Singapore March Meeting 2009

Last week, I was given these 2 invitation cards (and a car pass) to attend the Singapore March Meeting 2009 at the Singapore Turf Club.

First, let me confess that I have no prior visit to any horse race or whatsoever. Hence, I was rather eager not to let this rare opportunity slip by. And, I thought wouldn’t it be a greater idea to bring my 19-year old son, Bingo, along? Thus, both father and son set out for a night of uncharted course. We met our first problem when Bingo was refused entry by the door man at the Turf Club for wearing a round neck tee-shirt. To avoid any inconvenience, I bought this $16 polo tee which was available for sale at the entrance.

Then, there was this man who had been observing our little incident at the entrance. He walked calmly towards me and whispered a tip to me. The man said it would help me to recover the $16 which I had just spent on the shirt. We took a lift to level 4 which was primarily reserved for VIPs and corporate guests. The name of our host was clearly displayed on this door that opened into a hospitality suite.

At the opposite end of the door, this private viewing stand offers a bird-eye view of the race track and gallery.

Race 6 was in progress when I suddenly remembered the tip given by the man near the entrance i.e. to bet on horse # 5 of Race 7. So I placed a $100 bet using my VISA card, ...

... and look at what I got in return!

Thereafter, the scene of the anti-gambling television advertisement kept flashing across my mind. I told myself that I have to make sure that my one and only bet was “my last time”. Thus, I left the hospitality suite and toured the public area of the premises. As seen in below picture, the gallery was crowded, noisy and certainly very lively. Unfortunately, the no-smoking law there seemed fairly relaxed.

At the podium area, we had the opportunity to pose a picture with this winning 'horse'.
Lastly, here's one more look at the smile of a winning face.

Clio Renault F1 Team R27

Hot hatches are universally accepted by the younger folk as lovable, practical and affordable vehicles. However, it is interesting to note the distinct differences in definition of a hot hatch among the major producing countries. Those made in Italy are usually quite loud, characterized by noticeable engine induction roar and, to some, its sweet exhaust note. The Japanese machines would be loaded with high-tech specifications and, of course, high-revving engines. Personally, I prefer the finer examples from France which are often able to provide a good balance of comfort and sportiness. But then again, let’s not forget the almighty Golf GTi. The German is such a clever all-rounder that it is sometimes a little too brilliant for it own good. Its battery of driving aid features may have instantly transformed many novices into racers. But for those seeking a more unplugged form of driving satisfaction may find the Golf rather ‘digitalized’. Thus, let’s bring on the Megane Renault F1 Team R26 and the Clio Renault F1 Team R27.

Renault introduced the former after winning the F1 Constructors’ World Championship in 2005. Following its back-to-back victories in 2006, it was only natural progression for the French marque to produce the Clio Renault F1 Team R27. For the rest of this story, let me simply call this car R27.

Question: Is this car an ordinary Clio fitted with a larger engine?

The original 17-inch alloys with big Brembo brakes are the first signs to suggest otherwise.

Opening the door, one will be greeted by a pair of Recaro seats.

And, for the rear passengers to get in and out of this 3-door hatchback, the grey release lever seen here is unconventionally placed yet within easy reach.

In between the front seats, the manual shift selector indicates 6 forward gears.

Look no further. This printed metal plate proudly screwed onto the floor console says it all. The serial number of this R27 is 0718 and the car made in Dieppe , France - home of Renault Sport. (*See below for story on Renault’s manufacturing facilities.)

This test car has clocked more than 12,000km. The condition of its paintwork and interior correspond with the mileage. But, on the move, the car felt very firm and rigid, showing no sign of abuse or mishandling (if any) during earlier reviews. Shown here is an improved BMC Air Filter system neatly installed by Espace Service Centre.

Despite the hike in power output, I could feel that the chassis hungers for more. Such high level of roadholding certainly puts the R27 in good company.

Among today’s hot hatches, the R27’s official 0-100km/h of 6.9 seconds may not seem fast. And the steady manner in which the car copes with high speed driving further dilutes the sense of hurriedness. One can be treated with delightful gear change and clutch take-up. But its gear ratios are so closely spaced. As a result, the engine is often kept busy, spinning above 3,000rpm even while cruising within the legal speed limit. This could only further attribute to the car’s track-ready ability. Finally, after 2 days of mixed testing, the fuel consumption of 11.8l/100km as shown on this display is commendable.

Due to its high performance, the engine requires a minimum diet of 98 octane petrol.

6 months ago, the R27 was sold at above $110,000. As listed in this advertisement, the “F1-inspired Renault Sport” can be yours for $93,999 now. It may not be an ideal everyday runabout, but the R27 is definitely the car that you can “buy today and race tomorrow”.

*Latest: Ordinary Clios are currently manufactured in Slovenia. Yesterday, Renault announced that it would shift its production to Flins, near Paris . The Slovenian plant in Novo Mesto would continue to manufacture the smaller Twingo.

Mido Multifort M8830.4.74.8 - Pulsometer

Periodically, sales staff in the watch industry will be required to undergo product training. Manufacturers or distributors will hand out Sales Manual with the objective of providing key selling points and basic technical information. Such write-up can also be useful for publicity purposes or sales pitch. Here is an extract from our in-house Sales Manual featuring Mido Multifort M8830.4.74.8 Pulsometer.

This watch incorporating a pulsometer is powered by the legendary ETA 2824 automatic movement. The all-stainless steel case (ø 39mm, excluding winder) features see-thru caseback and renowned Aquadura water-proofing system.

Shown here is the pulsometer scale dominating the biege dial (ø 31mm) with black luminous hour/min hands and numeral markers protected by sapphire crystal glass.

The decorated ETA 2824-2 Movement features 25 jewels with up to 40 hours power reserve capability. Original leather strap is padded with country-style stitching and stainless steel signed buckle.

Manufacturer’s paper and upgraded luxury box shown here are included.

The Mido Multifort M8830.4.74.8 - Pulsometer is another quality Swiss-Made timepiece proudly produced and backed by Swatch Group 2-year international warranty.


FAQs

What is Mido?
Mido is a 100% traditional Swiss watch maker founded in 1918.
The brand is sold in more than 50 countries worldwide.
More information available at www.mido.ch

Is Mido represented in Singapore?
Yes, Mido is available in Singapore since the 60’s.
It is distributed by Leslie Chang Pte Ltd, a company with 40 years of experience in the watch industry. More information available at
http://www.chang.com.sg/MIDOHIS.html

Why choose the Multifort M8830?
The classic design and functional reliability are 2 main features of the watch. Best of all, its unique pulsometer dial stands out even among high end Swiss watches. Read the early beginning of the Multifort collection at http://www.mido.ch/en/about/history/1934.htm

What is the price?
Retail list price is S$760.
Discounted price for this watch is freely available from Authorised Dealers.

Any other benefits?
Yes, upon request and subject to availability, the paper-based gift box shall be upgraded to luxury wooden box at no extra cost.
And, in event of defects, our service center along Sims Avenue is open 7 days a week.

More….

*What is a Pulsometer?

Asean Family Rally 2009 - Day 4

Thailand has assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN since July 2008. To foster closer relationship and tourism cooperation with its ASEAN neighbours, Thailand hosted the ASEAN Family Rally (AFR).

The following photo essay provides a summary of Day 4 (3rd Mar 09).

At 0930 hours, we took this photo with departing participants from Team Malaysia at the lobby of JB Hotel in Hatyai. Standing in the middle is our host, Mr. Tuanchai Lamoonswang (General Inspector, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sport, Ministry of Tourism and Sport)

Again, we had the privilege of the Thai Police escorting our convoy. Thus, we were able to arrive at the border crossing in Sadao rather quickly.

The media were waiting for us at the Thai CIQ premises. Of course, we had kind words for our host.

And it appeared that we were thanking them (our host) eternally.

It was indeed an honour to have the chief of this CIQ unit bidding us goodbye.

Here’s Khun Jeab (extreme left), our Thai coordinator together with her bosses from the tourism office waving to us as we approached the border gate. Who wouldn’t long for more of such warm and friendly Thai hospitality?

We re-entered Malaysia and made a stop the peninsula’s northern most R&R (Gurun) for this poster shot.

After a quick lunch, David Wong (our Chairman from Car # 2) is seen here doing a radio check with the drivers of the two other Porsches (Car # 3 & 4).

They separated from the convoy at Gurun R&R and did a home run. Peter and Cathryn (Car # 7) also decided to skip Kuala Lumpur and headed home.

The rest of the convoy drove southwards at a leisurely pace. We were slowed several times by very heavy downpour.

Our entry into Kuala Lumpur was further delayed by the massive floods as reported in the following day’s newspaper.

As the result, we had our dinner rather late. Then, Neo Chian and his wife treated us to this karaoke party. With a decent working mic, Poh Heng wasted no time to prove that his vocal was dynamic, clear and indeed audible.

Well, that’s a happy ending to another great event.

Asean Family Rally 2009 - Day 3

Thailand has assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN since July 2008. To foster closer relationship and tourism cooperation with its ASEAN neighbours, Thailand hosted the ASEAN Family Rally (AFR).

The following photo essay provides a summary of Day 3 (2^nd Mar 09).

At 0830 hours, cars from Team Singapore were lined outside the Hatyai Municipal Park . We were positioned as the leading contingent of all the participating cars.

Like all major international motorsports events, the media would normally provide more coverage for extra ordinary vehicle.

Similarly, race queens would often pose with extra ordinary drivers.

Away from the limelight, Chew (from Car # 5) is seen here trying to make up what STB’s Neo Chian was telling his younger colleague, Suhaimi.

Meanwhile, the sky was getting dark.

But the overcast did little to dampen our spirit.

As the Governor of Songkhla Province was delivering his speech, the rain started.

Here’s one useful make-shift rain shelter.

Due to the weather, the start time was delayed. By the time that we were flagged off, it was almost 1000 hours.

All the participating cars and bikes travelled in the same convoy that were led and guarded by police vehicles. Our first stop was Saensuk Lampan Beach – a resort village 100km north of Hatyai.

At the beach, we had lunch and played this shooting game. The result would later be tabulated by the organiser as one of the factors to determine the eventual winners.

As we moved from one town to another, we were greeted by hundreds of school children waving Asean countries’ flags.

Some of the children were rather strange looking.

But here’s one who must have caught the eyes of Ernest and Jimmy.

There was a quiz section in the rally. And here are some members of the Indonesian contingent counting the number of steps leading to the pagoda at Wat Pa Koh.

The Tinsulanond Bridge that spans across the south-eastern part of Songkhla Lake is a famous landmark in Thailand . However, I found that the little publicised Hua Pa Sai Kling Bridge is equally impressive. See below Google image, it is a massive 11-km long concrete bridge that laid across the entire Thale Noi Wetland.

Along this bridge, most nature lovers will be pleased with the occasional sights of migratory birds. This is one fine example of how a man made structure can be carefully built within a wildlife environment.

Team Singapore completed the rally safely and returned to the Finish Point at Hatyai Municipal Park . The rain again disrupted the programme and, thus, the prize presentation had to be delayed. By 8pm, the presentation commenced despite the drizzle. We were totally surprised that when Dr Tan and friends (from Car # 8) won the 1^st Runner-up prize for Team Singapore . Amid the celebration, we have forgotten about our camera. Thus, this explains the not-so-sharp handphone shot.

Knowing that our doctor would not be pleased with the quality of the photograph, we told him that we will save the best shot for his next rally.