Singapore zam zam restaurant pte ltd is entering its 100th yr in operation! How may eateries in Singapore can claim this proudly! Inaugurated in 1908, Singapore Zam Zam has been through a lot of changes and is now seeing its 3rd and 4th generation.

Read more about it here.

http://goasia.about.com/od/singapore/gr/zamzamspore.htm

http://eatbma.blogspot.com/2006/01/singapore-zam-zam-restaurant.html

http://www.the-inncrowd.com/littleindiawalk.htm

http://www.yebber.com/review/singapore-zam-zam-restaurant/

http://www.blurbme.com/find/place.php?leId=3832

http://wikitravel.org/en/Singapore/Bugis

http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/singapore_zam_zam_restaurant/

Great news for Cyclists in Singapore.

From the middle of this month, foldable cycles would be allowed on trains and buses . Yeah!!!!! And why not! If prams can be allowed, wheelchairs can be allowed, why not foldable cycles??? I have always wondered how it would feel like to get to workplace and elsewhere without having to walk in the scorching sun! And let me confess, I am not very good with buses and their routes and cabs are getting very very expensive with the revised rates as well as the ERP’s (elctronic road pricing) getting erected everywhere. 

Cycling is a healthy habit and if we can encourage more to take this up, it would be helpful to everyone. However, the success of this becoming a reality would depend on the infrastructure. Let me put it this way. It would depend on the behavior of the cyclists. Responsible vs Irresponsible. Considerate vs inconsiderate. Taking into account the delay this action is going to bring at the entrance and exit points, the accident rate, the complaints from fellow commuters etc.

Take it anyway, I believe the benifits would outweigh the costs.

One suggestion I could offer is to reserve one car / per train, to accommodate the cyclists. This would reduce the likelihood of accidents / space congestion. Also, it would provide for easy entrance and exit.

Well, the current situation is going to be a beta run. And if all goes well, we can see cyclists on board soon. I am very much looking forward to this.

 Read about this here : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/333391/1/.html

“ok… now where is this place?” I was wondering to myself as I typed the address into the search bar on online street directory, www.streetdirectory.com.sg. “Alright, here it is. It’s one stop from train followed by 10 stops by bus. Should be easy. To reach at 3pm, I can leave home at 2.15pm. Perfect!”

As I got dressed for the interview, I was contemplating all sorts of questions that would be thrown at me. I rehearsed  few of the more obvious ones; tell me more about yourself kinds! While I sat to check my makeup, I realised that time was ticking; quite fastly that is, and it is in my best interest to leave home at that very second in order to reach on time, at least. Time was 2.25pm.

I gave my sweet little daughter a kiss on the forehead and was out in a jiffy. Train was quick to reach, as always. I love the MRT(Mass Rapid Transit) for this reason. No traffic and it comes  more often than the bus and costs much less than the cab. That’s beside the point.

 As I alighted at the destined stop, I realised that this station was new to me. I have never alighted at this station before. I followed the sign boards effectively and reached my bus queue. Just in time. I wanted to make sure this bus went where I wanted it to. Bus driver asked which stop. I said I am not sure as this is my first time there. He warned me tha this place is quite big and it had 3 stops. I said, I’ll try the first one. The driver was sweet. He said he will let me know once we are there. I said thanks and went to grab a seat. As I glanced at my watch, I realised that my judgement was wrong. It’s already 2.45pm.

Time is ticking and I am starting to get nervous now.

It was 3pm when i eventually alighted a my destination. I realised what the driver meant when he said the place was big. It was an understatement. In fact, the place was huge and all I could see, opposite the bus stop, was a cafeteria. Oh God!

I knew I was late for the interview. What I did not know was how late I would be. I finally went inside one building near to the cafeteria and thought I could ask someone for directions. Lo and Behold! not a soul in sight. I reached for my purse to get my mobile. Oh my! Did someone pickpocket me! My mobile was missing. Just then I realised that I had put my mobile on charge before I started with my makeup. Now what?

As I darted with no real idea as to where to go, to find a payphone, I bumped into a lady. She looked quite nice to me as she was smiling vey willingly. Quite a rare sight here in singapore, I have experienced. I told her the address I was looking for. She was unsure but said I should go further in where I will be able to see the block numbers.

I was looking for a payphone so that I could call the interviewer and inform her that I am in the premises, just a little lost. I asked the lady if I could borrow her mobile. That was a wrong question. Her expression changed completely. From a willing, loving lady, she turned cautious and retired. I realised it before any further damage could be done to my nervousness and to her good mood. I said thanks for the direction and apologised for asking to use her mobile.

 I kept walking and sure enough, I was able to reach there in 5 minutes. I was at the door by 3.20pm.

Just have a look at this opinion poll on cricket over hockey conducted by one of the leading papers in India. http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/02/21/4894330.aspx

I’m not sure if this question should be asked in the first place. Still, something to ponder about. From the reactions of many, it is evident that hockey is here to stay and remain as the national sport.

What does it mean to be a national sport? I tried in vain searching for a universal definition for “National sport.” I guess it could be phrased as “A sport of special historical significance, given importance by the national government.”

As such, I do not see any historically significant event, apart from its glorious wins in the mid 2oth century where India dominated the sport with its 8 consecutive wins at Olympics¹. Well, it is significant enough. Please do update me if you are more aware of how Hockey came to be the national sport of India.

A definition I found from Wikipedia is as follows: “a national sport is a sport or game that is considered to be a popularly intrinsic part of the culture or is the most popular sport of a country or nation.”

From what I have read, hockey², just like cricket³, was brought to India by the British. Indians grasped the game, and in time, mastered it. The situation is similar with cricket. Gauging from the craze for cricket amongst the lot in India, why was this sport not considered to be made the national sport?

I am runing out of time at the moment. More to come, elaborating and viewing different angles of the same. Have a good read.

1. http://www.tourindia.com/insignia/sport.htm

2. http://sports.indiapress.org/hockey.php

3. http://sports.indiapress.org/cricket.php

It can be quite a boring affair when your child is asleep, your mother is praying, your sis is trying out new recipes and your dad is out at work while better half is abroad. In such situations, where I have none to talk to, I normally turn to my “silent” companion, “Television.”

However, today, that would have to wait. I need to at least browse through the copy of “India Today – Women,” which I took from my flight lst Jan. The cover is still intact. Well, I can be lazy, meaning, very very lazy (cheeky smile ).

Cover story was about Mrs Archana Tyagi Sharma. What an interesting read. After Kiran Bedi,            this is one other police woman who caught my attention. Great track record and what is most heartwarming is the attitude of this lady. Reminded me of the Vijayashanti movies of the past .

You can read the same issue, online version here: http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&issueid=39&id=3382&§ionid=20&secid=18

It got me so interested that I came online instantly to do a little lookup on Mumbai Police. To my mazement, I found 2 stories, which are quite disturbing actually.

Jodha Akbar controversy was one side where there was a small explosion in one of the cinema hall screening it on the release date and how prompt the police were to come into action. You can read more on it here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Blast_in_theatre_showing_Jodhaa/articleshow/2799242.cms .  While, on the same page was a link to another story “Goons hang Jhansi youth in public.” http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Goons_hang_Jhansi_youth_in_public/articleshow/2803121.cms .

Just look at the situations and the reactions of the police. I am utterly ashamed and deeply saddened that my initial pride has turned into somewhat a fantasy. Prompt actions were taken in the former situation compared to the latter! It could be the different modus operandi of the diff states. Still! Indian police force need to have some sort of “ekta.”  

One blacksheep spoils the name of the rest in the herd; however, in this case, I’d say there is still some hope of finding the light in the deep dark tunnel. Despite 90% (my own census ) of the police community being corrupt (strictly my opinion), officers like Tyagi still exist. It’s better to have an attitiude than follow the crowd!

Note: Pic of Kiran Bedi taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiran_Bedi

The wait is finally over. 

The first international youth Olympics will be hosted in Singapore!.  One more feather to her cap I would say. Recently, the trend is such that Singapore is out and about to get her hands on everything! And she slready has her hands full; She announced the Casino project, first Formula One night race and now the first International Youth Olympics.

This opportunity has come at the right time. Singapore saw the first sports school open in 2004 where it aimed to nurture students who had the passion for sports with curriculum. This would provide the morale boost for the students as well the nation as a whole to see what its calibre is.

Read more at :

http://www.snoc.org.sg/

http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSL216258920080221

http://www.sportsschool.edu.sg/

I am eagerly waiting to participate in all the happenings and Proud of you Singapore. All the way!

 Fire you boss!

Freelancing is the “in” thing now. 

What makes this more attractive! Well, a handsome income, a no-long-term commitment policy, flexibility as to when you want to work, where you want to work and no need to face your “boss” (for the shy joobseekers’). Plus many interesting opportunities/ projects.

Many options are available. All you need is an internet connection to get started. If you know how to write, or you are well versed in software development or coding perse you have a gr8! career waiting for you. Well, you never know what you may find. Have a look around and find some extra income as you go and have fun!

Some sites you may be interested are listed below. Good Luck and yes… do drop me a comment should you find something interesting after you have visited these sites. Thanks.

Starting with my favorite:

http://www.getafreelancer.com/affiliates/wahi/

www.Bizreef.com

www.Elance.com

www.Odesk.com

www.freelancefree.com

An interesting site I found while searching for some resources. Full Time freelancing : 10 things learned in 180 days. Do have a read.

http://www.cameronmoll.com/archives/000643.html

When you lie

when you lie, do you realise it could ruin someone’s life?

when you lie, do you hear the shatter of someone’s heart?

when you lie, do you see the tears in someone’s eyes?

when you lie, do you feel the despair in someone’s hope?

when you lie, do you taste the bitterness of someone’s  dream?

when you lie, you lie

but when you lie, someone is in company with you

not with you, because of you…

                                                 wahi

A lie could be a route of escape or a means of getting something, for you.  However, it could have greater implications on others. Truth, although hard to handle or bitter, a person who speaks the truth need not remember what he has told others as the info would be the same. Be truthful, if not for yourself, for others. Thank you.

Just when I was starting to feel depressed, I get a call from an angel…

Hi miss… would you able to come down for an interview on friday?…. oh yes!… finally after weeks of endurance for a dream job.. I manage to land myself an interview….

Then again another call followed soon after with the same tone. Oh wow! 2 inerviews. And what a coincidence! Both on the same day at the same building with a difference of 5 stories.

Could this be a turning point in my life.  A magical Friday is about to unfold or is it a Good Wednesday for me instead.  Allah knows and he knows best!

Let’s wait and see