K(eep) P(aying) E(RP)

20 Sep 2008

The full stretch of Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) finally opens to traffic.

Like my childhood obsession of getting first day covers, I had the privilege of making my maiden journey on opening day.

Starting from the ECP and negotiating all of the famous speed cameras in the tunnel at a mild 70-75 km/h, the drive was smooth and amazing to see yourself heading out to the north-east in a matter of minutes. When my car emerged from the tunnel, it was the familiar sight of the old Tampines Road that led up to the rubbish dump Lorong Halus. Connecting to TPE, it was a grand total of 20 minutes from the ECP back to home in Pasir Ris... amazing... usually I take 25-30 minutes getting to/from Rochor Road and that is at speeds of 100-120 km/h. One major gripe I have is really driving at 70km/h on a car-less road... it's mental!

The multi-millions spent digging the tunnel did save many precious minutes of my time. But with the 16 ERP gantries along the expressway, God knows how many precious dollars I will have to spend supporting its life. Rumour has it the CTE will be shut in stages to repair tunnel defects. ERP charging will take place when 'congestion' happens. So when all those south-bound traffic get diverted to the KPE... we will definitely Keep Paying ERP lor... not nice :(

Run

A song of great simplicity.. from a while back




Collective Soul - Run

Are these times contagious
I've never been this bored before
Is this the prize I've waited for
Now as the hours passing
There's nothing left here to mature
I long to find a messenger

Have I got a long way to run [x2]
Yeah, I run [x2]

Is there a cure among us
From this processed sanity
I weaken with each voice that sings
In this world of purchase
I'm going to buy back memories
To awaken some old qualities

Have I got a long way to run [x2]
Have I got a long way to run [x2]
Yeah, I run [x2]
Have I got a long way to run [x2]
Yeah, I run [x4]
[background:]
Have I got a long way to run [x4]

The Paradigm of Contextuality

Everything happens within a context - things becomes relevant and connected simply because they are in context.

How do we decide what is "right" or "wrong"?

We arrive at a conclusion by forming cognitive relationships and dissolving problems within a context.

Although one might expect decision making to follow a certain logical order, contextuality can be an acceptable explanation to irrational behaviour, simply because this behaviour is in context only to you and not to others. It is relative to you but might not be to others.

So experience can only give us affirmation to whether something is "right" or "wrong" but it is never the "correct" answer.

Very philosophical but true... So make decisions relative to oneself, and affirm it with your own set of beliefs.

Your only enemy is your conscience.

Wrap and roll

2 turnips

1 cabbage

12 french beans

1 tow kwa

1 stalk of leek

2 bottles of white wine
1 bottle of red white

28 years of life completed

87th day back in Shanghai

So how to address a slightly overdue house-warming?
Wrapped and rolled to delightful goodness.. I present the popiah :)

Thanks for the cakes and wines and laughs!
It was tiring but worth it...

An Olympian feat

080808 08点08分

世界的注意力集中在中国,各国领袖聚集北京,全球顶尖运动员汇集鸟巢

The opening ceremony was a joy to watch. It embodied the strong desire of the Chinese people to showcase to the world, their 5,000 year history and culture, their musical and artistic achievements, their innovation and technological advancements.

As an ethnic Chinese working and living in China, I am proud to share in a celebration of China's coming on to the world scene, an Olympian feat that no other country should be able to replicate in the foreseeable future.

The plan was simple:

1. Build world-class and state-of-the-art venues (Bird's Nest and the Cube) and litter the capital city with innovative and architectural wonders (CCTV, National Theartre)

2. Razzle and dazzle the world in a 4 hour spectacular showcase of history, technology, arts, admist a political backstage of the world's leaders

3. Unleash a stable of atheletes fueled with nationalistic desire and passion for excellence, hungry for nothing but gold.

Harder than scaling the moon? Li Ning was a favourite sporting son of the post Cultural Revolution era. He had shifted his post-Olympian career in gymnastics to a successful entrepreneurship in sporting wear. Now, he will be forever etched in the memories of millions around the world as the man who lit the Olympic flame in almost melo-dramatic style.

Amongst all the spectacular acts of the opening ceremony, I was most impressed by the sheer audacity of the act. A flying man lighting a cauldron (shaped like a giant torch)? I would never have imagined it possible.

Well done, China! It is indeed a proud moment for all 龙的传人!

Failing better

A month upon arriving in Shanghai, time for some self reflection.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again.
Fail better.

This Samuel Beckett quote jumped right at me and led me to question the circumstances of my departure and quick return to a city that is defining the end of my 20s.

Some friends had recently asked me how I am finding it back in a city of bright lights and hedonistic distractions. My replies have been a mixture of nonchalance (when I can't be bothered to explain) and philosophical self assessment (when I DO ask myself the same question). The short-term conclusion is that I've tried. Failed to make things happen, so I try again.

2nd time round, I have less to prove to others and more to prove to myself. A payrise and promotion are 1 year professional targets that I have defined and determined to achieve. A healthier and meaningful life, that I owe myself. A relationship that will finally work? That's on an all-time wish list.

If I do a scorecard at the end of 1 month, items 1 and 2 are right on track. I have re-found my motivation in work, despite the early hiccups. Established a rapport with the boss, improved on some processes and embracing more responsibilities.

Working out 3 times a week, eating more sensibly (I do retain some indulgence once a week though). I feel leaner and healthier, even the knee and ankle pain is diminishing.

Item 3 as always, seems depth apparent.

After all, you can only fail better. C'est la vie.

When a nomad finds a home

Cattle feed upon the green grass
Herds are raised
Sandy grains replace the lush
Beyond recovery

Raise the banner
The chieftain said
Time to move on
In search of greener pastures

The tents come down
Horses are saddled
Campfires instead of stoves
Before settlement

When a nomad finds a home
Forever it is not
While the green lasts
A place to call their own