tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18527170365269795772024-03-13T12:44:33.299+08:00Blogging for MyselfTo track some personally noteworthy events, observations and thoughts, letting them age and savor/regret them again a long time later.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4687125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-38408992021706827392020-06-25T17:41:00.000+08:002020-06-25T17:41:01.688+08:00Attended my first e-funeral<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgS4hHfd8XM/XvRwHZzyjOI/AAAAAAAA-y4/5I9SI1drEYoylA3nQ1ed2nDr6qSmre3-ACK4BGAsYHg/s600/e-funeral%2Blynda%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgS4hHfd8XM/XvRwHZzyjOI/AAAAAAAA-y4/5I9SI1drEYoylA3nQ1ed2nDr6qSmre3-ACK4BGAsYHg/d/e-funeral%2Blynda%2B1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Attended my first e-funeral today. One of countless ways Covid-19 has touched our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The people you said good bye this way, you usually have known them for a long time. She fought cancer for twenty years. In the latter half some of us often helped her to get to or from her medical appointments. I don't need to do that any more. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-27441211216440784532020-05-10T17:53:00.002+08:002020-05-10T17:53:35.056+08:00Mother's Day Lunch under Circuit Breaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cfsnrjMiOw/XrfOOTDRr7I/AAAAAAAA-MA/n_ZrI_aZQuQC2eRLbvBNTGux2uvAnfnOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2020-05-10%2Bat%2B11.24.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="550" height="397" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cfsnrjMiOw/XrfOOTDRr7I/AAAAAAAA-MA/n_ZrI_aZQuQC2eRLbvBNTGux2uvAnfnOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2020-05-10%2Bat%2B11.24.33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
No eating out on Mother's Day. Here is the take away lunch I bought. Secured and ready to drive home. It's her favourite chicken katsu set form Saboten.<br />
<br />
The bill size is about half of what is normal times. Especially after they throw in an unsolicited 20% discount.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-21806348789520502452020-05-03T17:54:00.001+08:002020-05-03T18:45:46.943+08:00The book has a trailerThis is new to me: the book has a trailer. I thought only movies have them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="550" height="458" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KSL6iQQwiB8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KSL6iQQwiB8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
You have to market the book as well. Above all, you have to be lucky as well. That's the life of a writer. You must be in this for the long haul. Most important you must enjoy it; that the journey is the reward. Success is a bonus, not the imperative.<br />
<br />
Have fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-46694121831611747232020-04-26T22:09:00.000+08:002020-04-26T22:09:25.558+08:00A daughter's Book: Rename the Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yl-9zbsR4DY/XqWKuwOD12I/AAAAAAAA-Is/8mjTRoN1o2k5DK65ceFKKAslYSmb1lilACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rename%2Bthe%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yl-9zbsR4DY/XqWKuwOD12I/AAAAAAAA-Is/8mjTRoN1o2k5DK65ceFKKAslYSmb1lilACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/rename%2Bthe%2Bstars.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
'Rename the Stars' was made available on April 16, a day after the tenth anniversary of the author's grand father passing away. I know him well. He was my father. <br />
<br />
She dedicated this book to him. I supposed based on the tales I told her about his life, and the most important decision he made: To be Singaporean<br />
<br />
But this book is about the future. It is also relevant to the past because the drama of humanity is a timeless rhyme.<br />
<br />
If you like imaginations from Harry Potter and Star Wars, I think you will enjoy this book. Its innovation is to pit magic against technology in a contest of identity and the shape of a civilization's future. I thought it could form a story line for a Star Trek movie as well. Not the simplistic ideas from Star Wars of good versus evil. The narrative conceals bigger ideas of identity and destiny. I asked her isn't it a little like Europeans leaving for the New World. Then in 1776 they decided to make a break with the past and forge a new society? Except that the American colonies and the British fought with the same muskets, her story is more intriguing when magic and technology confront each other.<br />
<br />
The story line also reminds me of Singapore too. The Chinese immigrants here had to decide if they would be defined by race or remake themselves as multi-racial Singaporeans. That is why I think the author dedicated this novel to her grandfather. He made the choice to be staunchly Singaporean.<br />
<br />
Today my Singaporean uncles often send me Whatsapp messages and video clips admiring and taking pride in the growing greatness of a rising China. I asked myself what's the matter with them? But they were former Malaysian Chinese from my mother's side. They imagined China only. My father knew China well. He lost his father to the communists persecution. He had seen both sides of the Chinese coin. He knew Chinese history well. My uncles who do not, are more easily sold.<br />
<br />
'Rename the Stars' is made very affordable at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0877676K7" target="_blank">Amazon's Kindle store</a>. I am confident many will find it an enjoyable drama of magic and science fiction, with serious ideas on offer for the thoughtful as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-46066564820376189442020-04-26T17:59:00.001+08:002020-04-28T16:59:03.018+08:00Easy to get surgical masks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGdhv47Ht-w/XqVaqg6KTVI/AAAAAAAA-Ig/FKjHAVEsID8U8HY5VyKNdpBhzB-xcrnsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200424_053824.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGdhv47Ht-w/XqVaqg6KTVI/AAAAAAAA-Ig/FKjHAVEsID8U8HY5VyKNdpBhzB-xcrnsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200424_053824.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Two days ago, very early in the morning before 6 am, I was at Sheng Siong and spotted this pile beside the cashier. I bought two boxes for $23.50 each. Not made in China but Australia.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, also early in the morning I saw they were still available, but not as many.<br />
<br />
This morning the pile was as high as in the picture. Again, it was before 6 am. I have taken to buying my groceries when most people are still snoozing.<br />
<br />
Obviously, it is no longer that hard to buy face or surgical masks. Looks like everyone is making them these days.<br />
<br />
<b>Update: April 28</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26m864ObGM4/Xqfv9H7o80I/AAAAAAAA-JE/XejLJZbv1yskYz5UVERNHAjxCzcrJ4SKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200427_065540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26m864ObGM4/Xqfv9H7o80I/AAAAAAAA-JE/XejLJZbv1yskYz5UVERNHAjxCzcrJ4SKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200427_065540.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
The price fell to $18.<br />
<br />
I checked Qoo10. The prices there haven't fallen. I am surprised these have not flown off the shelves. The offer started yesterday and will run till the end of next month.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-57702094625995742792020-04-07T17:53:00.000+08:002020-04-07T17:53:01.814+08:00First Day of the Circuit Breaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2EA2hoQ4-s/XoxM-S2QOvI/AAAAAAAA-FU/3TkizcG4htAkU1ZbTPDBmkrcViJp3GkewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Annotation%2B2020-04-07%2B174801a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2EA2hoQ4-s/XoxM-S2QOvI/AAAAAAAA-FU/3TkizcG4htAkU1ZbTPDBmkrcViJp3GkewCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Annotation%2B2020-04-07%2B174801a.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember this moment. It is about 6pm on the first day of the Circuit Breaker. Google map shows our streets are green. Traffic free flowing. May such days be few. This coronavirus is an implacable enemy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-76752806527415056652020-03-29T13:32:00.003+08:002020-03-29T13:32:53.296+08:00COVID-19 Death No. 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdVXWH5Ef60/XoAvs7To-3I/AAAAAAAA-Dw/yspQutdneK8ij5QQcmcYHZRJLAy8S5IBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20200329-131551_WhatsApp%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1067" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdVXWH5Ef60/XoAvs7To-3I/AAAAAAAA-Dw/yspQutdneK8ij5QQcmcYHZRJLAy8S5IBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot_20200329-131551_WhatsApp%257E01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't blog about our first two COVID-19 deaths. In fact, I hardly blog these days. So busy. But now I am thinking about fatality number three, and the reason is because I have been reading more about this pandemic. People who have underlying health conditions are at far higher risk of dying. What health conditions? They turned out to be so common.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/coronavirus-covid19-third-death-singapore-coronavirus-12587178?cid=FBcna" target="_blank">Victim number three</a> is a 70 year old who had been living with high blood pressure and cholesterol. The story used two bigger words: hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.<br />
<br />
What if this unfortunate man hadn't suffer from high blood pressure and cholesterol? Would he have survived? But I think that is not the point. Who really knows? But his chances would have been much better if he had been healthier. That point was brought home very clearly in a <a href="https://www.vliveaustralia.com/" target="_blank">nutritional supplement site</a> which explained this well. It is an unusual website as well. The only one which bothered to explain its <a href="https://www.vliveaustralia.com/science" target="_blank">science</a> far better than any out there.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-91493254747856046302020-03-27T16:59:00.001+08:002020-03-27T16:59:25.958+08:00COVID-19: Working from home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbxSrpSJ4nE/Xn2_fyO2iII/AAAAAAAA-DI/9DfWTDCwUEYePgyRtY79SEeYgBCnqU9RACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200327_164952.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbxSrpSJ4nE/Xn2_fyO2iII/AAAAAAAA-DI/9DfWTDCwUEYePgyRtY79SEeYgBCnqU9RACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200327_164952.png" /></a></div>
<br />
The daughter decided to buy this Philips LCD monitor for $109 to work from home than cart the one from her office desk.<br />
<br />
How our lives have changed because of this coronavirus. We like to assume that everyone we know would be alive at the end of this. Who knows when this crisis will end? Really, we cannot rightly assume those we know and love will survive this either. We might not even survive ourselves. Just because the majority of us would live, each of us think we are chosen to survive. Better not be presumptuous. Live safely and securely. Look out for each other.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-59866374867604510522020-01-25T13:04:00.001+08:002020-01-25T13:04:49.117+08:00The Impossible Burger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY2stPp8yUo/XivLbSnbznI/AAAAAAAA8b4/xXt8iejaOIoKmOxi9fLwKYO5sN9XbnC-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200125_113224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY2stPp8yUo/XivLbSnbznI/AAAAAAAA8b4/xXt8iejaOIoKmOxi9fLwKYO5sN9XbnC-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200125_113224.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First day of Chinese New Year, with the backdrop of the Wuhan virus going places, with so many Chinese nationals here, we did not visit the Gardens by the Bay. We skipped visiting relatives this year and had lunch at Swensen's. I finally got to try the Impossible Burger. It does taste like the real thing but it does not feel like you had beef patty in your digestive system.<br />
<br />
I don't think this can replace beef but it should help to cut down its consumption and demand, mitigating the environmental impact of raising cattle for protein.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-81327702030742965212020-01-24T10:12:00.002+08:002020-01-24T10:21:44.039+08:00Preparing for the Wuhan Virus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKX_KNQMb44/XipQ7g20EqI/AAAAAAAA8bk/Bq5ov3-C6nA1UGlqYX0eE3bIOtc_3mI0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20200124_095904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKX_KNQMb44/XipQ7g20EqI/AAAAAAAA8bk/Bq5ov3-C6nA1UGlqYX0eE3bIOtc_3mI0ACEwYBhgL/s640/20200124_095904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bought this more than ten years ago in Dubai when were expats there. Cost us 25 Dirham. Still in good condition. But I think the hand sanitizer is more important than this. It is good to have both.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyQiFgV0Md0/XipQzdvc8YI/AAAAAAAA8bg/qUmqnDz2InouGgVVrqSYU8VOjCMBWX80gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20200124_095518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="272" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyQiFgV0Md0/XipQzdvc8YI/AAAAAAAA8bg/qUmqnDz2InouGgVVrqSYU8VOjCMBWX80gCEwYBhgL/s400/20200124_095518.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bought this just now for $4.90. Found another shop later asking for $6.50! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
People underestimate how often they touch their face, eyes, nose and mouth with their hands. In fact we do it all the time unaware. This makes clean hands far more important than face masks.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-86926806690539402332019-06-10T22:11:00.003+08:002019-06-10T22:11:52.705+08:00Dr. Chan Khye Meng<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcS86RYmHT8/XP5ksOCM6ZI/AAAAAAAA6aY/GQEay4ci7QQXLIo3xHemNcAgb9jhK5EzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dr%2BChan%2BKhye%2BMeng.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="878" height="516" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcS86RYmHT8/XP5ksOCM6ZI/AAAAAAAA6aY/GQEay4ci7QQXLIo3xHemNcAgb9jhK5EzwCLcBGAs/s640/Dr%2BChan%2BKhye%2BMeng.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Not seen him in decades. Dr. Chan Khye Meng was our doctor when we were kids. So were most of my classmates. In those days most of us were living in the same neighbourhood.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-87642187651952930782019-05-26T20:17:00.000+08:002019-05-26T20:17:06.206+08:00Absurdly Priced Chives from the Wet Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ZrXDNT5PQ/XOqCZH6WjYI/AAAAAAAA6LI/bMUOcu6EBJAVP6QpAWtNLPI9Ot8JXpIcwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190526_071653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ZrXDNT5PQ/XOqCZH6WjYI/AAAAAAAA6LI/bMUOcu6EBJAVP6QpAWtNLPI9Ot8JXpIcwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190526_071653.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Each miserly bunch of these chives is $1.80 We paid $9 for these. Totally absurd.<br />
<br />
Normally each bunch is bigger and also cheaper at $1.50<br />
<br />
This is the last time we buy this if they don't improve from here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-31378418499886719312019-05-14T06:00:00.001+08:002019-05-14T06:00:24.914+08:00Mother's Day: Unhappy Mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtdsmhpnzAg/XNnoGSWV8II/AAAAAAAA6Gk/4kxGLWDn4dwQPd2dnF6TSsMP8jN16wIbgCLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Bunhappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtdsmhpnzAg/XNnoGSWV8II/AAAAAAAA6Gk/4kxGLWDn4dwQPd2dnF6TSsMP8jN16wIbgCLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Bunhappy.jpg" /></a></div>
Several moms I sent Mother's Day greeting too uncharacteristically did not respond. I think they have stopped being happy about motherhood. They were happier when the kids were younger. Now that they are practically grown up, they saw a side of the kids they are not pleased with.<br />
<br />
If only they were willing to wear each other shoes, but I oversimplify the issue. Indeed many times that is not possible.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-17172604000283648202019-04-30T15:40:00.001+08:002019-04-30T15:42:15.100+08:00Last Car Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XyhEdmDfHI/XMf76FXVsmI/AAAAAAAA6A8/nFnTgZj-lUo-8FARBnt8vd7DmlnGd0vCgCLcBGAs/s1600/2019_04_29_15.06.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XyhEdmDfHI/XMf76FXVsmI/AAAAAAAA6A8/nFnTgZj-lUo-8FARBnt8vd7DmlnGd0vCgCLcBGAs/s1600/2019_04_29_15.06.52.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not happening. Collecting new car next week. Why bother to send this one to be serviced? But also lost one service in the package I got from them last year too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-49038902353038204942019-04-23T07:47:00.002+08:002019-04-23T07:47:45.335+08:00The Notre Dame fire and human nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U_3KzhgNvc/XL5R9fv1TmI/AAAAAAAA56U/zCTF5Atu10cej1qRCGzjVRAFGzTB94JUACLcBGAs/s1600/notre%2Bdamme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U_3KzhgNvc/XL5R9fv1TmI/AAAAAAAA56U/zCTF5Atu10cej1qRCGzjVRAFGzTB94JUACLcBGAs/s1600/notre%2Bdamme.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Plain old fashioned human nature. We hate un-glamorous work. Safety and fire prevention are such. Any job that don't help someone look good, is not given enough attention. Fighting fire is so much more heroic but I don't think firemen want to do that if they can help it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-64020712697609215092019-03-26T19:57:00.000+08:002019-03-28T05:02:47.252+08:00Thin Skin Shanmugam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAWXhdKOs_k/XJoTAmrtzWI/AAAAAAAA5po/WglmppOW0PUvVDnFsEJxeqphpvcsYx76wCLcBGAs/s1600/2019_03_26_19.52.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="364" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAWXhdKOs_k/XJoTAmrtzWI/AAAAAAAA5po/WglmppOW0PUvVDnFsEJxeqphpvcsYx76wCLcBGAs/s1600/2019_03_26_19.52.12.jpg" /></a></div>
It was a frivolous response to a non threat. Is the honorable minister more fragile than eggs that he could be felled by one egg?<br />
<br />
It was joke was entirely right. Now it has also made the minister a laughing stock among many of us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-88224125339426932482019-02-04T20:27:00.000+08:002019-02-05T07:32:28.118+08:00Broken bowl on CNY's eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snUiU18xEm4/XFgvK6bDnPI/AAAAAAAA2to/XmzJ8kBSI3M-s2Mb12YjYfrdQGw9qZ1BgCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2019-02-04%2Bat%2B18.28.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snUiU18xEm4/XFgvK6bDnPI/AAAAAAAA2to/XmzJ8kBSI3M-s2Mb12YjYfrdQGw9qZ1BgCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2019-02-04%2Bat%2B18.28.12.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I broke a rice bowl whilst washing the dishes after dinner. Not an auspicious sign right? But since we do not have faith in such nonsense, it has no impact on us. The daughter immediately found another bowl to replace this one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-87629717901320218412019-01-24T19:55:00.001+08:002019-01-24T19:55:44.505+08:00First Yu Sheng of 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpjGfehfbiw/XEmm8UtRahI/AAAAAAAA1hw/cgrMeiiQJHQJMNFSyRJlkfoyyS65cpEsQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190124_171108a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpjGfehfbiw/XEmm8UtRahI/AAAAAAAA1hw/cgrMeiiQJHQJMNFSyRJlkfoyyS65cpEsQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190124_171108a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First Yu Sheng for the coming year of the Pig. It is now $33.80 compared to $29.80 last year and $28 the year before. It was $21.80 in 2014.<br />
<br />
As always for donkey years now, it is Yu Sheng at Ichiban Sushi.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-52473294551558250142019-01-24T19:47:00.002+08:002019-01-24T19:47:51.195+08:00The Tap suddenly quit on us today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOR6g_KoGYQ/XEmjo-WzhMI/AAAAAAAA1hY/J3D_KnpYThQbceoFuspHB3l7jqlVt9EKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20190124_100635a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOR6g_KoGYQ/XEmjo-WzhMI/AAAAAAAA1hY/J3D_KnpYThQbceoFuspHB3l7jqlVt9EKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20190124_100635a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The tap in the bathroom became useless today. As usual it don't tell you ahead it wanted to quit.<br />
<br />
Called Town Council to help. A plumber came. Brought him to the shop with me to buy this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mo8OeFqS1vg/XEmlkvVOw3I/AAAAAAAA1hk/if8o4yj-rLUGeWLXUdhBqOJ7HAspl_z-QCLcBGAs/s1600/20190124_104329a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mo8OeFqS1vg/XEmlkvVOw3I/AAAAAAAA1hk/if8o4yj-rLUGeWLXUdhBqOJ7HAspl_z-QCLcBGAs/s1600/20190124_104329a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Then he got it fixed, and I gave him a very big tip because I imagine what he must have done to leave his country to come here to work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-5014726610455189372019-01-05T16:03:00.001+08:002019-01-05T16:03:11.602+08:00A pen for 21st Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6vFBExJcxo/XDBkKBRNP5I/AAAAAAAA0eQ/DVcbI4JPEo0ppDBDcouWNOCJJztXkCPqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190105_085327%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="296" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6vFBExJcxo/XDBkKBRNP5I/AAAAAAAA0eQ/DVcbI4JPEo0ppDBDcouWNOCJJztXkCPqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190105_085327%257E01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdYathRjMAg/XDBkQhcnQyI/AAAAAAAA0eU/bLlZkNb2nnMn9meoMNshCciRor4y3MmIwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190105_101758a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdYathRjMAg/XDBkQhcnQyI/AAAAAAAA0eU/bLlZkNb2nnMn9meoMNshCciRor4y3MmIwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190105_101758a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Today is the daughter's 21st birthday. We bought her a pen to use for all the important documents as an adult. A few years earlier we had also gotten a similar pen for her elder sister.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-10848194438191507712019-01-02T08:25:00.000+08:002019-01-02T08:25:14.434+08:00First day of work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8b0D35aFMM/XCwA9KXnAiI/AAAAAAAA0XQ/cybsYOJ8-Z0zoWV8QGMMcMwWs6Q1DjXagCLcBGAs/s1600/work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="525" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8b0D35aFMM/XCwA9KXnAiI/AAAAAAAA0XQ/cybsYOJ8-Z0zoWV8QGMMcMwWs6Q1DjXagCLcBGAs/s1600/work.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today is the first day of work for 2019. I received a Natgeo email and thought this pic looks familiar. The caption reads,<br />
<br />
INDONESIA<br />
<br />
Every day, miners hike up Ijen’s 9,000-foot slopes under the cover of darkness before descending another 3,000 feet into the crater to mine sulfur or "devil's gold." Through the toxic fumes and heat, they chip away at the hardened blocks and carry 150 to 200-pound loads back up the crater twice a day, earning an average of five dollars per trip.<br />
<br />
Without any effort at all these though just flowed - work is often dangerous to health.<br />
<br />
In the animal kingdom, they often die looking for food before they could even look for a mate. In human society we often die slowly damaging our health doing the same even if you sit behind a desk all day or move about everywhere. The folks whose health are better are those with power of self determination without much responsibility.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-10094684025943307062018-12-04T18:56:00.001+08:002018-12-04T18:56:28.655+08:00The minimum wage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS4dPebOzDM/XAZdA_h4h0I/AAAAAAAA0Bg/TdbM4PxFFCgew2uca9Xk3a-9k6XTUsYcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_SmartSelect_2018-12-04-18-52-54a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS4dPebOzDM/XAZdA_h4h0I/AAAAAAAA0Bg/TdbM4PxFFCgew2uca9Xk3a-9k6XTUsYcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_SmartSelect_2018-12-04-18-52-54a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
When I look at topics like this, very easily I think of the next elections because lots of us increasingly feel that talking to the PAP is a waste of time. The next election could be a bruising experience for them. Millennials would be the largest voting demographic. Temperamentally given how they are treated in the workplace, I don't think they care to listen to excuses or are interested in process. Show me the results they would say. How they are measured is how they will appraise their government as well.<br />
<br />
Tommy Koh's goals were so rock bottom modest - to persuade them on the minimum wage. He did not even point out that even China has a goal of eradicating poverty by the end of the decade which is only two years away. The PAP government only cared that there is a poverty alleviation process but do not care how well it is working. In other words if the poor would go disappear and die quietly, they would be quite happy. There is a grave moral poverty in the party. First the poverty then its corruption. They will find it harder and harder to attract people to join them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-43805211924190991162018-11-15T18:45:00.000+08:002018-11-15T18:45:02.111+08:00Switching to Windows DefenderOut with Norton Antivirus and in with Windows Defender. The have come so far, it is no longer necessary to buy a third party package.<br />
<br />
Here is my first report by Defender<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AwLuBGE9LY/W-1ODk0IMSI/AAAAAAAAzzU/XMs-zideWhc-Ryx3zF6E_YNyKswXkk1nACLcBGAs/s1600/first%2Bwindow%2Bdefender%2Breport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AwLuBGE9LY/W-1ODk0IMSI/AAAAAAAAzzU/XMs-zideWhc-Ryx3zF6E_YNyKswXkk1nACLcBGAs/s1600/first%2Bwindow%2Bdefender%2Breport.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-88997777716499897972018-11-07T05:07:00.002+08:002018-11-07T05:07:44.613+08:00Listening to Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp3m-avapSk/W-IBSaNuhII/AAAAAAAAzw0/cyrT8wdB3qUT4ZpGJkoW3PvEZ33rpb1dACLcBGAs/s1600/savings%2Bin%2Bhealthcare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp3m-avapSk/W-IBSaNuhII/AAAAAAAAzw0/cyrT8wdB3qUT4ZpGJkoW3PvEZ33rpb1dACLcBGAs/s1600/savings%2Bin%2Bhealthcare.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/preventive-care-rehabilitate-elderly-frail-germany-hotzelmann-10900264" target="_blank">story</a> was about health cost leadership but I was thinking at a level of the individual. I think a lot of pain and subsequently disability is because patients and doctors were too short term in their thinking. E.g., you have osteoarthritis in the knee but it is still early days. If you complain of pain the doc gives you a powerful pain killing jab. Minus the pain, you go out and injure you knee without knowing. Then one day with the injury so severe the pain killers no longer work. It is perhaps knee cap replacement time, which could have been avoided if people would only pay more attention to self defeating post treatment behavior.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1852717036526979577.post-23125402014895650232018-11-03T14:38:00.000+08:002018-11-03T14:38:03.237+08:00The face of Yemen's tragedy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaFJ_tBzoFM/W91Bk7Dgh0I/AAAAAAAAztc/MF03zeBu6zs8nhouOn7cSjZGny9uF61jACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_SmartSelect_2018-11-03-14-32-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaFJ_tBzoFM/W91Bk7Dgh0I/AAAAAAAAztc/MF03zeBu6zs8nhouOn7cSjZGny9uF61jACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_SmartSelect_2018-11-03-14-32-42.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture of the late Amal Hussain will haunt us for a very long time. MBS the crown price of Saudi Arabia is a thug and a butcher. The manner he conducted this war is deplorable. He is a disaster.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0