"LaoKokKok" 47-year-old man Wins Best Blog!

Source: News report and photo from Straits Times, 16th September 2009

Mr Chris Yew Weng Heng's blog at timesofmylife.wordpress.com won him the accolade of Singapore's best individual blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2009

THIS nostalgia-themed blog is a favourite read of heritage buffs.

Writing under the online moniker of LaoKokKok (informal Hokkien phrase for old and crusty), Mr Chris Yew Weng Heng delves into the history of old buildings and streets of Singapore, records practices of yesteryear, or puts up pictures of items most people would have long thrown out on his blog.

His blog at timesofmylife.wordpress.com won the 47-year-old the accolade of Singapore's best individual blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2009 on Wednesday night.

He was the oldest blogger to win as well, out of more than 1,500 entries in 10 categories received.

The awards, in its second year, were handed out by Singapore Press Holdings' bilingual youth portal omy.sg.

When he went on stage to receive his trophy, he received the loudest applause from the crowd, including a standing ovation from people of his generation, such as SPH's chief executive Alan Chan and Cultural Medallion winner artist Tan Swie Hian.

Foreign Minister George Yeo was the guest-of-honour at the event.

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Wah Seh!!!! Mr LaoKokKok here is really an inspiration!

Age was never a barrier for him when it comes to engaging the cyber space. Though many may comment that his blog content are rather "old-fogey" stuff about heritage, but there's no doubt that this 47 year old guy dared to take the leap of faith and jumped out of his tech-sphere!

Seeing such an inspiration model re-ignited my long lost dream once again. I remembered 5 years ago when I started blogging, I envisioned that I would be one of the popular bloggers in Singapore, being an influential role model to the youths in this digital generation. However, that dream soon died as the busy schedule of life squeezed in...

UNTIL TODAY! It's time to resurrect my dream again!! ROAR!!!

Time to silence phones, game consoles and headsets on trains

Source: News article from TODAYonline | Voices

Letter from Sam Ang

THE SMRT has taken action against commuters eating and drinking on MRT trains. However a more annoying and pervasive daily problem is not about eating and drinking.

When I take the train to work in the morning, it is very common to hear irritating noises and music coming from electronic gadgets like handphones and handheld game consoles.

There are those who listen to music so loud that all those around them are forced to listen to it. The bigger audio headsets often give off loud noises and these should be banned. The worst scenario is to be seated next to someone wearing them.

Ring tones, too, can be loud but at least telephones do not ring all the time. On the other had, one can be sitting near or next to a someone listening to music that is blasting away non-stop for half-an-hour or more.

As in the case of eating or drinking on the trains, most of this noise comes from teenagers and young adults.

This problem is getting worse because the culprits have been getting away with it. It is time the SMRT takes strong action to stop this nuisance. The culprits should be fined because, as in case of eating and drinking, warning them is not good enough.

Everyone would like to sit in a quiet train in the morning and concentrate on the day's work ahead.

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

To a certain extent, I share Mr Sam's sentiments. Honestly, it's really hard these days to see anyone today while on board public transport whom is not "plugged in" to something.

MP3 player, PSPs, Mobile phone bluetooth earpiece....etc. You name it, they've got it! Nothing wrong with that... but it gets especially disturbing when these behavior get out of hand and become a social nuisance.

What happened to those days when we could have some peace and quiet?

In this aspect, we should really learn from the Japanese. They may be plugged in most of the time, but they exercise social responsibility in not disturbing the people around them. If there's a spark of noise coming from your gadget, you will be stared upon fiercely by fellow commuters!

U.N. Report Advocates Teaching Masturbation to 5-Year-Olds

Source: News article from FoxsNews.com, 26 August 2009

NEW YORK — The United Nations is recommending that children as young as five receive mandatory sexual education that would teach even pre-kindergarteners about masturbation and topics like gender violence.

The U.N.'s Economic, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released a 98-page report in June offering a universal lesson plan for kids ranging in age from 5-18, an
"informed approach to effective sex, relationships" and HIV education that they say is essential for "all young people."

The U.N. insists the program is "age appropriate," but critics say it's exposing kids to sex far too early, and offers up abstract ideas — like "transphobia" — they might not even understand.

Under the U.N.'s voluntary sex-ed regime, kids just 5-8 years old will be told that "touching and rubbing one's genitals is called masturbation" and that private parts "can feel pleasurable when touched by oneself."

(Click here to read the full report >>)

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

My goodness! Is there really a need for such a move? It seems like we are treating kids today more and more like adults! Although we often advocate that sexuality education should be started out at a young age, it must be done progressively and not such a huge jump!

Exposing kids to such level of sexuality education content at such an early age, I believe is definitely too early and may do more harm than good to them! What should be advocated at younger age groups should be about self esteem, good & decent dressing, uniqueness of oneself, dangers of media influence....etc Definitely not about Masturbation! If you are a parent, how would you feel if you caught your Primary School children masturbating?!?!

Sigh.. sad to say... but "Why can't Kids be Kids anymore?"

Sexy or Nude Camwhoring - Will You Do It?

Got this poll result off STOMP and was shocked by the statistics!

I'm not sure what the poll population was, but STOMP being a popular website for netizens (espacially youths and young adults), I'm sure it probably would have a sizable number.

Check this out!

9.23% Say they would guard the pictures taken with their lives. (Means they would still do it)

12.12% Say they would do it for their partner because they trust their partner!

23.78% Say "Why not? You're only young once!"

Which adds up to a total of 45.13% willing to do camwhoring for sexy or nude pictures!

Call me old-fashioned or conservative, but I really hope we could take a step back and think first before doing such thing. Of course there's nothing wrong with taking photos of ourselves, but compromising pictures of ourselves is a totally different story!

Think about this. What would happen if.....

You lose our handphone and person who picked it up abuses those photos stored inside?

Your laptop got hacked and maybe you would see a repeat of the "Edison Chen" scandal again?

One day your partner turns against you, using the compromising photos to blackmail you?

Someone downloaded your sexy photo off your social networking photo gallery and put them on a pornographic website?

The way to resolve this is not about taking protective measures to protect and secure your handphones, laptops and social networking accounts. But rather, choose not to take such pictures in the first place!

What would people think of you when they see such compromising pictures of you? Think about what you might lose.

How much do we serious think taking such pictures would improve our relationship with our spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend?

Don't be naive and think that it's just for fun. There will always be consequences for actions we take in life. And in this case, the consequences may not be desirable to bear and may leave a scar for remaining of your life!

Be Street Smart, don't be Stupid!

People Never Crumble in a Day

Slow Fade
by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Heard this song on Sunday in church and the lyrics really captured and echoed in my heart. Indeed, we are who we are today because of choices made in our everyday journey of life. The truth remains: Make right choices and we will enjoy the rewards and joy. Make wrong ones, and we have to accept the consequences that come along.

Why is it that some people are always so positive and have that UP attitude in life despite facing much trials and challenges? But why are there some others who gets depressed easily and are always eating worms whenever difficulties befalls? Is it because some of us are just WEAK in our minds?

YES. Some of us are weaker or stronger in our minds, and that's why some of us are more resilient when challenges come by. We are weakened in our minds because of the choices we make everyday.

Analogy....

If you keep eating junk food everyday without exercise, you will definitely be in bad health state.

If you keep smoking everyday, you definitely increase your chances of getting lung cancer.

Sooo.....

If you keep thinking negatively everyday, dwell in negative thoughts, hopelessness and buy in to hurtful things that people say, your emotional will also gets weakened day by day and soon you will become negative as well!

It's a Slow Fade... Thoughts invade... Choices are made... A price will be paid when you give yourself away... People never crumble in a day.

Explicit Advertisement in MRT Train Cabin

The latest "annoyance" to my daily morning MRT ride to office is this advertisement. This is just one of the many. There is even one which shows the outline shape of the male penis!

My Goodness!!! Such sexually explicit advertisement blatantly blasted in such a strategic position in the MRT train cabin. Just imagine the morning rush hour where kids and teens are on their way to school and they stare at such advertisements.

What do you think is going through their minds? Gosh! Talk about Social Responsibility?

Honestly I feel that the relevant authorities should step up in their censorship on the kind of advertisements allowed to be put on public transports.

If this progresses on, I shudder to think what kind of advertisements would be up in public view in 10 years time... *yikes*

What Do You See?

The Donut or the Hole?
The Glass Half-Filled or Half-Empty?
The Black Night Sky or the Little Glittering Stars?
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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

How we view these simple things in daily will be a reflection of how we view life.

Ever thought how come some people are just so positive and seemingly have that resilient attitude that never gives up? While some others just crumble easily in the face of crisis. Was it because some of these people went through tedious hardships and boot camps of life?

Well... possibly. But I believed it probably started when in the simple things of life they chose to see things in a different light.

We are who we are today because of our past. And how will be in future depends on what we choose to do and see today!

So What Do You See?

Being Thin is the New In???

What Is Anorexia? (cited from mamashealth.com)

Anorexia is an eating disorder where people starve themselves. Anorexia usually begins in young people around the onset of puberty. Individuals suffering from anorexia have extreme weight loss. Weight loss is usually 15% below the person's normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight. Weight loss is obtained by many ways. Some of the common techniques used are excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating.

Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls.

People with anorexia continue to think they are overweight even after they become extremely thin, are very ill or near death. Often they will develop strange eating habits such as refusing to eat in front of other people. Sometimes the individuals will prepare big meals for others while refusing to eat any of it.

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Pause. Just when you think Anorexia mainly affects teenage girls, you are wrong! Check out this news article from MyPaper on 24th July 2009...

Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

OMG!! What has become of the world? There's nothing wrong with being thin if it's being done the correct way. But why do these teenagers need to resort to starvation or eating malnutrition meals?

Maybe the question behind the question to ask is 'Why the craze and pursuit of being thin?'

If it is for health reasons, then it's understandable. But if it is just plain following a trend just to look cool and gain some limelight, then personally I feel it is plain stupidity. Do pardon me for the lack of a better word. I'm just agitated each time I see young people not exercising some common sense nor thinking of consequences.

Slim vs. Anorexic. To some it may seem like a thin line or grey area of debate. For me, it's as clear as black and white. Don't be silly to fall into the cultural trap.

OMG!!! Lack of Sleep could Get You Fat!!

Source: Article from ChannelNewsAsia.com, 28th July 2009

The benefits of a good night's sleep go beyond improving your concentration and overall well-being. Researchers have found that it is also good for your waistline.

Those who consistently fail to get enough sleep may experience weight gain, according to findings presented at Sleep 2009 in Seattle last month.

A study on 92 healthy adults conducted by University of Pennsylvania found that those who had less than the average amount of sleep gained an average of 1.3kg during the 11-day experiment.

Another study on 1,000 volunteers conducted by Stanford University in California found that those who slept less than eight hours a night had higher levels of body fat. Those who reportedly slept the least weighed the most.

According to Dr Lim, who is the director of Sleep Disorders Unit at Singapore General Hospital, sleep deprivation is "a stressful state which alters our body's hormonal environment".

Lack of sleep decreases the level of leptin, a hormone that makes one feel full after eating. It also increases the level ghrelin, a "hunger hormone" that stimulates one's appetite. This results in overeating and weight gain, said Dr Lim.

"People who don't get enough sleep may also feel tired and exercise less," she added.

For those who have less sleep because they stay up late, eating habits such as bingeing on calorie-laden foods to stay awake may be the reason behind the weight gain, said Ms Lim Su Lin, chief dietitian and senior manager at National University Hospital's dietetics department.

"To stay awake, they may resort to drinking high-sugar, caffeinated beverages or munching on tidbits," said Ms Lim. They may pile on the pounds as a result.

So what constitutes a good night's sleep?

"It is simply one from which we wake up naturally (without an alarm clock), feeling refreshed, alert and able to function at peak mental performance," said Dr Lim. A person who sleeps well would not need to nap in the middle of the day.

Adults require six to 10 hours of sleep.

(Click here to read the full report >>)

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Mr.Keropok's thoughts:

*Pinching the spare tyre on my waistline* ... Hmm.... Based on this report, then I should start clocking more sleep time instead my borderline of 6 hours daily.

But in all things, everything must be seen from holistic approach. Apart from amount of sleep, one other way to control our waistline has definitely got to be our diet and regular exercise. So here's my battle plan:

1. Cut down on soft drinks and any other sweetened drinks. Only drink one cup of tea per day, one sweet drink per week.
2. No supper! (this is gonna be tough!)
   
3. Exercise at least twice a week. (I need people to push me on this!)
   

Objective is not about slimming down, but keeping fit. =D

Stay tuned for my next posting on Anorexia!

Nelson Mandela - "One Team, One Country"

How much do you know about this man - Nelson Mandela?

Honestly, I didn't. All I knew was that Mr Mandela was the former president of South Africa. And prior to his presidency, he was held captive in prison for many years. And that he was someone highly respected - that's why he was elected as president.

My limited knowledge of history was given a jolt last night when I watching a segment of the 2009 ESPYS Awards Presentation, where Mr Nelson Mandela was presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and there was a special message tribute given to him by the US President Barack Obama himself.

What's this Arthur Ashe Courage Award? -> It was an award given annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports.

From ESPN.com:

Mandela was chosen for his actions at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa for the first time. After the host national team, the Springboks, won the final, Mandela, presented the William Webb Ellis Cup to South African captain Francois Pienaar. The gesture was considered a major step in the reconciliation of white and black South Africans.

"We're honored that President Mandela accepts The 2009 ESPYS' Arthur Ashe Courage Award," John Skipper, ESPN executive vice president said. "His action at the 1995 Rugby World Cup was an iconic moment in sports history. The image -- of the previously divided nation, now united under South African colors -- shows the importance of sport to society."

From examiner.com:

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award, given to Nelson Mandela and accepted by his daughter and grandson was accompanied by a short documentary that linked Mandela' s already extraordinary life story to a signature sporting event.

He worked his magic to get the Rugby World Cup to South Africa at a time of tremendous racial violence and strife that followed the first democratic elections for President in the nation's history. The games were used to unite black and white populations in a story that sounds preposterous and over-the-top. It isn't. It is a must-see short documentary.

From Wikipedia.org:

As President from May 1994 until June 1999, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid, winning international respect for his advocacy of national and international reconciliation.

Mandela encouraged black South Africans to get behind the previously hated Springboks (the South African national rugby team) as South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup. After the Springboks won an epic final over New Zealand, Mandela presented the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar, an Afrikaner, wearing a Springbok shirt with Pienaar's own number 6 on the back. This was widely seen as a major step in the reconciliation of white and black South Africans.

YouTube Video of President Obama's tribute to Mr Nelson Mandela:

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

I have new found tremendous respect for this man from today onwards.

Mr Nelson Mandela is a History Maker!

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

Within two days, I watched Harry Potter grow up. Special thanks to Toa Payoh Entertainment Centre Cinema and TV5.

• Saturday 6:30pm @ Toa Payoh Entertainment Centre - Watched "Harry Potter and The Half Blood Price" (Part 6)
• Saturday 10:00pm @ Home on TV5 - Watched part of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (Part 3)
• Sunday 8:30pm @ Home on TV5 - Watched part of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (Part 4)

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Mr.Keropok's review on "Harry Porter and The Half Blood Prince"

Rating: 2 / 5 (Wait until the DVD comes out)

Comments:

1. Disappointing plot - I have never read any Harry Potter books, but everything was pretty much predictable throughout the entire show. I was still hoping that I could see Lord Voldermott and Harry Potter battle it out at some parts, but to my major disappointment, there was not. Lord Voldermott only appeared 0.5 seconds in the entire movie!

2. Dull - There wasn't much fighting and wizardry scenes that I had hoped it would be. But rather much of the time was given to conversations and the BGR that unfolded between the main characters. Seems more like a sentimental love story rather than the usual Harry Potter movie we would have expected.

3. Draggy - I fell asleep a couple of times during the 2 hour 34 min show. I suspect if they had cut away all the unnecessary love story scenes and talked slightly faster, the show would probably end in 1 hour 30 min!!

In summary:

If you are a Harry Potter fan, I would suggest you just read the book (which many have said is more compelling) and stay as that. Watch the movie when it is released on DVD, and only do so if you have the time.

If you are non a Harry Potter fan, then don't waste your money. Rather spend it on a good meal with your loved ones. Wait for the movie to be shown to TV5 in the near future.

The Cold Within

Six humans trapped by happenstance
In dark and bitter cold;
Each one possessed a stick of wood,
Or so the story’s told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,
The first woman held hers back.
For on the faces around the fire
She noticed one was black.

The next man looking cross the way
Saw one not of his church
And couldn’t bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes
He gave his coat a hitch
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store.
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy, worthless poor.

The black man’s face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.

The last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except to gain;
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.

The logs held tight in death’s still hands
Was proof of human sin.
They didn’t die from the cold without,
They did from the cold within.

- by James Patrick Kinney

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

I'm don't usually read not get caught up with poems. But this particular one caught my attention today as I was doing some web surfing. And how true it speaks of our human nature. I confess that at times I too have been selfish and only concerned for my own safety, survival, needs, wants, desires....etc.

As I reflected upon these words written, it is a timely reminder for me daily to "not grip hold of my stick" - But when I learn to give (in actions, words, attitude, time...etc), not only do the recipients benefit, but I too have grown.

Top 5 Annoyance in the MRT

Everyday, hundreds of thousands and maybe even a million commuters travel on the MRT. Where the masses of people mingle, there are bound to be annoying encounters that are hard to swallow.

Here are my personal takes from observations over the past 9 years of MRT rides.

1. Oblivious people reading newspaper, playing PSPs, listening to music or happily chatting away with each other. Totally ignorant of the poor group of people who are squeezing like sardines near the MRT cabin doorway.

2. Inconsiderate people whom lean their entire back against the vertical handrails - sometimes even when there are already hands holding on it! Please remember that these are HAND-rails and not BODY-rails!

3. People whom have little (or possibly even no sense) of social responsibility. Examples: (a) Coughing openly and sometimes even specks of saliva flying across, instead of covering up their mouth. (b) Digging their nose and blatantly just wiping the residue (or mucus) on the glass panels.

4. Uncooperative people whom refuse to give up their seats to needy people. Instead they pretend to be asleep, talk on their handphone... basically just doing anything and trying to "act busy" or "act blur".

5. P.D.A aka Public Display of Affection. Some actions and behaviour are meant to be kept at home and need not be shown off in public. It is rather distasteful to see couples locking-tongues and playing tickle-game in a cabin consisting of especially kids. Maybe SMRT should consider putting the G-rating (just like movies) on every train cabin as a reminder!

Honestly, I feel that the solution to all this is ........

C.O.M.M.O.N S.E.N.S.E!

Don't you think so?

[Disclaimer: This post is an expression of personal views and has no intentions of personal attacks on anyone in particular. Any commonalities are purely coincidence.]

Knowing when to step in

Source: Article from TODAY, 7th July 2009

One of the most difficult choices parents must face is deciding when to let children suffer the consequences of their actions and when they need rescuing.

The road to success is fraught with failures. Every winner has at one time felt the pain of defeat. Our children must go through hard times for them to grow. Yet, it is tough to stand back and watch them struggle. Our love for them makes us vulnerable to their needs.

Life brings pain and sorrow to little people. And we hurt when they hurt. When others ridicule them, when they feel lonely, when they fail at something important, when they cry, when physical harm threatens them. These are the trials that seem unbearable to those of us who stand and watch from the sidelines. We want to protect them from life’s sting, to hold them within our embrace.

Yet, there are times when we must let them struggle. Children can’t grow without taking risks. Toddlers can’t walk without falling down. Students can’t learn without facing failure and adolescents can’t enter adulthood unless we release them from our protective custody.

It takes a wise parent to know when to intervene and when to let them profit from their stresses.

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

I applaud and give a big thumbs up to what Dr. James Dobson shares in this snippet. And if I may expand this further, it not only just apply to children who need to take falls in life to learn, but even for teenagers and adults - basically everyone and any stage in life.

As I reflect on my journey in mentoring youths, there are just so many times where I am pulling my hair off and biting my lips because they are going down the wrong road. This despite having given them so much warnings and advices.. but they just do not heed and want to choose their own way.

I can only stand by the side and watch as they thread down the dangerous paths. Watching and waiting for the strategic moment to step in to intervene.

Disturbing Advertisements

Source: Advertisement taken from TODAY, 2nd July 2009
Frankly speaking, on the first look, what do you really see? The airplane or the butts? Was quite put off when I saw this advertisement today. Personally I feel that this is rather a degrading manner of publicity! Definitely doesn't put Malaysia in the right light.

What's the message being sent across through this advertisement? That this airline provides good service? Or on board this airline, you will see butts like these in the advertisement?

Read again the tagline for this advertise.. "Explore the Backyard of Malaysia"... Gosh! It sounds more like "Explore the Back Side of Malaysia"?!?!

Source: Advertisement taken from FoxNews.com, 30th June 2009
I first saw this advertisement @ Changi Airport catching my early breakfast before a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Really distasteful when I saw it because it causes people to make an unappetizing reference to oral sex!

This advertisement tagline continues, "It'll blow your mind away. Fill your desire for something long, juicy and flame-grilled".

What kind of suggestive and sexually connotative statement is that?!?

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

With all due respect, I have nothing against FireFly airline or Burger King. But I do feel strongly that such advertisements should not be put up nor tolerated. In fact, I believe there are many other ways to capture audience attention to the advertisement rather than using sexual innuendos.

Every organization and advertising firm should really use their brains to think first as well as exercising social responsibility before putting up such adverts.

Adults may find it acceptable. But pause for a moment and think... what is going through the teenager's mind when they see these advertisements?

Mission Impossible?!?!?

Sungha Jung - Check out this YouTube video of this boy wonder and remember his name! Awesome!

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Gosh! This boy is amazing! I was totally dumbfounded when I saw this video. I play the guitar too, but am no where even 5% of his skills!

*Salute* This young chap here is really an inspirational hero!

Kids of his age in Singapore are probably establishing themselves in Maplestory and busy hacking at snails and mushrooms. But this boy here is making history in the real world man!

Kudos to Sungha Jung!! =D

PS: To see more of his videos, go on to YouTube and search "Sungha Jung"

Mr.Keropok conquers Mt. Kinabalu!!

18th June 2009, 7:30am.

Time stood still as this was the historic moment for Mr.Keropok and his 3 buddies has braved rain, gusty cold winds, fatigue and covered almost 8.5km of forest trails and rock scaling before reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu @ 4,095 metres - the tallest mountain in South East Asia.

WE DID IT!!!

Here are some photos of the Mt Kinabalu expedition & our R&R @ Sutera Harbour.

Timpohon Gate - The start point of our Mt Kinabalu expedition trail
We climed up and down almost 1,000 of such stony steps through the journey.
A view enroute to the summit - An appetizer of what is to come.
In the foreground, our lifesaver in this trip - Water.
A view of the mountain ridges just before scaling to the peak of Mt Kinabalu.
A breath-taking shot from Mt Kinabalu summit - We were above the clouds!
A short tour around beautiful Sutera Harbour Resort's yatch docking station.
Beautiful sunset @ Sutera Harbour Resort.
A beautiful sunset makes a beautiful ending to a beautiful trip!
Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

I am thankful for the buddies (JarJar, Yang & Ah-Cong) on this trip. Honestly, there came a point in the expedition where I wanted to give up and not scale the summit. My body has reached the fatigue limit and I was prepare to not climb the final 200 metres segment to reach the summit. But thankfully none of them wanted to give up and persisted on. that really spurred and inspired me to keep going!

I thought I understood the theory, but now I see it in working out in reality.

When a team works together, together they are able to achieve so much greater than what one person can reach.

Hilarious Video on H1N1 Swine Flu

In preparation for my Mount Kinabalu conquest tomorrow, a sudden worry came to my mind about how I should protect myself against any potential infection from the H1N1 swine flu.

That's when I stumbled across this hilarious video is Facebook...

You may check out the original podcast here >>

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

I'm really impressed with how MrBrown, despite not of a young age, still actively engages the cyberspace!

And yes.. I will make sure I disinfect myself, wash my body, wash my hands... anything happens, I will rush to see doctor and quarantine myself. =D

'Pregnant Man' Gives Birth To Another Baby

Source: Photo and article from Sky News 2009

A controversial transgender man has given birth to his second child, a year after his daughter was born.

Thomas Beatie delivered a healthy baby boy early on Tuesday morning, according to ABC News.

His wife Nancy will breast-feed their son, as she did with their daughter Susan Juliette, who was born in Oregon in June last year.

During his first pregnancy, Mr Beatie released a photograph of himself showing his pregnant belly and bearded face.

He became known around the world as the "pregnant man" and was sent death threats and hate messages by people who disagreed with what he was doing.

The 35-year-old said at the time: "I think that people will be shocked because no-one's ever heard of a man giving birth before.

"I guess it's a shocking concept, but in this day and age that's possible. And it's happening now."

Mr Beatie, who was born as Tracy Lagondino, underwent gender reassignment surgery and hormone treatment to become a man.

He chose to keep his female reproductive organs but is legally recognised as a male.

The couple decided he would bear their children because Mrs Beatie, 46, had already had a hysterectomy and was unable to conceive.

After stopping his male hormone treatment, he became pregnant with donor sperm bought on the internet.

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

How in the world does the legal system acknowledges whether a person is being recognised as a male or female?

Is it all just about which reproductive organ a person has "at that particular time"? Or should it be in accordance with when one is formed in the mother's womb?

It's truly a crazy world out there... Man want to be woman, woman wanting to be man. When can we start behaving and living out how we were created as?!?

*Mr.Keropok feels disturbed hearing all these crazy news happening around.. Sigh...*

Mr Keropok in MapleStory!!

Name: Miloahcek

Status: Level 53

Profession: Fire Mage

Affiliations: "CRuSH" Guild

World: Bootes

SPECIAL NEWS REPORT!!!

Mr.Keropok is not an old fogey shying away from the Digital Age!

Spurred on recently by fellow MS player WakyLaLa and CrappyYappy, Mr.Keropok decided to "resurrect" his MS account to continue playing so as to stay ahead of them and maintain the bragging rights.

Within a short span of one week, Mr.Keropok has leveled up 3 levels to Level 53 ! The key to such speedy leveling up is to be effective and efficient in killing monsters and completing quest.

Do rest assured that Mr.Keropok has not forsaken or compromised his real life in a bid to level up in the virtual world of killing mushrooms and snails.

"The sense of satisfaction in life still come from real world engagements, relationships and achievements. The virtual world and its assets are just but a bunch of 1's and 0's which all still belongs to the game creators.

At the end of the day, games should and must always remain just a source of entertainment. Games should never replace the real world.", says Mr.Keropok.

'I'm gay' says 'Idol' runner-up Lambert

Source: News article from Agence France Presse, 10th June 2009

Make-up wearing "American Idol" star Adam Lambert has ended the guessing game over his sexual orientation by confirming he is gay in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

Glam-rocker Lambert, 27, who finished runner-up to clean-cut Kris Allen in the television singing contest last month, told Rolling Stone he had been living openly as a gay man for several years.

"I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear I'm gay," Lambert told Rolling Stone in its latest issue due on newstands Friday.

"I've been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I've been at clubs drunk making out with somebody in the corner." (Read more about this story here >> )

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Pardon me for being "old-fashion" or "Sua Ku" (Mountain Tortoise), but I am totally shocked with this news!

I am no American Idol follower, but I do know that people like Adam Lambert and Kris Allen (the winner of American Idol this season) are of celebrity status having being seen on LIVE TV weeks after weeks leading to the finals!

And now with this breaking news, what kind of message is he sending to those around the world who looks up to him as a role model?

I respect Lambert as a person and for the success he has achieved - definitely he has put alot of hard work in. But I do disagree with his lifestyle of living and most definitely how he chooses to share about it so openly, especially now that he is a well known public figure with substantial influence.

"Through the Rain, A Silver Lining"

Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off
Source: Article and photo from TODAY (5th June 2009)
As Mdm Rahmah Anes battled breast cancer, her husband left her for another woman. Left with mounting medical bills, no income and three school-going children, she felt as though her “world was crumbling down”.

“At first, I felt very down and couldn’t stop crying after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. But I knew I had to live on for my children,” said Mdm Rahmah, who underwent a mastectomy in 2005 to remove her right breast.

As a result of the family upheavals, her youngest daughter, who was in Primary School, became severely depressed. Shuffling to and from her cancer treatment and her daughter’s psychiatric appointments, there wasn’t much time left for self-pity.

During those difficult moments, encouragement from one of the nurses at the Singapore
General Hospital gave her great comfort while she was undergoing treatment there. Sister Nagalingam Saraswathi — whom Mdm Rahmah affectionately calls Sister Sara — offered her the soothing encouragement that her absent husband was unable to give her.

“I concentrated on my treatment, and became a fighter for my kids,” she said. And that she did, fighting hard to put her life back on track. Shortly after, she joined a breast cancer support group and took up foot reflexology and massage courses so that she could find a job. In spite of her stoic outlook, life wasn’t smooth sailing. In 2006 and 2007, Mdm Rahmah developed a blood clot in her throat and cervical fibroids respectively. Both conditions required surgery.

But her poor health did not stop her from counselling and helping other cancer patients. Occasionally, she would accompany the patients she counselled to their chemotherapy sessions. “I didn’t want them to suffer the type of loneliness I had gone through,” she said.

Mdm Rahmah’s infectious optimism and lust for life made her the perfect candidate for
the SGH Inspirational Patient Award. Launched by the hospital last year, the award recognises patients who display a positive attitude towards their illness and recovery, and are a source of inspiration to fellow patients and healthcare professionals. Ten patients were presented with the award. Three of them were Oustanding Award winners and Mdm Rahmah was one of them.

Today, things have begun to look up for Mdm Rahmah, who now works as a part-time
massage therapist. Her husband, who works as a cleaner, has returned and their relationship is “back to normal for the sake of the children”.

“I’m happy that everything seems to be better. I just take one day a step at a time,” she said. “Whatever will be, will be.”

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Indeed life is full of trouble and they often comes in all forms and definitely when we least expect it. And bad things can even befall on good people!

But some things that we can take heart and be inspired from this testimony of how adversities in life brought forth true grits.

1. Resilience in character is often developed, sparked forth and is contagious where there is strong support and encouragement from friends and loved ones around.

Practical application: In the fortunate state of life we are in, how then can we be a blessing and encouragement to those who are less fortunate or people whom are going through trials and challenges?

2. The way to moving on in life despite setbacks and adversities is really to give and not hold back. Just like Mdm Rahman, she gave back through helping out with other cancer patients. Other than being an encouragement to others, am certain this also helped her to move on with purpose - knowing that despite sickness, she may be down but not out.

Practical application: In whatever challenges and crisis that we face in life, we should all learn to take a step back and take bigger picture outlook. Instead of starring in defeat and feel wormy at our problems, why not see what we can learn from it? Or even give and help those around who are going through similar predicaments?

Let me end of by quoting to all what one of the youths that I mentor SMSed me one day during his BMT training...

"I may be PES C physically, but I will not be PES C in my mind!"

The Cause of Traffic Jams (mostly)

I was caught in a traffic jam this morning in ECP. What frustrates me was not the traffic jam itself, but the reason why the traffic jam was so bad!

1. ERP - Seems like every driver has this habit of intentionally slowing down within 50 metres of approaching the ERP gantry! I suspect it has got to do with all the last minute "gun cheong spider" checks on the cashcards values, or worse still - trying to buy those few minutes so that the ERP charges are cheaper after a particular time!

2. Vehicle accidents - Nothing judgemental against the accident itself. My sympathy goes out to the drivers involved. However, what's disturbing are the rest of the other "kay poh" drivers who intentionally slow down to catch a look at what happened! And I even noticed a couple of times where some vehicles passing by were really slow moving because the passengers inside were trying to copy down the accident vehicle numbers!! Goodness!

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts

My plead to all drivers:

1. Be considerate and drive carefully so that there will be lesser accidents on the roads. Spare a thought if not for yourself, but also for those in your vehicles.

2. Be mindful and check the value in your cashcard before driving off your parking lot. Don't wait until the last minute when you are nearing the ERP gantry. Sometimes those sudden slowing down or stoppages may cause accidents too! For goodness sake, don't be so stingy in driving slowly so as to try to save on the 50 cents difference!

3. And for more goodness sake, don't be so "kay poh" or superstitious! Either you really stop by and offer some practical help or else continue driving on!

PS: mr.keropok is not a driver himself and whatever that is being written here purely is an expression of his own views.

Fear Factor - Flying Cockroach!!

COCKROACH - I am not afraid. But I'm also not so gungho as to go around whacking them with a newspaper roll. I will gladly step out of their way as they wriggle off into the dark corners.

FLYING COCKROACH!!! - And YES! Those are the ones that I'm really fearful of. Terrified. Traumatised. Freaked out. These are just some understatements which describes me when I see such aliens nearby - worse still, if they are in my house!

And guess what? Last night I encounter a big fat flying cockroach in my bedroom! I was happily lying on my bed reading when I heard a fluttering sound. I turned around and to my horror, I saw my nemesis creeping on top of my window curtains. From my observation, it measured about 5cm in length and 2cm in width! Before I knew it, the dreaded thing happened - It took off and starting flying around my room and decided to park itself behind my room door. (Phew! Thank goodness it didn't land on my bed! Else I would have slept in the living room!)

Back to my cockroach adventure.. Within a split second, I sprinted out my bedroom faster than Usain Bolt and looked for the infamous "Cockroach Killer" - My Mum.

"Aiyo.. Big man like you, so afraid of cockroach? Let me handle this."

Armed with a rolled newspaper in hand, she went into my bedroom. "PIAK!" One shot one kill and that ended my misery for the night. (That's my cool Mum)

I decided this morning to do some research on flying cockroaches and let me share with you one interesting post I found:

Quoted from Katherine's blog:

"Cockroach that can fly are actually pregnant. According to the a
documentary film, their ability to fly stem from a survival instincts to
protect their eggs while incubating. So its a natural progression of their
ability when a female cockroach gets pregnant.

So when you do see a flying cockroach, be sure to send it flying to heaven
before it spills its evil spawns out!!!

To totally eliminate their race, after killing the pregnant cockroach, use alcohol to burn it, so as to totally wipe out the eggs (remember the movie Aliens, where Sigourney Weaver burns the eggs??) thats the only way to
totally kill out these roaches

Do not, I repeat, do not attempt to flush the dead cockroach down the
toilet without burning it or totally squashing it! The eggs will still
hatch and climb out to spread their evil around and you'll have more to deal with in time.

Also, do not use insecticide on the pregnant cockroach cos it will only
help the eggs to develop resistance against the insecticide in future."

My Goodness!!! It would really freak me out big time if a flying cockroach lands on my head next time! Argh!!!

"Fast Eaters Get Fat!" - Myth or Truth?

Recently this interesting writeup from KermitKhoo's blog caught my attention - where she mentioned about how eating slowly can help one to slim down. And there was even research conducted and journal publications to justify those results!

OMG!!!! I am definitely one of those guilty of eating really fast! I usually gobble down a cheeseburger in 4-5 mouthfuls!

Decided to trawl the Internet to confirm this finding. By and large, majority of research and healthy living articles confirms that Speedy Gonzales eaters are more prone to getting obese as compared to their counterpart slow munchers.

Here's a quote from ZenHabits:

A growing number of studies confirm that just by eating slower, you’ll consume fewer calories — in fact, enough to lose 20 pounds a year without doing anything different or eating anything different. The reason is that it takes about 20 minutes for our brains to register that we’re full. If we eat fast, we can continue eating past the point where we’re full. If we eat slowly, we have time to realize we’re full, and stop on time. Now, I would still recommend that you eat healthier foods, but if you’re looking to lose weight, eating slowly should be a part of your new lifestyle.

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Well... Hmm... I'm still quite skeptical about this because there are many factors that causes a person to become obese e.g. no exercise, eating lots of junk food, genetics...etc.

BUT... definitely as part of healthy living and to reduce some stress in my hectic lifestyle, it would be worthwhile to slow down my eating pace so that I can enjoy the food and company that I am eating with.

Father bids $6,950 for MapleStory in-game weapon for son!

Gaming Fest Draws 250K
Source: Article and photo from The Straits Times, 25th May 2009

Three-day event ends with MapleStory charity auction, $18,230 raised.

MORE than 250,000 gaming enthusiasts thronged one of the biggest gaming and electronics fairs, Licence2Play, which was held over three days from last Friday.

After several days of gaming and cyberwellness talks, fans of the popular role-playing game MapleStory got to attend the official launch of its second episode yesterday at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. They also picked up goodies such as in-game vouchers which they can use to buy decorative items in the game.

Student Patricia Eng, 16, had been trying to download the latest edition of MapleStory since last Wednesday, but managed to get it done only last Friday due to the huge number of people logging on.

At the fair, she bought two limited edition prepaid cards, which translate to virtual cash in the game. 'I'm very excited about Episode 2. It's now easier for me to kill monsters and complete quests.'

A MapleStory charity auction, where gamers placed bids to win five in-game weapons, also raised $18,230 for charity.

The money raised will be split equally between The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore).

A director of a construction company, who wanted to be known only as Mr Yeo, 39, placed the highest bid of $6,950 to win a Dragon Purple Sleeve, a MapleStory in-game weapon, for his 13-year-old son. 'Any parent would do the same for their son as long as it's within their ability,' he said.

The first Licence2Play was organised by Sphere Exhibits, the lifestyle events arm of Singapore Press Holdings. Asiasoft GameFest 09 organised the MapleStory Episode 2 launch, auction and various other game tournaments.

Sphere Exhibits executive director Chua Wee Phong said the event gave parents a chance to gain an insight into their children's interests. 'Parents see that gaming is actually not as bad as they perceive it to be if it is done right. It is a very different world today and we must have outlets for these kids to have fun.'

Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry Of Community Development, Youth and Sports, who opened the fair, urged parents to ensure their children are aware of responsible gaming. 'I think it's more important to teach children what are the things they should or should not see. But you also want to leave the choice to them.'

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

My Goodness!! Does this Mr Yeo knows what he is saying? I'm sure there needs to be an exercise of wisdom before just even doing anything "within their ability"!

Yes, the $6,950 will go down into the record books with great recognition of generosity. But in the eyes of the child, what message is being sent across to the 13 years old boy? That his daddy would splurge such a huge lump sum for him to buy a virtual item (which is just nothing but a bunch of 1's and 0's) - Does that mean Daddy encourages me to play and this is a worthwhile game to invest in?

Sometime a message in action sent across to the child like this is much more powerful than any processing that takes place later.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying hard for Mr Yeo and his boy.

Kudos to Mr Teo Ser Luck for the statement mention.. that should be the way to go!

51 year old Mum runs 84km UltraMarathon!!

Impossible is Nothing to Her
Source: Article from The Straits Times, 20th May 2009

Madam Shirny Phoe will be the oldest woman to run the 84km adidas Sundown UltraMarathon this year.

COME May 30, Madam Shirny Phoe will attempt a feat that would put many younger Singaporeans to shame.

At 51, she will be the oldest woman to run the 84km adidas Sundown UltraMarathon this year. Mypaper reported that there will be over 10,000 runners participating in four race categories: the 84km ultramarathon, the 42km marathon, the women's 10km, and the team or corporate-challenge event.

Married to a Singaporean, the Indonesian-born mother of three has participated in nine long-distance races since she started running in 2002.

The tanned and toned 1.56m-tall housewife has a body that women 20 years younger would be proud to have.

She started training for the marathon three months ago and runs four times a week with her running mates. Her workouts vary from 8km to a 55km Bishan to Seletar route - not bad for someone who used to jog just 2.4km.

Her exercise regimen also includes tri-weekly sessions of yoga, body combat and aerobics.

Besides her love for sports, her family drives her passion for fitness. Watching her Indonesian mother battle diabetes and fly regularly to Singapore for treatment, Madam Phoe is determined to remain healthy for her own children.

Nevertheless, her 52-year old husband, Mr Vincent Lee, is worried. The electrical contractor, who will cheer her on during the night race, said: 'I don't know if she can make it. I'm not sure how I'm going to check on her during the race. Maybe I'll just wait at the finish line.'

But Madam Phoe remains unperturbed. Aside from the ultra- marathon, her eyes are already set on another feat: to complete a triathlon.

The unassuming woman's simple advice to other would-be marathoners: 'You can do it if you really want to.'

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Mr.Keropok's Thoughts:

Wow! I am just so amazed with Mdm Phoe and her determination in running the marathons and even the bigger dream of completing the triathlon! Puts many of us youngsters to shame man!

She's definitely an example of an overcomer and resilient person.

We don't need to run a marathon just to prove that we are good. But what matters is that in our daily living, she show that little bit more of determination in completing whatever we have set out to do - that's good enough for me.

I like what one of my youths quoted me, "I may be PES C physically, but I will not be PES C mentally!"