Voice of a SNAG!

Second Day in Hokkaido~

2007-09-27T21:27:00.000+08:00

In Hokkaido, there used to be locals that reside there which were named "Ainu".
We visit a re-created Ainu village which is located in the area called "Shiraoi Poroto Kotan".

Super big structure (like 3 floors high!) that greets you when you enter "Shiraoi Poroto Kotan"

Nowadays, nobody live by the traditional Ainu culture anymore. This village cum museum is merely a showcase of the Ainu customs and heritage for tourists and future generations.

The typical Ainu house has an entrance in the west, 3 windows in the east and the south. As explained by the guides, the windows allow access to Gods and spirits of their fore-parents.

A real Ainu house is much smaller. This enlarge version is to house tourists.

The ritual dance "Iyomante Rimse" is performed to send the spirit of the bear-God back to heaven. The black bear is a revered icon in the Ainu culture, because I think, they provide the Ainu people with almost everything that they needed.

Sending the spirits of the bear-God back to heaven.

The Ainu people plays the "mukkur", a musical instrument which produces sound out of a piece of thin bamboo and a thread which is pulled as you are blowing.

Chio-bu performing on a mouth harp~~~~ = )

It doesn't escape me when I realised some of the performing crew have dyed hair and modern accessories. They are merely replicating Ainu culture is a setting only meant for tourists as a money-spinning event.

Alright. Check back in a couple of days for the next update~

The land of the Rising Sun - preview ~

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

So you would have known that I spend 2 weeks in Japan by now!

And now for the anticipated pics!!!

The sunset from my window seat!~~

The flight to Tokyo took about 7 hours and I slept my way through the morning flight.

Reached Narita airpork and took a domestic flight to Chitose airpork, which is the airport serving Hokkaido!
I stayed at Hotel Nikko Chitose, as the first stop of the tour.

Being bored and restless after travelling for more than 10 hours, we took a stroll around the hotel. Weather was a cool 21 degrees.

And we chanced upon............

Japan Pasar Malem!!!!

There were some festival celebration going on in Chitose, a small city of only 90,000 people, which is really a rarity.

We went round savoring the gourmet delights of Japan by starting with ............ the Octopus balls! Much much larger and chewier then the ones served in Bugis Junction was the verdict.

Octopus Balls... yum yum yum

More gourmet delights!... oishii!!!

OISHII!!!!

Only chanced upon some weird stalls.....

Japanese Beetles~~~~!!! EEEeeek

During Summer, Japanese beetles are a very common pest, and to battle this problem, (to fuel those human increasingly weird tastes) they are sold as pets, or as collection specimens I think.

Guess what is inside these cute wrappers?

Candy floss~~~~in your favourite cartoon character wrapping

It was around 10pm and decided to head back to hotel, but not before a refreshing drink of ice cooling water ...... from a water cooler?

You cant get any more natural than this.......

The water flows down from some spring and is completely n-a-t-u-r-a-l. Being so amazed, I cant resist taking a picture and causing a huge jam at the drinking queue. Hahahaa. Japanese people are just so polite. They rather inconvenient themselves than others.

All right folks. This concludes my Day 1 of sightseeing tour!

I promise to write one entry before the month is up.

2007-08-15T01:34:00.000+08:00

I promise to write one entry before the month is up in lieu of the support of my legions of female fans. (sorry if you are male and reading my blog, pls dun make yourself seen or heard, I dun really need to know your undying support. Thanks. )

Tagged: 10 Weird / Little known things about Me

2007-06-07T21:17:00.000+08:00

Ok... I have been tagged by Beckyy to do this.....

#1
I am allergic to sea-food .... or so I think. Haha.... the ambiguity came about because I was warded to hospital for 10 days during P3 for a bout of serious allergy reaction. The doctor never truly found out the reason, and it was concluded as possible "sea-food allergy". So I might not be allergic after all.

#2
I learnt English only at 7. Cantonese was the first language I spoke.

#3
I hate it when people touch my hair.

#4
My childhood ambition was to be a scientist, and my goal was to invent something that can be found in every household.

#5
I was a sickly child.

#6
I got this obsession of keeping my hands clean, so I dont really eat chicken wings. Some friends thought I dont like chicken / fried food. Now you know.

#7
I have this rather high pitch singing voice, that could disturb certain people... Hahahaha

#8
I have a poor sense of direction (think getting lost), and is easily confused by complex routine that requires hands and legs to move together (think "dancing").

#9
I suspect I am mildly dyslexia. I often mixed up my d and g together and can only recognize if it the spelling is right after I finish the word. Certain simple words often threw up a blank when I need to use them. Word Processor with speller check is a God-sent.

#10
I am a really sentimental person, though I can give certain people this cold facade.

Ok! I tagged those who read my blog to write a similar entry, especially Da Ge and Da Sao!~~

The end of everything.

2007-06-01T00:21:00.000+08:00

From :	Mail Administrator
Reply-To :	Mail Administrator
Sent :	Thursday, May 31, 2007 4:13 PM
To :	zenkok@hotmail.com
Subject :	Mail System Error - Returned Mail

This Message was undeliverable due to the following reason:

The user(s) account is temporarily over quota.

XXXXXXXX@pacific.net.sg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kok Junfeng
To: XXXXXXXX@pacific.net.sg
Subject: Hi XXX~
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 4:13 PM

Dear XXX,

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

And so this greeting will never reach you.

This is the end, in a manner I never foresee.

A pack of Lies

2007-05-23T22:22:00.000+08:00

26 April 2006
Mr Kok Junfeng
Engineer
XXX Dept

Dear Junfeng,

SALARY ADJUSTMENT

We are pleased to inform you that with effect from 1 April 2007, your monthly salary has been adjusted to $2XXX.XX.

Apart from the... blah blah blah

On behalf of the Company, (spelt with a capital C for crap) we wish to thank you for your contributions and trust that you will continue to give your best, (you wish) working with the entire XXX team to bring the Company (spelt with a capital C for Cut the Crap) to greater heights.

Congratulation and best wishes for a happy rewarding career with XXX. (Hahahaha That WAS a joke right?)

Your sincerely,

XXXXXXX
(seriously I dun really care but you could consider replacing George Carlin)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Know the difference between a pay raise and a pay adjustment?

I DID'NT till now.

When you have done a fair amount of work and received praise from your boss and a pat on your back and "this is your reward for your hard work".
You would have really thought it was something special......

Then the painful truth rear its ugly head.

Ugly Truth 1:

Almost everyone I knew who started work at the same time as me gotten a "raise".

Ok..... Now is not a time to get jealous... perhaps everyone has been working really hard and putting in long hours but it just happen that when I go home.... I dont see anyone else in the office............. Everyone is doing alot of work back in their home PC......... Everyone is working soooo hard.......

Then... came the defining moment and the straw that broke the camel back.

Ugly Truth 2:

All the freshies into the Company (Capital C for cheapskates) are now drawing the same pay as me AFTER the pay RAISE.

Complete BS. You dont package a pay adjustment as a pay raise, although to be fair it was written in the Company (Capital C for cunning) letter that is was an "adjustment". But still........ You Call a spade a spade!!! Dont disguise it as a raise! I feel so cheated.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Awakening revelations

No 1: Nobody really appreciate my work.

The truth is probably HR manager ask my boss if I should be part of the name list so I can get the same pay as the freshies. Boss probably type Y-E-S and click the "send" button using his mouse in precisely 1.654 seconds. He then spend a further 14.38 seconds saying "thanks for your hard work" and proceed to spend 1.87 seconds dragging his hand from besides his trousers hem to my right shoulder..... while maintaining a "encouraging tone". Look, this is indeed a classic man-management example at its very best. No effort required on his part, worker feel immensely happy and loyalty is brought for nothing. That is till someone leak the Company (Capital C for Classic Crap) hic secrets.

No 2: I have to work even harder to get my next pay raise.

Since my slate is clean now because I start from ground zero after I have gotten a pay raise (in his opinion) and my earlier hard work has come to naught. Now I have to improve from a higher starting point.

No 3: I threw the damn Saturday papers away.

I think that spoke for itself. $@&^%%#*&%^

It slipped us by - 2000

2007-03-17T01:47:00.001+08:00

Jealousy is a terrible thing.

You feel the acid stinging away somewhere deep, eating you from inside. (1998)

Loneliness is worse then terrible.

It engulf you with a blanket of emptiness that threaten to suffocate you from living. (1999)

But the worst feeling is regret.

You look back in anger, in sadness, in resignation.
You wonder aloud of the ending, the decisions made, the choices available. (2001)

You live your life knowing things cant go back to what they were. (2007)

10 Trivias in Dubai

2007-02-09T21:16:00.000+08:00

1. There are sand storms in Dubai! Amazing, just like Arrakis/Dune. Visibility is so bad you cant see too far ahead while driving~

Dune recreated in Dubai!~~

2. It is currently the "rainy" season of Dubai. It rains like once every week for 1 hour. Amazing, what will they say about Spore in Dec?

3. Smoking is allowed in air cons mall. The designated smoking area in a restaurant is usually just a table away from the non-smoking section. Why bother to segregate in the first place?

4. Traffic jams along the Dubai sole expressway is comparable and in my opinion, even worse then that of Bangkok. Getting stuck in jams for 1-1.5 hours are normal.

Traffic Jam everyday except for Friday.....

5. There are more Indians and Pakistani then Arabs in Dubai. Filipinos also have a significant presence here. Chinese are a rarity. Singaporeans? I only saw 3 in 3 weeks here.

6. Dubai has the same "must-win" mentality that Singaporean leaders have. They now have the tallest building in the world, most posh hotel in the world, and biggest shopping malls. One of their biggest mall, "Mall of the Emirates" has a snow skiing slope, right in the middle of desert region. Amazing achievement.

Mall of the Emirates. The grey structure is the skiing slope... Amazing

Close up of the skiing facilities called Snow City

7. The beaches of Dubai has clean sand with clear blue water. Spore will never be able to match the natural beaches other countries has to offer.

8. Cars are left-hand drive. Highway exits are on the right. Single lane roads will see you travelling on the right as well. Just all totally different from Spore. I am so not used to it. Yeah, I drove in Dubai. A first! Driving in a foreign city.

9. Dubai is not a country but a state in UAE (United Arab Emirates). I think another 5 or 6 more states make up the rest of UAE.

Map of UAE. Capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi and not Dubai, which is a common mistake.

10. Dubai is extremely expensive. Hotel rates are average 200-300 plus Sing dollar per day. Transport vie cab is usually another 50-60 Sing Dollar. But well, if you are going for a holiday, then costs shouldnt be the most important factor, having fun is upmost importance!

S-E-V-E-N stars Hotel! Iconic Building of Dubai!

S$2000 a night! Only for rich and the famous!

No updates!

2007-02-09T20:48:00.000+08:00

My Fren say I am a bitch cause I never update my blog~~~~

There you go, bitchy me has made an entry. = )

Even in Dubai, I am reminded that V day is just a couple (notice the pun here) of days away.

Hells......

Work - the central stage

2006-12-06T21:51:00.000+08:00

Hi, if you are reading this, I guess you are still pretty free to indulge in excessive luxuries. (such as reading a bo liao blog with bo liao entries) I have been really busy lately, so much so I got no time to go home and I just sleep in the office to save on the travelling time. (ok kidding)

But as I was complaining just one and half month back how free I was, those days have since become a distant memory. Suddenly thrusted into the thick of action, wearing nothing but a 2 piece swimsuit (stop drooling ~~), and armed with only a pen, I went on to calculate and design the biggest project of mankind so far, just slightly smaller in significance than the Pyramids.

That took me 2 weeks.

Scurrying round the office in a manner rats do in a sinking ship, I tried to carry out what was asked of me. You know you are busy when you have to switch off the lights at the end of the day. But sadly, in the corporate world, its results (and a huge dose of bootlicking) that is important. And I am unable to reproduce that (cause I am a male ~~~ lame).

I made an grave error in one of my work on Monday. That could have potentially cost 200k. In the end, it was discovered before any real damage was done... but I started doubting if I am really cut out as an engineer or should I switch to being a stand up comedian who specialise in lame jokes (ok!!! stop giving me the this isnt funny look)

I start to question the functionality of work.... the direction of one career.... and ultimately the meaning of one's life.

Tag and war between colleagues, sucking up to the guys in the rooms with doors, trying hard to smile when you had a bad day is just so not me.

You ask if this will ever come to an end?

Shades of me

2006-10-16T00:50:00.000+08:00

I am moody, negative and cynical.... more than half the time.

And no I dont enjoy this side of myself.

And Mr Hyde reared his ugly head this weekend.

And no I dont enjoy an weekend in Mr Hyde skin.

I want to be humourous, sensitive, spontaneous in your vicinity.

And no I wasnt any of the above.

You were a familiar stranger,

And no, there wasnt a trace of that mesmerising smile.

I threw up in a bout of indulgent bingeing,

And no, it wasnt the alcohol, but the emptiness inside.

I woke up, numb for a moment,

And no, nothing really changed.

My head had a dull ache,

And no, it wasnt a hangover. It probably stemmed from my heart.

I wasted another weekend,

And no, this is not the last of this entry.

I love children! ~~~

2006-09-25T21:42:00.001+08:00

I love children, and how sweet they always appear to be.

This morning, while I was leaving for work in my favourite blue,white and purple strip shirt that I just bought a while ago, I bumped into my neighbours.

The loving couple was about to bring their two daughters (about 3 to 5 years old) to pre-school. After I greeted them with a cherry "Morning" and the couple replied likewise. The wife quickly chided her daugheters for not greeting me.

And I noticed how cute they were in their little uniforms which were matching with their little bags.... and it matches their little water bottles. They were..... literally little everything! Shoes, socks, you name it. How on earth could anyone, anyone in the world who dont like children? They were soooooooooooooo cute.

And then, they opened their little mouths. *imagine scene of sunflowers blooming*
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
UNCLE!

They greet in unison.
$%$@&^*&*@;a;^*^(*%$^$^%@!^@^%&%^$%$@&^$

ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Their mom appeared sheepish and corrected them immediately "kor kor lah"
while I continued to flash my magnetic smile.

I am thinking of getting a birthday present for the so sweet young children.

Now my neighbours better subscribe to this new policy = )
PS: PIC from the popular Maddox website.

Lame Musings

2006-09-06T00:18:00.000+08:00

Q. What are the five things that I look forward to in a month?

A. 4 weekends and 1 pay day!

Q. When I say I am the second most important person in the company, who IS the most important person then?

A. The rest of the people in the company. (caught you! hahaha)

Q. What is the nickname given to me by my colleagues?

A. Baby, cause I am the youngest one around. (imagine that!! Every single female colleague calling me baby... hmmmm Never a luckier guy around until you consider their age... hmmmm. I think there is an English word to explain this kind of behaviour. I think it is pedophile. "

Q. What is the most important task currently given to me?

A. To "da bao" lunch for my fellow engineers who are too busy to eat.

Q. What is my current position/designation in my company?

A. Administrative engineer. I handle all the paperwork that my fellow engineers dont feel like doing. WOOOOOOOOO~~~~

Q. How to do you know if my day is slack, very slack or extremely slack?

A.

toilet breaks < 3 ="">
toilet breaks < fingers =" very">
toilet breaks > 10 and too many to count even with all yr little toes = extremely slack (more than 99% of the time!!!!)

Q. How do you know your boss doesnt think highly of you?

A. When he spell your name as Jung Feng after 1 months and 2 weeks in the company.

Q. How do you know you are unmotivated to go to work?

A. When you are 2nd last to come to work and the one later than you has already tendered his resignation letter. WOOOOOOOO~~~~

Q. How do you know ....nobody really cares whether you are there anot?

A. When the only greeting you received comes from the guy cleaning the toilet. or when you starts talking to yourself as boredom creeps in. Hhahahaahahahaha

Ok. To sleep.... wooooooooo... wednesday..... wooooooo

Working Life

2006-08-15T21:37:00.000+08:00

So you are waiting for my take on working life?

I have smiled more in these 3 weeks then in 3 years.

The 3 important acts in the company.

Act friendly
Act busy
Act interested in boring conversation topics.

WOO~
Two more weeks to pay day.

Once upon a time... and happily ever after.

2006-07-23T23:27:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, on the sunny morning on the 18th of July, the ring tone from Zen hand phone woke him up from his slumber.

And his life went top tursy from that moment onwards ....

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and thanks to all concerned abt me, yeah I am no longer your slackest fren!

And how is my future life going to be?

As suggested by good fren, ZZ over MSN,

Zumbo: says:
then everyday u wake up, jog, eat breakfast then go to work. while jogging u meet this chiobu. then u ask her to be ur gf. then u pass ippt. then got job got gf no rt. all the pieces of your life are falling together liao.

Wahahaha and I live happily ever after. Yeah
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok time to wake up, and pardon for this very unorganised and disorientated post. Hahahaa. Tmr first day of work. Byezzz.

A re-live day

2006-07-14T23:55:00.000+08:00

I have been watching an english drama series "Tru calling" lately. Just finished season 1.

Tru is bestowed with special powers of being able to communicate with the dead. When the dead people (usually lying in the morgue freezer) asked for help from Tru, the events of the day are reversed and she will get to re-live the day again, to prevent the mishap which caused the death from happening.

Sometimes, the death will not be preventable. Other times, others die when someone is saved. Yet on another occasion, she have to re-live the same day a few times just so 'fate' will have the desired result.

Do you wish you have such powers sometimes? To re-live a day? Especially a bad day?
I certainty do.

There is this saying "it never rains but pours" and on hindsight as I type this, I cant agree how true it is. The morning rain today disrupted my plans for a game of tennis. So I crawl back into bed to sleep.

Close friends would have known there is this job that I really wanted recently. Sorry to disappoint your guys but yah, it is most likely over. I am back to square one in the job hunt.

How I wish I could re-live the day the day like Tru, to right the wrongs in my life. Leave a better impression, say the right things. Give the right body language. Its too late for regrets, and maybe I will emerge a stronger person from this set back. Unfortunately, it will also mean that my desire to starts a career in the wastewater sector is no longer possible given the dearth of such companies in Singapore.

Sometimes, it really amazes me how your life can turn for the worse or better in just a matter of a phonecall or an email or receiving of some information. Was the sign always there but you just didn't pick it up? Or is life as describe by Forest Gump, one never knows what one can get. The sheer unpredictability makes one carry on living, dreaming and breathing.

I heard from a friend there are 4 stages to getting over a loss.
1. denial
2. acceptance
3. grieve
4. moving on

*wanted to post up convo pics but really not in the mood. Disappointment caused is regretted.*

The elusive search continues......

2006-06-19T02:52:00.000+08:00

So it was a good one month before I logged in another entry into this blog. Pardon for the long absence and the almost-non- existent updates. I have been busy with slacking so you must forgive me! Wahahaha.

Not sure if the other people who are already employed will get what I am going to say, but I think everyone goes through a period like this in their lives especially just before they graduate or when they have just graduated. They ask themselves the holy grail Q, "what is the meaning of live?" and "what do they really want out of life?". One being to classify what is essential and what is desirable but non-essential and what are just plain bargaining chips.

criterion would include

High starting pay
5 days work week
Short traveling distance
Non-office attire
male/female working env (depends on your sexual orientation, wahahahaha)
Room for growth
Your ideal career/childhood ambition
Flexi hours/work from home
Does not require overseas travel
No OT
Respectable job title

So person A might be a mega slacker like me will deem 2 and 3 to be essential, 4 and 10 to be non-essential but desirable, and 1 and 6 to be bargaining chips (willing to sacrifice certain things in order to get the essentials). So what kinda profile are you?

Anyway, to answer a burning Q in many of us.... why do some of the graduating students find it so difficult to motivate themselves to find a job?

Answer: There is no longer a marker where we can be judged upon.

In our very pressuring education system, there have always been markers to gauge your progress and success. Even when you were a 10 year old kid, you were classified as "special" "express" or "normal" where everyone knows being normal is the furthest thing from everyone's mind.

And so the markers continue throughout one's young lives. 10As for 'O' levels, entry to a JC and possibly a top 5 JC, 6As for 'A' levels and 2 S paper distinctions, entry into a 'good' university to pursue a 'good' course, aiming for first class honours, making it into the dean list...... And the list goes on.

And very suddenly the markers are removed from one lives. It is being replaced with "entry into a MNC company", "high starting pay", "high sounding titles"....vague markers which no longer means very much to me.

The absence of the marker in my life has lead to a void, while I continue to mull over what I want in life without coming to an answer that I am satisfied with. Some people have hopped on to a job wagon, either already sure of what they want in life, or contented to let the answer reveal themselves over the years, or simply dont care.

It is probably time to pull myself together and set a marker for myself before I psychologically starved myself of happiness. What say you?

The end ~~

2006-05-14T01:30:00.000+08:00

Hi all, my hiatus from my blog is over~ O-V-E-R. Although it is unclear how long will this round of activity will be, but its not expected to be long~ haaa

First to explain my absence of three months. Having countless projects in my final sem. Was busy with my Final Year Project in Feb and March. Then it was immediately followed by term tests and my FYP presentation in mid March. The presentation concept required of us was rather special, it require us to present our research on a poster (much like the kind teenagers used to idolise their pop idols)

Will need a CAP of 3.3 to maintain my second lower. Keeping my fingers cross.

Anyway, have received two interviews calls so far. Keeping my fingers cross (Again).

Leaving for Gentings and KL in 6 hours and counting down. Seeya!~~

Who say Singaporean are apolitical?

2006-05-04T01:19:00.000+08:00

Taken from http://www.yawningbread.org.

WP Rally at Hougang

The estimated turnout was believed to be more than 100,000!
Political comments are not taken too kindly during elections but I feel strongly enough to want to say a few things.

1. Gomez issue is overplayed. It is still headlines news much to my amusement.

2. Opposition are always painted in a certain way in the Straits Times. Do take a pinch of salt, a big dose, when you read the reports.

3. Turn out numbers in opposition rallies are always under reported. A picture speaks a thousand words.

4. Use your vote wisely.

A folk tale

2006-01-25T13:50:00.000+08:00

I suddenly remember this chinese short story that was told by one of my chinese teacher during class.

Xi Shi was known far and wide for her beauty and many men from all over the country flock over to where she resides so they can catch her physical beauty for themselves. This man who came from a faraway land, eagerly pick a spot where he learnt that Xi Shi will be appearing in the day.

However, Xi Shi was in a bad mood that day. (Aka PMS i think. hahaa)
And she was frowning.

The men who have came all the way to catch a sight of this beauty was still not to be disappointed. The man exclaim loudly, "Even a frowning face is so beautiful."

Then there was this (single) lady who overheard the remark and wanted to emulate Xi Shi as the next beauty in town. And so Miss Simpleton went home... and start frowning, all day long.

Ok. I admit. I forgot how the story ended, or what the proverb this story taught. Someone care to fill me in?

Anyway the morale of the story is.......
up to you.~~~~~

PS: for those who think this is a really bo liao post, it probably appears to be. Hahahaha.

The instant culture

2006-01-06T20:07:00.000+08:00

Know the difference between eating rice and noodles?

While some people prefer the taste of one over the other, the point I am making here is irrelevant to taste.

Rice is cooked (tradtionally) vie a rice cooker.
Noodles is prepared vie a plastic cup with hot water.

Although both food are steaming hot when cooked, the feeling associated with eating the two food cannot be anymore different.

One takes place in the company of your family.
The other is associated with sounds of TV echoing from the walls of your room.

Dont get what I am saying?
This post is only meant for myself.

Short Sweet Simple

2005-12-24T19:49:00.000+08:00

Ha, I think someone just hit the nail on the head when they give such a short, sweet and simple solution to the age old problem that have been plaguing males for a century.

(as lifted from http://www.askmen.com)

*************************************************************

Q: Do you know of any great ways to turn a woman who is a "friend" into a "lover"?

A: I get a ton of e-mail from guys who are looking for the answer to the magic question: "How do I get a woman I've convinced not to like me to give me a second chance?"

The answer is: Don't. Just move on.

It's not worth the time, effort and energy.

The best thing you can do is to stop calling her, start dating other women and, if you can, make sure she finds out that you've moved on.

Get on with your life. And, ironically, that will give you the best chances of her feeling attracted to you again.

*************************************************************

Neat, very neat. And now let the grieving begins.

More unpleasant truths

2005-12-22T02:17:00.000+08:00

They say ignorance is bliss. Do you agree?

I spend 2 hours in the wee morning on wednesday night to read the NKF report that was finally released to the public. It was over 400 pages in length and I read about 150 pages and glancing though another 50 pages or so. The report was damning and disheartening. I think many Singporeans were appalled at the content despite being given warning that it makes grim reading.

More unpleasant truths.

1. Wasteful manner of using NKF funds. (which are public funds)

Include buying large amount of air tickets and not using them. Stating personal holiday overseas trips as work related. And the list goes on.

2. Pay and bonuses which were too generous.

Pay rise up to 4 times a year?!!!?!!?? Bonus that can be backdated for 9 months? Leave that can be backdated to NINE years???? Annual leave amounting to 31 days a year? (meaning your effective working calendar is less than 11 months) Bonuses amounting to 6 months of your pay?

Wow. They sure make MNC look bad in comparision.

3. Getting more while apearing to get less.

Very ingenious indeed Mr Durai. But I thought your explanation of how "it was unintended" was more ingenious.

So I have decided that my charity funds will be carefully controlled from now onwards. I will only donate to charities which I know are making full use of each and every dollar. It is unfortunate that the "NEW" NKF will have to bear the brute of this screening process. But with reserves expected to last more than 6 years there is no immediate concerns to the welfare of the NKF patients. While I appreciate the dedication of the new chairman to restore faith to the running of the NKF, I do think he might be trying too hard. Give the public some time to muse over certain issues. Let the dust settle. Then start sourcing for new donors once again. Changing to a new name might not be be a bad suggestion afterall. By urging people to donate straight after such an epsiode smacks of over optimisim.

I will be waiting with abated breathe for the trial involving TT Durai. I guess only a fair punishment will restore faith among Singaporeans. One man against a nation. It is going to be interesting.

Reap What you sow

2005-12-20T01:18:00.000+08:00

Just want to grumble a few lines after I seen today news. The NKF postmortem report is finally out and it makes grim reading. In short, the headlines are

1. Only 10 cents of every donor dollar went into patient care.
2. TT Durai earns hell lots out of NKF. Lots of money were siphon out of NKF using loopholes.
3. Management at NKF were shambolic and were grossly out of line.

I have not recorded an entry prior to this because I felt anything written in anger wasnt going to reflect a true account of what really happen. But the complete truth is more disappointing then I thought it will be. No wonder ignorance is bliss.

Although the money earned by TT Durai is exorbitant, that itself wasnt the greatest point of contention. I do feel a CEO ought to earn an amount befitting of a CEO. Of course, how much is exorbitant is subjective I guess. (yes i do not agree that is peanuts) Of greater concern was that he was 'earning' (inclusive first class air tickets and car maintenance) money earnmarked for charity, and abusing his position of trust to award large money contract to his associates. Whether he did it as a sign of good will to his friends or he had a share in the business or whether he received any money out of the deal ... I guess will be the subject of a police investigation.

I want more truths, be it unplesant. Other answers that I want to know include

1. Pay of the former NKF board members.
2. Exactly how much was spend on the annual charity fund raising shows on channel 8 (or was it half yearly?)
3. Whether people were earning money off those charity fund rising shows.

Being a cynical person, this epsiode and the recent Singapore Association of the Blind furore has further make me skeptical of the running of the charity. It is true that I am not contributing much to these charities presently, but I have always harbour thoughts of having a few selected charity to donate to when I join the work force (not long from now) and I can say two names will be missing from my list till I am convince that my dollar is being stretch to the max.

I will be reading tomorrow Straits Times for the full report. Another issue that caught my attention was the speed that attention was defracted from themselves of their association with NKF immediately after the release of this report.

May appropriate actions taken against people who deem money for the sick and the under privilege as their own. Maybe even a jail sentence isnt enough. Those egg heads ought to cough out the money they cheated (yah i can think of no better word).

This entire epsiode has just make me more disappointed in mankind.
'He who holds the gold makes the rules.' Eh really true huh?

My Resolutions to date!

2005-11-23T21:07:00.000+08:00

Yo, guess my hiatus from my blog was brough forward with a few other posts a week earlier. My exams are offically over. (note the use of the word over and not completed) It is time to start making plans for my "holidays". (inverted colon cause I still have my final year project during this while)

Haa maybe I should start off with a dissection of the Resolutions that I am suppose to accomplish this year and try to finish those that I havent achieved.

1. I dare say my newly picked up HTML skills though not competant, are passable.

2. Keeping my blog active. My blog readers have shrivelled somehow, but that is to be expected considering I am not a very entertaining blogger. (hahaha)

3. Having a good IA. My IA is alright, I guess... didnt expected much towards the end.

4. Developing a good Sense of Directon. SOD is still very poor.... but its getting better.

5. I am still quite late from occasion to occasion. I am still very impatient... and I procastinate alot.... and I an still very passive over alot of things. Time to change change change......

6. I fail my IPPT AGAIN! Period.

I got a hell lots of plans for this holidays. Time to fill you in another time!

Fifth Season of Love

2005-11-21T02:57:00.000+08:00

I guess this is another of my weird exam behaviour. I was reading my old entries and I remember this entry as one of my favourite. Since Xmas is approaching, and memories fade more and more each year, I just thought it was appropriate to share this entry with a bigger group of friends. (Damn I realise I didnt accomplish my resolutions for this year too!)

Sunday, December 19, 2004

In a complete contrast to my previous entry, this month being the month of Xmas, I will try to be a little more jovial and add a tinge of colour and life to my entry.

The festival of love and giving is approaching fast. Time to do Xmas cards! I haven’t done that for a long time, and sending out Xmas cards have always been hap-hazard and very last minute events.

There are a couple of people in my Xmas cards list this year mainly friends who I have been too busy to catch up with. Hoping to write a personal note to each and everyone of them.

There are four seasons in a year. But I like to think there are five seasons in total. The last season being the last week of the year and the first few days of the New Year. Why you might ask? Well, firstly there is Xmas within this “fifth” season. Xmas carols and sights of artificial red snowman, colorful lights and glittering crystals on display downtown. The mood of love does get into you and you feel that the end of year is coming and you can’t help but have a warm fuzzy feeling to it.

Secondly, there is also New Year within this fifth season. Well, I don’t celebrate the New Year since the Chinese custom is to celebrate the Chinese New year which falls in the middle of the month, but nevertheless the public holiday is a welcome sight. Having two public holidays allow you some precious time for you to spend with your love ones and friends who are working.

Lastly, A birthday falls within this “fifth” season. When this fifth season approaches, I have always wondered how she is doing and laments how it could have been. I never ask her out again after such a long lapse and I don’t know how to bring up the issue again.

And with the coming of a New Year, I will make some New Year resolution as usual. This year was particularly disappointing because I didn’t manage to do most of the resolutions that I have, a blemish on my otherwise proud record of achieving most of my New Near resolutions previously. I will see how things materialize when the times comes.

I am weird.

2005-11-16T02:23:00.000+08:00

I am pretty sure I am getting weirder the longer I received my university education. In fact, I am positive that I am at my weirdest when examinations comes along. Exams always turn my biological clock upside down and I seem really fond of doing things that I wont usually be doing. I am presently sleeping at timing such as 3 to 4am and blogging at 230am.

More Weird thoughts.

That day while I was heading to school for some last minute mugging, while I was walking along the same walk way, climbing up the same flight of stairs, heading to the same LRT station, waiting for the same train to come. It suddenly strike me how alike my life was for the past 4 years. Then, I thought wouldnt it be cool if a machine can be invented which fast forwarded all the mundane events of the day and you end up at only the important parts. Then I stopped and pause and think really hard..... and I realise actually there isnt really much of a day to look forward to. Maybe the machine can fast forward my life ten or twenty years and I will be be a rich retired uncle (hopefully) who will be finally able to enjoy life!

More Weird thoughts part 2

I was having a dream and I heard myself saying "Mediocrity is a obscence word". Then I began to think long and hard and realise I have spoken the truth in my subconscious! Because I have been too content and too willing to be ordinary and average and mediocre, therefore the current state of dis-satisfaction!

Morale of the story on Weird Thoughts:

Problems solved themselves!

What I couldnt figure out, my brain will figure out on another day. So if you dun know the examination answers, fret not! You will discover it in your dreams a few days after that. (Question of whether it is too late anot is blatantly ignored by author)

This is not a weird entry.
This is not a weird entry.
This is not a weird entry. (fades to silence)

When things go full circle

2005-11-16T00:37:00.000+08:00

Oct 15 Saturaday 2005

It is funny when things go full circle.

You were once someone really special.
You avoided me like H5N1.

I keep bumping into you recently.
At the bus stops.
At the MRT platform.

We chatted.
We laugh at each other jokes.
It reminded me of the past.

I "forgot" that you avoided me and make me felt low and silly.
You "forget" that I once freak the hell outta you.

We have now both forgotten certain things.
We forgot the friendship we once had.

I think it is a little joke which only I see the funny side of.

Something that could hold so much meaning to me 3 years ago holds absolutely no value what-so-ever today.
So many things are transient in life.
I learnt something new.
When you want something very badly and it doesnt happen, there is no meaning when you do get hold of it in another time frame.

How much is my blog worth?

2005-10-30T17:59:00.000+08:00

My blog is worth $1,129.08.
How much is your blog worth?

Dun play play k. That is US dollars.
Will a Sponsor come? Price negotiable.
I promise not to talk about controversial issues (Such as use of handicapped toilets bleah) and be a morally responsible product ambassador.

I am no Superhero

2005-10-30T14:12:00.000+08:00

Do you remember your childhood ambition when you were younger? I did. When I was five, I wanted to be a superhero. (After that, I realize that it is not feasible and so I wanted to be a scientist and being an engineer was the closest thing that happened for me … but that is another story)

Yah, amount of time spent in front of the black box imitating the likes of Batman, Superman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles certainly shaped my ambition back then.

Now at the age of 24, I realize a lot of dreams remain dreams and the word ambitions are tantamount to sacrifices and difficulties. Its is at this age where one aspires the most where its also the same period where most of us don’t match up to the lofty standards we set up for ourselves.

I am no Superhero. And never will I be one.
But I have also realize there is no need for me to be one any longer.
There are other more important things in my life worth doing.
Let the superhero ambition be fueled by the next five year old kid.
He might be the next president for all you know.

Thanks for all my friends who stood by thick and thin with me, someone who isn’t a superhero.

Thanks to BC and sao zis for the dinner at Siam Kitchen. Anyone of you guys realize it is 8 years since the club was formed?

Thanks to Kiat, Andy, Ah Pui and Wei Ann for the cake. I think I am too old for a cake but I really did appreciate the gesture guys. And yah thanks too for not saboing me with the cake. : D Laughs.

Thanks to Weirong and Kai Onn for the brown shirt and slippers. It is really the thought that counts my friends.

Thanks to SY, Laraine, Tim and a few other classmates who actually remember my birthday when I didn’t remember yours in return. I am not very good with dates…. Oohps… sorry.

Thanks to all those who didn’t remember my birthday but still wish the best for me. I appreciate the gesture too as well. I can feel your greetings. (it is of a spiritual kind wink wink)

Lastly, I am no superhero, but that makes it more amazing that my friends actually remember me on this day when a non-superhero was born. Thanks again guys. I am touch. I am 24.

My inner Child

2005-10-10T01:58:00.000+08:00

Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul.
You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have.
Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone.
You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?

It is crap lah. I got an happy child initially cause I couldnt choose between two of the options. So I went to reverse my answers and got myself a Sad Child.
But it is pretty true I havent got a childhood unlike most people I guess.

And I am still blogging, I am suprised myself.
Who is still reading by the way? Laughs.

Update of my status!

2005-10-01T13:18:00.000+08:00

Dear fans (more likely frens,) there has been a change of my status.......
NO I am still single, wahahahahaha.

Just to drop an official note to those who are still checking my blogspot, it isnt likely there will be any updates till Decemember because I am currently very busy with school projects and most importantly my FYP (Final Year Project).

Thanks for all the support you guys have given me all these while, I appreciated that you guys have been reading what I have written and I hope I brought a few laughter to your life.

It has been a nice journey so far. Let me take a breather and will join up with you guys again in a while. Meanwhile, enjoy!~~~

What am I?

2005-09-13T16:08:00.000+08:00

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy.

They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder.

It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment.

They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.

How Do People See You?

No wonder I am also known as the "slow dancer" in another online personality test. Bleah. I am so boring (and fussy).

The Key to My Heart

2005-09-13T16:04:00.000+08:00

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who have a split personality - cold as ice on the outside but hot as fire in the heart.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Your risk of cheating is low. Even if you're tempted, you'd try hard not to do it.

You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

I dun really agree with the analysis leh.

Blurry - Puddle of Muud

2005-09-07T21:46:00.000+08:00

Everything's so blurry
and everyone's so fake
and everybody's empty
and everything is so messed up
pre-occupied without you
I cannot live at all
My whole world surrounds you
I stumble then I crawl

You could be my someone
you could be my scene
you know that i'll protect youfrom all of the obscene
I wonder what you're doing
imagine where you are
there's oceans in between us
but that's not very far

Can you take it all away
can you take it all away
well ya shoved it in my face
this pain you gave to me
Can you take it all away
can you take it all away
well ya shoved it my face

Everyone is changing
there's noone left that's real
to make up your own ending
and let me know just how you feel
cause I am lost without you
I cannot live at all
my whole world surrounds you
I stumble then I crawl

You could be my someone
you could be my scene
you know that i will save you
from all of the unclean
I wonder what you're doing
I wonder where you are
There's oceans in between us
but that's not very far

[Chorus]

Nobody told me what you thought
nobody told me what to say
everyone showed you where to turn
told you when to runaway
nobody told you where to hide
nobody told you what to say
everyone showed you where to turn
showed you when to runaway

[Chorus]

This pain you gave to me
You take it all
You take it all away...
This pain you gave to me
You take it all away
This pain you gave to me
Take it all away
This pain you gave to me

* I know that something is wrong when someone keeps listening to the same track for 3 days in a row for 3 hours a day. Nice lyrics. Enjoy*

Bangkok Trip - Of weird names and strange sights - Chapter 1

2005-07-13T00:46:00.000+08:00

I think I was suppose to write this a while back but I have been busy with a few things and could never sit down to do this. Instead of writing a long essay on my trip over there which will sure bore the dwindling number of my blog-readers to extinction (no doubt) I have decided to break it up to small parts and write whenever I feel like doing so. Too many random thoughts and experiences to put it all down to writing at once.

In Thailand, the greeting is kinda unique is that sense that you say "Sa wa de Krup" if you are a male and "Sa wa de Kah" if you are a female. And you are suppose to put yr palms together and placed them around chest height. (like shown in picture)

Sa wa de Krup! (Now is MacDonald a guy or a gal? hmmh)

In Khao Shan Street in Bangkok, I came across this.

I want a MENSA card! I want my christain name to read Brainy! WAHAHAHAHA

How cool is that? You can get an International student card, International Driving license and I think basically whatever you can think of - for a price. (And I dare say it is very much affordable even though I didnt enequire about it) My friend who was holding a genuine student card was quite amazed at the quality of the fakes.

Some of the Thai when translated into English can be hilarious. (No disrespect meant. All in the name of good nature fun)

What sort of shoes they sell? Hee hee hee Sexy Shoes? Bleah

Wat so special? SMLJ LAH! (only meant for the very crude)

And I think this particular name could really pick off in Singapore.

REPEAT after me. Payaya Pok Pok.
Now Faster.
And FASTER!
Haha. Ok enough of bo liao stuff.

And finally before I end, one of the best places I visited in Bangkok was......
neh you will never guess it.

CHULA fever is on!!!!~~~

Tell you the reason why another time!

Run, run like the wind and dont look back

2005-06-23T00:20:00.000+08:00

I could still smell the excitement in the air as I recall the scene in the National Stadium. It was the annual sports meet pitching the best athletes of my school with five other primary schools.

I have always envy these athletes; so graceful on the track, wild cheers from the stands as they cross the finishing line, a face of unmask joy peppered by beads of perspirations, the sweet savor of success by the medal holders.

I always wish that I could do likewise, joining them on the track, being part of their success, being in the limelight. That was me, fourteen years ago, a primary school kid wanting to be part of a 'cooler' group and basking in the glory for a change.

But I was never selected for school representation. It wasnt that I couldn’t run, I have always been among the fastest in my class. To the teachers, I have never fitted into the profile of a runner. Being short, skinny and geeky certainly did not help.

Whenever I crouch on the field ready to spring at the sound of the whistle, a message will flash across my head, like a searing hot iron, "Run, run like the wind and don’t look back.." Over and over again I repeated it in my mind as I dash towards the finishing line. Glory was non-existent and the feeling of winning empty for it was merely a physical education class. I realized it takes a bigger stage to bring about the elevated feelings of winning.

And thus I ended my primary school on a note that I have never won anything of real significance.

I was thirteen when I was spotted (finally) by my PE teacher in my new secondary school. He asked me to go for a trial. I didn’t turn up. I was alone in a new environment, and I didn’t feel I was up to the task. I guess it was a different scenario when you are in a primary school and the older boys don’t seem that much bigger and when you are thirteen and standing besides secondary four men that are so much taller than myself.

I was seventeen when I finally corrected the low perception of myself. I was still short and skinny. Nothing much has changed. But I wanted to give it a shot because I realize that was probably the only (and last) chance of me trying out athletics.

The first medal I won was a bronze in the 800 meters. I was 17. Success was sweet, although I lost out on the gold and silver after being over taken at the 100m. I was the junior racing against a field of senior. Third placing was already a high order and remains one of my fondest memories.

After that bronze model, I carried on training, biding my time, searching for the elusive gold. I was doing my warm ups in lane 4 of the track, stretching and jumping like every other day of my training sessions for the past year.

"Run, run like the wind and don’t look back" I repeated to myself as the crack of the pistol sounded. Fifty-seven seconds and 400 meters later, I glanced across my shoulders and notice I was a body length ahead of the next guy as I crossed the finishing line.

I have done what I set out to do eight years ago but the feeling of winning was hollower that I thought. It dawned on me that it was the process rather than the result that was sweeter. Reaching the end of the destination had a sort of hollow ring to it.

Success might not come tomorrow; it might not even arrive eight years later. However, it is the process of trying and overcoming the odds that makes it all the worthwhile.

This post is not meant to showcase my achievement but rather what one can achieve when one makes up his or her mind to do it.

On a side note, one of my friends pointed out that similarly, it is the process of courtship that is special to couples rather than the end result of being in an official relationship, isn't it? ; )

And sorry for the month long hiatus. Thanks for being patient all these while. You guys have been a blast. I am off to Bangkok the morning after. Hopefully, more interesting posts when I return. And to a certain you, enjoy yourself wherever you are. My thoughts are with you.

My boyfriend is Type-B

2005-05-30T01:28:00.000+08:00

Love Begins May 26

The latest Korean blockbuster to hit town. Below is a short synopsis of the movie.

My boyfriend is Type-B is a romantic comedy about a young woman who falls hard for a guy whose outrageous personality may very well be related to his blood type! Han Ji-hye stars as Ha-mi, a beautiful university who lands a hunky, but totally obnoxious boyfriend by the name of Young-bin (Lee Dong-gun). The film’s premise hinge on the wacky theory that a person’s blood type has a direct effect on one’s love life.

Case in point: a type-B male like Young-Bin is said to be conceited and stubborn whereas a type-A girl like Ha-mi is destined to be timid and obedient for the rest of her life. Thus it’s a bad match from the get-go if one believes in the blood-type theory. Even so, can these two vastly different people find love despite their apparent blood-type incompatibility?

Compatibility by blood type:

A is most compatible with A and AB.

AB is most compatible with AB, B, A and O.

B is most compatible with B and AB.

O is most compatible with O and AB.

If I am free enough to catch the show, then I will tell you if it is worth the ticket price! = )

We are all ugly duckling

2005-05-26T23:26:00.000+08:00

We are all ugly duckling.

All our first love are ugly duckling.
But from then on, our future loves become graceful swans.

She believe in promises, and all things beautiful.

She seeks happiness, and realises that disappointment is a form of happiness in itself, because only with hope can you find disappointment.

Regret is also happiness, for there is something for you to regret upon.

She seeks love, only to find out love takes on many forms.

Pardon for the poor translation.
Above is an extract from Zhang Xiao Xian book "我们都是丑小鸭"
Now I know why she is such a popular author.
Her words are philosophical indeed.

Humans......

2005-05-26T00:09:00.000+08:00

Humans are funny creatures don't you think?

You go left to go right.

You go down to go up.

You go forward to go backward.

Don't understand a word what I am saying?

Have you ever pondered that every U Turn you are making is actually going forward to go backwards?

Have you ever observe the behaviour when commuters during the morning and evening peak hours will travel in opposite direction just so they can snag a seat?

Example: Kiasu A wish to go to the west side and lives in Tampines. So A goes to Pasir Ris in order to get a seat.

I find such behaviour bordering on ridiculous and quite laughable. But it is your decision to exercise your rights I guess.

Wanna harbour a guess what is going down to go up?

This kinda behaviour is widely seen in shopping center during weekends and at corporate buildings during lunch hours.

Because shoppers / office people wish to go up but are unable to squeeze into the lifts choose to go down to basements floors so that they will have a space when the lift travels up to the ground floor.

CANT people just wait for their turn instead of trying to beat the system????
Simply detest such behaviour.
A gracious Singapore society? My next lifetime perhaps.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

2005-05-23T18:54:00.000+08:00

Been five months into my attachment period. It has been a good period for me to recharge my batteries, a timeframe for me to regain my zest for life and get over the listless feelings over studying for another year.

Anyway, since a six months attachment is a long period, it has given me an opportunity to think about what to do for the remaining holidays which is still a month long.

And thus I have decided to visits the nooks and corners of Singapore. Though she is indeed a very small island, there are many places that I have actually not been to and not many people know about such places. Maybe my blog will be a good place to introduce some of these places to visit on a weekend instead of cooping at home.

My first stop? Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Entrance fee is 50 cents for students only!!!

Greeted by nice scenery of still water once we go into the nature trails......

The buildings in the background is Johor, Msia!

For those people who are forever complaining that Spore has got no nice scenery. Think again and think hard.

Then we saw........ sunbathing monitor lizards.

Why you come and disturb meeeeeeee?

Think the picture is too small? Hell. Lets go closer then.

Hiss....Hiss GET LOST ZEN. Shoo Shoo.

After starting a fire and having a nice feast of lizard meat, (Burp~~) we proceeded to the the tallest tower within the Reserve to take another look at the scenery.

A great place to view migratory birds during Sep to March

The place look a little dead because the migratory season was just over. What a pity. I heard accounts from friends that thousands of birds rest in the Reserve during the season.

I had fun spotting some of the animals who are a little camera shy. (Like me. Bleah)

Haha! Got ya!

This Crab can climb tree. Better dun play play

You need good eyesight and patience to spot them. Thanks Andy and Kiat for making my trip more interesting.

There is a pond where the scenery is pretty good as well.

How deep is this pond? Hmmh....

I got pretty good photograpgy skills... NO? You sure???

Last but not least, dont go to the prawn pond. It is mosquitoes infected. I think a few hundred generations have breeded successfully in the area without human intervention.

A patch of Mangrove and it reminded me how it would have help lessen the impact of Tsunami on neighobouring countries had there not been so much destruction of Mother Nature.

A place to shoot a local horror movie?

Singapore still contains many areas worth exploring. Do take time to visit such places. If you have suggestions on other interesting places, do write in the comments box.

Moo....

2005-05-20T22:23:00.000+08:00

My sister and I were eating in Yoshinoya today.

She ordered Teriyaki chicken and I ordered the beef value set.

(FYI: the beef value set only contains rice and beef strips)

My sister asked: "How come your meal dun have Veggie wan huh?"

I replied: "There.. (pointing my finger at my beef strip in my bowl)"

Sister: "Where?? (peering hard into my bowl)"

Me: "There... (points at the same spot)."
"Cows eat grass."

Sister: -_- "

Laugh. You better laugh l.e.h

2nd most important person in the company

2005-05-12T21:57:00.000+08:00

Lunchtime joke.

I told my colleagues that I was the 2nd most important person in the company.

Naturally, someone mutter out, "Then who is the most important person in the company?"

I smiled wryly and shot back, "The rest of the staff."

LAUGH. You better LAUGH at my joke hor!

Bleah!

2005-05-09T21:20:00.000+08:00

Today newspaper
Monday May 9 2005
Letter from Loh Fong Yin

A recent conversation with an ex-colleague left me with questions. This ex-colleague told me of his new subordinate who has a "captivating" dress sense and figure.

He described how unproductive she is but how she is forgiven as she is "still young". She is being trained to replace his "boring" if hardworking, personal assistance.

I tried to tell myself he is in the minority as a boss. So I was shocked when he told me the young lady was hired by another male superior. I cannot believe the whole hierarchy thinks in the same manner.

Isn't this being unfair to the plain and boring but idustrious subordinate?

All of us come to this world without a chance to choose the shell we don for the rest of our lives. Can't we accept everyone as they are?

My comments?
Welcome to the REAL world Miss Loh.
BLEAH!

How many Petals to a Rose?

2005-04-30T13:05:00.000+08:00

For the bored, you guys can try to solve the puzzle at How many petals are there in the rose?

It took me half an hour... what about you? :P

Hint: No abstract maths needed!

It cant get any worse - Really!

2005-04-22T23:06:00.000+08:00

It seems that all the human beings with two hands and two eyes in my company are attached. Even the lizards that reside in the corner of the storeroom are in pairs.

Great, just great. What can be worse I was thinking to myself in the morning?
This - Reuters Blood Type B Man.

Ok to summarise the long story....... In Korea, (and slowly catching on in other countries) Blood type B guys are deem to be selfish and hot-headed, likely to be cads, mercurial, and make absolutely useless boyfriends.

Well, this wasnt the case last time. Blood type B used to be described as "independent spirits with strong personalities".

The tide has changed dramatically in the past years. A recent nationwide survey conducted vie internet in Korea thinks that Type B men were considered to be the most difficult type to date and about 40 percent of Korean women said they did not want to marry a Type B man!!!!!!!!!!!!

%C#^%#*&F*$*;^*R&%$*^!U$&^%

One can only hope Son Ye Jin is the other 60% mentioned. No prize for guessing which blood group I am in.......

This is all a campaign aimed to slur the good name of Blood Type B guys!

(Eh I am very cham liao leh. Can dont throw stone while I am in the well anot - aka 'luo jin xia shi' )

It is a myth. There is no scientific evidence to date that relates character to blood type. As least not yet....

Blood Group B guys lets stand up and lets ourselves be counted! (But who will be so stupid to admit they are Type B now? Haa)

***********************************************************

Other Blood types guys are said to have the following characteristic:

Blood Type A:

Introverted perfectionists

Blood Type AB:

Unpredictable, distant lot

Blood Type O:

Outgoing, expressive and passionate

*********************************************************

I embedded Audio Files into my blog!

2005-04-20T21:50:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone, in an attempt to spice things up my blog a little, I have embedded audio files into my blog! ~~

Sounds cool right? Been reading up on html recently... and would like to seriously try to revamp my blogskin if possible. That would require a far greater deal of effort and lots more self help books, but I guess with time on my side, it is certainly worth a try.

For those who have a greater memory, I did say before at the start of the year that I wanted to pick up HTML. See I am those people who make good their New Year Resolutions!

Ok... till again.. and enjoy the mp3 by Valen Hsu - Bu Ai Wo, Fang Le Wo.

*One more thing, I notice not everyone is able to listen to the mp3 due to limited bandwidth. If you happen to drop by and reading this, drop me a comment whether you can or cannot listen to the mp3.*

Revenge of the Nerds

2005-04-18T00:04:00.000+08:00

Was reading my friend's blog that day and decided to do a handwriting analysis at http://www.handwritingwizard.com/ . After doing the test for 15 minutes, it generated a profile of me. (The profile has been edited to omit certain untruths and long sentences ha!)

******* The Analysis Starts Here *******

Zen has a healthy relationship in the past and is ready to leave the past behind and moving on to an exciting and enticing future.

Hur hur….. I thought this applies to everyone….. abit duh

In reference to Zen's mental abilities, he has a very investigating and creating mind. He He is curious about many things and gets involved in many projects ……he must slow down and look at all the angles. He has the best of two kinds of minds. One is the quick investigating mind. The other is the creative mind.

This website has just earn itself a loyal fan. A little bootlicking gets you very far. Yup, definitely works!

Zen will be candid and direct when expressing his opinion. He will tell them what he thinks if they ask for it, whether they like it or not. So, if they don't really want his opinion, don't ask for it!

Jackpot! Do ask me if you look better in yellow or red if you have already decided that you look better in yellow. I am not going to apologise if my answer is red.

Zen will demand respect and will expect others to treat him with honor and dignity. Zen believes in his ideas and will expect other people to also respect them. He has a lot of pride.

Right once again.

Zen uses judgment to make decisions. He is ruled by his head, not his heart. Some may see him as unemotional. He does have emotions but has no need to express them. He is withdrawn into himself and enjoys being alone. If someone gets him mad enough to tell him off, he will not be sorry about it later. He is very level-headed and will remain calm in an emergency situation. In a relationship, he will show his love by the things he does rather than by the things he says. Saying "I love you" is not a needed (daily I feel) routine because he feels his mate should already know.

I think I do indeed portray a front of non-emotion. Only people who are closer to me see my happier and crazier moments. People looking in from the outside only sees someone cold who doesnt (like to) smile. And yes I believe actions speak louder than words.
= )

Zen's true self-image is unreasonably low. Zen also has a fear that he might fail if he takes large risks. Therefore he resists setting his goals too high, risking failure. Zen is capable of accomplishing much more than he is presently achieving. Zen will stay in a bad situation much too long because he is afraid that if he makes a change, it might get worse. No matter how loud he speaks, look at his actions.

Yup, I am a cautious fellow as all my friends will agree. And friends who know me for a very long time knew I was very ugly as a kid. The 'class geek' I was told when I was absent for the primary school gathering and they were gossiping about me. (maybe now still very ugly but hopefully not…. Bleah!) In short… this analysis paragraphs rings alot of truths.

So what do you think my friends? Agree with the analysis? Care to leave a comment? Do try it yourself if you are free. Quite fun in my opinion. = )

Love Declarations (Prologue - walking down memory lane)

2005-04-03T16:16:00.000+08:00

"Hey that gossip about this guy who declare his love for the gal he likes. You heard about it?"
"No. What is it about?"
"Take alook at this link."

I click on the link in MSN and immediately Windows Media Screen pop up.

32% Buffering
67%Buffering
100% Buffering
Done.

"there is this guy who likes this gal very very much........... and he is shy.... and... "

As the guy stood up, flowers in hand, the words of the lecturer faded out of my senses.......

**************************************************

As the crowd raise to its feet, joyous appaulse fills the air.
Cat whistles approving of his bravely as he ascends the steps of the stage with a bouquet of flowers.

The crowd roared.
The row in front of me stood up, cringing their necks for a better view whom the intended recipient of the flowers was.

He stopped in front of her.

The crowd grew silent for a moment before breaking into another loud round of applause.
The flowers was still in his hands as they shared an embrace.

The rhythmic clapping of hands grew uneven and eventually broke into a crescendo of whistles, claps and cat calls.

Amidst it all, I could hear nothing except the shattering of glass into shards, into a million pieces as she took the flowers from his hand with a grin.

The crowd cheered him on, edging him to take it further.
They lock hands and bowed to the audience.

I stood up and became part of the rowdy crowd momentarily, and left the sound of the loud cheers and bright stage lurking in my shadows.........

**************************************************

My mind jolted back to the screen in front of me.
The clip was finished.
I use the mouse and shifted the scroll bar back to to the point,
back to where he walked with the flowers in hand.........
wondering if someone among the lecture group walked down memory lane as well.

Love Declaration

2005-04-02T16:47:00.000+08:00

The hottest gossip currently circulating in NUS. To summarise for those who didn’t know that happened (as lifted from Mr Brown site)

Guy likes ger.
Guy gets sporting lecturer to let him profess his love for her.
Whole thing gets webcasted.
Ger becomes famous (but less than enthused about the attention and the psychos taking her picture and even though of channging her blog address).
Guy probably hiding in some hole right now.

Decided not to post her blog address or her mirror sites up. Not sure how is that going to help, but I do feel sorry for her. She just receive the flowers that is all what. (She didn’t even want to shake the guy hand if you happen to observe the video) The whole fallout is crazy, intrusive almost perverse. But it will blow with time I guess.

People only want to know all the stick about the ger while the guy is largely being left alone. Wonders why the gender bias shown by society. This reminds me of the parallels between a certain Chu Mei Fong VCD scandal about 4 years ago and to the incident here. Any sociology major student care to explain? Ha.

Before I end, my friend commented that if the guy is really so head over hells in love with the ger, he can put more effort into the slide. The stick figure looks "primary schoolish standard".

Last but not least, Engine Fac very happening wan ok! Haha.

Valentine Day in other countries

2005-03-28T00:10:00.000+08:00

That day I was watching "Zhong Yi Da Ge Da" on TV and they were discussing about how people celebrate Valentine in Korea and Japan.

I have always thought that Valentine Day was celebrated in the same manner throughout the whole world. Oh I couldnt be more wrong!

In Japan, on the 14th of February, it is the females who will present a gift to the guys they are interested in. (OMG! That is so helpful for singles like me!) After the guys know the intentions of the females, they have a month to ponder over whether anot to accept the female.

On the 14th of March, the guy will have to return a gift to the female. There are four choices.

1) Handkerchief
2) Soft candy
3) Biscuit
4) Hard candy

The handkerchief represents non-interest and I suspect its intention is for the female to contain her tears.

The soft candy represents friendship and it is a subtle hint from the guy that things are better off being what they are now.

The biscuit represents a sort of a trail relationship a sort of “see how it goes” kinda intention.

The hard candy if you havent already guessed it, means the guy has officially accepted the female as his girlfriend.

If you haven’t already see the trend, yes, the harder the item received, the more the guy is attracted to the female.

In Korea, a practice similar to that of Japan is in place. In addition to that, Korea has an additional festival at 14th of April where the females who have been rejected and guys who are single (or rejected) will have friend dumplings together to get over the unhappiness.

Oh man, the Koreans are so smart. They are creating opportunities for the single guys and females to mix around, so dont grieve even when you receive a hanky for a gift. You might just meet that someone special while tucking in that bowl of fried dumplings. (effect of this implemenation in Spore will result in hundreds fold increase in the turnover of wanton mee!!!) SDU should take a leaf outta the book from our Korean and Japan counterparts!

Make a guess what does 14th April represents in Japan after reading what I have written? I will leave the answer in the comment box.

A look into the crystal ball of Zen

2005-03-13T21:59:00.002+08:00

Well, one of my travels brings me to XM, an advertising company.

XM logo, can never figure out why only 1 dot of the X is yellow while rest is grey

I guess it is really cool to be working for a company that is quite reputable.
Your office will be located in the high levels of the towers and man the view can be breathtaking!

The white building (upper left) is the New National Library

The view is truly something that one can die for. Hard to describe here.
Hope the statement "a picture tells a thousand words" applies here.

Notice how manificent view is spoiled by Esplanade (right)

XM is an advertising company that helps its clients comes out with exciting and creative web pages and adverts. Among its major clients include Nokia and Thai Airways. (if I am not mistaken)

Being an advertising company that deals with web pages is completely COOL!
Why?
Because you can openly use MSN and nobody cares. Haha.
Every single one of the staff here uses the program openly and nobody ticks them off.
Guess it is an accepted practice within their company to communicate in such a manner.

Such comfortable cushions.... OMG.......

Anyway, being in the creative lines means you have to give clients a good impression.

Notice alot of the office tables are decorated with unusual paintings and sculptures. (but I cant take photos cause of my professionalism in my job)

There are many brightly coloured chairs set aside as well, design to capture the attention of visitors / clients and also offers an avenue for colleagues to have informal discussions.

Their facilities are really top nought. There are presentation rooms, meeting rooms and informal meetings room. Plus a very elaborate pantry. Guess big company really does have its perks (in comparision to XXX company that I am slogging in)

Get seated in one of those chairs overlooking the breath taking views, meetings will be a completely different feeling I guess.

Before I forget about the true nature of my visit, I was given the name of Ghost-Busters (talking about a creative firm *roll eyes*) for my IAQ due to how some of my equipments look.
Till again guys!

Supernatural beings on the loose? Far from it.......

Just wanted to say that I know that my entries are getting shorted and the time taken to come up with a new ones takes longer. Been having OT recently plus alot of site traveling that makes me physically tired.
Wish to take the opportunity to thank Piggy and ZZ for helping me to solve the prob of non-displaying photos.
Thanks! *flash a big smile*

Take care folks.

A peep into a day of Zen's work

2005-03-05T18:27:00.000+08:00

So I have never blog much about my current life right?
Decides to disclose my life of glamour to be publicly scrutinized
Let you guys know what my IA life is about.......

835am:

Rush to the office before anyone discovers that I am 5 mins late.
Signs my attendance sheet

840am:

Quickly slide to the seat at my table unseen.

Heaves a sigh of relief as my ninja-like movement managed to deceive everyone.

850am:

I switch on my computer and check email. (part of the acting busy rituals)

My workplace of buzz....

900am:

Aroma of Nescafe Coffee fills my desk (my company very cheapskate only got Nescafe .....)

My Morning Kopi!

915am:

Supervisior informs me that I will be following him to take water samples at the various libraries all over Singapore. (glad at the chance to leaves my office cell)

930am:

We are off! Takes MRT to a Library.

10am:

Does necessary admin and head off to the cooling tower located at top of the building

Pic of cooling tower (yah I know you cant be bothered)

Move over Agent Mulder, Agent Zen is here is kick ass! (notice how sianz Agent Zen looks)

Getting my hand dirty (literally)...... help help...so er xin

1030am:

Finally finishes the dirty job after risking my life getting infected from unknown bacteria and virus.
Damn Happy only to be informed by supervisior that there are another 6 more libraries to go.
-_-"

1230am:

Break for lunch at coffeeshop.
Appetite is greatly enhanced after working hard for half a day.

Errr somehow this just reminds me of a medium done beef steak.....

Ok maybe not such a good appetite...... after all....

130am:

Wills my unwilling body to go to Jurong Library.

230am:

Bum is numb (it rhymes!) after all the travelling.
Proceeds to take water sample from water fountain.

Who knows what hideous creatures lurk within the murky waters.......

230 - 500pm:

Same course of action is repeated again and again and again and again.......
Just using all my will power to move the clock hand to six

530pm:

Send in all water samples to lab. (FINALLY)
Supervisior allows me to leave half an hour early from work!
YEAH! Off to enjoy myself!

*I think it is the first time my pics (albeit behind a mask) was found online.
See no more secrecy. No more fantasies either! Ha ha. *

I hate Men!

2005-02-26T14:50:00.000+08:00

I hate Men. They are filled with a nasty hormone call Testosterone.
Testosterone, a sexual hormone, causes Men to become lustful and horrible creatures!
(Whether I like FHM is besides the point)

A sort of record was established on the 20th of Feb Monday.

As I was (sashaying) down the pavement to my busstop, I heard a loud shrill wolf-whistle, coming from behind me. Using my natural instincts (honed no doubt by my years in a boy school), my head quickly tilted in the direction where the potential chio-bu might be.

HOWEVER, TO MY UTTER SURPRISE, THERE WASNT A SOUL IN SIGHT.

There was only (sissified) me..............

I managed to catch the sheepish look on the face of the construction worker seated at the back of the lorry and it dawned on me immediately that he was the culprit and I was the intended victim.

%$&* %$#@!!!!!!! What on EARTH was he thinking of ???????

I HATE MEN.
Cant they get it right before drooling?

In case you think I am making this all up, let me relate another account to you.
*GASP* I have also been sexually harassed at work!!!!

While I was doing my IAQ checks in a small office, there was this old man who came too close for comfort beside me. He then proceed to ask me what I was doing and how my instruments work. Being a professional on-the-ball intern staff, I patiently explained the queries to the best of my abilities. After which he gave my (sexy no doubt) bums a slap.

Horrors of horrors. I have just been errr violated!
Like most females, I choose to be the silent sufferer and let him off the hook.
Sob Sob... I am now so traumatised that I have developed a phobia of small offices and of Men!

I HATE MEN.

* The entire stories above are fictionious. Any resemblance to any person dead or living is purely coincidential. Any blatant lies or statements detected within the above two lines are to be ignored. Writer was said to be secretly pleased with the acknowledgement received on his sexy bums and walk. *

A paedophile in disguise no doubt.......

Roving eyes, hands and erm other body parts

2005-02-22T00:47:00.000+08:00

Suddenly realise that my entries are becoming a little non-characteristic of the name of my blog. Hence I have decided to draw a little more attention to the values of love of society. Hopefully this will get you started to ponder over some of the issues I highlight. Do leave comments if you have something to share ok?

Btw in totally unrelated circumstances, got friends commented that I was very mean in previous few entries. Well I say it is in the name of entertainment so just take it with a pinch of salt k? (actually I am secretly very happy that people are calling me mean cause I believe nice people finish last. Discuss that another time though)

The article is a little long and if you dont wish to read it could jump straight to my comments at the end.

*********************************************

The Straits Times
Life Pg 6
Titled: When is a cheat not a cheat?
Nicholas Fang (only extracts)

I have never cheated on my partner and that is not just because I havent been caught.

I is just that I've always been a firm believer in doing unto others as you would have others do unto you, and that what goes around comes around.

Besides the fact that a man is physiologically designed to have more than one partner in his lifetime to ensure the propagation of the species, the proverbial "seven year itch" of spouses and the growing social, and the financial and sexual independence of the modern woman have all been touted as reasons people are more likely to stray these days.

Infidelity for them happens usually begins when they meet someone new, but yet cant or wont let go of the partner they are already with, thus leading to actually cheating on the latter.

Moments of weakness, changing desires or just plain boredom with existing partners have all been citied as reasons.

In some cases, this eventually leads to the ending of an old relationship and the beginning of a new one.

In others, it have created an uncomfortable situation that often involves guilt, suspicion, distrust and general unhappiness.

I would like to believe that that we humans are able to find one person we can be with till we die.
Cheating begins the moment someone decides that its unreasonable to be sexually committed to one person, and once that happens only the fear of being caught - or the unavailability of an attractive accomplish - is what prevents infidelity from actually happening.

Indeed the issue that happens to bother most of them is whether mental and emotional intimacy without crossing of any physical boundaries actually constitutes cheating in a relationship. Some believe that the lack of physical intimacy with a third party absolves the of any guilt arising from straying affection.

But I dont think so. After all its is not hard to imagine how the loss of shared affection and development of emotional bonds could wreck havoc on a couple and ultimately break them up.

The acid test of doubts about cheating would be to imagine the tables being turned. If Imagining what their partners are doing makes them unhappy, then its probably a good indication of cheating.

********************************************

Like the columnist, I also believe in the golden rule of "Dont do to others what you dont want others to do to you." If it hurts reversing the roles in a situation, then dont do it.

Just wished to highlight the fact that there are indeed people who are in a relationship merely for the sake of being in one. They are constantly on the lookout of better and more suitable partners. I am very much against such thinking and behaviour as my friends will testify.

Mental cheating is almost as damaging as physical cheating. I am not referring to the occasional case of the roving eyes when a pretty gal walks past (come on guys are suppose to be hot blooded) but the constant toying of the idea of going after another more attractive female. (Issue of whether guys are superficial is besides present discussion)

To me, a relationship is a strong commitment. I can accept it when things do not go as planned and two people eventually breakup, but to have the mentality of "upgrading" is morally wrong. Perhaps I am still living among the dinosaurs with conservative thinking like these, but if 24 years of singlehood didnt tempt me to come around to a new set of thinking, I think this mentality is set to stay.

I dont believe in 'the one'. There should be many 'one's out there. Some 'one' are more suitable than others , but if we are to spend our lives pursing better 'one' , where does this all leads us? When does it all ends?

Like the columnist, I hold hopes that a certain some 'one' is just round the corner to spend my life with.

TOTO 10 million Draw

2005-02-16T22:53:00.000+08:00

People who buy the 10 million TOTO are stupid.

Why? Will reveal after the 10 million draw is over.

In the meantime, don't say I never warn you hor.

UPDATE!

Wahahahahahahaha. The results were just as I expected. Let me reiterated my point again.

*breathe in loudly*
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
PEOPLE WHO BUY THE 10 MILLION TOTO ARE STUPID.
(Disclaimer: unless you were the lucky 8 who strike the top prize or Singapore Pools)

Now why do I say so? Let examine the whole situation so you will not die grudgingly.

This week draw was publicise as being 10 million. Let us first verify the figures.

The 8 Group One winners stand to win $1,256,955 each.
Hell, that is ALOT of money I know.
So simple maths teaches me that $1.26 million x 8 people
= 10 million Dollars.
Singapore Pools indeed stood to their promised prize money.
Am I digressing? Apparently so right?

10 million is alot of money right?
10 million can do alot of things you ever wanted right?
10 million means you can quit your job / studies and rot forever and ever in some paradise island right?
10 million can make almost all your dreams come true... right?

All the above statements are correct BUT for one condition. They are eight winners not one! E-I-G-H-T winners! So one person only gets $1.25 million.

So now for the expected Q and A session which I know you all will blast me with.

#5 (Question 1)

Q: 1.25 million is alot of money what. I still don't understand why you keep saying buying the 10 million dollars TOTO is stupid.

A: Ok. I will explain myself further.
*gives a loud sigh and a dismissive wave of the hand to indicate the whole of mankind is very stupid*

The last draw on the 14 Feb had a total prize money of only 4.6 million. However there were only three winners and each brought home 1.57 million. Can you now see that these winners actually won MORE money. Plus they didn't spend half their lives queuing....

#12 (Question 2)

Q: Why huh? I still don't understand why you say I am stupid.

A: *Gives an audible grunt follow by a loud smack to my forehead*
Cant you mortals see that 10 million is just a very ingenious marketing gimmick?
10 million, 10 million... sounds like alot only.
Did you really expect to win the entire 10 million????
Goodness me! I wont know to call you extremely stupid or optimistic.

#13 (Question 3)

Q: Lidat means I very stupid meh? I beg to differ can.

A: You should be begging for mercy.
*slams the table in an impatient manner*
Let me state another statistics so you will rest in peace. Compare to last week draw, ALL groups prizes money were greater in amount compare to the 10 million TOTO draw. You might like to verify my claims at http://www.singaporepools.com.sg/Lottery?page=toto .

#30 (Question 4)

Q: But...... But.........

A: But I haven't finish yet.
So who do you think is the real winner?
Singapore Pools of course!
Ok lets make some simple calculations.
The original prize money was 8 million and it was later increased to 10 million due to the over whelming response. Considering that Singapore Pools is a profit company like any other company, and assuming it only earns only a miserable 40 cents for each 50 cents TOTO ticket.
At least 20 million TOTO tickets were sold! A mind boggling figure indeed since Singapore has only a population of 5 million.
It almost seem like every economically active person has bought a ticket.
*Stupidity spreads (or greediness whichever word you prefer) *

It only means although the prize money was increased by two folds compared to the last draw. The number of TOTO tickets sold was probably increased by errrr ten or even twenty folds. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out your slice of the winnings even if you win will be dramatically smaller unless you happen to be the sole winner which by the way has never happen before.

#31 (Question 5)

Q: You very smart meh? Surely you got buy TOTO also right?
A: NO. I will buy next week when you morons have cried your hearts out at losing this week.
Then I will win the entire prize money next week! Wahahahahahahahaha

#42 (Question 6)

Q: I feel very stupid liao. Can you please stop insulting me and rubbing it in?

A: But I already warn you hor not to buy the TOTO! Hee hee. There is a hidden insult contained within the blog! Haha. The numbers besides the # sign of the question are the winning TOTO numbers. (Just to rub it in =P) If you spotted it, haha maybe you are not so stupid after all. Otherwise, muahhhhhhhhhhhh.

I am so bo liao again! Wahahahahahahahaha.......

Eh got so much money to gamble why not treat me to dinner? No wonder can't build casino else mayhem in the nation. (Notice the word 'sin' in casino!)

R.I.P 20 million TOTO tickets holders!

All your fault Cupid.

2005-02-14T01:21:00.000+08:00

The Sunday Times Feb 13
pg 10 Titled My bouquet is bigger than yours

Just to drop by to inform you that Monday is Valentine Day. As I was reading the papers, I came across this article and I realize how love can make people do foolish things. Rather than sharing the stupid things that I have done, I have smartly decided to preserve my image and point out how Valentine makes a fool out of (other) men (and women).

*******************************************

Quoted:
But there is no denying of stress. Florists tell of single and unattached women sending flowers to themselves and spending beyond $100 on red roses, tulips or lilies. But they are rare, says Ms Sheila.

Old maids, we are not so stupid as not to be able to see past this lame trick, duh. I bet you are the day's topic of discussion in the pantry.

For those who successfully pull the wool over other eyes, I would like to pose this question, if the others are convinced that you are attached when you are not, wont that make your future chances of getting hitched even slimmer? ALAS! Stupid people!

*****************************************

Quoted:
My wife doesn't demand that I send her flowers to the office, but some of her colleagues boyfriend do, so I do the same. Better play safe and make her happy. Mr Kelvin Yeo,30 an advertising and promotions executive

Eh, Mr Kelvin be smarter abit can? Haven't you realize that it is an egg and chicken situation? What you (and others) should be doing is to find out who is the one sending the flowers (and spoiling the market).

It could jolly well be a case of self giving flowers like above mentioned.

If it isn't, then have a good heart to heart talk between 2 men and tell (threaten) him not to do it next year. A whack or two on the head might help persuade him.

If all else fails, ask (threaten) your girl friend/wife to transfer to another department.

****************************************

Love makes fool of men aye. How true?

Random CNY musings

2005-02-11T01:30:00.000+08:00

A very Happy Chinese New Year to all my friends! Just wanna write a few lines during this festive period. Pardon the crap. It is New Year after all. = )

#1

No of times I was asked if I am in the army: Twice
No of times I was asked if I got a girl friend: Twice
No of times I was asked if I looked more like my father or mother: TWENTY
No of times my relatives intelligence level increase by : FIVE ( twenty divided by four )

They learn very quickly not to repeat the first two questions after they had a taste of my combo movement of *shrug shoulders, roll eyes from left to right, hissing voice escaping from my throat, sheesh look*

If you don't know why I don't like the first 2 Q. I will provide the answers in the comment box.

#2

I am $5 richer from gambling! The story could have been sooooooooo different had I went to my friend's house to 'try my luck'. From the last I heard, their ang baos were almost wiped out.... Bless me! I just avoided a calamity.

*na mo all mi tuo fuo...... keep repeating till it fades for audio effects*

#3

I witness the grilling my elders gave to my SINGLE uncle who is in his mid thirties. . I think he is a very nice person, maybe a little horizontally challenged (yes pot calling the kettle black) but nevertheless a very nice person. (That is why I think nice people always finish last. *points at me and uncle* but I will explain why another time)

IMAGINE the embarrassment in front of everyone! Let's just say it is traumatic enough witnessing it. I wont want to experience it.......
Gulp -_- "

#4

That is it Valentine next Monday and I am date less.

*It should not be a great deal since it is the 23rd time ..wahahahahaha
Font size applied according to words that I wish readers would miss out.*

#5

Nothing in particular. I just didn't want to end at four. Back luck k... end with four. I still wanna carry on my winning roll wan!

Oh I so bo liao again! wahahahahahahaha

My Sassy Gal Part 1

2005-02-08T15:04:00.000+08:00

I have been wanting to blog about this for sometime but the entry that I have written can never measure to the personal standard that I have set for myself.

This entry is about my favourite movie – “ My Sassy Gal”. I am sure it is the favourite movie of many others as well. For those who haven’t seen it before, I strongly urge you to rent the VCD!

VCD coverof the movie

A short briefing for those who have never watched the film before. It is a Korean movie released in 2001 starring Jeon Ji-Hyeon as the female lead and Cha Tae-Hyeon as Gyun Woo, the male lead. A wacky, romantic love story that will make you spill your sides laughing and make your heart wrench at the love that wasn’t allowed to blossom.

Gyun Woo being bullied and enjoys it!

So what exactly is it that makes this my favourite movie? Besides the excellent plot and great acting skills from both lead casts, let me list down the 5 details that make this my favourite!

The female lead always write scripts of the future and of time travel. She admits subconsciously that she is living in the past and hope that someone from the “future” can rescue her from there.

The scene in the taxi. This scene stood out even during the first time I watched the movie. Lots of people either didn’t feel anything special about this part or they can’t even remember this scene at all. I remember the guy lead saying “since the female lead emotional wounds are healing perhaps it is also time for him to bide farewell.” It touched a raw emotion within me. Sacrificial love. Have I just seen on the big screen a highest order of this form of love? Being there when it matters and not expecting any returns in the end.

#3

The scene at the top of the mountain. How the female lead cried her heart out at her inability to let go of her past love and silently acknowledging deep within herself that their present love is reaching an end and they will have to separate.

*Notice her shaking fingers as she is crying. Excellent portrayal of her role*

#4

The time capsule scene. While it is not the idea of a time capsule that is touching, it was the expression of Gyun woo who understands and realize that it symbolize the end of the relationship and he wonders if the female lead will actually keep to her promise of returning on the agreed time. It was heart wrenching to know how inevitable the breakup was going to be.

#5

The ending. It was so well crafted that I didn’t see it coming. How the twist at the end reveals that actually they were meant to be. It was a very sweet ending and one that still brings a warm fuzzy feeling whenever I view the MTV.

Coming up next would be the easter egg (secrets revealed) of Sassy Gal Part 2! Watch this space! = )

Jeon Ji Hyun asks what are you looking at?

Chasing a lost cause

2005-02-06T04:31:00.000+08:00

I was having difficultly sleeping and so decided to read some of the stuff that I have written earlier. Then I came upon this piece of writing that I have written and which I particularly like because it carries a little moral to the end of the story. Decided to post it up to this blog to compensate for my long absence last week.
(I was just lazy to blog something new lah.. you are right smartie-pants)

Guess some of your guys have read this before but its ok.

Feel free to leave comments about what you think. = )

Wednesday June 27th 2004

Today an interesting analogy came into my mind.

My friends and I were walking to a bus stop when the bus we were waiting for zoomed past us. Without a moment hesitation, one of my friends just went sprinting after the bus, while the other friend and I were thinking that we would not be able to catch the bus. In the end, persistency paid off and due to the efforts of my friend, the bus driver waited for all three of us to board the bus.

I think chasing a bus that is a long way off translates to how a person reacts to chasing a lost cause in love. I was thinking of how silly I would appear if I would to sprint after the bus and I failed to board the bus. The other friend told me he didn’t bother to sprint because he is too passive. The friend who went after the bus said he felt warm and didn’t want to wait. (If you feel that this example and what I am saying so far is just pure rubbish pls avert your eyes.)

This is roughly equivalent to our character, one who is passive, one who is overly concern with how others perceive oneself, and one who is simple and single track. Funny enough, it takes a bus to reveal that differences in character amplify themselves in our daily actions to the smallest details.

Zen and Work (they do co-exist ok!)

2005-02-04T02:14:00.000+08:00

Ok this blog entry is again overdue. I sincerely don’t think anyone was reading my blog since yah the counter don’t seem to be jumping madly. (In fact I am pretty certain most of the hits registered by the counter is mine.) Since my friend has commented that it is high time that I write something.. well I have decided to write about my work since it is probably the most effortless topic of all.

So what do I do for a living?
(Yes I am surviving on my meager salary of 540 monthly. Did I just price myself out of the girls’ demand by making this revelation? Oh dear oh dear….. = ( )

I do Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessment. This is usually done in indoor environment. (DUH...) To the security guard / cleaning aunties and uncles / older staff / and whoever that don’t understand what on earth is Indoor Air Quality checks… by giving me a very HUH look, I will go on to say… “errr I am here to check the aircon.” And i will be rewarded with a SIGN. A SIGN includes a nod of their heads; a loud “Ohhhhhhhh…..” ; a thumbs up; a shrug of the shoulder..... Humans ARE expressive creatures.

What can I say?
.
.
.
.
Give that uncle / auntie a Tiger! -_- "

The interesting aspect of my job is that the client base of my company is mostly government buildings. And this has granted me access to alot of places that are usually out-of-bounds to the common people. So what you say? Eat your hearts out!

I have gone to Changi Airport Control Tower! Haha even if got money also can’t go one ok???? Besides that, I have made my way into minister’s offices. How cool is that?? But I am too tired to blog about those encounters. My attachment report is due next week and I am a tweeny little stressed about the progress of my report. Till again! Talalalala….

Son Ye Jin gives me an adoring blur look when i explain that i am checking the IAQ of her room.

New Year Resolutions

2005-01-20T22:20:00.000+08:00

Some people never believed in this. This group of people thinks it is all crap. I on the other hand, do try and make New Year Resolutions because unlike the group mentioned, I try to make my New Year Resolutions work. It sort of gives me a focus on some of the things I will like to achieve for the current year.

I don’t like long term goals usually so the period of one year is the longest period for me to base my resolutions on. Before I think about this year resolution, maybe let me review the resolutions that I made last year.

2004 was quite clearly one of the worst years as far as I can remember. Think one of the resolutions I made was to reduce the frequency that I am late whenever I am going to school or meeting my friends. As my friends can testify, this resolution was errr just empty talk. (lalalalalala I tried for a while eg like 7 days before I realize old habits die hard =p )
Other resolutions include doing well for exam (unfulfilled), getting a gold for IPPT(I failed ): ) and I cant bear to go on any longer….. Sob Sob…….

On a brighter note, there were bright spots among an otherwise gloomy year which is best forgotten. I pluck up the courage to try new stuff. Think it been some since I tried anything new. Activities such as learning Korean, Tennis, taking Arts module alone are some of the more significant things that I have tried. Other not-so-worthy-of-mention activities (but I will still mention anyway) are self cooking at home, dyeing my hair, giving tuition and starting this blog.

But with a New Year, it represents a fresh start and a clean slate to begin anew! = ) So some of the resolutions for the New Year includes……

1. Learning HTML

With my starting of a new blog, I thought it would be useful to learn html. It has been my desire to learn this for quite some time and I will utilize my time during Attachment to pick up some skills and to engage in activities which I have always wanted to do but unable to find the time to.

Update: I suddenly remember that I and my friends had this BC website that has been largely ignored for a couple of years. Think the new HTML skill that i pick up here will be applicable in that website to refurnish it to its glory state of yester-years.

2. Trying to keep this blog active.

I realize my writing skills have deteriorated some what over the years. Not to say that I was a good writer before, as least, I thought I wasn’t this poor. Time to dust off those rust from my brain and try to write intelligently, interestingly with a touch of humor and making use of satirical jokes even to get my points across.

3. Having a successful IA

I know this sound vague and I have purposely worded it so. I am keen to pick up some relevant skills from my XXX company and to understand more about the industry.

4. Knowing more about the major roads/expressway/buildings in Singapore

I have always been someone with a very poor Sense Of Direction (SOD). My SOD is so poor till I might have difficultly remembering the path that I have taken say 15 minutes before. Some males claim that they don’t have to encode the direction which they have taken to mind, and it is a “mere instinct” in which they know which path to take. Apparently, I was born a freak and didn’t inherit this set of useful genes from my parents.

Oh one interesting thing about me. I almost never ask for direction. 99.9% of the time. Just a personal thing.

5. To rectify some of my personal shortcomings

I did not manage to overcome my problem of not being punctual although I did state it as one of my major resolution for last year. This year, I have done likewise and made it a major resolution so hopefully wont just pay lip service to it. I do understand the frustrations of my friends when they have to wait for me so I am trying hard to think in their shoes and so errr urging myself to leave the house earlier.

6. Pass my IPPT

I think it was a personal blemish on my record that I failed my IPPT. Maybe I was a little overconfident of accomplishing this “small” task considering that I was an athlete in my younger days. Apparently, what little fitness that I had over the years had deserted me without leaving me a note. I strive to reverse this personal blemish/humiliation by engaging in a healthier lifestyle of sports and diet. Silver will be my target for my IPPT in 2005. The $200 dollars will come in useful!

Can only think of six goals in the meantime. Will continue to add to them when something comes to mind anytime during the year. How about you? Any personal wishes for the year? May all your wishes come true!

The Red Mist

2005-01-17T23:05:00.000+08:00

Singapore has finally regained the Tiger Cup! YEAH! The Kallang roar was restored to the National Stadium one last time before the stadium is demolished.

In a match where the Lions raced to a 2-0 lead at half time, the Cup was ours even before the final whistle was blown. (Singapore would need to concede an unimaginable five goals in the second half alone to throw away the title due to the Lions having a 3-1 advantage in the first leg.)

Perhaps we won a little too comfortably for there wasn’t any big hoo ha in the second half and at times, the crowds were actually a little quiet. Some fans didn’t even stay on to see the Lions lift the trophy on its home turf. But what the heck we won. = )

Most of the fans have faithfully done their bit for the Lions in this all important match up; dutifully coming in red tee shirts; cheering for their fans from the first whistle till they had a hoarse voice; screaming (and cursing) at the referee and assistance referees whenever a decision went against Singapore; not raising to the bait when the Indonesia fans appear to taunt the home fans sitting nearest to them; most of the fans have behaved in a way that made me beam with pride. WELL DONE Singapore!

It was an unusual sight in the afternoon when males and females from all ages, all walks of life were clad in red, making their way to the National Stadium from all over the island. Think this is possibly the only time that I have ever seen so many people dressed up in red tops. (nope not even National Day come close)

And what now after the Tiger Cup? Not to be complacent and continue the good work from here. The primary task after basking in glory will be to replace the older members of the team when they retires and continue to introduce budding talents into the national squad by using the local S-League as a development grounds. With the foreigner-citizenship program, any deficiency in the current squad should be adequately shored up.

Let hope that we take a step closer to Asian Cup success!

Interesting Incidents in Workplace – Acting busy (“.)

2005-01-14T19:06:00.000+08:00

Everyone knows that you can't be busy ALL the time in the office. Be it the 5 minutes before lunch break or the 15 minutes before you knock off, so everyone and I mean everyone ranging from the boss to the lowest in rank (which is me by the way) indulge in a show of acting busy.

Well it takes some experiences to tell someone who is really busy apart from someone who is acting busy. I am not ‘there’ yet… and unable to tell the imitation from the genuine product.

Well, today I served as the office boy and was sent to pack the storeroom…. After heaving and shoving for two hours I return to my seat, tired and bored. That was when I started peering over my shoulder to the colleague who was sitting a stone throw away.

Let call him Mr B. (B stands for Bee actually since he always seem to have lunch 5 minutes after everyone else departs and talks louder whenever it is a business call and whispering when his wife or kids call… laughs)

Anyway, Mr B was picking up some remaining cardboard and proceeded to look for a pair to scissors to do some handicraft. Intrigued by what he was going to do, I proceeded to tilt my body in his direction and was watching earnestly what his master piece was. Perhaps I was observing him too openly cause he realize that I was looking at him after he proceeded to cut a tiny piece of cardboard from the big piece. He gave me a quick one second glance that spelt “you should be doing your work too. What are you looking at?” kinda look on his face. (Yes it is hard to imagine a facial expression of one second contains so much information but do exercise your powers of imagination. = ) )

Realising that my voyeur attempt had failed, I quickly proceeded to do likewise which was to switch on my computer and started typing. It doesn’t really matter what you are typing actually. Nobody really cares.

*To prove my point, this entire entry was typed during work and I received no interruptions from my colleagues who all thought I was busy at work. And no, I don’t know what that small piece of cardboard was eventually used for. My guess is that it is probably used as to place cups on to prevent stains on the table. *

UPDATE:

Derrick asks the company clerk to collect $10 from me. It appears that I was mistaken about the not paying part. I should have known better – “There is no such thing as a free lunch!” All I can pray for (weak pun intended) is for him to expand so thick around his waist so much so he can’t see his toes. = )

Fill you guys in next time!

Return of Derrick

2005-01-10T23:10:00.000+08:00

And for the sequel let welcome the “Return of Derrick.”

I just realize I missed out on a very important thing. I forget to describe his appearance, which is extremely crucial for my audience, meaning you to forge a better understanding of him.

Think he is in his mid forties, married with kids, and errr errrr with a pair of golden specs looking every inch like that secondary school that you dislike. (use your powers of imagination!)

Anyway, my second encounter with Derrick was better. (Since he treated me to some sumptuous dishes for lunch, I have decided to grant him the royal pardon and promoted him to the rank of Derrick, no more mean nick names for him. that is until he cross my path again…! )

It turned out that one of the more senior staff of the company have been posted overseas and as the boss he is throwing a farewell dinner at a *drumrolls please* coffeeshop..! (very stingy but that is another story) for departing staff and others including me lowly intern staff.

Anyway towards the end of the lunch, when everyone were more of less full, and the dishes on the table have only unremarkable remainders such as fish bones and bits and pieces of vegetables… Derrick spoiled his redemption by asking me TWICE to finish up the food. Thanks Derrick, I am an intern not your servent. Even my colleague besides me has to snuff out her giggles when it was pretty clear there wasn’t anything much left on the plates. I have to repeat myself twice to get my message across. He had the cheek to say something like “young man cannot eat huh?” after I rejected his good offer the first time round.

Anyway, Derrick has a weekly meeting with the staff. Will update you again when I go through the next stage of hell – the weekly meeting with Derrick!

Me myself and Derrick

2005-01-06T01:32:00.000+08:00

This entry is a little overdue but well as some say “better late then never”. This is regarding my stay in XXX company. (name changed to protected innocent parties involved)

First day of work procedures were more or less what I expected. I reported at the main HQ at 830 and subsequently briefing revealed that my actual working place is at Serangoon which was something I was secretly hoping since it is nearer my house.

Then I figured out how to go to my new office and managed to find it after some navigation. I reach the office one hour before lunch time and was just in time to receive a brief lecture on my job scope before I was interviewed by the big boss.

So everything went according to plan or was it?......

Transcript of the interview with Mr De-prick (names aptly changed to protect the innocent).
Words in italics represent my inner thoughts.

De-prick: So you are the new guy?

Me: Yes. (Duh!)

De-prick: So what do you wish to obtain at the end of your stay here?

Me: Pick up some relevant work experience and learn some skills and blah blah blah for quite some time……. (so predictable….)

De-prick: What do you do during your weekends with your friends?

Me: (abit stun at the question…)
Errrr…. I ….. sometimes watch soccer with my friends.
(What does he want to know???)

De-prick: What sort of books do you read?

Me: (stun again….. is this some beauty contest???)
Errr….. Besides textbooks… (my feeble attempts at a joke… he didn’t laugh) I read mostly mystery and thriller novels.

(I am already quite puzzled and surprised at my treatment)

De-prick: Are you a ‘A’s students? Scholar?

Me: No (softly)

De-prick: Which JC did you come from then?

Me: Tampines JC.

(I am now puzzled, surprised and felt a tweeny little bit insulted)

De-prick: Do you view porn?

Me: (totally stun into silence)
….??.....?????.......????????......????????
(did my ears hear wrongly….. and yes my dear friends you never read wrongly as well)

De-prick: Did you ever stumble into porn sites while surfing?

Me: (OHhhhhhhhhhhh that was what he meant lah…. Duh. English so lousy.)
Errr yes sometimes you will accidentally click onto those sites.

De-prick: So who teach you morals?

(That is none of your business you fat piece of lard. You deserve the bloody nick that I gave you De-PRICK)

Me: MY PARENTS! (raising my voice to show my defiance)

De-prick: (speaking in a much softer voice now that he knows he has agitated me)
Ok. I just wish you to know that you are not suppose to break the company rules, be punctual for work, do not be absent without notice or reason and……blah blah and ……blah blah and (on and on he goes like a Duracell rabbit)

Me: Yes I will bear that in mind. (Hello, I am 23 not 13….)

De-prick: Do you know what are the two secrets to being successful?
Free of charge ? (laughs at his own joke)

Me: -_-" I don’t know.

De-prick is apparently in the mood for more crap.

De-prick: They are (drum rolls please)
1. the people you mixed around and
2. the books you read

Me: Ohhhhhhhhh (he is so bloody stupid he didn’t know it was in a sarcastic tone and he smiled at me
thinking that I have suddenly become enlightened and an aura of golden light was hovering
above my head)

(Clock strikes 1230… time for lunch break and I was finally SAVED and spared from answering more pagent questions and revealing more of my tastes for movies, females and fashion and other what not that he might possibly want to know from me)

Luckily for me the rest of the day passed in peace asking me to do mundane tasks such as taking photos. It is late. Time to fill you in another day!

When Death becomes a statistics

2004-12-29T02:15:00.000+08:00

After an earthquake that measure 9.0 on the Richter scale that shook Indonesia on Boxing Day, gigantic tidal waves called tsunamis claimed many more lives in the aftermath of the disaster. Mounting death tolls were reported in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand. The current total death tolls stands at more than 40000 and even as I type, more grim news are filtering in from many inaccessible areas where communication are destroy by this sudden fury unleash by Mother Nature.

Describe as one of the worst natural disaster faced by mankind can’t be an understatement. With millions made homeless and expected casualties to be as high as 50000, it certainly brings a certain gloom to the end of the year.

Anyway, enough of news snippets of the natural disaster, I just wish to express some personal feelings about this event. When the 9 year old Huang Na was brutally murdered, thousands of people wept at her wake. However this time round, Singaporeans reactions were rather muted in response. It is indeed quite strange when you probe deeper. A death of a single child has left a far greater mark then a large scale disaster. (Powers of the media to sensationalise news) The number of death reported over the news was almost regarded as a mere statistics and one seems to be numbed by the event which took place outside the country boundary. The man in the streets don’t seem to be exactly affected by this disaster despite its magnitude and the close vicinity where it has left its mark.

Singaporeans are very generous when it comes to giving out money as shown by numerous calls received when it comes to fund raising events for NKF (National Kidney Foundation) and other charity groups when funding are short. (This caused a furore lately when NKF revealed they had reserves which could last for 3 years of funding but that is another story) But when it comes to feelings of empathy and sympathy, I do feel as a nation we are lacking in these two humane values.

I expected the various charity organisation such as Red Cross will be organising donation drive to help the victims in the next few days. Perhaps, due to the fact than most of us have never been thorough any natural disaster of any scale (even a nation wide 5 hours blackout being a big hoo ha) , most of us will never imagine the suffering of these victims. While aid are given out plentifully, I wonder aloud if the hearts of Singaporean match their generosity of their gifts? Perhaps it is time, we sit back and realise how fortunate we are to be alive and many of our problems actually pale in comparison to life and death issues.

May this chapter ends with minimal further suffering.

Amended lyrics to a song I like

2004-12-18T18:57:00.000+08:00

Amended lyrics of Eason Chan song

This took several days, and I can’t say I am absolutely happy with the final result. Well, I would say it is a decent effort since it is my first “complete” attempt at writing in mandarin (others which were abandon halfway), which is not exactly my preferred language of writing.

Just wanted to do something different for a change in the holidays and I am glad I tried to do it. Why such a lyrics you might ask? Well the original lyrics strike a chord with me and I attempted to change it in order to affiliate more with the emotions portray by the song I guess.

The lyrics were amended from the Eason Chan song of “Ji Mo Rang Ni Geng Kuai Le” or“寂寞让你更快乐”. I guess I didn’t really change very much of the original, leaving half of it intact.

Some of the inspirations of the amendment were from my experiences, others from friends around me. I wanted to convey the feelings of a guy who cares for the female he likes even though she does not reciprocate the feelings in return. In order not to ruin the friendship between the two parties, he agrees to appear contented in the public eye and would only show his true emotions to himself. He plays the role of a friend, a brother, or simply a listening ear to suit the female who treasures the friendship too. However, he knows that being just a friend, he is unable to be there all the time for her, since his role does not allow the capacity for him to do so. He also feels the hurt whenever he recalls the happy memories spent together, and wonders if he will be better off without meeting her in the first place. (slightly bitter emotions)

Hope the above explanation clears up some of the doubts that were inadequately expressed from the lyrics. I enjoyed the process of writing the lyrics. I hope that you will like reading it too.

How to understand females (Part I and II)

2004-12-09T22:10:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I have been reading up on this book on “How to understand a female?” Just thought to share it with you guys. Some the points raised are actually quite interesting. You may or may not agree with everything that is written but hey to those non-believers, just treat it as entertainment.

How to understand a female.
(Pg 1 to Pg 20)
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1. Females believe that it is fate and destiny should a guy share similar interests or traits.

Similar traits could include “insignificant” matters such as having the same birthday, living in the same area or even sharing the same starting letters of a Christian name, or having the same initials.

Should guys want to impress females, they can try as suggested by the book, to find a similar trait to subtlety hint to the female, to prompt her to think that you are a gift from heaven.

2. Females feel that guys understand them very well should they be able to point out their merits.

If you are one of those who praise a female figure in day one, her legs in day two, and her eyes in day three, the initial feelings of happiness by the female will be quickly overtaken by suspicions of lying. (Come on, they are not THAT stupid :P)

The correct strategy to employ in this case is to truly understand her merits and praise those strengths using different descriptions and methods. Thus, achieving the aim of females thinking that you understand them very well.

3. Females are impressed by guys who take note of their finer details.

The author shared a story of a classmate whom he never meets for 10 odd years and him calling out to her in the streets. She was filled with pleasant surprise and received him warmly. Girls tend to think of males as being forgetful and careless with details. As such, guys who indeed make the effort to remember the finer details of a female gives the impression that you are very concerned about her.

4. Should a guy want a female to talk and reveal more about her attitude towards love and sex, he should link the questions to everyday life.

The author as a note insisted even in this modern society, discussion of sex is still taboo among the females. Should males be able to link the questions to some relevance to the lives of the females, he is more likely to get a reply.

On a date when both parties wish that the time spent together should be longer, it is probably time to bide farewell.

5. To a female, it is not the total time spent together but the numbers of times both of you meet up that is important.

The author mention that although it is understandable that a guy is eager to spend more time with his date especially since he spends lots of effort in making it possible, however it might not be a good thing to drag the date longer than it should be. Females being more insecure in nature, will be more tense up and will not “open up” that easily and as the meeting drags longer, she will feel tired and will be more likely to commit actions (such as doing something unladylike, or saying words that she didn’t mean) and making her regret later and have bad memories of the date itself.

On the other hand, should the date be kept short and the female upon realizing how serious the male is trying to make the date as interesting as possible, will be thrilled and harbour positive feelings for the next date before she gets tired of the current one.

6. Females are more impressed with a guy manner of speech rather than the content of the speech itself.

A female judge a male more on the whole than to focus on specifics.

Hence, a female when praising a guy would not just stop at saying “he is a nice person” but would go on to describe how nice the guy is by giving certain examples.

Females are more captivated by how passionate or serious a guy is when he is speaking than the contents of the speech itself.

I am sure that you guys have come across instances where females burst out laughing or giggling when someone is giving a speech while the guys are wondering what the joke was about. This is because the females probably found some hand movement or manners of the speaker to be funny.

Therefore, for guys who seem to have a problem sustaining a meaningful conversation with females, it might be wise to invest some effort to making some purposeful hand gestures or eye contact. This will enable the female to be impressed with how serious you are while speaking drawing attention away from the contents of your speech.

7. Females would be impressed with guys who mention about the difficultly of doing mundane daily activities.

Females are often relegated to the role of doubling up as a personal assistance in the course of work. It is not unusual to see that the person serving coffee to the boss and filling teacups in a meeting is a female. However, females do not like this role that they are playing and would interpret themselves as being “useless”.

Similarly, the role that a wife plays at home such as doing horse hold chores are interpreted as “useless” to them. Should a guy be able to mention once in a while, “It is difficult isn’t it doing these chores? “, or chipping in to help in would impress upon the female that the guy understand the role she is playing.

8. Sharing a common goal with a female is the first step to winning her over.

The author share a story where an elderly man fainted in the streets and both a male and female who were strangers to each other stopped to help. Because of them were intent in rescuing the man, they had a common goal and in the midst of helping the man, they understood each other better, and got married eventually.

Another typical example would be the boss ending up together with the secretary for the same reasons because of the common goals they are striving for daily.

For guys who can’t seem to get the females they like to ‘open up’ can try as the book suggest to seek a common goal with the female.

9. Females are more eager to talk should guys pose open ended questions.

Guys should avoiding asking questions where a simple yes or no answer would suffice. In order to sustain a conversation, guys should be asking more of “where, why, how, who, whether” kind of questions. This would prevent the awkward silence in a conversation from occurring.

10. A male while listening to a female speaking should display body language that you are interested.

The author mentions that females are still being belittle in today society and they are constantly striving for equal status in modern society. Hence, if males display body language to show that they are keenly listening (eg placing of hand on temple, slight nod of the head) and replying when appropriately.

However be warned that you should not slip into a model of predictable pattern while listening or else it could be interpret that you are merely being too embarrassed to ask her to stop talking about her own troubles and you are being forced to listen. Worse of all is to display a “sianz” look on your face. Try and vary your responses to let her know you are paying earnest attention.

*********************************************************
So it isn't true to say that guys are not paying attention! We do! Hope the following points were useful, and seeya again!