Dreary Planet

Nurul - Umbrella(Cover)

2007-07-31T19:09:00.001+08:00

Emily

2007-07-31T19:00:00.000+08:00

I'm in love with her.

Link

Is there such a thing as Monday Blues?

2007-07-23T19:39:00.000+08:00

After working for 6 straight days last week, Sunday came as welcome relief. Unfortunately, Sunday came and went, and today I'm faced with another long 6 straight days of work (yet again).

So, I find myself counting the days. One day down, 5 more to go.

"I Got a Crush...On Obama" By Obama Girl

2007-07-15T12:10:00.000+08:00

I can't vote, but I'll be rooting for this man.

Link

10 Things To Do On A Saturday Night

2007-07-07T22:33:00.000+08:00

As non-interesting as this may sound, the radio just played "This is my now" by Sparks. IT really is an inspirational song!

Today, I will let you in on the secret of 10 things to do on a lonely Saturday night. If you're single and at home, you're in for a treat. I'm speaking from experience. Here it goes.

10 Things To Do On Lonely Saturday Nights (in random order)

1. Watch recorded tv shows on your DVD-recorder

2. If you don't have a DVD-recorder, watch cable tv

3. In case you don't have cable tv, watch Channel 5 programs like "Live Earth". Today's 070707 - which I hear happens once every century - coincides with Live Earth which is an event to promote awareness of Global Warming through musical performances

4. Go for a run. It remains the best stress reliever for many, young and old

5. Call for a take-away. If you're cheap (like me), I'd take a short walk for my cheese fries. There's nothing wrong with snacking on weekends!

6. Read a Harry Potter book. If you can, re-read the Order of the Phoenix. The movie is out next week, so it's time you recall the events in the Order before catching the movie.

7. Blog, like what I'm doing now (funny haha)

8. Just surf the net. (Oh come on, I'm sure you have better things to do than staring at the small screen!)

9. Plan the week ahead. And maybe, just maybe, you won't be home next Saturday evening.

10. Get your butt off that chair!

Hope it helps.

This is my now

2007-06-12T23:56:00.000+08:00

Must live this day as if it's my last. Must breathe this day as if there's no tomorrow. I must do things so that - when I'm gone anytime - I will leave a decently satisfied person. So that's my aim for now. This is my now.

Incidentally, This is my now is the theme song for this year's American Idol 6 (I think) which was won by 17 yo beauty Jordin Sparks. Have you listened to the song? They started playing on the local air waves this week. It's a very inspirational. I feel inspired listening to it. Listening to the song pushes me to live life in the now. Not tomorrow, not the past, but now.

So my now is I'm helping at dad's for 2 months. IT's been only 2 weeks. Long way to go.

IT's been a lonely the past 2-and-half weeks. I've no girlfriend, not many friends and I don't go out a lot. How can this be? I'm an outgoing person. I think it's a personality clash with my inner self. Sometimes, my outer self does not project how my inner self feels and this causes myself in a situation that I don't want to be in in the first place.

However, this is my luck. Dumb luck, they call it. And I'm just going to go through in as if it's my punishment for the things I did that is not excusable. I feel bad. That's Karma. In the show My Name Is Earl, Earl believs in this thing called Karma. He was a bad boy and has been until they started showing his show on tv. So he has a list and his plan is to make up to all the people that he has mistreated or stolen from or do things to that person that is not necessarily acceptable. Can I do what he's doing?

I've stolen before, yes. But that was ages ago. Should I return the wallet? I don't even know where that wallet is now. Oh, I don't know what to do.

I'll think about it at work tomorrow. Until tomorrow

To end this post, I would like the few readers of this blog to watch this video by Idol Winner Sparks with her debut single, This is my now. Pls enjoy

Another hard's work day

2007-06-07T19:39:00.000+08:00

So today was another day at the office. It's not easy. Sitting down and standing up, to serve the customers. It can be really tiring. I'm only 23 years young and I could feel the every bone in my body aching (after work). Sometimes I wonder how my 57 years old dad does it.

So I came home and without doing anything else, I slumped onto the sofa and turned on the tv, to watch one of my favourite tv shows, My Wife & Kids. They never fail to crack me up. If you have cable, it's shown on Star World.

The work may be hard. But because I'm helping dad, it makes the sail smooth sailing.

Today, this lady from Robinsons came to the stall. Very friendly and probably very married. What strikes me about her is that she is very sociable and easy going. And one hard bargainer too. She is still a nice lady.

I want to be open. To be able to start up conversations with the person on the street. But when this one friendly person (the nice lady) came up to me, I was at a loss for words. As if I wanted to hide my face behind my pillow. However, there is no pillow and in the end, I did manage to say something back and doing it with a smile.

Maybe she caught me at the wrong time. Are there ever wrong times for friendly conversations? Are there right times? I hope this isn't just me. Maybe I was too shy. Yeah, that must be it. Maybe..

Two month Holiday

2007-06-06T19:18:00.000+08:00

I should blog more often. I don't see blogging as a waste of time. I see it as one of the many ways to express your thoughts into writing. What better way than to write it here?

So, here it goes, I'm going through my 2 months LONG holiday. It sounds great since it is called a Holiday, but the irony is, I don't feel that great. Maybe I have set too high an expectation as to how to enjoy a holiday to the limit. I should lower my expectations. I should be more realistic.

Perhaps, one way of enjoying my holidays is to do a part-time holiday job. Hey, isn't that what I'm doing right now? Yeah. I'm helping at dad's. It's part-time. IT's a job.

But it is TIRING. I'm tired. I feel restless going through the monotony of the every day part-time working day life. Are all jobs like this?

Perhaps, not the Prime Minister's job. I'm sure his job is well-planned and time fully utilised. He better be, since we're already paying him S$2 MILLION. We've gone through this road before - the endless debates. If you ask me, he deserve his 2 million mikes. He is holding an important job of steering the country into a develop country.

So, I digressed a little. There is no way I am going to get the Prime Minister's job. Not in this country. I don't think I qualify. I may have the former Malaysian Prime Minister's name, but I am no where near able to run a prime minister's job.

So, I work for as many as hours, about 5 days a week. At my dad's shop. The advantage of being the boss' son is that I get to go home early. Usually, I will be home by 5pm. On the other hand, my dad and his crew will only be home about 5 hours later.

So that's is it for me. The start of a very long 2 month holiday. Life can only get better, or worse.

Eaten

2007-05-29T22:58:00.000+08:00

So full, so full, so full. Stepmum's b'day.

Happy happy

2007-05-13T00:40:00.000+08:00

Happy mother's day to all mothers!

Happy birthday to all birthday boys n girls!

Happy birthday to me.

The key to a meaningful party

2007-05-13T00:38:00.000+08:00

Meaningful conversations.

Victims of their own success

2007-05-11T20:25:00.000+08:00

America.

Congrats, my "sister"

2007-05-04T22:15:00.000+08:00

Ok, I just got news that my friend is getting married.

Not a close friend. A female friend. Someone I knew in poly year 1. We met at this CCA orientation and she was sitting beside me. She caught my eye. TWO things: she's cute and she was reading a book. I'm a guy..

So long story short, she's an attractive female and I became her "bruda" (loosely like a Godbrother). I did tried to pursue her, but I guess we were total opposites from the beginning. She's the loud-speaking attention grabbing female and I'm the quiet sort who prefers to stay behind shadows. I guess opposites attract and she became my "sister" during the 2 years at StageARTS. :)

I quit later tho due to other priorities.

Anway, i didn't really fit in at StageARTS. I was only the sound and lights guy, and wasn't contributing much anyway. But I learnt a lot during my time there. It was definitely a fruitful experience.

So, she is getting married on May 19. Six days after I turn 23. Four days before she turns 22. Wow, that's so cool.

I wish the 2 of them the very best as they enter the next stage of their lives - parenthood. 9 more mths, and your a mother, girl. This is exciting.

Hmm, since we're on the subject, when am I getting married? Ha.. ha.. ha

Congratulations, Haslinda and husb to be! :) :) :)

I'm a marksman!

2007-05-01T18:43:00.001+08:00

This tickled my funny bones during a recent visit to Jurong Medical Ctr. Fortunately for me, I'm a marksman! ..and I have good eye sight too. :)

Official announcement

2007-05-01T16:26:00.000+08:00

Guys, it's official. I'm BORED to tears. :(

4 duties left!

2007-04-28T21:57:00.000+08:00

I'm ecstatic.. delighted.. wonderfully glad.

The last time I felt the way I did was receiving my acceptance letter from NUS and NTU. That was 2 years ago. A very long time. Perhaps, with the end of my NS commitment in sight, I have more reasons to be happy about.

I was also this happy when I first got my driving license before the age of 21. It was a huge thing for me back then as never in my life would I expect me to pass the TP on my first try. Someone must really be looking out for me. :) MY dad only got his at 25. (haha)

Hmm, wow. So, what am I so happy about? Ok.. so, I am ORD-ing on June 8 - 41 days away. It may seem like light years away now. But once I include you on the juicy details, you will understand why I think that my last month is going to be a good month (not necessarily a fast month).

So what is up in my last 41 days of NS: FOUR duties left!!.. 1 Combat shoot, 1 Clearance week, 2 weeks of Leave and I'm out! Perhaps the only drawback being my possible involvement for 2 parades. Other than that, life is SO GOOD!

Incidentally, I went to the NS40 exhibit (this week at Tampines Mall) today with 41 days blocking my way to collecting my Pink IC. Let's just say I wasn't "in awe" of the stuff they have there.

Hah, what can I say, time in NS flies when you're having "fun".. haha

Pls bring shorts!

2007-04-21T22:55:00.000+08:00

This is an advice from me to you. The next time you're going to a BBQ, pls bring shorts. In a weather climate like Singapore's, it's always good to bring the extra pair of shorts since you're almost probably going to sweat in between your legs. I wore jeans and I played football and I couldfeel the stickiness!

The next Apprentice

2007-04-19T22:53:00.000+08:00

I am in awe of how the 18 candidates on The Apprentice strut their stuff on tv and do it damn well good. This may be a tv programme, but the people in it are real.

The way they presented themselves ,and managed projects, people and conflicts is something I learnt and more throughout the season of The Apprentice.

When I first started watching this show, I didn't know know who Donald Trump was. Little did i know, that Donald is as famous as Warren Buffet, if not more famous than the 3rd richest man in the world. This guy is everywhere. His business is mainly real estate (that's where he makes his money works) and he also has his own range of watches, perfumes, television show, etc and the list goes on.

I'd be happy to be a fraction of who this guys (candidates) were. But why do I want to settle for mediocrity when I can become better than that?

If any one of the candidates were nervous throughout the show, they did not show it. Maybe they disguised it fully knowing that they are being watched by millions behing the tv screens. They disguised it damn well! I need to learn from this dudes and dudettes. I tend to get nervous pretty easily (for eg, in an interview setting) and to disguise your nervousness is a skill.

And then I start to wonder. What if there is the local version of The Apprentice? Will I be able to participate and do as well? To work for Donald Trump is a huge honour. Well, maybe I'd be happy to work for local hotelier Mr. Ong Beng Seng, or better known as the guy pushing Singapore's bid to bring the F1 race here.

With time and experience, I truly believe I have the potential to do well and make my boss richer. Because I am the next apprentice.

not ready to make nice

2007-03-27T23:14:00.000+08:00

I'm not into country music. But this song by Dixie Chicks rank high up there in my list for song of the year. Be sure to up the volume before playing. It's a really nice song. Worth your 4 minutes.

Tyra Banks cops a feel on Katharine McPhee

2007-03-11T21:33:00.000+08:00

Hahahah

Platoon update for former mates

2007-03-09T22:23:00.000+08:00

Today, the guardroom is as dusty as ever.

We do do area cleaning. Most of the time, the junior would wash the toilet. The rest, just touch things up. it's been like that for a while. I have no problems about that. I'm just serving my dues and wanna get the hell outta here.

The good thing is, we now have a water cooler. Remember the huge tumbler I used to bring for every duty? It's now at home. Right behind me across the room from where I am now. No use now since we have a water cooler that dispenses both hot and cold water.

For a while, duty was dull. The only thing I can do during free time is read and sleep. It was boring beyond belief. Actually, it was worst than that. Hai. Anway, that was until we got the PS2. Everyone contributed to buying this super gaming machine. Following tradition, there is only 1 game that is mostly played by guardsmen - Winning Eleven 10. The quality is so much better. I really wanna thank that person who recommended this idea.

Suddenly, life at the guardroom is not so boring after all.

Nowadays, there is the Change of Command parade rehearsels to do due to change of the cdf. The toughness comparable to saf day. and everyone not doing duty are involved.

So, im not going to ORD in peace. This scuks.

PS: Sorry sergeant shabby, no gossips to share. Heh

Train rides that never end

2007-03-09T17:54:00.000+08:00

So for the second straight day, I had 2 long MRT rides to take. It was boring. But it was necessary. That's the thing about MRT rides. Usually, other people on the train are bored and it becomes contagious and it affects everyone who boards the train to get bored.

Lucky for me, I was armed. Armed with a book, a magazine and a radio walkman. Well, the radio walkman lasted until Bishan station as we went underground after that. So, I decided to rip open the plastic cover of this latest edition news magazine. I can't read!

A group of RJ students just came in. Well, I presume they were in a group as they got in together. Although some of them look like they were alone and not part of the group, but still it look like they were in a group.

Well, there were chicks among them. They're not so hot. But I enjoy their blabber about.. I forgot what. Prolly some school stuff. You know how it is.. how students get easily excited about school and boys and male teachers.

So, I hate train rides. Especially long ones. Even though SMRT have shortened rides by 10-15 min, for eg, for rides between Admiralty and Somerset.

Another reason is the standing. I stand for a living. I earn my keep by standing a lot (on average for about 37 hours a mth in total). So to stand on the train, it reminds of work when I'm off work, so it's not really a nice thing, really.

I think it's the boredom of standing that's really bugging me. I really need to get a train partner. You know, to keep me company during long train rides. Maybe that will help. Any takers?

Jared Cotter - Let's Get It On

2007-03-09T17:41:00.000+08:00

Very nice love song. The kind of song you want played in the background when things are getting.. hot. Oooh yeah. (Watch for the part when he runs his fingers down his face.. oooh) Jared sang this song during AI Top 20 round shown on S'pore tv last week.

JoJo - How To Touch A Girl

2007-03-04T11:19:00.000+08:00

She's awesome man. Watch the vid

The 9 year-old pregnant girl

2007-03-04T01:39:00.000+08:00

So the news went around about the 9 year-old girl who was pregnant. Local English papers say the male participant is a schoolmate.

My reliable source tells me this boy is 14 years-old, five years her senior.

So young Sporns are not as innocent as they seem to be, according to a survey. As much as I am surprised by this, our country will do well to learn from this blip.

We should get to the bottom of this to prevent any frequent occurences of this nature from happening in future.

In my opinion, it is the guy's fault. It's always the guy's fault. Most of the time, we're (male species) to blame when a passionate act of love goes wrong between two beings.

Being 14 years old and in the puberty phase, I'm not surprised that he is already thinking of sex. In this day and age, the internet is a platform for many many things and information that we can get within few clicks of the mouse.

During my time, 11 or 12 year-olds not surprisingly have access to porno. At the time, they came in vcr video tapes. This was in 1996.

One decade later, I would presume those even younger would have easier access to them, via the internet.

At the end of the day, it's the girl's parents' fault. They shouldn't presume that nothing would happen to their 9 year-old girl when home alone with a 14 year-old boy.

It's going to be hard for young parents. They got to start talking about the 'birds and the bees' to their children before they're 9.

Lack of tact

2007-02-26T21:18:00.000+08:00

I need to take my sense of tact up another level. Today, my platoon sgt feedback nicely of my choice of words during a convo.

I realised it too late. But when the moment happened, I thought I made the correct choice of words.

Funny how different words may sound or mean, a few hours later.

I just realised; I'm not a very tactful person. I may be nice in the outside, but may not be tactful enough in the inside.

I feel remorseful now.

Suddenly, past events of my lack of common sense came racing to my mind. I feel bad.

I remember not being tactful in high school on a certain occasion.

In 3-mth JC, I recall a friend calling me "not tactful" and "self-centred".

The unwanted actions got more frequent during polytechnic days.

And now in army, it's still happening!

I got to change. For my sake. For the world's sake. For my family's sake.

Let's hope I learn my lesson. Any punishment, I will accept.

Bring it on.

My first Chingay

2007-02-24T23:03:00.000+08:00

I certainly didn't plan it. That's why I've not watched it all these years say something about my interest in the event. Let's just say a little someone in the family wanted to catch the Lion dance troupe perform.

And he did. In the nick of time.

Some photos from Chingay 2007. Taken from road between Orchard Pt and Le Meridien. We actually stayed on until the end of the show.

All the photos courtesy of a 1.3 megapixel sony ericsson phone. I'm really proud of my phone.

The photographer (after a hard day's work at Nurjanna's Kitchen).

Peter Pan's Mess

2007-02-24T08:42:00.000+08:00

I really should start posting more. Anyway, have you heard about the total recall of Peter Pan peanut butter products? I bought that once and ate it once and that was it. Can't remember if I had any negative effects after that.

It is now confirmed that the peanut butter is the culprit in a rash of salmonella cases nationwide, totaling 329 reported cases in 41 states in the US.

"We are truly sorry for any harm that our peanut butter products may have caused," said CEO Gary Rodkin, apparently referring to the severe diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps consumers suffered for up to a week after infection.

Source Time

Kathryn Morris

2007-02-03T03:09:00.000+08:00

Why her: She's sizzling hot

Age: 38 (dob 28 Jan 1969)

Height: 5' 7" (1.70 m)

From show: Cold Case, produced by Mr. Jerry Bruckheimer

Been showing: Been running in US since 2003, Singapore in 2006

Plays a: Lilly Rush, a detective

Now showing: Tuesdays at 11pm, ch5

Appeared in: movies Minority Report, AI, and tv shows Xena, Pensacola

Trivia: Engaged to Randy Hamilton, a financial advisor. As a child, traveled with her family as a gospel singing group. Loves yoga.

IMDB profile

Believe in the Lions.. in Bangkok

2007-02-02T18:55:00.000+08:00

The battle may be won at the National Stadium on Wednesday night, but the war is not over yet. We're lucky to bring a 1-goal advantage to Bangkok, thanks largely to a controversial penalty given kindly by the Malaysian referree.

Episodes of a Cup Final

Crowd building up outside

Ticket counters. Ahh..

Memories of the Malaysia Cup.. packed stadium

This Old Lady has hosted its last match

No match complete without 'football hooligans'

The bigger story wasn't the cup final or the silly walkout of the Thai players, but most importantly, the Old Lady of Kallang hosted its last football match, and I was there. It will be torn down later this year for a new sports hub.

No more competitive football here for the next four or five years? Tsk. (Guys it's time to travel with the Lions, no?)

As the Old Lady saw the Kallang faithful giving its last Kallang Roar and Kallang Wave, we just have to wish the Lions all the best and hope they do us proud in Bangkok.

It was definitely a night to remember.

Come on you Lions!

Pussycat Dolls ft. Timberland - Wait A Minute

2007-02-02T00:42:00.000+08:00

interesting video. R u a fan? I am now.

The Lions are thru!

2007-01-28T03:34:00.000+08:00

What a fantabulous win over arch rivals Malaysia. Stadium packed to full capacity. Match stretched to penalties. A classic. And we won.

2 Singapore die hard fans!

It was slow going back to the mrt station. What do u expect.. with all 55,000 all going out at the same time, a human traffic jam. So some of us decide to chant and sing the Ole song. Ahh, brings back memories of the Malaysia Cup days.

Ole ole ole!

Bring it on, Thailand

Come on Lions!

2007-01-27T14:16:00.000+08:00

Ok it's raining and pouring. Let the rain and the cats and dogs fall, at least until 8pm. Ok, make it 5.30pm as I still will need to travel to Kallang.

It's the BIG game man! Tonight is the match of the season akin to the EPL's Chelsea versus Man Utd.

We lose and we will have a sad ending to Kallang's National Stadium which will be brought down to make way for the new sports hub.

We win, and there will be a fitting end to Kallang's National Stadium, regardless if we lose or draw in the final with highly probably Thailand.

Reports of the papers saying 45,000 tickets have been snapped up. Whoa, I'm lucky I got my ticket early. 10,000 tickets left.. Go get yours!

Tonight we are going to have a hell of a match. Come on Lions!

Going thru my mind

2007-01-21T23:09:00.000+08:00

So today was the day I DIDN'T get my Sunday morning dose. No sweat. These things happen some times - having to work on your most favourite day of the week. The good thing about working on a Sunday is that I get to take off tomorrow, a Monday.

So the week started with me having to take care of the 'lil monster' (if you do not know, that's Mirzan my brudder). He is a pain in the b*** but it's a good time to put on my bibik's shoes and practice the art of patience. Nonetheless, I enjoy standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other parents waiting to pick Mirzan up from nursery school, makes me feel like a temporary parent myself.

I frown every time I hear the word 'duty'. Prolly going through a phase, I can't take duty no more! Maybe it's the boredom, maybe it's the mental turture.. no wait, IT IS the boredom. Duty is so boring. I can't take a single minute of it. Goose frabaa... I need to be more patient on this. 5 more months (to ORD) is still a long way to go. And I think I should think less about ORD, and think more about my plans after ORD. Past seniors have said the feeling of ORD is 'orgasmic'. I wonder how that feels like.

So I went to Kallang 'one last time' to watch the Lions play a disappoiting draw with the Indons. It was great being there hearing the supporters poking fun at patriotic Indon crowd. It was cheap humour. The atmosphere was worthy of a great Kallang football match and there were even enough people to form the famous Kallang wave. The Lions went through by the skin of their fragile teeth. Let's wip the Tigers next week!

Strip Poker World Championships take place in London

2007-01-19T14:43:00.000+08:00

Up to 200 strip poker players competed to see who would lose their shirts - and more - and who would scoop 10,000 pounds by retaining their clothes and modesty. The inaugural World Strip Poker Championship took place in London with players battling it out in games of "No Limit Texas Hold 'em".

Players of both sexes from over 12 countries are battled it it out for the Golden Fig Leaf trophy and the right to revel in the title of World Strip Poker Champion. Aside from strict rules governing the poker play, there were clear guidelines on the stripping element - most importantly that each player starts the match by wearing five items of clothing supplied by the organisers.

"It's brilliant, I can't believe I'm in the Guinness World Book of Records, I'm probably the hairiest poker player to get in the Guinness World Records as well," the elated winner John Young said. His winning amount was doubled as he gave it away to cancer research charity.

KEYWORDS: competition, courage, ITN Source.

Reuters 13730/06

I love Sunday mornings

2007-01-14T12:53:00.000+08:00

My favourite time of the week is Sunday mornings. The period of time between the time you wake up in the morning and afternoon (usually 9am-1pm).

A long time ago, it was Wed mornings. Because I had computer classes and we get to play computer games when we finish classes early. I was only a tender age of 10.

For a while it was Fridays, because it signals the end of a hectic school week. Now, it is Sundays. Why Sunday? Well, I get to do THESE:

>> Wake up after 8 hours of sleep (happens just past 9am) wich doesn't happen very often

>> Read the morning papers (The Sunday Times) while eating home-made curry puffs (potato flavour) made by bibik

>> If I finish reading papers early, there's nothing like a family show Seventh Heaven at 10am, which I've been following since 12?

>> It would be a bonus if it rains on Sunday morning. There's nothing like reading your papers with cool breeze blowing against your face

>> After all that, drag my feet to the computer to surf the internet! And by then it's 1pm

That is why I love my Sunday mornings. It is enough to rejuvenate myself from a long week at school or work. I have to skip my dose for next week though, as I have duty on that day. Nobody wanted to exchange duty with me for a Sat. :(

Come to think of it, Sunday is probably the most important day of the week for every one of us in this world. You can give you self-time the whole morning. And after noon, it is perhaps best spent with the family.

Ahh, I love Sundays..

Hello

2007-01-07T21:28:00.000+08:00

How's your day?

2007 NY resolution

2006-12-31T20:05:00.000+08:00

That was all 2006 had to give. And now, all of us are looking for a better 2007.

It's not this has been a bad year. We're all human beings and naturally, we want to improve ourselves, and what better way than to put some direction into our lives when the New Year kicks in.

So I have compiled a list (call it resolution if you will) or what I dub the '5 pillars of growth' to put some direction into my life for the coming super year of 2007.

I'm very confident that it's going to be a great year ahead and hopefully, the world will be a more peaceful place to live in (eg. less bloodshed, more prosperity). And I certainly hope a Democrat will win the next US Presidential Election (in 2008).

Here is my '5 Pillars of Growth':

1) Exercise 3-5 times a week

2) Eat less

3) Eat more fruits

4) Do not take things/people/animals for granted

5) Always spend within budget

Best wishes for the super year of 2007! :) :) :)

The power of Thank You

2006-12-30T19:38:00.000+08:00

We have all been taught since young to say the magic words 'please' and 'thank you', and so many times people forget to say them when the situation calls for it. And this happens a lot in our country.

Government courtesy campaigns have been fairly successful and lond ended, but that does not mean we can stop being being a gracious society. Generally, we (Singaporeans) are a graciously apathetic bunch.

No, I'm not referring to you (the reader). I'm just passing the comment on the nation as a whole.

One huge example, a bad habit of ours, is to board the train first before letting passengers out of the train which inevitably lead to a pedestrian jam at the door at every mrt station. Just do every one else a favour and stand behind the yellow line!

OK, my post today is not mainly about being a gracious society, or the lack of. Actually, it's about one's appreciation after someone says 'thank you' to you after doing a good service.

I was at the famous Hawa Chicken Rice restaurant (above) at Kembangan. The food is SUPER and I had 2 servings of chicken rice, but that's beside the point. After the SUPER sumptuous meal (I was bloated), I proceed to pay at the counter. I had to wait a full 5 minutes before being tended, but that's also beside the point.

This Indian guy cut my queue and paid first and he said 'thank you' in the nicest most appreciating 'ang moh' tone which I am sure melted the cashier's heart. I bear no grudge with him cutting the queue. Instead, I was left impressed with the way he thanked the cashier. It sounded so sincere that I pretty sure the cashier will put in 'extra effort' to provide GOOD service to the next customers. That's the power of being courteous.

On the other hand, I finally paid my meal and thanked the cashier, but the sound of my 'thank you' sounded so plain it didn't sound as sincere as the Indian dude's. The thing is, I was sincere!

I'm not sure if it's me. I think being sincere has a certain sound to it. You betcha I will work on my 'thank yous' in the year 2007

Tony Blair: Photo of the day

2006-12-21T23:56:00.001+08:00

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair(C) poses with female students at Zayed University in the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi.

He is smiling a bit too much isn't he? Almost giving me the goosebumps.

Source Yahoo

Which radio stn has class?

2006-12-21T23:03:00.000+08:00

I'm not an ang moh kia, but I'm an English radio buff. Today, I will tell you what and when to listen to when you're in the mood.

Weekdays

1) When you're driving, tune to Perfect10 (strongly recommended). Coz' they're Perfect for driving! They never fail to pump me up and keep me alert at all times.

2) When you're taking an afternoon siesta (nap) on weekdays, it is recommended you listen to Class95. Esp during 2-5pm, they play 95min of music marathon of the Best mix of music.

3) Feeling in love? You don't need me to tell you this. Class95's Love songs on weeknights. It's useful for making you sleep when you're not in love and still listen to it.

4) If you're looking for some serious brain matter, 91.3fm - Why? Coz' It's all about you. The Morning Show (on weekdays) with Patricia and Joe talks about issues that really make you think. Joe is currently a star blogger on news portal Stomp.

Weekends

4) On a weekend (all day), if you're looking for random music to make your bright weekend even brighter, I'd recommend Perfect10. They usually play a few songs of 1 genre before moving on to the next genre. So unless they play too much 50cent, I usually go on to Power98.

Of course, this usually happens when Class95 is playing soft rock or 80s music all weekend long (of which is not to my liking). If not, Class would be a good alternative.

So which is my favourite radio station? None. Although I lean towards Class95's DJs. Favourite DJ Jean Danker. She's so hot! I like Rod too. Damn funny charac.

Now you see it, now you don't!

2006-12-20T20:55:00.000+08:00

I tot I was going Larkin bus interchange (Johor) for the first time today. They have a kind-of mall around it. But I've been here before. I vaguely remember my mum used to drag me to the wet market here. Oh, those were the days.

Btw, I bought some stuff to rememeber Larkin by:

Got to try the nut-coated dounut. It's DELI....

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea

2006-12-20T12:52:00.000+08:00

Chelsea are the defending champions of the EPL. Meanwhile, Spurs just missed out on a place for Champions League last season and have not beaten Chelsea in 32 previous home games.

On 5th November 2006, we did just that with 2 beau goals from Dawson and Lennon to win 2-1. Here is a clip to re-capture the magic of that night:

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea - video powered by Metacafe

Article 160

2006-12-16T21:25:00.000+08:00

I stumbled upon an interesting info on the web.

According to Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia, a malay in Malaysia is no longer a malay when he converts out of Islam.

The opposite is also true. You are a malay in Malaysia when a non-malay converts into Islam and therefore enjoys the privileges of a Bumiputra (from Sanskrit Bhumiputra; translated literally, it means "sons of the Earth").

That person is automatically assumed to be fluent in the Malay language and to be living like a Malay as a result of his close association with the Malays.

The article no longer applies to Singapore, as it declared independence from Malaysia in 1965; however, it does affect the legal status of Singaporean Malays when they enter Malaysia.

Source Wikipedia

What's wrong with you??

2006-12-15T14:10:00.000+08:00

This will be my third gripe entry.

There wouldn't be any had everyone given way to someone else. OK, today what I saw was appalling.

For the second time today, I was on a jam packed bus and the people standing just refused to go towards the tail end of the bus, so people were left to squueze like a can of sardines at the front. (And I don't even like sardines!)

The hot weather didn't help either.

Here comes the appalling part.

On 4 couple seats (all in one row), 4 separate people decided to sit on the outer side of the couple seat leaving the inner seat empty. Perhaps due to the torching sun rays.. which is still NOT a good excuse when the bus is tipping full capacity.

I couldn't believe me eyes!

Gripe 2

2006-12-10T23:27:00.000+08:00

I have a confession to make.

OK, it's not about me but a certain group of Singaporeans. I don't the bus often but when I do, I never fail to catch someone "cheat" the fare on the bus.

What they would do is scan their EZ-link cards when boarding and when they move towards the next exit, they would scan their card again before taking a seat. I'm not sure what's the effect but I think it will only deduct the minimum value for the shortest trip on the bus, or no deduction at all!

Most of these culprits are young students. Some were old anough to be my aunty to. This is cheating!

I feel sorry for them actually. To be cheating is to stoop to the lowest levels in public. I really feel for them, really. I hope they realise the ramifications of their wrongdoings and learn from it as soon as possible. Where's the integrity in this world?!

Maybe we need to look as far back as the parents and the teachers. We need to teach the young the right things, to never do wrong and hopefully, the world will be a better place to live in. I really do believe in that.

Maybe the world has bigger problems (Isreal-Palestine, Iraq war, Sunni-Shia issue) but let's concentrate on what each of us Singaporeans can do to make this beautiful island a great place to live in! Majulah Singapura!

Gripe

2006-12-10T23:16:00.000+08:00

I have a confession to make today.

Actually, it's not my confession. OK, I am not satisfied with the level of service provided by our local service providers. Esp of the certain service provided by cafe @ Tampines Mall. The name of the place is Delifrance. (I'm sorry guys, but it's true)

For most of the time, I'm a patient man. Well, I remained a patient man when they (at Deli) only srved us our food 30 minutes after our order was taken! That is utterly preposterous. It was my 'virgin' experience eating at Deli and they totally didn't give me the amount of respect I deserve as a humble customer. I think it was pretty rude that they serve my meal late.

I know many professional businesses scout blogs for positive and esp nagetive feedbacks in relation to their products or services offered. I hope the bosses at Delifrance Singapore read mine. Can you hear me?? (Perhaps not, but I hope you are reading this)

Pls treat all customers equally and without bias. Serve the locals the same as a so-called 'ang moh'. We're paying customers too!?

Well at the end of the day, the tuna croissant (Tuna D'licious) was totally deli. I love the way the tuna "melts in your mouth and not in your hands".

What did I do today?

2006-12-04T19:29:00.000+08:00

If a picture says a thousand words, I give you six.

I made him cry today, twice.

Baby lion

2006-12-04T10:05:00.001+08:00

Ladies and gentleman, presenting a lion dance performance by 3yo Mirzan! (Switch ON speakers for for sound)

Baby's day in

2006-11-22T18:22:00.000+08:00

TODAY i've to babysit my baby bro. Why? Coz they need an extra hand at Nurjanna's Kitchen, so everyone's down there cooking.

The day is almost over and i've got to say, i either make a damn good babysitter or a very bad one.

Basically, i watched my dose of the 4400 (Season 2) on the dvd recorder while the little monster.. he watched a lion dance vcd which he got from his trip to Indonesia. He's been addicted to it ever since.

IT was 1pm. I'm tired, he's relatively tired. I pulled him to bed. We slept together. I wanted to sleep on my OWN bed, but he said he was 'takut' (afraid).

I woke up early. Continued to watch whatever there is on the dvd recorder. Suddenly he woke up and wanted to pee. I told him to pee into the pampers he's wearing.

Not long after, he needed to shit. He can crap into the pampers soaked in urine.. but I didnt want crap smell running around the house, and i think, he doesnt like the idea too. Good for him.

I switched on the toilet lights. He went to take his position and literally shoo-ed me out. Later he would call me so I can use my hands to 'cean' him up.

It's 6 o'clock now. He's watching Disney and I'm on the computer.

Step Up

2006-11-18T01:25:00.000+08:00

Today I watched STEP UP the dance movie. Gotta say the best dance movie to date - firstly, the very hot female lead dancer. Secondly, the hip hop music in the movie rocks man. Although, lack a star quality in the category of Jessica Alba (of Honey) to whet my appetite.

This video features music Get Up by Ciara. Instead of playing music video, here's something from a fan who knows how to groove: (try not to look at the buns too much, you might get hypnotized)

From carolizzy

Subaru post-mortem

2006-11-14T18:31:00.000+08:00

I shouldn't have walked off after 15 hours 3 min. I'm no quitter. It's mistakes like this that make you who you are today, and hopefully, I'll learn from this.

'Bad' Elites should f*** off

2006-11-06T22:29:00.000+08:00

Firstly, before I write what I'm goin to write, I mean no disrespect to the 'good' elites. I want to write mainly about the 'bad' and 'wannabe' elites, who have been giving elites a bad name.

You know, it's alright to be an elite in S'pore. You've worked hard and u deserve to be among the top of our social class ladder. Congrats. Sometimes, these people tend to think too much of their status that the head does the thinking for them, not the heart. Which is a sad thing really.

The other day, I was at the 'new' Parliament on official duty. It was the opening session for the 11th Parliament so everyone 'in the know' was there. After the event was over and all the very important guests has left, the organisers kindly invited us to eat the leftover foods and drinks, which i must say, were still quite good. *shrugs*

There were a group of student representives from different junior colleges (JCs) still munching and socialising among themselves. Somehow, something didn't strike a chord with me. I could feel the youthfulness among them. That is good. Yet, there was an air of arrogance and ignorance which I find is really disturbing.. from the conversation they were having. There is a lack of tactfulness.

I really worry for our country's future sometimes for some of these people will lead our country one day. We need to put a 'check' on these so-called elites. We need to bring them back to earth.

Subaru WRX 2.5 Challenge

2006-11-06T21:46:00.000+08:00

Let the pro show you how it's done

The challenge haven't started and he's (right) stoning already. How to win like that??

In the line of duty, I have stood for a total of 346.5 hours after 99 duties (including open house). That is the official timing. Yes, I do keep note of the insanity that my job requires me to do.

Perhaps you shld take note of the duration of your standing time if ur work requires u to stand for long hours too.

Yes, my long standing hours did not prepare me for the Mediacorp Subaru WRX 2.5 Challenge. MY friend (Yong, photo right) and I lasted 15hr ONLY. I got to admit that it was i who persuaded him to quit together. Almost immediately when I walked out of the pit, I was upset.

I quit mainly because I deduced that I wont win the car this year.. so why stand longer? Perhaps it was the lack of support. Nobody came to support! Except for my dad, who willingly came to support during the first family break. Thks dad. First time the dad tried to massage me too. (hehe)

I take my hats off for those still standing there now. As expected, the challenge is more competitive this year. 22 people still standing after 57hours compared to the 14 last year. They're super-human man.

I will try again next year. Hopefully.

TMNT is back!

2006-10-28T21:32:00.000+08:00

TMNT is back! Yeah you may heard it first here on this humble blog site.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trailer - video powered by Metacafe

TMNT or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are MY most favouritest cartoon characters of all time. They're number 1 in my books!! Ranked higher than lola bunny and minnie mouse.

They came out with 3 real-life movies (between 1991-1994). Sadly there wasn't to be a fourth movie. I was really sad about that. Now they're coming out with a new movie albeit in animation. It's a case of better late than never for all you Ninja Turtle fans. Movie should be out on 30.03.07.

I can't wait to catch this movie. I'm all excited and all my turtle juices are already oozing out!

Im a big bad brother

2006-10-23T12:52:00.000+08:00

Today, on the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, my dad has left me with the HUGE task of taking care of Lil Mirzan. Not the singer, i'm referring to the very mischievious 3 year old who happens to be my lil bro.

Deep inside, he's really a monster.

The last person to step out of the home were the parents at 9am. So Lil Mirzan was my sole responsibility from 9 o'clock onwards. What did i do? I went back to sleep!

Only to wake up 2-and-a-half hours later when the punk rocker barged into my room because he needs to use the washroom. Mind you, he has toilet manners well trained. I would love to video clip everything, but then only to my adult readers will be able to view it. He just needed me turn on the water taps for him to wash his privates, feet, hands and face. Even i don't do all that!

We gotta thank our maid la - bibik, also a mother. So she's basically bringing Lil Mirzan up as if he was her own.

Luckily, he didn't need to crap or i will get my hands all dirty.

Sis, run with me pls?

2006-10-23T05:32:00.000+08:00

I would stoop so low as to bribe my own sister to run with me. I told her i'd buy her the hard-disk (for project) she so much craves if she would go run with me..

Look, she's so skinny you can do a 'ring' around her wrist. On the other hand, i'm getting flabby so a regular exercise would benefit both tremendously.

The fasting period has failed - yet again - to bring down my weight.

Guess what? She said no. So i will still be without a running mate.. hai.

Come Back To Me

2006-10-18T22:54:00.000+08:00

Vanessa Hudgens of High School Musical fame

Don't Be a Slouch!

2006-10-18T22:00:00.000+08:00

How Poor Posture Happens

Poor posture is easy whereas adapting habits of good posture often require conscious effort. Most people do not think about their posture until someone brings it to their attention.

Poor posture is not only habitual, but is also seen in people with low self–esteem, degenerative problems affecting the spine, pain causing muscle guarding, and obesity.

What Does Good Posture Look Like?

Good posture means there is musculoskeletal balance. This balance helps to protect the joints in the spine from excessive stress. It also guards against injury and possible deformity.

Source: SpineUniverse

Hazy day

2006-10-17T18:14:00.000+08:00

I was having my 2-hour afternoon beau nap, the window beside the bed was open (see photo), when I woke up felt like something was blocking my air passage-way. Easily, I blamed the haze. I don't think my childhood asthma came back. It's gotta be the haze..

The PSI stood at unhealthy range when I woke up.

Lesson learnt: Close all your windows and switch on the fans and air-cons. At least until late Oct/early Nov when the rainy season is expected to kick in.

Be Inspired

2006-10-16T00:22:00.000+08:00

People gather inspiration from the littlest things. Thus I cannot stress enough how important it is to find sources of motivation to keeps ourselves motivated.

Some call this self-motivation. But I think there is a limit as to how we can self-motivate. A lot of the time, we do things that are routine. After a while, we inevitably get bored. So what's the solution? We find a source of motivaion to inspire us to the next level and beyond.

Some TV shows such as 'Jack and Bobby' (drama about the future US President when he's a kid) and 'The Apprentice V' gives me adrenalin and also insight into how great minds work. I'd be satisfied if I could think a fraction of how their minds work. Both shows are currently showing on the free-to-air Channel 5.

Another source of motivation, for me, are newspaper articles featuring interviews of top company honchos or successful businessmen. Most of the time, they would give stories of what they did to end up where they are today. I feel inspired reading these articles because I want to be like them, one day.

So, instead of thinking I want to be a successful person working in a good job one day, I got these sources of inspiration to prevent me from lethargic. You know, if you think about it, if every single person in this country put in extra effort, productivity will rise leading to a better economy. I know it's not that easy.

For now though, find that source of inspiration and maybe someone's life will be better.

PS: If you're reading this, pls leave a comment for YOUR sources of inspiration. We should share this information with the world. Tks!

I was on a hot date!

2006-10-10T01:07:00.000+08:00

MY first visit to the much acclaim VivoCity. Few things I noticed: The air con temperature was very cold, the Sky Garden was pretty warm at night, they don't sell food and drinks as well until Saturday. My rating for the entire place: 3/5.

The stub says: World Trade Center at GV VivoCity, 9pm at Row J/Seat 20.

I don't know if you noticed this, but I just watched World Trade Center the movie at the place formerly known as 'World Trade Center'. Haha, funny.

Hawa's Chicken Rice

2006-10-08T18:15:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, my Sergeant brought me to this makan place in Kembangan. I'm not sure exactly where but it's opposite Kassim Mosque. The chicken rice there is POWER lah.

(Click for bigger image!)

You should go try. The name is Hawa's Chicken Rice, a Chinese Muslim Restaurant. The price is good too at SG$3.

View from Neptune Restaurant

2006-09-29T00:59:00.000+08:00

Now you see.. now you don't!

(Press me!)

Why Hady Won

2006-09-28T05:26:00.000+08:00

It was surprise to me as well as thousands of Jonatics as to how Jonathan, the Singapore Idol 2 runner-up, could only end up with the competition's second biggest prize.

The signs were conspiciously all there..

(1) Hady is Taufik Batisah Part 2. If history is to be taken seriously, no other same genre singer of the same sex has won an Idol competition twice. (For eg, In 5 seasons of American Idol, there is no repeat of a Kelly Clarkson or Ruben Studdard).

(2) Every one though appeal (the X-factor that Jonathan apparently has) would be a major factor this time around, seeing how the Dancing Monkey (ehem) made it as far as fifth place in this season of Singapore Idol. Hady had the vocal card.

(3) I didn't vote.. for either singers, or at all this season. SO I thought that would affect, or rather, have no effect in this competition. And I was right!

So, congrats Hady. I actually think Hady is a better singer than Taufik. He sounds almost.. clearer (diction). To Jonathan, at least you sound better than the boy band Energy.. seriously.

At the end of the day, Singapore voted for the better singer - the boy who is vocally heads and shoulders above Jon.

Subaru WRX Challenge

2006-09-21T11:44:00.000+08:00

It's back! The fifth season of The Subary WRX Challenge.

I've been an avid fan of what I see as Singapore's one and only credible reality challenge because it pushes one physically and mentally to the limits.

Just going down to Ngee Ann City watching the contestants standing it out give me goosebumps. They all possess superhuman strength!

Photo Of The Day

2006-09-15T21:42:00.000+08:00

Taken at the beautiful carpet grass of the Istana lawn. He's cute but cheeky.

Rain Rain Go Away

2006-09-15T21:35:00.000+08:00

If you see a photo on this blog, it is probably one of the very rare times when I would go out of the house not to go to camp. Unfortunately, I have to go somwhere on a friday afternoon and the weather forecast is wet wet wet! Damn it.

Now I've to go wash my wet jeans and go take a warm bath when I get back.

First official demonstration at S'pore summit

2006-09-15T20:48:00.000+08:00

SINGAPORE - Want to protest? Scan yourself in first.

The protesters from the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) wore masks emblazoned with the words 'No Voice' to highlight restrictions on non-governmental groups (NGOs) at the meetings which began on Thursday.

Before protesting, activists must scan themselves in by passing their accreditation cards over a laser scanner.

'I've never seen anything like this before. I've never seen any protester have to scan themselves into a protest zone,' said Taylor Thompson, a spokeswoman for GCAP, a coalition that represents 36 million anti-poverty campaigners around the world.

From The Business Times

2 days mc, hurrah!

2006-09-15T11:03:00.000+08:00

This is a metal mouth update. Yesterday, I got two teeth pulled out. Fortunately, the final two.

I went to the void-deck dentist at 10 o'clock, and in ten minutes I was already walking out the door. That was the efficiency provided by the dentish with little words. Perhaps because his patient has few words to say as well.

The good thing about getting two teeth plucked out is that you get two days MC. So it's not actually very hard to get an MC the legal way. How many teeth have you got?

Imagine the number of days of leave you can get. Here's a hint, your wisdom teeth can fetch up to one week MC each!

So, if you have 28 teeth top and bottom, plus 4 wisdom... hmm.

Thunder Thunder Go Away

2006-09-10T16:16:00.000+08:00

The windows were opened and it had rained earlier 5 hours ago. Yet..

This afternoon, I was sleeping - in my crib - like a baby (with a thumb in my metal mouth) until a series of thunder woke me up! It's bad enough I'm very sensitive to all kinds of sounds when asleep but several thunders thundering away.. cannot be happening!!

Can't a shag soldier, for once, get a decent amount of rest?? Unbelievable.

Photo Of The Day

2006-09-09T20:53:00.000+08:00

The heir to the throne, the future prince of my father's land.

Metal In My Mouth

2006-09-09T20:48:00.000+08:00

After much deliberation, I finally decided to put metal into my mouth for extra chewing power. To do this, I have to extract 4 teeth. Here is the first two:

Also I was told I have 4 wisdom tooth.. gasp! All 4 teeth are wrapped in some metal thingy all around it I'm not sure what for. Hoping the horror stories I heard are not all true. Hai..

Early Johore Morning

2006-08-27T18:01:00.000+08:00

The father, the stepmother and I decided to go JB one Sunday morning to check a local dentist out.

Of course, we did not get to the dentist. It was closed.

By 9a.m., we're munching on Roti canai. Picture above: (Backview) The father and stepmum having an intense discussion on which shopping complex to raid next.

By 12p.m., we gorge down local delicacy at Angsana.

In Malaysia, you can choose joint based on how patriotic you are (see flags).

Love birds?

Nothing completes a Johor trip without the perennial accident and traffic jam.

The underused 2nd link checkpoint in Johore.

The heavily guarded Tuas checkpoint in Singapore.

I wouldn't recommend taking the 2nd link back to Singapore on a hot day. Unless you're living in Jurong or picking up durians in Tuas. The distance between Johor Bahru (City square) and 2nd link is so, so far (around 20km).