Thursday, August 14, 2008
And so since the spectacular opening cereony on an auspicious date as 08.08.08, Olympic fever has gripped the world, apart from the cooled off Russia-Georgia conflict, and it just seems appropriate to include my 2 cents' worth on the studs of the olympics!
1. Michael Phelps, USA
8 golds in a single olympics seems incredible-- Spore has only a single silver fr the 1960s games in our history-- puts his quest in perspective. The whole world seems to be waiting for the Phelps Phenomenom to petter out, but as the games progress, Phelps seem to be getting better and better! 5 golds, 5 World records after Day 5 suggests he is well and truly on his way to achieving his feat. I still don't think it's humanly possible, but no matter, he is now the all-time greatest olympian, at least gold medal-wise. Jesse Owens is still my all-time legend, for his courage competing in a hostile Nazi envt in the 1936 games.
2. Kosuke Kitajima, Japan
He looks like mickey mouse, looks even cuter among his peers due to his sheer (lack of) size, but boy can he swim! Twice double-gold medalist now, he is probably Japan's top sportsman. His fist-pumping victory celebrations are inspiring, just as his courage in face of greater competition. Whereas his fiercest competitor from the last Olympics, Hansen fr the USA, has faded into obscurity, Kitajima has continued to lead the pack-- and from the front.
3. Jason Lazeck, USA

Yes, phelps is in it, but it isn't about him. It's about his team-mate who may as well save his ass. Phelp's 8-gold quest looked doomed for oblivion after only day 2, but Lazeck was phenomenal-- trailing Alain Barnard, a gold olympian himself, with 15 metres to go by more than a body length, even with 5 metres to go, it was incredible how Team USA managed to win the 4x100 m relay right at the death. Lazeck himself was stunned, but that shouldn't take credit away from his grit and courage in face of adversity-- maybe it's time I fully embrace the Adidas slogan: Impossible is nothing!
4.Federica Pellegrini, Italy
Another gold olympian, another world record breaker with the 200m free, another to have shed the 'nearly girl' tag, and there's more! boy she's hot! apparently she spots an angelina jolie-like tatoo tt runs down the left side of her neck! anyway away from her unflatttering swimsuit, she's one stylish hot chic! watch this! http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/08/federica-pelleg.html
5. Guo Jing Jing, China

She was nearly perfect in the synchronised swimming competition, as she, together with her partner, Wu Ming Xia (left), left their competitors trailing in their wake, finishing a good 13 points ahead of the runner-up Russian pair. Another athelete who looks absolutely stunning outside of her sports gear, she's probably contemplating trading her swimsuits and punishing routine for a celebrity career, and with her gorgeous looks, who's betting she wont come on top again?
So there you are... 5 atheletes who have caught my eyes!
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11:04 PM
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008
On internship...
It was an important learning curve; in 10 weeks I have benefitted tremendously. From gaining quantitative & analytical training in the intitial stage to understanding the value of team dynamics at the later stages, this was an enriching experience.
In 10 weeks I have met some of the most driven people I have ever seen, was introduced to some of the most challenging projects that help shape our economy, but best of all? I have actually made friends. The folks in PVM were always ready to help, always willing to listen. Heartfelt thanks.
Lastly, I hope I have taken away the 6 values that help shape Temasek's transformation, and will continue to drive its surge to consolidate its position as the No.1 Asian investment house.
Merit. Excellence. Respect for People. Innovation. Integrity. Teamwork.

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9:21 PM
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Here it is, after a good 12 weeks back in Sunny Singapore, it's time to head back! Funny how my blog is always back up just as I head back! I dont think I can ever keep to my own promise to regularly update it, but oh well! thanks ppl for all the wonderful memories during summer' 08!
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11:55 AM
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