Geylang Boys

A-bike

2012-02-02T20:48:00.008+08:00

What to do?

We went and bought ourselves a bike. That is, Choy Chin, Hoi Yin and I bought ourselves an A-bike each. PRC copies actually.

Why? Well, it folds easily into a very small bundle that no other bike can. No other good reason other than for the novelty of it. Or, simply put ... itchy backside.

A bit wobbly at first go, but it gets easier.

Here are some links if you're interested, and for our reference.

A-Bike & Strida Folding Bikes Tested

It takes 10 seconds to unfold the A-bike

Her first go on an A-bike

A bigger guy riding one

Taking a 40km ride on an A-bike

A-bike owner's blog

A-bike website

Some Singaporean interest

Mods by an engineer owner

A-bike compared against the CarryMe DS

A-bike Central forum

Which is the right one?

2011-03-14T23:14:00.006+08:00

Here are three articles with information on Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Generally, on how fast they have effect, how long they last, and warnings on self-prescription.

Viagra vs. Cialis vs. Levitra: Differences and Similarities

Viagra, Cialis and Levitra comparison

Viagra vs Cialis – which is better?

The Easiest way to make iPhone ringtones!

2010-12-24T22:53:00.000+08:00

Create your own custom iphone ringtones for free using your mp3s

User-Submitted Article

Rather than paying for ringtones, you can

follow these steps to create your own

custom ringtones using your mp3 library.

Using iringer, you can make as many

iphone ringtones as you want for free.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

ringtone-less iphone
mp3 file
iringer software

1 The first step is to find an mp3 file that you would like to use as your ringtone.
2 Once an mp3 is located, download the iringer software from http://www.iringer.com or here. With this software, you can convert any mp3 file that you own into iphone compatible ringtones.
3
Now that iringer is downloaded and installed, open up the software. Once the software is open, press "import". A file browser would will open up. Look for your mp3 file and select "open"
4 With your file imported, select the starting and ending point of your custom ringtone. You can press the "preview" button to test how your ringtone will sound on your iphone.
5 With the "length" slider, ensure that your custom ringtone is only 30 seconds long. The iphone will only play a ringtone for 30 seconds.
6 Now that your ringtone is the proper length, you can also add effects to your ringtone such as volume control or fade. Adjust those sliders to change the way your ringtone sounds.
7 Now that your ringtone has been customized and you have previewed the results, press the "export" button. At this time, your custom ringtone will be created and saved.
8 Now you can finally sync your iphone compatible ringtone to your cell phone through itunes! Sync this file just as you would any ringtone you may have purchased.

Enjoy!

This article is from eHow

Here's another expression of the same

2010-12-24T22:41:00.003+08:00

DemoGeek's article here is more illustrative.

Some additional info on creating ringtones on your iPhone

2010-12-24T22:07:00.009+08:00

In case you had the same problem I had when I tried creating new ringtones just a while ago viz couldn't find the "create AAC version", just read on. Daniel tells you how to get it right.

Free Custom Ringtones for iPhone 3G using only iTunes
Create free ringtones for your iPhone using only iTunes and songs you already have on your computer (This method only works with songs that are DRM free. To create ringtones using DRM protected songs please follow this guide to strip the DRM off first).

Note: If you want to avoid the trouble of making custom iPhone ringtones following the steps below or make an iPhone ringtone that is longer than 30 secondes, you can get an iPhone Ringtone Maker to help you create ringtones for iPhone (fully compatible with iOS 4).

To create custom ringtones using only iTunes:

1. Right click on the song you are going to make into a ringtone and select “Get Info.”

2. Go to the “Options” tab and go down to the “Start Time” and “Stop Time” check boxes. Check both boxes and input the time you want your ringtone to start/stop. The ringtone has to be 30 seconds or less. Click “OK” when you’re done.

3. Right click on your newly “clipped” song and select “Create AAC Version”. Or directly click the “Advanced” tab on the main menu of iTunes 8 and select “Create AAC Version” from the drop-down list. The song will be re-encoded using the start and stop times specified.
Note: If your menu item does not read “Create AAC Version” and reads “Create MP3 Version” or some other format, please go to ”iTunes -> Edit -> Preferences -> General” and refer to the graphs below:

4. After the song is done encoding, navigate to your iTunes Music folder, locate your song, and drag it to your desktop. After the song is on your desktop go back to iTunes and delete the clipped version from you iTunes library (It won’t delete it from your desktop, it will only remove it from iTunes).

5. Go back the song on your desktop and right click on your song and choose “Properties”. Go to the name and extension section and change the extension from .m4a to .m4r (or you can just change the extension right from your desktop).

6. After the extension is changed simply double click on the file to add it to your iTunes library under the ringtones section. Sync your phone with iTunes and you’re done!

If the ringtone section isn’t available, please click “Edit -> Preferences” and refer to the graph below:

Note: Remember to go back into iTunes and uncheck your custom start and stop times for the original version of your song.

This is a post from Daniel's blog.

How to make free ringtones for the iPhone

2010-09-12T13:17:00.002+08:00

An eHow website User-Submitted Article

By Misty Knight-Rini, eHow Member

Learn how to easily make free ringtones for your iPhone using nothing but your computer and your iTunes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:
a. iPhone
b. computer
c. iTunes

1. Decide on the song you want to make a ringtone out of. It is important to remember that ringtones can only be up to thirty seconds in length, so you will want a song that has a decent sized clip that you can enjoy. Right click on the song and select get info.

2. Click on the options tab. You will notice start and stop times about halfway down the info box. Select the times that correspond to the clip of the song you want your ring tone to capture. Remember, no more than thirty seconds. You may want to make a few different clips and choose the one you like best.

3. Once you have changed the start and stop times, return to your iTunes library. Right click on the song again and choose create AAC version. Go back in to the original song-you can tell the difference by the runtime of each song-and uncheck the start and stop time boxes. Unchecking the boxes will allow the song to play its full course.

4. Drag and drop the AAC version of the song onto your desktop, and delete the AAC version from your iTunes library. You do not need to keep the file.

5. The file extension on your desktop will read something like this: songname.m4a. Rename the file to look like this: songname.m4r.

6. Drag the file on your desktop back to your iTunes and the song will be saved under your ring tones library. Next time you sync your iPhone the ringtone will appear under your ringtone option.

This article is copied from eHow website.

This article is the best and easiest to understand that I have come across to help me create ringtones (for iPhone) from audio files. I reproduced it here for my easy reference whenever I wish to create a ringtone out of an audio file.

60's Music Scene in the Far East

2010-03-21T12:22:00.002+08:00

Questing Bandstand (weird name though)

A nostalgic trip for people old enough to remember the old singers and some old favourites.

Just click on a name and the > arrow beside the speaker icon, to listen to a few of theie songs.

Do not forget to click on Easy Listening.

Another site for 50s & 60s songs

2010-03-12T18:22:00.002+08:00

Bring out those old records!

Henry of Lian Heng Painter Co

2010-02-08T12:40:00.008+08:00

Here is one very good guy to go to for all your car spray painting and waxing etc jobs.

Henry Tan
HP: 9863-2371
Email : henrygladys@singnet.com.sg

Lian Heng Painter Co
Block 11 Sing Min Industrial Estate
Unit #01-87
Singapore 575655
Tel : 6453-5779
Fax : 6453-3173

Someone who will surely in the new year, preferably before the lunar new year, permanently loose his penile erectile capability, scratched my car’s bonnet recently. Freddie and Victor confirmed that they were pretty serious and deep scratches.

Thanks to Freddie who quickly got me the above details and contact from his friend Alan.

There in a flash and Henry, a very nice person whom you can and will trust as soon as you see him and shake hands, tested the deep scars in the bonnet paintwork, and immediately did his magic and presto! in about 20 minutes, my old Prius looked as good as new. And at a very reasonable cost too.

Thanks again Henry.

Site is marked by blue marker in centre of picture. Click it for details.

View Lian Heng Painter Co in a larger map

Old Singapore

2010-02-05T15:47:00.003+08:00

RELIVING HISTORY THROUGH CERAMICS

2010-01-19T21:06:00.006+08:00

MANY YEARS AGO, I WROTE AN ARTICLE ON CERAMICS FOR YOUNG COLLEAQUES FROM THE FOREIGN MINISTRY. IT WAS ENTITLED "RELIVING HISTORY THROUGH CERAMICS". IT WAS ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE IN COLLECTING CERAMICS THROUGH MY POSTINGS TO VARIOUS COUNTRIES WITH A LONG HISTORY. THERE WAS A SECTION IN THE ARTICLE AS TO WHAT BEGINNERS SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING CERAMICS.

A COUPLE OF GEYLANG BOYS HAD ENQUIRED ABOUT MY COLLECTION AND ASKED ME TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE. I HAVE NOW MANAGED TO TRACE THE ARTICLE AND AM REPRODUCING IT BELOW.

THOSE WANTING TO KNOW MORE, PLEASE CONTACT ME. MY COLLECTION OF CHINESE, CAMBODIAN, VIETNAMESE AND THAI CERAMICS TOGETHER WITH A WRITE UP OF EACH IS ON MY BLOG AT

http://fredos-fredos.blogspot.com/.

ALL THE VERY BEST AND HAPPY VIEWING.

You MUST have a plan for a Terrorist Attack emergency

2010-01-16T13:23:00.005+08:00

attchment from Fred:

Read and pass this on. Pertains to USA but equally applicable in Singapore. Those with children and/or grandchildren in school, inform them as the last part is very applicable to them.

Advice from an Israeli Agent

AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ !!

Juval Aviv was the Israeli Agent upon whom the movie 'Munich' was based. He was Golda Meir's bodyguard, and she appointed him to track down and bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who took the Israeli athletes hostage and killed them during the Munich Olympic Games.

In a lecture in New York City he shared information that EVERY American needs to know -- but that our government has not yet shared with us.

He predicted the London subway bombing on the Bill O'Reilly show on Fox News stating publicly that it would happen within a week. At the time, O'Reilly laughed, and mocked him saying that in a week he wanted him back on the show. Unfortunately, within a week the terrorist attack had occurred.

Juval Aviv gave intelligence (via what he had gathered in Israel and the Middle East) to the Bush Administration about 9/11, a month before it occurred. His report specifically said they would use planes as bombs and target high profile buildings and monuments. Congress has since hired him as a security consultant.

Now for his future predictions. He predicts the next terrorist attack on the U.S. will occur within the next few months.

Forget hijacking airplanes, because he says terrorists will NEVER try and hijack a plane again as they know the people onboard will never go down quietly again. Aviv believes our airport security is a joke -- that we have been reactionary rather than proactive in developing strategies that are truly effective.

For example:

1) Our airport technology is outdated.. We look for metal, and the new explosives are made of plastic.

2) He talked about how some idiot tried to light his shoe on fire. Because of that, now everyone has to take off their shoes. A group of idiots tried to bring aboard liquid explosives. Now we can't bring liquids on board. He says he's waiting for some suicidal maniac to pour liquid explosive on his underwear; at which point, security will have us all traveling naked!

Every strategy we have is reactionary.

3) We only focus on security when people are heading to the gates.

Aviv says that if a terrorist attack targets airports in the future, they will target busy times on the front end of the airport when/where people are checking in. It would be easy for someone to take two suitcases of explosives, walk up to a busy check-in line, ask a person next to them to watch their bags for a minute while they run to the restroom or get a drink, and then detonate the bags BEFORE security even gets involved.

In Israel, security checks bags BEFORE people can even ENTER the airport.

Aviv says the next terrorist attack here in America is imminent and will involve suicide bombers and non-suicide bombers in places where large groups of people congregate. (i.e., Disneyland, Las Vegas casinos, big cities (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, etc.) and that it will also include shopping malls, subways in rush hour, train stations, etc., as well as, rural America this time. The interlands (Wyoming, Montana, etc.).

The attack will be characterized by simultaneous detonations around the country (terrorists like big impact), involving at least 5-8 cities, including rural areas.

Aviv says terrorists won't need to use suicide bombers in many of the larger cities, because at places like the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, they can simply valet park a car loaded with explosives and walk away.

Aviv says all of the above is well known in intelligence circles, but that our U.S. Government does not want to 'alarm American citizens' with the facts. The world is quickly going to become 'a different place', and issues like 'global warming' and political correctness will become totally irrelevant.

On an encouraging note, he says that Americans don't have to be concerned about being nuked. Aviv says the terrorists who want to destroy America will not use sophisticated weapons. They like to use suicide as a front-line approach. It's cheap, it's easy, it's effective; and they have an infinite abundance of young militants more than willing to 'meet their destiny'.

He also says the next level of terrorists, over which America should be most concerned, will not be coming from abroad. But will be, instead, 'homegrown', having attended and been educated in our own schools and universities right here in the U.S. He says to look for 'students' who frequently travel back and forth to the Middle East. These young terrorists will be most dangerous because they will know our language and will fully understand the habits of Americans; but that we Americans won't know/understand a thing about them.

Aviv says that, as a people, Americans are unaware and uneducated about the terrorist threats we will inevitably face. America still has only a handful of Arabic and Farsi speaking people in our intelligence networks, and Aviv says it is critical that we change that fact SOON.

So, what can America do to protect itself? From an intelligence perspective, Aviv says the U.S. needs to stop relying on satellites and technology for intelligence. We need to, instead, follow Israel's, Ireland's and England's hands-on examples of human nitelligence, both from an infiltration perspective as well as to pay attention to, and trust 'aware' citizens to help. We need to engage and educate ourselves as citizens; however, our U.S government continues to treat us, its citizens, 'like babies'. Our government thinks we 'can't handle the truth' and are concerned that we'll panic if we understand the realities of terrorism. Aviv says this is a deadly mistake.

Aviv recently created/executed a security test for our Congress, by placing an empty briefcase in five well-traveled spots in five major cities. The results? Not one person called 911 or sought a policeman to check it out.

In fact, in Chicago, someone tried to steal the briefcase!

In comparison, Aviv says that citizens of Israel are so well 'trained' that an unattended bag or package would be reported in seconds by citizen(s) who know to publicly shout, 'Unattended Bag!' The area would be quickly & calmly cleared by the citizens themselves.

Unfortunately, America hasn't been yet 'hurt enough' by terrorism for their government to fully understand the need to educate its citizens or for the government to understand that it's their citizens who are, inevitably, the best first-line of defense against terrorism.

Aviv also was concerned about the high number of children here in America who were in preschool and kindergarten after 9/11, who were 'lost' without parents being able to pick them up, and about our schools that had no plan in place to best care for the students until parents could get there. (In New York City, this was days, in some cases!)

He stresses the importance of having a plan, that's agreed upon within your family, of how to respond in the event of a terrorist emergency. He urges parents to contact their children's schools and demand that the schools too, develop plans of actions, just as they do in Israel.

Does your family know what to do if you can't contact one another by phone? Where would you gather in an emergency? He says we should all have a plan that is easy enough for even our youngest children to remember and follow.

Aviv says that the U. S. government has in force a plan, that in the event of another terrorist attack, EVERYONE's ability to use cell phones, blackberries, etc., will immediately be cut-off, as this is the preferred communication source used by terrorists and is often the way that their bombs are detonated.

How will you communicate with your loved ones in the event you cannot speak to each other? You need to have a plan.

If you understand, and believe what you have just read, then you must feel compelled to send this to every concerned parent, guardian, grandparents, uncles, aunts, whomever.

Don't stop there.

In addition to sharing this via e-mail, contact and discuss this information with whomever it makes sense to.

Make contingency plans with those you care about. Better that you have plans in place, and never have to use them, then to have no plans in place, and find you needed them.

15 things worth knowing about Coffee

2010-01-01T21:48:00.005+08:00

FRED'S BLOG

2009-12-30T18:59:00.001+08:00

I have reconfigured my blog. Did one earlier on my collection of "Antique Ceramics" and currently trying to complete posting my collection of gemstones in "Gems and Gemology". There is bit of writeup in each post with photos as well. Do check it out and have fun. I'm having fun blogging.
Cheers
Fred
http://fredos-fredos.blogspot.com;

BLOGGING

2009-12-22T21:25:00.002+08:00

THANKS TO KEE YAN, I FINALLY STARTED MY OWN BLOG http://fredosceramics.blogspot.com.
BROTHERS IT'S NEVER TO LATE. ALSO KEEPS YOU AWAY FROM MISCHIEF.
HA!

CHEERS
FRED

Nice Chendol

2009-12-21T17:47:00.002+08:00

Recently I was introduced to a nice Chendol Stall..... was sceptical at first but after tasting it , have to agree that it was nice. They serve a variety of flavours including durian & avocado etc. It's a take away place. Worth a try......

A1 Penang Chendol
Blk 822 Tampines street 81
#01-190 Singapore 520822

Can also call to pre order......98519477

Tips on Control of Diabetes

2009-12-01T22:49:00.001+08:00

http://health.webmd.com/cgi-bin21/DM/y/nBCUb0DKC1F0Fz0BtDx0Ec

Desiderata

2009-11-13T17:47:00.002+08:00

The Disederata, a beautiful old poem by Max Ehrmann I read years ago of how one should live one's life. Highly recommended.

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

My Bullies - Toro n Badger

2009-11-10T20:54:00.009+08:00

Here are recent shots of my two lovely babies, taken after my return from Coolangatta. They just cant wait to be taken to their weekly walks/runs at Bishan Park.
Fred

Holiday at Coolangatta on Gold Coast Queensland

2009-11-10T18:30:00.015+08:00

As I promised KY, here's a recollection of my week's holiday at the Beach Resort Hotel at Coolangatta, a two and a half hour drive south of Brisbane and at the border with New South Wales. Interestingly, just across the road is its twin city of Tweed Head in NSW where there is an hour time difference. Therefore shops and restaurants close an hour earlier. Btw, it's 2hrs and 3hrs respectively ahead of Singapore.
The drive south along the Gold Coast is the famous Surfers Paradise, packed with a hundred km of beautiful beaches and highrise building to cater for the crazy tourists including Aussies who were there for the sun and surf.
The view from our hotel room overlooking the stretch of beach facing the Pacific was breathtaking. We had a nice 2 br suite on a high floor via time share.
The 3 ladies however were more interested in mundane things like shopping and eating. I dutifully accompanied them for the first 2 days to the shopping centres, bazaars, markets doting the various towns and quit after that. They let me do my own thing - nature walks in the great outback, beachcombing and of course fishing along the coast and rivers.
Met 2 interesting characters - Turks named Mehmet and Engin - who owned a Turkish restaurant on the ground floor of the resort we stayed in. Their kebabs and fish n chips were good and reasonable.
They were pretty kind - they loaned me the fishing rod and gear - and chatty. They love to drink and so became my drinking buddies as I shared my bottle of rum with them. Mehmet has been here 9 years and is married to a Chinese national (with an MBA) whom he met in Newcastle. He tells me Aussie women are easy lays but dont marry them as they'll take all your assets when its over. Funny, as I thought his well educated wife (his second marriage) might be doing so for Aussie citizenship and then dumping him, as instances in Singapore.
Now for the 4 glorious days of fishing - the weather was mostly a great 20-25c, though it can be blustery at times along the groynes (rock wall jutting into the sea). In total I caught 5 fishes - breams and trevellys and they were great eating. We fried and had them for lunch. Only regret, I lost a big 2 footer - a tailor - as it bit and snapped the 9lb line after a 5 minute fight. As they say, the big one got away, only it was true. But it was fun anyway.
The rest of the time was spent at the hotel swimming, in the jacuzzi and sauna, great after all the eating. They is also paid internet service at the hotel but not on the high floor I was in, so bringing the laptop was a waste of effort.
The nite before we left the beautiful weather changed drastically. Typhoon, rain and hailstones along the coast, even a lightning strike which destroyed a home. Though it was still raining the following morning when we left, the worst was over.
I must say while I enjoyed the change, my heart was very much in Singapore and looked forward coming home. After all I had missed my 2 wonderful babe and their joy of seeing me was overwhelming.
Some photos attached
Cheers
Fred

2009 Aug bikeride

2009-08-19T19:29:00.007+08:00

Finally had our bike rides again; for this year ie 2009. Freddie organised it; having committed himself and the date at our last coffeeshop gathering two Saturdays ago. So we had it this morning.

Six of us went for it. Everyone else preferred sleeping late. Here they are LumSang, Freddie, Alan, HoiYing and ChoyChin. And me behind the camera.

A break at the Coastal Road park connector which connects Changi Beach Park with East Coast Park.

LumSang leading ChoyChin coming out of the corner after brunch at Changi Village.

The best dimensions and traffic flow system among all the varied alternatives that you will experience on the Park Connector System (PCN) being developed all over Singapore.

Singaporeans overseas, or travelling overseas, READ THESE

2009-08-10T13:51:00.000+08:00

Needing Consular Assistance Overseas

Hi Broders

At yesterday's coffee morning, B'day boy Cheng San narrated his trying experience of losing his passport when he was visiting Russia with his wife. As many of us travel on holidays, especially in our retirement years, a request was made of me to assist you get quick consular assistance from our embassies abroad when such a need arise.

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) provides comprehensive information on a whole host of assistance of Singaporeans facing difficulty abroad through our embassies.

Check its user friendly website : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Look under Consular Info and services -

eRegister – so that MFA may be able to help you in case of an emergency

Assistance for Singaporeans abroad

Visa requirements of the countries you plan to visit

Your Singapore passport

Have a good trip – a publication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Contact your Singapore consular offices abroad

Checklist and tips for Singaporeans travelling overseas

You should familiarise yourself and even take notes (or photocopy) of the relevant info. Also very useful to make a photocopy of your passport, 2 passport photos and write down the contact numbers of the nearest Singapore Embassy or Consulate of the places you are visiting. Do spend a bit of time going through the info - you never know it could save you alot of effort, time and money later. May even safe you life (during a civil disturbance, bombing, etc.)

MFA and its Embassies overseas are there to serve you. Do make use of it especially when in need of assistance.

Hope you find the above useful.

Cheers
Freddie

My Roving Eye 2

2009-07-27T23:52:00.001+08:00

A picture speaks a “Thousand Words”…………..

I had a slow walk through a few of the lorongs one evening last week. The situation looks bleak for the myriad of the coffee-shops, restaurants , eating places, watering holes etc. It was mostly devoid of customers (as above).

All the Ah Peks were sitting mostly by themselves without their usual chirpy companions, although there still a handful. But these looked like from the bottom of the barrel.

At last I found the reason……..there were some police vehicles stationed along the back lanes of lorongs 18 & 20. Police personnel were walking around with a strong presence. All the back alley activities like selling of porno cds, enhancement medicines, gambling , duty free cigarettes also disappeared.

I think this “Correction” may last for a while yet………but the BIG QUESTION ON EVERYONE’S MIND IS…………….WHERE HAVE ALL THE BIRDIES GONE??

Totally against homosexuals

2009-07-24T13:56:00.006+08:00

Like mother like daughter.

Totally narrow minded on the issue of homosexuality; due to nature or nurture? family or their social groups like who they hang out with, where they congregate, etc.

I am sure the Government gave a great sigh of relief when term of the NMP's recently expired. How could it have missed her biased beliefs? Goes to show that great paper qualifications and great working experience do not a great person make.

Thio cancels NYU stint

The Straits Times, July 24, 2009
By Cai Haoxiang

Prof Thio was to have taught two courses at NYU. But there have been strong protests from some students, alumni and faculty over her stance on gay rights, among other issues. -- ST FILE PHOTO

SINGAPORE law professor Thio Li-ann, who has come under attack in the United States for her anti-gay views, has cancelled her upcoming teaching stint at New York University (NYU) School of Law.

She gave two reasons to NYU Law dean Richard Revesz for her decision: the hostility of some members of the law school to her views on homosexuality and gay rights, and the low enrolment for her classes.

These reasons were cited by Mr Revesz in a statement he issued soon after she informed him of her decision on Wednesday.

Professor Thio, 41, from the National University of Singapore, was to have taught two courses for the September-December semester.

However, since early this month, there have been strong protests from some NYU law students, alumni and faculty, who questioned her fitness to teach 'Human Rights Law in Asia'. Her other course was to have been 'Constitutionalism in Asia'.

Many took exception to a speech she made as a Nominated Member of Parliament in 2007, when she strongly opposed repealing the Penal Code's Section 377A, which criminalises sex between men.

Prof Thio, whose term as NMP ended last week, had argued that repealing Section 377A would 'subvert social morality, the common good and undermine our liberties'.

Her speech was circulated online to NYU law students by OUTLaw, so that they can 'make fully informed decisions regarding class registration'.

OUTLaw, a campus organisation for the rights of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) students, in a July 9 statement slammed Prof Thio's anti-gay stance as 'intolerant' and 'reprehensible'.

On the same day, Mr Revesz defended her appointment as a visiting professor, saying it was 'based on her published scholarship, not on views she expressed as a legislator'.

He also stressed NYU's commitment to gay rights and rejected Prof Thio's anti-gay views. However, he called for 'vigorous, civil debate' in the name of academic freedom.

OUTLaw countered that Mr Revesz's remarks failed to reassure students of the university's commitment to LGBT rights, and asked 'how virulent must homophobic remarks be to disqualify a scholar from employment'.

The controversy took a turn when Prof Thio, in an e-mail interview with Inside Higher Ed, an online publication about college and university issues, said it is 'moral imperialism' to suggest there is a universal consensus on gay rights.

Mr Malik Graves-Pryor, an IT professional who works for NYU Law while also taking law classes, urged Mr Revesz to terminate her appointment.

Prof Thio responded with an 18-point memo to the law faculty, saying she was 'deeply offended' by his characterisation of her and her views as immoral.

She also wrote: 'If the NYU law community is unable to welcome me because of my convictions, they should say so... perhaps (many faculty members) are regretting their original invitation.'

In another twist to the saga, an online legal tabloid speculated on July 15 that her classes might be cancelled owing to low enrolment.

Her human rights class for 45 students received 12 bids after the first round of bidding, while her seminar class, with a capacity of 25, had six.

On Tuesday, an online petition at NYU against her appointment gathered 808 signatures.

The next day, Prof Thio cancelled her teaching stint.

In his statement announcing it, Mr Revesz dwelt at length on NYU's commitment to non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and academic freedom.

He also said NYU had not known about her anti-gay Parliament speech before the appointment. Also, once made, an offer is not revoked, he added.

Mr Revesz also noted that one of Prof Thio's replies to her critics was done in a manner that 'many members of our community - myself included - consider insulting and hurtful'.

He did not elaborate.

Even so, it would be an 'extraordinary' measure to cancel a course based on e-mail exchanges between a faculty member and a student, he said, because doing so will compromise academic freedom and 'chill' student-faculty debate.

Prof Thio could not be reached for comment.

When contacted, NUS law dean Tan Cheng Han, 44, declined to comment on Prof Thio's decision, saying 'it is difficult for me to comment on a personal matter'.

But he is confident the relationship between NUS and NYU, built up since 2004, will not be affected.

For instance, faculty from NUS regularly visit NYU for research stints, and vice-versa, said Prof Tan, adding that two NUS professors will be teaching at NYU in the coming academic year. They are Associate Professor Alan Tan and Associate Professor Ho Hock Lai.

'There are close personal ties between NUS and NYU faculty. I'm sure both schools regret that this incident has occurred,' he said.

haoxiang@sph.com.sg

Additional reporting by Amelia Tan

Wonderful Memories Geylang Boyz

2009-06-28T20:31:00.000+08:00

I was doing some housekeeping on my comps today when I came across the Blog "Geylang Boyz" started by our dear KY. Went into the 08 postings.....all the pics , comments (mostly by KY) gave me great pleasure and brought back the fun of being a Geylang Boy.
I only wish that more of us will write something.....anything...thoughts, feelings, things, episodes from the past where we can connect and rememember. Forget abt correct grammar etc....just write.

Horne Mun’s Birthday Lunch @ Tai Seng

2009-06-26T00:31:00.001+08:00

It was a very nice and jovial lunch @ Tai Seng (24/June/09). Good Food & Good Company.

And just the right amount of booze consumption……hehehehe!

My Roving Eye

2009-06-24T23:12:00.001+08:00

Oh how I love Wednesdays. That’s the day of the week when I can go to ChinaTown for my Makan (today was lunch with Geylang Boys at Tai Seng)and Foot Reflexology. I usually travel there by bus and was fortunate enough to catch No 2 which goes to China Town via Geylang.

Bus No 2 is normally a double decker and I enjoy sitting by the window watching what’s going on at street level. I was particularly surprised today when passing the lorongs to see that the Chinese female population seems to have deserted the whole area. The normal hustle and bustle was no longer evident and no one was “harrassing” the Ah Peks. All were quiet……..the five foot ways, coffee shops, makan stalls were devoid of the usual activities….no one seems to be hanging out anymore. Is it “recession”?? H1N1 ?? or something more sinister?? will have to investigate …..

But among the newly opened shops in Geylang, I noticed an increased number of New Internet Cafes touting 24/7 at $3 per hour…..but alas they too were empty.

Going further, while passing our former Kallang Gasworks…..it is now some kind of a nursery for new young trees. There were rows and rows of trees planted side by side. What a waste of prime space!

Emperor KangXi

2009-06-23T02:06:00.001+08:00

A few of us went to the Asian Civilisation Museum on 25 May 09 to see Emperor KangXi’s artifects.

It’s a pity that no photos were allowed to be taken of the exhibits. But I was quite surprised by some of the things shown. Apart from the Emperor’s garb, old paintings etc there were already scientific instruments already in use. There was a protractor, divider and even a sextant.No wonder China was the centre of the world at that time. Kangxi ruled China from 1662 till 1722 ,a total of 60 years.

He was also a Great Producer. He sired 24 sons and 12 daughters from a number of consorts. Indeed a great role model for Singaporeans.

Nevertheless we were able to take some photos with the “Qing Attendants” ……..

Hungry People Waiting for Eng’s Wantan Mee

2009-06-21T23:28:00.001+08:00

Walau all these Hungry people waited for 45 Minutes to eat Eng’s wantan mee At Dunman Food Centre.

What's all the twitter about?

2009-06-13T15:04:00.001+08:00

What's it all about? I thought, so got on the bandwagon to find out.

As discussed with CK the other day, Twitter is not a big deal. And I believe he concurs. Perhaps I've yet to find out how to use it better, so I'll give it another threee weeks.

This article in today's Straits Times (13 June 2009) tells it more or less how it was for me too the initial hours.

So you've decided to Twitter

A beginner's guide to the hottest social networking site in town - and why I'm bitter about Twitter

By jeremy au yong, jay talking

--ST ILLUSTRATION: ADAM LEE

So you caved.

After weeks of being pestered constantly, and being made to feel like an ancient freak stuck in the stone ages, you finally succumbed. You hopped on the bandwagon, followed the herd, drank the Kool-Aid.

You signed up for an account on the currently in vogue social networking platform Twitter.

Now what?

You stare at the empty box on the web page. Above it is the number 140 indicating the number of characters you have left to write. Next to that, the question: 'What are you doing?'

Well, that's easy enough. What you are doing is racking your brain for something to post on Twitter.

Of course, you can't say that. That's lame and potentially millions of people might be able to read it. So, as a temporary measure, you decide to go with a simple 'Hi'.

You thought awhile about going with a 'Yo' or 'What's up', you know, for some street cred, but decided that it was too contrived.

At any rate, you tell yourself the 'Hi' is only temporary. Once you think of something better, you'll de-tweet (verb: meaning to delete a Twitter post, or to get a bird to shut it) and put up a new one.

You play around with a few lines, trying your best to sound witty, funny and contemplative without appearing to be trying to sound witty, funny and contemplative.

Of course, this is difficult because you, personally, are not a witty, funny, contemplative person. You, personally, are tofu-bland. Strangers would definitely not care what you are doing.

But it doesn't matter. You decided early on in the process that you would embellish the truth a little on Twitter. After all, everybody lies on Twitter.

But what to lie about? All of a sudden 140 characters doesn't seem so short.

After a few more minutes testing out some random thoughts, all of which sounded way funnier in your head, it's time to take a break.

You have Tweeter's block so it's no point trying to force it right now. Perhaps it might help to look through the tweets of others.

You start by scrolling through all the little posts written by your friends, the people whose lives and opinions matter to you. Maybe you can see how they write interesting posts and derive some inspiration.

Still no inspiration. That witty, funny, contemplative problem you are currently grappling with seems to have infected all your friends.

There's no ground-breaking thoughts or updates here, just a bunch of stuff that you cannot imagine them wanting to tell you in real life.

Person: Hello, yes, I just called to tell you that I haven't had a drink all afternoon because I'm so busy with work. I must remember to sip water.

You: Uh, and why are you telling me this?

But of course, the info is not just for you, it's for anybody willing to listen. It's like if you were to buy a new designer handbag. While you only really want to annoy your close friends with this info, you wouldn't mind if a whole bunch of completely random strangers also knew.

Anyway, you didn't buy a handbag recently so you can't tweet about that. Also, you've been sipping water regularly so that's out.

Okay, perhaps you can write about - HOLD UP! What's this? It says on screen that somebody is following you.

'Woo hoo!' your heart gives a little yelp. 'That must mean I'm interesting. I knew my 'Hi' was a work of pure literary genius.'

But now, the pressure is on.

Prior to this, you could still experiment with the medium, take your time. Now, you have an audience. You must not disappoint.

You need to come up with a solid post, something that can live up to the lofty standards set by 'Hi'.

Perhaps you could make some insightful comments about current affairs. You had heard that Twitter was a powerful medium for discussing current affairs.

You decide to write about the death of actor David Carradine. He was found dead in a Bangkok hotel in what one might call a compromising position, and there are suspicions it was a sex game gone wrong.

So you type: 'RIP David Carradine. What a way to go.'

Sure, it's the natural reaction of any normal human being to the story but you somehow feel like you gave your own spin to it. A search to find out what other people are saying about it proves you wrong.

Thousands upon thousands of people have said exactly the same thing about him. In fact, the only thing you learn about David Carradine from Twitter that you haven't already read elsewhere is the sheer number of people who think it was a heck of a way to go.

You delete the post, dejected. As much as you did not want to abandon your sole follower, you log off. You dismiss the entire thing as an impersonal, shallow stream of exaggerated self-centred consciousness.

You tell yourself you are not that narcissistic, and you are too good for Twitter. You go and write a snarky column about it.

But all the while, secretly, deep down, you know the main reason you are so bitter is that you have no followers. You'd be happy if only more people would read you, follow you and maybe drop in to twitter.com/jaytweeting to say 'Hi'... please.

jeremyau@sph.com.sg

Kitchen cabinet hinge

2009-05-15T15:15:00.000+08:00

Had to repair a dropped kitchen cabinet door today. Shown to me last night by the Minister of Home Affairs. She said it was the one I replaced last year (meaning: ey, your DIY workmanship not that good, lah). That kicked my goat, poked my ego, and sent a shiver down the old bent spine (what if true?). But check check a bit and hosay! Not the one I replaced last year.

Here’s the story of last year.

A kitchen cabinet door would not open fully. You know, one of those messy spring loaded high tech hinges that has parts to be screwed onto another part to be screwed to the cabinet or door; the old style ugly ones never give this problem. Snuck a screwdriver through the tight gap and felt and cursed and finally got the inside anchor part detached from the cabinet.

Cheapskate me went to neighbourhood hardware DIY shop to look for a replacement. Ah ha! Discovered not such an easy walkover errand. How long is the hinge when opened, how fat is it, how thick is the door, how many screw holes, how far apart are screw holes on the cabinet-part of the assembly, how big are the old screw holes there, what’s the diameter of the attachment screws, etc etc? Two types available. $3.50 each. Which one you want? Bought the one that looked like what I could recall of the hinge that’s still attached to the cabinet door. Not a problem; a little bit of adjustment required here and there, that’s all.

Discovered not so, man. No amount of adjustment would be satisfactory. Of course I didn’t do the adjustments lah. How can? What if I made those screw holes bigger? One hole I mean; because the other was further apart than the old one and had to be freshly created. Didn’t drill that one hole yet, lah, of course. Got to make sure of all angles and alternatives and plan B’s first before I bring out the heavy equipment.

OK, let’s check with SimSiangChoon which sold us the Chippendale kitchen cabinets. Oh oh, they stopped kitchen five years ago, concentrating on bathrooms only. Now how?

Then, hey! a bright lamp in speech bubble over my head lit up. Lets Google some help. The company name Blum and a number on the old hinge. Sadly, I had to uncrew and detach the door part of it to search for identification marks. The item part number was on the round part, that part that is buried in the big round hole.

So got to a few sites. Click here and here. But first had to determine what the heck the hinge was called or described. Full overlay clip hinge 180 degree blah blah. The sites were hardware retail outlets in the US. Add a few dollars for airfreight, wait a few weeks (?) at worse for delivery, and then I can do the replacement. But what if not the right item, what if it doesn’t arrive, what if this what if that? Ey, when are you going to repair the hinge, darling?

Logged out, took out the old Yellow Pages. Flip, flip pages. Tried one ring ring do you have Blum hinges? No? Oh ok thank you. Third one struck gold; no wonder never strike Toto that year.

Went to Hong Li Hardware Pte Ltd at 906K Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787110, Tel 64558774 / 64558650 and spoke to one Mr Phua Kok Leong HP : 97666273. This shop has BLUM hinges.

And cheap too; so I got two of the same, just in case the upper one fails too. The replacement (old model out of production but a new one can be used to replace it) was better; it had a slide-on and a click-catch to attach the door part (and door of course) to the cabinet part.

It even had the slot for the Chippendale nameplate.

So out with my toolbox and a few minutes later, the door was up and all’s fine again (see pics).

OK, back to yesterday’s cabinet door.

The holes enlarged on their own (chipboard not a good material to screw on frequently moved parts like doors). But a bit of paper stuffing should work, or perhaps some turns of that white plumbing tape that those DIY hunks on TV so easily use to solve life death situations in their kichens.

‘ey, darling, why not use rawlplug?’

OK, OK, that’s why she’s the Minister of Home Affairs.

As I grow older, hope I don't become idiotic like her

2009-05-03T10:56:00.000+08:00

Beware and take care that as we grow old, we do not become idiotic like this old woman who denies the existence of homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transexuals.

Simply because she does not have anyone in her family circle born as one.

My wish is that the future generations in her family circle be generously littered with many of these nice creative and enterprising types of people.

(And she's as wicked as that MiddleEast leader what's his name? who denied the occurrence of the Holocaust).

'Mentor' reacts to jibes
By Sandra Davie, Senior Writer
The Sunday Times 3 May 2009.

Dr Thio Su Mien addressing the crowd at Suntec on Saturday. Amid loud boos and jeering, she held up a 2007 book Aware had published on the women's movement here and said she felt 'very charmed' to have been mentioned in it.

SENIOR lawyer Thio Su Mien stood up to respond to the jibes on why she had declared herself the 'feminist mentor' of the women who seized control of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) in March.

She had called herself that when she revealed on April 23 her key role in bringing about Aware's sudden leadership change.

Dr Thio, Ms Josie Lau and five others on the executive committee booted out on Saturday all attend the Anglican Church of Our Saviour in Margaret Drive.

On Saturday, amid loud boos and objections, she held up a 2007 book that Aware had published on the women's movement here and pointed out that she was mentioned as the first woman dean of the Law Faculty - from 1969 to 1971 - at the then-University of Singapore. Holding up the book, she said she felt 'very charmed' to have been included.

As the booing and jeering continued, Dr Thio told the crowd: 'Show some respect to your elders.' Someone in the audience responded: 'You have to earn respect.'

She wanted to continue, but she was drowned out by chants of 'Your three minutes are up, three minutes, three minutes.'

Later, she told The Sunday Times she was surprised by the 'anger' and 'vehemence' she felt from the Aware members. 'It's very scary,' she said. 'What is happening to women in Singapore?'

Southern Ridges walk

2009-04-02T12:24:00.000+08:00

Kombucha

2009-02-28T15:24:00.001+08:00

After reading KY’s take on Kombucha 2 weeks ago, I decided to “Google it”. The amount of available information was to say the least, astonishing. It ranged from being able to “cure” a multitude of ailments to DIYs. But what caught my interest was that this concoction is not a new thing…..but several thousand years old originating from China and widely used in Japan, Europe to Russia.

As Kee Yan’s brother Thomas is very knowledgeable on Kombucha, I visited him on 20 Feb and got precise info on how to make it. He also gave me a “Scoby” to help ferment the brew. A secondary product from the brew is a small amount of accompanying alcohol due to the process.

I made the first batch on 20 Feb and harvested it on 26 Feb. In the meantime I was also drinking one half cup every morning from the bottle which Thomas gave me.I do not know whether it was coincidental or otherwise, after one week my “trigger finger” was straightened. My wife is also starting to take it now.

I enclose some pics from my first harvest.

Gathering At Marine Terrace 21/02/09

2009-02-21T22:53:00.001+08:00

Today’s gathering at Marine Terrace was a lively one. Birthday Boy Freddie was in high spirits and bought and served drinks for everyone. Surprise ……surprise………our President flew back from Orlando just to be with us, although the real reason was …….he misses the S’pore Food more than anything else………and the “tigers” of course.

Visiting Our Singapore National Museum

2009-02-18T02:42:00.001+08:00

On 16 Feb 09 our group (Howe, Lye, Leong, Choy Chim, Kiat Pin, Hoi Ying and Chee Kiang) visited our Museum for the first time after many years. For me it was more than 50 years at least. It was a pure Nostalgia.

We actually chose the right day………it was Seniors’ Day …….so it was FOC……

Gone were the stuffed tiger, whale skeleton, and most artefacts. In it’s place was the history of Singapore from the time of Raffles to present times. There were stories of past Luminaries like Aljunied, Eunos, Tan Tock Seng to name few and of course our MM and David Marshall too.

Each person was given a recorder with earphones which acted like our personal guide giving us the low down on which section we fancy to know. It was indeed very interesting and informative.

Our visit ended with a coffee and sandwich treat from our sir Howe.I can recommend this activity to those who wish to know more about past Singapore history.

KombuCha or Kombucha Tea

2009-02-13T17:18:00.002+08:00

My brother gave me a bottle of KC (or kombucha tea aka KT) and it rid my last case of travel diarrhoea inside a week. The stuff tastes like wine, sweetish sourish.

He prepares it at home and gives it to my Mum to drink, three half cups a day; and she is now in very good healthy pink, with normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And stopped all her mospital medical prescriptions.

What is it ? Read here : The Happy Herbalist, Answers,

How to make it? : Watch these videos.

Where to get the 'mother'/'baby'/scoby? Find out here.

updated on 12/02/2011

Aircon service contractor BockSeng

2009-02-13T13:28:00.000+08:00

Some time back I posted about Rennie who supplies aircon remote controllers. I also said she gave me the number for Bock Seng who is an AC service contractor.

Well last week, one night bedroom ac went drip drip drip onto parquet veneer flooring. Called BockSeng next day. He said he was busy and could we call him the next day. So another night without ac. Luckily had extra stand fans ($25 from Giant, Carrefore etc).

Following morning someone called us and said was it ok to turn up in half an hour? Fine (but wife grumbled as it was too early for her, she was just starting on breafast at 11am). Anyhow, long story cut short : a local Chang Ah Leng aged late 50s' arrived with a PRC guy (quite chye see type, not like local shitty contractor's workers) arrived on the dot.

PRC worker carried a ladder. Straightaway we were very impressed. We have used umpteen aircon contractors and they always turn up without a ladder, always asking us for a ladder (how many people got ladders, I mean people who live in HDB flats?) or a chair to do their work.

Got health reports of the compressor unit and dripping blower unit, quotes for rectification jobs to both, they got on with it, completed everything in two hours. Paid $140 ($80 and $60). Best money spent on aircon services ever!

Here's why. Needed to use running water for job of 'chemical' cleansing.

BUT, we didnt have any regular tap in the bathroom. All longbath taps and basin taps and shower sprays were fancy ones. Didn't even have a spare tap at the side of the toilet cistern (concealed one, what, what you expect?). So how, where to get running water?

No prob; old Chang had many tap adapters and one fitted our hand basin tap. And that allowed attachment of his hose.

Then, they checked and found no roof gutters to channel away wash water. Cannot allow wash water to simply flow down the roof and onto property of unit below our's (hey, we're not your average inconsiderate neighbours, you know). So how?

No prob; old Chang had aluminum trays - table top sized, square ones and long rectangular ones like those tables sizes in TingFook's Zia showroom. All with built-in tiny downpipes that fit standard hoses. So with a tray on roof under the compresor, a hose to our tap to provide flush water, another hose from the tray to deliver water back into my bathroom toilet bowl via a vavuum machine! as it had to get up over the window first.

Ok Ok, cut short story again, everything done, they brought down to the bulk bin all the old newspapers used to protect flooring, mopped up with their own cloths any drops on floor, and that's that!

And they didn't even knock any of our furniture or dent a wall or anything.

Straightaway, wife and I that afternoon planned and scheduled the maintenance service programme for the rest of the six AC blower outlets, and the compressor, for the next 12 months.

This BokSeng AC service contractor is highly reccommended. Don't forget to ask for his Chang Ah Leng duo. BokSeng's handphone number is 97859497.

A bit longwinded, but hey, I prefer to dish it out in detail than having to entertain silly questions. Right?

Seeing Red in ChinaTown

2009-02-13T00:57:00.001+08:00

Lorong 21 gate

2009-02-11T12:50:00.001+08:00

Primary 6 classrooms

2009-02-11T12:47:00.001+08:00

The tuckshop

2009-02-11T12:39:00.001+08:00

The angsana trees?

2009-02-11T12:37:00.001+08:00

remember these?

2009-02-11T12:34:00.001+08:00

The toilet block

2009-02-11T12:28:00.001+08:00

The school porch

2009-02-11T12:25:00.001+08:00

Geylang English School

2009-02-11T12:13:00.001+08:00

Here we are (above) on Lorong 23 (Geylang Road end) looking into the school, specifically, at the Primary 1 classrooms.

Can you remember which classroom belongs to Mrs Heng and which one to Mrs ??? (the foxy one who calls Guru Howe "Howie"?

The old school has been leased to a charitable organisation which operates this car cleaning business on part of the grounds.

First photo in GES after 45 years (above).

Left to right : Freddie, Choy Chin, Chee Kiang, Hoi Ying and Yew San.

Above : What are they taken aback by?

Above : Just this - part of the sports field which is part of an outdoor cafe of sorts.

The old toilet block is on the right, and the Malay boys' school is the one with the red roof.

Above and below : The grass patch is the site of the old Long Jump sand pit. Do you remember that ?

Mr Howe's 81st

2009-01-31T15:38:00.001+08:00

GES old boys and wives having a fine time.

YewSan and Mr Howe.
They look perfect.....

Fantastic Looking couple

Attachments from CC.

2009-01-31T12:35:00.000+08:00

WARNING : DON'T OFFER DUIT KOPI FROM NOW ON!

World's largest gigapixel picture!

CAR INSURANCE CLAIM VOID ... !

Fresh Lemon Grass Drink Causes Apoptosis to Cancer Cells !

Lunch at Tai Seng Restaurant on 7 Jan 2009

2009-01-14T16:26:00.001+08:00

OK, here's lunch at TaiSeng on 7 Jan 2009.

Leaving for US soon? Get approval online

2009-01-13T16:40:00.000+08:00

The Straits Times, January 8, 2009

FROM next Monday, Singaporeans travelling to the United States will have to apply online for approval before they leave for the country.
The US Embassy sent out a reminder yesterday about the new rule taking effect.

Singaporeans who hold biometric or machine-readable passports can enter the US without the need for a visa.

All they have to do is submit a form, similar to an embarkation card but more detailed, to the US authorities when they arrive in the country.

However, Singaporeans who want to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme will have to apply here for approval with effect from Jan 12.

Travellers are advised by the US authorities to apply at least 72 hours before travelling.

The online application and authorisation process is free currently, but the US government reserves the right to charge a fee in future.

Approved travellers are allowed to make multiple visits to the country for up to two years.

The new system was put in place by the US Department of Homeland Security as part of its security measures after the Sept11, 2001 terror attacks.

Officials from the US Homeland Security said it will vet applicants to determine whether anyone poses a potential threat.

What Recession??

2009-01-11T18:00:00.000+08:00

Lunar New Year is just around the corner......in 2 weeks time.
Today being Sunday I was foolishly persuaded by the wife to go CNY shopping at Giant in Tampines. Reasons being cheap pricing ......but above all .....free parking.

Wow......BIG MISTAKE........
This is the second time that I have visited Giant since it opened ....it is indeed Gigantic............
Seems everyone else in Singapore have the same idea, leading to frantic search for car parking space, avoiding children & pedestrians in the car park.

But the "fun" begins once you are in the mall. Every one has a trolley (big size type). Navigating through the maze of human traffic plus trolleys and stopping to choose the stuff to buy will negate all touted benefits........nightmarishhhhhhhh......

At the end when you think the wife has enough, you still have to queue to pay for the stuff.
All in all....Big is not necessarily beautiful......it's better to shop at NTUC Fairprice in the heartlands

Old Toys museum at Bussorah St

2009-01-08T15:35:00.000+08:00

Here we are after makan, upstairs in the Old Toys Museum.

Not to confuse with the other two viz Museum of Shanghai Toys and Mint Museum of Toys.

This one here isn't just about toys, there are loads of old stuff here.

I think it's all the old stuff the owners didn't want to throw out during annual pre-Lunar New Year clean-ups.

Like what I'd like to do ie keep except that the Wife will throw ME out!

All of us had one of those chalk board dusters!

And school 'bags' like that one!

CheeKiang standing in for the ice-ball stall man.

The old Westinghouse was in working condition with cold Coke cans inside.

Aaargh, I had a couple of those plastic wired stools.

Freddie and another visitor checking out the old movie house on a tricycle.

Here it is, with movie running. They didn't have the older one where the peep holes show different flip-page movie books.

This old-style ashtray-cum-match box holder was bought from a $2 shop in Perth in 2006.

This 555 cigarette can was bought at a flea market in Perth in 2006.

Lunch at Muscat Street

2009-01-07T18:09:00.000+08:00

After a quick tour of The Old Toys Museum on adjacent Bussorah St, we hopped over here for a coffee break.

I think it was called 'Minang' or something like that, this coffee shop 'restaurant'.

Or could be that 'restaurant Minang' was located upstairs while it was just 'coffee shop' downstairs.

Anyway, Freddie and TingFook swore by the coffee. Correct swears, the coffee WAS good.

See?

The coffees' all gone, but the kopi-ohs' untouched!

No, lah. The kopi-ohs came first.

OK! Here's a shot of TF (rare animal seldom caught on camera) and Freddie.

These two have still got their full heads of hair.

While this one's bagged all the drinks!

The rare animal in his usual pose, one hand with phone to ear and another in pocket for ciggy.

CK on the ready with his digicam.

Phtos taken?

Shall we get at the drinks?

Oh, ho, ho, ho!

Cheers!

Then, someone suggested Why not have lunch now?

Too early lah!

OK, brunch, then?

ON!

One fork short!
'ey, what you call a fork in Malay, huh?

Suduk!

No lah, that's spoon.

Zap a few minutes later, and brunch was done.

The smokers have gone 5 metres away.

Where this shot was taken.

And there's our table two zaps after we left it.

We have to renew in 2011

2009-01-01T14:51:00.000+08:00

Just had a panic attack!

New Year's in, so how's about my driving licence? Has it expired? When's it due for renewal? Since now over 65 y.o. (can't bring self to give age!), how? Didn't I do that exercise requirement when reached 65 last year?

Must go check up. Now where's that document?.... did I get, receive, a document? or card? I still have my pre-65 driving licence in my wallet. But that's old stuff, now tak pakeh, I think.

OK, relax, check out website. Which one? Ah! let's try 'Get for me Singapore...'. Tried it, lousey, click all over, click runaround, stupid pop-up advert at bottom of screen (just like that one in the Straits Times Interactive), X it.

Try Search, for 'Singapore driving licence'. Lots of smarrt alecks. The first one totally useless. All the usual stuff but nothing about for us 65's ( hey, I like that, we being 65's, sounds like born in 1965, huh? Makes us how much, let's see ... 42 years old!)

OK, don't get distracted, old man (down to earth, sigh). What were we searching for? Ah, oh yes .... good, here's the Singapore Police Force site. Click, ta-da!

Click here, click there, and cut long story short before I forget again what my purpose is , here it is repro'd below, the relevant screen text :

Renewal of Photocard Driving Licence

Foreigners holding a Singapore driving licence will have to renew their licence at the Traffic Police Department one month before the licence expires. No reminder letters will be sent out.

Renewal must be done in person at :

Traffic Police Department
10 Ubi Avenue 3
Singapore 408865

Operating hours :
8:30am to 5:30pm (Mondays to Fridays)
8:30am to 1pm (Saturdays)
Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The following documents and payment are required when renewing your licence passport,

*work permit/employment pass/ student pass/dependant pass, and/or other documents showing your extended stay in Singapore.
*A matt/semi-matt finish passport-size colour photograph with white background
*A processing fee of $50 (Cash, Cashcard and Nets Only)
*For Singaporeans holding paper driving licence that is going to expire and who wishes to obtain a Photocard driving licence, you may do so at the Traffic Police Department.

The old paper driving licence is invalid if it has not been renewed for a period of 3 years or more, or is renewed while under revocation/ disqualification/suspension.

Category 1 : Motorist below 65 years old (for all classes of driving licence)
Renewable at Traffic Police Department.

Category 2 : Motorist above 65 years 0ld (for class 2B, 2A, 2, 3A & 3 driving licence)
Renewable at Traffic Police Department.

Medical examination* at any private clinic or Government Polyclinics in Singapore is required for motorist age 65 years old (date of birth) and every 3 years thereafter (i.e. 68, 71, 74, 77 etc).

The successful medical examination form has to be submitted to Traffic Police Department before the respective date of birth of the licence holder.

Category 3 : Motorist aged 65 years old and above (for classes 4A, 4 & 5 licence holders)

The following examination and test must be done :

*Annual medical examination* at any Government Polyclinics in Singapore.
*Once certified fit to drive the particular class of vehicle, you will need to undergo a proficiency driving test, registering of proficiency driving test date is to be made at Bukit Batok Test Centre, 815 Bukit Batok Avenue 5. The proficiency driving test will be conducted at Jurong Test Centre 01-08 Jurong Stadium 4 th Chin Bee Road.
The driving licence will be validated upon passing of the proficiency driving test.
We may not accept medical examination certification produced after 3 months from the date of endorsement by the Medical Officer.
* The Medical Examination form will be sent to the motorist 8 to 10 weeks from his respective age which required for medical examination. Aged motorist may call the Traffic Police Department at Tel No : 6547 0000 or approach the counter of Traffic Police at Driving Centres to request for the medical examination form.

New Elvis duet

2008-12-31T12:02:00.000+08:00

Saw this on tv and someone emailed me the youtube link.

It's very well done.

Take a look.

Click here

Lunch @ Zia on 29 Dec 2008

2008-12-30T11:24:00.000+08:00

That's Renga, ex-VS, a baby among us oldies.

HorneMun holding court with a long story.

HM responding to questions, questions, questions.

Left ...

.... and right.

Was there late, at 4pm, about 10 guys still around, but only one curry puff left. Luckily. Thanks Mr Howe for the curry puff you brought. It was good.

Lots of stories, some of which many had heard of at least five times, you know the story teller, ha ha. But that's typical of all of us Oldies, right! But there was one truly clarifying story by KHM, guided by fatherly prompts of no other than BP, without which the story would have been sidetracked all over Spore (or GL!).

Thanks very very much TF for your kind and patient hospitality, esply since it's your day of rest of the week. It was very enjoyable. And I was there only three hours!

Cheers.
KY.

Year end lunch with Mr Howe

2008-12-25T12:46:00.000+08:00

Geylang boys a wonderful Christmas Eve lunch at Tai Seng with Mr Howe and his friends.

Good food, good friends, good drinks. What more do you want?

Had the chance to meet up with Mr Leong Kwai Wah (second from right) who was a great mentor to me, and friend, when I started work in the Parks & Trees Branch, PWD, in the '70s.

Earrings?

Bike Ride-12 ..... at night!

2008-12-10T12:56:00.000+08:00

Waiting for HoiYing and Freddie.

It was about 8.45pm on 9 Dec 2008 and this was the 12th and last ride of 2008 on the ECPCN.

There were 5 of us.

In two shakes, we were up on the overhead bridge across the East Coast Parkway where YewSan pointed out his apartment to us.

Pitch dark on the Coastal Road Park Connector despite the bright street lights and Changi Airport lights.

This was taken around 2.00am.

A short break waiting at the spot where Coastal Rd Connector turns away from the main road and out towards the coast.

Morning snack at McDonalds beside the bike kiosk almost six hours since we started off.

The weather had been fine, cool breezes, then windless.

A good ending to a year of monthly rides.

AC remote controllers

2008-12-09T16:54:00.000+08:00

We were down to our last remote controller. Out of six. In fact all original six had died; that last one surviving had come with a recent replacement of one of the blower units.

I am referring to remote control units of airconditioners that were installed in our apartment about fifteen years ago.

The ‘remotes’ started conking off around year ten when two went off together. Then they went at the rate of one a year for four years. Then last year the fifth one took the hall’s blower unit with it. We replaced the blower which came with a remote. Luckily for us, the replacement blower unit (and remote) was compatible with the rest of the system. Finally, the last of the original six went last week.

Called Toshiba etc. Was told aircon not handled by them for over ten years.

Fortunately they gave me the contact Toshiba Aircondioning or something (it’s in the phone book). Called them and was informed the remote I wanted has been out of production for over a decade! Wah, your aircon very old one ah!

Then how? Thought they’d try to persuade me to replace my whole system. But they didn’t. Instead Esther very helpfully told me to go check up with their retailers and gave me three telephone numbers, heng ah!

Called first one. That one no more, uncle. But will source and call me back, how many I want? I said Two, but must see price first. Will call you back.

Called the last number, gave model number, and a Cantonese voice woman said “Have. Is it the one with a pink coloured on-off button?’ I confirmed. “How many do you want? Two? got them. $40 each.” Must go get a few quickly; they were $175 five years ago, when I had to buy one.

Went to the address she gave me. Couldnt find address, called her, she said go round the building.

The Canto speaking woman was an attractive one in her late thirties, with stylish cut tinted hair and she speaks English but prefers dialect. The shop / workshop / junkshop / hoarding place was filled floor to ceiling with all parts of aircons.

Decided to take three whereupon she said total is $110, I give you $10 discount. She gave fresh batteries and tested all three remotes.

Renny that’s her name informed that she has stock of the remote if I need more. That it’s compatible with yet another blower unit. And that my old blower units’ pc are quite rare ie the printed circuit boards or pcb’s.

Can you recommend a good aircon service contractor? And she gave me a name, Bok Seng, 97859497, a Malaysian, good one.

So if you guys need a ‘remote’ or two, or even a blower unit, or I daresay any other part of an aircon, give Renny a call at 6744 5995 or 6748 9218. Her workplace is Joseph Loh Enterprise, Blk 3014 Ubi Road 1 #01-318, Singapore 408702.

Don’t pay more unnecessarily for remotes or a new system.

While leaving Renny's shop, head her talking to her hubby in Canto: Wah! This model remote still quite popular; earlier today sold two already.

Short bike ride with Mr Howe

2008-12-02T12:39:00.001+08:00

There were 6 of us for a short bike ride exercise on Monday 1 December 2008 at East Coast Park.

Most were quite eager, including Mr Howe who had not ridden a bicycle for >50 years, and we set off before 10.00am.

We rode to the Tg Rhu end of the park and rested, waiting for ChoyChin who turned up at 10 and found that we had taken off early!

We went back the way we came, ie eastwards, and stopped to take these shots at the jetty at Area B.

Cycled all the way east and onto the Bedok jetty, shown here.

This chap looked like he lives at the site, and running a business renting fishing equipment, thanks to the only park shelter on the jetty which he had grabbed all for himself.

Turned around and headed west again, and then stopped at Old Town at the former Big Splash for makan and coffee which were strongly recommended by YewSan and Mr Howe.

They were right, the stuff were good. Coffee cups were a bit too small for the price.

Makan was on Mr Howe, terimakaseh, Sir!..

Let's have more short bike rides with the Guru.

Brunch at Marine Terrace on 18 Nov 2008

2008-11-18T07:20:00.000+08:00

Many turned up at Marine Terrace Blk 59 coffee shop on 18 Nov 2008 for November birthdays gathering brunch.

How many?

KimHoe, KiatPin and MohdNoor.

KhoonToon, BanPing and HorneMun (in striped shirt).

CC (praying?), Freddie (singing?), and JinChuan (with glasses on top).

ChengSan (asking for trishaw fare?)

Wow! hair still black, man!

What's our old teacher Mr Howe doing?

Long time no see, WeeTeck.

AbdulRazak's hair's still black.

Note ChengSan's looong right hand resting on the next table.

CheeKiang and others listening to HorneMun's tall story.

They're not buying YewSan's explanation?

Teacher's cane has a wicked handle!

Sleepy head MohdNoor.

Who? Me?

WeeTeck swearing-in Freddie.

The only one who wears his watch on his right wrist.

MohdNoor still talking.

Bike Ride-11 Coastal ECPCN

2008-11-14T11:17:00.000+08:00

HoiYing called to inform that he wouldn't be coming as it was raining heavily. Where he lived.

But it wasn't so bad at ECP meeting point. Just a light drizzle.

We had very good bikes from Coastal Recreation. The saddles were large and comfy like those on 'gentleman's bikes of 50 years ago.

Here's Freddie all togged out in appropriate wear.

There were 5 of us - ChoyChim, LamSang, Joe (LS jr), Freddie, and me.

It was good weather for sleeping, that's why.

LamSang posing; said he enjoyed every bike ride.

Tide receding on our homeward trip.

That's CC giving scale and human element in the photo.

You have to come on the ride to discover where this spot is.

A new friend at ECP.

Very friendly one at that.

The next bike ride will be a NIGHT RIDE that'll cover the whole 42km of the ECPCN. Do you know any 24-hour coffee shops along the route?

Lunch at Singapore Swimming Club

2008-11-11T11:52:00.000+08:00

Mr Howe - our Pri 6 form master - hosted lunch at SSC.

Freddie (left) and HoiYing (right) studying menus.

ChoyChim and BanPing.

YewSan talking about .... I forgot.

That's KianBee in the striped shirt on left, Gomez with the chpsticks, and that's TingFook's head at botom left.

Concentrating on their food.

Bike Ride-10 --- ECP > Changi Village re-visited

2008-10-15T18:59:00.000+08:00

On the way, (photos above), we saw that NPARKS had painted 'PCN' with an arrow, on the track in a half hearted attempt to provide better signage to the Bedok Park Connector at Area 'G' East Coast Park in response to our feedback and request in April about 6 months ago. Guess they're too busy with their new way of operations to bother with public feedback. Quality public service!

The weather turned out fine in the morning of 14 Oct 2008 despite forecast of rain till evening. We agreed to do Changi Village and return.

Here's something nice that wasn't there the last time we were here - coloured bicycle path. Well done, NPARKS!

The PCN here is being encroached by illegal parking of motorbikes.

MINDEF Chiefs not working!

Here's (above) another new bicycle rental kiosk in Changi Beach Park run by some old friends.

From the looks of things, business is very poor; and weekends though good does not break even the week.

Kayaking lesson in progress.

Kayak enthusiasts in the water.

There are many such rest shelters along the Coastal Road stretch of the East Coast Park Connector Network.

They could do with large visible identification numbers or letters so that cyclists can inform their companions of their exact location whe they are separated.

Having a well-earned lunch and refreshments at Changi Village Food Centre.

With a new friend (who works for the Cleaning Contractor) who took the photo (above) of us.

Bye bye Pulau Ubin

2008-10-10T15:09:00.000+08:00

Leaving Ubin.

Had to hop over two other boats to ours.

Mind those ropes and stuff!

Pretty nice place, Ubin

2008-10-10T14:56:00.000+08:00

Here's a local resident who thinks he owns the road.

One of the many old prawn ponds that are lying there waiting for bright ideas from the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile probably breeding mosquitoes!

Nice clean deep water at high tide; beside the Viewing Jetty.

An old street sign?

Got such modern designs long ago meh?

Here are signs at the start of the new Ketam Mountain Bike Trail.

They forgot the most important little red dot that says "You Are Here".

So if you're going there soon, bring a red colour permanant marker pen and do us all a favour.

A good effort design of an "old" speed limit sign.

But an unpainted new design litter bin does not make it an "old" bin!

Here's a sign that's 'pointing' the wrong way.

Old rock quarry or deep lake?

Looks more like a deep lake.

A proper information sign with photographs of its rock quarry days would be useful.

This is old Ubin all right.

No information sign required.

Because it's untouched by the relevant authorities!

Another local resident.

Now this is old Pulau Ubin.

Looks just like any coastal village in neighbouring south Johore.

Very nice.

Just beside the boat jetty.

Another grandiose project gone south? or waiting to be sub-let for big profit?

Another interesting story I am sure.

Visitor Centre and Viewing Jetty

2008-10-10T14:46:00.000+08:00

View of the Viewing Jetty taken from the Visitor Centre.

LumSang and EngSeong.

Lovely new old house with excellent exhibits of the tidal ecology of Pulau Ubin.

ES just had to be photographed with plane in background.

Click to enlarge photo to see the plane.

"Approaching" the right side of his head.

LS and KY.

How Ubin and Sekudu came about.

Read all about it.

Just click to enlarge photo to read the story.

I want to go home ...

Here is a shot of HY, CC and co approaching.

It IS NOT a shot of Kelly(?), an Ozzie from Perth, WA.

No rewards for guessing what these old fogies are eyeballing.

If you pop into the Visitor Centre, do look out for this VERY DANGEROUS thick slab (in centre of photo) that has tripped thousands of visitors.

Except those who approved this detail?

Cycling along kampong roads

2008-10-10T14:22:00.000+08:00

Click on photo to enlarge to see who that is.

No problem with this one.

It's CC alright.

Here we have ES, HY and Ricky.

Everyone posing for the camera!

ES, Freddie, HY, Ricky.

Ricky & friend followed by Sunny.

Lovely contry road.

Click to enlarge to see AngMoh & girlfriend, ES, and a local resident.

One of the best biking trails ...

An unpaved uneven road with puddles of rainwater.

Great fun weaving between the puddles.

Inconsiderate school students behaving badly.

A step into the past

2008-09-30T19:45:00.000+08:00

The mandatory location photograph.

Here we are on Pulau Ubin!

Willy started pacing to check the width of the island under Gomez's watchful eyes.

Two of the additional old folk on the island that day.

Just 10 metres past the shop where we rented our dilapidated bicycles, we came upon this shop full of new ones!

A heritage building!

The old "town hall" cum wayang stage.

On the way !

2008-09-30T19:35:00.000+08:00

Here's the boat captain who is also the whole crew.

As the boat was licenced to carry 12 passengers and 2 crew, there were 3 others besides us 10.

Makes sense.

HoiYing and ChoyChim relaxed and waiting.

EngSeong concentrating on someone.

Bike Ride-9 - Pulau Ubin !

2008-09-30T19:00:00.000+08:00

The day was fine and the sea calm.

It was a late mustering at the ferry terminal.

Gomez was supposed to but didnt inform some of us that meeting time had been delayed half an hour.

Here're Freddy texting to his broker - he knew that Lehman and AIG would collapse!

Willy wishing he'd gone to the loo before stepping into the boat.

And YewSan's blinded by the flash.

Gomez looked on in disbelief.

He wasn't smoking, in compliance with the posted prohibition in the boat.

Yet here's another guy fishing out a fag and Freddy opposite him was already almost burning his fingers.

Bike Ride-8 - A very pleasant stretch in Tg Rhu

2008-08-12T04:03:00.003+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - Nice riverside landscaping

2008-08-12T04:03:00.002+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - Return trip from Bishan Park

2008-08-12T04:03:00.001+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - Avoiding the mountain

2008-08-12T04:03:00.000+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - This way to the mountain

2008-08-11T16:24:00.000+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - Onwards to Boon Keng Road

2008-08-11T16:15:00.003+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - This was THE ONE ....

2008-08-11T16:15:00.002+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - crossing Sims Avenue

2008-08-11T16:15:00.001+08:00

Bike Ride-8 - The second time around

2008-08-11T16:15:00.000+08:00

christian the lion

2008-08-05T23:07:00.000+08:00

for those who love animals this footage will touch your hearts.

ken weeteck

Bike Ride-7 - end of ride at Bishan Park

2008-07-31T01:03:00.000+08:00

Bike Ride-7 - Potong Pasir stretch

2008-07-31T00:53:00.000+08:00

Bike Ride-7 - Up and over a mountain

2008-07-31T00:44:00.000+08:00

We followed our noses to Bendemeer Road, followed Whampoe North and then crossed Serangoon Road in front of the old Framros Aerated Waters Company.

Then, due to the absence of PCN signboards, we turned right. It was dangerous along Serangoon Road, even that short stretch till Opal Crescent where we turned in and headed for the PIE's OHPB crossing.

Bike Ride-7 - All fine going until .. ..

2008-07-30T17:34:00.000+08:00

Along the Kallang PC on the north side of the newer twin of the Kallang Bridge. We crossed under the old Kallang Bridge, but there was no under-the-bridge crossing at the new twin.

There were no signs at all to indicate that one has to go through the carpark/bus park and cross the road to the MRT station on the other side.

Just came over Bendemeer Road (in background) onto second stretch of Kallang PC.

A very pretty new pedestrian bridge over the Kallang River.

Now who would know that it is part of the Kallang Park Connector?

Not a single useful signboard around to point the way.

Sought help of a cyclist who came from straight ahead of us along the riverside.

Told us to carry on along the river to get to Kolam Ayer / Woodsville junction.

So there we went, along the wrong way!

Bike Ride-7 - Kallang Riverside Park

2008-07-30T17:02:00.000+08:00

Looking back to where we came out from under Nicoll Highway bridge where there were about 4 or 5 squatters.

Something wrong with ChoyChim's bike, as Willy checkes the other side of the river.

Onwards to the start of the Kallang park Connector.

Bike Ride-7 - Kallang National Stadium

2008-07-30T16:41:00.000+08:00

We really took it easy on our Bike Ride-07 on 30.07.2008.

Reached Old Airport Road Food Centre in just over half an hour.

Here, we're starting off after a good breakfast.

One for the album.

The east end of the National Stadium.

Soon to be demolished to make way for the new Sports Complex.

No worries though; can always go over to Brunei where there is an exact replica.

Had to move far out to get as much of the Old Lady into the photos.

Choy Chim's texting all the time.

EngSeong waiting for his turn.

They're still at it in the background as Willy snaps me and LamSang.

The Poor Gets Poorer......It's True

2008-07-03T16:33:00.000+08:00

I was at Courts in Tampines Mall today. Whilst browsing thru the array of computers on display, I noticed that besides the cash price there was also an offer to pay by installments up to 48 months.
An Acer desktop package was priced at $1299 (touted as Mega Deal) or $85 per month for 48 months........works out to $4080 total. Initially I thought it must be a mistake. I looked around at other offers......it has the same kind of pattern. I then approached the sales person and asked him. Without hesitation he said that it was correct. I asked him who in his right mind would pay more than double the price for these computers on installments. He said plenty.......those earning rather low salaries but need computers for their children would not mind paying, as this is the only way he can get one.
Boy.....this is really blood sucking........The Poor always gets hit the most......
He then said that there is another way. Pay by credit card.......it can be free of interest upto 24 months............which poor guy who has salary of say $1000 qualifies for credit cards?

NTUC FairPrice

2008-06-29T16:49:00.000+08:00

Last week I purchased a bottle of marmalade (Hero of Switzerland) from NTUC Bedok for my after dinner snack whilst watching Wimbeldon Tennis. To my surprise when I opened the cap, the jam was already mouldy. The seal was intact and the cap was vacuum sealed as well. Expiry was stated as Dec 2009.

I brought it back to NTUC for an exchange and of course I had already thrown the receipt away. The service and their attitude was very good. Without question they took down my complaint and particulars and gave me a new bottle with profuse apologies.

Kudos to NTUC.......well Done!

Dinner @ Hua Yu Wee June 08

2008-06-29T16:32:00.000+08:00

Attached are some pictures taken during our dinner in June 08

How, then, ah?

2008-06-24T13:10:00.001+08:00

I was driving out of the open carpark (ie ground level uncovered carpark as opposed to a multi-storeyed and hence covered carpark) this morning and discovered an idiotic driver in an MPV parked along the driveway kerb just before where the drive (and kerb) turned left. He was waiting at this under-arm part of the T-junction.

As I wanted to turn left, and his vehicle was in my way, I was forced to do a huge left turn all the way, on the wrong side of the driveway. Bet you, he didn't get my killer glare.

In my view, he should have waited further back along the driveway and not at the junction.

Or he could have waited, parked directly in front of the parked cars in the parking lots. That way, he could move his vehicle aside when someone wants to drive off one of those parked cars. And those car owners wouldn't be miffed one little bit as they can see that he's there to move his vehicle.

Now why are there such idiotic drivers around? Where to park and wait in a carpark is not something coverd in the Highway Code which you are tested in before you can go for a driving licence test drive. But that should not be an excuse.

What to do with these inconsiderate idiots?

This is Quality Service

2008-06-18T11:06:00.000+08:00

I broke the little white part (see photos) of one hinge when I walked in the wrong direction against an opened door of a BILLY bookcase from IKEAI.

That's the damaged piece, a new piece and the hinge cover.

Could I buy the little white part? Or the entire hinge? Or a pair of hinges?

Checked the displays in IKEA.

Couldn’t find any BILLY bookcase or cupboard with frameless glass doors which use these hinges.

Photo shows upper hinge with white piece intact.

Checked with IKEA customer service.

They don’t sell the glass doors which came with these hinges, nor the hinges, any more.

A discontinued item.

Photo shows lower hinge without white piece which was broken and removed.

“But wait a minute and we’ll see if we can find that part.”

Photo shows door in closed position, but hinge wasn't holding door in closed position as white piece was missing.

And in a little while the young lady came out with “... only this. Looks like what you want. Our last one.”

No charge, you're welcome.

Photo shows upper hinge capped.

It seems IKEA keeps every bit and piece of anything that’s not sold, or from damaged unsellable items, and hold them as spare parts.

What a wonderful practice.

And what great service.

Photo shows lower hinge repaired (ie white piece replaced) and capped.

Water hazard at CGH

2008-06-11T20:17:00.000+08:00

Watch out for this water hazard on way from the open carpark to the main porch of the Changi General Hospital.

Water collects at this spot after slight rain due to a depression left there by poor workmanship during road construction.

Obviously somebody did not do a good job supervising the work.

And, obviously no one in CGH bothers about the present condition.

$2 a plate chicken rice

2008-06-06T18:53:00.000+08:00

Couldn't resist trying it when I saw the $2 sign at this stall in Tekka Centre foodcourt (hope I got the name correct).

Portions of rice and chicken meat were decent, like what you'd get for the usual $3 plate sold everywhere else. The rice was good tasty chicken rice. And the white breast meat was deboned and pretty. The soup was very good, without all the junk add-ons of fried garlic etc. And chilli was brought out from under the counter in a little chilli container ie it's not there in the open for you to take too much and abuse as wasteage. The chilli is garlic-plus; taste in my mouth the whole day was good evidence.

Two plates makes a better deal than a chicken burger at those fast food franchises.

Click here for another post about coffeeshop food.

Stick no bills

2008-06-06T18:14:00.000+08:00

Most of us see such ads daily. Stuck all over the place, on lamp poles, bus stop shelters, walls of common properties, etc. The only places that are free of such ads are the walls of public toilets because these are cleaned a few times every day and the cleaners remove them. So the culprits who stick them up know it's a waste of time and money to plaster them on toilet walls.

Sticking such ads on public property dirties and defaces the public proerty and the act is plain littering and vandalism. The culprits should be fined, jailed and caned. Hang them? why not?

The irresponsible, inconsiderate act, nay, criminal act, requires cleaning up after at extra cost to us all. It's no wonder our conservancy costs keep going up.

It is getting rampant because there is no publicity of action being taken against these vandals. Possibly because enforcement action is not being taken at all.

Report to your Town Council and they'll reprimand the cleansing contractor for their tardiness in removing the ads resulting in your "public complaint". I always wonder why the TC doesn't call those advertised telephone numbers and get the advertiser's particulars and go prosecute them.

And as it is littering of a kind, why doesn't the National Enviroment Authority catch and prosecute these litterbugs?

And, can't the senior officers of NEA and advisors to TC's ie the MP's see all these cases of vandalism? Are they all blind? or what?

Or have all those in senior positions gone so complacent that their underlings follow suit and we're to face such situations in the heartlands where we live while they live in their expensive condominiums where there are no public properties to be so defaced?

A lot of people are not doing their work.