Barry's Blog

iPhone 5 ..... or not?

2012-01-03T16:53:00.002+08:00

I've been waiting patiently for the iPhone to become the phone that has always been expected of it. While its true there have been numerous innovations as a result of the iPhone the problem is most of those came with the very first generation and there has been little improvement ever since.

We’ve seen better battery life, better design form factor, but most of the improvements since the first generation are to fix design flaws that many people have taken to jailbreaking their phones to correct to begin with.

Apple is just too slow to respond to what people want and .....

..... it seems that its absorbing some of the better apps that you can install on a jailbroken phone into its firmware to compensate.

Lets take the latest phone the iPhone 4S. It’s got a faster processor and Siri and that’s pretty much about the sum total of the innovation there. It has a notification screen which is nice, but there are better apps out there if your phone is jailbroken as lets face it the notification screen is pretty basic and really not much use.

Even Siri is pretty useless if the truth be told and after everyone who owns an iPhone 4S has gotten tired of asking “Who’s your daddy” I’m pretty sure Siri doesn’t get used much thereafter.

Meanwhile in the background the android phone market being open source has come along in leaps and bounds and I reckon it won’t be long before it surpasses the iPhone in terms of functionality and capability. In fact many people would argue (somewhat successfully too) that this is already the case.

So I’ve decided that I am going to wait until the release of the iPhone 5 before deciding if I will continue to support it. If that isn’t everything I expect in a phone and more then I’ll be dropping out of the iPhone yearly upgrade cycle (which in itself is becoming slightly annoying), jumping onboard the android mother ship and not looking back.

So heads up Apple, it’s really time to pull the finger out and innovate because if you continue at this same lack-luster pace then my prediction is that Android phones will surpass iPhone sales in 2012.

And while we are on the subject of a lack of innovation Steve Jobs once joked that soon everyone would be wearing the iPod nano as a watch. Well there’s a new player in town called “I’m Watch” which is set to take control of that particular market as well. It is everything that the iPod nano (as a watch) could have been but isn’t and is definitely one to watch. Oh and guess what, it’s android based too.

I’m seriously beginning to wonder if Apple has lost the plot.

Christmas and the Winter Solstic

2011-12-21T11:53:00.000+08:00

Yule , or the Winter Solstice to give it its correct title was around long before Christianity emerged. It was celebrated by those that followed the old ways or as they are referred to today, Pagans.

In fact many Christmas festivals are held on dates that cover-up Pagan festivals in what was a blatant attempt to eradicate them completely by the Christian church. Christmas as the Christian community refer to this time in the calendar is just one such example.

Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) which is celebrated between Dec 23-25th is when ....

....the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's "rebirth" was celebrated with much joy.

On this night, our ancestors celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth. From this day forward, the days would become longer.

Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider. Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun. The boughs were symbolic of immortality (evergreens were sacred to the Celts because they did not "die" thereby representing the eternal aspect of the Divine). The wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life.

Holly and ivy not only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes, in hopes Nature Sprites would come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune to visit the residents. Mistletoe was also hung as decoration. It represented the seed of the Divine, and at Midwinter, the Druids would travel deep into the forest to harvest it. Many of this has been carried over into the Christian celebration of Christmas.

The ceremonial Yule log was the highlight of the Solstice festival. In accordance to tradition, the log must either have been harvested from the householder's land, or given as a gift... it must never have been bought. Once dragged into the house and placed in the fireplace it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before set ablaze by a piece of last years log, (held onto for just this purpose).

The log would burn throughout the night, then smolder for 12 days after before being ceremonially put out. Ash is the traditional wood of the Yule log. It is the sacred world tree of the Teutons, known as Yggdrasil. An herb of the Sun, Ash brings light into the hearth at the Solstice. Today we still have the 12 days before and after Christmas, again a carry over from the Pagan Winter Solstice celebration.

In fact many customs created around Yule are identified with Christmas today. If you decorate your home with a Yule tree (Christmas tree), holly or candles, you are following them even if you don’t know it. Even Santa Claus otherwise known as Kris Kringle isn’t something new, he was in fact the Germanic pagan God of Yule.

As you celebrate Christmas this year take a little time out to understand what that celebration is really about and where many of the symbols and traditions have really come from.

Some More Information

Deities of Yule:
All Newborn Gods, Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses, and Triple Goddesses. The best known would be the Dagda, and Brighid, the daughter of the Dagda. Brighid taught the smiths the arts of fire tending and the secrets of metal work. Brighid's flame, like the flame of the new light, pierces the darkness of the spirit and mind, while the Dagda's cauldron assures that Nature will always provide for all the children.

Symbolism of Yule:
Rebirth of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect, Planning for the Future.

Symbols of Yule:
Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, christmas cactus.

Herbs of Yule:
Bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar.

Foods of Yule:
Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).

Incense of Yule:
Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.

Colors of Yule:
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.

Stones of Yule:
Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds.

Activities of Yule:
Caroling, wassailing the trees, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, honoring Kriss Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule

Spellworkings of Yule:
Peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness.

Deities of Yule:
Goddesses-Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child, Mabon.

Bangkok the New Atlantis

2011-11-15T07:00:00.004+08:00

The Thai capital, built on swampland, is slowly sinking and the floods currently besieging Bangkok could be merely a foretaste of a grim future as climate change makes its impact felt, experts say ….

…. The low-lying metropolis lies just 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the Gulf of Thailand, where various experts forecast sea level will rise by 19 to 29 centimeters (7 to 11 inches) by 2050 as a result of global warming.

Water levels would also increase in Bangkok's main Chao Phraya river, which already overflows regularly.

If no action is taken to protect the city, "in 50 years... most of Bangkok will be below sea level," said Anond Snidvongs, a climate change expert at the capital's Chulalongkorn University. But global warming is not the only threat. The capital's gradual sinking has also been blamed on years of aggressive groundwater extraction to meet the growing needs of the city's factories and its 12 million inhabitants.

As a result Bangkok was sinking by 10 centimeters a year in the late 1970s, according to a study published last year by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

That rate has since dropped to less than one centimeter annually, they said, thanks to government measures to control groundwater pumping.

If those efforts continued, the report authors said, they hoped the subsidence rate could slow by another 10 percent each year.
But Anond disputed their projections, saying Bangkok was still sinking at "an alarming rate" of one to three centimeters per year.

While scientists may argue over the exact figures, they agree about what lies in store for the sprawling mega-city.

"There is no going back. The city is not going to rise again," said the ADB's lead climate change specialist David McCauley.
Faced with the combined threats of land subsidence and rising temperatures and sea levels, the World Bank has predicted that Bangkok's flood risk will increase four-fold from now by 2050.

And the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has classified the Thai capital among the 10 cities in the world facing the biggest potential impact from coastal flooding by 2070 (Singapore was 79th on the list just in case you may have been wondering).

For now, Bangkok is relying on a complex system of dykes, canals, locks and pumping stations to keep the rising waters at bay.
The flood protection efforts, however, failed to prevent an onslaught of run-off water from the north from swamping at least one-fifth of the capital and according to the experts things are only going to get worse.

I for one am keeping my fingers crossed that they are wrong since I happen to love the City of Bangkok, but I guess over the coming years we will start to see for ourselves if their predications are correct.

Until then, I guess its a case of wait and see if Bangkok will become the new Atlantis or not.

Herman Cain Scares Me

2011-11-14T19:52:00.010+08:00

The US Presidential race is on already and there's no shortage of candidates popping out of the woodwork. And as the race progresses we get to know them a little more as a result of the usual mud raking that is ever present in US politics. So far one candidate in particular scares me, the republican candidate Herman Cain. You see he's been in the news recently with ….

…. allegations of sexual abuse hurled against him and fighting mounting accusations of sexual harassment now involving four women. That's not the scary part of course, wether its true or not time will tell. No, I can easily put that to one side after all there's never any shortage of sexual scandal when it comes to politicians in the US as history can prove.

No the scary part is a story published in iToday here in Singapore which goes something like this.

Republican Herman Cain has said that God convinced him to enter the race for President, comparing himself to Moses.

After battling sexual harassment allegations by four women, Mr Cain played up his faith on Saturday, trying to shift the conversation to religion, an issue vital to conservative Republicans.

In a speech to a national meeting of Republicans, he said: "I'm a man of faith - I had to do a lot of praying for this one, more praying than I've ever done before in my life. And when I finally realised that it was God saying that this is what I needed to do, I was like Moses. 'You've got the wrong man, Lord. Are you sure?',"

Now imagine if you will an American President who has not only compared himself to Moses but openly stated the reason he has entered the Presidential race is because God told him to. I don't know about the rest of you but that scares the hell of out of me. And having this man at the head of one of the most powerful nations on earth is something that doesn't even bare thinking about. What amazes me is that so many Americans lap-up this kind of crap which in itself is an equally scary testimony as to the sanity of America as a nation.

I wonder if by any chance Herman Cain and Harold Camping know each other?

Of course it seems that God has been busy. Not only has he had a word with Herman Cain but he's also allegedly let Michelle Bachman, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum know one way or another that he supports them too.

Nothing like hedging your bets in today's economy, way to go God!

Comet Elenin

2011-09-07T09:36:00.011+08:00

It would appear that good old planet Earth is about to go through a major shakeup. Comet Elenin is almost upon us and if the stories are to be believed this celestial visitor will not leave us unscathed. At the very least planet Earth will pass through the debris tail of the comet with all that that implies. Other sites claim we can expect major earthquakes, tsunamis and more as a result of the magnetic field alignment of the Earth, Sun and Comet Elenin. And at the very worst end of the scale.....

..... we can expect the Comet to discharge its electric store through the EM ropes that connect all planets and ravage the planet to such an extent as to wipe out virtually all life.

The comet is real although NASA have a completely different view on what it means. Then again they have also stated that they would never release any information that could cause wide spread panic. Given that it’s not surprising there are many who don’t believe NASA and the number of conspiracy theories are growing as this Comet edges closer to our solar system.

Two key dates seem to be emerging through all the noise. They are September 25th-27th when there is a planetary alignment, expectations are for some major earthquakes around this time. Interestingly the US President will be visiting the largest underground bunker in Denver on these dates. It will be interesting to see what other nations leaders are doing around these dates as well. The second is around October the 16th with more of the same although on a much larger scale.

You can do a search on “Comet Elenin” and find out more information and key dates to watch out for, although you can expect to have to wade through a lot of noise on the subject.

My personal favorite is below, Enjoy!!

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Impiana KLCC

2011-08-22T11:04:00.005+08:00

I recently stayed at the 4 star Impiana KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a group of us were going there for the weekend and wanted to stay in the same hotel. I'd read a number of reviews before hand and it seemed ok although I have to admit that afterwards it won't be a hotel that I'll be revisiting and here's why ....

....I guess I should start off with the room itself. I stayed in the junior suite and I have to admit that the room was pretty good. Spacious and well laid out with a decent sized bathroom and good amenities. For me that was the really the only good thing about the hotel.

The swimming pool was under renovation which had I been informed about beforehand would have had me looking for a different hotel. Although the hotel have made arrangements for guests to use a pool at a nearby hotel, if I wanted to use a swimming pool in a different hotel I would have stayed there. I really think the hotel should have warned people about this while making their booking and been honest about their available services upfront on their website.

They should also have warned their guests about the renovation to the building next door that had jack hammers going at 8am in the morning. Those of our group unlucky to be in rooms nearest to these sound effects where later moved, but the fact that a hotel thinks its ok for guests to be placed in those rooms in the first place, knowing that they will not have a good experience is simply bad service.

Next we'll move onto their internet service. For me that's an absolute must for any hotel and I don't even mind paying for it. But I must have internet service. Luckily the hotel does provide that, and free, but its probably the worst service I've encountered in a hotel. The first day it was painfully slow but bearable. The second it was out of action as their technical staff made some changes server side. When I rang down to check when the internet would be back online I got an "I don't know because our technical team haven't told us".

No gold stars for service there.

I politely informed them that as the guest service department don't they think they should know and that they should probably call their technical team and push them for an answer since I would probably not be the only guest calling. Anyway 12 hours later the internet was back although for some reason my room connection wasn't working. Many visits to my room later by people not really qualified to address the problem and after they failed to find their technical person to help (he was on the other side of the city trapped by traffic apparently) I was moved to a different room. I had asked them to be sure the internet was working in that room before I moved. Despite assurances that is was needless to say once I moved I found it wasn't. In this day and age a hotel with crap internet is just simply not acceptable.

Now to the food. There was plenty of variety it has to be said, a wide selection. The problem was that it just wasn't any good. It was "ok" food, not good, not great and as far away from delicious as it could possibly be. On the first morning for breakfast one of the items took me totally by surprise. Instant mashed potatoes. Now what 4 star hotel in the world would even think that serving instant mashed potatoes is an good option. The very fact that this was on offer totally shocked me. I expect that type of food from your local cheap burger joint but NOT from a 4 star hotel. If there was nothing else wrong with our stay that item alone on the menu would be enough for me never to visit this hotel again. That item alone tells me everything I need to know about what this hotel thinks about catering for its guests.

So bottom line, if you're only criteria is a nice room in a good location (both of which get a thumbs up from me) then this is a good choice. If you have any additional criteria then this hotel may well just disappoint you as it did us.

Solar Flares or Worse to come?

2011-08-10T09:40:00.010+08:00

It seems that NASA has taken steps to give out a warning in relation to solar flares. In a direct quote "Britain could face widespread power blackouts and be left without critical communication signals for long periods of time, after the earth is hit by a once-in-a-generation space storm, Nasa has warned". And these warning are being taken seriously since its an almost certainty that solar flares are coming although at this stage no one can say how bad they may be.

But there's something much worse about to happen ......

....... assuming of course you believe in all the natter around the web. There is a comet fast approaching our region of space called Elenin. It's not going to hit planet earth so no fears there but it's magnetic influence on our sun is being blamed for the increase in solar activity.

And of course there's more. Behind that planet by approx 1 year or more is another planet on a similar trajectory, a planet referred to as Nibrui. And this is the one that we all need to worry about. Again its not going to hit us but the effect of its magentic field on our planet is going to be disastrous. We can expect earthquakes and Tsunami's on a scale not before seen, wide spread climate changes, shift in the poles and the axis of the earth itself. It's going to be so bad that 2/3 of the world's population will not survive, assuming you believe of course.

Of course it may all be rubbish and you can make up your own mind on that score. As for me I'll be watching this one closely to see what happens. And "if" we start to see Solar Flares in August as predicted, and if anything happens on the key dates in the link below things could get very interesting.

Have a read through and let me know what you think.

Nibriu - Timeline of a cataclysm

Supertrees in Singapore

2011-07-19T20:42:00.008+08:00

I must admit to being very excited by the Gardens by the Bay project here in Singapore. It's a 3 phased project that aims to create three distinctive waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central, spanning a total of 101 hectares. These gardens are set in the heart of Singapore’s new downtown Marina Bay, encircling the Marina Reservoir.

Gardens by the Bay is an integral part of a strategy by the Singapore government that further transforms Singapore from a ‘Garden City’ to a ‘City in a Garden'. Bay South is the largest of the three gardens at 54 hectares and aims to showcase the best of tropical horticulture and garden artistry. Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens landscape with heights that range between 25 and 50 meters. They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.

The basic design of each super-tree consists of a concrete tower as the main trunk part, with metals rods unfurling in an expansive ‘canopy’ (at the top) to denote the branching out of twigs and leaves. This artificial branching system will actually be filled with real plants and leaves to have an enthralling effect of a real giant tree with copious foliage. The natural canopy of green materials (including plants, vegetations and leaves) will weigh at a whopping 20 to 85 tonnes per tree, additionally, dark shaded steel frames would be incorporated on the side facades for naturalistic look of brownish bark.

But the naturalism doesn’t end here; designers have also looked forth to install solar panels to seven such trees. The resultant clean electricity will be used to power the ground lighting system during various exhibitions. Other than that, there would be rainwater collecting systems and even a 22m high broad walkway connecting two canopies. This spatial element will provide enticing views for tourists all over the metal garden.

It's a brilliant concept, and the supertrees themselves are really awe inspiring, futuristic and functional. To watch the city skyline change to encompass this concept is just simply amazing and I really can't wait to get up close and personal when this phase of the project opens to the public 2012.

I'm amazed how much more this has made me fall in love with Singapore. While other cities stagnate and remain frozen in time barely changing and locked in past architectural glories Singapore moves forward merging the past with the present while ever looking to the future.

To be here to witness change on such scale with such commitment and passion is truly breath taking.

What were they thinking!

2011-07-07T00:25:00.010+08:00

As Singapore counts down to its annual National Day Parade on August the 9th and jets scream across the sky in multiple rehearsals for the big event a new controversy rages in the background. It's one that Yahoo has picked up and has netcitzens cringing and with very good reason. And what is it you wonder ....

.... well it would seem one of the songs for this years event is a hacked up version of Lady GaGa's track Bad Romance. They've taken the music and changed all the lyrics to sing about about else, this years Goody bag, a bag of cheap and cheerful items that's handed out to those attending the event. It's so bad that when I heard it I couldn't even bring myself to laugh, and I pride myself on having a great sense of humor.

Seriously ... what were the organizers thinking. Why would anyone think this hack job would be considered anything other than trash. The chairman of the NDP show segment Colonel Ong Tze-Ch'in is reported to have said in a media statement, "We did not realise that the rights obtained (to perform the song in public) did not include rights to modify the lyrics of the song. We are currently working to rectify this." .... and the only appropriate comment at this point is .... Duh!

Many here in Singapore are hoping that it means this piece of absolute rubbish will be cut from the final National Day celebrations. And lets hope that the people responsible are also removed from any level of further involvement since its pretty obvious from this effort that they are severally lacking in any artistic capability.

But hey, feel free to make up your own mind. The YouTube link is HERE, and just in case you wanted to sing along (yes I really am joking) here's the revised lyrics.

Lyrics of "Fun Pack Song"
By: Haresh Sharma

Oh o o o o o o o o
Time for the fun pack song
Oh o o o o o o o o
We like the fun pack song

Let's start with the bag
That's right, grab your bag
It's the fun pack bag
Attack the fun pack

(REPEAT)

Hold up your flag, don't you forget
You can wave it if you feel like it
Let's wave the flag
Wave wave wave
Let's wave the flag
Take out your light stick, it's two of a kind
It's interactive, means you can join
Just pretend
Oh oh oh... It's a disco

(SPOKEN)

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want a wet, wet tissue
I want Newater and I want a cold drink

You and me, let's share a bit
I want a biscuit and I want a sweet
You and me, let's share this treat
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o

Time for the fun pack song
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o
We like the fun pack song
Let's start with the bag

That's right, grab your bag
It's the fun pack bag
Attack the fun pack
I want Newater and I want a cold drink

You and me, let's share a bit
I want a biscuit and I want a sweet
You and me, let's share this treat
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o

Time for the fun pack song
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o
We like the fun pack song
Let's start with the bag

That's right, grab your bag
It's the fun pack bag
Attack the fun pack!

Harold Camping - Doomsday Take 2!

2011-05-25T19:08:00.005+08:00

And just when you thought all the noise about the supposed rapture had dwindled into obscurity (where lets face it it should never have even made an appearance if not for the mad deluded ravings of Harold Camping) it would seem that Camping has had yet another revelation. That's right people, Harold is going off the deep end once again.

Camping, who made a special appearance before the press at the Oakland headquarters of the media empire Monday evening, apologized for not having the dates "worked out as accurately as I could have." I guess that's as close to an admission that he hadn't a clue what he was talking about as we'll ever get.

Through chatting with a friend over what he acknowledged was a very difficult weekend, the light dawned on him that instead of the biblical Rapture in which the faithful would be swept up to the heavens, May 21 had instead been a "spiritual" Judgment Day, which places the entire world under Christ's judgment, he said.

In other words you have already been silently judged and didn't even know. Yes, that's right when the rapture does come .... eventually .... you're place in it has already been assigned and that happened on the 21st of May. I can totally understand how he could have mistaken what was going to happen on that day but I'm happy that he's corrected himself and set the record straight.

And what's next I hear you ask. Well it would now appear that the globe will be completely destroyed in five months, according to Camping's revised predication, when the apocalypse comes on the 21st of October.

So mark that date on your calendar people and start counting down those shopping days, after all one must look ones best for the apocalypse.

Of course in the background Tim LaHaye, co-author of the best-selling "Left Behind" novels about the end times, recently called Camping's prediction "not only bizarre but 100 percent wrong!" He cited the Bible verse Matthew 24:36, "but about that day or hour no one knows" except God.

Skipped that section in your reading did you eh Harold?

Planking in Singapore

2011-05-23T23:38:00.004+08:00

And on to the new craze currently starting to sweep Singapore. It's called Planking and involves ... well ... lying down on your stomach with your arms by your sides and keeping your body stiff like a plank and capturing a photo of yourself doing so in unusual places. Obviously the name of this new craze involved a lot of imagination. It's already appeared on the news and in the papers here with the tagline of (if you can believe it) a form of photographic art.

Well I laughed my ass off looking at these idiots acting like planks as I'm sure many others have done as well. I mean seriously what are people thinking. And photographic art? I means seriously .... art? ... and yes I know that art is in the eye of the beholder but in this case I'll admit to be not some much blinded by art as art blind.

It's just plain stupid, but I guess that's part of the appeal. After all we've all done stupid things in our time (although in my case thankfully there's no surviving photos).

It even has its own facebook page here in Singapore with a stack of photo's on there for those that want to have a look. In fact there's quiet a few pages on the subject.

Of course it comes with a warning too after the fatal fall of a 20-year-old Aussie who fell seven stories while planking on a high-rise balcony.

The concept has been around for at least a decade, according to an English duo which takes credit for its invention and was profiled in a 2009 column in the Toronto Star. Then, it was called the Lying Down Game, obviously much thought has gone into the name since then.

As one person put it, its the most fun you can have lying still.

Obvious the term star fish is unknown to many.

Minsters Pay Review

2011-05-23T23:03:00.004+08:00

Well well, after much publicity during the recent general election here in Singapore it would seem that the ministerial salaries are up for review. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has acknowledged Singaporeans' concern about Ministers' salaries (some of the highest in the world), and has formed a committee to review them.

The Prime Minister's current salary is estimated to be over S$3 million while ministerial-grade officers are paid more than S$1.5 million.

The PM is quoted as saying "salaries must reflect the values and ethos of public service. That means that whatever we work out, the final answer must include a substantial discount on comparable salaries in the private sector and people looking at it will say, these people are serving and making a sacrifice".

Of course that was tempered by "But ministers should also be paid properly in order that Singapore can have honest, competent leadership over the long term."

We will have to wait and see what the review brings although many believe its a step in the right direction, and hope that it is the first of many such steps.

PM Lee added in his speech that he promised to engage all segments of society - offline and online, "I pledge to work together with all Singaporeans to create a just and fair society, which gives all citizens the best start in life, and leaves no one behind. A Singapore which is open to the world yet puts Singaporeans first. A Singapore which excites our young and respects our old. A society that nurtures and inspires the human spirit, beyond material success", he said.

Of course it remains to be seen what that exactly means and if "ALL" means just that or if there's a silent "except" in there that no one heard.

On the plus side though the Government has taken stock of the mood of Singaporeans although only time will tell if they have managed to gauge it correctly.

But ..... its a start.

For the full Yahoo story, click here

Harold Camping - Doomsday 21st May 2011

2011-05-22T17:00:00.003+08:00

As I'm sure many noticed the 21st May came and with without so much as a ripple. It was a day of expectation for many who were dumb/naive enough to believe Harold Camping's much publicized end of the world message.

In my personal opinion the guy is already mad as a hatter. I mean seriously who of sane mind would ever believe such a predication, you would have to have a screw if not several lose to swallow that rubbish. Don't get me wrong I've nothing against God, in fact I'm a huge fan.

It would appear now however that Camping has called God a liar for the failure on his part to end the world on schedule. How can you argue with that logic. Anyway ....

.... Mr Camping, who makes programmes in 48 languages, boasts tens of thousands of followers across the globe, with radio stations in South Africa, Russia and Turkey. After 70 years of studying the Bible, he claims to have developed a system (feel free to laugh out loud at this point) that uses mathematics to interpret prophesies hidden in it.

He says the world would end on 21 May, because that will be 722,500 days from 1 April AD33, which he believes was the day of the Crucifixion. The figure of 722,500 is important because you get it by multiplying three holy numbers (five, 10 and 17) together twice. "When I found this out, I tell you, it blew my mind," he said.

The eighty-nine-year-old tele-evangelist's prophecy said the Rapture will begin with powerful earthquakes at 6:00 pm local time in each of the world's regions, after which the good will be beamed up to heaven. The not-so-good will suffer through hell on earth until October 21, when God will pull the plug on the planet once and for all. In the United States, where Camping's evangelizing organization is based, some people have been quitting their jobs and hitting the road to urge others to repent before it's too late. Bet they feel a tad stupid round about now.

He spread his prophecy around the world through broadcasts on his Family Radio network in 84 languages, on RV caravans and on 1,200 billboards around the country. Trumpeting the apocalypse doesn't come cheap. Family Radio spent as much as $1 million on the billboard campaign. It can afford to. Camping's radio network was worth about $22 million in 2002 -- by 2008 it was valued at more than $117 million.

Of course it's worth pointing out that this is Camping's second attempt at predicting the end of the world. No prizes for guessing that he also got his first attempt in 1994 wrong as well. Obviously he hadn't quiet perfected his mathematical formula by then.

Looks like it still needs some work eh Harold.

Pink Dot 2011

2011-05-20T20:33:00.010+08:00

On 18 June 2011, Singaporeans will, for the third year running, gather at Hong Lim Park to form a human pink dot in support of the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to love and the belief that diversity is a cornerstone of a civil society. Like it or not, LGBT individuals exist. Many people harbour much hatred towards the LGBT community. That is why such events are important. It serves to foster understanding, and through that, there is hope for trust and social cohesion.

Organised by a pool of Singaporean volunteers, Pink Dot campaigns for diversity, inclusiveness, and works to foster understanding for the basic human need to love and be loved, regardless of oneʼs sexual orientation.

This year, Pink Dot 2011 is fronted by the DIM SUM DOLLIES, the comedy trio comprising Emma Yong, Pam Oei and Selena Tan. Festivities begin at 4.30pm with a dynamic line-up including performances by Dave Tan of local indie band Electrico, Broadway Beng Sebastian Tan and dance group Voguelicious.

Just show up, mingle, have fun and smile for our cameras - an aerial photograph has been planned to commemorate this symbolic event. Bring water, food, family and friends.

And of course dress up in as much pink as your wardrobe will allow.

See you there!

Thaipusam Muted

2011-05-10T11:50:00.015+08:00

For 45 years since Singapores independence Thaipusam has always been celebrated with loud music, gongs and drums. In all these years, did anyone complain?

No!

But now, suddenly, for the first time ever since independence, someone complained - and complained so much - that the authorities decided to give in to them and chose to mute one of Singapores local traditional celebrations.

And who are the residents of new homes along the Thaipusam’s 4km procession route from Serangoon Road to Tank Road that have done all the moaning, are they native Singaporeans or others unfamiliar and/or unwilling to appreciate what is not only a part of the local culture, but part of Singapores cultural heritage. It’s the one thing that I love about Singapore, the diversity of the cultural identity here and that very same diversity is firmly embedded as a part of Singapores Cultural Heritage. To mute it is to mute that very heritage.

Lets hope that these guidelines are not enforced because this is a spectaular festival for the Hindu community

Here’s the article from the Straits Times.

The Straits Times
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thaipusam set to turn down volume
New guidelines ban traditional loud music and drumming from the annual procession
By Yen Feng

This year’s Thaipusam celebrations will be a quieter affair if guidelines made public for the first time on Thursday by the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) are enforced.

Those participating in the procession on Jan 19 and 20 are barred from playing recorded music or sounding gongs or drums.

Traditionally, the music – often played at a deafening volume – is seen as encouragement for those who pierce their bodies as an act of faith. Now, only the singing of hymns will be permitted.

Other rules include no shouting, and no paint or makeup to be used on either the devotees’ faces or bodies. Those who flout the rules may be barred from future processions – or face a fine of up to $5,000 under the Public Order Act.

And for the first time, spike or chariot kavadi bearers are required to nominate a representative who will be responsible for their conduct.

The HEB said the rules mirrored guidelines set by the police for permits to hold Thaipusam celebrations. But they were put together for the first time this year for the public to address long-standing issues of crowd and noise control, officials from the two temples organising the procession said.

The temples are the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road, and the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road. Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple chairman K. Rajandeeran said the move would not compromise the procession’s religious nature, and would “ensure public safety and that it takes place in an orderly manner”.

Every year, tens of thousands of Hindus take to the streets to give their thanks to Lord Murugan, an important Hindu deity. Sometimes, expatriates unfamiliar with HEB guidelines have joined in.

Last year a 10-year-old visitor from India was seen carrying a spiked kavadi – wood or metal structures fied onto devotees’ bodies – when only those above 16 are allowed to pierce their bodies.

Mr K. Kannappan, trustee of the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, said residents of new homes along the procession’s 4km route from Serangoon Road to Tank Road complained about the noise last year“So this year, we will be better neighbours,” he added.

The rules evoked mixed reactions among devotees, with Mr Raj Kumra, 34, who walked in last year’s procession, saying they are a dampener. “The music, the sounds, all that is part of celebrating Thaipusam. It’s our way of giving thanks for our blessings,” he said.

But they will not mean much to Mr Sankar Suppiah, 40, a devotee who has carried a kavadi for the last 20 years. He said: “This is a powerful religious experience for me. I do it for myself, for my family. Rules do not change that.”

Something Fishy at Resort World Sentosa

2010-07-01T07:56:00.010+08:00

At Resort World Sentosa not only can you lose all your money gambling but it now seems you can lose just as much by eating. A dinner who took his four friends to Feng Shui Inn restaurant on June 12 had a jaw dropping encounter of the fishy kind.

He had initially asked for marble goby, better known locally as “soon hock”, but was told there was no stock for the fish....

..... A waiter then recommended the white sultan fish instead. The group agreed, without enquiring about the cost of the dish. But when the bill arrived, the five diners were shocked to find that the single sultan fish, weighing 1.8kg, set them back by a staggering S$1,224.

In response to the incident, an RWS spokesman claims that the practice of not disclosing menu prices is common in upscale restaurants. “It is not always appropriate to state menu prices to high-end customers who have come to expect a certain discretion when they entertain high-level guests, ” he explains. And I'm sure that's true in certain situations but a quick comparison with Capital Restaurant, which has been selling sultan fish for 36 years, reveals that the dish can go for as low as S$6 per 100g. This is less than a tenth of Fengshui Inn’s price tag on the fish.

The incident has been compared to one that occurred in March last year, where six American tourists were charged S$239 for a mere eight tiger prawns at Newton hawker centre. In that case the stall involved had its licence suspended for three months by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for breaching licencing conditions.

Of course it would be nice to see the NEA swing into action with the same enthusiasm but many doubt anything will happen at all. As one person commented on the Yahoo story (link below) "Restaurant is high class. Newton hawker is low class. Low class got low class treatment. High class got high class treatment."

On the plus side at least I know one Restaurant that I certainly WONT be going to.

Read it at Yahoo

The Noose

2010-06-22T21:01:00.009+08:00

I don't know if many of you have watched The Noose, a Singapore comedy (cough) TV series which is a parody of local news programs such as News 5 Tonight with fictional news reports and a presentation mimicking that of the real news. It aired in Singapore for two seasons in 2007 and 2008 with a third season being aired in 2010 thankfully .....

..... we were spared this load of crap in 2009. At the beginning of every episode, there is a candid disclaimer telling the viewer that the stories are not true (cough) because no doubt some bright spark thinks its viewers are so stupid as to confuse this load of rubbish for real news.

I mean just watching it is enough to lower your IQ. It's soooooooo bad. It's not even funny. It's just incredibly bad television that assumes its viewers are as dumb as the presenters come across (no doubt on purpose because anything else is too scary to contemplate). How its survived 3 seasons is beyond my understanding because I only watched it by mistake. I mean I can't imagine people actually tuning in on purpose or God forbid rushing home to watch it. I mean seriously its just embarrassing!

Programs like this shouldn't leave the cutting room floor. And if it has won or ever wins an award (yeah, so not doing any background checking on that one) its solely on the basis that shit floats.

Bring back Phua Chu Kang (and I never thought I'd say that).

Update 23/06/2010

After i'd posted this i realised that there was a whole center spread on the show in the new paper, a Singapore daily tabloid. Here's some snipets from the (cough) stars involved and the article in question.

The snipets that gave me a chuckle
The Noose is suppose to reflect our society to a certain extent
has faith in Singaporeans whom he said "are good at laughing at ourselves"
It shows maturity in society
I don't think the first season was mainstream popular
Suffice it to say, impresonations aren't easy

The snipet that caused a gag reflex
It's a constant challange to try to be different from the tons of characters we play

and my personal favorite
There's also fears of being lame and not funny

The Stats on Internet Porn

2010-06-03T00:47:00.008+08:00

Everyone "knows" how big internet porn is, when compared to industries like TV, movies and everything else. But how big is it really? Online MBA compiled some statistics and placed them in one handy image.

Research and image credit Online MBA.

Sex in the City 2

2010-06-01T19:19:00.004+08:00

Having followed the series and the first movie it was only natural that I was going to go to watch Sex in the City 2. After all any time there's an opportunity to catch up with Samatha's antics it just has to be taken. And the movie was even better than I had thought it could be. With many stand out moments .....

..... and a whole load of laughs even if you've never followed the series its a movie that you will definitely enjoy.

For me however the stand out moment that had me open mouthed with jaw clashing to the floor was the performance by Liza Minelli of Single Ladies. It was absolutely amazing and one of the reasons that I'll be buying the blue-ray version of this movie as soon as its released. Maybe I'm showing my age and I really don't care. Liza is and always will be a Gay icon of epic proportions the heights of which others (such as Madonna and Beyonce) can only ever dream of.

Liza, if by some strange quirk of faith you read this (laughs insanely at such a preposterous idea) you are totally awesome and should you ever visit Singapore lets go out and paint the town red together!

Ok, back to reality .....

You are the one Singapore

2010-05-21T07:10:00.005+08:00

It's been some time since I posted on my blog mostly because I haven't had the time. But I had to quickly write up something on the fantastic new ditty for the Singapore Youth Olympics 2010 called "You are the one Singapore".

Seriously ....

..... what the hell are people thinking about when they let this one out of the basket. This "Cheer" as the Singapore Sports pages describe it will be seen by millions of people world wide. Is this the best Singapore can do?. I mean when I first heard it I actually swallowed vomit.

The Singapore Sports webpage has this to say about it .....

It is our CHEER. Composed and performed by Singapore’s own JJ Lin, it is one of the 3 numbers specially written for “Cheer Singapore”. Sing it. Shake it. And move with it..

I read that and wondered if JJ had gone underground. I mean having your name tagged to a piece of work like that has to be embarrassing as hell. There's already one spoof of the song up on YouTube for those that want to watch it. It speaks volumes when the spoof has had more views than the original.

And what about the panel who agreed to approve it. I'd suggest they are in desperate need of a lobotomy but it looks like I'm too late on that score. And there's still 2 more "Cheers" to come.

Something to look forward to I'm sure and while we wait well we could always learn the dance moves for "You are the one Singapore".

Oh crap, I just vomited in my mouth again .... oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, hey!

Resorts World at Sentosa

2010-02-16T18:01:00.006+08:00

I'm not sure if I should praise or thrash Resort World at Sentosa. It's great to see something happen on Sentosa, lets face it the place needed a major face lift if it was to compete with other tourist destinations. And despite the many new attractions I've no doubt that the biggest will be the new Casino. Great news for tourist, but it sucks to be a local ....

.... or a Permanent Resident (PR) for that mater since both will have to pay a $100 levy to gain entrance. Of course its called a "levy" not a "We want to prevent Singaporeans from gambling away their money tax" which is basically its intent of course. The Singapore Government is no doubt concerned for its people and has deemed this the best way to deter them from gambling. Yes, lets let all the tourists lose their money instead, not that anyone in Singapore will benefit from that move. And if its not enough, you can always pass on relatives details and have them totally banned from entering (or so the rumor has it).

Of course the levy (small chuckle on my part) lasts for only 24 hours, so if you are in mid-game when it runs out you will have to leave and re-enter to pay the levy again, its in the regulations. I wonder if we'll see jobs advertised for levy runners in the papers soon?

Speaking of jobs, the Resort World went to great pains to mention that approximately 70% of the work force are Singaporeans. I'm not sure why they are boasting of that since I remember seeing the adds in the papers with statements like only Singaporeans need apply. So I'm not sure boasting about an openly discriminatory policy is a good thing.

Still, I guess its nice to see Sentosa have a facelift, although if you do drop into the Casino for a flutter take care. You don't only have to worry about the levy (another chuckle from me) but you'll also have to battle with the Feng Shui which is most definitely not going to be in your favor.

Hmmmmmmm ....... I wonder if pre-paid levies will become the new birthday gift, mines the 24th September just in case.

iPad a spoilt apple?

2010-01-29T22:15:00.006+08:00

The world has long speculated on the release of a Mac tablet PC and has been holding its collective breath as rumors were hurled around cyberspace on what Apple was up to. Low and behold only a few days ago we all found out as Apple released upon the world the iPad. Has it lived up to expectations? Well in my opinion the only answer to that is ..... Hell No!. Apple dropped the ball on this one big time and here's why ....

.... For all the iPad could have been, a hybrid between the stunningly magnificent Mac OS (back in your box windows vista users) and the awesome iPhone 3GS, all we get for our hard earned cash is an enlarged iTouch almost iPhone kind of thing.

It may have a 1GHz Apple Chip, so speed won't be an issue. But that's about were the good news stops. No camera of any description so no video conferencing which could have been a key selling point. No multi tasking so only a single application at a time. Maximum of 64GB flash drive which wouldn't even be installed on a laptop of PC these days. But then I forget myself the iPad is neither of those, it's basically an enlarged iTouch with pretty much the same features and the same set of limitations (i.e. no flash support).

Of course with a bigger screen you can read a book on it. Yeah folks that's about the only reason for getting one (I can hear the gasps of excitement from here).

This could have been awesome, instead its the biggest disappointment from Apple EVER. Whoever thought this was the tablet PC that the public has been waiting for from Apple for the last 5 years needs to have a labotomy. And that also applies to every single Exec in Apple who nodded their approving head at this release.

It is in short more of an iphhhuuuuttttt than an iPad, a spoilt apple.

Totally useless.

Adam Lambert on AMA

2009-11-26T16:31:00.008+08:00

The kinder question on everyone’s lips after watching the America Music Awards seems to be, what the hell was he thinking. I am of course referring to Adam Lamberts S&M performance of his debut single “For Your Entertainment”. Many people seem to focus on the ....

.... male on male tongue action (some networks going so far as to blur the offending scene to screams of discrimination as many drew comparisons to a certain well remembered girl on girl kiss). Indeed ABC apparently received thousands of complaints which no doubt prompted them to pull his scheduled appearance from the Good Morning America show. It seems to be all anyone is talking about recently. Lets forgot the fact that the performance as a whole was so over the top it was ridiculous, comically so in fact. The song itself was just as bad and wasn’t so much sung as screamed.

I’ll be honest and put my hand up to say that I never really rated Adam Lambert to begin with for exactly that reason, his tendency to scream songs instead of sing them. The only time that opinion changed (along with a lot of others I’m sure) was when he performed Mad World, probably the best moment of that particular American Idol season.

And while I may not be a fan, I’m sure that after that particularly dross AMA performance Adam Lamberts fan base has dwindled a little further. He’s either too self opinionated to care or he's been given very bad advice, either way neither option bodes well.

Time to wake up Adam as you’re a long way from being a star and the road to get there is a rocky one that many hopefuls crash on.

Watch your step.

Mega Mac

2009-09-30T21:03:00.006+08:00

I meant to write this post some time ago but never got round to it, but since I was updating my Blog recently I thought I'd throw it in there.

Yes, this post is about the Mega Mac, a burger that was here in Singapore for a while and one which the Japanese can't seem to get enough of.

Hasn't everyone seen the movie Super Size Me ......

..... a 2004 American documentary film directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock?. Spurlock's film follows a 30-day time period (February to beginning of March 2003) during which he eats only McDonald's food.

As a result, the then-32-year-old Spurlock gained 24½ lbs. (1¾ stone, 11.1 kg), a 13% body mass increase, a cholesterol level of 230, and experienced mood swings, sexual dysfunction, and liver damage. It took Spurlock fourteen months to lose the weight gained from his experiment.

Of course critics of the film, including McDonald's, argue that the author intentionally consumed an average of 5,000 calories per day (more than twice the recommended daily amount for most people).

Now 5 years later MacDonalds has gone Mega and introduced the world to the Mega Mac (one of their new Mega offerings).

And the Mega Mac, well according to MacDonalds nutrition info (for some strange reason I find myself laughing), it's got 750 calories and 46 grams of fat in it. In the regular "set" menu, it includes a medium fries (420 cal., 22g/fat) and a medium coke (140 cal.), for a whopping total of 1,310 calories and 68 grams of fat.

Personally I'll be giving it a miss. I may not always eat healthily but for me that's pushing the boundaries a just a little too far.

Singapore Idol 2009

2009-09-26T10:29:00.010+08:00

It's been a while since i found much of interest to update this blog with but all that changed after watching Singapore Idol recently. If you'd like to know more read on .....

.... What an utter disaster. I mean seriously there's probably one person in the group who can actually sing. The rest are just poor karaoke singer wannabes. And if you watch the show like me no doubt you'll actually cringe as you listen. Bad song choice, bad presentation, and seriously I think absolutely everyone with maybe one or two exceptions was off key, pitchy, and just plain terrible.

And the judges, what did they say?. Well they're obviously way to connected to the show because seriously they didn't pass any decent comments what so ever. Ken Lim, at least was interesting. Watching him peer over his glasses in that school teacher professor pose and dish out cryptic comments as though he was the absolute authority on the subject at least gave me reason to laugh. Honestly, were he comes up with what he says I've got no idea because its just totally asinine. And as for Florence Lim and Dick Lee, well I have to admit that they are both coming across as more than a little blonde at the moment.

And then there's the presenter Gurmit Singh. I mean how bad is he. His attempts at humor during the show are painful to the extreme and I can't believe that Singapore has no better presenter to offer. His understanding of dramatic pause is at least on a par with the capability of most of the contestants to sing, so I guess there's a match there (and not in a good way). Why he ever hung up his yellow boots I've got no idea because he certainly hasn't left that particular character behind.

All in, terrible. On the plus side totally watchable but for all the wrong reasons.

If you haven't seen yet do a search on YouTube for "Singapore Idol Final 13" and then sit back and enjoy that raw Singapore talent (and I'm not just talking about the contestants either).

Update 30/09/2009

I couldn't help myself, I watched Singapore Idol again tonight. Not as bad at the previous offering, but it couldn't get any worse so that's not much of a recommendation. Why do contestants pick songs that need to be delivered with power and energy only to fall flat. So far I totally can't see a winner as those that do manage to stand out are doing for all the wrong reasons.

And yet for some perverse reason I know I'm going to watch it until the final show.

Update 14/10/2009

Who knew that Michael Jackson songs could be so toneless, flat and lifeless.

Singtel 3GS Launch

2009-07-11T08:55:00.009+08:00

The launch of the iPhone 3GS has been looked forward to by many people worldwide with eager anticipation, and in Singapore the wait ended on July 10th 2009 .... not so much with a bang, but with more of a dull pop ....

.... as Singtel's laughable launch party got underway. Seriously, who ever planned the event should be looking for a new job. No-one in the crowd cared about the theatrics, all they wanted was their iphone. But at 8.00pm (2 hours plus after people had been queueing) limp fire work displays were followed by a man I can only assume was the CEO holding up (and fumbling) the first iPhone to be on sale to the public like an olympic medal. It was as dramatic as watching wet paint dry, and for those that noticed, the iPhone didn't even display the right time .... whoooops .... how embarrassing.

The queue was huge, and the number of sales points not enough. The result of that botch job (no lessons learned from the previous launch parties obviously) was at least a 6 hour waiting time. Singtel of course tried to keep the people entertained, so you got to give them 1 out of 10 for effort.

Still I'm sure as people walked away with the brand new iPhone 3GS in their hands, all was forgiven, or at least temporarily forgotten as they rushed home to play with (and no doubt jailbreak) their new toys.

DBS & Focus on the Family

2008-12-02T16:00:00.005+08:00

There's been a lot of press recently on DBS's announcement that it will donate up to $15000 to Focus on the Family (Singapore) based on festive redemptions. While no one could object to donating to a family-related cause, FotF (Singapore) is affiliated with the ultra-conservative, right-wing and evangelical Focus on the Family. To give you an idea of what that means keep reading ....

..... The following little snippets are taking directly from the FOTF website

Focus on the Family is dedicated to defending the honor, dignity and value of the two sexes as created in God's image – intentionally male and female – each bringing unique and complementary qualities to sexuality and relationships.

Sexuality is a glorious gift from God – meant to be offered back to Him either in marriage for procreation, union and mutual delight or in celibacy for undivided devotion to Christ.

Pro-gay revisionist theology violates God's intentional design for gender and sexuality.
We affirm God's design for sexual expression as between one man and one woman in the context of a lifelong, marital covenant.

We strenuously disagree with pro-gay revisionist theology as plainly contradictory to Scripture, historic and traditional Christian doctrine and the Judeo-Christian sexual ethic.

We oppose the ordination of non-celibate, self-identified homosexuals and the celebration of homoerotic sexuality as one of God's gifts.

One has to wonder if this means that DBS are making a public statement with respect to their support of these views. In the meantime there is a general push on for DBS card holders to switch their spending to another card and send a very clear message to DBS that such right wing views won't be tolerated by anyone with even the tiniest bit of intelligence.

IMPORTANT UPDATE
Normally once I post a blog I never go back and amend it since its really suppose to be a snapshot at a point in time. In this case however I am making an exception. Like many people I wrote to DBS to complain about their support of FOTF and received the response below. Proof that positive action can sometimes get results, and many thanks to DBS for taking the step back.

Dear Mr Barry

We thank you for your feedback and appreciate your concerns.

In line with DBS' corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that are
geared towards supporting children and learning, several welfare
organisations that support similar causes were short-listed.

It was never the intention of the Bank to discriminate against any group
through this initiative. Nevertheless given feedback received, to
demonstrate that DBS believes in diversity and inclusion, with immediate
effect we will be removing the Christmas charity campaign.

DBS will continue to play its part to support the community at large,
and we hope to have your kind understanding and support.

Yours sincerely

Rena Leong
Assistant Vice President
Customer Care & Feedback Management
Consumer Banking Group Singapore

Singapore Airlines, Why's

2008-12-02T13:14:00.005+08:00

Having travelled mostly on Singapore airlines for the last 11 years whenever I've had cause to fly (for work or pleasure) I've begun to notice that the experience is not as good as it use to be. On more than one occasion I've been fraustrated and left asking why .......

Why do I always get the seat next to the person who decides to hog my arm rest.
Why do I always get the seat with the least amount of leg room.
Why is there always a screaming baby on the same flight.
Why does my TV screen never seem to work right.
Why is the movie that I want to watch always the one that never works.
Why do I always get the headphones with only one ear piece working.
Why if they can tell you there's turblance ahead they can't fly over it.
Why do I always end up using the toilet after someone's had a dump in it.
Why is there an ashtray in the toilet when you can't smoke anyway.
Why is there a hook for your coat on the seat when there's no space to hang it there.
Why do the seats never go back far enough.
Why does the person behind me always grab my seat to get out of theirs.
Why are the bread rolls always hard.
Why is the food so tasteless (and oily).
Why do they call it a menu when there really is no choice.

Still ..... beats the hell out of walking.

Singapore F1 Sucks

2008-09-26T22:47:00.012+08:00

The roar of the engine, the exciting atmosphere were all there so I'm sure there'll be many people who disagree with the title of this post, but from a purely personal perspective I have to say that I was totally disappointed with the Singapore F1. Needless to say its not my taste anyway, but I decided to be there for this historic event, and quite quickly began to wish that I had stayed at home and watched paint dry. The problem with the whole thing was that ....

.... it was so poorly organized it was actually laughable. The entry gates should have had a sign above them that read Abandon all hope ye who enter here as once you got inside it was absolute bedlam. There was no signs so no-one knew where the hell to go, and piss poor crowd control to boot. People just stopped were they wanted to blocking stairs and passage ways leading to huge throngs of very unhappy people with lots of pushing and shoving.

The little police presence that was there was totally ineffective and just basically stood there as the crowd surged around them since there was bugger all else they could do, they even looked overwhelmed. The tickets advertised no outside food/drink there's plenty there, well that was a gross understatement as well.

On top of that the only view you got to see was of a fence. Forget about bringing a camera since it was of little use. Even if you had a high speed shutter you still only got to take a picture of fence, and thats assuming you could nudge your way in to take one since everyone was standing in front of it and blocking the view anyway.

Maybe I'm being a bit too harsh because my expectations were set so high after all the hype. But for me it seemed a totally laughable event, especially for something of such a high profile.

Lets see if they do better next year, but I won't be rushing out to buy tickets.

Singapore Brands Cigarette's

2008-09-19T11:53:00.008+08:00

Here's an amusing artical from the Singapore Customs website. It had me chuckling for ages because its so totally stupid. In my opinion in ranks up there with bomb shelters in condominium's, and ash trays on motor bikes.

With effect from 1 January 2009, all duty-paid cigarettes sold in Singapore will be legally required to be marked with the letters “SDPC” (which stands for Singapore Duty-Paid Cigarettes). The SDPC will be marked on every individual stick. From 1 January 2009, all cigarettes without the SDPC-marking in Singapore will be deemed illegal.Anyone caught selling, buying, or having in possession of duty unpaid cigarettes without the SDPC marking will be committing an offence under the Customs and GST Acts. For every packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes, buyers will be fined $500.

Can you imagine the police stopping you in the middle of mid-smoke and asking to see your cigarettes, its just so funny to think about. I wonder if they will apply the same rationale to everything that has duty paid on it.

Meanwhile, Ong Yong Kian, director-general, Singapore Customs, is reported as having said: "Our assessment is that it is unlikely that the SDPC markings will be counterfeited. This assessment is also shared by the industry. But nonetheless, we will be monitoring the situation very closely."

Which just made me laugh even more.

Political & Human Rights

2008-07-10T09:56:00.010+08:00

In a recently produced report it has been stated that despite its impressive economic development, Singapore fails to meet international standards for political and human rights and there are concerns about the independence of its judiciary....

.... Apparently the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute identified a number of areas in which Singapore fell far short of international norms stating that democratic debate and media comment are extremely restricted and government officials have initiated numerous successful defamation suits against both political and media critics.

Lee Kuan Yew is reported to have responded to allegations that his country ranked low in matters of press freedom, saying Singaporeans were free to read whatever they wanted (a comment that made me smile giving the restriction on what publications can actually be sold in Singapore)

The group which represents 30,000 lawyers globally has published a 72-page report (with 18 recommendations it says should be implemented urgently). And as no surprise to some, the Singapore Government are reported to have dismissed them as without substance and feeble.

The Law Ministry is also reported as having said that whatever the government’s shortcomings, the overall objective has been to get Singaporeans better educated and exposed to the globalised world. So the laws and systems are adjusted to maximise the global forces to make Singapore a thriving cosmopolitan city, where both locals and foreigners live and work in a peaceful, safe and open environment.

You can't argue with that I guess, although it would be interesting to hear what the Law Ministry believes the government's shortcomings to be.

Chewing Gum in Singapore

2008-07-10T09:43:00.003+08:00

I was at the out shopping the other day and although I've heard that Singapore Government had relaxed its ban (yes ban as in illegal to sell) on the sale of chewing gum in Singapore, I didn't think much of it until ....

.... I found my way into the chemists. As I walked around I passed by the Pharamcy counter, the place were you would normally hand in your prescription to be filled, or where all the drugs deemed too dangerous to sell over the counter sit locked away behind glass cabinets.

On the counter top itself was a locked glass container and in it was a whole stack of chewing gum for sale. My first reaction was to smile. Then I asked the assistant why it was locked and was told that in order to buy chewing gum in Singapore you must fill out a form and provide your passport/IC number, your phone number, your address etc, at which point, and I couldn't help myself, I burst out laughing.

Can you imagine it, having to register yourself as a chewing gum user. Totally insane! On the plus side its great to see the Government work so hard to keep us amused.

I'm all Ears

2008-04-15T06:00:00.005+08:00

I have discovered a new pet hate, and one which totally baffles the hell out of me. When we talk about personal grooming it just looks like shit if left unattended. Hairy ears. Seriously ....

.... and while I know people can't help genetics, if you have hairy ears for God sake then shave them, wax them even,take whatever steps it necessary to relive yourself of them. It just looks damn ugly. There's absolutely nothing sexy about it in the slightest so don't be disillusioned about your appearance. People are pointing at you and laughing, it really looks that bad.

And if you have a partner that happens to think otherwise then I suggest you hold them against a wall and kick the crap out of them because they are either lying to your face or totally stupid, either of which is enough excuse. In fact line up all your friends and do likewise because if one of them hasn't told you that you look like an idiot then they deserve it as well.

And if you happen to be one of those extreme cases where the hair grows from the inside of your ear out (trust me you don't want to see a picture of that) then seek professional help immediately, don't wait, don't even think about it.

Down with Love

2008-03-15T08:35:00.004+08:00

I've decided two things today in order to provide myself with a better quality of life. After all the relationship/dating game is just getting way to dangerous these days, not to mention stressful.

Firstly in order to protect my heart from further fracture I will encase it steel, and surround it by thorns so that only the most persistent person will ever gain access. And secondly, I'm not going to bother trying to win over someone else's heart since it seems my own only gets hurt more in the process which is counter productive.

To the rest of the world .... please take note!

Propaganda in Hong Kong

2008-01-22T18:44:00.000+08:00

As nightclubs go, Propaganda in Hong Kong always seems to be one of those clubs that people tend to rave about. I'm not sure why because the place totally sucks, and that's on a Saturday night even ....

Firstly no-one gets there before 1am which means basically that no-one really cares about the place that much. Inside its pretty alright as far as the layout goes, but the music that is played is totally and utterly crap. Seriously, whoever is spinning there needs to be taken outside and slapped around a bit because he/she's totally lost the plot.

By 2am the dance floor was starting to fill up with people standing still and swaying because there was no way they could dance to the crap that was being played. It was kind of like the worlds worst ever jazz style dance music, just plan fucking terrible.

Avoid this place like the plague, its a total insult to the gay community. I think people only go there out of habit at this stage because there sure as hell isn't any other reason to go there.

So much for propaganda eh.

VPL - Visible Panty Lines

2008-01-06T01:01:00.000+08:00

This one goes out to all the ladies out there who remain blissfully unaware of the VPL or visible panty line. Don't get me wrong on some women this phenomena can have much appeal to the wandering eye (obviously I'm not speaking for myself here), but more often than not the reverse it true. You see ....

.... if you have a fat arse then wearing tight fitting underwear with equally tight fighting trousers is a bad move. The net result is basically 4 butt cheeks wobbling in different directions which despite how good you feel about yourself is totally unattractive. Just don't do it. Wear a tong, or wear nothing at all. Don't constrain your voluptuous assets by a piece of material that is poorly designed to hold them cause from behind its really not a pretty picture.

Please have some pity for the people who stand behind you on the escalator, and help to make our mornings a little less frightening.

iPod Touch

2007-11-25T14:20:00.000+08:00

I have at last managed to get the time to come back and update my blog and thought that I might as well do a quick write up on my beautiful, sleek and down right sexy iPod touch. And yes that's pictures of the springboard below.

Now I know what your thinking, your iPod Touch doesn't look like that at all. And that would be correct. You see as soon as I got it I couldn't resist hacking it, and after a couple of months of careful searching managed to do just that. It's currently been updated to firmware version 1.1.2 as well.

That may mean nothing to a lot of people so I'll translate that into english. Apart from using my touch for music/video, it also holds my collection of ebooks, and when I get really bored I can use it as Game Boy Advance and play any GBA game on it.

Of course i'll be updating to the iPhone when it arrives here in Singapore, and hopefully by then I'll be able to hack that and use skype and save a fortune on phone bills.

And in the meantime, I'm going sit back and enjoy my ipod Touch.

Ban Christmas Carols

2007-11-25T14:13:00.000+08:00

Strolling though the supermarket today I was treated to the nerve jangling sound of the looped tape of Christmas jingles & carols. Now I'm all for setting the mood and the spirit of Christmas, but ...

... how fucking dated is the crap that's being played. I mean its the same old rubbish every year, year after year after annoying year. If I hear Jingle bells one more time I swear I'm going to slash my wrists. I'm thinking of taking all the music and writing parodies of the songs cause I'm so sick of them.

And here in Singapore its even worse. Songs about snow falling and sitting by the fire roasting chestnuts are as out of place as a nun in a whore house. Not only that its played at least 2 months before the actual date and even (insanely so) played as background music in restaurants.

It's blatant discrimination too. I mean we don't hear Indian music 2 months before Deepavali, or the strains of Chinese Opera for 2 months before the lunar new year, festivals that are of equal importance to the communities that celebrate them. Hell no, but come Christmas the looped tape of dated music is switched on everywhere.

I think that what we need is a world wide ban so we don't have to suffer it any more.

As for me its earplugs in and iPod turned on from now on.

Singapore Radio Sucks

2007-10-11T08:01:00.000+08:00

Over the last few nights I've been way too tired to remember to bring my iPod to bed and ended up trying to fall asleep while listening to the Radio instead. Huge Mistake!

Generally the choice of music is pretty good on most stations in Singapore but the problem is there's just not enough of it. I mean who the hell actually believes that an add on radio works, and how stupid are they. Radio adverts are just annoying and give people an excuse to change channel.

And what about the DJ's who like to talk between songs. For God's sake shut the fuck up already. Without exception they are boring,uninteresting and talk rubbish 99% of the time. By all means tell me what tracks are coming up but that's all I need to know. Please feel free to use the microphone to pleasure yourself afterwards if you want ..... just turn it off already.

And its even worse when there's more than one DJ as they just spend time trying to outdo each other and the music ends up getting a second seat. The number of times I've switched off my radio in frustration is unreal.

Radio, its just a poor substitute for real music, and in Singapore doubly so.

Now, where the hell did I leave my iPod!

Section 377A

2007-10-11T07:56:00.000+08:00

In a recent interview with respect to the Singapore Governments stand on section 377A, a section aimed solely at criminalizing homosexuality, the prime minister Lee Hsien Loong was quoted as saying ... "Our view, as a government is, we will go with society. We will not push forward as society's views shift. We just follow along. As of today, my judgement is: the society is comfortable with our position. Leave the clause (alone). What people do in private is their own business; in public, certain norms apply."

You have to admire the man's stupidity, as if by changing section 377A it implies that guys are going to start humping each other on the streets of Singapore, or that by implication the government or the man himself is even remotely aware of what society wants.

When a government openly and publicly discriminates against a minority section of its own people you have to wonder what message it is actual sending. To me the law has always been about what is right and fair, and changing it when it is obvious that it needs to be changed regardless of public opinion.

A government should lead its people, not follow along like some pet on a leash.

Heel boy, heel!

The Trillium

2007-10-05T08:15:00.000+08:00

The Trillium, a development that I am predicting will be plagued by problems all because of the fully sold sign below.

When I first saw the Trillium being launched I thought great, lets go take a look, and then promptly walked away because the asking price was ridiculous. Then a little later I saw the fully sold sign and did a double take, I mean who knew people could be that stupid as to thank God for profiting from material wealth. I mean I'm not religious but even I'm not stupid enough to smack God in the face so publicly.

The more I saw the sign the more annoying it became because its clear that the idiot responsible has no concept or appreciation for the spiritual side of life. Thanking God for turning a profit is totally tasteless, lets all stand on the steps and shout loudly people. Even Christian friends I showed this picture to were disgusted.

So I'm predicting all sorts of problems for this development as a result. Let's watch it together shall we.

Automactic Flush

2007-09-26T14:47:00.001+08:00

Public toilets drive me crazy. The moment you walk into the cubicle you know you've made a huge mistake, but alas the call of nature can never be deterred. Gritting your teeth you wade though a carpet of toilet paper wondering why people are so messy only to find that its been used to wipe the foot prints from the toilet seat as you do likewise thinking at the same time how the hell anyone can anyone go in such an unnatural position.

Well its either that or some unthinking untrained son-of-a-bitch has decided to spray urine all over the place, I mean what is it with that. I can only put it down to the fact that some people have an incredibly small penis and it keeps slipping from their fingers.

Of course no sooner have you reluctantly sat down than the automatic flush kicks in spraying your arse with cold water before you've even had a chance to go, which of course totally destroys the moment. No choice but grin and bear it and of course sit absolutely still cause you know if you shift even slightly the damn thing is going to flush again.

Oh yeah, and always check there's enough toilet paper BEFORE you actually do anything. Annoying or what!

Zouk - Paul Van Dyk

2007-09-02T11:14:00.000+08:00

Last nights Zouk guest DJ Paul Van Dyk totally sucked. He was suppose to be promoting his Inbetween album which is actually quiet good but lost the plot somewhere between touch down and reaching the club.

There were a couple of great moments but they were too few and far between and the last hour of his set was a disaster, even his mix of White Lies died a death, totally mangled. The premadonna, advertised to begin at midnight didn't even start the set on time. After the hype and build up it was a let down, and many people walked away unimpressed.

On top of that the management at Zouk need a few slaps as well. The club was way over crowded and their own people were absolutely crap at managing the crowd, a totally useless team of people who seemed to be more interested in looking pretty and waving flashlights rather than doing anything useful. I have to admit to feeling sorry for the crew in the orange t-shirts who had to fight their way through it all.

I'd love to know just exactly how many people were there and how many people Zouk are licensed to hold. Lets all pray for a police raid next time!

But last night sucked on many levels. The only time it picked up was when Paul Van Dyk actually stopped playing, after that it was what it should have been all night, a progressive trance shuffle heaven!

The Great Singapore Ripoff

2007-07-20T21:54:00.000+08:00

I've always been amazed at the hotels in Singapore, not only are they well kept and staffed, friendly and quite frankly ahead of anything the west has to offer, but I've always been under the impression that they are priced quite reasonably. In fact its one of the reasons that people travel to Singapore because its so affordable. Well, mostly true, you see ....

The problem with Singapore hotels is that although the set their prices at the start of the year for the year, if anything happens such as a convention then prices soar out of all proportion. With the inflated prices I'm surprised anyone bothers. Two times, three times the normal rate are not unheard off.

I'm surprised the government, big brother that it can be, hasn't stepped in and put some sort of a cap on price hikes. I mean these hikes have got to be damaging the tourist industry. It's blatant profiteering, in fact I'd almost go as far as to say its nothing short of theft. And while corporate pockets may be big they are not forgiving. And what about the poor tourist who comes at the wrong time, they are the ones that really suffer along with Singapore's reputation as a relatively inexpensive holiday destination.

Personally I think that once a hotel has set and published its rates for the year, that a cap of x% is imposed during any 3 month period. That way they can't just change it to what they want to charge any time they choose. The x% needs to be fair so that they can make a decent profit, I'm not a total dictator.

But seriously, it is soon going to become a deciding factor when companies hold events here and if it continues as is then tourism will dip and sooner rather than later the fat corporate wallet will become a thing of legend.

MRT Blues

2007-07-09T16:24:00.000+08:00

After being totally let down by Singapore's taxi service which is the subject of a couple of rants already, I've been waking up that little bit earlier and after my early morning run (mentioned purely because of how torturous it is) I walk the 15 minutes to the MRT station listening to my iPod all the way. Needless to say by the time I get to the station I'm in a great mood which is just as well because it all starts going wrong on the escalator down to the station.

There's always some complete and utter twat who insists on standing on the right even though the signs ask people to stand on the left. So those of us who like to walk down the bloody thing are trapped before we've even started the journey. I mean how stupid do people have to be to understand that they are in the way and move their sorry arse to the left.

Next thing to deal with is waiting at the doors of the train. There's always some plonker who arrives at the very last second as the train arrives and pushes their way by you to get on to the train even though you've been standing there patiently for the last 4 minutes for the damn thing to arrive, and take note so far women are the worst offenders.

So now you're on a packed train squeezed up against the doors even through there would be enough room if only people would move down the damn carriage. On the left you're fighting with the idiot who insists on using what little space there is around you to read the morning paper, to the right is the other idiot who leans against the bar so that those around him have nothing to hold on to. If front of you is the women who keeps adjusting her shoulder bag and smacking you in the nuts with it at every opportunity, while behind you is the person who can't spell deodorant. And then the doors open at the next station, and yes even though you couldn't squeeze a knat's arse in there is always one bastard who shoves their way on stepping on your feet in the process. If the fucker was blind deaf and dumb there'd be some excuse.

And then you arrive at your station and its as though the train having swallowed up all these people finds them not to its taste (understandable in some cases) and vomits them all out. Naturally you are now in the way of this stampede and either go with the flow or get trampled on.

So how was your Monday!

Straining It

2007-06-03T11:53:00.000+08:00

Ok, a question to the masses. Why is it in a public toilet that you always end up in the cubicle next to the guy who's making the type of sounds that leave you to assume he's about to either crap a cannon ball, or explode?

I mean what is it with that? All that grunting and groaning and other sounds that for the life of me I haven't a clue how to type. It's as though there is an inbuilt need to announce to everyone in the immediate area that they're taking a dump, some sort of macho crapping ritual that I just don't get.

And lets not talk about the idiots who insist on having a conversation on their mobile phone at the same time. Not bad enough that everyone else has to listen but they call a friend as well.

Seriously one of these days I'm just not going to be able to restrain myself and burst into applause.

Singapore Waterspout

2007-05-30T13:43:00.000+08:00

It has to be one of the most interesting sights to have been seen in Singapore recently, and one that had nearly everyone in our office where this picture was taken from with their faces pressed against the window to get a better look.

Waterspouts are not that rare, but seeing one so close and to have such an excellent view of it during an otherwise hot sunny day was fantastic. It really does make you take a step back when you see the power of mother nature if action.

Well .... it kept us entertained for a full 10 minutes!

Fugly Croc-a-what!

2007-04-20T17:56:00.000+08:00

When it comes to fashion I'm not one of these people who could be remotely described as a dedicated follower of the latest trend. Technical gadgets well now that's a different story, but not the subject of this little rant. I mean lets face it there are some fashion trends that are just down right absurd. Take those colorful plastic clog-like shoes as an example. They have got to be one of the ugliest things you could possibly wear.

There's nothing about them that's nice. They're lumpy clog-like and just simply hideous. You've got to question the IQ factor of anyone who owns a pair. They are almost anti-fashion they're so bad. I still find myself pointing and laughing when I see people wear them, although these days I tend not to laugh too loud after all one must be sympathetic to the mentally challenged.

But seriously, why would anyone wear them, apart from being ugly they make your feet look huge. OK, nothing wrong with big feet as long as you're a guy and everything is in proportion (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Of course they've made their inventor a million which is cool, but seriously can we get them out of the shops now as the trend is over and flogged to death already.

In the meantime, a couple of asprin and a pair of sunglasses wouldn't go amiss!

Minsters Pay Rise Piss Off Singaporeans

2007-04-12T09:47:00.000+08:00

The salary of the prime minister of Singapore is more than three times that of U.S. President George Bush and about four times that of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But that is not enough. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong may soon be getting a hefty pay rise as part of a controversial ministerial salary hike that has infuriated many Singaporeans.

Lee, who is estimated to earn about S$2 million (US$1.32 million) per year, said last month that the salaries of Singapore ministers, top public officials and judges have fallen way below benchmark private sector salaries and may need to be doubled. "It is critical for us to keep these salaries competitive, so as to be able to bring in a continuing flow of able and successful people," Lee said in a speech in March. Lee said that Singapore ministers, who currently earn about S$1.2 million (US$800,000) a year, should be earning S$2.2 million (US$1.45 million). Details of the new ministerial salaries will be announced in parliament on April 9.

Since 1994, the salaries of Singapore ministers have been set at two-thirds the median pay of the 48 best-paid bankers, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and executives in multi-nationals and manufacturing firms. But the latest salary hike, which comes at a time when income disparity in Singapore is wider than ever, has sparked an outpour of unusually blunt criticism from Singaporeans. What irks Singapore's opposition parties is that the million-dollar salaries are only accessible to members of Lee's ruling People's Action Party (how strange I hear you mumble)

Lee Kuan Yew -- modern Singapore's first prime minister, who is still the leading voice in his son's cabinet (read into that what you will) stated that it is "absurd" for Singaporeans to quarrel about ministerial pay and warning that Singapore would suffer if the government could not pay competitive salaries. "Your security will be at risk and our women will become maids in other people's countries," he said.

I wonder if that ranks as the most stupid thing he has ever said?

Amazed by Technology

2007-04-11T11:11:00.000+08:00

In a continuation from a previous post title "an apple a day" and after settling in and playing around with my MacBook with much enthusiasm, I decided to take my entertainment setup to a new level and "Macify" (a word I've just added to the English Dictionary) my home.

So I rushed over to my local technology center and purchased an Airport Extreme Wireless router together with an Apple TV. After a few false starts I managed to get everything working together and it worked like a charm.

A little while later as I was sat there watching an episode of Heroes (great show by the way) on my Plasma TV that was being streamed from my MacBooks hard disk through the Airport Extreme Router by the Apple TV it suddenly struck me how amazing technology has become. I mean it really is amazing when you step back and think about it. And not only amazing but accessible.

Not only can you use the Apple TV to watch movies or music that you have on your hard disk, but through itunes you can even watch previews of all the latest movies without leaving your home. I for one thought that was totally cool, and I haven't even mentioned the photo album options.

Of course now I intend to totally rip my DVD's and get back some cupboard space, a little project that's going to take me a couple of years I hasten to add. well that's what I get for living in the dark ages collecting DVD's!.

Singapore Flyer

2007-03-14T15:27:00.000+08:00

The Singapore Flyer, Singapore's answer to the London Eye, is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2008. When it opens it will become the worlds largest ferris wheel at 165 meters high (that's 42 stories) and 150 meters wide providing (supposedly) unparalleled panoramic views of Singapore, the straits of Malaysia and the islands of Indonesia.

People will take a leisurely 37 minutes for one vibration free revolution (or "flight" to use the correct term) of this massive ferris wheel and each air conditioned capsule (there will be 28 in total) is capable of holding 28-30 lucky fear factor individuals. The cost of this experience is expected to be as detailed below.

It is also linked to the Marina Integrated Resort scheduled to be opened in 2009, which given Singapore's strict laws on gambling is not actually being called a Casino even though that's exactly what it is. I think we can expect more people to pay that a visit when it opens since it's got a much higher novelty factor.

Of course rumors have it that the Singapore Government is going to place some restrictions on access to the Casino for its citizens as it is concerned that some may spend more than they can afford to and wants to take steps to ensure that that doesn't happen. How that's going to work I've got no idea, but watch this space.

In the meantime those of you with a head for heights (not to mention a decent camera) have something to look forward to. And if you can't wait why not pre-book your experience (or read more about it) at http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg.

In the meantime I'm sure everyone involved has their fingers and toes crossed for a smog free 2008!

An Apple a Day

2007-03-13T15:08:00.000+08:00

I went out looking for a new laptop recently thinking that with the computer fair on here in Singapore it was probably the best time to buy. Special deals, discounts, freebies and all that. My old laptop had always been a little sluggish so it was time to upgrade.

So I fought my way through hordes of people, pushing, shoving and stepping on little children (who had no right to be there in the first place) intent on visiting each and every stall. I had an idea of what I wanted in my spanking new laptop and knew up front that Windows Vista wasn't on the list.

However, no matter what new model of laptop I looked at nearly every one of them came bundled with Vista installed. Upon asking I found that the majority had no Windows XP version available. No matter how many stalls I went to this response started to become the norm. I don't know if Windows Vista is good or not, the jury is still out on that one, but I didn't want it and I was pissed off to find that as a consumer a choice was being forced on me.

So I got to thinking (well it was either that or lie down on the floor kicking and screaming like a baby). Windows Vista is effectively a Mac clone (anyone who thinks otherwise need some serious medical attention, preferably in a padded cell with electrodes attached to specially shaved areas) so why not look at a Mac as an option.

The Mac OS is stable and has been for years. So as scary as it was I threw out all thoughts of getting a windows based laptop and purchased a Mac Book instead. Yes I have bungee jumped into the world of Apple.

So .... flipping two fingers on one hand to everyone in Microsoft, and two fingers on the other hand to the computer industry that tried to impose its choice on me .... I'm off to play with my new sexy sleek wonderfully black Mac!.

THE Kiss

2007-03-01T17:03:00.000+08:00

Ok, I'm not just talking about any kiss here. This isn't the type of kiss that you would give a relation or even a close friend, and if by chance it is then I seriously worry about you. No, this is THE Kiss, totally and utterly pornographic in nature. It's a kiss that communicates sexual intent leaving no doubt in your mind that all your clothes are coming off.

This kiss is a language all onto itself. It not only communicates intent, but when perfected can even proclaim how long it will be before that intent is to be become a reality. It's the type of kiss that starts with the lips but somehow ends up involving the whole body as you lose yourself to its rhythm. And it has a rhythm of its own, one that rises and falls in perfect synchronicity to the breath of the individuals concerned.

It's the type of kiss that not only inflames passion, but that fuels it until the promise of the next inevitable step burns hotter than the midday sun. It is a kiss that will not be denied. You can try but you will never succeed because this is the type of kiss that accepts nothing short of total surrender and always achieves its goal. By its very nature it can do no less. It is a kiss that ultimately takes lustful intentions and makes them a reality in the most erotic way possible.

It is a prelude, it is the main event and can never be contained. It is the stuff of wet dreams and tinsel town legends that has only one inevitable inescapable conclusion, for once it has begun there can be no other outcome.

It is THE Kiss!

So ........ who wants one?

iWant an iPhone

2007-02-23T18:54:00.000+08:00

Yes I admit it I'm a gadget lover (among other things), and like many I can't wait to get my grubby little paws on the new Apple iPhone. An mp3 player that doubles as a phone instead of the other way round, how novel is that!.

I use to be a huge Nokia fan, but they so totally lost the plot. Instead of making continuous improvements in their models and creating a phone that everyone would want to have, new phone upon new phone was released, many of them flawed in my opinion, in an attempt to saturate the market and cater to every possible taste. I got so pissed off with Nokia that I dumped my N80 and moved on, and I'm not looking back either!.

In fact Nokia Chief Executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo reportly told analysts that he doesn't think Nokia, the world's No. 1 handset maker, needs to change its business approach because of the iPhone. The word moran springs instantly to mind.

Anyway, back to the iPhone. It combines three products — a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching — into one small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers.

And if the iPhone has got your juices flowing, then just as sexy and just as sleek, is this little number from the partnership of LG and Prada which is already being referred to as an iPhone Rival. Lighther than the iPhone and with just as many features including an auto focus 2 Mega Pixel camera and touch screen technology this phone is set to turn a few heads .... and its Prada darlings!

Now everyone go .... aaaaahhhhhhhh, and wipe the drool from your chin. Oh, and if anyone out there in cyberland wants to get into my pants .... now you know the price .... one of the above would do nicely, thank you very much!.

Singapore Bans Madonna

2007-02-07T12:16:00.000+08:00

It has just been announced that Singapore has banned the Madonna Confessions Tour DVD, specifically because of the cruxification scene. Apart from imposing their Christian values on society it appears that the censorship board cannot distinguish between religion and art, although I'm sure not many Singaporeans will be staggered by that revelation.

Even staunch Christian strongholds like Ireland haven't gone to this extreme so you have to wonder what message the censorship board is trying to get across, or indeed if this is simply bias on behalf of some Christian members within the censorship board itself.

I’d love to know who makes the decisions and on what basis, after all there seems to be no end of bums and tits on display on all the top shelves across the island.

Madonna, it appears that you may need to have a Janet Jackson moment!

The Disappearing Taxi

2007-02-07T12:15:00.000+08:00

Getting a taxi in Singapore use to be easier despite the fact that there is now some 20,000+ taxi's on the streets. The problem is that when it rains (which it's apt to do now and again) they all seem to magically dissolve and disappear. And lets not talk about between the hours of 11pm and 12am when they seem to turn completely invisible or just totally ignore you while they wait for the midnight charge to kick in. Yes, you can be sure that When you need a taxi most in Singapore there's never one around.

The cost of taxi's has spiraled out of control as well. For example if you call a taxi in the morning that’s $4 extra, plus $1 CBD charge, plus $1 peak period charge, plus ERP $2 plus a minimum $2.40 before you even go anywhere. So before you've even started your journey the cost is $10+, totally crazy pricing!.

Of course many taxi drivers bemoan the fact that its hard to make a living driving a taxi in Singapore, after all the sun does shine more often than not (incidentally from the $10 above approximately $7.30 of that goes to the taxi driver). Which if you think about it probably explains why they sometimes pick and choose their passengers. Although why they all seem to change shifts at 5pm when people are just starting to finish work is totally beyond me.

And lets face it with pricing as it is the cab companies are not exactly encouraging people to make use of their services. That could be why fewer people want to drive taxi's and why certain cab companies have a surplus gathering rust.

On the plus side the public transport system in Singapore is excellent and getting better, so its only a matter of time before taxi's disappear altogether.

Anal Sex is ok in Singapore

2007-01-23T22:38:00.000+08:00

Yes its true, believe it or not the Singapore government recently revoked an age old law that made it a criminal offence for people to engage in anal or oral sex, even if they were married. Of course it only revoked this law for hetrosexual couples. Homosexuality still remains a crime in Singapore. Discrimination I hear you cry, not in Singapore. Appearantly the govenement is just protecting its people who aren't ready to deal with the issue of homosexuality yet.

Still its nice to know in such a civilised society that women can now legally enjoy a bit of bum fun with their spouses, and I'm sure they're totally trilled by the prospect. Of course one must wonder who advised the change in this particular law. Wouldn't you just love to be a fly on the wall in that household!.

Oh Yessssss minister!!!!

Thank God for the Internet!

2007-01-21T01:46:00.000+08:00

In the city-state of Singapore which has a thriving gay scene despite gay sex being outlawed, in a recent survey half of the 800 survey respondents aged 15-29 found homosexuality acceptable.

Containing only one question on homosexuality, the survey respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with he statement, "I find homosexuality acceptable."

While these results show an increase in people's acceptance of homosexuality in Singapore what exactly does it mean? And the answer to that question is of course absolultely nothing other than the fact a survey took place. Homosexuality will still be illegal and "big brother" will still be anal about the whole thing.

So few Singaporeans are open about their sexuality, understandable from a cultural perspective, and even fewer are vocal about the blatant social and political discimination with respect to homosexuality that we can expect no changes to the status quo anytime soon.

At least its a sign that people's attitudes are moving in the right direction, so thank God for the internet!

China Town

2006-06-24T09:23:00.000+08:00

Nearly every major city in the world has a China Town of one form or another. Some are big and beautiful, others are nothing more than a row of resturants nestled snugly in side roads that one needs to make a special effort to Vist.

Singapore's China Town falls into the big and beautiful category, and is an absolute must visit for any tourist.

Row after row of shop's line every single street selling absolutely everything that you could possible imagine at prices that you would not believe possible.

It's one of my personal favorite parts of Singapore as there is simply so much to see and so much to take in. Not only the shops, and the food but if you're really really lucky .....

You'll run across a street performance of one kind or another like this troup of kids who apart from making a few dollars, clearly enjoy what they do.

From perfect timing ......

To perfect balance .....

To perfect flexibility .....

So if ever you find yourself in a jam as you rush through life, remember that timing, balance and flexibility will always help you through to the other side.

(ok, crap pun but if you think about it a little it actually works).

So if you find yourself in Singapore, and even if you do nothing else there, make sure to come and pay China Town a visit. Your first visit will certainly not be your last!

Haw Par Villa & The 10 Courts of Hell

2006-06-21T19:48:00.000+08:00

Today, on the last day of my 3 day leave the sun decided to show itself so I managed to take my Niece and her friend who are visiting me here in Singapore to Haw Par Villa.

Haw Par Villa is home to hundreds of statues and figurines of characters in Chinese mythology and legends, some of which appear below.

This tiger gaurds the entrance to Haw Paw and stands on the tail of a giant snake.

There are so many things happening in this photo you need to study it for a while. If anyone wants to send me a wide angle lens for my camera let me know!

The legend of Wusong killing the tigger (looks more like a dragon though)

And I'm sure everyone knows about the Monkey God of Chinese legend.

Traditionally, Chinese believe that when they die, they go through judgement according to what they have done in their previous lives. Through the 10 Courts of Hell they will be judged and rewarded/punished accordingly.

At the Haw Par Villa, you travel the journey of the 10 Courts of Hell, starting from the entrance guarded by the Horse and the Cow to see what punishments are handed out to all wrong doers.

In the First Court of Hell, King Qinguang conducts preliminary trials and each prisoner is judged according to this deeds in his past life. The good walk across the golden bridge to paradise, the bad get to tour some of the other courts.

The second court, reserved for kidnappers, deposit stealers, incompetent physician and matchmakers. Thier punshiments are beatings and starvation

dropped in a volcano and made to swim in a river of lava

or subjected to extreme cold depending on which crime they have been found guilty of.

The third court of hell is reserved for those who are ungrateful, disrespectful to elders and/or escaped from prison. For them their heart will be dug out. For drug addicts and traffickers, tomb robbers and those who coerce others into crime and social unrest, they will be tied to a red hot copper pillar and grilled.

The fifth court is reserved for those that have plotted someone's death to get his property or money, or if they are a money lender charging exorbitant interest rates. They will be thrown onto a hill of knives.

The sixth court is for those that cheat, curse or abduct others. Their punishment is to be thrown onto a tree of knives. Those that are found guilty of the misuse of books, in possession pornographic material, breaking written rules and regulations or waste food, their body will be sawn into halves, either vertically

or horizontally.

The ninth court of hell is reserved for the worst offenders. Those that commit robbery, murder or rape, will have their head and arms chopped off. While those that neglect the old and the young will be crushed under boulders.

Once they have completed the earlier stages of hell, they will be sent here to begin their next incarnation as appropriate. They drink the broth of forgetfulness, wiping their memory clean to start a new life eventually leaving hell through one of the six gates.

Well worth a visit and highly recommended for everyone to go and see for themselves.

And so it Begins

2006-06-21T08:55:00.000+08:00

My first ever blog, a chance to rant at everything that pisses me off on a personal level, to express my own thoughts and emotions on current events, politics, religion and just about everything in between. A chance to strip naked and lay myself bare before an unassuming public. Kinky shit or what!. And no need to ask, the answer is "yes" of course, life is far to short not too.

And so it begins...