my ajumma notes

Something from just over a week ago. The Sunday Times reported ('S'pore income gap will narrow: MM', Jan 21) MM saying that the income gap in Singapore will narrow. Reason: incomes at the top end (i.e., professionals, etc) will eventually be depressed due to competition from the 'emerging economies', much like how lower end salaries are now depressed due to competition from 'cheap labour' in these economies. If I understand this correctly, it means that in time to come, the smaller top end salaries of these emerging economies will bring down the salary levels of the top end here. I'm really lousy in economics. Do economies - mature as well as emerging ones - actually see their income gaps reduce over time? The next day, there was this ST article ('Ranks of wealthy surge as US economy booms', Jan 22), which says, 'but the income gap between the rich and poor is also the steepest in decades'. It quoted Forbes magazine saying that there ...

Some ranting before they wrap things up in Melbourne . I really dislike watching one-sided matches. They are not only sometimes disheartening but they are also often BORING . And I can't stand commetators ooh-ing and ah-ing about the better player's better shots. I mean, shouldn't we expect the better player to hit better? Then, there's the matter of the glinting watch face. An excerpt from Serena Williams' interview when she was asked about the watch: Q. Commentary on Channel 7, an allegation that someone in your box using the reflection from their watch in the sunlight to try and distract your opponent. It was something that Nicole has denied. What was your response to it? SERENA WILLIAMS: "Ha‑ha‑ha‑ha." That's the most outrageous thing I've ever heard. As if anyone would do that on purpose. I think everyone wears watches these days, except for me. Most people do. So, yeah, ha‑a‑ha, like I said. That's so funny. This sure beats the complai...

This year's AO doesn't seem to shine too brightly for the too young. Good try, guys, come back again next year. I've said it before and I'll say it again - he needs to beef up. It's nice to see his mental game has improved tremendously but, well, he needs to beef that up, too. As for him, I think he needs to work on the mental thing as well, though, apparently, he was playing with an injured l eg in the last match. Hmm... I don't like it when they try to take away from someone's victory by saying that the opponent was injured/not at his best/what-have-you. Give credit where credit is due, okay? Gonzalez played well . Now, isn't this guy cute? All pictures and links from the official website .

What do you all make of this? A Brgei Sep Menu for breakfast. Fancy one? Do you think brgei is bagel, judging from the picture and the Chinese words?

The Sunday Times sports editor wrote yesterday about how we must 'think big' in order to produce sports champions. According to his article, SingaporeSailing's organised planning, covering all bases including skills, tactics, psychology and nutrition, is what is responsible for churning out sailing champs. In contrast, he mentions how one of our shooters is putting her studies on hold to train full time for 2008 but is currently without a 'good campaign master'. I cannot agree more with his views. Sure, we have a 'small talent pool' problem. But if we can't think bigger than that 'obstacle', we might as well just hang around it and be content with sending athletes to competitions just for the fun of it. Also, I have the impression that our sports 'campaigns' tend to be reactive. For example, we see certain athletes performing well at the Asian Games and then list them as potential for the Olympics. Hello , 2008 is less than 2 years away....

Same bones, almost the same flesh, different skin. Don't be alarmed. This post is not as serious as it sounds. I'm just writin g about the K drama serial My Girl . (Now on Channel 55 on weekends) Funny, all the shows I've watched are really just variations of the same basic storyline. Rich, young man already has his heart set on someone. Enter funny/bumbling/poor but kind girl who is in financial difficulties (invariably because of her family). Enter also another guy waiting in the wings for her. My Name is Kim Sam Soon , Full House , Goong , and even the dark Memories of Bali all revolve around this same set-up. Nevertheless, I quite enjoy My Girl . The lies are well-woven into the scenes, some of which just made me laugh so hard. These are the two guys in the fray. No fight, right? I've read many good reviews about his role in The King and the Clown but Lee Joon-ki (on the right), who acted as the clown, was overshadowed by the main lead (on the left), who I think i...