Thursday, February 22
Aftermath of the Budget
Today marks officially the beginning of the end. A total of 26 "cuts" for this year for our budget debate. A near 100% increase from last year. The next few days will be very painful. I shall not even think about it!
Thursday, February 15
Gotcha!
Been sifting the internet to find this famous headline in 1982 when Britain capture back the Falkland Islands.
Here it is:
Need I say more :-)
Here it is:
Need I say more :-)
Crunch Time
Ok, the budget has been announced. Crunch time for the rest of the civil service now. A hectic 4 days of getting questions and another week of busy preparing for replies. The year certainly fly past and soon the end of the road is near!
Onward march!
Onward march!
Happy Friendship Day and...
Happy Friendship Day to everyone. For those who have their special someone, Happy Valentine's Day!
Chinese New Year beckons!
Chinese New Year beckons!
Revival of Chinese Movies
Managed to watch 2 Chinese movies over the past weekends and I must say I am quite impressed. Most of the time, I do not bother going to the theatre to watch Chinese movies as they are shown on tele quite quickly normally after about a year.
Incidentally both movies I caught were in Cathay and starred Louis Koo.
The first was Happy Birthday. A romantic and touching movie about a couple who had an on-and-off relationship over the past 20 years. They became apart during their studies but somehow still manage to maintain a close relationship. The movie ended with a dramatic twist and I guarantee that it would make any girl weep (pls note :-))
The second movie was the Protege. A local production starring international stars such as Andy Lau, Daniel Wu and of course Louis Koo. The story revolves around a drug cartel fronted by Lau and him looking for a protege to look after his business. His protege actually turned out to be a police spy and he was determined to bring to an end the drug trade. Excellent movie overall!
Hmm...what the watch this weekend? Epic Movie anyone? hehe...
Incidentally both movies I caught were in Cathay and starred Louis Koo.
The first was Happy Birthday. A romantic and touching movie about a couple who had an on-and-off relationship over the past 20 years. They became apart during their studies but somehow still manage to maintain a close relationship. The movie ended with a dramatic twist and I guarantee that it would make any girl weep (pls note :-))
The second movie was the Protege. A local production starring international stars such as Andy Lau, Daniel Wu and of course Louis Koo. The story revolves around a drug cartel fronted by Lau and him looking for a protege to look after his business. His protege actually turned out to be a police spy and he was determined to bring to an end the drug trade. Excellent movie overall!
Hmm...what the watch this weekend? Epic Movie anyone? hehe...
Thursday, February 8
Superbowl 41
Took my customary leave on 5th of Feb to watch Superbowl 41. It's been a tradition for me to catch the Superbowl since I was indoctrinated to the sport of American Football during my one year stint in Michigan.
This year, the Superbowl featured the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. The Colts have been the team to beat over the last 5 years. With star quarterback Peyton Manning, Colts have arguably the best QB in the league but each and every year, they have been stopped by the Patriots (the team I support) during the play-offs. Chicago have been a lucky team thus far. Using a rookie quarterback, Rex Grossman, they depended much on their defence to do most of the work.
Had actually watched Grossman play way back in 2002 when he was the starting QB for Florida Gators. Michigan was facing the Gators for the Outback Bowl and we soundly thrashed them. Thus had never been impressed by him and was rather perplexed why Chicago did not field their experience QB, Brian Griese (another wolverine alumni).
The game started explosively with Chicago scoring with the opening kick-off. The Chicago defence dominated the first half and it was only because of Grossman's fumbles and interceptions that led to the Colts picking up points.
Overall, an exciting match and worth the off I took. Now, a long break before the season restarts in Aug/Sept.
This year, the Superbowl featured the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. The Colts have been the team to beat over the last 5 years. With star quarterback Peyton Manning, Colts have arguably the best QB in the league but each and every year, they have been stopped by the Patriots (the team I support) during the play-offs. Chicago have been a lucky team thus far. Using a rookie quarterback, Rex Grossman, they depended much on their defence to do most of the work.
Had actually watched Grossman play way back in 2002 when he was the starting QB for Florida Gators. Michigan was facing the Gators for the Outback Bowl and we soundly thrashed them. Thus had never been impressed by him and was rather perplexed why Chicago did not field their experience QB, Brian Griese (another wolverine alumni).
The game started explosively with Chicago scoring with the opening kick-off. The Chicago defence dominated the first half and it was only because of Grossman's fumbles and interceptions that led to the Colts picking up points.
Overall, an exciting match and worth the off I took. Now, a long break before the season restarts in Aug/Sept.
Thursday, February 1
Bhangraman
For those who studied in UK, you probably would have watched this show "Goodness Gracious Me" It is a skit show with 4 Indians basically making fun of how indians trying their darnest best to assimilate to the British culture.
Among my favourite skit is the "everything indian", "cheque pls" and of course Bhangraman!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 31
Charles and Keith Visit
Decided to post our Charles and Keith's visit photos online. Was quite impressed that they actually finished the showroom on the day of our visit.
Maybe can save for a pair of Pedro shoes soon :-)
Maybe can save for a pair of Pedro shoes soon :-)
Post course Withdrawal Syndrome
Am currently suffering from post-course withdrawal syndrome. It's been three days back at work since my two week course and it has not been easy thus far. All my coursemates have also been suffering from the same syndrome. Work seems to be coming in non-stop :-(
Have to look forward to the weekend and Superbowl on the following Monday. Bears vs. Colts!
Have to look forward to the weekend and Superbowl on the following Monday. Bears vs. Colts!
Saturday, January 27
Charles and Keith
Part of my course was also to learn more about entrepreneurship and how as civil servants we can provide a conducive environment for such people to flourish. Thus our visit to Charles & Keith, a local women's shoes retailer who has done very well internationally.
We actually manage to meet the brothers Charles and Keith. Both of them were young and already so successful. They told us about their story and it was really a rags to riches story. They started by helping their mum at a shop at AMK in the early 90s (incidentally the shop was near the OCBC bank in AMK). They then decided to develop their own brand and started at Amara. Their business multipled exponentially and thus far they have more than 50 shops all ard the world.
What struck me most is their humility. They told us that they did not do well in school and thus had decided to strike out on their own in the business world. They were very sincere about our visit and in fact they rush to finish their showroom at their new HQ for our course.
Their next step is actually to go into the men's market. That is where the brand PEDRO is from. Too bad we did not get any discounts or loyalty cards from them. We did get both Charles and Keith's namecards, so hopefully that will count for something. :p Anyone want to buy new shoes?
We actually manage to meet the brothers Charles and Keith. Both of them were young and already so successful. They told us about their story and it was really a rags to riches story. They started by helping their mum at a shop at AMK in the early 90s (incidentally the shop was near the OCBC bank in AMK). They then decided to develop their own brand and started at Amara. Their business multipled exponentially and thus far they have more than 50 shops all ard the world.
What struck me most is their humility. They told us that they did not do well in school and thus had decided to strike out on their own in the business world. They were very sincere about our visit and in fact they rush to finish their showroom at their new HQ for our course.
Their next step is actually to go into the men's market. That is where the brand PEDRO is from. Too bad we did not get any discounts or loyalty cards from them. We did get both Charles and Keith's namecards, so hopefully that will count for something. :p Anyone want to buy new shoes?
Focus Adventure
Just found some of the photos for the teambuilding adventure that I attended last Monday.
Mousetrap Tower
Group Photo
Mousetrap Tower
Group Photo
Wednesday, January 24
Next President of United States of America
My friends - meet the future of America's Democratic Party - Barack Hussein Obama. Bornt to a mixed marriage, Mr Obama is sweeping America's off their feet.
Mr Obama is young and charismatic and had just declare his interest for the United States Presidency. He is still an unknown as he had only 2 years in the Senate so far but his support is gaining strength.
Just watch this video to see his declaration speech (watch out for the twist at the end)
Enjoy!
Sunday, January 21
2-week break from work
I must say I am quite fortunate. I am currently on a 2-week course called the "Executive Development Course" It brings together various people from the different government agencies to learn more of civil service as a whole and to understand the key challenges facing it in the future.
First day of the course was fun as it was a team-building day at Sentosa. The activities were facilitated by Focus Adventure and they were very good especially the facilitators. Most of the teams were indoors as it was raining quite heavily. One of the more interesting game is confidence building game through mousetrap. Not many people would know how to set up one and it was really quite a painful experience. We were then supposed to build a tower consisting of the "activated" mousetrap. Our team managed to 12 levels!
The next 4 days were mostly lesson-based with some discussions in between. One more week to go before going back to work!
Really must enjoy this week!
First day of the course was fun as it was a team-building day at Sentosa. The activities were facilitated by Focus Adventure and they were very good especially the facilitators. Most of the teams were indoors as it was raining quite heavily. One of the more interesting game is confidence building game through mousetrap. Not many people would know how to set up one and it was really quite a painful experience. We were then supposed to build a tower consisting of the "activated" mousetrap. Our team managed to 12 levels!
The next 4 days were mostly lesson-based with some discussions in between. One more week to go before going back to work!
Really must enjoy this week!
Wednesday, January 10
Crazy Week at Work
Have been crazy at work since the new year. Bosses returning after their holidays and decided to add more stuff to do.
It has not help that I am bogged down with so much problems as well.
Anyway, not really concerned anymore. Am on course for the next 2 weeks. Looking forward to that.
It has not help that I am bogged down with so much problems as well.
Anyway, not really concerned anymore. Am on course for the next 2 weeks. Looking forward to that.
End of College Football Season
Yup, it's the end of the College Football season in US. Unfortunately, Michigan did not produce the goods and were soundly beaten by USC by a score of 38-18. It was a disappointing end to such a incredible season. Again 2 losses in the final 2 games for the third year in the row. Next year, quite a few of the class will be graduating. Will have to hope that suitable replacements will be found.
On a similar note, Ohio State Buckeyes were thrashed by the Florida Gators (famous for Gatorade). The professional NFL season is coming up to the exciting part...Superbowl in 4th of Feb. Time to apply for leave.
On a similar note, Ohio State Buckeyes were thrashed by the Florida Gators (famous for Gatorade). The professional NFL season is coming up to the exciting part...Superbowl in 4th of Feb. Time to apply for leave.
Sunday, January 7
Botak Jones
Finally went to try the famous Botak Jones over the weekend. Have been hearing so much about it and never had the chance to try it. The good thing is that it is right near my place in AMK. Actually pretty near where my grandmum used to stay at Blk 608 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5. The coffee shop looks pretty ordinary but the fragrance of western food soon overwhelmed you.
I was expecting a long queue and so I went at about 5.30pm. The coffeeshop was already rather crowded and it was not long before the queue started building up. Managed to place our orders before the queue started and we had to wait a staggering 30 to 45 minutes.
For the records, we ordered the botak burgers and the cajun chicken. The burger was rather ordinary and rather tasteless. The cajun chicken was good. Well grilled and tender. The good thing was also the cajun fries and the servings were huge. Thus for about 5 bucks, you get quite a decent serving. May try the other stuff on the menu soon...
PS: Personally there is another western food stall that I like and that is at Crawford Lane (just behind the ICA Building at Lavendar). It's variety are really good and they have some weird serving such as Maryland Chicken, etc. The food is also very cheap. Next to the same western food stall is the famous Hill Street Bak Chor Mee (previously at Marina Square). The queue there is also ridiculous!
I was expecting a long queue and so I went at about 5.30pm. The coffeeshop was already rather crowded and it was not long before the queue started building up. Managed to place our orders before the queue started and we had to wait a staggering 30 to 45 minutes.
For the records, we ordered the botak burgers and the cajun chicken. The burger was rather ordinary and rather tasteless. The cajun chicken was good. Well grilled and tender. The good thing was also the cajun fries and the servings were huge. Thus for about 5 bucks, you get quite a decent serving. May try the other stuff on the menu soon...
PS: Personally there is another western food stall that I like and that is at Crawford Lane (just behind the ICA Building at Lavendar). It's variety are really good and they have some weird serving such as Maryland Chicken, etc. The food is also very cheap. Next to the same western food stall is the famous Hill Street Bak Chor Mee (previously at Marina Square). The queue there is also ridiculous!
Kyushu
Decided not to do a detailed write-up for my Kyushu trip. For detailed breakdown of our trip, you can visit mf's blog: http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/
I have posted my photos at the following weblink: http://cheewing.multiply.com/photos/album/16?mark_read=cheewing:photos:16
Comments are welcome pls
PS: Yes, I do snore :p
I have posted my photos at the following weblink: http://cheewing.multiply.com/photos/album/16?mark_read=cheewing:photos:16
Comments are welcome pls
PS: Yes, I do snore :p
Tuesday, December 26
Quiet Christmas
This must be one of my quietest Christmas. Back in 1999, I had wanted to spend Christmas yearly at an exotic place. Ok, from my memory, here's where I was in Christmas
1999 - Bordeaux (French Backpacking trip)
2000 - Val Torens (Skiing in the French Alps)
2001 - Isle of Scilly (Christmas with the Nicolles)
2002 - Washington DC (My first solo trip)
2003 - Cannot remember
2004 - JC friends' gathering at Xinda's place
2005 - Seoul/Bangkok
2006 - Home!
I guess now that I have started working it is not as easy to travel. Not sure where I will end up next year.
1999 - Bordeaux (French Backpacking trip)
2000 - Val Torens (Skiing in the French Alps)
2001 - Isle of Scilly (Christmas with the Nicolles)
2002 - Washington DC (My first solo trip)
2003 - Cannot remember
2004 - JC friends' gathering at Xinda's place
2005 - Seoul/Bangkok
2006 - Home!
I guess now that I have started working it is not as easy to travel. Not sure where I will end up next year.
Post Christmas
Well, Christmas has come and gone and very soon the new year is upon us. I have been thinking on what I have accomplished over the past year and I struggle to come out with anything. I would think work-wise I have put in a lot of effort but I am not sure whether I am neglecting other areas. I really should put in more efforts to do some more ECAs and maybe attempt a few radical things that I have been wanting to do.
I guess I have one last week to do all the thinking. Not sure what I can accomplish but I really look forward to 2007.
I guess I have one last week to do all the thinking. Not sure what I can accomplish but I really look forward to 2007.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
