[Y]
Headlines
This week has been pretty eventful in the papers. Taking a macro perspective first, US is playing up its role in the Pacific as well as Asia. With the conclusion of the APEC in Singapore, and Obama travelling around visiting various nations, it shows a change in the stance of the White House, where previous officials were 'too busy' to attend summits in Asia (twice snubbed, as a matter of fact). However, the most important fact gleaned from Obama's visit to China is that the emerging powerhouse is no pushover. Diplomatic, yes. Strategic partnership, of course. But when asked on its stance of allowing the yuan to rise for the better of the global economy, the idea got shot down. China are short-term orientated at the moment. For them, their goal is to increase net exports after the drastic drop during the economic crisis. Plus they are holding on to US$1 trillion in US debts. Thats a nice trump card to hold.
Locally, did you catch a picture of the flash floods in the Bukit Timah area? WOW! Cars were floating in car parks. Students were late for their physics A level paper. Cars almost fully submerged on the roads. Amazing.
As our population continues to grey, legislation is being put in place for workers beyond the age of 62. Instead of rehiring them with a cut in pay, employers are given the option to offer 3-6 months of pay instead of rehiring, giving them a sum to tide them over as they find another job. This is just ridiculous. Now everyone is going to 'pay them off', because it'll be cheaper to do so. Who is going to rehire a worker at 62, with just about 3 years left of their working life? And these old folks are supposed to take a pay cut at 60 AND another at 62?
The tragic accident and death of a trainee pilot in US came as pretty sad news. The group of them were not speeding when they crashed into the back of a truck. The guy just happened to not have belted out and was flung from the car. Which reminds me, I have 6 demerit points and a $150 fine for speeding on KPE. DAMN IT! 70km/h is RIDICULOUS. I might as well crawl. Ok kidding, but yes, a slap on the wrist and a lesson learnt. Sigh.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 {12:34 PM}
[Y]
It was so easy that night, Should have been strong, yeah I lied, Nobody gets me like you, Couldn't keep hold of you then, How could I know what you meant, There was nothing to compare to
I know everything changes, All the cities and faces, But I know how I feel about you, There's a mountain between us, But there's one thing im sure of, That I know how I feel about you
Can we bring yesterday back around, 'Cus I know how I feel about you now, I was dumb, I was wrong, I let you down, But I know how I feel about you now
All that it takes one more chance, Don't let our last kiss be our last, Give me tonight and I'll show you
I know everything changes, I don't care where it takes us, 'Cus I know how I feel about you
Can we bring yesterday back around, 'Cus I know how I feel about you now, I was dumb, I was wrong, I let you down, But I know how I feel about you now
Not a day pass me by, Not a day pass me by, When I don't think about you, And there's no moving on, 'Cus I know your the one, And I can't be without you
Can we bring yesterday back around, 'Cus I know how I feel about you now, I was dumb, I was wrong, I let you down, But I know how I feel about you now
Can we bring yesterday back around, 'Cus I know how I feel about you now, I was dumb, I was wrong, I let you down, But I know how I feel about you now
But I know how I feel about you now
Yes I know how I feel about you now
I have been hearing SO many nice songs, some emo some random, but this old song is something I really, really enjoy. Uploaded the acoustic version (which I have been playing on my guitar) to share. Talks about regret and trying to turn back time, the struggle of emotions and that when we finally know we feel, its already too late.
Of course there are things I regret having said, but I doubt I can ever take them back. I shall just be contented with what I have now. :)
Friday, November 13, 2009 {5:56 PM}
[Y]
Spotlight
As I relax and idle my time away, I have made it a point to spend about half to a full hour on the papers everyday, in order to keep in touch with the world outside my home. Of course, a large proportion of that time is spent scouring the classifieds too :P
APEC 2009 probably takes up the most space, especially so since it is being held on this sunny island (which hasn't displayed much sunny-ness these few days. Ugh!). It is heartening to know that leaders are committed to working together, having realized that years of globalization has led to economies being inexorably linked. They have brought up plenty food for thought, what with balanced growth, the debate of a global currency, Asia Pacific's rise... Generally in the right direction. As an Asian consumer that will (or has already begun) driving up global demand and consumption, we should feel proud that this issues are being debated on home soil.
To agree is one matter, to actively pursue is a different. Time will tell as leaders depart and go back to their home countries. Will they act for individual gain? Or will they be willing to compromise, learn and open up for the benefit of many. I think propositions agreed on should be signed on as well, so that there's no way of going back on one's word.
With APEC, the spotlight has of course shifted away from growing tension in SE Asia. Cambodia and Thailand have just dispelled top delegates from both countries. I never imagined that Thaksin would have made it to be in a Cambodian government. Surely someone should intervene before this gets out of control?
For the sake of most countries in the world who are heavily dependent on US dollars (in terms of reserves and what not), as well as for individual financial investments (hehe), I hope the US dollar regains its strength. The numbers portrayed (I can't remember) is quite devastating. Debt is growing while consumers choose to save rather than spend. This, despite the LOW LOW LOW interest rates. Wow. I really hope the Chinese government is serious about letting the Yuan appreciate, rather than just injecting speculatives into the financial world.
And of course I'll be finding a job. Sigh. Not long before my bank account goes kapoot. Any recommendations out there? :)
Thursday, November 12, 2009 {11:12 AM}
[Y]
A Christmas Carol
Just as Christmas decorations in Singapore is coming up early due to the APEC meetings, Christmas is coming early in the cinemas with Disney's 'A Christmas Carol'.
Starring Jim Carrey (well known comedian whose previous Christmas role was in 'How the Grinch stole Christmas'), this show is a typical tale of a miser (Ebenezer Scrooge) who gets taken on an eye-opening journey of his life, where he sees all the ill wills he has performed over the years. Will he take the chance to correct all those mistakes this Christmas and turn his fate around?
Jim Carrey plays not only the Scrooge, but also the 3 ghosts of Christmas, namely: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future.
"A Christmas Carol" opens in Singapore on 19th November 2009!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 {12:22 PM}
[Y]
PINK IC LO
Amazingly, the euphoria of having completed National Service hasn't seem to sink in yet. Instead, I am experience a mixture of nostalgia and sadness, the type of feelings you get from leaving a familiar and comfortable environment that you have adapted so well to.
In retrospect, I have been quite lucky. Training was slack everywhere I went. I received a good posting to an appointment that I have learnt a lot from as well as gained experience that is applicable to working life in the future. I have met a HUGE range of people; from the uneducated, poor, to those with attitude problems, to the rich and arrogant.. Indeed, it has been a life changing experience as well as an eye opener.
I do not agree with a lot of things, or how the organization is run, but life is like that; almost never getting what is ideal. I have so many things to say to the people who crossed my path and touched my life, but I will try my best to compress it into 1-2 facebook notes and tag them in it.
To the one who was with me for almost a year of my journey, from BMT till the start of this year.. It may be over, but looking back, I just want to thank you for being part of it. You're here because you won't be in a facebook note.. you're in a totally different category.
To the one who spent my most hectic 3-4 months with me, through the late nights and unlimited laughter to brighten my day.. I am eternally grateful, and a million thanks will not be enough. But I know that I may never get through to you ever again, so I'll stop here. You'll be in my memory, and who knows what the future holds, but for now I doubt there's much I can do. Thanks still, for the smiles that chased away the blues, for the company that chased away lonesomeness, for the friendship that denied all odds.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 {12:23 PM}
[Y]
Long Overdue HK post
This is severely overdue! Sigh. I'm just really lazy to upload and blog stuff nowadays. Anyway, pictures are in Facebook and can only be viewed if you're my friend.
HK is surprisingly modern and moderately clean. The people there are really friendly and the food is AWESOME. I mean, you get great dimsum in Singapore? Its just X10 better there. I doubt its just the fact i'm in Hong Kong.. there's just a subtle authenticity to the dimsum over there? Not to mention its fairly cheap too.
Shopping is fun, although it was the fall/winter period already, but still managed to find things for myself going cheapcheapcheap.
Macau was wonderful! Stayed at The Venetian, a really classy hotel with deco to match its name and a nice casino for me to play in. It is almost bigger than a shopping mall itself, with over 400 shops and restaurants in there. Spent 2 days there and was almost couldn't finish doing everything I wanted.
Crossed the border (literally walked over) to Zhuhai for some shopping. The salespeople are VERY RUDE! If you dont buy their stuff after looking, they'll give you a black face and even scold you. Business sense fail! I refused to shop, only buying 2 shirts which looked really nice.
If there's one thing I've learnt, its that parents will always be parents. No matter how old their child is, it is still their child and they'll only treat them like one.
Sunday, October 11, 2009 {2:20 AM}
[Y]
I’ve never gone with the wind Just let it flow Let it take me where it wants to go Till you open the door there’s so much more I’ve never seen it before I was trying to fly but I couldn’t find wings You came along and you changed everything
You lift my feet off the ground you spin me around you make me crazier, crazier Feels like i’m falling and I lost in your eyes You make me crazier, crazier, crazier
I watched from a distance as you Made life your own Every sky was your own kind of blue And I wanted to know how that would feel And you made it so real
You showed me something that I couldn’t see You opened my eyes and you made me believe
You lift my feet off the ground You spin me around you make me crazier, crazier Feels like im falling and I I’m lost in your eyes You make me crazier, crazier, crazier Oh-oooh
Baby you showed me what living is for I don’t want to hide anymore Oh-oooh
You lift my feet off the ground You spin me around You make me crazier, crazier Feels like i’m falling And I, i’m lost in your eyes You make me crazier, crazier, crazier Crazier Crazier
I have been hooked on this song and the lyrics of late. Been playing it on my guitar over and over again. Its the kind of song that just wouldn't sound right with anyone's voice except Taylor's.
Thank you, for lifting my feet of the ground, for spinning me around, for making me crazier in doing the things that I did :)
ABOUTME:D
# Kenneth
# I bleed red, blue gold. AC
# rawkingpunkster89@gmail.com
