www.KimJunHong.blogspot.com - Fragments of Memories

Designing

2012-01-26T18:10:00.003+08:00

It was a 'assignment-less' day at work again and I was bored.

- end -

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T16:47:00.004+08:00

About another 7 hours later and it will be a brand new year!

Happy New Year 2012 everyone~

Designing

2011-12-29T20:59:00.003+08:00

I was really bored at work this morning. For the entire day, there was totally no assignment to do! I was like surfing the internet looking up on interesting articles to read and pass my time. I almost dozed off...

So, I decided to do some designing to exercise my Photoshop skills and also to pass time.

That's all.

P.S: NEVER use normal eye-drop to soak your contact lenses ever! I learned it the painful way...

Lunar Eclipse - 10th December 2011

2011-12-11T00:53:00.002+08:00

Pictures of last night's Lunar Eclipse taken from my iPhone!

These pictures were not easy to take! It gave me an neck-ache and blurry eyes!

The Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-09T19:45:00.001+08:00

Laurent Perrier Champagne

2011-12-02T23:31:00.004+08:00

Blog Banners

2011-11-30T22:43:00.003+08:00

It's been long since I did any post and I'm feeling sorry about it.

Anyway just a quick post.

My past blog banners that I've designed. (I know they aren't pretty, but hey... I spent effort on them!)

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

EASTER DAY 2011

MAY

JUNE

JULY

SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

HALLOWEEN

~STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES SOON~

'Smokin' Joe Frazier

2011-11-09T08:46:00.006+08:00

Rest In Peace

Legendary Former Heavyweight World Champion - Joe Frazier

Joe Frazier passed away of liver cancer on 7th November 2011 at age of 67.

You know, just 1 night before he passed away, I was spending HOURS on YouTube watching videos of Joe Frazier's boxing matches! And after watched dozens of Joe Frazier's matches, I was even planning to do a blog post about him! Little will I expect him to pass away the very next day!

I tweeted about Joe Frazier one day before he passed away!

Joe Frazier was Muhammad Ali's greatest rival and toughest opponent ever. Frazier was the first man to won Ali and the only man to gave Ali a hell of a fight; where Ali commented it as, 'the closest thing to death'.

Though Frazier lost the last ever match with Ali (by not going up to fight the very last round), I personally think that Joe Frazier was the one who won the match - Frazier never wanted to give up the match but he was forced by his trainer to give it up, whereby on the other side, Ali was begging his trainer to end the match but his trainer was begging him to continue...

- REST IN PEACE 'Smokin' Joe Frazier -

Joe Frazier devastating left hook on Muhammad Ali

- end -

Happy Fever Baby

2011-11-04T04:43:00.001+08:00

A short video clip of my son Elvis playing cheerfully despite having high fever! :)

-End-

True War Movies

2011-10-31T11:16:00.002+08:00

Battle for Haditha (2007)

3 out of 5 stars

Based on a true event during the Iraq War.

In November 2005, US Marines fell into an ambush by Iraqi insurgents and one officer got killed. The reprisals by the the Americans were frightening, resulting in the massacre of 24 people, many of whom women and children. "Battle for Haditha" is the faithful account of this tragic event which scandalized the world.

Rescue Dawn (2006)

4 out of 5 stars

Based on a true story of Dieter Dengler, an US Fighter pilot epic struggle of survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War.

This movie starred Christian Bale as Dieter Dengler. He gave a wonderful performance in this movie! In fact, I think the entire cast performed very well.

A scene from Rescue Dawn.

One thing I felt slightly annoyed is that they were whispering in most parts of the movie and I couldn't quite make out what they were saying. Anyway they were whispering because they were the POW's.

A scene from Rescue Dawn.

- END -

Singing Session

2011-10-30T09:34:00.014+08:00

Last Friday, I went singing with Kobura & Makito (aka Ah Xiong). It has been YEARS since I last went singing with them! Whereby in the past, we used to go singing occasionally.

Makito brought one of his friends, Charles, along for our K session.

Both Makito and Kobura singing improved! Kobura sang with much confident and precision now compared to years ago! As for Makito, he has always been a very good singer with an outstanding voice, and he is even better now!

I always feel a little stressful to sing when Makito is around, but I'm sure I'm not the only one! Because his singing definitely puts pressure, to the patrons, in any KTV pub that he frequents.

Oh yah... Makito's friend, Charles, sang remarkably well too! Actually, the main purpose of doing this post is because on last Friday, during our singing session, I recorded Makito & Charles singing the popular duet chinese song - 妳那麼愛他 by 李聖傑 (Lee Sheng Jie's Ni Na Me Ai Ta) - And I think that both of them sang really well.

Here it is. I made it into a video by adding in the chinese & english lyrics...

*I wasn't the one who wrote the translated english lyrics. I copied it from the internet*

Makito (aka Ah Xiong) & Charles singing 你那麼愛他 by 李聖傑

So how was it?

I thought that it was awesome! Well, at least way much better than those 'casual singers' that you'll usually see in KTV pubs!

- End -

Funny Movies

2011-10-23T06:11:00.002+08:00

I've watched a couple of really funny movies via online recently! And here I am recommended them although I guess most of you probably might have already watched them before...

Alright, here are the 3 funny movies...

Johnny English (2003)

5 STARS!

Top in my list! I watched Johnny English when my mood was down, and this movie is so freaking hilarious that it cheered me up almost instantly!

The best comedy I've seen in years!

Despicable Me (2010)

A scene from 'Despicable Me'.

A scene from 'Despicable Me'.

Megamind (2010)

Listverse

2011-10-18T03:58:00.004+08:00

You know I really love reading interesting stuffs about history; World Wars, Chinese Dynasty, Ancient Egypt, Roman Empire, Christianity, Buddhism, and I could go on... In fact, for the past few months, I don't think there is a single day where I stopped reading at least one article about ancient history!

Actually, other than history, I also love reading stuffs on conspiracy theories, the universe, mysteries of the world, and much more! And so this afternoon, as usual, I was searching for some interesting things to read about. I actually googled for 'Ancient Aliens' - cool huh?

I stumbled upon this site called 'Listverse'. Well, the site address is www.listverse.com - It is a site that has hundreds of interesting topics on those stuffs that I've just mentioned! If you like mysteries, science-fiction, or any other interesting stuffs, you should be reading this website!

I spent hours reading some of the articles! A really good website to kill your time!

Here, I think I shall post a few of the articles:

Men in Black

(The following article is taken from listverse)

The extraterrestrial hypothesis is the theory that some unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are best explained as being extraterrestrial life or non-human aliens from other planets. The idea sounds simple to modern day humans, but it a relatively new concept that originated out of the saucer sightings and close encounters of the 1940s-1960s. Thousands of UFO sightings have been reported in the last 50 years, and one of the emerging themes in these events is the Men in Black. The Men in Black are men, or aliens, dressed in black suits who have been reported to harass or threaten UFO witnesses to keep them quiet about what they have seen. In most cases, the men claim to be government agents, but it is often suggested that they may be aliens themselves.

People who have reported an encounter with the Men in Black often describe them as men of short stature with a deeply tanned and dark complexion. According to the accounts, Men in Black always seem to have detailed information on the person they contact, as if the individual had been under surveillance for a long period of time. They have been described as seeming confused by the nature of everyday items such as pens, eating utensils or food, as well as using outdated slang. Those who have encountered them say they produce identification, but when verification is later sought, the people described do not exist or have been dead for some time. Another defining characteristic of the Men in Black is wide grins and disconcerting giggles.

The phenomenon has been frequently reported since the 1950s and 1960s, but some researchers, including John Keel and others, have suggested similarities between the Men in Black reports and earlier demonic accounts. Keel suggests that the beings are a modern-day manifestation of the same phenomena that was earlier interpreted as the devil, or encounters with fairies. The term “the black man” has been used for centuries in reference to the Devil. In history, the Black Man was often reported as meeting with the accused and having sexual intercourse with them. Old Scratch or Mr. Scratch is another folk name for The Devil that is used in the local legends of New England and pre-Civil War America.

During the Middle Ages, the black man was not a person with African features, but rather a man colored black and dressed in black. In modern times, another phenomenon known as the Grinning Man has become associated with the Men in Black, and various reports of paranormal activity. These creatures are larger and characterized by a wide grinning face. In most cases, people describe a strange sensation of not being able to focus in on the Grinning Man. It has been suggested that the smile is an attempt by the aliens to conform to society and keep humans feeling safe, but in all reports the figure is described as extremely creepy. In the Half-Life series of first-person shooter video games, there is a mysterious character named G-Man that parallels some of the Men in Black descriptions.

I'm sure you heard of the movie Men in Black. After reading the above article, I was a little surprised to learn that the concept of the movie is actually based on real-life reports.

Some of the topics in the site also debunked famous mysteries of the world like the
Loch Ness Monster.

The monster of Loch Ness, allegedly a plesiosaur which is all that is left of the dinosaur period. There have been sonar’s which have seen ‘something’, photographs etc. to support the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. What there hasn’t been, is a lot of common sense. The Loch Ness monster story has been around for more then 1500 years. That is one very old monster. Of course, it could have bred, but that would mean a family of monsters. How come with that many monsters there is no definite proof? A clear photograph that can’t be argued with? A carcass? But there is nothing except a lot of tourism.

Astrology

Astrology is the practice of examining the stars to tell us about our future. People born at a certain time of month have certain star signs, for example, Leo, born in July/August. Where some daily star signs might be accurate, this is coincidence. There isn’t any way a lot of old, probably dead stars can tell us about the future. Daily Star Signs are kept vague enough that they could apply to anything. For example, “You will meet someone new today”, we meet some one new every day, at the shop, the bus driver, in any day you will meet some one new.

The site kept me reading for hours! Here are a few of the many topics they have:
- 10 Strange Things About The Universe
- 10 Creepy Mysteries You Haven't Heard Of
- Top 10 Unsolved Mysteries
- 10 Dark Disney Moments

That's about all. Enjoy reading~

Movie Reviews

2011-10-17T05:04:00.001+08:00

Watched a couple of movies over the last weekend, and since I haven been blogging any movie reviews for months now, I shall do it.

***Warning! Might contain some spoilers!***

And now, one of the latest movie showing in cinemas...

The Thing (2011)

This thing ain't human... Yet.

My ratings for this movie:

This movie is actually the prequel of the 1982 film of the same name, The Thing.

Well, not a bad movie. Generally speaking, this movie is quite exciting & brutal! And the 'monster' from the film reminds me of Venom from Spider-man!

A scene from the movie, The Thing.

I personally do not really like it too much because I feel that the 'monster' is too formidable and somehow indestructible. But overall, it was still brutally entertaining!

The next one is a huge movie...

Real Steel (2011)

My ratings for this movie:

This movie is awesome! Robot + Boxing = Robot-Boxing.

Initially, when I saw the commercial for Real Steel, I wasn't really too interested in watching it. But after seeing many good comments on this movie, I decided to watch it!

Scene from 'Real Steel'

Scene from 'Real Steel'

- End -

Old Photos

2011-10-04T04:30:00.006+08:00

I stumbled upon some old photos of myself where I thought all have already lost.

I wouldn't say that these photos are really THAT OLD; ALL of them are at least 3 years old; most of them are at least 5 years old; and a couple of them are even up 7 years ago!

I will caption the photo to state the year I took it, if i can still remember of course.

Lastly, like I've mentioned, the pictures are old and therefore camera photo quality are still very bad then...

First up:

I named this picture 'Road to somewhere...'

'Road to Somewhere...' was taken back in 2004.

Guess where did I snapped picture? While I was having my field-camp exercise training in Pasir Laba Camp. And as a Rifleman, I have been to so many different places in Singapore for field-camp exercise; Ama Keng, Tekong, Marsling, Lim Chu Kang, and dozen more, I must disclose that Pasir Laba camp definitely have the best scenery in NOT just field-camp sites, but the best natural scenery in the whole Singapore!

My Last Taekwondo Performance

This is the oldest picture posted up here - Taken 11 years ago in 2000!

As you can see from the picture, I was doing some kind of karate flying kick to the wooden plank! Hahaha... Well, to be exact, I did 3 continuous 360 kicks then followed by a high flying 360 kick.

That was considered my first and my last Taekwondo performance ever in a 'national' level. From that day on, I actually believe my efforts that I've put into my extra training & learning has finally been recognized by someone very prominent in the circle of Taekwondo. I had a high hope of from that point onwards, my Taekwondo dream will soon start to lift off... But unfortunately and regrettably, I QUIT,

I know it almost useless to ask this question here; but I REALLY HOPE that anyone who did took a video of that evening's performance at the '100th STF Centralized Grading'. Please please sent it to me! Mine was accidentally washed over by my friend when I haven even seen the replay of my performance!! This is a lament that has always been in my heart after since I left Taekwondo. So please! Anyone who has it please send to me!! My email address is: kim_junhong@hotmail.com

5 years ago (2006)

Back when I was working in Giant Hypermarket. In the above picture, I was actually 'steal-eating' a mochi ice cream while hiding the the super freezing, MINUS 40 Degree, Cold Room!!!

2006

2006

Year 2006

This was taken on 20th November 2006

20th November 2006

2007

Above picture, I think it was taken in 2007, not to sure. But I definitely remember the place that I took the picture, it was at Marina South. Why? Because my baby was just parked right outside...

My previous bike

Should be taken in earlier 2007

Taken late 2006 at Cineleisure!

Late 2006 at Chineleisure again!

Me and Bernie around 2007

I have no idea who snapped this picture of me...
But I guess it was taken in early 2006?

Early 2006... But not too sure either.

I think it was around 2007. Around Kammy's void deck.

Jun Hao & Me... Late 2007 probably?

This picture looks to me like I've took it in late 2007

My Brother and I back in 2005

My Brother, Sabrina and Me, at Sushi King in JB. Back in 2005

Lastly, how could I miss out my old pictures of my 'baby' who we have spent quality time, memories, stories, and the thrillest of rides where we face it off together...

I miss the days and memories we had together buddy~
But I feel sorry that none of my close friends then, also riding the same bike model as me, wasn't willing to have a friendly race of skills (in a track with multiple cornerings) with me despite being asked numerous time. Did they felt overwhelmed by my skills?? LOL

- The End -

I Miss My Cat

2011-09-29T04:41:00.010+08:00

My cat, Ah Huay, is my family cat that has already passed away.

I stumbled upon some old pictures of her a few days ago and started missing her.

Ah Huay with Liu Tong behind her

The saddest thing is not that she passed away - She has lived quite an average lifespan of a cat, though I think she might be able to live longer if we had discovered her sickness earlier - but it is that Liu Tong's best friend is no longer around. I know that I did mentioned about this in my past post 'Tribute to my pet cat', but still I'm gonna repeat some of them again.

Ah Huay & Liu Tong

It's been almost 8 months since Ah Huay left us and everyone expect Liu Tong is not used to it. Well, actually I think got to admit that maybe I'm not that used to it too...

You see, while Ah Huay was still around, she loves to sit by the window ledge everyday & night and watches the world goes by - She has a collar with a bell around her neck, and so each time she fidgets I could hear her bell tinkles.

She loves to sit by the window ledge and watches the world goes by...

A couple of months after she passed away, somebody from my family bought
a paper windmill with bells and stick it on the window...

A paper windmill with bells...

And so every now and then, especially in the middle of the night, when the gentle breeze blows, the soft twinkling bells of the paper windmill made me thought she was around... But of course, almost immediately, I realized that it wasn't her bell but the paper windmill's... :(

The one I feel sorry for the most would be Liu Tong. Ah Huay has been Liu Tong's best friend ever since they met on day 1.

Liu Tong was still a cute tiny kitty when they became friends.

Liu Tong when he was still a kitten

Isn't he cute...?

Aww...

Although Ah Huay and Liu Tong were best friends, I could see that Ah Huay was often irritated by Liu Tong. But still, I could see that Ah Huay took care of Liu Tong, plays with him, have their meals together, rest together... Just like what best friends are for.

Cat fights...

Playing with each other...

Have their meals together...

Resting side by side together...

Just enjoying having each others company

Sadly, one afternoon, we placed Ah Huay in a cage and brought him to a pet clinic and that was the last time Liu Tong ever got to see his best friend. Ah Huay passed away in the pet clinic while under observation.

Ever since, Liu Tong has never really been the same again. It is obvious that he is missing Ah Huay deeply. He lies alone in a dark corner of the house; he wails for someone to play with every night; he spend long moments sitting by the window ledge as if waiting for somebody; and he eats & sleeps alone now...

I'm feeling really sorry for Liu Tong for he
will never get to know that his best friend is never coming back home.

He will never ever get to play with his best friend again.

After Ah Huay passed on, we had her body cremated and have her ashes sent back to us. We then bought a plant and had her ashes buried inside the pot of soil...

Ah Huay's final resting place...

Rest in peace.

8 months after Ah Huay's death, Liu Tong is still waiting for his best friend to come back. I know he will probably never stop waiting for his best friend to come home until he finds closure, which in this case, sadly, he never will...

- End -

Priscilia Wong.

2011-09-19T03:53:00.009+08:00

REST IN PEACE
Priscilia Wong
10th Sept 2011

Jasper & Priscilia

Priscilia lost her life in a car accident on 10th of September 2011.

She was a nice friend, and a great mother. Rest in peace.

I was requested by Jasper to do a video in memory of her.
I will probably post it up after I've completed it.

Mid-Autumn Festival 2011

2011-09-13T02:48:00.003+08:00

I feel that I neglected my blog a little too long...
I was spending most of my time on web designing... And the amazing, iPhone.

Anyway hope everyone had a nice Mid-Autumn Festival~

Me & Jessie

Me & Family

My parents with Elvis

Me with Family

Jessie and Karin

Me, Jessie and Elvis

Dad with Elvis

Me and Elvis

Just Elvis

He is one cry baby!

Elvis again!

- The End -

Elvis ♥ Me

2011-09-02T01:19:00.003+08:00

A trip with my family to Changi Airport

2011-08-15T05:34:00.003+08:00

Last week, together with my entire family,
we visited the Singapore Changi Airport...

My entire family included except me.

My mother pushing the pram...

Elvis!

My Mum & Dad.

Elvis been excitingly looking around.

Jessie, Me, & Elvis

Brother with Elvis & Elder Sis

Karin & Jessie

Eileen with Elvis

Dad.

Mum with Dad.

Just randomly took this lantern decoration...

In Sakae Sushi restaurant

Elvis was quite happy for the entire afternoon!

4 teethes infront...

Dad carrying Elvis...

Is this called 'Horse back riding'??

Or is it called 'Peggy Back'??

Most babies will want to have a pacifier when he or she is bored!

Me & Elvis

Alright that's about all.

Oh yah, Terminal 1 is Changi Airport oldest terminal. It was opened back in 1981! Anyway Terminal 1 is currently having major upgrades that cost $500 million!! It will be fully completed around 2012. It seems like 80% has been completed already.

- END -

Random Photos & Photos From The Past

2011-08-11T06:42:00.004+08:00

I taken a few photos over the last public holiday (National Day)...

Picture of Singapore City took from Esplanade on 9 of August

Me & Jessie

Joshua & his girlfriend

Joshua: "I give you this & let me kiss you once please bro!"

PEACE!

Earlier on today, I briefly browsed through some very old photo albums. Some of the photos caught my attention and I quickly snap a picture of them!

These photos are really old man... At least 10 years old.

Take a look at this picture, taken back 13 years old - 1998...

This boy is me alright...

Guess what brand of Yo-Yo that I am using in the photo? Pro-Yo !

You know, back in 1998, I thought I was some kind of Yo-Yo king...

While I was still browsing through the old photo album, I suddenly heard my Dad exclaiming,
"WAH! Who is this man so handsome??"

Well, he was actually referring to himself. He saw a picture of him taken back in 1998.

This is the pic...

Ok. Quite smart-looking. But not as good as I am! XD

The above picture of 2 boys encircling a baby on a pram is actually Me (left), my younger sister (Karin), and my brother Jun Hong (right). Took in late 1998.

I also found another picture that is similar with the same people, but with my mum included...

Brother Jun Hao (left), Sister Karin (on pram), Mother (standing), & Me (right).

One of the oldest picture I found, that attracted my attention, was a 1988 picture of my sis, me & my Dad! I think the picture was taken during a vacation in Indonesia...

Elder Sis Eileen, Me & Dad back in year 1988!

I also found a baby picture of my brother that suddenly reminds me of son because of the striking resemblances!

Picture of my brother Jun Hao around 1 year old.

Then, I placed their pictures side by side. My brother's one with the photograph and my son's one with an iPhone (just by doing this is already enough to perceive the generation gap of technology we have during then & now!)

So who is cuter? Who won? LOL. Wait! There's one more!

Battle of the cuteness

I feel that my son won. In the photo, his eyes look evil, fiercer, bigger size, dark tone and therefore more intimidating! LOL!!! I'm just kidding.

- END -

Zopiclone causes amnesia

2011-07-29T03:56:00.003+08:00

So what’s with this post title? Have you ever experience amnesia before? Amnesia is a condition in which your memory is lost, like a short-term memory. In Singapore, we usually mock our friends by calling them STM when they forgotten something, and clear enough, STM stands for ‘short-term- memory’.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been tormented by insomnia, and it was only until recently where I decided to visit a psychiatrist. And on my last visit, the psychiatrist prescribes ‘Zopiclone’; a hypnotic pill that helps you to sleep.

Zopiclone (7.5mg)

Zopiclone, or some call it Z-pills is considered a mild sleeping pill if compared to the rest of the hypnotic drugs in the psychological-world.

I’ve been taking it for a month now. When you take Zopiclone, it will temporary cause some alterations to your taste buds. It literally makes a glass of plain water taste bitter & metallic! And I got to say that it is not a very pleasant taste.

Frankly speaking, by taking one of these Zopiclone pills aren’t really strong enough to like knock me off to bed. But it does makes me feel a little tired, drowsy, weak limps and lazy; but all in the smallest details.

I myself will put it in this way; it does help but it doesn’t help much at all, it only made me feel more frustrated than ever, because it makes you feel like getting some sleep but still unable to fall asleep. You get what I’m trying to say?

What I really wanted for was something that could make me sleep and actually ABLE TO MAKE ME SLEEP! Not too complicated I hope? Regardless of my doctor’s instruction of only 1 pill per bedtime - or if I could, even better still, none at all - I usually took 2 of them a few hours before the time I think I would be sleepy enough to fall asleep.

Then came one night, I was so frustratingly desperate to get some sleep, I decided to pop 3 of these cheeky little bastards at once and guess what…?

WTF?

It happened last Saturday.

It was nearly 3 AM in the morning when I slapped myself with 3 Zopiclone pills at once! I remembered the timing because I looked at the time right after I took the pills.

3 AM in the morning.

I was in the dining room using my laptop; surfing the internet, Hotmail, Facebook, YouTube, etc…

Time passes real quick, I took a glance at the corner of my laptop screen, and realised that it is already 4.46 AM!

4:46 AM - You know, I am sure that I wasn’t sleepy or even tired yet when I looked at the time, but guess what? The next thing I knew… I found myself lying on my bed and the bright afternoon sun was shining through my bedroom windows! I was quite confused.

Have you watched those TV dramas where the lady actor goes into a bar, and then someone spiked her drink and woke up the next day totally not knowing who or how she got raped? - All the while I didn’t believe in this crap and thought that it was bullshit. How could someone not remembering a single thing just the night before? But now I do believe.

Amnesia, like how some people called it, loss of memory. Yes I experienced pure amnesia that night! It was really weird! I couldn’t recall anything at all! In fact, the last thing I remember was the 4:46 AM time. Other than that, I couldn’t remember what I did before I landed on my bed! And the funny thing is that I left my dining room lights on, laptop not shut down and with my spectacle neatly placed beside it!

I just couldn’t believe it; I couldn’t even remember the slightest of details! It is not like being drunk, because even if you are very drunk, you will somehow still be able to remember something certain details like how you got home, how you took off your shoes, how you fell asleep on your bed… Etc… Though blurry but it is still there.

I’ve got very drunk before in the past. Actually I’ve been through worse than drunk and I could still remember some details like those I mentioned above. But this amnesia I had, it’s like… the period after 4.46AM until the time I found myself on bed never existed!!

I’m not joking. It’s really that intense. I couldn’t believe it myself either and I actually felt quite fascinated by it! And therefore, I decided to try it again the next night…

At 1 AM, I took 3 of these Zopiclones pills again. But this time, I will note down how I’m feeling at the interval of every 30 minutes. Here, this is how I noted it down…

1 AM – I’m feeling fine.
1.30 AM – Still feeling the same.

And that’s it, amnesia again. I found myself waking up from my bed with the dining room lights and laptop still switched on and my specs were placed neatly beside it. The last thing I remembered was the time I am looking at: 1.44 AM

This will be the end of my story.

My conclusion is: Amnesia is scary but at the same time fascinating. But I probably wouldn’t try it again unless there is someone around to watch over me.

Conspiracy Theories

2011-07-22T08:06:00.006+08:00

Who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory?? Not me at least! But I am sure there are more.

Throughout the past couple of years, I have spent countless of hours on the internet searching and reading about conspiracy theories. There are hundreds of conspiracy theories in the world.

Actually, I think that as long as that event or person is out of the ordinary, a conspiracy theory will soon to be bound with it. I will list a few for examples:

The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

The 35th President of the United Sates.

JFK was assassinated on this car.

Princess Diana’s Fatal Accident

Princess Diana died on 31st August 1997

The illuminati/New World Order

A New World Order!

Just a very quick foreword on the illuminati; the illuminati is a super secret organization and that all of its members are of generally rich & powerful people. Its objective is to control the world… A New World Order. I know, this story almost sounded like it was taken straight out of a block-buster movie.

Rumours said that the illuminati is already controlling the music and film industries, and some of its famous members are Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, Eminem, Lady Ga Ga, George W. Bush and even Leonardo Da Vinci! (Ever watched ‘The Da Vinci Code’??)

Today, I would like to share 2 of my favourite, and possibly the biggest conspiracy theories of the century…

September 11th 2001

The 9/11 event must the biggest and presumably the worst terrorist attack that was ever recorded in history. September 11th 2001.

I remember that earlier that night I was having dinner with a friend, and after the dinner I walked home.

Midway back home, my dad called and asked me where I was. And before he hanged up the phone, he told me, “Quickly come home! There’s gonna be a war soon!” Ok, I know it sounds lame.

I was very puzzled by what my dad said. It was until I arrived home and saw the breaking news on television then I realised what my dad meant.

Anyway the conspiracy theory for 9/11 is that it was an inside job; most possibly planned by the US government; or the US government knew about this attack before-hand but still purposefully allowed it to happen anyway! And the reasons? It is difficult for me to explain all in words, the best is for you to go YouTube and do a search on it. But still, I will briefly list some the reasons out…

First of all, the building is old and useless. Comparing with the other lively office buildings in New York, where people are spawning in and out of them, the World Trade Center stands there pretty much like a twin white elephants.

The attacks would receive public support for militarization, expansion of the police state, and other foreign and domestic policies by which the US government will benefit.

It is for an even better reason for the USA to invade Afghanistan first, and then to Iraq.

Not surprisingly, USA has the best Air Force and the most closely guarded air-space in the world.

Like a few majestic eagles soaring high above the skies, they fiercely watch over their territory 24/7 and always ready to strike. But on that morning of September 11, the air-defenses over the world’s most closely guarded air-space was oddly inactive.

And so it happened.

Theoretically, there are so much more evidences that strongly suggested 9/11 was an inside job. Just do a Google or YouTube.

Lastly, if you think this conspiracy theory of 9/11 is bullshit then you better be right, because at least 30% of Americans themselves believed that 9/11 was an inside job too! Go think about it…

Alright, this next conspiracy will blow you away! Why? Because this conspiracy is not only one of the biggest conspiracy theories of the century, I think it is undeniably the biggest and greatest conspiracy from modern mankind!

Moon Landing

Everyone knows that we have gone to the moon and back.

On July 20, 1969, USA’s Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and Neil Armstrong became first man to ever set foot on the surface of the moon.

Apollo 11’s crew with Neil Armstrong (left) as the commander.

Now the question is… Have we really ever been to the moon?

It was a hoax. We have never been to the moon, it was staged. Well, at least this is what the conspiracy is all about.

Once again, it will be very difficult for me to explain this conspiracy theory here, and so I would urge you do a Google or YouTube on this. But still, I’ll briefly explain about it…

The moon landing was viewed Live by millions all over the USA, but some people think that it looks fake, like it was staged at a professional studio or something like that. And later, after the photos of the moon landing were released, even more people suggested that the moon landing was a hoax. They saw that there were glitches on the video and photos.

Take a look at this picture…

The above picture has been one of the most debated moon landing pictures. In the picture, the astronaut is behind the shadow of the spaceship but why is the astronaut still so clearly visible? Even the ladder of the spaceship is visible. Unless there were other light source (presumably the studio lightnings), the astronaut should appear much darker than how the picture was.

This is how it should look like.

This is just one out of the hundreds from the conspiracy.

Anyway I guess that everyone is much interested in why. Why would NASA & the US government pull off such a ridiculous stunt?? The moon landing took place during an era where there were two world superpowers, the USA and the Soviet Union (now known as Russia), and these 2 world superpowers were competing for technological superiority.

In the space race, Russia was already far ahead of the USA by sending the first man, Yuri Gagarin, to space on 12th April 1961. The US knows that they are losing the space race to Russia, and therefore did the hoax, to win the race and send a message to Russia that the United States had the better technology.

It might be for the money too, from the funds for the space programme. It was so much cheaper to fake a moon landing than actually going there.

Go do a Google because there are so much more photographic evidences to debate whether if the moon landings were a hoax.

C? A prop?

Well, that’s about all.

Silly enough, rather than 0%, I actually believed 25% of these conspiracy theories! As for you, it is up to you to believe it or not. But one thing is for sure, conspiracy theories are interesting!

”One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

- END -

Random photos from past weeks

2011-07-18T03:38:00.009+08:00

Recently I got a little lazy to blog.
Today, some random photos from the past weeks.
And so, more pics less words.

Anyway last month was Jerlin's son, Tavier's 1 year old birthday!

Jerlin & her son, Tavier.

Happy first birthday Tavier!

This is Tavier.

A very cute cake!

Elvis Kim at 10 months old

Chatime Bubble Tea.

Initially, after I saw Chatime Bubble Tea was opened at Downtown East, it didn't really interest me to try it out because the shop design looks too Made-In-China, and anyway the queues are always long.

Then one day I just decided to try it out.

I tried the Milk Tea with 70% sugar, and I waited quite a long while for my milktea to be ready!

After trying it, I would say it wasn't really that nice la. The taste is quite similar to Cup Walker's milktea.

Taken in car.

My family bought a soft-toy of Tigger for Elvis.

Tigger!

I took the above picture on the other day as I was wondering if I should remove the plastic sheet covering my laptop's LCD. It has been there ever since I bought my laptop more than 3 months ago.

Ok. If you are wondering, the plastic sheet is still on.

Me!

You know, it's been seriously long since I last took a picture of myself! At least 3 months!

I took the above picture before heading over to my grandma's house for her birthday celebration...

At my grandma's house...

It's her 88th birthday!

Her BD cake. Seriously, it's the most delicious chocolate cake I ate.

Bought an Angry Bird soft-toy for Elvis...

A few of my relatives said that Elvis looks a little like Angry Bird! LOL! That is because he frowns so much!

Elvis started frowning from the moment he was born!

Lastly, a couple of days ago, me, Jessie and Elvis met Jerlin together with her son for a short walk at White Sands shopping center.

We went to the newly opened Pepper Lunch outlet in White Sands. While we were eating, I took a few pictures of Elvis & Tavier as I realised that never before did they took pictures together. Well, they actually did took pictures together before but that was like more than half a year ago...!

Elvis (right) and Tavier (left)

...And they were friends again...

-END-

Boring Month

2011-07-06T07:29:00.014+08:00

Really sorry. I know that all my recent posts sucks! All the posts, except the boring one about my In-Camp-Training, are about movies and movies. Please bear with it (my lousy movie reviews).

I haven been going out for the recent months. If you are someone who has read my blog for a long period of time, you will notice that I have been taking so much less photos. Although I have been frequently posting random pictures of my son, but still, it will be rare to find any of those pictures with me in it!

It has really been too long, so I guess I'll better start taking more pictures of myself together with friends & family.

Anyway today's post... *ahem* ...Is also about reviews on movies again!!

For the past 2 weeks, I've watched dozen of movies via online! And these are the ones that left an impression on me... Oh by the way I gave my appraisal of movies this way:

And now, the first movie review of the post! Definitely from one of my favourite movie genre...

Flags of our fathers (2006)

My personal ratings for this movie:

Shortly after I got enlisted into national service into the 11th Mono-intake of the First Singapore Infantry Battalion, and I started to have a interest on war movies. Why is it so? Very simple. Because as I've been through dozens of military trainings & exercises with countless of field-camps that everyone dreads. And therefore I can somehow relate it to most of the war movies.

I've watched dozens and dozens of war movies. Name all the big war movies and I can certainly be just that I have watched it all... Until this movie 'Flags of the fathers'.

How in the world did I skipped out this movie all these months?

Actually I guess I know why did I missed out this movie. It was because, like I've mentioned, I've watched dozens and dozens of big war movie, and since 'Flag of our fathers' was a big war movie, I thought I've already watched it.

Anyway, Flag of our fathers is so good. One of the best and most epic war movie I've seen! The main story is about the USA fighting with the Japanese at the Battle of 'Iwo Jima'

Letter from Iwo Jima (2008)

My personal ratings for this movie:

You know there a few common things between these 2 movie, 'Flag of our Fathers' & 'Letters from Iwo Jima' ?

That is they were directed by the sane director, shot at the same location, same year, and fought the same 'Battle of Iwo Jima'. In fact, Flags of our Fathers was based the American viewpoint, and Letter of Iwo Jima is based of the perspective of the Japanese soldiers.

Both of these 2 movies are awesome but if you were to ask me to make a choice between these 2 movies, it will really be difficult for me to decide, because each movies has their notability. For examples, though 'Flags of our fathers' have frequent 'slow talking' scene but whereby they have better and epic war scenes. Likewise, 'Letter from Iwo Jima' doesn't have much of those 'memory-flashing-back-moments' that makes movie slow & boring..

Almost all war movies are emotional. Unlike 'Letter from Iwo Jima', 'Flag of your father's pushed it to the back from inspiration. Whereby 'Letters from Iwo Jima' dispersed their emotional scenes throughout the movie.

We always thought that the Japanese soldiers from the WW2 are evil and heartless but brave & fiercely-loyal to their Empire of Japan. They will rather commit suicide than to surrender, and in the final-resort, they will rather perish together with their enemies! (Like the infamous Kamikaze pilots)

But hey, after watching 'Letters from Iwo Jima', it portraits the personality of a few Japanese fighting in the war. Some of them are just like us, afraid of war, afraid of dying, and might even afraid of risking their lives for fight their own country! During the war, it is a serious offenses (to all militias and even civilians) to even habour the thought of treason!

Well, I just want to say... There will be some, but probably not alot, who have no other choices than to reluctantly joined the war and just pray hate that he will return home safely.

Ok, enough said of these war movies. Next...

Source Code (2011)

I personally give a ratings at:

You know... 'Source Code' is a pretty interesting movie filled with exciting thriller. This movie is really good. Those who haven seen, I strongly encourage you to watch it.

Mm... I don't how am I gonna talk about this movie without giving out any spoilers... Alright... I will just put it this way. Listen...

The center of the story lies around a man who is almost-as-good-as-dead. By a high tech top secret military facility, he was virtually sent back to a event that has actually already happened earlier than day - a fatal bombing attack on the subway train. Here's the fun but yet the same time tricky, that is each time the man is being sent back, he only have exactly 8 mins to investigate before return back the the reality time again...

Confusing huh? HA!

This next movie is the latest movie I've caught at the cinema...

Transformers: Dark Of the Moon (2011)

My personal ratings for this movie:

I'm certain this movie needs no introduces. In just one week of it debut, 'Transformers 3' got the highest grossing film in the Unit State, Singapore and other countries! In the world ranking, 'Transformers 3' gotten the 3rd highest-grossing movie of all time!!

Intense-actions and superb CGI effects... Damn it! If only I've knew this movie is that great, I would have watched the 3-D version of instead!

Oh yeah. I was wondering if they have karate classes back at Cybetron?

The Lost Bladesman (2011)

My personal ratings for the movie is:

How could I do a post with all movies only from Hollywood? Asian produces very good movies too! But in terms of CGI effects, epic scenes, notable events and the massive scale of productions.

Hollywood do have a few of it's flawlessness too. When it comes to free-hands combats or fighting scenes, there are sure to be explosions, knuckle-pumping, glass smashes everywhere on the floor, and I could still continue on..

Now when you talk about directing a fighting scenes, no one does it better than Asia film industry. You will know what I mean. Asian's fight scenes are mush faster, acrobatically swifter, and very well choreographed.

Oh yah, I kept talking and talking until I almost forgotten about the last movie by Donnie Yen. You know must heard the famous the story 'Romance of the 3 Kingdoms'. And Donnie Yen plays as one of the most recognizable, mightiest, famous & significance general. Guan Yu.

What I like about this movie is Cao Cao (is known as the warlord who is evil & greedy throughout everyone read novel). But in this movie, it portrayed the softer side of Cao Cao; it immediately made Cao Cao seems like a nice guy. I think this is actually who Cao Cao is instead of those evil-final-boss-stage character.

-fin-

Movies Review

2011-06-23T03:46:00.005+08:00

Within the past weeks, I've watched a few movies via online.

You know I've been quite desperate in looking for a good movie to watch online! I've watched tons of movies online and I'm starting to feel that there are no more good movies for me to watch as I have already watched most of them!

Then I came across this movie 'Repo Men' starring Jude Law. The ratings given were considered average, but through my experience I've learned that even high ratings does not necessary mean that I will enjoy the movie. As you know, different people likes different type of movies...

'Repo Men' is a sci-fi action thriller movie, and so I clicked on and watched it anyway.

It turned out to be quite a interesting movie!

Repo Men (2010)

My personal ratings for this movie: 4 out of 5 stars

The story is set in the future, where a company called 'The Union' has the medical technology breakthrough of create artificial organs. 'The Union' sells the highly expensive artificial organs, by an instalment plan, to whoever that needs it. The dark side of this company is that if you don't pay your bill, The Union sends its highly skilled 'Repo men' to take back its property... With no concern for your comfort or survival.

Jude Law play as one of the 'Repo men'. When he suffers a cardiac failure on the job, he awakens to find himself fitted with the company's top-of-the-line heart-replacement... As well as a hefty debt. And now that the hunter has become the hunted...

An really interesting futuristic story! Artificial organs... This might just be true in the future. And oh, I really hopes the 'Dream Machine' from the movie will be available in the future. It is a machine that can hook up with someone in a vegetative state, and the machine will manipulate your mind. The person wouldn't even know that they were in that situation. They would be very happy thinking that they were alive and living their life like any other person. It will really be good to use it on your loved ones that are brain-dead. To keep your loved ones happy.

Next movie I watched, also starring Jude Law, 'Enemy at the Gates'. The ratings were high and so I thought it was going to be a very promising war movie! But I was disappointingly wrong...

Enemy at the Gates. (2001)

My personal ratings for this movie: 2.5 out of 5 stars

This movie turned out to be slow. Action scenes were sparse and dull. And lastly, the way the move was shot and especially the soundtracks made this movie feels like it was made in the sixties!

Anyway the is story is set in the WWII with the Russia fighting with Germany. And if Russia' state of Stalingrad were to fall to the Germans, it will mean the collapse of the whole country. Jude Law plays as a Russian sniper who soon gains fame after killing a record number of German officers causing the Germans to bring in their own sniper expert: Major Koenig, an expert German sniper who is determined to eliminate his formidable opponent by any means...

Lastly, the latest movie I watched online was 'The Adjustment Bureau' starring Matt Damon. I have been wanting to watch this movie after since I saw the thriller in the cinemas last year, but just didn't manage to watch it, and eventually forgotten about it... Until a few nights back. The title caught my attention while I was glancing through a huge library of movies online.

The Adjustment Bureau. (2011)

My personal ratings for this movie: 5 out of 5 stars

This is one of the most interesting movies that I've seen this year!

What is it about this movie? Just try to imagine angels-meets-the-FBI. Yeah, it's something like that.

The Adjustment Bureau is a bureau of men who control people's plans and fate to make sure they stay "on track".

The story is about David Norris (Matt Damon), a man with a promising political career, who falls for a lady after a chanced meeting. But David find himself against the bureau that bent on keeping them apart...

Great performances by Matt Damon! Really interesting story!

X-Men: First Class

2011-06-06T03:59:00.003+08:00

Just caught the latest instalment of the X-Men movie, X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class (2011)

Ratings : 9 out of 10 stars

**warning! contain some spoilers!**

X-Men: First Class, the fifth X-Men movie series, what more could I say? Full of actions, interesting story, great visual effects, superpowers, blue mutants, and more to go on...

Alright, I will be a be a little more detailed. This movie is the prequel of Professor X and Magneto; mainly focusing on their relationship - how they became friends and how their friendship later took a wrong turn.

This movie is nice! So much so that I wished that the duration of this movie was 4 hours instead of 2! I could only hope that the 2nd prequel will be out very soon!

Mm... But one thing concern me in the movie... That the storyline isn't really loyal to the original story from the comics. But still, I understand that we have to evaluate the movie as a movie, and not a comic book.

Lastly, why is that Magneto always seems to be the one that took the 'spectacular moment' in almost all of the X-Men movie series?? In this movie, I believe the 'spectacular moment' will be the scene where he single-handedly stopped dozens of huge missiles targeting towards him!

This is the scene! But it doesn't look that spectacular in this picture!

I remember in the last instalment of the X-Men trilogy (X-Men: The Last Stand), the 'spectacular moment' of the movie goes to Magneto too! It was the scene where he levitated and shifted the entire Golden Gate Bridge towards another direction!

Scene from X-Men: The Last Stand

The scene where the Golden Gate Bridge was being levitate by Magneto

The scene where the Golden Gate Bridge was being levitate by Magneto

Come to think of it again, I now feel it isn't really surprising as to why Magneto always gets the 'spectacular moment' in the X-Men films... Because he is the main villain that's why!! *slaps forehead* They always gets the honor of it!

Omg... Btw, I didn't notice the time, it's already 5 AM in the morning!
I shall sign off now! Good bye!

Back from ICT (In-Camp-Training)

2011-06-02T01:28:00.002+08:00

I am back from my annual In-Camp-Training last week. It was only for 2 weeks but it felt like a month!

One my first day of ICT, I noticed that most of my camp-mates are already wearing the new SAF pixel-camouflaged uniform!

I deferred my last year's ICT and therefore I didn't know that SAF actually require us to change our old uniform to the new one! Everyone of us were entitled to 3 pieces of the pixel-camouflaged uniform for free... I got mine already. But still, I don't think I am ever going to wear it. I still have my old ones with me and I will try my best to use them as long as I could for the rest of my future ICTs.

Me and a few of my camp-mates thinks that this ICT felt like a 2 weeks chalet under house-arrest. Sleep and eat, Eat and sleep.

Talking cock

Chicken Chop from the Specialist's Mess

...Ok that's me.

There's a swimming pool inside the camp, so I did went swimming on one of the afternoons. Believe it or not, it has been years since I last went swimming!!

I swam for 3 and a half hour straight! My palms went terribly wrinkled...

3.5 hours of swimming...

Next, introducing one of my camp-mates...

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Mr Leow Chin Yong!

DO NOT MESS WITH HIM!!

He is dangerous...

Notice the killer's look in his eyes...

Well, I know... Camera phones isn't allowed to be brought into army camps, and what's more, I am having my In-Camp-Training. But I'm not the only one doing it. Everyone else are doing it too! And most importantly, I didn't took pictures of anything confidential.

Anyway, I initially felt very reluctant to go for this ICT. But upon arriving there and seeing some of my ex-camp mates, it made me felt better and even a little excited. Especially William Lau.

William Lau was sort of like a buddy during my NS active time. On the second year of my NS, I got transferred to be a combat storeman for my company and William joined me shortly. And for a long period, both of us were the only storemen for our company, we were like a tag-team.

Talking about my NS, I was actually a rifleman during the first year of my NS! And I did complete the rifleman course within that 1 year.

Of course, other than the basic weapons like M16 and Sar21, I was also trained with a Law as I was a 'Law Gunner'...

Next, my Platoon Sargent decided that he have enough Law gunners and therefore changed my position into a 'M203' gunner...

Basically, it is just an M16 rifle attached with a grenade-launcher

Then, I was transferred to another platoon to take up the position of a men who has downgraded his PES status... A sharpshooter.

It is basically an M16 rifle with a scope attached on the top

It was this 'M16-with-scope' that I was using when our Marksmanship test started, and after 3 days 2 nights of this Marksmanship test, I passed with good results and was honored as a marksman. I think I should share about what happened during my Marksmanship test on some other time.

Anyway, to get a marksman was much harder than everyone thought so! Out of the 90 people in my entire company, only 3 person got the marksman! Therefore I feel that I am really lucky.

SAF Marksman badge

On the last night of my In-Camp-Training was the best. I chatted with William Lau throughout the night, from 12AM to 7AM!!

William Lau was and still is the typical ah beng of Singapore! You remember the ah bengs from the 90's? Center-parting, long wallet, sharp comb, button shirt, bell bottom... Yes he still dresses like this!!

The corner that we spend most of the night chatting throughout

Alright, enough of my army stuffs. It's time for some random photos...

Jessie feeding Elvis

It's Tavier behind

Jerlin feeding Tavier

Jessie got her White iPhone 4 last Sunday

Elvis Kim

Good Night~

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary

2011-05-20T05:22:00.002+08:00

Like I've mentioned in my last post, I am currently having my In-Camp-Training until next Friday! I am at home now because I managed to book-out, but I will have to be back at camp by 8AM tomorrow morning!And guess where is my camp? It is located at Jurong West!!

So far, my ICT wasn't that bad at all. And it feels good to see some of my NS camp-mates again. One of my camp-mates told me that finally I look a little different now. In another word, he is saying that I'm looking older now... Damn.

Anyway, this coming Monday will be my 1st wedding anniversary date! Wow time flies! - I got married in 23rd of March 2010 - But unfortunately, on Monday, I will be having my ICT. And so, maybe to compensate it, I think I shall go out and have a nice dinner with Jessie on this coming Sunday.

Alright, enough of talking. It is already 5.30AM now, and in a couple of hours later time, I will have to prepare myself to book-in back into camp already!

Below are some randomly picked photos taken on my actual wedding day...

Jessie and I, with my brothers

Getting ready to unveil my bride

Walking back to my wedding car

Getting into the wedding car

'Double Happiness'

Walking back to wedding car again

Kevin joking around

Serving tea

Rushing to wear my shoes

Jessie and I with her relatives

Solemnization

Our wedding portrait

Romantic display of flower

Wedding ball-room

"I don't care!! I want the same wedding ring as Jessie's!!"

A kiss before our wedding march starts

About to cut our wedding cake...

Seated for our dinner

Escorting my bride...

Champagne pouring time

One of my favourite picture from my wedding photo shoot

That's all! I will end my post now. Good night!

Going back for my In-Camp-Training

2011-05-15T03:04:00.005+08:00

Sian... I am going back to my reservist (better known now as ICT - In-Camp-Training) this Monday! For 2 weeks!

I've already prepared myself for this ICT by cutting my hair short! Seriously, I've never cut this short for the past 2 years...

For the past 2 years, I haven really been going for my ICTs as I somehow managed to defer them, and so as for Monday's ICT, I really shouldn't be deferring anymore.

Damn... Just thinking of it makes me down. I believe just on the first night of my ICT, all my 'army-days' memories will come flooding back. Not to mention the much hatred 'out-field' that every combatant despises! Yeah, there will at least have a 3-days-outfield during my 2 weeks ICT!!

WTH! I don't even have to wait till the first night of my ICT for my 'amry-days' memories to come back! Just thinking of it now already brought it back! The distinctive smell of the forest moisture... And the strong atmosphere of home-sickness in the air... It makes you feel very lonely.

Sian. What to do?? This is Singapore...

Recently, 2 weeks ago, my brother got enlisted into his 'Basic Military Trainings' at Pulau Tekong. I wonder how is he now? Though different camps, different vocations and different PES status. But still, I wonder does he share the same emotional feelings as me when I initially got enlisted? So far, by calling home almost every evening to tell us how and about was his 'new lifestyle', it actually seemed pretty good compared to mine.

My 2 weeks ICT. Just get over it and done.

I'm sure gonna miss my family so much, especially my son.

Video of Elvis chasing around my cat

Since I won't be free for the next 2 weeks, I guess I'll better post my recent but random photos taken from my iPhone...

Me and Elvis

Playing with Elvis

Entertaining Elvis

Act cute with Elvis

Designed this company's name-card where I'm also working part time there as a Project designer

Elvis on a kiddy ride

Jessie trying to squeeze in...

Roasted Pig for Dinner!

Kinda felt sorry for this pig...

This is a vintage-toy!

It used to be sold everywhere for only 50 cents

Now you can hardly find one that sells this

I used to play it when I was still in Primary school

Another vintage-toy

A harmonica

I remember my primary school's bookshop sell this for $1

Last Tuesday was my mother's birthday

One of Ben & Jerry's best selling flavor!

The loan-sharks are back at my block...

I trapped this ant's leg. Watch how he managed escape...

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-END-

After 'General Elections 2011'

2011-05-11T01:00:00.001+08:00

Ok, this will probably be my last post regarding about this GE 2011. The General Elections fever is over and the dusts are almost settled, I should get over it soon too.

By now, everyone should have know the results of this General Election 2011. PAP was returned to power as the government with an overall voting percentage of 60.1% - the lowest ever since independence.

Only one opposition party won, the Workers' Party. They created history by being the very first opposition party to win in a GRC. Amazing.

On the night of announcing the election results, I stayed up and glued on to my TV set until 4AM. Actually, I really wanted to go down to watch the results live, but I was so tired that I decided to watch from the comfort of my home.

Each time, when the scene from the channel 5 reporters flashes over to 'the man' standing at the podium (about to announce the results), I felt nervous...

This 'man' - or should I call him the 'officer' - with an emotionless stoned face, announces the results with a 'straight and mono-tone' voice.

That night I was tweeted a couple of times; nagging about this 'officer'...

I wasn't too surprise when I found out this 'officer' is now the latest star in the cyberspace of Singapore. His name is Yam Ah Mee.

"Pursuant to Section 49, Sub Section 70, Paragraph A of the Parliamentary Act, I hereby declare..."

Voting Slips

You know, yesterday I read from an anonymous person blog. This person, presumably a man, was one of the volunteered polling agents. And he briefly wrote about how the 'process' of the polling goes.

He said that all polling agents will have to take a oath of secrecy before they start. Then they were assigned, 4 polling agents, to each table. And on each table there will be one 'X Party' and 'Y Party' candidates watching them count the votes.

Oh! Not to forget the most important role! There is a 'Table Chief' standing-by on every table. In a case of where a polling agent chanced upon an 'improper vote', the polling agent will then show the 'Table Chief', and whatever decision (be it void or counted) made by the Table Chief is final.

This was how it probably looked like

My definition of an 'improper vote' means that the voter didn't vote in the 'correct way'.

For us to vote for the party we want (in the correct way), we simply have to draw a cross on the blank area beside the party's logo. Simple!

But from the way the anonymous polling agent wrote, I can tell that 'improper vote' happens commonly.

For example...

I know there are many 'voided votes', but actually every vote is precious. They only void those that 'REALLY-CANNOT-make-it-votes'. Take the one above for example; although the voter didn't vote the 'correct way' (it was supposed to be a cross, not tick!), but still, it clearly marked that the voter voted for the 'Car Party'. And so the Table Chief will count this vote into the 'Car Party'.

The anonymous polling agent said that many voters drew the cross over the white-box area (it is considered incorrect to draw out of the white-box too!).

Mustn't draw out of the white-box area

As this is also considered an 'improper vote', the polling agent will then pass the voting slip to the Table Chief to make the decision on that particular vote. Of course, crossing the white-box area is considered 'improper vote'. But still, it is very obvious to know who the voter voted for - in a case of which it doesn't look obvious, the Table Chief will look at which position the 'marking' is at; the 'marking' closest to whichever party will get the vote! - Therefore, the Table Chief will give this vote to the 'Dog Party'.

The anonymous polling agent stated that he will occasionally come across weird votes.

Some citizens think it is multiple-choice-questions

Now, as you can see on picture 1 and 2, some voters drew circles instead of crossing it! And so, like all other 'improper votes', the polling agent will then again pass the voting slip to the 'Table Chief' for the final decision. Alright, although the 'shape' the voter drew is completely different from the 'correct-way', it is obvious that the voter voted for the 'Dog Party' in picture 1, and in picture 2 the voter voted for the 'Car Party'.

The anonymous polling agent said there are even weirder votes, like the ones below...

As you can see, some voters got a little artistic

Mentioned by the anonymous polling agent, the above votes (picture 3 & 4) was considered a valid vote by the 'Table Chief' too. Therefore, the vote goes to the 'Dog Party' in picture 3, and the vote goes to the to the 'Car Party' in picture 4.

Now, this is the part where I begin to find it absurd. Take a look at this 'improper vote' slips below...

You guess whose vote is whose?

In a logical sense, which party did you think the voters voted for in picture 5 & 6? In my opinion, I would say the voters were actually voting for the 'Car Party' in both picture 5 & 6. But guess what?

The anonymous polling agent said he encounter a situation exactly like picture 5 and 6, and so he passed over to the Table Chief and waited for his decision. Quickly, the Table Chief gave the votes to the 'Dog Party' in both pictures 5 and 6!!

The Table Chief explained to the anonymous polling agent that it was because the 'standard mark' for a vote is a cross, and therefore the 'Dog Party' (in picture 5) gets the vote! As for picture 6, the same principal applies; 'Dog Party' was marked over by a cross... You know when I read this, I go Wah! Like this also can ah??

The most interesting vote the anonymous polling agent came across was not a shape, but instead, some texts.

The anonymous polling agent said that - AT LEAST ONCE - he came across votes like these...

WTH?!

Believe it or not, the Table Chief applied the same principal. That is, since there wasn't any marking but texts, he will 'use' the texts as the marking. And so, Whoever Party this 'marking' is nearest to, gets the vote! Therefore, for both picture 7 & 8, the 'Dog Party' gets the vote! How prejudiced!

The anonymous polling agent mentioned - that despite having him arguing with the Table Chief that this particular voter is obviously voting for the 'Car Party', or if not, it should at least be considered a voided vote - but the Table Chief didn't want to listen.

GRC (Group Representative Constituency)

The GRC was first introduced by Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew during the 1988 election. It is a unique electoral system in the world. Yes, only in Singapore.

According to Lee, the establishment of the GRC is to ensure that there will always be elected members from minority racial groups in the Parliament to protect their representation. Therefore, there must be at least one candidate from the minority racial groups in each GRC. But many of us knows better...

This GRC system actually makes it very difficult for opposition parties to win in a GRC election; Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong actually admitted to it. In fact, no opposition parties has ever won in a GRC. That is, until 8th of May - For the first time in Singapore history, an opposition party won a in a GRC! That is the Workers' Party!

Low Thia Khiang and his Aljunied team

I feel that this GRC system is unfair. Many netizens claimed that this GRC system enables new PAP candidates - a ticket as a fast-track path to enter Parliament either through the “backdoor” or riding on the coat-tails of heavy-weight ministers resulting in the lackluster performance of some MPs presently who do not deserve to be in Parliament in the first place.

We should really not have this GRC and return it all to SMC. I feel this GRC system is unfair and is also beginning to backfire on the people who create it. One exmaple is Mr George Yeo who lost Aljunied to Workers' Party and he is now no longer a MP and Foreign Minister.

Because of this GRC system, we lost one of the few good and humble ministers. You think the resident of Aljunied wanted George Yeo out? I doubt so. But they didn't had a choice because of this GRC system.

Then, somehow because of this GRC system, we also lost the longest-serving opposition leader, Mr Chiam See Tong.

Mr. Chiam See Tong

Mr Chiam See Tong is the most-respected opposition leader in Singapore, and also one of the most-sincere. Despite suffering from stroke twice and a physically aging body, Mr Chiam continues to fight for democracy in Singapore.

Mr and Mrs Chiam

During the election period, Mr Chiam See Tong of the Singapore People's Party was the one opposition that I spent the most time updating myself and followed closely on.

Logo of the SPP (Singapore People's Party)

Mr Chiam contested for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, but unfortunately, he and his team lost. They got the percentage votes of 43.06%, just 8% short of winning! Well, with the percentage of the result, I must say he is considered half a winner.

A picture of Mr Chiam surrounded by reporters

What really shocked me was Potong Pasir - the longest opposition SMC ward has fallen to the PAP! Potong Pasir, the stronghold of Mr Chiam See Tong for 27 years has fallen to Sitoh Yi Pin of the PAP!

Sitoh Yi Pin, the new MP for Potong Pasir

I guess Mr Chiam must have really felt devastated and sad. The residents of the ward that he has humbly and sincerely served for 27 years - despite having very limited-resources, criticism and discrimination from the government - has given up on him. More than half of them have decided to buy a new insurance policy

Welcome to Mr Chiam's Meet-the-People Session

Whereby the PAP MPs get air-conditioned rooms to conduct their meet-the-people session, Mr Chiam See Tong has to held his weekly Meet-the-People Session behind a small cubicle, under the void deck of Potong Pasir blk 108 for the past 27 years without air-conditioning or even the convenience of a toilet.

After Mr Chiam committed many years of his life promoting democracy in Singapore and sincerely serving the residents of Potong Pasir to the best he could, I really didn't expect Potong Pasir to be won by PAP!

Pleasant moments of Mr & Mrs Chiam

In this General Elections 2011, I've seen most of the rallies by oppositions parties, especially Workers' Party and Chiam See Tong's Singapore People's Party, but none is as touching and sincere as Mr Chiam's.

Despite his aged physical condition and recovering from stroke, he continues to fight for democracy in Singapore, for us Singaporeans. It is not because of sympathy that moved me, but because of his sincerity and determination.

I saw a heart-aching video took by one of Mr Chiam's supporter at the rally. After he finishes his speech, and came down the stage to shake the hands of the crowds infront. Then suddenly, a man looking in his 60s' broke out crying for Mr Chiam...

Screenshots of the video...

In all of his rallies speeches in this general election, I feel this is Mr Chiam's most touching and sincere sentence...

"I am not actually a brave man. But I love Singapore and I love Singaporeans"

Most likely this will be your last time seeing this signboard

Chiam See Tong's losing is a very huge lost to Singapore.

So now you see, because of this GRC system, it cost good people like George Yeo and Chiam See Tong to be out. Whereby, others with no experience easily becomes an MP.

I'm gonna end my post now. As for my overall opinion on after the GE, I will say that with very experience and humble people like Chiam See Tong is out, while young people without experience is in; Singapore politics will still remains as a 'sad place' although history has been made nonetheless...

- End -

Workers Party rally at Bedok Stadium

2011-05-07T02:22:00.010+08:00

Very short clip of Elvis bullying my cat

Yesterday was the 'cooling-off' day, no campaigning or promoting of any parties are allowed. And later on will be the voting day! Omg, I'm so excited and nervous for the results!

Though all along I've been quite interested in the politics of Singapore, but never have I got so enthused in it until 2 weeks ago!

This post is the pictures I've took at the Workers Party rally at Bedok Stadium on 30th April 2011.

On my way to the Workers Party rally

These grown-ups' climbing, will definitely bring back memories of their childhood

A very huge crowd!

You know, you don't have to be afraid

Huge crowd flooding out of Bedok Stadium!

It only started to drizzle at the end of the rally.

After the rally, watching the massive crowd flooding out of Bedok Stadium while chanting Workers Party! Workers Party! - is not a sight you can easily see it happening in Singapore.

Here, I got it on video...

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General Elections 2011

2011-05-03T00:32:00.007+08:00

Well, with just 4 days left to the polling day, it is getting exciting. And until then, I am and will be consistently checking up the latest news on the General Elections!

Anyway, today's post is not exactly talking about the GE, but still, it is related. To be exact, I am posting some random photos from the GE 2011...

My previous post's pictures were all from the opposition members, and so to be fair this time round, the majority of the random photos will be of the ruling party (People's Action Party).

These photos are from Yahoo News.

Oh! By the way, I've added captions to some of the photos just for entertainment-sake!

You know I attended and listened to the Workers Party rally last Saturday (30th April) at Bedok Stadium, and it was so packed! I guess on my next post, I will post the pictures I've taken that evening at the Workers Party's rally.

Ok... I am standing somewhere in the center...

The next evening (1st of May),
the PAP held their rally at the same venue too (Bedok Stadium)!

No lah, it's not empty...

The above photo of the PAP's rally was probably taken during
a toilet break...

...Or is it really that bad??

This woman talking to a man is Ho Ching (Prime Minister Lee's wife)...

Thanking their supporters after the rally...

Looking tensed up...

Teo Chee Hean leading his team in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Massive number of supporters for the Workers Party!

"Sayonara PAP~"

Workers Party's Low Thia Khiang...

SDP (Singapore Democratic Party)...

Where is Danny the bear contesting for??

Mr Mah Bow Tan - Minister for National Development...

Is it necessary to have bodyguards around?

A few photos of supporters of PAP...

...housewives.

...Senior Citizens.

...from all walks of life.

...More supporters!

And even more supporters!!

Alright, that's all I will share for now!

Ok, last photo before I end my post...

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Contesting in Potong Pasir SMC?

- Good night! -

The People Heroes Party

2011-04-30T00:57:00.010+08:00

You know, the Singapore General Election 2011 is taking place right now... And therefore I will like to do a post on one of the parties. The PHP! People Heroes Party!!

Who the hell party is that?

Nah... It's just a lame joke. There is no PHP in the General Elections. You see, I came across the Mr Brown Show blog a couple of days ago and found this amusing pictures; photoshop-ed pictures of some of the opposition members!

I decided to share the pictures (from the Mr Brown Show blog) here...
I guess some of you have probably seen these pictures already...

First up, the wonder-girl from NSP (National Solidarity Party)
and youngest hero/heroine in this general elections... Nicole Seah!

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Looking cute like a rabbit, fights like a lion!

Next, we have the almighty savior,
Mr Low Thia Khiang from the Workers Party...

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He has decided to travel out of his village to kick some asses!

*edited* Not to forget, traveling with Mr Low Thia Khiang is his newly-recruited but powerful side-kick!
Mr Chen Shao Mao!

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"Mr Low, watch me in action!"

Lastly, we have our veteran hero from the SPP (Singapore People's Party),
the legendary Chiam See Tong!

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The last fight...

CST, the one man who defied an empire...

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He is a legend...

Are the pictures funny? Such creativeness! I laughed when I first saw them!

Mm... You know, one of my favourite heroes is missing from those pictures! You know who? He is none other than the brave and courageous Dr Chee Soon Juan from the SDP (Singapore Democratic Party)!

I think it will be very interesting to include Dr Chee in the 'People Heroes Party'... But unfortunately, Dr Chee wasn't included. I guess it was because he is missing-in-action in this 2011 General Elections (He couldn't participate in this elections)...

...And therefore...

...I decided to photoshop Dr Chee myself!!

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"I will wait another 5 years for my revenge!"

Before I end my post, here's one last pic of Dr Chee's that I've photoshop-ed...

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He will get his sweet revenge...

-END-

Random Photos Update

2011-04-27T21:52:00.002+08:00

Been 2 weeks since I last blogged! I got a little lazy...

Anyway today's post will be a quick one; updates of random photos taken over the week!

A very short flash movie of Elvis on his walker

I painted my room 2 weeks ago, from 'light pink' to 'apple white'. The initial room color (light pink) was painted only less than one year ago! And so why did I still re-paint my room? Well, let's just say that I was strongly advised that 'the aura of this new color (apple white) will improve my life'! Hopefully...

Just starting to paint...

This is actually a 'first layer' to cover up the 'old color'

My room is in one hell of a mess!

One week later...
I know! I took quite awhile to paint because I was busy alright!

Almost complete!

Room is still in one hell of a mess!

Room is still in one hell of a mess!

COMPLETED!!

I know... It looks like white color...

...But in fact, it really is 'Apple White'!

Below are the rest of my random pictures...

This got to be the best tasting Cup Porridge!

On another evening I had dinner at Seoul Garden's Ala Carte.
It was my first time dining in a Seoul Garden's ALA-CARTE restaurant!

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Frankly speaking, I have never liked to dine in Seoul Garden (except when I was still a kid), because there are other lower priced 'BBQ restaurant'
with better varieties of food! But I got to say this
new 'ala-carted concept' by Seoul Garden is great!
In the entire dinner session, I did not even lifted my ass off the chair once! *LOL*

On another evening, after having dinner in East Coast Park food center,
I took a short stroll along the beach and I noticed the moon was
unusually bright and large that evening!

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Believe it or not, I did NOT photoshop-ed this picture!

Clearer picture...

The rest of my really random pictures...

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Elvis Kim in a very good mood...

One afternoon I had this delicious crispy carrot cake for lunch!

At a coffee shop along Bedok North Street 3!

Went to a jamming studio on another afternoon...

Ice cube maker from Ikea...

Broke into half when I bended it slightly to get the ices out...!

Last weekend, I've been playing Left 4 Dead with Karin, my younger sister

Elvis Kim Zu Rui!

Feeding Elvis some medicine

Last random picture before I end this post...

Last week I was on my way back home along Tampines Ave 2 when I saw the flags of the almighty PAP (People Action Party), I was like Wah! Sibei kiasu!

Look at the number of flags!

Actually PAP being kiasu is fine (Singaporean ma...), but the thing is that are they even allowed to do that before the nomination day start??

I read from online users complaining & asking that is PAP cheating by placing flags before the nomination day starts? And what if it were the opposition parties that placed their flags before the nomination day? Sure get catch by police and the Election Department one! *LOL*

Whatever! Anyway, today the nomination day has started! This 2011 general election is really going to be a very interesting and exciting one!! I'm constantly checking on the latest news on this GE! Good luck to all the participating parties...

Apple VS Microsoft

2011-04-13T02:27:00.016+08:00

Just watched a 1999 movie via online called 'Pirates of Silicon Valley'...

Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)

I personally give a ratings of: 7 out of 10 stars

Like I've said, I just watched this movie via online, and all of a sudden I got a urge to blog about it somehow...

This movie is a semi-humorous documentary, based on the true stories about the men (mainly Steve Jobs & Bill Gates), who made the world of technology of what it is today. Their struggles during college, the founding of their companies, and the ingenious actions they took to build up the global corporate empires of Apple Computer Corporation and Microsoft Inc.

It is amazing just to even realize that these men created history! They are the ones who changed how the world thinks and communicates today! They created a dent in the universe!

The story of this movie is set between the 70s' to the 90s'; jump cutting through key moments in time for the 2 computer companies.

It is admirable to know that how Microsoft, at that time (early 80s'), was just a really SMALL company with a very SMALL office, and Apple's computer company was already 50 times larger than Microsoft! But within a decade, Microsoft quickly overtook Apple as the leader in the IT industry! Wow. It is just like a local unknown TV station over taking Mediacorp as the leading TV broadcaster in Singapore!

Apple amazed me too! In the movie, before Apple was successfully established, Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple) quoted the status of computer company, IBM, the 'Pentagon of the IT industry'! But still, Apple amazingly got ahead of IBM shortly after establishing itself!

The movie ended by subtitling that 'Microsoft now owns part of Apple Computer Corporation' and 'Bill Gates is currently the richest man in the world'. But of course that was in the 90s' (this movie was made in the 90s'), because Microsoft couldn't possibly own part of Apple now, and Bill Gates is NO longer the richest man in the world.

You know, I read from an online article that Apple nearly went bankrupt once! But Bill Gates helped Apple to clear the debts, but it did not stated why.

I feel that it is fascinating; the rise and fall of Apple Computer Corporation. No wait! Apple rise, then fell, and then RISES again! That's right, everyone knows that Apple dominates the IT industry today.

Yes, in the recent years, Apple has raised up and became the world's largest technology company - knocking software giant Microsoft off the top spot!

Just take a look at the iPhone for example, you can see everyone using it. And not to forget the recently-released iPad - the only tablet PC that got everyone talking about.

Apple's rise as the leading technology company is to no luck at all. It was all because of their hard-work of creating new products, powerful brandings and cool appealing designs that have all worked well - who doesn't recognize an Apple product upon seeing one??

Actually, Microsoft only have to serve themselves right for losing the top spot - Frankly speaking, in the recent years, I feel that Microsoft have really been slow on it's progress, whereby Apple has been periodically producing potential products such as Macbook, Macbook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 and iPad.

Macbook Pro

Macbook Air

Steve Jobs with a Macbook Air

iMac

iPhone 3GS

Steve Jobs with an iPhone 3GS

iPhone 4

Steve Jobs with an iPhone 4

iPad (this name actually offended many women!)

Steve Jobs with an iPad

Apple is just so cool!

Of course it ain't surprising that even though I frequently do designing, but still, I uses Windows instead of a Mac. And if you didn't realize, actually ALL professional designers uses a Mac! But firstly I am not a professional, and afterall, I'm so used Windows (I ever try tried using a Mac OS and it is frustrating!)

Alright now, as usual, I will abruptly end my post.

MicroApple! *just kidding!*

Oh! P.S: If the story of the 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' movie is really accurate, then I can't help but to say that Bill Gates is one sneaky little bastard!

Random 'out-dated' Pictures

2011-04-11T13:37:00.009+08:00

Fell sick today. No, I actually fell sick since last night.

Despite staying up so late just to make sure that I will be able to fall asleep easily, I woke up just 45 mins after falling asleep this morning!! And because of my splitting headache, I wasn't able to fall back to sleep!

Although I am starting to feel a little tired now, it is a awkward time to sleep right now (1.45PM)! And just to find something to do now, why not blog?

Anyway today's post is just posting about some random and kinda 'out-dated' photos that is in my phone...

Last month, I went with Jessie and Elvis to the 'Baby Fair 2011' at the Singapore Expo... Just like last year, I went to 'Baby Fair 2010' at the Singapore Expo with Jessie and Elvis too...

It was BORING! Baby Fair 2010 was really boring! But Baby Fair 2011 was even worst!! The organizers should really plan of something interesting at the Baby Fair. Come on, at least get more companies that is really dealing with baby-products to participate!!

Seriously, I think that the numbers of booth for insurance companies are even more than the ones dealing with baby-products!! Omg...

Ok ok! Though boring like hell, still, we did bought a number of things from the baby fair lah...

Some baby toys...

A set of children songs DVDs...

Children songs DVDs. It was my idea to get mandarin ones because english ones come by commonly!

Milk bottle...

And lastly... (this was actually what we really came for to the Baby Fair)

A LG mat!

There are pictures on both sides. Who the hell is that anyway?!

The mat is called LG mat because firstly it is a mat, and secondly the brand is LG. You know the korean brand LG? Life's Good. *LOL*

And guess how much it costs? $180!!!

I doubt that I will be visiting 'Baby Fair 2012'...

Now, continuing on with my post, random pictures of Elvis Kim...

Without clothes!

Oh yah... I was using the pore pack for removing blackheads the other day...

Look at the black heads! It works! *LOL*

Ops! Sorry, disgusting I know...

Ok, below are more random pictures of Elvis...

Elvis on his walker...

Elvis. With my silly cat staring from a distance...

Elvis. With my silly cat behind again...

Ok, no more random photos of Elvis,

instead, photos of a facial saloon that I've took last week...

Why did I took photos of this facial saloon? Because...

...their signboard was designed by me!

Beautiful Faces

I mentioned before that I am currently doing some freelance designing. And this facial saloon was actually one of my clients - I've designed their signboard, company's logo, and currently still designing their website.

So how is my design huh?

For a clearer view, here is the original JPEG format of the signboard

(resized to a small size)

By the way, you know this model that they asked me to use

- I feel that she very much resembles a very popular local artist! Guess who?

Zoe Tay!!

Look-alike??

Ferris Wheel at Downtown East E-Hub

2011-04-05T05:11:00.013+08:00

If you notice, I created a new header for my blog in flash!

I taught myself to use Adobe Flash CS3 Professional - I learned from scratch! By spending dozen of hours exploring the program & doing research on Google! And frankly speaking, I'm kinda proud of myself! *chuckles*

And here it is, my officially first flash banner that I've created! How is it huh? It is fine if you think it sucks because like I've said, it is my first flash banner that I've officially created. And actually I'm more worried that this flash header will cause lag while browsing my blog!

Anyway, today I'm posting some out-dated pictures...

3 weeks ago I went to Pasir Ris Downtown East E-hub and took the Ferris Wheel with Jessie & Elvis...

A picture of the Downtown East Ferris Wheel

Morning view

Evening view

Me and Elvis Kim

Below are the rest of the pictures taken that afternoon...

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Jessie (backview) and Elvis

Elvis is so excited~

Jessie, Me & Elvis

While sitting the Ferris Wheel, Elvis was so excited, happy, and curious!

If I remembered correctly, the ticket price for the ride was $6 per person, but Elvis obviously didn't need a ticket for the ride.

Below are some random pictures of Elvis...

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Jessie was trying to feed Elvis some cereal on the other day

Elvis's Pram. I am selling it! Anyone interested??

Bought it at $328 and still in a good condition!

I'm really pissed off by tonight's internet connection! It is freaking slow!! And worst, my Internet Explorer keeps crashing!! Because of this frustratingly slow connection, a task that usually takes 30 mins became 3 hours! And not even completed!! Irritating! Wasted a whole lot of my time!

Alright I must end my post now, it is getting very late!

We Are From Africa

2011-04-02T04:05:00.009+08:00

I haven been blogging much for the last month. I have been busy doing my freelance 'designs'.

Well just now, something happened and it made me really angry. It was unforgivably absurd! But still, I managed my cool and my mood is still as fine as always. Why live 90% of your life angrily when you can live it happily? The world is coming to an end you know?? *just joking about this end of the world part*

Anyway, what's up with my blog title? You know I watched a movie via online last week. It was a 2006 movie starring Leonardo Dicaprio; 'Blood Diamond'.

I still can remember the extremely popular and iconic 1997 movie, Titanic. Who would have never heard of this movie or story? I guess Titanic was probably one of the best movie ever made in the history of films! This movie did created history too; It became the highest-grossing film of all time, with a worldwide gross of over $1.8 billion – the first film to reach the billion dollar mark!! And it was the second film in history to won the most Oscars awards! (11 awards! First film was Ben-Hur in 1959 with 11 Oscars too)

Oh not to forget, it was also the movie that shot Leonardo Dicaprio to superstardom.

The most famous line from Titanic; Jack: "You jump I jump!"

Ok, let's get back to the movie that I was initially talking about; Blood Diamond.

Blood Diamond (2006)
Great movie! 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Here's a quick plot summary about the movie:
Set against the backdrop of civil war and chaos in 1990's Sierra Leone, Blood Diamond is the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo Dipcario) - an ex mercenary from Zimbabwe - and Solomon Vandy - a Mende fisherman. Both men are African, but their histories as different as any can be, until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond that can transform their lives. While in prison for smuggling, Archer learns that Solomon - who was taken from his family and forced to work in the diamond fields - has found and hidden the extraordinary rough stone. With the help of Maddy Bowen, an American journalist whose idealism is tempered by a deepening connection with Archer, the two men embark on a trek through rebel territory, a journey that could save Solomon's family and give Archer the second chance he thought he would never have.

You know, scientists says that humans evolved from apes, and all apes originated from Africa. In fact, scientists claims that all mammals originated from Africa! Well, frankly speaking, I think I got to agree with the scientists after watching Blood Diamond.

At the climax of the movie, there is a scene where Soloman Vandy (a fisherman) got furiously enraged with the leader of the rebels. And screaming like a mad man, Soloman charged towards the man with a spade and whacked the man to death with it.

Soloman Vandy is a African man, and when I saw the scene where he roared like a mad man, it shockingly resembles... An angry ape roaring.

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Did you notice how close the expression or features of the African man and the gorilla is?

Like scientists said, man evolved from apes in Africa. I think I really got to agree with it now.

Screenshot of Blood Diamond movie

By the way, I must stress that I am not making fun of this man or any other Africans! In fact, I am kinda making kudos and compliments to Africans!

And so, like the lyrics of the South Africa 2010 World Cup theme song by Shakira goes... We are all Africa~

Next, a few days ago I watch the new korean movie, 'The Man From Nowhere'.

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The Man From Nowhere (2011)

A really nice movie! 5 out of 5 stars!!

A really quick plot summary of this movie: A quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past takes on a drugs and organs trafficking ring in hope of saving the child who is his only friend.

Been awhile since I watched such an exciting action movie, and whats more, a Korean movie!! It starred the charming Bin Won. Speaking of which, it reminds me of another good movie Bin Won starred in...

Taeguki - The Brotherhood of War (2004)
I think this movie was better known as 'Brotherhood' in Singapore

One of the best war movies!! 5 out of 5 stars!! - A story about the fate of brothers forced to fight in the Korean War.

This movie has good scenes of war fights, a few funny scenes, and some really touching scenes that brought tears to my eyes.

This movie is definitely in my top 10 favourite movies and top 5 favourite war movies of all-time!! And this is the only Asian movie in my top 5 war movies list!

By the way, I love to watch war movies. If you must know what some are the other films in my top list of war movies, I will tell you but not in any ranking orders; Saving Private Ryan, We Were Soliders, Thin Red Line, and Black Hawk Down... There are more, but these are the popular ones.

Lastly, before I end my post. I was changing my hotmail account password just now when I notice the date I registered for this email account (kim_junhong@hotmail.com). I screenshot it...

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17 April 2000

I go "WOW!" when I realised the date, 17 April 2000, 11 years ago!! I know some of you will think that it is no big deal or some of you might probably even have email accounts registered much longer than my date. But still, I personally felt quite 'amazed' at how long it have been.

11 years! Imagine that! Can you remember what you were doing 11 years ago? Were laptops even afforable at that time? Were there even iPods available then?? No, I hardly think so.

Actually one thing that amazed me the most was that I have been using this 11 years old email account for 11 years. It is and have been my main email account for almost everything that requires you to have an email account, like; MSN Messenger, Blogger, Friendster, Facebook, Twitter, etc etc... It goes on...

Cool huh? No? Whatever!

Updates

2011-03-22T07:39:00.013+08:00

As I've been busy, it's been a long time since I properly updated my blog!

I'm currently doing some freelance website/graphics designing, and therefore, I didn't have time to update my blog for the past weeks. As for now, I took sometime so that I will be able to update my blog.

Let me see... Mm... I will just update some of the highlghts that I had over the past few weeks...

On early March, Jessie and I signed Elvis up for the 'Baby 2011 Contest' held at Tampines North Community Club, and there were over a hundred contestants!

There were 4 categories in this contest:
+ Most Photogenic Family
+ Most Photogenic Baby
+ Most Happy Baby
+ Most Healthy Baby

At the end of the day, we were proud of Elvis because at least we didn't walked-home without winning anything; Elvis managed to win the 'Top 10 Consolation for Most Photogenic Family'.

To be frank, I thought Elvis could have won the top 3 title for the 'Most Happy Baby'; because he kept laughing and laughing while the judges set the scores. And maybe it was because of me that he didn't won. (I wasn't smiling happily at all because I was too tired!)

Anyway it was still a good experience for Elvis, and we didn't joined the contest to win, but to have fun...

Pictures from the Baby Contest...

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Elvis Kim

Elvis with parents and grand-parents

Look how fake I smiled

Some performance by a 'balloon man'

MP for Tampines - Mr Ong Kian Min

A long speech...

...almost 50% of people were not listening...

After contest!

A family pic!

Prizes

On another day, together with Jessie, Elvis, Wendy and her daughter, we went NEX shopping centre at Serangoon. It was my first time visiting this new shopping centre!

Walking around NEX will give you a feeling of walking around a shopping centre in Orchard Road... Because it is really huge! It really is the largest-shopping-centre in the East!

Elvis in Wendy's house

At NEX

Then just 2 weeks ago, I went to the IT Show at Suntec City. Wow it was packed!

I went to the IT Show because I wanted to get a new laptop for myself. But the massive crowd of people made it difficult for me to even walk from one booth to the other!

Anyway, in the end, I still managed to get myself a new laptop. It is an Acer 4743G;

I bought it for only $829!! It comes with Intel Core i5 2.93GHz with Turbo Boost, NVIDIA GeForce graphic card, 8GB Memory Ram, and 640GB of disk-space! But still...

...I regretted getting this Acer laptop!

I heard that Acer laptop heats up fast. I should have gotten myself a Dell or Asus laptop! Also, I compared my new Acer laptop with Jessie's SONY Vaio;

- Mine (Intel Core i5 2.66GHz)have a better and faster processor than hers (Intel Core i3 2.40GHz)
- I have a better graphic card
- I have more memory ram (8 GB vs 6 GB)

But despite all these, my laptop performance wasn't as smooth as her Sony Vaio!! WTH?! It should have been faster or at least the same! I wonder is it Acer's fault?

Anyway, speaking of buying my laptop at a good price, it reminds me of something...

I still remember when my Dad bought our very first family computer. It was back in 1995! Yes! I have already been using a computer since 1995, more than 15 years ago!!

Guess how much did the desktop computer costs?

$5000!!! Can you imagine that?? Now with just 10% of that amount, you can get a Netbook, and it will still perform 10 times faster than it!

And the brand of my first computer? 'IPC' - the already-long-lost but once-popular computer company.

If I remembered correctly, IPC was a local (Singapore) computer-maker company! And during then, IPC was so popular that it became the BEST computer company in Singaporea, and also one of the best computer company internationally!! Don't ask me if IPC was once the best then what happened to it now? I don't know neither...

Anyway, my first computer model was called 'My-Genie Gold' from IPC; it was the best computer available that time, and also won many prizes internationally!

Come to think of it, my first computer costs $5000 at that time. But now for $500, you can easily get one that is so much so much better! Wow... Technology...

Last weekend, I watched the latest movie: World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles

I personally give a ratings of: 7 out of 10 stars

This movie wasn't bad but neither is it up to my expectations.

What I didn't like about this movie was the story; it was more like a urban-war movie than an alien invasion movie! It just makes you feel like the US army is fighting against some invaders with advanced-weapon.

Compared the story to other aliens invasion movies like 'Independence Day' and 'War of the Worlds', 'Battle Los Angeles' really loses far out!

But overall, it was still pretty exciting! Worth to watch it!

Last night, I managed to update my iPhone's OS from 4.1 to version 4.2.1 (and not the latest 4.3)!

I didn't want to update to 4.3 because there isn't any Jailbreak programs for iOS 4.3 yet.

Anyway I spent quite awhile (almost 2 hours) trying to update my iPhone to 4.2.1 and not to 4.3! And I accomplished it! (No, it wasn't that simple. If your iPhone's version is an old one, then try updating your iPhone to 4.2.1 and not 4.3!)

Lastly, some random pictures taken over the past weeks...

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Me and Jessie at Airport

Elvis confused by these 2 moving toys...

Liu Tong- A lonely sad cat after his best friend is gone.

-END-

Freelance Web Designing

2011-03-13T05:34:00.002+08:00

My apology, I've been quite busy that I didn't have time to blog!

I'm doing some freelance web designing right now, therefore I currently spent most my of time designing website for a couple of companies that I didn't have time to blog!

Anyway, anyone who are interested or know of any friends that is looking for web designing services may look for me. Email me at kim_junhong@hotmail.com

I only charge at a minimum fee! Email me for more details, thank you.

A tribute to my pet cat

2011-03-04T05:33:00.003+08:00

This post for my pet cat that has passed away almost a month ago.
On the 4th day of CNY.

Ah Huay

My cat’s name is ‘Ah Huay’, literally meaning ‘flower’ in Chinese dialect.

I know my cat has a very weird and super-old-fashion name! But I wasn’t the one who gave my cat the name, it was my mum!

The story of Ah Huay

Ah Huay is a stray female cat that my mother brought home years ago...

This is Ah Huay

Back in 2005, when my mother was still running a food stall in a hawker center located at Kovan Interchange, Ah Huay would frequently ‘patronize’ my mother’s stall and my mother will give her some food.

Every day, around noon time, Ah Huay will return to my mother’s stall for food, and this goes on for months.

Eventually, my mother decided to give Ah Huay a name.

One evening, upon hearing the news that the AVA (Agri-Food Veterinary Authority) will be catching stray cats around Kovan, my mother quickly bought Ah Huay home.

I definitely still can remember the first day that Ah Huay came home; I think Ah Huay was quite frightened because she wasn’t familiarized with the place, and so, she just sits quietly in a dark corner of the house. We weren’t able to get close to her.

After hours of luring her, Ah Huay finally came out from the dark corner and ate her food!

Late 2007, after living with us for almost 2 years, I brought a new friend to Ah Huay. It is Liu Tong; a lost and silly stray-kitten that I discovered and decided to bring it home.

Liu Tong

Although Ah Huay was so much older than Liu Tong, but still, Ah Huay quickly became Liu Tong’s best friend! They will usually sleep together, play together, and even eat together!

Liu Tong (left) Ah Huay (right)

Eat together...

Sleeping...

Play together...

Sentries

But of course, Ah Huay was often irritated by Liu Tong that always kept looking for her to play and play!

And like this, both Ah Huay and Liu Tong lived with my family for over 4 years.

Ah Huay & Liu Tong

The last couple of months before Ah Huay passed away, she was already looking sick. So, on 7th of Feb 2011, we sent Ah Huay to a pet clinic for observation, and unfortunately, she died a few hours later.

Ah Huay’s death affected most of my family members, especially my mother, because Ah Huay has been our family pet for 5 years afterall, and I know the one that will be affected most is… Liu Tong.

Liu Tong spent 95% of his life living with Ah Huay, his best friend. And now, suddenly Ah Huay is gone, Liu Tong becomes so lonely. He will sleep in a lonely little corner; stood by the door waiting for someone; and daze out of the windows.

Liu Tong

Every night, while everyone is sleeping in their rooms, Liu Tong moans for someone to play with him.

Everyday, Liu Tong must be wondering when is Ah Huay coming home. Liu Tong probably thinks that Ah Huay has only sneaked out of the house and will be coming home sooner or later. I feel sad for him that he will never get to know that his best friend has passed away…

Ah Huay was really a very wise and obedient cat...

My younger sis, Karin, with Ah Huay

Karin with Ah Huay

Ah Huay - Est. 2001 - 2011

Goodbye my dear friend~
May you get to eat your favorite prawns as much as you like now!

I will miss you.