Names To Avoid For Your Baby

I came across the following names in some forum that I cannot remember. Although most of you might have read them before either via forum or forward chain mails, the purpose of plagiarism here is more for my own convenience instead of your reading enjoyment.

So that I will remember which names NOT to bestow upon my children.

1) Anne Chang (In Mandarin) -- Dirty
2) Anne Chin (In Mandarin) -- Keep quiet
3) Carl Chng (In Hokkein) -- Buttock
4) Carmen Teng (In Hokkein) -- Leg hair long
5) Corrine Tai (In Hokkein) -- Poor fellow
6) Faye Chen (In Mandarin) -- Dusty
7) Henry Mah (In Mandarin) -- Hate your mum
8) Henry Tan (In Hokkein) -- Let you wait
9) Jane Tan (In Mandarin) -- Fried egg
10) Judy Soo (In Mandarin) -- Fated to lose
11) Leslie Tong (In Mandarin) -- Rubbish bin
12) Lucy Liaw (In Hokkein) -- You are dead
13) Michael Tan (In Cantonese) -- Selling eggs
14) Monica Cheng (In Hokkein) -- Touch your buttock
15) Nelson Chong (In Mandarin) -- Worms-infested bird
16) Nelson Tan (In Mandarin) -- Bird laying eggs
17) Paul Chan (In Cantonese) -- Bankrupt
18) Suzie Leow (In Hokkein) -- Lost till death

Society Behaviors

Humans are like ants really. We function like one. Societies, colonies or whatever you called it, it is all the same.

Picture ourselves as in an ant colony and it is not hard to see why. About 2,000 ants live in a single nest of the Camponotus Japonicus ant. The Formica Japonica ant has a largest nest containing more than 10,000 ants. Take the nest as a comparison to the world we live. Click on their names to find out how they look like or click HERE to find out more about ants, that is if you are interested!

Workers account for the largest number of ants in a nest. Isn’t it true even in our society? There are more poor-average working citizens than rich-leg shaking people. However not all that you work for is yours to keep. Due to taxes, expenses and cost of living.

Normal workers minding their own business just doing their things in order to survive.

Bigger black ants comes along representing the government

Take a small bite out of your earnings. GST, income tax

Take a bigger portion. Housing loan, car loan.

Workers end up going on strike in some countries, chaos and looting started.

The same behavior applied to the male and female gender. Although there are many winged female ants in one nest, there is only one mated female, the mother, whose wings fall off after mating.

The male appears only once a year and waits in the nest for the day of mating. After the mating, the male dies without returning to the nest. (At least he died happy!)

Can you imagine what would happen if in an ant orgy?

Just like any spring break events taking place!

Argentina Lost...WHY?!

Life suddenly loses its aroma of hope and vibrants. I can no longer taste the richness that is in abundances around us. I will not comment on the referee's decisions and actions of the players. No point crying over spilled milk. The verdict will not change once it is set no matter how unjustified it is. Devastated is the word to describe my feelings. By now, you would have guessed that I am an Argentina fan…a HARDCORE Argentina fan. Their players are skillful, confident, tactical and tough. 100% MEN!! (Although I feel that there is nothing wrong with being homosexual, I MUST stress that I am heterosexual in case people are mistaken here!) One word...no luck.

On a lighter note, I really must hand it to my Dad. On an estimate of 10 games, he got the final verdicts correct on 9 games, down to every detail. First half score, second half score and even if they will go into extra time or penalty shoot-out before the particular match started. He follows the game for the love and beauty of it. He is an avid soccer fanatic who does not gamble. But I do! If only I have listened to him! Shit!! It is like having the God of Fortune telling you what numbers to buy for 4D and you do not listen. From now on, I will heed his advice.

Lipoma Scar

Three and half years ago, I knocked my head on an engine stand during work. One month after that, a lump appear on my forehead. During that time, I thought nothing about it but it soon amplified in size and mass. The doctor classified it as a Lipoma growth.

Being the silly person I am, I thought: “Wow, cool. Just like a Luo Han (Flower Horn) fish.”
I was hoping to strike the lottery, as Flower horn fish is associated with luck and wealth. Of course, I did not strike the big money as often declared by contestants in Wheels of Fortune.

I consulted a couple of Chinese physician, spend a fortune on acupuncture and countless unconventional methods but instead of reducing my lump, all my fruitless attempt only exaggerate it further. Therefore, I decided to have it surgically removed 6 months ago.

Six months later, this is how my scar looks like.

I have to say, it is not too bad looking. Makes me look manly and present me with a story to share during coffee talk. . I am not the metro sexual type of guy and being old-fashioned, I frown on guys spending too much time and money trying to have flawless complexion. I am not being sexist but that is a woman’s rights. That is a woman’s domain. Men should be rugged and tough. But of course, that is just my old fashioned, unable to keep up with the changing of times opinion.

Ebay Foolproof?

How many of you people tried selling or buying items via eBay in the past? I hope your transaction went smoothly. Recently I placed my tickets for the FIFA Soccer World Cup Germany 2006 on eBay for sale. I managed to sell it off but there are a couple of hiccups during the process.

First, the winning bidder did not pay me. In fact, he did not even respond to my emails even while the auction is on going before he emerged the winning bidder. I sensed something is amiss when he fails to reply my email but I chose to adapt a wait and see approach. This unfortunately for me turns out to be quite costly. Even with eBay’s buyer and seller protection policy where a winning bidder is legally bounded to purchase the item he bid in the event that he won or the vice verse, there is physically no way the policy can be enforced if the buyer or seller vanish without responding. The most eBay can do is to just ban that particular user from the site but they could always just change their username and address, conjured up with a false credit card number to register again and carry on with their mischief.

The agony experienced is that both valuable time, money and effort is wasted if such a scenario happens. You have to take into account the time it requires to deliver the item internationally and the time it will reach the hands of the buyer.

I contacted the second highest bidder when the winning bidder fails to response to my third email and we agreed on a certain price. He is already in Germany by then and requested that I ship the tickets to his relative staying in New York and they would pass it to him. In the end, after finalizing on the terms and conditions, the deal did not go through. Barely just a day after the discussion, he tried to undercut the price we already agreed on saying that since he is in Germany, it is hard for him to have access to his bank account.

I was like “Huh? What bullshit!” Does Germany have internet access? Does Germany have computers or internet cafe? Do the hotels in Germany have access to a computer or internet network? Yes to all of the above right?! So what’s the problem if all the equipment and gadgets needed to proceed with an electronic money transfer via internet back home in New York is available in Germany….or any major cities in the world for that matter?!! If you never seen my face before, do not assume I look like a carrot top with no brains.

I hate people who try to break their words after we reach an agreement so in the end, I sold my tickets off to the third highest bidder who in this case is an awesome fellow. Quick, responsive, sincere and an avid soccer fan. Thankfully, I managed to sell my tickets to someone who would utilizes and get enjoyment from the match rather to halfhearted individuals.

I feel that unless eBay who is making millions, consider spending a tiny fraction of their profit in hiring someone to personally travel to the place of residence registered by those forfeiters and issued a legal warning, there will still be people who would continue to abuse the policy and waste other individuals time and effort.

Golden Oldies

I have a soft spot for the oldies. Be it songs of yester-years by crooners dating back to the era of Jim Reeves, Jewel Akens and Peggy Lee, television shows or motion pictures as it first started out in black and white transmission or the gentlemanly and refined dressing of European countries in late 18th centuries. Therefore, it is no surprise that I indulge myself now and then with a couple doses of Lang Syne delights.

My latest satiating treat is watching the popular decades old action television series of Ultra Man. Yes, I know how it may sound like. Yes the special effects (If any) is pathetic, the plots are sometimes down right ridiculous and the acting worse but I have to say one thing. Damn it, it is addictive! I never watch any of it shows or movies before this but now I am a fan. So much so that I search the net looking for its history and never-ending story line.

Interested and curious folks can click HERE to find out more about the ultra man family tree.

Soccer World Cup Germany 2006

Sometimes you wish for something but no matter what you do, you can never have it. When you do not want it or need it anymore, it pops up into your hands like Harry Potter doing his magic and you curse that it did not occur sooner cos now it is just messing with your head.
“Do I want it now?”
“Do I really need this in my life now?”

Sometimes you tried to look for something you lost but it can never be found.
Then it appeared out of the blue after you stopped looking when the urgency is gone.

I always wanted to travel to the hosting country of FIFA Soccer World Cup or at least be able to attend ONE match and watch it LIVE upfront. Tickets are hard to get, not able to take leave due to work or not enough money. So you can say I pretty much given up on that idea.

Now I have not one but TWO tickets to the World Cup Germany 2006 ! What’s more, it is Argentina Vs Netherlands, the former being my favorite team!! So I should be jumping for joy right? I should pack my stuff and leave the next day.

Ah...but life has a way of messing with you. My house has finally started renovation after months of discussion and designing. I need to stay and oversee the progress of the reno in case something goes wrong. My fiancee is leaving for the states for a business trip so at least someone needs to be around to run whatever errands or cock-up that may occurs during the reno.

Not to mention that it is the Great Singapore sale now (Although I can’t see how great it is judging by the percentage of discount different stores are giving. Looks just like any other ordinary sales throughout the year.) and I need to shop for furnitures, lightenings, utensils, curtains, decorations, cookeries, etc…etc…etc... Not to mention the amount of time I need to spend comparing prices, workmanship, finding suitable designs and be there when deliveries are made.

To make the agony of missing the match a lot more solid than it already is, both tickets are category 1 tickets. 3 Rows from the soccer field! ARGHHH!! At that distance, I can see all the player’s balls jumping in all directions as they run about the soccer field!

For those who have not seen the world cup tickets before, this is how it looks like.

There is a microchip embedded within the silver squre sticker on the upper right hand side of the ticket to guarantee authenticity.

The best solution in my case would be to sell it to those who may better utilize the tickets and enjoy the match up on my behalf. I have put them up for auction on eBay. Anyone interested can look it up and bid for it. Serious soccer fanatic who are going over to Germany for the World Cup can leave me your email address so I can email you the item number on eBay in case any of you don’t already have your tickets for the match up.

Sigh….what to do? You can say that with so much commitment at hand, my only hope is that I would be able to attend the World Cup in 2010.

Gathering

14 years. That is how long I have set foot into any business establishments with resemblance to the functions and ideas of a pub, lounge or whatever people call it nowadays where the alcohol are over-priced and the quantity under-sized. Normally I get my fix for beer in coffee shop. I do not need the loud music, which causes damage to my eardrums in the long run. I do not need the presence of pretty; young; mature; new-age woman to make my beer taste better. It is still as good. Beside, I am engaged! Ha ha. I do not need the lightening effects to create the mood. I just need the company of my good buddies to make the session worth it. I do love and miss the performances of a live band jamming away into the night. The standards have really increased during my time of absence.

Due to a class reunion (If you call an attendance of 5 jokers as a class reunion) as suggested by one of my pals, I just got back from Walawala in Holland Village and I’m feeling as in the lyrics of James Blunt’s song, titled You're Beautiful : “…fucking high!” I would have taken photos of those jokers but all of them are REAL SHY. Ya right, people. I believe you folks. One thing I miss though and have the pleasure of reliving my craving and thirst is that I get to experience the wondrous taste of Bloody Mary again. After 14 years! Guns and Roses aren’t joking when they sung that song. Still taste as delightful as ever. And of course, at the price matching the inflation rates of the market now. None of my 猪朋狗友 likes it. I would say it is an inquired taste, which I have cultivated and loved over the years. Old school you say? Maybe, and I am damn proud of it! Goes to show that once I found something I like, I stick to it regardless of whatever new innovations, products or era. A display of true loyalty and faithfulness, don't you think.

Baby, you heard and read that?

I felt like I had just travelled back in time, embarking on a short journey of reminisces. The days of being wild.

Anyway, for those who are unable to meet it, I have only one thing to say. What a waste! Hope you people can make it next time.

The Wind Of Change

It has been a hectic month. Things have been just crazy! So many changes to adapt. Currently I am undergoing a phase transition in the path of my life. After seven and a half years as an air force regular, I am now reunited and in procession of my pink identification card. Yes, I am now officially known as a civilian which concurrently kick-start my status as an NSmen. I feel as though I am stepping into un-chartered territories. Moving away from the fixed and predictable career path of being a government servant to the cutthroat world of the private sectors. Encountering everything that is shield due to the government “Iron-rice bowl” job, so as to speak. However, in this era, there is no such thing as a stable job anymore.

Strangely, I am still unable to sit on my couch and shake my legs as often as I desire. There are just too much things to be done, yet too little time.

Slowly, I am gearing and preparing myself to experience and taste the aroma of the corporate enterprising world, temporary, contract and permanent staff MNC culture, the vulnerability of being laid off due to downsizing depending on economic performance. Can't wait man!

To me, there is nothing more frightening than the impression of being stagnant. I need to be constantly on the move, doing stuff to make me feel as though I am improving, going somewhere and upgrading myself. The mere apprehension of imagining being in the same place, same situation, and same shit hole maybe 1 year or 5 years into the future freaks me out!

An interesting fact is that insects, like cockroaches for example, are unable to keep still. They will die literally. The primary function of your household insecticides are not meant to kill them. It can't. Instead, it paralyzed them. It attacks their nervous system rendering their bodies sluggish and motionless. Being caught in an immobile situation for 3 hours or more, their body system breaks down and they die. I see myself as a moth or caterpillar undergoing a transformation phase with the hope of becoming a butterfly representing grace and beauty. Even diamond started out as plain, dirty, ugly coal. After being subjected to tremendous pressure over an extensive period of time, diamond is formed. Isn’t that applicable to life?

What is the morale of the story? Everyone is capable of being a shining star and achieving what he or she desires. The key is to survive and hang in there long enough for your hard work to materialize and be recognized. Until than, I will continue to struggle with the hope of reaching my goals and target.

The Lighter Side of...Women

I am sure many people have seen the following pictures/graphics before. Being one of many others who has one leg stuck in hell and the other leg in heaven, I couldn't agree more with the explanations written about our beloved X-chromosome partner. Anyway, just for laugh ok. Hell hath no fury like a women crossed!

Ladies, PLEASE do not release your fury upon me after viewing it. (Even though you HAVE to agree, it is true in some sense!)

If only we guys have this data sheet during chemist/physics lessons, things would have been different. Ha ha.

I do not even try to argue anymore these days. Just as Singaporeans are fond of complaining about the government without any counter-action taken on their part, I am also adapting this method cos it is more peaceful this way.

EXTREMELY TRUE as mentioned in my earlier post HERE. They could either spend out of their intended budget or don't spend a single cent. The time taken however would be the same though.

I feel in fact that there should be more knobs and buttons control like [Semi-On] or [Awfully quiet until it makes you feel guilty] in a woman’s system than what is being shown here.

Who ever came up with this formula is a geniuis!

Time For A Change

If nothing that I set out to accomplish really turned out the way I expected, perhaps it is time I do the opposite.

Having figured that out, my next course of actions in the near future would be to:

1) Stop being kind and polite to unpleasant people.

2) Stop giving way to vehicles trying to change or cut into my lane.

3) Stop doing favors when people ask or beg me for it.

4) Stop feeding stray animals in coffee shops or any other places even when they glare at me with those sweet, innocent, irresistible cutie eyes.

5) Stop queuing in line for my turn during purchasing and making enquires.

6) Stop apologizing when bumping into sickening people even though it was THEM who didn’t pay any attention to where they’re going in the first place cos they’re so busy talking on their cell phone and their friends next to them to bother noticing where they’re heading.

7) Stop going along with “The flow” of friends/ colleagues/family/love ones and insist on what I want and my methods of doing things cos in the end...I WAS RIGHT and they ended up doing it MY WAY ultimately!

8) Stop withholding everything in my heart trying to be Mr nice guy and voice out my dissatisfactions even if it meant unsightly and troublesome confrontations. I was never afraid in the first place so why am I acting so nice? Nice stands for weak!

9) Stop bothering about what offensive people think/speak/feel behind my back as long as my consciences are clear!

10) Stop letting anger rule over me and do something about it when bitten on cos those repulsive idiots are laughing to themselves while wrath is consuming me inside as I am trying to be Mr nice guy!

Worth a shot, don't you think? If everything I planned, calculated, behaved, reacted, take action on is wrong and didn’t get me what I desired, then doing the complete opposite of what I have been doing MUST be right!