I am listening to the audio book. Ann Rand makes a good point about my writing. It is very factual and boring. I do not write in flowery language. Reading Boh Tong's stories, it is "flowery" and full of juicy description.
I will spend time to learn to write in a more colourful way.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Cool
Weather is pretty cool today as it rained all day. I managed to catch some fishes from a tiny pool along a stream. I do not understand how the fishes get there. In Russia, there is a saying "If you want fish, dig a pond and fishes will appear." I wonder how the fishes managed to appear on a stream that is fed by the runoff from the field. I will need to a picture to show what I meant.
The weather pattern is a little unusual nowaday. 2012 is now the new date for the cosmic change on Earth. It is the year Mayan calendar ends. After going through 1999 and 2000 where something significant is supposed to happen and nothing did, I am officially a Skeptic.
The weather pattern is a little unusual nowaday. 2012 is now the new date for the cosmic change on Earth. It is the year Mayan calendar ends. After going through 1999 and 2000 where something significant is supposed to happen and nothing did, I am officially a Skeptic.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
The movie is quite good although quite unlike Harry Potter. It is full of fires and fighting. I like the Tesla coils generating plasma balls through physics instead of sorcerery. Plenty of fights and car chase. The cars can be changed by the sorcerers. Why bother to use car when they can fly using metal bird?
My wife liked the movie although there were some scary moments for her. The food is ok but quite light. I like the Thai mango salad.
This is the compliment of Singapore Airlines. I met an old school mate there as well.
My wife liked the movie although there were some scary moments for her. The food is ok but quite light. I like the Thai mango salad.
This is the compliment of Singapore Airlines. I met an old school mate there as well.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Communications with Our Boys
My siblings and I grew up eating lunch and dinner on own at separate times. We do not have a habit of eating together. When we first married, my wife always insist on waiting for me to eat dinner together. I do not wait for her if she is late. Many a time, I get frustrated and upset with her for not eating first even when she is starving and I am busy at work. Over time, I have been trained by her to discard my old habit. Today, we always have dinner together and we will wait for our boys if they are going to come home late for dinner.
Dinner time means no tv or phone or games. When the rules are simple and clear, it worked. We will linger after dinner and I usually cut fruits for desserts. This is conversation time. Our boys will update on their activities. We also talk about other family matters and school. I am beginning to see the power of having dinner together. It is communication process and time for us to connect together as a family. We also talk about what to do if we become senile and need them to care for us. We talk about what not to do among brothers. I find it very enriching that we can pass on our values and teach them how to handle difficult situations involving their parents, us.
Dinner time means no tv or phone or games. When the rules are simple and clear, it worked. We will linger after dinner and I usually cut fruits for desserts. This is conversation time. Our boys will update on their activities. We also talk about other family matters and school. I am beginning to see the power of having dinner together. It is communication process and time for us to connect together as a family. We also talk about what to do if we become senile and need them to care for us. We talk about what not to do among brothers. I find it very enriching that we can pass on our values and teach them how to handle difficult situations involving their parents, us.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Simple Life
I was chatting (Instant Messaging) with my Taiwanese colleague today. We have to do an IDP or Individual Development Plan. She was trying to figure out what she likes to do with her career. She come from a well-off family that start out poor. She is single and on the lookout for her true love.
She asked would ask "promote" myself i.e. sell myself to the senior management. I was young and ambitious. Today, I still have the drive and ambition. However, my values remains. One of them is not to "manage upwards". I worked hard and work my team hard. I run the business well and expect my results and performance to sell my capabilities. Just because I am a better mousetrap does not mean the world will beat to my doorstep.
Today, I value a simple life where family occupies my thoughts more and spending quantity time with my family. I still spend a significant amount of time away from home. My boys have grown. I still perform my work well and do the best I can. However, my tolerance for incompetence has increased and maybe it is due to maturity and aging. I am a lot more patient nowadays.
A simple life does not mean no stress. However, it is a lot less complicated and easier to fall asleep at night. I am glad I do not worry about the intrigues that others in the company are engaged in. They must have spend a lot of time figuring out all the different iterations and possibilities of actions and reactions from their peers, superiors and subordinates. Many do thrive on power and getting others to do their bidding.
I opt for a life where my conscience is clear and enjoys simple pleasures.
She asked would ask "promote" myself i.e. sell myself to the senior management. I was young and ambitious. Today, I still have the drive and ambition. However, my values remains. One of them is not to "manage upwards". I worked hard and work my team hard. I run the business well and expect my results and performance to sell my capabilities. Just because I am a better mousetrap does not mean the world will beat to my doorstep.
Today, I value a simple life where family occupies my thoughts more and spending quantity time with my family. I still spend a significant amount of time away from home. My boys have grown. I still perform my work well and do the best I can. However, my tolerance for incompetence has increased and maybe it is due to maturity and aging. I am a lot more patient nowadays.
A simple life does not mean no stress. However, it is a lot less complicated and easier to fall asleep at night. I am glad I do not worry about the intrigues that others in the company are engaged in. They must have spend a lot of time figuring out all the different iterations and possibilities of actions and reactions from their peers, superiors and subordinates. Many do thrive on power and getting others to do their bidding.
I opt for a life where my conscience is clear and enjoys simple pleasures.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Linda Lim vs Tommy Koh
Linda Lim is a Professor of Strategy at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and Professor Tommy Koh is chairman of hte Centre for International Law at NUS.
Professor Linda Lim wrote an article that say Asians need to spend more Professor Tommy Koh refute this argument. Ben Bernanke says "global saving glut" was the cause of global macro economic imbalances. Tommy Koh feels that America is just trying to blame their creditors when the fundamental problem is America's unsustainable deficits. He also feels that Asian culture is to save. However, Linda's point is when the population ages, there is no choice but to consume more.
I actually think it is great that Straits Times publishes the email exchange between two fine minds. Their debate and arguments are very lucid and positions clear. While Linda proclaims you i.e.Tommy and I (both Asians) do not agree... is stating her skin colour and identifying with her Asian roots, I feel she is more of a banana. She may be Asian in looks but white inside. Her thinking is more American than Asian.
Professor Linda Lim wrote an article that say Asians need to spend more Professor Tommy Koh refute this argument. Ben Bernanke says "global saving glut" was the cause of global macro economic imbalances. Tommy Koh feels that America is just trying to blame their creditors when the fundamental problem is America's unsustainable deficits. He also feels that Asian culture is to save. However, Linda's point is when the population ages, there is no choice but to consume more.
I actually think it is great that Straits Times publishes the email exchange between two fine minds. Their debate and arguments are very lucid and positions clear. While Linda proclaims you i.e.Tommy and I (both Asians) do not agree... is stating her skin colour and identifying with her Asian roots, I feel she is more of a banana. She may be Asian in looks but white inside. Her thinking is more American than Asian.
Total Knee Replacement
My mother will be going for total knee replace next week. My youngest sister will go over to Toronto to take care of her and keep her company for two weeks. I really appreciate my sister care and concerns for Mum.
Mum has been living alone in Toronto since I relocate back to Singapore 9 years ago. She has bad knees and one of them has degenerated to the point where she cannot bend the leg. She has been using a walker to move around her apartment. I have been asking her to operate every time she came back to Singapore and she always refused. Her condition must be really bad for her to change her mind.
Mum, please get well and be healthy.
Mum has been living alone in Toronto since I relocate back to Singapore 9 years ago. She has bad knees and one of them has degenerated to the point where she cannot bend the leg. She has been using a walker to move around her apartment. I have been asking her to operate every time she came back to Singapore and she always refused. Her condition must be really bad for her to change her mind.
Mum, please get well and be healthy.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Scarily Heavy
I was returning home after visiting my sister. It just a light drizzle and a chauvinistic man I made a sacastic remark to my wife who was scrambling hastily to the car - you are not made of ice-cream. In less than 5 mins, the heaven opens and it simply pours and pours. It became a storm filled with lightning. Huge amount of water was gushing out of the drains. The ferocity of the flow is quite scarily. It is getting more frequent to floods and to more areas.
Good thing is the rain stop after one hour. I don't think there will be any flood unless some other area are worst hit then here.
Good thing is the rain stop after one hour. I don't think there will be any flood unless some other area are worst hit then here.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Opportunities Seekers vs Problem Solvers
Today is the presentation ceremony for PSC scholars. The Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean says the traditional PSC scholars are good problem solvers. In today's changing world, however, he want to future PSC scholars be an opportunities seekers and be able to deal with issues that is global in nature like the eruption of the volcano in Iceland disrupting air travel. It is about anticipating future unknown issues and having the resilient to deal with issues at global scale.
Opportunity seeking is a real challenge. I can solve problems and turnaround poor unprofitable business. However, when it come to figuring out new opportunities or creating new markets, I am poor. I feel so inadequate and incompetent especially since a couple of young kids can be billionaires by writing software(Bill Gates) or develop search engine (Serge) and youtube and facebook.
Luckily for me, I am happy with my lot although I do wish I am a multi-billionaire!
Opportunity seeking is a real challenge. I can solve problems and turnaround poor unprofitable business. However, when it come to figuring out new opportunities or creating new markets, I am poor. I feel so inadequate and incompetent especially since a couple of young kids can be billionaires by writing software(Bill Gates) or develop search engine (Serge) and youtube and facebook.
Luckily for me, I am happy with my lot although I do wish I am a multi-billionaire!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Communicating with Your Teens
Pei Hwa Secondary School has a two day program with Adam Khoo's Learning for teenagers. The program culminated into a two hours sessions for parents to communicate with their teens.
The program is on motivating teens and teaches them to view things on a different light. It focuses on communication and making sure you express your love to your parents. The presenter is quite humorous and also use a lot of touching examples causing quite a few mothers to shed tears.
B2 was quite charged up and had plenty to share on his two day training. I am very happy to see him motivated and in a uplifted mood. I am also very proud he is making progress with his behaviour and school work.
It is a busy Friday evening for us. I am tired but full of pride!
The program is on motivating teens and teaches them to view things on a different light. It focuses on communication and making sure you express your love to your parents. The presenter is quite humorous and also use a lot of touching examples causing quite a few mothers to shed tears.
B2 was quite charged up and had plenty to share on his two day training. I am very happy to see him motivated and in a uplifted mood. I am also very proud he is making progress with his behaviour and school work.
It is a busy Friday evening for us. I am tired but full of pride!
Parent-Teacher Meeting
Anderson Junior College's Parent-Teacher's Meeting is this afternoon. I cycled to the school and security guards were very hospitable and volunteer to guard my bike for me. The cycling track along Ang Mo Kio Avenue is really good and it is part of PCN. Only problem is the exhaust fumes of all the vehicles make it very unhealthy to ride a bike. So I am glad not to do this on a regular basis. Cycling along low traffic route is the way to stay healthy.
Back to the PTM. The main hall is organised into many stations and each has two tables and 3 pairs of chairs for parents to queue to talk to the teachers. There is a map of all the stations and another document with all the classes and the responsible teacher for the subject. The student councillors from JC1 are there to help ushers the parents. Tea, coffee and light snacks are provided. The logistics is well organised and executed.
I spoke to all B1's teachers. They are quite pleased with his behaviour and performance. He is a model student according to his Chemistry teacher. His Physics teacher told me he is the top in class. I am very happy and proud!
Back to the PTM. The main hall is organised into many stations and each has two tables and 3 pairs of chairs for parents to queue to talk to the teachers. There is a map of all the stations and another document with all the classes and the responsible teacher for the subject. The student councillors from JC1 are there to help ushers the parents. Tea, coffee and light snacks are provided. The logistics is well organised and executed.
I spoke to all B1's teachers. They are quite pleased with his behaviour and performance. He is a model student according to his Chemistry teacher. His Physics teacher told me he is the top in class. I am very happy and proud!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Good Life
What is The Good Life?
It is living a fulfilling life with friends and family. Raising responsible and well-adjusted kids, making the world a better place. Safe place to live and good books to read. Good movies, food and drinks. Enjoy simple pleasures. I am still drinking tea and coffee but the low cost kopitiam kind rather than Starbuck. Starbucks and Coffee Beans are good sin once in a while.
The Buddhist approach is to reduce your wants and you will feel rich. I do feel rich as my expectations are simple and down-to-earth.
In short, I am enjoying a good life.
It is living a fulfilling life with friends and family. Raising responsible and well-adjusted kids, making the world a better place. Safe place to live and good books to read. Good movies, food and drinks. Enjoy simple pleasures. I am still drinking tea and coffee but the low cost kopitiam kind rather than Starbuck. Starbucks and Coffee Beans are good sin once in a while.
The Buddhist approach is to reduce your wants and you will feel rich. I do feel rich as my expectations are simple and down-to-earth.
In short, I am enjoying a good life.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Authentic Happiness
I am going to quote a paragraph of this book by Martin Seligman and also show it to B2 tomorrow. B1 has seen it. It is on "flow".
"Flow is a frequent experience for some people, but this state visits many others only rarely if at all. In one of Mike Czikszentmihalyi's studies, he tracked 250 high-flow and 250 low-flow teenagers. The low-flow teenagers are "mall" kids: they hang out at malls and they watch television a lot. The high-flow kids have hobbies, they engage in sports, they spend a lot of time on homework. On every measure of psychological well-being (including self-esteem and engagement) save one, the high-flow teenagers did better. The exception is important: the high-flow kids think their low-flow peers are having more fun, and say they would rather be at the mall doing all those "fun" things or watching television. But while all the engagement they have is not perceived as enjoyable, it pays off later in life. The high-flow kids are the ones who make it to college, who have deeper social ties, and whose later lives are more successful. This all fit Mike's theory that flow is the state that builds psychological capital that cna be drawn on in years to come."
Doing work gives high flow state and pay offs in success in life.
"Flow is a frequent experience for some people, but this state visits many others only rarely if at all. In one of Mike Czikszentmihalyi's studies, he tracked 250 high-flow and 250 low-flow teenagers. The low-flow teenagers are "mall" kids: they hang out at malls and they watch television a lot. The high-flow kids have hobbies, they engage in sports, they spend a lot of time on homework. On every measure of psychological well-being (including self-esteem and engagement) save one, the high-flow teenagers did better. The exception is important: the high-flow kids think their low-flow peers are having more fun, and say they would rather be at the mall doing all those "fun" things or watching television. But while all the engagement they have is not perceived as enjoyable, it pays off later in life. The high-flow kids are the ones who make it to college, who have deeper social ties, and whose later lives are more successful. This all fit Mike's theory that flow is the state that builds psychological capital that cna be drawn on in years to come."
Doing work gives high flow state and pay offs in success in life.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Man Killed
Wind, rain and thunderstorm claimed a man's life this afternoon at Yio Chu Kang and Upper Thomson Road. A tree fell onto his car and it took emergency crews 20 mins to free the body from the car.
It is the way to Thomson Plaza and the Famous Crispy Prata in Casuarina Road. Driving in Singapore is getting dangerous. Many trees have fallen on cars on CTE. The freak weather pattern is freaking me out! I hope no more trees falling on innocent and unsuspecting drivers.
It is the way to Thomson Plaza and the Famous Crispy Prata in Casuarina Road. Driving in Singapore is getting dangerous. Many trees have fallen on cars on CTE. The freak weather pattern is freaking me out! I hope no more trees falling on innocent and unsuspecting drivers.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Cycling - the new lifestyle
The government is expanding the cycling paths everywhere. Beside the park connectors, three towns have cycling paths to connect to the train stations and the different amenities. I am very happy to see the support our government is extending to encourage cycling. It is good exercise and the greenest form of transport.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Wondering
Floods is becoming common. I wonder if D-Day is coming. I know it is fatalistic and As Right As Rain is the proverb I learn since primary school. Man or PUB in the case of Singapore has done a tremendous job of controlling floods in the past. The monsoon canals were widen and drains in low lying areas deepen. For many years, there were no floods. Once in a while we get the floods in the Thomson road area where the nurseries are.
Orchard Road flood again, 2nd time in as many months. All the new measures implemented obviously did not work. The rain volume that come down in a few hours is the same volume that previously is the cumulative total for the whole month.
Will we wake up and found ourselves surrounded by water?
Orchard Road flood again, 2nd time in as many months. All the new measures implemented obviously did not work. The rain volume that come down in a few hours is the same volume that previously is the cumulative total for the whole month.
Will we wake up and found ourselves surrounded by water?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Dealing with life's end
Lien Foundation commissioned a comparative study on the quality of death index which is on how well differenct countires manage the care of dying elderly people. Singapore ranked 18th among the 40 countries surveyed by the Economist Intelligence Unit or EIU. Singapore is a First World society is falling short especially since the basic end-of-life the country come in at No. 30.
Singapore should do more public education and awareness on palliative. Death is a taboo in our mindset. Singaporeans are conditioned to equate the value of a person with economic usefulness (or how much money they have or can earn) must learn to value people for who they are. Sick, old people should be better honoured and not regarded as imposing on time and resources of their relatives. The young today will need to realise they will grow old and be in need of care and emotional which may be sooner than they can imagine.
Singapore should do more public education and awareness on palliative. Death is a taboo in our mindset. Singaporeans are conditioned to equate the value of a person with economic usefulness (or how much money they have or can earn) must learn to value people for who they are. Sick, old people should be better honoured and not regarded as imposing on time and resources of their relatives. The young today will need to realise they will grow old and be in need of care and emotional which may be sooner than they can imagine.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Editorial
I will start taking my own advice and do a summary of editorial in the newspapers to improve my English. Yesterday was my first attempt. The editorial was from International Tribune.
I recall my English teacher, a Sikh with a turban. He was having trouble trying to teach us English. Finally after discussing with other English teachers, he come up with a solution i.e. to summarize the editorial comments in the Straits Times. I did not believe writing a summary two to three times a week would improve my English. I am a consummate reader but my written English is poor.
When the results for the final exams was out, my best friend, Tan Kun Hoo had an "A" in English. My result was the same as before "C". I was surprise by his improvement and he showed me the exercise book that has the cuttings of the editorial and his handwritten summary.
I had living proof it worked!
I recall my English teacher, a Sikh with a turban. He was having trouble trying to teach us English. Finally after discussing with other English teachers, he come up with a solution i.e. to summarize the editorial comments in the Straits Times. I did not believe writing a summary two to three times a week would improve my English. I am a consummate reader but my written English is poor.
When the results for the final exams was out, my best friend, Tan Kun Hoo had an "A" in English. My result was the same as before "C". I was surprise by his improvement and he showed me the exercise book that has the cuttings of the editorial and his handwritten summary.
I had living proof it worked!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Europe Curbs Bankers
This is the editorial in Herald Tribune. The opening is a clear statement that excessive pays for bankers, and huge rewards for risk-taking, brought financial disaster to US and the world. In US, the government recognised the issue but did far too little. Europe in contrast approved new rules bankers will receive only 20 to 30 percent bonus in cash. Balance is defer for 3 to 5 years. The bonus must be paid in shares or "contingent capital" - bonds that convert into equity if the bank is in trouble.
It is good that Europe puts in the measure to restrict excesses that brought the financial systems to its knees. The grossly obscene pay and bonuses are once paid are real money. "Profits" booked by the banks that were used to calculate bonuses may become huge losses for the banks in a few years. This will bring sanity and curb undesirable behaviour.
US must follow suit!
It is good that Europe puts in the measure to restrict excesses that brought the financial systems to its knees. The grossly obscene pay and bonuses are once paid are real money. "Profits" booked by the banks that were used to calculate bonuses may become huge losses for the banks in a few years. This will bring sanity and curb undesirable behaviour.
US must follow suit!
Yahoo Mail is Working Again
Yahoo Mail is back! It was down for a couple of hours. This morning, it worked again. Right now, everything seems ok. I am glad I have my email back. Phew! I was wrong about Yahoo! All is well.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Yahoo Mail
Yahoo Mail decide to change to a new format but do not give any notice. So now all my emails are not accessible.
This is the most horrible thing Yahoo has done. Why do they not give any notice of an impending change and shutdown of my account.
I am very shocked and disappointed by a company that is so insensitive. No wonder Yahoo is in trouble.
This is the most horrible thing Yahoo has done. Why do they not give any notice of an impending change and shutdown of my account.
I am very shocked and disappointed by a company that is so insensitive. No wonder Yahoo is in trouble.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Australia - The Place for Cost Effective Supplements
Mr. Vitamins is the chain store that focus on selling Vitamins, Bee Pollens, Royal Jelly, Fish Oil and other food supplements. The price is very competitive and most of the products were made or produced in Australia.
I would recommend this place if you are a pill popper.
I would recommend this place if you are a pill popper.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Bourne Supremacy
I am sucker for action movies. It give me the adrenaline rush and give me the fantasy of being the Hero whom no baddies can kill. Tonight's Monday night movie on Channel 5, is The Bourne Supremacy. I have watched this movie several time as I own the dvd. I still do not get tired of watching this show. It is like the musical The Sound of Music. I watch it over and over again.
Nowaday, there are so many new movies, it is hard to catch up. The price of flat screen TVs have dropped. Now the LEDTVs which offer brighter and clearer pictures. 3D is new. Soon 3D prices will drop too. Technology keep advancing and price keep dropping.
The key is to wait until the product become mainstream. Otherwise it is poor value for money.
Nowaday, there are so many new movies, it is hard to catch up. The price of flat screen TVs have dropped. Now the LEDTVs which offer brighter and clearer pictures. 3D is new. Soon 3D prices will drop too. Technology keep advancing and price keep dropping.
The key is to wait until the product become mainstream. Otherwise it is poor value for money.
Monitor Lizard
The monitor lizard that lives in the canal or Sungei Punggol was on the news last night. It was caught in the drains in SengKang. I have seen this monitor lizard for many years now. The first time I sight it was in the last surviving kampong (kampong Buangkok) in Singapore probably 5 years ago.
It is quite shy and can be seen in the river. The river is now convert into a reservoir. Maybe the food source has been reduced since there is no more tides to bring in fresh seafood. I kind of feel sad it is going to another home NParks deem suitable. Probably in the nature's reserve like Peirce reservoir. I will miss it when I ride my bicycle on the new Park Connector Network.
It is quite shy and can be seen in the river. The river is now convert into a reservoir. Maybe the food source has been reduced since there is no more tides to bring in fresh seafood. I kind of feel sad it is going to another home NParks deem suitable. Probably in the nature's reserve like Peirce reservoir. I will miss it when I ride my bicycle on the new Park Connector Network.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Weight Gain
It's been a long time since I talk about my weight. My fellow bloggers and friends told me not to get too concerned and worse of all it is boring. No one wants to about my weight. I am a getting rounder at my waist and the scale is reading past 89kgs. It went past 90 last night.
I am officially overweight. I am cycling and swimming like crazy in the last few days but it is not working. What goes up will come down is not true at all. My weight has yet to come down. I need to change to a healthy lifestyle. I have been worried about my weight for years. My willpower is weak, very weak.
Maybe I will go for surgical fat removal aka liposuction.
I am officially overweight. I am cycling and swimming like crazy in the last few days but it is not working. What goes up will come down is not true at all. My weight has yet to come down. I need to change to a healthy lifestyle. I have been worried about my weight for years. My willpower is weak, very weak.
Maybe I will go for surgical fat removal aka liposuction.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Tao of Warren Buffett
This book written by ex-daughter-in-law of Warren Buffett with another co-author is nugget of wisdow from the Oracle of Omaha. I listened to the audio version of this book and it is really interesting. Very succinct words of wisdom. I like this pronouncement "Just because you are rich does not make you an expert in everything."
Friday, July 09, 2010
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Increased Traffic
Hardly anyone read my blog. I update it almost daily unless I do not have internet access. Yet recently, there is an increased in readership. I have no idea why. I wrote to improve my writing skills. I also want to capture a silver of my life for my boys in case they need to recollect the times when they grow up.
I also noticed that my blog's link is no longer in my fellow blogger, Boh Tong's blogs. Sorry, BT! My traffic actually improved!
I also noticed that my blog's link is no longer in my fellow blogger, Boh Tong's blogs. Sorry, BT! My traffic actually improved!
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Update on the Park Connector
The project sign was always there. I thought I know the new park connector as I cycled through it. Yesterday I met a jogger who told me there will be a bridge from the field between Seletar Spring and Pei Hwa Secondary School to go across the canal. I look at him with a puzzled look and he told me it is in the project board.
So today I took a good look. Yes, there will be a bridge and the park connector go all the way to Pungol 16th Avenue. This mean I can cycle all the way to the beach. It will be a good and safe way to exercise. I hope the work can progress faster. It will be amazing.
I wonder if the value of my estate will go up. Anyway, it does not really matter as I will not be selling. Life will be a walk in the Park!
So today I took a good look. Yes, there will be a bridge and the park connector go all the way to Pungol 16th Avenue. This mean I can cycle all the way to the beach. It will be a good and safe way to exercise. I hope the work can progress faster. It will be amazing.
I wonder if the value of my estate will go up. Anyway, it does not really matter as I will not be selling. Life will be a walk in the Park!
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Responsive SQ
I am very happy to get quick response from Singapore Airlines on my feedback for the cabin crew. Harold even called me personally to thank me for the feedback.
Usually, I get an email in the past. A call makes it more personal. Yes, Singapore Airlines, please keep improving. It is important to retain customers.
Usually, I get an email in the past. A call makes it more personal. Yes, Singapore Airlines, please keep improving. It is important to retain customers.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Double Dip Recession
Now there are talks about double dip recession. It is really scary. After the first recession, I am not sure if we are ready for the next.
The report on China in Newsweek is comparing China with Japan at a similar stage in economic development. China's growth will start to slow down at a more reasonable pace in a few years.
Western developed countries are starting to learn they can no longer spend their way out of recession. That is debt is bad and thrift is good. The governments have to reduce their spending and cut services. This mean jobs as the government is the largest employer in any country.
The report on China in Newsweek is comparing China with Japan at a similar stage in economic development. China's growth will start to slow down at a more reasonable pace in a few years.
Western developed countries are starting to learn they can no longer spend their way out of recession. That is debt is bad and thrift is good. The governments have to reduce their spending and cut services. This mean jobs as the government is the largest employer in any country.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Weird Science
I love scientific mysteries. Bigfoot, loch ness monster and animals not known to Science. The field is called Cyptozoology.
Lobsang Rampa wrote in his books Giants used to rule the earth. This was when the climate of earth is very friendly to human inhabitants. A friend from Canada forwarded some pictures.
Lobsang Rampa wrote in his books Giants used to rule the earth. This was when the climate of earth is very friendly to human inhabitants. A friend from Canada forwarded some pictures.
Jet Lag and Weight Issues
One of the many travails of travelling to different time zones is jet lag. Although I slept late last night(close to midnight) I am up at 5am or 7am Sydney time. Even though it is just one week of waking up at 4:30am local time, my body still wake up early on what should be a lazy Sunday morning.
I live to eat and the food in Sydney is quite good. The Australians are good hosts. Even better, my Taiwanese collegeau is there on a three months assignment. She know the best food resturants around and bring up to great rib and chinese resturants. I had a good time but gain a kilo.
Now I have to work off the kilo gained. Weight - going up is easy, coming down is hard work. Food is like credit card - enjoy now and pay later.
I will do my exercise once I am done writing my blog.
I live to eat and the food in Sydney is quite good. The Australians are good hosts. Even better, my Taiwanese collegeau is there on a three months assignment. She know the best food resturants around and bring up to great rib and chinese resturants. I had a good time but gain a kilo.
Now I have to work off the kilo gained. Weight - going up is easy, coming down is hard work. Food is like credit card - enjoy now and pay later.
I will do my exercise once I am done writing my blog.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
PCN - Park Connector Network
The government is investing into a network of green park connectors. The network will give residents green lungs and closeness to nature. It is interesting to see different varieties of birds. Also feels good to cycle where we need not worry about vehicles. Watching out for pedestrians is a lot easier and safer.
This park connector connects to nowhere for now. It is just along the canal to Sengkang Gardens. I wonder how far I can cycle safely in future.
This park connector connects to nowhere for now. It is just along the canal to Sengkang Gardens. I wonder how far I can cycle safely in future.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thoughts on Sydney
At dinner, my colleague mentioned that the girls in Sydney are good-looking. I actually made the same remark earlier to another colleague. Our white Australian colleague says her husband worked in George Street and his colleagues when stressed would go down from the office to feast their eyes on the all beautiful women to de-stress. She is alright with her husband ogling at other women. Her rules are simple: You can look at the menu but you cannot order. Or you can whet your appetite but you must eat at home.
I think the food and the weather makes the women in Australia attractive. The Chinese and other Asian girls are bigger built and heavier.
The weather down under is also freaky. Record cold shows that Australia is suffering the effects of global warming. My boss used the record cold to argue against me that the earth is not warming. However, my understanding is global warming is causing more extreme weather patterns.
I had a great time with all my colleagues. We had dinner together every nights. So I start my day early and ends very late. We had great food. Last night, we ate in New Shanghai Resturant in Chatworth. It is like a mini-Chinatown. There are plenty of Chinese resturants and grocery stores. Also there are good street foods. I was also busy talking and so not have as detailed an experience as I would have if I am alone.
One thing for sure, my colleague from Taiwan is just amazing. She seems to know a lot of people as we walked to the resturant. She is like Mayor of the Chatworth!
I think the food and the weather makes the women in Australia attractive. The Chinese and other Asian girls are bigger built and heavier.
The weather down under is also freaky. Record cold shows that Australia is suffering the effects of global warming. My boss used the record cold to argue against me that the earth is not warming. However, my understanding is global warming is causing more extreme weather patterns.
I had a great time with all my colleagues. We had dinner together every nights. So I start my day early and ends very late. We had great food. Last night, we ate in New Shanghai Resturant in Chatworth. It is like a mini-Chinatown. There are plenty of Chinese resturants and grocery stores. Also there are good street foods. I was also busy talking and so not have as detailed an experience as I would have if I am alone.
One thing for sure, my colleague from Taiwan is just amazing. She seems to know a lot of people as we walked to the resturant. She is like Mayor of the Chatworth!
Pampered by SQ232 Cabin Crews
It is a routine flight back home. After a long week of endless meetings, I am ready to go home. There is a new movie on the flight. It is Clash of the Titans. Unfortunately, the video system crashed and there is no video or audio. Even the reading light is not working. It was terrible. I cannot read nor have some distraction.
Luckily, the cabin crews come to my rescue. I was standing right at the exit door reading my book. The flight was full and every seat was occupied. IFS or In-flight supervisor offer his workstation for me. I know it is usually passengers are not allowed to take a crew's seat. However, this is unusual circumstances and I am glad Arthur put my needs in top priority allowing me to at least do some reading. The crews were attentive to my needs and make sure I am comfortable.
I am impressed by the team as they flexed the rules a little to accomodate to the needs of passengers like me. They still continue to service the cabin cheerfully. At the end of the day, it is still leadership. The IFS motivated his team to work at a high efficiency and effectiveness. He walks the talk even giving up his workstation.
What would have been an unpleasant experience due to machine failure turned into enjoyable flight due to the care and attention from the people at the frontline.
I shall name the individuals:
Arthur Low
Chen Hui Yi
Wenddy Goh
Adelene Lai
Chuah Eng Chiang
Wenddy and Hui Yi go the extra mile. It is crews like them make the in-flight service legendary. My kudos to them.
Thanks for a pleasant flight.
Luckily, the cabin crews come to my rescue. I was standing right at the exit door reading my book. The flight was full and every seat was occupied. IFS or In-flight supervisor offer his workstation for me. I know it is usually passengers are not allowed to take a crew's seat. However, this is unusual circumstances and I am glad Arthur put my needs in top priority allowing me to at least do some reading. The crews were attentive to my needs and make sure I am comfortable.
I am impressed by the team as they flexed the rules a little to accomodate to the needs of passengers like me. They still continue to service the cabin cheerfully. At the end of the day, it is still leadership. The IFS motivated his team to work at a high efficiency and effectiveness. He walks the talk even giving up his workstation.
What would have been an unpleasant experience due to machine failure turned into enjoyable flight due to the care and attention from the people at the frontline.
I shall name the individuals:
Arthur Low
Chen Hui Yi
Wenddy Goh
Adelene Lai
Chuah Eng Chiang
Wenddy and Hui Yi go the extra mile. It is crews like them make the in-flight service legendary. My kudos to them.
Thanks for a pleasant flight.
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