The Ant Menace
There are many ants making their way to my kitchen. I've got no exposed food there and nothing sweet there even.
Can you imagine this? Even the cup I used for plain water can be filled with ants! I'd be darned - have I begun turning my water into wine?
Well, I've bought the insect chalk, the ant baits, the aerosol, and also the insect coils. I need to restore some sanity by doing in these crawlers.
Even keeping the place clean isn't enough. Hopefully the tough measures are sufficient to keep the unwanted occupants out!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Post Dinner Tim Sum at SC
Post Dinner Tim Sum at SC
Had a pretty light dinner of kuey chap at Jln Berseh Food Centre.
Was starving as I had not had proper meals since I woke up. The flu killed all my appetite and the high-strung feeling of facing my boss didn't help in stirring my desire to eat.
Anyway, friend and I decided to eat at the tim sum shop opposite the McDonald's beside the food centre after dinner.
So we went.
Ordered some food and here's the grading:
Large Bao (Meat bun) $1.40 each
Instead of white high gluten flour, they used a multipurpose flour, giving the bao skin a flat, sticky texture that sticks to the hard palatte and teeth. The fillings are bland and taken as a whole, the entire experience is worse than eating an ordinary bao bought off a coffee shop at less cost than this. Grade: D
Siew Mai (Meat dumplings in open wanton skin)
Bland minced meat wrapped in wanton skin. Anyone can make this easily. While the meat was thankfully free of the porky smell, the meat seasonings failed to come through as well. The result is a forgettable dish. Grade: C
Har Gao (Prawn dumplings in rice flour skin)
The rice flour skin was well done and it covered the fillings well. The shape kept well after steaming. Unfortunately, the prawns used were too small and thus were not sweet and flavoursome enough on their own. The shop added corn to sweeten the filling. Grade: C
Lor Mai Kai (Steamed glutinous rice with chicken)
The glutinous rice maintained its integrity and stayed whole-grained and singly. There is a light touch of flavour in the rice, which has probably seeped down from the chicken on top of it. The chicken was fresh and tasted clean. Grade: B
Dou Juan (Beancurd skin roll with crabstick, egg and ham strip)
Steamed item. No need imagination. Grade: F
The chilli failed to give the already bland stuff any more taste or kick.
Verdict: I'd never be caught there again.
And by the way, the nasi lemak stall beside this place looks promising. Maybe the next time, I'll give them a try.
Had a pretty light dinner of kuey chap at Jln Berseh Food Centre.
Was starving as I had not had proper meals since I woke up. The flu killed all my appetite and the high-strung feeling of facing my boss didn't help in stirring my desire to eat.
Anyway, friend and I decided to eat at the tim sum shop opposite the McDonald's beside the food centre after dinner.
So we went.
Ordered some food and here's the grading:
Large Bao (Meat bun) $1.40 each
Instead of white high gluten flour, they used a multipurpose flour, giving the bao skin a flat, sticky texture that sticks to the hard palatte and teeth. The fillings are bland and taken as a whole, the entire experience is worse than eating an ordinary bao bought off a coffee shop at less cost than this. Grade: D
Siew Mai (Meat dumplings in open wanton skin)
Bland minced meat wrapped in wanton skin. Anyone can make this easily. While the meat was thankfully free of the porky smell, the meat seasonings failed to come through as well. The result is a forgettable dish. Grade: C
Har Gao (Prawn dumplings in rice flour skin)
The rice flour skin was well done and it covered the fillings well. The shape kept well after steaming. Unfortunately, the prawns used were too small and thus were not sweet and flavoursome enough on their own. The shop added corn to sweeten the filling. Grade: C
Lor Mai Kai (Steamed glutinous rice with chicken)
The glutinous rice maintained its integrity and stayed whole-grained and singly. There is a light touch of flavour in the rice, which has probably seeped down from the chicken on top of it. The chicken was fresh and tasted clean. Grade: B
Dou Juan (Beancurd skin roll with crabstick, egg and ham strip)
Steamed item. No need imagination. Grade: F
The chilli failed to give the already bland stuff any more taste or kick.
Verdict: I'd never be caught there again.
And by the way, the nasi lemak stall beside this place looks promising. Maybe the next time, I'll give them a try.
Stabs In My Back
Stabs In My Back
Office politics? Far from it. My back is hurting so badly now.
I feel like being constantly stabbed on my shoulders, between my shoulder blades, my spine, my neck... The upper back feels awful. The muscles are all cramped up and the intermittent sharp stabbing pain is making me reluctant to move. Even breathing can bring about an unexpected pain episode.
Age is really catching up. Falling into pieces already.
Is this the end of Humpty Dumpty?
Maybe not. We got 3G SAF now.
Office politics? Far from it. My back is hurting so badly now.
I feel like being constantly stabbed on my shoulders, between my shoulder blades, my spine, my neck... The upper back feels awful. The muscles are all cramped up and the intermittent sharp stabbing pain is making me reluctant to move. Even breathing can bring about an unexpected pain episode.
Age is really catching up. Falling into pieces already.
Is this the end of Humpty Dumpty?
Maybe not. We got 3G SAF now.
If you ain't dead yet...
If you ain't dead yet...
Supposed to be resting at home on MC today.
Alas, my phone rang many times.
Boss wanted to see me.
Torn between getting restless rest at home and something done at work, I decided to get back to work.
Saw Boss and worked on resolving some issues.
Felt mentally better after that, but still dead tired.
I'm supposd to be on MC tomorrow too but I've got a seminar tomorrow morning and I think I'm better off getting to work.
I guess since I ain't dead yet, I'd better move my ass before I am really dead.
Supposed to be resting at home on MC today.
Alas, my phone rang many times.
Boss wanted to see me.
Torn between getting restless rest at home and something done at work, I decided to get back to work.
Saw Boss and worked on resolving some issues.
Felt mentally better after that, but still dead tired.
I'm supposd to be on MC tomorrow too but I've got a seminar tomorrow morning and I think I'm better off getting to work.
I guess since I ain't dead yet, I'd better move my ass before I am really dead.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Allergies
Allergies
Fell sick again. Upper respiratory tract infection. Went to see the doc today.
He told me that what I'm having is a typical allergic reaction arising out of my move to a new place. In fact, a few days ago, he saw a patient whose asthma had been dormant for a long period of time acted up after moving to a new place. It is something very common and I should not be too surprised.
The initial defences are lowered now that I've got into my routine. So it will be get well, fall sick, get well, fall sick.... until I'm used to the wonderful air of Mt Faber.
Fell sick again. Upper respiratory tract infection. Went to see the doc today.
He told me that what I'm having is a typical allergic reaction arising out of my move to a new place. In fact, a few days ago, he saw a patient whose asthma had been dormant for a long period of time acted up after moving to a new place. It is something very common and I should not be too surprised.
The initial defences are lowered now that I've got into my routine. So it will be get well, fall sick, get well, fall sick.... until I'm used to the wonderful air of Mt Faber.
Boobs
Boobs
On the bus just now sitting behind two young school going girls.
They were talking between themselves and giggling.
Then one asked their mum, "Ma, *unintelligible mumblings" B-R-E-S-S?"
Mum, "Yah, B-R-E-S-S."
Girl proudly, "There, B-R-E-S-S."
I nearly died!
On the bus just now sitting behind two young school going girls.
They were talking between themselves and giggling.
Then one asked their mum, "Ma, *unintelligible mumblings" B-R-E-S-S?"
Mum, "Yah, B-R-E-S-S."
Girl proudly, "There, B-R-E-S-S."
I nearly died!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Integration
Integration
Integration seems to be a toughie for many mathematics students.
To me, integration is a wonderful topic to test many associated concepts like limits, differentiation, trigonometry, algebra, logarithms, polynomials, simple addition and subtractions, factors and multiples, and so on.
I'd like to go on about integration but it probably won't go down very well with some readers.
Let's just say that integration is an exercise in mathematical maturity.
Integration seems to be a toughie for many mathematics students.
To me, integration is a wonderful topic to test many associated concepts like limits, differentiation, trigonometry, algebra, logarithms, polynomials, simple addition and subtractions, factors and multiples, and so on.
I'd like to go on about integration but it probably won't go down very well with some readers.
Let's just say that integration is an exercise in mathematical maturity.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Worth It
Worth It
Sometimes, it just feels not worth it anymore.
I'm so tired I could just fall asleep for two days in a row.
I'm so frustrated I could just chop off the next head I see.
My head throbs so badly I wish I could just shut my eyes and drift off somewhere.
I just feel so enervated that all I want to do is to curl up in some corner and fade into the background.
Sometimes...
Sometimes, it just feels not worth it anymore.
I'm so tired I could just fall asleep for two days in a row.
I'm so frustrated I could just chop off the next head I see.
My head throbs so badly I wish I could just shut my eyes and drift off somewhere.
I just feel so enervated that all I want to do is to curl up in some corner and fade into the background.
Sometimes...
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Desisting the Cold
Desisting the Cold
There is a Chinese verse which says that a person at high altitude cannot desist the cold.
The meaning is also extended to mean that people who move up their career ladders find fewer and fewer friends around them.
I saw that for myself through a pretty high ranking person today.
There is a Chinese verse which says that a person at high altitude cannot desist the cold.
The meaning is also extended to mean that people who move up their career ladders find fewer and fewer friends around them.
I saw that for myself through a pretty high ranking person today.
21 Feb Dinner
21 Feb Dinner
Someone accused me to hoarding the secret to an excellent steamboat place for almost 2 years.
The hell I know this place is a SECRET. I must have mentioned the place a million times in numerous conversations, flashbacks, and reminiscing.
Anyway, if not for the "wonderful" and "gorgeous" experiences at Turf City and Marina South, this place may have been labelled excessively expensive, lacking in live animals, sterile, and who knows what not!
But it was the nicest dinner we had together for a long time.
PS. No, it's not Coca.
Someone accused me to hoarding the secret to an excellent steamboat place for almost 2 years.
The hell I know this place is a SECRET. I must have mentioned the place a million times in numerous conversations, flashbacks, and reminiscing.
Anyway, if not for the "wonderful" and "gorgeous" experiences at Turf City and Marina South, this place may have been labelled excessively expensive, lacking in live animals, sterile, and who knows what not!
But it was the nicest dinner we had together for a long time.
PS. No, it's not Coca.
What goes around...
What goes around...
Taken to task for saying things about something and someone today.
Well, if you've said it, admit it. Which I did, in a frank fashion.
Anyhow, that's me and well, it's a matter of time.
The price of freedom of speech.
.. comes around
Taken to task for saying things about something and someone today.
Well, if you've said it, admit it. Which I did, in a frank fashion.
Anyhow, that's me and well, it's a matter of time.
The price of freedom of speech.
.. comes around
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Evolution
Evolution
In the name of human evolution, the flu pandemic is a welcome event.
From what I gather from the Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, an event like this will wipe out the weakest DNA from the overall gene pool and leave the best behind.
The remaining humans will then procreate to repopulate the gene pool.
It's an interesting theory and it is scary as well.
But it is something that we need to think about for as long as there are humans.
Our efforts in genetic modifications of crops and animals have brought about much disaster to ourselves. Very soon, the banana will be extinct as there simply aren't enough genes to procreate the next generation of banana trees.
Savour every banana like it's your last. Maybe in another 50 years, you can sit back and tell your grandchildren, "You know, when gonggong was younger, we had banana splits from Swensen..." And when you talk about bananas, you actually are not referring to the third leg.
We tried to be God for many things. Perhaps it's now time to reap our bitter fruits.
In the name of human evolution, the flu pandemic is a welcome event.
From what I gather from the Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, an event like this will wipe out the weakest DNA from the overall gene pool and leave the best behind.
The remaining humans will then procreate to repopulate the gene pool.
It's an interesting theory and it is scary as well.
But it is something that we need to think about for as long as there are humans.
Our efforts in genetic modifications of crops and animals have brought about much disaster to ourselves. Very soon, the banana will be extinct as there simply aren't enough genes to procreate the next generation of banana trees.
Savour every banana like it's your last. Maybe in another 50 years, you can sit back and tell your grandchildren, "You know, when gonggong was younger, we had banana splits from Swensen..." And when you talk about bananas, you actually are not referring to the third leg.
We tried to be God for many things. Perhaps it's now time to reap our bitter fruits.
Medium for Mutation
Medium for Mutation
Apparently, some animals are believed to provide the grounds for the avian flu virus to latch on and mutate into something more (or less, if fortunate) deadly.
Domesticated animals seem to be the main provider of these grounds.
Looks like the bird flu is more than just the birds.
Now we await the super-spreader, Patient 0.
Looks like the world is due for another round of cleansing!
Apparently, some animals are believed to provide the grounds for the avian flu virus to latch on and mutate into something more (or less, if fortunate) deadly.
Domesticated animals seem to be the main provider of these grounds.
Looks like the bird flu is more than just the birds.
Now we await the super-spreader, Patient 0.
Looks like the world is due for another round of cleansing!
Free Range Eggs
Free Range Eggs
Sent an SMS to a couple of friends living in Sri Lanka to ask them to do in their 4 chickens. This is critical, since bird flu has already reached India.
It's a matter of time that some infected birds fly in to Sri Lanka and begin a new round of infections.
Well, they've decided that they don't want to see the "girls" anywhere on their dining table. Just their eggs will do.
"We appreciate ... concerns but they cannot be done in, perhaps we really have to die young."
Looks like the Chinese swear "ji1 dan4 de" (Eggs!) mean something after all.
Sent an SMS to a couple of friends living in Sri Lanka to ask them to do in their 4 chickens. This is critical, since bird flu has already reached India.
It's a matter of time that some infected birds fly in to Sri Lanka and begin a new round of infections.
Well, they've decided that they don't want to see the "girls" anywhere on their dining table. Just their eggs will do.
"We appreciate ... concerns but they cannot be done in, perhaps we really have to die young."
Looks like the Chinese swear "ji1 dan4 de" (Eggs!) mean something after all.
Infuriating Day
Infuriating Day
I'm super-duper infuriated today because I witnessed yet another case where compassion is "regulated".
I won't say any more than I feel sorry for the one on the losing end. I've done my best to check and get the info for her.
However, there's not much more I can do.
I'm super-duper infuriated today because I witnessed yet another case where compassion is "regulated".
I won't say any more than I feel sorry for the one on the losing end. I've done my best to check and get the info for her.
However, there's not much more I can do.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Marriage as the result of...
Marriage as the result of...
Traditionally, we would think that marriage would be the result of true love between two people.
Now, I have a few different takes on the same issue.
Marriage could be the result of
... loving another's money rather than just love. This is very common these days as marrying a cash cow (or bull) makes for good living.
... loving another's body rather than just love. This is not uncommon too as this makes for good nights.
... free transport because the spouse owns a car. Forget it. Taxis are cheaper and you don't have to ingratiate yourself to the driver for a ride.
... loving "it". Please google "*** toys".
... loving the ownership of a HDB flat. This alleviates the problem of homelessness for two people until they are old enough to own their own flats; and possibly make some profits in the process.
... a personal debt repayable through giving of oneself to the other. Don't think that this is so so out-dated and laugh. People have been known to do less than wise things and who knows if this is still happening?
... a one-night-stand gone awry.Wouldn't abortion be easier?
... being accidentally blinded by Cupid, until full eyesight is restored.
... genuinely wanting kids. For god's sake, go adopt as a single parent.
... having a free cow/bull for the nights. Hey, think again!
... getting relatives off your back asking when you are finally getting married. Tsk tsk tsk. There are better ways, for instance, going to Bangkok every time festivities arise.
... having deeply, madly fallen in love. Please check yourself into the nearest mental institution to check degree of madness.
... wanting to experience married life. For god's sake, go to the family courts and listen to the plaintiffs and defendents of divorce cases.
... having fallen in true love. Best wishes and till death do you part. But don't let me see any one of you attempt to prematurely end the other's life!
Traditionally, we would think that marriage would be the result of true love between two people.
Now, I have a few different takes on the same issue.
Marriage could be the result of
... loving another's money rather than just love. This is very common these days as marrying a cash cow (or bull) makes for good living.
... loving another's body rather than just love. This is not uncommon too as this makes for good nights.
... free transport because the spouse owns a car. Forget it. Taxis are cheaper and you don't have to ingratiate yourself to the driver for a ride.
... loving "it". Please google "*** toys".
... loving the ownership of a HDB flat. This alleviates the problem of homelessness for two people until they are old enough to own their own flats; and possibly make some profits in the process.
... a personal debt repayable through giving of oneself to the other. Don't think that this is so so out-dated and laugh. People have been known to do less than wise things and who knows if this is still happening?
... a one-night-stand gone awry.Wouldn't abortion be easier?
... being accidentally blinded by Cupid, until full eyesight is restored.
... genuinely wanting kids. For god's sake, go adopt as a single parent.
... having a free cow/bull for the nights. Hey, think again!
... getting relatives off your back asking when you are finally getting married. Tsk tsk tsk. There are better ways, for instance, going to Bangkok every time festivities arise.
... having deeply, madly fallen in love. Please check yourself into the nearest mental institution to check degree of madness.
... wanting to experience married life. For god's sake, go to the family courts and listen to the plaintiffs and defendents of divorce cases.
... having fallen in true love. Best wishes and till death do you part. But don't let me see any one of you attempt to prematurely end the other's life!
Nouveau Pauvre
Nouveau Pauvre
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition (2002) defines nouveau riche as "A pejorative term for one who has recently become rich and who spends money conspicuously. From French, meaning 'new rich.'"
Given that people can go broke overnight or lose their jobs, shouldn't we also coin a term nouveau pauvre to describe one who has recently become poor and who has no money to spend CONSPICUOUSLY?
Somehow, I think among the population, when one is unable to find the money to spend conspicuously, they deem themselves poor.
I resent that thought - no money does not mean poor. It could mean poor financial management, laziness, or even poor financial acumen. It could be the result of a prerogatory decision to remain at the doors of poverty, an attempt at eliciting the pity of the "rich".
It would be interesting to differentiate the truly impoverished and the nouveau pauvre. Only then do we know if we are dealing with a true crisis or are we dealing with cases fake poverty.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition (2002) defines nouveau riche as "A pejorative term for one who has recently become rich and who spends money conspicuously. From French, meaning 'new rich.'"
Given that people can go broke overnight or lose their jobs, shouldn't we also coin a term nouveau pauvre to describe one who has recently become poor and who has no money to spend CONSPICUOUSLY?
Somehow, I think among the population, when one is unable to find the money to spend conspicuously, they deem themselves poor.
I resent that thought - no money does not mean poor. It could mean poor financial management, laziness, or even poor financial acumen. It could be the result of a prerogatory decision to remain at the doors of poverty, an attempt at eliciting the pity of the "rich".
It would be interesting to differentiate the truly impoverished and the nouveau pauvre. Only then do we know if we are dealing with a true crisis or are we dealing with cases fake poverty.
Real Poverty
Real Poverty
Part of me would really like to conduct a study if real poverty in Singapore really exists!
Some assumptions to start my readers thinking:
1. If a person were poor, s/he would not be able to keep up the smoking habit.
2. If a person were poor, s/he would not be able to keep up the gambling habit (I'll admit the occasional 4D, Toto, and Singapore Sweep, but anything more than betting once a fortnight on either of these games is habitual. Betting on horses and soccer games is immediately a gambling habit, given the large betting amounts involved).
3. If a person were poor, s/he would not have luxury items like a flatscreen or better TV, a DVD player, an MP3 player, audio speakers.
4. If a person were poor, s/he would not be able to afford branded clothing, shoes, and accessories.
5. If a person were poor, s/he would not mind menial jobs as it puts food on the table.
I can think of others, but let's start with these and see how many people really fall into the true poverty gap! I'd reckon not many.
Part of me would really like to conduct a study if real poverty in Singapore really exists!
Some assumptions to start my readers thinking:
1. If a person were poor, s/he would not be able to keep up the smoking habit.
2. If a person were poor, s/he would not be able to keep up the gambling habit (I'll admit the occasional 4D, Toto, and Singapore Sweep, but anything more than betting once a fortnight on either of these games is habitual. Betting on horses and soccer games is immediately a gambling habit, given the large betting amounts involved).
3. If a person were poor, s/he would not have luxury items like a flatscreen or better TV, a DVD player, an MP3 player, audio speakers.
4. If a person were poor, s/he would not be able to afford branded clothing, shoes, and accessories.
5. If a person were poor, s/he would not mind menial jobs as it puts food on the table.
I can think of others, but let's start with these and see how many people really fall into the true poverty gap! I'd reckon not many.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Home Box Office
Home Box Office
Watched two movies on HBO today.
Ok, less than two. I watched the ending of the third instalment of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
I think the critics are right.
It should be called Brokeback Rings.
Look at the way Frodo and Sam look at each other. The intensity of their piercing gazes are way above and beyond what Ennis and Jack had mustered in Brokeback Mountain.
Every touch, every caress, every gaze, every word, every look, every action, every thought, every ... Well, it so so so suggests that there was MORE than mere platonic relationships that we are looking at.
Or have we lost it?
If the era of the kings came by and nothing has changed, then have we loved less now?
Why is love no longer as deep, as lasting, as faithful, as forgiving, as giving, as sacrificing, as accommodating, as assimilating, as borderless, as accessible as it was before?
Have we forgotten how to love? If two mere mortals could share a friendship love bond so deep that their bloods seem to flow in each other's body, then why is true love so fragile?
The elusivity of it all is puzzling.
Then the next show Wimbeldon came on.
Again, this time around, Peter Colt falls in love with Lizzy Bradbury and while Peter falls headlong in love, Lizzy never thought he was the real deal.
It represents a role reversal of sorts. Men go for sex and not love - in fact, men are able to differentiate and sex and love. Men can have sex again and again and again but not feel love. Apparently, a woman cannot have sex unless she feels something in her. Interesting swap of stereotypes.
So there is Lizzy, seducing Peter again and again, and suddenly decides that pursing Wimbeldon was more important. But Peter never forgot Lizzy and tried again and again to convince her that his love for her was true.
He event went on national TV to profess his love for her. And the rest, they say, is history and they lived happily ever after.
But is this a dose of reality or another fantasy world that we are led into?
So why is real love so difficult to find? Let's hope one day, we will know the answers.
Watched two movies on HBO today.
Ok, less than two. I watched the ending of the third instalment of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
I think the critics are right.
It should be called Brokeback Rings.
Look at the way Frodo and Sam look at each other. The intensity of their piercing gazes are way above and beyond what Ennis and Jack had mustered in Brokeback Mountain.
Every touch, every caress, every gaze, every word, every look, every action, every thought, every ... Well, it so so so suggests that there was MORE than mere platonic relationships that we are looking at.
Or have we lost it?
If the era of the kings came by and nothing has changed, then have we loved less now?
Why is love no longer as deep, as lasting, as faithful, as forgiving, as giving, as sacrificing, as accommodating, as assimilating, as borderless, as accessible as it was before?
Have we forgotten how to love? If two mere mortals could share a friendship love bond so deep that their bloods seem to flow in each other's body, then why is true love so fragile?
The elusivity of it all is puzzling.
Then the next show Wimbeldon came on.
Again, this time around, Peter Colt falls in love with Lizzy Bradbury and while Peter falls headlong in love, Lizzy never thought he was the real deal.
It represents a role reversal of sorts. Men go for sex and not love - in fact, men are able to differentiate and sex and love. Men can have sex again and again and again but not feel love. Apparently, a woman cannot have sex unless she feels something in her. Interesting swap of stereotypes.
So there is Lizzy, seducing Peter again and again, and suddenly decides that pursing Wimbeldon was more important. But Peter never forgot Lizzy and tried again and again to convince her that his love for her was true.
He event went on national TV to profess his love for her. And the rest, they say, is history and they lived happily ever after.
But is this a dose of reality or another fantasy world that we are led into?
So why is real love so difficult to find? Let's hope one day, we will know the answers.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Budget 2006
Budget 2006
Am I not gainfully employed? Have I not worked hard? Is it my fault that I am paid well because I studied hard and did well?
Why am I still deprived of my roof over my head? Have I not given enough for my country?
Did I not pay taxes for the development of this place I call home?
What is there for singles like me?
Am I not gainfully employed? Have I not worked hard? Is it my fault that I am paid well because I studied hard and did well?
Why am I still deprived of my roof over my head? Have I not given enough for my country?
Did I not pay taxes for the development of this place I call home?
What is there for singles like me?
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