Reserved Seats In MRT

Hi,

Previously, the seats at the both ends of the row of seats were classified as Priority Seats for the old, mothers and handicap people.

I was on the MRT recently and noticed that they have now be re-named to Reserved Seats.

Sad to say, no impact and people are still sitting at these seats and worst still, even when there was older folks standing around.

I saw a documentary on CNA and they were showing that the reserved seats in their train remain empty despite the fact that the train was crowded yet no one occupy these seats. It was mentioned that the Koreans has much respect for the old and also they are more gracious.

I make a conscious effort not to occupy the Priority or Reserved seats even though I am wearing a knee brace and a seat will definitely ease the pain or pressure on my left knee.

There was a funny incident and I still laugh at it when I think about it.

I was reading the papers and seated in the middle of the row of seats. The train stopped and people started to come into the train. Out of instinct, I thought I saw a pregnant women and I immediately gave her my seat.

But it turned out to be a older women with an obvious bigger tummy and not pregnant. Luckily, she was not a young girl so not so embarrassing. Luckily, she took the seat and was not offended.....ha.....ha........

Next time I better have a good look first!

David

Champions League Soccer 2009 Final - Park Ji Sung

Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2 - 0 !

Park Ji Sung was the first Asian to play in an European Champions League Soccer final but unfortunately, he could have played better.

Anyway, I am proud of his achievements playing for MU.

Adhoc Penang Trip

Hi,

I have to make an adhoc trip to Penang from 19 to 22 May 2009 as I got a call from my mother who said she was dying and wanted to see me!

Can you imagine how stressful it is to receive such a call?

My mother was hospitalised on the eve of my arrival and CAT scan showed that she has a mild stroke and it made her weak.

Needless to say, I was at the hospital the whole day to keep her company and gave her some morale support to recover from it.

I woke up daily at 6:30am and only went home at 8pm. It was indeed very tiring and it was no fun staying in the hospital too as there are plenty of sick people so it means a lot of germs too!

Also, as there was 2 cases of swine flu, we got screened daily for any fever, cough, travelling to overseas, etc.....

As the hospital chased visitors out at 2pm so that patients can rest, I found myself taking a taxi to either Gurney Plaza or Prangin Mall to look for food and try to rest too. I eventually decided to catch the 2:30pm movie so that I can rest in an air-con environment. Besides, it cost only RM6 to watch a movie and that is very cheap. I was so tired by the 3rd day that I dosed off during the movie. After which, I caught a taxi back to the hospital.

Because of the swine flu scare, I saw a few people wearing mask at the airport and during the flight. It made me a bit uncomfortable see them. Also, all the immigration officers were also wearing masks too when I arrived at the Penang airport.

Well, after I left Pg, my elders sister went home from Kuala Lumpur and took over from me.

The good news is that Mum is home and slowly recovering her energy and trying to walk again.

I am likely to go back sometime in June and July to see her.

Wish I am going home on a more pleasant mission like a short break by the seaside resort with my family.

Take care,

David

Canon - The Power In Your Hands

Hi,

I attended a workshop organised by Canon titled "The Power In Your Hands" this afternoon and it was an enlightening session on photography using the latest Canon compact camera Powershot series.




There were 4 speakers; YES 93.3 DJ Mary Bukor, Canon Product Expert Mr Jino Lee, Actor Thomas Ong and food blogger Dr Leslie Lee.

All the speakers shared their own experiences and some photography tips and I did learned something from them.

Of course, actor Thomas Ong attracted the most attention and he was very obliging when some of the audiences aske to have their photos taken with him; refer to the photos I took below. He shared with us his photos taken from his recent Bhutan trip and was quite easy going and relax in his presentation.





























Jino also has interesting pointers as he shared with us the latest technologies used in the Canon cameras. I wish I could upgrade my cameras......ha....ha......

It was a worthwhile afternoon and importantly, the S$10 fee charged went to YES 93.3 sponsored charity, Dyslexic Association Singapore (DSA).

So my love for photography has been rekindled again and I better go and have a look at mastering my Canon cameras again....


David

The Amazing Race 14th Episode Winners

Hi,

I am happy to see that Victor Jih, 35, and his sister Tammy, 26, won the Amazing Race in the 14th episode.

They were sporting and being of Chinese race though American citizens, I could associate with them better and was supporting them all the way.

Though I must say that it was quite a last minute surprise twist that they came out as winners.

They also reminded me so much of my Aussie Chinese niece and nephew, Rachel and Jonathan.

Congrats to Victor and Tammy!

Happy Mother's Day

Hi,

Today is Mother's Day but unfortunately, both my wife and I are down with the common flu and we have sort of quarantined ourselves in the master bedroom so as not to pass it on to our son who is having his mid-year exam now.

But Jason and I managed to buy some presents for Mom and we have just given them to her. She was surprised and like them.

So what happened to us over the past few days?

Well, we were so conscious of getting sick and even took Vitamin C diligently.

The weather...... as it was very hot and then it could rained heavily lately....?

Jason was having a running nose on Wed evening and he recovered after taking some medicine.

But he must have passed it on to me as I started to have running nose on Thu and was sleeping almost the whole day after taking some medicine. I tired to stay away from the family as much as possible.

I saw the doctor on Fri morning and was given antibiotics and he claimed I have a temperature of 39C!

Then my dear wife started to cough and have a sore throat on Sat......oh dear!

I took her to the doctor and was given some medication. NO fever so no antibiotics given.

We were told to stay away from my son and wear those simple mask if we are serious about it. But all these masks were sold out due to the swine flu scare! Even the clinic does not want to give or sell theirs to us!

Anyway, we decided to quarantine ourselves in the master bedroom...... what a way to spend Mother's day especially that there are so many sales this long weekend!

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there.....

David

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao KO Ricky Hatton

What a boxing match!

Filipino boxer,Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao won bout with Britain's Ricky Hatton with a devastating KO ( Knock Out )in 2 min 59 sec into the second round of the bout at Las Vegas' MGM Grand hotel.

Pacquiao claimed the International Boxing Organisation junior welterweight title!

BTW, the whole of Philippines came to a standstill to watch this boxing match; including the conflicts between the Muslims militants and the government. Crime rate was ZERO!

I would not have bother or known Pacman if not for my Filipino maid.

I am proud of his achievements and bringing honour and glory to us, Asians too!

AWARE Saga

Hi,

It has been an exciting past few weeks, thanks to the AWARE saga.

It was like following or watching Channel 8 TV serial.....ha...ha.....

Now having said that, here are my thoughts on the matter.

BTW, I have a teenage son in secondary school now so the issue of sexuality is of some concern to me too.

Firstly, I think the way that the new committee was formed was like a hostile takeover but with a hidden agenda until the Feminist Mentor revealed herself.

Most of the people would not like such a takeover even if it could mean well.

Why?

I think we should have sat down and talk about our concerns. Get into the organisation and get a better feel of things and then participate in the activities actively and share your viewpoints.

Or form your own organisation and preach your ideals or principles.

The main issue in contention was the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) programme and to be more precise, the mention of homosexuality or lesbian aspects of it.

Since the coaches were specially chosen and trained and MOE has approved or endorsed it, I would think that it is safe to be conducted in the schools. As it is a very sensitive subject, it is impossible to please all the parents and satisfy their concerns.

I like to ask the parents this, do you think you have sufficient knowledge to do it yourself? Or rather do you have the time and communicate well with your kids, in the first place?

If yes, then good for you and you should not then be worry as you have already cultivated your set of values and your kids should be able to then decide for themselves.

In today digital era, your kids can easily find what they want on sexuality on the Internet so do you want them to interpret themselves without proper guidance from you or the school or CSE?

In fact, they are most likely to discuss it among their friends.

So in short, both parents and school + CSE programmes are important to guide the kids.

Do not over react when you hear of such taboo subjects and also not be misled by others too. If you have some concern, approach the appropriate authorities ( eg. the originator of such programmes- school, MOE or AWARE ).

It is indeed sad that the church or religion was brought into the picture too.

We have to be more tolerant as we are living in a multi-racial and multi-religion society.

I was born and raise in Malaysia but started my working career and family in Singapore, and I believe Singapore is a very tolerant society and we have friends from all races and religions, living happily.

So let us keep it this way.

Just my thoughts.........

David

P.S. I do not recall being told to 'Shut up and sit down' when I was a kid....!

Budget Flights to Penang

Hi,

Finally, there are budget flights from Singapore to Penang.

Jetstar is giving away FREE seats but you still have to pay for the fuel charges at S$38 or so.

Anyway, I decided to check it out and book a return seat in July to visit my parents.

Surprisingly, I managed to get a confirmed booking on the last evening of the offer....!

It cost me S$50 for the round trip.

Well, let see how it goes as this is my first time on a budget flight.

At least, I am flying off from Changi Terminal 1.

Will update you after I have made my return flight in July.

So stay tune to this space.

David