A Band's Story

Benjamin: Leader of the Band. Guitar Fanatic. Great Player.

Angus: Style. Cool.

Worship Leaders: Anchor. Worship. Levite.

Daniel: Magic Keys. Magic.... magic....

Have I mentioned to you that Ylime's Daddy is a very good cook? Ylime is seen here posing with a cup of 'Chawamushi' that her Daddy made for us. Wait, did I spell it correctly? Very lovely. Great when eaten hot and just-steamed. I always look forward when they introduce foods that are 'banned' in my house. Explains why I do not eat at home most of the time, but with my friends very often. Yeah, home food kinda is 'out-dated'. Bye home.

Somedays, when I am so sick of being at home or when I'm on bad terms with my parents, I pick a book and head down to the STARBUCKS coffee outlet at Simei Eastpoint. Lovely couch, expensive but necessary drinks, jazz, air-conditioner, lovely staff, great atmosphere. For a few dollars, I get to enjoy hours of quiet and comfortable moment to just read up on the books I've purchased. I regret spending so much of stuffs I do not need when I've could have used them to self-enrich at this lovely place. Yummy.

Ylime's gift to me: A very expensive large bottle of POLO's Double Black. Speechless.

Recently, I went with the Ah Sia Federation to the MISS YOU CAFE near Simpang Bedok for the first time. Lovely place. Food is priced 'just right'. It also offers a good number of white and red wine. If you're looking for fine-dining away from the city and nearer to the heartlands, MISS YOU CAFE is the place to be!

Not bad at all! I've seen his works before on Internet but this one was taken at City Hall outside Raffles City. Commisioned by Nokia (Can you not see the Nokia towers?). Looks really good and 3-D worthy! It's good to see ARTS alive in our city of money! Way to go!...Hohohoho.

Why am I even taking time to post this up? Oh, allow me to introduce to you Yuhong. Yuhong comes from a humble family. Like me, he was not able to afford money to take a professional photoshoot for his resume. So, the wisest choice is to pay me a visit. Armed with a camera, a business suit and a white wall with plenty of sunlight -> You have a professional shoot! *Woot*

Carbon

Did anyone read the news today? The headline reads: Farmer gets $1.2M to do nothing. Sounds interesting isn't it?

Apparently, a company that spews carbon into the atmosphere is trying to compensate for the damage by paying a farmer not to chop down the trees on his farm so that it will absorb carbon. So, the farmer keeps the hecters of trees alive to 'breathe' in carbon, while the company continues to pour carbon into the atmosphere.

My take is that the company is allowed only X amount of carbon to be released. Currently it spews X+V amount of carbon. The company gets farmers to keep their trees so it can absorb >V amount of carbon. On the whole, the company is responsible for Carbon=X+V-(>V)=

While this theory or calculation sounds 'correct', it seems flawed in terms of some laymen logic. My take is that carbon is closely related to smoke or smog of just toxic gas OK? Say a certain town in China is intoxicated by smog. Lets call this town Beijing. Lets say Beijing people are dying from inhaling too much smog and the company is limited its smog emission. Should the company be allowed to emit MORE harmful gases in the name of "I paid a farmer in USA to plant more trees"? Therefore, more people in Beijing die. But on the global sense, the company is in fact spewing "less than the limit imposed on it."

I shall not explain how the carbon limit is tied up with smoke etc. I do not know much anyway. But oh well, at least let me blog about something I 'think' is intelligent.

Thank You.

Goodness! I must congratulate myself. I've just finished SECTION 1: The Modeling of Human Excellence from the Anthony Robbins book. 193 pages of tools and models to follow for optimum results.

Do I find it useful? Yes, certainly. However, there is really much information inside there which you need to constantly practise. It is all about constantly using what is available to you. What I've read and learnt is useless unless I put them into practice.

There are two more sections to go, and I shall be reading up on them soon. But I just want to congratulate myself for reading up. You see, picking up reading is a personal challenge. I want to learn more, be learn-ed. Throwing away useless magazines and books, I hope to self-enrich through such books, as well as other business books that will help me in my career.

Anyway, The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR is an excellent read. I am halfway through and I am astonished at the living examples given inside. Brands after brands, companies after companies failed even after successful advertising. Now, I realised how much the entire advertising industry is a game big creative firms play within themselves. Cool!

Yes, great news!

Seriously, how can I not blog about this absolutely blog-worthy news? I have this church brother of mine. His name is Jeric. Well, he is somewhat a fish-enthusiast pretty much like me when I was young.

Very recently, he purchased something not many people see in their aquariums: Lobsters. Yes, smaller versions of those you will pay to eat. Like me, you must be wondering what these little freshwater creatures feed on inside the aquarium. This is where the fun begins.

Jeric, being a awesome lobster-owner, bought feeder-frogs (those that you feed big fishes) to feed his pet. Apparently, he filmed his lobsters devouring the poor frogs; alive. Yes, myself and some church friends saw it. The little kicking frog, clammed down with the big pincers, and slit open with the smaller ones to reveal blood and innards; die a slow death.

Welcome to the new era of hobby. I am contemplating doing the same thing. Should I? Perhaps I will modify it a little. I will feed YH to Terry.

Currently Bought (and will be reading...)

Editorial Reviews from: http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Advertising-Rise-PR/dp/0060081988

Amazon.com
In The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR, longtime marketing strategist Al Ries and his daughter/business partner Laura Ries offer solid arguments championing the latter over the former for modern-day brand building. Such a stance is hardly new for these two, who have jointly, individually, and with others written eight previous books on related topics since Al penned The Positioning Era Cometh for Advertising Age some three decades ago. What's fresh this time is the dissection of contemporary corporate hits--like Starbucks, Botox, eBay, and even Harry Potter--that have eschewed traditional advertising and nevertheless soared to the top through the savvy use of public relations. The authors spend the first part of the book discussing how advertising lost credibility among consumers as it became more of a creative art than a sales tool, and the second part showing how PR subsequently supplanted it in effectiveness. Using the above examples and others, they explain how such practices can work in various situations (building a new brand, rebuilding an old one, dealing with line extensions, etc.), as well as ways advertising can still be usefully employed (primarily to maintain a brand and "keep it on course"). The result is both provocative and practical. --Howard Rothman

From Publishers Weekly
Marketing strategists Ries and Ries spend all 320 pages of their latest book arguing one point: skillful public relations is what sells, not advertising. Case in point: the failure of Pets.com's sock puppet ads. However, in a chapter devoted to dot-com advertising excesses, the authors never mention that many dot-coms had miserable business plans and neophyte management. (The Rieses may be counting on the sock puppet to sell another commodity, as a deflated sock puppet dominates the book's jacket.) Today, most small companies aren't bloated with venture capital to buy TV ads, yet the book has little practical advice on how these companies' executives should use public relations, particularly PR's most important role: crisis control. Some readers might resent paying $24.95 for what amounts to an advertisement for pricey PR consulting firms like Ries & Ries. The authors frequently poke fun at the most outrageous TV ads of recent years, paralleling Sergio Zyman's The End of Advertising As We Know It (reviewed above), a more thoughtful critique of current advertising trends. The inherent flaw in the Rieses' logic: time and again they cite ad campaigns for new products that are "off message" and then say how much sales declined; this supports the notion that products and services are sold by good advertising. Although their book is occasionally entertaining, the argument is simplistic and self-serving. Illus.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Editorial Reviews from: http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Hired-Succeed-Business-Apprentice/dp/0060765410

From Publishers Weekly

The author won on the reality TV show The Apprentice, in which Donald Trump (who provides a foreword) slowly eliminates potential personal assistants until one is left standing. Rancic puts down, in tumbling first-person prose, the strategy he used to win, as well as how, back in 1995, he co-founded and ran a small mail-order company, Cigars Around the World. Rancic never went to business school, and his book might be boiled down to "rely on your observations and common sense, and on your close relationships." Nearly every chapter is loaded with advice gleaned from family members or friends with whom he has collaborated, salted with a smattering of approaches Rancic picked up from his own reading of how-tos and from his work life. The result sets the book apart: Rancic takes work seriously, and everything in the book is something he personally has tried out; his successes and travails (including a fire at his company) come through clearly and conversationally, as from a big brother. The last two of seven chapters cover his time on the show with "Mr. Trump" and offer candid takes on the other contestants and the show's productions. For a loquacious "how-I-did-it," Rancic's book debut is surprisingly satisfying. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Who would have thought that a real-life TV series on business and its struggles would command such a large viewership? This autobiography of The Apprentice's first winner gives a few clues about the show's popularity--other than host Donald Trump and the competition to win a 12-month $250,000 salary. First, contestants were carefully screened and more than well prepared to test their individual and collective mettles on a broadcast medium. Second, Rancic himself can already claim success as an entrepreneur, as his stories about the start-ups of Elite Boat Wash and Wax and Cigars Around the World reveal. Along with growing-up anecdotes interspersed with The Apprentice tales, he synopsizes at the end of each chapter lessons he learned in work and in life. Bet the long shot. Go above and beyond. Listen. Count on family. Give something back. Surprising words from a wise, young soul. Barbara JacobsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Yum...

 

Was invited to join Ylime's family for Mother's Day dinner at the JUMBO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT at the NSRCC. We had her parents, grandmother, brother Nicholas and maid joining us.

Prodigies

QN: What happens when you put two prodigies together?
ANS: They produce the "igies" in you.

More Pics!

Recently went to the NSRCC with Emily's Daddy and her brother, Nicholas to play golf. The above picture was taken at a putting-green training area. Think this is easy? No way! After a few rounds of competition with Nic, I scored ZERO. I will not tell you how near the balls were to the hole.
Of course, we cannot miss the driving-range. I did pretty well this time round; hitting more balls and scoring some really excellent hits. I still have some misses and screw-ups but training will make me better. Of course, Uncle was with Nic most of the time. I felt less stress and can hit more balls. Heh!
The above picture here is nothing fantastic. Not worthy at all. It is Bubong playing my humble K.Kawai. Until today, I still cannot forgive him for his talent. This guy can pin-point what pitch a baby is screaming at! Who can blame anything or anyone for bringing this guy to planet earth? Nonetheless, this guy plays things that most people cannot. Employers?
Awwww, fiona is away in Cambodia teaching kids powerpoint and IT skills. Sent her to the Budget Airport. First time there. The airport seriously did justice to the word budget. Anyway, a not-so-budget HAN'S operated the F&B business there. Seriously why get HAN'S. A hawker would fit in more nicely! Anyway, Fiona we all miss you and you better tag my blog!

FCBC Service Last Week

Out At Last! ---> http://www.fcbc.org.sg/linktracker.asp?name=may06_e_768K_W_Y_wmv&id=544

Blog-Worthy Pictures...

Blog-Worthy Picture #1:

I recently felt like a million-dollar man when I joined my brother for a morning of golf-training at the Marina Golf Club (not too sure about its name). Driving down in our spanking-new Lexus IS250 (at last when Hao was sleeping and 'jobless'), we arrived in 'style'. Took our golf clubs and went to the driving-range. If you are wondering how much we paid for this club, the answer is nothing. Yes, nothing. The club is PUBLIC. This prime piece of land in close proximity to the Singapore Flyer and the upcoming Marina Sands is actually FREE! Drive in in your Lexus or Proton. This ultimate club sitting on a billion dollar goldmine is actually public! *Another reason for the middle and low-income population to vote for the gahmen that made all this possible; strategy anyone?*

Blog-Worthy Picture #2:

Only few weeks back, Emily's mummy wanted to revamp their empty looking balcony. Who else to save the day than self-made interior designer Darnie? Armed with the red-Kangoo and a trip to IKEA Tampines, I picked up this wonderful rattan furniture set with 2 potted plants. Throw in some cushions and magazines and the balcony is ready for service!

Blog-Worthy Picture #3:

How much will you go to pursue your dream of having to play your best board game without letting Settlers of Minds Cafe eat too deep into your wallet? $49.90 is the key. Bought this Blokus today and had a great deal of fun with Yuhong, Alex, Emily and Fiona. You can expect more days of Blokus at my house or anywhere else where 4 or more can meet. For those who wants to know where to buy this.... (in order to revive my quiet tag-board, tag me to find out answers)

Rude Shock...

I arrived home and was greeted with a rude shock! On my table was a opened mail. It was mine; a bank statement from POSB. This is the 'dunno how many' times that my parents had already tried to open my personal mail already. This is really pissing me off.

They opened a police mail sent to me. They were eager to see what crime I'd committed. But of course, it was a police report on some chinese nationals trying to cheat me of money at Simei. Soon afterwards, the case was reported on the papers.

They opened my bank mails, hoping to see how I had siphoned their millions into my banks. Of course, it was those meals at Fish and Co. etc.

How rude and underserving.

Currently Reading:

Anthony Robbins calls it the new science of personal achievement. You'll call it the best thing that ever happened to you.

If you have ever dreamed of a better life, Unlimited Power will show you how to achieve the extraordinary quality of life you desire and deserve, and how to master your personal and professional life. Anthony Robbins has proven to millions through his books, tapes, and seminars that by harnessing the power of the mind you can do, have, achieve, and create anything you want for your life. He has shown heads of state, royalty, Olympic and professional athletes, movie stars, and children how to achieve. With Unlimited Power, he passionately and eloquently reveals the science of personal achievement and teaches you:

* How to find out what you really want
* The Seven Lies of Success
* How to reprogram your mind in minutes to eliminate fears and phobias
* The secret of creating instant rapport with anyone you meet
* How to duplicate the success of others
* The Five Keys to Wealth and Happiness

Unlimited Power is a revolutionary fitness book for the mind. It will show you, step by step, how to perform at your peak while gaining emotional and financial freedom, attaining leadership and self-confidence, and winning the cooperation of others. It will give you the knowledge and the courage to remake yourself and your world.

Unlimited Power is a guidebook to superior performance in an age of success.

I was recently pondering over Yuhong's flamming about Christians fishing and the validity of it. Come to think of it, it guess it is no serious matter after all. In the Old Testaments, Christians or believer of God actually sacrifice animals to offer to God. I do not know the details, but I am sure it involves slitting the throats of the best animals one had to offer to God. Therefore, loosely speaking, killing of animals is allowed. Therefore fishing is not a big deal. After all, God did give humans the authority to rule over animals. Of course in modern days, abusing animals is a no-no. But come to think of it, hooking a fish's mouth seems wrong at times. When Jesus and his disciples fished, they used nets. Apart from the hooking, allowing the fish to die a slow death by suffocating them is just as cruel right?

My Nephew Ryan

Message from Group CEO

Happy Labour Day! To those who have worked like mad to pay off their loans, take a good rest! To those who are jobless and bored to the bones, it is time to hit the Classifieds! But hey, have fun! It is a holiday!

There but not there...

Have you ever encountered situations in your life where "it is there, but not there?" It makes you feel miserable. It makes you feel unsure. It makes you frustrated. I have:

1. I need to use the car. Yes it is a Lexus. But I can never really get a hold on it. My usage is not a priority. I can only use it when seriously my brother is not using it. But hey, that never happens. Oh yes, I can use it at 4am. For @#$%#$#%^?
2. Nevermind, I will use a van. Need explaination? Cannot even smell it. Nvm then, I will take the cab, MRT and bus. Oh yes, I can use it at 4am. For !#$@%@#$%^#%^%? (therefore, my family should not complain that I reach home late or do not return home at all!... because I have no transport home! and I do not wish to waste money on Taxi when family finance is used to feed the lexus, van, home loans, business etc...)
3. My GPA last term was 3.6 which is the bare minimum for Magna Cum Laude. But this term, my profs were too "un-merciful", resulting in my GPA dropping to about only 3.58 which is a Cum Laude. There but not there. Commit suicide. *Ouch*
4. Looking around for job. Even though I graduate with good honors (cum Laude) and excellent CCA records and great testimonials, I cannot really find a job I really like and believe could make it my career path. There but not there. Think! What do I really want? Do I make the cut? Yes I think! But do i really? *screams*

Life is as life is. Talk to the coconut and it might
speak to you.