Japan Quake as Seen from Twitter (Translated by me so quality questionable)
by Jun Shiomitsu on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 8:13am
Japanese people have been very open on Twitter about their experiences following the quake. These snippets of what moved them and touched them during these very trying times are heart-warming. I have attempted a rough translation on some of them so that you can have a read.
Please continue to pray for the people in Japan.
I hope these mini-stories will bring strength and encouragement to my friends and family in Japan by letting them know that, not only does the world sympathize with them, it looks up to them in admiration! My thoughts are with you.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious unto you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." (from the Bible)
「主があなたを祝福し、あなたを守られますように。 主が御顔をあなたに照らし、あなたを恵まれますように。 主が御顔をあなたに向け、あなたに平安を与えられますように。」 - 聖書より -
Jun Shiomitsu
MBA Student
Judge Business School
University of Cambridge
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* ディズニーランドでの出来事
http://twitter.com/unosuke/status/46376846505426944
ディズニーランドでは、ショップのお菓子なども配給された。ちょっと派手目な女子高生たちが必要以上にたくさんもらってて「何だ？」って一瞬思ったけど、その後その子たちが、避難所の子供たちにお菓子を配っていたところ見て感動。子供連れは動けない状況だったから、本当にありがたい心配りだった
At Tokyo Disneyland:
Tokyo Disneyland was handing out its shops’ food and drinks for free to the stranded people nearby. I saw a bunch of snobby looking highschool girls walking away with large portions of it and initially though “What the …” But I later I found out they were taking them to the families with little children at emergency evacuation areas. Very perceptive of them, and a very kind thing to do indeed.
* 国連からのメッセージ
http://twitter.com/akitosk/status/46302222346223616
国連からのコメント「日本は今まで世界中に援助をしてきた援助大国だ。今回は国連が全力で日本を援助する。」 に感動した。良い事をしたら戻ってくるのです。これがいい例なのです
Message from the UN
Secretary General Ban Ki Moon: “Japan is one of (the UN’s) most generous and strongest benefactors, coming to the assistance of those in need the world over. In that spirit, the United Nations stands by the people of Japan and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time.” I was moved at his words. What better example that good things happen to those who do good.
* 渋滞した交差点での出来事
http://twitter.com/micakom/status/46264887281848320
一回の青信号で１台しか前に進めないなんてザラだったけど、誰もが譲り合い穏やかに運転している姿に感動した。複雑な交差点で交通が５分以上完全マヒするシーンもあったけど、１０時間の間お礼以外のクラクションの音を耳にしなかった。恐怖と同時に心温まる時間で、日本がますます好きになった。
At a congested downtown intersection …
Cars were moving at the rate of maybe one every green light, but everyone was letting each other go first with a warm look and a smile. At a complicated intersection, the traffic was at a complete standstill for 5 minutes, but I listened for 10 minutes and didn’t hear a single beep or honk except for an occasional one thanking someone for giving way. It was a terrifying day, but scenes like this warmed me and made me love my country even more.
* 揺れている最中でも・・・
http://twitter.com/gj_neko26/statuses/46394706481004544
聞いた話でびっくりしたのが、とっさに「入口の確保」と揺れてるにも関わらず、あの状況で歩いて入口を開けた人が居たのが凄いと思った。正直、シャンデリアも証明も何時落ちるか分からないのに、凄く勇敢な人が居た事に感動した。
During the earthquake
We’ve all been trained to immediately open the doors and establish an escape route when there is an earthquake. In the middle of the quake while the building was shaking crazily and things falling everywhere, a man made his way to the entrance and held it open. Honestly, the chandelier could have crashed down any minute … that was a brave man!
* バス停で・・・
http://twitter.com/yunico_jp/status/46168394755612672
バスが全然来ない中、@saiso が、バス停の前にある薬局でカイロを買ってきて、並んで待ってる人みんなに配った！
Bus stop mini episode:
It was freezing and bus was taking ages to arrive. “@saiso” left the queue to run to a nearby pharmacy. He bought heating pads and gave one to everyone in the queue!
* ディズニーシーにて
http://twitter.com/kfstudio/status/46390032776437760
ディズニーシーに一泊した娘、無事帰宅しました！キャストのみなさんが寒い中でも笑顔で接してくれて不安を感じることなく過ごせたそうです。防寒のカイロやビニール袋、夜・朝の軽食と飲み物、おやつまで。ディズニーの素晴らしさに感動です。頑張ってくれたキャストさん、ほんとにありがとう！！
Thank you Tokyo Disney Sea
My daughter who was staying at DisneySea just made it back home! Many, many thanks to the staff who worked very hard in the cold with ready smiles that made her to feel safe and secure during the entire night. They brought her food, drinks, snacks, heating pads, and anything necessary to ensure she was comfortable and secure throughout her stay. I was touched by the Disney staff’s warmth and hospitality. Thank you so much!
* 日本人の良さを再認識
http://twitter.com/VietL/status/46376383592677376
この地震が、きっかけになって、失いかけていた日本人本来の良さが戒間見れた気がする。犯罪はする様子はなく、助け合い、律儀、紳士的。普段日本人は冷たい人が多い…。って個人的に感じてるんだけど、多くの人が今回で「絆」を取り戻しつつあるように見えて、それがなんか感動して、泣けてくる。
Reminded of the goodness of the Japanese people
This earthquake has reminded me of that Japanese goodness that had recently become harder and harder to see. Today I see no crime or looting: I am reminded once again of the good Japanese spirit of helping one another, of propriety, and of gentleness. I had recently begun to regard my modern countrymen as cold people … but this earthquake has revived and given back to all of us the spirit of “kizuna” (bond, trust, sharing, the human connection). I am very touched. I am brought to tears.
* 段ボールに感動
http://twitter.com/aquarius_rabbit/status/46213254376210432
ホームで待ちくたびれていたら、ホームレスの人達が寒いから敷けって段ボールをくれた。いつも私達は横目で流してるのに。あたたかいです。
Card board boxes, Thank you!
It was cold and I was getting very weary waiting forever for the train to come. Some homeless people saw me, gave me some of their own cardboard boxes and saying “you’ll be warmer if you sit on these!” I have always walked by homeless people pretending I didn’t see them, and yet here they were offering me warmth. Such warm people.
* 外国人から見た日本人
http://twitter.com/kiritansu/status/46335057689980928
外国人から見た地震災害の反応。物が散乱しているスーパーで、落ちているものを律儀に拾い、そして列に黙って並んでお金を払って買い物をする。運転再開した電車で混んでるのに妊婦に席を譲るお年寄り。この光景を見て外国人は絶句したようだ。本当だろう、この話。すごいよ日本。
What foreigners are saying about Japanese people
At a supermarket where everything was scattered everywhere over the floors, shoppers were helping pick them up and putting them back neatly on the shelves before quietly moving into line to wait to pay for them. On the totally jam-packed first train after the quake, an elderly man gave up his seat for a pregnant woman. Foreigners have told me they are amazed witnessing sights like these. I do believe they actually saw what they said they saw. Japan is truly amazing.
* メディアの動きについて
http://twitter.com/V10CENTAURO/statuses/46388641001508864
ツイッターやＵＳＴでの状況共有と、それに連動するマスコミの動きは、阪神淡路大震災の時とは比べ物にならない質の高さを感じる。もちろん過去の辛い経験から得た教訓を、みんな活かそうとしている感動。
Information network this time around
The information sharing efforts on Twitter or USTREAM, together with the quality of coverage and crucial updates provided by the mass media this time around is incomparable to what we got during the Kobe earthquake. I am deeply impressed by Japan’s successful efforts and ability to put to practice lessons learnt from past tragedies.
* 絵師さん
http://twitter.com/izumi823/statuses/46387948681297920
絵師さんたちがこの地震でみんなに元気付けようと必死に美しい絵や励ましのイラストを描いていることに感動。みんな自分にできることをしたいと思っているんだね。
Touch of art
I saw artists and painters trying to keep things upbeat by painting or drawing beautiful or encouraging drawings for the evacuees around them. I was touched at how everyone was doing their very best to help.
* BBCの報道
http://twitter.com/bozzo1985/status/46228470614855681
本当に感動。泣けてくる。⇒BBCめっちゃ誉めてる。地球最悪の地震が世界で一番準備され訓練された国を襲った。その力や政府が試される。犠牲は出たが他の国ではこんなに正しい行動はとれないだろう。日本人は文化的に感情を抑制する力がある。
BBC Reports
The words of BBC’s reports are so moving they make me cry. They were praising us with words of admiration! “One of the worst earthquakes in recorded history has hit the world’s most well-prepared, well-trained nations. The strength of its government and its people are put to the test. While there have been casualties, in no other country could the government and the people have worked together in such an accurate and coordinated way in the face of such tragedy. The Japanese people have shown their cultural ability to remain calm in the face of adversity.”
* 父親の行動
http://twitter.com/s_hayatsuki/status/46386255767937024
1階に下りて中部電力から関東に送電が始まってる話をしたら、普段はTVも暖房も明かりもつけっぱなしの父親が何も言わずに率先してコンセントを抜きに行った。少し感動した。
A little story about Papa
We live in an area that was not directly hit. When my father came downstairs and heard the news saying that our area had begun allocating electricity to the hard-hit areas, he quietly led by example, turning off the power around the house and pulling the plugs out of their sockets. I was touched. He usually NEVER turns off the lights or the AC or the TV or anything!
* 整列する日本人
http://twitter.com/HASUNA_Natsuko/status/46331839136276480
日本人すごい！！こんな時にも山手線ホームできれいに整列してる …涙。有楽町駅を上から眺む。 http://twitpic.com/48kn1u
Japanese people don’t shove
I'm looking at Yurakucho station from above. I see people standing in line, not pushing or shoving to get onto the Yamanote Line (probably the busiest line in central Tokyo), even at a time like this!
* パン屋
http://twitter.com/ayakishimoto/statuses/46403599743451136
昨日の夜中、大学から徒歩で帰宅する道すがら、とっくに閉店したパン屋のおばちゃんが無料でパン配給していた。こんな喧噪のなかでも自分にできること見つけて実践している人に感動。心温まった。東京も捨てたもんじゃないな。
The bakery lady
There was a small bread shop on the street I take to go to school. It has long been out of business. But last night, I saw the old lady of the shop giving people her handmade bread for free. It was a heart-warming sight. She, like everyone else, was doing what she could to help people in a time of need. Tokyo isn’t that bad afterall!
* 日本ってすごい
http://twitter.com/tksksks/statuses/46403815397801984
日本って凄い。官僚も民間も、皆で助けようとしてる。トラックの運転手も有志で物資運んでるらしいし、東北の交通整備をヤクザさんがやってるという話も聞いた。最近、日本に対して誇りを持てないことが続いていたけれど、そんなことない。日本は凄い国だ。素直に感動してる。日本国の皆さん頑張ろう！
Japan is a wonderful nation!
Both the government and the people, everyone is helping one another today. There are truck drivers helping evacuees move. I even heard that the “yakuza” (gangsters, organized crime groups) are helping to direct traffic in the Tohoku region! There have been many recent developments that have made me lose my sense of pride in my country, but not anymore. Japan is an amazing place! I’m just simply touched. Go Japan!
* twitterすごい
http://twitter.com/bobiko009/statuses/46403721046933504
Twitterの方々の情報とかが一致団結しててすごくたすかります。みなさま親切です！！こういうとき、なんか、感動します。最近は近所とつきあいなかったり冷たい世の中だとか思ってたけどそんなことなかったね。
Twitter is amazing!
The information shared to us all by the twitter community has been amazingly consistent with each other and has been so helpful. Thank you Twitterers! I’m very moved. People recently talk about social networks replacing traditional social life and making people cold and unsociable in real life. But … I guess that’s not true at all.
* ドイツ人の友達
http://twitter.com/sikkoku_otsuyu/status/46392832893796352
ドイツ人の友達が地震が起きた時に渋谷に居て、パニックになっていた所を日本人に助けてもらったらしく、その時の毅然とした日本人の態度や足並み乱さずに店の外に出てやるべきことを淡々とこなす姿にひどく感動し、まるでアーミーのようだったと言っていた。
From a German friend
A German friend of mine was in Shibuya (downtown Tokyo shopping district) when the earthquake hit. He was panicking when a Japanese passerby saved him, taking him into a building. My friend was blown away at how calm and disciplined this Japanese man was. He went out of the building with firm, unfaltering steps, did everything he was trained to do and came back. My German friend was deeply impressed by the Japanese people’s actions during the earthquake, saying they looked like a trained army.
* スーパーでの出来事
http://twitter.com/endless_6/status/46395420523503616
スーパーで無事買物出来ましたヽ(´o｀； でもお客さんのほとんどが他の人の事を考えて必要最低限しか買わない感じだったのが感動しました（涙）
At the supermarket
I just came back safely from the supermarket! Man, I was so touched at how everyone there was mindful of others, buying only as much as they needed and leaving the rest for the people behind them.
* 御殿場で
http://twitter.com/Raaaaayuu/statuses/46392890313801728
実際日本すごいよ。昨日信号が一カ所も機能していない御殿場市でもお互いにドライバー同士譲り合ってたし、地元のおじいちゃんおばあちゃんが手信号やってくれてたりで、混乱もなく本当感動した。9時間運転してたけど前車を煽るようなドライバーはもちろんいなかったし、みんな譲り合い精神。
Gotenba traffic
Japan is really something! Yesterday, not a single traffic light was functioning in Gotenba City. But drivers knew to take turns at intersections and give way to others when needed. Local people were using flags to direct traffic at intersections. I drove for 9 hours but never saw a single car trying to get in front of another. Every single driver on the road contributed to the traffic situation and as a result there was no confusion at all.
* 「みんな」
http://twitter.com/n_yum/statuses/46388003706380288
タクシー運ちゃんと電車駅員さんとおばさんと話したけど、みんな遅くまで帰れなかったりしてすごく疲れているのに、苛立つ事なく、言葉遣いもふるまいも丁寧で、逆に気遣われてしまった。｢みんな大変だから｣という"みんな"って意識があることに感動するし、私も受け継いで大事にしたい文化。
“All of us”
I spoke with an old taxi driver and some elderly staff at the train stations. All of them had been working non-stop and had not been able to go home for a long time. They were visibly very tired, but never once did they show any sign of impatience; they were gentle and very caring. They told me “… because all of us are in this together.” I was touched at what the notion of “all of us” meant to these elderly people. It is a value I will treasure and carry on to my generation.
* 日本の強さ
http://twitter.com/dita_69/status/46309373458382849
サントリーの自販機無料化softbankWi-Fiスポット解放、色んな人達が全力で頑張っててそれに海外が感動・協力してる。海外からの援助受け入れに躊躇したり自衛隊派遣を遅らせたりしてた阪神淡路大震災の頃より日本は確実に強い国になってるんだ。みんな頑張ろう。
A strong Japan
Suntory Beverages has set up free vending machines. Softbank Telephone services is offering free Wifi spots. Everyone in Japan is putting everything they can into helping one another. Japan is also now receiving aid from abroad. Compared to the Kobe earthquake, when Japan took too long to contemplate accepting foreign aid or dispatching the self-defense force to join the rescue effort, Japan has definitely grown into a far stronger nation. Be strong, everyone!
* 朝礼
http://twitter.com/kyoheimai/status/46374747755388928
今朝の朝礼で「何があっても決して不安な顔は見せずに売り場に立つ以上はおもてなしをする気持ちを忘れずにお客様を安心させてあげてください」ちょっと感動した。がんばるか。開店です!
Morning Ceremony
At the shopping center I work at, every morning we have a ritual (common in Japan) where we stand and recite, “No matter what the situation, I will never show anxiety before my customer; in all customer-facing situations I will treat my customers with respect and do everything I can to make them feel comfortable and at ease”. Today, these words were all actually kind of touching. Well, so the day begins! Here we go people, open shop!
* 井上さん
http://twitter.com/frankyonn/status/46401442583552000
井上雄彦さんがものすごい勢いで笑顔のイラストをいっぱいあげてて感動する。励ましとか勇気とかメッセージって、こういうことなんだなーと思う。 ＲＴ@inouetake Smile42.
Mr. Inoue
Mr. Inoue has been churning out drawings of smiling and laughing faces at an amazing pace! Things like this remind me again of what it truly means to give people a message of strength and courage.
* 学び
http://twitter.com/chaos_chaotic/statuses/46388646038876160
TLの拡散希望を見て思ったことは、阪神淡路大地震から学んだことがとても多くツイートされていること。当たり前のことなんだけど、やはり人間は、学んで考えることができる生き物なんだと改めて思い、感動した。
Lessons Learnt
What caught my attention on twitter is that a lot of the tweets were about the Kobe earthquake and how what we have learned from it has been put into practice this time around. I know it goes without saying, but I was once again reminded of how humans are indeed creatures that possess the amazing ability to think and learn from experience. It’s a great thought.
* ローマから
http://twitter.com/tsubakianna/statuses/46387133396688896
ローマにいる友達からメール。ローマの人々はニュースを見ながらこのような状況でも冷静に対処する日本人に感動し、尊敬の念を覚えながら、非常に心配しているとのことです。
Message from a friend in Rome
My friend in Rome emailed me. He said that people in Rome are watching the news and sharing their amazement and their heartfelt respect at how, even at a time like this, the people of Japan are able to remain calm and systematically respond to the situation. People in Rome are thinking of us and are very concerned for us.
* 声をかけること
http://twitter.com/RUMI88LoL/statuses/46342599149240320
昨日、裏の家の高１になるお兄ちゃんに感動した。 家に１人で居たらしく、地震後すぐ自転車で飛び出し近所をひと回り。 【大丈夫ですか―――！？】と道路に逃げてきた人達にひたすら声掛けてた。あの時間には老人や母子しか居なかったから、声掛けてくれただけでもホッとしたよ。 ありがとう。
A strong voice
Yesterday, I was impressed and touched by the actions of my neighbor’s 13-year-old-boy. He was home alone when the earthquake hit. But instead of hiding, as soon as the earthquake quieted down, he jumped on his bicycle and road around the block repeatedly shouting at the top of his voice, “Is everyone alright? Is everyone okay?” At the time, there were only women and children and the elderly in the homes. I cannot describe how comforting it was just to hear a strong voice asking if I was okay. Thank you!
* 助け合い
http://twitter.com/sorry_no_user/statuses/46332985133375488
警備員の友人何人かが町田〜相模大野で夜間警備のボランティアをしていたので手伝ってきた。年齢問わずいろんな知らない人同士が助け合っていて心強かった。ちょっと感動してトイレの隅で泣いた。
The beauty of helping one another
I went out last night to help some friends who were volunteering as security personnel between Machida City and Sagami Ohno City. I saw total strangers, both young and old, helping each other along everywhere I turned and was heartened with an overwhelming feeling of encouragement. I was so touched I hid behind the toilets and cried.
* バイクでよければ
http://twitter.com/hikaru_star/statuses/46332900928532480
僕は感動しました。バイトの先輩が1人でも救うために寒い中紙に「バイクでよければ送ります」と書き駅前で掲げ鳶職のお兄ちゃんを所沢まで送ったそうです。世の中まだ捨てたもんじゃないなって思いました。本当に尊敬です！！自分もなんか人の役に立ちたいと生まれて初めて思いました。
I just have a bike
I’m so touched! My colleague at my part time job, wanting to help even just one extra person, wrote a sign saying “I just have a bike, but if you don’t mind hop on!”, rode out on his motorbike, picked up a stranded construction worker and took him all the way to Tokorozawa! Respect! I have never felt so strongly that I want to do something helpful for others.
* 乗り合い
http://twitter.com/pao313/statuses/46332792174411776
浦和美園からタクシー使えると思ったのが甘かった…30分歩いてたら知らない人が車に乗せてくれた（つд；*) 人間の優しさに感動。ありがとうございました。
Sharing your ride
It was stupid of me to think I could catch a cab at Urawamien Station. I ended up walking 30 minutes and then finally was picked up by a stranger who offered to give me a lift. I’m touched by the warmth of human kindness. Thank you, thank you!
* 開放
http://twitter.com/robasuke23/statuses/46326711935172609
昨日、歩いて帰ろうって決めて甲州街道を西へ向かっていて夜の21時くらいなのに、ビルの前で会社をトイレと休憩所として解放してる所があった。社員さんが大声でその旨を歩く人に伝えていた。感動して泣きそうになった。いや、昨日は緊張してて泣けなかったけど、今思い出してないてる。
Rest here!
Last night, I decided, rather than stay at the office, I should try walking home. So I slowly made my way west on Koshu freeway on foot. It was around 9PM when I saw an office building that had a sign that said “Please use our office’s bathrooms! Please rest here!” The employees of the office were loudly shouting out the same to all the people trying to walk home. I was so touch I felt like crying. Well, I guess I was too tense yesterday to cry, but now the tension is wearing off and am very much in tears.
* コンビニ
http://twitter.com/sugarun/statuses/46323030732967936
停電地区のほとんどの店が店を閉めてる中、あるセブンイレブンが店内陳列棚にいくつもろうそくを置いて、営業をしていた。レジが使えないため在庫確認用のハンディで値段確認し読み上げ、もう1人が電卓で計算、もうひとりが懐中電灯で照らす。その状態でレジ２台稼動させていた。感動した。
At the convenience store
While most of the convenience stores near the station were closed because of the quake, there was just one Seven Eleven that was open. The employees had lit lots of candles and put them on the stores shelves. The cash register was not working and they could not take inventory, so the employees worked in threes, one reading up the item description and price, another punching the numbers into a calculator, and the last one using a flashlight to help them work. The store managed to operate both “cash registers” efficiently this way. Impressed!
* 避難所
http://twitter.com/msakatan/statuses/46302864980705280
長女いわく、横浜の避難所に向かう時に、知らない人達と声を掛け合い、場所を教え合っていたそうです。普段は冷たいと思っていた他人の優しさに触れ、感動したそうです。日本人のいざという時の団結力を再認識しました。まだまだ日本も捨てたものではないです。
On the way to the emergency evacuation area
My oldest daughter was making her way to Yokohama’s emergency evacuation area. Total strangers were helping each other out and showing each other the way to the emergency evacuation area. She told me she was moved at how strangers, who can seem so cold at times, showed her kindness and care. I was reminded at the Japanese peoples’ inherent ability to immediately unite in the face of adversity. Today, I have discovered a newfound faith in my nation and my people.
* 呼びかけ
http://twitter.com/akanensm/status/46214540161064960
何時間も歩き続けてたんだけど、至る所でトイレかしますとか、休憩できますとか言うビルや飲食店が沢山あって感動しました。とある企業ビルの人がボランティアで、○○線運転再開ですー！とか、休憩できますー！！って呼びかけてるの見て感動して泣きそうになったマジでw日本も捨てたもんじゃないな
A big, kind voice
I’ve been walking for many hours now. I’m touched at how everywhere I turn, there are shops open with people shouting “Please use our bathroom!” or “Please rest here!” There were also office buildings where people with access to information were voluntarily shouting out helpful tips, like “**** line is now operational!” Seeing things like this after walking for hours and hours made me feel like weeping with gratitude. Seriously, there is still hope for this country!
* ホームにて
http://twitter.com/masa_kisshie/statuses/46323838316843008
都営大江戸線の光ヶ丘方面行きは、非常に混雑しています。ホームにも、改札の外にも、電車を待つ溢れんばかりの人。でも、誰一人列を崩さず、通路を開け、係員の誘導に従っている。ロープがあるわけでもないのに、通る人のための通路スペースが。その不自然なほどの快適さに、ただただ感動するばかり。
On the platform
The Oedo Subway Line for Hikarigaoka is very congested. On the platform and at the gate there are just crowds and crowds of people waiting for the train. But in all the confusion, every last person is neatly lined up waiting his or her turn while managing to keep a passage of space open for staff and people going the other way. Everyone is listening to the instructions from the staff and everyone acts accordingly. And amazingly … there isn’t even a rope or anything in sight to keep people in queue or open space for staff to pass, they just do! I am so impressed at this almost unnatural orderliness! I have nothing but praise for these people!
* 駅員さん
http://twitter.com/tadakatz/status/46274214654787584
終夜運転のメトロの駅員に、大変ですねって声かけたら、笑顔で、 こんな時ですから！だって。捨てたもんじゃないね、感動した。
Station staff
I said to a Tokyometro station staff who was on all-night duty, “I’m sure it has been a tough night for you. Thank you.” He responded with a smile, “On a night like this, gladly!” I was touched.
* おっちゃん
http://twitter.com/sumonya/status/46479563412348928
昨日4時間かけて歩いて帰ってきた主人。赤羽で心が折れそうになってた時「お寒い中大変ですね！あったかいコーヒーどうぞ！」って叫びながら無料配布してるおっちゃんに出会った。これがあったから頑張れたそうだ。もう5回もこの話をしてくるので本当に嬉しかったんだと思う。おっちゃんありがとう。
Coffee
My husband finally got home very late last night after walking for 4 hours. He told me he felt like giving up at around Akabane, when an elderly man who was going around handing out free coffee saw him, gave him a steaming cup and said, “You must be tired and cold. Here, have some coffee!” My husband told me that it was because of this elderly man that he found the will and strength to continue walking. I’ve already heard this story from him five times tonight, so no doubt he was really, really touched! Thank you to my husband’s anonymous helper!
* 献血の列
http://twitter.com/NOBCHIDORI/status/46477518169047040
日本は強いです！大阪難波の献血施設は被災地の方の為に超満員の順番待ちでした。私欲の無い列を初めて見ました。感動しました。被災地の方々、全国でその辛さを受け止めます。諦めずに頑張って下さい！
Blood donations
Japan is strong! At Osaka I saw a LONG line of people waiting to give blood at the blood donation center. This is the first time I have seen such a queue of selfless people waiting patiently in line just to give. It was a moving sight! To everyone in the hard-hit areas, we your countrymen accept your suffering as our own and we share in your grief. Do not give up! Stay strong!
* 節電営業
http://twitter.com/hisyakakukeima/status/46584079558250496
近所のスーパー・サミットに来てみたら、通常深夜1時まで営業なのに大きい看板が付いていなかった。早めに店を閉めたのかと思ったら、外の電気だけ消して節電しつつ営業していた。ちょっと感動
Saving electricity for the North
I went to my neighborhood supermarket and was initially surprised that their neon signs were off. They usually are open till 1AM. I then found out that they were open, but were saving electricity so that more power could be channeled to the hard-hit coastal areas. Wow!
* 買うのやめるわ
http://twitter.com/raai15/status/46546475362160640
バイト先に若いお兄さんたちが軍団でお酒を買いに来たんだけど、その中の一人が｢やべえ、オレお酒のためにしかお金持ってきてないから募金できん。ちょっとこれ買うのやめるわ｣って言って商品返品してそのお金全部募金してた。お友達も続々と募金しててすごい感動した。 すごいよ
Not enough money!
At the store where I work, a huge group of young men suddenly came in to buy booze. One of them suddenly said, “Oops, I only have enough money to buy booze, I can’t donate! Forget the booze, maybe next time!” and instead put ALL his money into the disaster relief donation box. One by one, every single one of the army of youths threw all their money into the box after him. What a heart-warming sight that was!
* いつでも買える
http://twitter.com/7474529/status/46565903520907264
今日、募金箱に金髪にピアスの若い兄ちゃんが万札数枚入れていた。そしてその友人に｢ゲームなんていつでも買えるからな｣と言っていたのが聞こえて私含め周りの人達も募金していた。人は見た目じゃないことを実感した。そんなお昼でした。 この話感動しました。
Goth youth
A goth youth with white hair and body piercings walked into my store and shoved several hundred dollars (several tens of thousands of yen) into the disaster relief fund donation box. As he walked out, I and people around me heard him saying to his buddies, “I mean, we can buy those games anytime!” At that, we all opened our wallets and put our money into the donation box. Really, you cannot judge people by their appearances.
* 絶対うまいはず
http://twitter.com/kyugatimuti/statuses/46594200061493249
僕も秋葉からの帰りにおにぎりとみそ汁配ってる方に会いました、感動しました、チャリだったからダイジョブです他の人にって言ったけどもらっておけばよかったなぁ絶対うまかったと思う
They looked absolutely delicious!
I too saw the guy handing out free rice balls and miso soup on the way back from Akihabara. I was on my bicycle so I told him, “I’m okay, please give it to other people!” On hindsight, I should have taken one … they looked absolutely delicious!!
* お菓子いっぱい
http://twitter.com/moebamuse/status/46379810217406465
すごい。弟たった今ディズニーランドから帰宅したんだけど。新品のお菓子袋いっぱいにもらってきて、客全員分の帰りの交通費負担してくれたんだって。一晩中、何か言えば全て対応してくれたって。やっぱり世界のディズニーランドなんだね。
Another Disney episode
Amazing! My brother just managed to get home from Disneyland right now. He’s got bags and bags of free sweets. Furthermore, Disneyland paid for every customer’s travel fare back. All night long, the staff responded immediately and fully to every request he made. Disneyland is truly a world class brand!
* 困ったときは！
http://twitter.com/ryoshun49/statuses/46605524434821120
昨日青葉台駅で帰宅困難者が溢れる中、車に乗ってる人が「○○方面の方どうぞ！」って行って車に乗せてた。「困った時はみんな一緒ですから！」って言ってた。超感動したの思い出した。
Same boat!
Last night, Aobadai station was jammed with stranded people unable to get home. But there were private cars with drivers shouting “If you’re going in the direction of ****, please hop on!” I was able to hitch a ride on one of them. When I thanked the driver, he replied “No worries! We’re all on the same boat. We have to stick together!”
* 充電されたい方は・・・・
http://twitter.com/yamachin_x1/statuses/46609620210421760
避難所にいたときに、社会人1年生で、研修でこっちにきてた女の子が、たまたま携帯のバッテリーも持参してたらしく、体育館のコンセントを使用する許可ももらい、「携帯の充電をされたい方は、ご自由につかってください」と呼びかけて回ってたんだ。僕はその子にとても感動したんだよ･･
Need to charge your phone?
At the emergency evacuation area, a young first-year intern at my company who had brought her phone’s charger got permission from the facility to use their power socket and went around shouting “Anyone need to charge their phone? Please use my charger!” Just a little thing, but I was touched.
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Friday, 11 March 2011
The day after yesterday
Woke up at 6am sianx... was supposed to go with neighbour to distribute tuition leftlets outside NJC gate but then it was raining so heavily. So in the end didnt go hehe.
Ok, US market is terrible. Check out the below
I am glad at least I did trade, so I will actively go and search out news. For example, I know the reason why US down so much.
Back to my ill-fated SMRT, with market outlook so undesirable, no amount of TA helps le. Thats why I have always believed FA more important than TA. Anyway, there will always be people who do TA for you online but FA is subjective.
An update on my SMRT, I have placed a sell yesterday at 10pm for my 5lots. Hopefully can get it. I tried shorting it 1.91 for 10 lots. But the system said I exceeded client limit again. Seriously, the system is damn %$#@ will call them and check about it at 9am. In a worse case scenerio, I will probably sell it at 1.91 to cut loss because I highly doubt SMRT will be worth that much after its out of STI. Better not lock in my money in SMRT now, make it earn back what I have lost now. My appetite for loss is probably about 5% not 10% as most people been adhering to. Fingers crossed sia.
Well, there goes my my first ever trade =( an epic failure.
My guess that Dow will go below 12000 was right! ok, USA market is a great influence. I must also keep an eye on it. I believe STI will be about 2800 by this evening, from 3075.44 yesterday.
Ok, US market is terrible. Check out the below
| Dow | 11984.60 | -228.48 (-1.87%) |
| S&P 500 | 1295.11 | -24.91 (-1.89%) |
| Nasdaq | 2701.02 | -50.70 (-1.84%) |
I am glad at least I did trade, so I will actively go and search out news. For example, I know the reason why US down so much.
'Stocks plunge on economic news, oil price swingsStocks swoon on poor economic news, swings in oil prices; Dow has worst day since August'
Back to my ill-fated SMRT, with market outlook so undesirable, no amount of TA helps le. Thats why I have always believed FA more important than TA. Anyway, there will always be people who do TA for you online but FA is subjective.
An update on my SMRT, I have placed a sell yesterday at 10pm for my 5lots. Hopefully can get it. I tried shorting it 1.91 for 10 lots. But the system said I exceeded client limit again. Seriously, the system is damn %$#@ will call them and check about it at 9am. In a worse case scenerio, I will probably sell it at 1.91 to cut loss because I highly doubt SMRT will be worth that much after its out of STI. Better not lock in my money in SMRT now, make it earn back what I have lost now. My appetite for loss is probably about 5% not 10% as most people been adhering to. Fingers crossed sia.
Well, there goes my my first ever trade =( an epic failure.
My guess that Dow will go below 12000 was right! ok, USA market is a great influence. I must also keep an eye on it. I believe STI will be about 2800 by this evening, from 3075.44 yesterday.
Thursday, 10 March 2011
US market
while i am typing this
DOW is 12038.95 (-1.43%)
S&P500 1300.34 (1.49%)
NASDAQ 2703.8 (-1.74%)
ALL NEGATIVE!!!! OH MY TIAN
must wake up early early tmr check again maybe DOW is <12,000
back to my sociology! concentrate!
DOW is 12038.95 (-1.43%)
S&P500 1300.34 (1.49%)
NASDAQ 2703.8 (-1.74%)
ALL NEGATIVE!!!! OH MY TIAN
must wake up early early tmr check again maybe DOW is <12,000
back to my sociology! concentrate!
SMRT out of STI??!!!
Oh dear i think it was a wrong idea to buy smrt at this time bcos it may be out of sti index by 21march. GLP replacing SMRT by 21 March.
I really hope that smrt raise to 1.94 so at least cover my remiser chargers and then go in again after the price stabalise.I tried to buy GLP which is going to replace SMRT in sti to hedge but the placing failed. I am going to try again tmr morning.
Morale of story and lesson to learn is, check out news before buying any shares. Its very important and check many times from all sources. HOW WAS I TO KNOW I SO SUAI.....today buy then offical news come out in the afternoon that SMRT will be out of STI by 21March ='((((((((((((((((((((( but the share price has been down from$2.05 that was why I was confident of buying.
my holdings in SMRT now
1.92*5000+ (1.92*5000*0.28%*2)
better cut loss and take a step back . i have placed a sell at 1.93
i guess my loss will be approx $4....
better this amount than $xxx right?
gotta check dows again at 8am, if its not as low i may change my sell to 1.94. then i may probably earn like $37 plus? not likely lah, the range was 1.92-1.93 today, by tmr smrt will have mass panic sell liao le...
below is the news that SMRT is out of STI. bloody %&$#
yahoo news was out at 3.13pm, but i bought SMRT at 11.25am. next time, i really must check google before buying anything damn it.
Normura had issued one the day before i think. But at that time was just a speculation but by today afternoon the news was kinda confirmed.
But i really looked at SMRT chart damn long liao then go in one
will put up a chart of it soon.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/glp-added-singapores-sti-mrch-21-replacing-smrt-20110310-014328-117.html
I really hope that smrt raise to 1.94 so at least cover my remiser chargers and then go in again after the price stabalise.I tried to buy GLP which is going to replace SMRT in sti to hedge but the placing failed. I am going to try again tmr morning.
Morale of story and lesson to learn is, check out news before buying any shares. Its very important and check many times from all sources. HOW WAS I TO KNOW I SO SUAI.....today buy then offical news come out in the afternoon that SMRT will be out of STI by 21March ='((((((((((((((((((((( but the share price has been down from$2.05 that was why I was confident of buying.
my holdings in SMRT now
1.92*5000+ (1.92*5000*0.28%*2)
better cut loss and take a step back . i have placed a sell at 1.93
i guess my loss will be approx $4....
better this amount than $xxx right?
gotta check dows again at 8am, if its not as low i may change my sell to 1.94. then i may probably earn like $37 plus? not likely lah, the range was 1.92-1.93 today, by tmr smrt will have mass panic sell liao le...
below is the news that SMRT is out of STI. bloody %&$#
yahoo news was out at 3.13pm, but i bought SMRT at 11.25am. next time, i really must check google before buying anything damn it.
Normura had issued one the day before i think. But at that time was just a speculation but by today afternoon the news was kinda confirmed.
But i really looked at SMRT chart damn long liao then go in one
will put up a chart of it soon.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/glp-added-singapores-sti-mrch-21-replacing-smrt-20110310-014328-117.html
Bought SMRT
Ok today busy day sia. Early in the morning, at 9am i took train to raffles place mrt station went to the uob atm withdraw $2000 and then went to CIMB close account. Then they say have penalty of $50 if i were to close now within 6mths. Wth??!!So in the end didnt close lor. Then walked to ocbc withdraw $8000. Total i have $10k cash!!! scared ppl rob me sia
Then took train to cityhall station went to raffles city tower level 6 to start up my poems account with $10k wow! Haha. Hiong! Then went to buy 5lots of SMRT shares at 1.92 each. My first ever trade!!!! :)))
Ok now Singtel is 2.97!!! Cheap cheap! Waiting for it to go further down then perhaps i go and buy also haha!After buying my SMRT via my iPhone, went to sit at burger king waiting for 11am to come so i can buy the $1 burger! So auntie right haha. First few in line hehe. I think got at least 80 in line, because the queue so long become U shape haha.
Then i go walk walk raffles city saw that perlini silver having closing down sale. Only one design of earring left so i bought 4 pairs of the same kind. Was $12 but now is $3.40 each about 70% discount haha! Intend to give my friends as present but they never give box :( sian haha
Well my leg pain so i sat down and type all these. Now i am off to shop shop again!
Then took train to cityhall station went to raffles city tower level 6 to start up my poems account with $10k wow! Haha. Hiong! Then went to buy 5lots of SMRT shares at 1.92 each. My first ever trade!!!! :)))
Ok now Singtel is 2.97!!! Cheap cheap! Waiting for it to go further down then perhaps i go and buy also haha!After buying my SMRT via my iPhone, went to sit at burger king waiting for 11am to come so i can buy the $1 burger! So auntie right haha. First few in line hehe. I think got at least 80 in line, because the queue so long become U shape haha.
Then i go walk walk raffles city saw that perlini silver having closing down sale. Only one design of earring left so i bought 4 pairs of the same kind. Was $12 but now is $3.40 each about 70% discount haha! Intend to give my friends as present but they never give box :( sian haha
Well my leg pain so i sat down and type all these. Now i am off to shop shop again!
Sunday, 6 March 2011
$ cannot buy
What Money cannot buy
Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy a clock, but not time.
Money can buy a book, but not knowledge.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy a clock, but not time.
Money can buy a book, but not knowledge.
Money can buy food, but not an appetite.
Money can buy position, but not respect.
Money can buy blood, but not life.
Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy sex, but not love.
Money can buy insurance, but not safety.
Money can buy position, but not respect.
Money can buy blood, but not life.
Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy sex, but not love.
Money can buy insurance, but not safety.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
If I have a baby
If I am a mummy...
-i may want to stop working and be a full time mama if i am able to afford it or my hubby can feed the family confortably. I would like to tend to my baby personally because i dont think any people would do the same other than the baby's grandparents or immediate family.
-however, i would still send him to playschool for like 2 hours twice a week so he can mingle with people his age and enjoy childhood.
-i would also like to teach my baby, because i was at thiong buying fruits with my parents when i saw this woman with het baby girl in a pram. The baby cannot be more than 2 years old and not able to walk yet but when her mama showed her a fruit, she can name it papaya so clearly! My parents and i were so amazed! They said babies her age cannot even talk (i think the are refering to me haha, but hey, i can speak hokkien quite fluently by age to two)
-i would also bring my baby for strolls and outings so that he can learn many things when he is young, i would like to show him what a papaya is, what an elephant is, what a supermarket is etc
-if money is not a problem, i would also like to bring him to attend some enrichment class to stimulate his mind. Because i have always wanted to join such courses but family not enough money last time. I would like to send him for fun lessons, like art lessons, baking lessons, singing lessons, drama lessons etc etc. Such lessons not only will stimulate his mind but he will also be more creative and learn how mingle well with others too.
-would like to have two kids. So they can accompany each other, just like ky brother who accompany me. Although my brother usually comes home late, he will still make an effort to talk to me, intro new songs to me, perform guitar for me, talk rubbish with me, play retarded iphone games with me and generally make my life less boring as compared if i am an only child. If possible and if my husband and i can afford, we can also have 3 or 4 so our family will not feel empty and i love children, provided they dont cry for no reason. But if the crying baby is my own baby of course i dont mind lah, bcos is my baby mah! Haha!
-however, i would still send him to playschool for like 2 hours twice a week so he can mingle with people his age and enjoy childhood.
-i would also like to teach my baby, because i was at thiong buying fruits with my parents when i saw this woman with het baby girl in a pram. The baby cannot be more than 2 years old and not able to walk yet but when her mama showed her a fruit, she can name it papaya so clearly! My parents and i were so amazed! They said babies her age cannot even talk (i think the are refering to me haha, but hey, i can speak hokkien quite fluently by age to two)
-i would also bring my baby for strolls and outings so that he can learn many things when he is young, i would like to show him what a papaya is, what an elephant is, what a supermarket is etc
-if money is not a problem, i would also like to bring him to attend some enrichment class to stimulate his mind. Because i have always wanted to join such courses but family not enough money last time. I would like to send him for fun lessons, like art lessons, baking lessons, singing lessons, drama lessons etc etc. Such lessons not only will stimulate his mind but he will also be more creative and learn how mingle well with others too.
-would like to have two kids. So they can accompany each other, just like ky brother who accompany me. Although my brother usually comes home late, he will still make an effort to talk to me, intro new songs to me, perform guitar for me, talk rubbish with me, play retarded iphone games with me and generally make my life less boring as compared if i am an only child. If possible and if my husband and i can afford, we can also have 3 or 4 so our family will not feel empty and i love children, provided they dont cry for no reason. But if the crying baby is my own baby of course i dont mind lah, bcos is my baby mah! Haha!
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Repair Car
Last year i think in november, while on my way to look for aaron, i got into an accident, i crashed into a bmw on the expressway towards lower delta. Luckily there was only a scratch on the bmw but for me my toyota bumper came out a little.
The bmw driver didnt sue me or ask me to pay him, its very gentleman of him. I was afraid of being scolded by my father and wanted to send to repair it. Then aaron has this friend, florence whose grandfather has this car repair shop opposite alexandra hospital so we quickly go there. My expected repair cost was about $100 but when florence's mother saw it, she told me the whole bumper has to be taken out and put in again and it would cost $150 i was thinking since already there may as well repair, and its someone aaron is familiar with so i think they will probably not run away with the car and that they are giving me a discount as aaron knows florence.
Then yesterday, while my father brought me out for lunch, on the way, i saw this accident and asked my father how much it would cost if the whole bumper is taken out and put in again.he said maximum only $30. He said only need to take out the screw and put in again can already. Then he said he himself knows how to go it. Omg i fainted man. His front van was dented and he was only charged $30 to pull the dent out.
Oh my 天 ah, i thought she would have given us face since aaron knows them. Even if they do not give us discounts, they should at least charge us market price isnt it? Maybe they thought we were dumb and young so she whacked us. How unethical of them! How can they sleep at night?!
I learnt that it doesnt mean that if we buy things from people we know then can get a better price,just like when my mother wanted to buy medicine from our neighbour's herbal shop downstaira, they charge her so much more! Its better to look around and ask for price before making a decision.
I should tell aaron how evil florence's mother ia so that he can also learn from this. But i guess, its still ok ba, because the extra profit they made can be spent on floerence's grandmothers chemo because she is still undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Well, at least my money went into something useful which can give her a better quality life ba.
The bmw driver didnt sue me or ask me to pay him, its very gentleman of him. I was afraid of being scolded by my father and wanted to send to repair it. Then aaron has this friend, florence whose grandfather has this car repair shop opposite alexandra hospital so we quickly go there. My expected repair cost was about $100 but when florence's mother saw it, she told me the whole bumper has to be taken out and put in again and it would cost $150 i was thinking since already there may as well repair, and its someone aaron is familiar with so i think they will probably not run away with the car and that they are giving me a discount as aaron knows florence.
Then yesterday, while my father brought me out for lunch, on the way, i saw this accident and asked my father how much it would cost if the whole bumper is taken out and put in again.he said maximum only $30. He said only need to take out the screw and put in again can already. Then he said he himself knows how to go it. Omg i fainted man. His front van was dented and he was only charged $30 to pull the dent out.
Oh my 天 ah, i thought she would have given us face since aaron knows them. Even if they do not give us discounts, they should at least charge us market price isnt it? Maybe they thought we were dumb and young so she whacked us. How unethical of them! How can they sleep at night?!
I learnt that it doesnt mean that if we buy things from people we know then can get a better price,just like when my mother wanted to buy medicine from our neighbour's herbal shop downstaira, they charge her so much more! Its better to look around and ask for price before making a decision.
I should tell aaron how evil florence's mother ia so that he can also learn from this. But i guess, its still ok ba, because the extra profit they made can be spent on floerence's grandmothers chemo because she is still undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Well, at least my money went into something useful which can give her a better quality life ba.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Internal > External
I have to look internal before external. Just like companies, they have got to look at internal problems first because, this is easier to solve than external problems beyond one's control. This is what I have learnt in accounting and can also apply in real life.
Its easy to keep blaming people about this and that, however dont let this influence you. Just learn not to be like them and learn from it to be a better person. Just like companies, if they want an increase in sales for example, they must ensure that they have good internal control eg. Total Quality Management (TQM) which means they can have quality checks on the goods before they are sold, this can reduce warranty costs, repair costs, goods recall, customer satisfaction, loss of brand name etc.
Using this principle on myself, I study and learn more before I can say I fully understand the situation. This can make oneself become more analytical and also thoughtful as a result. Also, if you are kind and helpful but dont look pretty, people will also view you more positively.
Its easy to keep blaming people about this and that, however dont let this influence you. Just learn not to be like them and learn from it to be a better person. Just like companies, if they want an increase in sales for example, they must ensure that they have good internal control eg. Total Quality Management (TQM) which means they can have quality checks on the goods before they are sold, this can reduce warranty costs, repair costs, goods recall, customer satisfaction, loss of brand name etc.
Using this principle on myself, I study and learn more before I can say I fully understand the situation. This can make oneself become more analytical and also thoughtful as a result. Also, if you are kind and helpful but dont look pretty, people will also view you more positively.
So pissed- Tax class
Let me tell you how pissed I am today, damn it man. Woke up at 7.15am to prepare to go for tax lesson which is supposed to start at 9am but when i reached there, there is this board which will tell you which classroom to go and I cant find my tax classroom. I knew something is wrong liao man.
Then I went to the general office and asked one of the kind women there whether they can help me find where it is held because my timetable clearly stated that there is tax lesson today at 9am. I am not sure of the venue, because got my acca results last week and I failed tax so I signed up for pro-rated tax lessons like all the other people who failed too.
This kind and helpful malay lady who can also speak chinese can to my rescue and she searched computer and found this email dated 25Jan to students to inform them that the 28feb lesson will be pushed forward to 21feb instead. Isnt this like $#@& !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Students who sign up for the pro-rated lessons would have been informed of this bloodly idiotic arrangement isnt it? Because exam results came out on 21feb and no way would they be able to make it for the lesson.
Seriously this is wtf man, its about $40 down the drain, and time and transport fees all the way there and back home. Dont they have this service which automatically remind students of cancellations? And if the teacher cannot make it on 28feb, dont put it on the timetable and mislead students, if there are changes, they should make changes to the timetable asap. I really should give the lecturer a piece of my mind man!
Good thing is, I kept my cool in the general office, because the counter lady was so nice to extend her assistance which is out of her way and by no means her fault either. I politely thanked her for her help and went back home. Sometimes, I guess life is like that, sometimes it gets so $%#& but always keep your cool. This is just an unfortunate incident which the lecturer may not have predicted. Forgive and forget about it is the best ba. Btw, i also have a reputation to keep because I was in the previous batch of acca committe so I gotta just keep my cool haha. Usually i will just keep my cool even if I am not in the committee but i will niam niam niam the way home haha! Lifes like that!
Morale of story is, if I had not failed tax, I wouldnt have to retake and this shit wouldnt have happened. I take this as a punishment =( cannot blame school or other people, look internal before external. Just like companies, they have got to look at internal problems first because, this is easier to solve than external problems beyond one's control. This is what I have learnt in accounting and can also apply in real life.
Then I went to the general office and asked one of the kind women there whether they can help me find where it is held because my timetable clearly stated that there is tax lesson today at 9am. I am not sure of the venue, because got my acca results last week and I failed tax so I signed up for pro-rated tax lessons like all the other people who failed too.
This kind and helpful malay lady who can also speak chinese can to my rescue and she searched computer and found this email dated 25Jan to students to inform them that the 28feb lesson will be pushed forward to 21feb instead. Isnt this like $#@& !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Students who sign up for the pro-rated lessons would have been informed of this bloodly idiotic arrangement isnt it? Because exam results came out on 21feb and no way would they be able to make it for the lesson.
Seriously this is wtf man, its about $40 down the drain, and time and transport fees all the way there and back home. Dont they have this service which automatically remind students of cancellations? And if the teacher cannot make it on 28feb, dont put it on the timetable and mislead students, if there are changes, they should make changes to the timetable asap. I really should give the lecturer a piece of my mind man!
Good thing is, I kept my cool in the general office, because the counter lady was so nice to extend her assistance which is out of her way and by no means her fault either. I politely thanked her for her help and went back home. Sometimes, I guess life is like that, sometimes it gets so $%#& but always keep your cool. This is just an unfortunate incident which the lecturer may not have predicted. Forgive and forget about it is the best ba. Btw, i also have a reputation to keep because I was in the previous batch of acca committe so I gotta just keep my cool haha. Usually i will just keep my cool even if I am not in the committee but i will niam niam niam the way home haha! Lifes like that!
Morale of story is, if I had not failed tax, I wouldnt have to retake and this shit wouldnt have happened. I take this as a punishment =( cannot blame school or other people, look internal before external. Just like companies, they have got to look at internal problems first because, this is easier to solve than external problems beyond one's control. This is what I have learnt in accounting and can also apply in real life.
MY ILP analysis
( Initially I had very negative views about ILP but after consulting agents and flowerpod I understand why ILP is still popular, it is just how you rearrange whats in your ILP and how you can maximise your money. I am learning and reading up more about it and below are some things which I have just learnt)
I have this policy which I bought without thinking in July 2010.
- I am paying $1907.28 for 60+years (if I were to continue till I am that old)
- Now, the premium is split into two different funds, 50% in China-Indian fund and another 50% in Singapore Managed Fund.
- I have this Crisis cover Provider III with an assured sum of $50,000 for 99 years
- Total and permanent Disability with sum assured of $104650 for 44 years. I would be 64 years old by then, and I think I may need a wheelchair le, so I don’t think 44 years is enough.
Advantages
- Its supposed to be good when i started out young at 20 years old. Since, there will be higher charges for aged 50 onwards, I may terminate it by the time I reach 50.
- Low premiums
- You most likely get back a substantial lump sum after like 30 or 40 years if you diligently not take out any for emergencies lah and let it grow and grow.
- You can take out the available amount for emergency use and there is no charge, but
- Its supposed to be good when i started out young at 20 years old. Since, there will be higher charges for aged 50 onwards, I may terminate it by the time I reach 50.
- Low premiums
- You most likely get back a substantial lump sum after like 30 or 40 years if you diligently not take out any for emergencies lah and let it grow and grow.
- You can take out the available amount for emergency use and there is no charge, but
-It can also be treated as a form of diversification i guess.
-I have this crisis cover till I am 99years old and usually other policies will stop at 65 years old.
Disadvantages
- Must have balls to tahan incase econony goes down. Holding power is important and shouldn’t have cold feet and withdraw when it is at your disadvantage just like stocks.
- High admin fees in the first 4 years which means that 100% of premium will be invested after 4 years. If i am not wrong, first yr only 15%, 2-3year is 50%
- It does have hospitalisation or accident cover which i feel is more important for my age group. Right now, this I feel health related insurance is more suitable rather than death, permanent disabilty or critical illness like stroke, cancer etc although it is important too but hospitalisation should be on a higher basis.
What i can do to maximise money's worth now that i know that I already have an ILP
- Lower my death payout sum so more of my premium can go towards investmemt which most like will be able to generate more returns. For now my death payout sum is 100k, haha my life only worth a miserable 100k but, this 100k is quite a lot for an ILP, and people my age insure their death for 20-50k only.
- I can also reorganise my portfolio, currently its 50% in china-indian fund and another 50% in Singapore Managed fund. But i would like to diversify into the emerging market funds too. My ideal fund mix should be 40% china-indian, 40% emerging markets (or Global Equity Fund) and 20% singapore. I believe that those markets will boom within 20-40years, which is the period of time which I am probably holding my ILP for.
- In addition, i was also advised to pay my premiums monthly to take advantage of dollar cost averaging. Previously, i had opted to pay yearly, because i believe with more money put in, it can generate more. Now that the market is in an upward trend, i believe i will continue to pay premium yearly for the moment. I have to read up more about dollar cost averaging before making a decision, because i think that monthly payments will also incur a little admin charge.
Disadvantages
- Must have balls to tahan incase econony goes down. Holding power is important and shouldn’t have cold feet and withdraw when it is at your disadvantage just like stocks.
- High admin fees in the first 4 years which means that 100% of premium will be invested after 4 years. If i am not wrong, first yr only 15%, 2-3year is 50%
- It does have hospitalisation or accident cover which i feel is more important for my age group. Right now, this I feel health related insurance is more suitable rather than death, permanent disabilty or critical illness like stroke, cancer etc although it is important too but hospitalisation should be on a higher basis.
What i can do to maximise money's worth now that i know that I already have an ILP
- Lower my death payout sum so more of my premium can go towards investmemt which most like will be able to generate more returns. For now my death payout sum is 100k, haha my life only worth a miserable 100k but, this 100k is quite a lot for an ILP, and people my age insure their death for 20-50k only.
- I can also reorganise my portfolio, currently its 50% in china-indian fund and another 50% in Singapore Managed fund. But i would like to diversify into the emerging market funds too. My ideal fund mix should be 40% china-indian, 40% emerging markets (or Global Equity Fund) and 20% singapore. I believe that those markets will boom within 20-40years, which is the period of time which I am probably holding my ILP for.
- In addition, i was also advised to pay my premiums monthly to take advantage of dollar cost averaging. Previously, i had opted to pay yearly, because i believe with more money put in, it can generate more. Now that the market is in an upward trend, i believe i will continue to pay premium yearly for the moment. I have to read up more about dollar cost averaging before making a decision, because i think that monthly payments will also incur a little admin charge.
My next task is, learning how to check how the funds perform, next time can do it by myself without such huge chunks of my $$$ on agents’ commissions.
This is a print screen from my China-Indian fund factsheet
This is a print screen of my Singapore Managed Fund factsheet
My Singapore Managed Fund performance chart as at 25feb2011
My China-Indian Fund Performance chart as at 25feb2011
Well, both doesnt look very good isnt it? sian half le....
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Budget HDB Tai Tai
Now that i am not working, i must actively be aware of where my $$$ goes to
My lazy method is to put a certain amount say, $50 in my wallet and its supposed to last me for a week.
When it depletes faster too fast, i will know somethings up and got to immediately cut it. I am not too disciplined to use iphone expenses applications like my other friends but then i believe my method is quite effective too. I also use master or nets only for my lessons fees and dont hold any credit cards even though i was rather tempted by CIMB students credit card. I thought its good to use it to pay my school fees through CIMB credit cards then have like link points or something, but there isnt any of such priviledges. And somemore the credit is $500 only. And as of now, CIMB only has 2 branches, not convenient.
OK, lets see how budget i can be.
- last time i usually use $5 handphone pouch as wallets. Its super convenient and cute and it comes in my favourite pink. Downside is it gets spoilt easily, as in the zips will spoil, the cloth will suddenly got a big hole and stuff. Thus, I bought a real leather Braun Buffel wallet. It may should extravagent, but its not like my friends exorbitant Coach or LV wallets which cost at least $400++. I am proud to say I bought it at a steal, at $75 only, at Bugis BHG because they have this 50% sales! Lifetime warranty somemore! Love it! Dont have to change so frequently anymore!
-I dont buy makeup for my face. I believe in au natural! Although this caused me to look not very pretty but i look real! With significant amount of money saved up from not buying makeup, it amounts to alot. However, I do buy face products. I bought this whole stock of face shop mask straight from Korea instead of singapore because its cheaper and my friend chip in too! I am also a member of The Face Shop singapore. Ardent fan. I especially love the egg white peel but its not cheap, about $21. But then compare it with Kiehl, Derma etc its not too ex lah haha. And I also have sunblock from L'Oreal from Chinatown $10 only, compared to watson's $19.90. I also have face wash, toner, eye cream and lip balm from Nivea which cost $5.40, $4.95, $12 and $4.20 respectively, all from Chinatown too. Lastly, I also have face moisturizer from L'Oreal too which is about $10.50. Although it may sound like i use alot of stuff,but actually its not expensive, considering my pimples have decreased quite drastically! It should be treated as a long term investment, because I used to work full time and study part time until i so stressed i get breakouts, should be under control now ba. And I have never went to colour my hair or perm or rebond. In addition, I have never gone for a manicure or pedicure before. Well, thats a lot of savings isnt it haha. As for my hair, I guess I am going to colour a little in future hehe.
-I also dont buy lots of clothings. Usually clothes from This Fashion etc will suffice for me. Thats why i sometimes dress and look like an auntie and older than my tender age of 20 hahaha. One day, I shall dress up and make people faint haha. I know of girls who must go out shopping every week, and will drag their poor boyfriend along as atm or bag carrier haha! Caant imagine how much they will spend on shopping in a month. When i do happen to have high class dinners to attend, all i have to put on his some gel on my hair (the gel can gope from my bro), a bit of $5 lip gloss and a simple but presentable black dress which cost $20, then i am good to go! yay!
-Branded bags may be wow, but then its not suitable for me. My colleagues who are Clients Service carries Gucci, Burberry and Fendi bags. It must have cost them a bomb like maybe a whole month's salary goes to one bag alone. Gosh! But for me, i have this little dark blue cloth bag which cost a mere $10 which looks cheap but actually very hardy and goes with alot of my outfit and also a brown messenger sling back which cost $10 only too! The bag which i guess to school is a Sembonia which cost $125 hehe. But looks really nice and real leather too! Come on why dont you pay $125 for a real leather instead of $2000 for a demin Fendi bag which is not even leather? Maybe some people just like the brand name ba haha. Different people different preference. Oh and the Sembonia bag was a present from my mother, didnt buy it myself hehe.
-Food is a must for me! I eat like a man. Seriously, no joke. I can eat chicken rice with extra rice somemore hehe. Can challenge those construction workers appetite liao haha! But i hardly go to restaurants makan except for outings with friends. I am very happy with coffee shops and food courts and I dont mind the smell which may get stuck on your shirts. Namely because I used to help out my parents in coffee shop and also the market so its like very natural and a norm for me. Food at coffee shop would cost at most $3.50 whereas those at the cafes or restaurants would be $20 at least.
-I also dont buy jewellery, I used to buy Perlini Silver's Italy earring because it doesnt make my ears swollen and they are rather reasonable at less than $10 per pair but usually after wearing for one or two months it will become brown O.O but my father bought me this Citigems while silver earrings which I can wear like forever, and they also provide free cleaning, and they have a branch in Clementi too!
-I am not a shoe freak either. My sports shoes are Nikey but was bought at a sales for about $60 which I wore since JC1 till now. And my daily leg wear is a $3 slipper hehe! Cheap and comfortable. For work or to areas which cannot wear slippers, I have this ballet flats bought at $19.90 and also this wedges for $18. Usually women are supposed to have shoes fetish, heng I dont have. Maybe because I dont wear heels, if I do, I probably be dead by now because I would have fallen to my death. My sense of balance on trains are terrible on flats and can you imagine on heels? haha
-Other expenses would be monthly eyebrow threading for only $% or snacks like soya bean milk, or the occassion toto and big sweeps etc. Not too much I guess. These little stuff increases quality of life haha.
But a huge chuck of my money goes to education, especially course fees and I have estimated that 3 years course for SIM and ACCA would be around $50000. My father and I will be splitting the bill. Thus, I cant be a spendthrift lor haha.
Btw, STI index went to about 2600 wow, that like an all time low for a few months leh, of course i didnt go in, it will almost certainly to go up and I hope it will probably dip again and then perhaps I may reconsider haha. Ok, back to mugging!
My lazy method is to put a certain amount say, $50 in my wallet and its supposed to last me for a week.
When it depletes faster too fast, i will know somethings up and got to immediately cut it. I am not too disciplined to use iphone expenses applications like my other friends but then i believe my method is quite effective too. I also use master or nets only for my lessons fees and dont hold any credit cards even though i was rather tempted by CIMB students credit card. I thought its good to use it to pay my school fees through CIMB credit cards then have like link points or something, but there isnt any of such priviledges. And somemore the credit is $500 only. And as of now, CIMB only has 2 branches, not convenient.
OK, lets see how budget i can be.
- last time i usually use $5 handphone pouch as wallets. Its super convenient and cute and it comes in my favourite pink. Downside is it gets spoilt easily, as in the zips will spoil, the cloth will suddenly got a big hole and stuff. Thus, I bought a real leather Braun Buffel wallet. It may should extravagent, but its not like my friends exorbitant Coach or LV wallets which cost at least $400++. I am proud to say I bought it at a steal, at $75 only, at Bugis BHG because they have this 50% sales! Lifetime warranty somemore! Love it! Dont have to change so frequently anymore!
-I dont buy makeup for my face. I believe in au natural! Although this caused me to look not very pretty but i look real! With significant amount of money saved up from not buying makeup, it amounts to alot. However, I do buy face products. I bought this whole stock of face shop mask straight from Korea instead of singapore because its cheaper and my friend chip in too! I am also a member of The Face Shop singapore. Ardent fan. I especially love the egg white peel but its not cheap, about $21. But then compare it with Kiehl, Derma etc its not too ex lah haha. And I also have sunblock from L'Oreal from Chinatown $10 only, compared to watson's $19.90. I also have face wash, toner, eye cream and lip balm from Nivea which cost $5.40, $4.95, $12 and $4.20 respectively, all from Chinatown too. Lastly, I also have face moisturizer from L'Oreal too which is about $10.50. Although it may sound like i use alot of stuff,but actually its not expensive, considering my pimples have decreased quite drastically! It should be treated as a long term investment, because I used to work full time and study part time until i so stressed i get breakouts, should be under control now ba. And I have never went to colour my hair or perm or rebond. In addition, I have never gone for a manicure or pedicure before. Well, thats a lot of savings isnt it haha. As for my hair, I guess I am going to colour a little in future hehe.
-I also dont buy lots of clothings. Usually clothes from This Fashion etc will suffice for me. Thats why i sometimes dress and look like an auntie and older than my tender age of 20 hahaha. One day, I shall dress up and make people faint haha. I know of girls who must go out shopping every week, and will drag their poor boyfriend along as atm or bag carrier haha! Caant imagine how much they will spend on shopping in a month. When i do happen to have high class dinners to attend, all i have to put on his some gel on my hair (the gel can gope from my bro), a bit of $5 lip gloss and a simple but presentable black dress which cost $20, then i am good to go! yay!
-Branded bags may be wow, but then its not suitable for me. My colleagues who are Clients Service carries Gucci, Burberry and Fendi bags. It must have cost them a bomb like maybe a whole month's salary goes to one bag alone. Gosh! But for me, i have this little dark blue cloth bag which cost a mere $10 which looks cheap but actually very hardy and goes with alot of my outfit and also a brown messenger sling back which cost $10 only too! The bag which i guess to school is a Sembonia which cost $125 hehe. But looks really nice and real leather too! Come on why dont you pay $125 for a real leather instead of $2000 for a demin Fendi bag which is not even leather? Maybe some people just like the brand name ba haha. Different people different preference. Oh and the Sembonia bag was a present from my mother, didnt buy it myself hehe.
-Food is a must for me! I eat like a man. Seriously, no joke. I can eat chicken rice with extra rice somemore hehe. Can challenge those construction workers appetite liao haha! But i hardly go to restaurants makan except for outings with friends. I am very happy with coffee shops and food courts and I dont mind the smell which may get stuck on your shirts. Namely because I used to help out my parents in coffee shop and also the market so its like very natural and a norm for me. Food at coffee shop would cost at most $3.50 whereas those at the cafes or restaurants would be $20 at least.
-I also dont buy jewellery, I used to buy Perlini Silver's Italy earring because it doesnt make my ears swollen and they are rather reasonable at less than $10 per pair but usually after wearing for one or two months it will become brown O.O but my father bought me this Citigems while silver earrings which I can wear like forever, and they also provide free cleaning, and they have a branch in Clementi too!
-I am not a shoe freak either. My sports shoes are Nikey but was bought at a sales for about $60 which I wore since JC1 till now. And my daily leg wear is a $3 slipper hehe! Cheap and comfortable. For work or to areas which cannot wear slippers, I have this ballet flats bought at $19.90 and also this wedges for $18. Usually women are supposed to have shoes fetish, heng I dont have. Maybe because I dont wear heels, if I do, I probably be dead by now because I would have fallen to my death. My sense of balance on trains are terrible on flats and can you imagine on heels? haha
-Other expenses would be monthly eyebrow threading for only $% or snacks like soya bean milk, or the occassion toto and big sweeps etc. Not too much I guess. These little stuff increases quality of life haha.
But a huge chuck of my money goes to education, especially course fees and I have estimated that 3 years course for SIM and ACCA would be around $50000. My father and I will be splitting the bill. Thus, I cant be a spendthrift lor haha.
Btw, STI index went to about 2600 wow, that like an all time low for a few months leh, of course i didnt go in, it will almost certainly to go up and I hope it will probably dip again and then perhaps I may reconsider haha. Ok, back to mugging!
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
ILP
Today, this lady Samantha from Manulife called me and wanted to meet up. This incident makes me think of my impulsive mistake of buying an ILP from xxx company. It was in July 2010.
This person called Ronald and told me he got my info from SIM and wanted to meet up. I was inquisitive and went to meet him during my lunch break at work. Then he started talking about blah blah products and stuff and he is in his 20s... should have known he was too young... I naively bought this insurance which he claimed can give a minimun of 5% return every year and I asked whether i can get my principal sum back when i need the money for emergency and he was like sure of course no problem.
Then, he passed me this package one week later and I just chucked it aside. I bought this so fast and didnt even consult anyone about it. I realised eventually it was actually an investment linked product. By then, it was too late to cancel, because the refund was only valid for 7 working days and this is long over. I regret not checking up more about it on the internet or asking around and didnt even consult aaron on this before signing on. I read through the package during work after a month and realised that my money is in this indian china fund thingy and worse still, only 15% of my money is invested in the first year and 85% goes to admin fees.
By then it was too late for a termination for a full refund.
The package states that from year 2 onwards 50% will be invested and from year 4 then only 100% is invested. I called up xxx insurance company, and check up on how much i can get if i terminate it now. I put in $1907.28 in July 2010 and guess what, if i were to terminate it now in Feb 2011, the grand total i will get back is $203 only! seriously! no kidding, double checked with xxx somemore. The rest had gone to xxx's agent and his agency. I cannot blame him, I was too naive, but then again, he is not ethical! He told me that of course i can get back my principal if i were to need money for my education. WTH! And worse still, i stupidly believed him! Morale of the story, this is a cruel business world.
Ok, i have to call up and check in June 2011 before my next premium and see how much i can get back and should i just cut loss or carry on this mistake for about 20 plus years?
Lets view the below simplistic calculations- assumption is i am using simple interest rates of 5% p.a for inflation instead of compounding effect becos me too lazy to calculate haha
if i were to terminate it on june 2011 assuming that the amount i can get back is $350
my net loss will be
[(1907.28×1.05-350)÷1907.28]×100%=86.6% loss
This person called Ronald and told me he got my info from SIM and wanted to meet up. I was inquisitive and went to meet him during my lunch break at work. Then he started talking about blah blah products and stuff and he is in his 20s... should have known he was too young... I naively bought this insurance which he claimed can give a minimun of 5% return every year and I asked whether i can get my principal sum back when i need the money for emergency and he was like sure of course no problem.
Then, he passed me this package one week later and I just chucked it aside. I bought this so fast and didnt even consult anyone about it. I realised eventually it was actually an investment linked product. By then, it was too late to cancel, because the refund was only valid for 7 working days and this is long over. I regret not checking up more about it on the internet or asking around and didnt even consult aaron on this before signing on. I read through the package during work after a month and realised that my money is in this indian china fund thingy and worse still, only 15% of my money is invested in the first year and 85% goes to admin fees.
By then it was too late for a termination for a full refund.
The package states that from year 2 onwards 50% will be invested and from year 4 then only 100% is invested. I called up xxx insurance company, and check up on how much i can get if i terminate it now. I put in $1907.28 in July 2010 and guess what, if i were to terminate it now in Feb 2011, the grand total i will get back is $203 only! seriously! no kidding, double checked with xxx somemore. The rest had gone to xxx's agent and his agency. I cannot blame him, I was too naive, but then again, he is not ethical! He told me that of course i can get back my principal if i were to need money for my education. WTH! And worse still, i stupidly believed him! Morale of the story, this is a cruel business world.
Ok, i have to call up and check in June 2011 before my next premium and see how much i can get back and should i just cut loss or carry on this mistake for about 20 plus years?
Lets view the below simplistic calculations- assumption is i am using simple interest rates of 5% p.a for inflation instead of compounding effect becos me too lazy to calculate haha
if i were to terminate it on june 2011 assuming that the amount i can get back is $350
my net loss will be
[(1907.28×1.05-350)÷1907.28]×100%=86.6% loss
if i were to terminate it 5 years later in 2015 the minimum amount i get is $3400. In 5 years i would have put in $1907.28×5=$9536.40 and with simple interest rate of 5% annually i would have put in 5 years is about $11920.50. My net loss would be
[(11920.50-3400)÷11920.50]×100%= 71.5% loss
if i were to terminate it 20 years later in 2020 the minimum amount i get is $40700. In 20 years i would have put in $1907.28×20=$38145.60 and with simple interest rate of 5% annually i would have put in 20 years is about $76291.20. My net loss would be
if i were to terminate it 20 years later in 2020 the minimum amount i get is $40700. In 20 years i would have put in $1907.28×20=$38145.60 and with simple interest rate of 5% annually i would have put in 20 years is about $76291.20. My net loss would be
[(76291.20-40700)÷76291.20]×100%= 46.65% loss
ok, i know this is stupid to continue calculation further, the loss will probably decrease but! the catch is, its still a loss! oh my tien...hoping that china and india will have some kind of extraordinary boom and so i can at least get back $500 to cut my loss by June 2011... four months to go...
ok, treat this as a lesson ba, so glad i mentioned to tell aaron my gold purchase in late July (this was about 2 weeks after the insurance thing) before it was confirmed and so didnt continue on another mistake which is even more costly thanks for his assistance bcos of the email he sent me. From then on, i had this phobia of investing, i have not invested in any shares or anything else other than the occassional toto when the prize ballooned to $1million or big sweeps once in a while hehe. Knowing about what you are buying is very important be it just a shirt, investing, car or house.
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