Saturday came and went.
For those who came, thanks for coming! Hope you guys enjoyed the food and company! I had a great time =)
(Especially after watching ManU beat Tottenham 5-2 muahahahaha!)
Best birthday present ever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news,
I have been promoted!
To lab tech. HAHA.
Anyway I've been busying myself doing stuff in the lab these few days, never knew it was that fun to conduct experiments and keep track of the results, especially if you don't know whether it'll succeed or not. SPA was horrible back then.
Driver -> Factory worker -> Lab tech. Upgrade! *ding ding*
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
twenty-one.
What's the big deal with turning 21, I wonder?
Besides being able to watch R21 movies. And besides, you could probably download R21 movies, watch PG shows without "guidance", NC16 shows by acting "mature" and M18 movies with your older brother's IC, all when you were just 12. Did I mention you could just download them all/watch online?
An excuse to hold a huge party that you never had?
A reason to finally go out there and have some fun (and use the excuse "But I'm 21 liao!")?
A coming-of-age when you finally get to "Be a Man!" (and do the right thing)?
Or just another milestone reached in life? I don't suppose many people go around shouting "Hey! I survived to see my 21st birthday!"
Which is quite sobering considering those who don't make it.
I don't feel that old.
Besides being able to watch R21 movies. And besides, you could probably download R21 movies, watch PG shows without "guidance", NC16 shows by acting "mature" and M18 movies with your older brother's IC, all when you were just 12. Did I mention you could just download them all/watch online?
An excuse to hold a huge party that you never had?
A reason to finally go out there and have some fun (and use the excuse "But I'm 21 liao!")?
A coming-of-age when you finally get to "Be a Man!" (and do the right thing)?
Or just another milestone reached in life? I don't suppose many people go around shouting "Hey! I survived to see my 21st birthday!"
Which is quite sobering considering those who don't make it.
I don't feel that old.
Monday, April 06, 2009
FMA 2 : Brotherhood
Yes you read it right!
For all you anime fans who've got enough of Bleach and Naruto (you mean they're still running? @.@), this is one reason to rejoice!
Edward Elric is back!
Especially so since the 1st series ended like 4 years ago =,=
The story is supposed to be totally different from the previous one, and an adaptation of the manga, so I guess we can expect more interesting content! Something to satisfy the hunger for FMA while waiting for the next installment of the manga (its taking ages for it to get published)
Only grouse so far (as commented by various people) is the change of voice-actors (seiyuu), although the brothers still remain the same.
Plus the opening song pwns! "again" by YUI.
Its been ages since I last watched anime. Time to relive old days again!
For all you anime fans who've got enough of Bleach and Naruto (you mean they're still running? @.@), this is one reason to rejoice!
Edward Elric is back!
Especially so since the 1st series ended like 4 years ago =,=
The story is supposed to be totally different from the previous one, and an adaptation of the manga, so I guess we can expect more interesting content! Something to satisfy the hunger for FMA while waiting for the next installment of the manga (its taking ages for it to get published)
Only grouse so far (as commented by various people) is the change of voice-actors (seiyuu), although the brothers still remain the same.
Plus the opening song pwns! "again" by YUI.
Its been ages since I last watched anime. Time to relive old days again!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
I want to have my Okonomiyaki (and eat it, too!)
And so he flew away, towards a land full of opportunities, experiences and thrills.
Last Wednesday, I rushed to the airport together with the rest of BTT14 to send Kevin off to Japan where he'll study for the next 5 years.
I couldn't help but watch in envy as he walked through those gates. Another one to live the dream. A dream that I once shared (and I still linger upon), of living on my own in a country which has influenced and enthralled me so much.
And yet I know my place is here.
Perhaps that dream will remain a dream. A dream that I would love to fulfill one day, if only for a few months, and keep it forever in my memories. Heck, I haven't even got the motivation to pick up the language, even though I've always wanted to.
In the meantime, my place is here.
Reading blogs and Facebook updates, looking at pictures of far away, yet remotely familiar places, and genuinely wishing that I was there.
Just for that few, fleeting, online minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok I've said it, I will start to learn (basic!) Japanese by the end of this year.
Friends who are reading this, you be my witness. And if you too are interested, drop me a message! Because its so hard to learn something on my own without anyone to practise with.
Hong Yi wa ganbarimasu!
(I hope that was the correct way of expressing it =x)
Last Wednesday, I rushed to the airport together with the rest of BTT14 to send Kevin off to Japan where he'll study for the next 5 years.
I couldn't help but watch in envy as he walked through those gates. Another one to live the dream. A dream that I once shared (and I still linger upon), of living on my own in a country which has influenced and enthralled me so much.
And yet I know my place is here.
Perhaps that dream will remain a dream. A dream that I would love to fulfill one day, if only for a few months, and keep it forever in my memories. Heck, I haven't even got the motivation to pick up the language, even though I've always wanted to.
In the meantime, my place is here.
Reading blogs and Facebook updates, looking at pictures of far away, yet remotely familiar places, and genuinely wishing that I was there.
Just for that few, fleeting, online minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok I've said it, I will start to learn (basic!) Japanese by the end of this year.
Friends who are reading this, you be my witness. And if you too are interested, drop me a message! Because its so hard to learn something on my own without anyone to practise with.
Hong Yi wa ganbarimasu!
(I hope that was the correct way of expressing it =x)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Blackout Drill!
Its been ages since I've done guard duty (HAHAHA YESSS ORD LO!!!)
but I still remember the infamous blackout drill.
Anyway, I'm referring to the 1 hour blackout all over the world to celebrate (?) Earth Hour, in case it wasn't already supremely obvious.
So while the world poised their fingers on their light switches, I was milling about Esplanade Park where Alpha Biofuels had their booth, fooling around and generally not making myself very useful except to entertain some foreign kids with McD french fries. And a particularly shy Spiderman-bag carrying kid (boss's nephew). What were we doing there? The generator was running on Biodiesel of course!
Oh, and filling my stomach with free Old Chang Kee, Coke Zero and Starbucks (diluted) coffee. Like a particularly greedy person said, our booth was in a very nice position (next to Starbucks).
It was a rather small scale event, with a few booths (including some no-link brands like POLAR and Chipster) and a small stage. There was a surprising large crowd at the event, though the proportion of foreigners was high. It says a lot about their environmental consciousness. Like one of them mentioned, "We have Biodiesel in Europe too!". Nothing much happened before lights out except a few cultural performances. I can understand the percussion troupe using recycled bins, but a lion dance?!? Maybe the lion was made up of recycled newspapers or something =x
I met up with XJ for dinner just in time to catch the lights out at Marina Square foodcourt. It wasn't very concerted, but visually stunning all the same. First went Maybank and their nice decorative strips of light. Then slowly the tall office buildings in the CBD turned off their lights, followed by the Esplanade's twin domes. Even the Fullerton and Merlion went dark. The only cold water pourers were the IR constructions sites. Their spotlights totally spoilt the whole scene. Once the blackout was completed, the party started, with bands taking to the stage (yes, in darkness!) and picnickers lighting up their candles.
So for that 1 hour, it was just about sitting on the grass, listening to music, staring at the relatively dark cityline, enjoying the light of the candles, the company of friends and contemplating our impact on the environment. Ok the last point was probably the last thing on everyone's mind, but still I'm sure the message got across.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In retrospect I think the candle burning probably released more CO2 than leaving the lights on, but what the heck.
At least it wasn't about 1 hour of non-stop lights ablazing, amplifiers blasting, all-over-the-world rock concerts.
but I still remember the infamous blackout drill.
Anyway, I'm referring to the 1 hour blackout all over the world to celebrate (?) Earth Hour, in case it wasn't already supremely obvious.
So while the world poised their fingers on their light switches, I was milling about Esplanade Park where Alpha Biofuels had their booth, fooling around and generally not making myself very useful except to entertain some foreign kids with McD french fries. And a particularly shy Spiderman-bag carrying kid (boss's nephew). What were we doing there? The generator was running on Biodiesel of course!
Oh, and filling my stomach with free Old Chang Kee, Coke Zero and Starbucks (diluted) coffee. Like a particularly greedy person said, our booth was in a very nice position (next to Starbucks).
It was a rather small scale event, with a few booths (including some no-link brands like POLAR and Chipster) and a small stage. There was a surprising large crowd at the event, though the proportion of foreigners was high. It says a lot about their environmental consciousness. Like one of them mentioned, "We have Biodiesel in Europe too!". Nothing much happened before lights out except a few cultural performances. I can understand the percussion troupe using recycled bins, but a lion dance?!? Maybe the lion was made up of recycled newspapers or something =x
I met up with XJ for dinner just in time to catch the lights out at Marina Square foodcourt. It wasn't very concerted, but visually stunning all the same. First went Maybank and their nice decorative strips of light. Then slowly the tall office buildings in the CBD turned off their lights, followed by the Esplanade's twin domes. Even the Fullerton and Merlion went dark. The only cold water pourers were the IR constructions sites. Their spotlights totally spoilt the whole scene. Once the blackout was completed, the party started, with bands taking to the stage (yes, in darkness!) and picnickers lighting up their candles.
So for that 1 hour, it was just about sitting on the grass, listening to music, staring at the relatively dark cityline, enjoying the light of the candles, the company of friends and contemplating our impact on the environment. Ok the last point was probably the last thing on everyone's mind, but still I'm sure the message got across.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In retrospect I think the candle burning probably released more CO2 than leaving the lights on, but what the heck.
At least it wasn't about 1 hour of non-stop lights ablazing, amplifiers blasting, all-over-the-world rock concerts.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
OFF ALL YOUR LIGHTS!
Yes, even that tiny one that you keep on at night because you're afraid to wake up to a pitch dark room.
The one you turn on to read the newspaper.
The one you turn on to pee without missing the target.
The one you turn on to eat dinner.
The one you turn on to... see the switches to turn on other lights.
I think its a ridiculous idea personally. People are going to end up being frightened to death, spoiling their eyes, soiling their toilets, getting food poisoning because didn't see the fly that landed, and fumbling over the light switches and tripping and falling and getting injured.
So don't be a dumbass and obsessively observe the Earth Hour thingy. Its not like its some new government thingy telling you to speak more Mandarin.
Come to think of it, even Shan from 98.7FM is learning Mandarin from 93.3's Peifen. Hmmmmm.....
Anyway back to the topic - imagine if LTA/CAAS were to support Earth Hour. I wouldn't want to be on the roads/landing at Changi from 8.30pm onwards man.
.
.
.
Seriously, I hope this event will spread more awareness of the environmental challenges we face. Its not just about wasted lights or light pollution. Its about getting the world to sit up and wake up and do something, even if it means turning off the lights at 8.30pm for 1 hour every year.
Earth Hour. Our Earth.
Note to readers: Above comments are made in good humour and are not meant to critise the event in any way. The author supports Earth Hour, really. He pledges to reduce his carbon footprint by turning off the lights on his mp3 player. And he sincerely hopes that every hour can be Earth Hour.
Yes, even that tiny one that you keep on at night because you're afraid to wake up to a pitch dark room.
The one you turn on to read the newspaper.
The one you turn on to pee without missing the target.
The one you turn on to eat dinner.
The one you turn on to... see the switches to turn on other lights.
I think its a ridiculous idea personally. People are going to end up being frightened to death, spoiling their eyes, soiling their toilets, getting food poisoning because didn't see the fly that landed, and fumbling over the light switches and tripping and falling and getting injured.
So don't be a dumbass and obsessively observe the Earth Hour thingy. Its not like its some new government thingy telling you to speak more Mandarin.
Come to think of it, even Shan from 98.7FM is learning Mandarin from 93.3's Peifen. Hmmmmm.....
Anyway back to the topic - imagine if LTA/CAAS were to support Earth Hour. I wouldn't want to be on the roads/landing at Changi from 8.30pm onwards man.
.
.
.
Seriously, I hope this event will spread more awareness of the environmental challenges we face. Its not just about wasted lights or light pollution. Its about getting the world to sit up and wake up and do something, even if it means turning off the lights at 8.30pm for 1 hour every year.
Earth Hour. Our Earth.
Note to readers: Above comments are made in good humour and are not meant to critise the event in any way. The author supports Earth Hour, really. He pledges to reduce his carbon footprint by turning off the lights on his mp3 player. And he sincerely hopes that every hour can be Earth Hour.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
DIY for greenies!
DIY green tip #2
Did you know? The amount of water needed to flush down your solid waste is actually around 75-80% of the full flush. And for the liquid waste, its even lesser.
What to do if your home doesn't have a half-flush toilet bowl? For the really motivated a few scoops of used washing machine water will do the trick. But of course how many of us would actually go to such lengths to save water? Plus the solids probably require a whole pail.
For those who would really like the convenience of pressing a button, here's a DIY thing you can do.
Zng my Toilet Bowl
You'll need: A couple of small 250ml water bottles. Depending on the size of your cistern, you might want to try even smaller containers (Chicken essence bottles, hair gel containers etc)
1) Fill the bottles with water.
2) Open up the top of the cistern and throw them in. Try to arrange them neatly.
3) 3 - 5 bottles should be enough. If you're worried about the... stuff not going down when u flush, keep it at 4
4) Assuming a full tank of 8-9 litres, you'll be saving around 0.75 to 1.25 L of water per flush! Which is around 10-20%.
5) Test it out. If your... erm... stuff doesn't go down, reduce by 1 bottle. If it goes down nicely, you might want to raise that bar and throw in another bottle.
Rationale:
Since the cistern operates via displacement, once you throw the filled bottles in, the capacity of the cistern is reduced by that amount. Simple!
Plus you get to recycle those bottles! And save on the utilities bill!
Man, PUB should really hire me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the week:
Konfusius say, "Man who run after bus, will be exhausted!"
Did you know? The amount of water needed to flush down your solid waste is actually around 75-80% of the full flush. And for the liquid waste, its even lesser.
What to do if your home doesn't have a half-flush toilet bowl? For the really motivated a few scoops of used washing machine water will do the trick. But of course how many of us would actually go to such lengths to save water? Plus the solids probably require a whole pail.
For those who would really like the convenience of pressing a button, here's a DIY thing you can do.
Zng my Toilet Bowl
You'll need: A couple of small 250ml water bottles. Depending on the size of your cistern, you might want to try even smaller containers (Chicken essence bottles, hair gel containers etc)
1) Fill the bottles with water.
2) Open up the top of the cistern and throw them in. Try to arrange them neatly.
3) 3 - 5 bottles should be enough. If you're worried about the... stuff not going down when u flush, keep it at 4
4) Assuming a full tank of 8-9 litres, you'll be saving around 0.75 to 1.25 L of water per flush! Which is around 10-20%.
5) Test it out. If your... erm... stuff doesn't go down, reduce by 1 bottle. If it goes down nicely, you might want to raise that bar and throw in another bottle.
Rationale:
Since the cistern operates via displacement, once you throw the filled bottles in, the capacity of the cistern is reduced by that amount. Simple!
Plus you get to recycle those bottles! And save on the utilities bill!
Man, PUB should really hire me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the week:
Konfusius say, "Man who run after bus, will be exhausted!"
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday Bloody Saturday....
I never thought I'd ever experience being taunted by my Liverpool loving friends.
For the past 4 years through JC and NS, it was always US, the Red Devils, not the Reds, doing all the taunting and suan-ing. When Ferdinand scored with a volley, we laughed at them (a defender scoring against Liverpool! With his FOOT to boot!). When O'Shea scored in the dying minutes, we chuckled at the cruelty of it all. When we drew square, we always believed that our superior team had an off day.
Somehow 2008/2009 has been a different season.
When Torres scored, we cringed at the untimely stumble by Vidic.
When Evra hacked down Gerrard, we shouted our disbelief, until the replay confirmed our fears. When Gerrard subsequently slammed home the penalty, we cried at the near miss of Van der Sar's diving hands.
When Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov were subbed in, we prayed and hoped.
When Vidic pulled down Gerrard, we hid our eyes, hoping the card would be a nice shade of yellow.
When the red was shown, we slumped in our seats, all hope lost.
When Aurelio curled in the free kick, we hid our faces, embarrassed by the keeper's immobility.
When Dossena chipped Van der Sar, we laughed, not at all in mirth. At his staring, hapless figure as the ball bounced slow-mo into the net.
It has been a bloody Saturday in Manchester.
For the past 4 years through JC and NS, it was always US, the Red Devils, not the Reds, doing all the taunting and suan-ing. When Ferdinand scored with a volley, we laughed at them (a defender scoring against Liverpool! With his FOOT to boot!). When O'Shea scored in the dying minutes, we chuckled at the cruelty of it all. When we drew square, we always believed that our superior team had an off day.
Somehow 2008/2009 has been a different season.
When Torres scored, we cringed at the untimely stumble by Vidic.
When Evra hacked down Gerrard, we shouted our disbelief, until the replay confirmed our fears. When Gerrard subsequently slammed home the penalty, we cried at the near miss of Van der Sar's diving hands.
When Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov were subbed in, we prayed and hoped.
When Vidic pulled down Gerrard, we hid our eyes, hoping the card would be a nice shade of yellow.
When the red was shown, we slumped in our seats, all hope lost.
When Aurelio curled in the free kick, we hid our faces, embarrassed by the keeper's immobility.
When Dossena chipped Van der Sar, we laughed, not at all in mirth. At his staring, hapless figure as the ball bounced slow-mo into the net.
It has been a bloody Saturday in Manchester.
Monday, March 09, 2009
4 weeks after infection...
(Note! Numerous references to Left 4 Dead, non-gamers alert)
Besides going to work and sleeping, I'm left with 3-4 hours every night to do my own thing.
I'd usually fire up Left 4 Dead to start another zombie killing spree but I guess tonight will be different. Maybe its got something to do with being overwhelmed in the final scenario of Blood Harvest 5 times on expert mode.
I haven't been following the news recently, other than scanning the pages of Today every morning while I munch on breakfast (its really just a routine I go through, the real objective is to get to the sports page). One article in the Sunday Times really got my attention - regarding the recent suicide case and the possible influence of video games and WoW. Not an overriding factor but probably part of a box of tinder waiting for a spark.
Another red mark for us gamers. Its too tedious to delve into another discussion on the effects of excessive gaming on gamers but I do know there are a few (ok, maybe not just a few) gamers out there spending loads of time on their Maplestories and WoWs and L4Ds and DoTAs. Frankly speaking if I wasn't working I think I'd be joining that group =x. In a way I'm glad I'm not glued to the computer chair although sometimes I wish I was, just to blast away a few Boomers and watch them explode in glee.
A great stressbuster, Boomers are.
So if you think the world is 2D side-scrolling, have a night elven girlfriend and zombies as neighbours, get a life! Get a... job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today a new worker from China joined the company. I really gotta start brushing up on my Mandarin proper, somehow English words keep slipping through the gaps whenever I attempted to communicate with him. Probably explains the D7 I got for Higher Chinese for my O levels.
Still, translating is hard work, especially when you have an Indian and a Chinese worker working together. Hand signals usually do the job.
To end off this post I shall start posting tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint, in our Singaporean context =) Gotta justify the green in my blog title or I'd get reported for greenwashing.
Carbon tip #1
For all you broadband users (you, yes YOU!), turn off your modem and wireless router at night before you sleep. Yes I know its UNLIMITED broadband but surely you don't need to be all typical kiasu Singaporean and keep it on 24/7 just to make full use of the UNLIMITED access, even when you sleep?
So if you're not downloading anything, turn it off. Prevents the neighbours from leeching, too. You don't want to be giving free suppers to possible Bleach downloaders, lest you receive the dreaded xedo letter.
Besides going to work and sleeping, I'm left with 3-4 hours every night to do my own thing.
I'd usually fire up Left 4 Dead to start another zombie killing spree but I guess tonight will be different. Maybe its got something to do with being overwhelmed in the final scenario of Blood Harvest 5 times on expert mode.
I haven't been following the news recently, other than scanning the pages of Today every morning while I munch on breakfast (its really just a routine I go through, the real objective is to get to the sports page). One article in the Sunday Times really got my attention - regarding the recent suicide case and the possible influence of video games and WoW. Not an overriding factor but probably part of a box of tinder waiting for a spark.
Another red mark for us gamers. Its too tedious to delve into another discussion on the effects of excessive gaming on gamers but I do know there are a few (ok, maybe not just a few) gamers out there spending loads of time on their Maplestories and WoWs and L4Ds and DoTAs. Frankly speaking if I wasn't working I think I'd be joining that group =x. In a way I'm glad I'm not glued to the computer chair although sometimes I wish I was, just to blast away a few Boomers and watch them explode in glee.
A great stressbuster, Boomers are.
So if you think the world is 2D side-scrolling, have a night elven girlfriend and zombies as neighbours, get a life! Get a... job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today a new worker from China joined the company. I really gotta start brushing up on my Mandarin proper, somehow English words keep slipping through the gaps whenever I attempted to communicate with him. Probably explains the D7 I got for Higher Chinese for my O levels.
Still, translating is hard work, especially when you have an Indian and a Chinese worker working together. Hand signals usually do the job.
To end off this post I shall start posting tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint, in our Singaporean context =) Gotta justify the green in my blog title or I'd get reported for greenwashing.
Carbon tip #1
For all you broadband users (you, yes YOU!), turn off your modem and wireless router at night before you sleep. Yes I know its UNLIMITED broadband but surely you don't need to be all typical kiasu Singaporean and keep it on 24/7 just to make full use of the UNLIMITED access, even when you sleep?
So if you're not downloading anything, turn it off. Prevents the neighbours from leeching, too. You don't want to be giving free suppers to possible Bleach downloaders, lest you receive the dreaded xedo letter.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Today I was searching around for Firefox tweaks when I found this skin to make Firefox 3 look like Google Chrome, the all-new open-source browser by Google.
Feeling abit tempted to compare the 2, I searched "Firefox 3 vs Chrome" and the first comparison I found was hilarious.
From http://www.piggynap.com/google/google-chrome-vs-firefox/
I've always thought that the Google Chrome logo looked really familiar but I never really realised it until today.
Logo FAIL.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway for some laughs, check out this place:
http://failblog.org/
especially for those who love "FAIL" jokes like me XD
Feeling abit tempted to compare the 2, I searched "Firefox 3 vs Chrome" and the first comparison I found was hilarious.
From http://www.piggynap.com/google/google-chrome-vs-firefox/
I've always thought that the Google Chrome logo looked really familiar but I never really realised it until today.
Logo FAIL.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway for some laughs, check out this place:
http://failblog.org/
especially for those who love "FAIL" jokes like me XD
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Death of the CD?
Poll: Does my blog load really slowly? Please post your opinion in the chatbox =)
After a night of scouring the Internet for new music (Japanese indie bands ftw!), I realised that I would never have known all this should CDs be the traditional choice for music distribution. Online music is blazing a path forward, bridging cultures and connecting musicians to fans all over the world! Heck, your neighbour could be a fan of a Ukranian punk band, who knows?
Saw this in the Jpop news:
Yes, that is a USB thumbdrive, uploaded with Ayumi Hamasaki's soon-to-be-released 10th album, [Next Level]. It will be the first album sold in Japan to take this format. Debunk the ugly rectangular stick of memory perception - that thumbdrive looks absolutely gorgeous. Does it signal the beginning of the end for the humble CD?
The signs are showing:
1) People are downloading more music online than ever before (legally or not)
2) CD sales are slipping down
3) When was the last time you saw a Discman?
4) When was the last time you saw an Ipod? (it probably sits on your table right now)
5) Sandisk is pushing for albums to be sold on SD memory cards
6) Artistes are releasing albums for download (remember Radiohead?)
7) Flash memory prices are dropping
It all points to a near future of downloadable releases and memory sticks filled to the brim with songs.
Still, I can't bear to see the CD die off just like that.
- Wonderfully designed CD covers and lyrics booklets!
- The feeling you get from ripping open the plastic wrapping
- Superior sound quality
- The sheer physicality of it (ever felt proud of your CD collection)
- Browsing in CD stores (and the free gifts like posters and stuff)
- Indie musicians still rely on the trusty old CD to earn the cash
Will the CD go the way of the prehistoric record? VHS and LDs are already extinct, VCDs are endangered while DVDs are threatened. What will the future entail? Music being confined to megabytes of data flying around cyberspace and residing in flash drives? Or Blu-Ray HD music cum video albums, anyone?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Random nugget of information:
Did you know that bush fires can actually be good? In some temperate forests a fire can provide fertile material for the next generation of vegetation to grow, while eliminating the problem of insufficient sunlight reaching the forest floor. In such cases fire is actually essential for the forest to regenerate!
Still, don't go out there and start one. Fire = bad.
After a night of scouring the Internet for new music (Japanese indie bands ftw!), I realised that I would never have known all this should CDs be the traditional choice for music distribution. Online music is blazing a path forward, bridging cultures and connecting musicians to fans all over the world! Heck, your neighbour could be a fan of a Ukranian punk band, who knows?
Saw this in the Jpop news:
Yes, that is a USB thumbdrive, uploaded with Ayumi Hamasaki's soon-to-be-released 10th album, [Next Level]. It will be the first album sold in Japan to take this format. Debunk the ugly rectangular stick of memory perception - that thumbdrive looks absolutely gorgeous. Does it signal the beginning of the end for the humble CD?
The signs are showing:
1) People are downloading more music online than ever before (legally or not)
2) CD sales are slipping down
3) When was the last time you saw a Discman?
4) When was the last time you saw an Ipod? (it probably sits on your table right now)
5) Sandisk is pushing for albums to be sold on SD memory cards
6) Artistes are releasing albums for download (remember Radiohead?)
7) Flash memory prices are dropping
It all points to a near future of downloadable releases and memory sticks filled to the brim with songs.
Still, I can't bear to see the CD die off just like that.
- Wonderfully designed CD covers and lyrics booklets!
- The feeling you get from ripping open the plastic wrapping
- Superior sound quality
- The sheer physicality of it (ever felt proud of your CD collection)
- Browsing in CD stores (and the free gifts like posters and stuff)
- Indie musicians still rely on the trusty old CD to earn the cash
Will the CD go the way of the prehistoric record? VHS and LDs are already extinct, VCDs are endangered while DVDs are threatened. What will the future entail? Music being confined to megabytes of data flying around cyberspace and residing in flash drives? Or Blu-Ray HD music cum video albums, anyone?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Random nugget of information:
Did you know that bush fires can actually be good? In some temperate forests a fire can provide fertile material for the next generation of vegetation to grow, while eliminating the problem of insufficient sunlight reaching the forest floor. In such cases fire is actually essential for the forest to regenerate!
Still, don't go out there and start one. Fire = bad.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Me, the default lorry driver.
I think I've driven more in these 2 weeks than the past 6 months since I got my license. Its fun though, going to far flung and familiar places all at one go and trying out crazy stunts, all guided by a street directory.
Anyway, its been some time since I last made a decent post.
Valentine's day - We decided to do something different and went to the Science Centre! Both to catch an Omni-Theatre show and to see what's new there. I think the last time I went was 3 years ago, bringing a group of kids around for CIP or something. And so we embarked on a Journey to the West. Nothing much has changed, except that whole new areas have sprouted up (I noticed a new Climate Change and Alternative Energy section, yay!). The old exhibits were rotting though, with pieces falling apart and some not even working. One exhibit which went missing was the immensely fun mirror maze; I remember the crazy times I spent running around and getting lost. And who could forget the number counting wheel? I once had an ambition to stand there turning the wheel non-stop until the number reached 9999 or something XD
Then we roamed around the West and went to Jurong Hilltop restaurant next to Birdpark. The Japanese teppanyaki was not bad, but the fumes (some would say fragrances) were overpowering. Not much of an atmosphere either, with the whole place packed with families. The view was nice though, even if we could only see Jurong Island and lots of containers. Headed out to West Coast Park for a walk (surprisingly it was rather crowded, like the ECP of the West. Hmm.) and watched the container ships go about their businesses.
So ended our Journey to the West.
I think I'm getting the hang of things in the west side of Singapore. Anyway it'll probably be my new hangout place once I step into NTU. I'm still proud to be an Eastie (my friend coined the word) though, we've got more places with nice food =) And the roads aren't filled with container trucks. I've been dodging them everyday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scholes and Giggs are phenomenal. They should be thinking of taking off their boots and relaxing at home now, not spraying 30m long passes, slamming home 25m volleys, curling crosses, dribbling past defenders and flicking through balls over defences.
Respect.
I think I've driven more in these 2 weeks than the past 6 months since I got my license. Its fun though, going to far flung and familiar places all at one go and trying out crazy stunts, all guided by a street directory.
Anyway, its been some time since I last made a decent post.
Valentine's day - We decided to do something different and went to the Science Centre! Both to catch an Omni-Theatre show and to see what's new there. I think the last time I went was 3 years ago, bringing a group of kids around for CIP or something. And so we embarked on a Journey to the West. Nothing much has changed, except that whole new areas have sprouted up (I noticed a new Climate Change and Alternative Energy section, yay!). The old exhibits were rotting though, with pieces falling apart and some not even working. One exhibit which went missing was the immensely fun mirror maze; I remember the crazy times I spent running around and getting lost. And who could forget the number counting wheel? I once had an ambition to stand there turning the wheel non-stop until the number reached 9999 or something XD
Then we roamed around the West and went to Jurong Hilltop restaurant next to Birdpark. The Japanese teppanyaki was not bad, but the fumes (some would say fragrances) were overpowering. Not much of an atmosphere either, with the whole place packed with families. The view was nice though, even if we could only see Jurong Island and lots of containers. Headed out to West Coast Park for a walk (surprisingly it was rather crowded, like the ECP of the West. Hmm.) and watched the container ships go about their businesses.
So ended our Journey to the West.
I think I'm getting the hang of things in the west side of Singapore. Anyway it'll probably be my new hangout place once I step into NTU. I'm still proud to be an Eastie (my friend coined the word) though, we've got more places with nice food =) And the roads aren't filled with container trucks. I've been dodging them everyday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scholes and Giggs are phenomenal. They should be thinking of taking off their boots and relaxing at home now, not spraying 30m long passes, slamming home 25m volleys, curling crosses, dribbling past defenders and flicking through balls over defences.
Respect.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/download2.html
This is a really useful guide if you're new to Linux and Ubuntu, even I'm discovering new stuff by reading it =)
So if you've just installed Ubuntu, wanted to install Ubuntu but don't know how, secretly wanting to install Ubuntu but not daring to take the plunge, been using Ubuntu for some time or just someone intrigued by something different from Windows and OSX, download it! It makes quite an interesting read =)
Credits to Ubuntu Geek for this.
This is a really useful guide if you're new to Linux and Ubuntu, even I'm discovering new stuff by reading it =)
So if you've just installed Ubuntu, wanted to install Ubuntu but don't know how, secretly wanting to install Ubuntu but not daring to take the plunge, been using Ubuntu for some time or just someone intrigued by something different from Windows and OSX, download it! It makes quite an interesting read =)
Credits to Ubuntu Geek for this.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
de de de de de de de de de de de de de
And so my first week as an intern has ended.
In case you're wondering, I'm currently interning at Alpha Biofuels in Jurong (horrors!). Yes its a stand-all-the-way trip Journey to the West every morning and back. Feet killer, our MRT system is. Especially when you're past Tanjong Pagar and you realise the guy in front of you sleeping peacefully is probably going all the way to Boon Lay. I guess thats the only downside to this job, apart from the delicious peanut butter allowance and the prompt bang kang timing of 6pm + service charge + GST, no less.
Seems like a dream job eh? So why in the world did I decide to take it up? For one its related to my course of study (Enviro Engi), and secondly its an SME, which means I'll get to learn much more than if I were to join say XXXMobile or seaShell. Who knows, I might draw on this when setting up my own company in the future. Plus its producing renewable energy!
And so far, it seems that my decision has been justified. In a span of a week I've been involved in marketing, project trials, delivery, collection, DIY furnishing and retailing. Stained jeans, oily hands, slicky shoes, all deja vu from the past 1 year. I can't say I've been looking forward to work everyday, but just by being there beats sitting in an office the whole day chatting on MSN and Facebooking. And for the first time I drove a lorry! Through the roads of NUS and Singapore Poly no less.
Not to mention the friendly atmosphere there - thanks to the 5 other interns running the show. As a colleague mentioned, we're all peons there. "hurh? Yes warchief... work work..."
Money vs experience?
Hong Yi has gained a level! *cue FF victory chime*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Random nugget of information - Did you know that the MRT door closing chime has 13 beeps?
In case you're wondering, I'm currently interning at Alpha Biofuels in Jurong (horrors!). Yes its a stand-all-the-way trip Journey to the West every morning and back. Feet killer, our MRT system is. Especially when you're past Tanjong Pagar and you realise the guy in front of you sleeping peacefully is probably going all the way to Boon Lay. I guess thats the only downside to this job, apart from the delicious peanut butter allowance and the prompt bang kang timing of 6pm + service charge + GST, no less.
Seems like a dream job eh? So why in the world did I decide to take it up? For one its related to my course of study (Enviro Engi), and secondly its an SME, which means I'll get to learn much more than if I were to join say XXXMobile or seaShell. Who knows, I might draw on this when setting up my own company in the future. Plus its producing renewable energy!
And so far, it seems that my decision has been justified. In a span of a week I've been involved in marketing, project trials, delivery, collection, DIY furnishing and retailing. Stained jeans, oily hands, slicky shoes, all deja vu from the past 1 year. I can't say I've been looking forward to work everyday, but just by being there beats sitting in an office the whole day chatting on MSN and Facebooking. And for the first time I drove a lorry! Through the roads of NUS and Singapore Poly no less.
Not to mention the friendly atmosphere there - thanks to the 5 other interns running the show. As a colleague mentioned, we're all peons there. "hurh? Yes warchief... work work..."
Money vs experience?
Hong Yi has gained a level! *cue FF victory chime*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Random nugget of information - Did you know that the MRT door closing chime has 13 beeps?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
25 thingies u may not know about me.
Sigh. Its hard to avoid being arrowed even after ORD. Anyway this will be rather random and lighthearted =) since this blog is linked to Facebook, I hope you're satisfied.
1) I have powerful eyes. i.e 1000 megawatts of eye power. Cyclops would pale in comparison.
2) I woke up in the middle of the night to satisfy a craving for Warcraft III once.
3) I got spooked by my own battery operated Lego set.
4) I haven't had a single memorable dream ever since Primary school. My brain is already jaded with reality.
5) I have a large collection of Pokemon cards and figurines, Star Wars cards, Lego sets and other figments of my childhood.
6) I was fat. My sister says I still am. By her standards, a skeleton would be ideal.
7) I'm afraid of bees, wasps and any flying thing that stings.
8) I find moths cute. And I used to be crazy about creepy crawlies.
9) I'm really a nature lover. Too bad I love the great indoors.
10) My very first computer ran primarily on DOS and Monopoly was the only decent game installed.
11) I spoilt my own SEGA machine because I was too excited and pulled the controller, console and all. It crashed spectacularly.
12) I've been wearing contacts since Pri 4.
13) And spectacles since Pri 1.
14) I sleep with 3 bolsters every night - 1 big, 2 small. The latter because the cases were sewn by my late grandma.
15) I hate vegetables. I am unstrictly carnivorous.
16) Oranges, apples and bananas are the fruit I usually (i.e almost always) eat.
17) I love porridge.
18) I had a crush on a girl for 6 years.
19) I have an English name, though rarely used. Ken/Kenneth is just a name my parents call me at home.
20) I was a rabid fan of Ayumi Hamasaki. Was. Is still. But no more rabid. More languid.
21) I joined the Chinese Orchestra really because I wanted to get out of NCC Land. And I originally wanted to play the ruan.
22) I have a fear of tuning my liuqin.
23) The reason why I learnt the guitar was because of Yoshio, Ayumi's guitarist. Yes, that was back when I was rabid.
24) I fall sick easily. No its got nothing to do with point 15. The weather affects me.
25) I always thought that boys doing NS was fair because all girls have to go through pregnancy. Until I discovered the existence of contraception.
1) I have powerful eyes. i.e 1000 megawatts of eye power. Cyclops would pale in comparison.
2) I woke up in the middle of the night to satisfy a craving for Warcraft III once.
3) I got spooked by my own battery operated Lego set.
4) I haven't had a single memorable dream ever since Primary school. My brain is already jaded with reality.
5) I have a large collection of Pokemon cards and figurines, Star Wars cards, Lego sets and other figments of my childhood.
6) I was fat. My sister says I still am. By her standards, a skeleton would be ideal.
7) I'm afraid of bees, wasps and any flying thing that stings.
8) I find moths cute. And I used to be crazy about creepy crawlies.
9) I'm really a nature lover. Too bad I love the great indoors.
10) My very first computer ran primarily on DOS and Monopoly was the only decent game installed.
11) I spoilt my own SEGA machine because I was too excited and pulled the controller, console and all. It crashed spectacularly.
12) I've been wearing contacts since Pri 4.
13) And spectacles since Pri 1.
14) I sleep with 3 bolsters every night - 1 big, 2 small. The latter because the cases were sewn by my late grandma.
15) I hate vegetables. I am unstrictly carnivorous.
16) Oranges, apples and bananas are the fruit I usually (i.e almost always) eat.
17) I love porridge.
18) I had a crush on a girl for 6 years.
19) I have an English name, though rarely used. Ken/Kenneth is just a name my parents call me at home.
20) I was a rabid fan of Ayumi Hamasaki. Was. Is still. But no more rabid. More languid.
21) I joined the Chinese Orchestra really because I wanted to get out of NCC Land. And I originally wanted to play the ruan.
22) I have a fear of tuning my liuqin.
23) The reason why I learnt the guitar was because of Yoshio, Ayumi's guitarist. Yes, that was back when I was rabid.
24) I fall sick easily. No its got nothing to do with point 15. The weather affects me.
25) I always thought that boys doing NS was fair because all girls have to go through pregnancy. Until I discovered the existence of contraception.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
hello world, i'm back
and so it ends here.
Feels like being airlifted from the rooftop of Mercy Hospital while a horde of zombies rush towards you, outstretched claws barely inches from your face.
Feels like the end of the last exam paper of the A levels, when the invigilator tells you to put down your pens, no more writing.
Feels like when the tester ticks and writes the word "pass" on your driving test slip.
Feels like scoring the winning goal against an imba team during soccer.
Feels like... nothing special really.
7 weeks of fear, awkwardness, fatigue, fun, brotherhood and comradeship.
3 months of learning, friendship, expression and laughter.
2 months of unfamiliarity, mistakes and relearning.
14 months of work, routine, boredom and the occasional lighthearted moment.
2 weeks of India.
1 month of adrenaline rushes, satisfaction and happiness.
1 month of relaxation, waiting and anticipation.
1 day of mixed feelings.
ORD lo!
Feels like being airlifted from the rooftop of Mercy Hospital while a horde of zombies rush towards you, outstretched claws barely inches from your face.
Feels like the end of the last exam paper of the A levels, when the invigilator tells you to put down your pens, no more writing.
Feels like when the tester ticks and writes the word "pass" on your driving test slip.
Feels like scoring the winning goal against an imba team during soccer.
Feels like... nothing special really.
7 weeks of fear, awkwardness, fatigue, fun, brotherhood and comradeship.
3 months of learning, friendship, expression and laughter.
2 months of unfamiliarity, mistakes and relearning.
14 months of work, routine, boredom and the occasional lighthearted moment.
2 weeks of India.
1 month of adrenaline rushes, satisfaction and happiness.
1 month of relaxation, waiting and anticipation.
1 day of mixed feelings.
ORD lo!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
double O
Remember this?
http://not-so-geeky.blogspot.com/2008/03/olivia-ong-esplanade.html
That was about 10 months ago.
Since then, she's got a best album in addition to her 3 mini-albums and 4 full albums (those crazy Japanese labels!), been travelling all over Singapore doing mini-concerts and lives, and of course the highlight of 2008 - doing the theme song for the crazily popular "The Little Nonya". Even though I didn't catch the show, I sure did take notice of the theme song. I can safely argue that it was this song "Ru Yan" that catapulted her into the radar of many Singaporeans.
Wanna bet her albums are flying off the shelves?
I think she recently signed with HIM records, the same record company as S.H.E. I suppose we can expect more mandarin songs? Still, I find her chinese pronunciation kinda awkward, but we can't fault her for that can we? If you've been living in Japan for the past 6 years saying "ohayo gosaimasu" instead of "zhao an", you'll find it tough too.
Saying all that, I hope she does an album filled with jazzy, self-penned tunes. That would take the cake!
Not sure if you can get it here in Singapore, so here: Yesasia.com
Olivia Ong, the next Stefanie Sun? Maybe she'll even get invited to sing during National Day LOL
http://not-so-geeky.blogspot.com/2008/03/olivia-ong-esplanade.html
That was about 10 months ago.
Since then, she's got a best album in addition to her 3 mini-albums and 4 full albums (those crazy Japanese labels!), been travelling all over Singapore doing mini-concerts and lives, and of course the highlight of 2008 - doing the theme song for the crazily popular "The Little Nonya"
Wanna bet her albums are flying off the shelves?
I think she recently signed with HIM records, the same record company as S.H.E. I suppose we can expect more mandarin songs? Still, I find her chinese pronunciation kinda awkward, but we can't fault her for that can we? If you've been living in Japan for the past 6 years saying "ohayo gosaimasu" instead of "zhao an", you'll find it tough too.
Saying all that, I hope she does an album filled with jazzy, self-penned tunes. That would take the cake!
Not sure if you can get it here in Singapore, so here: Yesasia.com
Olivia Ong, the next Stefanie Sun? Maybe she'll even get invited to sing during National Day LOL
Sunday, January 11, 2009
"Don't worry, I'll protect you"
When the opening screen shows blue with a huge Totoro and the words "Studio Ghibli" written on it, you know you're in for a visual treat.
Yup, I just watched "Ponyo on the cliff by the sea" yesterday. I've been a fan of Hayao Miyazaki's works ever since I watched "Spirited Away" so I was rather excited when Ponyo was released. My first reactions when I saw the trailer was: "Wa, so cute, sure alot of girls wanna watch". Incidentally, the cinema hall in which I watched the show was nearly 80% filled with girls =.=
Anyway back to the movie. Right from the start of the movie I was captivated by the stunning visuals and artwork. And the details! The opening scene showing Ponyo's daddy standing on his submarine was one of the most memorable ones, showing the ocean's best, what with crabs of all kinds and sizes, technicolour fish zipping around, menacing looking eels, bouncing jellyfish, octopuses and squids, all wonderfully drawn and animated. You know the old type of anime, where only 1 or 2 actions are being animated in the foreground at any one time? Well in this underwater scene, EVERYTHING was moving in its own natural way.
Amazing once you realise everything is fully hand-drawn!
Even the quaint seaside town and the sea was beautifully rendered. Check this out:
Looks familiar? Miyazaki-san based the town on this little Japanese port town Tomonoura. I can almost imagine Lisa's tiny pink car zooming along the coastal roads.
Like XJ said after the movie, it all seemed a little strange to be watching the 2D film. In this age of CG technology and 3D movies, its charming to see one of the best animators of all time sticking to his traditional hand-drawn medium, film after film. Another reason why the next generation of kids should watch Ponyo (if they haven't already). We grew up with 2D, and we only have Miyazaki-san to thank for keeping it alive with brilliance.
Although the storyline wasn't too deep (its meant for the kids really), you can spot some subtle references to themes that are prevalent in Miyazaki's works. The scene where a trawler dregs up muck from the ocean floor gently reminds us of our environmental impact, and it hammers home the message when Ponyo gets stuck in a discarded jar. Later in the movie when the sea turns a violent rage, it references to old Japanese folklore as well as their obsession with the ocean and its power. Imagination is the key here, with waves turning into giant fish slapping against the shore, a submarine powered by flapping flippers, sorcery and sea godesses, and a flood which submerges the world into prehistoric waters.
In the eyes of a child, the world is filled with endless possibilities.
For 2 hours last evening, I was a child once again.
Yup, I just watched "Ponyo on the cliff by the sea" yesterday. I've been a fan of Hayao Miyazaki's works ever since I watched "Spirited Away" so I was rather excited when Ponyo was released. My first reactions when I saw the trailer was: "Wa, so cute, sure alot of girls wanna watch". Incidentally, the cinema hall in which I watched the show was nearly 80% filled with girls =.=
Anyway back to the movie. Right from the start of the movie I was captivated by the stunning visuals and artwork. And the details! The opening scene showing Ponyo's daddy standing on his submarine was one of the most memorable ones, showing the ocean's best, what with crabs of all kinds and sizes, technicolour fish zipping around, menacing looking eels, bouncing jellyfish, octopuses and squids, all wonderfully drawn and animated. You know the old type of anime, where only 1 or 2 actions are being animated in the foreground at any one time? Well in this underwater scene, EVERYTHING was moving in its own natural way.
Amazing once you realise everything is fully hand-drawn!
Even the quaint seaside town and the sea was beautifully rendered. Check this out:
Looks familiar? Miyazaki-san based the town on this little Japanese port town Tomonoura. I can almost imagine Lisa's tiny pink car zooming along the coastal roads.
Like XJ said after the movie, it all seemed a little strange to be watching the 2D film. In this age of CG technology and 3D movies, its charming to see one of the best animators of all time sticking to his traditional hand-drawn medium, film after film. Another reason why the next generation of kids should watch Ponyo (if they haven't already). We grew up with 2D, and we only have Miyazaki-san to thank for keeping it alive with brilliance.
Although the storyline wasn't too deep (its meant for the kids really), you can spot some subtle references to themes that are prevalent in Miyazaki's works. The scene where a trawler dregs up muck from the ocean floor gently reminds us of our environmental impact, and it hammers home the message when Ponyo gets stuck in a discarded jar. Later in the movie when the sea turns a violent rage, it references to old Japanese folklore as well as their obsession with the ocean and its power. Imagination is the key here, with waves turning into giant fish slapping against the shore, a submarine powered by flapping flippers, sorcery and sea godesses, and a flood which submerges the world into prehistoric waters.
In the eyes of a child, the world is filled with endless possibilities.
For 2 hours last evening, I was a child once again.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
happy new year (the irony)
The first week of 2009!
And from the looks of it, pretty lousy too.
Been a pretty uppy and downy few days...
Hit with a fever on New Year's eve (boo!), before meeting the XJ for Bedtime Stories, Brewerkz and fireworks watching (cheer!).
Fever gone on New Year's day (yay!), but in comes a sore throat (aww)
Back to camp on Friday (sian) with a sore throat (double sian), but went out with the guys for ramen and supper (cool!) but the ramen tasted bland because of a blocked nose (damn!).
Played soccer on Saturday (whee!) but too many people turned up (dang).
Slacked on Sunday (ahhh~) but then came a killer cough (cough cough cough ><)
Finally, my voice gave way on Monday. Now I sound like a demented killer.
Hoping to land my "dream" job for these 6 months after ORD.
And from the looks of it, pretty lousy too.
Been a pretty uppy and downy few days...
Hit with a fever on New Year's eve (boo!), before meeting the XJ for Bedtime Stories, Brewerkz and fireworks watching (cheer!).
Fever gone on New Year's day (yay!), but in comes a sore throat (aww)
Back to camp on Friday (sian) with a sore throat (double sian), but went out with the guys for ramen and supper (cool!) but the ramen tasted bland because of a blocked nose (damn!).
Played soccer on Saturday (whee!) but too many people turned up (dang).
Slacked on Sunday (ahhh~) but then came a killer cough (cough cough cough ><)
Finally, my voice gave way on Monday. Now I sound like a demented killer.
Hoping to land my "dream" job for these 6 months after ORD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)