"The Great Singapore Sales"

Went to Orchard to do some errant on Saturday and man I regretted it almost immediately.

Having 4.3millions population really sucks but couple in the first weekends of School Holidays, the long weekends and the Great Singapore Sales, Orchard road felt like an oversized sardine can.

Was actually eyeing the Nespressor Machine for quite sometime now and I thought it will be a good time to get it at the GSS especially when Takashimaya card holder normally get 10% off on top of the what discount there is.

Turn out to be a real disappointment.

If I remember correctly, last year they offer 10% off the machine and with the Takashimaya cards you get total of 20% off.

The Citiz Aeroccinno is listed at $678 and this year offer is only $50 off plus 10% off which come up to $565.20. Far short of the 20% price of $542 I was looking at.

A check on the website and I found out the same machine cost only about S$400 in UK.

Singapore really sucks.

Look at the mark up $678 - $400 = $278.

Who say Singapore is a cheap place?

Wonder where all the shoppers come from? Better take you spending power elsewhere if you have the chance.

So anyone heading to UK please let me know.

Back from Taipei (Again)

Had not been blogging for some time as I was in Taiper (again).

As usual had a fantastic time shopping and eating and eating.

Will review more of stuff I got from Taipei soon.

Also spent my birthday there and its nice for the hotel to throw in a birthday cake for me. Nice touch.

Onitsuka Tiger

Took my new Tiger for a spin over the weekend.

Bought it in Taipei last month. Cheapest place to get a Tiger.

Will be looking out for another pair next month.

Hee....

Fresh from the factory.

Looking good.

Side view.

The sole.

Made in Japan.

Greed in Singapore

ST Forum
Try RTM1 for World Cup

Apr 24, 2010

Blocks' central antenna can pick up Malaysian channel's signal.
By Leonard Lim, Chan U-Gene & Jeff Ang

FOOTBALL fans, good news if you are among the 80 per cent of the population living in public housing.

Chances are, you will be able to catch 20 World Cup games live and another 11 delayed on a free-to-air Malaysian channel - if the unthinkable happens and Singapore fails to secure the broadcast rights to the football extravaganza.

And some HDB dwellers who can receive Indonesian channels such as RCTI and Global TV may even be able to watch all 64 matches live.

Almost all the live telecasts will be for matches that kick off at 10pm Malaysia and Singapore time - and they involve top teams like Brazil, Portugal and England. These are matches that will be broadcast on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) 1.

Four other live matches are being screened on RTM2, which is not available in Singapore.

RTM, which was granted exclusive terrestrial broadcast rights for Malaysia in January, will also broadcast daily highlights of all 64 matches at the June 11 to July 11 showpiece in South Africa. But it is not yet known if these will be shown over RTM 1 or 2.


In the age where people are trying to improve,we in Singapore are doing a backstroke because of greed.

No more free-to-air world events for you folks Singapore. All must pay pay pay.

At least our neighbour in Malaysia and Indonesia are better then us in this aspect.

First world country my foot!

Earth Day

Today is world’s Earth Day.

Please do a little for the environment today. (Switch off more lights!)

Was watching The Inconvenient Truth again and it’s a reminder how devastating what we are doing to our planet.

Good luck for the next generation if we don’t do anything this generation.

So folks if you want your sons and daughters to experience the Earth as you know it. Start to do something no matter how small it may be.

More Reason Taipei is Better

Was back in Taipei last month. As usual money well spent.

Famous peanuts ice at Ximending. Cost only about S$2.50. The peanuts is really soft and had been cooked for more then 8 hours.

One of my favourite store. Pork Chop Rice at Dong Qu. One set is about S$4.

Where to get this kind of quality at this price in Singapore?

Will be going back Taipei next month. Will remember to take more photo of the food there.

Yum...

Taiper better then Sin?

Mr Brown wrote this article recently and it has angered many Singapopean and started an online debates whereder did Mr Bron put Singapore down.

Well I totally agreed with Mr Brown! Check out my post back in 2009! Yeah I notice it long ago that Singapore is not the best place on earth.

I find that Singaporean can really take critisim. Also I find that Singaporean are quite proud. Looking down on others and we think we can speak English better then any countries in Asia.

But mark my words, we are losing out fast to people in term of services and aggresivness. We are not hungry and sooner or later we will be left behind with our broken English.

Post Goal 2010 plan.

ST Forum
Apr 13, 2010

Ambitious soccer plan overdue

I AM excited by the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) ambitious plan to take Singapore's soccer to greater heights to match powerhouses Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea ("FAS targets top-10 soccer spot in Asia"; last Thursday).

This project is long overdue.

World Cup 2010 was just a pipe dream for the Singapore soccer team and aiming for the best in Asia is a more realistic target.

The emphasis on youth development is a move in the right direction and taking in boys from as young as eight augurs well for the scene. Stimulating interest at an early age will certainly give a boost and inculcate passion for the game.

The target for a gold medal in the South-east Asia Games has long been my wish.

It has been eluding us for a very long time and it is every Singaporean's desire to win it eventually.

The country has done well in swimming, table tennis, bowling and shooting in the SEA Games, and I hope more funds can be allocated to soccer, which is dear to the hearts of many.

Singaporeans share and believe in the vision that we will one day emerge as a powerhouse in soccer.

Bennie Cheok

This is yet another joke and I must applaud Bennie’s optimism.

Remember what our goal was back in 1999? Yes to be in the final of world cup in 2010. (Hey its this year!)

http://javertworld.blogspot.com/2006/08/goal-2010.html

After pouring in millions of tax-payer’s money, even formed a S-League, look at the state of our national team. Pathetic.

So now we are lowing our standard to be the TOP 10 in Asia. Goash! More money down the drain!

Yes I agreed that our National Team has improved compared to 10 years ago, but don’t forget so are all the National Teams in the world!

We will never keep up with those countries that has developed comprehensive programme to develop their soccer players.

We should just concentrate to win Gold in some, debates or Physics Olympics.

Most soccer fan here rather support a team in Europe rather then the national team I guess.

Sad country.

ST Forum
Apr 8, 2010
Why the delay in upgrading opposition ward?

IT HAS been almost a year since Senior Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu announced that the Government's Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) would be launched in the two opposition wards of Potong Pasir and Hougang.

The news thrilled residents like me, who live in the selected LUP precinct of Potong Pasir constituency. It gave us much cause for excitement.

However, this euphoria seems to be evaporating as no work has been done.

There is not even an announcement of a date when work is to begin. I am starting to wonder if the project is on track or if some unexpected problems have cropped up.

I hope the Potong Pasir Town Council or the Citizens Consultative Committee can enlighten residents.

Let our constituency be a model of how an ugly duckling can be transformed into a beautiful swan.

Chan Mia Lee



The behaviour of our MIW is just plain childish.

Lift upgrade should not be use as a carrot to buy vote.

People staying in opposition ward deserve every right for facilities upgrade as they pay taxes too!

If our MIW have to resolve into this dirty method to force people out of opposition wards then all I can say is what a sorry state our county is in.

Updates

Not been blogging for quite a while now as I was away for a week during Chinese New Year and then was sick for 2 weeks after that.

Went to Fukouka again during CNY.

As usual weather was great and ate lots of nice food too. Weather was fantastic, nice and cold between 4 – 10 C. It s a good place to rest and relax as it is not too crowded like in Tokyo.

Bought quire a few things as well. Bought 4 pairs of sneakers this time but the red converse was an emergency as the shoes I wore there broke in the middle of the road! Haha….

Happy with all my shoes purchase as they are mostly limited to Japan only.

Came home and dug out my shoes collection.

3 more pairs bought last year in Tokyo in the front here.

And here are the rest of my shoes. Mmm… running out of space soon.

May have caught a cold in Fukouka, was having a terrible cough and was sneezing after a fews days back in Singapore. So after 14 days, 2 visits to the doctor, 3 bottles of cough mixture, 20 flu tablets, 20 anti-inflammation tablets and 10 paracetamols, I am feeling much better now. The hot weather is not helping with my Flu as well.

So am drinking lots of water these days and resting well. And time to pack for Taipei!

National Service

Next week I will be going for my annual ICT.

This will be my 9th year and hopefully will be my second last in-camp training before I join the rank of the enlightened at the MINDEF Reserve.

So again there will be an IPPT test, camping in some remote part of Singapore, wearing Green clothes and some sleepless nights again.

I don’t really mind going back for my ICT. Really.

Its an opportunity to catch up with old friends and to exercises other part of your body that you seldom use in the office.

But it’s the dreadful time wasting waiting that I hates.

I just can’t help to wonder how inefficient the Army can be sometime. I never understand why. Not to forget highly paid individual runs the organisation.

So I was looking back the day when I was a CHOW Recruits and compare to now, many things has changed. Here are some where I can think of:

1. Use to wear the WWII Tin Helmet. Now it the stylo Kevlar one.
2. Use to wear the super old SBO. You need to fix the two pouch and water bottle and the “bra strap” your self. Now they get the Load Bearing Vest.
3. Running shoes are black canvas type. Now you get either Brooks or New Balance.
4. Uniform is different as well. Green camouflage replace by Pixel Camouflage.
5. Beds are sponge on spring support. Now got super Dunlop.
6. I got the camouflage green shorts and Plain green T-shirt as PT KITS. Now its olive green and black shorts.
7. M16 then and SAR 21 now.
8. Cookhouse are run by Ah-Beng. Now its aunties from Singapore Food Industries.
9. You used to keep a Tin plate when you go to the cookhouse and you need to wash them. Now there are plates in the cookhouse and you don’t do the washing anymore!
10. Boots you wear are hard and stiff. Now it’s the gotex.
    
    

So our soldiers are different now. Compare to even just 10 years ago. People are more educated and also there is less ill treatment now.

Then I just can’t help to think what remains the same in the army… mmm…

1)The towel is the same!
2) So is the Beret!
3) Still got the same #@$@# regular.
4) Water bottle and mess tin is still the same. But I wonder does anyone uses the mess tin these days.
5) Still uses the tleat over map.

Feel free to add on…. I running out here…haha…

Danger lurking in Singapore.

Singapore is getting more and more crowded. This is being made more so by the influx of migrants.

I was just at Orchard road the week before Christmas and as usual, the malls are packed with shoppers and the link between Wisma and Takashimaya was so packed that human traffic came to stand still.

This got me thinking. Does malls in our country has to pass any Fire Regulation test? Is there a maximum number of people allow to be in a particular building?

Please note that many countries have fire safety regulation to their malls.

In Taiwan and Japan, there is always a sign at the entrace showing what is the maximum number of people this building is licensed to have and there is a counter showing you how many people are in the building now. This is to prevent the building from being overcrowded and make safe evacuation possible in case of fire or emergency.

This is definite lacking in Singapore.

The matter is made even worst with temporary push-carts and store blocking walk ways and exits of malls.

I really doubt a safe evacuation is possible for our malls during emergencies especially during weekends or festive seasons.

So why is Singapore, being a First world country, chose not to look into this matter?

Well, firstly, I think your life and my life is cheap. You won’t see Minister shopping in a crowded shopping center right?

Secondly, land is expensive in Singapore, so as a mall owners, I will packed as much stores I can into my building and even create temporary stores during festive period so I could get my return in investment ASAP.

So folks, be careful when you go to crowded malls the next time. Always keep a look out for the nearest exit because it is just a disaster waiting to happen in Singapore.

Merry Christmas 2009!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Transformer Toys

Time to reveal another purchase from Tokyo.

This is from Takara's Device Label, a 2GB USB Memory, TIGATRON.

It has a twin Black colour Decepticon brother but it was still not on sales then.

Careful with your GST when you travel.

Dec 2, 2009
Holiday trip spoilt by GST shock at airport

MY FAMILY recently returned from a holiday in Europe.

As usual, we bought some gifts from the countries we had visited.

But we were stunned when the Customs officers stopped us and slapped us with 7 per cent goods and services tax (GST) for the gifts we purchased abroad.

Even the watch I was wearing on my wrist was not spared.

We were told that the maximum limit for gifts purchased overseas is $300 - anything exceeding that is taxable.

I checked with many friends and relatives and none of them knew that this rule exists, not even the tour agency.

Needless to say, the incident dampened our spirit after a great holiday.

Patrick Lim


Ignorance does not meant you are not guilty.

This letter serve no purpose except to remind the rest that such rules exist.

I knew this requirement long ago and has been telling my friends about it.

Dear all, Please note you are required to pay GST for you over-sea purchase if they exceed $300. Note it is total worth and not individual items.

So do not waved your new LV bags, which are still in their paper bags in front of the custom officer, any jokers will know you should declare and pay your GST.

Peter and his many friends and relative need to know the rule book man.

The custom has been closing one eye for many years but I guess now Singapore’s economy is not very good and gahment is noticing people of spending their cash over-sea to avoid the GST here. Therefore to dig more money from us, the are really strict at the custom now. Also I got a tip that GST will go up to 10% after the next election as MIW had spent too much on the Stimulus package and I guess they will not increase the corporate tax in order to attract foreign investments.

Sad… the rich the richer, less taxes, the poor get the stimulus package, and the middle income get SQUEEZED again and again. Time to migrate…

Stuff from Tokyo

New find this year. Death Note, cute got 8 designs in mysterious boxes so this is the 2 I got this year.

Domo Kun! Tokyo Station Limited! One of my favourite character this year. Haa... and of cause Naruto Key Chain, missing Nin, Konoha. Made In Japan too.

Naruto Tokyo Tower handphone strap. Cute!

And finally Hello Kitty in the famour Black Egg clothing from Hakone.

More Nano Block

Earlier this year, I blogged about buying a Nano Block Set of the WWII Japanese flag ship Yamato.

Sad to say I still have not find the time to buid it. Maybe lucky for me, Haha.... I admit I took a look at the instruction for a couple of time and I knew it will not be easy.

For this trip to Tokyo, I found that Kawada came out with more Nano Block product. There is another super high level 1000 plus set of a Japanses castle (Like the Yamato). And they also came out with many more easier smaller sets.

I grab the Tokyo Tower and the Hokkaido Inu.


I told myself better start with the easier one and boy was I correct.

The Hokkaido Inu set took me 1.5 hours to complete! The blocks are quite small and you spent more time looking for time.

Anyway here is the finished Hokkaido Inu.

Tokyo Tower Here I come!

Coin added for scale.

One more join the family.

My New Sinn U1 White has arrived last Saturday. Pop by to collect it today.

Think I will be having a lovely white Christmas!

Taking a much awaited break: In the Land of the rising sun.

Its been 6 months since I went for a holiday.

So ofcause I am happy to get our of the country.

See you all in 9 days time!

風雲II Trailer

Oh right! Think one of the better HK movies for the year!

Bring back some memories man. Gotta dig up my comics and re-read again....