Monthly Archives: November 2009

Can’t take Criticism?

When I first came across the quote “feedback is the breakfast of champions” I felt it was another one of those cheesy platitudes spouted by self-style gurus that make my hair stand. Now that I am much more mellowed, when … Continue reading

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Learning Chinese? Use English!

In the early days of Singapore, envisioning that the mastery of the Chinese language will come in useful when dealing with the China of the future, Lee Kuan Yew heavily promoted the teaching of Chinese. But Singapore started “completely wrong” … Continue reading

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Nuts Screw and Bolt

On November 5 at Fort Hood, shootings occurred killing 13 and wounding 30 others. Army psychiatrist Major Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, from Virginia, has been identified as the shooter who went postal. He was shot by policewoman Kimberly Munley, 34, … Continue reading

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Black Friday

Today is Black Friday. Black Friday is a term for the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, the busiest shopping day in the year which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term “Black Friday” originated … Continue reading

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Following Blindly

Today is Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is presently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November and has been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863. Most Americans celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a … Continue reading

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Tom Dunn – a Giant among Pipe Smokers

In the early 60s, a gentleman named Tom Dunn from New York started a newsletter called The Pipe Smoker Ephemeris which he sent out free of charge to any pipe smoker who requested for it – pipe smokers he referred … Continue reading

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Do Not Steal the Bathrobe!

In the last hotel I stayed in a tag was attached to the bathrobe. It said “Bathrobes are provided for your use during your stay. Should you wish to purchase one, please contact Service Center at ext 0.” It’s a … Continue reading

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More Acts of Stupidity

How stupid can people get? On Christmas Day last year, a 17-year-old girl received a phone call from a complete stranger who called himself “Jonathan” who wanted to have supper with her. She agreed but “Jonathan” did not show up, … Continue reading

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Another Act of Stupidity by Singapore Airlines

I have flown from Jakarta to Singapore several times recently, the last time on November 5 via SQ961. Both times staff near SIA check-in counter insisted on me breaking the seal (placed by Jakarta airport security on my luggage after … Continue reading

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Slipping Through My Fingers

My little girl Jin is getting married later this morning. I hope I can hold back my tears as I walk her down the aisle and give her away. Schoolbag in hand She leaves home in the early morning Waving … Continue reading

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