Yeah, you know how its like...All of a sudden, everywhere you go seems to be more crowded with peoples, black, white, yellow, gray, purple, pink people everywhere! Allow me to elaborate...
Was planning to meet up with friends yesterday at Clementi before heading to a birthday party. So I picked up a present at Viviocity around 7.15pm and realising that I was going to be late, decided to hail a cab at the taxi stand...guess what? the queue at the taxi stand seemed to snake on forever and if that wasn't bad enough, taxis were arrviing in a tickle at best, probablye freaked out by the queue of cab-hungry Singaporeans/Foreigners.
Deciding that it would probably be faster transiting via MRT, I hopped onto MRT and did a switching at Outram Park Interchange. That was where the horror begin...
MRT after MRT was packed with people to the max, and no it wasn't anything like Hari Raya last year whereby everyone had space to move about...This year, the trains were packed to the max such that no batch of passengers waiting to board the MRT was every 100% successful, with a few passengers left behind to wait for the next MRT to arrive.
And for your information, most of the people on the MRT car I was in weren't Malays! Call me xenophobic but there happen to be a hell lot of non-Singaporeans hanging around near the entrance of the MRT with no commonsense to move further in where there happened to be an empty space? And you'd think it was just foreigners...apparently, the queue at our polyclinics are equally bad! Imagine having to wait 1 hr to register, 40 mins for your turn to see the doctor for a 7 min consultation before squandering another 20 mins of your life waiting to collect your prescription from the pharmacy....
Productive Time = 7 mins
Unproductive Time = 2hrs (120mins)
Polyclinic Assessment = Screwed!!!
Seriously, I most certainly did not pay my MRT fares to get squeezed and suffocated on a commute, no matter how communal its meant to be. For goodness sake, if the Land Transport Authority wants to increase our transport fees annually, then at least provide us decent transportation services. They can start by increasing the frequency of MRT arrvials. The worst part of this is that the newspapers come out with headlines proclaiming how wonderous and efficient our public transportation is and the need to raise train fares in light of rising global oil prices - I don't see how that's the case now that oil prices have gone below $96 per barrel and considering the number of passengers who have to squeeze into an MRT..now I'm so motivated to get my driving licence and vehicle... Don't remind me of ERPs!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hiatus!
Dear all,
I will be taking a break from blogging for the month of Sep 08 to work on another project. Watch out for my come back in October!
Lotsa Love,
Costa
I will be taking a break from blogging for the month of Sep 08 to work on another project. Watch out for my come back in October!
Lotsa Love,
Costa
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Snapshots For Aug 08~
It seems like the term "blogging" has often been defined as logging down one's experiences in life, the kind of stuff that would attract voyeurs who want a peek into your life...
While this blog will definitely be less about me and function more like my channel of expression, I've decided to give it a more personal touch in this article...no frisky details,I'm way too lazy for that, just a couple of shots...
2.30pm - Met up with Han after lunch with my parents at Suntec in an attempt to squeeze our way through the ridiculous crowd at the Comex IT Show but we eventually gave up all the shoving, squeezing and strategic planning to find the most accessible route to the convention hall.
5 pm - Left for church while Han met up with YJ.
7.20 pm - Linked up with Han and YJ at Taka before heading to Cineleisure for dinner @ Hip Diners...Food was disappointing though
Miserable, lousy and oily meatloaf.
Thankfully, Tao Huay at Rochor saved the day and filled our stomachs...I'm too lazy to go into the details or upload anymore photos so that's all for the moment, perhaps I'll modify this portion when I have the time to...
Sharks, Han's head got caught in the pic...wanted to capture YJ's head "floating in the air".
Our first stop was at the American Club where all of us had Hennessy and Heneiken with some really special guests that night. Really REALLY special guest that is.
Posing with the birthday boy for an attitude shot:
My bro here had just gotten elected as NTU's President for Photog!
Jason and his friend
Look who's shaking
Grandma's Birthday 
The menu was Fantastic, with lobster on longevity noodles, double broiled shark fins soup (a hell lot of shark fins ok, entire chunks of them, each about a finger long!)
While this blog will definitely be less about me and function more like my channel of expression, I've decided to give it a more personal touch in this article...no frisky details,I'm way too lazy for that, just a couple of shots...
Of Hip Diners and Tao Huay
2.30pm - Met up with Han after lunch with my parents at Suntec in an attempt to squeeze our way through the ridiculous crowd at the Comex IT Show but we eventually gave up all the shoving, squeezing and strategic planning to find the most accessible route to the convention hall.
5 pm - Left for church while Han met up with YJ.
7.20 pm - Linked up with Han and YJ at Taka before heading to Cineleisure for dinner @ Hip Diners...Food was disappointing though
Miserable, lousy and oily meatloaf.
Thankfully, Tao Huay at Rochor saved the day and filled our stomachs...I'm too lazy to go into the details or upload anymore photos so that's all for the moment, perhaps I'll modify this portion when I have the time to...
Sharks, Han's head got caught in the pic...wanted to capture YJ's head "floating in the air".
Sam's Birthday BASH @ Zouk
Our first stop was at the American Club where all of us had Hennessy and Heneiken with some really special guests that night. Really REALLY special guest that is.
Posing with the birthday boy for an attitude shot:
My bro here had just gotten elected as NTU's President for Photog!
Jason and his friend
Andy, Adrian and Randall in high spirits
Posing with my bodyguard!
Took this shot with a tip or two from the Photog President.
Look who's shakingGrandma's Birthday
Celebrated my paternal Grandmother's 80th Birthday @ Man Fu Something Restaurant over at Oriental Hotel. Pictures were posted by Ronda...Can't seem to expand them without disrupting the quality though...hmmm....
Was a rather considerable family gathering but I'm only going to display our family shot.
The menu was Fantastic, with lobster on longevity noodles, double broiled shark fins soup (a hell lot of shark fins ok, entire chunks of them, each about a finger long!) Once again, would like to wish my Grandmother a wonderous and Blessed Birthday!
HORTPark Reloaded
HORTPark Reloaded
I had never heard of a "HORT Park" till this month and when I finally heard about it, I visited it twice. The first trip was with YA, which was supposed to be organised by our cell. We started walking from Mt Faber, through Hort Park to Bukit Chandu hill where we visited the museum cum memorial centre at the top of the hill. The memorial centre was a tribute to the soldiers of the 3rd Malay Regiment (If I remembered correctly) for their valient efforts in defending the hill against occupational forces from Japan.Therein we ended with lunch at a zhi cha foodcentre at the base of the hill.
Cell buddies (Psalm not in picture, busy leading the group)
Hilltop Garden
HORT Park, which is really Horticulture Park, a rather nice and green place.
Luncheon with Lyn and Ling
Hilltop Garden
Along the bridge...
HORT Park, which is really Horticulture Park, a rather nice and green place.Luncheon with Lyn and Ling
Caught up with childhood buddies Lyn and Ling for lunch at Marche, Vivo. We have known each other since we were crawling and are all grown up now. Had a pleasant time chatting with them, not to mention ogling the hamsters and puppies at Pet Safari...esp since Lyn's back for her summer vacation!
Shu Juan with her Gingerbread Martini
Shu Juan and Shu Sian
Me with my "Sweet & Charming" while Ivan strikes a pose with his Hunk Martini, which tasted awful...Thankfuly I opted for "Sweet & Charming" which was light and refreshed the senses with its citrus essence.
Oh No! What's happening??? Radio-cosmic waves are granting the 4 of us new powers!
And I blew Ivan's head off in a beam of laser!
A Majestic Drink and Supper
Well not exactly...in fact, the pub was located just next to this designer hotel (the Majestic Hotel). It all began when I received an invitation from Shu Juan, Ian and Shu Sian to explore Arab Street on a Tuesday. However, due to other commitments, I decided to join them for a drink instead at this location which supposedly had a 3-storey tall tree in the centre of the building...makes you wonder how the tree got all the sunlight and water without affecting the patrons, not to mention what steps the managment would have to take to ensure that the tree stayed in shape (and a bald tree is not an excuse for artistic tendencies).
As suspected, the CONCEPT of the bar was that of a 3 -storey tree tall tree rather than the existence of real tree. Kena conned.
Shu Juan with her Gingerbread Martini
Shu Juan and Shu Sian
Me with my "Sweet & Charming" while Ivan strikes a pose with his Hunk Martini, which tasted awful...Thankfuly I opted for "Sweet & Charming" which was light and refreshed the senses with its citrus essence.
Oh No! What's happening??? Radio-cosmic waves are granting the 4 of us new powers!
Myself and Ivan powering up!
And I blew Ivan's head off in a beam of laser!
Act cute.
Act Cool.
Late-night supper served at Maxwell Market. The porriage and siew mai were delicious!
Our best food show host pose.
Late-night supper served at Maxwell Market. The porriage and siew mai were delicious!
Our best food show host pose.
Adventures with Silicon Man, Abang, Kungfu Panda and Fat Ahgong (don't ask me why)
Had so much fun with you guys but I'll save our tales for another time....Now for blissful sleep...zzzZZzz
Monday, August 25, 2008
MRT Moral Dilemma resolved! (~Modified~)
As promised, my solution to the problem (as in yesterday's "MRT Moral Dilemma") was simply to remain seated.
Application of King Solomon's Law - King Solomon threatened to cleave a baby being contested by 2 ladies claiming to be the child's mother into half. In doing so, he managed to identify the real mother (who showed greater love for the child).
By staying seated, everyone didn't have to fight over the seat, as a fare-paying passenger,I didn't need to feel choked by guilt whatsoever and everyone was happy...
Or rather, I hope they were...
Anyway, I ended up vacating my seat for this mother/child duo later on in the journey so yeah,so much for the mental stress...
Moral Dilemma #3
Building on the earlier question as to whether the Old Man, Pregnant Lady or Parent with Toddler should be given priority over the very same seat has led to yet another dilemma...
Within each of these subgroups, how do we prioritise the Right To Seat??? Have you ever wondered what are the criterias one must satisfy in order to fit into the above categories?
Take for instance, the following questions:
How old must you be to be considered an "Old Man"? Someone who looks frail and weak but is actually 60 years old? Or someone who appears physically hale and strong but is 80 years old?
Should a pregnant lady into her 6th month give up her seat to another lady who is 7 months into her pregnancy?
What requirements must a child+parent combo meet before they qualify under the Priority List? Must the child be a baby less than 1 year old? Or conversely, what is the age limit of a "toddler" as we define it in the picture? One who is in kindergarten? Or maybe even lower primary school?
I realised that pitting the 3 groups of needy people would merely result in everyone siding with the Old Man and pregnant lady against the "Parent with Child" would would probably bring to mind the image of a healthy young/mid-aged parent...so I've decided to take things even further by replacing that icon with one depicting a Grandparent with Grandchild/Baby.
Now then, if all 3 groups of "needy" individuals were to contest for the seat (acts of graciousness aside), who is entitled to the seat at the end of the day???
Think about it and feel free to comment (If any)
Application of King Solomon's Law - King Solomon threatened to cleave a baby being contested by 2 ladies claiming to be the child's mother into half. In doing so, he managed to identify the real mother (who showed greater love for the child).
By staying seated, everyone didn't have to fight over the seat, as a fare-paying passenger,I didn't need to feel choked by guilt whatsoever and everyone was happy...
Or rather, I hope they were...
Anyway, I ended up vacating my seat for this mother/child duo later on in the journey so yeah,so much for the mental stress...
Moral Dilemma #3
Building on the earlier question as to whether the Old Man, Pregnant Lady or Parent with Toddler should be given priority over the very same seat has led to yet another dilemma...
Within each of these subgroups, how do we prioritise the Right To Seat??? Have you ever wondered what are the criterias one must satisfy in order to fit into the above categories?
Take for instance, the following questions:
How old must you be to be considered an "Old Man"? Someone who looks frail and weak but is actually 60 years old? Or someone who appears physically hale and strong but is 80 years old?
Should a pregnant lady into her 6th month give up her seat to another lady who is 7 months into her pregnancy?
What requirements must a child+parent combo meet before they qualify under the Priority List? Must the child be a baby less than 1 year old? Or conversely, what is the age limit of a "toddler" as we define it in the picture? One who is in kindergarten? Or maybe even lower primary school?
I realised that pitting the 3 groups of needy people would merely result in everyone siding with the Old Man and pregnant lady against the "Parent with Child" would would probably bring to mind the image of a healthy young/mid-aged parent...so I've decided to take things even further by replacing that icon with one depicting a Grandparent with Grandchild/Baby.
Now then, if all 3 groups of "needy" individuals were to contest for the seat (acts of graciousness aside), who is entitled to the seat at the end of the day???
Think about it and feel free to comment (If any)
An Idiot's Guide for the Pregnant Lady
With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioning how guys can make all the right moves such as helping with the changing of a babies diapers or wearing shoes when out on a dinner date to a fine dining restaurant during his National Day Rally speech, its no wonder that the ladies must have felt left out...
Hence, in this article we shall dispense tips on how to ensure a smooth delivery....
Hence, in this article we shall dispense tips on how to ensure a smooth delivery....
The MRT Moral Dilemma
Well, was onboard the MRT just last week when it occurred to me that the public transport system does indeed have a rather complicated etiquette...with lots of gray areas.
Senario #1 (Real-life situation with teaser)
Setting:
I boarded the MRT at Boon Lay MRT Station but only managed to get a sit at Jurong East MRT.
There were 3 empty seats vacated by occupants who alighted at Jurong East MRT station. Standing nearest to the centre seat, I naturally laid stake to it, especially when I caught sight of marauding aunties and banglas charging through the breached MRT sliding doors.
My bum had just found a nice place to rest when this young lady sat to my left. Apparently, she had a friend so I thought I'd move to allow them to seat together...But a bangla sat on my right. Apparently, he too was with a friend of his.
Now then, as the modern day knight in green on the far eastern side of the world (albeit a little south)...an act of Chivalry would mean either giving up my seat to the ladies or the banglas, both having equal right as paying passengers to the seat....
What would you do?
My answer will be revealed in tommorrow's article (Not the next article for today!)
Senario #2
Seen this sign before?
It depicts an old man, a pregnant lady and a parent with a child. Just below the sign is yet another label just above the seat with the words: "Priority Seat"
Now if there was a 100-year old man, a lady whom you suspect is 8-months pregnant with triplets and a 2 year old mentally disabled toddler with his parent all standing in front of you, whom would you give up your seat to?
Lets just say the entire train is full of 110-year old elderly folks, ladies pregnant just waiting to give birth to quadruplets and serverely disabled toddlers and you are the only hale and young person around.
Apparently there isn't a table of precedence to inform people who gets priority over the other "priority individuals" yeah?
Senario #1 (Real-life situation with teaser)
Setting:
I boarded the MRT at Boon Lay MRT Station but only managed to get a sit at Jurong East MRT.
There were 3 empty seats vacated by occupants who alighted at Jurong East MRT station. Standing nearest to the centre seat, I naturally laid stake to it, especially when I caught sight of marauding aunties and banglas charging through the breached MRT sliding doors.
My bum had just found a nice place to rest when this young lady sat to my left. Apparently, she had a friend so I thought I'd move to allow them to seat together...But a bangla sat on my right. Apparently, he too was with a friend of his.
Now then, as the modern day knight in green on the far eastern side of the world (albeit a little south)...an act of Chivalry would mean either giving up my seat to the ladies or the banglas, both having equal right as paying passengers to the seat....
What would you do?
My answer will be revealed in tommorrow's article (Not the next article for today!)
Senario #2
Seen this sign before?
It depicts an old man, a pregnant lady and a parent with a child. Just below the sign is yet another label just above the seat with the words: "Priority Seat"
Now if there was a 100-year old man, a lady whom you suspect is 8-months pregnant with triplets and a 2 year old mentally disabled toddler with his parent all standing in front of you, whom would you give up your seat to?
Lets just say the entire train is full of 110-year old elderly folks, ladies pregnant just waiting to give birth to quadruplets and serverely disabled toddlers and you are the only hale and young person around.
Apparently there isn't a table of precedence to inform people who gets priority over the other "priority individuals" yeah?
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