liberté

Shifting my blog

2009-09-24T23:02:00.000+08:00

Thinking about shifting quite sometime back. After making several changes, my new blog is ready!!!
Reach me @ marktan.sg

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Mobile Suit Gundam 00

2009-09-16T12:27:00.000+08:00

Just finished watching an old animation, Gundam 00 Season 1 which was out late 2007. I didn't manage to catch it during that period due to ODEX saga, lots of live streaming videos are taken down due to copyrights issue.

Gundam 00 S1 talks about Celestial Beings. Celestial Beings are new breed of Gundams driven by Gundam Meisters dedicated to eradicate war. The plot circles around the 4 gundam mobile suits against the human basic mobile suits. The plot climax comes when 3 new gundams Trinity Throne are introduced into the plot and Gundam Series always end with betrayal. This time round Alejandro betrays the Celestial Beings reveal their GN drive engine secret to the human.

Comparing Gundam 00 with the previous Gundam series, I prefer Gundam Seed. Seed and Destiny has better progression of events, new armoured units appearing at different stages of the warfare between Natural and Coordinators. The mobile suits in Seed and Destiny are nicer than Gundam 00 too, for instance Strike Freedom, Rogue Strike, Justice.

Gundam Seed/Destiny Live Video Streaming @ AnimeSeed Site
Gundam 00 Live Video Streaming @ Gundam00Videos Blog
To download the live streaming, refer to "Applications" page for free video downloader.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life’s chapter~

iluma lights up

2009-09-12T23:21:00.002+08:00

While waiting for traffic lights to turn green at bugis junction, i decided to video clip the iluma lights.

Enjoy.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life’s chapter~

3 more days to The Lost Symbol

2009-09-12T00:16:00.003+08:00

The new upcoming Dan Brown Latest Novel, releasing worldwide on the 15 Sep 2009. It is also Dan Brown's 3rd sequel novel involving Professor Robert Langdon, after the Angels and Demons and Dan Vinci Code.

Major bookstores in Singapore are taking reservations. Can't wait to grab a hold on the book.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life’s chapter~

Comex 2009

2009-09-10T20:34:00.000+08:00

Comex 2009 has arrived!!!
Date: 10 - 13 Sep 2009
Time: 12noon - 9pm
Venue: Suntec Convention Centre (Level 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6)

Widest range of IT gadgets, latest technologies and exclusive event offers and great bargains!

For those who dislike the crowd, download the pricelist at the comfort of your home.

Enjoy.
Comex Fair - [http://www.comexshow.com.sg/]
Price List - [http://www.bootstrike.com/itfairsg/]

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life’s chapter~

How to assemble Gundam Model Kit

2009-09-08T21:27:00.001+08:00

Just found 2 nice clips from youtube which teach us how to build gundam model. Great video.

Before start, ensure that you have your tools ready:
- plastic nipper
- design knife
- file
- tweezers
- fine tip gundam markers, gundam markers
- decal setter solution
- Bandai Gundam Kit

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

H1N1 survives less than one hour on raw pork

2009-09-06T22:40:00.002+08:00

Luckily the H1N1 virus is unable to survive a long period of time; less than one hour on raw pork, 5 minutes on hand. Although this greatly reduce its lethality, we should continue exercising good hygiene; as the saying goes "Prevention is STILL better than cure."

SINGAPORE: Health experts in Singapore say the H1N1 virus does not survive long on raw pork - less than one hour, in fact. Hence, the risk of human transmission is very slim. This is especially so for places with humid climates, like Singapore.

The Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) says heat kills the virus faster compared to temperate regions.

Even if the virus gets transferred to humans during the handling of raw meat, experts say that as long as you don't touch respiratory tracts like your nose and mouth, an infection is highly unlikely.

Furthermore, the H1N1 virus survives for only five minutes on hands.

Authorities assure the public that it is safe to eat pork, after H1N1 was found in some live pigs imported from Indonesia's Pulau Bulan.

Dr Lee Cheng Chuan, a senior consultant at CDC, said: "Infected pigs can transmit the flu virus to humans but this usually occurs under close contact with pigs. Those people who work with pigs in pig farms or those people who slaughter pigs can get flu from pigs, but not the end users - those people who eat the meat."

-extracted from CNA
[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1003230/1/.html]

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Gundam Fiesta 2009 Foto collection

2009-09-06T20:15:00.000+08:00

As promised, my foto collection for Gundam Fiesta 2009 (pardon my photography skills). There are a lot of nice exhibits on display, thus, the best time to drop by is during weekdays, when most people are at work. Less people = more than to view the exhibits.

The foto collection includes: Giant Diorama, diorama display by Benjamin Wong, Gundam 00 Series, Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny Series, Gundam UC and BB Senshi Sangokuden Gundam Series.

Click here

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Coffee Shop Breakfast

2009-09-06T20:13:00.000+08:00

Jas and I woke up quite late this morning as it was raining since early morning around 4am. We decided to meet up her mom and sis late morning at AMK Hub for brunch.

We decided to makan at Coffee and Kaki at B1 next to MOF, since it is new! Jas and I ordered 2 Set A (2x Brown Toast, 2x Eggs, 1 Hot Drink) @ $4 each. I think it is a good deal!

Coffee

Set A - 2x Brown Toast, 2x Eggs, 1x Coffee

Half Boiled Eggs

Quite sometimes since i ate the traditional coffee shop breakfast, thus, it is quite nice for a try =)

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Gundam Fiesta 2009

2009-09-06T20:10:00.000+08:00

Visited Gundam Fiesta 2009 with Jas @ Compass Point Mall (Seng Kang)

Details:
Venue - Compass Point Mall Atrium (Seng Kang)
Dates - 2 - 14 Sep 2009
Time - 1200hrs - 2100hrs

We arrived around 1600hrs, the place was quite packed with people viewing and photo-taking the wide range of exhibits; I was one of them. haha. The fair split into 3 main sections, the exhibit display, sales section and model kit assembly section.

The exhibit display comprises of

History Panel - from 1979 till present
Giant Diorama & Statues
Gundam Unicon
Gundam Seed Vs Astray Series
Gundam 00 Series
MG Gundam Series
World of Sangokuden

Activities include

Meet Kawaguchi Sensei in person on 12&13 Sep 09
Gundam Image Girls on 5,6, 12&13 Sep 09
Strike Freedom Gundam Cosplay on 5 Sep 09
Gundam Caravan on 2-13 Sep 09
Gundam Fixing Demo on 5&6 Sep 09
Speed Building Contest on 2-13 Sep 09
New Gundam Model kits presentation 2-13 Sep 09

Gundam Fiesta 2009 Entrance

Gundam Fiesta 2009 Stage

Gundam Fiesta 2009

I am quite impressed at the amount of models they have in the exhibitions, in the end, i decided to buy a few. hee3.

Stay tune to my photos upload.

For more information, visit the official site [http://www.gundam-singapore.com]

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Teen boy buys sex with girl through online dating service

2009-09-03T22:28:00.001+08:00

It seems like not only our morale education system has problem, Japan is facing it too. This is due to the proliferation of Internet. Information of any kind are easily available online. When parents are too busy to guide their kids, they go astray.

I am quite surprised that it is 14years old schoolboy having sex with a 13; he paid her 60k yen!!!! What has this world evolved into?

TOKYO, JAPAN - A 14-year-old Japanese schoolboy is suspected of having paid for sex with a schoolgirl aged 13 after meeting her through an online dating service, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

The Kanagawa Police Department sent the boy's case to prosecutors Tuesday on charges of violating the child prostitution law, the spokesman said, adding that it may be turned over to a family court handling juvenile crimes.

The junior high school boy met the girl in March after he sent a message to a dating service website, saying: "I'm a man of 18 with a lot of money," according to the police spokesman.
The boy then had sex with the girl at a public bathroom near a railway station in Kagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, west of Tokyo, and paid her 60,000 yen (S$932), the spokesman said.

http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/News/Story/A1Story20090902-165214.html

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Miss Singapore World 2009

2009-09-02T22:56:00.002+08:00

Can you believe Ris Low is our Miss Singapore 2009? I have no idea how the panel of judges come to consensus to crown her! This is so hilarious, simply impossible. Now you know why it is not telecast live.

The moment she opens her mouth, it is total, utterly hopeless! And the fun thing is she commented "I wanna show the world that not all beautiful people are bimbotic". What an irony!

Seriously, are we sending her to represent us in Miss World 2009? lolx.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Singapore Driver nearly ran down Police officer to avoid road block

2009-09-01T11:40:00.000+08:00

i can't believe this happens in Singapore. When i heard it from my frienz, i thought he is relating a HK TVBI Series.

After reading the news, i still find it unbelievable.

This guy, Gerard Alphonsus Louis is my "Hero". He forced the police to draw and open fire on his service pistol; as he rammed his car towards to police officer, just to avoid the road block.

SINGAPORE: A 48-year-old man who almost ran over a police officer when avoiding a roadblock in June this year was sentenced to four years jail on Monday.

Gerard Alphonsus Louis was also fined S$39,800 and banned from driving for life.

The incident happened on June 13 during an anti drink-driving ring-fencing operation at the junction of Neil Road and Kreta Ayer Road.

Louis, who was then on bail for an earlier drink-driving offence, had reversed his car against the flow of traffic to avoid the roadblock.

He did not stop despite being warned, and drove straight towards a police officer manning the roadblock - forcing the officer to draw his service pistol and open fire at the car's front wheel to avoid being run over.

Louis, who was driving without a licence, also faced a string of traffic offences accumulated between March last year and June

extracted from Channel News Asia

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1001852/1/.html

Thank god that he is banned driving for life!

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

More on Microsoft Surface

2009-08-31T16:59:00.002+08:00

The current cost for Microsoft Surface unit is priced @ US$12,500.
The developer Surface unit which includes a developer unit, support and 5 site licenses to access SDK is priced @ $15,000.

An anatomy of Microsoft Coffee Table
1. Screen. It is make up of an acryclic tabletop with large touch surface. However, the multi-touch capability is generated by the cameras build below the screen.

2. Cameras. It uses 5 near-infra cameras to detect static objects and finger motions. 5 is used instead of a wide angle camera, as 5 provide better resolution and speed. In addition, the cameras can detect static object which are coded with 3/4" square "Domino" tags.

3. CPU. Computer hardware needed is any PC with Core 2 DUO processor, 2GB RAM and 512MB graphics card. The underlying OS is Windows Vista. Currently wireless communication used is WiFi and Bluetooth technology.

4. Display. It uses Digital Light Processing (DLP) engine found in HDTV.

Surface application is developed in Windows Presentation Framework (WPF) or XNA. IDE Tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft Expression Blend assist developers to develop WPF windows for Surface.

Although, currently MS surface is market to corporate businesses in US region with a big price tag, i believe, in near future, it will be sitting in everyone's home.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Swensen's Ice Cream Buffet

2009-08-31T00:43:00.003+08:00

Drop by Orchard Central with Jas today. To my surprised, it is quite deserted, to make the matter worst, all the escalators in the building are not functioning. Dun know what the management is doing; one thing for sure, I am unlikely to set foot into the centre again. Hopefully, it won’t become another Kallang Leisureplex.

Orchard Central Entrance (Quite crowded outside)

Inside Orchard Central Level 1 (Quite empty inside)

Non functional escalator without even any notice

Later, went with Jas to eat Ice cream buffet @ Swenson’s (Orchard Ion) using 1 for 1 deal voucher @ $18.90. After 3 rounds of ice-creams, my mouth is numbed by the cold and dulled by the sweetness. Luckily, i enjoyed my cakes and waffles before kick starting the ice-creams.

Some of the must try
- Waffles
- Chocolate Truffles Cake
- Chocolate Amer Cake
- American Cheese Cake
- Durian (for those durian lovers)
- Soursop
- Chendol
- Sticky Chewy Chocolate
- Cookies N Cream

In my opinion, it is a good deal for 2.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Windows Mobile 6.5 Mix-up Session

2009-08-28T01:02:00.003+08:00

My boss, Jas and I attended the Windows Mobile 6.5 development session this evening in Microsoft HQ Auditorium on the 21 floor of the NTUC Centre; the office is overlooking Suntec City, the integrated resorts (IR) and marina barrage. The view is simply fantastic. How I wish I am working in this type of environment.

The session summarizes the features of Windows Mobile 6.5 and the availability of Windows Marketplace towards the end of the year.

Windows Marketplace is an equivalent to Apple concept of iTunes Appstore; it is a central depository of applications (widgets) where users can search, create and purchase. It provides a platform for mobile developers to monetize their applications in the Marketplace with fee.

Mobile 6.5 features include:

Content riched internet applications known as widget
Better user interface; provides better thumb interaction with the device such as scroll, pan, zoom, flick etc... (Single Touch Capability, Only Windows 7 provides Multi-Touch Capability)
Incorporated with Internet Explorer 8.

Most of the 6.5 features are some what similar to Android and iPhone OS applications. In addition, Microsoft has launched a beta version of Microsoft My Phone, which the equivalent of Apple's Mobile Me.

Microsoft is intensifying the mobile market competition, which i feel that it is beneficial for us as consumers.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

my parrot tank

2009-08-26T23:06:00.002+08:00

my second tank (2ft) housing
- 1x big red
- 4x orange
- 2x frontosa
- 1x crown loach

Close up of Frontosa

Bear with my camera, i realised it is not easy to take aquarium shots, alot of noise.

Previously, i have 2 leopard sucker (L001 pleco) around 6" - 7" long; sadly they passed away after 1.5 years.

As for the parrots, i have kept them for more than 2 years. One thing for sure, parrot fish are quite hardy. There are times when i was burdened with work, no time to do water change bi-monthly. Miraculously, they manage to survive with abit of fin rot. With a fresh water change, they will become lively again, kissing each other, thus people also named them as "kissing" fish.

Besides parrots, there are 2 frontosa, which i bought it from Toa Payoh Lor 5 Aquarium Shop at quite a good deal. The 2 frontosa are burundi breed (6 stripes). With proper lighting, the tip of the fins will be luminous blue.

For aqua hobbist, 2 aquarium shop is a must go -
- Clementi Florist & Aquarium (5 out of 5 stars), good service, great deals and discounts. Click here
- Neo Kim Suey Aquarim (4 out of 5 stars), good service, specialised in Plecos. Click here

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Photo Sneak for my Australia trip 2009

2009-08-25T23:38:00.002+08:00

A sneak to my australia foto collection.

29 July 2009 - OZ Jet Boating @ Sydney Harbour

30 July 2009 - Sydney Aquarium

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

my simple aquatic tank

2009-08-25T22:42:00.003+08:00

my small plant tank setup, housing :

- a few malayan shrimps

- 2 Sterbai Cory (Corydoras sterbai), the color of the bottom fin tips is bright yellowish orange.

- a few baby guppies

The setup

Baby guppies swimming in front of filter (yellow color)

Shy Sterbai Cory hiding behind the plant

Sterbai Cory hiding, malayan shrimp crawling on filter

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Sunday nite...

2009-08-23T22:32:00.003+08:00

Besides sipping tea in AMK MOF, now i am sipping tea at home, enjoying my aromatherapy, reading blogs.

Lavender smells heavenly =)

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

A slow, lazing Sunday...

2009-08-23T13:44:00.007+08:00

Slow and relaxing sunday.

Jas and I drove down to AMK Park MacDonald's to have an early lunch. The place is simply great! The restaurant has a natural theme which blends well with the park, sitting outside enjoying the greenery is so refreshing.

Anyway, the key reason to drop by is i wanted to try out the new flavors which are only available in 9 Mac Outlets, check out here. The 2 new flavors are: Le Grand Beef Sandwich and Oriental Spicy Chicken.

extracted from Macdonald's

Surprisingly, only the Le Grand Beef Sandwich comes with a meal, Oriental Spicy Chicken is an ala carte burger. Thus i bought Le Gand Meal upsized with Ice Tea @ $$8.70 and S$2.50 for the Oriental Chicken. Le Grand Beef sandwich is a big version of cheese burger using a different bun. Taste wise, quite smiliar to cheese burger, not up to restaurant standard yet, thus i won't recommend if you are not a big eater. As for Oriental Chicken burger, i find it quite nice, crispy tender chicken patty that makes my taste buds lingering for more. In addition, it is quite inexpensive.

In the afternoon, we went back to our favorite cafe, MOF for drinks and dessert. Since Jas is busy with her minutes, i am enjoying blogging my sunday afternoon away.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

A black Thursday...

2009-08-21T00:12:00.011+08:00

Today my lady luck went for holiday. I nearly met accident uncle and aunty.

I was driving to Tiong Bahru for my evening class in the evening, it happened along clementi road. A SMRT cab was turn out of the ulu pandan road into the main road (clementi road). What he did next gave me a shock. I was driving on the 2nd fast lane at a constant speed, since lights are all green. This SMRT cab without even bother to signal, veered his cab directly into my lane within a fraction of a second!!!! It was like I saw him turn out, the next second, it was next to me. At that very instant, I was like "WHAT THE F**K?!!" Then the next few seconds, i can feel the adrenaline rush, my hands and legs auto-pilot, manage to swerve my car to the first lane to avoid "kissing". I was quite lucky as at that point of time, as there was a comfort cab driving quite slowly in the first lane. I can't imagine the other scenario.

I have seen people changing lanes without signaling their intent a lot of times. These people think that the roads are theirs, and their skills are god send. I strongly feel that if they want to dig their own grave, do not implicate others. I am also wondering why nobody does anything about these reckless drivers, esp the cabbies.

The second incident happened around 2315hrs, when I was driving home from Toa Payoh. Along Upper Aljunied road (2 lanes), I was driving behind a comfort cab. The cab all of sudden jam his brake, stopping his car in between the two lanes. I was like "Not again!”, swerved to avoid the stupid cab. I seriously cannot comprehend what he was thinking at the point of time. I meant, if you need to stop urgently, you can drive to the side of the road and stop, and not just jam brake for nothing.

Coincidentally all these happen on the first day of seventh month. Cannot complain too much...

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Sleek and neat! UI of the Future Now...

2009-08-19T22:58:00.006+08:00

Imagine the abilities to manipulate digital information not by using traditional input devices, but by hand gestures, natural motions or with any physical objects. Wowwww! Welcome Microsoft Surface (codename Milan Project). Endless possibilities.

I may get a chance to develop applications on it!

Some neat videos on Surface:

And all these made possible by Jefferson Han, the research scientist that made Microsoft Surface possible.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Time for a knowledge upgrade

2009-08-18T23:32:00.004+08:00

I applied MCSA course before i went for my Australia holiday 3weeks back. At that time, I feel that I need something to beef up my CV besides my standard education achievement; New Horizons is giving me a very good deal for the course. Furthermore, it is under CITREP program which grants up to 80% capped at 3k per course. So why not?!

Just back home from my first evening class, the session is quite useful; didn't know i am still an amatuer XP user. Hahaha. Anyway, busy days and tired nights ahead! Hopefully, i can get my certification soon. =)

Ciao!

For those who's keen to sign up courses:

About CITREP

Courses eligible for CITREP

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Movie Weekend...

2009-08-18T16:21:00.003+08:00

Oops, long time haven't post anything... I dun have momentum to keep posting i suppose.

Last weekend, went to watch "Where Got Ghost" by Jack Neo on Saturday, "UP 3D" on Sunday.

"Where got Ghost?"

The movie is made up of 3 short stories; roadside got ghost, forest got ghost & house got ghost. The storyline is simple, lame jokes, low cost production. The last short story is the sequel from Jack Neo previous movie. I suppose most of the production cost goes to the last 10mins 3D CG.

In my opinion, 2 stars worth rating, a weekday show if you have nothing to do...

UP 3D

I can't remember when is the last time i catch a 3D movie; the 3D glasses Cathay offers is quite "solid". The glasses now are made of solid plastic as compared to paper glasses i used.

It is a heart-warming and touching movie. A MUST watch for me.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

iPhone 3G in SINGAPORE!

2008-08-12T16:30:00.005+08:00

Wat do you know! Singtel is launching iPhone in Singapore on 22 Aug 2008 islandwide!

Let's take a look at the new cool features:

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

iPhone 3G - July 11 debut!

2008-06-11T17:05:00.004+08:00

Wow! SingTel going to launch iPhone 3G, although no official date announced. However, in WWDC 2008, it will be in July 11 at a cheaper price tag, with a full load of exciting features! Cool huh!!!

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

J.Co Donuts

2008-05-12T23:55:00.005+08:00

Tried J.Co Donuts a few weeks back. A new kid in the block.

Personally, it is quite delicious! Do try it out J.Co Donuts .

Look yummilicious! Isn't it =)

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

AGVA Style Council

2008-05-10T13:07:00.006+08:00

Just collected my AGVA Style Council bag yesterday from Ripplevox (73a, Tanjong Pagar Road).

Some background info:
I found this assignment from ripplevox (AGVA Style Council), direct link .

Overall, the design looks stylish. Kinda of like the weaving flora that covers the right side of the bag. The words "Style Council" will not be obvious when people see from far. It is dark brown although not obvious in the picture. [taken with my camera fone (low resolution)].

Personally, I prefer a thicker strap and a better padding to enhance comfort when sling. In addition, due to the design, there will be crease marks on both sides of the bag (when sling), which is unsightly. Maybe, "U" shape design can be used on the side of the flaps to prevent the crease marks.

The interior comprises of 3 compartments with 1 zipped pocket.

The back of the bag comes with a small useful handle. In addition, it comes with a waist band to secure the bag. However, I prefer nylon based buckle or customised stainless steel hook, as opposed to normal metal hook.

Interior comes with an adjustable velcro divider that cushioned the notebook from other stuff. It comes with a series of small organiser pockets which are quite useful. However, as the bag is fully sponged up, the content you can put in is quite limited. When I finished packing, it created a very "packed" impression although it did not pack much inside. This is caused by the cushion lining that created air buffers. Personally, I feel that the bag does not need to be entirely sponged up to provide the necessary protection. A cushioned compartment with air buffers at the bottom will provide equivalent support.

My rating for the bag is 7 / 10.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Weekend is here again!

2008-05-03T00:42:00.003+08:00

Who's there to say they do not like weekends!? Esp when there is a super long one; 1 day of leave for 4 days of relaxation. Sad to say, I do not have the luxury to enjoy this privilege; I am saving it for my Korea trip coming June. =)

Jas and I went for the warehouse sales at Lipo Building over at Aljunied Road yesterday. The rating is quite bad, I suppose the stuff they are selling are not my style. Although the advertisement on The Straits Times is very appealing with over 90% off branded goodies such as Levi's, CK, Guess, etc, we walked in and out of the place in less than 15mins empty handed. Which in turn confirmed my belief that most warehouse sales are not worth going.

This week is also a foodful week. As we went to different places for our lunch, no longer stuck in Teck Whye silo. The food at Bukit Timah Market was quite bad as the favorite stalls were out on Tuesday. We went clementi today to try the famous claypot rice, hmm, smells and tastes shiok =)

Hmm, now you know the reason why I get rounder and rounder. =)

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

my updates

2008-04-21T17:38:00.003+08:00

It has being ages when I last updated my blog. Oops.

I was pretty busy with a tunnel of events that pegged in front of one another. However, by writing does not imply that I am free. Just wanted to keep my blog current. That's about it.

Some history to go along. I was quite busy with my IPPT training as my window was closing soon. Along came my ICT for 2 weeks in March in Pasir Ris Camp. What a "birds no lay eggs" place! It is actually situated next to the Pasir Ris Pet Hotel and fish farms area. In addition, there is no public transport within 3km radius.

Well, I managed to pass my IPPT after 3 attempts. Cool huh? As I got my incentive for passing as well as my 3 trips. Actually, I didn't know that SAF capped the paid attempts at 3x until I read the cirrcular at the notice board. Thus for those who want to make full use of the incentives, go for pass, silver and gold respectively. lolx.

Oh, as for work. Well, holiday season is over, started to work on tasks and modules allocated. Thus, quite busy by nature, within the office hours of course. Trying my best not to utilise after office hours. =)

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Happy 2008!

2008-01-08T16:02:00.000+08:00

A brand new year, a brand new beginning!

Haven't being blogging for a while as I am current attached to another company where there are limited Internet terminals for net surfing. In addition, have to start serious work liao le. Oops, slacking too much deteriorate my brain age! lolx.

Wishing all my friends a happy 2008! May all your wishes (likes and wants) be fulfilled! Have a fun and challenging year ahead!

Will be updating some of my photo collections from my BKK and Batam trip soon. Coz just got a new lappy to overcome the woes of my lappy and desktop! hahaha.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

New addition ~ Brownie

2007-11-19T01:22:00.001+08:00

Some updates abt my rabbits!

Since rabbits are social animal, a companion for blackie will be great! So new addition to the collection ~ Brownie! A shy little gal with furry coat like a toy terrier.

Camera-shy Brownie taking her first shoot! See how she curl up like a ball.

Another pose by Brownie! Ham Ham look~

Brownie is so furry! Looks like a toy terrier~

As Blackie is more independent and intelligent, she always bully Brownie; competing with her food, stepping on her and so on. Well, Brownie is not always so timid, she snatches Blackie hay too... On the other hand, Blackie is quite a sis to Brownie, she helps Brownie in grooming her furry coat.

Brownie busy with her sniffing away, while Blackie is unperturbed by her behavior; relaxing~

Another sniffing pix~

Sad Brownie, always being bullied by Blackie~

Hay snatching competition beings~

Both Blackie and Brownie resting~

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

More on Donut craze...

2007-11-18T16:59:00.000+08:00

Quite a while since I last updated, was away for family trip to Bangkok. Down with flu and busy for a week before I can blog again. Well and again, donuts.

While I was in Bangkok

I tried a road side donut stall known as NK Donuts. Although the setup is attractive, the taste of the miniatures is so-so only.

The best so far is still Dunkin’ Donuts. The setup somewhat similar to Singapore Donut outlets, however, they have more varieties in flavors and miniatures mix. Donuts are displayed on shelving for customers to pick and mixture. They even have different mixing chart that amount to 109B.

The donuts are soft, fluffy and tasty, even in fridge!

Back in Singapore

I tried Munchy Donut yesterday. Nice! The quality is about the same as Donut Factory, they carry more flavor choices like Oreo and Banana choz. However, when fridge, the fluffiness dropped.

Something more on Munchy, they have steps to enjoy their donuts!

Overall, my rating (ranking 1st) :

Dunkin’ Donut
Donut Factory
Munchy Donut
Dippin Donut

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Gadgets Trouble

2007-11-01T12:44:00.000+08:00

Imagine your life without computer, rather, imagine your life with a problematic system.

The irritation comes when my desktop is playing truant with me. Without even warning, the whole system is went blank. It is especially irritating and annoyed when you are in the process of working on something midway. Nowsdays, I realised that gadgets are not as good as in the past which can last. This desktop was set up only a year ago, and it is try to signal me that its time is up, time for a change.

The second agony comes when my Fujitsu laptop deny a collection of key inputs. I have sent this laptop to servicing since May and it took 3 months to finish. In the process, I have to resend the laptop a few times, as the technician has not resolved the initial problem, which is the noise it produce. The first time was with the battery and noise. Second was with the keyboard and usb. Third was with the noise again. And finally all settled, I used less than 3 months, the keyboard just failed again. So sickening!

I was told by my friends that the replacement parts are faulty partsthat are refurnished, meaning they are not new ones. Not sure if Fujitsu do the same thing. One thing for sure is the quality of the after service sucks big time having me to return 3 times just to get the problems fixed and within 3 months spoilt again! Unforgivable!

The last agony was with the synchronisation tool, I kept having problem with detecting my current mobile. It is like after a few days without synchronising, the system automatically says that your grace period is over! It happens to my O2 XDA 2s too. So irritating! Just imagine when you need to synchronise your phone information with your outlook when you are rushing!

Sometimes, I wonder am I to reliant on these gadgets, which in a way provide ease of use and simplicity, but without will create lots of problems.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Blackie's home

2007-10-30T01:34:00.000+08:00

My rabbit's home~

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Facebook ID fraud

2007-10-29T10:16:00.000+08:00

I have heard about the security glitches of ever-popular social networking site - facebook, but have not concerned me until i read on identity theft issue.

The article can be extracted from: Facebook users face ID fraud posted on 26 Oct 2007.

The risk of fraudster using your private information to create bank accounts, loan statements etc is very real.

Consider the following scenarios that are done through phone confirmations:

1. Mobile plan: You want to upgrade/ downgrade your plan. Add additional services.
2. Insurance plan: 3rd party affiliates from banks will call up to introduce you to their new policies.
3. Credit Accounts: Banks will call up to confirm creation of accounts.

These are the scenarios that i have been through, that will request for your name, date of birth and address for identification. All these information are readily available especially when users entered full entry in their profile. In addition, the ignorant users just put their profile openly in google search; fraudsters happily create account using these information for criminal acts. As a form of prevention, some agencies heighten security by requesting for identification number and secret questions to undermine fraudsters' plots.

However, i feel that protecting ourselves against identity theft is our responsibility. Some ways to enhance security and mitigate identity theft

remove private data from facebook profile entry [safest]
change the privacy status to yourself or your frienz

Ignorant will only cause your own demise.

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Another week over

2007-10-26T13:25:00.001+08:00

Another day, another week, another month and before I know it... I have been with my company for 3 months already! Wow that's fast.

From a motivator to a professional slacker now! Haiz. All thanks to the hiccups ranging from waiting for clearance, waiting for recruitment of project mate, waiting for the project mate's clearance. And when all's done, i will be back in camp doing my first ICT. Thus, officially i will start work in Jan 2008.

On the bright side, i get a longer honeymoon period, while those who started work with me have long attached to their projects. In addition, i got the chance to search for entertainment to kill my boredom. Those sites that are not blocked by my company's firewall are:

Facebook
Wholivesnearyou
MSN (through using snimmer)
hardwarezone forum
stomp

This pretty much shows how extremely bored i am.

Lucky, i went for 2 courses conducted by NUS ISS:

Object Oriented Programming in C++
Object Oriented Analysis and Design

Personally, for those who are into software development field like me, i will strongly encourage you to attend the courses. It is conducted in a practical manner and most information will be useful in the project development.

There are numerous courses conducted by ISS (certified courses, short courses, online learning etc). Actually, thinking about taking part-time masters programme! BUT, not now though. Haiz.

http://www.iss.nus.edu.sg/iss/index.jsp

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

Donut Craze again!

2007-10-24T20:45:00.000+08:00

i was craving for some donuts today, thus, i bought 1/2 dozen of Dippin' Donuts fromVivo City to try. As the craze is more or less over, there is no need to queue.

Presentation of the donuts is not as appealing as donut factory, most of the donut are out of shape. Taste wise, the donuts are soft and spongy... Yummy! I tried the chocolate delight and the strawberry topped donut.

Well overall rating, i will fancy Donut factory donut over Dippin' Donuts.

For more information:
Donut Factory
Dippin' Donut

Dippin' Donut is previously known as Vinco: The donut Parlour

~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~

My Pet Rabbit Blackie busy schedule~

2007-10-23T21:07:00.000+08:00

Breed: I not sure leh!
Age: 2+ months
DOB: 19 Aug 2007
Name: Blackie [coz it is black]
Pet Home: Gex Cage from Pet Lovers'
Food Source: Vitakraft Menu Vital, Timothy 2nd Cut Hay, Milk, Apple [An apple a day keeps doc away]

My new home ~ candid shot

My first love ~ Timothy 2nd Cut!

More Hay, more hay~ i dun like food!

Like my hay eating pose!

I am tall, dun you know~

Nice Poo... Yummy~

Act Cool!

After a long day! Stretch and Relax~

Special thanks to Rachel for such a wonderful clever rabbit ~

Batam Getaway

2007-10-15T17:53:00.000+08:00

Well, consider my very first Indonesia archipelago trip. The planning was done 2 weeks before the departure [13 - 14 Oct 2007], thus wasn’t able to secure the Batam (Harris – Spa Rejuvenating package), however, only manage to get a normal summer package @ S$85.
[The Batam/Harris – Spa Rejuvenating package @ S$138]

Oops, abit a hermit crab though, sad to say it is my virgin ride on ferry, apart from the ferry to Sentosa. Well, the ride takes around 30 – 40 minutes. However, being the first time, and we went in quite late, the air-conditioned cabin was fully packed, so I decided to take the roof open-air cabin. Ironically, I made the worst choice, as the whole 40mins, I am inhaling exhaust fumes equivalent to my 1 year intake. What the hell? Other than the exhaust fumes that fume my agony, the ferry ride was great! Small islands of greenery come into view with cool gushing breeze brushing across your face, the feeling is exhilarating.

We alighted at WaterFront City Jetty. I would like to compliment Harris service for collecting our passport to process which greatly cuts down the waiting time for queue. Although I feel unsecure, I gave the guide the passports in the end. [Not really sure what they will do to our passport]

First impression of Harris Resort, is so-so as compared to the photo on their website; computer graphics enhancement. In terms of service, I will say they will attend to our needs with a smile, with greetings by most of their staff when we pass by. Whilst they are quite weak in communicate in English, we spent quite sometime to get our needs through. Overall, the building structure looks nice with colourful exterior and cosy deluxe room that faces the sea. However, the location of the spa is quite run down, with construction poles lying around. The building looks like it is going to demolish anytime.

Other than that everything is great! The spa service we went to is at Marina Spa, we tried Indonesia Massage as they can only spare us an hour time slot. First time trying the aromatherapy and oil massage, the slow press kick start my Zzzz monsters in no time.

Other place we went is to Nagoya Hill through a taxis ride of S$13. Quite an eyeful opener, as we see bikes carrying 4 passengers and very old 10+ years’ cars that can be scrapped anytime, and not forgetting snail vehicle [due to overpack]. Nagoya Town is about a half hour ride. Quite interestingly, it was well developed, and there is lots of eatery such as A&W, Godiva Coffee, BFC, KFC and so on... Shopping as well, there are outlets like addidas, push carts. Something like our centrepoint.

The last day, we went for sea sports! Cool huh~ Was thinking to try parasailing, cable ski... In the end, realise that we dun have enough cash on hand, to drill down to banana boat (S$8 pax) and jet ski ($45 for 20mins). Overall, it is fun and exciting. For me, it is the first time to control a miniature motorboat! Although, I was unable to control it well, it is a nice feeling to feel to wind gushing on you with the max throttle speed. ~haha.

My Rating
Overall ~ 7.57
Rooms ~ 7
Service ~ 8
Value ~ 9
Cleanliness ~ 8
Pool ~ 7
Ambience ~ 8 [Nice getaway for those love the sea and nature]
Others ~ 6 [Harris lobby and cafe does not switch on its air-con most of the time]

One important thing to note is you do not need to change to rupiah, as all charges are reflected in SGD. If you are visiting their town like Nagoya, you can change minimal at Waterfront City Jetty.

Documentation is drowning me

2007-09-25T17:38:00.000+08:00

Guess what? People will think that reading documentation is a blissful thing to do as you can take your own time to digest what's written down. I also think so too. However, I think otherwise now, coz I am suffering... 15MB of documentation of cold hard wordings... Sweat out! I only cleared a 15-pages of white paper in 2 days. (So productive!)

Reading the current technical paper is even worst! Too technical that my brain is stop processing ... It is like reading Stephen King novel with my mind kept conflicting with brain, in the end, i will ask myself "wada?"... Entirely clueless.

Best of all, all these are built using C++, another "wow cao" language that i have no experience in. Can't imagine what will happen to me when the actual project started. I will be like "uh, yeah, huh?, Erm..." all the way. Woahahaha...

But that's for the future me to handle, for now, i have to ponder how to decrypt this "wu zi tian shu". Too bad, i am not "zhen ming xiao he shan". Hope that i will mitigate the number of brain cells killed in the progress...

Are you "mind" enuff?

2007-09-24T13:45:00.000+08:00

Looking for a place for gathering? Besides the usual meeting place such as cafe (Starbucks, Coffee Beans, etc), movie catching, cycling, blading and the list goes on... Why not try "Mind Cafe"?!

"An ideal meeting place where families, colleagues and friends meet up for board games over good food, snacks and drinks."
~extracted from The Mind Cafe

Drop by there yesterday to celebrate Zhigen's birthday, with the rest of the gang, namely... Zhigen, Michael, Yijie, Adeline, Shiwen, Xiuping, Teck Leep, Jasmine and me.

Oh yeah, my rating... overall an 8/10, with nice ambience to start with, drinks and snackers at a competitive price... In addition, there are quite a number of board games from different categories for you to choose from.

While we went there, we played "Jumanji" aka heart attack, Balderdash, Smart Ass... In the end, we created lots of laughters in level 3... woahahaha...

Oh, for those interested, http://www.themindcafe.com.sg/index.php

Mafan!!

2007-09-21T09:41:00.000+08:00

One thing to kick start tis post is "Mafan" [troublesome]. Why leh?
coz i didnt know customisation of blogs is so so so... Mafan...

What to do? *shrug* think i browse too many blogs liao, and see the marvels of the design, layout and applications to added into blogging. In addition, with the new web 2.0 applications, they just look so cool! Haiz, sad thing is i am still a novice and i am lazy but i am a perfectionist... ~sharks!!! How how?

Oops, just like to shoutout... Think will be doing some simple search and update the overall look the my blog in the coming weekend... Heard that wordpress has more customised features, sighz... choose the wrong blog site~

First Time

2007-09-18T16:22:00.000+08:00

Surprisingly this is my first virgin blog entry, though blogging is the norm rather than the "in" thing now.

Oh well, i wanted to start blogging in my NUS life, however, it is really hard to find the time as i am juggling between my leisure, study and freelance projects. Too many commitments i suppose. haha. While other times, when i feel like typing, i can't formulate what to express... So with so many hiccups here and there, this whole blogging issue was pushed forward for several semesters.

But NOW, i am really free. Well, firstly my project is pending, secondly, my attachment is pending, thirdly, my soon-to-be-project mate has not been recruited. Thus i suppose i am a "free" man that get paid... Wow~isn't tat good! ~aren't you envious. hahaha.

Oh, too much boasting liao. back to topic, yesterday is also my first time eating donut factory! Ok ok, i know, it has been in the market for quite awhile since the beginning of this year. Well, i am a impatient freak ~so dun ask mi to queue. Imagine to queue for 2+hrs for DONUTS!!!?! well, that will be 100% NOT me. However, after half of year of queue madness, at last the queueing (day and night) regime dies off... So bought a dozen to share with Jas. One Word ~NICE...

For those interested to check out the flavours: Donut Factory

Donuts i tried:

Rich milk chocolate coating with strawberry filling. However, the strawberry filling is abit too sweet.

For those coffee lovers, this is a must try. Rich mocha coffee taste that will wake your taste buds craving for more.

Nice mix, with dark chocolate.

Well, that's all i tried yesterday. The rest still in my fridge.

Will update soon. Ciao