I do hate dirty sales technique.
So today some 3 or so lians stopped by the CF during closing hours to try to coerce people to buy their red wine. Whatever inside the package i don't even know.. and i don't know the background of the company too.. how to do biz like that? Btw, i super not interested in red wine also.. give me free i also don't want.
Simi is give face? Give face or give money? Might as well rob if like that. If don't want means don't want.. tell me grandmother story also won't make any deal. In the end is waste time only. I don't approve the notion of giving in, yet i do feel that i need to be give a bit more ap in such situation. It seems that some people don't quite understand what is rejecting politely. Then again, keep repeating the same story over and over again.. at least 3 times. I already catch it the 1st time.. no need to remind.
Till now, i wonder whether the whole things is just another scam or what. 2 bottles of wine that they ask you to any how give a price.. any how is not really any how lor. The minimum price is given in the story that is repeated 3 times. Sometimes, i really wonder.. is this the way or not. Then they say throw in 1 more bottle of wine that is worth $300 in market. And again, if it is too good to be true...
Though in the end i didn't fork out any cash, someone else did.. and after the whole incident, i now have an ultra negative impression on anyone trying dirty sales technique.
The next time, i know what it'll be.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A pinch of Salt
If i need to take things with a pinch of salt, i reckon i'll need at least a few bags of salt.
Employment through ability, i rather it be attitude. At least there are some things that can be taught.. those that can't are the ones that are of value-adding. That said, re-train however much also won't create value. There are things that money can't buy.. really.
Employment IMO is to value-add.. and if marginal cost is more than marginal return, then for what? My preference is with one-time payment than infinite installments. Which means, if technology can replace the job scope, why not? The payoff will most likely be very very soon.. and not only that, it can keep all the small circles away.
I believe that sincerity goes a long way. To be sincere doesn't mean to be perfect, but to give customer whatever is due, and not to shortchange customers through unnecessary shortcuts. To know is one thing, to understand is another.
And to be able to bring, one needs to able to see. That is, to foresee whatever is foreseeable, and to have contingency for the unexpected.
Said i need at least a few bags of salt le..
Employment through ability, i rather it be attitude. At least there are some things that can be taught.. those that can't are the ones that are of value-adding. That said, re-train however much also won't create value. There are things that money can't buy.. really.
Employment IMO is to value-add.. and if marginal cost is more than marginal return, then for what? My preference is with one-time payment than infinite installments. Which means, if technology can replace the job scope, why not? The payoff will most likely be very very soon.. and not only that, it can keep all the small circles away.
I believe that sincerity goes a long way. To be sincere doesn't mean to be perfect, but to give customer whatever is due, and not to shortchange customers through unnecessary shortcuts. To know is one thing, to understand is another.
And to be able to bring, one needs to able to see. That is, to foresee whatever is foreseeable, and to have contingency for the unexpected.
Said i need at least a few bags of salt le..
Friday, January 16, 2009
One more week to CNY..
... and i haven't prepare anything.
Cny also like no feel like that. Some even dread it.. for after the cny bonus, maybe will get retrenched. And now, still want to lower the forecast yet again.. when will it be right anyway? If so, then no need to forecast liao.. forecast also buay zhun.
Wondered why long term are being put into considerations when the ends of the short term can't even meet. Anyway, a direct hit is certain to affect both terms.
And now, the quite a number of the supporting projects are nearing their term.. and with the economy in this goyak state, there won't be any new ones coming in. The CF will get hit quite hard.. As always, the chocolate sector is late to slow and slow to pick.. yet, some are still in the mood.
Got carried away, and i almost forget... i need to carry on learning all aspects of the CF and not just the groundwork alone. Slowly, the technical aspects are coming to.. just need to train more. Already i know how to be careful in certain things.. Till time permits (which ironically is when biz slows down), i'll have to polish up on my product knowledge and pricing.
Cny also like no feel like that. Some even dread it.. for after the cny bonus, maybe will get retrenched. And now, still want to lower the forecast yet again.. when will it be right anyway? If so, then no need to forecast liao.. forecast also buay zhun.
Wondered why long term are being put into considerations when the ends of the short term can't even meet. Anyway, a direct hit is certain to affect both terms.
And now, the quite a number of the supporting projects are nearing their term.. and with the economy in this goyak state, there won't be any new ones coming in. The CF will get hit quite hard.. As always, the chocolate sector is late to slow and slow to pick.. yet, some are still in the mood.
Got carried away, and i almost forget... i need to carry on learning all aspects of the CF and not just the groundwork alone. Slowly, the technical aspects are coming to.. just need to train more. Already i know how to be careful in certain things.. Till time permits (which ironically is when biz slows down), i'll have to polish up on my product knowledge and pricing.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Pok
Friday, and was off to the west for "red cliff" after work. Was just in time for the show at 9.30pm and was really glad i still can find the energy and time for leisure. Who says working then got 'life' must be kuku in the head.. or maybe mentally unbalanced. "Red cliff" was very nice, especially when it was ROTK. Sort of like AT LOTR.. coz i don't know why, here was already becoming 'somewhere else'.
Biz was again quiet at the CF.. if this keeps on, i don't know if anyone will kena pok-ed or not. Already the hours are shortened (for some of them except me) to keep cost down (not me coz i'm already a low cost labour).. and so the CF was very quiet after noon.
Spent time doing some cleaning under the shelves and found 15 cents, plus quite a bit of those chocs that fell in. Thought of some ways to perhaps compliment my goyak skill in measuring.. and hopefully i'll be able to keep up the pace with the veterans.
Then the stitches was like going to pok like that. Got a waterproof dressing for the stitches to protect it from grease and whatever metal shrapnel that may further complicate things. It did well, that is of coz.. for each plaster cost $1.10+ .. lol.. and i've got to perhaps get a 2 weeks supply till the removal. Stitches not pok, already my pocket pok.
Thought that at least today was a peaceful day.. but the finale was quite cmi. One customer was utterly disappointed in the services of the CF, and there was quite a bit of pushing of blame. I was feeling quite sorry for the customer.. already we didn't deliver, and then, the originals was gone as well. Then it was quite a blow for the staff as well.. i could tell that none of them wanted all these to happen. It was just a chain of minor events that lead to this. But then when it happened, i felt so helpless (everyday i also helpless one la.. lol).. for i wasn't able to foresee all these, and however much i said didn't help at all. Now that things are finalised, i think all it did was bad publicity for the CF. Sometimes it just take that one time to kill off future opportunities.
Wondered since when i volunteered for tomorrow.. but since it came, i'll go.. hopefully i can get plenty of rest during the journey. After the performance, i'll have to concentrate on the CF liao. Got plenty to know, and plenty to learn. Maybe that include driving the very heavy CF van in manual gear sometime in the near future.
Biz was again quiet at the CF.. if this keeps on, i don't know if anyone will kena pok-ed or not. Already the hours are shortened (for some of them except me) to keep cost down (not me coz i'm already a low cost labour).. and so the CF was very quiet after noon.
Spent time doing some cleaning under the shelves and found 15 cents, plus quite a bit of those chocs that fell in. Thought of some ways to perhaps compliment my goyak skill in measuring.. and hopefully i'll be able to keep up the pace with the veterans.
Then the stitches was like going to pok like that. Got a waterproof dressing for the stitches to protect it from grease and whatever metal shrapnel that may further complicate things. It did well, that is of coz.. for each plaster cost $1.10+ .. lol.. and i've got to perhaps get a 2 weeks supply till the removal. Stitches not pok, already my pocket pok.
Thought that at least today was a peaceful day.. but the finale was quite cmi. One customer was utterly disappointed in the services of the CF, and there was quite a bit of pushing of blame. I was feeling quite sorry for the customer.. already we didn't deliver, and then, the originals was gone as well. Then it was quite a blow for the staff as well.. i could tell that none of them wanted all these to happen. It was just a chain of minor events that lead to this. But then when it happened, i felt so helpless (everyday i also helpless one la.. lol).. for i wasn't able to foresee all these, and however much i said didn't help at all. Now that things are finalised, i think all it did was bad publicity for the CF. Sometimes it just take that one time to kill off future opportunities.
Wondered since when i volunteered for tomorrow.. but since it came, i'll go.. hopefully i can get plenty of rest during the journey. After the performance, i'll have to concentrate on the CF liao. Got plenty to know, and plenty to learn. Maybe that include driving the very heavy CF van in manual gear sometime in the near future.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Same same... But Different
Sunday's band was quite on auto mode.
Love³ was cmi as usual.. the whole piece like very lag like that. Too many semi q le. No conductor and so we played without one.. if not i really am going to fall asleep. Physically tired, not becoz of the lack of sleep or not being accustomed to.. but so becoz the nature of my job was physically demanding. Anyway, the love³ isn't ready as yet for feb's performance. Public performance somemore... sure it is good to have one that is equivalent to ten.. but the fact is, it is really a different sound altogether. Missing instrumentation, missing parts.. tell me how to bao ga liao lor.
Different means different.. if not it'll be called the same.
At the CF, things might looked the same, but actually are very different. This is due to countries insisting on their own set of standards instead of one ISO.. and as a result, the CF had to store a lot of different stocks to meet demand. If a wrong set is given, the customer sure explode one.. and dangerous to the end users.
There are just so many things that doesn't have a standard procedure.. everything is play by creativity, cost, and viability. Of coz, knowledge of how the finished product is going to be used by the end user plays an important part. And so i'm still quite lacking in terms of experience.. in actual fact, 14 years 11 months of difference to the armorer.
Anyway, it's a different experience altogether. To work under village leadership, and to work with a nature as such. It hurts more to not take care of the CF as a whole, but just individual interest. Anyhow do, just make sure don't tio pok right? It doesn't apply here. Maybe can ask the CEO of the pok FI.. ask him why he anyhow humtam the on risky assets.. then maybe will get an answer.. maybe he'll tell you coz that biz is no biz of him.. so long he gets millions in compensation every year. If he tio pok, his CV will ensure him that he'll get employed in similar positions. Who says not? Ask the ah tiang eh kia that got gold tap one and you'll know. My point is, if it is of no concern of yours, then it won't make much difference.
Sometimes, the CF is like a football team.. got different players of different calibre playing different positions. Then there are some that can play multiple positions.. plus, the medic and support crew that deals with the backstage.. Then there is the one manager who perhaps knows how to (or used to) play the game managing the team. Each player got their own pattern more than badminton.. and so the manager get paid to keep their patterns in check.. And so we've got one goalkeeper that is really keeping the goalpost (only). Everytime got ball sure pass to the defenders one.. lol.. so all he does is just catch ball and pass it to others.. while the rest are running around, who knows what the keeper is doing at the other side. Maybe pluck flowers or something ba.
Different biz use different strategy.. and mostly dependent on the 3 components of an optimum purchase (IMO):- cheap, fast and good.. and the 3 strategies (IMO) - cost/pricing, efficiency and quality. Most likely, cheaper goods tend to be goyak one.. so the 3 components can hardly co-exist. It will be possible if the biz is a NPO.. then no need to care liao lor.. anyhow humtum also can. My point is, if a certain element is missing, then the other two will have to be the selling point.. if not, who will want to come? Which means, if pricing is the strategy, then cost have to be low.. and so, there is really no space for people to pluck flowers.
And then as if it isn't enough.. the lord kept on harassing the workings of the CF. As a result, a lot of things we can't do outside the CF compound. We are not obstructing traffic, and we don't pose any fire hazards.. why make life so difficult? Daytime can't, even 9pm when the whole world go fight Z monster liao also cannot. We are only trying to earn a living.. why the minion want go all out to destroy? Actually i think is someone nearby blow whistle. If not i don't think they so free to come here every fortnight. And to make a unsubstantial claim, i think is the exploiting one beside. Maybe they need more storage space, and just nice the CF can add on to their existing 2. Same leh.. they tenant we also tenant.. why so different treatment one? So sian lor.. industrial park cannot do industry thing.. then do what? Sell kachiang puteh ar? Siao one lor.. and then keep saying cannot this cannot that.. how to keep the CF floating.. how to keep employment?
Love³ was cmi as usual.. the whole piece like very lag like that. Too many semi q le. No conductor and so we played without one.. if not i really am going to fall asleep. Physically tired, not becoz of the lack of sleep or not being accustomed to.. but so becoz the nature of my job was physically demanding. Anyway, the love³ isn't ready as yet for feb's performance. Public performance somemore... sure it is good to have one that is equivalent to ten.. but the fact is, it is really a different sound altogether. Missing instrumentation, missing parts.. tell me how to bao ga liao lor.
Different means different.. if not it'll be called the same.
At the CF, things might looked the same, but actually are very different. This is due to countries insisting on their own set of standards instead of one ISO.. and as a result, the CF had to store a lot of different stocks to meet demand. If a wrong set is given, the customer sure explode one.. and dangerous to the end users.
There are just so many things that doesn't have a standard procedure.. everything is play by creativity, cost, and viability. Of coz, knowledge of how the finished product is going to be used by the end user plays an important part. And so i'm still quite lacking in terms of experience.. in actual fact, 14 years 11 months of difference to the armorer.
Anyway, it's a different experience altogether. To work under village leadership, and to work with a nature as such. It hurts more to not take care of the CF as a whole, but just individual interest. Anyhow do, just make sure don't tio pok right? It doesn't apply here. Maybe can ask the CEO of the pok FI.. ask him why he anyhow humtam the on risky assets.. then maybe will get an answer.. maybe he'll tell you coz that biz is no biz of him.. so long he gets millions in compensation every year. If he tio pok, his CV will ensure him that he'll get employed in similar positions. Who says not? Ask the ah tiang eh kia that got gold tap one and you'll know. My point is, if it is of no concern of yours, then it won't make much difference.
Sometimes, the CF is like a football team.. got different players of different calibre playing different positions. Then there are some that can play multiple positions.. plus, the medic and support crew that deals with the backstage.. Then there is the one manager who perhaps knows how to (or used to) play the game managing the team. Each player got their own pattern more than badminton.. and so the manager get paid to keep their patterns in check.. And so we've got one goalkeeper that is really keeping the goalpost (only). Everytime got ball sure pass to the defenders one.. lol.. so all he does is just catch ball and pass it to others.. while the rest are running around, who knows what the keeper is doing at the other side. Maybe pluck flowers or something ba.
Different biz use different strategy.. and mostly dependent on the 3 components of an optimum purchase (IMO):- cheap, fast and good.. and the 3 strategies (IMO) - cost/pricing, efficiency and quality. Most likely, cheaper goods tend to be goyak one.. so the 3 components can hardly co-exist. It will be possible if the biz is a NPO.. then no need to care liao lor.. anyhow humtum also can. My point is, if a certain element is missing, then the other two will have to be the selling point.. if not, who will want to come? Which means, if pricing is the strategy, then cost have to be low.. and so, there is really no space for people to pluck flowers.
And then as if it isn't enough.. the lord kept on harassing the workings of the CF. As a result, a lot of things we can't do outside the CF compound. We are not obstructing traffic, and we don't pose any fire hazards.. why make life so difficult? Daytime can't, even 9pm when the whole world go fight Z monster liao also cannot. We are only trying to earn a living.. why the minion want go all out to destroy? Actually i think is someone nearby blow whistle. If not i don't think they so free to come here every fortnight. And to make a unsubstantial claim, i think is the exploiting one beside. Maybe they need more storage space, and just nice the CF can add on to their existing 2. Same leh.. they tenant we also tenant.. why so different treatment one? So sian lor.. industrial park cannot do industry thing.. then do what? Sell kachiang puteh ar? Siao one lor.. and then keep saying cannot this cannot that.. how to keep the CF floating.. how to keep employment?
Saturday, January 03, 2009
New Year
A new year, and quite a bit of changes.
Coz of downturn, there is some significant slowing of flow.. and so, non essential personnel of the CF will have EFO. That means i've got to take on their role after they EFO-ed.
It'll be good if there are a few that can take on multiple roles. A bit like soccer player like that.. can play left right center, forward defend or midfield. Just need a few jacks like that around, and a few specialist of the core. The rest are really not that difficult to learn.
Now a particular issue is resolved.. i wonder how things will turn out. But at least i'm glad for now.
The kopi stall above the CF is under new management as of the new year.. sadly, their coffee is cmi one.. so now we all da bao from the autopoint across the road. Even the veg rice also change management.. i wonder what is wrong with the canteen management.
I just need a bit more time.
Coz of downturn, there is some significant slowing of flow.. and so, non essential personnel of the CF will have EFO. That means i've got to take on their role after they EFO-ed.
It'll be good if there are a few that can take on multiple roles. A bit like soccer player like that.. can play left right center, forward defend or midfield. Just need a few jacks like that around, and a few specialist of the core. The rest are really not that difficult to learn.
Now a particular issue is resolved.. i wonder how things will turn out. But at least i'm glad for now.
The kopi stall above the CF is under new management as of the new year.. sadly, their coffee is cmi one.. so now we all da bao from the autopoint across the road. Even the veg rice also change management.. i wonder what is wrong with the canteen management.
I just need a bit more time.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Last Entry of 2008
Last day of 2008. Thankfully.
2008 is a rather bad year, especially on the global scale.
New Year Eve, and was at the factory till 6 plus. Flow was not too bad, just that there are some things i can't resolve.
I have no reason to not put any effort for the factory, but of so, that sometimes the rate of flow is becoming quite a dilemma. I just wish that i can do more at a faster rate. There is also peak period for the factory.. and that is lunchtime. Now i quite wary of peaceful mornings.. i rather the flow be more consistent.. but that is not for me to choose. I'm already glad that the factory can float.. so the more the merrier.
Anyway, in 2008:-
1) I finally got my banking and finance degree from UOL
2) Things were gone
3) A full-time job
A rather uneventful year for me.. but things were of great significance.
My resolution for 2009:-
1) Do my upmost for the chocolate factory
2009 is most likely to be a rough year, with all the fallout from the credit crisis.. but i still hope that 明天会更好. All the best, and great health and happiness for all for 2009~
2008 is a rather bad year, especially on the global scale.
New Year Eve, and was at the factory till 6 plus. Flow was not too bad, just that there are some things i can't resolve.
I have no reason to not put any effort for the factory, but of so, that sometimes the rate of flow is becoming quite a dilemma. I just wish that i can do more at a faster rate. There is also peak period for the factory.. and that is lunchtime. Now i quite wary of peaceful mornings.. i rather the flow be more consistent.. but that is not for me to choose. I'm already glad that the factory can float.. so the more the merrier.
Anyway, in 2008:-
1) I finally got my banking and finance degree from UOL
2) Things were gone
3) A full-time job
A rather uneventful year for me.. but things were of great significance.
My resolution for 2009:-
1) Do my upmost for the chocolate factory
2009 is most likely to be a rough year, with all the fallout from the credit crisis.. but i still hope that 明天会更好. All the best, and great health and happiness for all for 2009~
Monday, December 29, 2008
T - 3
A few more days to 2009.. and i didn't realise it till today.
Flow was rather slow for today.. so found some time to familiarise with some of the stocks. After the basics, it will be time to move on to more duties.
I'm getting used to how things are liao.. and really i've got such a "happening" life.
Sunday, and was off to pract at boonlay. Had such a great time sleeping on 52 lor.. maybe next time can sleep all the way to jurong east. Suddenly had so much to do on sundays.. if not, i won't have time to do things on weekdays (+ saturdays). Really need to plan ahead for the whole week.
Bought a quite solid vacuum flask for myself to boost morale. My caffeine intake per day is around 4-5 cups.. and the da bao plastic is not really solid for hot drinks (or good for health).. plus the flask can keep drinks warm longer. Sometimes the flow is so heavy that the drinks turned cold before i had time to drink it. At least now got hot drinks on standby le.
Still lacking a pod dock ($100+) to replace the goyak disc player to make the environment a slightly better place.. i feel that there are some things that salary can't buy. Already got quite a high turnover rate for the skilled chefs.. so i guess something is still lacking. Will be buying some cold drinks to put in the mini fridge (there is a fridge in some corner of the factory, but no drinks inside). Welfare expense is non tax deductible.. so cannot claim from the company also doesn't make much difference. Anyway, it'll be good if there is a 24/7 supply.. see if i got the time to buy some or not.
Suddenly i feel like doing some part-time course.. i want to wear the roti-prata after the square.. and if possible, some non-banking course. I doubt it'll be of much use.. (anyway no need to take banking also can work in banks lor..).. so probably, BA.
And now the lord want to make things difficult.. coz certain things are so big that even the factory can't contain. Bo bian had to do outside.. but it wasn't allowed. In less than 2 hours of the breach, someone came and give verbal warning. Zzz.. must be someone blow whistle one lor.. and i think i know is who. Not anyone from the chocolate factory.. maybe someone driving the spaceship 3. Quite an achiever.. and heard that they got an award also.. so it is no wonder.
The turnover for the canteen is also quite high.. the kopi auntie is also chased by the owner.. coz biz is too good liao.. (maybe coz i contribute $4 per day). Then the veg rice also change owner le.. and it didn't taste as good. Now all the good food all going liao.. and i got no time to go other canteen to eat.
I know i OBG.. i know i know.. no need to remind me anymore.
Flow was rather slow for today.. so found some time to familiarise with some of the stocks. After the basics, it will be time to move on to more duties.
I'm getting used to how things are liao.. and really i've got such a "happening" life.
Sunday, and was off to pract at boonlay. Had such a great time sleeping on 52 lor.. maybe next time can sleep all the way to jurong east. Suddenly had so much to do on sundays.. if not, i won't have time to do things on weekdays (+ saturdays). Really need to plan ahead for the whole week.
Bought a quite solid vacuum flask for myself to boost morale. My caffeine intake per day is around 4-5 cups.. and the da bao plastic is not really solid for hot drinks (or good for health).. plus the flask can keep drinks warm longer. Sometimes the flow is so heavy that the drinks turned cold before i had time to drink it. At least now got hot drinks on standby le.
Still lacking a pod dock ($100+) to replace the goyak disc player to make the environment a slightly better place.. i feel that there are some things that salary can't buy. Already got quite a high turnover rate for the skilled chefs.. so i guess something is still lacking. Will be buying some cold drinks to put in the mini fridge (there is a fridge in some corner of the factory, but no drinks inside). Welfare expense is non tax deductible.. so cannot claim from the company also doesn't make much difference. Anyway, it'll be good if there is a 24/7 supply.. see if i got the time to buy some or not.
Suddenly i feel like doing some part-time course.. i want to wear the roti-prata after the square.. and if possible, some non-banking course. I doubt it'll be of much use.. (anyway no need to take banking also can work in banks lor..).. so probably, BA.
And now the lord want to make things difficult.. coz certain things are so big that even the factory can't contain. Bo bian had to do outside.. but it wasn't allowed. In less than 2 hours of the breach, someone came and give verbal warning. Zzz.. must be someone blow whistle one lor.. and i think i know is who. Not anyone from the chocolate factory.. maybe someone driving the spaceship 3. Quite an achiever.. and heard that they got an award also.. so it is no wonder.
The turnover for the canteen is also quite high.. the kopi auntie is also chased by the owner.. coz biz is too good liao.. (maybe coz i contribute $4 per day). Then the veg rice also change owner le.. and it didn't taste as good. Now all the good food all going liao.. and i got no time to go other canteen to eat.
I know i OBG.. i know i know.. no need to remind me anymore.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Xmas 08
Almost pek chek-ed on xmas eve.
A lot of things couldn't be done by myself due to time constraint. I thought that at least could have a breather for me to do some last minute shopping.. but then again, unexpected things do happen. Planning ahead, i'd have to buy xmas presents during november liao.
Was home at 9 plus yesterday coz of OT.. and still haven't wrap the present for gift exchange. Was so "touched" went one of the staff da bao noodles for us while we were rushing some orders. Need to rush so many things, and still was already quite late for the xmas dinner.
Was nice to be able to sit and relax, and watch tv. Just so happen that it was a horror movie.. lol.. Then it was mj after so so long. On the whole tiring, but great to be able to find things to joke about.
Back home again in the morning, and then was off again to grandma's place for xmas celebration in the afternoon. Food was nice as usual, and even parky got plenty.
Stayed for a while before going back home to catch some sleep. Work resumes on boxing day.. and as usual after PH, work is plentiful.. how great. I really need to rest a bit more.
A lot of things couldn't be done by myself due to time constraint. I thought that at least could have a breather for me to do some last minute shopping.. but then again, unexpected things do happen. Planning ahead, i'd have to buy xmas presents during november liao.
Was home at 9 plus yesterday coz of OT.. and still haven't wrap the present for gift exchange. Was so "touched" went one of the staff da bao noodles for us while we were rushing some orders. Need to rush so many things, and still was already quite late for the xmas dinner.
Was nice to be able to sit and relax, and watch tv. Just so happen that it was a horror movie.. lol.. Then it was mj after so so long. On the whole tiring, but great to be able to find things to joke about.
Back home again in the morning, and then was off again to grandma's place for xmas celebration in the afternoon. Food was nice as usual, and even parky got plenty.
Stayed for a while before going back home to catch some sleep. Work resumes on boxing day.. and as usual after PH, work is plentiful.. how great. I really need to rest a bit more.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Pre Xmas Eve
A picture paints a thousand words, but a thousand words do not make a picture. Either my language is poor, or it is something else. Either way, this isn't the first.. and i'm not surprised. It just adds on.
Snook-ed that i'm 16 this year.. lol.. and it was so funny to see someone younger than you talking as if he/she was way so much older.. i think i'm older than that rm lor.
Pre PH eve, already a lot of walk-ins. Was bending the metal tubing till almost 9pm, and still got last minute xmas shopping to do. So happening until no time to do xmas shopping wor.. how fortunate.
Then rushed home, and then was on my way to town in less than 1/2 hour. Reached at around 10 plus, and most of the shop are closing already. Didn't get to buy anything much, coz was too late.. in the end got something that i thought the matriarch wanted.
Ate my dinner at 12mn.. and strangely, i don't feel hungry. Just thirsty from all the running about from work and such.
Still haven't get the gift exchange gift.. and it seems to be last minute every year. Work till 6pm (also)for xmas eve (almost like 7-11 le.. hahaha),(if heng heng no OT) and the dinner is at 7. So happening until no time to buy wor.. how?
Anyway, merry xmas eve.
Snook-ed that i'm 16 this year.. lol.. and it was so funny to see someone younger than you talking as if he/she was way so much older.. i think i'm older than that rm lor.
Pre PH eve, already a lot of walk-ins. Was bending the metal tubing till almost 9pm, and still got last minute xmas shopping to do. So happening until no time to do xmas shopping wor.. how fortunate.
Then rushed home, and then was on my way to town in less than 1/2 hour. Reached at around 10 plus, and most of the shop are closing already. Didn't get to buy anything much, coz was too late.. in the end got something that i thought the matriarch wanted.
Ate my dinner at 12mn.. and strangely, i don't feel hungry. Just thirsty from all the running about from work and such.
Still haven't get the gift exchange gift.. and it seems to be last minute every year. Work till 6pm (also)for xmas eve (almost like 7-11 le.. hahaha),(if heng heng no OT) and the dinner is at 7. So happening until no time to buy wor.. how?
Anyway, merry xmas eve.
Monday, December 22, 2008
13.
Omg.. if this is it, then can i have my 4 years back? I'm just kidding.. afterall, it's also quite an achievement wor.
How i yearn that some of the customers would ask about banking somehow.. even during rides in taxi, i also want to discuss banking issues with the cab driver.. lol.. but too bad... a wrong choice. I should have studied mechanical engineering instead. Suddenly i'm just detached with the whole current affairs and all the economy.. for interest perhaps.. but for work, not at the moment.. so while i'm re-programming to make way for new information, i will be forgoing the others.
The 3rd weeks seems to be an ok start.. all becoz of plentiful of rest. Start of the week already want to chwee, then how to last till sat? Heng ar... i slept a lot.
Monday is usually rather busy.. coz a lot of KIV-ed from sunday. Some of the chocolates hor.. really is the toilet chocolate lor.. coz it went to the sewer, and some the rubbish dump and chute too. Whatever they come with, we will service it. Ok la.. if the whole thing like going to chwee liao, come liao sure come again within the next few days.. then the whole repair cost might just exceed the cost of replacement. Might as well get a brand new one right?
Met one of those usual that is unusual. I'm glad.
Lunch time, and got people come and sell credit cards... and.. then totally ignored me. LOL.. really want to like that meh.. but really la.. see the pattern already cannot afford credit card le. Then strange thing is, my younger cousin was approached by them.. lol.. what is this sia?
Ot-ed today again till 7 plus, but rather then of help, i was much the opposite. Finally got the 'feel' of peeling the chocolate with the large pen knife, but was cut again... lol.. seriously, i didn't attempt to commit suicide.. it's just that the wrist and arm are easy targets for injury. I think my injury proneness is at 20 lo. Really "blood sweat money" lor.. haha.. almost everyday got bonus from the metal wires of the choc.. maybe should wear spacesuit or what.
Went GP today to check on the purple toenail.. and as suspected, it will drop off! Omg lor.. lol.. NS also never ns until toenail bo.. now go chocolate factory 2 weeks, and already the toenail going lorry liao. At least it wasn't an infection. Then checked with the GP for my AS also.. coz it seems to affect the intestine also.. so he asked my to update my specialist... and.. perhaps do a scope! Zzzz.. At least some clue as to what was going on. Sometimes really must meet the 'right' person one lor.
Then went to spy on the bcm stall again at 9 plus.. lol.. my dinner is getting later and later.. and from there, i now see why sometimes customers behaved in a certain manner.. and no wonder they doubt my ability. Ask a kid to cook the bcm for me, i don't think it will taste good too.. hahaha.. And from there, i also observe their allocation of manpower.. and very relevant to the chocolate factory.. and also to a lot of other biz too.
BA is a nice addition also.. since the banking really can keep in the shelves le.. maybe next time study accounting also.. maybe engineering also.. then i really can multitask le.
How i yearn that some of the customers would ask about banking somehow.. even during rides in taxi, i also want to discuss banking issues with the cab driver.. lol.. but too bad... a wrong choice. I should have studied mechanical engineering instead. Suddenly i'm just detached with the whole current affairs and all the economy.. for interest perhaps.. but for work, not at the moment.. so while i'm re-programming to make way for new information, i will be forgoing the others.
The 3rd weeks seems to be an ok start.. all becoz of plentiful of rest. Start of the week already want to chwee, then how to last till sat? Heng ar... i slept a lot.
Monday is usually rather busy.. coz a lot of KIV-ed from sunday. Some of the chocolates hor.. really is the toilet chocolate lor.. coz it went to the sewer, and some the rubbish dump and chute too. Whatever they come with, we will service it. Ok la.. if the whole thing like going to chwee liao, come liao sure come again within the next few days.. then the whole repair cost might just exceed the cost of replacement. Might as well get a brand new one right?
Met one of those usual that is unusual. I'm glad.
Lunch time, and got people come and sell credit cards... and.. then totally ignored me. LOL.. really want to like that meh.. but really la.. see the pattern already cannot afford credit card le. Then strange thing is, my younger cousin was approached by them.. lol.. what is this sia?
Ot-ed today again till 7 plus, but rather then of help, i was much the opposite. Finally got the 'feel' of peeling the chocolate with the large pen knife, but was cut again... lol.. seriously, i didn't attempt to commit suicide.. it's just that the wrist and arm are easy targets for injury. I think my injury proneness is at 20 lo. Really "blood sweat money" lor.. haha.. almost everyday got bonus from the metal wires of the choc.. maybe should wear spacesuit or what.
Went GP today to check on the purple toenail.. and as suspected, it will drop off! Omg lor.. lol.. NS also never ns until toenail bo.. now go chocolate factory 2 weeks, and already the toenail going lorry liao. At least it wasn't an infection. Then checked with the GP for my AS also.. coz it seems to affect the intestine also.. so he asked my to update my specialist... and.. perhaps do a scope! Zzzz.. At least some clue as to what was going on. Sometimes really must meet the 'right' person one lor.
Then went to spy on the bcm stall again at 9 plus.. lol.. my dinner is getting later and later.. and from there, i now see why sometimes customers behaved in a certain manner.. and no wonder they doubt my ability. Ask a kid to cook the bcm for me, i don't think it will taste good too.. hahaha.. And from there, i also observe their allocation of manpower.. and very relevant to the chocolate factory.. and also to a lot of other biz too.
BA is a nice addition also.. since the banking really can keep in the shelves le.. maybe next time study accounting also.. maybe engineering also.. then i really can multitask le.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
11.
At the chocolate factory the other day, saw someone stun a recovered item. It was left in one of the racks, just below our work station. While almost everyone was busy trying to help him fix his order, he pilfer the item and put it in his pocket within 2 moves. 我看在眼里，记在心里. Gek sim lor.. coz it will hurt the CRM and future biz if i expose him on the spot.. and since it was a recovered item, there is no actual lost. But then again, it is very rude to just take without asking, and still behave in a 鬼鬼祟祟 manner.. plus, it was an insult to totally discount my presence.. think i blind meh? But then the village chief told me not to worry.. coz the villain thought he had picked something today, and he will come more often to see if he can pick more or not. Which mean more opportunity to earn from him.
A bit like "infernal affairs" in the factory these days.. haha.. coz i'm spying for a lot of people. “我想做好人” also leh.. now working "undercover" as a mechanic, with the identity of being in an internship program from some technical school.. and slowly, i don't even remembered what the last 4 years was all about.
TGIF, and i went st james... my cousin warned me.. but i still insist. Working at the chocolate factory is super tiring coz of the physical aspect needed to get things done. Just the other day, one piece of 6 ft (72 inches) in diameter chocolate came rolling in.. and it took the 3 of us just to roll it. And then the rest is carrying stuffs in, service it, and then load back. Now my toenail also turned purple le lor.. most likely from the extended stress on the feet. Really leh.. it isn't the hours spent sleeping.. it's how much energy used in a day. Over utilised liao, sleep 24 hours also won't be enough.
Mountains of it to process on a saturday..
This "thing" is even bigger than a pallet lor..
So at st james, a lady sharing our table told me that she work until 3 am.. lol.. really leh.. if give me aircon and paper work, let me work until 6am i also ok. Different is different lor.. nothing to compare. Wondered was it that i was too tired.. i really fell asleep at the table.. haha.. machiam my bday like that. Bday girl never doh i already doh le.
I had to leave early, so by 2am, i was on my way home.. slept on the way back until the cab driver got to wake me up.. wahahaha.. if not, i think he can go tour round and round until i wake up.
Woke up at 6 plus to get ready for work.. and then on a saturday, the chocolate factory was unusually busy.. and i thought i could at least rest a bit while working. Got my EFO just so that i could get ready for the performance at tbsc later in the evening.
2 pieces to play at tbsc.. so i took 166 to harbor front... 166 took so long to reach.. and i intentionally chose this so that i can at least sleep a bit on the way.. lol... if not, i think i can fall asleep while waiting for the performance to start. As usual, we are indeed part of the meeting. Don't know whether what said was touching, or that the aircon was too cold.. but i had goose bumps lor. Then it was our turn to perform.. and as usual, was at the corner near the wall. Then after which, they applauded so loudly.. wah leh.. given that kind of presentation... a bit erm.. don't know what to say. But i think they meant well.. and really, i tried my best liao.
Was almost home at around 10pm.. and so went to da bao bcm. Had to wait 20 minutes or so coz their biz was so good. Similarly, they had customers looking at them while they prepare the food.. and some of them also niam a lot. Sometimes they also pek chek lor.. got too many people also sian, no people also sian.. this then is biz.
So "happening" nowadays lor... then sunday still got band pract.. but i guess i won't be going.. just for this week, i really need to recharge le. Really wonder if this is the "life" that people are talking about. And i thought that living is doing things that one desires.. even if it is doing nothing.
A bit like "infernal affairs" in the factory these days.. haha.. coz i'm spying for a lot of people. “我想做好人” also leh.. now working "undercover" as a mechanic, with the identity of being in an internship program from some technical school.. and slowly, i don't even remembered what the last 4 years was all about.
TGIF, and i went st james... my cousin warned me.. but i still insist. Working at the chocolate factory is super tiring coz of the physical aspect needed to get things done. Just the other day, one piece of 6 ft (72 inches) in diameter chocolate came rolling in.. and it took the 3 of us just to roll it. And then the rest is carrying stuffs in, service it, and then load back. Now my toenail also turned purple le lor.. most likely from the extended stress on the feet. Really leh.. it isn't the hours spent sleeping.. it's how much energy used in a day. Over utilised liao, sleep 24 hours also won't be enough.
Mountains of it to process on a saturday..
This "thing" is even bigger than a pallet lor..
So at st james, a lady sharing our table told me that she work until 3 am.. lol.. really leh.. if give me aircon and paper work, let me work until 6am i also ok. Different is different lor.. nothing to compare. Wondered was it that i was too tired.. i really fell asleep at the table.. haha.. machiam my bday like that. Bday girl never doh i already doh le.
I had to leave early, so by 2am, i was on my way home.. slept on the way back until the cab driver got to wake me up.. wahahaha.. if not, i think he can go tour round and round until i wake up.
Woke up at 6 plus to get ready for work.. and then on a saturday, the chocolate factory was unusually busy.. and i thought i could at least rest a bit while working. Got my EFO just so that i could get ready for the performance at tbsc later in the evening.
2 pieces to play at tbsc.. so i took 166 to harbor front... 166 took so long to reach.. and i intentionally chose this so that i can at least sleep a bit on the way.. lol... if not, i think i can fall asleep while waiting for the performance to start. As usual, we are indeed part of the meeting. Don't know whether what said was touching, or that the aircon was too cold.. but i had goose bumps lor. Then it was our turn to perform.. and as usual, was at the corner near the wall. Then after which, they applauded so loudly.. wah leh.. given that kind of presentation... a bit erm.. don't know what to say. But i think they meant well.. and really, i tried my best liao.
Was almost home at around 10pm.. and so went to da bao bcm. Had to wait 20 minutes or so coz their biz was so good. Similarly, they had customers looking at them while they prepare the food.. and some of them also niam a lot. Sometimes they also pek chek lor.. got too many people also sian, no people also sian.. this then is biz.
So "happening" nowadays lor... then sunday still got band pract.. but i guess i won't be going.. just for this week, i really need to recharge le. Really wonder if this is the "life" that people are talking about. And i thought that living is doing things that one desires.. even if it is doing nothing.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
9.
WLE.
I just don't like the idea of people talking bird language. Done the right thing, but was denied of creditability by the user. It was so demoralizing lor.. and for just that $10 or so. $10 already, and people can use that kind of attitude. Am i wrong to niam the FIs for not doing their job well? It was way more than that $10.. at least 1000 times more.
Darn you FI for all these shit.. And darn the law for dragging this issue for so long. Now want to have the mere remainder back (if any) also like begging like that. I don't see them having this kind of lousy efficiency when they are selling people the structured product lor.
Lack of sleep.. so very very pek chek. The mind like never wake up like that. The brain and hand didn't coordinate at work.. but wasn't too prone to accidents.. in the end it was heavy caffeine that woke me up.
Then again, i wonder why was i there. User came, and they thought how come some school got attachment to this small chocolate factory.. and i don't know what to say. I earned the hat.. i really earned it. I guess i don't have any passion yet.. maybe i see a few more birdman, i'll be inspired to outdo them. It wasn't the lack of utility.. it's just the curve is not on the PPF.
Sometimes really need these kind of people de wor.. if not i think i can twang at work liao.
I just don't like the idea of people talking bird language. Done the right thing, but was denied of creditability by the user. It was so demoralizing lor.. and for just that $10 or so. $10 already, and people can use that kind of attitude. Am i wrong to niam the FIs for not doing their job well? It was way more than that $10.. at least 1000 times more.
Darn you FI for all these shit.. And darn the law for dragging this issue for so long. Now want to have the mere remainder back (if any) also like begging like that. I don't see them having this kind of lousy efficiency when they are selling people the structured product lor.
Lack of sleep.. so very very pek chek. The mind like never wake up like that. The brain and hand didn't coordinate at work.. but wasn't too prone to accidents.. in the end it was heavy caffeine that woke me up.
Then again, i wonder why was i there. User came, and they thought how come some school got attachment to this small chocolate factory.. and i don't know what to say. I earned the hat.. i really earned it. I guess i don't have any passion yet.. maybe i see a few more birdman, i'll be inspired to outdo them. It wasn't the lack of utility.. it's just the curve is not on the PPF.
Sometimes really need these kind of people de wor.. if not i think i can twang at work liao.
Monday, December 15, 2008
7.
At least something now.
But still, i'm aching 24/7 all over... plus a little bonus today. 2 fine pieces of chocolate chips got embedded in my fingers. Now i make sure i bring a nail clipper too.. lol.
Slowly but surely, i'm picking up. I don't foresee being as such forever, but this is part of the prerequisite. It will be all that i can absorb during the next few months.. the more i learn, the better it will be.
A bit being able to recognise size by sight, and also to differentiate some of the different types. Also was learning other types as well. However, it is all the custom-made that are the cash cows.. and so knowing the basics is still not enough.
Still going band practices on sundays.. especially when there isn't anyone to back me up. Then the only free day of the week was use to do some last minute shopping. In the end i spend quite a bit on the working attire (wearing jeans is quite uncomfortable lor..), and was so glad that the boutiques are all having 40% discount.. wahaha.. plus my debit card, i get another 10% on top.. wow leh.. haha.. 2 for the price of one, and the other boutique is also the same. Still a little bit more shopping to do in town.. and i wonder where i can borrow the time from.
Coming saturday will be a performance at tbsc. 4pm to reach, but work ends at 6. Maybe apply for EFO (early fall out) and reach before 6 for the sound test ba. 2nd jan, another mini performance.. zzz.. so happening lor.. then feb another one at botanical.. wahhhhhhh.. I wonder how people balance work and personal life.. maybe coz they no need to work 10 hours per day, including saturdays ba.
Recession, but the chocolate factory is lacking staff (skilled one i mean).. sadly, this is one of those jobs that locals will not want to do. Given the same salary, i rather soak myself in air-condition whole day long, and have a seat to sit lor. But i think, slowly, i'm beginning to adapt.
By the way, happy belated bday to parky.. 2 years old liao wor.
But still, i'm aching 24/7 all over... plus a little bonus today. 2 fine pieces of chocolate chips got embedded in my fingers. Now i make sure i bring a nail clipper too.. lol.
Slowly but surely, i'm picking up. I don't foresee being as such forever, but this is part of the prerequisite. It will be all that i can absorb during the next few months.. the more i learn, the better it will be.
A bit being able to recognise size by sight, and also to differentiate some of the different types. Also was learning other types as well. However, it is all the custom-made that are the cash cows.. and so knowing the basics is still not enough.
Still going band practices on sundays.. especially when there isn't anyone to back me up. Then the only free day of the week was use to do some last minute shopping. In the end i spend quite a bit on the working attire (wearing jeans is quite uncomfortable lor..), and was so glad that the boutiques are all having 40% discount.. wahaha.. plus my debit card, i get another 10% on top.. wow leh.. haha.. 2 for the price of one, and the other boutique is also the same. Still a little bit more shopping to do in town.. and i wonder where i can borrow the time from.
Coming saturday will be a performance at tbsc. 4pm to reach, but work ends at 6. Maybe apply for EFO (early fall out) and reach before 6 for the sound test ba. 2nd jan, another mini performance.. zzz.. so happening lor.. then feb another one at botanical.. wahhhhhhh.. I wonder how people balance work and personal life.. maybe coz they no need to work 10 hours per day, including saturdays ba.
Recession, but the chocolate factory is lacking staff (skilled one i mean).. sadly, this is one of those jobs that locals will not want to do. Given the same salary, i rather soak myself in air-condition whole day long, and have a seat to sit lor. But i think, slowly, i'm beginning to adapt.
By the way, happy belated bday to parky.. 2 years old liao wor.
Friday, December 12, 2008
3.,4.
Was too tired and i'm aching all over.. lack of sleep and stress.. and then outbreak again.
It seems that i've made mistakes on a daily basis.. and today was the most expensive by far. Got the measurement wrong, and the whole chocolate got to be put on hold.. on hold for some 有缘人 to pick it up someday. And just like that, $30 went down the drain just because the difference of 1 inch. This mistake is cause by my inability to tame the chocolate.. so really, i got nothing more to say, maybe perhaps to do more or train more.
Maybe i don't have the flair to be a mechanic at all.. lol.. see the face, already can tell that i carry pen one. I mean some of them really wonder what i am doing there.. lol.. including myself.
I still can't adjust my mindset as yet.. but slowly, some of the skills acquired are serving alright.. maybe got about 2% of the whole lot.
TGIF is not for me.. maybe TGIS is more appropriate. 'S' stands for sunday. Same working hours on saturdays too.. lol.. and i don't even do sales lor.
Complains complains.. lol.. but i know this is what i need to be doing, or at least try to do. If not me, then who?
It seems that i've made mistakes on a daily basis.. and today was the most expensive by far. Got the measurement wrong, and the whole chocolate got to be put on hold.. on hold for some 有缘人 to pick it up someday. And just like that, $30 went down the drain just because the difference of 1 inch. This mistake is cause by my inability to tame the chocolate.. so really, i got nothing more to say, maybe perhaps to do more or train more.
Maybe i don't have the flair to be a mechanic at all.. lol.. see the face, already can tell that i carry pen one. I mean some of them really wonder what i am doing there.. lol.. including myself.
I still can't adjust my mindset as yet.. but slowly, some of the skills acquired are serving alright.. maybe got about 2% of the whole lot.
TGIF is not for me.. maybe TGIS is more appropriate. 'S' stands for sunday. Same working hours on saturdays too.. lol.. and i don't even do sales lor.
Complains complains.. lol.. but i know this is what i need to be doing, or at least try to do. If not me, then who?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
2.
2nd day.. and i really feel the need to master some of those basics. Maybe not within one week, but hopefully asap.
Finally, i did cut the wrong chocolate le.. actually was just over by a bit.. but i extra go and trim it.. trim and trim.. but the cutter was too huge to do such precision job.. and really, it makes the point to get it right the 1st time. Waste is loss.
Today got my 1st "test".. that is to make 2 sets of chocolates on my own.. and that is where i made my mistake. But finally got a bit of experience in the chocolate baking.. at least i know the duration.. but just couldn't memorize all the temperature chart. Even more worse are those not found on the chart.. this one really experience liao.
And then was tasked to make 20 6.R1 chocolates.. and really i did the baking for 9 of them. Due for delivery tomorrow.. if they got sales return coz of the workmanship, then i'm going to get it.
Met one yimzim customer.. zzzz.. and really want to do like that meh? Sigh lor.. blame it on my own incompetence. For now. Only. But it made my mood quite not so good for a while.
Still not used to it, and a bit hard to see the "mess" i've got myself into. Lol.. not really a mess, but it seems to dig deeper and deeper.. as if a no point of return. Somehow, this is a bit difficult to match.. in terms of pasture. This is a pasture like no other.. and definitely not a very green one. Pay is not bad, but free time is one great deal of a problem. Time with family, friends, pets and part time studies perhaps and already these are hard to come by. I really wonder if i'm still going to be relevant or not. I mean, the lifestyle is really quite difficult to match.
Suddenly i missed parky (pakki's actual name) the moment i came home.. haha.. like i really don't have the time to chase him around le.. lol.
And even just 2 days, i already got so much AWR (after-work-review) with the village chief le.. i don't mean to gossip or report anything.. but sometimes i do get carried away in chatting with the villagers of what happened in the factory. Perhaps i must be more discreet.. lol.. who knows? Maybe it was the plan to plant me as a spy without me actually realising it lor.. work is just a sham.
Another day tomorrow.. and with each day, i'm gaining experience in the things i needed to do.. and so for tomorrow, i'm going to bring a 1.5 litres bottle of water.
Finally, i did cut the wrong chocolate le.. actually was just over by a bit.. but i extra go and trim it.. trim and trim.. but the cutter was too huge to do such precision job.. and really, it makes the point to get it right the 1st time. Waste is loss.
Today got my 1st "test".. that is to make 2 sets of chocolates on my own.. and that is where i made my mistake. But finally got a bit of experience in the chocolate baking.. at least i know the duration.. but just couldn't memorize all the temperature chart. Even more worse are those not found on the chart.. this one really experience liao.
And then was tasked to make 20 6.R1 chocolates.. and really i did the baking for 9 of them. Due for delivery tomorrow.. if they got sales return coz of the workmanship, then i'm going to get it.
Met one yimzim customer.. zzzz.. and really want to do like that meh? Sigh lor.. blame it on my own incompetence. For now. Only. But it made my mood quite not so good for a while.
Still not used to it, and a bit hard to see the "mess" i've got myself into. Lol.. not really a mess, but it seems to dig deeper and deeper.. as if a no point of return. Somehow, this is a bit difficult to match.. in terms of pasture. This is a pasture like no other.. and definitely not a very green one. Pay is not bad, but free time is one great deal of a problem. Time with family, friends, pets and part time studies perhaps and already these are hard to come by. I really wonder if i'm still going to be relevant or not. I mean, the lifestyle is really quite difficult to match.
Suddenly i missed parky (pakki's actual name) the moment i came home.. haha.. like i really don't have the time to chase him around le.. lol.
And even just 2 days, i already got so much AWR (after-work-review) with the village chief le.. i don't mean to gossip or report anything.. but sometimes i do get carried away in chatting with the villagers of what happened in the factory. Perhaps i must be more discreet.. lol.. who knows? Maybe it was the plan to plant me as a spy without me actually realising it lor.. work is just a sham.
Another day tomorrow.. and with each day, i'm gaining experience in the things i needed to do.. and so for tomorrow, i'm going to bring a 1.5 litres bottle of water.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Inauguration
And so today came..
It was the familiar chocolate smell from a different chocolate factory. Was totally overwhelmed by a new environment.. and really didn't know where to start. It was quite a dejavu of my army stint at the base.. even the nature of job is the same... just that i need not work 24/7 once every 3 days. Even the way things are done resembles that of the base.. just that this time round, they are specialist instead of all rounder. In this case, learning a skills really need me to be just at a particular department for quite some time.
My impression of the chocolate factory changed.. i never knew they have such a thick book of recipe.. and even more amazing is the skill of the armorer. Chocolate making is much more a craft than just brute strength alone. Suddenly, i feel that my so so banking degree can return back to the university le.. all those banking background.. not even 0.00001% in use.
Felt that i'm totally blocking the equipments and hindering economic activity.. and even to the point of generating negative income. I didn't cut any wrong chocolates, but might have over-baked some of them. And really i find myself quite a spider working with those tools.. plus, all the spectators there seeing me soloing on the simple tasks that i can't even do well.. hahaa.. i wonder what's on their mind.. maybe just like the base there.. "eh, you 'A' level one ar?". Somehow, this is really the case.
Was given a pair of "space boots" for safety reason.. lol.. standard issue item leh. The high cut is making me walk like as if i'm doing a space walk like that lor. Looks kind of funny.
It don't really matter if there is identity or not.. perhaps without, it'll be better. In that case, all mistakes shall be credited to me and me alone.
Looking for more learning opportunities tomorrow.
It was the familiar chocolate smell from a different chocolate factory. Was totally overwhelmed by a new environment.. and really didn't know where to start. It was quite a dejavu of my army stint at the base.. even the nature of job is the same... just that i need not work 24/7 once every 3 days. Even the way things are done resembles that of the base.. just that this time round, they are specialist instead of all rounder. In this case, learning a skills really need me to be just at a particular department for quite some time.
My impression of the chocolate factory changed.. i never knew they have such a thick book of recipe.. and even more amazing is the skill of the armorer. Chocolate making is much more a craft than just brute strength alone. Suddenly, i feel that my so so banking degree can return back to the university le.. all those banking background.. not even 0.00001% in use.
Felt that i'm totally blocking the equipments and hindering economic activity.. and even to the point of generating negative income. I didn't cut any wrong chocolates, but might have over-baked some of them. And really i find myself quite a spider working with those tools.. plus, all the spectators there seeing me soloing on the simple tasks that i can't even do well.. hahaa.. i wonder what's on their mind.. maybe just like the base there.. "eh, you 'A' level one ar?". Somehow, this is really the case.
Was given a pair of "space boots" for safety reason.. lol.. standard issue item leh. The high cut is making me walk like as if i'm doing a space walk like that lor. Looks kind of funny.
It don't really matter if there is identity or not.. perhaps without, it'll be better. In that case, all mistakes shall be credited to me and me alone.
Looking for more learning opportunities tomorrow.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Just that little Bit
All it needed was just that little bit of change.
A little bit of change that sets things right. Then the rest will follow.
Had a change of perspective today, and hoped that it got integrated before i forget - "Cause and Effect".
Will be off to the chocolate factory counting chocolates tomorrow morning.. and seriously for most of the past 25 years, i never thought that i would take this path.. at least not as the 1st full-time job after graduation. But so much things that got stacked together and then i end up where i am now. Nothing to lament, and nothing to be glad. A reason for everything, and i accept.
And with change, certain memories are being denied. There is no need to already. Not totally cleared, yet i'm comfortable at this level. Perhaps when i'm old and with nothing to do, nostalgia can be a form of entertainment.
With those emo dodos cleared, i can make better use of those energy. Energy to improve on things around - environment and me. Little changes that goes a long way.
A little bit of change that sets things right. Then the rest will follow.
Had a change of perspective today, and hoped that it got integrated before i forget - "Cause and Effect".
Will be off to the chocolate factory counting chocolates tomorrow morning.. and seriously for most of the past 25 years, i never thought that i would take this path.. at least not as the 1st full-time job after graduation. But so much things that got stacked together and then i end up where i am now. Nothing to lament, and nothing to be glad. A reason for everything, and i accept.
And with change, certain memories are being denied. There is no need to already. Not totally cleared, yet i'm comfortable at this level. Perhaps when i'm old and with nothing to do, nostalgia can be a form of entertainment.
With those emo dodos cleared, i can make better use of those energy. Energy to improve on things around - environment and me. Little changes that goes a long way.
Kampong
In the end, all the pre holidays dieu were gone, and so i have the luxury to nua at home. Luxury coz i'll be off at the factory after monday's PH.
Watched a bit of kampong soccer on tv (15 mins or so) and really can't tell the team being a representative of one's nation. And even with such 'tactical' employment of 'foreign talents', it still isn't as impressive to that of world class. I mean, you get the people from all over the world.. so what? And not too distant ago, way before the F1, GP, and YOG, there was some sort of goal to goal at 2010.. and now what? Don't ever compare our league with that of other states.. it was said there isn't enough talents to form two parties, what more 10 or more soccer teams? Basically, it's just kampong soccer at different levels. I think the odds are so odd that probability at the pools also can't keep track. I don't mean to be mean, but this is really the case. There are things we just aren't taught or have to luxury to do all day... so don't expect it.
However i still enjoyed any home goal, for it pisses off the other party. LOL.. the more they boo-ed, the more disappointed they will be they they get trashed. And really, nobody is stopping them from following.. i mean, don't be too emotional la.. it really impedes a lot.
And so we won. Or should i say they won? And it don't matter much if they won.. so long as they don't lose.
Oh ya.. by the way, the fishy smell came out from the ISO tank. It's confirmed, it's gone.
Watched a bit of kampong soccer on tv (15 mins or so) and really can't tell the team being a representative of one's nation. And even with such 'tactical' employment of 'foreign talents', it still isn't as impressive to that of world class. I mean, you get the people from all over the world.. so what? And not too distant ago, way before the F1, GP, and YOG, there was some sort of goal to goal at 2010.. and now what? Don't ever compare our league with that of other states.. it was said there isn't enough talents to form two parties, what more 10 or more soccer teams? Basically, it's just kampong soccer at different levels. I think the odds are so odd that probability at the pools also can't keep track. I don't mean to be mean, but this is really the case. There are things we just aren't taught or have to luxury to do all day... so don't expect it.
However i still enjoyed any home goal, for it pisses off the other party. LOL.. the more they boo-ed, the more disappointed they will be they they get trashed. And really, nobody is stopping them from following.. i mean, don't be too emotional la.. it really impedes a lot.
And so we won. Or should i say they won? And it don't matter much if they won.. so long as they don't lose.
Oh ya.. by the way, the fishy smell came out from the ISO tank. It's confirmed, it's gone.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
I Suspect..
.. that the last of the haha crab is up the lorry liao.
Don't know why, it seems different from the other molting.. even if that is a surface molt. I've since ISO it to another tank.. less it be a crab it crab world or whatever kind of epidemic spreading it their own world. Wait for a few more days.. till the dead fishy smell comes out, and i'll be able to confirm le.
I guess crabbing is unpredictable.. lol.. i mean in the wild they might have 15 years of lifespan.. and might grow till very very big (maybe the size of a golf ball).. but in captivity, chances are slim. A year plus.. not too long, yet ain't too short.
Right now still left one active hermit in the main tank.. the one i got from PM (other than the one being eaten alive =X ).. and i wonder will it be never ending or not.. that is, if there will be any replacement or not. Perhaps not now.
Just no hermit crabs for xmas presents please.. lol.. if not it will be never ending.. and spare the hermits from PPS.
Don't know why, it seems different from the other molting.. even if that is a surface molt. I've since ISO it to another tank.. less it be a crab it crab world or whatever kind of epidemic spreading it their own world. Wait for a few more days.. till the dead fishy smell comes out, and i'll be able to confirm le.
I guess crabbing is unpredictable.. lol.. i mean in the wild they might have 15 years of lifespan.. and might grow till very very big (maybe the size of a golf ball).. but in captivity, chances are slim. A year plus.. not too long, yet ain't too short.
Right now still left one active hermit in the main tank.. the one i got from PM (other than the one being eaten alive =X ).. and i wonder will it be never ending or not.. that is, if there will be any replacement or not. Perhaps not now.
Just no hermit crabs for xmas presents please.. lol.. if not it will be never ending.. and spare the hermits from PPS.
Friday, December 05, 2008
A new Consultant
Zzz.. the painkillers i got today cost me $90+.. and for just that few pills. Will the painkillers cure heart pain?
Well.. why it was so expensive was coz it came without any "side effects".. lol.. and probably the only side effect as noted by my friend was, being poor after taking the pills. This sure is burning one huge hole in my wallet.
Just too bad the new consultant insisted that i take the painkillers for anti-inflammatory.. so bo bian also got to take.. haiz.
Suddenly i missed the senior consultant.. haha.. at least she knows that this pill is very expensive.. and had given me the option to just take 2 tabs (which just cost $3+).
Or maybe this is really the elixir that will halt the AS? Whahaha.. so expensive.. must have some forms of 'magical' effect embedded in it right? LOL.
Thankfully the senior consultant will be back for my next visit. Heng ar.
Well.. why it was so expensive was coz it came without any "side effects".. lol.. and probably the only side effect as noted by my friend was, being poor after taking the pills. This sure is burning one huge hole in my wallet.
Just too bad the new consultant insisted that i take the painkillers for anti-inflammatory.. so bo bian also got to take.. haiz.
Suddenly i missed the senior consultant.. haha.. at least she knows that this pill is very expensive.. and had given me the option to just take 2 tabs (which just cost $3+).
Or maybe this is really the elixir that will halt the AS? Whahaha.. so expensive.. must have some forms of 'magical' effect embedded in it right? LOL.
Thankfully the senior consultant will be back for my next visit. Heng ar.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
And Again
Somehow, this xmas season does not bode well already.
After weeks of recurring flu, i thought it was getting quite enough.. and then yesterday, i got a fever of 38.7 degree.. and it came so suddenly.
Initially, thought the mosquitoes were to blame.. either for dengue or malaria.. but then again, it doesn't seems to be so.. at least up till now. And thankfully, the fever had subsided.. if not, my brain is going to be cooked.
And then i lost all appetite. For the whole day, i just ate 1/2 bowl of noodles and 1/2 bowl of porridge. I am hungry.. yet i don't have the appetite.. so contradicting.
Xmas without appetite is going to be so so gloomy. All i want for xmas is my appetite..
After weeks of recurring flu, i thought it was getting quite enough.. and then yesterday, i got a fever of 38.7 degree.. and it came so suddenly.
Initially, thought the mosquitoes were to blame.. either for dengue or malaria.. but then again, it doesn't seems to be so.. at least up till now. And thankfully, the fever had subsided.. if not, my brain is going to be cooked.
And then i lost all appetite. For the whole day, i just ate 1/2 bowl of noodles and 1/2 bowl of porridge. I am hungry.. yet i don't have the appetite.. so contradicting.
Xmas without appetite is going to be so so gloomy. All i want for xmas is my appetite..
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Yet again..
Suddenly i feel like i'm lagging quite a bit.
Yet nothing much achieved, if achieving something or anything means slogging. Sadly or thankfully, i'll be going to forgo this lifestyle in a week's time.. and in return, it means 24/7 of waking up early for all days.. except PH perhaps.
Again, the pasture is always always greener on the other side, no matter where. When i was playing the trumpet during my YJ days, i yearned to go back to the horn section.. and now being THP, i wanted to be TTP. I guess i will never be satisfied. Of coz i won't be switching, coz i can't. LOL. But sometimes it is fun to have the option to go to the other pasture.. it's just like a PH - Just once in a while. Sadly, saw another trumpet 'resigning' from our orchestra. Sigh. Now not downturn meh? lol... But i guess i'll just stay in the horn section to hone my horn playing ba. I still want to take the playing the horn as a hobby (which of coz is all up to my pace and so).. maybe on my own i'll improve.. just that i won't be enlisting the help of professionals for now.
The finance sector is really in quite a bad shape.. and already i've shunned the "money" section... and maybe the papers altogether.. just so i can be ignorant and not be so pissed about anything and everything that seems not to be of my concern.. and even if it did, there is nothing i can do to make it better. So not much of help to get sian-ed. Yet, it was news of inhumanity over at the other pages of the papers that caught my attention.. and again, it was giving the same feeling of helplessness. Maybe i should just stick to reading the ads alone.
And if i'm not willing to read any ad, PLEASE DON'T IRRITATINGLY REFER MY DARN EMAIL ADDRESS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION JUST SO YOU CAN WIN SOME AIR TICKETS (especially so when you hardly know me at all). I'll be so so pissed. And also, i've been receiving calls from banks asking me to take loans or apply whatever cards (i wondered where the hell they got my number)... please lor.. i don't even have any income now. Are you sure it is prudent to let me have all these facilities? And even if really i need all these services, i will go source for it myself. I know time is bad for those in the banking sector.. but really, this is just starting to piss me off. And plus, it is more irritating when the caller speaks like a machine gun and doesn't allow the chance for me to kindly and politely reject the offer. Don't make me kup the phone hor.
Darn.. hahaa.. i just like to niam once in a while.. and really there are a lot more which i don't think is appropriate.. such as that of the pot and kettle and the story of the silverfish. And after an enlightening session a few days back, it is time to solve most of the mystery. LOL.. no wonder.. no wonder. It seems to be so afterall.
Yet nothing much achieved, if achieving something or anything means slogging. Sadly or thankfully, i'll be going to forgo this lifestyle in a week's time.. and in return, it means 24/7 of waking up early for all days.. except PH perhaps.
Again, the pasture is always always greener on the other side, no matter where. When i was playing the trumpet during my YJ days, i yearned to go back to the horn section.. and now being THP, i wanted to be TTP. I guess i will never be satisfied. Of coz i won't be switching, coz i can't. LOL. But sometimes it is fun to have the option to go to the other pasture.. it's just like a PH - Just once in a while. Sadly, saw another trumpet 'resigning' from our orchestra. Sigh. Now not downturn meh? lol... But i guess i'll just stay in the horn section to hone my horn playing ba. I still want to take the playing the horn as a hobby (which of coz is all up to my pace and so).. maybe on my own i'll improve.. just that i won't be enlisting the help of professionals for now.
The finance sector is really in quite a bad shape.. and already i've shunned the "money" section... and maybe the papers altogether.. just so i can be ignorant and not be so pissed about anything and everything that seems not to be of my concern.. and even if it did, there is nothing i can do to make it better. So not much of help to get sian-ed. Yet, it was news of inhumanity over at the other pages of the papers that caught my attention.. and again, it was giving the same feeling of helplessness. Maybe i should just stick to reading the ads alone.
And if i'm not willing to read any ad, PLEASE DON'T IRRITATINGLY REFER MY DARN EMAIL ADDRESS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION JUST SO YOU CAN WIN SOME AIR TICKETS (especially so when you hardly know me at all). I'll be so so pissed. And also, i've been receiving calls from banks asking me to take loans or apply whatever cards (i wondered where the hell they got my number)... please lor.. i don't even have any income now. Are you sure it is prudent to let me have all these facilities? And even if really i need all these services, i will go source for it myself. I know time is bad for those in the banking sector.. but really, this is just starting to piss me off. And plus, it is more irritating when the caller speaks like a machine gun and doesn't allow the chance for me to kindly and politely reject the offer. Don't make me kup the phone hor.
Darn.. hahaa.. i just like to niam once in a while.. and really there are a lot more which i don't think is appropriate.. such as that of the pot and kettle and the story of the silverfish. And after an enlightening session a few days back, it is time to solve most of the mystery. LOL.. no wonder.. no wonder. It seems to be so afterall.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Why?
"Singaporean hostage dies in Mumbai attacks" - Yahoo news
A sad piece of news.. and really wondered why there are people out there acting so brazenly. My condolences to all the victims and their families.
May this kind of vile act never happen again, no matter what the clause is.
A sad piece of news.. and really wondered why there are people out there acting so brazenly. My condolences to all the victims and their families.
May this kind of vile act never happen again, no matter what the clause is.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Flu Bug 2
Like a never ending flu, i caught it again just as it was about to go.
I hoped it wasn't the DIY feng shui tips i picked up online that made me so ill-ish. Wanted to rearrange my furniture to give my room a new look rather than have a 'good' feng shui.. but i guess i just screwed up.
I don't really believe that the arrangement will change anything, and the whole feng shui thing was solely for my own amusement. If anything is worth noting, the direction of my bed was that of when i 1st got arthritis in 1999. Since then, i've changed the arrangement of my bed till now.. maybe it is better to be safe than sorry. I'm going to shift back my bed later le.. lol.
Enough of the economy.. cyclical or systemic. Monetary injections alone is not enough to solve both. However, it beats having no remedies at all. There isn't going to be a 180 overnight change.. and so there is still time to get ready for a new economic landscape a few years down. After solving the liquidity issues, there is still the consumer confidence index.. which isn't as easily moved by billions of injections alone. It really takes time. Just hope and hope that things will eventually turn out fine, and that there is sufficient resources to tide over such times. It's a rare one.. once in a century downturn leh.. where to find?
I hoped i won't be a liability when i start work.. and hopefully i can be of some value-add. Some is perhaps not enough.. must be a lot more. Still pondering over getting ACCA-ed.. but really like not helping a lot wor.. plus, accounting is ever-changing.. so once started, there will be frequent re-training and updating of the accounting standards.. not easy at all. As for jap classes, i won't be doing it for now.. coz i won't be needing it any time soon.
I hoped it wasn't the DIY feng shui tips i picked up online that made me so ill-ish. Wanted to rearrange my furniture to give my room a new look rather than have a 'good' feng shui.. but i guess i just screwed up.
I don't really believe that the arrangement will change anything, and the whole feng shui thing was solely for my own amusement. If anything is worth noting, the direction of my bed was that of when i 1st got arthritis in 1999. Since then, i've changed the arrangement of my bed till now.. maybe it is better to be safe than sorry. I'm going to shift back my bed later le.. lol.
Enough of the economy.. cyclical or systemic. Monetary injections alone is not enough to solve both. However, it beats having no remedies at all. There isn't going to be a 180 overnight change.. and so there is still time to get ready for a new economic landscape a few years down. After solving the liquidity issues, there is still the consumer confidence index.. which isn't as easily moved by billions of injections alone. It really takes time. Just hope and hope that things will eventually turn out fine, and that there is sufficient resources to tide over such times. It's a rare one.. once in a century downturn leh.. where to find?
I hoped i won't be a liability when i start work.. and hopefully i can be of some value-add. Some is perhaps not enough.. must be a lot more. Still pondering over getting ACCA-ed.. but really like not helping a lot wor.. plus, accounting is ever-changing.. so once started, there will be frequent re-training and updating of the accounting standards.. not easy at all. As for jap classes, i won't be doing it for now.. coz i won't be needing it any time soon.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Flu Bug
Caught the flu bug few days back, and only recovered slightly.
Luckily was able to wake up early for band pract yesterday, though not early enough for gongyo. So in all, the pract was only for 1 hours 15 mins... considering that the journey took 2 hours 30 mins in all. Of coz, i know it is much more than just band alone, but 1 hour plus is just too short to be of any impact. Was slightly disappointed.. and even more so when the "love³" was still stuck on the 1st page. Sighted a few gakkai pieces but was making quite a bit of lemonade. The notes are rather high.. and if this keeps on, i can say bye bye to my lower range le. After so many years, i still prefer playing the 3rd part. Anyway, the flu bug is making my brain slower.. so i don't think i was focusing during much of the 1 hour.. hence the minor scale didn't sink quite in.. maybe got to do some follow up these few days le.
Was off to yishun for lunch after band coz one of them is driving. A bit nostalgic coz used to be at yishun during my jc days. Now Northpoint also got its extension le.. Hoped that there will be unlimited construction projects going on in sg.. so as to bring the impact of the economic crisis to a minimum..
As it was said, this is the time to upgrade.. but upgrade what i also don't know. My friend suggested jap class.. but i wanted to pursue accounting.. and plus it will be adding financial constraint to the already tight belt. Part time studies is not easy to manage.. so really got to sleep over it a few more times and see if i really want it that bad.
Luckily was able to wake up early for band pract yesterday, though not early enough for gongyo. So in all, the pract was only for 1 hours 15 mins... considering that the journey took 2 hours 30 mins in all. Of coz, i know it is much more than just band alone, but 1 hour plus is just too short to be of any impact. Was slightly disappointed.. and even more so when the "love³" was still stuck on the 1st page. Sighted a few gakkai pieces but was making quite a bit of lemonade. The notes are rather high.. and if this keeps on, i can say bye bye to my lower range le. After so many years, i still prefer playing the 3rd part. Anyway, the flu bug is making my brain slower.. so i don't think i was focusing during much of the 1 hour.. hence the minor scale didn't sink quite in.. maybe got to do some follow up these few days le.
Was off to yishun for lunch after band coz one of them is driving. A bit nostalgic coz used to be at yishun during my jc days. Now Northpoint also got its extension le.. Hoped that there will be unlimited construction projects going on in sg.. so as to bring the impact of the economic crisis to a minimum..
As it was said, this is the time to upgrade.. but upgrade what i also don't know. My friend suggested jap class.. but i wanted to pursue accounting.. and plus it will be adding financial constraint to the already tight belt. Part time studies is not easy to manage.. so really got to sleep over it a few more times and see if i really want it that bad.
Monday, November 17, 2008
"Love Love Love"
No i'm not in love. And i'm not getting married yet.
Yesterday's pract, we attempted on the piece "love love love" (not the jolin version), but was lacking the percussion.. so a bit not so pop/jazz.. rather.. a bit like chamber music like that. Was rather impressed by some who actually practiced that piece at home (or during the last pract).. coz the rhythm was so syncopated and tied that was actually of some difficulty sight reading. Too bad i 'skipped' last week's pract..
A very nice piece now that i've heard the full band version online.. and i've got it embedded on my blog too. So it was quite a long way still.. but i really think it would be nice if we can successfully perform this at the botanical gardens in feb the coming year. This is one piece that the more the merrier..if only those at the last CFG could join us. 7 horns leh.. hahah.. sure power one. And this piece needs a lot lot more trumpets.. then it will be very nice.
Really can't wait to blast.. hahaha..
Yesterday's pract, we attempted on the piece "love love love" (not the jolin version), but was lacking the percussion.. so a bit not so pop/jazz.. rather.. a bit like chamber music like that. Was rather impressed by some who actually practiced that piece at home (or during the last pract).. coz the rhythm was so syncopated and tied that was actually of some difficulty sight reading. Too bad i 'skipped' last week's pract..
A very nice piece now that i've heard the full band version online.. and i've got it embedded on my blog too. So it was quite a long way still.. but i really think it would be nice if we can successfully perform this at the botanical gardens in feb the coming year. This is one piece that the more the merrier..if only those at the last CFG could join us. 7 horns leh.. hahah.. sure power one. And this piece needs a lot lot more trumpets.. then it will be very nice.
Really can't wait to blast.. hahaha..
Sunday, November 16, 2008
What a 'Wonderful' World
Was super late for band pract today, coz saw an opportunity to re-park the kuti R1. The R1 was under my stewardship for a week coz sis was overseas. Of coz, i could have driven the kuti R1 to boonlay (and be on time).. but really, it was a bit too small for such a long journey. Also, the last vios incident (check 12/8/06 entry) got me banned from driving.. at least on the then vios. Now the vios was sold.. and in its place, the kuti R1.
And so i took the R1 round the carpark.. and found that it was indeed very light. On the PIE, i think the R1 can fly lor. Really very small.. 3m by 1.5m.. haha.. at least now my parking won't miss. So shifted the R1 to the spot designated by my sis, coz that was supposed to be the 'safe' spot. R1 is 600 cc only.. i think if i put my baobei horn in, already the engine cmi.
Decided to take public transport instead.. and so was super late. Reached at around 10.30am, and the actual practice haven't start.. Today warmed up with the big big note piece - "what a wonderful world". LOL.. how ironic.. it isn't wonderful at all with all the downturn and retrenchment lor.. and also, the 1st read with rather "what a horrific world".. haha.. i guess it's the instrumentation ba.. we really need more parts... if not it's quite empty also. Actually the song was nice.. but i didn't quite like the arrangement.. too many in unison le.. of coz, i think the piece is graded quite easy.. see the size of the notes already can tell le.
What a horrific world.. another round of retrenchment from the FIs, and another round of rally for worthless structured financial products. High notes 5, minibond series 5 and 6, and now pinnacle notes series 9 and 10. When will all these ever end? I have nothing to say liao.. apparently, something is very wrong here, no matter from whose point of view.
On a slightly brighter side, the village got its first xmas card for 2008 wor... and it was addressed to......... pakki! LOL.. and he got his own economic/xmas package in advance too. 3 bags of dog biscuits, 1 bag of yogurt for dogs(wonder what the..), and a tube of toothpaste.. all courtesy of the village chief. In this downturn, i think pakki is the most fortunate de lor.. and i still can't get over the fact that he got xmas card addressed to him.. LOL.
And so i took the R1 round the carpark.. and found that it was indeed very light. On the PIE, i think the R1 can fly lor. Really very small.. 3m by 1.5m.. haha.. at least now my parking won't miss. So shifted the R1 to the spot designated by my sis, coz that was supposed to be the 'safe' spot. R1 is 600 cc only.. i think if i put my baobei horn in, already the engine cmi.
Decided to take public transport instead.. and so was super late. Reached at around 10.30am, and the actual practice haven't start.. Today warmed up with the big big note piece - "what a wonderful world". LOL.. how ironic.. it isn't wonderful at all with all the downturn and retrenchment lor.. and also, the 1st read with rather "what a horrific world".. haha.. i guess it's the instrumentation ba.. we really need more parts... if not it's quite empty also. Actually the song was nice.. but i didn't quite like the arrangement.. too many in unison le.. of coz, i think the piece is graded quite easy.. see the size of the notes already can tell le.
What a horrific world.. another round of retrenchment from the FIs, and another round of rally for worthless structured financial products. High notes 5, minibond series 5 and 6, and now pinnacle notes series 9 and 10. When will all these ever end? I have nothing to say liao.. apparently, something is very wrong here, no matter from whose point of view.
On a slightly brighter side, the village got its first xmas card for 2008 wor... and it was addressed to......... pakki! LOL.. and he got his own economic/xmas package in advance too. 3 bags of dog biscuits, 1 bag of yogurt for dogs(wonder what the..), and a tube of toothpaste.. all courtesy of the village chief. In this downturn, i think pakki is the most fortunate de lor.. and i still can't get over the fact that he got xmas card addressed to him.. LOL.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Fallout
Nowadays like a lot of rare happenings around sg. Really uniquely sg.
Days ago, one guy attempted to rob one of the local banks.. but his plan was foiled.. coz he never shaved properly. Then today, one worker was killed by the beh hors in the zoo.. wah leh.
Maybe partly due to lehman fallout i think. It was really an oversight from those that was supposed to save it IMO. See what the lehman fallout do to the whole economy and well-being of the society? People got affected by it's ambiguous product, and the FIs suffer from having to assume responsibility due to goodwill, and then the staffs got affected becoz the FI had to cut cost. Now the whole economy is in shambles and it is no wonder that some might do irrational things.
And due to the credit crunch, even the IR also got affected. Too much betting on the IR le.. even before it was opened. Should it fail, it would likely to be another one of those lehman fallout.
Heard from my friends that the retrenchment exercise started.. and now it's only the finance sector.. it is really gloomy lor. Hopefully they will get to keep their jobs.
Days ago, one guy attempted to rob one of the local banks.. but his plan was foiled.. coz he never shaved properly. Then today, one worker was killed by the beh hors in the zoo.. wah leh.
Maybe partly due to lehman fallout i think. It was really an oversight from those that was supposed to save it IMO. See what the lehman fallout do to the whole economy and well-being of the society? People got affected by it's ambiguous product, and the FIs suffer from having to assume responsibility due to goodwill, and then the staffs got affected becoz the FI had to cut cost. Now the whole economy is in shambles and it is no wonder that some might do irrational things.
And due to the credit crunch, even the IR also got affected. Too much betting on the IR le.. even before it was opened. Should it fail, it would likely to be another one of those lehman fallout.
Heard from my friends that the retrenchment exercise started.. and now it's only the finance sector.. it is really gloomy lor. Hopefully they will get to keep their jobs.
Late Night Rain
No snow this coming xmas, but quite a lot of rain.
Was at zion today to celebrate the bday of my then schoolmates. My apologies to jade eagle for making a merlion. Certainly bad karma.. coz i stepped on the merlion-ed stuff... lol.. and so my shoes need some washing asap.
In any case, my best wishes to all the November babies of the then warlords.
Was at zion today to celebrate the bday of my then schoolmates. My apologies to jade eagle for making a merlion. Certainly bad karma.. coz i stepped on the merlion-ed stuff... lol.. and so my shoes need some washing asap.
In any case, my best wishes to all the November babies of the then warlords.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Early Morning Rain
Early morning, and it started to rain.
Was in town running some errands and by the time i got things done, the rain was quite heavy. Didn't want to get drenched, so was walking around town quite aimlessly..
The kopi bean in taka was gone.. (imagine how long i didn't go there liao..).. and so got no place to sit and read..(anyway no money to drink kopi bean also liao..) so walked around till i saw the imprezza challenge. It wasn't really that interesting coz it wasn't supposed to be.. and they've been doing this for the past 46 hours or so. I don't think i can match this... even before the Z monster come, the AS would have already claimed me.
Anyway, any case, i just took a pic for fun. Quite badly taken coz i was standing in the shade.. and the poor contestants got to endure the whole day of rain, plus the cold cold night.
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46 hours, 2 minutes and 44 seconds into the contest..
Then was off to take a pic of the large large xmas tree...
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.. for what i also don't know.. don't ask me.
Went PS to save some money at daiso after i got bored at taka. Everything $2 wor.. so must choose a weekday to buy.. if not the queue will be super long. Everything $2.. see anything also want to grab.. hahaa.. saw a pet comb almost identical to pakki's.. but almost 500% cheaper leh.. i think i got super cabbaged at some other pet store le. Of coz, one can get really carried away.. So end up i just bought 3 items.. 2 for the hermies, and 1 for the village.
Went home when the rain stopped, only to be called to town for dinner again.. argh.. bus fare also quite xiong leh.. 93 cents per tap.. tap tap tap, then $3 gone.. and dinner was quite expensive too.. but of coz, was nice nevertheless. Time to eat at home more often le.
A rainy day of total randomness.. i also don't know why. Just glad that i'm free after a week of being busy.
Was in town running some errands and by the time i got things done, the rain was quite heavy. Didn't want to get drenched, so was walking around town quite aimlessly..
The kopi bean in taka was gone.. (imagine how long i didn't go there liao..).. and so got no place to sit and read..(anyway no money to drink kopi bean also liao..) so walked around till i saw the imprezza challenge. It wasn't really that interesting coz it wasn't supposed to be.. and they've been doing this for the past 46 hours or so. I don't think i can match this... even before the Z monster come, the AS would have already claimed me.
Anyway, any case, i just took a pic for fun. Quite badly taken coz i was standing in the shade.. and the poor contestants got to endure the whole day of rain, plus the cold cold night.
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46 hours, 2 minutes and 44 seconds into the contest..
Then was off to take a pic of the large large xmas tree...
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.. for what i also don't know.. don't ask me.
Went PS to save some money at daiso after i got bored at taka. Everything $2 wor.. so must choose a weekday to buy.. if not the queue will be super long. Everything $2.. see anything also want to grab.. hahaa.. saw a pet comb almost identical to pakki's.. but almost 500% cheaper leh.. i think i got super cabbaged at some other pet store le. Of coz, one can get really carried away.. So end up i just bought 3 items.. 2 for the hermies, and 1 for the village.
Went home when the rain stopped, only to be called to town for dinner again.. argh.. bus fare also quite xiong leh.. 93 cents per tap.. tap tap tap, then $3 gone.. and dinner was quite expensive too.. but of coz, was nice nevertheless. Time to eat at home more often le.
A rainy day of total randomness.. i also don't know why. Just glad that i'm free after a week of being busy.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The Cocoa Plantation
So it was in the early december.. and on the contrary, i think it is the best time to get moving. Perhaps this, perhaps that, i'm quite tired of being forced into doing things (thankfully the villagers are very patient with me).. whether i want or not. So today, i've set a date to start my OJT (on job training) on the cocoa plantation, with official taking over after the CNY. I guess i couldn't be more ready.
The whole year and a half was so fruitful (i've exhausted so many of my hobbies).. and really, i wonder where all the vineyards and papaya plantations came about. Perhaps on lower grounds, hence things are not the same. I've given quite some thought on how things will be.. yet unfortunately, the bigger picture is not that i can foresee. Of coz it would be nice to be able to use my now cmi banking and finance knowledge in the relevant field.. but really.. they take just about any other discipline.. so 多我一个不多,少我一个不少.. although i truly believe that they could have made a greater distinction rather than just that few finance papers. If so, in the 1st place i just take the papers can liao.. why waste a good 3 years?
At least i know accounting is so much different.. even with a rojak qualification, i still need to undergo a course of a few years in order to get to being a chartered accountant. Those with relevant qualification need to work for a few years to get the 'entry permit' to getting ICPAS. Years leh.. not months. So it is no wonder to me why mis-selling of products is prevalent.
Anyway, some are just a distant dream.. not that i'm really unwilling to let go of anything.. it's just that i want to experience almost everything. That explains why i'm so clueless. But it's all alright now.. i think i've got quite a bit to learn at the plantation.. and maybe, it shall be for quite a while.
The whole year and a half was so fruitful (i've exhausted so many of my hobbies).. and really, i wonder where all the vineyards and papaya plantations came about. Perhaps on lower grounds, hence things are not the same. I've given quite some thought on how things will be.. yet unfortunately, the bigger picture is not that i can foresee. Of coz it would be nice to be able to use my now cmi banking and finance knowledge in the relevant field.. but really.. they take just about any other discipline.. so 多我一个不多,少我一个不少.. although i truly believe that they could have made a greater distinction rather than just that few finance papers. If so, in the 1st place i just take the papers can liao.. why waste a good 3 years?
At least i know accounting is so much different.. even with a rojak qualification, i still need to undergo a course of a few years in order to get to being a chartered accountant. Those with relevant qualification need to work for a few years to get the 'entry permit' to getting ICPAS. Years leh.. not months. So it is no wonder to me why mis-selling of products is prevalent.
Anyway, some are just a distant dream.. not that i'm really unwilling to let go of anything.. it's just that i want to experience almost everything. That explains why i'm so clueless. But it's all alright now.. i think i've got quite a bit to learn at the plantation.. and maybe, it shall be for quite a while.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Zap Zap
Visited the demo today again.. and never felt so nervous for quite some time. And it was all done after a series of 'zaps'.. but not quite. The whole thing actually took an hour or so.. and never was breathing such a tedious task. But i'm so darn glad this is over.
Just in time, my dental appointment was brought forward.. thankfully that it was this morning. Received a call at 9, and by 10, was already at j8 to collect the whitening kit. And maybe, time to cut down on caffeinated drinks liao.
And today the FI called with invitation to stir coffee the next week. Wondered what will the outcome be... and how will the matriarch will react to the outcome..
Just in time, my dental appointment was brought forward.. thankfully that it was this morning. Received a call at 9, and by 10, was already at j8 to collect the whitening kit. And maybe, time to cut down on caffeinated drinks liao.
And today the FI called with invitation to stir coffee the next week. Wondered what will the outcome be... and how will the matriarch will react to the outcome..
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Evergreen 90s
Band (though it is still officially an orchestra) was rescheduled to Sunday from today onwards. From noon, it was shifted to morning. Just find it a bit tough to wake up early on sundays morning. It's been quite a while since the last MG.. and i've been slacking since the start of CFG.
Anyway, i didn't know that scc also got mg wor.. which means, i can do both on the same day. Save me the transport fare also.. and on the same day.. most likely won't slack that much... haha.. band prac is must go one wor (the same old story again).
Reached early today.. coz the sunday morning traffic was super light. Compared to saturday evening.. this is so much better. At least when i reached scc, the mood isn't that bad. Bad traffic will cause bad mood one lor.
Was so delighted to see so many of them around during prac today.. though we can still use a lot more brasses. One trumpet, one trombone, and one horn.. only. Super nice acoustics at hall of wisdom today.. and i kind of like my horn tone today. As usual, the more i didn't practice, the more i feel like playing it better. Played "evergreen" today.. and the whole prac was quite like evergreen 90s itself... aww.. the good old secondary school days.. just that i'm lacking a full horn section (or a full wind band for that matter).
Was even more happy to know of the new directive. So so much better le lor. Suddenly as if they really know.. and i'm so glad. And the best part is, to have an orchestra while not being an orchestra.
And while prac was nice, i almost cooked my thumb before prac today.. zzz.. and then got blister.. making the right hand tuning on the horn kind of dreadful after that. Actually the burn wasn't that bad.. just that i think my brain didn't function well early in the morning. Already it hurts, and i still try the same method again and again... till i was offered a solution.. a bit late i guess.. but better than nothing. Wondered what my brain was doing this morning.. haiz.
Went PS after prac to get my hp back.. coz it was on loan to a friend. Strange that some hp repair don't provide temp hp sets, and more weird was that the repair cost almost 200% of the selling price. So was on my previous 6260 for a week.. and couldn't really upload the pics which 1 took a week earlier. The old $88 cable cmi already.. sian.
So was going to post this since last week's pubbing at brewz.. we intend to order a normal pizza.. but got a super large "curry pok" instead.. whahaha.. is super large one lor... actually this is a calzone.. but don't know why they put it in the pizza section.. a bit don't know what to say. Just make sure not to order 'new stuffs' when you are bored with the usual. There is a reason why they are the usuals.. lol.
"Curry pok".. upsized. Compared with the knife on the right.. and see how big it really is.. kong bu lor..
Got a belated bday present today wor.. and really quite liked it. Thanks wor =).. (you know who you are)
Then while on the way home, i saw some hermie shells wor. And the important thing is.. they are of the right size for both my remaining hermies. LOL.. just take it as a belated bday present for them too.. Hahaha.. wanted to order from the US.. but the handling charges a bit expensive.. somemore the shell cost around 30 cents lor.. hahaa.. a bit bo hua.. In the end, i think buy at shopping mall also a bit tio cabbaged. It was $2.50 per shells lor.. and i bought 4! Hahaha.. think i got so delighted with finally finding the right sized shell that my brain go MIA again. $10 leh.. omg.. for 4 shells that i could have easily picked up from the beach.. FOC somemore! Maybe i'm too tired le.
Boiling to disinfect (the pot is a spare which my mum don't want le).
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The $10 shells =|
And some hermies' pics:
Venti with Grande in the background..
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Sharing the Saltwater dish..
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Taken today.. still haven't put in the new shells yet..
Very tired today.. but wanted to stay awake to watch the finals of the F1 today. Hoped that the clowns won't win the championship wor.. i have nothing against the driver.. just that i don't like clowns.
Anyway, i didn't know that scc also got mg wor.. which means, i can do both on the same day. Save me the transport fare also.. and on the same day.. most likely won't slack that much... haha.. band prac is must go one wor (the same old story again).
Reached early today.. coz the sunday morning traffic was super light. Compared to saturday evening.. this is so much better. At least when i reached scc, the mood isn't that bad. Bad traffic will cause bad mood one lor.
Was so delighted to see so many of them around during prac today.. though we can still use a lot more brasses. One trumpet, one trombone, and one horn.. only. Super nice acoustics at hall of wisdom today.. and i kind of like my horn tone today. As usual, the more i didn't practice, the more i feel like playing it better. Played "evergreen" today.. and the whole prac was quite like evergreen 90s itself... aww.. the good old secondary school days.. just that i'm lacking a full horn section (or a full wind band for that matter).
Was even more happy to know of the new directive. So so much better le lor. Suddenly as if they really know.. and i'm so glad. And the best part is, to have an orchestra while not being an orchestra.
And while prac was nice, i almost cooked my thumb before prac today.. zzz.. and then got blister.. making the right hand tuning on the horn kind of dreadful after that. Actually the burn wasn't that bad.. just that i think my brain didn't function well early in the morning. Already it hurts, and i still try the same method again and again... till i was offered a solution.. a bit late i guess.. but better than nothing. Wondered what my brain was doing this morning.. haiz.
Went PS after prac to get my hp back.. coz it was on loan to a friend. Strange that some hp repair don't provide temp hp sets, and more weird was that the repair cost almost 200% of the selling price. So was on my previous 6260 for a week.. and couldn't really upload the pics which 1 took a week earlier. The old $88 cable cmi already.. sian.
So was going to post this since last week's pubbing at brewz.. we intend to order a normal pizza.. but got a super large "curry pok" instead.. whahaha.. is super large one lor... actually this is a calzone.. but don't know why they put it in the pizza section.. a bit don't know what to say. Just make sure not to order 'new stuffs' when you are bored with the usual. There is a reason why they are the usuals.. lol.
"Curry pok".. upsized. Compared with the knife on the right.. and see how big it really is.. kong bu lor..
Got a belated bday present today wor.. and really quite liked it. Thanks wor =).. (you know who you are)
Then while on the way home, i saw some hermie shells wor. And the important thing is.. they are of the right size for both my remaining hermies. LOL.. just take it as a belated bday present for them too.. Hahaha.. wanted to order from the US.. but the handling charges a bit expensive.. somemore the shell cost around 30 cents lor.. hahaa.. a bit bo hua.. In the end, i think buy at shopping mall also a bit tio cabbaged. It was $2.50 per shells lor.. and i bought 4! Hahaha.. think i got so delighted with finally finding the right sized shell that my brain go MIA again. $10 leh.. omg.. for 4 shells that i could have easily picked up from the beach.. FOC somemore! Maybe i'm too tired le.
Boiling to disinfect (the pot is a spare which my mum don't want le).
.jpg)
The $10 shells =|
And some hermies' pics:
Venti with Grande in the background..
.jpg)
Sharing the Saltwater dish..
.jpg)
Taken today.. still haven't put in the new shells yet..
Very tired today.. but wanted to stay awake to watch the finals of the F1 today. Hoped that the clowns won't win the championship wor.. i have nothing against the driver.. just that i don't like clowns.
Friday, October 31, 2008
My Purchasing Power and the "Minibong"
Been plummeted by purchasing powers that i cannot keep up.. or rather, not willing to. Strangely, the student's lifestyle seems inferior somehow. I don't know, perhaps i'm not belonging to the "young and unfazed" group of people under this gloomy economic climate.
Of coz things might be slightly better if any funds could be recovered from the soured "minibong". Following the stories of the defunct structured products seems kind of dramatic.. almost daily coverage on the matter, and yet, nothing new. I'm not convinced that things will turn for the better anytime soon. Received an acknowledgment letter from one of the FIs selling the "minibong".. and again, it was nothing new.
"Buyers' beware".. of coz i agree. But when sellers do not disclose the potential risk, it is something very wrong. Either the sellers themselves don't even know what they are selling, or they are trying to hide the shortcomings. In any case, i'm sure this is not right. By disclosure, don't use the black and white defense. Black and white doesn't mean anything if it is not understood by people. Not everyone get A1 for their angmor de ok? So.. please explain. Plus, in some cases (at least if was a definite in the matriarch's case) the prospectus was handed over AFTER the whole thing was signed. Will it be ok to say that the buyers didn't read carefully (read simi lor..)as they were do not have the prospectus? Many of the buyers don't even know what a prospectus is by the way, not to mention that they are supposed to read and understand before making a purchase. It is therefore, the responsibility of the staff to make it known to them. Since commission is given, responsibility will have to be assumed.. if not pay them just to ask people to sign papers meh? One thing for sure.. the next time if i ever need to sign any documents.. i make sure i bring a voice recorder with me.. better still, bring a dvd cam.
Of coz it is NOT in ALL case that staffs are that irresponsible or ignorant. And it won't be a surprise some investors that bona fide knew of, and accepted the risk when they signed the papers are also asking for compensation. Therefore, it is up to the relevant parties to make this distinction, and to make fair compensation when necessary. A long process for sure, and it won't be surprised if i'm pissed at the slightest thing. Just don't ask me why i'm still drinking that 30 cents sachet coffee.. of coz i know there are better ones out there.
Of coz things might be slightly better if any funds could be recovered from the soured "minibong". Following the stories of the defunct structured products seems kind of dramatic.. almost daily coverage on the matter, and yet, nothing new. I'm not convinced that things will turn for the better anytime soon. Received an acknowledgment letter from one of the FIs selling the "minibong".. and again, it was nothing new.
"Buyers' beware".. of coz i agree. But when sellers do not disclose the potential risk, it is something very wrong. Either the sellers themselves don't even know what they are selling, or they are trying to hide the shortcomings. In any case, i'm sure this is not right. By disclosure, don't use the black and white defense. Black and white doesn't mean anything if it is not understood by people. Not everyone get A1 for their angmor de ok? So.. please explain. Plus, in some cases (at least if was a definite in the matriarch's case) the prospectus was handed over AFTER the whole thing was signed. Will it be ok to say that the buyers didn't read carefully (read simi lor..)as they were do not have the prospectus? Many of the buyers don't even know what a prospectus is by the way, not to mention that they are supposed to read and understand before making a purchase. It is therefore, the responsibility of the staff to make it known to them. Since commission is given, responsibility will have to be assumed.. if not pay them just to ask people to sign papers meh? One thing for sure.. the next time if i ever need to sign any documents.. i make sure i bring a voice recorder with me.. better still, bring a dvd cam.
Of coz it is NOT in ALL case that staffs are that irresponsible or ignorant. And it won't be a surprise some investors that bona fide knew of, and accepted the risk when they signed the papers are also asking for compensation. Therefore, it is up to the relevant parties to make this distinction, and to make fair compensation when necessary. A long process for sure, and it won't be surprised if i'm pissed at the slightest thing. Just don't ask me why i'm still drinking that 30 cents sachet coffee.. of coz i know there are better ones out there.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Theme Dental
Another one of those overhaul in the month of october. "If not now, then when?".. lol.. wait till the economy is even worse? Till then, i don't even know whether i can afford all these.
Got my teeth cleaned, and luckily, i don't have any cavity. Got the mold made for teeth whitening, and really, options are plenty.. and so is the price. Of coz i chose the cheapest.. but the outcome won't be as significant also.
Anyway, what to do? Economic downturn, and so is the paradox of thrift. There is much at stake this year, and maybe even more the coming year.
Got my teeth cleaned, and luckily, i don't have any cavity. Got the mold made for teeth whitening, and really, options are plenty.. and so is the price. Of coz i chose the cheapest.. but the outcome won't be as significant also.
Anyway, what to do? Economic downturn, and so is the paradox of thrift. There is much at stake this year, and maybe even more the coming year.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
船到桥头
Nobody in the right mind would want a recession.. but when it happened, there's really nothing much an individual can do. Sadly (perhaps thankfully), i was a year late in graduating. By now, the landscape have changed so much that it is no longer easy to find the 'right' job. Nothing like this before.. not 911, not even sars.. and certainly not the 97 crisis can par. So what is it? 1929 in 2009?
As a retail investor, of coz i don't feel happy that my investments are gone like that. Yet on the macro scale, it isn't my wish to see the FIs suffer just becoz of this. Just really too bad that things had to turn out to be as such. Of coz there are certain individuals who really have to take a lot more responsibility then the general public. As such, the free market theory can no longer function under the influence of behavioral finance.
Why do 10,000 investor have to make a lot more s/h suffer? Actually, both parties are the victims - victims of this financial crisis. For who is really responsible, perhaps there is no answer. Finger pointing to history, might as well blame the ones who discover the new world.
Anyway, after the blood-letting of friday (of which IMO is over-reaction in the SR), it just proved that this is no ordinary crisis. Already on the way to 1600 pts and below, 50% of the index wiped out just a year after the bubble.
The usual crowd seems to be hibernating somewhere, even on a saturday. Something is not very right somehow.
Was at boiler today for a belated bday celebration of some sort. Of coz was very delighted in seeing my schoolmates, especially the OG of long ago. Really, i never regret joining the orientation camp 4 years ago, and i wondered whether is it possible to forge such ties in the jobbing world. Too much complications and competition, it won't be easy.
Finally having some hint on my path.. and perhaps might end up in the chocolate factory after all as a replacement. The greater future is too far to foresee, and it is my wish to be of some help after a quarter of a century. It was never the pay, for i owed too much. So long as the village (and the chocolate factory) is safe and sound, i will be very glad.
Will be very busy for the coming month due to some personal matter to attend to (i'm not getting married by the way...lol), and if i fail to attend to any bday celebrations, i will sms the bday wishes.. so no worries. Will only be free around december. And then the finale for this whole load is at NSC on 7th jan (perhaps later due to one more schedule and the outcome) the following year. Hopefully not something in the LR. In some way, it is not something to not worry about, yet it isn't something worth being sleepless over. I'm sure that 船到桥头自然直.
As a retail investor, of coz i don't feel happy that my investments are gone like that. Yet on the macro scale, it isn't my wish to see the FIs suffer just becoz of this. Just really too bad that things had to turn out to be as such. Of coz there are certain individuals who really have to take a lot more responsibility then the general public. As such, the free market theory can no longer function under the influence of behavioral finance.
Why do 10,000 investor have to make a lot more s/h suffer? Actually, both parties are the victims - victims of this financial crisis. For who is really responsible, perhaps there is no answer. Finger pointing to history, might as well blame the ones who discover the new world.
Anyway, after the blood-letting of friday (of which IMO is over-reaction in the SR), it just proved that this is no ordinary crisis. Already on the way to 1600 pts and below, 50% of the index wiped out just a year after the bubble.
The usual crowd seems to be hibernating somewhere, even on a saturday. Something is not very right somehow.
Was at boiler today for a belated bday celebration of some sort. Of coz was very delighted in seeing my schoolmates, especially the OG of long ago. Really, i never regret joining the orientation camp 4 years ago, and i wondered whether is it possible to forge such ties in the jobbing world. Too much complications and competition, it won't be easy.
Finally having some hint on my path.. and perhaps might end up in the chocolate factory after all as a replacement. The greater future is too far to foresee, and it is my wish to be of some help after a quarter of a century. It was never the pay, for i owed too much. So long as the village (and the chocolate factory) is safe and sound, i will be very glad.
Will be very busy for the coming month due to some personal matter to attend to (i'm not getting married by the way...lol), and if i fail to attend to any bday celebrations, i will sms the bday wishes.. so no worries. Will only be free around december. And then the finale for this whole load is at NSC on 7th jan (perhaps later due to one more schedule and the outcome) the following year. Hopefully not something in the LR. In some way, it is not something to not worry about, yet it isn't something worth being sleepless over. I'm sure that 船到桥头自然直.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
$1.65 Painkiller can't cure this
The $1.65/pill painkiller worked surprisingly well for AS.. and actually, it was manufactured to be easier on the stomach... just so it happen to cut down on instances of allergic reaction too.
So i tested the new painkiller today, with no side effect.. maybe also no painkilling effect.. lol.. got used to it so much that i can't feel the difference.
Anyway, other things to perhaps, be happy about. 3 FIs announced yesterday that they will compensate/buyback the failed structured products from those deemed vulnerable. By vulnerable they mean those old and/or those that receive little education. Sadly, the matriarch of my village failed to qualify for either criteria. Strangely, it seems that everybody else is supposed to know what a swap is by default. And if you fail to inform investors of the exact risk/reward profile of the product in detail, and then shift all responsibility to investors just becoz they signed on the dotted line is kind of without ethics. And to get staffs not meeting the mark through extensive training or education/knowledge to serve the general population is definitely not a very professional thing to do.
Compensating on a case by case basis is goodwill on the part of the FIs, but vulnerable doesn't always have to apply to old people and those that received little education. Again, finance is not something that everybody knows.. unless it is incorporated in your daily job, or you happen to study finance. Some of the terms like swaps are not something everyone can understand. It isn't a surprised that many still thinks that the structured product is a bond. Why not? the name itself is already misleading. But to compensate through certain criteria is as if that the rest really deserve it for putting implicit trusts in those that sell them the products, so when it fails, they OBG right?
However, i must say that the FIs are working very hard to find a resolution. And now for the rest, there might be an option of letting the product to run for another few more years till maturity. Yet, it just prove to be even more sleepless nights.. imagine having to wake up every morning wondering whether your investment is safe.. and it all happened becoz you thought it was having a similar risk profiles of a bond.
So that day on ST, someone said that it is unfair for FIs to compensate for the losses of the investors becoz it is in black and white. And then this someone compared the investors to gamblers of a casino saying that you can't demand a return of your chips from the casino operator just because you lost them on the tables. And if this is possible, the shareholders of listed companies can also demand compensation for a fall in share prices. IMO, if it doesn't happen to you, you won't feel the pain.. however, that is besides the point.
For:-
(the "you" refer to the author of the article)
1) Investors are not gamblers. You gamble with that knowledge of losing everything.. but bond investors (as some of the investor are being misled into thinking that they are bond investors) are those with low risk profiles. Heard of risk aversion? Heard of equity premium puzzle? (and even though so, the minibond is NOT even a bond, so there might be no premium puzzle)
2) Gambling is a zero sum game. Either the casino wins or the punters win. There is no win-win situation. Investing on the other hand is SUPPOSED to be a win-win situation for the FIs and investors.
3) Investors do not over-invest. They just failed to diversify. Why diversify if you truly believed that this so called "bond" (which i must stress again is not a bond) is SUPPOSED to be safe? Then you will diversify your interest away don't you? And failure to diversify is not over-gambling.
4) Gamblers can choose whatever game they wished to play, without the dealer influencing them on their decision. Some sales staff from the FIs try to sell the structured products to people who just want a simple fixed deposit. You really think those being swayed by the sales staffs really deserved it? Do you think they represent the product in a fair manner?
5) Shareholders are owners, investors are lenders. In anycase, lenders are creditors that have a priority claim higher than that of a shareholder in the event of insolvency. To par shareholders with lenders is another load of bull. If they are the same, why don't they share some of the profits with the investors?
6) Shareholders can hold the management liable if they failed to perform (for example the dropping of share prices) in the coming AGM by replacing those responsible.. but for the investors, what real option do they have in this case? Lawsuit? Protest? And even so, they do not solve the root of the problem.
I'm just short of flaming the author.. and already this entry is slightly altered to omit the more unfriendly expression. But after reading his/her full article, it is something really IHO (in his/her opinion), and perhaps the greatest mistake is making it into the ST.. that's all.
Of coz, to make shareholders pay (through a fall in share prices) is not fair, neither is making taxpayers pay through fiscal/monetary policies. For sure, this is hardly a win-win situation.. coz someone, somewhere, has already won. The money is somewhere else, maybe in some high-end SPA, but nowhere near that is.
There won't be any solution soon, and the solution won't be as clear cut as those being compensated in full. Every decision is critical.. and so it is putting a lot of stress on the village's matriarch. You think she really deserves it?
So i tested the new painkiller today, with no side effect.. maybe also no painkilling effect.. lol.. got used to it so much that i can't feel the difference.
Anyway, other things to perhaps, be happy about. 3 FIs announced yesterday that they will compensate/buyback the failed structured products from those deemed vulnerable. By vulnerable they mean those old and/or those that receive little education. Sadly, the matriarch of my village failed to qualify for either criteria. Strangely, it seems that everybody else is supposed to know what a swap is by default. And if you fail to inform investors of the exact risk/reward profile of the product in detail, and then shift all responsibility to investors just becoz they signed on the dotted line is kind of without ethics. And to get staffs not meeting the mark through extensive training or education/knowledge to serve the general population is definitely not a very professional thing to do.
Compensating on a case by case basis is goodwill on the part of the FIs, but vulnerable doesn't always have to apply to old people and those that received little education. Again, finance is not something that everybody knows.. unless it is incorporated in your daily job, or you happen to study finance. Some of the terms like swaps are not something everyone can understand. It isn't a surprised that many still thinks that the structured product is a bond. Why not? the name itself is already misleading. But to compensate through certain criteria is as if that the rest really deserve it for putting implicit trusts in those that sell them the products, so when it fails, they OBG right?
However, i must say that the FIs are working very hard to find a resolution. And now for the rest, there might be an option of letting the product to run for another few more years till maturity. Yet, it just prove to be even more sleepless nights.. imagine having to wake up every morning wondering whether your investment is safe.. and it all happened becoz you thought it was having a similar risk profiles of a bond.
So that day on ST, someone said that it is unfair for FIs to compensate for the losses of the investors becoz it is in black and white. And then this someone compared the investors to gamblers of a casino saying that you can't demand a return of your chips from the casino operator just because you lost them on the tables. And if this is possible, the shareholders of listed companies can also demand compensation for a fall in share prices. IMO, if it doesn't happen to you, you won't feel the pain.. however, that is besides the point.
For:-
(the "you" refer to the author of the article)
1) Investors are not gamblers. You gamble with that knowledge of losing everything.. but bond investors (as some of the investor are being misled into thinking that they are bond investors) are those with low risk profiles. Heard of risk aversion? Heard of equity premium puzzle? (and even though so, the minibond is NOT even a bond, so there might be no premium puzzle)
2) Gambling is a zero sum game. Either the casino wins or the punters win. There is no win-win situation. Investing on the other hand is SUPPOSED to be a win-win situation for the FIs and investors.
3) Investors do not over-invest. They just failed to diversify. Why diversify if you truly believed that this so called "bond" (which i must stress again is not a bond) is SUPPOSED to be safe? Then you will diversify your interest away don't you? And failure to diversify is not over-gambling.
4) Gamblers can choose whatever game they wished to play, without the dealer influencing them on their decision. Some sales staff from the FIs try to sell the structured products to people who just want a simple fixed deposit. You really think those being swayed by the sales staffs really deserved it? Do you think they represent the product in a fair manner?
5) Shareholders are owners, investors are lenders. In anycase, lenders are creditors that have a priority claim higher than that of a shareholder in the event of insolvency. To par shareholders with lenders is another load of bull. If they are the same, why don't they share some of the profits with the investors?
6) Shareholders can hold the management liable if they failed to perform (for example the dropping of share prices) in the coming AGM by replacing those responsible.. but for the investors, what real option do they have in this case? Lawsuit? Protest? And even so, they do not solve the root of the problem.
I'm just short of flaming the author.. and already this entry is slightly altered to omit the more unfriendly expression. But after reading his/her full article, it is something really IHO (in his/her opinion), and perhaps the greatest mistake is making it into the ST.. that's all.
Of coz, to make shareholders pay (through a fall in share prices) is not fair, neither is making taxpayers pay through fiscal/monetary policies. For sure, this is hardly a win-win situation.. coz someone, somewhere, has already won. The money is somewhere else, maybe in some high-end SPA, but nowhere near that is.
There won't be any solution soon, and the solution won't be as clear cut as those being compensated in full. Every decision is critical.. and so it is putting a lot of stress on the village's matriarch. You think she really deserves it?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Theme Hospital (again)
Was at ttsh for my follow up... coz the medication caused an allergy reaction. The pill used to work for me, but no longer. Perhaps older, and the system can no longer cope with the medication.
So the pill was 'upgraded'. A newer, better, and more expensive drug. Supposed to have less probability of a reaction.. i hope. Will take the least possible dose and wait again for any reaction.. hopefully this new med will work for me.
The new pills cost $80 more per month (!).. coz it is still new.. just hope that i won't have to rely on them.. for i can do a lot more other things with that $80. Anyway, it was prescribed for me to use when the pain become unbearable. $1.60 per pill leh.. got pain i also say no pain.
Still don't know will get an allergy reaction or not.. till then ba..
So the pill was 'upgraded'. A newer, better, and more expensive drug. Supposed to have less probability of a reaction.. i hope. Will take the least possible dose and wait again for any reaction.. hopefully this new med will work for me.
The new pills cost $80 more per month (!).. coz it is still new.. just hope that i won't have to rely on them.. for i can do a lot more other things with that $80. Anyway, it was prescribed for me to use when the pain become unbearable. $1.60 per pill leh.. got pain i also say no pain.
Still don't know will get an allergy reaction or not.. till then ba..
Monday, October 20, 2008
Theme Physiotherapy
Was off to ttsh (again.. again.. and again) for physiotherapy. Again, it's been 10 years since i last visited it.. and again, it changed so much. In the past, it used to be just a small room, with only a few patients doing some sort of exercise. Now, the department shifted and they've got plenty of space and equipment. Just that they have not installed the self-registration kiosk yet.. that is the norm liao leh.
Anyway, i'm considered as discharged le.. coz i was there to just learn some stretching exercise. Actually didn't want to.. but my doctor say just learn so that i can manage AS better.
It's quite fun there actually.. and it looks just like a gym.. a very big one, and each patients got their own 'personal trainer'. It cost quite a lot (without subsidy) for just a short session of physio.. thankfully, the govt got subsidize.. if not i think i pay until peng.
And really, i am not disabled, and won't be.. and i can function the same as always. So no worries.
Anyway, i'm considered as discharged le.. coz i was there to just learn some stretching exercise. Actually didn't want to.. but my doctor say just learn so that i can manage AS better.
It's quite fun there actually.. and it looks just like a gym.. a very big one, and each patients got their own 'personal trainer'. It cost quite a lot (without subsidy) for just a short session of physio.. thankfully, the govt got subsidize.. if not i think i pay until peng.
And really, i am not disabled, and won't be.. and i can function the same as always. So no worries.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Quarter of a Century
Already 25 le.. just like that, a quarter of a century.
Nothing much today, yet it was a great one. Especially so from all the well wishes.. really appreciate it. =D
Had a very nice jap dinner with the villagers.. and now, i really enjoy having meals with them. It used to be a time where i choose not to.. coz i think it's really quite ma fan. I guess my thinking changed over the years le.
Though today feels like any other day, somehow it seems different. Perhaps i am still fortunate in some way. Anyway, happy bday to me, and may i have many many great years ahead!
Nothing much today, yet it was a great one. Especially so from all the well wishes.. really appreciate it. =D
Had a very nice jap dinner with the villagers.. and now, i really enjoy having meals with them. It used to be a time where i choose not to.. coz i think it's really quite ma fan. I guess my thinking changed over the years le.
Though today feels like any other day, somehow it seems different. Perhaps i am still fortunate in some way. Anyway, happy bday to me, and may i have many many great years ahead!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Theme Polyclinic
Woke up quite early today coz i got an appointment with the dermatologist at mount e. Of all places, why there? Well, it really cost much the same elsewhere for some of the procedures.. might as well get the opinion from a specialist. Of coz when there is a chance to save, i would.. that's why i spent quite the other half of the day in a polyclinic to get a referral to NSC. Anyway, just sort of a "routine" checkup quite distant from any forms of arthritis thus far.
If being older means a greater need to take care of one's health, then this is it. A friend that sent me an email made it quite a point to have a healthy body before doing anything thing else (the one about stones in a jar). This is my top priority now. Having 2 health issues to tackle simultaneously is not a very delightful thing to do, yet with age, the cost of procrastinating is higher. So what better time to get it done than now? I'm unemployed by choice (perhaps even cyclically unemployed, i won't know), coz i've got issues to iron out. I admit i'm being defiant for not being/sounding enthusiastic in finding a job.. yet it would be unfair to say i didn't want to work. I've got 6 medical appointments in the month of october, and another few more in november.. and perhaps even more at a later date coz of the newer one at NSC. Try to find me an employer that won't find it a nuisance (as in working for just 3 out of 4 weeks). Judging me without understanding the whole issue is getting quite disturbing lately. Yet, if you don't tell, they won't know. Partially my fault.. yet one don't go about telling people about these things (perhaps i niam a lot to some of you.. but only a few knew.. maybe only my mum knew what was going on).
Again, this is just a "routine" medical checkup that needs quite a bit of time to have it settled (with all the testings and such), and hopefully it is just this once where i need to get it done.
And so after the visit to mount e, i was referred to a polyclinic. It was just like another repeat of the scenario almost a decade ago with the arthritis. Mount e to polyclinic then to hospital. And for that arthritis, the whole village spent 6 months from GPs, to acupuncture, to take TCM, and all the other stuffs. But no one could diagnose the arthritis.. that is until my aunt recommended an osteologist and all it took was a simple blood test to make a correct diagnosis. 6 months lor.
Its been 10 years since i last visited any polyclinics (i usually go to the GP near my place for some minor flu and cough).. and it changed a lot. Very high tech (a bit like sua ku wor.. hahaha) coz of the automated registration system. And the whole place is air-conditioned! LOL.. coz a long long time ago, it wasn't.. and then the whole place is like very messy with all the people waiting at the same place. Not sick see liao also sick. Now it was so much organised wor.. and then the doctor, staffs and even the police guards are so polite lor. Really can nominate for good service le.
Just that as with all "theme games", there is a need to move from departments to departments.. lol.. that is a lot of moving around, number calling and seeing new rooms and equipments. But overall, still quite efficient... from the time i registered till the time i left, it took me just around an hour.
Well, i rather not have more of this kind of theme games to play.. but seems the next one coming up is "theme NSC".
And i'm quite tired of 'playing' le.
If being older means a greater need to take care of one's health, then this is it. A friend that sent me an email made it quite a point to have a healthy body before doing anything thing else (the one about stones in a jar). This is my top priority now. Having 2 health issues to tackle simultaneously is not a very delightful thing to do, yet with age, the cost of procrastinating is higher. So what better time to get it done than now? I'm unemployed by choice (perhaps even cyclically unemployed, i won't know), coz i've got issues to iron out. I admit i'm being defiant for not being/sounding enthusiastic in finding a job.. yet it would be unfair to say i didn't want to work. I've got 6 medical appointments in the month of october, and another few more in november.. and perhaps even more at a later date coz of the newer one at NSC. Try to find me an employer that won't find it a nuisance (as in working for just 3 out of 4 weeks). Judging me without understanding the whole issue is getting quite disturbing lately. Yet, if you don't tell, they won't know. Partially my fault.. yet one don't go about telling people about these things (perhaps i niam a lot to some of you.. but only a few knew.. maybe only my mum knew what was going on).
Again, this is just a "routine" medical checkup that needs quite a bit of time to have it settled (with all the testings and such), and hopefully it is just this once where i need to get it done.
And so after the visit to mount e, i was referred to a polyclinic. It was just like another repeat of the scenario almost a decade ago with the arthritis. Mount e to polyclinic then to hospital. And for that arthritis, the whole village spent 6 months from GPs, to acupuncture, to take TCM, and all the other stuffs. But no one could diagnose the arthritis.. that is until my aunt recommended an osteologist and all it took was a simple blood test to make a correct diagnosis. 6 months lor.
Its been 10 years since i last visited any polyclinics (i usually go to the GP near my place for some minor flu and cough).. and it changed a lot. Very high tech (a bit like sua ku wor.. hahaha) coz of the automated registration system. And the whole place is air-conditioned! LOL.. coz a long long time ago, it wasn't.. and then the whole place is like very messy with all the people waiting at the same place. Not sick see liao also sick. Now it was so much organised wor.. and then the doctor, staffs and even the police guards are so polite lor. Really can nominate for good service le.
Just that as with all "theme games", there is a need to move from departments to departments.. lol.. that is a lot of moving around, number calling and seeing new rooms and equipments. But overall, still quite efficient... from the time i registered till the time i left, it took me just around an hour.
Well, i rather not have more of this kind of theme games to play.. but seems the next one coming up is "theme NSC".
And i'm quite tired of 'playing' le.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Simple Question
A simple question - "Is this fair?"
A very familiar question, and even more so when it was put across to the CEO of a now defunct investment bank elsewhere. Why is it unfair? Why not? Coz what he received during he tenure of 8 years is enough to buy him 500 ferraris.. or maybe more since it was in USD. And to receive such bonus while not being able to maintain the solvency of the bank, is it really fair?
Very irresponsible of him.. and the whole insolvency caused so much "stress and inconvenience" to the whole village... especially in times of impending economic crisis (which is again made worse by them). The wait for a resolution from the fallout is getting too draggy le.. and it is no wonder why the villagers are unhappy.
If it doesn't happen to you, you won't know how it feels.
A very familiar question, and even more so when it was put across to the CEO of a now defunct investment bank elsewhere. Why is it unfair? Why not? Coz what he received during he tenure of 8 years is enough to buy him 500 ferraris.. or maybe more since it was in USD. And to receive such bonus while not being able to maintain the solvency of the bank, is it really fair?
Very irresponsible of him.. and the whole insolvency caused so much "stress and inconvenience" to the whole village... especially in times of impending economic crisis (which is again made worse by them). The wait for a resolution from the fallout is getting too draggy le.. and it is no wonder why the villagers are unhappy.
If it doesn't happen to you, you won't know how it feels.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Better
Finally, the swelling went away. Just that i might need a new class of pills. NSAIDs are out for now.
Better, as in everything and anything. To link everything up to previous episodes would be very unfair, and really, i've already forgotten a lot.
Couldn't recall anymore on most things, so i guess everything is now a new experience for me. That includes going about finding a new painkiller and going for physio (if they stop asking me to perform those clown tricks with the ah pehs and ah mas).. which although is nothing new to me in some way.. well, i do hoped that at a different age, the experience would be different as well.. and maybe a new and positive perspective as to why all these big changes happen to fall on me.
I do not blame anyone, especially my mum.. coz she always thought she's responsible for my arthritis.. from not eating well during her pregnancy to not finding a nanny in time to take care of me.. but really, sometimes it just happens even if you don't do anything.
Anyway, sometime really very pek chek over a lot of things, but it is always good not to linger for too long.
Better, as in everything and anything. To link everything up to previous episodes would be very unfair, and really, i've already forgotten a lot.
Couldn't recall anymore on most things, so i guess everything is now a new experience for me. That includes going about finding a new painkiller and going for physio (if they stop asking me to perform those clown tricks with the ah pehs and ah mas).. which although is nothing new to me in some way.. well, i do hoped that at a different age, the experience would be different as well.. and maybe a new and positive perspective as to why all these big changes happen to fall on me.
I do not blame anyone, especially my mum.. coz she always thought she's responsible for my arthritis.. from not eating well during her pregnancy to not finding a nanny in time to take care of me.. but really, sometimes it just happens even if you don't do anything.
Anyway, sometime really very pek chek over a lot of things, but it is always good not to linger for too long.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Allergy
I am allergic to many things, and indomethacin is one of them. Now Naproxen also wants to join in the fun.
Was given painkillers for AS, most likely the same old medication i used to have, but the packaging and colour changed. Strangely, i suspect that i might have an allergy reaction after taking.. so i reduced the dose by half. Sure enough, 3 hours later, my eyes swell like don't know what.
Luckily i just took 1/2 the dose. Full dose, who knows?
So i called ttsh today, and they are all so polite.. hahaha.. can vote them for the best service award le.
I guess i might be back there in some time soon. Sooner than the follow up appointment 2 weeks later. See what i mean? It's like back to 9 years ago where i visit ttsh every 2 weeks, doing blood test every time, and wait for hours for the lab report. Now i know what i can do le.. that is.. bring PSP! hahahaha.. 9 yrs ago don't have psp.. now got liao must make use wor.. lol.. i'm so 'looking forward' (as if.. but i got no choice ma..)to my next visit.
This october is looking bad le.. it seems like a month of visiting doctors. Thankfully, i can have the time to settle these without disruption to my work (if there is any work). Hopefully i can settle all these once and for all by next year.
This is a pic of my swollen eyes....... do not scroll down if you are eating.. lol..
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Sigh.
Was given painkillers for AS, most likely the same old medication i used to have, but the packaging and colour changed. Strangely, i suspect that i might have an allergy reaction after taking.. so i reduced the dose by half. Sure enough, 3 hours later, my eyes swell like don't know what.
Luckily i just took 1/2 the dose. Full dose, who knows?
So i called ttsh today, and they are all so polite.. hahaha.. can vote them for the best service award le.
I guess i might be back there in some time soon. Sooner than the follow up appointment 2 weeks later. See what i mean? It's like back to 9 years ago where i visit ttsh every 2 weeks, doing blood test every time, and wait for hours for the lab report. Now i know what i can do le.. that is.. bring PSP! hahahaha.. 9 yrs ago don't have psp.. now got liao must make use wor.. lol.. i'm so 'looking forward' (as if.. but i got no choice ma..)to my next visit.
This october is looking bad le.. it seems like a month of visiting doctors. Thankfully, i can have the time to settle these without disruption to my work (if there is any work). Hopefully i can settle all these once and for all by next year.
This is a pic of my swollen eyes....... do not scroll down if you are eating.. lol..
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Sigh.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Theme Hospital
After 4 hours at TTSH, was finally back home.
TTSH was so upgraded le.. now registration also automated. Just scan will do. So convenient wor.
I thought it would be a routine checkup, but seems like i've got to go for another round of adjustment again. On the bright side, at least now i start with the correct clinic.
My whole day was spent going around ttsh (actually all the clinics are at B1 nia) but felt like a patient inside "theme hospital".. from specialist clinic to blood test clinic to x-ray department then back to the clinic and finally to the pharmacy.. it was quite depressing lor. Everywhere i went, i was the youngest patient.. how sian it was. The blood sample taken from me were much more than usual.. And i didn't quite like taking X-rays too.. hahaha.. coz got to remove my clothing and wear the weird robe.. and.. and... the robe is wear liao like never wear like that lor. Then still got to 'pose' on the glass-like bed.. ar...... Like that even more depressed le.
With the confirmation from the x-ray, my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (not the restricted artistic hor) got 'upgraded' to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). -____- The name get more and more chim. It wasn't so much of the leg now, but rather the spine. It seems that it might actually be a case of AS instead of RA.. which means the inflammation from the outset was just another prelude. This prelude took almost 10 years.. coz only now then, can the X-ray confirm everything. If anyone can make a vineyard out of this, i say i'd rather trade it for a papaya plantation.
Actually quite some 4 years ago, i already felt uncomfortable.. but i thought it was something else.. maybe something even more sinister. But now everything is solved. Almost. At least the eventual worse case scenario of AS isn't very very bad... that is if the worst case ever happens. It might never happen. At least won't be paralyzed, and won't die from AS.. just a great deal of prolonged discomfort, pain, and stiffness.. i'm already lucky. At least i am not disabled.
Very sian day, starting with a very sian dream. I'm just so glad that the staff at ttsh are all very polite.. it just make me feel a little bit better. A little bit, is already a lot le. Let it just only be today.. let it not be the lord of the rings for me or anybody else in the future.
TTSH was so upgraded le.. now registration also automated. Just scan will do. So convenient wor.
I thought it would be a routine checkup, but seems like i've got to go for another round of adjustment again. On the bright side, at least now i start with the correct clinic.
My whole day was spent going around ttsh (actually all the clinics are at B1 nia) but felt like a patient inside "theme hospital".. from specialist clinic to blood test clinic to x-ray department then back to the clinic and finally to the pharmacy.. it was quite depressing lor. Everywhere i went, i was the youngest patient.. how sian it was. The blood sample taken from me were much more than usual.. And i didn't quite like taking X-rays too.. hahaha.. coz got to remove my clothing and wear the weird robe.. and.. and... the robe is wear liao like never wear like that lor. Then still got to 'pose' on the glass-like bed.. ar...... Like that even more depressed le.
With the confirmation from the x-ray, my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (not the restricted artistic hor) got 'upgraded' to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). -____- The name get more and more chim. It wasn't so much of the leg now, but rather the spine. It seems that it might actually be a case of AS instead of RA.. which means the inflammation from the outset was just another prelude. This prelude took almost 10 years.. coz only now then, can the X-ray confirm everything. If anyone can make a vineyard out of this, i say i'd rather trade it for a papaya plantation.
Actually quite some 4 years ago, i already felt uncomfortable.. but i thought it was something else.. maybe something even more sinister. But now everything is solved. Almost. At least the eventual worse case scenario of AS isn't very very bad... that is if the worst case ever happens. It might never happen. At least won't be paralyzed, and won't die from AS.. just a great deal of prolonged discomfort, pain, and stiffness.. i'm already lucky. At least i am not disabled.
Very sian day, starting with a very sian dream. I'm just so glad that the staff at ttsh are all very polite.. it just make me feel a little bit better. A little bit, is already a lot le. Let it just only be today.. let it not be the lord of the rings for me or anybody else in the future.
Vacation Mode Nightmare
And i thought that sleeping early will get me a better rest.. but how ironic.
For the past few days, i've been sleeping at around 5am... and everything seems to fall out of pace. So i tried to sleep early.. at around 11pm... but this too doesn't help. I woke up to a 'vacation mode' nightmare.. and it felt like a prelude to something else. More likely, it was the summation of everything thus far, with elements of the 'latest' things i've seen or heard. I guess, the inevitable will happen sooner or later.. and i thought i wouldn't mind. I feel so helpless now. I mean really very. =(
5am now.. and it felt like the old days where i got to wake up early to go school.
Just a while more to daybreak, and i've got my ttsh followup later.
For the past few days, i've been sleeping at around 5am... and everything seems to fall out of pace. So i tried to sleep early.. at around 11pm... but this too doesn't help. I woke up to a 'vacation mode' nightmare.. and it felt like a prelude to something else. More likely, it was the summation of everything thus far, with elements of the 'latest' things i've seen or heard. I guess, the inevitable will happen sooner or later.. and i thought i wouldn't mind. I feel so helpless now. I mean really very. =(
5am now.. and it felt like the old days where i got to wake up early to go school.
Just a while more to daybreak, and i've got my ttsh followup later.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Snow + Frost
In bad times, prices will go up instead of coming down. It's just like 屋漏再逢連夜雨.
First it was the bus fare and electricity bills. Then it was telephone bills. What's next?
The increase came almost untimely.. but this is how things work. They are merely trying survive as they can no longer absorb the increase in cost.
Oh great... it's just like one of those economy downturn ride again.
First it was the bus fare and electricity bills. Then it was telephone bills. What's next?
The increase came almost untimely.. but this is how things work. They are merely trying survive as they can no longer absorb the increase in cost.
Oh great... it's just like one of those economy downturn ride again.
Doh liao loh~
Just like the stock market today, MOS (sg) doh-ed today.
I guess it must have made no difference. Most crubs here are short-lived, with the exception of a few which are still around. The then MOS was so high-profiled, with different rooms offering different genre. For the usual crubs, the genre is determined by the day of the week. Then it was starting to get rather werid. Anyway, it isn't as fun as it was supposed to be.
Then the market doh-ed today, creating a new low of 2.1k+. It was almost on its way to 4k just last july. A zero sum game, the transfer of wealth must be great. Most likely, the rich got richer, the poor got poorer. As usual. But the stock market is supposed to be 'risky', to some extent, like a online casino with a in-house loanshark. You can always 'contra' even if you don't have the cash needed, and some time before the ban of naked shorting, opportunity to short shares even if you don't own the shares. Yes, very risky indeed. Even more risky is the trading in warrants (they got expiry date). I once saw a percentage gain/loss of 300% (in a day, and you can gain/lose the same % in that period of time).
Bonds are perceived as a lower risked investment (in at least of investment grade bonds) of coz offered lower rate of return of about 3-5%p.a.. and most likely, the bond is contracted to about 5 years. However however however.. the lehman bros that doh-ed made it all so much different. At least with the stock market (and also the sg insurance co.that attracted people to go there drink coffee), you still can choose to preemp by running first with the money. Lehman lei? No chance. You think people so free to check out on every entities linked to the product meh? If so, i might as well lend the money to the borrower directly and bypass the the FIs. FIs do delegate monitoring? pi ar~ Simi is value add? Value add is after people doh liao then call you say your money all gone?
But given the status of the bros when get involved in these bonds, sales staff will most likely to say/think, "will doh one meh?". Perhaps those willing to invest thought so too. Maybe investor didn't bothered to find out that if one doh, the bond is considered as default. Maybe they didn't even know got such thing.. coz what they see is how much interest income it offered in the next 5-7 years. And with some of the very strong local bank and one of the largest US commercial bank on the list, who cannot be assured? Can you blame the investors? No. Coz they don't really know what thing triggered what, and how will lehman be so involved and affected by the sub-prime toxic. And can you blame the sales for pushing sales? No either. Because nobody can forsee. And if they don't push sales, they won't get the pah pah bonus and all can go eat grass le. Perhaps you can only say they don't know how to sell through emphasizing on the downside enough. But who would sell like that?
I sell bedlinen also never really go tell the whole word that it is made in somewhere else, different from where is company is.. that is unless customers ask. If i go around telling people 'where it is made' instead of 'where it is from' (they are really different) i can go eat grass also le. But made in where is a commonsense question... but financial products are complex. Not commonsense. And it was made even more complicated with the multitude of FIs getting in the picture like forex and i/r swaps, underwriting, guaranteeing and all those fee services. If one link is broken, the product fails.. Cost nobody will want to tah the rubbish for free. Anyway, the money lost isn't theirs.. so the most they can do is say, "sorry".
I didn't say they sell financial products without telling the truth or misleading investors (if they do, most likely people will complain to the central bank le).. i'm just saying that some of them don't emphasize the risk enough. EMPHASIZE on the EMPHASIZE. By enough, maybe keep emphasizing on the entities and their role in the product.. and what will happen to the contract if there is any disruptions to the functions of each of them. No need to explain what is 5% pa. This is confirm commonsense (and most likely they will bold it in the pamphlets). Unless it is written return of 25% in five years, and principal amount not guaranteed. Then they need to emphasize the fine print le.
Maybe coz the sales staff (or 'relationship manager' as they like to call themselves and investors just as the rest of the depositors like to call themselves) didn't go into details that's why so many investors are unhappy. Unhappy that they want to go honglim park this saturday to protest. But.. protest against what? Against the FIs for saying the return is 5%pa, principal is not guaranteed, the risk that you can lose everything should anything under the 'defult section' of the prospectus occurs to any one of the entities? It sounds direct enough. But how many of investors know lehman well enough at that point in time to question the product? I guess that even some of the staff don't even know. At least for the pillowcase, the "made in *****" can be found inside the pillowcase.. and there is even a full refund policy within 30 days. So if anyone is so unhappy seeing the "made in" tag, they can always return the goods. For a full refund somemore. Where to find this feature in financial products? Early bird terminations means they will return less than what you put in.
It won't be a suprise to see how irritated the investors are at honglim park this weekend... coz some of them put their life savings (i've heard a case of one investor putting sgd200k) into these products. It's like suddenly losing your only house overnight. Remember they say don't put all your eggs in one basket? Diversification only works when disaster strikes. And in this case, one of the worse financial disaster of the century.
With that, i think the "equity premium puzzle" (that is why people still go for bonds even though the returns on equity is much higher after risk adjustment) should change to "bond default puzzle" (that is why people want to go for bonds given that you can lose everything overnight even though the risk is so much lower).
Well.. whatever works for those investors this coming sat.. hopefully they will feel better after that. If not, the corner can also go eat grass le.
I guess it must have made no difference. Most crubs here are short-lived, with the exception of a few which are still around. The then MOS was so high-profiled, with different rooms offering different genre. For the usual crubs, the genre is determined by the day of the week. Then it was starting to get rather werid. Anyway, it isn't as fun as it was supposed to be.
Then the market doh-ed today, creating a new low of 2.1k+. It was almost on its way to 4k just last july. A zero sum game, the transfer of wealth must be great. Most likely, the rich got richer, the poor got poorer. As usual. But the stock market is supposed to be 'risky', to some extent, like a online casino with a in-house loanshark. You can always 'contra' even if you don't have the cash needed, and some time before the ban of naked shorting, opportunity to short shares even if you don't own the shares. Yes, very risky indeed. Even more risky is the trading in warrants (they got expiry date). I once saw a percentage gain/loss of 300% (in a day, and you can gain/lose the same % in that period of time).
Bonds are perceived as a lower risked investment (in at least of investment grade bonds) of coz offered lower rate of return of about 3-5%p.a.. and most likely, the bond is contracted to about 5 years. However however however.. the lehman bros that doh-ed made it all so much different. At least with the stock market (and also the sg insurance co.that attracted people to go there drink coffee), you still can choose to preemp by running first with the money. Lehman lei? No chance. You think people so free to check out on every entities linked to the product meh? If so, i might as well lend the money to the borrower directly and bypass the the FIs. FIs do delegate monitoring? pi ar~ Simi is value add? Value add is after people doh liao then call you say your money all gone?
But given the status of the bros when get involved in these bonds, sales staff will most likely to say/think, "will doh one meh?". Perhaps those willing to invest thought so too. Maybe investor didn't bothered to find out that if one doh, the bond is considered as default. Maybe they didn't even know got such thing.. coz what they see is how much interest income it offered in the next 5-7 years. And with some of the very strong local bank and one of the largest US commercial bank on the list, who cannot be assured? Can you blame the investors? No. Coz they don't really know what thing triggered what, and how will lehman be so involved and affected by the sub-prime toxic. And can you blame the sales for pushing sales? No either. Because nobody can forsee. And if they don't push sales, they won't get the pah pah bonus and all can go eat grass le. Perhaps you can only say they don't know how to sell through emphasizing on the downside enough. But who would sell like that?
I sell bedlinen also never really go tell the whole word that it is made in somewhere else, different from where is company is.. that is unless customers ask. If i go around telling people 'where it is made' instead of 'where it is from' (they are really different) i can go eat grass also le. But made in where is a commonsense question... but financial products are complex. Not commonsense. And it was made even more complicated with the multitude of FIs getting in the picture like forex and i/r swaps, underwriting, guaranteeing and all those fee services. If one link is broken, the product fails.. Cost nobody will want to tah the rubbish for free. Anyway, the money lost isn't theirs.. so the most they can do is say, "sorry".
I didn't say they sell financial products without telling the truth or misleading investors (if they do, most likely people will complain to the central bank le).. i'm just saying that some of them don't emphasize the risk enough. EMPHASIZE on the EMPHASIZE. By enough, maybe keep emphasizing on the entities and their role in the product.. and what will happen to the contract if there is any disruptions to the functions of each of them. No need to explain what is 5% pa. This is confirm commonsense (and most likely they will bold it in the pamphlets). Unless it is written return of 25% in five years, and principal amount not guaranteed. Then they need to emphasize the fine print le.
Maybe coz the sales staff (or 'relationship manager' as they like to call themselves and investors just as the rest of the depositors like to call themselves) didn't go into details that's why so many investors are unhappy. Unhappy that they want to go honglim park this saturday to protest. But.. protest against what? Against the FIs for saying the return is 5%pa, principal is not guaranteed, the risk that you can lose everything should anything under the 'defult section' of the prospectus occurs to any one of the entities? It sounds direct enough. But how many of investors know lehman well enough at that point in time to question the product? I guess that even some of the staff don't even know. At least for the pillowcase, the "made in *****" can be found inside the pillowcase.. and there is even a full refund policy within 30 days. So if anyone is so unhappy seeing the "made in" tag, they can always return the goods. For a full refund somemore. Where to find this feature in financial products? Early bird terminations means they will return less than what you put in.
It won't be a suprise to see how irritated the investors are at honglim park this weekend... coz some of them put their life savings (i've heard a case of one investor putting sgd200k) into these products. It's like suddenly losing your only house overnight. Remember they say don't put all your eggs in one basket? Diversification only works when disaster strikes. And in this case, one of the worse financial disaster of the century.
With that, i think the "equity premium puzzle" (that is why people still go for bonds even though the returns on equity is much higher after risk adjustment) should change to "bond default puzzle" (that is why people want to go for bonds given that you can lose everything overnight even though the risk is so much lower).
Well.. whatever works for those investors this coming sat.. hopefully they will feel better after that. If not, the corner can also go eat grass le.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Oktoberfest!
Liquid to Werks.
At liquid just the other day, saw 3 kids (1 guy and 2 gals)opening a bottle of chivas (of coz is the guy pay). And carry cigarettes somemore. Then my friend 'observed' that the mix was super low content. I think jolly shandy (alcohol content of less than 1%)also beat it hands down. Might as well open a bottle of green tea.. cheaper lor. This is really chill le.. give them 2 years also don't know can finish that bottle or not.
The finger food are so nice at liquid.. and they even got a lot of 'matches' going on, such as the one of tottenham vs man utd (just another one of those silly jokes conjured). All these changed my previous impression of liquid (coz they finally brought the price down to acceptable levels).
And then was to brewerks just 2 days later for another oktoberfest celebration. This time really go for the oktoberfest brew (which they prepare it once a year only). The food there was still as nice, especially the jalapeño on the pizza.. just that price is slightly steep. Compensated with a bus ride home, so overall, was still alright.
October is my favorite month of the year.
At liquid just the other day, saw 3 kids (1 guy and 2 gals)opening a bottle of chivas (of coz is the guy pay). And carry cigarettes somemore. Then my friend 'observed' that the mix was super low content. I think jolly shandy (alcohol content of less than 1%)also beat it hands down. Might as well open a bottle of green tea.. cheaper lor. This is really chill le.. give them 2 years also don't know can finish that bottle or not.
The finger food are so nice at liquid.. and they even got a lot of 'matches' going on, such as the one of tottenham vs man utd (just another one of those silly jokes conjured). All these changed my previous impression of liquid (coz they finally brought the price down to acceptable levels).
And then was to brewerks just 2 days later for another oktoberfest celebration. This time really go for the oktoberfest brew (which they prepare it once a year only). The food there was still as nice, especially the jalapeño on the pizza.. just that price is slightly steep. Compensated with a bus ride home, so overall, was still alright.
October is my favorite month of the year.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Circus Track
Circus track needs clowns too.
Just so nice of them to provide the clowning themselves. And in fact, that was one of the most entertaining act of the season. I don't see what it has got to do with the track. Perhaps everywhere they go, they still will be clowning around. It was clearly a blunder on their on part, so why blame it on the circuit?
But if calling it a circus rather than a circuit will make them feel better, so be it. I'll feel better to call them clowns too.
Just so nice of them to provide the clowning themselves. And in fact, that was one of the most entertaining act of the season. I don't see what it has got to do with the track. Perhaps everywhere they go, they still will be clowning around. It was clearly a blunder on their on part, so why blame it on the circuit?
But if calling it a circus rather than a circuit will make them feel better, so be it. I'll feel better to call them clowns too.
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