The new movie from Michael Moore(Fahrenheit 911) showcases the US's poor health care system against other developed countries like France and Britain and comes out a terrorist film in its own way - it makes you terrified to stay on in the US.
People are refused treatments by their own "trusted" government, went bankrupt cos of medical bills(only in the US, I believe, is this possible), had to choose which severed finger is cheaper to be sewn back on(US$12k vs US$60k), and even thrown out of insurance-run hospitals to be left on the doorsteps of a non-profit hospital by a hired taxi. I can so go on and on about the 3rd world country run health care system here in the US but like my girlfriend said: "Happy thoughts only, Jo! You are a mother-to-be! Think only happy thoughts!" So, let's leave this depressing topic to go on to more happy thoughts...NYC SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK
If anyone's been to Central Park, then you should know the Central Park boathouse. The restaurant there had the loveliest views of the lake, couples rowing away on the tiny wooden boats in the name of love, skyscrapers looming out of the lush, green trees and the food and service were amazing!
Emmanuel and I went there for the Restaurant Week Lunch (US$24.07 for a 3 course meal) and enjoyed the whole experience so tremendously we wanna go back for brunch while summer is still here! Definitely highly recommended. Who knows, maybe some fat tourist will tip over the boat into the lake when you are served your appetizers...keke...NEW YORK TAXI BEACH
This is the only beach I know where you will NOT get wet! Less than a football field size, a temporary sandy beach is set up on the shores of Queens among decrepit warehouses and abandoned buildings, WITH a million-dollar view of midtown Manhattan(Empire State building and Chrysler) from across the East River. Open during the summer only, you can take the NY Water Taxi($10) to get to this "beach" or take the subway to boogie away to the sounds of DJs spinning late into the night. Reminds me a little of Zoukout with DJs and booze on Sentosa beach. 
Celebrating Robert's "Forever 29th Birthday", we dropped by for some burgers, hotdogs and sangria and were disappointed to find ZERO 6-pecs hunks or toned/tanned bikini beauties. Instead, you get your usual happy-hour working crowd hanging out in sundresses and slacks instead of your friendly neighborhood dive bar.
We are gonna miss you when you are gone, Robert! And have a blast in Suriname!
BABIES AND WEDDINGS!
This is my favorite column of late! There have been so much good news like newly formed couples, tying of knots and the arrival of the baby stork!
To Honghui & Derek in Michigan, the longest running couple I have ever met and known in my whole life. We're sorry to have missed your Chinese wedding in Singapore and do enjoy your honeymoon in Jamaica or Easter Island or wherever you have finally decided to park your ass! Congrats!
To Angie and Ferris in SG, the most "accidental couple" I have ever known! *grin* We have all known each other since 17 and never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the two of you hooked up as a couple, let alone as dive buddies for life! Angie, you must show the world your 2carats diamond ring cos if you don't, you are depriving your fiance of his money's worth! Hahaha... ;p
To Ivan and Karen in SG, a BIG congratulations on your new born, Kyra Pung! She is one huge baby and I salute you, Karen, for carrying this to 42weeks past full term! :) Very brave also to endure the natural birth process without epidural or anesthesia of any sort till the very last moment. Very commando! Keke...
To Nori-chan and Dani-chan in Montreal, the cutest couple in Canada who are expecting a baby due just a day short of my own! Felicitacions! It is so exciting to have another mom-to-be sharing an almost similar growth chart to my own! Can't wait to catch up in Montreal! =)
To Corrine and Jean-Philippe in Paris, congratulations on your 3rd child! Alexane and Vassily must be so excited to have this new addition to the family =) We are definitely working towards making a big family like yours too. You are our models. Gros bisous!
And last but not least, a big congratulations to my cousin Louis and his wife! Though you have jumped the queue with your baby Dylan, I forgive you. Next time, get in line! Hehe... ;p
And now, I gotta congratulate myself for having survived the first 3months of pregnancy which can be tougher if I have morning sickness. But then again, the loss of appetite and Singapore food cravings(when I am in New York) is really kinda cruel. Totally incapacitated, i was unable to cook or bake since the heightened sense of smell during pregnancy makes me nauseous with every little thing. Liver smells like terrible body odour, stewed beef smells like vomit, etc. You get the idea. As my husband said, I was nearly starving the baby cos I ate so little, sometimes on just fresh fruits, cookies and ice-cream.
NOW, my appetite is BACK!!! *hugs* I missed you! At 17weeks, I am starting to feel the baby's bump in my belly(no longer just gas) and can't wait to feel it move inside me. In 2 more weeks, we will find out the sex of Bebe Planel so stay tuned!
