me.... as is...

Shift

2008-02-01T05:56:40Z

my my... it has been almost 1 year since my last entry....

things has been hectic and my second child (a baby girl) has tuned 1...

I will also be shifting my blog to http://wordpress.filmgrain.com and/or http://blog.filmgrain.com

and I will be updating my blogs much more often now

you can also see pictures of my family and I at http://gallery.filmgrain.com

Fennel: where to buy???

2007-02-12T04:12:29Z

Guys, I have been looking for fennel for the longest of time.

Anyone knows where can I get it in Singapore??

I am looking for fennel, not fennel seed (those that Indians use as mouth fresheners), unless they are fresh and ready to be planted.

Anyway, fennel is a herb and is called 茴香 in Mandarin. In China, it is used as an ingredient in making dumplings (饺子).

If anyone knows where can I get it, dun mind making 饺子 for you for your help.

Baby Gender

2006-10-01T05:05:32Z

My Wife found this somewhere, and well, somehow, it has been accurate for both our children.

Maybe you would want to try?

What the cahrt does is to interpret if the bay is a male/female, depensing on the age and month of conceiving of the mother.

男=male
女=female

Age is calculated as in the Chinese Calander, and so is the month.

For age of mum, its easy to calculate: just add one year to your current age. e.g. you are 25 this your, you should look at the 25 year old row.

For month, now, thats abit tricky.

But google can help you.
http://www.mandarintools.com/calconv_old.html

And tell me how accurate this is.

Annoyance..... Fireworks Festival 2006

2006-08-13T05:23:55Z

now.... I was at the opening and the closing fireworks in 2006.

And I tell you... many of those who went, are PCBs...

One: they sove around, regardless if you are carrying a baby/you are pregnant/you are old aged.

Two: They will do everything they can to get to the best spot, without care of what others might think, even if it means blocking those at the back.

They even resot to climbing onto the roof of FullertonONE

Three: ALL are inconsiderate f*ckers, who walks on the streets after the display, eventhought the roads are not closed, and cars have to give way to them.

Best thing.... our police can just stand there and do nothing!

In this picture, taken at FullertonONE after the display, those in the center are on the road. Those on bottom left, are climbing over fence, and walking on/over plants and grass patches.

Click here to download movie clip in avi format

Click here to download movie clip in 3gpp format

Interesting Pictures...

2006-07-29T05:57:49Z

Saw this one my way walking back to my place...
I hope its not man made... be cause if it is, I wonder when can Singaporeans be responsible enough...

Saw this last night at IMM...
damn... what would they come up with next??

Tyersall #3

2006-07-27T15:57:44Z

Abandoned Jaguar

Tyersall #2

2006-07-27T15:54:54Z

2nd set.

have been real busy, so late submitting.

Gate post

beyond the gates

Investing

2006-07-27T07:54:31Z

So I have come to a decision that its time I should start investing my CPF.

the market is trading very low, and I would expect a comeback, but I am not looking for a quick buck, more like a year long or even longer investment.

so...

From CPF- SA:
$5000 worth of Franklin Templeton Global Balanced Funds @ 1.56

From CPF -OA:
$1000 worth of SchroderEmerging Markets Funds @ 1.178

Lets check back in 6 month's time....

to the driver of SGC 7137 (IIRC)

2006-07-25T03:00:39Z

To the a-hole driving a Blue colour WRX imitation Subaru Imprezza, car plate SGC 7137 (IIRC), at approx 2010hrs along Jurong West St 75, then turned left to Jurong West Ave 4.

U R N S !

now, St 75 is a 2 lane road, I was travelling in the inner lane (left most), and he at the outermost (right most).

As I was approaching the left turn to Ave 4, this fella, stepped on the gas, signal, and tried to come right into my lane, when I am already getting into turning left.

I sound my horn, and he came in non-the less, causing me to e-brake, with my pregnant wife to sitting next to me, and the seat belt tightened.

He sped off, only to come to a halt at the traffic light at the junction of Jalan Bahar and JW Ave 4. Waiting to go striaght.

I was going to turn right at the junction, so I slowed down while passing him.

And he had the guts to stare at me! When he was in the wrong!

nah beh... you bang my car, you know how much you have to pay?! My car easily cost 35% more than your cheap imitation!
If my wife was not around, or something happened to her/our baby.... I would have gone down and give him one hell of a time.

oh... its a red plate somemore!

pcb....

Fare Hike! Yet again

2006-07-25T02:00:51Z

so what do you know? predictions about fare increments are 100% accurate yet again....

SMRT plans fare hikes for its bus, MRT, LRT services
By Noor Mohd Aziz, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 July 2006 2010 hrs

SMRT Corporation is planning to raise fares for its bus, MRT and LRT services.

It will apply for a fare adjustment by the August 1 deadline set by the Public Transport Council.

The SMRT Corporation says its total operating costs have ballooned by 20% this year because of the increase in diesel prices.

The fare hike will follow the PTC's formula of a maximum increase of 1.7%, which translates to a rise of one or two cents, if approved.

SMRT President and CEO Saw Phaik Hwa says that its proposed fare hike will not be sufficient to mitigate rising diesel costs.

It however supports the government's call for smaller and regular fare increases. - CNA/ir

so what people said is true.... before election, they give you a drum stick (progress package).... after election, they take back the whole chicken!

NEL is down...

2006-07-24T08:29:02Z

NEL services from Dhoby Ghaut to HarbourFront halted
By Joanne Leow, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 July 2006 1612 hrs

HarbourFront, Outram Park, Chinatown and Clarke Quay MRT stations have been closed due to an electrical problem which caused a train to stall just after Outram Park station.

At around 12.45pm, a southbound North East Line train stalled in the tunnel due to loss of traction power.

Repeated attempts to bring the power back failed and about half-an-hour after the incident, about 100 passengers were evacuated from the train.

Initial investigations showed a wire which supplied traction power to the trains had come loose.

SBS Transit says its engineers are working to bring the system up again, but this is likely to take several hours.

Normal train operations are still running between Dhoby Ghaut and Punggol stations, while alternative bus services from the affected stations have been activated.

Those affected can seek a refund of their fare at any NEL Passenger Service Counter.

The public may call the SBS Transit Customer Relations Centre at 1800-287-2727 or 6383-7214 for further information. - CNA/ir</font>

Tyersall Manion

2006-07-24T01:25:44Z

So synapseman and I went shooting at Tyersall yesterday.

This is my first set:

Much more to come

Hand Granade found in Condominium

2006-07-19T05:38:38Z

So our great SAF is in the news again, for all the wrong reasons:

Training grenade found in rubbish centre of condominium
By Ng Bao Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 July 2006 1821 hrs

SINGAPORE : A training grenade has been found in the rubbish centre of a condominium block at Cuscaden Walk.

Police said they were notified by a cleaner, who was wheeling a bin from one of the apartment block chutes to the main rubbish centre on Tuesday morning.

They cordoned the area, covered the item with a bomb blanket and notified the SAF's Explosives and Ordinance Disposal unit.

The object was identified as a training grenade which does not contain high explosives.

Police are now investigating how the grenade got there.

- CNA /ls

what can I say? Firearms leh... must be some rich recruit who "accidentally" took it home and dunno what to do with it...

World cup supporters

2006-07-19T01:12:08Z

So, the world cup is over, and lets have a recap of the supports of the various countries...

Brazil... NICE!

Paraguay... so so nice!

Switzerland... wooo... not bad!

Japan.... wow... ultra!
.
..
...
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........
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Singaporeans requests to fly the national flag longer

2006-07-18T09:27:52Z

Rules relaxed for flying national flag
By Noor Mohd Aziz, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 July 2006 1656 hrs

SINGAPORE : Singaporeans can now fly the national flag at their residences from the middle of July to the end of August, to celebrate the country's National Day.

Previously, the national flag could only be displayed in August.

Following requests by Singaporeans, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts is allowing residents to display the flag for the extended period, on a trial basis.

It is also allowing Singaporeans to apply decals and flag stickers to themselves or their belongings.

This is to give the people more ways of expressing their loyalty to Singapore during the National Day celebrations.

The ministry, however, reminds the public to maintain the dignity and respect for the flag in doing so.

The business community, including foreign organisations based here, is also encouraged to fly the Singapore flag.

Guidelines on the use of national symbols can be found at www.sg and for the national flag at www.sg/explore/symbols_flag_guideline.htm. - CNA /ct

right....

Something I have to commend about Starhub.

2006-07-18T00:45:39Z

Many would have known that I am going to have my baby soon.

Now, many would also believe that I am pretty well to do.

Well, maybe when I was still living off my father, but now, life is not exactly that easy, although not exactly very comfy as well. But I am alright with my life, but still, I need to save up here and there.

I wrote in to Starhub recently telling them that I would like to have them write off the Autoroam and Caller ID I have on my line, due to my need to save up, and giving them the reason.

I received a call yesterday.

They are waiving it off for the next 6 months!

Hey, although their network coverage sucks and roaming to China is cut throat, but hey, at least they empathise.

Good on ya Starhub, and a BIG thank you!

Double Standard pricing from SIA

2006-07-17T09:28:48Z

so... I sent in a mail to SIA asking them why is the fuel surcharge different between PEK-SIN-PEK and SIN-PEK-SIN.

and their reply:

VIA EMAIL
(xxx@xxx.xxx)

Mr. xxx

13 July 2006

xxxxxxxx/CR/SN

Dear Mr. xxx

Greetings from Singapore Airlines. I hope my email finds you well.

I refer to your email concerning the airport taxes and fuel surcharges as
part of our fare structure. May I take this opportunity to explain that airport
taxes are not in the purview of the airline, but are levied on airlines by
the local airport authority.

Similarly, the fuel charges will differ when tickets for travel routings
are purchased from different countries of origin as fuel charges are subjected
to official regulation and approval in some markets, China notwithstanding. If
I may explain further, the fuel surcharge for travel between Singapore and
China, for a ticket purchased in China is USD 25. However, fuel surcharges for
other sectors, whether purchased in Singapore or other countries may vary from
USD 25 to USD 65, depending on the local regulation and approval, in line with
fuel surcharges imposed by the local national airline as well.

Mr. xxx, thank you for giving me the opportunity to correspond with you. I
hope that our reply has in some way addressed your concerns as well as
reassuring you of the high level of service which we strive to provide. Your custom is
important to Singapore Airlines and we look forward to welcoming you on
board our flights again soon.

Yours sincerely,

Ms. ------------------
----- Customer Services

Great! So they wrote back to me, and tell me that fuel surcharge from different sectors are charged differently; which is why I wrote them the email at the ver beginning!

Look, I am asking how does SIA justify the difference. HOW they justify, and not what they are doing.

I would like to see proof, dude, black and white from different authorities, approvals, etc.

I am paying for it, so I am entitled to know, no??

Charity work

2006-07-17T03:41:13Z

I am not sure how many of you still remember the charity work that I was talking about...

anyway, here is the link: http://hangyong.livejournal.com/91059.html

I have just started another thing, technical support.

I am not sure if I am doig the right thing though... I hope the technical support guys will not get retrenched because people started to do things like these..

Someone was asking me on how to setup some network devices, and I walked him through.

In the end, everything was ok, and he was happy with it. Instead of asking for money, I asked him to donate to a charity of his choice, for whatever amount he wants.

I guess thats one way I can return to the society...

and I hope I am doing the right thing....

eating in MRT

2006-07-13T03:00:28Z

this seriously angers me....

drinking water, I can let it go...

I can also understand that one should not go hungry (I myself cannot be hungry, or I will faint)...

but this is like too much right???

twisties, kinder buenos.... and pork floss ?!

and carrying that bag!! *gasp* (I can also understand being a gentleman, to help the lady, but this is obviously not the case here)

And then, another case, some girl eating guava in MRT

Uncle stare and say also no use one!

unjustified???

2006-07-13T02:35:07Z

Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 12 July 2006 1929 hrs

Unjustified comments on govt policies will undermine confidence in govt: minister
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia

Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Dr Lee Boon Yang said the government was duty-bound to respond to unfair and unjustified comments on key government policies.

He was speaking to reporters on Wednesday after launching Singapore HeritageFest at Suntec City.

The theme this year is identity, and with its tagline - "What makes you, You?",

It aims to get Singaporeans discussing, and to decide for themselves what the Singapore identity is.

Asked for the Government's response to a recent newspaper column by famous blogger mr brown, Dr Lee said he (mr brown) made various allegations which were unfounded, and published them in a mainstream newspaper.

If the Government lets those comments pass, they would undermine confidence in the Government.

Dr Lee said: "I said that we will look at how we can help have a lighter touch in regulating the internet during the elections. Mr brown's comment was not posted in his blog. If he had posted the same comment on his blog, we'll treat it as part of the internet chatter and we would have just let it be! But he didn't post it - he wrote it and publish it in a mainstream newspaper! That's the difference!"

friend... if I am not wrong its at http://www.mrbrown.com/blog/2006/07/today_sporeans_.html

The minister said, in a mainstream newspaper, you have to be objective, you have to be accurate, you have to be responsible for your views.

He added: "And that's always been my position, or the position of this Government - that the mainstream newspaper must report accurately, objectively and responsibly. And that they must adopt this model that they are part of this nation-building effort, rather than go out and purvey views that would mislead people, confuse people, which will in fact undermine our national strategy!" - CNA/ch

which part of the article, written by Mr Brown, in not accurate, objective, and responsible?

He reported accurately on what almost 40% (or more) of the general population thinks, accurately, with examples of raising prices of watching world cup, etc.
Its has been a comical column, although it was in the voices panel, all the while. So what objectivity do you need?
And he has to be responsible for speaking up for 40% of the population? no wonder you are ranked 140th in the free press index and 131 out of 170 for population unhappiness.

which brings me to a question.

How come when the news reports on surveys, MOST of the population is happy with the policy, while the international index tells me otherwise? You mean Reuters is not being responsible, accurate and objective?

LP la....

Angry Singaporean (no lah... I mean to say "Singaporeans are unhappy")

2006-07-13T02:07:05Z

wow... I hope this is not the kind of track record we have, someone was talking about during the recent GE.

So, looking Mr Lee Boon Yang's comment about Mr Brown not reporting accurately, objectively, and responsibly (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/218745/1/.html), and the fact that whenever there are some official surveys going on in Singapore regarding policy, the news will report that the population is generally happy with the new policy, is Reuters not being responsible, objective, and accurate, by reporting otherwise?

====================
July 13, 2006
Singaporeans the least happy people in Asia

LONDON - OF ALL the countries in the Asean region, Vietnam has the most to smile about and Singapore the least, according to a list of the happiest countries on the planet.

A new study published yesterday ranked the small South-east Asian country as 12th on a list of 178 nations, beating big-economy behemoths such as Britain and the United States in a survey that measured people's well-being and their impact on the environment.

Singapore, on the other hand, fared the worst of all the Asean and Asian nations ranked, coming in at 131st.

Compiled by the British think-tank New Economics Foundation (NEF), the Happy Planet Index painted a different order of world wealth.

Abandoning what it termed 'crude ratings' of countries according to economic indicators like gross domestic product, the NEF intended the new index to strip life back to the basics - measuring life satisfaction, life expectancy and environmental impact.

Island nations did well in the rankings, with the tiny South Pacific nation of Vanuatu topping the list. 'People are generally happy here because they are very satisfied with very little,' said Mr Marke Lowen of Vanuatu Online, the republic's online newspaper.

Industrial countries, perhaps unsurprisingly, fared badly on the index - Britain came in at 108th while the US ranked 150th. Most of the bottom 10 countries were African nations, with Zimbabwe coming in last.

'The order of nations that emerges may seem counter-intuitive. But this is because policymakers have been led astray by abstract mathematical models of the economy that bear little relation to the real world,' said NEF's policy director Andrew Simms. -- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/portal/site/STI/menuitem.c2aef3d65baca16abb31f610a06310a0/?vgnextoid=6fadbe120b93a010VgnVCM1000000a35010aRCRD&vgnextfmt=vgnartid:0de18b7c9d36c010VgnVCM100000430a0a0aRCRD

===============

World News // Thursday, July 13, 2006
Happiness is an island
Tiny Vanuatu is the happiest country in the world, Singapore the unhappiest in Asia, says new report

LONDON — Vanuatu, a tiny South Pacific Ocean archipelago with a population of around 200,000, is the happiest country on Earth, while Zimbabwe is the unhappiest, according to a study published yesterday measuring people's wellbeing and their impact on the environment.
.
Among the Asian nations Vietnam came highest at number 12 and Singapore was ranked lowest at 131, said the 178-country Happy Planet Index, compiled by the British think-tank New Economics Foundation (NEF).
.
Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica and Panama completed the top five in the world, it said. African countries along with Zimbabwe made up seven of the bottom 10.
.
The Group of Eight industrial powers meet in Russia this weekend but have not much to smile about, according to the index.
.
Italy came out best in 66th place, ahead of Germany (81), Japan (95), Britain (108), Canada (111), France (129), the United States (150) and Russia, in lowly 172nd place.
.
The index attempts to measure how well countries use their resources to deliver longer lives, greater physical well-being and satisfaction.
.
Mr Andrew Simms, NEF's policy director, said the index "addresses the relative success or failure of countries in giving their citizens a good life while respecting the environmental resource limits on which all our lives depend".
.
So what is Vanuatu's secret?
.
"Don't tell too many people, please," said Mr Marke Lowen of Vanuatu Online, the island republic's online newspaper. "People are generally happy here because they are very satisfied with very little," he told The Guardian.
.
"This is not a consumer-driven society. Life here is about community and family and goodwill to other people. It's a place where you don't worry too much."
.
"The only things we fear are cyclones or earthquakes." — Agencies

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/130223.asp

DOuble standard in Fuel Surcharge on SIA flights

2006-07-12T09:27:06Z

I just realised that the tax+levy for flight from SIN-PEK-SIN cost $245, while the flight from PEK-SIN-PEK cost only RMB599 (approx $120).

I called SIA's booking hotline but they cannot give an answer, and infact, they are not aware of this, until I told them.

SO I wrote a letter to SIA, lets wait for their reply.

====================
I have a question regarding charges levied while taking your flights.

I am aware that the airport tax in SIN is $21 and PEK is $18.

But I am also aware that in total, a flight from PEK-SIN-PEK on SQ flight, the total levy (including aitport tax), is approximately $120.

Whereas a flight from SIN-PEK-SIN, cost $245.

Why is that so?

I am also aware that there is a difference in fuel price between Singapore and China, but you see, a plane never fills to the brim for that sector of flight, they will only pump the needed amount of fuel, plus some allowance for one sector, and pump again at the other airport for the retun sector.

This effectively means that for e.g., each sector needs 100L of fuel, and 100L cost $100 in Singapore, and $50 in China.

So either way, be it PEK-SIN-PEK or SIN-PEK-SIN, the fuel price for the round trip will cost $150, regardless of fuel price.

So why is there a difference in the fuel surcharge?

I am also aware that the fuel surcharge is levied by SIA, and not the airport authority.

So why is SIA having a double standard in fuel surcharge, that leads to more than 100% of difference between SIN and PEK??

Hope that you can clarify my queries.

Thank you in advance.
================================

anyone can offer me an answer?

I want to slim down... I really do

2006-07-05T12:36:09Z

After reading through what went through Mr Brown's minds about being overweight. It suddenly struck me that I should really stop lying to myself, and get myself one size down at least.

I have not been slim ever, and has not been L or XL size for many moons.

I realised that I have forgotten about all that I have promised myself when I first saw my son coming out from my wife's tummy.

What did I promise? Well, I want to stay healthy, and stay by them for the longest time that I could possibly be. What will happen to them if something happens to me? My wife simply cannot bring up my kids herself, and it will be years to come before they can be indipendant.

And the worst situation I can be, is to stay as fat as I am now, or worst, get even fatter.

I want to start slimming down.

I need support, and I need to be pushed.

I will start by eating half my current consumption, by ordering the smallest possible amount that the stall sells. I must say that I took more than necessary for dinner earlier, so I shall punish myself by climbing all the way up to my level tonight.

I wanna stay healthy, and I wanna see my kids grow up.

the lengthy and tedious process.... to come Singapore

2006-06-30T02:04:51Z

So, my wife is pregnant, and therefore, my mother in law will be coming over.

I have nothing against it actually, infact, i pretty much welcome her. Sweet old lady, who can cook (now, thats important)...

Anyway, getting her into Singapore is quite a PITA.

1. She will have to get her visa.
now, this visa will only allow her enter Singapore.
note that this DOES NOT mean that she will be allowed to go pass the immigration.
the visa only allows her to come into Singapore, up to the point of immigration.
to Apply for the visa, we will need to send her the application form.
She will have to fill them up.
She will then send it back to Singapore.
We will then submit it to ICA for consideration
she needs photocopies of her passport, and a recent photo (white background, non-gloss), my wife's IC, and photocopy, a copy of her household booklet, and a security deposit of $1000, a processing fee of $20 (non-refundable), and a 3 day wait.

The processing of the deposit takes 4weeks.... and I need to fill in a giro form... right...

I will then send this visa to my mother in law, and she will have to bring it together when coming Singapore.

Good thing though, that this visa is multi-entry, so I bring her out of Singapore, and bring her back in again, without any trouble.

2. Now, upon arrival to Singapore's immigration, she will then be judged by the ICA officer to see if she is granted to go pass the gantry.
if no, back she goes.
if yes, it will then depend on the mood of the officer to grant her up to 2 weeks (IIRC) of stay. This is what they call, a social visit pass.
Now, she will have to furnish her return ticket.

3. Well, since my wife is pregnant, we would like my mother in law to stay for a longer period.
But she was only granted 2 week! fret not, we have to go to ICA to apply for her LONG TERM SOCIAL VISIT PASS.
this pass can last up to 5 years, and comes with a multi-entry visa.
processing time is 4-6 weeks, and her stay is automatically prolonged by 8 more weeks to wait for the application outcome.
for this, we will need my wife's birth cert, fill in some forms, recent photo,wife's IC, employment letter from my wife's employer stating her date of commencement, salary, and position, wife's income tax assessment for the last 3 years, wife's CPF statement for the last 12 months, AND another security deposit of $1000.

oh wait... I forgot to mention that ICA needs EVERYTHING to be in English. So if its in Mandarin, go get it translated. And it can only be done in the courts.

How convenient...

Overjoyed

2006-06-26T12:24:18Z

You know... it has been a while since I have been really happy... I mean really happy, overjoyed from the bottom of my heart...

and you know what?

No one else can be happier than I am now...

you know why??

baby at 5 weeks

baby at 7weeks 2 days

and of course... thats the scan of my wife's tummy...