Quick to Judge

The title says it all.  Shameful was the key word used.  The writer has an uncle working in a petrol station and related the story that the owner of a Lexus after pumping petrol tried to drive off without paying.  The writer from the name can be deduced to be  Malay accused a male middle age Chinese man of potential wrong doing.  I don't mean to bring race into the equation.  It is possible to be a class divide i.e. poor vs rich.  Uncle, Petrol Attendant - Poor, Owner of Lexus - Rich.  Mr. Poor tells the story to his niece.  His niece put the incident on the internet.  Mr. Rich who owns expensive Lexus tried to steal petrol.

Mr. Rich went to the cashier "macam" wanting to pay.  According to Sgclub.com "Macam" is a Malay word for just like or as if.  Then Mr. Rich walk out and tried to drive off.  Thus, Mr Poor in the petrol station feel Mr. Rich is trying to cheat.

From the article, Mr. Rich browse at some of the items in the kiosk looking at the magazines, drinks, etc and then "coolly walk out".  So Mr. Rich is painted as experienced in the alleged act.  On the comments HX XH wrote "Aiyo.. I also forget to pay once or twice... I even drove back to pay..." 

The simple act of forgetfulness happen to all us.  For Mr. Rich to try to get away with $100 worth of petrol with closed circuit cameras and many pairs of eyes will be unusual.  If Mr. Rich is the legitimate owner, he will go back to pay which he did as the writer confirmed.  If the Lexus is stolen, then the driver will not have bothered to pay and just drive off.


Is the Petrol Attendant or the writer to quick to judge?  You can read the original article by clicking below.


http://www.allsingaporestuff.com/article/shameful-lexus-owner-tried-drive-without-paying-petrol

Curiosity Costs $30

LaSalle School of Arts is interesting for me.  The students are doing different things from the schools I went to and the schools everyone in Singapore go through.  School is just textbooks, homework, assignments, tests and examinations in a proper and maddening dull consistent sequence. 

So when I walked past a group of students shooting video, I got curious and stick around to observe them.  I like the advanced video camera they using.  They had some troublesome firing up the camera.  I got curious to see how they solve this issue.  The camera girl called for help and went off to look for the person.  The "actress", another student came down and reset the camera.  Then it works!  Simple solution!

Satisfied, I looked at my car and saw a white slip of paper stuck to the windscreen.  A parking ticket for $30.  I looked at the time stamp.  8:58am.  I look at my cellphone.  9:00am.  In the few minutes I was engrossed with the kids, I have to pay $30.

Seletar Mall's Death Trap

It was an usual evening.  After my usual homecook dinner, I go to Seletar Mall to buy some light grocery like bread and in general taking a nice walk.  At about 9:45pm while I was in NTUC Fairprice the fire alarms sounded.  The announcement came on immediately and there is a fire alarm and they are investigating into the fire alarms.  A min later, the announcement came on and say it is a false alarm. 

All the shoppers like me did not bother and continue with their shopping.  I paid for my grocery and took the escalator up.  This is my first surprise.  The shutters came down and block my way.  Then I have to look for another way out.  I found the travellator is still going and so took it.  Before I reached level 1, the exit is also shuttered.  I had a shock thinking I will be trapped once I reached the top.  Luckily, the side door is open.  However, there is no sign to say there is a side door and it is hidden from view.

The safety mechanism of the mall is dangerous.  If it is a real fire, the electricity will trip and if all the exits are shuttered and no lights, the shoppers in a panic state had to look for the fire escape which are small and in locations that is unfamilar to someone like me who had been to the Seletar Mall many times is scary.  I said this is the most effective death trap and SPH and the Seletar Mall Management has to do corrective action.

The usual way to get in and out of the mall which all shoppers are familar is gone and in chaotic situation and panic will set in and basically the people in Basement Level 3 will be expose to extreme risks.  Since this is a false alarm, it is inconvenient.  The incident highlight the weakness of the safety system that intend to prevent fire from spreading by trapping and preventing people from escaping the only way they know getting in and out of the mall.

Hurray! The Sky is Clear!

Beautiful morning!  After weeks of haze, the air look so clean and fresh.  I can hear the birds singing and enjoying the good atmosphere.  The sun is shining through.  The burnt smell of suspended ashes is gone. 

On the news, Indonesia announced the forest fires are diminishing due to rain season coming. 

Fireplace

I was killing time during lunch in AMK when I walked past Laserflair.  "Closing Down" sales!  So I wander about the store and check out.  I was tempted by Micheal Jackson's Limited Edition "This Was It" in bluray format for $10 but I change my mind as I already own the DVD.  I remember watching it once.  It is not like I will enjoy watching it over and over again like The Sound of Music.  However, I bought two Fireplace videos.  I have weakness for fireplace.  I always enjoys reading and relaxing at the gas fireplace of my Colchester home in Oakville.  I remember warm B3 who was a neonate at the time.  He is just the length of my forearm.  I would lay him on the square sponge beside the fire to keep him warm.  The house is set at 22 degrees to save energy.  Heating cost is quite high due to the long and freezing winter in Toronto.

The problem with the fireplace on the TV is it looked too big as I have a 55" screen.  It needs to be a 32" to be right size with the tv place on the floor to make it realistic.  I am glad to bring a bit of Canada to my Singapore home.

Dream

I was in dreamland.  My pond was overflowing with water and I went to check.  Seems like the tap was left on.  I notices my fishes escaping.  The white goldfish go into the drain and then hide in the drainage hole.  The red fishes were swimming over the brim and into the drain.  I called out to my B3 to scold him for leaving the tap on.  I woke up as B3 did not hear me.  I hear the rain.  I try to go back to sleep but unable to.  Time: 5am.  So I get up to check on my pond and saltwater tank.  The pond is not overflowing and the saltwater tank is covered with clear perspex.  So all is well.

The heavy downpour stops about 8am and the sky look much clearer than yesterday.  Nature has it ways of balancing.

Happy Campers

My B3 and mummy are happy campers again with the iMac working.  This iMac has been with the family for more than 7 years and still in excellent condition.  It sleeps in an aircon room.  The only problem is the OS or operating system needs updating.  So we are keeping our fingers crossed when we update the OS that we just purchased and waiting for the password.

24inch iMac is no longer available, only 21 and 27 inches today.  The iMac is a wonderful machines as the screen is beautiful and profile is futuristic.

How to Boot Up iMac

What to do when you turn on your iMac and after a few mins, the message "unable to boot, please insert boot up disk".

There is a secret!! Please follow the steps strictly.

1.  Turn off your computer
2.  Turn it on and immediately press "Command, Option, P and R" simultaneously i.e. all 4 buttons must pressed at the same time.
3.  Listen to the disk drive startup.
4.  When you hear the disk drive start up 3 times, release the buttons

This is iMac Reset.

If this still fails, bring your iMac to Apple Service Center.

Bringing Up Fathers

Channel News Asia has a program on Father's Leave of Sweden.  The leave is Parental Leave which can be use by mother or father.  Usually the mothers takes more leave than fathers.  So there is a equality bonus i.e. if the parental leave is shared equally, there is a bonus of 1400 Euros.  Not bad.  When fathers take more leave, salaries between male and female get more equal.  So it is important fringe benefit.  More importantly, the fertility rate grows to 1.9 which is close to replacement level.

Chiropractor

I went to chiropractor during lunch.  This chiropractor is so successful and busy.  She copied the system of Chiropractic First and now she has two clinic.  She is a Vietnamese who lived in US and work for a few years in Chiropractic First before venturing out.  She copied the whole system and is doing well.  I wished I can be successful in my own business.  It will be good to pass an ongoing business to the boys.

I had heat treatment and electro-accupunture first to relax my muscles for treatment.  After that, she twisted my spine and also adjusted my neck.  Then she used a "electric hammer" device to loosen my muscles.  The treatment improves my back.  I will need to exercise to strengthen my core muscle.

Hazy and Lazy

With the haze, outdoor activities are definitely out.  Hardly anyone is out.  The hawkers are struggling with poor business.  So I only go to the mall for lunch and some window shopping.  Then stayed indoor at home.  I stopped my usual cycling since my back is bad and with the haze, it is a no-brainer.

Although, I am lazing around it is difficult to get in the mood to read something serious.  I only read newspapers as it is light reading.  Watching TV programs all the time is hard.  I have no idea wh B3 can watch youtube all day long.  I wonder if his mind is built differently or has adapted to the new technology so well that it operates differently.  I worry if he can focus for long time as this is required for learning. 

Unbelievable PSI

The visibility is low with heavy haze.  Even after the thunderstorm and heavy shower, the sun has inability to penetrate.  It looked like a blood moon, B3 said.  However, on the internet, the PSI reads 189.  It is probably 300 to 400 but hey the number is a 3hours average and just at unhealthy level.  I wonder how credible the published number is.

Sinseh

I am having shooting pain and walking stiffly.  So my wife insist I have to see the chiropractor but she is closed today.  So we go to Jurong East Chinese Sinseh.  It is immediate relief!!  I am still sore but after he re-aligned my spine I am a lot more fluid when I walk.  It is incredible how important the spine is.  Falling causes misalignment and pain in any small movement.  This sinseh is way better than the chiropractor.

Shooting Pains

I have low back pain for a couple of weeks now.  Yesterday afternoon, I cycle through Coney Island and at Lorong Halus along the rocky path there are some big rocks and I fell.  In the evening, when I walk to Seletar Mall, I get shooting pains.  It is terrible.  My back is so stiff now.

Bad Air

Looks like we are going to get bad air for some time.  Usually, the haze would have been gone by now with the monsoon rain and wind direction change.  This time we are told it may extend till March.  This may mean forever as the haze usually starts in July.  So it is a very scary scenario.

Best Prata in Singapore

After a haircut, I feels my head is lighter and hair so much manageable.  It is an amazing feeling.  I think maybe I have too much worries and the haircut is like removing a lot of my burden making me feel lighter. 

This afternoon, I went to the "Best prata in Singapore".  We needed to get some photocopying done and B2 suggested NYP and we decided to eat there as it is cheaper.  He suggest we go to try out the prata as it was voted the "Best in Singapore".  I must say the prata is amazing, same standard as Casuarina Curry and the price is very competitive.  In Casuarina Curry, two egg pratas and two paper cost $6.40.  In NYP, the same order costs only $4.40.  More than 30% difference in cost!!

Weight Up!

My weight has gone up in the last two weeks and I am having a hard time bringing it back down.  I think it is more sugar in my drinks.  However, I think my favorite tea with milk may be a big culprit too.  I tried exercising more but it does not help.  Worse, my muscles ache all over.

So I have no choice but to cut down my morning teh to teh O.  I also have to watch my snacking habits.

Coney Island, Latest Attraction

Since Coney Island was opened last Saturday and with the publicity in the Straits Times, the PCN at Punggol Point is buzzing with curious people exploring the island.  It is no longer an island as it is now connected to the mainland through two causeways - one at Punggol Point and the other at Pasir Ris.  This morning was simply crazily full of cyclists and pedestrians trying to get to the island.  The main gate was closed.  Maybe cyclists were not allowed due to the crowds.

I do not like cycling in Coney Island as the path is peppered sandy patches that it become impossible to cycle through.  Although Straits Times publishes some interesting facts and things to see, I do not notice them as I am watching out for potholes.

Bespoke Measurement

My wife is taking a course to make Jacket.  I am her guinea pig.  So she took my measurements, however her master did not believe her when he cross path with me at the lift previous Saturday.  So he asked me to come to the class today so that he can measure me personally.  His measurements has difference from hers.  So when we come home, she has to measure me again to understand how her Sifu measure. 

It is very interesting because the Sifu's surname is Wong.  So in the internet, there was discussion and the students addressed their instructor as Wong Sifu.  And a troll asked if Wong Sifu is Wong Fei Hong!

Andrew Zimmern's Bizzare Food

When I was hired in my current job, I have to go to US for 3 weeks.  I lived in my boss' home when I was in US office.  He had his TV on and says to me a couple of times this is his dream job.  I had no much interest at that time other than the fact this guy ate all kinds of weird stuff which by the way my boss would too.  He ate spiders, duck foetus, beetles, durians and anything he is challenge to eat.  He is a very good friend who help me out in times of need.

Now I found out the TV program is Andrew Zimmern's Bizzare Food Series.  This show is very interesting.  I loved the story telling.  The series is on Travel Channel in mio TV.  I am borrowing the dvd of Bizzare Food from the library.  It is nice to watch the show at my own time.

No Fishing for Now

I want to recover from sandfly bites and will hang up my fishing nets temporarily.  So I cycle for exercise.  Many of the development along the Punggol PCN is near completion or have completed.  Water Point final stages.  I believe the shops and commercial floors will top soon as it is the usual practise of Far East, the developer.  The two gigantic HDB blocks opposite Seletar Camp are completed.  I guess no more Missile Hill.  I remember there was a Missile Hill and development around the area is banned to prevent prying eyes.  Probably also dangerous as well.

Safra Punggol has made significant progress as well, the main structure is complete.  So the PCN will be extremely busy during weekends and public holiday.

It is nice to have a relaxing cycle and I had not cycle around for some time.  The last few months I have been cycling to Punggol Point and back.  So the changes around the Punggol PCN looked very significant.  All the green fences are gone.

So Many Sandfly Bites

I have been eaten alive by the sandflies in Punggol Beach.  Sandflies are tiny insect that look like sand on the skin.  It will cause itch for a few weeks and the bite marks are there forever.  It is not like a mosquito bite which will disappear in a few days with no scar.  Sandflies leave nasty scars and terrible itch for days.  I am suffering now as it is itching and I am reminded constantly.  There is no escape from this torture. 

I may have to look for a different pastime.

Farewell

Today is my final class in drawing.  I am sad as I will miss all the classmates.  I am glad I need not go to class at night.  I am always hungry when I reached home and have to eat snacks like potato chips (unhealthy) or peanut butter sandwich.  I bid farewell to my instructor and the rest of my classmates.  I am so glad to get to know them.

At least I have some new friends.

Emergency Medical Technician

B2 is serving his National Service in SCDF or Singapore Civil Defence Force as a EMT aka emergency medical technician.  He is on two days on two days off schedule.  The schedule is 7:30am in the morning to 9pm at night for two days.  After that he has two days off, then he starts at 7:30pm and ends the next morning at about 9am.  Again for two nights and he will get two days off and starts the next cycle again.  It is pretty disruptive on the sleeping pattern.  B2 is quite motivated by the work.  He is following ambulance on calls.  There are usually someone in pain or was assaulted.  So he is busy.  He enjoys his work so much that he will go to office on his off days.

I am happy he likes his National Service.

Flying Dream

Last night, I dreamt I had dinner engagement and park my car in an open carpark common in Malaysia.  The guest of honour did not come so the dinner was postponed and I find myself flying around looking for my car.  I could not find it.  The scenery change to mountain side.  At one point I was at a staircase but did not dare to go out even though I was dreaming I was flying!  So even in my dream, I have fear of heights!

PSI Below 100

It is so nice to have our Pollution Index below 100.  We can do outdoor activity.  Fishermen are out in force at the Punggol Point.  The water is much cleaner but the fishes have not return yet.  So my catch is sparse.  This morning, I caught several flower crabs and fed them to my arowana.  My arowana is worried.  It did not them when the crabs are swimming.  I think only when the crabs stop being active, they get eaten up as I check later and the crabs are gone except of some shells.

Neck Pain and Extremely Stiff!

Last night, nightmares was numerous!!  I dreamt I parked my bicycle at the bus stop in a way that do not block the flow of buses.  I was reading at the bus stop and then look up to find my bicycle has raffia strings tied to the handle bar and front wheel support.  I get on to the bicycle to pedal and one of the pedal is missing.  It has been removed.  I yelled at a man who was cycling away and he stopped and came back to fix the pedal. 

How could I be so distracted that I do not even know that my pedal was being unscrewed and stolen?  I could not recall more details, probably woke up and then try to go back to sleep in an awkward position causing muscle strains and stiff neck.  I know it is 4 plus in the morning.  I would be sweating profusely if not for the airconditioning.

My Good Friend's Diary

The popular blogger of Crew Stories has a new blog which highlight his daily life.  He has pictures and video which details his activities and surroundings.  A far more interesting blog to visit.  He has pictures of his meals including the actual receipts.  He completes it with video as well.  I must say he is rather creative in his works and stories.  I have now added the link to his blog in Fun Places to Visit.

Fabulous Chocolate Chip Cookies

The new mall in Orchard Hotel which used to house Tony Romas is open.  Many shop space are still vacant.  There is a cafe at the level one that has very good chocolate chip cookie for $2.80.  It is very crunchy and sweet.  It also contains hazenut.  I love this cookie.  It is just right beside Hua Ting Steamboat.

Lessons Coming to an End

Tonight's drawing class is the 2nd last.  Next Monday will be my last lesson. I will miss interacting with classmates and learning how to draw.  It is fun to learn a totally different skill.  I enjoyed my lessons.  I may sign up more lessons with the original Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain class.  I am keen on developing my brain and it also keeps my mind active.  I like to become more creative.

Modesto's

B3 finishes his Sec 2 final exams today.  We had decided to go for "celebration".

So we have a nice lunch with B2 and B3 in Modesto's.  We had a pizza, foccacia sandwich, seafood linguine and tiramisu.  Both boys enjoy the meal very much.  The pizza is cooked in wood fired open oven and thin crust.  Mummy says it is better than Skinny Pizza.  I loved the seafood linguine and peel the flower crab for the rest of the family.  I had a wonderful time in Modesto's!

Water Colour Self Portrait

It is self portrait again and this time in water colour.  I draw horribly.  But I do not worry.  It is the right brain I am trying to develop or at least this is how I console myself.  When it comes to drawing, the journey ahead of me is very long indeed.

Chinatown

It is a nice Sunday morning.  Haze is still pretty bad but seems to be clearing.  We go to Chinatown for some errands and as usual I do my food hunting.  In People's Park hawker center, there is a new stall called the Penang Kitchen.  I tried the loh mee or rather loh beehoon.  It is not bad although I like the Penang Loh mee in Bishan better.  Unfortunately, the auntie decided to close her stall when her stall quit.  Her son is still selling the Penang Loh mee in AMK Central but I do not patronise his stall as he is very offensive.  The stall used to have a long queue.  Nowaday, it is quite fast as the popularity has dropped probably due his attitude.  I rather eat something else than to see his face.

The two popular yong tau foo stalls are still the anchor tenants.  Now I remember, the Penang Kitchen took over the stall that used to sell Cantonese Loh which is braised food in orangey color stew unless the Teochew braise which uses black sauce.

The temple for the Buddha's Tooth has chanting.  I pray for well being. 

A Mall Crawl on a Saturday Night

After dinner, my wife want to go and check out the Takashimaya sales.  It is unusual for us to go out at night.  This time, I agree readily.  She is I am now used to being out at night due to my night classes.  She does have a point.

Takashimaya is very busy.  Full of people checking out all the deals.  I bought a French press and a knife sharpener.  The French Press I bought in Korea broke some time ago.  It is good time to replace.  Knife sharpener is a consumable.  So it is fine to have one for standby.  As some of my readers know, I am eco-friendly.  So buying consumable durable is something I avoid like poison.  After my shopping, I went to Isetan in Shaw to check things out.  Isetan is undergoing renovation or at least the supermarket is.  Tangs is like dead.  Hardly any shoppers.  Most shoppers must be in Taka.

I wanted to check out the pedestrian walkway along Orchard Road but was discourage from going out of the malls.  It looked fairly busy.  So people are out and about.

Water is Cleaner at Punggol Point

I am happy to report the water at Punggol Point is now much cleaner.  However, there are no fishes.  I suspect the water pollution in the previous few days had chased away most of the fishes.  Usually there are lots of small fishes.  Now there are hardly any at the jetty.

Along the beach, I could not find any schools of baby fishes which are usually plentiful.  I hope the fishes come back fast.  It is nice to see the seaside with lots of fishes.

Quick Recovery for B3

B3 was down with stomach flu.  The doctor gave a bunch of medications and it works!  So he is feeling much better today.  It is good to see he is well although he still cannot eat much.  He is back to his normal self of using the cellphone for entertainment and talking to his friends through whatsapps.

Nude Again

We have a nude model again for last night's drawing class.  It is one pose a minute.  So it is very challenging especially we have to draw in colour.  Most of my classmates are exhausted by 9pm.  So when the instructor gave us one last assignment and gave us a choice to leave if we want to, half the class left.  Nude drawing take up a lot of mental stress and energy.  It is far better to draw fruits or still life as the objects do not have to move every few mins. 

What I enjoy about going to class is meeting new friends and sharing some of our interests.  It is nice to discuss drawing instead of work.