Hakkaboyz' s world

Interesting conversation

2009-03-06T20:57:00.003+08:00

Another interesting coversation with Rayden...

Was explaining that we should not be destroying things, so as not to spend additional money to repair or replace whatever that is spoilt.

ME: "Don't play with that sit belt, wait you break it and we will have to spend money to repair it... and we will not have enough money to buy toys and nice food for Rayden..."

Rayden: " Go bank take loh"

Never fails to amaze me...

2009-02-17T13:09:00.003+08:00

He amazed me almost everyday.

In the playground @ 7am in the morning
Me:" Go on, Rayden, use the slide. Don't think it's wet."
Rayden:"No... got morning dew."
Me:"You remembers what I thought you weeks ago? Wow..."
Rayden:"School teach one..."

After we come down from the car.
Rayden:"Carry me... carry me..."
Me:"Why must I carry you? You can walk right?"
Rayden:"Wait the car knock me..."

Reverse role play...
Me:"I don't want to go school!!! I'm scare!!!"
Rayden:"Don't scare. I will fetch you later."
Me:"I don't want..."
Rayden:"I'll buy french fries for you later ok?"
Me:"Why must I go school?"
Rayden:"Go school can learn things mah... and I must go work."

Ryanne's 3rd Anniversary

2009-02-14T17:51:00.005+08:00

Today's 14 Feb 2009, and it is Ryanne's 3rd Anniversary .

Dear Ryanne,

How are you? Hope things are fine. It's 3 years since you left us. It seems like a very long time. Papa was looking through the photos we had with you and... the earlier ones were when you are still in KKH, with the feeding tubes attached...all the way till the ones which we celebrated your first and last birthday. Sigh... time flies. Your didi, Rayden was with me when I'm browsing at the photos, and I had to explain why there was a feeding tube attached to you, and why you are no longer with us. We brought him to the Hall of Graditude today to see you. Mummy's not feeling too good, thus she stayed in the van. But I hope you have noticed Rayden has grown taller and slimmer than before. And yah.. he's still very naughty and unreasonable at times. They call it the "terrible two" phase. Can you do something about that? Oh.. you are going to have another didi again. Mummy's expecting and your didi is due around April this year. We haven't really thought of a name yet... you have any suggestion?

Well, Ryanne... I'm sorry for not visiting you as often as I would have like to. I promised you I will try to do that. Take care, Ryanne. RIP.

Love you always,
Papa

Day 2 w/o maid

2009-02-10T21:59:00.002+08:00

It is now 2159hrs and I have done the laundry. It's an improvement but I used the good old washing machine this time.

I picked up my courage to phone a number which Renna left with us when she's leaving.

Me: "Er.. Hello, can I speak to Rennalyn please? Is she back home?"

A voice: " Sir?... It's me, Renna"

Me: " Hi Renna, you are back home? Is everything alright?"

Renna: " Sir, the air ticket you bought for me wrong. Didn't go to Manila."

Me: "What?! It says Manila what..."

But apparently, it is not in the Manila that she wants to go.

Renna: " I have to take a taxi to Manila - 1500 peso"

Me: " And then you have to take that 24hrs bus that cost you 3000 peso... wah! you have enough money or not?"

Renna:" Sir, I take out the Ang Bao which you gave me at the airport to change. Enough."

Me: " You are fine? How's your parents? They are happy to see you back?"

Renna: " Yes. They are happy to see me, sir. Sir... sorry sir..."

Me: " It's ok. Don't say sorry. If so, I have to say sorry to you too. Are you angry with us?"

Renna:" No sir. Sorry sir."

Renna: " Sir, how's everything? How's Rayden? How's Mdm?"

Emotion flowing...

Me: " Everything's fine except that the house is abit messy... Just have to live with it I guess...As for Rayden and Mdm, they are fine too. Do you want to speak to them? Let's see if Rayden's sleeping yet"

Turning on the speaker...

Me:" Rayden, it's auntie Renna. Say hi."

Rayden:" Hi Auntie Renna! Why you are not here? Why you go home?"

I can hear Renna sobbing.

Renna: " Baby, how are you? What are you doing?"

Rayden: " Auntie Renna, why you not here? Why you go Philippine?"

Silence...

Me:" Auntie Renna must go home and visit her Papa Mama mah... It's been a long time since she has seen them?"

Renna:" Baby, what are you doing? Must be good boy ok?"

Rayden:" Auntie Renna, what are you doing? I building a house.." (stacking of pillows and bolsters)

Silence...

Me: " Ok lah, Renna. We will leave it like this. Just remember to let us know if there's anything. Take care... bye!"

Renna: " Bye..."

It ended like this. But, to me... I think it's good to hear that she's ok, her parents are fine and happy to see her. I finally can let it go.

Day 1 w/o my maid

2009-02-09T23:02:00.002+08:00

It is now 2303hrs according to my computer clock. I have just finished handwashing mostly Rayden's clothes and a couple of my wife's ones. I do not have any energy left for folding the clean clothes from yesterday's laundry. My wife had told me to dump it (the laundry) in the washing machine and tune it the a low spin for washing to save some time and energy. I will consider that suggestion. The reason why I chose to handwash them is to experience what Renna's (my ex-maid) been doing for the past 2 years. I can tell you that it is no joke... Must ensure there's hot water in the flask. Must ensure that Rayden's toys and books are kept properly. Must ensure that Rayden's school bag is packed (I haven't done this yet... my wife told me she's doing it). Basically... alot of things to do.

I heard a SMS tone on my phone around 2215hrs. Deep inside me, I was hoping that it was from Renna informing that she has reached her hometown safely. But, it was not her. I am still waiting to hear that she's safe and happy back home.

Tomorrow will be another challenging day.

I fired someone

2009-02-08T22:17:00.002+08:00

No... I didn't pour kerosine on someone and light her up. I sent my domestic worker back to her hometown today.

Nothing to do with the economy crisis. We suspected her of stealing, something which she denied, even at the Departure gate at Budget Terminal. We didn't manage to prove that she did it since we cannot find prove... she could have gotten rid of it... at least we think she may have probably done so. What we found is a photo of her and her Indian boyfriend. We found out about this 2 years ago, and she has promised to break off, which we naively believed. The photo is recent, I'm sure. Morally not wrong, but we have advise her against having a relationship with another foreigner. Who knows whether that guy is living on her, or just want to have a good time - free, once a month? She revealed that the "boyfriend" has went back to India and they have already broken off. I am not sure.

The reason for sending her back is... we can no longer trust her. How can I stay with someone without trust. Do I have to live in fear everyday? Do I have to watch my back on her every move? One may argue that even if we get someone new, it takes time to build up the trust. The thing is, she's with us for more than 2 years, and we have recently extend her work permit by 1 year. We have even helped her to apply to the Canadian Embassy for employment in Canada. Canada is supposingly one of the ultimate heaven that the Filipino maids wanted to go. Having said all this, and there's no trust in between us, I think it is pathetic. Have I failed as an employer?

She was not extra hardworking. Her working attitude was not super. Her food sucks. But I think she did try her best, and she treats Rayden well. These are the one of reasons why we renewed her work permit, knowing that she has wanted to go Canada ultimately.. and also trying to help her to achieve her dream.

But today, I have to crush it all. I have to hold back my tears when I am saying goodbye in the BT.

I am sorry, Rennalyn. I wish your family and you well. I hope you can achieve your dream soon. Thank you for your service.

Why I join Facebook

2009-01-28T11:31:00.002+08:00

Found some old letters and post cards in parent's place few days ago. These were letters written to me by family and friends during my 2 years stay in Sheffield, UK 95/96 - 96/97.

Many memories came rushing in and my gosh... how time flies.

Strangely, I have lost contact with friends who had wrote quite often to me back then. I plan to fix that. I joined facebook and I think I need a little bit of luck.

Where are you my friends?

MR loh

2009-01-21T21:45:00.003+08:00

Has been waiting for this day for years... but having said that, it's kind of sad knowing it will be difficult to gather all the guys which I have "cheong-sua" before throughout my NSmen life. Yes, lim-peh MR loh.

To my dear 609 SIR Alpha company and especially the 84mm section and Coy HQ,

Thank you for not judging me based on my "past reputation / rumours" and sticking with me, helping me throughout the tough trainings we have been through. I will miss you guys.

Pte Hakkaboyz

Happy 2009!

2009-01-16T23:42:00.005+08:00

Happy 2009!

Live life without regrets!

Luv,

Hakkaboyz

Kid's Kampung @ Pasir Ris

2008-05-13T08:48:00.005+08:00

We were thinking of visiting the Zoo actually but it was running late and we thought we can go somewhere nearer.

So we went to Pasir Ris scouting for a place where Rayden can feed fishes. Managed to find this ulu place inside Pasir Ris Farmway 1 - Kid's Kampung where children can feed fishes, catch lokang fish..etc

The entrance fee for catching lokang fish is $11/-. I were like... "erh?! damn expensive leh!" but we have a cheaper alternative ... feed fishes @ $1/- per person. Ok. So, 3 adults - me, hakkagal and auntie "ahya" (that's how rayden called our maid) - that is $3/- with 3 packets of fish food.

Rayden feeding the fishes. See how serious he look.

See how hungry the fishes are....

See how happy Rayden is! How I wish I can do this with him everyweek...

Pre-Mother's Day dinner @ Jalan Malu-Malu

2008-05-13T08:37:00.003+08:00

Everywhere seems to be overloaded with people on Saturday... and the fact is that Mother's day is on the following day.

Kelvin's intention is to go to the Thai Shark's Fin Restaruant along Thomson Rd but we didn't make a reservation and they said sorry. So we thought, "ok... we can always go to another one..."

So, we drove northwards towards Sembawang... thinking that the Yishun Seafood opposite the old Sambawang Shopping Centre is still around. Damn it loh... also no more ... became a kopitiam and there are no carpark available.

I sugggested to go to the nearby, jalan malu-malu coffeshop to eat the ji-char, thinking that the place should be ulu enough that we will be served like a king. Damn it loh, the place is flooded with ppl too. But we still managed to park our vehicles and got ourselves a table.

The food was ok, different from what we are used to eating @ blk 202 amk kopitiam. Just that we have to wait till 8pm before the first dish was served. We were there around 7.30pm... we finished our dinner around 8.25pm. See how hungry we are...

Promotion item

2008-04-15T18:15:00.002+08:00

I saw this in Budget Terminal...

The usual price is cheaper than the Promotion price.

Strange.

Words

2008-04-15T17:28:00.004+08:00

Dear Rayden,

You are quite advance in your language ability. Is it because your mother is a teacher?

You have progress to 3 and 4 syllabus words...

1. motorbike
2. butterfly
3. dinosaur
4. areoplane
5. elephant
6. alligator

You have shown capability in having decent conversation with us.

Papa to Rayden:"What is Papa's name?"
Rayden:"Daddy"
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Raining heavily
Papa to Rayden:"You want to go playground?"
Rayden:"No"
Papa:"Why?"
Rayden:"Wet-wet"
---------------------------------------------------------------------

A normal weekday morning 9am
Papa to Rayden: "Where's Mama?"
Rayden: "School"

A normal weekday evening 7pm before we go home from shop
Papa to Rayden:"Where's Mama?"
Rayden:"Or or orhhhh" - sleeping
----------------------------------------------------------------------

A customer picking up some goods before proceeding to pay at cashier...
Rayden to customer with his hand outstretch:"Money money money..."

You are so funny, Rayden...

Love,
Papa

Wings

2008-04-13T14:06:00.006+08:00

So we were told that he has gone missing. Vanished into the thin air.

Or is he?

Guard:"Boss, we gave him the textbook treatment.... but he refused to use it leh..."

Boss:"How?"

Guard:"We gave him a pair of wings. He took it and flew away. "

Boss:"Aiyo.... loopholes!"

Prison Break - Singapore version

2008-02-29T18:06:00.003+08:00

So... our version of Mr. Scofield ... but with a limp on the left leg.

The thing is... How the hell can a "bai kar" escaped a detention center which supposingly be guarded by top notch Gukhars?

So now.. what? Another honest mistake? I don't think Singaporeans want this kind of "rebates" from the "surplus". This is a big-time terrorist we are talking about.

Come on! Put him back where he belongs! ... or you don't deserve your damn high pay loh, mr. DPM!

Frustrations!

2008-02-28T18:00:00.002+08:00

Lots of frustrations lately.

Domain down... I think the f**ker is a fraud. Money transferred, no service. Domain still down. Emails no reply. I think this will be a police case.

Went to Suntec for the Beauty Expo. The crowd is quite ok as compared to previous years. Damn! should have participated. Some of the suppliers were having price wars and things are going for 50% off. Consumers happy, other suppliers like us not quite. So for the next month or so, we can get a ticket and go jalan-jalan.

How Are You?

2008-02-28T17:53:00.002+08:00

CNY is over.

Somehow, our gang of 4 did not gather during CNY. I met WS at Adrian's place during 3rd day of CNY. Met Ang now and then because his office is just next to our warehouse. But how are you, mr. rascal? Didn't catch up with you for sometime. Hope things are ok!

CNY is over. Another new year ahead of us. New hopes, new aspirations, new beginnings,... new babies?

14 Feb 2008

2008-02-14T20:27:00.004+08:00

It's been sometime since I last updated my blog.

Today is a special day. I know.... it's valentine's day, and today is also Ryanne's 2nd anniversary.

Dearest Ryanne,

How are you? Just want to let you know that you are still in our heart no matter where you are now. You know what? Read it from the Mind Your Body yesterday that today, 14 Feb is also a Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. So.... er... Aps right?

Your little brother Rayden is very funny. He knew he had a sister and you are not with us anymore, but I think he cannot understand why you are only represented in a photo. Sometimes, when he received a new toy, we'd ask him to show it to you. He'll say "No" but after sometime, he'll bring it to put it infront of your photo.

When we bring him to visit you at the Hall of Gratitude at Bright Hill today - he knew exactly where you are even though we have brought him there only once. Did you hear him call you "jie-jie" today?

It's been 2 years since you left us. It had been 2 busy years for us. Firstly we set up a shop with Gong-Gong and Po-Po, and your arrival of your little brother, Rayden. If you have noticed, he can be very difficult at times - behaving like a little tyrant. Papa has to do some travelling from time to time. Business is picking up and thus, we are geting busier. As for Mummy, she's also super busy nowadays. Thanks to some silly colleauge she has to work with. Now, everything she does, or not going to do, she has to think about covering her ass. And I don't think she'll appreciate me putting that down. Whatever.... Pls forgive us for not visiting more often, but you are right here - in our heart and mind.

Anyway... We hope you are at peace. And please help to watch out for your little brother who can be very naughty and clumpsy at the same time. Take care Ryanne. Papa love you and miss you alot.

Love you,
Papa

Ball watch-ing

2007-10-06T15:10:00.000+08:00

Recently I am into watches. Fine watches. I am surprised at the number of fine watches brands there are in the market. Don't mentioned the usual fine brands such as Rolexes, Omegas, Tag Heures, Breitlings, Longines... there are also the Patek Phillipes, IWCs, Frank Mullers, Oris... and much much more. There is this brand that caught my eye... BALL. No kidding, the BALL watches are cool man. Check them out...

My friend Davian who is a watch collector, asked me to look at pre-owned Rolexes and Omegas. Pre-owned - a nicer name for 2nd hand. The reason for this recommendation is that they have "resale" value and they are better known brands - and by wearing one of them on my wrist will look good on me especially for a businessman. Hmm... Does a watch determines one's social status? I have seen nice Seikos, the Premier range costing around $700 - $1000... and when I mentioned about this to other friends, some will laugh and say: " who'd buy a Seiko for $1000?!" ... ignorance? or... just brand conscious?

Kelvin and I went into The Hour Glass a couple of weeks ago... we are not at all appropriately dressed. You can see that the salesman is not at all interested in serving us. I believed that the story will be different if we had a Rolex on our wrist or my skin or hair is of a different colour... but no. We do not have one and we damn look local loh. Is this the service standards that we expect in our own turf? Even our people look down on ourselves.

How many times did we engage in conversations like ... what car a mutual friend drives? where is he/she staying now... working as... how much salary that he/she may be drawing? Let's face it... we like to compare. For good or worse, sub-consciously or not, we do it.

"Let's not compare" easier to be said than to be done.

I'm currently still wearing my Titus watch - with a new leather strap, while waiting to send my Seiko for servicing.

Pray pray

2007-09-30T17:13:00.000+08:00

Rayden doing the pray pray - something he picked up by seeing what Po Po does everyday.

"See? I'm very religious."

Down the pecking order...

2007-09-28T14:50:00.000+08:00

I'm so sad.

It seems to me that Rayden preferred the maid more than me. So, when we are in the house, it's hakkagal 1st choice, maid 2nd choice, bo bian, lan-lan Pa Pa last choice. In the shop, it's Po Po 1st choice, Gong Gong 2nd choice, maid 3rd choice... bo bain, lan-lan followed by Pa Pa...

Why Rayden?

After a long break...

2007-09-22T17:24:00.000+08:00

Ok ok... It's been more than 1 month since my last posting. Many things had changed since then.

CBPL participated in Cosmobeaute Indonesia in Jakarta for the first time. My auntie who had cancer, passed away, on the 6 Sept - the day we reached Jakarta. We, CBPL advertised for the first time in Zaobao and Wanbao for New Stock Arrival Offer. Rayden now can walk, run and imitate sounds he heard... e.g. motorcycle, areoplanes..etc.

I'll talk about the passing of my auntie first. She was admitted to SGH's ICU with her lung full of fluid. The doctor mentioned that her days were limited. I visited her on the Monday or Tuesday, the exact day, I couldn't remember before our departure to Indonesia on Thursday - 6 Sept. She looked weak but I sensed she has a strong will to live. She has grown so thin that she's almost unrecognisable. It was not a pleasant sight and I am pretty upset over it. We were in the hotel when we received the news from hakkagal that she has passed away. Thus, my father, my brother and myself didn't get to send her off on her last journey. Auntie San has been a great relative to us. Well, she's actually very careful with her money - or to put it bluntly, sometimes she's very stingy. But she'll never stinge on her children and even on us and to those she care. When we are about to set up our shop, we didn't even ask and she offered her financial assistance immediately. She's a great parent to her children, sometimes, I felt that she has gone too far, done too much.... but that's her. Auntie San, you'll be deeply missed and whereever you may be, may you find peace and happiness and I'm sure you'll look over your family and those you cared from far. Bye bye Auntie San.

Cosmobeaute Indonesia.... we thought it'll be a great event, but... who knows which level eat $ until little promotion was done. Thus, the staff of the exhibitors, organizers, and contractors more than the visitors. Got abit of tulanz on their custom policy too.... You see... if you see any on the equipment, the customer has to wait for 3 weeks as the goods have to wait in the bonded warehouse for the custom to clear. Somemore.... the customer has to pay, import licence fee US$150, and handling charges of US$100.... meanwhile the equipment cost less than the above mentioned charges... WTF! You think customer will pay and wait for their goods? Some mentioned that they rather buy it in Singapore and handcarry back ... without paying those stupid $.

We have finally invested money on advertising. And the response is not too bad. Some of my promotion goods flew off the shelves - or floor rather.... since most are too big for the shelves. Think we will continue to invest on this area of marketing.

Now for my dear Rayden.... I don't think I need to train for IPPT. Just chase after him, carry him .... can do the job. He is running all over the place - at home, in the shop, outside.... just have to be extra careful with him. He'll make the motorcycle "rooooommmmm" sound, areoplane "ssssssssssssssssss" sound... he is so so funny. Will post it next time.

Ok, got to go... very busy leh.

Taking a break

2007-07-26T22:57:00.000+08:00

Business is unusually poor this 2 weeks. I'm wondering whether it has to do with that extra 2% of GST... Well, I take it as a well deserved break for awhile. Hope this will not last too long, else hakkagal will start to notice more white hair on my head.

I'm taking a break on the stock market as well... Damn that Wednesday's announcement by gahment... Those shares that I was "playing" got a little tired. I need a little time for recovery. Damn it!

For now, I'm preparing (mentally and of cos other preparation) for my next week business trip to China. Never really like it when I'm travelling... Firstly, need to endure the 4 hrs flight... then the hotel, the food, the walking, the negotiation...etc We are not talking about MNC here which we can travel at least on SQ, stay at a 4 star hotel, eat at proper restaurants... etc I travel on Budget airline - Tiger Airways, stay at budget hotels (similar to Hotel81.. maybe even more economical) and eat at roadside stalls... Boy, I'm going to miss home.

And yes, we will be having a jamming session (bloody long overdue) this Saturday @ Boon's Studio. Hopefully, we can have a decent sesison! Oh... I forgot to include my new piece of intrument... I traded in my Yamaha Bass to a 2nd-hand Fender custom. The condition is still very good and the sound is ... mm... warm. The Yamaha one has been giving me problem and it'll cost some $ to get it fixed... might as well loh. Have been playing it this few days to have a feel of it, and at the same time, practice my fingerings and technics. The joints are abit stiff but I think with some time, it should get better. And yes.... that Thai song from Big Ass - ... nice "Gert-Mah-Kae-Ruk-Gun"... should be jamming this song this weekend.

Investment / Punting update

2007-07-02T11:42:00.000+08:00

Contra-ed Aqua Terra @ $0.49 last week. Profit of $635.98 to be shared with Hakkagal.

As for Datapulse & Frontline... still holding. Same for Miyoshi and Popular... holding.

Popular's final report of their performace is slightly below expectation and have declared dividend of 0.7cents - work out to be $7 per 1000 shares. Don't think will wait till the exercised date for the dividend - somewhere in Sep'07. As long as there's abit of movement, I'll let it go.

Correction day SGX

2007-06-26T21:20:00.000+08:00

The STI was down by 55.23 pts ~ 1.5% down from the previous close of 3580.33. I have some technical problems with my PC/internet connections, plus was quite busy in the morning and by the time I checked the market, I have 3 counters which I have Q to buy earlier fulfilled.

I started to panicked a little as it was quite a substantial amount. Never will I do this again.

Luckily for me, Aqua-Terra which I bought for $0.455 climbed back up and at closing, the last done price is @ $0.48. Safe for now. Will try to contra tomorrow.

As for the other 2... Datapulse & Frontline, I think it'll take a couple of days before I can let them go.

Rafa, Rafa, Who'd you sign?

2007-06-24T14:27:00.000+08:00

Rafa's remaining calm despite the inactivity in the transfer market. I would say the same thing if I were him since there's nothing much he could do if all the best players cost a bomb and there's no support (yet to be seen) from the new owners . With that in mind, don't think they'll be able to challenge for the EPL title again.

ManU seems to have moved the fastest and improved from where they left off. Top 2 finish for them for sure. Couldn't say much for Chelsea except that they get some players for free. To think that they have one of the world's richest man as the boss. Arsenal.... what can I say... T. Henry going to Barca and with no real big names coming in... I think they'll probably be fighting to qualify for european football next season.

On the positive note

2007-06-22T18:35:00.000+08:00

Contra Aqau-Terra @ 0.485 today. My profit is $315.41. Hooray!!

Life's like that...

2007-06-21T21:27:00.000+08:00

I guess me has no luck in the stock market...

I sold off my existing 25,000 Chuan Hup Holdings @ $0.36 2 days ago and it went up to $0.405 today. I sold off my existing 2,000 SPH @ $4.52 yesterday and it went up to $4.70 today... Both of them I have been holding for some time... in fact, quite long.

I'm holding on to my Popular and Miyoshi since I have already paid for them... I think they both can push for a couple of more cents before I let them go.

Bought 15,000 of Aqua-Terra @ $0.46 today. Closing is @ $0.475. Hmm.. See whether can contra tomorrow or not.

Rayden is finally crawling ... and clapping

2007-06-17T00:28:00.000+08:00

Rayden finally discovered the magic of moving around... and there's no stopping him. He's so active that we are very worried that he'll somehow injure himself in the process of discovering this wonderful experience.

And yes... he knows how to clap his hands now.

Rayden playing peek-a-boo

2007-06-17T00:05:00.000+08:00

Investment updates

2007-06-16T23:14:00.000+08:00

Didn't get to contra Miyoshi, so lan lan go to the ATM and pay up on Friday evening. Bought 15,000 of Popular @ $0.34 on Friday. This will be another short to mid term play.

Received news that Lantrovision is proposing a special dividend and rights issue... could worth a punt on Monday.

Keep it up baby!

Up, up and away!

2007-06-13T17:38:00.000+08:00

Everything is going up.

Coffee in Kopitiam increased from $0.70 to $0.80

Petrol and diesel price increased

GST is increasing from 5% to 7%.

NETS commission is increasing from 0.5% to 1.9%

Starhub cable TV basic group is increasing by $4, Sports chanel is increasing $15 to $25

Minister's pay is increasing

BUT.... if we increase the price of our products, we will be cursed by our customers.

Where got meaning?

And yah... talking about NETS... I believed if we buy 4D/Toto by NETS, there's a levy of $0.20. How come Singapore Pools can do it and the other merchants can't? So how? Cancel the bloody NETS service?

Starhub? Cancel the sports chanel and watch EPL in coffeshops?

Catching up with the stock market fever

2007-06-12T22:55:00.000+08:00

I have laid low for awhile on the stock market. Haven't been trading in fact for months... or maybe a year or so. It seems that I have not much luck in investment.

Looking at the stock market, it seems like the bulls are never tired. So... I have decided to try my luck again.

Bought 15,000 shares of Datapulse yesterday at $0.26 and I sold them off today (contra) at $0.275. After minusing all the brokage fee, access fee, Gst... I made a decent $168.49 (4.29%). Not a bad start.

Bought 20,000 shares of Miyoshi at $0.25. And I hope that the next update is a positive one!

Updates on Rayden

2007-06-05T01:52:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

You are now 9mths plus. You can now stand with support. Your crawling still sucks big time. Most of the time, your gearbox is at the reverse gear, i.e. you gostan instead of going forward. You like to walk around your playpen with support. You still demand for milk in the middle of the night - 1 to 2 times. And if we are slow - or maybe reluctant to give in, you will wail like there's no tomorrow. You are saying more things now besides "ma", "da", "pa"... "jie" (are you calling your sister too?) You have 4 teeth now - 2 on top, 2 at the bottom. You like the birds, cats and dogs... and how you wished you can catch all of them with your small little hands. You have no fear at all for these creatures. You are starting to throw things at will and look at your mess you have created in delight. You have a great sense of humour and will laugh at any incongruities in life. You no longer jump into strangers' open arms when they offered to carry you. You would stare at them as if you are saying" Excuse me... do I even know you?" You like to listen to (ok, at least I believed you liked it) the story of Three Little Pigs & The Big Bad Wolf (and that's the only story I can tell)... You have passed your hearing test, catched up in the immunisation jabs and you are at least 10.8kg now, and thanks to you, I have confidence in my Chin-Up station during IPPT.

Love you,

Papa

How now brown cow?

2007-06-05T01:36:00.000+08:00

I was feeling really down today... Things are not smooth sailing at work. Maybe it's due to lack of resources, or maybe due to bad luck at times, or maybe it's just me... not good enuff.

Business is growing at a good rate. I'm struggling with all my responsibilties in the business, from purchasing, marketing, sales, delivery, accounting...etc Yah, I know one will only have that much of a time and stamina to do things... and I know I'll need help, sooner rather than later.

Things could also be of too much of a routine, and a lack of personal time - just for family or myself. Go to work with Rayden & maid, get stressed, busy, .... get back, watch some TV... and not forgetting the equation of a more and more demanding baby in between all these mentioned. At the end of the day, I'm totally exhasted.

How?

Move on?

2007-05-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

Was having thoughts of moving... maybe somewhere nearer to AMK. And was even thinking of maybe getting a bigger place so that we can stay together with my parents. But the property market is way too hot now and cheap places don't come easy. I don't know.... maybe I'll still wait and see.

Swimming session in AMK

2007-04-10T02:02:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

It seems that you enjoy swimming, and have no fear for the water. Despite me letting you drink some of those pool water (by mistake... you don't drink enough water anyway), you'd just move on and won't make a single nosie. Well done, big boy!

Rayden & Rachael in AMK swimming pool

Love you,

Papa

Better update blog...

2007-03-27T08:58:00.000+08:00

It's been more than a month since I last updated this blog. I've been busy... rather... lazy.

Had a good rest during CNY, esp. so when I caught the stomach flu bug on the 1st day of CNY. Spent the whole of Day 2 either in the loo or in bed. Nearly slept in the loo. The frequency is too high. Went to see the doctor during midnight on day1 of CNY. Guess how much is the consultancy fee alone? $70!! Ooch!! Stomachache, Anus-ache and Pocket-ache.

As for Rayden... Let's look at some of his recent photos...

Rayden in his "new" Exersaucer which was passed to us by Auntie Catherine.

Rayden and Sheryln caught in the same bed playing balls... Oops! Hee!

Rayden on his debut swimming session at Uncle Mark's Park Green pool.

And... before I forget, you got your bottom 2 teeth this week. Mummy had to remind you not to bite her or else, next time you won't get to .... you know, nurse on her. NO PICTURES ON THAT. SORRY!

Ryanne's 1st anniversary

2007-02-15T22:26:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, 14 Feb 07 was Ryanne's 1st anniversary.

Hakkagal and myself got off on the wrong foot early in the morning. Apparently, our "5 triple 1"'s battery went flat. She had forgotten to switched off the lights - not the headlamp, just the interior lights. She panicked and woke me up so that I can send her to work. I was grumpy (since I haven't got my cup of coffee) and probably said something stupid. We didn't speak a word throughout the journey to Pasir Ris.

Since it was Ryanne's 1st anniversary, I thought of visiting her at KMS - Hall of Gratitude. So, I dated Hakkagal to visit our daughter on Valentine's day... ok, jokes aside... I couldn't bear to listen to the radio yesterday. You know... all they're playing was love songs plus the CNY songs which weren't appropriate at all for me. Anyway, we visited Ryanne, stayed for awhile, talked to her a little before we left. Didn't do much after that. I watched my rented Prison Break VCD at night - (next season, it'll be DVD man... can't take the quality of VCD liao), Hakkagal, as usual, knocked off by 10pm (kudos to her... had to wake up at 5am every morning to tend to Rayden). It' not until after midnight, yah, 15 Feb 07... that I whisper "Happy Valentine's Day" to her. Dunno she heard it or not... doesn't matter lah.

(pictures put together by hakkagal)

Dear Ryanne,

I hope you are happy whereever you maybe. Things have changed alot since you were last here. You are a Big Sister now. Papa, together with Gong Gong and Po Po had started a shop in AMK. Things are looking good for us... Wished you were here. Just want to let you know that you are still in my mind and heart, and whenever Papa sing some of your favourite songs to your Di Di, there'll still be tears in my eyes. Hope to see you in my dreams... So long now, Ryanne.

Love you always,

Papa

Master Sky's SMS

2007-02-08T22:40:00.000+08:00

Received this SMS from Master Sky:

"Everyone responsible for the way they live. Our current living style, may sacrifice our whole future toward enlightenment. So we must ready, wisely, accept death, change our future karmic, avoid again fall into painful cycle. This life, this time, is what we can do, thru pratice.

When you die tomorrow. You will be what you are now. What is your mind state, what you are now, if you never change and improve, you will die at what you are. This is why we must use this life and time, while we still can do it better, purify our mind stream, purify our basic gen and natural character.

You will only become what your state of mind are when die, whjen you still nonsense you will did and become nonsense. So we must try best to purify and let our nature buddha hood return before die."

For a moment, I was scared, to be honest. I thought he may be hinting that my time's up. I asked, and he said this is a general advise.

Well, let's continue to strive to be a better person, cherish what we have now and be ready to let all go when our time is up.

Greeting Card

2007-02-08T22:23:00.000+08:00

Received this greeting card from Aik Eu, a friend from Penang. I must admit that I'm always the one who will try to return a greeting card when I received one. Meaning, I'm not someone who has been diligent enough to send cards to friends. Maybe, I should change for the better.

Hey, Eu! I received your card and thanks for visiting this blog. Next time, include your mailing address behind. You know I'm always losing things like contact numbers, addresses etc...

Thanks for the card and your kind words and warm wishes. I hope to visit you soon, together with my family. Wishing your family and you a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year!

Hakkaboyz

Ray's 5.5mths old

2007-02-08T21:59:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

You are 5.5 months old and you weigh 9.5kg. Looking at the growth chart, you are, er... well, ard the 90 to 95 percentile. Phew... still within the curve. Boy, you are heavy! Auntie Renna is feeling the effect of carrying you, you know. She has been complaining of backaches!

You caught the flu bug recently, and we suspect (I think confirm) that you caught it from Gong Gong. He has been unwell lately too. I don't think you enjoy taking the medicine from the look of your expression. No choice lah! Please get well soon!

Love you,

Papa

Update on my auntie's condition

2007-01-31T23:27:00.000+08:00

It's lung cancer.

So, we thought all along that smoking is the cause of lung cancer... nop. Not this time. This is bad luck. My auntie has been (to my best knowledge) very careful with the food she took in, doesn't smoke, doesn't drink alcohol, not in close contact with smokers (rule out 2nd hand smoke)... so, this is purely bad luck.

Checked with my master Sky. Never did enough good deeds - or never done any good deeds or charitable acts. She herself admitted it. You see... all her life she's been prudent of what she spends on, even though she's one of the better-offs relatives. So, is it due to karmic effects? Even though she never harm or cause distress to anyone?

Someone mentioned to me before, our 福气 or 福份 will be used up if we don't continue to accumulate it. Yes, even though we never do any 伤天害理 things. Our luck will run out.

So what are you waiting for? Go do something good today. I am reminding myself.

She's been strong. Taking her medicine and going for her Chemo. I have introduced her one more thing. Chanting Amitabah. I wished her best of luck and I'll try to remember to 回响 the merit to her whenever I chant. Amitabah!

Busy busy busy

2007-01-31T23:14:00.000+08:00

Qiqi mentioned that I did not update my blog often enough.... I'm so sorry.

The fact is that I have been really busy. Went over to China for business trip, came back, sort out paper work, and the best part is that the business had been alright... ok, slightly more than alright for us this month.

Now, I'm worried that I'll face the backlashed in Feb. Especially so, when there's a CNY holiday period in the middle of it. So, my excuse for not updating my blog in Feb is.... I need to find more business.

Sports-boy-ship

2007-01-31T23:03:00.000+08:00

Just finished watching the 1st leg of the Asean Football Championship Final between Singapore and Thailand - on tv. Couldn't believed my eyes when the Thai players walked out of the pitch when the ref award a controversial penalty to Singapore. Talk about sportsmanship... that looks like school boys playing in a park and once they couldn't agree with each other, they walk out...

Alamek. How to improve the sports in this region to compete with the rest of the world when men behaves like boys.

The story behind my new HP iPAD

2007-01-31T22:35:00.000+08:00

Well, I sort of gotten myself a new phone - high tech one somemore, a HP iPAD.

This friend of mine, passed me some money... in fact, quite alot of money to buy a phone in China. Initially she said she wanted something like what I'm carrying... err.. was carrying. After that she stuffed me with more money and say something like PDA phone. Ok loh... if you want PDA phone, I buy PDA phone loh.

When I passed the HP iPAD to this friend of mine... she asked how come never buy the phone that that I was carrying... why I bought this one?! I was stunned. Well, lesson learnt.

No more next time, brothers and sisters.

A trip to Gleneagles

2007-01-06T22:25:00.000+08:00

Visited Ah San Auntie at the Gleneagles Hospital today. She was amitted after a scheduled regular treadmill ECG - well, she didn't have to go thru the treadmill as the nurse noticed that she's not looking too well. After some checks and scans, they found that the lung was flooded. Results are not out yet but the doctor mentioned that it's either TB or lung cancer. Hope that everything will turn out fine for her...

The thing is... the trip to Gleneagles brought back memories of Ryanne. I remember her regular trips to the Singapore Baby and Child Clinic to visit Dr. William Yip. I remember the day that we nearly lost her and rush her to Gleneagles A&E only for the doctors on duty to refer us back to KK. I remember the tough nights we had with her, since she took so little milk that she has to feed every 1.5 to 2 hrs - just to keep her alive. Much of the memories came rushing into my head. It'll be Ryanne's 1st anniversary soon...

Ryanne, Papa remembers you, and will always love you... always.

I'm a D-List Blogger

2007-01-05T21:09:00.000+08:00

With 2 links in the last 180 days, Technorati places hakkaboyz.blogspot.com in the low authority group.

That makes you a D-List Blogger!

The Low Authority Group [D-List Bloggers]
(3-9 blogs linking in the last 6 months)
The average blog age (the number of days that the blog has been in existence) is about 228 days, which shows a real commitment to blogging. However, bloggers of this type average only 12 posts per month, meaning that their posting habits are generally dedicated but infrequent.

Are you a A-List Bloglebrity?

Happy Anniversary!

2007-01-05T00:29:00.000+08:00

Dearest WenX

We have been thru alot for the past year and the episode has make us and our love stronger.
You asked whether I remember our wedding vows... To be honest, no. To me, they are mere words that we were made to say out loud at the Singapore Marriage Registry infront of our parents and of cos, Mrs Tan-Lee Tai Sum, Asst Registrar of Marriages. I know that I love you for the way you are. For being there for me when I am lost and down. For being a wonderful friend who shares my vision for the future. For being an excellent advisor who seems to always have an answer or explantion to everything. For being a wonderful mother of my children. For being a caring, understanding and loving wife. For being you. Thank you for everything.

Happy Anniversary!

Lots of Love,
hakkaboyz

Goodbye 2006! Welcome 2007!

2006-12-31T22:04:00.000+08:00

As the year 2006 is coming to an end, I think it is meaningful to recap the key events of this roller coaster year for me and for those who are close to me.

Jan/Feb' 06
- realised that my lady was pregnant again (with Rayden)
- celebrated Ryanne's 1st birthday

- happiness was shortlived as, Ryanne past away few days later

Mar'06
- went over to China for a trade fair with my Dad

May'06
- went over to China again, this time with Alex and stayed over at his apartment (hee... free)

- shop hunting, and found one

June'06
- wrote my virgin blog
- world cup fever

July'06
- grand opening of shop

Aug'06
- Rayden was born! .. so was Rachel (shon's bb) in fact, a day apart only

Sept'06
- Reservist - siong siong ATEC included
- Sherilyn (jw's bb) was born

Oct/Nov'06
- China trip again, this time met up with an army friend who runs a logistic firm
- gahmen announced GST to be increased to 7%... tew!
- 子敬 (ang's bb) was born

Dec'06
- planning for my next business trip in Jan'07
- recapping 2006...

anyway... cheers to all (ok lah... don't think there's alot of "fans" but at least got a handful lah!)who read this blog.

Best wishes for the new year!
hakkaboyz

Rayden - 4 month old baby

2006-12-30T00:17:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

Your routine is getting pretty stable now and we more or less know what you want when you fuss and make noises. Clever right?

0800-0830: wakes up, pee&/poo, bathe
0830-0930: drink milk milk, play and gets ready to go to the shop
1000-1800: In the shop - sleep, wakes up, *pee&/poo, *drink milk milk, play... this routine repeats itself
1900-2100: Back home - cleaned up, * pee&/poo, * drink milk milk, play, wind down for the day and sleep

0000-0100: sometimes, wakes up for anther feed

whatever happens later than that, is a mystery. Ask your mummy. But I'm always very curious how you end up next to me when I woke up in the morning...

Love you,
Papa

* note - this can be interchangable and it may happens at the same time.

flapping your arms and kicking wildly - means:
you are very excited and want to play some more; also means, it'll be more fun if you can pick me up

prone position looking into the camera - thinking: hey! why am I in this position again?! and why you keep aiming that thing at me?

子敬's full month celebration on 17th Dec

2006-12-29T23:34:00.000+08:00

Look! Little 子敬 has grown quite abit, hasn't he? Sorry for the late post on this... better late than never.

It was a busy busy day for Ang and Qiqi for there's lots of guests on that day.... but can see that they were very very happy!

Welcome on board to this long, eventful and exciting journey of parenthood, guys!

Lancerlord is back!

2006-12-25T10:46:00.000+08:00

I suspect Lancerlord read my last posting... He's found or rather .... back. Welcome back, Lancerlord.

Finding Lancerlord

2006-12-19T22:34:00.000+08:00

I noticed that lancerlord's last entry was back in 25 Sept 06. Wondering what had happened to him? I was inspired by him to blog in the first place... Did he changed his car? Since his name was inspired by his car, a Mitsubishi Lancer. So went to google and checked for... hondahunk... toyotaking...etc... but was unsuccessful.

Remembered that he has a flickr site where he kept his photos. Went there and found out that his last update was very recent, in December. Felt alittle relieved that this old friend is still alive. Maybe just busy... or very very busy?

Update your blog leh, lancerlord!

Concert ABC

2006-12-11T22:44:00.000+08:00

Went for a free concert few days ago... complimentry ticket given to me by the hairdresser next door to our shop. I believed her sister works for Singtel or something.
陈升, 品冠 and 五月天 were the performing artistes.

把悲伤留给自己 and 风筝 sound familiar? Yah... those were just a couple of the great songs belted out by 陈升. He is a solid performer and he entertained the mass audiences even though he knew most of them were here for the latter performers.
The songs from 陈升 were the only ones I can sing along and relate to.... Seriously, I'm getting old. Those little girls behind me thought so also.

Ang and QiQi's lovely baby

2006-12-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

Welcome to this world, baby 郑子敬! I think the meaning of the name is that - son must be filial to the parents... something like that.

This picture taken a few days after birth and he should be bigger now, i think. We'll see ... coming 17 Dec, the full month celebration.

See you soon, Baby Tee!

Botak Ray

2006-12-11T22:18:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

We gave you a new hair cut on Sunday. It's a combine effort from 婆婆, mummy and papa. That's why I use "we".

Not bad huh for non-professional people like us, but ... no... no... don't look behind.... not our fault, Rayden. Who ask you keep moving...

Love you always... no matter what hairstyle you have,
Papa

Good news for civil servants!

2006-11-27T22:28:00.000+08:00

Saw a piece of good news on Saturday newspaper 25 November 2006 "Civil service salaries likely to go up. Pay must be kept competitive to get and keep talent, say Teo Chee Hean"

How nice...

What a coincidence... Just when they have announced that they are increasing GST to 7% next year to help the poor. Hmm... makes me wonder who are we helping actually? What is the definition of poor? Is our civil servants, which include ministers, lowly paid?

Well, civil service pay has to go up because of private sector competition mah... And yes, Mr Teo also mentioned that ministers's salaries, which are also pegged to the private sector would be adjusted. He said:" The formula is a well-established one, we will have to look at the benchmark to see where they are, see what kind of adjustment we need to make... "

Aiya... Like that they lugi... if they benchmark with their peers in other countries, must take pay cut you know... what?! No?! you mean they do different benchmarking? Oh I see... Tsk Tsk... I smell some fishy smell...

A visit to the Paediatrician in Rivervale Mall

2006-11-22T22:25:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

We brought you to Dr. Lillian Lim, a Paediatrician in Rivervale Mall this morning. Not that you are sick or anything. Just that mummy felt that it's time for a PD to check you up since the last time a PD actually saw you was when you were only a few days old.

Boy! You are 7.5Kg! Your sister was 7.5Kg when she's 1yr old. Dr. Lim mentioned that it's ok even though you are actually at the 90 percentile of the growth chart, as some babies' growth rate will taper off when they get older. We mentioned about your sister's condition and her passing. We felt that she didn't react negatively and was very reassuring to us that you are ok. Your physical development is fine... your neck is quite firm, head control is ok, eyes are following moving objects ...etc. Mummy took the chance to ask her lots of things like your bowel movements, your sweaty palms and feet...etc. Dr. Lim was very obliging in answering all the questions that mummy had and that impressed mummy a lot.

Overall, it's quite a pleasant trip to The Kid's Clinic. Hope you'll continue to grow well and be happy!

Love you,
Papa

Did she or did she not remember us?

2006-11-22T22:05:00.000+08:00

Today we went to TMC to visit Qiqi. She gave birth to a lovely boy yesterday (ok, we didn't manage to see the baby in person but we saw the picture stored in the mobilephone. Thanks to the friendly nurse who didn't fulfill her promise to push the little one into his mummy's ward) She looked tired for obvious reason but ok lah... finally over.

We were wandering around the 5th floor trying hard to peek into the nursery but we didn't manage to see her baby. Instead we spotted a familar face. We saw the gynae who delivered Ryanne. We went up and said " Hello Dr. Sim!" She smiled and returned her greetings. She asked us how we are and stuff like that... The thing is... we didn't tell her about Ryanne. We didn't know how to put it across... We didn't know whether she remember us in the first place. I guess this will remain a mystery and only she has the answer...

Regular shit

2006-11-20T23:56:00.000+08:00

I have to shit daily. Every morning infact... straight after breakfast. Dad used to say I'm useless... since I - 吃了就放... It has became a habit I guess... but I think, this is a healthy habit. If this routine is halted for whatever reason, I'll feel damn strange throughout the day. That's why during our 3 days 2 nights excursions while serving NS... I always low morale wan...

Jokes aside... this lead me to wonder whether Rayden's doing fine when he doesn't shit for a week. Yah. Rayden shit weekly. My lady's theory is that her breast milk is "perfect" for him... thus, no waste. I don't know, really...

This few days had been exciting for us. Rayden's shitting everyday in the afternoon. We thought.. " Wow! That's amazing!" We believed it's due to the oats that my lady's been taking daily for breakfast. And btw, before I forget... don't ever buy the Pampers - Baby Dry. Yes... only use it when you know your baby's gonna be dry. Bloody design problem. Your babies waste will basically flow out of it. And it'll be bloody messy, I can asure you. I know. Been there, experienced that. Shit happens... whatever.

My van's number plate fell off today during heavy downpour and there's partial flooding at the exit to Punggol from TPE. Shit happens.

3 things to mentioned here.

1. How come can flood wan? Nobody clear the leaves from the drain or wat?
2. How come the number plate can drop off wan? Why the number plate not secured by screws?
3. I noticed that my friendly neighbourhood cleaner is still cleaning the multistorey car park with his water jet... while it's storming outside. Good work ethics.

Whatever lah. Shit happens... regularly.

A hard pill to swallow

2006-11-14T17:09:00.000+08:00

Our PM has announced that the GST will be risen to 7% (up from the current 5%) from next year onwards.

To me, it's a hard pill to swallow. Especially so when we have just invested heavily on our family business. All our expenses will go up... the cost of our goods will go up... every damn thing will be going up. I will seriously consider incorporating our family business and get it GST registered. Who knows when our dear gahment will increase it to 9% (I don't think they like even numbers...)

The reason of the increase is damn unbelievable... To finance more govt spending to help the lower income. Take whatever you have from the left hand and give some back to the right hand while slapping your backside. So shiok man! Nabeiz... Thanks to the strong mandate shown by 66.6% of the voting public... You made a wright choice...wrong... I mean right choice...

My new phone

2006-11-12T10:16:00.000+08:00

I bought a new - made in china - mobile phone for about S$170. Next to it is my old Nokia 3230 which had a LCD problem.

The negative points about this phone are - that there are no bluetooth and IR communication functions. The MMS function apprently needs to reconfigure to the local network - which I have yet to figure out how to. Any smart Alex out there who can advise me on this?

Other than those mentioned, this is a very slim phone, with MP3, MP4, 1.3MegaPixels Camera, and it comes witha very nice sleek pouch. I think... it may be more suitable for ladies though. Ha!

food for thought - part 2

2006-11-06T19:57:00.000+08:00

Another phenomenon which I noticed..... many many years back, our forefathers migrated to the south to countries like Malyasia, Singapore...etc to 讨生活... and now, many many years later, their 子子孙孙 are flocking back to China to try to make a living one way or another. So irony...

food for thought - part 1

2006-11-06T09:51:00.000+08:00

Just want to blog about something which I noticed while on trip in China. The road condition in Guangzhou is chaotic. Really chaotic. However, I didn't witness any accidents at all. Not that I want to witness one... but I don't believe I can drive there with this kind of road condition. Our road system here is consider damn safe, but during heavy traffic condition, when the cars are crawling... there's still some jokers who like to kiss the front car's backside. So...this lead me to think further...

As chaotic as the environment can be, the people there are very very alert and agile. This could be one of the reason, why the Chinese people there are doing well in terms of business.

Blogging in China

2006-11-01T19:58:00.000+08:00

Hi!
Me blogging in China...

Am in China for business. Just finished dinner with my friend Brendon who is going to handle all my shipment needs. Well, only 2 days of shopping and I'm feeling broke. I hope my remainding $ can last me till Saturday.

Well, so long for now cos, my fellow using the terminal next to me is smoking like nobody's business. *cough*... I dun wanna die of 2nd hand smoke.

To my lady:
Sorry for watever happened on that day, and I hope things are fine back home. Kiss Rayden for me. Missed both of you very much.

Are you Ryanne in disguise?

2006-10-18T13:40:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

Are you Ryanne in disguise?

Ryanne Chong (17 Feb 2005 - 14 Feb 2006)

- picture taken May 2005

Rayden Chong (20 August 2006 - present)

- picture taken 16 Oct2006

Love both of you,
Papa

See... white tongue!!

2006-10-15T10:24:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

Today's the 57th day since your arrival. You are going to be 2 months old soon! You have been a very good and cooperative baby. Please continue to be nice.

Mummy brought you to the polyclinic for the Hep B injection (2nd jab) on 3 Oct and you were 5.3Kg then. I believed you are now around 6kg range. You are having some problems fitting into the size S diapers now. You love drinking milk and at times we don't know whether we are overfeeding you. So from time to time, in between meal time, we gave you water when you feel like suckling. You are not too fussy... so, that's good. Your tongue's white and we are supposed to clean you with some oral gel. We did it once, but the effect's not too fantastic, and we have stop doing it. Or should we continue cleaning for you, for hygiene purposes... we'll see.

You are very responsive now, responding to familiar voices, sound, faces, eyes tracking moving objects...etc. And you smile whenever we ask you to ... ok, sometimes, we forced abit. You are getting used to being proned, although you still complained alittle, we know that you can take it. Your limbs muscles are developing quite well - push and look up (about 3 seconds), kicking (very vigourously).

Ok, I'll stop now as we need to get ready to go to the shop - together.

Love you,

Papa

PSI - Up or Down

2006-10-15T09:47:00.000+08:00

People now monitor the PSI level like the stock market.

First thing I ask my lady today is:"What's the PSI level?"

"Drop to 79 from last night's 109" came the answer.

"Really? It still looks quite hazy though...."

A very hazy day... unhealthy PSI level. Better to stay indoors.

Good clear day.... Never really appreciated good quality air till now...

Cannot understand why our neighbour couldn't deal with these forest fires, since it's a yearly event.

Kena Force

2006-09-30T23:06:00.000+08:00

I got the shock of my life when I went into my ICT ard 3 wks ago...

My NS unit actually won the Best NS Combat Unit for 05/06... They put up a banner in the camp (see picture) to "motivate" us....

I must apologise... This picture is not very clear since I took it with my handphone and it was taken in the middle of the night - for obvious reason. The part which I circled in smaller print actually states: "Force of Choice" - and they actually gave us a T-shirt which has these words printed on it.

I find it quite funny...because, deep inside me... i thought...: no lah... we are no "Force of Choice"... we are actually "Kena force, no choice"

And you know what?

We did quite well for ATEC. Redcon 2A overall. Someone's gonna have another crab on his shoulder liao. Of cos... not me.

Bom - Bom

2006-09-12T23:16:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

I think you quite enjoy your "Bom-Bom" time. Well, Papa's going for ICT and will not be able to bathe for you. You be good and don't be a fussy baby when Mummy or 外婆 bathe you, ok?

Love you,
Papa

Final High Key ICT

2006-09-12T22:53:00.000+08:00

It's ICT time again tomorrow and it'll be (hopefully) the final high-key one - with an ATEC thrown into it as well. So, it's a very high, high-key (tomorrow till 30 Sept).

It's a chore to pack for ICT. You start to realise that you are short of singlets, shorts and socks...etc. You start to call up brothers asking whether they have extras... well, if have, the size may not fit.

It's also quite funny when you start to take out the fullpacks and SBOs. You start to dig out funny stuffs in the SBOs (which, by right... supposed to be cleared long time ago)... e.g. tissues, insect repellant, some extra ration which was brought along for the previous mission of the previous in-camp. Disgusting.

What's my feeling now?....

Meeting up with old army friends is actually quite an enjoyable experience, but I just hope that IPPTs and 3 days - 2 nights tour in the jungle are excluded in the package. Age's catching up and it's no laughing matter. Hope I can survive this in-camp...

Suggestion for LTA / Taxi Operators

2006-09-11T22:53:00.000+08:00

Have you ever jammed brake your vehicle because the taxi infront decides to stop suddenly to pick up passengers? Damn #@* right?

Maybe the authorities should considering waiving off the adder for calling a cab. Imagine if it's free(the dial a cab service), I think most of the passangers will probably choose to call a cab rather than stand at the road side on a hot morning and flag at whatever vehicles that looked like a taxi to them.

Does it mean that the cab drivers will earn significantly less? I don't think so... since the taxi company will probably take some percentage off their earnings from the add-ons anyway. It could even mean an increase in the drivers' earnings. Why? Well, if it is not expensive and convenient to be driven around in well kept taxis, why not right? Convenient in the sense that I pick up a phone, dial for a cab, cab comes within 10mins, I hop onto the cab, cab drives me to my destination (don't have to "geng" how to get from point A to point B)... safely(since there will be less taxis fighting for customers at the road side)... at the end of the day, maybe can save money somemore... You think owning a car in Singapore is cheap huh? Petrol... Carpark... Road tax... loan payment...

What you say?

Boy, you can drink!

2006-09-06T09:19:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

It seems to me that you have quite an appetite. It took your sister's whole life's effort to even go anywhere near to how much you are taking now. You're taking in around 100ml per feed (formula milk - Similac) and it'll only last you around 3hrs (max). If it's on mummy's breast milk(we don't know how much is it - since you latched on; and we still yet to have another breast pump - since the last one was not functioning anymore), it'll probably last you an hour and a half (max). Boy, you can drink!

Mummy's recording your "Ins and Outs" using a record book (which mummy used to do for your sister as well) and we realised that Rachel's mummy is doing that too.

Ok, that's all for this entry.

Love you,
Papa

Keys

2006-09-03T22:18:00.000+08:00

As the responsibilities get heavier... your bunch of keys seem to get bigger.

Useless signs

2006-09-03T15:52:00.000+08:00

I think there are lots of useless road signs in Singapore like this one. "School Zone - Drive Carefully"

If out of school zone? Drive recklessly?

.... "加讲" - in hokkien

Been working - non stop

2006-09-01T22:20:00.000+08:00

Sigh...

Been working non stop recently. Our new retail shop was Officially opened on 27 Aug 06 (we have been operating since end July but since it was 农历七月, we decided against doing the official opening ceremony. ) See, I have the honour to remove the red paper...

We are opened from 9.30am - 6.30pm, 7 days a week - at least for now till the retail business stablized. Ok, the timing is abit rubberband timing (i.e. can stretched both ways.)

I hope the business will pick up soon, else we may have to start selling icecreams, stationaries, provide photocopying services, sell Newpaper, provide massage and hairdressing services... etc instead of supplying beauty and hair care stuffs (since day 1, we have queries about all the above trade)

And I have noticed that my parents have aged alot since. Stressed, I guess. I would like to improve the situation quickly so that they can really relaxed and do stuffs like play with grandchildren or go on holidays instead of worrying about paying the bills. I am not worried. I know it will improved... yes, it will.

Chong Shi An, Rayden 钟世安

2006-09-01T22:05:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

Your chinese name is 钟世安. We want you to be 一世平安. It's a very
平凡 but meaningful name. Hope you'll like it.

Love you,
Papa

Welcome to this world, Rayden

2006-08-27T21:50:00.000+08:00

Dear Rayden,

You are born on 20 August 2006 at 0820hrs.

Mummy had a tummyache on 20 Aug, around 0330hrs. She thought it must be the curry from your grandaunty that has caused her to have an upset tummy. But the pain persisted, and she decided to wake Papa up.

We reached TMC around 0520hrs and Mummy's already 4cm dilated. Mummy's been brave and has decided against Epidural.

Dr. Woo arrived around 0800hrs and said you're ready to come out. He quicky got himself ready and by 0820hrs, there you were!! The delivery was smooth and there's a saying that "it'll be easier if it's the second child". Well, let's not take anything away from your Mummy cos, she's been brave and strong throughout. Your weight was 3.45Kg, and your height was 48cm.

After 2 days stay in TMC, Mummy and you are discharged from the hospital. We were glad that everything was smooth and we were home before we knew it.

A check with the Pediatrician 2 days (Thursday) later came as a "not-so-good" news, Rayden. You looked yellow (jaundiced) and we were told to do a blood test at Mt. Alvernia. It was already 9.30pm when we reached Mt. Alvernia. The results were out within 15mins, and sadly, we have to admit you into the hospital. Guess who we saw at the ward? Uncle Shon and Auntie Wendy, and of cos... baby Rachel (who was born 1 day earlier than you). Uncle Shon and Papa were best of pals since Secondary scholl days (we did everything together) and now... our babies also seem to have this fate. Ha!

Rachel and you were both discharged 2 days later (Saturday).

It's been a long week and we hope that from now, you'll be healthy and strong, and "ping-an" always.

Love you,
Papa

Baby, you're 39wks old!

2006-08-16T23:39:00.000+08:00

Dear Baby,

Went to Northern Hope to visit Dr. Woo again. Today, he did not measure your weight - to our disappointment. He checked on the water level and he mentioned that it is "borderline" case. I think he meant - yah... almost time. Well, mummy is 1cm dilated. Well, it's about 10 more days till your due date, unless, you have other plans like... come out earlier to look at this beautiful world. Ok... not all things are that beautiful, but we'll try to make it as nice as possible lah. Enjoy your final moments in the womb and let us know when you are ready.

See ya!

Papa

Bully

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

Saw JW and Shenna in Punggol Plaza just now. He mentioned of an unhappy experience that happened a couple of months ago at Punggol Plaza.

Shenna who was abt 6-7mths pregnant was walking with her plastic bags of stuff in her hand, and was swinging alittle (to keep balance, I assumed). Out of nowhere, a toddler came crushing on her from behind. She was stunned for a moment, and then she appologised to the on rushing father of the toddler. The father was crossed and he demanded an appology from her to his kid instead (with his hands folded). And I think, the attitude wasn't excellent when he was demanding that appolgy. I believed she was intimidated and she quickly appologised again.

JW got to know about this and approached that bully.

JW (translated loosely from hokkien, excludes explict): Hey, Mister. What did you say and do just now to my pregnant wife?
Bully: You looked ugly! Get out of my face!
JW: You're not a man. You bully even a pregnant women.

JW and Shenna walked off while the bully's wife burried herself in her food while the bully stared blankly.

I think he knew he has found his match. There's an old saying in Chinese: There's always a higher mountain. (Yi San Hai You Yi San Gao)

Baby, you're 38wks old!

2006-08-10T23:03:00.000+08:00

Dear Baby,

You're already at the 38th week and you're now consider full term. Went to visit Dr. Woo tonight and the clinic was really crowded, and it really reminded us on the kkh experience. Yah... wait and wait... until, papa nearly fell alseep.

You're quite a chubby baby you know... and you are around 3.185kg. Mummy won the bet again. I had high hopes on you and I guessed that you should be 3.3kg. Mummy's guess was 3.2kg. Shouldn't have betted with her... She is carrying you day in, day out... of course she knew how heavy you are. Hmm.. felt like kana cheated leh.

See... that's you inside mummy.

This view looks like the national flag minus the 5 stars and a crescent. I was hoping you'd be born on the national day. If that's the case, we can celebrate your birthday together every year since it's a public holiday!! But, you have other plans, I guess.

When you are ready, give us some warning, and ample time to go to Thomson Medical Centre. Please don't play too long inside mummy when she's into labour. Since it'll very tiring for her ... and of cos for me too.

Ok... See you soon.

Love you,

Papa

p/s: sorry, we have yet to decide on a name for you. A couple of choices are: Ethan and Raiden. Which one you prefer?

Ready, get set.... police, no action.

2006-08-09T22:40:00.000+08:00

excerpts from ST forum 8 Aug 2006...

ATTACK ON DOCTOR BY BIKERS
Assault 'a civil case', so no police action

MY YOUNGER brother is a medical doctor working in a Singapore
hospital.
On April 15 at about 11.30pm he dined alone at his favourite food
stall in Geylang Lorong 9. After his supper he was approached by a group of six to eight youths who accused him of staring at them. When he denied doing so, they assaulted him, beating him in the face and abdomen.
He suffered multiple facial fractures and damage to one of his facial nerves. He had to undergo a three-hour operation, which included having two metal plates inserted around one of his eyes.
He will need six months to recover fully and, even then, there will be some deformation to his facial features.
Immediately after the assault, when the gang ran to their motorcycles which were parked nearby, my brother gave chase and, despite his pain and the bleeding, called
999.
While the police were on the hotline, he read out two of the motorcycles' number plates to them from within 5m. The police came 20 minutes later and then only after a second call.
My brother told them what happened and urged them to alert police patrol cars nearby to be on the lookout as the motorcyclists were probably not too far away. Quite shockingly, the police declined and instead asked him to lodge a report with the Magistrates' Court, and left.
What is alarming is that in spite of the serious injuries that my brother suffered which required three days' hospitalisation, the police were unwilling to take up the case.
The police advised that this was a civil case and it was for the magistrate to decide if any action was to be taken.
One would have thought that when anyone is assaulted by a gang of six to eight
hooligans and suffered injuries to the extent that my brother did, the case
would have been classified as causing grievous hurt and pursued as a criminal
case.
The attitude of the police, as demonstrated in this case, will only serve to embolden hooligans to commit even more such offences.
It was only when an appeal was made that my brother's case was reclassified under Section 325 (from Section 323), 10 days after the incident, by which time witnesses
would have dispersed and memories faded.
Had the police acted promptly, especially when they were at the scene, they might have had a better chance of apprehending the culprits as there were witnesses around.

Liew Sok Kuan (Ms)

The lousy memory of dealing with a policeman in SK police centre came flying back to me. The day after Ryanne's passing, we were supposed to get her death cert from a police post. We were early, reached the police post around 9am, since we want to get things done fast.

Wife: We would like to get a death cert done. (Hand over the necessary papers)
policeman: For who?
Wife: Our daugther.
policeman: Daughter?! (loudly... as if he's expecting our grandparents' or something)
Wife: Yes, our daughter who is 1 years old.
policeman: Ok... (starts booting up system... pick up the phone and start calling his colleauges)

we overheard...

policeman: hey! what's the password huh? yah... need to do a death cert. come leh... help out.

policeman: Where's the birth cert number?? Is it... S77...
Wife: No. That's mine. My daughter's only 1years old.
policeman: (nodded) ok ok. Is she still born?
Wife and Hakkboyz together: No. She's 1 years old!!

after sometime, 45mins to be exact, and after lots of phone calls (internal ones, including intercomms,... not forgeting lots of small chats in between with fellow colleagues with topics like the breakfast, and last night's supper)

Hakkaboyz: Hello, we are in a hurry to attend to our daughter's funeral arrangement, can you please hurry up?
policeman: Can't you see I'm busy, and I'm alone here!!
Wife: If you can just focus and do 1 thing at a time, I'm sure this will be over in 10 mins.

After another 15mins, 3 draft copies, since our dear policeman can't read and spell, and not forgetting he didn't know how to use the system, the ordeal is finally over. A total of 1 hr was spent in that police station... just for a death cert.

What I can say? If they can't even do simple paperwork and show some empathy to the grieving party, I'm not surprise of what was reported above. So... what else can they do?

Good luck singapore, let's hope the streets are as safe as ever... and yes, ...happy national day.

Your votes counts! - Part 2

2006-08-07T22:43:00.000+08:00

I was shaking my head in disbelieve when they crown the 1st superband in singapore. Couldn't believed that they were that popular. Wonder whether the effects from the lunar 7 month plays a part, or they just have rich families and friends.

Didn't like the fact that the results are based on phone and sms votes. It's just not fair. As for the organisers and service providers, they must be laughing their way to the banks.

*Still shaking my head now*

I guess now no need ecstasy pills... just put something like this on national tv, and ppl like me will be shaking my head for days.

Save our Planet! - but I still need that air con... sorry!

2006-07-19T22:28:00.000+08:00

Another online letter from ST forum (Wednesday, 19 July 2006) that caught my eyes...

Cut down on air-con consumption for cleaner air

I LIVE in a more than 50-year-old bungalow with my 90-year-old father. We do not have any air-cons but, within spitting distance, our upgraded neighbours do, cooling their all-glassed-up semi-detached bungalows, 10 air-cons each. (I sleep under a mosquito net and do not need a fan, my father sleeps under a ceiling fan and does not need a net.)

My friend lives in an HDB flat in Serangoon and does not need an air-con but all her neighbours have their windows shut and air-cons going full blast every night.

Reading in The Straits Times that Hong Kong officials are told to dress down for cleaner air and that air-cons, spewing out pollution, accounted for about one-third of Hong Kong's total electricity consumption ('Dress down for cleaner air, HK officials told'; ST, July 13) makes me ask: 'Well, what about Singapore?'

A popular air-con brand has boldly advertised that it is 100 per cent eco-friendly.

Pest busting companies - fogging pesticides and contributing to Singapore's 'slow killing PM 2.5 (ultra fine air pollutants)' - also blatantly advertise on their vans that they 'protect the environment'.

Get in a taxi, bus or train (during off peak hours) and one freezes. In the Central Business District, one sees office workers dress as if we live in a temperate, not tropical, climate.

It is surely time for a sustained national campaign to make everyone aware that each of us contributes to the overall pollution level in Singapore - and how we can, by a simple change of habits, do our bit to improve our air quality and our health. Note that the asthma death rate here is nearly six times higher than that of Sweden ('Fewer here dying of asthma now'; ST, May 19).

Suggestion No. 1: Increase the cost of electricity in executive and five-room HDB flats and make it proportionally even higher in private homes.

Suggestion No. 2: Train retirees as environmental patrol officers to note down the registration numbers of vehicles (especially diesel-spewing vans, trucks and lorries) that leave the engine running while they make a stop - and the duration of time the engine is kept running with the air-con on.

Betty L. Khoo (Ms)

Excellent piece of work there! Go green! Save our Environment! Save our Planet!

Firstly, Ms. Khoo informed us that she stays in a bungalow... Ok! Rich chick. Note her father is 90 yrs old, and should be retired, and remember this point. Then she mentioned about fans and mosquito nets. I mean, who cares about whether she needs a fan or not. But the big majority of us need this wind blowing equipment as Singapore is bloody hot what! Ms Khoo has a friend in Serangoon who doesn't require air-con... again... who cares?! We need it when it's really hot! Then she goes on... blar blar blar... the interesting part is coming... the suggestions.

"1. Increase the cost of electricity..." Wah lau eh! As if the cost of electricity is not high enough. I'm beginning to think that she has an agenda here... and I don't like it, you know. She from gahment or wat....

Ok, suggestion no. 2.

"2. Train retirees as environmental patrol officers..." you see, she has an agenda.... she wants to help her dad to get a job.... hmm... Retirees should remain retired else they are not consider as retirees, right? (getting a little confuse myself)
And I think she has something against diesel driven commercial vehicles. Is it because that the cost of diesel is lower? Not really that much of a difference you know, when you take consideration of the petrol kiosk discount (and price war!) and loyalty points... etc. I think the petrol driven cars are equally environmental unfriendly and some of the drivers of the petrol driven cars are equally guilty of stopping the vehicles, having the engine running and leaving the air-con on ... but she didn't seem to remember that fact. She probably drives one herself, and conveniently leaves it out. Remember, she's a rich chick.

Retro Bike

2006-07-18T22:03:00.001+08:00

Hey! Take a look at this interesting retro looking scooter.

Take a closer look at the basket which is used as the storage compartment.

Cool!

My England Not Powderful leh

2006-07-18T22:03:00.000+08:00

I found an interesting online letter from ST forum. I have a little problem digesting some ... ok, a little more than some, of the words... my england not powderful. So, I have decided to put it down, and spend a little more time to see if I can really digest it and learn some really bombastic (to my standard, it is bombastic) words.

Sorry my words were too gargantuan, elephantine, Brobdingnagian

MR MARK Lee Marn Fatt has taken issue with my 'big' words which appear to irritate him ('Letter writer used too many big words'; ST Online Forum, July 14). I am sorry for the inconvenience caused to his pleasure of digesting the Forum fare. Is there a redolence (hope it's not another big word) of intolerance? Mr Lee said there were no fewer than nine big words with a Latin phrase thrown in for good measure. What, may I ask, is 'good measure'?
Here we have a phrase 'good measure' which by its specific form in semantics refers to an interpretation which is, by and large, denotative and antithetic toconnotative. Now, the word 'antithetic' (big word?) removes the phrase of three words 'in opposition to'. The Latin phrase is by nature a similarity to 'good measure' which, by denotation, exemplifies the universal acceptance of hard work or painful sacrifice as the price to success.

Mr Lee says he cannot find 'feracity' in the dictionaries mentioned. It means productive or fruitful. The adjective is feracious. The word 'abundance' suggested by him, to replace feracity, means 'plentiful, copious, overflowing'. What I meant was closer to fruitful than to copious. More to a tree which, unchecked, in maturity, produces the fruit of Singlish.

Mr Lee argues that the big words detract from the argument. He may be right, depending on the individual and the idiosyncrasy. But, at the same time, the distraction comes from vocabulary. Can it not be seen, as in the case of my letter, as a chance to increase vocabulary rather than a distraction? If we take the semantics of the word 'idiosyncrasy', just used, we have a single word that encompasses tendency, characteristic, mode of expression, peculiar to an individual (dictionary). Therefore, a knowledge of the word dismisses the explanation of tendency, proclivity or tendentiousness.

Big words are not the distraction. A smaller vocabulary is. Singlish, on the other hand, tends to go to the other end of economy. It cuts off connective words to produce things like 'can do or not?' and 'have or not?' Singlish is simpler but in its simplicity it, paradoxically, becomes incomprehensible to speakers of universally spoken English (an accepted standard). The Government recognises this and is firm on any incursions made to change the standard to substandard. Malaysia also recognises the delitescent danger of substandard English.

Be this as it may, Mr Lee asks that the Forum print letters comprise simple words. Whatever happened to freedom of expression as a writer sees fit? If one is always exposed to simple words, how will vocabulary grow? If one is always exposed to simple problems, how will one be trained in cognition to solve complex problems?

May I ask Mr Lee, why the complexity of Mark before his name? Would not Lee Marn Fatt suffice? It all boils down to tolerance and the right of anyone to write, or name himself, as he sees fit, provided he infracts no law, sumptuary or otherwise. Anyway, in my small way, with my big words, I have increased Mr Lee's vocabulary.

Dudley Au

... ok... where shall we start? I think I'll go and borrow my lady's Oxford - Advanced Learner's Dictionary and look up each words!

Let's start from the Subject heading...

1. Gargantuan: adj. [usually before noun] - extremely large: a gargantuan appetite
2. Elephantine: adj. (formal or humorous) very large and CLUMSY; like an elephant
3. Brobdingnagian: I cannot find it in the dictionary leh
4. Redolence: noun - Redolent: adj. [not before a noun] ~ of/with sth (literary) 1. making you think of the thing mentioned: an atmosphere redolent of the sea and ships 2. smelling strongly of the thing mentioned: a kitchen redolent with the smell of baking
5. Antithetic: our author has exlained the word in the above, which is 1. the opposite of sth, the noun is Antithesis: Love is the antithesis of selfishness. 2. a contrast between two things: There is an antithesis between the needs of the state and the needs of the people.
6. Feracity: I cannot find it in the dictionary, but author has explained that means productive or fruitful. Adj. Feracious.

... phew... this is a tough job man! There are some more words which I am not particular sure of but can "make wild guesses out of it" kind of words which I did not include... else, it'll take ages before I can post this entry.

What can I make out of this letter which the author is basically argueing that her words used are appropriate and not too big for the forum readers. By writing in her own free way and will, she's able to help readers improve the standard of their English.

... nah... I think she's just showing off her language ability and at the same time insulting others who are not as good.

My england not powderful, and if all the materials are written in this form... I'll never improve since it'll take too long a time for me to finish such a short essay, and I know myself loh... I'll not finish reading it.

of Expanding Visions

2006-07-17T22:45:00.000+08:00

excerpts from Mr. Wang's blog on Expending Visions:

See? I'm not the only weirdo around who thinks that blogging can effect positive change. And so, finally, I come to the purpose of my present post. I am assuming that you personally hold at least some version of the vision of Cobalt Paladin and my own - that individual bloggers on the Internet can make a difference and effect positive changes in our society. And I am further assuming that you want to be a part of that vision. So I will share with you some ideas on how to do that.
1. Blog. Do it regularly. Expand beyond personal trivia (that is, not just about what you ate for lunch). Write especially on your areas of expertise, the topics on which you particularly have experience, knowledge or insight. Be sharply aware that you DO have such areas of expertise.
2. Build a readership. Get noticed. Your blog is useless if no one reads it. Ping yourself to a wider audience. If you've written something intelligent, email The Intelligent Singaporean and let the editor know. Get yourself Tomorrow'd. Also, go to more-popular blogs, leave comments & links and get yourself noticed.
3. When you come across other worthy blogs or posts, tell others about it. How? Blogroll the worthy blogs. Hyperlink to worthy posts. A lot of the potential power of the blogosphere lies in the power of hyperlinking. Bloggers grow when they help each other to grow. Remember the vision. It's not just about you.
4. In the blogosphere, be a discussion. Don't be a monologue. If you want to write about Event X, don't just write about Event X. Do a bit of research first. Find out what other bloggers are already writing about Event X - what their views and opinions are. Then add your own personal views; say why you agree or why you disagree; expand on their points; offer relevant data or information; ask questions. Blogging is a community.

So inspirational!! Reading these intelligent blogs' entries can really expand our thoughts and provide motivation to really look into social issues seriously. I think... better than reading the ST! Ha!

Your vote counts!

2006-07-17T21:31:00.000+08:00

Have been watching those TV programs which require viewers to vote for their favourite singer/band so as to keep them in the running for the top prize in that particular competition.

Was wondering whether we can vote ppl out of the competition instead, since some ppl didn't deserve to be in the competition in the first place.

What?! You want names?!.... no lah.... wait I get hate mails from the fans of MiLuPin... dun wan lah...

Oops!... MiLuPin good! Very cute! Pattern alot! No... they dun always sing slowly and then change to rock version... no! They solid! Their skills tok-kong!

Tissues and umbrellas

2006-07-14T22:04:00.000+08:00

Was at Amoy's street hawker center during lunch time and I have made a great discovery... that tissue papers and umbrellas are much more useful than they used to be. They're used for "choping" or booking sits. Hmm... how creative Singaporeans can be?

Oh...and yes, people are as rude as ever. I'm surprised that people no longer say: "Excuse me, is this sit taken?" or something similar. They will just drop their umbrellas and tissue papers and off they go to queue up at their favourite stalls. Either they are extremely hungry, or I look like an alien and no point asking this strange looking beast. And I'm talking about white collars, office executives... If it was raining at that time, I would have taken the umbrella and said: "Thanks!"

Blogging for dummies - like me

2006-07-14T00:34:00.000+08:00

I was in the library with my lady this afternoon. I noticed straight away that there's a nice cafe tucked in the corner of the library and that's the only place that interest me in the library. That speaks alot about me isn't it. Yap... not a very book-worm person.

But I managed to crawl to the section where there's books for IT/computers softwares...etc. I found one interesting one.

"Blogging for Dummies" - I need that.

Flyers, pls fly away! Strangers, pls go away!

2006-07-13T00:13:00.000+08:00

I really have this urge to put a sign on my door.

1. I DON'T INTENT TO SELL MY FLAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
2. MY KIDS NO NEED ANY TUITION - YET.
3. I DON'T LIKE WALLS' ICECREAM.
4. I DON'T INTENT TO BUY A CONDO - YET, (REFER TO POINT 1.)
5. I DON'T INTENT TO BUY INSURANCE FROM STRANGERS.
6. I DON'T NEED A NEW RELIGION.
7. THERE'S ENOUGH LOCKSMITH'S STICKERS ON THE FRONT GATE.

And similarly, I really have this urge to put a sign on my van and car.

1. I DON'T INTENT TO SELL MY VEHICLES - YET.
2. I DON'T INTENT TO CHANGE MY VEHICLES' INSURANCE PLAN.
3. I DON'T NEED REMINDERS THAT MY VEHICLES NEED TO BE WASHED.
4. AUNTIE, GIVE CHANCE - WAIT ANOTHER 5 MINS, CAN?

Kana Summon - yes, again!

2006-07-13T00:09:00.000+08:00

The "aunties" nows-a-day, very the ON. Never in my life I kana summons, 2 days in a row.

$10 poorer this time.

Like what ws commented, take it as negative karma being expended. It's negative karma (to the power of 2) being expended in 2 days. Wow!

Kana Summon

2006-07-11T21:02:00.000+08:00

When I came down from my parents flat at around 4.15pm, I saw 2 "aunties" strolling among the cars and happily keying down their particulars and issueing summons. I thought to myself: "Heng man! If I were to come down 5 mins later, I sure kana."

I quickly ran towards my van and to my disappointment, I saw a piece of white paper under the wiper. I took it, stare at it for a moment. Time of Offence: 4.11pm. A few minutes too late.

$20 poorer.

I would usually curse and swear but today... I was calm. I thought: "Nei mind. Auntie also doing her job... but she very very hardworking. Saw her around 12.30pm at the same carpark, came back around 4pm... very ON."

Well, maybe the chanting last night at Bright Hill (Kwang Ming Shan) didn't help me to "siam" the summon, but at least, I am able to take it in my strike and move on. Hmm... not bad. * Pat on the back*

World Cup Final - ZZ saw red but still wins the Golden Ball

2006-07-10T22:45:00.000+08:00

Well, anyone who watched the World Cup Final between Italy and France will understand this whole new meaning to the word - Heading. France captain Zinedine Zidane was sent off for head-butting Italy's Marco Materazzi - on the chest. What was he thinking, or rather... not thinking? That poor Italian must have some bones cracked in the rib cage after getting the full force "heading" from ZZ. And the irony is... ZZ still won the Golden Ball as the outstanding player of the World Cup. I wonder what reception he got when his name was called up the podium to receive the award and what was going on in his mind... hmmm... " pai seh... pai seh... i still got award har?"

Write like a Doc

2006-07-10T22:35:00.000+08:00

Do you think they teach this subject called: "How to write like a Doctor" in the medical school? So far, all the doctors that I came across, scribbles. I doubt the nurses can figure out everytime without misinterpretation of wat the heck these doctors are writing about. How to "prescibe" the proper medication to the patient?

Digital Camera - up and down again

2006-07-10T22:21:00.000+08:00

My digital camera's back... only for me to find out that I could not download my photos to the pc. Nabeiz, need to send it back to the hospital again.

Coco's first period

2006-07-04T00:05:00.000+08:00

Went to my parent's place today, and found out that Coco (a 7mth old bitch - Jack Russell) is having her 1st period. Poor puppy must be thinking: "what the hell is that?"

My poor mother is like cleaning every drops of blood that Coco's leaking. I suggested the pad - just like the ones used by a woman. She gave me the "are you sure got such thing" look...

I really dunno, but will try to find out. Anybody with an answer?

Background:
Both Coco and Mocha are Kelvin's pet dogs. Mocha is 3 yrs old - i think, an Aussie (since born in Australia) and Coco should be a Singaporean - mystery pet that turns up at our place when Mummy's touring Taiwan. Sorry hor, no photo of them since my Canon Powershot A85 is in the hospital. I'll post their pictures when I get my camera back. I wonder... if Kelvin's got to have another pet, will he name it Milo? Kopi? Tae-si? hee...

Ok... back to Coco's first period... I wonder how often she's gonna have the period and how long it'll last. I hope not it's not a monthly thing like a woman, else, very very the troublesome liao.

Kelvin's AIO printer - down

2006-07-03T23:36:00.000+08:00

Went down to HP customer service center with Kelvin today. His newly bought, 1 month old AIO printer is not working properly.

First impression on the service center:
1. Better than the Canon one that I went to last week, like more professional (got receptionist help us press queue ticket somemore)
2. Got Coffee machine that makes:
i. black coffee w/o sugar
ii. black coffee with sugar
iii. coffee with milk and sugar
iv. Milo
...etc.. I think got a few more... but me, a coffee drinker, stops at the coffee with milk and sugar.
3. Got biscuits to go with coffee
4. Got Computer for internet surfing
5. Got couches, normal sits and tables...

...hmm... comfortable leh...

Their customer service officers must be quite slow or their returns of products for servicing must be quite high, that's why they make that place so comfy.

Our queue number is 5003 (and currently serving 5001)... How long did we wait? About 30mins.

World Cup: England vs. Portugal

2006-07-01T15:31:00.000+08:00

This is a conversation that I just had with my lady while watching the Italy vs. Ukraine (replay).

Hakkaboyz: "Who do you think will win tonight? England or Portual?"
My lady:" I think they will end up as a draw."
Hakkaboyz:"Wah! What makes you think Portugal can force England to a draw. England are favourites for the game leh!"
My lady:"Portugal quite good what! It has Luis Garcie in the team!"
Hakkaboyz: (Laughs loudly!) "Luis Garcie is from Spain. But I think I will follow your prediction."