// Do we have a choice? //
As one walks around the shopping malls in Singapore, one realizes that choices are stifling. Just like the nondescript HDB flats that fills up this island-nation, shopping malls are literally popping up everywhere, so much so that accompanying each MRT station, almost instinctively, one can smell a shopping mall.
This is definitely not exaggerating as bakeries such as “BreadTalk”, “Prima Deli”, “Four leaves” or “Delifrance” are always situated near the entrance of the mall. Delve further in, and without even opening one’s eyes, any self-respecting Singaporean can rant out to you which will be the shops inside: Giordano, Bossini, Bata, Watson’s, Metro, John Little, Kiddy Palace, Popular, Mini Toons, Kopitiam, Courts, Best Denki, Comics connection, TS, Sembawang, M1, Singtel, Mac, KFC, Pizza Hut, Timezone, Ya Kun, Mos, Yoshinoya…etc.
Want high-end stuff? Orchard Road is the best answer.
Want a different shopping experience? Try Bugis St, Holland V, Chinatown or even Little India.
Unlike other countries that offer much more entertainment choices, it is truly pathetic to see hordes of Singaporeans spending their precious weekends at those ubiquitous shopping malls.
If Singaporeans like we can’t even tell the difference between your East Point from West Mall, your Causeway Point from Compass Point, or even VivoCity from Marina Square, how can anyone claim that Singapore is a shopping paradise?
Truthfully, Singapore has the potential to be one. But, surely, something has to be done.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
// A consumer-centered world //
Recent events made me realise that the world is REALLY becoming more consumer-centered. Contrary to popular belief “Consumer is King”, more and more consumers are falling into the trap of the commercial world. Is it because consumers are make out to be easy preys?
Going by the rising complaints received by CASE, I believe it to be so. There are in fact many other unreported cases, which I think, are unreported due to the fear of “losing face” or simply because many people have accepted this as a way of life.
Sometimes, I seriously think that people in the same industry has impeccable camaraderie, despite the fact that the job they do may be vastly different. That is how two or more companies can work together hand-in-hand to squeeze money out of consumers.
To beat the GST hike, a month ago, my parents decided to buy a new refrigerator. Most of the time, I just roll my eyes when the sales people address all males buyer-to-be as “boss” in Chinese and all females buyer-to-be as “miss” in Chinese.
No offense to the salespeople, after all they are simply doing their job to promote the stuff and most of them do not even have a good idea of how reliable the stuff is. So you can’t blame them when your newly-bought appliance spoils.
Well, it just so happened that ice formed in our new refrigerator…in the wrong place.
Ice miraculously formed in the bottom tier of our three-tiered giant, resulting the need for vegetables to be thawed before cooking.
Luckily, the warranty was still available so a maintenance man was called in.
Now, the middle-aged male owners are known as “uncles” while middle-aged females are known as “aunties”. If you run out of luck and encounter an inexperienced person, just brace yourself for the worst. Most likely, he will check your appliance and maintains that nothing is wrong with it. It is no big deal having ice forming on your veggies…plus, many people trust the brand, says the repairman.
I still remember, some time ago, there was this “Go the Extra Mile for Service”.
Oh please. Most people do not even budge an inch, let alone a mile!
Rather than focusing on better service, I think honesty will do.
How many consumers have fallen into the trap of “failing to read the miniscule printed words hidden at the extreme bottom of advertisements” and hence needing to pay than what the ad was supposed to offer?
How many letters proclaiming, “You have won a prize”, were received by people who have never purchased anything from the sender?
How many times have consumers been “coerced” by retailers to buy extra accessories for their gadgets that were supposedly to have “__% discount”?
The truth is, consumers have been exploited unknowingly by retailers.
Recent events made me realise that the world is REALLY becoming more consumer-centered. Contrary to popular belief “Consumer is King”, more and more consumers are falling into the trap of the commercial world. Is it because consumers are make out to be easy preys?
Going by the rising complaints received by CASE, I believe it to be so. There are in fact many other unreported cases, which I think, are unreported due to the fear of “losing face” or simply because many people have accepted this as a way of life.
Sometimes, I seriously think that people in the same industry has impeccable camaraderie, despite the fact that the job they do may be vastly different. That is how two or more companies can work together hand-in-hand to squeeze money out of consumers.
To beat the GST hike, a month ago, my parents decided to buy a new refrigerator. Most of the time, I just roll my eyes when the sales people address all males buyer-to-be as “boss” in Chinese and all females buyer-to-be as “miss” in Chinese.
No offense to the salespeople, after all they are simply doing their job to promote the stuff and most of them do not even have a good idea of how reliable the stuff is. So you can’t blame them when your newly-bought appliance spoils.
Well, it just so happened that ice formed in our new refrigerator…in the wrong place.
Ice miraculously formed in the bottom tier of our three-tiered giant, resulting the need for vegetables to be thawed before cooking.
Luckily, the warranty was still available so a maintenance man was called in.
Now, the middle-aged male owners are known as “uncles” while middle-aged females are known as “aunties”. If you run out of luck and encounter an inexperienced person, just brace yourself for the worst. Most likely, he will check your appliance and maintains that nothing is wrong with it. It is no big deal having ice forming on your veggies…plus, many people trust the brand, says the repairman.
I still remember, some time ago, there was this “Go the Extra Mile for Service”.
Oh please. Most people do not even budge an inch, let alone a mile!
Rather than focusing on better service, I think honesty will do.
How many consumers have fallen into the trap of “failing to read the miniscule printed words hidden at the extreme bottom of advertisements” and hence needing to pay than what the ad was supposed to offer?
How many letters proclaiming, “You have won a prize”, were received by people who have never purchased anything from the sender?
How many times have consumers been “coerced” by retailers to buy extra accessories for their gadgets that were supposedly to have “__% discount”?
The truth is, consumers have been exploited unknowingly by retailers.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
// nothing goes right //
As I knew my ez link card would be expiring on 30 June, I went to check out a transitlink office. The person said I could only change my card after 30 June. Ok.
So I went to the control office at an MRT station, since there is no transitlink office at that particular station.
The person told me that I can only get a refund at any transitlink office on weekdays.
So in order to go to my destination, I had to buy a standard ticket.
Then at that MRT station, I decided to try my luck and asked the lady at the transitlink office.
She processed my request right away.
But thing is, I already bought a standard ticket for the return trip!
So I told myself, no sweat, u just refund it at the machine.
Oh my. who knows, I pressed wrongly and the machine only returned me my $1 deposit! my fare just got gobbled up by the machine.
Argh.
But at that time, I wasn't that that upset cuz I signed up for M1 broadband service.
Turn out it didn't work! the salesperson fooled me by saying WIN ME is supported.
I called up the technical side, which told me its not supported.
well well.
then I also failed my BTT! Lynette passed!
that is my fault cuz I didn't study.
Oh man. I shouldn't have slacked all day at home.
Ended up, I register to retake while Lynette register for FTT.
Haiz.
Another thing.
My phone's PC suite does not support WIN ME too.
Haiz. Must I upgrade to WIN XP???
Btw, I went for medical check up today. I almost lost my way and almost lost my receipt.
Really running into a bout of bad luck recently...
As I knew my ez link card would be expiring on 30 June, I went to check out a transitlink office. The person said I could only change my card after 30 June. Ok.
So I went to the control office at an MRT station, since there is no transitlink office at that particular station.
The person told me that I can only get a refund at any transitlink office on weekdays.
So in order to go to my destination, I had to buy a standard ticket.
Then at that MRT station, I decided to try my luck and asked the lady at the transitlink office.
She processed my request right away.
But thing is, I already bought a standard ticket for the return trip!
So I told myself, no sweat, u just refund it at the machine.
Oh my. who knows, I pressed wrongly and the machine only returned me my $1 deposit! my fare just got gobbled up by the machine.
Argh.
But at that time, I wasn't that that upset cuz I signed up for M1 broadband service.
Turn out it didn't work! the salesperson fooled me by saying WIN ME is supported.
I called up the technical side, which told me its not supported.
well well.
then I also failed my BTT! Lynette passed!
that is my fault cuz I didn't study.
Oh man. I shouldn't have slacked all day at home.
Ended up, I register to retake while Lynette register for FTT.
Haiz.
Another thing.
My phone's PC suite does not support WIN ME too.
Haiz. Must I upgrade to WIN XP???
Btw, I went for medical check up today. I almost lost my way and almost lost my receipt.
Really running into a bout of bad luck recently...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Back!!
From Changi Aloha!
The treasure hunt and games were super fun and a visit to the old changi hospital just next to our chalet ...arrh! but too bad it's a morning visit. so nothing much.
Best of all are the experience-sharing and dialogue session.
Not to forget the performances! a lot of Changi Village transvesite stuff which had everyone in stitches! LOL.
Let's strive to be a REAL Nichiren Shoshu believer!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
//Yea! I completed my elementary 1 Japanese full time course!//
Haha. Let me “show off ” my limited knowledge. ( eh. ‘cause I’m a beginner, so correct me if I’ve made any mistakes =)
Nihongo:
Mai nichi, watashi wa gakkou e ikimasu.
Mai nichi, atashi no sensei wa kyoshitsu ni nemasu.
Watashi-tachi no nihongo o yomimasu ga omoshiro-kunai desu kara, watashi no sensei wa kikimasu to nemasu.
Kesa, ju-ji kara juichi-ji made shiken o torimasu.
Muzukashi-kunai desu.
Kin-youbi kara nichi-youbi made, watashi wa kenshu e ikimasu.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
English:
I go to school everyday.
My teacher sleeps in the classroom everyday.
As the Japanese we read is not interesting, my teacher listen and sleeps.
This morning, I took an exam from 10 to 11 am.
It was not difficult.
I go to camp from Friday to Sunday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok. Enough of my broken Japanese, I got to pack now for my religion’s student kenshu tomorrow! =)
Haha. Let me “show off ” my limited knowledge. ( eh. ‘cause I’m a beginner, so correct me if I’ve made any mistakes =)
Nihongo:
Mai nichi, watashi wa gakkou e ikimasu.
Mai nichi, atashi no sensei wa kyoshitsu ni nemasu.
Watashi-tachi no nihongo o yomimasu ga omoshiro-kunai desu kara, watashi no sensei wa kikimasu to nemasu.
Kesa, ju-ji kara juichi-ji made shiken o torimasu.
Muzukashi-kunai desu.
Kin-youbi kara nichi-youbi made, watashi wa kenshu e ikimasu.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
English:
I go to school everyday.
My teacher sleeps in the classroom everyday.
As the Japanese we read is not interesting, my teacher listen and sleeps.
This morning, I took an exam from 10 to 11 am.
It was not difficult.
I go to camp from Friday to Sunday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok. Enough of my broken Japanese, I got to pack now for my religion’s student kenshu tomorrow! =)
// returning to the “virtual world” //
As I looked at the title that I’ve gave to this entry, It seems like this blog has return to “life” from the “dead”. Haha.
Throughout all the blog entries, I have never discussed what this blog meant to me.
Perhaps because I have never thought of it.
In case anyone is wondering ( ß typing this is weird! ‘cause I’ve never imagine anyone to read my blog! ), today is just like another day. (I mean, not any anniversary or whatever that is regarding this blog )
Time passes without us knowing. But I believe, as I am sitting here and typing, I’m spending quality time unscrambling my thoughts.
To me, this blog is just like my life. Perhaps less mundane than life and contains many intangible things that we can’t see or feel in our usual, routinal lives.
Instead of recording cold, hard facts of what I’m doing at the point of my life as indicated by the date and time shown, the entries represent my inner spirit.
In my opinion, we often used too much of our brains alone.
Everytime I am blogging, I feel that my brain and inner spirit is connected.
My inner self dictating my dreams, hopes, thoughts and feelings.
However, once I return to the “real world”, the connection is lost and my brain tells me what to do.
Recently, I have been settling a lot of uni admission stuff.
That is secondary.
What is really difficult is choosing between the two course I am offered.
Arts and Social Science Vs Materials Engin
As different as the two are, to me, both are as appealing.
In the end, I chose the latter and only submitted at the eleventh hour ( both literally and figuratively! )
It was sort of a 45-55 sort of thing but I convinced myself to immerse in the school of thought that I should choose the course that I have some interest in and which will offer me relatively good career prospects.
I guess I should call myself a realist because I did not choose to pursue a course based solely on interest.
Actually, what is important is to be able to work hard in whatever you choose.
Thus, I’ve made a promise to myself not to return to my slack and pessimistic attitude.
Kambatte!
Then after submitting the application, I kept wondering whether I should appeal, esp nearing the deadlines.
But I did not. I am happy for what I’m given.
As I looked at the title that I’ve gave to this entry, It seems like this blog has return to “life” from the “dead”. Haha.
Throughout all the blog entries, I have never discussed what this blog meant to me.
Perhaps because I have never thought of it.
In case anyone is wondering ( ß typing this is weird! ‘cause I’ve never imagine anyone to read my blog! ), today is just like another day. (I mean, not any anniversary or whatever that is regarding this blog )
Time passes without us knowing. But I believe, as I am sitting here and typing, I’m spending quality time unscrambling my thoughts.
To me, this blog is just like my life. Perhaps less mundane than life and contains many intangible things that we can’t see or feel in our usual, routinal lives.
Instead of recording cold, hard facts of what I’m doing at the point of my life as indicated by the date and time shown, the entries represent my inner spirit.
In my opinion, we often used too much of our brains alone.
Everytime I am blogging, I feel that my brain and inner spirit is connected.
My inner self dictating my dreams, hopes, thoughts and feelings.
However, once I return to the “real world”, the connection is lost and my brain tells me what to do.
Recently, I have been settling a lot of uni admission stuff.
That is secondary.
What is really difficult is choosing between the two course I am offered.
Arts and Social Science Vs Materials Engin
As different as the two are, to me, both are as appealing.
In the end, I chose the latter and only submitted at the eleventh hour ( both literally and figuratively! )
It was sort of a 45-55 sort of thing but I convinced myself to immerse in the school of thought that I should choose the course that I have some interest in and which will offer me relatively good career prospects.
I guess I should call myself a realist because I did not choose to pursue a course based solely on interest.
Actually, what is important is to be able to work hard in whatever you choose.
Thus, I’ve made a promise to myself not to return to my slack and pessimistic attitude.
Kambatte!
Then after submitting the application, I kept wondering whether I should appeal, esp nearing the deadlines.
But I did not. I am happy for what I’m given.
You are under considerable stress and you are almost about to 'blow your top' but you are fortunate enough to be able to exert control. Control is the name of the game and it is so good to realise that whatever the situation may be a this time - it will pass. You need to get away from everything for a while and if you do, you will find that, strangely enough, it will seem that most of your problems and situations will seem to wash away, just as the sea may wash away 'footprints' in the sand.You need an atmosphere of peace and quiet and you would like to share a bond of understanding with the 'right person' - you have the belief that with the right person, your stress and anxiety could be minimised.You feel tired - worn out and listless. The last thing that you want to do is to be in an open conflict with those around you that are forever tormenting you. What to do? That's the rub. You are feeling that you are being choked - unable to breathe.Setback after setback has resulted in considerable stress and now you have got to the stage where you are continuously on your guard, not only to protect yourself from others but to protect yourself from yourself. It would seem that many of your unfulfilled hopes and dreams have led to uncertainty and suspicion. You no longer wish to answer to others and you are insisting on freedom of thought. You feel that you are fully self-sufficient and can control your own destiny. You are seeking ways to protect yourself from further loss of prestige and against further setbacks. You have become very dependent and you doubt that matters could possibly get any better in the immediate future and this negative attitude is leading you to exaggerate your claims and to refuse reasonable compromise.You need to be needed and would like a situation where you will no longer be subjected to pressures and demands from those about you. There is no harm in 'dreaming' but it is you - and only you - that can be able to realise those dreams and to turn them into reality.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
| You Are the Middle Finger |
 A bit fragile and dependent on your friends, you're not nearly as hostile as you seem. You are balanced, easy to get along with, and quite serious. However, you can get angry and fed up with those around you. And you aren't afraid to show it! You get along well with: The Index Finger Stay away from: The Pinky |
oops dun mean to be vulgar=)
| You Are 36% Paranoid Schizophrenic |
 You're pretty grounded, though you have your occasional paranoid moments. Just make sure to ignore those voices in your head! |
| You Are Internal - Realist - Empowered |
You feel your life is controlled internally. If you want something, you make it happen. You don't wait around for things to go your way. You value your independence and don't like others to have control. You are a realist when it comes to luck. You don't attribute everything to luck, but you do know some things are random. You don't beat yourself up when bad things happen to you... But you do your best to try to make your own luck. You have a good deal of power, but you also know the pecking order. You realize that working the system does get you further. You know who to defer to and who to control. When it comes to the game of life, you play things flawlessly. |
| You Are 65% Tortured Genius |
 You are smart. Brilliant in fact. And while it's a blessing, it's also a curse. Your head is filled with everything - grand ideas, insufferable worries, and a good deal of angst. |
Monday, May 07, 2007
// making a difficult choice //
Got another letter.
Finally!
I mean, I thought ntu totally forgot about my application when virtually all the people around me had already got their application results last week.
Well, it was my dream course last time. Mat sci engin.
Yes last time…people like me fantasize a lot. And I mean A LOT.
I thought being in that course will allow me to do research on materials to make things for the benefit for mankind.
Then my parents pull me back to reality.
“oh you know my company’s QC (quality controller) ? she studied that during uni…are you sure you want to be like her?”
oh dear! I’ll be bored facing machines and goods, checking them in the same method forever.
Argh.
I have no idea.
Biz, accountancy, engin are courses that are so “concrete”…if you understand what I mean.
Having the expertise that can secure you a stable 5-day work week…but truth be told, it’s monotonous.
In fact, I think having such a job can allow people to enjoy a good lifestyle…
Probably live in a condo, driving a normal five-seater, shopping in the weekends, possessing at least one credit card, having the extra cash to splurge on tech gadgets…
Sometimes I really relish a life like that…very much seem like the life of every successful person.
But other times, I feel such a lifestyle paid too much attention to materialism and may even made us to be more self-centred than ever.
On the other hand, arts&social sci gives me an “ethereal”, an unreal feeling…
Firstly, I don’t even know what sort of career can I pursue…other than teaching.
It’s a lot about people skills so I reckon there will be management jobs…training people and stuff like that.
Perhaps analytical skills also. Collect and analyse data…uncovering new trends.
Maybe such jobs would have a lower level of monotony…
Though may not bring a stable income but can directly make a difference in other people’s lives.
But I’ve got to consider carefully ‘cause I’m not a social person.
Lol. All my current thoughts are all typed out…thus unscrambling the mind.
An emptied mind is conducive for sleeping =)
Got another letter.
Finally!
I mean, I thought ntu totally forgot about my application when virtually all the people around me had already got their application results last week.
Well, it was my dream course last time. Mat sci engin.
Yes last time…people like me fantasize a lot. And I mean A LOT.
I thought being in that course will allow me to do research on materials to make things for the benefit for mankind.
Then my parents pull me back to reality.
“oh you know my company’s QC (quality controller) ? she studied that during uni…are you sure you want to be like her?”
oh dear! I’ll be bored facing machines and goods, checking them in the same method forever.
Argh.
I have no idea.
Biz, accountancy, engin are courses that are so “concrete”…if you understand what I mean.
Having the expertise that can secure you a stable 5-day work week…but truth be told, it’s monotonous.
In fact, I think having such a job can allow people to enjoy a good lifestyle…
Probably live in a condo, driving a normal five-seater, shopping in the weekends, possessing at least one credit card, having the extra cash to splurge on tech gadgets…
Sometimes I really relish a life like that…very much seem like the life of every successful person.
But other times, I feel such a lifestyle paid too much attention to materialism and may even made us to be more self-centred than ever.
On the other hand, arts&social sci gives me an “ethereal”, an unreal feeling…
Firstly, I don’t even know what sort of career can I pursue…other than teaching.
It’s a lot about people skills so I reckon there will be management jobs…training people and stuff like that.
Perhaps analytical skills also. Collect and analyse data…uncovering new trends.
Maybe such jobs would have a lower level of monotony…
Though may not bring a stable income but can directly make a difference in other people’s lives.
But I’ve got to consider carefully ‘cause I’m not a social person.
Lol. All my current thoughts are all typed out…thus unscrambling the mind.
An emptied mind is conducive for sleeping =)
Friday, May 04, 2007
// j0BlesS//
yay. slacked for like 2 weeks.
super shuang.
but then there no income!
lol.
its time to fret about uni application.
I think Ntu forgotten about me.
Nus decided I wasn't engineer material. (pun unintended)
thus i was placed in FASS.
Oh. gosh. why?
if i choose to be in there, i'll need to fret alot.
Firstly, I am not suited for SEAsian studies or eng lit or hist or geog or social work or wadeva.
out of the 20 courses, I am only interested in 2. psychology and communications &new media.
argh. what if i can't get into the course i want?
secondly, even if i could get into the course i want, what if my grades can't allow me to proceed to do honours in final year?
thirdly, and most importantly, what can I do with such a degree in future?
in addition, my parents aren't too happy.
they want me to study accountancy/ biz but i defy their orders.
but now...perhaps i should appeal to do biz...but i don't want to stay in a 9-6 office job FOREVER!
my mum says i'm weird 'cause i don't want a office-bound job...oh by the way, she hopes I can work in a bank.
like her bro.
my dear uncle who always got free perks.
of course i should know. working in the bank always gets you perks and discounts, as i have found out during my brief stint at the worst, i mean, world's local bank.
discounts on cars, restaurants, jewellery, branded goods...
perks of free cakes, early bird bonus in investment plans.
ok. that did it.
I'm seriously considering to appeal to take biz.
yay. slacked for like 2 weeks.
super shuang.
but then there no income!
lol.
its time to fret about uni application.
I think Ntu forgotten about me.
Nus decided I wasn't engineer material. (pun unintended)
thus i was placed in FASS.
Oh. gosh. why?
if i choose to be in there, i'll need to fret alot.
Firstly, I am not suited for SEAsian studies or eng lit or hist or geog or social work or wadeva.
out of the 20 courses, I am only interested in 2. psychology and communications &new media.
argh. what if i can't get into the course i want?
secondly, even if i could get into the course i want, what if my grades can't allow me to proceed to do honours in final year?
thirdly, and most importantly, what can I do with such a degree in future?
in addition, my parents aren't too happy.
they want me to study accountancy/ biz but i defy their orders.
but now...perhaps i should appeal to do biz...but i don't want to stay in a 9-6 office job FOREVER!
my mum says i'm weird 'cause i don't want a office-bound job...oh by the way, she hopes I can work in a bank.
like her bro.
my dear uncle who always got free perks.
of course i should know. working in the bank always gets you perks and discounts, as i have found out during my brief stint at the worst, i mean, world's local bank.
discounts on cars, restaurants, jewellery, branded goods...
perks of free cakes, early bird bonus in investment plans.
ok. that did it.
I'm seriously considering to appeal to take biz.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
// Sheryl Crow’s ideas to wipe out global warming- the ramblings//
Today I read the newspaper and saw this amusing piece of news.
Sheryl Crow is a great singer but that may not translate into being a great environmentalist.
But still, kudos for her efforts to think of these “easy” ways to save the Earth! =P
1) Limit each trip to the bathroom to one square piece of toilet paper
Well…this is a bit like intruding into our privacy. Anyway, how easy is it to make sure everyone really uses JUST 1 square of toilet paper? By the way, Sheryl definitely did not do any research. Some brands of toilet paper do not have squares!
Furthermore, I really do not think this method will help save trees because toilet paper is actually a recycled product and not directly produced from trees.
A better idea is to ration toilet papers. Then again, the price would go up and that may give tree-cutters more incentive to cut trees.
2) Don’t use paper napkins, instead, use your sleeves
Ooh…does preserving nature means that we sacrifice our hygiene?
As the preacher of such an act, let’s just wait and see if Sheryl Crow can eat her pasta and make a big, red tomato sauce mark on her US$5000 Gucci dress(provided the dress has sleeves) while dining with an US president wannabe , discussing ideas about his latest book “An Inevitable Truth”. I’m sure a few pages will be devoted to how, as human beings(celebrity or not), we have a secret desire to wipe our mouths on our sleeves after a meal. Then all of us shall celebrate.
And, who knows? It may become the latest “red” carpet fashion in Hollywood.
3) A TV reality show in which the winner would be the contestant who lives the most environmentally friendly life. The prize would be a recording contract.
Well, this is even easier than American Idol! Let’s cross our fingers that Sanjaya would not take part if Sheryl’s dream became reality. Plus, I’m worried about the fate of American Idol…this reality show may just surpass AI in terms of popularity.
Apparently she got a misconception that environment-friendly people could sing and vice versa.
Anyway, from the above, I hope we don’t get a misconception that singers are environment-friendly.
Today I read the newspaper and saw this amusing piece of news.
Sheryl Crow is a great singer but that may not translate into being a great environmentalist.
But still, kudos for her efforts to think of these “easy” ways to save the Earth! =P
1) Limit each trip to the bathroom to one square piece of toilet paper
Well…this is a bit like intruding into our privacy. Anyway, how easy is it to make sure everyone really uses JUST 1 square of toilet paper? By the way, Sheryl definitely did not do any research. Some brands of toilet paper do not have squares!
Furthermore, I really do not think this method will help save trees because toilet paper is actually a recycled product and not directly produced from trees.
A better idea is to ration toilet papers. Then again, the price would go up and that may give tree-cutters more incentive to cut trees.
2) Don’t use paper napkins, instead, use your sleeves
Ooh…does preserving nature means that we sacrifice our hygiene?
As the preacher of such an act, let’s just wait and see if Sheryl Crow can eat her pasta and make a big, red tomato sauce mark on her US$5000 Gucci dress(provided the dress has sleeves) while dining with an US president wannabe , discussing ideas about his latest book “An Inevitable Truth”. I’m sure a few pages will be devoted to how, as human beings(celebrity or not), we have a secret desire to wipe our mouths on our sleeves after a meal. Then all of us shall celebrate.
And, who knows? It may become the latest “red” carpet fashion in Hollywood.
3) A TV reality show in which the winner would be the contestant who lives the most environmentally friendly life. The prize would be a recording contract.
Well, this is even easier than American Idol! Let’s cross our fingers that Sanjaya would not take part if Sheryl’s dream became reality. Plus, I’m worried about the fate of American Idol…this reality show may just surpass AI in terms of popularity.
Apparently she got a misconception that environment-friendly people could sing and vice versa.
Anyway, from the above, I hope we don’t get a misconception that singers are environment-friendly.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
//work-fatigue//
Recently I have been suffering from work fatigue.
Its that kind of no-matter-how-much-u-pay-me-I-also-dun-want-to-work kind of attitude.
Its that terrible.
But then again my pay is really just average.
Truly speaking, next time when I have to work, I wont really mind lower pay or longer travelling time as long as I'm happy with the job.
Else I will job-HOP!
Just got to say i'm lucky that this is just a temp. thing...BEST of all, it is ENDING
I know I have been complaining ALOT abt this job so I wont add the details here.
And I've been reading "Digital Fortress"!
The story is so intriguing which makes me feel like working as a code-breaker! Cool :)
Recently I have been suffering from work fatigue.
Its that kind of no-matter-how-much-u-pay-me-I-also-dun-want-to-work kind of attitude.
Its that terrible.
But then again my pay is really just average.
Truly speaking, next time when I have to work, I wont really mind lower pay or longer travelling time as long as I'm happy with the job.
Else I will job-HOP!
Just got to say i'm lucky that this is just a temp. thing...BEST of all, it is ENDING
I know I have been complaining ALOT abt this job so I wont add the details here.
And I've been reading "Digital Fortress"!
The story is so intriguing which makes me feel like working as a code-breaker! Cool :)
Thursday, April 05, 2007
//contemplating the meaning of death//
Sometime between late tues night and the wee hours of wed morning, my first uncle breathed his last.
Warmth left his body, never to return.
The only thing that was ailing him was a stomachache that dragged unexpectedly over the past few days.
When my mum told me the news, I thought she was joking, until I saw her red, swollen eyes.
Oh? I had no hint of sadness, no emotion at all.
Strangely.
My thoughts went back to CNY when I last saw him hale and healthy.
My uncle was an authoritative and well-respected figure in the family…something like a da ge da.
His siblings could always approach him with their problems and he would do his best to help.
Can I imagine how he would look like when he's dead?
No way.
It was an unacceptable fact that he passed away suddenly.
7 years ago, I saw my grandpa on his coffin.
dead or not.
It's just a matter of difference over the appearance.
someone had said that a dead person looks like he is just sleeping
but many of us would beg to differ.
my grandpa usually wore white singlets and black shorts.
but in death, he was clad in yellow silk, decorated with threaded dragons.
his nose looked unusual.
not to mention the make-up.
any traditional men would not have any make-up on at any usual day.
so i wonder how different my uncle would look like from his normal self.
Sadly, in death, no one can have any control over their appearance, or in fact, over everything.
Maybe that is why many people feel death is frightening.
Sometime between late tues night and the wee hours of wed morning, my first uncle breathed his last.
Warmth left his body, never to return.
The only thing that was ailing him was a stomachache that dragged unexpectedly over the past few days.
When my mum told me the news, I thought she was joking, until I saw her red, swollen eyes.
Oh? I had no hint of sadness, no emotion at all.
Strangely.
My thoughts went back to CNY when I last saw him hale and healthy.
My uncle was an authoritative and well-respected figure in the family…something like a da ge da.
His siblings could always approach him with their problems and he would do his best to help.
Can I imagine how he would look like when he's dead?
No way.
It was an unacceptable fact that he passed away suddenly.
7 years ago, I saw my grandpa on his coffin.
dead or not.
It's just a matter of difference over the appearance.
someone had said that a dead person looks like he is just sleeping
but many of us would beg to differ.
my grandpa usually wore white singlets and black shorts.
but in death, he was clad in yellow silk, decorated with threaded dragons.
his nose looked unusual.
not to mention the make-up.
any traditional men would not have any make-up on at any usual day.
so i wonder how different my uncle would look like from his normal self.
Sadly, in death, no one can have any control over their appearance, or in fact, over everything.
Maybe that is why many people feel death is frightening.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
//self-introspection//
Ok. After all the complaints, I’m staying on for the time being.
Actually I’ve already fulfilled my one week’s notice.
But people keep encouraging me to stay so I succumbed (typical of me)
Anyway, I shall take on life’s challenges as it comes.
Resigning is simply a way of escaping.
Sadly, that’s what I’m skilled at.
Escaping when there are problems.
Deep down, I know that some of the stress actually come from myself.
Whenever the environment doesn’t support me, I’ll feel stressed.
Whenever other people feel stressed, I do too.
Is that empathy or just plainly indicates that I’m a weakling?
Even if I hate to admit.
Strong people aren’t affected by the environment.
Strong people stand confident in the face of adversity.
I’m the exact opposite.
Succumbing to the environment and crumbling to adversity.
I know I shouldn’t stay like this.
But taking the first step to change and to continue with it is an absolutely daunting task.
Ok. After all the complaints, I’m staying on for the time being.
Actually I’ve already fulfilled my one week’s notice.
But people keep encouraging me to stay so I succumbed (typical of me)
Anyway, I shall take on life’s challenges as it comes.
Resigning is simply a way of escaping.
Sadly, that’s what I’m skilled at.
Escaping when there are problems.
Deep down, I know that some of the stress actually come from myself.
Whenever the environment doesn’t support me, I’ll feel stressed.
Whenever other people feel stressed, I do too.
Is that empathy or just plainly indicates that I’m a weakling?
Even if I hate to admit.
Strong people aren’t affected by the environment.
Strong people stand confident in the face of adversity.
I’m the exact opposite.
Succumbing to the environment and crumbling to adversity.
I know I shouldn’t stay like this.
But taking the first step to change and to continue with it is an absolutely daunting task.
Friday, March 23, 2007
//pricked by conscience//
Feeling extremely guilty.
It was 1745 already but one of the snack girls still asked me to submit a cv.
No choice.
I got to seek help from HER again.
I have yet to know her name but she has helped me without complains for many times.
How many times have I handed in late to her and she still give me a thumbs-up sign?
If it were other people, they would have rejected me and put me in a difficult position.
Or even scolded me.
But it’s not my fault!
Who ask them to give it to me late?
What more can I do??
Saturday, March 17, 2007
| Your Famous Last Words Will Be: |
 "What we know is not much. What we don't know is enormous." |
| Your Job Dissatisfaction Level is 53% |
 Well, you don't have the worst job in the world, but it's not great. And don't worry, you're not the problem - your company is. Start looking around for another job, even if you're not totally fed up. Because in time, you're going to be dying to quit! |
| Your Life Is Worth... |
 |
| Your Personality is Very Rare (INTP) |
 Your personality type is goofy, imaginative, relaxed, and brilliant. Only about 4% of all people have your personality, including 2% of all women and 6% of all men You are Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. |
| Your Learning Style: Curious and Brilliant |
 You are a very abstract learner. You can grasp even the most complex theories. You Should Study: Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computer Science Linguistics Mathematics Philosophy Physics Psychology |
| Your Personality Cluster is Introverted Thinking |
 You are: Objective, honest, and credible Intellectually curious, with many diverse interests More inclined toward ideas than people Fiercely independent and unapologetically unconventional |
//A typical day at the worst local ban--part 1//
"Help! Stop adding!" I yelled, my voice fading as my arms were crushing under the weight of leather products the snack girls had bought.
"Wei Min, could you please help me photocopie these leatherrss?" animalmanure was saying.
"Sure!" I replied, in a half-hearted to fake a smile.
In actual fact, what was going through my mind was, "Wa lao eh? How to photocopie, I mean, photocopy leathers?"
My heart sank. The first task given to me was bound to be a faliure.
"Wei Min? Are you listening?" The lightly-accent voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Oh..oh yes" I assured animalmanure, at the same time relieved that I was holding letters, not leathers.
"Help! Stop adding!" I yelled, my voice fading as my arms were crushing under the weight of leather products the snack girls had bought.
"Wei Min, could you please help me photocopie these leatherrss?" animalmanure was saying.
"Sure!" I replied, in a half-hearted to fake a smile.
In actual fact, what was going through my mind was, "Wa lao eh? How to photocopie, I mean, photocopy leathers?"
My heart sank. The first task given to me was bound to be a faliure.
"Wei Min? Are you listening?" The lightly-accent voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Oh..oh yes" I assured animalmanure, at the same time relieved that I was holding letters, not leathers.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Initially interested in this movie because of a history lesson
when I was in sec 4.
The words "Iwo Jima" was kept in my mind till now.
I could never forget the gleam in his eyes and the excitement in his voice as my teacher related the story of the battle of Iwo Jima.
But still it cannot be compared to watching the "reel" action on the big screen!
This movie speaks of loyalty, fate, humanity, fear and the vulnerability of human beings in the dark times of war.
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