Singaporeans' craze for car is always there. The crowd turnout at the Car carnival in suntec was huge. I saw the news just now and almost laughed till my jaw dropped. Its like a wet market, full of pple negoitating and buying plus "sight seeing". Fortunately, i am not one of those car craze.
Seriously, i dun understand the desire for a car. Fuel cost is in its all time high. Middle east crisis may worsen the situation, global oil prices has shot up more than US$75 dollars a barrel. If a war broke up, oil prices may hit historical high of US$100. I will congratulate all the car owners. You are filthy rich. How abt donating some of your moolas to me?
More cars on the road means higher ERP and road tax. This is a way to curb the number of vehicles on the road. Who gets all the benefit eventually? Yes, LTA. Who owns LTA? Singaporeans are so abiding and loyal to the country. Your contribution will help boost our economy, the ministry in charge may end up having huge surpluses. We will see more MRT lines, more underground expressway coming up. Wonderful. I am sure we will reach world class transport network very soon.
On another issue, i receive notification from IRAS abt income tax. Cant believe my eyes. Someone who draws a miserably low pay has been required to pay tax. Huh? I cant even own a stupid credit card, yet i am required to pay income tax. I think if someone reads my payslip, he can laugh till his head off. Anyway, i still have to pay no matter what. Cos it is mandatory.
Sometime, i really cant help but feel disappointed as a Singaporean. Hopefully, National Day can spur me up with more singaporean spirit.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
What's next?
Finally back to work. In one short afternoon, i heard news that some colleagues are leaving. Most are moving towards a better opportunity. I am so envy of them. If given great opportunity, i would leave too. Who would not want to move up the ladder?
A colleague post me a question, would i leave if i see more opportunities in the current job? Well, my answer is simple. It will delay my stay. That's it. Unless the next job is so much better, i am sure anyone will leave immediately. ha...
Oh yes, after my trip to US, my upcoming trip has almost been confirmed. This time to a Southeast Asian country, Yangon, Myanmar. My mum asked if i was interested as she is joining a tour in November. After studying the itenery, i am pretty intrigued. Its a buddhist pilgrimage tour.
I guess it is time to purify some of my thoughts and to grow roots of wisdom. I have never been to other Asean countries other than Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is also time for me to understand the culture of our neighbouring countries. Anyway, travelling has always been my hobby. I love to see the world because it gives me a new prospective view in life.
A colleague post me a question, would i leave if i see more opportunities in the current job? Well, my answer is simple. It will delay my stay. That's it. Unless the next job is so much better, i am sure anyone will leave immediately. ha...
Oh yes, after my trip to US, my upcoming trip has almost been confirmed. This time to a Southeast Asian country, Yangon, Myanmar. My mum asked if i was interested as she is joining a tour in November. After studying the itenery, i am pretty intrigued. Its a buddhist pilgrimage tour.
I guess it is time to purify some of my thoughts and to grow roots of wisdom. I have never been to other Asean countries other than Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is also time for me to understand the culture of our neighbouring countries. Anyway, travelling has always been my hobby. I love to see the world because it gives me a new prospective view in life.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Life is...
It has been sometime since i last blogged. Well, many things happened at home lately. I was on urgent leave for 2 days. My uncle passed away and was busy helping out at the wake. Did not have proper rest too. Only sleep for a few hours. There was also one day when i went back for work.
Life is vulnerable. One min u are here, the next min u are gone. What left behind are memories of the person. There are lots of things in life that we cant control. When time is up, u have to leave. I guess this is part and parcel of life. Earth rotates. It wont stop because of you.
Lots of thoughts keep running in my mind. Like i always say, do wat you like to do as long as it is within your limit and legal. You dun want to feel regret later in life. At the very least, you have tried. Life is like a story book, recording what you have done. It should be something meaningful rite?
Life is vulnerable. One min u are here, the next min u are gone. What left behind are memories of the person. There are lots of things in life that we cant control. When time is up, u have to leave. I guess this is part and parcel of life. Earth rotates. It wont stop because of you.
Lots of thoughts keep running in my mind. Like i always say, do wat you like to do as long as it is within your limit and legal. You dun want to feel regret later in life. At the very least, you have tried. Life is like a story book, recording what you have done. It should be something meaningful rite?
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Enhanced ATM Card
Change to a new ATM card today with enhanced features. Besides the normal atm function, it allow users to sign like a Debit card when making purchases. The only difference is it doee not allow internet transaction. I think this is good cos of better security.
I had no intention to change the card until this guy sell this new card to me. I made my way to the bank and they changed the card for me immediately. Better than credit card, no annual fees, no interest, no special requirement, nothing. Absolutely fantastic. That is why i say, dump away that stupid credit card. I dun trust them anymore.
However, this kind lady, who happens to be the counter staff attempt to cross sell me other financial products. She asked if i was interested in one of the funds, better than putting my money earning a mere 0.25% interest.
Oh my answer is very simple, if i can fail to apply for a credit card, why should i invest my money for other purposes? They thought i am POOR, cant even meet the basic requirement of a card. If that is the case, i really see no reason to invest. I tot they have already hinted to me i got no money. Now, dun ever dare me. I will screw anyone who attempt to sell me financial products. k.
I almost blasted at her. ha... But din do it. The lady was very helpful, with smiles all over. I told her politely i am not interested and she thanked me. ha... Quality service. Probably i should write her a letter of compliment, to thank her for delivering a good service.
I had no intention to change the card until this guy sell this new card to me. I made my way to the bank and they changed the card for me immediately. Better than credit card, no annual fees, no interest, no special requirement, nothing. Absolutely fantastic. That is why i say, dump away that stupid credit card. I dun trust them anymore.
However, this kind lady, who happens to be the counter staff attempt to cross sell me other financial products. She asked if i was interested in one of the funds, better than putting my money earning a mere 0.25% interest.
Oh my answer is very simple, if i can fail to apply for a credit card, why should i invest my money for other purposes? They thought i am POOR, cant even meet the basic requirement of a card. If that is the case, i really see no reason to invest. I tot they have already hinted to me i got no money. Now, dun ever dare me. I will screw anyone who attempt to sell me financial products. k.
I almost blasted at her. ha... But din do it. The lady was very helpful, with smiles all over. I told her politely i am not interested and she thanked me. ha... Quality service. Probably i should write her a letter of compliment, to thank her for delivering a good service.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Call me God
Yeah. News has been running mad recently over this incident. Mavis Hee,a Singaporean singer turned unsound when she shouted "Call me God" to some pple in a prominent hotel. I was sad when it came out in the papers and news. I dun know what happened to her but papers have been speculating lots of unjustified facts.
10 years ago, I remembered she was the next best singer after Kit Chan's debut. Ken and i were so crazy about her. When she came SP to perform, Ken and i skipped class just to get tickets for her concert. We even sneaked to backstage, carpark, just to catch a glimpse of her. Ken even asked for her autograph.
When she performed at Marina Square, hardcore fans like us would wait for hours just for a few songs from her. There was once a Mavis Hee event organised by 933, Ken and i turned up very early. We managed to get the first row cos we were early. ha.. Not to the extend of hardcore fans today. We shook her hand, shout her name, sang with her. It was fun. I even bought a few of her albums.
10 years later, we grew older. Although i am not as crazy as before, i still miss her good songs. Till today, i still chant one of the song lyrics "Yi Han"... dun get me wrong, i am not unsound too but find the lyrics meaningful. When news of her being kept in custody at IMH, i felt sad. She must have undergo tremendous trauma that ended up in this manner.
Though she is not in the entertainment business anymore, i dun wish her to see her in this state. I hope she can recover quickly. Wish her all the best!
10 years ago, I remembered she was the next best singer after Kit Chan's debut. Ken and i were so crazy about her. When she came SP to perform, Ken and i skipped class just to get tickets for her concert. We even sneaked to backstage, carpark, just to catch a glimpse of her. Ken even asked for her autograph.
When she performed at Marina Square, hardcore fans like us would wait for hours just for a few songs from her. There was once a Mavis Hee event organised by 933, Ken and i turned up very early. We managed to get the first row cos we were early. ha.. Not to the extend of hardcore fans today. We shook her hand, shout her name, sang with her. It was fun. I even bought a few of her albums.
10 years later, we grew older. Although i am not as crazy as before, i still miss her good songs. Till today, i still chant one of the song lyrics "Yi Han"... dun get me wrong, i am not unsound too but find the lyrics meaningful. When news of her being kept in custody at IMH, i felt sad. She must have undergo tremendous trauma that ended up in this manner.
Though she is not in the entertainment business anymore, i dun wish her to see her in this state. I hope she can recover quickly. Wish her all the best!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Best Apple Strudel
Have you ever tasted the best apple strudel in Singapore? Well, i tasted one from Ritz. OMG! It is so delicious that i keep craving for more. ha.... Some clients sent us 2 boxes of strudel, when i took out a slice, it somehow made my day. See, i am so easily satisfied.
I have tasted several kind of strudel or even apple pie. They dun give me good impression, often, i would avoid taking. However, this time, i decide to give it a shot, and wow. I am glad i tried! A colleague of mine told me it's one of the best and expensive kind in Singapore. Very justified.
Back to World Cup, i am not a soccer fan, so it did not affect me much. When i turned up at Dbl O last weekend, the crowd was pretty huge. Most were glued to the TV set for the quarter finals, between England and Portugal. I have not been following, but when i knew England lost, i had a good laugh. whahahaha....
Simple. I was in London 4 years ago when the World Cup took place in Japan and Korea. English fans get crazy whenever there's a match involving English team. Damn, when they lose, they get rowdy and attack anyone on the street. I remembered i hide in the house where i stayed when there's a match.
If they win, u see cars flying UK flag, lots of cheerings, sirens, horns etc. The atmosphere is not too bad. To me, it is a kind of experience, something that u dun feel it at home. I always pray hard there wont be a match between an Asian team and English team. If we win, all or perhaps most Asians will get it.
Game is almost coming to an end. Things will return to normal after the whole event finishes. For non soccer fans, we have to endure a few more days. Those who cant take it can take a holiday to USA or Taiwan (nearer n cheaper) if they dun want to feel the frenzy. These places are the most peaceful when world cup comes along!!! They dun like European games. ha.. So do i....
I have tasted several kind of strudel or even apple pie. They dun give me good impression, often, i would avoid taking. However, this time, i decide to give it a shot, and wow. I am glad i tried! A colleague of mine told me it's one of the best and expensive kind in Singapore. Very justified.
Back to World Cup, i am not a soccer fan, so it did not affect me much. When i turned up at Dbl O last weekend, the crowd was pretty huge. Most were glued to the TV set for the quarter finals, between England and Portugal. I have not been following, but when i knew England lost, i had a good laugh. whahahaha....
Simple. I was in London 4 years ago when the World Cup took place in Japan and Korea. English fans get crazy whenever there's a match involving English team. Damn, when they lose, they get rowdy and attack anyone on the street. I remembered i hide in the house where i stayed when there's a match.
If they win, u see cars flying UK flag, lots of cheerings, sirens, horns etc. The atmosphere is not too bad. To me, it is a kind of experience, something that u dun feel it at home. I always pray hard there wont be a match between an Asian team and English team. If we win, all or perhaps most Asians will get it.
Game is almost coming to an end. Things will return to normal after the whole event finishes. For non soccer fans, we have to endure a few more days. Those who cant take it can take a holiday to USA or Taiwan (nearer n cheaper) if they dun want to feel the frenzy. These places are the most peaceful when world cup comes along!!! They dun like European games. ha.. So do i....
Sunday, July 02, 2006
California Dream
Alright, i shall now continue second half of my US trip. After i left New York, i arrived in Los Angeles (West Coast) in the evening. Well, in US, the place is so huge till it had 4 time zone, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. LA is 4 hours behind New York. My biological clock almost landed in a mess.
The tour started with trip to Las Vegas. I was excited along the way cos it's the world gambling capital. Before that, we arrived at a huge factory outlet where i had another shopping spree. Bought Polo Raphl, Levis and Guess. It was dirt cheap. When we reached Las Vegas, it was late afternoon.
For those who traveled or read abt LV, it is a town right in the heart of a desert. ha... Yup, the place is surrounded by desert, weather is warm. Spent abt 7 hours walking along Las Vegas Blvd. Casinos were so nice, well decorated. I particularly like MGM, the place is so huge. CBS studio is located in it.
Night scene was even powerful. Forget abt clubbing. There are broadway type of shows, musical fountain and theme parks etc. Its really a 24 hour non stop working place. I love the vibrant.
The next destination was Grand Canyon. OMG! I cant believe when i stepped on the rim of the Canyon. The place is magnificent. I could spent the whole day sitting down enjoying the beautiful scenery. Its just fantastic. If ever i will go back again, i want to go to the foot of Canyon. I will try river rafting and enjoy scenery from the bottom.
San Francisco was the next place to visit. I can never forget Golden Gate bridge. I walked on it, feel it and catch the beautiful scenery on top. San Frans has lots of slopes. U need good stamina to travel upslope. Weather is cool. It feels like New York except for less high rise.
The trip at famous Fisherman Wharf was good. I had chowder with clams in sour dough. Sat by the sea, i ate and enjoy the scenery again. Its really once in a life time. Now, dun even compare to Boat Quay or Sentosa, cant fight. Went to Colombus Street, bought some Italian pastry. Though expensive, i have never tasted something so good before.
I also visited Yosmeti National Park. Was in close contact with gigantic waterfall. Pretty cool place except for mosquito. ha.. Afterall, its a forest. Was bitten a few times. It almost took us a day to reach the place.
Paid US$24 to visit hearst castle. Its a big castle located off the coast of Pacific Ocean. Constructed by a millionaire in the 17 or 18 century, i am impressed by the structure of the various buildings. Wat caught my attention was the interior, pple in tat centuries are already playing billards, card games and even got indoor swimming pools.
Finally back in Los Angeles, on our last day, Hao and i made a quick stop to Hollywood. Yes, the heart of entertainment. We strolled the fame of walk. Saw the names of many stars including Asian star like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Michelle Yeo. Saw the famous HOLLYWOOD sign from the main road. Shops even sell addresses of famous celebrities like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp etc. Not too sure if it is true.
This is my last stop in USA. If there was time, i hope to visit even more places. Din get to go Universal City. Only take a peek and left. Well, on my next trip, i hope to make a more detailed trip. ha... That also means more money. Shall see....
The tour started with trip to Las Vegas. I was excited along the way cos it's the world gambling capital. Before that, we arrived at a huge factory outlet where i had another shopping spree. Bought Polo Raphl, Levis and Guess. It was dirt cheap. When we reached Las Vegas, it was late afternoon.
For those who traveled or read abt LV, it is a town right in the heart of a desert. ha... Yup, the place is surrounded by desert, weather is warm. Spent abt 7 hours walking along Las Vegas Blvd. Casinos were so nice, well decorated. I particularly like MGM, the place is so huge. CBS studio is located in it.
Night scene was even powerful. Forget abt clubbing. There are broadway type of shows, musical fountain and theme parks etc. Its really a 24 hour non stop working place. I love the vibrant.
The next destination was Grand Canyon. OMG! I cant believe when i stepped on the rim of the Canyon. The place is magnificent. I could spent the whole day sitting down enjoying the beautiful scenery. Its just fantastic. If ever i will go back again, i want to go to the foot of Canyon. I will try river rafting and enjoy scenery from the bottom.
San Francisco was the next place to visit. I can never forget Golden Gate bridge. I walked on it, feel it and catch the beautiful scenery on top. San Frans has lots of slopes. U need good stamina to travel upslope. Weather is cool. It feels like New York except for less high rise.
The trip at famous Fisherman Wharf was good. I had chowder with clams in sour dough. Sat by the sea, i ate and enjoy the scenery again. Its really once in a life time. Now, dun even compare to Boat Quay or Sentosa, cant fight. Went to Colombus Street, bought some Italian pastry. Though expensive, i have never tasted something so good before.
I also visited Yosmeti National Park. Was in close contact with gigantic waterfall. Pretty cool place except for mosquito. ha.. Afterall, its a forest. Was bitten a few times. It almost took us a day to reach the place.
Paid US$24 to visit hearst castle. Its a big castle located off the coast of Pacific Ocean. Constructed by a millionaire in the 17 or 18 century, i am impressed by the structure of the various buildings. Wat caught my attention was the interior, pple in tat centuries are already playing billards, card games and even got indoor swimming pools.
Finally back in Los Angeles, on our last day, Hao and i made a quick stop to Hollywood. Yes, the heart of entertainment. We strolled the fame of walk. Saw the names of many stars including Asian star like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Michelle Yeo. Saw the famous HOLLYWOOD sign from the main road. Shops even sell addresses of famous celebrities like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp etc. Not too sure if it is true.
This is my last stop in USA. If there was time, i hope to visit even more places. Din get to go Universal City. Only take a peek and left. Well, on my next trip, i hope to make a more detailed trip. ha... That also means more money. Shall see....
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