So now that Apple has launched the MacBook Air, the people at DVICE managed to get their hands on some images which may suggest how Apple can move on. Introducing, the Earth, Fire and Water edition. 
Monthly Archive for January, 2008
Okay Okay, I was tied up for the last few days and was unable to wish KP happy birthday in my blog..so erm…Happy Birthday you drunken b**ch!! Some pics taken at his birthday party on Sunday at Brewerkz.
In a bid to take a break from all that shopping and eating Lyn (my boo) and I have been indulging ourselves with for the past four days, we headed to the island of Cheung Chau for our last day of the Hong Kong trip. Located about 10km (or a half-hour ferry ride) southwest of Hong Kong Island, Cheung Chau according to the ‘ol Wikipedia, is an island which “has been inhabited for longer than most other places in the territory of Hong Kong”. It also has a population of about 30,000…meaning less crowded. Something Lyn and I needed…to get out of all that hustle and bustle of Hong Kong life.
Before heading to Cheung Chau, Lyn did a little research on the island for activities and if there is anything we can look out for. With that, we drew a list and pulled out some unique and interesting facts:
- It was initially a fishing village but in recent years has converted into a tourist attraction;
- The roads there are so narrow that it is impossible for cars to travel there. The only transportation is either by bicycle or small motorised trucks officially termed “village vehicles”;
- With an area of 2.45 km², the island is kinda “long”, hence the name as translated from Cantonese is “Long Island”.
However, I need to point out something extremely disturbing about the island. According to Wikipedia, “the number of suicide cases in Cheung Chau is one of the highest in Hong Kong due to people travelling to the island from elsewhere in Hong Kong specifically to commit suicide. The most common method of suicide is to suffocate by burning off oxygen with charcoal in door with all the doors and windows closed. One would typically do this just before going to bed so that one would die while asleep. Many believe it to be the most painless way of suicide”. So I guess we would need to look out for them buggy ghosts as well. I can’t tell you how disturbed we were, but since we paid, we don’t have much of a choice but to carry on.
The next day, we headed to Central Pier (No. 5), perhaps the only pier that serves commuters from Cheung Chau to Hong Kong and back. Remember my previous paragraph on suicides in Cheung Chau? Well, while waiting for the next available ferry, we noticed this interesting banner which in some ways haunted us again…
So I guess it was fair to say that Wikipedia was not wrong…people do go there to die…bummer. Upon arrival, I was prepared to step into an old town where residents there still hold to their traditional believes (sacrifice a goat or two), wear their native costumes daily and perhaps speak in their own language. But I have been wrong in many occasions and this one is no different. The first thing I saw after stepping out of the pier is one of the many trademarks of globalisation…
Left: McD’s right in front of the pier | Right: Walk along the streets and you’ll see our local bank
Modern as Cheung Chau may seem to be, the island still seem to have kept its quiet fishing village character. You could see may fishing boats docked at the pier side, seafood stalls preparing for dinner and that village feel which I would love to describe (but can’t).
Left: Boats docking by the sea | Right: Streets of Cheung Chau
After checking in to our hostel, we took a walk around the little island enjoying the cool (chilling at times) evening breeze. Yeah, we both agreed this was much needed in our tiring trip. We passed by schools, municipal councils, homes and shopped around for quick munchies. Interesting to note though, the island even have its own library, something I thought would never exist in a small town, but like I said, I have been wrong in many occasions.
By the way, it is also a municipal council, a wet market, offices and a school (I think)
Oh uh, and to answer your question on the “ghost thing”..no no no..we didn’t see anything. It is a really peaceful island, which makes me wonder why did people go there to commit suicide. Weird!! So if you are looking for a nice place to escape and just rest and relax in Hong Kong, you might want to consider visiting Cheung Chau. I can’t think of a better, more relaxing place in Hong Kong.Up next…the food in Cheung Chau..
Sunset in Cheung Chau
More photos in my Flickr album here.
If you guys are game for some good ‘ol professional basketball, come on down to the Indoor stadium this Wednesday at 6pm. The nice guys at Air Asia are giving out 1,000 tickets (yeah you read right…1,000 tickets) for the NBL game, the Singapore Slingers vs South Dragons. To top it off, you can also win return flights plus other fantastic prizes courtesy of the Singapore Slingers. It is basically to celebrate the launch of Air Asia’s Singapore – Kuala Lumpur route. Yeah I know, this is totally sweet!!
So all you need to do is
- Visit Air Asia’s website here;
- Print out the coupon;
- Take the print out to the Indoor Stadium at 6pm this Wednesday (30th January 2008);
- Pick up the two tickets;
- Enjoy!!
For basketball fanatics, you might want to do the following prior to the game:
- Drink lots of honey water,
- Eat less unhealthy (i.e. fried) food,
- Bring lozenges,
- and any other way to keep your throat clear.
Why? Well, lets say we need everyone’s support to shout “D-FENCE!! D-FENCE!! D-FENCE!!” when the ball is in South Dragon’s possession.
So what are you waiting for? Visit the site now and print away. But please print in moderation and protect our environment yah? Really…serious…there are enough trees dying already.
GO SLINGERS!!
Harry (aka Harold) organised a lunch session for my division at the Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts yesterday. Apart from the wonderful atmosphere, the friendly staff and of course its proximity to my office, the variety of food there was amazing. Its one of those buffet spreads that after you are done checking it out, you wonder how the heck your one stomach is going to handle all that. I must admit, the lure of the smell and food presentation is just too good to resist. In the end, I just had all these and a little more.
Left: Duck, beef and Shepherds pie | Right: Cold seafood
Left: Linguini bolognese with lamb | Right: Tomato-based spaghetti and crayfish (Cheryl’s dish)
Left: Sashimi | Right: Chocolate fondue goodies
So yeah, I’m sure you understand why I exited the restaurant a happy man. But of course not before swearing that I will return and go straight to the ones I had to miss. Alrightee, time to head to the gym..and fast!!
The Victoria Peak, located at the western half of the Hong Kong Island, is the biggest tourist attraction in Hong Kong. Standing with an altitude of 552m, visitors will be treated to spectacular views over central Hong Kong, the harbor and surrounding islands. I guess the view is reason enough for Lyn (my boo) and I to take some time off from all the shopping and eating and pop over to the peak to witness it for ourselves. Adding to that, we have heard many wonderful stories from friends of how fantastic the view of Hong Kong is from up there.
To make it t the top, we did the ‘ol tourist thing and boarded the Peak Tram about a 1.4 km away from the Peak. If there is one thing us first timers need to know..don’t be late. The reason? Well check out the crowd below…
Yeap…hordes and hordes of people from all over all wanting to get that tram experience all the way to the peak. However, it didn’t take us very long before we could get into the tram…but long enough to be slightly ticked off (I was in a whiney mode then). Once the tram ride began, it was pretty much a 45 degree angled journey since were heading up a mountain. A first for me really, I am just glad I was sitting down though.
Upon our arrival, we headed to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for some dinner. Just a little background of the restaurant, it was inspired by the 1994 movie Forrest Gump where Forrest and his fellow Vietnam war buddy, Bubba thought of starting a shrimp company once their term ended. Unfortunately Bubba didn’t make it through the war but Forrest did. So he went ahead and started the company anyway and named it Bubba Gump in memory of his old pal.
Bubba Gump ‘has also gained fame for its unique paging system consisting of two license plates on the tables marked “Run Forrest Run” from Jenny’s famous quote and “Stop Forrest Stop” based on the signs used to help Forrest when he played football at the University of Alabama. The red “Stop Forrest Stop” sign is used to signal that a table needs service and the blue “Run Forrest Run” means that all is well’. [Abstract from Wikipedia.]
I am not going to get into the details of the food for the fear of rambling too much, but all I can say is that we had shrimp…lots of it and they were mighty good. To top it off I had some beer and a shot of rum…I mean how can I turn down alcohol yah?
After dinner, we headed up to the gallery area and finally understood what the fuss was about. The view was amazingly beautiful and honestly, not only were we not disappointed, we were awed.
We were rather blessed with great weather that night allowing us to see all the way to the other side of the mountain behind the city view. Unfortunately, I forgot to charge the camera battery the night before and only could make do with a few shots. I can’t tell you how upset I was. But we nicely made it up by paying some official photographer about HK$100 (S$20) or so and got a nice shot of us and the view.
As the temperature dipped further while at the peak. Lyn, layered with a conservative estimate of about five pieces of clothing (including my jacket) decided she couldn’t take it anymore and headed indoors. I on the other hand was extremely comfortable with just two layers (thanks to that shot of rum) stayed a little longer and immerse myself in all things Hong Kong. Let’s just say it is a country I have always wanted to visit even before they a became a part of China. Yes, I managed to make it there and I can’t think of anyone better to share this experience with me other than my boo, Lyn. To top it off, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary that night. The deal just can’t get any better. Although it took me a while but yeah..I think I finally discovered Hong Kong… 
More photos in my Flickr album.
I guess the phrase ‘It’s not where you start but where you end” (or something like that) is often used to encourage athletes, sales staff, religious worshippers and even those at the buffet table (and then some) about pushing on. As the phrase suggests, it is about how you have performed in the end that matters, not at the beginning nor the middle. So taking that phrase with reference to the Singapore Slingers disappointing home lost against the Cairns Taipans on Sunday, I think there is much the Slingers need to learn about the game itself.
Left: Rod Grizzard stuffs it in | Right: Ben Knight for an easy lay-up
But before I continue, I would like to give a big shout out to Nic for scoring Len and I nice corporate box seats with all the booze and food we can devour in one game. Thanks alot bro, you have been too gracious…any lobang for F1?…just kiddin’… . By the way, I am writing this post more of a commentary on Sunday’s game instead of a play by play count since Len already wrote something about it. I suggest you read his post before mine. He has provided ample background and you would be less confused 
. So where was I? Oh yes..the phrase. On Sunday evening, the Singapore Slingers handed the visiting Cairns Taipans a 99-87 win at the Indoor Stadium in front of about 2,500 spectators.
Left: Shane McDonald pressured under the rim | Right: Mike Helms powers in for a lay-up.
Sure I guess as team sports go, losses are inevitable. Even the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty back in the 1995-1996 season with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, where the team would trash any team that will come in their way also did experience their fair share of defeats with a record 72-10 (which has yet to be broken). But what really upsets me and perhaps some other fans and basketball enthusiasts is the fact that the Slingers fought very bravely for a nice lead and holding it all the way to the 3rd quarter, only to blow it all away in the 4th. What we see here is a classic scenario of efforts wasted.
Left: Don’t know how he did it but the shot got in | Right: Taipans’ Scott Cook’s contested lay-up
I mean although I understand that one of the main reason why the loss is due to the merciless arsenal of 3-pts from the Taipans #4, Dwayne Vale during the 4th quarter, but my question is “What did the Slingers do about it?”. From my view, I see lots of holes in the Slingers defence allowing the Taipans to get through somewhat easily. On the offence, we begin to see individualism by players who have earlier lost their steam in the game, making bad play decisions and ball handling only to widen the scoring gap. Am I fair to say that the Slingers panicked?
And let’s not forget, in my last post, I did mention that the Taipans have a score to settle with the Slingers arising from a 89-93 home lost back in 21 Dec 2007. The Taipans may not have looked like they came with a vengeance during the first three Quarters, but they did end on a good note didn’t they?
Left: 3-pt killer Dwayne Vale (Taipans) shows that he can drive too | Right: Taipan’s big man Nathan Jawai is not easy to stop
But tough love aside, I must give a nice pat on the back to the Slingers for playing superb team game during the first three quarters. Ball rotation was played out often, the players ran around making themselves available and everyone is always looking out for their teammates. Well…these and a whole lot of other factors, but mostly to teamwork. This to me, coming from a person who plays very few competitive basketball games (and still pretty much suck at it), is really essential to winning. These are the reasons I strongly believed why they led all the way to the 3rd quarter. But to sustain the lead is not that easy. I guess as all expansion team go, team synergy is a factor and I am very sure the Slingers are working on it.
But hey, as I have said repeatedly, I am always on the Slingers side. As long as Nic keeps scoring me those lovely tickets (yes I am shamelss like that), I will be always be attending and bringing my old but nice Nikon D70. So as the Slingers finish up their final two home games before taking a break for the season (not sure if they can make the playoffs), I am crossing my fingers that they will put two more wins in our current 5-21 by committing their efforts to the entire game and not just a portion. All the best Slingers, see you on the 30th . More photos in my Flickr album.
GO SLINGERS!!
…all 8gb of it, and I am loving it. It has been a while since I have switched to a Nokia. But seeing how Len loves his N95 and KP with his N95 8gb, I thought to myself…”Why not?”. It is one of those phones that is so close to perfection (well..kinda) that I have yet to hear any serious complains about it. So after some weeks of contemplating, a $100 voucher compliments from M1 kinda made the deal sweeter, and I went for it. So introducing, my new toy, the N95 8gb.
Image shamelessly stolen from CNET Asia
Thanks to Nic…again, Lyn (my boo), Len and I were invited to witness the grounding of the Wollongong Hawks by the Singapore Slingers at the Indoor Stadium on Sunday. This time round, we were unable to get those nice seats at the corporate box as they were snapped up by AIA for their family day. But it was cool though, we were instead located somewhere in the middle and honestly, our seats weren’t actually that bad…especially when you are armed with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens…yeah baby!! It also gave us a full panoramic view of the stadium and basketball court (Darn!! I knew I should have brought my wide angle).
Once again, Nic and Precious (his boo) were amazingly hospitable, ensuring that we catch the game in its entirety by helping us order drinks and well..kinda serving us. We have always felt the love whenever they are there…thanks guys. Our experience also got much sweeter with the Slingers taking the game home with a win.
Left: Helms taking it to the hoop | Right: An alley opp by Grizzard compliments from Helms
Left: Layup by um..I think Ben Knight | Right: Another one on Helms talking it to the hole
However, to be honest, I didn’t think that the win was very very very deserving. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Slingers played pretty well on Sunday and I am on their side. But if wasn’t for the Hawks’ sloppy play, I am afraid we might (just might) take home another loss. On top of that, the Hawks somehow seem to depend alot on Kavossy Franklin to take a number of shots and driving through the lane.
The Slingers’ defence although was much better, did see a number of holes allowing the Hawks to cut through and score. For the Slingers to give their opponents a hard time, just a little more team play, less individualism and more driving…you know…your everyday textbook offence…
Left: Ben Campbell easing his way through the Slingers’ defence | Right: Slingers’ defence got tighter as Franklin finds a way to the hoop.
Right: More of Franklin (this guy is good) | Left: Larry Davidson powers it to the rim
But hey..like it or not, we won and that is all that matters. The Slingers will be hosting the Cairns Taipans this coming Sunday, and I hope that they will concentrate on their defence and teamwork for practice. The Taipans currently has a record of of 12-10 vs the Slingers’ 5-20. And with their 89-93 loss at home to the Slingers on 21 Dec 2007, don’t expect the Taipans to take this game lying down.
So dearest Singapore Slingers, close up on those ‘D’ eh? And oh, drive drive drive!! Remember, I am rooting for you . So if you guys are game to see a tough match this coming Sunday, come on down to the Indoor Stadium and get ready to scream. Tickets start at $6 here. But before I end this post, some pics of our lovely Slinger girls…
…and one of those rare and interesting match moments.
I know I know..you want to give him some Singapore lovin’ but dude..seriously..not here..
See ya’ll on Sunday. Oh yeah one more thing. Remember my $1,000,000 post? Well the answer if you don’t already know…is 23… More photos at my Flickr album.
I received a CD full of photos yesterday from the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law. It was a pleasant surprise considering that it has been about a month since I spoke at NUS and hey..they remembered me.
Allow me to give little background on what went on. About a month ago, I was invited to give an overview briefing of Singapore’s environment to some senior officials from various countries. These officials were in Singapore for a few days for a seminar on the Urban and Industrial Environment Management and wanted to understand the Singapore model.
Coming all the way from Georgia, China, Mexico, Suriname, Montenegro and other more exotic countries of which I can’t remember and pronounce, I must admit that I breathed a huge sigh of relief after learning that they all speak good English. For those who don’t already know, I am only effectively monolingual. I can’t speak Mandarin to save my life let alone writing.
Although I have conducted a number of such briefings to senior officials on various occasions, what sets this briefing apart from the others was the amount of time given to me. Normally, we would be given only 15 mins for such briefings, but in this case, I had a good hour and a half.
Not really knowing what else I could say, I went ahead with the talk anyway reminding them countless of times that I am just giving a brief overview AND THAT’S IT!! But what I initially thought would be a very quick briefing, I quickly found out that I was able to easily stretch it to over an hour. To me the audiences were amazingly engaging.
They sat and listened to what I had to say, laughed at my many weak attempts at adding humour and asked me quite a number of questions along the way (of which I was able to answer. Thank God!!). These officials are truly a speaker’s dream. At the end of the briefing, a number of them approached me saying how wonderful it was that I injected humour and was able to answer a number of burning questions they had. And all they while as they were commenting on my performance, the only thoughts that went through my mind was “Really? You guys gotta be kiddin’!!”.
Honestly, I have never thought of myself capable to speak in front of a huge audience. Sure I may have spoken to a huge group of people before…but seriously, I am not that capable. This is one of those feel good moments and seriously, very encouraging. So yeah, I am waiting for the next time I get arrowed by my bosses to conduct similar briefings again. Meanwhile, I will just practice in front of the mirror
Now that I have attended to my ego, tune in for more normal blog entries.
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