IDQ Conference cum LAS VEGAS Exploration

I have become an International Association for Information Data Quality (IAIDQ) Member after attending the IDQ Information and Data Quality conference in Las Vegas, Nevada September 2007.

My participation in this conference came as a surprise as this is not my current portfolio .... not going into this though....... but no complains as this is a good opportunity to expand my knowledge and understand what others in the industries have experienced. Quite interesting though is that many participants are from banking, insurance sectors and even writers too.

The trip to-and-from SG to Las Vegas is miserable, almost 21hrs of flight time each direction. Where possible, go for the Singapore Airline one as it is more comfortable. However if you would like to spend some time shopping at the Japan Narita airport, then you may need to try other carriers.

First thing which I have noticed Las Vegas is their lifestyle; 24hrs non stop Casino and shopping! The public bus even has a bicycle holder in front and I have seen several locals made use of this feature easily (about 15 secs to mount the bike properly and board the bus). This is something the Singapore government could learn to sustain the Casino environment and to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Everyday after the conference proceeding, I would link up with my conference trip mates (Hazal and Foong Yee) to explore the Town using the free shuttle bus from RIO Hotel. This free shuttle bus is really convenient and it has 3 bus traveling to 3 different locations (Harrah, Caesar and ..... can't remember as I only uses the other 2) at 30mins interval. If you are going to Las Vegas, probably check this out.




Listed below are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.......





One amazing and interesting stop which I made was to the Grand Canyon. As all the bus tour has been fully booked, I have no choice but to opt for the expensive helicopter option.






** Do note that this place is not reachable by tour bus.

If you really like these views and would like to visit Grand Canyon, you will have to go there by helicopter either in the early morning (I actually took the 5:30am shuttle bus to the airport where they have kept the helicopters) or evening where the sunlight is "gentle" for photo shooting.

Meanwhile..... adios for now.....

Pulau Ubin Exploration ...... (Part1 @ Chek Jawa)

What a trip...........

The sky was dark in the morning and all seems to spoil the planning and anticipation I had for the exploration trip to Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa........ nevertheless, me and my buddy press on with it......



I would have reached Pulau Ubin earlier but due to the "wait for 12 passenger before departure" rule, I have to wait for another 20mins (I know this is not long but every minutes count especially if you want to go to Chek Jawa).

Time check, it should be should be 8:40am now.

Subsequently, we went to hunt for a cheap and reliable mountain bike and off we go, cycling through the vegetation, listening to the birds chirping along the way, smelling the fresh air courtesy of the island and busy snapping pictures along the way to CHEK JAWA....



Approximately after 25mins of easy cycling, we have reached the Eastern place of the island, Chek Jawa.....


(Did u noticed that it is rather cloudy? luckily the tide was in our favour)


(Beautiful place.................... what can I say)

Stayed there for at least an hour before we proceed on with our exploration.... unfortuantely, the sky is getting darker and darker and we have decided to head home....

Time check: 11:30am

Oh, btw while cycling away from Chek Jawa towards the jetty, we have went past a rustic deserted old quarry.... another nice place....


Is this real? If you are staying in the mainland Singapore and not venture out, would you be able to imagine what Pulau Ubin has to offer?

Yishun Dam

Some call this place a romantic place (at night), while some likes to "chiong" (be havoc) there showing their car/bike "superb" acceleration (accident usually follows with these behavior, luckily it usually happens in the wee hours); but I find this place generally interesting for a simple outing with the family...

I was there during the weekend early morning, trying to catch the rising sun and the to have a closer look at the "beach". As it is rather cloudy, I could only catch a glimpse of the sun rays....



Took some pictures and really find this place very relaxing..... if u like nature, looking at crabs, snails, birds and even kampung houses, you should go there and explore further.






Look nice right?

Goaty maeee maeee

This is long overdue due to my work commitments..... (full of bull here)......

Took a long break and have decided to post some of the family outings pictures. This trip is to the Goat Farm in Sungei Bulok (sounds like it) and my wife has suggested to bring along her grandmother along. No problems with that.....



There are many goats in the farm (expected lah) and we have bought a packet of wheat grass (looks like it) for the kids to feed them. You can see the excitement in their faces... they sure like animals.....





Before we went off, we bought 5 small bottles of chocolate goat milk too. Though we generally do not like it, we just want to experience the feeling of it......

Another Adventure in Punggol

Since everyone is taking turns to fall sick this week, I have decided to venture out early to explore a bit further in Punggol before they wake up.

The skyline looks interesting today with a split line in between the sun rays, different from the usual almighty radiance across the sky.

That was all I could at the beach before I venture to a canal.

Look interesting from the top.... taking the reflection of me and my ex-army pal...

The surroundings are full of plants which we see frequently but paid little or no attention to it. Have capture a few here for your viewing.

Spent probably 30 more minutes before we venture out to take some small creatures (including spider praying on a grasshopper) ..... was a pity as the picture when the spider captures the grasshopper did not turn out clear at all...

Punggol Nature Walk

Many Singaporeans have missed the chance to live in villages and probably may not be able to visualize what Nature has to offer. I am one of those that is fortunate, having played with marbles, drawing on the sand patch, climbing trees, witnessing chicken/mouse killing using the traditional methods in my village in Changi .... and have built up keen interest to share these memories with my family......



Saw in a forum about remaining nature walk in Punggol and have decided to explored there in the early weekend morning. Called my ex-colleague buddy and off we go on our scooters.

DAY 1



Besides the humidity, mosquitoes and walking, everything else was good......

If you want to catch or see spiders, probably early morning is the best time as I could not find any in the afternoon.



All in, it took us 3hrs for the initial trip and off we go for a sumptuous breakfast....


DAY 2

On the next day, I have decided to bring my family there, took the short path to the metal bridge and the kids managed to find lots of interesting decorations to play with .....




There are many other places which we have yet to explored, will try this first next time and will bring my family there if it is safe.

Meanwhile, enjoy what life has to offer! Adios!