iPhone Numbers

Estimated number of iPhone users in Singapore: 1 million

Number of countries iPhone 4 will be launched in July: 17 (Singapore belongs here)

Number of countries iPhone 4 will be launched in August: 24

Number of people who thronged the Singtel HQ at Exeter Road the day iPhone 3GS was launched: 3,000

Number of iPhone related products available at Epicentre Singapore: 500

Number of iPhone apps currently available: 185,000

Number of iPhone Apps have been downloaded from Apps Store so far: 4 billion

iPhone has already eaten into half of Blackberry's Market Share. Considering Blackberry was launched 5 years ahead of the iPhone, it seems iPhone is set to dominate the Smartphone market! Currently in Singapore, every 1 in 3 Smartphones used is an iPhone.

(statistics from Mediacorp)

Plaza Market Cafe - Farimont Singapore, Swissotel The Stamford

Cassie and Lynn treated me to lunch as a farewell gift. They brought me to Plaza Market Cafe at the Fairmont Singapore. Lisel tagged along and caught up with us.

The variety here is commendable!

This is as good as Merchant Court Hotel's.

Almond flakes on ice cream, my favourite!

OCBC Credit Card Holders get 15% off the bill, and the bill came up to $160 for 4 of us.

Worth it! Food 7/10.

Quan Yi Feng Hits Taxi Driver 权怡凤打德士司机

Not again? Why can't she just behave? Goodness!

My dislike for her has just gone 2 notches higher.

My question is, why did her friend not help her with her luggage?

And if she is so particular about someone helping her with her luggage, why did she not flare up at her friend?

Also, when she starting hitting the taxi driver "below his belt", why did her male companion not stop her?

She has to behave, does she realise she is a public figure?

权怡凤被指搭德士发飙　爆粗口踢伤司机

德士司机投诉，他今早载到权怡凤，不但在他的德士内疯狂大闹，还飞腿踢他的下体！
德士司机陈先生（52岁）受访时说，今早8时左右，一名30来岁的男子，在东海岸路上段的路边 截了他的德士 ，指示他开往纳乐路的华新阁公寓接人，然后要前往樟宜机场。
　　
他说，他看到权怡凤带着女儿出现，权怡凤不满他不肯帮忙搬行李上车，开始对他发飙。
　　
陈先生指权怡凤上车后，不但爆粗口辱骂他，还开始对他动粗，他只好把德士停在路边。
他指权怡凤下车后，突然飞腿猛踢他的下体，还将德士车门踢凹。
　　
陈先生说，他当下赶紧打电话通知朋友帮忙报警，但权怡凤在警方抵达前，与女儿和男伴截了另一辆 德士离开

The Noose

Caught Alaric Tay filming a section for "The Noose" outside the Cathay Cineplex.

I admire the whole gang in The Noose, Alaric Tay, Michelle Chong and Chua En Lai. They are a bunch of talented impersonators, at least better than Channel 8's The Black Rose, or whatever that Variety Program is called.

Raffles Hotel Long Bar - THE Singapore Sling

We took Nick to the Raffless Hotel Long Bar as well as the Swissotel New Asia Bar for a visit when he was here in Singapore.

Ironically, though we hosted him, it was my first time in the Long Bar as well.


Raffles Hotel Long Bar is THE BAR that concocted the FIRST Singapore Sling.
Wow, the Singapore Sling here really tasted better than almost all Singapore Slings I have tried.


Oh, and in Raffles Hotel Long Bar, please throw your Peanut Shells on the floor. You will not be fined. When we first walked in, we were wondering why the staffs didn't sweep the floor, but Nick, who had read some tour book prior to the visit, told us that its a tradition in the Long bar, thus all patrons throw the Peanut Shells, all over. We took this opportunity, and threw Peanut Shells at each other, like kids. LOL.

Feels good to litter openly... Just kidding.... LOL

Inconsiderate Residents

Some neighbours are really inconsiderate.

If they had to displose junk, they could spare a little more effort, and bring these junk down to the Disposal Centre!

The Top 10 Countries For Millionaires

Singapore is at the top of the list of the top 10 countries with the greatest proportion of millionaire households. This means that Singapore has 530,000 millionaires! OMFG!

1) Singapore
Population: 4.7 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 11.4%

Who would think the tiny Republic of Singapore would be crammed with so many millionaires? The country, all of just 247 square miles, has emerged from the recession and has rebounded in a big way. Its GDP, exports and manufacturing are all rising, and so, too, are home prices. That has led Singapore to boast the highest concentration of millionaires anywhere on the planet. Among its very rich: Ng Teng Fong, a real estate tycoon, and Wee Cho Yaw, who runs United Overseas Bank, one of Singapore's big lenders.

2) Hong Kong
Population: 7.1 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 8.8%

Hong Kong, the home of Li Ka-shing, who runs conglomerates Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa, had 205,000 millionaire households in 2009 and takes the number two spot for percentage of millionaire households. Hong Kong's close relationship with mainland China brings benefits and risks, but it's been good for many of the wealthiest, who made their money by investing in a real estate market that has no shortage of swanky hotels and malls.

3) Switzerland
Population: 7.6 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 8.4%

The Swiss economy is recovering from slow growth during the recession, but a good many of its citizens thrived during the upswing, bringing it to third place in percentage of millionaire households. The country boasts 285,000 of them, up 19.5% from 2008. Driving the recovery: manufacturing, rising exports and consumer spending. Among the country's rich: Swiss biotech tycoon Ernesto Bertarelli, who is, perhaps, better known for winning the America's Cup in 2003.

4) Kuwait
Population: 2.8 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 8.2%

The rising price of oil has led to more millionaires in this tiny country. With some 100 billion barrels of crude, Kuwait has been growing rapidly. But the oil-dependent nation now plans to spend up to $140 billion over the next five years to diversify away from oil and to attract more investment -- a move that could help it ascend this list's ranks. Such a strategy may help billionaire Nasser Al Kharafi, chairman of one of the most diversified and largest conglomerates in the Arab world. His food division, Americana, has the Middle East franchise rights to KFC, Wimpy, TGI Fridays and Pizza Hut, among others.

5) Qatar
Population: 841,000
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 7.4%

Qatar's economy expanded by about 8.7% last year, thanks to growth in the natural gas business. That helped the country, already the world's largest gas exporter, to emerge from the global economic crisis pretty much unscathed, leaving many of its millionaire households in good stead. Among its megarich: Bader Al Darwish, with a fortune of about $1.7 billion. Al Darwish runs Darwish Holdings, which operates businesses including real estate, investments and retail services.

6) United Arab Emirates
Population: 4.9 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 6.2%

As the world's third-largest oil exporter, the UAE's economic growth is expected to rise to 3.2% this year, after posting a 1.3% increase in 2009,. Like others, its oil business has generated wealth among its citizens. It also helps that UAE isn't expected to suffer from the eurozone debt crisis. The country is home to Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair and his family, who run Mashreqbank and the second-largest flour milling company in the Mideast, as well as megamalls.

7) United States
Population: 310.2 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 4.1%

The 4.7 million U.S. millionaires in 2009 was up by 15.1% over 2008. But as a market percentage, the U.S. falls relatively low on the top 10 list. The country, which is home to two of the world's wealthiest people, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, saw its economy bounce back in 2009 from the year before as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 40%. By the end of 2009, the economy grew at its fastest pace in more than six years, even though many businesses put the brakes on hiring.

8) Belgium
Population: 10.4 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 3.5%

Suffering from spiraling debt and political problems, Belgium still managed to hold on to a number of millionaires. The country has set a goal of getting its budget deficit to 4.8% of GDP in 2010, which is far below Europe's average. But Belgium's total debt will rise above 100% of GDP, placing it behind only Greece and Italy. The debt crisis in Europe will also likely take a toll on the country's economy in 2010. The good news is that Belgium has a trade surplus, and household savings are high. Among its richest: Albert Frere, who founded the media, utilities and oil conglomerate, Compagnie Nationale a Portefeuille.

9) Israel
Population: 7.4 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 3.3%

Unlike other markets, the story in Israel wasn't about rising real estate values or credit, but about gains in technology, which some say will help lead the country to continued economic growth. While 2009 was a good year for the economy, the current eurozone crisis could hurt Israeli exports because about 33% of them go to Europe. Rich man in Israel: shipping tycoon Sammy Ofer, worth north of $6 billion.

10) Taiwan
Population: 23 million
Percentage of Millionaire Households: 3%

Taiwan may be last on the top 10 list -- but that's still quite a feat. The country was hit hard by the recession mostly because its economy depends on trade. But as the world economy skittishly improves, Taiwanese families have seen their fortunes rise. The country now has some 230,000 millionaire households. That's an increase of 22.1% over 2008. One of its richest is Terry Gou of Foxconn, a maker of electronics for Apple (AAPL), Nokia (NOK), Nintendo and others. That company has been in the news recently because 13 of its workers have committed suicide or tried to.

(Extracted from Daily Finance)

Winkz Winkz - Buzzing Cashier 2

After watching Buzzing Cashier 2 on MobTV, I decided to visit this cafe which is located in Hougang Central Bus Interchange. The food critics and the chefs were raving about how good the food taste, but it was a HUGE disappointment!

Firstly, I visited the stall on a Sunday morning at around 11am, and it was still not opened. I looked around the exterior of the shop, and I could not find a single notice on its operating hours. FAILURE NUMBER 1: Not keeping the customers well informed.

When I re-visited the shop again at around 11.30am, it was finally opened. I saw the lady boss, who was featured in the program. She was busy preparing food. I was served by this rather young chap, probably her son or nephew. I asked about their operating hours. His reply was that on weekdays they open from 7am to 7pm. Thats fine. But when I asked about weekends, his reply was that they will come around "11 plus, no fixed timing on weekends".
FAILURE NUMBER 2: No fixed operating hours, open shop as and when they feel like it.

I decided not to be judgemental, and asked to buy their famous Filo pastry which was highly recommended on TV. I also wanted to try their famous Chicken Wings. To my disappointment, the food were ALL NOT READY, and I was told I had to wait 45mins, if I wanted those items.
FAILURE NUMBER 3: Poor time management. You don't ask customers to wait 45mins when there was no queue! If you open your shop at 11am, you jolly well get your food ready by 11am, thus, go to the shop EARLY to do your preparation!

I did not wait and left the shop disappointed.

I went back to the shop again in the afternoon, as I was dying to try the food.

This time round, I saw Chicken Wings on the display tray, and a lot of Filo pastries. I thought to myself, "Finally!"

A girl was mending the pastry counter, and I asked her which Filo Pastry was nicer, the mushroom or Tuna, and her answer was "Depends on your taste, I don't know, because I have not eaten before."

FAILIURE NUMBER 4: Staffs are not well informed of products. The least she could tell me was which was more popular among customers, and not tell me something an idiot will know, that is that the food depends on preference.

I bought both since she couldn't give me a satisfactory answer. I then also asked to buy 2 Chicken Wings, as there were 5 of them on the display tray. This time round, the counter girl told me the wings were sold out. I pointed to the tray, and she told me, someone else had bought it, but there was no one!

FAILURE NUMBER 5: Inadequate supply of food. Unless you are an extremely popular food outlet, like the Donut Factory 2 years ago, you should never tell your customers the food is sold out. You ensure there is always enough for anyone who walks in. Its only pardonable if its close to the end of the day.

I will NOT visit Winkz Winkz ever again, because after trying the Mushroom and Tuna Filo Pastry, I give it a D-. Both tasted really bad, at least not to my liking, and not worth all the hassle.

红星大奖 at Resorts World Sentosa

Got tickets to the Star Awards 2010. This time round, I went with Joanna, Serene and Penny.

Actually after I attended last year's Star Awards, I wasn't very keen to attend again this year. But since it was in a different venue, and since I have not been to Resorts World Sentosa, I decided to go afterall.


Walked around since we were early.


First Victoria Secret Store in Asia.

Had light dinner at Toast Box / Bread Talk.

The Bread Talk here sells extremely novel cakes and patries.

So appropriate, since we are in the heart of the Casino! HUAT ah!

We arrived at the Convention Centre, and waited for another hour, before we were ushered into the hall!

JJ Lin Junjie's fans! Boy, they were really loud throughout the show.
The loudest Fan Group, to be precise.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1....

Start of the show.

And the cheering never stops.

JJ's live performance gave me goosebumps!
His voice is crystal clear!

Joanna and I took a pic during commercial break.

Top 10 male artistes. Quality is bad because its iPhone lah!

I didn't bring camera this year because last year there was this very strict and on-the-ball usher-auntie, who came over and stopped me whenever I whipped my camera out.

On the contrary, this year everyone was allowed to take pictures!!! Haiz...

After I attended two Star Awards "live", I concluded that watching Star Awards at the comfort of my own home / bed would be a better choice. I believe Serene will agree!

New Asia Bar @ Equinox

Shawn and I met for bubble at Equinox


They were having a promotion for Moet.


What a beautiful view!

Botak Jones

Jason, Yun and myself met Josh and Dorina for dinner at Botak Jones before our Poker Game.

I must say I am pretty impressed with the wide selection of food on their menu.

Sauces


Fortune Cookie

Steak. comes with Coleslaw and Whipped Potato

Their French Fries here is super delicious, reason being, they season the fries with Cajun Spice!!!

The food here is really value for money. So if you are looking for good food, at affordable prices, visit a Botak Jones today!!!

Thasevi Roti Prata @ Jalan Kayu

Went to Jalan Kayu for prata the other day.

In Jalan Kayu, there are a few prata stores, so please do not go to the wrong one.

Thasevi is the REAL "ORIGINAL" Jalan Kayu Prata store in Jalan Kayu.
I know, not because they claim that in their signboard, but because I have tried the pratas in all the stores, and I must say Thasevi really serves the best prata in the area.


They no longer take your orders at your table like in the past, now its all self service.


Mind you, its 2am, and its still almost full house.
The original (Plain) prata is a must try because that is what they are originally famous for.
Its crispy, though its a little small, so its definitely not filling.
And I also heard that the famous "Dinosaur Ice Milo" was invented by Thasevi.

Busy gorging down my prata, I forgot to take pictures of the prata....

Tong Heng Confectionary (Egg Tarts)

If you are in the vicinity of Chinatown, do visit Tong Heng Confectionary for their Egg Tarts.

I have brought at least a dozen friends to savour their Egg Tarts, and no one has ever complained.


The Egg filling melts in your mouth, and its best eaten warm.
The Egg Tarts here are so popular, they bake the tarts like every 30 mins to cater to the demand!