Phase 2.3

Overuse of phonetic alphabets in radio call

2009-10-18T15:34:00.002+08:00

In radio call, phonetic alphabets are commonly used for communication and also served as security purposes. One such example is Tango Yankee, which means TY or Thank You.

Let's look at the dialogue below whereby people become too creative.

Sergeant: 57 to 00, your new location would be at MGR 1234 5678, over.
Trainee: 00 to 57, we will be back ASAP with the items you want, over.
Sergeant: 57 to 00, Tango Yankee, over.
Trainee: 00 to 57, Yankee Whiskey, over.
Sergeant: Erm, what is Yankee Whiskey??? Over.
Trainee: You're welcome, over.
Sergeant: 57 to 00, you owe me 20 (push ups), out.
Other stations: (roflmao)

Lol!!! Looking forward to more interesting stuffs, until next time.

Ciao

You know...I think I gotta post this...

2009-09-11T20:32:00.000+08:00

Its been inactive for sometime, yea I know.

Imagine how someone can change over 10+ years? The feeling of linking up with old friends is really...touching, especially if that is a best friend. I simply can't find any words more suitable to describe the feeling. Gentle smile...teary eyes...haha...

This kind of friendship is most pure and innocent, since both are children who are friends at that time...

I have a best friend whom I've not contacted since the end of P6, manage to find him on facebook and tried to confirm with only 1 of his recent profile photo and a short message asking him if he's from the same primary school...

Know what? ITS A SUCCESS!!! Manage to link up with him, see his photos, chat with him on MSN, exchange contacts and so on. Wa, this kind of feeling is damn good. Thought of the old school site, where its taken over by another primary school...our teachers...kenna cane by principal haha!

He was feeling bad about how he threw a stone on one of our friends' head during P5 or P6 and I suggest to him that maybe he could SMS and ask him if he's feeling ok, LOL! I think I mentioned about this friend (with "head injury") in previous post before...that he lost contact with all of us...although I've his hp number....

Anyway I'm glad that I found him. Not to sound gay though, but he will always be my #1 best friend in my life.

2009-03-31T01:17:00.002+08:00

Is it a trend now, considering recession, that network marketing is so popular? To me, this tactic is like a scam, but then you can't say it is...

Also, employers nowadays would not state the details of a job. You'll have to go for either a briefing or a training session to know all the details. Though its a waste of time, but that's the trend now; You want the job, you come down. Calls would not be entertained, send in resume and only shortlisted ones will be notified. Maybe that is so called 'job searching'.

Oh, the green tea I've been searching is now available at Watson. I call it the "Seaweed green tea" because it has a fresh greeny smell, like the smell of raw seaweed. By the way, the green tea is in the form of unprocessed tea leaves and its certified organic. That's what attracted me to make the purchase. Taka might have these types of green tea, but price should be higher. Nonetheless, I recommend the ones sold in Watson to green tea lovers.

運命...

2009-03-18T17:27:00.002+08:00

I've got a story to share. Its a story about how 2 person meets.

It began when the fat guy (resemblance to Justice Bao) and sporty lady (resemblance to FFXIII Lightning) were still in college, though in different ones. The guy would travel back to his hometown via an express bus whenever there was a vacation. As for the lady, she lived near her school and travelled by normal bus.

Human traffic was especially high during one of his vacation, and so the guy couldn't make it for the 5pm express bus. Though there was one slot for 7pm, he decided that it would be faster to take the normal bus. It is human nature to look for seats, so the guy and his friend went right to the rear of the bus as it was crowded at that time and there are starting to have more standing passengers. They found one, and so the guy offered it to his friend as he was carrying much more luggage. He tried his luck once more by moving to the front, as it would be tiring to stand given that the trip would be at least an hour or more. He found one vacant seat, which was behind the bus driver, however a lady had occupied the seat at the aisle side.

He wasn't thinking of anything else other than siting down and resting as he himself carries quite a lot too. And so politely, he ask the lady to make way. The lady thought that the guy was okay and make way for him. At other times, she would refuse as she can sense who are the "dirty old men" who leans on you. Being more sociable, the lady strikes up conversation with the guy, who was quieter. As they were more or less the same age, they chatted about the courses they attend and what they want to do in the future.

The lady was reaching her stop soon. The guy then asked if there was any way for contact. She hands over her house number to him and got off.

The 2 didn't meet up, but did maintain contact via phone. Years passed, the lady graduated while the guy was still pursuing further studies. He found a job too, soon after he graduated but was posted to distant land. They contact each other lesser due to work, and this last for a few years. Having promoted, the guy went back to work in his country. He tried to call the lady's number and to his surprise, the number still works. He enquired on the current location of the lady and realise that they were very near to each other. As he had little friends, he would visit her once or twice a week for dinner after work. As time pass, the lady felt that the guy irritates her and would pretend to shower for 2 hours each time he visits albeit she politely told the guy to wait. Since the guy had not had dinner yet, he left after a long wait. The visit became once a month and finally the guy gives up thinking that, as a friend he got this kind of response. He felt that the lady had no intention of being his friend. He can sense that the lady did what she did on purpose and so he left her alone.

3 months after, one of the lady's friend saw the guy with a group of friends shopping. She told the lady that, hey your foolish friend actually managed to find himself a girlfriend. Hearing this, she got a bit jealous and thought it was impossible for that foolish guy to have found a girlfriend in a matter a 3 months. She reflected on herself that it was stupid to do what she did before, and decided to call the guy and ask him out for dinner. The guy was okay with it and at the same time see what the lady was up to. It was again to his surprise that the lady had changed so much into a polite person. He once again thought, hmm maybe he can start to contact this friend again based on the positive response he got.

The positive response escalates each time he visits and they were mutual. The lady would ask the guy if he wants to eat any snacks and the guy would buy medicine for sore throat when the lady sounded differently on the phone. She would have sore throat almost every month due to her diet, which consist mainly of fried foods.

The lady's parent met the guy by chance when they visited her. They told her that he was a nice guy and that she might want to consider giving him a chance. Being a beautiful lady, she had no lack of suitors.

The story ends here. It was not known how they started, who broke first and what. Its up to your imagination. However, this is based on the true story of my second uncle and aunty and its a first hand information. What I'm emphasizing here is Fate. What if my uncle had gotten a ticket for the express bus? What if it was his friend who had offered him the seat? Lady did not strike up conversation? Guy did not ask for contact? Lady did not answer call? Guy was not seen by lady's friend? Lady did not get jealous and called back? Guy did not meet lady's parent by chance...?

Its really amazing how 2 strangers can meet on a bus and finally becomes husband and wife. The couple are now living together happily ever after with 2 sons; the elder son is in Primary 3 and younger son is in Primary 1.

Thinking back...and future >>>

2009-03-04T00:08:00.004+08:00

Well, I found a list of emails and phone numbers while tidying up 3 years worth of study materials. Remember during Year 1 orientation, I passed around a blue note book trying to get classmates' contacts. To my surprise, I've quite a few house phone numbers from about a dozen classmates from FS0602. Haha but didn't get to use them though cos I forgot about it.

Seems like most people are job and working now. March is a month of much event for me, so maybe job search will start April. Enlistment will be July, as from an officer at the army exhibition...

Just read Sham's blog. Its heart warming just looking at how he planned his day ahead.

Let's do something social!

2009-02-13T03:10:00.002+08:00

I realise each time I joined a social networking site it was for information. I joined Friendster to see Gabriel's ambigram picture!

This time, I joined Facebook to know when and where we're going for the holiday trip. Rumor it has been changed from HK to Redang Island due to budgeting issue...hoping to find the posted message, think is by Richard.

The thing is, my family's going there probably the same date! Such coincidence! That's why I was trying to find info so that MAYBE I can stay there with my family and friends without having to come back to Singapore and then go there again.

If can meet my family will be great, and then can proceed to have our family portrait taken.

Recollections...

2009-01-08T23:31:00.016+08:00

Here are the photos I promised;

Taipei 101

Me and my tour guide

Went to a national museum. I bought the christmas gift here.

A small farm. Bought the 小米酒 here.

Much like a village for the arts.

Though it says 'No Crossing', that person will

walk across the tracks from platforms to platforms...

Bamboo rice for dinner. Gotta smash open the bamboo.

Mountains and caves.

Standing near the '!' is at risk from falling rocks!!! So much for a photo.

This is a tribal shop. They sell deer foetus that can 'cure' sinus and athsma.

Also sells 野生灵芝 at NTD 26000 = SGD 1300 for 2 box

The hotel where I was blogging had got hot spring bath in the room,

but I went for the full naked one at the public area.

This 甲鱼 is made into pills for easy consumption.

Inside the 台湾高铁 (bullet train). Tickets are sold cheapest at around SGD 7.50 per person. They also have the MRT, same price as Singapore.

Playing golf on water.

阿里山神木

Big tree stump.

Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village (view from cable car)

Domesticated wild boars (tuskless) in the FACV.

This wax figure is to show that one of the tribes practice home burial.

To them this represents filial piety and hope that their ancestor will be their

guardian.

One of the temples visited, quite grand. Its rebuilt after an earthquake.

渔人码头 (Fisherman Wharf) lovers bridge. Much like Clarke Quay.

Grilled corn at 淡水老街. I think I was con. 2 corns for SGD 7...con con con #$%^$!

貔貅(属性水). I'm Earth element, hence Water will complement.

This mythical beast is believe to ward off evil. Its the ninth son of

the dragon. Female version exist, but its for guarding the tomb...

putting the wrong version at home will be troublesome...

西門町, much like the 'Orchard Road of Taiwan'. I got the candy canes here.

He's grilling satay. If the police come they gotta run, and they did.

You'll never see this in Singapore's Orchard Road.

And then its back to Singapore. Home sweet home!

Travelling...

2008-12-16T21:39:00.002+08:00

Currently blogging using a public PC at hotel in Taitung (East Taiwan).

Will post some photo when I'm back.

Blogging on palm!

2008-12-03T23:21:00.003+08:00

Man I always wanted to try this.

So, this post was made on my iPod. Fun and epic!

Later.

On one hand you receive the other gives. That's the way of life.

2008-11-05T20:58:00.004+08:00

Ok first of all,

THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE BIRTHDAY THINGY.

I would say the cake came in at the right timing since I'm a bit ready for lunch? LOL! Nice too.

So, I decided to do something meaningful this time round; donate blood! Yea! Another nice timing since its in NYP so I didn't have to travel to HSA for it. NPNT so here's it:

They have this chicken award. Basically those who are healthy and prefers to keep their blood in their own body are all chickens la. No other meaning LOL!

I didn't request for the coloured bandages so I got a boring one. But its unique since almost everyone is walking around with the coloured ones.

Really, those who say they are scared of pain definitely must go. But then those who are scared of waiting I can understand, since I went in at around 2.30pm and get to leave only at 6.15pm. That's like almost 4 hours sia. I thought at most 1 hour gau tim liao.

So that's that. I enjoyed my day (as most wished me) as a blood donor.

Halal VS Haram

2008-10-31T23:59:00.004+08:00

I got a book, "Halal Food Processing", from the library today. It discuss about Halal food and how they're suppose to be Halal, as from the Quran. Haram means prohibited, and another term is called 'Makrooh' which means dislikeable (a.k.a grey zones).

Some points to share are:

Meats certified Halal are animals that are killed while pronouncing the name of God, but does not hold true for fishes. Dead animals are Haram, but fishes are Halal in a way that "it is left to die a natural death" when removal from water. Unlike land animal, dead sea animals are permitted with reference to a tradition of a dead whale being a blessing by the God for food. As with fishes, some Muslims consider fishes without scales to be Haram.

Animals are NOT to be killed by stunning, but can be stunned unconscious first. It is not encouraged as the blood draining might not be as fast/complete compare to just killing the animals when it is conscious...with the fast heartbeat and all...

Sharp blade to ensure swift death and complete blood draining; whereby the jugular veins, carotid arteries, trachea and esophagus are to be cut.

No sharpening of knife in front of the animals to be killed, nor kill other animals in the presence of other animals, and no killing by severing of head.

Dismemberment while animals are still alive are not allowed (eg removal of horns). Scaling of fishes are to be carried out only when its completely dead. With reference from the book, it is sometimes a practice of some fast pace commercial slaughterhouse to start removing the horns, ears and front legs while the animal still seem to be alive...

Consumption of carnivorous animals with fangs (eg dogs and cats) and birds of prey are No No. Birds of prey are like eagle, refering to bird holding their food with claws. As with animals able to live on land and water like turtles cannot be consumed too. This is puzzling as some Muslims I knew ate crabs...maybe crabs are under the 'Makrooh' section...

And there's this rule to "Avoid the doubtful". Therefore if there's doubt about a restaurant not being Halal, forget about asking a Muslim friend to join in. After reading this book, I think I know how to appreciate the Islamic teachings from a whole new level, at least for the food part.

Courtesy from Yahoo News

2008-10-25T00:13:00.003+08:00

TOKYO - A 43-year-old player in a virtual game world became so angry about her sudden divorce from her online husband that she logged on with his password and killed his digital persona, police said.
The woman, who has been jailed on suspicion of illegally accessing a computer and manipulating electronic data, used his ID and password to log onto the popular interactive game "Maple Story" to carry out the virtual murder in May, a police official in the northern city of Sapporo said Thursday. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of department policy.
"I was suddenly divorced, without a word of warning. That made me so angry," the official quoted her as telling investigators and admitting the allegations.
The woman, a piano teacher, had not plotted any revenge in the real world, the official said.
She has not yet been formally charged. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison or a fine up to US$5,000.

Players in "Maple Story" create and manipulate digital images called "avatars" that represent themselves, while engaging in relationships, social activities and fighting monsters and other obstacles.
In virtual worlds, players often abandon their inhibitions, engaging in activity online that they would never do in the real world. For instance, sex with strangers is a common activity.
The woman used login information she got from the 33-year-old office worker when their characters were happily married to kill the character. The man complained to police when he discovered that his online avatar was dead.
The woman was arrested Wednesday and taken 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from her home in southern Miyazaki to be detained in Sapporo, where the man lives, the official said.
The police official said he did not know if she was married in the real world.
Bad online behavior is usually handled within the rules set up by online worlds, which can ban miscreants or take away their virtual possessions.
In recent years, misbehavior in the virtual world has in some cases had consequences in reality.
In August, a woman was charged in the U.S. state of Delaware with plotting the real-life abduction of a boyfriend she met through the virtual reality Web site "Second Life."
In Tokyo, a 16-year-old boy was charged with stealing the ID and password from a fellow player of an online game in order to swindle virtual currency worth US$360,000.

.pdf

2008-10-20T21:50:00.002+08:00

Discovered something interesting just now. Open any '.pdf' file with texts such as a journal. Under "View", select "Read Out Loud" and then click on either "Read this page only" or "Read to end of document". There's actually a computerized voice to read out whatever words there are on those page(s). Have fun, haha!

Chance. Its not what people gives, its what you fight for.

2008-10-01T16:39:00.004+08:00

Oh yeah! Finally got my 2nd G iPod touch. I've been waiting for nearly 3 weeks since the whole country was out of stock. Salesperson have been telling me next week next week and i was thinking WTH is Apple doing!? Makes me wanna get it online...

The call I made to Apple before setting off to Parkway Parade told me that they've stocks there which just arrive the morning (emergency stock up???). Guess how many hotcakes were imported here? Only 30 sets!!! Speculated that it would be sold out on the day itself since its Hari Raya (and Children's Day LOL). iShop at Orchard said to call back when they've stocks but then till now no reply yet. I was lucky to have called in and also pick a premium reseller thats faraway from the Town area, haha.

So I gave away my nano to my sister together with the new earphone (I hate it, doesn't fit as well as the old design). As people are trying to unlock (a.k.a jailbreak) the iPhone and iPod touch so that users can use third party apps, I've got a picture to share:

Can this be considered an epic fail? LOL!

2008-09-24T20:24:00.002+08:00

Well what is this. Signed in but then don't know what to post. Apart from the usual outings, its quite boring frankly. Singapore is too small. Can't wait to finish the next sem then can go NS camp. Maybe it'll be more interesting there, haha.

2008-09-09T00:19:00.003+08:00

I've a new definition for the word "Customers". According to my own personal experience acccumulating dictionary, it simply means, "A general group of people with bad attitudes". LOL!

Since I'm handling credit cards users, I couldn't help but to say that one's bad attitude is directly proportionate to the amount of $$$ you've. Shopping is actually a very happy event, and I just wonder why some shoppers would want to make theirs a miserable one over a cheapskate $5 voucher. Oh I loved the uncle working with me; "Call our hotline if you're unhappy about the terms and conditions. The receptionist will be happy to serve you. I'm a small fry, can't do much against the company without your absolute co-operation. Here's the contact number and have a nice day."

Its so boring without "Customers" creating problems for me. And so I've been into reading a book called the "Ten Second Staircase", a murder case which I'm about to finish. Though its chim and I couldn't understand sometimes, its one of the very very few books that I've actually able to "endure" finish reading it.

2008-08-11T21:27:00.002+08:00

From Yahoo news:

Poof! Scientists closer to invisibility cloak

WASHINGTON - Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that could render people and objects invisible.

Researchers have demonstrated for the first time they were able to cloak three-dimensional objects using artificially engineered materials that redirect light around the objects. Previously, they only have been able to cloak very thin two-dimensional objects.

The findings, by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Xiang Zhang, are to be released later this week in the journals Nature and Science.

The new work moves scientists a step closer to hiding people and objects from visible light, which could have broad applications, including military ones.

People can see objects because they scatter the light that strikes them, reflecting some of it back to the eye. Cloaking uses materials, known as metamaterials, to deflect radar, light or other waves around an object, like water flowing around a smooth rock in a stream.

Metamaterials are mixtures of metal and circuit board materials such as ceramic, Teflon or fiber composite. They are designed to bend visible light in a way that ordinary materials don't.

Scientists are trying to use them to bend light around objects so they don't create reflections or shadows.

It differs from stealth technology, which does not make an aircraft invisible but reduces the cross-section available to radar, making it hard to track.

The research was funded in part by the U.S. Army Research Office and the National Science Foundation's Nano-Scale Science and Engineering Center.

Ha! I always though its impossible and that only happens in Metal Gear Solid when Snake (the guy above) dons the Stealth Camo, LOL!

2008-08-02T20:10:00.000+08:00

Went to K-Box today with my F&N colleuges. Haha, though I couldn't sing, I picked JJ's 木乃伊. Actually I wanted to sing his 一千年以後, but because when I listen to songs I don't really remember their song title (especially chinese song since I'm a Jpop person), that's why I messed up. Lucky can still sing a bit since I can read the words. Oh, I chose 木乃伊 is because I watched The Mummy 3 last night. Then I mess up 一千年以後 and 木乃伊 since they're like related somehow (Mummy = 1000 year later, LOL).

I'll better start loving chinese/english male singer's song so I can sing next time. But then I prefer female singers...gotta find a way to sing them well.

2008-07-30T23:48:00.000+08:00

I really must congratulate myself today;

I came in first for the 2.4km run!!! Can't even dream about this ever, I think I'm flying today. All those trainings have proven themselves worthwhile. Gotta continue the run. Hmm yea, I think this post deserves a space in my blog. This feat is more than just getting a silver award. The one in the mirror was telling me to give it a gold next time.

"Its hard to beat others, but its harder to beat yourself".

2008-07-26T20:23:00.003+08:00

Taking a break from jap anime, I'm watching Batman Beyond now. Its nice, love the voice of Terry when he's Batman, since its deeper.

Terry: Why do you think you're not going mad?
Bruce: Because the voice kept calling me Bruce. That's not what I call myself.
Terry: I suppose you would, but that's my name now.
Bruce: Tell that to my subconcious.

(lol, the end)

2008-07-18T00:45:00.003+08:00

NAPFA is next week, seems that time pass real fast. 6 stations in which both I'm worried about is jumping and 2.4km. Hope to get silver cos if I push myself I know I can, so can get away with the "1 month earlier" thingy. Just got a borderline silver for the 2 sections a few days ago, and basically I don't know if my sit and reach can make it...cos school lacks the necessary facility for measurement...

Anyway can retake if didn't meet the standards. Right now I'm visualising myself getting silver award on 24/07/08...Oh Yea!

2008-07-07T14:14:00.002+08:00

Income Tax...so that's how it work.

Income, there's passive and active income. Active wise is we work for it while passive is we don't "work" for it (money churns more money such as investment).

Since my uncle and aunty are in China now, I've to help them settle their stuffs. My uncle thought that since his wife's not working anymore (she left workforce in 2006), so theres no need to submit the income. Lo and behold, there come a letter with a penalty of $150 for the current year. Worst is, he did not report the previous year too, totaling $300. Why?

The answer is, since they are in China, they rent out their apartment. That is considered passive income. So its still income therefore need to report. But my uncle says rental is under his name, why his wife need to report?...

Second answer: If the property itself is under BOTH parties, then both also need to report. LOL!
They don't care if the rental is under whose name, hahaha!

Haiz...that's government for you. And I've been waiting for the tax officer to answer the call. The machine will say, "Please hold while we connect you to one of our tax officers". Then they play music. "Our tax officers are busy, please hold". Music. "All of our tax officers are still busy, please continue to hold". Music, then again the previous sentence. The last sentence is, "All our tax officers are still busy, please leave a message or continue to hold"...

What freaking long wait!

To be dead and thus reborn

2008-06-23T20:43:00.002+08:00

Oh well, wasted 1 whole week doing SDS-PAGE and still nothing succeed in the end. But now I certainly can call myself an expert of SDS-PAGE after so many failures.

Hoho, I think I make myself clear to T.T that I don't like him.

1) T.T: Why do you think I put 2 ace students in the soy okara project, put them here to hate me ar?
Me: Eh, a bit (hate you).

2)T.T: Ok, we don't care about whether the human body can absorb the proteins in the okara la, if can absorb a bit its good enough. Cos that would be human research already.
Me: Oh...ok. So do you mean that if the body can't absorb the proteins then we might as well cancel the whole project? Haha.

3) (Leaving with the untouched samples)
T.T: Do you think I should choke myself with these?
Me: Yeah you should.

While I thought we're dead, Lin Liang and Jessie help us to REBORN. Yea, can see some light cos they came up with a very simple formulation to help suspend the okara to create wonderful beverages. The okara didn't even want to settle, so damn perfect.

That's why: If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.

Thanks T.T for the killing, if not we can't be reborned. LOL!!!

2008-06-14T23:33:00.001+08:00

Went to visit Faustine at the Apple booth at Heeren today. They've got a cute promotion that is use to attract the customers; just flash your iPod to get a box of polar bears, LOL!

It looks like this:

The toy is tied to the bottom, didn't want to take out so I just take the pic of it in the box, haha.

A nice bedtime story book, sweetdreams.

Thereafter I went to watch The Incredible Hulk. The cave scene is touching and, Tony Stark a.k.a Ironman is still as cool in the last scene. Watch out for Stanley cameo appearance as he drink the contaminated beverage, LOL!

Dedicated to my going-to-be IAP friends

2008-06-01T11:40:00.002+08:00

There're pros and cons in every situation.

What is bad about IAP is:
1) Those who stay far away from your workplace needs to get up early, maybe 5.30am?
2) You're attached there alone (1 is the loneliest number you'll ever be).
3) Monday blues (who doesn't have?).
4) Maybe its hard getting along with your colleagues.
5) Writing that darn book that gets torn when the cover page touch water.
6) Etc.

The good:
1) You don't have to worry much about doing research, so you can sleep when you get home.
2) From point 1), weekends are all yours. Make sure to spend them well if not you'll have Monday blues.
3) No project stress.
4) Lunch breaks and tea-breaks are standard. Make sure to look forward to that.
5) Get to know you colleagues (hobbys, etc). They might be doing stuffs that interest you. One of my colleagues shows me around the gym, and got me interested. He also reminded me that the library exist. Another thing is that the world is so small. My supervisor is actually the Uni classmate of SzeWP...
6) You'll get to say TGIF (Thank God Its Friday). This links back to point 2).
7) You'll "miss" seeing the lecturers' face.
8) Etc (Find out more yourself).

That's the summary. Whenever I've Monday blues, what I did was to be very very enthu to do work, like at which hour must I complete my stuff and so on. And I try to have something to look forward to such as lunch break, going home for dinner or play those have-yet-to-open downloaded items (don't mass download please). Planning outings are the best (but I never planned any). Ask those also on IAP out for dinner or shopping or a movie. Planning 1 week ahead will be good. They always did so IAP is never boring for me. Thanks manz.

Search for your own enlightenment. I'll search for mine doing FYP (or someone would wish to share their experiences?).

Dedicated to my colleagues...

2008-05-31T00:30:00.007+08:00

Finally the end of IAP, got a strange feeling...

Anyway there're some photos to share;

Testing of viscosity (hated most). The green packs are used to cool down the water and the sample. This is basically the most boring task you can get there.

F&N Orange carbonated drink base. Top it up with cold carbonated water to get the Orange soft drink. We make the base ourselves, get to see the recipe. The numbers are indeed strange...

Driving forklift...?

The chill warehouse, there's a nice unique smell of powder ingredients...

Production area: Caution Wet Floor!

The lab: Please equip boots of safety!

Art for sale!

The artist:

Final gatherings...

Epilogue...

Until we meet again...

A different Path?

2008-05-14T22:25:00.002+08:00

Who wants to continue in the area of Food Science after Poly...?

I want to be a pilot of commercial planes.

LOL. Yea, maybe that's what I'll do. But do I need to go Uni to be a pilot? Hmm... See first ba...I don't have background knowledge, lose out here. If need to go Uni sure need to take Year 1 course. Another thing is eyesight, but got lasik right, LOL!!!

After IAP, I feel that the food area doesn't offer much. First is the $$$. The poly graduates monthly salary is only like $1400. If manager maybe >$2800>. Second is that the job doesn't offer much challenge unless if you're in R&D at the least. And R&D requires a degree. Flying around is more freedom, compared to office and lab workers like us. That's what I thought for now...

After that I might go into investment when there's enough capital. So lets just stick to books for now and learn the ropes. Work for 10 years maybe? 20 years to be financially free...

But then to want to "switch job" so easily might mean I give up easily. Sort of like betraying myself, cos I like science area... That's the cruel truth of the society, $ counts. Even if pilot gets the same monthly pay, at least its better to fly around. The freedom is already worth it. But then again there's no guaranteed freedom...

Hope there's a career call Food Techno Pilot.

Dead Bees...

2008-05-03T23:23:00.001+08:00

So many dead bees at home recently. Wonder where's their hives...

Only believe in Fate.

2008-04-16T22:09:00.002+08:00

Hahahaha, can't believe it! Its the work of Fate. The Fate of how people connects with each other. I bow to you Fate.

The connection: Zhen Hua's colleague (TP attachment student) is in the same class as my colleague, who happens to be named as Vanessa (there's a Vanessa in our class) and is a classmate of Benedine back then in sec sch.

And if I didn't say "I befriended a new attachment student from TP", will I know this? Probably not I tell you. Whoo!

Hey you three Moirae, have you got our threads got entangled?

Gackt = Genesis

2008-04-13T18:12:00.006+08:00

Even though I already knew it,...still find it amazing. A video game character is just a few hours of plane ride away from us. Nice.

Too easy!

2008-04-09T19:26:00.002+08:00

Again the web is such a nice tool and I forgot that.

I've been trying to delete an empty folder from my desktop (for about a year) but it just won't allow me to do so, it will say "Error deleting file or folder: Cannot read from the source or disk".

So the trick to it is:
1) Create a new folder and drag it into the folder you're unable to delete.
2) Then delete.

All too easy. I even tried going into command prompt to clear it.

2008-04-07T22:04:00.002+08:00

Oops,pass a month.

Well er...I missed everyone, people doing FYP and the 01 guys. Met Jun Yuan in Suntec yesterday while shopping. I didn't realise, but they're starting the new Sem soon. Em..., don't think I'll get to meet the current FYP people until the next Sem.

Yea...that will be all.

2008-03-03T18:25:00.002+08:00

以毒攻毒, and remove food with food. The web such a nice tool to find what you're looking for.

Have you ever come across those hard-to-remove stain when you cook rice in a saucepan and it burns? Leaving all those hard patches of black carbon that seems impossible to remove...

It begins with me wanting to eat some onion dish with rice and what I've found on the web is onion rice (there's really such a dish). Its simple to prepare, however I burnt the inside of the pan while its simmering. I thought soaking the pan immediately in water would do the trick but only the onions came off.

Finally, I found the solution on Yahoo Answers. The trick is:

1. Pour Coke enough to cover the soot. Then bring it to boil while swirling.
2. Scrub with a steel pad or scrape away with a metal spoon. I use the latter.
3. If there's still stains, apply table salt freely and scrub again. It should come off beautifully.

Though there's commercial stain remover in the market as an alternative but I still prefer using "functional food" to do it since they can be consume.

2008-01-24T16:32:00.000+08:00

24th January 2008. Something I thought that would never happen to me actually happened this fateful day. I GOT CHICKEN POX!!!

So, first thing is that I'm sorry to those who ate lunch with me. Hope you guys are as strong as a bull and can eat a horse when you're hungry. If you started feeling weak like got fever, then most probably you got my virus. I didn't know I got chicken pox then, so sorry. But isn't it fate that those who didn't got chicken pox before sat beside and in front of me? The virus can be spread through air when the infected person is talking and laughing. I'm very sure I got talk and, of course, laughs a lot like always. Anyway the Alien VS Buddha (AVB) jokes and 2012 fateful day are funny.

Regarding my MC, its officially granted. Its 2 weeks starting from today to 06/02/08. Following that is Chinese New Year. So the next time I step into the school will be exam time. The chicken pox really knows when to appear, joining all holidays together. LOL!!!

Anyway thanks for having lunch with me everytime I ask. One could have a better appetite when eating with friends and joking around.

See you guy during exam and all the best for your interviews and Project 3 presentation.

2008-01-08T00:25:00.000+08:00

Ok, just read Faust's blog. So what's my goal? I've been wanting to talk about it.

Two words (after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad): FINANCIAL FREEDOM!

So what's so great about this 'freedom'? Its having lots of $$$ without working like a bull, in layman's term. So this person called Robert (author), says that your passive income must be more than your active income. Passive income comes from your asset such as shares or stocks or property (I think). Active income comes from your salary...

So I'm thinking of starting a little from young IF possible. Don't need a lot of $$$ but need to know where and how to begin and slowly buildup. And another rule is to "Pay yourself first", not the government. LOL! Meaning is that use the money not to pay bills, but to look for better investment opportunity and invest, first.

Even though I really hate things that associates with "Business" (even some of the core modules), but that's the only one thing that can possibly help you increase your passive income. So maybe gotta find books to read up about all that. Best if can find a person who knows how. Haha!

Maybe I might just be able to pull it off somehow and "Retire Young, Retire Rich"? LOL! Keep dreaming for now...Yea.

2007-12-17T23:15:00.000+08:00

Some photos to share from my trip to M'sia. Its my grandma's house, and I lead a 1970 lifestyle.

The room I slept in. We've to do spring cleaning cos its really dusty with all the bugs. Looks like a chalet ya?

The bathroom. Want to bath here with the moss?

The old cooking area...not in use already lo!

This is still in use. Pour oil in the container to prevent ants...

The charcoal iron. How much do you think it can fetch?

Found this old photo while spring cleaning the room. He's my mother's grandfather...rich man...

That's about it. I've more photos but I think thats enough for this post. Merry Christmas <(^_^)>

2007-11-28T20:40:00.000+08:00

Today is a meaningful day, I feel like I've grown (abit, LOL!).

The Students Dialogue Session do seem like a complain session but one can really learn a lot by attending it. I think next time I'll still attend if no one wants to go since its really fun. Xin Hui was suppose to go since the attendance list has got her name instead of mine. Again I like to believe in fate that I'm there today. I seriously encourage Xin Hui to attend the next session (...but I try to opt for the chance, LOL!).

Besides all the complaining, I've learn to appreaciate what have been done for us before prac sessions. A 2 or so hour prac session sometimes need 3 to 4 days of preparation (cultures, etc...). Lecturers also not easy to be too, since there're complains that they read from the slides and so on. Well, AK's still the best but unfortunately everyone has their own style of teaching. By the way, one of the lecturers we know (shall not mention name) is complained by the Year 1s...

Time management is another thing we seriously need to use. Richard hopes to see us well prepared for Projects. Example is that we plan what we need to do in the next trial and in that next trial we plan the next. Avoid doing nothing while waiting for stuff to be done (such as waiting time during baking, etc...). Another thing is that we've to be more active during lectures. Answer questions when you know of the answer already. But we're just shy people aren't we? LOL! Well, I certainly would try to be more active in class.

Some interesting facts to share with you all:

1. NYP SCL(LS) are the only one Poly that has 4 Chemistry modules.
2. NYP SCL(LS) are the only one Poly that has 2 Microbiology modules in Year 1 (Maybe MB side, I not sure).
3. NYP SCL(LS) students are definately tougher than the other School's if we can survive the course, LOL!
4. FS students have around 40% more curriculum time than MB students, and our course is tougher.
5. All Polys have roughly the same % (not number) of students going to U.
6. Ranking is not important, GPA is!
7. GPA is "not that important" when looking for job. The boss wants to know what we do other than being a bookworm. So do take part in more events in school and "have a life".
8. We can proceed to Year 2 in some overseas U, if our GPA is 3 or better.
9. Richard and Lionel Lau are both microbiologist, while AK's an immunologist.
10. Polys do exchange emails blacklisting certain companies as they use students as manual labours/ coffee maids.

So thats all about it. A quote from seniors for surviving in NYP SCL(LS) is, "Get use to it". Projects and assignments are there to help us clear the modules easily while not giving us pressure in the Finals...One more fact is that in the past, the weightage for final exams is 70%. Live or DIE! LOL!

2007-11-13T23:40:00.000+08:00

Relaxing, relaxing...lets enjoy some jokes:

A bet made at the local bar

A man walks into a bar, and as he makes his way to the counter, he stops and talks to everyone in the bar. As he finishes with each group of people, they all get up and leave and go stand outside the window, looking in. Finally, the bar is empty except for this guy and the bartender. The man walks up to the counter, and says to the bartender, "I bet you $1,000 that I can spray beer from my mouth into a shot glass from thirty feet away, and not get any outside the glass."

The bartender thinks that this guy is a nutcase, but he wants his $1,000, so he agrees. The bartender gets out a shot glass, paces off thirty feet, and the contest begins. The man sprays beer all over the bar. He doesn't even touch the shot glass. When he finishes, the bartender looks at him and says, "Well, I guess you owe me $1,000, huh?"

The man answers, "Yeah, but I bet all of those people outside the window $500 a piece that I could come in here and spray beer all over the bar."

Prison life versus a full-time job

In prison you spend the majority of your time in an 8' X 10' cell.

At work you spend most of your time in a 6' X 8' cubicle.

In prison you get three meals a day.

At work you only get a break for one meal and you have to pay for that one.

In prison you get time off for good behavior.

At work you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.

In prison a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.

At work you must carry around a security card and unlock and open all the doors yourself.

In prison you can watch TV and play games.

At work you get fired for watching TV and playing games.

In prison they ball-and-chain you when you go somewhere.

At work you are just ball-and-chained.

In prison you get your own toilet.

At work you have to share.

In prison they allow your family and friends to visit.

At work you cannot even speak to your family and friends.

In prison all expenses are paid by taxpayers, with no work required.

At work you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for the prisoners.

In prison you spend most of your life looking through bars from the inside wanting to get out.

At work you spend most of your time wanting to get out and inside bars.

In prison you can join many programs which you can leave at any time.

At work there are some programs you can never get out of.

In prison there are wardens who are often sadistic.

At work we have managers.

Yeah, I can relate to that. LOL! Be cool man!

2007-11-05T22:17:00.000+08:00

Why can't I enjoy a good day?

Its the stress-est day in my whole life and it, unfortunately, falls on my birthday. I guess this is all part of life and I'm just one of the unfortunate souls to have met this kind of people and go through this stressful period in my life.

Now that to think of it, its the first time I'm so stress up, since if I can take it I won't even complain. Tests and exams are waaaay better than what I'm facing now...but it'll all be over after this Friday (...hope so...). I really hate the feeling of something that is terrible gone this second and haunts you the next. Heh, I guess I totally lost it this time. Hope its not my limit as I know the worst have always yet to come.

Words can be such powerful weapons that I realise that individual and myself have been using it in our conversations, almost everytime when we don't meet face to face. Its like in Death Note between Kira and L, but at that time I don't feel how stressful it is to be talking like this everytime...Also, saying something which you want is important, and its bad not to speak up. However, the selection of words to be use is another thing. Say the wrong word and you lose the game.

Currently awaiting for my 'opponent' to make a move...For those who understand,good. For those who do not, learn it the hard way.

2007-10-12T21:46:00.000+08:00

A clover poem

I know a place where the sun is like gold,
And the cherry blooms burst with snow,
And down underneath is the loveliest nook,
Where the four-leaf clovers grow.
One leaf is for HOPE, and one is for FAITH,
And one is for LOVE, you know,
And GOD put another in for LUCK --
If you search, you will find where they grow.
But you must have HOPE, and you must have FAITH,
You must LOVE and be strong -- and so --
If you work, if you wait, you will find the place
Where the four-leaf clovers grow.

2007-09-26T20:43:00.000+08:00

Stop pestering me!

There's this StarHub promoter at my doorstep an hour ago who wanted us to signed up for their cable TV; somtimes they call us...

He said that we had cable TV TEN YEARS AGO and ask if I can remember. And after 1 minute of saying NO to that guy, I said we can't afford it, hoping that he'll give up and JUST GO. He continued to ask me if my mum wanted it and hearing the same answer from me he ask "How you know she don't want the cable TV?" My God! I'm her son and I don't know?! WHAT THE HELL! Really, what's the point of having cable TV if you've other activities other than watching TV??? It's like throwing money into the sea and the likes.

He finally gave up and leave. Hope they don't ever call or come again (but that's not possible!).

Oh, I also hope those Pen Seller along Orchard would quit bothering me and just leave me alone. Cos I'm in a rush EVERYTIME and no time for you to extort money from me, HAHA!!!

2007-09-01T21:29:00.000+08:00

Well, our form teacher said he missed us, haha!

My school actually held their celebration again in the stadium despite the rainy season. So...we're stopped by a student and she say we're not allowed to go in. Never mind that, they didn't say the teachers can't come out so we requested her to 'invite' our form teacher out.

When we're still studying in the school, the teachers think we're 'bad'. But once we left, they think we're better than the current batch, LOL!

A senior once told me that we won't bother about going back to school during teachers' day as the year pass. I understand what he meant now but I hope I won't have the mindset of "Nah...nothing happening happened anyway so why go back...?". Its important to sometimes take the initiative to 'start' things and hope a chain of events will take place rather than sitting down and doing nothing.

Heh, when you're with good old friends you'll not want to leave straight after dinner and just want to sit down and chat. Even if there's no more topics to talk about you'll enjoy sitting down together as you know its gonna be a long time again for the next meeting...

...I just missed the days when we were together...

2007-08-17T00:41:00.000+08:00

After reading Wanni's personality test result at her blog, I decided to try too since I feel the result is similar to my personality. Here's it;

You are introverted, reserved, and quiet with a preference for solitude and solitary activities. Your socializing tends to be restricted to a few close friends. You can be very easily upset, even by what most people consider the normal demands of living. People consider you to be extremely sensitive and emotional. As a practical person you like to think in plain and simple terms. Others describe you as down-to-earth, practical, and conservative. You have some concern with others' needs, and are generally pleasant, sympathetic, and cooperative. You set clear goals and pursue them with determination. People regard you as reliable and hard-working.

My Personality


Neuroticism	67
Extraversion	26
Openness To Experience	27
Agreeableness	50
Conscientiousness	69

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report

Market Leading Online Survey Software.

Chart is a bit different but the comments are similar.

2007-08-03T15:41:00.000+08:00

I'm unlucky today (or not?)

My bus went away the moment I saw it. Either I was a bit late today or there's a problem with my clock. So I walked to central stop to catch another bus. I thought it will stop outside NYP but it went straight to outside Anderson Sec. Food Micro I was asked to write on the board...

My right eye lid started to twitch during the noon. I guess my luck turned better cos someone's noodle soup might have splash onto me if he's careless...he splash them just beside me (so close).

After that, I found what I was looking for in library for Unit Ops. The same 3 books suddenly appear when I was back from my search in the RBC section. They were new books (26/07/2007) by the way...

...coincidence meeting _... . _. every now and then...what the...hehe =)

2007-07-13T23:37:00.000+08:00

What's the matter with ZoneX at AMK HUB!?

Played House of the Dead 4 and Time Crisis 4 but its either the gun cannot work or I've to aim slightly out of the screen to shoot properly. Strange thing is both guns having problems are player 2 side.

Well, the best movie now is Harry Potter so we went to watch. I can't understand why people are still strolling in when the show is like playing for 10 minutes already. Some even worse, half and hour then come in, might as well don't watch. And the person sitting in front of me still call on his phone and chatting away. I wonder if Singapore is the only country like this. Maybe Japan don't have this problem as I heard from others that talking on your mobile in the train cabin is not tolerated (maybe Japanese are more daring as to tell others off straight?). Just felt that these behaviours are UGLY!

Did anyone notice the date is Friday the 13th? I noticed when labeling the EC broth during Food Micro.

2007-07-01T01:33:00.000+08:00

How clever can a 5 years old kid get?

My cousin came to stay over during the 2 weeks break and she was cute and annoying at the same time. Due to her being such an imp, I threatened her that I'll video whatever she's doing and show it to her Dad. Well, after that I went to revise my work and she came into my room with a 5.1 megapixel camera and shot me, with flash some more...

That was a "good" thing she learned from me for "revenge". So I just told her, "You'll get it once your dad view the photos". LOL, how funny her expression was and focusing on keeping the camera properly. She was starting to cry and ask my mum for help.

I deleted my photo in the end, not to save her but to save myself. The picture was taken when I'm frowning at her, not a nice shot...

Guess what? My sis took a video and recorded everything. Last for more than 1 min. LOL!

2007-06-13T17:48:00.000+08:00

These are Beijing 2008 Olympic Games merchandise;

Five different colours and to represent the Olympic Rings;
blue, black, red, yellow and green.
Blue fish, Black Panda, Red Olympic Flame, Yellow Antelope and Green Swallow.
They signify Prosperity, Happiness, Passion, Health and Good Luck.

Both the top and bottom Fuwa are actually roly poly,
the head can be removed to reveal a pen.

They're 福娃 (Fuwa).
Starting from blue fish clockwise, their names are: 贝贝, 晶晶, 欢欢, 迎迎, 妮妮.
It will sound like: "北京欢迎您" (Beijing welcomes you).

The highlighter I'm using now.

2007-06-03T01:36:00.000+08:00

A touching video showing even animals have conscience.

The leopard killed the baboon's mother. Maybe it was an accident cos that leopard might only prey on strong foes; not typical weak mother and child. To make up for the sin, the leopard takes care of the baby baboon and drives it's foes away, like the hyena.

Sad...

2007-05-29T23:22:00.000+08:00

I was checking the World Clock on my phone a few days ago. I checked Beijing (cos that's where my cousins are right now) and realize that the time zone is the same as Singapore. Tokyo is 1 hour faster and London is 8 hours slower (I checked at around 11.45, and their time is 3.45, so should be slower...).

So I thought if the earth is spinning + rotating, then we'll only be where we are exactly, 1 year later...Hmm....regarding the time zone, if Singapore is compared with London, it would seems like we've passed the "Time" already, then London is still 8 hours slower. So if there's new transport system which enables us to travel faster, then we could still get to London for example to say "Happy Birthday" to someone whose birthday have already pass in "your time". So if one were to go to Tokyo from Singapore, they'll be 1 hour older? LOL!

2007-05-25T23:10:00.000+08:00

My uncle once said something to me which is quite true. The educational standard in Singapore can be considered to be one of the best in Asia. Think about those childrens in, maybe, third world countries. Their schools are really simple and what sort of things do you think they get to learn? Do they learn simple algebra? Or lower secondary Science?

Even in M'sia, you'll have to choose a well known school for tertiary education as it GREATLY helps when finding a job. Although you've completed the course with flying colours, its hard to get a job if you're not from a well known tertiary institute (well, the rich can do business, LOL).

(Stop if you feel its lame. Those below are not for you.)

Singapore's tertiary institutes are quite well establish. Even though there are 5 polytechnics locally, you can't really say which one is the best (or the worst). The perception is that old trademark would definitely be better than the new ones. And among the polytechnics, some are quite well known in the world.

People say, "Well, Singapore's not the place to stay for further education". But where would they go? Would most of the locals go to Uni in the near neighbouring countries of Singapore? I doubt so. The reason is simple; would you change your plasma TV to a standard TV even though you can afford it? LOL!

Of course most people seeks better quality product, this is rational. But have they ever thought that they're really, already, very fortunate, compared to those who didn't even get to study? Humans really are interesting! They'll feel that what they currently possess are inferior "goods"; even though the "goods" are infinite times better than what is really possessed by most people in the world.

We're lucky people. We should seek higher and better education if we can. But while in the mist of doing that, we should try to improve on what we have currently and not complain about how bad it is. If anyone think otherwise, the only conclusion is that, they're not ready to possess the best things in life. Give it to others and don't hold on to the good things and then intentionally criticize that they're bad!

I'm satisfied with what I've now but I'll not stop improving it and I'll learn as I go along. So maybe that's my definition on Life and is what drives me. You?

2007-05-21T21:26:00.000+08:00

Even though you want to be, or to show that you're a steady person right, sometimes it will backfire if overdoing it.

For example, when you're quarrelling (a real big one) with someone, its often easy to say the word "Sorry". But the strange thing is, even if the person do manage to say it, you can feel whether that person is sincere or not. Maybe by tone? Or could be the eyes expression? You can just feel it.

If not, then that means the person's not sincere. Saying "Sorry" just for the sake of saying it. Show that he/she is a steady person? No! I'll even think that person's outcast class. How can "Sorry" just pop out from the mouth so easily? That's what I call backfire!

Okay, things like an accidental step on the shoe or getting through the crowd is understandable. I meant big quarrel.

Anyway that's just my thoughts. So if anyone's reading this, don't feel offended.

Say cheeeeeese! =D

2007-05-16T19:06:00.000+08:00

Text formatting buttons are finally back to normal!

Now that it is confirmed that we're doing Bird's Nest, the next thing is ideas. I'm quite naive actually, cos youngster like us will have lots of ideas but then most would not work or are not practical. I don't mean we made a fool out of ourselves at the company....

The thing which I forgotten is the properties of food. You can add anything into the bottle and hope it works (and still think it will, LOL) but most of the time its not that easy. For example, Food A likes cold temperature, but Food B loves heat treatment, then you can't combine these 2 already......and then you don't know (and have not done research) Food A's properties and go put them together...wth...

A food person will never say, "Oil and water can never mix together", when they're describing themselves and the person they don't like. Saw this nick on MSN and I was quite eager to explain how the 2 can mix; by emulsion simply! LOL!!!

Anyway its a tired day for me cos from 8am to 6pm is almost worse than working. Going to sleep soon...

2007-05-14T20:05:00.000+08:00

Text formatting buttons are still at the sides....sianz...

Anyway I met my ex-best friend on bus on the way to school. He was my friend since kindergatern and we attended the same Primary and Secondary school. He was even my classmate for the whole of secondary school life. So its kind of close to a family member. Quite a cheerful person actually (not now).

Although we went to different courses in Poly, some of my old classmates still meet up once a while. We'll always try to contact this ex-best friend, but he won't or rarely turn up for the gathering. Of course we called him and still message him, he either won't receive the call or reply the message. Hm...last time he's not like this...

I understand people do change as time passes, but for me I'll be happy to stick around old friends if I've the chance since the busy school life prevents us from doing so... Most people will try and find common topics to chat when they didn't meet for a long time like, "How you doing lately?" or "Hey, where've you been, didn't see you for so long", and such. But he didn't. He was so damn cool and I was like thinking, "Em, can you talk? Don't let me spam questions on you can?" You get this feeling when there's nothing to talk about and you're only one talking, and the other guy just answer your questions and done. I mean I'm not trying to interview a star here, just trying to catch up with an old friend.

Another guy in the same clique in secondary school attended the same course as him. He told me that he also could not understand why this person changed so dramatically. The words he speaks to him is like, "Hi" and "Bye" only cos he don't even greet an old friend... Same class somemore and he didn't even go over and talk. He wasn't like this in the past. I started to think if he's ego-ing.

I really hate to lose this friend. Communication devices are so common, why would he reject using it to break off this long friendship?