Lot And Jacob

I've been reading the bible and it's kinda hard to swallow.

In Genesis 19, 2 Angels are staying with Lot in Sodom. The men of Sodom demand to have sex with the 2 Angels. Lot offers them his 2 virgin daughters to do as they wish, to protect the 2 Angels. Hello!? And Lot is supposed to be a good man?!

In Genesis 27, Jacob steals Esau's birthright by lying to his blind father Isaac. It's so stupid. Isaac is fooled by fur covering Jacob? God blesses Jacob even though he lied, cheated and stole? Come on!

Something's not right.

Racism On CSI

Check out my pet Yeti.

I was watching CSI: Miami last night. They painted a black and white picture about racism in America. Some violent white racists were trying to form a militia to drive minorities out of the country. Violence is, of course, wrong.

In fact, it is already too late for America. In the near future, whites will form less than 50% of the country. I can understand their anger when immigrants refuse to integrate. Can't speak English even after staying in the country for 30 years.

It got me to thinking about Australia. They're thinking about being selective over immigration (duh!). Immigrants should have a certain level of English proficiency. They need to have usable skills, etc. About time. And by all means, have a quota on non-whites. Australia wouldn't be Australia if there are too many Asians. I believe that Australians have every right to discriminate, and choose who gets in. Hope it's not too late.

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I tried out some online action in 'Gears Of War' last night. It's pretty good. Exciting. Had to stop after a while because the stress was giving me gastric pain. :(

New York Shooting

When I first read about the groom who was shot whilst leaving a strip-joint (outstanding citizen indeed), I noticed that there was no mention about his race. I figured he had to be black. It's almost de rigeur for cops to react with maximum force when dealing with situations involving blacks. Why? Probably because it's often necessary. That's why. There's seldom smoke without fire. I don't have the exact figures but I've read that blacks in USA make up a small percentage (15?, 25%?) of the population but commit a majority of the crime.

The fight against terrorism is fueling right-wing and neocon forces. Political correctness is going out of fashion. It's going to be a bad time to be a member of any minority group, especially blacks or muslims (or God forbid, both).

Rise Of Fascism In Europe

Observation: Europeans are becoming aware of a fifth-column in their midst. A trojan horse. A people who practice a certain religion, who will not integrate. A group from which spring malignancies.

Prediction: Far-Right parties will gain popularity on a platform of banning the practice of that religion. They may even come to power. It would be a Pyrrhic victory for civilized Man. For in trying to defeat a deadly enemy, they become something just as bad. Both ways, we lose.

Civil War In Iraq

For many years, I have advocated the separation of Israel and Palestinian territories as the only solution to suicide bombings. It's simple logic - if the Palestinians can't get in, they can't blow you up. As for menial labourers, bring in Filipinos or Indians or whatever. Problem solved. Sure enough, Israel has started building a wall to keep Palestinians out.

I'm beginning to think that such a solution may also be required in Iraq. Much as America wants a stable and democratic country, it's not going to happen. Like oil and water.

I propose dividing Iraq into 3 regions or countries (balkanization, if you like) based on population size - viz shiites, sunnis and kurds. You can't force people to move, but only crazy ones would stay in the wrong place. The oil should be controlled by a neutral 3rd party and the revenue distributed according to population size. Problem solved.

Of course, creating a Kurdistan would mean a headache for Turkey. But it wouldn't be America's problem. LOL!

Financial Planning

I watched 'Singapore Dreaming' and 'Perth: The Geylang Massacre' recently. Much better stuff than the crap Jack Neo churns out. They both cast a critical eye on life in Singapore. Specifically, when you're living paycheck to paycheck. It set me thinking. Lots of people around me are like that, trapped. 2,3,4 children to support (God help you if you have 5). A mortgage to pay. No savings, at all. Often, no life insurance. Poor health (overweight or obese). These people can't afford to stop working, to fall ill, even to die! Very often, they also have limited employment prospects due to a lack of paper qualifications. They are forced to accept the bullshit dished out by their bosses because they can't afford to say 'I quit'. I really feel for you.

I'm not in that great a shape myself. My mistake was getting married. I have spoken out against marriage since I was 17. It's hugely ironic that I failed to follow my own advice. Now, I'm even more convinced that marriage sucks (it will, for 80-90% of people, mainly the men). More and more people are beginning to realize what I've known all along. Children are nothing but a financial liability. You cannot count on them to look after you when you grow old, too risky. Look at the birth rates in Singapore - 1.08 per woman for the Chinese (they're the practical ones). If not for my marriage and my daughter, I would have been financially independent by now, age 40. As it stands, I'm looking at another 5 years of full time work (hopefully). I'm a very responsible person, and I intend to fully provide for my daughter. Of course, she has to 'earn' her inheritence by getting a job and showing that she can handle money. I'm prepared to set up a trust if she turns out to be a spendthrift.

To be happy in life, don't bother comparing with others. Do what makes you happy. So what if your friend/ neighbour/ classmate lives in a condo? I've lived in a HDB (90 sq m), a condo and landed. I'm comfortable anywhere. So what if your friend drives a Merc or BM? He's got a big car loan (if he doesn't, that a different level or rich), I don't. In fact, you'd save a boatload of money by not owning a car. I'm happy with a computer and broadband. And how much money does that take?

Show-Offs

It's a terrible rat race in Singapore. Everyone is trying to earn more money. Why? So that they can have a bigger car than their friends. I think it's pointless. It's a shallow person who thinks a Merc or a BM will get you respect. I say this even though my dad drives an S350 and my sis tools around in an SL350. I've told them they were silly, giving all that money to the gahmen (to my dad's credit, he bought the old model for a song). As a corollary to my point on respect, the car has to be the current model, otherwise people will 'look down' at you. Afterall, there isn't much difference between a 320i and a Camry or an Accord, only 'prestige'. I will never buy a Merc or a BM.

Seems like help is on the way. All speedsters beware. Your days may be numbered. If advanced GPS allows real-time tracking of cars, there'll be nowhere to hide. And distance-based ERP? Can't wait. It's a fairer system.

Vitriol

Test

Vitriol

Getting quite a bit of vitriol here. If you're not a law breaker, you're safe. But don't take it out on me if you are. If a guy in a private car breaks the speed limit (by more than 10km/h), he should be punished.

I shouldn't have to defend my character to people who hurl abuse at others. I treat everyone the same. Unlike most Singaporeans, especially those with money. That's why I believe the law should apply to everyone. What's sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

Nobless oblige.

Vitriol

Getting quite a bit of vitriol here. If you're not a law breaker, you're safe. But don't take it out on me if you are. If a guy in a private car breaks the speed limit (by more than 10km/h), he should be punished.

I shouldn't have to defend my character to people who hurl abuse at others. I treat everyone the same. Unlike most Singaporeans, especially those with money. That's why I believe the law should apply to everyone. What's sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

Nobless oblige.

Vitriol

Getting quite a bit of vitriol here. If you're not a law breaker, you're safe. But don't take it out on me if you are. If a guy in a private car breaks the speed limit (by more than 10km/h), he should be punished.

I shouldn't have to defend my character to people who hurl abuse at others. I treat everyone the same. Unlike most Singaporeans, especially those with money. That's why I believe the law should apply to everyone. What's sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

Nobless oblige.

Good Vehicle Law-Breakers Beware

Ah, a response to my crusade, albeit petty and anonymous. Good news, I got a letter published on The Straits Times Interactive. Don't think anyone important will read it, though.

As mentioned, it looks like the TP are outsourcing some of their work to private companies. Illegal parking, bus-lane infractions and the like. These guys are really on-the-ball, from the complaints I've read. Looks like I have to really keep my nose clean. Of course, the knife cuts both ways. And hopefully, it cuts deep the other way. Law breakers don't just speed, they use bus-lanes willy-nilly, park where they like etc. Perhaps justice will be served, in a roundabout way.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Green Iron Armour Set

Just made level 31 with my number 2 character and was able to wear the Green Iron Hauberk (chest), completing the Green Iron Armour Set. Looks pretty cool, eh?

Lousy Singnet

I just finished collecting the ingredients required to make The Shatterer (the mace in the pic). Requires Blacksmithing level 235 and Weaponsmith specialization. The difficult ingredient to get was Core of Earth, a less than 1% drop from Greater Earth Elementals. I must have killed hundreds of them.

Playing in the office, I find the game unplayable due to lag, especially during office hours. I don't get that problem using my Maxonline account at home. I checked with my manager, we're on Singnet. Figures.

World Of Warcraft

No time to blog. I've been playing World Of Warcraft (WoW) like mad. This is a pic of an orc player (not me). It's a really good game. But the lag has been pretty bad the last few days. :(

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Heard the radio advert by POSB for their Loan Assist? 'Get a headstart on your financial future'... This guy says he can't afford his upcoming wedding expenses. I think this is seriously irresponsible advertising. It should say 'Get help digging your financial grave'. If you can't afford it, do without. Except for the home, never borrow money.

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I read an article speculating about Israel's seeming over-reaction in hammering Hezbollah. The writer thinks it may be because Israel is planning to take out Iran's nuclear facilities, and they don't want opportunistic attacks from Hezbollah when Israel is preoccupied. Makes sense. If I were Israel, I wouldn't wait for USA to whack Iran, don't think they have the balls.

Personally, my only concern is the stock market, oil prices and the global economy. Let's hope that if Israel does whack Iran, they finish it fast, and don't start WWIII. Or God help us all.

Brothers?

It struck me that these 2 guys look similar. The one on the left is Christopher Meloni who acts in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the guy on the right (extreme left) is Tahmoh Penikett who acts in Battlestar Galactica 2004.

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Haven't blogged in a while. Nothing much to write about. Just weighing in on the Ike See issue. The guy who got a scholarship (or was it just a place?) in Curtis Institute of Music. Probably in an over-reaction to the recent pianist draft-dodger (can't remember his name), the SAF has denied his request for deferment.

It's obvious that this case is special. It would be better to make his parents pay a bond, say $100k or 1 year's combined salary (whichever is higher) and let him go. I'd say it's fair to everyone. Afterall, even after forfeiting the bond, he still can't come back. A very heavy price to pay.

World Of Warcraft

I've defeated Bull, no. 2 on the blacklist for Need For Speed: Most Wanted. It's gonna be tough taking on Razor. Currently driving a fully souped-up Porsche Carrera GT. It makes a beautiful sound. :)

Have just ordered World Of Warcraft for PC ($86) and Oblivion for Xbox 360 ($69) from www.gameshop.com.sg. They make free deliveries. I've put off buying WoW for the longest time because it sounds so good. I'm afraid it'll just suck up all of my time. Scary.

Pathetic Opposition

This is the amazing top-of-the-line Lexus LS600h. It's the hybrid version of the LS range, featuring a 5-litre engine with electric motor assist, giving the equivalent power of a 6-litre. Hence 600.

Chee Soon Juan continues to plumb new depths. This time, he's taking a whole bunch of suckers with him. I think, in an election between him and Harbans Singh (currently deceased), Harbans would win. I seriously suspect he might have a psychological problem. What he's doing is totally ineffective. In fact, I still think he's a gahmen agent. Notice how many other opposition figures are going to wipe out because of him.

Most other dangerous opposition figures have been run out of town. Only the inept ones are allowed to stay and make fools of themselves. Makes the PAP look better. Ergo, Chee is either that, or a plant. I tend to favour the latter. He just doesn't have an honest face suitable for politics. Mitsubishi Electric might want him to advertise for their unwanted aircons.

Democracy Is A Load Of Bunkum

It is the instinctive wish of all good, Christian people to support Democracy. It seems to be the 'good' option. The 'right' thing. But is it?

Democracy is a recent invention. Greeks or something. I don't know history. Anyway, it's new. It doesn't exist in the wild. Out there, the strongest lead. Others follow. There's no voting. You have to ask yourself, do you support Democracy because of your upbringing? Probably. It's not genetically hard-coded.

The prime example disproving Democracy is Singapore. With true democracy, we'd be a banana republic. For sure. We lucked out. We got a virtual dictatorship that was benign. Lee Kuan Yew plays hard-ball, very hard. He's also very smart. Things work in Singapore because there's less populism (we're still technically democratic). Imagine how powerful Malaya would be if LKY had succeeded in taking control. We'd be bigger than America.

Then look at the Middle East. Democracy is an open invite to the Islamists to go legit. I think America is beginning to realize this. And beginning to realize that maybe Democracy sucks. But then, Democracy is almost synonymous with America. Does that mean America sucks? Tough question.

The bottom line is, as Lee Kuan Yew realizes but cannot say out loud, is that the average man is too stupid to deserve a vote. Think about it, it's a stupid system. Ideally, the system should pick out the most capable and honest leaders, and let them go to work. Without having to answer to the people. Then they can make the unpopular but necessary decisions.

Although we all gripe about the gahmen, the fact is we're lucky. LKY has set up a more-or-less self perpetuating system of good government (see, I can spell it right). I'm sure he has processes in place to prevent bad apples from taking over. Democracy (true democracy, that is) can only spoil the party. All in all, Singapore is all about luck. I've always said, if you really don't like it, leave. Why complain.

In summary, good government boils down to luck. You can't 'elect' a good government. It doesn't last.

Sony Ericsson K750i

I just bought the Sony Ericsson K750i. Been waiting a long time for prices to drop. Decided to spend my Progress money. Cost me $522.90 at Cost Tyre. It certainly has a quality feel to it. Better than my previous Siemens phones.

This here is a test picture I took of my car. Hehe.

Pimp My Ride (Again)

Yummy. These 22 inch rims would kill. They'd also kill my wallet.

Oil Brinkmanship

America and Iran are both threatening to use the oil card in the standoff over Iran's nuclear ambition. America to boycott and Iran to cut-off the oil. In both cases, oil prices will go through the roof.

Although my investments will take a serious hit, I say bring it on. High prices will encourage alternatives. When the world doesn't need Arab oil any more, things will go our way.

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France - as you sow, so shall you reap. Hah. They should have put it to a referendum. Black and white. Anyway, they'll regret opposing reform. Mark my words. BTW, I'm talking about the labour law proposed by De Vellepin.

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I just watched a bootleg copy (what else?) of 'Cannibal Holocaust'. Boy was it gory. Then I read up about it on IMDb and on the web. Interesting thing. Banned in 50 countries. It included real killing of animals, 3 rape scenes (simulated) and, of course, acts of cannibalism (simulated, I think). It's some sort of cult classic now. Worth a watch. Not a keeper, though. I wouldn't watch it again.

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Rockson has made several cogent points regarding PAP's renewal program. It seems that he's getting too good at criticizing the gahmen. Maybe the tool has turned on the master...

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This internecine tit-for-tat war between Shiites and Sunnis is more than a little convenient. Could it be an American/ Israeli plot to turn the enemy in on itself? With most other protagonists, this tactic wouldn't work. But with Islamists (extremist Muslims), it certainly would. It would certainly be a brilliant and cunning strategy.

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Just watched a video of Queen singing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' live, on Youtube. I can only recognize Freddy because of his teeth. I realized that Queen must be a very good band if it could succeed despite its name (FYI, queen can mean gay). http://youtube.com/watch?v=6oTG_RKzwvA

Would You Buy An Aircon From This Man?

Not.

Islam Against Gays

The bloody picture upload function is not functioning. Bugger.

Speaking of bugger, I just read about how gays are being hunted down and killed in Iran and Iraq. Muslims can be rather intolerant of many things. They also tend to take things to extremes (especially the extremists, ha-ha). I do think that killing gays is a bit extreme. Judgement and punishment should be left to God.

Instead of fighting it, gays in these places should just stay in the closet, get married, and get with the program. Or leave and convert to a more tolerant religion, like Christianity...

I'd like to see these extremists (or Islamists) try to take their pogrom to USA, that bastion of gayness. Then we'll see some fireworks.

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Managed to upload the pic. Recently, someone I'm acquainted with, said 'I'm not a prostitute', in reply to a question asking him when he'd show up in all-white (PAP candidate).

It might seem fashionable to repeat such a phrase if you're not fully enamoured with the ruling party. However, on further analysis, I've come to realise that the only people who actually say such things, are rich. That's right, you heard me. Even an MP's 'allowance' is nothing to sniff at. You could give up your day-job.

As for me, I don't fit the profile. I'll never be 'invited'. Besides, being an MP is 'peanuts'. I'd only sell out for a Minister's pay. Dream on...

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I happened to ride an MRT recently and was horrified to see Jack Neo's face on every window. There was nowhere I could sit without seeing his mug. I think Mitsubishi Electric are idiots for using this guy. I can safely say they'll get NO mileage from him. Idiotic prats.

Need For Speed: Most Wanted

I've been playing this game for the last few days on my Xbox 360. It's pretty fun. The driving physics are semi-arcade. It sure gets tense when there's 6 or 7 police corvettes breathing down your neck.

And the cars are beautiful. That's what I like about the Need For Speed series. Really cool customization.

Idiot Driver

This morning I was nearly run off the road by an idiot in a Mercedes E320 (black, didn't get the licence plate though). I'd already horned at him for not indicating when changing lanes. After filtering into a road, I was keeping right to turn right. This idiot was on my left, and thinking his powerful car could easily outdistance me, he just cut into the right lane. I was next to him, and had to jam on my brakes. It goes without saying he didn't indicate. The bastard eventually turned off into SGH. Probably a doctor - shameful.

I officially curse him and hope that he dies a slow and painful death. Watch out for the obit. Bastard.

Progress Dosh

I've just applied to have my Progress money wired into my bank account. I'll be getting $700 in all ($600 + $100 for SAF). Nothing to sniff at. I've told myself that I must spend this money.

I've been saying that it's stupid to just give out cash like that. It would be better in the form of NTUC vouchers. Everyone needs groceries. It's also less likely to be abused.

The very people who would benefit the most from this kind of handout are the one who will either:
1. Buy a new handphone
2. Gamble
3. Drink
4. Go for a holiday
Which makes you wonder why cash. One word: Election. A bit too transparent, I'd say.

Armageddon

The latest incident involving Islam is the case of the man threatened with death for converting to Christianity. Of course, we're all outraged. We bang the table and call for action. Blah, blah, blah. Useless.

Sadly, to be very objective, Islam will eventually prevail. They use your western values to infiltrate and surround you. Soon, you're outnumbered. Then, it's too late. The truth is, eventually, everyone will have to become Muslim (we're talking a few hundred years). As you can see, when Muslims are in charge, they make the rules. And what rules. What can you do about it? Nothing.

However, if you're a Christian, then that cannot happen. Ergo, Armageddon must intervene. I surely hope I'm not around to witness that. I fret that Iran's nuclear ambitions may be the trigger...

France Is Finished

Dominic De Vellepin is facing huge resistance in his attempts to reduce youth unemployment in France. Student protests, union strikes, violence. They should just put it to a referendum. After all, if the French want to destroy themselves, you can't stop them.

I've been playing Project Gotham Racing 3 on my Xbox 360. The online racing is very well implemented. It does a good job of player matching, taking into account the car you select. So races are quite evenly matched. And the races are very smooth. No warping that I used to get on Forza Motorsport on the old Xbox. Very exciting indeed.

Battery Smorgasbord

I was walking around a HDB estate near Hougang Mall yesterday when I came across one of those shops selling lots of cheap things. And boy did they have a huge selection of batteries. I spent $8 on 52 AA batteries, not including $1.20 for the 2 Akira akaline batteries. The bottom right is 'Bull' (50 cents, poetic actually, 50 Cent IS bull) and next to it is 'Garwall' (60 cents). Amazing. I've never seen these before. I'm sure most people who have ever used Nasonik know that it's crap. Those were $2.50 for 24. Haha.

Collected Xbox 360

I collected my Xbox 360 at the launch party on 15th March. Wasted my time. It was held at the Red Dot Museum (former police HQ on Maxwell Road). Firstly, the carpark was full and I had to circle round to park at the Ministry of National Development (missed the entrance in the dark).

Started at 8pm. After queueing for a short while, I realized some people were cutting queue. I showed them my preorder envelope and got in. They should have put up some signs.

Loud music inside. And they didn't even have the decency to give me an Xbox sticker (entitling one to beer). Only VIPs got one, which seemed like everyone else but me. If a buyer isn't a VIP, who is?

There were machines at the sides, showcasing the launch games. Of course, didn't get to touch them. The hostess was Denise Keller. They had some competition to give away Xbox 360 machines and games. Boring. I began to get a backache, and was coughing throughout. Thought it was due to too much standing. As it turns out, I was falling sick.

Finally, we could collect our Xboxes at 10pm, but the area was packed. So I decided to check out the games. At 10.15, I checked again. Much fewer people. I joined the queue and asked the last guy if this was the one for collection. 'Yes'. After wasting about 15 min, I'm told that I'm in the wrong queue. The girls in collection were twiddling their thumbs. Again, no signage! I have to say, it was pretty badly organized.

After collecting my Xbox, I was interviewed by MTV (don't think they'll air it, though). I went home and left the stuff in the boot. Too tired to even open it.

Ken Deffeyes has announced that Peak Oil occurred on 16 Dec 2005. I've been thinking a lot about it. I think things won't be as bad as many experts predict. As oil production falls behind demand, prices will rise. Most third world countries will be marginalized. Their people won't be able to afford it, and their governments won't be able to afford to subsidize the people. Ergo, there will be no shortage for us, just higher prices. Eventually, higher prices will lead to widespread use of alternative fuels and more conservation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Unilateral Israel

I have advocated for many years, what Israel is only now doing. Building a wall between them and the Palestinians. It's impossible to keep suicide bombers out if you have Palestinians amongst you doing menial work. I said, build a wall, and hire Filipinos, or Indians, or even Chinese.

Now it looks like this might happen if Olmert wins. Not end of the story though, there are still many Arab Israelis. How to weed out the bad apples? Furthermore, I'm sure the Arab Israelis reproduce much faster than Jewish Israelis. That is a demographic time bomb that has to be solved.

I have a feeling that Dubai Ports intended to dump the US assets of P&O from the beginning. I can only imagine how difficult it is to run those ports, what with high salaries and rigid labour unions.

I'm glad they caught that evil cat torturer. Kudos to the people who put themselves at risk to do that. Let's hope something bad happens to him in prison. Bastard.

Brokeback Mountain Fails

In an uncommon occurrence, Brokeback Mountain garnered a best director award for Ang Lee but not best picture.

I guess it means that the screen actors guild felt that it was a good movie but didn't feel comfortable about giving the nod to a gay movie.

Bottomline, I don't care what they do to each other in private. Just make sure it stays there.

Frack It. Prophet Cartoons

I've been reading about the hardening attitudes towards immigrants in Europe. This in response to the over-reaction to the Prophet Cartoons.

It's about time. When you migrate to another country, how dare you dictate culture and norms to your host country? It's time to drop the non-discrimination. If it's your country, you make the rules.

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe. I predicted trouble years ago. Now Europe is waking up. One of the Nordic countries (can't remember which) is thinking of Aggressive Integration. Speak and behave like a local, or get out. Yeah. That's the way.

Australia has a looming problem too. Indiscrimate immigration policies and humanitarian policies are paving a road to hell. Lots of so-called refugees are screwing the welfare system. I have visited Australia many times. It's a great place. Some Aussies want to keep Australia white. I have always supported that stand. If you have too many asians in Australia, it wouldn't be Australia anymore, would it?

Another Test Video From YouTube

Another Test Video From YouTube