to learn.
Look:
You can think Bush is an evil, chimp retard who is bent on destroying the world.
OR
You can think Bush is a champion of good fighting tyranny.
(Or you can agree with me: Bush is the champion of a lucky retard club - bumbling into the presidency by running against people who are even stupider and more spineless than he is.)
But can we all agree, this poem is really a piece of shit?
The Leader
Patient and steady with all he must bear,
Ready to accept every challenge with care,
Easy in manner, yet solid as steel,
Strong in his faith, refreshingly real,
Isn't afraid to propose what is bold,
Doesn't conform to the usual mold,
Eyes that have foresight, for hindsight wont do,
Never back down when he sees what is true,
Tells it all straight, and means it all too,
Going forward and knowing he's right,
Even when doubted for why he would fight,
Over and over he makes his case clear,
Reaching to touch the ones who won't hear,
Growing in strength, he won't be unnerved,
Ever assuring he'll stand by his word,
Wanting the world to join his firm stand,
Bracing for war, but praying for peace,
Using his power so evil will cease:
So much a leader and worthy of trust,
Here stands a man who will do what he must.
Man, I think I might be sick.
- posted by John @ 12/06/2005 12:45:35 PM
I just saw this at The Therapy Sessions. I think this is another reason why therapy sessions are that important. Look what what John has written.
Bad Poetry
Pakistan is purging a poem from its school textbooks.
Apparently, the first letter of each line spells out "PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH," and this is causing an uproar in Islamabad.
The people who approve textbooks missed the "error," and the poem is being removed because it was anonymous and copied from the internet.
Copied from the internet. Could there be a better place to find quality poetry to teach the kiddies?
"The official said the concerned wing of the ministry was probing how a number of committees that sift through all textbooks, failed to take notice of the glaring blunder.
According to the paper, the unidentified official also wondered as to why the writer was kept nameless."
I'll take a stab at that mystery: The writer was kept nameless because his work was an embarrassing piece of shit that no student should be allowed to read, much less forced to learn.
Look:
You can think Bush is an evil, chimp retard who is bent on destroying the world.
OR
You can think Bush is a champion of good fighting tyranny.
(Or you can agree with me: Bush is the champion of a lucky retard club - bumbling into the presidency by running against people who are even stupider and more spineless than he is.)
But can we all agree, this poem is really a piece of shit?
The Leader
Patient and steady with all he must bear,
Ready to accept every challenge with care,
Easy in manner, yet solid as steel,
Strong in his faith, refreshingly real,
Isn't afraid to propose what is bold,
Doesn't conform to the usual mold,
Eyes that have foresight, for hindsight wont do,
Never back down when he sees what is true,
Tells it all straight, and means it all too,
Going forward and knowing he's right,
Even when doubted for why he would fight,
Over and over he makes his case clear,
Reaching to touch the ones who won't hear,
Growing in strength, he won't be unnerved,
Ever assuring he'll stand by his word,
Wanting the world to join his firm stand,
Bracing for war, but praying for peace,
Using his power so evil will cease:
So much a leader and worthy of trust,
Here stands a man who will do what he must.
Man, I think I might be sick.
- posted by John @ 12/06/2005 12:45:35 PM
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Equal Misery
Equal Misery
Why did the AWOLee Melvyn Tan, who had to give up his Singapore citizenship 30 years ago because he had to choose between his fledging pianist career and his loyalty to Singapore, become the talk of Singapore?
Do you think Singaporeans, when condemning Melvyn's behaviour, are on moral high grounds themselves?
Why do they bemoan the fact that he was only fined $3000? I didn't. His parents coughed out $30 000 a long time ago. Then, that was an exorbitant amount.
Why do they belabour the fact that he did not report for national service? Had he not given up equally much, if not more? He had to live to Britain since 30 years ago and could never step back to Singapore, where his parents are living.
Have we progressed in our talk to becoming a more inclusive society? Hey, we *just* deferred cybergamers so that they could take part in the World Cybergames just a month back! How come we are unable to place the entire issue in retrospection and celebrate the fact that one of our sons is now a world-class pianist?
There are many many questions in the same vein. But it finally boils down to the "an eye for an eye" mentality of Singaporeans. We want all to share EQUAL MISERY.
Simply put, we went through two to two and a half years in the army. Outwardly, our bodies may have been toughened up, but deep inside, only we ourselves know if we have changed mentally. We lost out on opportunities and we devoted the best years of our lives to defending our nation.
To us, $3 000 is a small price. If possible, we would gladly fork out the $3 000 to trade off our NS obligations. What we enjoy as citizens may not be worth the sacrifice...
So, if we lose out, then why should one man gain? But did he really gain? What did he gain?
Why did the AWOLee Melvyn Tan, who had to give up his Singapore citizenship 30 years ago because he had to choose between his fledging pianist career and his loyalty to Singapore, become the talk of Singapore?
Do you think Singaporeans, when condemning Melvyn's behaviour, are on moral high grounds themselves?
Why do they bemoan the fact that he was only fined $3000? I didn't. His parents coughed out $30 000 a long time ago. Then, that was an exorbitant amount.
Why do they belabour the fact that he did not report for national service? Had he not given up equally much, if not more? He had to live to Britain since 30 years ago and could never step back to Singapore, where his parents are living.
Have we progressed in our talk to becoming a more inclusive society? Hey, we *just* deferred cybergamers so that they could take part in the World Cybergames just a month back! How come we are unable to place the entire issue in retrospection and celebrate the fact that one of our sons is now a world-class pianist?
There are many many questions in the same vein. But it finally boils down to the "an eye for an eye" mentality of Singaporeans. We want all to share EQUAL MISERY.
Simply put, we went through two to two and a half years in the army. Outwardly, our bodies may have been toughened up, but deep inside, only we ourselves know if we have changed mentally. We lost out on opportunities and we devoted the best years of our lives to defending our nation.
To us, $3 000 is a small price. If possible, we would gladly fork out the $3 000 to trade off our NS obligations. What we enjoy as citizens may not be worth the sacrifice...
So, if we lose out, then why should one man gain? But did he really gain? What did he gain?
Monday, December 05, 2005
Duh!
Duh!
To think they actually *still* made me answer those questions!
To think they actually *still* made me answer those questions!
| You Passed 8th Grade Math |
 Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct! |
I'm Hungry
I'm Hungry
| Cheese Pizza |
 Traditional and comforting. You focus on living a quality life. You're not easily impressed with novelty. Yet, you easily impress others. |
Me
Me
| You Have a Choleric Temperament |
 You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things. Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life. You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation. You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon. Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall. You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others. At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults. Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion. A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior. |
They call you Lady Luck
They call you Lady Luck
| You Are Balanced - Realist - Empowered |
You feel your life is controlled both externally and internally. You have a good sense of what you can control and what you should let go. Depending on the situation, you sometimes try to exert more control. Other times, you accept things for what they are and go with the flow. You are a realist when it comes to luck. You don't attribute everything to luck, but you do know some things are random. You don't beat yourself up when bad things happen to you... But you do your best to try to make your own luck. You have a good deal of power, but you also know the pecking order. You realize that working the system does get you further. You know who to defer to and who to control. When it comes to the game of life, you play things flawlessly. |
That's me!
That's me!
| Your Brain's Pattern |
 Your brain is always looking for the connections in life. You always amaze your friends by figuring out things first. You're also good at connecting people - and often play match maker. You see the world in fluid, flexible terms. Nothing is black or white. |
I knew it all the time...
I knew it all the time...
| Your Blog Should Be Green |
 Your blog is smart and thoughtful - not a lot of fluff. You enjoy a good discussion, especially if it involves picking apart ideas. However, you tend to get easily annoyed by any thoughtless comments in your blog. |
Star Awards 2005
Star Awards 2005
I actually call it the "Red Ape Awards". Homonymous, when pronounced in Mandarin. Anyway, here are some of my conjectures/observations/ramblings/opinions/thoughts.
With his trademark "I not Stupid" in the fishball serial, Su Zhicheng won the best supporting male actor. I thought he deserved to win. Such a convincing portrayal. I would gladly stuff his mouth with those balls and box him in the nose. But this guy is talented - singer, DJ, and now actor. Happy for him.
The best supporting actress came from the same serial. "Fyn" (Lin Xiangping), that conniving bitch in the serial, won. In order to snatch her man from her best friend, Fyn was ruthless. She slept with the guy, even though he was married to her best friend, and then got pregnant. She so viciously toyed with him I wonder why he didn't just give her two kicks in her belly and throw the baby out with the bitch. Anyway, she died a horrible way in the show.
Best Actor in a Comedian Role went to Bryan Wong. Best Compere went to Quan Yifeng. THIS IS SO EXPECTED. How else can you make the ex-Channel U people feel that they are a part of your family if you don't do that? I mean, Channel U came out and tried to differentiate itself from Media Corps by concentrating on variety shows. (Ironically, U artistes were mainly those who jumped ship from MC.) And they were doing well. When U and MC merged, U programmes were brought over. Surely, MC could go lean for one year and let U have some limelight. The biggest loser that night is Jack Neo, for only Mark Lee, one of his proteges, won a Most Popular award (out of 10).
Interestingly enough, Bryan's thank you speech had a poignant moment. "How come (I don't feel) happiness in (winning) a Comedian Award? Why is it that a comedian (himself) can only smile when he comes 'home'?" Quan was seen tearing when he said this. 4 years of being the ALTERNATIVE terresterial channel in Singapore has taken its toll on those who jumped over to U. It was indeed true that it was the "folly" of these people who made some of the stars the stars they are now. Had these stayed, perhaps things would have been different. Who knows? But Bryan's tacit comment of the 4 years out of "home" was indeed thought provoking. Does entreprenuership really pay off? How often?
Fann Wong and Xie Shaoguang both won All-time Most Popular Awards. They deserve the awards thoroughly. Fann is exceptional because it took her merely 11 years to garner 10 consecutive Most Popular Artistes Award, leading to the ATMPA. Quick and along the way, she's found fame in recording, Hollywood, Taiwan, China and HK. She's great!
Xie is equally exceptional. He won so many best and best supporting actor awards that competition really opened up only after he left.
I was very happy when Chen Liping went up for her MPAA. She's come a long way since her "Ayoyo" days. It's hard to see people going the distance. Xiang Yun and Edmund Tan are also a long time in the business.
For the record, Best actor went to Chen Hanwei and Best Actress went to Huang Biren. I think both are deserving winners.
Competition this year is tough and I would foresee a streamlining of MC soon. If it were not for artistes' non-continuance of contracts, it would be MC's non-renewal. Wth competition, there'll be winners and losers. While the audience ends up the biggest winners, I hope we do learn to reward those who have worked hard but had no luck. Case in point: Patricia Mok.
Perhaps now that the size of competition has grown, it might be better to go for 15 MPAA for males and females instead of just 10? More people need recognition and the additional push. After all, we are big enough to love 10 more artistes.
I actually call it the "Red Ape Awards". Homonymous, when pronounced in Mandarin. Anyway, here are some of my conjectures/observations/ramblings/opinions/thoughts.
With his trademark "I not Stupid" in the fishball serial, Su Zhicheng won the best supporting male actor. I thought he deserved to win. Such a convincing portrayal. I would gladly stuff his mouth with those balls and box him in the nose. But this guy is talented - singer, DJ, and now actor. Happy for him.
The best supporting actress came from the same serial. "Fyn" (Lin Xiangping), that conniving bitch in the serial, won. In order to snatch her man from her best friend, Fyn was ruthless. She slept with the guy, even though he was married to her best friend, and then got pregnant. She so viciously toyed with him I wonder why he didn't just give her two kicks in her belly and throw the baby out with the bitch. Anyway, she died a horrible way in the show.
Best Actor in a Comedian Role went to Bryan Wong. Best Compere went to Quan Yifeng. THIS IS SO EXPECTED. How else can you make the ex-Channel U people feel that they are a part of your family if you don't do that? I mean, Channel U came out and tried to differentiate itself from Media Corps by concentrating on variety shows. (Ironically, U artistes were mainly those who jumped ship from MC.) And they were doing well. When U and MC merged, U programmes were brought over. Surely, MC could go lean for one year and let U have some limelight. The biggest loser that night is Jack Neo, for only Mark Lee, one of his proteges, won a Most Popular award (out of 10).
Interestingly enough, Bryan's thank you speech had a poignant moment. "How come (I don't feel) happiness in (winning) a Comedian Award? Why is it that a comedian (himself) can only smile when he comes 'home'?" Quan was seen tearing when he said this. 4 years of being the ALTERNATIVE terresterial channel in Singapore has taken its toll on those who jumped over to U. It was indeed true that it was the "folly" of these people who made some of the stars the stars they are now. Had these stayed, perhaps things would have been different. Who knows? But Bryan's tacit comment of the 4 years out of "home" was indeed thought provoking. Does entreprenuership really pay off? How often?
Fann Wong and Xie Shaoguang both won All-time Most Popular Awards. They deserve the awards thoroughly. Fann is exceptional because it took her merely 11 years to garner 10 consecutive Most Popular Artistes Award, leading to the ATMPA. Quick and along the way, she's found fame in recording, Hollywood, Taiwan, China and HK. She's great!
Xie is equally exceptional. He won so many best and best supporting actor awards that competition really opened up only after he left.
I was very happy when Chen Liping went up for her MPAA. She's come a long way since her "Ayoyo" days. It's hard to see people going the distance. Xiang Yun and Edmund Tan are also a long time in the business.
For the record, Best actor went to Chen Hanwei and Best Actress went to Huang Biren. I think both are deserving winners.
Competition this year is tough and I would foresee a streamlining of MC soon. If it were not for artistes' non-continuance of contracts, it would be MC's non-renewal. Wth competition, there'll be winners and losers. While the audience ends up the biggest winners, I hope we do learn to reward those who have worked hard but had no luck. Case in point: Patricia Mok.
Perhaps now that the size of competition has grown, it might be better to go for 15 MPAA for males and females instead of just 10? More people need recognition and the additional push. After all, we are big enough to love 10 more artistes.
Minimum $2
Minimum $2
Went to Alexandra Market/Food Centre for dinner after returning from Malacca.
Meals in Malacca were rather good but were also quite meat heavy. We even had KFC at Gelang Petah for tea before we returned to Singapore. [Gelang Petah is the last stop on the North South Highway before you clear the Malaysian Customs on Johor's west side and thereafter Singapore Customs at Tuas. This route is affectionately called the Second Link by both countries and it costs a bomb to travel via this route. However, the relatively lighter traffic (due to costs!) made it worthwhile.]
So decided to have rice with 2 vegetable dishes. Went up to the mixed rice stall (MISNOMER: It is actually a stall selling a variety of cooked food which you pick to go with rice. The stallholder places the rice on a plate and the food beside/on the rice) and chose kailan (kale) in oyster sauce and fried cabbage.
After the stallholder picked out the two dishes, I told her I'll just have that and wanted to pay.
She looked at me, "Minimum $2 ah." And she expected me to pay $2 for that plate of stuff that costs less than $2. I said, "$2? Let me see."
Tried to find another non-meat dish but wasn't interested in having the third vegetable. So I said, "Just add kailan to my rice till I hit $2."
I'm not a cheapskate but the principle is, if you are going to charge me $2, then serve me $2 worth. Just add on the kailan/cabbage when I say that's all I'm having.
Commonsense isn't that common after all.
Went to Alexandra Market/Food Centre for dinner after returning from Malacca.
Meals in Malacca were rather good but were also quite meat heavy. We even had KFC at Gelang Petah for tea before we returned to Singapore. [Gelang Petah is the last stop on the North South Highway before you clear the Malaysian Customs on Johor's west side and thereafter Singapore Customs at Tuas. This route is affectionately called the Second Link by both countries and it costs a bomb to travel via this route. However, the relatively lighter traffic (due to costs!) made it worthwhile.]
So decided to have rice with 2 vegetable dishes. Went up to the mixed rice stall (MISNOMER: It is actually a stall selling a variety of cooked food which you pick to go with rice. The stallholder places the rice on a plate and the food beside/on the rice) and chose kailan (kale) in oyster sauce and fried cabbage.
After the stallholder picked out the two dishes, I told her I'll just have that and wanted to pay.
She looked at me, "Minimum $2 ah." And she expected me to pay $2 for that plate of stuff that costs less than $2. I said, "$2? Let me see."
Tried to find another non-meat dish but wasn't interested in having the third vegetable. So I said, "Just add kailan to my rice till I hit $2."
I'm not a cheapskate but the principle is, if you are going to charge me $2, then serve me $2 worth. Just add on the kailan/cabbage when I say that's all I'm having.
Commonsense isn't that common after all.
Hardly 5*
Hardly 5*
Stayed in the Equitorial Hotel in Malacca over the weekend. Spent Saturday night in Room 1003.
The hotel was already quite old and yet it claimed it is a 5* hotel. I wonder when the last star audit was done.
The room was reasonable but faces the setting sun. The folks didn't even think that cooling the room prior to the guests' arrival was necessary. We entered a furnace when we walked into the room. Took a while for the airconditioner to cool the place down.
The mini bar was empty, the room safe was locked, the integrated control box at the head of the bed doesn't work fully. Took the hotel some time to come over to open the safe. But at least it was usable after that.
Those aside, what I really really really could not tolerate was the pillows, which stank of rancid hair oil. You know the smell that comes out of unwashed oily hair which has turned bad? Yucks.
But in the end, I was too tired to care. I had driven almost 8 hours and all I managed to do was to drop off and drift off to a deep sleep...
Stayed in the Equitorial Hotel in Malacca over the weekend. Spent Saturday night in Room 1003.
The hotel was already quite old and yet it claimed it is a 5* hotel. I wonder when the last star audit was done.
The room was reasonable but faces the setting sun. The folks didn't even think that cooling the room prior to the guests' arrival was necessary. We entered a furnace when we walked into the room. Took a while for the airconditioner to cool the place down.
The mini bar was empty, the room safe was locked, the integrated control box at the head of the bed doesn't work fully. Took the hotel some time to come over to open the safe. But at least it was usable after that.
Those aside, what I really really really could not tolerate was the pillows, which stank of rancid hair oil. You know the smell that comes out of unwashed oily hair which has turned bad? Yucks.
But in the end, I was too tired to care. I had driven almost 8 hours and all I managed to do was to drop off and drift off to a deep sleep...
Friday, December 02, 2005
The National Football Team
The National Football Team
This is a contentious post. People will either agree or disagree with me. But I think I should be allowed to post my thoughts.
Singapore should just keep a demonstration football team. No need to send for competitions or this or that. No need to even train. Then soccer aficiandoes who have the money to spend can be sold places on the national team, don national colours, wear the national team jerseys, and behave like the champions of the world. This is possibly the only way we can ensure that we can crow "We are the Champions" every year or at every tournament. Demonstration Category, of course.
Apparently, keeping a demo team is no big deal. Small money, even, if I would say. You know, sources have it that in order that the Bruneian flag is kept afloat, Brunei is willing to dump as much money as it is required to keep the Royal Brunei Airlines in the air. See? If Brunei can do it so well, maybe we can try.
We can't seem to win no matter how hard we tried, so give up. Forget it. In the past, we blamed it on diet and poor standards of living - players on a diet of ikan bilis can never take on the big fish. Ah, never mind. Our lads were called scrawny, small, undernourished, what!?
Then we had those "kayu" footballers who couldn't study. If this was not the case, then soccer had had a rather bad reputation of the sport of the less academically inclined. Look at how they throw possession to the opponents and you wonder if their heads and the ball had been swapped. But it's really not the players fault, I suppose. Perhaps it's just bad luck that the opposing members were able to place themselves in the right place at the right time to intercept all our passes.
So, we've blamed food, and we've tried to blame the smarter opponents.
What's the solution? Well, foreign imports.
After Singapore won the Malaysia Cup aeons ago, we left the Malaysian League and started S-league. S-league has been licking its wounds for a long time, from substandard play, substandard players, low attendance, match throwing, match fixing... You name it. Recently, we've begun to aggressively import more and more foreign talented footballers. We are hoping to see more of the likes of Abas Saad, Alairstair Edwards, Jang Jung (and that's all I remember).
However, despite their possibly better diet, better intelligence, better genes (I think), we've won Tiger Cup this year and flopped out of the SEA games. We didn't even make it to the semis.
What's the problem? Simple. They were not hungry enough.
If the next meal on their family's table is dependent on the outcome of the match, you bet our guys will go out and win every single match, if it's the last thing they'll ever do. But they're NOT hungry enough. Maybe we have got too good pay and renumeration packages for them already.
Honestly, forget soccer. You keep a team of 22 men (hey, you need to keep your own opposition too! Otherwise, how to practice?) to chase after a ball. Jocelin Yeo alone has grabbed 38 gold medals already. Pat Chan alone grabbed 39 during her time. A gold is a gold is a gold. A person who brings in the gold counts more that a whole team that cannot even qualify.
Even gymnastics got their act together. And bodybuilding cleaned up. What is soccer waiting for? It ain't a pretty sight seeing a group of grown men going to SEA Games again and again and again and not winning anything.
Come on, face it, if it is not about winning, then it's even less useful to send the team. If we could have cultivated another Jocelin, another James, another Li Jiawei, another Lee Weng Yew... we'll have a good haul each time around.
It's time to bite the bullet and look at ourselves again. Maybe we should change our lion mascot to that of a stock. At least when people laugh at us, we can laugh along.
How? The demo team idea does not seem so bad now, right? Maybe can go World Cup 2012 as a demo team. Like that sure can qualify. Just convince FIFA to accept us lah!
This is a contentious post. People will either agree or disagree with me. But I think I should be allowed to post my thoughts.
Singapore should just keep a demonstration football team. No need to send for competitions or this or that. No need to even train. Then soccer aficiandoes who have the money to spend can be sold places on the national team, don national colours, wear the national team jerseys, and behave like the champions of the world. This is possibly the only way we can ensure that we can crow "We are the Champions" every year or at every tournament. Demonstration Category, of course.
Apparently, keeping a demo team is no big deal. Small money, even, if I would say. You know, sources have it that in order that the Bruneian flag is kept afloat, Brunei is willing to dump as much money as it is required to keep the Royal Brunei Airlines in the air. See? If Brunei can do it so well, maybe we can try.
We can't seem to win no matter how hard we tried, so give up. Forget it. In the past, we blamed it on diet and poor standards of living - players on a diet of ikan bilis can never take on the big fish. Ah, never mind. Our lads were called scrawny, small, undernourished, what!?
Then we had those "kayu" footballers who couldn't study. If this was not the case, then soccer had had a rather bad reputation of the sport of the less academically inclined. Look at how they throw possession to the opponents and you wonder if their heads and the ball had been swapped. But it's really not the players fault, I suppose. Perhaps it's just bad luck that the opposing members were able to place themselves in the right place at the right time to intercept all our passes.
So, we've blamed food, and we've tried to blame the smarter opponents.
What's the solution? Well, foreign imports.
After Singapore won the Malaysia Cup aeons ago, we left the Malaysian League and started S-league. S-league has been licking its wounds for a long time, from substandard play, substandard players, low attendance, match throwing, match fixing... You name it. Recently, we've begun to aggressively import more and more foreign talented footballers. We are hoping to see more of the likes of Abas Saad, Alairstair Edwards, Jang Jung (and that's all I remember).
However, despite their possibly better diet, better intelligence, better genes (I think), we've won Tiger Cup this year and flopped out of the SEA games. We didn't even make it to the semis.
What's the problem? Simple. They were not hungry enough.
If the next meal on their family's table is dependent on the outcome of the match, you bet our guys will go out and win every single match, if it's the last thing they'll ever do. But they're NOT hungry enough. Maybe we have got too good pay and renumeration packages for them already.
Honestly, forget soccer. You keep a team of 22 men (hey, you need to keep your own opposition too! Otherwise, how to practice?) to chase after a ball. Jocelin Yeo alone has grabbed 38 gold medals already. Pat Chan alone grabbed 39 during her time. A gold is a gold is a gold. A person who brings in the gold counts more that a whole team that cannot even qualify.
Even gymnastics got their act together. And bodybuilding cleaned up. What is soccer waiting for? It ain't a pretty sight seeing a group of grown men going to SEA Games again and again and again and not winning anything.
Come on, face it, if it is not about winning, then it's even less useful to send the team. If we could have cultivated another Jocelin, another James, another Li Jiawei, another Lee Weng Yew... we'll have a good haul each time around.
It's time to bite the bullet and look at ourselves again. Maybe we should change our lion mascot to that of a stock. At least when people laugh at us, we can laugh along.
How? The demo team idea does not seem so bad now, right? Maybe can go World Cup 2012 as a demo team. Like that sure can qualify. Just convince FIFA to accept us lah!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Phone Sex Using The Loudspeaker
Phone Sex Using The Loudspeaker
After lunch on Monday, I was walking back to my office with a colleague and when I passed the private school campus which is occupying the annex block of my building I work in, my colleague and I heard this disgusting exchange.
As we walked out of the lift to the exit of the annex block to get to the main building where we worked, we finally saw this woman sitting on the carpetted floor outside the classrooms FLIRTING with her boyfriend over the loudspeaker mode of her phone.
She was unabashed about making those intimate sounds that one would hear in the bedroom. Never mind that, she was coquettish and whiny, and what's most unbelievable that she was OBLIVIOUS to the world around her.
We were disgusted to high heavens. We've never seen a SLUT as such.
After lunch on Monday, I was walking back to my office with a colleague and when I passed the private school campus which is occupying the annex block of my building I work in, my colleague and I heard this disgusting exchange.
As we walked out of the lift to the exit of the annex block to get to the main building where we worked, we finally saw this woman sitting on the carpetted floor outside the classrooms FLIRTING with her boyfriend over the loudspeaker mode of her phone.
She was unabashed about making those intimate sounds that one would hear in the bedroom. Never mind that, she was coquettish and whiny, and what's most unbelievable that she was OBLIVIOUS to the world around her.
We were disgusted to high heavens. We've never seen a SLUT as such.
GEPers
GEPers
Eh, what's wrong with Singaporeans ah? People smart people's business. You all jealous is it?
Why you all think that these GEPers strange, then why not think about your own actions? Are you all so bloody interested to mix with these geniuses meh? Don't bluff me lah. Deep inside you, you are just blardy jealous that these people are smart - morons like you all hor, better stay far far away from them, lest they confirm your stupidity.
You know ah, everyone knows light travels faster than sound. If you are not in GEP, then you better don't talk too much about them. I also not a GEPer, so I know very well that they are plain smart. What's wrong with that? Talk so much, no wonder people say "It must be because light travels faster than sound that you look smart until you open your mouth". You know hor, don't know so much, don't mimic what people say.
You know the meaning of mimic or not? Imitate, parrot, geddit? No? Teruk, like that also dun know, then how can clitisize others?
The GEPers are well and fine. They are good and they have their own lives. You people out there are just a bunch of trouble inciters. The ESN people, you all look down. Huh? You dunno what's ESN? ESN means educationally sub-normal. Then the GEPers who are damned smart, out of spite you people try to rhyme GEPers with lepers. I think your brains are really sick. You think you can do the reverse "see others' no up" with the GEPers is it? Don't try lah. They don't even bother.
You know why they don't bother what the world thinks about them? Because they don't need to. They are brilliant. They are like Bill Gates, for example. Bill has too many bills to spend; GEPers have too much knowledge to apply. What you have? Only a big mouth? Eeee... you forgot to rinse your mouth this morning is it?
Tell you lah, live and let live. If Singapore doesn't have these GEPers, we would soon be dead. In any society, we need to have a spread of people at all levels. Only then will the society succeed. That's why we should celebrate diversity and not be fearful of them. So simple also cannot understand.
Maybe that's why you are not in GEP lah.
Eh, what's wrong with Singaporeans ah? People smart people's business. You all jealous is it?
Why you all think that these GEPers strange, then why not think about your own actions? Are you all so bloody interested to mix with these geniuses meh? Don't bluff me lah. Deep inside you, you are just blardy jealous that these people are smart - morons like you all hor, better stay far far away from them, lest they confirm your stupidity.
You know ah, everyone knows light travels faster than sound. If you are not in GEP, then you better don't talk too much about them. I also not a GEPer, so I know very well that they are plain smart. What's wrong with that? Talk so much, no wonder people say "It must be because light travels faster than sound that you look smart until you open your mouth". You know hor, don't know so much, don't mimic what people say.
You know the meaning of mimic or not? Imitate, parrot, geddit? No? Teruk, like that also dun know, then how can clitisize others?
The GEPers are well and fine. They are good and they have their own lives. You people out there are just a bunch of trouble inciters. The ESN people, you all look down. Huh? You dunno what's ESN? ESN means educationally sub-normal. Then the GEPers who are damned smart, out of spite you people try to rhyme GEPers with lepers. I think your brains are really sick. You think you can do the reverse "see others' no up" with the GEPers is it? Don't try lah. They don't even bother.
You know why they don't bother what the world thinks about them? Because they don't need to. They are brilliant. They are like Bill Gates, for example. Bill has too many bills to spend; GEPers have too much knowledge to apply. What you have? Only a big mouth? Eeee... you forgot to rinse your mouth this morning is it?
Tell you lah, live and let live. If Singapore doesn't have these GEPers, we would soon be dead. In any society, we need to have a spread of people at all levels. Only then will the society succeed. That's why we should celebrate diversity and not be fearful of them. So simple also cannot understand.
Maybe that's why you are not in GEP lah.
Hairy Sow
Hairy Sow
Sunday, 26 Nov 05
Bedok Interchange
There was a fat sow in front of me in the bus 38 queue. She was quite young but she was so rotund that her knees are on the verge of giving out under her weight.
Never mind her physical looks. It's ok to be ugly, but it's not ok to come out and scare others.
So there she stood in front of me in the queue playing with her badly damaged hair. That head of long, scraggly hair. And she keeps running her fingers through her hair and each time, she managed dislodge some. And then she twirled them round her fingers and snapped them. After that, she let them drop to the ground.
There was a slight breeze and I really dread letting the sow's hair fly into my face. You cannot imagine the discomfort I felt.
She did the same on the bus, but fortunately, I was seated far away from her. So inconsiderate and so unhygienic. Wonder if she's retarded.
Sunday, 26 Nov 05
Bedok Interchange
There was a fat sow in front of me in the bus 38 queue. She was quite young but she was so rotund that her knees are on the verge of giving out under her weight.
Never mind her physical looks. It's ok to be ugly, but it's not ok to come out and scare others.
So there she stood in front of me in the queue playing with her badly damaged hair. That head of long, scraggly hair. And she keeps running her fingers through her hair and each time, she managed dislodge some. And then she twirled them round her fingers and snapped them. After that, she let them drop to the ground.
There was a slight breeze and I really dread letting the sow's hair fly into my face. You cannot imagine the discomfort I felt.
She did the same on the bus, but fortunately, I was seated far away from her. So inconsiderate and so unhygienic. Wonder if she's retarded.
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