nevermind the fact that it was my sweet 17 yesterday (yes, okay. happy birthday to me! but still a long way to go before i'm of voting age i.e. able to get a driving license). i'm actually more interested in how the world is developing in this age of turbulent economy and uncertain financial progress. Singapore had just recently declared that it will be facing a projected of more or less 8.5% decline in Q4, with slow growth in 2010. and more undergrads are being laid off. on hindsight, this isn't exactly the best scenario that we want to hear. well, the IMF did say that this global recession will last till 2011, so don't expect things to be a bed of roses.

i just read something interesting on Economist.com. apparently, hotel rates per night are going down. tokyo's is slightly lower than US$300, while Abu Dhabi and Moscow remains pretty expensive at US$400. still, the general trend here is that most countries' hotel rates decreased by 20%. so is this a sign that we should spend on the tourism industry i.e. go for more holidays? if that's the case, then hey, let's!

i always felt that the key to overcoming a recession is for society to spend. as long as money is circulated and put to good use, the economy should still be running. besides, that's how profits are made, no? with more profits, shouldn't a country be able to at least hold out the economic crisis? of course, the opportunity cost on the consumers will be high, but if it's for the society's benefit, doesn't that make this matter substantial?

okayy, i shall stop plaguing this website with economics matters. but seriously, i can't help but wonder.

anw, back to my personal life. first of all, my birthday celebration yesterday! went to pastamania with my family, and let me just say that while the food is satisfactory, i'd like to go for a better italian restaurant. but overall, food is quite okay, so i'd go there again for the pizza and pasta. what else? oh yes! i went shopping! bought Body Shop's new fragrance, Japanese Cherry Blossom (hinthint on what my current craze is on now) and Maybelline's cream-gel eyeliner (Japan-release) and Bourjois's eyeshadow pot. hehehe! can't wait to try them out!

and AHEM. my current craze is Japanese stuffs! or to be more precise, Jrock/Visual Kei. especially Visual Kei. i am so tempted to try out their makeup styles. if they look hot on those VK band members, why shouldn't it work for me, right? and i'm trying to incorporate Jfashion into my wardrobe - to no avail. i have no sense of kawaii-ness, unfortunately. so maybe that's why i shifted to VK? muahaha. anw anw anw, my new VK love is ayabie!! BUT naitomea shall remain the number one in my heart. hehehe! sakito-kunnn!!

i plan to change my blogskin, but let's just see if it'll work out, ehh?

@ 1:18 AM