In the news

MM's remarks regarding the status of chinese in Malaysia and Indonesia
I guess it is something that everyone knows about and say nothing about. The old battle axe however brought it up at a recent 'liberal' forum and unsurprisingly he got lots of flak from our neighbours. I may be critical of MM Lee in many things, but I think on this issue he was just stating the obvious. It is not something that even the malaysians have not discussed before. But the reality is that racial bias does exist in all countries...even SINGAPORE, where there is a majority race in the populace. No amount of legislation can change that. But I must say In Singapore we have a better deal than our counterparts elsewhere.

New Japanese PM
As much as I am an admirer of former PM Koizumi and his policies, I feel the new PM is better for ties in the region. He is seeking to build bridges with his counterparts in China and Korea, which is always a good thing. But in my narrow view the Chinese and Koreans should just let the past go. Its been like 60 years since the last bullet was fired in the war on the eastern front, but till this day politicans are still taking about apologies and re-writing history. I dun think such a situation exists anywhere else in the world (with the exception of the middle east), where nations bear a grudge for a war fought so long ago. Of course the war was horrific and as they say there are no innocents in war. There was a great loss of life and many wrong-doings on both sides. We sure can't erased the past but it does no one any good to carry this bitterness any longer.

Bloodless Coup in Thailand
Let me say up front that I think Thaksin was a good PM. Would have been better if not for all the political chaos that surrounded the months prior to his usurping. In the end it was the only way to move forward. I guess the entire political situation was encapsulated in the first remarks the incoming PM made when he said that his policies would be 'for the people and not the economy'. In fact it is symptomatic of the problems that Thailand faces when politics takes priority over the welfare of the people...and the nation. Hopefully the new Pm will get a free hand to implement his 'reforms' and signal a return to a full democracy without undue interference from the junta.

Airbus delays it shipments of A380
So now its another 10 months behind schedule. Reeks of unprofessionalism. And heavy fines will follow. Wonder how they even got all these big multi million dollar contracts with no way to fulfil them. Airbus may even lose several of the outstanding orders by SIA, Qantas,Emirates and Virgin Atlantic.

North Korea's Nuclear Tests
Kim Jong Il does it again to plunge his people even deeper into crisis. If North Korea follows through with their threats, then sanctions will follow. Last thing the impoverished North Koreans want or need right now. But tell them that.

Iran Moots New Nuclear Plans
See above.

Football Stuff
Man U sit proud at the top of the table. Chelsea are a little off the pace. Arsenal have hit their stride. Liverpool came good..and then fell apart.

Steve McClaren and his England are undefeated in 3 matches. David Beckham has not been recalled since the debacle at the World Cup. In fact he has even been relegated to a subs role at club level too. And Madrid are doing well in the Primera Liga.Wonder if there is any connection between the two....hmmm...

St Michael's School to be re-named SJI Junior from January 2007
My Alma Mater is gonna undergo a revamp of both name and of curriculum to tie up better with Saint Joseph's Instituion. I guess it is gonna be even more than a feeder school than it already is. There is even gonna be a heritage centre! Wonder if I be in any of the pics. :P

Singapore first adult magazine
Following on the heels of Cosmopolitan, FHM and Maxim, Singapore is soon gonna be getting it own adult magazine,whatever that means, Love Airways. It will feature animal sex and nude paintings(wtf??). Contents include reviews of overseas love hotels, nude photography, medical science, nutrition and the "sexual habits of other animal species." I guess it is a step in the right direction.

MPs to perform hip hop dance moves at Chingay Parade
Nothing reeks of coolness more than watching the people we elected into office gettin' down at a ChinGAY Parade.