the end is near

it really is near when most ppl's msn nicks contain the word "end", "countdown", "can't wait"....

FYP is finally over, and just the little business of 2 reports due next friday and 2 papers starting in a fortnight's time.

Life's good =)

what's the difference...

.... between talking on the phone when driving, and putting on your makeup when driving???

I mean, I saw this OL using the liner and brusher for easily 5 mins, slowly applying her makeup through this morning's wet weather and heavy traffic.

Well, I'm not for banning putting on makeup but I just feel the ban on hp when driving could be unnecessary. I'm not sure if it does really cut down on accidents. So how about talking to your passenger with hands all over the place while driving? Should the ban be removed?

On the other hand, Singaporeans ain't that good at driving. Just compare to any European, American, or even Malaysians. Put us to shame.

But still ... lady, don't distract me from driving! hahaha.

Decisions...

we all have to face them. some have it easy, some have it tough. some ... we just don't get.

***************

A friend commented to me recently, said that with my grades and overseas SEP experience, it shouldn't be too hard for me to land a IB job, one that pays ~2k over what I'm offered right now. While I already knew of my options then, nevertheless, these words seem to run through my mind every now and then. Of course the work will be quite different, some say tougher, while others say it's easier. In any case, it did leave me with a decision. Should I pursue other options?

Anyway, my conclusion thus far is that I'll stick to what I have now. I think it has good prospects in any case, and it's a commitment to my earlier choice. Will I regret? Only time will tell. But for now, no.

***************

Another friend of mine, who went SEP to IC with me, is facing a tough decision. He landed an offer from DB recently, pays real well, and looks set and happy. Recently he waas offered a post grad position in MIT ! Wow, what a decision I would love to face. I'm happy for him honestly, and I suppose whatever choice he makes, it will be one he wouldn't regret. both options are really, really good. (I'll probably pick DB, but my penchant for research isn't half as strong as his heh.)

***************

On a cards board I played a couple of days ago. I held T3 and called the big blind. some guy in LP called too, the rest folded. Flop came 6 K T, rainbow. (i forgot the suits but a flush wasn't on the board.) So I raised the pot amount, and he called quickly. The turn was a T. I raised, and this time, he reraised! Strong play I must say.

So I wondered, with me having a set, did he actually have a set of KK, 66, or KT for the full house? Those were the hands I was afraid of. very playable hands in any case. I thought he may be bluffing, and in any case with a straight draw remotely possible, I reraised him again. He called, to my surprise. He must have something strong I thought.

River came the Q. Bad card for me. I checked. I thought if he made his straight he would raise for sure. He checked! He seemed afraid.... I was certain I won the pot at this point....

Until he flipped over AJ. Wow. that was a seriously weird play.

While I can't comment on his play pre-river, which on hindsight was unusual perhaps but still not a bad play considering he had outs, but his check on the river really threw me off. I mean, if you were waiting on the 1 card that you think can beat the other players, and when it came, you checked in the last position????? So weird.

So much for decisions. =)

PS I lost 300 in that pot.

EDIT (20/4/08): Re-reading this post, I realized I may have made an oversight. What could have happened was that even though he made his straight, my strong betting made him think I might have a FH with the board being paired. So, just in case I did have the FH, he would check on the river, for 2 reasons: He can win a showdown if I did not have a FH, and still win a substantial pot, and also , if I did have the FH, he would minimise losses in case I was check-raising him. So it might be a viable, conservative play. However, it still doesn't address the fact that knowing I might have a FH, he still went on to call my raise on the turn for his straight draw. In other words, he was just gambling on the turn and I got drawn out (in fact, he must have realised that he only had Q as his only out against me, or unless he thought I was bluffing. And he still called 2-to-1 on the turn). You gotta gamble, to win big.

Classy Milan

We all know Eduardo of Arsenal suffered a horrific career threatening injury over the weekend, but AC Milan was real classy about it and issued a get-well-soon wish via its official website.

Breaking news

COME ON EDUARDO!

2/23/2008

MILAN - Eduardo Da Silva has broken his left leg in the match against Birmingham today, as reported by the BBC. The Rossoneri's family wishes the Arsenal striker all the best and a quick return to playing.

Now, how many clubs in the world would do that. Some more they were Arsenal's next major opponent in the CL.... Another reason to love my Milan =)

my virgin (golf) experience

haha.

nothing much really... just went to the range with my cousin for about an hour or so, so that he can teach me some basics of golf. I realize its wayyy harder than it seems on TV. There's so much to take note of and really requires concentration. I guess it's like tennis, gotta keep practicing till the stroke becomes 2nd nature. Right now, 80% of my balls swerve right, implying something is still fundamentally wrong... hahaha!

Amazing Race Asia -- Budapest!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

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!!!

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 ...)

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! =)

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 =)

All I want for Christmas ....

... is to get rid of this damn annoying headache. Argh. Really hurts. Sucky.

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? =)

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.

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 .... !