Jove's Jots

Spare Me Your Taste Buds

2012-01-04T17:41:00.002+08:00

If you are here because of the SMS or WA message I sent you, read on.

I am in need. I would like to borrow your taste buds. I'm officially forming meal tasting sessions on a regular basis and you are invited to be part of it. Occasionally, I will invite some established cooks to guide me along and when that happens, you know you are in for a marvellous treat!

The catch? I promise you there would be times when you would secretly ask yourself why on earth did you stupidly agree to waste your taste buds on (and lend them to me for) the sub-standard food I create. I promise you there would be times you would have to endure hunger waiting for the meals to be served. But I also promise you I would do my best in whipping up the fabu-licious-wannabe.

One commandment that I hope you would observe though, or at least try to comply, is ‘Thou shalt leave no leftovers’ :)

I have included pics of some of what I did last month when I turned serious about cooking, thanks to the inspiration and encouragement of a close colleague. Hopefully the pics would be good selling points.

Gratin Dauphinois

Baked Salmon Fishcakes

Starters

Lemon and Ginger Souffles

Salmon Wellington

One point of assurance is I have already figured out why some of the dishes were slightly burnt on top, if that was what you were concerned about.

So, do something good in 2012. Be part of the 'Spare Me Your Taste Buds' group. Beep me if you are in!

End of Overseas Stint

2011-12-19T16:17:00.003+08:00

Four years of overseas posting came to an end in July this year.

It had been a good and happy experience overall. What I love most about working overseas is the freedom I enjoyed - the freedom to do what and go where I wanted after work. Living alone with little of life's commitment was just great. I have to admit, though, it sometimes got tough when I felt lonely and bored. Thankfully, I am one who is able to get over boredom rather quickly.

I thank my blessing stars that I was healthy and had rarelly fallen ill in the last four years. To be down alone in a foreign country would not be something I would have loved to experience.

I thank my staff for making my overseas stay enjoyable. Some of them are now my good friends. I had learned a lot from them. Their fight for equal treatment, their cheerfulness and optimism in outlook and their fight for their loved ones had broadened my views on life.

The four years of experience, though short, is something that cannot be bought with money. I am glad I took this path.

My 1st Serious Cooking

2011-09-27T14:37:00.000+08:00

My first serious cooking today turned out ok. I had wanted wanted to fry the carrots and mushrooms but because the smoke and oil were getting out of hand, I steamed them instead. The green veg that I fried turned a bit brown and oily but were still edible. The sasuage was a bit charred. The rest was ok. Cleaning up was a nightmare. The oil stains on the walls and oven were stubborn. The kitchen and part of my hall reeked of intolerable smoke and oil. Check out the pics.

3G Abundance in T2

2010-09-05T16:39:00.002+08:00

A friend in Surabaya was praying very hard that his boss would allow him to take the morning SilkAir flight to Singapore instead of the evening one, which would mean he would only have a short time to enjoy Singapore. His prayer was finally answered.

Prior to his arrival in Singapore, he asked for my recommendation on what to do and where to eat in Singapore. I gave him my views but I was shocked to hear that not only did he not visit the restaurant I recommended, he spent hours in T2 playing online games on his iPhone because of the free Internet access.

Hokkaido, Tokyo

2009-11-01T13:36:00.002+08:00

Been years since I last visited Japan. Going again with my family end Nov. Getting excited all over again. Really looking forward to it. Definitely the highlight of the year. Thanks to my brother for the organising and booking. Wouldn't have been able to make it on my own.

Time to move on?

2009-10-21T22:50:00.001+08:00

A parent disappoints a child in the house this moment and asks the child to entertain the family guests the next. If you are the child, will you be able to entertain the guests well? I have no answer to the question until tomorrow when I will have lunch with a group of agent bosses. I believe the professional part will get the better of me. Deep inside, I yearn to get out of this once and for all. The support, the encouragement, the trust. They have all gone missing these days. Or are they always absent, just that I have never noticed? I am really tired of this. Is it time to move on?

My 1st Serious Cooking

2009-09-27T18:31:00.003+08:00

My first serious cooking. I had wanted to fry the carrots and mushrooms but because of the heavy smoke and oil, I decided to steam them instead. They turned out fine. The fried veg was a bit brown and oily but ok. Likewise, the sausage was a bit charred but tasty. The cleaning up was a disastrous. The thick oil on the walls and tables was stubborn. The kitchen and part of the hall reeked of the intolerable smoke. It took me 30 mins just to clean up. The effort was satisfying so I think I would try again next time. Not sure when though :)

Noisy Starbucks

2009-09-06T14:27:00.001+08:00

Here I am, clearing my email in a Starbucks outlet that is located within Sogo departmental store in downtown Surabaya. Nice soothing music from within the outlet but loud music played in Sogo. At the entrance of Starbucks is a piano. Members of the public are allowed to play it anytime. Suddenly, someone started to play it. She is surrounded by her friends and family, taking pictures and video of her performance. She started with nice slow music but it now turns into fast and loud noise. Moment of peace is now gone. As I am typing this, a local placed his paper bag on the empty chair next to me without even asking if it was ok. His companions are talking very loudly. Another group has a child making a lot of noise. Maybe this place has no respect for personal space. I’m leaving for lunch now, earlier than I would have preferred, for obvious reasons.

谁说不要怕付出?

2009-08-15T12:09:00.002+08:00

什么只要付出一定有收获、努力就一定有结果。这些都不是真的、都是一些用来鼓励人向上的废话。上世纪已离我们而去。上世纪的付出也已蒸发了。现在真的是再也无力去唤醒一颗心寒已久的心。现在所留下的也只是一个领悟∶一个人的相信往往是没用的。这一切就像是一场让人心凉的雨。

Bad Stains

2009-07-26T15:39:00.002+08:00

The shirt that I bought when touring Germany with my mum is now gone after I bleached it in a disastrous attempt to remove a yellow stain. That the blue stripes on the shirt are bleached only proves that the shirt is of inferior quality. Sadly human beings behave the same sometimes. Our bad behaviour is sometimes so deeply etched in us for years that any external stimulus that forces a correction will cause us to lose our ‘colours’ and characteristics. To some, however I must add, it’s only a case of returning to their originality – all the perceived characteristics are only a farcade. Thankfully, not all shirts can be spoilt by a bleach. Fortunately only those inferior ones will.

Written after a disappointed Joe witnessed changes in some of his staff because he enforced house rules to ensure the right policies are adhered to.

Excuses and Nonsense

2009-03-24T23:31:00.002+08:00

I read with amazement and irritation that Singaporeans are still debating the importance of speaking Mandarin, lamenting the difficulty in mastering the Chinese language, weighing the use of English against Chinese as if it is really impossible to master both languages and discussing what their leader has recently commented on the use of dialects. These are issues that had been discussed many times and many years ago. The answers are really simple and straightforward. Speaking Mandarin is important in today’s society. No question about it. Difficult to master it in schools where English is still the first language? Trying saying this to the many effectively bilinguals in Singapore. To say that learning the Chinese language is difficult is an easy and lazy excuse to lack of interest and unwillingness to put in effort. Use of dialects is never useless. It’s another mode of communication. If it helps you to communicate better, it’s never useless. Chinese language was once branded useless by some short-sighted gods many years ago but it’s warms my heart to see how they are eating their own words now. Speaking dialects at home does not hamper one’s ability to master English and Chinese in schools. It’s up to the individual’s effort. So, stop giving excuses.

2nd Posting

2009-03-24T23:23:00.002+08:00

Into the 3rd month of my 2nd posting. Workload is the same but there is less frustration. Maybe because I know what to expect. Maybe because there are more staff assisting me.

Compared to PNH, Surabaya is a nicer place with bigger and proper malls. But PNH still has a place in my heart. I missed the Cambodians, the friends in PNH and the restaurants where I enjoyed great food. Will spend my holiday in Cambodia some time this year.

End of Debut

2008-10-19T12:07:00.012+08:00

My debut posting is coming to a sudden end - earlier than expected. Time to move on. But I have a few tasks that I have yet accomplished. Tasks that I set for myself. Don't think I will be able to complete them before I leave. Lesson learnt - start TODAY.

Definitely going to miss this place. The lack of good entertainment has, at times, bored me to tears and the almost-lawless traffic has been short of killing me with frustration. But this city certainly is beautiful in its own unique way.

Definitely going to miss the staff here. There are those who have helped me a lot and those who have disappointed, frustrated and angered me. But they are all nice people.

Definitely going to miss Pretty. Without her sharing, life would have been all boring. Without her company and her listening ears, I would not have survived for so long. It has been great knowing her.

It has been an amazingly great experience. Will freeze the memory for a long time to come.

All's not well

2008-10-08T14:36:00.004+08:00

I keep waking up a few times at night. It has been like this for about a month or so. On a good night, I will wake up at 5+, 6+ and finally at 7+. Sometimes, I will wake up at 2+ and 3+ as well. What's wrong with me???

What had he done?

2008-10-08T14:26:00.000+08:00

I was driving to the airport las week in a super heavy downpour when I saw a man crawling in a big puddle of water by the roadside. There were floods in a few places. He had no legs. He would occasionally look up while he crawled his way through the water. He certainly wasn't gaining sympathy because there were no pedestrians and no cars nor motortuk would stop for him. What had he done to deserve this?

What is wrong with me?

2008-10-02T14:31:00.000+08:00

It has been a long while since I last posted something here. Lazy. No other reason.

I'm wierd today. I am feeling strange and emotional in the last 2 hours. No, this is not a draining feeling. Maybe I'm just tired but I feel I'm treading precariously on the line of sanity. Feel like I may fall over to the wrong side anytime. Feel like fainting anytime. Is it stress or plain fatigue? Maybe the latter since I have been religiously going to the airport in the last few days although it was a long stretch of public holidays here.

The Quayside of PNH

2007-07-07T23:22:00.001+08:00

Had a good rest in the afternoon - a 3-hr nap. The first proper rest since I came over to PNH.

Tonight is the first time I have to walk on the famous Quayside street of PNH and had dinner alone. The unruly traffic looked more unruly from outside a car. I was told PNH is like Singapore in the 60's. Well, I know not how SIN was like in the 60's (and I couldn't care less) but it did feel like I was in the 60's of SIN. Down the street, I saw people manning carts of coconuts on sale and among them, there were always children, whom I always have a soft spot for. They looked dirty and stale and I felt sad. But it wasn't that bad because at least there weren't beggars. Or so I thought! On my way back after dinner, I chose to walk along the path outside lines of foreigner-filled pubs and cafes. And along the path, I saw 2 or 3 mothers begging with children around them :(

First Weekends in PNH

2007-07-07T13:02:00.000+08:00

Sat. Warm and sunny. In office now. Will visit 240 street this weekends where I can find used bookstores (my favourite) and some nice cafes and shops. Will also look for a permanent accommodation, which is surprisingly high. So high that I'm really afraid that, with the company's budget, I would not be able to afford a 2-room unit (which is what I hope for so that my family and friends can stay with me when they come visiting). I can go for a 3-storey semi-D (I think that's what it's called) but I will have to hire a maid and a security man, pay for internet access and utilities if I really do. Quite reluctant although it's rental is much cheaper - about USD1k per month. A 2-room serviced apartment unit is over USD3k per month. Sigh.

Then of course, weekends is for laundry and ironing. Tough. I'm going to find out if the hotel-cum-serviced apartment that I'm currently staying in for a month provides free laundry. Keeping my fingers crossed. Heehee.

First weekends - no time for those alluring pubs along the quay yet :(

Lost in a Casino

2007-07-07T12:55:00.000+08:00

To relieve stress, the current manager brought me to a casino after dinner last night. In the end we played Horse-racing. Quite fun. You bet on electronic races based on odds, horse strength, race records, jockey's competency etc.

I was lost at first cos I have never seen this game before, let alone bet on it, electronically that is. Then came another loss - $$. I lost USD20, the biggest loss I had in a casino. Not much I know but hey you know what? Those were my first stakes in a casino! Yes yes. Laugh it all out. I find it funny too :) In the end we spent 3-4hours there. Good relief, I must say.

I'm breaking a few of my own records in just 5 days in Cambodia!

One Night in Siem Reap

2007-07-07T12:41:00.016+08:00

My first visit to Siem Reap. 5 July. Beautiful and authentic. Good manager and nice staff there. Phew! A load off my mind as I know I can rely on the manager there to run the show for me, at least for now.

Night. Met up with a restaurant GM and an agent for dinner. Boy! The first thing we did when we stepped into the restaurant VIP room was a bottoms-up of Angkor beer. Luckily I heeded my friends' previous advice to have bread before drinking. I knew I had to drink a lot that night so I ate lots of rice at the dinner. In the end, had 2 small bottles of Angkor beer before we proceeded to have meet the GM's 2 taiwanese friends and another local agent in a Karaoke room. (First time ever I had to pick a lady companion. Felt a bit disgusted and uneasy at first but what the heck!) Had 4 or 5 glasses of Whiskey + coke, the most I have ever had in my life. And surprisingly I was ok! Not high, not very red, a colour which I usually turn into with only 1 or 2 glass of alcohol. The bread n food must have helped. Plus the sake-(t)raining I had a month ago must have toughened me. Nothing to be proud of, but I'm proud of myself :) Don't worry my friends. I will never sell my liver to the company.

More to come, man!

4th Jul 2007

2007-07-07T12:30:00.001+08:00

As I was having dinner with my agent in San Duo eatery (HK-run family eatery that serves HK food), we heard loud bangs (or bongs!) in the street coupled with screams of girls who were running towards the eatery. I thought that was going to be the first street gun-shot in Phnom Penh that I heard. My agent and colleague ignored it and continued eating before another series of 'fire shots' was heard. The agent told us it was thunder which, of course, I didn't believe. Upon discovering, we found out it was beautiful loud fireworks released by the US embassy in PNH on a drizzling night! We saw it and gosh, it was extra beautiful for a simple reason - Jadon was born! He arrived with a bang indeed. I dedicate this to him. Though I could only see him in a month's time, I'm sure he is as cute and as beautiful as his parents :) May him be happy and in good health always!

Thank You and Bye

2007-07-04T12:18:00.000+08:00

To all my friends who managed to squeeze time to meet up with me during the last 2 weeks, those who wished me well, helped me in my preparation/settling some of my problems in Singapore and giving me advice: a BIG THANK YOU and take care.

ps: Ya. I know this post is a bit late. But better than none lar hor :)

Night #1 and Day #2

2007-07-03T18:08:00.000+08:00

First night in PNH was challenging. The guy I'm taking over from took me and another associate to a karaoke-cum-pub-cum-night club where ladies came asking if we wanted lady companion to chat with. We declined and in the end, 2 of them came chat with us uninvited, FOC of course. As a friend told me: I deserve more than to pay for women. This, I proudly agree ;)

Day 2, visited Singapore Embassy. Cool place. Had Japanese lunch with some of the Embassy staff. To that friend of mine who asked me if there was any Jap restaurant in PNH, sorry I can't remember who asked because I met up many friends in the last 2 weeks, the answer is an resounding 'YES' :) In fact I saw a few of them when I was moving around in the car.

Saw a few potential accommodation options. Some places are nice and cool. Will consolidate a few more before submitting to the head office for approval. I feel I may hit objection. Keeping my fingers crossed.

First Day in PNH

2007-07-02T18:32:00.000+08:00

Today is my first working day in Phnom Penh. All things new, all challenges. Áfter a day of briefing and showing around by the current man in the post, I can only say 'pai tan'. I knew it was going to be tough but now that I'm facing it, I realised it's worse than I thought. Well, since I asked for it, and I still want to do well, I will bite the bullet and go through it. Afterall, there is no turning back for me now so I might as well make the best of out it. I want to excel but I'm not sure if I can do it. So I can only promise myself I will work hard. Pray for me all.

PS: tomorrow I will be meeting the Singapore Embassador in PNH. A lady. Interesting exposure.

9 Days to Go

2007-06-23T01:48:00.000+08:00

No, I'm not counting down. It's 9 more days before my overseas posting and for the last week or so, I've been engaged with lunch/dinner appointment with my friends and colleagues. Some could only meet me for drinks. And this will continue into next week. Fortunately I have the weekends for my family.

I just had dinner and karaoke with one-wheel, cactus and Ben and after we said our goodbyes, I started to feel the blues. I will miss my family and friends when I feel lonely or feel like getting someone to talk to / to dine or drink with. I guess it's natural and am also sure this feeling will get worse next week - days before I leave.

Direct Feed From Taiwan - 16 April 2007

2007-05-01T14:36:00.000+08:00

虽然披上一层的雾，淡水的落阳仍然这样美不胜收！即使是周边的喧哗声也抵挡不了你欣赏这一幕！看着夕阳夕下，望着平静偶尔画出涟漪的湖面，心里无形中产生一股莫名的平静！这种感觉是会让人回忆起放在心里面的不愉快，难过的事。还是莫名奇怪的伤感，落泪？可以选择陶醉在这梦境里，让自己哭了发泄后，舒服点才回到现实？或者享受这美景，庆幸有这一刻，让自己更开朗，更加高兴，更珍惜生命？

同样是看着夕阳，在台湾却是不一样的体验！西子湾 – 浪声汹涌，海风滔滔不绝，背后又传来阵阵音乐声！淡水 – 没有浪声，没有海风但仍有自己的魅力！两者呈现不一样的风格但却都可以让你坠入梦境，自我陶醉！是否只要是一片辽阔的情景就能够让你感觉平静，进梦中？不同点是多容易吧？

高雄跟台北比较非常不同！前者港口，商业区，交通繁忙（捷运好了应该会好些），年轻人似乎比较少（都到台北发展？），车站旁很多客运（不像台北集中，more like our Beach Road），有租电单车。台北时髦，先进发达，一切比较有次序吧！各有特色，不一样风味!

住在繁华都市的人社会经验丰富或者接触的事和人多吧考虑也就多思想比较复杂。市区外的人生活平凡简单讲话直接但处事待人多了一份诚恳。

The writer is a lukewarm Contributor to this blog but is certainly a greater Supporter of it. He crafted these inspiring words on the last day of his visit to Taiwan in April 2007. Thank you.

7 for the Rome Police

2007-04-27T01:07:00.000+08:00

Italy is a place with rich culture and beautiful streets lined by magnificent architecture. However, the streets and culture are about to be stripped of their farcade.

[Postscript added a day after the rest was posted]
When the Italian national team was KO-ed by the Korean national team in the 2002 soccer world cup 2nd round, the Italians felt so humilated that they turned sore. The Korean player who scored the killer goal, Anh Jung Huan, was sacked by his employer - an Italian club Perugia which boldly stated that they didn't see the need to 'feed the mouth that they feed' and 'he (Anh) can go back and be a pauper'. The Italian players allegedly created a scene at the Seoul airport on the day of their departure. It was reported that some were even seen making obsene signs at the jounalists．The Italians need to go back to the basics of competition, where there is always a winner and a loser. If they are not prepared to lose, then they would do well not to play. Staying in their beautiful country and saying to themselves they can do better whenever they watch the world plays will be a well-cultured suggestion. For the record, the Koreans went on to reached semi-finals where they were eventually eliminated by the Germans. In the third/fourth placing match, which I watched from the streets of Seoul that were, in contrast, lined by not-so-magnificent architecture, the Turks won 3-2. The match ended with the touching scenes of both the Koreans and Turks holding each others' hands and thanking both sets of spectators for their support. This is grace within the highly competitive and some say the most beautiful game on Earth - soccer.

Italian national team was eventually crowned (un)worthy world champions in 2006 for playing disgraceful defensive, boring tactics against fellow world soccer powerhouses and headbutting the most influential player of its opponent enroute to victory. Kuodos to the Italian team for lifting up their heads and the Jules Rimet trophy without any tinge of shame.

A few Italian Serie A teams were found guilty in match fixing in the season 2005/6 and were punished. This is not what the most beautiful game is to be played. You may play the game as flamboyant as the Brazilian, as graceful as the French, as compact as the German but you do not fix the games and cheat the world over. Kuodos to the Italian teams for claiming Serie A is the best league in Europe, and possibly the world, without any strand of shame.

Shame must be accorded when due. When an Italian policeman was killed by an Italian fan post a Serie A match, along with grief and anger came shame. Shame to the fans who, in the name of the game, created havoc across the beautiful streets in Italy. Shame to the police for failure to control crowd trouble, which may now be a characteristic of the Italian police.

When Roma played Manchester United last month, thousands and possibly millions, witnessed how the Rome police so savagely and brutally whacked the United fans in a seemingly legitimate way of curbing the their unruly behaviour that was more beastly displayed by the Roma counterparts at the other side of the fence, where another group of Rome police was seen standing calmly and watching the projectile of hard objects over the fence. The 1st leg of the Champions League quarter-finals match ended 2-1 to Roma. Tragic ending to the injured and bleeding United fans. Tragic scene to the Italian capital. Tragic result to Manchester United, though all was not lost as it was only the first leg.

A week later, revenge was exacted. No, not by means of the booing treatment the Roma players were greeted with. Not even the way the Roma fans were treated by the Greater Manchester police in Old Trafford. Roma was completely outstyled and outplayed by Manchester United's swift and mersmerising attacking play, which recorded a historic 7-1 win over Roma. The 7-1 rout is dedicated to the Rome police for the effort.

Seven for the Rome police. For the Rome police who had lost their numerical skill except their own language which they so proudly speak in a pretence of civilisation, it's sette per la polizia a Roma.

Positive Thinking

2007-04-24T22:32:00.000+08:00

Received this from a friend, whose family member is recently diagnosed to have an illness. Now, I'm dedicating it to this friend of mine, plus a few others friends out there who are currently in difficult times. Me included.

Positive Thinking is...
You walk along the street, look up in the sky and see a bird flies over you and shits right into your face. You wipe it off and thank goodness that elephants don't fly.

Positive Thinking, my friends. Positive Thinking. Everything will be alright.

Exercises Needed Here

2007-04-19T13:24:00.000+08:00

I'm on leave. At home. The fifth helicopter just flew over my puny HDB flat. The noise was not puny by any standard. Is there an exercise going on? Or has the NDP practice begun? I would not mind if it's the former. In fact, I would welcome it. More practice is necessary. Just look at the recent accident that took place when the marine patrol was going after the 'human snake'. Mind you, we are talking about 'human snake' trying to sneak into Singapore and not a foreign navy with heavy guns and machinery onboard. With due respect to the deceased, I believe this accident is a joke. If I remember correctly, it was reported that this is the first time a police-and-thief marine chase of this kind had happened in decades. The first time and an accident took place. It might simply be a case of inadequate live exercise.

When a war breaks out, those stunts at the annual NPD will count for nothing. Fighting the enemy planes, safely, does. Kamikaze is one thing, crashing into enemy planes by accident is quite another.

Killing at VT

2007-04-19T13:06:00.000+08:00

Watched the TV8 news coverage on the VT Killing last night, which included an interview with a man who graduated from an uni in the States. Loosely translated, his comments were: 'The security measures in States campuses are adequate. For example, there are telephone booths in every few hundred metres in the uni where I studied. If any student needs help, these telephones will come in handy... This incident does make us worry but nobody should worry too much. It's the same in Singapore where students may carry knives. In the States, they carry guns. There is not much of a difference between a knife and a gun; both are weapons'.

My toes laughed, and laughed hard they did. Mobile phones are definitely more convenient than telephone booths that are few hundred metres apart from one another. Though one may argue that the latter would be useful to those who do not have their mobile phones with them at the moment troubles hit them, running to a telephone booth to seek help may sometimes be too late.

A knife and a gun have little difference between them? Maybe. Both have handles. Both kill. Both are intimidating. But it's the one difference that counts - guns kill from a distance. Had the Korean gunman turned up with a knife on that fateful day, how many victims do you think there would be. Most likely zero. It might even turn out to be a joke among the students in VT if he really did.

Gia Si Dua Suay

2007-04-17T00:08:00.000+08:00

Wah lau eh! Gia Si Dua Suay! Gia ni tar deo ji le si beh bian tai eh email. Wu ji le ta bor gon wa de eh Surabaya eh yi gui gan yi chin siao liam wa. Jin bian tai hor? Wa hiam hiam hin ki. Gia si dua suay, gia si dua suay!

Soccer Season's Ending

2007-04-16T23:37:00.000+08:00

Wow! What if both Man Utd and Chelsea are in Champions League Final, FA Cup Final and fighting for the last points in the last match of the English Premier League to be crowned English Champions? Exciting and fierce but I certainly do not hope the season will end that way. I still believe Liverpool will knock the (blue) daylight out of Chelsea and march on the the Champions League final to meet Man Utd or AC Milan, most likely the latter. EPL title or FA Cup will each go to Man Utd and Chelsea. Hopefully Man Utd will clinch the EPL title but chances are looking thinner by the day as their list of players is growing with every match they play. The team with the least integrity in EPL, Chelsea, seems to be in luck. They certainly did not deserve to win in last night's FA cup semi against Blackburn. If not for their good fortunes, Blackburn would be in the final. If not for their good fortunes, they would have had a few draw matches in the last few weeks. If not for their good fortunes, Valencia would be in the semi's of the Champions League. To Jose Mourinho: stop slamming others with good fortunes. You had your share too. With the fat budget Chelsea has, it's not glorious to be where they are today; it's only expected. And your know what, Chelsea should be relieved that they did not have to play Man Utd this weekend after Man Utd's 7-1 demonition of Roma in midweek, not the other way round. He had got this one wrong.

Come on! Unleash the (red) devils in Chelsea's next opponents: West Ham, Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal! Kill the Chelski dogs! Man should learn to live without the sleighs.

Poverty Near Us

2007-04-16T23:22:00.000+08:00

Saw many dark Surabaya streets with adults and children lingering and doing nothing. Some eating, others talking. I guess Singapore was like that in the 60's, 70's. Wonder if education is really the key out of poverty.

Ancient VS Present

2007-04-07T13:25:00.000+08:00

Been back from Europe for over a week.

Just over a decade over when I first visited Europe, I was in awe by the punctuality and reliability of the train system and network. It was smooth and trains arrived and departed punctually. I had no problem with my free-and-easy itineraries at all. I was disappointed this time.

On my way from Munich to Rothenburg on a DB train (that belongs to the German train company), all the passengers were asked to disembark and wait for the next train that would arrive in 45 mins' time. It was disappointing and a total waste of time. To add salt to the wound, the subsequent connecting train did not leave on time. All in all, I wasted an hour's time.

On another occasion, another train I was waiting for and was supposed to bring me from Heidelberg to Frankfurt for a connection was 15 mins' late. I was uptight as I had a connection to make in Frankfurt. It was most fortunate that the driver managed to make up for lost time but only a bit. I managed to catch the connecting train but some of the other passengers were not that fortunate. A lot missed their connection. If I had missed mine, I would have to wait for a few hours for the next train to Brussels.

Alas, it had to happen a third time. The train from Brussels to Amsterdam was supposed to be a direct service but again, all the passengers were asked to disembark and board another train from another platform.

Fortunately all these incidents did not dampen my visit to Europe, whose palaces and museums are still peerless. When you marvel at some of the architecture, you can't help but think how they were built with little or no technology century/centuries ago. And I can't help conclude that those living in the past were more capable than those living in the present age.

You don't see many magnificent buildings or structures in the present age. Maybe the upcoming ferris-wheel in Singapore may be considered as grand and magnificient by a group of self-deceiving few who came up with the un-original idea of constructing and so dearly rooted for it. But they ought to know many cities have it many years ago and Osaka has it on top a building.

What's Wrong With Me?

2007-04-02T23:55:00.000+08:00

Hey hey! What's wrong with me? My life seems ok but I know it's not. It's not in order. There are things I am supposed to do but I'm not doing them. I don't seem keen in doing anything. Deep inside, I know my life is in a mess. Someone clear it up, please.

Besides, like Cactus, I'm addicted to the nights too. I can really feel the fatigue but I just refuse to sleep. For the past 3 nights, I have been sleeping after 3am and I'm beginning to feel that my body is not going to take it any longer. The last time I refused to sleep was when I lost KT. That was sorrow-driven. But this time? I don't know.

Domestic Tranquility

2007-02-12T10:25:00.000+08:00

A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town. "What a peaceful & loving couple".

A local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage.

"Well, it dates back to our honeymoon," explained the man.

"We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon by horse. We hadn't gone too far when my wife's horse stumbled. My wife quietly said, 'That's once.'"

"We proceeded a little further and the horse stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly said, That's twice.'"

"We hadn't gone a half-mile when the horse stumbled the third time. My wife quietly removed a revolver from her purse and shot the horse dead."

"I started an angry protest over her treatment of the horse, when she looked at me, and quietly said, 'That's once'."

"And we lived happily ever after"......

The Cremated Husband

2007-02-12T10:00:00.000+08:00

Martha recently lost her husband. She had him cremated and brought his ashes home. Picking up the urn that he was in, she poured him out on the patio table. Then, while tracing her fingers in the ashes, she started talking to him.

"Herman, you know that fur coat you promised me? I bought it with the insurance money!"

She paused for a minute tracing her fingers in the ashes then said, "Herman, remember that new car you promised me? Well, I also bought it with the insurance money!"

Again, she paused for a few minutes and while tracing her fingers in the ashes she said, "Herman, that emerald necklace you promised me? I bought it too, with the insurance money!"

Finally, still tracing her fingers in the ashes, She said, "Herman, remember that blow job I promised you? Here it comes."

Post-Birthday Blues

2007-01-30T01:19:00.000+08:00

Am I suffering from post-birthday blues?

Strange how I am beginning to shudder, thinking what will happen to me in a few years' time when I have always wanted to grow old faster all my life. Is this a crisis? Maybe it's because I have not achieved much yet. Maybe it's because it's about time I should start to look for true love. Maybe it's because I have never thought deep enough. Maybe it's because time is suddenly ticking faster these days; it feels like days are chasing nights and nights are hot at the heels of days. But what am I going after? Maybe you can tell me, please.

Yes, I am having post-birthday blues.

2007-01-13T00:58:00.000+08:00

Tried the tarot card game as well and that's me:

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

My feel: Why do I not recognise myself?

My friends, I'm talking to you

2006-12-30T02:22:00.000+08:00

- x-
You were visibly shaken. I have never seen you in this state before. The closest was when you were drained by work. But even then, you were filled with hope. I know what you are going through because I’ve been there too. I feel so useless that I’m not in a position to render you with any sort of practical assistance. All I can do is to provide you with a listening ear. But you know what? I really feel the situation will turn out just fine. By then, I’m sure you would be back to your old self. Meanwhile, don’t lose heart and don’t lose your belief in mankind. Please always keep in mind you have your folks and family. And you have me. I will always be by your side. This you must believe.
- x-
I believe you have thought more than twice before taking the risk. Though I may not do the same if I were to be in your shoes, I fully support you and your decision. As a matter of fact, I will support all your decisions because I truly believe you know what you are doing. I will only point out to you areas where I think you will need to analyse deeper. This, I will always do for as long as I retain my sanity.
- x-
You have to be steadfast in your decision. I know it’s tough. I know you will face disapproval and even being snickered at. This I can guarantee. But if you are true to yourself and you know what you want, fear not. Remember, you live for yourself. Sometimes, you only need to be happy. The rest is secondary.
- x-
Depression. I didn’t know you were depressed. I must admit it caught me by surprise. Why didn’t you let me know earlier? You know you can always call me. I may be very busy but I will always have time for my friends. Especially close friends like you. Find out the source and sort it out quickly. I will help you if you let me in. But before that, I want you to know you will always have your good friends and buddies around you to support you and love you. Most importantly, your family. No stress really, because you deserve it.
- x-
You are busy. But I’m grateful you have time for me. I know I have changed over the years. I know I have disappointed and might have shocked you with the changes in me. But trust me. I’m still myself since the first day you saw me on that fateful island on which you often had fever. There are things I want to share with you but I just didn’t. Though we barely talk deep, I feel we understand each other a lot. Before I have the chance to go beyond where we are today, I hope you can keep your faith in whatever you do. You have broken away from it once so I don’t think you should break away from it this time. It’s tough but it will certainly be worth the while.
- x-
Hey you! Yes you there! Don’t look away! It’s your turn. Yes, I’m talking to you! Don’t always look away. Be brave and talk your heart out. You must realize that while sometimes it’s good not to reveal too much, it’s important to share your thoughts too. If you want no more regrets, be bold and do whatever you want to do/say. You are entitled to it. I’m sure you can do it. Now look at me. Oh yes, that’s better. Keep it up, ok?
- x-
It has been more than a year. I do still remember you. I do still miss you. I heard you do not remember some of the things you have been through and I believe you have forgotten your friends. Or at least I’m sure you have forgotten me because it has been a long time since you wanted to meet me. But that’s really ok. I can fully understand. Go meet whoever you want to meet. Remember to think for youself too, ok?
- x-

The Birth of the Ambitious Procrastinator

2006-12-28T08:02:00.000+08:00

I have long wanted my own ‘blog’. Believe it or not, I had the idea of posting my writings on the Internet and inviting friends to critique. I never got down to it and years later, the first blog was born.

Again, it took me so long to set up my own blog. It could well be because I found no fun in it anymore since there are already a lot of bloggers in the Internet world. Or it could be because, like what some may argue, I don’t really want to do this at all. No reason. No excuse.

I heard a BBC report this morning:
‘The world is filled with three groups of people: The Poor, The Middle Class and The Rich. While The Poor are fast catching up with The Middle Class and the gap is narrowing, The Rich are miles ahead of these two groups.’
This (again) made me sit up straight and take a look at myself. Do I want to procrastinate further?