Origins of “Common Phase”

September 2, 2006 Leave a comment

 
We hear it and we say it often.  Most of the time, we dun really care about these "common phase" origins. Here are some good reading for those who like to know.
 
"Touch Wood"
 
The origin of the expression is almost certainly connected with a religious belief or superstition, but the exact nature of the belief or superstition is unknown. It may derive from an ancient pagan belief that knocking on a tree was a way to ward off evil spirits, or to call upon protective spirits who supposedly lived in certain trees, especially the oak. Another possible connection is the Christian ritual of touching a wooden crucifix when taking an oath or praying for good fortune. The early Christians may have thought they were touching part of the genuine cross used in the Crucifixion. Later it was thought that touching any wooden crucifix, or part of a crucifix, would confer the same benefits, as would touching any piece of wood that once was part of a sacred tree.  <Souce: (http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=20010918)>
 
 

"Catch 22"
 

The expression Catch-22 is derived from the 1961 novel of the same name by Joseph Heller. In the novel, Catch-22 refers to a parodoxical Air Force rule by which a pilot is considered insane if he keeps flying combat missions without formally asking to be relieved, but if he does ask to be relieved, he is judged sane and must keep flying. It is derived from catch ‘a hidden difficulty’. <Source: http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19980223>
 
 
"Peeping Tom"
 
The name comes from the legend of Lady Godiva’s naked ride through the streets of Coventry, in order to persuade her husband to alleviate the harsh taxes on the town’s poor. The story goes that the townsfolk agreed not to observe Godiva as she passed by, but a tailor named Tom broke that trust and spied on her. <Source: http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/peepingtom?view=uk>
 
 
"On Cloud 9"

The true and original origin of "Cloud 9" is derived from Buddhism. The state of being in "Cloud 9" is the penultimate goal of the Bhodisattva.  <Source: http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/18/messages/721.html>

 

Here is one good site for all of you to read more: http://www.phrases.org.uk
So, dun be a "laughing stock" or "bimbo" – Go find out the origin meaning, huh?

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

The City of LuthorCorp and Superman

August 29, 2006 Leave a comment

I was watching the TV Series “Smallville” (Season 3) just now when the screen flashed the skyline of “Metropolis” – the place where LuthorCorp lies. It is just an “futuristic impression” scene and normally, I dun give a shit about it. But somehow, something in me tells me to rewind the footage (it is a DVD). So, after 10 minutes, I decided to rewind the scene and pause it.
At first glance, it looks like a normal city landscape. I looked at it for about 1 full minute and I recognised the place.
Haaa…No wonder it looks so familiar to me.
Man, wonder why Hollywood picked this place as “Metropolis” – but it feels good to have a Superman around.

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

A Black Day

August 29, 2006 Leave a comment

Exactly one day after the arrival of “Grey”, my life went into a few days of “Black”.
In fact, this happened about 1 week ago – last Wednesday to be exact. I was having a late meeting (here in Shanghai) when I received a call from Felicia. It was 730pm. She was sobbing over at the other end.
That was the 2nd time I heard Feli crying over at the other end. Living overseas, there is no such thing as “a good place” or “a good timing” for someone to break a bad news. The 1st time when Felicia called crying was when Elkan hit and cut his head. My heart sank when I heard the news but I regained my senses almost immediately – to mentally-prepare for the next step. Thankfully, it was just a couple of stitches and my little boy was hopping about the next day.

“Dear…there has been an accident…” Felicia cried. “…..A car accident…”

My heart broke even before I get to hear the complete story. In that spilt second, everything paused around me. I looked outside the window… lots of images flashed across my mind – like a sudden power surge – I saw images of my mother, my father, my friends and my son. It was the “scariest and longest second” I ever felt in my life. Yes, I am preparing for the worst.
“What happend…?” I asked.
“Dear…you know, this morning, they left for Malacca… something happened…one of the cars overturned….and one of our auntie died on the spot, “ she sobbed.
That was all I could take. My heart sank…and my knees turned weak. I walked out of the conference room, found a quiet corner and sat there. Earlier that day, 2 Singapore cars left for Malacca. My mother-in-law and Elkan were in one of the cars. For that one moment, my mind told me that I have already lost my son. My head was blank…My heart stopped beating… nothing else matters now.
“Is… Elkan…alright?” I trembled. I was expecting for the worst. My head was already calculating all the exit plans – air ticket, project hand-over, etc etc.

“Yah..he is okay…Mum and him were in the other car…” Felicia assured me. It was a relief and that is all I need to hear.

I couldn’t sleep that night. Feeling so lost, sad and worried. My heart went to my cousins and uncle – who lost a lovely mother and wife overnight. I can understand their loss, their pain. This could happened to my son or anyone dear to me.
Life is so ironic. I experience both the extreme joy (of birth) and sorrow (of death) in less than 24 hours. Life is so fragile – as what Joanne said to me – we may not even have a chance to say goodbye.
For my late auntie and her family who loves her. My deepest condolences.

Filed under Family, Life in Shanghai, Life in Singapore

The Arrival of Grey!

August 22, 2006 Leave a comment

This is exactly what you get when you put a very dark chinese and a very fair chinese together. In fact, I like this name…a neutral element in itself.. A good neighbour of light and colours. But certainly a bad neighbour of principles and certainties. Perhaps, there are many who love to live in a grey area.
I was in Grey’s area today. Standing above him.. seeing the joys of black and white. Grey is certainly a special hybrid of 2 different cultures and nationalities. He is a Chinese no doubt…but certainly a complicated one. Right now, I shall call him a Singapore-Born-in-China-Chinese.
Like his father, I have been counting down to this date of arrival. In fact, I was more impatient than his parents. I have been calling almost every day…looking forward to see Grey. Coincidently, there are 9 birthdays this month (Meijie, Duuk, Kendrick, Kalinda, Linda, Felicia’s Mum, my sister and my niece) and Grey picked the same day as my sister.
Of course, Grey is more than than just a philosophy of colour. If you look at his initial, he comes right after E and F.
Oh yes, Grey has a chinese name – no no no… it is not anything like “Hui Chen” (dust). His parents decided to call him “Jia Chen“. Grey Xie Jia Chen.

Filed under Life in Shanghai, Wahbiang

Meijie Celebrates 31st!

August 17, 2006 Leave a comment

Reported by Felicia: (in her words) / Replied by Joe (in orange)
 
1) Last nite quite fun… Ming Liang shared with us his shitting experience at the checkup clinic!
Joe: Why, he got his a**hole blocked?
 
2) Mr Sam on his big savings here and there like he may be away from 14 Oct to 28 Oct. So that saves him 2 wedding ang baos
Joe: Sam, you can hide at my house in Shanghai. Just nice.. Echo’s baby shower is around that time.
 
3) Our Mr Hock surely not catching up with us! Tot All these while I already moved to Shanghai with Joe!
Joe: Hock is still LOST?
 
4) Then we have surprise guest MC who happened to be going home and bump into us and forced to join us for dinner and pay for his share!
Joe: No lah…MC must have heard about the free dinner and dropped by. Where got so coincident one?
 
5) Poor Kali was quiet most of the time.. coz she was squash between Mingliang and Hock….
Joe: I think there is a typo here.. It should be “Kalinda squash Mingliang and Hock with her assets!”
 
6) We have “very very sleepy and tired Xiaowei” who still somehow 1 leg win 3 legs!
Joe: Dun play mahjong with Nun Bay.
 
7) Oh I missed out Jimmy… Er… he changed another Honda Accord (Black)
Joe: Yah…so Jimmy got his new wife liao.. that is fast.
 
8) Last but not least, Birthday boy was very chatty, liked the gifts!

Filed under Wahbiang

MSN with Francis Chay

August 13, 2006 Leave a comment

Francis just came back from his weekend F1-track racing. Heard from Echo he brushed his car against a tree. Spoke to Francis 10 minutes ago and asked him for dinner tonight. He said he would called me back when he is done. Then, 3 minutes ago, I saw Francis Chay online. Here is our exchange:

“Butterfly Man” says (5:04 PM):
Yo… you home liao? So fast?“Butterfly Man” says (5:04 PM):

What time we meet?

Francis Chay says (5:04 PM):

yesyes

Francis Chay says (5:04 PM):

meet wat??

Francis Chay says (5:04 PM):

too far to meet u

“Butterfly Man” says (5:04 PM):
Dinner LAh! Haaaa… I must go and shoot your (scratched) car and put on my blog.

Francis Chay says (5:04 PM):

car delivery Month end

Francis Chay says (5:05 PM):

shit! COE went up

Francis Chay says (5:06 PM):

where u now?? spore?

“Butterfly Man” says (5:06 PM):
What you talking? Me joe lah!

Francis Chay says (5:06 PM):

i know

Francis Chay says (5:06 PM):

then u ask me meet??haha

Francis Chay says (5:06 PM):

nutz

“Butterfly Man” says (5:06 PM):

What spore?

“Butterfly Man” says (5:07 PM):
I ask “what time we meet?”

Francis Chay says (5:07 PM):

u ask me wat time we meet

Francis Chay says (5:07 PM):
la

“Butterfly Man” says (5:07 PM):

You said: “Too far to meet me?” Hello, you okay? You knocked your head?

“Butterfly Man” says (5:08 PM):

Man, you are not making sense liao.

Francis Chay says (5:08 PM):

u ask me wat time we meet

Francis Chay says (5:08 PM):
i tot u in singapore

“Butterfly Man” says (5:09 PM):

Why me in Singapore? I am in Shanghai!!!! Since when I am going back Singapore????

“Butterfly Man” says (5:09 PM):

HELLO?

Francis Chay says (5:09 PM):

nbzhee

Francis Chay says (5:09 PM):
u win u win

“Butterfly Man” says (5:10 PM):

Haaaa… This is funny!

Francis Chay says (5:10 PM):
ask ppl u home liao….wat time we meet….i was bout ask u are u in spore! fainted

“Butterfly Man” says (5:10 PM):
………………………………..(speechless) 

The Truth is Out There: 10 minutes later, I decided to MSN “Francis Chay” and ask him what time to meet. Just when I mouse-over his name, I got a shock! The nickname says “Francis Chay” and the email is “gtkh2@hotmail.com“. HUH? WHY IS GARETH USING “FRANCIS CHAY” as nickname! No wonder this “Franics Chay” sounded so wierd! Gareth must have also thinking why Joe is acting so werid today. (Phew, lucky I didn’t call the real Francis Chay and scold him)

MSN screwed up again and here is the evidence!

Filed under Life in Shanghai

The 3rd Visitor in Shanghai

August 13, 2006 4 Comments


2 days ago (11th August), I celebrated my 3rd month in Shanghai. It has been 1 successful quarter and a fruitful one. I have a wonderful corporate life but my personal life looks moderate. Positively, it is getting better (thanks to SKYPE, MSN…and those visitors!) 

Yesterday, my house received its 3rd Singapore Visitor – Bettina. (not to exclude Felicia, Meiling, Ow Yong, Monica (from Kimage), Charlie – they met me in Shanghai but didn’t drop by my new place.) Man, I was telling my Shanghai friends about the influx of Singaporeans to Shanghai.. I was receiving a Singaporean friend almost every 2 weeks. You can call me a lucky bastard but I say, I am in the right place at the right time. (Come on, if I am based in Bhutan for 1 year, I am sure I dun even have 0.5 visitor)
In some way or another, all my friends are really nice to me. Often, before they fly, they would call to check with me what do I need from Singapore. My standard answer is: “Just 1 or 2 of these – 8-days, FHM, Newman, HWM, Stuff, Straits Times, Newpaper“. English magazines are limited here and very expensive. Of course, I am not a fan for magazine but they are good toilet companion every morning. Magazine is flat and easy to carry (so these transporters wouldn’t say no). Ideally, I would love to say “Durian, PSP game, Xbox 360, Nasi Lemak, Bodyshop scents, Cool Water, Ribena and other erotic materials”.. haaaa.. Sorry, I mean “exotic”. Like my pet “Jiajia” and our dear buddy, Kalinda. (She is exotic right? Or erotic? I dun know…can be both, hor?)
On the other hand, whenever these friends are going back to Singapore, I would ask them what they need. And their standard answers would be: “DVD, Cheap Massage, Gucci, LV, Prada“. And guess what, the DVD shop boss recognised me and gave me a VIP card. Guess he thought I am a tour guide from Singapore. I tell you, the sales I brought in for him – is alarmingly good.
Mmm..maybe my Shanghai friend, Binbin is right – I should just start a shop in Shanghai…just to cater to Singaporeans. From massage to cheap branded goods + DVD, all under 1 roof. And yes, you can pay me in SingDollars. And I speak good Singlish too.
So, who is coming next?
(p/s: Okay, got to go…me having lunch with Feli now.)

Filed under Life in Shanghai

Happy Birthday Singapore

August 9, 2006 6 Comments


Living abroad didn’t weaken my identity and love being a Singaporean. On the opposite, it strengthened my love for my country. Afterall, I am reminded by almost everyone (on a daily basis) that I am a Singaporean. On my way to work, the taxi driver would recognise my accent and he would ask “Hong Kong or Taiwan?”. I would answered, “No, I am a Singaporean.”
At work, we Singaporeans would flock together…having lunch, dinner together. And when I travel outside China, I would always stand in the line with the “Ang Moh”. By the time it is my turn, the custom officer would ask “Singaporean?” I love my identity and I am proud to carry one too. If you think in terms of “being a limited Chinese edition”…being a Singaporean Chinese means as much as a ABC. We have our own limited serial number (which is our IC) and our birth rates are falling… It only means that we are collector’s item! (Wow..Echo just got one collector’s item!)
Funny it may seems… It is not about how good Singapore is (which makes me love my nation so much)…to be honest, I say, we are losing steam compared with developing cities like Shanghai. Let us not look into our ever-so-crazy addiction in achieving global rankings and status. These ranking means nothing for a citizen. Perhaps, it may means a lot for a cash-rich foreign investing enterprise. Afterall, you must have one of the world’s best workforces in order to achieve status like this. And I do agree.. Singapore talents are creative, hardworking, honest and dynamic. (Maybe we should polish our manners a little, that is all.)
However, the reality is here. It comes a day when we can no longer claim to have the world’s busiest port or tallest hotel or best airport… The Esplanade and the casino cannot save us at all. In one of my business trip to Macau last week, I was dining with my client when the boss of the outlet sat with us. Knowing I am a Singaporean, he started to tell me about his trip to Singapore.
He said “I have no idea what is so great about Singapore.. There is nothing to see, nothing to play and nothing good to eat. If you want to talk about playing, we have Disneyland in HK, casino in Macau and XXX joints every cities. Your Sentosa is so disappointing!”
“Shopping? Our shopping district is far bigger and better than your Orchard Road. If you want to talk about sight-seeing, we have mountains, rivers and anicent ruins. Your Chinatown and Little India are just gimmicks. And if you talk about the good food, it can’t be compared to China too.”
While this was just a casual talk, I can’t help but to defend my identity. His words, so frank and sharp. I felt like a stupid fool, sitting there, being insulted at blank point. Just before I wanted to defend our national brand, the boss said..
“It is the good quality (人的素质)  within the people of Singapore that impress me. Not the tallest building or the tangible things you see.”
“Er..what you mean by that?” I asked him in my broken chinese.
“Your Singapore Identity  – ever so polite, so gracious and the world class professionalism.” He said. “These are the things we cannot build overnight.”
I understood what he meant. For the next 30 minutes, we chatted like old friends.. chatting about my days in Shanghai and how he started his business.
Today is 9th August – our National Day. I clearly remember those days when I would hang out my flag outside the window. Year after year, the red and white would just hanged out for 1 month outside my window.. I have never give so much thought about my identity and origin. Now, I can fully understand why Martin was so crazy creating that “Stickapura” campaign. It is an identity we take for granted back home. Like the American, we do have a dream worth chasing for.
We just need to remember who we are. Our roots, our values and our dream.
Happy Birthday, Singapore!

 

 

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

Reunion & Departure

August 6, 2006 Leave a comment


Haven’t been able to log on into my blog for the past week. Mr MSN Space decided to go ahead with their own renovation works without giving us (the tenant) any prior notice… Afterall, the landlord doesn’t really care about "user’s experience". This is not the first time my "bloglord" disrupted my blog doing upgrades.. Yes, I do appreciate the free upgrades and free perks but DO GIVE ME A WARNING! For the past 1 week, I have so much difficulties logging into my own blog. Urghh.. so much good thoughts dried up unrecorded…Sigh, blame it on my short-term memory… I can’t remember those "thoughts" anymore… (which unfortunately, also includes the chinese version of "quickie" that Sam wanna so much!)
 
This is what I wrote last week. (I only managed to upload this today) Enjoy.
 

Reunion & Departure
 
I never like the airport. No.. it isn’t about my aerophobia. It is the contrast of feelings I had whenever I am at the airport. The arrival hall is often filled with joys and happinese and the departure gate is always such a gloomy one. Unlike a movie theatre or a theme-park, you walked in happy and you came out a happier/motivated soul.
 

I was in Hong Kong last week (26-30th July) for a business trip. Both Feli and Elkan took this opportunity and flew up to meet me. It was God’s gift – I am so glad that they were with me. I was having a bad fever (38.5) and backache – somehow, their presence really helped to lift up my spirits and gave me the strength to fulfill my business needs.
 
Still, it was a good reunion for 3 of us. Despite the constant rain (for 3 days), we spent good quality time together. We went to a couple of "well-known" places in HK – the Ocean Park, Lan Gui Fang etc.
 
I really noticed a lot of changes in my son…Elkan is more "responsive" now (he can say simple words like "car, no, daddy, mummy, dun want"… He is more like a boy than a baby now. It is good to see Elkan developing his own personality and character…Still remember that moment when we first met, it took quite a while for both of us to break the ice – afterall, we have been apart for 3 months! It feels so good to have him in my arms again… His lovely angelic eyes took all those stress and loneliness away from me. How I wish I can take him back to Shanghai with me…
 
When it is time to say goodbye.. it was heart-breaking. It is a very difficult feeling to describe..kinda heavy and sad. At the departure gate, I gave Feli and Elkan one last hug and kiss. Feli asked Elkan to kiss "daddy" – he gave me a kiss on the forehead… I was so close to tears.
 
Just like the last time (back in May), I have to "sneaked away" fast so that Elkan won’t cry for me. Or maybe this time, it was me who may cry out for them. I dun know, I just dun have the courage to look at their departing shadows. No waving, no saying goodbyes, we just parted the easiest way.. never take a glance back.
 

Leaving Gate 2, I took a long lonely walk to Gate 5 – where my plane is waiting for me (to Shanghai). With tears in my heart and smile on my face, I recalled the moment when we first met in Hong Kong. Surely, there will be another moment like this soon.
 
Till we meet again, my boy. 🙂
 

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

Lost in Translation II

July 23, 2006 2 Comments

Guess I was too "deep" in my last blog entry. Haaa.. Here is something for those who are visiting me this year.
 
Please learn it by heart before you ever come to China! Well, being a chinese in Singapore doesn’t mean you are a chinese in China. I am still found myself "lost in translation" sometimes.. (Hmmp..maybe it is easy for some of you…But I bet even Siow Wei doesn’t know all of these!)
 

FOR FOOD LOVERS

Spoon                   调羹，汤勺

Napkin                  餐巾

Tissue                   餐巾纸

Straw                   吸管

Mashed-Potato                 土豆泥                                                     

Milk Shake                         奶昔  

 

FOR HOME-MAKER

Air Con                 空调

Mouse                  鼠标

Thumb Drive         U盘

Cooker                 煤气灶

Water Heater       热水器

Foot Reflexology   足疗，足底按摩

 

FOR BRAND-PEOPLE

Microsoft              微软

Apple                   苹果

Sony                    索尼

Nokia                   诺基亚

Hitachi                  日立

Samsung              三星

Panasonic             松下

Canon                  佳能

 

FOR THE LOST

Left Turn              左转，大转弯（on the road）

Right Turn            右转，小转弯（on the road）

U-Turn                 掉头

         

FOR DESIGNERS

Emboss                    浮雕，凸

Die-Cut                     刀板

Hot-Stamp                烫印

Gloss Lamination    光膜

Matt Lamination      哑膜

UV Vanish                过油

Saddle-Stitch           骑马钉

W-O                         圈装

Aluminum               铝

Acrylic                    雅克利

Frosted Surface      磨砂表面

Styrofoam              泡沫塑料，宝丽绒

Translucent            半透明的

Hi-Resolution          高精度的

3D Image                   三维（立体）图像

Graphic Design        平面设计

Stapler                       订书机

 

FOR THOSE WHO VISIT JB

DVD (not shoot from cinema one)                  大碟版 

 
 

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

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