There are two ways to classify kids ever since the beginning of time. One are the those that were born with that special piece of silver spoon in their mouth, and the ones without.

I recently saw a long Facebook status on my news feed by this guy who was sharing his opinion on why there's nothing wrong with kids leeching off their parents money.

It was something along the lines of this:

The grape is sour because you can't eat it. People are complaining about the nice cars parents buy for their kids. Their parents work so hard to earn the money, why can't their children enjoy it?

Being raised in a not so well-to-do family, I don't get nice cars to drive or a good amount of pocket money. Heck, I don't even get new toy cars when I was younger and I stopped getting pocket money after graduating from secondary school.

Whenever I see kids from wealthy families enjoying their holidays while I have to work, whenever I see kids not having to worry about their school fees, I have to admit - sometimes, I do envy them.

But I'm really glad at the end of the day. Because I was taught to look at life differently. You know the feeling of putting in long hours at work just to have that extra income to buy the things you like?

I bet that feeling of working to have what you want is so much better than asking money from your parents. I still know people who at my age, still relies on their parents for pocket money. No, don't get me wrong. I don't have any issues with people relying on their rich parents who worked hard for their children to have a better life.

I just feel that their parents are awesome, but they're not.

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Little Talk: I don't really watch tennis but this one here is really good.

My Google Chrome browser crashed on me recently when I closed a YouTube video tab. I thought it was just an one-off incident until it happened pretty much frequently.

Here's a quick fix that you can use this solve this annoying issue.

1. Access your Plug-ins page by keying "chrome://plugins" in your Google Chrome Address Bar.

   

2. At the right upper corner of your Plug-ins page, expand all the plugins by clicking "Details".

    

3. Look under "Flash" and you should see something like the one I have.

    

4. Disable the one that is located under your "system32" and it should solve the issue.

You can ignore the version that I have since I no longer do updates for my Flash ever since Google Chrome bundled themselves with the latest Flash version.

Update: Please ignore this fix as the problem came up again. Google is currently working on a fix at the time of writing.

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Little Talk: Samsung disses Apple once again in their new TV ad. Apple fanboys just got "Samsunged".

Here are some of the things I'm targeting to achieve in the next six months.

• Take my IELTS

I have already applied for school but I will have to take this International English Language Testing System before I can start school. The only setback for me right now is the $310 test fee.

• New Watch

This watch caught my eye few weeks back and this would cost me another 300 bucks. So unless I can find another watch which can divert my attention from this (very low probability), this one would be on my wrist soon.

• One Attempt In Traffic Police Driving Test

Clock at least one attempt in my Traffic Police Driving Test, which I'm aiming for a first time pass. I think the test fees are damn expensive and I'm not going to let them rip my money off this way.

• Bangkok

I've been wanting to go Bangkok since 2009 but the idea has always been thrown aside by me after awhile. Either it's because I don't have enough money, or there's no one interested to go with me. This time, I want to make it happen.

Let's see if I can achieve all these in the next six months.

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Little Talk: I don't have a New Year resolution, but I've a lifelong dream to achieve.

My brother has this game on my dad's iPhone called Fishing Joy. It's one of those games that uses your coins to catch the fishes which in return, gives you more coins.

Sometimes, I would join in the fun and try to catch some fishes while he's playing. And he would always push my hand away when I try to tap the screen, preventing me from tapping.

Since the iPhone does not belong to him, he only has a limited amount of time with it. One day, I decided to download a similar game (Fishing Diary) on my Android and showed it to him.

We were playing it together for quite awhile when suddenly I pushed his hand away and told him, "Since you don't allow me to play your game, I won't allow you to play mine too". So for the next few minutes, he just stood beside me watching me play.

I could really feel his urge to tap on my screen at the point of time. Revenge is sweet.

A few days later, he was playing the game on the iPhone again. This time round, he came to me and showed me the number of coins he had. What happened next was even cooler. He took my hand and told me to tap and catch some fishes. The victory was mine, but it wasn't enough.

Last night I decided to play the game again, on the loudest volume. The sound soon attracted my brother into my room and he was beside me again, with that urge to tap. I kept quiet and continued playing, waiting for him to take the bait.

True enough, his hand came and touched my screen once. I gave him my most serious face, closed the game, locked my phone, (gently) threw it on the table and walked out of the room.

I've caught my revenge.

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On the last day of 2011, I went Johor Bahru. 

I tried to have a good bowl of Wanton Mee (I ate at three different places) but all of the stalls disappointed me.

I saw how tapioca chips were made after seeing this guy selling it along the road. Take a tapioca, slice it into thin slices into the oil.

I was feeling disappointed because I didn't get to have good roadside food until I saw the Lok Lok mobile van.

That was how I spent the last day of 2011.

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This is going to be a really random post. We'll see how it goes.

I came here because I had a sudden urge to write but the moment I opened up the editor, my mind just went blank. The feeling is as if you're walking bare naked down a crowded street, desperately looking for anything you can use to cover yourself with.

I just walked into the crowded street with the intention to flaunt my dazzling clothes only to realise that I'm actually defenseless against the stare of the crowd. That was how I felt when I came here to write.

But somehow, I managed to cook up this stupid theory and I can now publish this as a post - to momentarily pacify the craving the post something while I try to do some soul-searching of what I really want to write.

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And this is how much I'm tempted to eat on some days when I'm really hungry even though I know that I'm supposed to watch the portions I'm eating.

(via Nedroid.)

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This post is continued from Hello Taipei #5.

It's a new day and today's destination would be the Taipei 101 building. But before that, we have to take a little trip down to the train station since we're taking the train there.

Firstly, we going to buy a train ticket to Taipei City Hall station, which is 25 TWD (SGD 1.07) for a single trip journey.

This is the single trip ticket which comes in the form of a coin which you're supposed to tap at the gantry. Maybe it's more cost effective to manufacture a coin instead of a card, but I sure feel weird to tap in using a coin than a card.

We finally arrived at the destination. Here I'm, standing under the second tallest building in the world, but I don't feel the "kick". I remembered standing under Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and I felt really good but I just couldn't get the feeling here.

Shopped around and it was finally time to go up to the Observatory on the 89th floor after lunch.

In the world's second fastest elevator at a speed of 1010 metres per minute. I know this is stupid but the world's fastest elevator is located at the world's tallest building.

So it took us 45 seconds to go from the 5th storey to the 89th storey. That is so much faster when compared to me using the stairs.

I took quite a number of photos but I'm just going to throw in the ones which I think are nicer and I'm not going to write much since I don't get paid for writing.

Oh look, I saw something really interesting. Can you see the girl bathing in the toilet? Check out the tunnels at the background of the photo.

So cool. As I walked around the observatory deck, I saw something even way cooler.

Credits must be given to this little bugger who manage to make his way up here.

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I was reading some of my archived blog entries and it just strucked me by how some of the values and habits I once believed in has slowly abraded off me.

Joseph, when was the last time you did something worthwhile for somebody else or yourself and when you go to bed, you can smile and say - I did something good today.

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(Credits: Viktor Hertz)

I have been abstaining from fast food for as long as I can remember. Not only I think it's expensive, I also think it's pretty unhealthy to consume it on a regular basis.

But to me honest, as much as I try to stay away from all the junk food, I still have them once in awhile (months).

Recently, I've started my weight loss journey where I make myself eat lesser. No second helpings, no fried food and no supper.

I also do my one hour workout every alternate days. 3 sets of sit-ups and pull-ups followed by a 30 minutes jog.

However on every Saturday, I reward myself by eating whatever I want to eat.

Managed to shed off 1+kg in the first week. Reward comes to those who work for it. I feel good.

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This post is continued from Hello Taipei #4.

Later that night, we went to Shihlin Night Market. Wasn't as crowded as I imagined since this has got to be the most popular night market in Taipei.

It was probably because it was Mid-Autumn Festival that night and the locals were BBQ-ing with their friends elsewhere.

Talking about Mid-Autumn Festival, it's a public holiday over there and you can see the locals BBQ-ing with just a disposable metal tray everywhere. Super cool.

Since it was pretty early for dinner, we decided to do some shopping first. Nothing much here, just like the typical Bugis Street kind of stuffs.

Up next was the food section. Wasn't really interested in anything here so after walking a few rounds, we left the place. I didn't get any food from the night market at all, can you believe that?

Later the night, I went to the nearby Hua Xi Night Market from my hotel alone.

Since it was pretty late, most of the shops were closing and I didn't take any photos inside because I wanted to act like a local.

This one was pretty special as they sells exotic meats like rats and snakes. I didn't try any though.

Pretty short post this time round, but the next one will be interesting.

Update: Up next, Hello Taipei #6.

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Cobweb. This is probably the best word to describe this blog.

With all the things keeping me busy or entertained, I rarely find time to write here anymore. Even if I do, it's just for the sake of keeping this space updated. Life has been pretty good to me so far, and I'm looking forward to the things that are about to happen.

PAST

• Fibre Broadband

Got the fibre-optic broadband at home and it's really damn fast even though it's a lot more expensive than what I was paying for previously.

• Last Overseas Sailing

Went for my last long overseas sailing deployment. Even had the chance to go to the beautiful Tioman for a day again.

• HTC Incredible S

Bought a new phone that is not an iPhone because I didn't like the idea of having iTunes on my PC and also having the same phone as everyone else on the streets. I also think Android is so much cooler than iOS.

• The Hunger Games

Finished reading the first book of this really addictive triology novel and will be getting the second installment from the library soon.

FUTURE

• Operationally-ready Date (ORD)

Looking forward to finishing my two years service to the nation on 9 December 2011.

• School

I want to pursue a Diploma in Mass Communications but that is after when I have enough money to pay for my own studies.

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Coldplay always has such charming effects in their melodies, it's like hypnotism.

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This post is continued from Hello Taipei #3.

After lunch, we took a long journey to this place called Jiufen.

The town of Jiufen is located high up on the side of the hills and it was basically like a Genting in Taipei, just that it isn't so high.

High up on the side of the hills but it isn't so high. I have no idea what nonsense I'm writing. But, as always, a video would always help!

The tour guide brought us to this street, but it seems more like an alley to me where they were selling the local products of Taiwan.

The weather that day was rather gloomy and I was really afraid that it would rain.

With just food and other touristy stuffs, I would have rather explored the town than walk through here. But then I saw something that caught my attention!

It's Whelks, or more commonly known as Gong Gong on steroids! It's so freaking big, compared to what I've always seen in Singapore.

I was unable to resist my temptation and bought a portion of them.

Anyway, it's bland and tasteless. What a boring ending.

We continued walking down the street and something extraordinary happened. I walked past a smelly tofu store without realising it.

I looked to the left and saw these really ugly pieces of beancurd that looks that it has been soaked with really bad diarrhea discharge.

I looked at the signboard.

Then I realised I was standing in front of a smelly tofu store without smelling any shit. But I've always wanted to try it and I bought it.

Sniffed it at a close range and I could only smell a hint of shit, so I took my first bite.

OH MY GOD! IT TASTED LIKE I WAS EATING SHIT!

Even though I've never tasted shit in my mouth before but I'm pretty sure this is the closest thing to it. I will never put anything like that into my mouth again.

Then I quickly rushed to the nearby temple and prayed that I could forget that shitty memory.

And we went back to Earth again.

Update: Up next, Hello Taipei #5.

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This post is continued from Hello Taipei #2.

The next morning, we joined a one-day group tour which brought us to a few places in Taipei. First stop was Liberty Square (自由广场).

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (国立中正纪念堂) is located on the east end of the main archway.

There were some issues with the naming of this place by the country's political parties but that's all I know, you can read it up elsewhere if you want to know more.

Next stop was the National Palace Musuem (國立故宮博物院). It's a place that holds many Chinese ancient artifacts and artworks, making it the largest in the world. Photography is not allowed inside.

There's a premium housing estate opposite the musuem because they believe the area has good feng shui.

This is where a lot of rich and famous people stays. Even Xu Chun Mei (许纯美) stays here. But I think the valuation of this area has dropped after she moved in.

Anyway, next stop - National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine (國民革命忠烈祠), a memorial for the people who died during the various wars.

The most interesting event that happens here is not about the dead, but the two guards that stays still at the main archway until somebody takes over them after the Guard Changing Ceremony.

So, they will be getting ready while waiting for their friends to slow march (it was a really slow march) over from the building at the end.

And the ceremony will begin from there.

Once done, a new pair of soldiers will take their place.

I shall end the post here and continue next time!

Update: Up next, Hello Taipei #4.

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This post is continued from Hello Taipei #1.

More than four hours later, we're finally preparing to make a landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Upon reaching the hotel, we walked to the nearby Ximending (西門町) - a place which I've heard of for so many times but it's my first time there. By then I was really hungry and we were trying to look for this very famous stall selling Vermicelli / Flour Rice Noodles.

And after quite some time (Ximending is a pretty big place and it's pretty easy to get lose in there), we finally found Ah Zhong Mian Xian (阿宗麵線).

What's so special about this stall is that from what I've heard, there's no chairs for you so customers will buy and eat it standing with the bowl in hand. But now, they've placed a few chairs outside.

You can read more about the stall here.

However though, I don't find it special. It's just a cheap normal bowl of 麵線. I was more interested in the other mobile makeshift stalls though.

When you go to Taiwan, you need to eat Taiwan Sausages. But they don't call it Taiwan Sausages over there since they're selling it in Taiwan. They're just normal sausages.

It's pretty idiotic when you order a bowl of Laksa by saying 'Singapore Laksa' over here in Singapore.

This stall is even more special though, they have many different flavours of sausages - including chocolate!

I ordered the one with Coriander because I love the smell of this herb. I can eat this all day long!

Then I walked past a stall selling Fried Oysters. Didn't want to buy at first because I think nothing beats Singapore's version of Fried Oysters but the stall owner called me handsome and I decided to order.

True enough, I still prefer the version back at home.

And then there's this shop selling Ice Jelly with Pearl. Nowadays, you can literally throw the black tapioca pearls into anything and it will sell. Still waiting for people to start selling Laksa with Pearls though.

But what I love about this drink is the shop's name. In English - Oh, Frog lay eggs!

Update: Up next, Hello Taipei #3.

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It's been quite some time since I last travelled up north beyond Malaysia. The last time was in September 2008, a trip to Hong Kong.

Fast forward to three years later, I boarded a plane that will take me to Taipei. Taipei is the capital of the Republic of China, or more commonly known as Taiwan.

A video of the flight during takeoff. I love taking videos because a video is worth a thousand photos. And here are some photos up in the air!

Flying right above the sea I hate the most, South China Sea. And I still have to sail there a few more times before I ORD.

As we're nearing the airport in Taiwan, I saw a rainbow.

The world is so beautiful. But as some of you might know, I don't like to flood a post with many photos. I'm just going to end here for now and continue some other time.

Update: Up next, Hello Taipei #2.

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Leaving for Taiwan on a plane for holidays in a few hours time.

I have to specifically put that because whenever I tell people that I'm going to Taiwan, their initial reaction would be me sailing there with the Navy.

Update: And oh I just realised, it's September 11.

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