The Many Shades of hue

Penang

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:01:21 GMT

At the rate DAP is changing the whole system of administration for Penang, I think it is byebye BN-Penang and beware Singapore.

A Conspiracy Theory

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:10:24 GMT

This is a personal opinion, so don't shoot me.

But just when England needed divine intervention to help it qualify or end up with a few billion quids of TV money lost, the mighty Croatia fell to minnows Macedonia, and the understrengthed Israel with qualifications no longer its agenda and without their Captain managed to conquer a strong Russian team with everything to fight for. To create more drama, I predict a landslide victory for England against Croatia at Wembley. Not that they need it, a draw will more than suffice. Tsk.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:53:07 GMT

I have to admit. I haven't a clue what this musical was about before I watched it today. Not exactly impressed by the singing nor the storyline, but I must say that I was blown by the stage effects and props of this musical. How they managed the stage was amazing, and reminds me of Starlight Express, the first musical I watched more than a decade ago. This is a definite must watch for budding stage managers for future plays and musicals as this must be one of the benchmarks for a well-managed stage production. Can you imagine a life sized car flying around on stage? Impressive.

The Invasion

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 19:25:58 GMT

The world is totally messed up by this species we call human beings. How great will it really be if we were all just one.

I blame Nicole Kidman for not being to fall asleep.

Splendid.

Something Stupid - Sniff

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:10:52 GMT

While transferring my mp3 files from my old laptop to new desktop using my portable harddisk, somehow while reorganising the files using itunes, I deleted almost 100GB of the songs. =(

And through recycle bin, I could only restore dunno got 30% of my English files, and 0% of my Chinese files. *WAILS*

Liverpool FC's new Stanley Park Plans

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:37:01 GMT

When I saw how Liverpool's new stadium was gonna be like, I was like...... wow. Something to look forward to when I go back to UK visiting.

Now, why can't Singapore learn a thing or two on architecture from our English or American counterparts?

Ok, to be fair, we do have some gems, but most of the buildings we see today are conservative at best, and lack character. Ah vell.

THE CAMPAIGN TO CONFER THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR ON JBJ

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:27:56 GMT

Anyone interested? Need to get tickets before Friday for 20% off.

A Collage with Many Memories

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:01:16 GMT

Can always trust orangejava to come up with a nice collage. Thanks dear. =)

Now that hussy reminded me, it really has been a tradition for many many years, to hold a party on the second Saturday of July. These were usually happy parties, not always at my place of course. I remember the ones at Loyang Chalet...... hehehe...... one of them had 100+ of us doing the celebrating and partying together......

It has indeed been quite a number of years, from the "salah" days of Niche (we know the usual suspects, but may I mention the manly harpell with his tight black shirt dancing on top of the steps too?), the many days spent on irc, the many suppers that left their marks around our waists - this is the journey that we have all travelled together. We are not perfect beings...... we run, sometimes we stumble, a couple of times we bleed, but we could always depend on each other help pick ourselves up. There were times that we laughed with (and of course laughed at) each other. There were times that we screamed at each other (not pretty, hehehe). There were times that we just hugged each other and cried (still leaves a giggle when I think about it). How far we have all travelled.

And there will definitely be many many more years we will travel, hopefully, together. These are the little things really makes life worth living. We will always be consumed by work, overwhelemed in fact, but I think we need to make time for one another. Hope next year, someone comes up with a better theme, hehehe. And my dear hussy, do make sure you drink lots of water, so you don't miss next year's party!!!! =)

An Eventful Weekend

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:20:50 GMT

Well, work was crap as usual. With the usual unreasonable boss, unreasonable deadlines and colleague who are forever on MC (new girl, pregnant, and has been on MC many many more times than she has been physically at work), what better way to feel motivated than to have your boss dump more work on you and demand you meet his "stretch" goals. Ah vell. The rubber band is snapping soon. If not for that sense of "responsibility"......grrr......

Rowing, or as my dear hussy-whore would put it, phoenix-boating, was good. The team isn't exactly there yet, but week by week, when you see the team progressing together, and when staminas are stretched further and further, somehow that leaves a glow in your heart.

And our mini gathering was a pleasant one as well. For as far as I remember, there has always been such a gathering at this time of the year. It has been many many years already. Many impressive dishes emerged from a silly theme thought up by...... he he he, and mysterious assertions by someone that onions are fruits. Would have been perfect, except for the fact that the star of the show fell sick and couldn't come. Ah vell, can't have 'em all. But one thing for sure, we do have to make more time to meet one another.

Sunday was my Jacky Cheung day...... he he he. It is still Jacky Cheung songs playing over and over again in my head. His "Heavenly God" status is well-deserved, as he brought his audience through 4 beautiful hours of a musical journey. Worth all the $$$ spent on it. This shall be for another post.

But but but......maybe zhen_shiyin might be able to help, he he he. Anyone has his album "Life is like a Dream"? Looking for the songs 讲你知 , 摇摇 , and this tribute song he sang for his friends who died in 2003, don't remember the title.

Campus Superstar

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:26:38 GMT

Surprise surprise. Guess who is out???

Seeing the kids all burst into tears...... just makes me wonder if exposing them to such pressures for the sake of viewership is a little too cruel. Hmmm......

Property Market - Bubble Waiting to Burst?

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:56:32 GMT

The hot phrase nowadays - "en bloc". Personally, I think it is a bad word.

Not only because I didn't have the spare cash to rip somemore cash from this when the trend became quite apparent.

Not only because my whole neighbourhood has caught on the en bloc fever and as it is, the landscape of this estate is set to change from the nice quiet place I loved.

But also because my dumb neighbours are hoping to en bloc our place at a price that, though seemingly impressive at first, does not put opportunity cost into perspective. I would pay a lot more for a place similar in size and located at such a prime area, especially at the current property market. Idiots.

In any case, think the major hot talking point these few days must be the $720k spent on the 115sqm Kim Tian Place 5-room flat. The government claims this to be a one-off - it could be given the special view and good location.

But what raised the alarm bell was more the fact that this is just $150k above market valuation, meaning if I go to a bank, $570k is the basis for which my loan will be based (nevermind cash was paid for this).

With en bloc fever still hot, and many emerging with more spare cash to spend, Minister Mah Bow Tan insisted that property prices are under control, and the government will intervene through playing with the demand-supply situation. Hopefully, MND will be able to provide more statistics on the current property market situation as to many, the indicators seem to be screaming that things might go out of control soon. Hopefully, they will also be able to take into account the lag time involved in intervention through tweaking supply.

In any case, I was quite disappointed with one statement that Minister Mah made - "There's no need for everybody to feel that prices are getting out of their range. If you can't buy an executive flat, buy a five-room. If you can't afford a five-room, buy a four-room. If you can't afford central areas, go to the suburbs. If you can't afford Tampines, go to Woodlands or Yishun or somewhere." He is not addressing the issue of the widening income gap, and that people are going to be hurt with the current situation.

I can only hope this won't be a rerun of the previous property market boom. True, there were many who benefited from it. But there were a lot more that got burnt. Ah vell, let's just wait and see.

Testicle attacks

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:19:52 GMT

I've always had nightmares of something like this happening to me. Eeeewww. Think most guys will cringe at seeing such news.

Woman jailed for testicle attack

A woman who ripped off her ex-boyfriend's testicle with her bare hands has been sent to prison.

Amanda Monti, 24, flew into a rage when Geoffrey Jones, 37, rejected her advances at the end of a house party, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

She pulled off his left testicle and tried to swallow it, before spitting it out. A friend handed it back to Mr Jones saying: "That's yours."

Monti admitted wounding and was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Sentencing Monti, Judge Charles James said it was "a very serious injury" and that Monti was not acting in self defence.

The court heard that Mr Jones had ended his long-term but "open relationship" with Monti towards the end of May last year.

The pair remained on good terms and on 30 May she picked him up from a party in Crosby and went back for drinks with friends at Mr Jones's house.

An argument ensued and Mr Jones said there was a struggle between them.

In his statement, Mr Jones said she grabbed his genitals and "pulled hard".

He added: "That caused my underpants to come off and I found I was completely naked and in excruciating pain."

The court heard that a friend saw Monti put Mr Jones's testicle into her mouth and try to swallow it.

She choked and spat it back into her hand before the friend grabbed it and gave it back to Mr Jones. Doctors were unable to re-attach the organ.

In a letter to the court, Monti said she was sorry for what she had done.

She said: "It was never my intention to cause harm to Geoff and the fact that I have caused him injury will live with me forever. I am in no way a violent person."

The letter added: "I have challenged myself to explain what has happened but still I just cannot remember. This has caused much anguish to me and will do for the rest of my life."

(Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4253849.stm)

I really didn't realise that it could come off that easily. Utterly disgusting. *Double eeewww*

S'pore buzz makes it to Time cover

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:12:13 GMT

"You'd like to live in the island state? Good, because Singapore wants more foreigners."

Is it my imagination or is something very very wrong with the way the article is being pitched?

On a separate note, am I the only one who feels that the ceiling for Changi's new terminal 3 a tat bit too distracting?

Spotlight: By-Election of Ijok

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:48:11 GMT

A cowboy town to many, Ijok is a popular transit town for travellers heading northwards via the Selangor north coastal road. In fact, Ijok is most famous for a restaurant (New Beggar's Delicious Restaurant) selling "beggar's chicken", which is basically charcoal barbequed chicken, wrapped with lotus leaves and clay. This, must arrange an outing one day to go sample. But this is not the reason why Ijok has appeared on the headlines.

At stake: a state assembly seat consisting of close to 12,310 voters consisting of a Malay-majority (50.6%), followed by Indians (28.3%) and Chinese (20.9%). Late Datuk K. Sivalingam of MIC won the seat in 2004, defeating PKR candidate 5,213 to 3,564 votes.

The Ijok state seat by-election this Saturday is the right time for voters to shatter the government's propaganda that all is well, said former premier Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

This is the perfect dipstick for ruling BN ahead of possible snap polls many speculate to be held early 2008. In a survey, Wanita (or the BN Woman's Wing) revealed about 3,000 harcore supporters of the opposition ni the constituency.

Datuk Anwar Ibrahim is also marking an active return to politics, playing the role of advisor to PKR and participating actively in the party rallying.

vs

Why is this by-election, a straight-off fight between BN-MCA candidate, school teacher K. Parthiban, vs PKR candidate Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, both local boys, an interesting watch?

1) It will be interesting to see if the voters will vote according to racial lines. As part of its powersharing policy, BN is represented by an Indian candidate, while PKR has nominated a Malay.

2) The BN-MIC vote majority has shrunk from 7000 to just over 1,600 in the 2004 GE. Will it shrink even further?

3) A common sight in all elections, but a marked windfall for those in Ijok, the government has pumped in R$36 million to Ijok in development works. The whole sleeping town is basically under active reconstruction currently. How far will this help the ruling coalition get the votes that it hopes to buy?

4) Does Anwar Ibrahim still possess the charm and charisma to win over a large group of fence-sitters? Or will the perpetual presence of Najib (minus the Atlantuya controversy) nullify this?

5) Will the minority race use this opportunity to voice their discontent on marginalisation issues?

My guess would be that K. Parthiban will win, but only with a slight majority of below 1,000. But wouldn't it be interesting to see how things will turn out if the PKR candidate does actually win?

The Silly Things One Can Do

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:40:00 GMT

I love listening to Night with Brian on Gold 90FM. Apart from the fact that I usually enjoy the music played during his segment, there are little nuggets of gems that he will say.

Not very updated with mobile phone technologies, but bought myself the K800i on Saturday with the dear one. Thought it is mandatory to charge the phone for 24 hours before using it. Came back from work today, hoping to transfer all my contacts to the phone...... alas, I realised that I forgot to put in the battery. *Ouch*

Been receiving quite a few smses about the pet shop in Joo Chiat that was gonna close down or else the dogs will be put down the next day, OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS. First and foremost, I did not believe there would be any such irresponsible shop owners, as you should at least be a dog lover if you are in this business. Second, I do not believe those dogs will not be able to find new owners, and especially since there are so many dog forums around. Third, the msg arrived within the span of the few days. If the dogs were put down, they would already be put down. Me and the dear one were joking about this. He even speculated if it could be a scam and divert to some 1900 number. Silly. Hehehe.

Pet shop SMS plea causes a stir in S'pore

By Tan Yi Hui - Apr 16, 2007
AsiaOne

If you've received an SMS about a pet shop closing and offering to give away its dogs, you're not the only one.

Since yesterday, scores of people have been receiving the same mass text message forwarded to them by friends. The emotional and moral edge of the SMS was probably what prompted its viral spread to countless others.

The simple message conveys a sense of desperation and urgency, with a plea for help from a pet shop in Joo Chiat that is closing down. It says there are five dogs to be given away - 2 Huskies, 1 black Labrador, I Shitzu, and 1 cross-breed Huskie terrier.

"If not, will b putdown. Pls help. call mariam," says the SMS, giving the mobile number.

The person mentioned in the SMS is uncontactable. AsiaOne called the number many times and it was either busy or shut off.

"I have always wanted a Huskie but I couldn't get through when I tried dialing the number!" said Ms Liew, 23, a student and one of the many members of the public who received the SMS on her mobile.

A check with pet shops around Singapore showed that they are also aware of the SMS. Views on it were mixed however.

When asked if they thought it was a hoax, Ms Yvonne Lim, a retail assistant at Pet Lovers' Centre, Shaw Branch, said: "I'm not too sure, but you can't really tell in any case because it's a chain SMS.

"I wouldn't really do anything about it though, because you must be prepared for the responsibility - it's not so easy taking care of a dog."

Retail assistant-cum-groomer, Ms Yeo, of Marine Pet Image Pte Ltd says she has received the SMS "three or four times yesterday already".

"I think it's a prank, because it's been going around for a few days already - a friend of mine received it the day before I did," she added. She also said that a pet shop will definitely not give away its animals for free just because it is closing.

Mr Kenneth Chai, manager of My Pet Store (Hillview), says: "I actually think it's for real, but the shop should have come up with a solution rather than just saying that they will put the dog down if no one comes forward for them.

"They should have thought of what to do with the dogs before closing the shop down - I find it quite irresponsible of them," continued Mr Chai.

AsiaOne also asked SPCA executive officer, Ms Deirdre Moss, if the SMS could have been a hoax.

Ms Moss confirmed that she, too, had received the same SMS, as well as queries from concerned members of the public. SPCA has also checked with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), and learnt that the agency is also aware of it.

SPCA has also sent an officer down to Joo Chiat for investigations. While no official confirmation could be made as yet, SPCA says there was a pet shop suspected to be the one referred to in the SMS.

The shop was closed with a sign bearing the hand-written words: "Sorry, we are closed, no more dogs".

"There was no sign of any animals," Ms Moss said.

"When you read something like that, there's no proper source. It's an upsetting SMS to receive," says Ms Moss of the text message. She also commented that it would be emotionally disturbing, especially for animal-lovers, citing numerous concerned emails she had gotten from the public.

"They shouldn't source for homes in this manner. There are far better ways to get the message across rather than by stirring up people's emotions."

Ms Moss said that the pedigree dogs described in the SMS should have no problems finding a home. If the shop really intended for the animals to be given away, they could have done so by putting up proper signs in their shop.

To send out an SMS message like that to the masses is obviously a "shock tactic" that "plays on people's emotions", she added.

Online, the SMS has also been generating some strong responses.

Ms Moss mentioned that an email to her from a member of the public said the SMS was "extremely irresponsible and disturbing".

A forum user apparently claimed that the SMS was a hoax, after verifying through a Google search.

Another says: "Somehow I think it was just a plot to get people to buy their dogs."

Regarding the moral edge of the SMS - that of putting the dogs down - it is still unclear why this would be necessary as the dogs are pedigree in breed.

The pet shops interviewed also said that it is not "standard practice" for animals to be put down just because a store is closing.

To use the emotional threat of culling the dogs in the SMS is "a dilemma to put the public in" according to Ms Moss, who reiterates that such a strategy smacks of irresponsibility.

"As long as you're in the business of selling animals, you have to be responsible," she says.

As for the contact person in the SMS, it seems Mariam is still unreachable.

The Widow's Two Mite

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:08:36 GMT

A friend and I were discussing the recent gesture of someone who decided to donate a big portion of his salary to charity. Looks like a good gesture that would earn him some goodwill. Then we discussed a biblical parable - The Widow's Two Mite, that he taught to his son. We agreed that this was a good lesson to learnt.

Googled for the chapters. (Mark 12:38-44, Luke 20:45-47,21:1-4)

OST Shortbus

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:03:21 GMT

After purchasing the DVD and procrasinating for the longest time to watch this show thinking it was just pure porn, I finally did and was I surprised - it is actually quite a good movie. Worth a watch.

I love Jay Brannan's Soda Shop. Dig the other songs as well. Anyone has the soundtrack to this movie? Hehehe.

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 18:38:10 GMT

I was told to post this up or else I would just be considered a loud trumpet.

Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao - not bad a place for dinner, not very crowded too. The Xiao Long Bao I guess is comparable to Ding Tai Fung and Crystal Jade, though I must add that the giant xiaolongbao is way overpriced. La Mian soup stock is good, and I especially dig hussy's pork rib la mian soup stock.

The very matronly auntie was telling me how I could come on weekdays and get 20% student discount for my meals. Didn't understand why the other guys were like giving me the weird stare when I was just trying to make conversation. :p

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:38:15 GMT

What a weekend.

A supper trip to JB, with nice pampering for my car, and lots of dvds. Yum.

A deadline to chase - one whole afternoon doing office work, and it is the WEEKEND!!!

A movie marathon - 300 and The Messenger, both good movies.

A negotiation session - something like a triad, he he he.

Will be very tiring if every weekend is like that. *Phew*

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:24:28 GMT

First not so good news of the Chinese New Year -

Merc had a fall and hurt her legs on CNY eve. Suspected something was very very wrong when she bit me quite visciously when I tried to bandage her wound. Had to concentrate on reunion dinner, which was delayed til around 10pm, and thus just let her rest a bit. She was rather quiet surprisingly.

Tried feeling her leg again after dinner. Bad move - more wounds for me, in fact the bite I was given on my finger resulted in quite a bad wound, it bled quite a bit. =(

Thought there weren't any broken bones, but a visit to Mount Pleasant the day after confirmed otherwise. Broken bones around the paws, but need to consult an orthopedic to advise on the options. *Sigh* Spent $200+ on first day like that. Expensive. =(

Anyone know any orthopedics around?

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 18:50:21 GMT

Just for my hussy one and shawna.

New York Day 2

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 11:10:39 GMT

Did not take many photos today, as I wanted to concentrate on getting to know the city better first. Did not have too much of a time anyway, as I had to rush some deadlines and entertain some eager beavers back at office til early afternoon. Spent the rest of the day, walking from my place, all the way to the southernmost tip of Manhatten, Whitehall South Ferry, and then to Staten Island, and then back. Everything on foot except for the ferry ride. That's why it took the rest of the day.

Several things I learnt - New Yorkers have very high regards for foreigners. They believe that tourists have no bladders and do not need to use the washrooms. To get a washroom, you have to enter a restaurant, and almost all serve only paying customers. Thus even for MacDonalds, if you want to use the washroom, you pay US$1. I bought a US$1 tea from MacDonalds just to use their washroom.

Will have to plan my days well. Not much time left. Must do all the touristy stuff, like visiting Ground Zero, Central Park, United Nations, etc. All these in the next few days.

Anyway, here is my accomodation. Quite a good deal actually. Landlord was a friendly Brazilian architect, whom I think might not be straight. But who cares. Hehehe. Decent looking place, a stone throw to the subway, and just beside Central Park, Manhatten's green lung. What more could I ask for?

Took this while on the boat. Not very good at taking night shots, especially on a ferry. Guess which famous icon was this blur image?

Staten Island is an island south of Manhatten. Looks rather laid back and a poorer relative of Manhatten. Of course, will try to visit the REAL poor relatives like Harlem, Bronx and Brooklyn. Hope I get the right info of course, and not get myself into any trouble. Did I mention I had a cab incident AGAIN at Staten Island? *Shakes head* Why must it always be me?

Tried to snap a shot of Brooklyn Bridge while on Staten Island. The wind was very strong, and I could not hold the camera very still. But then again, the camera was not powerful enough to capture most of the bridge. Can you even see the bridge?

Near to the entrance of Brooklyn Bridge is the City Hall. Not sure what they use the City Hall for though. Quite pretty. City Hall is actually the shorter building hidden in the background. Not sure what the taller one is. Oh, the fountain was quite pretty too, with the street lamps lit up by real gas flames. How cool is that?

Like I said, will try to take nicer pictures soon. But just some random snapshots of the city. The guys must be wandering how come this tourist taking such weird shots of the big apple.

P.S. Miss someone. :(

Day 1 - New York City

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 05:27:52 GMT

The 18-hour flight was a pleasant one. Gazing at the stars in the night and the mountain ranges at the break of dawn - amazing. Wish someone was here.

Anyway, was a bit apprehensive before arriving as this is my first time here afterall, and we all know the horror stories of New York we hear. Got my name immediately into the books of the NYP after touch-down, when a black guy approached me to ask me if I wanted to take a cab. I said yes, and when he beckoned me to follow him, I followed. It was only when the lift was just about to close when someone pulled me out. The guy who pulled me out was a cop, and that guy was supposed to be some dodgy character. Anyway, he escorted me to the taxi stand to take a taxi. (Again, I was ripped by the taxi, US$87 for a US$56 cab ride. Do I have a please blackmail me sign on me somewhere?)

Walked around, my accomodation was great and good value. Got familiarised myself with the neighbourhood and the subway. Definitely not as safe as Singapore, but we shall see. Looking forward to it.

P.S. Got people having lunch with my dear hor?

Away - 27 Nov to 5 Dec

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 14:43:43 GMT

I will be away during this period. Please take care of my markie for me. Anyone dropping by for lunch at suntec during this period, please call my markie along as well. Definitely appreciate your company. Hehehe. =)

On the twists and turns of life......

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:18:19 GMT

Life, so many sharp bends and corners, with surprises that threaten to shock those affected out of their comfort zones. What is fair? What is unfair? Who is there to judge?

Some worry of the end, some fear the end. Death...... what's there to fear? Don't everyone of us have to come face to face with Death one day?

Why not focus on the wonders of Life. Enjoy the process while it lasts. Enjoy the little surprises that Life has in stall for you, search that meaning to your Life that makes it all worth living.

Taking stock, I think life has been kind to me so far. Good job, great family, great friends, and of course, my great partner with whom I would be living my life with. Of course, I would be seeking to put a few more smiles on his cute face. Hehe. =)

Things have not been easy. Things will not be easy. But life goes on. I hope everyone will be able to live their lives meaningfully with minimum regrets. I know I have none.

Just some of my weird ramblings in the middle of the night......