Happy Hearts Day! *loves to all* Hi To ALL my LOVELIES :)Have a super v-day to lovers out there.. and to friends.... may friendship last :)Ming's parents had anniversary dinner today, and we tagged along.The previous year we had gone too, and we wouldn't miss this one for sure :)Egg Pearl Soup (dun ask me what it was, it tasted like silken toufu!)Beef...DESSERT!!! :) *yums*Anniversary cake...Happy V-day Boo Boo! :)May we grow old together(but may I always look young) (ADV) VIVIENNE TAM'S DIGITAL CLUTCH - A FASHIONISTA'S CHOICE Beauty doesn’t lie in the eyes of the beholder! Beauty is universal. Believe you, me – if you look at the above 2 pictures, it would not be difficult to make a decision between the 2 on which you would want over the other. For the longest time, I’ve been looking for a laptop that oozed sex appeal, yet functional. It was only when I was in Hong Kong months back, that I first laid my eyes on the HP mini 1000 Vivienne Tam laptop (link to old entry). And it was exactly then, I knew I had to get it, somehow. “You are what you wear”, my mom used to tell me when I was young. Never really understood what she was trying to get at until she started repeating it to me in my early teenage years as my hemline started to rise higher my thighs. Years on, although she doesn’t say it that much anymore, there are times she tugs at my skirt, as if trying to lengthen it, or pull my top up, so that it almost reaches my neck. (v neck tops are NOT meant to be turtlenecks!) I guess it’s safe to say that what we wear (or carry) shows others who we are. We also quickly judge other by what they wear or how they look. To prove my point (again): Any fool can tell a frumpy frock from sexy dresses.. Similarly, in this fast paced world, we’re all busy trying to differentiate ourselves from the rest. (I know I am!)PUNK'D!TATTOO-ED!Some people permanently mark their bodies, while others try other ways to “stand out”. I’ve never really been one to stand out in such ways, but I’d like to see myself as a person with pretty decent taste – someone who likes to dress well and likes to own things that reflect who I am. I like things that I feel represent me, that are interesting, and most of all, I like pretty things that reflect what kind of person I am. – an upwardly mobile female, new to the workforce, passionate about technology yet never letting that “geek” in me overshadow the fashionista that I am! Mom said it right, we are how we dress, and in that same line, we are what we own. The things we carry, especially for girls, show who we are, they are an extension of our personalities; they portray our individuality. Which was exactly why I fell in love with the HP Vivienne Tam mini. The moment I laid eyes on it, it seemed to be beckoning for me to purchase. It was as if, as narcissistic as it sounds, it was especially designed for me!!!! I’d like you to meet the soon to be love of my life. Say hello to the HP Vivienne Tam mini. If I were to summarize in a sentence, this laptop is designed for the upwardly mobile woman, who is stylish and cares about being in vogue, yet not compromising her need to be in touch with technology. In the past, I’ve always bought a laptop only because I needed one. Aesthetics were important, but since all laptops look pretty much the same old, same old, I wasn’t too choosy when buying one. If they’re not black, they’re grey. Not grey, then white, if not they were of colors I didn’t particularly love. Had given up on finding something edgy with a personality of its own.Good news for us girls now, we will soon be able to own, for the first time ever, this beautiful mini designed by world-renowned Asian fashion designer Vivienne Tam!! (Duh that’s why it’s called the HP Vivienne Tam mini). Also known as the “digital clutch”, due how it fits squarely in one hand, it’s the first time HP has collaborated with a designer to take technology up one notch in sex appeal. In a case of east meets west, the notebook is scarlett red and covered in peony flowers, a signature of Vivienne Tam’s collection. In fact, it was even showcased in her fashion show, held by models as they sashayed down the runway! The peony patterns runs from the outer casing to the interior, under the keypad. It has a 10 inch screen and its interior is gleaming red. And so I hear, the laptop also features a extra special enter key that bears the Chinese symbol for double happiness. All these come with a complementary embroidered storage sleeve that helps keep it safe! Aren’t you drooling yet, girls? This to die for laptop is already available now and can be purchased at Harvey Norman Milennia Walk, Best Denki Taka or Tyan Boutique @ Palais Renaissance.And if you want to WIN one? Check this out especially if you're a blogger! 2 V.Tam minis to be given away! Now girls (or boyfriends), either start saving up now, join the blog contest or go one purchase now, ‘cuz who said you can’t match your laptop to your shoes? (ADV) 10 Reasons why the Geek Goddess wants the HP 1000 Vivienne Tam Designer Laptop I want this HP Designer laptop because.. 1) It will match my red shoes2) the Chinese believe Red is the colour of good luck3) It’s small enough to fit into one hand (Super slim and lightweight—just 2.45 lb. to start and less than 1 inch thick)4) It beats my current black and dull laptop 5) I want to show the world that there are synergies between fashion and technology 6) I want to show it off to all my girlfriends (I know they will all want one too!) 7) I like the fact that it is available for purchase now!!! Girls, what are you waiting for??? Head down to Harvey Norman Milennia Walk, Best Denki Takashimaya or Tyan Boutique @ Palais Renaissance... 8) I think it’s time women own their own geek toys and stop sacrificing glamour for digital accessories (so I hear there is a matching mouse toooo!!! ) 9) Have a laptop that allows me to Send e-mail and instant messages with the nearly full sized keyboard so I don’t have to compromise on size of keys. 10) For the first time, I will actually really take good care of my laptop J The beauty of FIREWORKS Hello World:I know I haven't been updating, but busyness has come to a new level. I can't even begin to explain.These are really backdated pics from BKK over the new yr. Yes we were there, thankfully not in Santhika, the blub that was burnt to bits.Never partied anyway.As you can see, we had good food... Ming's mother wanted us to take a shot with our suckling pig cuz he's born in the year of a pig. My piglet so handsome!!!! :)And more good food....In the lounge waiting... and waiting... to go into the Krisflyer lounge where more food to be served.Just before meal shot...Finally a "NON-FOOD" related shot. These pics were taken usming Ming's very new D700 Nikon. Pretty hor? I never grow sick of fireworks. Somehow or rather, there is this kid in me that longs to jump into the sky and cling on to those clusters of stars that shower down whenever there is a display.It ain't too bad being a firework. Although your life might be transient, you life a full life, in all your glory, briefly for the happiness of others...Good night. May this week bring me joy and not stress, may I conquer this week. No more fears. Shoe Accordian -- my kinda thing! Hello my lovelies, I just got back from KL. Went there for a short 2 day trip with Ming. Was pretty awesome because I got to go shopping. Plus the 2X5 hours bus ride there was so useful. I actually managed to clear quite a lot of work. I was the only one cranking my laptop until it was "juice-less" while everyone was sleeping; but it's a great feeling to actually be back home -- to sunny and clean Singapore. :)Bought new shoes and eat like the freaking best BAK KUT TEH in the world. I love fu chok in bak kut teh. Power man!Anyway, I'm putting a pic of a great gift for any girl. Boys, buy this for your gf. I was dying to get it -- it cost RM 179; pretty ok if you convert to SGD, but it wasn't foldable, so wasn't able to lug it back home in the coach.CHECK THIS BABY OUT MAN!!! It brings "SHOE RACK" to a totally new level.I call it the MAGIC SHOE ACCORDIAN... :)XOXO!!! :) Girls gone WILD + Christmas Pressies! I'm one happy shiny girl!Call me a girl's girl, but there's nothing "funner" than hanging out with the girls, shopping, chilling and just having a helluva time. Right? Those who know what I mean, it's just like a day out with the girls detoxes the week. The work stress, the "boy" stress and... ahhh.. the retail therapy. :) Nothing beats it.So weekly, and as always, last week we did YOGA together. Everyone know's I'm for sure not the fittest one around. The last time I broke sweat from exercising was when I had to pay my dues for 2.4KM run in JC. Yes.. and you know that was some time ago.So challenged to keep fit this week, Weisan and I decided to join the rest for HOT YOGA. If you don't already know, basically, they put u in this 38degrees "oven" and u practice balances, poses, and stretches under the guidance of the instructor. Previous, I heard it was S L O W moving so, hell, why not right? I'd be breaking into a sweat without even moving much... or so I thought.By the first 15 minutes in the "oven", I was so tired and achey all over I thought I was going to collapse in exhaution. But then again, that's only me. I'm so out of it. But hey, gimme a pair of high heels and allow me to roam town for a whole day, you wouldn't even hear me complain. :) Fitness -- it's just relative *wink*Moving on, if any girls wanna join us for hot yoga, drop me a note. We try to do Sat mornings 11AM. It's not that bad, if fact, being the masochist that I am, I might even sign up for the package, much to the horror or my parents, who think yoga is about meditating. It isn't!Moving on... I'm bubbling and joy!I was super, happy to receive some christmas presents from very special people! Who doesn't love presents rite??? :) I NEVER wait until Christmas to open my presents lorrr!1) Marc Jacobs Timepiece-Necklace!2) Marc Jacobs Handbag!3) Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Cream4) New MakeUp Pouch!5) Chanel P!NK Earrings!6) Travel Bag(which I don't have pics of, it's in the car -- I'm using it to store my gym clothes!)7) HP sent me a personalised Calendar which I ADORE!!!! Thx Angela! :)Happy Christmas everyone and HAPPY HOLIDAYS & Happy Birthday, Jesus! :) Gillette Blogger's Meetup (hot pics!!) + chance to win NISSAN 350Z Hello, Hello world. Sharing you pics and snippets of the Gillette Blogger's Event held on 8th November!!! Yes, it was a meet and greet + preview screening of Bond Movie with a mish mash S'pore's top bloggers from their different niches! :)When I was first asked to held co-ordinate Gillette's very first blogger's meetup, I was pretty excited. Afterall, I have always been on the other side -- being invited for the events. But this time, it was opportune for me as I got to assist the Gillette Team in coordinating one! Wooots!Of course, as for every event, the planning stage is the tough one, where Edwin (Gillette External Relations Manager) and I started throwing out ideas and debating on how and where to hold an event... the planning started like 3 months prior to the event and since my basic job function isn't in marketing or external relations, it was a great learning experience for me to work with colleague of other functions which I would rarely have gotten to work with...Nonetheless, I would love to share with you snippets of the event and of course the sizzling hot pics :)The event was a brunch buffet held at Serenity Restaurant in Vivocity, mingling, followed by a preview GOLD CLASS screening of the newly opened Bond Movie (Quantum of Solace). Edwin and I chose the movie because we thought that Gillette, since it represented the best a man could get... we thought that it really epitomised the "BOND" character, being suave, clean shaven... yet surviving thru the "close shaves"...(jayden and wendy)What would any event be without our most popular bloggers, whose blogs we religiously read everyday???Anyways, pre the event, I made personalised envelopes as well as hand wrote little notes in the ticket sleeves...Inclusive of nametags and the like (as seen here with Winnie happily modeling them)!Registration started at 11am, where our distinguished guests started to stream in... and that's when the gang from Gillette started to get BUUUUSSSYYY...That's me with the frazzled look... but it was great when the gang started to gather and PIG OUT... no but seriously, what do bloggers do when they meet? CAMWHORE and PIG OUT rite? What else??? Winnie, proudly showing off the home-made (with lotsa love) envelopes made by YOURS TRULY :)...Thanks to the many bloggers who so kindly obliged to show up for this event... some to mention are Krisandro (with gf Leshane)...Sabrina and Bf..Peggy, our dear thy-dowager...June.. who came with the hot blogger sisters of Winnie and PeggyDarling Isaac (who really loves his ass.. as you can see from his URL)...Esther, the very ice-angel :)Isaac, Nadia, Jayden and Esther (in pic above)Isaac, Jess and Fidelis!!Shot of Esther "tutoring" bf on how to camwhore :)Isaac, Jessica, Fidelis and Jayden hunny buns!Nadnut, Bernard and Renhao again...WOOHOO... as for every event, everyone just couldnt' stop taking photos despite all the gooood foood... but yes, in the end, everyone took 5 to EATTT...but not long after, they devolved back to the basics, of trigger happy-ing their cams... smart of me to also bring the polaroid, for sure!!!I love the way polaroids make us turn into giggling kids, and I just love to SHAKE IT LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE :)... shake it, shake shake shake it... :)Ok, enough of girlies eye candy... time to showcase the tech bloggers!2nd from left and far right respectively, Bernard and Renhao...Not long after, we had to scoot off to the movie screening. I was pretty excited for the show, since I am quite a Bond fan... but let's talk about the movie some other time. Bottomline: it sucked BIG time. Bond movie but no gadgets!!!! HUH???!!?But I guess for many bloggers, it's the very first time being treated to GOLD CLASS screening, that came with recliner seats, free popcorn and soft drinks.. and even a really cosy blanket to keep warm!!!! Thus started another onslaught of phototaking (no surprise huh?)B-BOYSFLY GIRLSThere were a couple of other bloggers who came e.g Sheylara and partner, but I didn't manage to snap any pics them for some reason... hrrmph...Jayden sums up the event best.... with this pic of him with the Gillette Phantom Fusion Razor and Hydra shave gel... which were both included in the door gift pack...WANNA WIN A NISSAN 350Z? Easy....1. Simply purchase any Gillette Fusion Razor (Fusion Manual, Fusion Power or Fusion Phantom) from participating retail outlets.2. Answer 3 questions in the form of True/False questions.3. Complete the slogan and then mail in the completed accompanying contest forms.Closing date for entries is Wednesday 31st December 2008, so huuurrrryyy! The 5 participating outlets are Fairprice Hougang Point, Watsons Tampines Mall, Carrefour Suntec City, Guardian West Mall and Mustafa.Go get your shaver now! For until the month of end of Dec 08, the razors are $5 offf... fwah, kiasu Singaporeans, this is a g8 chance to GRAB la!!! Plus... get a chance to win that spanking new car and the shaving experience of your life... what do you have to lose? 9eek 9oddess Car Accident Pics (it's totalled, yes) Never drive when you've got a thousand things on your mind . I've learnt the very hard way last Tuesday. Yes, I am alive, but car has been totalled. Don't even talk about it to me pls, but I'll show you pics of the accident. (which I caused, involving 2 other poor innocent cars)Yes, I'd say the car is history... but I'm alive :) Other than a slight whiplash injury to my neck (which has healed itself now) and a huge badass bruise on my knee, I'm alive-and-kicking, ready to take over the world.Life is precious, I can still so easily recall the slow motion action of me stepping on the brake, and hearing the tyres screech, then BOOOOOOM... ok signing out, bad bad memories...The Mazda 6, middle car, having both head and tail end casualties...The car right in front (1st car), Honda civic 2.0...My poor car.... gone with the wind, I couldn't even drive it offf...******Just a thought that came to mind as I was driving from work back home.Have you ever felt so sure that you end of becoming unsure in the end?Have you ever felt like you're so happy but at the same time, so scared that the happiness will end?Have you felt that you love someone so much you start to hate it?Just some stupid questions running through my head this rainy afternoon. As I check my email and shuttle from one stop to another, these thought race through my mind.I know it's very oxymoronic and irritating for me to blog like that, but I can't help but stop and pen them down.I still owe you guys pics from the Gillette Blogger's event -- which will be up this weekend :)Chill and stay focussed, lest you get into a car accident like mine!!! Revelations of my FEARS Fear is a huge motivating force.It drives us to challenge ourselves; as well as causes us to sometimes, fold over and whimper at a corner.But why do we fear? Fear can be aplenty. Fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of inadequacy, fear of fear itself. (weird huh?)I have many fears, one of which is the fear of being a simpleton in simpledomWhat does that mean?I fear I will be a nobody, someone easily forgotten, someone who doesnt leave a scratch on the surface of this earth to prove my existence. Fear that I will just be another passing soul on the planet, fear that I will not be remembered...What got me thinking of this?Last night, it rained so heavily; it was as it we were in the middle of a typhoon. The wind howling; the sounds of heaven's tears beating incessantly on the window pane.... the boom of thunder; the crack of lightning. I HATE such nights, it seems as if you're almost "caged" in your room; unable to understand the swirls...I was awoken by Rocky scratching and whimpering painfully at the glass sliding door. His nails were gripping and scratching furiously; and his cries were almost eerie. I looked out of the glass door, and there he was. A huge rottweiler, solid as a rock; broken into tiny bits; in an emotional blackhole. His eyeballs were darting around, not able to focus on anything but his repetitive action of begging for us to let him into the house.An animal, so big, so powerful, being scared shit by something like the weather...We got up, scurried off the the kitchen, to open the door to holler for him to come in. And there he was, shivering in fear, crying and dashing into the house... cold and so so so scared. The fear was still in his eyes; unable to even get a grip on himself.... the poor baby...This morning, when I got up, I looked at him and there he was, wagging his tail as if to thank us for "saving his life".Fear is like that, it grips you, undermines the knowledge and trust u have in yourself, makes you go weak in the knees and sucks the life out of you. And as I looked at him, I thought to myself how similar we were. Who am I to judge him for being a coward?Sometimes the littlest of things can scare the cahoots out of me. Simple things like embracing change or the unknown cause me to be gripped by pangs of fear. And what fat lot of good does that do, other that suck the living sap out of my bones?What's wrong with being a simpleton anyway, I ask myself? I don't have to impact the world to make an impact on those I love. My parents, my friends, my extended family...Why does fear have to win in this battle? Why should I descend into nothingness? There is greatness is the simplest of thing.... sometimes we have to eliminate all fears for us to achieve out potential...There is a lion in all of us.... just believe... and roar. PAIN keeps you ALIVE As I browse through the many memories in my life... I always reminisce about the good and the bad.. and somehow, when I feel a bit sad it always helps to blog.Many things have come and gone. Some have left a great impression, some have faded in the wind, but some seem to tug at the heartstrings ever so often -- leaving a sour taste in my mouth.Meeting friends from yonder years have constantly reminded me of my very young days, my "past lives" as well as some of the greatest as well as worst moments of my youth... and it brings to sometimes reflect on what I am today; what I have become.Truly, what I am today is a combination of many experiences. The tough and hurtful ones have taught me how to be strong, how to love self-sacrificially, how to challenge myself, how to stand up for my beliefs and how to pick myself up when I fall into a pool of glass bits.The beautiful ones have shape me to be a better person, to know what I need, what makes me happy, who I really love and what to work towards.There's perhaps nothing wrong with looking back into the past, but what's great about the past is that -- it precisely is the past. Dwelling in things that have whizzed by eons ago isn't going to earn me a living (or pay for my petrol bills, for that matter).What matters is the present. The NOW. What I have, what I own, the things and people that surround my life. And for one thing I know, it's been nothing but a facelift, nothing but a triple fudge chocolate cake upgrade.My good friends are doing well, my gfs are getting married, I have the most wonderful family, I have the bestest boyfriend in the universe, I like my job, I worship a LIVING GOD.I'm going to smile myself to sleep tonight. Life is great :) -- just as it is.What a mighty God I serve. Diamonds are a girl's best friend Diamonds are a girl's best friend... (apart from diamond jeweller, of course).Nothing beats this multi faceted rock known as the diamond. Oh how I adore it.The more I look at a diamond, the more I am at awe at how such minerals exist. Burried deep in the earth amongst dirt and grime, can give rise to a gem so sparkling, so pure, so -- perfect.Did you know that diamonds are made out of carbon (yes the same thing that makes charcoal)..Only goes to show that charcoal, under great pressure, turns into diamond..The lesson: Under extreme pressure, don't buckle, because you're a gem in the making... a diamond in the rough... you will not be coal forever..p/s: Happy belated one year anniversary, darlink! HP sends the 9eek 9oddess to HK (part 1) Hello people!Yoooohoooo! Finally can share with you my time in Hong Kong at the HP press event. Indeed, this is ur scoop on what's in the pipeline and what you can expect to see in the pipeline for all the geeks and geekettes! :) As promised, a nice palatable summary of what happened during the HP Press Event in Hong Kong. As previously mentioned, I was put up at Langham Place Hotel, in Mongkok. Yes, I really liked it, the room, the staff, the design and architecture, but the building was really out of place in a city where everything around it looked run down and dirty. Rose in a desert.I must really say that I enjoyed this trip, generally. Although info was sardine packed during this event, so I hear from the rest of the media guys from Singapore, this is typical of a press event. (yes I’m ignorant, it’s my very first traditional press event). It was a bit disappointing being the only female representative of media from Singapore -- i was hoping to get along with a fellow geekette so we should do some sight seeing or shopping together during the time off we had, but I should have known better yah???I was accompanied by Justin (PC Mag), Andy (Hardware Zone), Billy (Digital Life), Lilian (IDC) and Phillip (CNet) for this trip here and we were chaperoned by Angela and Hsu Wei from HP to ensure we’d fulfill out obligations of moving orderly from one room to another, from one track to another. They were really a friendly bunch, easy to clique with and really, the company’s everything. Left to right: Phillip, Justin, Angela (our HP host) and Hsu wei (back to us))(another pic left to right of : Crazy Justin, Billy Teo, Andy and Philip)When I was in the airport just as we touched down, Melvin immediately brought to my attention HP’s changed logo. Can see the diff? …. (from this angle, it actually is supposed to look 3d-ish)Now Tuesday kicked started with a keynote by Chris Morgan, Senior VP of Imaging and Printing Group. The room we were put up in looked pretty snazzy – flat screen and projectors all over flashing the words, “Excite, Engage and Experience”. Nice slogan huh? Sets the stage. Chris started off by talking about how much HP has grown and how they are a leader in this market. This followed on by See Chin Teik, SVP of personal systems groups.Since I hate reading uber long figure-spewing posts, I shall attempt to summarize everything into bite sized pieces.The Theme of this event was apt because this was in tandem with HP’s strategy of Engaging (expand regionally), exciting (in store shopping experience) and experiencing (integrate for user from beyond in-store to alternate experience).HP has, moving on, a focus on improving its key leadership position in the following ways:1) Expanding Geographically a. HP currently has a retail footprint of 17,000 stores in Asia Pac and Japan, but will aim to hit 25,000 stores by 2010. HP has just sealed a partnership collaborative deal with Harvey Norman to work on OFIS, a service for the SMBs and personal printing services of office collaterals and personalized gifts respectively. We all know that HP has always been into printers but moving on, they will be entering the printing market. This made me think of Fedex kinko’s in the states, I fondly remember going to these small outlets to print my school materials and company’s collaterals. Thank God for 24 hours Kinkos! 2) Improving in store experience with partnership storesa. By partnering with existing and new stores, HP will look towards having 200 “experience stores” by 2010 with in store, fully trained retail “gurus” to help ease purchasing decision by educating potential customers. Majority of these experience stores will be located in the busier cities of Asia Pac and Japan, and will share a synonymous “motif”. 3) Launch of HP Total Care System a. This system comes with new HP laptops/desktops which helps ease the tedious process of updating anti virus software, updating versions, etc. This will seek to be a one stop program that caters to caring for your PC’s “health”. Consumer support, in other words will be beefed u so imagine a PC doctor at your beck and call, 24-7.4) Promoting Home retail online innovatively a. HP wants to focus on consumer opportunity especially in the segments of today’s young families who make up tomorrow’s workforce, today’s youth and today’s women - hurray, took someone that long to realize that half of the earth’s population is made up of estrogen oozing females. In fact, shocking but true, 66% of internet users are women and they make up 58% of online spend. (I can vouch that online shopping contributes significantly to this number. *hee hee*)b. Snapfish was purchased in 2005 by HP to extend their footprint in this market. Snapfish now has 60,000 active users with over 2 billion pictures saved in its archive. I was shocked when none of the media representatives from Singapore admitted to having ever used snapfish. Perhaps because it was recently launched in Japan and Singapore, we don’t have a huge active user base, but as for me, I remember starting to utilize snapfish in 2005, when I went to the US. Snapfish, to me is intuitive, but I wouldn’t immediately call it out to be the easier photo storing website I have used before. However, what I can say though is that, kudos to them for providing its users unlimited storage space – all this without having to pay a single cent! (someone say hurrah pls!) c. Understandably, HP’s strategy is to enable users to upload as many pictures as they possibly can, and the amount of pics uploaded will be proportional to the amount printed through them. Imagine this, assembling a photobook or personalized calander online and having it sent to your doorstep in no time. Good for those last minute presents, for sure. 5) Going GREEN! a. HP loves the environment so a big portion of its strategy is to reduce the carbon footprint. It will do so by focussing on energy reduction in products. Many of the models are Star Energy certified, so you save money as well as the Earth.6) HP’s PhotoSmart Portfolio and Vivienne Tam Women’s Note (yes no prizes for guessing why I'm smiling ear to ear....)a. Wooohooo, for those of you who, like me, hate wires lying obsoletely around, HP’s new portfolio of printers will boast of being wireless across 66% of these new printers, enabling one to print from any printer, anywhere in the house, without a need to be connected to the PC itself. Indeed, the focus on going wireless will surely enhance consumer usability. Unfortunately, this isn’t new already but I’m sure this will receive a hearty welcome (if the price is right).b. With lots of consumers doing in house printing and collateral self-production, Hp bring a brand new set of leading printing products. HP’s new all in 1 colour printer range seals the deal. No, it’s not to say that single function printers will be a thing of the past, it’s affordable, easy to use and efficient – its just that there is a rising demand for multi function printers in the homes. c. YEEHA Females out there. Digital products not fashionable? Easy, intergrate Fasion with technology and voila, you got a winner! This Peony design adds truly adds life and vibrancy to the old plain notebook. What’s more, it fits the one the go lifestyle and slips into your handbag. Apart from Sony’s Vaio, which comes the closest to being a beautiful laptop that women aren’t embarrassed of carrying, I can surely now say that HP’s collaboration with Vivienne Tam on the soon to be launched Women’s “digital clutch” will be to die for. No joke, I seriously feel for it at first sight, call me a sucker for beautiful things, but I truly agree that a female’s laptop is the extension of herself. Of course for office use, I’m carry a waaaay too heavy, boring laptop (no complains huh…) but if given a choice I’d love to own the first of this Vivienne Tam collection. The only question now, at what cost? No one there could put a finger on the cost yet, so I left feeling “dry”.. d. Ming went crazy out the recently launched mininote and lined up for a couple of hours at Sim Lim Square just for it’s launch. Think he purchased it for 1 to 1.2k thereabout. With this new peony design attached with the brand name of Vivienne Tam, who’s to guess how much this swanky device would cost. Think women would take to it – it’s a lifestayle product, definitely not suited for power users. e. This new laptop will be sold in Vivienne Tam boutiques, so women who never ever considered getting a laptop can actually have first hand experience with one, and perhaps purchase one as a fashion statement. Goodbye Manolo Blahniks, hello HP sexy note. J7) Collaboration with Electronic Arts (EA) a. Partnerships with Electronic Arts in Hong Kong to have an “experience” store. Allows for customization and immersion.b. That night we were brought to The Peak for a visit to EA’s experience store. The gang and I got to experience SPORE, a PC game that is something like Sim City, but allows for your own customization of your avatar… Scarey but true, these alien like creatures really allow you to exercise your creativity when you build them from scratch. Personally, for me, not something I’d take a keen interest in, but nonetheless, I hear many kids have taken it to their liking. Lilian’s daughter is apparently into it and Andy said that his daughter would like such weirdo stuff. Hmmm.. I think it’s just the generation gap (I’m feeling olllddd) 8) Retail Point of Sales (RPOS) a. Small business owners who want to increase efficiency of payment collection, profits reporting, ordering and reordering of goods as well as customer relationship management, not to fear, HP’s RPOS is here. This system allows for payment by cash as well as credit card payment for shop owners, plus allows them to manage “loyalty” points with ease. Customised reports can help you manage inventory and sales better, thus being more efficient and streamlined. I won’t write too much about this because, for selfish reasons, I’m just not interested in this at this point of time. The track for this was creative, but extremely long. By that end of the way, I quote, Any turned and said to me, “I’m at one bar left” – which cracked me up because trust a guy, to put things in perspective, in that way. In other words, he meant “I’m spacing out”. The last track was not boring, just that at the end of the day, you don’t have much life left after being tossed around in a sea of info. I'm putting a teaser food pic here of us enjoying the yummy lunch. Haven't had much time to blog abt food, but rest asured in my post, i'll be ALL about the food we had. Yea so eat ur hearts out...Stay tuned... see you later, calculator! XOXOXO Chio Bu with Chio Laptop - HP Preview.... Hello Darlings --I know this isn't the best time to flash this, but I couldn't help it. I think I've fallen in love.With what? With something that can't love me back. Since I'm at the HP press event, I want to reveal info in bite sizes and in proper format. But I just HAD HAD HAD to let u guys have a preview of this pic.Look at the beauties. Yes the babe (girl), and the babe (mini notebook).Red mini note is designed by Vivienne Tam, well know fashion designer. So finally, fashion meets technology.... introducing the DIGITAL CLUTCH! Stay tuned while I'll let you in what's happening exclusively in Hong Kong.I really have a ton to report from Hong Kong -- both the inroads HP has made as well as the "to be improved" portions of this event, so do stay keep up with me.On a lighter note, I'm thinking of installing a little paypal button on my blog -- so as to get readers to donate to the "Buy Estee a New Mini Note/Digital Clutch Cause".... :P (bah, thank I should just save up myself...)Will give more detailed updates tmr!9eek 9oddess signing outz... later skaters! XOXOXO 9eek 9oddess in HongKong Day 1 So Yes I’m back and going to blog about my wonderful time out with Mr. Ben. As usual, on my way to meet him at central, from mongkok, I got lost. No surprise there; considering that I’m the first person many people would think about when the word “directionally savvy” comes into mind. From Mongkok, Central is merely 5 stops away but apparently, I took the wrong train, had to get off, repurchase ticket and ended up meeting Ben an 45 min late. Worse thing, in the MTR, cannot sms him – NO RECEPTION! So Ben met me at Chater house in Central, where he works for the great JP morgan. Chater house is connected to The Landmark building.. and basically, it’s like a huge paragon. You see this like multiple storey building of LV and huge labels… Nope asnd if you were wondering, I didn’t dare walk into any of the shops – NO MONEY NO TALK. But I was very happy window shopping with Ben though, we walked to the IFC (International Financial Center) where I did more browsing of the pradas, Diors, Chanel, (you get the idea)… Hongkong’s weather can get hazy, but overall, the skyline is really pretty. Somehow made me think of home very much. The people I wish I could share this great moment with. We walked a bit more to Victoria Harbour, took a stroll by the harbour, reminisced about hall life etc. Victoria Harbor was pretty – we were there just in time for a laser show, so we must have been in luck. After which, we took a ferry from Central back to Tsim Tsa Tsui in the mainland.He showed me more shopping there, the underground small shops selling quirky stuff then we headed to Causeway Bay dinner.Ben said he knew this affordable Jap restaurant with great sushi for affordable price. The food was great, the staff were scurriedly serving us since that place was packed like sardines. Ben had Foie Gras sushi (which I hate!), we had our california rolls, makis, sashimi, unagi, ebi, etc. Yummy. I just love Jap food, really – can’t go that wrong with me for sure JA FULL MAN IS A HAPPY MAN!You can see how much we ate rite???? Yummy :)Anyways, later that night, he came over to my room and I showed him my comfy little hotel. Land is so expensive here that the residents here literally live in match boxes. We chatted about everything under the sun, he told me more about his life in hong kong and what's the lifestyle like here.It's really interesting how overseas stints can change one person. Ben used to be this kor kor of mine, bumbling around, teaching me my warcraft tactics, but now, he seems much wiser...I'm really blessed for him to bring me around. I would have felt so lonely if no one took me out. One girl all alone in a foreign country -- makes you wanna go eat a can of worms right???Toodles, you all, that's almost enough for a night. Tomorrow's the HP press event. Think it's going to eb damn exciting cuz I'll get to see first hand the newest product lineup. What's more, the rest of Singapore media is here. Cnet, Hardware zone, pc mag, digital life plus Melvin said he'd introduce me to other bloggers such as Angus LauI'll update more as the day goes by... Love lots! XOXOXOX 9eek 9oddess' trip to HONG KONG for HP's Press Event Hello my lovelies,Yes, no surprise, but I'm in Hong Kong now. For what, you ask. Ok you nosey little parker, I'm here for HP's "Engage, Excite, Experience" regional press event.What's this event about? Well, hold your horses... it only starts on Tuesday so I'll be giving you updates on what's new and what's passe..and yes that's my terribly bulky luggage...When Melvin called me about 3 weeks back to ask me if I was keen to come on this trip, I was excited, but apprehensive -- reason being... having to take 3 days off work might be quite a mean feat (plus imagining all the work you have to "play catch up" with )..But nonetheless, I did need a short break to recharge, so I decided to jump at the chance!So here I am in Hong Kong. Flight departed at 830AM this morning (Monday)... and I touched down at 1230PM. Mum and Dad fetched me to the airport really early in the morning so we decided to have breakfast together before I left. At this place called "WANG" -- well its just like YAKUN, basically.By 8AM, I found myself shuffling hurriedly to the boarding gate.... B8... (my boarding gates are always miles away from the entrance gates)... passport (check), luggage (check), laptop (check), camera (double check!)TAAADDDDAAAA!!! My crappy seat, 38D. I really wanted a window seat but, I guess aisle seat is the price for coming late. Call me childish but I absolutely LOVE window seats. They are the best, I never miss a plane taking off. Day or night, haze or not, it's spectacular, the thrill and fluttering stomach.... each and every time.Too bad this time around, didn't have to chance to have a window seat. If Ming were here with me, and I'd be fighting with him over the Aisle seat, if either of us got one...I met this great guy on the plane, which made my flight a sure pleasure. Basically, we talked all 2.5 to 3 hours of the entire flight. So being the very nosey kaypo I am, of course I asked him if he was going for business (no i was not hitting on him, silly, but he was kind enough to lend me his straits time ok!). Felix is the fashion buyer of AGNES B. (prounounced as agnias bay). Yea, I just found that out too...So what he does is flies around to HK, Tokyo, Paris to buy clothes for the following season. WHAT THE HELL, what can be a better job than getting paid to SHOP!????!(that's Felix, on the left)But apparently I found out that it's nto as simple as shopping, there are many things to look out for other than having a keen interest and understanding in the industry, you also have to have a great eye for forecasting fashion... and knowing what your clients want. Anyway, any of you keen, it's mid to high end tier stuff, with their largest branch at Raffles City... (apparently their bags are gorgeous and not the price of your LV)...I love talking to new people, especially people from other industries. The more you talk to ransom people, the more you realize what you don't know... and the more you know you need to learn.Anyways, these are the people with me in the chartered bus from airport to Langham Place Hotel in Mongkok.Some pics of the housing along the way. It's funny how the old dirty building on the right juxtaposes the pink building on the left. Seems like most of the housing is really expensive but they look unbelievably run-down from the outside, like going to rip into bits any mo.But of course, there are the nice made up newer private housings...When we reach the hotel, I get this really nice package with the agenda for the HP press event and some name tag to help identify myself. Basically, the conference starts tomorrow (tues), so I get the whole of Monday to roam free like a kampong chicken.I was really excited to have a look at the room (Melvin says its awesome) and it really was! I have a small desk to myself, my flat screen TV,bedroom, with transparent walls enabling one to peep into the toilet..and bedside music/entertainment system.Thankfully, the weather wasn't too bad, a tad bit hot, but OK. 28-32 deg cels.HAPPY ME!!!... and my mini bar!!!Wanted to take a short nap, but didn't want to miss too much of the shopping so headed out immediately for a short meal with Melvin, then came back, checked emails, smsed my mum to let her know I was still alive... then headed off to meet Mr. Ben :)Ben's my friend from NUS, also from SHEARES HALL. Now Mr. Ben is one of the high flyers working for JP Morgan... and he sweetly volunteered to bring me around (since I didn't exactly have an agenda for the day). I did walk around Mongkok myself but basically, it was pretty boring. The shops weren't fab and I didn't manage to buy anything save for some man U memorabilia... that's all.So I was really excited to meet Mr. Ben, I haven't seen him in quite some time... quite miss the times he used to come visit me in my room and chat until the early morning about war craft strategies and like shit about life....Will keep you in suspense about my HK Savior and the awesome places he brought me to until tomorrow cuz I'm really beat now. Got back and chatted until close to one, just walked him out of the room, simply bushed.Stay tuned! :) Missing u all here !XOXOXO! 9eek 9oddess is back!!! Hello WORLD! HELLO - yes, this blog is still alive, so don't you come giving up on yours truly....YEAP, you heard me right. After being on a "sabbatical" for what almost seems to be like eons, I'm back. Why? Stay tuned.. and you'll know why... lets just say... I won't be blogging from sunny s'pore! :) 9eek 9oddess' GRADUATION PICS!!! Yes finally. Pics from my graduation! Funny how it wasn't exciting to me anymore. Since I started work about 2 months back, it seemed like life has moved on... in quiscence.Me and my batchmates Time has crept up on me, I thought I would miss school life... but perhaps sometimes there is too much to think of that I hardly miss it. Perhaps once and again when my mind begins to wander, I reminisce about the days I wake up in the afternoon, and wile the day away with not a care in the world. Yes, I was once of those "pontang kias".... which proves that you don't have to necessarily attend classes to do well in school. A lot is personal effort. *but don't tell ur mother I said that, or take my word for it...*These are of course a number of people I'd like to thank:1) GOD - without whom nothing is possible.2) My parentsMummy & IDaddy & I3) My professors!Especially Dr. Eddie Tong... my mostest favourite-est professor!!!!Valerie and I showing our "psychological muscles"!4) MingWho "influenced" me to study hard despite spending so much time with him.... but we actually how how much time I really had left for studying after all the time with him... He says he passed me his intelligence.... *rolls eyes*Here, I'm between 2 Mings. Both my favourite Mings in the world. Mr. Ming Shen and Mr. Ming Wei. :) All of us go a looooooooong way back!5) My Super Uber Duper class/batch mates!!Shawn And IJeremy and I Val, Lynn & ILynn and IVal and I again...Gabriel, Raymond, Me & ValEsp to Raymond, who coloured my undergrad life... yes he was always so uber funny and being so freaking out of the box. Guess what, on graduation night, during the ceremony, he actually slapped high five to our dean. How cool is that. The rest of us were B-O-R-I-N-G.... With that said, there prolly are a thousand people I've missed, but it's just pretty uncanny to think that school life is over and done with and I've transited into the corporate world.THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER! POLISH PEOPLE HATE ME Polish people hate me. Polish people abso-effing-lutely hate me. Let me prove it. This week I got over 15000 hits on my pathetic blog. Ask me why? Thanks to the Polish dudes who have visited and left many nasty comment. Of course some good la... but then... alamak... why make me sounds to stooopid?I previously wrote this post, stating that Polar bears, I assumed were from Poland.Some one from there, apparently got wind of it and posted it on some blog aggregator. Thena ll hell broke loose,leading me to get a torrent of hate comments... REEKING WITH SARCASM!!! As you can tell, some of them are really sarcastic and... actually it was quite hilarious reading the comments. Some of them really seemed offended that I knew nuts about their contry.WHat do u guys know about Poland...?? SERIOUSLY... i don't remember being taught anything about it in school...p/s: sorry for not blogging for so long, work has been up to my neck. Party @ Timbre PART II Work has been insane... it's been a trying time, the learning curve has been steep. But I can say I SIMPLY LOVE IT. I love the challenge.... :)Here are some party pics over last weekend. Since I didn't manage to post all the last time around, here are the rest. Apologies for not blogging for so long.... I'll try to be more consitent, whenever work allows for time off :) For those going to NUFFNANG'S movie tomorrow, I'll see u there !Later Skaers!! XOXOXO Geek Goddess Show - Episode 3 & BLOOPERS! Yes, bloopers. But you have to watch until the very end to see them! SUper embarrassing. I was like "digging my nose".Anyways, Yes, EPISODE 3 is out!!! Wooooot! Watch this one -- we talk about virtual worlds in China as well as interview Daniel Cerventus Lim, founder of Ideapreneur.net.Also, I have a message for Singaporeans and foreigners who have some time to kill from today to 2 June!Yes, it is the time of the year again for International Museum Day (IMD). This year's celebration is smaller and more compact than last year, with 19 museums churning out close to 40 activities and events over three days. Happening 31 May to 2 June, IMD'08 places special focus on the three-tiered family, with activities like a Viet Fest at ACM which promises performances, tasty treats and exciting games all the way from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to Singapore. There will also be free heritage trails along the historically rich Kampong Glam area as well as a special fun-filled experience for the family at the Singapore Discovery Centre.That's not all, entry to all NHB museums and most participating museums are FREE on 31 May (Saturday).In addition, to make heritage sweeter to members of the silver-haired community, all NHB museums will offer FREE ENTRY to seniors (aged 60 and above) EVERY MONDAY, 52 weeks a year! Its certainly a great time to encourage your parents/grandparents/aunties/uncles to visit Singapore's fascinating museums and relive the stories of their past.More details of what's happening at IMD'08 can be found here at the IMD'08 microsite:http://www.museums.com.sg/imd08/Have a g8 weekend and happy geeking!!!XOXOXO Later skaters! Isaac's Farewell Part @ Timbre (PICS) Shimei, Raine and Me!One of my ang moh friends, Issac Schwartz had his farewell party @ Timbre last night. Since my whole gang of girl friends knew him as well,we all decided to troops down together. It was funny meeting the guy Isaac "slept with".Well, the story goes, Issac is such a smooth guy that after meeting a guy at a club, he actually managed to persuade the guy to let him room at his house for 3 weeks while hunting for accomodation of his own. Yes, I know it sounds bad, but it really isn't that nasty... both of that are straight... (so far...)Me, Shimei, Raine, Zandra and Zan's friend... The 5 girls, just doing what we do best... acting cute... we're all actually 24 already, but still act cute... I think there were sooo many cute guys that night... haha some guy called David was really cute and such a sweetheart.. too bad he left early. Talking of which, this dude totally embarrased me when he asked me if I was interested in David -- right in front of his face.#$%^&* embarrassing can? And none of the girls defended me, they teased me!!! By the way, I was kicking Zandra in the ass for not hooking up with him...And then Raine was smart to snag pics with another hottie from M'sia, Imon. (pictured above with Raine.)But then.... of course, nothing beats girlfriends... But of course we don't mind eye candy.... seriously who does?? Ya, and Vinod stares blatantly at Zandra's breasts.... no one's surprised :")Yeap, one more shot of eye candy... pics taken by Zandra, clever girl!One more won't hurt right? :)We took tons more, I'll post them when Zandra darl sends them!Love u all! xoxo! p/s: Isaac I'll miss u, it was great having you in singapore... come back soon. we need talented ang mohs like u!!! (although u damn spoil market....) Genevieve's 25th birthday pics! Hey darlings, sorry I haven't been blogging.... starving you readers.I started work last Friday, so got a lot to learn and did I say a lot to learn!! I quite love my work!! :) Anyway here's some pics of Gen's 25th birthday party! Happy Birthday babe!!!! We went to Chijmes to celebrate on Sunday night and THANK GOD Monday was a public holiday!!!Happy Birthday Gen!Gen, Ming and I :)Gen and Ben - soooo schweeet!!!Alex with the girls... now why am I not suprised???Gen, Ming and I again....Gen with her shuai -ges (handsome guys)I promise i'll blog more this weekend. Now, it's just pics to show for k??? Enjoy... love u all! Geek Goddess Show Episode 2 - My after thoughts Yes! Episode 2 is here!!! check it out! This time, we want to let viewers know that we're listening and we've made minor tweaks to reflect more of what viewers want. The session is all about china based video, venture funds raising pertaining to these mega video sharing sites as well as we share insights on how to clone a facebook of your own! :) And finally we read your emails!!!!!!!! :) This episode was quite tough for me to film as my exams was a couple of days away. As you can see, I'm pretty stressed. Plus on the day of filming, well, it was Mother's Day!!! So we had to chop chop culli pok film so I could head to my granny's birthday cum mother's day celebration. I'm glad exams are over.... and I'm officially a graduate!!! yay!!!! Means no more NUS! But then again... I'm filled with a tinge of sadness - no more 3 day weeks ;( and this marks a new chapter of my life.... Part of me is happy but part of me really never wants to grow up for some reason. There is this liberation with being a child forever, the freedom, the lack of responsibilities, the late night MSN chats and the sleeping in. Then again, I'm excited at the prospects of starting this new chapter. It's really bittersweet.... Any one of you guys just graduated as well? What are your thoughts? 9eek 9oddess' take on Blogger's Treat Watch 9eek 9oddess as guest blogger on Episode 3 of Blogger's Treats! Well, it was a great surprise to me actually to be featured on blogger's treat. The truth was that... it wasn't mean to be me!!!! *sobs*. Andrew Peters was supposed to be the "star blogger", but at the last minute, he had a small accident (feel sorry for andrew)... and yaaaaaayyy I get to bring Sabrina to the Geek Terminal :) *3 cheers* (I don't mean this in a meanie tone!)Thanks to Mike, Aaron and Princessa, they made me feel so loved and... who can reject free gooood food? Hee hee... sorry for being cheap, but I just loved watching Danny work his magic on the coffee machine. Sexy huh? ...I hope you guys like Blogger's Treat. Over that last weekend as well, I managed to film another episode of The Geek Goddess Show. I'll post the clip up tomorrow so stay tuned!!! For those who can't wait, I already have it on my facebook page!Love u all darlingsss!! xoxoxo Singapore succeeds at EVERYTHING - except DATING Yes, it's sad but true. Singaporeans succeed at everything - except dating. Well, not that I had to mention it, but last week, the International Herald Tribune reported this on their Asian highlight. True or not? Well, read on for their argument...Students at Singapore Polytechnic during a class intended by the government to help set off romance among young people. (Pic taken from The International Herald Tribune)Well, apparently, as reported, students from Singapore Poly had a sort of "college mixer", to help the males and females interact to boost chances of them dating. They had assembled for the first class of "Love Relations for Life: A Journey of Romance, Love and Sexuality."The course, which is in its second year at two polytechnic institutes, is the latest of many, mostly futile, campaigns by the government to get its citizens to mate and multiply. Its popularity last year has led to talk of expansion through the higher education system. "We want to tell students: Don't wait until you have built up your career, SOMETIMES IT'S TOO LATE, ESPECIALLY FOR THE GIRLS"Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, minister of state for community development, youth and sports, said at a news conference last month.The courses are an extension of government matchmaking programs that try to address the twin challenges embodied in a falling birthrate: Too few people are having babies and too few of those who are belong to what Singapore considers the genetically desirable educated elite. For 25 years, the mating rituals organized by the government - tea dances, wine tasting, cooking classes, cruises, screenings of romantic movies - have been among the country's least-successful social engineering programs. Last year Singapore's fertility rate fell to a recordlow of 1.24 children per woman!"Some people say if you're a smart guy you should marry a smart woman who can help you with your finances and career," said Chan, whose agency is called Club2040 and who has worked under contract for the Social Development Unit.eStee Thinks: Definitely, couples should complement each other, but having similar interests may not be the be all and end all of a successful relationship. It takes more work than that. I've seen people who complement each other break up down the road and also have seen couples who seem as different as 2 end of the spectrum last a long time as well. It's not cookie cutter!Three 20-year-old graduates from last year's inaugural course at Singapore Polytechnic still seemed imbued more with "kiasu" than romance. Despite everything their teachers had told them about multitasking work and love, none was in a relationship. And nothing they had heard in class seemed to have dented their stereotypes about the opposite sex. "I'm not open to relationships in school. Boys in school are not my cup of tea. They are male chauvinist pigs. They're annoying and childish. And they won't give in to you. They're just not mature." said Wei Shan Koh, a former student who works as a teacher's aide. eStee Thinks: Well Weishan, I honestly think you're childish too. I know we all talk about equality and all that but if you aren't able to respect a man or give a man the respect he deserves, then you won't go anywhere. As much as women claim to be equals, we have to accept that men can be better than us in certain areas and likewise. If you want to talk so much about chauvinism, then why don't you go enlist yourself into 2 years into the army then come back and act macho... "I think girls' ideas are a bit childish, or you might say girlie. It's a matter of pride. Guys are more outspoken. We don't like a girl to be more outspoken." said Tian, who hopes to become an engineer.eStee Thinks: Darling Tian, if you want a girl who talks less than u, then go marry a Barbie Doll k? Kamal Prakash, who hopes to be a lecturer in mathematics, gave voice to what appears to be the common theme here, both among young people and their elders. "I am not interested now in love relations because I want to continue my studies. If I concentrate on love relations, I won't be able to concentrate on my studies."eStee thinks: Every stage of your life, you'll be busy with something. After this, it'll be work. Are you going to say then that you'll wait until you retire before you start scouting? Hun, multi tasking is good practice now for the future... Singapore's childbearing age, is one of the lowest in the world and the 28th year in a row it has stayed below the rate of 2.5 children needed to maintain the population. But even a replacement-level rate would not be enough for today's planners. The government recently announced that it was aiming to increase the population by 40 percent over the next half century, to 6.5 million from the current 4.5 million. "Teaching our youth in school how to fall in love" is a good solution, wrote Andy Ho, a senior writer at The Straits Times, a government-friendly newspaper that does its best to help out in Singapore's many campaigns. In 1991, for example, when the government began1) offering cash bonuses to couples with more than two children2) Newspaper printed tips for having sex in the back seat of a car 3) Directions to some of the "darkest, most secluded and most romantic spots" for parking. It suggested covering the windows with newspapers for privacy.Singapore is known for its campaigns to get residents to be polite, to smile, to be tidy, to speak proper English and not to chew gum. In 1984, the country's master planner, then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, declared that too few of the country's most eligible women - the ones with college degrees - were marrying and having children.But in Singapore it is impossible to get very far from thoughts of money and the workplace. These guys may have other things on their minds besides romance and babies. :( Thanks to International Tribune for article..Any bright ideas to help Singaporeans MATE? Post Party Pics @ New Asia Bar!!! Soooo finally exams are over and I'm sharing some party pics.... and OMG it's back to being able to resume my social life. Not like I had much to begin with, but we threw Hadi a birthday PAARRTTYYY on Friday night at New Asia Bar. I hadn't slept a wink the night before due to my Psych paper -- which happens to be my very very last!!!!! *phew*... after 5 years in NUS, I'e been finally set free. I feel like a criminal release from what seemed a life time sentence...Ok, but not really la, I'm glad to be done with this phase of my life -- it wasn't that bad, really. I'm just happy it's over and I'm excited to start work on Friday!!! (and also looking forward to the long weekend after that)It's gonna be hard naming everyone in this shot, but I'll try.... Bottom Row (L to R): Hadi (bday boy) and Junkang; Middle row (L to R) : Raine, Shimei, Isaac (my friend whom I meet at UPenn), and me! Top row (L to R): Scott and Abu Hadi bought so much drinks and at the end, Jason (not pictured) bought 20 shots and demanded for us to finish it before he allowed us to leave. Being a non-drinker, Raine kindly obliged to drink on my behalf. Yea, I know, none of the guys came to my rescue!!! Yea, my savior, Raine, 3rd from left.... it's just awesome how we all got to be friends, through different connetions :) Us 3 girls :) Final shot. I have tons more pic to post from the party, but then Isacc my dear friend from Wharton school of business -yea u'd think him to be an intellectual crackhead-, does not know how to zip files and send them via email or Yousendit. I have to seriously say to him, " WAH LAU EH, UNCLE, MAI GONG CHIO WEI"... which translates into " Uncles, don't joke can?"I'll post more pics once I give Isaac a computer lesson or 2... BAH...XOXO, LATER SKATERS! WHY some guys BOHJEE : 9eek 9oddess' Theory For my readers who have already read this post, Ian wrote a rebuttal to this post.Click HERE to read. If you haven't yet read this post of mine, please read it...I recently wrote an entry about the sad breakdown of my 1st relationship... which really changed my way of seeing the world. One of my readers commented on it and I would like to give my theory of... WHY GUYS NEED TO ACT MACHOSo we hear of guys up and leaving their long time gfs for some short whirlwind relationship with some TRAMP.... and we wonder how someone can give up something they took so long to establish. Perhaps they were bored? I don't know, and I can never know. But that's a story for another day.An anonymous reader commented in my previous post and I quote:"Hello estee, I am an occasional follower of your thread, and I couldn't help but share some thoughts with you. You know something? A few days ago, I was catching up with some guy pals, and they said the most insensitive things in my presence, perhaps they thought that a girl who's just 'one of the guys' wouldn't mind. One of the guys commented that his female friend just broke up. This other MCP started the ball rolling by saying that"You don't know meh? Alot of guys just to have a f**k buddy, you think they really want to stick with their girlfriends faithfully forever meh? Don't be silly lah, s'pore guys won't settle down with the last fling until they reach 35. And never get those clingy GFs, they will commit suicide if you dump them, just get one that you can f**k and dump, who cares about commitment?"estee, you tell me...very painful to hear right? I suspect alot of guys are like this, well, at least those who look 'passable'. the other option would be the CMI geeks. Tell me, what is a girl to do in sg? How to find a good guy who doesn't have the intention to f**k and dump?...sigh...I was extremely flabbergasted by the above sentence, which i put in BOLD...I believe that the kind of guy who say this can be simply categorized into 2 groups. I will follow to dispense my own theory... which might offend many guys, or you might think it to be myopic, but if you want to argue with it, go write another blog post of your own -- I didn't force you to read mine.Of course there is another group who will not have the audacity to say such a thing aloud, but still are not willing to commit. These guys are OK in my books, because, you have to give it to them, they have the choice of waiting for the one or looking hard until they are sure. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.Back to the above mentioned statement, the 2 groups of guys are...1. The ones that really mean itA guy who has said the following comment could really sincerely mean it. Now let's not call him a hypocrite and give him the benefit of the doubt.What crosses the line for me is the fact that he outrightly says this, in front of his friends. These dudes truly do not believe in commitment. Because they think they are at the upperhand (which I might admit in most relationship, a girl looses out more), they see themselves as invincible and have the genetically endowed right to play (read: chop off his dick pls!).These punks, can be further subgrouped into beinga) Very young and immatureI believe that a truly mature guy will not even say or think this. Why, you ask? Because a relationship is based on trust and is mutual. It is not about one person taking advantage of another or fighting to get the upperhand, or seeing who loves who more. Please give me a break. If you think you want to dwindle your youth away being a player until you are finally "forced" to commit to one person because your time is up, then I'm sorry hunnybuns, all the best fishes will be taken up and u will be left with not much selection. Then you can start envying your other guys friends who managed to snag their chicks from young and build up a REAL relationship.Either that, you will find that girls aren't stupid. We actually learn. If we know a guy has had a string of relationship and all of them have ended with him being unfaithful, why the hoot will we want to trust you and start anything with you? Despite that glib of a gap you have, we have much more of a brain than the puny size of your dick.Conclusion: The guy ends up old and lonely, or if he finally commits when he reaches a ripe old age, it'll be the story of Anna Nicole Smith and J. Howard Marshall. If you aren't rich when you are old, you can forget about getting some boobs. Yea, you get my drift yea?b) JadedI don't exactly blame a jaded guy for saying this. In fact I want to take him in my bosom, hold him and hug him, while telling him everything will be alright. PUI, PUI, PUI!But really, these boys (yes I use the word boys, argh perhaps I'm too harsh) probably have been dumped before by some gorgeous girl, whom they thought was the one (and obviously never deserved at all) and left broken to bleed on the shards of glass on his bed of broken love..Yeap, these guys are in denial, and they "fool" themselves into believing that playing around will prevent them from getting their oh so sorry hearts broken.Please give me a break. Conclusion: The guy ends up old and lonely, or if he finally commits when he reaches a ripe old age, it'll be the story of Anna Nicole Smith and J. Howard Marshall. If you aren't rich when you are old, you can forget about getting some boobs. Yea, you get my drift yea?c) Never loved beforeThis is the 3rd subgroup. But I don't really blame them because they have never known what real love is before. They possibly might have been together with a girl before, but never really experienced what being in a REAL relationship is like. Because of their lack of experience in this arena, they "cover" up this insecurity and excuse the fact, or convince themselves, for that matter that single is good, because they can play.This group is an exception, because I really feel that once they have experience love with someone else, their mindset will change. They only feel this way temporarily and it is born out of pure inexperience.Conclusion: You never know love until you actually fall in it. Yeap, you fall, you can't control it. You don't walk into love, you fall, and you can't help yourself.2. Would never cheat on girlfriend Now I come to the 2nd group of guys. The 2nd group who actually dares to say something like the quoted statement from my reader can only be described with one word.BOH JEEYup, you heard me right. He ain't got no balls. The thing is that he already has a gf but is so freaking whipped and henpecked, that in front of her, he has no choice but to act submissive. Well, disclaimer here is that being submissive and being compromising and understanding are VERY different. One cannot be mistaken for the other please. (this will entail another blogpost... BAH)This dude will have to pretend to be macho in front of his guy pals to "reclaim" his position in his friend's eyes. Perhaps they have long seen him as whipped and to bolster his own self esteem, he has to act out to convince those around him that he still has a shred of di(ck)nity left.But seriously, he would never dare to cheat on his girlfriend.Conclusion: BOHJEE guys' friends see through his act. They just ignore him because if they give him problem and his gf finds out, his gf will give this bohjee guy problem. Then his friends will have to find someway of bailing him out (again). Since they are friend enough, they "one ear in, one ear out"...I don't know how accurate this theory is, but I thought it up on the fly on the way back from my exam hall yesterday. See, I waste all my brain cells to think this up instead of studying.... >_2 more papers to go! Heartbroken... Torn Up... Tired of Tears When ever I check my facebook, I get a whole list of updates...Recently a friend, not close at all, broke up with her boyfriend. And it got me thinking about what happened to me years ago, with my first bf. I know I shouldn't always harp on it, I've blogged a trillion times about him, but somehow, when I think of heartbreak, his face appears on in my mind.I remember thinking he was my first and ONLY love, how silly huh? But then my dreams got shattered when somehow he decided to make a unilateral decision to get out of my life. I was left lost... he left without a tear, and I was broken, because I had all my hopes pinned on him. He wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for me -- or so I thought.I never thought I'd get over him... the nights I thought I would just disappear into nothingness because of the void he left. The nights I was haunted by his face, the hours I spent next to my phone, waiting for the phone to ring, and when it did, it was never his voice...I remember being haunted by the thoughts of how I was EVER going to find someone again...And when I see that this friend of mine is going through all this pain... considering the relationship lasted for I'm guessing about 4 plus years, I can't help but feel tears well in my eyes. I've been there, haven't I?I can seriously never understand how someone can just throw years of time spent together just like that, as if nothing ever happened, throw away and burn years of memories.... how could anyone be human if they did that???? Unless, they never really loved you to begin with???I know, most of my posts are filled with pink pretty pictures or happiness, but this doesn't warren for one, my emotions run too deep.Trying to get someone to get over another person truly is easier said than done. I remember it being almost impossible. And when I met the girl whom my ex left me for, I distinctly remember thinking to myself, that she was so different from me. I didn't hate her, I wasn't envious. In fact I was curious.... What made him leave? Was I not good enough... I remember this girl to be pretty and quite a charmer, party animal and all... and I never fitted that mould. Perhaps I was too boring and cookie cutter?The thing about girls is that we go on and on, blaming ourselves sometimes for the disintegration of a relationship... was it me? what did I do wrong? Why wasn't I better? And you know what? You just have to tell yourself to SHUT THE FUCK UP.Especially when the other person left because he just didn't know what he had then and there. Perhaps, he wanted wings to fly.... perhaps he just wanted more fun.I don't know how to comfort a heartbroken person so much, but I can surely say that I've had my fair share of heartbreaks.But now years later, when I look back, I can swear that I say this with no tinge of sour grape-ness, I'm glad it's over. We are now so different, we've chosen completely different paths, different goals and different visions. And I'm just so glad he walked away because through the pain I learnt what I really wanted (or didn't want) in a guy..On hindsight, I'm really glad I walked the path I did because if not for that, I would never have been as happy as I am today and I wouldn't be able to meet someone new. Someone who knows how to love me the way I want to be loved. Most importantly, someone I can trust.For all those heartbroken souls, things happen for a purpose, and years later when you look back, you're going to smile on your hurt.Keep your head high! Someone said I Look like XiaXue - Really meh? I was looking through the referrals on my Nuffnang Analytics site and was drawn to this site. Apparently, over 200 clicks were referred through this forum thread on hardware zone. Someone commented that I looked like Xiaxue a.k.a Wendy Cheng.It started out when I posted a blog entry on some mysterious happenings outside NUS LT10. Then somehow, it spun out of control and led to some mish mash of my entry plus some entry about some crazy girl accusing a guy of rape bla bla bla...Anyway back to the point of this post, I'm attaching the screen shot and providing you with the link.The first forum post highlighting my blog postObviously not many people know 9eek9oddessDon't know 9eek 9oddess that means of course not celebrity la... >_First time someone on forum say I pretty can? Normally kennah slam one...Then someone else replies to say I look ike Xiaxue. (must squint your eyes to see the bottom of the above pic)Gnaloaijnar: Wah lau, don't have to bring XX in right? :( Cookiecookie: Your GG look like XX mah... Print out and paste it @ your backside la :)It's funny how forums can use such colloquial language, it's actually funny readingThis person obviously disgrees...I just found it very interesting how forum topics can just evolve out of the initial context, but I guess that's the fun of participating in forums, it's just a surprise at every turn. Anyways, I'm friends with Wendy and I honestly am not bothered by being compared to looking like her.She is quite pretty in person actually. Plus she's got a real spunky character to boot. Some people might not like her because she is direct and honest, and I think in fact that is her most endearing trait. She can say what she want without fear of reproach.Sometimes I wish I was more like that... then perhaps I won't be so hurt by the nasty comments and accusations of others. But I digress anyway, I seriously don't think I look like Wendy, no matter how I try to compare.... hmmmmm... Geek Goddess Show Episode 1 - LAUNCHES TODAY, WATCH HERE Finally guys, after months of discussion, and weeks of procrastination, THE GEEK GODDESS SHOW is up and running. Watch the very first episode now!We're a podcast that gives you info about web happenings and technology with an ASIAN perspective. We've heard of many US and EU podcasts but few local ones, so there was an apparent gap to fill. Your hosts Peter and I, will be delivering to you nugget bite information about what's happening in the tech space all around us!These podcasts will be hosted on podfire.sg, which will be an aggregator for other podcasts like Blogger's Treat and 65Bits. Also in time, more channels will be streamed, ranging from football news to, perhaps, shopping! :) The Geek Goddess Show: Episode 1 from Geek Goddess Show on Vimeo.Special thanks to our producers Mike Cheng and Bernard Leong!!Please give your comments, be it good or bad. We know we have a lot to work on like on sreen chemistry and delivery of information, but we're working hard on it. Hope you'll tune in next week!!!Later skaters!