The Irrepressible Chorizo's Capers

Is Workplace Bullying Prevalent in Singapore?

2011-07-04T12:10:00.001+08:00

I love these articles!

They're very true and I have often wished that the people who heard the abusive words would bear witness. However, they're afraid to do so for the very same reasons that victims of bullying often do not report such incidents. They fear being blacklisted like the victim and of professional ramifications.

http://tinyisland.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/workplace-bullying-worse-than-sexual-harassment/

http://tinyisland.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/why-work-sucks-today/

http://tinyisland.wordpress.com/2010/11/13/really-bad-boss/

http://tinyisland.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/if-only-toxic-workplaces-came-with-a-warning/

Have a good week ahead.

Cheerio!

SFF

For Sale: Guerciotti Atos 2010 Entry-Level Roadbike

2011-04-10T16:08:00.004+08:00

For Sale: Guerciotti Atos 2010 - Entry Level Roadbike

Bought from Chain Reaction @ Sixth Avenue Centre in April 2010.
Bike was used on average about 2 times per month till March 2011, when I upgraded my bike.

Bike was purchased for S$ 2,000.
Asking S$1,000 (best offer secures, please contact me if you are keen)

Size: 50
Frame: Tubing Aluminium 7005
Frame Weight: 1.6kg
Fork: Carbon F03
Geometry: Sloping
Groupset: Campagnolo Mirage 10
Stem: TEC
Handlebar: TEC
Seat Post: TEC
Saddle: Selle Italia Q-Bix (Unused)
Wheelset: Campagnolo Khamsin
Tire: Maxxis Detonator 700 x 23C
Pedals: Miche 302 (Unused. Not in picture)

Bike is available for viewing at:

Chain Reaction Pte Ltd
805, Bukit Timah Road, #01-06 Sixth Avenue Centre, Singapore 279883
Telephone : 6467-6712 (please look for Adnan)
Fax : 6467-6713

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays: 11am - 7.30pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm

Chain Reaction's profile on Togoparts:
http://www.togoparts.com/bikeshops/shop_details.php?sid=189

Ad on Togoparts:

http://www.togoparts.com/marketplace/ad_details.php?cid=10&aid=277628&page_id=1&done=list_ads.php%3Fcid%3D10%26page_id%3D1

Guerciotti's Website:
http://www.guerciotti.it/english/Home.aspx

Campagnolo's Website:
http://www.campagnolo.com/jsp/en/index/index.jsp

SOLD: Gary Fisher Advanced Stepthru 2009 Ladies Mountain Bike

2010-07-11T02:55:00.002+08:00

FOR SALE: Pink Gary Fisher Advanced Stepthru 2009 (Ladies MTB)

Bought from Treknology 3 @ Tanglin in August 2009.
Bike was used on average twice a month till March 2010.
Bought my roadbike in April 2010 & haven't used my mountain bike since.

Bike was purchased at S$720 (before accessories - estimated total cost S$1,000)
Asking S$500 (Best offer secures, please contact me if you are keen to buy)

Includes:
1) 1 Knog White Frog Light in black, model #klm07-09
2) 1 Knog Red Gekko Light in black
3) Kickstand
4) Bike stand (as shown in the picture)
5) Stryke Lightweight Bottle Cage
6) Panaracer Road Tires (26 x 1.25, 32-599)
7) Pink Cateye Bell

8) Profile Design Bar Ends

View the Knog Frog Safety Lights here:
Knog Frogs

View Knog Gekko Back Safety Light here:
http://www.knog.com.au/gear-lights/gekko.phps

The picture above shows my bike with Panaracer Road Tires. Both the original Mountain Bike tires & the Panaracer Road Tires will be included.

Bike Specs below:
http://fisherbikes.com/bike/archivemodel/456

Frameset
Size SM (16")
Frame Silver Series 6061 T6 aluminum

Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Acera ST-EF50-L
Front Derailleur Shimano Altus FD-C050
Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio M-410-L
Cassette SRAM PG830 11-32T, 8spd

Wheels
Wheels Formula FM31 front hub/Shimano RM30 8spd rear hub, Matrix 550 rims
Tires Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0 (50/47), wire bead

Components
Crank Set Suntour CW9-XCC, 42/34/24, w/o disc
Saddle Bontrager Approved FIT
Seatpost Bontrager SSR, micro adjust, 31.6
Handlebar Bontrager Approved, 30mm rise, 600mm width
Stem Bontrager Approved, 40d rise
Headset 1-1/8" threadless, semi-cartridge bearings
Brakeset Tektro, alloy linear pull spring

Bike is available for viewing at:

Chain Reaction Pte Ltd
805, Bukit Timah Road, #01-06 Sixth Avenue Centre, Singapore 279883
Telephone : 6467 6712 (please look for Safii or Anan)
Fax : 6467 6713

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays: 11am-7.30pm
Sunday: 10am-2pm

Chain Reaction's profile on Togoparts:
http://www.togoparts.com/bikeshops/shop_details.php?sid=189

Update: The bike was SOLD while I was travelling. :)

Cyclist Safety Awareness Car Decal Campaign

2010-04-05T01:31:00.001+08:00

Togoparts.com is embarking on a campaign to create a greater awareness amongst the cycling community and drivers in Singapore of the need to be mindful of each other's presence on the roads.

If you speak to any cyclist in Singapore, most will agree that cycling on Singapore's roads is a very dangerous activity as the general feeling is that many drivers do not respect the cyclist's right to use the roads. While out cycling on Saturday morning, a bus came up very close to me though the right lane was not occupied and seemed to want to push me off the road. I am sure I am not the only cyclist to have had a bad experience with cycling on the local roads.

If you are a cyclist or a driver, please help to spread the word so maybe eventually, we can create a peaceful coexistence between cyclists and drivers.

Photo courtesy of Agentshoots of SMBF

This campaign is hot on the heels of a recent fatal accident involving a cycling enthusiast (known for his safety consciousness) and a drunk driver. The fact is many people still try to drive while intoxicated despite the campaigns to discourage such irresponsible behaviour. The accident that took the life of the cyclist was most unfortunate and could have happened to any pedestrian/motorist. More needs to be done to discourage drunk driving.

Photography: Adorable Baby @ Chi Lin Nunnery, Hong Kong

2010-01-03T19:09:00.001+08:00

During a recent vacation to Hong Kong over the Christmas weekend, my family and I chanced upon this adorable baby clad in a cowprint jumpsuit at Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon. I succumbed to my shutter-happy tendency and asked his parents if I could snap his pictures.

Now that the New Year has started and with Chinese New Year fast approaching, the Year of the Ox will be succeeded by the Year of the Tiger. I thought this cute toddler in bovine garb is an apt image with which to end the tumultuous Year of the Ox. A child is a symbol of hope, purity and the future. I hope this chubby and happy toddler will be a harbinger of better times in the coming year.

Heroic Stray Tries to Save Another Dog

2009-10-11T23:08:00.003+08:00

Here's a heartwarming video of a stray trying to save another dog that had been hit by a car on the highway. Unfortunately, the first stray died but it's videos like this that make you think about selflessness and compassion.

Read more here: http://www.sonnyradio.com/herodog.html

My favourite fireworks shot - Singapore's National Day rehearsals 2009

2009-08-29T01:03:00.000+08:00

This picture was taken during one of my class photo outings organized by the Photographic Society of Singapore.

Funny Pic: Kinki in Hiding

2009-07-17T02:44:00.001+08:00

There was a lonesome Kinki who was a short distance away from the other 2 fish at the Sushi counter. Here he is looking fearful as the chef looks around for something. He has a "Don't Eat Me!" look! Its a scream!

Beloved Pooch: Mocha on his Pink Duvet

2009-07-17T02:28:00.000+08:00

A picture that I took of Mocha when I was still trying to familiarize myself with my D90.

Learning Photography: Cute little baby girl @ St. Regis, Singapore

2009-07-17T02:18:00.001+08:00

I love how she looks so intensely at the camera!

Learning Photography: Practising Zooming Out @ Esplanade Bridge, Singapore

2009-07-17T01:45:00.000+08:00

This is a pretty nifty trick taught by our instructor.

Learning Photography: 1st Attempt at shooting a passing bumboat in the Singapore River

2009-07-17T01:39:00.002+08:00

This was taken with my spanking new Manfrotto tripod! Gee! I never thought I would spend so much money on a tripod. Even though it is not the best or most expensive one around, I hope I'll use it well.

Learning Photography: Taking a picture of a Lotus Flower with a Polarizer

2009-07-17T01:28:00.000+08:00

I took this shot during a class outing to Botanic Gardens some weeks back. I think I need to practise taking more photos!

Singapore Night Festival 2009 - Pan Optikum's Loop of Fortune

2009-07-17T00:57:00.003+08:00

The past few weeks were crazily hectic and tiring! I had the opportunity though to catch up with a few fellow photography amateur friends for some shutter action.

Here are a few of my favourite pictures:

Flickr album here: Singapore Night Festival 2009 @ National Museum

Favourite Travel Pics: Alex in a Sunbeam @ Kerak Castle, Jordan

2009-05-24T15:18:00.002+08:00

This picture was taken in a passageway within Kerak Castle in Jordan.

Kerak Castle was a Crusader stronghold and was featured prominently in the movie, Kingdom of Heaven, though the filming was not actually done on location.

The weather was unusually cooler the week I was visiting Jordan and a strong wind blew constantly. The day we visited Kerak, a sandstorm was blowing and we chanced upon a beam of sunlight coming in from a window with sand granules circulating within the beam. Alex became our model while the rest of us snapped away. I love this shot because it looked like he was reaching towards the sunbeam albeit in a cloud of sand and dust.

Favourite Travel Pics: Lighthouse @ Byron Bay, Australia

2009-03-08T22:44:00.001+08:00

This is my favourite picture taken during a short trip to Gold Coast, Australia. My friends and I had driven out to Byron Bay as it's apparently a Must-See. It was well-worth the journey as the scenery along the way and also at Byron Bay itself was beautiful.

Tequila!

2009-03-01T17:19:00.000+08:00

Cool Tequila ad. I'm not advocating drinking Tequila (as its too potent for most people I know) but this ad is way too cool not to tell people about.

Heard about Beer Goggles? Well, this effect is also mentioned in this Tequila ad in addition to many other side effects.

Back to serious stuff, my favourite version of Tequila is the jazz version by Wes Montgomery though the original by The Champs is cool too!

Cute Chihuahua in Taco Bell's old ad campaign

2009-03-01T17:01:00.000+08:00

Oooh! I love this ad!

I used to own a talking Taco Bell Chihuahua toy that said: "Yo queiro Taco Bell" (I want some Taco Bell).

It was sent to me by a friend living in the US who knew about my liking for Mexican food and Chihuahuas (I owned a Chihuahua back then).

Favourite Travel Pics: Lonesome Tree in Wadi Rum, Jordan

2009-03-01T16:48:00.001+08:00

One of my favourite pictures taken in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

Recycled Poster for 2009

2009-02-21T18:19:00.003+08:00

The world is reeling from the worst financial crisis in decades. Many of my friends and I are tightening our belts and have been doing so for the past few months. Is there no end in sight to the global meltdown and the bad news that keep popping up in the media, day after day?

Past excesses has created a culture of instant gratification. Ever noticed how people tend to change their mobile phones and electronic gadgets within 2 years or even after 1 year? I remember when mobile phones lasted more than 2-3 years. These days, electronic equipment have far shorter lifespans and often the cost of repair is so uneconomical that one has to resort to buying a replacement. Is technology developing so rapidly that we no longer produce items that last?

In the spirit of reducing, re-using and recyling, here's a recycled poster that was funny in 2008 but just a little less so in gloomy 2009. That said, I would not turn away chocolates or gas vouchers. :)

For those who love to forward chain mails, this applies to you. Please use your time and bandwidth more productively than to pressure friends with the need to forward chain mails in the hopes of receiving good fortune and threats of misfortune should they fail to do so. We all need luck, optimism, prayers and support from friends and family for 2009. A chain mail does none of the above.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T01:50:00.001+08:00

2008 is coming to a close. It has been a dramatic year fraught with tragedies and scandals but mostly, it will be remembered for the Global Financial Crisis, a credit tsunami of catastrophic proportions.

I can't wait for 2008 to be over yet await with trepidation on what 2009 brings. Like many others, I hope for things to improve soon, till then I shall have to restrain the worry wart in me.

The end of a year is usually either regarded with optimism or pessimism. Much depends on the state of one's mind, I guess. I hope that we all will regard it with optimism.

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. ~Leo Buscaglia

Sunset at Wadi Rum, Jordan

How fine has the day been! how bright was the sun, How lovely and joyful the course that he run! Though he rose in a mist when his race he begun, And there followed some droppings of rain: But now the fair traveller's come to the west, His rays are all gold, and his beauties are best; He paints the skies gay as he sinks to his rest, And foretells a bright rising again.
Author: Isaac Watts
Source: Moral Songs--A Summer Evening

"A Touch of Spice" (Politiki Kouzina) by Tassos Boulmetis

2008-12-28T19:26:00.000+08:00

This is another of my favourite movies. I was lucky to catch it on a Singapore Airlines flight a few years ago. Since watching this movie, I am constantly reminded of it whenever I taste or smell Cinnamon.

Joke: The Secret of the Auto Bailout Failure

2008-12-14T01:45:00.003+08:00

A friend of mine forwarded this to me. It's hilarious!

"As Long As I Can Dream" by Exposé

2008-12-14T00:43:00.006+08:00

When this world that I see
Is too hard to take and too much for me
And everything's in blue

When the rain's pourin' down
I can't find the sun
Don't mean the sun can't found
It always comes through

There's not a soul that's lost
That can't find its way
There's not a night that's long
That can't find the day

As long as I can dream
There's a better world
Oh, there's a better world
I see it shinin'

And in my dreams I see
There's a better world
Oh, there's a better world
As long as I can dream

In my heart there's a place
Where there's always hope
And always a way
To make it through the night

And in my soul, I believe
If I just have faith
Then I will be free
I'll be alright

There's not a soul that's lost [not a soul]
That can't find its way
There's not a night that's long
That can't find the day

As long as I can dream
There's a better world
Oh, there's a better world
I see it shinin'

And in my dreams I see
There's a better world
Oh, there's a better world
As long as I can dream

Na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na

Na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na

Na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na
Oh

There's not a soul that's lost
That can't find its way
There's not a night that's long

As long as I can dream
[As long as I can dream]
There's a better world
I see it shinin' on me

[In my dreams I see]
In my dreams I see. yeah
There's a better world
As long as I can dream

[There's a better world, there's a better world]
I can see it
[I can see it shinin']
Yes, it's shinin' on me
[In my dreams I see]
In my dreams I see
[There's a better world]
Mmmmm
Just as long as I can dream

Music Video for "As Long As I Can Dream" by Exposé. From the album "Exposé".
This video was released in 1993.
(C)Arista Records.
Expose' band website
www.exposeonline.net

Funny Webpage: The Facebook of Genesis

2008-12-14T00:09:00.006+08:00

If you have a Facebook account, you'll probably find this webpage hilarious!

Definitely check it out!

College Humour: The Facebook of Genesis

Gabriel Fauré's "In Paradisum"

2008-11-30T02:36:00.002+08:00

Dedicated to fellow Singaporean, Ms. Lo Hwei Yen, who was killed by terrorists in Mumbai. May you rest in peace.

Gabriel Fauré: In Paradisum (Requiem, Op. 48.)

In paradisum deducant te angeli,
in tuo adventu
suscipiant te martyres,
et perducant te
in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
et cum Lazaro quondam paupere
aeternam habeas requiem.

May the angels lead you into paradise,
May the martyrs receive you
In your coming,
And may they guide you
Into the holy city, Jerusalem.
May the chorus of angels receive you
And with Lazarus once poor
May you have eternal rest.

Movie: "Fuera de Carta" aka Chef's Special

2008-11-06T03:02:00.000+08:00

I was on a flight home from Hong Kong on Singapore Airlines and watched a Spanish movie that I think is fabulous! It's entitled "Fuera de Carta" (translated to "Chef's Special" in English)

Why do I love this movie? First of all, the protagonist is a chef named Maxi. I love food and subscribe to the philosophy that eating is a very sensual experience. I wouldn't describe food in such a sordid manner but then again what he says does make sense on some level. Have you ever eaten something that made you close your eyes to concentrate on the flavours and sensations that fill your mouth? Did you go: "Mmm"? If you have, then you get what I mean. The movie also has amazing footage of beautifully plated dishes. These really got my gastric juices flowing!

The movie deals with other issues such as homosexuality, broken families, strife but ultimately ends with reconciliation of differences. Its a heartwarming comedy that isn't suitable for kids (due to language & sexual content). Although I can't speak Spanish, I thoroughly enjoyed the animated and passionate characters in this movie.

*PS: If you're totally homophobic, you might like to give this movie a miss as the main character is a gay. I found him very amusing and loved his dramatic expressions.

Watch the trailer below to see what I mean:

Oktoberfest @ Swiss Club, Singapore

2008-10-06T22:28:00.004+08:00

A group of friends & I went to an Oktoberfest celebration at the Swiss Club in Singapore. The energy, the air of festivity and the general feeling of exuberance was infectious! It was a fabulous weekend!This will stay on my "To Do List" year after year!

More pics here!

Dancing Sky by Studio Festi - Night Festival @ National Museum of Singapore (Sun & Moon)

2008-10-04T16:36:00.001+08:00

I was sitting on the ground opposite the National Museum and was lucky to be able to snap this shot of both the Sun and the Moon in front of the National Museum.

It must be nice to view the crowds from above.

Sun Angel landing in front of the Museum

Moon Angel rising.

This is how close the Moon Angel came to the crowds!

Singapore Night Festival 2008 (Opening Act - Dancing Sky) @ National Museum

2008-10-04T14:38:00.002+08:00

As the famous saying goes, "A picture speaks a thousand words." I shall leave the pictures & short clips to do the talking.

I was pretty early so I was lucky to be able to snap a picture of the National Museum of Singapore in twilight.

The next 2 short clips were taken from the opening act of "Dancing Sky" by StudioFesti, Italy. The performance was part of the "Night Festival @ The National Museum of Singapore".

The Treasury @ Petra (Rose Red City), Jordan

2008-07-22T01:12:00.004+08:00

My lifetime goal is to visit all the Wonders of the World (if they're still standing) amongst many other historical sites. I generally prefer visiting ruins to modern buildings.

I spoke to a few friends about it over lunch and one of them remarked that I had a "Bucket List" of sorts. He was referring to the movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, who played terminally ill men with a wish list to fulfill before they "kick the bucket". As I'm not terminally ill (not to my knowledge), I shall just call this my "To Do List".

I've dreamed of visiting Petra (Greek word meaning "rock") ever since I saw the famous façade featured in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade almost 2 decades ago. It was on my "To Do List" and I finally put a tick next to it in June 2008. :)

Here is a picture of my first glimpse of "The Treasury" (Al-Khazneh) after walking to the end of the long (about 1.2 km) and winding gorge known as "The Siq".

It had been a cold walk down the gorge as we had arrived at the entrance of the site at 7am to catch the morning view of "The Treasury". The weather was unusually cooler than normal due to a cold depression that had hit the area while we were there. The previous day, a huge sandstorm caused the closure of the Desert Highway, forcing us to take an alternative route (using mountain roads) to reach Petra.

Though I've dreamed about visiting Petra for many years, nothing prepared me for the moment when I first laid my eyes on the famous façade that awaited me at the end of the gorge. The sheer beauty and size of the monument was breathtaking! The tender morning light enhanced the pinkish hues in the rose red sandstone out of which the monument was hewn and made it look like it was glowing in a glorious shade of rose red pink. No wonder its called the "Rose Red City" and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

It was an exhilarating experience that was definitely worth every minute of the brutal flight from Singapore to Amman (coupled with a 7 hour waiting time in Doha as I flew with Qatar Airways)!

If you plan to visit Petra, be sure to visit it in the morning as its the best time to catch the pinkish hues. Come noon, the sandstone would appear bleached and you would have missed the opportunity to admire the natural rose red tones that this attraction is famous for.

Animal Lovers, watch this!

2008-07-14T00:13:00.006+08:00

My brother sent me 1 of a series of 3 videos that is available on YouTube.

The videos were very shocking, sobering and heart-breaking. It pained me to see how cruel human beings can be to animals! Amongst other scenes of extreme cruelty, was a scene of people dumping a live dog into a garbage truck. How can we inflict so much pain and suffering on animals without any guilt? How can we treat them like objects?

To donate to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
To donate to WWF (World Wildlife Fund)

Here is the synopsis of the videos (provided by the contributor):

EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee, Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist, Moby.

Coveting Someone Else's Dessert Platter

2008-05-31T23:15:00.003+08:00

I was having lunch at New Majestic Restaurant with my family when I saw this dessert platter headed for one of the private rooms. I had to snap a quick picture of it because it was so colourful!

On Earth as it is in Heaven

2008-05-24T16:20:00.002+08:00

As you may have read in my earlier blog entry about this particularly beautiful piece of music by Ennio Morricone, that evokes divine inspiration.

I found another version of "On Earth as in Heaven" which was filmed in Arena di Verona, Italy. Great timing, in light of the Feast Day of Solemnity of the Body & Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) this weekend. :)

Old School Swing

2008-05-19T22:02:00.003+08:00

While I was out snapping pictures with some friends at Tiong Bahru estate, I couldn't help but stop and snap a picture of this swing.

It's been a very long time since I've seen a swing like this! I remember spending hours with my cousins playing on a swing like this when we were growing up. We used to drive our grandmother nuts with how we would sometimes accidentally break the flower pots / vases that used to sit at the corners of the swing (much like how there are pots around this swing too).

Grandma's swing is long gone now...think we kinda contributed to its demise (as it got terribly rickety with a dented base), plus the current place that grandma lives in doesn't have enough room for a swing like this.

I hope the owner of this swing continues to keep this little piece of history...of life in Singapore in the 70's. Yes, I'm a child of the 70's. :)

Nella Fantasia

2008-02-09T17:20:00.002+08:00

Italian	English translation
Nella fantasia io vedo un mondo giusto, Li tutti vivono in pace e in onestà. Io sogno d'anime che sono sempre libere, Come le nuvole che volano, Pien' d'umanità in fondo all'anima. Nella fantasia io vedo un mondo chiaro, Li anche la notte è meno oscura. Io sogno d'anime che sono sempre libere, Come le nuvole che volano. Nella fantasia esiste un vento caldo, Che soffia sulle città, come amico. Io sogno d'anime che sono sempre libere, Come le nuvole che volano, Pien' d'umanità in fondo all'anima.	In my fantasy I see a just world, Where everyone lives in peace and in honesty. I dream of spirits that are always free, Like the clouds that fly, Full of humanity in the depths of the spirit. In my fantasy I see a bright world, Where each night there is less darkness. I dream of spirits that are always free, Like the clouds that fly. In my fantasy exists a warm wind, That breathes into the city, like a friend. I dream of spirits that are always free, Like the clouds that fly, Full of humanity in the depths of the spirit.

I love this song because its amazingly uplifting and has an angelic quality. It was composed using one of the tunes ("Gabriel's Oboe") from the soundtrack of "The Mission". I've never watched this movie but hope to do so soon.

The tune is featured in another track, "On Earth as it is in Heaven" (video below was filmed Live in Warsaw, Poland), the title is taken from the "The Lord's Prayer". I think the Italian composer, Ennio Morricone, is an absolute genius to be able to evoke such strong feelings of spirituality and divine inspiration.

Cute Pic: Snoozing Kitty

2008-02-08T13:29:00.000+08:00

Sharon and I spotted this little kitty snoozing on a bench (at the entrance of a restaurant). Its cute because it looked like the kitty had decided to take a catnap while waiting for its turn. Incidentally this happened after the lunch crowd had left and I thought it was nice that the kitty was able to catch 40 winks in comfort.

Funny Sign: Emergency Exit

2008-02-03T23:45:00.000+08:00

During a group outing to the Turf Club, Denise and I couldn't help sniggering at this sign on one of the window panels.

Some cheeky bus passenger had decided to erase the alphabets "GL" from the sign...which should ordinarily have read: "EMERGENCY EXIT - BREAK GLASS TO OPEN".

"Through the Barricades" by Spandau Ballet

2008-01-25T00:17:00.000+08:00

Mother doesn't know where love has gone
She says it must be youth that keeps us feeling strong
I see it in her face that's turned to ice
And when she smiles she shows the lines of sacrifice
And now I know what they're saying as our sun begins to fade
And we made our love on wasteland and through the barricades

Father made my history
He thought for what he thought would set us somehow free
They taught me what to say in school
I learned it off my heart but now that's torn in two
And now I know what they're saying in the music of the parade
And we made our love on wasteland and through the barricades

Born on different sides of life
We feel the same and feel all of this strife
So come to me when I'm asleep
We'll cross the lines and dance upon the streets
And now I know what they're saying as the drums begin to fade
And we made our love on wasteland and through the barricades

Oh turn around and I'll be there
There's a scar right through my heart but I'll bear it again
Oh I thought we were the human race
But we were just another borderline case
And the stars reach down and tell us there's always one escape

I don't know where love has gone
And in this troubled land desperation keeps us strong
Fridays child is full of soul
With nothing left to lose there's everything to go
And now I know what they're saying it's a terrible beat we made
And we made our love on wasteland and through the barricades

And now I know what they're saying as our hearts go to their graves
And we made our love on wasteland and through the barricades

An Atheist in the Woods

2008-01-19T20:36:00.000+08:00

A friend forwarded this to me via email. I thought it was totally hilarious and had to share it.

An atheist was walking through the woods.
"What majestic trees!"
"What powerful rivers!"
"What beautiful animals!"
He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.

He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out, "Oh my God!"

Time stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.

"You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The Atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very Well." said the voice.

The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:

"Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."

Funny Viet Airline Ad

2008-01-12T23:53:00.000+08:00

Check out the second banner. I couldn't resist snapping a picture of the ad when I was in Hoi An, Vietnam in September 2007.

"Sky Low" eh? I wonder if the opposite should be "Sea High"? Let's not talk about how "pricess" is spelt in this ad.

Funny Sign: Dog Lovers Will Dig This

2008-01-12T23:40:00.001+08:00

I couldn't resist snapping a picture of this sign when I brought my dog to the vet some months back. I think this sign is so funny, cool and very true of Dog Lovers.

I adore my dog, Mocha. My close friends know that he is a precious poochie that is doted upon. Thus if anyone tried to do him any harm, I would definitely not take it lying down. Most of my close friends are dog lovers themselves and feel the same way about their dogs.

Its' 2008! Jump!

2008-01-01T22:14:00.001+08:00

It's 2008!

Another Heartwarming Hugh Grant Movie: Music & Lyrics

2007-12-23T00:36:00.000+08:00

Way Back Into Love

This is such a catchy & cute song!

I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking from someone to shed some light
Not just somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And I you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end

Pop! Goes My Heart!
This is totally hilarious!

I'm a "Carrie"!

2007-12-22T23:18:00.000+08:00

Which Sex and the City Character Are You?
	You are Carrie. You know what you want out of a relationship and you're not afraid to keep moving until you get it. Wit and charm are your biggest turn-ons, and you like guys who appreciate you for your mind as much as your body. You have fun playing the dating game, but secretly you just can't wait to find the guy who sweeps you off your feet and carries you into the sunset.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

This online quiz thingy is really addictive! I think some of my gal pals are gonna try this quiz and I can't wait to check out their results!

My Favourite Christmas Movie: Love Actually

2007-12-22T15:27:00.000+08:00

At a gathering recently, a couple of my friends were discussing scenes from the movie and how we all loved it...of course, most of us were hopeless romantics but who cares? It's Christmas! Here are some snippets to share with all the hopeless romantics in this fast-paced, uncaring world.

This is my favourite scene:

At Christmas-time, or at any time...all you need is Love...ye$ it$ true, folk$!

When all else fails...DANCE LIKE NO ONE'S WATCHING!!!

My Favourite Christmas Carol - O Holy Night

2007-12-20T20:00:00.000+08:00

"O Holy Night"

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Til He appeared and the soul felt it's worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoyces
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices
O night divine!
O night when Christ was born
O night divine!
O night, O night divine!

And in His Name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise his holy name
Christ is the Lord!
Their name forever praise we

Noel, Noel
O night, O night Divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O night Divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O holy Divine

This is my favourite rendition of "O Holy Night" performed by Celine Dion. She may not have the glitz and glamour that Mariah has but I think her voice is pure and has an ethereal quality.
I prefer this version to that sung by Sarah Brightman as I'm not for drama-mama renditions of a traditional Christmas carol.

2 of my Favourite Modern Christmas Songs

2007-12-20T17:30:00.000+08:00

I love this song because its sooo chirpy and happy!

I love this song because it reminds us to think of those who are less fortunate than us.

Merry Christmas everyone!

2007-12-20T16:06:00.001+08:00

glitter-graphics.com

Test Result: I Should Live in Paris

2007-11-03T22:08:00.000+08:00

What City Should You Live In?
	You should live in Paris. The city of lights will appeal to your appreciation of beauty and romance. You are a lover and a poet by nature, and Paris' sensitive charms will be a perfect match for yours.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Did a cute test today. Apparently, I should live in Paris. It's quite an interesting test because quite a few of my close friends always pictured me as eventually moving to Paris. Hmm...

You & Me by Lifehouse

2007-11-01T21:22:00.000+08:00

I don't watch Smallville but I love many of the songs that are associated with it. My favourite is "You and Me" by Lifehouse. I'm sharing it here and hope you'll like it too.