Random Ramblings of a Reconditioned Reporter

Personal Ad

2008-07-20T21:35:00.000+08:00

If I had to write a personal ad, this is what I'll say...

Sporty, intellectual, financially secure Christian journalist with diverse interests.
Passionate about Christ, movies, Liverpool FC, singing, travelling and making money.
Boyish looking, it's hard to believe I'm 28, with spiky gelled black hair and slim frame.
Grew up in Singapore, spent 3 years in London to earn my BSc econs degree.
May seem boring on first impression, but if you dig a little deeper, you will find a fun dude.
Can be extroverted or introverted, depending on the company and situation.
Loves travelling, and has been to every continent except South America and Antarctica.

Seeking a Christian girl who can share my passion for Christ.
Prefers someone who is outgoing, chatty, loves sports, likes to sing, and fancies an occasional visit to the cinema.
Movie star looks will be a big bonus! just kidding la...

Erhu Song

2008-05-03T21:40:00.004+08:00

Lyrics to a really nice song I heard from the Christian songwriters' showcase yesterday.
It's also known as the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or "Erhu" song...

Strength of Your grace
Keeps me alive
Heartbeat of joy
You are my only guide

Strength of Your grace
Stirs within me
To be all that I can
The way You want me to be

Keep me today in the strength of Your grace
Conscious of You, unconscious of me
I can do all things
In the strength of Your grace
Lead me Your way I come now by faith
Surrendering all
In the arms of Your grace...

恩典的光伴我茁壮
心中的喜悦你是我向导
恩典的光在我心里
给予所有的力量你爱不眠不息

有你的爱永不悔不疑
我一生都活在你恩典光里
领我前进我愿跟随你
献上一切在你恩典光里

恩典的光伴我茁壮
心中的喜悦你是我向导
恩典的光在我心里
献上一切在你恩典光里

Gold Class Virgin

2008-04-30T11:44:00.001+08:00

Watching a movie in a GV Gold Class cinema is definitely not worth $25.
But I shall not complain, since I had free tics.

Caught my maiden movie there recently, and it was a great experience.

For $25, you get a fully reclinable massage chair-like seat, similar to that found in first-class airplane cabins.
And in true airline fashion, it comes with a nice, comfy blanket.
And a posh looking menu, plus your own personal food lounge outside.

Was surprised to see people in there, but they were mainly tourists who were probably conned into getting the $25 tics.

Being in the first row didn't matter, because I wasn't watching the Bourne Ultimatum, and there's still about 5m between me and the screen.

Definitely a luxury.Provided it's for free.

Wise Investment

2008-04-15T22:42:00.002+08:00

Global stocks have been in turmoil this year.

But there is an investment that will pay far more returns than equities.

Invest in wisdom, for Proverbs 3 says...

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

Foi'atelolo

2008-04-08T00:46:00.001+08:00

Calling a woman "fat" and "full of oil" is likely to earn a guy two tight slaps and plenty of disdain.

Unless of cause, you are in Tonga.

That's the place where any aspiring Cassanova can sweep a Tonga woman off her feet by saying to her: 'Foi'atelolo, ta ō mu'a mata māhina hopo!'
That means "O fat liver full of oil, let us go and watch the moonrise!"

Taken from the National Geographic, apparently the liver of a baked pig is the choice morsel reserved for chiefs, and so fond are the Tongans of fat and oily food that any right-minded Tongan girl is enormously pleased at such flattery.

It amazes me what one can learn from a sleepy Sunday afternoon chillout at a cafe in Vivocity...

2008-04-02T21:49:00.004+08:00

The cake was so pretty and elaborately decorated that I couldn't bear to cut it.

Football field, players, goal posts, palm trees and Liverpool flags.

It ranks among the top-three most memorable B'day cakes I've ever had.

The first was a Mickey Mouse one with choc ears during my childhood.

The second - a key-shaped cake for my 21st, of which a piece was smashed right into my face.

But birthdays are not just about cakes.

More importantly, it is the people behind the cakes that make the celebrations possible and worthwhile.

I'm grateful to the Lord for blessing me with a closely knit group of friends - Judah.

Last Sat's dinner at Greenwood was one for the album, one for the long-term memory.

Fantastic!

And thanks to the others who showered me with Facebook greetings, SMSes, meals and gifts!

I was made to feel very loved the entire week!

Iggy's

2007-08-26T23:00:00.000+08:00

Nothing beats a free lunch at Singapore's best restaurant, especially when stock markets are tumbling.

I had the privilege of dining at Iggy's - which also happens to be ranked 4th in Asia and among the world's top-100 eateries - last week.

Posh is the buzzword at the restaurant, which is tucked away at a cosy corner of Regent Hotel's third floor.
The waiters are well-trained to attend to the mostly rich clientele, and they can introduce the finer points of the limited menu with plenty of class and finesse.
Avant garde shelves and high society magazines line the walls of the dining hall.
The place doesn't have quite a romantic, homely ambience as Valentino's - feels more like a cutting-edge cuisine room.

Onto food...

Portions for the $45 set lunch were minute, but yummylicious! (yummy delicious)

I kicked off with a complimentary toufu, which was followed by a superbly cooked capellini starter served with tiny, stir-fried shrimps.
That was followed by their signature Iggy's Wagyu beef burger. Its tiny size reminded me of a BK Buger Buddies - a mini twin cheeseburger which I used to adore during my days at ACPS.
Sumptuous.

Dessert was the most memorable - champagne jelly and lime sorbet with elderberry foam.
I must learn how to make this. For it was simply sedap!

Back to Austerity

2007-08-19T01:35:00.000+08:00

Gone are this blogger's days of indulgent living, of shopping in Milan and Monte Carlo, of excessive cabbing, extravagant meals and expensive clubbing.

He now needs to:
1. Take more buses and MRT trains.
2. Eat more of mum's cooking (which is better than posh restaurants on most days).
3. Go to ladies night with female friends to enjoy free drinks.
4. Meet more newsmakers to get FREE, nice contact lunches.
5. Hide his credit cards.
6. Watch rented or pirated movies.
7. Stay at home to watch drama serials, EPL and play Football Manager.
8. Hope for overseas media junkets, so he can travel FOC.
9. Shop at Giordano and G2000.
10. Pray more, play less.

2007-08-14T16:03:00.000+08:00

What better way to mark the start of the Lunar 7th month than by catching 881?

Certainly, it beats burning joss paper.

The movie was much better than expected - it made the audience laugh (Geri?!?) and cry, and made me dance in my seat.

And for a brief moment, it made me want to be a getai singer.

Ok, for just a split second.

Enjoyed the cheesy, over-the-top, melodramatic acting, the typical Royston dark/sad/hopeless character portrayals, the glittery costumes and melodic, mainly Hokkien songs.

The sad ending also reminded me of another 7th month show I enjoyed - Cupid Love.

Yes, it's the ancient one with Chen Hanwei and Zhu Yin, the one with the classic song - Guang Huai Fang Shi.

Now I can't get that song outta my head...

2007-08-04T22:37:00.000+08:00

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10

What better way to do that than to spend the wee hours of Saturday morning with the cell in prayer.

To seek God's face collectively, and to commit our personal and church needs into His loving hands.

That was what the Lord lay on my heart a few months ago - the need for corporate intercession.

Most Christians are too busy to pray. Our schedules are flooded with 1001 things to do, and we have too many things that distract us from seeking God's face.

What is most needful is most neglected.

We simply do not have the time to just be still before the King of Kings, with no agenda except to spend time with Him.

So I thank the Lord for a most refreshing time.

A time when we can hear from Him without keeping track of time.

A time when Judah can catch the vision of why it exists.

A time when we can laugh, cry, rejoice and give thanks.

Indeed, prayer is the key to revival.

Are we desperate enough to go on our knees often enough?

Brain Damage

2007-07-30T16:42:00.000+08:00

Some health tips... I think I suffer from 1,2,4,6
Talkative ppl are smarter??? I find that hard to believe...

1. No Breakfast. People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating. It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking. It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption. Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution. The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation. Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping. Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness. Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts. Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely. Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.

Desperado- Carrie Underwood

2007-07-26T16:18:00.001+08:00

Enjoy...

Dreams

2007-07-20T01:47:00.000+08:00

What drives you?
That was a question I kept asking this director of a sports business today.
He gave up a cushy, well-paying import-export business to start an indoor football facility.
And I wanted to know what his vision was.

He said he wanted to do something fun, something out of the ordinary - social entrepreneurship.

That immediately struck a chord in me.
That got me thinking about my life's mission, dreams and aspirations.
That made me realise - do I want to pursue the Singapore dream of a HDB flat, small jap car, wife and 2 kids?

Many times, I yearn for the simple, carefree life.
I wonder why God would bless me with brains, leadership skills, a great education and a job which allows me to influence the country via writing.

Why can't He just let me grow up in a rural village in China, where I can just lead an uncomplicated life, do some stress-free job, get married to some simple village girl, have 2-3 kids, and grow old in peace.

Or in a rich, royal household, in which I don't have to worry about material things and marital affairs. And I can just party my days away in bliss.

Then these words crop up - Destiny. History-maker. Earth shaker.

To make a difference in my generation for Christ.
To change the course of history positively.
To be a pillar of hope, a ray of light in a dark world.

But sometimes, the burden of that calling is too much to bear, the walk a solitary one.
But then I realise this - He is with me.

And that drives me on.

St James Debut

2007-07-16T12:03:00.000+08:00

I made my maiden appearance at St James Power Station on Sat.
And found that clubbing might just be my cup of tea following the smoking ban.

A night out with close friends, a great live band, nice Moet champagne, and a chill-out atmosphere.
Smoke free.

It was also the day when I signed up for the UOB St James VIP card.
Good deal.

For $200 a year, it gives you three small bottles and one big bottle of Moet champagne, free entry anytime for you and three guests, 20% off drinks, and a complimentary bottle of champagne on your birthday, among other perks.

Shiok.

My only regret was not being able to get into Dragonfly. That should be rectified soon...

History-making Dollies

2007-07-09T11:46:00.000+08:00

Dollies make history
Talented trio give the Singapore story a spunky spin
By Hong Xinyi

IF YOU thought the Dim Sum Dollies were funny before, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

This sixth instalment - featuring the inimitable talents of Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong as they retell the history of Singapore - is a marvel of sharp, sure rhythms, full of precisely calibrated set-ups that add up to a sensational whole.

Tautly directed by Glen Goei, the concept for this year's show has yielded a goldmine for lyricist Tan and musical director Elaine Chan.

Chan has always had a knack for sweet harmonies and catchy hooks, as evidenced by her work in previous Dollies shows, but this year she has outdone herself.

That the tunes in this revue come with cheeky lyrics is to be expected. That they are also replete with musical riffs that double up as mischievous comedic cues is a wonderful surprise.

The voyage of Sang Nila Utama (in this version, a slacker Mama's boy) marries an infectious chorus to the ronggeng rhythms of old Malay tunes; three kamikaze pilots bewail Japan's World War II surrender as they croon an Orientalised power ballad into karaoke microphones, complete with mock-tragic flute solos; kampung aunties channel Motown-inflected blues as they mourn the passing of an era.

The musical pastiche party complements the multitasking, multilayered comedic material almost flawlessly. Take the Dirty Very Dirty Pirates number, which manages to make fun of the ministerial pay hike (the pirate sector is also very competitive, apparently), reference Pirates Of The Caribbean and allude to DVD pirates with a dash of thumping Canto-techno beats all in the space of a short skit.

Indeed, both the main skits and the throwaway bits of filler in between each set-up unfold with such breezy ease, shifting from slapstick to satire to sincere tribute with sly, blithe grace.

Be My Ang Moh, for instance, chronicles the birth of the Sarong Party Girl following the establishment of Singapore as a British colony. The following number, Samsui Woman, pays heartfelt homage to the labour of these female construction workers.

The contrast between kebaya-clad bimbos and independent women who toil to construct towers is clear. The smart, sassy history of Singapore the Dollies give you is often incisively sarcastic about establishment entities.

But they never turn cynical - the Singapore the Dollies celebrate is spunky and scrappy and sometimes silly, a place that 'makes your heart glow'.

The History Of Singapore is quite possibly going to be remembered as a landmark production for Singapore comedy.

Go see it - you'll be awed by how the Dollies are making history.

Cristo Rei, Lisbon 2004

2007-07-02T16:25:00.001+08:00

“There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will.”

There's no need to fret, when the storms of life hit me at full force.
Because I know... He's watching over me.

LJ

2007-07-01T22:46:00.000+08:00

I've decided to maintain 2 blogs instead, for the convenience of my frens who have LJ...

Check out http://al-foo.livejournal.com/

Bankside Boys

2007-06-29T11:47:00.000+08:00

There was a first year LSE boy who dreamed of performing a Cantonese rock classic.

So he listened over and over again to the song, memorised it, and got together a few hall mates.

And this is what happened...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7865997098204219680

Journo 101

2007-06-26T14:19:00.000+08:00

What's the most important trait of a successful journalist?

Deep insights? Excellent PR skills? The ability to meet tight deadlines?
A photographic memory?
Keeping your cool under extreme pressure? Silky writing skills?
Willingness to protect your sources all the way?
Guile? First-class grammar? An unlimited vocab?

I think it is none of the above.

It is this - Persistence.
The ability not to take no as an answer.

And the diligence to uncover the truth.

Malacca

2007-06-23T11:01:00.000+08:00

Church camp was a blast!

Photos/videos to come...

2007-06-15T11:21:00.000+08:00

A wave of nostalgia swept over me a few nights ago.

I dug up all the cards, notes and paper greetings and read them one by one.
I spent 1.5 hrs, and only finished 80% of them.

As I did that, pictures and emotions from the past flashed back one by one, most of them pleasant.

Old birthday cards, love notes from days gone by, Bible verses of encouragement, random messages... I thank God for every friend He has brought into my life.

I wonder what has happened to some of them, and realised I should try to meet up with as many as possible.

Anyways, some interesting observations
1. 80% of them are from gals, and boy can they write...
2. Some guys can really write (I bet they're gals in disguise... haha)
3. I have a lot of frens.
4. I'm 27 yrs old! Feel the age, even though my boyish features tell me otherwise =)

Another must-watch show

2007-06-11T01:51:00.000+08:00

Jessica Alba's chio-est show.
And also a crash course on the hip hop world.
Yes, it's also showing at my room during church camp. =)
FOC.

Must-watch Movie

2007-06-08T00:03:00.000+08:00

For those who fancy a feel-good romantic comedy with spoofs of different music genres... four stars out of five.

And, in case you're wondering, yes, the soundtrack is great!

For those who missed it on the "big screen", come to my room during church camp for a special screening... RM$10 per entry inclusive of one free drink =)

More stars

2007-06-06T10:17:00.001+08:00

Felipe Massa - my fav driver and Brazilian brudder

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso

M is for Mystery

2007-06-04T14:11:00.000+08:00

They say putting a man on the moon is science, but love is a mystery...

If I Told You
Standing here underneath your window
Searching for some kind of sign
Every move, every tiny gesture
Only proves you're not mine

I could write you a thousand love songs
Search the world for the perfect tune and rhyme
But what good would when it seems I'm out of time

If I told you
All the words I've yet to say
Would they matter
Or would you simply turn and walk away
If I hold you
Would you tell me I should go
Do I chance it
Or would it just be better not to know

Who's that girl with the perfect future
Her reflection says it all
Trying hard to pretend she's eager
Searching for some way to stall
So unsure of the road she's chosen
Faced with feelings her heart should not allow
One thing's certain, it seems
That she just can't turn back now
If she can, tell her how

If I told you
All the words I've yet to say
Would they matter
Or would you simply turn and walk away
If I hold you (if I hold you)
Would you tell me I should go
Do I chance it
Or would it just be better not to know

Would it just be better...Not to know

Al Groban live in Jumbo restaurant

2007-06-04T13:11:00.000+08:00

Some of you have been asking about the video... so here's the link.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5334702967626771807&hl=en

A little out of tune at times, but should be worth some laughs =)

An Afternoon with the Stars

2007-05-27T00:06:00.000+08:00

Roberto Carlos

Oliver KahnMichelle Yeoh

Schumi - waited 1.5 hrs, but he rejected my photo request... *sigh*

Monte Carlo

2007-05-25T17:51:00.000+08:00

Athens

2007-05-23T19:52:00.000+08:00

You Raise Me Up

2007-05-21T08:24:00.000+08:00

At first glance, that may seem a corny song title for a Parents' Day item.

But it was everything but the above.

My most stressful performance to date.
But well worth every second.

For I was able to show my love for mum and dad via words and song - my two most comfortable mediums of expression.

Despite the hours of practice, I did not achieve acceptable vocal standards.

However, seeing the laughter, then tears of joy on my mum's eyes, made every moment a memory to treasure.

Thank you Father.

Legally Blonde

2007-05-16T23:12:00.000+08:00

From a book called Disorder in the American Courts, things people actually said in court, taken down and now published by reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-one-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty-one.
________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?
____________________________________________

And the best for last

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

True?

2007-05-14T22:55:00.000+08:00

There are three things which are real: God, human folly, and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension. So we must do what we can with the third. -- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away. -- George Carlin

My Long Lost Badminton Brudder from Bangkok

2007-05-09T21:16:00.000+08:00

My colleagues think we look alike... what say you?

Funny Chelski

2007-05-07T01:20:00.000+08:00

Joy Indescribable

2007-04-29T21:09:00.000+08:00

The joy of seeing Chevy and CJ giving their baptism testimonies today cannot be fully expressed in words.

It's been less than a year since they joined Judah, and what a blessing they have been to us, and us to them.
The Lord's faithfulness and grace have been highly evident in their lives.

I remember the first time I met Chevy. It was at Raffles City food court with Shan.
And the first time I met CJ - it was in church.

Since then, it has been a rollercoaster ride. But I've enjoyed every moment working with them, praying alongside them, and serving them through the cell ministry.

Here's to the next phase of your Christian walk.

And may it be full of God's unfailing love, His grace, and neverending mercies.

Once bitten, twice shy

2007-04-25T20:20:00.000+08:00

I remember Mich talking about a sea lion who attacked a kid, but how about this for a story.
It's way back from 1993...

A FORMER national shot put and discus champion was bitten on his testicles yesterday by a python hiding in a toilet bowl he was sitting on.
Mr Fok Keng Choy, 43, a supervisor at the Tanglin Golf Course in Napier Road, is recovering at Gleneagles Hospital after receiving stitches to close a surface wound, his wife said last night.
She said that he was relieving himself at the toilet near the course's booking office when he was bitten.
"Snakes are common there because of the bushes, but not in toilets," she said.
He was bleeding and in pain but managed to call for help.
Pest control experts later caught the 2 1/2-m-long python. She was told by doctors that the bite was not poisonous. It is not known what happened to the snake.
Mr Fok was a former national field events coach and was a shot put and discus record holder in the 1970s and 80s.

Shiok Weekend

2007-04-23T09:43:00.000+08:00

It's been a long while since I had Sat + Sun off.
And, by God's grace, it was packed, fun-filled and fulfilling. =)

Sat
11.15am-12.15pm: Golf practice
2pm-3.30pm: Leader's meeting
3.30pm-5.30pm: Spoke at Youth Service
6pm-7.30pm: Worship prac
8pm-10pm: Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
10pm-12am: Watched Liverpool vs Wigan at HRC in between catching the live band
12.15am-12.45am: Dempsey Rd wine place

Sun
7am: Rise and shine
9am: Sang at the first service
9.45am: Kopi break
11.15am: Sang at second service
1.30pm: Lunch at AUPE
2.30pm: Vocal lesson
4.30pm: Coffee with Judah
6pm: Home sweet home
8pm: Family dinner
8.30pm: Newcastle vs Chelsea
9.30pm: Family prayer time
10.30pm: Chat with Sis
12am: Watched Heroes
1am: zzz

Dim Sum Time

2007-04-19T09:34:00.000+08:00

Staff Discount for The Dim Sum Dollies in The History of Singapore

SPH is proud to be the presenting sponsor of
The Dim Sum Dollies in The History of Singapore
Date: 5 - 15 July, Tue - Fri, 8pm ; Sat - Sun, 3pm & 8pm

Venue: Esplanade Theatre

Ticket price (before 20% discount)*: $98, $78, $58, $38 (discount not applicable)
*Please note that discount is not available for the July 5 show (which has a different pricing) and all $38 category tickets.

Singapore’s first ladies of comedy and satire, with their dulcet tones and "perky cups" as their theme song proclaims, will tackle The History of Singapore – before 1965…in 2 hours!

With original script and music written by Selena Tan and Elaine Chan, and directed by Glen Goei, The History of Singapore is set to be another rip-roaring rollercoaster of fun, with show-stopping tunes and poignant ballads at every turn.

But, of course, this is no ordinary history you would expect from the textbooks.
In true Dollies style, they will serve up somewhat familiar figures from the past but with a naughty, yet spot-on, twist. Included in the parade of characters this year are Super Samsui Women, Cheeky Kampong Beauties, Hot and Bothered Ah Ma Chehs, scheming Peranakan matriarchs and Hainanese chefs!

No one is spared the razor-sharp Dollies wit, not even Sang Nila Utama, Sir Stamford Raffles or the British Army during World War II.

How to get staff discount:
Present your SPH staff pass/namecard respectively to enjoy 20% discount off tickets at any SISTIC counter. There is no limit to the number of tickets each staff can purchase. Discount is not available online or via hotline booking.

Sepang

2007-04-12T00:44:00.000+08:00

A day of extravagance at Sepang... for free.

Courtesy of a sponsor's US$3,000 ticket.

Wise Saying

2007-03-27T22:03:00.000+08:00

Since God has put His work in your weak hands, look not long for an easy life.
You must feel the full weight of your calling: a weak man with a strong God.
The pain is but a moment, the pleasure is everlasting.

Chasing Cars

2007-03-23T12:07:00.000+08:00

I'll miss you Melbourne... see you again some day =)

An afternoon with Zizou in Chiangmai

2007-03-23T11:47:00.000+08:00

Ouch

2007-02-28T19:33:00.000+08:00

A Liverpool fan, an Arsenal fan and a Man Utd fan were all in the Middle East, sharing a smuggled crate of booze.

All of a sudden, the police rushed in and arrested them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offence in that country, so for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the booze, they were sentenced to death!

However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers, they were able to successfully appeal their sentence down to life imprisonment.

By a stroke of luck, it was a national holiday the day their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheikh decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.

As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh suddenly said: "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping." The Arsenal fan was first in line (he had drunk the least), so he thought about this for a while and then said: Please tie a pillow to my back."

This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. The Arsenal fan had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain when the punishment was done.

The Man Utd. fan was next up (he almost finished a half-can), and after watching the scene, said: "Please fix two pillows on my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again.

The Liverpool fan was the last one up (he had finished off the crate), but before he could say anything, the Sheikh turned to him and said: "You are from a most beautiful part of the world, your city has some of the best and most loyal football fans in the world. For this, you may have two wishes!"

"Cheers mate, your Most Royal and Merciful highness", The Liverpool fan replies. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but 100 lashes."

"Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave. "The Sheik says with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish? What is it to be?" the Sheik asks.

"Please tie the Man Utd fan to my back."

Zizou Deja vu

2007-02-25T19:58:00.000+08:00

This blogger is mad with himself, and wishes he could headbutt the wall.

Another trip, another sports star, another near-miss.
Ouch.

The last time it was Tiger Woods. This time, a famous French footballer.

Went up to Chiang Mai to meet Zizou. That was cool.

And it got way cooler when I was about to take the lift back to my room at the hotel lobby, and out pops the fella.

But here's the frustrating part: I allowed him to walk right me, before I decided to whip out my camera and autograph marker and chase after him.

A moment of hesitance, a period of regret.
He got onto his minibus, and that was the end of my window of opportunity.

No photograph, no autograph.

The last time I had this feeling was in Shanghai, where I stood next to Tiger Woods and his manager like an idiot for 10 mins, and could not bring myself to ask him for the above.

Well, as one friend pointed out: at least that was not Maria Sharapova.

Once bitten, twice still bitten. But yet I hope.
I will score from the third time onwards.

Safe In His Hands

2007-02-17T00:44:00.000+08:00

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Singlish 101

2007-02-12T02:09:00.000+08:00

Ah Ter (as in "Arthur") was asked to make a sentence using 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Not only did he do it 1 to 10, but he also did it again from 10 back to 1.
This is what he came up with.....

1 day I go 2 climb a 3 outside a house to peep.
But the couple saw me, so I panic and 4 down.
The man rushed out and wanted to 5 with me.
I ran until I fell 6 and threw up.
So I go into 7-eleven and grabbed some 8 to throw at him.
Then I took a 9 and try to stab at him.
10 God he run away.

10 I put the 9 back and pay for the 8 and left 7-eleven.
Next day I called my boss and told him I was 6.
He said 5, tomorrow also no need to come back 4 work.
He also asked me to go climb a 3 and jump down.
I don't understand. I am so nice 2 him but I don't know what he 1.

A Memorable Meal

2007-02-11T21:55:00.000+08:00

Star-studded.

That was the setting last Monday when I had dinner at the largest home in Orchard.

My only problem was this: I had to report on the event, not mingle around and chit chat without thinking about work.

Needless to say, I had little to eat.
There were simply too many VVIPs to follow, thus keeping me away from the makan table.

President, PM, Ministers, officials, athletes - they were all present.

Though last-minute (I filled in for a colleague who was on MC), it was a pleasant experience overall.

Non-stop Makan

2007-02-10T00:00:00.000+08:00

I ate for a living on Friday.

Yes, from 1pm-9.30pm.
From Chinatown to Bugis to Orchard.

And the best part? I paid a grand total of $15 for pigging out.

That was enough for an eight-course Teochew lunch at Hung Kang inclusive of yusheng/wine/shark's fin, late afternoon ice-cream at Swensens, and a dinner buffet at Goodwood Park Hotel.

Shiok.

Now to lose all the fat gained, starting with my usual Saturday badminton!

Football reflections

2007-02-03T00:23:00.000+08:00

It's tough to be objective when one is a Singaporean, watching your national team in action.

It's doubly worse when the sport is football.

But I was glad I got to be a part of the Kallang Roar for its final-two hurrahs.

Singapore vs Malaysia.
Singapore vs Thailand.

Two 55,000 crowds in five days for a Singapore football match is unheard of in recent memory.

And the events on the pitch ensured that memories of these two games will forever be etched in the minds of those present.

1. A closely fought derby, with a dramatic penalty shootout.
2. A historic win, inclusive of an unprecedented walkout.

Wow.

Publicly Slammed

2007-01-22T22:07:00.000+08:00

It's not every day that your article gets read out at a press conference and you get publicly slammed by a football coach.

But that happened to me last week.

The coach strolls into the room bearing my article and asks for my name.

He then proceeds to let everyone know what he thought about my story, and saying that I knew nothing about football.

I kept my cool - no point getting into an argument with an arrogant person.

Well, I stood by what I wrote - his team were outplayed by their opponents and I wrote it that way.

To cut the long story short, he was sacked two days later.
His team drew with Singapore, got knocked out of the tournament and he was fired the next day.

As one senior colleague once told a coach: "Don't be so yaya now. When you leave your job, I'll still be around to write your obituary."

Liverpool Creed

2007-01-19T00:44:00.000+08:00

How about this for a fan oath?

"Liverpool's my religion, Fowler's my god.
You will never walk alone's my hymn of praise, and Anfield's my place of worship."

For me, God will always come before Liverpool.
It's difficult at times, but there's no two ways about it.

Crossroads

2007-01-14T19:37:00.000+08:00

It's report card day, and also D-Day tomorrow. *fingers crossed*

Double Rainbow Delight

2007-01-02T23:13:00.000+08:00

It was a sight I'll remember for some time.

No, it was not the face of a pretty girl.

Rather, it was a double rainbow that greeted me at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Jan 1 2007.

2006 ended rather hurriedly, with work, IPPT, last-min Christmas shopping, church celebration, parties and youth camp.

Thus, I was glad that 2007 began on a slower note - chilling out at home with relatives.

And when the evening came, I decided to go for a quiet jog.

The rain came, but my mood was not dampened. And I was rewarded with the above-mentioned sight.

Wow.

Too bad I didn't have any photographic device, so I had to settle for this pic I found on the Net, which was similar to what I saw.

Here's to a bright 2007 for all, full of double rainbows and delightful memories!

Club Med Bali, Anyone?

2006-12-05T03:34:00.000+08:00

To thank you for your support in 2006, we are sending you to Bali for FREE!
Adults FLY FOR FREE with our NEW Premium All-Inclusive Club Med Bali Air and Village package. Now you have an excuse to spend more on shopping!
What’s more, with children FLYING FOR HALF PRICE, this is an offer Not-To-Be-Missed!
Package dates: 18 - 21 January 2007
4 Days 3 Nights 18-21 January 2007 Premium All-Inclusive DELUXE package Adult S$909 / Child S$645(normal price: S$1,153 per adult)
4 Days 3 Nights 18-21 January 2007 Premium All-Inclusive Air and Village SUPERIOR package Adult S$720 / Child S$553(normal price: S$994 per adult)
LIMITED SEATS. FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
BOOK BY 22 DECEMBER 2006.
*Our All-Inclusive package includes (above prices are per person)
Return economy air-tickets Singapore-Bali-Singapore on Garuda Airlines
Airport land tansfers in Bali
Welcome drink
Twin-sharing accommodation in Deluxe or Superior room
Sumptuous Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Free-flow of red and white wine, beer and beverages during Lunch and Dinner
Bar and Snacking: Unlimited drinks and snacks at the Bar*
All sport activities with expert tuition
Nightly entertainment
*Bar and Snacking includes: Drinks available at the Bar - bottled water, soft-drinks and fruit juices served by the glass, freshly-squeezed fruit juices, local and international brands of spirits, wines served by the glass, cocktails, local specialities (excludes: premium spirits, champagnes, bottled wines, Mini Bar, F&B on sale at Boutique)
*Outbound flight 18 January 2007GA841 SIN-DPS ETD1750/ETA2020
*Return flight 21 January 2007GA840 DPS-SIN ETD1400/ETA1630

From tears to laughter

2006-11-21T22:58:00.000+08:00

Grandma is much better.

She's now able to joke, laugh, chat, eat and sleep.

And wow you with all the happenings in her hospital ward, like why the patients around her are there, who visits them, what the nurses are up to etc.

Even though she can't get out of bed, her eyes and ears are ever-observant.
And her memory can put those decades younger than her to shame.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that she's 93.

Surgery's on Thursday, and we're believing God for a miracle as she takes the first step towards recovery.

Anguish

2006-11-16T23:57:00.000+08:00

Pain is when you see a loved one sobbing on a hospital bed and you can't do anything but pray.

I have not seen grandma cry this bad since my uncle died prematurely more than 10 years ago.

Her hurt was not physical, though she had a displaced hip bone and could not even sit up, much less walk after her fall.

It was more emotional - the fear of the unknown, the trauma of falling again, the unfamiliarity of living in the hospital for the first time in over 10 years, the taboo of possibly needing surgery.

Lord, please give her the will to live, and give me the time to visit her.

Spent the evening there with my aunt, joined in between by Pastor.

I wish I could just stay there all night, just holding her hand.

But I could not. And she would not let me.

Back

2006-11-15T11:38:00.000+08:00

The reality of life hits you like a thunderbolt when you receive a call from the office with your next assignment as your plane is parking at Changi Airport.

I was just returning from a one-week trip to cover Tiger Woods in Shanghai.

Come on man, the plane has not even come to a halt?!

Oh well, enough complaining.

Shanghai was great, though it would have been perfect if I had not caught the flu from another journalist on Thursday.

An average day was as follows: wake up, watch golf, file report, dinner, massage, sleep.

The place has not changed much - heavy traffic, rough people, expensive shopping, cheap spa.

The weather was pleasant this time round, unlike the daily drizzle I experienced last year.

Still no luck with the Woods autograph (not that I bothered to even try this year), although he was less guarded.

Back to the real world...

It's gonna be a Manic Monday

2006-11-06T00:13:00.000+08:00

Well, my bags are not packed, and my visa is not ready to go.
But I'm leaving on a jetplane to Shanghai on Tuesday morning.
And it doesn't help that I have to be at the airport by 6am.

Throw a Monday column into the equation, and this blogger is going to need divine strength to survive tomorrow.

Help!

I've to finish my work as early as possible, and run to the China embassy twice in-between.

In the words of The Bangles song

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

Newsroom Lessons

2006-10-25T23:53:00.000+08:00

Memorable quotes about my profession, all told to me during the last two years.

There are many others, but somehow, these four stand out.

"The three-most important rules of journalism are accuracy, accuracy and accuracy."

"Good journalism is reporting what others try to cover up."

"It's like chasing a gal. If you like her, you take her into bed first, then talk later."
- On how to chase a news story.

"I pray, and the story ideas just pop up in my head."

Uniquely Singaporean

2006-10-18T18:40:00.000+08:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

The kelong Kelong

2006-10-16T19:19:00.000+08:00

It was a fun-filled weekend fishing trip in Tanjong Pinang - except for one thing.

I caught no fish.

Wish I could blame it on the haze, the rod, or the oversized hook.
But I guess it just boils down to one thing - my lack of patience.

It didn't help that our neighbours - this family of 10-odd were catching fish left, right and centre.

Even their seven and nine year-old girl and boy were fishing them up like nobody's business.
It was as if the fish in the kelong could recognise their VIP rods, and chose to bite on their bait, while leaving mine to the parasite nibblers.

Now, I truly understand Luke 5:5.
That's when Peter the professional fisherman tells Jesus: "Master, we've worked hard all night, and haven't caught anything."

Thankfully, the good company, sumptuous spread, and cable tv more than made up for the lack of fish.
And there was that kick-ass, hour-long Javanese foot and shoulder massage, for the princely sum of S$9 before I boarded the ferry home.

It's All A Blur

2006-10-09T22:11:00.000+08:00

Mystery 1: Why do people still smoke cigarettes outdoors when the PSI reading is 150?

Mystery 2: Why do people still barbecue when there's a haze?

Lost two years of my life at the Newton taxi stand on Friday night, when I was waiting for a cab home with my sister after cell group for 30 minutes.

Breathed in so much haze (doesn't help when you used to have asthma) until I had a headache.
Misery compounded by mumbling taxi drivers who are just looking for the slightest excuse not to pick you up.

It didn't help that people at the queue did not know how to form a proper queue.

This incident just heightened my desire to get a car, or move to a more central location.

Was thinking of pretty nasty things to do to the cab drivers who refused to take us. But when I thought of how difficult it was to earn a living as a cabby in Singapore, I decided against that.

Beer is bad

2006-10-06T12:20:00.000+08:00

Stupidly hilarious... =)

WARNING:
Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties & local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman.
Many females use a date rape drug on the market called "Beer".

The drug is found in liquid form and is available anywhere.
It comes in bottles, cans, or from taps and in large "kegs".
Beer is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and sleep with them.
A woman needs only to get a guy to consume a few units of Beer, and then simply ask him home for no strings attached sex.

Men are rendered helpless against this approach.
After several beers, men will often succumb to the desires to sleep with horrific looking women whom they would never normally be attracted to.

After drinking beer, men often awaken with only hazy memories of exactly what happened to them the night before, often with just a vague feeling that "something bad" occurred.

At other times, these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life's savings, in a familiar scam known as "a relationship."

In extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer term form of servitude and punishment referred to as "marriage."

Men are much more susceptible to this scam after beer is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females.

Please! Forward this warning to every male you know.

If you fall victim to this "Beer" scam and the women administering it,there are male support groups where you can discuss the details of your shocking encounter with similarly victimized men.

For the support group nearest you, just look up "Golf Courses" in the phone book.

No Title

2006-09-29T16:54:00.000+08:00

pen·sive (pnsv)

adj.

1. Deeply, often wistfully or dreamily thoughtful.

2. Suggestive or expressive of melancholy thoughtfulness.

rest·less (rstls)adj.

1. Marked by a lack of quiet, repose, or rest: spent a restless night.

2. Not able to rest, relax, or be still: a restless child.

So many issues floating through my mind...
Too much uncertainty, too many worries.

So much I want to do, so much I need to do.
But so much I can't do.

The Final

2006-09-25T21:47:00.000+08:00

Surprise, surprise. Hady is the new Sing*pore idol.
The most obvious choice became the most popular choice.

What clinched it for him, other than the scores of mainly-Malay Ole-screaming fans, was this:
He saved his best for last.

While Jonathan seized the initial introduction with more class and aplomb, Hady seemed overawed by the big stage and was outgunned.

That supremacy continued, as Jon's delivered his best song - Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars - first, which gave him an early edge.
I was surprised that Hady did not sing his Malay song, which was easily the best performance of season 2.

Then it all started to fall apart for Jon.
The setpiece song - his second - was his worst. He went out of tune several times, and crashlanded big-time with You Give Me Wings.

It did not help that the above song was more suited to Hady, who had a wider vocal range and a more radio-friendly tone.

That left Hady to deliver the coup de grace with You Give Me Wings.
And he lifted the entire audience up with his inspirational rendition to land the final blow to Jon's hopes. There was really little doubt to the result thereafter.

The competition was a singing one, and eventually the best singer won, even though he seems a carbon copy of Taufik and went out of tune a few times.

But he should savour every moment of nation-wide fame now.
Judging from past pop idol winners, the only way his popularity can go is this way - downhill.

Writer's Block

2006-09-20T09:48:00.000+08:00

This is the fifth time I've started this blog entry, but I can't seem to get to the second sentence.

Prayer

2006-09-06T01:17:00.000+08:00

Strong words from a book:

"No man is greater than his prayer life.

The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying.
The pulpit can be a shop window to display one's talents; the prayer closet allows no showing off.

Poverty-stricken as the Church is today in many things, she is most stricken here - in the place of prayer.

We have many organisers, but few agonisers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters.

Failing here, we fail everywhere.

The two prerequisites to successful Christian living are vision and passion - both of which are born in and maintained by prayer."

Com'on, Be A Man!

2006-08-30T16:24:00.000+08:00

This is quite a hilarious and, perhaps, shocking read.

It's titled Why Nice Sing*pore Guys cannot Get Girls

Enjoy...

In case you missed it...

2006-08-24T15:52:00.000+08:00

From Tuesday's ST page H6

PM LEE'S SPEECH: NO 'HARM' IN MEE SIAM

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong meant to say 'laksa, mai harm' - 'laksa, no cockles' - when illustrating a point in his National Day Rally speech on two competing sides' podcasts.

Asked about it, the PM's press secretary said yesterday that Mr Lee had inadvertently said 'mee siam, mai harm' instead. That dish, of course, does not have cockles as an ingredient.

The quote came about when Mr Lee was speaking about new technology and podcasts, and warned that if politicians were to start competing on the basis of whose podcast was funnier, the tone of public debate would be lowered.

Busy

2006-08-21T22:14:00.000+08:00

It's been a hectic week - had to preach two messages, and do a Sunday golf feature.

Things got worse on Thursday, when I woke up with a sore throat.
That evolved into a running nose (which is terribly irritating) by Saturday, and that got worse on Sunday.

Throw a lung-bursting Singapore Celebs vs HK Celebs Sunday soccer game, in which I played for 20 mins, into the equation, and you get an exhausted blogger.

Look who's next to Christopher Lee... hehe

Which is why I'm grateful, grateful for His grace and divine energy.
Grateful for His mercies, which are new every morning, and for His ever-present love and faithfulness.

Finally had a chance last Friday to share a message that has been in my heart all month to my cell group. I pray that God touched their hearts that night, and that lives will be transformed.

Also shared at the Youth Service on Saturday. It's extra hard to do so when your nose is runny, but somehow, my nose was fine during that time.

Didn't like the smaller screen at No 20, and I felt a little unprepared, but I thank God for the opportunity to minister to the younger ones.

Lazy

2006-08-14T22:54:00.000+08:00

You know that feeling when you need to finish something by a certain date, but you have absolutely no impetus or desire to do anything about it.
I've been having that for the last four days

It sucks.

Sunday features - the bane of my existence.

Need some inspiration, other than the fear of the looming deadline...

Help!

Two Years

2006-08-03T03:05:00.000+08:00

Wow.
2 August 2006 marks the second anniversary of my first full-time job since graduation.

Thank You for seeing me through every mountain, and every dark valley...

Here's to many more good years of work!

2006-08-03T02:32:00.000+08:00

Chinese

Hilarious! And he's coming to Singapore... too bad only single tics are left. *sigh*

Signals

2006-08-01T11:45:00.000+08:00

"All girls should be like traffic lights", said a male friend, as he shared his relationship woes with me recently.

They should have red, amber and green lights prominently displayed - that way guys will know how to handle a relationship.

Should they press on, back off or be indifferent?
BGR matters will be much simpler if the above were true.

Maybe, after all is said and done, we guys are just plain lazy...
Or, like love, we are just blind...

Speaking about signals, what is it about Singaporean drivers and a failure to flash their intentions to change direction?
Maybe, all the car manufacturers should just cut costs by excluding signals in all their models sold here.

Do they expect everyone to be able to read their minds?
Or are they just plain lazy?

Imagine all the lives that could be saved and hurt avoided, if only everyone signals...

MARS special

2006-07-25T19:46:00.000+08:00

From my office mailbox - don't know whether it's true...

MARS, the Red Planet, is about to be spectacular!

This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that
will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded
history.

The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.

Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only
be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.

The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within
34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky.
It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide.

At a modest 75-power magnification ... Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.

Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10 pm and reach its azimuth at about 3 am.

By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its
highest point in the sky at 12:30 am. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history.

So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter
and brighter throughout the month.

Share this with your children and grandchildren.

NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN

More Photos

2006-07-22T01:21:00.000+08:00

Uploaded some photos from my World Cup travels here.

More to come when KA and Lenny pass me theirs...

LV Virgin

2006-07-21T12:55:00.000+08:00

Alfoo sashays into the LV store near Milan's Duomo, the first time he's ever gone through the doors of the famous bag boutique.

He spots a cute Italian salesgirl, and attempts to strike up a conversation...

Al: Do you have any items on sale?
LV gal: *Gives an arrogant look*
LV gal (puts on a strong Italian accent): In LV, we NEVER have sales.
If you want sales, pls go over to Gucci or Prada next door...
Al: *speechless*

Thankfully, my friend intervenes, and buys a bag for his mum after getting her 'order' via sms.

Cup Fever

2006-07-12T22:09:00.000+08:00

Overwhelmed

2006-07-04T16:50:00.000+08:00

Houston... we have a problem.

This blogger is now 'stuck' with six extra World Cup semi-final tickets, courtesy of the Fifa waitlist.

Now to exchange them for some extra shopping $...

Lesson learnt:
When God blesses you, He goes beyond the distance.
When the disciples went fishing, they caught so much till their nets began to break...

Blessed

2006-07-03T02:26:00.000+08:00

As Homer Simpson would belt out - I've got news for you mister.

Managed to secure tickets to both World Cup semi-finals.
So it's Germany-Italy, then France-Portugal.

God has been really good to us since our arrival last Wednesday.
1) He gave us an almost brand new Opel Zafira 1.9 diesel MPV to drive... lots of space for bags and shopping, plus diesel is about 20 euro cents cheaper than petrol.
2) Free tics to the Germany-Argentina quarter-final, which were next to the Philips counter girls. =)
3) Tics for the France-Portugal semi-final.
4) Journey mercies - lots of it.
5) Good health

Too tired to think... so I shall blog randomly.

Did I mention that I've erased my previous top speed of 185km/h clocking 215km/h on the autobahn. As KA says, we'll be crawling on the BKE when we return to Sing land.

Sat six rows behind the goal at the England-Portugal match on Saturday (pls let me know if you saw me on tv!)

I'm in Cologne now using the hotel's free internet while KA grabs some sleep.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

2006-06-26T22:42:00.000+08:00

My bags are almost packed, I'm almost ready to go... to Germany!

And the prospect is immensely tantalising.

Match 1: Germany vs Argentina.
Billed as the final before the Final, I hope the Germans sneak through in a high-scoring game.

Match 2: England vs Portugal
This was THE best match in Euro 2004. Hopefully, history repeats itself.

Rest to follow...

Bring it on!

Graduation

2006-06-20T13:50:00.000+08:00

Finally... I'm proud of ya!

Revelation

2006-06-20T00:23:00.000+08:00

People take leave to watch the World Cup
This blogger gets paid to watch the World Cup

It's the Final Countdown

2006-06-16T02:05:00.000+08:00

In His time.

In 12 days, this blogger will be on a plane bound for Frankfurt.
Mission: to watch the World Cup in the flesh, but led by the Spirit.

But first, let me rave about Church Camp 2006.

One word - fantastic!
The Lord confirmed His call on my life, and reaffirmed me with His promises.
Now, all I have to do is walk with Him, and see His divine plan unfold...

Speaking about timing - I got hauled up by a Malaysian traffic cop yesterday on the way back from church camp for overtaking.

Not a pleasant experience, given that the roadlines were perculiar to Malaysia. I didn't know that meant no overtaking. Paid a RM$50 ''fine" and endured a short lecture on road safety.
Man, I wanted to give him a lesson on integrity!

Movie Maniac

2006-06-09T00:43:00.000+08:00

Are you the ultimate movie buff? I got 79/100.
Those that i watched are in bold... those I watched more than once are in bold and italics!

All-Time Worldwide Box Office Movie List

1. Titanic (1997)
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
4. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
6. Jurassic Park (1993)
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
8. Shrek 2 (2004)
9. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
11. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
12. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
13. Independence Day (1996)
14. Spider-Man (2002)
15. Star Wars (1977)
16. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
17. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
18. The Lion King (1994)
19. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
20. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
21. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
22. Forrest Gump (1994)
23. The Sixth Sense (1999)
24. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
25. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
26. The Incredibles (2004)
27. Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
28. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
29. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
30. War of the Worlds (2005)
31. Men in Black (1997)
32. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
33. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
34. Armageddon (1998)
35. King Kong (2005)
36. Mission: Impossible II (2000)
37. Home Alone (1990)
38. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
39. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
40. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
41. Ghost (1990)
42. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
43. Aladdin (1992)
44. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
45. Twister (1996)
46. Toy Story 2 (1999)
47. Troy (2004)
48. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
49. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
50. Jaws (1975)
51. Pretty Woman (1990)
52. Bruce Almighty (2003)
53. The Matrix (1999)
54. Gladiator (2000)
55. Shrek (2001)
56. Mission: Impossible (1996)
57. Pearl Harbor (2001)
58. Ocean's Eleven (2001)
59. The Last Samurai (2003)
60. Tarzan (1999)
61. Meet the Fockers (2004)
62. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
63. Men in Black II (2002)
64. Die Another Day (2002)
65. Dances with Wolves (1990)
66. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
67. Cast Away (2000)
68. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
69. The Mummy Returns (2001)
70. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
71. The Mummy (1999)
72. Batman (1989)
73. Rain Man (1988)
74. The Bodyguard (1992)
75. Signs (2002)
76. Madagascar (2005)
77. X2 (2003)
78. Gone with the Wind (1939)
79. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
80. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
81. Grease (1978)
82. Ice Age (2002)
83. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
84. Godzilla (1998)
85. What Women Want (2000)
86. The Fugitive (1993)
87. Hitch (2005/I)
88. True Lies (1994)
89. Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)
90. Notting Hill (1999)
91. Jurassic Park III (2001)
92. There's Something About Mary (1998)
93. Planet of the Apes (2001)
94. The Flintstones (1994)
95. Toy Story (1995)
96. Minority Report (2002)
97. A Bug's Life (1998)
98. The Exorcist (1973)
99. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
100. Basic Instinct (1992)

Sunday Times surprise

2006-06-05T01:05:00.000+08:00

It's a tad pai seh to have pictures of yourself plastered on the newspapers, esp on Page 1, when all you've had is a few minutes notice.

I certainly had no clue my tickets story would be so favoured by the Sunday editor that she decided to put my pic on Page 1. And they made me drive home and back just to get the tickets for the last-minute photo shoot.

It was just a random story idea I suggested to my boss over lunch last Thursday, as I wanted to expose those eBay ticket fraudsters.

Well, I've had loads of SMSes today and some MSN conversations as a result of the story.

These range from - "Go find a China study mama", to "Pretty gf not hard to find", to "You're fat!" to "I've a cute colleague who's available. U want?"

Ah, the price of fame.

Note to self: remember to call the printers to purchase the bromite copy of the Page 1 so you can keep it.

Penalty Heartbreak

2006-06-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

Scored all three of my penalties, but could not win. My reader missed two.

Sigh.

Jitters

2006-05-31T01:33:00.000+08:00

The mission: Score more penalties than TNP.

The time: May 31, 8.45pm.

The setting: National Stadium, 15,000 fans.

The prize: A trip to Arsenal's brand-new Emirates Stadium in London to watch an EPL game.

The potential feeling: Either perfect bliss or total disaster.

Wish this blogger luck!

The Best Cell Grp in Da World!

2006-05-20T11:06:00.000+08:00

Presenting...
Zion Gospel Mission's Judah cell (click for video)

$96k Ferrari Dream

2006-05-16T22:23:00.000+08:00

Decisions

Another Epic Final

2006-05-14T01:41:00.000+08:00

Stevie G: You're the man! Thanks for the moment... again.

Travel

2006-05-14T01:33:00.000+08:00

create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide

MI3

2006-05-13T01:24:00.000+08:00

Sorry uncle Tom.

The scene that I'll remember most from MI3 is Maggie Q stepping out of her orange Lamborghini Gallardo in THAT red dress...

First Love

2006-05-10T01:25:00.000+08:00

A Jap song I've always wanted to learn.

First verse and chorus done, rest to follow...

Saigou no kisu wa
Tabako no flavour ga shita
Nigakute setsunai kaori

Ashita no imagoro ni wa
Anata wa doko ni iru n darou
Dare wo omotteru n darou

You are always gonna be my love
Itsuka dareka to mata koi ni ochitemo
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
Ima wa mada kanashii love song
Atarashi uta utaeru made

Tachidomaru jikan ga
Ugokidasou to shiteru
Wasuretakunai koto bakari

Ashita no imagoro ni wa
Watashi wa kitto naiteru
Anata wo omotteru n darou

You will always be inside my heart
Itsumo anata dake no basho ga aru kara
I hope that I have a place in your heart too
Now and forever you are still the one
Ima wa mada kanashii love song
Atarashii uta utaeru made

You are always gonna be my love
Itsuka dareka to mata koi ni ochitemo
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
Mada kanashii love song
Now & forever

in English:

In your final kiss
I could taste the flavour Of tobacco
It was a bitter and painful smell

At about this time tomorrow
I wonder where you'll be
I wonder who you'll be thinking of

You are always gonna be my love
Even if someday you fall in love with someone else
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
For now it's still a sad love song
Until I can sing a new one

When I stop moving
I try to move on
It's nothing but things I don't want to forget

At about this time tomorrow
I'm sure I'll be crying
And I'll probably be thinking of you

You will always be inside my heart
Because it's a place that will forever be yours alone
I hope that I have a place in your heart too
Now and forever you are still the one
For now it's still a sad love song
Until I can sing a new one

You are always gonna be my love
Even if someday you fall in love with Someone else
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
For now it's still a sad love song
Until I can sing a new one
Now and forever

GE

2006-05-07T02:47:00.000+08:00

The day that began with lightning ended in the same way - with the Lightning party winning the polls.

However, they were hammered in Hougang, then pipped in Potong Pasir.

But Aljunied was kept - though by a margin too narrow to prevent Sylvia from stepping into Parliament as an NCMP.

Looks like the Wayang Party were the biggest winners this time - kudos to the kamikaze gang in AMK.

Will this be SM's political Waterloo?

Will Low attain legendary status?

Will MM contest again?

Will a GRC finally fall?

Will the new faces deliver?

Questions, questions, questions.

Action Party vs Wayang Party

2006-05-03T21:13:00.000+08:00

Guess which pic belongs to which party?
Well, it seems people like to watch wayang rather than catch action.

But will this translate into votes?!

New

2006-05-01T00:08:00.000+08:00

Presenting...

The latest addition to my family... Sony DCR 803e DVD handycam with 3.0m megapixel camera

List price: S$2099

Offer price: S$1399

Price this blogger paid: S$999 at Courts

Dad's company rebate: S$400

Total cost: S$599

Is that a steal or what???

Great Day At The Office

2006-04-28T09:34:00.000+08:00

Rare are the days when I feel really accomplished after a day's work, but yesterday was one such occasion.

It was Nomination Day.

Wrote page leads for both Prime and Sports even though I was not in the team covering the GE (which is practically all the crack reporters in the newsroom).

It was totally unexpected - given that only the who's who of the newspaper wrote articles for Prime yesterday.

The story came from a last-minute media briefing. And I was given little information, and late notice.

But the best thing was - I managed to finish all my work before 6.30pm.
That meant an evening of soccer at the roof-top court.

Was misfiring for the entire game, but I saved my best for last.
Scored the final goal of the hour-long session.
It was a moment to savour - a sweetly-struck half volley with my left foot after my right-footed goal-bound effort had been saved.

But it was that Prime byline on Nom Day which was the real goal.

Rarely does a reserve, who is given a last-minute chance to play in the first team, end up scoring a goal!

I was that newsroom reserve yesterday.
And boy, it felt good.

?!?

2006-04-21T23:34:00.000+08:00

Can't believe it.
One of the articles that I wrote actually appeared in an NTU business law exam paper!
Killer question...

Credit to Sop for spotting it.

Dating 101

2006-04-18T23:18:00.000+08:00

Always go for a girl who wears glasses.

Why?

1. Because she'll always look better when she takes off her glasses...
2. You'll also look better to her when the above happens...