I am watching or should I say re-watching the HBO series, Rome.
One of the characters said this of the problems in ancient Rome.
"The plebians (common Roman people) are angry. The noble men are making all the money and the slaves (enslaved foreigners) are taking all the jobs."
Hmmm....
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Moral Dilemma
I had a most interesting conversation with my friend this morning.
Let me give everyone the background of our conversation first. My friend said he hates "greedy soccer players" like Frank Lampard of Chelsea United because they draw very high wages (reports suggest around 130k pounds a week). This is contributing to soccer being increasingly inaccessible to the general public, with higher ticket prices, and more expensive cable tv fees / subscription rates.
I found his "hatred" irrational because to me, Frank Lampard and all these players, to the best of my knowledge, are just pawns in the game. The clubs find the players are worthy of the high pay, and hence offer them appropriately so. We cannot expect the players to not want to seek the highest pay possible, and this does not constitute greed in my opinion. And hence as its the clubs ultimately who offer them these wages, I do not think the players are "responsible" for the escalating cost of soccer.
We had a fairly long debate on this. And ultimately we realised that we had fundamentally very different views on "responsibility" and "blame". Here I will offer a moral dilemna that captures the essence of our differences for my readers, would be very happy to hear your views.
"You are a golfer. You are about to strike your golf ball, after having done your best to check that the way infront is clear. You have abided every possible rule there is, you are absolutely sure the way infront is clear. Now you strike the golf ball. A small girl suddenly ran from the bushes 100m infront and the ball struck her temple, and she died. Are you "responsible" for her death?"
My friend thinks that regardless of the situation, the fact that the ball was struck by him, means he is in some way responsible for the death. I on the other hand, strongly believe that i would not be responsible for the death, for i could not have done better.
This is a fundamentally different way of looking at things. My friend's concern is really more on the end result -- the process does not really matter. My concern is more on the process -- could i have done better? If I could not have done better, why should i be blamed? How could I be responsible?
It extends to the first situation about the footballers, because my friend attributes "responsibility" and "blame" to the footballers, as he thinks the players' acceptance of the high wages, whether they had insisted on it or not, ultimately did "cause" the escalating costs to some degree. I on the other hand do not think so. I think every player should fight for the highest wages possible, as do any of us given any job. If the club does not think they are deserving of the wages, they would sack them, its that simple. In other words, the players could not have done better. For that reason, I don't hold the player responsible.
What do you all think?
Let me give everyone the background of our conversation first. My friend said he hates "greedy soccer players" like Frank Lampard of Chelsea United because they draw very high wages (reports suggest around 130k pounds a week). This is contributing to soccer being increasingly inaccessible to the general public, with higher ticket prices, and more expensive cable tv fees / subscription rates.
I found his "hatred" irrational because to me, Frank Lampard and all these players, to the best of my knowledge, are just pawns in the game. The clubs find the players are worthy of the high pay, and hence offer them appropriately so. We cannot expect the players to not want to seek the highest pay possible, and this does not constitute greed in my opinion. And hence as its the clubs ultimately who offer them these wages, I do not think the players are "responsible" for the escalating cost of soccer.
We had a fairly long debate on this. And ultimately we realised that we had fundamentally very different views on "responsibility" and "blame". Here I will offer a moral dilemna that captures the essence of our differences for my readers, would be very happy to hear your views.
"You are a golfer. You are about to strike your golf ball, after having done your best to check that the way infront is clear. You have abided every possible rule there is, you are absolutely sure the way infront is clear. Now you strike the golf ball. A small girl suddenly ran from the bushes 100m infront and the ball struck her temple, and she died. Are you "responsible" for her death?"
My friend thinks that regardless of the situation, the fact that the ball was struck by him, means he is in some way responsible for the death. I on the other hand, strongly believe that i would not be responsible for the death, for i could not have done better.
This is a fundamentally different way of looking at things. My friend's concern is really more on the end result -- the process does not really matter. My concern is more on the process -- could i have done better? If I could not have done better, why should i be blamed? How could I be responsible?
It extends to the first situation about the footballers, because my friend attributes "responsibility" and "blame" to the footballers, as he thinks the players' acceptance of the high wages, whether they had insisted on it or not, ultimately did "cause" the escalating costs to some degree. I on the other hand do not think so. I think every player should fight for the highest wages possible, as do any of us given any job. If the club does not think they are deserving of the wages, they would sack them, its that simple. In other words, the players could not have done better. For that reason, I don't hold the player responsible.
What do you all think?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Dangerous to allow ambiguity in legal system
I had sent this letter to the Straits Time Forum, dated 25th October 2007.
-------------
I applaud the Government and especially PM Lee, for its open-ness in engaging the public in the ongoing repeal 377a debate. It shows how far our civic society has progressed, and makes me proud of our Nation's strong democratic process.
However, regardless of the arguements either for or against repealing 377a, the ambiguity that is left outstanding, is necessarily dangerous and needs resolution.
Singapore's reputation has been built upon a legal system that is absolute, firm, and most importantly, clear. This is a strength of Singapore, and has contributed much to our success. In issues like Michael Fay and even chewing gum, we have built an international reputation for a transparent and strong legal system, a system where ambiguity has no place. For these same reasons, the Singaporean citizen is guaranteed safety within the legal system.
The introduction of ambiguity into the system may forseeably result in citizens misinterpreting the law. But more frightening, is the thought that a citizen may no longer feel safe within the thickets of the law, for he can no longer be sure which law will be enforced, and which will not be.
Borrowing a phrase from Robert Bolt's famous play "A Man for All Seasons", let us keep the law as a causeway upon which, so long as he keeps to it, a citizen may walk safely.
-------------
I applaud the Government and especially PM Lee, for its open-ness in engaging the public in the ongoing repeal 377a debate. It shows how far our civic society has progressed, and makes me proud of our Nation's strong democratic process.
However, regardless of the arguements either for or against repealing 377a, the ambiguity that is left outstanding, is necessarily dangerous and needs resolution.
Singapore's reputation has been built upon a legal system that is absolute, firm, and most importantly, clear. This is a strength of Singapore, and has contributed much to our success. In issues like Michael Fay and even chewing gum, we have built an international reputation for a transparent and strong legal system, a system where ambiguity has no place. For these same reasons, the Singaporean citizen is guaranteed safety within the legal system.
The introduction of ambiguity into the system may forseeably result in citizens misinterpreting the law. But more frightening, is the thought that a citizen may no longer feel safe within the thickets of the law, for he can no longer be sure which law will be enforced, and which will not be.
Borrowing a phrase from Robert Bolt's famous play "A Man for All Seasons", let us keep the law as a causeway upon which, so long as he keeps to it, a citizen may walk safely.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
鲨鱼王子
apologies to my loyal fans for not updating my blog. had been quite caught up at work last 2 weeks, and thankfully, i think the meetings went very well yesterday.
like to just talk about my recent purchase, the Prince O3 Hybrid Shark OS (110 sq inch face). i strung it at 60 lbs, exactly middle of its recommended string tensions, using Prince Elliptic polysynthetic 16L gut. i went for an eighth inch smaller grip as opposed to my usual 4 3/8 as an experiment -- some articles had said that a smaller grip can help prevent twisting of racquet in hand, and also enhance spin potential.
so far, the racquet feels fantastic. i had been looking for a racquet to give me added stability and control, and this racquet thus far has been everything. it took me a while to get used to the dampened feel and the slightly unusual *ping* of the ball thundering off my stringbed, but after that, it just feels rock solid. i could really swing hard and the racquet does not overreact.
compared to my Fischer Spirit FT, this racquet is definitely more solid, a lot more control, and being slightly head light, does not overcompensate for my aggressive Eastern Forehand strokes. the 16/19 open string pattern has also given me a lot more ability to generate spins, which is an area i am really looking for technological assistance.
this is my fifth racquet over the last 18 years. and so far this racquet has represented to me the biggest leap in feel and performance since i switched from my second to third racquet. here, have a look at my racquets over the last 18 years...
my first racquet. ok this isnt the actual racquet, i could not find a picture of it on the web, but it looks somethng like this.

it was a horrid racquet and although my skills are really not good by any means, this racquet was painful to play with. actually its really my sister's racquet back in 1989, but i used it for a while.

my second racquet, the Dunlop X10. another alumnimum racquet and similarly painful to play with. (1992)
my third racquet represented my first serious racquet, a Wilson power something. Oversize (110 sq inches), one piece graphite construction. it was very cheap (90 bucks i think) but my first graphite racquet. its sold to renegade already but i loved it very much. i bought it in 1995 after my O levels, as a treat to myself. i cant find pictures of it (renegade, post it if u still have it!), sorry.

my next racquet was bought in 2003. i had wanted to get the Prince Triple Threat Scream, but edwin in Queensway Shopping Center recommended me the Fischer Spirit FT OS. FT stood for frequency tuning. decided to try it. its an extremely head heavy racquet, very stiff, close string pattern. it gives good power, control is not exceptional, and rather hard to generate spins. i don't really particularly like it, nor hate it, but it accompanied me through the period when my game really improved. will keep this as my backup racquet. costed me 170 bucks.
and now finally, the Prince O3 Hybrid Shark OS. a fantastic steal for such a highly rated racquet (maria sharapova used the non O3 port version of this in her victorious 2004 Wimbledon campaign!), only 165 bucks!
like to just talk about my recent purchase, the Prince O3 Hybrid Shark OS (110 sq inch face). i strung it at 60 lbs, exactly middle of its recommended string tensions, using Prince Elliptic polysynthetic 16L gut. i went for an eighth inch smaller grip as opposed to my usual 4 3/8 as an experiment -- some articles had said that a smaller grip can help prevent twisting of racquet in hand, and also enhance spin potential.
so far, the racquet feels fantastic. i had been looking for a racquet to give me added stability and control, and this racquet thus far has been everything. it took me a while to get used to the dampened feel and the slightly unusual *ping* of the ball thundering off my stringbed, but after that, it just feels rock solid. i could really swing hard and the racquet does not overreact.
compared to my Fischer Spirit FT, this racquet is definitely more solid, a lot more control, and being slightly head light, does not overcompensate for my aggressive Eastern Forehand strokes. the 16/19 open string pattern has also given me a lot more ability to generate spins, which is an area i am really looking for technological assistance.
this is my fifth racquet over the last 18 years. and so far this racquet has represented to me the biggest leap in feel and performance since i switched from my second to third racquet. here, have a look at my racquets over the last 18 years...
my first racquet. ok this isnt the actual racquet, i could not find a picture of it on the web, but it looks somethng like this.

it was a horrid racquet and although my skills are really not good by any means, this racquet was painful to play with. actually its really my sister's racquet back in 1989, but i used it for a while.

my second racquet, the Dunlop X10. another alumnimum racquet and similarly painful to play with. (1992)
my third racquet represented my first serious racquet, a Wilson power something. Oversize (110 sq inches), one piece graphite construction. it was very cheap (90 bucks i think) but my first graphite racquet. its sold to renegade already but i loved it very much. i bought it in 1995 after my O levels, as a treat to myself. i cant find pictures of it (renegade, post it if u still have it!), sorry.

my next racquet was bought in 2003. i had wanted to get the Prince Triple Threat Scream, but edwin in Queensway Shopping Center recommended me the Fischer Spirit FT OS. FT stood for frequency tuning. decided to try it. its an extremely head heavy racquet, very stiff, close string pattern. it gives good power, control is not exceptional, and rather hard to generate spins. i don't really particularly like it, nor hate it, but it accompanied me through the period when my game really improved. will keep this as my backup racquet. costed me 170 bucks.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Corner or Space?
I am by nature quite a pessimistic person.
And I frequently drive myself into a tiny corner, when if only I realise all the space behind me.
And I frequently drive myself into a tiny corner, when if only I realise all the space behind me.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Limitations
I have never felt limited ever in my life till now.
All my life, I had always believed, that whatever I want to achieve, so long as I put my whole heart into it, I can.
Could not speak English at age of 8? I put my whole heart into reading English books to the point where at age of 9, I was regularly topping my school in English.
Don't have Biology background yet want to do Biomedical Engineering as an undegrad? I did that, and did pretty well too.
Only had one year and want to do a 2 year Masters? I survived the process too.
But now I genuinely feel so limited. In the corporate world, ability sometimes count less, much less, than real ability. Put it this way, if your boss doesn't like you, you are screwed. And even if your boss likes you, if his boss does not like him, you are screwed too.
I really feel limited now. Not by ability, but by circumstances.
All my life, I had always believed, that whatever I want to achieve, so long as I put my whole heart into it, I can.
Could not speak English at age of 8? I put my whole heart into reading English books to the point where at age of 9, I was regularly topping my school in English.
Don't have Biology background yet want to do Biomedical Engineering as an undegrad? I did that, and did pretty well too.
Only had one year and want to do a 2 year Masters? I survived the process too.
But now I genuinely feel so limited. In the corporate world, ability sometimes count less, much less, than real ability. Put it this way, if your boss doesn't like you, you are screwed. And even if your boss likes you, if his boss does not like him, you are screwed too.
I really feel limited now. Not by ability, but by circumstances.
SS Open - Table Tennis
Another week, another SS Open.
This week, we bring you table tennis action.
Here, we see Ching training under the feared Japanese Penholder Tay.
When interviewed later, Tay had this to say of his protege, "I believe Venga should have his hands full."
This week, we bring you table tennis action.
Here, we see Ching training under the feared Japanese Penholder Tay.
When interviewed later, Tay had this to say of his protege, "I believe Venga should have his hands full."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
SS Open
this was footage from an earlier round in SS Open.
i had always wanted to put this up but had been too lazy.
i had always wanted to put this up but had been too lazy.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Bishan Open Report
The eagerly anticipated match never got going.
The players were stuck in ball stroking mode throughout the session.
A pity, for Ching was definitely on form that evening.
The players were stuck in ball stroking mode throughout the session.
A pity, for Ching was definitely on form that evening.
You know what really grinds my gears?
Rainy Singapore.
Ok, more precisely, rain when i want to play tennis.
Pissed as anything, had been looking forward to my lesson this morning.
Damn.
Ok, more precisely, rain when i want to play tennis.
Pissed as anything, had been looking forward to my lesson this morning.
Damn.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
EARTHQUAKE!!!!
scary!!!! massive 7.9 richter scale earthquake smashes Indonesia and singapore really felt it.
i am still in my office building only 2 stories tall, and the whole building was swaying.
lasted at least 2-3 minutes.
i am still in my office building only 2 stories tall, and the whole building was swaying.
lasted at least 2-3 minutes.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Queen Elizabeth
her speech to her soldiers facing the Spanish Armada in 1588 is brilliant.
In particular i like this passage.
"I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms; I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. "
This battle (and victory) would prove to be crucial. By the end of her reign, Britain ruled the seas.
In particular i like this passage.
"I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms; I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. "
This battle (and victory) would prove to be crucial. By the end of her reign, Britain ruled the seas.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Tay vs Ching
Tay handily defeated Ching 6-2, 6-1 yesterday morning, in the final of the SS Open at the NUS Sports and Recreational Center.
Facing a quiet crowd estimated at one, Tay capitalized on Ching's characteristic poor serving, and numerous unforced errors to break all of Ching's service games. Towards the end of the match, Ching repeatedly charged the net, evoking images of Patrick Rafter, and entertained the crowd with several pleasing volleys (and grunts). Alas to no avail.
In the post match conference, Ching remarked, "I graciously accept defeat. However, I yearn for a rematch."
Tay replied with a shocking lack of sportsmanship, "It can only get worse for you. *%$^ I give you too much room and time to play your shots. Once I get my service game in play and normal shots, you'll be crushed."
The rematch would be at the Bishan Open, on Thursday, 13th Sep.
Facing a quiet crowd estimated at one, Tay capitalized on Ching's characteristic poor serving, and numerous unforced errors to break all of Ching's service games. Towards the end of the match, Ching repeatedly charged the net, evoking images of Patrick Rafter, and entertained the crowd with several pleasing volleys (and grunts). Alas to no avail.
In the post match conference, Ching remarked, "I graciously accept defeat. However, I yearn for a rematch."
Tay replied with a shocking lack of sportsmanship, "It can only get worse for you. *%$^ I give you too much room and time to play your shots. Once I get my service game in play and normal shots, you'll be crushed."
The rematch would be at the Bishan Open, on Thursday, 13th Sep.
Friday, September 7, 2007
The Hamadrayas Baboons
so i went down to the singapore zoo over the weekend.
nothing much has changed in the zoo since i last went there 3-4 years ago. there is currently a new exhibit on white tigers, which is pretty standard, lazy tigers sleeping on a rock kinda thing, but its not too bad. i am very proud of the Singapore Zoo, i think its the best in the world, absolutely no contest.
the highlight of the singapore zoo though, has to be the Hamadrayas Baboons exhibit. its spectacular, with more than 7 troops, each troop consisting of a dominant male, with about 3-4 females, 2-3 immature males, and 3-4 youngs. Observing the social dynamics is absolutely spectacular. i am posting some pictures here for everyone to see. Venga, you would be interested to know, that new DNA studies show that all the varieties of baboons, olive, black, hamadrayas etc. are all just races of baboons, not different species.
Here we see part of a troop. Notice in the background a female with a gigantic distended, swollen backside? That means she's in heat. some monkey's gonna get lucky soon... Also notice the huge male in the middle. These baboons are about 2/3 the size of a human, with canines as long as a leopard. don't mess with them.
Here we see an example of the social dynamics. You can see the mother attending to her 2 young, one which is probably 1-2 years old, and another which is probably around 3 months old. They are sharing food, the mothers are extremely attendant, the behaviours are shockingly human like. Notice the young male in the background, haha.
Ah, the great circle of life. There was a premature birth that morning we went to the zoo. We saw the mother fiercely holding on to the lifeless ragdoll like figure of her baby. We spoke to the zookeeper, the keeper said that its too dangerous now for them to move in to remove the baby. The entire troop is still very protective of their young and probably in grief.
It was a great experience. these baboons are worth the 22 dollars admission fees alone. watching them, i can't help but think how little difference there is between us humans and animals. its a humbling thought.
nothing much has changed in the zoo since i last went there 3-4 years ago. there is currently a new exhibit on white tigers, which is pretty standard, lazy tigers sleeping on a rock kinda thing, but its not too bad. i am very proud of the Singapore Zoo, i think its the best in the world, absolutely no contest.

Here we see part of a troop. Notice in the background a female with a gigantic distended, swollen backside? That means she's in heat. some monkey's gonna get lucky soon... Also notice the huge male in the middle. These baboons are about 2/3 the size of a human, with canines as long as a leopard. don't mess with them.


It was a great experience. these baboons are worth the 22 dollars admission fees alone. watching them, i can't help but think how little difference there is between us humans and animals. its a humbling thought.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
South Korean Hostages
so the S. Korean hostages are back.
its reported that the South Korean government paid US$20 million in ransom to these terrorists. the terrorists themselves remarked that they will use this money to buy more weapons, train more people, and essentially further their terrorist cause.
jie, when you replied to my initial blog that they should die, i felt it was a little harsh. but in light now of the way their reckless actions had thrown (in your words) thrown years of diplomacy and peace works into disarray, i too agree they should have just died.
in fact frankly speaking, the government should not have intervened. i understand they are citizens of S. Korea but the government had warned them not to go already. yet they chose to defy the government's warnings. by interfering, you have elevated the issue into a political one, which serves the terrorists' purpose perfectly.
its reported that the South Korean government paid US$20 million in ransom to these terrorists. the terrorists themselves remarked that they will use this money to buy more weapons, train more people, and essentially further their terrorist cause.
jie, when you replied to my initial blog that they should die, i felt it was a little harsh. but in light now of the way their reckless actions had thrown (in your words) thrown years of diplomacy and peace works into disarray, i too agree they should have just died.
in fact frankly speaking, the government should not have intervened. i understand they are citizens of S. Korea but the government had warned them not to go already. yet they chose to defy the government's warnings. by interfering, you have elevated the issue into a political one, which serves the terrorists' purpose perfectly.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
a most wonderful line
taken from the movie Ratatouille.
Anton Ego's beautiful quote, voiced superbly by Peter O' Toole.
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgement. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talents — new creations. The new needs friends.
Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau's, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau's soon, hungry for more. "
i haven't been so touched by a movie line since perhaps Eat Drink Man Woman's poignant "饮食男女,人之大欲" its so good, makes one reflect.
Anton Ego's beautiful quote, voiced superbly by Peter O' Toole.
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgement. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talents — new creations. The new needs friends.
Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau's, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau's soon, hungry for more. "
i haven't been so touched by a movie line since perhaps Eat Drink Man Woman's poignant "饮食男女,人之大欲" its so good, makes one reflect.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Cause or Effect?
i know this has been posted on Mr Brown show for some time already.
but i am posting this here again, i think its very thought provoking.
i am not claiming Taiwan is better than Singapore or vice versa. i think that's not the point here, nor were the commentators talking about that in the clip too. the whole thesis really is, do we care more about the cause or the effect?
i think it would be hard to argue that singapore is a worse place to live in than taiwan. our infrastructure, tax, yada yada, are all superior to taiwan, whatever measures one chooses. but how was this achieved?
the commentators mentioned a very poignant point. much of what singapore achieved was due to superior and absolute leadership. once this leadership passes on, can singapore maintain its achievements?
but i am posting this here again, i think its very thought provoking.
i am not claiming Taiwan is better than Singapore or vice versa. i think that's not the point here, nor were the commentators talking about that in the clip too. the whole thesis really is, do we care more about the cause or the effect?
i think it would be hard to argue that singapore is a worse place to live in than taiwan. our infrastructure, tax, yada yada, are all superior to taiwan, whatever measures one chooses. but how was this achieved?
the commentators mentioned a very poignant point. much of what singapore achieved was due to superior and absolute leadership. once this leadership passes on, can singapore maintain its achievements?
Ratatouille
its simply superb.
the reviews were all spot on. this is an absolutely gem of a movie. its charming, witty, heartwarming, and just makes you wish it won't end. the plot's very tight, and what makes it stand out even from the other Pixar movies (all of which i love too), is that it did not even had to rely on the traditional cutesy character. did i mention too the graphics are simply mind blowingly good?
quite easily, the best movie of the year.
the reviews were all spot on. this is an absolutely gem of a movie. its charming, witty, heartwarming, and just makes you wish it won't end. the plot's very tight, and what makes it stand out even from the other Pixar movies (all of which i love too), is that it did not even had to rely on the traditional cutesy character. did i mention too the graphics are simply mind blowingly good?
quite easily, the best movie of the year.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
be considerate please!!!!
you know, one of my pet peeves is irritating singaporeans standing still on the right lane of the escalator. they just stand there, oblivious to the people behind them who are in a hurry, and just happily hold up the line. it is so irritating when one is trying to rush for a bus or a train and lo and behold, a couple is standing infront of you, hand in hand, occupying across the entire step.
its a phenomena i have never seen before, in all the First World countries i have been to. its not as if you HAVE to walk on the escalator. if you would like to take a leisurely ride on it, just move to the left! its that simple! would you break up with your girlfriend or boyfriend if you just do not hold hands for 30 seconds??!! geeze.
its completely ridiculous! and you know why? because singaporeans are really an inconsiderate bunch of people. they are completely oblivious to people around them, their needs and presence even. (note: i am not trying to compare between nations and people, although it may appear so. my point is to highlight singaporean behaviour)
i have given up trying to be nice to these inconsiderate people. nowadays i just barge my way through without even saying "excuse me" . or do i need to say "skews" instead so they might understand?
its a phenomena i have never seen before, in all the First World countries i have been to. its not as if you HAVE to walk on the escalator. if you would like to take a leisurely ride on it, just move to the left! its that simple! would you break up with your girlfriend or boyfriend if you just do not hold hands for 30 seconds??!! geeze.
its completely ridiculous! and you know why? because singaporeans are really an inconsiderate bunch of people. they are completely oblivious to people around them, their needs and presence even. (note: i am not trying to compare between nations and people, although it may appear so. my point is to highlight singaporean behaviour)
i have given up trying to be nice to these inconsiderate people. nowadays i just barge my way through without even saying "excuse me" . or do i need to say "skews" instead so they might understand?
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
disgusting
so yesterday i called tay up and we agreed to go play table tennis. i have a renewed interest in the game, and tay had kindly agreed to train me. we decided to go to Macpherson Community Center to play. we had been playing there for several years already, until i moved abroad for my studies. we had very much appreciated the free facilities there, as Community Centers' should be.
when we got there, we did not find any table. a "quick" check (well, more like a slow check... that woman made us wait for almost 15 minutes) with the staff later, it appeared that one can NO LONGER play table tennis in the Community Center except only on Saturdays, 10 am-12 pm, a pathetic and paltry 2 hours. the sports hall where the table tennis table was, is now used exclusively for FEE PAYING badminton players. the table has been removed completely, stored somewhere.
and then it all sinks in. tay had called Macpherson Community Center up earlier that morning, and checked if there was still a table there for us to play. the staff told us yes, the table was available. but he actually had the cheek to discourage us from playing because, get this, "badminton players might be interrupted by the table tennis players". tay had not thought much of it then.
this is blatant profit seeking behaviour! because badminton courts require booking fees, the Community Center gives priority to the badminton players! and the thing is, its not as if the table tennis table occupy the same space as the badminton courts. they are in the same hall, but the table tennis table was at an isolated corner of the hall. instead of thinking logically, which is to put a simple barrier around that corner, they choose to ban play completely. and why? because they can derive revenue from badminton. and why waste precious revenue on buying the barriers? they probably cost a princely 50 dollars or so.
granted badminton as a recreational sport is more popular than table tennis, but i am questioning the fundamental reasoning here. i love badminton very much too, don't get me wrong. however the reasons behind removing the table tennis table completely are highly dubious.
and the story does not end here. we went to 2 more Community Centers and both of them had removed the tables in favour of badminton. in Geyland Serai Community Center, the table tennis players had to, get this, buy their own tables and place it in an isolated room upstairs, sharing the room with the aikido classes. and its not open to public. in Eunos, there were no tables altogether for the public! in the end, at Eunos, somehow we found a table located in the middle of no where. indignant, we just dragged the table out and played table tennis defiantly outside the main office. the venue was horrid, the lighting absent but we had to make a statement.
Table tennis has been the only sport that has brought some measure of international success to Singapore. i dare say, even more so than sailing. li jiawei and company had achieved true international success. yet if our community centers are not willing to support the sport among the masses, our future success will be just that --> a visage of imported, naturalized foreign players.
we are not asking for much. just a simple table at an isolated corner, is that too much? exercise some common sense please, our Community Centers. don't let the concept of profit and self sustaining revenues cloud the greater good.
when we got there, we did not find any table. a "quick" check (well, more like a slow check... that woman made us wait for almost 15 minutes) with the staff later, it appeared that one can NO LONGER play table tennis in the Community Center except only on Saturdays, 10 am-12 pm, a pathetic and paltry 2 hours. the sports hall where the table tennis table was, is now used exclusively for FEE PAYING badminton players. the table has been removed completely, stored somewhere.
and then it all sinks in. tay had called Macpherson Community Center up earlier that morning, and checked if there was still a table there for us to play. the staff told us yes, the table was available. but he actually had the cheek to discourage us from playing because, get this, "badminton players might be interrupted by the table tennis players". tay had not thought much of it then.
this is blatant profit seeking behaviour! because badminton courts require booking fees, the Community Center gives priority to the badminton players! and the thing is, its not as if the table tennis table occupy the same space as the badminton courts. they are in the same hall, but the table tennis table was at an isolated corner of the hall. instead of thinking logically, which is to put a simple barrier around that corner, they choose to ban play completely. and why? because they can derive revenue from badminton. and why waste precious revenue on buying the barriers? they probably cost a princely 50 dollars or so.
granted badminton as a recreational sport is more popular than table tennis, but i am questioning the fundamental reasoning here. i love badminton very much too, don't get me wrong. however the reasons behind removing the table tennis table completely are highly dubious.
and the story does not end here. we went to 2 more Community Centers and both of them had removed the tables in favour of badminton. in Geyland Serai Community Center, the table tennis players had to, get this, buy their own tables and place it in an isolated room upstairs, sharing the room with the aikido classes. and its not open to public. in Eunos, there were no tables altogether for the public! in the end, at Eunos, somehow we found a table located in the middle of no where. indignant, we just dragged the table out and played table tennis defiantly outside the main office. the venue was horrid, the lighting absent but we had to make a statement.
Table tennis has been the only sport that has brought some measure of international success to Singapore. i dare say, even more so than sailing. li jiawei and company had achieved true international success. yet if our community centers are not willing to support the sport among the masses, our future success will be just that --> a visage of imported, naturalized foreign players.
we are not asking for much. just a simple table at an isolated corner, is that too much? exercise some common sense please, our Community Centers. don't let the concept of profit and self sustaining revenues cloud the greater good.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
fascinating mathematics -- part 2
wow i did a quick google search on the video below, and turns out this is actually based on a mathematical system called Vedic Mathematics.
apparently, "Vedic mathematics is a system of mathematics consisting of a list of 16 basic sutras, or aphorisms, that allegedly encompass all mathematics. They were presented by a Hindu scholar and mathematician, Jagadguru Swami Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja, during the early part of the 20th century (Trivedi, 1965)."
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedic_mathematics
i find this absolutely fascinating.
apparently, "Vedic mathematics is a system of mathematics consisting of a list of 16 basic sutras, or aphorisms, that allegedly encompass all mathematics. They were presented by a Hindu scholar and mathematician, Jagadguru Swami Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja, during the early part of the 20th century (Trivedi, 1965)."
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedic_mathematics
i find this absolutely fascinating.
fascinating mathematics
this is simply fascinating!
tim, any chance you can enlighten me what actually is going on here?
i tried it myself with other numbers and it actually works!
tim, any chance you can enlighten me what actually is going on here?
i tried it myself with other numbers and it actually works!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
heart attacks and "no idea"
the market can really give one heart attacks. was whining to my friends how the ridiculous 6% swings in one hour are making me panic. seriously, what the hell, SIX percent?! thats like easily 20 billion or more in one hour!!!
i am worried not so much because i have investments out there --> anybody who knows me well enough would know i have liquidated everything and gave it all to buy myself out of slavery. i am worried because i fear market sentiments are gonna be messed up, and my firm fails to get sales... sighz. the woes of a private sector guy.
anyway, i have added a link to the current Dow Jones so all my faithful few readers can quickly reference the market. Its on the right -->
anyway, venga boy sent me a great clip, also centered on the recent stock market turmoils. watch this. jim, i hope the Fed discount rate cut made you a little happier and more relaxed. man, i cannot be a trader for sure.
i am worried not so much because i have investments out there --> anybody who knows me well enough would know i have liquidated everything and gave it all to buy myself out of slavery. i am worried because i fear market sentiments are gonna be messed up, and my firm fails to get sales... sighz. the woes of a private sector guy.
anyway, i have added a link to the current Dow Jones so all my faithful few readers can quickly reference the market. Its on the right -->
anyway, venga boy sent me a great clip, also centered on the recent stock market turmoils. watch this. jim, i hope the Fed discount rate cut made you a little happier and more relaxed. man, i cannot be a trader for sure.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
America, oh my oh my...
i know this is lazy blogging, but seriously, if all americans are like this, the country's doomed...
my creationist friend(s), please watch this, and at least don't sound like them ok?
my creationist friend(s), please watch this, and at least don't sound like them ok?
Monday, August 13, 2007
New Favourite Tennis Player
been a while since i posted...
been really swamped with work.
but this is my new current favourite female tennis player (apart from maria of course)
been really swamped with work.
but this is my new current favourite female tennis player (apart from maria of course)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Morning Cereal
much to be thankful for
i was doing my sunday night run as usual.
and catching my breath at the exercise corner.
and i saw this foreign indian or bangladeshi worker, very poorly dressed, walking up to the rubbish bin. he picked up this discarded bag, checked it and then took it with him.
little things we take for granted for in life. frankly we have much to be thankful for.
and catching my breath at the exercise corner.
and i saw this foreign indian or bangladeshi worker, very poorly dressed, walking up to the rubbish bin. he picked up this discarded bag, checked it and then took it with him.
little things we take for granted for in life. frankly we have much to be thankful for.
open book exams
i love open book exams.
the questions are always harder, but i like that. if i do badly in an open book exam, its simply that i am not smart enough. thats great for i have no excuses then. no excuse that its just a memory test etc.
i like that.
the questions are always harder, but i like that. if i do badly in an open book exam, its simply that i am not smart enough. thats great for i have no excuses then. no excuse that its just a memory test etc.
i like that.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Korean Hostage Crisis
a very thought provoking piece.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/03/asia/03korea.php?page=1
honestly, is it right that churches are still sending missionaries, aid workers etc. to these places despite the very obvious dangers that the governments had already made clear? the intentions could be good, but frankly, maybe a bit more common sense should be exercised.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/03/asia/03korea.php?page=1
honestly, is it right that churches are still sending missionaries, aid workers etc. to these places despite the very obvious dangers that the governments had already made clear? the intentions could be good, but frankly, maybe a bit more common sense should be exercised.
On Yee Cher and super 9 year olds...
so the blokes and i have made plenty of jokes about this super overgrown 9 year old kid called Yee Cher in Singapore who is setting all sorts of age-group records in sprinting. honestly, he looks like he is 14. i mean what the hell, he's 1.6m tall. i think i was at best 1.2m when i was 9?
anyway, yee cher resulted in plenty of news coverage. check some of these out. there were so many cynics out there doubting his age (apparently he was born in cambodia... hmmm... haha, dubious), that MOE had to issue a statement that yes, he indeed is 9 years old. its almost laughable. i wanted to put up pictures of him running, so you can see how he stands at least a head taller than his rivals but i couldn't find one thats not copyrighted... anyway trust me, its ridiculous.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_139731.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST+Forum/Story/STIStory_140492.html
anyway, i think he's a boy who just happens to reach puberty way earlier than his peers, thereby enjoying this phase where he could literally overpower them. personally, my puberty arrived really late, and hence during my secondary school days, i was always overpowered in every damn sport by anybody. its ridiculous. i couldn't even do a single pullup until i was in J1 (i then did 6 immediately that year, cheered on by the class girls. :) )
and those boys that reached puberty earlier, they DOMINATED every sport. they aren't even really talented in those sports. but by virtue of the fact that they reached puberty earlier, they were given a chance to play those sports for the school.
(Note: my secondary school has a very damning policy of admitting students into the school's sports teams only if they deem them "talented" enough. the talent test which is administered in secondary 1 as soon as the student joins the school, is a stupid psychomotor test with no theoretical nor experimental basis that honestly disadvantages the boys who are relatively late in their development.)
Its quite clear the school decided on this system, to ensure that the school wins interschool events. but is that the point really? personally i think its highly demoralizing to many young boys who had the interest in sports (for example, i was and still am very interested in tennis), but because of factors totally outside their control, they were never given the chance by the school. In the end, these boys ended up either in music clubs or visual arts nonsense, and were further ostracized by the school population.
bloody hell.
ok on a brighter note, check this video out. Rhaine Davis is a young, normal looking 9 year old British kid, who has been offered a stint at Manchester United's football academy after his father sent in this video. this, is what i call talent, not pitiutary gland overdrive.
anyway, yee cher resulted in plenty of news coverage. check some of these out. there were so many cynics out there doubting his age (apparently he was born in cambodia... hmmm... haha, dubious), that MOE had to issue a statement that yes, he indeed is 9 years old. its almost laughable. i wanted to put up pictures of him running, so you can see how he stands at least a head taller than his rivals but i couldn't find one thats not copyrighted... anyway trust me, its ridiculous.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_139731.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST+Forum/Story/STIStory_140492.html
anyway, i think he's a boy who just happens to reach puberty way earlier than his peers, thereby enjoying this phase where he could literally overpower them. personally, my puberty arrived really late, and hence during my secondary school days, i was always overpowered in every damn sport by anybody. its ridiculous. i couldn't even do a single pullup until i was in J1 (i then did 6 immediately that year, cheered on by the class girls. :) )
and those boys that reached puberty earlier, they DOMINATED every sport. they aren't even really talented in those sports. but by virtue of the fact that they reached puberty earlier, they were given a chance to play those sports for the school.
(Note: my secondary school has a very damning policy of admitting students into the school's sports teams only if they deem them "talented" enough. the talent test which is administered in secondary 1 as soon as the student joins the school, is a stupid psychomotor test with no theoretical nor experimental basis that honestly disadvantages the boys who are relatively late in their development.)
Its quite clear the school decided on this system, to ensure that the school wins interschool events. but is that the point really? personally i think its highly demoralizing to many young boys who had the interest in sports (for example, i was and still am very interested in tennis), but because of factors totally outside their control, they were never given the chance by the school. In the end, these boys ended up either in music clubs or visual arts nonsense, and were further ostracized by the school population.
bloody hell.
ok on a brighter note, check this video out. Rhaine Davis is a young, normal looking 9 year old British kid, who has been offered a stint at Manchester United's football academy after his father sent in this video. this, is what i call talent, not pitiutary gland overdrive.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Profitability?
Taking a poll here among my readers, paltry few there may be:
Do you think public transport companies should aim for profitability or public good?
And don't give me the gigg style answer of "both are equally important".
Do you think public transport companies should aim for profitability or public good?
And don't give me the gigg style answer of "both are equally important".
Labels:
fare increase,
public good,
public transport,
SBS,
Singapore
Flabbergasted
so get this, SBS has just applied to the Public Transport Council for a fare increase.
wow.
http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/2007-08-01-02-S.aspx
so we get a fare increase and double the frequency?
right. in my dreams.
wow.
http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/2007-08-01-02-S.aspx
so we get a fare increase and double the frequency?
right. in my dreams.
"Why didn't the Garmen do this?"
I caught myself complaining about the government with regards to the poor standards of public transport.
Was that fair? Actually on hindsight, probably not. The companies run quite autonomously I believe, from the government. Of course I am certain the government is directly involved but thats not my point...
My point is, why do we Singaporeans always instinctively blame the government for every little thing? (I find myself writing more and more in the style of Carrie Bradshaw... haha)
Actually I think its a chicken and egg problem. Our government has taken credit (justifiably I must add) for a lot of the good things that have taken place in Singapore. And they have been quite unshamedly proud of their work.
As a result, we Singaporeans have been brought up to believe that our government is responsible for our lot and fate. And that I believe, is the reason why Singaporeans always blame the government first.
Was that fair? Actually on hindsight, probably not. The companies run quite autonomously I believe, from the government. Of course I am certain the government is directly involved but thats not my point...
My point is, why do we Singaporeans always instinctively blame the government for every little thing? (I find myself writing more and more in the style of Carrie Bradshaw... haha)
Actually I think its a chicken and egg problem. Our government has taken credit (justifiably I must add) for a lot of the good things that have taken place in Singapore. And they have been quite unshamedly proud of their work.
As a result, we Singaporeans have been brought up to believe that our government is responsible for our lot and fate. And that I believe, is the reason why Singaporeans always blame the government first.
Labels:
complaining,
Government,
public good,
public transport,
Singapore,
singaporeans
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
On Savants
Savants fascinate me.
This is probably the most famous one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Peek
Very amazing.
This is probably the most famous one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Peek
Very amazing.
What the...
sometimes, certain news just make you go "what the ??!!"
this is one of them.
man, i struggle with the 4th root of 16 (yes, 16, not a 16 digit number) sometimes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6913236.stm
this is one of them.
man, i struggle with the 4th root of 16 (yes, 16, not a 16 digit number) sometimes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6913236.stm
Still on buses...
maybe someone is reading my blog, haha.
but today's news reported that Singapore has set up this committee to look into improving the quality of our bus system.
and bus companies would be fined apparently if they don't make a certain standard.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_144398.html
cool! but thats just half the problem right? the other major problem is singaporean's lousy attitude and complete lack of empathy for fellow passengers... and human beings for that matter.
but today's news reported that Singapore has set up this committee to look into improving the quality of our bus system.
and bus companies would be fined apparently if they don't make a certain standard.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_144398.html
cool! but thats just half the problem right? the other major problem is singaporean's lousy attitude and complete lack of empathy for fellow passengers... and human beings for that matter.
How to solve the bus problem
easiest way which i have suggested many times, is to just move the bloody door to the end of the bus! that way, passengers would be forced to move in!
Monday, July 30, 2007
On trains, buses and the forgotten people
I used to take the train to work.
And I used to whine incessantly about how crowded the train is, how infrequent the trains are, how the air is horrid, a disgusting putrid mixture of sweat and cheap perfume, blah blah blah.
Now I know better.
I have to take the bus to work now. And my god, is the bus system bad or what?! The wait is ridiculous, upwards of 25-30 mins. Its incredibly crowded, and worst of all, stupid Singaporeans just refuse to move in! While the passengers force their way in, the people hanging around at the door just steadfastly refuse to move in, and are completely oblivious to the struggles of the people in front.
What disgusts me even more, is how our public transport companies completely refuse to do something about this. Its a situation that has not changed since the bus service started (I used to take the bus to school). Unless we dramatically increase the frequency of buses, this service is just simply impossible to use.
And because I had not used the bus in quite a while, I had in a sense, forgotten what Singapore really is. The bus is filled with the real common folk of Singapore. Yes, we rave about our financial hub status, and the beautiful Marina Bay resorts, Sentosa Cove, Zouk and all. But there really exists this large population of people who will never appreciate these things. And they are forgotten in our country's mad push towards GDP growth. I ask, GDP growth, but for whom?
Taking the bus, allowed me to see these folks, the people too poor to own their cars, or even take the train --> which I have also discovered, is significantly more expensive than the bus.
I hope we don't forget them.
And I used to whine incessantly about how crowded the train is, how infrequent the trains are, how the air is horrid, a disgusting putrid mixture of sweat and cheap perfume, blah blah blah.
Now I know better.
I have to take the bus to work now. And my god, is the bus system bad or what?! The wait is ridiculous, upwards of 25-30 mins. Its incredibly crowded, and worst of all, stupid Singaporeans just refuse to move in! While the passengers force their way in, the people hanging around at the door just steadfastly refuse to move in, and are completely oblivious to the struggles of the people in front.
What disgusts me even more, is how our public transport companies completely refuse to do something about this. Its a situation that has not changed since the bus service started (I used to take the bus to school). Unless we dramatically increase the frequency of buses, this service is just simply impossible to use.
And because I had not used the bus in quite a while, I had in a sense, forgotten what Singapore really is. The bus is filled with the real common folk of Singapore. Yes, we rave about our financial hub status, and the beautiful Marina Bay resorts, Sentosa Cove, Zouk and all. But there really exists this large population of people who will never appreciate these things. And they are forgotten in our country's mad push towards GDP growth. I ask, GDP growth, but for whom?
Taking the bus, allowed me to see these folks, the people too poor to own their cars, or even take the train --> which I have also discovered, is significantly more expensive than the bus.
I hope we don't forget them.
Sprint of the Century
So the blokes and I have this regular get together every Saturday to play sports. Its imaginatively called "Sporting Saturday"
We play all kinds of sports. Tennis, badminton, squash (sometimes), table tennis, and we even incorporated track and field into it.
Witness now, the Sprint of the Century:
We play all kinds of sports. Tennis, badminton, squash (sometimes), table tennis, and we even incorporated track and field into it.
Witness now, the Sprint of the Century:
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