It is snowing again today….
Manxin told me that it is a good auspicious… sort of washes all the bad luck away for the New Year…
So since that the case…
Here I come 2007…
Wish everyone a Happy and Lucky New Year…
May 2007 be a better year than 2006 for you and me...
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
The Path...
I shivered as I stay still… I wonder if it is the weather, or is it my heart…
Work has been pressurizing even when I see no work can be done…
Living in the uncertainly has certainly weaken myself…
I need to move! I need to take action!
What to do? When to do? How to do?
Run away from comfort zone or face it head on?
Either ways, it is hard…
The book “Road less travelled” reminded me that life is difficult…
First of all I have to accept it… face it… and solve it…
So now… difficulties of life… please come to me… let me welcome you, not b’cos I am going mad… but I want meet up with you…
Anyway… I am fighting you… God, Buddha, Krishna, Allah and whoever… Bless me… give me strength… let me roar… show me the light at the end of the path!
Let me walk out this out of this mess… so that I can clean it up… and start building my path…
And by the way… Lady love… where are you?
Work has been pressurizing even when I see no work can be done…
Living in the uncertainly has certainly weaken myself…
I need to move! I need to take action!
What to do? When to do? How to do?
Run away from comfort zone or face it head on?
Either ways, it is hard…
The book “Road less travelled” reminded me that life is difficult…
First of all I have to accept it… face it… and solve it…
So now… difficulties of life… please come to me… let me welcome you, not b’cos I am going mad… but I want meet up with you…
Anyway… I am fighting you… God, Buddha, Krishna, Allah and whoever… Bless me… give me strength… let me roar… show me the light at the end of the path!
Let me walk out this out of this mess… so that I can clean it up… and start building my path…
And by the way… Lady love… where are you?
Her visit to Beijing...
I wasn't a good tour guide, but at least I was there... Hopefully I can get more chances...
Thursday, December 28, 2006
This really inspired me today...
Gemini (May 21 - Jun 21)
The Bottom Line
Own your future -- today, don't let anyone influence your hopes and wishes.
In Detail
You own your future -- so you can't let anyone influence your hopes and wishes or tell you that what you want won't ever happen. This is a time to marshal your inner strength and stand firm for what you want. An excess of energy could cause you to fly off the handle once or twice today, but no one will be offended by your passion. You have a vision of what you want the next year of your life to be. Today, go out and start turning that vision into reality.
The Bottom Line
Own your future -- today, don't let anyone influence your hopes and wishes.
In Detail
You own your future -- so you can't let anyone influence your hopes and wishes or tell you that what you want won't ever happen. This is a time to marshal your inner strength and stand firm for what you want. An excess of energy could cause you to fly off the handle once or twice today, but no one will be offended by your passion. You have a vision of what you want the next year of your life to be. Today, go out and start turning that vision into reality.
What happens to my internet?
Taiwan quake cuts off much of Asia Internet
Posted: 27 December 2006 1840 hrs by CNA
HONG KONG - Internet and phone services were disrupted across much of Asia on Wednesday after an earthquake damaged undersea cables, leaving one of the world's most tech-savvy regions in a virtual blackout.
From frustrated traders seeking in vain for stock quotes to anxious newshounds accustomed to round-the-clock updates on world events, millions of people from China to Japan to Australia were affected.
The disruption was widespread, hitting China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and elsewhere, with knock-on effects as far away as Australia for companies whose Internet is routed through affected areas.
There was no chaos on the stock exchanges or any of the other doomsday scenarios, but reports that services could be down for weeks were dramatic enough.
South Korea's information and communication ministry said all six undersea fibreoptic cables off Taiwan were hit, causing major disruption. All services, except for exclusive business lines, returned to normal shortly afterwards as they were switched to other systems.
But officials could not put a timeframe on when business lines would be fixed. "It is not a matter of days," said Hong Seoung-Yong, a ministry official handling the problem. "It will take longer than that to repair the damaged lines."
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Taiwan on Tuesday night, which was followed by several smaller quakes in the region, apparently damaged the vast network of underwater cables that enables modern communication.
"The Internet capacity in Taiwan is about 40 percent now, so the service is jammed," said a spokesman for Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest phone company.
A spokesman for CAT Telecom, Thailand's communication authority, said Internet services had been disrupted across the country.
"Those whose businesses mainly rely on Internet communication have been affected. They can't do anything," he added.
Phone services in some countries were also disrupted, in particular for calls to the United States.
"Several undersea data cables were damaged," said a spokesman for PCCW, Hong Kong's biggest telecoms company.
Service providers quickly tried to redirect customers to the cables that had not been affected but the reduced capacity was no match for the normal workload of users, leaving an Internet service that was painfully slow or non-existent.
"It's a nightmare, basically, because we have no idea what is going on in the markets today," said Steve Rowles, an analyst with CFC Seymour in Hong Kong, who echoed others in saying that damage was limited due to year's end.
"It has happened on the right day as a lot of people are away for holidays, so there's low trading volumes," he said.
In China, web users in cities as far apart as Beijing in the north and Chongqing in the southwest reported difficulties accessing overseas websites, state media reported, after several undersea cables belonging to China Telecom were cut.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange, the world's largest bourse outside of New York, was functioning without problems, a spokesman said.
The Hong Kong stock exchange also said it was also working without problems, but after-hours crude trading in Singapore was affected as traders reported they could not access the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex).
NTT Communications, the long-distance call business of Japan's largest telecom firm Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., said 1,400 toll-free phone lines and 84 international lines used internally by companies were affected.
The crux of the trouble seemed to be in the underseas routes near Taiwan, which providers would try to bypass in favour of other routes through Europe, said a spokesman for Japanese telecoms firm KDDI Corp, Satoru Ito.
"If there is too much traffic on that route, it might get blocked up and further slow down Internet connections," Ito said.
- AFP /ls
Sianz... China also affected loh... No Utopia...
Posted: 27 December 2006 1840 hrs by CNA
HONG KONG - Internet and phone services were disrupted across much of Asia on Wednesday after an earthquake damaged undersea cables, leaving one of the world's most tech-savvy regions in a virtual blackout.
From frustrated traders seeking in vain for stock quotes to anxious newshounds accustomed to round-the-clock updates on world events, millions of people from China to Japan to Australia were affected.
The disruption was widespread, hitting China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and elsewhere, with knock-on effects as far away as Australia for companies whose Internet is routed through affected areas.
There was no chaos on the stock exchanges or any of the other doomsday scenarios, but reports that services could be down for weeks were dramatic enough.
South Korea's information and communication ministry said all six undersea fibreoptic cables off Taiwan were hit, causing major disruption. All services, except for exclusive business lines, returned to normal shortly afterwards as they were switched to other systems.
But officials could not put a timeframe on when business lines would be fixed. "It is not a matter of days," said Hong Seoung-Yong, a ministry official handling the problem. "It will take longer than that to repair the damaged lines."
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Taiwan on Tuesday night, which was followed by several smaller quakes in the region, apparently damaged the vast network of underwater cables that enables modern communication.
"The Internet capacity in Taiwan is about 40 percent now, so the service is jammed," said a spokesman for Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest phone company.
A spokesman for CAT Telecom, Thailand's communication authority, said Internet services had been disrupted across the country.
"Those whose businesses mainly rely on Internet communication have been affected. They can't do anything," he added.
Phone services in some countries were also disrupted, in particular for calls to the United States.
"Several undersea data cables were damaged," said a spokesman for PCCW, Hong Kong's biggest telecoms company.
Service providers quickly tried to redirect customers to the cables that had not been affected but the reduced capacity was no match for the normal workload of users, leaving an Internet service that was painfully slow or non-existent.
"It's a nightmare, basically, because we have no idea what is going on in the markets today," said Steve Rowles, an analyst with CFC Seymour in Hong Kong, who echoed others in saying that damage was limited due to year's end.
"It has happened on the right day as a lot of people are away for holidays, so there's low trading volumes," he said.
In China, web users in cities as far apart as Beijing in the north and Chongqing in the southwest reported difficulties accessing overseas websites, state media reported, after several undersea cables belonging to China Telecom were cut.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange, the world's largest bourse outside of New York, was functioning without problems, a spokesman said.
The Hong Kong stock exchange also said it was also working without problems, but after-hours crude trading in Singapore was affected as traders reported they could not access the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex).
NTT Communications, the long-distance call business of Japan's largest telecom firm Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., said 1,400 toll-free phone lines and 84 international lines used internally by companies were affected.
The crux of the trouble seemed to be in the underseas routes near Taiwan, which providers would try to bypass in favour of other routes through Europe, said a spokesman for Japanese telecoms firm KDDI Corp, Satoru Ito.
"If there is too much traffic on that route, it might get blocked up and further slow down Internet connections," Ito said.
- AFP /ls
Sianz... China also affected loh... No Utopia...
Monday, December 25, 2006
How I wished today never comes...
Last week ended in a blink of eye…and I didn’t even had enough of last week…
Most properly, last week is my most enjoyable week I ever had through out the one year in Beijing… Never had I enjoyed myself so far and feel like living with an objective… and YES… I was tired, but it was all worth it… I have enjoyed myself so much that I wished X’mas will not come…
The emptiness has not gone away, but has gotten stronger… It wasn't beause it was my 2nd X’mas alone in Beijing, but it was made stronger with the wonderful last week…
As much as I wish today never comes… I can't wait for the future too… I am struck in the present…
And by the way, did anyone buy X’mas presents for me??? :p
Most properly, last week is my most enjoyable week I ever had through out the one year in Beijing… Never had I enjoyed myself so far and feel like living with an objective… and YES… I was tired, but it was all worth it… I have enjoyed myself so much that I wished X’mas will not come…
The emptiness has not gone away, but has gotten stronger… It wasn't beause it was my 2nd X’mas alone in Beijing, but it was made stronger with the wonderful last week…
As much as I wish today never comes… I can't wait for the future too… I am struck in the present…
And by the way, did anyone buy X’mas presents for me??? :p
Thursday, December 21, 2006
We met again...
It has been a long time since I saw her… but the day has finally came for us to meet again… She is here on a short trip in Beijing for work so I didn't really have time to show her all the places of interest as time was kind of limited…
Well… what matters most is that we finally meet up again, and we got to talk and chat on whatever we have been missing out for the past few years… This is so great… I didn’t realized that we can have so much to talk about, cos we didn’t talk a lot in the past or maybe we do talk a lot in the past, but I think we can even talk more now…
She also commented that I have changed... have I? Well, I think she have changed a bit too… Ha… Ha… :p Anyway, I am grateful that she came to Beijing…
Friday, December 15, 2006
煎饼果子
I often eat this thing call 煎饼果子 or some people just call it 煎饼. Well, it is almost my everyday’s breakfast because I will buy it after I got off the subway, and then eat it along my way to office. It is especially delicious during winter, because when it is cold, you will hold it with your hands and eat it while it is hot.
This is how it is cooked.
This is how it is cooked.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Swing while you eat...
This restaurant is cool... You get to eat and play with the swing at the same time...
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Creativity in Menu Planning
Yesterday evening, I went to eat in one of those small restaurants in a small alley near my work place with Tongwei. It is a newly opened restaurant so we thought of trying out their food... As I got the menu from the waitress, I looked through it and saw that there were English names translated for some of the common dishes… Out of curiosity, I begining looking for the English names of those dishes which I usually like to order...
I smiled and laughed at the first few dishes with English names… Then as I go on, I laughed out louder and louder until other people will to stare at me as if I'm mad or whatever... I guess this restaurant really had a good sense of humor when they translate those dishes’ names, especially on the 干锅仔鸡...
I smiled and laughed at the first few dishes with English names… Then as I go on, I laughed out louder and louder until other people will to stare at me as if I'm mad or whatever... I guess this restaurant really had a good sense of humor when they translate those dishes’ names, especially on the 干锅仔鸡...
宫爆鸡丁 – The temple explodes the chicken cube
酱爆鸡丁 – The sauce explodes the chicken cube
干锅仔鸡 – Fuck a chicken
油麦菜 – Rape flower
红油百叶 – One hundred leaves of sesame oil
Aren’t they really creative? Ha… Ha…
Monday, December 04, 2006
Look the river/canal is starting to freeze...
If you see closely... the river/canal are starting to freeze... the top layer have already form small pieces of ice...
Friday, December 01, 2006
One Piece: Straw Hat's New Ship is Ready!!!
For those who don't read the manga...This is a preview of it for you...Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Complaints Choir
I don't know what "Complaints Choir" are al about until I heard these two choirs... They sing out what everyone wants to compliant or feel like complianting... something which I am sure you will compliant about too...
I prefer the Helsinki Choir slightly more, even though you got to see the subtitles because it is not sung in English... and as for Birmingham Choir, they sung in English and they are good too...
Helsinki Complaints Choir
Complaints Choir of Birmingham
STB plans to develop Southern Islands into tourist attraction
Title : STB plans to develop Southern Islands into tourist attraction
Date : 28 November 2006 1837 hrs (SST)
URL : Channelnewsasia.com
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) plans to develop the six islands off the southern tip of Sentosa into a tourist attraction.
This, as its $12b Sentosa masterplan -- which includes Harbourfront and the Southern Islands -- is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in 2010.
The comment came on the sidelines of an industry conference where STB also revealed that Singapore is set to welcome another record number of visitors this year.
The STB wants to tap on the momentum of the Sentosa integrated resort bid and extend investor interest to the islands nearby.
Exploring the potential of developing land around the Marina Bay and Sentosa areas, the STB concluded that enhancing the lush greenery and natural foliage of the Southern Islands will make them irresistible as a tourist destination.
The Southern Islands include the Sisters' Island, Kusu Island and St John Island.
The agency says the Southern Islands already boast a Chinese temple, natural ecosystems and a resort-like atmosphere.
So it is conceivable to turn some of them into a resort island, a cultural site or an interactive rainforest park.
Designers say there is a trend towards mixing education and entertainment when it comes to creating a tourist destination that leverages on the natural resources of a given place.
They say the Southern Islands have the potential to become such a themed destination.
Citing Hamburg's Regenwald House, Shawn McCoy, Marketing Director of Jack Rouse Associates, said: "There's a great project in Hamburg called the Regenwald House. Basically, it's a rainforest where you walk through and you can interpret some of the flora and fauna that are there. Everything, from audio wands to rain sequence - so it rains on you. It's manufactured, sure it's synthetic but you're actually learning about the natural environment."
STB expects to announce details for the development of the Southern Islands and seek request-for-concepts as early as next March.
Total investment in Sentosa alone reached S$3.1 billion in the fiscal year ending in March.
This is a 68% increase compared to a year ago.
On tourist arrivals, STB says Singapore is expected to receive its 9th million visitor anytime now.
This will set a second consecutive year of record high for tourist numbers.
Singapore welcomed 8.94 million visitors in 2005. - CNA/ir
Date : 28 November 2006 1837 hrs (SST)
URL : Channelnewsasia.com
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) plans to develop the six islands off the southern tip of Sentosa into a tourist attraction.
This, as its $12b Sentosa masterplan -- which includes Harbourfront and the Southern Islands -- is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in 2010.
The comment came on the sidelines of an industry conference where STB also revealed that Singapore is set to welcome another record number of visitors this year.
The STB wants to tap on the momentum of the Sentosa integrated resort bid and extend investor interest to the islands nearby.
Exploring the potential of developing land around the Marina Bay and Sentosa areas, the STB concluded that enhancing the lush greenery and natural foliage of the Southern Islands will make them irresistible as a tourist destination.
The Southern Islands include the Sisters' Island, Kusu Island and St John Island.
The agency says the Southern Islands already boast a Chinese temple, natural ecosystems and a resort-like atmosphere.
So it is conceivable to turn some of them into a resort island, a cultural site or an interactive rainforest park.
Designers say there is a trend towards mixing education and entertainment when it comes to creating a tourist destination that leverages on the natural resources of a given place.
They say the Southern Islands have the potential to become such a themed destination.
Citing Hamburg's Regenwald House, Shawn McCoy, Marketing Director of Jack Rouse Associates, said: "There's a great project in Hamburg called the Regenwald House. Basically, it's a rainforest where you walk through and you can interpret some of the flora and fauna that are there. Everything, from audio wands to rain sequence - so it rains on you. It's manufactured, sure it's synthetic but you're actually learning about the natural environment."
STB expects to announce details for the development of the Southern Islands and seek request-for-concepts as early as next March.
Total investment in Sentosa alone reached S$3.1 billion in the fiscal year ending in March.
This is a 68% increase compared to a year ago.
On tourist arrivals, STB says Singapore is expected to receive its 9th million visitor anytime now.
This will set a second consecutive year of record high for tourist numbers.
Singapore welcomed 8.94 million visitors in 2005. - CNA/ir
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Auto China 2006
I attended Auto China 2006 in Beijing with Tongwei and Zhaoxuan last Sunday. Although there were many new automobiles on exhibition but the amazing part is that the people attending it is more than you can imagine... 200,000 people over the weekend reported by the news... Kaoz… Well, China does indeed live up to its name : “People” Republic of China, Country with Manpower as its main strength... Ha… Ha…
Anyway… we didn’t took many photos as there were too many people in the way and it is really difficult to take photos with so many people squeezing right in front of the automobile looking at it… touching it… or seating inside it… as if they never seen one in their whole life before…
Anyway… we didn’t took many photos as there were too many people in the way and it is really difficult to take photos with so many people squeezing right in front of the automobile looking at it… touching it… or seating inside it… as if they never seen one in their whole life before…
See that… behind me, in front of the racing car, people are squeezing in font to view the car. I just happen to manage to get a lucky shot by the side of the vehicle from far away…
Mmm… Actually Tongwei did took many picture of the automobiles, but it is really only automobiles with many people in the background… there were only a few with us taken with the vehicle…
Tongwei 
Zhaoxuan
And of course, the main purpose of going there other than looking at the automobiles is to look at the babes… and thanks god, I manage to took photos of them…
Hmm… actually it was more of taking photo together with them… Ha… Ha… :)Saturday, November 25, 2006
Naruto News:
Next Spring (2007) for Naruto Anime Part 2 to start... Still have to endure one more season of Naruto fillers...
Monday, November 20, 2006
Am I stress?
My head is spinning after looking at the monitor screen non-stop...
I think it is time to start school… but what to study? Where the $$$
Work??? @#$%^&* Social life has been kind of limited…
Where is my coke??? $$$$ always the problem...
I am suffering from depression again…
I missed home and friends… What is my career path?
I think it is time to start school… but what to study? Where the $$$
Work??? @#$%^&* Social life has been kind of limited…
Where is my coke??? $$$$ always the problem...
I am suffering from depression again…
I missed home and friends… What is my career path?
Where is that dame “Light”… I need enlightenment!!! No I will not be a monk… don’t mis-understand.
This Stupid translation work I am doing has been getting on my nerves. (6000 plus sentences already still thousands of them to come???) Hey I need to plan for next year company budget… but I have no resources??? Should I further studies… I am 24 going 25… Shit I am damn old…
I am running out of time… I cause “lis” to be angry… sorry… why are you still mad at me?
I need a break… I need to diet… no diet + no exercise… can I do it?
I am behind time… Why am I still Single…
Why is it so cold... Stupid winter... althought I like winter
What am I doing here… Playtime over???
I think I need to decide… Plus take action… My bank account is disappearing…
This Stupid translation work I am doing has been getting on my nerves. (6000 plus sentences already still thousands of them to come???) Hey I need to plan for next year company budget… but I have no resources??? Should I further studies… I am 24 going 25… Shit I am damn old…
I am running out of time… I cause “lis” to be angry… sorry… why are you still mad at me?
I need a break… I need to diet… no diet + no exercise… can I do it?
I am behind time… Why am I still Single…
Why is it so cold... Stupid winter... althought I like winter
What am I doing here… Playtime over???
I think I need to decide… Plus take action… My bank account is disappearing…
These things are really flying in my head and driving my nuts… how..??? I am really messed up… I need enlightenment!!!! I am starting to don’t even know what I am talking about??? Damn it!!!
Am I stress???
Thursday, November 16, 2006
How to make China a respected nation ?
One day China can become a well respected nation in the world community of nations, when its government, society and people are gradually transformed from the existing pit of material darkness to one of enlightment. That can happen when the realization occurs:
1. That liberty and freedom are inherent qualities in humans.
2. Human rights and respect for life is real success of civilizations.
3. Money is not the meaning for existence.
4. Greed and avarice only bring a future of darkness.
5. People have souls which is more important than money.
6. Worshipping money is not a civilized thing to do.
7. Enriching the mind with freedom is real happiness.
8. Being humble and accepting shortcomings is not a sign of weakness.
9. There is no need to suffer from any inferiority complex that only promotes negative atttitudes.
10. Tell their char bors to shave their fucking armpits (added by another commenter)
11. Tell their people to stop talking so loudly on their fucking handphones on public transports. (added by another commenter)
I am sure China will change for the better in the future and become a respected member of the world's community of nations. But it will take time, maybe 50 years time, and the rest of the world must show patience and understanding for this to happen.
Posted by Satin888(1-9) and Evilheart(10-11) on Sammyboy.com's Alfresco Coffee Shop
1. That liberty and freedom are inherent qualities in humans.
2. Human rights and respect for life is real success of civilizations.
3. Money is not the meaning for existence.
4. Greed and avarice only bring a future of darkness.
5. People have souls which is more important than money.
6. Worshipping money is not a civilized thing to do.
7. Enriching the mind with freedom is real happiness.
8. Being humble and accepting shortcomings is not a sign of weakness.
9. There is no need to suffer from any inferiority complex that only promotes negative atttitudes.
10. Tell their char bors to shave their fucking armpits (added by another commenter)
11. Tell their people to stop talking so loudly on their fucking handphones on public transports. (added by another commenter)
I am sure China will change for the better in the future and become a respected member of the world's community of nations. But it will take time, maybe 50 years time, and the rest of the world must show patience and understanding for this to happen.
Posted by Satin888(1-9) and Evilheart(10-11) on Sammyboy.com's Alfresco Coffee Shop
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
GST to be raised to 7%: PM Lee
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 13 November 2006 1832 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Goods and Services Tax will be increased to 7 percent from 5 percent presently.
This was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Parliament on Monday.
However, when the rise will be implemented, will be decided later.
Speaking in Malay, Mandarin and English, Mr Lee explained that the hike was necessary to finance the enhanced social safety nets, needed to help the lower income group and he emphasised that the offset package would more than counter the rise in GST.
While Singapore's current model to tackle the widening income gap is sound, Mr Lee said the government would take on two approaches to deal with the new environment - to strengthen the safety nets and tilt the balance in favour of the lower-income groups who do not benefit from the fruits of economic growth.
To do this, government spending will have to go up. The government now spends some 15 percent of its GDP - one of the lowest in the world.
"This is inevitable over the next 5 to 10 years. Infrastructure investments will cost money - R&D is to cost $5b over the next 5 years; as medical technology improves, people age and more will go to hospitals to get more treatment, so spending is bound to go up. As we tilt the playing field across the board, the lower income will be getting another boost, not just once in a while. Therefore its better to start building resources now so that when we spend more, we have the means to do so," said Mr Lee.
To finance this, indirect taxes or the Goods & Services Tax will have to go up.
"It will give us precious extra resources to implement social programmes like Workfare later on. Our aim is to help the lower income groups and the elderly, not to increase their burdens. When we implement the GST increase, it's not just the GST increase, it's the package which will fully offset the impact of the GST increase and begin to strengthen the social safety nets and tilt the balance in favour of the low income groups - we will not just raise the GST but we will have a comprehensive offset package," said Mr Lee.
This package will be weighted more to the middle and the low income groups, especially the elderly, and it will more than offset the GST increase.
"It is not just an offset package to deal with the GST. It is a whole set of measures which we are taking in order to tilt the playing field in favour of the lower income group, which is what we have to add and tally in the balance, and my purpose is to help the lower income group. For the middle income, it will be generally about ok; for the higher income, I think the higher income should end up paying more overall. It's part of being one society. I'm not going to tax 15% on income tax, I'm not going to tax 25% from GST the way the Scandanavians do, but I have to make the adjustments of 2% which I think is fair and I think Singaporeans will support," added Mr Lee.
He explained that it is better to do the increase now when the economy is doing well, rather than wait till later. This will give the government time to see how this adjustment can be managed, and to cope better with the unknown forces of globalisation over the next 5 to 7 years.
More details of the GST increase will be announced on 15 February 2007, which is Budget Day. Mr Lee added that Second Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam would deliver the Budget speech.
Another change will be the amending of the Constitution to allow the government to tap the capital gains received from investing the national reserves. - CNA /dt
SINGAPORE: The Goods and Services Tax will be increased to 7 percent from 5 percent presently.
This was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Parliament on Monday.
However, when the rise will be implemented, will be decided later.
Speaking in Malay, Mandarin and English, Mr Lee explained that the hike was necessary to finance the enhanced social safety nets, needed to help the lower income group and he emphasised that the offset package would more than counter the rise in GST.
While Singapore's current model to tackle the widening income gap is sound, Mr Lee said the government would take on two approaches to deal with the new environment - to strengthen the safety nets and tilt the balance in favour of the lower-income groups who do not benefit from the fruits of economic growth.
To do this, government spending will have to go up. The government now spends some 15 percent of its GDP - one of the lowest in the world.
"This is inevitable over the next 5 to 10 years. Infrastructure investments will cost money - R&D is to cost $5b over the next 5 years; as medical technology improves, people age and more will go to hospitals to get more treatment, so spending is bound to go up. As we tilt the playing field across the board, the lower income will be getting another boost, not just once in a while. Therefore its better to start building resources now so that when we spend more, we have the means to do so," said Mr Lee.
To finance this, indirect taxes or the Goods & Services Tax will have to go up.
"It will give us precious extra resources to implement social programmes like Workfare later on. Our aim is to help the lower income groups and the elderly, not to increase their burdens. When we implement the GST increase, it's not just the GST increase, it's the package which will fully offset the impact of the GST increase and begin to strengthen the social safety nets and tilt the balance in favour of the low income groups - we will not just raise the GST but we will have a comprehensive offset package," said Mr Lee.
This package will be weighted more to the middle and the low income groups, especially the elderly, and it will more than offset the GST increase.
"It is not just an offset package to deal with the GST. It is a whole set of measures which we are taking in order to tilt the playing field in favour of the lower income group, which is what we have to add and tally in the balance, and my purpose is to help the lower income group. For the middle income, it will be generally about ok; for the higher income, I think the higher income should end up paying more overall. It's part of being one society. I'm not going to tax 15% on income tax, I'm not going to tax 25% from GST the way the Scandanavians do, but I have to make the adjustments of 2% which I think is fair and I think Singaporeans will support," added Mr Lee.
He explained that it is better to do the increase now when the economy is doing well, rather than wait till later. This will give the government time to see how this adjustment can be managed, and to cope better with the unknown forces of globalisation over the next 5 to 7 years.
More details of the GST increase will be announced on 15 February 2007, which is Budget Day. Mr Lee added that Second Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam would deliver the Budget speech.
Another change will be the amending of the Constitution to allow the government to tap the capital gains received from investing the national reserves. - CNA /dt
Friday, November 10, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Voices in My Head
We often see scenes in cartoons or even in comic books whereby an angel and devil appears out of no where and try to convince the main character to do what or not to do what…
In real life situation, there isn’t really mini devil and angel flowing by our side or sitting on our shoulder… but it appeared like voices inside our head. I have encountered such situations many times in my life… well… it goes like one voice saying… “It’s alright…” the other will say “No…no…no… it’s definitely not alright!” and then for the whole night... These voices will debate until they tired themselves out and then finally allow me to sleep peacefully…
Because of them debating, I get to see things from different view points and really benefited me sometimes… But most of the times they get on my nerves because they don’t know when to stop… When no matter how much they talk and argue… even nothing will change the fact… and they will still continue to argue all night long…
Yesterday night, it happened again…
I was on my way home from work while two ladies approached me and ask for help… They said that they are kind of lost… and they have not eaten for the whole day… most importantly, they have no money with them and hope that I can buy food for them…
Anyway… whatever the story is… I have heard a dozen of times of the same story… First they will ask for food… then ask for some money for transport… same old trick… and the best part is that… a few days or weeks later... they will appear there and ask from you again with a same old story with a look that as if they never meet you before…
As this thoughts run through my head as the lady ask… my devil smiled and happily thinking how I will reject them and move on to find a good nice warm place for dinner… But… Little did he expected that the next thing I did was to bring the two ladies to a shop nearby… bought them food and drinks… and gave them another 5 bucks for transport…
The debate then started from that very point…
Devil: Hey!!! What are you doing??? What is that all about??? Wasn’t it all set that you should just reject them and walked off…
Angel: Nope… it is good that you should help…
Devil: Hello??? Wake up, will you… this is not the first time… and the previous few times… didn’t you see them appeared again and again after a few weeks, coming with the same old stories and lies… No doubt that they are confirmed con-man this time too…
Angel: But this time it might be real… Who knows??? Some more how can you bear to see people who need help and don’t help them and leave them in this cold weather…
Devil: Come on… Don’t be stupid… even if it is not a lot of money… how many times have you given that money already??? and the worse part is… falling for the same trick again and again… Kaoz!!! It is not charity… it is that you are being conned…
Angel: Hey… at least they make this story sound better then the previous few encounters… anyway… if with only this small amount of money, it can help two people why not…
Devil: Stupid fool… Think you better go straight home… you have just give away your dinner money… you can go back and enjoy your wonderful instant noodles instead…
And they two go on and on… and on… till I reach home… till I finished dinner… until I was about to sleep… then they finally stopped…
Wow… those two really can talk... Seriously… I really hate it when it happens too often… as it will affect my mood, work and life… but last night… it seems really kind of fun…
eeeiiii…anyway… although it might seems too creepy… I believe that many other people encounter such situation too… Initially… they only appeared as an inner self or some thoughts… but soon it will be like voices in your head… and I think…hopefully soon I might even really see a devil and angel popping out and flowing around me and start chatting not stop… Ha… Ha…
In real life situation, there isn’t really mini devil and angel flowing by our side or sitting on our shoulder… but it appeared like voices inside our head. I have encountered such situations many times in my life… well… it goes like one voice saying… “It’s alright…” the other will say “No…no…no… it’s definitely not alright!” and then for the whole night... These voices will debate until they tired themselves out and then finally allow me to sleep peacefully…
Because of them debating, I get to see things from different view points and really benefited me sometimes… But most of the times they get on my nerves because they don’t know when to stop… When no matter how much they talk and argue… even nothing will change the fact… and they will still continue to argue all night long…
Yesterday night, it happened again…
I was on my way home from work while two ladies approached me and ask for help… They said that they are kind of lost… and they have not eaten for the whole day… most importantly, they have no money with them and hope that I can buy food for them…
Anyway… whatever the story is… I have heard a dozen of times of the same story… First they will ask for food… then ask for some money for transport… same old trick… and the best part is that… a few days or weeks later... they will appear there and ask from you again with a same old story with a look that as if they never meet you before…
As this thoughts run through my head as the lady ask… my devil smiled and happily thinking how I will reject them and move on to find a good nice warm place for dinner… But… Little did he expected that the next thing I did was to bring the two ladies to a shop nearby… bought them food and drinks… and gave them another 5 bucks for transport…
The debate then started from that very point…
Devil: Hey!!! What are you doing??? What is that all about??? Wasn’t it all set that you should just reject them and walked off…
Angel: Nope… it is good that you should help…
Devil: Hello??? Wake up, will you… this is not the first time… and the previous few times… didn’t you see them appeared again and again after a few weeks, coming with the same old stories and lies… No doubt that they are confirmed con-man this time too…
Angel: But this time it might be real… Who knows??? Some more how can you bear to see people who need help and don’t help them and leave them in this cold weather…
Devil: Come on… Don’t be stupid… even if it is not a lot of money… how many times have you given that money already??? and the worse part is… falling for the same trick again and again… Kaoz!!! It is not charity… it is that you are being conned…
Angel: Hey… at least they make this story sound better then the previous few encounters… anyway… if with only this small amount of money, it can help two people why not…
Devil: Stupid fool… Think you better go straight home… you have just give away your dinner money… you can go back and enjoy your wonderful instant noodles instead…
And they two go on and on… and on… till I reach home… till I finished dinner… until I was about to sleep… then they finally stopped…
Wow… those two really can talk... Seriously… I really hate it when it happens too often… as it will affect my mood, work and life… but last night… it seems really kind of fun…
eeeiiii…anyway… although it might seems too creepy… I believe that many other people encounter such situation too… Initially… they only appeared as an inner self or some thoughts… but soon it will be like voices in your head… and I think…hopefully soon I might even really see a devil and angel popping out and flowing around me and start chatting not stop… Ha… Ha…
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Dates
What does those things in the picture looked like to you??? My friends Zhaoxun and Tongwei bought it and gave to me, since I don’t really get to eat fresh dates in Singapore before…Usually in Singapore, we buy and eat the dried ones more often, and it is mostly used for cooking soup, medicine and etc… Those in the picture are actually fresh dates… and it is sold everywhere in Beijing and even on the roads… It is about slightly bigger then cherry, you eat it just like that, tasted a bit crunchy like an apple and the flesh look a bit like an apple too… compared to those dried ones we usually eat, the fresh one are not wrinkled… pumped up... a bit harder... taste better... more nutrients... and
more Yummy…
Seriously I think there should be fresh dates available in Singapore, just that we don’t buy and eat them that often, do we?
Do you know Harry's Island = ???'s Island
Please read the following article... this is so funny... does Harry's Island ring a bell?
Eighth Wonder submits $5.5b bid for Sentosa Integrated ResortBy S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 31 October 2006 1550 hrs
SINGAPORE: The final bidder for Sentosa's Integrated Resort project, Las Vegas-based Eighth Wonder, revealed its S$5.5 billion plans to develop what it calls "Harry's Island" on Tuesday.
Eighth Wonder's Chairman Mark Advent intends for Harry's Island to be iconic, creative and one-of-a-kind.
He has lined up an international star-studded cast to work with him in developing the Sentosa project.
"There is a spirit that is special about Sentosa regardless. It is an amazing place. It is a lush tropical serene paradise, and now it is evolving as a place for commerce, hospitality, residential and, ultimately in the future, an integrated resort," Advent says.
"So it's a very fine balance to figure out that place where all of these different elements could co-exist in a manner that is sensitive to all. Ultimately, when you isolate it into an integrated resort directive, there is a huge opportunity to create world-class excitement, entertainment, must-see appeal just by the type of project we are proposing," he adds.
When completed, Harry's Island will have 10 world-class, luxury and family-oriented hotels.
Among the new features is a tree house with family suites and a 7,500-seat Caldera Theatre with nightly spectacular shows.
Louis Parenteau, President of Dragone Entertainment, says: "Our main concern of this venture would be to create a show which will be done for the Asian people, that people recognise themselves in this show and, at the same time, we want it to be an attraction to a worldwide public.
"People in Singapore have already seen the touring show which Franco Dragone has created. The permanent shows of the nature that we are talking here is of a totally different, totally different world. The theatre itself and all the mechanics and technical are done so that you create a universe which is totally peculiar to the show.
"Our shows are not using any language exactly for that purpose because we want the show to be accessible to a larger public. But we want people here in Singapore, China and Malaysia to feel this is going to be something which belongs to this market and will grow as our shows are always work-in-progress."
Harry's Island will create nearly 15,000 jobs, including 5,000 in the food and beverage business.
For the health-conscious, there will be a wellness centre and spa retreat run by doctor and writer Deepak Chopra.
Soccer fans will benefit from a football academy and stadium with Brazilian soccer star Pele giving his inputs.
Eighth Wonder says it wants to turn Harry's Island into a global, world class, must-visit destination.
If it wins the bid to construct the Sentosa Integrated Resort, it hopes to achieve the vision of attracting at least 15 million tourists annually by 2014.
The company believes it can recover its investments by 2015, by generating S$5.6 billion in visitor-spending in five years.
The Singapore government has indicated that the winning bid for the Sentosa IR would be known in December. - CNA/so
___________________________________
Eighth Wonder submits $5.5b bid for Sentosa Integrated ResortBy S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 31 October 2006 1550 hrs
SINGAPORE: The final bidder for Sentosa's Integrated Resort project, Las Vegas-based Eighth Wonder, revealed its S$5.5 billion plans to develop what it calls "Harry's Island" on Tuesday.
Eighth Wonder's Chairman Mark Advent intends for Harry's Island to be iconic, creative and one-of-a-kind.
He has lined up an international star-studded cast to work with him in developing the Sentosa project.
"There is a spirit that is special about Sentosa regardless. It is an amazing place. It is a lush tropical serene paradise, and now it is evolving as a place for commerce, hospitality, residential and, ultimately in the future, an integrated resort," Advent says.
"So it's a very fine balance to figure out that place where all of these different elements could co-exist in a manner that is sensitive to all. Ultimately, when you isolate it into an integrated resort directive, there is a huge opportunity to create world-class excitement, entertainment, must-see appeal just by the type of project we are proposing," he adds.
When completed, Harry's Island will have 10 world-class, luxury and family-oriented hotels.
Among the new features is a tree house with family suites and a 7,500-seat Caldera Theatre with nightly spectacular shows.
Louis Parenteau, President of Dragone Entertainment, says: "Our main concern of this venture would be to create a show which will be done for the Asian people, that people recognise themselves in this show and, at the same time, we want it to be an attraction to a worldwide public.
"People in Singapore have already seen the touring show which Franco Dragone has created. The permanent shows of the nature that we are talking here is of a totally different, totally different world. The theatre itself and all the mechanics and technical are done so that you create a universe which is totally peculiar to the show.
"Our shows are not using any language exactly for that purpose because we want the show to be accessible to a larger public. But we want people here in Singapore, China and Malaysia to feel this is going to be something which belongs to this market and will grow as our shows are always work-in-progress."
Harry's Island will create nearly 15,000 jobs, including 5,000 in the food and beverage business.
For the health-conscious, there will be a wellness centre and spa retreat run by doctor and writer Deepak Chopra.
Soccer fans will benefit from a football academy and stadium with Brazilian soccer star Pele giving his inputs.
Eighth Wonder says it wants to turn Harry's Island into a global, world class, must-visit destination.
If it wins the bid to construct the Sentosa Integrated Resort, it hopes to achieve the vision of attracting at least 15 million tourists annually by 2014.
The company believes it can recover its investments by 2015, by generating S$5.6 billion in visitor-spending in five years.
The Singapore government has indicated that the winning bid for the Sentosa IR would be known in December. - CNA/so
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
I can't access to Blogspot Again...
Blogger(blogspot) is being blocked in China AGAIN… Dame it!
I thought that after I can access blogspot during September 2006 and since China no longer block that domain, I stopped my friendster blog and start dumping whatever i feel like sharing on blogspot... It was really fun and I got to learn a bit of web editing from it... But... What a stupid thing that happen again... Initially I thought it was some server breakdown or upgrade from blogspot, because I can't access it on last Thursday... then it was Friday... Saturday... then Sunday... and then today... Basically I cannot see or view any site with .blogspot.com again... so it is back to square one... It was being blocked/banned by China.
China considering blogger registration system
Monday, October 23rd, 2006
In response to media reports, the Internet Society of China (ISC) confirmed that a blogger registration system was being considered by the Ministry of Information Industry, though no official policies have been made. The system would require all bloggers–including those who write under pseudonyms–to register with authorities under their real names.
The Great Firewall of China
The net police do not make the reasons for such actions public, but Chinese bloggers point out that DynaWeb, an anti-censorship service run by overseas Chinese, had been using a blog on blogspot.com to publish proxy server addresses that allowed users to get around the Great Firewall. The authorities’ blanket blockade affected all China’s bloggers, leaving them suddenly unable to reach their journals.
I thought that after I can access blogspot during September 2006 and since China no longer block that domain, I stopped my friendster blog and start dumping whatever i feel like sharing on blogspot... It was really fun and I got to learn a bit of web editing from it... But... What a stupid thing that happen again... Initially I thought it was some server breakdown or upgrade from blogspot, because I can't access it on last Thursday... then it was Friday... Saturday... then Sunday... and then today... Basically I cannot see or view any site with .blogspot.com again... so it is back to square one... It was being blocked/banned by China.
China considering blogger registration system
Monday, October 23rd, 2006
In response to media reports, the Internet Society of China (ISC) confirmed that a blogger registration system was being considered by the Ministry of Information Industry, though no official policies have been made. The system would require all bloggers–including those who write under pseudonyms–to register with authorities under their real names.
The Great Firewall of China
The net police do not make the reasons for such actions public, but Chinese bloggers point out that DynaWeb, an anti-censorship service run by overseas Chinese, had been using a blog on blogspot.com to publish proxy server addresses that allowed users to get around the Great Firewall. The authorities’ blanket blockade affected all China’s bloggers, leaving them suddenly unable to reach their journals.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Light A Million Candles
The innocent victims of Internet child abuse cannot speak for themselves.But you can.
With your help, we can eradicate this evil trade.
We do not need your money.
We need you to light a candle of support <http://www.lightamillioncandles.com/>.
We're aiming to light at least One Million Candles by December 31, 2006.
This petition will be used to encourage governments, politicians, financial institutions, payment organisations, Internet service providers, technology companies and law enforcement agencies to eradicate the commercial viability of online child abuse.
They have the power to work together. You have the power to get them to take action.
Please light your candle at lightamillioncandles.com or send an email of support to light@lightamillioncandles.com.
Together, we can destroy the commercial viability of Internet child abuse sites that are destroying the lives of innocent children.
----------------------------
so please support them by going to lightamillioncandles.com
it is just only lighting up a candle to show your support...
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Death Note the Movie
I just got to know that it is on cinema in Singapore from Qiang (after I tell him that I found out there is a movie made on Death Note)... Well, and the worst part is that he tell me he have aready seen it with Tong and gang on the cinema... Dame it...
Anyway... this is one good show... I have been reading the manga and watching the anime of Death Note... although I just start only no long ago... but I think the movie should not too bad... There are actually 2 (to 3) movies I think... Ha... Ha... something which I think it is cool and the plot should be good hopefully... Basically 1 movie will not be enough to show the entire story... although 2 movies are still not enough... but I think it is still better then 1... and based on hearsay, there might be a 3rd movie... Can't wait to see the movie soon... Too bad I am not in Singapore, if not I would have watch it last week... Dame it!
The 1st Movie was first aired during June 2006 in Japan...
The 2nd Movie is going to be air really soon on 3rd Nov 2006 in Japan...
As for 3rd Movie... as I said... it is hearsay.. so I also dunno have or not in the first place... anyway... enjoy the trailers for the 2 movies first... hee... hee...
Death Note Movie 2 - (The "L"ast Name) Trailer II
Anyway... this is one good show... I have been reading the manga and watching the anime of Death Note... although I just start only no long ago... but I think the movie should not too bad... There are actually 2 (to 3) movies I think... Ha... Ha... something which I think it is cool and the plot should be good hopefully... Basically 1 movie will not be enough to show the entire story... although 2 movies are still not enough... but I think it is still better then 1... and based on hearsay, there might be a 3rd movie... Can't wait to see the movie soon... Too bad I am not in Singapore, if not I would have watch it last week... Dame it!
The 1st Movie was first aired during June 2006 in Japan...
The 2nd Movie is going to be air really soon on 3rd Nov 2006 in Japan...
As for 3rd Movie... as I said... it is hearsay.. so I also dunno have or not in the first place... anyway... enjoy the trailers for the 2 movies first... hee... hee...
Death Note Movie 1 Trailer...
Death Note Movie 2 - (The "L"ast Name) Trailer II
Sincerity
"Sincerity" this word came into my mind again after talking to someone over the phone yesterday… I have been commented by someone that I have no "Sincerity" AGAIN…
At that same time, it reminded me of 12 years back when I was been commented by that word over the phone also… Wah kaoz… This deadly word caused me to scratch off hundreds of hairs on my head and left me "wonder-land" for quite some time…
Of course from the dictionary I knew that :
Sincerity: （诚意）
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“ In the modern world, sincerity is the rare and often-admired virtue of speaking truly about one's feelings, thoughts, desires. Sincere expression carries risks to the speaker, since the ordinary screens used in everyday life are opened to the outside world. At the same time, we expect our friends, our lovers, our leaders "to be sincere." ”
But until yesterday... 12 years later… the word came back to me again… Maybe I still have not fully understand it yet… I wonder… is it because I usually portray an image that is not serious enough? act cute? or clowning around?... and that’s why I was never taken seriously by others... that make me seems insincere?
At that same time, it reminded me of 12 years back when I was been commented by that word over the phone also… Wah kaoz… This deadly word caused me to scratch off hundreds of hairs on my head and left me "wonder-land" for quite some time…
Of course from the dictionary I knew that :
Sincerity: （诚意）
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“ In the modern world, sincerity is the rare and often-admired virtue of speaking truly about one's feelings, thoughts, desires. Sincere expression carries risks to the speaker, since the ordinary screens used in everyday life are opened to the outside world. At the same time, we expect our friends, our lovers, our leaders "to be sincere." ”
But until yesterday... 12 years later… the word came back to me again… Maybe I still have not fully understand it yet… I wonder… is it because I usually portray an image that is not serious enough? act cute? or clowning around?... and that’s why I was never taken seriously by others... that make me seems insincere?
Friday, October 20, 2006
What a Lovely Advertisement(s)
This is one good Thai advertisement… the storyline is very heart warming… although it is about this stupid facial wash…
There are 4 parts to it… just watch in sequence to see the whole story…
There are 4 parts to it… just watch in sequence to see the whole story…
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
阿扁 Song
These videos are based on Taiwan's 阿扁
醜陋的第一家庭
阿扁下台進行曲
都是阿扁惹的禍 只怪邱『異』爆料爆太多
碰碰阿峰Hip-Hop 《第一家庭》
Enjoy...
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Aryati(Mum)... Happy Birthday!!!
My "alien" number which appeared on the mobile phone of Yat's was hanged up... Yat don't be afraid... I am no bad guy... I just wanna wish you Happy Birthday...
Luckily you picked up after my many tries... and I finally got to say
Happy Birthday!!! to you
PS: Don't worry I am not the only one who remembered... there are more... :)
Luckily you picked up after my many tries... and I finally got to say
Happy Birthday!!! to you
PS: Don't worry I am not the only one who remembered... there are more... :)
红花会 Preview
There were 红花会 gathering on the net for yesterday and today… And in our discussions, we came up with this new idea for the Society…
Without delays, draft for the new plan for 红花会 is being up on the Web last night… Seriously, everything is still in careful planning and construction… For this new blogsite, whether will it be put into good use or even make it or not… it will be too early to tell…
Anyway… it is just at a testing stage now… the whole thing is only with temporary layout and skeleton framework… but everything as been going smoothly so far… The rest of it will be out once the time is ready…
coming up soon will be stuffs like: the rules, new design and layout, 红花会's Official Logo and many many more new add-on features too…
The new work has being distributed today… and it will only be added and be actualized bit by bit in the new few stages… Quality will take a bit of time and effort… so got to wait, bo bian…
So therefore… for those who knows what 红花会 is and wonder what we are up to… this is all about… do take a preview of it;
and for those who don’t know 红花会, it doesn’t matter, as this is what we are newly coming up with to let you know more…
Oh ya… do give comments on my site if you have any sugguestions for improvements… Thanks…
Click on the link to take a preview of it: http://hong-hua-hui.blogspot.com/
Without delays, draft for the new plan for 红花会 is being up on the Web last night… Seriously, everything is still in careful planning and construction… For this new blogsite, whether will it be put into good use or even make it or not… it will be too early to tell…
Anyway… it is just at a testing stage now… the whole thing is only with temporary layout and skeleton framework… but everything as been going smoothly so far… The rest of it will be out once the time is ready…
coming up soon will be stuffs like: the rules, new design and layout, 红花会's Official Logo and many many more new add-on features too…
The new work has being distributed today… and it will only be added and be actualized bit by bit in the new few stages… Quality will take a bit of time and effort… so got to wait, bo bian…
So therefore… for those who knows what 红花会 is and wonder what we are up to… this is all about… do take a preview of it;
and for those who don’t know 红花会, it doesn’t matter, as this is what we are newly coming up with to let you know more…
Oh ya… do give comments on my site if you have any sugguestions for improvements… Thanks…
Click on the link to take a preview of it: http://hong-hua-hui.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
I can't believe this is on Wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mee_siam
Mee siam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mee Siam refers to "Siamese noodle" is a dish of thin rice noodles (vermicelli) in spicy sour sweet soup popular in Singapore.
Originally a Thai dish, it became a Nyonya specialty that is now prepared by Indians, Malays as well as Chinese stalls in Singapore with slight variation in ingredients. It is served with salted soy beans, dried bean curd, boiled egg, and tamarind, garnished with spring onions and Chinese chives.
At the Singapore 2006 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made a "Mee Siam mai hum (No cockles in my Mee Siam)" remark, and was made the butt of a joke/song in a popular Singaporean podcast The MrBrown Show. The podcast took Mr Lee's comment and edited it to the tune of "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas. Since "hump" refers to sexual intercourse, this gave the impression he was thinking of sex in giving the National Day Speech. This comment was also lampooned due to the fact that the dish does not contain cockles at all. Since in Singapore, people often mix English words with local dialect like Hokkien, when they say, "me siam mai hump" can also mean "I feel tired of being humped". In the same fashion, the popular Singaporean podcast The MrBrown Show drew lots of laughter and giggles because "mai hump my hump" can also be interpreted as "Please don't hump my bum" with the first "hump" as a verb and the second "hump" as a noun.
More important however were the political implications. As mee siam is considered middle and working class fare, many Singaporeans took the "mai hum" error as a further sign that major PAP politicians were losing touch with the ground.
Mee siam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mee Siam refers to "Siamese noodle" is a dish of thin rice noodles (vermicelli) in spicy sour sweet soup popular in Singapore.
Originally a Thai dish, it became a Nyonya specialty that is now prepared by Indians, Malays as well as Chinese stalls in Singapore with slight variation in ingredients. It is served with salted soy beans, dried bean curd, boiled egg, and tamarind, garnished with spring onions and Chinese chives.
At the Singapore 2006 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made a "Mee Siam mai hum (No cockles in my Mee Siam)" remark, and was made the butt of a joke/song in a popular Singaporean podcast The MrBrown Show. The podcast took Mr Lee's comment and edited it to the tune of "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas. Since "hump" refers to sexual intercourse, this gave the impression he was thinking of sex in giving the National Day Speech. This comment was also lampooned due to the fact that the dish does not contain cockles at all. Since in Singapore, people often mix English words with local dialect like Hokkien, when they say, "me siam mai hump" can also mean "I feel tired of being humped". In the same fashion, the popular Singaporean podcast The MrBrown Show drew lots of laughter and giggles because "mai hump my hump" can also be interpreted as "Please don't hump my bum" with the first "hump" as a verb and the second "hump" as a noun.
More important however were the political implications. As mee siam is considered middle and working class fare, many Singaporeans took the "mai hum" error as a further sign that major PAP politicians were losing touch with the ground.
Monday, October 16, 2006
The Zodiac Match Test
I have always enjoyed Tickle.com for all their personality tests, IQ test and so on... this is the latest one which I have done:
The Zodiac Match Test -
Edmund, the best match for your personality is Libra
Libra, the Scales (September 24 to October 23): This idealistic yet easygoing partner is just your type. Initially, a Libra partner may catch your attention with their elegant charm and attentiveness during courtship. But as you get to know them better, you're likely to be even more drawn to your Libra's appreciation for beauty and fairness, as well as their peaceful disposition. People born under this sign are known for being romantic partners who have an excellent ability to build and grow an egalitarian relationship. Librans may seem to be a bit lazy to you at times. However, their love of pleasure can be a benefit, too — one that can roust both of you from falling into boring relationship routines. In the bedroom, you'll likely find the Scales to be both creative and driven, with a significant sexual appetite. In general, Libras are flirtatious, talkative people who are almost always open to amusing distractions.Although Libra is your strongest Zodiac Match, your responses indicate there are a number of other astrological signs that you're highly compatible with.
The Zodiac Match Test -
Edmund, the best match for your personality is Libra
Libra, the Scales (September 24 to October 23): This idealistic yet easygoing partner is just your type. Initially, a Libra partner may catch your attention with their elegant charm and attentiveness during courtship. But as you get to know them better, you're likely to be even more drawn to your Libra's appreciation for beauty and fairness, as well as their peaceful disposition. People born under this sign are known for being romantic partners who have an excellent ability to build and grow an egalitarian relationship. Librans may seem to be a bit lazy to you at times. However, their love of pleasure can be a benefit, too — one that can roust both of you from falling into boring relationship routines. In the bedroom, you'll likely find the Scales to be both creative and driven, with a significant sexual appetite. In general, Libras are flirtatious, talkative people who are almost always open to amusing distractions.Although Libra is your strongest Zodiac Match, your responses indicate there are a number of other astrological signs that you're highly compatible with.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
OMG!!! It's Kelven Tan Singing
I saw Gen's blog as she posted a youtube video as her new entry on 11th Oct 2006... but because the stupid friendster blog got this problem in displaying it out as an embed flash video... so I didn't bother to click on the site to see the video... but today I was really kind of bore.. so I went to check on what the video was all about... And I OMG!!! It’s Kelven Tan Singing...
Check this out people... Especially Sentosa and Ex-sentosa people!!!
Check this out people... Especially Sentosa and Ex-sentosa people!!!
Note: Gen's Contribution
Friday, October 13, 2006
What is Stephen Lynch all about?
Note: Some (All) of the song content maybe offensive... Do not click and listen if you are a serious, conservative, old school, uncompromising, holy, religious, humorless, non-forgiving, straight-minded, dedicated or easily offended person...
Lullaby (Divorce Song)
this was the first song which I discovered Stephen Lynch...
I am not Gay
This was one funny song...
Special Ed
One of my favorite songs...
Craig
This song is Cool...
this was the first song which I discovered Stephen Lynch...
I am not Gay
This was one funny song...
Special Ed
One of my favorite songs...
Craig
This song is Cool...
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Stephen Lynch
"It's Your Wedding Day" "Growing Old With You"
BIOGRAPHY
Growing up in the woods of Northern Michigan, Stephen Lynch always had music in his life. But it wasn’t until he saw the movie “This is Spinal Tap” that he found his direction – to be a comedic singer songwriter.
Lynch moved to New York City in 1996 to put his music to the test. Disarming audiences with his sweet-voice and blindsiding them with his lyrics, Stephen found welcoming fans at the city’s comedy clubs and downtown alternative comedy venues. He became a regular on radio shows such as “Opie and Anthony” and over the next couple of years began touring the country’s nightclub and college circuit building a loyal fan base.
In 2000, Stephen released his own “Comedy Central Presents” special, which was one of the highest rated specials for the network. Later that year he released his first CD, “A Little Bit Special” (What Are Records), which was labeled "an instant comedy classic" by CD-Now. In 2002, Stephen released his second CD, “Superhero” (What Are Records), a collection of live recordings from five different venues in and around New York City. Collectively, the two CD’s have sold over 160,000 copies.
In 2004, Stephen released his first live DVD, “Live at The El Rey” (Razor & Tie). Recorded live at The El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, the DVD contains over 70 MORE minutes of live performance featuring 16 songs and over an hour of bonus material. To date the DVD has sold over 35,000 copies.
Stephen has performed at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, has been featured on Comedy Central’s “The World Comedy Tour” taped in Melbourne Australia, on Comedy Central’s “The World Stand’s Up” taped in London and has made four appearances on NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly.” Stephen completed a 44-city theater tour from September 2004 through February 2005 and will begin his next theater tour in October 2005.
On July 4, 2005, iTunes named both of Stephen’s CD’s, “A Little Bit Special” and “Superhero” as two of the 100 best-selling independent albums in iTunes’ history.
On October 4, 2005, Stephen will release his third CD of new material, “The Craig Machine” (What Are Records). The CD was recorded live at Symphony Space in New York City.
In December, Stephen will begin rehearsals as star of the new Broadway musical, “The Wedding Singer”, scheduled to open on Broadway in the spring of 2006. “The Wedding Singer” is based on the 1998 Adam Sandler movie of the same name. Stephen will be playing the Sandler role of Robbie Hart.
From: www.stephenlynch.com
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Luckily I am not a woman...
Cola is one of my most loved drink... Luckily I am not a woman... hee... hee...
Cola Raises Women's Osteoporosis Risk
PST By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter
From: Yahoo! Health: Arthritis News
(HealthDay News) -- Cola may not be so sweet for women's bones, according to new research that suggests the beverage boosts osteoporosis risk.
"Among women, cola beverages were associated with lower bone mineral density," said lead researcher Katherine Tucker, director of the Epidemiology and Dietary Assessment Program at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
There was a pretty clear dose-response, Tucker added. "Women who drink cola daily had lower bone mineral density than those who drink it only once a week," she said. "If you are worried about osteoporosis, it is probably a good idea to switch to another beverage or to limit your cola to occasional use."
The report was published in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
About 55 percent of Americans, mostly women, are at risk for developing osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
In the study, Tucker's team collected data on more than 2,500 participants in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, averaging just below 60 years of age. The researchers looked at bone mineral density at three different hip sites, as well as the spine.
They found that in women, drinking cola was associated with lower bone mineral density at all three hip sites, regardless of age, menopause, total calcium and vitamin D intake, or smoking or drinking alcohol. Women reported drinking an average of five carbonated drinks a week, four of which were cola.
Bone density among women who drank cola daily was almost 4 percent less, compared with women who didn't drink cola, Tucker said. "This is quite significant when you are talking about the density of the skeleton," she said.
Cola intake was not associated with lower bone mineral density in men. The findings were similar for diet cola, but weaker for decaffeinated cola, the researchers reported.
The reason for cola's effect on bone density may have to do with caffeine, Tucker said. "Caffeine is known to be associated with the risk of lower bone mineral density," she said. "But we found the same thing with decaffeinated colas."
Another explanation may have to do with phosphoric acid in cola, which can cause leeching of calcium from bones to help neutralize the acid, Tucker said.
One expert agrees that women should reduce the amount of cola they drink.
"I would expect this finding," said Dr. Mone Zaidi, director of the Mount Sinai Bone Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. "It's probably a caffeine-related problem."
Women should limit their caffeine intake, Zaidi said. "Caffeine interferes with calcium absorption, which results in less bone formation," he said.
This can be a problem for younger women who never develop peak bone density, Zaidi noted. "Younger women who have a lot of coke will not form bone to an extent their peers would; so, years later, in menopause, they are going to be disadvantaged," he said.
Cola Raises Women's Osteoporosis Risk
PST By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter
From: Yahoo! Health: Arthritis News
(HealthDay News) -- Cola may not be so sweet for women's bones, according to new research that suggests the beverage boosts osteoporosis risk.
"Among women, cola beverages were associated with lower bone mineral density," said lead researcher Katherine Tucker, director of the Epidemiology and Dietary Assessment Program at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
There was a pretty clear dose-response, Tucker added. "Women who drink cola daily had lower bone mineral density than those who drink it only once a week," she said. "If you are worried about osteoporosis, it is probably a good idea to switch to another beverage or to limit your cola to occasional use."
The report was published in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
About 55 percent of Americans, mostly women, are at risk for developing osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
In the study, Tucker's team collected data on more than 2,500 participants in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, averaging just below 60 years of age. The researchers looked at bone mineral density at three different hip sites, as well as the spine.
They found that in women, drinking cola was associated with lower bone mineral density at all three hip sites, regardless of age, menopause, total calcium and vitamin D intake, or smoking or drinking alcohol. Women reported drinking an average of five carbonated drinks a week, four of which were cola.
Bone density among women who drank cola daily was almost 4 percent less, compared with women who didn't drink cola, Tucker said. "This is quite significant when you are talking about the density of the skeleton," she said.
Cola intake was not associated with lower bone mineral density in men. The findings were similar for diet cola, but weaker for decaffeinated cola, the researchers reported.
The reason for cola's effect on bone density may have to do with caffeine, Tucker said. "Caffeine is known to be associated with the risk of lower bone mineral density," she said. "But we found the same thing with decaffeinated colas."
Another explanation may have to do with phosphoric acid in cola, which can cause leeching of calcium from bones to help neutralize the acid, Tucker said.
One expert agrees that women should reduce the amount of cola they drink.
"I would expect this finding," said Dr. Mone Zaidi, director of the Mount Sinai Bone Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. "It's probably a caffeine-related problem."
Women should limit their caffeine intake, Zaidi said. "Caffeine interferes with calcium absorption, which results in less bone formation," he said.
This can be a problem for younger women who never develop peak bone density, Zaidi noted. "Younger women who have a lot of coke will not form bone to an extent their peers would; so, years later, in menopause, they are going to be disadvantaged," he said.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Lossing Weight
I suddenly have this urge to go on diet… Well, actually I often have this urge… ha… ha… but I know that I am not doing anything to it… Eating food has been part of my enjoyment… Finding good food to eat and tasting new food is also one of my favorite past-time…
Well, but I have been back to my previous weight before Army… And maybe it is time I should really do something about it… hee… hee… Actually I really hate it when I injured my left leg during the soccer game last time held by my company, I could have made use of that time to loss some weight… anyway… enough of excuses for myself… I just need to start something now…
Maybe I should set some rules for myself… it may help a little… Well… maybe I can think over lunch… ha... ha… oh ya… I think I can start by eating lesser for lunch… I will cut down the potion... anyway the food sucks in the canteen… so I think there shouldn’t be any problem for me to do that… hee… hee…
The rest of the plan may be I can start think after lunch… on maybe when I feel like losing weight again… :p
Well, but I have been back to my previous weight before Army… And maybe it is time I should really do something about it… hee… hee… Actually I really hate it when I injured my left leg during the soccer game last time held by my company, I could have made use of that time to loss some weight… anyway… enough of excuses for myself… I just need to start something now…
Maybe I should set some rules for myself… it may help a little… Well… maybe I can think over lunch… ha... ha… oh ya… I think I can start by eating lesser for lunch… I will cut down the potion... anyway the food sucks in the canteen… so I think there shouldn’t be any problem for me to do that… hee… hee…
The rest of the plan may be I can start think after lunch… on maybe when I feel like losing weight again… :p
Untied Knot
I scrolled through my “Friendster” friend list... and as usual I came across this old friend whom I have not seen nor hear from for many years... I clicked onto the profile... browsed through her updates and photos... and she still look as sweet as last time when I knew her (actually look more and more attractive)...
Well, I think I still have that knot in my heart which I can’t untied... although I moved on and I have tried to untied it for so many years, I still can't seems to even loosen that knot... There are no longer any feelings, happiness or pain but it is just so frustrating... because I will never know what to do if one day I meet her on the road... Aiya... and I really afraid that day will come soon… Lucky I am in China now… At least the risk is lower here…
***Anyway Martin Ko, if you are reading this... you better keep it a secret... because you are only the dame person I talk to you about this before... And you better don't disclose who is the knot... not even to Pearl!!!
Well, I think I still have that knot in my heart which I can’t untied... although I moved on and I have tried to untied it for so many years, I still can't seems to even loosen that knot... There are no longer any feelings, happiness or pain but it is just so frustrating... because I will never know what to do if one day I meet her on the road... Aiya... and I really afraid that day will come soon… Lucky I am in China now… At least the risk is lower here…
***Anyway Martin Ko, if you are reading this... you better keep it a secret... because you are only the dame person I talk to you about this before... And you better don't disclose who is the knot... not even to Pearl!!!
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Wicked Junior
As my stress level hit the brim... I decided to take a little break to enjoy a little IQ game for a few minutes... The last time I tried "The Wicked", I went MAD over it because even until today I have not completed it... Today, I tried this new "The Wicked Junior", which I thought it maybe easier but guess what... I can't even get pass level 1... This make me even more stress up... So, in order to release my stress… I read the spoiler and completed it... and of course I cooled down and feel better after it... Ha... Ha...
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Experiencing Public Holiday in China
A week of holidays has passed… Although it is only 3 days of actual PH (public holiday), China has make it in such a way that they joined the 2 sets of Saturdays and Sundays rest day together with the 3 days of PH to make it “looked like” one week… and that also explains why I am working on a Sunday now...
Anyway for this “looked like” one week break… I spent it living with Tongwei’s family in 石家庄… It was really an interesting experience to live with a China Chinese family…It was really different from my expectations initially but eventually I got used to it… Most of the time, I was trying to understand their culture, lifestyle, food and their speaking accent… From there, I saw a great deal of family values and philosophies which reminded me of my family and friends in Singapore… I also realized that the so called “soup” that was served after each filling meal of dishes and buns, which I thought I could finish it, was actually a bowl of noodles… and the unlimited number of mosquito that buzz next to my ear the whole night also reminded me of Army’s outfield…
During my stay there, I almost joined Tongwei to all his gatherings with hometown’s friends… We went for good food, clubbing, KTV, arcades games, pool and many more... It was fun and I got to know lots of people whom I met the first time, and the friendship was further strengthen with alcohol introduced…
Tongwei also had to meet up with his future-in-laws for the first time during this trip… During his future-in-laws meet up, his Dad showed me around and also accompanied me to look at the Flower Festival in the National Park… Other than those, I also saw the new Jacky Chan movie in the cinema… play games at LAN-shops… and do lots of window shopping…
For Tongwei, it was like a Minister going for a political visiting to another country’s President… Outside he discussed it with his friends on what to do and prepare… At home… all family members and relatives will meet up, talk about it and plan for it together… I was there of course… witnessing the process and praying for his smooth meeting with his future-in-laws…
Well, it was exciting of course… but it was even more happening when he returns home with news that the future-in-laws are coming to his house to return their visit to his family 2 days later… This created another day of excitement and topic to discuss on what to do again…
Well, to us in Singapore it may seem like it is a simple normal meeting up… But if the 1st visit involves not only the family meeting up… but plus the uncles, aunts and whoever in the family tree… it may not seem as simple anymore… Well… it was fun… and it also has been a blessing that everything turn out fine… Tongwei was in almost breathless status after those 2 events… Ha... Ha…
Now that I seen this, I wonder what will be like for me if I will to meet my future-in-laws the next time… I don’t think meeting the future-in-laws in Singapore will not be as exciting… Anyway, I need not worry yet as I don’t even have a girlfriend now… so I am still in the protected animal series…Ha… Ha…
It has been a simple and fast week… Although I haven’t really rested enough yet, in a brink of eye and I’m back in office working…
Anyway, today is the 8th of Oct... so… most importantly…
Happy Wedding, Kevin Goh!!!!
Anyway for this “looked like” one week break… I spent it living with Tongwei’s family in 石家庄… It was really an interesting experience to live with a China Chinese family…It was really different from my expectations initially but eventually I got used to it… Most of the time, I was trying to understand their culture, lifestyle, food and their speaking accent… From there, I saw a great deal of family values and philosophies which reminded me of my family and friends in Singapore… I also realized that the so called “soup” that was served after each filling meal of dishes and buns, which I thought I could finish it, was actually a bowl of noodles… and the unlimited number of mosquito that buzz next to my ear the whole night also reminded me of Army’s outfield…
During my stay there, I almost joined Tongwei to all his gatherings with hometown’s friends… We went for good food, clubbing, KTV, arcades games, pool and many more... It was fun and I got to know lots of people whom I met the first time, and the friendship was further strengthen with alcohol introduced…
Tongwei also had to meet up with his future-in-laws for the first time during this trip… During his future-in-laws meet up, his Dad showed me around and also accompanied me to look at the Flower Festival in the National Park… Other than those, I also saw the new Jacky Chan movie in the cinema… play games at LAN-shops… and do lots of window shopping…
For Tongwei, it was like a Minister going for a political visiting to another country’s President… Outside he discussed it with his friends on what to do and prepare… At home… all family members and relatives will meet up, talk about it and plan for it together… I was there of course… witnessing the process and praying for his smooth meeting with his future-in-laws…
Well, it was exciting of course… but it was even more happening when he returns home with news that the future-in-laws are coming to his house to return their visit to his family 2 days later… This created another day of excitement and topic to discuss on what to do again…
Well, to us in Singapore it may seem like it is a simple normal meeting up… But if the 1st visit involves not only the family meeting up… but plus the uncles, aunts and whoever in the family tree… it may not seem as simple anymore… Well… it was fun… and it also has been a blessing that everything turn out fine… Tongwei was in almost breathless status after those 2 events… Ha... Ha…
Now that I seen this, I wonder what will be like for me if I will to meet my future-in-laws the next time… I don’t think meeting the future-in-laws in Singapore will not be as exciting… Anyway, I need not worry yet as I don’t even have a girlfriend now… so I am still in the protected animal series…Ha… Ha…
It has been a simple and fast week… Although I haven’t really rested enough yet, in a brink of eye and I’m back in office working…
Anyway, today is the 8th of Oct... so… most importantly…
Happy Wedding, Kevin Goh!!!!
Friday, September 29, 2006
How I wish I could be in Singapore for Next Week...
Later on… after I reach home tonight, I will got to cook whatever food left in the refrigerator... finish the food… clean up the house… pack my luggage… pray for some interesting program on the TV… watch it… and go to sleep… As tomorrow morning I will be going to 石家庄 again… and this time I will be going for a week’s time… so there will be no updates from me until then when i am back…
Actually, I hope really hope that I can go back to Singapore during next week instead… because next week will be a very important and happening week for me…
First of all… Serene’s Birthday is on the 3rd Oct… Although I never celebrate birthday for you before... Happy Birthday anyway!!!!!
Second on the list… is Litong’s birthday on the 4th Oct… I hope can be part of the celebration but too bad I can't… but still no worries, Weiqiang will go get the presents for you… Happy Birthday Litong!!!!!
Third placing… will be Jessica’s (or more commonly known as either Hazel or HoLam or maybe also called some other names too) birthday on the 4th Oct too… Happy Birthday Jessica!!!!! Don’t miss me hor...
Fourth and coming up… is Jo-an’s Birthday on the 6th Oct… And I really very very long never see her already…Happy Birthday Jo-an!!!!!
Fifth on the chart… it is my Father’s Birthday on the 7th Oct… Happy Birthday to you, Father!!!!! Sorry to be away…
And sixth of the six… it’s my god-brother, Kevin Goh’s wedding on the 8th of Oct… and I'm sorry that I really can’t attend it… I know you initially asked me to be the MC for your wedding dinner… please be assured that I didn’t run away because of that… even though I think I can’t do it well… But still, I really really wish I could be there at your wedding… I feel so shitty… but no matter what… Have a Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful Wedding!!!! Kevin and whoever the bride is, I promise my Ang Bao (red packet) will reach you…
Actually, I hope really hope that I can go back to Singapore during next week instead… because next week will be a very important and happening week for me…
First of all… Serene’s Birthday is on the 3rd Oct… Although I never celebrate birthday for you before... Happy Birthday anyway!!!!!
Second on the list… is Litong’s birthday on the 4th Oct… I hope can be part of the celebration but too bad I can't… but still no worries, Weiqiang will go get the presents for you… Happy Birthday Litong!!!!!
Third placing… will be Jessica’s (or more commonly known as either Hazel or HoLam or maybe also called some other names too) birthday on the 4th Oct too… Happy Birthday Jessica!!!!! Don’t miss me hor...
Fourth and coming up… is Jo-an’s Birthday on the 6th Oct… And I really very very long never see her already…Happy Birthday Jo-an!!!!!
Fifth on the chart… it is my Father’s Birthday on the 7th Oct… Happy Birthday to you, Father!!!!! Sorry to be away…
And sixth of the six… it’s my god-brother, Kevin Goh’s wedding on the 8th of Oct… and I'm sorry that I really can’t attend it… I know you initially asked me to be the MC for your wedding dinner… please be assured that I didn’t run away because of that… even though I think I can’t do it well… But still, I really really wish I could be there at your wedding… I feel so shitty… but no matter what… Have a Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful Wedding!!!! Kevin and whoever the bride is, I promise my Ang Bao (red packet) will reach you…
Thursday, September 28, 2006
A "Life Story" with A "Chalk"
I was on my way home from my office to the subway when I came across this…
Isn’t it interesting? Someone actually wrote a story of himself with a chalk on the walkway at 五道口...
It wasn’t only written on one section of the walkway... there quite were a few along the whole stretch of pavement until the Subway… I wonder what the person is actually trying to do??? Is it an "ART" or kind of way for him to express himself? Ha… Ha… Maybe it is a kind of silent protest…
I really can’t imagine if anyone in Singapore who does this… He or she would have been fined by the police for vandalism already before he or she could finish writing the story… Come to think of it, the only time we don’t get fined is when we use the chalk to draw a circle on the floor when we burn josspaper during Hungry Ghost Festival… and even that, the Govt. don’t like it… Now they are putting big burner around the HDB areas for us to burn the josspaper in… Really spoil the atmosphere of burning josspaper…
Isn’t it interesting? Someone actually wrote a story of himself with a chalk on the walkway at 五道口...It wasn’t only written on one section of the walkway... there quite were a few along the whole stretch of pavement until the Subway… I wonder what the person is actually trying to do??? Is it an "ART" or kind of way for him to express himself? Ha… Ha… Maybe it is a kind of silent protest…I really can’t imagine if anyone in Singapore who does this… He or she would have been fined by the police for vandalism already before he or she could finish writing the story… Come to think of it, the only time we don’t get fined is when we use the chalk to draw a circle on the floor when we burn josspaper during Hungry Ghost Festival… and even that, the Govt. don’t like it… Now they are putting big burner around the HDB areas for us to burn the josspaper in… Really spoil the atmosphere of burning josspaper…
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Music of the Week...
一百萬
原唱：黃一飛
若是我有一百萬一百萬
我有一百萬 一世人就輕鬆
無講無人知 講到真歹勢
吃甲彼呢大漢 擱不曾坐飛機
打拼彼多年 無車無厝擱無愛人
看人娶某擱做生意 有錢擱有勢
若是我有一百萬
我要坐飛機 我要遊世界
HAWAII曬太陽 日本吃壽司
若是我有一百萬 我要買車買厝山珍甲海味
啥人卡福氣來乎我做某
若是我有一百萬 一百萬
若是你有欠用錢 開嘴免客氣
若是我有一百萬
無講無人知 講到真歹勢
吃甲彼呢大漢 擱不曾坐飛機
打拼彼多年 無車無厝擱無愛人
看人娶某擱做生意 有錢擱有勢
若是我有一百萬
我要坐飛機 我要遊世界
義大利飲咖啡 路邊吃Spaghetti
若是我有一百萬
我要買車買厝買店來收租
閒閒免做工 帶狗去散步
若是我有一百萬 一百萬
若是你有欠用錢 開嘴免客氣
若是我有一百萬 一百萬
十千八千拿去用 免還嘛無問題
若是我有一百萬 一百萬
口白：朋友啊,你想一百萬真多啊!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Side Effects from Appraisal
For the whole day, I was conducting appraisal... The side effects from it are that I my brain stop functioning after all appraisals were conducted... My mind just seems to switch off after that... Most properly I am just too tired...or maybe I have too many information in my head after listening to so many peoples' appraisals or maybe just too hungry because I only had my lunch after everything at 5pm...
Lucky mine wasn't like this...
Monday, September 25, 2006
Take a break... Have a KitKat...
Just taking a quick break(without KitKat) after I reviewed the work I am going to do for this week... I have been dealing with heavy emotion sets back from work for weeks and months... and the tons and tons of pressure from work has been pressing on me breathless... Luckily next week is going to be holiday in Beijing... but after that aren't easy either... I need to review 2 employees' work contracts and conduct appraisal for all the employees... then get the payroll and related stuffs done within the week including finalizing plans for the October so that hopefully I can go for a peaceful holiday break... and then I will need to worry for November schedule... which will includes another 2 employees' work contracts, budgets, salary increment, end of year plans and many many more stuffs that are flying randomly in my head (even when I sleeps)...
Ahhhhhhhh......!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its driving me crazy...!!!!!!
Ok... I think I feel better now... back to work again... sianz...
Ahhhhhhhh......!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its driving me crazy...!!!!!!
Ok... I think I feel better now... back to work again... sianz...
Episode 2: How To Give CPR
This is the 2nd episode of the French Maid TV... I remember learning CPR in school last time which I believe many others did too... but I am sure most of us also have forgotten... Well, here is a recap of the "How to Give CPR"... Hope you enjoy it... Hee... Hee...
Warning: Not suitable for people who don't like lame stuff!!!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Anime-a-holic
It has been 1 month since I have re-activated my anime-a-holic lifestyle... I kind of watched about 300 over episodes of animes (including anime movies and special episodes) within the past month... and still continue watching as per today... my mind has been seeing anime even when my eyes are off the screen... I eat also think of anime... I sleep also think of anime... it is really freaking me out... but I kind of enjoyed it... Ha... Ha...
Of the 300 over episodes, what I mainly watched were "One Piece" and it is really good of course... Luckily, I waited for so long then started watching... because watching from episode 1 to the current episode 276 WITHOUT waiting week by week per episode (which really will drive me crazy) is like Wow!!! SHIOK MAN!!! Ha... Ha... I am really satisfied... but the only problem now is that, I have to wait for week by week again since I have finished the latest episode... sianz...
The rest of the anime which I am also seeing are Bleach (which is still in the filler episodes and I hope it will move back to the main storyline too), xxx-holic, Beet Excellion, Kiba, Utawarerumono, Tale of Saiunkoku, and many many more... Even if I have the rest of my lifetime to watch animes... I think it is still not enough... Ha... Ha...
Of the 300 over episodes, what I mainly watched were "One Piece" and it is really good of course... Luckily, I waited for so long then started watching... because watching from episode 1 to the current episode 276 WITHOUT waiting week by week per episode (which really will drive me crazy) is like Wow!!! SHIOK MAN!!! Ha... Ha... I am really satisfied... but the only problem now is that, I have to wait for week by week again since I have finished the latest episode... sianz...
Weiqiang have also informed me that Naruto is most properly going to finish its fillers episodes... I was so excited about it and I also have just finished watching it until the latest episode, after putting it on-hold for quite sometime... It was really a hard time trying to finish the fillers episodes because they are not as interesting as the main storyline... but at least, I felt the most recent filler was done much better then the rest which really hype me up for Naruto again... (*Cross my fingers...* because I don't know how true the filler really going to end here or not)
The rest of the anime which I am also seeing are Bleach (which is still in the filler episodes and I hope it will move back to the main storyline too), xxx-holic, Beet Excellion, Kiba, Utawarerumono, Tale of Saiunkoku, and many many more... Even if I have the rest of my lifetime to watch animes... I think it is still not enough... Ha... Ha...
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Episode 1: How to Video Podcast
I spent my afternoon today surfing the internet looking for some information about video editing... I was hoping to learn a trick or two and used it for my blog... instead I came across this website and saw this incredible clip on "How to Video Podcast"... I thought it might be good to share...
It's so funny and dame lame... Ha... Ha... Ha... hope you enjoyed it...
Warning: Not suitable for people who don't like lame stuff!!!
It's so funny and dame lame... Ha... Ha... Ha... hope you enjoyed it...
Friday, September 22, 2006
The Ultimate Subway
I remember the time when I take MRT to Harbour Front Station to work in Sentosa, it was like a bad dream after I wake up everyday. It is always packed and I will often wait for a next train or even go to work late on purpose to avoid the crowd. In my heart, I will wonder "why will so many people take MRT to work for??? Can't they take the bus or something???" Of course, I understand the situation, but it's just normal complains coming from a half waken up grumpy guy going to work...
Since the day I came to Beijing to work, every moment when I take Beijing Subway, it will relate me to the so called packed and crowded MRT. As I compare, Beijing Subway is way different from the Singapore's MRT. Think about it, Beijing is capital of China, country with one third of the population of the world, if throw one stone out the window and you have 90% chances of hitting a University Grad!!! How can Singapore ever compare with Beijing??? Singapore is just a small country which has yet to see the world. The transport system (but today I will only mention about Subway) here in China is what I call "The Ultimate!!!"
Let me explain WHY? It is because, it is almost impossible... I repeat... "IM..POS..SI..BLE.." for Singaporean to squeeze into the MRT the way the Chinese do it in Beijing (most properly including Shanghai, Guangzhuo and other big cities too)... It is like sardine packed... No, it is more like ikan bilis(anchovies) packed in a cabin with attendants helping to push people into the subway so that the subway door can close (just like in Japan)... It is an "ART" to board on to the subway. It requires high level experiences and skills to squeeze in, and high level endurance to remain squeezed inside... It is not joke...
Since the day I came to Beijing to work, every moment when I take Beijing Subway, it will relate me to the so called packed and crowded MRT. As I compare, Beijing Subway is way different from the Singapore's MRT. Think about it, Beijing is capital of China, country with one third of the population of the world, if throw one stone out the window and you have 90% chances of hitting a University Grad!!! How can Singapore ever compare with Beijing??? Singapore is just a small country which has yet to see the world. The transport system (but today I will only mention about Subway) here in China is what I call "The Ultimate!!!"
Let me explain WHY? It is because, it is almost impossible... I repeat... "IM..POS..SI..BLE.." for Singaporean to squeeze into the MRT the way the Chinese do it in Beijing (most properly including Shanghai, Guangzhuo and other big cities too)... It is like sardine packed... No, it is more like ikan bilis(anchovies) packed in a cabin with attendants helping to push people into the subway so that the subway door can close (just like in Japan)... It is an "ART" to board on to the subway. It requires high level experiences and skills to squeeze in, and high level endurance to remain squeezed inside... It is not joke...
Can you see it... it is really packed...
I certainly prefer the MRT of Singapore. The system in Beijing is really too "Ultimate!" So people back home, if you are taking MRT or buses to work or school everyday... dun complain anymore...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
What time is it???
I actually just bought this TAG Heuer it a few months back... and look at the stupid watch now!!! The dame fake leather strip came off... well, although the watch is still ticking but what is a watch when I can't wear it??? What a waste of "time"!!! Hopefully the one I bought for Weiqiang don't spoil so fast... Hee... Hee...
Anyway, back to the main point... Take a look at my new watch!!! Cool right??? It is bigger... nicer... and cheaper than the one I bought previously... This Montblanc watch was last one off the shelves and I almost didn't buy it... but thanks to Tongwei, for helping me slash the price down by almost 40%, it is mine! Arigatô(Thank you)!!!Ops... what time is it now??? Back to work...
After work...
I am one person who doesn't like to go home straight after work... what you can do at home after work anyway??? Back in Singapore, I will meet my buddies for dinner or catch up with one or two friends whom I have not met for ages most of the time... But here in Beijing, I don't really have that privilege anymore... Although I have been here for 3 quarter of a year already, I am still exploring what kind of activities I can engage myself with??? Even though there are many activities available here, the spending power of the people here is quite low.. so my friends here can't really keep up with everyday filled with activities and neither can I... so usually I will stay back in office and watch my Anime(s) or a movie or two with no complains at all because it help me to save money and it is also my favourite past time... but still I can't possibility be do that every single day, right?
Sometime back during summer, together with the rest of my colleagues, we will go for a game of soccer every once or twice a week...As now it is autumn and the lazy sun is starting to sets quite early...and here in Beijing, it is not like Singapore where you almost have streets lights or whatever lights that brighten the whole place up like a Christmas tree... so no more soccer for us (unless we wants to play in the dark)...so now I will try to go for a game of pool with Tongwei (one of my colleague) or maybe together with a few more colleagues... whatever activities it may be, it shall always ends with a wonderful dinner with good food, and beer without fail... what a life?
Sometime back during summer, together with the rest of my colleagues, we will go for a game of soccer every once or twice a week...As now it is autumn and the lazy sun is starting to sets quite early...and here in Beijing, it is not like Singapore where you almost have streets lights or whatever lights that brighten the whole place up like a Christmas tree... so no more soccer for us (unless we wants to play in the dark)...so now I will try to go for a game of pool with Tongwei (one of my colleague) or maybe together with a few more colleagues... whatever activities it may be, it shall always ends with a wonderful dinner with good food, and beer without fail... what a life?
Our Soccer Team, although we lost all the match we played...
Game of Pool, I still can't win Tongwei yet... dame it!!!
Dinner time... hungry???
Beer and yang rou chuan(extra BIG mutton satay)...
look at all the sticks... sorry but i just finished them... next time i will try to remember to take a photo of one with the food still on it... so you know how it look like... hee...hee...
This is the chef cutting the Peking duck... yum... yum...
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