THE WAHBIANG BLOG

Apple has mastered and formulated the "divine" recipe to win the hearts and minds (and souls) of its consumers. It has been quite a while since we last saw a craze like this. Other than the senseless "Hello Kitty" MacDonald toys in the early 2000s, I cannot recall another electronic brand or product which had such an impact on the consumers. People around the world are just so crazy and mad about Apple products (iPhone, Mac Air).

Yesterday, Apple launched iPad in Hong Kong. The response were as crazy as the previous launches in Japan and the USA. Queues were started the night before and by morning, it was clear that the shops do not have enough stocks for everyone. Within the first hour, all iPads were sold out. The distribution strategy by Apple is so brilliant. Like drugs, the "out-of-stock" sign deepen the "desperation" of the shoppers. Empty-handed shoppers were eager to find out about the next re-stocking. Some even offered to buy "queue-space" in order to secure their own iPads.

Many in the queues were Chinese. Hong Kong is probably the cheapest place to buy Apple products. (There is no tax and GST here!) These "water-goods" buyers came in group to "secure the first units" for their mainland customers. It is a very lucrative business. There are a big demand in China for genuine Apple products. Smuggled goods in China cost 20-35% more than the official retail price.

We were very very lucky today. We were in the right place at the right time. This afternoon, we were heading to our favourite HMV Shop in Causeway Bay when we saw a small line of shoppers queuing outside the Apple Shop. We were informed that there will be a new supply of iPads! What a rare opportunity! We stood in the queue for less 15 minutes and we bought 4 iPads!

Unknown to Felicia – Since early May, I was planning to get her an iPad for our 200th Month Anniversary! After yesterday’s out-of-stock disappointment, I was going to get her another gift. So, you can imagine my joy today when I paid for these iPads! Cos’ today is our Anniversary! Just in time! There can never be another perfect timing!

(Photo Taken: Outdoor Plastic Animal Sculptures, Causeway Bay. Sorry, I don’t buy the message. I just don’t see the connection of plastic bottles and these animals (Polar Bear / Elephant / Whale). You see, Bonaqua (a brand under Coca-Cola) is launching a new "twist-able" plastic bottle and claimed that the new design uses 30% less plastic. Consumers are able to twist and dispose the empty bottles – saving disposal space and providing more convenience for recyclers. Well, I think this outdoor awareness program back-fired and emphasis the harm of plastic materials in our environment. Less plastic doesn’t mean "more environmentally" friendly. One thing is for sure, these animals don’t need our rescue. It is "human" who needs the saving. Maybe Bonaqua should make a plastic "human sculpture" instead.)

(Photo Taken: Western Market, Sheung Wan – What an unusual gathering in Hong Kong. It has been a long time since I met these lovely ladies from my Polytechnic days.)

(Photo Taken: Hong Kong Island – After a gloomy Black Rain on Thursday, the sun + blue sky is finally out this weekend.)

(Photo Taken: "Cupcake Voyage Exhibition" at Harbor City, Kowloon – Look at all these yummy, edible and beautiful handmade cupcake! So irresistible! Wish I can just take one bite at these!)

(Freshly Peeled Grapes – Dun you love them? These grapes come with thick bitter-sour skins and it tastes awful. We just have to peel off the skins to eat it. Just like the good old days when my dad and granny fed me with these skinless grapes. No doubt, it is hard tedious work to peel the skins off but the skinless grapes taste so juicy and yummy! Mmmm… Not a bad idea, maybe I should keep on buying these "thick-skinned sour grapes" so Felicia can peel them everyday for Elkan and ME!!!! Some one should invent a device to peel grapes.)

I feel so bad now. I kinda promised Elkan that I will be back before his 9pm bedtime but I reached home 40 minutes late. Sigh…I am sure he slept with a heavy heart.

Elkan was super excited this evening. He rang me a couple of times, chasing me to come home early.

At 7pm, he rang and said "Daddy, I have a surprise for you! What time are you coming home?" I answered 8:30pm. He then said "Okay! Come back early! I have a big block for you!"

At 8:15pm, he rang and asked "It is almost 8:30pm. Where are you?" I am still in my meeting. "My bedtime is at 9pm. Come home before that, okay?"

At 9pm, I finished my meeting. I called him "Elkan, can you wait? I be back around 9:30pm." He sighed "Okay…but I am sleeping soon. Come back, okay?"

I felt very bad. I felt the disappointment in his voice.

Along the way home, I told Tracy about the "big surprise" Elkan had for me. I was as excited as my boy.

When I opened my door, I saw this very cool toy-formation that he has made. And he placed all his favorite LEGO characters on them. Piece by piece, it must be quite a feat for him to do that! Felicia described how excited Elkan was when he was stacking these wooden blocks. Elkan wanted me to see his creation so badly. He was expecting me to give him that big "hug and praise". Most importantly, he wanted to see that "first reaction" on my face.

With a guilty heart, I walked into his bedroom. He was already in his deep sleep. I am sorry, my boy. Daddy is very impressed. I will redeem myself tomorrow. And yes, he will be very very pleased to see that I have blogged his works here. 🙂