R and I had supper at a restaurant which usually gives us 50% discount when we use a certain card*. However, this time, we only had one main course and one starter and drinks (as I wasn’t feeling too hungry). When the bill came, the waiter told us that he couldn’t give us the 50% …
There’s [plenty of information](http://www.nei.org/newsandevents/information-on-the-japanese-earthquake-and-reactors-in-that-region/) and commentary on the ongoing crisis in Japan, so I won’t go into that. What I will delve into is what will happen after all this is over. [Disclaimer: I am not a scientist, and hope that my [terminology](http://www.nuclearglossary.com/suites/nuclearglossary_reactors.html) is accurate for the purposes of this post] Re-assessment of nuclear technology …
You have to be thankful for the Mosaic Music festival. Decades ago, it was unusual for big acts to come to Singapore as part of a series; now the young generation can take it for granted. It seemed like that was happening, as R and I looked around us, wondering why one-third of the seats …
Again, it’s been a while since my last update. Every time I think of this blog, I wonder whether it is time to bring things to a close. It’s not easy finding a common theme for this blog anymore, as my interests are so varied that it may bewilder some readers. One day, I may …
[Important note: My blog posts reflect my personal opinion and not that of my employer or any other association I belong to.] For a good part of today, I listened to what other Singaporeans thought of Singapore and its future. These people were relatively notable figures but their views were diverse and they didn’t always …
I was inside the office lift when 2 colleagues from another department walked in. (This happens to be a department that I praise a lot, because of their efficiency, promptness and cheerful attitudes) I must have done something right, because one of them came forward and hugged me! Pleasantly surprised, I asked, “What was that …
Just over a year ago, I listed 3 resolutions for 2010: Exercise more and the right way, be more strategic in life and work, and get to the root of problems to grow closer to God. I did manage to make some progress for each of them, but with varying degrees of success. Here’s a …
I read an article in the Straits Times today (an extract from an upcoming book called [The Price of Everything](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591843626?tag=vantan-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1591843626&adid=1R4VFV0FV4V38AC498XH&)) on how talent in itself may not come to much, if you were born in the wrong era. Today’s era, with its array of mass communication technologies, allows sports stars and the like to have …
Saying no has been a resolution of mine that I still feel bad doing. Yet, this ability frees people up and allows the requestor to look for alternatives. In fact, I think I should say No more often, for any of the following reasons: 1. I don’t know the requestor well 2. I don’t know …
Recently I was updating different groups of seniors (including an elderly relative) on how information can be easily found on the Internet, say, about myself. In fact, someone did discover my online profile prior to meeting me, and I was recounting how impressed I was at this resourcefulness. However, that provoked a very different reaction …