Friday, December 31, 2010

Singapore Marina Bay Countdown to Year 2011, my last post for this year

Dear Readers,

Today is the last day of year 2010. How time really flies. Today, I bring you the last post for this year 2010 before it went away forever!

I do not know what to write on this last day of year 2010. Time really flies! I still recall this same day last year, I and my wife were relishing the countdown, going to places like the Clarke Quay and Raffles Place before admiring the fireworks at the stroke of year 2010.

Another year just flies. Yesterday, I read an article on Yahoo which claimed that scientists in US have verified that 3 spaceships are heading towards Earth in Dec 2012, coinciding with the end of the Mayan calender. It was reported that President Bush was also being informed of this invasion. So if 2012 is really the end of the world, then are we not counting down to the doom of the human race tonight?

Lest this thought scares you, don’t be. For all of us human will go one day. The Best is to make full use of time!

I sat down today and listed my goals for next year finally. One of the goals is that my hair loss would be stopped. Many Singaporeans, males and females, old and young are getting hair loss… same goes for the world. While there is a legion of theories on the contributing factors, Singapore Short Stories believes its due to the depletion of ozone and the harmful UV rays destroying our scalp.

Year 2011. Another Year will be with us in 8 hours time. The modern world will be decked in its finest glory to embrace year 2011 while the poor in the poorer countries will still suffer.

Marina Bay Countdown tonight in Singapore. Counting down to year 2011. And I know that I would need to achieve my goals set. I need luck and I wish I would have good luck when the fireworks ascend up the skies at 0000 hrs tonight.

A Fresh Start, Wishing You Success, Peace and Health in Year 2011!

Last Day of Year 2010, welcome year 2011

Dear Readers, how have you been?

I am now typing into the first 5 minutes of the last day of year 2010. How time flies! Shocking right! I still thought it was yesterday when we ushered in year 2010. But in a flash of time, year 2011 would be with us in less than 24 hours!

Today, I am busy doing some spring cleaning. About setting of new year resolutions, I have not done them yet. But I still have some general goals to achieve in my mind now. For this year, some goals I have achieved, some goals I have not. I did not have luck for some goals while for others, my diligence paid efforts.

I am not sleeping now. I do not want to sleep now. I want to cherish every second of the last day of year 2010: 31 Dec 2010. I look forward to all of you readers, I mean your support for this blog in the coming year. I hope to bring you more meaningful and good experiences and stories. Happy New Year 2011!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Even the sun goes on leave

These days and nights, it has been very cold. Even the sun goes away on annual leave though I still do my Best at work. I cannot believe: now it is 30 Dec already! Tomorrow will be yet another countdown to a brand new year!

Monday, December 27, 2010

New Year 2011 Resolutions


How time flies! Indeed, in less than 5 days, we will bide year 2010 goodbye, usher and welcome year 2011. Every time, when it comes to the last week of the year, I will be very solemn as I flicked my calendar and reviewed what I have achieved for year 2010.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Buy Lightings for House at Balestier Road

My Dear and I went to buy lightings for our house today. There are quite a few places where one can buy lightings in Singapore. The Best place to buy lightings in Singapore for houses would be at Balestier Road.

We alighted from bus 21 and started our search to buy lightings for our house near Jalan Datoh. We trekked for very long along Balestier Road in our quest to buy house lighting. There are many many lighting and lighting fixture houses along Balestier Road. We compared prices in our process to buy lightings for our house. Along the way, we stopped at house of Tau Sar Piah where we devoured some great Tau Sar Piahs.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

My Christmas Eve: The Most Romantic Place in Singapore

On Christmas Eve which was yesterday night, my wife and I decided not to go Orchard Road this year to see the festive lighting. Instead, we went over to Marina Square area.

The restaurants at Marina Square were packed to the brim. We went to many restaurants only to see queues after queues waiting outside the restaurant. The price tags of many menus were pricey but Singaporeans seemed not to bat an eyelid on this festive holiday.

My wife and I then decided to try out Just Acia, a restaurant at Marina Square. The restaurant was packed, but the Korea cuisine there was great for value and there was free flow of ice-cream and soft drinks! There was no service charge though the usual GST applies.

Next after a sumptuous dinner, we headed to Esplanade then walked the whole of the Helix Bridge. The bridge was different from the last time we visited the bridge. The bridge led us directly to The Shoppes at Marina Bay. We were awed by the immensity of the shopping mall as well as the unique design and concept of the mall.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Singapore Christmas and The new Santa Claus

Tomorrow will be Christmas day. Christmas, to me, now is just another day. It is sad when I used to recall that Christmas were magical.. at the time when I was still a young kid.

My Christmas and New Year Message to Singaporeans


Dear Fellow Singaporeans,


A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All of you! How time comes, now we are at the cusp of a new year once again! First of all, many Thanks for taking your time to read this post. I would just want to reiterate that this message is not a New Year message by any politician or well-known persona; this is my very own message to wrap up my experiences and thoughts for year 2010 and share it with all of you, Singaporeans.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Singapore Hair Loss


Readers of Singapore Hair Loss Support Group, please note that Singapore Hair Loss Support Group has moved from the old website to this new website at Singapore Hair Loss Support Group.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

What Singapore Stocks to buy and invest in year 2011?


What are the stocks to buy and invest for year 2011? As an investor, I understand very well the anguish of seeing the highly attractive stock you just bought plummet the moment you bought it, hence proper diversification and timing is crucial to picking the right stock at the right time. So, what are the stocks to buy and invest for year 2011?

Singapore Countdown to Year 2011

I dread December. This is the last month of yet another year. How time flies. It seems just like yesterday that I last shared here on my regret of the fast passing of time. Soon, we will bide year 2010 good bye.

Reflection of working life


Working life occupies nearly 60% of my waking hours everyday. When one comes back home, he or she is left with only 4 to 5 hours, at the very best to do his or her own things. We cannot complain about work as we need work to earn money to survive and support our own family. However, we cannot be just spending time working and spending the off-work hours resting. We need to do more in these spare time and I believe it is how we make use of the very few off-working hours daily that will determine how well we do in life outside of work.

One should use these few hours daily to invest in activities which will bring real value to his life. Engaging in family bonding, finding love, forming a family, reading for mental, personal and spiritual growth are some forms of activities one can do beside recreational activities like hobbies and exercises.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Investment Legend Jim Rogers: His View of the World talk


I was at the BookFest yesterday in Suntec City and I was lucky enough to catch the final talk from investment legend Jim Roger on this final day of the exhibition. The title of Jim Roger’s speech is “My view of the world”.

Looking back 2010


Looking back this year 2010, one most important area which I have not managed to achieve my goals is my career.


I possess the intellectual, the grit, the determination, the potential to do well in my career and even geared up for higher things. However, things are not meant to be. I watched in sadness as I see my some of my colleagues who are not that capable as me rise faster than me. They rise through the ranks through curry-favouring the bosses and resorting to office politics. And they rise fast.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Long John Silver

It has been ages since I have been to Long John Silver. Back in my secondary school days, an average platter of Long John Silver cost just $2.95 but now a platter of 2 pieces chicken, fries and drink cost $4.50 as I found out today!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Amazing Time Machine Toilet in Singapore

There were quite a number of famous toilets where one could give instanteous feedback on his or her quality of experience in using the toilet via a touch screen panel located at the entrance of the toilet. He could give any one of the options: "Poor", "Good" or "Excellent to the cleaner whose photo was also displayed on the panel screen.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Countdown to 2011 and the most important lesson for me in 2010


Year 2011 will be with us in 2 weeks time! How time really flies. I still could recall how I ushered in the New Year for the past few years. But in just a twinkling of an eye, another new year beckons. With the coming of a new year, it may now be the time to start crafting the resolutions for the coming year!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

My very Personal Wiki Leaks

Assange, if I get the name correctly,of the founder of Wiki Leaks, has found enormous fame worldwide recently for the dissemination of confidential information through his Wiki Leaks websites.


I am not Asange but I would like to share with all of you my very personal Wiki Leaks.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Cold Night

These nights have been quite cold for it is December. Christmas is coming soon and Singapore's winter is its rainy season.

Nights like these are good for sleeping.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Year End Bonus

I believe employers should reward employees with year-end bonuses if they could afford. As employees, we have spent most part of our waking hours working for the companies, leaving only very little time for our families and our personal pursuits.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

I miss the Sun

These few days, I wake up to cold and chilly weather. This is common as it is December. But I miss the Sun, I miss its warmth, though on many days, I lament on the unbearably hot weather but as studies show, people are happier with warmer weathers. Hence I really hope the Sun will come out soon, baking our island in its warmth.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Its raining, time for Chirstmas

These days, it rains and it is getting closer and closer to Christmas. The rain reminds me that Christmas is near and it makes me feel like relaxing now till the end of the year! Read more of the Great Xmas celebrations here!

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Nex shopping mall is so Big

Nex shopping centre in Serangoon is so huge! I just came back with my wife from a trip to Singapore's newest and largest suburban mall. In fact, I think Nex is equivalent to Jurong Point and Nex is decked with hundreds and hundreds of stores. There is a wide range of new western, Japanese and other restaurants and cafes.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Why I Blog less Frequent Nowadays?

I am sorry if loyal readers and followers of my blog noted that I have blogged less frequent nowadays. It is not that I am busy as with Passion of blogging, I will always make a point to blog no mattter how tired or busy I am.

The fact that I blog less frequent these days is due to the fact that I have learnt the limitation of Blogger. Due to the nature of this Free blogging platform, I agreed with a sucessful blogger that one day, one will wake up to see a blog that a blogger painstakingly sustains and nourish and creates to be one of the Best blog can be GONE in a flash.

That is why these days, I have been considering to self-host my blog so that my blog will not fall prey to disappearing.

The First Step

The First Step to doing anything new and unfamilar is the most painful and something that many people will not try.

Many people have lofty dreams, have great goals but often, they stumble, failing to cross the First Step and they are always steeped in procrastination.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Coming to the close of a Year soon

Time passes very very quickly. It still seemed like yesterday when my wife and I ushered in year 2010, but in a flash of an eye, year 2011 will be arriving in slightly more than a month's time.

Everytime when it comes to this juncture of the year, I will reassess what I have done for the year and what are my achievements and what are the things that I have not achieved.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I am Back!

Dear Readers,


I am Back with more interesting short stories from Singapore!


These few days, I have been thinking about, or rather recalling the past events that have struck me this year. Call it reminiscence, this sentiment struck me near the end of the year.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Christmas mood


Though now is mid November, I really have a Christmas mood and I bet you share with me this sentiment too.


Why is this so? First of all, the weather. It has been raining quite regularly these days, heralding in the Singapore’s unique “snowing” mood.

Singapore Hair Loss Support Group Blog Down


I feel sad today. One of my blog, which is one of top Singapore’s hair loss support blog was down yet again! But do not worry, this is now the new blog!

My earlier Hair Loss Blog is hosted on Blogger. From time to time, Google will misunderstood my blog to be spam blog and hence locks it for some time only to be released later.

Procrastination is the thief of time


Many people procrastinate, delaying their goals and ambitions till when it is too late. I do not know whether procrastination is the natural tendency of many, because even I, a person who do not usually procrastinate, I find myself succumbing to procrastination occasionally too.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Tampines Street 11 Block 137 Food Centre: Singapore Number 1 Hawker Centre!

My wife and I had Great Breakfast at Tampines Street 11 Block 137 Food Centre this morning. If you want to know what Singapore's Number 1 Hawker Centre is, come down to Tampines Street 11 Block 137 Food Centre every weekend before 11 am to savour the best delicacies that Singapore's hawker centres can afford.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Today is Finally Friday!

I am so Happy that Today is Friday! I have been so busy at work that I cannot really relax!

Being Busy at work is good.... that means you are contributing to the organization and making some value, whether it is Big or Small from your work.

And when one is busy, time at work flies! I know that many would want time at work to fly fast!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Bukit Panjang gang fight in Singapore




I read of another gang fight in Singapore, this time, it was a group of gangsters pouncing on another group of youths in the Bukit Batok/Gombak area.


Gang fights in Singapore has hogged the limelight lately after a youth was killed in a “staring” dispute at Downtown East.


I think these gangsters are mostly delinquent youth who have joined gangs or triads because such association would lend a touch of power or superiority to them; most of these youths do not fare well in studies and suffer from a low self-esteem. Gang-links seem to give some little achievement to these youths that they crave.

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

The Reckless Taxi Driver

It was a long long time since I last took a cab.. I mean I took a cab today. A cab is a taxi in Singapore's context.

The driver was a middle-aged driver. From the moment I stepped into the cab with my father and wife, we had an adrenalin rush uncalled for.

Musing from a Mcdonald Lunch


I had Big Mac Meal for lunch today. With a Big Mac Meal at McDonald costing $5, I must tell you folks that this meal is a luxury for me. I earn a modest income, hence I always justify for such an expensive meal.


Strange enough, when I was schooling in Secondary School, I had more fast food than now when I am working. I attributed this to the fact that now I am working and I have come to treasure each and every cent I earn painstakingly and how they are to be used. In the past when I was schooling, I just need to rely on the income of my parents and fast food is not a problem.

Monday, November 08, 2010

Redeveloping Bedok

I read in today's news the plans to redevelop Bedok. Some iconic landmarks of Bedok will be torn down so as to be relocated and make way for new developments. Features to be torn down include the swimming complex, the stadium as well as some other food centres.

Friday, November 05, 2010

I am Less Worth than a Camel !

 Being Deepavali holiday today, I watched the special holiday show on Channel 5: Forbes top young royalty (did not get the actual name, but the gist of the show is around there).

The show feature billionaire and millionaire young prince, princess, heirs and heiress of royalties. I was so envious of the extragravant lifestyle and the astronomical wealth these youth have.

of Rush and Rashes

These fews days, I led a hectic life of rushing work here and there. These few days, I had developed some rashes on my hands and legs. I guess it must be the rushing of work that causes my rashes. Rashes are caused by bacteria and my antidote to curing my itchiness is using the time-honoured snake powder (medicated talcum power).

Fogging

Yesterday morning, I witnessed the regular mosquito fogging of a nearby shopping centre in the morning. There is a scientific rationale for doing mosquito fogging in the morning as that way, the mosquito control is more effective.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Chance encounter with a gangster (friend) after 9 years

Just last Saturday, a youth was slashed to death by a group of teens at Downtown East after a ''staring" incident.

Back in my National Service days, I spent some time with a group of heavily-tabooed '"not so good" men who went in and out of detention barracks, committed heroin and some minor crimes. Do not get me wrong, I am a good person, just that by twist of fate, I had to live with them for some time, after being channeled to a particular unit.

The Guitaring Student at Bugis MRT Station.. you may want to help him if you pass by Bugis MRT tomorrow!

I was walking towards Bugis MRT station at around 5.30 pm today when I noticed a young female student in uniform seated just outside the MRT ground escalator 'dungeon', looking lost. Then I noticed an equally young male student in his uniform drumming on his guitar, with a cardboard on the ground. He was drumming hard and furious, belting out some latest hits. In this cardboard were a slew of dollar notes and coins, and a hard to miss note: "Raising money for my college education".

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Singapore MRT stories

Today, I gave up a seat to an old uncle. I stood up from my seat and walked towards the old man, signalled to him, who later moved to take up the seat after words of appreciation.

Channel 8 The Score Wu HUa Guo

The current local drama series, The Score (Wu Hua Guo) which screens on Channel 8 at 9 pm has met a host of critics, criticizing the plot and the lambasting Mediacorp's clumsy attempt to copy such typical plot from its Hong Kong counterparts.

Sleep

Today is a tiring day for me. At night after work, I do not feel like doing anything much. Success has always eludes me and the efforts I have painstaking channel toward pursuing some of my goals are being wasted.

Goals and November, once again

Today is November once again, just two more months and we will bid 2010 a Goodbye.
I still remember at the start of the year, I have laid out quite a number of resolutions to achieve for this year. I am glad that I have achieved some major milestones set and am also setting out new resolutions for the coming year. However there is one resolution that I have not managed to achieve for this year. In fact, I have not been able to succeed in this resolution for many years already.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Blogs earning millions of dollars

Are you a blog owner? Do you make money from your blog? There are some esteemed bloggers who earn millions from their blogs annually.
Follow this link to read more about it.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Plasticine people

I recently learnt of a word from the media: Plasticine people: well-educated people who have no more intellectual curiosity or curiosity about life.

It is easy to become plasticine people as most Singaporeans work late everyday, coming home, there are barely few hours left and then there is the time to sleep.

Come weekends, most Singaporeans relax. So how does one find time for intellectual curiosity or taking up a hobby? For me the question is not to find time, the solution is to make time. Life is too short for regrets, one must constantly make time for all what he wants to do in life!

Geylang checker: Men having and paying for sex at Geylang will soon be caught !

This post is about Geylang Checker. Geylang is like honey to men who want sex with prostitutes. These men come from all walks of life, from all ages and there are also unfaithful husbands and boyfriends in the midst of them all.


For me, I go to Geylang to eat or buy things and no look at those prostitutes. I mean they should not be selling their bodies to earn a living, it is immoral. But from another point of view, some will argue if there is no such "market", incidences of rapes and molest will be on the rise. Anyway, I should not discuss more about this oldest profession on earth here.

Tissue Papers Sellers in Bedok

I was with my wife in Bedok yesterday, eating at the crowded hawker centre there. The food at Bedok Hawker Centre is value-for-money though I will not go so far as to proclaim that the food there is simply the best.

There are now many people of diverse backgrounds in Bedok. The majority is the elderly and there are many foreigners too. The ways and behaviours of the foreigners is not something Singaporeans can accept readily.

I have seen a China lady throwing an umbrella, just brushing me centimetres away after a tiff with her boyfriend. Such a behaviour is not readily accepted in Singapore.

Alright, now coming back to my main story, my wife and I were inundated or overwhelmed with tissue sellers in the hawker centres. The first such seller who approached me was an old lady with her middle-aged daughter. Then the second one was a China young man.

For the first seller, why did the daughter bring her aging old mother out to sell tissues? The sight is not a healthy one as I am thinking whether she is riding on her old mother's plight to gain sympathy to trade for a income.

The second seller is even worse. He is a young man, fit and look reasonably strong, why did he sell tissue papers?

Actually the sales of tissue papers at food centres is not wrong. When people are eating, then there is a need for tissues if they do not bring any. It may deem alright to buy when there is a need, or out of sympathy.

But for me, even if I sympathise with the many dozens of old men and women hawking their tissues around, and ask the diners, one by one,I will still not buy simply because in Chinese, there is a saying: "A meal is more important than even the time the Emperor seeks you for an audience. "

I think people need to be self-reliant through a job and not through sympathy or selling their bodies.

Recollecting old memories

It has been some time since I last blogged.

I was kept busy these days, or rather these weeks by the daily affairs of work, family and other committments.

Today is a Saturday, and definitely one of the days I treasure.

For I mean, it is hard to get to Saturday and Sunday; for many of us, we have to navigate through 5 days of unrelentless work and long working hours to get to the weekends.

I am glad today is a free day for me, initally it was not.

Having had the benefits of time today, I sat down with my wife to pore through the volumes of diaries I have kept, the little daily entries I had kept on a religious basis these days.

The diaries seem to be like my like story hiterto. Those were the days I was wild, bold with ambitious, seem to be so much full of energy and vigour and life seems real youthfully meaningful!

Please do not compare me with Bill Gates

When it comes to the issue of time management, I do not like people saying:"Are you busier than Bill Gates". True, Bill Gates is a legend on its own right, being the one of the 3 richest men on earth. But the person who asks this question is skewed in his thought, thinking that only the rich's time is invaluable and forgetting that the ordinary people like myself have other committments, and financial struggles to overcome on a daily basis.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Creating a Professional WordPress Blog

I have found this good resource for people who would like to understand how to create a professional wordpress blog with wordpress.org.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Paul the Octopus died

Paul the psychic Octopus who created headlines around the world with his amazing and accurate prediction of the World Cup 2010 results earlier this year, has passed on.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Why Sex Sells

I watched the new Burger King TV ad in disgust.


The advertisement is very suggestive, featuring one handsome strong muscular man and a sexy beautiful China lady, both seem to be wearing nothing on top, trading suggestive lines while advertising the "King" which is the burger.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

PSI soars to 108 as Haze clouds Singapore

Today, the PSI in Singapore soars to 108 and crosses the 100 mark as thick haze clouds the skyline of Singapore all over the island.

The haze gives a thick pungent burning and putrid smell and it was really quite hard to see distant objects.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Customer Centric Initiative by Changi Airport




Recently, Changi Airport has rolled out a slew of instant customer feedback machines, whereby visitors to toilets can rate the performance of the toilet cleaner instantly via a touchscreen situated at the entrance of the toilet with the following options: “Poor’, “Satisfactory”, “Good” or “Excellent”. While this can be a good move, I believe the system is prone to abuses.

PSI


PSI soars to a higher level as haze returns to the skies of Singapore for the past few days. The PSI, also called the Pollutant Standard Index stood at around 84 yesterday as the Sumatran fires raged across the Indonesian island due to the mass clearing of land.


Initially I had wanted to go for a jog yesterday but looking at the hazy skies, I switched off the thought. Waking up today, hazy skies greeted me. I appreciate the sight for at last the scorching sun took a break.

NTUC Link Points and Passion Card Link Points

Are you confused about NTUC Link Points and Passion Card Link Points system whereby you will get cash rebates off your next groceries trip? Do not fret, I will give you the lowdown in this article.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Bear ad stunt: Bear spotted along Ulu Pandan Road

Bear Ad stunt by Phillips has raised a storm in Singapore!


I believe the Bear Ad is not that distasteful. It just happens that the video was shot at night. If the video was shot in the day, netizens would have scrutinized that the bear was a fake.

Woodlands murder murderer arrested

The Woodlands murder murderer has finally been caught! The woodlands murderer is responsible for the murder of a woman on the night of mid-autumn, kniving the poor woman to death while she was with her child.
This murderer was also responsible for a spate of 3 brutal attacks on females in the northen region of Singapore. All victims were females in their late 20s and early 30s, sporting a shoulder-length hair.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Shitty experience at Tampines Mall

I was treated to a super disgusting sight at Tampines Mall this evening. Just before entering the mall, around 10 metre in front of Mcdonald, I suddenly paused to look at the ground, I was super lucky to avoid a BIG BIG PILE of THICK SHIT!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Changes to the SAF NS IPPT and RT training system

To add on to the post made about the same topic yesterday, I was thinking perhaps the SAF could inject an ‘oomph’ factor into IPPT and RT training for NS men, making training attractive for them.

Of Jobs, Career, Life and Entrepreneurship

After stepping into the working world, I began to understand the responsibilities of a working adult.


I began to understand how hard and difficult it is for my father to work and support our family, I began to understand how selfless is my mother to be a housewife to take care of our family while my father goes to work and bring the loaf back home. I begin to appreciate my parents for taking care of us


Hence it becomes a top priority for me to take care of my family and wife.



As a working adult, the most important thing is to ensure employment, first and foremost; career progression can come in second.


Employment ensures a continuous stream of income to meet basic living needs and pay off the myriad of fees.


However, employability means insecurity as you are dependent on another for a living.


It also means having others shape and define how much you will get paid and how far in your profession you can go.


So what is the best way to shape your destiny towards financial freedom and more wealth and time? The answer would be through the path less trodden.


Towards this aim, many people become entrepreneurs, dabble in forex, investments, real estate and other forms of venture.


While some make it big, many many others fail. And this fear of failure makes many business aspirants risk averse and remained on the traditional pathways of employment.


Before long, time passes and they become old, too old for anything new.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Changes to NS IPPT and RT system

I read with mixed feelings of the tweaks or changes introduced to the SAF NS IPPT and RT system. Previously, a National Serviceman can use up to a year to clear his IPPT for his birthday window but under the new system, this window is shortened to just 9 months, with the following 3 months to be used for the RT if he fails.

Singapore Cancer

In the past weeks, Singapore has lost 2 outstanding leaders in their own rights, Madam Kwa Geok Choo and Dr Balaji due to diseases and cancer. Coincidentally, during these weeks, I have friends or friends’ friends lose their family member due to cancer.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Uncanny ability to tell whether a person is good or bad

Minister mentor has shared with Singaporeans that his late wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo has an uncanny ability to tell whether a person is good or bad from his or her appearance. I too have such an ability.


I am able to deduce from one glance whether colleagues are up to no good, play office politics or other bad stuff. I believe when one’s heart is evil, this form of evilness will be demonstrated through one’s eyes, demeanour, gestures and speech.

Singapore Blogging


I have been blogging on this blog for close to 3 years now. Blogging offers a catharsis to me, to express my feelings and emotions. If you have followed my blog since its inception, you would have noticed that the theme of my blog has changed a little.

Home-made breakfast better than McDonald or KFC Big Breakfast

Let me share with you readers what I have for breakfast today! I had two half-boiled eggs and a sandwich packed with cheese, ham and margarine! It was ages since I had such a wonderful breakfast and kudos to my wife for helping me part of the preparation.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Recycling bags

As a resident living in the HDB flat, I received one recycling bag every 2 weeks dropped off at my corridor. The recycling bag is to contain recyclable materials like plastic water bottles, clothings and etc for the waste collectors to collect for waste recycling on a designated date.

Monday, October 04, 2010

How much is your website worth?

Do you want to know how much is your website worth? Now you can!

Sunday, October 03, 2010

Mrs Lee Kuan Yew dies aged 89

Mrs Lee Kuan Yew dies aged 89 yesterday evening. This piece of news shocked Singaporeans for Mrs Lee (also known as Madam Kwa Geok Choo) was Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's wife. Behind every successful man is a Great wife; indeed Mrs Lee Kuan Yew helped Minister Mentor Lee manage their family and domestic matters so that Minister Mentor Lee could focus on building Singapore from a third world country into what it is today.

Although Mrs Lee Kuan Yew has shunned from most of the public spotlight, she, as wife of Minister Mentor Lee still holds significant roles in many Singaporeans including me. As a Singaporean, I am very grateful to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew for being the emotional pillar behind Minister Mentor Lee.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Mrs Lee Kuan Yew Dies aged 89

The wife of Singapore Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew and mother of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has passed away this evening.

 It was reported that Mrs Lee has been not been well since 2008. She would be remembered by Singaporeans for being a pillar to Singapore minister mentor Lee

BMT Graduation Parade held at Marina Bay Floating Platform for first time

This morning, I attended the first ever BMTC graduation parade held at the Marina Bay floating platform. The newly-minted privates have marched a whopping 24 km from Pasir Ris at the far east of Singapore, via Changi and East Coast Park to arrive at the Marina Bay floating platform in a span of 7 hours since yesterday 8pm.



Back in my days, my 24 km route march was confined to the island of Pulau Tekong and the post out parade (POP) was not held back to back after the 24 km milestone route-march. My march then was held from early morning all the way to the late evening and hence I did not enjoy the coolness of the night march that these newly minted recruits have undergone.

Of Singapore Schools, Students and Teachers

Just some days ago, while walking in the streets, I saw a primary school female student kissing, hugging and behaving very intimately with a youth who was some years older than her.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Senior SLA official probed for $11.8 million dollar fraud

The news of the Singapore Land Authority officials in the $11.8 million dollar fraud is indeed shocking!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Office politics

I cannot understand why people like to play politics as I really believe the fair and mean way of getting a promotion and earning a higher income is to prove one’s worth. However, in life, it is not easy. From my experiences, colleagues play office politics, bosses are hardly capable and treat employees with bias and preferences.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Millionaire tutors in Singapore

I have thought that millionaire tutors only exist in Taiwan, but I was wrong. Recently, there were some articles in the Straits Times which mentioned many tutors in Singapore earning lots of good bucks giving tuition.


An insider in the tuition industry was quoted in the same article that he knew at least 5 tutors in Singapore earning up to $1 million annually! There was a famous Physics tutor by the name of Phang Yu Hon, who earn close to $60,000 or more monthly!

Changi airport slide: Singapore’s tallest slide

Just spend $30 at Changi airport and you will be able to ride on Singapore’s tallest slide for free !

Monday, September 27, 2010

Time and tide waits for no man

Though I am always been reminded countless times to seize the present, and not to let the past take hostage of my present, it is easier said than done. Often at times, I will recall my past and how I have come so far in life. I dwell on lost opportunities, some sad incidents of life, some regrets, some hard days, and definitely good moments.

Making the best use of time

It has been sometime since I last jogged. Working long hours in Singapore; whatever remaining hours left on a weekday are very precious to a working adult. However, it is really inevitable that many of the working adults return home after a long and busy day at work, totally lethargic.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Misunderstanding about the NTUC uncle

A week ago, while I was in NTUC supermarket buying some drinks, I was angered by an old uncle service staff banging some drink products on the shelve. I thought he was quite rude.

Friday, September 24, 2010

SMRT jingle: Train is coming, train is coming, train is coming.. Please Start Queuing, Love your rides

The past few weeks, while using the SMRT train, I feel that all the other passengers and I are like small kids, with the SMRT jingle buzzing around upon the arrival of every train, urging all to queue up. The SMRT jingle should not be too unfamiliar to you, it goes like this: “Train is coming, train is coming, train is coming.. Please Start Queuing, Love your rides”.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Singapore Shopping Experience

I was shopping for some items today. There were quite a number of stalls selling the same items at the shopping place I was in, so I went around comparing prices.

Tanjong Pagar MRT station

On weekday morning and evening rush-hours, you would not want to be at Tanjong Pagar MRT station else you would be 'drowned' by the deafening chorus of thousands of shoes and heels of working executives coming to and rushing from work.

However on weekends, you would be surprised to discover the opposite. Last Sunday, when I exited the station, the MRT station was bare of people at all. It was quiet and scary and all the shops in the underground were closed too.

Singapore Coffee Museum

I have been to nearly all the museums in Singapore, hence it came as a surprise to me when I discovered that there was actually a Singapore Coffee Musuem behind the Old Nanyang Coffee cafe at Smith Road I was in.

Singapore Life

Just a few days ago, I was walking past the Ministry of National Development when I saw a beggar in front of the building.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Paya Lebar fast becoming a making out spot for Indonesians and foreigners!

I was at Paya Lebar today, walking from Paya Lebar MRT station into Tanjong Katong complex and the vicinity on a Sunday. I have long known that come Sundays and public holidays, Paya Lebar will be transformed into an enclave for Indonesian maids and other foreign workers as reported in our local newspapers, but I never expect to see the scene that greeted me entering into this enclave on this day of the week.

Singapore Bay Run 2010 & Singapore Army Half Marathon 2010

Today is the Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2010. At this time in writing, the run is close to its ending.

I have always participated in this run as it feels great to run and pay homage to the good old Sheares Bridge and partaking in the splendid city view while enjoying the rare chance of running around Singapore's CBD.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Remembering 911.... 9 years on

Today marked the 9th year aniversary of the one event which changed the modern world... 911!

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Free bus rides to Resort World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands encourage gambling among Singaporeans?

Headlines for today's The Straits Times: "Ministry to probe free bus rides to Resort Worlds Singapore" in which the government is investigating whether the free bus rides to the two integrated resorts are actually encouraging gambling.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Mediacorp "The Family Court" sodomy scene DISGUSTS me and makes me PUKE!

Currently, I am very busy with my personal endeavours, however, I am still making some time to post this blog post because I really want to put on record my extreme displeasure, utter shock and disbelief at a sodomy scene shown on tonight's (7 Sep 10) episode of Mediacorp "The Family Court" drama (which screens week-nightly from 9pm to 10 pm).

Sunday, September 05, 2010

I am very Busy these days....

Dear Singapore Short Stories Readers,

These few days, or should I say weeks, I am very very busy with my own personal committments, hence may not be posting as regularly as before. I would like to express my apologies to all of you!

Thursday, September 02, 2010

SIA Crew warned over Facebook posting

A group of SIA crew was warned for divulging information of their company’s operation on Facebook.


I believe netizens should restrict divulging too much of their company-related information on the internet via any of the online social networking platforms. They may treat their online postings as private to themselves or their exclusive group of friends. But as long as their online content can be ‘google-able” or viewed by other netizens, their private trival lamenting or sharing become public content!

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Singapore Population hits 5 million

The latest census reveals the fact that Singapore’s population has reached 5 million. Of the 5 million, one third is foreigners.


Prior to the release of this census results, the signs are everywhere that our population has increased tremendously: congested trains at any time of the day, overcrowded shopping malls, restaurants and public facilities.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Pure drinking water, distilled water and mineral water

These days, in the market, there exists a myriad of choices when it comes to bottled water: we have mineral water, distilled water and pure drinking water from all brands, local or international.


For most of the days, I boil tap water for my own consumption, buying and drinking these bottled mineral water when I am outside and my water bottle has become empty.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Here comes Monday again....

At this time of writing, it is 11.53 pm on a Sunday night. Like many Singaporeans who are holding to a 9 to 5 jobs, I do have some hesitations to sleep, knowing that tomorrow is the start of another week, and 5 more days to the weekends.It is not that I am a lazy worker, it is just that there is too much things to do in life that weekends are not really restdays for me. I need some focus in order to achieve Success. Focus is really important in life, for Success! 

How to remove colour desktop icons ?

These few days, my desktop suffered from a strange problem. All my desktop icons are coloured in blue! Well, certainly not only being an eyesore, these blue-coloured desktop icons irritate me a tad.

Searching on the internet, I tried some of the tips dished out, but none of them work. Luckily, I managed to find some help. Follow the steps below to solve your coloured desktop icons problems too:

4 Key Themes in Prime Minister's National Day Rally 2010

Tonight, Singaporeans await the most important speech of the year: the National Day Rally by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. As a keen watcher of the political, social and economical developments of Singapore, I have always been glued to the TV screen yearly watching the rally, except in one year, when I was invited to attend the actual rally as well.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

National Day Rally 2010

This Sunday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will deliver his annual keynote National Day rally at the National University Cultural Hall.

This will be Mr Lee's last rally before the coming General Election and hence the rally will be keenly watched among Singaporeans.

Youth Olympic Games closing ceremony

How time passes! The two-week Singapore Youth Olympic Games will draw to a close tomorrow with a closing ceremony held at the Marina Bay floating platform.

These two weeks, when I was in the Marina Bay area, I saw quite many happy faces, especially among the tourists, posing for photos taken against the great backdrop of the Integrated Resorts and the Esplanade area.

No doubt, the games has drawn some flak for some glitches here and there, I believe some hiccups are inevitable for a large scale event; the imperative is that these hiccups are not major and rectified as soon as possible! Singapore has pulled off an applaudable event yet again!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Philippines hostage crisis: 9 killed

I followed the unfolding episode of the Philippines hostage crisis yesterday night....with a heavy heart. It was really regrettable that the crisis ended with 9 Hong Kong tourists killed! It was not only a sad day for the loved ones of the killed hostages, any man with a heart would be feeling heavy within too.

The Philippines police could have been more tactical. Having troops surrounding the seized bus could only have aggravated the hostage taker more. There should have been more tactical, diplomatic course of actions employed, with the imperative on safeguarding precious lives!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Philippines hostage crisis

At this point in writing, the 10 hours Philippines hostage crisis has just ended, with the gunman believed to have been shot dead!


If you have not followed this news yet, basically, a disgruntled dismissed decorated policemen held a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage. These tourists were on their way home to the airport when they were held hostage!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Free Chinese feng shui ba zi

Chinese Feng Shui and Ba Zi is one of many interesting topics to many as knowing one's Ba Zi may help to bring good prospects to family and life.


To find out your Ba Zi, click on this link now!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Half empty venues at Singapore Youth Olympic Games

As a Singaporean, I am proud that our country is hosting the first Youth Olympics Games (YOG) , hence I have been relishing for a ticket to any YOG competition to catch a piece of the action.

However, I was not able to get a ticket. I was very disappointed to read of half empty venues at our Youth Olympic Games when Singaporeans genuinely interested in the games are not able to get tickets.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Toxic Toys

I was shocked to read that a proportion of toys sold here in Singapore contain harmful ingredients. Children love toys like bees to honey, hence it is really evil for manufacturers to compromise health for the sake of profits.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Singapore Youth OIympics Games YOG opening ceremony

The Singapore Youth Olympics Games opened with lots of fanfare, showmanship and fireworks tonight!

The 1st Youth Olympics commences officially in Singapore for the coming 2 weeks!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Childhood

Story today is from a reader’s contribution, so what are you waiting for? Contribute your articles and see it here at Singapore’s leading blog magazine! Name of author will be withheld unless otherwise specified.

Sometime I wonder if I could ever turn back the clock, I would want to revisit my childhood and schooling days once again. No doubt this is impossible; I still hanker after the thought.

Singapore Life

Story today is from a reader’s contribution, so what are you waiting for? Contribute your articles and see it here at Singapore’s leading blog magazine! Name of author will be withheld unless otherwise specified.


Everything in life is a matter of relativity. How rich or poor we are, we measure with respect to the worth and assets of others. People like to compare by and large, and I have observed that people tend to be happier a bit when others are worse off than them. I am not being masochistic; I have already understood that many people in this world are not that kind.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

What has the Singapore Youth Olympics Games (YOG) got to do with Amazon river?

Emblazoned on the headlines of the Straits Times today was the picture of a young boy. "Do you know this boy?" the headlines cried. Piqued by curiosity, I read the article and learnt that the young boy, was featured as he ran continously for 15 km in yesterday's leg of the Olympic Flame in Singapore, taking photos and cheering the Olympic Flames even though he was drenched from top to toe in the downpour.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

CPF Banana sisters will perform in Chinese Getais in the Chinese Lunar Seventh Month Hungry Ghost Festival

Just few hours after the whole of Singapore revelled in national joy celebrating the country’s 45th birthday, the gates of Hell opened wide at 12.00 am sharp on 10 Aug 10. There were no strong winds or heavy rains but the thousands of souls might be thrilled for their annual wandering on planet earth!



Already, while walking home yesterday night, I saw many offering prayers for the souls. Yesterday, the striking of the clock at 12.00 am sharp signalled the commencement of the Chinese lunar 7th month or the Hungry Ghosts month.Mention the Chinese 7th month here, one should definitely not forget ‘getais’: the elaborate street shows setup for the ‘Good brothers’ as well as the legions of ‘getai’ fans which count the senior citizens as the majority.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

National Day Awards 2010 : Mr Tan Gee Paw conferred The Distingusihed Service Order

Congratulations to Mr Tan for being awarded the Distinguished Service Order!

Youth Olympic Torch Relay continues into its second day in Eastern Singapore

The Youth Olympic Torch Relay continues into its second day in the eastern part of Singapore.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Youth Olympic Torch Relay commences in Singapore

The Youth Olympic Game fever in Singapore kicked into higher gear today with the commencement of the Singapore leg of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame in the central region of Singapore!

HariRaya MegaSale, Harvey Norman Sale, Branded Sportswear & Footwear Warehouse Sales, Metro Expo Sale, Borders Crazy Sale and 100% Home Design NOW on at Singapore Expo!

Yippie! This weekend is a long weekend for Singaporeans as Monday is National Day so many Singaporeans do not need to work! For a handful who are going overseas travel, they just need to take yesterday and next Tuesday off to enjoy 5 days of leave!

National Day Awards 2010

With the National Day coming in just 3 days time, who will be receiving the National Day Awards 2010? Who will be conferred the highest honour bestowed this year? And who would be the hundreds of Singaporeans being conferred the awards like PBM, BBM, BBM(L) by the President of Singapore?

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Mind over Body

Today I experienced what it is like to have my mind control my body!

My body was totally out of condition today, hurting, yet I told my mind to concentrate on pushing my body on and on, despites all the sheer pain that inflicts me during the process.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Liu Qian Magic

Liu Qian, a famous Taiwanese and Asian magician found his myriads of followers here in Singapore through a popular Taiwanese variety show.


Recently, Liu was here to perform in Singapore, at Max Pavilion in Expo. I have read reports of his performances which drew raving crowds. However, his magic was not all fool-proof, there were some hiccups ‘here and there’ in his magic shows, as reported.


Monday, August 02, 2010

Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame- Youth Olympic Flame will arrive in Singapore on 6 Aug 10 !

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games will commence in Singapore next Friday 14 Aug 10! And the Youth Olympic Flame which was lit in Greece would be arriving in Singapore on 6 Aug 10!





Be sure to catch this inaugural Youth Olympic Flame making its way round your neighbourhood!

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Singapore Weather: It is Freaking Cold today!

It poured cats and dogs and then drizzled for the whole of today, sending mercury levels notches down for Singapore.

As I was typing, the temperature here in Singapore is between 23 degree celsius to 26 degree celsius. The cold weather made me extra happy today as it reminded me of my wonder holidays in Hokkaido with my lovely wife who is also the most wonderful and greatest girl in the world !

Comex 2010

If you want to buy computers, printers and other IT gadgets, you may want to wait till COMEX 2010 which will be held just next month from 2 to 5 Sep 10.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

What makes a good rojak?

I was a bit disappointed today.

Just a few days ago, my mum bought a packet of very good rojak from a store from a store in the neighbourhood.

Today, my wife and I went to patronise this stall and I bought the largest order at $5 for a packet.

As we tucked in, I was instantly disappointed. The rojak turned out to be very cold. The dough sticks were not that crisply fried, the sauce was not as much and the beancurd were not as good.

There went my $5! which could be used to buy a good Big Mac meal! I asked myself: how could a good rojak turned out to be so bad? The rojak was prepared by the same stallholders and nothing else (except the food quality) changed.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Marina Link and Esplanade Xchange

Marina Link is now open, giving Singaporeans much faster access from Raffles City basement all the way to Marina Square via the newly opened Esplanade Xchange.

Singapore Richest 40 men

In the latest list published by Forbes, there are now 11  billionaires in Singapore.

You would need at least $190 million to be in list of the top 40 richest men in Singapore.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Singapore Youth Olympics Games (YOG) Facebook

Singapore Youth Olympics Games is coming soon on 14 Aug 10!  Let us pen a wish on Singapore Youth Olympics Games (YOG) Facebook now!

Singapore National day 2010




Last Saturday was the National Day National Education show for the Primary 5 students. My wife and I happened to be at the right place at the right time, in the city vicinity around evening. With this year National Day being held at the Padang, being at the city at this time proved to be right for those interested to catch a sneak preview of the grand show.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Daily train rides cross 2 million mark

Today's Straits Times proclaimed that the daily train rides cross 2 million mark!

This is good news to the transport planners advocating more public transport mode share. To the operators, an increase in rides may mean more profits to them.

However as a daily MRT user, I believe that this statistic underscores the need for the train operators to ratchet up service quality to a even higher notch now that so many Singaporeans, New Citizens, Permanent Residents and Foreigners rely on the MRT everyday.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Distance based fares: Fair or not?

Yesterday, I was fuming as I waited very very long for my bus to come. As such, I had time on my side and I took this time to scrutinize the new distance-based bus fare for every service.

I have heard some grouses from the ground that a handful of Singaporeans have paid more under the new distance-based fares.
I was shocked to read from the fare schedule at each bus stop that the distance-based fares are not really based on distances. It should be based on distance-bands-fares. A flat fee of $0.71 is charged from 0 km up to 3.2 km of travel if I am not wrong.

Great food at Joo Chiat


Joo Chiat is one of the favourite food haunts for Singaporeans in Singapore as it possesses a trove of eateries offering great delectable dishes. There is nostalgia of Nonya charm in this area and one can still see some great traditional fixtures in this area such as a signature landmark icon of a red bakery.Okay, enough said of the architectural charms in this area, returning back to the subject of great food in Joo Chiat, my wife and I were at Joo Chiat last Saturday, trawling the place and looking for some great food finds when we just happened to try our luck, entering into an ordinary coffee shop. Soon, the auntie of a stall which we were checking out beckoned us to buy the last “Tou Gan Pao” or translated in English “Beancurd hamburger”.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

The Singapore Youth Olympics Games is commencing 14 Aug 10.

Yesterday, the relay torch was lit in Greece and now the torch has made its way past Berlin, Germany!

Today, around 85,000 Singaporeans participated in a mass walk called "One Community Walk" in 75 locations to rev up the Singapore Youth Olympics.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

City Link, Suntec City and Marine Square are strange today!

My wife and I were at City Link, Suntecy City and Marina Square this afternoon and we witnessed a very strange phenomenon. We were able to stroll and advanced very leisurely... the human traffic was simply not there.... where are the crowds?

Raffles City new link to Suntec City

My Dear and I were leaving Suntec City today, entering the new Promenade MRT station to take the MRT at City Hall MRT station when we spotted that new parts of the City Link mall underpass have been opened.

Earn money from your blog

There are many ways one can earn money from his or her blog. Many of these ways centre around the selling of ad space, affiliate products, writing blog reviews among others.

I read the evening newspapers just one or two days ago and learnt that a Singapore social worker is actually earning an additional income of $5,000 from his blog in a special way. He does not sell any ad space, write reviews or sell any products... he sells the blogs he creates to individuals and companies.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Nature and Singapore

What is happening to our country? Just less than a month ago, floods started to deluge Singapore after heavy thunderstorms. And just yesterday, a tree fell after being uprooted by strong winds, smacking the centre of a car and killing the driver.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Taking life a bit easier .. my days are numbered

These past few days, I have been gearing down life a bit more. What do I mean by that? For the past few months, I have been tenaciously chasing my goals set for this year, though to no success.

I was disappointed nevertheless as I saw all my endeavours towards what I had set out to achieve turn into ashes. I told myself that I would not give up and treat all lessons learnt as feedbacks. Someday or another, I would achieve what I have wanted to achieve.

Neighourhood

I had the opportunity to return to my neighbourhood where I was born and spent a part of my childhood in. Do not get me wrong, this neighbourhood is still in Singapore and is just a stone's throw away from where I am staying.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Marina Bay to define Singapore the way the Bund defines Shanghai

Our Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong has said that Marina Bay will define Singapore the way the Bund defines Shanghai in the Big Walk event held at the Marina Bay today.


If case, you, are like me, not sure of what is the Shanghai Bund, I have uploaded a video below for your information:







I love Marina Bay. I think PM Lee's description is very apt. Marina Bay will be a very happening place in Singapore in a few years' time. And everytime my Dear and I are there, absorbing the sights and scenery of Marina Bay, we feel rejuvenated! We are looking forward to the completion of the other works in Marina Bay such as the Botanic Gardens, the financial districts as well as more works to the Integrated Resorts.

Singapore Flooded

Many parts of Singapore went under water yesterday after a downpour persisted throughout the night. This was the second or third incident when many parts of Singapore were flooded after the (in)famous incident when Orchard Road was flooded for the first time in Singapore's history in middle Jun 10.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

The Wave Song

World Cup is over. I believe everyone is feeling slightly depressed these days. We know the score: Spain: 1, Holland: 0.


Luckily, we have the "wave song" to cheer us up. To this, Netizens: 1 PUB: 0! Why do I say that? Just view the musical below and you would find out.


This wave song is a spoof on the original World Cup 2010 song, which you can view on the bottom video.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Create your Facebook Group Badge on your website or blog

With effect from today, I will be launching a new feature right here on my blog which would be to share with readers good applications of the new media that you can use on your blog, website, new media platform and other web applications.

For many, creating your Facebook profile badge on your website is simple as following the instructions on your Facebook profile page. But what about the case of creating a badge for the Facebook Group which you created and putting it on your website and badge?

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Free Blog Advertising

To celebrate the coming Singapore National Day, Singapore Short Stories would be giving away to all readers FREE publicity of your products, services and events!

Yes, I am not Kidding, Get exposure to thousands of readers on your events, products and services absolutely for FREE! Publicity of all products and services will be subject to approval.

GuideGecko, Singapore Newest Food & Lifestyle Website

A brand new Singapore food and lifestyle website will up and running come 19 July 2010!

Some Highlights of the website:

- Most complete, in-depth coverage of Singapore: 880+ places with reviews, photos and videos.

- We tell it as it is: If the toilet is dirty or the food mediocre, we'll say it.

- Unique 'Good & Bad' overview for all places: Find out quickly if a place is right for you.

- No wiki-waffle: Our in-house writers have visited every single place and give personal answers to all questions. 

Singapore Science Festival 2010

The Singapore Science Festival, previously known as the Science Month (2001 to 2009 – titled science.01 to science.09), is Singapore’s biggest annual science event.

The new name was chosen to better reflect the aim of the Festival as a celebration of Science and Technology for everyone, young and old alike. This year, more than 100 events, seminars and shows have been lined up over three weeks to provide an exciting and engaging time for youths, adults and families.

Singapore army soldiers on guard duty fliming themselves saw GHOST!

I came across this video today and I am not too sure whether it is a true sighting or not, anyway

Monday, July 12, 2010

Mani the parakeet

So World Cup 2010 has ended! Life returns to normalcy in this little country called Singapore. So Spain, a country, many fans, including our Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, have guessed correctly, right from the beginning of the matches to lift the Golden trophy was really crowned the winner! AND Life goes on in Singapore....

For Singapore, though our "Lions" team did not qualify yet again in  this year's world cup, our "Singapore 2010" did come alive! Instead of the "Lions", Singapore found some international fame in a parrot called Mani, who has predicted to a fair accuracy the quarter-finalists of the World-cup and such accuracy soon propelled Mani to local and international sensation and centre of media attention.

Nasi Lemak Story

I was at Singapore Expo this (Saturday) afternoon with my wife, visiting the National Library Book sale.  There was thousands and thousands of books and hundreds of avid book lovers thronging the exhibition hall. Many were tugging bags and trolleys of these books, each selling at just $2 to $5. Though there was a variety of good books, none of them really caught our eyes and hence we were really the very odd ones out, exiting from the hall without a single book on hand.

Anyway, you might asked what would this to do with the title of this blog post: Nasi Lemak story. Well, when my Dear and I exited the hall, it was 1 pm, time to do lunch. We looked around Expo and decided to try the food at the food court there.

As soon as  we found a seat, what caught my attention was that our table was brightly decorated with pictures of Nasi lemak, and depicting the origins of the favorite Singapore dish. On other meals, there were depiction and illustration of origin of other food such as Nasi Brani. As I read, I realised how I have always under appreciate the origin of this great dish!

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Singapore NDP Song 2010

I am a bit disappointed with this year NDP song by Corrine May: "Song for Singapore". Though it is quite nice, in my opinon, it is a bit plain. It sounds a bit like "Stand up for Singapore".


I prefer last year NDP song: more hip and funky! The past NDP songs are also nice. Which is your most favorite NDP song? I was surprised after my compilation of the NDP songs below that the NDP song for 1998 is used again for year 2004.


NDP Song 2010: "Song for Singapore"








Wednesday, July 07, 2010

National Service man held under ISA

A full time National Service man was held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for engaging in self-indoctrination of extremism.


Muhammad Fadil taught himself extremist ideologies and methods of bomb preparation via the internet. It was also reported that he had managed to contact and liaise with other extremist leaders through the internet as well .

Distance-based fares

The Land Transport Authority has just rolled out a new mechanism for the charging of bus and rail fares. Dubbed the ‘distance-based fares’, commuters will be charged in direct proportion to the total
distance they travel. The ‘transfer penalty’ will also be removed for commuters switching from one public transport mode to the other.


While the new framework is

DBS system glitch causes total breakdown


Yesterday, the ATMs and NETs systems of DBS broke down as a result of a technical glitch.

Consumers and customers using the systems suffered great hassle and inconvenience as a result!

The system was finally restored after 7 to 10 hours on the same day.
DBS was quick to add that the system breakdown was not a result of sabotage. It is really interesting to note that in the past two months, flaws in our supposedly excellent public infrastructures are being uncovered.

Monday, July 05, 2010

Why I feel like Spain today?

I feel like Spain today. Totally and comprehensively defeated! With no chance of recovery.


Like Spain,

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Singapore Discussion Forum!

Good news is here!

To further engage the blog readers and to continue building up the blog community, Singapore Short Stories blog will be hosting its very own discussion forum! Yes, now you have another avenue to air your views and thoughts!


This forum is added as part of the Singapore Short Stories blog to engage readers to this blog as well as to enhance readers' experiences of the blog.


I welcome readers to participate actively in this blog. Singapore readers, you can recommend a good place, good food, good events, good items to the rest of the readers.


International friends, you may want to ask questions regarding Singapore or to ask questions pertaining to your next Singapore visit.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Determination

I am totally exhausted for the past few weeks.


I have been working hard to fulfill my goals all these days.


It has been a long journey lasting me some years, and I am still running the journey.


Despites many hurdles which have tripped me, I refused to bow down and to be defeated. I have been increasing my speed of running this ardous journey where I can not see the light of the tunnel as of now these few weeks.

I am very very tired already but I refuse to give up and run to the very end.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Twilight Eclipse

The sequel to Twilight movie: Twilight Eclipse will be back this Thurday! (1 Jul 10).


Though I am not a fan of these lovey-dovey movie plots, I found these Twilight movies quite nice in plots. Vampires and werewolves in the show make me relaxed as the plot transports me to a supernatural out-of-the world realm.

I managed to obtain a trailer below (from Youtube). I believe this movie will sure be one of this year's blockbusters with its droves of teenage fans in Singapore and the world over.

I managed to catch the eclipse (real lunar eclipse) in Singapore at twilight last Saturday. So I experienced the real Twilight Eclipse already. Luckily there were no vampires and werewolves coming out at that moment.

The authorities have already have a hard time when Mas Selamat went on a short 'holiday' last year or last last year back. Can you imagine a vampire or a werewolf running amok in Singapore? Though girls may be excited at having the accompany of these two!


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Slave to Computer

I think I have become a slave to computers. As if it is not enough to be facing computer for 8 hours in the office, coming back home to clear emails, read websites and do some personal admin things also require me to look at the computer.

I am really getting tired from being a slave to computer. Nowadays, the touch screen iphones are slowly but gradually replacing computers and I can see more and more people turning to them always on the move, watching tv, reading websites, etc, on the move.

It seems that mankind is really getting busier as a result of technology. I would crave for yet another chance not to see my computer and high-tech device and indulge in pure nature in places like my beloved Hokkaido and be with Mother Nature.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

How to be a MULTI- millionaire in Singapore?

The other day, I have shared with readers on the property purchase made by a Singapore permanent resident, who is a China chinese for a Sentosa Cove bungalow at a whopping price tag of $36 million ! And ordinary Singaporeans like me were shocked at the astronomical amount paid for a property in Singapore. Already, Singaporeans are thinking twice for a resales flat property purchase now that the resales market has been on the ascending trend, hence it is really shocking to read of this news for Singaporeans like me earning ordinary wages.


In today's Sunday Times, there was again a feature on the pricey bungalows here in Singapore. I was appalled to read that a foreign High Net Worth Individual (HWNI) has asked the property agent whether she has made a mistake in the price tag of $15 million for a bungalow. The reason is that the buyer could not believe the price as it was too cheap (as compared to bungalows of such in the rest of the world)!

Indeed, with the rise of China and India as the main engines of the global economy, many many people are getting very very rich! In Singapore, the number of millionaires, with a liquidity of US $1 million amount to 61,000 and more!  The other time, people in Singapore are searching for the answer to the question: "How to be a millionaire?" but with the number of millionaires growing so rapidly in Singapore, the question now is "How to be a MULTI- millionaire in Singapore?" (i.e the benchmark of wealth rachets up a few notches)

In Singapore, a multi-millionaire is someone with a net worth of at least US $10 million to hundreds of millions in net liquidity, excluding housing. The routes to becoming such multi-millionaires would be to be an astute
investor, or open up a successful business, be involved in property businesses (since land in Singapore is so scare) or to do well in Sales.

Talking about Sales, let us focus back on property agents. Today's Sunday Times features an ordinary young (29 years old) property agent, except for the fact that she specialises in selling the Sentosa Cove properties! Wow! As she has said in the article, many property agents in Singapore aspire to be in her leagues. Why is that so? Let us just see the following few cases:

Tom, a property agent sold a 4-room resales flat for $400K, his comission at 1% amounts to $4,000.

Next, let us turn to the property agent who sold the Sentosa Cove property at $36 million, assuming his comission to be minimum 1%, he or she earns a comission of $360,000! for just one transaction!

However, like the lady property agent we talked about earlier, these propery agents do not just sell one bungalow, being a specialist of such high-worth bungalows, they do keep selling and imagine, they can easily earn $1,000,000 from just selling 4 to 10 houses, assuming each is sold at minimum $10 million!

Hence, if you want to to be a multi-millionaire in Singapore, but do not want to open a business to achieve your dreams, consider servicing these mega-millionaires by being private bankers, property agents, insurance agents to them and get their referrals to introduce their other HNWI friends to you, and in no time, you will be earning millions at a very young age.

If you do not like sales or to open up a business, the other way is to do well in school and cocurricular activities, get a scholarship for a fast tracked career.

The basic principle of being rich is to do something you like, and do it well and monies will in turn come to you. for example, very famous movie stars, lawyers and soccer players do earn millions by pursuing their hobbies.

On this note, I sum off my article. Everyone wants to be a millionaire and the only way to do so is finding out your niche and taking actions towards your goals. Along the way, determination and perservance will help you stay the course.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

My wish: to watch a live National Day parade before I die!

I was very sad when I learnt that successful applicants for the tickets to this year's National Day parade can start collecting them with effect from today. I did apply for the tickets this year, yet again, losing count on the number of years that I have applied. Again, I was not able to get hold of the highly coveted tickets since the year balloting of the NDP tickets started.

Why was I so unlucky? Every year, I crave for that little opportunity to catch the National Day parade with my family or wife, but again my wishes were not granted yet again! To increase my chances, I have actually applied for tickets not to the actual parade but to a rehearsal for just 2 or 4 tickets. I thought that would increase my chances to fulfill this little wish of mine for many years, for just this year, but , I was disappointed once again!

As a Singaporean, I just wish to watch the National Day parade after so many years! Every year, I have applied but all my efforts were in vain! The last time I was at the parade, in 1999 was not due to I being lucky in getting the tickets but I was there to help out. Since then on, despites religiously applying for the tickets, and waiting patiently every year, hoping to get the coveted tickets to the greatest parade of our nation, my luck kept failing me.

Hence I have decided that one of my wishes in life was to be able to watch the National Day or its rehearsal live, before I die. I hope I would be able to have this wish fulfilled in years to come. I will keep trying for the tickets... be it 20 years, 50 years, I just wish to catch one good National Day show live with my family and my wife, when all of us are still around.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Orchard road flooding

This year, the inter-monsoon season seems to come a little bit earlier: on many days since last week, it rained very heavily in the early mornings but today the rain or rather, the downpour persisted till late afternoon!


And who can guess, the rain turned our popular tourist belt cum shopping paradise, Orchard road into a big low-depth swimming pool!



I was shocked. Who could expect Orchard road to be flooded? So far, it has always been low-lying places in our country such as Geylang and Kallang being flooded.

One good thing did come out from the Orchard Road flooding incident: Just as the recent vandalism case at Changi MRT depot has reminded us that our security measures at our public installations is not comprehensive, the Orchard road flood uncovered deficiencies of our drainage system in the Orchard road area.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Town council management report

Just a few days ago, the government released the inaugural town council management report. The report grades and as a result of the grading, ranks town council in areas like maintenance and facilities.


As a layman living in a housing estate managed by the town council, the town council management report and its result does not really interest me a lot. In fact, though I am an avid reader of the daily newspapers, I did not even check the ranking and results of the town council managing my estate.

Like me, I think most Singaporeans are quite apathetic to the results of the town council management report as generally, the facilities, hygience and upkeeping standard of town councils do not differ much from one to another. There will bound to be times where facilities are dirty and hygience problems arise but if these problems were to persist for a prolonged period of time, they will be reported in the daily newspapers already in the form of letters to the forums or even a special feature!

Instead of a town council management report, the authorities should comission a report on the "Happiness Index of Singapore constituencies": how happy are residents living in their consitituencies.

There is a "Happiest country in the world" ranking by some authorities, hence we can also have a "Happiest Estate in Singapore" form of ranking. Residents can be surveyed on how happy they are living in the estates. This report will definitely be more useful than the town management council report which, in my opinion measures just the tangible aspect and not the qualitative parts of Singapore living.

If an estate scores the poorest in this "Happiest Estate" ranking, the town councils, residents committees, CDC or CCC can immediately follow up to find out the root causes. Some reasons that may cause unhappy estate living could be due to overcrowding, congestion, increase of foreigners in the estate, increase of rodents, insufficient community engagement and so on and so forth.

Like the town council management report, if this "Happiest Estate" ranking were to be implemented, definitely I do not want them to be used to the housing agents' advantage. Can you imagine a housing agent telling a buyer to pay more for a flat in Tanjong Pagar because it is No.1 or Happiest town council in ranking? Luckily, Singapore now have the Council of Estate Agents to rein in errant agents.

I hope the government can look into implementing the "Happiest Estate in Singapore" ranking. The survey or means of collating the responses from residents can be coordinated by the Citizens' Consultative Committees from each consitituency.

Some people may say such a "Happiest Estate" ranking is irrelevant as the results will show up every 5 years when it comes to General Election. However, the happiness of residents when come to polling day hinge on the which political party he or she would like to bring Singapore forward.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

$36 million sentosa cove bungalow

How much are you wiling to pay for a bungalow in Singapore if you have the means?


With land being a premium, the prices of housing in Singapore is not low. An executive condominium can easily command a price of $1 million and more. The prices of bungalow will be in the leagues of $1 million and more, depending on the size.


But fancy paying $36 million dollars for a bungalow? Yes, that is what one China foreign folk did.. buying a posh bungalow at the exclusive ultra-premium Sentosa Cove. This guy must be a multi-millionaire or a billonaire at the very least.

I am not really shocked. The number of ultra-rich people in Asia is rising with China and India, the twin engines of Asia gearing up! It is not news anymore to hear of China Chinese, India Indians or Singaporeans lapping bags and other luxuries at our Orchard roads for $100,000 and more per shopping trip. These guys and gals are dirt-rich!

In Singapore, the proportion of millionaires (people with a disposable income of a million and more, excluding property) now stood at around 11%, numbering around 61,000! Again, I am not really surprised now that there are so many millonaires around us as many Singaporeans are entering into businesses (profitable ones), doing well in their jobs or are experts in investments.

Again, this is just one side of the coin, there is also the lower segment of the population who earn $2000 and below in our society. This group consists of the lower-educated or those who could not find work after retrenchment.

I think the onus of breaking out of the poverty trap if one is really in, rests on one's self. One should take action, e.g taking courses or developing their career competencies to increase their employablities and taking-home.

It may not be easy, but one must never give up. For me, I am also, constantly striving, never giving up, in my pursuit for a better life.

As such, I do not really like those jobless young men at the void deck of my apartments or beggars. They can really take action towards a better life. Small incremental steps will accrue one day to a positive change.

Singapore Hotels in Chinatown

If you are looking for hotels in Chinatown, and if you are a tourist, you should know that most of the hotels in Chinatown are cater to the budget tourists. Chinatown hotels are actually quite good hotels overall, just that certain hotels may attract the wrong kind of crowds. So do be discerning when you are looking for hotels in Chinatown.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Men of Religion

The ongoing probe into City Harvest church's fund management has raised a ruckus in our society. Singaporeans have expressed similar sentiments when the famous monk Ming Yi was found to misappropriate his religious funds. This sentiment is not surprising as we expect men of faith and religion, especially those who hold leadership roles to uphold and exhibit even higher moral values and standing.

Recently, there was a funeral wake at the void deck of an apartment just a stone's throw away from where I live. After a recent jog, I took a double look when I saw someone in a monk's suit smoking at a Senior Citizens' corner in the void deck. I went closer for a look: it was an old monk, most probably a monk who assisted in the rites at the void deck. He was busy lighting up his cigarette, puffing away while making a call on his mobile phone, with a blue tooth ear piece in one of his ears. I am not against a religious man using high tech gadgets or driving. But to see the monk smoking, I was shocked! I was shocked as men of religion should eschew bad habits and be a moral example for the rest of his fellowman. Once I saw another monk in Ion Orchard shopping. True religous men should have given up chasing the luxuries, bad habits, wealth and fame of life.

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