兰蝶划云游身步!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 23 Dec 09
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Asiaone - Adding a shine to your holdings
Adding a shine to your holdings
There are a variety of ways you can give your portfolio a gilt edge.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
The Straits Times
Bars and coins
United Overseas Bank (UOB) sells physical gold that can be bought from and sold back to the bank at its daily buy-sell market rate. Gold bars come in a range of sizes, from small wafers to cast kilobars. Coins range from one-twentieth of an ounce to one ounce.
'This is one of the best forms of gold investment as you can keep the coins and bars in safe deposit boxes, and there is a variety of sizes to choose from,' said IPP Financial Advisers investment director Albert Lam.
A cast gold bar is made when melted gold is poured into a mould to achieve the desired shape and weight.
Gold bars and coins are subject to goods and services tax (GST) so an investor will lose 7 per cent of his investment up front.
Certificates
At UOB, a gold certificate is sold in kilobars, which are kilogram bars of gold.
In a single certificate, you can buy up to 30 kilobars.
UOB sold one kilobar for $55,416 last week.
The certificates have no expiry date and can be exchanged for physical gold or cash whenever the need arises.
A flat $5 charge for each certificate and an administrative fee of $30 a kilobar per year apply.
Gold savings account
At UOB, consumers can, through a passbook, buy and sell gold at prevailing market prices and transact any time during banking hours.
Teacher Arfiah Arshad, 39, sank $5,000 into a UOB Gold savings account last December and $5,000 into UOB Gold and General unit trust in February.
Both accounts are up by 50 per cent.
She invested in gold after her adviser at Financial Alliance, Mr Sani Hamid, suggested she do so in order to diversify her portfolio.
'When I went to open a gold savings account at UOB, the relationship manager tried to persuade me to invest in an Asia infrastructure unit trust because she said few people were investing in gold then,' said Madam Arfiah, who did not heed the banker's advice.
'I'm glad I stuck to investing in gold,' she said.
Citibank also offers retail customers the chance to trade in gold via its Citibank Gold Account.
To establish this account, you just need to buy a minimum of 30 ounces of gold, said Mr Shrikant Bhat, Citibank Singapore's head of wealth management.
The price of gold hit a record of US$1,226.10 an ounce last week.
Gold jewellery
Perhaps the easiest way to buy physical gold is to walk into a goldsmith and buy 22-karat or 24-karat jewellery.
But Mr Lam cautioned: 'Design and workmanship costs are priced into the jewellery and hence if consumers are buying for investment purposes, they end up paying a premium.'
Funds and ETFs
One fund that gives exposure to gold is the Schroder Alternative Solutions Gold and Metals Fund.
The fund's gold exposure varies between 25 per cent and 75 per cent. The rest comprises industrial metals such as copper and aluminium.
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are another alternative. They allow people to gain exposure to gold prices without taking delivery of the metal itself.
They trade like stocks on the exchange, so you can buy and sell them at market prices throughout the trading day.
Gold ETFs include SPDR gold shares, which are listed on the Singapore Exchange.
Post Date: 17 Dec 09
There are a variety of ways you can give your portfolio a gilt edge.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
The Straits Times
Bars and coins
United Overseas Bank (UOB) sells physical gold that can be bought from and sold back to the bank at its daily buy-sell market rate. Gold bars come in a range of sizes, from small wafers to cast kilobars. Coins range from one-twentieth of an ounce to one ounce.
'This is one of the best forms of gold investment as you can keep the coins and bars in safe deposit boxes, and there is a variety of sizes to choose from,' said IPP Financial Advisers investment director Albert Lam.
A cast gold bar is made when melted gold is poured into a mould to achieve the desired shape and weight.
Gold bars and coins are subject to goods and services tax (GST) so an investor will lose 7 per cent of his investment up front.
Certificates
At UOB, a gold certificate is sold in kilobars, which are kilogram bars of gold.
In a single certificate, you can buy up to 30 kilobars.
UOB sold one kilobar for $55,416 last week.
The certificates have no expiry date and can be exchanged for physical gold or cash whenever the need arises.
A flat $5 charge for each certificate and an administrative fee of $30 a kilobar per year apply.
Gold savings account
At UOB, consumers can, through a passbook, buy and sell gold at prevailing market prices and transact any time during banking hours.
Teacher Arfiah Arshad, 39, sank $5,000 into a UOB Gold savings account last December and $5,000 into UOB Gold and General unit trust in February.
Both accounts are up by 50 per cent.
She invested in gold after her adviser at Financial Alliance, Mr Sani Hamid, suggested she do so in order to diversify her portfolio.
'When I went to open a gold savings account at UOB, the relationship manager tried to persuade me to invest in an Asia infrastructure unit trust because she said few people were investing in gold then,' said Madam Arfiah, who did not heed the banker's advice.
'I'm glad I stuck to investing in gold,' she said.
Citibank also offers retail customers the chance to trade in gold via its Citibank Gold Account.
To establish this account, you just need to buy a minimum of 30 ounces of gold, said Mr Shrikant Bhat, Citibank Singapore's head of wealth management.
The price of gold hit a record of US$1,226.10 an ounce last week.
Gold jewellery
Perhaps the easiest way to buy physical gold is to walk into a goldsmith and buy 22-karat or 24-karat jewellery.
But Mr Lam cautioned: 'Design and workmanship costs are priced into the jewellery and hence if consumers are buying for investment purposes, they end up paying a premium.'
Funds and ETFs
One fund that gives exposure to gold is the Schroder Alternative Solutions Gold and Metals Fund.
The fund's gold exposure varies between 25 per cent and 75 per cent. The rest comprises industrial metals such as copper and aluminium.
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are another alternative. They allow people to gain exposure to gold prices without taking delivery of the metal itself.
They trade like stocks on the exchange, so you can buy and sell them at market prices throughout the trading day.
Gold ETFs include SPDR gold shares, which are listed on the Singapore Exchange.
Post Date: 17 Dec 09
Asiaone - Gold Rush
Gold Rush
As gold price hits never-seen-before levels, Gabriel Chen looks at why the precious metal can make a good investment and asks analysts about its prospects.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
The Straits Times
By Gabriel Chen
If some pundits are right, gold is well on its way to a dazzling US$2,000 (S$2,780) or more an ounce in the next decade - heights never even hinted at before this financial crisis struck.
The old record of US$1,030 set in March last year was surpassed in early October and prices have continued to climb.
To put that in perspective, gold was just US$254 an ounce back in 1999, a 20-year low.
'Gold is going up,' said Singapore-based investor Jim Rogers, who tips the precious metal to top US$2,000 an ounce in the next decade. 'I'm bullish on all commodities until the bull market comes to an end,' he told The Sunday Times.
Mr Rogers, who predicted the rally in commodities back in 1999, is not the only bull out there.
Goldman Sachs raised its 12-month gold forecast to US$1,350 an ounce this month from a previous estimate of US$960, while Barclays Capital has said that 'prospects for a run at US$1,500 should not be underestimated' next year.
Gold's glister has been fuelled by the persistent weakness in the American dollar and news that central banks in India, Russia and elsewhere have increased their holdings of the metal.
Speculation that governments, the biggest bullion holders, will make even more purchases is merely adding to the mood music.
Can the trend go further? According to Channel Islands-based GoldMoney.com founder James Turk, 'gold is going to be at US$8,000 by 2013' due to the historical relationship between the metal and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
He was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that gold and the Dow were at around the same level during the Great Depression and the early 1980s.
In January 1980, they were both slightly below the US$1,000 mark, but while the Dow is up 10-fold since then, gold's ascent has not been as spectacular, he argued.
But others in the industry do not expect gold to soar that high.
'US$2,000 or US$3,000 an ounce levels make sense only if the US dollar drops by another 30 per cent on a broad basis and United States inflation moves to 10 per cent, which we do not expect,' said UBS Wealth Management's head of commodities research, Mr Dominic Schnider.
However, should Mr Turk be correct, it will not be long before we all start melting down our wedding rings.
Why invest in gold?
There are fears that the massive monetary and fiscal policy stimulus plans that have been pumped into the global economy will generate inflation.
Gold acts as a hedge against such an eventuality.
Dr Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital Investors, said gold is seen as a good alternative to paper money.
'While there are fears about the future of the US dollar, the outlook for other major currencies is not much better,' he said.
'Europe's economy looks worse than the US, the strong yen looks unsustainable given the damage it has already caused the Japanese economy and the (Chinese yuan) is not really an option as it's not convertible.'
A convertible currency is one that can be quickly and easily bought and sold for other currencies.
Diversification advantage
Many studies show that gold prices generally move in the opposite direction from stock prices: Gold soars when stocks tank.
'Portfolios that contain even a small allocation of gold are proven to be generally more robust and better able to cope with market uncertainties than those that do not, showing improved stability and predictability of returns,' said Mr Albert Cheng, managing director of World Gold Council for the Far East region.
He said the optimum investment in gold for any long- term institutional investment portfolio ranges from 4 per cent to 10 per cent.
Rarity factor
Governments can print as much money as they like - to pay off their debts - but they cannot create gold, which is limited in supply.
'In all of history, only 161,000 tonnes of gold have been mined. This is barely enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools, and of this amount, more than half was extracted in the recent 50 years,' said IPP Financial Advisers investment director Albert Lam.
Outlook for gold
Despite the risk of prices reversing in the short term, financial experts say investors should add gold to their portfolios if they have not already done so.
'Worrying too much about a short-term pullback risks missing the bigger medium-term picture which remains very positive for gold,' Dr Oliver said.
One key reason for gold's rise is that central banks in emerging countries such as China and India are becoming buyers as part of a strategy to reduce the exposure of their foreign exchange reserves to paper currencies.
In the past, central banks focused on accumulating paper money such as the greenback, but they now want to hold more gold for diversification purposes.
'Over the past five years, central banks and governments have sold around 440 tonnes of gold every year,' Mr Schnider said.
'In the coming years, central bank gold sales should come to a halt. In fact, we actually foresee that central banks may become net buyers.'
But experts also caution that investing in gold is highly speculative and prices can be volatile. After rising to new highs in 1974, gold prices plunged, falling to about US$100 in mid-1976 from about US$200 at the start of 1975.
'Animal spirits can play a huge role in the determination of the gold price. This can make for a volatile ride over time and suggests that gold should not dominate an investor's portfolio,' Dr Oliver said.
Animal spirits - a term coined by the late British economist John Maynard Keynes - refers to a particular sort of confidence, or 'naive optimism'.
Rather than dabble in gold alone, Dr Oliver suggested that investors have exposure to a broad basket of commodities.
Mr Shrikant Bhat, Citibank Singapore's head of wealth management, urged investors to understand the factors driving the gold price movement and then take a view on whether those factors will continue to drive the demand.
Post Date: 17 Dec 09
As gold price hits never-seen-before levels, Gabriel Chen looks at why the precious metal can make a good investment and asks analysts about its prospects.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
The Straits Times
By Gabriel Chen
If some pundits are right, gold is well on its way to a dazzling US$2,000 (S$2,780) or more an ounce in the next decade - heights never even hinted at before this financial crisis struck.
The old record of US$1,030 set in March last year was surpassed in early October and prices have continued to climb.
To put that in perspective, gold was just US$254 an ounce back in 1999, a 20-year low.
'Gold is going up,' said Singapore-based investor Jim Rogers, who tips the precious metal to top US$2,000 an ounce in the next decade. 'I'm bullish on all commodities until the bull market comes to an end,' he told The Sunday Times.
Mr Rogers, who predicted the rally in commodities back in 1999, is not the only bull out there.
Goldman Sachs raised its 12-month gold forecast to US$1,350 an ounce this month from a previous estimate of US$960, while Barclays Capital has said that 'prospects for a run at US$1,500 should not be underestimated' next year.
Gold's glister has been fuelled by the persistent weakness in the American dollar and news that central banks in India, Russia and elsewhere have increased their holdings of the metal.
Speculation that governments, the biggest bullion holders, will make even more purchases is merely adding to the mood music.
Can the trend go further? According to Channel Islands-based GoldMoney.com founder James Turk, 'gold is going to be at US$8,000 by 2013' due to the historical relationship between the metal and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
He was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that gold and the Dow were at around the same level during the Great Depression and the early 1980s.
In January 1980, they were both slightly below the US$1,000 mark, but while the Dow is up 10-fold since then, gold's ascent has not been as spectacular, he argued.
But others in the industry do not expect gold to soar that high.
'US$2,000 or US$3,000 an ounce levels make sense only if the US dollar drops by another 30 per cent on a broad basis and United States inflation moves to 10 per cent, which we do not expect,' said UBS Wealth Management's head of commodities research, Mr Dominic Schnider.
However, should Mr Turk be correct, it will not be long before we all start melting down our wedding rings.
Why invest in gold?
There are fears that the massive monetary and fiscal policy stimulus plans that have been pumped into the global economy will generate inflation.
Gold acts as a hedge against such an eventuality.
Dr Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital Investors, said gold is seen as a good alternative to paper money.
'While there are fears about the future of the US dollar, the outlook for other major currencies is not much better,' he said.
'Europe's economy looks worse than the US, the strong yen looks unsustainable given the damage it has already caused the Japanese economy and the (Chinese yuan) is not really an option as it's not convertible.'
A convertible currency is one that can be quickly and easily bought and sold for other currencies.
Diversification advantage
Many studies show that gold prices generally move in the opposite direction from stock prices: Gold soars when stocks tank.
'Portfolios that contain even a small allocation of gold are proven to be generally more robust and better able to cope with market uncertainties than those that do not, showing improved stability and predictability of returns,' said Mr Albert Cheng, managing director of World Gold Council for the Far East region.
He said the optimum investment in gold for any long- term institutional investment portfolio ranges from 4 per cent to 10 per cent.
Rarity factor
Governments can print as much money as they like - to pay off their debts - but they cannot create gold, which is limited in supply.
'In all of history, only 161,000 tonnes of gold have been mined. This is barely enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools, and of this amount, more than half was extracted in the recent 50 years,' said IPP Financial Advisers investment director Albert Lam.
Outlook for gold
Despite the risk of prices reversing in the short term, financial experts say investors should add gold to their portfolios if they have not already done so.
'Worrying too much about a short-term pullback risks missing the bigger medium-term picture which remains very positive for gold,' Dr Oliver said.
One key reason for gold's rise is that central banks in emerging countries such as China and India are becoming buyers as part of a strategy to reduce the exposure of their foreign exchange reserves to paper currencies.
In the past, central banks focused on accumulating paper money such as the greenback, but they now want to hold more gold for diversification purposes.
'Over the past five years, central banks and governments have sold around 440 tonnes of gold every year,' Mr Schnider said.
'In the coming years, central bank gold sales should come to a halt. In fact, we actually foresee that central banks may become net buyers.'
But experts also caution that investing in gold is highly speculative and prices can be volatile. After rising to new highs in 1974, gold prices plunged, falling to about US$100 in mid-1976 from about US$200 at the start of 1975.
'Animal spirits can play a huge role in the determination of the gold price. This can make for a volatile ride over time and suggests that gold should not dominate an investor's portfolio,' Dr Oliver said.
Animal spirits - a term coined by the late British economist John Maynard Keynes - refers to a particular sort of confidence, or 'naive optimism'.
Rather than dabble in gold alone, Dr Oliver suggested that investors have exposure to a broad basket of commodities.
Mr Shrikant Bhat, Citibank Singapore's head of wealth management, urged investors to understand the factors driving the gold price movement and then take a view on whether those factors will continue to drive the demand.
Post Date: 17 Dec 09
Friday, December 11, 2009
Coincidence?
Did a lot of driving around today, to as far as Boon Lay.
As I was driving along PIE back to the office, a thought surfaced in my head:
Drive carefully. Danger ahead.
I'm not too sure if it was a self-reminder to be mindful of the traffic, as I have not been sleeping enough, or it was really a divine reminder.
True enough, on the lane I was on (lane 1), I saw the car in front of me suddenly break. I had a good safety distance from him, so I braked with relative ease. In front of him a few cars were involved in a chain collision.
Never did I guess that there was another incident a few kilometres down! This time, a lorry burst a tyre, and he was trying to filter left. I was a lot nearer to the vehicle in front, and I had to apply the brakes harder.
On both occasions, I was lucky that the vehicles behind me maintained their safety distance.
After witnessing the 2nd incident, a new thought entered my head: no more up ahead. You can relax now. Which I did.
Coincidence?
Post Date: 17 Dec 09
As I was driving along PIE back to the office, a thought surfaced in my head:
Drive carefully. Danger ahead.
I'm not too sure if it was a self-reminder to be mindful of the traffic, as I have not been sleeping enough, or it was really a divine reminder.
True enough, on the lane I was on (lane 1), I saw the car in front of me suddenly break. I had a good safety distance from him, so I braked with relative ease. In front of him a few cars were involved in a chain collision.
Never did I guess that there was another incident a few kilometres down! This time, a lorry burst a tyre, and he was trying to filter left. I was a lot nearer to the vehicle in front, and I had to apply the brakes harder.
On both occasions, I was lucky that the vehicles behind me maintained their safety distance.
After witnessing the 2nd incident, a new thought entered my head: no more up ahead. You can relax now. Which I did.
Coincidence?
Post Date: 17 Dec 09
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Time flies when you are idling
So, it's December already.
I've stopped the business of new year resolutions for a while already, but still, I seemed to be repeating these to-do items in my head ad nauseam.
For example, I have yet to participate in the Singapore Marathon. And I think this is the 2nd year already. Or is it the 3rd?
I have yet to get into the habit of sleeping by 12.30am.
I still suck in photography.
I still don't have any residual income.
But what I've actually achieved, I am very proud of:
I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!
I am also happy that I've started morning prayers.
Not by choice, but I've become more diligent with housework.
With little Princess coming on board, I had REALLY, BETTER sort out my photography.
And I can forget about sleeping early!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 1 Dec 09
Monday, November 30, 2009
Fear and hunger
Cowboy Caleb had an interesting piece today.
Life is a little like that. Most of the time, if you want something then you have to find something to motivate you to go and get it. 90% of the people never get what they really want, because they are too lazy or overconfident.
To succeed in life, you have to push yourself by finding something to motivate you. Fear seems to be good. Hunger also works. Fear of being poor all your life. Hungry for the better things in life that always seem out of your grasp. Anybody can do it. Few do.
So, so true. Guess I still have a lot of work cut out for me.
Post Date: 1 Dec 09
Life is a little like that. Most of the time, if you want something then you have to find something to motivate you to go and get it. 90% of the people never get what they really want, because they are too lazy or overconfident.
To succeed in life, you have to push yourself by finding something to motivate you. Fear seems to be good. Hunger also works. Fear of being poor all your life. Hungry for the better things in life that always seem out of your grasp. Anybody can do it. Few do.
So, so true. Guess I still have a lot of work cut out for me.
Post Date: 1 Dec 09
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Reminder to self ...
... don't lose the plot.
Wifey and I just came back from the temple. Since just now, my mind has been pre-occupied with what we have to do, following the procedures, how will things turn out, etc etc.
I can't seem to be able to relax, and in the process, am missing the point.
Didn't we go for consultation so that we can be instructed on what to do and what not to do? Didn't we go so that we can have the peace of mind? And didn't the lady say, "娘娘会保佑她"?
Chill, goondu, CHILL!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 26 Nov 09
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Keeping faith
Just went with Dad to see his urologist at SGH.
We should be scheduling his TURP in early March. I reminded Dad that his granddaughter will be born in early Apr, so early March should be a good time.
The doctor said it is a very common procedure, and Dad also said this procedure is a basic must-know for all urologists. Hospitalisation is needed though, for 3 - 4 days. I am just so thankful that Dad is still healthy and so positive. This is still a medical operation after all, so I am worried, but I don't want to appear worried in front of him.
Mum, on the hand, should be getting her cataract operation in December. Once again, this is also a common day operation. I suspect Mum has been putting this off because she is worried. Dad has since managed to convince her.
I am just so worried for the both of them, but I cannot show it. I think I'm being paranoid, but I really want them to be well ...
Prayers, I think prayers will help ...
Post Date: 26 Nov 09
We should be scheduling his TURP in early March. I reminded Dad that his granddaughter will be born in early Apr, so early March should be a good time.
The doctor said it is a very common procedure, and Dad also said this procedure is a basic must-know for all urologists. Hospitalisation is needed though, for 3 - 4 days. I am just so thankful that Dad is still healthy and so positive. This is still a medical operation after all, so I am worried, but I don't want to appear worried in front of him.
Mum, on the hand, should be getting her cataract operation in December. Once again, this is also a common day operation. I suspect Mum has been putting this off because she is worried. Dad has since managed to convince her.
I am just so worried for the both of them, but I cannot show it. I think I'm being paranoid, but I really want them to be well ...
Prayers, I think prayers will help ...
Post Date: 26 Nov 09
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tough
Yesterday was the first time we brought a friend along for our weekly prayer sessions.
In my simplistic mind, this good friend deserves to be on the "same plane" as us if we are going "somewhere better". I believed that by joining us, he is well on his way to earning his "plane ticket".
However I was a bit disappointed when, at the end of the session, he said he had to ascertain "if this was what I wanted". I mean, how wrong can one be if he has already taken the (hardest) step towards jumping out of 六道轮回?
Wifey said he was referring to the commitment of going every week, and to give him some time.
I can now understand how difficult it can be to convince people onto the correct path. Of course in shows, the bodhisattvas had it tougher cos they had to convert the evil ones.
Post Date: 23 Nov 09
In my simplistic mind, this good friend deserves to be on the "same plane" as us if we are going "somewhere better". I believed that by joining us, he is well on his way to earning his "plane ticket".
However I was a bit disappointed when, at the end of the session, he said he had to ascertain "if this was what I wanted". I mean, how wrong can one be if he has already taken the (hardest) step towards jumping out of 六道轮回?
Wifey said he was referring to the commitment of going every week, and to give him some time.
I can now understand how difficult it can be to convince people onto the correct path. Of course in shows, the bodhisattvas had it tougher cos they had to convert the evil ones.
Post Date: 23 Nov 09
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Hat trick
Went for FA scan yesterday.
Everything was ok - her major organs, limbs, facial features. Our girl kept moving, and the doctor exclaimed "Wah, so active, ah!"
However there was one area that was potentially dangerous. There was swelling at the part of the umbilical cord that joins to her tummy. The doctor is worried that her intestine may have been "sucked out" into the umbilical cord. If that was really the case, then operation is required after birth. Close monitoring is required, via the monthly scans and the next detailed scan in 10 weeks' time.
This little girl of ours really makes us worry, and this is already the 3rd time ...
Post Date: 23 Nov 09
Everything was ok - her major organs, limbs, facial features. Our girl kept moving, and the doctor exclaimed "Wah, so active, ah!"
However there was one area that was potentially dangerous. There was swelling at the part of the umbilical cord that joins to her tummy. The doctor is worried that her intestine may have been "sucked out" into the umbilical cord. If that was really the case, then operation is required after birth. Close monitoring is required, via the monthly scans and the next detailed scan in 10 weeks' time.
This little girl of ours really makes us worry, and this is already the 3rd time ...
Post Date: 23 Nov 09
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
早课
Yesterday I re-started something that I had not done for the last maybe 30 years - chanting at home.
I used to chant at night before sleeping. Thinking back, somehow, those days seemed more peaceful, event- and mind-wise. I admit I am starting because of our baby. Apart from protection from her possible medical condition, I also need to calm my nerves down.
I hope this can help my girl to 逢凶化吉. Amitabha Buddha.
Post Date: 23 Nov 09
I used to chant at night before sleeping. Thinking back, somehow, those days seemed more peaceful, event- and mind-wise. I admit I am starting because of our baby. Apart from protection from her possible medical condition, I also need to calm my nerves down.
I hope this can help my girl to 逢凶化吉. Amitabha Buddha.
Post Date: 23 Nov 09
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
RBA lifts interest rate
From The West Australian,
The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted the official interest rate by 25 basis points. Today's decision means the official cash rate will go from 3.25 per cent to 3.50 per cent.
That's continuing good news for my Aussie dollar holdings!
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted the official interest rate by 25 basis points. Today's decision means the official cash rate will go from 3.25 per cent to 3.50 per cent.
That's continuing good news for my Aussie dollar holdings!
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
My little girl talks to me
Sitting at my desk back at the office, my head was turning. There was so much information to take in, so many thoughts running amok, so many emotions to suppress ...
And then, a little's girl's voice appeared in my head.
"Papa", she called, in a sweet little voice, "if you keep worrying that I'll be different, you will bring me up in a certain way, then of course I will become different! Do what you need to do, prepare me for the world*, so that I will be ready to face the world".
(* Instinctively, I took it to mean that we continue with the exercises, healthy foods, logistics preparations and spiritual pursuits, so that she can be healthy and be blessed)
This can jolly well be a figment of my own imagination, or it can be a real father-daughter moment, our very first one.
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
And then, a little's girl's voice appeared in my head.
"Papa", she called, in a sweet little voice, "if you keep worrying that I'll be different, you will bring me up in a certain way, then of course I will become different! Do what you need to do, prepare me for the world*, so that I will be ready to face the world".
(* Instinctively, I took it to mean that we continue with the exercises, healthy foods, logistics preparations and spiritual pursuits, so that she can be healthy and be blessed)
This can jolly well be a figment of my own imagination, or it can be a real father-daughter moment, our very first one.
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
Trisomy X
From Wikipedia,
Due to the lyonization, inactivation and formation of a Barr body, in all female cells, only one X chromosome is active at any time in a female cell. Thus, triple X syndrome most often causes no unusual physical features or medical problems. Females with the condition may have menstrual irregularities, and, although rarely exhibiting severe mental impairments, have an increased risk of learning disabilities, delayed speech, deficient language skills, and delayed development of motor skills.
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
Due to the lyonization, inactivation and formation of a Barr body, in all female cells, only one X chromosome is active at any time in a female cell. Thus, triple X syndrome most often causes no unusual physical features or medical problems. Females with the condition may have menstrual irregularities, and, although rarely exhibiting severe mental impairments, have an increased risk of learning disabilities, delayed speech, deficient language skills, and delayed development of motor skills.
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
Our Baby
We got a call this morning, about the result of the amnio test.
"Your baby has an extra chromosome. And Dr Cheng would like to see you this afternoon. His schedule is packed, but we managed to squeeze in a slot at 1pm".
When Wifey called me to relay the message, my head was entirely filled with negative thoughts. What's going to happen? How serious is the problem? How will he break the news to us? I checked the Internet - seemed like there will be problems. So much negativity - I found it hard to break out of it. Worse thing was, I didn't want to outwardly show it and influence Wifey ...
It turned out our baby has an extra chromosome - XXX. Our gynae assured us it was nothing to worry about, definitely not serious enough to warrant an abortion. Yes, there may be a higher probability of learning disabilities, but it's only a higher chance. Moreover, with support and coaching, it can be overcome. He added that our all the anomaly that could happen, this was one of the mildest. The gynae also confirmed that our baby does not have Down's Syndrome.
Wifey left the clinic visibly relieved. To her, this was good news. So long as there's a chance to correct any disorder, then not all is lost.
I, on the other hand, left the clinic with a very heavy head. I couldn't figure out what I'd just heard was good news or bad news. Yes, I'm thankful our baby does not have Down's Syndrome, but a chromosome anomaly is a chromosome anomaly. Our gynae is a nice guy - he may have cushioned the impact for us. The thought that my baby MAY not start at the same starting point really saddens me. We will be very unfair to our kid if, because of our selfishness, we bring the fella into this world and the fella falls behind straight away.
But I'm determined that, no matter what happens, our child is our responsibility. We will do whatever we can to set the records straight. Moreover, Dr Cheng did say that the FA test during Week 20 will put us at further ease.
And it's a girl : )
Image credit here.
Post Date: 3 Nov 09
Monday, October 26, 2009
Still waiting ...
Wifey and I caught this show at Tampines this evening. We had vouchers, but the guy said "Sorry, these vouchers are for non-premier films, and the show you are watching is a premier film". Then when we went over to the popcorn counter and asked for hot drinks, he said "Sorry, this coupon is for popcorn and dispenser drinks only. Hot chocolate is not from the dispenser". Oh well.
After the show we had dinner at Pasta Mania.
Today's outing was meant to celebrate our 20 years 2 months together. I was hoping that it'll also celebrate our baby's clean bill of health, but alas we are still waiting.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 28 Oct 09
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Amnio
It was a terrible struggle - do we do the amnio or do we not?
We struggled for very long. Yes, no, yes, no, do, don't do, do, don't do ... it caused me many sleepless nights. We finally decided to do it, and prayed for divine assistance to eliminate the 0.5% chance of miscarriage.
We are now back at home. Thankfully the procedure was simple, and Wifey did not complain of any discomfort. The nurse said the report will take a few days. She'll call us either on Friday or Monday.
I took leave till Friday, and Wifey is on MC until then. So while we wait, we are determined to enjoy this break!
Post Date: 28 Oct 09
We struggled for very long. Yes, no, yes, no, do, don't do, do, don't do ... it caused me many sleepless nights. We finally decided to do it, and prayed for divine assistance to eliminate the 0.5% chance of miscarriage.
We are now back at home. Thankfully the procedure was simple, and Wifey did not complain of any discomfort. The nurse said the report will take a few days. She'll call us either on Friday or Monday.
I took leave till Friday, and Wifey is on MC until then. So while we wait, we are determined to enjoy this break!
Post Date: 28 Oct 09
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
NESWA!
There are Never-Ending Surprises in Western Australia!
The West Australian article here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chevron finds more gas off WA coast
US energy giant Chevron says it has made a major discovery off the WA coast that will help support its $43 billion Gorgon natural gas project.
Chevron found gas in the Achilles-1 exploration well, about 160kms north west of Onslow in the Gorgon area, the company said.
Post Date: 19 Oct 09
The West Australian article here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chevron finds more gas off WA coast
US energy giant Chevron says it has made a major discovery off the WA coast that will help support its $43 billion Gorgon natural gas project.
Chevron found gas in the Achilles-1 exploration well, about 160kms north west of Onslow in the Gorgon area, the company said.
Post Date: 19 Oct 09
Saturday, October 17, 2009
迟到好过没到
Came back early this morning. As usual, the carpark is full. At least that's what I thought. I did eventually find a lot on 4A. A very pleasant surprise, considering at 3.30am, it is a "Level 6B" time.
After parking, the Voice in Head said, "Being later than others doesn't mean you will be worse off".
Yes, I may be older than a lot of first-time fathers, but I must use that to my advantage...
Image credit here.
Post Date: 20 Oct 09
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Insomnia
This has gotten progressively worse and worse.
Last night, after taking a looooong time to fall asleep, I woke up, I think, after only 2 hours. After tossing and turning for the good part of at least 45min, I got pissed off and got up and watched TV. Went to bed only around 4.30am.
This nonsense has to stop.
According to this website, it's all got to do with Kidney Energy (Qi) Deficiency, Bloody Qi Defiency and Improper Diet.
The sooner I'm off to the Chinese sinseh, the better.
Post Date: 12 Oct 09
Last night, after taking a looooong time to fall asleep, I woke up, I think, after only 2 hours. After tossing and turning for the good part of at least 45min, I got pissed off and got up and watched TV. Went to bed only around 4.30am.
This nonsense has to stop.
According to this website, it's all got to do with Kidney Energy (Qi) Deficiency, Bloody Qi Defiency and Improper Diet.
The sooner I'm off to the Chinese sinseh, the better.
Post Date: 12 Oct 09
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Unlimited viewing
We have been gifted with the ability to watch ALL channels on SCV. 100+ channels, how to see all?? Hehehe, happy problem. Good for Wifey, when she is on maternity leave.
Now all we are hoping is that the authorities don't catch up with us.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 12 Oct 09
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
RBA lifts interest rate
I know most will be cursing, but I'm happy that at least the savings rate will go up. And so will the Aussie dollar!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/6147184
BREAKING NEWS: Homeowners face an immediate increase in their mortgage repayments after the Reserve Bank lifted official interest rates a quarter percentage point.
In a sign the Reserve believes the Australian economy is increasingly strong, the RBA used its monthly meeting this morning to take rates to 3.25 per cent.
It is the first increase since March last year, and follows 4.25 percentage points worth of cuts in the wake of the global financial crisis.
The move will add almost $46 a month to the repayments on a $300,000 mortgage.
Post Date: 6 Oct 09
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/6147184
BREAKING NEWS: Homeowners face an immediate increase in their mortgage repayments after the Reserve Bank lifted official interest rates a quarter percentage point.
In a sign the Reserve believes the Australian economy is increasingly strong, the RBA used its monthly meeting this morning to take rates to 3.25 per cent.
It is the first increase since March last year, and follows 4.25 percentage points worth of cuts in the wake of the global financial crisis.
The move will add almost $46 a month to the repayments on a $300,000 mortgage.
Post Date: 6 Oct 09
Friday, October 02, 2009
More to come
SINGAPORE - Singapore shares closed lower on Friday with the blue-chip Straits Times Index down 52.91 points to 2,604.53.
Volume was 2.31 billion shares worth $1.79 billion. Losers led gainers 533 to 88. -- BT ONLINE
At one stage, everything on my watchlist was red. I doubt Mon will be any better.
Post Date: 2 Oct 09
Different strokes for different folks
Flipped open today's newspapers and saw the ad of a company that is going IPO. Upon closer scrutiny, I realised there were a few familiar faces in the ad. They had seeked help before, and we were part of the team. That "project" still ranks as the "highest" point of our volunteer work.
At lunch, I bumped into someone that seeked help before also. Seems like after he was cured, he was able to go back to work, but only on a permanent part-time basis.
Two different families, two different outcomes, but same setting. People we have helped got what they wanted and continued with their own lives, albeit in very different ways.
Feel jealous? Yeah, probably all of 2 seconds. But feel the need to help those in the lower income group? All the time.
Post Date: 2 Oct 09
Thursday, October 01, 2009
It rained
After about 2 weeks of terrible skin, the eczema is finally clearing up. Throughout this period, I slept without the blanket, intially for fear of staining the blanket and thereafter to avoid dirtying the blanket with skin flakes. This is a major milestone for me, who MUST sleep with at least the blanket covering my feet.
Just last night I was thinking to myself, that I am thankful that the weather has been hot, so there has been no need for the blanket. (The Lord's work?) The moment my eczema clears up, my recuperation period will be up and there will be rain, followed by chilly weather.
And last night, it rained. And I made sure I was snugly covered under my blanket.
Post Date: 2 Oct 09
Just last night I was thinking to myself, that I am thankful that the weather has been hot, so there has been no need for the blanket. (The Lord's work?) The moment my eczema clears up, my recuperation period will be up and there will be rain, followed by chilly weather.
And last night, it rained. And I made sure I was snugly covered under my blanket.
Post Date: 2 Oct 09
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Yikes!
The achilles tendon did get better, but not only did the rashes not heal, they developed into quite jialat eczema. Reddish skin with blisters and patches all over the place!
Had to go to the GP again last night. The bill was $92! But it was quite funny seeing the doctor fumbling with the syringe, trying to extract the serum from the biggest blister : ) Thankfully the anti-itch pills worked.
Wifey seems to enjoy pricking the blisters ...
Post Date: 2 Oct 09
Had to go to the GP again last night. The bill was $92! But it was quite funny seeing the doctor fumbling with the syringe, trying to extract the serum from the biggest blister : ) Thankfully the anti-itch pills worked.
Wifey seems to enjoy pricking the blisters ...
Post Date: 2 Oct 09
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Damn pain!
*Update 17 Sep 09*
Now that the foot is feeling better, guess what's next? Numbness in my left hand. Internet says it might have to do with nerves around the neck. Memory pillow, where are you??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It started on Saturday, feeling a bit strained. Got worse on Sunday and Sunday night really did it for me. Hobbled around the house, not to mention the occasional dull pull of the pain. Sleeping was a problem.
Went to the doctor on Monday to get a 2-day MC, and then it was straight off to the sinseh. One big black piece of koyok, and overly-tight bandage and skin rashes later, it is much better now, but still a little bit sore. Hope it recovers in a few days.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 17 Sep 09
Now that the foot is feeling better, guess what's next? Numbness in my left hand. Internet says it might have to do with nerves around the neck. Memory pillow, where are you??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It started on Saturday, feeling a bit strained. Got worse on Sunday and Sunday night really did it for me. Hobbled around the house, not to mention the occasional dull pull of the pain. Sleeping was a problem.
Went to the doctor on Monday to get a 2-day MC, and then it was straight off to the sinseh. One big black piece of koyok, and overly-tight bandage and skin rashes later, it is much better now, but still a little bit sore. Hope it recovers in a few days.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 17 Sep 09
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
"Feeling better yet?"
Yes, immensely!
Thank you Lord, for making me feel useful, needed and having some self worth by packing my day with decisions that I have to make and people that know what I want and know what I'm talking about. Also thank you for putting people whom I can click with around me.
Most importantly, thank you Lord for bestowing upon me the wisdom and the clarity of thought with which I tap upon to solve these problems.
Amitabha.
Post Date: 9 Sep 09
Thank you Lord, for making me feel useful, needed and having some self worth by packing my day with decisions that I have to make and people that know what I want and know what I'm talking about. Also thank you for putting people whom I can click with around me.
Most importantly, thank you Lord for bestowing upon me the wisdom and the clarity of thought with which I tap upon to solve these problems.
Amitabha.
Post Date: 9 Sep 09
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
How is it done?
Mahatma Gandhi once said:
“There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever”
Dear Gandhiji, I understand the immense wisdom of your words, but I fail miserably in its execution ...
Image credit here.
Post Date: 8 Sep 09
Monday, September 07, 2009
Ideal jobs
Seems like jobs suited to my 八字 need to be in 金 and 水, for eg.
- finance
- automotive
- 五金
- mining / exploration
- seafreight
- shipping
- something to do with ice/coldroom
Post Date: 8 Sep 09
- finance
- automotive
- 五金
- mining / exploration
- seafreight
- shipping
- something to do with ice/coldroom
Post Date: 8 Sep 09
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Dear Lord, are you trying to tell me something?
Dear Lord, for the 2nd day in a row, You have put me in contact with like-minded people. Both told me personal stories, that, when put into perspective, demonstrated Your infinite wisdom and the karmic effects of life.
But dear Lord, are You trying to tell me more? Does this have to do with my current predicament? My ignorance is preventing me from seeing the linkage. Or is this the start of a fellowship of dharma brothers and sisters?
I know I have an issue with self-worth, and have always wondered what my mission in this life is. Are You helping me on these fronts? Is this my calling?
Urrrgggh, my ignorance ...!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 2 Sep 09
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Aiyoh
This morning I was happily munching on my soot-laden , badly-burnt-on-the-bottom bread when I remembered what the auntie said when I bought the bread from her:
这个不健康,吃多了对身体不好.
And then a thought entered my mind:
Cause of death: Cancer
Age at death: 76
Aiyoh, so morbid! But already better than my expected age of 72!
Post Date: 2 Sep 09
这个不健康,吃多了对身体不好.
And then a thought entered my mind:
Cause of death: Cancer
Age at death: 76
Aiyoh, so morbid! But already better than my expected age of 72!
Post Date: 2 Sep 09
Monday, August 31, 2009
Rich son, poor son
Very, very meaningful.
Dear Lord, thanks again for the reminder : )
Post Date: 31 Aug 09
Dear Lord, thanks again for the reminder : )
Post Date: 31 Aug 09
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Philly and Fishie
More than 20 years ago, a dorky, awkward teenager met a sweet-looking girl at his orientation. She had her long, bouncy hair tied into a ponytail. Her tan complexion was due to the love of outdoor sports, especially swimming. She smiled a lot, and her laughter was especially contagious.
Their OG was an active one, meeting up regularly for lunches and outings. They both enjoyed the company, and nothing happened at first. But as the group then settled into their regular routine, he realised that he has taken a fancy to her. "She is wife material," he sniggered to himself. Phone conversations became more frequent, and he had a hard time trying to coincidentally bump into her along the corridors.
Over one of those long conversations, he asked to be her boyfriend. She was somewhat cornered, and rather hesitantly, said yes. It was August then. He was overjoyed! Over the moon! You see, unbeknownst to her then, he had 2 things on his mind. Using a sports analogy,
1. He needed to move up to midfield to attack
2. But before he can do that, he needed a solid defence
He had already identified that she will be the proverbial woman behind the proverbial successful man. With her support on the home front, he'll then be able to focus on taking on this world. Something like 男主外女主内.
They enjoyed their "paktor-hood" thoroughly, strolling in parks, going to movies, taking photos, etc. They had their 小情侣 squabbles, of course, but there was never shouting or fighting. Never. They were mostly disagreements, thrashed out civilly. They also learnt to manage each other's expectations. In all, they disagreed for less than 5 times. But he also learnt his lesson. Everytime she cried, it pierced his heart. He vowed never to make her angry, and will love and protect her.
Knowing that he found himself a good catch, dorky teen got worried when NS time came. She was too important to him and cannot afford to lose her. But what if...? She had a hard time reassuring him, but did so ever so patiently. She meant what she said, when twice she waited for him outside his camp. Imagine, a teenage girl outside an army camp! That's simply asking for trouble (meaning, cat calls, whistles, stares)! But she did it. When dorky nerd saw her standing there, he couldn't believe his eyes! He so badly wanted to hug her there and then, but had to restrain himself. He was so, so touched, and loved her even more.
Their love story continued much along the same lines, of surprise gifts, silly jokes, lots of love but even more respect.
Today, they have been together for 20 years, and married for 10. Come next year, there will be a new addition to the small family, one that they have been praying for.
So Happy 20th Anniversary my Princess, for comforting me when I'm sad, for encouraging me when I'm down, for bearing with me when I'm incoherent, for supporting me when I feel weak... most importanly, for being there for me. Of all the wrong things I've done, I am so proud I did one thing right: asking to be your boyfriend 20 years ago.
I love you, dear. May we have many, many more 20-year anniversaries to come. And I want to dedicate this song to you, the song that we liked so much and has grown to represent our relationship.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 31 Aug 09
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Blind ruminant left to die
*Update* 5pm
Very disturbed, so went to seek divine assistance. The lot said:
"To act is to court disaster"
Yikes! So now better 按兵不动.
*****************************
It's been 3 days, and I still can't figure out my next course of action.
It's tough working against the unknown of unknowns, especially the timeframe. I need to quickly sort out my thoughts and put in an action plan, but ...
STILL NO BLOODY IDEA!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 26 Aug 09
Very disturbed, so went to seek divine assistance. The lot said:
"To act is to court disaster"
Yikes! So now better 按兵不动.
*****************************
It's been 3 days, and I still can't figure out my next course of action.
It's tough working against the unknown of unknowns, especially the timeframe. I need to quickly sort out my thoughts and put in an action plan, but ...
STILL NO BLOODY IDEA!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 26 Aug 09
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Better cashflow tracking
Want to try something to improve the cashflow and cash-at-hand picture.
From next month onwards, every time a credit card transaction is incurred, I'll pay the amount into the credit card account. Will do this on a weekly basis, and monitor this trial over 3 months. Also right that items are expensed in the month of incurrence.
Post Date: 26 Aug 09
Post Date: 26 Aug 09
Sunday, August 23, 2009
青春年华
This song popped into my head today. Thought all along it was a 刘文正 song. But it could have been a 高凌风 song.
Brings back many happy childhood memories.
Post Date: 23 Aug 09
Brings back many happy childhood memories.
Post Date: 23 Aug 09
How apt
Today's horoscope in the Sunday Times says:
Spend time alone with your thoughts today and you will be in a better frame of mind. You need some distance from the flurry of activity in the workplace so that you gain a better perspective on recent events.
How did they know?
Post Date: 23 Aug 09
Spend time alone with your thoughts today and you will be in a better frame of mind. You need some distance from the flurry of activity in the workplace so that you gain a better perspective on recent events.
How did they know?
Post Date: 23 Aug 09
Saturday, August 22, 2009
"It's a bad time to look for jobs"
So today is the office's 7th month prayers. Big Boss came. Talked to him about the sale of the business.
As usual, he was non-committal. I told him if it were to materialise, then we need to re-deploy of existing staff. He acknowledged that and hinted that it shouldn't be a problem.
"Then I'll need to talk to you about me," I continued.
"Yah, still got you ..." he let his sentence trail off.
A lot of things flashed before my eyes at that moment - money issues, job ads, standard of living ... and the new addition to the family. I knew instantly I had to plan for my exit. If your employees are just automatons that you either add or remove according to your needs, then it's time they start to think (and fend) for themselves.
That look on his face tells me he doesn't know what to do with me. I don't have the luxury of that same ignorance.
I ended my conversation with him by saying "It's a bad time to be looking for jobs". And I said it twice.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 24 Aug 09
Friday, August 21, 2009
Bitter. Sweet.
So today marked the end of another in-camp training. While the maps, overlay, enemy actions and the department head's requirements still daunt me, I must say I survived better this time. I seemed to know what was going on. Yet again, this exercise was definitely less intense than the previous one.
The going was tough - early mornings, late nights, endless injects and countless presentations. While going through it, I couldn't wait for it to finish.
But now that it's over, I kind of ... miss it. Not so much the training, but the teamwork, the bind of the common destiny, and the talking cock. I did much, much better on the communication with the team.
This in-camp is the last one for some of the guys. I'll miss them, just like how I miss those who had already MR-ed at the last in-camp.
In other news, I ALMOST became the first NS men of the entire division to out-pro : )
Image credit here.
Post Date: 23 Aug 09
Thursday, August 13, 2009
"Your time will come"
While driving home this evening, I started thinking about the thousands of people who have bought private property, and wondered how they did it.
And then this thought entered my head: don't rush into things. Your turn will come.
Well, they did say patience is a virtue ...
Post Date: 13 Aug 09
And then this thought entered my head: don't rush into things. Your turn will come.
Well, they did say patience is a virtue ...
Post Date: 13 Aug 09
Monday, August 10, 2009
Time to go green
Reservist training (AGAIN! ARRRGHH!) starting from tomorrow.
I had so much trouble assimilating.
I had so much trouble understanding what was needed of me.
I had so much trouble understanding the doctrines.
I felt that I couldn't contribute.
I didn't like the long hours away from home.
And they are all coming back.
Post Date: 13 Aug 09
I had so much trouble assimilating.
I had so much trouble understanding what was needed of me.
I had so much trouble understanding the doctrines.
I felt that I couldn't contribute.
I didn't like the long hours away from home.
And they are all coming back.
Post Date: 13 Aug 09
Sunday, August 09, 2009
The End. The Beginning
Strictly speaking, it is session #7, and it's the last. We have accomplished our mission.
All the time I was running through the logistics in my head, we executed them today: the sorting, folding, opening, transferring and the eventual trip to the site.
The site had many visitors. These unwelcome buggers made me really uneasy. What's there to watch? Just go away! And thankfully they did.
I had imagined the final scene in my head many times, and it panned out almost accordingly. I didn't realise how much we did until we laid them all out. It was quite a sight to behold - almost knee height. On our way back, I was told that everything went well. Relieved.
This marked the end of the sessions, but the beginning of a new journey. I CAN'T WAIT!
Post Date: 13 Aug 09
All the time I was running through the logistics in my head, we executed them today: the sorting, folding, opening, transferring and the eventual trip to the site.
The site had many visitors. These unwelcome buggers made me really uneasy. What's there to watch? Just go away! And thankfully they did.
I had imagined the final scene in my head many times, and it panned out almost accordingly. I didn't realise how much we did until we laid them all out. It was quite a sight to behold - almost knee height. On our way back, I was told that everything went well. Relieved.
This marked the end of the sessions, but the beginning of a new journey. I CAN'T WAIT!
Post Date: 13 Aug 09
Monday, August 03, 2009
SJS
Saw a car with license plate SJS XXXX on the road this morning.
Hmmm ... SJS.
Brings back memories of a particular primary school in the early 80s, where a boy felt left out when 3 of his classmates formed a 'Secret Js' club, a la Secret Seven and Hardy Boys. At that moment, he wondered why his name didn't have a 'J', the pre-requisite to qualify for the club.
But he got over it pretty quickly. His innocent mind told him: Got so many thefts or even deaths in school to investigate, meh?
It's strange how some memories of more than 30 years can remain stuck.
Post Date: 3 Aug 09
Hmmm ... SJS.
Brings back memories of a particular primary school in the early 80s, where a boy felt left out when 3 of his classmates formed a 'Secret Js' club, a la Secret Seven and Hardy Boys. At that moment, he wondered why his name didn't have a 'J', the pre-requisite to qualify for the club.
But he got over it pretty quickly. His innocent mind told him: Got so many thefts or even deaths in school to investigate, meh?
It's strange how some memories of more than 30 years can remain stuck.
Post Date: 3 Aug 09
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Temasek mulls joint investments with public
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/news/story/0,4574,343869,00.html?
"... Asked about the shock departure last week of her would-be successor Charles 'Chip' Goodyear, Ms Ho said: 'I want to reaffirm that the decision was both mutual and amicable. We continue to hold Chip in very high regard for his professionalism and his integrity, so all those funny rumours you hear about his management style and all that, you can disregard..."
High regard for his integrity? Hmmmm...
Post Date: 30 Jul 09
"... Asked about the shock departure last week of her would-be successor Charles 'Chip' Goodyear, Ms Ho said: 'I want to reaffirm that the decision was both mutual and amicable. We continue to hold Chip in very high regard for his professionalism and his integrity, so all those funny rumours you hear about his management style and all that, you can disregard..."
High regard for his integrity? Hmmmm...
Post Date: 30 Jul 09
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
I think we hit jackpot!
Wifey tested again today.
It showed positive.
Ermm, I think we are going to be parents soon.
YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 30 Jul 09
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I think we may be on to something
I think we may be on to something.
I think we may be on to something.
I THINK WE MAY BE ON TO SOMETHING - YIPPEEEEE!
Image credit here.
Post Date: 24 Jul 09
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Longest solar eclipse of the 21st century
http://travel.asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Story20090722-156327.html
VARANASI - The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century cast a shadow over much of Asia on Wednesday, plunging hundreds of millions into darkness across the giant land masses of India and China.
Ancient superstition and modern commerce came together in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity likely to end up being the most watched eclipse in history, due to its path over Earth's most densely inhabited areas.
While bad weather confounded some eclipse watchers, tens of thousands of people gathered at dawn on the banks of the Ganges river in Varanasi where a largely cloudless morning offered a stunning view.
With Hindu priests conducting special prayers, the crowds cheered and then raised their arms in salutation as the sun re-emerged from behind the moon, before they took a spiritually purifying dip in the river's holy waters.
A total solar eclipse usually occurs every 18 months or so, but Wednesday's spectacle was special for its maximum period of "totality" - when the sun is wholly covered by the moon - of six minutes and 39 seconds.
Such a lengthy duration will not be matched until the year 2132.
State-run China Central Television provided minute-by-minute coverage of what it dubbed "The Great Yangtze River Solar Eclipse" as the phenomenon cut a path along the river's drainage basin.
Millions of people in areas of southwestern China enjoyed a clear line of sight, according to images broadcast on CCTV, but the view was obstructed along much of its path by cloudy weather.
Shanghai viewers braved rain and overcast skies to witness the spectacle as darkness shrouded China's commercial hub at 9:36 am (0136 GMT).
"It is working hours now, but with such a spectacle going on, you don't want to miss it. The experience is truly thrilling," said Allen Chen, a Shanghai office worker, who stepped out into the street to witness the event.
And despite the weather, hotels along Shanghai's famed waterfront Bund packed in the customers with eclipse breakfast specials.
Those who could afford it grabbed expensive seats on planes chartered by specialist travel agencies that promised extended views of the eclipse as they chased the shadow eastwards.
The cone-shaped shadow, or umbra, created by the total eclipse first made landfall on the western Indian state of Gujarat shortly before 6:30 am (0100 GMT).
It then raced across India and squeezed between Bangladesh and Nepal before engulfing most of Bhutan, traversing the Chinese mainland and slipping back out to sea off Shanghai.
From there it moved across the islands of southern Japan and veered into the western Pacific.
In Mumbai, hundreds of people who trekked up to the Nehru planetarium clutching eclipse sunglasses found themselves reaching for umbrellas and rain jackets instead as heavy overnight rain turned torrential.
"We didn't want to watch it on television and we thought this would be the best place," said 19-year-old student Dwayne Fernandes. "We could've stayed in bed."
Others opted to stay home and shuttered their windows, fearful of the effects of the lunar shadow which some believe can lead to birth defects in pregnant women.
Superstition has always haunted the moment when Earth, moon and sun are perfectly aligned. The daytime extinction of the sun, the source of all life, is associated with war, famine, flood and the death or birth of rulers.
The ancient Chinese blamed a sun-eating dragon. In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.
Some Indian astrologers had issued predictions laden with gloom and foreboding, and a gynaecologist at a Delhi hospital said many expectant mothers scheduled for July 22 caesarian deliveries insisted on changing the date.
The last total solar eclipse was on August 1 last year and also crossed China.
The next will be on July 11, 2010, but will occur almost entirely over the South Pacific, where Easter Island - home of the legendary moai giant statues - will be one of the few landfalls. -AFP
Image credit here.
Post Date: 24 Jul 09
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Eagle Has Landed
Today marks the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11's landing on the moon.
That triumph over the (then thought) impossibility so intrigued a particular Singapore boy that he became interested in the moon, and astronomy in general, and he constantly pestered his parents to allow him to buy space books. His first astronomy book was a thin hard-cover book bought from Emporium. He still remembers its yellow-coloured price tag and that it has, on its cover, sun rise over Earth, seen from space.
Secretly he wanted to be an astronaut. Neil Armstrong was his hero. He wanted to get the best seats in the house when it came to space exploration. In his kiddy mind, the excitement far outweighed the fear of not coming back. However, when confronted with the school composition topic of "What I want to be when I grow up", he didn't write about being an astronaut. Apart from the lack of a space programme in Asia (then), he was also afraid of being laughed at. (This inferior complex will continue to haunt him into his adulthood, with no remedy in sight).
He read that the astronauts were mostly engineering graduates and fighter pilots. Alas, our dear boy didn't make the cut. Not only did he suck big time in science (C5 for 'O' level Chemistry and C6 for Physics), his stubby existence (pun intended) meant that he'll never fit into the fighter cockpit. That one briefing at the RSAF is at the far end of his failing memory.
Despite the setback, he continued his dalliances with astronomy, buying the occasional book and DVD boxsets. He considers the purchase of the DVD set of the TV series From the Earth to the Moon a coup, considering that he searched for it for years.
To date, he has yet to haul his big, fat ass to the shelf to retrieve the box, remove the shrink wrap and pop the DVDs into the player.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 20 Jul 09
Monday, July 20, 2009
Chinatown
Wifey and I were in Chinatown over the weekend. We came across a flea market stall holder peddling CDs of yesteryear superstars. I started humming and Wifey exclaimed I was such an ah pek.
For the longest time, I wondered why I like to hang around here, but now I think I have some possible explanations:
- it offers a glimpse into how Singapore was, a hark back to our past
- the place is laid back, old school, away from the hustle and bustle of city life
- the relentless modernisation has not affected it in a big way. Yet.
- it is associated with happy thoughts, since I come here to change money for holidays
- it is real, not pretentious, no facade
- they play great (read: old) music!
Post Date: 20 Jul 09
For the longest time, I wondered why I like to hang around here, but now I think I have some possible explanations:
- it offers a glimpse into how Singapore was, a hark back to our past
- the place is laid back, old school, away from the hustle and bustle of city life
- the relentless modernisation has not affected it in a big way. Yet.
- it is associated with happy thoughts, since I come here to change money for holidays
- it is real, not pretentious, no facade
- they play great (read: old) music!
Post Date: 20 Jul 09
Sunday, July 19, 2009
5 down, 5 more to go
Wow, already halfway there.
Sore fingers and shoulders aside, we did well, exceptionally well - 101%. This brought cheer to the team and at least they could see their hard work paying off.
We ended around 4.30am, after which Wifey and I went for a well-deserved, calories-laden snack at Jalan Kayu.
The news is that from next week, we will take a break and go back to the less intensive format. Hopefully we can end earlier. Also hoping that the team is not needed, so that they can finally catch their breaths.
Menu: Bengawan Solo cake and kuehs with boiled chrysanthemum tea
Post Date: 20 Jul 09
Sore fingers and shoulders aside, we did well, exceptionally well - 101%. This brought cheer to the team and at least they could see their hard work paying off.
We ended around 4.30am, after which Wifey and I went for a well-deserved, calories-laden snack at Jalan Kayu.
The news is that from next week, we will take a break and go back to the less intensive format. Hopefully we can end earlier. Also hoping that the team is not needed, so that they can finally catch their breaths.
Menu: Bengawan Solo cake and kuehs with boiled chrysanthemum tea
Post Date: 20 Jul 09
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI
19 years, 16 years, 10 years.
After 3 campaigns, many hours and dreams later, it's time to say bye bye to the game.
I've uninstalled it. I need my time, sleep and brain cells back.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 16 Jul 09
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Visions @ 0700 (15.07.09)
Strange, short dream this morning.
Can't remember how it started, but the part I recall starts with me walking into the old house at 坡底. On the bench in the outer hall sat 外婆, with her glasses and baby blue top. But upon closer look, it seems like its grandma, not 外婆.
In the inner hall on the left sat 2 ladies. 二姨 was facing the entrance while I had to walk nearer before recognising 四姨.
In the dream, it felt like one of those visits to the old house, with people sitting around chit-chatting away happily. I'm surprised my subconscious mind can still remember the layout so vividly.
But 2 of the 4 persons in the room have already passed on. A sign? A message? Somehow after the dream, I just couldn't get back to sleep, no matter how hard I tried.
Post Date: 15 Jul 09
Can't remember how it started, but the part I recall starts with me walking into the old house at 坡底. On the bench in the outer hall sat 外婆, with her glasses and baby blue top. But upon closer look, it seems like its grandma, not 外婆.
In the inner hall on the left sat 2 ladies. 二姨 was facing the entrance while I had to walk nearer before recognising 四姨.
In the dream, it felt like one of those visits to the old house, with people sitting around chit-chatting away happily. I'm surprised my subconscious mind can still remember the layout so vividly.
But 2 of the 4 persons in the room have already passed on. A sign? A message? Somehow after the dream, I just couldn't get back to sleep, no matter how hard I tried.
Post Date: 15 Jul 09
Sunday, July 12, 2009
4 down, 6 to go
Full attendance today.
Think we have settled into a routine, in that the tests are roughly the same as the previously weeks. However, we have been warned that from next week, it will be DIFFERENT.
We ended before 5.30am, and clocked the highest score to date: 100%. I don't know how we did it, but we did it.
Went to bed around 7.40am. After barely 3 hours, I was struggling to fall asleep. What the hell??!! Is someone or SOMETHING trying to prevent me from sleeping? At 12.30pm, after around 5 hours of sleep (only 5 freaking hours!), I woke up. Can't sleep no more. And what did I do when I woke up? Watch TV? Read newspaper? Play games? Hell no!
I did housework! Mum will be so proud!
Anyhow, later in the afternoon, we went to the temple to 拜拜. The volunteer there saw us and starting asking if we were ok. So long never see us already, she said. The others are also asking. Told her we have been busy and will still be busy for the next 1.5 months (fingers crossed), and that we can't wait to resume our Sunday morning prayers routine.
She exclaimed that we lost weight. How not to??!!
The damage after 1 month: $800
Menu: boiled chrysanthemum tea with DIY hot dogs
Post Date: 15 Jul 09
Think we have settled into a routine, in that the tests are roughly the same as the previously weeks. However, we have been warned that from next week, it will be DIFFERENT.
We ended before 5.30am, and clocked the highest score to date: 100%. I don't know how we did it, but we did it.
Went to bed around 7.40am. After barely 3 hours, I was struggling to fall asleep. What the hell??!! Is someone or SOMETHING trying to prevent me from sleeping? At 12.30pm, after around 5 hours of sleep (only 5 freaking hours!), I woke up. Can't sleep no more. And what did I do when I woke up? Watch TV? Read newspaper? Play games? Hell no!
I did housework! Mum will be so proud!
Anyhow, later in the afternoon, we went to the temple to 拜拜. The volunteer there saw us and starting asking if we were ok. So long never see us already, she said. The others are also asking. Told her we have been busy and will still be busy for the next 1.5 months (fingers crossed), and that we can't wait to resume our Sunday morning prayers routine.
She exclaimed that we lost weight. How not to??!!
The damage after 1 month: $800
Menu: boiled chrysanthemum tea with DIY hot dogs
Post Date: 15 Jul 09
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
MAS bans 10 FIs from selling structured notes
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/news/story/0,4574,340842,00.html?
COMMENTARY
The cane whistles, but does it really hurt?
MAS bans won't affect FIs much and it shouldn't gloss over deeper issues
By WONG WEI KONG
IT is a pity that what seems so tough is really just a slap on the wrist.
So the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has banned 10 financial institutions (FIs) from selling structured notes for periods ranging between six months and two years for mis-selling products linked to collapsed US bank Lehman Brothers.
The offending banks on the list are all established names: ABN-Amro, DBS Bank, Maybank, DMG and Partners Securities, UOB Kay Hian, CIMB, Kim Eng Securities, OCBC Securities, Phillip Securities as well as Hong Leong Finance. These were names that many investors instinctively trusted - but, as the MAS findings show, it was a trust that was grossly misplaced.
On the surface, the MAS ban, following approximately seven months of investigations, appears to be appropriate punishment. But it really rings hollow, because it isn't going to hurt the FIs very much. The fact is that the whole structured products market has vanished - the financial crisis and the structured notes fiasco have seen to that. Even without the ban, these FIs weren't selling any structured notes.
This will be cold comfort to the 10,000 or so investors who suffered from the mis-selling, some of whom will never fully recover from the blow. And it isn't satisfactory, given the serious lapses at the FIs. The list of shortcomings makes for shocking reading: risk profile questionnaires that were wrongly scored; risk profile scoring systems that did not allocate numerical scores; wrong classifications of products, and relationship managers (RMs) and representatives who refused to attend the pre-requisite training. And all the FIs get, so far at least, is a ban on doing a business that doesn't exist anymore.
If a ban really means nothing, the MAS should have imposed fines, big fines, that will hurt the FIs. If it does not want to collect fines, it should have considered pushing the FIs to compensate, more than what they have done, the investors who are seeking redress. Of course, the FIs will say they're suffering reputational damage, but that's already a fact, and that is well deserved.
Oversight and processes
There's another point worth making. Apart from investigations into FI-wide issues, the MAS is concurrently looking into specific cases 'where individuals involved in the sale and marketing of the notes may have departed from the relevant regulatory standards'. Inquiries are ongoing and any regulatory action taken against individuals will be published in due course, the central bank said.
While it remains to be seen what the MAS will do in this respect, it will be a pity if any subsequent action taken is only against the RMs and representatives actually selling the products on the ground. The nature of the lapses identified by the MAS suggests a failure in oversight and processes, which really points the finger at senior executives, and they shouldn't escape responsibility.
And what about the MAS' own role? Dare we suggest that if the sub-prime fiasco hadn't happened and Lehman hadn't collapsed, the mis-selling would have continued merrily and no one would be the wiser? How closely did the central bank supervise the banks when it came to the sale of structured products before the crisis? Liberalising the market is good, but if not implemented properly, the costs, as proven now, are enormous. The MAS itself should be deriving lessons from the whole affair.
Time to win back trust
The industry will respond to this as it usually does. Indeed, the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) immediately announced that its member banks are putting in place a series of measures to further protect the interests of consumers who buy investment products, with the measures covering a range of governance and assurance processes, training and compensation of sales personnel, consumer education and enhancements to the sales process. Investors will take all this with a pinch of salt. Weren't there such protestations before?
Forget expansion - winning back trust should be the biggest priority for banks and financial institutions.
Post Date: 24 Jul 09
COMMENTARY
The cane whistles, but does it really hurt?
MAS bans won't affect FIs much and it shouldn't gloss over deeper issues
By WONG WEI KONG
IT is a pity that what seems so tough is really just a slap on the wrist.
So the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has banned 10 financial institutions (FIs) from selling structured notes for periods ranging between six months and two years for mis-selling products linked to collapsed US bank Lehman Brothers.
The offending banks on the list are all established names: ABN-Amro, DBS Bank, Maybank, DMG and Partners Securities, UOB Kay Hian, CIMB, Kim Eng Securities, OCBC Securities, Phillip Securities as well as Hong Leong Finance. These were names that many investors instinctively trusted - but, as the MAS findings show, it was a trust that was grossly misplaced.
On the surface, the MAS ban, following approximately seven months of investigations, appears to be appropriate punishment. But it really rings hollow, because it isn't going to hurt the FIs very much. The fact is that the whole structured products market has vanished - the financial crisis and the structured notes fiasco have seen to that. Even without the ban, these FIs weren't selling any structured notes.
This will be cold comfort to the 10,000 or so investors who suffered from the mis-selling, some of whom will never fully recover from the blow. And it isn't satisfactory, given the serious lapses at the FIs. The list of shortcomings makes for shocking reading: risk profile questionnaires that were wrongly scored; risk profile scoring systems that did not allocate numerical scores; wrong classifications of products, and relationship managers (RMs) and representatives who refused to attend the pre-requisite training. And all the FIs get, so far at least, is a ban on doing a business that doesn't exist anymore.
If a ban really means nothing, the MAS should have imposed fines, big fines, that will hurt the FIs. If it does not want to collect fines, it should have considered pushing the FIs to compensate, more than what they have done, the investors who are seeking redress. Of course, the FIs will say they're suffering reputational damage, but that's already a fact, and that is well deserved.
Oversight and processes
There's another point worth making. Apart from investigations into FI-wide issues, the MAS is concurrently looking into specific cases 'where individuals involved in the sale and marketing of the notes may have departed from the relevant regulatory standards'. Inquiries are ongoing and any regulatory action taken against individuals will be published in due course, the central bank said.
While it remains to be seen what the MAS will do in this respect, it will be a pity if any subsequent action taken is only against the RMs and representatives actually selling the products on the ground. The nature of the lapses identified by the MAS suggests a failure in oversight and processes, which really points the finger at senior executives, and they shouldn't escape responsibility.
And what about the MAS' own role? Dare we suggest that if the sub-prime fiasco hadn't happened and Lehman hadn't collapsed, the mis-selling would have continued merrily and no one would be the wiser? How closely did the central bank supervise the banks when it came to the sale of structured products before the crisis? Liberalising the market is good, but if not implemented properly, the costs, as proven now, are enormous. The MAS itself should be deriving lessons from the whole affair.
Time to win back trust
The industry will respond to this as it usually does. Indeed, the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) immediately announced that its member banks are putting in place a series of measures to further protect the interests of consumers who buy investment products, with the measures covering a range of governance and assurance processes, training and compensation of sales personnel, consumer education and enhancements to the sales process. Investors will take all this with a pinch of salt. Weren't there such protestations before?
Forget expansion - winning back trust should be the biggest priority for banks and financial institutions.
Post Date: 24 Jul 09
Sunday, July 05, 2009
3 down, 7 to go
Wife was down with gastric flu, so we had a modified format.
We broke new grounds in that we:
- clocked the most no. of hours so far, 10.30pm to 6.30am = 8 hours
- got the highest score so far, at 95%
Managed to go to bed only around 7.50am, after tidying up. The still morning air made everything so ... serene, and I was at peace with the world.
Menu: boiled barley drink with steam buns
Post Date: 6 Jul 09
We broke new grounds in that we:
- clocked the most no. of hours so far, 10.30pm to 6.30am = 8 hours
- got the highest score so far, at 95%
Managed to go to bed only around 7.50am, after tidying up. The still morning air made everything so ... serene, and I was at peace with the world.
Menu: boiled barley drink with steam buns
Post Date: 6 Jul 09
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Infahini
The one bright spark from the recent Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak was this gem I heard last night:
"My parents just came back from Malaysia, my brother from Indonesia, my sister works in RP, my best friend is a student of RP, and her mother just came back from China. So do you think I should impose self quarantine?"
Image credit here.
Post Date: 6 Jul 09
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Life, in one day
Today is a special day. In one day, I witnessed the 酸甜苦辣, the ups and downs and the trials and tribulations of life.
- At lunch, a friend that has just joined a new company was trying to get us interested in their services. No basic pay, all comm
- At same lunch, another friend informed that he'll be a father a second time at the end of this month
- Someone just bought a new car which will be delivered by the end of next week
- Met up with a close friend who recently lost his job, and is going through a property agent course to bring the bacon home
- Got a call from a keen property-investor to co-visit some new and interesting projects
In life, there are no absolutes, no firm good life or bad life, no definite rights or definite wrongs. What you have too much off and willingly forgo, others may kill to obtain them. What you think is life dealing you a raw deal, others may feel that it's a walk in the park.
The rule of thumb in life for me is to appreciate what I have NOW, and treasure every moment.
AND I AM A LOOONNG WAY OFF FROM PRACTISING WHAT I PREACH.
Photo credit here.
Post Date: 6 Jul 09
Sunday, June 28, 2009
2 down, 8 to go
We had full attendance for this week's session. All in, we spent 7 hours.
Somehow, amid all the frantic activities and relentless countdowns, we broke even. Which is supposed to be a good thing.
Talking about good things, some people need to learn that there is such a thing called "too much of a good thing".
Wifey is feeling the frustrations and doubts, no thanks to fatigue.
Menu: bottled herbal tea with individual bread
Post Date: 29 Jun 09
Somehow, amid all the frantic activities and relentless countdowns, we broke even. Which is supposed to be a good thing.
Talking about good things, some people need to learn that there is such a thing called "too much of a good thing".
Wifey is feeling the frustrations and doubts, no thanks to fatigue.
Menu: bottled herbal tea with individual bread
Post Date: 29 Jun 09
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson dies at 50
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/jackson/index.html
(CNN) -- Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed.
He was 50.
He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center.
Lt. Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said an autopsy would probably be done on the singer Friday, with results expected that afternoon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow. Was driving along the KPE when I heard the news. I remember back in 1982, Sis and I pestered Dad to buy what was our first ever album - Thriller. We played the cassette on the player and had much fun memorising the lyrics.
Thanks, MJ, for the memories. May you rest in peace.
In related news, ex-Angel Farrah Fawcett died today also, aged 62. Fawcett, who checked into a hospital in early April, had been battling anal cancer on and off for three years.
Photo credits here and here.
Post Date: 29 Jun 09
Sunday, June 21, 2009
1 down, 9 to go
The week went by slowly, agonisingly. All the cleaning up, packing up, buying of stuff, anticipation, fitful sleeps. Thu came and went, then Friday, then finally Saturday.
We prepared whatever we could prepare already. Thankfully Saturday went without a hitch, logistically. But some things just never change, eg. exacting standards, astronomical scores, lots of dust and tons of fatigue.
I can be bitter about the whole exercise. But for now, I want to take the positive - I'm just glad Sat's over and I can finally do all those personal admin things that I have put off for a week.
1 down, 9 more to go.
Menu: Bottled herbal tea with mini muffins
Post Date: 24 Jun 09
We prepared whatever we could prepare already. Thankfully Saturday went without a hitch, logistically. But some things just never change, eg. exacting standards, astronomical scores, lots of dust and tons of fatigue.
I can be bitter about the whole exercise. But for now, I want to take the positive - I'm just glad Sat's over and I can finally do all those personal admin things that I have put off for a week.
1 down, 9 more to go.
Menu: Bottled herbal tea with mini muffins
Post Date: 24 Jun 09
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What are the chances ...
*Update 19 Jun 09, Friday*
Ok, collected the car today. Case is still pending, but typically the workshop will quickly fix the car first. No loss to them, either way.
Now that I've calmed down, maybe it's better to 破财挡灾 instead of bodily harm. Oh well ...
... of your 5-year-old car needing its alternator replaced (and making you poorer by $620) one day, only to have an idiot who didn't check and opened his car door and damaged your door and side mirror that same afternoon?
Quite high, apparently! CB...
Post Date: 18 Jun 09
Does history repeat itself?
Of course it does, silly!
All shall be revealed this Saturday.
Dear Lord, please give me the mental strength to proceed ...
Post Date: 16 Jun 09
All shall be revealed this Saturday.
Dear Lord, please give me the mental strength to proceed ...
Post Date: 16 Jun 09
Monday, June 08, 2009
A positive attitude
Was re-introduced to this set of powerpoint slides again today.
Simple Guidelines to Happiness
1. Free your heart from hate
2. Free your mind from worry
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less
Post Date: 8 Jun 09
Simple Guidelines to Happiness
1. Free your heart from hate
2. Free your mind from worry
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less
Post Date: 8 Jun 09
Friday, June 05, 2009
Reminder to self
1. People look down on you -> not confirmed, could just be due to perception
2. You look down on yourself = people look down on you -> confirmed, because people will see you just like how you see yourself
3. There is such a thing called a self-fulfilling prophecy
Post Date: 5 Jun 09
2. You look down on yourself = people look down on you -> confirmed, because people will see you just like how you see yourself
3. There is such a thing called a self-fulfilling prophecy
Post Date: 5 Jun 09
Sunday, May 31, 2009
So we lost ...
... but we put in one hell of an effort! And how about the fastest goal in Cup history, at 29 sec??
Post Date: 2 Jun 09
Saturday, May 30, 2009
2nd Anniversary
Hi Father,
How have you been? It's been 2 years since you moved to the Other World. Hope things are ok at your end.
It may have been 2 years already, but I still think of you a lot. I think of the days when I went over for dinners and gatherings, and the short discussions we had on current affairs. I fault myself for not knowing you more while I had the chance. This is a regret I am committed not to repeat with Mum.
Talking about Mum, she's been keeping up with her activities - mahjong, lunches with friends, trips to Chinatown, etc. Recently she revealed that the Vietnamese girls have become quite a handful. The new girl's obsession with cucumber therapy has spread to the other 2. As such, the opening and closing of the fridge door has increased tremendously. Not to mention the extra load that the fridge now has to cool. Mum communicated these concerns to the girls, and the situation has improved, somewhat. Things have also started to break down in the house, eg. the fan in their room and the leaky pipe in the kitchen. "Thank goodness their lease will be up in August", Mum said gratefully.
Linked to this topic of the lease expiry is the issue of Mum being alone again. We have not abandoned the idea of selling our house and temporarily moving in with Mum. But my preference and the long term solution to this is still to find a place near to Mum. I had always wanted to live in a condo, and there is a recent development down the road. While it seems like we may be able to handle the monthly payments, I'm a little worried about over-stretching our expenses. Considering we are still in a recession, I can't be entirely certain about job security. With August coming, we are in a fix. If possible, can you give us an idea or two?
On the baby front, I regret to say that even after 2 IUI sessions, the result is still negative. The little fella is proving to be more elusive than we thought. I had a chat with Wifey the other day. I feel that, if it's not meant for us to be parents, then let's not force the issue and 逆天而行. Wifey is agreeable also.
I have a confession to make to you. Last week, I made your daughter - my wife - cry. As I type this, I still get the guilt pangs inside me. Sigh. I don't know of any man that made his wife cry and still call himself a good man. You see, on that fateful Saturday, we were meeting up with our insurance agent, and I was feeling really uncomfortable about surrendering more premiums to this guy, and in the process further padding his pockets. I just couldn't get what he was explaining through my clouded mind. I got angry with her because I felt that she had already understood the policy terms, and was slighting me with her words and mannerisms. On top of that, there was this issue of applying for a credit card. She was upset with me for insisting that she apply for a particular card that she believed she wouldn't qualify for. I felt that she didn't trust me when I said the bank will approve her application.
For half a day, I didn't talk to her. I was just so mad, and felt so betrayed! This was the biggest fight (can I call it that?) in our 10 years of marriage. It was only on Sunday afternoon that she asked if I was ok. I let out 20% of it. And that was when she cried. In public. It was later in the day, at home, that we sat down and talked about the issue proper. Wifey said, in between sobs, that if she had unintentionally hurt me with her words, she apologised. I told her that her words and action didn't help, after:
1. being tired before, during and after the trip
2. reading how senseless it is to be paying huge premiums for what we were about to buy
3. remembering how much we will be padding the agent's pockets
4. and finally, despite all of the above, still have to go with the flow due to the inability to think of alternatives
There and then, I wasn't too sure if I was disappointed with Wifey, or with my incompetence. I think she was the spark that started the imminent inferno. It took me about one day to calm down after that. When I came to my senses, I felt really bad about the whole episode. Wifey wouldn't intentionally want to hurt me, I rationalised. My misgivings about myself made me forget all the contributions to my well-being and our relationship that Wifey has made over the years. And then I remembered my promise to you - to look after Wifey and Mum in your absence. That night, I cried uncontrollably in Wifey's arms and asked for her forgiveness. I had wrongly accused her. I told her I don't know how to face you for breaking my promise, and I meant it. I really, really, really need to have more self-confidence and stop looking down at myself. I don't know how, or from where, but I'll work on it.
I'm sorry Wifey. And I'm sorry, Dad.
We are ok now, Wifey has forgiven me. But it'll take a while more for me to forgive myself.
How about you, Dad? All ok at your end? Hope they are.
Please continue to bless Mum with good health and 4D/TOTO luck.
Please continue to bless Wifey with job satisfaction and the love for life.
As for me, please let me come to my senses, drop my baggage so that I can finally learn to smell the flowers.
Take care, Dad. Miss you.
Yours sincerely,
Your hope-not-beyond-redemption-yet son-in-law
Image credit here.
Post Date: 2 Jun 09
Thursday, May 21, 2009
This morning's dream
Could be a warning not to be too impatient, or always wanting to be different.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Was with Mum and 7th aunt, queuing up for something. Was waiting for quite a while, and I decided to look elsewhere. Told Mum I'll go check other places with shorter queues.
Vividly remember going upstairs. Appeared to be a classroom, complete with teacher. Got chastised for barging into her lesson. Had the feeling of being belittled.
Went down via another exit, and began to lose my way (nothing new there). It took me a long time to get back, as by then, the sky had darkened. I walked into a recently-ended lion dance / Chingay-type of celebration. Recently-ended because the confetti was still up in the air.
Moral of the story: patience is a virtue and straying from the group may cause you to miss a good show.
Post Date: 21 May 09
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Was with Mum and 7th aunt, queuing up for something. Was waiting for quite a while, and I decided to look elsewhere. Told Mum I'll go check other places with shorter queues.
Vividly remember going upstairs. Appeared to be a classroom, complete with teacher. Got chastised for barging into her lesson. Had the feeling of being belittled.
Went down via another exit, and began to lose my way (nothing new there). It took me a long time to get back, as by then, the sky had darkened. I walked into a recently-ended lion dance / Chingay-type of celebration. Recently-ended because the confetti was still up in the air.
Moral of the story: patience is a virtue and straying from the group may cause you to miss a good show.
Post Date: 21 May 09
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
That sinking feeling
Back for the 3rd day already, but the feeling still hasn't been shaken off.
It's that... sad, helpless feeling that makes one moody, uninspired, questions one's self-worth and role in this Universe.
Is there a Dementor around, or is it just fatigue and exhaustion?
Image credit here.
Post Date: 20 May 09
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Phuket trip
Off to Phuket for 4 days. Somehow, not as excited about this trip as compared to the rest.
But more importantly, we are hoping to score a Made-In-Thailand.
Image credit here.
Post Date: 20 May 09
Friday, May 08, 2009
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