Bored Dad's Coffee Talk

Mrs Lee Kuan Yew dies at age 89

2010-10-02T21:03:00.003+08:00

Madam Kwa Geok Choo - the wife of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, and mother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has died on Saturday.
Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, age 89, passed away peacefully at home at 5.40 pm. Read here for more details.

Mrs Lee, or Mdm Kwa Geok Choo, was really a very quiet woman, a great woman and wife to support MM Lee her entire life. What amaze me the most was her love story with MM Lee, how they met, how they fell in love, how they got married then 're-marry' again after came back to Singapore from their study in UK. Her dedication, commitment and love to MM Lee, is truly a legend in itself, a great example for many married couples to follow, their success in their marriage and love for each other, are truly a great testimony for all married couples.

I do know and aware that how much MM Lee has love Mdm Kwa, her medical condition and bed-ridden has truly affected MM Lee very much. With her passing, it's not only a great loss to Singapore, it's greater loss to MM Lee. I do sincerely hope that MM Lee can be strong and continue to live many more years to come.

What a sad day for Singapore... my deepest condolences to MM Lee and PM Lee and their families.

Parents Concerned about the RSAF Helicopter Forced Landing

2010-10-01T10:19:00.004+08:00

Parents concerned over RSAF emergency landing near school? Read here for details.

But the fact is that if there isn't an open field next to the school, the pilots would probably had forced landed on the soccer field in the school (if he can make it there), which is worse...

Furthermore, this is an emergency for goodness sake, it's not like the pilots purposefully land there. Some parents are really don't know what they are talking and over-reacting... For this reason, think SLA need to think twice to develop and build more factories around that areas and no more open field for the helicopters in case of emergency..

There are more building projects coming in that stretch of Woodlands Ave 12.. when these buildings are up, there eventually will have no or few open field left for the helicopters that operates in the Air Base near by.. As a helicopter bloke, this is my concern and this incident really proven that these open fields are necessary for the helicopters, it give the pilots a safer place for force landing in case of emergency instead of forced to go closer to residential area and properties.

Thankfully, because of this open field, the pilots were able to make a safe forced landing and walked out without injury, nor cause damage to any civilian properties or lives. So parents, please think twice before speaking up, would you prefers the helicopter forced land nearby or right in front of your door step?

World Car Free Day?

2010-09-22T23:43:00.003+08:00

Today, 22 Sep 10, Wednesday, supposed to marks World Car-Free Day - an initiative aimed at getting people to cycle, walk or take public transport instead of their car. News reported that many Singaporeans are not aware of this initiative. Read here for more.

But what World Car Free Day? I have not heard of this initiative or World Car Free Day until just now as I was browsing through the news. Was there any publicity or announcement made earlier to raise the awareness of this initiative?

I'm not against this initiative of World Car Free Day, this is a good initiative that not only can be more environmental eco friendlier, but if one choose to cycle to work, it's also promoting healthy life style, but I'm just totally not aware of it at all. So whoever wish to initiate this initiative in Singapore, will need to put in more effort to promote this initiative in order to raise awareness and attract more car/vehicle owners to participate in this meaningful initiative.

Growing Up..

2010-09-18T22:43:00.003+08:00

I believe that today will be a day that my daughter finally realise that she can no longer be a kid any more, and just how fast has flown by.

While taking a short break after revising her homework in preparation for her PLSE next month, she somehow decided to gather her Primary school graduation photos from Primary 1 all the way to Primary 6, and without me tell her what to do, she has somewhat decided on her own to make a memorial book out of the photos, and she has wrote some notes in it, some to her friends, and some her teachers. But something must had really struck her mind, so much so that there was an emotional rush, and a sense of sadness came over her.

Then she came to my room, wanting to show me what has done, and at the same time, with tears in her eyes. When I saw what she has done, immediately I understand why she was teary and feeling sad, cause I have gone through the same feeling when I was at her age.

I sat her down on my lap, oh boy was she heavy.. It was also dawn on me that she is no longer that little baby, or that little girl I used to carry with ease and used to let her sit on my lap all day. My daughter has grown up and is on her way to her teenage years ahead.

Needless to say, emotion came over me as well. I know I had in control of my emotion and explain to her that, this is really part and parcel of growing up, a feeling that every child will go through. And that's why till this very day, I had kept my memorial books from my Primary class and Secondary class, the messages that my classmates, schoolmates and teachers wrote. I may have threw away lot of rubbish and unwanted stuffs, but I have never throw away these precious books, cause they are a part of my memories.

Friends that I knew through Primary and Secondary schools, I may not have any more opportunity to keep in touch with any of them, which is the real fact for me now, among all my friends, I have none from my Primary nor Secondary school classmates!! As such, the memorial books are even much more valuable and precious to me, cause that's all I have of my childhood days and teenage days.

As I explain to my princess, tears flow down her cheeks, as unwilling as she is, she now know that there will come a time that she will have to say goodbye to her classmates, her friends, her school, her teachers who loves her so much. I told her that, that's why she must also keep that book well and never throw it away no matter what, cause that will be a part of her memories, her growing up. In time to come, one day, she will be doing what I am doing right now, explain these things to her own child in the future...

Hopefully, today, as this sense of separation and sadness struck the heart and mind of my princess, she will move on to be a more matured child, or grow up to become a teenager.

Government Response to Why gov’t had to shut down free shuttle rides to IRs immediately

2010-09-15T21:04:00.008+08:00

Further to my post on Government response to the free shuttle bus service to IRs, Community Development Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has finally gave the government's point of view and explain why the government had to made such a 'swift' decision.

Community Development Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, says the free shuttle bus rides to both IRs had to be stopped immediately last Friday because they had infringed upon strict advertising regulations.

Dr Balakrishnan was responding in Parliament on Wednesday to questions on why the Casino Regulatory Authority(CRA) acted so swiftly to shut down the free shuttle bus services to HDB heartland areas and the Central Business District provided by both Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

Read here for more details.

But again Minister, I'm sorry that, I'm still not convinced nor can accept the explanation given.

While I can agree that the IRs may had infringed the advertising regulations when they announced about the winners in the casinos to the media, but I have not yet see any form of advertising or promotion of casinos at any of the pick up points of these shuttle services. Those Genting Points that RWS mentioned can also be earned from other Genting outlets or entertainment facilities, not necessary just within the casino inside the RWS.

Minister also mentioned that: “Instead, we imposed advertising restrictions and a comprehensive set of social safeguards. Our aim was to minimise the impact of the casinos on locals, to protect vulnerable groups like young persons and dependants, and to prevent the casinos from targeting the locals as their principal market.”

But sorry Sir, with all due respect, why then LTA or MRT operator or the government is building a MRT Station at MBS or near by MBS? Wouldn't the ease of transportation by MRT to MBS make it even more convenience to the local to patronise the casino in MBS than the shuttle buses? Wouldn't then the near facility of a MRT station to MBS have any impact to the locals? Why is it then the MRT operator is not order to stop building that MRT station? Or will it be that that particular MRT station is mainly for the tourists to alight, no locals can alight at that MRT Station? Certainly not so, right?

Furthermore, the shuttle bus service had been in operation for at least 3 to 4 months by now, wouldn't LTA aware of their operation? How is it possible that IRs can have the shuttle bus service without the approval from LTA first? Not forgetting that when the bus shuttle service was introduced by the IRs, it was widely publicised in various news media including the TV evening news, shouldn't be that CRA have reacted back then?! Instead of months after the bus shuttle had started operation!

Although it was 7 months since the IRs had started operation and there was about 1million local Singaporeans had patronised that casinos. But haven't you noticed that being Singaporean, when there is something newly opened, especially fresh things the casinos in Singapore, which was unheard of and unimaginable by many before that a country like Singapore can and willing to have not one but two casinos, as such, many Singaporeans will be curious and interested to see how is this casino in Singapore, many will just rush to any newly opened shopping malls and so many will rush to take a look at the casinos, but as time goes by, the interest on these places will start to wind, eventually, there will be lesser and lesser Singaporeans will wants to step into the casinos, except those who really wants to go there just to gamble. But it will certainly not in the millions of Singaporeans.

Also with such statement made, it's likely possible some more radical Singaporeans will start to think that casino or even the IRs are only a place for the foreigners, the tourist, Singaporeans are not welcomed at all. Is that kind of perception that MCYS or CRA wants Singaporeans to have? I certainly don't think so.

The two IRs may need to attracts more tourist to patronise their IRs or casinos, but certainly they cannot survive just mainly based on the foreigners or tourists. As such, if government is really concerns about the impact of the casinos to the locals, the young and dependants, then why not consider to increase the entry levy charge to at least $500 to $1,000? This will certainly cut off a great majority of Singaporeans going into the casinos.

Therefore, based on the above points that I had mentioned, Minister Sir, your explanation still unable to convince me, nor I can accept it. More certainly need to be done.

When Signalling Becomes A Too Difficult Task...

2010-09-13T21:19:00.005+08:00

Though I have hold my driving licence for years now, but I never forget how my driving instructors had pounded on me on signalling early when I drive. I remember it's also on our driving theory book that had emphasized the importance of signalling and signalling early.

Unfortunately, this is not what I have seen in the recent weeks, it has dawn on me that I have seen lesser and lesser drivers on the road would even bother to signal. Some would signal just the very second it commence a turn and only for one second or two before the driver turn the signal off. While some drivers do signal but expect you to give way and force you to give way cause when the driver signal, he/she never bother to check if it's clear for them to switch lane and just cut right into your front, forcing you to jam break.

Previously, some survey was conducted and concluded that many drivers feel that as long as behind their vehicle is clear or the next car is quite a distant away, they feel that there is no need to signal their intention to switch lane or making a turn. But recently, more and more I noticed, there are many drivers out there don't even bother to signal even though you are just next to their car on the next lane, when they want to switch lane, they just drive slightly faster than you and cut right in front of you without signalling!!!

Another strange Singaporean drivers behaviours I have noticed is the 'want to win' or 'must be the first' kind of mentality. Chinese saying call this "打死都要赢" mentality. Why? One classic example that witnessed and experienced many time on the road. On the expressway, I was on lane 2 travelling at 90km/h minding my own business, about 4 to 5 cars distant away from the car in front of me, behind me hardly or no vehicles at all, approaching a exit slip road from the expressway. The next thing I knew is that a car speed up on my right cut right in front of me without signalling just so that the driver can get into the exit slip road!!!

Does the drivers have to do such stunt and reckless driving? Cutting in front of me without signalling at high speed? Why must he/she cut in front of me? Why can't the driver slow down a little, go behind my car and switch lane then go towards the slip road? Which is the much safer way of driving!! Mind you, I encountered such drivers more than once!!

Sometime I really wonders, what happens to all the safe driving tips that they had learned from their driving course?! What happens to all the pounding of instructors insisting them to signal when they drive and during their TP test?! Why is it the for many drivers, the very moment they received their driving licence, they will conveniently throw out and forget about every safe driving practises that they have just learned? Why is it so hard or difficult for any driver to signal their intention earlier and wait to ensure that it's clear and safe to switch lane or turn? Why is it so hard to slow down a little and let other vehicles who have the right of way to go first instead of speeding out from the slip road and turn into the next road when there is a car approaching?!

Why the rush in the first place? Why the need to speed down the expressway in a reckless manner? Weave in and out of vehicles and swing from one lane to another just to go ahead of everyone?

Sometime, I really wish I'm a traffic police, but then these drivers would probably thanks their lucky star that I'm not, cause if I'm a traffic police, I will surely book a ticket for all these reckless drivers, who is not only endanger their own lives, but other road users as well.

Now, what it takes to be a volunteer traffic police?

Government's Reaction to the Free Shuttle Service by IRs

2010-09-10T19:49:00.008+08:00

Just few days ago, news reported that The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), will investigate about the free shuttle services provided by the two IRs in Singapore, apparently their 'concern' was that such free shuttle services that pick up passengers right from the heartland areas, will indirectly encourage more Singaporeans to patronise the casinos and thus encouraging gambling among the Singaporeans.

Today, the government had taken action and ordered to two IRs to terminate or stop such free shuttle services immediately. Read here and here for more details.

Personally, is such moves or decision by MCYS really necessary? Or is it really a wise decision? Or is this just another method to let the two major bus operators not to loose out in the competition of ferrying passengers to the two IRs? Cause immediately after the decision was announced, the 'business' for the two bus operators picked up! Worse is that the people feel the crowd and squeeze again.

Dose all the passengers that benefited the free shuttle services goes into the casinos? Does it means that the two IRs only have casinos and nothing else for people to go to? What about the Universal Studio? What about the Convention Halls? The Shopping Malls? I would dare say not more than half of the passengers who took the free shuttle services went into the casinos.

Then why such harsh decision made? This decision will caused the bus operators that provide the free shuttle services to go bust or out of business, causing them in deep financial woes with all the loans and workers compensation. Worse is that it will likely to cause more than 1000 people to loose their job overnight!! Have MCYS ever considered the consequences of this decision or have they ever considered the possible alternative like instead of offering free shuttle services, request (order if you so like to) the bus operator to start charging a token fees may be like $1.00 or $2.00, same amount of fees charged by the two major bus operators.

These bus shuttle services not only reach out to the greater crowd that are further in land and attracts more people to tour around the two IRs, NOT JUST THE CASINOS (for goodness sake!!), they also help to provide more alternate route for the people to go the IRs, to lighten the crowded situation at the pick up points provided by the two major bus operators. They have been doing a service for the community and they are not even competing with the two major bus operators for business simply because they are paid by the two IRs.

Now with this decision by MCYS, people who wants to go to the IRs will have lesser option to take, instead of able to take the shuttle service nearby, they have to travel all the way to the designated pick up points by the two major bus operator, which can be very inconvenience for many. Worse is that they will now need to be squeezed among the crowd and the long queue.

Please, reverse the decision if you can and just ask the IRs or the bus operator to charge a token fees instead of order them to stop operations. If insist to take this decision to stop them from providing the shuttle services, then please don't blame the people for thinking that you are just want the money to goes to the two major bus operators, cause for a very simple fact that not every one taken the shuttle services goes to the casinos, and please, not every one wants to go to the casinos as well. There more than the casinos in the IRs that attracts the people to patronise there.

And if the government is really so concerned about Singaporeans are encouraged or being lured to casinos and gambling, then why not also consider increased the entry charge for Singaporean from $100 to $150 or even $200? Cause to many Singaporeans who are really wants to gamble in the casinos, $100 is nothing to them, just look at how a businessman have lost $25millions there... What is that $100 to him?

I'm sorry, I just simply couldn't agree with this decision by MCYS, because it will cause more harm than good.

Father's Love

2010-09-08T20:17:00.003+08:00

I'm not sure if I should dedicate this to all the fathers, or all the parents out there. But it's a very sad article that I read from 07 Sep 10 evening Sin Min Newspaper. As a father, I can't help but tears flow out after reading this. I'm sorry that the article is in Chinese/Mandarin. I will try to see if I can translate it to English later and post in another blog update.

It's basically is a letter from a father, whom I believe is terminally ill and is at his last days, he wrote this 'Will' letter to his 4 years old daughter, encouraging her and request her to take good care of her grandparents and mother.

Ten years later, the daughter grow up already, now she wrote a 'Reply' to her father, and it's exactly the way she ends her letter that caused me to cry... :(

Watch Out Singapore!

2010-09-07T20:11:00.003+08:00

Watch out Singapore! If this can happen to New Zealand, there is no promised that it won't happen in Singapore as well.

New Zealand's southern island, was struck with a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that smashed buildings and wrecked roads and rail lines in the city of Christchurch. It was indeed a miracle that no one was killed in this natural disaster and only two seriously injured. This probably is the result of the high demand on standard on all building structures in NZ.

What's more to this news is that it was also reported that a new fault line was ripped open at the surface of the earth, destroying hundreds of buildings and cutting power to the region. Read here for more details.

Honestly, to me, if this can happen to New Zealand, a country that is nearly free from most natural disasters, this could jolly well happen to Singapore as well.

Although we pride ourselves that Singapore is a natural disaster free country, no typhoons, no tornadoes, no volcanoes eruption, no earth quake...etc etc.. Wait!! Did I just said no earth quake here in Singapore? Geographically, yes, Singapore is an island that is not on or very near to any of the earth's faults, or earth's crust. But we are near enough to feel or experience the tremors caused by the earthquakes from the nearby country, namely Indonesia's Sumatra Island. I can never forget the feeling I had when I first experienced the tremor in my house in Woodlands.

It's not the first time tremor has hit parts of Singapore, but Woodlands is one 'corner' of Singapore that have never experience any tremor before. So that night when I first experienced the tremor at home, I knew the epic-center of the earthquake was either much closer or it's another large scale earthquake that had affected a larger part of Singapore.

New Zealand, though is sitting on a fault line, they have not experience earthquake for a very long time already. With this recent earthquake that they had, a new fault line was actually ripped open because of the quake. I'm not geologist expert or scientist, but to me, it simply means that if this can happened to New Zealand, can this also possibly happen to Singapore. I do believe the answer is a high probable yes!!

Who can promise or guarantee that there won't be any new fault line ripped open by the frequent earthquake down at Indonesia's Sumatra Island? And who can guarantee that these fault lines can never reach Singapore? I certainly don't like to think that it can never happen to us.

And what happens if this new fault line ever reaches Singapore? With the ways we are digging our underground tunnels, hollowing a great part of Singapore's underground, especially down south areas of Singapore, which is actually a reclaimed land, the amount of damage is certainly beyond my most horrific imagination!

Of course, I can already hear some will say no need to worry, even if this fault line do come to Singapore, it won't be any time soon. Have we not learn any thing from the past natural disasters happened in other parts of the world where disaster happened too 'suddenly' and caught most people by surprised and thus very ill-prepared for the disaster and suffered great deal of damages and lost of lives? Have we not learn any lessons from these at all? Do we have to wait till disaster strike at our door in order to realise that it can happen to Singapore as well?

Take a look at the recent floods that caused by extreme unusual heavy downpour of rain, instead of accepting the fact the geographically things has changed, weather climate has changed, it's a natural phenomenon that no one has ever anticipated it can happened to Singapore, the amount of water that poured out was just too heavy for any of our drainage system can take, many trees were uprooted from the ground, and unfortunately, one was killed because of this. Many goes to blame the government for slacking, for not doing enough to prevent flood from coming, not doing enough to prevent tree from uprooting etc. Many even complains how inconvenient their lives has become whenever there's flood. Have we all live a too comfortable and too protected environment that we couldn't even see the changes in the entire earth's weather patterns?

Our earth is very sick for goodness sake!! It is crying out that she needs to be healed, she needs to do something to heal itself.

In many areas of Singapore, floods was unheard of, it never happened at all, but then in the recent unusual downpour, these places got flooded. And what those residents did? Blame the government.. What the..

Not many people actually realised that when heavy flood can happens to other country, flood that caused huge amount of damages, these kind of flood can also happen to Singapore, and honestly, what happened here in Singapore so far is 'peanut' compared to floods experienced by other countries. Can it get any worse? It certainly can!!

So is this fault line thing, it can also happen to Singapore. So watch out Singapore, hopefully, no one will caught off guard at all should the more unfortunate disaster ever reaches Singapore. And Singaporeans, please don't ever take our stability and peaceful environments, free from natural disasters for granted. All these can be taken away, it can be changed.

Injury - Left Shoulder - Tendinitis

2010-09-02T19:53:00.003+08:00

It have been almost 3 months now, those that have followed my Facebook's update, will know that I have this injury on my left shoulder. Although I started seeking medical treatment only in July this year, but the pain has been there or started since sometime last year. The reasons why I seriously need medical attention is because not only the pain is affecting my sleep at night, the pain is also had restricted my arm's movement very badly. The pain will become so sever that I could wake up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep properly again, this had badly affected how I work in office, worse is when I realise how sleepy I was when I was driving and it could lead me to lost of concentration, and that's very dangerous when driving.

The pain also caused my left shoulder's muscle to became very stiff, I can hardly lift my arm without experience burning sensation kind pain on my shoulder, I can't stretch my left arm like I used to, the pain can easily cause a pain so freaking sharp that can get me into shock for a brief moment. When I realised how my daily activities are very much limited by this pain that refused to go away and gotten worse. I know it's time to seek proper medical attention.

First consultation, the doctor only asked me to attempt to move or lift my left arm, without touching or feel my left shoulder, when he saw that I can hardly move my left arm, he concluded that I probably suffering from 'Frozen Shoulder', or commonly known as '五十肩' in Chinese, a condition that usually experienced by women instead of men. But to be safe, he also decided that I would go for a ultra-sound scan and X-ray to determine if there are any possible tear on the tendon, while at the same time, I would also commence the physical therapy on my left shoulder, which the doctor explains that physical therapy is really the main means to heal my left shoulder, and it's a process that may take up to two years, depends on individual recovery progress.

At the ultra-sound scanning session, it was discovered that I do have some inflammation on my shoulder, and some 'liquid' was detected, but there was no tear nor any other more serious injury detected.

At the next medical review, the doctor (different from the first) explained that it's a condition that is known as Tendinitis, an inflammation on a tendon. He further assured that there was no serious injury or tear detected by both ultra-sound scanning or X-ray. So he said my condition is not the 'Frozen Shoulder' in the direct sense, though have similar symptoms but mine limitation of movement was caused by the pain. He also decided that he will give me a Steroids injection in hope the Steroids will help to stop the inflammation. The pain resulted from the Steroids injection took almost a week to subside, during this period, I can hardly move my left at all, much less having a good night sleep again.

After few rounds of physical therapy sessions, which are all torturing sessions for me, I would always walk out of the physical therapy clinic with a sore and painful shoulder, but I know my left arm can move slightly better each time, so in a way, the torturing sessions were worth it. Right now, my left arm can move a bit more and less restrictive, but still unable to move as freely as it used to be, and if I push the movement a little more, the sharp and burning like sensation pain will still be there to haunt me. But at least, I can move my left arm and shoulder a little more.

Today was the second review by the doctor, again, different doctor from the first and second consultations, the doctor confirmed that it's tendinitis and there was no tear in my muscles, tendons or bone. He was glad to see some improvement but he was a little apprehensive when I told him that the pain-killer medicine given to me seem helpless to reduce the pain. However, he still gives me the pain-killer to take and add on a pain relief cream for me to rub. However, one of the pain-killer will cause drowsiness, so he advised it's best to take only at night even though that medicine supposed to be taken 3 times a day. But he did advise that he will not give me another Steroids injection cause it might be harmful if given too much. So he strongly suggest that I continue my physical therapy session and try my best not to have too long a interval break between each therapy session (I skipped my last session last week due to work commitment!), once a week is just about the minimum I should have.

Honestly, with this injury or inflammation condition on my left shoulder, it has caused much inconveniences in my daily life and daily routine. Imagine I would have difficulties in wearing my clothes or uniform, and I certain need help to remove my uniform when I reach home. It's really frustrating that I needed help and assistance for such simple task. I can't scratch my back with my left arm, when I drive and whenever I change gear I will experience the pain on my shoulder. It is still affecting my sleep at night but it's lesser now.

I don't know how many more months that I will have to endure this before I can have my normal life back, more importantly, my left arm can move freely again, no more pain, can carry heavy stuff again. I seriously hope that I don't have to wait for 2 years to see this day coming.

With this, it's medication time.

A Compulsive Gambler Who Say He Is Not...

2010-08-29T11:07:00.004+08:00

Just as a drunk person will not admit he is drunk, a mad person will not admit that he is mad, so is this compulsive gambler who will not admit that he is a compulsive gambler.

Gabriel Lim, 28, has lose S$100,000 – his entire life savings – on an on-line gaming website in just few minutes!!! Gabriel who was a store supervisor but now unemployed, had actually resigned from his job to go full-time into this on-line gambling, and yet he claims he is not a compulsive gambler. Read more here.

Not only that, he appears never to have learn any thing from this experience, still didn't realise what he did was really a sign of compulsive gambler, didn't appear too affected by losing such a huge sum of money, still can say that he will start looking for a job and start his saving again, then will go into this gaming website to win his money back and he seem to be pretty certain that he can...

If this is not compulsive gambling, then I don't know what is. Well, probably he is not, but just a 'full-time' gambling strategist.

A whopping of $100,000!! That's a huge sum of money by many Singaporean definition, many will not even see this amount of saving after working their entire life off, and yet, this young single man can afford to loose it within minutes and don't feel heart pain about it, worse still, still want to save up money to go back into the game and wants to win the money back? Don't all these just sounded like what a gambler will always say?

Personally, I think his parents were partially to blame to turning him into such a spoilt brag. As a Diploma holder and working as a store supervisor, how is it possible for him to have saving of $100,000 at the age of 28? His family background could be of pretty well off, his parents could probably didn't spend much time with him to teach and mould him as a person, but just keep throwing money to him, thinking the monetary and material 'love' is sufficient. As such, to this Gabriel, money was never a hard earned money, while other will have sweat and blood in their money, he probably just had it easy by simply open his mouth and ask for it. He probably didn't even have to spend much of his own salaries and expenses paid off by his parents. That's why he wasn't seem to be too affected after loosing such huge amount of money.

If Singapore have few more of such Gabriel around, then I would be really worry the future of Singapore and what it will become. I would really worry what our society would become.

If there are any employers reading this news from Yahoo, I would wonder how many of them will want to employ him, cause he can even made us of his office hours to gamble on-line! From the news, his parents still didn't know about this, and what would they think or say after knowing this? If they ever care that is.

Gabriel, please wake up from your fantasy and dream, there is no easy money, wealth gained easily will also go easily. If you still don't think you had done wrong and still wanted to have go at it, you just might ended up in a much worse off situation then lose of $100,000 saving away.

Be Responsible and Be Constructive

2010-08-28T11:05:00.005+08:00

A Singaporean man who attacked on Facebook the ruling party and urged people to "burn" a cabinet minister has been arrested on charges of inciting violence on 25 Aug 10. Read more about the news here.

Abdul Malik Ghazali, 27, who posted a series of comments on the social networking site critical of how Singapore is hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Abdul Malik said on his Facebook page that he was arrested "due to my involvement in anti-YOG and anti-PAP (People's Action Party) Facebook pages. Abdul Malik said in comments published Wednesday by "The New Paper" that "the comment is a metaphor". "I did not intend for it to be taken literally. I did not mean for someone to actually burn," he said.

While I can't exactly say Abdul Malik deserved this, but all I can say is that he had paid a price for letting his 'mouth' loose to comment without thinking through his head first. He can say what he said meant to be a metaphor, but surely the authorities have a different view and took his words literally.

When I first started this journey as a blogger some years ago, I know I will be commenting on some issues about our government, their policies, even might be some of the Ministers or Member of Parliament too, but I also know that our government is not one as many perceived as authoritarian or dictator, they do welcome feedbacks and comments, they do accept constructive and responsible feedbacks and comments, even if it means disagreeing with them. However, our government is one that will not tolerate any false accusation nor allegation against them that are untrue, especially when one that is unable to support with any concrete evidence or proof.

Furthermore, I also understand that there will never be possible that one policy that will be pleasing to all, beneficial to all. Some will surely unhappy about certain issues as the policy might benefit them little or none at all. But just because there are such people who feels this way for themselves, will means that the government's policy is wrong? Even if these people felt that certain policy is wrong or not suitable, by all means, they are welcomed to voice their opinions, their view, but albeit do it in a constructive and responsible manner, and I'm sure our government will listen and whoever give the opinion or view will not be in trouble with the law, like this Abdul Malik is now. Although it does not means the government will necessary accept and change/amend according to what was said, but they will surely listen with an open heart and mind, they may or will justify and explain why they have to implement the policy in this manner and not otherwise. They will have to look at the overall picture of the country and people, not just some small group of people or some individuals.

As such, when I first started as a blogger, I have always wanted to be a responsible and constructive one, yes I know, there were times I did rant and whine a little, but still, I did not make any irresponsible comment nor any false accusation against our government, and I wish I can be one such leading examples to the many bloggers out there that will comment against our government. I'm sure there are also many bloggers will be responsible and constructive in their comments, but there are far too many bloggers will just let loose their mouth without thinking through their head first. No, not that because I'm a Civil Servant not because I fear of getting into trouble with the law, but simply because I do believe that our government is one that will listen to what you have to say, as long as it's said in a responsible and constructive manner, although they might not always agrees nor accept what you say, but they will listen.

Yes, we all will feel angry over certain issues, but why let anger ruins our sense of logical thinking and let our emotion took control of our words? It's not a good reason to justify yourself for being angry and thus said things that are irresponsible and harmful to others, and worse is to get into trouble with the law.

Yes, we are a democracy, a democratic country, but that doesn't mean one can just say anything without being held responsible nor accountable for what you said or do. In Singapore, you still can say what you want to say, do what you want to do, but do take responsibilities and accountabilities of your words and deeds. Democracy don't mean you can just let your mouth loose without having to face the consequences. Democracy without discipline and responsibility is no democracy at all.

Just like the famous phase in Spiderman movie: "With great power, comes with great responsibility". So likewise, democracy gives you the power and freedom to speak, but it also comes with responsibility to be accountable for what you said.

If anyone still wants to say your piece, then learn to be responsible, be constructive. When voicing out your opinions, don't just condemn, don't just say what you disagrees on or what you are angry with, as far as possible, provide an alternative ways or means as well. And if you really can't think of any better alternative, then why not just learn to accept what the government has decided to do?

I have to admit, there were times I disagree with certain policies or issues with our government, but when I realise I can't think of any better alternative, as much angry or disagreement I may have, but I will learn to accept it and do my best to look from the perspectives of our government. Learn to accept that there is no one policy that will be pleasing to all, nor beneficial to all. Some will benefit more than the other, and sometime, for some policies, we gained or benefited more than the others. So it's still all voice down to, give and take.

On the other hand, we just really need to be more careful of what we say in any online communities, even if it's just a casual or joking remarks, cause now we know the authorities are watching. Haha.... Oops... :P

The Closing of a Very Successful Chapter

2010-08-26T21:50:00.005+08:00

Finally, it's here. The end is here, the end of the 1st inaugural Youth Olympic Games that is.

When I was watching the Closing Ceremony of the 1st Youth Olympic Games (YOG), a sense of emotion rush into me and got me thinking, but more important, a very deep sense of appreciation and gratefulness to all those that had put in their hearts and souls, many sleepless nights and stress, sacrifices of their times with their family, to ensure the smooth running and execution of this largest international sport event that Singapore ever had. The YOG will not be successful without all the various committees, locally and internationally, 20,000+ volunteers, all who believe that Singapore can successful host this international event.

It's really a history in the making.

I must first admit, as much as I do support Singapore hosting this YOG, I was a little sceptical about how successful it will be, especially so after the last Olympic Games held in Beijing in 2008, they had put up an excellence performances and practically stunted the whole world in awe during the Opening Ceremony. As such, I was a little sceptical (or worried) just how successful we can be as compared to Beijing's. Furthermore, Singapore is such a small country, our sport centres are really very limited, to host such a large scale of Olympic games? I was like, huh? Sure or not?

But with the commitments, dedications, and unshakeable belief that Singapore can host it, thousands and thousands had given their all to ensure this event will be a success. And sure enough, for the last 12 days, or even much longer for some, they had proved not just to Singaporeans alone, but to the world that Singapore had done it, once again. Singapore has done it excellently when other thinks that we won't make it.

This YOG has not just showcase our local young sport talents, and they certainly did well and shine very brightly for Singapore, they had given Singapore a ray of hope for the future for our sport talents, but more importantly is the Olympic spirit, the sportmanship, friendships, cultural exchanged and understanding, greater and stronger bonds that these athletes shared, it is these that brought the world together, brought the people together. It's spirit that will pass on to others, a spirit that many around the world will talk about for years to come.

Yes, Singapore had done it! And had done it excellently. The first inaugural YOG was a huge success!

As I was watching the Closing Ceremony, and as the Olympic flame goes off.. A sense of sadness somehow came to me. I felt sad that it's over, I felt sad that every gathering has to come to an end. The happy and joyful moments seem to end so soon. I felt sad because Singapore now no longer holding to the Olympic flag, nor the Olympic flame. I felt sad because for many of the athletes, they will not see the next YOG to be held in NanJing China in 2014, for they had outgrown the age limit already. I felt sad that a Chapter is closing..

Yes, overall, I'm proud to be Singaporean, proud that I am a part of this history, am very grateful to all those involved. They had not only make Singapore proud, they had made themselves proud as well for their contributions. No doubt, there were some negative news like the lousy food package for the volunteers and the food poisoning experienced by some volunteers, the tentage shelter collapsed during the basketball games etc.. But looking at the overall pictures, and the feedback and comments given by many of the athletes and officials, foreign guests and tourists, no one can deny that it is a very successful event.

With this going behind us, with this great result achieved, I'm certain that nothing can be too difficult for Singapore and Singaporeans to overcome, as long as all come together, work as a team, work for a common goal, stand united together, One people, One nation, One Singapore.

The next event? F1 Night Race, for the 3rd year that it's coming to Singapore. And yes, I'm all excited and can't wait for the F1 Race to come. Haha...

Food Blogger Caused Storm

2010-08-24T20:24:00.003+08:00

Apparently, a food blogger, known as Brad Lau, or also known as ladyironchef, has recently cause an uprising storm among the foof blogger and food critic community by demanding a 'free meal' where he requested to do a food review of an upscale restaurant in Joo Chiat area on Sunday, 22 Aug 10. You can read more about it here.

Apparently, what Brad did was that he has requested to drop by for a food testing and review, but brought along 3 other friends to dine. In the end, when the bill (over $400) was given to him, he refused to pay and demanded that it should be free for him or otherwise, he reserved the rights to write any thing about the food or restaurant. In goodwill, the restaurant decided to give him a huge discount in exchange for his write up, the new bill was about $160+, yet, he still refused to pay. When he realised the restaurant will not give up and he took out his credit card and throw at the cashier at the cashier counter.

This scene and report has certainly brought an uproar and condemnation all across, especially among the few popular and well known food bloggers and food critics. He was deemed as as freeloader and a spolit brad. Initially, his blogsite was even go suspended due to the imfamous uproar against him.

A day after, Brad Lau's blogsite is up again and he has posted an entry to clarify that it was a case of miscommunication. He claimed that it was the restaurant who had invited him to dine in exchange for a write up from him, but he was unable to do so until the incident day, he even shown some email and smses exchange that he had with the PR Manager of the restaurant. Although he admitted that it was his fault for throwing his credit card at the cashier, he also claimed that he will pay for his food as per normal customer. Read more about it here.

So far, the said PR Manager from the restaurant, known to be Melanie, or any Manager have step forward to clarify any issue or to make a statement. Thus, so far, it's Brad's word against nothing. Until the restaurant come forward to make a statement, I will just take whatever Brad had to say with a huge pinch of salt, may be a load of bucket full of salt instead.

Overall, my personal view on this. Brad has simply blew it with his rude and unrully conduct in the restaurant, period. No matter what, he should have conducted himself in a professional manner, and not acted in such a harsh and rude manner. One thing is almost certain that he has lost most if not all his credibility as a food blogger and no one will trust or read what he writes any more. Furthermore, food bloggers is just about anywhere and everywhere these days, it's not hard to be a food blogger, one just need blogsite and a camera, that's it. Even Bored Dad can be a food blogger if he wants to, but thankfully, Bored Dad is not so much into food other than eating them.

He can say all he wants now, not many people will believe him any more. Just like a Chinese saying: "无风不起浪", if he has not really done something rude and bad, there won't be such news report in the first place.

Though Brad is not seen pushing the blame entirely to the restaurant but he is not seen to be taking up much of the responsibility either. I have not known Brad nor seen his photo before, but I do sinerely thinks that it's best Brad do some serious self-reflection of his conduct in the public, while I'm not sure if any restaurant managers that read the news will bar him from going to their restaurant or not, but I can almost certain not many restaurant will wants to invite him to their restaurant, even if they do, I believe they will make sure it's stated clearly that he have to pay fo the food that he and/or his friend(s) eat.

Digeus System Optimizer 8.2.20014

2010-08-23T21:24:00.008+08:00

When I first came across this IT product, Digeus System Optimizer 8.2, I have to admit that I have not heard of this product before, nor know anyone using it on their home PC. But after I had installed it and ran through couple of the applications or features, I must also admit that I have taken my hat out for the genuity of this product.

Digeus Inc. is a software company headquartered in Albany, New York, was founded in 2008, a young and fast growing world's provider of software for individual and professional use. Digeus System Optimizer is a smart way to solve computer problems and protect your valuable data. This easy-to-use software helps you eliminate system crashed, prevent computer problems, and restore your system to a healthy state.

Here is a list of cool tools included in suite:

* Digeus Data Encryptor
* Digeus Disk Space Analyzer
* Digeus Drivers and Programs
* Digeus Duplicate Files Finder
* Digeus Icon Manager
* Digeus IE Manager
* Digeus Junk Files Cleaner
* Digeus Memory Cleaner
* Digeus Multimedia Settings Tweaker
* Digeus Optimization Wizard
* Digeus Privacy Protection
* Digeus Process Manager
* Digeus Registry Cleaner
* Digeus Registry Defragmenter
* Digeus Repair System Settings
* Digeus Service Manager
* Digeus File Shredder
* Digeus Smart Uninstaller
* Digeus Startup Manager
* Digeus System Customization
* Digeus System Info
* Digeus System Security Tweaker
* Digeus System Speed Optimizer
* Digeus Unnecessary Files Cleaner

After I had installed the program, I didn't have the opportunity to 'test' all the cool tools available, but I did run some of the tools that I think PC needs more urgently. Below are some of the tools that I had tried and what I think of them.

1. Clean Your Registry - Scan and safely clean, repair and optimize the Windows Registry

One reason I decided to this first is because I suspected I have many invalid or unwanted Windows registry files in my PC after countless of installing and uninstalling of software, and usually these registry files will or might slow down the performance of my PC. But nothing prepared me for what I saw when the scan result pop out:

I have a total of 1488 invalid files or path! GOSH! No wonder my PC was crawling at snail speed at time!

Ok, now I knew that I have so many invalid Windows registry files in my PC, I will need to clean it up soonest possible. However, one tiny set-back, because I have not register my product, I can only clean 5 files at a time. To clean the rest, I will need to re-scan again and then clean another 5 files. This would certainly take me ages to complete the thousand overs files found by this great tool. To register the product is seemingly a very wise decision now.

2. Tweak Internet Explorer - Tweak your Internet Explorer for berer performance and security

Honestly, I am not sure what 'berer' means what I first see this term, I was wondering if it's a typo error here. A search on Dictionary.Com also can't find any meaning to this word. So, perhaps either Digeus should re-look into this spelling or I should improve my English.

Anyway, within this tool there is one nice feature that is 'Favourites Checker', basically this will check on all the favourite links that we have added to 'Favourites' or 'Bookmarks' over time, and see if there is any dead link or url, so then you can just delete them directly from this cool feature, you don't have to go through your favourite and painfully click one by one to see if the link still valid or active. Trust me, over the years, I believe I have close to a thousand favourite link added to my favourites and definitely among all these, there will be many invalid and inactive websites that I will need to delete them from my favourites.

However, as I run the check on the validity of the favourites that I have, I have encountered (always) some (unknown) problem that terminated the scan and check, as shown below:

Honestly, I don't know what's the cause of this, although I suspected it might be because I still have not register my product and thus the feature cannot performs to it 100%, more like an effort to stop people like me to have 'free-ride' on the features in this product, and more or less will be extremely tempted to purchase and register the product before I can enjoy the full features of this product.

Selling at USD$39.99 (approxi. SGD$57.98), I must say this is a very reasonable price to pay for such a wonderful product.

3. Encrypt Your Sensitive Data - Encrypt/Decrypt your sensitive data such as documents, texts.

Under Security, Digeus System Opitmizer provides one very cool tool on security that is generally only found in mega organisation or sensitive government agencies like the military. Encryption.

With this tool, a normal home PC user can also enjoy such security feature to protect any sensitive documents or text files with encryption that you can configure on your own password to the file. This feature even allows you to encrypt a entire folder, which to me is really cool.

Overall, although I still have yet to run most of the features, although some are of little use to me, or just because I'm not really an IT guru to know the importance of these feature. But I am already pretty impressed with the features that I had ran and applied on my own PC, although nearly all features requires me to register my product before I can enjoy the full benefit and power of this product to solve the problems I encountered on my PC, the user-friendly interface and menu draws me closer to taking out my credit card, I believe I will not have any regrets at all as well.

So would I recommend this product to any one? Sure I would, especially to those who are not an IT guru like me and don't know nuts about rectifying Windows registry files to solve some of the PC problems.

Being 45

2010-08-20T20:15:00.006+08:00

In just few more hours, I will be turning 45 this year, officially and finally.

To a huge extend, I have been wondering, am I really already 45 years old? Cause that sounded kinda old, isn't it? Although many will say that 45 is not really old and actually still quite young, but that is already passed the middle age stepping into 'Senior Citizen' in just couple of more years. More importantly, this is really mean I have already almost lived half of my life.

Not that I'm admitting old, but somehow, somewhere deep inside me, I just don't feel that I'm already 'this old' or advance in age, I still feel (or want to) young. I can't deny the fact that I do encounter signs and physical limitations that tells me 'Come on mate, you are already not as strong nor energetic as you used to be'. I didn't want to be in a stage of denial as well. I am going to be 45 years old in just couple more hours.

But what make me feel 'sad' is that how times had flown by.. I was just a 16 and half years old teen when I first joined the RSAF on 24 Jun 1982, though I had left the service for few years since 21 Dec 1989 when my first contract with the RSAF expires, and then re-enlisted back to serve in the RSAF on 01 Jul 1994 till this very day. I have given almost 97% of my career life to the RSAF!

When I am out on the street and seen the young faces, I have this strange desire that I wish I still can be as young as them, as energetic as them, as 'worry free' as them, just do whatever they like and no need to worry about so many responsibilities and committments, change jobs or just start up a business venture. I really wish I can still be as bold and courages as these young faces.

But honestly I can't, I can't change job or do any thing 'courages' without having to consider the responsibilities and committments that is laid on my shoulders. I have a mum and daughter to take care and to feed. As much as I wanted to venture out into different career path or even business venture, I can't proceed without considering the consequence and impact on my family and the people that waiting for me to feed.

Looking back my life, my childhood days, my school days, my military days, the ups and downs, the light and the dark moments of my life, the happiness and saddness, the joy and the tear. It's really been pretty 'exciting' and 'colourful', although many of these memories still lingers but most had already faded into just vivid memories, especially my childhood days, the hardship that we had gone through growing up, many of such memories had faded away.. But they will still be a part of my life and memories.

It's just that how time has flown by, 45 years, it's not really a long time in earth or human history, but it's not that short either. What have I achieved from this 45 years, well, I can't exactly say I have achieved nothing, it's just nothing really significant by human definition or standard, nothing tangible, and probably it only values for something in the after life, which is not very much as well. Given the way that I have lived my life as a Believer (or a Questioner) and not fulfilling what was given to me to do. I certainly have a lot to answer to the Maker up there.

Oh well, the lack of my ability to articulate my thoughts out in words is putting an end to this write up, I just like to pen down that it's have been 45 years, it's really have come a long way. Time flown by mercilessly and will not stop.. If only I still can remain at 25 forever... Haha...

Happy Birthday, Bored Dad, though it's going be another lonely birthday with no special someone to celebrate with.

My Little YOG Experience

2010-08-19T20:01:00.007+08:00

Managed to get a ticket to go for one the YOG event, I took it because it's an great opportunity for me to practise some sport photography, which I have not attempted before, or simply lack the opportunity.

It was Football, Girls' Prelimnary, at Jalan Besar Stadium, 40 mins per half game. Below are my summaries for the games:

1st Game: Papua New Guinea Vs Turkey - O : 4

Turkey was the hot favourite team and they did prove to their fans and supporters that they are indeed a team to watchout for. Turkish girls basically dominated the whole game with control I believe more than 70% of the time. The ball spent most of it times on the PNG's side of turf and goal post. By half time, Turkey already scored 2 goals against PNG. One goal was uncounted by the Referree.

Photographed by Bored Dad

Second half was less exciting but once again, Turkish players controlled the ball and game most of the time, with pretty good and fancy foot work, skill, and accurate passing. The PNG girls aren't easy meat as well, they had put up a strong fight during the second half and few close opportunity to score. However, it was a scoreless second half.

4 minutes extra time was given to the second half, within 2 minutes Turkish players scored 2 more goals to seal the victory against the PNG.

2nd Game: Equatorial Guinea Vs Chile - 4 : 1

Although Chile was the favourite team by most of the fans and supporters, but unfortunately, their lack of foot skill and inaccurate passing had caused them to loose the game. Both team shared almost equal amount of control of the ball, but it was soon very clear that the Equatorial players have much better foot work and skill in controlling the ball, most of all, their passing were accurate, while the Chiliean players put up a strong fight and made the Equatorial players a run for their money.

Photographed by Bored Dad

Unfortunately, luck was somewhat was not with the Chiliean players and they had quite a few scoring opportunities but just missed it at the very last moment. The goalkeeper tends to loose her focus easily and thus gave the Equatorial attackers opportunities to hammer her goal post, and they did it mercilessly.

Player No. 9 from the Equatorial scored a hat-trick against Chile on the second half and extra time.

Conclusion:

As much as I'm not a soccer fan nor know much about soccer, I went for this sport event mainly with the intent to take photos on such sport event, which is my first. But I realised, unknowingly, I was drawn to the games as they progresses, the mood, atomsphere, the shouting and chanting from the fans and supporters had some magical effect that caused me to be drawn to the excitement as well, so much so that I had missed some good opportunities to shoot the precious moment I wish to have.

However, I must also add that the mannerism and behaviours of some of the boys among the spectators were disgusting to me, and I believed the foreign players and their staffs may feel just as disgusted, especially if they understand English, which I believe they do. These boys always shouting disgusting statements that had really caused me to feel disgusted to the core. I believe some adult spectators nearby also couldn't take it and decided to leave or change to another seats.

Here we are hosting an international event, there are those who had work very hard to project a professional image, trying to show the world that Sinapore is such a gracious society, then we have people like this that bring just do the exact opposite to destroy whatever effort and shame for the country. When the National Anthem of the foreign countries were played, many just not bothered to stand still in respect for the sovereignty of these foreign countries, many even made statement like "what kind of national anthem is this?", "Why so noisy and so long one?" etc etc..

Overall, last night experience was mixed with excitement and disgust, if there are any thing that I can find console from are the more than 1000 photos I have taken, many turn out to be not too bad. Not bad for the first sport photography.

Bosses and Subordinates

2010-08-16T21:14:00.002+08:00

Just like to leave a short note in today's blog, feeling extreme frustrated and angry but yet I have to be careful of what I say in here.

Overall, I just want to say, you being a boss did not respect us as your subordinates, you better don't expect us to treat you as our boss as well. We have lost all respect for you and we functions better without you, since you have never be there for us for all the critical moments. major events and when we needed someone to make decision for us, so why should we still respect you?

Your presence will only make us sick of working and the workplace, cause there were never any kind words uttered from your lips, you only know how to find fault and nick pick in every single bad things but always over looks the good things, you have never have the welfare of your subordinates at heart.

For all the things you had done to us, you are not suitable to be our, or anyone's boss. We can only forced to respect the rank on your shoulder, but not you as a person, or boss.

Now is that, either you move out or we move out. But chances are we will move out cause nobody wants you. That alone will speak what kind of people/boss you are.

YOG is Finally Here!

2010-08-14T11:39:00.001+08:00

Finally, the day has come that the very 1st Youth Olympic Games (YOG) has come to Singapore with grand Opening Ceremony tonight.

Honestly and personally, I am all for the YOG and agree that it's a huge honour and privillage for Singapore to host the first ever Youth Olympic Games, it's really a history in a making and I'm proud to be a part of this history, even though I'm not in any way involved in the YOG. Keke..

However, there is one particular issue that I would like to comment about this YOG, and No, it's not about the song composed by JJ Lin that 'Oh Yea Oh Yea' song, even though I think it's one of the worse song ever and I never like this song at all, but that is not what I wanted to comment about.

It's the dedicated and Give Way lane on the road that I wanted to comment about.

I'm perfectly fine for the intent behind this dedicated and Give Way lane on the road, it's really meant for the participants to have a smooth journey and will not be late or delayed for their events. I am also fine that our government want us Singaporeans to exercise our graciousness by giving ways to the YOG vehicles. If I am on the road and see these YOG vehicles, I will give way to them of course.

But then where is the graciousness of the YOG Committee itself?

Firstly, the YOG vehicles and the road sign along the expressway are not reflecting any graciousness at all. Why? On those YOG vehicles, they have the word "GIVE WAY" in front of them. Does this sound any gracious to you, or does it sound like an order? The road signs on the road are the same, just state "Give Way", insead of "Please Give Way". So does all these "GIVE WAY" signs reflect any ounce of graciousness from the Committee? It's an Order, not a request.

Secondly, to 'attract' drivers or road users to give way to the YOG vehicles, I'm fine if the YOG Committee decides to reward these road users with gifts (if you are being spotted that is). But then why carry it a fine of $130 when a road user failed to give way? Does this make it any attractive for the road users to give way? Or it just simply force the road users to give way in order to avoid a fine by the Traffic Police? Does this reflect any ounce of graciousness from the Committee again?

Because of this fine of $130 for not giving way, road users will then give way not because they wants to, but they are forced to. Does this help to promote graciousness in Singaporeans? Or is this the way to promotes graciousness? This is really only shows to the critics that our government really functions and managed it citizens with "carrots and sticks" style, and it's really certain one issue that those critics can used to further enforced their views against our government.

Honestly, the $130 fine policy will really do more harm than good, or it will not help to promote any graciousness at all.

Bagfriend Vs Boyfriend

2010-08-13T23:10:00.000+08:00

There is a news topic floating over the Internet, in particularily in Yahoo.News, about guys, the boyfriend or husband, carrying the handbag (be it branded or not) of their gf or wives. This particular topic has since stirred up quite a heated discussions over various Internet forums, generally, views are splitted evenly on both camps, some say nay while others say yea. You can read more in here.

Personally, I have carried the handbag for my partners before, so to me, it's no biggy, and I honestly don't think that when you carry your partner's handbag will make you any lesser a man. In fact, I believe it take a greater man who is secured in himself and his self-esteem to carry the handbag for your partner. It's really just one of the ways that we man can show a little affection towards our partner, a way to show our love and care for our partner. It does not means that our partner is incapable of carry their own handbag, it's just a way of us showing the gentleman side of us.

It's very much like we man would open the car door for our partner, pull the chair for them at the dinning table. How many man still does these little acts for their partner this days?

Of course, not all ladies like their man to carry their handbag as well, so if my partner don't like me to carry her handbag for her, I won't insist either. If my partner don't mind me carry the handbag for her, then I will carry it for her. So it's really also depends very much on your partner as well.

Honestly, there isn't any right or wrong in this, there isn't any should or shouldn't, if you don't mind helping out your partner by carry her handbag, then carry it. If you do think that by carrying your partner's handbag will make you a lesser man or a gay, will affect your macho ego, then don't. And if you don't, there isn't a need to condemns those who does. Then of course, if your partner decide to leave or break up with you, citing that you didn't care for her enough, there isn't any need to be confused or wonder why.

So, which are you?

Happy 45th Birthday Singapore!

2010-08-09T09:15:00.002+08:00

Happy 45th Birthday Singapore!

Today is our National Day, 45th Birthday for a tiny red dot. 45 years ago,who would have thought a tiny island without any natural resources could survived for 45 years and still going strong?

I can't help but to sing the song "There was a time where people say we won't make it..." But we did! Yes indeed, we did.

All these, it's not just the excellence effort of the government under the leadership of Minister Mentor Lee Kwan Yew and his fellow warriors, who knew no fear and worked extrememly hard to bring life to this tiny sunny island, but also the effort of the entire population, standing together, united, one heart, one mind, one voice, one strength, to work through the storms and darkest moments, to build and established Singapore of what it is today.

To all these people, those who are still alive, and those who had passes on, I salute you! All of you!

But as we celebrate our 45th National Day today, I'm sure there is at least one person I know, but I'm sure the many great mind who thinks alike, must have also this same questions in their mind, especially so when their heart and soul are towards the building of this Nation, for the people in this Country... Will we still have another 45 years to look forward to? What we, not just the leaders, the government, but also the people, do, in order for Singapore to have another 45 years to look forward to?

The mentality of the people today, are very much different from 45 years ago. Back then, people are willing to sacrifice and just do it, no question asked. Just 'chiong' as some would say it, they do not count what is the benefit for themselves, but what will be good for the Singaporeans. However, in today context, though I can't say all Singaporeans are like this, but often the modern people, people who are much more educated, much better informed, have had too much good things in life for them since their birth, will ask 'what is it for me?' before they are willing to contribute to the country and people.

As someone who share the same age as my counry, I can't exactly say I had done my part and thus it's time to leave to the next generation to take over, I believe I still can contribute to my country. Almost half a century might had been gone by, I will still continue to serve with the little strength, the little know how, until the day, either the government tells me my service is no longer required, or until the day I draw my last breath. The only thing is I have to think in what way I can continue to contribute to my country, in a country where it does appears not to take care of the older generation but rather is asking them to fend for themselves. Although this is generally a misconception, but in reality, it does appears to be that way. Our government does take care of the elderly, but in a limited manner, that's all.

Honestly, there is no right way or wrong way to govern a country, only what is best for the country to survive, what is needed for the country to prosper, to grow, to have jobs for the people. Therefore, in a great extend, we can't blame our government for governing the country in a corporate organisation manner, where it appears that all they care is about how much profit can be made, instead of spending the money to take care of the people, like many of the welfare states countries in the world today. But how many actually take a look at how deep into the red deficits of these countries are in now?

To cut the a whole long story short, Singapore, might not be the 'best country' in the world (is there one?), our government's policies may not always is pleasant to receive, but I'm still proud to be a Singaporean, my blood is a Singaporean blood.

Happy Birthday Singapore, my country, my home.

To Continue Blogging? Or Not?

2010-08-07T12:35:00.002+08:00

It's has been very long since I last post or update my blog, it's not that I don't have any thing to blog about, but somehow, I have to admit that I was kind of 'too lazy' to blog.

Not that I didn't or don't wish to blog any more, I do, honestly. But sometime, the unnecessary attention I could get after I blog about some issues, are the very thing that cause me to think twice whether should I continue to blog, or not?

Honestly, able to gain someone's, or some agencies' attention to read about my blog and is interested to invite me to participate in certain programmes, TV or Radio, is really something that I can feel proud of, cause it shows that whatever I blog about was able to gain some interest from the public media, and my opnions are worthy to be made public.

However, as a Civil Servant, my blog entries also attract the attention of the undesirable one, if you know what I mean. And it's exactly this kind of attention that I don't need nor like, and it's this kind of attention that had caused me to think twice, whether should I continue to blog, or not. Frankly, I have nothing to be afraid of actually, since I have not said anything that condemns nor overly critical, not made any false allegations or accusations against our government, my employer. I have always vowed to be a responsible, mature, constructive, objective and non-biased in my comments. So actually I have nothing to hide nor afraid, but still, apparently, someone, or some agency, still don't feel quite comfortable to what wrote, cause I had been warned to be more 'careful' to what I wrote in my blog. They didn't exactly stop me or order me to stop blogging, but just warned me to be 'more careful'.

But I think that is enough to deter me from blogging, isn't it?

Oh, did I mentioned that it was someone from security department? No.. it was my Boss... Previous Boss that is... Haha.. I know he did it out of concern and care, he also don't wish me that I will get into any trouble with the authorities, that would probably destroy my own career as a Civil Servant.

But I can't help it but to think, why can't any Civil Servant to voice their honest opinion about certain issues? Does it always means that voicing out or speaking up is a sign that we are not being supportive or will rebel against the government? Certainly no right? Does it means that a Civil Servant mus blindly follows and obey every thing the government say and we can't voice out any issues that we think things could have been done better? Why can't all these be taken as a form of feedback instead of viewing them as "insubordination" or "speaking in public media without proper authorisation".

I seriously don't know, this have been kept in my heart for so damn bloody long that the pressure is buildng up till it's wants to burst out.. That's why I decided to make this one post in my blog. In attempt t release some pressure off my chest.

However, I guess there isn't any possible or balanced answer that I can't find, or anyone can offer me. Cause for them, they also have to protect their own rice bowl... I can understand that.

So, there is no answer to this, isn't it?

But as for me, will I continue to blog? I will, for sure. The question is, can I?

Singapore Joins in World Kindness Day

2009-11-13T22:59:00.002+08:00

Well, news say that Singapore Celebrates World Kindness Day.. I won't call it a 'celebration' cause there isn't any thing to 'celebrates' about.. Other than giving out Yellow Daisies to show your appreciation of the receiver's kindness shown to you, what's there to celebrates about, right? Thus, I won't call it 'Celebrates' World Kindness Day, but rather, Singapore is doing it part by joining together with the rest of the countries in the world to show a little appreciation to kindness.

Read here for more news.

However, interestingly (if there is such a word), Singapore really a society that appreciate kindness? Or is Singapore really a society that don't take nor appreciate kindness? Well, I won't say all Singaporeans are like this, and I'm sure that among the many heartlander folks, there can and have many little untold stories on how kindness had and were shown to others, but among the many competitive sectors and industries or job or environments, does our fellow Singaporeans really being unkind towards many? Here is one interesting articles from BlogTV.SG I came across that started me thinking and wanting to pen this down here in my own blog.

While I can agree with the writer, Valentine, that in many part of the Singapore, there are competition and unfortunately, many Singaporeans are raised in such competitiveness culture or mentality, but I wouldn't say this applies across the broad to all Singaporeans. While many can site many negative examples on just how selfish and self-centered Singaporeans are and can be, I too, had encountered many such bad experiences and I also can quote you many such negative examples as well, but then again, I also can site many examples that are positive and good that shows that there are still many Singaporeans that can be kind and will do the act of kindness towards other fellow Singaporeans, or even foreigners.

To me, being kind to other, it's not just about being a value that one carries within him/herself, but it's also a nature that can be nurtured. The crux of the matter should be, appreciating and being thankful to those who had shown kindness to you. It won't harm a thing nor cause you to loose a hair by saying "Thank you", and please for goodness sake, don't ever think that the other party must show you some kindness, or give up a seat for you, or to help you with the heavy stuffs, or just to press the lift door open button when you are entering the lift, they are not oblige to, in certain sense, but when they do, please be courteous enough to say "Thank You".

Even within the corporate world, or even in a state department, or military organisation, while it is within the Superior's jurisdiction or authority to 'tell' (or order or instruct) your subordinates to do certain works for you, but I do believe that your subordinates will be more willing to help and put in more effort to do a better job for you when you, as superior or boss or commander can lower your pride a little by saying the magical word "please" instead of giving the kind of tone that says "I tell you to do it, you jolly well do it, I don't care how you do it, just do it!" and it certainly won't help at all if the superior say thing like "Don't tell me the problem, give me solution!". Then when the job get done, please.. it won't harm a thing nor cost you a cent to say the word "Thank You". In fact, by saying all these magical words, one can actually cause the subordinates to work even harder or putting in more effort to do an excellence job for you. Most of all, don't ever put down the effort or say things that demeans the effort that your subordinates had put in even if it's a job not well done. Even grown up adult, not just little children, needs a little appreciation to be motivated and encouraged.

An act of kindness, it's not always on the big thing that matter, but it is always the little things in life that we often taken for granted that matters to many, little words or 'remarks' that we at time easily let loose from our lips that can make a difference in somebody life. I guess this can also applies to relationship for couples and marriages as well.

Be Kind to one another, start from something small. Be thankful when someone show you kindness.

End of Coffee Talk.

SingTel and StarHub's Fight Turn Ugly

2009-11-12T22:51:00.001+08:00

Two major Telcos had fought over the broadcast of Soccer or Sport Channels to the viewers and it had turn to kind of ugly. Read here and here for more details.

Apparently, one accused another saying it's "3 years too late" and another claimed it had no relevant at all.. And one had claimed they have not received any official proposal while another claimed it had submitted the proposal to joint broadcast the channel, so then the viewers need not to have an additional set up box just to view the sport programs aired by SingTel, who had won the bid to carry the English Premier League for three seasons, starting next year, on its SingTel mio TV after outbidding rival StarHub.

I'm a SingNet user and also a Starhub Cable subscriber, so I do know what these two telco giants are fighting over about, and honestly, I don't really give a hood to what and why they are fighting over, as long as I get can watch the programs without much hurdles or troubles. But I have to set up too many set-up boxes in order to watch the programs, putting additional loading on the electricity loading on the power sockets and consumption of electricity, and have to pay a premium price to watch it (like what Starhub did and that's why I didn't bother to watch any of the EPL or sport programs cause it just too damn expensive to watch!), then I can and will tell SingTel or SingNet to forget about having me as one of the subscriber for these sport channels.

I do watch sports and soccer matches, but I am not such 'serious' or dedicated fan that I will pay so much out of my pocket just to watch the channels. I can live my life without watching the matches and can certainly can updated through other means or media.

So the two of the Telco giants can go fight over what they want, just be gentleman and open about the whole saga, it's no point accusing the other party of this and that. It does not speak well of you as a corporate giant, most of all, please do spare a thought for the pockets of the subscribers.

End of Coffee Talk.

Kung Fu Panda Coming To Singapore!

2009-11-11T22:17:00.003+08:00

Have not being blogging recently, not so much that I'm busy (a little I guess) but mainly also there is nothing much to really Coffee Talk about. While there are many things happened around us alright, but I guess I don't have to make every things or news a Coffee Talk in my blog, right? Keke...

But then now, here is one topic of Coffee Talk that I can write about, A pair of China national symbol and endangered animal is coming to Singapore Zoo. Yup, it's the cute and adorable but extremely endangered animal, Panda, is coming to Singapore Zoo for 10 years. Well, apparently, it's not the first time Pandas ever came to Singapore, back in 1990 a pair of them were here for 100 days before. Read here for more details.

Honestly, I have conflicting thinking and feeling about this. I mean I would love to have the opportunity to come up close and personal with the Panda, this also gives me an rare opportunity to capture some photos of the Panda.. Especially so after watching the series of documentaries by Discovery Channel recently on Pandas programme in China, some of the scene showed just how cute and adorable these endangered animal really are, like when they are asleep or playing.. I told myself, if only I can have a chance of coming up close and personal with these Pandas, I would sure love to capture some of these cute moments and faces by these lovely Pandas. Now that they are coming here to Singapore Zoo, then I don't have to travel all the way to China and hope to catch a glimpse of these Pandas somehow through some sort of 'guan xi' with the local China authority.. Haha..

However, the conflicting part is that, Pandas are not tropical animal, Singapore's weather and climate will be too hot and humid for them, it's really not an suitable environment for them to roam freely in the open. Not forgetting about their unique and specific diet, they eat nothing else but bamboo leaves, and they can eat up 20kg a day. While Singapore Zoo claimed that they will build a special and control climate indoor 'house' for these Pandas and set a side a piece of land to plant those bamboos, but wouldn't these mean that the Pandas can't roam freely in the open but in the enclosed artificial environment? Will these really be a healthy and friendly for these Pandas? The video clip the news had shown about the Pandas were here back in 1990, the environment is pathetically small and cramp for the Pandas.. Back in China's preservation programme and center, at least, these Pandas can roam freely in an open environment, not to mention it's much bigger place as well. Thus, I would feel that when the pair of Pandas arrives here in Singapore, they would feel uncomfortable and like being 'imprisoned' in an enclosed environment.

Singapore Zoo is going to put in fund to build all these facilities to house and keep the Pandas, not forgetting that they even have a very ambitious programme that they hope they can contribute in the research or successfully to breed Pandas here in Singapore... While it's admirable and noble intent but somehow I just feel that why do Singapore just have to poke their nose into something and want to obtain a 'name' or 'title' for them? Furthermore, I'm sure Singapore Zoo is not about to let the visitors to view the Pandas at a 'reasonable' price, as it is right now, the entrance fee to Singapore Zoo is already pretty expensive, with the addition of these Panda and the new River Safari, I can almost be very certain that the entrance fee is not likely to be similar nor lower than the Zoo itself.

Thus, overall, while I do very much welcome and really wish to visit these Pandas when they finally can be shown in the public in 2012 and capture few nice photos of them (just hope the Zoo don't stop people from taking photos of these Pandas!), but I'm also very much concern they well being and the suitability of living in Singapore.

But still, I would think and it's much better to make a trip to China one of these day to capture the photos of these lovely and cute Pandas in a more open and natural environment then in the enclosed and artificial controlled enclosure.

End of Coffee Talk.

Miss Boomz Did It Again!

2009-10-29T20:43:00.003+08:00

Was reading the Newpaper this morning at work in the office, found this 'interesting' and yet utterly disappointing news. The former Miss Singapore World, Miss Ris Low, now infamously known as 'Miss Boomz', has done it again. Just when I thought she might had learnt her lesson from the recent saga and would lay low profile for the moment, but really didn't expect she has done it again so soon.. It does appears to me that she is in serious lack of attention and thus always wants to do things to attract attention, but then for all the wrong things...

During a web talk interview, she claimed to be the 'Spokenperson' for the Speak Good English Movement, however, National Library Board (NLB) was quick to disassociate and verify that she was not and have never been appointed as the an ambassador or official spokesperson for the Speak Good English Movement! Read here for more info or read today Newpaper for detailed info.

I seriously wonder what is wrong with her? Has she forgotten to take her medicine or what? Yet again here is another situation where she is caught lying again! This will discredit all her claims about she never had any intention to cheat during her exam when a revision note was found and discovered inside her pencil case. Who would ever believe her now? Is she so serious in need of attention that she has to do such low trick to gain whatever attention she can get, totally ignore if it's for all the wrong things? Who would ever employ her even after (if) she graduates from her dipolma? And she even thinks of make a come back for the beauty pageant in 2 years time? Think Miss Boomz can totally forget about it already, think the only place she probably have a chance to continue to live her life would be at a foreign land, but then again, if she continues with such mentality and habitual lies, she just might become a laughing stock and bring a mockery to Singapore and Singaporeans.

While I do feel an urge of anger towards her, but I'm beginning to feel pity for her, for her family and for her parents.

End of Coffee Talk.

To buy or not to buy..

2009-10-28T20:43:00.006+08:00

My current car, KIA Cerato, is already 5 years old, though it's still going pretty strong, but it's the little problems here and there that gets to my nerve, like the noise from the air-con, remote door open/lock spoilt (got to use key to open/lock my car, thus, my car alarm is basically became reduntant and not activated everytime!), the metal 'breaking' sound as if like the car is going to break to pieces, etc. As much as I think it's still good to keep it, but I'm very tempted to look for another car.

With the current high COE prices, getting a brand new car is totally out of the question for me, so I guess my best alternative is getting a used car. Fortunately or unfortuntely, I manage to find one that is almost as good as new, it was only registered this year August and have only 2000km mileage! Best of all is that it's selling below the used car market price!

That's why I'm very tempted to make that call to the dealer and enquire for more info..

Honestly, the only thing that stops me from making that call and the decision to buy is really the car loan.. I'm not sure how much do I have to top up in cash if my current car is still not yet reach break even point, last I know is that if I scrap (it's not worth to sell it to dealer as used car any more) my current car, I still can get back about $20K, but will that enough to cover the current loan balance and then take up a new loan for this car? I will not be able to buy if I'm still requires to top up cash for the loan balance.

So to buy or not to buy?

End of Coffee Talk.

Usage of Public Transport Drop..

2009-10-26T21:37:00.005+08:00

Today, there is another news or announcement or report made by a minister and yet either got the information from the wrong source of feedback, or simply doesn't really want to look at the root cause of the problem.

Transport Minister Raymond Lim was speaking at the Second World Roads Conference today, and he reported that a transport survey in Singapore has shown that the public transport share has shrunk. The survey found that 59 per cent of respondents used public transport last year, down from 63 per cent in 2004. LTA said it will push through two key strategies under its Masterplan to make public transport more convenient. The strategies are to reduce the growth of vehicles on the road and double the existing rail network by 2020. Read here to find out more.

But dear Minister Sir, does this two key strategies really works? Or are these two keys the real issues of people facing on the ground? Doubling the existing rail network may sound good and logical, but the amount of time requires one to walk from one point to another point just to change train or line already deters many, it's just so time consuming and tiring. Reducing the growth of vehicles on the road, only to drive the prices of COEs and car prices to even much higher level, in the end, who are the real winner and laughing their ways to the bank here? To many, owning and driving a car is not really a matter of luxuery but a need, taking public transport for their work simply won't work. Furthermore, what is the real cause of the matter here? It's not that the public transport isn't good enough, it's not the MRT network does not cover wide enough (in fact, it's already far too many for a small island like Singapore!!), it's for the fact that the public transport cost is just way too high! Over the years, the PTC had numerous time approves and increase the fare hike of the public transport but only on a extreme rare occasion that either stop the fare hike or reduce (at a pathetic amount!). The time requires one to complete it journey by taking public transport simply is not worth the cost. People on the ground are finding it way too expensive to take public transport, thus for those who still can tighten their belt a little to own a car, they would rather to own a car that gives them the conveniences that public transport can NEVER provides.

Thus, why can't LTA and PTC simply look at the real cause of the problem and lower the fare prices for public transport so to attract more passengers? Of course, some of you top brass brainy people will always say public transport fare is not the cause of the issue, and you can always use all sort of statistic or 'survey reports' to support your claim. But hey, just how many of your people are taking public transport on the daily basis? If the government is so serious to promote the usage of public transport, then let all the high level civil servants starting from the ministers to take public transport to work and various places for meeting instead of being driven in a luxuerious car. Try doing this for couple of months and it will not be hard for you to find out what is the real cause of the problem in the public transport system.

Our public transport operators are own by profit driven companies that mainly and always cares only for the stake and the interest of their share holders, by this alone already defeat and twisted the name of 'public transport'. How can one call it a 'public transport' when it's runs by a stockexchange listed company?

Doubling the rail network? A tiny island like Singapore already have so many different lines, just how many more than will the government think it's enough?! How many more and how much deeper do we have to dig for all the underground tunnels? Can we always take for granted that Singapore is not near major earthquake zone? Do we need a major disaster on the underground tunnel than realise our ground are getting too weak and soft?

Then how about the issue that SMRT were given the rights and authority to fine passengers for having drinks and food inside the MRT, not even having sweet inside the mouth, not even feeding of babies, not even when one is feeling sick and need to take medication immediately.. Who would want to take the public transport then?

As such, I do believe I'm not the only one do sincerely hope that LTA can serious look into the real cause of the problem instead of simply taking the easy and profitable way out by reduce the number of cars on the road, making it harder for people to own cars, cause owning a car is not the cause of the problem that people are not willing to take the public transport.

End of Coffee Talk.

$1 Per Liter Petrol! Who don't Want?

2009-10-24T21:28:00.001+08:00

Ya, $1 per liter petrol, who don't want? Who would want to miss such great bargain and deal? Well, while I can't speak for others, but it's me I guess. Cause I couldn't be bothered about such promotion offer by Shell. It's not that I think it's not worth nor the promotion wasn't attractive at all, neither am I so rich that I can give this a miss. Quite the opposite really, I do think such offer is veyr much worth it (if you are pumping full tank that is) and is very attractive indeed. But the problem is not with the promotion, it's the very kiasu (scare to loose) Singaporeans that will jam up all the Shell petrol koisks that caused me decided not to go for such promotion. Afterall, I'm a Shell petrol user, so rightfully, I should go too.. But after seeing what happened during the last promotion offer by Shell, I have decided otherwise.

As early on Thursday, I had already received an SMS from Shell about this offer today, without thinking much, I deleted the sms after reading. Soon after, more smses came in from friends forwarding such promotion offer to me. I had replied some and told them that I will not be going for this promotion cause it's gonna be sure jam like hell, the kiasu Singaporean drivers, regardless whether they are the regular Shell petrol users or not, thousands will sure go queue and jam up the whole road. I had even told some of them forget about it cause to me it's not worth it to be caught in a nasty jam just for such offer.

True enough, evening news reported there are huge and massive jam all over Singapore's Shell petrol koisk stations, not just long queues, but massive jam to even the road users passing by. There were even reports at some places, minor accidents had occured due to impatient drivers who intented to cut queue!

Read here for more info.

Reading the news reports and the evening news on TV, I can't help but to give a deep sigh on the kiasuism of Singaporeans, the amount of long queue and massive jam they had caused, I do wonder how many of them are truly regular user of Shell petrol. I do think that it had simply defeated the purpose of using the environmental friendly fuel. Many other road users who happens to passby those areas also got caught into the jam.

While Shell may achieved it plan of this promotion and laughing their ways to the bank and having a bigger bonus at the end of the year, but it also had reflected just how 'cheap' and kiasu Singaporeans still are today.

End of Coffee Talk.

COE Gets Higher And Higher

2009-10-22T20:16:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, the LTA, Land Transport Authority announced the lates COE, Certificate of Entitlement, bid result and prices, and as expected, the prices for most category gone up again, mainly contributed by the reduced number of quota in this bidding exercise. Read here for more info.

For 1.6cc car and below category, the price has gone up to $18,899, up S$2,698 from the previous exercise! This means that if I were to buy a new 1.6L car, I have to first pay $18,899 for a piece of paper, so then I can own the car!! That's almost $20K! Imagine a piece of paper that worth almost $20K? And to own a car in Singapore, you will need to bid for the 'entitlement'? Think we are the one and only country in the world that have implemented such system for car owners.

Think I can keep my 5 years old car for good already, the price range of new cars now are simply beyond my affortability already. The COE prices is not about to come down any time soon as well due to the continuation of reduction of number of quota for every bidding exercise. It's just getting too damn expensive to buy a new car now. Damn!

But is it better to look for second hand car then?

End of Coffee Talk.

Miss Singapore Not a Singapore Brand?

2009-10-20T20:34:00.001+08:00

With regards to the recent Miss Boomz case, finally someone from the authority has spoken, but it's with great disappointment I must say, at least it is to me. So I seriously hope, someone is and can read about what I'm about to say here and feedback to the dear Minister.

Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang said on Tuesday that the Singapore brand is not determined by a beauty contest representative, as international opinion is shaped over time by what Singaporeans do as a country. Read here for more info.

Dear Minister, while I can agree that Singapore brand is not determined by a or any beauty contest representative, but the true fact is that these beauty contest representative does stand in front of the international audience, carrying the name of the country they representing, and thus, they do become sort of 'ambassador' of Singapore in a great way. Wouldn't then the type of the representative, the standard, the discipline, the conduct of this representative also plays a very important role that 'sell' the Singapore brand? What would the international audience think or perceive of Singapore if we have send our Miss Boomz to represent Singapore (Not that the one being appointed to represent Singapore who thinks that Merlion had gone extinct in 1965 was any better)?

Furthermore, although beauty contest are run like business and mainly depends on the sponsorship, then why is that the contestants are required to pay for 'table' for voters or judges? Shouldn't it be beauty contest be judged according to some pre-determined standard and criterias set out by the judge? So one with a deep pocket like Miss Boomz had (the largest contributor) was able to win and took all the titles and prizes away?

Another situation is that, the organiser, ERM World, had appeared to be cheating or covering up some foul plays and practises. They had claimed that they were not aware of Miss Ris Low credit card fraud case nor her probation period, until the news broke out in the newspaper, but yet, when the reporters digs deeper, it showed that the very same organiser was the very one who had attempted to appeal for Miss Ris Low for her probabtion, so then 'in case' she wins the Miss Singapore World title, she can travel overseas to represent Singapore. Isn't this very obvious that something is not right here already?

Dear Minister, what the people want is not the government to regulate the beauty contest/pageant, but to investigate, in particular this case of Miss Boomz and ERM World.

There were news about how one of the main sponsor for the Miss Singapore World, Young and Health, had demanded ERM World for an official report and had given them a certain deadline sometime last week, whatever happen to it now?

End of Coffee Talk.

Extraction of Wisdom Tooth

2009-10-19T20:08:00.001+08:00

Started last week, I have has this bad toothache on my lower right jaw, initially, the pain was still quite bearable but on last Friday, the pain got so bad that I've decided that it's really time to visit a dentist. However, I didn't want to visit the dentist on Friday itself, so then I will not 'wasted' the few days of MC on a weekend. Haha... So, just had to endure the pain over the weekend and visited the dentist today.

Firstly, the pain was caused by a wisdom tooth, one which that was already had been removed many years ago, somehow, it's strange that another wisdom tooth grew out of it, but now it has to goes too since it's causing much pain now.

Secondly, I really hate to see any dentist, not so much that I hate them, but I hated the process of having the grilling machines crinding down my teeth, the pain is really unbearable. Therefore, it really took me a long while and the pain is really that bad and forced me to come to a decision to visit the dentist again. So when exactly the last time I had visited a dentist? Just about 10 years ago!! Haha..

When I first made the appointment with my camp's Dental Center (SAF does provide free dental service to the servicemen, but not every camp have a Dental Center, thankfully, my camp have one), I was told that the earliest appointment was next Monday, which mean I had to endure the pain for another week, but somehow, they called me up and told me there was a cancellation of appointment, thus, asked me whether am I free to take the appointment. Thank God for this cancellation and naturally I took it.

But then I begin to regret my decision when the dentist begin to work on my teeth, the injection was so painful and then he started the cleaning process for my teeth, which he claimed it's a very nasty process for him since I have not visited any dentist for so long. I told the dentist that I regret coming down, not because that his skills is bad (he is really very good!) but it's the pain that I have to endure.

Overall, it took the dentist almost one hour to complete the cleaning job and then finally he extracted my wisdom tooth out. Half of my face was already numb because of the injection, worse is that lower right jaw is now swollen as well, half of my face looks like a pig! Haha..

I was then given 2 days of MC to rest at home.

Dinner was hell for me because of the pain, the after effect of the injection, the real pain now kicks in.. really spoils my mood for food, not forgetting that I have to take porridge for dinner as my mouth is so painful that I can hard open my mouth at all. Thus, I literally suck and drink up the porridge without chewing any thing at all.

It's really a very bad and painful experience for me.. I hate to endure such pain in my mouth.. Though the dentist encourages me to visit a dentist at least once a year (especially so the SAF providing free dental services), but I am not sure exactly will I visit the dentist ever again. Haha...

For now, my jaw is still pain.. though is slightly better after taken the painkiller.. Ouch!!

Daddy, you can let go now...

2009-10-08T20:30:00.004+08:00

Came across this video clip from my Facebook account, after watching it, it brought me to so much tears.. I can't help but to reflect this video to my own life and situations, I know the day will come, I will have to let my daughter go. But it will be so hard, so hard..

So I would like to share this video to my readers here and hope it will touch your heart as much as it had touched my heart. The song I believe is sang by Crystal Shawanda.

But I appear to have trouble uploading the video into the blog, so I'm sorry that I can't show you guys the video here, and the next best thing I can do is to put the link here so you guys can take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwS_Pt4ZfMQ

I have watch this video many times since, and each time, it never fail to bring me to tear, cause it cause me to imagine and think of the days I had in the past as I watch my daughter grew, and the days ahead that I will face, to let go, or not.. I know I have to.. but it will be so hard..

Below here is one poem shared by a dear friend, which have similar meaning to the video and it also brought me to tears even more:

He was so proud of his little girl...
It was her very first day of school
He walked with her to school that day
And she held his hand all the way
They walked together quiet and sad
A little girl and her loving dad
Into the school her father led
But he almost cried when she said
Daddy, Daddy please don't go
Don't leave me here all alone
I'll miss you if you go away
And I might need you, can't you stay
Little Daughter please don't cry
You'll be okay so dry your eyes
You have our memories in your heart
We're together though we're apart

He sat up front on her wedding day
And cried as his daughter walked away
Later that night he watched her dance
He sat there waiting for his chance
The band started to play their song
Father and daughter danced along
She looked at him and saw a tear
Then leaned and whispered in his ear
Daddy, Daddy I have to go
I hate to leave you all alone
I'll miss you when I go away
But if you need me then I'll stay
Little Daughter I'll be just fine
I'll love you always you are mine
I have our memories in my heart
We're together though we're apart

She came in his room and kissed his head
Then sat next to his hospital bed
He took her hand and held it tight
And wished he had the strength to fight
They sat together quiet and sad
A daughter and her dying dad
He saw the tears she tried to hide
She looked at him and then she cried
Daddy, Daddy please don't go
Don't leave me here all alone
I'll miss you when you go away
I still need you, you have to stay
Little Daughter I love you so
I want to stay but have to go
I'll always be here in your heart
We're together though we're apart

In Your Heart by Thomas S. Carver Daughter Poems

Miss Ris Low - A Sore Looser

2009-10-04T19:56:00.001+08:00

It does appears that the ex-Miss Singapore World 2009, Miss Ris Low have not learn any lesson from all the negative reports and incidents that happened recently, making her a total mockry and disgrace to Singapore. I really wonder how her parents feels about all this saga and whether do they thinks that she is right and a victim as well, or do they feels just as diagraced as the rest of the Singaporeans.

Happened to come across the news that Miss Ris Low is now accusing the runner-up winner, Miss Claire Lee, being the person who leaked out the information about her credit card fraud cases to the reporter and news media, accusing Miss Claire Lee of 'back stabbing' her, also Miss Low claimed that Miss Lee has faked her back injury. Read Here. Incidentally, the same news appears on tonight's Chinese evening newspaper, Xin Ming Ri Bao as well.

However, Miss Claire Lee has medical documents to prove her injury, and her sms in her iPhone has shown that it was the reporter who managed to digged out the 'dirty truth' about Miss Low. Miss Claire Lee has shown all these in her blog.

All these just goes to show that what a sore looser Miss Ris Low really is, and the true personality and characteristic flaws that she have. What kind of mentality that she has, don't think that she has done any thing wrong even after being found guilty by the court and sentenced her for 2 years probation period, intentionally hide the information from the organsier, ERM World (incidentally, how come the organiser of such events have a registered mailing address in HDB flat?), then making false accusation against another contestant who had incidentally stood by her and spoke up for her during the entire saga. Is Miss Low trying to gain attention and sympothy point to regain her crown? Personally, I do think that the CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau) should step in to investigation whether was there any foul play or rigging or control during the Miss Singapore World 2009 pageant, cause there never happen in history nor possible for someone to win all the titles (Miss Dazzling Eyes 2009? With such a 'mi mi' eyes?) within the competition, and a HDB unit as registered office for such event.

As of now, I do believe many Singaporeans are waiting to see how ERM World will handle and end this saga, to send the right representative to represent Singapore in December 2009, naturally, the person they have decided to choose will be subjected much scrutiny as well. And for Miss Ris Low, is best that she to just zip up and lay low profile for a long period of time, otherwise, the more she speaks or the more stunt that she try to do to regain her crown, will only to make her even more the laughing stock and a disgrace for Singapore.

End of Coffee Talk.

Changes - Con't 2

2009-10-02T20:25:00.001+08:00

Got some news today that the changes that is coming has already confirmed and fortunately or unfortunately, I was selected. The only thing that stand in way of that changes from happening is finding a suitable replacement for me. So far, the HR side is having some 'challenges' in finding that suitable candidate.

Was it because I have done such a great job that no one felt that they are capable to match? Haha... Or is it that I am actually have too many tasks to do that the potential candidates felt that they are not up to it? I seriously don't know.. But I do know that I'm definitely not indispensible, so eventually, the replacement will come.

So it's only matter of time that the changes will take effect, when it does, it will basically means that I will have much much lesser chances to take photos and may even have zero chances to take photos in NDP already. Although the changes is for a higher calling and responsibilities, but this will mean to forego what I really like to do. Of course, this doesn't mean that I dislike the higher calling and responsibilities as well, cause it also means that I can and am in a position to make some changes in the area that I have long wanted to do so, for the betterment of course.

Perhaps it's time to move on and begin to make some changes as well.. But I will surely miss my current job. Sigh...

End of Coffee Talk.

Randomness

2009-10-01T22:29:00.003+08:00

Random 1:

The second wave of tremor occured again today's morning around 9am+, I was at work thus I couldn't feel any thing (nothing felt in office anyway) until my daughter sms me and tell me that there was another wave of tremor, she said the house is shaking again. Not sure if she is really grown up a lot (sure hope so!) she sms me again later and tell me that the tremor lasted less than a minute so no need to worry for them (my mum and my daughter). Haha...

30 Sep 09 has been really a bad day around the world. Tsunami, earthquakes, typhoon, floods.. there are many part of the world/countries are affected by these natural disaster all in just one day. I can't help but start thinking, is the end really coming already? Am I really ready to meet the Lord? But there are still so many works to be done.. So many people to reach out to.. So many people still have not hear the good news of the Bible.. So Lord, if it be thy will, let it delay further! For the sake of these people that have not know You nor heard Your name!

Random 2:

Today is Children Day, naturally my daughter do not have school neither the Before/After School Care Center was open, thus, she had to stay at home accompany (or accompanied by) my mum. I had left instruction for her to do revision for her home work before I left for work and I was told by my mum that she has been really a good girl at home today. Thus, was thinking of buying her something for the Children Day, my heart sank when I check my bank account and wallet.. I don't have much left to the next pay day.. meaning I can't afford to take my daughter out for a good dinner tonight.. Sigh..

Thus, I ended up just bought few of her favourite cone ice-cream and some snack tibbits for her as a form of 'present' for my daughter's Children Day.

My daughter was good enough to finish her dinner pretty fast as well. Thus I decided to let her have the ice-cream, but at the same time, I know I have to explain to her why I can't afford to take her out for a good dinner. Not sure why, but just as I was explaining to her, a sudden rush of emotion came upon me and I started crying as I explain to her why daddy is so poor and can't afford to buy her good dinner.. I told her that no matter how, I will do my best to buy her something even if it mean I have to skip some meals to save the money for her, and all I expect from her is to be a good girl and do her best for her final year end exam. I guess she understood and probably appreciate my sacrifices cause she was crying too.. A supposed to be a happy occasion turn out in tears for both of us.. I gave her a good hug and kiss on her forehead and told her I love her...

Of course, we didn't ended up taking our ice-cream in tears but was all filled with smiles and joy for the rest of the evening.. My mum also got a share of the ice-cream. Haha...

End of Coffee Talk.

That Shaking Feeling - Earthquake's Tremor

2009-09-30T20:33:00.001+08:00

Came back home slightly later than usual, and was reading the Chinese evening newspaper around 6pm+ in my living room and suddenly I felt the floor 'moved' below my butt!

Given the similar experience last year, I immediately realise somewhere in Indonesia is experiencing earthquake again. I took a quick look at my empty fish tank that filled with water, I saw the similar scene of the water was waving pretty badly in the tank. Immediately I called out "earthquake!' to alert my mum and my daughter. Chinese New Year decorative and pictures that hang on the were whoppling and shaking pretty badly. However, unlike last year which only lasted for few brief seconds (though it was bad enough to cause me feeling sick after that!), this time round it lasted more than one minute to almost 2 minutes!

Previously, can only felt the tremor when I seated down on the floor, but this evening, I actually felt it when I stood up and went out to the corridor, the entire building was shaking!

However, to my surprise, none of my neighbour felt it as they still continue to chit chat as if nothing is happening. Till I let them know then they felt the tremor too.

Probably due to last year experience again that this time round, I didn't feel giddy after the tremor had stopped, just slight headache.

Moment later it was confirmed in the news that Indonesia had just experienced a 7.9 magnitude quake struck off Sumatra island. 7.9! That's pretty bad and close to the mega earthquake that caused very bad tsunami in 2004! Read here. Also, so happened that this morning (or was it yesterday?), Samoa had experienced 8.0 magnitude earthquake that brought in a water wall of 3 to 9 meters tall, which destroyed everything along it path, including people. The death toll is expected to rise very rapidly. Read here.

Just not too few days ago, was it not Japan also experienced some earthquake? There has been rising number of earthquakes these days... Is this one of the sign that God is showing the world that the end is nigh?

End of Coffee Talk.

Miss Singapore World 2009 Stepped Down

2009-09-29T20:38:00.004+08:00

Fortunately or unfortunately, but I'm surely glad to hear that Miss Ris Low, the (ex) Miss Singapore World 2009 has finally decided to step down. Read here.

Though it wasn't really clear why she finally has decided to step down (or quit as reported in the news), and though she claimed it was the best thing to do for Singaporeans, for the organiser, and herself, especially in view of those Singaporeans who had not being supportive of her representing Singapore after the 'fractured English' video clip was being widely circulated over the internet, plus of her so called medical condition, the bipolar disorder, which actually caused even more people to think she is not suitable to represent Singapore at all.

Unfortuantely, to me personally, I still see no sense of remorse from her of what she has done (her credit card fraud cases) and her very intention to hide these information to the organiser.

Nonetheless, wish her all the best and hope she can learn a valuable lesson out of this saga, not just about improving her English, but also about being forth coming and honest about her past. Lastly, let's continue to move on in life, given her youth, she still can have plenty of opportunity to do well in the modeling industry or beauty pageant, so long as she can be honest with her self as well.

End of Coffee Talk.

Singapore F1 GP 2009

2009-09-28T20:36:00.010+08:00

For the very first time in my life, finally have an opportunity to go down to the fast track, for photo-taking. I have never known the challenges of taking photos of fast (or should I say extremely fast?) moving objects are until last night!

Thanks to a friend, I managed to hold a 'Walk About' one day pass on Sunday, 27 Sep 09, the last day of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix 2009, at a price of course. But it's really a rare and golden opportunity for me to be exposed to taking photos of a different kind and nature that I have not been given any opportunity for.

Went down in the afternoon before 3pm in attempt to capture some of the lesser known day races as well. Managed to find some good spot for such photos, but unfortunately, being alone, I was unable to reserved those good spots when I have no choice but to leave my position to grab myself some food and drink for dinner. Thus, when I came back, I was not able to find any good spots at those turns any more as all of them were so crowded with photographers.. After much search I had little option but to settle for a stand gallery at a distance away from the fence, and these fences and the trees around had proven to be the real pain for photo-taking of these fast moving vehicles, not forgetting about those 'unautomatic' fellas who never bother about their head are blocking the photographers standing behind them. The result was that many of the shots did captured many of these undesireable heads and that really spoilts quite many of my photos.. Damn..

But fortunately, there are still some good shots, not too bad I guess for a virgin attempt to capture these extremely fast machines. Oh ya, one major lesson learn is that should never have forgotten to bring my ear plugs.. I had to resort to using tissue paper to act as 'ear plugs' in order to lessen the pain on my ears due to the extremely high pitch and loud engine roaring down and pass me..

Of course, how can I forget to mention that I finally met up with the lovely and pretty Xiaoxin. She indeed was prettier in real person than photos. Haha...

Attached here are just some of the shots I have taken, for more photos, please feel free to browse through my Flickr account.

Aston Martin Asia Cup Race

Formula BMW Pacific Race 2

2009 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix

End of Coffee Talk.

Miss Singapore World 2009 - Miss Ris Low

2009-09-27T10:12:00.003+08:00

Not only Miss Ris Low can't speak well at all, now there is even reports of her credit card fraud cases that is being revealed to the public!

Can or should she still worthy of the title? Can or should she still suitable to respresent Singapore for the international pagent later?

There are conflicting views, while many does demand that she must step down and should not be representing Singapore, there are some who are a lot more forgiving that she should be given a chance if she indeed was sorry about her action. But does she?

She said she did not feel she was doing anything wrong when she was ringing up those credit card bills during two months last year, during a press interview. Does this statement show any sense of remorse from her? I seriously doubt so. Not forgetting that she might actually hide some information about this when she participated in the Miss Singapore World pagent, wouldn't participants are supposed to declare if they have any past criminal records or offenses in their nomination form? She joined and signed up for the pagent hoping that no one will reveal such information about her cause she knew it will ruins her chances for the competition.

Honestly, it was not a criminal record that was held against her and the court only sentenced her for probation period, it's not really considered a that serious case in some extend, thus, rightfully, she should just be honest and declare it to the organiser and show them that she indeed was remorse about it. Instead of attempted to hide it and the worse thing she can do is to say 'it's nothing wrong.' That really shows that she wasn't feeling any remorse about her own actions and she can just easily brush it off by blaming her so called medical condition, bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior–from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.

Honestly, it's not a valid nor good 'excuse' in attempt to justify her flaw intention to hide such information from the organiser and public. I do believe that the public can be much more forgiving if she was upfront and forth coming about such information and says that she was indeed feeling remorse of her own action. By saying it's nothing wrong and blame on a medical condition (yet to be proven true!) only goes to show her personality and character flaws.

So do we really want to have such person who not only can't speak well, but also with every intention to lie and cheat her way through, to stand in the international pagent? While I am a forgiving person, really, I would just say, let's forgive her of her past and what she has done, everyone deserves a second chance to move on in life and improve oneself, but then given the gravity and magnitude of the international image and integrity of our nation, she should be remove of all her titles and crown. The forgiving part would be the organiser and sponsors will not take any action against her.

I do honestly think we definitely can send some one who not only have the looks (does Miss Low have that looks? Not to me, honestly! That caused me to wonder how in the world that she can won all the titles in the pagent!) but also someone who can speak well and being honest of her past (if any).

End of Coffee Talk.

Changes - Con't

2009-09-25T21:10:00.002+08:00

This continues the 'Changes' posted recently..

Went for posting interview today at the potential new unit, with my potential new Commander and boss. The interview went on well and I finally got to know what's the new job and posting is laying ahead of me.

It's basically doing something similar to what I had done in the past in my previous unit, just that it's meant for different target group of people and in much larger scale. Of course, there are other heavier responsibilities as well. Therefore, it's not something I'm unfamiliar with, in fact, I do think among the few person short-listed for the interview (I knew all of them!), I do stand a much higher chance to be selected for this new post and new job, mainly due to my past experiences in the similar field.

Then again, after the interview, I began to have conflict emotions and feeling towards this potential new posting. I guess one major issue that cause the conflicting emotional waves is the very fact that if I am being selected and accepted this new posting, it will also means that I will no longer able to go around taking photos, most of all, I will also be unable to involves in photo-taking for NDP any more.. of which my current job does provides such opportunities for me to do something that I like, that's to take photos...

Honestly, I'm not sure I will want to accept the posting or not.. Accepting it, will means that I will have to let go something that I like to do very much, but accepting it will also means and opportunities to move to higher position and doing jobs that with greater responsibilities.. But it's a job that will kill a lots of brain cells and face the computer more often, no requirement to travel around much at all. It's really a hard decision to make.. Sigh...

It's something or a question that I have to spend some time to think through thoroughly and seriously, choosing between doing something that I like or to move on to a higher ground and not something that I exactly like doing.. Sigh..

Lord, please guide me and show me your way, where you leads me, I will follow... even if it means not doing something that I like.

End of Coffee Talk.

Changes

2009-09-23T21:04:00.003+08:00

Changes, really is the only constant thing in this world, and changes happens all the time, nothing stays permanent forever.

Yes, changes just might be on it way to my life once again. Just got some 'wind' that I will be posting out of my current office, just that not sure when will this happens. Honestly, I'm not sure will I welcome this change with open arms.

I mean I do welcome changes but yet at the same time, it will also mean giving up something that I like to do very much, photography, at least in the office aspect. I do like my current job that goes around taking photos and other publicity stuffs, though I can't say the same thing for the people in my office, I can get to involves in Nation Day Parade to take photos.. Changes will mean I may not be able to involves any more, or I have to a lots of volunteer works to get involves to take photos for NDP again. Then again even if I didn't get to take photos for NDP any more, it will not stops me from taking any more photos. Haha...

Changes will also brings about uncertainties as I really not sure what is my new job all about and whether will I like the kind of job or not. The place, the people, the environment etc etc.. Of course changes also brings about challenges and learning opportunities.

Changes.. I can only leave it to the Lord and put my trust in Him and believes that He have greater plan for me. Changes, I can only say take one step at a time. Changes, I will do my best to adapt and continue to contribute to the organisation.

Changes, good or bad, it's really a thin line different of perspective.

End of coffee talk.

The Spirit is willing but the heart is weak - Update

2009-09-22T22:51:00.002+08:00

Sigh.. it's not that I didn't want to update my blog, partially, there isn't much coffee talk topics to talk about, secondly, being really busy with work until I am always exhausted at the end of the day.. So it's kinda feeling lazy to start any coffee talk..

Let's do some minor updates here, OK?

Firstly, spiritual life.. Not exactly back on fire for the Lord but then thanks and praise be to my Lord God Almighty that He still constantly and consistently be with me whenever I'm feeling down.. Speaking to me through various ways and means.. Once of the particular Sunday service, as I was standing near the main entrance serving as usher, looking at the rest of members busying around in the Church preparing for the service to start, somehow I felt so incapable and incompetence.. I means look at them! They are talented and gifted in some ways that they can do many things and help out in many aspect in the Church like being a muscians, being technical crews, being leaders etc etc.. and yet, here I am standing at the door feleing so lonely and kind of out cast as I wasn't able to serve like them.. all I can ever do was just greet people and welcome them into the service.. Suddenly I felt I am such unworthy person to serve in the house of the Lord. Quietly I pray and tell God that I'm such lowly life and incapable person that I'm not worthy to be called as a servant for God.. inside me, I just feel so low and disappointing of myself.. I told God that I'm not even worthy to be a slave for God cause at least slave is capable of doing something for the master, but I can't.. I have no talent, not gifted in music, can't do sound nor videography, can't do the website for the Church. nothing in me that can be put to good use for God..

Just as I was in my self-pity.. A still small voice spoke within me and I knew it's God even though it's nothing audible on the outside, it's a thought that flash through my mind and yet I know it's not from me.. God said: "Stop! You have a mouth that I can use!"

For that moment I was in absolute stunt.. It's something that I have never thought of.. I mean how can I... I'm just no body.. not someone particularly spiritual or on fire for God all the time.. and yet God has spoken so loudly to me... And as if it's not enough to put to a stop of my self-pity.. Not knowing what God has spoken to me about, the Guest Speak on that Sunday, Reverend Tim O’Connell, spoke on Different seasons in life, had quoted from ISA 6:5 - 8.. about the Prophet Isaiah feeling incompetence and unclean lips.. but God sent an Angel came down from Heaven and touched his lips with fire (anointing) and the Prophet is sent forth by God to speak a message to the Children of Israel. This portion of sermon really struck me very hard and it does serve as confirmation to what God has spoke to me about earlier..

So for now.. I'm seeking the Lord on His direction and prays over what He has spoken to me, and allow Him to work in my life to fulfill what He has spoken. In my heart, I just need to submit and be ready to be used by God as His mouth to speak to His people and to the people in this world.

Second update isn't as spiritual as the first one though.. It's about the Ministry of Education is setting up a Task Force (working Group) to look into improve the English Standard in our schools. I can't help but to wonder, then what kind of standard or English are they teaching in our schools all these years? As far as I can tell frlom my daughter's school home work, the standard of the English is already very high and the students are given plenty of opportunity to speak proper English and not Singlish...

I also wonder why the 'sudden' decision to set up such task force to improve the standard of the English in schools.. Is it because of the recently disgraceful videoclip of the 2009 Miss Singapore World, Miss Ris Low, that is being widely circulated over the internet? I had personally saw that video clip and I must express my utmost disgust on the standard of her English and pronounciation, not that I'm boosting but I do think I can speak better English than her! With such ultimate awkful and poor English standard, I seriously wonder how in the wolrd that she, Miss Ris Low can possibly swap all the titles in the Miss Singapore World Pagent held recently.. Those who had watch the video will know exactly what I mean.. Didn't such one-way traffic sweep of all titles arouse any suspicion at all?

MOE has decided to set up the task force after the video clip was widely circulated over the internet, I can't help but wonder again that MOE's reaction was directly relating to this incident.. Cause I seriously can't imagine how disgrace it will be for Miss Low to stand in the international aerna and speak like that!

Let's just say MOE's reaction is really because of this most unfortunate disgraced videoclip and decides to do something about it.. but then is it really that schools are at fault for such poor English standard? I think not.. Personally, I do think it's the medias, the internet, the sms, and the lack of political will to remove Singlish away from Singapore that has resulted in such disgraceful English standard. It's not the school at fault.. but the society at large. So is MOE barking up on the wrong tree? That's remain to be seen what the task force can come up with, my only concern is that it will not result in heavier work load on the students that are already experiencing super stressful and super heavy school work load.

Lastly, I do hope Miss Low can and is willing to go for some crash course to improve on her English and pronounciation before she stands on the international stage to represent Singapore.

End of coffee talk.

Daughter Test Result - Maths

2009-08-28T21:06:00.001+08:00

My daughter cried this evening when I fetch her from school.. She felt very bad for failing her Maths again, she thought she can pass and she wanted to pass very much but ended up her result is still failed. But she did score better than last term, knowing how sad she was I just tried my best to encourage and comfort her that though she has failed her Maths, but overall, she still had shown improvement compared to last term, and she only fail by few marks, this is a good sign and it show that she really has improved on her Maths test result already. So she just have to continue to try harder and revise more for the next coming final exam. Seeing her cry till like, I know she felt very bad about failing her Maths, and thus, I didn't scold her at all but to encourage her further.

End of Coffee Talk.

Taiwan's Typhoon disaster

2009-08-19T09:00:00.003+08:00

On 08 Aug 09, Typhoon Morakot hit Taiwan and has caused a series of devastating mudslides and flood that had believed to have buried many alive, destroyed villages, buildings. The worse flood and mudslides and nature disaster in 50 years. The constant news report and gruesome photos and video clips of this nature disaster is really heart wrenching to watch.

Many fund raising activities all over the world and donation of fund, food, drinks, basic necessities, temporary housing etc etc are pouring in from all over the world. Singapore government also had donation some US$250,000 (if I didn't remember wrongly about this amount) to the Taiwan government.

However, the rescue effort was somewhat delayed and many had demanded Taiwan President Mr. Ma Ying-jeou to step down from power for being negligence and slow to react to order the massive rescue effort.

With regards to what was unfolding in the news about this typhoon disaster in Taiwan, I have many issues to voice out, and to me, it clearly shows the mindset or mentality of many of the politicians and Taiwan people in general, inclusive of their media, reporters and various TV stations.

Firstly, with regards to the demand of President Ma to step down from power. Yes, I don't deny that he could have reacted much faster and sooner that he did, but can we really blame him? I do believe that he do care for his own Taiwan people and he really want to do much more and sooner than he did, but with such massive natural disaster and wide scale of destruction, can he just issue an order for massive rescue effort without first consider the safety of the rescuers themselves? What are the actual ground situations? Where are all the affected areas etc etc.. With the lack of clear situation update on what really happened, can he just simply issue order for massive rescue to start? Wouldn't it like he is sending the rescuers to their doom as well?

And that is exactly what happened on the ground, while we can say these rescuers are heroes or whatever, we heard stories like how few rescuers who just went ahead and rush into rescue regardless and don't care of the danger they are exposed themselves into, and few rescuers died while attempting to rescue the stranded villagers. While I admire their eagerness to rescue their fellow countrymen, but is it worth it to pay it with your life? Madness rush into rescue action can only cause more people to die unnecessarily.

Furthermore, it's the first such large scale of natural disaster that happened in Taiwan, surely it will take some time to proper coordinate and plan all the rescue effort, so can we really blame President Ma and demand him from stepping down? Personally, I don't think so.

Secondly, with regards to many were feared to be buried alive under 4 to 5 storey high of mud, villages buried under.. Can these be prevented? At least the people.. can they escape such tragic end? Yes I believe so.. But in the first place, these villagers weren't willing to leave and vacate from their homes and farms to safety! There were reports that the local government official has already issued warnings to them and asked them to leave and run for safety before the typhoon hit them, but these people choose to stay and ignore the warnings. Even after the disaster strike them, news reported that many villagers aren't willing to leave for safety and be rescued by the rescuers, many of them had to be dragged and forced to board the helicopters. These villagers are unwilling to leave because they feared they can't come back to their home any more! Then is it fair for those that survived this disaster to demand the government official to resign and step down and push the entire blame to the government?

Thirdly, for the very first time, risky strong objection and criticism from China, US has despatched 4 of their helicopters and transport aircrafts to join the rescue effort. Guess what some of the government official and media are complaining about? Just because US has not despatched the helicopters that the Taiwan has requested, even though it's of similiar type though not exactly the same, CH-53 Super Stallion from the US Marine, the Taiwan media and few government official were quicked to critisize and complain about this! Come one, what's the big deal of US despatching which type of helicopter to join the rescue effort? Isn't it the decision of the USA to made? Instead of focusing on the resuce effort and continue update of the ground situation, they can have time to complain about such trival matter!

Seriously, being watching some of news update through cable stations from Taiwan and Hong Kong, some of these news reports really make sick in a sense that some Taiwan media and politicans are just oppuntist and politicalised the whole matter of the natural disaster.. Instead of uniting together to combine effort to rescue.. News reporters risking their own lives to bring the 'headline news' and 'exclusive reports' instead of joining in the rescue effort..

Yes, it's heart wrenching to see what such natural disaster had destroyed and killed in Taiwan.. but it's equally disheartening and sick to see how some of these Taiwan people reacted to the situation.

Lastly, I do wonder, is there, or will Singapore government send a team of personnel from Singapore Civil Defence Force and medial team to Taiwan to help out in the rescue and recovery effort, and at the same time, can learn and pick up some valuable experience in dealing with such natural disaster as well. I think we should..

End of Coffee Talk.

NDP 09 Theme Song

2009-08-19T08:36:00.004+08:00

Here starts the series of coffee talks. First, this year NDP Theme Song, "What Do you See?" By Electrico.

Personally, I do like this year theme song, so much that I had made it my mobile phone ring tone. However, while there are many likeminded Singaporeans like this year theme song, there are others who not only dislike but went to the extend of condemning the song and criticise the EXCO for accepting this song as this year NDP theme song.

Yes, the theme song "What Do You See?" does have a little rock kind of tune but it's not exactly rock, even if it is, what's wrong with a little change of taste? What really matters is the meaning of the song, content, the message of the song, isn't it? The lyrics are meaningful, it bring across a message that Singaporeans need to look forward and move ahead despite of hardship and challenges ahead of us. Most of all, Singaporeans need to be united and use our strength and courage to overcome. The song challenges Singaporeans "What do they see of their future?", the future is shaped by what we decided to do now and not when the future comes.

One particular objection voice that came out was from the regular NDP songs writer, Dick Lee. He has openly condemned this year theme song and said such rock music is not suitable to be used for National Day. I'm not sure whether has he submitted any of his proposed songs for this year NDP or not, if yes, then could such statement the result of 'sour grape' that his songs were not selected as the theme song?

This year marks the 44th nation building of Singapore, we have come a long way to be what we are today, not just the government but everyone that lives here and do their part here. Many excellence NDP theme songs were written over the years, and many had touched the hearts of Singaporeans and moved them to tears whenever they sing these theme songs. But it's a nice change of the type of music for this year theme song, to me, it's not exactly rock, just the song have a little faster tempo than all the previous years. As we progress into the new era of nation building, I do think we can and should be able to accept some changes (not drastic) in order to move forward and ahead, we can't afford to remain where we were just because it was a popular thing. I applaud and raise both hands in the creativity and boldness of this year NDP show, it has brought about new and bold changes that really had open a flood gate for new ideas to pour in for the future NDPs. This includes the boldness of having the 'pole dancers' in the show segment, though they were termed as 'Acrobatic Gymnastic' in the media and press release by the NDP media.

Therefore, when we do cries for creativity and new ideas, new mind set, change of mindset in other aspects in Singapore, why then we can't accept the new changes that were brought about in this year NDP, especially the theme song itself?

Lastly, what do you, Singaporean see? If we continue to stay within the old frame of mind and never dare to venture into the new territories and continue to use our creativity, we just might never see any progress in our Nation.

Happy National Day, Singapore!

End of Coffee Talk.

The Return of Bored Dad

2009-08-18T10:00:00.001+08:00

Once a blogger, will always be a blogger, true?

I find it hard for me to stay away from blogging, in expressing what I wanted to talk about the many things that happening around us.. I tried to stay off any politics topics and basically went on a religious path.. but it ended up that the religious path is not meant for blogger.. or at least not for me. Thus, it wasn't a successful one.

Then I had tried to stay away from blogging, but then I realised I have so much to talk about and yet there is no place, no one for me to talk to or share my thoughts.. It's really kinda torturing feeling.

At last, I've decided to make a return to blogging but made a little change on my blog title, instead of continuing the previous "Bored Dad's Roar", now I called it "Bored Dad's Coffee Talk". Mainly is to express what I think, what I see, what I feel, to all those that happening around us, the topics can be very very wide, from the personal ranting to the sensitive topics like politics and others. But still one thing will be the same as my previous blog, that is, I'll do my best to offer and express my opinions in a responsible and mature manner, will do my best to be objective and balanced, constructive and non-condemning.

Anyway, enough said. It's time to do a little customisation to this blog.

End of Coffee Talk.