There are so many happy memories whenever I think about Doraemon. For starters, you could try by imagainig the different possibilities and ideas you could do with his gadgets. At that time, I remembered how incredible I can be, if i have doraemon as a companion.

There was the bamboo copter and all the super stuff that fit inside his soft white pocket. He would reach in and draw out something with his fingerless white hands and yell some crazy name for the object and what it could do. Incredible.

Doraemon was not exactly the anime that I grew up watching. There are many other english cartoons on sat morning, yet doraemon remains a fragment of youth that forms a part of my kiddo days. I recently came across it in youtube and it was like back to those innocent days of wishing and envy. It left a big smile on my face

Theme Song - Doraemon

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Nowadays, I feel down when my phone doesn’t ring. My mum would nag at me every morning as I remain unmotivated to wake up. I am jobless and I can tell you it’s a “cb” feeling. Professions like security guards or car park pontianaks become dignified at this period of time.

Many have proudly informed me on how vibrant the industry currently is, should be able to get a job fast with a decent pay. I thought so too. As a routine after waking up, I would log in to jobsdb and look for prospective opportunities.

I assume I have my cover letter and resume in tip top order. But till date, after dispatching out at least 20 out, not a single one has replied. I cannot blame them. At the bottom of most job advertisement, they always disclaim that only suitable candidate will be notified. What about me? I check my phone constantly to see if it is working, but it has never failed me. It is always ready for any incoming calls, but it is just not ringing.

For anyone who is reading this lousy entry, and you happen to know any good openings…

Regards

I am Chinese. Historically, I, together with many fair/orange skin human beings, are all living legacies - descendants of the vast Chinese civilisation renowned as Zhong Guo (China). The cradle and essence of every single Chinese community/country that spans across the globe. Though it is genetically hard to blueprint Asiatics exact beginnings, it is evident in places like Indochina, Japan or S/N Korea, have all traditionally assimilated a great deal of Chinese influence within their culture.

- We have such a common last name such as “Lee” (ie. Korea, S.E Asia Region)
- Staple diet are normally rice or its related
- Medicinal remedies such as acupuncture and plant herbs

As for the predominant population in HongKong, Taiwan or Singapore, our blood lines are mostly recent and clearer. For instance, my granny was born in China before her parents decided to re-settle in Singapore. During this period of hardship and toil under the dynastic rule, many Chinese fled to S.E Asia.

Taiwan is also pretty much similar. It is an island of containing many chinese, politically named as ROC (Republic of China). I had just returned from a trip to Taipei which I had a great time eating and walking around. As a Chinese visiting a place filled with even more Chinese, it was interestingly fascinating. Or rather, I probably had too much of a pre-conditioned “Singapore state of mind” to compare and complain. Their sweet voice, smooth white tofu skin, courtesy and politeness. Like Singapore and most other countries, underneath Taipei sugar coating, they have their dirty laundry like gangs, streets peddlers or related unsavouriness. As an honest and neutral opinion, I do not as feel safe walking alone along Taipei streets at night.

There is massive difference of societal behaviours and practises between Singaporean and Taiwanese. If there is a study on Asia where levels of civil freedom is measured, Taiwan would straight to the top of the chart. It is this discretion of freedom that evolved into values and behaviours embraced very fervently by its people.

Good or bad? It is one long list to debate. It is hard to imagine as a Singaporean, even having the same Chinese roots as Taiwanese and speaking the same mother language, we harbour such difference in social mindset. Is this a valid guage to compare Singapore’s democracy?

As usual, while I was munching down my breakfast today, my mum would religiously kick-start the day by telling me the all the “interesting” headlines from the papers she read yesterday.

Blah Blah Blah.

Normally, I would do the bo chap routine - “arh - arh. really? oh..OK”, and I would continue sipping my hot milo. But today I congratulated her for hitting my hidden spot when she mentioned that there is only one winner who won the 6million TOTO by quick-pick yesterday. I got high instantly. But bo bian, I still have to maintain my sian early morning expression. If not she would babble on more and more with greater zest and enthusiasm.

LUCKY ASS

And so I begun my agony of thoughts with bittering envy on why a person can be so damn lucky to win $6 million over night. I would imagine he can be the unluckiest person in the world since the day he was born, until yesterday - the day he won the lottery. Now, everything is paid back in full and alot more. I wonder if he managed to sleep that night. You know how folks always say how certain events can change a person overnight. Obviously they know what there are talking about. My influx of creative hormones begin to form ideas on what he might possibly do with the 6 million dollars. Sorry, or rather, what I would do with MY own 6 million dollars. Many things I would want to do.

Hereby, I praised myself from being such a imaginative and prudent person when it comes to money.

I remembered reading a psychological report somewhere about human behaviour especially after winning a sudden windfall OR dealt with a major disability (etc; blindness)

1) If the individual is a unhappy and discontented person - 6 months after winning the lottery, the initial excitement of winning will pass off and he would still remain as a unhappy and discontented person.

2) If the individual is a happy and upbeat person - 6 months after a major disability, the initial shock and depression will pass off and he would still remain as a happy and upbeat person.

I thought the study is quite interesting. You see, any major events that happen in our life may change the our external context dramatically. In the end, the closest values that root within our character would always remain unchanged to guide us.

I hope the winner do some donations.

I realised today is abit different. I didn’t have to report to work.

Yea. Now I want to impress you with my laughter of joys and contentment that I derived while lying happily on my bed. I had left my job last Saturday after 9 months of bitching around. To that, I am officially not a hubber anymore.

Credit to what I have learned for the past months while on the job - Customer Care Consultant. The unspoken heroes behind the scenes. The guys at the front-line who unselfishly run into blazing heat to put out the fire. Those gentle calming voices you hear when you dial 1633, fuming on why starhub network so bad or why we cut your line.

Believe me, there is a good share of nitwitted people within the gracious populace in Singapore.

You see, its a job that requires great tactfulness and skills to navigate around the bend while keeping in control. Being detached professionally yet able handle each customer with accommodating level of apathy is an acquired skill. Kudos to those are striving at the job and those seasoned pros who never cease to offer a gracious helping hand to me.

When I was there, I strive to be as helpful as I possibly can to assist the customer. But since I am unable to fulfill my competencies that well, my consolation would be the absolutely wonderful working environment I have had the fun to work in. A team of young, energetic individuals I have shared tons funny memories.

There is’nt a particular name to mention.
It is simply called the General Enquires 1633 PT team.

Anyway, for further enquires, you may dial 1633 and look for Ray.

I kind of remember watching this film when I was like 10, 12 maybe? This is one classic film that I can relate to, especially in my younger years.

I could recall reading up the TV guide in paper before sitting right in front TV in anticipation to watch those Golden Harvest HK films during the 2230 movie slot, either on Wednesdays or Fridays. Those were the days where Taiwanese variety show were completely non existant. Those were many movies, but ghost or vampire flicks (gui xi) have always had a special attachment to me. Like this one.

Theme Song - A Chinese Ghost Story

I borrowed the DVD at the library today, while I don’t exactly remember the story, I took a chance since I figured film maestro Tsui Hark is its producer. Well, sure enough it is nothing less of my expectation. The production has every element to make up a great orthodox Chinese movie. It has punching humour, great flying fight scenes, really realistic monster and most importantly a grand love story entwined between a human and a ghost. Oh boy, was she beautiful. The main character is played by the late Leslie Cheung as a rather lost, timid tax collector and his opposite by the super gorgeous Joey Wang as the female ghost (Xiao Qian). And then, there is the Taoist Monk - Wu Ma as a ghost-hunter, depicted as if he is suffering from some closeted mid-age crisis. Long story put short, both fell in love even though they were’nt suppose too. In entirety, I has a utterly enjoyable experience watching it back, relishing the good old memories of the early 90’s..

I suppose most of us would recall her as a popular Singaporean cover girl during the mid 80’s and early 90’s. Apart from being a top model from a relatively sedate fashion nation, she was also the author of her own controversial autobiography , “Excuse me, are you a model?”. She was only 29 when her flight, SilkAir 185 crashed in 1997 killing her and all on board.

The tragedy was more then 10 years ago, about 6 years since I first read her book. Till now, I remembered clearly my first experience while and after reading her book. (I mentioned as my first experience because whenever read it again, I tend to relate differently.) It had a mixture of envy and intrigue. Her simple and charming revelations detailing her life, experiences and observations offered a nostalgic throwback during 80’s Singapore. They evoke richness of thoughts on relationships, life and social consciousnesses. While many of her subjects are not often discussed openly, the essence of her writings embrace the appreciation of pillars such as family and friends.

Her writing has made a bold reflection about society and interpretations of living life and its causes. I like to assume most of us humans are living for a reason, which brings about our motivation. As renowned life theories explain - a pinnacle of life seeks self actualisation. Interesting, many people are still unsure of what to achieve in life except financial freedom. I never knew Bonnie Hicks until I read her book and I can only dream up of getting to know her. As I discerned closely, I can safely assumed she had to be living a free spirited life of meaningful existance, purpose and learning.

There is alot more I have gained and experienced from her book. Its a really good read. Take a chance and read it especially if you are born around the early 80’s in Singapore

Certificate of Entitlement. This is prerequisite under a vehicle quota system that applies exclusively to Singaporeans. We Singaporeans would be familiar as car buyers would toss this abbreviation up and down, doing long mathematical calculations on bidding prices. I remember years ago in mid 90’s to late 90’s, buying a car in Singapore would be an addtional 30-40k for COE on top of the car itself.

COE price is economically based on 2 major factors - how many COEs the govenment is willing to issue and the market demand. However, with the establishment of open bidding in 1999, the COE price in detailed transparency has dropped, stabilizing now at range generally between 8k to 15k. This desirable reduction is mainly due to the increased release of COE entitlements, based on the lowing importation tax to the secondary market for our used cars. Plus, the loosening of bank regulations by the government allow for cars to be purchase with minimal upfront payment, keeping the reminder tied down to the terms of installment.

Therefore in recent times, the car market volume is going up the roof. Folks in the Singapore are ever more keen then before in getting a car. I start to wonder if we are becoming a bigger debtor then ever to the banks. Many car buyers are attracted to the longer managable installment arrangment, making cars easily afforable at first glance. People figure out that as long as their they pay can cover the installments, I doing well enough to afford one. Point of consideration - Have you got the safety net for that?

In terms of depreciation, the day you buy your car is the day you start to lose money. (Unless you are talking about classic cars)

Firstly, most Singaporeans have our housing mortage to overlook. Now, as we start normalising that owning a car as a necessity, personal finances are continuing to tilt towards risky red zone. Many of us are in a “eye wide open” manner, increasing our liabilities and dependability to the banks. Even though getting a car brings along comfort, whole-being and happiness in a certain extent. We have got to look at the other end of the deal. Are we working longer, harder, pondering over bills near retirement ago? The lowering of COE prices may have inadvertently introduce a negative bait factor, compelling us to work even harder so that we can upkeep just like everyone else is working doing.

Ok. Considering that I have been scouring this for a long time, I have got to be surprised to find this in the library. After reading the synopsis, it clear to me that I HAVE to watch it.

Basically its about the rivalries among concubines to whom the master chooses to sleep with everyday. Oh yah, have to mention that Gong Li is one of them. It is proven that reading that may result in varying exilaration.

I squatted to lower racks and begun running my fingers throught the dvd spines, straining my focus to register the different titles. When I saw it, I dragged it out immediately and smiled by myself for being so lucky. Next, I secretly peered over shoulders for any ah peks and aunties that could be vying the same interest and pulling of the “I need it more then you” stunt. I think I was being paranoid. But most of all, I think I am lucky. No ones is around me.

This film is crafted in a close door manner which intimacy is none existant to the viewer but generally understood. Chief ploy relying on the subtle yet discriminating politics between the 3 concubines and the head wife. The idea is whomever the master choses the sleep with the night before, she will get to have some odd privileges, also implicitly gaining a upperhand in the running for the household. So every evening, the four ladies would stand outside their quarters within view of each other and then some lantern fella would walk down their aisle and place a big red lantern, infront of one of them

As I think you know, would indicate the master desire to sleep with for the night. Those same guys would then proceed to light up alot of big red lanterns inside the compound of the “chosen one”. The lighting of the lanterns is depicted in painstaking extent, apparently a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Foully interesting right?

I don’t wish to give up too much of the details, but I have to admit the artful directing and rich characters in the film brought about more then just the survial of the shrewest equation. But also the equality and purpose of the Chinese women in the past. It relates on how education and social exposure can bring about different ideologies against traditional conventions.

In the past, if you are one rich man in China having more then one wife, it is really important to make sure the babies they bear is yours

I have to confess that I am an addict. I addicted to Scofield and Linc. I had to buy the whole series when it came out. I didn’t care. I am a junkie and I finished the 2nd season within 2 days. 2 days of which is at about the time, around 4 days before my cross cultural management exams. I cannot take it if I don’t finish it

Allow me to return to the time when I finished the last espisode of season 1. I was absolutely gutted by the ending. I’m sure most did. I tried imagining how the plot is going to lean towards season 2 once the characters successfully broke out from prison? For a while it didnt look too promising. Seems like it has to regress into a pretty stereotyped plot - fugitives running from authority.

I was wrong. It was amazing from start to end. As I transit between increasing episodes, I told myself countless time that it is gonna be the last episode before I turn it my pc off. It was a uphill challenge and I am glad that succumbed to my own temptation. Basically, I had resorted to continue until I my eyes became so heavy I had to sleep. I am writing this straight after I finished the last one. I feel whole again. I feel liberated. No more addiction.