You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you lovable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

You Are 40% Boyish and 60% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

Your Mind is Purple

Of all the mind types, yours is the most idealistic. You tend to think wild, amazing thoughts. Your dreams and fantasies are intense. Your thoughts are creative, inventive, and without boundaries. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking of fictional people and places - or a very different life for yourself.

What Color Is Your Mind?

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty highly. You're completely devoted to your friends and family. Even if they totally screw up, you're still there for them. Just make sure they're equally loyal to you! Honesty: You don't really value honesty. You do value getting your way, no matter what. And if a little lying is required to do that, no problem. A few white lies never hurt anyone (at least, that's what you tell yourself!) Generosity: You value generosity highly. So much so that you often put your own needs last. There's nothing wrong with having a caring heart... But you may want to rethink your "open wallet" policy. Humility: You value humility highly. You have the self-confidence to be happy with who you are. And you don't need to seek praise to make yourself feel better. You're very modest, and you're keep the drama factor low. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

stem cells research

Stem cells has the potential to revolutionarise treatment of diseases. It works on the premise of the self-renewal and its capacity to differentiate (transform into) specialized cell types. There're two types: Embryonic (can transform into any cell types) and Adult (specialized). In short, the most powerful stem cells, are the ones that can turn into any cell types. Imagine its usage, for example, cancerous cells destroyed by the mutation. Now plant some new cells into it and voila, healthier ones are now taking place of those diseased ones. Or, in damaged muscles, transplant some of those stem cells and you'll have new ones.

But, the controversy comes from the process of getting the embryonic stem cells. Ethical issues it is, as argued by the exponents, as it is moving towards human cloning which in turn might devalue human beings. Proponents views it as significant medical potential which might provide cure to currently devastating medical conditions.



Read more here.

goodies from Hokkaido



close up of packaging.. so cute hor?

handsome guy

Oooohh.. did I tell you that yesterday that one handsome guy came to the office? Muahahahhaha, he came to demo something (sales rep from headquarters) together with his Singapore counterpart. Hong Kong people's English has a certain accent to it that makes it distinctive (in a good way, I think..)

He was all dressed up in coat (like a business man), but alas, our small meeting room was a little too hot. So he took off his clothes (jacket lah...) Hahahaa!

Yeah, got a chance to shake hands with him. Not once, not twice but three times! Kakakaka!

meow~

Somehow, my neighbourhood got lots of cats. Few around my block, then some across the street etc. Fed by citizens, so they're everyone's pet. They're like in show biz, feed them, stroke them and they'll purr.... meow~


moving, so quite blur



i was thinking whether it'll jump and pounce on my phone

amusement

the clock ticks
the bones creak
wrinkles showed, even as u speak
growing old is automatic (some say traumatic!)
age encroach us at our peak

feels like autumn

Some scenaries from near my place:





feels like autumn... well, almost...


sometimes the squirrels might pop by to play...

thank you!

A BIG thank you to all who celebrated my birthday this year! All your well wishes, gifts and thoughts, I've warmly received.

THANK YOU!

This year's stash:


watch (from colleagues)



wendy bought dinner + chocs, so sweet!

excuse me... can move your butt or not?

Can't understand some people. They think you can squeeze through the door if they just moved a quarter an inch of their butt?!? So difficult meh? Just to move out and then come back into the MRT or the lift after that? Will die isit?

prisoner of love

平気な顔で嘘をついて
笑って 嫌気がさして
楽ばかりしようとしていた

ないものねだりブルース
皆安らぎを求めている
満ち足りてるのに奪い合う
愛の影を追っている

退屈な毎日が急に輝きだした
あなたが現れたあの日から
孤独でも辛くても平気だと思えた
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

病める時も健やかなる時も
嵐の日も晴れの日も共に歩もう

I’m gonna tell you the truth
人知れず辛い道を選ぶ
私を応援してくれる
あなただけを友と呼ぶ

強がりや欲張りが無意味になりました
あなたに愛されたあの日から
自由でもヨユウでも一人じゃ虚しいわ
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

Oh もう少しだよ
Don’t you give up
Oh 見捨てない 絶対に

残酷な現実が二人を引き裂けば
より一層強く惹かれ合う
いくらでもいくらでも頑張れる気がした
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

ありふれた日常が急に輝きだした
心を奪われたあの日から
孤独でも辛くても平気だと思えた
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

Stay with me, stay with me
My baby, say you love me
Stay with me, stay with me
一人にさせない

bombastic

What's precipitates?
It's an adjective/noun and it means something like 'to hasten' the occurrence of something, or to bring about prematurely/abruptly.
Example: The crisis precipitated by Russia's revolution.


What's impetus?
It's a noun/plural. And it means stimulus, an impelling force.
Example: approaching deadline gave impetus to the investigation.



I realised... my ang moh bo ho.

train

Went home recently on 4th May. That was a day after the train derailed near Rahang (Seremban). Was at the train station at 720am and the KTM staff train will set off from Singapore but passengers will have to take bus from Tampin. Didn't think too much so just went in and waited for the train to set off.

That day my carriage was full of Indian tourists. Apparently their breakfast n lunch were provided by their tour agency. Anyway, there were some minor confusion when the staff inside the train said he's not sure whether we're changing to bus at Tampin or Gemas. Finally, they've decided to change train at Gemas.

It was chaotic once we reached Gemas. Didn't know what buses to take or where they'd go as no one could provide that information. We disembarked and walked towards the exit of Gemas station. There, the KTM staff said the buses are all ready but the driver went to grab a drink. The sun was hot and there we were, a train load of passengers standing in the hot sun, waiting for the drivers to come back. The buses.. man, if you know those rural areas school buses (cum factory buses). Lok lok kok kok! And the seats! It was like claustrophobic! Anyway, no choice. Got onto the bus and had to wait till they fill up all the seats. Once you're seated you basically can't move.. no aircond.. no air. I managed to get into the first bus but after travelling for 5 minutes, a girl went up to the driver and told him something. Next we knew, we were heading back towards the train station. Apparently, the girl left her certificates and impt docs inside the station's toilet. -_-'''

So, we waited for another 10 minutes for her to go down and find her certs. So after that began our ardous journey from Gemas to Seremban by bus. After 2 hours of travelling... suddenly there's a whiff of shitty smell. Apparently someone needs to go to the toilet. Man... so the bus driver turned into a petrol station and about 5 passengers went down for toilet break while the rest waited. We waited for about 10 mins for all passengers to finish their business. After that we travelled for another 1 hour before we reached Rahang.

Passed by the train wreck (it was still there on Sunday evening) and silently were thankful that I wasn't in that train. The train driver was killed in that accident. Traffic was slow along that stretch as the rescue teams, police etc were there to supervise/oversee the operation on how to clear the tracks.

Reached Seremban around 4plus and finally reached home at around 5pm. It took me 10 hours to reach home.

hot hot hot

Can you stand it? These few days is like living inside a furnace. Perhaps global warming has hit home.

land banking

Haha, this one is strictly for those who are interested and know about this type of investment. Finally exited, after 6 years.

What is land banking? (dun quote exact, as this is from my own understanding!)
In lay man's term, a piece of 'raw' land (or agriculture land) was bought by this big company at a very cheap price and then they'll open up and invite investors to 'share' this land. Everyone gets a title deed etc. So after that, the process of land 'development' will be initiated. Means that the idea was to prepare documents, plan, design whatever, so that the piece of land or the area surrounding it will slowly be developed. Once that happens, the developers will be keen to take over this initial 'raw' land and to turn it into either commercial or residential areas. And once the price has been announced and where all the other investors agree to a certain percentage, the land will then be sold. Then each small investors will get their share. Minimum purchase at that time was half an acre but you can share with others if you like. So my brother's friend suggested to my brother and he was interested, so I follow.

That piece of land was at Canada, and the instrument during that time was, you pay the downpayment (a quarter of the purchase price and subsequently, you can pay via loan by morgaging the land). The finance company that provides the loan was the same one that sold the land to us. So, the interest for that was very very high. If not wrong, about 11-14%.

So, in year 2002 (I think la..) my brother and I paid SGD$3750 each for the downpayment. Then every month pay about SGD$180 each to service the loan. The interest are all calculated in Canadian dollars so, as the year goes by, Canadian currency grew so we actually paid abit more.

In year 2007, the land was sold. But everything was only finalized in year 2008. So we got our money back. After minus the mortgage loan payment and lawyer's fee, the approx. profit is about 6%. Ok bah? At least better than bank interest rates lor.

Nowadays, the investment mode has changed a bit whereby, the investor just dumps in $10K (in whichever currency of the land). For example, USD$10K will give you about 0.333 acre of land. The previous one was C$37K will give you about half an acre.

NDSL

My precious~ (in Gollum's voice...) Haha!


Yeah, mine.. all mine! Bought this second hand from a colleague. Most of the time, I'd be doing the Brain Age stuffs. First time did that, my brain was 80 years old! Gosh! Luckily now is about 31.. best I had was 27 so far. Anyway, my maths no good. Likely to get stumped at 8 x 7, or 9 x 7.

idol gives back

Reminds me of our own charity show, but this one in the States packs a whole lot more $$$$ power! Celebrities that earns millions donates a couple of thousands of dollars each, so raising a few million is definitely possible. According to the reports, 22 million has been raised from yesterday's show. I remembered Ryan saying that even before the show started, big corporations has already pledged around 13 million. Of course, the money raised from these will not only benefit American kids, it will also go to the world. The beneficiaries included Children's Defense Fund, the Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children and the Children's Health Fund.

The show's opening was great. I loved the people from "So you think you can dance"! Saw Benji, Travis and a whole lot of them from 2006 show. Fantastic! They're definitely worthy to watch! And it's a pleasant surprise to know that Teri Hatcher can sing! Haha!

uni

Met up with Wendy yesterday. Our annual exodus. Haha! We'll meet up with each other during our birthdays. So that'll translate to something like... twice a year! She's one cool gal that one.

She was from the same hall as me when we were in university. Without her, I think I'd died of boredom during my final months in university! We'd sit glued to the TV when its time to play the Pyramid game (or was it the Wheel of Fortune?). Heh, fun fun fun!

So yesterday we went to Central to makan. Initially wanted to try Happy Pot at Esplanade, but we didn't want to risk it since it was raining. So a change of venue.

Anyways, we settled into Tomton. Ordered 1 cabbage soup with kurobuta slices (like a mini steamboat with only 1 ingredient!), 1 set of kurobuta cutlet with miso sauce and 1 bowl of ikura + uni rice. Muahahaha, I've always always wanted to try uni (sea urchin) but never really gotten to it. So yesterday was an opportunity! It was really just a tiny eeny bowl. Here's how it looked like:


uni + ikura rice bowl

And yup, its really an acquired taste. Wendy was like, "Are you sure you wanna eat that? Really really sure? Probably it'll taste better with some wasabi!" Hahaha, for a moment, I thought I'd freak out!

Anyways, it wasn't that bad. Tasted like pig's brain, only much mushier but it really really have a bad smell! The rest of the meal was alright. The soup was nice. But I think, likely won't be going back there again.

It was good to catch up with old friends... Thanks Wendy and Happy Belated Birthday!

Remembering Charton Heston

Mr Charlton Heston has passed away at the age of 84.

We'll best remember him in great classic movies such as:

Ben Hur


enslaved (think I had a jigsaw puzzle of this... when I was a young kid)



the great chariot race



Ten Commandments





Parting the Red Sea


Goodbye Mr Heston.

man & woman

Word has it that "A man will pay $2 for a $1 item that he needs, while a woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but is on sale..."

How apt! How true!

I was at Causeway Point today and was just about to walk to MOS burger to have my lunch when suddenly a sales girl placed a small bottle of hand cream onto my palm and said, "Here.. give you a sample!" I was like, ok. Free sample, why not. Then she said, "Come come, let my colleague show you a demo of our other product." I was like, ok.. why not.

So off I went into the small small confine of a demo 'corner'. Then out came a bottle of sea salt. Not any sea salt mind you. It's all the way from the 'Dead Sea'. Ok, few thousand miles away, I suppose?

Anyway, the girl rubbed a small lump onto the back of my hand and she described the benefit of the minerals etc and how it'll actually cleanse not only the 1st layer of the epidermis but also the second and third. I was just about to ask her how many layers of skin do we actually have... but the demo ended. She was at the part of how the product will also circulate the blood, as well as moisturise the skin. Massaging any parts of the body irregardless of whether we're using any other product should in fact, in some ways promote blood circulation, right?

Anyway, of course, she asked if I'd like to get one bottle of the salt. "How much?" "Well", she said. "We're currently having a promotion and its on 50% off the normal price." I was thinking, "50% from $200, will still need to pay $100 bah..." Then she said, "Usual price is $78+, so now is $36+ only." I'm sold. So ok. I got one bottle.

Then she said, "Wait, let me show you another product. A face scrub that works wonderfully around the eyes area as well!" Oki doki, you get the gist. So in the end, I ended with one bottle of dead sea salt and one bottle of face scrub. Total damage, about $70 in total.

So in the end, I got these:

(sea salt)
and

(Exfoliating & Cleansing Facial Gel)

Haha, 女人钱真好赚， 尤其是我的！天啊！Anyway, ok lar. First time I bought a product from Israel. Sounds exotic. Sounds far far away.

And I suspect it won't be the last time that I'm doing stuffs like this. Mark my words. Sigh...

一眼瞬间

competition time



mtv

lyrics:

(女)白茫茫的星光
洒在长长路上
想念的冰凉
你知道吗
你浅浅的微笑
深似海的眼光
都能掀起我
滔天的巨浪
(男)你相信吗
这是命吗
这次我们放弃抵抗
哪怕拥抱
在身上
画下深深的伤
(合)只要看你一眼一瞬间
哪怕是最后画面
我的世界
因为爱过而完美
谁都不该离太远
只要看你一眼一瞬间
足够我熬过千年
我不后悔
爱若让末日提前
我们要一起
好好迎接那句点
(女)白茫茫的星光
洒在长长路上
想念的冰凉
你知道吗
你浅浅的微笑
深似海的眼光
都能掀起我
滔天的巨浪
(男)你相信吗
这是命吗
这次我们放弃抵抗
哪怕拥抱
在身上
画下深深的伤
(合)只要看你一眼一瞬间
哪怕是最后画面
我的世界
因为爱过而完美
谁都不该离太远
只要看你一眼一瞬间
足够我熬过千年
我不后悔
爱若让末日提前
我们要一起
好好迎接那句点
(女)如果相爱是错
(男)错过又算什么
(合)这一次我们
宁死不放手
往彼此的心里跳
跳过天荒地老
wo oh ...
只要看你一眼一瞬间
哪怕是最后画面
我的世界
因为爱过而完美
谁都不该离太远
只要看你一眼一瞬间
足够我熬过千年
我不后悔
爱若让末日提前
我们要一起
好好迎接那句点


Can't imagine but the guy's name is Jam... Jam Hsiao. Haha!

遗落

lyrics:

你沉默低下了头
倔强地抹去了含在眼角的泪光
我傻傻望着窗外来来往往的人
紧握着一只喝空的杯
是真的不懂得心疼
真的不懂爱吗
为什么我始终学不会
要让你心碎不要让你流泪
明天你将离我有多远
对你始终不曾说再见
被遗忘的语言在记忆里搁浅
我在默默地失眠
使我漫不经心的燃烧
你的付出热情和骄傲
你对我有多好我爱我有多少
我被遗落的心只有你知道

时间已停止流动
我的心已落在你我错身的瞬间
我抬头望着天空
你泯灭的心走进我
就将要各自飞
是真的不再有牵挂
真的结束了吗?
你知道我始终放不下
始终不能面对
你不再是我的宝贝
明天你将离我有多远
对你始终不曾说再见
被遗忘的语言在记忆里搁浅
我在默默地失眠
使我漫不经心的燃烧
你的付出热情和骄傲
你对我有多好
我爱我有多少
我被遗落的心只有你知道
明天你会离我有多远
对你始终不曾说再见
被遗忘的语言在记忆里搁浅
我在默默地失眠
使我漫不经心的燃烧
你的付出热情和骄傲
你对我有多好
我爱我有多少
我被遗落的心只有你知道
遗落的心只有你知道


Notice how many times '始终' always appear? Haha! The lyricist must really like the use of this phrase!

onions

aska yang's version



mayday's ashin's version


如果你眼神能够为我
片刻的降临
如果你能听到
心碎的声音
沉默的守护著你
沉默的等奇迹
沉默的让自己
像是空气
大家都吃著聊著笑著
今晚多开心
最角落里的我
笑得多合群
盘底的洋葱像我
永远是调味品
偷偷的看著你
偷偷的隐藏著自己
如果你愿意一层一层一层的剥开我的心
你会发现你会讶异
你是我最压抑
最深处的秘密
如果你愿意一层一层一层的剥开我的心
你会鼻酸你会流泪
只要你能听到我
看到我的全心全意

听你说你和你的他们
暧昧的空气
我和我的绝望
装得很风趣
我就样一颗洋葱
永远是配角戏
多希望能与你有一秒
专属的剧情

fashion pops

Happened to be at Centrepoint today, and they're having 'Fashion Pops'. Think they have another fashion event at Paragon as well because I saw the stage there too.

Below are some pics that I shot with the measly camera phone.



the stage is set



first model appears




doin the catwalk



to the backstage

super mundane

everyday is a routine
day in day out
same old same old

...

...

...


yup, i'm degenerating...


typical day begins at 6.20am
drink kopi, and sleep in bathroom till its time to get dressed
out of the house by 7.30am
walkie walkie to the mrt
then out via Somerset and wait for bus at Midpoint

...

...

...

after half a century has past, the bus will eventually arrive
board an almost empty bus
turn here turn there
while i flip flip 'My Paper'
...
...

oh goodie, it has reached Tiong Bahru Plaza
one million people squeeze into the bus
after 2 stops, alight and cross bridge to Cendex

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

time to knock off, back to home

*repeat process for 5 days in a week



as seen from Midpoint

pinkbell's wedding

Attended Mei Qing's wedding at Orchard Parade Hotel. It's a first for me, that hotel. Went to the receptionist, and I told her jie mei's that I'm Mei Qing's friend. Then they asked for my name. Then they went, "Ohhhh... IRC friends." I nearly pengz. Hahaha, fancy her putting us in that category!

But yalor, known Mei Qing when she was in JC and she was the baby in the IRC group. Youngest amongst us all. Attended her 21st birthday at the chalet, and we felt proud that she's finally growing up. But tonight's the ultimate. I felt as though my daughter is marrying! (abit exaggerated but similar along that line la...) As another IRC friend puts it... we've seen her grown up. In a way, yes.. in some other ways I can't agree.

But all in all, I'm glad I was part of her growing up years.

freshly baked

Went to Orchard NPC today to update the address on NRIC. Hmm.. feels weird going to the police station. Went inside and they have a queue ticket machine. Just like the banks. Then you're supposed to press the correct button for the correct purpose that you're there. One button for making police report, one for change address and 4 more others I can't recall what they were.

So I went there, took my ticket and waited. Think got 2 groups there lodging reports. So I got my NRIC updated and went outside. Outside got Kiliney kopitiam. But got one shop that caught my eyes. "Freshly Baked" by Le Bijoux.

Sounded kinda cool, so I loitered outside trying to see what they have. Heard the person inside asking if I'd like to come in to take a closer look. So I went to the counter. Their specialties included walnut raisin bread and dunno wat cake. Didn't really catch it. So I bought a berry jam doughnut and half a cheese bread. I kinda liked the doughnut because it was really really soft and inside there's raspberry jam. Jam was not too sweet but the doughnut has sugar dusts so overall, still quite sweet! The cheese bread taste quite alright but not as soft as I liked it to be.

where birds dun lay eggs...

Moved to new place for about a week or so already. No aircon, no wardrobe and no washing machine. I'm beginning to feel like a Neanderthal... ok, ok... so I am exaggerating!

The place, ok lor... expensive and ulu. Good thing is every morning I'll get my morning walk because nearest MRT is about 10 minutes away, and then must cross 2 streets and walk up an overhead bridge. Night time, its so quiet that when any sound will sound as though they originate from your own unit. *shudders...*

This week, is a stressful week. Work wise and study wise. Wish me luck and hopefully my washing machine can be delivered tomorrow. Will tell you the story of the washing machine some other time... after it has arrived safely.

out with the old, in with the new

throwing stuffs like nobody's business...
muahahhahaha
actually, i'm very very bad with my $$$...
looking at the things that i'm having and NOT using...
wow... i'm officially a wastrel *boo hoo hoo*

accumulated so many stuffs, from 1995 until now.
still have those NTU hall 1 publication committee t-shirts (of what use leh? no use one lor!)

my brother told the movers we have about 15 boxes... err, he forgot that when i moved in from Serangoon North, I brought 15 boxes of stuffs with me.. so now, his plus mine will equal about like 50? hahah! Probably like 20+

i'm actually quite stressed this week... own module must complete by Monday, think boss have another urgent thing for us to do as well. Then at home must complete packing by... tomorrow? else where got time!? 28th moving already! Arghhhhh! Then new house, need to see what's missing then buy. No washing machine, no ironing board, no fan.. So dun be surprised if you see me the week after, with super crumply smelly clothes

hunt is over!

This is it! The hunt for the apartment, is now.. over. Signed and sealed. Letter of intent, that is. Well, as good as a done deal. Phew...

Our most expensive ever apartment (as compared to gazillion years ago, the most expensive was CCK 5 min to Lot 1 that costs $1.4K in year 2000, but shared by 6 ppl). This one, $1.5K per month excluding utilities (shared by 2). Although it is far far away from Tiong Bahru, I think no choice lor.. have to live with it. Well, whatdaya know.. back to the Northern area once more. From CCK->Yew Tee->Serangoon North->Serangoon North->Yew Tee->Yew Tee->YCK. 9 years, 7 locations.

Now can start packing and arrange for movers to come. Next month, new environment. Wish everyone, a happy Chap Goh Mei!

basic necessity

The hunt for an apartment to stay in, has intensified. Rent is horrible, inflation rate is sky high, stocks took a tumble, budget goodies not applicable and pay still remains the same.

So, we're really in a corner now. Rent for this month has increased to $2K (which is really bo hua because only have 29 days this month and 10 days in this month we were back home in M'sia). Next month, it'll be $2.8K. Haha, obviously owners are enjoying higher returns for their investment now. Imagine 2 ppl paying for $2.8K, that will be $1.4K each excluding utilities! Pengz...

For us mere mortals who had dilly dallied in getting our own property, and have to rely on rented ones... we are feeling the squeeze now. To buy property now, not only it is much more expensive as compared to just a year ago, you have to pay about $26-$30K in cash.

So for now, we really need to look into getting a unit that is going to be available immediately (which is not likely to happen, so have to settle for 1st March earliest), budget between $1.3K-$1.6K, areas between CCK and Tiong Bahru (north west or west areas are fine..) and must have 2 bedrooms (can't expect me to stay in same room as brother bah?! eeek!) And hopefully, no bad things had happened in that flat before... (eeekss!)

So wish us luck! (and if you got any lobang.. do let me know also, thanks!)

hell's kitchen

Yep, another one of those tv reality shows. Caught one episode of it while I was back home in M'sia (did I tell you I love my Astro?) Haha, anyway, quite liked the show. Gordon Ramsay, has quite a notorious reputation (liberally uses the 'F' word it seems), but as my sis puts it.. the contestants most of the times, really deserved to be scolded!

Teams were divided into 2: Red and Blue team. Red team for ladies while Blue team are all men. The episode that I saw had some contestants who are not really chefs. There's one pizza chef called Giacomo (but he got booted out subsequently) and there's this guy who keeps whining and quite drama kind. Forgot what's his name though but he didn't get booted out although his 2 other team members nominated him to be out.

This is how the kitchen setting looks like:


The contestants will compete and diners will walk in to the restaurant and order something. The kitchen is separated from the dining area via a glass screen, which means the 'diners' can see what the contestants are doing.

That episode saw one guy contestant using a spoon to taste the food and customers saw it and commented that they didn't want him to cook their food. Then there was this girl contestant that took so long to prepare the fish wellington that the diners walked out (after waiting for over an hour, I think...)

Gordon Ramsay looking horrified (and probably lashing out at the contestants):



Here's the wiki link to Hell's Kitchen

wii fun

Had the opportunity to play wii for the first time ever today! Yeap, definitely fun fun fun! Think the game was called something rabbids... and they looked smthg like this:


Think the one we played was v1 or smthg... Pretty simple though, just shake shake, swing swing, press press the controller, that's all. Of course, if your eyes & hands are well coordinated, that would be best!

home sweet home

Some pictures taken while I was at home.



yee sang (in a restaurant)


leftover vege + meat (at home)



meal at home



my niece: sophie (s'porean + hungarian)



new year deco (in the house)


flowers outside


flowers outside



my sister's pet


in case anyone haven't been on a train ride.. here's a 1 minute excerpt from a 6 hour ride

happy valentine's

It's good to be back after such a long break. Here's wishing you, a very joyous Valentine's Day!

sentosa revisited

Company outing time! This year we went to Sentosa. Began with cable car ride from Harbourfront. Lasted about 10 mins, I think. Well, not as shaky as I thought it would be. It has been ages since I last took the cable car. Probably since I was like 10 years old? Haha!


cable car ride to sentosa


Then we went to play the 'Luge'. Kinda like go-cart, but less bumpy. Round one, I was going pretty slow. So slow that I thought the game warden will signal me out in no time. Heng never. Luge is like a sleigh ride combined with go-cart minus the engine. It can go up to very fast (to me anything past 60kmph is considered fast!). But got lots of corners to turn, so me being a cautious driver... will slow down one lor.

The luge route will take you to Siloso beach, so if you want to return to the starting point, can take the Skyride. Which we did! Only to take the luge a second time! Muahahaha. Oh, Skyride scarier than cable car! :P

Then we went to 4D Magix. Which is basically a cinema showing 3D movie (short one..about 10-15mins) about pirates. The 4th D came in the form of some plastic strips flapping your legs (colleagues who wore skirt or bermudas complained of being 'assaulted' by these!), some wind gushing out onto your neck and some water splashed onto you plus some movements from your seat. Quite fun, but very very kiddish!

Next stop was the Trapeeze area. For $7, you can pretend you're one part of 'Cirque du Soleil'... haha, I think not. Some of the braver ones defied height (and possibly death) and managed to swung their way to safety! Phew.


trapeeze guy


After all the actions, it was time for dinner at Trapizza. So took some pictures of the scenaries.



scenic seaside view



postcard worthy trees?



idylic



getting dark...



peacock!



yummy food (well, ok la.. can makan..)

feeling sick

Ugh... feeling utterly disgusted...
Was eating my dinner when I thought the chicken yakitori tasted funny. Then I smelt it. Yucks...
Came home.. took my bath... and promptly emptied 20% of my stomach into the toilet bowl... yuck

lunar new year

Was at Bukit Batok the other day, and the atrium was having some exhibition as part of the CNY celebration offerings. Artisans from China were exhibiting their crafts. Have Chinese Calligraphy, Palm Painting, Clay Kneading, Musical Instruments like 'Er hu', Chinese Painting, Seal Engraving and Embroided clothings.

Quite cool, the 'er hu' instrument was prized at $50. Palm painting simply means painting using the palm of the hand. Usually done in black-n-white with sceneries depicting serene lake, mountains, waterfall etc.

I was at the Chinese painting stall, and it was manned by an middle aged artisan from Tianjin, Mr Fan. Some are painted by him, others not. He has framed and non-framed paintings (watercolor). Those framed ones looked quite nice. I can feel my culture points rising a little, just by looking at them haha! Anyway, those non-framed ones are sold at $20 per piece.

Anyway, as I was lingering around at that stall, there was another uncle who was there with his friend. He looks like any ordinary retired people (later know his surname as Mr Ho) and he said he has a hobby of collecting paintings. He quoted a few names, but none that I know of (because no knowledge in this area! Oops, alert! Culture points dropping!). Anyway, his friend bought one framed painting which I think is quite big (its like 3 x 2 A4 size). Mr Ho quietly mentioned that the seller wanted to sell for about $150 initially but they bargained down to $90. Which, sounds alright doesn't it? Mr Ho also said that someone once offered him $5K for one of his collection but I didn't ask what was the initial price he bought it for. :P

So Mr Fan asked if I'm buying anything. He suggested I buy the horizontal painting which can cover half the wall size of a normal bedroom wall. I was aghast, so I said, “我没这么多钱啊！” although I don't know how much that will cost. Probably around less than $100 since its not framed. Anyway, I stood there for about another 10 minutes. Finally Mr Fan said he'll give me a 10% discount. Haha, ok so I bought one as a gift to my soon-to-be-former housemate to congratulate him on his ownership to a HDB flat.



peonies

Well, if ever this painting gonna fetch $5K in future... I'd expect a good treat from him! Haha

half-day

Took time off to attend to some matters and here are some pictures to show the places that I've been...


mama merlion spewing water back to the sea (there's a baby one but didn't capture the pic!)


seaview.. but they're building stuffs so not so nice...


esplanade on bright sunny day~

Are they post-card worthy?

recession is breathing down our necks!

Today my colleague was asking whether anything major happened to the world. It's about after lunch and he mumbled something which I couldn't catch. But I guessed that it must've had something to do with shares and stocks as I know he's quite an investor. Didn't put too much thought in it after that, as I was rather busy today.

Reached home at about 9pm and noticed that my adviser for the BRIC fund tried to call me. Then after dinner, my housemate asked how am I affected by the market plunge. Frankly speaking, I don't know. Makes you anxious, I suppose. Is it time to cut the losses? No one knows. He says China will be cooling down the stock market to prevent inflation. Quite true I suppose, as quoted from him "...since market plunge will affect those that plays it while inflation affects EVERYONE". How true.

If China, India are not doing well, then I should contemplate cutting my losses and recover whatever's left of the money. Likely be losing 10% of the total value. So sad right! And angry! and whatever emotions that you can insert #@%&$*!

But who am I to blame. Myself bah... since I never bothered about these kinda things... tsk tsk...

Read about today's stock tumble here.

sit beside me

Come sit down beside me
I said to myself
And although it doesn't make sense,
I held my own hand as a small sign of trust
And together I sat on the fence


-- by Leunig

mobtv

Muahahhaa! Recently mobtv got some promo so they're letting me watch 2 weeks worth of stuffs for free.

So far managed to watch 1 episode of "A Taste of Love" and 1 episode of "Folk Jumps Over the Wall". "A Taste of Love" is starring Dawn Yeoh, Michelle Chia, Zheng Ge Ping and the late MC King. Still downloading the next 2 episodes.

I think I do quite like "Folk Jumps Over the Wall". It is reuniting Kym Ng with Bryan Wong. Bryan as usual is very himself, very drama and quite OTT. I missed their partnership since their City Beat days. *sigh*
It took them this l o o o o o o n g to get back together again? Haiya...

Of course, now Kym looks very 'aunty' while Bryan is still very baby-faced! :P

maki horikita

Seen quite a lot of her shows. Young actress, only 20 years old this year. First noticed her (accidentally), in Teppan Shoujo Akane! A cute show about food.. teppan-ryori to be precise, in which she's Akane, who's looking for her missing dad.

Next, my brother introduced another of her drama Nobuta no produce, which I think he caught while he was in Tokyo. In this one which she played an autistic kid (in here, she was able to flex abit more of her acting skills, whereas usually, it'll all be kinda cute and fluffy :P) and befriended these two guys who somewhat became her playmate cum protector. The two guys who acted as Nobuta's friends are Kamenashi Kazuya who acted as Shuji and Yamashita Tomohisa who played Akira. Both of them belong to some Jpop group. Among the guys, I like Yamapi better! Then came another of her show, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e with Oguri Shun.

Anyway, recently watched Deru Toko Demasho. In this one, she played a school kid whose dad owed huge debts and thus, her family became bankrupt and she had to go get a job to earn money. Then came a cocky lawyer with loads of money, and she decided that she too wanted to become a lawyer to earn lots of $$$! Haha, so far, quite interesting as the lawyer had a 'school uniform' fetish and thus, she was able to get a job in his law firm. She'll be this righteous kid, while the lawyer guy acted as if he doesn't care (but deep down, he does!) and so their adventures begins!

ma'am president?

It is interesting that Hillary Clinton survived New Hampshire, though observers were quietly expecting a defeat for her. It is also fascinating that campaigning for US Presidential bid are very very expensive and it's a long process. Election won't be held till Nov 2008.

identity

Saw this gameshow on Channel 5 yesterday. Kinda like Deal or No Deal, a guessing game but instead of just briefcases, you'd have to guess the identity of the strangers standing on stage.

I suppose it's workable in the USA but in Singappore? Hmm... probably everyone will look the same and do we have cool jobs like in the US? For example, 'ufologist', bull rider etc?

If interested, you can play the game online.

unease

A feeling of unease has quietly crept in...
It is a little unsettling... makes you edgy..
Maybe it's because of all the changes...
I don't know...

move office

New year, new office. Finished moving today. Relocated to Cendex Centre. Haven't figure out how to walk there, so likely will be taking bus or something from Tiong Bahru MRT.

Already started aching. Tomorrow should be worse...

welcome 2008

very sleepy now.. cheers to a new year!