Eat Drink Man Woman

The heavy drinking/gathering sessions while overseas are a thing of the past. A fond, often hazy, memory of my younger days in my occupation.

That's not to say that I don't miss it. The camaraderie, the sideshows that goes on in the background, the incessant chatter that raises a few decibels with every clink of the glass. Often we have to change a few venues when security comes knocking at our doors.

Used to be a few dozen beers will suffice. Now, a diverse playlist in the iPod coupled with a decent speaker is a minimum. Then Black Label, Green Label, MacCallen, Absolut and the odd Bombay Gin make their regular appearances on the table. Of course, in wine countries such as Australia or France, the chardonnays, shiraz, bourdeux, and sauvignon blancs are the star. The snacks/titbits are no less important here. The right chips, selection of cheese, even a nice plate of fried rice more than a party makes.


Whilst it was often a case of me being stripped down to my boxers when I first started-I was so young and naive then, now I just nurse my drink whilst watching others make a fool of themselves. Sometimes, things get a bit heated up and people get hot under the collar. That is when the less inebriated posse such as me step in so that the situation does not go out of proportion.

Rant over. Time to go nurse a slight hangover. Any tips?

The futility of customer feedback

"Understand that a new verification procedure is in place for using C***bank cards overseas. The card will be declined before the customers get an overseas call on their mobile to verify that they are using the card at said location.

While it seems low tech for a company of your size, I understand the need for it.

However, there was no communication with members with regards to the above, whether by email, on the website, by a phonecall, or even an SMS.

One can imagine the poor guy who gets his card cut up in a store in some overseas shop, or be dealt embarrassing treatments when the card does not go through the 1st time. And what about those who do not pick up calls while overseas? Has the company thought of that?

I have taken the liberty of informing all my friends, since your company has not taken the initiative.

I await your reply via email"


I can only hope that they actually DO read feedback forms, and DO reply.

Think got a better chance of having Lin Chi Ling Maggie Q show up at my door and wanting to play ping pong with me...amongst other things.


*Cue drooling...

Rub-a-dub-dub, 3 men in a pub

3 guys at Wala Wala.

A bottle of Chivas, 2 plates of wings.

The songs ring out. Conversation flows. Eye candy, available.

Aspirations. Jobs. Love.

No office politics. No char bo to fuss about.

All Thursdays should be like this...

Green is In

I was in Beijing recently and a heavy fog had set in such that there wasn't much sunlight the whole time that I was there. I had to go out to eat and when I came back my sinuses acted up and a sneezing fit ensued.

The environment. It's the word that's on the tip of many developed countries' tongue, the new marketing strategy for large corporations when they churn out their products, and part of many pet projects in the neighbourhood schools.

I remember how my Mum used to make me bring empty containers of bleach back to the local provision store to offset a few cents for the next bottle purchased.

Fast forward to today, and the chain supermarket that I go to doesn't have such a scheme any more. I had just sent out an email enquiring them about it actually.

I'd gladly bring it down to them for free, if only they will take it back. And as far as possible, I bring a shopping bag that can be folded neatly away into a pocket.

I prefer to get everything via email, be it bank/credit card statements or the utility bill. Whenever there is junk mail, the reverse side is usually not printed. It makes for decent printing material really. Even shopping receipts can be used to write small notes. Refill packs are welcome too, instead of getting another new bottle of the same shampoo or shower gel.

I read somewhere that in Japan there is a push to carry one's own chopsticks to cut down the use of disposable ones in restaurants. Some genius(?) even worked out how they can hold it in women's brassiere!


Reduce.

Reuse.

Recycle.

Version 3.0

My 3rd camera, Canon S5is.

Ready to go shooting again...

Well drawn event

Am writing to thank all the Exco members, sponsors and the tireless crew at Elizabeth pub on a job well done.

The media has been talking this match up the whole week. In the end, hundreds of Singapore Gooners turned up at the pub to support the Arsenal. It was great that the match started early, so that many brought their whole family along.

The Club organised a quiz to help keep the atmosphere on a high pre-match and participants even had a showdown after the match. The lucky winner walked away with a signed Arsenal jersey at the end of a thrilling 4 goal draw.

Many other memorabilia were also given out during the pop quiz at half time. I especially enjoyed seeing the very young Gooners clutching at their key rings, magazines, and match programmes. They probably bringing it to bed now.

All these kodak moments were captured by our very own Ah 9. He is the very eh sai. Poor dude didn't have a decent pint throughout the match. Next round on me brudder...

There were friendly digs at the ManYoo supporters who decided to turn up at OUR house. Why wouldn't they dare turn up in their team jersey? And sing their songs?

We don't bite, not usually.

"2-1, and ya f**ked it up..."