tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68973832012-01-01T21:06:38.104+08:00bits and pieces of my simple ordinary life as a person born in the year of the mouse...mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.comBlogger11761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-40363720108041781722009-06-28T23:59:00.000+08:002009-06-29T13:28:07.285+08:00saw on the news last night that the winners of the Saving Gaia competition won for themselves an air-conditioner and a fridge, among other things...<br />should not they be given more Gaia-friendly items such as one year supply or organic bread, brown rice, etc??<br /><br />applied for the NDP tickets...<br />was not successful...<br />second year in a row...<br />will try again next year...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4036372010804178172?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-75286806039898712272009-06-26T09:00:00.000+08:002009-06-26T13:00:18.512+08:00woke up in the morning to the terrible news that Michael Jackson has died...<br />due to a cardiac arrest or heart attack...<br />was hoping for his comeback some time soon...<br />as he was to start his UK tour this year...<br />a tour that was sold out within hours...<br /><br />fell in love with Thriller when it came out back in the 80s...<br />and then continued to follow his music...<br />my all-time favourite album of his has to be Bad...<br />a string of number 1 hits from there...<br /><br />then came all the legal tussle he was charged with...<br />but they did not change the fact that MJ is a legend...<br />he will always be the King of Pop...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7528680603989871227?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-59939882041685778222009-06-25T13:00:00.000+08:002009-06-26T13:01:10.740+08:00assuming today is Wednesday...<br />what does next Monday mean to you??<br />the coming Monday or the Monday after that??<br />i would think it is the latter...<br />to avoid confusion, please include the date...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5993988204168577822?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-24256140851412921012009-06-23T12:00:00.000+08:002009-06-23T12:59:40.314+08:00now that community spread of the H1N1 has started in Singapore...<br />is it safer overseas or in Singapore??<br />i think it would be equally safe (or unsafe)...<br />depending on whether you like your glass to be half full or half empty...<br />so it is time to plan my holidays...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2425614085141292101?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-21698206287489256932009-06-22T12:00:00.000+08:002009-06-22T12:42:47.675+08:00realised that there are holes in my socks...<br />time for some retail therapy...<br />maybe take MC on Friday to go shopping...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2169820628748925693?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-31971477410800002922009-06-21T23:59:00.000+08:002009-06-22T12:40:41.640+08:0024 May...<br />was about to give up this number after one month...<br />luckily kept it...<br />starter prize of S$250 in the bag...<br />just in time for Father's Day dinner @ Parkroyal Kitchener Road...<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3197147741080000292?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-45884667197981836242009-06-21T23:58:00.000+08:002009-06-22T12:50:51.570+08:00did not plan for any Father’s Day dinner this year...<br />cos the kids are sponsoring my parents’ Malacca trip next week...<br />but last minute mum called in the morning to say we are heading to Parkroyal at Kitchener Road for dinner...<br />price went up by $5 compared to other days...<br />but a lot more food, including oysters, wan ton mee and many others...<br />UOB had a 20% discount promotion...<br />value-for-money...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4588466719798183624?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-15311675189891675522009-06-20T23:59:00.000+08:002009-06-22T12:51:17.936+08:00celebrated Ming’s birthday at North Border, 2 Rochester Park...<br />been a while since i last went to Rochester Park...<br />it was much quieter now...<br />on a Saturday night...<br />wonder how they survive...<br /><br />so far i have been to 4 of the 8 restaurants there...<br />maybe it is time to complete them all before they are gone...<br />*evil grin*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1531167518989167552?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-34592883392583059382009-06-17T13:00:00.000+08:002009-06-17T13:21:16.938+08:00another 2 H1N1 cases...<br />both foreigners: one German and one Indonesian...<br />German is a researcher who had flu symptoms when he was in the US...<br />went on his daily activities for close to a week before being diagnosed...<br />even attended a concert on 14 June...<br />wonder what concert was that...<br /><br />the Indonesian went shopping before going to TTSH emergency department...<br /><br />how can anyone be so irresponsible??<br />especially when they are adults who should know what is best for them and for the people around them...<br />so much for foreign talents...<br />talents in spreading virus in Singapore...<br />KNNBCCB...<br /><br />----------------------------------------<br /><br />excerpt from Channelnewsasia:<br /><br />The Ministry noted that unlike the earlier imported cases, a number of recent cases had engaged in extensive community activities such as working, shopping and participating in mass activities since their arrival in Singapore. <br /><br />Some even travelled here, even though they were unwell prior to departure. <br /><br />The 48th case is a 56-year-old German man who works in Singapore as a researcher at the Biopolis. He had gone to Philadelphia, USA on May 28 to attend a conference. He developed symptoms on June 4 while he was there. He returned from Philadelphia on SQ15 via Seoul on June 8. He came in contact with several people before he was quarantined a week later. <br /><br />He was seated at row 52. He was not picked up by the thermal scanner at the airport as he did not have a fever then. He took a taxi home from the airport, and stayed at home for the rest of the day. <br /><br />He went to work from June 9 to 12. On the evening of June 11, he went to a function at the French Ambassador's Residence attended by about 70 persons. On June 13, he went to a shopping mall and had social activities at Clarke Quay. On June 14, he attended a concert and did more shopping. On June 15, he did not go to work in the morning and called a 993 ambulance to send him to CDC2 around noon time. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 2140 hours on June 15. <br /><br />The 49th case is a 26-year-old Indonesian man who works in Singapore. <br /><br />He returned from Melbourne on SQ228 on June 14. <br /><br />He was seated at row 61, and was on the same flight as the 43rd, 44th and 45th cases who were seated at row 43. He was not picked up by the thermal scanner at the airport as he did not have a fever then. <br /><br />He and his friend took a taxi home from the airport. On the morning of June 15, he sought medical attention at a GP clinic, and was given two days of medical leave. <br /><br />Before he took a taxi to TTSH ED, he did some shopping first. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 2140 hours on June 15.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3459288339258305938?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-18659717014185976452009-06-15T23:59:00.000+08:002009-06-16T17:47:59.165+08:00there has been a lot of discussion lately on being gracious and socially responsible in Singapore...<br />from “Reserved Seats” on the MRTs to using tissue paper to “chope seats” to standing on your left on escalators to H1N1...<br />we can argue until the cows (or pigs in the case of H1N1) come home without a solution...<br />but all we can do is to start with ourselves to make that change...<br />do we blame the person standing on the right for blocking our paths or should we blame the one directly behind the person for not educating the person in front??<br /><br />the problem with Singaporeans, in my opinion, is that we do not speak up when we are faced with an issue...<br />instead we will let it pass and then complain like nobody’s business about the issue...<br />but complaining does not solve the problem, does it??<br /><br />if we really need the seats on the MRT, is it so difficult to ask the person sitting on the “Reserved Seating” to give up the seats to us??<br />but instead, we expect everyone around us to give in to us...<br />of course there is also the embarrassment when the recipient does not accept your kindness...<br />and then what do we do?? plonk our asses back on the seats?? or “ungraciously” walk away??<br /><br />with the recent increased in H1N1 cases in Singapore, many of which were imported from countries like the US and Australia...<br />people are still travelling to these places for their holidays...<br />they do not stop to think for a moment about the health and safety of their families...<br />maybe we should blame the Government for this...<br />on the one hand, advisories were issued for travelling to these countries...<br />on the other hand, the Government is asking us to go on with our lives...<br />so being typical Singaporeans who listen to the Government all, if not most, of the time...<br />we continued with our travelling...<br />hoping and praying that we will not be the unfortunate ones to return with the virus...<br />the “it will not happen to me” mentality could prove to be fatal...<br />the worst is when one returns from an infected country, they pretended nothing has happened and continued with their lives...<br />not knowing that the virus is developing inside them...<br />risking the health of others whom they come into contact with...<br />where is the social responsibility in us??<br /><br />just like in any situation, it takes two hands to clap...<br />the giver and the taker have to do play their roles...<br />and maybe the Government should take the lead too...<br />but i still believe each and everyone of us has to play our part...<br />to be the giver at times... and the taker at other times...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1865971701418597645?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-79623797323627488932009-06-14T23:59:00.000+08:002009-06-16T17:46:48.533+08:00decided to take a break from facebook...<br />not posted anything, except for a Note about my ex-student’s visit recently...<br />maybe i need some privacy... some time to myself...<br /><br />so what has happened over the last two months??<br />an excellent two months, i must say...<br />life has been wonderful... and colourful...<br /><br />from the surprisingly lacklustre musical Cats to If There’re Seasons (天冷就回来) to 4 Arts Festival events (one fusion concert of jazz and classical music and 3 theatre plays)...<br />from Star Trek to Angels & Demons to Terminator Salvation...<br />3 summer blockbuster movies within a month...<br />looking forward to Transformers and Up...<br /><br />attended the opening ceremony of the Arts Festival at the Marina Barrage...<br />my first time there...<br />quite a nice place to sit around, enjoy the breeze and soak in the sun...<br /><br />celebrated Pat’s birthday at Charcoal (the Shatec-run restaurant at The Treasury)...<br />as well as Shaun & Thyetus’ birthdays at Paulaner Brauhaus...<br />met up with friends for lunches and dinners...<br />from Manpuku Tampines 1 to Boat Quay’s Big Bowl Porridge (大碗粥) to Old Airport Road...<br />put on a few kilos along the way...<br /><br />completed the team event at the Sundown Marathon...<br />it was a challenge running in the evening...<br />more so after a drizzle when the air is humid...<br />managed a less than satisfactory 70 minutes for the 10.5km run...<br />gotta start running again very soon...<br />or the upcoming 21km Singapore Bay Run in August will be another terrible 3-hour event...<br /><br />was thrilled that my ex-student, Wei Jung, still remembered to contact me when he was in Singapore for his summer holiday...<br />glad that he is surviving in Chicago... even more glad that he is planning on moving to California!!<br />we had lunch at Swensen’s Bugis Junction...<br />he gave me a limited edition 2008 Beijing Olympics memorabilia...<br />had a great catch-up session with him...<br /><br />decided recently to quit social smoking...<br />time to spend time with myself...<br />and time to take care of my health...<br />although i have been very healthy in the past year...<br />since i left my previous employment...<br />concluded that my health problems back then was stress-induced...<br />now less job responsibilities in this new company...<br />and my health is superb...<br /><br />July and August will be very arty farty...<br />have booked tickets to the following:<br />• Agapella’s 8th birthday concert<br />• Theatre Practice’s 4.48 Psychosis<br />• Wild Rice’s Own Time Own Target (missed it last year)<br />• Mus’Art Wind Orchestra’s Decade<br />• The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare<br />• Dream Academy’s Sing Dollar: The Musical Comedy About Money<br /><br />have also advance booked tickets to November’s Victor / Victoria, starring Laura Fygi...<br />my ticket is Kerry’s birthday gift to me...<br />cos the show will be 2 days before my 37th birthday...<br /><br />planning on attending The Kangxi Emperor: Treasures from the Forbidden City exhibition at the Asian Civilisation Museum next week just before it ends its run...<br />will also be visiting the Da Vinci The Genius (www.davincithegenius.com) exhibition at the Singapore Science Centre in July...<br />there will also be the Singapore River Festival (www.singaporeriverfestival.com) over the next two weeks...<br /><br />anybody dares to look me in the face and say that Singapore is boring??<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7962379732362748893?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-17450846321268545422009-04-13T23:59:00.000+08:002009-04-14T12:35:19.415+08:00left office at 5:45pm cos my boss was on leave...<br />decided to go for a run...<br />my first in months...<br />took a different route this time...<br />and was lost in the concrete jungles of Hougang, Buangkok and nearly Sengkang...<br />stopped to ask for directions...<br />got more lost after that...<br />ran for 33 minutes in total...<br />covered around 4.5km...<br /><br />all this because i am taking part in the J.P. Morgan run this Thursday...<br />at least get those legs going...<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1745084632126854542?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-91026440521661261502009-04-13T10:00:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:53:27.973+08:00received an email from John, my ex-NTU classmate whom i met for dinner on April Fool’s Day...<br />informing me that Brian, our common ex-NTU classmate, has passed away this morning...<br />Brian was involved in a car accident in China on Friday 13...<br />while he was there for business...<br />and has been in a coma since then...<br />John did not break this news to me over dinner the other day...<br />thinking and praying that Brian will survive and wake up some day...<br />the Lord has other plans for Brian, afterall...<br />may he rest in peace...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-9102644052166126150?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-34018722376123791582009-04-11T23:59:00.002+08:002009-04-13T12:47:55.713+08:00woke up at 8:30am...<br />washed up and headed to Bedok for breakfast...<br />my favourite mee siam, lontong and mee soto...<br /><br />Expo was next...<br />for the Courts Megatech fair...<br />was tempted to buy the portable 320G hard disk and the DVD writer for my AspireOne...<br />eventually decided to pass and wait for the next IT Fair...<br />then we were off to the Times book warehouse sale...<br />only bought 4 books cos it was really touch searching for books in such a huge place...<br />finally we went to the John Little sale...<br />Sonny bought Oral B toothbrushes...<br /><br />we next drove to Tampines One, the newly opened shopping mall...<br />the queue outside Uniqlo was horrendous...<br />gave it a miss and had lunch at Tampines Mall instead...<br />drove back home and it started to pour...<br /><br />picked Shaun up for dinner at Chomp Chomp...<br />luckily we were early and could find a parking lot...<br />three of us had mutton soup, carrot cake, rojak and tau pok, BBQ stingray, chicken wings, fried kway teow and fried Hokkien prawn mee...<br />and we each had a super sized sugar cane...<br /><br />received the 4D results via SMS...<br />struck Starter prize...<br />6272 – S$250 in the pockets...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3401872237612379158?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-63007664685728987062009-04-10T23:59:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:44:17.363+08:00my family chose today for our annual Qing Ming pilgrimage...<br />an annual family affair for my uncles, aunties and cousins...<br />24 of us turned up for the event...<br />not our full force but big enough to warrant the rental of a bus...<br /><br />miraculously, the rain behaved itself during our 6-hour pilgrimage...<br />the weather was super hot at our first stop, Lim Chu Kang cemetery...<br />then as we hit Kopi Hill, dark clouds were looming...<br />it poured just when we were all on the bus heading to our last stop, Tze Toh Ann...<br />the sun came out while we were doing our prayers...<br />and it rained on our way home...<br />must be our ancestors blessing us with the good fortunes...<br /><br />may we continue to receive good blessings from our ancestors...<br />in terms of peace, harmony, good health and wealth...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6300766468572898706?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-19939048651236178082009-04-09T23:59:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:43:16.649+08:00there was an article on restaurants opened by celebrities on last week’s Sunday Times...<br />Bonifacio was also featured because one of the bosses was Picasso Tan, an ex-Wushu champion...<br />Sonny was the one who designed the entire restaurant for them cos the other partner was his friend...<br />Jason decided that we should visit the place for dinner...<br />and so we went...<br />we were not impressed by the food...<br />maybe they were of an acquired Filipino taste that we were not used to...<br />but the San Miguel Light beer was very nice...<br />after the fish was FOC with an additional 20% discount, the final bill came up to S$140...<br />we all agreed that we shall not return...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1993904865123617808?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-7175768458308174362009-04-04T23:59:00.001+08:002009-04-13T12:41:31.509+08:00met up with Eugene for dinner before the play...<br />walked from Bugis to the newly-opened Iluma...<br />the incredibly ugly bacteria-looking building across the road...<br />realised that it was not fully operational...<br />walked to Beach Road for ayam penyet instead...<br /><br />bought tickets to the show without knowing what it was all about...<br />and it was a pleasant surprise after all...<br />the story was funny and hilarious...<br />the actors were good, especially Ivan Heng...<br />and T’ang Quartet was flawless in delivering the music for the show...<br /><br />the play created quite a lot of controversy...<br />when Wild Rice decided to cast an all male ensemble...<br />the female roles were played by males dressed in suits...<br />the sheer thought of it already brings grins to our faces...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-717576845830817436?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-19984579641406876182009-04-02T23:59:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:39:53.196+08:00today is my elder brother’s birthday...<br />he is 39 this year...<br />hitting the big four O soon...<br />dinner was at M Hotel’s steamboat buffet...<br />it has been years since we last came...<br />and coincidentally, we were given the same seating area as the last time...<br />i had a total of four bowls of durian puree...<br />simply irresistible...<br /><br />Happy Birthday, brother Bobby...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1998457964140687618?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-91766615591671698802009-04-01T23:59:00.001+08:002009-04-13T12:36:07.200+08:00today is April Fool’s Day...<br />had dinner with an ex-NTU class of ‘96 classmate...<br />we had lost touch for years...<br />we met each other at Marina Square’s MOF restaurant last Saturday before watching Kumar...<br />and decided to meet up for dinner...<br />it was good to catch up with old friends...<br />filling each other up with our latest...<br />good to hear that John has been attached with his boyfriend for the last 8 years...<br />further strengthens my belief that gay relationships do last...<br /><br />John commented that i have changed...<br />mellowed down a lot and all for the better...<br />different from the Dave he used to know during our Uni days...<br />i smiled when i heard that...<br />i could not agree more...<br /><br />we promised each other to stay in touch...<br />and to meet up often in the future...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-9176661559167169880?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-3739619263124016852009-03-29T23:59:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:34:27.367+08:00dinner was at the usual Parkroyal Hotel in Beach Road...<br />my family’s favourite buffet venue...<br />fresh sashimi and oysters...<br />pratas of different flavours such as durian, banana, chocolate and sardines...<br />drunken prawns...<br />cockle-full laksa...<br />and the coffee machine that produces fragrant espresso and cappuccino...<br /><br />dad is turning 59 tomorrow...<br />and his age does show in his everyday life...<br />from walking to talking to sleeping...<br />i would seriously want to spend more time with him from now on...<br />something that i have been talking about over the last couple of years...<br />must remind myself to make it a point to do it...<br />life is too unpredictable nowadays...<br /><br />Happy Birthday, daddy...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-373961926312401685?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-80802360994425992162009-03-29T23:58:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:30:35.430+08:00the original Ugly Dolls (Wage, Tray & Babo) met up for tea at the Island Café in Tangs...<br />our first trip there...<br />the food was quite tasty...<br /><br />it was a gathering to sort of celebrate Kenneth’s birthday...<br />a good catching up session on the latest happenings in our lives...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8080236099442599216?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-17053887699460204022009-03-28T23:59:00.000+08:002009-04-13T12:29:01.737+08:00bought our tickets months ago under the Keppel Nights Subsidy Scheme...<br />paid $57 for the $108 tickets (50% off)...<br />very cheap... and if not for the discount, we would not have watched a wonderful concert...<br /><br />JJ’s vocals were surprisingly good and powerful...<br />although there are times when his voice was drowned by the even louder music...<br />there were many songs from his latest album which i have not bought or listened to...<br />and there were also many hits from his earlier albums which i was more familiar with...<br /><br />he did a segment of personifying other singers...<br />in particular Jacky Cheung and Michael Jackson...<br />i thought he should have sung “Heal The World” instead of “You Are Not Alone” and “Beat It” since it was Earth Hour Day...<br />when the concert started, the stadium observed a minute without the lights and appliances...<br />only the screaming from the fans... lolz...<br /><br />the most touching part of the concert was when his family surprised him by joining him on stage to perform...<br />dad played the erhu, mum played the pipa and brother played the piano...<br />at one point, JJ was unable to continue singing and his dad took over...<br />what a musically-gifted family they were...<br /><br />the show ended around 11:30pm...<br />a solid 3 hours worth...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1705388769946020402?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-64300843847834727772009-03-23T23:59:00.001+08:002009-03-24T17:33:24.077+08:00thank you very much to all those who have expressed concerns about my well-being...<br />i am doing ok...<br />still alive and kicking...<br /><br />just did not have the inspiration and time to blog in the past one month...<br />been busy in the office...<br />partly due to the KL business trip...<br />we have a new Regional IA Head based in HK...<br />changes to current procedures...<br />which are necessary changes, if you ask me...<br /><br />here are some of the highlights that have happened...<br /><br />a 31 year-old Singapore Madonna fan and fellow blogger has suddenly passed on a couple of weeks back...<br />missed the obituary page cos i was in KL then...<br />we never had the opportunity to meet up...<br />despite numerous past occasions when we were in Zouk at the same time...<br />a lot of speculations on what happened...<br />some said it was an accident...<br />others said it was suicide...<br />whatever it is, my dear fellow Madonna fan, rest in peace...<br /><br />celebrated Sonny’s 47th birthday...<br />he cooked for a party of 8 on a Saturday evening...<br />good food, good wine, good choya and above all, good company...<br />but marred by a visit by the police after his neighbour complained about the dragging of chairs...<br />nevertheless, wishing Sonny the best of health and may his wishes come true...<br /><br />went to watch Kumar at the Esplanade...<br />glad to see the mixed crowd...<br />gays, straights, young, old, couples, singles...<br />Kumar is indeed the drag Queen of Singapore...<br /><br />been watching a lot of movies on my iTouch...<br />from The Reader to Quantum of Solace...<br />from The Wrestler to Eagle Eye...<br />from Gran Torino to The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian...<br />from Burn After Reading to Frost / Nixon...<br />my personal favourites were Frost / Nixon and Gran Torino...<br />The Wrestler is very touching too...<br />Burn After Reading was confusing and vulgar...<br />still wondering why Kate Winslet won Best Actress for The Reader...<br /><br />have i told you that i put on close to 3kg lately...<br />due to lack of exercise...<br />and reduction in my Herbalife intake...<br />gotta get back in shape...<br />for the J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge run in April (5.6km)...<br />and the Sundown Marathon team event (10km)...<br /><br />bought tickets to 4 events of Singapore Arts Festival<br />3 theatres and 1 music...<br />ticket prices have gone down across the board...<br />and i also took up the early bird discount of 30% off for 4 shows...<br />very good deals...<br /><br />am watching JJ Lin’s concert this Saturday...<br />followed by The Importance of Being Earnest the week after...<br />Cats in April too...<br /><br />decided to give the Singapore International Film Festival a miss this year...<br />mainly due to my upcoming KL trip in April which we have not firmed up the dates...<br />partly due to the venues with limited seating capacities cos Prince & Lido were no more...<br /><br />that’s all the updates for now...<br />will try to blog more regularly...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6430084384783472777?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-10252145594569103302009-02-20T23:59:00.001+08:002009-02-23T10:49:46.541+08:00it is the time of the year when the best in the motion picture industry are honoured...<br />the Oscars will be handed out on Monday morning Singapore time...<br />The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Slumdog Millionaire leads the pack with 13 and 10 nominations respectively...<br />will it be a year of surprises where the most-nominated movie is sidelined...<br /><br />Slumdog has won nearly every major award there is...<br />including the BAFTA and Golden Globes...<br />so the prediction is for it to continue its run into the Oscars...<br />Best Picture and Best Director it shall collect...<br /><br />as for Benjamin Button, it will be the biggest winner in terms of the other technical categories...<br /><br />for the acting categories...<br />my heart goes out to Meryl Streep although i think it is time that Kate Winslet pick up her first Oscar...<br />Sean Penn failed to impress me with his portrayal of Harvey Milk...<br />so my bet is going to Mickey Rourke for his performance in The Wrestler...<br /><br />Best Supporting Actress is a tie between Viola Davis in Doubt and Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona...<br />personally i have not seen Vicky Cristina Barcelona...<br />but judging from the support she has garnered so far...<br />it seems that the award is hers for certain...<br /><br />interestingly, Wall-E and The Dark Knight received quite a considerable amount of nominations...<br />Wall-E is in for Best Animated Feature Film, Original Song, Original Score, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Original Screenplay...<br />while The Dark Knight was nominated in nearly every technical category...<br />for Art Direction, Cinematography, Film Editing, Makeup, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects...<br />my prediction is for Wall-E to win Best Animated Feature and Best Song...<br />while The Dark Knight is set to pick up Best Supporting Actor for the late Heath Ledger...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1025214559456910330?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-51061420035260295242009-02-15T23:59:00.000+08:002009-02-16T12:52:44.973+08:00never expected the phenomenon to hit Facebook, but it did...<br />i was too lazy to spend time going through the 25 things about myself and the 16 one-word answers beginning with my initial “D”...<br />the incident prompted two (out of three) articles on the Sunday Times’ Lifestyle section...<br />unbelievable...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5106142003526029524?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-71595420411228162612009-02-15T23:58:00.000+08:002009-02-16T12:52:18.827+08:00so the news was broadcast on the air on the fateful Friday the 13th...<br />and it was not a prank from the ever-playful Glenn Ong...<br />five years after the fairy tale marriage...<br />another confirmation that nothing lasts forever...<br />enjoy the process... the time spent together...<br />but the outcome was the same...<br /><br />saw a badge on a girl’s school bag on the bus on Valentine’s Day...<br />it read “Eat Healthy, Keep Fit, Die Anyway”<br />it could not be more true...<br />be contented with what we have...<br />and believe that we are all here for a reason / purpose...<br /><br />CARPE DIEM...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7159542041122816261?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-63874308191492652432009-02-13T16:00:00.000+08:002009-02-13T17:41:09.238+08:00more money to spend...<br />or probably save up for rainy days...<br /><br />----------<br />From Asiaone:<br /><br />Singaporeans will receive double the amount of GST credits and bonuses this year.<br /><br />In order to help households cope with their needs in the downturn, the Singapore government announced in the recent Budget that Singaporeans will receive double the amount of GST credits and bonuses for senior citizens, which will be paid out on March 1 this year.<br /><br />Singaporeans who have signed up for their GST Credits in previous years will automatically receive theirs for 2009.<br /><br />From Feb 13, a letter from the CPF Board will be sent to all who are eligible for the Credits, informing them of the total amount they will receive this year.<br /><br />For those who have signed up for their GST Credits in 2007 or 2008, they are not required to sign up again to receive their 2009 payouts and will automatically receive the following:<br />- First payout of GST Credits and Senior Citizens' Bonus: 1 Mar 2009.<br />- Second payout of GST Credits and Senior Citizens' Bonus: 1 July 2009.<br /><br />Those who did not sign up for their GST Credits in previous years or who only qualify for it recently, can sign up for the payouts from Feb 15 onwards at the GST offset website (www.gstoffset.gov.sg) or via hardcopy forms which are available at all Community Centres, Community Development Council offices and CPF Service Centres.<br /><br />Payments will be made on the dates above for those who sign up before Feb 20. Otherwise, GST Credits can still be received as long as the deadline is not exceeded - the last day to sign up for GST Credits is Dec 31.<br /><br />Singaporeans who wish to donate their payments can do so at the website from Feb 15.<br /><br />The additional GST Credits and bonus will cost the government $580 million, which is on top of the amount which will be paid out again in July this year.<br /><br />On top of the additional GST Credits and Senior Citizens' Bonus, eligible Singaporean households will also receive other benefits this year, including U-Save, Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) and rental rebates, property tax and personal income tax rebates, Workfare Income Supplement (WIS), including the WIS Special Payment, and top-ups to Post Secondary Education Accounts (PSEA).<br /><br />For more information regarding the GST payouts, visit www.gstoffset.gov.sg or www.mof.gov.sg or call 1800-2222-888.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6387430819149265243?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-55844814883448525492009-02-13T13:00:00.000+08:002009-02-13T15:26:51.715+08:00received the article from a friend this morning...<br />touched my heart totally after reading it...<br />very appropriate for a time when love is in the air...<br />got some free Meiji chocolates at Raffles Place just now...<br /><br />Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone who is reading this...<br />incidentally today is Friday 13th...<br /><br />------------------------------<br />By Lee Wei Ling<br /><br />In 2007, in an end-of-year message to the staff of the National Neuroscience Institute, I wrote: 'Whilst boom time in the public sector is never as booming as in the private sector, let us not forget that boom time is eventually followed by slump time. Slump time in the public sector is always less painful compared to the private sector.' <br /><br />Slump time has arrived with a bang. <br /><br />While I worry about the poorer Singaporeans who will be hit hard, perhaps this recession has come at an opportune time for many of us. It will give us an incentive to reconsider our priorities in life. Decades of the good life have made us soft. The wealthy especially, but also the middle class in Singapore, have had it so good for so long, what they once considered luxuries, they now think of as necessities. <br /><br />Mobile phone, for instance, is now a statement about who you are, not just a piece of equipment for communication. Hence many people buy the latest model though their existing mobile phones are still in perfect working order. A Mercedes-Benz is no longer adequate as a status symbol. For millionaires who wish to show the world they have taste, a Ferrari or a Porsche is deemed more appropriate. <br /><br />The same attitude influences the choice of attire and accessories. I still find it hard to believe that there are people carrying handbags that cost more than thrice the monthly income of a bus driver, and many more times that of the foreign worker labouring in the hot sun, risking his life to construct luxury condominiums he will never have a chance to live in. <br /><br />The media encourages and amplifies this ostentatious consumption. Perhaps it is good to encourage people to spend more because this will prevent the recession from getting worse. I am not an economist, but wasn't that the root cause of the current crisis - Americans spending more than they could afford to? <br /><br />I am not a particularly spiritual person. I don't believe in the supernatural and I don't think I have a soul that will survive my death. But as I view the crass materialism around me, I am reminded of what my mother once told me: 'Suffering and deprivation is good for the soul.' <br /><br />My family is not poor, but we have been brought up to be frugal. My parents and I live in the same house that my paternal grandparents and their children moved into after World War II in 1945. It is a big house by today's standards, but it is simple - in fact, almost to the point of being shabby. <br /><br />Those who see it for the first time are astonished that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's home is so humble. But it is a comfortable house, a home we have got used to. Though it does look shabby compared to the new mansions on our street, we are not bothered by the comparison. <br /><br />Most of the world and much of Singapore will lament the economic downturn. We have been told to tighten our belts. There will undoubtedly be suffering, which we must try our best to ameliorate. But I personally think the hard times will hold a timely lesson for many Singaporeans, especially those born after 1970 who have never lived through difficult times. <br /><br />No matter how poor you are in Singapore, the authorities and social groups do try to ensure you have shelter and food. Nobody starves in Singapore. Many of those who are currently living in mansions and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle will probably still be able to do so, even if they might have to downgrade from wines costing $20,000 a bottle to $10,000 a bottle. They would hardly notice the difference. <br /><br />Being wealthy is not a sin. It cannot be in a capitalist market economy. Enjoying the fruits of one's own labour is one's prerogative and I have no right to chastise those who choose to live luxuriously. <br /><br />But if one is blinded by materialism, there would be no end to wanting and hankering. After the Ferrari, what next? An Aston Martin? After the Hermes Birkin handbag, what can one upgrade to? <br /><br />Neither an Aston Martin nor an Hermes Birkin can make us truly happy or contented. They are like dust, a fog obscuring the true meaning of life, and can be blown away in the twinkling of an eye. <br /><br />When the end approaches and we look back on our lives, will we regret the latest mobile phone or luxury car that we did not acquire? Or would we prefer to die at peace with ourselves, knowing that we have lived lives filled with love, friendship and goodwill, that we have helped some of our fellow voyagers along the way and that we have tried our best to leave this world a slightly better place than how we found it? <br /><br />We know which is the correct choice - and it is within our power to make that choice. <br /><br />In this new year, burdened as it is with the problems of the year that has just ended, let us again try to choose wisely. <br /><br />To a considerable degree, our happiness is within our own control, and we should not follow the herd blindly. <br /><br />The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5584481488344852549?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-29383436903445924162009-02-11T14:00:00.000+08:002009-02-11T16:24:44.347+08:00In a press statement on public holidays for 2009 released on 21 February 2008, the Ministry of Manpower announced that Deepavali would fall on 15 November 2009 (Sunday), subject to confirmation when the Indian Almanac becomes available.<br /><br />The Deepavali date for 2009 has now been confirmed. The Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) has advised that Deepavali will fall on 17 October 2009 (Saturday) instead of 15 November 2009 (Sunday). The variation in date was due to the rare occurrence of two “no moon” days (amavasai) between mid October and mid November 2009. The earlier tentative Deepavali date of 15 November 2009 was based on the second “no moon” day. The Almanac has now affirmed that Deepavali will fall on the day of the first "no moon" day on 17 October 2009.<br /><br />Since Deepavali is no longer on 15 November 2009 (Sunday), 16 November 2009 (Monday) will not be a public holiday. Instead, 17 October 2009 will be gazetted as a public holiday.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2938343690344592416?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-46912833841862126422009-02-11T09:00:00.000+08:002009-02-11T16:24:05.391+08:00the toilet cleaning auntie told me that she has to work full days on Saturdays as well...<br />i wonder why...<br />especially now that most companies are on five-day work weeks...<br />how dirty can the toilet be for half a Saturday??<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4691283384186212642?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-29192220846087402232009-02-09T23:59:00.000+08:002009-02-10T13:33:56.543+08:00today is the last day of the 15-day Lunar New Year period...<br />elder brother returned to Singapore from visiting his wife and kid in The Philippines...<br />mum prepared dinner with plenty of dishes...<br />also had 4 dumplings... sort of like a tradition...<br />let’s hope the world is a better place in the Year of the Ox...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2919222084608740223?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-50093724190965224522009-02-08T23:59:00.001+08:002009-02-10T13:32:33.388+08:00time flies and February is here...<br />it’s been close to two weeks that i have not updated my blog since end-January...<br /><br />busy with lou hei lunches and dinners with friends, ex-colleagues and family...<br />a total of 9 lou heis this year...<br />cannot remember if it is a personal record for me... lolz...<br /><br />watched The Ghost Whisperer on TV...<br />started to get a little complicated now that Sam is back in another person’s body...<br /><br />fell asleep while watching Australia on my notebook...<br />i would have to watch it during my journeys to and from work now...<br />saw Milk the previous week and was not too impressed by it...<br />Sean Penn was a little too stiff and reserved for me...<br /><br />Friday night the results of the S$10 Million Hongbao ToTo draw were out...<br />we did not win... not even the S$20 prize...<br />life goes on then...<br /><br />Saturday went for my facial at Bella Marina Square...<br />my first in 3 months...<br />was busy with birthday, Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations before that...<br />they let me try their new Vit C treatment...<br />and tried to sell the package to me...<br />told them times are bad and did not take up the offer...<br />tho Jason did comment that i looked radiant after the facial...<br /><br />met the Dolls for dinner at Café Vic Carlton Hotel...<br />the place was deserted like a ghost town...<br />there were less than 8 tables of guests...<br />wonder why... was the recession that bad??<br /><br />after dinner, had my first karaoke session in months...<br />Kerry & i cannot even remember the last time we met for karaoke...<br />supper at Coffee Club after that...<br />reached home around 3:30am...<br />totally drained out...<br /><br />had a terrible day on Sunday after the late night...<br />age is indeed catching up...<br />it takes much longer to recuperate nowadays...<br />wanted to go for a long overdue run...<br />but laziness and tiredness took over me...<br />slept and rested in the afternoon...<br />had an early dinner and caught up with my reading and internet...<br /><br />so many things, so little time...<br />Reader’s Digest, Time, novels, The Edge, Straits Times, Sunday Times, etc...<br />will have to set a schedule for them to make sure i finish every issue...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5009372419096522452?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-53717152455470592392009-01-29T14:00:00.001+08:002009-01-29T16:10:39.338+08:00got this from AsiaOne website:<br /><br />--------------------<br /><br />Singapore Pools will be holding its $10 million Toto Hongbao Draw 2009 on 6 February this year. The public can start purchasing tickets for the draw beginning 6.10pm tomorrow (29 January) evening.<br /><br />Shin Min daily news consulted several feng shui experts for advice on the four lucky spots to purchase Toto tickets this festive season:<br /><br /><strong>Lucky Spot 1 - Betting stations near wet markets</strong><br /><br />Feng shui expert Master Peng Zhong Hua said that places where animals are killed for food will be more auspicious this year. Since the wet market is where such activities usually take place, betting stations near wet markets will be especially lucky this year.<br /><br /><strong>Lucky Spot 2 - Yishun</strong><br /><br />Another expert, Mr Tan Wei Liang, said that the Yishun area boasts very fertile soil and abundant marine life, which increases luck.<br /><br /><strong>Lucky Spot 3 - Betting stations in the east</strong><br /><br />Several feng shui experts agreed that betting stations in the east and south-east will be especially lucky this year.<br /><br />Some areas they mentioned were People's Park Complex, area near Clifford Pier, Woodlands, Sengkang, Punggol, Sembawang, Yishun, Wodlands, Marine Parade, Bishan and Toa Payoh.<br /><br /><strong>Lucky Spot 4 - Betting stations next to places where metal artifacts are sold or repaired</strong><br /><br />Feng shui expert Master Peng said that items made of metal (such as consumer electronics or bicycles) will bring one luck this year. Thus, betting stations situated next to shops selling or offering repair services of such items will be especially lucky.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5371715245547059239?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-23602837992592278402009-01-27T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-28T17:07:51.229+08:00continued with my ang pao harvesting from my distant relatives...<br />visited my grandmother’s sister (and her family of four generations)...<br />as i was wearing a red t-shirt from KL, my distant cousin asked if i were still schooling...<br />and was shocked to find out that i am already 38 years old (by the lunar calendar standard)...<br />no matter what her intentions were, i took that as a compliment at my youthfulness...<br /><br />also visited my father’s god-brother and his family...<br />his youngest son looked the same as last year...<br />mum was surprised to know that he is in Primary 6 this year...<br />cos he looks more like a Primary 3 kid...<br /><br />went back to the chalet to catch some much-needed rest...<br />played mahjong until around 9+pm...<br />took my younger brother’s car home to rest...<br />while mum and dad continued with their mahjong...<br /><br />despite being drained out by the two days... i had a good time...<br />it is back to the office tomorrow...<br />despite the forecast that it is an average day for those born in the year of the Mouse to start work...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2360283799259227840?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-90910974424634339262009-01-26T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-28T17:05:44.456+08:00this year, our family rented a chalet at Changi Aloha to celebrate the new year...<br />so that we do not have to spend days after days at each other’s houses...<br />a good idea, no doubt, but poorly executed...<br />cos the place was empty at night since most of us still preferred our own beds...<br />despite having 5 bedrooms equipped with attached bathrooms...<br />a swimming pool and the beach... also the barbecue pit...<br />maybe next year i should use my experience in event-organising for the Ugly Dolls to plan everything... lolz...<br />no matter what, kudos to my 4th uncle and his family for the effort...<br /><br />lost S$52 in mahjong...<br />but struck ToTo with 4 numbers: 3, 14, 41 & 44...<br />won S$90 cos my winning ticket was a System 7...<br />a good start to the new Year of the Ox (or Cow or Bull)...<br />发 ah!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-9091097442463433926?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-1614568514311067512009-01-25T23:59:00.001+08:002009-01-28T17:04:50.700+08:00had our steamboat reunion dinner in the evening...<br />and continued with the Australian Open after that...<br />while waiting to leave for Chinatown to meet Jason and Camiel...<br /><br />the objective to visit Chinatown was to soak up the “人气” for the new year...<br />Chinatown was not as packed as it used to be...<br />we were still able to check out the stalls...<br />after receiving enough “人气”, we proceeded to Marina Bay for the River Hongbao...<br />we stopped for beer at Harry’s Bar in The Esplanade...<br />by the time we finished our beer, the River Hongbao was closed for the day... lolz...<br /><br />i have no idea how our conversations were on quite heavy topics for a Lunar New Year eve...<br />from double standards of how Caucasians are treated more fairly in the service industry to how Singaporeans tend to stay with their families and losing their freedom (when compared to the Caucasians)...<br />with our cultural, political and social differences, such comparisons are inevitably unfair...<br />but we each have our own values and as long as we do not impose our own standards on others, we will be fine...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-161456851431106751?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-13807562886102283672009-01-24T23:59:00.002+08:002009-01-28T17:02:26.591+08:00had MacDonald’s breakfast in Downtown East...<br />followed by some grocery shopping in Fairprice...<br />more grocery shopping at Sheng Siong in Loyang Point...<br />Sonny managed to borrow Nova’s car for the rest of the day...<br />drove to Joo Chiat for bak kut teh late lunch...<br />then to buy some plants from the florist in Bedok...<br />nice to see the colourful flowers and plants at the florist...<br /><br />sent the car for washing at Parkway Parade...<br />the Marine Parade Central was bustling with LNY activities...<br />and Giant will be open round the clock...<br /><br />helped Sonny with his desktop for he could not send attachments with his Gmail and Hotmail...<br />after messing with the firewall settings, contacted SingNet and Netgear...<br />only to realise that the file he was trying to attach was 77 Meg...<br />no wonder the mail servers rejected it...<br />super roll eyes... lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1380756288610228367?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-34760340765734182052009-01-23T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-28T16:59:56.266+08:00boss was on medical leave the whole week due to food poisoning...<br />left office by 6pm on most days...<br />super no mood to work, partly due to the LNY holidays coming up...<br />met up with ex-staff for dinner at the newly-opened Double Bay in Raffles City on Wednesday night...<br />and 3 other ex-colleagues on Thursday for lou hei dinner at Soup Restaurant in AMK Hub...<br />one thing for sure is that i have more free time in this new job...<br />good to see sunlight everyday when i leave the office and some days when i reach home...<br />something that i did not get to enjoy in my previous company...<br /><br />Friday met some ex-colleagues for dinner at Geylang...<br />one of them had return to Singapore for the LNY holidays and we always try to meet up...<br />after dinner, we had durians...<br />followed by a tour of the red light district...<br />some of the girls were very pretty, especially those outside Darlene Hotel, which is supposedly the prime area...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3476034076573418205?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-22623208833133304702009-01-21T09:30:00.000+08:002009-01-21T11:31:10.536+08:00there is a staff in another Department by the name of "Israel"...<br />i wonder if he will have any problem travelling to the Middle East area...<br />or even to neighbouring Muslim countries...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2262320883313330470?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-57236684487198252632009-01-21T09:00:00.001+08:002009-01-21T11:26:45.931+08:00Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America...<br />the question now is what can he do to revivie the US economy and turn the country around...<br />only time will tell...<br /><br />i am still going ahead with getting rid of my extra US$400 from my October 2008 New York trip...<br />once the exchange rate hits US$1 = S$1.5...<br />and i think today is that historical day...<br />long live the Queen...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5723668448719825263?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-50954017479851429252009-01-20T09:00:00.000+08:002009-01-20T10:04:46.777+08:00not sure how many of you had read the article published on the Straits Times...<br />when i read it, i was totally envious (or jealous) of what PS Tan had done for his family...<br />a culinary course in Paris as their vacation...<br />such a genius with lotsa creativity...<br />never did i expect such criticisms and sour grapes among Singaporeans...<br />poor chap... i believe he meant no harm to anyone...<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Civil servant rapped over cooking holiday<br /><br />SINGAPORE - A senior Singaporean civil servant has been reprimanded for publicising his family's vacation at a top French cooking school when his country is suffering from a recession, a minister said Monday.<br /><br />"It struck a discordant note during the current difficult economic circumstances when it is especially important to show solidarity and empathy for Singaporeans who are facing uncertainties and hardship," Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said in parliament.<br /><br />The civil servant, Tan Yong Soon, wrote early this month in a local newspaper about his family's experience learning to cook at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. <br /><br />He said he attended with his wife and son. Tan, permanent secretary at the ministry of environment and water resources, showed "a lack of sensitivity" and poor judgement, the minister said. <br /><br />The online community did not pull any punches describing Mr Tan Yong Soon's article on his family vacation as insensitive. Some even labelled him arrogant. <br /><br />Mr Tan is believed to have spent at least S$45,000 on his holiday in Paris where his family attended a cooking course. <br /><br />One blogger said: "This is a top civil servant that has clearly lost touch with the realities in Singapore," referring to the current recession. <br /><br />But some Singaporeans Channel NewsAsia spoke to were more sympathetic. <br /><br />Said one man: "It depends on the individual. Some may be jealous because he's got his own money he can do whatever he wants." <br /><br />"I don't see any reason why we should criticise what he's doing because if that is how he wants to spend his money and how he wants to treat his life, that's how it is," said a lady. <br /><br />Another man said: "It's his prerogative but I think the timing is wrong." <br /><br />However one lady added: "I think that the S$45,000 that the whole family used to travel could be put to better use at this time." <br /><br />The head of the civil service has already spoken to Tan about the matter, the minister added. <br /><br />"What the civil servant in question, Mr Tan, does during his vacation leave, this is (a) private decision," said Teo, who is also minister in charge of the civil service. <br /><br />"However, I was disappointed with what he wrote in The Straits Times." <br /><br />In a statement, Head of the Civil Service Peter Ho said: "He and his colleagues and I feel very bad about this episode because it stands in contrast to the values and ethos of the service and if left unaddressed can undermine the confidence and trust essential for us to do a good job." <br /><br />Mr Tan has so far not replied to queries from Channel NewsAsia. <br /><br />According to the newspaper, a basic cuisine course at Le Cordon Bleu costs S$15,500.<br /><br />- AFP/CNA/vm<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5095401747985142925?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-6961736274595711052009-01-19T23:59:00.001+08:002009-01-20T10:03:43.227+08:00when the going gets tough, the tough gets going...<br />desperate times call for desperate measures...<br />and if this is not rainy days, then i do not know what is...<br /><br />strangely, most, if not all, the award-nominated and / or winning movies are not showing at Cathay Downtown East...<br />instead they are showing crappy shows such as Red Cliff 2, Ong Bak 2, etc...<br />downloaded a number of movies either onto my iPod Touch or to my AspireOne...<br />now watching Slumdog Millionaire on my journey to and from work...<br />still got Milk and Changeling waiting for me...<br />oh and the Taiwanese movie 海角七号...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-696173627459571105?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-2405588053822194212009-01-19T14:00:00.000+08:002009-01-19T14:22:45.078+08:00the new themepark will be ready by 2014...<br />wonder how will it impact Hong Kong Disneyland...<br /><br />------------------------------<br /><br />SHANGHAI, CHINA: Local authorities and the Walt Disney Company have reached an agreement on major issues behind the building of the first Disneyland theme park on the Chinese mainland, Shanghai mayor Han Zheng said over the weekend.<br /><br />"The municipal government started thinking of a Shanghai Disneyland more than a decade ago," Han said at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the annual session of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress on Saturday.<br /><br />"A team from Shanghai has been in contact with Disney since then and constant and pragmatic discussions have been held," he said.<br /><br />"An agreement was reached recently. But the State Council has the final say on the project and we will make arrangements according to its decision," Han said.<br /><br />Rumors of a Disney theme park in Shanghai have been circulating for years but neither of the two sides had confirmed it until recently.<br /><br />On Jan 9, Disney told The Wall Street Journal in an e-mail it had worked on a joint application report with the Shanghai government, which would soon be submitted to the central government for review.<br /><br />The $3.59 billion park is slated to be built by 2014 and will be sited on the east bank of Shanghai's Huangpu River, bordering Pudong district's Chuansha town and Nanhui district, the journal cited unidentified sources close to the project as saying.<br /><br />Previous reports said 10 sq km of land has been set aside for the park. Its first phase will reportedly include a theme park, a hotel and a shopping center, covering an area of 1.5 sq km.<br /><br />The mayor also said at the press conference that an ongoing project to extend the city's maglev rail was making headway.<br /><br />"The project is expected to connect the city's two airports and will serve not only Shanghai, but also the whole Yangtze River Delta region and the country," Han said.<br /><br />"We have been listening to opinions from experts. Professionals from around the country are still comparing the available plans once they reach a conclusion, we will focus on feedback from the public," he said.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-240558805382219421?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-22390447977041927272009-01-19T09:00:00.000+08:002009-01-19T11:39:09.549+08:00Will the Singapore Government tap into the country’s reserves and hand some goodies to us too?? We shall know on Thursday when the budget is announced...<br /><br />------------------------------<br /><br />Taiwan started handing out shopping vouchers to each of the island's residents on Sunday, as part of a 2.5-billion-dollar scheme aimed at boosting the island's flagging economy.<br /><br />Every one of the island's 22.7 million citizens is entitled to the coupons, worth 3,600 Taiwan dollars (S$160) per person, regardless of age, and they can be spent on goods ranging from food and clothing to electronic appliances.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2239044797704192727?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-41069002326873993342009-01-18T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-19T11:38:28.364+08:00as my elder brother is heading to The Philippines from Wednesday, my family last minute decided on a dinner at Beach Road’s Parkroyal Hotel...<br />this is our favourite place for buffet dinner...<br />because of the sashimi, multiple prata flavours, drunken prawns, oysters and of course the salmon lou hei...<br />we had two rounds of lou hei since it was part of the buffet...<br />the second one was prepared by the Indian chef and tasted not as good as the first...<br />think he forgot to include some ingredients...<br />i topped it all off with a one-person portion at the end of the meal...<br />literally 3 lou hei in one dinner... lolz...<br />Citibank has a promotion for 5 diners, 1 dines free...<br /><br />came home and we started preparing for the prayers...<br />tonight is to “send the deities back to Heaven for their annual reporting”...<br />by the time i hit the sack, the clock read “12:30am”...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4106900232687399334?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-82111510775532918322009-01-18T23:58:00.000+08:002009-01-19T11:37:50.064+08:00after breakfast with my family at Ang Mo Kio...<br />started on my spring cleaning...<br />today it is time to clear the closet...<br />was busy trying on nearly every single t-shirt before deciding on whether to keep them or to throw them away...<br />eventually two big bags of unwanted clothing...<br />mostly t-shirts from as far back as my 2004 Bangkok trip...<br />didn’t exactly count them...<br />but the number should be at least 80 to 100...<br />dad will pass them to the Bangladeshi workers...<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8211151077553291832?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-78313595771050609332009-01-17T23:59:00.001+08:002009-01-19T11:36:57.300+08:00fixed Sonny's desktop in the morning...<br />it was unable to connect to the internet due to some Trojan virus...<br />tried my best previously to solve it before Christmas...<br />but failed miserably... and i blogged about it...<br />luckily Siang Leng read the blog entry and we had an email discussion on it...<br />finally downloaded the free anti-virus from the Avast website he provided...<br />and voila! the problem was solved...<br />internet connection was back and no more hanging...<br /><br />went to Loyang Point for brunch...<br />Sonny had his hor fun while i had lor mee...<br />also had our haircuts... an additional $2 per person for CNY...<br />they put up a sign to explain the “traditional” increase...<br /><br />while deciding on whether to watch a movie at Downtown East, Sonny started to have a fever...<br />he said his tummy felt strange after the hor fun...<br />maybe his desktop virus has spread to him somehow...<br />popped some Panadol Extra and went to rest in bed...<br />i finished Hannibal on channel 5...<br />woke Sonny up and he puked in the toilet...<br />good that all the toxins were out eventually...<br />and he was as good as new the next day...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7831359577105060933?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-64385277059004886542009-01-16T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-19T11:27:05.984+08:00have been watching The Ghost Whisperer every Friday night diligently for the last couple of months...<br />not sure how i started it...<br />but i think i have become a fan...<br />it is so sad to see Jim’s death two weeks ago...<br />and his refusal to “cross over” is complicating the series...<br /><br />love is about the ability to let go...<br />it is the happiness of the other party that love is all about...<br />not our own...<br />but how many of us are able to achieve that??<br />i wonder...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6438527705900488654?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-45508585625138592662009-01-15T18:00:00.000+08:002009-01-15T18:01:03.429+08:00WTF!!<br />that's my money too!!<br /><br />------------------------------<br /><br />Thu, Jan 15, 2009<br />The Straits Times <br /><br />Latest donation comes from the salary increase of $1.04 million he received last year. -ST, AsiaOne <br /><br />PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong has contributed $500,000 to an endowment fund he set up last year to provide two additional awards for outstanding students. The two new awards are the 'Lee Hsien Loong award for outstanding all-round achievement', and the 'Lee Hsien Loong award for outstanding bicultural students'.<br /><br />The former recognises students from junior colleges, polytechnics, Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and autonomous universities who have done well both academically and non-academically. They should also have made outstanding contributions to the community and demonstrated the spirit of Innovation and Enterprise. Each winner will receive an award of $600. <br /><br />The latter will be given to two top bicultural students who are conversant in Chinese or Malay, and are able to engage China or our regional neighbours, as well as relate to the West. Each winner will receive an award of $500.<br /><br />This latest donation to the fund comes from the salary increase of $1.04 million that Prime Minister Lee received last year as a result of the salary adjustments announced in April 2007. He has donated the rest of last year's increase to a range of community, grassroots, arts and welfare organisations.<br /><br />Mr Lee had forgone the pay rise announced in 2007, saying at the time that would be donating the increases to charity for the next five years.<br /><br />The following is from his press statement:<br /><br />"Last year, I set up an endowment fund for two education awards, to recognise students who have persevered and done well, and schools which have found effective ways to help these students.<br /><br />This year, after discussing with MOE, I will create two more education awards. One award will recognise students who have done well both academically and non-academically, and have contributed to the community in enterprising ways, whether they have studied in the Junior Colleges, ITE, Polytechnics or Universities. The other award will recognise top students from the Bicultural Studies Programme (Chinese) and the Regional Studies Programme.<br /><br />I am contributing an additional $500,000 into the endowment fund this year. This will enable the endowment to generate enough returns to fund all four awards. Over the next few years, I intend to make further contributions to build up the endowment.<br /><br />Education is the key to success in Singapore. It gives students the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to create better lives for themselves. I hope that the awards will encourage students to do their best and excel, and help to foster an inclusive education system that nurtures students of all talents and abilities.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4550858562513859266?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-52383974825813003062009-01-15T09:00:00.000+08:002009-01-15T16:31:06.861+08:00the piped-in music in the lift lobby and toilet of our office building has been playing CNY music since Monday...<br />the cleaning auntie was spotted with a new hairstyle yesterday...<br />was at Chinatown on Tuesday evening after work...<br />bought bak kwa for mum...<br />saw the queue at Lim Chee Guan snaking around the shop...<br /><br />yet i still cannot feel the CNY atmosphere leh...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5238397482581300306?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-24239861221855907162009-01-12T18:00:00.000+08:002009-01-12T20:56:10.999+08:00so the results were out...<br />Slumdog Millionaire won big time...<br />Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Original Score<br /><br />Kate Winslet won two awards...<br />one for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama for Revolutionary Road...<br />another for Best Supporting Actress for The Reader...<br />Meryl Streep lost out in the same two categories she was nominated for (Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for Mama Mia and Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama for Doubt)...<br />Sean Penn lost out in the Best Actor category for his gay performance in Milk...<br />the award went to Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler, which also won Best Original Song (for Bruce Springsteen)...<br />Heath Ledger won a posthumous Best Supporting Actor award for The Dark Knight...<br /><br />the boring Wall-E won Best Animated Feature Film...<br /><br />for television, Anna Paquin won for Best Actress for her performance in the debut vampire series, True Blood...<br />Mad Men won Best Television Series, Drama...<br /><br />30 Rock swept the comedy awards...<br />Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy, Best Actress (Tina Fey) and Best Actor (Alec Baldwin)...<br /><br />John Adams also swept the mini series awards...<br />Best Mini Series, Best Actress (Laura Linney), Best Actor (Paul Giamatti) and Best Supporting Actor (Tom Wilkinson)...<br /><br />for full list of winners, visit the <a href="http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations">Golden Globe website</a>...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2423986122185590716?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-47758542706249764252009-01-12T09:00:00.001+08:002009-01-12T17:02:46.603+08:00starting on my S$200-A-Week experiment today...<br />it will be S$100 for expenses for Mondays to Fridays (including daily transport to and from office, lunches, etc)...<br />and another S$100 for weekends...<br />let’s see how it works out...<br />i think it is possible...<br />but really depends on what are included and what are not...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4775854270624976425?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-64204634650528526382009-01-11T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-12T16:55:54.311+08:00started spring cleaning my room from around 1pm...<br />only completed part of it at 10pm...<br />first gotta clear away all the stuff i brought back from my previous company when i quit in July...<br />yup, they have been lying there in one corner for the last 6 months...<br />then came the magazines, books, CDs, DVDs, etc...<br />threw away a lot of stuff which i did not even remember having...<br />wiping and cleaning the dust was always the worst part of the process...<br /><br />next Sunday will have to clear the clothing...<br />and the following weekend will be the bookshelves in my brother’s room (which i am using to store my books)...<br />looks like my dad’s Bangladeshi workers will get to have my ah beng t-shirts again this year...<br />seriously wonder how they look like in them... lolz...<br /><br />read this funny article in the Sunday Times...<br />the author commented that she should stop donating her unwanted stuff to others...<br />in order to boost the retail economy...<br />she mentioned that by passing on her second hand stuff to others, she is depriving the retail companies from making a sale...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6420463465052852638?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-47533678657872046262009-01-10T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-12T16:54:54.244+08:00the gang gathered at Kenneth’s place for movie night...<br />DVDs he bought from his recent Hong Kong trip...<br />wanted to eat at the hawker centre next to Bedok Interchange...<br />but it was packed, stuffy and hot...<br />decided to pack dinner back to Kenneth’s place...<br />we had satay, char kway teow, Hokkien prawn noodles, fried carrot cake, mutton soup and chwee kuay...<br />such a pleasure...<br /><br />the first movie of the night was some China movie titled Men & Women (男男女女)...<br />total crap and we fast-forwarded most of it...<br />then we watched The King...<br />directed by James Marsh, starring William Hurt and the cute Gael Garcia Bernal (whose name in the show was Elvis)...<br />a disturbing show about revenge (and religion)...<br /><br />while James was busy preparing his cocktails / mixers...<br />Shaun & i were busy finishing up the chwee kuay...<br /><br />the last movie (or part of it) we saw was Eros...<br />the part directed by Wong Kar Wai and starring Gong Li and Chang Chen...<br />touching movie... not quite as romantic as we expected...<br /><br />maybe next time we should have a theme for our movie night...<br />like Meryl Streep night or Heath Ledger specials...<br />or maybe by year of release...<br />or even by genres (comedies, black & white, romance, etc)...<br />that would be fun...<br /><br />had two glasses of red wine and i was tipsy by then...<br />i have to improve on my drinking skills...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4753367865787204626?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-9530047169426037432009-01-07T14:00:00.001+08:002009-01-07T15:01:43.726+08:00are you able to spend only S$21.60 a week from Monday to Friday??<br />i think it is very impossible in Singapore context...<br />cos more than half would have gone to public transport...<br />unless we cycle to work, like the Chinese...<br />maybe S$50 a week sounds more practical...<br />and it is HUGE savings too...<br />last night's shopping at Borders already more than double that amount...<br />lolz...<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />China's office workers are tightening their belts, cutting spending on everything from clothes to fast food, despite government efforts to boost consumption to stave off the worst effects of a global recession.<br /><br />Websites popular among young Chinese professionals are extolling the virtues of frugality as the global financial crisis bites China's economy.<br /><br />Wang Hao, a 24-year-old Beijing office worker, launched his campaign in June to curb weekly living expenses to 100 yuan ($14.61). So far, he says, he has 55,000 participants.<br /><br />"The financial crisis has apparently given a lesson on spending to young people in China, including me," said Wang, who posted his campaign on a popular forum and on his blog. It has had 178,000 hits.<br /><br />China has enjoyed phenomenal economic growth for years, giving a huge boost to its domestic consumption. Young consumers, mostly in their late twenties and early thirties, would spend as much as they earned, if not more, on designer clothes, electronics, entertainment and a wide variety of consumer goods.<br /><br />Now, at least, some are becoming thrifty.<br /><br />Besides Wang's cost-cutting crusade, another website is running a similar "100 yuan for a week" campaign, and still other websites offer budget tips, including recipes for meals that cost under 10 yuan.<br /><br />One site offers Ten Mottos for Financial Winter, with advice that includes avoiding quitting your job, starting a business, buying a car and having a baby.<br /><br />These cost-cutting campaigns are in sharp contrast to a government drive to encourage spending amid rising unemployment and slowing retail sales.<br /><br />The government has allocated 4 trillion yuan in spending to help achieve the goal. While still mostly a grass-roots campaign, cost-cutting drives are indicative of slumping consumer confidence in China and could take a toll on the economy if they become even more widespread, said Lin Songli, a senior analyst with Guosen Securities in Beijing.<br /><br />"Though not quantifiable, confidence is crucial for the economy," he said.<br />About 46 percent of Chinese said their country's economic situation was good in November 2008, compared with 90 percent in 2007, according to an Ipsos survey published in December.<br /><br />Jun Ma, chief China economist at Deutsche Bank in Hong Kong, said he expected retail sales to grow just 13 percent this year, partly due to fast-falling prices. Retail sales are projected to have grown about 21 percent in 2008.<br /><br />Like their counterparts in western countries, young Chinese white-collar workers in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou tend to overspend.<br /><br />A Shanghai government survey in November 2008 said office workers in the Chinese financial hub spend an average of 2,500 yuan a month. According to government statistics in September, average monthly income in Chinese cities is 2,192 yuan.<br /><br />Expensive products such as electronic gadgets and luxury goods have sold like hotcakes in China, especially among young professionals who were all too willing to shell out their entire salary to buy such items as an Apple iPhone.<br /><br />"I've changed my cell phones every six months since graduating from college," Wang said.<br /><br />"But when the global financial crisis comes, I'm feeling pressure from my company which has foreign stakes," he said, explaining that he was worried about losing his job.<br /><br />Wang is still grappling with the challenge of getting by on 100 yuan a week for all meals, transportation and entertainment.<br /><br />In Beijing, 100 yuan buys nine McDonald's Big Mac burgers, roughly half a tank of gasoline, a monthly home Internet connection, or two movie tickets.<br /><br />To cut costs, Wang now eats steamed buns for lunch instead of pizza, and he cycles for 20 minutes to work every day, instead of taking buses.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-953004716942603743?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-73891882027662684372009-01-03T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-08T14:19:23.991+08:00another round of the same “nothing-to-shout-about” breakfast at the hotel...<br />managed to extend one room until 2pm...<br />after breakfast, the sky turned gloomy...<br />and before we knew it, the rain came...<br />dampened our mood totally...<br />what a way to end our KL trip...<br /><br />instead of lunch at Berjaya Times Square, we had lunch in the Chinese restaurant in the hotel...<br />our first dim sum meal...<br />food was bad... but beggars, no choice lah...<br /><br />after lunch, checked out and waited for our coach...<br />the traffic condition in KL city was bad...<br />took a while to get out of the city...<br />but once out, the journey was smooth...<br /><br />goodbye Kuala Lumpur...<br />and hello Singapura...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7389188202766268437?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-17275846947663824152009-01-02T23:59:00.001+08:002009-01-08T14:17:17.145+08:00had the same “nothing-to-shout-about” breakfast at the hotel...<br />took the cab to Mid-Valley for World of Feng Shui (WOFS)...<br />bought a couple of things, including the calendar...<br /><br />bought a few t-shirts at Philosophy...<br />their stuffs were quite expensive but nice...<br />also bought a cheena bag with the words “为人民服务” (translated into “serving the people of the country”) on it...<br />think i shall give it to dad...<br /><br />met up with KC for lunch at my all-time KL favourite, Kim Gary...<br />glad to know that KC will be coming back to KL from Langkawi...<br />also heard from him that Eric is doing well and fine in Langkawi...<br />unfortunately KC’s dad was hospitalised but recovering well...<br />KC had to rush off after lunch to the hospital to spend time with his dad...<br />so sweet of him...<br /><br />more shopping after that...<br />while Jason and Shaun went to The Garden, Sonny and i continued with Mid-Valley...<br />bought another t-shirt from Seed...<br />with the words “I Love Happy Endings” on it... kawaii neh...<br />we met up at 4:30pm and took a cab back to the hotel...<br /><br />Shaun decided to rest while the three of us continued with more shopping...<br />bought two t-shirts from one shop in Bukit Bintang Plaza...<br />luckily i have slimmed down considerably to fit into the small free sizes now...<br />all thanx to Herbalife...<br /><br />dinner was at a restaurant at the end of Jalan Alor, near to our hotel...<br />thank God they do have air-conditioned seating...<br />we ordered black pepper crabs, satay, barbecued chicken, asparagus and tofu...<br />nice food, especially the chicken...<br /><br />after dinner, i last minute decided to take a cab to Petaling Street aka Chinatown...<br />walked through the night markets without buying anything...<br />except for the famous longan drink which we all had...<br />somehow the Chinese New Year atmosphere is still not here yet...<br />eventually we took a cab back to the hotel to wash up...<br /><br />met up with James and Gary at Frangipani, which was quite near our hotel...<br />cover charge of RM30, inclusive of one drink...<br /><br />James was so drunk after two rounds of the super potent Long Island Tea...<br />he made everyone who came out onto the balcony to introduce themselves to all of us...<br />the funniest has to be his kissing his ex-colleague...<br />and of course asking the same guy at three different times for his name...<br />do not underestimate the power of alcohol...<br /><br />at around 1:30am, we decided to end our last night in KL...<br />headed back to the hotel and slept...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1727584694766382415?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-79216122078616791492009-01-01T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-08T14:14:04.499+08:00after the “nothing-to-shout-about” breakfast at the hotel, we went to Sungei Wang for our shopping...<br />2 hours had passed and i still did not have any shopping bag...<br />Jason and Sonny were enjoying themselves with their cheap buys...<br /><br />James picked us up at around 12pm...<br />and drove us out of KL city for bak kut teh lunch...<br />authentic kopitiam and very nice food...<br /><br />after lunch, we were supposed to continue our shopping in Mid-Valley...<br />but Gary called to inform us that there is a huge jam at Mid-Valley...<br />we detoured to One Utama instead...<br />found a parking space after like 15 minutes...<br /><br />had coffee and tea at Delicious...<br />ironically, the cakes and pastries were far from delicious...<br />Gary shared with us some of his funny encounters with the customers who called into the call centre...<br /><br />we had our massage after that...<br />if not for James who drove us there, we would not have been able to find the place...<br />Shaun decided not to go for the massage...<br />luckily he had Gary to keep each other company while waiting for us...<br /><br />James drove us to this place called Ong Lai (literally translated to pineapple)...<br />had the oyster omelette, fish noodles, sweet and sour pork, vegetables, etc...<br />the food was quite good, although it would have been better if the place is air-conditioned...<br />also had the 龟苓膏 and 燕窝 (bird’s nest)... quite tasty too...<br /><br />after dinner we went back hotel to freshen up before heading out for supper...<br />the place James wanted to bring us to was closed for the day...<br />settled for Baan, a Thai restaurant, instead...<br />William brought me here for dinner on my last trip to KL...<br />now they have renovated the place...<br />and it has lost the authentic Thai touch...<br />but the waiters are still quite cute... lolz...<br />besides beer, i had the fried banana popiahs and the mango with sticky rice...<br />very nice dessert...<br /><br />just when we were enjoying ourselves, there was a heavy downpour...<br />we were stuck in the restaurant...<br />sought help from the restaurant owner to call cabs for us...<br />within 15 minutes, we were back in the hotel...<br />that was after paying for a RM5 surcharge for the cab due to bad weather conditions...<br />anything can happen in Malaysia...<br />cos Malaysia Boleh...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7921612207861679149?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-83778133735003025992008-12-31T23:59:00.002+08:002009-01-08T14:11:21.859+08:00it is officially New Year’s Eve...<br />woke up at 5:30am to get ready for the trip...<br />took the cab and met the rest for breakfast at the Beach Road army market...<br />only one food stall and one drink stall were open...<br /><br />collected our bus tickets and hotel voucher from Golden Mile...<br />surprised that we had the luxurious coach with egg-shaped seats...<br />everything electronic... no more manual seat adjustments...<br />unfortunately the in-coach entertainment system (with individual screen, headphones and even game controller) was not activated...<br /><br />customs clearance was a breeze...<br />unfortunately, this group of Taiwanese tourists on the same coach as us did not fill out their “white cards”...<br />the whole group was delayed because of them...<br /><br />i was sleeping for most of the journey...<br />except for the stop at Yong Peng...<br />after much searching, found the kok kok candies mum wanted...<br />bought a dozen packets since she liked it so much...<br />mum has reminded me again before the trip not to buy any more t-shirts...<br />my wardrobe does not have any space for them...<br /><br />KL traffic was already building up when we reached the city...<br />it is always a joy looking at the Petronas Twin Towers...<br />majestic as always...<br />checked into the hotel at around 1:30pm...<br />after washing up, we headed to Jalan Alor for a late lunch...<br />then we were off to the new shopping mall Pavilion...<br />it was simply too big for any comfortable shopping...<br />my legs were aching by the time we completed the first level...<br />since all of them have not tried Madam Kwan...<br />decided to have some coffee and desserts at Madam Kwan...<br /><br />finally it was back to the hotel for some rest before the so-called gala dinner...<br />well, it was nothing but a normal buffet dinner...<br />food was lousy but we had fun playing with the party gifts...<br /><br />after dinner we went to soak ourselves into the New Year’s Eve mood of Bukit Bintang...<br />the main road was closed to traffic to facilitate the countdown tonight...<br />we decided to walk to the Petronas Twin Towers...<br />we came to P. Ramlee where all the clubs were...<br />the place was getting crowded and noisy...<br /><br />some Kodak moments at the Petronas Twin Towers...<br />before our coffee break at San Francisco Coffee in KLCC...<br />James called to inform us about the meeting place and time...<br />we decided to be adventurous and walked to Marketplace, a new club in town...<br /><br />met James’ friend, Gary, who is working in M1 call centre in KL...<br />another affirmation that we are connected to the global economy in one way or another...<br /><br />entrance to Marketplace was RM45 which was expensive by the local standards...<br />but it came with a party pack...<br />we had so much fun playing with the lumi sticks...<br />and the shot glass with lights on its base...<br />somehow the lights on Sonny’s shot glass were not working...<br />only managed to get a working one after the 4th exchange...<br /><br />more of James’ friends came...<br />there were Raymond, Ken and Ben...<br />before we knew it, the time was approaching 12 midnight...<br />at the stroke of midnight, we all turned into frogs...<br />no lah, the fireworks around the Twin Towers commenced...<br />and it lasted for quite a while...<br />besides being mesmerised by the lights, we were also busy hugging and wishing each other “Happy New Year”...<br /><br />after the countdown, it was time to dance...<br />seriously, age is catching up and i lost the zest and energy to dance...<br />was vaguely moving my ass and hips at the side of the dance floor...<br />we then went up to the rooftop to relax and chit chat...<br />by 2am, we were all tired...<br /><br />managed to catch a cab along the road although we were prepared to walk back to the hotel...<br />stopped along Jalan Alor for supper...<br />before calling it a day...<br /><br />Happy New Year, folks!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8377813373500302599?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-13205658194348880422008-12-30T23:59:00.000+08:002009-01-08T14:07:48.384+08:00left the office at 5:45pm and was grinning from ear to ear...<br />i finally can feel the excitement about the KL trip...<br />this is the third consecutive New Year in KL...<br />SMSed Jason and Shaun about tomorrow meeting time...<br />just to make sure none of us is late...<br /><br />reached home and was packing my bag...<br />Sonny drove Nova’s car to pick me up at 11pm and we went for roti prata supper at Jalan Kayu...<br />on our way back, noticed that Nova’s car had a crack on the windscreen...<br />Sonny was obviously disturbed by it...<br />managed to calm him down after a while...<br /><br />Shaun was still working from home at 1am in the morning...<br />poor thing, always like that, pre-holiday blues...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1320565819434888042?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-65363781440064379792008-12-30T13:00:00.000+08:002008-12-30T13:49:53.958+08:00during lunch with Jason, i asked him how do you tell your boss that he has B.O...<br />Jason replied that you do not do that...<br />it is a Career Limiting Move...<br />it is probably more suicidal than limiting...<br />looks like i have to suffer for as long as i am with this company...<br />OMG!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6536378144006437979?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-58111210196679838692008-12-29T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-30T13:47:00.456+08:00went to Kerry’s new apartment Residences @ Somme to flush the toilet for his cat...<br />poor thing was meowing the moment we stepped in...<br />very sad meowing...<br />one of the art pieces was on the floor...<br />wonder if the cat did that...<br /><br />after that went to Banana Leaf on Race Course Road for dinner...<br />had curry fish head, curry chicken and masala squids...<br />together with white rice and two different types of nan...<br />the food was good but the service sucks big time...<br /><br />the uncles and aunties at another table was wiping the banana leaves with tissue before their meals...<br />such strange behaviour...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5811121019667983869?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-57640594620378754552008-12-28T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-29T11:20:47.337+08:00breakfast with my family at AMK...<br />had kuay chap and mee siam...<br />i must be hungry...<br />mum decided to prepare lunch since i will be home...<br />so sweet of her...<br /><br />afternoon was spent catching up on my beauty sleep...<br />wanted to tidy up my room but was too lazy to do it...<br /><br />went for a jog in the evening...<br />completed 7km in 43 minutes...<br /><br />came home and watched 90210 episode 4 plus True Blood episode 1...<br />True Blood blew my mind away...<br />Ana Paquin was fantastic in the show...<br /><br />what a lazy Sunday...<br />*yawnz*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5764059462037875455?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-89497391920512043382008-12-27T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-29T11:19:01.475+08:00saw this concert on my flight to NYC...<br />was touched by it and cried during the show...<br />managed to get the DVD recently after so many months of “out-of-stock”...<br /><br />spent the Saturday watching the double DVD...<br />first it was the concert...<br />a mixture of concert and theatre...<br /><br />then the special tribute to Celine’s fans...<br />featured his fans from all over the world who were given the opportunity to watch her concert in Vegas...<br />Celine met all of them too...<br />touching moments...<br />there was a fan who has seen the concert 81 times...<br />two others tattooed “A New Day” on their back...<br />and some flew 30 hours to Vegas for the concert...<br />two fans were from Japan and one from China...<br /><br />continued with the bonus DVD featuring the making of the concert...<br />and the 120-minute behind the scenes...<br />which re-played the entire concert from the perspective of the crew...<br />very interesting...<br /><br />after five years performing at the Coliseum specially built for her show...<br />A New Day has ended its run...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8949739192051204338?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-77330073975737643362008-12-26T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-29T11:18:04.203+08:00well, Sonny’s home PC was indeed boxed...<br />decided to get intimate with a Trojan and cannot get connected to the internet...<br />spent 5 hours on it until 2am and was unable to solve the problem...<br />next day after MacDonald’s breakfast, went to the PC repair shop at Loyang Point and was told that the only solution is to reformat the hard disk... faintz...<br />will have to backup all his data and send for repair next week...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7733007397573764336?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-77544377036775644682008-12-26T09:00:00.000+08:002008-12-26T14:56:20.221+08:00Barack Obama, the US President-elect was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2008...<br />i have not read the article...<br />but i have no idea why was he named...<br />when he has not even taken office in the White House...<br />maybe it is because he is the first black American President...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7754437703677564468?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-28214381493148810202008-12-25T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-26T14:55:42.759+08:00first it was lunch with Sonny’s family...<br />his mother, his step-father, his sister (Nova), his aunt, his uncle, his other sister (June) and her family...<br />rather stressful cos i am not the social kind...<br />eventually managed to chat with Nova more than anyone else...<br />and his aunt is quite friendly...<br />we had so much fun “bitching” about the gifts Nova received...<br />the funniest has to be his nephew who bought earrings for the aunt, who does not have her ears pierced...<br />lolz...<br /><br />took the MRT to Lavender...<br />checked out Kerry’s new studio apartment at Residences @ Somme...<br />a decently nice place...<br />was beyond my expectations in terms of size and shape...<br />Kerry did a good job in making the most out of the triangle-shaped apartment...<br />went to check out the rooftop...<br />nice view...<br />had dinner at Putien restaurant (www.putien.com.sg) in Kitchener Road...<br />food was good...<br />service was good...<br />price was good too...<br /><br />came home, showered, checked emails and slept...<br />tomorrow is a working day for me...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2821438149314881020?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-15429427810929444072008-12-24T23:59:00.002+08:002008-12-26T14:54:02.358+08:00finally it is the eve of my most favourite holiday, Christmas Day...<br />left the office at 3pm, the official time for all staff...<br />simply no mood to work... lolz...<br />on the way home, picked up a couple of packets of mint leaves...<br />requested by James for his mojito...<br />got home, showered and drove dad’s car to pick Sonny and his “critically acclaimed” fried tom yum bee hoon up...<br />the weather was gloomy and drizzling...<br />dropped the mint leaves at Kenneth’s place...<br />took the chance to look around his newly rented Bedok Central HDB flat...<br />nicely done... i especially like the cosy balcony...<br />James will also be moving in as his new house <s>maid</s> mate in 2009...<br /><br />as we were driving from Bedok to Dover (via ECP and AYE)...<br />the rain started pouring...<br />this was the first time that i am driving under such extreme conditions...<br />luckily by the time we hit the AYE, the rain became lighter...<br />despite having the map and memorising the route, i missed AYE’s Exit 8...<br />saw Exit 7A and expected an Exit 7B...<br />but there was not to be...<br />eventually still managed to find Tianwei’s place...<br /><br />dinner was simply pasta, chicken, fried bee hoon and some snacks from Old Chang Kee...<br />we were chatting most of the time about Shanghai, the city where the school Eric will be teaching in 2009, is located...<br />we played our own versions of “Don’t Forget The Lyrics”...<br />with four categories: 80s, 90s, 2000 to 2007 & 2008...<br />could only manage songs from the first 2 categories...<br />totally crashed out of the last 2, especially 2008...<br />not been listening to music and radio for the longest time in my life...<br /><br />after the game, we had our log cake and ice-cream...<br />before proceeding to Pictionary...<br />somehow i was unable to draw as well as i could before...<br />and we lost the game to the other 2 teams...<br /><br />gift exchange came next...<br />my gift was from Eric: a cushion and a pen...<br />there were also separate gifts from Teck Cheng & Youxiang, Steve & Daniel, Eric and Tianwei...<br />i came prepared too... gave them the Herbalife quencher to keep their faces moisturised in air-conditioned Singapore...<br /><br />after that, Sonny and i left the gang to continue with their mahjong at around 1:30am...<br />drove to Kenneth’s gathering...<br />by the time we arrived, they were still playing games...<br />Kenneth was red like a lobster with all the alcohol...<br />James, Jason, Thyetus and Shaun were still sober...<br />David and Shawn had left the party...<br />managed to catch up with them until around 3:30am...<br /><br />i was so tired by the time i reached home...<br />slept immediately after shower...<br /><br />Merry Christmas everyone!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1542942781092944407?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-1352138331978022212008-12-23T14:00:00.000+08:002008-12-23T14:22:37.751+08:00boss decided to use our department funds for lunch today...<br />headed to Muthu’s Curry at Race Course Road for that...<br />nice décor but a bit noisy when it is crowded...<br />delicious food although they could have been more spicy...<br />the curry mutton was soft and tender, without the stinky mutton smell...<br />and the dessert was super sweet...<br />overall a pleasant dining experience...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-135213833197802221?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-26045480340861032342008-12-22T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-23T14:21:15.051+08:00met Christina and Pat for dinner at Plaza Singapura...<br />on the way collected the DVD for Celine Dion’s Live In Las Vegas – A New Day...<br />been out of stock since i came back from NYC...<br />saw it twice on the in-flight entertainment system...<br />i cried the first time i saw it...<br /><br />wanted to eat at Swensen’s but there was a long queue...<br />ended up in Lao Beijing...<br />“Christmas dinner” in a Chinese restaurant...<br />it was nice to see them both healthy, cheerful and happy...<br />just like any other dinner with my ex-colleagues, this time we were spending most of time bitching about my ex-boss...<br />she is after all our common enemy...<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2604548034086103234?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-61379651768230185312008-12-22T23:58:00.000+08:002008-12-23T14:20:07.932+08:00was discussing needs and wants with Siang Leng over emails...<br />the conversation started while we were discussing about saving up for rainy days...<br />especially in these uncertain times...<br />anything can happen and we might lose our jobs tomorrow...<br />Siang Leng try to save up 50% of his gross income...<br />while i am contented if i can save up 20% to 25%...<br />to each his own...<br /><br />my conclusion is that everything has to be in moderation...<br />needs can become wants and vice versa...<br />and everyone has their own standards or limits...<br />i try to meet my needs as far as possible...<br />and to satisfy my wants whenever resources permit...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6137965176823018531?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-13730907324384470332008-12-21T23:59:00.001+08:002008-12-22T13:50:33.349+08:00met Siang Leng and Lik Kiam at White Sands for Siang Leng’s birthday brunch...<br />had dim sum at Xing Wang HK Café...<br />surprisingly it was very good...<br />Siang Leng’s birthday is on Christmas Day itself...<br /><br />took the MRT to Orchard...<br />for another birthday celebrations...<br />David’s 44th birthday...<br />high tea at Scotts Lounge Grand Hyatt...<br />limited selection of English high tea but very good quality...<br />they even serve 16 different types of tea...<br />as well as black coffee, espresso, latte, mocha and cappuccino...<br />all free-flow...<br /><br />met up with Nova, Sonny's sister, at Raffles City to help her with her Christmas shopping...<br />she managed to buy a few things from Zone and a shop called Nova...<br />lolz...<br /><br />today is “dong zhi” (冬至)...<br />traditionally we have to eat the glutinous dumplings “tang yuan” (汤圆)...<br />had that when i was home in the evening...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1373090732438447033?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-28153358391503582052008-12-20T23:59:00.001+08:002008-12-22T17:06:08.478+08:00the day started with breakfast at Downtown East food court...<br />the kway chap was so-so only...<br />although i liked the kopi-o “gao” (aka thick)..<br />then it the much-awaited and much-anticipated Twilight...<br />totally disappointed...<br />besides the two lead eye-candies...<br />there is nothing worth watching...<br /><br />after movie went to Loyang Point for my hair cut...<br />decided to cut it real short this time... hehe...<br />came back to Sonny’s place, showered, rested for a short while and walked to Siang Leng’s place to collect my 18 packets of Tim Tams and 2 bottles of Absolut Vodka Christmas Edition...<br />got lost in the HDB flats along the way and a 10-minute walk became half an hour...<br />and the weather was super duper hot lor... *faintz*<br /> <br />deposited the stuff at Sonny's place...<br />took the cab to Ming’s place for our annual Christmas gathering...<br />i missed the one 2 years ago cos i was in Taipei...<br />last year we did not have any, for reasons which we could not remember...<br />the cab fare from Pasir Ris to Fort Road was a shocking $18...<br />partly due to the peak period surcharge...<br />and to think that both places are in the east...<br />*roll eyes*<br /><br />it is always a joy to catch up with friends during the festive season...<br />it adds to the Christmas feel...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2815335839150358205?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-16775973573029786182008-12-19T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-22T13:46:33.722+08:00received an iTouch for Christmas...<br />something i have been planning on getting for a while now...<br />but was waiting for M1 to sell the iPhone...<br />i am not ready to switch to the red camp as yet... lolz...<br />was busy installing the gadget with my AspireOne...<br />and also downloading the latest firmware and applications...<br />managed to connect to the home wifi...<br />i am so happy with my new toy...<br />and i am still exploring my other not-so-new toy, AspireOne...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1677597357302978618?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-28463183094364369492008-12-18T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-22T13:45:32.892+08:00last minute attempt to get David’s birthday gift...<br />and i knew i can always count on Molton Brown for that...<br />managed to get a gift set of 6 small bottles of shower gel...<br />they will come in handy since he travels so much for work...<br />also bought a couple of gift exchange items there...<br />over-budget, but i really like the packing and presentation of Molton Brown...<br />very nice and classy...<br />interestingly, i have yet to buy something for myself from Molton Brown...<br />instead i have been using the samples given to me each time i was at the shop...<br /><br />went back to Zone for the second time this week...<br />still did not buy anything...<br />the same salesman must be so mad at me...<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2846318309436436949?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-28834121282614699422008-12-17T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-22T13:44:46.980+08:00been busy with my Christmas shopping this past week...<br />although i have started more than a month ago, there are still last minute shopping to be done...<br />Wednesday night had dinner with Sonny at Takashimaya...<br />then from Takashimaya to Cineleisure to Robinsons Centrepoint...<br />did not manage to get anything at all...<br /><br />while waiting for the taxi, bumped into Ken and Clarence...<br />managed to chat a little with Ken...<br />concluded that our December cycling has to be postponed to 2009...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2883412128261469942?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-25576171994171064112008-12-16T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-22T13:43:41.519+08:00my one year old 500G Seagate FreeAgent hard drive died on me last night...<br />devastating...<br />MP3s GONE...<br />Porn GONE...<br />Pictures GONE...<br />and above all...<br />TV Series – ALL GONE...<br />the hard drive is still under warranty for another 4 fucking years...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2557617199417106411?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-29773527258753626572008-12-16T09:00:00.001+08:002008-12-16T09:41:22.604+08:00feeling like a zombie now...<br />slept at around 1:15am last night...<br />after watching Survivor: Gabon...<br />luckily my boss is on sick leave...<br />and i am meeting Sonny and Jason for lunch...<br />something to perk me up...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2977352725875362657?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-30045581921733261732008-12-16T01:00:00.000+08:002008-12-16T09:39:48.870+08:00was surfing the net with the TV on...<br />suddenly saw Survivor: Gabon starting on TV...<br />took me by surprise...<br />it was the finale for the season...<br /><br />Bob became the oldest winner of the show...<br />while Susie came in a close second with just one vote behind Bob...<br />poor Sugar did not get any vote at all...<br />kinda expected cos she is always the crying one...<br />there goes another season of Survivor...<br />immediately one week after the finale of The Amazing Race...<br />guess it’s now back to my 90210, True Blood, Dexter, Fringe, Brothers & Sisters, Heroes and Gossip Girl...<br />and of course the first season of Touched By An Angel...<br /><br />LONG LIVE AMERICAN TV...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3004558192173326173?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-88737401479447851562008-12-15T23:59:00.001+08:002009-01-08T14:21:51.924+08:00started my Christmas shopping more than a month ago...<br />mostly at Borders...<br /><br />today after work, decided to stop by Raffles City for more Christmas shopping...<br />managed to find Sonny's gift at Robinsons...<br />was strolling around aimlessly for more gifts...<br />but was not lucky there...<br /><br />think i shall continue my shopping at Plaza Singapura tomorrow...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8873740147944785156?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-33149454626967559582008-12-14T23:59:00.001+08:002008-12-16T09:20:32.161+08:00it was raining since the night before...<br />went out for breakfast at Loyang Point...<br />had roti prata plus yam cake plus glutinous rice...<br />simple and nice...<br /><br />met up with mum and brothers at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong temple...<br />as it was raining, i took the bus instead...<br />gave our prayers of thanx to the Tai Sui for protecting my younger brother and me over the last one year...<br />picked up a free calendar on the way out...<br />will be back again after Chinese New Year...<br />to ask for protection from the Tai Sui for my mum and elder brother...<br />whose zodiac signs are Goat and Dog...<br />together with Ox and Dragon, are the four zodiac signs that clash with the Tai Sui...<br /><br />headed home after that...<br />busy clearing my emails, watching TV and catching up on my newspapers and other readings...<br />will have to start cleaning my room for CNY after my KL trip...<br />i have dedicated two Saturdays to complete the spring cleaning...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3314945462696755958?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-63076685989457294232008-12-13T23:59:00.001+08:002008-12-16T09:17:32.841+08:00met my ex-staff for our early Christmas gathering...<br />cos Ranelle is returning to The Philippines for holidays from 20 Dec...<br />lunch was hosted at Peter’s place in Yew Tee’s The Quintet...<br />nice place, quiet and peaceful...<br />except for his two Jack Russell Terriers...<br />and once in a while, his baby boy, Caleb...<br />was busy entertaining the boy for a while...<br />but it was fun... at least he was not crying when i was playing with him...<br />got a cardholder from Anthropology for my gift exchange...<br />i bought books for all of them...<br />hope they can cultivate the good habit of reading...<br /><br />met Sonny for a movie at Downtown East...<br />wanted to catch Twilight but was late...<br />ended up watching The Day The Earth Stood Still...<br />sub-standard show with bad plot, bad acting and bad special effects...<br />even Keanu Reeves was not able to save the movie...<br />although he did save the Earth in the movie...<br />lolz...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6307668598945729423?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-82904154952669546202008-12-12T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-16T09:15:09.073+08:00since Sonny no longer has a car a couple of months back...<br />my Friday nights have been spent in front of the television...<br />first to catch The Ghost Whisperer at 10pm, followed by Survivor: Gabon at 11pm...<br />this week’s Survivor was rather interesting...<br />Bob, the oldest man in the competition, has won 4 challenges in a row...<br />alliances are being broken... and new ones formed...<br />no one knows who will be the next to be voted out until the end of the show...<br />i was glad that Matty is still in the race while Crystal, the black bitch, was voted out...<br />since the first season of Survivor, i have been watching it sporadically...<br />and each time it further reinforces my view about humans...<br />that we are all different...<br />that we are all capable of the worst and the best in us...<br />that nothing in fair in this world...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8290415495266954620?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-66648103956020401242008-12-12T23:58:00.000+08:002008-12-16T09:13:34.226+08:00so the National Environment Authority has announced smoking ban for the following:<br />• Lift lobbies<br />• Markets<br />• Multi-storey & basement carparks<br />• Hotel lobbies<br />• Ferry terminals<br />• Playgrounds<br />• Exercise areas<br />• Non air-conditioned shopping centres, shops, factories & offices<br />• Within 5 metres of entrances & exits<br /><br />for full list of places, please visit NEA’s website: <a href="http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=248#q1">No Smoking</a><br /><br />luckily i am only a social smoker...<br />not much of an impact...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-6664810395602040124?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-20263290727113988892008-12-11T16:00:00.000+08:002008-12-12T17:02:16.594+08:00The Pasta Shop called me to thank me for the feedback i have provided...<br />they admitted that their staff were vacation students who were new to the restaurant...<br />and that they were not experienced...<br />they explained that one of the managers that day called in sick...<br />and they could not find a covering manager...<br />hence the mess...<br />they further admitted that the kitchen was really slow in dishing out the food...<br />their own survey showed that waiting time could be as long as 45 minutes...<br />considering that they have only opened for business for about a month...<br />these are things that they have to iron out...<br /><br />told her i was quite pleased with the quality of the food...<br />and would like to see the service standard improve...<br />so that they could be successful...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2026329072711398889?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-86363511814516312662008-12-11T13:30:00.000+08:002008-12-11T15:32:19.159+08:00recent reports have shown that prices of HDB flats are still sky high...<br />whereas those of private housing has started to decline...<br />the reports went on to say that it will take at least 12 to 18 months before HDB flats will catch on the decline...<br /><br />i turned 35 years old at a time when prices of HDB flats are exorbitant...<br />and i never fancy private condominiums...<br />so now it is a waiting game...<br />waiting for the HDB prices to come down...<br />and waiting for the perfect location...<br />Bishan... my dream heartland to be...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8636351181451631266?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-36208878197634688422008-12-11T13:00:00.000+08:002008-12-11T15:31:04.463+08:00recently the COE for small cars crashed to S$1...<br />and the cheapest Off-Peak Car (OPC) was selling at S$11,000...<br />that was less than my entire New York trip in October 2008...<br /><br />been trying to convince myself on getting a car...<br />but could not find sufficient justifications...<br />especially now that the North-East Line is only 2 bus stops away...<br />and i enjoy the quality time spent public transport to read, people-watch or listen to my ipod...<br />of course public transport is definitely cheaper than owning a car...<br />and i always have the option of driving dad’s car if i really want to...<br /><br />so the choice is obvious...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3620887819763468842?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-56528395191591390962008-12-10T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-11T10:44:15.004+08:00met up with Sonny for dinner at Wheelock Place...<br />Sonny had his tooth extracted in the afternoon and could only have soupy food...<br />as usual, Sun With Moon was crowded (even on a Thursday) with 25 to 30 minutes of waiting time...<br />even Sakae had a queue which surprised us...<br />came across this new restaurant The Pasta Shop (which is run by Sakae) a few shops away...<br />decided to give it a try since it was rather empty...<br /><br />the concept is similar to Pasta de Waraku, except they do not serve pizzas...<br />we ordered a potato salad, wet pasta with scallops and spinach (for they ran out of asparagus) and pasta cabonara with bacon and egg...<br />besides being a little too salty, the food was not too bad...<br /><br />unfortunately, the service sucks BIG time...<br />most, if not all, the waiters and waitresses were young school boys and girls...<br />and my sense is they were never trained on customer service...<br /><br />1. we were standing at the entrance for a while but no one came to greet us... they were all busy running around for whatever reasons...<br />2. they did not smile at the customers... first i thought it was only us, but later i found out they generally do not smile at all...<br />3. we had to ask for our iced water...<br />4. the guy who served our potato salad did not bring us any cutlery... and we had to ask from another waiter...<br />5. the food took a long time to arrive... by the time they served my cabonara, Sonny had finished his pasta...<br />6. it was only at the entrance, after we have paid, that the waitress smiled at us with a “See you again”...<br /><br />the two guys at the table next to us had a worse time...<br />his pasta was still not served despite after he reminded the staff twice...<br />but when the pasta finally arrived, he angrily (and bitchily) told the waiter that he did not want it anymore...<br />which left the waiter in a shocked blank “what-the-fuck” look...<br />the customer then walked to the cashier, paid and left... <br /><br />i do believe that good customer service works both ways...<br />it won’t work if only the service staff is doing all the work...<br />the customer has to reciprocate accordingly...<br />just like any relationship...<br />the fact that the customer is paying the 10% service charge should not make any difference...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5652839519159139096?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-27962580086633254982008-12-07T23:59:00.001+08:002008-12-10T13:38:36.229+08:00woke up at 3:30am to get ready for the half marathon...<br />breakfast of 3 pieces of bread...<br />pre-run jitters resulted in visiting the toilet 3 times...<br />taped the nipples and applied lubricant on my thighs to prevent abrasions...<br />made sure the ipod shuffle is working fine...<br />got dressed and left the house at 4:40am...<br />the shuttle bus left Hougang Sports Complex at exactly 5am...<br />it was a full bus...<br />looks like the number of runners has increased significantly over the years...<br />reached City Hall area around 5:20am...<br />unlike previous years where i deposit my bags in Joseph’s car...<br />this year Joseph is running the full marathon while i am sticking to my half...<br />deposited by bag at the baggage counter...<br />there were 5 segments this year...<br />the baggage area looks a lot more organised this time...<br />only problem is the muddy field...<br />went to poo before doing my warm ups...<br />while warming up, i saw the full marathon runners passing the Esplanade Bridge...<br />it was quite a sight considering the number of runners this year...<br /><br />this year’s half marathon route was different from last year’s...<br />it contained quite a number of U-turns which was quite irritating...<br />also, the distance markers for the half marathon was not quite correct...<br />i only covered 2km after 45 minutes...<br />which was impossible...<br />decided to skip some of the water points...<br />waited for those with the isotonic drinks...<br />by the 17km mark, my legs were beginning to ache...<br />and i was limping a little for the last one kilometre...<br />hunger strikes soon after...<br />luckily there was banana and i ate one to keep the energy level up...<br />completed the race in 2 hours 43 minutes...<br />not my worst timing but also not one that i should be proud of...<br />although i did not set any personal best for myself this year...<br /><br />after the race, picked up my finisher’s medal and collected my bag...<br />changed into my slippers and took the MRT home...<br />with my T-shirt and shorts still wet from the run...<br /><br />reached home and my knees were aching badly...<br />this must have been the most painful experience i ever had...<br /><br />suddenly the thought of hanging up my running shoes came to mind...<br />it was just this year that i hung up my dancing shoes...<br /><br />i will continue to run as a leisure sport...<br />but to take part in races like these where i have to wake up in the wee hours...<br />it is just too much for a body that is already 36 years old...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2796258008663325498?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-80432627622208374062008-12-01T23:59:00.000+08:002008-12-10T13:37:19.026+08:00it has been a while since i last updated my blog...<br />that was because i started writing notes on facebook...<br />which sort of replaced the blogging...<br />but now that facebook has been blocked in office, just like instant messaging...<br />i am back to updating my blog during office hours...<br />so you will see more consistent blogging from now on...<br />hahahaha...<br /><br />since i joined the new company in Raffles Place...<br />i either pack my lunch or have Herbalife shake for lunch...<br />besides blogging, i am also using my lunch hour to read...<br />i have been buying books from Borders, using the 30% (+ 10% member) discount...<br />books, all of a sudden, are so cheap and highly affordable...<br />but i should control my urge to buy more books...<br />until i have finished reading what i already have on my bookshelves...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8043262762220837406?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-72736383833391093512008-11-05T14:00:00.000+08:002008-11-05T14:35:09.070+08:00received a last minute call from DK at 11:45am...<br />asking me out for lunch...<br />what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be...<br /><br />DK is unable to attend the birthday celebrations organised by the Ugly Dolls...<br />hence this special lunch treat...<br /><br />lunch was served at Si Chuan Dou Hua (四川豆花)at UOB Plaza 1...<br />i have been working at 6 Battery Road for the last 3 months and i did not know there is one such restaurant in UOB Plaza...<br />at the reception, they could not find DK's reservation...<br />waited for a little while before we were brought to our table...<br />the place was crowded...<br />we ordered the set menu...<br />what a sumptious dinner this turned out to be...<br /><br />flower tea...<br />appetiser (salad prawn, jellyfish & special pork)...<br />herbal soup (with scallop, pork and other delicious stuff)...<br />abalone with brocolli...<br />chilli lobster...<br />some green vegetable...<br />dan dan noodle...<br />red date, longan with hashima...<br /><br />thank you so much, DK...<br />enjoy your upcoming business trips and all the best in your new career!!<br /><br />with this lunch, my 36th birthday celebrations officially started...<br />*fireworks*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-7273638383339109351?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-50088156769539046412008-11-03T14:00:00.002+08:002008-11-03T14:10:23.777+08:00it has been three weeks since i came back from my vacation in NYC...<br />so much has happened during these three weeks...<br /><br />first week was in a daze mainly due to the jetlag...<br />it was beyond my expectations and imaginations...<br />three days on and i had barely 6 hours of sleep...<br />finally decided to see the doctor for some sleep-aiding pills...<br />and i slept like a baby after that...<br /><br />internet connection to my PC has come to a crawl...<br />due to a Trojan infection...<br />it was James who alerted me to it...<br />installed the latest anti-virus and everything was up and running again...<br />of course that came with a price: insomnia...<br /><br />celebrated my uncle’s birthday at Orchard Café in Orchard Hotel...<br />featuring the Korean buffet...<br />was not impressed...<br />coincidentally, it was the same place i had dinner with some of the Ugly Dolls the following week...<br /><br />went for 2008 Kusu Pilgrimage with my family...<br />this is our third consecutive year...<br />hopefully it can become an annual event in our family calendar...<br /><br />went to see a fortune teller...<br />my first time doing this...<br />generally health issues aplenty...<br />gotta change job and change industry...<br />gotta change my wardrobe due to wrong colour...<br />as well as some other remedies...<br />well, since i have decided to go for it, will have to take precautionary measures...<br />else, why do it??<br />slowly, everything takes time...<br />hopefully everything can be completed before the new lunar year in end-January 2009...<br /><br />visited the Singapore Biennale 2008 and started doubting the meaning of “arts”...<br />but nevertheless it was still an eye-opening and mind-boggling experience...<br />looking forward to displaying my own art pieces in the Singapore Biennale 2010, featuring cum, condoms, faeces as art...<br /><br />managed to pass my IPPT with flying colours: $200 silver award...<br />but then it is always easier to pass the test when it was conducted in-camp...<br />glad that my unit did that specially for us...<br />completed my 2.4km run in around 11 minutes 30 seconds...<br />my own personal best...<br />all thanx to the weather which was cloudy and perfect for running at 4:30pm...<br />i should consider training to improve my chin-ups to 6 and my running to below 10:44...<br />then i will be able to receive the $400 Gold award...<br /><br />did my first facial and back treatment since my return...<br />a total of 4 hours with the beautician...<br />amazing but refreshing...<br /><br />saw my first movie since my return...<br />and first movie since Mamma Mia! in September 2008...<br />one of the longest, if not the longest, movie drought for me...<br />High School Musical 3 was entertaining...<br />some of the songs were catchy enough to lift the show up...<br /><br />been eating a lot of local food since my trip...<br />mee siam, mee rebus, roti prata, prawn noodles, etc...<br />simply adore the food here...<br />much better than NYC...<br />the thought that i had lost 1.5kg in NYC makes me shudder...<br /><br />November is my birthday...<br />always a special month...<br />and always a good special month...<br />birthday celebrations unofficially starts on 13th...<br />followed by 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 & 30...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-5008815676953904641?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-18481645228424600942008-10-17T12:30:00.000+08:002008-10-17T12:58:36.851+08:00i am officially broke after my New York trip...<br />was amazed at the five-figure sum i have spent for 9 days...<br />was able to reconcile the finances...<br />but not what i have bought...<br />lolz...<br />will try to save up from now until CNY in 2009...<br /><br />aborted the idea of visiting Borders last night...<br />knowing my inability to control my spending on books...<br />was at some Japanese shop in Central on my way home...<br />tempted by the orange flavoured Pocky...<br />but at $4 a pack... i decided to eat the oranges mum bought at home instead...<br /><br />went for a run in the evening...<br />my first run since the Army Half Marathon in August...<br />training for the StanChart half marathon unofficially starts then...<br />finished 9km in 1 hour...<br />bad timing...<br />will try to improve as each run goes by...<br /><br />just now during lunch...<br />went out to get FREE newspapers...<br />ended up spending money again...<br />this time on some fengshui stuff...<br />one compass and one string of me and my allies (Rat, Dragon, Monkey)...<br />the lady says they can do a free reading of my flat and my office...<br />of course her objective is to convince me that i need to place various things around the house and office to boost my luck...<br />but well, since it's free, why not??<br />will draw out my floorplan during the weekend...<br /><br />also bought a Tweety Bird toy for mum...<br />saw the Halloween version of Pooh...<br />very kawaii... but gave that a miss...<br /><br />wish me luck in my transition from frog prince back to the frog...<br />eat flies everyday...<br />FOC too...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1848164522842460094?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-29137659106514572842008-09-30T00:00:00.001+08:002008-09-30T01:08:16.257+08:00after nearly four months, the day has arrived to depart for New York City later in the morning...<br />leaving on Cathay Pacific 10:15am flight to JFK international airport, transiting in Hong Kong...<br />hopefully the weather holds in Hong Kong and no unnecessary delays...<br /><br />main highlight of the trip is Madonna's Sticky & Sweet & Sour Tour...<br />all thanks to Teck Cheng for getting the tickets...<br />and offering me this opportunity...<br /><br />will be spending 9 full days in NYC...<br />including one day trip to Niagara Falls (both the Canadian and American view of the Falls)...<br />one full day of shopping at the Woodbury Common Premium factory outlet and White Plain Malls...<br />three musicals / plays booked (The Lion King, Equus, Naked Boys Singing)...<br />yet to book two other shows, Wicked and Gypsy...<br />but looking at my schedule, may not have time to squeeze them in...<br />will have to play by ear...<br /><br />four museums in the plan: American Museum of Natural History (to see dinosaurs), Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim Museum...<br /><br />and of course what is a trip to NY without visiting the famous tourist places...<br />Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, GE Building and Rockefeller Centre...<br /><br />checking out the financial district of Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange and Ground Zero...<br />taking pictures of Lehman Brothers and other financial institutions before they are gone...<br /><br />signed up for the Sex & The City Tour to experience life as Carrie Bradshaw...<br /><br />my US friends will also be bringing me out clubbing on Saturday night...<br />and maybe, just maybe, we might drive up to Montreal for the night...<br /><br />cut short my trip due to new job and insufficient leave (yah right)...<br />will not be visiting Kieran in Washington DC afterall...<br />and also no whale-watching in Boston...<br />it is a pure NYC trip this time...<br /><br />still there is so much to do...<br />so much to experience...<br />and so much to see...<br /><br />New York New York!!<br />here i come...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-2913765910651457284?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-8631200372718595402008-09-26T09:00:00.000+08:002008-09-26T09:39:38.177+08:00so it is confirmed...<br />Kylie will be in Singapore on Tuesday 25 November 2008...<br />as part of her Kylie X Tour...<br />just in time for my birthday week...<br />my birthday present to myself...<br />thrilled...<br />;-p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-863120037271859540?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-14327297254822647592008-09-23T16:00:00.000+08:002008-09-23T18:04:12.977+08:00saw the news article below on Channelnwesasia.com a while ago...<br /><br />Bendemeer Secondary was my alma mater...<br />it was my other choice after Victoria Secondary back in 1984 after my PSLE...<br />did not manage to get into Victoria with my 3As and 1A star results...<br />the selection was based on the school’s vicinity to the St. George’s area i lived in then...<br />my secondary school days have been the best period of education in my life...<br /><br />also noticed that the new channel 5 series, First Class, was filmed in Bendemeer Secondary and uses their school uniforms too...<br /><br />suddenly this “ah beng ah lian” neighbourhood school has achieved some positive limelight...<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />SINGAPORE: Bendemeer Secondary School celebrated the return of Paralympian swimmer Yip Pin Xiu and sailor Jovin Tan.<br /><br />Yip, a secondary four student at the school, won Singapore's first Paralympic gold and a silver medal at the recent Beijing Paralympic Games. Aside from clinching the medals, Yip rewrote two world records along the way.<br /><br />Tan is a former student of the school.<br /><br />Both Yip and Tan were treated to a heroes' welcome when they wheeled into school, as some 1,300 students congratulated the pair for their achievements at the Games.<br /><br />To remember the momentous occasion, a teacher catalogued Yip’s achievements in a binder and the principal presented it to the teenager.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-1432729725482264759?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-45091860033822561952008-09-21T23:59:00.000+08:002008-09-22T13:50:57.335+08:00celebrated mum’s 53rd birthday at Coca restaurant in Ngee Ann City...<br />invited my aunts too...<br />mum specially requested for Coca because she liked it the last time we were there...<br />it was a great dinner...<br />with delicious food...<br />and good company...<br />it is always a warm feeling having family gatherings...<br />especially now that my parents are now getting any younger...<br />it is much more important to spend time with them and make them happy...<br /><br />Happy Birthday my dearest mum...<br />wish you good health and happiness forever...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-4509186003382256195?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-89753650160527264212008-09-20T23:59:00.000+08:002008-09-22T13:50:13.974+08:00woke up at around 11+am...<br />went out for breakfast at Changi Village...<br />only to find out that the market was under renovation...<br />had prata, appam and dhosai at an Indian shop instead...<br />surprisingly the food were very good...<br />especially the appam and the dhosai...<br /><br />popped by the Loyang Tua Pek Kong temple for prayer on the way home...<br /><br />the outing was marketed as Jason’s birthday celebration...<br />glad that most of us were there...<br />Manhattan Fish Market disappointed most of us...<br />although i liked the seafood platter...<br /><br />Mamma Mia was hilarious and so much fun!!<br />enjoyed myself thoroughly...<br />somehow the poor reviews given by the media were unjustified...<br /> <br />adjourned to Lunar for Gary Cao Ge’s exclusive showcase to celebrate Lunar’s 1st anniversary...<br />Jason was his fan...<br />and so we were there...<br />the showcase was pretty short...<br />and we left for Lau Pa Sat for supper...<br />as some of us were already hungry due to the early dinner...<br /> <br />had some really heavy conversations...<br />sharing of ideas and views...<br />by the time we ended at 2am, i was having a bad headache...<br />reached home, showered, popped a Panadol extra and headed straight to bed...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8975365016052726421?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-85448077437771371852008-09-19T14:00:00.000+08:002008-09-22T13:48:40.222+08:00had a Japanese lunch with Jason in Raffles Place...<br />followed by coffee at TCC...<br />discussed about our upcoming trips to NYC and Japan...<br />so exciting!!<br /><br />but the weather is so bloody hot these days...<br />and it is already mid-September...<br />time to move the typhoons and hurricanes from Hong Kong and USA to Singapore...<br />to at least cool down our little island...<br />*pant pant*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-8544807743777137185?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6897383.post-36637362113617944332008-09-18T23:59:00.000+08:002008-09-22T13:48:06.828+08:00met Kerry for dinner at Spizza...<br />to celebrate my new job...<br />somehow we have this habit of buying each other dinner after receiving our first pay check with the new company...<br />had a good time catching up with him...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6897383-3663736211361794433?l=mousez72.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>mousez72http://www.blogger.com/profile/00171171132493748520noreply@blogger.com1