I've decided to port over to wordpress :) I'll be updating new posts from today onwards on wordpress:
man@40s.wordpress.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A Tale of 3 Cities....
Wow, how time flies....It was already 2 weeks since I returned back to "earth". I thought I better quickly finish this assignment before my "RAM" is being swapped out and replaced by recent affairs of life on "earth" again....
New York
There is something very unique. Most concert goers are the whites, something very obvious when you look out across the hall. The other observation is that it seems the average age of the audience is at least 50s. Yes, this is another clear observation. It seems the youth prefer to be at Broadway or something or else it’s mainly the retirees who have the luxury of time to attend concerts? Either augments, for the 3 events that I had attended, I guess the sampling data is too small to form a conclusion. The 3rd observation, or rather more like a complaint, is that most audiences do not seem to respect the serenity of the hall when the concert starts. It can be too obvious to hear many people clearing their throats or coughing, to the extent that it becomes a bit irritating. Then came the early exit before the intermission starts and concert ends I mentioned earlier. I guess I can only give a C grade for the total experience.
Boston
Boston is also famous for seafood. Before we left for this trip, a friend who has been to Boston a couple of times had advise us that we must try their seafood there, in particular, Legal Seafood. Needless to say, this item formed part of our itinerary as well. We started off one of the day with the visit of New England Aquarium located at Central Wharf . After viewing the beautiful underwater sea creatures and watching the 3D Omni Theater showcasing the deep water sea creatures, the stomach begin to "wala-wala". We then proceed to the well-patronise Legal Seafood restaurant for our well anticipated "seafood dinner"...The restaurant is well decorated with indoor bar counter table or normal dining table or alfresco-style tables outside the restaurant. Being a cold day, we proceed for indoor dining table and were immediately greeted by friendly and processional waiter. When our "prizes" were finally delivered, we were immediately awed by the size of lobster that Cat has ordered. We had never seen a lobster so big and huge! While Cat was wondering where and how to proceed, the waiter volunteered to help. He then came back with his "kajan" and in a matter of few minutes, the lobster was in total salvage stage and what left were a nice shell and a plate of lobster meat! Amazing....We enjoyed the dinner very much and we were equally amazed that the dinner did not cost us a bomb as we thought it might be and so we ended up giving the highest tip ever gave for a restaurant meal! :)
Washington D.C.
Talking about US, I couldn't help but to reference back to some 10 years ago where I first stepped into this “Aliens” ground. That was San Francisco in the state of California . I was there on business trip (actually to attend a symposium in San Jose ). I was alone then, sleepless throughout the 18 hours flight journey, kind of jet-lag, and driving in Highway 101 on a 1.3L rented car. Literally floating in the highway under the scotching sun, I finally found my way to my designation, talking to myself to keep myself sane and awake along the hour journey. It must be the most fearful driving experience I ever had, so much so that I almost wanted to leave the car there and took a hitch ride on my return leg. Somehow, I learned to overcome the fear and eventually I left with pretty good and deep impression. That was a short US experience I remembered till today.....
In the recent years, I dreamt of visiting this country again, New York was my target. Then came the NATAS Fair, Cat was okay with the plan, and there we go....Boldly, we made plan on the spot and decided on a 2-weeks F&E programme. Booked the flight tickets, talk (apply leave, etc) later...
We then follow the standard tour package and derive a round-trip from New York to Washington to Negara fall then Toronto then back to Buffalo and then Boston and New York . After some detailed planning, we decided to reduce the scope of traveling and just limit to New York ->Boston ->Washington ->New York . What I would like to share here are mostly some thought and quirky feeling about the 3 cities.
Talking about a truly metropolitan city, my humble guess is no candidate stand out like New York (except for London perhaps). When I was walking on the streets and the avenues, I begin to wonder who are the real New Yorkers....In the midst of highway and byways, I can see the Whites, Latinos, Blacks, Asian, Indians, Middle-Eastern, European and what have you.....and this is in essence, what America stand for: multi-culture & the freedom to live as one nation, one America, amidst the underlying racial diffrence.
The thing that I don't really fancy is the little thing call "the New Yorker's Attitude". Nobody there would pretend to be friendly and to certain extend, it seems to me that there is a little exhibit of "rudeness" in almost every facets of life in New York . I can see that in the shopping mall cashiers, some taxi drivers, sometime on the street, and most prominently in the concert hall. Talking about concert hall, I’m amaze that folks would just stand up before the intermission or concert ends and walk off. Yes, it's mind-boggling, in New York ? Take it or leave it, this is perhaps a little harshness the folks living in big city will need to master in order to survive....
Besides the little attitude displayed, in general, the people are mostly honest and professional in their dealing. Of the 5-6 taxi we took, none of them ever try and took advantage of the "green horn" tourist-like people like Cat and myself by bringing us out for a spin-ride to get extra penny. Of cause, we reciprocate back their professionalism with the slightly above market rate tips, and I guess some were a little bit surprise....maybe in their mind, they were wondering, are these really Asians, dude?
We spent all-in-all about 8 nights in New York over 3 different hotels. The hotel where were stayed the longest is Stanford Hotel at 43W, 32nd St. Now, those who have been to New York would know that the city of Manhattan city is divided by Streets on the “latitudes” and Avenues on the “longitudes”. 32nd street is at almost midst of the midtown and it was just minutes walk to time square and the theatre district. So, it’s extremely convenient with the Herald Square subway station just near the corner.
Besides being a convenient location, 32nd street is also called the “Korea Town ”. Pretty obvious, if you happen to be there, you will see many Koreans walking around the streets and the shops, restaurant were mainly catered for the Korean staying in US. One particular restaurant, where we supped most of the time is call Woorijip. You will not miss this outlet, as it’s always packed with people. They have an interesting dining concept whereby you pay by the weight of the plate of food that you choose rather than the “content” of whether they are fish or vegetables. A standard plate reasonably filled up will cost about US$5+ and there is no tax or service charge required. A bowl of spicy ramen with egg would be around US$5 as well. However, one big minus point, Service! Don’t expect much in this “faculty”. During our last day there, we met one young gentleman there and when we just finished our meal, he quickly came over and told us “Many people are waiting”. Gosh, okay, this will be our last day there! (anyway ;) ).
We managed to attend 2 concerts and 1 opera in New York . Avery Fisher Hall and The Metropolitan Opera are just next to the Lincoln Center, at 66th Street . These are renowned concert halls of its own rights although it doesn't look impressive on the first look. The buildings are pretty normal. Cat reminds me that it’s the acoustic of the concert hall that counts. What impressed me most are the large crowds for all the events. Even though one of the concerts was scheduled at 2pm, it was equally crowed and the seats were filled.
In contrast to the big and cosmopolitan city like New York , Boston seems like a little baby. With the land size almost double that of Singapore and population of about 6 millions; it seems like a quiet and peaceful city in contrast. Located about 5 hours drive from NYC, Boston is more branded like the Oxbridge of the United Kingdom . Herein lies the world renowned institutes of higher learning, the Harvard University and the MIT. The city itself is more tolerance and slow moving. People on the street are generally friendlier and they speak Boston accent. We love one cabby in particular, who talked to us like friends and when he heard that we were from Singapore, the only thing he know is we are governed by leader who is a dictator but eventually he confess, you guys travel much more than I do, I’ve never travel out of Boston, let me overcome my fears of flying first….
Another occasion that strikes me most in Boston is the uncanny meeting of a proud mother who was seating in the open field of Harvard campus. When we decided to take a rest at the empty chairs scattered in the lawn (presumably for students to form discussion), she immediately approached us and asked if we are accompanying our children here for the open house (gosh, do I look like my children is 20 year old). She then started telling us that her husband is the UN rep in Australia , while she is a Chinese doctor now practicing in Sydney . Then goes the story of her daughter, telling us that she was the no 1 student in the whole of Australia cohort and the University of Sydney wrote on the paper that it’s a pity that they cannot retain her there. Now, it seems like the world is her oyster and all that the renowned universities are trying is to “entice” her to study at their University. What a privilege girl! We wish her daughter all the best.
In contrast to New York City and Boston, Washington D.C. give me the impression of a city that is no-nonsense, prompt and proper, neat and orderly. The folks there have a little bit of the New Yorker's attitude but the city is compensated by a quieter and broader space of Boston . The road and streets are relatively clean and spacious. The buildings, mostly government buildings, are surprisingly clean and looks very new and I begin to think if they had undergone some makeover recently. To some extent, it somehow, according to Cat's word, lacks certain degree of vibrancy....
There are many museums to visit there but due to time constraint, we have to be selective. We choose to spend one afternoon at the National Space & Air museum, browsing through the artifact of men’s quest for the sky and space.
There are many museums to visit there but due to time constraint, we have to be selective. We choose to spend one afternoon at the National Space & Air museum, browsing through the artifact of men’s quest for the sky and space.
After Thoughts
This trip has been remarkably relax and gave us plenty of time to indulge into the essence of the America life in the big cities. I see plenty of opportunities for people regardless of race and skins colours, so long as they have the means and dreams to fulfill, anybody has equal chance to be there and make a living for themselves. I started to dreams again. I hope to be there again one day.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
First Day
Today is first day of work after taking 2 weeks of vacation leave. The feeling is bit like after taking 2 months of school holiday and now first day back to school. Indeed, my spirit is refreshed but it's filled with "blunders" though. First and foremost, when I reached my office this morning, I suddenly forgotten my entry passcode. Usually, I know what 4-digits to key in (as I don't really try and remember) but all of a sudden, I stare at the card access blankly ;) Fortunately, someone came in and open the door and spare myself from further embarrassment!.
The next little adventure I had is when I started to realise that my Notebook which has not been boot-up for 2 weeks suddenly also starts to go haywire and refuse to boot-up. I called the IT Support and after some diagnostic test, they decided it's faster to get a temp set ready for my work first while they try and "rescue" the failing notebook :( I certainly hope the harddisk can be recovered.
The above "incidents" confirmed that I've fully "overhaul" through the vacation :) Anyway, I still have plenty of work to be carried out as well even though it's first day of work. Customers just don't care. They just pick up the phone and call me for this and that.This is something that will never change I guess ;)
In the past 2 weeks free and easy roaming in US, I have accumulated quite a few thoughts which I hope I'll have the time to "download" the thoughts soon. I'll probably write and type faster than usual. Hope to get them in writing soon!
The next little adventure I had is when I started to realise that my Notebook which has not been boot-up for 2 weeks suddenly also starts to go haywire and refuse to boot-up. I called the IT Support and after some diagnostic test, they decided it's faster to get a temp set ready for my work first while they try and "rescue" the failing notebook :( I certainly hope the harddisk can be recovered.
The above "incidents" confirmed that I've fully "overhaul" through the vacation :) Anyway, I still have plenty of work to be carried out as well even though it's first day of work. Customers just don't care. They just pick up the phone and call me for this and that.This is something that will never change I guess ;)
In the past 2 weeks free and easy roaming in US, I have accumulated quite a few thoughts which I hope I'll have the time to "download" the thoughts soon. I'll probably write and type faster than usual. Hope to get them in writing soon!
Publish or Perish!
Yes, this was exactly the title of an article witten by Ken Auletta I read in magazine "The New Yorker" April 26 edition. I begin to have a better insight of these eBook reader thingy and thus, what's so big deal and significance of iPad launch....
The publication industry has been going through major overhaul not found in the last many centuries since man first invented paper from papyrus plant. In the early era, probably 5-10 years ago, Early generation of eBook readers like Rocket eBook was subsequently close down due to high cost and strong opposition and minimum support from the publishers. Think about it, which publisher in her right frame of mind would want to abandon it's profitable brick and mortar business and venture into a totally new business model and loses it's profit? Therefore, the ebook dies on it's natural cause.
In the last 3-5 years there was again a shift in this new media paradigm and as a result, the push for electronic books becomes alive again due to the high growth in broadband Internet subscribers worldwide and better eBook reader product. Amazon, being the world leader in book business sees the opportunity and begin to aggressively pursue this e-book business arm by buying the rights from publishers at $13 and then reselling back to consumers at $9.99 per ebook through their ebook reader called Kindle at a lost in order to gain market shares in this new emerging market. Of cause, they have the "muscle" to do this. This initiatives, however, displeases the publishers as it means that books will not cost more than $9.99 ever again which in turn means it will soon becomes a commodity business but nonetheless, the book publishers companies has no choice. It's like take it or leave it.
Apple iPad launched now put the equation to a slightly different stance as what it mean is that now publishers can go for Apple ways of business collaboration instead of publish or perish under Amazon's commodity mode. With it's more advanced eBook reader functionality (I've no doubt about that if you look at iPad verses the monochrome version of Amazon Kindle), publishers are now hoping that Apple can grasp into market share from Amazon and elevate the publishers to slightly above the commodity level that Amazon is positioning itself. Therefore, underneath lies this significance of the Apple iPad launch and many are looking at what Steve Jobs is up to in this new venture. Some analysts are however skeptical on what Apple will do once it gained it's market momentum as they cite the example of how Apple has historically employed similar cut-through tactic in the iTune music business.
In short, iPad is to be viewed as eBook reader rather than a Netbook contender although it has added capability to function as one if one consider Internet surfing to be one.
Having said so, I still feel that the size of Apple iPad is slightly too bulgy for one as such purpose (see my earlier post). Personally, I feel that in retrospect, Barns & Noble's Nook eBook reader has a slightly more comfortable size and weight for functionality such as this. Again, how many avid readers will switch to eBook in the near future and willing to pay for such intangible bits & bites remains yet to be seen. For me, holding a paperback book and the ability and liberty to rough handle it (drop it if i wants, folding the pages that I last read) remains an interesting experience that I associate with when reading a book. Besides, hanging around in bookstore like Borders or Kinokunia is still an interesting weekend past time for me. I guess I'm not so ready to march into this era yet. Time will tell but I hope books will still be around and hopefully it will not cost more to buy one from the bookstore when the time eventually comes.
My dream eBook reader is one that is water-proof, light-weight and made of flexible casing like silicone rubber.One that you can bring to swimming pool and relax.When that dream gadget arrives, I'm sure I would love to owe one!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
First Look - iPad
I've a chance to "touch" this giant brother of iTouch, launched in US as iPad while here in NYC ;) Yes, no doubt the WOW factor is there for the Apple gadget: Sleek, pretty design, clear display and the superb "multi-touch" look and feel, I am, unfortunately, not impress! Sorry folks of Apple, I'm not a fan of main stream goers, so I'm probably not too objective here ;)
The iPad I was "playing" in the computer store was well positioned such that I'm standing while "playing" with it on a table with a slight incline elevation. It looks rather alright facing down while "stretching" the screen with the fingers. I must say that it is quite a good feeling untill you start to type some text there. However, after the cool factor subsides, I began to wonder if this the only mode I can use this device effectively? Hope not, because if it is so, then very soon I'll have stiff neck and hand & finger ache! Besides, I feel it is not really practical to hold the iPad on one hand and stretch your fingers on the other, unless it is slightly smaller, maybe a iPad mini or something ;) Seriously, I'm suspecting that there is a usability flaw somewhere, unless or otherwise, the accessories like iPad stand or portable keypad is part of standard package but then it will not be cool anymore ;)
But again, for the price that Apple is marketing, it looks like pretty reasonable for the Apple fans to get one to add to their collectibles. Like it or not, these are money spinning opportunity for the industry.
Okay, this is just my short first look review and like I mentioned in the beginning, I may not be objective. Maybe one day I may becomes a fan myself (but i doubt so) :) In the meantime, though it is not so cool, I'm happy and contented with a Netbook (long battery life and keyboard) and a smartphone (android).
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Sleep...
"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Psa4:8
You will never appreciate how sweet is sleep (even if it's just a few hours) untill you are deprive of one yourself. It's interesting to note that God has created human being and given him the ability to sleep so that he can recharge himself and think sensibly
I need to sleepzzzz now...... as I am not thinking sensibly now ;)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Tale Of A Driver - Part 1
I remembered it was 1996 and I was 26 years old when I first got my driving licence. "Graduated" from BBDC (aka Bukit Batok Driving Centre), a 12-pointer, 1 sitting, 2.5 months to complete advanced theory, 25 compulsory circuit hours and practical exam. I did my basic theory a few years ago though but did not take up PDL immediately. (Sorry, when come to this subject, I think I need act proud a bit ;) )
Okay, let me continue my hall of "achievements". Total driven 2 cars in UK, 4 cars in SG and 2 rented cars in overseas. In terms of mileage, if I were to discount my 2 years (1996-98) stay in UK (although I drove in UK too), and started counting from 1999 and since then, I've never stop driving till today (other than overseas holiday, reservist trainings and I really can't recall any time else). As far as I can recall, my recent years (3yr (car b) + 4.5yr (car c) +2yr (car d)) mileage is on average around 40KM/year. I can't really recall my first 2.5yr (car a) mileage in SG, but let's assume it's 25KM/yr, therefore, my total mileage clocked on mother earth is at lest 442,500KM! (Ops, ops, let's stop the count here and not go into $$ spent on petrol and servicing and etc...)
In summary, my humble CV is as follows:
Name: Man@40s
Year of service : 14 years
Mileage clocked : 442,500KM
Skill : 12 years "Manual" mode; 2 year "Auto" mode
No of accidents : 2 minor, 3 trivial
Longest drive without stop : 3.5Hr
Furthest city driven from Singapore : Penang (Malaysia)
Fastest drive without stop : 300KM in 2.5Hr
Shortest drive without stop : ?
No of fine : Ops, don't ask!
A side effect of my above "track record" is that I becomes a truly "moron" when comes to taking buses and some new routes in SMRT.
Okay, alright, so much for my 'credential". Now, I think, I, should truly "qualify" to write a tale or two of some driving stories but it's gonna be another posts as it's getting late. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if you need my "service" :)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Book Review: iCon - Steve Jobs
Okay, I do enjoy reading biography....and this book is no difference in it's ability to retain my interest that I managed to finish reading the book while on my tour to Tokyo/Osaka some 2 years ago.
Interestingly, although I can't find where is the book now but as I recall back, I'm still able to share 3 takeaways that I remembered.
1. Although Steve is an international iconic figure accredited much to his charismatic personality and his aesthetics taste in product design, he may not be an easy person to work with in real life. At least not before his recent bout of illness.
2. Being a successful leader is not necessarily the most capable person in the team. Most people know that the brain and the know-how behind the first apple computer is actually Steve Wozniak but it's Steve Jobs who brings the Mac to the new heights. Like it or not, this has happen many times in real life everywhere. Talk about Apple, people remember Jobs, not Wozniak (the forgotten Steve).
3. Apple's board room is an extremely "political" place. Period.
Although, I'm not too certain about the authors' creditability of their research of Steve Jobs (since it's highlighted that it's still considered an unathorised biography) , I think this is still a very readable book, if you just want to dig into the mind behind the man who turnaround Apple Inc with it's the latest sleight of killer designer gadgets like iPod, iPhone and the latest iPad.....
I would recommend this book to readers who simply love both techs and business life!
Interestingly, although I can't find where is the book now but as I recall back, I'm still able to share 3 takeaways that I remembered.
1. Although Steve is an international iconic figure accredited much to his charismatic personality and his aesthetics taste in product design, he may not be an easy person to work with in real life. At least not before his recent bout of illness.
2. Being a successful leader is not necessarily the most capable person in the team. Most people know that the brain and the know-how behind the first apple computer is actually Steve Wozniak but it's Steve Jobs who brings the Mac to the new heights. Like it or not, this has happen many times in real life everywhere. Talk about Apple, people remember Jobs, not Wozniak (the forgotten Steve).
3. Apple's board room is an extremely "political" place. Period.
Although, I'm not too certain about the authors' creditability of their research of Steve Jobs (since it's highlighted that it's still considered an unathorised biography) , I think this is still a very readable book, if you just want to dig into the mind behind the man who turnaround Apple Inc with it's the latest sleight of killer designer gadgets like iPod, iPhone and the latest iPad.....
I would recommend this book to readers who simply love both techs and business life!
New York, New York! (A Prelude)
In just another 2 weeks time, Cat and myself will be embarking on a trip to the land of Big Apple (and the nearby cities). I'm quite excited about this trip although I leave most of the planning to Cat who is even more excited than me ;)
This will be the first time we are having a really DIY free-n-easy trip. Although it's not necessary $-savers this way, it provides a lot more flexibility in terms of how we can control the itinerary and the pace....we manage to also include 2 concerts and 1 opera in this trip too.
So far, most of the major booking has been done online and we are now left with excursion trip out to the Niagara Fall. I've plugin the details to Google Calendar...
Okay, So much for now.....
Saturday, April 3, 2010
New Sound System - Philips SoundBar 2351
Today, I finally replaced my faulty Sony Theatre System that comes with Subwoofer and 5-way speakers with an integrated all-in-one Sound System from Phillips.
Click here for details
The setup is pretty straight forward. However, I've lost the FM radio connectivity (for the time being) as my starhub cable point is also tap out to connect to my cable modem as I've decided to move the modem and wireless router to the living area so that I have better coverage for the whole house.
Anyhow, the feeling is great as it has been a long time since credible sound came out from that part of my house. I would like to spend some time next enjoying good music from my CD collections :)
Me, Mine & I (MMI) Syndrome
Living in a hectic and competitive Singapore today, many of us, if I were to quantify, perhaps including myself to some extend has developed some form of MMI syndrome one way or another. Such behaviours are largely amplified in area like driving, esp. parking, finding seats at public eatery place like hawker centres, food courts and indiscreet rumblings in places like cinema, library, etc....
What concerned me most, without me sounding judgmental, is a general lack of self-consciousness in some people when conducting themselves in public domains.....
I can remember vividly, a few occasions (not just once) whereby after circling my car in the busy car-park for sometime, and finally spotted a couple walking towards their car, I stopped the car and waited with much delights and reliefs. What follows though, is much to my surprise (and anguish) , the driver, probably sensing that someone is waiting for him, can actually take his own sweet time to load his bags of groceries into the boot, slowly get into the car, start-up the engine, play around with his mobile for a while, talking to his girlfriend or wife, and then finally, (if I were to add, reluctantly) drive his car out of the parking lot after some good 5 minutes or so!
*Sigh*, I'm no saint myself, but I think a basic principle I would follow is at least for whatever thing I do, make sure I do not cause inconvenience to others. That means, if I need to park my car illegally (not that I'm encouraging that ;) ) , make sure I don't obstruct other cars. If I need to talk loudly in public places (why should I huh?) , make sure there are nobody nearby, etc....
Be thoughtful today, and send the MMI away! In a sense, if everyone play their little part, and be more self-conscious, we can fight the MMI syndrome and becomes more civic in public places.
What concerned me most, without me sounding judgmental, is a general lack of self-consciousness in some people when conducting themselves in public domains.....
I can remember vividly, a few occasions (not just once) whereby after circling my car in the busy car-park for sometime, and finally spotted a couple walking towards their car, I stopped the car and waited with much delights and reliefs. What follows though, is much to my surprise (and anguish) , the driver, probably sensing that someone is waiting for him, can actually take his own sweet time to load his bags of groceries into the boot, slowly get into the car, start-up the engine, play around with his mobile for a while, talking to his girlfriend or wife, and then finally, (if I were to add, reluctantly) drive his car out of the parking lot after some good 5 minutes or so!
*Sigh*, I'm no saint myself, but I think a basic principle I would follow is at least for whatever thing I do, make sure I do not cause inconvenience to others. That means, if I need to park my car illegally (not that I'm encouraging that ;) ) , make sure I don't obstruct other cars. If I need to talk loudly in public places (why should I huh?) , make sure there are nobody nearby, etc....
Be thoughtful today, and send the MMI away! In a sense, if everyone play their little part, and be more self-conscious, we can fight the MMI syndrome and becomes more civic in public places.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
You know the sum....but can you solve a differences problem?
How to solve a differences problem? May I propose the following solutions:
1. Add up the short for to make it whole again. - Patching up.
2. Subtract the differences from the whole and do nothing. - Maintaining status-quo.
3. Write-off the differences and make it a new whole. - Moving on.
In any human relationship, when you encounter differences in view points, opinions, ways of working, just like doing a maths problem, at different stages of the relationship, there is a need to evaluate what's the best approach to solve the problem. In practice, it's not so easy, of cause.
Differences are not necessary a bad thing if you learn how to handle it well...It requires a mature mentality and controlled emotion and it's better if you start thinking about the solutions while your mind is still working :)
Break What? Break all the rules of conventional wisdom...
This is one of most pragmatic and thought provoking book on how to be a good manager (by breaking all the rules of conventional wisdom.)
In summary, the 4-Keys propound by Marcus are :
Key1: Select for talent
Key2: Define the right outcome
Key3: Focus on strengths
Key4: Find the right fit
I like the way Marcus started off the entire methodology hinging on finding the right talents. One of the sub-topic, "Why is talent more important than experience, and will power" says it all.
To know why someone perform certain task naturally with total ease while another person struggle just to meet bear minimum requirement is how talents work at it's very best.
This book is a gem if you can afford the time to slowly gleans the many wisdom derive from many years of research and interviewing with the best managers in many corporations. Rather than spending many hours trying to follows conventional wisdom, this book provides a fresh breath of "life" to the frustrating managers trying to figure out what went wrong in his own management style.
From personal point of view, knowing where ones' talents are had also make him/her a happier person at work. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to find enjoyment in his work and career!
In summary, the 4-Keys propound by Marcus are :
Key1: Select for talent
Key2: Define the right outcome
Key3: Focus on strengths
Key4: Find the right fit
I like the way Marcus started off the entire methodology hinging on finding the right talents. One of the sub-topic, "Why is talent more important than experience, and will power" says it all.
To know why someone perform certain task naturally with total ease while another person struggle just to meet bear minimum requirement is how talents work at it's very best.
This book is a gem if you can afford the time to slowly gleans the many wisdom derive from many years of research and interviewing with the best managers in many corporations. Rather than spending many hours trying to follows conventional wisdom, this book provides a fresh breath of "life" to the frustrating managers trying to figure out what went wrong in his own management style.
From personal point of view, knowing where ones' talents are had also make him/her a happier person at work. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to find enjoyment in his work and career!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Another Kiddy Movie?
Yesterday, Cat and I brought our young friend, Christine for a sneak preview of a movie "Diary of Wimpy Kid" adapted from a popular quirky comics-style books, called the "The Wimpy Kid" series...
I must admit, initially I am a bit apprehensive ( I almost wanted to use the word "sianz" ;) ) when I heard about movie title like this. For one, I'm not a fan of comics book, neither have I read what the book is about. Anyway, I decided to just support the 2 ladies here and accompany them for an afternoon session of R&R, bearing in my mind as what was stated in the GV website that it's a "94 M I N U T E" show. Subconsciously, I was planning how I can wondered my mind during the hour and half ;)
To my very very pleasant surprise, I was not bored during the entire 94 min. In fact, I kind of enjoy this movie.
The storyline is simple. It started with a scene of a boy called Greg, first day in middle school ( I suppose the equivalent of our secondary school in Singapore), his adventure meeting his elementary school friend, Rowley, a simple-minded carefree boy and later becomes his "good" friend, amidst some adventures around the school scenes.....
A simple to understand story for even a "three decades" generation gaps people like me.... Kind of refreshing I must says. For once I had almost forgotten those "first days" in schools days and our own little adventure of making friends and learning....
I guess the one theme that stand out in this story is about friendship.
What the author of the book intelligently portrayed is how Greg, a little 13 year old boy with an adult cynical mind, and perhaps called "wimpy", aims to be successful in his school, for some undue reasons were surrounded by the not so favourable circumstances, that somehow also lead to him getting further and further away from his goal. However, one thing remains....his friendship with Rowley and for that, they entered the school book as the "funniest friends".
Interesting, lasting friendship does not necessarily equate friends with complete like-mindless in some occasions. For Greg and Rowley case, they are completely poles apart. Greg represents one with far-sighted and ambitious mind while Rowley, on the other hand, a simple down to earth, happy-go-lucky type. Somewhat, somehow, in God's providence, sometimes lasting friendship were formed this way.
Okay, so much for some "wimpy" thoughts from a "40s" years old man. If you too are feeling a bit stagnant in your own world, go catch a kid's movie :)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Law of "Association" or Simply,Habit :)
I remembered learning about this in Psychology 101 during the college's day. Noticeably, the Frued's test experiment on Learning by association or academically known as "Classical Conditioning". In a nutshell, it is something like how our brain conditions itself according to some triggers that was learned through some past experience....
http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behsys/classcnd.html
I found this very "real" in the animal world. My dog at home exhibit this bahaviour almost everyday. Every night, when I'm back home from work and as I walk to the kitchen, somehow my dog knows that it's about "dinners' time". The moment I took the mug out, she will jumping around and waited with strong anticipation that I will next walk to the yard with the mug of water and then follow by her food.....
Now back to human world... are we somehow like that as well? Did you consciously or unconsciously realise that sometimes when you walk through some "places" or smell of something, you will immediately reacts with the "same" responses? Yes, for me it does..... :)
In layman, this is what's we term as "habit"......
http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behsys/classcnd.html
I found this very "real" in the animal world. My dog at home exhibit this bahaviour almost everyday. Every night, when I'm back home from work and as I walk to the kitchen, somehow my dog knows that it's about "dinners' time". The moment I took the mug out, she will jumping around and waited with strong anticipation that I will next walk to the yard with the mug of water and then follow by her food.....
Now back to human world... are we somehow like that as well? Did you consciously or unconsciously realise that sometimes when you walk through some "places" or smell of something, you will immediately reacts with the "same" responses? Yes, for me it does..... :)
In layman, this is what's we term as "habit"......
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Makati - A city less travelled
By a stroke of providence, I was asked to attend a regional meeting in Manila on 4-5 March. There was a little bit of excitement I must admit (secretly). The chance to visit and explore a new place, sailing through uncharted water (from my perspective) is always something that kind of "re-ignite" me.....
Makati, Makati, Makati....... (not to confuse with our MM Lee's famous "Merdeka" incitement, during the pre-independent era) Where on earth is this place? I bet not many Singaporean except those who have traveled to Manila (mostly for work) and some well read people would know that this is one of Metro Manila's famous city that houses the major financial and commercial institutions. I seriously doubt the value conscious Singaporean would want to dig in to their pocket to go and tour Manila (as they believe there are more exciting place with the equivalent dollar spent) though some may want to venture into Cebu outside Manila for it's exotic diving, the beautiful beaches and seaside resorts....
Anyhow, I reached Manila Ninoy Aquino International airport T1 at about 10min to 6pm on 3-Mar. First impression, to be frank, nothing impressive. The place looks like a typical south-east asia airport (except Changi, KLIA). A clamp type of feeling... not overly crowded in the arrival hall at that time. The customs staffs are reasonably friendly and efficient. No language bearer.
After clearing the customs, I was greeted and escorted by hotel transfer staff who then led me to the cabby that was scheduled to drive me to my hotel. It was about half 6 when I reached the city area and the place looked as dark as half 7 in Singapore's equivalent. I then quicky checked-in and spent the next few hours roaming around the vicinity area.
Dusit Thani Hotel (where I stayed) is located very close to the shopping belt, which boast to house the biggest mall in Asia....( well i take that claim with a pinch of salt nowadays ;) ) As I'm not that much into shopping, so my assessment after a quick comb of the area is that, yes, indeed you can find Katong, Queensway, Lot1, People's Park, Takashima all in around the same area, either link by an overhead bridge, underground passage or a short traffic light. As usual, the "People's Park" type of complexes are crowded with shoppers and the higher end mall (I suppose those around GreenBelt area) are less crowded. The disparity is distinctly clear. There are few night-out area with pubs and restaurants mainly around the Greenbelt area that are mainly crowed with lot's of foreigners and the upper class pinoys....
Rather unfortunately, my experiential knowledge of this M city is contained within the limited few hours of care-free roaming on the first day of arrival... Due to work, I am restricted myself to Hotel meeting room, dining area and my temporary hotel room for most of the 3 days stay.
Finally, I took some photo shots on the last day, 2 hours of R&R before I head back to the airport. Below were some shots I took from my phone camera.
Makati, Makati, Makati....... (not to confuse with our MM Lee's famous "Merdeka" incitement, during the pre-independent era) Where on earth is this place? I bet not many Singaporean except those who have traveled to Manila (mostly for work) and some well read people would know that this is one of Metro Manila's famous city that houses the major financial and commercial institutions. I seriously doubt the value conscious Singaporean would want to dig in to their pocket to go and tour Manila (as they believe there are more exciting place with the equivalent dollar spent) though some may want to venture into Cebu outside Manila for it's exotic diving, the beautiful beaches and seaside resorts....
Anyhow, I reached Manila Ninoy Aquino International airport T1 at about 10min to 6pm on 3-Mar. First impression, to be frank, nothing impressive. The place looks like a typical south-east asia airport (except Changi, KLIA). A clamp type of feeling... not overly crowded in the arrival hall at that time. The customs staffs are reasonably friendly and efficient. No language bearer.
After clearing the customs, I was greeted and escorted by hotel transfer staff who then led me to the cabby that was scheduled to drive me to my hotel. It was about half 6 when I reached the city area and the place looked as dark as half 7 in Singapore's equivalent. I then quicky checked-in and spent the next few hours roaming around the vicinity area.
Dusit Thani Hotel (where I stayed) is located very close to the shopping belt, which boast to house the biggest mall in Asia....( well i take that claim with a pinch of salt nowadays ;) ) As I'm not that much into shopping, so my assessment after a quick comb of the area is that, yes, indeed you can find Katong, Queensway, Lot1, People's Park, Takashima all in around the same area, either link by an overhead bridge, underground passage or a short traffic light. As usual, the "People's Park" type of complexes are crowded with shoppers and the higher end mall (I suppose those around GreenBelt area) are less crowded. The disparity is distinctly clear. There are few night-out area with pubs and restaurants mainly around the Greenbelt area that are mainly crowed with lot's of foreigners and the upper class pinoys....
Rather unfortunately, my experiential knowledge of this M city is contained within the limited few hours of care-free roaming on the first day of arrival... Due to work, I am restricted myself to Hotel meeting room, dining area and my temporary hotel room for most of the 3 days stay.
Finally, I took some photo shots on the last day, 2 hours of R&R before I head back to the airport. Below were some shots I took from my phone camera.
Inside Seattle Best Coffee, I like the taste of Java Chill :)
View from overhead bridge that link Landmark and Greenbelt Shopping Malls
View from overhead bridge that link Landmark and Greenbelt Shopping Malls
Sunday, February 28, 2010
First Post....
Ok, finally, I put this into work. Creating a blog is pretty simple huh :) I guess the challenge is more about maintaining it.
Had been pondering about setting up this blog thingy for quite a while but nonetheless, my energy level has been pretty low recently; partly work has been draining off the quest; partly due to the procrastination.....whatever it is, history is finally set!
Now, a few words about why this blog and why I named it Man@40s. First, I'm hitting 40 this year. For some reasons, when a man reaches his "ty", somehow it means something.... it is a bit like entering a checkpoint in front of him whereby he steps into the next decade. When I was 30, the world was rather busy coz we were all crossing the great millennium....I can't remember what thirty means to me then, neither can I remember what I was doing when I was twenty ;)
Now that I'm forty, ahem...to be exact, after my birthday in march, me too will be stepping into this checkpoint, where plenty of others had gone through before me.
It's going to be a new chapter in my life. Therefore, I hope to start documenting some of my thoughts on life and things surrounding myself as I wonder through the new decade. This is going to be my personal space and I'm free to express what I want to express :) This will be the true spirit for the Man@40s!
Had been pondering about setting up this blog thingy for quite a while but nonetheless, my energy level has been pretty low recently; partly work has been draining off the quest; partly due to the procrastination.....whatever it is, history is finally set!
Now, a few words about why this blog and why I named it Man@40s. First, I'm hitting 40 this year. For some reasons, when a man reaches his "ty", somehow it means something.... it is a bit like entering a checkpoint in front of him whereby he steps into the next decade. When I was 30, the world was rather busy coz we were all crossing the great millennium....I can't remember what thirty means to me then, neither can I remember what I was doing when I was twenty ;)
Now that I'm forty, ahem...to be exact, after my birthday in march, me too will be stepping into this checkpoint, where plenty of others had gone through before me.
It's going to be a new chapter in my life. Therefore, I hope to start documenting some of my thoughts on life and things surrounding myself as I wonder through the new decade. This is going to be my personal space and I'm free to express what I want to express :) This will be the true spirit for the Man@40s!
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