CFA Panic!

Firstly, would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and the help to help me prepare for this super tough exams. 4 more solid days of preparing before the actual day on 3rd of Dec, Sunday.

Wish me luck!

Secretaries Galore

Chanced upon this quote from the old British sitcom "Yes, Minister". Certainly very apt and funny for someone working in the civil service.

Sir Humphrey (the Permanent Secretary) briefs Hacker (the Minister) on the Department's workings:

'I am the Permanent Under-Secretary of State, known as the Permanent Secretary. Woolley here is your Principal Private Secretary; I too have a Principal Private Secretary and he is the Principal Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary. Directly responsible to me are 10 Deputy Secretaries, 87 Under Secretaries and 219 Assistant Secretaries. Directly responsible to the Principal Private Secretaries are plain Private Secretaries, and the Prime Minister will be appointing two Parliamentary Under-Secretaries and you will be appointing your own Parliamentary Private Secretary.'

'Can they all type?' joshes Hacker.

'None of us can type, Minister,' Humphrey responds, 'Mrs. Mackay types; She's the secretary.'

'Pity, we could have opened an agency,' Hacker quips.

'Very droll, Sir,' replies Humphrey.

'I suppose they all say that, do they?' Hacker asks.

'Certainly not Minister. Not quite all..." answers Humphrey.

It's Not Over yet!

Woke up at 4am this morning to catch the game of the century, No 1 Ohio State vs No 2 Michigan. Manage only to obtain the streaming at about 1am and thus only slept for a short while before waking up to watch the game.

The game started off explosively with both sides scoring touchdowns on their first drive. Then it was advantage to Ohio State. Their offensive were awesome and the Wolverines were no match for them. The half ended 21-14 with the Buckeyes holding the advantage.

The second half was an even match and Michigan were close to tying the game till a controversial personal foul gave Ohio State a first down when they were 3rd and long. Michigan's fate was sealed when the on-side kick were received by Ohio State and they ran the clock down.

So much emotion was in this game and even though Michigan lost, it's not the end of the story. The Bowl Championship game is now between the Buckeyes against ???. The three teams in contention are Michigan, USC and Notre Dame. USC and Notre Dame will face each other next week and USC has the advantage in that game. If Notre Dame were to win, then Michigan should qualify for the Finals as they trashed them 47-21 earlier in the season. If USC wins, then it is all open to contention.

Nevertheless, the Wolverines are assured of at least a BCS Bowl (most likely the Rose Bowl) and it's already a huge improvement from last season's 7-5. Within the next 2 weeks, we will know the schedule for the games on New Year's Day.

Go Blues!

The Greatest Match ever!

For curious friends who have noticed about my new MSN nick, here's a short explanation.

This saturday will see one of the biggest sporting rivalry in US that has lasted for more than 100 years. It is the football game between Ohio State University (Buckeyes) and University of Michigan (Wolverines). This match is always the last game of the season in the regular season and the games have always been riveting and guarantee to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Let me start with some basic explanation of college football. In America, universities compete in their own regional divisions before competing nationally for the overall championship. The mid-western universities compete in the Big Ten Championship and there are numerous college championship as well such as Pac-10, Big 12, ACC, SEC, etc. The No 1 team in the country will play the No 2 team for the overall champion in Jan. This year, both No 1 (Ohio State) and No 2 (Michigan) are from the Big Ten Division and the match this saturday will determine who goes to the overall championship (Rose Bowl this year).

Being a wolverine, I really hope that Michigan can pull off an upset and finished 12-0 for the entire season. However, the game will be played in Ohio State and Michigan usually do not play well there. I am optimistic that even if Michigan lose this game, we would still be eligible for the overall Championship. Thus a repeat of the same match this saturday could take place in Jan in the Rose Bowl.

Go Blues!

Two years on...

Ok, today is the 2nd anniversary of my humble Nissan Sunny.

Still remember the day when I got it and we got lost at Tampines and took us like 2 hours before we reached home. Time really flies fast. This trusty car has gotten me to many places and here's to many more years to come!

Visiting the Istana

Had the chance to visit the Istana for the first time in my life. No, it's not for a leisure visit but to help up in an event that my Ministry was organising.

My job was simple, to identify the vehicles coming in and to inform the organisers of the big shots coming in. It was an interesting view of the rich and the famous, all of them coming in their posh vehicles. The food served was wonderful and a true reflection of our nation's heritage. We took turns to try out the different hawker food and took note of the various hawkers that were called up to cook for the event.

Also met a previous officer from my NS unit. She is currently a ADC to the president. Very impressive.

Will post some photos when I have the chance.

Quiet Week

This week have been a quiet week compared to the previous week when I was rushing like crazy to finish my trip report and catching up on my work. Another factor of being a quiet week was that the big boss was not around. Well, the new week is starting once again and I forsee the calm before the storm...

Getting Sick more and more often

My sick frequency used to be once every 4 to 5 months. Last got sick in Aug and am sick again....something is seriously wrong with me! Need to do something...any suggestions?

Zero Sugar Coke

Good news to all Coke fans, I have found the solution to all you coke drinkers without worrying about your health. Meet Zero Sugar Coke!

I got this drink in Australia and I must say it taste quite good. Fortunately or unfortunately it still contain some sweetners in it but unlike those in diet coke.

I am sure people are hoping for this to be brought to Singapore. I know some people who are.

Updated on 26th Dec:
Heard that 7-11 is bringing it into Singapore. More Coke pls :-)

Scare of flying?

Whenever I am in a plane that is ascending or descending, I will always remember a British Midlands advertisement I saw when I was in UK. It said whenever you feel pressure building up in your ears, squeeze your nose, swallow and think of Des Lynam. Des Lynam is one of UK's most popular football pundit and until recently was the host of the housewives' favourite "Countdown".

Somehow, the soothing image of Des Lynam always work for me as well :-). Hope it helps someone.