TGIF

Finally tomorrow is Friday! Haha, it is the day I always look forward to as I can sleep late on Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays, I have to wake up at 6 am and prepare for school. Ok, I'm not a morning person. I prefer to work late at night as I get most inspiration. But really, if I'm given a choice, I rather teach jc students as they are more discipline. You don't have to always remind them to keep quiet and submit their work. There are some students who don't bother if they pass or not. I'm really in shock. I came from a class whereby all the students were motivated to do well and infact secretly compete against each others, trying to get the best score in school. So even if the teacher were not around, we would study first, be quiet and wait for the teacher. We were such good students. Now, everyday, I have to remind and remind students to bring their homework. Sometimes it's getting on my nerve.

Sometimes I am happy teaching students with positive attitude. Though they might be slow, at least they are willing to learn. I believe everywhere you go to, you must have positive attitude. Sometimes I wonder how these students are going to survive with their arrogance attitude. If I set up my business, I don't think I want to employ these people with bad attitude.

Ok, that’s all. I’m writing lest my online friend feel lonely. This is dedicated to my online buddy booklover and uncle boh tong.

Back Again

I’ve been feeling under the weather lately. Both my colleagues who are sitting behind and beside me were sick and I guess they passed on the flu virus to me.

Frankly speaking, I don’t really like the current sitting arrangement. There is no partition to separate us, making it easier for the virus to spread. I have cough and flu now, so I went to see the doctor today and got a day off.

I hoping to return to my former school to teach if possible as it is nearer to my home and the cubicle is bigger compared to current one. Moreover, I have a greater sense of belonging there.

Lately, I have been reading a lot of books, those successful stories are inspiring. I always wonder when it be my turn. Anyway,I guess its time to stop spending so much on books particularly for the month of Feb. Haha, I haven't finished reading the 4 books I brought. I only completed 2 books namely the Raffles Conversation(The Business Time) and Teacher Man.

Chinese New Year is fast approaching with 2 weeks more to go. I’m looking forward to the long holiday. I will go to the Esplanade and Chinatown for the festive mood. Time flies very fast indeed. I’m looking forward to the school holiday. I need some time to chill out.

Update

I’ve been busy lately. I started teaching at the start of the year and boy, I must say it’s the most challenging job I face so far. It’s easy if you are teaching a group of students who are eager to learn. There are frustrating and happy moments. Sometimes, I just feel so sad. I don’t understand why some students are not interested in studying. They are just there to talk and create nuisance. This teaching stint is a great opportunity to gauge if I’m suitable for teaching.

I’m not feeling too happy lately. My computer broke down and now I’m using my bro’s computer. I need to send the computer for repair. Or, should I get a new one? I brought it in 2002, and in the past years, I’ve changed the hard disk and cd rom. The computer is quite an established brand, but sad to say, it is not really spectacular in performance. I’ll wait for the PC show for great offer.

New Site

Hi all, this is a new site where I discovered from my friend's site. http://gszeli1.multiply.com/

I love blogger site which allows me to blog. But then the Multiply template design is much more attractive and there are more features. So, I will start blogging at Multiply site now. Just go to this link, I have yet to explore the other features. I do hope to upload Jay Chou's music.

Brand New Start

I love October because it is 2 months away from a brand new year.

I have been shopping around for a new skin for my blog because I need a change and the former background looks quite dull. Finally, I saw this blog skin which look so refreshing. Hmm, the only problem is that I realised those hypen and 's translate to funny symbols. Is there a solution to this? Also users can't leave comments for a post. Hmm, just leave your comment in the tagboard ok?

My Thoughts

Looking at the picturesque photos of foreign countries like America, I feel like leaving Singapore and perhaps migrate to Australia or America where natures abound. Life in Singapore is pretty stressful. I want to stay close to nature and immerse myself in clean air. Doing whatever my heart desires, leaving those office politics and etc. Growing old with my loved one, admiring the sunset, taking a stroll in the greenery, swimming in our own swimming pool, picnicking by the beach and doing all the romantic stuff with the one. When the time comes, it will come.

Just a sudden pang of thought. Felt that life here is stressful. Should I take a break? I am taking a risk. Everything will be confirmed by December. It's a test of trust. Anyway, my friend warned me that what I wrote regarding my previous company was too sensitive. But I don't care a hook. True, some people might feel that I'm not doing an ethical thing of revealing past information, but if you are doing the right thing, do you care a damm. Perhaps, its only when the person is guilty and they don't feel comfortable. But here is my blog,and I didn't malign anyone. I merely wrote the truth. The turnover rate speaks for itself. I did not even wrote the amount. Anyway, I don't think it is fair. Hmm, at least I learnt something, how to manage a restaurant. Haha, it's not easy you know. Maybe when I have sufficient capital, I open a restaurant one day. A Teochew restaurant? I don't know. I really want to be my own boss one day.

Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore

Hutchinson Whampoa chairman Li Ka-Shing with Steve Forbes during a conference in Singapore (Yahoo News)

Mr Li Ka Shing, a man whom I have immense respect, recently received a lifetime award at Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore.

It is great that successful people are giving away their fortune to help the needy. I am touched when he said that charity is also a way of investing for the future. Indeed, you never know what the potential holds. By giving away scholarship and donating money for healthcare, you are helping and saving people who would survive and make the world a better place.

In the conference, the tycoon said in Mandarin,

"In Asia, our traditional values encourage and even demand that wealth and means pass through lineage as an imperative duty, I urge and hope to persuade you, especially all of us in Asia, that if we are in a position to do so, that we transcend this traditional belief.”

If one day, I ever make it, I would like to donate a portion of my fortune to charity too. I don’t believe in giving all my fortune to my children (if I have) as it is not healthy. To tell them that they would inherit my wealth would make them complacent and lazy and they would not strive to better themselves. I believe that hard work and adversity will make a person stronger. Rich and pampered kids just look soft to me.

Get Ready to Smile.

Recent TV shows emphasize the importance of good services especially with the impending arrival of more than 10,000 participants from 184 countries to Singapore for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group Annual Meeting outside the United States.

There is one show from Channel News Asia that sends an imposter to pose as a demanding customer to test various hotels’ services. I’m not sure if was a prearranged programme, because I am really surprised by the youths’ good service. Also Class 95 also has its DJs to pose as customers to enquire a long list of ridiculous question ‘on air’. I guess this is really a nervous period for the sales industry. They are subjected to scrutiny and tests by the radio and TV shows. So remember to put on your best attitude. Remember, your service determine Singapore’s service standards. Of course, we Singaporeans must also assist the dignitaries or foreigners and be a good host.

It would be good if everyone provides great services all year long rather than during this special period. Surely, we Singaporeans deserve good services too. It is bad to discriminate between locals and foreign customers. I am most irked when the service is poor since I “PAY” for the products & services.

With the end of the annual meeting, I hope good service don’t end there.

President's Social Service Award 2006

Tuesday 29 August, I attended the President's Social Service Award. I was really excited because it was my first trip to Istana and I didn't know that there is such an award until I was invited to attend. Oh, u must be saying I'm very suaku (ignorance). Hmm, quite true.

Anyway,I was really surprised when I received a call from Surin, the All Saints Home's social worker, inviting me to the President’s Social Service Award. I was really surprised since I have stopped volunteering for about 2 months as I want to focus on the new job first. Thus, I enquired her why not Eric, Jiahao or Weini who have contributed so much.

In fact, I have temporarily stopped volunteering at the Home as I have just got a pretty demanding job at a new start-up. There is only my manager and I in the rather big office with 2 different fish species namely the parrot fish and guppies. (My big boss believes in Feng Shui and he is in the marine industry). I have been trying to prepare the necessary projects works and planning policy so that the company will be in systematic order. So far I quite like the work since it exposes me to all aspects of business be it accounting, administration, management and marketing even though I occasionally complained of the heavy workload.

Like what the elderly say, you gain some and you lose some. Just have to take it all in stride.

So you see, it's not all about giving in volunteering. In fact, the elderly treat us like their grandchildren and freely dispense advice and console us when they sense something is not quite right.

Ok, back to the award presentation thing.

It was indeed an eye-opening event. The dazzling hall and the magnicent city view from the Istana. We had a great buffet dinner with fried rice, bee hoon, desserts like cheesecake, brownies and many more. Also we got to meet and learn from many volunteers from various groups.

It is at this event that I learnt that there is a clown lesson which requires about a year to complete. The happy clown will visit the sick children to make them laugh. That is a great idea! Laughter can help people to ease physical pain. When you are happy, you forget the pain momentarily. Anyway, the talk just reminds me of Carolyn. Just thinking of her make me smile. Really, her infectious laugh is really powerful. Once she laughed, I will also laugh. No idea why. And you know what, I am quite a cool and aloof person. Hey, I realised I tend to laugh more when I volunteer at All Saints Home as the volunteers are mostly fun-loving, nice and funny people from all walks of life. We meet to spread laughter and joy around.

For more information on volunteering, visit the website at http://asvolunteer.blogspot.com/.

Do join volunteering to make a difference to others' life.

Istana

Quote by our President S R Nathan.

Stage backdrop.

Dedicated Volunteers

2006 Safra Sheares Bridge Run & Army Half Marathon

It's the Safra Sheares Bridge Run today! Michelle and I woke up early to join the race which start at 8 am for 6 km and 10 km run. We signed up for the 10 km run since last year we completed the 6.9 km run and we intend to sign up for the 21 km Standard Chartered run held in this coming December.

Luckily we have been preparing for the run so it was quite smooth-sailing and the weather was cool. But, while we were enjoying the run at the 4 km route, it suddenly drizzled and it just rained cats and dogs when we reached the 5 km route. I asked Michelle if we should continue the race and she said yes. Since we had signed up for the 10 km run, we might as well complete it as we have to gauge if we could handle the 21 km run. So we completed the race in the heavy rain. It was a surreal experience, running in the pouring rain with fellow Singaporeans who persevered despite the weather. I felt a sense of achievement when we completed the 10 km run despite the weather and the initial human traffic. Wow, I felt so great after the run. Hee, I must thank Michelle for all the encouragment as I complained that I wanted to stop and rest during the run.

Lesson learnt. Never stop in the face of difficulty. The journey is made easier with a friend by your side. Oh and the beautiful scenery of the Central District and Esplanade helped too.

Integrity and Ethics in Business

I have been working in the business for some time now, though there are times when it got a little tough, but so far it has been a great learning experience. I gained most knowledge from the experienced contractors and suppliers who have been in the business for many years. Some of them readily shared their knowledge with me when I enquired about their business.

In business, I face a dilemma. My boss want to get the lowest price from supplier whereas I believe firmly that we should not gain those profit at the expense of the supplier and subcontractor. Somehow, I feel for their family. I believe that as I make profit, my suppliers and subcontractors must also be happy earning money with me too. Perhaps, I was also pretty unhappy that my father did not make much profit when he worked for the contractor in his wrought iron business. That is when during price negiotiation with clients, it is important to convince them why it is neccessary to pay for this price. Therefore, whenever I meet my subcontractor, I always wish them well and I pray for their safety.

I believe firmly that in business, a company with integrity will last longer. It is important to establish this goodwill relationship with clients, suppliers and subcontractors in order to grow and prosper.

Reading Week

Last week, I brought lotsa books at discount rate. It is worth all the waiting. I had been targeting Marketing Genius by Peter Fisk and finally I got the book at a good rate.

The first book is Marketing Genius by Peter Fisk, I find the book quite an interesting read and it is quite useful for my work. Hey, I brought that book for about $23.50 after 30% discount at MPH. The next book I brought is Final Notes from a Great Island by Neil Humphreys at about $11+ after 20% discount at Popular bookshop. I was quite happy with myself. I always like to negiotiate for a low price.

On last Sunday, I brought 3 old library English books at $2 each. The expo area was really crowded and most of the good books were grabbed on the first day. What were left on the last day were mostly tattered books.

Nevertheless, I got the books I want, which are mostly in business management. I need to know these in order to improve my works.

Singapore, My Home

Came across the photos my cousin Michelle took as I helped her to upload the volunteering blog. I felt that the photos she took are fantastic and so I asked if I could post it in my blog. Haha, so now the pictures are here. I was thinking of uploading the Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats where most Singaporeans reside.

Sentosa

Cable car at Sentosa

Sunset

Singapore HDB flats. Picture taken at Mount Faber.



Night scene at Padang.



Photos taken by Michelle Peh

Happy 41st Birthday Singapore!

My Island Home

This is my home
She's everything to me
Grace and beauty
In all that you see

My island home
Wherever I may be
I never will forget her
Nor will she forget me

Chorus ^
And I will sing
A song of home
A land of peace
Where dreams are born everyday
My home
Wherever I may be
I believe
You will always be a part of me ^

My island home
Home of my family
This is my future
Where I want to be
(This is my future
This is my home)

Repeat Chorus x 2

My home
Wherever I may be
I believe
You will always be a part of me
A part of me

My Roots, My Country, My Singapore.

Tomorrow is Singapore's 41st birthday. Michelle and I went to Marina Square area to admire the firework display. Alas, we were late and did not get to admire the full view of the spectacular firework as the tall trees blocked the view.

What does it mean to be Singaporean? I always wondered what if my grandfather had not left ChaoZhou to Singapore for a better future from the then chaotic China. My parents would not have met each other and I wouldn't be here.

Here, we enjoy a high standard of living with diverse culture and not forgetting the great food. With a population of about 5 millions and no natural resources, it is a miracle that we are able to survive and prosper.

One day, I'll visit my late grandfathers'birthplace. To return to my roots. A unique identity is what make Singapore such an attractive place whereby different cultures co-exist wonderfully. It is this difference that make us Uniquely Singapore.

While searching for my dialect group, Teochew, I came upon this article from the internet. Enjoy it. Meanwhile, Happy birthday, Singapore.

Ps. While reading the below article, I remember one politician who said that those Singaporeans who emigrated are quitters. I disagreed. It is a choice made by the individual. Does it make our ancestors quitters too? I don't think so. It is the right of individual to decide where they want to live. Do they have a sense of belonging? Citizenship is a choice made by individual. I am proud to tell people that I am a Singaporean at present. This is my home.

YaleGlobal
Since at least the 1800s, Chinese immigrants speaking the Teochew dialect have moved to many regions of Southeast Asia in search of a better life. Many of them have become the most successful groups in their adopted countries, says Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Sometimes they seem "more than proportionately represented" in top-notch positions such as the Thai Cabinet, which is even said to be able to conduct a Cabinet meeting almost entirely in Teochew. In another example of early globalization, the Teochews' who fanned out across Asia have established some of the most successful banks and industries in the region and helped build up new economies. At the same time, Lee says, they also brought with them a strong sense of community and cultural identity and always kept their traditions. Just as "if all Singaporeans believed they were global citizens, Singapore would not exist," Lee says, maintaining a strong ethnic and linguistic identity is essential to maintaining the integrity of the Teochew group. – YaleGlobal

Lee Hsien Loong
The Straits Times, 24 November 2003

THERE are about 25 million Teochews around the world, of which more than half - 60 per cent - are living outside China. Over half a million are in Singapore. They form 20 per cent of the Chinese population, making them the second largest dialect group after the Hokkiens.

The Teochews are like the other coastal communities in China in the provinces of Guangzhou, Fujian and Zhejiang, who because of natural disasters, societal unrest and poor economic conditions, decided to leave home in search of a better living. They came in large numbers to Hong Kong, Thailand, Indochina, Johor-Riau and Singapore.

Teochew culture dates back to the Tang dynasty, when the famous poet and intellectual Han Yu went to the Teochew area. He stayed there for less than a year, but left such a legacy that he is worshipped by the Teochews as Han Wen Gong. He got rid of the crocodiles which terrorised the locals. The river Han Jiang is named after him. A temple was built for him in Chaozhou city. After Han Yu, the Teochew area became a high culture area with a tradition of scholarship.
The Teochews brought this tradition with them when they went overseas. Though they arrived poor, many went on to become successful businessmen, and leaders in the local communities and in government. Their economic and social contributions are out of proportion to their numbers.

In Indochina, the Teochews controlled the rice trade along the Menam and Mekong rivers. Till today, many leading Thai businessmen and politicians are Teochew. I recently met Mr Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, who owns the famous Chang Beer in Thailand. Mr Charoen's Chinese surname is Su and he is a Teochew. He was visiting Singapore with a Thai deputy prime minister, Dr Somkid Jatusripitak, who is also a Teochew.

Many other Thai ministers are Teochew too - it has even been said that you could almost conduct a Cabinet meeting in Bangkok in Teochew!
In Hong Kong, many of the tycoons are Teochews. The most successful, Mr Li Ka-shing, started by selling plastic flowers, but went on to build a large group of companies that form a major pillar of the Hong Kong economy.

Mr Li remembered his roots. He contributed generously to the establishment of the Shantou University in 1981. Beyond the very substantial donations, his personal involvement and dedication must have contributed greatly to the success of Shantou University today.

In Singapore, the Teochews have also stamped their mark. Some of them were pioneers who contributed significantly to the development and progress of Singapore.
For example, Mr Seah Eu Chin came to Singapore in 1823, started a business, was later known as the King of Gambier and ran Tan Tock Seng Hospital when it was first set up. Mr Lim Nee Soon ran a successful rubber business, and also co-founded the Chinese High School with Mr Tan Kah Kee in 1919.

Mr Lien Ying Chow arrived in Singapore with only a few dollars in his pocket. During World War II, he went back to Chongqing, the wartime capital, to help the Chinese government fight the Japanese invaders. Later, he was awarded a banking licence by the Chinese government, started the Overseas Chinese Union Bank, and later opened the Overseas Union Bank in Singapore.

Today, the Teochews continue to be successful in Singapore. Out of 19 full Cabinet ministers, seven, or about one-third, are Teochews. In Parliament, out of a House of 94 members, close to 30, also about one-third, are Teochews.
This is well above their proportion in the population, which is about 15 per cent.
Today's convention is organised by two major Teochew clan associations in Singapore, the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi.

The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan was founded in 1929. Over the years, it has done well in promoting the Teochew culture and has been at the forefront of community service and social welfare.

Ngee Ann Kongsi was formed by a group of prominent Teochews in 1845. In the 1930s, Nee Ann Kongsi started to promote education for the community very actively. It founded Ngee Ann Primary School and Ngee Ann Secondary School. It contributed substantially to Singapore's education system, with the establishment of Ngee Ann College in 1963, which later became Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

As the community looks back on its successful past, it should also recognise the challenges ahead of us. We now live in a smaller and more globalised world. Competition is intense.

Some groups will rise to the occasion and succeed, while others lacking the skills and ability to compete will fall behind. As a result, income gaps will widen.
In such an environment, the more successful members of society must help out with the less successful. Community organisations, such as clan associations, can play a major role in this effort.

Another challenge arising from globalisation is to anchor our unique identities. For the older generation, this is not a problem.

The participants today hold different nationalities, yet all of you share something in common that transcends national boundaries. And I am sure when you meet a fellow Teochew in another part of the world, you feel an instant connection and kinship, particularly if both speak Teochew.

But it is more difficult for the younger generation to do that. They are the second, third, even fourth generation of overseas Chinese.

Technology has made travelling and information dissemination very easy. So they get all kinds of information from newspapers, magazines and the Internet. They have grown up in a totally different environment. Many no longer speak their parents' dialect, or perhaps even Chinese. Their sense of heritage and tradition is less strong.

And without strong roots, it is harder for them to face the challenges of globalisation with confidence and security.

Moving forward, a key task for the community is to ensure that the younger generation continues to carry the torch of your customs, traditions and values. These enriched and sustained the lives of many previous generations and brought success to many members of the community. They are precious and important to preserve. But their forms will need to be adapted, to suit the new environment and the younger generation.

Clan associations can play a role in helping our younger generation discover their cultural roots. We have to do this through lively and interesting events, to capture the interest of the young.

Hence the Poit Ip Huay Kuan has been organising Teochew language courses, which are quite popular with the youngsters.

We are also developing a permanent centre and exhibition to tell the story of the overseas Chinese. It will be called Hua Song (In Praise Of Overseas Chinese) and will be located at Haw Par Villa. This is a collaborative effort between the Chinese Heritage Centre and the Singapore Tourism Board.

It will feature the struggles and triumphs of early Chinese immigrants around the world, and will be completed by the end of next year. I hope that it will tell this story to new generations of visitors, both local and foreign.
A young and diverse country like Singapore faces a particularly acute challenge. We do not have 5,000 years of history, and at the point of independence, had no national identity to start with. If all Singaporeans believed they were global citizens, Singapore would not exist.

So we have to progressively build up our national identity, by drawing upon the rich cultural and historical heritage of our multi-ethnic community, and at the same time enlarge the common space among various communities.
Lee Hsien Loong is the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. These remarks are taken from his speech at the 12th Teochew International Conference.


Source:
The Straits Times

English Test

I was bored so I took the English test. Ok, for vocabulary I checked the dictionary. The rest I tried my best. Haha, not bad, but my punctuation need improvement.

I love learning and I always seek improvement. I set up this blog with the aim of improving my English since I grew up in a Chinese and Teochew-speaking family. I like to review my post and check my entry if the flow is smooth.

I obtained better grade in Chinese than English. I got Grade A from Primary to Secondary school for my Chinese since I always use the language. Since I was 8 years old, I have enjoyed reading Chinese eveing newspaper as my father only buy Chinese newspaper. I'm not so sure about it now since I rarely write Chinese essay though I still read Chinese eveing newspaper.

From primary to seconday school, I struggled with English language. However the crux came when I had to sit for my Ordinary level. I failed English during my Secondary four preliminary exam and my mum had to attend the Meet-the-Parent session, even though I passed the rest with good results. In Singapore, if you fail English for 'O'Levels, the overall result is failure as it is a requirement to pass English in order to obtain the 'O'Levels certificate.

I heeded my teacher's advise and began to listen to English's radio station and newspaper as I wanted to pass the English language. I'm not going to let it affect the rest of my grade. Luckily I passed the exam and got my certificate. My hard work paid off. The lesson I learnt is never give up. Always presevere on.

Your English Skills:

Grammar: 100%

Spelling: 100%

Vocabulary: 100%

Punctuation: 60%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

Donna Barnett

I came across her blog one day and realised that we do have lots of common. Her love for nature, books and sports strike a chord with me so I decided to support her interesting blog on Chasing Normal . Her name is Donna Barnett from Los Angeles and she is now ready to begin her search for cleaner air.

Recently she set up a new blog, Chasing Clean Air where I learnt a lot on environmental issues. I now realised the hazards that Singaporeans face since we are mostly enclosed in air-conditioned buildings. It is easy to fall sick if the air duct is not cleared of dirt and virus. Since it is sunny all year round with occasional heavy rain, most Singaporeans work in air-conditioned office and install air-conditioners at home for the more affluent and middle-classed family.

If I didn't read her blog, I didn’t know that air pollution in the US is so serious particularly where the major oil refineries reside. I should appreciate the fact that I live in a place with clean air since everything is under control. I learnt that sometimes it is necessary to implement unpopular policies for the benefit of the whole nation.

I wish her well and all the best in her search for cleaner air. All the way to go, Donna!

Chasing Clean Air

Chasing Normal

SAFRA Sheares Bridge Run & Army Half

How time flies! Last year Michelle and I participated in the SAFFRA Bridge run and this year we are joining again. So yesterday night, we trained together at Tampines Park. Haha, this time my timing improve. I completed the 4 km run in 20 minutes while Michelle carried on with the 6 km run in 28 minutes! Well done. We must train hard for this 10 km run. Well, I better be discipline in the training and stop giving execuses. The run is on 27 Aug and it is less than a month. Well, let see how we 'perform' in this run. We are considering taking part in 21 km run for the Standard Chartered Run held in early December.

Health is important thus we should take some time to exercise to 'lubricate' our body. I also felt better after exercising. Lately, I have put exercise on hold due to my busy work schedule. Instead, we should make exercising compulsory since it is beneficial to us. Got it? Just Exercise!

When will it Ever Stop?

I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the daily onslaught of reports and photos of victims resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hizbollah/Hamas. When will this war ever stop?

It is a well-known fact that the Jews have suffered long enough. However, by bombarding the enemies’ buildings, they are actually planting more hatred seeds. These seeds could grow to more violence. Lebanese are losing their loved ones to this cruel war. Intense emotion of losing one loved could drive them to insanity. This is really worrying. This will actually propelled them to revenge and plan more vicious attacks on Israel.

Imagine the seed Hizbollah planted when they captured Israel’s soldier? Why are they doing this? Perhaps, they were ecstatic for a while. But look at the repercussion it has on their innocent civilians. They are only bringing agony and death to their own citizens due to their miscalculated action.

Now, Israel is retaliating. However, it has incurred international’s wrath. Surely there is no need to resort to violence where there are innocent civilians?

There is no solution to this conflict if both parties focus on their loss. If both parties only take into consideration of the number of people they have lost, and not on the other’s party casualty, it will result in a cycle of violence as they will always want to get even for what they have lost. It will be a never-ending vicious war. People live in fear everyday. What good can it do? Only forgiveness and understanding can.

Revenge is sweet, but momentarily. It won’t bring lasting happiness. Only forgiveness do. By hating someone, you are hurting yourself. Revenge will only bring anger and fear because someone else’s children, relative or friends are hurt as a result of the hatred. Will it bring you happiness knowing that you are hurting others and not expecting similar things to happen to you? Remember cause and effect? One’s reap what one sown. I hope for peace and hope that this conflict can be resolved soon.

Books and more Books!

I went to 2 bookstores namely Kinokuniya and Borders directly after work. Guess what? I saw Mr. Neil Humphreys and his pretty wife at the Kinokuniya for the launch of his latest book, Final Notes from a Great Island. This book is a summary of his 10-year stay in Singapore. He first came to Singapore for a holiday but this 'holiday' churned out to be a 10-year stay in Singapore.

I brought his first book- Notes from an even Smaller Island. Hey, with his British's satrical sense of humor, his book is quite an interesting and hilarous read. Ok, he won me over. I'm going to buy his latest book.

Bookshop is the place where I can read to my heart's content and it helps me to destress. I spotted many books that I want to buy. Wow, I'm so happy with the new arrival books! Some of them are really interesting.

From Kinokuniya, Singapore's site.
http://www.kinokuniya.com.sg
As an accolade to the fine country he called home for a decade, Neil Humphreys completes his Island trilogy-of-sorts with Final Notes from a Great Island. Humphreys began his insightful collection with Notes from an Even Smaller Island, went on to Scribbles from the Same Island and in Final Notes from a Great Island, he revisits his favourite spots in Singapore by trekking, cycling and hitchhiking all the way. A warm, inspiring yet humorous take on everything Singaporean, Final Notes from a Great Island is a must-read.

Hungry Ghost Festival

Yesterday was the start of the 2 months long Hungry Ghost Festival since there are two seventh month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar this year. The traditional Chinese Taoists believe that when the Gate of hell open in the seventh month, all the ghosts would be released to enjoy their 'holiday' on earth. Thus during the Hungry Ghost Festival, we are advised not to swear or spit in the street as it is better to play safe than to offend the 'big brother'. Oh, my parents also advised me not to swim during this festival.

As more Chinese Singaporeans are educated and converted to other religions, I wonder how long the tradition of burning incense and paper money to the dead would last. Yesterday, the neighbourhood was filled with lots of smoke and ashes as the residents paid their respect to the 'big brother'.

I do not really practise the tradition of burning the offering. The traditional 'Getai' which literally means song stage is normally set up in the neighbourhood area to entertain the 'big brothers'. It is also losing popularity with the young. Getai singers would dress up in their glittery costumes singing oldies or cracking jokes to entertain the crowd and 'big brother'.

I rarely help my mum in performing the traditional rituals and would only do so if she ask me to help. I think the 'getai' trade is slowly dimishing since most of the youths I met are not interested in the tradition.

Anyway, I believe in the existence of the spirit and believe that we should not spit anywhere we want. You never know who is standing beside you.