Oh Hello ! I am back safe and sound. Not to worry.
Ha ha ha. Not a single episode for the 8 hours I was in Malaysia.
I brought my grandmother, father and mother in. At the Tuas checkpoint, my father and grandmother needed the toilets. So I stopped after the customs, to let them go. This reminded me of a episode I had about 3 years back.
That was a weekend, went over to JB for dinner with a group of friends. 5 of us in a car. After the dinner, we were on the way back via Tuas checkpoint as well. Then some of us needed to use the toilet as well. So my friend asked the customers officer, where the toilet is.
Then, a civilian-dressed officer told us to park at a corner, and brought us to the toilet. My friends were happy chatting while I looked around. I did not notice any toilet signs. After about 50 meters, I noticed a sign that says "CNB ->". I thnk I was the only guy who noticed it.
After we were inside the office, we were told to go to the toilet. I was already very suspicious, while my friends were still chatting, until they see a uniformed officer in the toilet, giving out bottles.
Yes, urine test ! I am sure the officer must have been happy when we needed to go to the loo. 5 more "volunteers" to meet their daily random check quota ?
My friends were bitching at how can they do such a thing. And I will remember, try to not use their toilets while driving through official checkpoints.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Malaysia is horrible...
Today's Straits Times Newspaper : (I really hate this cut and paste thing. Hyperlinking it will not work.)
Nov 19, 2004
Car stolen despite alarm, locks
By Maria Almenoar
FREQUENT travellers to Malaysia, the Neo family, had heard of cars getting stolen there, so they loaded their multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a high-end alarm system and immobiliser costing $500, and two $50 steering wheel locks.
Still, burglars drove their Toyota Estima away from a Malacca hotel carpark on Sunday night, right past four security guards.
The family had parked the seven-seater, which they bought five months ago, in a well-lit area metres from A'Famosa Resort's reception desk and directly below the balcony of their second-floor room.
Said Mrs R. Neo, 44, a housewife, who had driven up with her 47-year-old businessman husband and 13-year-old daughter: 'We didn't hear a sound, although our car alarm is supposed to sound if someone breaks in.
'We couldn't believe it was gone.'
The hotel's operations manager, Ms Pauline Chua, said the family had made a complaint to the hotel and a report at the police station in Sungei Ampat.
The police here do not have records of how many Singaporeans have their cars stolen while in Malaysia, but the top three car insurers in town said the number is small but growing.
NTUC Income, which insures 40 per cent of the cars here, said 126 of its policyholders had theirs taken in 2002, compared to 56 in 2001.
A spokesman added that 78 were stolen last year, possibly because fewer people drove to Malaysia due to Sars and the owners being more careful.
AIG's American Home Assurance (Singapore) said it had 22 such cases last year, more than in previous years, but declined to give figures. AXA said it had eight cases in 2002 and five in 2001.
Among the cars most at risk are luxury four-door sedans, MPVs and coupes. Experts here said thieves do not set off car alarms because they tow the car away or hoist it onto a carrier, disabling the alarm in a secluded area.
As a surveillance video in A'Famosa's carpark shows Mrs Neo's car being driven away, they suggested the thieves copied the remote-key system.
Said a senior trainer at BMW distributor Performance Motors, Mr Shahjahan Shahul Hameed: 'A person hiding about 10m away can electronically copy the signal as you lock your car.'
One company here, SQ Image, claims it has a has a high-tech system that alerts owners through a hand-held remote of any movement within an 800m radius of their vehicle. It costs $1,200.
The Neo family, however, believe their best bet is to stop driving to Malaysia.
'If we ever go up, it'll be by coach or train,' said Mrs Neo.
I guess, the impression on us Singaporeans is that Malaysia is a terrible place to drive into. That Malaysians are all targetting Singaporeans and their cars.
I am going to Malaysia tomorrow, bringing my grandmother and father to visit relatives. My aunt called yesterday to tell me not to drive in, since my car is new, and that there are people robbing Singapore Cars. That she heard someone's car was hijacked in Malaysia.
Then, my other uncle called and left a voice mail. Most probably wanting to tell me the same thing.
I mean, really, media sensationalism at work. I still remembered a case last year, where a couple was involved in a traffic accident, saying how this truck just bumped into them and apparently attacked them for no reason.
Few days later, in a very small section of the papers, the other side of the story was apparent. That the Singaporean couple didn't have very good driving manners and agitated the truck driver.
Granted, I don't support road rage, justified or not. But the "Singaporean Attitude" is still the root cause of many tussles and heartache. I have loads to tell about Singaporean drivers on Singapore roads, but I am drifting.
Facts are :
(1) Many Malaysians lose their cars to hijacking and robbing too. These people target money, not nationality. Read Malaysian newspapers for a more balanced viewpoint.
(2) Thousands of Singapore cars go across the causeway everyday. (Last I checked, about 5000 Singapore cars per day). And we hear of 1 or 2 horror stories in the newspaper per month.
(3) Being robbed is a risk everywhere. Last I checked, there are still murders and robbery in Singapore too, you know.
Well, I will pray that tomorrow, my car and myself will make it back without any injuries.....
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Nov 19, 2004
Car stolen despite alarm, locks
By Maria Almenoar
FREQUENT travellers to Malaysia, the Neo family, had heard of cars getting stolen there, so they loaded their multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a high-end alarm system and immobiliser costing $500, and two $50 steering wheel locks.
Still, burglars drove their Toyota Estima away from a Malacca hotel carpark on Sunday night, right past four security guards.
The family had parked the seven-seater, which they bought five months ago, in a well-lit area metres from A'Famosa Resort's reception desk and directly below the balcony of their second-floor room.
Said Mrs R. Neo, 44, a housewife, who had driven up with her 47-year-old businessman husband and 13-year-old daughter: 'We didn't hear a sound, although our car alarm is supposed to sound if someone breaks in.
'We couldn't believe it was gone.'
The hotel's operations manager, Ms Pauline Chua, said the family had made a complaint to the hotel and a report at the police station in Sungei Ampat.
The police here do not have records of how many Singaporeans have their cars stolen while in Malaysia, but the top three car insurers in town said the number is small but growing.
NTUC Income, which insures 40 per cent of the cars here, said 126 of its policyholders had theirs taken in 2002, compared to 56 in 2001.
A spokesman added that 78 were stolen last year, possibly because fewer people drove to Malaysia due to Sars and the owners being more careful.
AIG's American Home Assurance (Singapore) said it had 22 such cases last year, more than in previous years, but declined to give figures. AXA said it had eight cases in 2002 and five in 2001.
Among the cars most at risk are luxury four-door sedans, MPVs and coupes. Experts here said thieves do not set off car alarms because they tow the car away or hoist it onto a carrier, disabling the alarm in a secluded area.
As a surveillance video in A'Famosa's carpark shows Mrs Neo's car being driven away, they suggested the thieves copied the remote-key system.
Said a senior trainer at BMW distributor Performance Motors, Mr Shahjahan Shahul Hameed: 'A person hiding about 10m away can electronically copy the signal as you lock your car.'
One company here, SQ Image, claims it has a has a high-tech system that alerts owners through a hand-held remote of any movement within an 800m radius of their vehicle. It costs $1,200.
The Neo family, however, believe their best bet is to stop driving to Malaysia.
'If we ever go up, it'll be by coach or train,' said Mrs Neo.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I guess, the impression on us Singaporeans is that Malaysia is a terrible place to drive into. That Malaysians are all targetting Singaporeans and their cars.
I am going to Malaysia tomorrow, bringing my grandmother and father to visit relatives. My aunt called yesterday to tell me not to drive in, since my car is new, and that there are people robbing Singapore Cars. That she heard someone's car was hijacked in Malaysia.
Then, my other uncle called and left a voice mail. Most probably wanting to tell me the same thing.
I mean, really, media sensationalism at work. I still remembered a case last year, where a couple was involved in a traffic accident, saying how this truck just bumped into them and apparently attacked them for no reason.
Few days later, in a very small section of the papers, the other side of the story was apparent. That the Singaporean couple didn't have very good driving manners and agitated the truck driver.
Granted, I don't support road rage, justified or not. But the "Singaporean Attitude" is still the root cause of many tussles and heartache. I have loads to tell about Singaporean drivers on Singapore roads, but I am drifting.
Facts are :
(1) Many Malaysians lose their cars to hijacking and robbing too. These people target money, not nationality. Read Malaysian newspapers for a more balanced viewpoint.
(2) Thousands of Singapore cars go across the causeway everyday. (Last I checked, about 5000 Singapore cars per day). And we hear of 1 or 2 horror stories in the newspaper per month.
(3) Being robbed is a risk everywhere. Last I checked, there are still murders and robbery in Singapore too, you know.
Well, I will pray that tomorrow, my car and myself will make it back without any injuries.....
Friday, November 19, 2004
Bad things happen when I am in Ubi...
First time I went down Ubi to meet friends for coffee and then dinner, I hit smack into the worst traffic in Singapore I have experienced - covered about 3km in 45 Minutes !
Yesterday morning, went there again and had extended coffee break with my friend. He picked me up, parked his car at his office, and we walked to the nearby coffeeshop for coffee.
When we are back sometime for lunch, intending to drive out, lo and behold :
Apparently, the security team is not a bunch of idles who simply take their pay and sleep the whole day. They have notice that my friend has been coming in every morning, park the car, and goes to the building opposite. (His boss should pay the bunch of security guards to keep track of his stuff who are "eating snake".. haha)
And yesterday, they must have noticed that he went over and did not come back, and thought that he is just trying to take advantage of the free parking. Thus the wheel clamp.
Took a good 20 minutes to convince them that he is working in the building, and to get the clamp removed.
Then we head out for lunch at SingPost Central building, and I had to use the street directory, even though he has been there for lunch many times... *knock head*
Yesterday morning, went there again and had extended coffee break with my friend. He picked me up, parked his car at his office, and we walked to the nearby coffeeshop for coffee.
When we are back sometime for lunch, intending to drive out, lo and behold :
Apparently, the security team is not a bunch of idles who simply take their pay and sleep the whole day. They have notice that my friend has been coming in every morning, park the car, and goes to the building opposite. (His boss should pay the bunch of security guards to keep track of his stuff who are "eating snake".. haha)
And yesterday, they must have noticed that he went over and did not come back, and thought that he is just trying to take advantage of the free parking. Thus the wheel clamp.
Took a good 20 minutes to convince them that he is working in the building, and to get the clamp removed.
Then we head out for lunch at SingPost Central building, and I had to use the street directory, even though he has been there for lunch many times... *knock head*
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Reading newspapers in toilet is hazardous to my health
Saw this letter from a reader to our Streats newspaper, dated 16 November 2004.
I can't find the online archive, so I will type out the entire letter.
----- Begin Quote -----
Too many carpark systems
I have become somewhat confused by the many different parking systems found in carparks.
There is the ERP system, which requires a motorist to insert the cashcard into the IU reader before entering the carpark.
Another requires the driver to slot his cash card into the reader at the carpark entrance, and the third requires the driver to insert the cashcard at the exit point.
Then we still have the old system, which requires the driver to press a button for a ticket.
The different systems can confuse some motorists.
- Ishwar Mahtani
----- End Quote -----
I don't believe this. This is why reading local papers in the toilet gives me constipation.
Firstly, I am appalled at the apparent stupidity of the motorist to be easily confused by the different system, obviously with different costs and managed by different companies.
It is akin to complaining that different building have different elevator buttons. Some lifts have the "Door Open" button at the top, some at the bottom. Some have it on the left, some on the right. So confusing right ?
Also like complaining about why some doors that are "Push" to open, and some doors are "Pull" to open, and some are automatic doors. why not have all doors automatics ? Otherwise, it is confusing and people may bang into doors that need to be manually opened, thinking they are all automatic.
Right. Too easily confused by the various parking systems ? Look at the driver in front ! Or just look around for the instructions ! Open your eyes and observe. If you want to standardize all parking system, pay for it !
Why not complain that different speed limits on different roads are confusing ? Standardize ! Drive at 60km/h in all roads of Singapore !
Wow, I feel a personal complaint coming up. Why HDB and URA parking cannot standardize the parking time ? Why some carparks have free parking after 5, some after 10.30 and some are never free ? Why some carparks are free during Sundays and public holidays, and some are not ? It is confusing and cost me some hefty fines ! They should standardize all carparks !
Oh, and secondly, I am amazed that this letter even got published, as one of my friend said. Either the editor concurs, or we really do not have any more intellectual letters from our fellow Singaporeans ?
Have we become so pampered that any slight deviation and we are at loss of what to do ? Have we become Lemmings ?
I can't find the online archive, so I will type out the entire letter.
----- Begin Quote -----
Too many carpark systems
I have become somewhat confused by the many different parking systems found in carparks.
There is the ERP system, which requires a motorist to insert the cashcard into the IU reader before entering the carpark.
Another requires the driver to slot his cash card into the reader at the carpark entrance, and the third requires the driver to insert the cashcard at the exit point.
Then we still have the old system, which requires the driver to press a button for a ticket.
The different systems can confuse some motorists.
- Ishwar Mahtani
----- End Quote -----
I don't believe this. This is why reading local papers in the toilet gives me constipation.
Firstly, I am appalled at the apparent stupidity of the motorist to be easily confused by the different system, obviously with different costs and managed by different companies.
It is akin to complaining that different building have different elevator buttons. Some lifts have the "Door Open" button at the top, some at the bottom. Some have it on the left, some on the right. So confusing right ?
Also like complaining about why some doors that are "Push" to open, and some doors are "Pull" to open, and some are automatic doors. why not have all doors automatics ? Otherwise, it is confusing and people may bang into doors that need to be manually opened, thinking they are all automatic.
Right. Too easily confused by the various parking systems ? Look at the driver in front ! Or just look around for the instructions ! Open your eyes and observe. If you want to standardize all parking system, pay for it !
Why not complain that different speed limits on different roads are confusing ? Standardize ! Drive at 60km/h in all roads of Singapore !
Wow, I feel a personal complaint coming up. Why HDB and URA parking cannot standardize the parking time ? Why some carparks have free parking after 5, some after 10.30 and some are never free ? Why some carparks are free during Sundays and public holidays, and some are not ? It is confusing and cost me some hefty fines ! They should standardize all carparks !
Oh, and secondly, I am amazed that this letter even got published, as one of my friend said. Either the editor concurs, or we really do not have any more intellectual letters from our fellow Singaporeans ?
Have we become so pampered that any slight deviation and we are at loss of what to do ? Have we become Lemmings ?
End of the World ?
Read a reader's letter to Straits Times today. I will copy the article here, as the link requires you to be registered (yes, on the net, your identity is gold, everybody wants your contact and email address to send you spam)
----- Begin Quote -----
Time to inculcate values of thrift, modesty in children
I REFER to the article, 'Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy' (ST, Oct 31).
Credit-card debts and bankruptcies have reached record levels in Singapore. In Britain, many have been driven to suicide because of credit-card debts.
The number of supplementary cards that a main cardholder can have is unlimited. Out of about 3.7 million credit cards, about one million are supplementary cards. I understand that our ratio of supplementary to main cards is one of the highest in the world.
When we were young, our parents and the Post Office Savings Bank gave us piggy banks to encourage thrift. Now, the young get supplementary cards.
As a society, are we not encouraging spending and credit, instead of thrift, when so many Singaporeans give supplementary credit cards to their dependants?
One can just walk along Orchard Road and apply for credit cards from seven banks, which would give one credit of 14 times one's monthly income.
No wonder more than 30,000 people in Singapore owe more than $20,000 on their credit cards. Three out of four have rolled over their debt during the last 12 months.
The loosening of credit policies - like no down payment for car purchases, and repayment of up to 10 years - is good for the economy but bad for the tens of thousands who have difficulty servicing their debts, and their families. Likewise a casino, which will undoubtedly be good for the economy and tourism but bad for those addicted to gambling.
Maybe our only salvation lies in inculcating the values of thrift, modesty and less materialism in our children.
Leong Sze Hian----- End Quote -----
In our quest for economic success, often it is measured by easily identified assets. One who owns a big house, an expensive car, CEO of a big company, club memberships, credit cards, gold cards, platinum cards, diamonds, Mont Blanc, LV, Prada, Mercedes, District 9, Bose....
Who knows about the economic success of the mult-millionaire living next door, wearing causal T-shirt and jeans, prefer to have coffee sessions at local kopitiam, and drives a cheap and practical car, but have lots of cash in the bank and other investments ?
Who can measure, by one glance, the value of having a group of friends that you can let your hair down without being looked down; of a loving and fulfilling life without marriage and children; of being free from the stress of work; of leading a life that is "happy and gay"; (to quote a friend) of a Berk A stock certificate.
When it comes to things that are not so easy to measure by one glance, comparison becomes difficult to do. As human nature tends to take the easy way out, material assets become the ruler.
How do all these stack into my tiny pea brain ?
On the one hand, trends like these makes it harder work for social creatures like me to get some decent respect from others. (At least, I am comforted to know that I do have a big bunch of great friends, from all walks of lives, so are really sincere to me and accepts me for who I am, not what I try to show the world to be.) It also makes it hard to control material urges.
On the other hand, I also swim comfort that the more of my peers falling into the rat-race and money trap, the better off I will be, behind the curtains. The better the odds of me achieving financial independence, and getting a fulfilling life.
But alas, materialism is addictive, just like cigarettes. I am glad I am only a social smoker, not an addict. The same luck that somewhere in me, I am just socially materialistic. I can only hope, and try very hard, that as time goes, I do not get addicted to any of them.
----- Begin Quote -----
Time to inculcate values of thrift, modesty in children
I REFER to the article, 'Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy' (ST, Oct 31).
Credit-card debts and bankruptcies have reached record levels in Singapore. In Britain, many have been driven to suicide because of credit-card debts.
When a credit counselling service was launched recently in Singapore, it was deluged with calls. According to Monetary Authority of Singapore guidelines, only those who earn $30,000 or more a year can apply for a credit card.
However, some banks will give one a credit card even if one does not have any income. One need only make an 'unsecured' credit-card application after putting in a fixed deposit of $10,000.
The number of supplementary cards that a main cardholder can have is unlimited. Out of about 3.7 million credit cards, about one million are supplementary cards. I understand that our ratio of supplementary to main cards is one of the highest in the world.
When we were young, our parents and the Post Office Savings Bank gave us piggy banks to encourage thrift. Now, the young get supplementary cards.
As a society, are we not encouraging spending and credit, instead of thrift, when so many Singaporeans give supplementary credit cards to their dependants?
One can just walk along Orchard Road and apply for credit cards from seven banks, which would give one credit of 14 times one's monthly income.
No wonder more than 30,000 people in Singapore owe more than $20,000 on their credit cards. Three out of four have rolled over their debt during the last 12 months.
The loosening of credit policies - like no down payment for car purchases, and repayment of up to 10 years - is good for the economy but bad for the tens of thousands who have difficulty servicing their debts, and their families. Likewise a casino, which will undoubtedly be good for the economy and tourism but bad for those addicted to gambling.
Maybe our only salvation lies in inculcating the values of thrift, modesty and less materialism in our children.
Leong Sze Hian
In our quest for economic success, often it is measured by easily identified assets. One who owns a big house, an expensive car, CEO of a big company, club memberships, credit cards, gold cards, platinum cards, diamonds, Mont Blanc, LV, Prada, Mercedes, District 9, Bose....
Who knows about the economic success of the mult-millionaire living next door, wearing causal T-shirt and jeans, prefer to have coffee sessions at local kopitiam, and drives a cheap and practical car, but have lots of cash in the bank and other investments ?
Who can measure, by one glance, the value of having a group of friends that you can let your hair down without being looked down; of a loving and fulfilling life without marriage and children; of being free from the stress of work; of leading a life that is "happy and gay"; (to quote a friend) of a Berk A stock certificate.
When it comes to things that are not so easy to measure by one glance, comparison becomes difficult to do. As human nature tends to take the easy way out, material assets become the ruler.
How do all these stack into my tiny pea brain ?
On the one hand, trends like these makes it harder work for social creatures like me to get some decent respect from others. (At least, I am comforted to know that I do have a big bunch of great friends, from all walks of lives, so are really sincere to me and accepts me for who I am, not what I try to show the world to be.) It also makes it hard to control material urges.
On the other hand, I also swim comfort that the more of my peers falling into the rat-race and money trap, the better off I will be, behind the curtains. The better the odds of me achieving financial independence, and getting a fulfilling life.
But alas, materialism is addictive, just like cigarettes. I am glad I am only a social smoker, not an addict. The same luck that somewhere in me, I am just socially materialistic. I can only hope, and try very hard, that as time goes, I do not get addicted to any of them.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Lawsuit
Heard recently that my previous employer has filed a lawsuit against my previous customer, in the Philippines.
Guess I should not disclose too much information, thus only those close to me will know who I am talking about, and over what incident.
Feel so bad for my customer and lucky that I left my previous employer early.
My previous manager was asked to be a witness by the defence. Thank goodness I am not involved. Hate to be tangled in the mess that I escaped.
Guess I should not disclose too much information, thus only those close to me will know who I am talking about, and over what incident.
Feel so bad for my customer and lucky that I left my previous employer early.
My previous manager was asked to be a witness by the defence. Thank goodness I am not involved. Hate to be tangled in the mess that I escaped.
My Childhood - Part 2
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We had to shift out of Clementi because the area was developing. We haven’t got a house yet. So we had to put up at my aunt’s house. My two aunts (my father’s younger sisters,) lived together in a three-room flat in Queenstown, Buller Terrace. At that time, I was about 4 years old and was just big enough to be running about and climbing atop everything, irritating everyone. I was always opening and searching either cupboards or drawers, or on top to tables acting Superman. My father then decided to chain me in my playpen. My leg was chained to one corner of the playpen so that I couldn’t get out. I had all my toys in the pen with me, but I wasn’t really enjoying.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Monday, November 15, 2004
My Childhood - Part 1
Well, nothing to post at the moment, so I will just put whatever I have written a long time ago. My life story. Already from these few paragrahs, you can see that I am a weakling, and a target for bullies. I was, still am, a wimp...
As far as I can remember, I was about 3 to 4 years old, playing around my neighbourhood in Clementi. I remember riding a baby tricycle round and round my house, which was in the middle of a row of house. That time, Clementi was still undeveloped and the houses were all in rows of about 20 houses. The houses were all connected without gaps.
I still remember riding out the front door one afternoon, go around the row to the back door, knocking very loudly. My grandmother, who was there to baby sit me, was preparing dinner. She hurriedly came to open the door. When she saw that it was only me, I gave her a smile and rode into the kitchen, carried the tricycle across the living room and out through the front door again, very silently.
"Knock ! Knock ! Knock !"
My grandmother walked over to open the door again, and when she saw it was me, she told me not to disturb her. Again, I carried to tricycle to the front door and again I rode to the back door and knocked. This time instead of opening the door, she lectured me, in dialect for she doesn't speak Mandarin well, for disturbing her when she had so much housework to do. Well, I had no choice but to find somewhere else to play.
On another occasion, I was riding around my neighbourhood when I saw a stray dog. I wasn't bothered by it and I was not bothering it, but it came to bother me. The dog ran after me. Ok, so it ran after my tricycle. But as I was young, and small, and scared, it seemed like a big dog chasing me. I shouted at it, hoping it would go away. I screamed, hoping it disliked high-pitched voice. It sure did, for it came after me even faster. I was screaming and screaming and then I stopped... I cried. I cried for help...
And another fine day, I was riding around my neighbourhood again when two bigger boys came over and asked me to lend them my bike. As I was afraid that he won’t return it to me, I refused and tried to ride away. However, the two of them stopped me and pulled me out of my bike and rode in it. Not being able to do anything, I ran home and told my grandmother, half crying.
She brought me back to the spot where I was robbed, but the two boys weren’t there anymore. We spend hours looking for them and my bike. (Ok, so it was only 15 minutes, but it did seemed like hours.) I was pretty sad by the loss. A few days later, however, my father spotted my bike abandoned a few blocks away. He happened to see it when driving past. Boy, was I glad to have it back. From that day on, I had a short stick with the bike, just in case anyone tries to rob me again.
Despite some of these bad experiences, my childhood days were those of happiness and worth remembering. My parents were both working, which was why my grandmother was babysitting me. My mother was a planning officer with an electronics company, Thomson. My father was a businessman, though I couldn’t figure out what business he was in and where his office was. All the time, it seemed like his office was at home. He also travels a lot.
I still remember one evening, the day before he was to leave for Brunei for a few days. His flight was in the next morning, but he was still not home at 11pm. At that time, my house did not have a phone. I forgot why. It could also be that the phone was out of order. Anyway, my mother and I walked to the public phone at the end of the street. Halfway along, many stray dogs came barking at us. I was scared. My mother picked me up and carried me to the phone. I knew at that time she was also afraid of those dogs too. After a few phone calls, she found my father at one of his friend’s house. Again, she carried my all the way back home, the stray dogs following. Later that night, my father came back at about 1 midnight. By then, my mother has already packed most of his things for him. He prepared his business materials for the trip.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As far as I can remember, I was about 3 to 4 years old, playing around my neighbourhood in Clementi. I remember riding a baby tricycle round and round my house, which was in the middle of a row of house. That time, Clementi was still undeveloped and the houses were all in rows of about 20 houses. The houses were all connected without gaps.
I still remember riding out the front door one afternoon, go around the row to the back door, knocking very loudly. My grandmother, who was there to baby sit me, was preparing dinner. She hurriedly came to open the door. When she saw that it was only me, I gave her a smile and rode into the kitchen, carried the tricycle across the living room and out through the front door again, very silently.
"Knock ! Knock ! Knock !"
My grandmother walked over to open the door again, and when she saw it was me, she told me not to disturb her. Again, I carried to tricycle to the front door and again I rode to the back door and knocked. This time instead of opening the door, she lectured me, in dialect for she doesn't speak Mandarin well, for disturbing her when she had so much housework to do. Well, I had no choice but to find somewhere else to play.
On another occasion, I was riding around my neighbourhood when I saw a stray dog. I wasn't bothered by it and I was not bothering it, but it came to bother me. The dog ran after me. Ok, so it ran after my tricycle. But as I was young, and small, and scared, it seemed like a big dog chasing me. I shouted at it, hoping it would go away. I screamed, hoping it disliked high-pitched voice. It sure did, for it came after me even faster. I was screaming and screaming and then I stopped... I cried. I cried for help...
And another fine day, I was riding around my neighbourhood again when two bigger boys came over and asked me to lend them my bike. As I was afraid that he won’t return it to me, I refused and tried to ride away. However, the two of them stopped me and pulled me out of my bike and rode in it. Not being able to do anything, I ran home and told my grandmother, half crying.
She brought me back to the spot where I was robbed, but the two boys weren’t there anymore. We spend hours looking for them and my bike. (Ok, so it was only 15 minutes, but it did seemed like hours.) I was pretty sad by the loss. A few days later, however, my father spotted my bike abandoned a few blocks away. He happened to see it when driving past. Boy, was I glad to have it back. From that day on, I had a short stick with the bike, just in case anyone tries to rob me again.
Despite some of these bad experiences, my childhood days were those of happiness and worth remembering. My parents were both working, which was why my grandmother was babysitting me. My mother was a planning officer with an electronics company, Thomson. My father was a businessman, though I couldn’t figure out what business he was in and where his office was. All the time, it seemed like his office was at home. He also travels a lot.
I still remember one evening, the day before he was to leave for Brunei for a few days. His flight was in the next morning, but he was still not home at 11pm. At that time, my house did not have a phone. I forgot why. It could also be that the phone was out of order. Anyway, my mother and I walked to the public phone at the end of the street. Halfway along, many stray dogs came barking at us. I was scared. My mother picked me up and carried me to the phone. I knew at that time she was also afraid of those dogs too. After a few phone calls, she found my father at one of his friend’s house. Again, she carried my all the way back home, the stray dogs following. Later that night, my father came back at about 1 midnight. By then, my mother has already packed most of his things for him. He prepared his business materials for the trip.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Award from My Company
Got my 5-year service award from my company. 1 gold medal worth $150, and $200 cash.
I got it when my HR considered my previous length of service before I resigned last year, and proposed to my big big boss. It felt nice that there are people in my company who appreciates me for my work and my contributions.
It felt nice on the one hand, and a little strange on the other. Strange that in this day and economy, I can still stay in a company for more than 5 years. And it is not a stat. board or GLC.
This nagging question will always be on my mind : "Will I be able to adapt to another company, and make it there ? Or will I end up in this company forever." I have tried once to move on to a competitor, but they stink. And when there was an opportunity to come back to my current company, I took it.
Will I have what it takes to succeed elsewhere ? Am I too attached to this company, that every one I go to will stink ?
I don't know the answers. But for now, the pay is good, I will take it.
I got it when my HR considered my previous length of service before I resigned last year, and proposed to my big big boss. It felt nice that there are people in my company who appreciates me for my work and my contributions.
It felt nice on the one hand, and a little strange on the other. Strange that in this day and economy, I can still stay in a company for more than 5 years. And it is not a stat. board or GLC.
This nagging question will always be on my mind : "Will I be able to adapt to another company, and make it there ? Or will I end up in this company forever." I have tried once to move on to a competitor, but they stink. And when there was an opportunity to come back to my current company, I took it.
Will I have what it takes to succeed elsewhere ? Am I too attached to this company, that every one I go to will stink ?
I don't know the answers. But for now, the pay is good, I will take it.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Another Day at Work III
Oh, the guy I mentioned who was "tekan" by my boss.. The one where I consoled him at McDonalds ? (See Post : Another Day at Work II)
I regretted doing that. Honestly. So did many of my colleagues.
He basically did not have the attitude to learn. Just wanted to enjoy the perks of not needing to stay in office all the time.
Today, he came into office in casual wear. And no, we do _not_ have Casual Friday practise. Then he went out, supposedly to visit customers.. In Casual dress ??!! Some people just cannot behave properly, how to have automony ?
Basic sales skills also haven't picked up yet. Not only lazy, do not have the attitude to learn, yet wants to abuse priviledges. Ought to be shot.
Oh, and my manager ? Uses company products to barter trade for a Canon DV recorder, so that he can take video during his US of A holiday trips with family...
Some people just so thick-skinned. Nowadays, everytime he has something new, we will think whether he got it for free or not. Bad, very bad... (of us, I mean, to think that way)
I regretted doing that. Honestly. So did many of my colleagues.
He basically did not have the attitude to learn. Just wanted to enjoy the perks of not needing to stay in office all the time.
Today, he came into office in casual wear. And no, we do _not_ have Casual Friday practise. Then he went out, supposedly to visit customers.. In Casual dress ??!! Some people just cannot behave properly, how to have automony ?
Basic sales skills also haven't picked up yet. Not only lazy, do not have the attitude to learn, yet wants to abuse priviledges. Ought to be shot.
Oh, and my manager ? Uses company products to barter trade for a Canon DV recorder, so that he can take video during his US of A holiday trips with family...
Some people just so thick-skinned. Nowadays, everytime he has something new, we will think whether he got it for free or not. Bad, very bad... (of us, I mean, to think that way)
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
My Brushes with the Law
Just got news that another friend of mine is going to jail soon. Terrible. Well, couple love with credit card, and he has to pay for someone else's spending habits. Choked up so too much, and touched company's money.
Love is blind. Love makes someone stupid. It blocks logic, and inhibits financial quotient (hey, can I claim credit on that term ? FQ.. hmmm).
Know another friend, who was a young secret society member, and participated in killings before. Detained by ISD and has no criminal record. Now a father, and hardworking man who started his own company and is doing relatively well at the moment.
Those are my closest brush with the law and criminals.
Those and my "near arrest" for "breaking and entering" a public swimming pool. To enjoy the quiet view. Detained at the station for about 5 hours before allowed to leave. And the officer obviously thought I entered to steal money or food from the pathetic canteen.
So little serenity in Singapore that I had to break into a closed pool to enjoy the moonlight and get away from the buzz.
No, I was not raped in jail, and still have not been there. Intends to keep it that way.
Love is blind. Love makes someone stupid. It blocks logic, and inhibits financial quotient (hey, can I claim credit on that term ? FQ.. hmmm).
Know another friend, who was a young secret society member, and participated in killings before. Detained by ISD and has no criminal record. Now a father, and hardworking man who started his own company and is doing relatively well at the moment.
Those are my closest brush with the law and criminals.
Those and my "near arrest" for "breaking and entering" a public swimming pool. To enjoy the quiet view. Detained at the station for about 5 hours before allowed to leave. And the officer obviously thought I entered to steal money or food from the pathetic canteen.
So little serenity in Singapore that I had to break into a closed pool to enjoy the moonlight and get away from the buzz.
No, I was not raped in jail, and still have not been there. Intends to keep it that way.
Cisco Vs Police
Yesterday, another robbery took place. Maybank at Upper Bukit Timah.
Robber was carrying a fake gun, and took a hostage. Cisco guard fired 2 shots, and wounded the suspect.
Times must be bad...
I remembered a few years back, another armed robbery took place in another bank in Singapore. Cisco guard proved themselves worthy, so far.
I can hardly say the same for our Police force though.
Recently, a case of drunken foreigners were rowdy and police were called in.
Ended up having the whole gang attacking the officers, and 1 was wounded. Eyewitness accounts saw the other officers were "blurr" and even ran away.
Is Singapore so safe, that our own Police officers cannot even handle a gang fight ? Even a group of 10 vs 4 officers ?
The joke of it was after the gang beat up the poor NS officer, they sat back down to continue their merrymaking session, while the officers had to call for back up and didn't know what to do until a senior officer reached the scene.
A while back, while 2 officers were checking up on 2 young men, suspected drug abusers, one of them managed to grab an officer's sidearm, and shot the officer in the leg before running away.
Robber was carrying a fake gun, and took a hostage. Cisco guard fired 2 shots, and wounded the suspect.
Times must be bad...
I remembered a few years back, another armed robbery took place in another bank in Singapore. Cisco guard proved themselves worthy, so far.
I can hardly say the same for our Police force though.
Recently, a case of drunken foreigners were rowdy and police were called in.
Ended up having the whole gang attacking the officers, and 1 was wounded. Eyewitness accounts saw the other officers were "blurr" and even ran away.
Is Singapore so safe, that our own Police officers cannot even handle a gang fight ? Even a group of 10 vs 4 officers ?
The joke of it was after the gang beat up the poor NS officer, they sat back down to continue their merrymaking session, while the officers had to call for back up and didn't know what to do until a senior officer reached the scene.
A while back, while 2 officers were checking up on 2 young men, suspected drug abusers, one of them managed to grab an officer's sidearm, and shot the officer in the leg before running away.
Platinum Cards
Overheard at a local restaurant. 2 young (no more than 30 I would guess), hip looking guys were trying to get attention of a waitress, who was obviously busy. After the not-so-patient waitress took their orders and walked to the kitchen, one of the guy commented to his friend, "Wah, why, think I cannot afford ah ? I got Black Gold card you know..."
Very tempted to get my bunch of friends around to all put our "Black Gold" cards on the table and say "Why ? Black Gold card , who don't have ?"
Alas, decency in me always prevail. One day, I swear, one day I will let my inner devil rule.
Oh, and recently I received an invitation from a prestigious, not-so-local bank to apply for a Platinum card. Should I feel honoured that I have hit an income level that attracts attention, or should I feel down that at this income level, I still do not feel very rich...
Or was I plainly mistaken, and that the Platinum card invitation is , in my own words, "who don't have ?"
Very tempted to get my bunch of friends around to all put our "Black Gold" cards on the table and say "Why ? Black Gold card , who don't have ?"
Alas, decency in me always prevail. One day, I swear, one day I will let my inner devil rule.
Oh, and recently I received an invitation from a prestigious, not-so-local bank to apply for a Platinum card. Should I feel honoured that I have hit an income level that attracts attention, or should I feel down that at this income level, I still do not feel very rich...
Or was I plainly mistaken, and that the Platinum card invitation is , in my own words, "who don't have ?"
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Be Good, or Else...
Overhead a mother telling her daughter to be good, or else "the garang-guni man later take you away".
This led me to recall all the various "scare-tactics" that were used by parents. Policemen & Ah-bu-neh-neh are the 2 most commonly used.
No wonder so many of us grow up to be law-abiding racists.
But I can vividly recall a mother using a very original variations to scare her kid.
Instead of the usual "If you are not good, Policeman will catch you", she told her kid
"Don't anyhow run ah ! Later Ah-bu-neh-neh catch mummy, then you have no more mummy ah !"
Wow. The fear of losing his mother is definitely scarier than being kidnapped..
This led me to recall all the various "scare-tactics" that were used by parents. Policemen & Ah-bu-neh-neh are the 2 most commonly used.
No wonder so many of us grow up to be law-abiding racists.
But I can vividly recall a mother using a very original variations to scare her kid.
Instead of the usual "If you are not good, Policeman will catch you", she told her kid
"Don't anyhow run ah ! Later Ah-bu-neh-neh catch mummy, then you have no more mummy ah !"
Wow. The fear of losing his mother is definitely scarier than being kidnapped..
Saturday, November 06, 2004
My Car Hung on Me
My Car Hung on Me
No, I am not going to cut and paste the whole article here. But I will just cut the juicy parts :
While driving my car along Nicoll Highway one day, the dashboard controls suddenly lit up and the car's engine died. All this happened while the car was going about 70kph. It was a horrifying experience, as I had no control over the steering wheel. Fortunately I avoided an accident.
And quite a few years back, I remember an article about a Thailand Finance Minister (could be another minister, I am not 100% sure) whose brand new BMW went dead on him. He was trapped in the rear seat. Driver couldn't do anything and was locked in the car as well. Bodyguards have to break through bullet-proof windows to rescue the poor minister who was trapped for more than 1 hour.
Having used computers, and being trained in IT and embedded systems before, we all know the scary thing about digital controls. They can die without symptoms. Unlike analog or mechanical devices.
Horror stories in my mind run amok :
What if my anti-theft car immobilizer suddenly activates and kills the engine when I am travelling at 90km/h on the highway ?
What if my anti-theft wheel locking device suddenly activates and locks all 4 of my wheels when I am speeding down the North-South-Highway in Malaysia ?
What if the ABS fails and causes the entire braking system to malfunction without warning ?
And those cars with all electronic throttle control suddenly fails and get stuck at "pedal to the metal" settings ?
At least, statistically, I can confort myself that the driving skills of myself or other drivers on the road will most probably kill me first, before any of the scenario above happens to me.
Thank god for wonderful people around to make my life safe.
No, I am not going to cut and paste the whole article here. But I will just cut the juicy parts :
While driving my car along Nicoll Highway one day, the dashboard controls suddenly lit up and the car's engine died. All this happened while the car was going about 70kph. It was a horrifying experience, as I had no control over the steering wheel. Fortunately I avoided an accident.
And quite a few years back, I remember an article about a Thailand Finance Minister (could be another minister, I am not 100% sure) whose brand new BMW went dead on him. He was trapped in the rear seat. Driver couldn't do anything and was locked in the car as well. Bodyguards have to break through bullet-proof windows to rescue the poor minister who was trapped for more than 1 hour.
Having used computers, and being trained in IT and embedded systems before, we all know the scary thing about digital controls. They can die without symptoms. Unlike analog or mechanical devices.
Horror stories in my mind run amok :
What if my anti-theft car immobilizer suddenly activates and kills the engine when I am travelling at 90km/h on the highway ?
What if my anti-theft wheel locking device suddenly activates and locks all 4 of my wheels when I am speeding down the North-South-Highway in Malaysia ?
What if the ABS fails and causes the entire braking system to malfunction without warning ?
And those cars with all electronic throttle control suddenly fails and get stuck at "pedal to the metal" settings ?
At least, statistically, I can confort myself that the driving skills of myself or other drivers on the road will most probably kill me first, before any of the scenario above happens to me.
Thank god for wonderful people around to make my life safe.
Bitchy Me.
Read the following in today's Straits Times :
Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence
Nov 6, 2004Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence I REFER to the letter, 'Charge m-cyclists for manslaughter' (ST, Oct 9), by Mr Alan Lee Guok Ann. First, we must not forget that the learner rider is not required to carry a pillion rider during the riding test for a motorbike licence. So, how could one expect the rider, after getting his licence, to be skilful enough and confident in carrying a pillion rider on the road?
To prevent more fatal accidents, I would suggest that the following changes be made:
Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence
Nov 6, 2004Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence I REFER to the letter, 'Charge m-cyclists for manslaughter' (ST, Oct 9), by Mr Alan Lee Guok Ann. First, we must not forget that the learner rider is not required to carry a pillion rider during the riding test for a motorbike licence. So, how could one expect the rider, after getting his licence, to be skilful enough and confident in carrying a pillion rider on the road?
To prevent more fatal accidents, I would suggest that the following changes be made:
- Issue a new Class 2(A) motorbike licence for those who plan to carry a pillion rider.
- Have the learner rider pass the test carrying a pillion rider in order to qualify for the new licence.
- Prohibit Class 2(A) riders from carrying a pregnant woman or child below the age of 18.
- Prohibit existing Class 2 licence-holders from carrying a pillion rider.
Chia Chin Liang
-------
Wow ! Profound !
Hey, let me see, when I took my Class 3 driving license, I am not allowed to have passengers in the car. So it is me, and my instructor. So after I pass my driving test, how can I be expected to drive a car with more than 1 passenger on board ?
I will not be able to handle the extra load. I will not be able to know at what speed to make a turn, because the extra weight will affect the turning characteristics of the car. Worse, stopping distance will be longer ! How can I be expected to know all that ?
I would suggest :
- Have a new Class 3(B) and 3(C) license, since 3(A) is already used for people who do not want to drive a manual stick-shift.
- Class 3(B) will have additional 3 rear seat passengers on board, so that the driver knows how to handle the vehicle with so many people.
- Class 3(B) will be for those drivers who plan to carry more passengers on board. Those who do not intend to carry passengers, will take class 3 only.
- Class 3(C) will be similar to class 3(B) , except it is for those who intend to drive only Automatic Transmission cars.
- Class 3(C) are for those who intend to carry passengers, otherwise, they will take Class 3(A) only.
Oh, hey, I forgot about cargo. Hmm.. Lets have 2 more classes of license..
Hey, how about those who wants to drive SUV ? They are taller, wider, and easier to topple compared to sedan cars. How about a Class 3.5 for them ?
Finally, a day of godly peace
Past few months, everytime I washed my car, it rained in the afternoon... These few weeks of rainy monsoon season was worse. It was sunny when I started washing my car. When I completed, it was already drizzling.
Today, smack in the middle of the rainy season, it was a really sunny Saturday. I washed my car, and it looks like the weather will hold.. I guess, at least till midnight. Then technically, it was one day without rain.
"Why bother to wash your car when it is raining everyday ?" someone asked me. Well, first of all , it is still quite new, so I guess I have to do my part in building a foundation of wax to protect the car. Secondly, road grime and rust sticks on and eats into the paint and bodywork if I do not wash it off weekly. And finally, (perhaps the most important factor) I am a new car owner, so the excitement is stil quite there.
Maybe 6 months later, I will not even bother to wash it myself, not to mention waxing it.
Today, smack in the middle of the rainy season, it was a really sunny Saturday. I washed my car, and it looks like the weather will hold.. I guess, at least till midnight. Then technically, it was one day without rain.
"Why bother to wash your car when it is raining everyday ?" someone asked me. Well, first of all , it is still quite new, so I guess I have to do my part in building a foundation of wax to protect the car. Secondly, road grime and rust sticks on and eats into the paint and bodywork if I do not wash it off weekly. And finally, (perhaps the most important factor) I am a new car owner, so the excitement is stil quite there.
Maybe 6 months later, I will not even bother to wash it myself, not to mention waxing it.
Another Day at Work II
Oh, last week was a busy week. Had meetings every day.. And I really mean from 9 to 6 everyday.
Haha.. well, business plans for Y2005 is just tip of the ice-berg. Most of the time, meetings are to masturbate someone's ego.. (If you do not know whose ego I am referring to, read my blog more often.)
Not only that, on occasion, some constructive ideas pop up here and there. However, this time, he has pissed many of us off - Few of us got "arrowed" to do some "special projects", while he is having a holiday with his family in the US of A.
Sometimes, I think I am not paid enough to live with the shit that I have at work. But at least, I recognize that I have some perks...
Oh well, just another week that was wasted, and I don't have enough time to do my actual work..
Haha.. well, business plans for Y2005 is just tip of the ice-berg. Most of the time, meetings are to masturbate someone's ego.. (If you do not know whose ego I am referring to, read my blog more often.)
Not only that, on occasion, some constructive ideas pop up here and there. However, this time, he has pissed many of us off - Few of us got "arrowed" to do some "special projects", while he is having a holiday with his family in the US of A.
Sometimes, I think I am not paid enough to live with the shit that I have at work. But at least, I recognize that I have some perks...
Oh well, just another week that was wasted, and I don't have enough time to do my actual work..
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Speed Kills
"Speed Kills" ... so says numerous signboards along the roads that I drive everyday.
Is speed really such a demon ? Maybe. Unskilled drivers, or drivers who are just overconfident of their skills are more dangerous. Oh, and according to some informal surveys, 80% of drivers say they are above average... :)
So, with this mantra in mind, sometime late last year and this year, more speed traps have been setup all over Singapore.
And lets see some interesting statistics.
Update : 8 Nov.
Hmm... seems like I just deleted something.. And couldn't get it back..
I will try to reconstruct what I have written :
The statistics shows that while the number of motorists caught speeding increased by about 37%, actual injuries due to speeding has dropped by about 7%.
So either :
(1) Increase in speed traps drove the rise in fines, but number of actual speeding motorists stays the same all these while, thus no sharp rise in number of injuries
(2) Speeding all these while is not that bad ? I mean, with all the media hype about speed traps, and so many people being caught, injuries drop by mere 7% , which could be just a simple fluctuation.
Is speed really such a demon ? Maybe. Unskilled drivers, or drivers who are just overconfident of their skills are more dangerous. Oh, and according to some informal surveys, 80% of drivers say they are above average... :)
So, with this mantra in mind, sometime late last year and this year, more speed traps have been setup all over Singapore.
And lets see some interesting statistics.
Update : 8 Nov.
Hmm... seems like I just deleted something.. And couldn't get it back..
I will try to reconstruct what I have written :
The statistics shows that while the number of motorists caught speeding increased by about 37%, actual injuries due to speeding has dropped by about 7%.
So either :
(1) Increase in speed traps drove the rise in fines, but number of actual speeding motorists stays the same all these while, thus no sharp rise in number of injuries
(2) Speeding all these while is not that bad ? I mean, with all the media hype about speed traps, and so many people being caught, injuries drop by mere 7% , which could be just a simple fluctuation.
Power of Kids
Oh, a little backgrounder on my manager before the story. He is late 30s, married with 3 daughters. Eldest just completed her PSLE. The rest about 2 to 3 years younger. My manager's office has always been very messy. And when I mean messy, I mean cups with dried tea leaves that are months old ; Unread magazines with papers piled like a mountain on his table. No one leaves their office in this state for long.. well, maybe except him.
And he entertains guests and customers in his office. The shame of sitting in the same room.. The horror I have to endure..
So story goes that over the last weekend, he brought his wife, 3 daughters, and a other kids who are the daughters' friends. On the pretext of having an "educational tour" of our office.
So there you have, no less than 6 kids running around on a Saturday morning (oh, we lucky bastards have been having 5-day work week all along). When his wife enters the office, she commented about the messy state, and tried guessed how many months of neglect it showed. Proudly, he joked that it has not been tidied since he moved into that office (That was like, since Christmas last year.)
And one of the boys shouted out loud, "Uncle, your place like pig's sty !"... To which another kid ran over and said in Mandarin "Then Auntie, you are the mother pig lor !"...
And today, the office was much neater.... much much neater.. And I think we can expect no more educational tour for a while..
And he entertains guests and customers in his office. The shame of sitting in the same room.. The horror I have to endure..
So story goes that over the last weekend, he brought his wife, 3 daughters, and a other kids who are the daughters' friends. On the pretext of having an "educational tour" of our office.
So there you have, no less than 6 kids running around on a Saturday morning (oh, we lucky bastards have been having 5-day work week all along). When his wife enters the office, she commented about the messy state, and tried guessed how many months of neglect it showed. Proudly, he joked that it has not been tidied since he moved into that office (That was like, since Christmas last year.)
And one of the boys shouted out loud, "Uncle, your place like pig's sty !"... To which another kid ran over and said in Mandarin "Then Auntie, you are the mother pig lor !"...
And today, the office was much neater.... much much neater.. And I think we can expect no more educational tour for a while..
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