In the aF1ermath of the "most exciting to happen in Singapore this year", I have ten suggestions to make:
1. After the race is over, have a charity race where people race on the actual circuit in cars powered by alternative fuels - solar, water, human, human waste, whatever. All proceeds will go to offsetting the cost of oil.
2. Given the perfect storm of morning traffic incidents that took place on 26 Sep (F1 road diversion, heavy rain, trains not working on the EW line), the organisers should give people bicycles to congest the pavements and have boats from West Coast Park and Bedok Jetty to bring workers into the CBD.
3. Open up both sides of Anderson Bridge to give Hamilton a chance to overtake everyone ahead of him.
4. Put some colour on the grey boundary walls. Think advertising man.
5. Get Khong Guan, Arnold's Chicken, Eu Yang Sang, Yeo Hiap Seng, Lee Kum Kee, Mustafa and Hyflux premium spaces to advertise on. Like on UOB and OCBC buildings. Money shots baby.
6. Let Ah Bengs and Ah Lians live out their The Fast And The Furious fantasies by allowing Evo vs Type R races on the circuit as a build up to the actual F1 race.
7. Allow Kacang Puteh men to troll the grounds to sell-in the local peanut flavour.
8. Have a stylist decide what the PM should wear when he gives the trophy away.
9. Wouldn't it be cool if the F1 cars could do the ECP-AYE-KJE-BKE-SLE-CTE-PIE loop? At 300km/h no less.
10. Re-employ the Grid Girls as steel fence dancers, and replace local commentators with those that actually have a passion for the race and know what's going on beyond how beautiful everything is.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Monday, 29 September 2008
Pushing On And Puffing Up
The body isn't doing so good. Just a week into year 34 and I am groaning and moaning, and not in the good way. Last week, my age old lower back pain decided to make an appearance and stick around for a while. And that same night, I went for a yoga class and I think I overstretched, overexerted, over-something-ed and that brought back the unpleasantness of tight nerves, stiff tendons, tingly spine, sleeping on my stomach head yanked 90 degrees right, walking gingerly, getting up painfully and, of course, jibes from the family. 'I thought your yoga cured this thing.' 'Why come back again, ah?'. Goodness.
I took painkillers before I slept and rubbed some red mentholated oil ("Try it, sure work wan," the mother exhorted). Next morning the pain was still there. So I took more painkillers, 2 yellow pills freed from their plastic-aluminium foil restraints, washed down with HDB tap. I had an interview that afternoon and so decided to take 2 more pills before I left home.
In a toilet downtown, as I adjusted the tie, I noticed some subtle puffiness around my eyes. Uh-oh. I had this before. As my right index finger poked at the slightly swollen flesh, I became confused and worried. The former because I had taken painkillers I wasn't supposed to be allergic to, and the latter because the yellow pills were mostly paracetamol, one of the few remaining pain relieving drugs I can take since the doctors declared me aspirin and NSAID unsafe. Habis.
The puffiness must have gotten worse during the interview. But the nice lady at the other end of the table was too polite to say anything. I must have looked like a monster. Well, at least like I got punched. I confirmed my fears as I left building 40 minutes later. Yup, Muhammad Alispirin did one over on me. In the next 4 hours I think I drank 5 litres of liquid to flush out the toxins. In that time, I had ex-colleagues interrogating me over my suited up, sold out attire and the burgeoning bags under the eyes.
Is it old age? Is it time for these bones and wobbly flesh to give way? Should I look at dentures (yes the teeth are acting strange too) and hip support girdles? Is my body rejecting foreign chemicals? Did I simply eat too much? Oh the young(er), carefree days of 33 years. Oh 32, how I miss you.
I took painkillers before I slept and rubbed some red mentholated oil ("Try it, sure work wan," the mother exhorted). Next morning the pain was still there. So I took more painkillers, 2 yellow pills freed from their plastic-aluminium foil restraints, washed down with HDB tap. I had an interview that afternoon and so decided to take 2 more pills before I left home.
In a toilet downtown, as I adjusted the tie, I noticed some subtle puffiness around my eyes. Uh-oh. I had this before. As my right index finger poked at the slightly swollen flesh, I became confused and worried. The former because I had taken painkillers I wasn't supposed to be allergic to, and the latter because the yellow pills were mostly paracetamol, one of the few remaining pain relieving drugs I can take since the doctors declared me aspirin and NSAID unsafe. Habis.
The puffiness must have gotten worse during the interview. But the nice lady at the other end of the table was too polite to say anything. I must have looked like a monster. Well, at least like I got punched. I confirmed my fears as I left building 40 minutes later. Yup, Muhammad Alispirin did one over on me. In the next 4 hours I think I drank 5 litres of liquid to flush out the toxins. In that time, I had ex-colleagues interrogating me over my suited up, sold out attire and the burgeoning bags under the eyes.
Is it old age? Is it time for these bones and wobbly flesh to give way? Should I look at dentures (yes the teeth are acting strange too) and hip support girdles? Is my body rejecting foreign chemicals? Did I simply eat too much? Oh the young(er), carefree days of 33 years. Oh 32, how I miss you.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
I Googled "What's Wrong With Singaporeans?"..
... and it spit out 8 hits. I repeated the search with 'Ugly Singaporean' and about 8800 references came to the fore.
I am sure you have thought about this too if you live in this small island. I am actually suprised I haven't ranted about this earlier. I dunno, maybe I am too free now and have serious time to seriously think about what's wrong with some of us. Ok, not so seriously :) Just some things in the papers that got me thinking and now writing.
Some of us abuse maids. You hear about these horror stories about maids being tortured with hot irons, not fed adequately, been deprived of food and driven to suicide or reciprocal caustic action. There are smart, educated people on trial for causing their maids harm. When we read about these things, we think 'how can these people do this?' and 'what monsters! what's wrong with them?'. I think many Singaporeans have a superiority complex. We think we are too good, perhaps a part of the elite. We may have got there because lalaland is so perfect and we are raised to be literate, safe, comfortable, healthy and clean. (I think this complex makes us litter when we cross the border.) When foreigners from less fortunate places come over, we may feel like they aren't worthy of our country. That they are here to get some that's rightfully ours. And that may make feel like we can take advantage or even get away from treating some of them badly. There may be undertones of racism but at the same time, I know Chinese Singaporeans who can't stand Chinese nationals. What if maids were angmohs? That would make things interesting. We need to think about these things especially because Singapore is a rojak of people from all walks, and decide where we stand and what we need.
Some of us are thoughtless. You know, all those little infuriating things Singaporeans do. I'm gonna blab about what happens in my favourite mode of transport - the train. We all have observed jokers who
- rush into trains
- have children trained to rush into trains
- lean their boneless bodies on grab poles as if they are semi-official places to rest their asses
- use seats for bags
- let their kids run around like wild animals
- simply not move in
- play music or change ringtones with volumes set as if they were deaf
Ok, I am ranting. But I think some Singaporeans are hardly aware of the world around them. It's about 'me me me'. When we need the train operator to put up 'Priority Seat' stickers above seats to remind people of social graces, or rather the lack of, it's a sign we aren't there yet.
I think I better stop before the bitterness overwhelms. There are of course more things to complain about. Hey, that's a problem too :)
I am sure you have thought about this too if you live in this small island. I am actually suprised I haven't ranted about this earlier. I dunno, maybe I am too free now and have serious time to seriously think about what's wrong with some of us. Ok, not so seriously :) Just some things in the papers that got me thinking and now writing.
Some of us abuse maids. You hear about these horror stories about maids being tortured with hot irons, not fed adequately, been deprived of food and driven to suicide or reciprocal caustic action. There are smart, educated people on trial for causing their maids harm. When we read about these things, we think 'how can these people do this?' and 'what monsters! what's wrong with them?'. I think many Singaporeans have a superiority complex. We think we are too good, perhaps a part of the elite. We may have got there because lalaland is so perfect and we are raised to be literate, safe, comfortable, healthy and clean. (I think this complex makes us litter when we cross the border.) When foreigners from less fortunate places come over, we may feel like they aren't worthy of our country. That they are here to get some that's rightfully ours. And that may make feel like we can take advantage or even get away from treating some of them badly. There may be undertones of racism but at the same time, I know Chinese Singaporeans who can't stand Chinese nationals. What if maids were angmohs? That would make things interesting. We need to think about these things especially because Singapore is a rojak of people from all walks, and decide where we stand and what we need.
Some of us are thoughtless. You know, all those little infuriating things Singaporeans do. I'm gonna blab about what happens in my favourite mode of transport - the train. We all have observed jokers who
- rush into trains
- have children trained to rush into trains
- lean their boneless bodies on grab poles as if they are semi-official places to rest their asses
- use seats for bags
- let their kids run around like wild animals
- simply not move in
- play music or change ringtones with volumes set as if they were deaf
Ok, I am ranting. But I think some Singaporeans are hardly aware of the world around them. It's about 'me me me'. When we need the train operator to put up 'Priority Seat' stickers above seats to remind people of social graces, or rather the lack of, it's a sign we aren't there yet.
I think I better stop before the bitterness overwhelms. There are of course more things to complain about. Hey, that's a problem too :)
Monday, 22 September 2008
Of Eager Tongue And Growling Tummy
Two fridays ago, I made a trip to Geylang Serai with some fine folks to immerse in the scents and sights that are Hari Raya Puasa. Kim, Andy, Zul and Wendy met me among the throngs of Paya Lebarese and quickly got lost in the pasar malam next door to the MRT station. There were many things to eat albeit fried things. We in fact wanted to partake upon the best fried chicken in Singapore but the queues at Arnolds were off-putting. We should have known hungry people breaking fast on a Friday would want to placate their pangs in a manner worthy of kings and colonels. So Zul took us to the hawker centre in the middle of Haig estate. This shot sees him consuming his mee goreng putih while I had the nasi goreng ikan bilis. And goodness they were good. No regrets not having chicken. Check out the Flickr set.
I came home one night and saw 5 apples neatly arranged in a curious pyramid on a tea-towel in the kitchen. I hesitated for a moment before the photographer adage of 'Take now or forever hold the memory' popped in my head. So I turned on the light from the cooker head, a deep yellow-orange glow that's more convenient to activate than the actual kitchen lighting on the ceiling (ask me about that later), to capture the fruit formation. The apple shots are at the end of my Misc set in Flickr. Images aside, it turns out that old saying of 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' holds some truth. Sailors took apples with on voyages as a source of Vit C to prevent scurvy. There are rich in certain antioxidants and phytochemicals. These things help to prevent some cancers, combat ageing, lower bad cholesterol levels and aid digestion. So go bite into some juicy appley goodness today and every other day too.
Last Friday, my weird friends and I (aw, you guys know who you are...) had ciders at Dirty Nelly's (see more apple related stuff) and then proceeded to have a feast at Por Kee. If I haven't mentioned this before, it is the duty of all Singaporeans, ready and able to partake upon Chinese cuisine, to visit Por Kee for a meal. Located in a carpark in the heart of old Tiong Bahru, this place has already made a name for itself by just being quaint with rather mature folk running the joint. The food you order need not be epic but it will make an impression. From the photo, you may be able to pick out asparagus sauteed in garlic, sweet potato leaves in sambal, the tom yum tilapia, the house specialty braised tofu with sea cucumber and snow peas, and champagne pork ribs. Mammma mia! And we topped off the meal with mango pudding but that wasn't so good. There are many other dishes to revel over at Por Kee. I have tried the cereal prawns, yam basket and yam paste (orh ni) there and no complaints from this makan lover.Go eat go.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Status Update
Yo yo yo. Well yah, been lazy about updating the blog. The laziness is a sign of the times. Am not working or more politely "in between jobs". You have to admit it then easy to let the muscles go and make new indentations in the couch before endless hours of cable tv programming. Ok, I am exaggerating though I am able to veg out before the googlebox if I wanted to. I've discovered the Biography Channel (95), Sci-Fi(98), Universal (99) when I put my mind to it and hand on the remote, and have been catching Anderson Cooper at 10am on CNN these past few days. Have you seen Reaper? It's so good and funny.
Quite some bit of time has also been spent on Rocky aka Kiki aka Kuku, my nephew. He's quite a handful. Having spending time looking after him during the day has given me new respect for mothers. It ain't easy and it is easier to give up despite all the cuteness. Mostly because the cuteness comes with screaming and milky regurgitates.
Am going for interviews. It is an interesting market out there man. People need people and when they tell you they are looking for the right person, you wonder if you're gonna be the left guy. I am generally lean towards pessimism, though I am great with giving others advice. "Chin up, drop 20, it's ok, no way she said that, and let's go have a beer." Maybe it's easier not to have too many expectations than fall harder and further when things don't pan out. Perhaps. Anyway, this round of interviews conjured up the age-old "so where do you see yourself in 5 years?" and "what are your weaknesses?" questions. First time I was ever asked those in my 9 years of filling out IR8As. The other ONE big question was "Why all these jumps in your career?" Editor, copywriter, PM, PM again, copywriter, and studied Engineering. What's up? In my head, it's "what's the problem?" while I explain opportunities and chances to make life interesting. Like a friend said last night, "What era are these people from?", it's all about doing many things and seeing where life takes you. You may not make tonnes of money, but you'll certainly be very interesting at a party. Oh dear, my life goal is to be interesting at parties. I mean, great! Woof!
Been taking pictures as usual. The camera goes where the eye goes. And yoga. Went to a 10am class, my thigh muscles nearly gave way but I survived, sweaty. Been running too. Did a sloooow jog to Sembawang Beach on a semi-rainy day on Sunday. It's funny that people like to hang out on an open jetty on a stormy day.
And today I chopped up 6 potatoes. Let the fun begin.
Quite some bit of time has also been spent on Rocky aka Kiki aka Kuku, my nephew. He's quite a handful. Having spending time looking after him during the day has given me new respect for mothers. It ain't easy and it is easier to give up despite all the cuteness. Mostly because the cuteness comes with screaming and milky regurgitates.
Am going for interviews. It is an interesting market out there man. People need people and when they tell you they are looking for the right person, you wonder if you're gonna be the left guy. I am generally lean towards pessimism, though I am great with giving others advice. "Chin up, drop 20, it's ok, no way she said that, and let's go have a beer." Maybe it's easier not to have too many expectations than fall harder and further when things don't pan out. Perhaps. Anyway, this round of interviews conjured up the age-old "so where do you see yourself in 5 years?" and "what are your weaknesses?" questions. First time I was ever asked those in my 9 years of filling out IR8As. The other ONE big question was "Why all these jumps in your career?" Editor, copywriter, PM, PM again, copywriter, and studied Engineering. What's up? In my head, it's "what's the problem?" while I explain opportunities and chances to make life interesting. Like a friend said last night, "What era are these people from?", it's all about doing many things and seeing where life takes you. You may not make tonnes of money, but you'll certainly be very interesting at a party. Oh dear, my life goal is to be interesting at parties. I mean, great! Woof!
Been taking pictures as usual. The camera goes where the eye goes. And yoga. Went to a 10am class, my thigh muscles nearly gave way but I survived, sweaty. Been running too. Did a sloooow jog to Sembawang Beach on a semi-rainy day on Sunday. It's funny that people like to hang out on an open jetty on a stormy day.
And today I chopped up 6 potatoes. Let the fun begin.
Monday, 8 September 2008
Relive The Big Bang!
On Wednesday 10 September 2008, CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is going to recreate the BIG BANG. Yes, the one that created the universe.
At about 0900 Swiss time (quite apt eh) (1500 SG time), some scientists are going flip a switch and send tiny atomic particles accelerating to near light speed around a set of tunnels 27 kilometers long under the Swiss-French border. The colossal complex is known as the Large Hadron Collider. The particles will then hurtle into each other, releasing massive amounts of energy in as many as 600 million collisions each second. Cool eh. All this in the pursuit of knowledge, and hopefully answers to questions like "What other dimensions are there?", "What happened to all the anti-matter?" and "Why do women need so many shoes?".
CERN had to commission an new computer system called The Grid to capture all that day and beam it to labs all over the world. Lagi cooler.
For more geeky background into the multi-billion dollar project, go to BBCNews.
You can watch the live webcast on Wednesday here.
In honour of the project, I have embedded a YouTube video that deserves a Nobel Prize of its own. Presenting the Large Hadron Rap! (BTW hadrons are too complicated to explain simply. The best known hadrons are protons and neutrons.)
At about 0900 Swiss time (quite apt eh) (1500 SG time), some scientists are going flip a switch and send tiny atomic particles accelerating to near light speed around a set of tunnels 27 kilometers long under the Swiss-French border. The colossal complex is known as the Large Hadron Collider. The particles will then hurtle into each other, releasing massive amounts of energy in as many as 600 million collisions each second. Cool eh. All this in the pursuit of knowledge, and hopefully answers to questions like "What other dimensions are there?", "What happened to all the anti-matter?" and "Why do women need so many shoes?".
CERN had to commission an new computer system called The Grid to capture all that day and beam it to labs all over the world. Lagi cooler.
For more geeky background into the multi-billion dollar project, go to BBCNews.
You can watch the live webcast on Wednesday here.
In honour of the project, I have embedded a YouTube video that deserves a Nobel Prize of its own. Presenting the Large Hadron Rap! (BTW hadrons are too complicated to explain simply. The best known hadrons are protons and neutrons.)
Friday, 5 September 2008
Naomi And The Boys
Old school Singapore pop from the 60s, when all that mattered was how high your hair was and how flare your pants were. The haunting voice of Naomi will chill your bones and melt your soul. Ready, get set, flow. AUDIO
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Cat-a-tonic
Cats like you for a reason. If you happen to be the one who feeds them, scratches them, gives them a warm place to sleep, they give you some attention. Not 100% but whatever they think you deserve. A cat might tempt you into treating her right by sliding up to your leg as you sit in a stranger's home for dinner. Back arched, fur at its snuggliest, face at its cutest, the cat wants you to treat her right in the guise of hospitality. Once nudged, massaged and fed, she scuttles off to the next best entertainment, no longer you.This cat is Saffi. I have mentioned her in some blog post some time ago, perhaps more than once (more attention that she deserves? debatable). She is a long-haired Siamese something. She scratched me once before. Claws and teeth bother me. Dogs just have teeth.
I had recently visited this pretty kitty at her new home. This time I had the opportunity to scratch her almost all over as she lay sprawled on her owner's bed. "She likes it under the chin" came the suggested and the cat promptly submitted to the rapture of a foreign scratching hand.
I left and came back with the camera, she was all non-chalant. "What, another picture? Aren't there enough of me already? No. Just no." was the animal vibe being sent out in all directions. Hence the not-so-great photo, slightly miffed expression on the feline.
Sigh. We, the humans, proceeded to play normal mahjong, 3-person mahjong, then back to normal 4-person rounds. The cat appeared early on and allowed me to capture this next shot. After that, she snuggled with my pullover and jumped on top of the TV. That was it. It hid later and I didn't get to scratch it goodbye. I think Saffi doesn't like me.
Monday, 1 September 2008
Get A Ride, Give A Lift - Carpoolking
Andy introduced me to Carpool King some weeks ago. In this age of sky-high petrol prices, new ERP gantries sprouting like fungus on an unwashed marathoner's toenails, and transport gripes from drivers and commuters alike, this website hooks up the folks with the means with those that need a ride. For a reasonable price of course. Go check it out - you can get rides from Hougang to Chinatown for $4, Yishun to Changi for $5 and East Coast to Jurong for $5. Commuters get a comfy ride to work. Drivers can find car-roomies who will inadvertently share in your petrol and ERP costs. Hey, you win either way. Woof.
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