Seven Swords - Qi Jian

*yawns* ........I'm still recovering from the 3AM shift the other day.

Been feeling so shag that I was sleeping like a dead log even when my alarm clock was ringing on and on and on and on......you get the picture.

My whole schedule is so messed up that my internal clock can't tell the difference between day and night. Sheesh...

Anyway, despite of my fluctuating schedules, I manage to sqeeze in some time to catch the new movie; Seven Swords last night. And all I can say is......KICK ASS!!!!

I don't know, but it must be a guy thing. From the first minute till the last it was pure fun! There was gore, violence, drama, romance, sex and betrayal. And the fight scenes were simply superb! It really restore my faith in chinese movies again.

Inspired by the novel written by Liang Yu Sheng, the movie follows seven swordsmen and their exploits. Each having been bestowed an exquisite sword forged painstakingly by the martial arts doyen Reverend Hui Ming residing on Mt. Tianshan.

Each of these swordsmen all carry swords with even cooler names. There was the Heaven's Fall, the Dragon, the Star-Chasers, the Unlearnt, the Transient, the Deity and the Celestial Beam; all with its own unique design and speciality. Talk about creative names!!!!

While watching the movie, I can help to notice that the story line bears a similarity to the Akira Kurosawa classic, Seven Samurai. Its about these bunch of swordsmen saving a dilapidated village from the slaughter of the big bad military cum power/gold hungry maniacs. And from there on, then the movie takes a turn ala Lord of the Rings by the villagers evacuating their homes to find safe hiding in the mountain caves. Does Helm's Deep ring a bell?

Still, what adds the to glamour of the show is that it was helmed by director Tsui Hark. Futher, there was heavy weight actors such as Leon Lai, Charlie Young and one of my all time martial arts fav Donnie Yen.

Also, one of the best bits about the show, is that it showcase a Korean actress Kim So Yeon. Some of you might remember her from the Korean drama All About Eve. It was really a pleasant surprise to see her acting in the movie and of course, while watching the movie.....I find myself looking forward to the Korean dialogue between her and Donnie Yen. Can anyone say sarang heyo? hana seyo? shi-bai!!!!!!!!

All I can say is......for all you pop-corn-movie lovers out there, go watch this show. It might not appeal to everyone, but it sure damn appealed to me. And if you think anyone can come out with a fight scene? Check out the fight scene between Donnie Yen and big-bad-boss in a narrow corridor at the end of the movie.

Just remember to close your jaw after you see it. Fuuuuuuuarrrrrh!!!!!!!!

Graveyard shift

She says baby

It's 3am I must be lonely

When she says baby

Well I can't help but be scared of it all sometimes

And the rain's gonna wash away

I believe it

From the very words of Rob Thomas....its 3AM!!! And I'm still in office....and what am I doing here?

Well, this is the so-called "Scheduled OT" that was proposed by the management about a month back. And so it goes that I have to work until 3AM tonight.

Its a surreal feeling to be all alone in that part of the office. Nobody's around and I feel as if I am manning the entire call center by myself. In terms of call volume, there wasn't much calls as they trickle in one by one. But even that that hour, I had a few customers who calls in and starts to ask for handphone vouchers.

C'mon man!! Its 3AM!! Go to sleep! What on earth are these people thinking??? Apparently, freebie seekers does not know the meaning of day and night.

Anyway, when you're lonely and bored in office....you start to get creative with your camera phone.....errr.....and the photo-copying machine.

Here's one of me with my "ugly" (that's what a friend said anyway) looking headset. Does it look that bad????

But....sigh, whatever it is.....ANY headset is ungly if you have to wear it for job purposes......aka Operator. And for us in this customer service hotline? We're just a bunch of High Class Phone Operators. And put it in a nice way? We're Customer Care Consultants/Specialist. Sounds glam?

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiightt.

Oh well, I guess once in a while its good to experience what the night team goes through. And as to this graveyard shift?

I'm already 6 feet under.

Poverty Strikes Back

Went out for supper with a friend last night and came back kinda late.

On my way back, as I was walking home; I started to really notice something that I have always scoff off and placed it at the back of my mind.

Old Chinatown is largely populated by aging citizens that basically just pass thier time and days sitting around; watching the world go by and also playing chinese chess with the company of their peers.

In the day time, this might seem endearing and nostalgic. However, the night time is a totally different story.

What used to be benches that was a hangout of these old uncles and aunties, changed into what some would actually call a bed. Though.....I must admit he looks kinda comfortable, huh?

I do not know where these people spend their time during the day, but at night, there are almost 7 to 10 of them all making these benches into a make-shift bed and sleep there for the rest of the night.

Its really sad to see that there is really such a thing as poverty in Singapore. Distribution of income and wealth isn't as balanced as it seemed. And its even more depressing to think that the family and relatives of these derelict people are nowhere to be seen.

In many ways, no matter how a perfect nation can be, there is still much that needs to be done. And sometimes, it just can't be helped.

EXSA

EXSA. Has anyone head of that before?

I attended a seminar/workshop yesterday at Shenton Way called EXSA. The first time I heard about this particular term, I was dumbfounded. I was like...."EX wat?"

And the first thing that sprang to mind.....EXcessively Stupid Assholes.

But later on, I only found out, EXSA stands for EXcellent Service Award.

So, I told myself....what has EXSA has got anything to do with me?

Well....surprise, surprise. I don't know why, but I have a serious feeling someone might have messed up. Cos' a few of me and my colleagues were actually nominated for the Silver Award category! Imagine that......

Hmmmm, but in any case, I attedended the workshop yesterday and I must admit......its dead boring!!!!!! Sheesh. There were alot of people from different companies. Mostly from the retail sector. There were personnel from G2000, Giordano, Singtel, Royal Sporting House and even Ikea.

From the get go, I felt I was already out of place. I'm not too sure why, but it is very clear that very few are actually from the call center industry. Most of these people spoke of their experiences with customers from the retail sector. Which means, face to face interactions.

Still, in retrospect, I guess in the long run it is a good thing. Personally, I felt that after 2 years working and slaving thru my current job, this is the best thing that has happened to me. Its a huge booster for my resume and it is something that I can genuinely take away with me.

So, now that I have achieved the Silver Award for EXSA...whats next?

The world, baby. The world.

Ho Khua, Bo Ho Ciak!!!

It has been a seriously long day.

Today's SL has been exceptionally bad when there was a non-stop barrage of calls coming in one after another. Call after call, my patience was wearing thin. And to add salt to the wound, a customer rated me poor after I've given her a $10 waiver off her bill!!

Then finally, when it was time for me to leave....my manager came to me...."Do you want to stay back for OT today?" This is how it went.......

My mouth said, "Ummm, I'm really sorry. I have an appointment later. (which I really did)"
My heart said, " OVER MY DEAD BODY!!! I WOULDN'T STAY EVEN IF I DIDN'T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT!!!"

Anyway, as I was on my way home, I was pretty excited as I was going to meet up with an old friend of mine...Cheah Sin. He was on a business trip to Singapore and is staying at the Hilton. I must admit, even so he works like a dog, he's doing quite well for himself. Motorola has set him up at a executive suite at the Hilton, and has issued him an AMEX card with a USD 15k credit limit. Cool, huh? Sigh,.....I should have studied Engineering.

Still, I really happy to see all my friends made it. Me and Cheah Sin go wAaAAAAaAAaAaaaAAay back. I've known him for almost 15 to 18 years now.We practically grew up together. And I'm glad the friendship has never waivered over the years.

However, what made my day today was actually the taxi ride home. After taking Cheah Sin out for supper and sight-seeing around Singapore; I dropped him back at the hotel and proceeded home. On my way back, the taxi driver noticed earlier that I spoke in a perculiar Hokkien slang and immediately knew I was from Penang.

I didn't know why, but somehow I felt had an affinity with this cab driver and started talking to him alot. We chatted in hokkien and generally we poked fun at the Singaporean community.

He joked that from the way things are going, very soon Singaporeans will be going over to Malaysia to work instead! He says that Malaysia is a much better country, and standards of living there are cheaper. Then, he moved on to talk about Singapore's spoilt brats. He mention that, they are very "how lian" - arrogant-, and sometimes look down on his cab and only wanted to flag down a Merce cab.

Then later, he said this phrase that made me burst into laughter......"Singapore lang, ho khua, bo ho ciak!!"

Which just literally means, "Singapore people, nice to look at, but not nice to eat!"

It was really funny to hear him say that. Cos, I felt to a certain extent...it was true. Many young Singaporeans are really obsessed with pride and no matter how poor they are; they will wanna spend luxuriously and buy a nice car. But at the end of the day, they have to tighten their stomachs on other neccessaties in life. And according to the Taxi Uncle, he always notice that when these young pretencious guys goes to the petrol kiosk, they have to use credit cards....never cash. At the end of the day, they are stuck with loads of debts.

No doubt that the conversation was in Hokkien and we were practically talking cock, but I felt really relax and amused when chatting with the cab driver. I guess what he says is true.....in Singapore....alot of things are nothing but a facade.

People might seem rich and well-off; but you'll never know how much are they struggling....in more ways than one.

Couch-Potato-ism

Productivity 0%, Relax and Recuperation 100%.

Yes, folks. Thats the theme for today.

I'm gonna do obsolutely nothing but stuff myself silly with junkfood today and oogle at the idiot box. Ahhhh....sheer pleasure. No friggin imbeciles and intellect impared moron screaming in my ear. No cheapo customer ranting on for 40 minutes and on how "RIDICULOUS" it is to charge him $1.06 on roaming charges.

Its been quite a while now since I have turn on the couch-potato mode. I guess its the simple things in life that I enjoy best. Been meaning to watch again the movie I got quite sometime ago, Sin City. Damn its a good movie.

Anyway, on the way to work yesterday, I came across a surreal looking MRT cabin. As I entered the cabin, I was greeted by folliage!

The whole cabin was designed with leaves hanging around and the floor pasted with wallpapers that looked like rock ruins. Then only I realised that the whole cabin was an advertising gimmick by SilkAir. They were promoting their flights to Chengdu.

From a Marketing student's point of view....it was really creative!!! I'm not too sure if it will ever generate sales and revenue in the end, but it definately left an impression with the MRT commuters.

These days, I have been thinking of so many advertising ideas for different business industrys. Once in a while, I'd have this sudden strike of lighting and thinks of a marketing idea for this particular company.

Sigh.....how I wish I was doing Marketing instead of customer service. I have always loved Marketing more than Sales. My friends have always told me doing sales is better. But I never had an interest for it. I prefer Marketing, cos these are the guys that sits down and thinks of ways/methods to sell the product. Then it is only the Sales people that execute the idea.

Sigh.....I need a change of job.

Screwed Up World

Sheesh.......have been working pretty hard lately.

Taking one day at a time. And of course, taking one bull-shit customer at a time. Still, so far so good and things are pretty bearable.

These days, the only thing I look forward to is the weekly bowling sessions. I feel I'm really starting to enjoy the game and its a serious de-stress session for me. Not to mention, I feel I'm finally improving!

Anyway, today was an interesting day. My first call at work was a real tough customer. Eventhough it was challenging, I was kinda happy with the way I handled it. Here's how it went.....

Customer: I'm damn angry! (This happened even before I could say hello)
Me: I'm sorry sir. Is there anything I can do to assist you?
Customer: I have already told you all! I do not want to receive any wap push messages (promotional SMS) from your company!!!
Me: I'm sorry sir. But according to our records, you have only called in once to dispute on a GPRS charge for $1.75. And I believe the previous officer had already removed that service and gave you a $10 rebate off your bill. There was no request from your part to be excluded from our promotional SMSes.
Customer: I don't care. I'm a lecturer and whenever you send me a SMS, it disrupts my class! I WANT COMPENSATION!!
Me: But sir. If indeed you have requested to cancel all promotional sms from us, then I'll have to investigate it first. As the previous officer has already cancelled your GPRS services, you could not have accessed the wap message we sent you even if you wanted to. In any way, you were not charged for anything at all. I do not believe a compensation is warranted now. If indeed the mistake is on our part, then I'll be more than happy to arrange for some form of compensation.
Customer: What kind of customer service is this?!?!?! You all have to compensate me! Do you know the meaning of good customer service?!?!
Me: Yes I do know the meaning of good customer service. We are here to assist. But I do not think that the meaning to good customer service is to always solve problems with compensations. If this is not satisfactory, how do you suggest we solve this issue, sir?
Customer: Give me something free!! I don't care what it is.
Me: I'm so sorry sir. But I am not able to accede to that request. Because, I do not see that there is any loss incurred on your behalf.

Amazing? Whats with these morons???? If you receive a SMS that you don't want.....then DELETE THE FRIGGIN MESSAGE! Can you believe these people? They want compensation just because they receive a sms. I really wanted to ask him if he was traumatised by the SMS we've sent him. And did it cause him any emotional distress?

Bloody freebie seekers.

At the end of the call, I took and deep breath and.....

Well, thats about customer service these days. People now associate good customer service with freebies and rebates. Thats all customers sees. They don't see friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. All they see is freebies. You can be rude to a customer, but if you give them a $10 rebate, they will be happy.

Of course, there is nothing I can gain. For all I care, I could give the bugger something free and avoid myself of any written complain or even a poor customer rating by the asshole.

But thats just me. It is these kinda trash talking idiots that I want to be stern with. They really need a good education. There are things that are right and wrong.

I believe what I did was the right thing, simply because it wasn't justified and it was the ethically sound thing to do.

So, did I give good customer service?

God, give me more time

Beautiful.....

Thats the one word I would describe this song I'm listening to; called "God, give me more time".

Everytime I listen to it.....its as if it touches the inner depths of my soul. It fills my heart with joy.....and sometimes sorrow. This is one song, I really want to share with everyone I know. I wish everyone can listen to it.

I really want to thank Joanne for introducing this song to me. Can never deny her taste in good music. Has always been one of the best.

The funny thing is....the other I just mentioned to a friend....I hope time is on my side. Cos there are certain things in my life right now...that I need time to sort out. Things which I have to wait for, something wonderful....and then comes this song.

Call it co-incidence maybe. But there's a reason for everything.

God, give me more time.....I know I need it.

Singapore and its richest and spoilt

Recently, I went clubbing (the first time in almost a year I think); at New Asia Bar (NAB).

I must admit, its been a while since I last club and I was kinda uncomfortable about it. I'm not too sure if I'm either getting old, or I'm just not interested in clubbing anymore.

Still, every time I go to NAB, the view from the top never cease to amaze me. I will always consider it one of the best scenic view in Singapore. And at night? Simply magical.

Hence there was, loud music, tonnes of people and a hell of a lot of drinking.....errr....not me...the patrons there. The funny thing about people is that....when they start drinking...their body starts to move in all directions...reacting to the beat of the music. Some would dance tastefully, and some would dance.....in a word....moronic. And the best part....when they finally realise that someone is looking at them....suddenly they act all cool and decided to tone down their movements.

But anyway,what made this partilar clubbing session different was.....the friends I went with, bumped into a couple of other friends that were already there drinking at the second floor of NAB. And of course....everyone knows that only VIPs are usually allowed on the second floor.

Minutes later, I then found myself on the second floor. Most unexpected.

So, there I was. At the VIP area of NAB. Somewhere I thought I would have never stepped foot on for a million years; amongst the top echelons of Singapore's richest and spoilt I guess.

And how did I feel? Not impressed.

No doubt there was a certain sense of grandeur on the second floor. To know that you have your own space and people there felt....untoucheable. you really can't blame them to feel that way. When I was there....everytime I looked down; anyone from below that looked up would just smile....thinking they would be invited to go up to the second floor.

But then again.....the people on the second floor seemed so....fake. The men there spent money like there was no tomorrow and acted like they owned the world.......but maybe its just me. I do enjoy the occasional spinning of the dollar. But not like this. And for the guys there at that age....I don't think the know the meaning of the word "hardship".

And next......no offense to the female gender; but the girls/women on the second floor where really......dumb blonds. As long as you have a gold-card or plenty of cash to play around with...they can be your best friend.....or even more.

The way the people there acted...was simply cheap and spoilt. Given the choice...I would prefer to be with the people down below any day. Or even, given the choice.....I would prefer to be at a roadside mamak stall with the company of good friends.

Anytime, any day.

The Poem and its beauty

Recently, I came about this really beautiful poem in the Internet. And I would like to post it up just to share it with everyone. Its called, How Do I Love Thee......

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace,

I love thee to the level of everyday's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints,-I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning