End of the 2nd Month in 2007…

In the blink of an eye, its passed 2 months now in the year 2007. How fast time travels. Just read the Today papers this morning where Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Boh Tan, mentioned the target population the Government wants to achieve is 6.5 million. Some 10, 20 years ago, the Singapore population was reaching 3 million. And with the influx of foreign immigrants (and equivalent), we’ve slowly and steadily reached the 4 million population mark in recent years. The land mass in Singapore hasn’t quite grew as quickly as the population, though we’ve been getting sticks from our neighbours on our land reclaimation efforts. Would there be another Sentosa surfacing in the near future? Or will we not have to take any ferry to Pulau Ubin in the coming years? Then will it be known as Pulau (malay word for island) by then? Or just rename it as Ubin New Town? Hmm… Sometimes, history should not be re-written. But at times, we have no choice but to do away with certain “histories”. That is, of course, for the good of the progress of the nation as a whole. As part of the 4 million (and growing) population in this little sunny island in South East Asia, I shall continue to work hard, stay low profile and take my pictures whenever opportunity arises. Let’s welcome March 2007 with open arms… =P

Festivities Fatigue…

I’m mentally drained… Since the days leading to Chinese New Year till yesterday, I’ve been helping hippo with most, if not all, the household chores and lotsa of travelling to purchase stuffs for prayers. Tired is an understatement. I need a break. And that’s on top of working my butt off in the office. Its more or less confirmed that I will be leaving my current office and goin to another, in due time. End March 2007 is the intended period, but I’ve yet to see any replacement showing up. Where is my replacement?! =( If there’s no one replacing me, I won’t be able to leave this place. One year ago, I wouldn’t mind staying here and working hard for my bosses here. But now that I know I wun be pursuing my studies, I must say I don’t quite have the “heart” to work here anymore. Sigh~ As I’ve mentioned before, this place ain’t like before anymore. The working environment seems to have shifted alittle towards the unfriendly state. Wished my old colleagues were around. I need a change in working environment too. And so, my mind is fixed on moving on from this place I once loved to work in. Whatever the new challenges in my new workplace, bring it on… Bring it all on… =D

马幼常谏失街亭,孔明弹琴退仲达

After defeating 孟达 at 上庸, 魏王曹睿 was very pleased with 司马懿. Knowing that 司马仲达 could be the only one capable of going against 诸葛亮, 曹睿 immediately ordered 司马懿 to fight 诸葛亮 at 祁山. 司马懿 is a very crafty general of 魏 and his sons will eventually unite the Three Kingdom in the later stages. Back to the current story. 仲达 knew that the key route of the 蜀 army lies in the place called 街亭. This is the route where the 蜀 army will transport their rations. 司马懿 wasted no time in proceeding to overrun this vital location. 诸葛亮 knew as well that 街亭 could not be lost to the enemy. He asked his generals who will be willing to defend this important objective and one man stood up. It was 马谡. 马幼常 was one of the military advisors in the 蜀 army. He has much talents in him. But just before 先帝刘备’s death, he told 孔明 that 马谡 wasn’t to be used during crucial battles. 诸葛亮 was moved by 幼常’s sincerity and allowed him to defend 街亭 together with another general, 王平.

But during the battle at 街亭, 司马懿 outwitted 马谡 and he lost heavily. 魏 managed to occupy 街亭 after 马谡 and 王平 retreated. 诸葛亮 was at the nearby stronghold of 柳城 where most of the rations were kept. He has only 2000 troops with him. Just then news of 司马懿’s arrival with 150,000 troops was reported. The ration officer was so terrified that he dropped his ration booklet. 诸葛亮 ordered his men to place his 琴 at the castle’s top and opened the main gate. As 司马懿 marches his troops towards 柳城, he halted his men outside the gate. 诸葛亮 started to play his 琴. 仲达 listened to the tune and told his sons that there were definitely ambush within the castle and ordered his 150,000 troops to retreat.  This was the famous 空城计 deployed by 诸葛亮. 马谡 was later executed by 诸葛亮 for losing the battle at 街亭. 诸葛亮 even demoted himself by three ranks as he was the one instructing 马谡 to defend 街亭.

This episode shows how the military law could not be taken lightly. If 诸葛亮 had let 马幼常 off after losing the battle at 街亭, I am sure many of his subordinates will not submit easily in the future. So even though 马谡 was one of 孔明’s favourite subjects, he had to follow the rules and laws laid down.

Today’s the 8th day of the lunar new year. Most Taoists will be praying to the Gods tonite. Its actually meant to be prayed on the 9th day of the lunar first month. So once striked midnight, you should noticed alot of Taoists’ household doing their prayers. As usual, I will have to help hippo with all the necessary prep before she prays. Its already 10:05pm now. Time to rest awhile more before I “slave” through the nite…

Chingay 2007

Chingay 2007, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

I won 2 tickets for the Chingay 2007 – Parade of Dreams preview, last nite. Was at Zone 4, opposite Orchard Plaza. There were Gallery Seats and “Half-Lane” tickets. Alot of the half-lane ticket holders were bemused because they thought their tickets were for the gallery seats. In actual fact, their tickets were meant to be seated on the roads, occupying half a lane, thus “half-lane” tickets. The show kicks off at Zone 4 were the Guest-of-Honour will board the “Uniquely Singapore” float and adjorned to Zone 1 where the show will officially commenced. Gurmit Singh and Quan Yi Feng were the MCs at the show. Health Minister, Dr Khaw was the GOH last nite. While the float proceeded to Zone 1, we were entertained by REI, a local rock band. Lotsa heavy metal music. Cosplayers were around to lid up the streets. The floats eventually arrived and the crowd were all being entertained thoroughly. Participants from all over the world took part in this year’s Chingay. China, Taiwan, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia and many more countries took part. This is the 35th year of Chingay in Singapore. We were also celebrating the 40th year of ASEAN too. Oh, btw, I went to the parade alone even though I had 2 tickets. No company. Haha! Anyway, I swooped my tickets with an elderly couple who were having the “half-lane” tickets. I’d rather be near the participants than sit in the gallery. Not a bad experience after the initial boredom of waiting for the floats to arrive. I’ve never been to a “live” Chingay parade. Thank you, Class 95!! =D

诸葛亮平定南方,七擒孟获…

汉丞相,诸葛孔明,got news that the southern territories were staging uprisings. He got permission from 后主,刘禅, to lead an army to rid of the troubles in the south. The south belongs to another tribe of people led by 南王孟获. When 诸葛亮 arrived at the South, one of his subordinate 马谡 advised his premier that to capture 孟获 would be easy, but to subdue him would be difficult. Thus during the period of conflict in the south, 诸葛亮 managed to capture 孟获 7 times. Finally 孟获 was more than willing to submit to 诸葛亮, and thus the south was  peaceful thereafter. This episode showed 诸葛亮’s compassion and forgiveness towards 孟获.

Sometimes in life, its easy to get your subordinates to take ur orders. But to get your subordinates to be willingly submit to you as a superior, is definitely tough. I’ve always learned to appreciate my colleagues and subordinates. Most times its their help and assistance that will do the work for me. We have to learn to appreciate the things that others do for us. Because we can never do things on our own most time. Let’s all learn to forgive and forget. Its tough, but its sure worth it.

4th Day of CNY… The Gods are back!

Casper CNY 2007, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

Today’s the 4th day of the Lunar New Year. The 4th day being the day where the Gods and Deities return from the Heavens. Hippo ain’t feeling too well today, thus I’ve to take leave to help her with the chores at home. Casper looks sleepy here becos he had been following me around this New Year. I’m just done with the chores at home. Offer prayers, burn joss papers, mopped the floor, ate my lunch, etc. Am relaxing in my room, watching Romance of the Three Kingdom…

新魏王曹丕逼弟曹植赋诗…

Curry Chicken, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

I had Hippo’s curry chicken this morning. It was yummy! Hahaha! She taught me alittle on how to cook the curry chicken yesterday morning. Gotta spend some time to go thru the video and learn the ropes. That’s a shot of the curry chicken hippo cooked. Looks good?

I watched a few episodes of the Romance of the Three Kingdom today. After 曹操’s death, 曹丕 took over the premier’s post from his father. 曹丕 was aware of the threats post by his brothers and plotted to rid each and one of them. 曹植, the third child of 曹操, was previously well-liked by the late 曹操 but 曹丕 was jealous of his talents. One of 曹丕’s subject, 华歆, suggested killing 曹植, but the Empress resisted their idea. 曹植 was later forced by his brother to recite a poem about “brotherhood” within 7 steps. If unable to, he will be beheaded. And thus the famous “七步诗” …

“煮豆燃豆萁,

豆在釜中泣,

本是同根生,

相煎何太急.” 

With that, 曹植 was pardoned. I watched a late night show last night with my wife and her cousins at Cathay Cineplex. I’ve not been to Cathay since it has been renovated. So much memories at that cinema. My grandpa used to sell fruits along the huge drain beside Cathay. That was back in 1940s. My 2nd uncle has since taken over the fruit stall and its located at Tekka Market now. The name of the stall? Cathay Fruits Stall. Oops… Was supposed to be talking about the movie I watched. It was “The Protege”, 门徒, by Daniel Wu, Andy Lau, Louis Koo, Anita Yuen and one new starlet – Zhang Jing Chu, 张静初. It was nice. I tot I would fall asleep, but my eyes was wide opened the whole time. Good plot. Good cast. Excellent movie! Watch it!

刘备进位汉中王,关公逾害古麦城…

Was goofing around… oops, I meant golfing around last week at Sembawang Country Club. The weather came in at the wrong moment. We played only 13 holes. But I was improving. Ermm… Front nine hole, my score was +24. Hahaha!!! I know, I know. Its bad. But as compared to my previous game, I’ve improved alittle. =) Back to my story on the Three Kingdom…

After 刘备’s seizure of 西川, 曹操 was worried that 蜀’s (Shu) army will attacked his territory. As such, 曹操 tasked several of his generals, including 夏侯渊 and 张合, to guard 汉中. But 刘备, with 诸葛亮’s wits, managed to outdo 曹操 and captured 汉中. 曹操 could do nothing much but to retreat. In 214 AD, 刘备 became 汉中王 after much persuasion by 诸葛亮 and the rest of his surbodinates. 曹操 was furious when he heard the news of 刘备 becoming King and vowed to lead an army to wipe out 刘备. Just then 司马懿, 曹操’s able general, suggested collaborating with 东吴 to attack 刘备. 曹操 agreed and tasked one of his civil subject to 东吴…

Its the second day of the lunar new year. Today’s monday, but it doesn’t felt like it. I was awaken by hippo early in the morning ard 6am. She asked if I wanted to learn how to cook curry chicken. =) I got up and after washing up, whipped out my videocam and recorded the entire process of her cooking. I love technology. =P

Am watching another disc of the Romance of the Three Kingdom now. This is the episode where 关羽 lost 荆州 to 东吴 and was captured and later beheaded by 孙权. 关公 was the most righteous and valiant general during the Three Kingdom period. And even till today, many chinese across the globe still prays to 关公. Just before his capture by 东吴, 孙权 sent 诸葛瑾 to persuade him to surrender. 关公 replied,”玉可碎而不可改其白,竹可焚而不可毁其节.身虽死,名可垂於竹帛也.又何惧哉?” and refused to bow down to 东吴 and 孙权. 关公 was later captured and killed by 东吴.

庞士元逾难洛风坡…

 

9:12pm – The chinese lunar new year is just a few hours away. I’ve been super duper busy helping hippo with all the chores at home. Cleaning furnitures, mopping floor, wiping display cabinets, vacuuming floor, buying groceries, collecting kueh lapis, etc. Seems like a never ending job… well, all my lunar new year eves were spent at home helping hippo. Never have I once stepped into Chinatown to soak in the festivities’ atmosphere. Sigh… Miserable hor? Haha… No choice la. My wife once told me,”… wife can choose, but mother cannot choose…” Very true hor? Hmm… Hippo just barged into my room to ask me to vacuum the floor (again). =(

10:07pm – Guessed what? I jus finished cleaning the windows at my balcony, changing the pail of water for mopping, mopped the kitchen, mopped the living room,mopped the dining hall and vacuumed the entire house twice. Sigh… Tired. But tat’s my new year eve’s routine anyway… I’ve always wanted to be at Chinatown during CNY’s eve. And perhaps to the Guan Yim temple to snap some pics. But alas, this will never happen.

I was watching a few episodes of the the Romance of the Three Kingdom, 三国演义, this afternoon. It was the episode when one of 刘备’s (Liu Bei’s) military advisor 庞统(Pang Tong) met his doom. He was fated to perish before 刘备 could conquer 西川(Western Territory). 刘备 had seeked his advisor, 庞统, before proceeding with the plan to split up and attacked their next objective. It was decided that 刘备 will proceed via the main route while 庞统, whose nickname was 风雏 (the Phoenix), will advanced thru the narrower mountainous route. Just before they parted, 庞统 fell from his horse. 刘备 saw his advisor fell. He then gave his own horse, 迪卢, to 庞统. 庞士元 was very touched by his Master’s gesture and vowed to conquer 西川 as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, 诸葛亮 was aware of most of the situations in 西川. And with the news of 张松 being beheaded by 刘樟 due to his conspiracy with 刘备, 孔明 was more than worried. He wrote an advisory note to his Master, 刘备, warning him of the change in strategy. But 庞统 wanted to impress 刘备 and suggested advancing towards 西川, even though there were possibilities of ambush. So 刘备 gave 庞统 his horse and they left. 西川刘樟’s general, 张任 laid an ambush along the mountainous route and spread the word that the one riding the 迪卢, a white horse, would most definitely be 刘备. And thus, 庞统 was shot dead by a rain of arrows at 洛风坡, “Fall of the Phoenix’s Hills”. 刘备 lost his advisor and was trapped in the area. Word got to 孔明 and he had to rescue his Master… More of the story will be followed.

What can we learn from this episode? I can think of it this way - ”Even though success could be within reach, we must never be complacent”. If only 庞统 had heed 孔明’s advise and have a little patience, maybe he would have lived alittle longer. Oh well, tats history… Hmm… Maybe I shouldn’t be talking about this episode. Haha… Anyway, Happy Lunar New Year to all who reads my blog. Wonder how many are there left?

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Hearing Solutions, originally uploaded by Lobinhoot.

Hmm… Its 14th of February again. And the price of roses has “rose” to a more significant sum for sure. What vocabulary is that?! Haha… It should read “…price of rose has risen…” Yep, its Valentine’s Day and I am sure most couples will be celebrating this (meaningful to some) day. Lest those whose partners are far apart now. Aww… Dun be sad… Life goes on… If you have the heart, then I am sure you will meet in your dreams tonite.

Ok. Hearing has got nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. Just showing what I’ve been up to lately. I was engaged to do some interior shoot of a newly set-up shop. Well, actually not quite a shop. Its not exactly a clinic either. But its more like a place where clients have some difficulties in hearing. Deaf? Ermm… I’m not quite sure what you can do there, but there are some pretty cool gadgets and equipments. But it was fun shooting the place. I think I’m getting the hang of shooting interiors. I will most definitely shoot my own home when its here. Finally…