J_L

Sudden passing

2010-12-04T00:59:00.000-08:00

I recently attended the wake of my JC classmate. She was 26. Life is fragile. Enough said. The night before, she was routinely having dinner and some drinks before retiring for the night. The next morning, she was gone. Sad...

Updates on recent BKK trip

2010-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Despite blogging for over 2 years, I am still quite uncertain what style of writing I should use. Sometimes I feel like I am having a monologue, other times narrative. Perhaps I should try point form!

1.Went on a vacation in late Aug. Destination was Bangkok.
2.Made 2 sets of shirts and pants at Amara Hotel in BKK.
3.Most annoying incident was a series of 1-hr delays (4 times) for our departure flight with a certain recently-listed airline.
4.Next most annoying incident was being conned by taxi-drivers in BKK who took us to this particularly pirated Sombondee seafood restaurant. It did not happen once, we were tricked on 2 of the 3 days that we were at BKK. (For this incident I cannot express myself well in point-form)

On our first night, we headed straight for this restaurant called Nan Xing in Chinatown. The cab driving told us that Chinatown was shut for cleaning. At first I thought we were just unlucky to have wanted to go to Chinatown on the particular day of the week which it was closed for cleaning (as informed by our cabby). We wanted to try our luck and insisted on heading there anyway. Cabby was reluctant and sneered! When our insistence overwhelmed his persuasive skills, he said the road leading to Chinatown was jammed and it was impossible to enter. We relented.

Plan B kicked in. Instead, we decided to head for this famous seafood restaurant, Somboondee. There were many outlets scattered around BKK. After picking a certain outlet that is nearest to our hotel, we duly informed our cabby. Like a possessed person, he sped off to a restaurant that had an neon-lit acrylic signboard that resembled Somboondee's logo. We checked the street name and it wasn't the one we had indicated. Being the ever cautious tourist, I took out the map (I was at the front passenger seat) and randomly picked one (next to a University). He insisted that this was the one. I was appalled! How could I have been so lucky to randomly pick the outlet that we were at! I checked the surrounding and there was no landmark or buildings or signages that resembled that of a Uni!

To confirm the cabby's directional acumen, I randomly chose another outlet and informed the cabby to take us there. He refused and even drove right into the front yard of that restaurant. Our suspicion went off the chart! That was it, we just wanted to get off his cab immediately. When we stepped off the cab, a few waiters rushed forward towards us with menus! Gross!

5.Went to a famous French restaurant and spent SGD75 each.
6.Visited Chatuchak weekend market. Got myself a few good deals.

Happy Birthday Singapore

2010-08-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Singapore~

Watching NDP gives me goose bumps. It never fails to bring my mind to NDP 1997 where I was part of the combined schools' choir. It was bitter sweet memory as my involvement was not exactly voluntary. My school did not have enough students in the choir organization, hence they volunteered 50-60 other students. Initially it was tough as we had to memorized the lyrics of no less than 5 songs. What made it tougher was some of the songs were of foreign languages. However, looking back, it was quite a unique and privileged experience to be part of NDP.

Of the various segments of NDP, my favorite would be the march past and the military parade. I can only empathize with the marching contingents. The countless rehearsals under the brutal weather, it must have been extremely exhausting. However, I bet any negative thoughts any participants have initially would certainly be changed to that of pride and satisfaction once the event is over. More often than not, one has look at the positive side of things even in the most negative situations, only then will life be more bearable. haha

Back from Hiatus

2010-07-25T09:14:00.001-07:00

At the risk of sleep deprivation, I have this itch to update my blog. For starters, I did not want to lose access to my blog. Kinda like Inception, where you are in a limbo. You are in it yet you cannot get out. Nvm, I did not get the story. It's one of the most mind-(vulgarity) movies. Luckily, I got myself some reprieve; fell asleep mid-way. I thought Sorcerer's Apprentice was better. Movie-watching should be a relaxed affair. If I was going to watch something really profound, I would have caught Atonement or The Beat That My Heart Skipped. Inception was kinda mid-way between classic and confusing.

Work's getting interesting. Certainly there are trivia things that just gets on your nerve. Life goes on though. On a sad note, just realized one of my ex-colleague's brother passed away in an accident. That's really tragic. A wife and a young kid left to fend for themselves. That just stinks.

Of late, there seems to be recurring issues with rain, drains, and trees. I suspect our ground is getting more impermeable with the train networks and all. Let's hope things improve. Rome wasn't built in a day just the same as drains don't get unclogged in one too.

On the international front, Spain has made it into the global sports spotlight again! In 2008, Spain produced the French Open, Wimbledon and European Championship winners. Fast forward two years, Spain produced the French Open, Wimbledon and World Cup Champions again. Viva Espanol~

Enough of my blabber....time to ZzzZzz

Check in

2010-03-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

There is pretty much nothing to write about thesedays. I can start bitching about work but tt's just part of life. Everyone faces problems at work, so there's nothing really to talk about my work.

What I would like to talk about is the future! What lies ahead? People get older, RWS and MBS will celebrate their 1st anniversary, 10th then 20th then 50th. How do we stay young? It's about thinking young! Looking back, I guessed I have missed doing a thing or 2 when I was 'younger'.

Casino

2010-02-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have visited the Casino. My first experience! Never been to Genting or Macau.
Blew $100 to enter, and blew another $100 to realize I am part of the 90% of the statistics who lose at gambling. Blew another $50+ on trying to win the $6mn and $10mn TOTO draws during the CNY period.

Looks like I have to keep my resignation letter and shelf my 'retirement' plans. I planned so nicely what I would do if I had struck $2mn!!! Dump $1.3mn in a nice condo and rent it out. $30k get a 2nd hand car (no investment value), $70k give family n friends, and $600k put in Suntec Reit stock. Dividends are about 10% per year based on current market value and 2009 dividends. That's a handsome $60k a year, rental collection of $40k (rental yield at 3,1%) a year --> $100k a year! Judging by my lifestyle, I can comfortably retire! haha Wishful thinking!~

Ridiculous, Thoughts and Sneer

2010-01-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

Plasma tvs? sofas? maids? beds with mattresses? spas and manicure? Indulgence of the rich and famous? Not really. It seems some prisons in the country south of SG are allowing such privileges to their distinguished occupants! Imagine the millions that have been donated to the Sumatrian tsunami victims? I am not alleging that they are all gone, I am just curious how much actually reached the victims.

More recently, it has been reported that there are as many as 80,000 street children in greater Jakarta. 80,000? There's almost the same number of NSFs at any given time. What future lies ahead of them? What will become of them when they reach adulthood? On the other obnoxious end of the spectrum, their richer country-mates are snapping up >$2000psf condos in downtown SG like limited edition Hellokitties.

Though the gaping income divide is not as pronounced in SG, such problems are often not given much thought by the young and the educated. After fulfilling their CIPs and decorating their resumes with countless hours of volunteer work in bid to land highly competitive varsity places and envious jobs, how many actually match the volunteer hours they put in after they have achieved their aims? Success usually clouds their perspective of life and society...A pity...

Henin Returns, Mauresmou retires

2009-12-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Fortunately for the fans, Henin returns. Clijsters, having just returned probably made the best choice in her career. The tennis scene in 2010 will be more exciting and varied as the young guns do battle against the 'old guards' to emerge as a force to reckon with. Henin, Clijsters, the Williams sisters and in some way, Sharapova and Kusnetsova stood the test of time, surviving alongside run-of-the-mill teenagers eager to conquer the sport. Their secret? Motivation and talent!

While moving into 2010, we should look back at 2009, a year where some of the old guards called it a day. Marat Safin, Santoro, Mauresmou hung up their rackets. Between them, they won 4 slams and millions of fans all over the world during their illustrious careers. They will be missed for their talent, charisma and shot-making skills. It's a pity both Safin and Mauresmou are retiring at a 'tender' age of 29 and 30 respectively. Hopefully, they can stage a comeback in the near future where their returns will be meaningful.

Today would have been my granny's 90th bday. Still missing her after more than 2 years.

Deteriorating

2009-11-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Whilst reading my recent posts, I discovered an appalling number of grammatical mistakes. Gosh.

Around the World in a post

2009-10-07T09:58:00.001-07:00

Many interesting things occurred around our tiny planet during this few months. Natural diasters while common were wreaking havoc almost simultaneously! Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Samoa. Incredible.

Back at home, no major sensational news. Ram Tiwary, an ex-SAF awardee was found guilty yet again. For $5000 owed in rent, could Tiwary have murdered his room mates? I believe there remain unanswered questions. His family can afford a Queen Council, why couldn't he pay $5000? Not my buisness anyway.

Back to my fav sports. Safina is finally NOT no.1. Good riddance from the throne. She so totally made a mockery of the distinguish ranking.

Oh yes, and this year's Nobel Laureates have strong representation by the Asians. Of the 9 announced so far, 2 are Asians and they make up 1/3 of the combined prizes given. One of their work involves realizing the internet. Damn he is good. The rest, I am pretty clueless. Ribosome discovery, telomerase discovery. Both sound pretty similar in terms of proximity in the human body. haha. It seems the direction for Nobel committee is more of saving humans. What about the planet. I hope alternative energy scientists or even environmentalists will be able to get recogniztion in the near future. However, I believe this will happen in 30-40yrs' time, at quickest.

What happened in between?

2009-10-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while since I last updated. In fact, it was so long I nearly forgot what's the password for blogspot. So what happened in between?

Work and fun has consumed most of my time. In fact, I had one of the best times for as long as I can remember. Mahjong, sports, clubbing (not my definition of fun but nonetheless enjoyable), a short trip to batam and PS3.

Work hasn't been quite on the same page as my outside-work activities. Have been arrowed to organize next year's dragonboat event, which is massive! And quite soon another major undesirable work is deal for arrowing; I feel that the cross-hair on me is like the size of Jupiter. On the contrary, I haven't been able to go on course. Shoudn't new staff be put on some fundamental courses?

I will see how it goes. I m known to be quite bitchy abt the smallest of stuff, but this time, I shall suck it up and stick with it.

Freshman Once Upon a Time

2009-08-10T10:24:00.001-07:00

It's been exactly 4 years to this day since I started my journey in NUS. Beginning today, it will be the same for the freshmen. Time flies, it really does... To those who have began working, 'I'll be there' seems like a good song to accompany you while you recollect those youthful and cheerful times spent in school. eNjoY~

Update

2009-07-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile. Started work on 13 July 2009. I shall remember that day for the rest of my life. Graduated on 10 July 2009. Shall not forget that as well.

Having concluded the 2nd week at work, I realised that it is something I am not really interested in. Its alot of challenge in itself in terms of digging for historical records and writing in recommendations for approval on some issues. It does not help when some of the computerized platforms are inaccessible even up till now. Have been actively putting up requests after requests until my boss think I mayb alittle too buggy. Haha. Dun care...Seriously how can I function when the functions I need are not working for me?

Till my next bitch-ing...

Wimbledon 2009

2009-07-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

I cannot over-emphasize the dominance and awe that the Williams sisters bring to Wimbledon. Since 2000, except for 2006, the singles final would have featured at least one of the Williams sisters. Between them, they share 7 Wimbledon titles. What about those blond bitches who talk so much in the media and press? Safina, Jankovic, Ivanovic, Sharapova, Azarenka, Radwanska? Between the 6 of them, they share 4 miserable grandslams. For the record, Azarenka was swatted 2-6, 3-6 by Serena while Radwanska was routed 6-1, 6-2 by Venus. Ivanovic did not even dare to finish her match retiring 1-6, 1-0 against Venus. Scintillating! Even in the doubles side, the Williams squashed the 2006 Wimbledon doubles champions of Yan Zi and Zheng Jie 6-0, 6-0! Fascinating!

Players come and go, they may hit patches of purple once in awhile and people sit up and take note. However, more often then not, they just fade away into oblivion. Not with the Williams. They are here to stay, and stayed they did. 10years! Serena won her first slam in 1999, Venus in 2000. Serena won her 10th in Jan and Venus is on route to win her 8th. Come on, drop the racial jips and respect them! Your blond sex bombs are but just empty vases. Fragile and noisy...

Prediction: Venus and Murray to win.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

2009-06-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the 90s, my blog will not do justice if I did not pay tribute Michael Jackson. In my favourite list of music tracks, I have Billy Jean and Beat it. I happened to chance upon them in this century only (you may ask where was I in the last). Putting it in perspective, Billy Jean and Beat it were released in 1983 and I still hear them in clubs now.

I was in shock when my dad told me he died. While there were the Elvis and Beatles who could be more famous, MJ was someone I can identify with, someone who has revolutionized music and what pop music comes to being as we know it today. MJ epitomes FAMOUS and ICONIC. Not your run-off-the mill F4, Farenheit, SHE, 6655 or 1234(??), MJ even with its initials are easily identifable throughout the world over.

A pity. A pity that in recent years, he was cruxified by the media. Wouldn't they leave him alone? He is truly a musical legend who has made a difference to the world. A legend who has brought life and color to our otherwise mandune lives. A legend who comes along once a century or a lifetime. I am very fortunate to be born in his era and to have enjoyed his music and gravity-defying dance moves. The world will miss you.

Nostalgia or not ? You decide...

2009-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have recently gotten this email from someone of an advanced age.

All those Born in the 50's , 60's & early '70s..

The article below was written by Patrick Teoh in his blog "Niamah!!".

To All those Born in the 40's, 50's , 60's & early '70s...

First, we survived with mothers who had no maids. They cooked cleaned while taking care of us at the same time. They took aspirin, candies floss,fizzy drinks, shaved ice with syrups and diabetes were rare. (Some died without ever knowing they had actually contracted diabetes.) Salt added to Pepsi or Coke was remedy for fever.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. As children, we would ride with our parents on bicycles motorcycles for 2 or 3. Richer ones in cars with no seat belts or air bags.(I thought they were rich?)

Riding in the back of a private taxi was a special treat. We drank water from the tap and NOT from a bottle. (You could have filled a bottle with tap water, so I don't see the point here? Also, besides water, what else can come out of a tap?) We would spend hours on the fields under bright sunlight flying our kites, without worrying about the UV ray which never seem to affect us.

We go to jungle to catch spiders without worries of Aedes mosquitoes. (Childhood mortality was alarmingly high of course.)

With mere 5 pebbles (stones) would be a endless game. With a ball (tennis ball best) we boys would run like crazy for hours. (RUN LIKE CRAZY? Seriously?) We catch guppy in drains / canals and when it rain we swim there. We shared one soft drink with four friends (that precise?), from one bottle and NO ONE actually worry about being unhygenic.(Ever wondered why the fifth friend never shared?)

We ate salty, very sweet & oily food, candies,bread and real butter and drank very sweet soft sweet coffee/ tea, ice kacang (I hoped you did not eat all these in one instance?), but we weren't overweight because (you did not know what overweight was?).......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, till streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day (Talking about kids thesedays being irresponsible? I guess the fruits don't fall far away from the trees). AND WE DONT HAVE HANDPHONE S TO BUG US. (What about switching it off or to the silent mode?)(I believe you wished you had them when the streetlights are faulty or that you can reach no one for a few days.) And we were O.K. AND WE ARE SAFE.

We would spend hours repairing our old bicycles and wooden scooters out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.(D**B?) After running into the bushes a few times(D**BER!!), we learned to solve the problem . (Like how?)

We did not have Playstations, X-boxes, Nintendo's, multiple channels on cable TV, DVD movies, no surround sound, no phones, no personal computers, no Internet. WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and we still continued the stunts. (Kidnaps were certainly a feature of going out making friends back then. I guess it was a risk worth taking considering the joy you derived out of breaking bones and teeth. Dental business is brisk thesedays with older folks needing dentures.)

We never had birthdays parties till we are 21. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and just yelled for them! (Civility was understandably not important back then. I can also see where the infamous "kao pei" phrase orginated from.)The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! Yet this generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! (Note "ever"...the future remains to be seen!)

The past 40 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned

HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

And YOU are one of them!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the government regulated our lives for our own good.

And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

PS: -The big type is because Long-sightedness or hyperopia at your age. he... he.... ( This email was actually in font >32 and colored!)

My response is in green and the original entry is in orange. Okie, some comments are unpleasant but my intention was meant for it to be hilarious. Pls don't get it the wrong way, yar?

Graduation - Roger Federer

2009-06-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have graduated. While it sounds as though I cannot wait to get out of school, I actually accpted another offer into school! I don't know what I am getting myself into but at least, I hope this time round, it will be worth it. Not that the existing is totally useless, but I believe its value is undermined by my lack of effort. ahha..

Another guy has graduated. He is none other than Roger Federer. He has cemented himself as arguably the greatest person to have lifted the tennis racket. 14 grand slams in a span of 7 years and all 4 before the age of 28. Sampras took 13 years to do the same but never collected all 4 and did so before the age of 33. I did not even bother to watch the finals as its a forgone conclusion.

For his greatest rival, I just hope that Nadal wins the US Open in September and he would have outdone Federer by a wide margin. If he wins the US Open this year, Nadal would have taken a mere 5years to collect all 4 before the age of 24!

I pity Safina...if only she had the mantle of Federer. She had better win one big one before she assumes the unflattery honour of having been no.1 and not win a grandslam.

Fairness?

2009-06-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am so livid with Federer always being able to shine in grandslams!
To put into perspective how gd he is during the slams...he has made 19 CONSECUTIVE SFs or better. It stretches from SF of Wimbledon 2003 till now. To many, making even 1 SF in a slam can be considered an achievement!

With Nadal gone, the French Open is as good as being served to him on a plate!
Being Chinese, superstitions are part n parcel of our beliefs. Roger Federer, born 8th August 1981...080881 (DDMMYY). Need I say more? He is freaking lucky...having collected so many slams during the void of real rivalry. After 13 slams, there are finally 2 other real competitors not called Nadal. Come this sunday, history will be made...federer will attain his god equivalent status in his sports.

New Toy

2009-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have a new toy and it doesn't get any better than a PS3! A whopping $599 + $65 for a 2nd controller and $49 for Virtual Tennis, I will be knocking on doors for more tuition to patch the burn in my pocket!

At least, it will keep me occupied for a while. Who wants to catch Night at the museum 2?

Unsettled Ping Pong - Ping Pong attack

2009-05-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Round of applause for us winning the women's team silver medal in the recently concluded Olympics. But apparently, another type of ruckus is gaining momentum over the very same achievement. However, it is on the opposite side of any celebratory sort.

I stand on the side of the coach. How can anyone publicly question his professionalism or ethics. Even if there is really something of this sort, as the table tennis chief, you cannot discuss it in public! A wiser and more neutral comment would have been, "No comments or It was a fair decision as the board had deliberated long and hard or We acknowledge the achievement and contribution of all the coaches in 2008 but we were unable to find someone who had distinguished himself/herself."

Coach Liu's contribution is unequaled and to publicly discuss his morals is uncalled for. Even if you do not like someone, as an adult and especially someone in power, you cannot sling personal attacks. What image are you projecting to the people in Singapore and the world?

The repercussions are far and wide. From this incident, will foreign coaches and athletes be enticed to take up stints with us? I sincerely hope this matter will be resolved amicably. Having passion in table tennis does not naturally lead to sound leadership. I hope that someone in the higher echelon of authority will step in and give Coach Liu his due respect and honor. After all, we cannot brush aside the fact that he was instrumental in securing our republic's 2nd Olympic medal in nearly half a century.

Back to the courts

2009-05-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last spoke of tennis. I shall stop that habit now.

Judging by the results in 2009, Rafael Nadal is almost unplayable, something like Roger Federer in most parts of 2005-2007. Rafael has won 5 titles so far, 2 more than the second most titlists. Of the 5, 1 is a grand slam, 3 are masters (its prestige is second to the slams). Well, it should be expected since he is the best in the world according to the rankings. Let's examine Federer.

Federer is still good to watch on tv, but his wheels seemed to have fallen apart. He gets 'owned' by Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Murray. These players only awhile ago are at the recieving end of his artistry. However, tables have turned and he has not beaten any of these in 2009. Nadal conquered him in Aussie Open, Novak in Rome and Miami and Murray in Indian Wells.

Murray is the man to watch for 2009. He may spoil Nadal's plans for completing his career grandslam in US Open. He is ranked no.3 now, higher than anyone from Britian (Tim Henman was 4th). At 22, he has surpassed all that Tim Henman has achieved in his career. With Federer no longer in the equation, I believe Murray's main rivarly will be with Nadal.

Novak Djokvic is equally entertaining to watch, with his matching blue outfit and shoes and impersonations. He seemed to have reached his potential and have produced outstanding showings in the clay season. He took 1 set from Nadal on clay and this is highly commendable as nobody has done that since 2007.

Roland Garros is round the corner and the likely winner is Rafael Nadal. His opponent in the finals may be someone different from the previous 3 years, and he is none other than Novak Djokovic. The woman's winner will be very hard to pick. My money is on Kusnetsova or Dinara Safina. Jelena Jankovic is destined to be the no.1 who has never won a grandslam. She's sooooo terrible.

Masters?

2009-05-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

Should I? Shouldn't I? Should I? I don't know.

Last last last last last last paper

2009-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

2nd May marks the last paper I am sitting for in NUS, barring any plans to pursue a Masters. Looking back, it had been a long and arduous path. Looking forward, it will be even a longer and arduous path. Wish me luck~

Weekly indulgence n other stuff

2009-04-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Every friday is a day to look forward to! a) Marks the end of the school week. b) Tennis day! Without fail, for the last 2 weeks, a few of us have been playing tennis under the scorching sun. I realised that since putting on about 8% more weight, I can hardly stay in a 2 consecutive rallies. It was very fun playing points with Andrew. It's a good form of improving. 1st serves were much better but 2nd serves were still very much similar to C divison gers'. haha.

In the near horizon, I can see the end of my academic path. That is so fast! It was almost like yesterday that I started! Anyways, I have decided not to go on any grad trip to buck the trend. Mostly because my pockets are drying after last year's foray to the EU. Given the chance, I will still travel the EU, Greece, Turkey, Slovenia, Romania, Russia, Hungry, Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia and Slovakia. I would love to learn a foreign language as well. Prob. French or Spanish. They r so sexy to listen to..

Dragonball Evolution 2009

2009-03-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Maybe I do not have a childhood, but Dragonball as I remembered was cards and comics. ( I haf a confession to make; i do not know how to read comics) Caught Dragonball Evolution 2009 with my friends over last weekend. Comments? It was an absolute nightmare and failure. The 7 balls probably represented F.A.I.L.U.R.E.! The character names when translated in English were absolutely hilarious and ridiculous. Big Monkey? Guko? I was like wth ?Cookie Monster and Elmo sound better! The villain can be Big Bird or sth.

The lead actress is not very pretty. She has gd figure...tt's abt it. 86 minutes? Most of the parts were time-fillers. Plot was thin, character development was non-existent. If you watch the thrillers, you probably have seen what's worth to see in the entire movie! I rather pay $8 to catch Mr Bean (the series). At least, he is farnie!

One guideline about choosing movies to watch. If the movie produced by Hollywood is based on a comic or cartoon of non-American origin, it is most likely going to be bad. One more guideline, avoid Chinese movies (except probably those based on Ancient China). I have this phobia about watching Chinese movies in cinemas. Their budgets are lower, and I am tempted to say they are made just to milk the cinematic industry. Wait for the dvds!

Fast-forward to this weekend. Went to watch Unborn. Though not exactly a 5 star movie, it was miles ahead of Dragonball. At least it made me squeam. The lead actress was way prettier than Dragonball's not because she was seen in microscopic shorts but indeed she is lovable. haha. The plot is original and there were ample scences to make you lose some sleep.

Verdict: Avoid Dragonball!!! Unborn? Up to you.

blog

2009-03-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

I still remember I have a blog!

On a side note...Well done Liverpool! Never fail to TRASH big names football clubs! 4-0 to Real Madrid and 4-1 to Man U are so satisfying for everyone concerned abt Liverpool's affairs.

A wet Australian Open final

2009-02-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Champion n the cry-babyYou get what i mean?
See!!!

Still at it! Buay tahan...

Nadal whispers : I own U !

For all that Roger Federer has achieved, he is still very very immature!!! I did not win a single grand slam, not even attended any as a matter of fact but i jolly well know not to attract attention to myself if I am the runner-up. It is as unsportsman like as say kicking Nadal's water bottles after he had meticulously arranged them. Federer did not only stole Nadal's victorious moment, the latter was reduced to having a muted celebration and not knowing what to do on a stage that was meant for him to announce to the world he is the undisputed No.1. Shame on you Federer.

You have 13 Grandslams, you are young and talented. You will have your day in the sun, or at the very least, you have had so many days in the sun. Give Nadal a break, he WON! you lost...get a grip...If you won, you can wail, go hysterical, do a breakdance, we don't care...but the fact remains that you are the loser on that day! You cannot emphasize your 'losership' by crying n stealing the shine away from your conqueror's victory! Shame on you Federer. And I thought you were such a graceful & gracious champion. For that, I wish that the Fed Express will be taken out of service as soon as possible.

Little Nyonya

2009-01-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

Little Nyonya is a fantastic show; the plot, the set and the filmtography are top class. >1.6million ppl watched the ending. The viewership should be in the vicinity of National Day Rally. It outclassed the Beijing Olympics for sure. Come March where very own Golden Globe Awards will be held, Little Nyonya will be the thumping favourite to capture the best script.

For all the good things, there are bad things about this show. Most glaring would be Jeanette Aw's awful acting. I bet Ivy Lee would have done a much better job than her. So stiff, so acting-like. What a spoiler. The ending was equally woeful; i mean u do not need a Spielberg to end the story, I bet aunties would have made the lead actors and actress living happily ever after. Such an anti-climax curtain-call to an immensely popular show. Let's hope it will not damage anything.

For all the veteran actors, Pan Ling Ling and Lin Mei Jiao still have it. Oh, while enduring the pain of watching Jeanette act out her character, I was thinking what if Pan Ling Ling or even Lin Mei Jiao were given this character instead. It could have turned out much better. Hmm...then Jeanette given the role of the evil grandmother. haha...

Okie...i guess i ought to stop condemning Jeanette...she is still a pretty actress after all(who doesn't like pretty actresses?) For all fans of Jeanette, apologizes if u took offense...to each his opinions...

2009

2009-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

I would liek to wish everybdoy a Happy New Year. I know its been a huge tad too late in wishing but who knows, somewhere in the far corners of the universe, some ppl (or not) will be ushering in 3419 in a few moment's time.

Looking back at 2008, there was little to be encouraged. Not wanting to sound like a broken record, but the global economy is like a cancer patient. Will 2009 be a significantly better year? Let's consider; if the headlines of the few days of 2009 are any indication of what is to come, then 2008 should be a moderately bad year. The Israelis hammering the Palestinians in the Gaza strip like James to Bella in Twilight shortly after the Pope emphasized for peace in that region during his Christmas speech, it is in stark irony that the holiest lands are anything but that.

Closer to heart, 3 of our people were killed in a fire in a club in Thailand. As if the politics in Thailand weren't hot enough in 2008, some twits have to play with pyrotechnics in an enclosed space with barely enough standing space for 1000 people. Oh, not to mention fire and alcohol aren't the best mix in those kinda situation. The morons in the owners of the club have to iron-bar the windows! They just set the plot for Final Destination V or VI or VII (i've lost count)

Well, that's the start of 2009. At least, that's the headlines in the first few days of 2009.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T03:39:00.000-08:00

As an almost tradition now, I attended mass at CHC for the 3rd year running for Christmas. Not that I am thinking of converting, but because CHC's mass during the Xmas period is special. There is always a short play. The actors and actresses are volunteers who have little or no stage appearance but the end result is outstanding. There is always some humor and the plot is very cleverly written to depict the themes of Christmas; story of Jesus, of love, giving, caring and sharing.

One drawback as a non-Christian (not considering to convert from my ancient Buddhism belief) attending CHC mass with very zealous young people is that I have to cleverly give polite excuses to avoid going to the front to let the pastor aid me in welcoming Him into my life. Sounds abstract? Also, there were awkward moments where I have to turn around or light a candlestick and say somethings to the effect that makes me religiously embarrassing. Not wanting to appear to go there for the free entertainmet, I will gladly oblige with my utmost respect.

Okie, enough of the not-so-nice comments. This year is especially important to attend becasue my brother's fiance is acting. Alas, I have to give support. So too did my staunch Budhhist Mum and anything-goes Dad. I have to confess my mum and I made some jokes amongst ourselves to ease our uneasiness in a hall filled with Christians. We did not want to appear bored or left-out coz if we did, then someone will strike a conversation with us which more often than not lead to religiously embarrasing moments.

Of all the differences between the practising of Budhhism and Christianity, there is at least 1 similarity which I observed. That is Tiam-You. haha...At CHC, they provide envelopes. At temples, they provide a metal tin for donation, after which an abbot will chant some chants and replenish some praying oil at the altar, hence Tiam(replenish) You(oi).

At last, I m ready for the real purpose of this post which is to wish everybody, staunch Buddhist or zealous Christians notwithstanding, a very Merry Christmas.

Libertango

2008-12-21T09:29:00.001-08:00

Libertango...one of my favourite pieces for my hall dance production. It was one of the pieces which I performed in. Although my psychomotor disposition has got not too much to die for, this is the only dance routine which I felt very comfortable learning. Did not need to injure myself or distort my legs too much. Also, I had a great partner coz she had loads of dance background. It was very sensual and sexy. You can just dance with the music without much effort...

Estoque

2008-12-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I uploaded a picture. So here's one. Looks very zen and robotic but less intimidating than normal Lambos...Btw, this is the new Lamborghini Estoque (sounds like Lamborgini Excuse). At AUD 300 000 a pop, surely it is not within the reach of many of us. However, if you do have the spare cash, it is a more practical buy in terms of being a supercar as it seats >2 ppl. Not sure about the comfort level but it will get you to places pretty quickly.

The more I look at it, the more I feel it will suddenly transform into a talking machine ala Transformers...

GLP

2008-12-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

To do it anot? GLP? It is 3 years! I may not get it even, i guess just give it a try...if don't get it then too bad.

Blood thicker than Water?

2008-11-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I think being an only child is better than having siblings. This is why:

a) Your parents' love for you will be divided (sometimes disproportionately).
b) More possibility of friction.
c) Unnecessary stress due to comparisons.
d) Higher expectations of you if you are older.
e) Even higher expectations if you are younger (to not be a brat).
f) Having an a** for a sibling.
g) Being an *s* to your sibling.
h) Being an even bigger **s to your parents when u quarrel with ur siblings.

That's what I can think of...all of those were my personal encounters at different stages of growing up and I don't really believe any of those will change even if you are grown up. [On a few occasions, a combination of the above mentioned have got to me quite abit.] Perhaps, the difference is, these problems don't get to you as much as if they do in the past because your life is wider and more mature than fighting with your siblings. Why do you think?

DONe DOne Done...

2008-11-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Done Done Done! Done with my exams finally...What a relief...*heaves a sign of relief...

Things to do after exams

2008-11-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

Things to do after exams...

1. Eat
2. Sleep
3. Watch Desperate Housewives
4. Watch Movies
5. Play Tennis
6. Play Ping Pong
7. Repeat from 1-6
8. Repeat 7.
9. Reduce 1 if 5 & 6 are not met coz will get unhealthy.
10.Skip 4 if money is running out.
11.Skip 10 if mum is sponsoring.

Not that I m not getting anything to eat or sleep during or before the end of exams, it is just the relaxation when you lie down on bed knowing you do not have the immediate burden of exams lingering at the back of your mind cramping for space with the knowledge you have gained whilst revising. And that was a very long sentence!

Rare Skin Disease

2008-11-14T23:11:00.000-08:00

While surfing the you-tube, I came across "Demon Baby". It is actually a baby who has Harlequin-type ichthyosis. It is a skin disease and is the most severe form of congential ichthyosis. If you have weak guts for disturbing graphic images, it is best advised that u dun google this disease because the patients are not anything like those who are suffering from normal skin conditions.

Space

2008-11-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

The space in my living room is getting smaller and smaller. So is the space in my head. It is shrinking...Oh obama save me! haha..wu liao

Time

2008-11-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Lost in time...

Argh

2008-10-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Exploited....unreasonable.....incomprehensible impatience.....best part is i m doing it!

Disturbing

2008-10-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been bugged by many things. First of all, the financial turmoil is even more dramatic than Jackie Chan's kung fu movies. The amount of money being wipped out of the stock markets is at rates unprecedented. I am quite certain that at least 95% of the people who invest in stocks would have suffered more than double-digit percentage losses. As one friend puts it, the half-life of the stocks are very short, ie: it is worth less than half it was in a short span of time.

Next lies in the uncertainty in the future where I am concerned...that is securing a job. It suddenly hit me like a freight train that I may not be getting a cushy job that pays well. Far from that, I may not even secure a job! Sell backside alr...dunno if anyone wants? aNy taKeRs? I have a round and bubbly butt...opps...tt was too graphic..haha...apologizes.

Thirdly, this part of my concern is sth which i cannot describe properly. haha...wat i can describe is tt the task i m involved in is quite demeaning but for certain things, i guess it's worth it...it builds one's characeter, initiative and boldness and most imptly the learning curve...

Think...thinking...

2008-10-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

I was thinking this is just so tiring...keep searching and searching...the result is almost as good as the previous time...but when its time...it has to be done...it's been a long and arduous search....haiz...

Ken Lee ? Can't Live Without You

2008-10-03T10:49:00.001-07:00

She's very good though she needs some English lessons to break into the international scene.

Gentle breeze

2008-09-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why is breeze gentle? Why is breeze always associated with deep thoughts, tranquil setting and mystical touch?

F1

2008-09-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Bravo to ppl who brought F1 to Singapore and double bravo to people who made F1 a success. I was initially very sceptical about having F1 in Singapore with all the road closure and mess to traffic and the likes. However, after watching it live on Channel 5, I was so emotional, about to jump up and down and scream my support for Kimi. That was not true, of course.

What is true is I was gently impressed by how our roads can be turned into a race track. The night view was simply breath-taking and unprecedented (since its the first night race for F1). It has won me over hands down! I sat through all 61 laps of it and like the night race for F1, it was a first for me. Good job!

On a similar note, being a partisan tennis fan, I would like some rich fellows to bring a WTA or ATP tennis tournament to Singapore. They have it Thailand, Indonesia and China, why not Singapore? I believe if we can do that, we can truely assert ourselves as the sports hub of SEA.

Imports

2008-09-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Of late, there have been many happenings with 'imports'! First and foremost, there is the imported economic bear-run, as a result of toxic debts stemming from unregulated banks.

Next, there is foreign imports! Imported talent helping us win an Olympic medal. Strangely, there is no apparent reports of any imported para-olympians...

Next, there is imported crime! The Yishun triple murders, where the alleged perpetrator and victims are from China. We import crime to our shores...not that we dun export crimes overseas...so all is fair and square.

Next, what makes me really ruffled is the imported melamine tainted milk products! It is ok according to food science experts who tested the amount of melamine in the white candy sweet and the likes with melamine levels lesser than the guidelines set by American standards. But, why is melamine, an industrial and agricultural raw material doing in dairy products in the first place? Apparently, to trick the detection system into accepting that the diluted milk contains sufficient proteins since melamine and proteins contain nitrogen and nitrogen is used as a detection indicator for proteins. I believe that if rats contain high levels of nitrogen, they would grind them and put them into the milk if not for the processing of the fur and tails!

It totally jolts one's confidence in purchasing ANY products which are even remotely linked to China. I mean, I have no prejudice against the before-mentioned country. However, my fears are not unfounded. Look no further than 2007. There was the luncheon meat scare, then the toy paint scare, and now, the milk product scare? What's next?...perhaps the can of soft drink or even the cheap t-shirts u got from pasa malam could be emitting toxic yet odorless fumes from dyes under the hot sun!

Recruitment Talks

2008-09-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have been attending recruitment talks as though they were lectures. Firvously! The similarity does not end there. I have been consistently dozing off like how I would in lectures, missing chunks of important stuff (or is that so?) Some recruitment talks were extremely engaging such as BP while others were down right annoying, no thanks to the host who uttered more "actuallys" than I did the whole of last year.

Other interesting observations made were the familiar faces. I do not know them at all, but through the various recruitment talks, the sense of familiarity is hard to miss. One wonders their motive for attending these talks. Some were genuinely there for the talks, while others were quick to leave the lecture hall for the FOOD. It does not help when the general perception of these people are already bad to begin with. The act of rushing for free food and piling the plates are revolting. Gross. It just exacerbates their already impoverished attitude and social etiquette. ( I am saying this because I couldn't rush out quick enough to get the free food..nah...I.was kidding...)

Anyway, it suddenly dawned upon me that I will be entering the next phase in life in the not-so-distant future.

Feeling smart?

2008-09-12T01:29:00.000-07:00

1 smart fella, he felt smart...
2 smart fellas, they felt smart...
3 smart fellas, they felt smart...
4 smart fellas, they felt smart...
.
.
.
continue to 10 smart fellas and do it quickly, what do they have in common, or rather what did they smell? lol...

Durable Champion

2008-09-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

US Open Champion 2008...

In 2007, Serena remarked that she will regain the no.1 status. Many questioned her confidence. With the US Open trophy in her hands for the 3rd time in 2008, she has regained the no.1 status. Why is this success so special and why it makes her a great athletic?

Firstly, she became disinterested in her sports mid-way, disappeared and grew out-of-shape. Her ranking fell off to outside 100. She worked hard, got into shape, and blasted her way to victory in the 2007 Australian Open, trashing Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in double quick time in that finals. She was no.81 and Sharapova, no.1 then. From then on, she became more motivated, more focused. All this while, many pretenders particularly from Serbia and Russia, seized the opportunity in the vacuum which Serena and Venus left, rose through the rankings. A few managed the no.1 spot even!

One wonders are they truly deserving of the no.1 spot? I have my doubts. These few pretenders have been passing around the no.1 spot like potatoes out of the oven. Serena is durable, so is her sis. Both are destined to achieve more grand slam success given the current field of dismal players. Many uprising starlets tried to xerox their style of play, powerful strokes from the baseline. However, they could only achieve scant success. The thing with the Williams sis is that the tournaments are there for them to lose. Not much depends on their opponents.

Many players are like supernova, they shine brilliantly, but briefly. The William sis are like stars, they glow for a long time before dying out. Serena won her first slam in 1999, Venus in 2000. Both won slams in 2008. My point exact. Except for 2006, at least one of them have featured in a slam final every year since 2000. Between them, they have 16 slams, 7 more than the combined slams won by all the other active players...On regaining the no.1 spot, Serena has stamped her authority and regain the supremacy she once reigned about a decade ago. Ana who? Jankovic? huh? No impression...

On this day, Serena taught her pretender how to play tennis, the Williams way!

I hoped that I have not bore non-tennis readers to death. This post is a tribute to my idol...how we can learn from her. If you really want something, you have to have the desire and the mental toughness to work towards it.

Only If

2008-09-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Only if? Reflective or Regretful? There are many times when you want to do things differently after the consequences are felt. Only if you think...only if i can continue this post...haha...hit a mental block...

Week 3

2008-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

This few weeks have been very relaxed, almost too relaxed for my own good. First it was Olympics, then this week its US Open which is going to be another 2 weeks. I hope, at the end of 4 weeks, I am aware that I have actually started a new semester.

The new semester has began, new faces, new dress style. Being void of any dress sense and any awareness of it (most of the time), it has struck me that students are getting dressy each semester. For me to be able to point it out, the change in the dress sense of students have got to be too apparent to miss.

On the men's front, I have noticed that there is this atas-ish looking white leather shoes worn with plunging ankle socks or none at all seemed to be the mantra of guys' footwear.

On the ladies' front, more flats, less causal unisex shoes, less crumplers, more coch bags, more cosmetics are headlining the Techno Edge.

Eye Candies of Olympics

2008-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yelena Isinbayeva, Russia, Pole Vault...

Elena Dementiva, Russia, Tennis Singles...

Natasia Luiken, USA, Gymnast...

Fu Hai Feng, China, Badminton Doubles...

Andreas Thorkildsen, Norway, Javelin...

These few athletes may be one of the reasons why people watch the Olympics, even though they may not understand a single thing about their respective sports. They are head-turners (of course, heads turn in their direction not the other way). Sculptured physiques and gold medalists in their disciplines. (Fu Hai Feng won silver though) They have it all, good looks, outstanding champions and fame. Lets not also forget they put in effort to achieve their status. I may have missed out on a few others from beach volleyball. Also, Japanese table tennis player Ai Fukahara is a babe who plays a heck of balls (ping pong).

PHEnomenaLPS

2008-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

The dust (or rather the splashes) at Water Cube have settled for swimming. While Singapore has made a little wave of her own, on the other side of the world, this guy, Michael Phelps is making tsunamis! If you dun already know, he has won 8 gold medals at a single Olympics and has 14 gold medals from 2 Olympics, distinguishing himself from the 2nd most golds won at 9.

IF he was a Singaporean, mind you, he will be v v rich. Speedo has offered US1million to him if he wins 7 or 8 golds. Singapore will offer SGD 1 million for individual gold and SGD1.5million for team gold. He won 5 ind. & 3 relay golds. That will be SGD6.125 million!

If by any chance, Mr Phelps do know about the rewards scheme in SG, I hope he would consider swimming for us....haha....as if!

History

2008-08-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Singapore paddlers have done us proud by guranteeing that Tan How Liang's 1960 Olympics medal will not be lonely. They have edged out the South Koreans to book themselves a daunting match against the Chinese.

Whatever the outcome, we will be proud to add at least 1 more silver and appear in the medal tally for the first time since our independence...

Go Team Singapore

ERP and Hilter?

2008-08-15T21:11:00.001-07:00

This is some creative piece of work. Even Hilter has got something to say about our roads and transport system. haha

08-08-08

2008-08-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Come Friday will be 08-08-08. Ppl born in 08-08-88 will be 20 and the Olympics will begin. SG Pools will hold a $8 Million TOTO draw. What can I do with $8million IF I win it and win it alone...haha? I can't afford the cheapest apartment in Nassim Park tho...its >3000sqf at $3000psf...

I can start dreaming first...but back to reality...sch starts next week...oh...and do tune in to Channel 5's 'First Class'...looks like a v watchable local program...

Long Time

2008-07-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

Took pics with jason...white seems to be the favoured color...

With shunde...

With Junyuan...

And a grp foto, of course...

A light-hearted meetup with fwens whom I had not seen in a long long time. Jason, we met up in Copenhagen. Thanks for agreeing to bringing all my jackets back, bringing the much missed kaya and toothpaste from SG to CPH.

Junyuan. Nice learning that you are gg to Beijing for summer program. Wish you haf a smashing good time there. Bring back lotsa Beijing Summer Olympics souvenirs.

Shunde, my JC schmate and BMT section mate. Nice to see you after like 5years? World is so small. So how we know each other from various institutions and organizations.

Randomly

2008-07-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Looks like kiasuism is not just a SG phenomenon...

last few daes in my hostel...

one section in my wardrobe...food & souvenirs...

A few random pics I found interesting to share while browsing through my SEP pictures.

Worth mentioning is that the Danes are as diligent as anyone here. In the first pic, it was taken during our polymer chemistry examination. Featured here is a Dane, she has got like 5 textbooks, all beautifully earmarked. Compared with us, we have one stack of notes, all beautifully stapled...haha. The paper is 4 hr long, open book and there is internet access. How convenient for us not to pass? Anyway, bl left at the end of the 3rd hr, while the rest of us wanted to have extra sense of security, so we sat thru the entire 4 hrs.

What kind of security I was looking for? Well, for starters, I chatted on msn, not for answers i assure you, i m not a cheat (although i can be obnoxiously intolerable, some can attest to this...haha) . I also checked thru my script 12000 times, trying to read between the lines of the questions, sometimes searching for grammatic errors, other times, just mulling over why the system here is so diff from back home.

boo...

2008-07-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

snobbed...wat to do? :(

uNchaNgeD

2008-07-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing much interesting to discuss about. Nothing much has changed around the world. A few more ppl shelled, a few banks closed, a few cents more when taking cabs, a few more ERP gantries, 2 ppl charged for being rich and wanting to survive, 2 ppl charged for wanting to sell their organs to get out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

Anyway...

Went to this dinner place @ Taka for buffet. It was pretty pricey. It was my 2nd all time most expensive dinner, even more ex than the buffets in Denmark! The appetizer(sushi) was fantastic, however, the main dishes were passable only. Not too bad by my humble standards when it comes to food coz the chilli crabs and fried dory fish saved the day.

Warning

2008-07-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to my attention that in May, a blogger was arrested for publishing a racist entry in his blog. I have managed to find out what tt particular post was and feels that he deserves it.

Come on, we are a cosmopolitan society; a society from the dawn of independence holds religious and racial tolerance at the very highest regard. You can say they are the bedrock of our survival. We are not the same as the US where freedom of speech is in the constitution. To all bloggers out there, responsible blogging is the mantra to your continued stay-out-of-jail survival tool.

That being said, it is worth mentioning that this fellow's arrest sends warning to bloggers to be more discerning and careful about what they write in future. Uncle Sam knows what you are writing!

PS: I better go check my previous posts. Wait die jialat jialat.

Spanish Delight

2008-07-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just in case you live in Mars, Flag of SPAIN...

Rafael Nadal...Wimbledon Champion 2008...

(L-R) Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, 2008...Rafael the Champion, Roger the vanquished...as opposed to 2007 (see below)

(L-R) Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, 2007...Rafael, the apprentice, Roger the Champion back in 2007...

Rafael Nadal topped Roger Federer in Wimbledon 2008 to win his 5th grand slam and most importantly, established himself as not just a clay court master. Who else to beat to prove his prowess? Roger Federer, the 5 time defending champ.

The Spaniards have much to cheer about with their soccer team's victory in Euro Championship and Nadal's French Open victory. Now, they have added the Wimbledon trophy. Good job! What a Spanish delight...haha...or issit delighted Spaniards...

Sisters Act

2008-07-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

Venus...champion for the 5th time...

Winning the doubles...

Sisters Venus and Serena met in their 7th grand slam final. This time, Venus prevailed. Strange that she always shines at the biggest stage, and loses quite tamely at smaller events. Venus gets her 5th Wimbledon and 7th grand slam(GS) overall as she denies Serena of her 3rd Wimbledon and 9th GS.

Talk of their decline were brushed aside as they trashed most of their opponents. The rising Russians and Serbs were vanquished and the Williams remain a force not to be overlooked. At 28 and 26, their best seemed to be a thing of the past. However, over this fortnight, they showed everybody why they remain the players to beat. My opinion is, they are the best players of the last decade.

Winning the doubles title is just the perfect demonstration as why they are so good, anywhere!

Wasting Time

2008-07-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have concluded that I am very good at wasting time. Been a week since I got home and I haven't pack some stuff. Room is perennially in a mess, living room not spaced. Don't get me started on my writing desk.

Anyway, on a brighter note, finally got in touch with my fyp prof. So hard to get hold. If this is to go by, then I foresee myself having a hard time trying to contact her in future.

PS: I love you

2008-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

P.S. I Love You, a welcomed breath of fresh air where romantic movies are concerned. Unlike the usual off the mill romanticas, this movie offers a refreshing and original plot.

Coping with losing a spouse, a beloved family member, a pet or a friend can be daunting. There is nothing one can do when the lost is permanent, like in the show. However, when the lost is the result of a misunderstanding, clash of characters, clash of ideas, miscommunication, not all are lost.

I can't offer an opinion or a manual as to how to resolve these issues, but a safe bet would be to start communicating. Someone has to step up and apologize. Easier said than done, pride has often been the stumbling block . It all depends on how much you want that person to be back in your life, how much you treasure his/her friendship/companionship. If all you want are memories of those times, then stay silent. If you want to relive those good times over and over again for as long as you live, then do something.

PS: To you and you, I miss you more than you but still got miss...haha

Spain

2008-06-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Vamos the Spainards twice over. Newly crowned champions of Europe, Spain has vindicated their constant under-achievement. In a span of 1 month, the Spanish has dominated the arena of sports. Firstly with Rafael's 4th straight French Open crown. Applauds to the way he won it. He absolutely destroyed Federer; 6-1, 6-3, 6-0! Federer looked like a mere spectator in that much hyped about match.

A month later, their football team brought back soccer's second most coveted trophy! It remains to be seen if Spain can finally win their first ever World Cup in 2010. I hope they do, cause they are the best team not to have won the World Cup. Also, thumbs up to Fernando Torres for his masterclass and touch that brought his country to their feet! Vamos Fernando and Rafael

Familiar

2008-06-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

All too familiar, the scent, the people, the streets, the newspapers, the tv programs and most importantly, the language! The weather's not too familiar no longer since it became hotter! It is relentless...the sweltering heat...omg. There are just so much clothes u can shred before you get arrested.

Even while sleeping, I can feel pearls of perspiration forming at hard-to-reach areas (not what you are thinking!); back, the ankles. Not the birds nor the sunlight but the heat that usually spoils the sleep.

Now, since school is resuming, the chances of facing the heat is inevitably absolute.
The thought of riding in the bus is all too dreadful. Imagine squeezing with 5000+ other people, sweating secondary boys and sometimes girls, aunties, menial workers, sleepy tertiary students, the occasional BO dudes. You will be like, "What have I gotten myself into?" Then again, you are also part of the equation that makes other ppl's rides as unpleasant as yours.

It doesn't help when your bus is trapped and constantly overtaken by erratic taxis, rude executives driving their rides taking advantage of the sheer size and 'speed' of your bus. Add to the fact that some buses don't come with air-conditioning, the situation is just too depressing.

By the time the bus finally arrives at your school, you just feel like not doing anything at all. If anything, there is no such thing as climatizing to S'pore's unforgiving heat. The other alternative is to own your ride! Yeah rite, wait till you pump your tank...

Going Home

2008-06-24T17:27:00.001-07:00

Going home after 5months and 2 days. Finally...It has been a great journey. This trip out has taken me to places I only dreamed of previously. As far down south as Rome to as up north as Kiruna. From the warmest places to the coldest. As I pen this post, it will be the last 48hrs that I will spend in Europe.

Here are the places I've visited: Stockholm, Kiruna, Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsingborg, Helsingor, Milan, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Cambridge, Interlaken, Luzern, Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Salzburg.

It is a bitter sweet affair for this trip. There were ups and downs like every other things. One of the most memorable things would have to be the souvenirs, keychains and other 'useless' decoratives, fortunately or otherwise, therefore I bought them, to be reminded of the places I visited.

eNd oF seMestEr tRiP

2008-06-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Approaching now is the end of semester trip. Mixed feelings of wanting to go back yet wanting to stay. Anyway, come tomorrow, I will set off for a 21days trip. First stop; Berlin -> Madrid ->Barcelona ->Paris ->Interlaken->Salzburg->Vienna->Munich ->Berlin ->Copenhagen->Singapore.

Welcome to the family

2008-06-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Welcoming a new member to my family...a Corolla Altis...She is a light drinker. She makes 14km on a litre of fuel. Anyway, it's not mine...I hope to be able to exercise my license to drive, but it is subjected to my brother's approval...."-__-"

Saddest of my life

2008-06-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Most anniversaries are worth celebrating, but however, there is one which is dreaded. No prizes for guessing which one I was referring to if you know me well enough. haha...

Today marks my granny's first year of passing. Here is a poem dedicated to her.

Somewhere above you are
Shades of blue below we stay
Away from us we are far
Pain remain with us till this day

Eighty eight summers came and gone
Elegance and class you exude
Joy and happiness we got
Till the last day you elude
With grandpa dearest why must you?

One more day I ask
Not to be it seems
A minute I ask
Not to be it seems

A year came and gone
The day you left did not

Wrong Prediction

2008-05-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

One of my French Open winner has gone awry! Serena Williams lost 4-6,4-6 to Katarina Srebotnik in the third round. Venus is gone too. Looks like my money is on Ana Ivanovic to win. Alize Cornet is a must watch cause she can give Sharapova a run for her money (looks-wise...but have to wait coz she has been eliminated too).

Happy Birthday

2008-05-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who helped make my birthday and everyone's farewell dinner last night a blast. Had so many cakes, 4 in all. Tiramisu, texas sheet cake, peanut butter and pineapple chocolate...

Been through 2 cycles of the chinese zodiac cycle. It's so fast...But this day won't be as special anymore since last year...

French Open 2008

2008-05-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

So delicious...Nadal takes a bite off his 2007 French Open Trophy...

Roland Garos, aka The French Open begins today, 25th May. Will it be him (above) again or will it be another him?Defending champion Rafael Nadal seeks his 4th consecutive French Open title while hot on his heels are Roger Federer and Djokovic.

Federer, arguably the best in his generation chases the only grand slam that has eluded him. He owns a remarkable 12 slams. Novak Djokovic seeks his 2nd grand slam title after winning in Australia in January.

On the ladies side, defending champion, Justine had retired. This has open up chances for a whole lot of people. Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, the William sisters and more. Sharapova has an outside chance and like Federer, seeks the only grand slam that has eluded her. She is but just 21!

My prediction: Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.

Legoland - 19 May

2008-05-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Legoland

Food for the day...by bl

Mr Photographer...

A380...Largest commercial aircraft...SIA is the first to use them...

Real me with mini Nyhavn (CPH)...

Amalienborg Castle...Danish Royal Residence...

Mt Rushmore...

Shall find out what this is...

Statue of Liberty...

White house

underwater theme...

Pictures of Legoland...Nice place...but too expensive...worth the money? Maybe? Bought souvenir as usual...this time...40 pieces of lego...real cheap...got it @ 4.75DKK...it was 59.95DKK for 100g of Lego pieces...

Legoland @ Billund

2008-05-23T12:16:00.001-07:00

Went to Legoland @ Billund on 19th May. It cost us a whopping 548DKK (>SGD150) just to get there. Entrance was a further 249DKK. The trip was not as exciting as I would like it to be becoz it was too expensive for the type of rides they offer. It was too kiddy…no death-defying rides…The closest was just a mere roller coaster and it isn’t even quite as scary! I could’ve fall aslp during the ride…Haha…Robotic arm was the best but it nearly cost me my aging MP3. It fell out of my jacket pocket as the twists and turns were so violent. Fortunately, it survived with a long hairline crack…ouch..

Testing

2008-05-21T15:44:00.001-07:00

Testing testing 1,2,3...Is my blog post in Windings or issit not? Please do a kind thing by telling me...Thanking you...goodbye....

Justin Henin

2008-05-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

The world bids farewell to Justin Henin from competitive tennis yesterday. Arguably the best player in her generation, Justin's sudden announcement of her retirement stunned the tennis world. More shocking is her decision to quit right when she is still ranked No.1 in the world. She follows her compatriot, fellow Belgian, Kim Clijsters in retiring at a young age. Kim Clijsters retired last year at 23 and Justin is only 25.

Having amassed a handsome sum of nearly USD20million, money is not an issue in retirement. I suspect she wants to follow Kim in settling down and doing things which she have never dreamt possible during her time in the tennis tour.

Her single-handed is second to none in the world, past or present, in my opinion. Graceful as it is, it is always delightful to watch especially when she rips one so hard and deep past opponents a foot or more taller than her. Small in size, she lacks nothing in stature.

Cold Weather ... again

2008-05-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought summer is coming, winter comes back again. Off goes the berms and Hawaii polos. Back comes the woolen jackets and coats. It is 4 deg C in Denmark in mid-May! No kidding! It was 23 deg C just last week and now...Unpredictable weather...Anyway, highlight of the weekend was our completion of a report and cakes! Tiramisu, chocolate, yorkshire and cheese cakes.

Wimbledon

2008-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Real Trophies...

Miniature Trophies...

Sharapova's Shoes...read below...

Hugh serves...

Court 1...No centre court coz a retractable roof is being built...

Court 2...infamous for being graveyard of champions...

Ground works before the tournament begins...

Court 18...

Visited SW19 on Saturday while the rest went to see a soccer stadium. Being a soccer nuts, Wimbledon was an obvious alternative. Couldn't catch the centre court as a retractable was constructed. Was not quite pleased becoz we weren't allow to walk freely. Spent GBP 39 at the souvenir store buying nonsense...haha...mouse pads, cookies, giant tennis balls and keychains...nway...was quite an eye-opener nonetheless...Eating the Wimbledon cookies suddenly gave me an aura of tennis charm...haha...what nonsense again...

100 Years - Five For Fighting

2008-05-07T16:53:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite songs. When you only got a 100 years to live? That's a very very long time. Not many of us get to live that long. Quality of life is very impt. According to some statistics, Singaporeans live an average of their last 8 years suffering from poor health. Diseases are inevitable but the triggering can be avoided from young. One can learn to let things go and look on the bright side, not bottling their emotions or negative feelings. Also, one can take things in his stride despite the crumbling world around him, growing stronger as a person against a backdrop of trying situations. From my personal encounter, I have kinda draw a conclusion that older folks tend to let go more easily of things that would have caused them sleepless nites in their yesteryears.

BaCk from England

2008-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Back from London trip. The road setting is very similar to that of Singapore and I actually thought that I was back home. It was right-hand drive and the buses resembled those in Singapore; red, double-deck, air-conditioned.

The MRT equivalent in London is the Tube. It is a network of underground rail lines which criss-crosses one another. Nowhere is too far away if you travel by the tube. Impressive stuff. Wimbledon was abit disappointing as far as the entrance fee is concerned. Too much for too little things seen. Stonehenge, Windsor and Roman Bath were great, however, it was quite rush. Pictures shall come soon.

United Kingdom (30April - 6May)

2008-04-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I shall be heading for the United Kingdom for a pre-examination tour. Haha...What nonsense...Anyway, I am overjoyed because I am going to visit SW19, commonly known as Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club! But before that, I will be visiting Lund in Sweden for a class...How cool is that! All expenses paid for (riding in my prof's car) plus lunch (hopefully it is catered)...

Amsterdam (17th April - 21st April)

2008-04-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

rows & rows of flowers

i tot i saw a bunny! I did! I did! I did see a bunny...

Most beautiful shot amongst all...in my humble photographic opinion

some tulips...they are orange in color!!!...duhz

Kendrick and I in a windmill @ Keukenkof...

Jessica, YanLi,Jordan,Amelia,Kendrick,Me,Baolai and Huiyian

Funfare @ Amsterdam City...

Huge yellow clog...

Proof that I have been to Rotterdam...

Dim Sum...

Tina Tuner...

Some random shot with Amelia in Rotterdam...

Creative house...but waste space and materials...the designer is definitely not an engineer!

Amsterdam...

Baolai, Kendrick, Yanli and JiaLiang visited Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Along the way, they met up with Jessica, Jordan, Amelia and Huiyian. JiaLiang finds Rotterdam boring which by the way...he has informed his readers in his blog previously.

Yanli and Kendrick bought some very very nice stuff. Both are for their loved ones. All of them bought windmills and except for Kendrick, the rest bought cheese. JiaLiang bought some garlic with herbs cheese while Baolai and Yanli bought more traditional smoked cheese.

They met Jessica, Jordan, Amelia and Huiyian in Rotterdam. Jordan is Jessica's and Amelia's friend but Amelia do not know Jessica beforehand. So, what a small world. They are very thankful to Jordan who showed them around in Rotterdam and before they headed back for Amsterdam, they ate Dim Sums.

In the last day, Kendrick and JiaLiang searched through all the Albert Heijns (4 of them) there are in Amsterdam for their Euros 0.65 stroopwafels. Was unsuccessful because somehow they can't find more. Had to settle for 70% of what all of them wanted to buy.

SMS

2008-04-25T16:23:00.001-07:00

WHAT IN THE SAM HILL IS SMS (Safety Management System)?

I only know what is short messenger service. But I suspect that I am going to forget how to do it since I cannot use by hp. coz of the unusable SIM card.

Warmer

2008-04-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

The weather in Denmark is getting warmer and I have observed more people going out in the field to get a tan or just simply bask in the sun. Classes are quite okie but I am not. ha! There were times when I feel ashamed of myself just walking out of the class after lectures and not staying for tutorials. I hope that I can pass my exams.

Done booking the confusing hostels and correspondance with the hostel people concerning change of rooms etc etc. To the moeny collecting part, I have to be extra careful now that I have been bitten once. Have to take extra triplex or infiniplex precaution in the event that if there were any mistakes, I have documentation to fall back on and not get 'gorged to death'. Logistical roles are such headaches and it does not get any better when there are miscommunications.

Irony and Amsterdam

2008-04-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

Irony

Definitions of,
1. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning
2. an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected
3. the incongruity of this

Life has been likened to many things; box of chocolates, windmill, yardar yardar yardar. Well, in my opinion, life is one of irony too. Look through what has happened in our lives and you will realize there are many instances where life is such an irony.. exasperation, exhaustion and madness are often associated with lives' ironies...

Amsterdam
Just came back from Amsterdam. Lived in the red light district area. It was amazing how the solicitors do their business. Some were really drop-dead gorgeous while others were better off at home baking cookies for their grands. AMS is more of a tourist centre with little more than a few residents who bring in their keeps from tourist dollars.

Highlight of the trip was my purchase of a glass tulip from Keukenkoff. That little piece of glass cost me 16Euros! But it was money well-spent. Did not like it in Rotterdam because, except for nothing and nothing, there was still nothing. Transport was ridiculously priced but that's how things are in Europe.

Pictures will come soon and hopefully, I will survive the projects and the boring life in Denmark.

Kiasu

2008-04-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Kiasu-ism is a national behavorial phenomenon in my country. You can associate it with just about everyone in Singapore. Well, being a conformist like most of the rest, I cannot deny that I am Kiasu. Queuing up for Hello Kitty, buses, trains, food, Toto and what have you.

It transcends everyday people. (hint hint). Kiasuism is not a bad attitude to adopt, in fact, I strongly encourage it. It should be introduced in CME classes and pastorial care. It is an attitude to have to survive in this rat race. No one owes no one a living. He who seeks victory,wins. At this point, I am not making sense.

However, overdoing it might get you in places where you wished you like to keep it only on reel life. Creativity might be a better survival 'kit'. Instead of organizing vehicular racing, holding congregation for important people in the radius of 2000km(approx.) discussing important things or holding sports meet for young kids from elsewhere, we can be creative. Move on mate, what works for other people may not work for us.

We can for example, build a launching pad for commercial space flight, deliberately building an office on soft sand so that it tilts, a 700m skyscraper, declare a weeklong 'pot' day and the likes. These may draw attention too albeit in an unconventional manner. I must clarify these are but my humble, scientifically inaccurate somewhat (admittedly, brainless) suggestions.

Happy Birthday (to my blog) - The Beatles

2008-04-13T13:20:00.001-07:00

I am so glad my blog survived 1 year. Amidst my busy schedule, I managed to find time to update. Useful and useless information regardless, it's been fun expressing my take on things. Looking forward to many posts ahead.

Alien Vs Predator Requiem

2008-04-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

Alien versus Predator (AVP) is a BFZ (big fat zero) plot movie. The whole movie can be dissected in a couple of sentences. Predator hunts rapidly reproducing aliens and where he does that? On earth, where else? Poor humans caught in the crossfight and had to sacrifice a townful worth of innocent people. Human retaliate by using some powerful town-wiping arsenal. Story ends.

As it is, it is extremely difficult to distinguish which is which in darkness because both the aliens and the predator are black! To add on to the difficulty, half the movie is in darkness and the other half filled with irritating background sound. Conveniently, they fought each other at a power station and blacked out the town. Conveniently, it was sundown when the predator decided to hunt for the aliens. More conveniently, it had to rain just to make things a little messier.

Visually challenged audiences like myself had to squint to differentiate them. They should have put colored armbands on each of the species, and preferably luminous ones!

Extremely lousy movie with a lot of senseless burgeoning! Take away the huge spending on the actors and effects, the movie is nothing but just a predator with lots of 'ctrl c', 'ctrl v' aliens. Haiz...what rubbish...

Mozart's Alla Turca by Stanislav Bunin

2008-04-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to learn some musical instruments. At first, I thought I could be Mozart, or Chopin. However, after grade 5 of organ class, I don't think that I will ever understand what they have written. The bean sprouts score confuse me more than anything else. But not being an accomplished musician does not restrict one from appreciating it. By it, it excludes heavy metal, songs with repetitive lyrics and anything that sounds like the singers are asphyxiating. Enjoy...

Effective Critiques

2008-04-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it is better to leave things or people the way they are, and probably that's what makes a person unique. What one thinks is good for others may not actually be good to that person or may not even be helpful or good to begin with. Also, is one's perception of correctness flawed too? We have different opinions and there are many things where there are no right or wrong. Where one thinks a person has flawed may be just a prejudiced perception.

It is very very tiring and draining to have to explain over trivial things. Sometimes, life is easier and happier when you leave things as they are. While critics are good, but over-doing them for very wrong reasons are certainly very very very... annoying. One have to be aware of one's capacity and perception of correctness before brandishing the change-the-world wand and embark on a crusade of changing anyone who does not do things the way one wants them to be done. Again, it brings me back to the point of one's perception of correctness.

When 2 people or more than 2 people think that they are correct simultaneously, of course, the best way (my opinion may be flawed and even totally wrong for some reasons I can't comprehend, as usual) out of such a situation is TOLERANCE...

People react to critics differently, if the reaction to a critique is very bad, then maybe just leave it, or maybe you can re-look at the critique. Is it constructive? Is it called for? Of course, when one critiques, one may think it is constructive....otherwise, given one's perception of correctness, one won't have uttered nonconstructive things to begin with. Of course, you may feel that the other party is obstinate to constructive critiques.

One may be wrong from time to time, and critiques are always welcomed. But the person at the receiving end of the critiques have something called FEELINGS. You can't just say what you want, when you want. Ration the critiques. Respect yourself and accord it to other people.

While the critiques were meant in good way, when put across wrongly becomes very offensive and hence, survival instinct kicks in on the other party. The effectiveness of a constructive critique does not solely depend on the receptivity of the receiver, it is just as important how it is delivered. When unknowingly too much trivialized and uncalled for critiques together with useful ones are delivered, no one knows for sure which ones are important, the limit might be crossed.

Lead your life the way you want to. If however, for some reasons, you wish to enter people's life to tweak somethings, you have to choose the right, or issit wrong things to tweak. Don't just anyhow tweak. While pride and self-esteem stand in the way of change, effective criticism does not involve bulldozing the two down. Mutual respect is instrumental to any effective critiques.

Sometimes you need to give people time to see the goodness in them. Wait long enough. If however, you still don't see any goodness, accept things as they are and life will be much happier and carefree. You can't force a horse to drink the water if it doesn't want to. Find other horses. Do not waste your time on stubborn horses. They are not worth the effort.

All Clear

2008-04-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Captain, we are clear to take off.

Response

2008-04-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

In response to Baolai´s post on my undying support for Mr Low, I would like to clarify some things. First and foremost, I did NOT blast the incumbent party, let alone blast them like no one´s business. In fact, if my memory did not fail me, I APPLAUDED (literally) them for their effort in putting us on the world map.

In 2006 GE, Goh Chok Tong was asked by the incumbent party to win back the opposition wards.(fact) However, it was not successful as Hougang and Potong Pasir were retained by their respective opposition parties. In fact, the WP won by a greater margin compared with the 2001 GE. (fact)

I do give the incumbent their due credits. It cannot be overempathsized that I do not see Mr Low as a potential candidate for lobbying FTAs with the big boys around the world but that would be the job of our esteemed cabinet. However, certain things can be done differently.

My purpose was not to make anyone concur that Mr Low is good or that I am right. If that was being put through, then regrettably, it was not my intention. I was providing insights as a resident of his town how I feel. You are free to disagree but I am not too concerned. Results will show and they had, thusfar.

At the back of my mind, I do not know for sure what I am thinking sometimes. So it was quite impressive that people know what I am thinking at the back of my mind. What I know for sure is that it would be ill-advised to debate in politics and religion if we do not have the hard facts and figures. Even so, the time spent in engaging in such debates as minnows is quite meaningless.

I am pleasantly honoured and my ego is gently massaged that some have derived entertainment by making fun of me and my support for Mr Low. However, as long as it is not defamatory, you are most welcomed to do so. Heck, make an appointment, I´ll see what I can do to entertain.

PS: BL, your post might have kicked up another round of debate but I wish to end it asap because politics is sensitive.

April Humour

2008-04-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

Funny? Maybe not...Never mind...

Sometimes we don't just know one, we may even be surrounded by a batch of them and we may even be one of them! But it's okie to behave like one once in a while to inject some humor and laughter. Life is not exactly that short contrary to popular belief, but do not hesitate to make someone smile while you can.

Rome III

2008-03-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

Spagna Steps...

Barcaccia Fountain...

Grp...

Our last 'touring' day in Rome was more free and easy as we had completed most of the attractions we wanted to see. So it was shopping! For Kendrick, he attended a mass, conducted by Pope Benedict XXVI. Lucky him.

We went separate ways to shop and met before heading for Spagna Steps or Scanlinata, in Italian. It has the Barcaccia Fountain at the foot and leads to Trinita dei Monti, a church. It was completed in the early 18th century.

That marks the end of our Easter trip in Italy. Next up, it's Amsterdam and London...

Rome II

2008-03-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

From left: Yanli, Kendrick, Xiaoli and Me...

Colosseum...

Maze 1...

Maze 2...Maze 1 and 2 are the same maze taken from different angles...

Me inside the Colosseum...

Group shot in the Colosseum...

Kendrick and Baolai disturbing Yanli...

Revenge!!!

Palatino...

Palatino and me...

Hello spring...

Abercrombie and Fitch models...hahaha...like real...more like Apple crumble and Fish models...

Another Abercrombie & Fitch model...eligible guy by the wall...contact me if you want to know him...

Roman Forum and me...

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina...

Arch of Septimius Severus...

Arch of Septimius Severus and me...

What's beneath the Arch of Septimius Severus...

Silhouette shot of Temple of Saturn...

Temple of Saturn (from left: not me, not me, not me again and still not me)

Temple of Vespasian...probably Vespa got it's name from here...

Ground-zero view of the Roman Forum...click on the picture to see the names of the structures...

Overview of the Roman Forum...click on the picture to see the names of the structures...

Facade of Monuments a Vittorio Emanuele II...

Better view of Monuments a Vittorio Emanuele II despite being in the background of the Roman Forum...

Fontana di Trevi...

Closeup of Fontana di Trevi...

Fontana di Trevi and us...

Fontana di Trevi with me & others...

Fontana di Trevi by night...

Pantheon...

Facade of the Pantheon...

Inside the Pantheon...

Roman Forum was the place around which ancient Roman developed. It was there where communal and administration of justice took place. Some of the notable structures within the Roman Forum include Temple of Antioninus and Faustina, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vespasian and Arch of Septimius Severus.

To save you the trouble of finding out from wikipedia what all the structures represent, here is what I have copied. Temple of Antioninus was built by Emperor Antioninus Pius, initially dedicated to his decreased wife , Faustina the Elder. It was later renamed what it is today by Antoninus's successor, Marcus Aurelius after the former's death in 161.

Temple of Castor and Pollux was built originally in gratitude for victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus (495BC). Castor and Pollux were the Dioscuri, the twins of Gemini, or the twin sons of Zeus and Leda. During the battle, the Dioscuri appeared and helped the Romans. In return, dictator Aulus Postumius Albinus built a temple for them at the forum.

Temple of Saturn is a monument to the agricultural deity, Saturn. It is the oldest surviving structures in the forum believed to be built by King Tarquinius Superbus (Superbus???) between 501BC to 498BC. Temple of Vespasian built from AD79 to AD87 to honor the deified Vespasian and his son the deified Titus by Titus' brother, Domitian.

Arch of Septimius Severus is a white marble arch built in AD203 to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, in the two campaigns against the Parthians of 195 and 203. The Pantheon was a temple for all the gods in Ancient Rome.

The Colosseum is the largest colosseum ever built in the Roman Empire. It is an elliptical amphitheatre. It was built by Vespasian in AD70 and completed in AD80. The Colosseum serves as a venue for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, mock sea battles, re-enactment of battles and dramas based on classical mythology.

Fontana di Trevi is a fountain. Duhz. Anyway, it is a very scenic fountain which draws alot of tourists, locals, pickpockets, police and the likes. Do not expect to take a nice picture without anyone trying to muscle you for your place. Do remember to toss a coin or two to make your wish. Whether it comes true is another matter.

We conquered so many places in our second day in Rome. Third day in Rome was more relaxing with shopping...till then

Rome I

2008-03-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

...Roma...

...

...belong to the Popes...

...

...me...

...

...as usual, i dropped something...i have this bad habit of dropping things from heights, especially in Duomos...dropped sth from this height in the Duomo in Florence too...

...

...beautiful ppl...thx baolai for your photographic expertise...

...me small...

...

...pieta...

...me...

...not me...

...me...

...

For reasons unknown to the author of this blog as well, descriptions of places are unavailable for the time being. This post shall be concise without being too slipshod. Arrived in Rome. Went Macdonald's for dinner. First Mac meal since coming Denmark. Unfortunate to share room with a Milan dude who scolded us for being too noisy. Not very happy, quite bad start to Rome.

Forget about him. Next morning, woke up very early. Want to avoid long queue to Vatican Museum. Reached at 750am. Luckily only 50min queue. Museum very nice, but we don't know what's what inside, so pretended to be interested. Saw many Popes' stuff and paintings, rooms drawn or designed by this Raphael guy. Think he built many many buildings in the premises of Vatican, including the interiors.

Went to Basilica Di San Pietro thereafter. Again, paid money to climb up the Duomo. Was worth it as usual, nice view from top. Took many many beautiful pictures. Come down, went to see Popes' graves in this special building. Cannot snap snap inside so no proof. "Delighted" to finally see Pope John Paul II's grave. A few people praying in front of his grave. He was like a grandfather to the world.

Took some pictures outside at the square of Saint Peter's Basilica again. Saw Swiss Guards, uniform quite comical so gossiped abit about them and make small jokes. Impolite but we don't mean it. Left a satisfied tourist. Tired and apprehensive coz go back must face the Milan dude again...

Pisa

2008-03-28T04:40:00.000-07:00

Closer look of Intercity 505...

Acceptable seating for an hour ride to Pisa from Firenze...

Pisa Centrale Station...

World famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (LTOP)...we approached from the rear side...that explains the weird tilt from what we always see on postcards...

LTOP...

Tourists catered roadside stores...it's where I bought my souvenirs...

Baptistery of the Cathedral...architects; Diotisalvi, Nicolas Pisano and Giovanni Pisano...built in the 12century...

Piazza dei Miracoli...it's the square which consists of the Baptistery of the Cathedral, the Duomo, the Camposanto and the Tower of Pisa.

A group photo before we leave...

Arno River...this river flows all the way to Florence...

Pisa was our 3rd destination in Italy. There was not too much in the city to interest uncouth tourists like myself. If you are also uncouth and/or lack the time to spend visiting Piazza dei Cavalieri, Saint Sixtus, San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, Palazzo Reale, Museo delle Sinopie or Museo Nazionale di S. Matteo, why not just head straight to the Piazza dei Miracoli .

Piazza dei Miracoli is a square where the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa stands. Other notable structures in the Piazza include the Baptistery of the Cathedral, the Camposanto and the Duomo. The tower has been credited to Bonanno Pisano and Diotisalvi. It took nearly 180 years for the entire tower to be constructed starting in the middle of the 12th century. It was the third of the 4 structures to be built behind the Duomo and Baptistery. Camposante was the last to be built and it is actually a cemetery.

The tower tilts at an angle of 3.9 degrees and the tilt was attributed by soft substrate beneath the site and poorly laid foundation. It was closed throughout the 90s and was reopened to public in the fall of 2001. To those who want to scale LTOP, it is open and safe to do so for at least 300years barring weather calamities or acts of god. Galileo Galilei actually demonstrated from the tower that the speed of falling objects are independent of their masses.

Besides the Piazza dei Miracoli, you are free to tour around the above mentioned places which may bankrupt you to enter. Otherwise, you may spend a few hours in front of the tower to capture the best 'Support LTOP', 'Piggy-bag LTOP' and 'Pushing LTOP' poses amongst others .

Thereafter, we took a late afternoon train to Rome...choo choo...

Cheeky Post

2008-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Instead of boring and making you envious of my trips, I would like to share with you some hilarious responses to some newspaper articles . The nature of these articles and responses are sensitive and I hope that this serves just as nothing more than a light-hearted post. As with all sensitive things, we have to BCC (better cover kah cheng aka bottom), so I shall have a disclaimer; the views reflected in the link do NOT represent my views although some may set me thinking.

Do not dwell on it or get overly-excited. Have a good laugh...It made my day...has it made yours? If it haven't or made your day worst, I won't be unduly fretting over it since each to his opinions. Good day...