Technology evolution

It has been nearly half a year that I last penned my entry. Even then, it was not even an entry of me, let alone my thoughts.

I realised that from the 80s that im born till now, memories from the past like things that we used to have, places that we used to frequent, transportation that we used to take, food that we used to eat are fading faster than we thought. Though there are certain things we dont mind changing for the better.  

Technology have evolved so fast that I believe certain things will slow slip into extintion. Things like CDs, DVDs are slowly replaced by iTunes, Youtube and the turnaround time for cinema show to be shown on TV within 6 months after showing on cinema.

MSN, Skype and the once popular ICQ are now mainly used for work purposes rather than catching your friends online and chat them up. With the introduction of Whatapps which helps you to send unlimited msgs to a group chat or even to a person, it translates to a faster response and causing telcos to lost billions of dollars due to uncapped data plan and also because sending SMS is getting lesser and lesser. Only a certain $ingtel and $tarhub are charging $$$ for more data usage.

2011: Year in pictures

Here is a link of things happened in 2011.

Pictures and report

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2011 is coming to an end in 4 weeks time and ushering the new year in 2012. A lot of events happened in a blink of an eye and with this, a link to what happened throughout 2011.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-most-powerful-photos-of-2011

Will add more link when more websites are closing the year with news and pictures that happened in 2011.

Aftermath of Presidential Election 2011

After 9 days of campaigning, there are 4 Presidential candidates vying for the seat in Istana. The vote results were expected, but not at this margin.

TT won 35.19%, TCB a mere second at 34.85%, TJS at 25.04% and TKL at 4.91%

That is a very big difference from the recent concluded General Election 2011. It seem to suggest it that TT was appointed by a minority rather than the majority.

Had a certain Tan pull out of the Presidential Election, the results will be vastly different. As I find him a fish out of the water, with no political background and dangling carrots as bait such as increasing NS pay to regular pay, no one would really pay attention to it. If this changes were implemented, I believe all the males in SG will all be serving NS rather than working in the outside world or studying to get a degree. They wont be moaning about the 2 years liability.

This is a note from him after the concluded Presidential Election which really tell the whole story. Weakest link

A post that have no title

GE is over and life back to normal. But the government is taking steps to listen to the citizens for the next 5 years. If still no improvement, I believe the opposition have a stronger case to fight in 2016.

Work have been rather auto-pilot as the workload stays pretty much the same since my colleague who went for maternity leave. At the rate what I have learnt in my current job, it has reach the ceiling where I have learn everything and anything that my boss had taught me. To such an extent that I could help her answer emails.

I have send my signal to everyone except for my boss that I have intention to quit after working for 2 years in the company. At the very least, I have like 8 months to look for a job where Jaywalk had adviced me on what to look out for.

General Election 2011

First of all, I have to admit that I am quite apathetic in the coming elections despite following news and updates on various websites and Twitter. Why?

I may not come from a low-income family but rather from an average income or median range. Inflation and cost of living have gone up although salary did not go up, we still able to live within our means. The government have in a way, help us to offset the inflation by giving us rebates and monetary forms like dividend growth and etc. But the consenus of Singapore believed that more could be done to tackle the inflation and cost of living.

Secondly, previously my area was a GRC and now, it become a Single Member Constituency. I do know the PAP minister that is contesting in SMC, but I have no idea who is contesting against PAP, although I remembered which party he is from. That's give a pretty straight forward fight, no?

I could have included other reasons for it like Mas Selemat escape, HDB flats price escalating, YOG budget got tripled but does it matter to me? Is more of the day-to-day bread and butter issue that is more concerning to me.

But my interest aroused when PAP announced the youngest candidate for Marine Parade GRC, Tin Pei Ling. Alamak, another candidate that go through by back door? Somehow, when she make her maiden speech on Youtube and subsequent interviews by the press, she seem very raw, inexperienced and worst of all, speaking without get the facts right. By that, Singaporeans are not willing to let her in to the Parliament even through back door. Very malu right?

When NSP introduced Nicole Seah as part of GRC to contest in Marine Parade, my thoughts were the same as Jaywalk - this election machiam like a circus act. But I was wrong after Nicole Seah did the same as Tin Pei Ling for her maiden speech and press conferences. Nicole shows more conviction and determination in her speech, even at the rallies that is taking place in various part of Singapore. Tin Pei Ling's rally and Nicole Seah's rally is so big different that had Nicole Seah is in my SMC, I would have voted for her. I mean seriously, take a look for yourself.


Nicole Seah rally at Whampoa


Tin Pei Ling rally at Marine Parade

I cringed at the proposals that Tin Pei Ling had come out with. Would the youths really make an effort to come and discuss or wanted to make a change for a better Singapore? Would it really implemented straight away after the election? I do believe that these proposals have to go through bureaucratic red tape, right? And my belief in today's youths doesnt really care about politics, but more of and for themselves.

If our voices and complaints are not heard in the past, why would we think that our voices and complaints will be heard in the future.

TNP Sports Bar

Last Sat was my virgin trip to St James TNP Sports Bar to catch Man Utd in action against West Ham. It was an eye-opening and ear-deafening experience for me. I saw majority of hard-core Man Utd fans sitting together to chant all past and current Man Utd players. To think that they also chant West Ham's plight as they are back in relegation spot.

From the start of the whistle till West Ham scored the 2nd goal from the penalty spot, we applaused every corner that we took, cheered for every attack that hit on target, moaned at referee's decision or malicious tackles by West Ham players. After West Ham scored the 2nd goal, the silence is so eerily quiet that you can hear a pin drop.

2nd half was a different story the moment we saw Javier Hernandez been intro-ed to play. The game was more open and Man Utd found the rhythm to attack endlessly. A very different Man Utd that we know in the first half. In no time, Man Utd got back in the game when Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot, and there was no returning back.

After Javier Hernandez scored the final goal, the cheers returned and much louder. I left soon after the match. Had I stayed on for the rest of the matches, the cheers could have even be much louder as Blackburn and Stoke hold Arsenal and Chelsea to a draw respectively.

I think I will come regularly for some soccer actions and get to know more Man Utd fans. Good thing is near my workplace.

Glory Glory Man Utd!!!

One year on - Part 3 of 3

With these 2 out of the picture, everything is under and through me, with my 2 other bosses helping me. I have one interim colleague to help out, which i find it extremely helpful than those 2. And more often than not, I ask her to help out when im not around rather than asking the 2 of them to help.

I just received news on my performance and they are increasing my pay out of the guidelines. But i no longer find any motivation to carry on despite the pay rise and have the intention to leave after another year of experience. There are several reasons, but im not going to state it loud and clear here. Work another year and get my arse out of here if not, im might get sentimental.

By Jan or Feb next year, i will be on the lookout for jobs and career fairs.

One year on - Part 2 of 3

This is a post dedicated to the MC Queen.

The first 3 months where im still learning the ropes and trying my best to learn as much as possible, she will come to work with perfect attendance, no leave taken. Until I was really on my own and have a hands-on experience.

The following 9 months was hell. Every week without fail, she will at least get 1 day MC or take leave on Friday or Monday. And I have to do her share of work whenever she did that. And every week without fail, I rant at my bosses until used to her irresponsible actions.

The last straw was broke when she is pregnant and want to go on maternity leave earlier than expected. Her boss deny her request and she had to hand over her portion of work to us, supervise us before going for maternity leave. But the moment she hands over to me where im the last person, even though those projects are formerly my babies. And off she goes for her maternity leave without official approval.

And now, her maternity leave had been extended due to her hospitalisation leave. For some strange reason, management is speculating that she might not return after her maternity leave. Which again, to me is a good news where i dont have to receive sms early in the morning that she is not coming or taking an urgent leave.

For now, im enjoying a 4 months honeymoon period where im totally in control and having fully responsibility of all the projects that my bosses have entrusted to me.

One year on - Part 1 of 3

When I first started this job one year ago, I have no idea how my colleagues' working personalities or the way they work, until 3 months into the job. Not 1, but 2 of them.

J, when I first met her, she was friendly, chatty and in a way make you comfortable in a new environment. But after I got the hang of managing on my own, I realised the full extent of her working capabilities. Im not sure whether she was able to cope or work just for the sake it. She can do mistakes on her work without realising it until someone point out to her. Normally, people will do systematically from A to B to C. But for her, she can do A to C then back to B.

We try explaining to her in a nice way to correct her mistakes, but her brain cant seem to understand the methods that we implied and she will still carry on doing it. In the end, we have to do double work for her. My other bosses have to restort to scolding her in order to get things done and corrected.

Lunch time with her is a torturing time. We will speak on a common topic and later she will cut in and start another different topic where there is no link to it. She will yak and yak and yak during lunch time when all we wanted to have some peace in eating our lunch.

A few months later where we have to reshuffle of projects and workload, my bosses reduced her work load so much yet she still able to commit mistakes. Before her 1 year contract was up, she told us that she will continue working in our company before graduating from her further studies. A few days later, she handed her resignation letter much to our shock and dismay.

To us, the resignation is a blessing in disguise. Mistakes were reduced to a significant level.

Next up, the MC queen.

Edward Maya - Stereo Love

When you're gonna stop breaking my heart
I don't wanna be another one
Paying for the things I never done
Don't let go,
Don't let go
To my love.

Can I get to your soul?
Can you get to my thought?
Can we promise we won't let go?
All the things that I need
All the things that you need
You can make it feel so real.

Cuz you can't deny
You've blown my mind
When I touch your body
I feel I'm loosing control
Cuz you can't deny
You've blown my mind
When I see you baby
I just don't wanna let go.

I hate to see you cry
Your smile is a beautiful lie
I hate to see you cry
My love is dying inside

I can fix all those lies
Oh baby, baby I run, but I'm running to you
You won't see me cry, I'm hiding inside
My heart is in pain but I'm smiling for you

Can I get to your soul?
Can you get to my thought?
Can we promise we won't let go?
All the things that I need
All the things that you need
You can make it feel so real.

Cuz you can't deny
You've blown my mind
When I touch your body
I feel I'm loosing control
Cuz you can't deny
You've blown my mind
When I see you baby
I just don't wanna let go.

When you're gonna stop breaking my heart
Don't let go,
Don't let go
To my love.

I hate to see you cry, your smile is a beautiful lie

I hate to see you cry, my love is dying inside(x3)

I can fix all those lies
Oh baby, baby I run, but I'm running to you
You won't see me cry, I'm hiding inside
My heart is in pain but I'm smiling for you
Oh baby I've tried to make the things right,
I need you more than air when I'm not with you,
Please don't ask me why, just kiss me this time
My only dream is about you and I

Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment

So hot out of the box
Can we pick up the pace
Turn it up, heat it up
I need to be entertained
Push the limit, are you with it?
Baby don't be afraid
Imma hurt you real good baby

Let's go it's my show, baby, do what I say
Don't trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display
I told you, Imma hold ya down until you're amazed
Give it to ya til you're screamin' my name

No escaping when I start
Once I'm in I own your heart
There's no way to ring the alarm
So hold on until it's over

Oh!
Do you know what you got into
Can you handle what I'm 'bout to do
'Cause it's about to get rough for you
I'm here for your entertainment

Oh!
I bet you thought that I was soft and sweet
You thought an angel swept you off your feet
But I'm about to turn up the heat
I'm here for your entertainment

'Sall right
You'll be fine
Baby I'm in control
Take the pain
Take the pleasure
I'm the master of both
Close your eyes, not your mind
Let me into your soul

I'm gonna work it 'til your totally blown

No escaping when I start
Once I'm in I own your heart
There's no way to ring the alarm
So hold on 'til it's over

Oh!
Do you know what you got into
Can you handle what I am about to do
'Cause it's about to get rough for you
I'm here for your entertainment

Oh I bet you thought that I was soft and sweet
You thought an angel swept you off your feet
But I'm about to turn up the heat
I'm here for your entertainment

Oh
Do you like what you see?
Oh
Let me entertain ya 'til you scream

Oh!
Do you know what you got into
Can you handle what I am about to do
'Cause it's about to get rough for you
I'm here for your entertainment

Oh!
I bet you thought that I was soft and sweet
You thought an angel swept you off your feet
But I'm about to turn up the heat
I'm here for your entertainment

First post of 2011

Ok, i just realised that this will be the first post for 2011 due to negligence and also due to Chingay that just ended yesterday.

This is the first time doing an event for 3 days straight with less than 8 hours of sleep everyday. 1st and 2nd day still ok despite the hot weather. Luckily there was rain on the 2nd day to cool down the atmosphere at Pit building. By the 3rd day and with no sight of weather changing, i began to feel under the weather. By the time it ended, I request to stand down immediately.

Overall it was a success and was approached to continue next year as well. And I have intention to retain my current EXCO team and reduce the number of volunteers for next year's operation.

Next up, Men's Health Urbanathlon follow by OCBC Cycle and Aviva Ironman Triathlon.

Last but not least, Happy Lunar New Year and Happy Valentine's Day to all blissful couples!!

Horny Dolphin

Ever see a horny dolphin before?

<br/><a href="http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/dolphin-attracted-to-swimmers-crotch/1j84q3ifw?fg=sharenoembed" target="_new" title="Dolphin Attracted to Swimmers Crotch">Video: Dolphin Attracted to Swimmers Crotch</a>

SCMS 2010 - Aftermath

5th Dec 2010 - the day where sporting world get a closer look on how the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore going to fare. We were fearing for the worst as any major hiccups will put the event a bad image. To think that this event was broadcasted live in the wee hours of the morning.

I was stationed at Orchard where the full marathoners will be starting at 5am. Runners started to come in at around 3.30am where they deposited their baggages. 1 hour before the race start, the queue gets longer but runners waited patiently to deposit their baggage. Singaporeans very kiasu and very obedient.

The race started at 5am sharp but the runners were not complaining despite the long queue. Amazing! By 5.30am, our area is settled and not a single complain was raised at us. And we start to head back to F1 Pit building for all runners to retrieve their bags.

By the time the event end, it was a major success that Singapore able to host an international marathon with 3 different starting points. The only issue were the distance from Padang to F1 Pit building to retrieve the bags and the oversized tee-shirt issued to runners after they completed the race.

Next year, I will try something new before deciding whether to be in the same position again in 2012.

Preparing for Twenty 11

Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year have not come yet and a whole lot of events are in full throttle next year.

Chingay 2011, OCBC Cycle 2011, adidas Sundown Marathon 2011, Men's Health Urbanathon 2011, Aviva Iron Man Trialathon 2011 all taking place in the first half of the year. First half of the year, yes, that is until June 2011.

So far my job scope is quite flexible in a way that as long the deadline is met, the rest of the day you are free to do your own things. Luckily I did informed my boss that I was into events during my interview and she accepted me out of other candidates without hesitation. In a way, there isnt much to juggle between work and events, as work still a priority. Events later.

Im not sure whether this job is meant for me in the first place, but so far my enthusiasm is still there. Customers and suppliers are good to me that they help me alot during my initial stages of career. Now, even in a team of other colleagues and bosses, they will still come and find me to help them rather than looking for the respective colleagues. zzz..

Coming to a close

2010 is coming to an end and hope to end the year as the same profile as I started the year. Though my goals have yet to be completed, at least I have taken small steps to accomplish it. It's really a slow and long process.

With a full time job, the difference between having a salary and receiving allowances for school is big. At least the burden was transferred from my parents to me which I gladly take up.

As 2011 is just round the corner and preparing to usher the new year, I hope I could take great strides in completing my goals.

This is the only resolution that I have for 2011, the rest can slowly wait. Not asking for the sky or heaven. Just a very simple resolution.

Roller coaster with a merlion

Classic.. Merlion in a roller coaster ride!!

Experiment

Want to see how cheeky guys is..

How it started

It's all started in 2008 when my Poly CCA was involved in community events like Zouk's Mainly I Love Kids and the annual Stan Chart Marathon. I joined the Stan Chart Marathon as a mere volunteer with no experience and was with my poly mates as a group helping out in the event.

In 2009, I received an email from the same events company that run Stan Chart Marathon and asked me whether I am interested to help out in the event again. It was after the event that I knew that I was the only one selected in the whole group. However, the responsibility given to me was bigger, but I still accept it without hesitation.

When I first started, I did approached friends for companion or at the very least, have someone to talk or chat during the events. But long hours, no pay and unpredicatable weather would have turned them off. Maybe I dont know them well enough, thus I stopped asking around whenever there is an upcoming event.

The very same year, I did the inaugural Asian Youth Games where I stationed in Changi Airport to welcome foreign delegates and athletes. The Asian Youth Games was a preparation for this year's Youth Olympic Games.

Right from the start of the new year, I committed myself to events wholeheartedly. As in, every single events that need help, I will be there. Chingay, trialathons, NDP, Youth Olympic Games, adidas Sundown, etc..

The most memorable event that is on the top of the list will be the adidas Sundown 2010, held in Changi Exhibition Centre. Shuttle bus, road closures, and whatever problem that the participants have complained, I have been through it as I was on the ground.

The biggest test will be the coming Stan Chart Marathon where it will be held in Orchard, Sentosa and Padang.