Edwin's ReaLm

Clean and Green Singapore 2009

2009-10-31T23:04:00.007+08:00

Oh yeah, saw this on TV and loved it. Simple catch tunes. Clement Chow is superb!

A Dorment Blog Awakens....

2009-10-26T22:21:00.004+08:00

Since my last post on the earthquake, my blog has also been dorment for some time... a long time....

Slowly, silently, steathily...... signs of a waking blog are picked up by the most advanced detection probes and drones. ~~~~

Survived a 7.9 Earthquake! =P

2007-09-12T22:46:00.000+08:00

Singapore's Meteorological Services said the earthquake measured 8.5 on the Richter Scale. The preliminary reading was 7.9. The earthquake struck out at sea at 7.10pm. Its epicentre was 120 kilometres south-west of the Sumatran town of Bengkulu, at a depth of 15 kilometres. This is some 670 kilometres from Singapore.

SGX was not spared. It was about 7.15pm. I started feeling a bit dizzy and then the ceiling started making cracking noise from the ceiling covers. My colleague who was behind me seated across the room thought it was stress that caused the dizziness. The feeling lasted for about 30secs. And followed by several series of waves and all lasted about 5mins.

This was the worse compared to the last one felt last year.

Lucky for us in Singapore, it was just a scare and nothing serious.

Day 1 @ Hendon Resort

2006-10-30T21:31:00.000+08:00

Having missed the last in-camp, I didn't expect to be excused for this one. Today is the start of 2 weeks at Hendon Resort. So much have changed in the force. The Commando Training Centre is now renamed Special Operations Training Centre. This follows the evolution of the force to the new generation elite Special Forces warfare. More specialisations, wider range of operations and weapons, fewer men in each team, heavier loads...

Smoggy Mid-Autumn Fest

2006-10-06T11:38:00.000+08:00

All thanks to Indonesia, this year's Mid-Autumn Fest was covered in a thick shroud of HAZE!!! This problem with forest fires have been around for many years without resolution in sight. Someone, somewhere, somehow, something is not moving in the right direction. This environmental problem has to be nipped in the butt and swiftly. The PSI now has hit above 100. I like the statement on CNA by an environmentalist, "There are no SAFE Levels for Haze". The only safe level is NO HAZE. Any amount of this is not good and definitely unfriendly. It not only affects the respiratory system, the moody feel is also felt along with the "sticky-sickly" feel on the skin. Meantime, all I can do is stay home, take more water and baths, turn on the air-con.

Liver Training Session @ Boonlay

2006-09-30T12:20:00.000+08:00

The subject for tonight was to help finish the Bacardi Rum and start working on the Jim Beam Black.... YEAH!!! The real highlight of the evening was the Black. Black isn't just in the label, it sure taste as it should be... smooth. However, the turnout last evening was a bit lacking. Only 5+1 of the OceanX showed up. (why +1 ? go figure...)

The Fish and The Tea

2006-09-15T23:03:00.000+08:00

Its been a long time since the 85 Club gathered. We made a trip to the Manhattan Fish Market @ Plaza Singapura. This is my first time there. The food quite good and does in fact give Fish & Co. a good competition.
We enjoyed our dinner and made our way to TCC @ Paradiz Centre. Another cozy place with nice tea and desserts. I got a Ginger Zing. Nice strong ginger taste but I felt it was a bit too sweet.

Drinks in the house

2006-09-09T14:08:00.000+08:00

A group of Wine Lovers and friends gathered one fine Friday evening. This sure is an educational boost for me. I often tasted Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila; got to try some great wine and learn many info from the pros. Thanks for the great hospitality of the host and great company of fellow friends!!! Drink, Drank, but not drunk. Great stuff, not forgetting the Alize; a brilliant cocktail drink (fruit juice) =P
Still bugging me...... what is the diff between cognac and whiskey???

New Blood

2006-09-04T22:05:00.000+08:00

Just when we are preparing ourselves for a super busy week ahead, "new blood" have appeared!!! 2 new interns are here today to join the force. What seems to be the busiest month ahead, since my joining, just eased 5%. Still, the forecast for the month ahead doesn't look easy... FOCUS, FOCUS!!! This month will be shag; very shag... 100% and then some!!!

Convo @ Esplanade

2006-08-20T11:28:00.000+08:00

It was never an easy task to bring OceanX together for the shoot. All 10 gathered at Esplanade to mark the close of our convocation (3 did not turn up...) So here are some of the shots =)

Happy Birthday Singapore

2006-08-09T15:52:00.000+08:00

41st Birthday.
This year's song is beautiful!!! It is one of the few songs that I like. The tune is simple yet soothing, and sung by Kaira Gong. Not that I heard many of her songs... but this one is not bad... really. And this is also the last event at the National Stadium as it is torn down and rebuilt!!!

Finally... after 25yrs of wait

2006-07-28T22:48:00.000+08:00

After 25yr of waiting... and 15yr of school life, the Degree is now in my hands. This day marks the beginning of a new chapter as I officially complete my studies at NTU.

Convocation was held at 10am at the Campus Auditorium. The final ceremonial event ending the exciting 4yrs as an undergrad. Now that the carefree student life is over, I would need to transit into work-life and plan ahead....

After the draggy ceremony and lunch reception, we head down to Broadway to have the family pic taken.

Good bye and HELLO WORLD!!! (hahaaha... and there you have it... 1/3 of my life)

Training Begins!!!

2006-07-17T21:15:00.000+08:00

Either I am lucky or the timing is just right... It has been like what??? 1.5mths at work and here I am at my first professional external trainning course. Today is the first day at Odeon to attend Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) @ Global Knowledge. Course and trainning are so enjoyable =) Less work (ok well not really...) relax environment, topics which you are personnal motivated to learn. This is even better than studying in school!!! I sure am enjoying myself at trainning and at work... will rest early tonight and looking forward to the whole week of trainning.

Pay 1st...... ask questions later

2006-07-01T00:09:00.000+08:00

WoW... how time flies. Before you know it... my 1st month at work is over and received my 1st Pay Check. Yes, this payslip feels completely different from that payslip a few years back (from MINDEF). HAAHAA, when there is work, and enough to prevent you from idle, time really passes by Uber Fast!!!

1st Trip - New Delhi, India

2006-06-20T20:54:00.000+08:00

First time travelling overseas without having to pay for the air tickets!!! I was sent to India yesterday on business trip; to visit my Indian colleague in New Delhi... OMG!!! the weather is skorching HOT!!! (and yes, the k is deliberate) Frankly, I have not seen that many cars on the roads. The traffic is crazy but cute =) Cars are build slightly smaller there and yup, finally I got to experience the crazy honking of the cars. The climate was burning... you can practically feel the Sun which seems to be as near as the Moon. The ground was about 40 degCelsius. I had my Original Receipe Indian Lunch and dessert, quite refreshing and great experience!!

Generally, the trip was very short and an eye-opener, I hope to visit again when the weather is "less hazardous"... hahaha. Shortly, I bid farewell to the great hospitality of my Indian friend and colleague and prepare to journey home. I must say, Air Sahara is okay: 1) no special Indian perfume, 2) not bad looking air stewardess, 3) cozy: why? the arrival was myself alone in the row... thats 3 seats to myself :D
The departure was quite lucky, I got to meet a guy who was the retired executive of the local major telco. He and wife were on their way to Singapore for CommunicAsia2006. Hah!!! talk about coincidence!

btw, as I walked in the open mall area with my friend, I had the best and weirdest experience! I practically had 100s pair of eyes staring at me! I finally understand the feeling of being a "zoo exhibit". I am pretty sure I am the only Chinese there......

There you have it... one more trip overseas by Air, ie. one more bottle of wine, cognac and booze :P

Taka-lachia @ ECP.. 2nd Round

2006-06-04T20:20:00.000+08:00

Don't ask why/how...
I got this dreadful ache in my left shoulder, which I didn't even know how...

There you have it again.... dear Fate has spoken, 2nd attempt at Taka-lachia @ ECP shall be postponed again.

Hopefully the 3rd attempt will come true [Lets all pray to the Evil Demon in Hell, since the Good Angel in Heaven didn't work]

D-Day +1

2006-06-02T21:46:00.000+08:00

This is a short week... only 2 working days.

In summary, I felt that it was a comfortable starting pace. Today I got my first tasks and also the first lunch with business partners. Things sure are picking up very fast indeed. I think I need to keep my socks high up always.

I need to try to get into 4th gear quick... [5th gear shall always be reserved for contingency only... and not forgetting my Nitro for that extra burst xD ]

-- Holidays are long over --

D-Day !!!

2006-06-01T21:36:00.000+08:00

Day ZERO @ Vanco:-
Arrived on time today at SGX Centre 2, Shenton Way. Many familiar faces around the office =)

This day had been rather easy, soon it was lunch-time and before you know it, the day has ended. First day at work is mostly administrative and getting your workstation and area familiarised. Although I was here last year from Jan-Jul, I felt quite out of touch with the operations. Other than a few new faces in the office, the colleagues were still as warm and helpful as before.
Also, without a doubt, my responsibilities and expectations of me have gone up many folds. This is not unexpected but will take some time for me to get used to. [hopefully not too much time......]

D-Day -1

2006-05-31T20:16:00.000+08:00

Wow !!! how time flies... tomorrow is the start of my contribution to the Economy of Singapore...
Only a handful of us were lucky enough to ride the 1st Wave of employment upon graduation. I shall begin my career as a Network Engineer at Vanco tomorrow. Somehow, the dilema arises... my 3 week break since exams ended seems too short, then again, how much break is enough??????

To the handful joining the workforce soon: "Hurry sign up for the Work-life Conversion Course (WCC)"

To the rest out there: "Hope you find your calling soon... and most important criteria should be health and happiness. JIA-YOU!!!"

Taka-lachia @ ECP

2006-05-28T15:14:00.000+08:00

With all that huge reservoir of water pouring from above, how was it possible to take my bike out to East Coast Park for Operation Taka-lachia with members of Ocean13?!?!

This long lasting pour had terminated the operation. Most of us were left at home to attempt to beat CM's record of 6times per hour =P

Until next time folks... The greatness of nature is against us!!!

Money Planning

2006-05-26T22:12:00.000+08:00

Like it or not, we live in a capitalist society. Money and financial standings are closely related to how comfortable you get by each day. The Classic model of "infinite wants, finite resources" comes to mind.

I met up with my friend earlier to discuss about financial planning. I've known this guy from Hendon and now he is working as a Financial Advisor at Prudential. He got me thinking of the effects of the "legal tender" and gave a scary but realistic figure of how much was required to see me to my grave. =(

However, I am one stubborn person... To commit to risk taking was just not my cuppa... besides, I have yet to start work and my income and expenditures are unclear. True... nobody can see what would happen next year (or for this matter, tomorrow!!!) but that is the excitement of life, isn't it. Guess I just have to get by with good old term savings and hope for a pleasant tomorrow [with many fingers crossed]

Quest for transport mobility - Class 3

2006-05-17T21:03:00.000+08:00

I began thinking about obtaining my driving licence during my NS days when many took time off for driving tests. However, being lazy and poor (no car to drive), the project was postponed many times. Finally today, I took the great stride.... haha.

I took Bus to the MRT station, alighted at Eunos and took a bus to Comfort Driving Center. Pressed the device and got a queue number...... waited.... waited.... and yes paid and made an appointment for Basic Driving Theory Test. Phew, thats like almost 5 years to book basic test...... -_- Long way to go yet...

Back to Vanco???

2006-05-16T19:51:00.000+08:00

After almost 1 year, this afternoon I made a trip down to SGX Centre 2. This time to meet the manager!!! Yup, seems my timing was just right, they are willing to hire a fresh grad =)

Having attended a few interviews, this was most special. Since I already spent 7 months of by IA here, this meeting was really a chat cum sharing session with my potential boss.

The atmosphere was light and very effective. We exchanged views and shared expectations. (Sorry, the details of the interview is confidential and thus will not be elaborated =P)
In the end, I am thankful that a company is willing to hire a freshie from Uni as a Network Engineer.... most company prefer not to. Uni does not cover or focus on network area.... the emphasis is programming, realtime, distributed, database, etc

I was especially glad to hear that my work during my internship was very much appreciated and had excellent feedback from colleagues. Lets hope to enjoy working together soon.

Typical Day in the Life of Idle

2006-05-15T13:32:00.000+08:00

This is what will happen to me before the official work-life begins (hopefully soon...)

1000 - Wake up (breakfast, newspaper)
1130 - Play computer game (at this moment, I have Galactic Civilisation 2)
1500 - Snack/Lunch (usually lunch is optional...)
1600 - Swim/cycle (if weather permits, else back to computer games)
1900 - Dinner
2000 - TV/Web-surfing

hmm... seems boring, will try to "create" some events...

To-do list:
- Clear my room (yes... a lot to do here... somehow, feels lazy enough to start)
- Search for Job (all in the hands of Fate)

Day 1 of Idle days

2006-05-09T14:27:00.000+08:00

Today is the start of my "IDLE" days. School life has just ended and now need to look for job.
Already a few potential interviews have come by. Many ask me why no holiday was planned after my exams. Hmm... I don't know, maybe overseas vacation can take anytime, but career seems to be very elusive... and it sure is a big uncertainty for me now.

But work and play has to be balanced, thus the chalet starts today. The agenda: play mahjong, cards and BBQ. Time to celebrate the great companionship over these years. Marking the end of school life, we will all embark on the next chapter: Working.... slogging and slave for some company.

This is also start for writing letters and resume and play, eat, sleep... Will try to fit in some, long overdue, exercise too =P

Close of FYP... Finally

2006-05-08T20:35:00.000+08:00

For the record: Officially at 1800hr, 08 May 2006, Final Year Project is CLOSED.

There you have it. The finale of my course in NTU.
So much has been done in this 4yrs.
So many sleepless nights.
So many cups of 30cents Tea and Coffee.
So many Labs; never as many in my days in school.

Many many more stuff that will go into the history books.
As we start a fresh chapter in our life.
Be it career, further studies or just pure idle...
The new world and new reality is upon us, whether you like it or not.
Gone are the comforts of the shelter as a student.

[Shall stop here... before this turns out as a lousy poem]
[Time to catch up on this blog. Havn't been writing a lot]
[Maybe clear up my room... *sigh* maybe tomorrow...]

FYP Demo to Sponsors

2006-05-05T21:25:00.000+08:00

Finally, the day is here. The product demo to the sponsors of my FYP project. Very challenging setup, only to prove one fundamental believe; Mobile Adhoc Networks is extremely unstable.

We expected the setup to be smooth sailing. But being good friends with Murphy... something has to go wrong =(

One of the laptops failed to initialise the wireless card and introduced a major minus to the presentation. However, we managed to still pull it off with the remaining devices. I am glad everyone is happy with the outcome. [And yes, the incentive $$$ is within sight =) ]

Monday... the official final presentation to the school and close of FYP -- YESH!!!

Last paper, Last semester

2006-05-04T22:47:00.000+08:00

Finally, the final paper "Simulation and Modeling".
Alls well that ends well =)

Review: Alright.... okay lah, confirm CLEAR =)

Next on the list will be the FYP presentation on Monday.
Then....... thanks NTU, so much for 4yrs of "Undergraduate Experience"

[Thats all folks]

Re-living the good old days

2006-04-26T23:03:00.000+08:00

Its been almost forgotten.... those days of how we spent the time after exams...
It was almost back to the days in Secondary, going to game arcades, bowling, pool... etc

The 'whole lot' gathered after the paper and made our way to Suntec Carl's Jr for a feast =)
As usual, the portion is huge!!! And there I go again, frowning and complaining as I squeeze the last bite into system -_-

After the very very stuffed meal, we made our way to the bowling center then the LAN gaming center.... heehee, simply love the good old days

2nd Paper for Last Semester

2006-04-26T22:34:00.000+08:00

After the demoralising 1st paper, today is what all paper should be like =)
"Digital Video Compression and Coding" - a new subject is great!!!
There should be no problems scoring, needless to say pass. Quote my friend TPlee, "This is the paper since long long ago in the O-levels when I walked out of the Hall with a smile"

Next, the last and final paper.... hope we can all leave the Hall with a smile too =)

Year 25 of Life

2006-04-15T23:38:00.000+08:00

Oh my... its my day again?!?! Right... its only year #25 and I am feeling old already. To add to the bad feeling, it is smacked right in my exams. This year, due to timetable changes, the exams are brought slightly forward. It used to be in May.

Assuming one lives till 75-80, I am 1/3 journey towards "transcendence". This year will see a great significant change from Student to Worker (aka, Corporate Slave). My hopes are that the switch or entry into this new environment and chapter would be swift, painless and hopefully enjoyable.

Last but not the least, hope that my family, loved ones and everyone would stay healthy and happy always.

First paper for Last semester

2006-04-13T23:53:00.000+08:00

Alright, not really the first paper... but the first Prescribed Elective paper. Yesterday was a General paper "Intro to News Media" which was relatively easier.
Today, Distributed Systems was... in 1 word.... HELL
Using the previous exam papers as benchmark, this paper does not even satisfy the basic criteria for convolution... The paper was extremely differently structured and was significantly tough. Some say it is a paper out to KILL

Somehow the aftermath gave some consolation.... the argument that if everyone finds it tough, the higher chances of a lower passing mark should hold (and it better hold).

This subject was supposed to be easy to cope... but apparently the intel was flawed. I have to believe that I tried my best and trust my motto: "It is not easy to fail". Of course we have a very extensive coursework assignment to aid in jacking up the grades.

Still, I think all PEs should never be used as barrier to graduation... PEs in the honours year, simply is stressful enough. The stakes are high, very high!!!

Enough said... time to move on!!! NEXT PAPER PLEASE!!!

Byte Sizes

2006-04-10T21:12:00.000+08:00

1 byte = 8 bit

1 kilobyte = 1,024 byte

1 megabyte = 1,048,576 byte

1 gigabyte = 1,073,741,824 byte

1 terabyte = 1,099,511,627,776 byte

1 petabyte = 1,125,899,906,842,624 byte

1 exabyte = 1,152,921,504,606,846,976 byte

1 zettabyte =1,180,591,620,717,411,303,424 byte

1 yottabyte = 1,208,925,819,614,629,174,706,176 byte

Simpler:

1 kilo = 1024 byte

1 mega = 1024 kilo

1 giga = 1024 mega

1 tera = 1024 giga

1 peta = 1024 tera

1 exa = 1024 peta

1 zetta = 1024 exa

1 yotta = 1024 zetta

[Inspired after watching Thats IT! on CNA]

FYP Hiccups

2006-03-23T22:20:00.000+08:00

When all seems lost...... you have a great supervisor...
After pulling on the hair for almost 2 weeks, I finally raised the alarm; the issue of "Unable to compile" to my FYP supervisor. The application just won't cooperate with me... it just simply won't compile. This could very well jeopardise my grades!!!
After meeting with Dr Foh and sharing the problems faced, I still left his office with a heavy heart.....
"Darn, I will fail... "
To my surprise and gratitude, my problem was solved!!! It was clear that I left out a necessary patch for the embedded Visual C++ application to work with the PPC2003 compiler.....
I think the stress of working on my own has finally taken its toll. How stupid of me to over looked such a trivial matter. I am extremely grateful to Dr Foh for spending the afternoon to help spot my mistake. Kudos and Thanks so much!!!

Power Outage for 2 hours

2006-03-21T14:24:00.000+08:00

12 noon to 2pm Electrical Supply interruption
Town Council maintenance and routine check of electrical installation

Hmm.... the experience of having the electricity cut-off for 2hr in Modern Society, PRICELESS!!!

Electricity never became this important in our daily lives before. To be specific, it was not the power but it was living with Internet connectivity that is pure agony, ARGH

Farewell to a great giant

2006-02-25T23:16:00.000+08:00

On 23 Feb 2006, S Rajaratnam one of the founding fathers of this nation, and the author of The Pledge passed away. Coincidentally, today also happens to be his birthday, he would have turn 91 today.

This afternoon I watch CNA's coverage of the funeral ceremony at the Esplanade. I vaguely remember this great person. From the documentary coverage over the last few days, I am touched by this person's vision and actions in uniting a nation in times of racial turmoil and his contribution to the nation in foreign relations.

I believe his actions and character will inspire many to fight for and believe in Singapore and Singaporeans.

Recess.... officially the last one

2006-02-17T23:47:00.000+08:00

It felt like yesterday when I started studying at NTU. Tomorrow will be the start of my FINAL Recess week!!! This is my final recess as I embark on my new chapter in life in the work force. So much to look forward to....

However, for this week, I will have to get busy with course assignments and my FYP. Busy busy busy.....

LSB Drinking

2006-02-12T15:07:00.000+08:00

Its been so long since I had this much "spirit" in my veins.
Last night was spent at GLLB-LSB, we had many drinks all night long.
- Whiskey Chivas
- Vodka Absolut
- Beer, just boring beer

The highlight was when we discovered 2 guys "missing". Afraid that they may end up drowning in the drain, we went outside to search for them. After the short walk we all returned to find one of us drunk!!! Hohoho, finally someone has lost the fight with alcohol..... and boy was he "screwed up"...... and kept asking others if he was horny =P

I really hate the feeling of getting drunk. Although I was never drunk, but seeing others drunk made me think thrice to control my sanity.

Today will need to water-parade..... CHEERS!!!

Gone is the Rooster, here comes the Dog

2006-01-27T23:33:00.000+08:00

WHAT?!?! the Chinese New Year is here again......
There goes the year of the Rooster. And my 24 yrs on Earth.
Here comes the Dog.

Looking forward to a great year. Many wonderful things will be happening this year.
I will graduate from NTU, start my career. Anything else??? Isn't this happening enough? HAHA

Cold Start

2006-01-10T12:12:00.000+08:00

For the past 2 weeks, it has been raining non-stop... ok, a little too extreme... it has been rainy season... the temperature is dropping, the area is flooded, etc etc... Room temp has been hovering at 25 degC for quite some time. Many are falling sick, catching cold and stuff, would I be next??? hope I can wait it out =) Looking forward to seeing the beautiful sun soon... FYP is the main priority now... heehee especially with Silkroad Online Closed, there really is not much of a distraction left.
I really need to make a breakthrough in FYP soon!!! (before CNY, I hope...)

2006 after 2005

2005-12-31T22:29:00.000+08:00

In a few hours time... 2006 will hit us fast and furious. 2005 was very rewarding... with the highlight being IA which covered the first 7 months. The rest of the year was filled with more excitement than disappointments. As I look forward to the new year 2006 with great hope... Forecast for 2006: Final Semester in University, with FYP ending February, exams in April, and employment come May/June. So many great chapters to add for 2006. Ganbatte!!!
Don't forget to add 1sec to our watches on the struck of 1 Jan... as we step nearer to "end of the world" =P

The Narnia Game

2005-12-21T23:38:00.000+08:00

The Blk85 gang gathered for Tea at Orchard Hotel after which was movie at Plaza Singapura: The Chronicles of Narnia... N A R D I A... note the spelling please.
I think it was a great movie. Nice simple storyline with cool graphics. Especially the Lion's mane. I tried to appreciate the movie further but trying to understand the author. The film seems to be closely related to the WWII days. Hopes of children reunite with parents/adults sent to war and end of war. Well, for more details.... nah... too tired now =P

Results of Final Showdown Part 1

2005-12-19T01:07:00.000+08:00

Something tells us that today will be the release of the results!!! The admin only stated week 3 of Dec but unlike past exams, there was no specific date... that felt lousy... The hype and all the kan-jiong-ness was building since morning... 4pm, still nothing... "Sorry, your results are not available yet" was the only message on screen... I could take it no more... went for a nap... at 7pm, MSN woke me up!!! RESULTS ARE OUT!!! results were out at 5pm - ok so how did it go???
Just as I was about to click on the final button... I kept repeating the words of one of the lecturer in my head:" Its not easy to do well, its also not easy to fail..." self-consolation??? This round was rather disappointing... I got a C for my Adv. Networks!!! WTF, that was my most confident and most interested subject... the rest got B.
The feeling of C for Networks gave me a jolt!!! Simply disappointing, networks was my most interested area and I didn't get a good grade... damn... This is also the first semester the GPA system is implemented, although I am not effected but it provided a small gauge for my position. Oh well, time to move on... 23rd is the registration, time to plan for the Finale!!!

Revisit to ACM

2005-12-18T23:46:00.000+08:00

Today is a fine day for the revisit to ACM (Asian Civilisation Museum aka Empress Place Museum). Our last visit was on 17 Jul 2005 to view the Vatican Artifacts. Once again the 4 Arts GE mates made their way to ACM, this time with the Simlim Underdog.

We visited ACM for the special event Power Dressing. This special showcase presents textiles for Rulers and Priests from the Chris Hall Collection. Featured are the Chinese dressing of silken treasures from the 5th century BCE to early 20th century. We learnt cultures and symbols of Imperial Robes, Rank Badges and Furnishings. Also on display were some religious textiles like the embroidered Thousand Buddha robe on yellow ground.

We also made an attempt at the "legendary" hydrolic lift!!! The 5 of us entered the small little lift at Level 3 with curiousity... the door shut quickly, and we discovered the label "Weight Limit: 300kg - 2 man and 1 on Wheel Chair" OMG!!! each of us weigh an average of 65kg!!! That was like way over the scale!!! Our dear Chongming began to panic and started rambling non-stop... it was just like the tv, people trapped in the lift and one person starts to panic... I bet Chongming couldn't tell that he was getting louder each second. I was trying hard to calm him down... The lift door was shut and my stopwatch hit 3min... the door is still closed!!! The lift was so slow that we couldn't feel any movement at all... 4min... Everyone started to feel adrenaline getting higher... All 3 buttons "1, 2, 3" were lit... 5min... the door started to gently open... WOW are we glad to step out of it, simply exciting =) (All thanks to Assoc. Prof Quek Hiok Chai, SC301: Control and Instrumentation)

The final highlight was the visit to Carl's Jr, the new kid in Singapore! Only Pong and I had been to this fast food outlet previously, it was a first for the rest. The servings was ENORMOUS, like 2x Burger King. I had problems finishing the last mouthful while the rest felt it was just enough to stomach. I think my Marginal Utility for Fastfood is much lower than the rest =P

Trip to JB (End of Showdown 1)

2005-11-26T11:52:00.000+08:00

Finally after 3 weeks of excitement, the 1st season of Final Showdown has ended. We the 8 Gods will be travelling to JB to celebrate. This time we have invited 3 newbies along for the trip.
Here are some highlights of the "sibeh exciting" trip:
Entering JB Customs: I was in the queue behind a very friendly and overly helpful guy. He was so bored in the queue he started helping others around him with the White Card. He didn't even asked, he just peered into my passport and started checking if I marked the questions on the back of the card!!! After 'teaching' me how to fill up, he proceeded to check the person in front of him who wasn't happy and gave him a "go away" stare. Haha... To my surprise, on our way out later that evening, I bumped into him again at the bus queue!!! However, the exit was swift and we happen to break away to another bus lane.
Dinner: We made our way to the JB Gardens/Market for dinner. This was the same place from the last visit. We also ordered similar stuff and re-created the "Ghost Fest" for the 1st trip. More Command-n-Control was in place and all was quite orderly =) The best part was the mysterious HOT PLATE HUM. Woo tried to convince everyone there exists such a dish. We had to see it for ourselves to believe. To our surprise, the dish arrived WITHOUT the hot-plate... -_- and it didn't taste that great.
Entering Woodlands again: All was nice and smooth... until the baggage scan. I had to be the only one to be searched -_- There were like several ahead and behind me but noooo they had to search my stuff and only me!!! Nobody else was checked... While my great pals were at the exit laughing their hearts out =) Apparently the customs Sergeant was trying to guide the Corporal how to conduct a search and I was their test subject. She searched my backpack, then my plastic bag of Tau Sa Piah. I was asked to unseal one of the boxes for checking. She dug her hands into the stuff to see the bottom of the box =) I had to oblige... like there was any other choice... Perhaps it was the face... do I have a Terrorist face?!?!

There were also other "discoveries":
1) Do not take the Express bus unless you intend to wait 30min for it.
2) Always be prepared to travel with Auntie Ming.
3) Beer and Crayfish are not cheap.
4) Bring Uncle Zhu and Long-ge along for feasts.
5) Don't ask to be checked at the Customs.
6) Don't even dream of leaping over the barriers at the Customs. (ok... Just dream, don't even attempt. Scenario analysis doesn't look good.)
7) Lastly... Don't leave the Peanut Feet at home ^^

Grace's Wedding

2005-11-19T23:15:00.000+08:00

Today attended Grace's Wedding. She invited all of 27/98 and our dear Tet took attendence! Total 14 present, 7 guys, 7+1 gals, 13or 14 absent. Why 13 or 14??? coz YJ always felt an extra presence in the class =P (freaky sia)

This is the first Church Wedding I attended that is actually in a church. Nice atmosphere, something like in the movies. Only thing missing are the Guards with Crossed Swords =D

Great to meet everyone again... its been like er... 3 years since the last gathering at the Resort?!?! heehe, when would the next wedding event be for such a gathering again???

And well... Part 1 is amost over, with only Econs paper on Friday. Part 2 is coming up fast!!! Looking forward to the long awaited dinner celebrations with the 8 Gods and maybe a few new angels =)

Coming Soon... Final Showdown Part 1

2005-11-05T17:27:00.000+08:00

After much wait, well not really very long, the final year exams (part 1) is here. Mixed feelings... For the whole of the month of October I have been "concentrating" on the coming exams; maybe almost to the extent of finding a cave.

Well, life is not only about exams. Time passes very fast [even when you are day-dreaming] and soon graduation will fall upon you - ending your carefree (slightly) life as a 'full-time student'. Somehow I don't quite find this an occupation, more like a parasite sucking dry parent's reserve $$$.

The first paper will start come tuesday and end on 25th Nov. Wow, that is hell a long 3 weeks to dread. Next on the major programme list would be to struggle with the FYP and hopefully work on my driving license also. Thereafter, will be the last semester and a milestone.

All right folks, Sneak Previews of "Final Showdown 1" begins today and will open on 8 Nov in cinemas near you till end Nov. And whether you like it or not...... "Final Showdown 2" will be in town next April.

Enjoy :D

Legend of Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传)

2005-10-23T00:54:00.000+08:00

Finally, after almost one week, I finished viewing the whole 42 episode series.
This China version is great!!! The scenery is gorgeous. I've enjoyed it a lot. Although there are some unsightly stuff; like the lousy Quan Zhen sword effect... the whole series was simply entertaining
Favourite scenes were the wonderful Mongolian Plains with horses running.
I think Guo Jing is too dumb. Zhou Xun played Rong-er nicely done. All the female actress are stunning but Mu Nian Ci is the most beautiful!!! (as it should be from the book) =P

Not so BIG - Hairy Crabs (DA zha-xie)

2005-09-30T23:17:00.000+08:00

My uncle invited a friend from China to his wedding dinner. The friend brought along with him 20 famous Shanghai Hairy crabs!!! Yes, he had to "smuggle" them from Shanghai to Singapore =P
And I misunderstood the "大闸蟹 da4 zha2 xie4" to be very BIG, haha.

We prepared a feast to share the crabs with him. We have never seen such crabs, not to mention tasted them. We were also very fortunate to have the guest teach us how to prepare them.
Recipe: "1) With the crabs still bound... Steam them alive!!!" Eat them with the best sauces of vinegar with ginger. Wow, I was stunned by his quick hands in handling the crabs. Especially when he had to re-tie a crab which came free!!! These creatures are very fast! and they can hurt you with the pincers or spikes real bad. Apparently he had been "toying" these creatures since his childhood days.

The crabs are not easy to eat. They are not only hairy, they have many spikes!!! Yikes, the spikes make eating very tedious. The taste??? I should say there isn't much meat but there is a lot of roe =)

SC444 Quiz goes wrong!!!

2005-09-23T11:19:00.000+08:00

Today's SC444 - Cryptography and Network Security Quiz was a great mess.
- The Lecture Hall could bearly hold all the students
- There were not enough question scripts for everyone!!!
- There was only 1 lecturer. 1:350 -> hell.
- It was a nightmare for the lecturer who lost control and had to use the 'magic words' - Shut the ____-up!!!

Most surprised was the so called 12 different sets of questions =) There were actually only 4 unique questions with different permutations. And yes, everyone was to answer all the 4 questions, haha. The questions were ok; not extremely tough...
Cheers to the lecturer - great effort... but Murphy simply ruled the day... heehee

Shocking Moments @ NIE Campus

2005-09-19T22:23:00.000+08:00

It was a spontaneous decision that 3 of us decided to eat at NIE Canteen today. Since Realtime Lecture was cancelled due to Lecturer on MC, we had our lunch early.
After lunch it was already 1.30pm, we began our slow walk back to Library. When we came out of the canteen, walking in the open space of NIE, we noticed something fishy. Many people stood rooted to the ground looking in the direction of the Administration Building. My friend suggested that maybe the "teachers" were feeling patriotic (something to do with National Anthem during lunch hour; yes... it is lame, but I can't blame the Singaporean Guy)
As we walked happily down the open area, along the way discussing about our crytography problems, we noticed a huge area cordoned off around the Admin Building. As we drew nearer, we noticed someone seated on the window ledge with both legs outside the building!!! WTF!!! SUICIDE!!!
My first reaction was, "Damn, another lost soul..." I personnally feel suicide is never a solution. It is a selfish, irresponsible act on the person 'itself'. Here your life ends in the split second, there are so many people affected by it. The criminal's loved ones, the officers that have to clear up the mess, and the people at the scene who will never forget (just to name a few). And besides, how can you die from 3rd floor!!! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!! (Apparently not at all...)
As we were instructed to make a detour, we saw Civil Defence Officers busy trying to save his poor cheap soul.
If you are wondering what happened to him; I couldn't care less... To him, if he survived: "Please die somewhere no one will find you, cause you don't care for anybody else" and "please at least find a more scenic view in campus..."

Do As Infinity Disbands

2005-09-18T18:44:00.000+08:00

Do As Infinity Official Web Site
OMG!!! Do As Infinity will disband!!!
Don't get me wrong... I do not know how to read Japanese, but a quick check on the forum www.daiforum.com suggests that DAI has announced they will go their separate ways =( This is not a surprise though, they have been working on their separate projects for some time already.

Tomiko Van will go Solo
Owatari Ryo Owatari got his own band - Missle Innovation
Dai Nagao will be artist and producer for Amasia Landscape

It was their 'Yesterday & Today' soundtrack from Love2000 that got me hooked to the group in 2000. This is a new chapter for the Group since their debut on 29 Sep 1999. They worked for 6 years together. Good luck to them on their future endeavor. This is actually a good thing - instead of one group producing great work, we now have 3 individuals with great talent. We should expect 3 times the great stuff. :D

Article @ Japan Zone

AppleInsider | iPod nano sales off to slow start

2005-09-15T01:09:00.000+08:00

AppleInsider iPod nano sales off to slow start
The nano seems to be a shuffle with display... however, the price is a bit costly if compared with the Shuffle... I am still thinking weather to get one or not. hmmm...

Plus:
Cool Design (what else can you expect from Apple)

Minus:
Cost (for the small storage, it is quite expensive$$$)
NAND medium (last for 1million read/writes?)

iPod nano price too low?!

2005-09-15T00:14:00.000+08:00

(Goto Link to read more)
hmmm, this is quite subjective. Anyway nothing is free. You gotta pay for the design. Apple products were never cheap to begin with. The price we pay is for the "design"; Apple has been known to invest a lot in design.

Recess Week

2005-09-12T10:56:00.000+08:00

This is the second last recess I would be having. Like any other Term Recess, it is as busy as it can get. With assignments and quizes to prepare for once the second half of the term begins. Actually, I vaguely remember a recess without any work done. Each term is 'fast and furious' and this term is not an exception.

Recess To-Do list:
SC401 - Realtime Systems: ADA Assignment and Quiz
SC403 - Computer Architecture: System Benchmark Report
SC441 - Adv. Computer Networks: Readings, and a lot of it
SC444 - Crypto & Network Security: Quiz
SC134 - Prin. of Economics: Project and Quiz
Not forgetting my FYP work......

(,'') Time to get serious ('',)

2005-09-05T00:15:00.000+08:00

Well, it's the final year now... last chance to do something for myself in school.
Enough of easy going since day 1 of Final Year... Time to get serious!!!
Hope this will last... =P see for how long.

Recess week is next week. Half way till exams - yummy, need to treasure exams while it lasts.
Soon, life won't be the same anymore.

Eating Peanuts May Stop Peanut Allergy

2005-08-25T23:35:00.000+08:00

On the TV News tonight: Medical Science made great progress with possible vaccine for peanut allergy. The condition is common in North/South America. Asians are less prone to peanut allergy. Researchers think that dietary difference may be the cause. The vaccine might need 5 years for testing.

However, don't know why I just can't find the article on Channel News Asia website... (maybe there is an obvious hidden reason) This site is the best match after a quick Google.

My immediate response was simply too spontaneous =)
At the mention of the word "peanut", the recent NKF saga shot into view. All thanks to Mrs Goh Chok Tong and her association of Peanuts with S$600,000 =P (Oh well, this will go into unofficial history books of Singapore.)

Who knows... maybe the 'monkey' we all paid actually was suffering from this medical condition?!?! Please be sensitive, try to put yourself in his shoes ('',)

Vanco Asia Surprise !!!

2005-08-24T23:24:00.000+08:00

Dropped over at my IA Company, Vanco Asia, this afternoon to pick up a DVD which I lent to my colleague. Sigh, she too busy to play the DVD. Sorry, I need to take it back.

Nice to see them again =) All looking great and hard at work.
Surprise was I to find Wensan taking my seat =P. During the interim, waiting for the Poly interns to arrive in October, Wensan will be covering my duties. Sigh, seems there wouldn't be any plans to hire perm staff for my position any time soon.

GUYS!!! Hang in there and take care =P

Esplanade / Fireworks Fest (France)

2005-08-14T23:46:00.000+08:00

We were supposed to go for "Free" Concert at Esplanade. The Beautiful Sunday event is a monthly free concert by the Esplanade. Last month's event was great, we listened to the Chinese Orchestra from China, simply wonderful =D

This time, maybe the word "free" got out, we found ourselves in the queue and we not able to enter since it was full... well... the rest of the time was spent walking along Marine Parade Shopping and at the Esplanade Library since the next highlight: Fireworks was not up till 8pm.

We had our dinner early at Carl's Jr... ok this is the first and last time I will visit this Junk; it is the giant of McDonalds', ouch... The fireworks were performed by the French team; definitely professionals!!!

Here are some pics:

GEBEN aka Gian Ber-ng

2005-08-12T23:12:00.000+08:00

Another new semester... time for the 'great' give-away!!!
As usual, the divine gods go join the rush. This is what we got:
1) Giant Apple, some father's Cream Puff
3) FHM - Dec 2004 (outdated)
4) Scratch Pad (Singtel)
5) Mentos Chewys
6) Nestle Ice Coffe Syrup (*ptui*)
And other insignificant stuff...
This round of give-away is lousy. Gone were the A4 pad and Plastic Folder. Gone also were the free meal.

However, the Gods never fail to amuse ^^
There was a Lucky Dip... but it turned out to be a Free-for-all. (We grabbed all the 5 or 6 items for the dip for each of us... wohoo)
There was also a girl dishing out the Free Popcorn... her face was so black like the whole world owes her money @_@

Singapore 40th Birthday

2005-08-10T00:46:00.000+08:00

This is a milestone for the nation!!! The celebrations are simply overwhelming. And I may get to cast my first Vote for elections =) wow... and not only for the general elections but maybe the presidential elections too. Since I turn 21 on 2002, this is the first chance of a poll. Well... elections are not that dramatic here, i guess. The political climate is very controlled and stable - good or bad? can't really say.

However, many eligible people do not even get to participate in polling for the whole of their lifes!!! Problem: 1) No constituency competition, 2) No Presidential competition, 3) Never heard of referandums.

Maybe this year I get to cast my vote for both General Elections and Presidential Elections (w/fingers Xrossed) (",)

Dim Sum Dollies

2005-08-08T00:35:00.000+08:00

After a fabulous show last year, this year went for the show again!!! The theme this year is "Singapore's Most Wanted". Maybe next year I would go again... but no more student concession =P
Last year went with my JC pals, this year could not join them due to schedule clashes... sigh... getting more difficult to meet up with them. This time went with 2 of the Divine Gods. Well, today the 4 Arty Gods are missing one...

Synopsis from Sistic website:
"Dim Sum Dollies – Singapore’s Most Wanted!

“I have never laughed so hard at the Esplanade before!” – David Chew, Today

Think you can’t laugh any harder than you did at last year’s box office smash The Revenge of the Dim Sum Dollies? Well, our irrepressible threesome is back with a SURPRISING, ALL-NEW musical cabaret show that will prove once and for all that they are SINGAPORE’S MOST WANTED!

Watch Out! They’re leading a Velvet Cabaret Revolution!

Director Ivan Heng masterminds the Dollies to greater crimes of passion. Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong conspire with Hossan Leong to bring you the Dim Sum Dollies as you’ve never seen them before! Catch them red-handed as they sing and dance themselves out of trouble! They’ll bust your gut with laughs you never knew existed! They’ll expose the guilty pleasures of being Singaporean.

Simply Wicked! Shiokadoo! "

Bye QWERTY... Hi abKey

2005-07-29T22:16:00.000+08:00

Wow... just read this on Channel News Asia - "S'pore inventor launches new device to replace QWERTY keyboard". //Singapore entrepreneur and inventor Bob Teo hopes his new format keyboard will be the way of the future.//
I have heard about a more efficient layout many years back... but seems nobody is bold enough to invest. Hope this Singaporean will make big bucks out of this and make Singapore famous!!!
HAPPY 40th BDAY SINGAPORE!!!

Do As Infinity New Single - TAO

2005-07-28T01:02:00.000+08:00

Yes!!! Long awaited new single from Do As Infinity!!!
Can't wait to get the PV, CD, Mp3...... etc

Day 1 again

2005-07-25T22:56:00.000+08:00

It sure feels like Day 1 in NTU again. It has been almost 8 months since I last met fellow SCEians in the Exam hall. Its been too long... feels like a freshie again =P

Aston Martin Bertone Jet 2

2005-07-24T00:10:00.000+08:00

Definitely my dream car. Too bad it is not for sale...
(Well, dreams should remain as dreams anyway =D)

Crab Dinner

2005-07-22T23:59:00.000+08:00

Met up with friends and colleagues from Vanco for dinner. The event was my farewell dinner =P. My last day was on 15th July, but due to the busy schedules, the farewell dinner was arranged today.

The dining place was at Blk 232, Ang Mo Kio Ave 3. This was the much talked about crab restaurant. (Edmund has "VIP" card here!) The crowd was scary. I was late and arrived at 7:40pm but the ladies who arrived at 7pm were still standing outside waiting!!!

The highlight was the 4 crab dishes... YUMMIE!!! 1) Black Pepper Crab 2) Chilli Crab 3) Butter Crab and 4) Crab Noodles. My favorite was the Butter and Noodles dish. Chilli was good but usual, so was the common Black Pepper dish.

Special guests and friends who joined us were: Adeline (Sharon's predecessor), Annie (Gavin's fiance) and Elysia. Elysia missed her old pals at Vanco so much that she excused herself from her new office drinks session. Wow... so touching =) Absent were: Kimhuat (in India), Raymond and Gordon, both have courses.

Lesson Learnt:
The strategy for crab dinners should always have one member who doesn't take crabs; so that she can answer the handphones for the rest who are getting their hands dirty =P.

We also learnt that the restaurant just across the carpark (Blk 233), with much lesser crowd, also serves crab delicacies. They have chefs from the same master. Next time we shall try the stall across the carpark and see if the standard is the same. Maybe there is a reason why the crowd only visits this side of the carpark ;)

There is no Island !!!

2005-07-21T11:55:00.000+08:00

Yes, it has been some time since the last good movie surfaced. I must say, this movie did not catch my attention at all earlier. No thanks to the publicity and lousy trailers for the movie. The trailers did not show what the theme was about, and the title somehow relates to "Lost" TV series. Thanks to Pamela who asked to watch this movie :)

This movie has a GREAT storyline. The theme is based on ethics of Genetic Engineering or Cloning for that matter. I liked the hardware... the gadgets they use, that beautiful table and the car and boat!!! And yes not forgetting the incredibly Physics flawed "Wasp" vehicle. Those that love sci-fi and futuristic themes that are realistic, will enjoy this. And this movie is full of it (full of messages that is, heehee).

Without too much disclosure, here is the very cool Official Website:
http://www.theisland-themovie.com/
Ewan McGregor (Star Wars Ep 1 & 2, Moulin Rouge)
Scarlet Johansson (Girl with the Pearl Earring, Lost in Translation)
I enjoyed this movie and I hope you will too.

Side-Note:
I discovered a hidden agenda towards the end of the movie; "God vs Man".
God: Professor
Angels: the clones (their white uniform, and the so innocent behavior)
Serpent (Devil): Leader of Security Team (Djimon Hounsou, the black guy)
Adam & Eve: Lincoln 6E, Jordon 2D (They discovered sex!!!)
:: Thanks to my Visual Arts Module ^^
:: Let me know if you don't catch this point, glad to 'enlighten'.

Birth of a Blog

2005-07-20T21:04:00.000+08:00

Pretty satisfied with Blogger I must say... This channel is rather user friendly.
Spent most part of the day exploring the features and codes of this blog. Hopefully I can design my blog and give my own theme soon. Provided I have the time to do it. But this Lighthouse theme is rather soothing. Not bad.

Time to see for myself

2005-07-20T13:08:00.000+08:00

After so much hype on blogging... and so much time this week to idle, I have decided to put my fingers to work on blogging. Will see how this goes. I may like it, may not, we shall see.