It is normal for hawkers to raise their prices during the CNY holidays because they work throughout this festive period to serve up food, but this year, they aren't reverting back to the pre-CNY prices. The increase is permanent!
Although the GST hike to 7% will not be effected in another few months' time, the hawkers at the market at my place have already taken the liberty to raise their prices. The vegetarian bee hoon was $1.50, now itz $2; lor mee and laksa was $2, now itz $2.50.
Erm, now my GST offset package can't pay for 7 years of increased GST because the absolute cost of living has risen!
And an article in ST today says "inflation surprising tame in January." Try doing the same report for Feb after the concrete announcement by Lee.
Actually, I dun even know why am I writing this. Can't really blame the merchants since itz a legitimate one-time excuse to increase prices across the board thanks to the govt angbao. Just grumbling.
Now I've lost the last $1.50 bee hoon I know of. =|
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Thanks for all who remembered!
Thanks to all who remembered my birthday! And greatest gratitude to Tianqi and Phil for your beautiful presents and dinner! Dinner at the new marché at vivocity was excellent!
Je suis content. =)
***
Blogging on my bed at home now with my new laptop and just finished setting up the wireless router. Feels gd! Haha.
Je suis content. =)
***
Blogging on my bed at home now with my new laptop and just finished setting up the wireless router. Feels gd! Haha.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
GST offset package, is the net casted too wide?
My initial reaction to the GST offset package announced in the 2007 Budget was flat. 4 annual installments of $200 (for me) to offset the two percent hike in GST, nothing unexpected really, except maybe many of us thought it would be a lump sum.
But upon greater examination, I think the Ministry of Finance (MOF) got it wrong again. The problem is so blatant, sticking out like a sore thumb, yet the high-flying scholars at MOF can't see it!
Anyone earning $24k - $100k per annum would be entitled to the same GST Credits as me, albeit their home's annual value is on par with mine.
Personally, I think MOF thinks that we are dumb.
The criteria used when giving out the Progress Package was deemed too lenient by purely considering the annual value of one's home, so this time an additional income-based condition is included to make a new set of more stringent criteria. Shrugz. Somebody tell me that is highly useful in sieving out the folks who deserves more financial assistance.
The point is - people don't expect the same level of material comfort, and hence the same assistance to be rendered to one earning $24k per annum and another earning $100k per annum. Although the absolute amount is never an accurate gauge of one's financial well-being, but I would think broadly dividing into just three income groups - (1) < $24k (2) $24-$100k (3) >$100k - is laziness on the part of MOF. Maybe they fear the consequent administrative work should the divisions are more precise.
And what a Budget for everyone! Those earning above $100k will receive a one time GST Credit of $100. 100 / 100 000 x 100% = 0.1%. Do they honestly need this amount of money? Irks me. Are they given a token sum just to show that they are not left out? Why bother when they don't even need it in the first place?
To offer a brief counterproposal at the end, I suggest the following criteria be used:
(1) Annual home value
(2) Income
(3) Number of dependents (children, elderly)
In this way, we can see the financial burden on an individual more clearly and will then be able to more efficiently direct aid at the needy.
But upon greater examination, I think the Ministry of Finance (MOF) got it wrong again. The problem is so blatant, sticking out like a sore thumb, yet the high-flying scholars at MOF can't see it!
Anyone earning $24k - $100k per annum would be entitled to the same GST Credits as me, albeit their home's annual value is on par with mine.
Personally, I think MOF thinks that we are dumb.
The criteria used when giving out the Progress Package was deemed too lenient by purely considering the annual value of one's home, so this time an additional income-based condition is included to make a new set of more stringent criteria. Shrugz. Somebody tell me that is highly useful in sieving out the folks who deserves more financial assistance.
The point is - people don't expect the same level of material comfort, and hence the same assistance to be rendered to one earning $24k per annum and another earning $100k per annum. Although the absolute amount is never an accurate gauge of one's financial well-being, but I would think broadly dividing into just three income groups - (1) < $24k (2) $24-$100k (3) >$100k - is laziness on the part of MOF. Maybe they fear the consequent administrative work should the divisions are more precise.
And what a Budget for everyone! Those earning above $100k will receive a one time GST Credit of $100. 100 / 100 000 x 100% = 0.1%. Do they honestly need this amount of money? Irks me. Are they given a token sum just to show that they are not left out? Why bother when they don't even need it in the first place?
To offer a brief counterproposal at the end, I suggest the following criteria be used:
(1) Annual home value
(2) Income
(3) Number of dependents (children, elderly)
In this way, we can see the financial burden on an individual more clearly and will then be able to more efficiently direct aid at the needy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tianqi's Tiramisu
Thanks Tianqi for the tiramisu. I was (un)fortunate enough to be among the first ones to try Tianqi's first attempt at making tiramisu! Haha, but it was seriously not too bad tasting, though the looks of the tiramisu can be improved greatly! =)
Cheers to Friendship Day too! Happy Valentine's!
Cheers to Friendship Day too! Happy Valentine's!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Back for good
It's confirmed, I've gotta give RSAF a back for good reply before the end of February to indicate when I will return to report for work.
Option 1: 3 days after last day of exams - 29th April 2007.
Option 2: 1 day after FYP presentation / submission, whichever is later - Unknown date, presumably later than 29th April.
Option 3: As and when I desire, but need to apply for no pay leave and give reasons to justify.
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Options 1 and 2 mean that the money will start rolling in earlier, albeit at an A-level officer pay scale because the full results are not going to be released until June 2007 by NTU. But something is always better than nothing, isn't it? Haha.
The cons? Well, it means going back to ALD at PLAB, as an OCT, be ready to be arrowed to do miscellaneous work, including shredding papers, photocopying documents, self checks for the branches etc. Been there done that for IA, not a totally satisfying experience. The good things may be - having little responsibilities and can take some time off work earlier everyday to do sports - gym, soccer etc.
But one thing I must complain. Because NUS results are released in May, my NUS counterparts will be emplaced in June to the graduate pay scale while I will still be labouring as a A-level grad, my efforts (though minimal) look set to be underpaid, and it's deterring me from going back earlier.
Which brings me to option 3! Cons - obviously lesser money in the bank account. Pros - can relac one corner and go for a grad trip, and avoid becoming an underpaid worker.
Hmm but I haven't decided where to go for grad trip. First was Korea, then my FYP mates are going to Taiwan/HK, the NUS dudes are going to Japan, and Zaiming mentioned he is going to Western China and he is ready to play host if I join him, my family wants to go Taiwan as well, and I would like to go around the Asean neighbourhood - Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (now a little less attractive after our recent spats.)
Haha, if I have all the time and money, I will go everywhere!! The lousy thing is - I have to indicate the countries that I will be visiting if I state holidays as a reason to apply for no pay leave. How?
Shrugz.
Actually, I think I will take option 1 in the end, then compute my pro-rated annual leave (~12 days i believe) and use my FLEX benefits to buy more leaves, before embarking on any grad trip. Sounds like a win-win situation: have some income before going for a trip, and save the hassle of having to confirm any destinations now.
Option 1: 3 days after last day of exams - 29th April 2007.
Option 2: 1 day after FYP presentation / submission, whichever is later - Unknown date, presumably later than 29th April.
Option 3: As and when I desire, but need to apply for no pay leave and give reasons to justify.
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Options 1 and 2 mean that the money will start rolling in earlier, albeit at an A-level officer pay scale because the full results are not going to be released until June 2007 by NTU. But something is always better than nothing, isn't it? Haha.
The cons? Well, it means going back to ALD at PLAB, as an OCT, be ready to be arrowed to do miscellaneous work, including shredding papers, photocopying documents, self checks for the branches etc. Been there done that for IA, not a totally satisfying experience. The good things may be - having little responsibilities and can take some time off work earlier everyday to do sports - gym, soccer etc.
But one thing I must complain. Because NUS results are released in May, my NUS counterparts will be emplaced in June to the graduate pay scale while I will still be labouring as a A-level grad, my efforts (though minimal) look set to be underpaid, and it's deterring me from going back earlier.
Which brings me to option 3! Cons - obviously lesser money in the bank account. Pros - can relac one corner and go for a grad trip, and avoid becoming an underpaid worker.
Hmm but I haven't decided where to go for grad trip. First was Korea, then my FYP mates are going to Taiwan/HK, the NUS dudes are going to Japan, and Zaiming mentioned he is going to Western China and he is ready to play host if I join him, my family wants to go Taiwan as well, and I would like to go around the Asean neighbourhood - Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (now a little less attractive after our recent spats.)
Haha, if I have all the time and money, I will go everywhere!! The lousy thing is - I have to indicate the countries that I will be visiting if I state holidays as a reason to apply for no pay leave. How?
Shrugz.
Actually, I think I will take option 1 in the end, then compute my pro-rated annual leave (~12 days i believe) and use my FLEX benefits to buy more leaves, before embarking on any grad trip. Sounds like a win-win situation: have some income before going for a trip, and save the hassle of having to confirm any destinations now.
Friday, February 09, 2007
사랑인가요?
언제였던건지 기억나지 않아
자꾸 내 머리가 너로 어지럽던 시작
한두번씩 떠오르던 생각
자꾸 늘어가서 조금 당황스러원 이 마음
별일이 아닐 수 있다고 사소한 마음이라고
내가 네게 자꾸 말을 하는게 어색한걸
사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고
지금 내 마음을 설명하려 해도
니가 내가 되어 맘을 느끼는 방법 뿐인데
이미 난 니안에 있는 걸
내 안에 니가 있듯이
우린 서로에게 이미 길들여진지 몰라
사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고
생각해보면 많은 순간속에
얼마나 많은 설레임 있었는지
조금 늦은 그 만큼 난 더 잘해줄게요
함께 할게요 추억이 될 기억만 선물할께요
다신 내곁에서 떠나지 마요
짧은 순간조차도 불안한 걸요
내게 머물러 줘요
그댈 이렇게 많이(그토록많이)
사랑하고 있어요( 그대여야만) 이미-
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Why am I loitering in school?
This is my last semester in NTU, and final year undergrads should be very busy at this time of the year with their final year projects.
I just came out from a brief stay in my lab, completing a layout for a low pass filter that my groupmate designed. The thing is - the whole lab is filled with people who seem to know what they are doing and putting in the time and energy for this final lap.
And me? Here I am loitering at one corner of the school blogging.
I wish I am kept very busy doing research for my dissertation, I wish I am occupied with the testing of equipment, I wish I have plenty of results from trials to process, I wish I can put the results together to write my report, I wish that at this moment my project is near completion and I am in the final stages of drafting the report.
But I am not.
Seriously, my final year project is quite disappointing. I wanted to do this because I thought the air to land communication channel characterization would be helpful to my future career. But the trial will not get underway until March 07. =| And what's worse when I cannot recollect the meaningful work I have done for air to land comm. A few characterizations of amplifiers, mixers, helping out with the design of filters, building a receiver horn antenna structure.
Ich bin kaputt.
I think prof lee is considering letting me write my final year project based on the datalogger programme done by Yusong, our PhD student. But I am not excited at all. How can I expect myself to learn the whole programme in a matter of weeks and submit a dissertation on something that I have not done? If the moderator drills me, I will sure be gone.
I am at a loss, quite unusually. I hate to be lost. Someone show me a direction!
I just came out from a brief stay in my lab, completing a layout for a low pass filter that my groupmate designed. The thing is - the whole lab is filled with people who seem to know what they are doing and putting in the time and energy for this final lap.
And me? Here I am loitering at one corner of the school blogging.
I wish I am kept very busy doing research for my dissertation, I wish I am occupied with the testing of equipment, I wish I have plenty of results from trials to process, I wish I can put the results together to write my report, I wish that at this moment my project is near completion and I am in the final stages of drafting the report.
But I am not.
Seriously, my final year project is quite disappointing. I wanted to do this because I thought the air to land communication channel characterization would be helpful to my future career. But the trial will not get underway until March 07. =| And what's worse when I cannot recollect the meaningful work I have done for air to land comm. A few characterizations of amplifiers, mixers, helping out with the design of filters, building a receiver horn antenna structure.
Ich bin kaputt.
I think prof lee is considering letting me write my final year project based on the datalogger programme done by Yusong, our PhD student. But I am not excited at all. How can I expect myself to learn the whole programme in a matter of weeks and submit a dissertation on something that I have not done? If the moderator drills me, I will sure be gone.
I am at a loss, quite unusually. I hate to be lost. Someone show me a direction!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Asean Football Champions 2007!
Congrats to the Lions for defending the Asean Football Championships! And to Alam Shah for winning the Golden Boot and MVP!
Yup the football at times were ugly, but I think the Lions has shown their character coming behind against Malaysia and Thailand away from home! You deserve it!
Yup the football at times were ugly, but I think the Lions has shown their character coming behind against Malaysia and Thailand away from home! You deserve it!
Bon Weekend!
Had a good weekend!
Saturday evening was spent at Vivocity with Philifer. Dinner was at Tung Lok Signatures, where they had these white and round cell like cushioned chairs, but we didn't get those seats. The food is good and I especially liked the seafood fried rice. The only thing is - their speed of serving food is SLOW. Nice restaurant anyway, but can get expensive though! Haha.
Then we caught Babel at GV Max, the new wide-screen theatre with a bigger capacity than normal theatres. Seriously, Babel is a good show that kept me thinking and in anticipation. The only problem I have with the show is - the Japanese aren't linked at all to the plot surrounding the absurdity of the Americans. The naked Japanese girl doesn't really add value to the show and it's a little racist when you consider that the Japanese girl showed much more flesh than needed.
***
Finally went to the HSBC treetop walk this morning. Was scared that the weather might not hold up because it was cold and greyish in the morning, but all turned out fine.
Tianqi, Tianqi's friend Gaolong, Zaiming, Philifer and I started from Macritchie and took a 5km walk into the Treetop walk, before exiting into Thomson Road. The whole walk took us about 3hours, and the route reminded me of my NJ days when we pounded that path regularly.
The Treetop walk is not especially spectacular, but it was pretty cool to be walking 25m above ground, and the windy morning makes for a comfortable walk across the suspension bridge. Could not see all the birds, plants, and moths touted on the signboards though. And the flight of staircase after exiting the bridge is super long, haha!
Lunch was at Bishan, treated Tianqi to the famous chicken rice at the Kim San Leng kopitiam before coming home to sleep. Haha.
Saturday evening was spent at Vivocity with Philifer. Dinner was at Tung Lok Signatures, where they had these white and round cell like cushioned chairs, but we didn't get those seats. The food is good and I especially liked the seafood fried rice. The only thing is - their speed of serving food is SLOW. Nice restaurant anyway, but can get expensive though! Haha.
Then we caught Babel at GV Max, the new wide-screen theatre with a bigger capacity than normal theatres. Seriously, Babel is a good show that kept me thinking and in anticipation. The only problem I have with the show is - the Japanese aren't linked at all to the plot surrounding the absurdity of the Americans. The naked Japanese girl doesn't really add value to the show and it's a little racist when you consider that the Japanese girl showed much more flesh than needed.
***
Finally went to the HSBC treetop walk this morning. Was scared that the weather might not hold up because it was cold and greyish in the morning, but all turned out fine.
Tianqi, Tianqi's friend Gaolong, Zaiming, Philifer and I started from Macritchie and took a 5km walk into the Treetop walk, before exiting into Thomson Road. The whole walk took us about 3hours, and the route reminded me of my NJ days when we pounded that path regularly.
The Treetop walk is not especially spectacular, but it was pretty cool to be walking 25m above ground, and the windy morning makes for a comfortable walk across the suspension bridge. Could not see all the birds, plants, and moths touted on the signboards though. And the flight of staircase after exiting the bridge is super long, haha!
Lunch was at Bishan, treated Tianqi to the famous chicken rice at the Kim San Leng kopitiam before coming home to sleep. Haha.
Friday, February 02, 2007
New tops! And counterfeit BUM shoes!
Haha I know I shouldn't announce that I bought fake BUM shoes, but I am just too amused.
Went shopping today with Derrick at Queensway (opposite his house). Actually didn't plan to get anything because I wanted to go to Ikea and look for ideas for my FYP horn antenna structure, but fingers became itchy then started to browse for some tops!
Bought a stripped black/blue/brown shirt, a white top, and a white v-necked nike tee. Haha so much for wanting to save money. Anyway I am quite happy and I finally added to my other pink G2000 short-sleeved shirt for this CNY.
Anyway, the highlight of the day's shopping is the fake BUM shoes that I bought. We were walking on the second floor of Queensway shopping centre when we realised that there were pairs of not too bad looking shoes going for $10. At first we were just amazed at how cheap they were, then we started to realise they are actually imitations of the real things, because the same shop carry the real brands as well. Weird right? Haha.
Anyway we gave each other the wry smile and decide that we are going to buy them for everyday wear. I won't even feel painful if someone decides to steal them from my hostel loh. Haha, Derrick even better, he bought 2 pairs!!
We were super satisfied for the rest of the day. When we return to window shop for shoes, we realised shoes of similar design but of adidas/asics were going for $100++. Haha! The happy sensation of buying cheap shoes lingered for quite some time!
Went shopping today with Derrick at Queensway (opposite his house). Actually didn't plan to get anything because I wanted to go to Ikea and look for ideas for my FYP horn antenna structure, but fingers became itchy then started to browse for some tops!
Bought a stripped black/blue/brown shirt, a white top, and a white v-necked nike tee. Haha so much for wanting to save money. Anyway I am quite happy and I finally added to my other pink G2000 short-sleeved shirt for this CNY.
Anyway, the highlight of the day's shopping is the fake BUM shoes that I bought. We were walking on the second floor of Queensway shopping centre when we realised that there were pairs of not too bad looking shoes going for $10. At first we were just amazed at how cheap they were, then we started to realise they are actually imitations of the real things, because the same shop carry the real brands as well. Weird right? Haha.
Anyway we gave each other the wry smile and decide that we are going to buy them for everyday wear. I won't even feel painful if someone decides to steal them from my hostel loh. Haha, Derrick even better, he bought 2 pairs!!
We were super satisfied for the rest of the day. When we return to window shop for shoes, we realised shoes of similar design but of adidas/asics were going for $100++. Haha! The happy sensation of buying cheap shoes lingered for quite some time!
For my dear FYP horn antennas!
Yup, after troubling me for a few weeks about how to mount the horn antennas, I finally found an invention called speaker brackets that allow for the varying of vertical orientation! Yay! But quite expensive, $23 for 2 at Home Fix shop at Ikea.
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