Monthly Archives: May 2019

Quiescence and Hiatus

After ten enjoyable years, it’s time to take a break. Starting today, I’m off to see the parts of the world I’ve never visited before. It will be an extended trip, something I have not done for a long time. … Continue reading

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Join! It’s Free! Or is It?

When Raffles Town Club first opened, it was positioned as a top-end members’ only haven and enclave. Fiercely touted were its supposed European design, central location (no, no, not tucked away in the boondocks) with superlative fine dining restaurants and … Continue reading

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Did My Life Flashed Before Me?

They say your life will flash before you before you die. I almost died four times one recent morning. Yup, face to face with death four times in one morning! Can you beat that? What flashed wasn’t my life, though. … Continue reading

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Third-World Mentality

Press reports early this week claimed that much coveted bottles of single-malt whiskies were bought up by the airport’s DFS (Duty Free Singapore) staff, depriving travelers from buying any. What do DFS staff do with those whiskies? Who knows? Maybe … Continue reading

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Mum

I woke up, and suddenly my head was filled with recollections of unpleasant events and hurtful thoughts of obnoxious people. The rest of the day didn’t go well. The outing with grandkids left me unfulfilled in more ways than one. … Continue reading

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Known Knowns, Known Unknows and Unknown Unknowns

When Damai Beach resort first opened in Santubong Sarawak, the management thought that finding labor wouldn’t be a problem. The natives, like the Ibans, they figured, would eagerly grab the job opportunities. But management hit a brick wall. What was … Continue reading

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Pipes by Jerry Zenn of Taiwan

Jerry Zenn from Taiwan used to be a Volvo mechanic before he started to make pipes full time. Click here. Using the best quality briar from Corsica, France, Italy, Greece and Spain and specially-cultivated bamboo from various parts of Asia, … Continue reading

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I Am Emoji-free

SMS language, textspeak or texting language is the abbreviated language and slang commonly used with mobile phone text messaging. Such language is usually accompanied by emojis or emoticons. The word “emoji” is from the Japanese e, “picture,” and moji, “character.” … Continue reading

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Mother’s Day 2019

In my very first year of formal schooling (that would have been in the early 60’s) my mother would peel grapes, remove their seeds, and chill them in the refrigerator. At recess, she’ll be at the school tuckshop, waiting for … Continue reading

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Tom Richard Pipes for Collectors in Singapore

Tom Richard is the architect behind Tom Richard Pipes. Tom hails from northern Germany, close to Denmark, the pipe mecca of the world. He often jokingly refers to his pipes as “Danish border handmade pipes.” It was Poul Winslow who … Continue reading

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