Came across this cool paper bag while browsing the Net... Fantastic idea i've got to say. Genius! Sorry...this is a filler [5:39 PM]

Monday, December 25, 2006

How Christmas is Celebrated - 03 Spent Christmas evening with my buddies, Had a sumptous dinner @ a quiet restaurant @ Millenia Walk, With desserts @ Big O. (Got civil servant to sponsor part of the bill) (Wallet isn't too thin at the end of the day) Catching up with friends is always nice. Remembering good times. Sorry... We never took any photos! We are shy people! [11:59 PM]

How Christmas is Celebrated - 02 This is how the footballers of Liverpool FC celebrated their Christmas with a costume party to call their own! [11:42 PM]

How Christmas is Celebrated - 01 The American (angmohs) are rather extravagant, Spend so much money! That the above pics are similiar to those we have in Orchard Road / Singapore. Too much... i tell you... too much. [3:51 PM]

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Over the past 2-3 months or so, I would say that my class has bonded very well. TEP has forged closer ties within the class, Since we spend so much time together. Play, eat, play, rest, play, movies, play yet again. That’s pretty much we do. This festive season, I would love to wish my class a Merry Christmas! Here’s our gift exchange photos in school on thur, 21 Dec! [7:50 AM]

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

I had said before. I will say it again. Boys will never grow up. Especially when it comes in the form of Uncle Xiao Qiang. And today, He managed to pull his family together for some mindless fun @ Ikea. Great day spent with family. Shopped. Satisfied. Shagged. Pictures will say it all… [5:36 PM]

Christmas is 5 days away, if you have not bought any presents, here's 7 tips for buying gifts for Men. (not applicable for gals - they have much higher expectations & more expensive taste) 1. Cordless Drill for the handyman. 2. Any other electronic gadget. 3. Barbecue Equipment (note: not cooking equipment or utensils) 4. Extension Ladder for the handyman 5. Never, never buy him socks, ties, and bathrobes...it's too personal. Although underwear is accepted. 6. Liqueur, but not some Al Cheapo mixed drinks. It's either whisky or beer. 7. Computer / Playstation Games or DVDs. [10:41 AM]

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

The past fortnight in Picture... Artistic view of the new National Museum Uncle @ the Museum Lighting @ Changi Airport Christmas Lighting @ Changi Airport - 2 [6:12 PM]

Exercising With Ernest and the Bodywatch Team... Cosplayers @ Singapore Expo Guo Tie - The Before Guo Tie - The After What gave me a headache on Monday... [11:57 AM]

Monday, December 18, 2006

10 Words That Don't Exist, But Should 1. AQUADEXTROUS (ak wa deks'trus) adj. Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub tap on and off with your toes. 2. CARPERPETUATION (kar'pur pet u a shun) n. The act, when vacuuming, of running over a string or a piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance. 3. DISCONFECT (dis kon fekt') v. To sterilize the piece of confection (lolly) you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, assuming this will somehow 'remove' all the germs. 4. ELBONICS (el bon'iks) n. The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theater. 5. FRUST (frust) n. The small line of debris that refuses to be swept onto the dust pan and keeps backing a person across the room until he finally decides to give up and sweep it under the rug. 6. LACTOMANGULATION (lak' to man gyu lay' shun) n. Manhandling the "open here" spout on a milk container so badly that one has to resort to the 'illegal' side. 7. PEPPIER (peph ee ay') n. The waiter at a fancy restaurant whose sole purpose seems to be walking around asking diners if they want fresh ground pepper. 8. PHONESIA (fo nee' zhuh) n. The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer. 9. PUPKUS (pup'kus) n. The moist residue left on a window after a dog presses its nose to it. 10. TELECRASTINATION (tel e kras tin ay' shun) n. The act of always letting the phone ring at least twice before you pick it up, even when you're only six inches away. [9:47 AM]

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Random Thoughts in a Sunday Evening I love my family, I really do. So i find that it is necessary to bond with my family on weekends. Did a little cooking this afternoon, fried Guo Tie. nice start to a lazy sunday . Visited grandma. Weather was pretty crappy today. Rained almost the whole day. Wore the Mongolia tracksuit from Zhicong. everyone on the bus seems to look at me a different way. pretty odd i guess in tropical Singapore. Typing this now using my cousin's PC. i must say that his is probably much better than mine.. in terms of its' specs... Got to run... dinner's ready! nice spread... from my beloved Auntie Annie. I have a decent weekend. Looking forward to Christmas Week... Catching up with plenty of friends as well. Uncle Out!! [7:17 PM]

Random Thoughts of a Lazy Saturday... Got to be back in school for Gym duties. Played B Ball with Lionel for the second weekend in a row. Met Cooper and his friend, played Table tennis as well. Nike Expo Sale was rather disappointing, mainly shoes left after the first day of sale. Cosplayers gathered at Singapore Expo though, that was pretty fun to watch. Christmas shopping at Suntec was swift, with a tight budget, there's definitely things available for every one's taste and preference. i got some presents already, but there's probably more to come. Christmas is about giving, sharing and loving...right? bought myself some small gifts as well, pamper myself a little this festive season. will get my New Balance running shoes, as well as a pair of ankle guards, if not my fragile ankles will give way very soon. My Christmas Wish in advance, May i have good health, good BMI and good fitness level, May my family and friends enjoy a peaceful and wonderful year, May i spend more time with Grandma, and Maybe... just maybe... I can embark on a new chapter of my life, with a significant other... [5:58 AM]

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Let's Talk about Sports 1.4 Lost with the directions. Confused by all the paths ahead. Undecided, on where to go next. A Sports-related Career. That’s what I want to pursue. Definitely, Without a Doubt. Yet, there are so many doors. Be it already ajar, Half-shut, Or already closed / never existed Some would be open in the future. The IR The Sports Hub Coaching, Management, Research, Biomechanics, PR, Physiotherapy, There’s plenty out there. In numerous disciplines Different areas of expertise TEP (In school attachment/free labour) Has given me some time to explore Been quite a few visits / volunteering @ events. Which has been pretty fruitful. Though it’s not the full picture, But it’s definitely eye opening, However, Decisions has to be made, Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…… To Work? (Hey, I’m not young anymore) Yet, Work experience will come sooner or later. To Study? (Hey, Paper Qualifications still count) Yet, Is it still in me to study more? Questions, to be answered. I need a little guidance, I need to find the right direction, I dun want any more regrets. Although, I know this for sure. I rather work 12 hours shifts everyday, 7 days a week during the peak periods, With flexible working hours during the off periods, Than any 9 to 5 jobs out there. That…I am Bloody Certain! [11:25 AM]

A Power-packed, Fun-filled weekend 1.3 (ending on a Monday evening) Started attachment @ Bodywatch Gym. Pretty nice start to the week. Left school earlier to get some Christmas Presents Would be for people closer to me this time round I enjoy looking for presents that means a lot to people, Not just expensive white elephants The reason for the ‘extended weekend’, Is to fulfill a promise with Madam Lee As well as for John and Margaret. Went to Changi Airport Hoping to send off the nice old couple But I guess we were rather late They would have checked in far earlier Too bad. Would loved to say goodbyes to them Dine at Popeye Decent meal I guess Price wasn’t too much to bear for budget Then, Somehow did another little gesture Helped Muthu – from India To board a train from Airport to Boon Lay He’s a farmer back in India Who grows cotton, rice, chili and other spices back home. Said goodbye at the train station. Returned home for a good rest. Well, So much happened in the last 72 hours or so. I beginning to enjoy life, Despite the fact that the junior devil herself is constantly prowling beside. Ohh… The pictures would be up soon I guess. [9:43 AM]

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A Power-packed, Fun-filled weekend 1.2 (ending on a Monday evening) Time – 1 a.m. State of mind – Sleepy yet Hyperactive Said goodbye and goodnight to the now very sleepy Madam Lee, Her eyes are like in a world of their own. She has transport home, I dun. So, now how? It’s about how to get home Nightrider or Cab ? Hmm…Neither appeal to me. Walking is better So I hike my way back home 45 mins of jogging, jay-walking and Finally home @ 2.15am I guess I’m still suffering from insomnia Slept from 430 to 8 am Tried to update blog Blogger seems to hate me Can’t post…Well Needed to exercise anyway Tried doing sets of push-ups and crunches, Then back pain sets in Wonder why Must be old I guess Age is catching up Massage parlour I went next Chatted with Niu Ge Things are better for him these days Moving out Getting married Nice to hear that Did my part for the house then Groceries shopping as usual What to do I have the vehicle (if you are wondering, it’s my trusty old bicycle) Decided to help with the cooking and mopping of the floors If not my mum will ask me for rent and utilities payment…. Better not Just do, Dun ask Decided to catch up with Lionel aka Ah Long Played B ball It’s been a long while since we played one on one Had a nice chat to update each other on our lives He’s busy with work I’m busy with studies Got to keep in contact Buddies for life Home again Come to think of it More like a hotel Room number 2302 Then it’s the Big Match Arsenal and Chelsea Hope they draw Hope Singapore Pools love me Give me some needed pocket money for the next week But…too sleepy, slept instead. Need to sleep Bodywatch Gym attachment tmrw at 9. Need to draw the key as well Time now? Ohh…1130 pm. That’s Sunday…continue tmrw then See ya! [12:23 PM]

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

A Power-packed, Fun-filled weekend 1.1 (ending on a Monday evening) Activities Galore, I dun even know where to begin. So I shall divide into a 3 part series like I always do. Sat – 1230 hrs Accomplice – The junior devil herself aka Madam Lee First stop, Little India. Set out with the hope of having authentic Fish Head Curry, Decide that Muthu’s Curry would be the perfect place But the prices there were WAY OFF Budget. Settled for somewhere a little cheaper. Delhi Restaurant @ 60 Race Course Road Met a Nepalese waiter and his Chinese Towkay. Saw dishes that I have never seen before, Smoke filling the restaurant even Tasted a good variety of food Had fruit curry instead of fish curry. Madam Lee has a phobia with fishes anyway She’s afraid of the bones… Compromise her – got to. Great start to the day. Walked…have to Need to digest anyway National Museum is next. Been saying that she wishes to visit there. Entrance fee would be well worth $5, Although we didn’t wanted to pay initially. The History portion was Eye-Opening, But since closing time is at 6pm, Decided that since there wasn’t much time We have to ‘plan’ what to do Chose the Personal Tales route, Felt that listening to life stories would be a better choice. Hearing the different stories gave an insight to what our rich history The multi-media presentation was pretty fantastic at times Yet a little lame for certain video Had a nice laugh once in a while Connected with my roots a little too Didn’t expect to hear a Teochew dialogue and conversation piece Felt a little nostalgia. Took a few pictures Both legally within the permitted zones And illegally in the restricted area Did my first good deed of the day. It always feels nice to help someone in need A family visited the place but brought along the aged grandma She’s wheelchair-bound Moving around was definitely a chore But luckily I paid for the entrance So there’s this access card / ticket So u got to use it to open the doors Makes you feel like some James Bond movie, Or like Michael in Prison Break, Having a bar-coded card for access into Restricted Areas. Walked towards Suntec City / Marina Square Hoping to do a little Christmas shopping with Madam Lee Stopped by a stall selling some graphic prints on canvas Just outside Raffles City Then, Came good deed number 2 John and Margaret Tourists from England Were in Singapore for a 2 day transit Were trying to board the open top bus that goes to the Orchard Christmas light up Asked for directions from the lady at the stall Since, I’m in the Christmas mood of giving and sharing Felt that I should be a good host Led the happily married couple to the Tourist centre @ suntec Only to find out that the seats are filled to capacity for Saturday’s tours John offered to buy Madam Lee and I a drink Well, why not Food court is the way to go Since they were so fascinated with the concept of food courts anyway John and Margaret shared a peach / strawberry milk ice dessert While there were also ice kachang and chendol For them to sample local delights There’s also beer and coffee to round off the evening. Walked them back to their hotel Inter-Continental @ Bugis Said our farewell Decided to send them off on Monday Well, Why not? Caught the Soo Kee Christmas tree @ Bugis Then was deciding whether to go back home or watch soccer But Madam Lee felt she was obliged to help her boss @ Wine hut Since there’s soccer screening at the vicinity Why not again, She’s paying for the cab fare… I’m cheapo. Saw a familiar face (rather fierce) @ Tasting Notes Paid for beer and treated with free chips Pretty good deal Chatted with a new friend Wolfgang - A restaurant owner Newcastle fan as well, Liverpool won 4-0 Could not have been better Almost like Ecstasy. Left Tasting Notes… Shall Continue with Part 1.2 tmrw. Bye. [3:37 PM]

Let’s Talk about Sports 1.3 Leaving a conntroversial piece of work I have to beef up this ‘series’. Having started my in-school attachment @ the Gym, There are several interesting things to talk about. But a particular incident took place not too far back, Which I wish to highlight here. A post on the popular website/online forum reveals this piece of complaint letter. And it’s also available if you know the NYP principal very well. The post (raw & unedited) Dear Whoever the **** is reading I am an NYP second year student. On 22 of November at approximately 3pm, my friend and I went to the school gym. As we entered the gym, we noticed that it was practically empty save for 2 girls. As usual, we laid our bags down and proceeded to the machines, but were stopped and told to get out as it was “Girls’ Hour”. According to the student at the counter, the gym is reserved solely for females between 3pm and 5pm on Wednesdays. I was wondering if the word “hour” had suddenly become plural. Grammar aside, this is the first time I heard of “Girls’ hour” in a gym and after checking with friends from other polys and JCs, I can only conclude that this is a phenomenon only found in Nanyang Polytechnic. To me, it is perfectly fine to be different. But trying to be different at the expense of a group of people is seriously unnecessary and unfair. The fact is Wednesday is the only school day that ends early and is the only perfect day to hit the gym. And it SO coincidentally has to be on Wednesday that there is a “Girls’ hour”. Wednesday is the day that MOST students finish their lessons early. So, if there are not many girls using the gym on Wednesday, there never will be many girls using the gym. I simply cannot understand why we were told to leave, when the gym is almost empty. Why must these people be so inflexible? I think NYP gym should remove such a policy. Also I would like to know who implemented this rule, or at least know why it is being implemented. Is NYP a sexist school? Are girls paying more school fees? Please take immediate action and reply soonest possible. My parents are totally behind me on this issue and will see to it that appropriate action is taken against such a rubbish policy. A very displeased NYP student Alright, instead of my own opinions, I am leaving it for all readers to have their say on this matter. Because, I would probably have preferred to use ACTION rather than WORDS, To signal my intention to whoever is so DISPLEASED about the rule. Dun ever let me know who you are. [12:20 PM]

Monday, December 11, 2006

Let's Talk about Sports 1.2 I never regarded myself as someone too health-conscious. I sleep late. Probably dun sleep enough. I have a sweet tooth, Desserts, snacks, & supper. I never follow a proper training (fitness) programme, I dun even warm up @ times. I also injury-proned, Wearing my ankle guards like underwear. Although. I do possess some knowledge in terms of fitness and health. I try to help people around me whenever possible. I still try my best to exercise when I can. I think I look decent enough also to pass off as someone quite fit and healthy. Yet. An article, Brings me plenty of doubts, Of my already shallow knowledge in health and fitness. I’m reading it with a (few) pinch(es) of salt, Because I’m uncertain whether to believe it or not. Here’s the summary of the article Judge it for yourself. ........................................................................................... EXPOSED! The Top 10 Fitness Lies By Raphael Calzadilla, BA, CPT, ACE eDiets Chief Fitness Pro Here is my top 10 list of fitness “facts” that in reality are FALSE: 1. Lifting lighter weights will make your muscles more defined and toned. FALSE! 2. A lot of cardio is the most efficient way to lose body fat. FALSE! 3. A woman will get muscles as big as guy if she lifts heavier weight. FALSE! 4. Calories are the only thing that counts when trying to lose body fat or gain lean muscle. FALSE! 5. Muscle weighs more than fat. FALSE! 6. There is one perfect workout routine. FALSE! 7. The best way to lose fat is to eat very few calories. FALSE! 8. The best way to reduce the hips, glutes or abs is to perform exercise to isolate the area. FALSE! 9. The best way to lose fat is to eat a lot of calories. FALSE! 10. The infomercial that has that cool-looking, easy-to-use abdominal machine will help me to get a flat stomach. FALSE! ........................................................................................... Personally though, I like to believe what I am doing now, Still has some truth And not all purely mistakes. Full article: http://www.ediets.com/news/printArticle.cfm?cid=1&cmi=2422566 [10:15 AM]

Friday, December 08, 2006

Let’s Talk about Sports 1.1 Intended to participate in the Standard Chartered Marathon this year, Was already training for it during the months of July and August. But due to numerous reasons and excuses, I did not sign up in time. (and I didn’t anticipate that registration will close so fast) Became rather disappointed and disillusioned a while back. Coz the goal I have set, juz suddenly disappeared into thin air. Kinda did the next best thing, Volunteered for the event with my classmates. (there’s still free shirt to be taken, might as well right) It’s part of our ‘program’ in school anyway, To gain some experience in events management. Reporting time was 230 am @ the Padang. It’s the first time I laid on the fields there, Star gazing in the wee hours of the morning, Things were pretty alright I guess. However, I left the event with some thoughts (so I might as well share about it) First, Those World Class African runners are really a rare breed. Imagine, They complete the full 42 km marathon in 2hrs 14 mins (at least that’s the timing of the champion) which works out to about 3 mins per km. Amazing? More like quite un-human to begin with. Getting chased around by lions in the desert without any proper footwear is the way to go! Second, Volunteering in such events appeals to different people, And obviously for different reasons. Some students do so to fulfill their CIP hours (Community Service) Some go for the freebies/goodie bag, free meals, And bring home the extra stocks of isotonic drinks (100 plus / H-Two-O) CHEAPSTAKE! (I guilty too at times) But the saddest, Is my disgust with some of the participants of the marathon. Train for the Bloody marathon if you have sign up. That’s the least you could have done. There’s probably more than half of the people there Either for the free shirt (yet again) Or they are ‘strongly encouraged by their company to take part’ Corporate image. But for someone who missed the registration, And definitely was aiming at completing his first ever marathon The sight of middle-aged men sporting beer bellies, Strolling along the route, Blocking the serious runners’ paths, Made my blood boiled. If you can’t run, at least jog. You are WALKING! (you think it’s East Coast Park is it?) Well, With regrets, (frustration and anger) And the determination to register early next year, I leave you. [12:28 PM]

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Been listening to some Chinese Songs for a change... Recommending the following 2 songs Enjoy 周杰伦 - 千里之外 + 迷迭香 ( 7 分钟 ) MV 周杰伦 - 退后 [1:01 AM]

Monday, December 04, 2006

Have you got a call from a long lost friend recently? Someone you have not been in contact for say…1 to 3 years? He / she would probably ask you out for a meal. It’s definitely a one-on-one meeting. Lunch or dinner (never will there be a breakfast) Likely to be in the vicinity of town / city area. (Raffles place / Orchard / Tanjong Pagar) Hey… You know where I am going with this right? Nope? Okay…more clues. It will be followed by some kind of a prep talk. Something along the line of your goals in life, Whether you dream of becoming a millionaire? Do you have a dream car? Mentioning management, executive positions, Coupled with Success stories of young people Or those who have failed miserably in life, and finally succeeding in life. Yes… I think you know where I am heading. Yes… It’s that dreaded word, And it comes in a variety of terminology I mind you. MLM – Multi-level Marketing SLM – Single-level Marketing (I think) Network Marketing Although all of them are pretty much the same thing. And It even seems to be some kind of an IN Thing Amongst students, Amongst housewives / unemployed / the ignorant to a certain extent Amongst even a number of civil servants I mind you. Since I have been to a few of these talks in recent years, I’ve grown to detect it pretty much even during the arrangement of the meal date. I have become skeptical, I have become wary, And I am definitely not too receptive of the entire BUSINESS PLAN. Let alone the product itself Sorry. I am not exactly attracted with the five-figure paycheck. Sorry. I am not enticed by the numerous BMWs the successful MANAGERS drive Sorry. I neither want to be a healthcare product promoter, Sorry Nor do I want to be a mattress seller. And it can be a little hard to get convinced by their sales talk When on one hand you are telling me that so and so product can prolong your life, Can Reduce This Can Enhance That But you are a heavy smoker, and 3 out of 4 of your managers are smokers too. Who sleeps so little because you probably are juggling this FLEXIBLE part time job, With your full-time job / studies. And I also presume you don’t really have a social life Having probably very little time to spend with your friends. And family. Yet, I believe there’s so much we want in life, That we are so fixated on enjoying the finer side of life, The materialistic high standards of living, That many of us are looking at different avenues to earn more money. That, I fully understand. It’s not that I don’t regard you as a friend It’s not that I will look at you differently. Because that’s what you have chosen, I realize that there are quite a couple of my friends out there, who are in this business. I wish you all the luck. Though I have other thoughts of my own. Sorry. [9:27 AM]

小强's Friends (男)

Ah Ban . Arthur . Dig It . Ernest . Feez . Firdaus . H K . Jerms . Jimmy . Kev . KK . Leo-nel . Lionheart . Long Ge . Ndy . Pony . Rabbit . Sgt Ernie . Tilly .

小强's Friends (女)

Cassandra . Carey C . Chanya . Cindy . Clara . Dleens . Elaine . Fish . Fishball . Fishcake . Jrayden . Kaelyn . Kitty . Mae . Mao . Nani . Ngee Jie . Peggy . PI Jane . Simin . Stella . Xiang T . Xiao Xin . Xuena.

小强's History Files

Dec 05. Jan 06. Feb 06. Mar 06. Apr 06. May 06. Jun 06. Jul 06. Aug 06. Sep 06. Oct 06. Nov 06. Dec 06. Jan 07. Feb 07. Mar 07. Apr 07. May 07. Jun 07. Jul 07. Aug 07. Sep 07. Oct 07.

小强's Links

My Friendster Job Lobangs (New Links / New Jobs - Do register) NSRTW blog (Looking for contributors)

小强's Tagboard

Overstock Discount Coupon