New facelift

The best thing about the new facelift is the shower facilities which has an open- air concept and unique mechanism. The switch to the shower is like a pulling action, a hanging handle which lets the shower flow continuously for about a lengthy 5- 8 seconds. It is a great joy to shower after a tough workout. Adding to that main highlight are the basic but commendable facilities such as systematic parking lots and the ease of getting a 100-plus bottle. Other than that the new MacRitchie also has a new internal landscape. It's new but just normal.

So I have left it for quite some time till today when I revisited it again. The terrain seems more punishing this time. I probably need a new shoe just for MacRitchie.

But today was particularly tough. I probably overdid the weights yesterday.

Ugly side of bad economy

When the economy becomes bad, the ugly side can show itself. People resort to cost- cutting measures. It's not about cost- cutting is wrong. It's fine. The way to do it is the issue.

Hiring staff which costs less is a cost- cutting measure. For example, hiring a foreigner to be a receptionist in your store. It sure cuts costs. But i've come across a number of instances when business can be a problem when these foreigners are hired. One, i don't get what they mean sometimes. Two, it's a bad business deal experience. Three, i might not get the correct product, correct product information.

Another cost- cutting measure is reduced train operations. It is said that the trains will be more frequent at peak hours. But still, at peak hours, the congestion is existent. What has the authorities done to justify the high prices of public transport? The trains are still congested at peak hours.

A typical cost- cutting measure is reducing wages. This is really bad. Ask them, who are hit.