Goodbye 2007!

Today is the last day of 2007! I have many good things happened to me in this year! Hope everyone too! See you next year!!

Inflation!

Lately everything increases price! I just bought a FHM magazine and it increases from $6 to $7! A rise of 16.67%! I am not sure if only this issue or every issue. If every issue, I will cut down from 2 FHM (Jun and Dec issue) per year to 1 FHM per year (Jun issue). So usually I will spent $12 per year on FHM. Next year onwards, I will only buy one which is $7. A cut in 41.67%.

My Nokia N80IE has bite the dust

After using it for 1 year and 1 month, my handphone suddenly got problem. When slide up and down, the screen will go blank. Sian! Of all timing, now spolit. But luckily, I got spare phone. So I can wait for good deal. Hee... The bright side is I got excuse to get that dream phone. Hoho!!

Spendthrift

Lately I did a calculation on my yearly spending. I think this year I broke record again! Haha. Any way, I think I overspent. Must control liao. Anyhow buy things. So I must impose a "no anyhow spending" rule for say the next 2 months until Chinese New Year. Will I survive? Hope so. Hee..

投名状 Warlords

I just came back from watching this show. I feel quite ok but not to the extend that give me a great impact. The best part is the war fighting scene in the middle of the show. Jin Cheng Wu I feel is the clown of the show. Hee... A bit violent like the movie 300.

The Golden Compass

I just came back from watching this show. I feel that it is ok only. Not that fantastic. Overall, the special effects are nice. The main cast is the little gal. All others appear a bit on the set. And yes, it has a sequel.

NTUC chalet

I just came back from a chalet at NTU downtown east. I have not been there for very long time. It has a major changes! It now has a multi storey carpark which I feel very good. Then, there are many shops! At least can walk around and not so bored. The room is quite spacious also. But one complain is the bed is too lousy. Other than that I feel quite ok.

Sentosa

Today I went to Sentosa to walk walk. I feel it has undergone a major changes as I have not been there for long. There are many nicer attractions as compared to last time. So now I think I can start to recommend my friends from overseas to go there. Haha!

Shopping list

Lately there are so many sales and promotion going on. My shopping list is getting longer and longer. But many of the items are not urgent and maybe I can say not often use. I think I just buy for the sake of buying. Haha! So though my buying list is long, I keep urging myself to be cool headed. Haha! Ok, hope I can cool down and buy what is needed and not anyhow buy.

Hero

I just came back from watching this show. I feel that it has a slow start. A couple of people actually left the cinema halfway and I overheard someone saying the show is a bit boring. They started the show by trying to make it lively and funny. But I feel they are trying too hard. Only maybe till the trial started, the story becomes more interesting. Korea actor Li Bing Xian only appears for less than 5 mins. Overall, I feel ok only. Not really must watch kind.

Traffic jam

Recently, I went to Buona Vista for a 3 day courses and I cannot believe the road I took is so jam!! A 15 mins ride becomes 1 hour! Any way, I choose alternative road on 2nd day and 3rd day and traveling time cut from 1 hour to 45 mins to 30 mins.

Everything increase

Living in Singapore is getting tougher and tougher. Everything increases. Now my violin fee also increases. Increase by more than 10%!! Wow!

Secret

Today a colleague of mine told me a secret of his. I am quiet surprise that he will tell me. Haha! This shows that I am a very trustworthy person.

Avoid ebags

Lately I bought a few things at eBags which is an US online retailer. But they only sent 1 item. So I email them. But for the past 2 weeks, their customer service got only one thing to say. They are still checking with the warehouse. So from my experience, this retailer should be avoided at all cost! The things there are cheap but what is the use if your item is not received?! To me, they are cheaters.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Today I went to see a musical called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Esplanade. The show is about 2 hours 10 mins long. The story talks a about a car that can fly and float on water and how it saves the day. I feel the front part is a bit boring. The first 45 mins I nearly fell asleep. The songs are not that fantastic either. But till the later part of the show, it becomes nicer. The props they used are very good! The car, the background etc.. are all very well made. Overall, this show I feel is more for kids. Any way, I bought some souvenirs home. Haha!

Money and friendship

As I like to buy things online, I will tell my friend some lobangs also. Lately, a friend wants to tag along when I buying so I say ok. But who knows the company made a mistake and only shipped out his stuff. So I feel it is fair if he will to pay for the full shipment. However, he said not his fault and wants me to share half. Any way, I think I will agree cos from this incident, it is actually a small amount and use it as school fee that I will never share shipment with anyone else again!! I will not share online lobangs with people again!! I will not allow people to tag along online purchasing again!! Also this fellow I will shift myself away from him from now on. Lobangs everyone wants but risk dun want to take and push to me. In this world, there is no free lunch! So for what be good people?

Phuket

Just back fom Phuket. This time I went with my family. First day went to a place called Fantasea to see the cultural performance. Second day rains a lot and we hide inside the shopping mall and bought many things. Last day, better weather and we stroll on the beach.

兄弟 Brothers

Just caught 兄弟 Brothers on the cinema. This show is very hype as it gathers the "5 tigers" together for this show. However, Tony Leung decided not to act makes this show even more hype. Any way, after watching the show, I feel the show is something like show Infernal Affairs. Overall, I feel the show is ok. Not too bad. The male lead is Miao Qiao Wei who still looks good after all these years. Andy Lau is just a supporting role. Same as Infernal Affairs, there is no real female lead.

PC up and running

Finally my pc is up and running again. It is comfirmed that I got virus. So I took no chances and format my hardisk. But got many problems. Any way, I solved all of them and now my computer is much faster now. Maybe because I load too many rubbish over the past 2 years. Haha! So it is good to do some computer keeping though.

Good customer service

Lately, I feedback to Starhub regarding the voucher issue and today they get back to me. They apologised and offer some sort of compensation. I am quite happy with the way they handle my case. This is what I call customer service. Good work Starhub!

Computer virus

Lately, I suspect that my computer got computer virus. I have trouble getting online and browser will activate by itself. Well, I guess it is time to format! Hee..

The tales of two telco

About 1 month ago, I blog that Singtel refused to offer me anything for recontract. Today I received a $30 voucher from them. Well, this came as a surprise just when I am going to terminate my line. Since they give me something, I might consider staying. But on the other hand, I am quite piss with Starhub. Reason is that the very same day they offer my $100 voucher. I should be happy right? Yes if only they offer me before I recontract and not after. My contract has ended for quite sometime and I contacted them for voucher. They also said no and only waive my caller ID. Then, only until now give me voucher when 2 weeks ago I already recontract. Sigh...

Messy room

I feel that my room becoming messy again. Things get piling up. This means I need to revamp my room again. I think I have to start throwing stuffs. I will hopefully start clearing my drawer this weekend. The target is to throw away 3 bulky items in my room to make more space. I need to create a study environment. Haha!!

Resident Evil: Extinction

I just came back from watching Resident Evil: Extinction. This is the 3rd part of the Resident Evil story. The story this time is more on surviving. Same as previous show, there are violence and gory scenes. This time round the fighting moves by Milla Jovovich is very nice. But I feel she becomes more like x-men with those super power. Haha. Any way, the let down is the final show down with the bad guy. The baddie dies so fast. Overall, it is nice. Get ready for part 4! Hee..

Overseas working

Today I met up with a friend. He told me he will be leaving for overseas to work. I really envy him got such chance and I am looking for such chance also. Haha. He said he is quite worried and I told him it is normal as now he will be going to some place that is uncertain. Well, this is a good chance to learn. I wish him all the best.

Nokia E65

Today I look at the newspaper and saw a very good deal! Nokia E65 for only $38!! It is only at Starhub IMM. I quickly rush down and there are a queue liao. I join in and the number I got is 2065. Then, I look at the current queue number called is 2019. Wow! Still a long way. Any way, I shop around for 2 hours before my turn. Any way, I got a red colour one and got a free speaker worth $38. Really value for money.

Stand in LCD monitor

Today I finally change my crt for a lcd monitor. However, it does not belong to me. It is lent to me by my brother. I will use it until next pc show then I buy one. Or maybe I act blur and this lcd will belong to me! Haha!!

Busy

Lately I have been very busy. No time to blog at all! Any way, hope to have a good rest soon.

Problematic crt

Just barely 1 week after the pc show, my crt gave me problem again. At first I tot I can wait for the next pc show as my crt becomes fine again. Now, it goes crazy again. Hmm.. Hope it will be fine soon. Hee...

Mobile phone perks

I currently got 3 lines from 3 different telco and the contract is ending soon. So I decided to test out how generous telco company is. My plan for each company is about the same. I contacted each company and ask for handset vouchers. M1 replied and offered me $60. Starhub replied and offered me 6 months waived of caller id. Singtel replied and offered me nothing. So from here, you can see that which one is the most stingy one.

McDonalds

Today I went to McCafe for a drink and ordered a Fluffy. I paid and sit down as the staff will bring it to me. A few minutes later, a guy brought the drink to me and said that need to get additional 65 cents due to the extra vanilla. I was sort of confuse and paid up. After that I still dunno what it means and check with my friend. I think that guy made a mistake and ask me for the money cos I never ak for any extra vanilla. I should have argued with him at that time. Now realised a bit too late. Any way, I shoot one letter to McDonalds for clarification. For now I will boycott McDonalds.

Comex 2007

I just came back from Comex. This year I feel not as crowded as last pc show. Maybe many people has rushed to beat the GST increase and bought what they have bought in the previous show. Any way, my CRT has suddenly become ok. So I end up did not buy my LCD again. Haha. Decided to wait for another 3 months. But this round I had found quite a number of goodies I intend to get next pc show in late November.

1. 22" Asus PG221 LCD monitor. It costs $878 and gives a Asus U3000 TV tuner and dvi cable that worth $210. The staff told me if pay by cash can give me $848.

2. GPS car navigator. Saw two that looks nice. Tibo A1000 which is $666 and Packard Bell Compasseo 600 which is $599.

3. Creative Gigaworks G550W wireless 5.1 speakers. Usual price is $719. Now offer is $649 and throw in a pair of stands worth $89.

Thai Express

I went to Thai Express in Marina Square for dinner. I ordered a steamboat and it supposed to be for one. But I feel portion can be shared among two people. It cost $12.90 and stated that only Marina Square outlet has it. It has glass noodle, 4 type of meats and some mushrooms. The tom yam soup base is really nice!! I love it. I feel it is really very tasty. Worth the money.

Hip Diner

I just came back from an outing with my cousins. After wondering about on where we are going to have our dinner, we ended up in Cineleisure and found ourselves inside Hip Diner restaurant by Billy Bomers. I order a chicken soup and sausages. The soup is not bad but I cannot say the same to the sausages. I feel they have a kind of taste I dun know how to describe. Any way, I have tasted the German sausages before so I can only say Americans one need to put in more hardwork. Overall, I feel it is ok only. 3 of us ate about $65.

Ratatouille

I just came back from watching Ratatouille. This Pixar movie retains the same standard as the previous Pixar shows. The drawing is a good and some parts are rather funny. But it just dun give me the same good feeling like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. The story does not have any big climax. The characters just looked like those in The incredibles. But overall, it is still watchable.

Lcd monitor

Whenever a pc show is around the corner, I will tell myself that I will buy a lcd monitor to replace my current crt monitor. But everytime, I will not buy cos I feel my crt is working fine and dun have the heart to replace it. But lately I found my crt monitor a bit crazy. I need to hit it for it to work fine. Hmm.. So will it be really the time for me to change? Haha....

Fireworks

I just came back from the fireworks celebration. I wanted to get a good view but at the same time I dun want to be in the crowd with other people. I am sure that esplanade area sure very crowded. I tot of going to Padang but felt it is far as I wanted to have my dinner in Marina Square area. But I end up having dinner at Millenia Walk as everywhere is crowded!! Lucky for me, after dinner I stumbled upon a piece of open area in between Millenia Walk and Marina Square. It is not crowded and has a very good view of the fireworks! The fireworks is very beautiful! Really different from watching TV. Haha.

Golf

Today I feel a bit bo liao and decided to go attend a golf session. It is just teeing at a driving range off my work place. 120 golf balls for $6 at.I am not experts and so I just play for fun. After a few hits, I am getting really tired. I think I should practice more so I can get the feel of hitting the ball. Haha!

Hot weather

Lately the weather becomes hot again. Now at night I cannot sleep without my air con on and fans full blast at me at the same time! In the afternoon also quite bad when walking for lunch. Only when back in my office I feel normal. Hurray for those who invented aircon.

Takashimaya toys sale

I just came back from Orchard. I was just wondering around and saw Takashimaya having this toys sale. I think it is a yearly event and today is the last day. I walked in and see got any nice things to buy. I found that there are many nice cool things not only for the kids but also for the adults. In the end, I bought a cool gadget. Hoho...

Phuket

I just came back from my short holiday. Over the weekend, I flew to Phuket to relax. I took a Jet Star Asia. Air ticket plus tax cost me around $170 only. I stay at Patong Merlin resort which is a four stars rating which costs about $105 per night for a room. This resort is quite good. Service wise is tip top. I feel almost 90% of the tourists are caucasians and arabians. Out of them, I think a large percentage are old people. I wonder why. Any way, I feel Phuket is quite nice to relax though nothing much to do there. I think I will go again in one of the weekends.

Hard sell

Today I received a phone call from someone trying to promote a dining membership to me which costs $588. After she introduced the privileges of the card, I feel it dun really suit me. I told her I am not really interested. But she dun gives up and trying to tell me it is good. I told her repeatedly that I dun foresee myself using it. But she very insistent and dun intend to hang up. So I use my last ultimate move. I told her I might be interested and wish to see the details. Ask her to email me. Haha! After hearing that, she pretends to take down my email and then hang up. So far I have not received her email. Hoho.

Young looking

Today got a supplier came to my company. I never met him before and only communicate to him thru phone. So when I went to the company lobby to meet him, he looked at me with big eyes and asked:"You are a Dr?". I said:"Yes. Why?". Then, he asked me how old I am. I told him I am 30+. He said:"You look like 23 only!". Then, I joked with him that I have to buy something from him liao. Haha!! Any way, he said he is serious and not to make me happy so I buy things from him. Hoho.. So must take care some more.

Yunnan Garden Restaurant

I went to Yunnan Garden Restaurant at One North in the afternoon. It is a quiet place where no queue and no crowds. I think this is due to the fact that it is located inside NTU club where no many people know. I went for their dim sum lunch. As there are not many people, the service is quite good as it is fast. The staffs that attended to me are quite polite. The food serve up quite fast too.The setting is typical chinese style and the aircon is rather cold. I ordered porridge, dumpling etc.. where I feel you can find it elsewhere. The food is nice but I feel not much diff as compared to other dim sum restaurant. The good point is it is quiet and no kids to disturb when I was there. Overall, not bad but price I feel might be on a high side. NTU members get 20% discount.

Uncle

Today 2 primary school kids approached me and asked me for the time. After telling them, the first kid said:"Thank you.". The second kid said:"Thank you, uncle.". Though my age qualifies to be uncle, I feel kind of not used to it. Haha. Any way, the first kid quickly told the second kid:"It is better to say sir than uncle." Then, they quickly said:"Thank you, sir." So who say kids nowadays no discipline? These two kids show that they are well-mannered though I was called an uncle. Hahaha...

Nearly scare to death

Today something happened to me. It is due to my negilgence. But luckily nothing is damaged or injured. Or else I dunno how. This is really those never happen before incident and should not happen one. Well, now I will be more careful.

Ikea

I was at Ikea Alexandar at around 11+am and surprising it is not crowded. Gone are the queues towards the carpark. The carpark is also very empty. I guess many now turn their aim towards the Tampines outlet. Free parking and more spacious. Any way, now Ikea having sale and I bought a few good things. If only got 3rd Ikea stall. Haha!!

Sushi Tei

Today I went to Sushi Tei at VivoCity outlet for my dinner at around 8.45pm. Though there is a queue, I got my seats within 5 minutes. The setting and lighting in this outlet I feel is quite nice. There is a corridor that leads to the inner restaurant so people walking by wun see u. The service there is quite ok. They are not particularly very friendly but the response is prompt and fast. Food is served rather quick too. The food is rather tasty. It is served hot and smell really nice. The sauces are all there. Take whatever u want. Some of the food is quite exclusive meaning I did not find it in other Japanese restaurant. One fine example is their cheese scallop. The pricing there is affordable. A ramen is about $10 and chicken stick is about $6. Overall, I think it is worth a try.

Transformers

I just came back watching Transformers. I am looking forward to this show ever since it started showing here. Finally I caught it on the cinema. I, a non Transformers fan, went to watch this with a Transformers fan. The verdict is that if you are a fan, you will feel the movie somehow did not manage to capture the essense of the original show. For non-fan, I feel quite nice. Overall, I feel the flow is good and special effects are very nicely done. The transforming are very detailed. However, the fighting is a bit messy and ending I feel a bit stupid. Overall, still a nice try.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I just came back watching Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This time round the story is darker and has lesser jokes. Maybe it is to unfold more details, the show is a bit slow throughtout which tends to be a bit boring at times. I am not a Harry Potter fans but I am fans of special effects. The effects I feel is quite nice. On the whole, I feel ok. The best grace saving part I feel is the showdown at the end of the show.

Friday the 13th

Today I got a presentation and everthing looks well until the Q and A part. The questions throw to me actually not difficult but somehow I just answer stupidly. Must be Friday the 13th at work!

Friend's wedding

I just came back from a friend's wedding. She specially chose today cos the date consists of all 07. Her wedding is held at Suntec City and today has National Day rehearsal. So I decided not to drive as I scare got traffic jam. My friends and I took a train down to City Hall. It is quite fast actually. But one thing no good is have to rush to take the last train. So cannot stay back late. My friends also too stingy to catch a cab. Any way, sometimes taking a public transport is not bad too. Ho ho..

My specs is ready!

After waiting for a day, my specs is finally ready for collection! This time I called them up to make sure. Any way, the specs fits quite nicely to my face structure. The lenses which I told them to shape it more nicely are very nicely done. Overall, quite satisfied. Heee...

My specs not ready

Today I rush home from worked so that I could go and collect my new specs. So when I reached there, the guy told me my specs not ready as they spoilt it! So angry. He apologised and promised sure ready by tomorrow. So I guess I have to wait then.

Swensen at Westmall

Today I went out for lunch with a long time friend to celebrate her birthday. We went to Swensen at Westmall. It is around 2pm and to my pleasant surprise, there is no queue. So I waited at the entrance. But no one come to serve me. So I walked in and then stand just next to one guy who is cleaning the table and stare at him. He was startled I guess and serve me. Then, we sat down and start to order our food. I ordered a chicken set and wanted to change the side dish. The waitress ran into the kitchen to check with the chef and told me it can be done. After we finished our meal, we ordered the ice cream. Then, I suddenly remember got one more dish not serve. I asked the waitress and she told me she forgot to enter it into the system!! So I told her to forget it and she apologised to me. Overall, I feel the service lack a bit cos it is not very busy in the restaurant. But overall, still ok.

Broke my specs

Really tough luck. Today I broke my specs when I change my clothes. The frame broke and the lense came off! Ah!! So have to spend money again to make a new pair which is so unexpected. Sob!

Hog's Breath

I just came back from meeting my cousins. We had our dinner at Hog's Breath in Vivocity after one of my cousins strongly recommends the place. We booked 8.45pm but were not given a place until 9pm. The food must be good or else why no seats? I was a bit not happy. But luckily the guy who serves us looks very apologetic and keep saying sorry. This makes me less angry.

Then, the waitress quickly wiped the table and placed the cultery very seriously and carefully. But just when I sat down, one of the fork slipped off her hand and flew towards me! Lucky I am agile enough to catch it. She looks very apologetic and keep saying sorry. I did not feel angry but just feel incredible. Haha.

I ordered a mushroom soup and chicken chop while my cousins ordered steak for their main course. The soup is very nice. Got a very strong mushroom taste. But a bit salty though. The main course came and I dun find the portion big at first. But after eating, I find myself very full and I still left 1.5 chicken slice left. The chicken tastes ok but the sauce is nice. My cousins praised their steak like anything. Very big, juicy and fat.

Overall, I feel this place is quite nice. The ambience is rather good with live singing. The view is nice which overlooked Sentosa and its bridge. Service wise, I feel acceptable cos the staffs stand in one row and say goodbye to us. I think at that time no people liao so they got nothing to do ba. Still, it is a nice gesture. Food wise, not bad for the chicken and great for the steak. Price wise is slightly on the high side. 3 of us ate about $107.

Happy Valley Hong Kong cafe

I just came back from Happy Valley Hong Kong cafe at Tiong Bahru. It is surprising that there are not many people. The service there I feel is ok. Nothing fantastic but not to the extend of ignoring you or being over-friendly. The location is rather out of the way if you dun drive. But situated at a corner and brightly lit is rather attention grabbing to those who drive. It is rather a quiet place as compared to other HK cafe. There are people but not rowdy and acceptable numbers for me. Hence, I like it very much. The food wise is ok. Nothing to shout about. The menu and taste of the food is similar to any HK cafe. However, it has less on finger food. But please try the Yuan Yang tea as it is the best I have drank so far as compared to other HK cafe. Overall, I would say this place is nice for chatting as the place is quiet. Good for gathering. Also the drinks are quite cheaply price. About 50% cheaper than other HK cafe. But their food price is about the same as others though.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

I just came back watching Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. I feel this time round, it is not as nice as the first part. Many people feel that the first movie is dumb enough. So you go figure that out. Haha. The front part I feel a bit boring. It is trying very hard to put in some fun parts but not really that funny. The show only picks up when silver surfer drops in. The special effects are quite nice though.

Credit card charges

I just bought something online and guess what? I was charged a $12 processing fee by this website. Disgusting. Lucky got promotion, so save a bit. Haha. But still quite piss. I never see properly. So what to do. Next time I know liao.

Father's day

Just came back from celebrating father's day. We have a buffet dinner at Tung Lok at East Coast Park. I have reviewed this restaurant before. The reason for going back is to use up all my Tung Lok $$. Overall, the food is still quite fresh and nice except this time round the service lacks a bit.

2 Hot Cafe

Today I met up with my cousins in VivoCity as I have not met them for a long time. It is around 8.30pm and we decided to have our dinner. After walking around aimlessly, we settle for a restaurant call 2Hot. It is a western style restaurant but I think is Halal. The food taste ok but I feel it is a bit on the cold side. The bad part is they dun serve ice water!! I think I will not go back to this restaurant again.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End

I just came back from watching this show. Only me and my friend stayed back until the credit roll finished to watch the maybe 30 sec clip. Heh heh. Any way, I feel not bad leh. Maybe because of all the negative feedbacks, I watched with an negative impression but end up better than my expectation. Hoho... Overall, I feel quite nice except a few parts which I feel can make it better. P/s: Chow Yun Fatt is wasted in this show.

Late night shopping

I just came back from late night shopping. I went to Suntec city to walk walk see see as now is the great singapore sale period. There are promotion from 9pm till midnight. So I decided to see if there are any good deals. After walking around, I bought a few good things. Actually it is quite fun to shop later in the night cos lesser people. But too bad, the usual late nigth shopping is held on friday night which I feel quite hard for me. But after this time round, I might try to make an effort to go down. Hoho!!

Lost weight

Today someone commented me that I lost weight. So I weight myself and found that I indeed lost weight. I lost 4 kg! Great news! I was like very heavy about 2 weeks ago. Looks like my lifestyle finally pay off. I eat more healthy food and exercise more. My target is to shed a few more kgs. Heh heh..

Hong Kong trip

I just came back from Hong Kong. This time round I brought my parents along. It is a 5D4N trip and mainly is to visit my relative there. We spent a lot of time visiting relatives and talking to them. End up not much time to shop and sightseeing. I guess have to go again.

Zi Yean

Today we went to Zi Yean for dinner to celebrate Mother's Day. It lately open its 2nd outlet in Grand Hotel Central. We decided to come to this place for dinner due to the rave review found on internet. However, I feel that the review not accurate at all. I feel the food is so so and nothing special. The service is also not very good. It costs us around $420 for around 7 adults. Overall, I feel not really worth.

Hai Tien Lou

Today I went to Hai Tien Lou for dinner at the top of Pan Pacific Hotel. It is not too crowded and I have my seat near a window overlooking the Sheares bridge. The ambience is nice and quiet. The food is very nice but small portion and not to mention expensive. Overall, per person cost around $150. But I feel it is quite worth for the feel, taste and services.

Penang

I just back from Penang trip. Actually it is not really something I plan. My friend who is working in Penang asked me to join him for the weekend. Seeing him quite pitiful, I decided to pay him a visit. I use my Krisflyer points and change for a SIA air ticket.

When I reached there, it is about 5.30pm. After putting down my bag in the room, my friend and I walked to nearby hawker street to settle our dinner.

We had a few dishes and one of them is the infamous Penang Laksa.




One bad thing about Penang is the transportation. No trains and buses are quite unrealiable. So you have to rely on taxi which dun run on meters. Within the George Town city is usually around RM$20 or less. The next day we went to some shopping malls as it rains quite a lot as May is the rainy season. One of the latest shopping mall built is VivoCity alike Queensway Mall which is at the seaside. From there you can see Penang bridge.

During the 3 days stay, I watched two movies. One is TMNT and another is Spider-man 3. Ticket is at RM$10 which is quite cheap. Before I left for Singapore, I went to a local old brand call Ghee Hiang for the very good biscuit.

Spider-Man 3

I just watched this. Although it is around 2 hours 10 mins, I feel it is 3 hours long. Hee.. Because the movie wants to develop the characters, so there are some slow parts which a lot of ppl might feel it is needed. Any way, the fighting parts made it up. I quite like the ending. Overall, not bad. But even if it sucks, ppl will still go watch cos it is spider-man.

TMNT

Just watched this show. I got nothing to watch so end up watching this. Surprisingly, it is not as bad as I think. Haha. The plot is very cartoon but the drawing I feel not bad. The action is fast and movie flows quick. Overall, can watch lah.

Polar Puffs

Today I have a voucher expiring. It is a $5 voucher from Citibank for Polar Puffs. I rush to Jurong point outlet to get the egg tarts. 6 for $6.20. After the $5 off, only $1.20. Not bad. But bad thing is that the staff there quite unfriendly. Give me a smelly face. Dunno who scold her.

COE analysis April 2nd round

This round COE up again. Cat A up $601 to $14,601. Cat B up $1,100 to $15,989. It is interesting to see how far the COE can climb. Next round is a three week break, maybe it will make the COE price goes higher. Not to mention share market up a lot lately. But I still stick to my view, it will be down soon.

Boon Tong Kee

Today I went to Boon Tong Kee for my dinner at Bukit Timah. This is the first time I tried their food. We had steamed eggs with crabs (fantastic!), fried toufu, fish, vegetables and their famous chicken. I must say their food is very nice!! The chicken is very tender and smooth!! 5 of us ate $71. Really worth it!!

Qing Ming Festival

Today I went to "sao mu". There are 3 places I need to go. The first one is Mandai Crematorium. At first I though it will be very packed! Surprising, there is not much traffic. Maybe we are early and also a lot of people I believe have gone last week. Then, the next stop is Mount Vernon Columbarium. Again, less traffic than expected. The final stop is Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. The weather is really very hot! After the praying, we went to NTU for lunch which is nearby. Hehe...

Sunshine

I just came back watching this movie. I feel that Michelle Yeoh has aged a lot in this show! Any way, the story plot is nothing much. Very similar to Armageddon + Deep Impact + Event Horizon. A group of experts are sent to outer space with bombs to save mankind. The special effect I feel quite nice. Story flow quite ok with a few exciting parts. But that ending is rather stupid. So overall, ok lah. Can watch if got nothing on.

COE analysis April 1st round

This round COE up again. Cat A up $496 to $14,000 and Cat B up $237 to $14,889. It can be seen that the increase now become lesser and very carefully not to breach the $15k barrier. I feel that now dealers want to stablise the COE price cos too much changes is not healthy for their sales. So I guess they want buyers to get used to $15k region COE. So my guess is next round if increase it should be a few hundreds cos COE quota dropped. So next two rounds are important to reflect the actual demand for car sales when new quota kicks in.

Ducky

Today I went out for dinner. My family and I went to a shop that sell duck meat opposite Beauty World shopping mall. We ordered a few dishes that include fish, meat and vegetables. But all the portion not big and the fish they forget to serve. So end up the whole dinner only cost us $33 for 5 people. I feel the food quite ok lah. Not too bad.

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant

Today 2 students from Germany in my work place treat us lunch as they are leaving Singapore and back to Germany. We ate at Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant in Vivo City. Food wise I feel nothing much. We had pork knuckle, sausages and some potato. Very German. But since it is free, I got nothing to complain about. Haha!

Hong Kong

I just came back from Hong Kong. This place is quite a nice place! It is very similar to Singapore except the people there speak canto and weather is a bit cooler. However, things are not cheap there. A normal meal will set you off about HK$50 which is about S$10 and mind you this is only a normal cafe which is something like our coffee shop. The daily goods are not cheap either. The cheapest milk I can find in the supermarket is about HK$13 (S$2.60). In Singapore, you can get less than S$2 for a packet of fresh milk. So overall, their standard of living I feel is much higher.

So far I am quite impressed by their people. Over there, they have a higher level of civic mindedness. They will auto stand on one side on the escalator. Looks like Singapore still has a long way to go. Their crowd control is also very good. You dun really feel squeeze in train or on the street even though they have a bigger population. Their public transport is also really world class unlike Singapore. But their service is about the same as Singapore. I did not see any out of this world service in the retail area unlike Japan. But overall, they are still quite good. I think I will go there again soon to shop.

COE analysis March 2nd round

This time round COE continue to rise. Cat A up $902 to $13,504 and Cat B up $1,150 to $14,652. This is within expectation as last round still got many people did not get their bids. Many industry watchers feel that COE premium will rise to about $16,000 to $18,000 as due two lower COE quota in the coming months. My personal take is not easy to reach this level as now currently buyers are first timer. This explains the lower deregistration of old cars. First timers usually are youngsters and more careful. So a $3k-$4k increase will put people off. So I feel that the more reasonable level is $15k.

300

Just came back watching this show. It is killing, killing and more killing. A bit gory but still quite ok. Heh heh. All the way fighting. The special effects wise a bit more towards comic style. I just wondering are the nude scenes necessary? Any way, I feel the show is quite nicely done.

Singtel

Today I went to Singtel Hello shop to change a plan. I found out it closes at 9pm. So I reached around 8.50pm hoping I will the one of the last customers. But I am so wrong! The queue at the counter is so long!! At least another 10 people in front of me. It is so gross!!!! I cannot imagine when our population swell to 6.5M!!!

IT show 2007

I just came back from IT show at Suntec. The crowd is insane! There are crowds everywhere! From Citi-link to the overhead bridge to Suntec to escalator up to 4th level in Suntec. It is crazy! I wonder what happen when our population swell to 6.5M! Any way, my main purpose to get a SD card as my 1G card goes crazy as well. How price has fallen! About 3 month ago, I got my 1G san disk SD card for $31.50. Now it costs me $40 to get a 2G one with a free movie ticket thrown in. Cheap like dirt!!

COE analysis March 1st round

This round COE rises sharply as expected. Cat A up to $12,602 and Cat B to $13,502. This is due to the previous ultra low COE price. As usually Singaporeans are like that, if something is cheap, they will rush in. As demands are there, the next 2 rounds or so will see the COE stablise or rise a bit.

House warming

Today I went to my uncle house for house warming party. Though his house is not difficult to find, the parking is a killer. The road is narrow and lack of parking places. Lucky I went there early and manage to snatch a spot. He invited people to perform a lion dance and we had buffet for dinner. The surprising part is everyone went home before 8.30pm. Boring.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Today I got my items I bought online. It is a a pair of sneakers by Salvatore Ferragamo. Actually due to my previous experience with RLX, I am quite worried that my money goes down the drain again. But surprising the size fits me very well and material use quite good. Everything is so nice! Really. Those made in Italy stuff really worth the money.

Spring to riverside

Today my sister gave us a treat at Wah Lok Restaurant at Carlton Hotel. We ordered a dunno how many dish package. During the 2nd dish, my sister is sharp enough to spot that it is not meant for our table. After a slight commotion, the issue is settled and our correct dishes are served.

Then, we walked over to the once a year event, Spring to the Riverside at Marina. This year a bit different is that it is located in a middle of nowhere and not beside the usual Singapore river. I took a lot of photos and guess what? My SD card suddenly goes crazy and all things in it are gone!! @#$%& Sob!!! Any way, overall I feel like less thing compared to last year and more like a funfair to me.

A'famosa

I just came back from my Chinese New Year holiday. This year I went to Malacca. I stayed at A'famosa resort. The resort is quite big but the interest spots are all too far away and not within walking distance. In addition, we spent quite a lot of time on the road. So basically no need to do things. The villa we stayed is quite ok. The only good thing is the fireworks we had in another place. This is the first time I have fireworks up close and personal. Overall, this trip is o minus the travelling part.

RLX

I just received my item I bought online. I eagerly opened up the package and first reaction is disappointed. The material to the casing to the quality are screaming "LOW CLASS"! So much for a branded goods! I am really not satisfied with the item. High class price but low class material. Overall, this makes me steer this brand from now on. But what to do? Online shopping has this type of risk.

COE analysis February 2nd round

This round COE changed crazily! Cat A down $6,289 to give $5,200 and Cat B slides $6,150 to give S$6,002. Insiders expressed shocked. Many feel that maybe it is due to the short duration from the last bidding and also lately of chinese new year. Many has no time to buy cars. Some dealers even feel that due to the rising property, people invested their money into housing instead. One also explained that some does not know the date of the new bidding. Whatever the case is, it dropped to $5k region which I always feel it will hit. Finally, it has arrived, But dun be too happy cos it will not for long. I think many people will rush in and COE price will rebound and up above $10k as dealers loses too much money this round. Haha!

Branded goods

Lately I went online to shop for some branded goods. I found that some designs are really nice and usually cheaper (according to my friend) than those sold in Singapore stores if there happened to be on sale. Well, I seldom venture into those high end stores in Singapore. So online stores give me a chance to browse through these goods with least effort. But the risk is maybe size not suitable or colour not as nice as you see on the website. Well, you win some, you lose some. Haha!

COE analysis February 1st round

This round COE has no much of a changes. Cat A is $11,489 and Cat B is $12,152. Unless something happen, I think COE price should be quite steady.

Cold

Recently, I feel that the weather in Singapore is very chilling! My room temperature is always around 26 degrees C. Even in the day, I dun feel warm under the sun. I wonder is this normal as now is already February. But my brother said it is like that when we were young (I dun recall) and now it is just "back to normal". Any way, not only me, many of my friends also felt the weather is a bit nuts. However, the good news is I can bring out all my long sleeves t-shirt (which I have not touch in years) to wear!!!

Pan's Labyrinth

Just came back watching the Spanish show Pan's Labyrinth. It is a dark children fantasy show set in 1944 Spain. The story actually quite dark and a bit suppressed. Got a few gory scenes. Overall, I feel the special effects and acting quite good. The ending leaves you thinking is it real or fake.

Online shopping

Lately I am crazy over online shopping partly because there are so many nice things cannot be found in Singapore! Currently, me using vpost for things that cannot ship to Singapore. So I can shop whenever I like. Haha! But downside is certain things look good on the web but the actual thing does not look that nice! Heh heh. So I try not to buy expensive things just in case I regret liao not so heartache. Ho ho!!

COE analysis January 2nd round

This round COE has few surprises. Cat A up $177 to $11,881. Cat B down $1,001 to $12,000. Currently, there are no really impactful force to make the premium go either way. But it might edge upwards in March or so due to bullish market, upping GST and a lower COE quota. So from now till March, I feel COE should more or less float within the $10k to $13k region.

Good service

Today I went to the Jurong East branch OCBC bank. I found that the staffs there are very good! Polite, helpful and cheerful! Unlike most of the banks I went to, the staffs at JE are terrific! It really make banking nice experience.

Farewell

My friend is leaving for USA this week to work. His boss who is my previous department head decided to give him treat. So lucky that I was invited too. Haha! We went to Tung Lok Restaurant at Arena country club. It is a a la carte buffet. Per person about $35++. The food is quite good and service not bad as not many people. Haha! I hereby wish my friend a good trip and hope to visit him there one of these days!

COE analysis January 1st round

This round COE saw a rise in premium. The low COE did sapark a bit of demand as car dealers slashed price off for the past 2 weeks. Cat A jumped back above $10k to $11,704 which up $2,099. Cat B is more stable which rises only $112 to $13,001. So will the car price rise some more like recent shares price? Chances might be so as economy doing well and a lot of people getting fat bonuses!

Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant

Today I went to Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant for dinner. As from the name, it is located inside Night Safari. It is a buffet style where the east meet the west. You get either Japanese miso soup or cream of vegetable. Rice or spaghetti etc.. But overall, the food is more towards local. It is $35+++ per person. Actually I feel it sells the ambience. Food wise nothing to shout about. The service so far ok only. The staffs mostly look grumpy. So I think go there is more for experience sake.

Spring clean

Over the long weekend, I have spent my time useful on cleaning my room. I have cleared out a lot of junks hidden in some corners. Guess what? I found out I bought a lot of things I dun even know! This is the sign of any how spent money. Now I know, I will make full use of them. Now my room looks much cleaner and spacious!

Happy New Year

Time flies! Today is first day of the new year! Happy 2007!!