Pretty Women.. who are pretty stupid.

Let's start with commercial. People say, sex sells. However, stupidity sells, just as well.



If they say you need to have 3B (Beauty, Brain, and Behaviour) to become Miss Teen USA, I need some explanation with this.



What did she say??




I have never been good in geography, but at least I can't be half that bad in that subject.



"Is Europe a country? I don't think France is a country."
But I looove her expression when she said "is what?? I heard of Turkey, but Hungary (I think she would think the spelling is "Hungry"), I never heard of it." ?

A totally blonde with kind heart, pretty face, and sense of humour is not that bad right?





Okay.. In case some of you women got angry and shout "You men are not smart either." I have to agree with you.

My 10 Darkest Secrets. Do we have something in common? ;)

I CONFESS THAT :

1. I am an impulsive spender
Last time when I got my salary from Industrial Attachment, I spent $500 a day (half the hopelessly pathetic salary)

2. I (usually) sleep without wearing underwear
That's good for health if you don't know.

3. I am narcissistic
I take countless photos in my own room and record my own voices. I use my own voice as my phone's ringtone.

4. I used to be 93 kg, 1.63 m
The numbers say it all.

5. I am heartless towards animals
In my secondary school, when my biology teacher asked us to operate mouse, fish, and bird, I, heartlessly did the operation, with smile.

6. I am addicted to caffeine and Red Bull.
My record? 6 cups a day. Drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee is just normal for me. If coffee is not strong enough, Red Bull will do the job, with twice the price.

7. Once upon a time, I expressed my love to a girl by sending her sms.
.... And kena rejected.

8. I am a pig.
I sleep like a pig. If I don't use alarm, I would sleep 11 hours a day.

9. I love older women.
How old? Can be up to 6 to 8 years older. I had a crush with my teacher.

And maybe the darkest of all...

10. Gay people consider me to be attractive.
You can find the story here.

I am not proud of those so-called secrets (which are not secrets anymore after I tell ya). However, I think everyone have their own dark secret. What is yours? :)

Confession of an Engineering student

I confess, I am in the wrong course.

To be very honest, imagining myself work as engineer is like imagining David Beckham or Christiano Ronaldo working as a mathematician. I am too cute for that profession. Not the right fit.

I score much better (and I do mean the word "much") in subjects like management, human resource, communication, and business subjects. I enjoy those classes much more than I attended my Nanotechnology lecture with a cup of coffee always, and struggling not to sleep during lecture.

However, I understand that in Singapore, people are pretty academic-oriented. When they hire someone, they hire someone who has backgound education in that particular field. For example, when they want to hire a marketing executive, they require someone who has degree in marketing or business studies or such. I can't imagine this conversation when you are trying to sell a product.

Buyer : Tell me a reason why I shoud buy your product.

Seller : Because I have a business degree from NTU, first-class honour somemore!

Buyer : Pretty valid reason. Give me two, sorry, three.

Education qualitifaction can only get you that far. So, I think I have no regret studying Engineering despite whatever job I might take in the future.

Wohoo.. NTU Exam Result is out!!

NTU students, exam result is out. I only checked my result at 2.30 in the morning. The reasons?
1. Nobody is entering the system, so I won't kena crashed.
2. Only a few of my friends are online, so I don't need to answer how my result is.

Reason number 1 is pretty clear. NTU system, without fail, always crashed whenever thousands of students entering the system in the same time (during subject registration, result checking, etc).

For reason number 2, if you know me well enough you will know. I don't usually compare myself with others. I don't have ego problem and I don't need to prove anything. I only compare myself with my previous achievement. Do I get better or worse? That's all.

I fared better in this semester compared to last semester. Other than 2 major PEs, I think I am satisfied with my result.

My best score? You guess what, it's Engineers & Society, followed by Human Resource Management. And by the way, my course is Mechanical Engineering. Before you tell me, I know, I am in the wrong course. Thank you.

Life is never fair. I attended at least 80% of my Aircraft Propulsion class, yet, still can't get good result. I only attended a total of FOUR lectures of Engineers & Society for the entire semester, and I get a cool A+. Some people call it "luck", but I prefer to call it "talent".. hehehe.

Maybe I should consider to pursue a career in politics. Hmm.. I think I am cut to be a politician, except for one thing. I am too honest for that profession :P

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

When you type the word "give" at google, you will get about 1 billion results, only 1/3 of the results if you type the word "get"... Sad, but not shocking at all. We all like to get something.

With the spirit of Christmas, I think we all must reflect the word "give"...

"Giving" is one of the most beautiful words in English Language. When we give something generously to others, we make them feel happy. We also feel happy, and we make our world become a better place. Giving is miraculous, magical, and contagious.

I have just come back from City Harvest Church, watching its musical titled "Christmas @ Chang's"... Although I am a Roman Catholic, I always have a great time everytime I visit City Harvest Church. With 26,000 members attending its service regularly, CHC is the second largest church in Asia.

The storyline is pretty simple (for a musical, simpler is always better), with professionally-done music and stage, I am sure most, if not all who attended the musical, were blessed by the musical.

Btw, I wish everyone a very blessed Christmas (if you don't realize, there is "Christ" in the word "Christmas". The essence of Christmas is Jesus Christ, not those expensive decorations at Orchard Road, mid-night shopping, lavish dining, or new clothes).

Jesus, thanks for humbling Yourself to come to this world because of our sins. Bless us so we can make sacrifices to make this world a better place.

Merry Christmas and God bless you all!


Ben

This is not a joke. I got a medal, in sports!!

Would you be the star of a weak team or the weakest player of a strong team? Of course, the best of all is to be the star of strongest team; Be Christiano Ronaldo at Manchester United or Kaka at AC Milan. However, if that choice is out, what would you choose?

I used to think being a star in a weak team is always more beneficial, at least it's good for the health condition of my ego.

In my first year of university, I joined badminton trial to enter my hall's badminton team. I stayed at hall 2, which has always been one of the strongest teams of badminton in my university. I failed. I couldn't even get a chance to enter the team, not even as substitute player.

In my second year, I joined badminton trial again, at hall 9. Hall 9 has never win any match in the university, never. I not only could enter the team, I became the star there. However, hall 9, as always, lost the match, a very tight match, probably one of the best fights we could ever give in our history.

In my third year, I joined hall selection again in my current hall, hall 3. Hall 3 is well-known to be the king of sports in NTU. I almost can enter the team if not because of nepotism. There is one person in the team which I am sure I can beat (I dare to bet $1000 I can beat him) . He is there, and I am not. Life is never fair, but that's life.

Still in my third year, I become the captain of Indonesian badminton team in my University. I am not the best player there, maybe only in the top five, but I put together experience in managing people and my leadership skill there, bring dynamism to the team. In International Games, we lost in the semi-final.

I have just come back from Inter-School games, I am inside my school's team. I would have to say very honestly, I am the weakest male player there. Since the announcement that I am inside the team, I had already prepared if I would never play a single match during the entire competition, and I am right. I just come down and become the substitute player, in case one person can't play due to some reason. However, we managed to get bronze.

I never think I am gifted in sports, but finally, I get a medal in badminton, for the first time in my life. If you asked me 5 years ago that I will get a medal in sports, I would probably laugh continuously for days.

I get a medal baby... in sports!!

Two years blogging... and counting...

When I am happy, you smile…
And say, be happy, always

When I am frustrated, you smile…
And say, don’t worry, be happy, always

When I am angry with someone, and wish he is struck by lightening, you smile…
And say, calm down, and, be happy, always

When I feel so hopeless, and think that I am the most miserable person on earth, you smile…
And say, look around and see, be happy, always

When I am falling in love, you smile…
And say, Love is great, be happy, always

When I am busy like hell, you smile…
And say, you are great, but try to, be happy, always

When I feel bored, you smile…
And say, enjoy your quiet time, and, be happy, always

My blog has done wonderful job for me. She never complains, she just listens, and she is always supportive. If my blog is a girl, I will marry her :D


Warmest hug, deepest smile, hottest kiss


Ben
Two years blogging… and counting

Would you shave your head botak for charity?

If you asked me last month, my answer would be "Are you crazy?"

However, I tell you, I am now officially botak (bald).

The story begins when my friends and I were discussing about charity stuffs. We said people are not creative. They raise money for charity by bringing cans around and asking people to give some coins. Nothing wrong with that, that's simple and effective. I myself like to donate coins to them (a few coins won't make me poor.)

Then one of my friend shouted "Ben, if you shave your head botak, I will donate $100 for charity."

Then I answered jokingly at first "come on, my hair worth more than $100."

My friend thought I was joking (In fact, I was). He said "OK, $200".

I told him "$400?".

He laughed at me and said "I know you are joking man. OK then!"

Then I told him "Hmm.. currently I am joking, but who knows, a few days later I change my mind. Please have your $400 ready."

I think he forgot that statement already until I called him today.

"Hey, in 5 minutes time, I will send my photo by E-mail. I am botak now. Please donate $400 to charity of your choice and show me the receipt."

He answered in disbelief "What?? You are joking right? I don't believe you really shave your hair botak."

I told him "I am dead serious. Please check your E-mail in 5 minutes. I know you are a man of your words. If I can give you suggestion, please donate the money to charity body that takes care of underprivileged children. Thank you very much. God bless you"

Ouch.. he is now 400 dollars poorer (don't worry, he is quite rich, so losing $400 won't make him jump from level 6.)

Am I a bit too extreme? I don't know. However, doing something for good cause really makes me feel happy...

Hmm.. whoever you are, if you want me to post my photo here, please donate $800 for charity and show me the receipt. I am a man of my words :)

Hady Mirza is the first Asian Idol.. Congratz!!!

When I heard that, I was shocked, really.

How can SIX talented music judges (from which, at least two are singing stars themselves) be so wrong. None of them predicted that Hady would be the first Asian, not even Ken Lim (not even Hady himself, I am quite sure.)

Hmm.. what's wrong?

Nothing is wrong. Hady deserves it.

Voice wise, to be very frank, Hady is the second worst I think. However, Can he sing? Please, this is ASIAN Idol, not inter-block singing competition.

Losers from some blogs I read before said he can't sing, he sings like his mechanic. Oh boy, if your mechanic can sing THAT good, please treat and pay him well, coz one day he will remember you when he becomes famous singer.

And some people said he wins because he is handsome. Is it wrong to be handsome? If yes, then I apologize (joking lah :P). But hey, Indian Idol is more handsome than Hady! (too bad, he is married.).

However, if you want to combine voice quality, physical attribute, stage presence, star quality, charisma, and commercial value, Hady is the man. Maybe, Malaysia's Jacklin Victor comes close.

Guide to 15 Best Foods in NTU

15. Porridge at canteen 1
Price range: $2 - $2.5 if you add egg.
It’s nice even when I was sick. If you feel that the porridge is a bit bland, you might want to add pepper or chilli (not the bottled chilli)

14. Waffle at Canteen 2 or 13
Caution: Eat while it’s hot!
Price range: $1.10 - $1.50. My favourite: chocolate and peanut flavour. The strawberry is too sweet I think. If you like ice-cream as the topping, you can get that with $1.90.

13. Any Japanese Food at Canteen A
You won’t believe that Japanese food can be this cheap. Priced at $3 to $4, this highly popular food at canteen A is always crowded during lunchtime. If you think waiting 12 to 15 minutes for a food is stupid, I won’t recommend you to visit the stall during lunchtime. Visit it at 2.30 to 5 pm instead.
My favourite: Chicken teriyaki at $3

12. Banana Prata at Canteen 2
I am not a great lover of Prata, but I feel the banana prate is very sweet and nice. Priced at $1.60, if you are a big eater, three of Pratas won’t make you full. Have it as a snack instead.

11. Chicken Ramen at Café by the Quad
Priced at $3.5, it’s one of the most value-for-money in Café by the Quad. They give chicken and mushroom quite generously. The sauce is not bad, and the cassava is quite nice I think.

10. Tiramisu cake at Café by the Quad
“Cake” is definitely not for dieters. However, if you don’t diet, try this cake, a wise way to spend three dollars to pamper yourself. Caution: do drink some water after that.

9. Lemon Chicken Rice at canteen 3/16
Arguably the best chicken rice at NTU, it is definitely nice for chilli lover like me. However, I like the food not only because of the chilli, the rice and the chicken is also nice. With $2, you can have a plate of chicken rice, and do add 50 cents to enjoy the tofu. I can’t emphasize enough, try the chilli. A LOT OF IT if you can eat spicy food.

8. Any Korean food at canteen 13.
I like Korean food not just because I look like Kim Jeong-Hoon. Btw, the price is $3.3 to $4.

7. Yong Tofu at NIE
It’s the best Yong Tofu I have ever eaten, really. With $2.3, you can have a decent Yong Taufu.

6. Chicken Sandwich at Café Al-Fresco
Arguably one of the most expensive places to eat in NTU, it serves chicken sandwich at promotional price, $3.5. If you can take a bit of caffeine, do try the Vietnamese coffee at $1.1. It tastes really sedap.

5. Grilled salmon steak at Café Al-Fresco
Priced at $5.5. Same as number 6, do try the Vietnamese coffee.

4. Seafood Baked Rice at Café by the Quad
Priced at $4.80, it’s not the cheapest option available, but I think it’s worth it. I like to add some chilli to make the taste stronger.

3. Chicken Chop at NIE canteen
A lot of people would say this is the best food in NTU, but in my list, it’s “only” the second runner-up. Priced at $3.80, you can have a rather complete set of western food.

2. Sambal Chicken at Canteen 4
Nicer than sambal chicken at Jurong Point, it’s priced at $3, compared to $5 at Jurong Point. Caution: If you can’t take spicy food, I guess you are smart enough not to eat this food.

And the winner is……

1. Beef ball at Canteen 2
It’s one of the best meatballs I have ever eaten in Singapore, really. The chilli is so nice. Priced at $2.5 and you can add 50 cents to add the fried egg which I must say, superb. The tofu is also nice. You can never go wrong buy anything from this stall!



HOW TO GET THERE?
1. Go to Boon Lay MRT station
2. Take 199 or 179
3. You can refer to this map. You can E-mail me also if you happen to visit NTU. I would be more than happy to show you the place :)

9 Things I did for the past 9 days

1. Slept really well, and attempted to get away from caffeine addiction.

2. Finished some books.
If you meet me and notice that I look wiser, I AM. I finished up 6 books in 6 days.

Rethinking Marketing by 4 remarkable authors including Hermawan Kartajaya. Very well-written book, excellent examples.

3. Gained some fat.
I thought I would treat myself with good food after exam, but I think I overdid that. Sigh..

4. Went to JB (Johor Bahru) after long time never go there.

We went to watch a movie. Enchanted!

I was definitely enchanted. If you want to have a relaxing movie in the evening, this movie is a must-watch. Simple and sweet story, superb actors, fantastic songs. The songs stuck in my ears for days. I will give this movie 9.5 out of 10. I am not usually very generous :)

Before the movie, we had our lunch at a japanese restaurant at Jusco shopping mall. If I remember correctly, the name is Ichiban Ramen.

The restaurant is so classy, with some woods as the interior. The lighting is so romantic, too bad I am single (ouch).

I ordered tom yam fried rice (don't ask me why Japanese restaurant serves Tom Yam, I also don't know). Cost 9 ringgit (excl. GST and service charge). It was superb!! However, if you order it, please don't add anything to the fried rice, it will destroy the nice taste of the food.

Food : 8.5 / 10 (you can order almost anything and can't go wrong)
Service : 8 / 10 (The waiters helped to take photos, patiently waited us order food, speak decent English)
Place : 10 / 10 (I am subjective, coz I LOVE woody place)
Price : 8 / 10 (not the cheapest option, but reasonable I think)
Overall : 8.5 / 10


5. Did the last module of my Entrepreneurship Minor.
Yup, did the real business plan and really execute the plan.



6. Did my FYP (Final Year Project, not Find Your Partner =P)



7. Joined my school's badminton trial.
I don't want so badly to be in the team, but would love to if they select me. I am so old already, must give chance to the young ones *coughing*

I make some good buddies in the badminton trial. Haha.. we were the first two people coming to the trial, and by the end of the trial, we chat like long-time friends, discussing movies and a lot of things!


8. Blog again!

9. Attended a Wine Appreciation workshop.

I am a self-confessed wine lover, and drink sometimes. I enjoyed the session very much, and will recommend anyone to attend. Caution : Drink moderately, especially if you drive. My favourite is definitely Pirramimma Reserve Shiraz. Reasonably priced, fresh taste, medium body, excellent aroma. If not because I was going to church after that workshop, I would have drunk much more.

Anyway, I made two good buddies there. I sometimes admire myself for being able to make new buddies very easily. Photo later... ;)

National Dragon Boat team members, my deepest condolence.

Dear Members of the NTU Community,

I was at the memorial service for the five members of the national dragon boat team who lost their lives in the accident on the Tonle Sap River in Cambodia representing their country. I was privileged to learn more about the five brave young men who were such great examples of our men, their lives cruelly snuffed out by an act of mother nature. Three of them are members of our extended family. As their eulogies were said, there was not a dry eye in the house. We all shed tears for the brave ones who did not make it.

Stephen Loh received his B.Eng. (Elect) in 2001 and M.Eng. (Elect) in 2004. He found his calling in teaching and went to NIE at NTU, receiving his PG Dip. Ed. in 2007. He was a well loved teacher at NJC before he perished in the accident. He was an inspirational teacher, someone we are very proud to have come from our NIE.

Poh Boon San was known as the "comeback kid". He took 8 years for primary school and 5 years for secondary, and yet in Nanyang Polytechnic he found his stride and earned his place in NTU, receiving his B.Eng. (Elect) just this year, with honours. He had just started work for a few months when tragedy struck.

Chee Wei Cheng was admitted to Aerospace Engineering in 2006 and would have enrolled next year after national service. A straight A student, he is also a filial son, taking good care of his mother and younger brother. With his loss his family lost a great source of strength.

Stephen and Boon San were members of our dragon boat team. Wei Cheng would most likely have joined the team if he had enrolled as planned. They were lively, energetic young men who think of others first, with the best qualities of a member of the NTU community. They had great mental strength and endurance. Our entire dragon boat team and our sports officials were all at the memorial service and funeral, paying their last respect to their friends, their comrades, their brothers.

As we mourn the passing of these outstanding young men, their will honed on the battlefield of tough races, do remember them and their best qualities, and support each other as a community. We shall ensure their qualities will last and endure in the NTU community. Together, let's help their families get through these trying times.

With deep sorrow,

Su Guaning
NTU President

My heart was aching when I read the E-mail. Rest in peace…

Expressing Love, the lame way...

M: "Are you an Interior Decorator?"
W: "No. Why?"
M: "When I saw you enter, the room became beautiful"

M: "Are you religious?"
W: "Yes "
M: "Good, because I'm the answer to your prayers."

M: "Baby, did you fart, Cause you blow me away..."

M: "How is your fever?"
W: "What Fever?"
M: "Oh.. you just look so hot to me..."

(This is a good one !)
M: "Can I get a picture of you to prove to my friends that angels do really exist."

M: "Wow! How did you do that???!!!"
W: "Do what?"
M: "Look so good..."

Top Students’ Tips to get an A+ in your LOVE101 Core Subject

1. Do your homework, do your research.
Homework is quite often optional (especially for University students). However, top students do it anyway. In a relationship, the best lover is very often the one who does his homework and research e.g. find out what kind of gifts their partners really want, by asking their friends, or maybe parents (the last can be a really accurate source.)

2. Not all Chapters are created equal
We have chapters marked with “five starts” and optional chapters. Top students know how to prioritize (remember 80/20 principle?). Your girlfriend may only kick you when you forget her weight, but will KILL you when you forget her birthday. Knowing what’s important and what’s less important. Of course, if you have time, do the remaining 80%, you will be a perfect lover. However, we are busy, aren’t we?

3. Lecturer’s words ARE law
The only words matter are HER say. Pay attention to it. They might appear in the exam!
Hint: It is also useful when we are quarrelling, but please don’t quote me for this =P

4. Gimme a break. Literally
Know when to work tirelessly and when to take a break in relationship is important. We are human afterall, no matter how loyal we are.

5. Unspoken knowledge is invalid.
When lecturers mark our exam papers, they will look at what IS written, not what is in our mind. Say it say it say it! When you think she is bloody gorgeous today, say it out loud. Of course when you feel she looks FAT (not fabulous and terrific, btw), don’t say it. In your exam paper, you also won’t write that your professor is a bastard right? Even if you wholeheartedly think so.


I learned those lessons the hard way. I failed my LOVE101 (Introduction of Love), got F for that subject. I will retake that subject again but don’t know when. Anyone wants to be my lecturer? I promise to study hard this time :D



If she becomes LOVE101 lecturer, I think the class will be full everytime =P

Just another frank and random stuffs

Caution: This is a very long post.

I don’t know how we started the conversation, but suddenly everyone started to talk about blogging stuffs. My friend’s blog is well-known to be romantic, and some others’, funny. Then come to my blog, no one could really describe in short what my blog’s overall impression is, until someone mentioned “controversial!” And I thought for a few seconds, maybe he was right.

I am not particularly proud or ashamed if people associate my blog with controversy. I do admit that I write a few controversial issues before, especially related to my past relationships. I admit I was cruel at that time, but I never regret those statements. I think everyone needs to be nice 70% of the time and be firm 30% of the time, but we need to be honest 100% of the time, not one percent less. That’s my principle.

ANYWAY...

Today, I studied at the school’s canteen until very late. I was sitting in the middle of two officially attached guys. And there I was, a self-confessed single-by-choice. I am not a super genius like Einstein, so with the current modules I take this semester, I am pretty occupied.

Oh, come back from those two attached boys and a single me, I was asking myself, am I ready for a relationship, again, after a few months. A tough question, maybe just a bit easier than my Aircraft Propulsion exam last Thursday (You now can imagine how tough my exam was).

I am definitely not traumatic with relationship, I look forward to it. However, I just don’t want to fall in love with someone I don’t love (Many people think that love will grow along the way. That is not entirely wrong, but I think you need some good seeds to grow a tree, better still, a small tree to start with.)

I am not afraid of getting additional burden for my relationship. I am always busy anyway. I think the most satisfied human beings are the busy ones, but still can enjoy their lives.

However, to be honest, I haven’t found the girl of my dream, until this very second. That’s why I am single until now. Contrary to the popular belief that the only criteria of an ideal partner is the “chemistry”, I don’t believe that! I know what I want. I think most people know what they want, they just don’t want to appear greedy or demanding or selfish or their combinations.

1. The girl has to be mature intellectually.

The problem is, the girls at my age (I am 21), mostly are still very immature. They think only about the present condition. That’s why I almost always fall in love with older women (do I ever tell you that I ever fall in love with my teacher?). Older women are sexier, because they think far ahead, they are wiser, and more open-minded.

2. The girl has to have a will to fight for what she wants.

I fight for whatever I want. I used to be 85 kg. I fight every kg of fat in my body! I didn’t eat rice for almost 2 months, not a single grain. I avoided oily food, ice cream, chocolate, and other unhealthy food. I even slapped my own face whenever I wanted those nice foods. I told myself “you fucking greedy 85 kg man!” I started to hypnotize myself to avoid those nice foods. I know deep inside my heart that those foods are nice, but I WANTED SO BADLY to lose 15 kg, and if I had to achieve that by eating shit everyday if shit is the healthiest food on earth, I WILL DO THAT. You have only one life, and if you don’t fight for what you want, you will end up shitty.

3. The girl has to be able to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and plan the future.

All has not-so-nice experiences throughout our life, be it falling in love with a bitch, losing money, or backstabbed. You have two choices, crying or moving on. I always learn from my past mistakes, and I am proud to say that I am a better person every single day. Enjoying a present is also very important. Don’t wait for the conditions to change, you can be happy no matter what. Don’t wait until you can enjoy $150 meal everytime, start to appreciate $2 meal at nearest chicken rice stall. Related to point number 1 and 2, most girls at my age can’t really tell what their life would be in 10, 20 years time. It’s really a turn-off for me to hear the phrase “I don’t know. See how lah.” I HATE THAT! People must have a sense of planning, if the circumferences don’t support our plan, change the plan or change the circumferences. However, do have a plan, a good one.

4. The girl must be attractive physically and mentally.

Come on guys, we are men, and we love beautiful girls, at least the ones who are presentable. I find it very irritating when people say “I don’t need to take care of my body, I am who I am.” I think that’s really sad. If a genie can transform you to be as attractive as Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt, will you refuse that offer, hypocrites?
I think if someone can’t even take care of their physical and mental being, they can’t take care of other people.

Now, maybe you are asking me, “Am I looking for a girlfriend or a business partner? If you love someone, will you accept a person just as she is?”

My answer is simple. I always think long term. A girlfriend is my future wife, and the future mother of my children, a role model for them. If you want to hire a maid for your child, of course you won’t hire someone who has bad attitude, because her attitude can influence your children. I am just giving an analogy, no intention to look down on girls, they are wonderful creatures. However, my point is, marriage is once in a lifetime, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t fight for that.

My View on NTU Mass Comm students' project - Why Destructive Comments KILL

I saw a very nice song by NTU Mass Communication students for their project. Creative, fun, fresh, funny. Good-looking models. The gal is not as pretty as Xiaxue (+make up + photoshop), but the guy is definitely better looking than Steven Lim. Anyway, that’s not the main point :P


However, something bothering me. The comments are so destructive.

Seriously, I think whoever wrote those comments need a lesson or two in courtesy. I think you are liabilities for your community, wherever you are. Comments like that are not only upsetting, they KILL creativity. Please put yourself in the students’ shoes, what will you feel if you have put days to make the video, and someone comments “lousy!”, “really bad.” GIMME A BREAK!! That song won’t win Grammy I know, but if you can’t give constructive comment, for goodness sake, SHUT UP!

If you think the video is lousy, please state WHY. Give constructive feedback, I am sure the students will welcome it. Or better still, make your own video and see whether you can make a better one. I won’t be surprised if your video is as shitty as your comment.

When Things Go Tough

When things go tough
And I start to feel exhausted

I close my eyes
I take a deep breathe

Why I work so hard??
WHY???

Yes!!!
It’s for my future!
It’s for my beloved family, my friends,
and all the people that I love!
And most importantly...
It’s for God’s glory!


I open my eyes again,
I continue my work,

Because I know...
I will succeed,
And everybody is waiting for my success.

poem by : Ben

Singapore 11.11.07 - Idiot Lovers

The sound of piano
Munched Oreo
The sound of people walking
Oh they are laughing

But I am alone here
Writing in a piece of paper

Do you remember?
When we were singing together?

I think we sucks
But we think we are stars

Can you recall?
When we loved to storytell

I told you stupid jokes
And you replied nonsense

We are idiot
But I don’t give a shit
Because we are the world
And we don’t need to be afraid

Note : If loving you is stupid
I hope my brain is permanently damaged



Written by : Ben, inspiration comes from someone out there

Full-time Parents, probably The Best and The most Difficult job in the world.

I have just wake up at 11 this morning. I usually can’t recall my dreams unless they are so special, be it really sweet or exceptionally scary.

Wanna know my dream last night? I become a father! In my dream, I take care of my newborn baby, and it’s NOT EASY at all. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see who is the mother of my baby (means, my wife)!

Anyway, I think parenting is the one of the noblest things to do in this world. Imagine, what kind of sacrifices a couple has to make for their baby? Money, of course. Time, definitely. Parents sacrifice a lot, A LOT.

If they don’t have children, maybe they would be able to pursue a second career, get to study higher degree, or save more money. They would be able to spend more time with their wives or husbands, or friends! They got to watch English Premier League or Desperate Housewives, or Oprah, after they come back from work!

Despite all the troubles, I think it’s worth it to have a baby. If you think working as lawyer or investment banker is hard, you definitely haven’t tried the most difficult job in the world, but also the most satisfying one.

FULL-TIME PARENT.

Mom & Dad, thank you so much for all your sacrifices. I will never let you down.

Love,
Ben
Probably, the luckiest son in the world to have you as my parents.

What's wrong with my native language??

Since I came to Singapore 3 ½ years ago, I started to use English much more often compared to my native language, Indonesian.

I converse in English at least 80% of the time. I started to think in English about 2 years ago. Now, I don’t need to “translate” sentences from my native language to English, something that beginners usually do. My bible is in English, I write all my appointment in English, and I write my blog in English as you know.

That’s why, I can say, the way I speak English is more natural than the way I speak in my native language. I can do impromptu speech in English, but if you ask me to give speech in Bahasa Indonesia “baku” (proper Indonesian), I can’t do that anymore, at least not for formal setting. I started to find difficulties finding Indonesian words. For example, last time I wanted to tell my Indonesian friend about the word “unemployment.” I forgot what “unemployment” in Indonesian... Until a few minutes later, I could recall that word. “Pengangguran”! Oh my Gosh.

Then if I wake up late or I am late for appointment, I will say “Oh my goodness” or “sh*t” or “d*mn”. Indonesians usually swear by using the expression “Mati!” (“Die” in English), or “sialan.” (I can’t find the vivid translation for this.) I will say the English expression even if I just wake up, which proves the point that I actually think in English and I can say that English is my first language, although it’s not my mother tongue.

Then today my roommate said “thank you” to me, I replied him by “Nggak masalah.” (no problem in English). Then I started to feel strange. Oh my goodness, what’s wrong with my Indonesian?

Correct me if I am wrong. I think Indonesians never reply a thank you by “No problem” right? They usually reply “sama-sama” (same-same in English, joking lah, it’s something like “you too”). My Indonesian friends, am I correct?

I think language is just another skill, the more you practise it, the better you are. When you don’t use it often, your skill will start to deteriorate. That is exactly what happens with my native language. I won public speaking and writing competitions in both Indonesian and English in the past, so my Indonesian couldn’t be that bad right? Maybe I should start to read Indonesian poem and high quality fiction again, something that I used to be very good at.

Life is just about falling down, and getting up again.

I have just received a rejection letter from Credit Suisse, after that written test. I don't think I was able to do the written test well, so I had been expecting that. No regret, I have done my best.

In soccer, after a team loses a match, the team's morale will drop, and people start to bet that the team will lose again in the next match. Remember AC Milan this season? They keep producing mediocre result.

However, I am not mediocre, at all. I am tough. I am able to see every success and failure as something that I can learn from. Of course I was disappointed for a while after getting that rejection. I could actually choose to cry or choose to move on. I chose the later.

To be very frank, DBS is my dream company, not Credit Suisse. I will be having a group discussion at DBS tomorrow and I have a lot to prove. I believe the true success is when you get up after falling down very badly. I don't just get up, I jump, and run. I know I can do it. I don't need luck, I have a great attitude and extraordinary God, and that's more than enough.

Kendra Todd's birthday is 6 April!!!

If you watch The Apprentice, you must know who Kendra Todd is. She is the first female candidate, and the youngest, to be The Apprentice winner.

Do you know when her birthday is? It’s 6 April. I know what you think, you are thinking “SO WHAT??” right??

Hello!! 6 April is MY birthday; I was born exactly 8 years after Kendra was born. No wonder I had the feeling that her personality is similar with my personality. She might be a little bit more successful than me now, but I am catching up okay?!

BSR = Bloggers' Social Responsibility

Ever heard of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)? A lot of companies are doing it, be it underprivileged children’s education support, or action against discrimination. I am not sure whether they are doing it just for the sake of publicity, or truly from their heart, and to be very fair, I am not in the position to judge that.

If a company is doing it, why not us? Our blog may not be as popular as Xiaxue’s, but there must be someone who read our blog, no matter how few they are. We play a role in shaping their mindset, their thinking, and their action. If we write something negative, we influence our readers doing something negative also. It’s a free-speech world I know, but why not use our right for free-speech by doing something positive like kennysia.com? He makes use of his popularity for inspiring people to take part in charity event. May God bless him.

Why complain a lot?? Answer: because everybody complains a lot also!!! It’s not nice to blog about your success, because everybody is basically a jealous creature. They don’t like people to succeed, that makes us feel like a failure. We don’t like people to look smart, that makes us feel like an idiot. There are 1000 good things about NUS, NTU, SMU, National Library, MRT (ours is one of the best in the world), Public Bus, etc, but Why must we spot and blog about one thing that’s not so nice?? Why must we blog about all the bad things about our government, while it’s so clear that our government is one of the smartest and most honest in the world? Why? Why?

I know some of you will think that I am a hypocrite. I AM!! But at least, I know how to be a good hypocrite. I know that I may feel shitty inside, I may not like a person, but I don’t think I need to show it to people that I don’t like them. I SMILE all the time, which makes everyone feels good. Why not blog everything that’s good and encouraging, and leave the shitty part as your private post or keep it as a draft?

I thought my life was complete, until...

“So sweet!!!”

That’s my first reaction when I read this post by Aaron Peng.

I thought my life was complete, until you came and made me realise how wrong I
was

I was like… that is really me. I always think my life is just so perfect. I study in good school, have wonderful family, surrounded by good friends. My health is perfect, my face is more handsome than ever , I don’t wear glasses, and I don’t need those slimming pills to stay slim healthy.

Perfect isn’t that??

However, can you remember those days when mobile phone hasn’t been very popular yet (sh*t, I sound so old), you didn’t need to carry any mobile at all, and your life was just fine without that. Now? I can’t live peacefully without bringing my mobile. Something is just not so normal.

Or maybe long time ago, you felt that fish and chip near your house was simply the best fish & chip in the world, before you ate Botak Jones? (I am not paid to write about it, I wish I am.)

Maybe my life is perfect now (I honestly feel it is.). However, who knows after I get that special someone, I will say exactly like Aaron Peng : I thought my life was complete, until you came and made me realise how wrong I was

Maybe…

Girls make the first move?? (part 2)

In my last post, which was number 2 of top-10 most popular posts at ping.sg, I mentioned about 5 types of guy... and whether a girl stands a chance if she expresses her love first. My friends asked me, what type of guy I am. Then I realized that none of them describes me perfectly, so I am going to add 5 more types of guy here.

6. Bad guy
This type of guy, not necessarily has tattoos or hair dyed in orange, has a rebellious nature. Some people think bad guy is begging for love and attention by acting rude and abnormal. However, if a bad guy loves someone, he will sacrifice something that normal guy won’t do, including, maybe, his life.
Tips for Girls: Don’t make the first move. He likes challenges, and he will not appreciate something which he can get so easily. Let him have the show, let him show his unbelievable love for you.

7. Mr. Nice guy
Quite opposite of bad guy, he is the one that opens the car's door for his girl, buys fresh roses often, and smiles all the time like he wins lottery. This guy is every parent’s dream. However, if he thinks that someone has been disloyal, he can be the cruelest person on earth.
Tips for Girls: Be careful. Just because he sends you home often or he asks whether you are alright after that disastrous exam, it DOESN’T necessarily mean he likes you. He is nice BY NATURE, and he is nice to almost everyone. I would say, it’s pretty safe for you to express your love first to this type of guy, BUT, you have to know, this type of guy sometimes doesn’t reject you directly, he will start to make some distance with you instead. By that time, you must realize, you are done, move on.

8. Perfectionist-Idealist Guy
This guy reads Time, Bill Clinton: My Life, and other famous successful people, and hopefully, he can be like them. Like his name, this type of guy always think about what SHOULD happen, rather than what really happens.
Tips for Girls: One word. DON’T. This guy thinks he SHOULD be the one who proposes you, because a guy SHOULD be the one who takes initiative.

9. Desperate Guy
Desperate guys not necessarily the ones who are short, ugly, and fat. Although most of the time, they are! They are just desperate, that’s all. Maybe they proposed Angelina Jolie or Jade Seah before, got rejected, and since then, thought they are no good.
Tips for Girls: If you finally settle with this guy, he will love you so much. However, this kind of guy needs something to build up his confidence, so, it’s better for you not to express your love first. Let him do it, and if you really love him, why not playing a part by giving clearer clue? If you express your love first, he will think that maybe you just want to make use of him because for him, that’s too good to be true!

10. Happy single guy
This guy thinks that his life is complete without having to have relationship with a girl. YES, IT IS! He is either, too occupied with work, family, study, or anything, and he doesn’t have time for a relationship.
Tips for Girls: Enter with your own risk. However, my suggestion, DON’T. If he doesn’t have time to get to know you, he doesn’t have time to love you. Let him marry his job, and you marry someone else.

So, what’s my type? I think someone who knows me long enough will definitely know it. I would say I am 50% leader-guy, 25% Mr.Nice guy, and 25% Happy single guy. Relationship is not my life priority, although, I can’t say it’s not important.

Anyway, good luck GIRLS.

Hilarious advice... I bet noone calls her for appointment :P

Girls make the first move??

Just read an interesting post by kennysia.com.

Girls make the first move. My view?

That depends on the type of guys.

1. Leader-guy
This type of guy is the one you usually see everywhere, from sport camps to charity works. A guy with phone always ringing all the time except during exams and presentations.
Tips for girls: Don’t make the first move. He likes to initiate something, so give him what he likes to do most in this world, leading, taking initiative.

2. Celebrity-guy
This guy always get tens of pairs of eyes looking at him wherever he is, usually has physical form that’s above average, including handsome face, well-defined body, and nice hair.
Tips for girls: if you have the guts, express your love. There’s nothing more flattering for that kind of guys than a girl expressing her love. You might not get him, because girls have been queuing from NTU to Orchard Road. However, believe me, even if he doesn’t accept your love, he won’t hurt you, because celebrity-guy is very careful with his reputation.

3. Romantic-guy
This guy read, sleep, and eat Shakespeare. His MSN nick is always something like “If loving you is a crime, then I am guilty”.
Tips for girls: I would say 50-50. Go to your nearest National Library, and borrow Shakespeare. Or write in your MSN nick “If loving me is a crime, I don’t mind forgiving you.” Then... WAIT!! If he finds your nick very interesting, he will ask you in MSN “Hey, what book did you read? That’s such an interesting quote!” Ehemm.. Have a nice chat.

4. No-Initiative-guy
This guy is a bit sissy. It can be his appearance, or his way of talking, or his act. Before he goes for a haircut, he will research the whole internet first, or ask the whole MSN list to get a haircut recommendation.
Tips for girls: If you don’t mind this type of guy, express your love, you will have a good chance. But seriously ask yourself, before he proposes you as his wife, the whole Singapore and Malaysia will have already known, because he will ask what kind of ring is the best. OR.. Maybe you will be the one who says “Please marry me. Please become my husband.”

5. Nerd
This guy loves his laptop more than anything else in the world. Need I say more?
Tips for girls: this type of guy doesn’t have time for girls, so girls, don’t be afraid to make the first move. Be prepared to read some Computer Magazine, although so far, you would rather read a newspaper written in Hebrew than a computer magazine. This guy ADORES smart girl. BUT. Don’t over-smart him, he hates it. Tell him your opinion about something, and ask him whether your opinion is correct. He loves it!!!

So... depends on the type of guy, you should strategize it accordingly. That also depends on how risk-averse you are. If you are someone who doesn’t mind taking a bit of risk or rejection, I must say, GO GIRLS!

However, if you are someone who will cry three days because of a guy, you better wait for your Prince to propose for you. Polish your personality, nothing is sexier than a girl who says “thank you” to the auntie who cleans your table in the canteen. Good luck.

A Miracle today

I got a technical test today, one stage of recruitment process to enter one of the companies I applied.

I don't know why, the night before, I couldn't sleep. I think I slept at about 2 a.m. after 1 hour trying to sleep. Too excited maybe? :)

The night before, I set up my alarm at 7. The technical test is at 9 at SMU, so that's just perfect.

I woke up at 8, because one friend called me! By the way, my phone was in silent mode. I am a pig, and I usually don't wake up just because the soft vibration of my phone, which was so far away. I put the phone in the silent mode because usually the table clock is loud enough to make everyone in my block jumping from their bed. However, today, I switched it off without realizing it. Maybe I was just too tired. I believe it's God's plan.. Maybe He wants me to rest longer so my mind is fresher when doing the test.

I took bus to go there, and I arrived there at 9.20. The test began at 9.30, but the registration started at 9 pm. If I woke up 15 minutes later, I am late for the test (of course, you can say, I could just take taxi, but still that experience is so amazing. Like God has already planned everything for me.)

I learned something today. We, humans, are so powerless. We can prepare everything nicely. We can say to ourselves "perfecto!!" However, WHAT IF..

Your table clock runs out battery,
You eat poisonous breakfast that makes your stomach so painful,
Your bus suddenly got some engine problems, and the phone of taxi companies ALL got problems, so you can't contact them.

OK, I am a bit too imaginative, but still, anything can happen. That's why, surrendering ourselves to the higher power (for me, God), is very important.

When the bus driver is so slow, instead of saying "idiot!!", try to think something positive like, "He just want to make our journey safe.."

I think that's the essence of happiness.

Kimi Raikkonen is 2007 F1 Champion

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen becomes the 2007 drivers' champion after winning the
Brazilian Grand Prix from team mate Felipe Massa. Fernando Alonso takes third
for McLaren, with Lewis Hamilton only seventh after mechanical problems early in
the race.

My post is number 1 @ ping.sg!! I am BLOODY CURIOUS!

83 times for a big non-sense post? That’s a pretty impressive number.

Btw, In case you can't read small letters, I help you to read it. My last post titled "Can you live in Singapore with $1.10?" is number 1 in the most popular posts list.

The reasons are the same as what I said last time..
1. It’s got nothing to do with sex, money, BGR, or people’s stupidity
2. I posted it at 4 in the morning. Assuming you all are not owls, you would have been sleeping by that time.

Actually what makes you decide to read something in other people’s blogs? I am just curious.

For me, these are post titles I definitely won’t bother to click.
1. Politics, unless something very interesting like “Bush is Gay.” That’s why, everytime I read the word “Myanmar”, I will move on to the next article. Not because I am indifferent or what, I just don’t think I can help them by reading another news about it.
2. How to make money using internet or something like that.
3. What did I buy yesterday... or what did I eat yesterday. Please, unless you are Paris Hilton, people won’t care what you eat or buy.
4. Anything about blogging accomplishment like “My post is number 1 at ping.sg!!” which means, if this post is written by other people, I won’t bother to read. Selfish right?

Every time I read news, or E-mails, advertisement or any written materials, I only allow 5 seconds to decide whether that writing is worth my time (which is, by the way, quite expensive.). So if in that first 5 seconds, I find no reason to continue reading, that’s it.

That’s why, the art of advertising is very important. People don’t have time to read long stuffs. They are busy, and don’t expect them to read nonsense. Give a hook so people will allow another 5 seconds to continue reading. And then another 1 minute, and another 5 minutes. In fact, I don’t think you need 5 minutes to decide whether something is non-sense or not.

I think this post is also non-sense. You will find it pretty soon, so if you are still reading until now, I am wondering whether you are exceptionally free, or you are extremely interested with linguistics :)

Can you live in Singapore with $1.10 a day?

Let me give you the answer: Yes, you can.
I had $1.30 in my wallet this morning, and now I still have 20 cents with me.

I woke up at 12 noon. Usually I have some breakfast in the canteen, but a breakfast set costs $1.50. Poor me.

I had Milo for my breakfast, and then rushing to National Library to borrow books. When I just about stepped my foot to 199 bus (to go back to NTU), I realized.. “Sh*t, I forget to withdraw money again!”... So here I am with $1.30.

$1.30 is enough to buy waffle (Red bean only, because the chocolate waffle, my favourite, costs $1.50.). And here I am with red-bean waffle for lunch, 20 cents in my wallet, and rushing for my class.

And then I remembered that today there’s a recruitment talk by a bank in my school. So, I don’t need to withdraw money at all. Hurray! I eat a very nice dinner for free!

Conclusion : You can live in Singapore with $1.10 a day!

Further research : Can you live in Singapore with 20 cents a day?


I think I read too much journals for my Final Year Project already.

A Service Extraordinaire @ NLB Tampines

Congratulation if u decided to read this post, it's a very rare post I guarantee. Why? Because people complain when they experience bad customer service, and keep quiet when the service is good (they thought they DESERVE good service.)

However, today’s experience truly opened my eyes wide, what a good service is.
That service extraordinaire doesn’t happen at expensive restaurant or first-class airport. It happened at National Library (Tampines branch)

I was looking for a book title. It’s written in the computer system to be available for loan, but I couldn’t find that title in the book shelf. I asked the librarian about it.

Of course I need the book (otherwise, why should I go to Tampines library while I live in Boon Lay.), but I can understand, there are tens of thousands books there, and It’s just very possible for a book to be missing or someone was reading it without borrowing it officially.

The librarian auntie has an angelic smile, and she told me, she will help me to find the book... She tried to go to the bookshelf but she also couldn’t find it.

At that point of time, a good explanation about the book would suffice.

BUT!!! You guess what!

She called her staffs to help to find the book everywhere... from the bookshelves around (in case people are lazy to put it back to the right location after reading), to the library tables, to the book inventory room. In short, she asked to find the book EVERYWHERE in the library. She asked me to come back in 10 minutes time.

I was like... WOW. This librarian is nowhere near mediocrity. She deserves Nobel Prize for outstanding service (have?)

At the end, she couldn’t find that book, and that’s perfectly alright. I thanked her and told her “This is the best customer service I have ever experienced, NLB is very lucky to have an employee like you.”

And I really, really mean it.

The art of getting people to read your blog?

My last post (NTU Final Year = Hell?) is in the top 10 most popular posts of ping.sg
My reaction? I didn't believe it. I don't expect this post to be read so often, seriously.

Why?
It's got nothing to do with sex, money, porn, BGR, people's stupidity, or any of the eye-catching topics. (They thought laughing at people's stupidity makes them feel smart.)

Why must be this post? I got so many better posts...

That explains, the most effective advertisement, or marketing strategy is not necessarily the perfect one. I don't know much about human's psychology, but I guess, understanding what motivates people to take action (in this case, clicking on my post and read it) is one of the most difficult things to learn, and one of the most useful also. I have 101 reasons not to do something, but I only need one STRONG reason to do something, and I will do it.

Being branding expert sounds fun :)

NTU Final Year = Hell?

Endless projects, quizzes, job search. Experiencing final year in NTU gives all the possible reasons to lose sleep, and lose weight (providing less sleep means less weight, although the opposite is true.)

With some presentations coming up, Final Year Projects materials are waiting to be analyzed, and some more company presentations to be attended (presentations = free foods), I truly feel, GOSH, I am going to faint.

But hey! Aren’t Universities supposed to prepare students for the real world? Real working life? With tight deadlines to meet, appointments to attend, and meetings to prepare? So, why complain? Send personal thank-you note to your Dean for giving you a no-life life.

I guess, I just need to be persistent. Ben, Hang in there! Quoting JFK when he planned to send mission to moon... “We do it not because it is easy but because it is difficult.”

Welcome to the real world.

Do you want some slimming products? *feeling insulted*

One saleswoman at Guardian shop gets my vote to be the most straightforward salesperson I have ever encountered. For most of the time, I like straightforward people. They value my time, and theirs as well. But. Of course, situation will play a crucial role...

Today I just browsed through Guardian shop, looking for some vitamins or such, coz I only left with around 5 tablets in my vitamin bottle. Thinking of comparing prices, looking for maybe new product which is better than my current multivitamin.

Then in the middle of browsing through, a 30-year-old lady approached me.. "Ni zhao shenme?" (or in English, what are you looking for?)..

Then I replied "Bu yong ah.. Wo kan kan yi xiar" or something like that, excuse my Hanyu Pinyin. Usually, that sentence will chase salespeople away.. at least for a moment. I never think my Mandarin is perfect, 1000 miles from that. But at least I think I pronounce that clearly, coz I have been using that sentence for more than 20 times.

However.. that saleslady is super thick skin. She kept talking, in Mandarin. Of course I didn't understand much, and I didn't care to understand either. I appreciate your willingness to help me, but at that point of time, please shut up. Let me shop and browse through peacefully, coz I know how to read a Nutrition Facts or such. Then she posted a question, and I didn't understand, so I told her "Ni hui shuo Yingwen (English) ma?" Then she started speaking an absolutely-broken English. Then I told her, I am planning to buy a multivitamins but now I am still comparing prices and such.

Then she was turning impatient.. and asked me "OR you want some medicine to remove the pimples?" OKAY!!! I got some pimples, but this is temporary, only when I got stressed-up with study and those nasty pimples will go away in 1 week time. Don't ask so obvious question can or not??

After I said no, she asked again.. "HOW ABOUT SLIMMING PRODUCTS??"

I felt insulted. FINE! I am fat, if you want to really use Brad Pitt's standard to decide someone is fat or not. I am 70.5 kg and 171 cm, and that's of course slightly overweight. I know how to calculate BMI and even know my own body-fat ratio. So.. I know my own body. If I want to buy slimming products in the future, I will buy it, BUT not now. So, don't need to ask me whether I want to buy slimming products or not. You better take care of your own cellulite problem before caring about my slightly overweight body.

Okay. I am a bit too sensitive today, after having very little rest the day before, preparing for quiz... But definitely! The lady deserves some sales lesson. No need to go to Harvard or Wharton. Any school will teach that.. never never insult your customer. If I, who is a man felt insulted, how about a woman? You try to ask her lah.. "Hey Miss big tummy, you want to buy a slimming product or not?" And please tell me, how it feels to get a good warm tight slap.

I'll Stand by You.

When you're standing at the crossroads,
don't know which path to choose,
Let me come along, cause even if your wrong
I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you,
I won't let nobody hurt you,
I'll stand by you.
Take me in into your darkest hour, and I'll never desert you.
I'll stand by you.

I have been pondering about those lyrics for a long time.. And the longer I ponder, the more I feel the beauty of that song.

If there's a subject about love in school, I will definitely get F for the subject. Pondering upon my past relationships, most of them ended in a very sad way. I mean, we were saying goodbye nicely.. but.. BUT. Actually the relationship can be saved, at least for some more months.. or weeks.

Whenever my ex asked me an opinion for something, the first thing I do was analyzing the case. I will asked tens of questions, just like judge in the court. After that, I will say my stand.. And for most of the time, I judged her very badly. I am an engineer, and that is what we do all the time. Judging, analyzing, making conclusion. That can be applied for a lot of life stuffs, for not for girl, I guess.

Maybe the next time I need to give an opinion about something, I will just say.. "I know you are in a difficult situation, and If I were you, I would be equally confused. But don't worry, whatever your decision is, I'll stand by you."

Yes, that's what a girl needs. She doesn't care what your opinion is, and she will be equally confused after she listens your opinion. What she needs is someone who will lend her a shoulder, and will say "Darling, I'll stand by you no matter what."...

Sadly, I learn that very slowly...

My post is top-2 at ping.sg!!!! :)

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Aiyohh... don’t laugh at my computer skill lah... I don’t know what program to use to display the page, so I just copy-and-paste lor..
So excited, after so long blogging, it’s my first time to be in the top-10 of ping.sg...

I guess it’s not so difficult to be in the top-10, your post must be:
1. Simple
2. Interesting (sex, money, love, jokes, people's stupidity, and relationship are the most eye-catching topics I think)
3. Funny (especially the title.)

I think you can learn a lot about marketing and advertising by blogging :)

Btw, this post has already been at top-20! Having 2 posts in the top-20... oh, i am in heaven level 179! lol..

Wanted: A wife!! =P

A man who is very desperate to get married finally decided to post ads in the local newspaper...
“Wanted: a wife. Any race, any age, any religion!”
And the following day, hundreds of MEN responded to his ads... writing:

















“Look no more... You can have MINE!”
Sad... sad... sad... lol

The most important thing.. of all.

The Apprentice is my favourite TV show. It teaches us a lot of business lessons and also life lessons.

I do agree business world is pretty scary, not for the faint-hearted, for sure. People said, in politics, there is no eternal friend or eternal enemy. I do think in business that statement also holds.

In The Apprentice, there are some very close friends who attacked each other in the board room, who blatantly lied just to get a step closer to win. That’s pretty sad I think. Although it’s written in the beginning of every episode that it’s nothing personal, it’s just about business. BUT, still. How you act in one event is how you act in every area in your life. This is of course a subjective statement, but I personally think so.

I truly love Rebecca, the runner-up of The Apprentice 4, for being so honest and has a sky-high level of integrity. She is smart (well, not as smart as Randal, the winner), persuasive (again, not the most persuasive among all) but nothing beats her principle towards the right thing. And If I were Donald Trump, I would definitely hire her TOO.

Sorry for being so naive, but I would just do what Rebecca did if I were in her position. Integrity and loyalty are on the top of my life’s values, and if I have to exchange those with success or fame, I definitely refuse to do that. Don’t get me wrong, I work extremely hard to get the success I deserve. Anyway...Who doesn’t want success, or fame, or money? Even if you are a priest or monk, if you are given a choice, to ride a bicycle or drive a car, I am pretty sure you will choose the later. This is a materialistic world, indeed. However, I believe one thing. Money or position or fame can make people admire you; your character will make people RESPECT you; and your kind heart will make people LOVE you. What’s more important in this world than being loved and respected? A lot of people work extremely hard to get love and respect aren’t they?

I... and my principles.

Why Women make better conversationalists..

Woman 1: "Did you get a new haircut?"
Woman 2: "Yes, I did. Thanks for noticing."
Woman 1: "Oh! That's so cute!"
Woman 2: "Do you think so? I wasn't sure after my hairdresser gave me the mirror. I mean, you don't think it's too fluffy looking?"
Woman 1: "Oh no! No, it's perfect. I'd love to get my hair cut like that, but I think my face is too wide. I'm pretty much stuck with this stuff I think."
Woman 2: "Are you serious? I think your face is adorable. And you could easily get one of those layer cuts - that would look so cute I think. I was actually going to do that except that I was afraid it would accent my long neck."
Woman 1: "Oh, that's funny! I would love to have your neck!"
Woman 2: "Are you kidding? I know girls that would love to have your shoulders. Everything drapes so well on you. I mean, look at my arms, see how short they are? If I had your shoulders I could get clothes to fit me so much easier."

MEANWHILE....

Man 1: "Haircut?"
Man 2: "Yeah. Why?"
Man 1: "Nothing, just ask."
Man 2: "Okay"

Worst Public Speaking Experience... I was so humiliated!!

During your presentation, if people started to look at the watch, wondering why it's so slow, then you are finished.

I had my worst presentation experience just now. Not entirely my fault, but that's enough to make me eat twice as normal (stress makes you fat.)

I did my slides the night before, until 2 in the morning, then woke up at 8 to rush for class, then everytime i had no class I finished up the slides. 40 over slides. A lot of nice pictures there.

But the problem is.. i don't know how much time i had.. i didn't bother to find out. I thought, OK, I prepare 40 slides, if I have more time I will go through every slides. If I only have a few minutes, I will just scan through it.

I was the second presenter. My friend has 10 slides and he spoke for about 10 minutes. Of course I won't speak for 40 minutes unless I was a full-time lecturer. So I spoke for about 12 minutes, covered 40 over slides.

Halfway through my presentation, my supervisor looked at the door. My friends looked so blank, and I myself can't believe that I was stuck in that super boring presentation delivered by me. If I can dig the floor, maybe I will just dig it and hide there forever.

Then he gave comment... He was lost, the presentation has got no structure, too many slides, too many words, too little verbal explanation. I was like... shit, I ve done the slides for HOURS, I didn't even have proper lunch (only sipped milk and munched bread while doing my slides.).

But I learned very valuable lessons about public speaking:
1. Know your audience. What they have already known and what they want to know.
2. Know how much time you will be having. 10 minutes or 20 or 40.
3. Don't cover too many things. The audiences won't understand. Or they won't bother to know either.

Some most important lessons in life are learned in very painful ways. For me, If I can learn those lessons, I don't mind taking the pain.

A Perfect Marriage

What would be your perfect wedding? That's the question that a lot of us have been asking ourselves. Of course, in every survey, some places like luxurious ship and 5-star-hotel will be most likely to come out as favourite answer. Those places are definitely great, and for me, I won't settle for a wedding place less than Paris or Venice (Italy).

However, today, when I saw a wedding in my church, my heart beat really, really fast. My church is a small and humble church in the west side of Singapore. You won't see world-class choir there. But still, I can feel a sense of serenity in the place. For wedding, one of the most important events someone would ever experience, what's the most suitable place other than a church? I mean, marriage is once for a lifetime (at least according to Catholic Church), so, in my opinion, church deserves to be the number-one wedding place. Of course, you can always travel to Paris or Venice for your honey-moon place.

And I will definitely long to see myself to be pledging my marriage vows:

"To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part."

And a beautiful woman who is absolutely in love with me, who will soon be my wife smiling at me, and we will kiss each other.

So sweet isn't that? Dare you tell me your heart doesn't beat faster! :)

Singapore Aviation Industry.. SASCO and SAESL visit..

Since young, I always ADORE aeroplanes. They are so sexy and magnificent. That's why I choose Aeronautical to be my specialisation (I major in Mechanical Engineering.). I never regret that decision.

Yesterday, our class went for a company visit to SASCO and SAESL. Noone wanted to be the coordinator for our class. I have led hundreds of people before, so I guess it's not so difficult to lead a class of 40 to the tour. And here I am, appointed as the class coordinator for the visit to the biggest MRO company in the world (SASCO) and SAESL.

At SASCO, we had a chance to go to see the inside part of the 747 really close. I don't think anyone who is not an engineer got the chance to stand that close to the wonderful plane. We were also introduced to an employment scheme where we can pursue an education as licenced engineer. That guy is the one who sign, to decide whether a plane is allowed to fly or not. You can't imagine how important that guy is? Hundreds of lives depend on his signature. And we know that human's life is priceless. So you just multiply hundreds with priceless to get how much economic value a licensed engineer has.

After become LE, we will be highly sought after. A salary of five-digit Singapore Dollars is definitely not impossible. However, there's no free lunch in this world. The training is 8-year extremely hard training. Once you are in the training, there's no turning back, you must do it for life. Passion is compulsory.

For me, 8 years talking to machine is definitely a torture. I am always praised to be people person, I like to talk to people, and to be very frank, I am good at it. And because of that, an option to work as licensed engineer is definitely out of options.

At SAESL, we can see who among students in our class who is really passionate about machines. Some see machine just like they see diamonds or Angelina Jolie, but some, including me, just see it as another metal-based equipments. Maybe I am in the wrong major, but again, for me, I don't regret it. Engineering is a very good major, and you can learn a lot from engineering, something that other majors won't never learn.

I mean, I still adore aeroplanes just like when I was 5 years old, but not to the extend that I want to be a licensed engineer. I believe there's no way we can excel in something we don't like, and even if we can, we won't enjoy the process so much. And a visit to two Aerospace companies, again, confirm that for me.

Scariest Hair-Cut in my life!!

My friends laughed at me when I told them I want to go to those hair-cut schools for my next hair-cut. I told myself, how awful can it be!

A Caucasian girl who speak British accent served me. I was amazed. Wow, this school must be damn famous lor.. even the Angmoh comes here to study hair-cut technique. She has a gorgeous smile actually, but don't know why, she smiled only twice for the entire hair-cut "lesson". And she spoke to me for a total of 19 words (I really counted it.)

She started to shampoo my hair.. Not bad, quite professional I think. Wow, even in Malaysia you can't get a hair-cut service plus washing for $6..

Then my nightmare began. A guy came to ask her..
The guy : "Do you know how to use clipper?"
The girl : "No.."

I was indeed shocked. At first I thought he was joking, just want to tease her. But he was damn serious lor!! I can't believe it. The school asked someone who can't even use a clipper to cut my hair! My heart was crying, can't imagine what my hair will be.

The guy : "OK I teach you." (then the guy demonstrate how to use that clipper using my hair)
"Now, it's your turn."

I was speechless. OK lah, I know, that's a hair-cut school. But I thought, only the students who are already quite good but need some experience in cutting hair are allowed to cut hair, but here, someone who use clipper for the first time in her life cut my hair!!

Then, it's indeed a hair-cut lesson. The guy is the teacher, the girl is the student, and I am the object of the experiment. What an honorable position..

But seeing the girl became so nervous, I felt a bit guilty by showing a shocked face, then I told her not to worry too much, just do whatever she thought is right. Yes, she shouldn't worry. I AM the only who SHOULD worry. It's my hair not hers. If my hair become so messy, it's only a hair-cut lesson for her, but I have to bear with this hair for at least 1 month.

Luckily, at the end of the hair-cut lesson, the senior guy came and tidy up my hair with his scissor. Thank God, he saved my hair. I even think that the result is quite nice, just like what I want. Haha, now I think I know how a hair-cut school operates. But I was indeed scared lor... scared that my hair later become like coconut then I must wear hat all the time.

In the future, I don't mind cutting my hair there again.. Really worth it lah! 6 dollars for cut and wash, where else in Singapore you can get that price ya tell me! Then in the future if the student who cut my hair becomes famous like David Gan, then I must tell her.. "Hey, you remember me or not?? Last time you practised cutting hair using my head!!" lol..

You want rose or chocolate during Valentine Day?

"Gals, if your boyfriend only have $50 in his pocket, what thing you want him to give you?"
I have been asking that question for fun to some of my friends.. And ya wanna know the result?

More than 2/3 answer straight away.. "Chocolate of course!!! You can't eat rose what!"

I am not surprised.. I think gals nowadays have become more and more practical.. Flower can only be fresh for a few days before they change colour, but chocolate can be eaten anytime they want even 2 months after they receive it. They can even share it with their friends.. Not so difficult question isn't it?

But maybe my sample of experiment are not neutral people. Most of them are engineering students who are well-known to be very practical..

Then I asked an art student.. She answered me.. "Depends.. I will choose whatever which is hand-made." Good answer I guess, at least for those who dream to become Miss Universe one day. Let me polish your answer a bit.. "I will choose whatever which is more environmentally friendly, and contribute certain percentage of their profit for charity." So much better right?

But the best is business student.. when I asked them the same question, 1/3 of them still answer "chocolate..", but 2/3 of them really shocked me.. They answered..











"Cash."
I guess business student is the best among all. :)

Not desperate for love

Today's conversation with my friend..

He : "Do you have a lot of girlfriends?"
I : "Ya... why?"
He : "Introduce some to me lah.. "
I : "Haha.. ok lah next time.. but why rushing for relationship? Being single is so nice."
He : *speechless*
I : "You can go anywhere you want, anytime, with anyone.. what's better than that?"
He : "Btw, are you gay?"

...
...

I : *speechless* *faint*
"No, at least, not at the moment."


Why?? What makes people think that they HAVE TO go into some kind of relationship? Being single is just perfect I think.

I am not being traumatic with my past relationships for sure. Some are fantastic, some are just not so nice, but so what? I learnt from each of them and I am a better man now. I am still not so romantic like those Korean actors, but so what? If everyone is like that then we don't have rose garden anymore coz those desperados cut all the roses and give to their girlfriends.

But if everyone thinks like me, then Singapore goverment will cry coz by 2040 the whole Singapore will be full of so-called senior citizens. Uncles in their mid 40s will be awarded "most eligible bachelors". Fiona Xie will win Miss Singapore Universe 2039 in the age of 57 (I actually don't know how old is she and don't bother to find out.) Sad sad sad!

If only dating is simple, then we don't need to have that problem ... If only Girls don't ask guys to guess what their sentences REALLY mean.. We all know one language, English. So for the sake of simplicity and efficiency, use English. Dont ask us to guess, we are too busy to do that. If you gals say "I am tired." then we ask ya to rest a bit, we are wrong is it?? Check http://www.dictionary.com/ to find out what "tired" means..

Guys, what's so difficult to say "I love you"? You can clean your girlfriend's or gf-to-be's room better than her maid, but she needs to be whispered "I love you." Get it? Don't expect her to guess that you love her if ya never say it. Simple isn't it?

I don't know, maybe I am too simple, typical engineering student.. But I guess it's not so advantageous to be simple, at least according to the Book of Love. Ya need proof? How come I am still single? Young and promising, with killer smile and terrific manners. Handsome like Kim Jeong-Hoon.. How come I am still single? Tell me will ya?!

*I am writing post when my level of narcissism is super high. Please understand ^^*