So, its been a while. A new year is dawning, and new things are coming. 2008 is gonna be a hectic year, at work and outside work. You probably won't be hearing much from me cos I'll be busy busy busy!
December is a month of weddings. Wait, correction, 3 weddings in one week! Ya I'm 2/3 of the way there and I'm like gonna explode from all that food already. So far its been pretty good food and unique dishes that I don't see everyday, so its not like I'm eating the same 'ol chinese dishes everytime. Even for shark's fin they manage to cook it in so many different ways, interesting huh?
Well, at Raymen and Kat's wedding just now there was this lady singing jazz. Her voice was absolutely fantastic OMG! You can find out more about her on this website: www.joannadong.com. She's quite young and she dances too, full time! And she performs at a local pub. It's not easy finding a good lounge/pub with great live music that you can sit there and enjoy all day. I used to hang out at Paulaner's but they changed singers and its not as good now. Then there is Wala Wala on thursday nights with Shirlyn, but it often gets too crowded to sit haha. And she's kinda punk rock, so once in a while is good, but not so often. Of course one of the best places I've been is Divine Wine at Parkview Square. That place is always the best lounge for a date, though its quite pricey and atas, must dress up to go in one!
I'm gonna have to pick up the pace of my workouts to stay fit during the wining and dining of this festive season. I also find that staying fit helps me handle lotsa stress and multi-tasking. I'm pretty much learning few different things at work and outside work at the same time, its kinda driving me crazy. Someone told me that I'm not as quick and smart as in Uni days anymore, so probably its tougher. I'm not so sure about that, I think I'm quicker and smarter than I can ever be, and definitely better than a fresh grad! Maybe a little rusty sometimes though.... haha
It's 2am and I should be sleeping and not thinking so much haha. I've not been sleeping so well lately and I think I know why, too much chinese tea! been drinking tea all night at weddings and even regular dinner outings too. It's probably too much caffeine than I am supposed to take argh. Well, I'll probably read the news or something then.
Its a pity how Bhutto got assassinated. Yesterday morning I saw her in the news rallying exposed on top of her car and I actually was wondering how she manages to stay safe, and if she's gonna get another attempt on her life. And by evening she's dead. Sigh, violence is everywhere these days. Yet people seem more worried about the sub-prime crisis.....
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Hell runneth over
"Bravo Platoon 4, charge!!!!"
Out of the jungle we ran, adrenaline rushing, all ready to fight. Once out in the open we found ourselves knee deep in mud, directly facing a heavy machine gun. tat-tat-tat-tat-tat, one by one my platoon mates fell all around me, stuck in the mud!
"Platoon 4 pull back, retreat!" Damn, we started to turn around. "Never mind, Platoon 4 press on, move ahead, charge!!!" Shucks, turn around again and run!
By the time we made it across, whole platoon down, only 3 persons alive, including myself of course because I was at the back. But we're not done yet. Have to cross another stretch of road. "Okay, on my count, 1, 2, 3, go go go!"
We run across the road to the other side. Just as we step foot "arty arty take cover!!!!!" And there went the rest of the platoon.....
4 days of living hell are finally over. You have no idea what it was like, and probably never want to know haha. I'm so glad to have survived and booked out early so I can go home and surf the net peacefully on a friday night! ;)
Out of the jungle we ran, adrenaline rushing, all ready to fight. Once out in the open we found ourselves knee deep in mud, directly facing a heavy machine gun. tat-tat-tat-tat-tat, one by one my platoon mates fell all around me, stuck in the mud!
"Platoon 4 pull back, retreat!" Damn, we started to turn around. "Never mind, Platoon 4 press on, move ahead, charge!!!" Shucks, turn around again and run!
By the time we made it across, whole platoon down, only 3 persons alive, including myself of course because I was at the back. But we're not done yet. Have to cross another stretch of road. "Okay, on my count, 1, 2, 3, go go go!"
We run across the road to the other side. Just as we step foot "arty arty take cover!!!!!" And there went the rest of the platoon.....
4 days of living hell are finally over. You have no idea what it was like, and probably never want to know haha. I'm so glad to have survived and booked out early so I can go home and surf the net peacefully on a friday night! ;)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
ATEC
Tomorrow morning is ATEC Stage 2 -- the final battle. In 4 days it will be over, only the toughest will survive...
Hooah!
Hooah!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
reservist
I'm out for the weekend. This week's reservist training wasn't that bad, but next week is going to be a living hell!
I hope I make it out alive, stay tuned....
I hope I make it out alive, stay tuned....
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Amazing grace
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
These words have always brought me comfort since I was a kid. I used to hum the tune when I was swimming alone long distance in the pool in the evening. I remember when it was cold and it was dark and I felt something might happen at the deep end when nobody was looking. But these words brought me comfort and everything was fine.
It has been difficult to find happiness in the little things. Well I guess there are no big things to start with, so I'll settle for the little ones. Often it just feels so easy to slide into the shadow of darkness that I'd never seen before. Oftentimes I can't imagine that I'd ever see the light. And frankly, I can't believe what has become of me.
But I'm happy for the support that I've received. Happy for the people who read this blog during the 6 months or so that it was not active (ok lah, I know you all got RSS feed, but thanks anyway!). Happy for the friends that love me not just for who I am but because they care about me.
People say life is tough. But think of the carnage in Sudan. Think of the 250 people who died in Pakistan when Benazir Bhutto arrived. Think about Chechnya. Think about Baghdad. Congo. Aung San Suu Kyi. Life is not tough, we are more privileged that anyone can ever be! Life is good, and it is worth living to the fullest!
Dance like no one's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. Blog like nobody's reading. Love until it hurts and don't expect anything in return. Cry those tears out till the rivers overflow and they turn to tears of joy. Live like there is no tomorrow. And when tomorrow comes there's a new happiness awaiting.
Fiat Lux, let there be light.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.....
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
These words have always brought me comfort since I was a kid. I used to hum the tune when I was swimming alone long distance in the pool in the evening. I remember when it was cold and it was dark and I felt something might happen at the deep end when nobody was looking. But these words brought me comfort and everything was fine.
It has been difficult to find happiness in the little things. Well I guess there are no big things to start with, so I'll settle for the little ones. Often it just feels so easy to slide into the shadow of darkness that I'd never seen before. Oftentimes I can't imagine that I'd ever see the light. And frankly, I can't believe what has become of me.
But I'm happy for the support that I've received. Happy for the people who read this blog during the 6 months or so that it was not active (ok lah, I know you all got RSS feed, but thanks anyway!). Happy for the friends that love me not just for who I am but because they care about me.
People say life is tough. But think of the carnage in Sudan. Think of the 250 people who died in Pakistan when Benazir Bhutto arrived. Think about Chechnya. Think about Baghdad. Congo. Aung San Suu Kyi. Life is not tough, we are more privileged that anyone can ever be! Life is good, and it is worth living to the fullest!
Dance like no one's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. Blog like nobody's reading. Love until it hurts and don't expect anything in return. Cry those tears out till the rivers overflow and they turn to tears of joy. Live like there is no tomorrow. And when tomorrow comes there's a new happiness awaiting.
Fiat Lux, let there be light.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.....
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
clothes
I've just bought a lot of clothes lately, and it has cost me. Well, nice new clothes are always good to look pretty in I guess. :P
Now I'm just wondering if I should get that new pair of leather shoes....
I went jogging just now. Clocked 32mins and 41 seconds. I think the last time was 32 mins and 10 seconds or something. So it looks like I'm not really improving. Funny thing is, I was really energetic today! Well, except for that last round... But I really thought I'd make better time.
So, counting down, just a few more days.... (to the weekend, or?)
;)
Now I'm just wondering if I should get that new pair of leather shoes....
I went jogging just now. Clocked 32mins and 41 seconds. I think the last time was 32 mins and 10 seconds or something. So it looks like I'm not really improving. Funny thing is, I was really energetic today! Well, except for that last round... But I really thought I'd make better time.
So, counting down, just a few more days.... (to the weekend, or?)
;)
Monday, September 17, 2007
Initiative
Just read this somewhere, pretty inspirational:
It’s a cliché to say that every journey begins with the first step, yet it is still true. Talent-plus people don’t wait for everything to be perfect to move forward. They don’t wait for all the problems or obstacles to disappear. They don’t wait until their fear subsides. They take initiative. They know a secret that good leaders understand: momentum is their friend. As soon as they take that first step and start moving forward, things become a little easier. If the momentum gets strong enough, many of the problems take care of themselves and talent can take over. But it starts only after you’ve taken those first steps.
It’s a cliché to say that every journey begins with the first step, yet it is still true. Talent-plus people don’t wait for everything to be perfect to move forward. They don’t wait for all the problems or obstacles to disappear. They don’t wait until their fear subsides. They take initiative. They know a secret that good leaders understand: momentum is their friend. As soon as they take that first step and start moving forward, things become a little easier. If the momentum gets strong enough, many of the problems take care of themselves and talent can take over. But it starts only after you’ve taken those first steps.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Every cloud has a silver lining
Today's sermon:
Lord, Give me the serenity to accept what I cannot change,
Give me the courage to change what I can,
And give me the wisdom to tell the difference.
The past month or so has probably been the most turbulent time of my life. Things were tough, and it was difficult to be happy, or to move on.
Well, it turns out there really is a silver lining. Good things come so fast that you don't even have time to reflect and think about it. And when you see the golden moment, life after all is not so bad, not so bad....
Lord, Give me the serenity to accept what I cannot change,
Give me the courage to change what I can,
And give me the wisdom to tell the difference.
The past month or so has probably been the most turbulent time of my life. Things were tough, and it was difficult to be happy, or to move on.
Well, it turns out there really is a silver lining. Good things come so fast that you don't even have time to reflect and think about it. And when you see the golden moment, life after all is not so bad, not so bad....
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Its 4am
It's 4am right now. I've just spent the entire night playing "call of duty" when i should've been doing some work or at least something else more constructive.
Playing games was supposed to take away the emptiness, lighten up my feelings and take away the stress. But it didn't help much. It's 4am and I can barely sleep.
I thought going out all day everyday would help, but it didn't either. Nor did eating cheesecakes 2 days in a row...
How can one be happy? Is there any shortcut? Happiness seems like a distant feeling now. Perhaps I am not capable of it.
A good friend told me it feels like dragging a huge rock along with you. but you gotta keep dragging and somehow someday the rock will be lifted and you'll see the light.
Would I do it all over again even if I knew it would be like that? Probably I would.
I guess life has its bottoms sometimes, and it can only move upwards from here right?
I hope....
Playing games was supposed to take away the emptiness, lighten up my feelings and take away the stress. But it didn't help much. It's 4am and I can barely sleep.
I thought going out all day everyday would help, but it didn't either. Nor did eating cheesecakes 2 days in a row...
How can one be happy? Is there any shortcut? Happiness seems like a distant feeling now. Perhaps I am not capable of it.
A good friend told me it feels like dragging a huge rock along with you. but you gotta keep dragging and somehow someday the rock will be lifted and you'll see the light.
Would I do it all over again even if I knew it would be like that? Probably I would.
I guess life has its bottoms sometimes, and it can only move upwards from here right?
I hope....
Friday, September 07, 2007
Boulevard of broken dreams
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah
Ah-ah, Ah-ah
I walk alone
I walk a...
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone...
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah
Ah-ah, Ah-ah
I walk alone
I walk a...
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Welcome to my life
Do you ever feel like breaking down?
Do you ever feel out of place?
Like somehow you just don't belong
And no one understands you
Do you ever wanna runaway?
Do you lock yourself in your room?
With the radio on turned up so loud
That no one hears you screaming
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life
Do you wanna be somebody else?
Are you sick of feeling so left out?
Are you desperate to find something more?
Before your life is over
Are you stuck inside a world you hate?
Are you sick of everyone around?
With their big fake smiles and stupid lies
While deep inside you're bleeding
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
Do you ever feel out of place?
Like somehow you just don't belong
And no one understands you
Do you ever wanna runaway?
Do you lock yourself in your room?
With the radio on turned up so loud
That no one hears you screaming
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life
Do you wanna be somebody else?
Are you sick of feeling so left out?
Are you desperate to find something more?
Before your life is over
Are you stuck inside a world you hate?
Are you sick of everyone around?
With their big fake smiles and stupid lies
While deep inside you're bleeding
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Horoscope
I never believe much in horoscopes. Maybe it's because the good things they predict never really turn out to be true! Well, anyway, since my birthday is coming up, I figured this weeks horoscope may be worth mentioning:
A close friend or family member is holding back on you, and you should do what you can to draw them out. It could be that they're embarrassed or in denial, but your gentle persistance should do the trick.
A close friend or family member is holding back on you, and you should do what you can to draw them out. It could be that they're embarrassed or in denial, but your gentle persistance should do the trick.
Chitty chitty bang bang
Chitty chitty bang bang! The fireworks pop as the last lights go off. And soon after the happiest period of my life is over. So what follows next? Misery? Emptiness? Or the calm in the eye of the storm?
Is it so difficult to just want to be happy? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is all we long for and all we dream for. But yet sometimes happiness has to be given up for a greater good. I never thought there could be any greater good....
Happiness comes gradually but ends abruptly, its just like the stock market. Did you see how the STI rose to record highs steadily and come crashing down within 2 weeks? It's like an avalanche crushing down on you, breaking your bones and squeezing the soul out of your body! Just when you thought you were reaching 7th heaven skiing down the black diamond....
Its past 5am and the radio is playing "i wish that i could turn back the clock". How appropriate, turn back the clock and slo mo the good times while skipping the bad ones!
On hindsight I never thought I could be that happy, so at least now I know its possible. Life goes on but it could never be the same again...
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea touch the sky?
Don't they know, it's the end of the world.....
sigh, I'm so fucked up...
Is it so difficult to just want to be happy? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is all we long for and all we dream for. But yet sometimes happiness has to be given up for a greater good. I never thought there could be any greater good....
Happiness comes gradually but ends abruptly, its just like the stock market. Did you see how the STI rose to record highs steadily and come crashing down within 2 weeks? It's like an avalanche crushing down on you, breaking your bones and squeezing the soul out of your body! Just when you thought you were reaching 7th heaven skiing down the black diamond....
Its past 5am and the radio is playing "i wish that i could turn back the clock". How appropriate, turn back the clock and slo mo the good times while skipping the bad ones!
On hindsight I never thought I could be that happy, so at least now I know its possible. Life goes on but it could never be the same again...
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea touch the sky?
Don't they know, it's the end of the world.....
sigh, I'm so fucked up...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
4th of July
It's the time of the year again:
Oh say can U C
By the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail
At the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
Over the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming
And the rockets BLUE glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there
Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the BEARS!!!
Go bears! :P
Oh say can U C
By the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail
At the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
Over the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming
And the rockets BLUE glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there
Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the BEARS!!!
Go bears! :P
Monday, July 02, 2007
Sofisticat
Check out this personality test http://dna.imagini.net/friends. Here's what I got:
Mood: Sofisticat
You're adventurous and like to explore your environemnt. Nothing beats high altitude. You have a pioneering attitude to life- always moving onto the next challenge....
Highbrow, and in the know - you're experimental and sometimes a little unconventional. As for music, it's the soundtrack to your world....
Fun: conqueror
Oh - insatiable! Your thirst for affection never drops. You've got a high sex drive and appetite for lurve. For kicks nothing beats an adrenalin rush. You like to take risks and push limits. You're confident and brave - life is for the living...
Holidays... (are) a chance to explore activities that you don't have the time for in day-to-day life. What grosses you out? You like things to be clean...
Habits: New wave puritan
You never ave enough rest...
Your choice of drink reveals an extravagant taste...
As for the home, you have very cool and contemporary taste and see yourself as a bit of a trend setter. You like your surroundings to be simple and as stylish as you.
Love: Touchy feely
A strong friendship is the bst basis for any loving relationship. You like to be able to share your whole life with your friends, family and your partner. When you think of freedom -- you think of energy and activity, exploring your boundaries and pushing limits.
Mood: Sofisticat
You're adventurous and like to explore your environemnt. Nothing beats high altitude. You have a pioneering attitude to life- always moving onto the next challenge....
Highbrow, and in the know - you're experimental and sometimes a little unconventional. As for music, it's the soundtrack to your world....
Fun: conqueror
Oh - insatiable! Your thirst for affection never drops. You've got a high sex drive and appetite for lurve. For kicks nothing beats an adrenalin rush. You like to take risks and push limits. You're confident and brave - life is for the living...
Holidays... (are) a chance to explore activities that you don't have the time for in day-to-day life. What grosses you out? You like things to be clean...
Habits: New wave puritan
You never ave enough rest...
Your choice of drink reveals an extravagant taste...
As for the home, you have very cool and contemporary taste and see yourself as a bit of a trend setter. You like your surroundings to be simple and as stylish as you.
Love: Touchy feely
A strong friendship is the bst basis for any loving relationship. You like to be able to share your whole life with your friends, family and your partner. When you think of freedom -- you think of energy and activity, exploring your boundaries and pushing limits.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Friends song
It's been a long time since I've heard the "Friends" theme song on the radio. I guess that show is history now, and nobody remembers The Rembrandts. They still show replays all the time on TV in the US though! Just like they show Seinfeld reruns....
So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job's a joke you're broke your love life's DOA
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day your week your month, or even your year!
So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job's a joke you're broke your love life's DOA
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day your week your month, or even your year!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Lemon tree
This song kept coming into my head so I figured I'd blog on it. Reminds me of the time I lived in a house with a lemon tree. Never quite figured out what to do with the lemons though, I'm not much of a cook when it comes to lemons!
942 Cerrito street, Albany. That was a beautiful place, almost a dream home. Guess I was really young and innocent then, didn't know how tough it'd be to cut the grass and clean up the fallen plums every summer. Living in a house with a garden and back yard is not what I'm used to in Singapore! I never went to home depot so many times in my life!
I'm sitting here in the boring room
It's just another rainy Sunday afternoon
I'm wasting my time
I got nothing to do
I'm hanging around
I'm waiting for you
But nothing ever happens and I wonder
I'm driving around in my car
I'm driving too fast
I'm driving too far
I'd like to change my point of view
I feel so lonely
I'm waiting for you
But nothing ever happens and I wonder
I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see is just a yellow lemon-tree
I'm turning my head up and down
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see is just another lemon-tree
I'm sitting here
I miss the power
I'd like to go out taking a shower
But there's a heavy cloud inside my head
I feel so tired
Put myself into bed
Well, nothing ever happens and I wonder
Isolation is not good for me
Isolation I don't want to sit on the lemon-tree
I'm steppin' around in the desert of joy
Baby anyhow I'll get another toy
And everything will happen and you wonder
I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see is just another lemon-tree
I'm turning my head up and down
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see is just a yellow lemon-tree
And I wonder, wonder
I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see, and all that I can see, and all that I can see
Is just a yellow lemon-tree
942 Cerrito street, Albany. That was a beautiful place, almost a dream home. Guess I was really young and innocent then, didn't know how tough it'd be to cut the grass and clean up the fallen plums every summer. Living in a house with a garden and back yard is not what I'm used to in Singapore! I never went to home depot so many times in my life!
I'm sitting here in the boring room
It's just another rainy Sunday afternoon
I'm wasting my time
I got nothing to do
I'm hanging around
I'm waiting for you
But nothing ever happens and I wonder
I'm driving around in my car
I'm driving too fast
I'm driving too far
I'd like to change my point of view
I feel so lonely
I'm waiting for you
But nothing ever happens and I wonder
I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see is just a yellow lemon-tree
I'm turning my head up and down
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see is just another lemon-tree
I'm sitting here
I miss the power
I'd like to go out taking a shower
But there's a heavy cloud inside my head
I feel so tired
Put myself into bed
Well, nothing ever happens and I wonder
Isolation is not good for me
Isolation I don't want to sit on the lemon-tree
I'm steppin' around in the desert of joy
Baby anyhow I'll get another toy
And everything will happen and you wonder
I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see is just another lemon-tree
I'm turning my head up and down
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see is just a yellow lemon-tree
And I wonder, wonder
I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see, and all that I can see, and all that I can see
Is just a yellow lemon-tree
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Crab Bee Hoon
Yesterday I tried crab bee hoon at the Punggol Kopitiam. Okay, Punggol Kopitiam isn't exactly in the most happening part of town, but at least when I told the taxi driver, "the one near punggol plaza, got crab one" he knew what I was talking about.
So what exactly is it like? Basically its thick bee hoon in milky broth, kinda like the fish bee hoon ya know? And with crab meat boiled together in it. I suppose you can imagine what the absolutely yummy broth would taste like! And we had some scallops and asparagus dish on the side, guess we needed some healthy food to go with the high cholesterol.....
Do I like crabs? Yeah I do! Especially those that are fresh and cold which you can find at Tomales Bay in the Bay area. I guess asian style with lots of gravy and broth is good too, but fresh boiled and cold you can really taste the freshness of the meat! Sweet freshness. Just like the 10 lb spider crab I ate in Oxnard, SoCal, absolutely fantastic!
Somebody I know who's associated with crabs has broke his bond and gone far far away. Guess I won't be seeing him for a long time. Come to think of it, the last time I had crabs with him I think we were still in California! Seems like such a long time ago now....
So what exactly is it like? Basically its thick bee hoon in milky broth, kinda like the fish bee hoon ya know? And with crab meat boiled together in it. I suppose you can imagine what the absolutely yummy broth would taste like! And we had some scallops and asparagus dish on the side, guess we needed some healthy food to go with the high cholesterol.....
Do I like crabs? Yeah I do! Especially those that are fresh and cold which you can find at Tomales Bay in the Bay area. I guess asian style with lots of gravy and broth is good too, but fresh boiled and cold you can really taste the freshness of the meat! Sweet freshness. Just like the 10 lb spider crab I ate in Oxnard, SoCal, absolutely fantastic!
Somebody I know who's associated with crabs has broke his bond and gone far far away. Guess I won't be seeing him for a long time. Come to think of it, the last time I had crabs with him I think we were still in California! Seems like such a long time ago now....
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Thank you
My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
But even if I could it would all be grey
With your picture on my wall
It reminds me that it's not so bad, not so bad....
I want to thank you
For giving me the best days of my life
Oh, just to be with you
Is having the best day of my life
Drank to much last night got bills to pay
My head just feels in pain
I missed the bus and there'll be hell today
I'm late for work again
But even if I'm there they'd all imply
That I might not last the day
And then you called me
And it's not so bad, not so bad...
Push the door I'm home at last
I'm soaking through and through
And then you handed me a towel
And all I see is you
Even if the house falls down now
I wouldn't have a clue
Because you're near me
And it's not so bad, not so bad...
Erm, I'm not sure if anyone wouldn't have a clue if the house falls down? Fire, earthquake or hurricane, take your pick, but I'd certainly run for my life haha! Otherwise I think it's a beautiful song. Relationships IMHO are all about being there for each other, as much of the time as possible, so that in the bad times it's "not so bad" and when its the good times, its "oh so good"!
I took a walk around bugis junction tonight and it was surprisingly empty. True it's a weekday night, but usually Thursday is more crowded. I used to hang out in this neighbourhood all the time cos YW lived few blocks away. Always convenient to drop by his place for Sam Adams and to just hang out around there! Boy I miss those good 'ol days! YW you better entertain me if I ever come to London!
Forrest is gonna be in town tomorrow. This chap is a friend of a friend from Bay Area who happens to be working in the Tsunami rebuilding project in Aceh. Its quite a long shot from the Bay Area to Aceh, and I really admire his courage and enthusiasm. Anyway I think he is stopping by Singapore on the way back to the US, so it'll be a fun time to meet up. And perhaps check out Cal drinks at Loof. Something tells me I'm gonna be at Bugis area again though haha....
I haven't watched much tv in a long time. Not sure what's on. Surprisingly, I never watched much when I was in US this time too. After we were done with stuff and finished watching the Daily Show and Colbert Report, there usually isn't much else left to see except SouthPark. Hmm, perhaps I don't really need TV in my life that much. Perhaps YW has seen the light.....
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
But even if I could it would all be grey
With your picture on my wall
It reminds me that it's not so bad, not so bad....
I want to thank you
For giving me the best days of my life
Oh, just to be with you
Is having the best day of my life
Drank to much last night got bills to pay
My head just feels in pain
I missed the bus and there'll be hell today
I'm late for work again
But even if I'm there they'd all imply
That I might not last the day
And then you called me
And it's not so bad, not so bad...
Push the door I'm home at last
I'm soaking through and through
And then you handed me a towel
And all I see is you
Even if the house falls down now
I wouldn't have a clue
Because you're near me
And it's not so bad, not so bad...
Erm, I'm not sure if anyone wouldn't have a clue if the house falls down? Fire, earthquake or hurricane, take your pick, but I'd certainly run for my life haha! Otherwise I think it's a beautiful song. Relationships IMHO are all about being there for each other, as much of the time as possible, so that in the bad times it's "not so bad" and when its the good times, its "oh so good"!
I took a walk around bugis junction tonight and it was surprisingly empty. True it's a weekday night, but usually Thursday is more crowded. I used to hang out in this neighbourhood all the time cos YW lived few blocks away. Always convenient to drop by his place for Sam Adams and to just hang out around there! Boy I miss those good 'ol days! YW you better entertain me if I ever come to London!
Forrest is gonna be in town tomorrow. This chap is a friend of a friend from Bay Area who happens to be working in the Tsunami rebuilding project in Aceh. Its quite a long shot from the Bay Area to Aceh, and I really admire his courage and enthusiasm. Anyway I think he is stopping by Singapore on the way back to the US, so it'll be a fun time to meet up. And perhaps check out Cal drinks at Loof. Something tells me I'm gonna be at Bugis area again though haha....
I haven't watched much tv in a long time. Not sure what's on. Surprisingly, I never watched much when I was in US this time too. After we were done with stuff and finished watching the Daily Show and Colbert Report, there usually isn't much else left to see except SouthPark. Hmm, perhaps I don't really need TV in my life that much. Perhaps YW has seen the light.....
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Into the Ocean end it all
Somebody called me a float. Float? Well, I think it was supposed to be a bad thing. A float is something that is needed when one is in distress, but is otherwise not very useful. Floats are cheap and after you use it, you don't really bother about retrieving it.
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I am falling in the ocean
Let the wave up, keep me down
Let the hurricane set in motion
Let the rain of what I feel right now come down
Let the rain come down....
Then again if you want to swim away in the big ocean with a hurricane brewing you'd better want a float nearby! And hell no you won't discard it after using it! haha.
There has been quite a bit of turbulence in my life lately, and I am greatful for all the great friends who have lent their support. It always feels good to know that I'm not alone. Sometimes life's ups and downs makes me forget how to enjoy the music in my ear, the sound of the leaves falling and the wind in my hair as I skate down the park in the morning.... and especially all of them at the same time!
Is it worse to be miserable for a long period of time or to be happy one moment and sad the next over and over again? I always always thought that its worse to be miserable for a long period of time, because if there is at least a glimpse of happiness there is hope for the future. I guess I really don't know the answer to this question.
What is my greatest fear? It's not cockroaches or lizards of the fear of falling... Okay I hate falling, but I'd do it if I have to. I guess my greatest fear is loneliness.
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I am falling in the ocean
Let the wave up, keep me down
Let the hurricane set in motion
Let the rain of what I feel right now come down
Let the rain come down....
Then again if you want to swim away in the big ocean with a hurricane brewing you'd better want a float nearby! And hell no you won't discard it after using it! haha.
There has been quite a bit of turbulence in my life lately, and I am greatful for all the great friends who have lent their support. It always feels good to know that I'm not alone. Sometimes life's ups and downs makes me forget how to enjoy the music in my ear, the sound of the leaves falling and the wind in my hair as I skate down the park in the morning.... and especially all of them at the same time!
Is it worse to be miserable for a long period of time or to be happy one moment and sad the next over and over again? I always always thought that its worse to be miserable for a long period of time, because if there is at least a glimpse of happiness there is hope for the future. I guess I really don't know the answer to this question.
What is my greatest fear? It's not cockroaches or lizards of the fear of falling... Okay I hate falling, but I'd do it if I have to. I guess my greatest fear is loneliness.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Yo everyone! Well, this blog's been kinda quiet for a while, I guess its some consequence of my life being a bit topsy turvy for the past month or so. Everyone goes through this phase at some point of time in life, so I suppose I'm no exception.
My estate is going on en-bloc sale. Or at least they are hoping to... If it goes through my parents will make a lot of money and will happily enjoy their retirement. That's IF it goes through. In the meantime the entire housing estate is just bickering, even on a Mother's Day night! Don't these people have mothers to entertain tonight?
Sometimes I wonder how my life is turning out to be. There's quite a lot of uncertainty in my life right now. To some extent I guess I should be contented that things finally seem somewhat alright compared to before, but somehow its still not clear where I'm heading. Can I ever be satisfied or at peace until its clear and certain which path my life is going to head towards? Just knowing the general direction doesn't seem enough.
Sometimes I try so hard to find a way to make things better. And sometimes I end up making things a little worse in the process instead, it can be quite frustrating. But then again, I guess life's all about laughing it off, picking yourself up and trying again. This process has probably made me a lot more thick skinned, though its really difficult to laugh sometimes.
Is it really the impossible that I wish to achieve in life? Fame, fortune or power? Those do not appeal to me right now. All I want is to be happy. To enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps it seems so near yet so far.
My estate is going on en-bloc sale. Or at least they are hoping to... If it goes through my parents will make a lot of money and will happily enjoy their retirement. That's IF it goes through. In the meantime the entire housing estate is just bickering, even on a Mother's Day night! Don't these people have mothers to entertain tonight?
Sometimes I wonder how my life is turning out to be. There's quite a lot of uncertainty in my life right now. To some extent I guess I should be contented that things finally seem somewhat alright compared to before, but somehow its still not clear where I'm heading. Can I ever be satisfied or at peace until its clear and certain which path my life is going to head towards? Just knowing the general direction doesn't seem enough.
Sometimes I try so hard to find a way to make things better. And sometimes I end up making things a little worse in the process instead, it can be quite frustrating. But then again, I guess life's all about laughing it off, picking yourself up and trying again. This process has probably made me a lot more thick skinned, though its really difficult to laugh sometimes.
Is it really the impossible that I wish to achieve in life? Fame, fortune or power? Those do not appeal to me right now. All I want is to be happy. To enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps it seems so near yet so far.
Monday, April 09, 2007
It's Amore
And there was Mary, and Rory, and Chris, and Amy and Sunil, and Hank, and Pan Pan and me; and we had lots and lots of pasta and sang "It's Amore!" That was the most wonderful gathering of Cal pals ever! Will we meet again? Perhaps.
Thanks everyone, for a wonderful evening at C&O's on Venice Beach! And all thanks to Mary for picking the place!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Back!
I'm finally back in Singapore after one crazy month in the US! Why crazy? Well basically it was work in the daytime, going out (mostly) at night, and road trips every weekend! I went up the LA coastline past Malibu to Camarillo one weekend. Followed by 2 days of skiing at Big Bear mountain the next weekend. Road trip from SoCal to Bay area, stopping at Monterey, followed by road trip up to the giant redwoods in Humbolt county on the third weekend. Finally in the last week we drove to the death valley, one whole round passing by China Lake Naval Weapons Testing Facility on the way back! Whoa! That's almost 3500 miles added to the rental car! I couldn't have made it alone, credit goes to a wonderful travelling companion who dared to go along with my crazy ideas. Now its time to get some sleep.....
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Into The Ocean
Into The Ocean
I'm just a normal boy
That sank when I fell overboard
My ship would leave the country
But I'd rather swim ashore
Without a life vest I'd be stuck again
Wish I was much more masculine
Maybe then I could learn to swim
Like 'fourteen miles away'
Now floating up and down
I spin, colliding into sound
Like whales beneath me diving down
I'm sinking to the bottom of my
Everything that freaks me out
The lighthouse beam has just run out
I'm cold as cold as cold can be
be
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion... yeah
Let the rain of what I feel right now...come down
Let the rain come down
Where is the coastguard
I keep looking each direction
For a spotlight, give me something
I need something for protection
Maybe flotsam junk will do just fine
the jetsam sunk, I'm left behind
I'm treading for my life believe me
(How can I keep up this breathing)
Not knowing how to think
I scream aloud, begin to sink
My legs and arms are broken down
With envy for the solid ground
I'm reaching for the life within me
How can one man stop his ending
I thought of just your face
Relaxed, and floated into space
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion... yeah
Let the rain of what I feel right now...come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Now waking to the sun
I calculate what I had done
Like jumping from the bow (yeah)
Just to prove I knew how (yeah)
It's midnight's late reminder of
The loss of her, the one I love
My will to quickly end it all
Set front row in my need to fall
Into the ocean, end it all
Into the ocean, end it all
Into the ocean, end it all
into the ocean...end it all
[Zayra]
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion (yeah)
Let the rain of what I feel right now...come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
(In to space)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
(I thought of just your face)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
I'm just a normal boy
That sank when I fell overboard
My ship would leave the country
But I'd rather swim ashore
Without a life vest I'd be stuck again
Wish I was much more masculine
Maybe then I could learn to swim
Like 'fourteen miles away'
Now floating up and down
I spin, colliding into sound
Like whales beneath me diving down
I'm sinking to the bottom of my
Everything that freaks me out
The lighthouse beam has just run out
I'm cold as cold as cold can be
be
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion... yeah
Let the rain of what I feel right now...come down
Let the rain come down
Where is the coastguard
I keep looking each direction
For a spotlight, give me something
I need something for protection
Maybe flotsam junk will do just fine
the jetsam sunk, I'm left behind
I'm treading for my life believe me
(How can I keep up this breathing)
Not knowing how to think
I scream aloud, begin to sink
My legs and arms are broken down
With envy for the solid ground
I'm reaching for the life within me
How can one man stop his ending
I thought of just your face
Relaxed, and floated into space
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion... yeah
Let the rain of what I feel right now...come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Now waking to the sun
I calculate what I had done
Like jumping from the bow (yeah)
Just to prove I knew how (yeah)
It's midnight's late reminder of
The loss of her, the one I love
My will to quickly end it all
Set front row in my need to fall
Into the ocean, end it all
Into the ocean, end it all
Into the ocean, end it all
into the ocean...end it all
[Zayra]
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion (yeah)
Let the rain of what I feel right now...come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
(In to space)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
(I thought of just your face)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Into the ocean (goodbye) end it all (goodbye)
Friday, February 23, 2007
California here we come
In 14.5 hours time I'll be flying to LA. Finally back to the golden state! I guess I should be feeling all excited and pumped up right now, but for some reason I'm not....
Perhaps its the flu. What a bad time to have caught the flu. And by the way, its the third time I have the flu since the start of the year!!! Something tells me I never really recovered but probably just did too many silly things and got the virus taking over my body again.....
But perhaps its more than the flu.... I guess these days I'm searching for more direction and yet I can't find it. It's almost like I'm a wandering soul who does not know what he wants. And I don't know who can help me. I have choices, but yet there's no certainty that any path I take in any aspect of life is going to lead to greater happiness.
We hear of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and I believe every word of it. Like the trailer of Will Smith's new movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" I believe that if one has a clear goal like Will Smith, and goes for it, he will eventually find happiness. But what if one doesn't have any clear goal? How then is the pursuit of happiness going to happen? Perhaps life and liberty are sufficient?
In my two and a half years back in Singapore there are probably only two things that have brought happiness: contributing to society, and earning recognition for good work. But then again such events don't come by often, and it takes a lot of sweat and tears for a short moment of happiness. Perhaps there's more ways to be happy. Some guru's say that one should be happy with a positive attitude approaching every task at work. I try so hard to do so, but unfortunately the positive attitude thing doesn't really last past the first hour of the day, or the last hour (knowing that I'll be out of there soon). Where do we go from here?
Perhaps I will learn more about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in the "Land of the free, and the home of the brave (BEARS!)".
Perhaps its the flu. What a bad time to have caught the flu. And by the way, its the third time I have the flu since the start of the year!!! Something tells me I never really recovered but probably just did too many silly things and got the virus taking over my body again.....
But perhaps its more than the flu.... I guess these days I'm searching for more direction and yet I can't find it. It's almost like I'm a wandering soul who does not know what he wants. And I don't know who can help me. I have choices, but yet there's no certainty that any path I take in any aspect of life is going to lead to greater happiness.
We hear of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and I believe every word of it. Like the trailer of Will Smith's new movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" I believe that if one has a clear goal like Will Smith, and goes for it, he will eventually find happiness. But what if one doesn't have any clear goal? How then is the pursuit of happiness going to happen? Perhaps life and liberty are sufficient?
In my two and a half years back in Singapore there are probably only two things that have brought happiness: contributing to society, and earning recognition for good work. But then again such events don't come by often, and it takes a lot of sweat and tears for a short moment of happiness. Perhaps there's more ways to be happy. Some guru's say that one should be happy with a positive attitude approaching every task at work. I try so hard to do so, but unfortunately the positive attitude thing doesn't really last past the first hour of the day, or the last hour (knowing that I'll be out of there soon). Where do we go from here?
Perhaps I will learn more about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in the "Land of the free, and the home of the brave (BEARS!)".
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Didn't you know that?
I've spent a large part of the last 2 days reformatting my hard drive. Some windows error was causing it to get more and more corrupted so I had to do something about it before the CNY weekend.
Happy Chinese New Year everyone! (Before I forget)
I found out something interesting. Did you realise that many supermarkets in the US stock goods that are $4.99, $9.99, $XX.99 etc? Well we always thought the idea of using the .99 was to make goods look cheaper than it actually are. Which is kinda dumb anyway, because the consumer really isn't that stupid... It turns out that supermarkets price goods at $XX.99 on purpose so that the cashier has to ring the till during a purchase since most people won't have exact change. The practice came about because too many supermarket cashiers will pilfering the money paid for goods without putting it into the till. It's difficult for them to do that if the till has to be opened for change, because there will be a record. Betcha didn't know that!
You know kids always put things into their mouths? I saw a documentary that says that kids keep doing that and it's alright, because the body needs that to build up extra resistance to foreign germs/bacteria. By eating and being exposed to these harmful germs, the body will produce antibodies to fight against them. Interestingly however, I also read a health book that says if you want to get sick less often (for adults only), wash your hands before you eat! Poor hand hygiene is the biggest cause of most adult sicknesses (flu, stomachache etc), which is quite surprising compared to the kids huh?
There is a big tussle in Oregon about some euthanasia law. Voters generally refer to it as "physician-assisted suicide" but advocates object that "suicide" refers to "cut(ting) short a life that would otherwise continue, whereas terminal patients are simply hastening a death that is already near". I think this line of thought leads us down a dangerous path. How near is a death that is near? Everybody dies, eventually, and I doubt anyone can predict death accurately all the time. People given a few days to live have often lived a few more years, and vice versa. Euthanisia is a form of suicide regardless of whether you find it morally appealing or not. Nobody can decide with absolute certainty that death is actually "near" enough so that life would not "otherwise continue".
Happy Chinese New Year everyone! (Before I forget)
I found out something interesting. Did you realise that many supermarkets in the US stock goods that are $4.99, $9.99, $XX.99 etc? Well we always thought the idea of using the .99 was to make goods look cheaper than it actually are. Which is kinda dumb anyway, because the consumer really isn't that stupid... It turns out that supermarkets price goods at $XX.99 on purpose so that the cashier has to ring the till during a purchase since most people won't have exact change. The practice came about because too many supermarket cashiers will pilfering the money paid for goods without putting it into the till. It's difficult for them to do that if the till has to be opened for change, because there will be a record. Betcha didn't know that!
You know kids always put things into their mouths? I saw a documentary that says that kids keep doing that and it's alright, because the body needs that to build up extra resistance to foreign germs/bacteria. By eating and being exposed to these harmful germs, the body will produce antibodies to fight against them. Interestingly however, I also read a health book that says if you want to get sick less often (for adults only), wash your hands before you eat! Poor hand hygiene is the biggest cause of most adult sicknesses (flu, stomachache etc), which is quite surprising compared to the kids huh?
There is a big tussle in Oregon about some euthanasia law. Voters generally refer to it as "physician-assisted suicide" but advocates object that "suicide" refers to "cut(ting) short a life that would otherwise continue, whereas terminal patients are simply hastening a death that is already near". I think this line of thought leads us down a dangerous path. How near is a death that is near? Everybody dies, eventually, and I doubt anyone can predict death accurately all the time. People given a few days to live have often lived a few more years, and vice versa. Euthanisia is a form of suicide regardless of whether you find it morally appealing or not. Nobody can decide with absolute certainty that death is actually "near" enough so that life would not "otherwise continue".
Monday, February 12, 2007
Nature or nurture? Or does it even matter?
It's been a great and eventful weekend. Lotsa sun, lotsa skating and great food. So I'm gonna post another blog. 3 blog entries in one weekend is too much? Well, perhaps I might not have time once I make the US trip (gonna be skiing in Mammoth baby!), so here goes.
I jumped right into this article in this week's Economist because it caught my eye right there when I opened the cover. The big nature/nurture debate in the search for gifted geniuses. Why's there such a fuss over who's the brightest smartest little kid? It doesn't take a genius with an IQ of 200 to run the world's most powerful country (hell you got that right!) or make the most money in the stockmarket. And neither is it that every great scientist or artist is truly a child genius, perhaps some aren't even geniuses but just really persistant. The last sentence of the article perhaps sheds some light. (Hope nobody sues me for copyright, but hey, I'm trying to promote their magazine okay!)
Gifted children
Bright sparks
Feb 8th 2007
From The Economist print edition
Not everyone's a genius, but don't say so in front of the children
BY the time Laszlo Polgar's first baby was born in 1969 he already had firm views on child-rearing. An eccentric citizen of communist Hungary, he had written a book called “Bring up Genius!” and one of his favourite sayings was “Geniuses are made, not born”.
An expert on the theory of chess, he proceeded to teach little Zsuzsa at home, spending up to ten hours a day on the game. Two more daughters were similarly hot-housed. All three obliged their father by becoming world-class players. The youngest, Judit, is currently ranked 13th in the world, and is by far the best female chess player of all time.
Would the experiment have succeeded with a different trio of children? If any child can be turned into a star, then a lot of time and money are being wasted worldwide on trying to pick winners.
America has long held “talent searches”, using test results and teacher recommendations to select children for advanced school courses, summer schools and other extra tuition. This provision is set to grow. In his state-of-the-union address in 2006, President George Bush announced the “American Competitiveness Initiative”, which, among much else, would train 70,000 high-school teachers to lead advanced courses for selected pupils in mathematics and science. Just as the superpowers' space race made Congress put money into science education, the thought of China and India turning out hundreds of thousands of engineers and scientists is scaring America into prodding its brightest to do their best.
The philosophy behind this talent search is that ability is innate; that it can be diagnosed with considerable accuracy; and that it is worth cultivating.
In America, bright children are ranked as “moderately”, “highly”, “exceptionally” and “profoundly” gifted. The only chance to influence innate ability is thought to be in the womb or the first couple of years of life. Hence the fad for “teaching aids” such as videos and flashcards for newborns, and “whale sounds” on tape which a pregnant mother can strap to her belly.
In Britain, there is a broadly similar belief in the existence of innate talent, but also an egalitarian sentiment which makes people queasy about the idea of investing resources in grooming intelligence.
Teachers are often opposed to separate provision for the best-performing children, saying any extra help should go to stragglers. In 2002, in a bid to help the able while leaving intact the ban on most selection by ability in state schools, the government set up the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. This outfit runs summer schools and master classes for children nominated by their schools. To date, though, only seven in ten secondary schools have nominated even a single child. Last year all schools were told they must supply the names of their top 10%.
Picking winners is also the order of the day in ex-communist states, a hangover from the times when talented individuals were plucked from their homes and ruthlessly trained for the glory of the nation. But in many other countries, opposition to the idea of singling out talent and grooming it runs deep. In Scandinavia, a belief in virtues like modesty and social solidarity makes people flinch from the idea of treating brainy children differently.
And in Japan there is a widespread belief that all children are born with the same innate abilities—and should therefore be treated alike. All are taught together, covering the same syllabus at the same rate until they finish compulsory schooling. Those who learn quickest are expected then to teach their classmates.
In China, extra teaching is provided, but to a self-selected bunch. “Children's palaces” in big cities offer a huge range of after-school classes. Anyone can sign up; all that is asked is excellent attendance.
Statistics give little clue as to which system is best. The performance of the most able is heavily affected by factors other than state provision. Most state education in Britain is nominally non-selective, but middle-class parents try to live near the best schools. Ambitious Japanese parents have made private, out-of-school tuition a thriving business. And Scandinavia's egalitarianism might work less well in places with more diverse populations and less competent teachers. For what it's worth, the data suggest that some countries—like Japan and Finland, see table—can eschew selection and still thrive. But that does not mean that any country can ditch selection and do as well.
Mr Polgar thought any child could be a prodigy given the right teaching, an early start and enough practice. At one point he planned to prove it by adopting three baby boys from a poor country and trying his methods on them. (His wife vetoed the scheme.) Some say the key to success is simply hard graft. Judit, the youngest of the Polgar sisters, was the most driven, and the most successful; Zsofia, the middle one, was regarded as the most talented, but she was the only one who did not achieve the status of grand master. “Everything came easiest to her,” said her older sister. “But she was lazy.”
I jumped right into this article in this week's Economist because it caught my eye right there when I opened the cover. The big nature/nurture debate in the search for gifted geniuses. Why's there such a fuss over who's the brightest smartest little kid? It doesn't take a genius with an IQ of 200 to run the world's most powerful country (hell you got that right!) or make the most money in the stockmarket. And neither is it that every great scientist or artist is truly a child genius, perhaps some aren't even geniuses but just really persistant. The last sentence of the article perhaps sheds some light. (Hope nobody sues me for copyright, but hey, I'm trying to promote their magazine okay!)
Gifted children
Bright sparks
Feb 8th 2007
From The Economist print edition
Not everyone's a genius, but don't say so in front of the children
BY the time Laszlo Polgar's first baby was born in 1969 he already had firm views on child-rearing. An eccentric citizen of communist Hungary, he had written a book called “Bring up Genius!” and one of his favourite sayings was “Geniuses are made, not born”.
An expert on the theory of chess, he proceeded to teach little Zsuzsa at home, spending up to ten hours a day on the game. Two more daughters were similarly hot-housed. All three obliged their father by becoming world-class players. The youngest, Judit, is currently ranked 13th in the world, and is by far the best female chess player of all time.
Would the experiment have succeeded with a different trio of children? If any child can be turned into a star, then a lot of time and money are being wasted worldwide on trying to pick winners.
America has long held “talent searches”, using test results and teacher recommendations to select children for advanced school courses, summer schools and other extra tuition. This provision is set to grow. In his state-of-the-union address in 2006, President George Bush announced the “American Competitiveness Initiative”, which, among much else, would train 70,000 high-school teachers to lead advanced courses for selected pupils in mathematics and science. Just as the superpowers' space race made Congress put money into science education, the thought of China and India turning out hundreds of thousands of engineers and scientists is scaring America into prodding its brightest to do their best.
The philosophy behind this talent search is that ability is innate; that it can be diagnosed with considerable accuracy; and that it is worth cultivating.
In America, bright children are ranked as “moderately”, “highly”, “exceptionally” and “profoundly” gifted. The only chance to influence innate ability is thought to be in the womb or the first couple of years of life. Hence the fad for “teaching aids” such as videos and flashcards for newborns, and “whale sounds” on tape which a pregnant mother can strap to her belly.
In Britain, there is a broadly similar belief in the existence of innate talent, but also an egalitarian sentiment which makes people queasy about the idea of investing resources in grooming intelligence.
Teachers are often opposed to separate provision for the best-performing children, saying any extra help should go to stragglers. In 2002, in a bid to help the able while leaving intact the ban on most selection by ability in state schools, the government set up the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. This outfit runs summer schools and master classes for children nominated by their schools. To date, though, only seven in ten secondary schools have nominated even a single child. Last year all schools were told they must supply the names of their top 10%.
Picking winners is also the order of the day in ex-communist states, a hangover from the times when talented individuals were plucked from their homes and ruthlessly trained for the glory of the nation. But in many other countries, opposition to the idea of singling out talent and grooming it runs deep. In Scandinavia, a belief in virtues like modesty and social solidarity makes people flinch from the idea of treating brainy children differently.
And in Japan there is a widespread belief that all children are born with the same innate abilities—and should therefore be treated alike. All are taught together, covering the same syllabus at the same rate until they finish compulsory schooling. Those who learn quickest are expected then to teach their classmates.
In China, extra teaching is provided, but to a self-selected bunch. “Children's palaces” in big cities offer a huge range of after-school classes. Anyone can sign up; all that is asked is excellent attendance.
Statistics give little clue as to which system is best. The performance of the most able is heavily affected by factors other than state provision. Most state education in Britain is nominally non-selective, but middle-class parents try to live near the best schools. Ambitious Japanese parents have made private, out-of-school tuition a thriving business. And Scandinavia's egalitarianism might work less well in places with more diverse populations and less competent teachers. For what it's worth, the data suggest that some countries—like Japan and Finland, see table—can eschew selection and still thrive. But that does not mean that any country can ditch selection and do as well.
Mr Polgar thought any child could be a prodigy given the right teaching, an early start and enough practice. At one point he planned to prove it by adopting three baby boys from a poor country and trying his methods on them. (His wife vetoed the scheme.) Some say the key to success is simply hard graft. Judit, the youngest of the Polgar sisters, was the most driven, and the most successful; Zsofia, the middle one, was regarded as the most talented, but she was the only one who did not achieve the status of grand master. “Everything came easiest to her,” said her older sister. “But she was lazy.”
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Tiong Bahru Porridge
Tiong Bahru Porridge has a branch in Parkway Parade! I have no idea when they set up, but I just had to try their famous pigs organ porridge (zhu zha zhou) when I passed by just now. The fried intestines were so crispy and tasty, I even added extra ($2.20 more) mmmmmmm!!!! Two thumbs up!
When I was young I always had pigs organ porridge at Tiong Bahru market every sunday when we visited my grandpa. Unfortunately he has passed away and we never really went there since. The old geezer who manned the stall was very grumpy one! He only opens late in the evening and when he's in a good mood. And for a long time it was only a one man show. Well, I heard his sons have taken over and made it a chain with a few branches, while the old man has passed away recently (may his soul rest in peace). The other good stuff from Tiong Bahru market is the juee kuei, which has coincidentally also become a chain! But I think their other branches aren't doing that well, Telok Blangah branch closed down after a few months.
Okay, I'm not really a foodie I confess. But the top 2 places for pigs organ porridge are Tiong Bahru porridge (any branch) and Tiong Shan (chang cheng) porridge in Chinatown at the corner of Keong Saik and Eu Tong Sen. Tiong Shan is more popular because it has like 20 other kinds of porridge also, the most popular being the frogs legs one. However, there's other shady business going on along Keong Saik road so perhaps you wouldn't stay there too late haha.... And it's a pain getting seating during dinner because its just so crowded man! Very hot and squeezy, definitely not as comfy as the new Tiong Bahru market or Parkway Parade (aircon)!
So why did my family grow up eating porridge? Well, my late grandpa once said that it was popular during the war, though they did not have tasty intestines during that time. Porridge makes your stomach feel full (shiok) though you aren't exactly eating much food, which is perfect during the war when food was scarce. I guess porridge has gone a long way since then......
When I was young I always had pigs organ porridge at Tiong Bahru market every sunday when we visited my grandpa. Unfortunately he has passed away and we never really went there since. The old geezer who manned the stall was very grumpy one! He only opens late in the evening and when he's in a good mood. And for a long time it was only a one man show. Well, I heard his sons have taken over and made it a chain with a few branches, while the old man has passed away recently (may his soul rest in peace). The other good stuff from Tiong Bahru market is the juee kuei, which has coincidentally also become a chain! But I think their other branches aren't doing that well, Telok Blangah branch closed down after a few months.
Okay, I'm not really a foodie I confess. But the top 2 places for pigs organ porridge are Tiong Bahru porridge (any branch) and Tiong Shan (chang cheng) porridge in Chinatown at the corner of Keong Saik and Eu Tong Sen. Tiong Shan is more popular because it has like 20 other kinds of porridge also, the most popular being the frogs legs one. However, there's other shady business going on along Keong Saik road so perhaps you wouldn't stay there too late haha.... And it's a pain getting seating during dinner because its just so crowded man! Very hot and squeezy, definitely not as comfy as the new Tiong Bahru market or Parkway Parade (aircon)!
So why did my family grow up eating porridge? Well, my late grandpa once said that it was popular during the war, though they did not have tasty intestines during that time. Porridge makes your stomach feel full (shiok) though you aren't exactly eating much food, which is perfect during the war when food was scarce. I guess porridge has gone a long way since then......
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Come and join the OAC ah
C says there was snow at Mammoth until June last year, so I'm going SKIING!!! Heheh, this is gonna be like the best thing in the longest time! Last time I hit the slopes was in 2004, and I think it was Donner ski ranch, not exactly the best place in the world!
So I've been training up by going skating. I'm skating today, and tomorrow also. As I was skating today there was this guy who was stroking and gliding BACKWARDS!! Basically he was skating backwards faster than most people can skate forward, and that's no joke man! And he looks behind too OMG! That's one trick I gotta learn man. Otherwise the weather was absolutely fantastic, and I wish I could stay another hour, but lunch beckoned and I had to head to the museum in the afternoon.
So what was I doing at the museum? I signed up for volunteering and they wanted to talk to me about what I wanna do. I was up for the History gallery guide position except I'm gonna be in California when the training starts (ouch). It turns out that the docents for the history gallery really got to know lotsa stuff man. Got to do own research and all too! Anyway, looks like I'm gonna do the architectural tours as well as the special exhibits which is pretty darn cool too!
Later in the evening I met up with some OAC alumni for chinese new year dinner. And they were all so young man! Most of them were 06/07, I'm 96/97 which is like 10 years ago man! But its good to hear they are still quite enthusiastic. It always worried me that kids today might regress in their enthusiasm of outdoor adventure. Especially after the unfortunate accident that happened to the RJ ODAC.... But anyway, all's good. And really brought back good memories of happy days. Here's some good 'ol OAC songs to reminisce (though I might have lost some lyrics):
A is for Akua, we love Akua, if you wanna be the best, come and join the OAC ah!
B is for Bak Kwa
C is for Chao Tah
D is for Dao Kua
E is for Eno
F is for Fried Fish
G is for Gu-Niang
H is for Hao Lian
I is for Idiot
J is for Ja-gong
K is for Kiasu
L is for Lao-sai
M is for Milo
N is for NJC
O is for OAC
P is for Pai Kia
Q is for QM
R is for Reccee
S is for Sam-pa or seniors
T is for Topo
U is for Ubin
V is for ???
W is for Water
X is for ???
Y is for Yao Kwee
Z is for Ziploc
(Perhaps someone can fill the blanks)
*************************************
Mmm Mmm went a little green frog one day
Mmm Mmm went a little green frog
Mmm Mmm went a little green frog one day
And a little green frog went mmm mmm
But we know frogs go: Clap! Shalalalala
Clap! Shalalalala
We know frogs go: Clap! Shalalalala
Frogs don't go mmm mmm
Choo choo went a little blue train one day
Choo choo went a little blue train
Choo choo went a little blue train one day
And a little blue train went choo choo
But we know trains go: Clap! Shalalalala
Clap! Shalalalala
We know trains go: Clap! Shalalalala
Trains don't go choo choo
Nag nag went a little sam-pa one day
Nag nag went a little sam-pa
Nag nag went a little sam-pa one day
And a little sam-pa went nag nag
But we know sam-pa's go: Waaaaaaa!
Waaaaaa! Waaaaaa!
We know sam-pa-s go: Waaaaa!
Sam-pa's don't go nag nag
**********************************
Chou nan ren, chou nan ren
Every morning we see you
Play carrom, ti soccer
We're not happy to see you!
**********************************
I ask my love
To take a walk
To take a walk
Down Orchard Road
Bypass Mandarin
To Centerpoint
We had our lunch
At McDonald
We had filet
And apple pie
We shared a cup
Of lemon lime
I hold her hand
Look into her eyes
I ask her to be
My valentine
There was one night
There was no light
There was no light
So we use torchlight
Under the clear blue sky
Under the bright moonlight
I ask her to be
My future wife
***************************
How long can we wait for our fighting to end?
How long can we wait for our love to begin?
Oh can't you see we can't wait for forever to start
Together, forever we are one
Together, together we are one
One body one army we are one
United we stand, divided we fall
Together forever, all for one and one for all!
So I've been training up by going skating. I'm skating today, and tomorrow also. As I was skating today there was this guy who was stroking and gliding BACKWARDS!! Basically he was skating backwards faster than most people can skate forward, and that's no joke man! And he looks behind too OMG! That's one trick I gotta learn man. Otherwise the weather was absolutely fantastic, and I wish I could stay another hour, but lunch beckoned and I had to head to the museum in the afternoon.
So what was I doing at the museum? I signed up for volunteering and they wanted to talk to me about what I wanna do. I was up for the History gallery guide position except I'm gonna be in California when the training starts (ouch). It turns out that the docents for the history gallery really got to know lotsa stuff man. Got to do own research and all too! Anyway, looks like I'm gonna do the architectural tours as well as the special exhibits which is pretty darn cool too!
Later in the evening I met up with some OAC alumni for chinese new year dinner. And they were all so young man! Most of them were 06/07, I'm 96/97 which is like 10 years ago man! But its good to hear they are still quite enthusiastic. It always worried me that kids today might regress in their enthusiasm of outdoor adventure. Especially after the unfortunate accident that happened to the RJ ODAC.... But anyway, all's good. And really brought back good memories of happy days. Here's some good 'ol OAC songs to reminisce (though I might have lost some lyrics):
A is for Akua, we love Akua, if you wanna be the best, come and join the OAC ah!
B is for Bak Kwa
C is for Chao Tah
D is for Dao Kua
E is for Eno
F is for Fried Fish
G is for Gu-Niang
H is for Hao Lian
I is for Idiot
J is for Ja-gong
K is for Kiasu
L is for Lao-sai
M is for Milo
N is for NJC
O is for OAC
P is for Pai Kia
Q is for QM
R is for Reccee
S is for Sam-pa or seniors
T is for Topo
U is for Ubin
V is for ???
W is for Water
X is for ???
Y is for Yao Kwee
Z is for Ziploc
(Perhaps someone can fill the blanks)
*************************************
Mmm Mmm went a little green frog one day
Mmm Mmm went a little green frog
Mmm Mmm went a little green frog one day
And a little green frog went mmm mmm
But we know frogs go: Clap! Shalalalala
Clap! Shalalalala
We know frogs go: Clap! Shalalalala
Frogs don't go mmm mmm
Choo choo went a little blue train one day
Choo choo went a little blue train
Choo choo went a little blue train one day
And a little blue train went choo choo
But we know trains go: Clap! Shalalalala
Clap! Shalalalala
We know trains go: Clap! Shalalalala
Trains don't go choo choo
Nag nag went a little sam-pa one day
Nag nag went a little sam-pa
Nag nag went a little sam-pa one day
And a little sam-pa went nag nag
But we know sam-pa's go: Waaaaaaa!
Waaaaaa! Waaaaaa!
We know sam-pa-s go: Waaaaa!
Sam-pa's don't go nag nag
**********************************
Chou nan ren, chou nan ren
Every morning we see you
Play carrom, ti soccer
We're not happy to see you!
**********************************
I ask my love
To take a walk
To take a walk
Down Orchard Road
Bypass Mandarin
To Centerpoint
We had our lunch
At McDonald
We had filet
And apple pie
We shared a cup
Of lemon lime
I hold her hand
Look into her eyes
I ask her to be
My valentine
There was one night
There was no light
There was no light
So we use torchlight
Under the clear blue sky
Under the bright moonlight
I ask her to be
My future wife
***************************
How long can we wait for our fighting to end?
How long can we wait for our love to begin?
Oh can't you see we can't wait for forever to start
Together, forever we are one
Together, together we are one
One body one army we are one
United we stand, divided we fall
Together forever, all for one and one for all!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Just read this interesting article
Under Dr Lee's microscope
Letter from Associate Professor Lee Wei Ling
Director, National Neuroscience Institute
THE official stance by the Government is that there is nothing wrong with its biomedical research strategy. It justifies that it is on the right track by the fact that the biomedical sector now makes up a quarter of Singapore's Gross Domestic Product generated by manufacturing.
Output by Singapore's drug factories jumped by over a third last year, pushing overall biomedical production up by 30.2 per cent. This robust growth puts biomedical output at a record $23 billion, almost four times the production in 2000. More than 90 per cent comes from pharmaceuticals, with the rest from the medical technology sector.
To attribute the investment by biomedical companies in Singapore to our multibillion dollar research drive is inaccurate. Numerous news agencies and newspapers have reported the reasons why these biomedical companies decided to set up in Singapore. The generous help from the Singapore Government, the strict enforcement of intellectual-property (IP) laws, proximity to new major markets in Asia, Singapore's efficiency, educated workforce and English-speaking environment are the incentives for investing in Singapore.
Singapore's own huge biomedical research initiative is not an important consideration, except in the few cases where the pharmaceutical companies have joint research ventures with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) or the Biopolis. This is not surprising. Research groups doing similar research are all competing with each other to make breakthroughs — only then do they get the IP rights. So, how would having competing groups in Singapore be an incentive for biomedical companies to come and set up shop here?
Mr Philip Yeo described me as "a voice in the wilderness", noting that I have not been in the Biopolis. But I have received more fanmail than I can remember from Singapore doctors and researchers, thanking me for pointing out the obvious mistake in the way the biomedical drive has been carried out.
I would challenge that, having never practised as a doctor, Mr Yeo is strategising about biomedical research directions in an ivory tower. He has been very successful in selling Singapore in the past, but biomedical research is a different ball game. The fact that he dismisses the importance of Hepatitis B and head injury shows how out of touch he is with reality.
Yes, Singapore is immunising its children against Hepatitis B, but immunisation does not help someone who is already a carrier for the Hepatitis B virus. What is more significant is that 5 per cent of all ethnic Chinese are Hepatitis B carriers.
Head injury is the major cause of disability in children and economically-productive adults. The cost to the patients' families and to society equals, if not exceeds, that of cancer. Head injury is not particular to Singapore, but it is an area where not many research centres have chosen to concentrate on. At the National Neuroscience Institute, we have a good research track record and will continue to pursue this area of research.
Lieutenant-General (NS) Lim Chuan Poh said "you have to give it time to show success. Some of these things cannot be done in a matter of three or five years; we are going to stay the course".
If A*Star believes this, why did it sign an agreement with Johns Hopkins that had a five year timeline?
In fact, Professor William Brody from The Johns Hopkins University alluded to this when he was asked about biomedical research in Singapore. Prof Brody also pointed out the fact "that research is not linear, or predictable — it's unpredictable".
Can Singapore afford to continue to pour in huge sums of money for 10 or 20 years in the hope of eventually yielding results, yet knowing that there is no certainty of success?
Lt-Gen Lim goes on to ask: "Why must it be that Singaporeans cannot be world-beaters?" My answer to that is: Singaporeans can be world-beaters — if Singapore has the appropriate research strategy and concentrates effort and resources on the areas where we have a competitive advantage. The Singapore Olympic Council seems to understand this simple concept which escapes the highly intellectual officials determining the direction of Singapore's research strategy.
A*Star dismissed any suggestion that the Government might be rethinking its strategy to develop the biomedical research sector. However, Dr Tony Tan seems more open-minded about this issue. Dr Tan, who is the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council's deputy chairman, said he was sure the biomedical science executive committee will consider all input: "If there is any change in direction or emphasis necessary, I'm confident they will take the appropriate action."
In the same article where he was featured opening the new National University of Singapore Centre for Life Sciences, it was reported that "several cancers, the ones more common in Singapore and the region, will be put under the microscope". This is in line with the concept of niche areas that I have been advocating.
Letter from Associate Professor Lee Wei Ling
Director, National Neuroscience Institute
THE official stance by the Government is that there is nothing wrong with its biomedical research strategy. It justifies that it is on the right track by the fact that the biomedical sector now makes up a quarter of Singapore's Gross Domestic Product generated by manufacturing.
Output by Singapore's drug factories jumped by over a third last year, pushing overall biomedical production up by 30.2 per cent. This robust growth puts biomedical output at a record $23 billion, almost four times the production in 2000. More than 90 per cent comes from pharmaceuticals, with the rest from the medical technology sector.
To attribute the investment by biomedical companies in Singapore to our multibillion dollar research drive is inaccurate. Numerous news agencies and newspapers have reported the reasons why these biomedical companies decided to set up in Singapore. The generous help from the Singapore Government, the strict enforcement of intellectual-property (IP) laws, proximity to new major markets in Asia, Singapore's efficiency, educated workforce and English-speaking environment are the incentives for investing in Singapore.
Singapore's own huge biomedical research initiative is not an important consideration, except in the few cases where the pharmaceutical companies have joint research ventures with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) or the Biopolis. This is not surprising. Research groups doing similar research are all competing with each other to make breakthroughs — only then do they get the IP rights. So, how would having competing groups in Singapore be an incentive for biomedical companies to come and set up shop here?
Mr Philip Yeo described me as "a voice in the wilderness", noting that I have not been in the Biopolis. But I have received more fanmail than I can remember from Singapore doctors and researchers, thanking me for pointing out the obvious mistake in the way the biomedical drive has been carried out.
I would challenge that, having never practised as a doctor, Mr Yeo is strategising about biomedical research directions in an ivory tower. He has been very successful in selling Singapore in the past, but biomedical research is a different ball game. The fact that he dismisses the importance of Hepatitis B and head injury shows how out of touch he is with reality.
Yes, Singapore is immunising its children against Hepatitis B, but immunisation does not help someone who is already a carrier for the Hepatitis B virus. What is more significant is that 5 per cent of all ethnic Chinese are Hepatitis B carriers.
Head injury is the major cause of disability in children and economically-productive adults. The cost to the patients' families and to society equals, if not exceeds, that of cancer. Head injury is not particular to Singapore, but it is an area where not many research centres have chosen to concentrate on. At the National Neuroscience Institute, we have a good research track record and will continue to pursue this area of research.
Lieutenant-General (NS) Lim Chuan Poh said "you have to give it time to show success. Some of these things cannot be done in a matter of three or five years; we are going to stay the course".
If A*Star believes this, why did it sign an agreement with Johns Hopkins that had a five year timeline?
In fact, Professor William Brody from The Johns Hopkins University alluded to this when he was asked about biomedical research in Singapore. Prof Brody also pointed out the fact "that research is not linear, or predictable — it's unpredictable".
Can Singapore afford to continue to pour in huge sums of money for 10 or 20 years in the hope of eventually yielding results, yet knowing that there is no certainty of success?
Lt-Gen Lim goes on to ask: "Why must it be that Singaporeans cannot be world-beaters?" My answer to that is: Singaporeans can be world-beaters — if Singapore has the appropriate research strategy and concentrates effort and resources on the areas where we have a competitive advantage. The Singapore Olympic Council seems to understand this simple concept which escapes the highly intellectual officials determining the direction of Singapore's research strategy.
A*Star dismissed any suggestion that the Government might be rethinking its strategy to develop the biomedical research sector. However, Dr Tony Tan seems more open-minded about this issue. Dr Tan, who is the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council's deputy chairman, said he was sure the biomedical science executive committee will consider all input: "If there is any change in direction or emphasis necessary, I'm confident they will take the appropriate action."
In the same article where he was featured opening the new National University of Singapore Centre for Life Sciences, it was reported that "several cancers, the ones more common in Singapore and the region, will be put under the microscope". This is in line with the concept of niche areas that I have been advocating.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Official?
Is it official or not? I'm tempted to say it is, but until the air tickets are actually in my hand, nothing's really confirmed yet. And unexpected things are showing up everyday still, argh!
Anyways, I figure that I should give everyone a heads up, so we can have some fun together if it materializes. Well here it is: I'm (probably) going to LA for a 3 week job attachment! The timing will be 25th Feb to 20 Mar or thereabouts, and I'll be working in Burbank, though I'm gonna have to figure out cheap housing in the neighbourhood somehow.
If you're gonna be in the neighbourhood just holler out! I'm probably not gonna have much other opportunities to be in town in the near future, though I'd like to enjoy the ski season someday haha. Here's an great song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers although I have absolutely no idea what it means:
Gettin' born in the state of Mississippi
Poppa was a copper and'a momma was a hippie
In Alabama she was swinging hammer
Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama
She never knew that there was anything more than poor
What in the world does your company take me for?
Black bandana, sweet Louisiana
Robbin'on a bank in the state of Indiana
She's a runner, rebel and a stunner
On her merry way saying baby what you gonna
Lookin' down the barrel of a hot metal .45
Just another way to survive
Chorus:
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
She's a lover, baby and a fighter
Should've seen her coming when it got a little brighter
With a name like Dani California
Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya
A little loaded she was stealing another breath
I love my baby to death
Chorus:
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Who knew the other side of you
Who knew what others died to prove
Too true to say goodbye to you
Too true, too sad sad sad
Push the fader, gifted animator
One for the now and eleven for the later
Never made it, Up to Minnessota
North Dakota man was a gunnin' for the quota
Down in the badlands she was saving the best for last
it only hurts when I laugh
Gone too fast
Chorus:
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Okay, I can't resist it. I don't like repeating posts but what the heck. Perhaps this is more apt:
We've be on the run
Driving in the sun
Looking out for number one
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
Well, hustlers grab your guns
The shadow weighs a ton
Driving down the 101
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
California
Here we come!
On the stereo
Listen as we go
Nothing's gonna stop me now
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
Peddle to the floor
Thinking of you more
Gotta get us to the show
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
California
Here we come!
Anyways, I figure that I should give everyone a heads up, so we can have some fun together if it materializes. Well here it is: I'm (probably) going to LA for a 3 week job attachment! The timing will be 25th Feb to 20 Mar or thereabouts, and I'll be working in Burbank, though I'm gonna have to figure out cheap housing in the neighbourhood somehow.
If you're gonna be in the neighbourhood just holler out! I'm probably not gonna have much other opportunities to be in town in the near future, though I'd like to enjoy the ski season someday haha. Here's an great song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers although I have absolutely no idea what it means:
Gettin' born in the state of Mississippi
Poppa was a copper and'a momma was a hippie
In Alabama she was swinging hammer
Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama
She never knew that there was anything more than poor
What in the world does your company take me for?
Black bandana, sweet Louisiana
Robbin'on a bank in the state of Indiana
She's a runner, rebel and a stunner
On her merry way saying baby what you gonna
Lookin' down the barrel of a hot metal .45
Just another way to survive
Chorus:
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
She's a lover, baby and a fighter
Should've seen her coming when it got a little brighter
With a name like Dani California
Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya
A little loaded she was stealing another breath
I love my baby to death
Chorus:
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Who knew the other side of you
Who knew what others died to prove
Too true to say goodbye to you
Too true, too sad sad sad
Push the fader, gifted animator
One for the now and eleven for the later
Never made it, Up to Minnessota
North Dakota man was a gunnin' for the quota
Down in the badlands she was saving the best for last
it only hurts when I laugh
Gone too fast
Chorus:
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Okay, I can't resist it. I don't like repeating posts but what the heck. Perhaps this is more apt:
We've be on the run
Driving in the sun
Looking out for number one
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
Well, hustlers grab your guns
The shadow weighs a ton
Driving down the 101
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
California
Here we come!
On the stereo
Listen as we go
Nothing's gonna stop me now
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
Peddle to the floor
Thinking of you more
Gotta get us to the show
California, here we come
Right back where we started from
California
Here we come!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Investment advice
If you want to succeed in investment, perhaps the last thing you should do is to learn economics in college:
"According to one former Harvard official, its endowment fund has done so well because it has avoided taking advice from the economics faculty."
-The Economist, 20 Jan 07
"According to one former Harvard official, its endowment fund has done so well because it has avoided taking advice from the economics faculty."
-The Economist, 20 Jan 07
Friday, January 19, 2007
design
So it turns out that I'm gonna have to do some design work now, since somebody at the office is leaving. I haven't done design in years, and I totally know nuts about BS 8110 or CP 65 so I'm so screwed!
I used to be quite good at design but thats a very long long time ago and it was the ACI/AISC code which is not only not applicable here but in the wrong units. If I had taken a different path I'd have been a PE now and earning lots of money. Unfortunately I have no PE and probably will never get one and I so am not earning lots of money.....
I find it funny sometimes how every country seems to have their own building code. At least commonwealth countries in general try to follow something universal like the British Standard. Unfortunately, most countries (we know who) still try to tweak it and come up with their own version (code of practice) to confuse the world and to ensure that they will have superiority doing design in their own code in their own country. If you have a PE based on design experience in a code of practice particular to one tiny little country I don't think your skills are very marketable globally. So much for the state of engineering.....
The next big thing (if it hasn't already come) in engineering is not operations research, as a lot of people think, but computational mechanics. Already in Western Europe and the United States engineers are doing the impossible with computational mechanics, replacing physical testing and all. Operations research is perhaps best left to business types rather than engineers, like what was done at Dell. Unfortunately some people are still using paper charts for design that are more than 20 years old. By the time the technological revolution hits these people they are more likely to be replaced than to step up to the challenge!
I used to be quite good at design but thats a very long long time ago and it was the ACI/AISC code which is not only not applicable here but in the wrong units. If I had taken a different path I'd have been a PE now and earning lots of money. Unfortunately I have no PE and probably will never get one and I so am not earning lots of money.....
I find it funny sometimes how every country seems to have their own building code. At least commonwealth countries in general try to follow something universal like the British Standard. Unfortunately, most countries (we know who) still try to tweak it and come up with their own version (code of practice) to confuse the world and to ensure that they will have superiority doing design in their own code in their own country. If you have a PE based on design experience in a code of practice particular to one tiny little country I don't think your skills are very marketable globally. So much for the state of engineering.....
The next big thing (if it hasn't already come) in engineering is not operations research, as a lot of people think, but computational mechanics. Already in Western Europe and the United States engineers are doing the impossible with computational mechanics, replacing physical testing and all. Operations research is perhaps best left to business types rather than engineers, like what was done at Dell. Unfortunately some people are still using paper charts for design that are more than 20 years old. By the time the technological revolution hits these people they are more likely to be replaced than to step up to the challenge!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Peter's Principles
Never invest in any idea you can't draw with a crayon.
You can't see the future through a rearview mirror.
There's no point paying Yo-Yo Ma to play a radio.
As long as you are picking a fund, you might as well pick a good one.
The extravagance of any corporate office is directly proportional to management's reluctance to reward the shareholders.
When yields on long-term government bonds exceed the dividend yield of the S&P500 by 6 percent or more, sell your stocks and buy bonds.
The best stock to buy may be the one you already own.
A sure cure for taking a stock for granted is a big drop in the price.
Never bet on a comeback while they're playing "Taps."
If you like the store, chances are you'll love the stock.
In business, competition is never as healthy as total domination.
All else being equal, invest in the company with the fewest color photographs in the annual report.
When even the analysts are bored, it's time to start buying.
Corporations, like people, change their names for one of two reasons: either they've gotten married, or they've been involved in some fiasco that they hope the public will forget.
Whatever the queen is selling, buy it.
You can't see the future through a rearview mirror.
There's no point paying Yo-Yo Ma to play a radio.
As long as you are picking a fund, you might as well pick a good one.
The extravagance of any corporate office is directly proportional to management's reluctance to reward the shareholders.
When yields on long-term government bonds exceed the dividend yield of the S&P500 by 6 percent or more, sell your stocks and buy bonds.
The best stock to buy may be the one you already own.
A sure cure for taking a stock for granted is a big drop in the price.
Never bet on a comeback while they're playing "Taps."
If you like the store, chances are you'll love the stock.
In business, competition is never as healthy as total domination.
All else being equal, invest in the company with the fewest color photographs in the annual report.
When even the analysts are bored, it's time to start buying.
Corporations, like people, change their names for one of two reasons: either they've gotten married, or they've been involved in some fiasco that they hope the public will forget.
Whatever the queen is selling, buy it.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The move
The last 3 days were spent shifting office, which was an absolute nightmare! Finally Sunday is the only day of the week I can rest at home. I think I might even have caught a cold after all that moving in the incessant rain..... The next few days will probably be spent unpacking and setting up the new place, though the boss says we will start working on monday (yeah right!).
What's good about the new place is that there's great food all around, hawker centers, fast food, coffee shops, bakeries, etc. So much better than the crap we eat everyday in Tower A! Also a big supermarket, photocopy shops, hair salons etc. Did you know that the coffee shop downstairs has one of the cheapest beers in town? 5 bucks for a bottle of tiger. Normally getting a bottle would be between $5.60 and $6. There's also a direct bus to my house which means saving lots of $$ on transportation :P !
What's not hot about the new set up? Well we'll be far away from all the admin staff so it will be a serious pain trying to get any admin support. Plus my desk has a direct line-of-sight to my boss given the new low partitions (ouch!) but perhaps we can take care of that by placing some furniture in the way ;)
What's good about the new place is that there's great food all around, hawker centers, fast food, coffee shops, bakeries, etc. So much better than the crap we eat everyday in Tower A! Also a big supermarket, photocopy shops, hair salons etc. Did you know that the coffee shop downstairs has one of the cheapest beers in town? 5 bucks for a bottle of tiger. Normally getting a bottle would be between $5.60 and $6. There's also a direct bus to my house which means saving lots of $$ on transportation :P !
What's not hot about the new set up? Well we'll be far away from all the admin staff so it will be a serious pain trying to get any admin support. Plus my desk has a direct line-of-sight to my boss given the new low partitions (ouch!) but perhaps we can take care of that by placing some furniture in the way ;)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Backwards
I skated 2 full sessions today. Which basically means that I've been skating the whole day!
Anyhow, I learned 2 new tricks: Skating backwards WHILE looking backwards, and skating backwards in a circle. Cool right?
Basically observing other people and lots of trial and error, and lots of falling (ouch!).....
Anyhow, I learned 2 new tricks: Skating backwards WHILE looking backwards, and skating backwards in a circle. Cool right?
Basically observing other people and lots of trial and error, and lots of falling (ouch!).....
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Stock Trading
Happy New Year everyone! I bought myself a new book to digest over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Unfortunately, I haven't got down to flipping the front page until the very last day, which is today. Here is an interesting excerpt:
There has been much controversy among market experts as to the differences between trading and investing. Investors have been characterized as stable, serious, financially well-off types who are focused on implementing the capitalist ideal by using their money to make money over the long term. By long term, I mean a period of more than six months. Indeed, in today's changing economic environment, the definition of long term is very different than it was prior to the late 1980s. In those days inverstors held stocks for a number of years in order to achieve slow and steady gains. There was nothing wrong with that strategy and there is still nothing wrong with it, if you have time and considerable patience.
For those who are less willing to wait from two to seven years for results, there are many short-term opportunities in today's markets. The short-term end of the market does not necessarily mean "day-trading" (i.e., trading within the time frame of the day and not keeping stocks overnight). These opportunities were created by increased stock market volatility that began in the 1990s. By "volatility", I mean relatively large price movements in stocks during the course of the trading day....
... From 2000 through early 2004, stocks became less volatile and with the decrease in volatility, day trading opportunities diminished. On the other hand, short-term trading opportunities continued to be plentiful. By short term I mean from two to about ten day's duration. As brokerage house commissions for online trading continued to decline, the cost of trading decreased, thereby making short-term as well as day trading more viable... While I believe that day-trading can be profitable, it is an arduous venture that is both time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often not worth the time or trouble unless you are totally dedicated and willing to trade a large number of shares each time.
There has been much controversy among market experts as to the differences between trading and investing. Investors have been characterized as stable, serious, financially well-off types who are focused on implementing the capitalist ideal by using their money to make money over the long term. By long term, I mean a period of more than six months. Indeed, in today's changing economic environment, the definition of long term is very different than it was prior to the late 1980s. In those days inverstors held stocks for a number of years in order to achieve slow and steady gains. There was nothing wrong with that strategy and there is still nothing wrong with it, if you have time and considerable patience.
For those who are less willing to wait from two to seven years for results, there are many short-term opportunities in today's markets. The short-term end of the market does not necessarily mean "day-trading" (i.e., trading within the time frame of the day and not keeping stocks overnight). These opportunities were created by increased stock market volatility that began in the 1990s. By "volatility", I mean relatively large price movements in stocks during the course of the trading day....
... From 2000 through early 2004, stocks became less volatile and with the decrease in volatility, day trading opportunities diminished. On the other hand, short-term trading opportunities continued to be plentiful. By short term I mean from two to about ten day's duration. As brokerage house commissions for online trading continued to decline, the cost of trading decreased, thereby making short-term as well as day trading more viable... While I believe that day-trading can be profitable, it is an arduous venture that is both time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often not worth the time or trouble unless you are totally dedicated and willing to trade a large number of shares each time.
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