Be safe in green

Well this is a bit of old news

“Since Mindef’s payments ceased in February 2007, his parents have chalked up outstanding hospital bills totalling $133,000 ” - Today 13 Jan 2008.

but it makes me think back of my 2 years and count myself lucky to come out safe and sound. Of cos there’s still a 10 years cycle for me, I can’t let my guard down.

During recruit time, I insured myself with aviva life insurance 100,000 dollars personal accident insurance for 12.80 dollars per month. I could have easily decided against buying it but just to be on the safe side…

Come to think about it after I read this article, I find it quite weird why isn’t those who served the nation be compensated? So shouldn’t it be their job to get each of us insurance? Why do we need to go through 2 years of soldiering and to get back this treatment in return?

I think it’s a fair return for the country to make sure every son go through national service safely. It’s not too much to ask for if one put themselves in the parents’ shoes. To make sure every soldier are insured so that it will help to ease the financial situation of his family if there is. It would even be better as suggested by valentine that

a sum equal to his ENTIRE LIFETIME EXPECTED EARNINGS based on his known academic attributes would be appropriate and fair

The catch for this case is that the soldier was injured while off duty. So the message they send across is that during off duty it is up to each and every individual to take care of themselves even though when they are in camp. No matter how much one loves the country, but if he was put in this kind of situtation:-
1. having to sacrifice 2 years of his life
2. anytime he would have died
3. and his death is compensated ONLY during active hours

It’s such a pity, demoralizing factor for any soldier to know that their country may not love him as much as he thinks even though he is already making so much sacrifices.

Quite luckily, the family won the court case and I THINK it will help to pave path for similar cases in the future. No matter what, try to be as safe as possible while serving the nation, because your family is waiting for you at home to have a nice meal together.

No pants day

How I wish I’m back in New York to join this event.

p.s: missing the states so much.

Interesting corner kick from ManUtd

Happen to watch this interesting corner kick from manutd and chelsea. Well I think it’s a bit harsh not to allow this goal as it is within the rule. Weird…

p.s: oops. this video is taken down due to copyrights.

my E66

Be it my 6111 N2970 or my 3310, all of them have something in common, I cannot live without them. An experience that is all too common nowadays. But have we ever asked ourselves why we are so attached to this metal gadget? How can something being designed for our convenience yet shaped our lives so profoundly?

Personally (after much introspection), I realized that my phones were a source of emotional support. This is way WAY beyond what it was meant to do. For example, feeling wanted/needed when someone has dropped me a message. Therefore, it was more than just a watch and organizer.

Consolation, we feel sometimes when we turn to our phone in an awkward situation, pretending that we are ‘busy’. Finding solace in our phones has become so deep rooted that we sometimes feel lost without it. But do not despair, because if an emotional junkie like me can live without my life support system, you can too.

I never had the habit of wearing a watch until lately and it felt like a liberation from that dependency nightmare. Because each time i look at the time on my phone, i would unconsicously register that no one texted me, hence disappointed. Now, i am proud to say that my SEIKO watch from daddy, proved to be the best birthday present i have gotten.

I still use that metal thing as an organizer, becuase it is much more convienent than to bring around a very bulky book. But the most impressive of all (to me), was that my phone now, has ceased to become a source of life support.

How? You may ask. Well it has been regressed to something people use to reach me. I can leave my phone at home while running short errands. I strongly urge those phone junkies to just leave your phones at home once in a while, and experience with me this sense of freedom.
There is nothing wrong with being unreach-able for half a day or just a couple of hours. It is the personal time we need to have, and not share it with our phones.

So, this is my love hate relationship with my E66.

‘First we shape our tools, thereafter they shape us’ - Marshall McLuhan

~misting~

Marriage

Just found out one of my friend is filing for divorce. Reason behind is that his wife is not ready to settle down, especially with a kid. I saw her once and find her quite hot. Oops. Well, both of them are only around 22. I believe part of the reason is also that my friend could not provide her with a sense of security as he was working odd jobs during that period though right now he’s been promoted to a shift manager in Starbucks.

Though marriage and age did not or should not have any correlationship. Few hundreds years ago, woman is married at the age of 11-12. That is considered the norm at that time. In the current context, girls getting married at 24-26 and guys at 28-30 seems to be the most optimal combination. The reason behind such a jump in age from few hundreds years ago is partly because of financial reasons and woman’s ability to have her own career.

I oppose the idea of early marriage simply based in ”deeply in love”. Because someone told me relationship base on love is just not enough. And to be so anxious in marriage, part of the psychology is for one to tie another person down. But through marriage? If that step is needed, than the marriage is doomed to fail.

There are so many aspect to have a marriage work out. Especially finance. Even though woman are more than capable to support themselves, but their desire to feel a sense of security has never changed. Reason for that feeling differ from woman to woman and it can be the height or the finance of the guy. And finance is a touchy issue and it requires an alignment of both party or it will always be a problem for couple.

So what is marriage to most people? Marriage can be thought of just a certificate to carry out sexual activities. Well that’s what some said. But do we even need it if sex, since it is so common nowadays, is used as a reason for two to get married?

Marriage is still needed because it represent the commitment for two person to be with each other for the rest of their life when that piece of paper (certificate of marriage) still stand. It is a symbol for couples to know that they have the responsibility for each other as the marriage is recognized by law.

Since I’m not at that path yet (though walking towards that path), I feel it’s still best for couple to take their time, to know more about each other and to know that commitment to settle down with that other half is for life. It’s a choice, a  lifelong responsibility one have to take.

Small but significant

My first impression yesterday while at the Chingay media preview can be summed up on one word - tiring spectacular.  Finally after months of practise, we are finally put together with the other floats. Getting a glimpse into the whole parade made me realize how grand it is going to be.

So what is my part? Finale float of magicbox~! yes… one of the 24 magicians dressed in a 4 piece red astronaut costume, plus a blonde wig and band. Not to mention the make up inspired from harry potter I think. Make up is horribly thick, which explains the break out I am having right now *damn it*. oh wells, search for me will be futile, so don’t bother. Routine includes levitation and silk to cane. All 24 of us will be doing these illusions together at the same time. so it would be amazing~!

The dancing portion was filled with mixed emotions. We spent weeks practicing this dance routine, but attention was not on us when we are dancing, but on the float, where magic tricks are performed. But at the same time, it was a relieve to many of the uncles in the magician group, because dancing was their greatest fear.

Other then the fruitless search for me dancing and levitating, here are some things you can look out for. Show starts off with dragon chasing, one of the groups with the orange dragon did wonderful stunts. In one contingent, there will be belly dancers, very pretty. Some cheerleading stunts also on another. I remember vividly, one contingent that had BEAUTIFUL costumes looking like fairies from ancient Chinese myths. But watch out for the finale float~! because i am inside

Even though I was just ONE of the 24 magician amidst hundreds of dancers in the finale float, which is ONE the the performances, which is ONE of many many other colorful floats, which are ALL part of Chingay 2009, I am happy being a small and insignificant but fulfilling participant in Chingay 2009

Hiatus but not for long…

This blog won’t be updated as much as I would wanted to because my “wife” aka macbook is sent for repair. Don’t worry, I won’t be the next edison, cos everything is kept in a encrypted drive :p Cracks started appearing on the keyboard. Thanks god, it’s still under warranty. I’m currently blogging on my sister’s “super slow” desktop. T_T Well begger can’t be chooser right? My wife will only be back somewhere around next wed or thurs. I like the Apple Epic Center service center at Wheelock. They’re nice and friendly and pretty. Oops maybe I have to kneel on durian tonight :p

Another thing to update is that yesterday I finally got a confirmation to sign employment contract next week. It’s an exciting tough brand-new journey ahead having to plan for the future ahead. Now I can see the road clearer as compared with 2 years ago.

Thanks to my friends for noticing the title of this blog has changed from “monk” to “guy.” The truth is I already found someone ridz I treasured very much. Thanks to her, I thinkI found some purpose in life. Her school life is starting soon on monday and so I wish her a good start! And also good luck for Chingay, it’ll be over soon.

For now, life have been good to me. Reading “Making it all work” and figuring how to implement the approach to my life. I know myself that I’m not a organized person and hopefully I can learn a thing or two to improve myself.

Well that’s all about it. Ciao

Duet alone

A Whole New Year

No One

Isn’t Nick Pitera such a wonderful singer?

Macbook without keyboard

Would you use this laptop? Just find it too hard to believe a laptop without keyboard.

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

A real letdown for SG Flyer

I was disappointed by the efficiency of Singapore Flyer management in getting the flyer to operation. It has been stopping for quite some time, exactly 12 days ago.

Considering I booked my tickets more than a month in advance for a romantic xmas eve, and having to wait for so many days because of the breakdown is quite really a letdown. Sigh~

The flyer management should also come out to be more vocal about the incident as well as to appease the customers who have already bought the tickets. Imagine how much disruption is caused to the people involved. No one would be happy having to receive a call from SG Flyer at 5pm for 6pm flight time to be informed of the flyer’s inability to operate, knowing that xmas eve is a special day for couple. Fortunately, I got friends who informed me about it and I had to checked the website for update. Another negative point to comment is their phone system cos I find it rather rude for the voice message to be structured in the way that as soon as the voice has stopped, I was immediately cut off.

On the side note, Cathay do really have to upgrade their system because I can’t get a ticket at 11pm because I have to wait 2-3 mins for each page to load! It took me 30 mins without getting any tickets. Waiting till 5 pm to get the ticket is also not an option, cos I would already be in trouble because it is a public holiday.

I think it’s a dent in Singapore reputation to becoming a tourism hub, considering so many international papers has also reported about SG Flyer.

The lesson learnt is to build contingency plan if whatever stuff you do. I’m quite lucky my plan B actually works. There is so many things to consider that will go wrong when Murphy acts. No matter what happens, breathe in, keep cool and think of other options.

Last day for Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte

Yes to all Starbucks lover, today will be the last day for toffee nut latte. If you don’t get it now, you will have to wait another 12 months (because it is a xmas season drink) to get a taste of it.

Another money-saving tip is to get the Starbucks espresso card which cost $29.90 in exchange for 6 espresso drinks. It is a great saver for $1 per grande size coffee, toffee nut latte ($6.90) included. This card can last for 2 months from the date of purchase.

Related links:

1. Nutrition facts
2. The sprinkles that made TFL what it is

Movie Review: Ip Man

I would rate this movie 4.5/5 stars as the storyline keeps the audience excited right from the start. The male lead is Donnie Yen and is well known for his fighting skills.

In the morning I overhead a conversation “Donnie’s movie has no story line and the reason for the movie to exist is his fighting skill.” I have to agree to it for a certain degrees.

But Ip Man the movie definitely shows a storyline (struggle of a chinese trying to regain their pride during the Japanese invasion) and how a person should learn to be humble and to endure through the bad patch.

The fighting scene is very nice but I feel it ends too easily with Donnie being the winner right from the start. I think if the fight is only decided during the last minute would be more exciting since the audience would not know who will be the winner.

Tribute to Murphy

Tribute to murphy for being part of my life. Handling him always require some expertise and to be especially flexible. But without him, life would be so predictable.

For example, my SG Flyer did not work out because it stalled the day before. Nothing I can do to move the flyer so I “move” myself with plan B, which turns out pretty well on the Christmas eve.

I wanted to get 2 movie ticket at The Cathay to fill up the time but could not because cathay system was slowed to crawling speed. So I have to change of plan to watch movie at Marina instead.

Imagine that this is the day you’re going to make a very important decision, and yet along the way is all the traps set up by Murhpy. Don’t you just hate it?

Well do not hate it, embrace it and you’ll find a way eventually.

p.s: do share your encounter with murphy

Spending the last few mins of 2008

Most of us welcomed the new year last night by crowding around marina bay to watch the fireworks, maybe some of us were asleep. But definately, some people went to the kallang river near the indoor stadium, in attempt to outsmart the crowds at marina. Perhaps the smartest of them all sat at ya kun toast, eating laksa, butter toast and ice tea. Why?

1) it was air conditioned - HAHA… who likes to perspire? and you want to spend the last few minutes fighting for oxygen? smart…

2) there was a television - HAHA… perfect view of the fireworks. What is the difference between seeing it firsthand, and watching it on tv? personally, i think the television gives you one of the perfect views in the comfort of your own home. sometimes, newspapers and magazines will find ‘hot spots’ to watch the fireworks, but they failed to mention your home.

3) less crowded - yes, there were seats at ya kun and unobstructed view of the television

4) FOOD - even at the dawn of the new year, people get hungry. So what better way to celebrate the new year with food. Something that you might find difficult to get if you are at marina bay

So as I devoured my bowl of laksa, ‘ 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!’
‘Slurps… hmm…’ *chewing my noodles* ‘ happy new year… this laksa is good’

Then a voice beside me said, ‘Do you know eating so late at night would make you fat?’
Shit… New year resolution: stop having supper.

~misting~