Home is Sweet

After a trip, home is warm and welcoming. It is good to go out for a few days and then back. Routine become a bore. Going to a different country, eating different food, experiencing different culture and enjoying the hospitality of my hosts is a good break.

The biggest challenge is falling sick during and after a trip. I get headaches due to the low pressure in the cabin. Sometimes eating bad food can be painful even traumatic.

I feels so good to be home in my own bed and surrounded by my books. Home is the sweetest place on Earth.

Geishas

I got a little glimpse of the geisha culture in Osaka last night. Dinner was a wonderful set of assorted deep fried items that is served two at a time. It is the best of slow food. Plenty of time for conversation. The oil is "healthy" and easy to digest and will not stay in the body, my host Tanaka san explains. There are 3 sticks of fresh and raw vegetable, carrot, raddish and cucumber. A side dish of wedges of raw cabbage to complement the deep fried. So the two extreme balance the whole meal.

After dinner, we go to a tiny bar for drinks. Along the way, we passed many hostesses greeting and cavassing for business. Many old Japanese women in their kimono finery and heavy make-up. I am a "gaijin" foreigner. So it was difficult for the hostess to talk to me as I know very little Japanese. Ok! I admit it. I know next to nothing except for good morning and thank you in Japanese. It is interesting experience. There are many senior Japanese businessman drunk and send off by the senior hostess. I am amaze and impressed by the fact old women in Japan are gainfully employed and earning good income entertaining old men.

It is interesting to observe that all the hostess do is listen and laugh at the jokes or anything. I also notice the hostess pays attention. I must say Japanese businessmen are lonely. I do not understand why they cannot talk to their wives about business issues or stress at work. Drinking and have a woman to listen is their way of destressing.

This hostesses are not really very pretty although they do dress up and many pass the age that would even get an interview to be a waitress in a bar in Singapore. So I must say Japan is a good place for old folks to keep working.

Buddha Statue in Seoul

There is a big Buddhist temple with a gigantic statue just outside my hotel in Seoul. I will pray there when I have a chance to do so.

Adorable Toddler

This is my colleague's two year old. Is she adorable?

Tonkatsu!

Tomorrow, I get to enjoy home-cooked Tonkatsu by my colleague's wife. She cooks fantastic tonkatsu. I had it a few years ago when he first relocate back to Japan. He has a nice house in Yokohama. It is very comfortable place. I am happy to visit his home again.

Money Will Be Useless

Some psychics are predicting money will be useless. Investment guru in Money Section of Straits Times recommends to buy gold and Singapore stocks. I have been giving money a lot of thoughts. In a crisis and stupendous change, a what-if scenario is "money is useless". Right now it is just a number in a bank account. Say if there is a pole shift. The Earth is upside down. Everything will be in a turmoil. All electric power are gone. No computer can run. Then what?? All paper money will be useless. It will be back to stone age. What can city dwellers like us offer? We have no survival skills outside a man-made world. All trades will be barter. I wonder what would people do. Many will die of starvation as harvest from the farms will have trouble getting to the people who need them.

On the other hand, if the world did not turn upside down, computers are still running and we all still have to earn money, the number in the bank account is very important. It allow us to buy creature comforts i.e. shelter, food and clothing. It is allow us higher standard of living i.e. tours, entertainment, sports and nice cars and fashionable clothing.

Happy!

I am very happy my soccer manager friend in Canada is visiting regularly. I will put in more thoughts on Canada. I will try to log in entries when I am in Japan. The schedule is a little hectic as I have plenty of meetings line up and have to travel to different cities. I also need to update more on the books I am reading. My latest acquition is Psychology of Work by Peter Warr. This is a series of articles on selection tests, team, motivation and other work related topic. I am interested to get a better understanding of organisation and work so that I can be a better leader.

Beautiful Rain

I find the rain shower this afternoon beautiful. This is our first rainshower since beginning of the year. The fields freshen up and the grass that were brown and withered shown some green sprites. I am very happy to get more green. It is worrying to see brown landscape when they should be green. With the rain shower, plants out in the open gets the water they need to quench their thirst. Beautiful indeed!

Crowded in Marina Square

Recently, the news reported slow down in retail sales and it is easy to get car park. Tonight, I just found the report not true maybe just for Marina Square. I have to circulate for more than 15 mins looking for a parking lot and got lucky when a guy told me he is leaving and asked me to reverse so that he can get out. The young adults are spending in the resturants. Maybe F&B is the last place to cut disposable income.

I also wonder if the news is making the situation worse by reporting bad news. I am no optimist. Reading the news makes me spend less and desire to save more. If everyone is reading the papers and reacting like me, I am sure our economy will contract.

Friday Night Observations

I have a late dinner out tonight. The two coffeeshops in Bishan I went to eat have plenty of seats empty. I expect more people eating out on Fridays but seem like it is not the case. Junction 8 however was full of people. Malls still attracts crowds. Maybe the economy is not half as bad. NTUC supermarket is doing roaring business.

I am glad to take time out to destress from work. It has been a hectic week at work. Next week be in Japan and weather is still cold. I should have gone during the sakura week. I have not seen cherry blossoms even though I have been to Japan a number of times. Boh Tong my fellow blogger loves Japan. He thinks the world of Japanese food and hotels. You can find out more by clicking here

Challenging Times Ahead

Bad news every day! Singapore Airlines grounding 14 aircrafts and stops flying to Vancouver. All business class flights to US are reduced. However, Singapore Airlines still manage to confound analysts by turning profits. Many programs by government are implemented to soften the blows of the recessions.
Singapore has many first. First country in Asia to go into recession. First to have export with drastic 35% drop since 1977, First to report jobs loss, First to...
Singapore has open economy and transparent reporting. Many bad news and Government's response. 90% subsidies for training, slight increase in handouts, job matching, workfare.
Seems like after giving goodies, ground is prepared for elections. We may have elections soon.

Two Canadian Friends Renew Relationship

I forward what I thought was important for all my friends in my email address. Two friends from Canada wrote back. I am very happy to stay in touch with them. One was a Malaysian Chinese who was my wife's ex-colleague and the other is a white guy from Macedonia who was my ex-colleague. My wife's ex-colleague is still working even though he is past 60 years. He lost C$142K in Nortel stock. Nortel was once the darling of TSE or Toronto stock exchange.

My ex-colleague is now a Manager for a Soccer Club. He travel to watch soccer matches. His wife is doing her own business consulting in 6-sigma quality process. They have two boys and lives in Burlington, Ontario which is just west of Toronto.

Blazing Sun

The Sun is out at full force. I will not be surprise if temperature reach record level. There is not much cloud cover. I can feel my skin burning under direct sunlight. Global warming is a cliche but the heat is real in the hot afternoon. No wonder we are getting lots of bush fires. Rain at it lowest in more than 20 years. The meterologist caution that one month is not a trend. He is scientifically trained and has to show restraint. I feel it in my bones. There is really nothing more I can worry about. If the sea level rises, millions will be affected and I will be one of millions since Sungei Punggol is steps away from my home.

If the rise in sea level is slow, I can go and live in Canada. Ha! Running away...

Planet Earth - BBC Series

This documentary is simply amazing. No wonder it is winning awards. It is enlightening and enriching to learn about our Earth. I must own this series. It is very entertaining and educational. You can watch for a very small fee of $21 per year with the National Library.

Productive Day

I have a very productive day. I have done plenty of work. Too much work. Value added? I am not so sure. If measure by dollars, it may not make any sense. However I consider all this work future investment. One day I will reap the returns in $$$.

Sunday as Usual

Today is just another regular Sunday. The boys have their extra classes and we ate Adam Road Prawn Mee. Spent time in Bishan library. This library contains good selection of audio books and documentary video. After class, we wander around Junction 8. Go to Popular to get some stationary. Bought and eat snacks. Then back home. At home, it is very warm and humit. So read by the poolside. Then cycle and dinner. Hmm! It is a very regular Sunday. Nothing exciting. Wait! I take that back. Right along Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 near AMK Central, there is a MPV that was smashed in front and turned turtle. It is unusual for a MPV to turn upside down in a busy road that is full of traffic lights. I wonder how this can happen.

Hurray, the Start of Recovery

Sian is listless and tired in Hokkien. Bo pian - no choice. All the bad news and stress at work. More bad news in the papers. The good news is the Rescue Package passed. Obama administration managed to come up with a plan to revive the US economy. I hope the economies of the world turnaround and fast! With so many jobs disappearing and hardships seen by the MPs(members of parliament)publicise by the Straits Times, it is imperative that the jobs come back. Otherwise, the world will suffer. It is bad that people are suffering.

Today is the good news and may be the start for the world's economy to revive and grow again.

STAR Diagnostic for Stroke

My friend, Goh Sze Li sends me via email. I have not verify if the right way. However, it is so simple and easy and it may save your loved ones lives just knowing how to identify and what to do...

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue

STROKE:Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.


My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word.
I agree.

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
Seriously..

Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency numberimmediatelyand describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.

Sick!

I was quite sick yesterday. I have a wake-up call at 5:50am to check out of the hotel as the airport is far from Seoul. I was all sweaty when I woke up and had a quick shower before dressing up. I had fruit juices and caffe latte for breakfast. In the aircraft, I had red wine with my meal. The red wine must have turn my nagging headache into nauseous, throbbing headache and making my body sweat even when the room temperature is cold.
To say I was feeling bad would be an understatement. I have no idea if it is the food or the exposure to cold together with the stress of travel i.e. low pressure and lack of sufficient sleep causing me to succumb to malaise and discomfort. I had plenty of rest and fluid and now I am feeling better and on the road to recovery for my next trip.

Fellow Passenger Attracted Attention

On the way back home yesterday, a passenger sitting one seat in front of me attracted a lot of attention from senior male passengers on the aisle when she return to her seat after visiting the washroom room. Subsequent times when she return to her seat, I notice other passengers were looking at her. So I decided to go to the washroom have a good look at her on returning to my seat. Unfortunately she wears a facemask. I heard the stewardess calling her Miss Park. She wears a mink and leather coat. I also notice on the fourth finger on her left hand is a huge diamond ring. The diamond is teardrop shaped size of a marble. I wonder if it is fake monster of a diamond. Otherwise she may be a mistress of a filthy rich guy. Or she may be an actress which may be why she is wearing a facemask without any sign of cold or stuffy nose. Whoever she is, it is quite mystery.

What do I want to do before I die?

I just bought a book with a collection of essays by ordinary folks answering this question. I have read a couple of articles and find it interesting enough to buy and own this book. Come to think of it, I have not really thought of this question? I do have many dreams. One of them is to own a business. It is better to be head of a chicken than tail of a bull - Ceylon Proverb. In a big company, my boss had wise saying "Unless you are the head elephant, everyone else view is the same".

Beside, owning my own business, what else do I really want to do before I die? I think hard. I do not have a travel bug or desire to travel around the world or play golf all day long. I am not so altruistic as to volunteer my time to charity. I love to teach and train. I enjoys being a coach. I wanted to learn to fly model plane. I want to want my sons grow up and keep my wife company. I enjoys reading and learning. I am doing many of these activities now.

What is it that I would like to do so that I am fulfilled when I move on to heaven in peace? Maybe have another home so that I have live in two different country. Canada is a good place with four seasons. I understand Northern Thailand is good too. Maybe a home that is self-sufficient in energy with windmill and solar to power all my modern comforts and reduce my imprint on earth and leave the world a better place.

I am rambling here. What would you like to do before you die?

Dinner Special

Chicago Grill was having a special (read: discount!). I am a sucker for value. I had a wonderful but lonely meal by myself...

Simple Dinner

Travelling is fun when you are out for vacation, exploring and experiencing new sights and sensation. I had a simple dinner by myself with a book for company.

Seoul Cold!

I wish I brought warmer clothing instead of just a windbreaker. It is freezing here. The flight was uneventful. No conversation with flight crew or my neighbour. It is nice to stay in the same hotel. Familiarity breeds contempt! Well when it come to hotels, this proverb is totally wrong. Familiarity breeds comfort. I had fish for lunch - Chile Seabass by some famous chef in New York engaged by Singapore Airlines to enhance her service. I left half my fish untouch. I wished I had FHM - no not the men's magazine with scantily dressed voluptuous women. FHM is Fried Hokkien Mee served 35,000 feet up in the air.

Freezing my Butt

Tomorrow, I will be travelling north into deep winter. This is sudden change in weather can be stressful to the body. The fun is snow. Unfortunately, I am going to a city and not up the mountain. :( no snow. Only shopping and Korean food.

What to Invest?

Most investments I know has dropped in value. Equities, real estate, commodities are all much lower now. There is a couple of bright spots. Gold is still strong and bond should be a safe haven. Now it is really tough to invest in anything. Everyone is tightening their belts and saving cash. As for me, I am thinking China's equities and commodities funds may be a good bet. I am a fan of Jim Rogers.

AJC Principal Good, ACJC Principal BAD!

My family had a traumatic week. My son's friend managed to get into ACJC but he did not although he is right at the cutoff points. We went to appeal and try to our best with CCA (co-circular activities) and MP letter. ACJC give us the run around. The Principal of ACJC, Mrs. Chan is high and mighty. She make herself inaccessible and make her staff gives parents and students like us a hard time.
In contrast, AJC Principal called my son's friend to say she is rejected and listen to her plea. She listened to her student and make concession. From this experience and example, AJC Principal displayed listening skills, empathy and reach out to her students. She has displayed true leadership skills and humility. ACJC Principal? in Charles Dicken's word BLAH!

Bitter End?

Up to now, the only news it is not successful. Sigh! Should we still nurse our hope as the deadline is tomorrow? We should give up and move on with life. It is really a tough week Prayers, MP, visiting the school and calling the CCA teacher all are in vain. In vain! This is the end of the world as we know it. Our family world luckily on the Earth. Our dreams broken, hopes dashed. We will move on and make the JC regret not taking my boy. Revenge will be sweet when he outdone the Other JC students.

Going Through Hell

It is a really traumatic process. B1, my wife and I work hard toward the appeal process. The school gives us the run around and we are getting bad vibes. B1 is very disappointed and feeling very down. He is listless and it clear this process is impacting him negatively. There is only a small silver of hope as the Friday is the final deadline. However, hearing that some are already in the school that appealed at the same time as he did.
Sigh! All we can do now is pray and pray hard.

Wee Siew Kim

Mr. Wee Siew Kim is MP for Jalan Kayu. He holds a meet-the-people session in Blk 556 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 on first and last Tuesday of the month from 8 to 10 pm. We went over to meet him and seek his help. The volunteers and grassroots leaders were very helpful. He is very busy and get lots done in the short time he is there. The volunteers were there to type letters and gather information. There is a number system on a first-come-first serve basis. It is a well-oiled and very slick operation. I am impressed!

Food Lover

Someone commented that I am more a foodlover than a booklover. I want to go on record he is right! Just this week, I gain 2 kgs with all the Chinese New Year food and goodies. It is eating non-stop. Plenty of meals with family and friends over. I must now exercise even more now. Cutting down on food is hard to do....

I know WHY...

I am so hot on exercise. I am reading a new book by John Medina titled Brain Rules. There are 12 Principles for boosting Brain Power. First and foremost, EXERCISE! Medina bring back human before modern civilisation. Human are wandering and walking 12 to 25 miles a day. Our brain used up 20% of the total energy consume by the body. So it need plenty of blood flow into the brain to provide oxygen and remove the waste. Research show that exercise can slow down and even reverse brain disease like Alzheimer. This makes a lot of sense. So I am totally sold by this concept and will exercise and exercise and exercise.