Fresh off the Net

BUSINESS News

Hong Leong Finance gets nod to expand into banking business

SINGAPORE: Hong Leong Finance has received approval from the Monetary Authority to expand its lending business.

From Thursday, the firm can underwrite and sell shares for companies which are listed, or which intend to be listed, on the Singapore Exchange.

It can also act as an agent for insurance policies covering general, long-term accident, and health policies governed by the Insurance Act.

Hong Leong can also sell life insurance policies governed by the Financial Advisers Act and offer foreign currency trading services.

The latest move effectively gives Hong Leong Finance a banking licence.

The company said it will continue to focus on the funding needs of small and medium enterprises in Singapore as well as heartlander consumers.

With the increase in services, it will be able to help SMEs in their regional expansion and listing plans. - CNA /dt

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Trade ministers of Singapore, India stress mutual benefits from pact
By Channel NewsAsia's India Correspondent Vaibhav Varma

NEW DELHI : It took more than two years to work out the fine print, but Singapore and India have both come out winners.

This is the assessment of trade ministers of the two countries, who say the newly-inked comprehensive economic pact holds tremendous potential for both countries.

Trade and economic ties have been the highlight of Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's three-day visit to New Delhi.

The comprehensive economic agreement signed between leaders of the two countries opens up India's banking sector, cuts duties on more than 6,000 exports from Singapore and does away with double taxation.

Singapore's Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang and his Indian counterpart Kamal Nath said the landmark economic pact would not only give bilateral trade an immediate boost, but also generate long-term benefits.

Mr Lim said: "We would like to attract Indian companies to use Singapore not only as a place to do business but also a base for their forays into the rest of Southeast Asia and East Asia.

"So in that sense, we see the relationship as mutually beneficial and offering tremendous opportunties for both sides."

Mr Kamal Nath, Commerce and Industry Minister of India, said: "This is, we believe, an agreement, a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement which is a win-win for both countries.

"Singapore for India is a gateway for the Asean countries. Singapore is a very important international financial centre and now over the last few years, it has become a very important investment hub for investment flows, most of all to the Asian countries."

Mutually beneficial economic opportunities and synergies are the crux of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

The pact marks the beginning of a new chapter towards turning the 21st century into an Asian one. - CNA/de

Source: channelnewsasia.com

All in a Day's Work

Went back to SRJC with Jian Ming. I submitted my group's proposal to Mrs Kok, which was given the go ahead. Whee! We searched high and low for Miss Karen Ong, but couldn't seem to locate her. Oh well...

On a side note, the Drinks stall at the canteen now sells dessert. I tried the Ice Kachang, which wasn't too bad, but the ice was not finely shaved, creating a very 'rough' finish to the dessert. The new cafe beside Lecture Theatre 5 also sells reasonably priced food: More expensive than the canteen, no doubt, but drinks here cost at least half that of a cafe at Heartland Mall.

After the short visit ("Hui2 jia1 xiang1", or return to one's hometown, in Mr Philip Tan's own words), I made my way to Choa Chu Kang for my next appointment with my former campmates, including He-Who-Insisted-On-Not-Being-Named-On-My-Blog.

As I was early, I popped by World of JJ, and noticed, for the first time, that they were selling Magic:the Gathering (R) common cards for 10 cents apiece, which makes it cheaper than if I were to get it at Yishun. Hurrah! I might be going down to the Bishan branch to take a look once renovation works in the area is done.

Okay, so on to the Movie. Screening today was Initial D, which I must admit is not a very good movie. The over-emphasis on the racing scenes (There were at least four rather long racing scenes!) leaves a very much diluted storyline.

" As they are Hong Kongers adapting one of Japan's most successful comic series, there is even greater pressure on Mak and fellow director Andrew Lau. Since its launch in 1995, Initial D has sold more than 39 million copies, spawned 39 episodes of anime (Japanese animation), 23 novels and even a PS2 game. " Source: Channel Newsasia

Theme / Relevance 16%
Content / Storyline 10% (The plot was dampened by the races)
Acting / Cast 17% (There's Jay Chou, so...)
Sound / Special Effects 10% (Too much screeching of car tyres and vomiting)
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 13%

Salvation comes in the form of the letter 'Jay': 66%

A Penny for Your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth

On my Wishlist:

Fujitsu LifeBook T4010

Primary Specifications
Intel(R) Centrino(R) Mobile Technology
Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 725 (1.6 GHz, 2MB Cache, 400 Mhz FSB
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG - 802.11b/g with Dual Antenna
12.1" XGA TFT "Wide Viewing Angle"
512MB DDR333 MHz, max 2GB (Optional Upgrade to 1GB)
60GB Hard Disk space (Upgradable to 80GB)
<2kg
(Optional Upgrade to Fujitsu DVD Super Multi Drive [DVD+-R/RW/RAM])

Fujitsu Deckpower P300

Primary Specifications

Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology (3Ghz, 800Mhz FSB, 1MB L2 cache)
256MB DDR 400 MHz, max 2GB
80GB SATA HDD
DVD & CD-RW Combo Drive
Integrated Graphics (32MB VRAM on board)
Integrated Audio & 100/10Mbps LAN

Ahem, so anybody interested in sponsoring me a piece? Many thanks in advance!

Cheers!

All in a Day's Work

Was at SAFRA Mount Faber yesterday with Yao Shun, when after coming out of the arcade, we saw several ladies smiling sheepishly at us. It was only at the pool did Yao Shun ask me, "You don't watch TV, do you?"

Apparently, one of the fine ladies was Channel U's Jamie Teo. Ho ho... Well, it also seems that media-shy stars(What an irony!) usually opt for office-hours on weekdays (ulu timeslots which won't see them swamped by fanatical goggle-box teenagers or 'sign on here, there, anywhere' aunties) to go shopping/ out with friends.

All in a Day's Work

Went to Yishun SAFRA to bowl, along with Jian Ming, Darryl, Zi Rong (Who was very late as usual... :P) and Loren (who was, surprisingly, able to turn up). For the record, we played one round almost like pros, all scoring a minimum of 100 pinfalls, with numberous strikes and spares going around. :)

Dinner was at Paddy's Fish Cafe (at North Point). Crumbled Fish and calamari with potato wedges was in the order. At 6 bucks (including a salad), I reckon going Western is a worthwhile option at food courts. In comparison, a simple meal of mini-wok seafood soup can set you back more than five bucks.

All in a Day's Work

Finally found time to return to Gedong to Collect my IC. My last signature (on my clearance form) was this QM guy who was on MA (Medical Appointment) last Thursday as well as today. He was supposed to return back to camp after his MA (I was waiting at the Logistics Branch, waiting to pounce upon him... :P). In the end, I got his boss to sign it. Oh well...

There's a new Chief Clerk (who seems rather nice) and a new S3, whom I heard will be getting his crab soon.

All that waiting in vain, which was why I was late for my appointment with Loren and Jian Ming at SAFRA Mount Faber. Apparently, the medics at Nee Soon Camp also chose the same day (and time) to host some function (CoC or something) at SAFRA Mount Faber.

After a dip at the pool, we headed for the famous (according to Loren and Jian Ming anyway) Laksa stall next to CMPB. As luck might have it, the whole row of shops had closed down; the housing blocks probably slated for demolition. Instead, we went to Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre, where I tried the Yee Mian (which wasn't too bad) and Soya Beancurd with Ginko Nuts (which didn't quite complement each other, one being too sweet and the other, too bitter).

A Penny For Your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth

A panel of food tasters, comprising a food critic, two food correspondents and an ex-NCC (National Cadet Corps) member came together to sample several dishes on the Singapore Association of Foodies' (Okay, not quite so) outfield menu. Their Verdict (including selected comments)?

Peranakan Style Chicken Dumpling [3/5]
GS: 'This tastes like glutinous rice so that's good. It's not too wet or dry...'
[Ed: I have tried the Dumpling Rice, and it does taste like one. However, keeping in mind outfield conditions, it is also relatively dry and somewhat oily.]

Mutton Beriani Rice [2/5]
KH: 'It's way too gooey. Is this mutton? I thought I pulled out a piece of chiecken skin.'
[Ed: As a guideline, the pastas usually taste better than their rice counterparts. My guess is that the secret lies within the seasoning. Chicken skin? :)]

Bubur Terigu with Corn [4/5]
GS: 'This tastes as good as the desserts you'll get in the food courts.'
[Ed: I had the opportunity to try out this dish even before entering the army. Is the soldier's morale booster (apart from the Cadbury and what nots) out in the jungle. Sweet but not too thick, it quenches one's thirst and fills one's stomach. Best served chilled. :P]

Pasta with Shredded Chicken [1/5]
PL: '... I can't tell it's pasta and there's not much taste to speak of.'
[Ed: I'm surprised at the strong disapproval at a Pasta dish. SFI, take note!]

Peanut with Lotus Root [3/5]
GS: '...It tastes like sugar water.'
[Ed: Sweet relief for the soldier outfield, though it is quite starchy and too thick to make it an effective thirst quencher.]

Japanese Curry Noodles with Chicken [4/5]
AY: '... This could be good enough for airline food...'
[Ed: Have not tried the dish before, but it seems that the food critics are tossing favourable comments about the curry (That it tastes LIKE curry).]

During my outfield days, I would selectively pack the rations that will help boost my morale (Meals that are tasty, that is). During BMT, it was the pasta dishes (Pasta with ham and cheese, Pasta bolognese and Satay Chicken Pasta, in that order. Satay Chicken Pasta tasted exceptionally good when heated.). Later on, it was down to the drink sachets, the desserts only, and a single packet of Khong Guan biscuits for sustenance.

(Source: The Straits Times, 19 June 2005)

All All in a Day's Work

ORD loh.

After two years and four months (After the two month reduction), I have finally ORDed. The feeling and mood of an ORD personnel is simply not present, since I was on leave and off for much of the past three months. And to top it up, ORD is not the end of emancipation from the Force. The true celebration should come in a decade's time, when I ROD.

Which is why I didn't go back to camp to collect my IC. Yet. Was actually out at Redhill with Yao Shun, for a day of Rest and Relaxation at the SAFRA Mount Faber.


























Yes, the map was deceptive. It certainly wasn't just one bus stop between the Bukit Merah Swimming Complex and SAFRA Mount Faber. After an initial fluster and three bus stops later, we were forced to seek shelter when the gloomy sky decided to pour upon us. It turned out to be passing showers, so we proceeded on to our destination.

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SAFRA Mount Faber is the latest addition to the (currently five-strong) SAFRA club family. One let down is the absence of a sauna, which can only be found at the Tampines branch. According to the website, "leisure swimmers may opt for the free-form pools at ... [SAFRA Mount Faber]... Surrounded by pleasing foliage, it is the ideal place for a relaxing swim, or a laze by the poolside." Having rushed down from home, I had forgotten to bring along my pair of goggles, and decided to buy one from the club's sports shop. The cheapest model, a $8.90 pair, was so poorly manufactured that it snapped upon wearing. So I topped up another eight bucks and got myself a more decent pair. So much for the 'cheap and good' mantra. Anyway, we spent a couple of hours lazing in the metre-deep pool. The natural look and feel of the clubhouse and its surrounding landscape makes it a good place to go for a relaxing experience.

After the dip at the pool, we went down to Sunshine Plaza for dinner. We had the wanton noodle set ($3), which came with a generous serving of wantons (I had four crispy and two non-crispy wantons). A must-try for all food enthusiasts. [82%]

Next up on our gastronomical tour was Bugis Junction Hawker Centre (Near Bugis Junction and Fu Lu Shou Complex) to try out the Lala (Shells). At four buckeroos for an overflowing plate of shells (It's spicy too, just so that you're mentally prepared!), we certainly got a bang for the buck. The 'fishy' taste that usually comes with seafood was also pleasantly absent, which made the dish all the more delicious. [80%]

After dinner, we went to the Harvey Norman outlet at SUNTEC City. Yao Shun finally made up his mind to get a new Personal Computer to replace his 266MHz one. I'm still contemplating if I should get one myself. There is always the urge to adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach to everything IT, as the mentality that prices will fall in future offsets the desire to purchase a spanking new, top-of-the-range gadget at a premium price. Oh well...

All in a Day's Work

Made a trip back to Gedong after lunch, bringing with me CHEESECAKE as bribe for the starving(but they get FREE food!), underworked, overpaid (Whoops, heh, shouldn't it be 'underpaid, overworked'? :P) inmates. After hiching a ride to the bus stop on my Senior Medic's Mazda, I was horrified to board an overflowing bus, literally a can of sardines on wheels! Thursday and Nights off day for some at Gedong. No wonder!

Anyway, the Golden Bamboo Minimart at Serangoon Central is no more! Over the past week, industry big gun NTUC Fairprice renovated the place, in preparation for the big day (which was today). After browsing through the shop, I noticed several things:

1) They do not stock up on the twin pack soya milk (only Hi-Lo milk came in twin packs).

2) The queue system was not good. With the exception of counters 1 and 2 (which were built over the former cashier spots at the now defunct Golden Bamboo outlet), the rest of the counters did not have an orderly queue system, which led to many a shove. And there was a mighty long queue inside the cramped confines of the cash-out area (A problem with its predecessor as well), while the two cashiers outside the shop hardly had any customers.

3) Golden Bamboo sent their warmest regards on Fairprice's opening in the form of two garlands. So, no hard feelings about being booted from the prime spot then? *Conspiracy Theory: Were there sweeteners handed out to Golden Bamboo in return for giving up the location to Fairprice? And why did they have to fight over the same location? Was it to compete directly with rival G'Value (which has an outlet nearby)?

4) The Fairprice outlet has a more 'spacious' feel, and the aisle are actually wider (to allow trolleys to be pushed around.

5) Oh, and they didn't have any feedback forms ready for (insert:unhappy, angry, frustrated, dissatisfied) customers. Boo!

*Disclaimer: Of course, these are just opinions based on the author's imagination, and not entirely on facts.

All in a Day's Work

Spent the day (as well as yesterday at SRJC-Heartland Mall) with the AWesome WAymakers. We went down to AWWA to finalize some details, then proceeded to the YMCA Building for the lesson on Financial Management. Chatted up two past year winners, Ian and Malcom, as well as some of the participants. I guess we learned much from the sharing session.

Thankfully the session was not packed with participants... Heh... which meant there were more refreshments for us (And they egg sandwiches were rather nice... :P)

Fresh Off the 'Net

2.8390715290765, 1.4080820618134, 0.15425144988758, 2.6669380616523, 2.9649660284921, 1.9524129804152, 3.6333192030863, 2.110387243839

Congratulations Swee Shoon, you are...

Scarlett Ting of joewei.blogspot.com

You are independent, smart and beautiful. Its too bad you don't see that yourself because life's little difficulties brought down a lot of your self confidence. As a result, you talk cryptic and you don't trust people easily. You care a lot for your friends and your loved ones, sometimes even more than you care for yourself, although they don't always seem to appreciate it. Don't let that affect you. As the saying goes, you don't miss the water till the well runs dry. So hang in there, you're a star in the making.

Which Singaporean Blogger Are You?

All in a Day's Work

Over lunch at Funan the IT Mall with Yao Shun, I chanced upon a surprising find. Within a five minute period, I spotted eight Uniformed Army Personnel (UAP) lingering around the mall and food court. And they were, naturally, commander level. In fact, I was taken aback when I first realized that there were so many UAPs in the Mall.

"Is this Funan City Camp?" I even asked aloud.

To which, Yao Shun told me that there were even more (UAPs) over at the other side of the Food Court.

We then trotted down to Bras Basah to take a look at the cheap novels and assessment books there. I managed to unravel three old issues of INQUEST at Knowledge Book Store, which were going for fifty cents a pop. Cheap! There's also a corner shop (I can't remember which one) which sells novels at a clearance price of one buck. Yes, uno shiny buckeroo! Heh, which was why I bought fifteen myself (Haha, Yup, you've heard it right). :P

After I was done with my shopping spree, Yao Shun spoke of 'LaLa' (Shells) at Bugis Hawker Centre, which we HAD to try, so off we went, stopping by Shaw Tower to try out the much talked-about Rotiboy bun, which turned out to be less 'coffee-y' than I had anticipated, but with the crispy yet melts-in-your-mouth texture that I expected.

It turned out that the stall at the Hawker Centre was closed, so we decided to dine at V8 Movie Cafe instead. The ambience there is rather soft, but the more homely environment also makes it a noise trap. With mains going for just under ten bucks, I might dine there again in future. I'd just have to bear with the uninteresting(considering the fact that it wasn't a blockbuster in any sense) silent(probably the noisy environment has to take a share of the blame as well?) movies that will be aired.


Fresh Off the 'Net

Click here to see my piggy!


You drew the pig:

Toward the top of the paper, you are positive and optimistic.
Toward the middle, you are a realist.
Toward the bottom, you are pessimistic, and have a tendency to behave negatively.

Facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.)
Facing right, you are innovative and active, but don't have a strong sense of family, nor do you remember dates
Facing front, you are direct, enjoy playing devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussions.

With many details, you are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
With few details, you are emotional and naive, they care little for details and are a risk-taker.

With less than 4 legs, they are insecure or are living through a period of major change.
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals.

The password for the Main Gallery and Top Oinkers Gallery is "oink"

All in a Day's Work

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Dinner at Pizza Hut

Our (mostly ORD-ed) group of 9 poured into Pizza Hut, sending the service crew flustering in all directions and scrambling to set our grand table. Heh. And the feast fit for a king? Two large pizzas - Hawaiian Supreme and Aloha (which, incidentally, isn't very generous on the toppings).

The gang wanted to proceed on to rampage Kbox, but at S$20+ per person, its high ransom demanded shunned the maurading horde.

Instead, we proceeded on to something more homely: Starbucks Coffee, where we got down to sampling two cheesecakes and muffins, fully paid for by the supper fund generously provided by Yock Song.

All in a Day's Work

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Met up with Huimin and Sharon at MacDonald's (Hougang Mall) to update Sharon as well as discuss the next step for our Youth for Causes project.

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Went down to Crown International at Harbour Front to get some samples before rushing to the YMCA for a meeting with our mentors.

The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy

A re-make of the '70s classic, The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, according to Yao Shun, comprises a cool five books. The pessimistic Marvin is what matters most to the show, from his lame (But oh-so-relevant) jokes to his apocalyptic comments. Marvin IS the show.

Theme / Relevance 14%
Content / Storyline 12%
Acting / Cast 16%
Sound / Special Effects 18%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 18%

Utter nonsense. But that's what makes it hilarious! Go catch it and see for yourself! 78%

All in a Day's Work

On the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship Interview

My first take at a scholarship interview (which I didn't manage quite so much to clinch, but was a thoroughly rewarding experience nevertheless) lasted the entire day. Initially a half-day group interview, it dragged on until the early evening.

There were 50 places this year, and 350 qualified applicants (Although there were some interviewees who professed that they did not apply for the scholarship at all).

We were separated into two groups and provided two different sets of questions each. Of course, all this is just play-acting, a mock-up. The real intention of the three interviewers (and two student-observers, who arrived later) was to gauge the participation level of each group, aggressiveness of each individual at driving home his point and ability to work as a team. The resulting 'presentation' was marked by hostile questions thrown at the two groups, irrelevant to the questions selected for presentation, such as why a question was chosen (We had to Choose one of two available questions to present).

Okay, so basically, the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship is SMU's most prestigous scholarship programme. To have been one of the 350 luck souls to be given the chance to vie for it? A priceless experience.

In summary,

Lee Kong Chian Scholars Programme

Funded by a grant from the Lee Foundation, the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship is available to outstanding local and foreign undergraduates studying full-time at the Singapore Management University.

Applicants for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars Programme must complete two degrees in four years. One of the degrees must be awarded by the Lee Kong Chian School of Business. The other degree can be from any one of the other three Schools in SMU.

Up to 50 Scholarships are awarded annually, each tenable for four years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Full-time SMU first year undergraduate student of any nationality.
• Outstanding academic results and SAT I score.
• Demonstrated leadership and communications skills.
• Substantial record of CCA and/or community service involvement.

Tenure and Benefits of the Scholarship Award

• The Scholarship covers tuition fees and a one-off grant for the purchase of a notebook computer (of up to $3,000), which the scholar may keep on successful completion of his/her studies.
• Scholars will receive an annual book allowance of $500.
• Scholars will participate in a funded International Student Exchange Programme with a partner university; a funded Overseas Study Mission; an International Community Service Project, a Global Issues Forum and special seminars.
• A Living Support allowance of up to $5,000 per year is available for Scholars who qualify for financial assistance.
• The Scholarship is tenable for four years.
• No bond is required under the terms of this Scholarship.

Tuition Grant Scheme

• Scholars are required to take advantage of the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) provided by the Singapore Government for subsidized education.
• Under the TGS, foreign scholars will be obligated to work in Singapore for a minimum period of three years upon graduation.

I did not make it past the first round (We were the last group to be interviewed, so they gave us a call later that evening to inform us if our attempt had gone through.), but the interview process has opened my mind and expectations of things to come.

It sure was a nerve-wrecking experience for someone like me who has never been to a scholarship interview, much less such a prestigous one, so I'm actually glad that such an opportunity even came my way.

All in a Day's Work

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YFC project

Our Youth-For-Causes Project Proposal was given the go-ahead, and a ceremony was held to officiate the transfer of the seed funding to the Non-Profit Organisations of the successful teams. Met up with our YMCA mentor, John Chin, as well as Erica from the American Association of Singapore, who will be mentoring our group as well.

Yock Song's Birthday

Due to an unfortunate last-minute activation, the turn-out crowd was smaller than anticipated. Met up with Dennis at Junction 8 before hitching a ride in Ban Xiong's maroon Toyota. Food was good, cake was delicious. A pity everyone left early.

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World Book Fair - The Business Week Saga Continues

Four things I am still unhappy about with Emit Asia:

1. Gifts are crap. Okay, relatively crap, as Righteous International provided me with three gifts and several magazines to take home (and hopefully subscribe to in future). That is what I call 'in the business of doing business'!
2. Pricing not flexible. They relented only after action has been done, when they could have taken pro-active measures beforehand, and before the damage was done.
3. The promised Christmas Bear Hamper is Three years overdue. And I'm still waiting (hopefully) for my gift long overdue!
4. All the above transport costs (Not including the absolute waste of time) borne by me, the customer.

Dharsh's Birthday

Was more than an hour late for the party (My apologies!) There was a nice spread of Indian crusine and refreshments, something I wouldn't get the opportunity to appreciate often.

Heh, and for the record, we share the same Birth Dates (Day, month, year... everything!).

All in a Day's Work

Lunch was at Loren's place. We whipped up a storm (Literally)... leaving the kitchen in a complete mess by the time everything was done.

Ahem, on the menu was Boneless Roast Chicken Drumstick (Loren), Omelette with Taiwanese sausage and Onions (Jian Ming and Zi Rong), and Sng (Count) with toufu.

It wasn't too bad for first time chefs like us, so we've organized another cooking session this coming Wednesday.

After lunch, I went down to the PC Show with Zi Rong. The Exhibition Hall wasn't very big, and with a quarter of the Hall set aside for food stores, it was even more squeezy.

We're eyeing the CD cleaner and repair solution ($28). He's eyeing the HP all-in-ones while I'll be placing one of those cool Korean Ultra-slim mini-CPUs on my wish-list. Oh, and the uber-cool Sony LCD too!

We adjourned to Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits at Changi Airport for dinner. A 2 piece chicken set meal (with a regular coke and 2 side dishes) was in the order. And yes, they do reruns of every spinach-lover's favourite cartoon super hero.

All in a Day's Work

World Book Fair Businessweek Saga

I recieved a call regarding my Businessweek subscription, in which I had complained of a discrepancy of nearly fifty dollars as compared to what I had paid previously. I brought proof down to them of my prior subscription price and the manager was speechless. Or at least she was not able to provide an encouraging answer, so I decided to go back to my original vendor, and after some deliberation with his boss, gave me the subscription rate at the promotional rate that was still on-going.

That was when the manager did an about-turn, and counter-offered me the same rate, which resulted in some friction between the two neighbouring firms. By default, the second company has to give in to the first one who signs up a subscriber, but heh... the final twist was about to be unleashed.

At the decisive moment, I told both parties that I would continue my subscription with BOTH firms, for a total of THREE (3) years each, with the current subscription terminating in 2006.

Looks like I'll be getting Businessweek until 2012. Someone exclaimed that I was their longest subscriber. Ever. :)

A Penny for your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth

No more bunks. Just rooms.
No more book-outs. Just check-outs.
No more regimentation. Just self discipline.
No more Company, Platoon, Section. Just Group, Company (As in the business sense) and Department.

And for the first time since enlistment, we (Yes, my dear 02/03 42nd PTP Enhanced Intake) can finally whisper... "ORD loh!"

All in a Day's Work

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Met up with Zi Rong and Loren at Ang Mo Kio's Jubilee to catch the movie Monster-in-Law. Okay, so I was the one who wanted to watch it (despite the majority favouring Madagascar (Reviewed: 80%). It's a Jennifer Lopez-Jane Fonda movie on bickering in-laws-to-be. It tugs at our heartstrings. If we are to take a step back, I believe many a times we have fallen into this endless spiral of meaningless plotting, hostility and hurt. The ending is particularly Cinderella-like. In other words, a fairy tale ending. Who doesn't want a fairy tale ending to a beautiful story?

Theme / Relevance 17%
Content / Storyline 17%
Acting / Cast 16%
Sound / Special Effects 14%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 17%

Tit-for-tat will not build a lasting marriage. Love your in-laws like you love your spouse. 81%

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Initial plan was to Hougang Swimming pool with Jian Ming and Loren to laze around, but thanks to an incredibly unpredictable weather, it was pouring by the time we reached Hougang station, so we decided to drop by Jian Ming's place to wait for the thunderstorm to be vanquished by a master elementalist. Okay, we were just waiting for the rain to stop. Loren wanted to watch the final episode of the Semi-Devils and Demi-Gods (Tian Long Ba Bu) there, but was engaged in a teeny experience sharing by Jian Ming's Dad, which lasted till the rain subsided.

We made our way to the Swimming Pool, which wasn't crowded at all, thanks to the prior downpour. While we were soaking in the dirty, chlorine-bleaching water, I saw Sharon, my SRJC Junior and SMU Senior (Heh...). Okay, actually, she was the one who saw me. Yep, that reminds me... Our proposal for the Youth-for-Causes project was accepted, so I'd be quite busy during the June-July period.

A Penny for your Thoughts? I'll give you my Two Cents Worth

"There are three things in Life, that once gone will never come back. Words, Opportunity and Time."

Which, incidentally reminds me of a story my dad told me when I was young.

My adaptation of the story:

A Man got into a heated argument with his pal, and in a spur of the moment, said something he didn't meant to. Something that truly hurt his pal - like a thousand blades pierced through his heart.

Feeling remorseful, he decided to visit the village elder, a man of unparalleled wisdom. The village elder told him to take a box of feathers, and one by one, lay them on the road, a feet apart. All the way from the man's house to his pal's one. Then he was to turn back and retrieve all the feathers.

"That should resolve your woes."

The man did as he was told. He laid the feathers on the road, a feet apart. All the way from his house to his pal's one. But when he reached the doorstep of his pal's home, he turned around, and was horrified to see that all the feathers he had painstakingly laid had been blown away by the wind. There was not one feather left. He quickly rushed down to see the village elder to report his observations.

To which, the reply was,

"Words are like feathers. You can say whatever you like, in any way that pleases you, but if you wish to retrieve anything you say, it has already been blown away with the wind."

At that moment, it dawned on the man that the wise man was right. If he valued his friendship, he wouldn't have used such remarks on his pal, for such hurtful remarks, once said, can never be taken back. Ever.

Story by Swee Shoon. Please reproduce only with author's knowledge. Thanks.