Finally my birthday was over yesterday. V pleasantly surprised to receive birthday greetings from quite a few people I werent expecting to hear from. Thank you very much for your lovely wishes.
I am glad for a quiet celebration. Met my close buddies for an uncut version of Lust Caution yesterday after massage and facial (took half day leave after i touch down from dubai.. had to drag my feet to massage, as I was still v sleepy!)
Tony leung look so sad, his eyes speak volumes. I like him a lot. think he and Tang wei acted real well. Wang Li Hom is rather disappointing. Didnt act that well, think he is much much better with music.
I am feeling thankful for the companionship and friendship I have. thanks v much dear pals.
I think I have known some of you for the past 10 years or more , some I have known for more than 5 years. Others, since I am 18. Hmm, we have come a long way since then huh? Hope our friendship age well like good wine / or single malt whiskey.(the alcoholic in me talking here!:P )
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Unknown in the future
yet another colleague resigned. I guess in these good times , people tend to leave faster. Alittle sad, but also realise I dont know what my future holds. Nor do I know what I want to do in the future. The future remains a big question mark for me.
Now I am lost basically.
Now I am lost basically.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Escapism
I felt buried in my work lately. Theres so much to do lately. Whenever I felt suffocated, I feel this immense need to escape, and I find that escaping into the world of drama a good release for me. I enjoy watching dramas, particularly happy ones. Though lately, I find myself more drawn to sad , melancholic stories. I guess life is too mundane at times. In our highly connected, breakneck speed kind of world, I find no real good way to 'escape' other than watching drama, when I see the 'lives of the characters' unfold and view the world through their lives.
Perhaps my own life story is too mundane and boring, hence, I enjoy watching drama, when things are often magnified, to create interesting twists and turns.
Through drama, I can rest my mind and watch stories unforld mindlessly.. and best part is its got nothing to do with me. I found my 'freedom' while I remain a 'captive audience' watching drama.
Let me think if I have other forms of escape. I am fortunate that I could 'escape' this way, even momentarily and I am very thankful for this.
Perhaps my own life story is too mundane and boring, hence, I enjoy watching drama, when things are often magnified, to create interesting twists and turns.
Through drama, I can rest my mind and watch stories unforld mindlessly.. and best part is its got nothing to do with me. I found my 'freedom' while I remain a 'captive audience' watching drama.
Let me think if I have other forms of escape. I am fortunate that I could 'escape' this way, even momentarily and I am very thankful for this.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Poster BOY.... No.. Poster old guy
During lunch, saw this old man, 'wearing' a carboard poster card with the words "Steak at xxx place, selling for $3.50"..
The sun was burning brightly and he was standing in the hot sun, with the giant poster over his body. He didnt move around and was just standing there. No one took much look at him. The sight is very disturbing to me..
My colleague told me, thats probably a retiree who has to work because he didnt have enough to live on. How about, maybe he just wanted to find time to kill??.. whichever way we look at it, I cant help but feel upset at this. Perhaps I thought of 'retirement' as 'golden years' when we can do what we want, we can choose work we like, etc. But I am too naive. Even if we like to work till older, and can contribute, companies may not hire. Even if the company did hire, will the older worker be regarded as 'poor souls' who have to work ? (like the way I feel now?)
Then also brings in the question of what can I work as when I am 60 and beyond? Other than a professor or teacher, or consultant or 'advisor' , where age is deemed as 'wisdom' , and not too 'slow', which other areas would be good for workers beyond 60?
I suppose a better solution would be for me to ensure I invest, have enough savings and not be too poor when I retire.. and I better also hope that I dont live too long to an old ripe age.
Sorry for this depressing post... My mood has been a little depressed lately.
The sun was burning brightly and he was standing in the hot sun, with the giant poster over his body. He didnt move around and was just standing there. No one took much look at him. The sight is very disturbing to me..
My colleague told me, thats probably a retiree who has to work because he didnt have enough to live on. How about, maybe he just wanted to find time to kill??.. whichever way we look at it, I cant help but feel upset at this. Perhaps I thought of 'retirement' as 'golden years' when we can do what we want, we can choose work we like, etc. But I am too naive. Even if we like to work till older, and can contribute, companies may not hire. Even if the company did hire, will the older worker be regarded as 'poor souls' who have to work ? (like the way I feel now?)
Then also brings in the question of what can I work as when I am 60 and beyond? Other than a professor or teacher, or consultant or 'advisor' , where age is deemed as 'wisdom' , and not too 'slow', which other areas would be good for workers beyond 60?
I suppose a better solution would be for me to ensure I invest, have enough savings and not be too poor when I retire.. and I better also hope that I dont live too long to an old ripe age.
Sorry for this depressing post... My mood has been a little depressed lately.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
FACEBOOOK
Am sure by now most people would have heard of facebook, since its been in the news after microsoft offer an 'obscene' amount of money to buy over the site. That aside, its really amazing as I found some 'long lost' friends from this networking portal. Just got to know from facebook that some of my old pals and ex colleagues are married. If not for facebook, I probably wouldnt have known, having lost some of their contacts, etc.
Now, I am hoping I can manage to contact my secondary school friend, wenkang. Too bad I dont have his email. We used to be really good buddies. Just too bad we lost touch.
I am feeling like Rip Van Winkle. You know how it feels like when you suddenly connect with people from your past and discover changes and how you were not aware of those changes in the first place? thats how i feel now.
Of course its normal for people to come and go in one's life, but I hope I would always have my dearest close friends with me, growing "old" together.
Now, I am hoping I can manage to contact my secondary school friend, wenkang. Too bad I dont have his email. We used to be really good buddies. Just too bad we lost touch.
I am feeling like Rip Van Winkle. You know how it feels like when you suddenly connect with people from your past and discover changes and how you were not aware of those changes in the first place? thats how i feel now.
Of course its normal for people to come and go in one's life, but I hope I would always have my dearest close friends with me, growing "old" together.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
DEFINITIONS
Some "tongue in cheek" thoughts that came to mind recently.
BOSS
Someone with BALLS. If the person doesnt have the balls to take responsibility for actions, to take charge, then the person isnt a "BALLS" (PUN Very intended)
POLITICS
Its a game when communication makes mountains out to be molehills and molehills become mountains.
For eg. when costs increase by 10%, but communication will deem such costs as one of the lowest in the world, when other countries experience higher costs
when salaries are very high, expensive peanuts, in the millions, communication will deem that its very low, compared to what one can get in private sector.
Person with POWER
Someone who is most skilled in stepping all over others, making everyone else FLAT AS crispy THIN PIZZAS and MUTE as DODO (meaning extinct)
SANDWICH / MIDDLE CLASS
Been caught between the deep blue sea and fiery hell. one who is neither rich enough to enjoy tax breaks/investment planning/etc, nor poor enough to enjoy charities/funding/etc
Everyone else in between slog like mad, pay the tax, and isnt any better off.
CPF
Something that you dont use unless you are buying house, dead, or past 65 or 70? or 90?????
HEALTHCARE
Care of the ill who can pay. (reference: documentary : sicko)
AGING POPULATION
>50% adults who are in their 50-60s and still working
Higher Life Expectancy
When you expect to be dead, but somehow you are not.
disclaimer : the above are meant to be tongue in cheek and if there is any strong coincidence to anything, its really just COINCIDENCE!
BOSS
Someone with BALLS. If the person doesnt have the balls to take responsibility for actions, to take charge, then the person isnt a "BALLS" (PUN Very intended)
POLITICS
Its a game when communication makes mountains out to be molehills and molehills become mountains.
For eg. when costs increase by 10%, but communication will deem such costs as one of the lowest in the world, when other countries experience higher costs
when salaries are very high, expensive peanuts, in the millions, communication will deem that its very low, compared to what one can get in private sector.
Person with POWER
Someone who is most skilled in stepping all over others, making everyone else FLAT AS crispy THIN PIZZAS and MUTE as DODO (meaning extinct)
SANDWICH / MIDDLE CLASS
Been caught between the deep blue sea and fiery hell. one who is neither rich enough to enjoy tax breaks/investment planning/etc, nor poor enough to enjoy charities/funding/etc
Everyone else in between slog like mad, pay the tax, and isnt any better off.
CPF
Something that you dont use unless you are buying house, dead, or past 65 or 70? or 90?????
HEALTHCARE
Care of the ill who can pay. (reference: documentary : sicko)
AGING POPULATION
>50% adults who are in their 50-60s and still working
Higher Life Expectancy
When you expect to be dead, but somehow you are not.
disclaimer : the above are meant to be tongue in cheek and if there is any strong coincidence to anything, its really just COINCIDENCE!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
FLIP FLAP ROTI PRATA
Recently, I saw how words can be twisted and turned to one's advantage. Even words the person said before will be be turned around and put in another manner, all to the person's advantage. This flipping and flapping makes me think of ROTI PRATA. Very apt for people like that right down to the food's origins .
SYMPTOMS OF A FLIP FLAP ROTI PRATA HOMIEN SAPIEN
1) When he/she said "Lets do it, We can take the risk.."
Situation 1
when things go awry... She/He said : why did you do it? you are the one who insisted on doing it. You said it was ok to do it. (When from the beginning the person was agreeable and basically egged you on)
Situation 2
When things go well.. She/He said : see we should do this, I was the one who said this would be good.
2) When he/she said Why are we doing this? to something that was suggested by Him/Her
He/She said Why are we doing this? Are you sure ?
Situation 1
When things go well.... He/She said : Lets see if this can be further developed.. I was the one who encouraged you.. I gave the idea
Situation 2
When things go awry... He/She said : See , we shouldnt have done this in the first place, it was upon YOUR insistence that we do it
There you go. Either way, you dont win with a person like that. There is NEVER any side to a coin in this case.
Just like ROTI PRATA.. FLip Flap FLip, any side, you can eat it, with sugar, curry or plain.
SYMPTOMS OF A FLIP FLAP ROTI PRATA HOMIEN SAPIEN
1) When he/she said "Lets do it, We can take the risk.."
Situation 1
when things go awry... She/He said : why did you do it? you are the one who insisted on doing it. You said it was ok to do it. (When from the beginning the person was agreeable and basically egged you on)
Situation 2
When things go well.. She/He said : see we should do this, I was the one who said this would be good.
2) When he/she said Why are we doing this? to something that was suggested by Him/Her
He/She said Why are we doing this? Are you sure ?
Situation 1
When things go well.... He/She said : Lets see if this can be further developed.. I was the one who encouraged you.. I gave the idea
Situation 2
When things go awry... He/She said : See , we shouldnt have done this in the first place, it was upon YOUR insistence that we do it
There you go. Either way, you dont win with a person like that. There is NEVER any side to a coin in this case.
Just like ROTI PRATA.. FLip Flap FLip, any side, you can eat it, with sugar, curry or plain.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Amazing Melbourne
Yep, back from Melbourne. I love the cool weather. It wasnt too cold when I reached Melbourne, though it did turn chilly when I was on my way back to Singapore. Indeed, Melbourne is pretty liveable. You get the good mix of the city life and the suburban life if you prefer a quieter lifestyle. I went to great ocean road with Jo, philips island and yarra valley with my spanish classmate, soon, and his family. Hanged out quite a bit in the city. Also, met felicia for breakfast together with soon on sat morning. Its so good to meet felicia, too bad I wont be able to meet her in shanghai later this yr. She'd be going to taiwan next year. We had a good laugh, cracking up. :)
The most amazing part about the trip was the surprise and unknown elements. Though I planned to meet up with friends like jo, soon and felicia, the most surprising part is that I made some new friends. Jo introduced me to her Singaporean friend , vonny and vonny brought her pal, JJ along. The 4 of us clicked instantly and we chatted for ages. I think the 'highlight' was friday when we basically stayed through the night at a 24 hr coffee place, lincontrol and chatted till morning 6 plus!. Thats like 8 hrs of solid connection. I am still amazed by it. I havent stay up this late for ages , chatting with pals.
Both of them are singaporeans, working in Melbourne now. They have been in Melbourne for the past 10 years. I admire that they are striking it out in a foreign place on their own. Would be nice to do that.
I love the sights in Melbourne, the nature , and the quaint little towns along great ocean road. I love philips island when we saw the little fairy penguins waddling back to their homes in the burrows. So CUTE! I also saw mating seagulls and their eggs..Also saw wild koalas really close , up front plus 'warnabee' ? (smaller kangeroo like creature.. i thought the name sounds funny, like 'wannabe'. :D
Melbourne wont be the same for me after this trip. Whenever I think about Melbourne now, I'd remember the lovely chilly weather, the sights , sounds, amazing mix of food and most of all the friends I've met and the friendship I've made.
Right here waiting for some more great times in Singapore, having your fav. local hawker fare. :)
The most amazing part about the trip was the surprise and unknown elements. Though I planned to meet up with friends like jo, soon and felicia, the most surprising part is that I made some new friends. Jo introduced me to her Singaporean friend , vonny and vonny brought her pal, JJ along. The 4 of us clicked instantly and we chatted for ages. I think the 'highlight' was friday when we basically stayed through the night at a 24 hr coffee place, lincontrol and chatted till morning 6 plus!. Thats like 8 hrs of solid connection. I am still amazed by it. I havent stay up this late for ages , chatting with pals.
Both of them are singaporeans, working in Melbourne now. They have been in Melbourne for the past 10 years. I admire that they are striking it out in a foreign place on their own. Would be nice to do that.
I love the sights in Melbourne, the nature , and the quaint little towns along great ocean road. I love philips island when we saw the little fairy penguins waddling back to their homes in the burrows. So CUTE! I also saw mating seagulls and their eggs..Also saw wild koalas really close , up front plus 'warnabee' ? (smaller kangeroo like creature.. i thought the name sounds funny, like 'wannabe'. :D
Melbourne wont be the same for me after this trip. Whenever I think about Melbourne now, I'd remember the lovely chilly weather, the sights , sounds, amazing mix of food and most of all the friends I've met and the friendship I've made.
Right here waiting for some more great times in Singapore, having your fav. local hawker fare. :)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Count Down to Melbourne
I am excited and apprehensive about trip to Melbourne about my trip this friday night... Excited cos I am taking a break, having a holiday in down under and its gonna be cold winter..Plus I'd be meeting some friends.. will be really fun..... Apprehensive.. cos I'd be leaving some work behind, which I'd pray hard to be ok, smooth going, no major mishap..
Anyway, I'd be checking my emails along the way during the break and still accessible on my mobile..
Whatever it is, I am glad about the break. :)
Anyway, I'd be checking my emails along the way during the break and still accessible on my mobile..
Whatever it is, I am glad about the break. :)
Monday, August 13, 2007
Horrible Resort, Redand Lang Island
Just back from my scuba diving trip at Lang tengah island (island between perhentian and redang) and had a horrid time. Traces of how stingy the resort is can be seen in the way operations are run.
1) Food served was substandard. First time I felt I need to fight for food at resort, else there would be nothing left. Though they say they can cook for u, but then its limited. Dishes served are mainly carbo based stuff.. with some miserable vegetables. weird looking fried sausages that look shrivelled up, fish was served at one of the meals but it was just the tails and heads.. even the bbq dinner was not really bbq dinner. Only sting ray was bbqed. and the rest are all fried stuff..
I think NS men have it better than me, at least their food is catered and of definite better quality!@#)@!
2) Noisy people. The resort was packed full. Some canton beng and hokkien beng were around. The most noisy of the lot was a guy we nicknamed Mr Pink because of his love for pink/red/purple t shirts. He was noisy in the boat (on our way to the island, he was the lone noise maker, and the rest of us were trying to sleep!) , noisy in the water (we saw him shouting when he was snorkelling near the resort), basically NOISY. (majority of the people were from insurance group was from penangwho won the incentive trip there. If i were the agents, I wouldnt meet my target on purpose)
3) We wanted late check out and that was the criteria we had when we first booked the resort. They said ok ok, but when we were on the island, they said have to see the wind condition, etc. They actually were thinking of putting us on the small speedboat back to mainland (and not a bigger boat). They asked if we wanted late check out, do we want lunch? and lunch cost 15RM! no thanks.. not for the crap lunch. In the end, the weather was rainy, and we had no choice but to check out early. It was fine.. There was not enough space on the boat and we stood the whole ferry journey holding on for dear life as the boat went thru the sea in the rainy weather) . ANother huge mistake on the resort's part : Over promise! Under deliver.
The irony of the whole trip was we had a very good time in trengganu. Checked into a backpacker inn while waiting for our 7pm coach ride back to singapore. The inn was v clean. 20RM for a bed and locker for half a day, with free internet access, plus there was cable TV. what more could i asked for ? Plus it was clean and there was air conditioning.
Lesson learnt? I will choose to go with my dive school, Mako, next time. The places they go to , or recommend are usually quite good. This trip just make me feel like diving even more!
1) Food served was substandard. First time I felt I need to fight for food at resort, else there would be nothing left. Though they say they can cook for u, but then its limited. Dishes served are mainly carbo based stuff.. with some miserable vegetables. weird looking fried sausages that look shrivelled up, fish was served at one of the meals but it was just the tails and heads.. even the bbq dinner was not really bbq dinner. Only sting ray was bbqed. and the rest are all fried stuff..
I think NS men have it better than me, at least their food is catered and of definite better quality!@#)@!
2) Noisy people. The resort was packed full. Some canton beng and hokkien beng were around. The most noisy of the lot was a guy we nicknamed Mr Pink because of his love for pink/red/purple t shirts. He was noisy in the boat (on our way to the island, he was the lone noise maker, and the rest of us were trying to sleep!) , noisy in the water (we saw him shouting when he was snorkelling near the resort), basically NOISY. (majority of the people were from insurance group was from penangwho won the incentive trip there. If i were the agents, I wouldnt meet my target on purpose)
3) We wanted late check out and that was the criteria we had when we first booked the resort. They said ok ok, but when we were on the island, they said have to see the wind condition, etc. They actually were thinking of putting us on the small speedboat back to mainland (and not a bigger boat). They asked if we wanted late check out, do we want lunch? and lunch cost 15RM! no thanks.. not for the crap lunch. In the end, the weather was rainy, and we had no choice but to check out early. It was fine.. There was not enough space on the boat and we stood the whole ferry journey holding on for dear life as the boat went thru the sea in the rainy weather) . ANother huge mistake on the resort's part : Over promise! Under deliver.
The irony of the whole trip was we had a very good time in trengganu. Checked into a backpacker inn while waiting for our 7pm coach ride back to singapore. The inn was v clean. 20RM for a bed and locker for half a day, with free internet access, plus there was cable TV. what more could i asked for ? Plus it was clean and there was air conditioning.
Lesson learnt? I will choose to go with my dive school, Mako, next time. The places they go to , or recommend are usually quite good. This trip just make me feel like diving even more!
Monday, July 30, 2007
The Golden Years Ahead?
Yesterday's sunday times seem to echo the tagline "The Golden Years Ahead" very prominently, with its special mention of Singaporeans who splurge on $580 risotto, flashy cars, million dollar condo, and the like. What the papers fail to mention is how many of such singaporeans are there?
We often forget the papers only report what its audience is interested in. Even the 'proper' and not 'tabloid' papers do that ok...
Hence, I'd take what I see in print , particularly the papers with a pinch of salt. Perhaps I am too much of a skeptic. or is it a case of sour grapes?
Yet when I strolled along orchard road, from grange road to botanic gardens on Saturday, I observed the myraid of landed properties and the size of these sprawling mansions. There are indeed many uber rich in Singapore. Whether they splurge on birdnest mooncakes (888 bucks each), etc , I wouldnt ever know since I am not in the 'inner clique'..
But then again, if I am THAT rich, I probably wont care what I spend on huh? Its only because I am not , that I am looking at all these... with hmmm... 'sour grapes' ? :p
We often forget the papers only report what its audience is interested in. Even the 'proper' and not 'tabloid' papers do that ok...
Hence, I'd take what I see in print , particularly the papers with a pinch of salt. Perhaps I am too much of a skeptic. or is it a case of sour grapes?
Yet when I strolled along orchard road, from grange road to botanic gardens on Saturday, I observed the myraid of landed properties and the size of these sprawling mansions. There are indeed many uber rich in Singapore. Whether they splurge on birdnest mooncakes (888 bucks each), etc , I wouldnt ever know since I am not in the 'inner clique'..
But then again, if I am THAT rich, I probably wont care what I spend on huh? Its only because I am not , that I am looking at all these... with hmmm... 'sour grapes' ? :p
Saturday, July 28, 2007
When will man stop using God as a scapegoat?
I am very apalled to learn about the death of the south korean pastor who was killed by the Taleban in Afghanistan. I just hope that the hostages will be released soon, by some work of miracle... though I am not too hopeful.. I am not sure how the situation is like right now, I havent read any news. I hope that no news means good news.. The Taleban has even gone on to say they encourage more 'kidnappings'..
I also just read about the bombing in the red mosque in Pakistan.. All the violence commited in the name of God makes me wonder.. when will man stop using god as a 'scapegoat' for their own atrocities and selfish agenda?
I am not going to start 'preaching'. I am not hopeful that the violence will stop anytime soon. Just flip through any history book and its pretty easy to read about violence and wars. If it feels like there is more violence in this new 'generation', then I beg to differ. Its probably that we are more 'aware' now when we are 'older' (when we were younger, maybe we didnt pay that much attention). If some said the 70s were the golden era, alot of peace , etc. then I beg to differ again. Memories play tricks on us and those times were violent and turbulent too.
I suppose its 'safe' to conclude that it is man's sinful nature.. There is always a 'reason' however 'irrational' behind our 'actions'. Man is fully capable of rationalising any decisions made.. Furthermore concocting stories and glorifying the cause..
Technology may have advanced, lives may have changed. But we remain very much the same..
I also just read about the bombing in the red mosque in Pakistan.. All the violence commited in the name of God makes me wonder.. when will man stop using god as a 'scapegoat' for their own atrocities and selfish agenda?
I am not going to start 'preaching'. I am not hopeful that the violence will stop anytime soon. Just flip through any history book and its pretty easy to read about violence and wars. If it feels like there is more violence in this new 'generation', then I beg to differ. Its probably that we are more 'aware' now when we are 'older' (when we were younger, maybe we didnt pay that much attention). If some said the 70s were the golden era, alot of peace , etc. then I beg to differ again. Memories play tricks on us and those times were violent and turbulent too.
I suppose its 'safe' to conclude that it is man's sinful nature.. There is always a 'reason' however 'irrational' behind our 'actions'. Man is fully capable of rationalising any decisions made.. Furthermore concocting stories and glorifying the cause..
Technology may have advanced, lives may have changed. But we remain very much the same..
Thursday, July 26, 2007
近 朱 者 赤 近 墨 者 黑 。。
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn12343
Got this article from friend. From the way things go, does that mean I better make friends with skinnier people too (to balance up) and probably make friends with 'richer' people, to balance the 'wealth' level? Haha. Maybe huh?
The article reminds me of the chinese saying. There is , I think, some semblance of truth. If you make friends with people who are negative, invariably, you'd be influenced. Likewise, if everyone around you strive to excel and are 'high fliers', then you'd somewhat be driven as well to want to do so.
I suppose this is like 'group think'...
I dont like this conditioning, but I think I am still 'subjected' to it. Can I be like the 'Matrix' , and get out of the 'system that bind me' ?
Got this article from friend. From the way things go, does that mean I better make friends with skinnier people too (to balance up) and probably make friends with 'richer' people, to balance the 'wealth' level? Haha. Maybe huh?
The article reminds me of the chinese saying. There is , I think, some semblance of truth. If you make friends with people who are negative, invariably, you'd be influenced. Likewise, if everyone around you strive to excel and are 'high fliers', then you'd somewhat be driven as well to want to do so.
I suppose this is like 'group think'...
I dont like this conditioning, but I think I am still 'subjected' to it. Can I be like the 'Matrix' , and get out of the 'system that bind me' ?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Property Woes
My colleague has starting looking for an apartment. The current rental unit she is staying in may just go en bloc next year. In view of the prices that seem to be only increasing, not falling any moment, she thought she better start looking. For those who had bought their homes before the hike , they will most likely be very glad. For those with additional housing and who wants to take this chance to sell (since they already have a roof over their head), they can see themselves alot more richer. Some businesses are also hit . Gaia Yoga has closed its business, citing property rental hikes and inability to sustain business at current costs. (maybe also due to intense competition)
Hopefully the prices will be more reasonable a few years down the road? Or will it only escalate further? I shudder to think. I am not the kind to plan long term..Perhaps I should learn to plan now! But since I cant get an apartment yet, I guess I dont have to think too much about it.
I hope the prices will 'stabilise' soon. I think there is enough supply actually. Just that Greed and now Fear is driving the market crazy. That probably happens when 4 million and in future , maybe 6.5 million people are cramped on a tiny island.. Even 'brain waves' get affected and everyone just feel the 'impulse' to 'jump' when they see others 'jumping' ...:p (hence the faddish crazes that range from bubble teas, cinnamon buns, rotiboys and now donut factories.. singaporeans cant help but 'jump on the bandwagon' )
Hopefully the prices will be more reasonable a few years down the road? Or will it only escalate further? I shudder to think. I am not the kind to plan long term..Perhaps I should learn to plan now! But since I cant get an apartment yet, I guess I dont have to think too much about it.
I hope the prices will 'stabilise' soon. I think there is enough supply actually. Just that Greed and now Fear is driving the market crazy. That probably happens when 4 million and in future , maybe 6.5 million people are cramped on a tiny island.. Even 'brain waves' get affected and everyone just feel the 'impulse' to 'jump' when they see others 'jumping' ...:p (hence the faddish crazes that range from bubble teas, cinnamon buns, rotiboys and now donut factories.. singaporeans cant help but 'jump on the bandwagon' )
Poppy Power
Spidey came over to take some pictures of Poppy last saturday. Here are 2 of the pictures. He took like 19 in total!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Honours and the Lack of it
I asked my friend if he has honors degree and he told me he has. I asked if its a prerequisite for government sector jobs. He told me, because it is not honourable to work in there, hence its a prerequisite to have honors degree'. Haha.. I know it sounds pretty lame, but the lameness of the statement is really quite funny.
Another friend of mine is currently looking for jobs, and he sounded dismayed when the human resource person from a particular government sector asked if he has honours, why he could do master degree,etc, etc. He susbesquently told me , a manager friend of his told him, he shouldnt even include his master degree in his resume, and that he should have studied his basic degree well, etc, etc. .cos thats all the government will look at. That a master degree is only for those who are hardworking.. dont mean the person is smart..
If everyone thinks like this manager, graduate schools , Chicago business school, insead, to name a few , can all close shop. No one will be thinking of 'improving' 'knowledge' by going for extra courses, etc..since 'one would just look at the basic degree'.
Maybe the government works differently? Maybe this applies to only the government?Perhaps. All I know is if the dear ministers and the like wants the workforce to keep relevant and 'upgrade'.. then the mindset to only look at the 'basic degree' has to change... assessment will need to be made on a more rounded level.
That aside.. its indeed very stressful to go through interviews.. Its never fun to be 'grilled' by another party. If its any comfort, at least its not the "Apprentice' or 'American Idol'.. or any of those reality shows, when you are constantly subjected to scrutiny by other contestants, judges, tv audience, etc. So Interviews are really quite easy afterall huh?! :p
Another friend of mine is currently looking for jobs, and he sounded dismayed when the human resource person from a particular government sector asked if he has honours, why he could do master degree,etc, etc. He susbesquently told me , a manager friend of his told him, he shouldnt even include his master degree in his resume, and that he should have studied his basic degree well, etc, etc. .cos thats all the government will look at. That a master degree is only for those who are hardworking.. dont mean the person is smart..
If everyone thinks like this manager, graduate schools , Chicago business school, insead, to name a few , can all close shop. No one will be thinking of 'improving' 'knowledge' by going for extra courses, etc..since 'one would just look at the basic degree'.
Maybe the government works differently? Maybe this applies to only the government?Perhaps. All I know is if the dear ministers and the like wants the workforce to keep relevant and 'upgrade'.. then the mindset to only look at the 'basic degree' has to change... assessment will need to be made on a more rounded level.
That aside.. its indeed very stressful to go through interviews.. Its never fun to be 'grilled' by another party. If its any comfort, at least its not the "Apprentice' or 'American Idol'.. or any of those reality shows, when you are constantly subjected to scrutiny by other contestants, judges, tv audience, etc. So Interviews are really quite easy afterall huh?! :p
Wow, what a starting pay
If statistics dont lie , fresh graduates are are now said to enjoy starting pay of $2500, in some cases, this can be as much as $3000 or $3500. (The pay in the papers are usually taken from the 'brightest' , 'creme de la crop' high fliers).
No doubt this will leave a bitter after taste for some of us, who has started from much humbler 'beginnings',during the economic crisis that sees pay freezes, retrenchments and the like.
But taken from another perspective, its indeed been a good decade since we graduated. With rising costs and inflation, perhaps the increase in the starting pay is only understandable.
Wait! What about the rest of us still slogging with low pay that probably took us longer time to rise to the current levels these freshies are drawing? Oh well...as the saying goes, life is never fair.
All's not lost though. Just as starting pays are higher for freshies, it would probably be reasonable to see higher pay rise, etc for employees. If anything be, we better enjoy the current good times, before the next downcycle hit us again. Afterall, we mustnt ever forget, what goes up, will come down. All's a matter of time.
No doubt this will leave a bitter after taste for some of us, who has started from much humbler 'beginnings',during the economic crisis that sees pay freezes, retrenchments and the like.
But taken from another perspective, its indeed been a good decade since we graduated. With rising costs and inflation, perhaps the increase in the starting pay is only understandable.
Wait! What about the rest of us still slogging with low pay that probably took us longer time to rise to the current levels these freshies are drawing? Oh well...as the saying goes, life is never fair.
All's not lost though. Just as starting pays are higher for freshies, it would probably be reasonable to see higher pay rise, etc for employees. If anything be, we better enjoy the current good times, before the next downcycle hit us again. Afterall, we mustnt ever forget, what goes up, will come down. All's a matter of time.
Nice Ending
I like how the last book in the harry potter series end. RK rowling has indeed tied everything up nicely. Great story
Monday, July 23, 2007
Blue Monday
Thank goodness today passed in a breeze. Was pretty blue day for me. NOt that things were not good. Its just a general state of mind. Feeling utterly regretful that I had 'wasted' my sunday sleeping away and doing nothing much, and having to face my monday and a truckload of work.. with impending deadlines that crept nearer and nearer with each passing day.
My weekend was good though.. Went to my friend's 'Hello Switzerland.. Goodbye Singapore' farewell bash on saturday. Was nice to chill out.
My weekend was good though.. Went to my friend's 'Hello Switzerland.. Goodbye Singapore' farewell bash on saturday. Was nice to chill out.
Monday, July 16, 2007
我爱我的国家!
Got this you tube video from Wolf. Thought its interesting so posting it here. On a different note, I heard a new song to be sung over national day this year. I thought its v nice. I wont be around to watch National Day Parade this year though. Would be in Malaysia for a diving trip. yeh. :D
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