Virus of the Century - Covid

 

I am tested positive of Covid Omicron virus. 2.5 years after Covid virus was first detected in Wuhan.

The details of my infection are as follow:-

Day 0 - ART negative.

Day 1 - Rashes started to appear on my right and left arm

Day 2 - Sneezing, soar throat, slight fever (37 to 38 degree Celsius), headache, runny nose. All are rather mild symptoms, which are consistent with Omicron variant. My 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine was injected in Nov 2021. Some 7 months later, I have the real virus infection.

Day 3 - ART positive. Went to see a doctor and was prescribed with a few medicine to treat the symptoms.

Understand that sneezing is unique only to those who had taken the vaccine. Strangely, I have no lost of taste and smell. Food continues to taste good.

The question is whether a booster is required after natural infection. My view is probably yes, but to be taken at least 5 to 6 months later after the last day of ART positive. 

I am 99% certainty that the virus came from a family member who was also infected. In a home setting, the removal of mask poses a higher risk.

Under current protocol, I am required to isolate myself for 3 days and do a ART again. If negative, I am able to resume my normal activity. If positive, continue with isolation.

What I am worry now is the prevalence of Long Covid among infected patient.

Pfizer Vaccine

I had my first dose of Pfizer Vaccine in July 2021. The first dose has side effect. On the same night of the injection, there was chest pain. The chest pain was substantially felt for 3 days. After 3 days, the pain began to subside. But it didn't fully go away. In fact, after 3 months, I still feel slight discomfort.

Due to the chest pain, I was in Hospital for observation, had ECG done that showed my heart was pumping normally, as the fear then was whether myocarditis had set in. During my short stay in hospital, I noticed that there were other patients who had the same chest pain. The questions then wer why was this not massively publicized? And why it happened?

The first answer is probably due to the strategy to encourage a large population to be vaccinated. More publicity of negative side effects would lead to fear among people. As to why it happened, I read that mRNA vaccine creates antibodies as a immune response. As part of the properties of these antibodies, they would attack the virus if found. Concurrently, they would also attack healthy cells, thus causing inflammation. This would likely be the reason why chest pain was felt. 

Not everyone who had taken the vaccine have the same side effect as each body is differently built.

Due to the chest pain, I had to visit a cardiologist and had a Stress Test done on my heart. The Stress Test is to assess whether my hear is functioning properly by increasing the heart rate to 143 bpm. Fortunately, it is healthy. I was given my second dose of my Pfizer Vaccine in November, more than 3 months since the first dose. Other than a slight headache and tiredness on the following day post vaccination, there was no major chest pain. 

The endemic approach would mean that vaccination is a solution to reduce the risk of illness and death due to Covid 19. 

General Anaesthesia

I went for a surgery yesterday under general anaesthesia(GA) to remove a lump on my body rear.

This was not my first GA surgery as I had a pneumothorax and wisdom tooth removal done under GA.

The standard practice under GA is still the same after all these years:- 1) intravenous injection 2) placing a mask over my nose/mouth and 3) inhaling the GA gas (which has a smell now) 4) knocking out in less than 10 seconds.

The unconscious state under GA has no feeling, no recollection, no dreams, no colours, no sense of time, no meaning, no attachments. Nothing. It just allows me to appreciate what death is about which has equivalent emptiness. Applies to pre-birth. 

Body and mind have no meaning. 

A stark reminder that while life matters, death doesn't. Death has no meaning.

SGD $3 Million

 

Water and Wealth from Jewel Changi, Singapore

It is the first day of 2021. By default, the CPF Board (Singapore Retirement Scheme) will distribute its interest for the year 2020 on all accounts within an individual CPF.

After taking into account the CPF monies and all my assets, excluding property, I realise that I have about SGD 3 Million, which is equivalent to US$2.27 Million (base on 1 Jan 21 exchange rate). However, CPF monies are immobile and they are largely for the purpose of retirement.

A part of the wealth comes from US Equity and ETF investments which has recorded its highest level, even though Covid pandemic is spreading across the world. On the other hand, the Singapore Stock market is one of the poorest performer in the world for returns on investment, for year 2020. 

The downside of US Equity and ETF investments is that US dollar has been slipping in value against major currencies of the world, including SGD. (from 1.40 to the current 1.32)

Happy New Year to everyone!

SGD $2 Million

Back in 20 March 2015, I wrote that I had achieved a SGD 1 million status.

https://e21s.blogspot.com/2015/03/sgd-1-million.html

4 years on, I am pleased to say that I have achieved a SGD 2 million in financial assets, excluding property value, central provident fund (CPF) and monies in insurance.

This is achieved through hardwork, investments, savings and inheritance.

In Singapore context, the quantum is still a small sum. Considering that a decent private landed house cost more than SGD 2 million.

US$1 Million

US$ Bill from the Museum of American Finance

Exchange rate as at 10 Dec 2017

Back in 20 March 2015, I shared that I had achieved SGD $1 Million in wealth, excluding property and central provident fund saving.

At the current US$ to SGD$ conversion rate of US$1 to SGD$1.352 (as at 10 Dec 2017), I have obtained an equivalent US$1 Million in wealth, excluding property and central provident fund saving. This is achieved after I started working for 23 and a half years. I have no debt owning to banks or financial institutions.

According to CNBC report, at the end of 2016, there were 10.8 million millionaires in the United States. There were reports that millionaires are now the new middle class. The statistic reported that there were 323.1 million Americans in 2016. Meaning that millionaires only form 3.34% of individual Americans in the United States.

Important Thoughts on Observation, Logical Deduction and Health

An interesting article:-

http://checkthesethings.com/104-year-old-japanese-doctor-recommends-14-healthy-pieces-advice/

Point 2 says:- "Do not believe everything your doctor recommends"

When I was 18 years old, I had pneumothorax, which is a collapse of the lungs. I had it during my running in College. It was spontaneous which means a sudden collapse of my right lung. When it happened, there was a sudden pain. My mother asked me to see a physician at a clinic located at the ground floor of my flat. The doctor said I am alright and gave me some pain killer. But my mother was smart and asked me to see another doctor whom she was familiar. She requested that I asked for a second opinion. This Senior doctor had a thorough check on my lung with a stethoscope and concluded that I had pneumothorax. He requested that I immediately be admitted to a Hospital where X-ray confirmed his correct diagnosis. Fortunately, it was only one side, otherwise I would be dead. Thank you, Dr Wong (of Jalan Jurong Kecil).

Recently, I regularly visited a Hospital because of my mother illness. In a visit, I was fortunate to hear a conversation between a Senior Doctor and a Junior Doctor. In the discussion, the Junior Doctor said that the patient was having some sickness. The Senior Doctor asked why he came to this conclusion. The Junior Doctor was unable to answer. The Senior Doctor replied that it was very important to observe a patient and look for sign that draws conclusion to the patient sickness. This can be her diet, the frequency of passing motion, her ability to eat etc.. All these are evidence of what the body is giving as hints to the illness. The Senior Doctor is right. Unfortunately, not many people, whether Doctors or otherwise, is able to follow this strict regime of observation and logical deduction. Without thorough observations and clinical evidence, we may simply jump to a conclusion which could be wrong.

I have proven myself right in the face of Professional Engineer and Doctors alike because of these 2 factors. Observations and Logical Deduction.

Super Robot Chogokin

Super Robot Chogkin

The Super Robot Chogokin toy from Ban Dai. The robot reminds me of a toy I used to play when I was a 9 to 10 years old kid. Back then I was a poor student and I had a friend who was rich enough to possess a robot toy. I guessed it was quite expensive because it was metallic, not plastic. It had also a fist that could fire away by depressing a button.  My friend was able to lend me his toy for a night and I could play with it, I was impressed with it but could not afford one.  The similarity between Super Robot Chogokin and my memorable toy was the round body. It was different from transformers toys which are rather rectangle with right angles legs and hands and body.

This current robot has a rather fearful face. I have not read the manga nor seen the cartoon series of this robot though.

Nutmeg Plum Drink



Nutmeg and Plum Drink

While there wasn't much spectacular food I had enjoyed during this KL trip, I must highlight this nutmeg plum drink. This was from a Penang restaurant in mid valley mega mall. The drink was uniquely from Penang.

It was a refreshing drink and it tasted good when served with ice. A sour plum was added to the drink to compliment the taste of nutmeg. Nutmeg is grown in Penang and there are many by-product from the fruit of the nutmeg tree, eg nutmeg oil, preserved nutmeg sweets, nutmeg alcohol etc.

I enjoyed this but couldn't remember the price. Hope to try it again.

iPhone 7

iPhone 1 vs iPhone 7

I am generally not a fan of iPhone and perfectly fine with Android phones. However, last week, just out of curiosity, I went to purchase a iPhone 7 32GB with gold back cover. It was considerably more expensive than ordinary Android phones.  In China, the iPhone is hailed as a status symbol. I had some difficulty trying to get accustomed to iOS.

Here are my views after using it for 1 week. Of course, the points are made in comparison with Android phones. I could be wrong in my assessment as I am still trying to learn iOS.

The Bad:-
1. No FM radio. Radio has to be through apps and uses wifi or mobile data.
2. The mail was in sync with my gmail. The feel is different and there are more steps required in order to complete a task. For example; to delete email, there is no direct means, but to move it through trash.
3. No direct connection with the computer. To download or upload, I have to use iCloud or iTunes. For Android, I can read the files directly just by connecting it to a Windows base PC/laptop. Transfer of files are easy.
4. No Bluetooth connection with other Android phones. Connection could not be established.
5. Higher battery energy consumption. Faster drainage on battery.
6. Calendar events are not as refined under the month mode. In Android, I am able to see minor line and major line with each line representing an event.
7. More step to enable and disable mobile data.
8. Prefer Chrome than Safari.
9. The surface of the iPhone is smooth and is more prone to dropping. While it is nice to hold, I have ordered a plastic cover to improve handling.
10. I prefer the 3.5mm jack than the lightning jack for headphones.
11. No notification light unless user wants to make use of LED light meant for the hearing impaired.

The Good:-
1. GarageBand - I simply love this app from Apple. It is user friendly and interesting.
2. The silent button as a physical control over sound generated from iPhone. Ease to switch over rather than through software.
3. iPhone 7 has thumb security via the home button which allows access to the phone without security numbers or patterns.
4. Photo from the camera is good.

Other comments:-
1. The first generation of iPhone has black frontal finishes. Wonder what was so special about jet black or matt black finishes in iPhone 7. My other Android phones are black in colour.
2. Sony Android phones (certain models) have long been water resistance. Not sure what is so special about iPhone 7 water resistance capability.

Guangzhou Part 11 - 新会陈皮 (Xin Hui Orange Peel)

Guangzhou city of 新会 is famous for 陈皮 (citrus orange peel). When I was a small child, my grandmother used to prepare orange peel through drying . The local orange is however not the same species as the 陈皮 of 新会. As a young boy, I was always wondering what my grandmother was doing.

There was a story that a Southern Chinese had won the praises of a China Empress through the use of orange peel from 新会 as a medical treatment for the Empress sickness. Upon consuming the product, the Empress sickness has improved. This event created a demand and agricultural expansion for growth of this special orange called 茶枝柑。

陈皮 is a famous product in Guangzhou. Even the local museum has a preserved specimen of this orange. According to the display, "the drug (陈皮) is used for moving qi (the inner energy), fortifying the stomach, drying dampness, resolving phlegm, down bearing qi and reliving vomiting."

陈皮 specimen in Guangzhou Museum

The local supermarkets have this product easy available.

The citrus peel or 陈皮 available in a Guangzhou supermarket (right cabinet)

I have chronic sinus problems for many years. My nose would get infected easily and there would be nasal discharge due to the mucus produced. This mucus would drain down my throat causing irritation and cough. Normally, I would need anti-histamine and anti-biotic to treat this illness. However, recently, I found that common antibiotics is of not much effectiveness, probably due to resistance from the bacteria causing the infection.

On the last second day prior to my departure from Guangzhou, I made an impromptu stopover at 体育西路 station, just a station before the station of my hotel. There is an Aeon supermarket just next to the station. I was just casually looking around when out of a sudden, a local lady was speaking to 2 Asians. From the conversation, the local lady who was speaking in Cantonese, vouched to the 2 Asians that the 陈皮 displayed at the shelve was a very good product and solved her sore throat ailment for many years. The 2 Asians, a young gentlemen from Thailand and his girlfriend from South Korea, was replying that they are looking for a gift to buy for their parents. He was replying in mandarin (Thai Chinese). In the end, I bought a bottle of the 陈皮 with some skepticism. From an after thought, it was quite an unique situation; a local Guangzhou resident speaking to a couple of Thai and South Korean, with me (another foreigner) purchasing the product.

To my pleasant surprise, the 陈皮 is good in treating my cough. My nose is still infected, but it soothes the throat and reduce irritation of the throat. There is less cough and phlegm. Being a natural product, it should not have side effects if there is no over-consumption. A piece of the 陈皮 a day is sufficient for its medicinal properties to take effect. Do note that this is an authentic aged 陈皮.  A highly recommended product for a person who has ENT ailment. Just hope that I could buy another bottle.

 

Fish Ball Noodle at Blk 22 Toa Payoh Lor 7

The fish ball noodle at Blk 22 Toa Payoh Lor 7 hawker centre usually has a queue. The quantity is not significant but it is the quality that matters. It cost $3 for a serving of teochew style hand made fish ball noodle. The fish ball, to me, is ordinary although it is bigger in size than the factory produced ones. However, the noodle sauce is tasty and it is this that distinguish itself from others.

MacBook Air 2015

Apple Logo

Apple MacBook Air 2015

Bought my first Apple product - The Macbook Air with 13 inch screen. It has a intel i5 core processor.

First impression is that it is light, thin and portable. Good for those who use it to move around.

Being not familiar with iOS, I have quite a hard time trying to know how to navigate. The ports are also not familiar for me.

The first time I had used Apple product was when I was a secondary student, using an Apple IIe. At that time, users had to be familiar with the Basic computer language. See link:- http://e21s.blogspot.sg/2014/03/apple-iie.html

Aquarium & Fishes

Guppy and 2 gold dust guppy at the background

The second Guppy which has yellow body

I bought a new 2 feet aquarium recently. In the aquarium, I placed 2 aquatic plants, 4 molly fishes and 2 guppies.

Supporting the aquarium are fish food, anti-chlorine, Qian Hu Supper Battle Bacteria 8000, 1 filter air pump, LED lights, 1 fish net, gravel and some pails.

My decision on the type of fishes were simple (i) must be hardy (ii) must be compatible with other fishes in the community (iii) should not easily jump out of aquarium (iv) must have some colours. I have wanted to buy the red swordtail fish as the colour was vibrant but the fish has a tendency to jump out of water. I may consider this choice if my aquarium has a cover.

The molly fish gave birth to 3 fry in the tank. It was pregnant prior to my purchase. The fry need to protect themselves by hiding in the crevices among the garvel. Both molly and guppies are livebearer. Generally, molly fishes swim in a group most of the time and they are quite active. The ones I have are orange in colour or some say gold dust. They are inexpensive and cost about S$1.50 each.

The science of rearing aquarium fishes includes bacteria that can convert ammonium (from waste of fishes) to nitrates that are less harmful to fishes. The frequency of water changes must also be considered and also the need to provide oxygen to the plants and fishes.

When I was a young boy, I had opportunity to keep a small aquarium with gold fishes, tiger barbs and guppies. They were not long lasting and died pretty fast.  I lost interest after fishes died.

My Favourite Street Food Singapore

Eng's Noodle Wan Tan Mee

I have written about my favourite Singapore steet food on 16 Jun 2013 and one of my favourite is wan tan noodle.
http://e21s.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-favourite-street-food-singapore.html

This wan tan noodle is from Eng's noodle house in Tanjong Katong Road. It opens from 11am to 9pm daily. Interesting taste comes from its extra spicy chilli sauce and a special taste sesame oil. The noodle has also a different texture as compared to conventional.

Breathing in High Altitude

Correct breathing is important for sports. At an altitude of more than 2000m above sea level, the air is thinner and the atmospheric pressure is lower. There is tendency for the body to grasp for air and the heart beat would go faster even for a simple activity like climbing a stair. This was what I had felt from trip to Li Jiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

However, once I am back on sea level, breathing seem to be easier as you can feel the higher concentration of oxygen. It is less strenuous to the body and the heart beat would be in a calm state. Exercising seem to be easier (perhaps it is psychological) when oxygen is in abundance.

It is common for competitive sportsmen to train in high altitude so that the same body can perform better in normal atmospheric pressure. Example of such sportsmen : Lewis Hamilton

Apple IIe

Apple IIe

The Apple IIe computer was sold in Singapore around 1983. I had the first opportunity to use IIe in school in Secondary 2 (1983). I remember there were a few computers in the computer lab with the school trying to teach a new generation of technology. The language if I recall was basic with commands such as Goto, Print etc. It could do basic mathematical calculation (+ - x / ). At that time, I did not appreciate the reason why this machine was useful as there were limited applications. I don't recall there was a mouse even though the photo above shows one with a mouse. The Apple logo has an array of colours which is not the present design. That was the first time I used an Apple product :-).

2 Memorable Places - Help Me Find

There are currently 2 places in this world that I had been and wished to visit again but could not remember or able to find the locations.

The first location is a place in Southern Thailand. I flew in via an army helicopter in around 1989. What I could remember of this lovely place was that it was an airfield before reaching Hatyai.  An extremely simple place for refilling of fuel for the metalic bird. The elevation of that airfiled is not at mean sea level. It is probably 30 to 50m above sea level. I could remember that after refilling, we took off from a cliff. The most important feature is a Buddha meditation carving embedded within the cliff. The Buddha rock carving is probably as high as 20 to 30m facing the sea. The depth of the carving is probably 5 to 10m deep. I have tried to find this location in the internet for many years but could not find it. If you could know where this is, please drop me a message. (Note: It may be an island not within the main land)

The second location is a place in South Africa. There was this restaurant in South Africa (could not remember the location, but maybe it was in the outskirt of Cape Town, something like Camps Bay - not sure). The restaurant is facing the sea. The most important feature is that the outdoor tables face slopping hills that runs to the sea. When my coursemate and I were there in 1997, it was sunset and it had one of the most beautiful sunset I had seen. I remember that I had crayfish for dinner. There was also 1 place in South Africa which was memorable. The High Commissioner to South Africa had treated us to a resort at night. The resort was out of town and out of city nights, when you looked up at the night sky, it was a sky filled with beautiful stars, an image I could still remember. Absolutely stunning. The ambient temperature then was cold and the feeling was fantastic.

The problem of remembering is that I was not told the specific locations of these 2 places. So there was no deep memory. The other reason is that I did not have a camera with me in Southern Thailand and my film camera was damaged (possibly due to cold weather) in South Africa.

If you know the places, appreciate it if you could let me know. Thanks.

My Favourite Street Food (Singapore)

Satay

 

Fish Ball Noodle

(1) Satay

(2) Dim Sum (Originate from Hong Kong/China)

(3) Hokkien Prawn Noodle

(4) Beef Noodle

(5) Wan Tan Noodle

(6) Roast Duck

(7) Laksa
(8) Fish Ball Noddle

Beef Pho

 Other International Food:

(1) Beef Pho (Vietnam)

(2) Masala Thosai (India)

(3) Okonomiyaki (Japan)

(4) Unagi Rice (Japan)

Note 1: Not in any order of preference
Note 2: Due to variation in quality, there may be some that are not as good as the better ones.

Onigiri

Onigiri

Photograph from other source

When I was in Japan in 1997, a morning breakfast may include a simple onigiri, made from Japanese rice wrapped in dried seaweed infilled with crab meat or tuna. Japanese vinegar has been added in the rice. A simple, cheap and delicious breakfast. The cost back then was about 100 to 120 yen each and the onigiri are available in many Japanese convenient stalls. I had understood from my friend that there is an unique way to remove the plastic wrapper so that the seaweed remains intact with the triangular rice.

Just bought one from a supermart in Singapore today. After discount, the onigiri costs S$2, which is about 150 yen.