Discover this when clearing some of the chain emails. Nice discovery!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
What's Life?
2nd aunt has passed away on 31st March 2008. Mum was there when she died and so were her youngest son, son-in-law, grandsons. Mum said she looks peaceful. That's a blessing. 二姨永別了! I'm sorry for not able to make that trip to Kuala Lumpur as promised as I unfortunately was down with a flu and in addition, we need to pick up the maid that we have employed over the weekend. On my next trip to KL, I will make pay you a visit.
Sad to say, only when certain events, like this, we are able to rekindle the ties of relatives and friends. I don't understand with so advance technology, why the frequency of contacting close kins has reduced drastically. Are we really so busy? Are we putting up in places that is so 'ulu' that we are not able to at least pick up a phone to dial?
When Mum comes home on 4th April, she brought along 细姨 who has recently recovered from cancer. Our house is filled with a bit of life and laughters. With 细姨 in Singapore, we get to visit 老Hero, 姨媽. I really feel ashamed that 姨媽 is staying around 10 bus stops away and that I did not bother to pay her a visit over the weekends?
Excuses that I can see or use would range from I have to work, I am unable to apply leave, I have no time, or I only have 2 rest days to run errands, maybe next week or week after next...
An email, "Enjoy Your Coffee" I have seen back in 2006 was circulated back to me recently. In it, it mentions "Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly."
It reminds me to start caring, especially to my close kins and friends.. I'll work on this..
Enjoy Your Coffee
A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor.
The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general...
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups:porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, somequite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee.
When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering...''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones.While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves,that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems! "
He continued...''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups....''
''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life,and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the qualityof the Life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Enjoy your coffee!''
The happiest people don't have the best of everything - they just make the best of everything they have... So please remember: Live simply.Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.
And remember - the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.
Sad to say, only when certain events, like this, we are able to rekindle the ties of relatives and friends. I don't understand with so advance technology, why the frequency of contacting close kins has reduced drastically. Are we really so busy? Are we putting up in places that is so 'ulu' that we are not able to at least pick up a phone to dial?
When Mum comes home on 4th April, she brought along 细姨 who has recently recovered from cancer. Our house is filled with a bit of life and laughters. With 细姨 in Singapore, we get to visit 老Hero, 姨媽. I really feel ashamed that 姨媽 is staying around 10 bus stops away and that I did not bother to pay her a visit over the weekends?
Excuses that I can see or use would range from I have to work, I am unable to apply leave, I have no time, or I only have 2 rest days to run errands, maybe next week or week after next...
An email, "Enjoy Your Coffee" I have seen back in 2006 was circulated back to me recently. In it, it mentions "Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly."
It reminds me to start caring, especially to my close kins and friends.. I'll work on this..
Enjoy Your Coffee
A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor.
The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general...
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups:porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, somequite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee.
When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering...''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones.While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves,that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems! "
He continued...''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups....''
''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life,and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the qualityof the Life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Enjoy your coffee!''
The happiest people don't have the best of everything - they just make the best of everything they have... So please remember: Live simply.Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.
And remember - the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Common Sense Please
I can't stop laughing when I read the article on "Taxi rules upset Hotels". Naturally one will feel the exact sentiments as the Hotels particularly those Budget & Boutique Hotels that do not have a driveway or a taxi stand.
Imagine the hotel guests having to push the luggage to and fro to designated taxi stands of which some is located on the opposite side of the road and the only pedestrian crossing is a overhead bridge.
A few days later, LTA has replied to the feedback and concerns raised on the new taxi rule and in my personal opinion is out-rightly lame.
LTA explained that the new taxi ruling implemented on Mar 1 2008 is after much consultation with the Taxi Operators' Associations, and the principal reason for this new rule is SAFETY. They go on to explain on the sudden stopping and haphazard lane switch pose a danger to passengers and other road users. If that is so, why only applicable to CBD areas? To me, educating the drivers could be a better alternative to alleviate or tackle the problem.
For example, it is like implementing a rule that no TV programmes should be aired between 7pm -10pm as the principal reason is to prevent kids in Singapore to become a potato couch. One should educate the kids to be selective on the types of TV programmes; wouldn't that a better way to tackle the root cause of an issue.
With this new taxi rule, imagine the inconvenience caused to tourists or hotel guests. They are not familiar with Singapore, and they may have more than 2 pieces of luggage. Walking 100m or any short distance to locate the hotel they are going to stay is plain stupidity and imposed further DANGER. Imagine - A tourist pushing the luggage to cross a road, or even worse, to walk on the side of the road when there is no pavement, probably one hand holding on to a Singapore map and/or an umbrella (when is raining) - this could certainly be the most "memorable" scene.
The LTA proposed resolution is to provide more taxi stands at popular destinations like hotels and government buildings. Tsk tsk, this would not solve the problem especially when the road is a 2-way road with a stretch of hotels scatteredly located on either side of the road. How many taxi stands does the LTA planning to erect?
So far, the topic is on Hotels, on tourists and hotel guests. What about the handicapped? What about the senior citizens whereby their mobility are restricted? With the aging population, this new taxi rule will hit hard on them too.
To sidetrack on this, the fleet of double-decker buses that catered for the handicapped is something that I have strong opinion on. I don't understand why SBS will approve an almost knee-height steps leading to the back of the bus. I have seen many bus commuters twisted and sprained the ankle or nearly fell down trying to climb up and down that step. I cannot imagine the DANGER it will pose to an elderly person with weak limbs.
Come on, I am a stupid and retarded person, I can see the DANGER why can't those who are more highly educated than me see it? This is common sense. If it is only me that think this way, kindly enlighten me!
Imagine the hotel guests having to push the luggage to and fro to designated taxi stands of which some is located on the opposite side of the road and the only pedestrian crossing is a overhead bridge.
A few days later, LTA has replied to the feedback and concerns raised on the new taxi rule and in my personal opinion is out-rightly lame.
LTA explained that the new taxi ruling implemented on Mar 1 2008 is after much consultation with the Taxi Operators' Associations, and the principal reason for this new rule is SAFETY. They go on to explain on the sudden stopping and haphazard lane switch pose a danger to passengers and other road users. If that is so, why only applicable to CBD areas? To me, educating the drivers could be a better alternative to alleviate or tackle the problem.
For example, it is like implementing a rule that no TV programmes should be aired between 7pm -10pm as the principal reason is to prevent kids in Singapore to become a potato couch. One should educate the kids to be selective on the types of TV programmes; wouldn't that a better way to tackle the root cause of an issue.
With this new taxi rule, imagine the inconvenience caused to tourists or hotel guests. They are not familiar with Singapore, and they may have more than 2 pieces of luggage. Walking 100m or any short distance to locate the hotel they are going to stay is plain stupidity and imposed further DANGER. Imagine - A tourist pushing the luggage to cross a road, or even worse, to walk on the side of the road when there is no pavement, probably one hand holding on to a Singapore map and/or an umbrella (when is raining) - this could certainly be the most "memorable" scene.
The LTA proposed resolution is to provide more taxi stands at popular destinations like hotels and government buildings. Tsk tsk, this would not solve the problem especially when the road is a 2-way road with a stretch of hotels scatteredly located on either side of the road. How many taxi stands does the LTA planning to erect?
So far, the topic is on Hotels, on tourists and hotel guests. What about the handicapped? What about the senior citizens whereby their mobility are restricted? With the aging population, this new taxi rule will hit hard on them too.
To sidetrack on this, the fleet of double-decker buses that catered for the handicapped is something that I have strong opinion on. I don't understand why SBS will approve an almost knee-height steps leading to the back of the bus. I have seen many bus commuters twisted and sprained the ankle or nearly fell down trying to climb up and down that step. I cannot imagine the DANGER it will pose to an elderly person with weak limbs.
Come on, I am a stupid and retarded person, I can see the DANGER why can't those who are more highly educated than me see it? This is common sense. If it is only me that think this way, kindly enlighten me!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
It pays to be in government
It pays to be in government
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's salary has jumped to S$3.1m, five times more than that of President George Bush, leader of the world’s most powerful economy.
The annual salary structure for the Cabinet Minsters are as follows (in Singapore dollars):
President – $3,187,100
Prime Minister – $3,091,200
Senior Minister – $3,043,300
Minister Mentor – $3,043,300
Deputy Prime Minister – $2,452,500
Minister and Senior Perm Sec – $1,593,500 (MR4 Grade)
Entry Superscale Grade – $384,000 (SR9 Grade)
Member of Parliament – $216,300
In Washington, a senior White House official has told a correspondent that he “was floored” when told that Singapore’s PM takes home a salary five times that of Bush.“I’m going to emigrate and run for office in Singapore,” quipped the senior administration official, who sat in disbelief after reading that story.
Mentor Minister LKY had initiated the mega-wage policy in 1994 for two reasons.
First, it would prevent the sort of corruption that exists in many countries, and second, it would allow the government to recruit the most capable leaders and retain them from being poached by the global private sector.
Benchmark their earnings to leaders in the richest countries, it is real hard for me and many Singaporeans to swallow or to accept any reasons to see them being paid so many times more. To me, Public office is about service, not profits. This is the Government majority has voted for. Seen somewhere, someone has remarked that " “Now, when I look at a minister or an MP, I see a $-sign.” This is a truly unforgettable remark.
No wonder, seen on a TV game show, when the host ask one of the kids what is her ambition, her responds is "I want to be a Member of the Parliament"
- this was written as inspired by mentos
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's salary has jumped to S$3.1m, five times more than that of President George Bush, leader of the world’s most powerful economy.
The annual salary structure for the Cabinet Minsters are as follows (in Singapore dollars):
President – $3,187,100
Prime Minister – $3,091,200
Senior Minister – $3,043,300
Minister Mentor – $3,043,300
Deputy Prime Minister – $2,452,500
Minister and Senior Perm Sec – $1,593,500 (MR4 Grade)
Entry Superscale Grade – $384,000 (SR9 Grade)
Member of Parliament – $216,300
In Washington, a senior White House official has told a correspondent that he “was floored” when told that Singapore’s PM takes home a salary five times that of Bush.“I’m going to emigrate and run for office in Singapore,” quipped the senior administration official, who sat in disbelief after reading that story.
Mentor Minister LKY had initiated the mega-wage policy in 1994 for two reasons.
First, it would prevent the sort of corruption that exists in many countries, and second, it would allow the government to recruit the most capable leaders and retain them from being poached by the global private sector.
Benchmark their earnings to leaders in the richest countries, it is real hard for me and many Singaporeans to swallow or to accept any reasons to see them being paid so many times more. To me, Public office is about service, not profits. This is the Government majority has voted for. Seen somewhere, someone has remarked that " “Now, when I look at a minister or an MP, I see a $-sign.” This is a truly unforgettable remark.
No wonder, seen on a TV game show, when the host ask one of the kids what is her ambition, her responds is "I want to be a Member of the Parliament"
- this was written as inspired by mentos
Sunday, December 30, 2007
It's time to tighten our belts
Seen in the Sunday Times, that Singaporeans are feeling upbeat about year 2008 and 7 out of 10 persons are expecting pay rises.
But will that be enough? I don't think so. People like me are feeling the pinch and fully aware of the rising cost of living -especially the transportation cost, the utilities cost.
Rising cost of living - Joy To The World tune
Joy to the world, my pay has come!
Let me receive my due
Let every hand, get bonuses
Then all the tills will ring
Then retailers will sing
And all in the family will want something
Joy to the world, the dollar reigns!
Let men stay in employ;
While wheat and oil, feed, meat and grains
Go up in price oh boy,
Go up in price oh boy
Go up, go up, in price, oh boy
But will that be enough? I don't think so. People like me are feeling the pinch and fully aware of the rising cost of living -especially the transportation cost, the utilities cost.
Don't talk about the ridiculous ERP rates that can suka-suka increase, the petrol prices, even the prices of public transport like bus and taxi have gone up. This for most of us, cannot be avoided as we need to go work on Monday - Friday, transport is a must unless you are those lucky ones that live near your workplace. If it is food or beverage, we can have other alternative like eating roti and drinking water. Public transport is simply unavoidable!
It's time to tighten our belts.
A light-hearted looks at the new year's ahead with Christmas jingleRising cost of living - Joy To The World tune
Joy to the world, my pay has come!
Let me receive my due
Let every hand, get bonuses
Then all the tills will ring
Then retailers will sing
And all in the family will want something
Joy to the world, the dollar reigns!
Let men stay in employ;
While wheat and oil, feed, meat and grains
Go up in price oh boy,
Go up in price oh boy
Go up, go up, in price, oh boy
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Shopping not my cuppa tea
I had never like to shop.This is probably due to my size. Walking through the aisle is a challenge. I mean, not only have I need to avoid my clumsy self from knocking off those display items from the shelves and breaking them, I have to watch out for those kids running around the store.
Fine, this to some maybe just an excuse, don't talk about my clumsiness. With the festive seasons, the crowd is super huge. Shopping without an idea what to buy is painstakingly tough.
And with the crowd, I could not think straight as I would hear people yakking around. Kind of distracting for a person like me who gets distracted easily.
After successfully manoeuvring around the store and have an eye on something to buy, getting assistance is like a nightmare. No one seems to care or offer help. It's so ironic, when you need assistance, no one is there and when you don't, they come after you.
And then, comes the closing of a transaction, oh my god!, the queue at the cashier is long. Read somewhere that the cashier is the most important section in a store. It's human, some potential customers may want to get something from the store but seeing the queue, will turn them off. Do the retail stores aware of this fact?
(But, I do have some good experiences with cashiers. One is many months back in Robinson @ Raffles City, whereby the cashier are friendly and recommended me to shop for shoes as there's a discount sales when I am paying for a bag. Good services.
The other one is Watsons' @ Bugis. This is well-known for the long queue during weekends. I'm totally surprised that the cashier wears a smile and apologizes for having the customers to wait in a queue! Nice touch.)
Choosing a present is definitely not my cup of tea. I am a very boring person, and one cannot find a hinge of creativity in my choice of present.
I could have shop for weeks and find nothing. In the end, I would resort to giving gift vouchers. Boring huh? I totally agree.
That's what I have gotten for my family members! Haiz.
As for my friends, I have purchased something for them. Now I'm keeping my fingers' cross that they like what I have bought for them. At least not perfume, eau de toilette, gift sets from Body Shop, Crabtree & Evelyn, etc.
Fine, this to some maybe just an excuse, don't talk about my clumsiness. With the festive seasons, the crowd is super huge. Shopping without an idea what to buy is painstakingly tough.
And with the crowd, I could not think straight as I would hear people yakking around. Kind of distracting for a person like me who gets distracted easily.
After successfully manoeuvring around the store and have an eye on something to buy, getting assistance is like a nightmare. No one seems to care or offer help. It's so ironic, when you need assistance, no one is there and when you don't, they come after you.
And then, comes the closing of a transaction, oh my god!, the queue at the cashier is long. Read somewhere that the cashier is the most important section in a store. It's human, some potential customers may want to get something from the store but seeing the queue, will turn them off. Do the retail stores aware of this fact?
(But, I do have some good experiences with cashiers. One is many months back in Robinson @ Raffles City, whereby the cashier are friendly and recommended me to shop for shoes as there's a discount sales when I am paying for a bag. Good services.
The other one is Watsons' @ Bugis. This is well-known for the long queue during weekends. I'm totally surprised that the cashier wears a smile and apologizes for having the customers to wait in a queue! Nice touch.)
Choosing a present is definitely not my cup of tea. I am a very boring person, and one cannot find a hinge of creativity in my choice of present.
I could have shop for weeks and find nothing. In the end, I would resort to giving gift vouchers. Boring huh? I totally agree.
That's what I have gotten for my family members! Haiz.
As for my friends, I have purchased something for them. Now I'm keeping my fingers' cross that they like what I have bought for them. At least not perfume, eau de toilette, gift sets from Body Shop, Crabtree & Evelyn, etc.
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