So coincidental today that when I turned on the telly, I caught the Amazing Race Asia 2. I knew they were in Europe and there was this particular bridge that they were counting the bars on. I thought that looked familiar like Hungary, and it turned out that ya.. it was in Budapest!
I was there last May with Teresa for a short trip, so I can still remember the place quite well. Next thing I knew, they went to the Buda castle labyrinth, which was basically a scary and dark tunnel maze. Yea the same light carrier too, but the labyrinth was wayyy darker than that in real life. Oh well. (But they entered from the exit I think....)
Then they went to Margaret Island, which we went too! Did the pedal carts, which I was quite tempted to do but I think it was quite ex then. haha. Next they went to Heroes Square, which we went too! and it was near our hostel!!! hahahhaha. It was really so coincidental. But again, these are the generally touristy places. Budapest has more than that of course, but still it was nice to revisit Europe.... heh.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Lenny Kravitz rockin' on
I hope I'm not getting ahead of myself, but the new Lenny Kravitz album "It is Time for a Love Revolution" sounds really really good. Normally I take a few listens before an album grows on me, but this one didn't take long. Hope the feeling doesn't go away too soon either.
Anyway, the music world needs more of such rock bastions to keep rock alive among all the black and pseudo-black rap that's filling the airwaves.
Anyway, the music world needs more of such rock bastions to keep rock alive among all the black and pseudo-black rap that's filling the airwaves.
Success can be double-edged ....
haha. no it's not about me.
Remember Football Manager 2006? Having not played it for months, I went back for an hour today to take a peek at the 'empire' that I created haha.
Well I've always been priding myself on building up a team from youth, so my game plan has always been to scout and pry the top youngsters from around the world to train in my world-class academy. And yeah it has been a very successful program feeding my 1st team, which has been all conquering in recent seasons.
In my 10th season already, and normally, as a habit I would play the AC Milan full team vs the AC Milan Under 20s, as a pre-season warm up for both teams. And also as a morale booster for the first team b4 the season kicks off, since I would expect the European champions to crush the U20s anyday, no? (yes i know... this is just a database game... but I tend to personalise the characters in my game..... 10 seasons! )
So the 1st team has been crushing the U20s for years... until this year. 2016. Half time score.... Milan 1 - U20s 5. big fat sigh. My youth team was crushing my 1st team! I was tempted to just play the youth team for the upcoming European Super Cup rather than my lacklustre 1st team.
Gave them a lashing at half time "I expect a better performance after halftime!!!!!!". And my 1st team began to play. the match ended 6-6, and it went to Extra time. 1st time the match ever got to ET. the 1st team got their act together n put in 2 more to make is 8-6 final, but what a embarrassment it would have been if the U20s actually won! It would have been a demoraliser, which does actually impacts the game....
Oh well. Success can be double-edged, no? (I should give my Assistant Manager a raise for his brilliant effort... hmm)
Haha.... all this over a game.
Remember Football Manager 2006? Having not played it for months, I went back for an hour today to take a peek at the 'empire' that I created haha.
Well I've always been priding myself on building up a team from youth, so my game plan has always been to scout and pry the top youngsters from around the world to train in my world-class academy. And yeah it has been a very successful program feeding my 1st team, which has been all conquering in recent seasons.
In my 10th season already, and normally, as a habit I would play the AC Milan full team vs the AC Milan Under 20s, as a pre-season warm up for both teams. And also as a morale booster for the first team b4 the season kicks off, since I would expect the European champions to crush the U20s anyday, no? (yes i know... this is just a database game... but I tend to personalise the characters in my game..... 10 seasons! )
So the 1st team has been crushing the U20s for years... until this year. 2016. Half time score.... Milan 1 - U20s 5. big fat sigh. My youth team was crushing my 1st team! I was tempted to just play the youth team for the upcoming European Super Cup rather than my lacklustre 1st team.
Gave them a lashing at half time "I expect a better performance after halftime!!!!!!". And my 1st team began to play. the match ended 6-6, and it went to Extra time. 1st time the match ever got to ET. the 1st team got their act together n put in 2 more to make is 8-6 final, but what a embarrassment it would have been if the U20s actually won! It would have been a demoraliser, which does actually impacts the game....
Oh well. Success can be double-edged, no? (I should give my Assistant Manager a raise for his brilliant effort... hmm)
Haha.... all this over a game.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Driving Tips
There are some things which I feel rather strongly for and thats the good thing about having a blog to rant about it. Today's topic: Driving tips.
Since I've been sitting shotgun for quite a few rides recently, I've had the pleasure of 'noticing' how other people drive. While most people believe they are above average drivers, the fact is, that can't be true! Anyways, heres some tips which I hope can help my fellow drivers.
1. A good road driver is one who drives smoothly, and driving is a carefree motion.
Think about it. A smooth ride is much more enjoyable than a rushed, jerky ride (unless rush for time, then the cause of the problem is something else) Many times I have seen drivers who see the red light in front by about 200m, and still continue to accelerate till 50m to the red. That, my friends, is bad driving. Unnecessary acceleration wastes petrol, for no real gain in work done. You just managed to reach the red light quicker.
Similarly, some people enjoy tailgating. Maybe they like to scare the drivers in front. Ok. But more often than not, the passengers in the car would be more afraid. People are more afraid of things out of their control, so while it may feel alright to the driver, it may not to the passenger. Tailgating = lots of braking and accelerating. you are just wasting expensive fuel, and adding on the global warming, again for no gain bar a minor ego boost (which no one really cares)
2. Learn the macro, but master the micro.
Macro is pretty much the route map to take. Knowing the route, the quickest, smoothest, least traffic, least lights, etc. These are not mutually exclusive. Many times, the shortest distance is the most packed. It's always better to go on main roads as the traffic lights are in your favour. Some times it's a game of percentages, other times it's luck. And after driving the same route often, you will realise which lights are in sync. Usually it is timed to the main roads.
Learning the macro comes with experience, especially knowing all the short cuts to somewhere else.
But more importantly, master the micro. Defined as the near space within the car. ie front back left right. Know the environment. It will help so much to attain smoothness of driving which is tip 1. Know the car lengths and widths well. If in doubt, ask your passenger to get down and check for you (esp when doing blind reverses, or areas where you can't see) Put your pride aside. Learn how to park properly, within 1 adjustment. As a passenger, one is able to tell within 5 mins of a ride whether the driver is a good driver or not. If you enjoy the ride, he/she is pretty much a good driver.
Don't forget, you aren't the only person in the car. You are also responsible for their safety, so do not take unnecessary risks, esp when driving others around. There was once I drove quickly into a rather narrow section as a truck was taking up part of my lane. To me its quite routine because I know the car's width quite well, but it shocked the hell out of the gf. haha. It kinda frightened her, so I guess it could be nasty if I drove some old fogeys around. So yeah.
3. Overtaking. The key is anticipation.
Overtaking is something we all do often, but somehow not quite good enough. Everyone, including me, can improve much more on this area. But the 1 tip I would encourage people is to ..... Focus on the front, and not so much on the side.
Remember, you are travelling FORWARD. even if you wish to cut right, the main motion is FORWARD. the immediate space in front of you (most likely within metres to another car, you impatient fella), harbours the most danger. Only when you can safely presume the front car wouldn't do a e-brake, then you can start focusing on the left/right.
So many times have I noticed drivers looking left/right once they catch up with a car and wants to overtake, or just to switch lanes. And when the front car brakes slightly, the brake lights lit up so brightly in front, and now you are the one doing a e-brake, even more so than the car in front. This happens to me too, and I'm still trying to correct it somewhat.
The key is anticipation. Know your micro-environment. I personally view the mirrors every 5-10s, depending on mood. haha. But it gives you a clear picture of whether any cars are zooming into the lanes on the side, or any bikes coming along. So in the case you need to make a quick lane switch, it is done with absolute smoothness. Signal, check blind spot, and bear left/right. (Note: don't bear too drastically, as if you were turning! Its jerky and uncomfortable, though it could be fun for you....) As long as you keep track of the micro-environment, lane switching is really an easy matter.
Like a racer, you should always be more concerned with the car in front, than the car to your side. Always remember that. In any case, if you veer right, the car on the right can horn at you, but the car in front can't! you're always worse off being the rear car in accidents.
Find a gap while you are cruising. when the gap comes, signal, move into the lane slightly 1st, blind spot, and go. shouldnt take more than 3 seconds. If you master the micro, you can do 3 lane changes in say 400m , easily. Remember smoothness is key.
4. While smoothness is key, be alert when the need arises.
When it's time to be kancheong, or more alert, sit up. Especially rainy days, or red light cameras. Decide on a path and go ahead. Think about it, a summon sometimes is a much cheaper price to pay than an accident. In any case, I would recommend always having a CD of songs that really get your heart pumping, just to wake u up sometimes during a long/boring drive. AC/DC usually works for me, but to each his own.
Remember too, always always take note of bikers and m-cyclists. It's very dangerous for them, and don't make it even more so with reckless driving.
Haha. Obviously I did feel quite strongly about the driving thing. Do you think my recommendations are valid?
Aside: more ERPs! 85% of motorists will have smoother rides. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Does that mean that 85% of all my drives will be supposedly smoother, or does the 15% just belong to those who drive from 1am-6am? I'm rather wary of these so-called projections. Maybe these jams will make people more inclined to ride motorcycles/bikes, which traditionally have higher %s of incidents compared to 4-wheels. This is not a desirable effect. Maybe I will think of alternative solutions and post them at a later time.
Since I've been sitting shotgun for quite a few rides recently, I've had the pleasure of 'noticing' how other people drive. While most people believe they are above average drivers, the fact is, that can't be true! Anyways, heres some tips which I hope can help my fellow drivers.
1. A good road driver is one who drives smoothly, and driving is a carefree motion.
Think about it. A smooth ride is much more enjoyable than a rushed, jerky ride (unless rush for time, then the cause of the problem is something else) Many times I have seen drivers who see the red light in front by about 200m, and still continue to accelerate till 50m to the red. That, my friends, is bad driving. Unnecessary acceleration wastes petrol, for no real gain in work done. You just managed to reach the red light quicker.
Similarly, some people enjoy tailgating. Maybe they like to scare the drivers in front. Ok. But more often than not, the passengers in the car would be more afraid. People are more afraid of things out of their control, so while it may feel alright to the driver, it may not to the passenger. Tailgating = lots of braking and accelerating. you are just wasting expensive fuel, and adding on the global warming, again for no gain bar a minor ego boost (which no one really cares)
2. Learn the macro, but master the micro.
Macro is pretty much the route map to take. Knowing the route, the quickest, smoothest, least traffic, least lights, etc. These are not mutually exclusive. Many times, the shortest distance is the most packed. It's always better to go on main roads as the traffic lights are in your favour. Some times it's a game of percentages, other times it's luck. And after driving the same route often, you will realise which lights are in sync. Usually it is timed to the main roads.
Learning the macro comes with experience, especially knowing all the short cuts to somewhere else.
But more importantly, master the micro. Defined as the near space within the car. ie front back left right. Know the environment. It will help so much to attain smoothness of driving which is tip 1. Know the car lengths and widths well. If in doubt, ask your passenger to get down and check for you (esp when doing blind reverses, or areas where you can't see) Put your pride aside. Learn how to park properly, within 1 adjustment. As a passenger, one is able to tell within 5 mins of a ride whether the driver is a good driver or not. If you enjoy the ride, he/she is pretty much a good driver.
Don't forget, you aren't the only person in the car. You are also responsible for their safety, so do not take unnecessary risks, esp when driving others around. There was once I drove quickly into a rather narrow section as a truck was taking up part of my lane. To me its quite routine because I know the car's width quite well, but it shocked the hell out of the gf. haha. It kinda frightened her, so I guess it could be nasty if I drove some old fogeys around. So yeah.
3. Overtaking. The key is anticipation.
Overtaking is something we all do often, but somehow not quite good enough. Everyone, including me, can improve much more on this area. But the 1 tip I would encourage people is to ..... Focus on the front, and not so much on the side.
Remember, you are travelling FORWARD. even if you wish to cut right, the main motion is FORWARD. the immediate space in front of you (most likely within metres to another car, you impatient fella), harbours the most danger. Only when you can safely presume the front car wouldn't do a e-brake, then you can start focusing on the left/right.
So many times have I noticed drivers looking left/right once they catch up with a car and wants to overtake, or just to switch lanes. And when the front car brakes slightly, the brake lights lit up so brightly in front, and now you are the one doing a e-brake, even more so than the car in front. This happens to me too, and I'm still trying to correct it somewhat.
The key is anticipation. Know your micro-environment. I personally view the mirrors every 5-10s, depending on mood. haha. But it gives you a clear picture of whether any cars are zooming into the lanes on the side, or any bikes coming along. So in the case you need to make a quick lane switch, it is done with absolute smoothness. Signal, check blind spot, and bear left/right. (Note: don't bear too drastically, as if you were turning! Its jerky and uncomfortable, though it could be fun for you....) As long as you keep track of the micro-environment, lane switching is really an easy matter.
Like a racer, you should always be more concerned with the car in front, than the car to your side. Always remember that. In any case, if you veer right, the car on the right can horn at you, but the car in front can't! you're always worse off being the rear car in accidents.
Find a gap while you are cruising. when the gap comes, signal, move into the lane slightly 1st, blind spot, and go. shouldnt take more than 3 seconds. If you master the micro, you can do 3 lane changes in say 400m , easily. Remember smoothness is key.
4. While smoothness is key, be alert when the need arises.
When it's time to be kancheong, or more alert, sit up. Especially rainy days, or red light cameras. Decide on a path and go ahead. Think about it, a summon sometimes is a much cheaper price to pay than an accident. In any case, I would recommend always having a CD of songs that really get your heart pumping, just to wake u up sometimes during a long/boring drive. AC/DC usually works for me, but to each his own.
Remember too, always always take note of bikers and m-cyclists. It's very dangerous for them, and don't make it even more so with reckless driving.
Haha. Obviously I did feel quite strongly about the driving thing. Do you think my recommendations are valid?
Aside: more ERPs! 85% of motorists will have smoother rides. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Does that mean that 85% of all my drives will be supposedly smoother, or does the 15% just belong to those who drive from 1am-6am? I'm rather wary of these so-called projections. Maybe these jams will make people more inclined to ride motorcycles/bikes, which traditionally have higher %s of incidents compared to 4-wheels. This is not a desirable effect. Maybe I will think of alternative solutions and post them at a later time.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Red January
I seldom post things about the financial markets, but I guess this would be an exception.
When the Fed Bank of USA cuts by 75 basis points (during a non pre-determined meeting), it is not a recovery signal. It is not a bail out. It is an indication that "Ok, we're in recession, we admit it, and hopefully this cut can help tide this period over."
Not.
Dow responds with -400 opening. It has been a very red January, esp for those who are still vested. That includes me, who is staring at huge losses. Blue chips though, so I guess I will just hold on to them. However, I would strongly suggest others to consider taking losses for now. Even I'm seriously considering taking losses. Hmm.
When the Fed Bank of USA cuts by 75 basis points (during a non pre-determined meeting), it is not a recovery signal. It is not a bail out. It is an indication that "Ok, we're in recession, we admit it, and hopefully this cut can help tide this period over."
Not.
Dow responds with -400 opening. It has been a very red January, esp for those who are still vested. That includes me, who is staring at huge losses. Blue chips though, so I guess I will just hold on to them. However, I would strongly suggest others to consider taking losses for now. Even I'm seriously considering taking losses. Hmm.
back in black.
Um. Don't know why I put up that title, but was just inspired by Fed's night all-black attire. Anyway, realised that I ain't gonna be updating much on the Aussie Open, but in any case, it's week 2 and the competition really comes alives. The survivors remain. I think almost all the top players have been tested very strongly thus far, maybe bar Nadal, so it should put him in good stead for the final =)
Hmm. oh yes ziggy. The loving couple won.... sigh. I mean, good for them, but I really wished gramp's team would be 1st. Actually I missed the final ep! haha. But I'm sure I will be able to catch the replay this weekend... totally forgot about it!
On another note, why does the ECE office have to make life so difficult for me. Obviously, when students go in to look for the admin officers, we are in some problem ourselves and we would request for some help from the dept. There's no way we would make their life easier, because we simply only add problems. Anyway the way they scowled at every student's request makes me wonder what some of their job scope was in the first place. Maybe they don't want to do any work at all. hmm shrugs. This is quite the opposite when 1 year ago I went to the office quite often to sort out my SEP stuff and they were overwhelmingly helpful! And I've always thought that the ECE office is one of the best admin offices in NUS ... until today. Maybe it's just a bad day. But tomorrow... I've gotta walk through fire again. Wish me luck. hurhur.
On the last random note (this post has been so random), it's really time to think about my grad trip plans. So far it seems like its Taiwan in end-May and Japan in July, but that leaves my June pretty much freed up. Honestly, I think the real problem is the lack of a travelling partner(s). Sighhhh. Better plan it up soon..... term's gonna get busy real soon....
Hmm. oh yes ziggy. The loving couple won.... sigh. I mean, good for them, but I really wished gramp's team would be 1st. Actually I missed the final ep! haha. But I'm sure I will be able to catch the replay this weekend... totally forgot about it!
On another note, why does the ECE office have to make life so difficult for me. Obviously, when students go in to look for the admin officers, we are in some problem ourselves and we would request for some help from the dept. There's no way we would make their life easier, because we simply only add problems. Anyway the way they scowled at every student's request makes me wonder what some of their job scope was in the first place. Maybe they don't want to do any work at all. hmm shrugs. This is quite the opposite when 1 year ago I went to the office quite often to sort out my SEP stuff and they were overwhelmingly helpful! And I've always thought that the ECE office is one of the best admin offices in NUS ... until today. Maybe it's just a bad day. But tomorrow... I've gotta walk through fire again. Wish me luck. hurhur.
On the last random note (this post has been so random), it's really time to think about my grad trip plans. So far it seems like its Taiwan in end-May and Japan in July, but that leaves my June pretty much freed up. Honestly, I think the real problem is the lack of a travelling partner(s). Sighhhh. Better plan it up soon..... term's gonna get busy real soon....
Monday, January 14, 2008
Aussie Open - Day 1
All you really need to know:
1. Jelena Jankovic fought a SUPERB comeback, to play a super long final set (2hrs?). Kudos to her and her opponent. What a match!
2. Andy Murray, star of the future, touted UK's no. 1. I mean, he IS the UK no. 1, dumped out on the first day.
1. Jelena Jankovic fought a SUPERB comeback, to play a super long final set (2hrs?). Kudos to her and her opponent. What a match!
2. Andy Murray, star of the future, touted UK's no. 1. I mean, he IS the UK no. 1, dumped out on the first day.
Amazing Race finale .....
The Amazing Race will have its finale next week, and boy, will I be supporting the Grandpa and the Kid. Nicolas and David I think .... I think its superbly inspiring to see a 68yr old gramps huffing and puffing along with his grandson. and they are in the final 3 of the comp! Vamos Gramps!!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
weird...
my body's telling me something, but I still haven't figured out what it's trying to tell me. And neither have my GP and loved ones.
it's rather worrying.... sigh.
(sorry don't want to reveal details here ...)
it's rather worrying.... sigh.
(sorry don't want to reveal details here ...)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
computers .. computers...
Ah well. since I'm so free these days, decided to tweak the computers in my house. as it stands, there are 3 desktops (1 spoilt), and 3 laptops. Out of which ALL are ancient dinosaurs (and snails), except for my mum's laptop, which ironically is under-utilised by my sister.
So by some weird twist of fate, the person who doesn't use computers much (and properly I must add ... haha) gets the fastest chip in the house. Oh well.
Happy new year everyone! =)
So by some weird twist of fate, the person who doesn't use computers much (and properly I must add ... haha) gets the fastest chip in the house. Oh well.
Happy new year everyone! =)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
1 sem remaining...
Since Sem 1 '04, to borrow some financial trading terms, my CAP has been on a bear run since. Well, mostly because I had quite an extraordinary 1st sem results but rather mediocre ones later on. So I was quite pleasantly surprised to see my CAP rise for once. Dead cat bounce? We shall see.
Still, was a little disappointed to get a B+ for my HR, as I thought it was very possible to get a A- at least. Oh well. Can't complain too much I guess.
1 more sem to go. Focus on FYP!
Happy Holidays everyone =)
Still, was a little disappointed to get a B+ for my HR, as I thought it was very possible to get a A- at least. Oh well. Can't complain too much I guess.
1 more sem to go. Focus on FYP!
Happy Holidays everyone =)
Monday, December 24, 2007
All I want for Christmas ....
... is to get rid of this damn annoying headache. Argh. Really hurts. Sucky.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
2007 Han-ee awards
haha what a name. Han-ee. Inspired by the Office's Dundees, well I've decided to acknowledge the more memorable events in 2007. Well by that I don't mean personal experiences like some anniversary, but rather, like best movie, best match etc. or worst. It would be quite cool to look back years later and see how my tastes have changed. heh.
And even though 2007 ain't over, I think I've had about enough material to start giving out the awards. And even if some of the things listed were not made in 2007, but if I experienced it during 2007, then it counts. haha. Give chance lah.
OK! To the inaugural Han-ee awards (note to self: need a new name)
Entertainment
Best Movie: Well, I watched a lot this year so it's really the toughest choice for me. Sentimental fav is Transformers. Other notable ones include Cashback, American Beauty (old movie), Zodiac
Worst Movie: Chronicles of Narnia (old movie). It's really just a C-grade LOTR. And a talking lion, I don't quite get it. haha.
Best TV series: I must say, Sopranos rocked my socks off! A pity they ended, (but what an ending! great! ), so that's the end of the legendary series. The first few seasons may seem somewhat dull compared to today's TV, but the right comparison should be made by the era of TV then, late 90s. I think it must have been quite the ace in the 90s. Nevertheless, who never liked mafia show heh.
Memorable mention: I'm currently hooked onto The Office (US). Brilliantly funny, and I think Dwight Shrute outshines Steve Carrell in the show heh. And I don't know why but the simple love story between Jim and Pam is so touching! heh imagine that in a comedy.
Worst series: not really, I'm quite selective of what I watch. Maybe Pirate Master hah!
Best Musical: Mamma Mia!
Best concert: (only attended 1...) Muse @ Wembley
Best album: Surprisingly, not a rock album, but a jazz compilation known as Jazz Manouche volume 2.Irresistable!
Worst Album: I seem to recall deleting the new Bon Jovi album as soon as I got it.
Best song: Toughie.... hmmm....... this hasn't been the best year for breakout songs, no?
Irrannoying song: It's a decent song, but hearing Snow Patrol's you-know-what song 3 times per hour on UK radio is enough to make my blood boil haha
Worst TV moment: The writer's strike. Sigh. no more Office for now....
Sports
Best Soccer match: AC Milan vs Liverpool, CL Final. suck it up. Actually the Milan - Man utd one could have won this category. but then again. Lpool. hmm.
Best Tennis match(es): 3 come to mind. 1st, Federer owning Roddick Aus Open SF. Total domination, and AR was hot coming into the match. masterclass.
2nd) Federer vs Nadal, wimbledon final. what a 5 setter!!!! fantastico nadal.... vamos next year !
3rd) Nalbandian vs Nadal some final in October. It's hard to play Nalbandian in that form
Best F1 race: Can't recall the venue, but the one that was pouring nonstop, and had for a moment the world's costliest parking lot when 4-5 F1 cars slid off the SAME corner on the SAME lap and pretty much collected themselves together
Best Crash: Kubica @ Montreal. evidently, F1 cars are really really safe.
Best karting race: Of course, the championship clinching run by Team Apex at the Caltex National Karting Challenge. (No one believes me when I say I'm a national champion hahahaha)
Lifestyle
Best Meals: Back to Basics (London), Hokkien Mee @ ChompChomp, Punggol Nasi Lemak@ Upp Serangoon Rd
Best trip: Tie between Budapest and Greece. Love central-eastern europe! Actually Norway was also kinda memorable, for different reasons hah!
Best car ride: Greek island driving loh...haha
Best hostel: Greek islands, cheap n wonderful
Worst airport experience: Heathrow and the stupid curfew
Best plane experience: Forgot when, but it was when a delay allowed us to go into the cockpit and see for the 1st time what it is really like in it. And its much smaller than you think. and Smarter.
Best Game: Hold'em.
Best Website: footytube.com, and rapidshare.com heh
Best blog award: http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/
Education
Best Book: Mostly read non-fiction this year. Hmm. Haykin's Neural Networks.... NOT hahaha. perhaps WetFeet
Best Documentary (yes.. educational ...): NGC's The Seven Ages of Rock. I wished I had seen this earlier, by 5 years.
Best course: Roman Empire (IC)
Best lecturer: My HR2002 tutor, Mrs Ma
Worst course: BY FAR, Microwave Technology (IC), scoring a world class 46.8%. I wondered how I passed.
Best exam: let's wait and see.
Best FYP moment: let's wait and see about this too.
Best project moment: Seeing my own brain waves on the screen ... 3 days before the presentation day!
OK! I think that's about it. Anything else you would want to know? =)
And even though 2007 ain't over, I think I've had about enough material to start giving out the awards. And even if some of the things listed were not made in 2007, but if I experienced it during 2007, then it counts. haha. Give chance lah.
OK! To the inaugural Han-ee awards (note to self: need a new name)
Entertainment
Best Movie: Well, I watched a lot this year so it's really the toughest choice for me. Sentimental fav is Transformers. Other notable ones include Cashback, American Beauty (old movie), Zodiac
Worst Movie: Chronicles of Narnia (old movie). It's really just a C-grade LOTR. And a talking lion, I don't quite get it. haha.
Best TV series: I must say, Sopranos rocked my socks off! A pity they ended, (but what an ending! great! ), so that's the end of the legendary series. The first few seasons may seem somewhat dull compared to today's TV, but the right comparison should be made by the era of TV then, late 90s. I think it must have been quite the ace in the 90s. Nevertheless, who never liked mafia show heh.
Memorable mention: I'm currently hooked onto The Office (US). Brilliantly funny, and I think Dwight Shrute outshines Steve Carrell in the show heh. And I don't know why but the simple love story between Jim and Pam is so touching! heh imagine that in a comedy.
Worst series: not really, I'm quite selective of what I watch. Maybe Pirate Master hah!
Best Musical: Mamma Mia!
Best concert: (only attended 1...) Muse @ Wembley
Best album: Surprisingly, not a rock album, but a jazz compilation known as Jazz Manouche volume 2.Irresistable!
Worst Album: I seem to recall deleting the new Bon Jovi album as soon as I got it.
Best song: Toughie.... hmmm....... this hasn't been the best year for breakout songs, no?
Irrannoying song: It's a decent song, but hearing Snow Patrol's you-know-what song 3 times per hour on UK radio is enough to make my blood boil haha
Worst TV moment: The writer's strike. Sigh. no more Office for now....
Sports
Best Soccer match: AC Milan vs Liverpool, CL Final. suck it up. Actually the Milan - Man utd one could have won this category. but then again. Lpool. hmm.
Best Tennis match(es): 3 come to mind. 1st, Federer owning Roddick Aus Open SF. Total domination, and AR was hot coming into the match. masterclass.
2nd) Federer vs Nadal, wimbledon final. what a 5 setter!!!! fantastico nadal.... vamos next year !
3rd) Nalbandian vs Nadal some final in October. It's hard to play Nalbandian in that form
Best F1 race: Can't recall the venue, but the one that was pouring nonstop, and had for a moment the world's costliest parking lot when 4-5 F1 cars slid off the SAME corner on the SAME lap and pretty much collected themselves together
Best Crash: Kubica @ Montreal. evidently, F1 cars are really really safe.
Best karting race: Of course, the championship clinching run by Team Apex at the Caltex National Karting Challenge. (No one believes me when I say I'm a national champion hahahaha)
Lifestyle
Best Meals: Back to Basics (London), Hokkien Mee @ ChompChomp, Punggol Nasi Lemak@ Upp Serangoon Rd
Best trip: Tie between Budapest and Greece. Love central-eastern europe! Actually Norway was also kinda memorable, for different reasons hah!
Best car ride: Greek island driving loh...haha
Best hostel: Greek islands, cheap n wonderful
Worst airport experience: Heathrow and the stupid curfew
Best plane experience: Forgot when, but it was when a delay allowed us to go into the cockpit and see for the 1st time what it is really like in it. And its much smaller than you think. and Smarter.
Best Game: Hold'em.
Best Website: footytube.com, and rapidshare.com heh
Best blog award: http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/
Education
Best Book: Mostly read non-fiction this year. Hmm. Haykin's Neural Networks.... NOT hahaha. perhaps WetFeet
Best Documentary (yes.. educational ...): NGC's The Seven Ages of Rock. I wished I had seen this earlier, by 5 years.
Best course: Roman Empire (IC)
Best lecturer: My HR2002 tutor, Mrs Ma
Worst course: BY FAR, Microwave Technology (IC), scoring a world class 46.8%. I wondered how I passed.
Best exam: let's wait and see.
Best FYP moment: let's wait and see about this too.
Best project moment: Seeing my own brain waves on the screen ... 3 days before the presentation day!
OK! I think that's about it. Anything else you would want to know? =)
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
the feeling of argh.
A little rant here.
1st day post exams, and day 2 of my 'exercise' regime heh. Anyways played tennis for the 1st time in weeks, with EJ. I mean, he was a former KR captain so it was obvious who got spanked. Anyway we booked the court till 7pm... and about 630 a group of older ladies came by the court and asked if we were students. This was in TC2, and beside us happen to have a group of staff professors playing their regular tennis. all fine and dandy, except that I didn't bother to print the booking sheet as I never did, and no one ever checked. Even security only check our matric cards.
Anyway this particular male prof, came up to us and said that there was NO WAY we could have booked it, as they block booked the courts every tuesday and friday at those times. They had the sheet to prove it. But the funny thing is, I also managed to book it yesterday! Maybe there was a glitch in the system. and because I had no booking sheet, he was adamant that we didn't book and we had to leave the court immediately. While he does have a point, I was just really put off by his arrogance stance, and demeaning tone. As if a pri sch teacher to a child. I mean, so what, I know you're a prof but you don't have to show your 'power' over me. Argh. By the way, I would not divulge his name, but he did teach a common engineering year 1 module, and is always seen regularly around the tennis courts.
Ask nicely la. We know we no proof we also will go. Stop showing attitude....
In the end, I went back to check and I did manage to book it from 6-7pm. Not blaming the profs for this as I honestly think its a system glitch as they always block book those courts.
But dammit stop your arrogance.
1st day post exams, and day 2 of my 'exercise' regime heh. Anyways played tennis for the 1st time in weeks, with EJ. I mean, he was a former KR captain so it was obvious who got spanked. Anyway we booked the court till 7pm... and about 630 a group of older ladies came by the court and asked if we were students. This was in TC2, and beside us happen to have a group of staff professors playing their regular tennis. all fine and dandy, except that I didn't bother to print the booking sheet as I never did, and no one ever checked. Even security only check our matric cards.
Anyway this particular male prof, came up to us and said that there was NO WAY we could have booked it, as they block booked the courts every tuesday and friday at those times. They had the sheet to prove it. But the funny thing is, I also managed to book it yesterday! Maybe there was a glitch in the system. and because I had no booking sheet, he was adamant that we didn't book and we had to leave the court immediately. While he does have a point, I was just really put off by his arrogance stance, and demeaning tone. As if a pri sch teacher to a child. I mean, so what, I know you're a prof but you don't have to show your 'power' over me. Argh. By the way, I would not divulge his name, but he did teach a common engineering year 1 module, and is always seen regularly around the tennis courts.
Ask nicely la. We know we no proof we also will go. Stop showing attitude....
In the end, I went back to check and I did manage to book it from 6-7pm. Not blaming the profs for this as I honestly think its a system glitch as they always block book those courts.
But dammit stop your arrogance.
Monday, December 03, 2007
the blog is dead .... NOT!
Ok. My last post was in Oct. That's pretty bad. hurhur.
Anyway exams are done, so its just left wqith FYP CA2 on 19th Dec. and then soon xmas ! and then new year! and then... school restarts. bummer. Can't wait to start work.
FYP I think for CA should be fine. Will be running the main bulk of simulations over the next 10 days or so, before finishing up the CA2 report. Sounds quite reasonable to me, but of course gotta put in effort. Still. tennis first tomorrow. hahaha.
Don't know why but I just thought of this today
"The smartest people around, are not the ones with the highest CAP, but the ones who know where their own priorities lie."
Ok this may sound like BS to some, but it's rather meaningful to me anyway haha.
And of course. Happy anniversary to you dear =)
And many more to come .... !
Monday, October 22, 2007
What a finish!
The F1 season is finally over! And what a great finale it was. Stayed up late in the wee hours to watch the Brazilian GP ... Hamilton went into the race with 4 pts over Alonso and 7 over Raikonnen. It was his race to lose.
Remember Shanghai? When he parked his car in the world's most expensive parking lot ie the pit lane gravel pit?!?! What was he thinking of? A decent finish and the title was his. But that moment of sillyness, losing his head when he could have slowed down more going into the pits, showed a weakness mentally. Can he handle the pressure.
Going into Brazil, I was telling some friends that I expect Alonso to finish strongly in the top three. That's because he has a really cool and mature head on his shoulders, winning 2 championships already. Hamilton will be too eager, and it will be interesting to see if he crumbles under pressure. Raikonnen... 7 pts behind, nah no choice unless the Mclaren blows up. Thus I think Alonso would win, even though I was rooting for Hamilton.
Guess what. He did lose his head once again. Start of race was frantic, Raikonnen got up to 2nd, Hamilton got caught behind a little and let Alonso past. 2-3-4. finish in that order and we have the world's 1st ever rookie F1 champion. but NOOOOO. Turn 4 and you know he wasn't thinking properly again. He's a racer no doubt, wanting to win the title with a victory, but it was barely 1% of the entire race and he didn't need to go on the outside of turn 4. Not very likely. I would say give any driver the chance to finish 4th and win the title and they will snap it up. Perhaps some youthful exuberance from Hamilton? In any case, he ended up 7th I think in the 1st lap.
Of course the electronics problem later didn't help and when he got to the back of the field I knew the title was lost. A brilliant attempt to get into the points got him into 7th , but he was hoping for a miracle (ie a crash from the front runners) to get any chance to win. Ferrari 1-2, so obviously Raikonnen would get no. 1 . Alonso would finish a strong 3, but 1 point short of the title... Raikonnen world champion! Wow. I think the crowd was quite stunned. in the end, the top 3 drivers were separated by 1 point only! Very very close.
In any case, we can judge the drivers by comparing them to their teammates. Hamilton has had a wonderfully successful season and should take heart from his rookie year. Same points as previous world champion is a remarkable achievement. Alonso won't stay in Mclaren, I don't see that happening. Racing is rather pro british if you look at all the key players. he's probably better off joining a non-british team.
Anyway well done to them. a juicy season indeed .... =) next year! (n the night race !!!)
Remember Shanghai? When he parked his car in the world's most expensive parking lot ie the pit lane gravel pit?!?! What was he thinking of? A decent finish and the title was his. But that moment of sillyness, losing his head when he could have slowed down more going into the pits, showed a weakness mentally. Can he handle the pressure.
Going into Brazil, I was telling some friends that I expect Alonso to finish strongly in the top three. That's because he has a really cool and mature head on his shoulders, winning 2 championships already. Hamilton will be too eager, and it will be interesting to see if he crumbles under pressure. Raikonnen... 7 pts behind, nah no choice unless the Mclaren blows up. Thus I think Alonso would win, even though I was rooting for Hamilton.
Guess what. He did lose his head once again. Start of race was frantic, Raikonnen got up to 2nd, Hamilton got caught behind a little and let Alonso past. 2-3-4. finish in that order and we have the world's 1st ever rookie F1 champion. but NOOOOO. Turn 4 and you know he wasn't thinking properly again. He's a racer no doubt, wanting to win the title with a victory, but it was barely 1% of the entire race and he didn't need to go on the outside of turn 4. Not very likely. I would say give any driver the chance to finish 4th and win the title and they will snap it up. Perhaps some youthful exuberance from Hamilton? In any case, he ended up 7th I think in the 1st lap.
Of course the electronics problem later didn't help and when he got to the back of the field I knew the title was lost. A brilliant attempt to get into the points got him into 7th , but he was hoping for a miracle (ie a crash from the front runners) to get any chance to win. Ferrari 1-2, so obviously Raikonnen would get no. 1 . Alonso would finish a strong 3, but 1 point short of the title... Raikonnen world champion! Wow. I think the crowd was quite stunned. in the end, the top 3 drivers were separated by 1 point only! Very very close.
In any case, we can judge the drivers by comparing them to their teammates. Hamilton has had a wonderfully successful season and should take heart from his rookie year. Same points as previous world champion is a remarkable achievement. Alonso won't stay in Mclaren, I don't see that happening. Racing is rather pro british if you look at all the key players. he's probably better off joining a non-british team.
Anyway well done to them. a juicy season indeed .... =) next year! (n the night race !!!)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Today's Stock Market lesson.....
... be very, very careful on intraday trading.
Ok. I'm no stock expert, even though I'm holding some counters. I've never tried intra-day trading before, but was tempted to try once, since the returns seem so good for the short time involved.
Uni-asia has been performing hot for the past 2 weeks. It IPO-ed under 60 cents and it opened today at 2.6-ish. Since mid August only! It was rather weird. Obviously there was some speculation going on. So now, do I ride the wave, or just stay back. I know nothing much about Uniasia besides they have some insurance services. That's all I know. I may even be wrong!
This is exactly how speculators do. Ignore the fundamentals, just gamble.
And so I did. Bought 2 lots at 2.6. (abt 10am)
Within the next 30 mins, it went down 2.55. I was sian diao. I really ignored my strategy, fundamentals, research everything out of the window because of this greed. Should I sell? Wouldn't that be so stupid. 2.55. hmm. I don't feel so good. Stupid decision? What was I thinking! It's such a ridiculous idea at this point to even buy it!
Went for lunch and back. Did some calculations, told myself. ok sell at 2.65 if it ever goes there. can cover transaction costs. hope and cross fingers.
1pm, started watching webcast. Saw that the counter was rising. hmm quickly put in my selling bid. I didn't want to have heart attack playing this speculation. It wasn't very fun ... too exciting for me even though not a lot was at stake (pple were buying 100 lots at a go). queued in at 2.66, and within seconds it sold. ok not too bad. made $70 in 3 hrs. Take profits, watch webcasts.
2 hrs later, 3pm. Saw that it had went up to 2.77. Damn! Why couldn't I be more patient. What was I thinking of? Where's my guts?! Hello .... this is trading. can I be more risky. :S
Or... maybe I should short? Since this was totally a rubbish price based on spec. Aiyah. stay off it la. Not worth the heartache....
Went to do some other stuff, TV, newspaper. came back at 4:30. Took a glance. Blinked, and blinked again. What's going on??? from a +10% it was now -26% ! Price = 1.88!
Frantic sell queues, trades made by the second. Volume up and up, prices down and up, fluctuating in the region of 1.9. What can I say? I must have been really lucky. Teresa was just telling me to be happy with my gains (and buy her sth ... ... ... ) Bless her for her advice!
End of day, closed near $2 region.
Moral of story? Buying low selling high is a simple concept. buying low ain't hard, its often the selling high that's the problem. Want to take risks? Be prepared for roller coaster ride. You will enjoy magnificent gains, but also astounding losses. Game for it?
Uni-asia's intraday stock for 15/10/07.
Ok. I'm no stock expert, even though I'm holding some counters. I've never tried intra-day trading before, but was tempted to try once, since the returns seem so good for the short time involved.
Uni-asia has been performing hot for the past 2 weeks. It IPO-ed under 60 cents and it opened today at 2.6-ish. Since mid August only! It was rather weird. Obviously there was some speculation going on. So now, do I ride the wave, or just stay back. I know nothing much about Uniasia besides they have some insurance services. That's all I know. I may even be wrong!
This is exactly how speculators do. Ignore the fundamentals, just gamble.
And so I did. Bought 2 lots at 2.6. (abt 10am)
Within the next 30 mins, it went down 2.55. I was sian diao. I really ignored my strategy, fundamentals, research everything out of the window because of this greed. Should I sell? Wouldn't that be so stupid. 2.55. hmm. I don't feel so good. Stupid decision? What was I thinking! It's such a ridiculous idea at this point to even buy it!
Went for lunch and back. Did some calculations, told myself. ok sell at 2.65 if it ever goes there. can cover transaction costs. hope and cross fingers.
1pm, started watching webcast. Saw that the counter was rising. hmm quickly put in my selling bid. I didn't want to have heart attack playing this speculation. It wasn't very fun ... too exciting for me even though not a lot was at stake (pple were buying 100 lots at a go). queued in at 2.66, and within seconds it sold. ok not too bad. made $70 in 3 hrs. Take profits, watch webcasts.
2 hrs later, 3pm. Saw that it had went up to 2.77. Damn! Why couldn't I be more patient. What was I thinking of? Where's my guts?! Hello .... this is trading. can I be more risky. :S
Or... maybe I should short? Since this was totally a rubbish price based on spec. Aiyah. stay off it la. Not worth the heartache....
Went to do some other stuff, TV, newspaper. came back at 4:30. Took a glance. Blinked, and blinked again. What's going on??? from a +10% it was now -26% ! Price = 1.88!
Frantic sell queues, trades made by the second. Volume up and up, prices down and up, fluctuating in the region of 1.9. What can I say? I must have been really lucky. Teresa was just telling me to be happy with my gains (and buy her sth ... ... ... ) Bless her for her advice!
End of day, closed near $2 region.
Moral of story? Buying low selling high is a simple concept. buying low ain't hard, its often the selling high that's the problem. Want to take risks? Be prepared for roller coaster ride. You will enjoy magnificent gains, but also astounding losses. Game for it?
Uni-asia's intraday stock for 15/10/07.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Roman Tennis
Wow this vid creator is such a creative genius... he/she made 2 vids which combines 2 of my loves, the Roman Empire and Tennis! haha and obviously a fan of Rome the TV series as well...
So let's go back to 44 BC when Gaius Julius Caesar was dictator of Roman lands....
... where he was enchanted in Egypt by the Queen Cleopatra... but had to fend off his greatest nemesis in the clay of Paris (de Gaulle??? From another era leh. haha)
So let's go back to 44 BC when Gaius Julius Caesar was dictator of Roman lands....
... where he was enchanted in Egypt by the Queen Cleopatra... but had to fend off his greatest nemesis in the clay of Paris (de Gaulle??? From another era leh. haha)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Go Kart, go Fast!
ok I hope not too harp too much on the karting thing but it's just quite a momentous occasion la... hahaha oops. Anyways, AsiaOne carried our story here....!
Go fast, Go Kart! A total of 96 go-karters representing 15 nationalities from various walks of life competed in the finals of the Caltex National Karting Challenge 2007 held at East Coast Park on Sunday.
...APEX OF THEIR AGE-GROUP
AsiaOne chatted with the winners of Category B (19-25 years), Team Apex, which comprised of four young men who came together for this challenge only a month ago.
"It was great fun preparing for the competition. We met each other just a month ago. It has really helped us to get to know each other better," said 24-year-old Apex team-leader Melvin Teng.
To prepare for Sunday's race, the team made two trips to their Johor Bahru training base, where they spent a total of 40 minutes on a rain-swept track, prior to competing in Sunday's final.
The ace in the Apex pack according to his team mates, is Chen Zhonghan, who has five years of karting experience in places like the UK and the USA.
The 'Lewis Hamilton' fan humbly declined to be identified as the team's 'best racer', suggesting instead that all the team members had learned from, and helped each other in the process of racing together.
hahaha I still remember that interview it was rather funny. But yeah well the media as usual do their usual 'framing' of articles so it didn't exactly come out as expected, but its good enough lah, can't complain. Will update more here if I find more articles hehe.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
clean tech!
I honestly believe that clean tech will be one of the main driving forces of the next 'growth' technology. Well we shall see. Anyway here is a great invention, in my opinion, which could really go a long way in helping reduce wastage ...
Anyway, I'm not saying that karting is exactly a very environmental friendly sport ... haha! But it's fun nonetheless!
How 'disappearing ink' can cut waste paper
Scientists have unveiled a new kind of 'ink' that disappears from a page 24 hours after printing, allowing paper to be re-used
Mission Impossible-style self-destructing messages may soon cross from the realm of fiction into the wilds of the nine-to-five office, according to scientists who have developed printer ink that vanishes after 24 hours.
Read more here ...
Anyway, I'm not saying that karting is exactly a very environmental friendly sport ... haha! But it's fun nonetheless!
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