Just received news that I did not get it.
So too bad. Well I dun have all the luck.
Life goes on. Time to move on.
A "super sian" Polarbear
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
10 years already!
Today went for a gathering with my Navy buddies @ BrewWorks whom we had stayed together and "suffered" for 11 mths! It happen that this year is our 10th year anniversary!
Other than catching up with each other and updating each other what we had been up to, it seems that a lot of us also became daddies and started talking about children! Haha.... Seems like a lot of us are also not in the service any more, and there is a few coming out soon as well.
It was fun and glad to see that most of the people actually made it a point to turn up at east even for a while! It really makes me think of the good old days where I used to "suffer" there! Even now they are still laughing that I am the slow runner when doing our 5BX in the morning!
From the organisers, this is a warm up, seems like there will be another even at the end of the year! Sounds good to me! Hee...
A "getting old" Polarbear
Other than catching up with each other and updating each other what we had been up to, it seems that a lot of us also became daddies and started talking about children! Haha.... Seems like a lot of us are also not in the service any more, and there is a few coming out soon as well.
It was fun and glad to see that most of the people actually made it a point to turn up at east even for a while! It really makes me think of the good old days where I used to "suffer" there! Even now they are still laughing that I am the slow runner when doing our 5BX in the morning!
From the organisers, this is a warm up, seems like there will be another even at the end of the year! Sounds good to me! Hee...
A "getting old" Polarbear
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
New Month, New Beginning
Today marks another new month also another new beginning for me as I will be starting on my new job in another few hours time. I am now keying this as I could not go to sleep, due to excitement maybe.
I have been slacking for the past 2 months plus and sort of getting used to the slacking life. Haha.... I am now a bit afraid to start work as I do not know what to expect and I also feel a bit rusty at things as well.
I am also excited to know new people and to work in a new environment as well. Hope things will work out for me this time and there will be no issues too big for me handle as well. I think I also need to really understand the job scope and see what I really need to do for the next 3 months.
So I assume with the new job, it is going to bring new changes into my life. Let's hope that the changes is not going to be too big. One thing for sure, I will not be attending my usual 6.30pm gym classes. :(
I think I better end now as I really need to go and sleep and wake up early later as I really dun want to be late on my first day right? Hee...
So wish me luck!
A "starting new job" Polarbear
I have been slacking for the past 2 months plus and sort of getting used to the slacking life. Haha.... I am now a bit afraid to start work as I do not know what to expect and I also feel a bit rusty at things as well.
I am also excited to know new people and to work in a new environment as well. Hope things will work out for me this time and there will be no issues too big for me handle as well. I think I also need to really understand the job scope and see what I really need to do for the next 3 months.
So I assume with the new job, it is going to bring new changes into my life. Let's hope that the changes is not going to be too big. One thing for sure, I will not be attending my usual 6.30pm gym classes. :(
I think I better end now as I really need to go and sleep and wake up early later as I really dun want to be late on my first day right? Hee...
So wish me luck!
A "starting new job" Polarbear
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Free time!
Recently suddenly had a lot of free time on hand. Most of it was spent on doing nothing much actually. Haha...
Today finally decided to move my lazy ass and head to the swimming pool for 30 laps. I had not been swimming since my last dive trip almost 2 months ago. I am happy to say that I managed to complete my laps around my usual timing.
I was quite surprised to see many people at the pool like as if it was a weekend. Still I managed to complete the 30 laps in peace but the only sad thing was the sun was hiding behind the clouds today. I was quite happy with myself after the swim today.
Hmm... was thinking if I should continue to swim tomorrow as well? Well shall leave it to tomorrow and decide.
A "happy to be in the pool" Polarbear
Today finally decided to move my lazy ass and head to the swimming pool for 30 laps. I had not been swimming since my last dive trip almost 2 months ago. I am happy to say that I managed to complete my laps around my usual timing.
I was quite surprised to see many people at the pool like as if it was a weekend. Still I managed to complete the 30 laps in peace but the only sad thing was the sun was hiding behind the clouds today. I was quite happy with myself after the swim today.
Hmm... was thinking if I should continue to swim tomorrow as well? Well shall leave it to tomorrow and decide.
A "happy to be in the pool" Polarbear
Friday, August 22, 2008
Disappointed with M1!
The M1 line that I am using now, is the only mobile number that I had been using. So come to think of it I had been suing it since I am 16 years old. Wow that was long. Hee...
So since my contract is coming to an end, I had been thinking if I would like to switch to the Singtel or Starhub or stay with M1. So I called M1 up to tell them my intention to buy a phone from them and at the same time to re contract my line. So in the end guess what they offer me?... Sigh...
After a week of waiting, they offered me $50 off my next bill and 6 months caller id free ($30). After talking over the phone with the operator, she finally decided to throw in another 3 months free autoroaming ($30). Total up to only a miserable of $110 for being their loyal customer for the past 10 over years.
Their latest tag line is "You deserve better!", but I dun really feel it from them.
To say I am just totally disappointed with M1!
A "very disappointed" Polarbear
So since my contract is coming to an end, I had been thinking if I would like to switch to the Singtel or Starhub or stay with M1. So I called M1 up to tell them my intention to buy a phone from them and at the same time to re contract my line. So in the end guess what they offer me?... Sigh...
After a week of waiting, they offered me $50 off my next bill and 6 months caller id free ($30). After talking over the phone with the operator, she finally decided to throw in another 3 months free autoroaming ($30). Total up to only a miserable of $110 for being their loyal customer for the past 10 over years.
Their latest tag line is "You deserve better!", but I dun really feel it from them.
To say I am just totally disappointed with M1!
A "very disappointed" Polarbear
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Stressed!
Recently there was a problem at work. Since it was not actually my department issue, I initially stand aside, trying not to get involved.
With a twist of luck, I was sucked into the action. With a lot of people suddenly wanted to have a piece of it and wants to be updated at all times. However it seems that instead of being understanding and help to solve the problem, they actually added in more stress. The rest of the people just use their mouth to talk and no action done while my team was working our ass off trying to solve the problem.
The problem was solved yesterday. When the news spread, everyone was trying to gain credit for it, and people who did not work in the issue even emailed to talk about what we can do to prevent this problem. Since when they know what to do? Where were they when we needed assistance to solve the problem?
At times, I really pity my team who have been working their ass off yet people ate unappreciative of them.
Now rushing on report that other people, who are not involved, are chasing for it. Sigh....
A "very tired" Polarbear
With a twist of luck, I was sucked into the action. With a lot of people suddenly wanted to have a piece of it and wants to be updated at all times. However it seems that instead of being understanding and help to solve the problem, they actually added in more stress. The rest of the people just use their mouth to talk and no action done while my team was working our ass off trying to solve the problem.
The problem was solved yesterday. When the news spread, everyone was trying to gain credit for it, and people who did not work in the issue even emailed to talk about what we can do to prevent this problem. Since when they know what to do? Where were they when we needed assistance to solve the problem?
At times, I really pity my team who have been working their ass off yet people ate unappreciative of them.
Now rushing on report that other people, who are not involved, are chasing for it. Sigh....
A "very tired" Polarbear
Monday, July 07, 2008
News Flash! Earthquake rocks Metro Manila!
"A magnitude 3 earthquake rocked Metro Manila at 8:01 last night, the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology Institute said. The quake was felt at Magnitude 4.5 in Nueva Ecija, Aurora and Bulacan."
Read this in the Manila newspapers this morning. OMG! I landed yesterday night and I did not felt it at all. Hmm... So what I was doing at that time? I was having dinner. Hmm... Maybe it was not strong enough to be felt.
Well you can experience typhoon and earthquake in Manila, I was lucky enough to fly out before the last typhoon landed. This time got earthquake I also did not feel anything as well.
Hee.. So I better start thinking what I should do when an earthquake happens.
Anyone knows how?
A "mountain tortise" Polarbear
Read this in the Manila newspapers this morning. OMG! I landed yesterday night and I did not felt it at all. Hmm... So what I was doing at that time? I was having dinner. Hmm... Maybe it was not strong enough to be felt.
Well you can experience typhoon and earthquake in Manila, I was lucky enough to fly out before the last typhoon landed. This time got earthquake I also did not feel anything as well.
Hee.. So I better start thinking what I should do when an earthquake happens.
Anyone knows how?
A "mountain tortise" Polarbear
Friday, June 20, 2008
So happy!
I am going back home in a few hours time! I am so excited and happy!
Another reason is I am going to be in Singapore for the whole of next week! Woo Hoo! So looking forward to what I am going to do back home next week!
A "happy" Polarbear
Another reason is I am going to be in Singapore for the whole of next week! Woo Hoo! So looking forward to what I am going to do back home next week!
A "happy" Polarbear
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Slowing down a bit
Ever since I started on this new job, I had been flying in and out of the country. Finally from next week onwards, I can see that I am going to slow down a bit and hope to stay in Singapore more often. Hee...
Well stay in Singapore can be good, at least I will not be working longer hours, yes I spent most of my waking time overseas working. I can be doing things that I used to do like going to the movies and gym as usual. Haha...
So looking forward to getting my old life back. Of course, I will still miss my flying life. Haha.
A "homely" Polabear
Well stay in Singapore can be good, at least I will not be working longer hours, yes I spent most of my waking time overseas working. I can be doing things that I used to do like going to the movies and gym as usual. Haha...
So looking forward to getting my old life back. Of course, I will still miss my flying life. Haha.
A "homely" Polabear
Thursday, May 15, 2008
US lists polar bears as threatened
Just saw this piece of very sad news. Extract:
"WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US government Wednesday listed polar bears as a threatened species owing to a drastic reduction in Arctic sea ice, but insisted the step did not mark a policy shift to attack global warming.
The announcement by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne amounted to the government's first use of the Endangered Species Act to acknowledge the loss of an animal habitat caused by climate change.
"While the legal standards under the ESA compel me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting," Kempthorne told a news conference.
"Any real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective," he said, echoing President George W. Bush's reasons for renouncing the Kyoto treaty on global warming.
The Interior Department said that under the ESA, a listing of "threatened" means that a species is at risk of becoming "endangered" within the near future. It is listed as endangered when it faces imminent extinction.
The polar bear now comes under federal protection, but officials were vague about what that would mean in practice, and stressed there would be no halt to oil and gas drilling in the bears' frozen habitat.
Dale Hall, director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, said he did not want to "prejudge recommendations" by government scientists on how best to protect the bears now.
The Bush administration supports energy exploration in an Alaska wildlife refuge, adamant that industry regulations already exist to protect species such as polar bears, whales, seals and walruses.
Kempthorne did detail greater steps to monitor polar bear populations in Alaska and outlying islands in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, where the US government this year has sold new leases for oil and gas production.
Hunting of polar bears is already restricted under US law after their numbers fell as low as 12,000 in the 1960s, and Kempthorne said ice melting posed the greatest danger now, not energy production or indigenous peoples.
The iconic bears' population has rebounded to an estimated 20,000-25,000, two-thirds of them in Canada, but Kempthorne said they were "likely to become in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future" without preventive action.
Canadian Environment Minister John Baird said he was not planning to replicate the US designation, arguing that Canada's larger polar bear population was "very different" to America's.
But Baird said he would list the bears as being at risk "in a heartbeat," in line with a Canadian scientific panel's recommendations last month.
The committee had recommended designating Canadian polar bears as a species "of special concern," but not one imminently threatened with extinction.
The US interior secretary displayed satellite images showing Arctic sea ice had fallen to its lowest level ever recorded, 39 percent below the long-term average from 1979 to 2000.
"Today's decision is a tremendous victory for one of the world's most iconic and charismatic animals," said Carter Roberts, president of the US arm of the World Wildlife Fund.
"The other big winner today is sound science, which has clearly trumped politics, providing polar bears a new lease on life," he said.
But WWF and other environmental groups also stressed that the US government, which has resisted all legal efforts to parlay the ESA into a law against climate change, had to address the underlying cause: greenhouse gas emissions.
"Federal protection represents only the tip of the iceberg if Americans want to save the polar bear," said Betsy Loyless, senior vice president of the National Audubon Society.
"Listing the bear as threatened is not going to save it if we continue to melt (ice) and drill its habitat," she said.
Edward Markey, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives select committee on global warming, said that at the same time, the US government was allowing Arctic oil and gas drilling to continue "unchecked."
"Essentially, the administration is giving a gift to Big Oil, and short shrift to the polar bear," he said."
OMG! It seems like Polarbear are going to disappear from the face of the earth. That is both bad and sad news!
So EVERYONE, it is time to save the Earth and the Polarbears! Do your part ok!
A "very sad" Polarbear
"WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US government Wednesday listed polar bears as a threatened species owing to a drastic reduction in Arctic sea ice, but insisted the step did not mark a policy shift to attack global warming.
The announcement by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne amounted to the government's first use of the Endangered Species Act to acknowledge the loss of an animal habitat caused by climate change.
"While the legal standards under the ESA compel me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting," Kempthorne told a news conference.
"Any real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective," he said, echoing President George W. Bush's reasons for renouncing the Kyoto treaty on global warming.
The Interior Department said that under the ESA, a listing of "threatened" means that a species is at risk of becoming "endangered" within the near future. It is listed as endangered when it faces imminent extinction.
The polar bear now comes under federal protection, but officials were vague about what that would mean in practice, and stressed there would be no halt to oil and gas drilling in the bears' frozen habitat.
Dale Hall, director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, said he did not want to "prejudge recommendations" by government scientists on how best to protect the bears now.
The Bush administration supports energy exploration in an Alaska wildlife refuge, adamant that industry regulations already exist to protect species such as polar bears, whales, seals and walruses.
Kempthorne did detail greater steps to monitor polar bear populations in Alaska and outlying islands in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, where the US government this year has sold new leases for oil and gas production.
Hunting of polar bears is already restricted under US law after their numbers fell as low as 12,000 in the 1960s, and Kempthorne said ice melting posed the greatest danger now, not energy production or indigenous peoples.
The iconic bears' population has rebounded to an estimated 20,000-25,000, two-thirds of them in Canada, but Kempthorne said they were "likely to become in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future" without preventive action.
Canadian Environment Minister John Baird said he was not planning to replicate the US designation, arguing that Canada's larger polar bear population was "very different" to America's.
But Baird said he would list the bears as being at risk "in a heartbeat," in line with a Canadian scientific panel's recommendations last month.
The committee had recommended designating Canadian polar bears as a species "of special concern," but not one imminently threatened with extinction.
The US interior secretary displayed satellite images showing Arctic sea ice had fallen to its lowest level ever recorded, 39 percent below the long-term average from 1979 to 2000.
"Today's decision is a tremendous victory for one of the world's most iconic and charismatic animals," said Carter Roberts, president of the US arm of the World Wildlife Fund.
"The other big winner today is sound science, which has clearly trumped politics, providing polar bears a new lease on life," he said.
But WWF and other environmental groups also stressed that the US government, which has resisted all legal efforts to parlay the ESA into a law against climate change, had to address the underlying cause: greenhouse gas emissions.
"Federal protection represents only the tip of the iceberg if Americans want to save the polar bear," said Betsy Loyless, senior vice president of the National Audubon Society.
"Listing the bear as threatened is not going to save it if we continue to melt (ice) and drill its habitat," she said.
Edward Markey, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives select committee on global warming, said that at the same time, the US government was allowing Arctic oil and gas drilling to continue "unchecked."
"Essentially, the administration is giving a gift to Big Oil, and short shrift to the polar bear," he said."
OMG! It seems like Polarbear are going to disappear from the face of the earth. That is both bad and sad news!
So EVERYONE, it is time to save the Earth and the Polarbears! Do your part ok!
A "very sad" Polarbear
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Cannot believe this actually happened!
This morning, got a shocked when my manager told me that HR is asking if I would consider to cut short of my one month notice and leave the company earlier.
My first thought was WHY?
In the end, the answer was so that the company can cut down on the cost and refrain from paying an employee who will be doing nothing until my last day. I "volunteered" to leave early then. For the record, they wanted me to leave like tomorrow, and I pushed it back to next Friday instead.
Based on the contract that I signed with my company was to give ONE MONTH'S NOTICE which I did and now they want me to leave earlier. I still got 4 days of leave which I intend to encash at first, and was approved in the first place. Now it will be used instead.
Well it could be a blessing in disguise but I just dun like the way my company is handling this issue.
If HR is not the one making decisions, I wonder who is the one then? Well I am going to have a good talk with the HR manager during my exit interview. To say that my company is a BIG ESTABLISHED company in Singapore some more and got to resort to this to save cost. OMG!
A "very annoyed" Polarbear
My first thought was WHY?
In the end, the answer was so that the company can cut down on the cost and refrain from paying an employee who will be doing nothing until my last day. I "volunteered" to leave early then. For the record, they wanted me to leave like tomorrow, and I pushed it back to next Friday instead.
Based on the contract that I signed with my company was to give ONE MONTH'S NOTICE which I did and now they want me to leave earlier. I still got 4 days of leave which I intend to encash at first, and was approved in the first place. Now it will be used instead.
Well it could be a blessing in disguise but I just dun like the way my company is handling this issue.
If HR is not the one making decisions, I wonder who is the one then? Well I am going to have a good talk with the HR manager during my exit interview. To say that my company is a BIG ESTABLISHED company in Singapore some more and got to resort to this to save cost. OMG!
A "very annoyed" Polarbear
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Time for a MAJOR Change.
These few days had been a few "torturing" days for Polarbear. So much so that I had a lasting headache ever!
It started of from one thing to another and before I know it, I was offered a job. Yes a job offer on hand. The job was a challenging yet, to me, it is an interesting, sort of a dream job to me. Of course not to mention the big pay package as well. Hee...
In the end, I decided and tendered my resignation letter yesterday. Well decided to throw it one day earlier so that other people will not think that it is an April Fool's joke.
Anyway, my big boss called me up a few minutes ago, had a short discussion and after listening to me, he encouraged me to take up the job offer as well. It is comforting for him to tell me that I am welcomed back anytime I want to.
So I am serving my notice until end of the month. Should be starting my new job in May.
This will be a Major change in my life yet again and hope that it will be a good change as well! Hee....
Pls note that this is not a April Fool's Joke. Wahahahaha!
A "very excited" Polarbear
It started of from one thing to another and before I know it, I was offered a job. Yes a job offer on hand. The job was a challenging yet, to me, it is an interesting, sort of a dream job to me. Of course not to mention the big pay package as well. Hee...
In the end, I decided and tendered my resignation letter yesterday. Well decided to throw it one day earlier so that other people will not think that it is an April Fool's joke.
Anyway, my big boss called me up a few minutes ago, had a short discussion and after listening to me, he encouraged me to take up the job offer as well. It is comforting for him to tell me that I am welcomed back anytime I want to.
So I am serving my notice until end of the month. Should be starting my new job in May.
This will be a Major change in my life yet again and hope that it will be a good change as well! Hee....
Pls note that this is not a April Fool's Joke. Wahahahaha!
A "very excited" Polarbear
Monday, February 18, 2008
The odd one had spoken!
Disclaimer: If you think you are the odd one, pls do not procced to read. Read at your own risk!
Reminder: This is my personal blog. So that I can write anything I like here! :P
Am I a difficult person to deal with or other people are the difficult ones?
Other people can have their moody days but I am not allowed to have one?
Must I be always the one to start a conversation with other people?
Someone (A princess wannabe but never one and will never be one, now who shall be known as the B****) recently kept creating trouble for LLT, by saying why her bf aka me, ignored her and her bf?
This B**** now turned the table and said that I was at wrong and all the silly stuff that she can ever imagined. So whatever she does is right and whatever other people does is wrong! So she thinks who I am? A clown that always need to keep people entertained huh? Pls lo, she can always ask her BF to entertain her instead lo! If not, if you pay me, I might consider about entertaining you in the first place!
Cannot believe that she brought her BF along so that she can showcase him in front of us and then expect us to entertain you and your BF. Pls lo! Your BF not a mute lo, can sing but cannot talk to us meh? How come I know she bring her BF dor showcase cos she sort of mentioned felt neglected with or without BF during the last session? I pity the BF lo! I think he need to go and check his eyesight in the first place.
Then she lagi good, go and complain. #*()%&)!&#%)
Somehow after discussion, we were wondering if she need me to endorse her BF... or even worse she is in love with me... Wahahaha. I think I am too good for b****** anyway.
Oh yes, I got a little confession to make. If you (YES YOU B****) have noticed, I truly had ignored you since long time ago! Even recently, I decided to treat you as invisible as people that I dun like dun even exist in my world at all! To me you are as good as dead! If you happen to be reading this, TAKE THAT YOU B****!
Oh yes one more thing! You are being BARRED from our wedding. Wahahaha!
A "very CALM but still fuming" Polarbear
Reminder: This is my personal blog. So that I can write anything I like here! :P
Am I a difficult person to deal with or other people are the difficult ones?
Other people can have their moody days but I am not allowed to have one?
Must I be always the one to start a conversation with other people?
Someone (A princess wannabe but never one and will never be one, now who shall be known as the B****) recently kept creating trouble for LLT, by saying why her bf aka me, ignored her and her bf?
This B**** now turned the table and said that I was at wrong and all the silly stuff that she can ever imagined. So whatever she does is right and whatever other people does is wrong! So she thinks who I am? A clown that always need to keep people entertained huh? Pls lo, she can always ask her BF to entertain her instead lo! If not, if you pay me, I might consider about entertaining you in the first place!
Cannot believe that she brought her BF along so that she can showcase him in front of us and then expect us to entertain you and your BF. Pls lo! Your BF not a mute lo, can sing but cannot talk to us meh? How come I know she bring her BF dor showcase cos she sort of mentioned felt neglected with or without BF during the last session? I pity the BF lo! I think he need to go and check his eyesight in the first place.
Then she lagi good, go and complain. #*()%&)!&#%)
Somehow after discussion, we were wondering if she need me to endorse her BF... or even worse she is in love with me... Wahahaha. I think I am too good for b****** anyway.
Oh yes, I got a little confession to make. If you (YES YOU B****) have noticed, I truly had ignored you since long time ago! Even recently, I decided to treat you as invisible as people that I dun like dun even exist in my world at all! To me you are as good as dead! If you happen to be reading this, TAKE THAT YOU B****!
Oh yes one more thing! You are being BARRED from our wedding. Wahahaha!
A "very CALM but still fuming" Polarbear
Friday, February 01, 2008
A new skin for my blog
Decided that it is time for a change to a new skin for my blog. A simple one to start off with.
Away with the chatbox since I cannot view it in office. So now, pls leave comments ok? Hee....
Thks Siti again for designing the last one for me. Hee....
I m now trying to do some editing to the new skin but then there are always some errors. Could anyone help me out in that? Sigh.....
A "hopeless in editing" Polarbear
Away with the chatbox since I cannot view it in office. So now, pls leave comments ok? Hee....
Thks Siti again for designing the last one for me. Hee....
I m now trying to do some editing to the new skin but then there are always some errors. Could anyone help me out in that? Sigh.....
A "hopeless in editing" Polarbear
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Cathay ups ticket prices
By Asif Ansar, TODAY | Posted: 30 January 2008 0841 hrs
SINGAPORE : Expect to pay up to S$10.50 on a weekend to watch blockbusters such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Prices for tickets at all Cathay cineplexes will go up on Thursday, adding to the rash of recent price increases including taxi fares, electronic road pricing and cooking gas.
At a media conference on Tuesday, the cinema operator and film distributor said it was raising ticket prices for films by 50 cents or about 6 per cent due to "escalating prices in goods, services, labour, film rentals and the Goods and Services Tax".
What's more, an additional 50 cents will be tagged on for blockbusters such as Harry Potter and Iron Man.
"The rising costs we have seen over the recent years is something we cannot ignore," said Mr Suhaimi Rafdi, the chief executive of Cathay Organisation Holdings, which has four cineplexes here.
The company had been "struggling to make ends meet" and had to jack up prices to "remain profitable".
Without disclosing details, Mr Rafdi said that the company had made a loss in 2006 and was expecting a "small profit" for last year.
Mr Rafdi said that Cathay would categorise a movie as a blockbuster only if it has an "A-list cast and/or director, a big production budget of more than US$100 million (S$142 million), is a part of a successful franchise (like Spider-Man, Batman and Shrek)" and open on the same day in Singapore as in the United States.
Only around 20 out of the hundreds of films released here would qualify as a blockbuster this year, he said.
So, with Cathay raising its ticket prices, will other cinemas follow suit?
"It's yet to be seen. They would probably want to see if there are any repercussions because this is a bold move on our part," said Mr Rafdi.
When contacted by TODAY, Shaw Organisation, which operates seven cineplexes here, said it would not be following Cathay's lead. "There has been some increase in our cinema operation costs. However, Shaw has no plan to raise its movie ticket prices at this point," Shaw's executive vice-president Mark Shaw told TODAY.
The other major operator, Golden Village, did not respond to TODAY's queries by press time. Moviegoers TODAY spoke to were mixed on the ticket price hike.
"It wouldn't affect the number of movies I watch. Fifty cents is not that much to me," said editor Audrey Wong, 32, who goes to the cinema at least four times a month. "It's still relatively cheaper than going to cinema in Europe or the US."
Marketing manager Irwin Tham, 28, said the hike would not deter him from watching new releases. "watching a movie at the cinema is different from watching it on DVD."
But film student Annette Heitmann, 21, said current ticket prices were already expensive and student movie rates did not soften the blow.
"It's useless because the rates apply during the day, when students have classes.
The price hike will affect students' decisions to visit the cinema as we have other alternatives", such as watching the latest movies on the Internet. - TODAY/il
Seem like I am going to watch less movies @ Cathay already. Hope that GV and the rest DO NOT follow them. Sigh... Wonder if the credit card promotions still remain the same in Cathay? How can they do such things now?
With all the production cost going higher and higher, I think next time all the movies will be under blockbuster already. Sigh.... $10 for a ticket? I know of the increasing cost but then they are selling their snacks and pop corns at such high price alr, the profit from there not enough meh? Think I need to smuggle more drinks and food into a cinema alr. Time to turn to DVDs or other cinema operators then.
A "sad movie buff" Polarbear
SINGAPORE : Expect to pay up to S$10.50 on a weekend to watch blockbusters such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Prices for tickets at all Cathay cineplexes will go up on Thursday, adding to the rash of recent price increases including taxi fares, electronic road pricing and cooking gas.
At a media conference on Tuesday, the cinema operator and film distributor said it was raising ticket prices for films by 50 cents or about 6 per cent due to "escalating prices in goods, services, labour, film rentals and the Goods and Services Tax".
What's more, an additional 50 cents will be tagged on for blockbusters such as Harry Potter and Iron Man.
"The rising costs we have seen over the recent years is something we cannot ignore," said Mr Suhaimi Rafdi, the chief executive of Cathay Organisation Holdings, which has four cineplexes here.
The company had been "struggling to make ends meet" and had to jack up prices to "remain profitable".
Without disclosing details, Mr Rafdi said that the company had made a loss in 2006 and was expecting a "small profit" for last year.
Mr Rafdi said that Cathay would categorise a movie as a blockbuster only if it has an "A-list cast and/or director, a big production budget of more than US$100 million (S$142 million), is a part of a successful franchise (like Spider-Man, Batman and Shrek)" and open on the same day in Singapore as in the United States.
Only around 20 out of the hundreds of films released here would qualify as a blockbuster this year, he said.
So, with Cathay raising its ticket prices, will other cinemas follow suit?
"It's yet to be seen. They would probably want to see if there are any repercussions because this is a bold move on our part," said Mr Rafdi.
When contacted by TODAY, Shaw Organisation, which operates seven cineplexes here, said it would not be following Cathay's lead. "There has been some increase in our cinema operation costs. However, Shaw has no plan to raise its movie ticket prices at this point," Shaw's executive vice-president Mark Shaw told TODAY.
The other major operator, Golden Village, did not respond to TODAY's queries by press time. Moviegoers TODAY spoke to were mixed on the ticket price hike.
"It wouldn't affect the number of movies I watch. Fifty cents is not that much to me," said editor Audrey Wong, 32, who goes to the cinema at least four times a month. "It's still relatively cheaper than going to cinema in Europe or the US."
Marketing manager Irwin Tham, 28, said the hike would not deter him from watching new releases. "watching a movie at the cinema is different from watching it on DVD."
But film student Annette Heitmann, 21, said current ticket prices were already expensive and student movie rates did not soften the blow.
"It's useless because the rates apply during the day, when students have classes.
The price hike will affect students' decisions to visit the cinema as we have other alternatives", such as watching the latest movies on the Internet. - TODAY/il
Seem like I am going to watch less movies @ Cathay already. Hope that GV and the rest DO NOT follow them. Sigh... Wonder if the credit card promotions still remain the same in Cathay? How can they do such things now?
With all the production cost going higher and higher, I think next time all the movies will be under blockbuster already. Sigh.... $10 for a ticket? I know of the increasing cost but then they are selling their snacks and pop corns at such high price alr, the profit from there not enough meh? Think I need to smuggle more drinks and food into a cinema alr. Time to turn to DVDs or other cinema operators then.
A "sad movie buff" Polarbear
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Expensive Cab!
Expensive Cab!
This morning! I took a cab from my office to Portdown road. Went thru a jam @ CTE, 2 gantries and 30 mins later, it turns out to be one of the most expensive cab ride I ever taken since the price hike!
Fare: $17.00
35% Surcharge: $5.95
ERP: $6.50 (One $2.50, the other $4.00)
Total: $29.45
It is freaking expensive!
The good thing is I am able to claim the cab fare from my company! There is no way I am going to take a cab ride during peak hours, in fact during any hours unless it is after midnight. OMG!
A "speechless" Polarbear
This morning! I took a cab from my office to Portdown road. Went thru a jam @ CTE, 2 gantries and 30 mins later, it turns out to be one of the most expensive cab ride I ever taken since the price hike!
Fare: $17.00
35% Surcharge: $5.95
ERP: $6.50 (One $2.50, the other $4.00)
Total: $29.45
It is freaking expensive!
The good thing is I am able to claim the cab fare from my company! There is no way I am going to take a cab ride during peak hours, in fact during any hours unless it is after midnight. OMG!
A "speechless" Polarbear
Monday, January 14, 2008
What does My Name Mean?
| What Polarbear's Name Means |
 You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are very hyper. You never slow down, even when it's killing you. You're the type of person who can be a workaholic during the day... and still have the energy to party all night. Your energy is definitely a magnet for those around you. People are addicted to your vibe. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. |
So you agree or not agree? I totally agree with it!
A "my name so suits me" Polarbear
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A very rainy and lazy weekend!
A very rainy and lazy weekend!
The weekend came and passed in a blink. Sigh...
Sat, went for the combat, pump, combat (CPC for short). Long time did not do it alr, however still managed to put in my 101% in all 3 classes. Great workout! While it was raining outside, inside the studio was hot and the mirrors are actually steamed up. Haa....
After which, rushed back home for a quick change to attend a wedding dinner of Ronnie and Jenna, long time frens, and finally they are married. Found out that I am one of the remaining singles. Haa... Had a lot of fun! Nice seeing the whole gang again. It was raining when we are rushing to the restaurant. Food decent but the whole dinner was in served in a rush. Wonder y? Dinner ended at 2230H. A new record for wedding dinner.
Rushed off to catch a movie, Eastern Promises. Heard great reviews of this movie and sure it does not disappoint.
It is about an undercover police is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence again the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.
The whole movie was short in simple, gruesome and cool shots, which the director is famous for. The shots are shooting yet show the reality. Great acting from all the actors. Simple plot plus a surprised twist towards the ending. Overall I give this movie 4.75 stars out of 5.
Sunday was supposed to go gym, then sentosa. In the end, we slept, lunch, slept some more. Haa... Long time did not spend a Sunday like that alr. Nice and relaxing also. Hee....
Going back to work 2molo. Seem like I got no more outstanding work to do alr. Hmm...
A "still sleepy" Polarbear
The weekend came and passed in a blink. Sigh...
Sat, went for the combat, pump, combat (CPC for short). Long time did not do it alr, however still managed to put in my 101% in all 3 classes. Great workout! While it was raining outside, inside the studio was hot and the mirrors are actually steamed up. Haa....
After which, rushed back home for a quick change to attend a wedding dinner of Ronnie and Jenna, long time frens, and finally they are married. Found out that I am one of the remaining singles. Haa... Had a lot of fun! Nice seeing the whole gang again. It was raining when we are rushing to the restaurant. Food decent but the whole dinner was in served in a rush. Wonder y? Dinner ended at 2230H. A new record for wedding dinner.
Rushed off to catch a movie, Eastern Promises. Heard great reviews of this movie and sure it does not disappoint.
It is about an undercover police is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence again the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.
The whole movie was short in simple, gruesome and cool shots, which the director is famous for. The shots are shooting yet show the reality. Great acting from all the actors. Simple plot plus a surprised twist towards the ending. Overall I give this movie 4.75 stars out of 5.
Sunday was supposed to go gym, then sentosa. In the end, we slept, lunch, slept some more. Haa... Long time did not spend a Sunday like that alr. Nice and relaxing also. Hee....
Going back to work 2molo. Seem like I got no more outstanding work to do alr. Hmm...
A "still sleepy" Polarbear
Monday, December 17, 2007
Time for a lot of things.....
Time for a lot of things.....
Well it is the time of the year to be very busy again, hee...
1. There will be a few dinners going on for the next few days
2. There will be a few Christmas celebrations that I was "invited".
3. A wedding to attend on the Christmas eve (on all dates! Hmm....)
4. I jz done with my Christmas shopping, people get ready to collect your presents! Only got close frens got present hor!
5. Work started to get really bz. This is really good or bad? Projects starts to reach their deadline or new projects starting to kick off alr.
Hmm... the only thing is I still got no plan for countdown yet. anyone got any plans?
Today is also the start of the cab price hikes. Sigh.... It is going to cost more to take a cab. Have to cut down on it alr.
Somehow, I still not in the celebration mood for anything yet. Hmm.... Hope this feeling will be going away soon!
A "looking forward to Christmas" Polabear
Well it is the time of the year to be very busy again, hee...
1. There will be a few dinners going on for the next few days
2. There will be a few Christmas celebrations that I was "invited".
3. A wedding to attend on the Christmas eve (on all dates! Hmm....)
4. I jz done with my Christmas shopping, people get ready to collect your presents! Only got close frens got present hor!
5. Work started to get really bz. This is really good or bad? Projects starts to reach their deadline or new projects starting to kick off alr.
Hmm... the only thing is I still got no plan for countdown yet. anyone got any plans?
Today is also the start of the cab price hikes. Sigh.... It is going to cost more to take a cab. Have to cut down on it alr.
Somehow, I still not in the celebration mood for anything yet. Hmm.... Hope this feeling will be going away soon!
A "looking forward to Christmas" Polabear
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The sun is coming out!
The sun is coming out!
Seem like the weather had been quite good these few days with the sun coming out full force! I think I need to go swimming or sun tanning soon! I need the sun! Haa...
For the past 2 days had been doing pump and combat until my muscles are aching right now. Time to spend some time to do some weights alr. Hee...
Met up with some frens for lunch and me gena bully again. Me treating them again, yes the one earning the least in the group. Sigh... Winnie earning the most yet always asking people to treat her. Sigh....
Next week going to be a short week for a lot of people including me. Haa... So looking forward to the small break to enjoy myself!
A "need the sun" Polarbear
Seem like the weather had been quite good these few days with the sun coming out full force! I think I need to go swimming or sun tanning soon! I need the sun! Haa...
For the past 2 days had been doing pump and combat until my muscles are aching right now. Time to spend some time to do some weights alr. Hee...
Met up with some frens for lunch and me gena bully again. Me treating them again, yes the one earning the least in the group. Sigh... Winnie earning the most yet always asking people to treat her. Sigh....
Next week going to be a short week for a lot of people including me. Haa... So looking forward to the small break to enjoy myself!
A "need the sun" Polarbear
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