there's something about ..... 2008

I always do a last blog entry on every 31st of the year, but since I won't have time tomorrow, this year's entry will come today instead.

Just realised, it's the 4th year I have been blogging. Wow.

2007
2006
2005

Anyway, it's all about personal highlights, not national level, not global level, not universe level.

Top 10 Highlights of 2008

No.10
Caught one of the best Amercian Football game during Superbowl. link (I am a sports fan, what to do, any good game will excite me for life!)

No.9
I have turn to online streaming for my football actions and even movies. To me, it's a quantum leap considering I always have Sports Channel since the day I have cableTV. To cancel that Sports Group is like parting ways with your ex-girlfriend. U know you got to do it, and it's painful, but you just have to do it. Yes, you will miss the good times together, but without exploring what else is available, you never know if she starhub is the one for you.

No.8
My blog entry stupidity was mentioned and quoted in Sunday times. Very small section, smaller than most Obituary placing.

No.7
The escape of terrorist Mas Selamat. This was earth shattering. It's an eye opener for Singaporeans. Lots of parodies and jokes available in the net. It also casts many questions, like how come there must be 2 urinals in a cubicle? link

No.6
I crosspath with Stephanie Sun. THE Stephanie Sun. Not another Singaporean Celebrity that speaks with an American Accent and appear in MTV as Geisha and proclaim "Ohh.. I am a Fashionista.... " link

No.5
Olympics this year is the BEST. BEST Opening ceremony Ever. Lots of great sports moments. Singapore got a Silver Medal. We all know who Lee Bee Wah is. It's just great stuffs! TCS should write a story about this called "Little Beewah"

No.4
The financial crisis really hits home... hard. My income dip by 60%. So friends, if you are reading this, please pay for my meals next time.

No.3
Edison Chen's Saga let us peek into the world of Entertainment we all already knew, it also let us peek into many other things. YES... I am LAME!! Give me a nude shots of a pretty celebrity, and I will give him high ranking!!

No.2
F1 Singapore and The last race of F1 where Hamilton pip Felipe Massa in the last 10 secs to win the Championship, it was the best race ever... even surpassed the previous year where Kimi won, and any of those Michael Schumacher years. Yes.. I wanted Felipe to win, but the race itself was true classic.

No.1
The birth of my second son. Grown-man do cry.. even if this is the second time round.

RESOLUTIONS

Every year I do resolutions. But I realised this is a little stale as it's always the same, year after year. So nothing this time round.


BLOG ENTRY OF THE MONTH

This is selected by a panel of judges, namely the who and who of the blogosphere, their names are withheld for security reasons, so as to protect the intergrity of the votes. YES... you never know... there are people out there who want certain blog entry to win. It's prestigious.. u know!

Criteria also varies. Could be the number of comments. (that should be easy) Could be the quality of comments. (that should be easy) The author's favourite. The number of words. The number of pictures. The number of paragraphs.

Here goes.

Blog Entry for the month of JANUARY 2008 goes to....

there's something about leading pisa

February

edison chen

March

conspiracy

April

stupidity

May

sumiko

June

No winner

July

a Tie
genetic
and
youth of today

August

Olympics

September

guests

October

No winner

November

Tie
airline
and
punks

December
pursuit

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! MAY THE YEAR 2009 be MUCH BETTER!!!!!

there's something about ..... united nation

Last Sunday I was in one of the Jurong coffeeshops watching soccer on TV. Oh.. man... I didn't realise the UN asean headquarters is based here.

I was surrounded by China Chinese, India Indians, Blagadesh, Myanmmar, Malaysians Chinese, Malays...and I think I am the only Singaporean in that mix.

I have never being in the company of a group so diverse. It was a real interesting experience.

there's something about ..... countdown 2008

So 2008 will have 1 extra second

Meaning to say, we have to adjust our clock and watches to either delay the movement by 1 second or turn back by 1 second, so that our life will be more meaningful.

They say decisions are made in split seconds. Michael Phelps won one of his Golds by mere 1 second faster.

So you see, that is really major!! 1 second more!!

Imagine the countdown tomorrow...

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0

or 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

or 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 , 5, 4, 3, 2, ONEEEEEEEE

***********

I can already guess what would be the program at the countdown party.

You will have past Singapore Idols, past Whatever Idols singing maybe about 2 songs each.... then you have all past Singapore losers, past whatever losers singing as a group about 2 songs each.... then you have some TCS actors or actresses making their singing debuts.... and then just about the last 5 mins, you have the MC asking every "celebrity" about their best moments in 2008 and what they wish for in 2009, then about the last 2 mins, small talk to wait for the countdown to start...... then chose one of the above format and countdown.... sing Happy New Year Song... then ask the crowd to "everybody scrreeeeeaaaammmmmmm"

there's something about ..... nonya

In a show that swept Singapore by storm, according to official statistics and unofficial statistics based on the number of aunties I heard from my mum who watches the show religiously, this show failed to add me as one of the statistic.

It's not the show. I just do not watch period dramas. Or shows that are set in the early days of Singapore before independence. I just got no interest at all in such shows.

Nevermind that it has 3 of Singapore starlets in it. Nevermind that it is guaranteed that in a show like this, it will feature at least 1 raped scene, multiple attempted rapes, multiple attempted molests, perhaps some molest... topics that will guarantee box office.

Nope... no interest.

And early this week, I finally caught 1 espisode. It's that espisode where Joanna Peh was raped. Now i know why this show is a Box-office draw in Singapore. The screen writer is not interested in just writing a normal rape scene. ie, rapist rape victim. period.

They must sensationalise the scene.

It mustn't be just a simple rape scene of the maid which is the Lead Actress.

In fact, It must be a mistaken identity.

The Victim should not be another maid.

The Victim should be the Master's daughter, a goody girl next door (also a virgin, this was emphasised) who is there, not because she happens to be there, but there because she was doing a good deed trying to release the maid from captivity, not realising that a rapist is on his way to rape the maid.

Yes. A good deed. Ie, the feeling instilled into the audience must be the feeling of "DAMN SUEY", "DAMN WASTED"

In order to magnify that feeling of "DAMN SUEY", or make it "DAMN SUPER SUEY", this travesty could have been prevented if the Victim's sister who came upon the attempted rape, called for help... but NO... due to some rivalry, she decided to walk away.

In order to super magnify that feeling of "DAMN SUPER SUEY", the victim actually saw her sister witnessing her trauma, and saw her sister walking away from it.

You think that's it? NO.....

The script writer wrote the scene ending with the sister closing the window to make sure no passer-by could even know there was a crime taking place. At this point, most audience would be cursing not at that Rapist, but at the sister!!! The emphasis was not on the crime itself, it was the sibling rivalry!!

MAN.... WHAT HAVE I MISSED?!?!?!??!THIS IS DAMN GOOD SHOW MAN!!!!!

there's something about ..... flyer

In boring Singapore, an mechanical failure in a tourist attraction will be reported in the same breath as Mas Selamat's escape.

Seriously, 5 hours at the top of the flyer is not that bad. Most people pay about $1 per every minute on the Flyer, and they pay about $6 for every hour. That is good value for money.

Of course, you get to count the number of cranes in Marina Sands IR, once every 30 mins, just to be sure you get the numbers correct....

Of course, you get hungry...

BUT... you get to see the afternoon view, the sunset view and the night view. All for the same ticket price!!!

No post-christmas sale in Singapore can beat that!

And in boring Singapore, scrutiny will take place on the method of rescue.

Is there another better way to rescue people?

Perhaps a crane so tall that could reach the top of the Flyer? Then, the crane itself would also create history as the tallest crane in the World.

Parachutes? That wouldn't do. What if you land in ECP and you died of traffic accident.

Seriously, I don't see any other way.

Slow... Yes.

Safe... I would think so.

You want fast and safe? You got better luck repairing the mechanical failure.

Another interesting fact, one of the DIVER came in shorts and shirts because he didn't have time to change. From Toh Guan in Jurong to Singapore Flyer, apparently, took them 2 hours. Add another hour, they could probably reach Kuala Lumpur.

2 hours?!?!?

there's something about ..... 2010

This is not the new movie prequel to 2046.

This is the date then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong set for Singapore to be in the World Cup.

Then Singapore gave a couple of Ang Mohs PR so that they can play for the Singapore National Team.

One of them is AGU CASMIR.

On Sunday, during the Suzuki Cup, I saw Agu Casmir singing out National Anthem before the start of the match.

I felt I was watching Milli Vanilli. watch this video

******
Sometime back, I wrote about our Always-the-last-game-at-National-Stadium.
Link

I think all those people who bought expensive tickets to catch the "last game" at National Stadium, should gather together for a Class Action against MYCS, for misrepresentation. At least, they should get a refund of the ticket price.

It's a joke really.

Yes. Construction Cost balloon so much that they have to postpone the demolition. But to always bill any events as possibly the "LAST GAME"?

********

Getting Ang Mohs in our team is not a sure-win strategy to dominate asian football.

I mean, if these Ang Moh is any good, they should be playing for Nottingham Forest in Div 3 in England.

No... why play for Nottingham Forest and be ordinary footballer which nobody recognise... you might as well play for Singapore. You get fat-pay, live like a celebrity, bang girls, and be recognised by at least 1 million people and still can be so ordinary?

The vietnamese must be gloating.

I am thinking... we might as well give PRs to the whole Vietnamese team or Thailand team.

That way, perhaps, one fine day, we may just be able to play in the World Cup.

there's something about ..... stephanie sun

I officially declared 18 December is Stephanie Sun day for me.

Not because today is her birthday....

Not because she won some prestigious music award....

But because I saw her today.. in real person.

I couldn't believe my eyes really. There she was, walking past me, and I didn't do anything silly.

Of course, I could have approached her, ask for an autograph but I am too old for that.

Of course, I could have approached her, ask for her number but I could probably received an injuction from Court to keep a 50 metres distant from her.

And of course, I could have just approached her and tell her I am a fan of hers and proud of her.

Seeing her today just reinforced my opinion of her.

No pretendence. No make-up. Simply dressed up. Nothing extravagance. No silly caps that cover half your face... YES... WONG LILIN.. I AM TALKING ABOUT YOU.

Just plain. Just herself.

Yes. She does appear awkward. I wouldn't blame her really. Wong Li Lin with a Singapore-made movie under her cap (pun intended), couldn't even walk outdoor without a cap covering half her face, worried that Fans (if any) would recognise her and rush up and bother her. And we are talking about Stephanie Sun. A bona fide celebrity with fans Worldwide and sold millions of albums.

And fame, comes loneliness. She is like a poor little rich girl. Or at least that is how I feel in that brief moment when we crossed path.

Well, and since today is Stephanie Day for me, it's only apt I put a MTV here.

there's something about ..... customer service

We often heard that Singaporean are nasty customers. I wouldn't disagree because to some extend, I am nasty. Nasty to customer service officers.

It's not my fault really. Or rather, yes.. I had a problem which is why I called them or speak to them. Otherwise, why is there a need to have Customer Service officers if the end result is still "no".

Or maybe Customer Service Officers are stationed wherever they are, or in call centres to tell customers "no" nicely.

But, I never take "no" as an answer. I am nasty. But I am only nasty if their response is below par.

Just like how I called Credit Card companies and tell them to waive off my subscription charges and so often they obliged.

This is a story of 3 customer service situations I encounter.

**********



Starhub.

I have been a customer of Starhub since Day 1. Not necessary the biggest fan but I am a customer.

One day, my wife exclaimed that my reward points just expired. The numbers looks big, something like 3000 over points.


You know these things, for months and months when it's there, you don't take notice, and when it expired, it alerted you.

And so my wife asked me to talk to them about reinstatement of my expired points.

And so I call 1633.

Moomooman: Hi, (my verification details) my starhub reward points just expired, could you please reinstate them for me.

Customer Service officer (CSO): No. Sorry we can't do that.

At this junction, the response from them shocks me. There wasn't any niceties, no beat-around-the-bushes, no "let me check", no "hold on a moment and let me check". Nothing.

Her response was as immediate as the end of my sentence.

Me: why can't you do that?

CSO: We can't. Once it's expired, it's expired.

Me: I dunno it was expired until I saw the bill.

CSO: It was stated in last month's bill that it will be expiring.

me: I didn't notice the last month's bill, and there wasn't even any instructions on how to redeem those points.

CSO: you have to log in into Internet with your user id and password.

Me: So you are assuming that I know how to operate internet and I am rich enough to have a computer to do that?

CSO: Or you could call in and we could redeem for you.

Me: I don't even know what's on offer.

CSO: It's in the internet.

Me: Anyway, I want to speak to the person in charge of reward points.

CSO: They would still not be able to reinstate the points for you.

Me: I still want to speak to them.

My line was transfered. This time round, a gentlemen manages me and he was polite, apologetic and promised to put up my request and get back to me the next day.

My reinstatement was approved. In fact, immediately, that gentlement redeem my points for $$ reduction off my next bill. And I realised that whatever it was reinstated was worth about $100.

************

Ikea.

Who isn't a fan of Ikea? yes... they may not necessary be durable furnitures, but their accessories rock!

And being a member called "Friends", I get to again gain points for every purchased.

Recently, I was making some big purchases on behalf of my client, (That comes as part of my job description) but I forgot to bring along my card to gain points.

And I thought, well, just have to come back on another trip then.

On my next trip, I went over to the "friends" counter. I brought along my receipt and my card, and I asked them to top-up my points.

Yes. I sounded like it was so natural. So logical. So possible.

Until, the CSO told me that this can't be done. She explained that points can only be given at the cashiers at POINT of purchase. And that they do not have the equipment to do that.

I knew it was pointless to argue. And So I decided to go to the cashier instead.

At the cashier, the cashier told me that she can't do that because she can only add points if the purchase is made on that day. She can't "backdate".

Not giving up, I decided to go to the customer service counters. There wasn't any sections that would deal with such things. I mean, how many people would even bother to ask for such things? Probably me. I am a sadist. I like to torture CSO.

I didn't know which counter to go, until I saw a CSO walking past me. She is probably the manager so I shall call her CSM.

I stopped her and told her my full story. She repeated that this was not possible.... UNTIL I gave that "ARE U KIDDING ME" look... and she immediately told me that they could top up for me only for "THIS TIME ROUND". And she told me to go to the "friends" counter.

I told this CSM that the other CSO at "friends" counter told me that this could not be done, and this CSM told me that she will call her to approve it.

And I remain a fan of Ikea.

**********

This is customer service of a different type.

This HK cafe situated along Siglap Road was a totally different customer service experience. I really have to compliment the chinese waitress with her product knowledge.

In times like this, it's always good to know that there are people there who bother to know their products to give their customers a good all-round experience.

Me: 小姐，请给我一碟 “猪肠粉”(chee chiong fun)

waitress: 先生，对不起，我们只有肠粉，不是猪的。

Told you, it was a good all-round experience. It was amusing.

there's something about ..... windsor

Everyone in their lives will occasionally be a victim of cheats, con jobs, misrepresentation etc.

It's only the magnitude of it. Some big con jobs, some small con jobs. Again, the size of the magnitude is also relative. Big to some, small to others.

Last night, my family was a victim of "misrepresentation" according to my parents, "con jobs" according to me.

2 weeks back, on our National TV channel 8, my parents came upon a "food variety" program introducing good eatouts in Singapore.

That program was introducing a Teochew Buffet Restaurant in Windsor Hotel at Macpherson at only $11 per person.

Naturally, it must be good because right immediately my parents wanted to make reservation for last night.

When my mum told me about it, I was like:

"huh? Teochew Crusine can have buffer one meh? "

When my mum told me about Windsor Hotel, I was like:

"Huh? That place can have good restaurant one meh?"

When my mum retorted that the value is phenonmenon, I was like:

"Can have good buffet at $11 meh?"

When my mum angrily told me it's highly recommended by CHANNEL 8, TCS, I was like:

"ok lor"


And so we went.

The restaurant was smart enough to take money first at entrance, or we would have walked out immediately after seeing what is on offer.

I mean... if you are aware about TEOCHEW crusine, it's nothing but TAO POK, TAO KUA, VEG, FISH CAKES, STEAM FISH, PORRIAGE... u know, those cheap cheap things that is cooked bland.

I mean even if you hired the best chef from Hong Kong, a Tau Pok will not become a abalon. It's still a Tau Pok! Worse, I don't think they hire the best chef in Hong Kong, I think they hire the "best" chef in Macpherson.

Buffet? How many rounds of Porriage and Tau Pok can you eat??? I counted... 3 rounds. Not because you are full, but the fatique of seeing another round of tau pok is enough to make you bored.

I forgot to take another picture of their "orange juice". Interestingly, they put up a little sign on top of the dispenser calling it "cordial juice". They were really friendly with the water. I think it was 1 part orange juice, 5 parts water.

There was this empty tray that lies empty for almost the whole duration of our dinner. Naturally we were curious. Perhaps, this tray of food will make a huge difference to our dining experience. There is a sign that says every diner is limited to 4 pieces per queue. But we couldn't wait and wanted to go back.

Finally, that tray of food arrived. Immediately a long queue started forming. One waitress was there rationing the delicacy to all diners.


My family was about to leave but stayed on to see what the hype was all about. For Singaporean to queue up for food, it must be a delicacy or expensive.

My wife commented that perhaps it's Lobster. But lobster not very Teochew leh, I thought.

My mum felt perhaps it's some expensive steam fish.

And so we decided to check it out on our way out.

WOW!!!!

DAMN IT!!! WE SHOULD HAVE STAYED!!!

WHAT FABULOUS FOOD!!!

It's braised duck.

there's something about ..... doing

You know in Facebook, you have this "WHAT ARE U DOING RIGHT NOW?"

NOBODY... and I repeat NOBODY admit they are actually doing this:

ABC is looking at some of his friend's friend's photographs and drool.

ABC is looking at his friend's recent photographs

ABC is looking at his friend's photographs and thinking why the photo so ugly

ABC is looking at his friend's photographs and thinking why the boyfriend so ugly

ABC is looking at his friend's photographs and drool at that sexy top she is wearing

ABC is trying to look at his friend's friends photographs but cannot access and very tempted to add friend

I call this Voyeuring.

there's something about ..... starr

So they won the Amazing Race.

But they look so good together, they look like a boyfriend-girlfriend, rather than brother-sister.

I have never heard so many "I love you" from other couples in the show, than portrayed by both of them. They exchanged "I love you" everytime they won each leg of the race, they in the cab, the brother flying down a flying-fox. In fact, Starr told nick that "you are my best friend and I love you" at the finishing line.

They hugged each other, chested hugs. Meaning, her whole chest pressed again him so tight. Ok..ok... so Hugs are supposed to be like that.... BUT... there is a difference between a sibling hug and a couple hug, and THAT to me looks like a couple hug.

They wear "lovers" clothes. They always wear the similar themes outfit all the time. You do that when you are twins or lovers.

And their arms are always around each other.

What's wrong if both siblings love each other? Do we as parents always tell out kids to love each other?

I dunno man. Perhaps I am asian and thus a more conservative thinking, but any angle I look at Nick and Starr, incest came to my mind. I simply can't shake it off.

Someone Help me Please!!!

there's something about ..... streaming

It's tough to contain my happiness.

I felt I hit gold. But again, I felt I hit gold when I beat the young punk!

DVD quality movies, stream to your notebook, output to LCD TV, felt like watching a real DVD movie..... FREE. FREE!!! FREE!!!!!!!

What Mio TV?

What Paid Video ON Demand from Starhub?!?!

What youtube?

3 Cheers to China!

HOORAY to China!!!

Without China... our cost of living would go up.

With China..... No subscriptions. No DVD Rentals. No need to pay. Just good DVD quality movies, legally stream to you.

Ok... so they may not have the latest titles.

But we are not talking about movies in the 80s, 90s either. The latest movie I saw was Drillbit Taylor. I believe this is a 2008 movie.

RedCliff part 1 is also in there.

Plus a list of older top movies all in the last few years.

Plus a longer list of B grade movies where you wouldn't spend money either watching it at the cinemas or renting it from video stores. But they are still your watchable movies. At zero costs, any movies are watchable!!!

The convenience of it is that I can watch it anytime I want, stop and continue the next day. Watch 1 quarter of it and decided you don't like it? Just don't watch lor.... you wouldn't feel the pinch since IT'S FREE!!!!!!!!!

3 cheers to CHINA!!!!

CHINA!!! CHINA!!! CHINA!!!!

there's something about ..... trivial pursuit

We are really living in a very turbulent time....

We are entering in the a global economy crisis, jobs will be lost, bankruptsy will increase, houses might be foreclosed, retrenchment will increase....

If that is not giving you a headache, you got to read about Bangkok's political crisis. Airport is closed, tourists are stranded. Protesters fighting with police.. Army trying to do another coup perhaps.

Then, there is another heartache in the form of Terrorists attack at Mumbai, where a Singaporean was killed. This took place in a City, which in my opinion, is too close for comfort.

Then, there is a group of Singaporeans that thinks that tissue paper is a menace to the lunch crowd society, and they put up lots of resistance to fight against the right way to use tissue paper.

Then, there is a good-looking mid-30s chap trying to outdo one primary school boy half his height in a xbox game.... in a public place.... on a demo....

Not to be outdone, 2 groups of Singaporeans in Facebook are trying to argue whether pork should be allowed in an International Sandwich joints. Yes.. we are talking about bacon bits.



We are really living in a turbulent era.

there's something about ..... hero

Played Guitar Hero in xbox 360 on Sunday at Coolcat's house with Bryan.

The gadgets namely the drum set and the guitar set is impressive. So professionally designed and constructed.

Had a good time playing. At least no young punk tried to embarass me.

Came across this video "bike Hero". It's a parody of sort for Guitar Hero.

Bike Hero @ Yahoo! Video

there's something about ..... facebook

My wife last night asked me about facebook. She heard about it, but wasn't too sure what it does. Yes.. she is not exactly very up-to-date about such things.

So I told her that facebook is a website that lets people "show off" their lives. Putting up their photographs "to share" but really it's about showing off their perceived coolness to their friends.

And also to tell their network of friends what they were doing in their normal time, assuming their network of friends really want to know what they were doing in their normal time.

And to play some silly poking games that is nothing but alerting your friends to look into your photographs and looking at what you are doing in your normal time.

And a mini competition on who has the most friends... so you added more strangers as friends to boost your ego.

narcissism

And she replied.... "orhh.. like blogging? but no words lah."

She asked "Do you have a facebook?"

.... "yeah".....

there's something about ..... allan

I got a new name.

Given to me by a Maid Agency.

One day the maid agent called me up and starting rambling off "Allan... your maid.........."

As I didn't store his number in my mobile phone as yet, I thought it was a wrong number initially until I heard the whole sentence.

By then, it was too late for me to correct him and I continue with the conversation.

So since then, I am known as Allan. I wasn't too sure whether he named me as Alan or Allan, but if I am to be on the wrong identity, might as well take the longer name.

And so, whenever I called him or emailed him, I have to identify myself as Allan.

I am so easy-going.

there's something about ..... young punks

Last weekend, I was at Plaza Singapura to do some shopping.

While my family members went on with their shopping, I decided to "hang out" at Best Denki to play XBOX 360.

The game on demo was "fifa street 3".

I have some experience playing Fifa street from the 1st version during the black xbox days. So it wasn't too difficult for me to start playing even though I wasn't too fluid about it.

Just when I was playing, one young punk asked to join in. He is probably about half my height, one third of my age, 1/10th of my penis size.

Immediately I could tell that he plays this very regularly (perhaps at home, or he comes to Best Denki every day to play) because he immediately knew how to select his favourite players from "Brazil" while I used default players from "England". I didn't know how to select players.

When we played our 1st Game, this young punk showed his arrogant side. He probably think I was lousy when I was playing alone and he wanted to "trash" or "humiliate" me.

The worst humiliation anyone could do to you, is if the "GOALKEEPER" is to score a goal against you. This young punk has that in mind!!!

His Goalkeeper dribbles all the way, leaving his goalpost unattended, bypassing 2 of my onrushing players trying to tackle him, and when he was about to shoot, my last defender managed to tackle him and got the ball back to my possession.

"Fifa street" is not exactly a real football game. It's a fantasy game. Fantasy game comes with unrealistic moves. Unrealistic moves comes with computer bugs.

The moment I got the ball back just in front of my goalpost, I hit "shoot" and the ball flew into his goal! 1-0 to me.

This young punk couldn't accept his humiliation was on him, and he tried to do that 2 more times. The score 3-0 to me.

I won the first match handsomely.

The second match, he decided to play normal. And you know he can play very well if he is not arrogant.

He trashed me in the second game. We are even at 1-1.

The third game, all dirty moves, football knowledge came into play. It was negative football at it's best. Nobody is conceding unnecessary goals. We played rough tackles. We keep possession etc.

He scored the first goal.

And it looks to be the winning goal with about 15 secs of game time left....

I couldn't penetrate his defence.....

He was too good to "choke"....

Looks like I have to eat humble pie to a young punk....

However, a young punk will always be a young punk. They lacks maturity. They are too arrogant.

After he suffered the first self-inflicted humiliation, he decided that it's time for me to be "humiliated".

With 15 secs to go, his goalkeeper decided to dribble out and again leave his goalpost unattended.

His intention was obvious, he will play "monkey" with me with his goalie. He was not contented about just winning the game. He wants to win it in style.

With about 5 secs to go, I managed to tackle his keeper and manage to hit "shoot" just in time and I equalised!!!

1-1!!!!!!!

I let out a sarcastic "Ha ha ha". I was unhappy at his arrogant antics.

I could have made it a bigger celebration but I didn't have time as the game continues. Whoever score first in the extra time will win the match.

After I scored that equaliser, this young punk must have gotten a rude shock on his ego. I think it rattles his confidence so much, I think he was crying silently, I think he was experiencing a feeling very much equivalent to the 900 retrenchment staffs at DBS......because soon after in extra time, I SCORED MY WINNING GOAL!!!!!

2-1!!!!!

2-1!!!!!

I was worried about his mental upbringing after this defeat, but then, what the heck... and to rub salt to injury, I shouted out a "YEAH!!!"

And to rub sand into injury, I decided not to play and therefore walked away on the high!!!

And to urinate into his injury, I am going to post his picture here...

Punk!!!

there's something about ..... survival guide to Crocs sale

I sold out!

Yes. I am man of no principles.

Yes. I, now, declared a member of Phua Chu Kang Fan Club.

Yes. I survived Crocs Sales today.

If you think the Hello Kitty Craziness 8 years ago was bad, this is war.

Below is the survival guide to Crocs sale. It's till tomorrow at Expo.

1.) Depending on your tolerance level for waiting, you may go at 9am to queue up. The door open at 10am. I arrived at 9.50am and I was already queuing very near the Taxi stand. The exhibition hall is at one end, and the taxi stand is at the other end. Just to give you an idea the length of the queue.

However, once the door open, the queue move relatively fast. It takes me 20 mins to enter into the exhibition hall. Total time wait: 30mins.

2.) Do not bring bags inside. they won't allow it. Ideally, you should go with 1 more adult. That place is not exactly kid-friendly near the sales tables. You need someone to look after your kid.

3.) Sandals and ladies shoes are the hottest section. Go there first.

4.) After that, kids and men's clogs. Men Shoes are the least popular.

5.) For every section, smallest size is on the left. Biggest size is on the right.

6.) Size 7 and 8 are the hottest.

7.) Don't bother to be friendly.

8.) Pushing is sometimes necessary.

9.) Don't bother to be quiet. You will never get what you want.

10.) Shout the colour and the size, eg "RED 11" "Blue 8". The salespeople do not make eye-contact, they just take whatever they hear. And they will just hold out your order and wait for someone to take it away from their hand. So it's useful if you have long hands.... and big lungs... and loud voice.

11.) When u are done and about to pay up, you will see a very long queue forming. Not to worry, most of them are not ready to pay up as they are "chopping" the queue. "TISSUE PAPER CHOPPING" is not very useful here. Just go up to the sales staff and tell them that you are ready to pay and you will go directly to the front of the queue.

12.) I left at 11am, and there is another long queue outside that couldn't go it. So it's better to go first thing in the morning.

13.) Social Behaviour will cause you to buy things irradically. I bought 7 pairs.

there's something about ..... paper or rubber

Just came back from a location in Singapore where they hold regular warehouse sales.

In what was consider a disturbing sight for me, I witness how people chosed to spend their money during this recession in Singapore.

God's know whether this will be the worst recession ever, but when it comes to spending, Singaporeans knew their priorities.




















The picture is taken from MPH warehouse sales today in the afternoon.

Quite healthy turnout, I must say. People do know the importance of books.

Self-improvement in times like today is so important, so that you continue to enrich yourself and hopefully you could starve off retrenchment or make yourself more employable.

People also know the importance that the journey to recovery is a long way. The road to survivorship is bumpy.

Unemployment could be on the rise, going for numerous interviews could be common.

Therefore a comfortable shoes is still a necessity.

Not just your ordinary comfortable shoes, it must be RUBBER, it must be in bold colours, it must be of a international brand, nevermind it's ugly, but it must be comfortable.... and cheap.

CHEAP?

Yes. It must be cheap. Otherwise, why should thousands of people go to CROCS Sales, grabbing all colours, all designs, all sizes, so afraid of being on the losing end.

Buying just 1 pair?

Are u crazy?!?!?

The queue is about 2 hours long, and you just want to buy 1 pair??!?!Everyone I saw is buying by the truckloads. Ok... maybe not truckloads, but car-boot loads.

It's like the whole Singapore population took leave today to buy CROCS.

The price is not too bad. $20 for most rubbers. It's like alot of people who have previously baulked at paying $80 to buy a pair of rubber slipons that would make Phua Chu Kang fashionable, are there today so that they can now finally look like Phua Chu Kang.

So why am I there?

Oh... I went to the book sales lah... and I happen to just go in to CROCS lor...

Did I buy?

No...

Why?

No time to queue lah.

Anyway, Singaporeans have spoken. Rubber Slip-ons is more important than books.

picture taken of a typical load of Crocs sales today.

there's something about ..... tissue

So some graduates are trying to change a social behaviour in Singapore.

read link

I really think this is sad.

They don't realise this "tissue chopping seat" behaviour is phenonmenon.

This is "uniquely Singapore" as how our Tourism Board like to portray us.

This is one "invention" we can show the world and be proud of. We don't need A* Scholars to spent hundreds of thousands to think of another way of "chopping seats", like how US Nasa spent millions inventing a pen that could write in space, when Russian just uses pencil.

With about 1 million foreign workers/expats in Singapore, we can spread this Singaporean practice into a world-wide practice.

"..which aims to encourage Singaporeans to be more gracious through simple acts of kindness.." or "... a pack of tissues plonked down at an empty spot which practically screams 'Find another seat!' "

Why should putting a tissue be ungracious? Why should putting a tissue on empty spot scream "Find another seat"?

Why can't we be positive.

We should view this as an act of graciousness. By putting a tissue on the seat, the message we give is "Thank you for having interest on my seat. Sorry to inform you that I came just a few minutes before you and currently queuing up for my food before my misery 1 hour lunch-time is up. Please find another seats which I am sure you could. Have a nice lunch."

So gracious.

Not only that, we save people's time so that they do not have to second guess about the availability or asking those beside whether the seat is taken.

To me, this is the best "invention" of the last decade in Singapore.

Also interestingly, while they think that putting a tissue is ungracious, and they wanted to encourage kindness, their message on the card screams "rudeness" to me.

"The seat is NOT taken. IT'S YOURS" sounds rude, don't you think?

there's something about ..... airline

This is a true story. It's unbelievable. But it's true.

This Guy I know, has been working as a blue-collar worker since he left school. Recently, he became a white-collar worker because one of his relative hired him due to business expansion.

So one Sunday, he was told to pick up a caucasian from the Airport coming in from an European Airline in the morning around 8+.

Armed with only the caucasian's name and being told that the caucasian is about 2m tall, he went to the Airport to wait.

Yes. Just the name and his height. He didn't think it was necessary to bring along a A4 paper and write the caucasian's name on it. Afterall, how many in the world is 2m tall? They are not like NBA players. They are Europeans and based on footballers in the Barclay's Premier League, most are probably mostly 1.8m average, unless you are Peter Crouch. But you can easily spot a Peter Crouch at the Airport.

When the passengers started streaming out, he realised alot of Caucasians were very tall. So he immediately went to borrow a paper and wrote his name on it.

He waited for about an hour and still nobody came forward and he decided that he might have missed out on him.

He promptly drove over to the Hotel to see if this Caucasian has checked in himself.

When told that nobody checked in with that name, he promptly cancel the Hotel booking, and he decided that nothing much can be done, and so he decided to go back home.....AND SLEEP.

That's right. Very good EQ. When you couldn't do anything about any situation, just go back and sleep. Worry about it later.

About 4pm that day, after his sleep, he called my wife.

He asked my wife what he should do now. He is smart enuff not to call me. Or I would give him hell.

What should he do now?

He could:
1.) Quit his job.
2.) Continue sleeping.
3.) Watch TV
4.) Bring his kids out.
5.) call the Airline.

I thought the solution is pretty obvious. But what is obvious to me, may not necessary be obvious to everyone.

My wife then told him to call the Airline.

This guy being told of this, was not too appreciative by that obvious solution. He probably already thought of that, but didn't think it would work and called my wife, only to be given that same solution. I mean.. THERE IS ONLY 1 SOLUTION. What else could anyone do? Make a police report on missing person? The police couldn't even find Mas Selamat, with pictures!! And you think they can find a 2m tall caucasian?

He retorted saying that no Airline would bother to respond to a query like that. And even asked my wife "if you are in their shoes, would you reveal?"

After a few arguments, this guy finally realised that perhaps, there is only really just 1 solution. And so he asked my wife to surf the internet for the Airline's number. My wife couldn't do it. But really she didn't want to. And so she asked him to call 100. (I think 100 is no longer active, if I am not wrong is 77777777)

This guy probably didn't want to pay any surcharge, and he decided to try other cheaper alternatives.

He remembered he had breakfast at MACDONALD at the airport and he remember he kept the receipt.

BINGO!!!!!

YAHOO!!!!!

YEAH!!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!!

HOR SAY LIAO!!!!!!

?!??!?!?!?!?!?! Why????

How could Macdonald help him??

He found the phone number of Macdonald on the receipt and he called them!!!

No, he didn't call them to complement their nice food and good service. He called them to ask them to help find that airline phone number!!

The helpful Macdonald staff must be amused. They transfer his line to the Airport Police Post, after explaining that Macdonald only really sells burger and fries, and they do not own any airlines.

The police subsequently transfer his call to the Airline counter, after making sure that none of these are prank calls. I mean, if I am the police, and someone else connect the call from Macdonald asking for a Airline phone number, I would immediately notify CID.

And this guy was able to finally get the information he wants from the airline.

And my brother in law was proud of his achievement in getting things done.

there's something about ..... cna

Channel News Asia's coverage of US election SUCKS!!!

Ok.. so they are not CNN, they are not American, they are "Asia".

But that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to be professional.

To have pixated streaming from their US's office is pathetic. It feels like watching poor quality Youtube on TV.

I am now watching it on CNN's live streaming, and it's alot clearer.

Shame on you, CNA!!

there's something about ..... US election

Today is US election... I just realised that I have followed US election since my school days... Why? I dunno.

Anyway... this year's election is interesting. New media, parodies took central stage.

Obama spent $4m on 30 minutes Advertisement last week just before the World Series on three major TV network.



McCain?

He spent $0.

He just volunteer on SNL.





Seriously....

Had it not been the "Bush" factor, McCain would have been much closer to winning.

Anyway, while all polls shows a 10pct winning margin. I would think it's about 5pct, partly because of SNL.

Bush is a joke. And Americans voted him in for the second term.

McCain is an American Hero. That deserve something. Plus the fact that he can joke about losing in SNL.. that deserve a bit more.

My heart goes to McCain. My mind goes Obama.

there's something about ..... glock

U bloody asshole!!! U single-handedly change the result of Brazil GP!!!

Because of you, I hardly could sleep last night!!!

10 secs!! All I need is 10 secs for you to be in front of Lewis Hamilton!!! 10 secs!!! If Vettel could overtake Lewis in dry tyres, I don't see why you can't maintain your BLOODY 5th SPOT with dry tyres!!!! You were bloody leading by 18 secs entering the final lap and you can't even maintain your lead with 10 secs to go till the finishing line?!?!?!?!?

10 secs!!!

10 Secs and MASSA will win the championship!!!

I will not buy a TOYOTA in future!!

*****************

A friend reminded me.

Last year Massa purposely let Kimi passed and Kimi was able to win the championship beating Hamilton by 1 point.

For that act, Massa is paying off his bad karma.

I suspect my friend is a Hamilton fan.

*****************

Just read that Lewis Hamilton has a middle name. It's Lewis Carl Hamilton.

Apparently, he was named after Carl Lewis.

In a twist of fate, he might almost be named Johnson Hamilton, after Ben Johnson.

there's something about ..... musical

Caught High School Musical 2 on Sunday on Channel 5. Or rather I caught a few glimse of it.

Seriously Speaking, the popularity of it baffles me. Or have I lost touch with the new generation? Have I become an Uncle?

I seriously do not see why they are so popular. They have characters that look more Gay than Elton John. They have songs that are neither catchy or nice. I dunno much about their storylines, but I don't think you need a solid storyline to carry off a movie about teenagers singing horible songs.

Haven't these teenagers heard of Grease?!?!?

there's something about ..... index

I think there is a strong correlation between STI/DOW index as well as my number of posts this month.

I hit new lowest in the number of posts this month, just like the new lows in STI and DOW.

there's something about ..... snl

there's something about ..... bye bye sportschannel

Just cancel my sports group.

Thanks to anthony. He told me RTM 1 got free F1, so I cancel my sports group the next day.

As for soccer, thanks to free streaming on the net, I have also stopped watching Barclay Premier League on TV.

Adios.... Sports Channel!!

there's something about ..... sgp economics

This is more for my reference.

Cost to stage SGP= $150m

Cost of Pit building = $40m to be amortised over 5 years. so Annual cost is $8m

So cost to stay SGP = $118m annually.

Singtel sponsorship= $10m approximately p.a

50,000 tourists spent $2000 not including shopping and tickets = $100m
50,000 tourists spent approximately $1000 on shopping = $50m

RBS, DHL, Noble Grp Banner on track = reckon total sponsor to be $10m to $15m.

Drinks of $3 for mineral water, $8 for coke, $10 for beer, assuming 100,000 spectators to spend averagely $6 = $600k per night. x 3 nights = $1.8m, this tendered out to Raffles Hotel, assuming $1m.

100,000 spectators. Reckon average ticket cost to be $1000 = $100m

Direct revenue = $100m+1m+10m+10m = $121m
Indirect government revenue = $100m x 0.8 = 80m of hotel charges x 0.3 of hotel tax = 24m
GST on shopping = $50m x 0.07 = $3.5m

SGP is joint venture between Government and HPL 60% to 40%

Total cost to Government = $90m
Direct revenue = $121 x 0.6 = $73m
Indirect revenue = 24 + 3.5 = $28
Total revenue = $101m
Free advert to 500m worldwide audience = free.

Total cost to HPL = 60m
Direct revenue = $121 x 0.4 = 48.4m
Not possible. Assumption of revenue splitting inaccurate.

Total revenue = $121 + 27.5 = $148.5m
Total cost = $118m
Profits = 30m

Following not adjusted for:

Merchandise sales revenue
Service staff cost in Paddock club
Food and wine costs at Paddock club
Electricity costs
Land costs for Pit building.

there's something about ..... post-SGP

My wife asked me why am I more excited about F1 than the birth of my son...

I strongly denied that allegation.

I told her that I didn't even pay to watch F1 but I paid thousands to watch her delivered.

there's something about ..... Singapore GP

1.) 100,000 spectators demographics as follows:
a.) 40,000 tourists
b.) 10,000 fans
c.) 50,000 curious spectators

2.) Only in Singapore, police are deployed, not to ensure safety, but to ensure no ones can watch SGP for free, as evident at the link bridge between Suntec City and Marina Square.

3.) They have done everything right, except removing the "curbs" at turn 7, aka "little tortise" by Felipe Massa.

4.) We are so unique that our PM, wore a formal black suit, to give out the trophy. Whatever happen to our national dress.

5.) Our race track come with so many lines etc: continuous white lines, yellow bus lanes, permanant bus lanes, broker white lines, zig zag line, double zig zag lines, arrows. Some drivers were reportedly nauseaus.

6.) Because of the lamps, they conveniently built "barricades" up to the lamps, it seems like we were racing inside a cage.

7.) This race is also unique that we saw someone started at grid 14 winning the race, and someone started at grid 1 coming in last.

8.) Rain was expected during the race week, but came 1 day after Race Day.

there's something about ..... F1 (podium)

They hate each other. They were team-mates at Mclaren last year but the in-fighting were so bad that Alonso has to leave Mclaren. You think Hamilton is an angel? His trash-talking is as good as any NBA players.

So what did Hamilton say to Alonso at the podium:

1) Haha... your first podium this year?
2.) Your hair is still as ugly.
3.) You want to join me in Mclaren, I need a strong backup.
4.) I watched Wall.e, I though you were the voice-over.
5.) Can you pass the message to Nico (second place), that I will meet him at Zouk after this.

there's something about ..... F1 (sunday)

So you were there at the circuit.... so you pay couple of hundreds for it..... so you got to hear the roar of F1..... so you were part of History.....

But did you manage to see this piece of history being made:







I did. I saw it on TV!

there's something about ..... F1 (saturday)

Decided to watch yesterday's F1 on both Sportscenter and Channel 5, just to see what's the difference.



Qualifying starts at 10pm. Try telling that to Channel 5. They think having Tay Ping Hui and a guest telling us what is F1 is more important than showing qualifying. And what did they talk about?

They talk about the 1500 lamps along the circuit, and including interview of the lights expert.

Ok.. so it's only about 5 minutes. But it's QUALIFYING that we are talking about, not practice sessions.

Sportscenter did the reverse. They start the program 5 minutes before 10pm to give us updates at the Pit.

However, Channel 5 got a slight edge.

Local channels are beamed about 1-2 secs earlier than cable channels.

So footages on Channel 5 is 1-2 sec earlier.

So if there is a very close race where the difference is 1-2 sec, channel 5 will show the winner first.

Also, I think channel 5 commentators could be on site. The F1 Roar seems alot louder. That adds to the viewing experience.

***********

My bloody friend sent me another sms, "call me if you want to hear the F1 sound again"

Coolcat sent me a sms, "you want to hear the F1 sound again?"

Life is so unfair.

***********

there's something about ..... F1 (friday)

Caught the F1 on TV last night.

Realised the biggest winner in Branding exposure is none of those "Singtel", "DHL", or "RBS" or others.

It's "ESPIRIT". That clothing line. Their brand was already prominently displayed on the link bridge between Marina Square and Suntec City all these years. So they have free mileage to reported 500millions worldwide audience, and they don't even have to pay a fee.



********************

Good thing I didn't cancel my sports group. I had wanted to wait till Singapore GP is over first, before cancelling.

Good thing! Channel 5 commentators SUCKS!!! I thought they will carry the same footage as in ESPN Starsports, but Channel 5 has their own. While they speak well and carry that Ang Mo accent, it just not polished. Plus they kept saying "Welcome to Channel 5".

I am sticking to Starsports this weekend. They have more footage with reporters at the Pitlanes. interviews etc.

********************

Jarno Trulli was fined S$20,000 and reprimanded for driving the wrong way on the track. I can almost hear him appealing to the officials "I was just following the arrows..."

Someone forgot to tell him SGP is anti-clockwise, or perhaps Jarno Trulli do not know which is anti-clockwise. Well, he knows now.

********************

Somehow I still like day races. I dunno why.

********************

My bloody friend who called me (I didn't know he bought a ticket but he knew I was a fan), and let me hear that roar of F1 Cars zooming past, through the handphone...

He didn't even talk.

F#^% You!

******************

So my initial prediction of Kimi earning pole seems way off.

Will know by tonight.

I like the inscription on his helmet "Cool under pressure and chillingly unemotional"

*************************
Traffic Police to ensure no F1 cars can be parked along zig-zag lines and drive along bus-lanes.

there's something about ..... F1

I am so F$@% excited about F1 this weekend.

I wanted to go see Hamilton at Ngee Ann City, I wanted to go see Raikonnen at Paragon, I wanted to take pictures with all the "imitations" cars at almost all shopping malls, I wanted to volunteer for F1, I wanted to buy a ticket to watch F1, I wanted to buy the F1 shirts on sale at Takashimaya, I wanted to buy that limited Tag watch...... I did none of the above.

I decided that watching on TV will allow me to follow the race. If you are at the track, you will only see the cars driving past you in that 2 secs 61 times, and you wouldn't know what happen for the rest of the race.

I have been a fan of F1 since the start of Malaysia GP, maybe about 8 years back. Back then, there was a lot of buzz in Singapore as well as finally, F1 is so accessible to Singaporean. I remember then, Mika Haikkenon was the F1 Champion, Mclaren was the Constructor's champion. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari were bridesmaid, Jean Todt was Single, Lewis Hamilton was a boy.

I became a fan of Ferrari. It was easy choice. They were second-best and they are ferrari.

I remember after Mika retired that year at a very tender age, Michael Schumacher became the king.

Michael blew away all competitions, help by his aggressive driving and he was equally potent on wet surface, just like Hamilton now.

Michael and Ferrari were so bloody good, F1 decided to make changes to the sport to curb the superiority of Ferrari. It's called "Ferrari Rules".

Ferrari still dominates until a certain Alonso came into the picture.

Michael Schumacher should have retired. Like all Legends, they have a problem knowing when to quit. Like Michael Jordan stupidly came back to play for Washinton Wizards. Michael Schemacher decided that he could still win one more against an upstart, Alonso.

He was wrong. Michael retired as a runners-up.

Alonso went on to win the next year and he became the youngest back to back World Champion, in his Renault no less.

However, Alonso did something stupid. He decided to quit the team that brought him the championship to join Maclaren, a more glamorous team.

He thought he will given the number 1 status within Maclaren. He would have been given if he didn't have a team-mate call Lewis Hamilton, a rookie.

Hamilton blew F1 away with his flair. However, dramatic in-fighting caused Mclaren dearly and they lost both the driver's title and constructor's title to Kimi Raikonnen and Ferrari... all at the very last race.... the most exciting race ever... that sees Kimi Raikonnen with outside chance of winning, VERY OUTSIDE.... he did a miracle and Won the Driver's Title.

Kimi's title was not the highlight. The highlight was the in-fighting between Alonso and Hamilton. Alonso went on to "sabotage" Maclaren and Maclaren was strip of all points.

Alonso could not stay on anymore and have to rejoin Renault.

This year saw a different race fight. It will be Hamilton vs Massa of Ferrari, with Kimi a distant 3rd.

1 point separating top 2 with hamilton leading.

So who will win Singapore GP?

I say... Kimi Raikonnen.

It's an anti-clockwise track, and Hamilton choked last year's final race because it was anti-clockwise.

It will be Kimi first. Massa, second, hamilton third.

there's something about ..... wall.e

I know it's a kiddie's movie... but to have a love theme that is probably abit too mature for a 3.5 year old, and to have a movie that is too kiddish for Adults....

There are only 2 word to describe this show...

Wall.an eh

Wall.au eh

there's something about ..... tooth IV

Just realised it has been about 2.5 years since I embarked on the journey of using bluetooth earpiece. see link

I always had bad experience with bluetooth earpiece.

I first used a Samsung Bluetooth. The fit was for people with big ears and since I have ears slightly bigger than a dwarf, I felt like I was wearing a big dangling ear ring. After few months of using, I decided to revert to wire earpiece.

Then, I bouught a HTC pda phone last year. I decided that it make sense to use bluetooth again. I was given a Motorola set.

Same story.

Refusing to give up, I decided to find bluetooth sets that doesn't comes with the earloop, perhaps something with a ear hole insert, ie, a rubber knob that fits into your ear and hang there.

I came across this local brand called Axioo, that fits the above description.

I bought it but the rubber knobs did not exactly fit into my ear snugly. And with grease, it became another dangling ear ring. I just have to turn my head, not even violently, and it fell. In fact, it fell to the ground and was damaged slightly after 1 week of using. Also the construction of the bluetooth of too fragile. I pressed the button and it gave way.

I just bought a new phone this week. I have decided to give bluetooth another try.

I have always bought bluetooth that cost nothing more than $40, and I have decided that it's time I gave the expensive bluetooth a try.

And this brings me to PLANTRONICS. Cost me like $140 for a older generation bluetooth. Newer generation that looks super sleek and top of the range performance will set me back like $190. However, given the uncertainty of the fitting, I decided to go low-range.

And oh my......

I now declare.... PLANTRONICS Bluetooth is FABULOUS!!!! FABULOUS!!!

The construction of the bluetooth is strong but light. The fit of the bluetooth is perfect. It didn't even move even when I shake my head agressively.

The clarity is excellent.

The choice of charging is extremely useful.

Plus a 2-year 1-1 exchange policy....

I didn't realise finding a bluetooth earpiece is more difficult than finding a wife.

But the important thing is, I finally found it.

there's something about ..... beer

My family went to Chinatown Hawker Centre last Friday for Dinner.


My father decided that he would like to drink some beer, so he stood up, look around for the drink stall and was about to head towards the drink stall when he saw a man in his 30s walking past our table.


My father stopped him in his steps and ordered "ABC stout".


The man look at him, part amused and part angry, told him that he don't sell drinks. In fact, this man sat near us with his family.


Of course, my father is extremely embarrassed.


But what makes my father think that man is a drink-stall hawker?


He was wearing this:

I think I will think twice about wearing any football jersey to a hawker centre next time.

there's something about ..... expression

You know you are one Ah Beng, when you don't just swear.... you swwwweeeaaaarrrrrrrrr!!!!!

My brother-in-law was telling his sob story about how his favourite pet fish's eye was caught in the motor filters in the tank and as a result become one-eye-fish.

To show us how much he love his pet fish and how heartpain he is about the lost of the fish's eye....he exclaimed:

"......WAAAHHHHHH LAAAANNNNNNNN EEEEHHHHHHHH... NIIIIIIIIIII NAAAAAAAAAA BBBBEEEEHHHHHHHHH!!"

I reckoned this was stretched over about 30 seconds. Longer than a Formula 1 pit-stop!

there's something about ..... paralympic

Singapore Laurentia Tan won another bronze in the paralympics. link

Sports Achievement is never going to be easy for them. While this is the so-called Olympics for them, the reward for them is rather paralysed.

For the bronze, Laurentia will get only $25,000. That compares with about $250,000 for a bronze for a normal athelete at the Olympics Games.

Rather disheartening.

For them, the biggest comfort and encouragement is to do things beyond what people perceived they could do. Monetary may not be that important. Nevermind that it takes maybe even more sacrifices and effort to do what they are doing.

But $25000 for a bronze?

there's something about ..... guests

Just had the full-month celebration for my kid.

I had planned for a "mini" party of 30 guests but I think about 50 turned-up. You asked," that is like 70% off projection, how did such bad planning occured?"

Well, never trust a woman to do planning. When my wife can listen to a telemarketeer for like 5 minutes because she couldn't know how to say "no", you know she has a problem dealing rejections to people.

When I told my wife not to invite colleagues because you are never certain whether they will turn up, or they turn up thinking this is a weekend excursion for the family.... she retorted saying that only 2-3 will turn up and that is not too many to manage....

Well... 2-3 became a contingent of about 15.... you have spouses, multiple kids per colleague, maids.... That is already more than the number of friends I had invited. I didn't even invite my colleagues, ex-colleagues, ex-ex-colleagues, ex-friends, acquaintances, ex-acquaintances.....

At least they didn't come to my place thinking it's a weekend excursion to a zoo or something, or they will be posing for photographs next to my plants or me.

But they did come to my place, thinking that this is a weekend outing to a holiday resort.

One young boy went to my refrigerator uninvited and took out 1 yakult. After that incident, we put the yakult much higher in the shelf to deter. But he went for a second helping, this time round, asking my maid to take the yakult down.

The whole bunch of kids, who do not know each other, also took over the TV. Each wanting to operate them to watch their favourite DVD. Naturally, all my kid's DVDs collection was ransacked.

One young girl thought this was a free-flow buffet. She took a plate of prawns.. only prawns and you immediately got reminded of scenes at those Marina South BBQ buffets where everyone take just prawns because it is the most expensive items.

Another boy took my boy's balloon and insisted is his. I tried to mediate between the guest and my son, but at that point, it was too frustrating for me and I decided to be bias and tactless.

2 young girls went to my Master Bedroom because "I just want to see only".

Ninabeh!

It's ironic that you are celebrating the birth of your child... such joyful occasion and yet the joyfulness was totally destroyed by children.

I have since set-up a black-list for future references.

there's something about ..... baby

I am so tired.

Strangely, my letharginess came right after the Olympics. So I am not too sure if it was the post-Olympics Blues that I have or the night feeding of the baby.

I usually managed the top part of the night, from 12am to 3am, my wife will manage the 3am to 4am feeding, and my mum will manage the 4am till morning shift.

Natuarally the Baby Bonus announced by PM Lee was met first with anticipation and ended in disappointment.

My boy was borned just about 6 days before the official start date on 17 August. It didn't feel too bad initially when WKS announced the start date on 1/1/09, but when he brought forward to 17/8, it felt like a pen-knife cutting on my toenail.

His explanation is less than satisfactory when asked why he couldn't do 1/8/08, especially when the last baby bonus effective date was on 1/8/04. He said that due to time needed for administration, 1/1/09 would be ideal but was prepared to listen to feedbacks and he dated it back to 17/8.

Helloo..... if you can date back by 4.5 months.... you can date back by 5 months!!!

For consistency sake, you should just do 1/8/08.

Of course, would I care if my baby is borned 17/8?

Interestingly babies borned on 8/8/8 which supposedly stood for prosperity, not very prosperous afterall, at least where government give-out is concerned. This just confirmed that WKS is not chinese, or he would consider dating back the date to 8/8/8 where alot of babies were borned, and a prosperous start to baby bonus.

PM Lee said that men should help to change nappies to relief the burden of the wife, and perhaps with less burden, we can have more babies.

I did more than that. I help change nappies, I make milk for the baby, I help feed the baby at night, I burped the baby.

And I tell you... I am so tired of all these that having the thought of a 3rd child seems remote at time of writing.

Government should provide fully subsidised Confinement lady for full 3 months. This work out about a total of $6k.

It's a win-win situation. We can boost the birth-rates and we can create a big industry for JB, thus giving the Government another trump card when they negotiate for cheaper water next time.

I want to go hong Lim complex to demonstrate.

there's something about ..... moments

Today ST features Olympics Moments.

I must say this is the best Olympics I have ever witnessed. Best Ever. The followings are my personal Olympics Moments... not necessary good but moments...

No. 10.

Singapore Paddler was not accompanied by a coach. It was such a hooha that our MP, President of STTA came out strongly against the coaching manager and staffs. In fact, the manager was sacked.


To me, this is a joke.



The paddler, Gao Ning, was sulking throughout and lost to an unseated player. He didn't even bother to fight back and the way he walked away from the table without even trying to hit back the ball shows a lack of sportsmanship.


So what if there is no coach. You are the one that is fighting out there, not the coach. Li Jiawei got a coach and still lost. It doesn't matter. You are good, then you are good. You are not, having 10 coaches next to you will not help. Gao Ning is just finding the perfect excuse not to do well.

To me, they should sack Gao Ning for that wrong attitude.


No.9

Wallace Spearmon. Second most recognisable face after Usain Bolt. For the wrong reason.

He came in 3rd in 200m but didn't realise he was disqualified for lane infringement.

He went celebrating WITH Usain Bolt round the track, probably trying to get TV airtime, knowing that the cameraman only will only follow Usain Bolt.

He dance and he make monkey faces. Everyone knew he was disqualified, except him. That was priceless.


No.8


Wang Yuegu, declared age of 28??!?!? 28?!?!?!?!??

Hello??!?! Am I the only one?!?!?!?!

IOC should investigate.

No.7

To me, that is oscar-winning performance. You either do not go to the warmups, or you complete the race. Putting up a face like that at the start-off, it's purely acting.

Yes. I believe he might not be at his full fitness. But he realised that not winning the Goal will have a bigger commercial impact on him and he decided to bail out.

No.6

Mattias Steinner's gold was totally a surprise. He struggled early on on lighter weights and no one expected him to win the Gold. He was also the "fattest" participant.

What was inspiring was not the Gold. It was the story behind him. He lost his german wife (he was russian, I think) to a car accident, and he decided to become a german so that he could be with his wife.

The manner he celebrated was both funny and poignant. He hold out his wife's photo while celebrating. That was really sweet.

No.5

The weightlifting accident that saw the elbow being dislocated is damn disturbing. Too disturbing. It's all over the net in metacafe and youtube. Go watch it.

No.4

The opening ceremony is truly classic.








No.3


Some of us have problems accepting them as Singaporeans, but all of us waited to see our National Flag being held up for the ceremony.

Once is 48 years. A rare sight.

No.2

The greatest Olympian ever. 8 Golds in 1 olympics, total 14 Golds.

It was also the manner he won some of the golds that is truly legendary.




No.1

The best races I have ever witnessed.

100m was out of the World.

200m was truly magical. 19.30sec divided by 2, you get 9.65sec for every 100m.

You know Michael Johnson's record is under threat, but to witness it, just blew you away, just like how he blew away all runners.