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

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)

Condom Chocolate!

Don't you find this interesting?

When I saw it on Joanna's table, I thought she brought a condom to work!

Goodness... talk about novelty....

Giant iPhone

A Giant iPhone.

Generation Alpha - The Next Generation

Babies born in the next 15 years will be known as Generation Alpha.

Generation Alpha - most educated. begin schooling earlier. more tech savvy and materialistic.

Generation Z (1995-2009) - tech savvy, creative, confident and have strong work ethic.

Generation Y (1980-1994) - flighty and transient, known as the ''me now'' generation.

Generation X (1965-1979) - cynical about authority and open to new forms of spirituality, but insecure about their financial future.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964) - born in an era of financial prosperity, vocal on social issues and liberal in outlook.

Builders (1920-1945) - strong work ethic, financial conservatism and respect for authority.


So, which generation are you? I belong to Generation Y.

Global Test Market Surveys Is Not A SCAM!

Have heard so much about the company being a Scam, that they do not pay when someone tries to cash out (like Google Adsense).

In all fairness, I did receive my cheque from them exactly 2 months after I cashed out.

So, if you were one of those who were skeptical, do give them a try, and earn some extra moolah simply by doing surveys.

One thing to forewarn though, their surveys are extremely lengthly, draggy, uninteresting and time consuming.... :P

Results Out!

My exam results for last semester is out.

Considering the fact that I barely attended classes less than 5 times in total for all 3 modules(due to driving lessons and personal training), I think I am satisfied with my results. No 'As' this time, unlike previous semesters, but all Bs. :)

A huge sigh of relieve when I saw the results yesterday!!!

Now that I have cleared the major hurdle, I am just left with my last obstacle before getting that piece of paper.

I have made up my mind, come September, I will really focus on my school, other than work, because these last 3 semesters are heavily project and research based, and I will not have time to fool around. Of course gym is still in my agenda.

I have exactly 6 months to rest now.

Recharge, recharge, recharge!

City Harvest Church to co-own Suntec City Singapore!

Amid cheers from the congregation, City Harvest Church (CHC) yesterday announced that it will pay $310 million to become a co-owner of Suntec Singapore, a prime piece of downtown real estate.

Senior pastor Kong Hee broke the news first at CHC's service at its Jurong West building, then later at another service at the Singapore Expo in Changi.

He said CHC had acquired a 'substantial stake in a consortium company that owns 80 per cent of a joint venture fund that owns Suntec Singapore'.

The complex's full name is Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The $310 million includes the cost of acquiring shares in the consortium, rental costs, renovation costs and others.

Suntec Singapore was acquired by ARA Asset Management through the ARA Harmony Fund last year, with its investors comprising Suntec Reit - which holds 20 per cent - and a consortium company which holds 80 per cent.

----------
The news is out: City Harvest will be moving to its new premises at Suntec Singapore International Exhibition and Convention Centre by 2011.

This has probably been City Harvest Church’s best-kept secret in its 21-year-history. The exact location of the church’s new site has been a hot topic that has kept Christians within and outside the church guessing, since it was confirmed on Jan. 16 that a space had finally been procured after a five-year search.

Bound by a non-disclosure agreement, the management could not say a word until yesterday afternoon, at the first service of the weekend at the Jurong West church.
The revelation of Suntec Singapore International Exhibition and Convention Centre met with great excitement from the church congregation. This location would put all the services of the church under one roof.

“When we were looking for a property, there were three major considerations,” said senior pastor Kong Hee.

1. Size. “It had to be as big as we can go in our small city-state with limited land. Suntec Convention Centre has a total usable area of more than 1 million sq ft—that is 20 times our Jurong West property and 10 times Expo Hall 8. Suntec has the size we need and can accommodate our traffic.”

2. Location. “We wanted a place that was central and easy to get to by MRT and bus. CHC members come from all over the island. Suntec is centrally located with three major MRT stations nearby: City Hall MRT is a 10-minute walk; Esplanade MRT and Promenade MRT open this April and are even closer by.”

3. Facilities. “A church is not just a main sanctuary and nothing else. Having extra facilities is critical to the operations of the church. We need areas for children, rooms for Bible study, car park space and eating places. Suntec Convention Centre has more than 30 meeting rooms, and we will have access to over 8,680 car park lots in the Suntec-Marina area. Between Suntec City and the Convention Centre, there are 283 stalls/restaurants for our members to eat at, and 622 retail stores for our members to shop in.”

Through this agreement, CHC becomes a co-owner of Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and has a share in the annual revenues of all its facilities. The two floors CHC will primarily use are the sixth and seventh floors and include the CHC Auditorium which is column-free and can accommodate up to 12,000 seats. Early plans for this space reveal a stadium-style layout with a sizeable play area for children, and 10 meeting rooms. “All our morning prayer meetings, seminars and conferences will be held here in the future,” explained Kong.

The other parts of the Convention Centre will be open to the public, and will continue to be rented by third parties for exhibitions, fairs and performances as is currently the case.

Tan Ye Peng, deputy senior pastor, explains to City News what co-ownership of Suntec Singapore means. “Last year, ARA Asset Management Limited announced that its ARA Harmony Fund had acquired the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Harmony Fund’s investors comprise Suntec REIT, which holds 20 percent, and a consortium that holds 80 percent. CHC has bought a significant stake into the consortium.”

City Harvest is looking to raise S$310 million, but this sum is not the value of the property, says Tan. “This amount consists of cost of shares; rental; renovation and equipment; professional building, management logistic and maintenance fees; refundable deposits and moving costs.”

One of the key considerations for this site is the business model that CHC can and will adopt for Suntec Singapore. “For Singapore Expo, we are in a lease-only business model. As such, what is being paid out does not have any returns or profit-sharing for CHC. The Board and the Building Committee discussed and concluded that with an ‘ownership-and-lease’ business model, the rent we pay out will be recovered by CHC in the form of profits and dividends.”

“It’s perfect for our church,” says Tan. “This place has everything we need. It’s been around, it’s an established place. It has been the venue for some of the most important events that ever took place in Singapore, like the APEC CEO Summit last November, and the International Monetary Fund-World Bank meeting in 2006. This August it will be the venue for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. It’s got all the facilities, and it’s super convenient. There is no other place that allows us this space size in this part of Singapore.”

In the event that there are such key events on the same scale as the IMF-World Bank meetings, Tan says City Harvest will exercise flexibility and vacate the space for such clients. “We are now part-owners,” he explains. “It benefits us too.” Tan points out that although City Harvest will use the space for its services, the building is still a commercial entity, and technically not a “church building”. “The church will lease the space to use for our services,” explains Tan. “The difference is that we are also co-owners of this building.”

For Chew Eng Han, who was tasked in 2005 to be the key person on the ground to find out what was available, and to speak to consultants and banks, the success of this partnership with Suntec Singapore is a triumph. “I feel fulfilled,” he declares.
The search was far from an easy one. “It required a lot of wisdom,” says Chew. “We needed the right location, central yet big enough, yet it could not be too costly, and it had to earn income, too. At the time we were looking, between 2005 and 2008, construction costs were escalating. When the crash came, property prices came down, but finding a partner became a challenge.”

Suntec Singapore was negotiated at the right time, and agreed upon at the right price, says Chew.

“It’s the best location because it’s already in existence. Although it may have been around for a number of years, the building is continually being refurbished and in good shape. Since we are not buying a new plot of land, we don’t have the risk of escalating costs—building costs fluctuate. The space is great: it totals over 1 million square feet, the hall is big enough, there are more than 30 meeting rooms and we have access to the Gallery space, and also the 600-seat Theatre on weekends.”
“It’s an ideal location for City Harvest, really—but at a much lower price than its original cost.” Suntec Singapore was originally built for a price of S$650 million in the early 1990s.

The best news for the burgeoning congregation may be the fact that with the space already built and available, CHC targets to move in by the end of the first quarter of 2011 once its lease at the Singapore Expo expires.

For some, the announcement brought tears of joy. For others, the location was a complete surprise. (See box story: What The Members Say)
Kong’s wife, singer Sun Ho, flew back to celebrate the announcement together with the church. Moments after the announcement, she tells City News: “I’m standing in a historical moment when miracles have just happened. God has done it again. My heart is overwhelmed, because this is something in which not just Kong and I, but the whole church have sown, labored, prayed, believed and claimed for, for so long. This is the time, this is the moment—we sowed in tears, and now we are really reaping in joy. Above the location, my heart is just so full of gratitude that we are able to build this house for God, for His glory. I’m grateful I can be a part of it.”

The church will fund the S$310 million through freewill donations from churchgoers. The church building fund, Arise & Build, is into its fifth round, with a target of S$17.3 million. There are eight more Arise & Build campaigns planned.

Further information on the design and details of the Suntec Singapore location will be released in the coming weeks.

(Asiaone and Citynews)

Children and education.

I am blogging, while on my way to my favourite food stall to buy my dinner, thanks to data roaming.

Just a while ago, I was on the train, fiddling with my iPhone when I heard the voice of a toddler. He was going ,"Mum, iPhone, an orange iPhone."

That caught my attention, and i decided to blog about it.

I glanced down the petite toddler, who was holding on to mum's hand, just to do a quick analysis of his age, and I was pleasantly taken aback, that the boy in question was a three to four year old boy. I was surprised at how street smart the kids these days are, because I remember vaguely, that when I was three, I could probably only yak and murmur nonsensical words.

Are kids growing up faster because of the food they eat, the upbringing (more educated parents), or simply just evolution?

We can now see children engaging in adult-like negotiations with their parents, when situations aren't in their favour. When I was a kid, I had no such luxury! What my parents said was final, I'm sure most of you late twenties and thirties can identify.

With better education, healthier and more organic food, better educated parents, and evolution all factored it, I believe, in the very near future, the education system, the world over, is going to get so complicated, even parents will have a hard time coaching their children.

This is already evident in the Singapore Primary Education System. A few of my friends and colleagues, who have Primary School children, have raised their displeasure with the level of difficulty in their Mathematical Syllabus.

So, is modernisation working for us, or against us?

Sun Ho attended 52nd Grammys

Why can't all of us just step back and applaude Sun for her achievements in her music, as well as her humanitarian efforts? After all, not many, in fact no one, has broken into the US Market, except her (from Singapore), isn't it? She may not be big in the US yet, but she will. Sun's English Debut Album "Cause a Ruckus" should be officially released after she finishes with her humanitarian work in Haiti.

News in The NewPaper on Sunday (7 Feb 2010) below.

(Sun Ho Grammy Award Pic)

The New Paper

February 07, 2010

DECKED out in a black Rodarte dress complete with striking stockings and Rodarte boots, Singapore singer Sun Ho looked girlish yet gothic.

But, oops, did the 37-year-old mother slip up and accidentally expose the lower part of her right breast? Did that slit across the bodice show too much skin in the wrong place?

The picture, taken by wire agency Reuters, was of Sun walking down the red carpet at the Grammy Awards held on Monday at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

However, in an e-mail interview with The New Paper from New York, where she is currently based, Sun insisted that 'the dress was made that way'.

She good-naturedly added that there was 'no deliberate attempt to create any wardrobe situation'.

'Actually, it's (referring to her get-up) pretty covered up for a red carpet dress.' Sun said. 'I don't think I was in any risk of losing my modesty.'

She had chosen the dress with renowned stylist BAkerlund, who has styled celebrities like Lady Gaga, Madonna and the Black Eyed Peas.

Sun said she loved the leather-and-lace look.

'It very much fits my style, which is a mix of hard and soft,' she said.

The singer added that she had taken all the necessary precautions to 'tape' herself up, in order to prevent a wardrobe disaster.

'There was enough tape stuck on me to make me feel like an art project,' she said. 'I was totally secure.'

However, opinion was divided about her Grammys costume.

US newspaper Orlando Sentinel picked Sun's edgy dress, alongside those worn by big names Beyonce, Rihanna and Taylor Swift, as 'one of the outfits that captured the WOW-'em spirit of the Grammys'.

However, it drew flak from some local netizens.

On popular online communities SgForums and Hardware Zone, while no mention was made of her slip-up, comments on her dress ran the spectrum from 'bad taste', 'too SM (sadomasochistic)' to 'skanky'.

Ick or chic?

Other netizens, however, called her dress 'unique' and 'classy', and said that the singer looked 'pretty and super chic'.

It's not the first time that her sexy fashion choices have met with distaste from her critics.

In November 2003, she raised eyebrows when she wore a daring red Armani gown - with a plunging neckline - to the Hollywood Film Festival in Los Angeles.

At the 2006 Global Music Awards held in Singapore, she was criticised again for turning up in a short grey-black dress that barely covered her buttocks.

Criticisms apart, she is doing well with her music. To date, she is the only Singaporean artiste to have cracked the US market.

This is her third appearance at music's biggest night. She made her Grammy debut in 2004 and attended the event in 2007 as well.

Fancy Free, her catchy dance single released at the end of last year, clinched the top spot on Billboard's Club Breakout charts - which means it was once the most-played new song in clubs all over the US.

Married to Reverend Kong Hee, the founder of City Harvest Church, she is extremely proud of Fancy Free's achievements in the US.

She said: 'I'm very happy to know that deejays and clubbers get my music. It feels good to know that people enjoy dancing to my music.'

Her debut US single Where Did Love Go, produced by David Foster and Peter Rafelson, reached No 1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Breakout charts in Dec 2003.

Three other singles subsequently also took pole position.

She is also living it up in the US, rubbing shoulders with the superstars.

Besides the Grammys, she also turned up at the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York last November.

'Full of pomp and panache' was how Sun described her experience at the flamboyant event the US lingerie brand has come to be known for.

Then, she was togged out in another all-black ensemble, topped off with a custom-made punk rock jacket.

She said: 'It was a fun show, as one would expect a Victoria's Secret show to be. I sat next to UK singer Jay Sean. It was nice to chat with someone not from the US, who understands how difficult it was to break into the industry here.'



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sun lends helping hand in Haiti

THERE'S Sun Ho the singer. And there's Sun the humanitarian, who goes the extra mile to fix broken spirits.

Despite her hectic schedule, she spent nearly a week in Haiti last month, where she participated in aid efforts for earthquake victims.

She had SMS-ed her close friend, rapper-producer Wyclef Jean, immediately after she heard of the tragedy. Haitian-born Jean, 37, started Yele Haiti, a grassroots movement to build global awareness for Haiti and has already raised millions for the victims.

According to Sun, he was 'on the ground in Haiti the day after the quake'.

'I was heartbroken because I knew how much he loved his country and his people,' she continued. 'I told him I was going to try to pull something together in terms of relief aid.'

She soon connected the CityCare team - a voluntary organisation based in Singapore - with her contacts in the US. Together, they worked to take supplies and medical help to Haiti.

She said: 'I'm quite a hands-on person in everything I do... I also wanted to be there to personally thank and support the doctors, nurses and relief workers who responded to CityCare's callfor aid.

' I felt that they deserved more than just a phone call from me.'

Sun recalled seeing a woman who had huge gashes on her face. She said: '(They) were infected, swollen and infested with maggots because of a lack of treatment.

'When I spoke with her at the CityCare medical base, she carried herself with such dignity even though she must have been going through so much pain both physically and mentally. It was horrifying and inspiring at the same time.'

(The Electric Newpaper)

Touched By An Angel MTV - Sezairi Sezali (With Full Lyrics)

Today, I finally saw the official MTV of "Touched By An Angel" by Sezairi Sezali on Channel 5. I immediately went onto the internet to source for it, because I badly want to share this beautiful song with the whole Singapore. I was personally very touched by the song and the meaningful lyrics, I hope you will be too.

When I first heard it on the Singapore Idol Finale, I thought it was a really nice song. For those who are still unaware, the song is composed by Ken Lim himself, one of the three Singapore Idol Judges. In fact all past Singapore Idol Winner songs were also composed by Ken.

Here is the MTV, please enjoy... Lyrics are below, and also on Youtube:




Touched By An Angel MTV- Sezairi Sezali (Full Lyrics)

My world had just gone by
Always darkened skies
There was no reason to try
Never could fly

Now I'm tired of searching
And wondering why
Its not really all that, much far
Reaching out for stars

Time to reach out
Time to be who I am
Who I am

Finally, I believe
My dreams will unfold
Its like being touched by an angel
A brand new beginning
Its amazing
This is, a moment, I will remember

Finally, I can feel
Heaven on earth
Its like being touched by an angel
My world is changing
I'm living out loud
Feels like, I've been, touched by an angel above

Oooo

By an angel
Ooooo

Living out loud
Feels like, I've been, touched by an angel above

Super Mario Brothers Impersonation

OMG, this is so awesome!

You can most likely identify, if you grew up playing Super Mario on Micro Genius or Nintendo, JUST LIKE ME!!!



The Japanese are really good with all these!!!

Charice "Note To God" & Taufik Batisah "Addicted" on Singapore Idol Grand Finale

Charice "Note To God" & Taufik Batisah "Addicted" on Singapore Idol Grand Finale

If you have missed it:


Charice is GREAT!

Col Colostrum (Peach Infusion)

This is not an unusual sight in Raffles Place. When you see this, is means two things:

1. Free things being given away.

or

2. Something unusual like "A Flash Mob" or "An interesting Marketing Campaign".

This time round, its the former.

As the queue wasn't long, and the "item" being given away looks cool enough to make me curious, we decided to join the queue!

Some new "Yakult-tasting" drink call Col+ Colostrum, which look sadly like a Deodorant or a Hair Spray. It doesn't look healthy, as it claims, it looks toxic. Haha.

I got the Peach Infusion Flavour, and I think I shall stick to Yakult.

Creative

One of the staffs, from one of my teams was so creative, he actually did up this poster merely by using markers!

Well done Jeffrey!

Salvation Army

If you could recall, Salvation Army's Donation Drive used to be really boring.

Two volunteers standing on each side of the donation tin, and soliciting passers-by to donate.

Now, they have improved.

To catch the attention of Passers-by, the two volunteers are now dressed up as some robots.

They have indeed caught the attention of many passers-by:
1. People whipping their cameras out to take photos of them, like me.
2. People going to them to request for a photo to be taken with them.

LOL.

Christmas Tree at Ion Orchard

Huge Christmas Tree outside Ion Orchard.


Have you ever wondered what it looks / feels like INSIDE a Christmas Tree?
Well, then head down to Ion, and experience it "live" for yourself.

There is an entrance at the bottom of the Christmas Tree where visitors can "walk in" for free, and experience the shimmery and glittery world inside a Christmas Tree.



Beautiful, isn't it?

Christmas is near!!!!!!

Flowers belonging to charity stolen!

Was clearing the content in my Nokia E75 (preparing for the iPhone launch tomorrow), when I realised I have not uploaded these pics.

For those who have not read / heard the news from the papers, let me tell you what happened.

One charitable organization (pardon me, I forgot the name of the organization) decided to "plant" these beautiful yellow flowers all over the FAMOUS Raffles Place Grass Patch, supposedly to raise awareness for their charity campaign.

You make a donation of $5, and you get to either bring a stalk of one of these beautiful flowers home, or you can choose to plant it back onto the grass.


Most of us would just admire the beauty of these flowers, some would take pictures, but some ugly Singaporeans chose to "STEAL" or "CONVENIENTLY TAKE" these flowers at night (or even in broad daylight), because they cannot afford to donate $5 / are cheap skate / are ignorant / plain stupid!


The said charitable organization apparently reported the next day that they have lost $5000 in donations due to 1000 flowers being stolen overnight!

You see, this campaign was supposed to go on for a couple of days, so if I am the organizer, I would also choose to leave these flowers on the grass patch, because it doesn't make logical sense to "plant" and "unplant" hundreds of these flowers everyday.

But all the poor organizer got was $5000 losses in donations, having to lodge a police report, and to face media and public scrutiny. Some called the organizer "stupid" for leaving these flowers overnight.


I really pity the organizing committee for this campaign, because I believe they must have gotten a earful from their big bosses.


Why can't Singaporeans just leave things alone?

One guilty lady apparently brought a couple of flowers back the next day, after reading the article, and made donations on top of returning the flowers.

Well, at least she was brave enough to own up.


Have you also taken the flowers?

I hope not, because if you have, you should be VERY ASHAMED of yourself!

Jay Chou is 2009 top-earner with S$27 million in earnings

The ranking for 2009's top 10 highest-earning artistes is finally out. This list, compiled based on each artistes' commercial viability, is put together with the help of representatives from various recording companies. After setting a record of raking in TW$7 billion last year, Taiwanese multi-hyphenate performer Jay Chou retains his top spot despite his slightly-dipped earnings of TW$5.5 billion (S$27 million) this year.

Right behind him are Taiwanese singer-songwriter, Lo Ta-yo, Chang Chen-yue, Jonathan Lee, and Zhou Hua Jian. They each earned S$23 million from their 58 sets of concert performances.

The second runner-up position belongs to Taiwanese girl group, S.H.E. Apart from filming 20 different commercials, the girls also released a self-penned book this year and raked in a total of S$18 million.

Taiwanese pop princess Jolin Tsai came in close behind the trio with a total earning of S$16 million. Apart from 24 corporate performances, and 11 commercial ads, the 29-year-old artiste went on a three-month long break in September after promoting her latest music album and has a slew of commercial offers waiting for her when she resumes work in January 2010.

Jolin's good friend, Show Luo, is next with his S$11 million earnings this year. Taiwanese rock band is ranked at sixth placing with their combined takings of S$10.3 million followed by Angela Chang at S$10 million, Wang Lee Hom at S$9.82 million, Zhang Hui Mei (A Mei) at S$7.44 million, and Fahrenheit at S$7.1 million.

Breaking the Magician's Code (Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed)

Over the long weekend, I finished an entire series of "Breaking the Magician's Code, Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed" on Youtube (50 over videos!!!). LOL.

I must say now I finally understand how most magic tricks / illusions are done so spectacularly!
A lot of choreography, expert contortionists, mirrors, hiding, acting and escaping, that is.

I guess I won't be so awed anymore when I watch illusions from now on....