RunForFunds August 2016 Visit Back in May when we were giving out the Maximise Your Potential (MYP) Award to the kids,...
Posted by Run For Funds on Tuesday, 9 August 2016
- Voxeros
Showing posts with label JayWalk Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JayWalk Series. Show all posts
09 August 2016
RunForFunds - August 2016 Visit
03 May 2016
MYP Award Ceremony 2016 - Part 2
I was just telling Adrian the other day at the Maximise Your Potential (MYP) ceremony that we have completed a full cycle of the Chinese Horoscope.
The newest batch of P4s were borned under the same Chinese Zodiac animal as that of the very first batch of P4s, thirteen years ago.
Time really flew.
ZhiWei was one of the RunForFunds kids when we first started and we are very very proud that he has returned to be our guest-of-honour along with his mom.
We hope to see more kids making the return to continue to motivate and encourage their juniors.
I hope to see these kids taking over RunForFunds when we are no longer able.
Dear friends,
The 13th Maximize Your Potential (MYP) award ceremony held on 23rd April 2016 was special.
The guest-of-honour was a recipient of the inaugural Maximize Your Potential award in 2004.
We also have a bumper crop of 25 award recipients!! (6 P4, 9 P5 and 10 P6).
They have been highly recommended by their teachers for good behaviour and grades and more importantly, potential to excel.
Pictures taken at the 2016 MYP award ceremony are posted here:
https://www.facebook.com/RunForFunds
1. Guest-of-Honour: Tan Zhiwei from the 1st MYP in 2004
Zhiwei, an inaugural MYP award recipient in 2004, is a role model for the MYP students.Despite very challenging circumstances at home, where he helped his mother (Mdm Kek, who was present) to care for and educate 4 younger siblings, Zhiwei excelled at his studies and CCA. He shared his inspirational testimony:
- His academic history. Zhiwei is a first year undergrad at NTU. From GMSP, he excelled at PSLE to qualify for Hwa Chong's 6-year Integrated Programme. While at school he participated in various CCA's and excelled in Taekwondo, winning national awards. He shared time management tips with the students.
- His Naval Diving Unit experience. Zhiwei completed his NS at the elite naval diving unit. Yes, he is a frogman!! The students were thrilled to meet one in person. Zhiwei shared how the Navy taught him discipline and teamwork. It also exposed him to different cultures and countries (Japan, US) when he travelled for overseas missions.
- His responsibilities as the eldest child. Zhiwei is the eldest of 5 siblings. Since young, he has had to share with his mum the burden of educating and raising his younger siblings, who have done well in school. Zhiwei admitted that circumstances were tough but they persevered. He also took the opportunity to thank his mum for loving and caring for the family.
2. Life lessons
Adrian encouraged the students and parents to embrace 3 enduring values exemplified by Zhiwei.
- Being sensible: Making wise choices, self-sacrifice and putting benefit of family before self.
- Being responsible: Being clear about personal accountabilities at school/home and acting on them.
- Being obedient: Parents want the best for us. We must obey them. "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12)
3. Target setting for P6's
2015 P6's did very well in their PSLE and they were posted to the following secondary schools: Victoria, Beatty, Cedar Girls, Punggol, Geylang Methodist and Anglican High.
(For those of you who are familiar, to qualify for Cedar, Victoria and Anglican, students need to score more than 240++, a very good score).
Adrian encouraged the current P6's to aim high and study hard (and smart...focus on weaker subjects) like their predecessors.
He will follow-up with them in July and Aug - pep talks over lunch.
4. Award ceremony
GMSP principal Mrs Rina Liang congratulated the award winners and urged them to keep up their good work.
She also encouraged parents to follow the example set by Mdm Kek (Zhiwei's mum) to guide and support their children, especially when the going gets tough.
Mrs Liang then invited Zhiwei and Mdm Kek to give out the awards.
It was gesture that was heart-warming and inspiring.
Some parents told me they are inspired by Mdm Kek.
They aspired to raise their own "Zhiwei's" and give out awards to MYP students in the future :-)
Mdm Sulis thanked RFF supporters for believing in the MYP students.
She also shared her personal story that demonstrated the importance of hard work and discipline to overcome tough family circumstances.
This was followed by group photo taking and a tea reception
5. Accounts Update
RFF account as of 4th May 2015 = S$28,666.23
RFF account as at 2nd May 2016 = $17,748.57 (inclusive of $3,831.08 balance from Nepal village rebuilding fund)
The amount you see above is after $2 monthly deductions for account maintenance and addition of interest.
a. Outflows since May 2015
- $13,543.92 for Nepal village rebuilding in July 2016
- $21,000 for MYP 2016-2018 in April 2016 (see letter from GMSP. I will claim tax deductions for this contribution and recycle the income tax benefit back to the RFF)
- $17,375 from supporters of Nepal village rebuilding in July 2015
- $5,799 from Jaywalk from his Dec half marathon.
- $500 from JQ (Ms morning glory) in Jan'16
6. Special Thanks
Special thanks go out to the following people:
Mrs Rina Liang, Miss Theresa Tong and Mdm Sulis – Thank you for your labour of love. Through you, we have impacted close to 100 young lives in past 13 years. May we impact 100 more in the next 13 :-) On behalf of the students, their families and MYP supporters, I extend our heartfelt gratitude.
RFF Supporters - Thank you for trusting and supporting me when I first reached out to you to start RunForFunds 13 years ago. In our 13-year journey, we've impacted many lives positively. I look forward to your continued support and prayers for RFF.
If you have any queries about RFF, please email or call me.
Blessings,
Adrian
- Voxeros
16 April 2016
MYP Award Ceremony 2016
Again, it's the time of the year where we move into yet another year of RunForFunds.
First, it was 10 years. Now, we are embarking on a new milestone.
This year's award winners, correct me if I am wrong on this one, were born under the same Chinese Zodiac animal as that of our first batch of award winners 12 years ago.
Yes, we have come a full cycle.
Dear friends,
You are invited to the 13th annual Maximise Your Potential (MYP) award ceremony on 23rd April 2016 (Saturday)
Time: 1000h – 1130h
Venue: Geylang Methodist School (Primary), 4th Floor, AVA Room
The guest-of-honour for this year’s MYP is Mr. Tan Zhiwei.
Zhiwei was an award winner at the inaugural MYP in 2004.
Since then, he has excelled in the Integrated Programme at Hwa Chong, served with distinction as a naval diver during his NS and is now doing well in his 1st year studies at NTU Business School.
Zhi Wei will be sharing the “secrets of his success” to inspire the students :-)
Your support for RunForFunds (RFF) has made a difference to more than 90 young lives in the past 13 years.
Visit the RFF facebook to recap those magical MYP moments:
https://www.facebook.com/RunForFunds
Please email, whatsapp or SMS me to RSVP (for catering purposes).
Thanks for your continued support of the RFF movement.
Blessings,
Adrian
Mobile: <Number withheld, Please contact us via the comments or private messaging>
- Voxeros
19 March 2016
If You Don't Play My Song, I'll Tell Auntie Mary
One thing you can count on is whenever it's MistressGrace's birthday bash, it is going to be...
< wait for it >
.... AWESOME!!!!
- JayWalk Online (01 Apr 2009) - The Adventures Of Little Red
. - JayWalk Online (22 Mar 2009) - Happy Birthday MistressGrace
"If you don't play my song, I'll tell Auntie Mary."
"You bring family here, I'll play your song."
Sibeh cute. These two. Haha....
Happy birthday, Grace! #muakz
- Voxeros
17 January 2016
RunForFunds - StanChart Marathon 2015 Update 3
This entry is overdue as a result of Adrian needing to settle some personal family matter.
In any case, thank you once again to the RFF supporters who have contributed generously.
- JayWalk Online (17 Nov 2015) - RunForFunds - StanChart Marathon 2015 Update
. - JayWalk Online (15 Dec 2015) - RunForFunds - StanChart Marathon 2015 Update 2
RFF Update January 2016
Hi folks,
Happy New Year!
Trust all of you had a blessed Christmas and a great New Year break.
2015 was a fruitful and eventful year for the Run For Funds movement (RFF).
- Our P6 Maximise Your Potential (MYP) winners did very well in their PSLEs.
. - We raised $17,375 to help Nepal earthquake victims rebuild their homes.
. - Superfriend Jaywalk raised $5,799 from his Dec 2015 StanChart marathon run.
1. MYP Results
We are very proud of the achievements of our P6s.
They worked hard and reaped the rewards of their efforts.
Average score of the 6 students was 221, with the top 3 averaging 247 and top score of 255!
They have been posted to schools of their choice (some closer to their homes): Cedar Girls'' Secondary School, Victoria School, Punggol Secondary School, Geylang Methodist Secondary School, Beatty Secondary School, Anglican High School.
May God continue to watch over them and bless them with good health and wisdom as their embark on their new adventure in their secondary schools.
MYP 2016 MYP ceremony will be held in March/April'16 - watch this space.
2. Aid For Nepal Quake Victims
A total of $17,375 was raised in July 2015 for the victims of the Nepal earthquake.
Thank you so much for your generous contributions.
To date, $13,600 has been deployed to rebuild homes. (see July 2015 email update or repost by Superfriend Jaywalk http://www.jaywalkonline.com/2015/07/runforfunds-for-nepal-update-july-2015.html).
The rebuilding efforts were fraught with difficulties e.g. landslides, petrol shortage (due to border blockage), monsoons, a very cold winter etc.
I'm thankful that my contact, Nepali school principal Bharat, was faithful and resilient in his service to his people.
I'm now waiting for Bharat to activate us for the next phase of the rebuilding efforts.
3. Superfriend Jaywalk Runs For Funds!.
Jaywalk, has been a strong supporter of RFF since its inception.
He's RFF's defacto comms/IT manager because I'm an IT dumb-dumb.
Early in 2015, Jaywalk wanted to raise funds for RFF and a determined year-long effort to train for his StanChart half marathon in Dec 2015.
I'm so proud of my kaki for finishing his run and grateful to him and his supporters for raising $5,799 for RFF.
This contribution will be put to good use.
4. Account Update
Funds available in RFF's dedicated account, as of 31st Dec 2015: S$42,546.89.
I expect to contribute $21,000 to GMSP this year to continue the MYP for the next 3 years.
The remainder of funds will be set aside for prudent, accountable use to aid those in need.
Again, thank for your continued support for Run For Funds.
God bless you and your loved ones with love, peace and joy for 2016.
Cheers,
Adrian
- Voxeros
15 December 2015
RunForFunds - StanChart Marathon 2015 Update 2
A very big heartfelt thanks to those who stepped forward and dropped a little something into the hat for the RunForFunds project.
Words cannot express my gratitude for the generous gestures.
The above is the contributors' list. The contributors' respective names, for privacy purposes, have been replaced with a reference number, whom I had earlier informed each and everyone who is which.
The list above has to be published so that the amount tallies with the screen capture of my outgoing internet transfer of the corresponding amount (see below).
All in the name of transparency.
(Click Image To Enlarge)
As for the half marathon, I am happy to report that I did complete the 21km, albeit in a less-than-stellar time of 2:57:39. Way off my intended target of 2:29:59.
Still, I am thankful for the encouragements that kept me going.
I promise I will clock a better half marathon time at the next Sundown Marathon 2016.
Once again, I thank everyone for supporting RunForFunds.
Thank you.
Afternote: I have a last minute contribution that was missed at the time of this entry earlier. I am adding the wire transfer slip below and have updated the contributors' list above. No prize for guessing who was late! :P
Nevertheless, still an awesome big thank you for the support! Muakz.
- Voxeros
07 December 2015
A Year Of Running 2015
While the result has not be satifactory due to cramps midway, I still managed to scrape in under 3 hours.
In any case, inadequate training due to haze, cramps and/or bad route planning causing human traffic jams are just excuses.
I will run better the next round with the Sundown Marathon 2016 (Half Marathon) on my radar.
More importantly, I am happy to report that I raised some money for RunForFunds which I will publish the details shortly.
Remember the above entry from 2 years ago? Perhaps an update is in order.
1. Shoe Wallet.
It is still serving me well. The velcro has died during my time in QQland but I managed to get the Drycleaner Auntie below my apartment to "re-velcro" the wallet. It was a most unsightly patch job as she just used whatever velcro she could find in her drawer. I was ok with it considering that fact that she was not a professional seamstress and she charged me only RMB 5.00 (about SGD 1.00) for the job.
She was surprised why I hung on to this shoe wallet for dear life when most people would simply just throw it away.
Let's face it, where on Earth can you find a shoe wallet in this day and age? I can't. Not even on the almighty taobao.com.
So anyway, for a modest sum of a mere dollar, I get to extend the life by at least another 5 years. Why not?
2. Runner's Belt
The zip broke off 2 weeks ago, thus ending its loyal service of more than 2 years. I have since replaced it with a double zipper version. Bought it off Qoo10 for SGD 7.50 after getting a SGD 2.00 discount coupon off the purchase.
This is for short runs when I don't need to carry water on me.
3. Water Belt
The last water belt was given away and since I haven't been doing any long runs (more than 10km) when I was in QQland. It wasn't until when I started training for the StanChart half marathon this year, that MistressGrace had so kindly given me her belt since she no longer needs it.
Thank you, MistressGrace. Muakz.
The belt is very comfortable. However, the water bottle capacity is a tad small. The back pouch was also a tad too small that I had to sacrifice a bottle space to put my mobile phone. On the actual day of the half marathon, I had to sacrifice a second bottle space to store my gels.
All things considered, they are just mere minor problems, since there are adequate number of water stations along the route of the entire race.
I gave away the Creative Zen to Faith since it made no sense to carry an additional item when the iPhone can double up as an MP3 player. That too had gone to Walkman Heaven earlier this year after 6 years.
As for earphones, the Sennheiser PMX-80 Sport is also long gone and I wasn't able to find this model in Singapore anywhere. In its place, I opted to go bluetooth wireless and bought the Jabra Sport Wireless+.
Initially, I thought the built-in FM tuner would be a welcoming change from having to listen to my playlist over and over again and bluetooth would save me the hassle of having to deal with wires.
I thought wrong.
First off, the FM tuner sucks. The neck strap, across the back of your neck connecting the two ear pieces, doubles up as an antenna is too short, resulting in almost-to-nothing reception. Secondly, the battery life lasts shortly under 2 hours. Good for a simple 5K run but certainly falls short of my long run requirement.
As a result, I replaced it with a cheapo Philips SRS4840 for about SGD 20-something from Best Denki. Good value for money considering this fella is close to indestructible.
Since the last Polar disasters (plural), I got the Wahoo BlueHR in May 2013.
This items is relative cheaper than all the other HRMs as it does not come coupled with a watch. This fella connects directly with my phone.
2 years on and 2 battery changes since, it is still working perfectly. I coupled this with the Digifit's iRunner app and has never looked back since.
6. Running Shoe
The Asics GT-2140 was showing signs of wear and tear since the beginning of the year but I kept procrastinating, pushing it back to the end of the next run after next run. Finally from Green Corridor, to HomeTeam Real Run, to Sundown Marathon and to Asics City Relay, I got a new pair of shoe.
Besides, the StanChart Marathon was too big a risk to run in a pair of shoes that was threatening to fall apart any time and also I needed enough time and mileage to break in the new pair.
Introducing the Asics GT-2000 (T500N).
This pair of shoes is a tad lighter and bouncier. Not sure, it is one of those new tech energy-return thingie or just a refreshing change from dying rubber.
7. Running Socks
In the past, I swore by Thorlo sock. I love the added padding at the ball of the foot as well as the heel. Not only do they feel comfortable, you get some sense of added security knowing that there is some sort of reinforcements down there.
Still, when it comes to long runs, I had to tape up my feet, especially under the balls of my feet to prevent the risk of blisters. I used Strappal rigid strapping tape for that, by the way..
When I bought the new running shoes at Feder Sports (ask for Jeffrey), I thought I'd pick up new running socks as well. Unfortunately, the nice sales lady (Jeff was busy with another customer and I didn't want to kachow him) said that they don't carry Thorlo anymore and recommended Feetures instead.
I was initially skeptical about it being as good as Thorlo which I have been running with for years. The Feetures socks felt very snug when worn and it didn't have that extra padding that I was all so familiar with Thorlo.
Suprisingly, and pleasant, if I may add, Feetures socks are good. I don't need to tape up my feet during my long run trainings anymore. However, for this last StanChart, I still taped the balls of my feet up as a precaution even though I know it is more for psychological peace of mind than anything else.
As expected, I cleared the StanChart half marathon without incident.
I am going to try doing without taping during the next Sundown.
Image Credit: www.kwout.com; http://images.philips.com/; http://feeturesrunning.com/
- Voxeros
17 November 2015
RunForFunds - StanChart Marathon 2015 Update
This screencap was taken last year during Sundown Marathon 2014 with Adrian.
Details are in my facebook entry but only accessible to my friends for legal reasons.
Click Here To Proceed --> http://tinyurl.com/pm2mfq9
- Voxeros
10 September 2015
SG Elections 2015 - Part 3
17. MacPherson SMC
PAP Candidate Tin Pei Ling was scorned left, right and center during the last election for coming in via the back door in 2011.
Fortunately, Tin Pei Ling made good on her opportunity windfall by performing well as an MP for her constituents. The word around town is that her residents think she did a pretty decent job so far.
Such was the confidence of the gerrymandering gahmen that they felt comfortable enough to cut her out of Marine Parade GRC to let her run on her own. And likely, to win it on her own.
The opposition, on the other hand, will not win on two counts.
First is NSP Cheo whose sexist remark offended every female voter in the constituency. There are still male voters left, you say? Don't forget, these male voters' grandmothers, mothers, aunts, wives, girlfriends, sisters et al. are from the same pissed off female voter pool. Check-mate.
Second, in every 3-cornered fight, PAP always wins as the two bungling opposition candidates will split each other's votes.
A solo victory for Tin Pei Ling and vindication of her calibre despite her age.
18. Mountbatten SMC
We read from the news that SPP's Jeanette Chong-Audross put in a lot of effort trying to reach out to the residents. Alas, it appears that Mountbatten is too deeply PAP-entrenched that she gets stone-walled everywhere.
PAP to win despite a valiant effort by SPP.
19. Potong Pasir SMC
PAP captured Potong Pasir during last election and the upgrading projects started coming in. Bus routes improved, amenities added and Woodleigh MRT station finally opened.
So all the goodies have come in already. Will the residents say "OK, thank you much, Mr Sitoh. You can go home now." ?
I believe it was a shock for everyone in Potong Pasir that the Chiams lost the ward that they have been looking after for close to 30 years tirelessly.
The margin of just a mere 114 votes may be a wake up call for those who didn't take the election seriously. I'd bet they'd probably were thinking "OMG, what dafug did we just do??"
Lee Kuan Yew started the "repent" back in 2011. Perhaps the proverbial table is turned in Potong Pasir 2015?
Too close to call here but I am rooting for Lina Chiam to return Potong Pasir SMC to Chiam See Tong.
20. Radin Mas SMC
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
Gossip in the grape-vine was that Han Hui Hui wanted to join Reform Party but was rejected as she was deemed too much of a nutcase for them to handle. In short, she was too kookoo.
Guess what happened next? She would purposely pick one ward where RP is contesting and made it her own 3-cornered fight. By now, we all know what happens to a 3-way, right? PAP will win.
Once again, HHH was crowdsourcing for campaign funds and by listing everything out, I can only assume that she is not going to come up with any money on her own. I would have respected her some if she were to fork out the election deposit and ask for money only for the other items like PA system for rallies, posters, banners etc.
PAP to win, Han Hui Hui to lose the election deposit, which she don't really give a rats' ass anyway. Not her money what....
21. Hougang SMC
The WP Ultras will be holding the fort steady while their brethren go forth and fight the Aljunied battle as well as all the neighbouring SMCs.
No contest here as WP remains victorious in the USA again.
Upper Serangoon Area.
22. Punggol East SMC
PAP sending in their Party Handyman, Charles "Mr Fixer" Chong to come and eat Punggol East orh luak. While he has been an effective fire fighter in the past. I doubt this guy is able to connect with the folks at such short notice.
So far, like PAP Tin Pei Ling, it is said that WP Lee Li Lian has managed her ward pretty well. As such, I believe her residents will continue to support her for another 5 years.
23. Sengkang West SMC
The columbarium saga was resolved by PAP Lam Pin Min but lest we forget it was the gahmen that screwed this up in the first place.
So how? Oppose the PAP for sneakily trying to squeeze a columbarium in and worse, gave the tender away without due dilligence? Or support PAP for it was da man Lam Pin Min who came in and save the day, appeasing all parties?
WP Koh Choong Yong had 42% during the last election and with WP's growing influence over neighbouring SMCs, it is possible that this ward may finally end up in the hands of WP.
The way I see this, PAP will still make it. I feel Lam Pin Min did well to clean up the gahmen mess.
24-29. Bukit Batok SMC / Bukit Panjang SMC / Fengshan SMC / Hong Kah North SMC / Pioneer SMC / Yuhua SMC
Paiseh. The remainder of the wards, I really not interested to look closely. Aiyah. Chin chai anyone win also can lah.
30 Pulau Uber SMC
Special mention goes to Shirwin "Sure Win" Eu. I like this guy. He is honest. MP is a good job and it pays well. 5-figure salary leh! Mai siao siao hor!
Too bad this fella never do his homework properly and was unable to get 10 resident's signature to qualify for candidacy.
Still, I feel it is a blessing in disguise for him as he saved losing $14,500 which means that at the end of the election, he will not be the worst-off.
Indirectly, he earned his first month's MP salary right there on nomination day. Correck or Corwrong?
--> Click Here To Return To Part 1
--> Click Here To Return To Part 2
Image Credit: http://www.simge.edu.sg/simblogseason10/BooYiLin/
- Voxeros
09 September 2015
SG Elections 2015 - Part 2
11. Chua Chu Kang GRC
All these while I thought it was spelt as CHOA Chu Kang. Oh well. #shrugs
Goh Meng Seng. The Party Boy of the entire candidates cohort. Worker's Party, then National Solidarity Party, now People Power Party. First Aljunied, then Tampines, now Chua Chu Kang.
This is what we call KLKK (kia lai kia kee). Walk Here Walk There.
Like a vagabond with no roots. I don't see how the constituents will allow him to come in. I have more respect for people like Kenneth Jayaratnam, Sitoh Yih Pin (pre-2011) and Lina Chiam who stuck around even when they were unsuccessful in their respective campaigns.
I don't see PPP getting anything back from this except the election deposit for where credit is due, this fella is GRC election sibeh old bird one.
PAP to take this GRC.
12. East Coast GRC
People say that this is PAP weakest ward. I disagree. It may not be the strongest but there are good things to say about the incumbents.
On paper, it appears from the article above that East Coast GRC has the best run ship both 2013 and 2014.
Lim Swee Say was one of two who was singled out for special mention during the National Day Rally 2015. A public endorsement like that is almost like a 免死金牌 or a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card.
Granted that there has been some comments, deemed unfortunate, during the rallies, he was merely reflecting the sentiments of many folks on the ground (whether you agree or disapprove, that's another debate another time, another place). Problem is that from a foreign diplomacy point-of-view, that was a damning faux pas.
The WP side, headed by Gerald Giam, pose a credible threat and this will be contested down to the wire.
It could go either way but I think PAP has that fasterer, betterer, cheaperer little extra to nose the tape ahead of Worker's Party.
13. Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
IMHO, I feel that this is the weaker PAP GRC compared to East Coast GRC. Vivian B did not endear himself the last election for his obsessive harping on Vincent Wijeysingha's gay orientation. This time round, it is flinging personal barbs towards Dr Chee Soon Juan. It actually reflects worse on Vivian B for seemingly petty and foolish enough to be lulled into Dr Chee's game.
After Sim Ann's speech Monday night, she has earned my most annoying candidate award. Yes. Even beating Han Hui Hui to that coveted award. (Click here --> https://www.facebook.com/TheStraitsTimes/videos/10153005168982115/)
She also reminds me of a certain scary ex-Barfly but I digress.
If NSP Choong Hon Heng was SMLJ?! Then this one is SimAnnLJ?! (sorry. couldn't resist)
If PAP loses this battle, Sim Ann must hari kiri liao.
On the surface, Vivian B may appear to be PAP's lemon after the massive budget blow on YOG. His subsequent appointment from Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports to Minister of Environment and Water Resources was viewed by some as some sort of demotion (kena signed extra duty go jaga reservoir).
In the minds of many, we thought this one is "condemn sergeant" liao and perhaps not asked to run this election or maybe not appointed into the subsequent new cabinet. Well, the first is dispelled and the second remains to be seen (I think unlikely lah).
Alas, it was full redemption as he earned the spot of being the other of the 2 to be singled out for special mention at the National Day Rally 2015. I'd like to use my "Free Spin" now!
At the other corner, we have Dr Chee Soon Juan returning to contest after a 15-year absence. His eloquence at the rostrum is second to none and I dare say he is the best speaker amongst the lot. It is scary that he has achieve rock star status with his sublime performance on stage.
Would that translate to actual votes? Remains to be seen.
I have personally not forgiven him for the harm he has done to Chiam See Tong. The younger generations of voters may not be aware of the less-than honourable things that he had committed and the fear of the possibility of an SDP victory here is very real, especially with Paul Tambyah co-piloting in the wing.
Then again, the massive turn outs at SDP rallies, for all you know, is nothing more than bored people looking for a side show to be entertained. Once the novelty wears out, pragmatism kicks in with votes still going to PAP.
Some say this one is too close to tell as it can swing either way. I doubt it. I am placing my betting chip on PAP for I really do not wish the see Judas in parliament.
14. Jalan Besar GRC
While it appears that the Worker's Party is getting stronger, I reckoned this has to be WP's weakest team.
I think many will expect this to be a close fight. However, I believe Yaacob Ibrahim, Heng Chee How and Denise Phua have enough mettle to not only fend off the challengers successfully, but to surprise pundits with a stellar margin.
I'd go for a straight-forward win in favour of the PAP.
15. Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC
In football, we talk about a team's depth of squad and this is exactly SDP's achilles' heel. With all their strong candidates in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, this relatively inconsequential B-Team will not amount to much.
No worries as far as the election deposits are concerned as I do not think anyone has ever lost their deposits at the GRC level.
Incumbents to win.
16. West Coast GRC
This could have been PAP's first victory as early as nomination day, had S. Iswaran not pointed out Reform Party's mistake, on the nomination form, ahead of closing time.
My hat to Mr Iswaran, for that is certainly a class act.
Iswaran gets my vote. (Who says Chinese only vote for Chinese? Scrap the GRC system!)
While kudos to Kenneth Jeyaratnam for sticking to West Coast GRC despite last election's failure, I'm afraid he is going to be disappointed yet again. 3rd time lucky? We can only find out come 2019/2020.
--> Click Here To Return To Part 1
--> Click Here To Proceed To Part 3
Image Credit: http://www.straitstimes.com/
- Voxeros
08 September 2015
SG Elections 2015 - Part 1
We are mid-way through the election hustings and it is time for me to punt the outcomes of the various electoral battles. Some will be close. Some will be one-sided. Some will be unexpected and lastly there'd be one or two to return with empty pockets.
Let's start from big constituencies to small.
1. Ang Mo Kio GRC
If VR Man, Vietnamese Bride, Banana Boy and that CREEPY-Looking Auntie (standing behind VR Man and Ravi) were to join forces with M "PA... Reform Party" Ravi and Roy "CPF" Ngerng, it would have been the ultimate dream team pummeling Lee Hsien Loong and his team to a pulp with a landslide victory. (Tharman for PM?)
Alas, it was not to be for VR Man is missing, Vietnamese Bride was dumped, Banana Boy is underaged and Creepy Auntie is well...... creepy.
What a let off for Lee Hsien Loong & Co.! Team LHL was never really tested in the past with walk-overs and contested only in the last 2 elections, where he came in at 66% and later improved to 69%.
I foresee Team LHL doing very well this time round and likely be able to breach the 70% mark.
Tharman will have to wait another 5 years to see if he got chance to be PM or not.
2. Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC
I think it'd be third time lucky for Desmond Lim for once, he gets to keep his deposit. Yay!
This ward is no contest as it'd be a thumping victory for PAP to give their thumbs up for Janil Puthucheary who volunteered for national service. For Sun XueLing where she refreshed our memories that there was a time when we have hanyupinyin names (in brackets) in addition to our regular name. For Teo Ser Luck who is forgiven for his LKY91 antics falling flat.
3. Aljunied GRC
The fact that PAP is too chicken to send in a Minister to anchor this team is evidence that they are still smarting from the expensive lesson dished out to them during the last election.
With a bunch of noobs, we are reminded of the time back in 2011 when Reform Party sent in a squad of unknowns, only to walk away with nearly 50,000 votes from LHL's AMK GRC. This time round, it will be the reverse. PAP will stage a credible fight and walk away with a handful of votes. However, it won't be enough to wrestle Aljunied GRC back to PAP.
The fact that PAP sticks such a tiny wager on this bet is evidence that the almighty folks in white has already waved the white flag (no pun intended).
I was thinking why not send in Goh Chok Tong to lead the charge? Surely the senior statesman Goh has the mojo to deliver Aljunied back to PAP? If fail, the country saves $1 million per year (win-win!) but don't be too happy yet, he sure come back as President after that one lor (dammit!).
WP to return as victors while continuing to make sense of their financial numbers.
4. Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
People joked about how to tell who is from DPP and who from SPP in this joint-opposition team.
Answer? Got Hair and No Hair.
With Wong Kan Seng put out to pasture, PAP stands a better chance in this hotly-contested ward even though the new faces in the team has yet to impress (the Tiger Woods fist pump do until really siah suay). Still, I think chiobu Josephine Teo and Ng Eng Hen should nick this and come back for another 5 years.
5. Jurong GRC
Tharman for PM!! Enough said.
And SingFirst is a joke.. Enough enough said.
6. Marine Parade GRC
Marine Paraders love their ESM Goh (heng ah. never kena posted to Aljunied) and Tan Chuan Jin has fared well too. No chiobu Nicole Seah means opposition don't stand a chance. Lao Goh to return with votes in the 70% range. Mrs Goh would be most happy to be able to afford more peanuts hereon.
7. Nee Soon GRC
Too bad, it's the wrong Gurmit Singh. Had it been Phua Chu Kang, the yellow-boot one would have won outright, bringing Nee Soon, Johor Bahru and some say Batam back to Worker's Party.
PAP to win this one with Lee Bee Wah, the surprising superstar, stealing the show from Shanmugam.
8. Sembawang GRC
I suspect the reason NSP did not announce their candidates at time of Writ Of Elections is because they haven't found enough people to fill up the slots. (If people find out, very malu lor.) With the party imploding and key members mass exodus, NSP, from the days where people were starting to take them a bit more seriously with Goh Meng Seng and Nicole Seah, is now just another clown show.
They are trying to replicate their Nicole Seah success with another yew kee (幼齿), Kevryn Lim, but sequels, as we all know, are never as good as their predecessors.
PAP to win by default.
9. Tampines GRC
I say before, let us not make fun of those whose master of the English language is not as good. Hear what the person has to say. Not mock him.
In this case, whatever he was trying to say, nobody understood lor. I am sure it triggered several "SMLJ?" blank looks from the floor.
PAP to win with Baey Yam Keng, making all the aunties sploosh.
10. Tanjong Pagar GRC
This is the first ever LKY-less contest for the ward. The new candidates must be kicking themselves for not signing up earlier. This time round no more 100% guarantee plus chop sure win liao.
Luckily for them, their opposition this time will not amount to anything.
PAP to sail through with Indranee 好好嘢!!
--> Click Here To Proceed To Part 2
--> Click Here To Proceed To Part 3
Image Credits: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/; http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/;
- Voxeros
08 July 2015
Sundown Marathon 2015
No BarRun this time round as I flew solo at this year's Sundown.
Timing wasn't fantastic and I thought I fared very badly this time round compared to last year's 62 mins. As it turned out I remembered wrongly. Last year's time was 64 mins, and so my 68 mins was worse off a lesser 3 mins 49 seconds.
Mai hiam buay pai lah.
The consolation was that ranking went up to 548th from 589th last year. Maybe the better runners all graduated to the 21km category liao. Haiz....
Prior to the race, we were treated to an awesome display of fireworks. It was just our good fortune that Sundown Marathon coincided with SG50 NDP rehearsal.
Well, now that Sundown 2015 is done and dusted, it is still not time to take a breather as I have the Asics City Relay just round the corner.
Pushing on!
- Voxeros
01 May 2015
National Museum Of Singapore - Revisited
A couple of weeks ago, I mooted the idea to the family to go check out the memoriam exhibition of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew only to be met with less-than-lukewarm response.
Fine.
So on the first morning of the Labour Day long weekend, I head out, on my own, to the National Museum Of Singapore, after a morning run and a shower.
It was a tiny exhibition and over in a matter minutes, still well worth
the trip anyway as we bid our second farewell to a great statesman.
Fine.
So on the first morning of the Labour Day long weekend, I head out, on my own, to the National Museum Of Singapore, after a morning run and a shower.
I
stood at the cross created by the edges of the four marble slabs in the
foyer of the National Museum, which I believed is smack middle.
Then I looked up with the camera and it appears that the spot perfectly aligns with the center of the dome.
I think.
I love the National Museum. I love the stories she tells of our land. Venagdasalam had his two-shooted coconut tree, I have my National Museum where I head to seek solace and quiet reflection.Then I looked up with the camera and it appears that the spot perfectly aligns with the center of the dome.
I think.
- Voxeros
21 March 2015
Dumbass Of The Week XX
I don't get it.
What is with this obsession of being the first to report the death of a fellow human being.
Got prize ah?
Even if I dislike a person, I will never stoop so low as to wish for his/her demise.
LKY is a great man who has built what modern Singapore is today. Granted there are certain policies that I don't agree with (GRC remains a super sore point for me), I think overall, he has done a great job and kudos for dedicating his entire life doing so.
I tip my hat to that.
Anyway, I find it very distasteful to spoof a fake PMO website announcing LKY's imminent departure.
Bad taste! Bad! Bad!
I am glad that the police caught up with the dumbass who pulled the NOT FUNNY prank.
So, it is an offense where maximum penalty is a fine of up to SGD 50,000, jail sentence of up to 10 years or both, under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act.
As it turned out, the perp is allegedly just a gao ginah. This si ginah is not even 16 and so it's off to the juvenile court with him and not charged up the adult court? So quick question, does the above charges still apply to this si nongkia?
I'd bet this is going to scare him until he shat his pants.
Still, a fine, a prison sentence or both doesn't really fit the crime.
First off, if there is a fine imposed, who do you think will be footing the bill? The parents of course, since this sway zai bao is still in school. So to penalise the parents for the action of a dumbass kid seems hardly fair. Besides, it is punishment enough to have an idiot son.
Prison sentence? I supposed it'd be the Boys' Home for him given his age.
Wait.
Let's take a step back and look at this again. It was just bad taste with no real damage done. The country wasn't plunged into panic, the stock market didn't crash
It appears that the clever and skeptically general public, sans a few #cough# Bruce #coughcough# weren't taken in.
So really.
No harm. No foul.
Besides, a criminal record would ruin the poor boy's future forever. Will we be too heavy handed then?
On the flip side, taking no action would be letting the boy off easy. What message would we sent to the rest, if so?
Surely, there must be a price to pay for his folly?
What then, would be the perfect punishment to fit the crime?
Perhaps to go into overkill mode to serve as a deterrent sentence, telling the rest of the people to think really really hard before they act?
I wait with baited breath to see what the court will come up with.
Whatever it will be, let make sure we make this stupid 熊孩子 brown his pants before anything else.
Image Credit: http://media.zenfs.com/en_MY/News/themalaysianinsider.com
- Voxeros
21 February 2015
Running
The picture above is Punggol End.
The neighbour police post (above left) should be where the lone Shell Station of the old days used to stand.
The breathtaking scenery is just reward for an awesome run.
I have been encouraged to take up cycling but I baulk at the idea of splashing thousands of dollars on a bicycle and no place to park it, lest I risk theft by parking outside on the HDB corridor.
Don't even get me started on the clothes (my tummy and I look terrible in 'em tight spandex) and helmet that will set me even further back by a couple hundred more.
There is this organic element that I like about running. Just put on a pair of running shoes and off you go. Every single kilometer covered can be called your own. No assistance from any gears nor levers. You own every step of the way.
This morning's run was very good. I was making good pace with every km under 6:30 quite effortlessly.
Perhaps I should chart a new route to Punggol End and then from there via Punggol Road all the way back home. That should be a good 16km route.
Good preparation for the half marathon to come.
- Voxeros
29 September 2014
Seeds And Nuts 2.0
- JayWalk Online (17 Feb 2011) - Seeds And Nuts
- JayWalk Online (16 Mar 2011) - Seeds And Nuts - Thereafter
Just when I thought the last time I had "Bird Food" was just a while ago, it dawned on me that 3 years have already flown by.
Wow. How time passes!
So anyway, during my last trip back in June 2014, I decided to pack more seeds and nuts back to QQland.
This time round, my mix is:
- Walnuts
- Cashew Nuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Almonds
- Wolfberries
No pine nuts nor sunflower seeds as there was no stock that day.
As usual, all of them are unsalted with the exception of the pumpkin seeds.
The wolfberries are quite nice but I made the mistake of buying too much which made the entire mix tasted off. It didn't help that they have a tendency to clump together and so you can imagine when I bit into a big chunk of it.
p.s. Yeah. It was the same tupperware, I used the last time round. Still good and tight sealed as ever.
- Voxeros
29 July 2014
BarRun 2015 - Prelude
It's been two months since the Sundown Marathon where I completed the 10K with fellow Barflies. It was great fun and my decent timing improvement over last year was the cherry on top.
I enjoyed the run. Not so much about the timing but rather the fact that a few good friends are running together and who can say no to supper thereafter?
That brings me to looking forward to next year. Assuming my work dates don't clash with the event, I am torn between running 10K again or going up the next rung to 21K.
The 2014 Sundown saw the 10K event had an earlier start than the 21K Half and 42K Full Marathon, where the latter starts after the 10K has finished.
If I were to take up the 21K challenge, it would very much mean flying (or in this case running) solo. It won't be as fun as starting off together and going for supper there after.
And if I were to take up the 10K again, it would mean missing out on the chance to challenge myself further and this opportunity diminishes with every year I grow older.
So how?
- Voxeros
05 June 2014
BarRun 2014 - Sundown Marathon 2014
This run this year was much better, the change the running route and we were running clockwise this year instead.
Our 10K run was also flagged off earlier at 22:30 so that we finish before 0:00 for the actual Marathon and half marathon to start at 01:30 and 00:30 respectively.
Result? No bottlenecks! Good. For some strange reason, we found ourselves near the front of the starting pack and that turned out to be a blessing as well. No start-off traffic jam too.
My time this year at 64:15 was an awesome improvement from last year where I came in at 78:14. From 2699th to a whopping 589th! By interpolation, I am estimating that I improved from 1933th to 310th in the Male category and 337th to 50th in the Male 40-49 Age Group category.
Perhaps the only disappointment is the missing infographic analyst of your run that usually comes with the official release of your results. They had it last year and I believe the year before too. It was loads of fun to read.
I have always liked Sundown Marathon's tank top as the material is really comfortable. This year's look better than last although I fear the back decals may start to peel after a few washes.
Special mention goes out to my Wahoo BlueHR Bluetooth 4.0 Heart Rate Monitor which again, worked flawlessly. Guess what? It is still on its first battery since I bought it in Apr 2013 and it's not like I haven't been using it regularly. I have over 50 runs amounting to over 40 hours of running and it's still going on strong.
Kudos!
- Voxeros
28 April 2014
15 April 2014
Microwave Poached Egg - The Second Attempt
Following the first disastrous attempt, I decided to give it another shot after reading and studying the comments on my facebook entry (of the same topic) what could have gone wrong.
So here's what I did on my second try.
I continued to use room temperature water as I still think "cold water" in any recipe refers to unheated water. Otherwise, they would have specified refrigerated water or spell out the temperature to which the water should be, which I find is a tad overboard.
It's a cooking recipe. Not a science laboratory experiment, mind you.
And no. I am not going to use a pipette or burette to get the mug (not measuring beaker) to fill up to 1/3.
I started the countdown as I nervously watched the mug spun nonchalantly on the carousel.
50 seconds, just a tad short of the full minute, there was a loud POP!
I was thinking "oh great!", we have another eggplosion (term courtesy of Desiree).
I was suprised to see that the microwave was clean with no mess. I picked up to see the mug, half expecting to see nothing (and thus begin the mystery of the disappearing egg).
But no.
There it was, sitting nicely and almost pretty.
It wasn't completely cooked as there is still about 10 to 15% of the albumen still in its uncooked transparent form.
I let it sit for another minute to let it cooked in the heated water. I don't want to pop it back in again, lest I risked the real eggplosion.
Skimmed off the uncooked portion of the egg, throw it on a toast, leaf of lettuce, sauce as a "glue" to prevent the egg from sliding all over the place, a dash of mushrooms in truffle oil, sliced tomato for garnishing, take a photo et voila! Hipster meal!
- Voxeros
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