It's GOOD FRIDAY!!

The sun is out and the weather looks good. But i think i will just stay at home and rejuvenate from a week of work. I have borrowed a few good books from the library and i guess i can spend my day happily reading them.

By the way, i would like to introduce to all a new search engine - REDNANO. It is started by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and will focus all the searches for Singapore. I think it is a good alternative to other search engines, especially like Google. With majority of internet searches done via Google, they have more or less control over the information. They can show us what they want and seriously, this isn't the best thing - we could have been "brainwashed" without knowing it.


But then, it is such a fast and easy search engine that i have personally grown to get use to. Probably i will try out Rednano for a while and see how it goes.

Met & Interviewed Kelly Chen on YES933 LIVE.. wOo HoO x 3!!!

Yes, I met Kelly Chen yesterday evening @ YES933's studio. It was a very cool experience; first time into YES933's studio, first time meeting Kelly Chen !!!

Stepping into the studio was like a dream came true... the place where all the familiar voices came from, I felt like i am home or something. Haha... ok lah, i better go to bed before my headache become worse. Will take about this experience very soon...

Here's the Advertisement of the year - 2007:

You have successfully booked a test session at BEDOK FCC test center

Long time no blog ~ ~ gosh, FYP is indeed a killer. I am busy with it, everybody is busy with it... some pimples popped out on my face... and that is a good indicator that i am stressed. And to add oil to fire, i am also down with a cold, or is it flu... 傻傻分不清楚... in short, i am having a running nose, slight cough and headache now and then...

Then, the WAT USA paperwork is really troublesome. SW, as usual, sent emails late at night and they were filled with many things to do... form A, B, C... and we have to go down to their office to submit them... and next week we have to go to the US Embassy for the visa application.

I still have to take my IPPT before my birthday and that will be this saturday. so many things to do, so little time.

What's wrong with Singapore?

Mas Selamat Kastari, a Jemaah Islamiyah leader, escaped from the Whitley Detention Centre on Wednesday. And this was only made known to the public 4 hours later. Ok, during this period, the police officers, Special Operations Command officers and gurkhas were deployed, so it isn't really a big issue. But, this is Singapore, how could this happened here? Why?

Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng who apologised for the incident said Mas Selamat was being taken to the toilet before a meeting at the Family Visit Room when he escaped.

And Mr Wong was humorous - how could a terrorist who has plans to attack foreign and local establishment be "no imminent danger to the public"? And how much is he paid annually?

The Singapore Airshow wasn't exactly that fantastic - too many people too little things.

There was also a huge screw up for the ticketing of The F1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

Gosh, isn't this city suppose to be efficient?

I wonder what Lee senior will have to say about all these...

Goodbyee 肥肥 Lydia Sum

沈殿霞 has passed away today. Growing up watching her programs and movies... i will definitely miss her...

Have U voted?

Here's a chance to put Singapore on the special edition version of Monopoly: Here and Now !!



There is 24 days to the end of voting, so if you want to see Singapore on this special edition, VOTE NOW !!!!

Surf N Sweat 2008

Team photo

The most anticipated event organized by NTU Sports Club was held last Sunday. Myself, Xy, Wil, Engel and Sam signed up for the Beach Volleyball competition. But we didn't play in the end, coz we were very very late. The main reason for this was because we were not confident of ourselves.

Only myself is proficient of the rules and can play reasonably. The rest have almost never touch a volleyball. Haha... funny hor... then why did we sign up for it? Come to think of it, i'm not very sure too. Maybe, in the initial team formation, we've got good players but then, they "fly aeroplane", so we continued to look for replacements.

But then, i would say it was still a great outing. When would you see Tanjong Beach so spiced up? It was fun and it definitely felt like an event in other countries. I enjoyed myself although we didn't do much. If only we hang around longer, but then, the weather didn't look good. So, we actually made the right choice to "evacuate"!!

More photos @ Facebook


One more group photo.

Cathay ups ticket prices

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/325778/1/.html

Gosh, watching movies is going to cost a lot more...

Think we have to order more "original" dvd from our neighbouring country.

I am going to Grand Canyon wor ~ ~ ~

Last Saturday, i went to Orchard Hotel for the Work & Travel USA interview. The company who put together the program, Stupidwing, was very nice to start the registration at 7.30am and that means i have to wake up at 6.15am to get ready. In the end, i woke up at 5.30am. How nice of them...

Maybe they got some reasons but still, getting everybody to go down so early doesn't reflects well on the company. Tsk tsk, but well then, I guess my gang and myself are used to it already. That's why we called it "Stupidwing"!!

Lousy customer service, lousy management, lousy planning... we would have opted out if not for the $50 that we have paid to them. Why should we have to bear all these nonsense from such a company? Yes, if not for the $50.

But still, i was astonished when i saw Meg, assistant HR Manager from Xanterra PArks & Resorts; all the way from USA to interview the many hopeful students including us. She looks cool and she is cool. Wooo... All the nonsenses from Stupidwing seems to disappear for a while.

We were then directed to another room to wait for our turns to be interviewed. We waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited... It was at least 100 minutes before we were told that it is our turn. Gosh... tsk tsk...

The interview was simple as Meg chatted with each and one of us at the table; it was a group interview with 8 people in one go. MAybe that was the reason for the long time it took to finish interviewing one group but i beileved there is definitely room to be improved.

The interview was smooth and i got the position of Snack Bar Attendant, so did Kev. Xiang Yan and Siti got the post of Guest Room Attendant, which is more commonly known as chambermaids... haha... both positions sounded pretty unglam hor ~

We are indeed going to USA to be cheap labour, just like some other people from some other countries who came to Singapore to be cheap labour as well. But i would say it is definitely going to be an extraordinary experience for myself and everybody else.

At least, i can see that there is going to be many of us going to work in Grand Canyon, at least 35 of us. Cool isn't it? haa ha..

But last night, Xiang Yan told me Siti's parent changed their mind and decided that Siti is not allowed to go to USA. Gosh, this is a sticky situation. Hopefully it can be settled when we go down to the company tomorrow.

White card not needed to enter Malaysia

Yeah, I have signed up for the Monopoly Challenge. Students from NTU can join as well and gosh, it is going to start in another 6 hours time. The prize is not really attractive leh, but I guess it is the process of playing the game that should be more important.

Anyway, i heard from 933 that visitors to Malaysia no longer need to fill in the white card. I was actually happy to hear it as it has always been a hassle to fill it in; there are times when we requested more of these cards so that we can keep them at home and filled it before going to the checkpoint.

So, with that piece of information in mind, I anticipated the trip to JB yesterday. And indeed, the white cards were not required and it took less than 10 seconds to clear the Malaysian checkpoint. Very very smooth. They should indeed make this policy a permanent one.

Monopoly Challenge

Saw the poster at NIE. Cool hor, Monopoly Challenge.

I wonder if NTU students can participate or not...

Anticipating...

Taiwan's opposition KMT claims landslide victory in parliamentary polls

Read the full story here.

Seems like the Taiwanese are really disappointed with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Otherwise, opposition Kuomintang (KMT) would not be able to secure 86 seats in the 113-seat legislature.

I watched this election with high anticipation as I foreseed that such things will never happen in Singapore. We have a different culture and most importantly, we are only a tiny red dot. We can't afford political unrest; investors will run away. Hence, when democracy was to VS economic investments, $$ is more essential. We have no natural resources and we have to take each steps carefully.

I envy the political freedom in Taiwan but i know in my heart, this will never happen in Singapore. At least not in my lifetime.

NTU BLOOD CHALLENGE!!

The Red Cross is organizing the once a year NTU BLOOD CHALLENGE!! This year’s blood donation is not only held to break the previous records of the number of packets of blood that the whole NTU has contributed but more importantly to raise the awareness of blood donation and hence alert more people to the need and urgency of blood donation! This year’s blood donation will be a unique one as the Red Cross NTU Chapter will work with the bloodbank and of course, all the donors out there to accomplish three VERY important missions!!

1) SAVE LIVES!!!
2) Donate blood
3) Encourage your friends and colleagues to donate blood as well!

Why donate blood?

Donating blood is one of the kindest acts, and it requires only a small part from you. Many people need blood, and for every packet of blood that you donate, you can save three lives. Please lend a helping hand to all those in need by simply spending 45 minutes of your time.

We would like to encourage you to click on this link http://www.hsa.gov.sg/html/consumer/ctm_do_you_know.html to widen your knowledge about blood donation.

So do come down to: Student Activities Centre (SAC), from 15th – 18th January, 11 00 - 1700
We have set up an Express Queue for those who are interested in shortening your waiting time, we encourage you to book your donating slot at the website. You may register and check out more details at http://clubs.ntu.edu.sg/redcross/

For donors below age of 18, please print the form from the website given http://www.hsa.gov.sg/docs/parentconsentfinal.pdf

Please be reminded that Singaporeans are to bring their IC or donation card, and foreigners to bring their passports.

All are welcome and do encourage your friends to come along!!! Thanks a lot for your support! We look forward to seeing you during the blood challenge!

Red Cross Humanitarian Network (NTU Chapter)

Steven says: Come to think of it, i have never donated blood. Maybe i should make this my first donation.

Student Special [One]

Me, Xy, Kev and Wil went to the Sakae Sushi @ Frontier CC. This was my first time stepping into the building after it was completed a year or two back. To me, it is just another integrated building that combines retail shops with library with CC with a polyclinic. Convenient it is but it is just so uninteresting.

Ok, back to Sakae. The branch at Frontier CC is pretty small, not very cosy; but hey, isn't new HDB like that as well? Small and squeezy like a pigeon hole. Anyway, it was the food and friends that made the meal a great one. It had been some times since i went to Sakae for the buffet... when was the last time... hmmm... i think it was with Grace, CM and Denis. Very long ago... I still remembered somebody brought a plastic bag to hid the rice.



The verdict: the food was decent and because there weren't many people, they were served very fast. And because it is at a student price, so i would say it is worth it!! But this student is not offered to SIM students. Strange hah... On the poster, it states that the offer is only for those aged between 13-21; we were no where near this figures but students from NTU and NUS are an exception. But why are SIM students excluded?

New way of marketing? Seriously, how many students between the age of 13-21 can afford a meal @ Sakae? Is that the reason why students from NTU and NUS are an exception?

Strange but in a few months time, i won't be able to leverage on this offer anymore. Haiz...

Goodbye MC King

The 40-year-old comedian died on Friday after complaining of breathing difficulties.

Was it stress?

Work?

Overweight?

It doesn't matter.

Now that he is gone, it really doesn't matter.

MC King was never the main lead in any programs. He played more of a supporting role and he really did a good job. But i was never a fan of his.

I remembered there was a time, i was radio-channel surfing. His voice happened to appear over station FM LOVE972. He was sharing his experience over something and he chatted with callers and there was chemistry between him and Yongmei (972 deejay). I was glued to the station for that morning.

It was reported that many people turned up for his funeral. Raymond Tan, Henry Chia, Thomas Ong, Wang Libing, Wang Yuxiang... Other than the "stars" who went, there were many more who were there to see the "stars". Some even asked the "stars" for autograph. Gosh... what were they thinking?

Just before the body was to be cremated, he was given a minute of applause. Something which would have been more meaningful if done when he was alive. Why is it that he is only given recognition after his death? Why ar?

May you rest in peace, MC King.

New Last Sem in NTU

Oh no... it is the beginning of my final sem in NTU.

How time files...

Anyway, i promise myself that i will appreciate and value this final sem!!

First of all, for the last time, i have to settle my timetable. This is what everybody has to do when school starts. The add-drop period is crucial since we cannot alter the schedule anymore after this period.

Then, i have to see my fyp tutor, do my fyp...

Next, i will have to remember to sign up for the Re'kre-at NTU Programme. I want to sign up for the Beach Volleyball; it sounds cool and feels good and i think i need to brush up my skills too. Then, i can head straight for Sentosa again (I have to renew my membership... but i think is pretty worth it...)

Joining a dragonboat team is always something that i wanted to do and gosh, i have done so. PLK dragonboat team is the one that i've joined and i think it will be a superior team in the near future!!

Last but not least, i have to settle the Work & Travel USA thing by end of this month. The interview is on 26th Jan 2008. Hopefully it will proceed smoothly and we can all go to USA - to do "household chores".

Ok, i can predict that this sem will be exciting and i will be so looking forward to it.

Results are out and gosh...

Results were out at midnight and boy oh boy oh boy... no matter how i clicked, i just couldn't logged in to see mine.

And that's why here i am, awake at this timing, checking my results.

Hmmmm, i would say my results are slightly better than last semester and i am happy with it.

This is my second last examination results and while i am going to look forward to the final one, i will be missing those that i had cleared.

The cold exam halls, the weird invigilators, the stressful question papers, my trustworthy windbreaker, my lifesaving water bottle, the oh-yeah-exam-is-over feeling...

And so on...

Society Uni, please don't rush me while i enjoy this remaining semester. Thanks!

In love with the Chipmunks...

Gosh, caught the show on Xmas Eve.

It was good loh - funny and heartwarming....

Here are some of the songs featured in the movie, Enjoy ~ ~

Bad Day-Alvin & The Chipmunks



The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)-Alvin & Chipmunk


Only You (And You Alone)-Alvin & The Chipmunks


Mess Around-Alvin & The Chipmunks


Ain't No Party-Alvin & the Chipmunks/Chris Classic/Rebecca J


Get Munk'd-Alvin & The Chipminks/Al D


How We Roll-Alvin & The Chipmunks

In love with Doughnuts ~ ~ ~

This might be kind of slow but I'm in love with doughnuts ~~~

It has been some times since the Donut Factory @ Raffles City Shopping Mall started a stir in Singapore. People had queued for hours before they can get their hands on the yummy doughnuts. My sis was one of those who went and queued and brought back the doughnuts for me to try. Indeed, it was really really nice.


Krispy Kreme doughnuts from HK.

Then, with the emergence of more doughnuts stores in Singapore, there is no way you can walk around not seeing the little yummy ones. My sis's friend gave her a box of Krispy Kreme from HK and boy it was good. But i personally find it too sweet to my liking.

Here's an interesting "How Krispy Kremes Work"

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

It was my third marathon. Well, training was progressing smoothly initially until i was down with flu. Then, when i recovered, Hanxiang injured his leg and decided not to run. With my marathon-training buddy down, i got lazy and train less and less.

I even got negative and thought of not running this year. But considering that i had paid $45, i might as well go for it. (yes i know... kind of cheapo right...)

Then i arranged with Zhengwei to run together so that we can pace one another. This further discouraged me from not running. And so, i slept early on Saturday night and woke up at 3.30am on Sunday morning.

By 4am, i was on my way to the Padang. I got into a taxi and the uncle surprised me by asking me, “where is the Padang?”

We were on our way after i described the surrounding landmarks. After which, I got a greater shock. The taxi uncle kept rubbing his eyes and there was time when he actually drove in the middle of 2 lanes. It was scary.

Luckily the trip took only 10 minutes; I do hope nothing bad happen to the taxi uncle.

Then i met up with Zw and we were all ready to warm up for the run!

My number tag... Bought 4D but never win...

This year, the organizer set up different start-lines for runners with different expected finished time. So, there were the sub 6hrs, sub 5hrs and so on... This allowed those who aim and can finish fast to be in the front. In a way, it is helpful to some as human congestion always occurred at the start-line.

At 5.30am sharp, we were flagged off and there was no turning back. To and fro Marina Bay was good, with the cool weather and good pacing. As i approached ECP, fatigue begins to hit in and i slowed down. So, i signaled Zw to go ahead without me. I reduced my speed and there were times when i really feel like walking. But i reminded myself that, the run has just started and there is still a long distance to go; i can’t afford to start walking so early. With that thought in mind, i hung on and run and run and run.

ECP is always the killer. It is a long stretch and it never fails to bore runners. Hence, the power gel, which was distributed along ECP, was something to look forward to. It gives the body energy almost instantaneously. However, i still prefer the good, old banana. Haha... It taste and smell better.

There many supporters along the run, and gosh, they are really great. Without these runspirators - this is how the organizer called those who went down to support the runners - the run will definitely be harder to complete. They cheered, they clapped and some gave out banana. They were the ones who pushed each and every runners.

And there were the bands and cheerleaders. They were young and dynamic and their music and cheers motivated me to progress forward. They are good lah...

I was so looking forward to get out of ECP. This is because i will be on my way back to the Padang. This is also the stretch that is a killer. I was tired and have started to walk. Then i jog a bit, then i walk, then i jog, then i walk... This process was repeated many times.

And i actually drank more water from the drinks stations. Last time, i was taught to grab a cup, pinch it and take a sip. I guess i was really tired and that’s why i drank not just one but two cups. And together with the intake of some banana, I got very full in the end; which is good and bad at the same time. Good that i got myself hydrated, bad that i got too full to run properly.

I think this year is my best run out of my three marathons. I got tired at a later time and i get to appreciate the city’s landscape more. Of which, I like the Spore Flyer the most and i just can’t wait for it to start operation next year.

Me and Zw with the finisher medal...

Overall, i enjoyed the run, although i took slightly longer than last year. I felt great and satisfied after the whole run. We are after all, the 1% of the population who woke up early to run. And by finishing it, i can call it an achievement.

If somebody asked me whether i am going to spend $45 again next year to suffer again? My answer would be, “Of course!!”