I am down with coughing fits.
It's what Chinese physicians call 'cold cough': white phlegm, cough gets worse at night.
I am supposed to abstain from chicken (my favourite food) and the cold stuff like dessert and ice-cream.
The cough is horrible. The throat is terribly itchy and when I cough, my throat hurts. At one point, the inner part of my ear hurt badly because of the violent and frequent coughing. It gets worse when I am in an air-conditioned or a fan-powered environment.
The cab driver, while driving, opened his window to let the germs out of his cab when I coughed furiously in his car last night! I didn't know to feel insulted or bad about it. To make matter worse, Baby seemed to have caught my virus. She coughed this morning!
I downed almost 3 bottles of small-sized peppermint syrup and they failed in their mission.
I browsed through the library of medicines in my fridge and saw that I had a bottle of Dhasedyl in my name! I can't remember the last time I was really sick.
I seldom fall sick. When I do, it sucks big time and lasts for quite some time.
God, heal me!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
It's Christmas Again
Four years of collecting of Christmas ornaments sure have paid off. The result is a stunning and glamourous tree.
What I bought each year:
First year - the 7 feet Kodiak tree and purple ornaments.
Second year - decided to change to a gold themed tree and bought all ornaments gold.
Third year - gold ornaments again, but limited to each item to one purchase for uniqueness' sake.
Fourth year - gold ornaments again, but decided to have them in pairs as suggested by Coco. Discovered that red and gold go very well indeed. Will KIV red-and-gold theme.
The red and gold ornament that sways me to the potential new theme
This Christmas, I have decided on whether we are going to have a Christmas dinner (we are), the venue (my place) and date and time (the very Christmas day and evening).
I am going to decide on the caterer and menu early too so that I get to eat the roast lamb leg this year. And to make the dinner really Christmasy!
What I bought each year:
First year - the 7 feet Kodiak tree and purple ornaments.
Second year - decided to change to a gold themed tree and bought all ornaments gold.
Third year - gold ornaments again, but limited to each item to one purchase for uniqueness' sake.
Fourth year - gold ornaments again, but decided to have them in pairs as suggested by Coco. Discovered that red and gold go very well indeed. Will KIV red-and-gold theme.
The red and gold ornament that sways me to the potential new themeThis Christmas, I have decided on whether we are going to have a Christmas dinner (we are), the venue (my place) and date and time (the very Christmas day and evening).
I am going to decide on the caterer and menu early too so that I get to eat the roast lamb leg this year. And to make the dinner really Christmasy!
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Having Fun
I am having fun with my strobes.
I dressed Baby up yesterday and got her to take pictures with a tiny bear. She was reluctant to take pictures alone, but was totally herself with her new friend.
I dressed Baby up yesterday and got her to take pictures with a tiny bear. She was reluctant to take pictures alone, but was totally herself with her new friend.
Girls love pettiskirts!
Monday, 6 December 2010
Loving it and Hating it
Clubsnap is a local photography forum that offers a wealth of information about cameras and photography.
But often, I wish it can be be friendlier.
I feel that many photographers, professional or not (by 'professional', I mean those who earn a living by photography), are arrogant while others are selfish.
Honestly, it is the most hostile forum I have ever been to.
Any question you ask, in any section, can trigger a verbal war, especially a newbie question like "Which camera should I buy?"
Many will say crap like 'It's not the camera. It's the photographer'.
Then tell me why top photographers use expensive gear, and usually top-of-the-range bodies and lens? Ask them to use a compact digicam lah. Or disposable camera. Even better. It's the photographer, right?
I once stumbled upon a Caucasian photographer's blog and she said that she and her husband, who partnered her in the photography business, started out with a D90. After their business started becoming profitable, they switched to D700. She said that there was no problem shooting with D90, but her clients deserved something better because D700 offered better colour and quality. They were instantly wowed by D700's pictures the moment they saw them.
I trawl through tons of pictures now and then and all the awesome pictures are taken with at least a semi-pro camera like D200 or pro series like Canon Mark I or II. What does that say about the importance of a good camera?
I always try my best to give Coco the best tools in whichever area she needs: the piano for music, the roller-blades for skating, the squrriel-fur brush for painting, the Japanes-brand poster colours, even her colour pencils. I am a firm believer of tools having a significant effect on the product delivered. Having good tools also affects the user's self-esteem and confidence in the related art.
So saying that 'It's the man behind the camera, not the camera itself' is total crap.
Okay, I am still at the first question: Which camera should I buy?
Some forumers try to be helpful and suggest a brand. Then a new war begins: the brand is not important. All brands are good.
Stupid.
How do such answers help a newbie?
Then some will give even worse reply: Don't expect to be spoonfed.
Isn't this supposed to be a forum where people share their knowledge? If people already know the answer, why should they come to the forum at all? Forums are supposed to be great for ready, if not quick, answers.
Many users also like to quote threadstarters or other users out of context and argue non-stop just to show that they are knowledgeable.
Many users are condescending in their replies. Even if they really teach you something, it's like you have to pay with it with your pride by thanking them for an eternity to show how grateful you are and typing out your ignorance as opposed to their infinite wisdom.
I am not sure if this has got to do with it being a male-dominant forum. Singaporebrides and Singaporemotherhood are not like that. You can ask the same question a thousand times and no one will say,"Please do a search on the forum. This question has been asked many times."
If I wanted to do a search, or knew how to search for the information I needed, I wouldn't be here asking a question using a new thread!
Has it to do with men thinking with their certain body part and not brain?
If anything, Clubsnap has shown me the ugly side of men. Most men I know or meet in reality are nice and polite. They help you when you are ignorant about something. They don't laugh at your ignorance and channel their energy to showing how idiotically ignorant you are. They are seldom rude or condescending.
But in Clubsnap, under the cloak of annonymity, many men have manifested their true form - rude, arrogant, unnecessarily proud of dunno what, reluctant to share or help, condescending, ride on knowledge high horse (coined from 'moral high horse').
I am not saying everyone is like that. But the fact that it took me four years to post my first thread tells you how daunting it is to ask a question there. I had tons of questions, but hesitated for so many years before I finally mustered my courage to post it. And true enough, it invited hostility from the unhelpful ones.
Recently, I expressed displeasure over the quality control of my strobes. A user actually 'investigated' the matter by checking out exactly what happened with the company which distributed the strobes, and queried me about the need to clarify the matter further rather than shooting down the brand and run away, when I was not in Singapore at all for just a few days!
I think that's kinda scary. There are two ways to look at it: 1)the person is a die-hard fan of the brand and wants to defend it badly. 2) the person had nothing better to do, got too much free time on his hand and wanted to help the concerned company 'reinstate' their reputation, when nothing tangible is at stake.
If he is doing it for money, I can understand, just like how an online photography shop owner probably did a search for my nick to track down my queries on strobes and answered them accordingly. I can see where he was coming from since there would be money made in his case, if he closed the deal that is. But for someone who is not even an employee of the company to 'investigate' something that is so trivial? I am perplexed to say the least. Shocked even.
Of course, I have learnt alot of things from this forum. If not for this forum, I would still think that modelling lights are continuous lights, only flashlights can flash, and that every flash is directed at the subject's eyes and it will make the subject uncomfortable.
I appreciate the wealth of knowledge it offers and know that whether I like it or not, it will continue to be around for a long time.
There are users who are helpful without being condescending. If only Clubsnap can have a majority of such users, cut out all the 'don't expect to be spoonfed's, then it will be one of the best forums indeed.
But often, I wish it can be be friendlier.
I feel that many photographers, professional or not (by 'professional', I mean those who earn a living by photography), are arrogant while others are selfish.
Honestly, it is the most hostile forum I have ever been to.
Any question you ask, in any section, can trigger a verbal war, especially a newbie question like "Which camera should I buy?"
Many will say crap like 'It's not the camera. It's the photographer'.
Then tell me why top photographers use expensive gear, and usually top-of-the-range bodies and lens? Ask them to use a compact digicam lah. Or disposable camera. Even better. It's the photographer, right?
I once stumbled upon a Caucasian photographer's blog and she said that she and her husband, who partnered her in the photography business, started out with a D90. After their business started becoming profitable, they switched to D700. She said that there was no problem shooting with D90, but her clients deserved something better because D700 offered better colour and quality. They were instantly wowed by D700's pictures the moment they saw them.
I trawl through tons of pictures now and then and all the awesome pictures are taken with at least a semi-pro camera like D200 or pro series like Canon Mark I or II. What does that say about the importance of a good camera?
I always try my best to give Coco the best tools in whichever area she needs: the piano for music, the roller-blades for skating, the squrriel-fur brush for painting, the Japanes-brand poster colours, even her colour pencils. I am a firm believer of tools having a significant effect on the product delivered. Having good tools also affects the user's self-esteem and confidence in the related art.
So saying that 'It's the man behind the camera, not the camera itself' is total crap.
Okay, I am still at the first question: Which camera should I buy?
Some forumers try to be helpful and suggest a brand. Then a new war begins: the brand is not important. All brands are good.
Stupid.
How do such answers help a newbie?
Then some will give even worse reply: Don't expect to be spoonfed.
Isn't this supposed to be a forum where people share their knowledge? If people already know the answer, why should they come to the forum at all? Forums are supposed to be great for ready, if not quick, answers.
Many users also like to quote threadstarters or other users out of context and argue non-stop just to show that they are knowledgeable.
Many users are condescending in their replies. Even if they really teach you something, it's like you have to pay with it with your pride by thanking them for an eternity to show how grateful you are and typing out your ignorance as opposed to their infinite wisdom.
I am not sure if this has got to do with it being a male-dominant forum. Singaporebrides and Singaporemotherhood are not like that. You can ask the same question a thousand times and no one will say,"Please do a search on the forum. This question has been asked many times."
If I wanted to do a search, or knew how to search for the information I needed, I wouldn't be here asking a question using a new thread!
Has it to do with men thinking with their certain body part and not brain?
If anything, Clubsnap has shown me the ugly side of men. Most men I know or meet in reality are nice and polite. They help you when you are ignorant about something. They don't laugh at your ignorance and channel their energy to showing how idiotically ignorant you are. They are seldom rude or condescending.
But in Clubsnap, under the cloak of annonymity, many men have manifested their true form - rude, arrogant, unnecessarily proud of dunno what, reluctant to share or help, condescending, ride on knowledge high horse (coined from 'moral high horse').
I am not saying everyone is like that. But the fact that it took me four years to post my first thread tells you how daunting it is to ask a question there. I had tons of questions, but hesitated for so many years before I finally mustered my courage to post it. And true enough, it invited hostility from the unhelpful ones.
Recently, I expressed displeasure over the quality control of my strobes. A user actually 'investigated' the matter by checking out exactly what happened with the company which distributed the strobes, and queried me about the need to clarify the matter further rather than shooting down the brand and run away, when I was not in Singapore at all for just a few days!
I think that's kinda scary. There are two ways to look at it: 1)the person is a die-hard fan of the brand and wants to defend it badly. 2) the person had nothing better to do, got too much free time on his hand and wanted to help the concerned company 'reinstate' their reputation, when nothing tangible is at stake.
If he is doing it for money, I can understand, just like how an online photography shop owner probably did a search for my nick to track down my queries on strobes and answered them accordingly. I can see where he was coming from since there would be money made in his case, if he closed the deal that is. But for someone who is not even an employee of the company to 'investigate' something that is so trivial? I am perplexed to say the least. Shocked even.
Of course, I have learnt alot of things from this forum. If not for this forum, I would still think that modelling lights are continuous lights, only flashlights can flash, and that every flash is directed at the subject's eyes and it will make the subject uncomfortable.
I appreciate the wealth of knowledge it offers and know that whether I like it or not, it will continue to be around for a long time.
There are users who are helpful without being condescending. If only Clubsnap can have a majority of such users, cut out all the 'don't expect to be spoonfed's, then it will be one of the best forums indeed.
Let's Celebrate ... My Books are Here
After 4 non-delivery notes, a few exasperated phonecalls and two nasty emails (one to Pan Pacific Bookstore and one to Yamato Transport), I finally got my books! I would pop a champagne if I had one to celebrate this incompetent company for accomplishing a highly challenging mission, almost comparable to Mission Impossible.
The fourth delivery note was found on my gate when we came home from church at 12.30pm. This time round, I did not know whether I should laugh or get angry. I was exasperated at the stupidity of the delivery driver who did not even bother to call me before making the trip down, yet kept coming to my place to slot delivery notes on my gate.
I called the transport company to deliver the books from 9pm to 10pm yesterday as we were out, and the delivery driver arrived at my gate at 7.30pm while I was having dinner!
I had to trouble my babysitter neighbour to look after my books for me till I got home.
Sigh!
It's people like this that gives me hope that perhaps I could pass my driving test, if I ever take driving lessons up, since someone who cannot understand instructions can also be a driver.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
I believe him more
I read the article on The New Paper about Pierre Png's run-in with a Honda Civic driver.
Both had different versions of what had happened. Basically, Pierre Png claimed that he signalled before he changed lanes and kept a distance of at least 2 cars' allowance when he cut into the Honda's way, but the other driver alleged that he did not signal at all and caused him to slam on the brakes to stop suddenly.
The motorist's picture was not shown on the paper, but Pierre Png's was.
I am more inclined to believe Pierre Png's version after reading the article.
Because of Pierre Png's recount of the motorist's behaviour, that he only 'looked straight' when Pierre Png confronted him.
'Looking straight' is the common behaviour of errant students whenever they committed an offence.
They would just keep quiet and give you a stubborn 'so-what' look by looking straight to show that they disrespect you, and refuse to even look at you.
It's typical of this type of students.
Yes, I believe Pierre Png the moment I read that. Because I have seen too many of such 'looking straight' behaviour when they are clearly at fault.
Using cliches like 'Being an actor does not mean that you can murder and get away with it' is disgusting. It sounds really childish, immature, and tries too hard to win the support of the ignorant or equally immature.
Just because he is in the dark does not make him superior or more believable.
The New Paper of course has a voice. It cannot demonstrate outright biasness. But any literally sensible person will be able to read between the lines that they lean towards the celebrity as well. But my judgement is not swayed by the journalists in any way.
Being an actor is vulnerable. There are always people who want to use their popularity against them. Actors are mere human beings. How saintly do you want them to be? What 'social responsibility' - as if they have to be role models in whatever they do, and the cheek of him to say so. Pierre Png is already the perfect role model for all Singaporean men when he gave part of his liver to his then-girlfriend. Did they even follow?
Both had different versions of what had happened. Basically, Pierre Png claimed that he signalled before he changed lanes and kept a distance of at least 2 cars' allowance when he cut into the Honda's way, but the other driver alleged that he did not signal at all and caused him to slam on the brakes to stop suddenly.
The motorist's picture was not shown on the paper, but Pierre Png's was.
I am more inclined to believe Pierre Png's version after reading the article.
Because of Pierre Png's recount of the motorist's behaviour, that he only 'looked straight' when Pierre Png confronted him.
'Looking straight' is the common behaviour of errant students whenever they committed an offence.
They would just keep quiet and give you a stubborn 'so-what' look by looking straight to show that they disrespect you, and refuse to even look at you.
It's typical of this type of students.
Yes, I believe Pierre Png the moment I read that. Because I have seen too many of such 'looking straight' behaviour when they are clearly at fault.
Using cliches like 'Being an actor does not mean that you can murder and get away with it' is disgusting. It sounds really childish, immature, and tries too hard to win the support of the ignorant or equally immature.
Just because he is in the dark does not make him superior or more believable.
The New Paper of course has a voice. It cannot demonstrate outright biasness. But any literally sensible person will be able to read between the lines that they lean towards the celebrity as well. But my judgement is not swayed by the journalists in any way.
Being an actor is vulnerable. There are always people who want to use their popularity against them. Actors are mere human beings. How saintly do you want them to be? What 'social responsibility' - as if they have to be role models in whatever they do, and the cheek of him to say so. Pierre Png is already the perfect role model for all Singaporean men when he gave part of his liver to his then-girlfriend. Did they even follow?
Yamato Transport(s) Pte Ltd sucks. Big time
I had placed an order for Coco's Primary Five books online and opted for the free delivery service.
Apparently, this time round, PanPacific Bookstore outsourced its delivery to Yamato Transport(s) Pte Ltd. And this delivery company totally sucks.
I am so pissed off (I have never used this phrase, so it shows how angry I am with this stupid company) with its stupid, non-existent service that I had to write to PanPacific Bookstore and the company itself:
I am writing to express how angry and frustrated I am with your so-called delivery 'service' when there isn't any at all.
I opted for delivery on 1 Dec 2010. My husband was home from 11am to 4.30pm but we received a non-delivery note dated 1 Dec 2010, 4pm.
That was the first show of unprofessionalism.
I am aware that another delivery was made on 2 Dec.
I called on 4 Dec and asked for the books to be delivered on the same day 3pm to 6pm. The delivery man was supposed to call me before the delivery trip, but he never did. When I reached home at 3.50pm, I saw the non-delivery note dated 4 Dec, 4pm!!! I am shocked at the level of unprofessionalism displayed by your delivery man.
I called again to arrange for another delivery, from 8pm to 10pm. This time, I stayed home from 4pm to 10pm just to wait for the delivery. But no. The delivery man did not show up again!
I called at 9.55pm at 18002255888 to enquire about the delivery. The lady over the phone asked me to call 65951843 and said that the branch was still operating. But no one picked up the phone. When I called the number 1800 back, it was met with the 'Our operating hour is from 8am to 10pm' message.
I am angry at how unprofessional your customer service representatives are. I feel like a ball being kicked around blindly, when all I want is just my books.
I am frustrated at the nil delivery, empty promises and the totally unprofessional treatment of my delivery.
It's now 10.35pm. My guess is that my books will not be delivered as promised.
You have no idea how much frustration your company has caused me. I hope to know where my books have gone to and why it is so difficult to have my books delivered. Did your delivery man even knock on the door or did he expect us to open the door to welcome him with great fanfare?
Apparently, this time round, PanPacific Bookstore outsourced its delivery to Yamato Transport(s) Pte Ltd. And this delivery company totally sucks.
I am so pissed off (I have never used this phrase, so it shows how angry I am with this stupid company) with its stupid, non-existent service that I had to write to PanPacific Bookstore and the company itself:
I am writing to express how angry and frustrated I am with your so-called delivery 'service' when there isn't any at all.
I opted for delivery on 1 Dec 2010. My husband was home from 11am to 4.30pm but we received a non-delivery note dated 1 Dec 2010, 4pm.
That was the first show of unprofessionalism.
I am aware that another delivery was made on 2 Dec.
I called on 4 Dec and asked for the books to be delivered on the same day 3pm to 6pm. The delivery man was supposed to call me before the delivery trip, but he never did. When I reached home at 3.50pm, I saw the non-delivery note dated 4 Dec, 4pm!!! I am shocked at the level of unprofessionalism displayed by your delivery man.
I called again to arrange for another delivery, from 8pm to 10pm. This time, I stayed home from 4pm to 10pm just to wait for the delivery. But no. The delivery man did not show up again!
I called at 9.55pm at 18002255888 to enquire about the delivery. The lady over the phone asked me to call 65951843 and said that the branch was still operating. But no one picked up the phone. When I called the number 1800 back, it was met with the 'Our operating hour is from 8am to 10pm' message.
I am angry at how unprofessional your customer service representatives are. I feel like a ball being kicked around blindly, when all I want is just my books.
I am frustrated at the nil delivery, empty promises and the totally unprofessional treatment of my delivery.
It's now 10.35pm. My guess is that my books will not be delivered as promised.
You have no idea how much frustration your company has caused me. I hope to know where my books have gone to and why it is so difficult to have my books delivered. Did your delivery man even knock on the door or did he expect us to open the door to welcome him with great fanfare?
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