It’s my LIFE!

I don’t know why, but I’m extremely excited about the flight to Cairo, Egypt tonight, at 10:40pm! Perhaps it’s because it’s my first time going to travel alone and for competition purposes, and taking a plane somemore :p

Luggage - clothes, medicines, etc, all ready and packed! Later go buy a few more things such as toothpaste etc can already. Feel so excited man!

I will be reaching the airport terminal 2 at around 8:30pm tonight. I’m feeling SO TIRED and yet can’t fall asleep, or rather, can’t sleep because Mdm Kang (my team mentor) is meeting me at anytime before 2pm (latest) to pass me some stuffs, thus I got to wait for her.

I’m so tired! Wake up early morning at 7:30am to meet Mdm Kang initially, then she postpone until afternoon & at the same time, allocated some tasks for me to do. Now finally free to blog~~

You know, this post is going to be so disorganised and yes, I know that; because I’m just like ranting and ranting on things randomly~~ As there is a possibility that I won’t be available and won’t be blogging for the next 7 days until 9th July 2009 when I’m back to Singapore! So people, read more now while you still can. LOL!

I am so hungry now! But cannot go out because don’t know what time lecturer coming! LOL! Arghs.

Till I blog again!

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I don’t know am I feeling excited or what, I’m full of mixed feelings. Happy? Unhappy? Well, it’s regarding the Imagine Cup 2009 competition. For those who don’t know, I’m going to fly over to Cairo, Egypt, to represent Singapore in the Imagine Cup 2009 MashUp category’s finals.

My teammate, James, is not going with me, due to National Service (NS). Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Microsoft Singapore, and James himself, all 3 sources have wrote deferrment request letter to Army already, and James even went down to CMPB for the matter - but to no vail.

Thus I will be going alone, for the Question & Answer (Q&A) session, and probably some presentation on our VENews MashUp application. I guess I’m more or less prepared for that already. I can’t practise much, as I was sicked for more than a week (since 20 June?) ever since I came back from Malaysia - sore throat, cough, headache, etc.

Today I went to see doctor again, got a ultra strong coughing medicine. This is my first time seeing this medicine - been seeing this doctor for so many years, and this is the first time I didn’t get the same coughing medicine from her o.O”

Is this good or bad? Well, this shows that my cough’s condition is pretty bad. But on the other hand, it might be a good thing too, since she give me a stronger medicine, this might means that I might recover very soon? haha.

Oh ya, she added that if I recovered already, I should stop eating this medicine immediately, don’t eat it when I’m not having cough. Why? Is it because the medicine is too strong already? Well, who knows. I better be careful..

Back to the Cairo trip thing, I’m totally having mixed feelings. Here are my good and bad random thoughts:

It’s going to be my first time travelling oversea to a country further than Malaysia!

It’s going to be my first time taking an aeroplane!

It’s going to be my first time going oversea without any loved ones!

It’s going to be my first time going out to explore a totally new place all by myself (without friends)!

It’s going to be my first ever fully sponsored oversea holidays by Microsoft, to enjoy in Cairo, Egypt!

It’s going to be my first time going overseas to represent Singapore in a competition held worldwide!

It’s going to be a whole new experience! I want to have fun there!

It’s going to be a test to train me to be independent!

I’m going to sleep alone in a room as James is not coming - is this good or bad? Good is that I can have a room all by myself, don’t need share with any random unknown people. Bad is that I’m going to sleep alone, and I’m afraid that I can’t fall asleep and I have no one to talk to (you know, those things might look for me if I don’t sleep -_-“)

I’m travelling despite the fact that the H1N1 virus is still hot and running, and by then, over 140 countries are going to send teams to Cairo for the Imagine Cup 2009 comeptition, which means, to be a little touchwood, somewhere, somehow, H1N1 virus might be brought there >.<

I don’t even know if I am able to contact my family from Cairo or not, I hope that the event folks there would bring us to some shop to buy prepaid card to use there, or somehow allow me to use the phone at the hotel to make phone calls back.

Note that Cairo, Egypt is in the GMT +2 time zone, whereas Singapore is i the GMT +8 time zone. I have to always keep that in mind so that I don’t call back when it is in midnight in Singapore~

Here are my flight details:

Depart: Changi Intl Arpt (SIN)
Singapore
Terminal 2      22:40
Thursday, July 02, 2009

Arrive: Cairo Intl Arpt (CAI)
Terminal 2      06:05
Friday, July 03, 2009

It’s going to be a 7 hours 15 minutes flight from Singapore Airport to Dubai Airport. Then, after change plane, another 3 hours 45 minutes flight from Dubai Airport to Cairo Airport.

And here’s my flight details when coming back:

Depart: Cairo Intl Arpt (CAI)
Terminal 2      12:25
Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Arrive: Changi Intl Arpt (SIN)
Singapore
Terminal Not Available  05:50
Thursday, July 09, 2009

No one will be sending me to the airport when I’m leaving, and no one will be there to wait for me when I’m back to Singapore. Reason being - H1N1 case - Airports are in a mess, and I’m afraid that a lot of measures need to be taken for prevention, thus my parents etc will not be sending me off or picking me up when I’m back.

It’s my first time going to Airport, let alone flying off - of course I hope that someone will send me off. But what to do, H1N1 case so HOT nowadays, I can’t be so selfish, can I?

Oh man, I have been ranting and ranting for like an hour already. Sigh. I wonder who actually read my whole post. If you do, please post a comment under this post to tell me, or tag at my tagboard - I want to know who actually read this whole post. People who cares would read.

Till I blog again, cheerios.

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Proudly present to you by PlanetKY, Imagine Cup 2009 MashUp Category Finalist from Singapore. The Latest Updates on VENews MashUp application!

Please find out more by visiting the following sources:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE -> http://mit-nyp.net/planetky/index.html

FACEBOOK GROUP -> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=90023018984

VIDEO ON LATEST UPDATE (Embedded on this post) -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4WDyc6Uipw

VIDEO ON TEAM PLANETKY -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkStHyhIC2g

TUTORIAL ON HOW TO CREATE MASHUP APPLICATION @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyrSdwIs2lw TUTORIAL ON HOW TO USE VENEWS MASHUP APPLICATION @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhqcv_Q5DhE

Please support us in our campaign in ensuring our Earth’s environmental sustainability!

Come & change the world with the PlanetKY!

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I went to catch this worldwide highly rated movie, Transformers, Revenge of the Fallen, with my many years buddies - Rong Yao, Wei Kian, and Man Chun!

As usual, the tickets are always either selling fast or sold out. We meet up like half an hour before the show starts, and we ended up only able to choose between either the 1st row OR 2nd row.

Unlike when we study in colleges or universities, where the first few rows are always hot and in demand by everyone whom want to score well academically; Everyone prefers to sit at the back in Cinemas when watching a movie.

I always don’t know why, isn’t it great to look at the big screen when you sit in the front rows? Well, today, I finally learnt why, because I sat on the 2nd row.

It was really difficult to enjoy the show when you are trying to move your eyes up and down, because at one glance, you are not able to look at both the middle of the screen (where all the actions took place) and the subtitles (not everyone can easily catch the westerns’ slang). Furthermore, to always look up in cinema, it makes our eyes felt more tired.

Okay back to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The movie is great if you can understand it - many people don’t. Most of the time, the movie is not very straight forward, it requires people to think, which is not a problem for me However, I believe that it might cause confusion to some people.

Overall, it’s a great movie - good sound effect, good fighting actions and good animation, interesting storyline with ups and downs. And lastly, there are clues stating that there might be a Transformer 3 coming out in future.

I shall not say any spoiler to the movie, as the movie is still up in cinema and many people may not have watched it yet.

People whom have watch the previous Transformer movie, don’t miss this one! You’ll regret it if you miss it!

Cheers!

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Before you pack your bags to travel to a new country, you have to do your homework. In order to make the most of the experience, it is important to know what to expect when you arrive. Here are a few tips to make your experience in Cairo a little more pleasant.

Learn the culture. Egypt is a wonderful country with a long, rich history. People are rooted deeply in the customs of their culture and religion. When exploring all Egypt has to offer, it is important to be sensitive to the way society operates. My suggestion is to be observant. Notice how people are acting around you and imitate – that is the best way to learn and adapt to new situations. Be aware and you will be fine. Egyptians are a product of the rich history of their country and are a warm, accommodating people. I am sure every experience with them will only compliment your stay and make it that much more memorable.

Know the food. Egyptians have a wide selection of food choices, reflecting the depth of their culture. Cooking has combined flavors and ingredients from the Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian traditions to suit a wide range of budgets, customs, and tastes. Although food will be provided for all that attend the event, I would recommend taking some time to experience the local cuisine. You will not be disappointed.

Know how much money to bring. Although the finalists’ expenses will be covered, it will be smart to bring some extra cash along for travel into the city. The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound and can be easily obtained at the airport in Cairo. Travelers should have plenty of small bills for “baksheesh,” meaning tip. Tipping is a common practice and this is definitely a term you should know when in Egypt.

Know what to wear. It is going to be hot, and by hot, I mean REALLY hot. Although you will be packing clothes for the hot and humid weather, be sure to remain conservative to suit the Egyptian culture, especially if you plan on traveling to a mosque. Women should plan to have their shoulders and upper arms covered and skirts should be below the knee. Also, it would be a good idea for women to bring a light head scarf to cover their head, hair and neck when visiting the mosque as well. (Note: if you have blond hair, expect extra attention. Egyptians find blond hair to be extremely beautiful.) Men, on the other hand, do not have to be so conscious of their clothing choices. However, if you would like to feel more comfortable, it would be wise to dress conservatively as well.

Regardless of gender, be sure to pack a hat to keep the sun out of the eyes, sunscreen and sunglasses. Oh, all finalists will be receiving an official Imagine Cup T-shirt as well, so be looking forward to that!

Know what you are seeing: Citadel. The Citadel is a “must see” when visiting Cairo and happens to be the setting of the Imagine Cup opening ceremonies. Originally built in 810 A.D., this structure has served a number of purposes throughout its long history. Boasting a variety of mosques and museums, the medieval style architecture adds to the cultural variety of the skyline of Cairo. Also, while you are there, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful view of the city.

Know what you are seeing: Pyramids. Seen as a vehicle to heaven, ancient Egyptian pharaohs believed these giant structures would guide them to the afterlife. Hundreds of years later, the pyramids are still symbols of wonder, as tourists from all over the globe travel to stand in their presence. Imagine Cup Competitors will be given to chance to see them twice, during the cultural day and during the dramatic final ceremonies where the winners of the competition will be announced.  Take time to enjoy them, the Sphinx, and the once in a life time opportunity to see one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

The Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals is meant to be the experience of a lifetime and Cairo provides a poetic backdrop with its ancient treasures. The history of Egypt serves as a reminder of where humanity has been and is the ideal compliment for the cutting edge technology solutions that will be presented during the event. Old world meets new; the past meets the future.

———

The above “homework” is done by Mr Matt Bernardy, and I find them true, thus want to share them with you guys. The main purpose of him doing this “homework” is actually to prepare himself for the trip to Egypt for the upcoming Imagine Cup 2009 which is held are Cairo, Egypt.

Nonetheless, the smart thinking tips or pointers shared by him is useful to us to not only travel to Cairo, if we could learn from his thinking, we can apply it in all other countries which we are going to travel to in future!

Cheers~

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The legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died at the age of 50 on 25 June 2009, 2:26pm, according to his brother, Jermaine.

Today morning when I login to Facebook, I receive a group invitation, where the group name is called “I can’t believe Michael Jackson died!“, and there are only 15 members in the group.

The first thing that comes to my mind is - “Aww, nonsense!“, because I believe that if he ever died, it would be a big news shown on the TV. Well, somehow, I just think that the news would surely report his death, since he is such a legendary person.

Thus I declined the group invitation. Then, later when I saw read the news, it REALLY reported that Michael Jackson has passed away. Oh man… He’s just 50 years old. May him rest in peace…

Here’s some history of Michael Jackson I managed to get:

Jackson (50) became a musical icon performing with The Jackson 5, when he was just six years of age. By the time he was 11, he’d graduated from standing at the back playing the tambourine and bongos to fronting the group’s debut Motown single I Want You Back . It went to number one and Jackson’s haul of blockbuster hits begun.

But it was 1983’s Thriller which was the singer’s tour-de-force. It sold like no other album before it, amassing 60 million sales and seeing seven of the album’s nine tracks released as singles.

The next year, he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance move while performing Billie Jean during an NBC special.

In recent years, controversy continued to dominate his life. A 2003 television documentary, Living with Michael Jackson , claimed that Jackson still had sleepovers with young boys and had his third child with a surrogate mother, but Jackson denied these charges.

Concerns about his health had been rampant during his 2005 trial in California on charges of child sex abuse at which he was acquitted and in 2008 when he was photographed in Las Vegas in a wheelchair for reasons that were never explained.

At the time of his death, Jackson was preparing to perform 50 concerts at London’s 02 Arena.

And the following is something said by Quincy Jones, who collaborated with Jackson on three of his best-selling albums, Off the Wall , Thriller and Bad:

“For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him”

May him rest in peace.

Till then I blog again.

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Two teams, “Infusion” and “PlanetKY”, from the School of Engineering (Electronics) have made it to the finals of Imagine Cup 2009 finals in Cairo, Egypt from 3-7 July 2009. They are among the teams representing Singapore this year.

Team Infusion members (from left: Feng Song Zhe, Mohamad Hanafi Awang, Yadlapalli Priya Bharath and Mohamed Marjuk Ali s/o Jiyavudeen with Mr John Fernandes, Director, Developer & Platform Evangelism, Microsoft Singapore)	Team PlanetKY members Kong Wen Bin (second from left) and James Yeo (extreme right) with mentors Ricky Ho and Kang Siew Hwa)

“Infusion” had emerged as the champion of the Embedded Category in the Singapore Round of the competition. “PlanetKY” emerged as the TOP six teams worldwide in the Mashup Category of the Imagine Cup after beating 50 international entries from the local and overseas IHLs.

The competition, into its seventh year, attracted 300,000 students from 100 countries but only 149 teams made it to the finals.

The Imagine Cup competition encourages students around the globe to imagine a better world in which people are empowered by technology created by the students’ talents and innovation. They are required to base their projects on the eight hardest challenges in the world today identified by The United Nations in its Millennium Goals.

There are nine categories: Software Design, Embedded Development, Game Development, “Project Hoshimi” (Programming Battle), IT Challenge, Algorithm, Photography, Short Film and Interface Design.

“Infusion” will face 19 other teams from countries like Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada in the Embedded Category.

Their project sought to reduce the overall cost of the The Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) system. The PCA system helps to manage the operation of an infusion pump system to allow for intelligent patient controlled delivery of analgesics such as epidural using a high performance Windows CE based computing platform. “Infusion” developed a lower cost embedded solution which leverages on an Ebox 4300 based system.

Team leader Yadlapalli Priya Bharath said, “We were disappointed when we did not win the software category of the competition so we were ecstatic to win the Embedded category. We’ve been busy these past few weeks fine-tuning our system, beefing up our knowledge and presentation skills.”

Expectations will be high following NYP’s “Trail Blazers” which won the Embedded Development category in the prestigious Microsoft Imagine Cup 2008 held in Paris in July last year. The team impressed the judges with their Environmental Monitoring System (EMS), a low-cost, self-sustaining environmental monitoring robotic system that gives high-quality environmental data in real time.

“We’re inspired with their achievements and we will try our best at the finals. Winning will definitely be a bonus,” said Bharath.

“PlanetKY” comprises of two Year-3 Diploma in Multimedia & Infocomm Technology students Kong Wen Bin and James Yeo.

The team created “VENews - Virtual Earth News” that uses MashUp technology to gather the latest environmental news from RSS feeds around the world and present them intelligently on Microsoft Virtual Earth.

VENews uses a Mashup application to retrieve information from various sources and re-mix them together, enabling the user to view a holistic environmental picture of the Earth. The project allows users to have a quick overview of reported environmental issues. It shows real time plotting of location of the affected areas and users can select specific news by category like water and air pollution.

“For the finals, we have upgraded our project to also include environmental solutions by different organisations,” said team member Kong Wen Bin.

Two other teams from NYP, “Epoch” from SIT and “Green Dream” from SEG(E), made to the Software Category of  Singapore Finals.  Team “Epoch” won the People’s Choice Award for their integrated communications system while “Green Dream” came in fourth for their Smart Home Monitoring System project.

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Trust is both and emotional and logical act. Emotionally, it is where you expose your vulnerabilities to people, but believing they will not take advantage of your openness. Logically, it is where you have assessed the probabilities of gain and loss, calculating expected utility based on hard performance data, and concluded that the person in question will behave in a predictable manner. In practice, trust is a bit of both. I trust you because I have experienced your trustworthiness and because I have faith in human nature.

We feel trust. Emotions associated with trust include companionship, friendship, love, agreement, relaxation, comfort. There are a number of different ways we can define trust. Here are the dimensions of trust and consequent definitions.

Predictability

It is a normal part of the human condition to be constantly forecasting ahead. We build internal models of the world based both on our experiences and what others tell us, and then use these to guess what will happen next. This allows us to spot and prepare for threats and also make plans to achieve our longer-term goals.

The greatest unpredictability is at 50%; a reliable enemy can be preferable to an unpredictable friend, as at least we know where we are with them.

Definition 1: Trust means being able to predict what other people will do and what situations will occur. If we can surround ourselves with people we trust, then we can create a safe present and an even better future.

Value exchange

Most of what we do with other people is based around exchange, which is the basis for all businesses as well as simple relationships. At its simplest, it is exchange of goods. I will swap you two sheep for one cow. It is easy to calculate the value in such material bargaining. Things get more complex when less tangible forces come into play. A parent exchanges attention for love. A company exchanges not only pay but good working conditions for the intellectual and manual efforts of its workforce.

Value exchange works because we each value things differently. If I have a whole flock of sheep but no milk, then I can do business with a person who has a herd of cows but no clothes. This principle of reciprocity is what binds societies together.

Trust in value exchange occurs when we do not know fully whether what we are receiving is what we expect. When we buy a car, don’t want to be sold a ringer which the seller knows is faulty. When I get advice in business, I want it to be based on facts, not wild opinions.

Definition 2: Trust means making an exchange with someone when you do not have full knowledge about them, their intent and the things they are offering to you.

Delayed reciprocity

Exchange is not just about an immediate swapping of cows and sheep or hugs and kisses. What makes companies and societies really work is that something is given now, but the return is paid back some time in the future. The advantage of this is that we can create a more flexible environment, where you can get what you need when you need it, rather than having to save up for it.

Trust now becomes particularly important, because otherwise we are giving something for nothing. The delay we have placed in the reciprocal arrangement adds a high level of uncertainty which we need to mitigate through trust.

What is often called the ‘golden rule’ is a simple formula for creating trust. ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ It sets up the dynamic for my giving you something now with the hope of getting back some unspecified thing in the indeterminate future.

Definition 3: Trust means giving something now with an expectation that it will be repaid, possibly in some unspecified way at some unspecified time in the future.

Exposed vulnerabilities

When we trust other people, we may not only be giving them something in hope of getting something else back in the future, we may also be exposing ourselves in a way that they can take advantage of our vulnerabilities. If I buy a car from you and I do not know a good price, you can lie to me so you get a better bargain. If I tell you in confidence about the problems I am having with work, you could use this to further your own career at my expense.

Although the threat of retribution or projected feelings of guilt can counteract your temptation to abuse my exposed vulnerabilities, if you succumb I still get hurt and may still end up with the shorter stick. For our transaction to complete successfully, I must be able to trust that such agonies will not come to pass.

Definition 4: Trust means enabling other people to take advantage of your vulnerabilities—but expecting that they will not do this.

Conclusion

So learn about trust, how it works and how to build it. If you do it well, other people will give you the earth. If you betray them, they will hunt you to the ends of the earth.

——-

Just a random thought, & I was wondering what is trust. What exactly is trust and why do I always treat it so importantly while other people may or may not treat it equally important, and some people just enjoys betraying it and taking it into their advantage.

And I saw this wonderful article which outstands all others, thus I want to share it with you guys. Enjoy!

Article from changingminds.org

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Please help us by spreading our group’s URL to your friends, let them know about PlanetKY & our mashup application, the VENews. And also, tell them that we have tutorial which teach them how to create simple mashup applications.

We hope that more people out there could make use of our LocationIdentifier and create application that could save our Earth, or save lifes.

Find our more about how to make use of LocationIdentifier block by watching the following video: Simple tutorial on how to create MashUp application OR you can choose to watch it on our official website’s Tutorial page.

And also, join our Facebook Group! Over there in our Facebook Group, we are all a group of people whom are interested in playing a part to help to improve our environment’s current health condition and is all being gathered together - all of us shares a common goal, and PlanetKY is trying to make a difference, by creating VENews to raise everyone’s awareness and alertness to environmental happenings in our surroundings, by reinterpreting existing information to harness its true potential.

If you like our MashUp (VENews) or MashUp block (LocationIdentifier), please become its fan!

Simply click the heart icon located on the upper right hand corner on the Popfly page to become a fan.

If you’ve tried using VENews, or have tried creating MashUp application using our LocationIdentifier mashup block, and if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment in our VENews page at Popfly, or email to me at kongwenbin@live.com, I will surely look into the matter.

Please remember to help us spread the word! We really hope that VENews can truly make an impact and improve everyone’s life, for all of us, and for our future generations! If someone have to do something to our environment, then PlanetKY shall start the lead!

Come & change the world with the PlanetKY!

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I went to Genting Highlands for holidays for the past few days and I’m finally back to Singapore! Whooohoo~~~ I had a lot of fun at Genting~~

Had a whole lot of fun experiences at the theme park - tried all the most thrilling and extreme rides, such as the roller coaster which goes 360 degree spin, twice in a row; and the ride which brings us high up to don’t know how many storey (I’m not sure), but I can guarantee you that it is VERY HIGH, and all of a sudden - DROP US ALL THE WAY DOWN! Then halfway down, stop and bring us up again - repeating this cycle, it’s super thrilling. I can felt my butt leaving the seat and felt myself floating in the air when I’m dropping down.

Took the Genting Skyway cable car, which is widely known as the most world’s fastest and South East Asia’s longest cable car of 3.38 km! The feeling is great~

Had lots of nice food and lots of fun there, and bought many goods and food home as well! My first time ever travelling oversea without my family member, I’m proud of myself! I will learn to be more independent in future as well..

Special thanks to dear & her family members for bring me to have so much fun at Genting Highlands! And taking good care of me, I’m really very happy. hahas. And the trip is totally great! whooohooo~~~ XD

Shall see if I will upload some pictures when I got them~

Cheerios!

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This is specially dedicated for all the Restaurant City fans & addicts out there, and all those whom requested for it. I’m going to put up here all the questions & answers that I have came across, if you guys ever see any questions or answers missing, please feel free to post a comment & add it in - credit goes to you, of course.

There are being arranged in alphabetical order - however, to best use it, click on Ctrl+F and type the question to search for it - you got 10 seconds to do it after you start the quiz and get to see the question!

Q: Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from what?
A: Seaweed

Q: Bechamel sauce is also known as…
A: White Sauce

Q: To blanch a vegetable, means to?
A: Boil and Cool off quickly

Q: Calamari is fried?
A: Squid

Q: What is a Calzone?
A: A turnover made of pizza dough

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find Calzone?
A: Italian

Q: Caviar is made from?
A: Fish Egg

Q: What kind of pizza is chicago style?
A: Deep dish

Q: Chilli is a?
A: Fruit

Q: Which of these chillies is the spiciest?
A: Naga jolokia pepper

Q: What is chinese gooseberry called in ancient time?
A: Kiwi

Q: What is chocolate bloom?
A: Cocoa fat or sugar

Q: The chuck is found where on the cow?
A: Front

Q: Which continent produces the most cocoa?
A: Africa

Q: What is coconut?
A: Fruit

Q: Q: A crepe is typical a …?
A: Thinly cooked pancake

Q: Dim sum originated from which country?
A: China

Q: Dulce de leche is prepared by heating…?
A: Sweetened Milk

Q: Which sauce used in Egg Benedicts?
A: Hollandaise sauce

Q: Where did Feta Cheese come from?
A: Greece

Q: The flank is found where on the cow?
A: Mid

Q: Foie gras is food made from which part of an animal?
A: Liver

Q: In England, French Fries are called?
A: Chips

Q: To garnish a food means?
A: Add final touches

Q: Granny smith apples are?
A: Green

Q: Grapes grow on?
A: Vines

Q: The main ingredient in Guacamole is?
A: Avocado

Q: Where is the hamburger originaly from?
A: United states

Q: What is Hashi?
A: Chopsticks

Q: Honey comes from?
A: Bees

Q: What is the main ingredient in Hummus?
A: Chickpeas

Q: Kimchi is a Korean dish made of fermented?
A: Vegetables

Q: What is Ketchup made of?
A: Tomatoes

Q: Lard is the fat obtained from which animal?
A: Pig

Q: Naan Bread is served with… ?
A: Indian Food

Q: Natto, a traditional Japanese food, is made from fermented?
A: Soybeans

Q: New-York Style Pizzas are generally?
A: Thin crust

Q: The pizza originates from which country?
A: Italy

Q: To poach something means?
A: To cook in boiling water

Q: To Proof dough means to…
A: Allow it to rise

Q: Prunes are dried…?
A: Plums

Q: Raisins are dried…?
A: Grapes

Q: Ratatouille is?
A: A vegetarian dish

Q: The main ingredient of Ratatouille is?
A: Tomatoes

Q: To refresh vegetables is….?
A: To immerse in COLD water

Q: What is the color of Rhubarb?
A: Red

Q: The rump is found where on the cow?
A: Back

Q: What is Saffron?
A: Spice

Q: Sauerkraut is made from?
A: Fermented Cabbage

Q: To saute a dish, means to?
A: Fry quickly in hot pan

Q: The sirloin is found where on the cow?
A: Mid

Q: What is the most expensive spice in the world?
A: Saffron

Q: Which of the following spices is the most expensive??
A: Pure Vanilla

Q: Steak tartare is a meat dish made from raw?
A: Beef

Q: What is Stracchino?
A: a fresh cheese from Italy

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find sushi?
A: Japanese

Q: Where does taco orignate from?
A: Mexico

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find tacos?
A: Mexican

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find Tapas?
A: Spanish

Q: Tofu is made of …. ?
A: Soybean

Q: A tomato is a?
A: Fruit

Q: What color is Tuna meat?
A: Pink

Q: Where is Tuna from?
A: Salt Water

Q: The main ingredients in Tzatziki are?
A: Yoghurt and Cucumber

Q: Venison is the meat from what animal?
A: Deer

Q: What is the main ingredient of wasabi?
A: Horseradish

I hope they helps!

Here are other Restaurant Related post which I got for you:

• Guide to 50 Popularity in Restaurant City with screenshot
• Tips & Guide on Restaurant City @ Facebook
• Arrangement Guide to Restaurant City (with screenshot)

For those whom want to add me on Restaurant City, you guys can add me at Wenbin Kyril.

Cheerios!

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

I believe that many people have seen the new SAF combat uniform on street or on MRT, as it have been around for a few years already. Have you guys’ ever wonder why is there this change? And I believe that many people agreed that the previous version of SAF combat uniform looks much nicer (the one your father wear last time, or those NCC boys have wear them last time during your school days)

Camouflage is an important element in military tactics. With today’s advanced surveillance equipment and weapon optics, soldiers face a greater risk of detection in combat.

Recognising this, the Army and the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) have jointly developed a new SAF combat uniform with an enhanced camouflage pattern to reduce detection - based on the science of human visual performance and visual biophysics.

Besides an enhanced camouflage pattern, the new SAF combat uniform also consists of better quality fabric and an ergonomic functional design.

Shown above: Buttons and velcro combination relieves stress points on chest when body armour is worn.

Shown above: Pixelised camouflage pattern. Pixelisation generates micro-pattern within macro-pattern to reduce detection of soldier at short distance.

Shown above: New epaulette position for easy identification (Specialist ranks remain on sleeves).

Shown above: Inward buttoning on sleeves prevents entanglement with foreign objects.

Shown above: Side pockets are pleated to provide comfort when filled, while slanted angle facilitates access in sitting position. Internal pouch within side pocket included for storage of small accessories.

Shown above: Additional inner material reduces abrasion to groin region.

Shown above: Shoulder straps remove stress point on shoulder when load is borne.

Shown above: Mandarin collar protects soldier from abrasion caused by rifle sling.

Shown above: Shirt can be folded up as an improvised triangular bandage for injured elbow.

Shown above: Adjustable fastening slits and velcro holder secure position of elbow and knee guards.

So how is it? After looking at all the features and advantages that we (new soldiers) gained on our new SAF combat uniform, do you felt that you’re lucky? Looking forward to your army life? :p

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Everyone wants to have a pay raise, no matter what industry you are at - no one would ever find that their current salary is too much for them, nor will anyone don’t want to get a pay raise.

I’m going to share with you some advice or things to look out on when you want to get your job salary raised. Well, most people when faced with higher bills and rising costs, would love to have an increase in salary even though it is not time yet the time for company’s annual review. Thus they fantasize about how to approach the boss and request for a salary raise.

Most people think that a good reason for such a request is that we need more money to pay our bills, our children’s rising tution fees, and so on. However, your personal financial needs are not your company’s problem. Seriously, they look at a big picture, who cares about your personal needs :p

Experts’ advise is that people should not talk about their financial needs. Instead, all these requests should be based on your added skills, productivity, tasks accomplished, and your contributions to the company, and the market rate for the job position you are holding.

1. Draw up your job description. You should have two kinds of job description: a formal one given by the HR department, and an informal one you produce that includes all the actual tasks you do that are not mentioned in the formal description.

2. Collate together reports of your last few performance evaluations. If your company does not provide copies of the reviews to you, write down from memory as truthfully as you can, your job evaluation given by your boss over the past six to 12 months. Include in the review your accomplishments, and if possible, the specific dollar value of each accomplishment to the company. For example: “I saved the company $15,000 this year by re-negotiating contracts with existing suppliers and sourcing for fresh suppliers.“

3. List out new skill sets you have learned through company-sponsored training or on your own initiatives. If you have obtained additional diplomas or academic qualifications, write them out and describe how you can use your new skills to enhance your existing job.

If you have not been improving or adding to your skills and professional knowledge in the past 12 months, you should immediately do so before you even consider asking for a raise.

4. Find out salaries in other companies for similar jobs. When comparing salaries, you should include the dollar value of the benefits and perks that your employer provides, such as company-paid health and hospitalisation insurance, subsidised meals and bursaries for your children’s education.

5. Find out your company’s policy on salary increases. Are all raises given only at a fixed time during the annual review? Is there a budgeted amount that your department must stay within for each employee?

If your supervisor or direct boss has no authority to exceed the budgeted amount, you have wasted your effort.

6. Find out your company’s financial state. Not all companies are in a position to raise salaries. If sales are going downhill and revenue is drying up, it is more likely for the company to be planning staff retrenchment.

7. Ask your boss for an appointment at a time where he or she is not distracted or in a hurry to attend a meeting somewhere. From experience, HR and compensation consultants will tell you that Monday morning or Friday afternoon are busy times for most managers, and would definitely be inconvenient to discuss your request.

8. During the meeting, take your time to show your boss your accomplishments, your new skill sets and your research findings, and then make your request for the raise.

9. Chances are, your boss will (a) reject your request outright or (b) delay you by saying he or she will “think about it”.

10. If you do not get your raise, ask your boss what you would have to do to receive an increase or a promotion with pay adjustment. Make sure your boss is aware of your good work, and that you intend to work even harder and more productively in preparation for your next opportunity to discuss salary.

11. Do not issue an ultimatum of resigning if your request is rejected, and do not react with a sour grapes attitude.

12. If your boss postponed meeting your request, ask when you can have the answer.

Good luck!

—————–

The above post is sourced from JobsCentral and slightly modified it a little. Credits goes to JobsCentral.

Hope it helps!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

The United Nation Security Council has agreed on a toughened set of international sanctions against North Korea yesterday, to punish the reclusive state for conducting a nuclear test last month, and test-firing missiles.

Ms Susan Rice, United States’s envoy said the following:

Based on past experience and a pattern that North Korea has of reckless and dangerous actions, it would not be a surprise if North Korea reacted to this very tough sanctions regime in a fashion that would be further provocation.

The 15-0 Security Council vote tightened and slightly expanded on a series of barely imposed sanctions the council approved in 2006 following North Korea’s first nuclear test in defiance of international warnings.

Ms. Rice said the unanimous vote demonstrates in “the strongest possible terms” the world’s condemnation of North Korea’s nuclear weapons development.

But the unanimity came at a price: During negotiations over the past weeks, China and Russia insisted on diluting some of the proposals the United States and its allies made.

The new sanctions extend provisions for inspecting North Korean ships, impose a ban on arms exports, and a near-ban on imports, and tighten rules aimed at cutting off money flows related to the military.

The hope is to persuade North Korea to return to talks about abandoning its nuclear and missile development programs.

Here is the key point of the sanctions:

Calls on all states to inspect all cargo to and from North Korea, in their territory, if it is believed the cargo contains banned items related to nuclear and missile activities…. The United States, Japan and South Korea wanted more binding language by saying the council “authorizes” inspections, but had to compromise with China and Russia. However, it is unusual for China and Russia to support sanctions. - Extends an arms embargo to “all arms and related materiel as well as to financial transactions, technical training, advice, services” relating to arms. There is an exception for importing light weapons…. A ban on the export of all weapons by North Korea will cut off a significant source of funds for Pyongyang. China, which exports small arms to North Korea, pushed for small arms and light weapons to be exempt. - Calls on all states and international financial institutions not to enter into new commitments for grants, financial aid or loans to the Noth Korea, except for humanitarian and development purposes…. The council imposed similar restrictions on Iran, which diplomats say has made it difficult for Iranian companies to get any kind of international financing.

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As promised, I’ve took pictures of the trophy and other prizes which I have received during the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2009 Awards Ceremony, as well as a photo of all representatives whom are going to fly over to Cairo, Egypt, to represent Singapore on the world stage!

As mentioned previously, here you go, starting with a quick overview of all prizes (exclude the trophy):

• One nicely made Trophy (The BIG one is keep by school while we get to keep 1 each)
• Certificate printed “Imagine Cup 2009 Worldwide Finalist (MashUp Invitational)“
• Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
• Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
• Windows 7 Installtion DVD
• 4 Microsoft books (e.g. Introducing Silverlight, Introducing Windows 7)

Here’s the trophy:

Next, the certificate:

The Bluetooth Notebook Mouse:

Windows Vista Home Premium Edition:

Windows 7 Installtion DVD:

Lastly, the 4 Microsoft Books:

Click here for high resolution photos.

Finally, here’s the last photo I’m going to upload here, it’s a group photo of all the finalist from different categories, whom are going to fly over to Cairo, Egypt, to represent Singapore on the world stage in the coming July!

*click for larger image*

Try to spot me! :p

That’s all for today, I will blog again soon! Stay tune to my blog!

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Today I went for the National Infocomm Scholarship (NIS) interview, which was conducted at Suntec City Tower 3, at the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) office.

It was a whole new experience to actually sat for a scholarship interview, as I have only attended either mock interview, or internal interviews which are held within Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) - such as selection for students representative to represent School of Engineering (SEG) for events such as MM Lee’s Visit or Brightsparks workshop, etc.

In addition to the fact that this is my first time attending a real interview, for me to gain valuable experiences - it is a group interview which is very interesting! And challenging, I must say.

There are 7 of us in total, and we are tasked to work on immediate problems - they flash it, and we do it!

Challenging, isn’t it?

Fellow shortlisted interviewees include poly graduates whom are serving NS, JC graduates whom have finished serving NS, SMU year 1student, NTU year 4 student, and other poly students whom have graduated recently just like I am. It is indeed my pleasure to meet all of them

Even if I don’t get to make it to the next round, at least I gained valuable experiences from this interview and made friends with several capable people, which is cool.

Cheerios!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Apple made hot-selling iPhones even more appealing & premiering a speedier new iPhone model, completed with a video camera and slashing the price of its predecessor to a mere $99! Isn’t that cool?

Apple vice president of marketing Phil Schiller made the announcements at an annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco bereft of any sign of the firm’s renowned chief executive, Steve Jobs.

Schiller said the new iPhone 3GS, the first model to capture video, will be available on June 19.

“The ‘S’ stands for speed, because this is the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever made,” Schiller said. “What is inside is entirely new.”

He said a 16-gigabyte iPhone 3GS would cost 199 dollars while the 32-gigabyte model would cost 299 dollars.

He said the price of an original eight-gigabyte iPhone 3G dropped to 99 dollars from 199 dollars as of Monday.

Schiller also said a next-generation iPhone 3.0 operating system will be released worldwide on June 17 as a free upgrade to owners of the smartphones.

Senior vice president of iPhone software Scott Forstall said meanwhile that sales of applications for the smartphones had passed a billion in April.

Apple also reported it has sold more than 40 million iPhones and iPod Touch devices, which are essentially iPhones without mobile phone capabilities.

Enhancements crafted into the iPhone 3.0 operating system include downloading rented videos and customization to additional languages including Arabic, Hebrew, and Korean.

A new “Find My iPhone” feature lets people use an Apple online Mobile Me service to locate lost or stolen devices.

“It will show you on a map where your phone is,” Forstall said. “You can send it a message and it plays an alert sound whether or not you left it in silent mode.”

The feature also lets people remotely erase all data from lost or stolen iPhones, then reload the information using iTunes if they are reacquainted with their devices.

The new operating system also lets iPhones connect to one another wirelessly for communal activities such as playing games.

“The iPhone has just blown everybody away,” said analyst Ken Dulaney, vice president of mobile computer research at Gartner.

Dulaney noted that Apple and AT&T, exclusive provider of iPhone service in the United States, made no mention of reducing service plan prices that “are a challenge for people.”

Also missing was an upgrade that would enable iPhones to run several applications simultaneously, a feature analysts say is needed by businesses and would match a capability of market new-comer Palm Pre.

Apple hit a disappointing note with an otherwise enthusiastic audience when it announced that its new Snow Leopard computer operating system would not be available until September.

People using the previous generation software will only have to pay 29 dollars to upgrade.

A “near-final” version is being given to developers at the conference so they can begin tailoring programs for the system.

“We’ve built on the success of Leopard and created an even better experience for our users from installation to shutdown,” said Bertrand Serlet, Apple senior vice president of software engineering.

“Apple engineers have made hundreds of improvements so with Snow Leopard your system is going to feel faster, more responsive and even more reliable than before.”

Snow Leopard lets users spell with Chinese characters on MacBook touchpads and includes a new version of Apple’s web browser, Safari.

Safari software made available Monday is “multiples” times faster than Microsoft’s latest Internet Explorer 8 Web browser, according to Apple.

Apple on Monday also launched upgraded MacBooks while cutting prices on its historically high-end laptop line.

New MacBook models feature slots for SD memory cards commonly used in digital cameras and more environmentally friendly lithium batteries promising to last as long as seven hours before needing charging.

Improved MacBooks could also be customized with beefier processors and as much as 500 gigabytes of storage space. Prices on the enhanced MacBook line range from 1,199 to 2,299 dollars.

Approximately 5,200 software developers from more than 50 countries registered to attend the sold-out conference, according to Apple.

The presentation featured humor and barbs aimed at rival Microsoft, but no sign of 54-year-old Jobs, who has been on a medical leave of absence since January.

Apple has been notoriously secretive about Jobs’s health since he underwent an operation in 2004 for pancreatic cancer but has been adamant that he is returning to the company’s helm at the end of this month.

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

I guess most people knows about the popular game series - Final Fantasy!

SAF Fantasy is an interesting Fan-made game video which has the exactly same structure of Final Fantasy game, AND at the same time, changes all the relevant options/choices in the game and storyline to cater for the happenings in Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in Singapore.

In Singapore, every teenager whom age passed 18 would have to go through a time that’s going to turn them into a true “man” - or at least, that’s what people says. This is an adventure that has created many stories and memories, stuffs that change lifes and attitudes. It is an adventure fought with “tekan” sessions and piles of “sai kangs”, hard trainings and exercises.

So here you go:

As a die-hard Final Fantasy fan, I enjoyed this video and had a good laugh! And I mean, a really good laugh!

Come and share your views with everyone, post a comment!

And do note that this video is not created by me, I have no credits to the making of it. I only help in publicising & sharing it to you guys!

Cheerios!

Tags: General, Joke // Add Comment »

My Mashup nightmare is about to start in a couple of hours’ time!

Although I’m not very sure on what are the exact requirements for the Imagine Cup 2009 Mashup Category finals yet, I know that to win the gold medal worldwide, it is definitely not an easy task.

Tomorrow going to start meeting up with my teammate and work on the next round of requirements again. Well, I do enjoy the results, but I don’t really like the process - it is very stressful and tiring!

But how could I possibly enjoy the results if I never go through the process?

I’m both looking forward and not looking forward towards the media release which is supposed to be on next wednesday tentatively.

The reason for looking forward to it is because I finally able to play a part in a media release - I was once at the back when I was working at Boys’ Brigade, at the media release on Boy’s Brigade Sharity Gift Box 2008. I was also once at the front when I was one of the ten students representative whom took part in the Dialogue Session with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (MM Lee) at Nanyang Polytechnic. It’s quite an experience.

Nonetheless, this time, it is more important because I MUST make use of this opportunity to spread the message to all Singaporeans - COME & CHANGE THE WORLD WITH THE PLANETKY!

I want them to know about us, because I want to share our mashup application with them - VENews.

I want everyone to play a part in this campaign of changing the world, and make it into a better place for everyone to live in!

The only reason for me to not looking forward to it is because, I’m afraid that I couldn’t handle the questions well, and I don’t know how to prepare for it. My meaning of “handling the questions”, is to put them in proper and clear English and make sure that people understand my point and does not misunderstood it.

VENews is definitely more than what you guys thought it was! It is the first ever web application which actually gathers environmental related issues information from multiple sources and display them in a Visual form manner!

There is much more explanation to it, do find out more at our Official Website

That’s all I want to talk about - and sorry for not updating my blog as frequently for the past few days, I was very busy with the Imagine Cup 2009 preparation and etc. I will blog more often again in future

Cheers!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

As one of the 4 Singapore representative team to fly over to Cairo, Egypt, to compete in the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2009 finals in Mashup category as one of the top 6 finalist, we’re being invited to attend this awards ceremony today, at the Microsoft Auditorium @ One Marina Boulevard.

Personally, I think that the event is not very well lorganised, but it is understandable, as unexpected things tend to occurs randomly at times. Thus, several instructions given to me were not being carried out as told, and several empty promises were made. I shall not eleborate on them, as those things are already history.

There were some presentations being carried out to tell us more about the Imagine Cup and some interesting videos being played.

And yes! I enjoyed the presentation on Windows 7 - 7 Demos of Windows 7 in 35 minutes! We were all given a copy of Windows 7 installation DVD!

Prizes that we get are:

• One nicely made Trophy (The BIG one is keep by school while we get to keep 1 each)
• Certificate printed “Imagine Cup 2009 Worldwide Finalist (MashUp Invitational)“
• Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
• Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
• Windows 7 Installtion DVD
• 4 Microsoft books (e.g. Introducing Silverlight, Introducing Windows 7)

Speaking of MashUp category, the 6 countries that got into finals are: Brazil, United States, Sri Lanka, Poland, Philippines, and last but not least, Singapore, my team PlanetKY

I will post pictures of the prizes that I got by next week, after I got the Trophy back (My team’s name was accidentally printed wrongly, thus they took it back to change & will send to us next week)

That’s all for today, thanks for reading!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

PlanetKY has a good news to share with you guys!

Our team has managed to move on to round 3, the finals! We are ranked top 6 in the world now!

We would like to thanks all of you for your support! Without the support from all of you, we could never get a chance to go to Cairo, Egypt, to share our idea & our VENews application with the whole world!

The competition period is 3 July until 7 July 2009!

Now we are one more step closer to solving one of the world’s toughest problem - Ensure Environmental Sustainability - we will try our best to get as many people’s attention to be alert on environmental issues as much as possible!

Once again, thanks everyone for the support!!

Please continue to support us and pass the message to your friends!

Come & change the world with the PlanetKY!

Official Website - http://mit-nyp.net/planetky/index.html

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Edison Chen is finally ready to reveal the story on his side! Everyone knows about the stories shared by other victims of this sex scandal, such as Gillian Chung or Cecilia Cheung; Now it is finally Edison Chen’s turn to speak up.

In this interview conducted by CNN, which took place today, Edison revealed on how does he felt and what he did when the sex scandal took place during February last year. Here are what he said,

“I believed I was a victim. I believed that I was hurt by this a lot. I knew that I had nothing to do with the spreading of these photos.”

Well this is true, he IS a victim. I believe that there are surely other celebrities doing such things, just that they are not being revealed; And unfortunately, Edison Chen is the unlucky one whom get sabotaged by a irresponsible computer technician.

To add on to what I said earlier, I do agree that Edison Chen is WRONG, what he did IS WRONG. Morally wrong big time - for being together with so many woman and do those things - well let’s not talk about what happen in his private time.

When speaking on this matter, regarding the sex scandal, he is a VICTIM indeed, looking at the fact that some random guy exposed his doings and make him suffer.

So again, to emphasize, my stand is - Edison Chen is WRONG in his doings, but in this sex scandal matter, he is a VICTIM as well.

“I was afraid to go anywhere. I was travelling around when I was still in Hong Kong in trunks of taxis, literally, just to get to places,”

“I had to be in the trunk for 15 minutes. I didn’t even know if I had enough oxygen to be honest with you.”

He should be glad that he just have to stay inside for 15 minutes. So many people out there is searching for him during those time!

“Even when I had left Asia and I had went to Canada and America, it took me three months to really get out of the shell that I had put myself in. I mean, I was in darkness for five days,”

Be glad that it’s only 5 days…

“I had my drapes closed and I didn’t even want to go anywhere.”

When speaking of why didn’t he contacted any of the girls in the scandal ever since the photos were surfaced out, this is his response:

“Initially it was because I couldn’t find them. Secondly, it was because I didn’t really know how to approach and really what to say to be honest with you,”

One of the girls involved in this sex scandal, whom is currently Nicholas Tse’s wife, Cecilia Cheung, has publicly lashed out at the actor and accused him of being a hypocrite, saying the apology was all an act to “win the public’s forgiveness”.

In an interview with iCable in Feb 2009, Cecilia Cheung said the following:

“He has never apologised to us personally. He should at least have called us to say sorry if he genuinely admitted his mistake.”

“The photos are still circulating online. How can we live a healthy and happy life? How can we put ourselves back on our feet?

Responding to the accusations, here is what Edison Chen has replied:

“I’m not trying to say that that justifies any wrong doing that she thinks I’ve done to her, but I hope that she can understand and I hope that she can forgive me either today or one day, and she’ll understand that I had my difficulties and I really, really never wished this to happen upon anyone and I still respect her.”

What are you guys’ point of view? Feel free to comment & share your thoughts!

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Anyone whom has a Facebook account AND is an active user, would surely know what is Restaurant City as it have gradually but surely became a trend!

I’m going to share my restaurant’s arrangement with you guys - it may not be the best arrangement out there, but surely, it have allow me to maintain my restaurant’s popularity at 49.8~50.0.

A picture speaks a thousand words, here you go:

- Click here for larger view -

To better illustrate on the details of the path on the outside (where the customers have to walk in order to reach the tables) - it is actually a zip zag path.

Its purpose is to let the customers walk a longer distance in order to reach the tables, so I could buy more time for my waiters to clean the table. Also, to allow more time for existing customers to finish their meal!

As you can see from the screenshot, my staffs arrangement consists of 4 Cooks, 3 waiters, and 1 cleaner.

Regarding the toilets - I believe that 4 or 5 is more than enough - as each toilet can be used 4 times before there is a need for cleaner to clean it up.

Regarding the other row of chairs being put at one side, they are actually waiting chairs which I have set up for my customers to sit while waiting for tables to be cleared for them to have their meal!

Well, that’s all I have for you! Please feel free to post any enquiries or suggestions under the comments section. I’ll be glad to see them flooded by any chances :p

And for those whom are interested in knowing more about Restaurant City, here are 2 other Restaurant City related post:

• Restaurant City Food Quiz Answer Keys
• Tips & Guide on Restaurant City @ Facebook
• Arrangement Guide to Restaurant City (with screenshot)

For those whom want to add me on Restaurant City, you guys can add me at Wenbin Kyril.

For those whom want me to add you on Facebook for getting first-visit-ingredients or for any purposes, please feel free to post your email address or Facebook Profile URL under the comments section.

Feel free to add other fellow players whom have shared their email address or Facebook profile as well.

Cheerios!

Tags: General, Random // 26 Comments »

Finally, I have officially graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic!

Here are the videos recorded by my Kor & my Aunt Crystal:

Above video shows: Awarded the Diploma in Multimedia & Infocomm Technology with Merit

Above video shows: Awarded the Hewlett-Packard Singapore Bronze Medal

I’m thankful to my Kor, Wen Yong, my Third Aunt, Aunt Crystal, my girlfriend, Pei Shi, and my good friend, Wei Kian, for taking the time to come all the way to NYP to share this wonderful moment with me on my Graduation Ceremony 2009

Above Picture: My third aunt, Aunt Crystal & Myself

Above Picture: My Kor, Wen Yong & Myself

Above Picture: My good friend, Wei Kian & Myself

Above Picture: My girlfriend, Peishi & Myself

Above Picture: My PEM Group MI0607 (Formal)

Above Picture: My PEM Group MI0607 (Informal)

Above Picture: From left - Jason, Wee Neng, Myself, and Wei Kiang

Above Picture: From left - Colin, Yan Sheng, Myself, and Wei Sheng

Above Picture: Wen Yong, Aunt Crystal, Myself, and Peishi

I’m not going to upload all my pictures on my blog, whoever are interested in the pictures can go and view them at my Facebook Profile.

I’m going to end this post with a solo graduation picture of myself:

Handsome right?! LOL!

Cheerios!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Here’s a true life story that I’m going to share with you - Selfless Love.

If this little child could do it, so could YOU! Here you go:

———–

My wife called, ‘How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling daughter eat her food?

I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only daughter, Sindu, looked frightened; tears were welling up in her eyes. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with curd rice. Sindu is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age.

I cleared my throat and picked up the bowl. ‘Sindu, darling, why don’t you take a few mouthful of this curd rice? Just for Dad’s sake, dear’.

Sindu softened a bit and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. ‘Ok, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should…’ Sindu hesitated. ‘Dad, if I eat this entire curd Rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?’

‘Promise’. I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine, and clinched the deal. Now I became a bit anxious. ‘Sindu, dear, you shouldn’t insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. Ok?’

‘No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive’. Slowly and painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat something that she detested. After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her. ‘Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!’ was her demand.

‘Atrocious!’ shouted my wife, ‘A girl child having her head shaved off? Impossible!’

‘Never in our family!’ My mother rasped. ‘She has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!’

‘Sindu, darling, why don’t you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.’

‘Please, Sindu, why don’t you try to understand our feelings?’ I tried to plead with her.

‘Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice’. Sindu was in tears. ‘And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, and its moral that we should honor our promises no matter what?’

It was time for me to call the shots. ‘Our promise must be kept.’

‘Are you out of your mind?’ chorused my mother and wife.

‘No. If we go back on ourpromises, she will never learn to honour her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.’

With her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round-face, and her eyes looked big and beautiful.

On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom. She turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, ‘Sinduja, please wait for me!’ What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. ‘May be, that is the in-stuff’, I thought.

‘Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed!’ Without introducing herself, a lady got out of the car, and continued, ‘that boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son Harish. He is suffering from… leukemia’. She paused to muffle her sobs. ‘Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Sinduja visited him last week, and promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son!

Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter.’

I stood transfixed and then, I wept. ‘My little Angel, you are teaching me how selfless real love is!’

The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the ones whom they love !!

———–

If this story made you realise what is selfless love, then give out your love to someone out there! They will be glad to receive it from you!

Cheers!

P.S. - I will blog about my NYP Graduation Ceremony 2009 soon!

Tags: General, Story // Add Comment »

I’m going to share this very hilarious conversation! You’ll surely laugh like crazy after reading it

Note that this is just a joke! NO OFFENCE TO ANYONE! hahaha. Well, I modified the conversation according to the original version on funlok website, so credits still goes to them

It’s damn funny if you know the characters’ names mentioned in the conversation. Not to worry for you guys, if you read my version, I did explain who they are to you.

Well, here you go:

At the Oval Office. George Bush and Condolezza Rice.

Hu Jintao (胡锦涛) is the new Paramount Leader of the People’s Republic of China, holding the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People’s Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang Zemin in the fourth generation leadership of the People’s Republic of China, and commands the largest standing army in the world

George: Hi Condolezza, nice to see you. You have any matters to report to me?

Condolezza: Sir, I have the report about the leader of China.

George: Great! Let’s hear it.

Condolezza: Hu is the new leader of China.

Condolezza is trying to say “Hu Jintao”, but normally people addresses the first name - like for example, “Condolezza Rice” - we call him “Condolezza”.

And in this case, “Hu Jintao” - we call him “Hu”.

“HU” is pronounced as “WHO”

George: That’s what I want to know.

Condolezza: That’s what I’m telling you.

George: That’s what I’m asking you! Who is the leader of China??

Condolezza: Yes.

What Condolezza heard is the following:

George: That’s what I’m asking you! Hu is the leader of China?

So that’s why he replied “Yes.”

George: I mean the fellow’s name.

Condolezza: Hu.

George: The guy in China.

Condolezza: Hu.

George: The leader of China.

Condolezza: Hu.

George: The Chinese?

Condolezza: Hu is leading China.

George: Now what you want? Why are you asking me for?

What George heard is, “Who is leading China?”

So he is now frustrated and irritated, thinking  - why in the world is he asking me back the same question I’m asking him!

Condolezza: No, I’m telling you Hu is leading China.

George: Well, I’m asking you as well. Who is leading China?

Condolezza: That’s the man’s name.

George: That’s whose name?

Condolezza: Yes.

What Condolezza heard was, “That’s Hu’s name?”

So that’s why he agreed with a “Yes.”

George: Will you or will you not tell me the name of the leader of China?

Condolezza: Yes sir.

He said yes because he is trying to say, “Yes Sir, I will tell you the name of the leader of China”

George: Yassir? You mean Arafat is in China? I thought he was in the Middle East.

Yasir Arafat was Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, President of the Palestinian National Authority,[3] and leader of the Fatah political party, which he founded in 1959.[4] Arafat spent much of his life fighting against Israel in the name of Palestinian self-determination. Originally opposed to Israel’s existence, he modified his position in 1988 when he accepted UN Security Council Resolution 242

“YASIR” is pronounced as “YES SIR”

Condolezza: That’s correct.

He say “that’s correct” because, he is agreeing to the “I thought he was in the Middle East” said by George.

George: Then who is in China?

Condolezza: Yes, sir.

Well, Hu is in China!

George: Yassir is in China?

Condolezza: No, sir.

George: Then who is?

Condolezza: Yes, sir.

Yes, like I said, Hu is in China!

George: Yassir?

Condolezza: No, sir.

George: Look, Condolezza. I need to know the name of the leader of China. Now, get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone. I bet he knows.

Condolezza: Kofi?

Kofi Annan is a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2007. Annan and the United Nations were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.

George: No, thanks.

He thought Condolezza is asking him whether he want “Coffee”

Condolezza: You want Kofi?

George: No.

Condolezza: You don’t want Kofi?

Condolezza is thinking, “Hmms, weird, you said you want the Secretary General of U.N, yet you don’t want to speak to Kofi. Weird…”

George: No. But now that you mention it, I could have a glass of milk. and then get me the U.N. Secretary General.

Condolezza: Yes, sir.

George: Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N.

Condolezza: Kofi?

George: No, milk! Will you please make the call?

Condolezza: Call who?

George: Who is the guy at the U.N .?

Condolezza: Hu is the guy in China.

What he interpreted was George asking, “Hu is the guy at the U.N??”

Of course not! Hu is the guy in China!

George: Will you stay out of China?!

Condolezza: Yes, sir.

George: and stay out of the Middle East! Just get me the guy at the U.N!

Middle East refers to Yasir, he is from Middle East

Condolezza: Kofi?

George: ALL RIGHT! LIGHT WITH SUGAR! Now get on the damn phone.

(Condolezza picks up the phone)

Condolezza: Rice here.

Condolezza is speaking on the phone, telling the other party that he is “Rice”.

As his full name is Condolezza Rice, when on the phone speaking, we use the last name.

Thus in this case, “Rice”

George: Rice? Good idea. And a couple of egg rolls, too.

—————

Hope I brought you laughters!

Cheers!

Tags: General, Joke // Add Comment »

North Korea conducted an underground nuclear bomb test on the 25 May 2009, which violated the international laws! This matter drew condemnation from United States to China and set the communist regime up for a showdown with the United Nations.

Have you guys heard about it? Not yet? Never mind, I’ve gathered the information for you, here’s the source. For the sake of those whom are lazy, I’ve copied the contents for you, not to worry - here you go:

(for those whom doesn’t want to read the news article, skip the entire black box below!)

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea defied world powers and carried out an underground test Monday of a nuclear bomb Russian officials said was comparable to those that obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The incident drew condemnation from Washington to Beijing and set the communist regime up for a showdown with the United Nations.

The U.N. Security Council was meeting later Monday in New York to discuss what President Barack Obama called Pyongyang’s “blatant defiance” of resolutions banning the regime from developing weapons of mass destruction. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the test as a “danger to the world.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry called it “a serious blow to international efforts” to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

French officials said they would push for new sanctions, and even traditional Pyongyang ally China said it was “resolutely opposed” to the test, which Russian officials estimated yielded a powerful 10- to 20-kiloton blast — enough to flatten a city and far more than North Korea managed in a 2006 atomic test.

Pyongyang’s unprecedented defiance raises the stakes in the mounting standoff over its nuclear program.

Last month, Pyongyang launched a rocket despite international calls for restraint, abandoned international nuclear negotiations, restarted its nuclear plants and warned it would carry out the atomic and long-range missile tests.

“We’re heading for a full-blown crisis with the North,” said Peter Beck, a Korean affairs expert who teaches at American University in Washington.

The rise in tensions comes amid speculation about who will succeed North Korea’s authoritarian leader, 67-year-old Kim Jong Il, who is believed to have suffered a stroke last August.

Kim, who inherited the leadership from his father in 1994 and rules the nation of 24 million with an iron fist, has three sons but has not publicly named a successor.

Though desperately poor, North Korea increasingly has turned inward. With last month’s controversial rocket launch and Monday’s nuclear test, Kim clearly wants to show its people that the nation remains strong, analysts said.

“The fact that North Korea is undertaking this nuclear test amid great economic and political turmoil might be a sign that North Korea is trying to escape from some kind of internal difficulty,” former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev said during a visit to Seoul.

Beck predicted Pyongyang would parade the nuclear test before the North Korean people to drum up support for Kim and his regime.

“Kim Jong Il is trying to demonstrate his virility and that they are a power to be reckoned with,” he said.

Monday’s atomic test was conducted shortly before 10 a.m. about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of the northern city of Kilju, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky said, speaking on state-run Rossiya television.

Two hours later, Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency declared that the regime had “successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test on May 25 as part of measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense.”

The U.S. Geological Survey registered seismic activity in northeastern North Korea at 9:54 a.m. (0054 GMT), which it initially identified as a 4.7-magnitude earthquake.

North Korea also test-fired three short-range missiles from a nearby launchpad, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources.

Sources described them as ground-to-air missiles with a range of 80 miles (130 kilometers), the report said. Yonhap cited military officials as saying the launches appeared to be aimed at keeping U.S. and Japanese surveillance planes away from the nuclear test site.

Kilju, in the northeastern province of North Hamgyong, is where North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in October 2006 in a surprise move that drew wide-ranging sanctions from the Security Council.

North Korea boasted that Monday’s test was conducted “on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control.”

U.S. and French officials have said the 2006 test measured less than a kiloton; 1 kiloton is equal to the force produced by 1,000 tons of TNT. Russia estimated the force of the 2006 blast at 5 to 15 kilotons, far higher than other estimates at the time.

Pyongyang is believed to have enough weaponized plutonium for at least a half-dozen atomic bombs. However, experts say scientists have not yet mastered the miniaturization needed to mount a nuclear device onto a long-range missile.

“They are still at least several years away from being able to deliver a nuclear device on a weapon,” Beck said.

North Korea called its April 5 rocket launch a successful bid to put a satellite into space, but the U.S., Japan, South Korea and others accused Pyongyang of using the launch to test its long-range missile technology. The Security Council condemned the launch as a violation of U.N. resolutions.

“I sincerely hope that the Security Council will take necessary corresponding measures,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told The Associated Press in Copenhagen on Monday, declining to specify what further moves, or sanctions, he would urge the 15 council members to take.

Jim Walsh, an international security expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said he expected U.N. members to call for sanctions — but dismissed any punishment as “political theater” that would have little effect on a country already subject to numerous sanctions.

Obama might be the only one who can give North Korea what it wants.

Paik Hak-soon of the South Korean security think tank Sejong Institute said North Korea is “putting maximum pressure” on the United States for direct, high-level negotiations resulting in a “grand deal” that would include aid, concessions and a normalization of ties.

North Korea also has custody of two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee — accused of entering the country illegally and engaging in “hostile acts” — who are set to stand trial in Pyongyang on June 4.

Their case may serve as a face-saving way for the U.S. to send a high-level envoy to Pyongyang for negotiations, Paik said.

“Had it not been for the journalists, it could give an impression of yielding to North Korea’s provocation if the U.S. sends a high-level envoy for direct talks with Pyongyang,” he said.

South Korean troops are on high alert but there was no sign North Korean soldiers were massing along the heavily fortified border dividing the two nations, according to an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters in Seoul. He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing agency policy.

The two Koreas technically remain at war because their three-year conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, in 1953.

But on the streets of Seoul, where many were still mourning the suicide of former President Roh Moo-hyun, there was no palpable sense of fear in the hours after the North Korean nuclear test.

“I see this test as North Korea’s marketing strategy. They just seem to be playing games,” said Kim Sun-joo, 51, who works at a travel agency. “I wouldn’t say that South Korea is completely free of danger, but I don’t think we are any more in danger than we were before. People here are used to these kinds of threats.”

___

Associated Press writers Kelly Olsen, Jae-soon Chang and Jae Hee Suh in Seoul, Steve Gutterman in Moscow, John Heilprin in Copenhagen, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Shino Yuasa in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Looks like there is some sparkles of fire burning - North Korea better stop violating the international laws, or else I don’t know what the United Nations and fellow countries would do to them.

Now back to the topic, why are they conducting nuclear bomb testing? Are they going to use it?

Let’s see. IF they ever launch it, it is most likely to hit Japan or South Korea, since they are closest to them?

Well I don’t know, just don’t feel safe about it. There might be a World War 3 breakout. Even if it’s just going to be a “many against one” war, given today’s technology, many people are going to get hurt.

But don’t worry bah I guess, not so easy to start war one, unless the other countries want to make use of this chance to eliminate this communist country which shuts up all communication from the outside world - well, I don’t think they’re that scheming, so conclusion - don’t worry!

You guys can refer to this source for more information. Again, for the sake of the lazy viewers, here’s the content:

(for those whom don’t want to read the entire article, skip the black box below)

UNITED NATIONS, May 26, 2009 (AFP) - North Korea will ‘pay a price’ if it continues to carry out nuclear weapon and missile tests in violation of international law, US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said Tuesday.

“If you want to continue to test and provoke the international community, they’re going to find they’ll pay a price because the international community is clear: it’s not acceptable,” Rice said on CNN television, in reaction to Pyongyang test-firing two short-range missiles Tuesday.

The tough words from Washington came a day after the UN Security Council unanimously condemned North Korea for testing a nuclear bomb Monday, as major powers mulled fresh punitive action and US President Barack Obama pledged support to Pyongyang’s neighbors.

“You heard the entire international community yesterday from various capitals and from the security council come out swiftly, forcefully, and in unity to condemn the tests, Rice said.

“We agreed yesterday we’re going to pursue in the security council a new resolution - a strong resolution with teeth,” she said, adding that sanctions “could take very different forms” and might include “economic levers.”

After Monday’s emergency meeting at UN headquarters in New York, member states decided to “immediately” begin working on a new Security Council resolution to address the weapons tests, council president Vitaly Churkin of Russia said, declaring “strong opposition and condemnation of the nuclear test” by the body.

The Security Council said Monday’s nuclear and missile tests violated UN Resolution 1718 adopted in October 2006 after North Korea’s first atomic test.

The resolution forbids the reclusive regime from conducting any future nuclear tests or missile launches.

Feel free to leave any comments and share your views by posting comments! I’ll make sure I approve all the relevant comments and make it spam free!

And not to worry, I check my comments often!

Cheerios!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

I’m seriously looking forward to the arrival of June 2009, many events in my life are going to come to a clear picture by then!

First of all, the competition results of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2009 will be released on the 1 June 2009. I’m very excited about it! No matter my team, PlanetKY, get to the finals or not, I am very satisfied with our performance already - in fact, it has already went beyond my expectation!

I want to play a part for our world. I want to solve our world’s toughest problem. I want to save the environment. I want to protect earth and let my future generations live a better life - in a better environment!

My power alone is not enough, all I can do is create this Mashup application - VENews - to raise the awareness of earthlings on environmental news & etc. Do check it out!

Come & change the world with the PlanetKY! - Official Website

Next, the Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) Graduation Day on the 29 May 2009. By June, it’s already over. I can’t wait to skip this event, I’m not looking forward to it at all. My parents not free. My girlfriend no entry ticket. Sian. Friends don’t know will be around to take photo with me mah, didn’t get to contact most of my friends ever since unoffcial graduation months ago. Let’s see bah~

Another thing, which is related to Imagine Cup 2009 competition results; I want to find a job! Does anyone has any job lobang? Okay, why I say it is related to Imagine Cup 2009?

Because if my team have lost the competition already, then by all means, I’m jobless and objectiveless wasting time all the way until 7 October 2009 where I get enlisted into army. And I don’t want that to happen! So I need a job, seriously.

And if my team get into the finals, then I will need to postpone my thoughts of looking for a job already, because all teams which get into the finals will have to go to Egypt to compete in the early July 2009.

Nonetheless, I still hope our team can get into the finals - I want to introduce VENews to the world! I want everyone to know about our mashup application, I want everyone to make use of it to raise environmental issues awareness, I want to make use of everyone’s strength to save the earth!

Last but not least, I’ll end the entry with a very got “feeling” picture:

Cheerios!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

That’s 33 minutes of content every second or 28,800 hours per day!

Well I bet all of you have heard of the most popular video sharing site owned by Google, YouTube! But there is fact that shocked me - and yes, it is going to shock you as well! :p

As written on the title of this post, “20 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute,” it’s true!

In fact, two years ago, in the year 2007, there is already 15 hours of video uploaded to it every minute. There is indeed a big growth huh?

Through an interview, the YouTube product manager, Ryan Junee, said that they aim to get this figure up to 24 hours - a full day of video being uploaded every minute!

Cool isn’t it?

Speaking of YouTube videos, have you guys watched our PlanetKY’s video? It’s up on YouTube already, just in case you guys don’t know :p

For those whom have not watched our PlanetKY’s video yet, here you go!

Cheers!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

I guess most of you already know that most schools in Japan are closed due to H1N1 Swine Flu which broke out recently - which means, EARLY HOLIDAY to them!

Well, that’s not the actual intention of the schools, but it just happened to be like that!

There are more than 4000 schools being shut around Osaka and Kobe area - and guess what?

The business of Karaoke clubs actually boosted! Surprised huh?

Here’s the official news:

KOBE, JAPAN (AFP) - Hundreds of Japanese students whose schools have been closed this week to contain a swine flu outbreak have instead flocked to karaoke parlours with their friends, club operators said.

Authorities in and around Osaka and Kobe cities have shut more than 4,000 schools, kindergartens and colleges after the first swine flu cases were confirmed Saturday and the number of infected reached 178 by Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of students have been asked to stay away from schools and avoid leaving home if possible - but many teenagers are clearly bored.

“About 10 different groups of high school students came here yesterday,” a karaoke club manager in Osaka, Yoshikatsu Ishida, told AFP.

He said he declined to accept the young customers when he found they were supposed to stay at home while their schools were closed.

Another karaoke club manager said: “We suddenly had a number of high school students after 2:00 pm yesterday, right after the announcement that schools would close for a week.”

“All of our karaoke rooms were full at one point, and I’m expecting something similar today,” he said. “I don’t have the right to say something like ‘you should stay at home.’”

An Osaka prefecture official said: “We’ve asked schools to close down and let students stay at home unless there’s a special need to go out.”

Asked about the students’ karaoke bar visits, he told AFP: “We’ll observe the development ahead.”

They didn’t know that it turned out to be like giving the students a couple of days holidays, and yet didn’t get them to more safety.

Feel free to comments~

Cheers~

Tags: General // Add Comment »

What is wrong with university students in Singapore nowadays? I mean, I thought this kind of thing, or rather, this category of things only happen in Japan? :S

Seriously, I’m wondering. I actually read the following article on AsiaOne:

The online ad’s subject line is simple, but straightforward enough for most people to take a second look.

It reads, “Wanted: Used women’s Lingerie (singapore)”.

According to a report by local Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao, behind the ad is a 25-year-old university student who is looking to purchase women’s used lingerie, because he has a fetish for them.

The advert, posted on the online classified ads and notices site Craigslist, contained a one-line description.

“Looking for Malay women’s used lingerie… don’t worry… just find it sexy when it’s from a Malay woman… willing to pay well for it… do contact me if any malay women are interested.”

When a Wanbao reporter contacted the seller about the ad, the other party said that he is a 25-year-old university student who enjoys collecting used women’s lingerie and has a fetish for them.

He explains that he is not a cross-dresser and does not use the lingerie for that purpose, and ensures the reporter that he just adds them to his collection.

However, the buyer insists that the women whom he purchases his “goods” from must be young. When the reporter assumed the identity of a 20-year-old female student, the buyer became very interested.

He said that he might even be a regular, customer if the deal is a success. He might even purchase the used lingerie as often as one or twice a month.

The Wanbao reporter also learned from conversations with the buyer that this is not the first time he has purchased used underwear online. However, the transactions were all conducted through the mail, with the money deposited into the seller’s bank accounts. The buyer also declined to meet the reporter.

So basically, the buyer is a 25 year old university student whom resides in Singapore, and wanted to buy the used lingerie. It caught the reporter’s attention and thus, they pretended as a seller and speak to the buyer.

So what they find out is that this guy, he just have some weird interest of collecting such things.

Yeah, I know, you’re feeling just as disgusted as me - we have common thinking. *HI FIVE*

Below is the conversation between the reporter and the buyer:

Buyer: First things first - how old are you?

Reporter: I’m a 20-year-old female student.

Buyer: I’m a university student, 25. Are you really interested in selling your lingerie?

Reporter: That depends on what you want to use it for.

Buyer: What am I going to do with it? It’s quite obvious isn’t it?

Reporter: Are you a cross-dresser?

Buyer: Haha… No I’m not a cross dresser and I don’t have a fetish for it. I am only interested in buying women’s used underwear, that means the underwear that you have worn previously. Don’t worry, I just have a fetish for the items, and I don’t have any other ill intentions.

Reporter: I understand. How many pieces do you want? Do you want bras or panties, or both? Bras go for $100, panties cost $40.

Buyer: That’s too expensive. I’m willing to buy your used lingerie at $40 for bras and $25 for panties. This is the market price. I’ll buy one first, and if you think that there is no problem, I am willing to buy them from you regularly, like once or twice a month.

So what are you guys’ view over this matter? Feel free to share your views

Cheers~

Tags: General // 4 Comments »

My blog has more than 3000 views per week but I have not been getting any advertising campaigns from NuffNang~

The below screenshot shows my blog’s traffic for last week:

And this below screenshot shows my blog’s traffic for this week:

I have been having 3000+ traffic for several weeks already, it’s quite standardized already, but still no advertisements.

But why? Because I remembered that I DID get advertising campaigns last time, when I only had like 1000+ views per week? O.o” And now I got 3 times more, yet I don’t get them.

Are there any experts out there that are willing to share their thinking with me? Come on, give me some advice! I’ll appreciate that! haha.

And for all of YOU who are viewing my blog now and reading this line, come on, add my blog to your browser’s FAVORITE and visit often!

Please feel free to click on add comments and give me any feedbacks, like what kind/type of post would be interesting, and ETC! I’ll seriously look into you guys’ suggestions.

Thanks!

Till I blog again~~

Tags: General // 4 Comments »

Here’s a video on a really funny table tennis match in china - damn FUNNY! Really! Come watch it~~

Hope you laughed!

Enjoy!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Frankly speaking, I’m really disappointed. What shall I say?

I just hope to get another invitation letter to my Graduation Day 2009, but to no vail. It was damn upsetting.

I felt so disappointed…

What the point of going to the stage to receive the diploma when my loved ones ain’t down there watching?

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Finally, the Imagine Cup 2009 Mash Up Competition’s Round 2 has come to an end!

Regardless of whether PlanetKY could get to the next round, and get a chance to fly to Egypt, Cairo, to compete in the final round, I already felt so proud of myself.

I believe that to get into round 2, I have already did Nanyang Polytechnic proud, did Singapore proud, and also, did myself proud.:)

Seriously, I don’t really care much about whether I could win the first prize for Imagine Cup 2009 Mash Up competition now, what I’m more concerned about now is whether I’m able to change the world or not.

I want to solve one of the world’s toughest problem, that is, 1 of the 8 Millenium Development Goal (MDG), to Ensure Environment Sustainability.

But to achieve that, with my own power, alone, is definitely not enough! I need help from all of YOU! Yes, YOU! The one reading this statement now!

I’m not a god, I can’t change the world so easily. BUT, I can create a mashup application to raise the awareness of people in the world in terms of environmental issues!

If I am able to bring these environmental issues to their attention, there are chances where they would take action! What happen now is despite hearing people saying that “there are air pollution in asia”; so what? Asia may not be Singapore, it may be in Indonesia (just an example) or other countries.

With the mashup application that my team, PlanetKY have created, at one glance, people can see that the air pollution related news are mostly happen in some particular area, or is it scattered - at one glance we can tell!

And it make the whole tracking process an easy task. If everyone in the world can see that ASIA is the continent that has the most water pollution related news happening, then take action! What are you waiting for?

Well the above is just an example to show that it IS indeed possible.

Come on people, we need YOUR help! PlanetKY really want to help improve the world.

I have contacted the National Environment Agency (NEA) and also, the Ministry Of Education (MOE) a moment ago. Our application can definitely help them.

For other organisation, if your aim is to sustain a clean and green environment, or to keep track of any related news, as long as there is RSS feeds being provided, we can create a similar mashup for you! Or you can choose to learn how to do it using our mashup block!

Simple tutorials are available on our official website at http://mit-nyp.net/planetky

Please pay us a visit! And if you like our idea of saving the Earth, and make it into a better place for everyone of us to live in, and for the good of our future generations - Join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=90023018984

Come & change the world with the PlanetKY!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

To change the world and make our Earth a better place with better environment for all of us to live in, we require YOUR help!

Help us out by Inviting all your friends to join us, let them know about us, so that they can also make use of our MashUp application & pass on the message!

If everyone of us on Earth is willing to play a part, I believe that our Earth’s condition will raise, and all of us could live in a much better environment!

If someone must take the lead, the PlanetKY is here to take it!

Support PlanetKY by joining our Facebook group @ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=90023018984

Please visit our official website @ http://mit-nyp.net/planetky/index.html

Thanks!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Today, I’d like to share a hilarious joke with you guys. Here it goes:

It was the end of the school year, and a kindergarten teacher was receiving gifts from her pupils.

The florist’s son handed her a gift. She shook it, held it overhead, and said, “I bet I know what it is. Flowers.” “That’s right!” the boy said,

“But, how did you know?” “Oh, just a wild guess,” she said.

The next pupil was the sweet shop owner’s daughter. The teacher held her gift overhead, shook it, and said, “I bet I can guess what it is. A box of sweets.”

“That’s right, but how did you know?” asked the girl. “Oh, just a wild guess,” said the teacher.

The next gift was from the son of the liquor storeowner. The teacher held the package overhead, but it was leaking. She touched a drop off the leakage with her finger and put it to her tongue. “Is it wine?” she asked.

“No,” the boy replied, with some excitement. The teacher repeated the process, tasting a larger drop of the leakage. “Is it champagne?” she asked.

“No,” the boy replied, with more excitement. The teacher took one more big taste before declaring, “I give up, what is it?”

With great glee, the boy replied, “It’s a puppy!”

Tags: Story // Add Comment »

A man and his wife were in a court for their divorce case. The Problem is, who should get custody of the child.

The wife screamed and jumped up and said:

“Your Honor. I brought The child into the world with all the pain and labor. The child should be in my custody.“

The judge turned to the husband and said,

“What do you have to Say in your defense?“

The man sat for a while contemplating, then slowly roses,

“Your Honor… If I put a dollar in a Pepsi Vending Machine and a Pepsi Comes out… Whose Pepsi is it… The machine’s or mine?“

————-

I saw this joke at Funlok.com, it’s damn hilarious in my opinion.

Isn’t it creative?

Tags: Joke // Add Comment »

I’m happy to share with you guys that I won a JobsCentral Teddy Bear! It’s really cool.

Weeks ago, I participated in a small contest held by JobsCentral, where we have to watch a video and count the number of times the teddy bear actually bounced and email to them the correct answer.

And today, I checked my email inbox and see the following email,

Dear Kong Wen Bin,

Thank you for participating in the JobsCentral Facebook video competition. You have given us the correct answers for the number of jumps in total (73) and the number of jumps before the phone rang (59). Although your entry was not the eventual winner, I am pleased to tell you that you have nonetheless won yourself a JobsCentral teddy bear!

You may collect your prize from our office during office hours (10am-12pm, 2pm - 6pm) any working day before 29 May.

JobsFactory Pte Ltd

3 Science Park Drive, #02-08/09,
The Franklin, Singapore Science Park 1,
Singapore 118223

Kindly reply to this email with your name, contact number, and your preferred date and time for collection.

Cheers,

The JobsCentral Team

It’s cool isn’t it?

Although I did not get to win the $100 (main prize of this contest), I won myself a JobsCentral Teddy Bear which only 10 people could get to won, it’s good enough, I’m not greedy!

Here’s the contest results page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JobsCentral/76743617791#/note.php?note_id=79293396628&ref=mf

Till I blog again,

Cheerios!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

PlanetKY now has a Facebook group! Here’s the link: PlanetKY @ Facebook Group

Come and join us, & invite all your friends to join us as well!

Our mission is to help everyone of us to understand the environmental problems that we are facing on the earth.

We are going to introduce to all of you, a mashup application which will raise the awareness of people on environmental issues on our Earth, the VENews.

Many people think that pollutions and disasters only happen in certain countries, but in fact, they could happen everywhere.

We will show you what we mean.

Simply watch the video posted on our Facebook Group, or visit our PlanetKY Official Website.

Here are some extra information about us:

PlanetKY is a team sent from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, to take part in the Imagine Cup 2009 competition.

We consists of 3 members:

- Kong Wen Bin (Graduated Student from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore)
- Yeo Ken Long James (Graduated Student from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore)
- Kang Siew Hwa (Lecturer from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore)

Please support PlanetKY, & our mashup application, VENews; join our group & invite all your friends to join!

If everyone of us on Earth is willing to play a part, I believe that our Earth’s condition will raise, and all of us could live in a much better environment!

Come & change the world with PlanetKY!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Hi everyone, remember I mentioned before that I’m working on a project/competition (Imagine Cup 2009) with my friend right?

We have finally completed all the requirements and is on the publicising stage now!

On top of this post is our video for publicity, in the video, we introduce to our users on what is our mashup application, the VENews, and how can you guys do something similar using the mashup blocks that we have created for YOU!

It is really simple and easy to use! Because all the complicated procedures and work are actually done by us already :p All you need to do is DRAG AND DROP and you have a wonderful application!!

Come and give it a try!

Please watch our video to find out more about VENews! And for more information about our Imagine Cup 2009 team from Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore, PlanetKY, visit our official website at the following URL:

http://mit-nyp.net/planetky/index.html

We will be waiting for you!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

I strongly believe that there are many people out there whom are equally frustrated as myself, to wait for a MRT train for over an hour, and still couldn’t get to get aboard.

I was at Yio Chu Kang MRT station just now, at between 6.45pm to 7.45pm, where I hope to travel home via MRT; I was hoping that I could make it home in time for the 7pm drama, The Shaolin Warriors (少林僧兵), casting on channel 8.

However, MRT train breakdown - OUT OF SERVICE.

There was this announcement saying that there is some problem with the train, and service would delay for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, it says that it would delay for another 10 minutes; Then again, delay for 5 minutes, and so on and so forth.

At around 7.20pm (estimated time), there was this announcement saying that; Passengers whom want to travel to Jurong East Interchange VIA Yishun & Woodlands, please board the train at platform B towards City Hall Interchange.

When I heard this announcement, I’m like a half frustrated person. You know, SIAN JI PHUA.

However, I waited until around 7.30~7.40pm before making my way out of Yio Chu Kang MRT Station and board a bus back.

It spent me both the MRT transport fee AND bus transport fee JUST to go home; and in addition, spent 1 hour & 15 minutes (I reach my area’s bus interchange at around 8pm).

—————–

Okay, back to today - I’m in total bad luck; A lot of bad things had happened to me, many which I do not want to share much.

As for Imagine Cup, James and I were in school at 1pm; but our lecturer is not yet able to get a camcorder for us. However, she lent us a digital camera. We went up to get a room & discussed our scenes, then, tried to film - the camera no battery!

Waited for almost an hour to meet our lecturer after her lessons, get to charged up the battery of the digital camera - tried to film; But no laptop to view the recorded video.

Our lecturer helped us borrow a laptop from the school - we get to test the recorded video, but to realise that the sound/audio are not being captured =.=”

We managed to get ourselves a webcam to do the filming; However, to use it, we need to run the installation CD - we specially invited a technician with admin rights (to run installation CD to the laptop, we need admin rights) to our room, to help us with it.

Tried to take video, but to no vail. Why? Because only the driver is being installed, those tools to record video etc is not available.

While James stayed in the room to look after our belongings, I ownself carried the whole laptop and all other accessories to the technician’s room to seek help.

Unfortunately, this technician’s table is too messy and crowded, I have to hold the laptop and the CD reader (plugged to laptop via USB port) with my hands for the entire 15 minutes as he do the installation.

Back to the room, we finally get to film the video. After several tries, we managed to get it done. However, we only get to start work at around 4.30pm (Note that we reach at 1pm!!!!) after solving all the above problems.

I’m so tired!

And after that, it’s continued to the section I mentioned on top, the part where I waited 1 hour+ for the train.

During that period of time, I’m tired, hungry, irritated, and very frustrated. Today is really a great challenge to my patience!!

Shall stop here, till I blog again.

Cheers.

Tags: General // Add Comment »

I’d like to share with you guys this film, directed by Ferdinand Dimadura, about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition.

This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

Enjoy!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

This post is going to be very random - it is going to include almost everything which comes to my mind; And it is going to be a very long post; but the focus is definitely on my Graduation Day.

I’m feeling very empty, but I do not know what is the cause of it. Aww. Forget it.

Firstly, I’ve just collected my Graduation Attire today. If you guys have been reading my posts, you guys should know that I am officially graduating from Nanyang Polytechnic on the 29 May 2009. I’ve actually bought it instead of renting!

Many people have been asking me,

“why don’t you rent it? You are not going to wear it again right??”

Well, my answer is - it took me 3 years of hard work to graduate with a Diploma, I can keep it as a token of memory, can’t I? In addition, it is just an extra $10 more and I can get a brand new one and keep it forever, why not?

Anyway, back to the main topic - Graduation Day. The thought of it makes me felt so.. both happy and disappointed feelings.

Happy feelings - for those who still don’t know about it, I have been awarded with the Hewlett-Packard Singapore Bronze Medal, as my results is ranked 3rd in my cohort of students studying the same course as me, the Diploma in Multimedia & Infocomm Technology. I am delighted. My 3 years of hard work has an outcome, at least I have achieved something, right? And on top of it, even if I did not get any award, I have managed to graduate with a Diploma with Merit, and I’m proud of it.

I’ve done myself proud, I’ve done my parents proud, I’ve done my friends proud, especially MI0607, my PEM group. Who said that E7 is not a smart class?! Seriously, I’m really looking forward to this Graduation Day ever since I stepped into Nanyang Polytechnic - to graduate with a good results!

Disappointed feelings - What is your biggest wish when you achieved something you have always want to achieve? Like for example, you have always been getting a 60 marks for your Maths, and you always hope to get a better results; One day, you finally get a 90 marks, what do you wish to do the most? Well, I don’t know about what others does.. but to me, I want to SHARE the news with all the important people in my life!

But the most disappointing thing is that, both my parents got to work on that day, and they won’t be free to attend my Graduation Day Ceremony. It’s really upsetting to hear that, but what to do. I know their difficulties, and I understands it, I really do. But that doesn’t mean I don’t felt disappointed, right? It stills hurts to hear that.

In addition to that, my girlfriend won’t be free to join me as well. She usually no lesson during that time slot, but somehow, her lecturer specially made arrangement on 29 May 2009 (just specially on that day) to have lesson. I don’t know am I just plain unlucky or what, I regretted for not buying TOTO or 4D, or else I’ll be rich now.

Well, I don’t know how will this happy yet disappointed, or disappointed yet happy Graduation Day would turn out like, but at least I’m glad that my KOR (older brother) would be free to join me on that day. I really appreciate it; He is working too, and he’s taking the day off to come join me.

By then, don’t know will I see Mr Ng or not; He was my Mother Tongue (Chinese) teacher back during my secondary school days in Naval Base Secondary School. Nanyang Polytechnic have invited him along with the current principal, Mr Teo, to join me on my Graduation Day. Serious, if even Mr Ng also not free to come join me on that day, then I’m really full of pure unluckiness. I seriously should go and buy TOTO or 4D and make myself rich already.

Enough about graduation. I’m going to talk about other things now.

Speaking of Viwawa - they banned my account saying that I cheated. I seriously have no idea where does the “Game Cheating” came from.

I have been playing Wahjong (Mahjong Game) very frequently during April 2009, and I do win a lot sometimes, but I also does lose a lot, didn’t I? I lost 70 games more than win; What is the point of cheating in a game and still loses so much? In addition to that, why would I want to cheat in Viwawa? I don’t get any cash, do I?

Facebook - nowadays getting rather boring already. Interesting games & applications has turned from interesting to boring already.

What do I mean? Okay, games like Mafia Wars or Mob Wars or even Blood Elves, they have successfully made me addicted to them at first, but as time goes by, I’m like totally sick of it already. Felt so lazy to even enter the application to spend the “Energy“.

So how about doing those quizes? Like, “What kind of lover are you?“, “What kind of SAF man are you?“, and many more.

Oh man, I have done a lot of those type of quizes already. At first, they are very interesting, looking at how the quiz results turned out - some are very true (you know it when you see the results), while some are very fake and time wasting (well again, you know it when you see the results). But, all the NICE quizes, or rather, the attention catching quizes, I’ve done them already. What’s more to left?

Other addictive Facebook games like Restaurant City or Pet Society or even Battle Station have been quite boring to me nowadays too.

Okay, Restaurant City - I am able to achieve 50.0 popularity (MAX) already, and there is nothing more which I wanted to buy for my restaurant now; I’m sastified with my decoration. There is not point playing it already, seriously - what is more to achieve?

Pet Society is so *censored* lag these days. I don’t know is it only in my area or something, it is always taking so long to load! I’m so sick of its loading now.

Battle Station have been a great game last time, but times has changed; the whole design and layout is so weird now - too unpredictable already. I mean, it can just hanged at some screen where it is not supposed to be hanging? I can’t explain that, it’s a flash based browser game, ah, never mind.

Forget about Facebook.

Speaking of Nuffnang - I don’t know what is wrong with Nuffnang, I have not been getting any advertisements from them. I used to have more advertisements from them; I don’t know why they don’t comes now. Did my traffic drop? No, it raised instead.

My blog’s traffic used to be around 700~800 (per week) last time, and I got advertisements. Nowadays I got over 3000 (per week) traffic, why is it that I don’t get any advertisements these days?

Now talk about Imagine Cup; there is still so much to do. There is only around 8 more days left, and there are still so much more to do - coding of our web service (still got more things to touchup), filming of video, writing of scripts, final report writing, and publicising of our mashup application.

Still got tutorials to do, and most likely that we need video tutorials also. We need to teach our users how to use our mashup mah, right??

It’s so tiring. So much things to do and yet so little time left - 20 May 2009 is the deadline, and in Singapore (GMT+8), we would need to upload it on the 19 May 2009 just in case, thus only 7 days left counting from today (Right now).

My father want me to go for driving lessons; I guess I’ll go straight to register myself at the Driving Centre at Yio Chu Kang MRT Station there after Imagine Cup is settled bah, that is, on the 20 May 2009. He say that if I could get myself a driving license, he will get a family car so that all of us get to drive - but that’s provided that I could get a license.

I want to pick up new skills, I want to go to the library and do reading for the whole day. Would anyone accompany me?

Life really is down down down and DOWN recently… bad mood!

Till I blog again. (note that I have been typing (and thinking through many thoughts) for around 2 hours long.

Cheerios.

Tags: Confused, General // Add Comment »

Finally, our very first PlanetKY blog is up! It took me some time to think of the blog’s theme line:

Come & change the world with PlanetKY!

I personally think that it is very true. Why?

First of all, to introduce VENews, the mashup created by us, the PlanetKY.

We name our MashUp system, VENews. Its actual name is Virtual Earth News. Some people might choose to call it “Very Environmental News” since it actually suits our system well also. Its pronunciation is similar to Venus.

VENews is developed to show environmental news such as air pollution, water pollution, earthquakes, acid rain and floods which happened to our motherland, the Earth.

We plot the locations of the environmental news on the Virtual Earth. In this way, everyone would have a clear overview and could know what has happened to our Earth.

To have an overview of it, like for example, where does more of the air pollution news is coming from – we are able to track down the source of pollution and with everyone’s help, we could solve it!

Every environmental problem solved is going to protect our Earth and enhance its life, and also, to improve everyone’s life & health (polluted air would never be healthier than clean air!).

Everyone, let’s support us, the PlanetKY, and our mashup application, the VENews!

http://www.popfly.com/users/382143/VENews.details <– click on this URL to view our Mashup!

Sorry for having a URL for you guys to click, as I’m having some problems embedding objects in Wordpress.org platform blogs.

Thanks!

Do visit our official VENews blog. However, do note that this link may not be final, as there are still other considerations; but this will be the final URL tentatively.

For now, do stay tune to my blog to know its latest update on our VENews blog! We’ll be creating Facebook group once our URL is 100% confirmed.

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Have you guys know that the famous Singapore’s fugitive Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader Mas Selamat Kastari has been arrested? No? Never mind! Now you know!

He is actually being arrested on 1 April 2009, in Malaysia, Johor Bahru. April fool’s day joke? No! It’s not a joke, they really got him on 1 April 2009.

It was said that Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) has know about it already, however, they did not informed us (the public) earlier; the reason is because there is a need for operational secrecy, and that the Malaysia’s authorities still want to investigate on the matter.

Anyway, now Mas Selamat is still in Malaysia, as the authorities still want to continue to interview him.

Our Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng says the following:

Singapore is a small country. It has a long coastline, it is porous, and it is easy for people and goods to be brought in or even leave Singapore. So you should not assume just by the arrest of one person, Singapore will be safe from terrorists’ threat.

It’s true. We should always stay alert to our surroundings and be conscious of all the happenings around us. Well, everyone in Singapore plays a part to keep our homeland safe, isn’t that right?

He also added that Mas Selamat will be sent to the Whitley Road Detention Centre again when he is brought back to Singapore; And he also emphasised that now, the Whitley Road Detention Centre is a different place compared to what it was when Mas Selamat escaped on 27 February 2008 last year.

Oh ya, have you guys wonder, how does Mas Selamat crossed the boarders of Singapore to enter Malaysia after the security of Singapore is so TIGHT after knowing that he have escaped?

He actually swam across the Straits of Johor using an improvised flotation device to escape from the north shore of Singapore.

Oh my god! Like that also can arh? What are our coast guards/sea polices (or whatever they are called) doing? Is it so hard to spot someone swimming? And in addition to that, wasn’t the security especially tight during that period of time, after Mas Selamat had escaped?

Yet he still can swam across the sea from Singapore to Malaysia. Goodness…

Anyone whom are interested in reading the official article, please feel free to go to the Channel News Asia (Singapore) to read up.

Cheers~

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Allexperts.com is a website full of experts in many areas, where anyone can post questions and get useful advices from them.

I’ve been reading several articles and found that this How to Work Out Arguments w/ your loved ones is rather interesting; so decided to share it.

Here is the question being posted:

I am at a bit of a loose end, I hope you can help. Iv been going out with my boyfriend for nearly 2 and a half years and things were great until I decided to go to university last October. My boyfriend found it very hard not having me around and pleaded for me to come back home. In the end over many tears I left university a month later and returned home so I could be with him.

The last few months have been tough, I love him so much but find us argueing alot over really stupid things. He has been very distant towards me, not telling me whats wrong. He also doesnt kiss or cuddle me any more and relys on me making the first move. He has been to several parties recently without me and I dont know whether he has met someone else. He has a busy social life and lots of friends whearas I dont. He also says Im being very clingy towards him but its cos I love him so much and cant bear the fact of losing him. Im always the one saying sorry even though it is not me in the wrong. I have lost contact with all my friends so have no contact with anyone to speak to, I dont feel I can talk to my parents about it either. I feel so alone, I dont know what to do anymore, I just want us to be back to how we used to be, I cant bear to think of life without him.

Any help will be greatly appreciated

Sad isn’t it? I believe that many people in the world are facing such situation as well, they might not post it out like this, as some people might think that it is confidential matter, or perhaps some just doesn’t know how to put them out in words.

However, here’s the expert answer/advice replied by Melissa Burton, one of the expert:

Hello

First of all I’m very sorry that it took me so long to reply to this question. I’ve been very preoccupied with college work and work that I just did not have any time to devote to allexperts. So I hope you understand that, and again, I apologize. Anyway I’m going to be completely honest about your situation cause you said many things that really worry me. The first thing you said is that you left your college to be with this guy, after a month. No offense to you, but that was not a good decision to make. Not over a guy. I have a guy back home who I really love, and I could have been with him but I am not going to just transfer like that. I gave the college a try and it’s possible that for next year, I will transfer to a college closer to home. Being away from someone hurts but if you guys really loved each other then you guys should have been able to be okay a few months apart.

Also being clingy is a very bad thing. It’s proven that being dependent on someone like that actually hurts the relationship. It is important that you depend on him a little bit but overrall you should be an independent person and if you guys broke up, you should be heart broken and sad, but not to the point where you cannot live and enjoy life without him. So you really don’t have an excuse to be clingy like that. I know you love him, and care about him, but that is not an excuse to be clingy.

Another thing that you are doing that is a very bad thing in relationships is saying sorry when you are not the one at fault. Whenever my boyfriend hurts me and does something wrong, I will let him know and will reason with him about it. We may argue a little about it but he does eventually understand that he is at fault and he will apologize. If I do something wrong or unfair then I also apologize. I’m not going to be his slave though and apologize for things I have not done wrong. So that’s not very healthy at all. You should not apologize for something you have not done. You are not allowing him to improve and it only makes you feel bad after some time.

Lastly, you need other people in your life besides your boyfriend. Fortunately I have amazing friends who I can talk to and spend time with. My boyfriend is my best friend and I spend a lot of time with him, but there are plenty of times when I just spend time with my friends. Also it’s good to have friends as a support system and whenever you need some space from your boyfriend. So you should try establishing more friendships. Friendships are a beautiful part of life and you are only hurting yourself by not surrounding yourself with friends.

Him not kissing you anymore without you making the first move is a bad sign. If you want my opinion, it sounds like he doesn’t care about you as much anymore or he may have found someone else. This is really what it sounds like. The best thing to do is to talk about this. If he refuses to tell you why and/or this behavior continues then you should end it. If he cares about you, he will try and get back with you. He will understand that he went way too far by treating you like this and he will try to have a relationship with you again. But you have to start standing up for yourself cause believe it or not, guys do not find that attractive. So try and talk to him about this, and if you have to then end it because you do not deserve this treatment from anyone.

Melissa

Isn’t it well said? It’s so true! Experts are experts! Really is expert

Do you guys have any different view, be it agreeing or disagreeing to the answer/advice post by the expert? Feel free to post any comments!

Cheers

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Although the open acceptance period have been opened for quite some time since 15 April 2009; I’ve been so called dragging my decision and at the same time, deciding between NUS & NTU; as both of them have offered me places to study in their respective university.

My final decision has come to a conclusion.. NUS! Here I come!

There’s not much of a WHY DID I CHOOSE NUS AND NOT NTU; I guess it’s just more of my personal preference I guess.

Alternatively, please feel free to read on my short analysis between NUS vs NTU.

Till I blog again.

Cheers!

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Restaurant City have been a very “hot” game nowadays, research has shown that there is an average of at least 8 out of 10 Facebook users playing Restaurant City.

Being an Restaurant City lover myself, I’m going to share my tables/chairs arrangement with you guys!

First of all, here’s a screenshot of my restaurant’s arrangement:

Basically, I have 4 cooks, 2 waiters, and 1 cleaner as shown in the above screenshot; as simple as that!

It’s quite understood isn’t it?

Please feel free to post any questions towards my chairs/tables arrangement; I’d appreciate it if you guys has any suggestions for me to improve my current arrangment; I’ll share it out if it’s good, and of course, the credits goes to you!

Cheerios!

——–

Here are other Restaurant City related post which might help you:

• Restaurant City Food Quiz Answer Keys
• Guide to 50 Popularity in Restaurant City with screenshot
• Tips & Guide on Restaurant City @ Facebook

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Here’s an article by NASA, the famous group which focuses on science researches on future and space discoveries:

Solar minimum has arrived. Sunspots have all but vanished. Solar flares are nonexistent. The sun is utterly quiet. Like the quiet before a storm.

This week researchers announced that a storm is coming–the most intense solar maximum in fifty years. The prediction comes from a team led by Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). “The next sunspot cycle will be 30% to 50% stronger than the previous one,” she says. If correct, the years ahead could produce a burst of solar activity second only to the historic Solar Max of 1958.

Above: Intense auroras over Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1958.

Dikpati’s prediction is unprecedented. In nearly-two centuries since the 11-year sunspot cycle was discovered, scientists have struggled to predict the size of future maxima—and failed. Solar maxima can be intense, as in 1958, or barely detectable, as in 1805, obeying no obvious pattern.

The key to the mystery, Dikpati realized years ago, is a conveyor belt on the sun.

We have something similar here on Earth—the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt, popularized in the sci-fi movie The Day After Tomorrow. It is a network of currents that carry water and heat from ocean to ocean–see the diagram below. In the movie, the Conveyor Belt stopped and threw the world’s weather into chaos.

Above: Earth’s “Great Ocean Conveyor Belt.”

The sun’s conveyor belt is a current, not of water, but of electrically-conducting gas. It flows in a loop from the sun’s equator to the poles and back again. Just as the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt controls weather on Earth, this solar conveyor belt controls weather on the sun. Specifically, it controls the sunspot cycle.

Solar physicist David Hathaway of the National Space Science & Technology Center (NSSTC) explains: “First, remember what sunspots are–tangled knots of magnetism generated by the sun’s inner dynamo. A typical sunspot exists for just a few weeks. Then it decays, leaving behind a ‘corpse’ of weak magnetic fields.”

Enter the conveyor belt.

“The top of the conveyor belt skims the surface of the sun, sweeping up the magnetic fields of old, dead sunspots. The ‘corpses’ are dragged down at the poles to a depth of 200,000 km where the sun’s magnetic dynamo can amplify them. Once the corpses (magnetic knots) are reincarnated (amplified), they become buoyant and float back to the surface.” Presto—new sunspots!

Above: The sun’s “great conveyor belt.”

All this happens with massive slowness. “It takes about 40 years for the belt to complete one loop,” says Hathaway. The speed varies “anywhere from a 50-year pace (slow) to a 30-year pace (fast).”

When the belt is turning “fast,” it means that lots of magnetic fields are being swept up, and that a future sunspot cycle is going to be intense. This is a basis for forecasting: “The belt was turning fast in 1986-1996,” says Hathaway. “Old magnetic fields swept up then should re-appear as big sunspots in 2010-2011.”

Like most experts in the field, Hathaway has confidence in the conveyor belt model and agrees with Dikpati that the next solar maximum should be a doozy. But he disagrees with one point. Dikpati’s forecast puts Solar Max at 2012. Hathaway believes it will arrive sooner, in 2010 or 2011.

“History shows that big sunspot cycles ‘ramp up’ faster than small ones,” he says. “I expect to see the first sunspots of the next cycle appear in late 2006 or 2007—and Solar Max to be underway by 2010 or 2011.”

Who’s right? Time will tell. Either way, a storm is coming.

Here’s the direct link to the article.

Cheers!

Tags: General // Add Comment »

This is a Mashup created using Google Maps, showing people REAL-TIME information on the locations from all over the world which has inflection of Swine Flu.

Outbreaks of swine flu have been identified in Mexico, the United States and Europe, according to the World Health Organization. Swine flu is an amalgamation of strains that circulate in pigs, humans and birds; also known as H1N1, is highly communicable but has a low rate of mortality.

In addition, there is no vaccine (no cure), and contracting the virus will put you seriously under the weather.

For more information on Swine Flu, read the following entry posted by me previously - Swine Flu Facts

Here’s the Mashup:

View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

Please note that the above Mashup is not created by me, I don’t have any credits for its creation

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Today we had another gathering session at Wei Kian’s house, play MAHJONG! LOL. Again. =.= AND I lose money again! Wahh.. that’s what you get for playing against 3 super zai players.

Final results of the day - Wei Kiat (Wei Kian’s big brother) AND also my DaDe (大的 - my Kai Xuan Basketball Team’s Senior :D) won around $20, Rong Yao won around $10, Man Chun lose around $18 and I lose around $12.

Played 2 rounds. SUPER TIRED LARH. And by the way, I’m the only beginner there with play-time at most only 2 months or less, whereas the rest all got more than 5 years+++. LOL.

I think I got improve a bit bah, although overall is still pek cek over the fact that when I got nice tiles, I actually waited (聼) for almost the whole game and never get to  win (胡). Suay arh! Then hor, whenever I trying to win big, and I’m almost there, someone else will win away. ARGHs.

But that’s mahjong mah; and that’s why it’s challenging. I seriously think that experiences is very important, having pure luck alone is not going to let you earn profit in the overall basis - but skill will!

I want to improve my skills~ but everytime like that pay school fees (lose money as I learn) is seriously “bo ko ling” (I don’t know how to describe lols) leh. Next time must play small small liao~

Who want to give me any winning tips on mahjong can post your comments on this post~~

Tags: General // Add Comment »

Nowadays, a lot of people on Facebook are quite into the trend of playing Restaurant City, created by Playfish; the same creator of the addictive game, Pet Society.

My restaurant may not be the best on out there (definitely not!), but I’m quite sure that I’m going up quickly. Today, I’m going to share some knowledge which I discovered as I play the game.

To get ingredients, simply log in to your Facebook account and go to Restaurant City application - a daily freebie will be given to you.

Also, visit your friends’ restaurant! There is this first-time-visit bonus ingredient for you to get from all your friends whom have also installed Restaurant City!

In addition to the above two ways, there is one more way - by answering the Food Quiz daily and getting the answers correct, it gives you a free ingredient too!

A very good tips of getting your Gourment Points (GPs) to raise quickly and level up, is to keep your employees happy!

Happy Employees equals Efficient Workers!

For me, I always make sure that my employees’ happiness is above 80% - the moment it dropped below 80%, I give them Water to drink; it heals 25% Happiness.

Many people say, why waste the money? Let it drop until at least 75% then drink water, or put them to rest, save money!

However, in my humble opinion, this kind of money seriously cannot be stingy one… it actually affects alot (from what I observed). If you are stingy on saving this money, your restaurant’s popularity will never exceed 40 points.

One very important thing to take note is to actually make a maze in your restaurant. No! Not the funny funny kind of maze you’re currently thinking of! :p

Simply put some obstacles near the entrance, by getting your customers to walk a further distance before getting to sit down, gives more time for your poor little waiter to clear the table and cleaners to wipe it clean This aids in keeping the customer happy too, since the programmer doesn’t give the customer a “irritated” meter which ensures that the customer reaches the table as soon as possible?

Last but not least, my final tips to give you guys is that to FOCUS ON ONE RECIPE! It helps a lot. The higher the level of a dish, the more Popularity boost it gives your restaurant per Thumbs-up by your customer.

Meal level to thumbs up conversion
Level 1 = +1.0
Level 2 = +1.2
Level 3 = +1.4
Level 4 = +1.6
Level 5 = +1.8
Level 6 = +2.0
Level 7 = +2.2
Level 8 = +2.4
Level 9 = +2.6
Level10 = +2.8

Toilets

Toilets are for some customers whom need them after having their meal, and if you don’t provide them with it, your restaurant’s popularity won’t raise (might drop instead). You need a cleaner to keep your toilet clean - they gets dirty after used by 4 customers

Retro Acade

They are something which could keep your customers entertained while waiting for seats to be available. You see, when all your tables and chairs are occupied, customers whom just came in, might go to the retro acade and play for awhile, then if any existing customers finish their meal and left, these customers whom are playing acade, would go and have the seat.

However, customers whom come in to play acade doesn’t mean they 100% will go and have meal though

Benefits for getting 50.0 Popularity

Getting your popularity to 50.0 gives you a higher rate of customers coming into your restaurant.

E.g. Restaurant with 20.0 popularity has a rate of 10 customers coming in per minute, then restaurant with 40.0 popularity will has a rate of 20 customers coming in per minute!

higher customers rate = more thumbs/money/gourment points

Benefit for Level-ing up variety of dishes

In fact, you just need a level 10 dish from each category - Appetizer, Main, Dessert. Getting a dish to a high level allows you to get more thumbs up points:

As mentioned in my guide, a level 10 dish gets +2.8 points per thumbs up per customer compared to +1.0 points gotten by a level 1 dish.

The only permenent benefit of level-ing a dish is to gain more points - 3 is sufficient. However, you can try to get 10 dishes (should be 10 dishes if I didn’t remember wrongly ;)) to level 10 to unlock the gold trophy under the achievements section.

That’s all I could share with you guys for now! Stay tune for more tips!

Cheerios~

————

Here are other Restaurant City related post which might help you:

• Restaurant City Food Quiz Answer Keys
• Guide to 50 Popularity in Restaurant City with screenshot
• Arrangement Guide to Restaurant City (with screenshot)

Tags: General // 121 Comments »

I’m going to blog about some updates on my Imagine Cup 2009 - Mashup Team, PlanetKY; one of the only two teams (besides NTU team) from Singapore which make it to Round 2 (Ranked Top 15 in the World!).

First thing first, for those whom don’t know what is Imagine Cup 2009, it is actually a student competition held by Microsoft Corporation, people who knows about IT or computers should know this brand inside out

Imagine Cup competition is open to the whole world, encouraging students to think and “imagine” how to make use of different tools to change the world.

For this years’ theme, our mission is to research, brainstorm, design, and develop potential solutions that address the toughest problems facing our world (earth) today. Featuring the 8 United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (UN’s MDG). Here are they:

	Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Achieve universal primary education Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Promote gender equality and empower women Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Reduce child mortality Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Improve maternal health Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Ensure environmental sustainability Overview Fact sheet Success stories
	Develop a global partnership for development Overview Fact sheet Success stories

Basically, one of the round two’s requirements is for us to publicise our “end product”, and proof evidence of us doing so; For example, have a press release, or have it hosted on NGOs websites & etc. It’s quite interesting in the sense that we have to market and publicise it by ourselves!

I have never done anything like that before. I plan to use my blog as a platform to do the publicity. Other than that, we should have other plans in spreading the message.

People, do stay tune to my blog if you are interested in how we, Team PlanetKY, is going to publicise and market our mashup program that is going to change the world!

Cheers!

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There once was a very poor man, who woke up hungry with only 1 rupee left in his pocket. He decides to go to the market and see if his rupee can buy him some left over fruit.

At the market he meets a fancy clothed man behind a table with a beautiful oil lamp on it, and a sign that reads “1 rupee”.

The poor man can’t believe his eyes, and asks the man what the catch is.

It’s true, the lamp only costs 1 rupee, the man says. And he explains that in the lamp there lives a genie, who fulfills all your desires.

“Then why do you sell it?”, the poor man wants to know.

“Well, the genie is always active and rather impatient”, it is explained.

“And if you don’t pay attention to him, he’ll start taking things away again”.

“Well OK”, the poor man says. “Since I don’t have much to lose I will buy it from you”.

When he arrives back home, he rubs the lamp and the genie appears. “How can I serve you, master?”, he asks.

“Prepare me a meal worthy of a king”, the poor man commands.

Within a second the genie serves an opulous meal with 87 courses. The poor man is delighted, but when he wants to start eating, the genie asks again - “And how can I serve you master?”

Keeping in mind that the genie can also take away all the goodies, the poor man commands: “Build me a beautiful castle, suitable for a maharadja!”

Only a few seconds pass by, and the man now finds himself in a beautiful palace. He likes to explore it, but there comes the genie again, asking “How can I serve you, master?”

Every wish is immediately fulfilled, and when ignored, the genie takes away everything.

The poor man is annoyed and goes to the village sage, where he explains his problem.

After a silent conversation, the poor man steps to the genie and says: “Genie, build me a large pole and stick it in the ground”. The genie immediately builds a pole and sticks it in the ground.

“Now genie, I want you to climb up and down the pole, over and over again”.
The genie starts climbing right away. And now the man has time to eat his meal, explore his palace and do other things.

When he and the sage go to see what the genie is doing, they see that he has fallen asleep next to the pole.

“And so it is with the thinking genie of every man”, explains the sage. “It is restless in its desire to satisfy every desire, and fragments our being.

The pole is a tool called a ‘mantra’.

By repeating it over and over again, our restless mind is kept busy until it gets so bored that it falls asleep. And this way our true self can enjoy the world.”

Moral of story: you are more than your mind - don’t worry and enjoy your self!

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The pig flu or swine influenza is a virus specific to pigs or porcine species; it doesn’t usually infect humans, although it has just happened recently.

Regarding this this time (April 24, 2009), it is believed that the strain is a mix between bird, pig, and human virus. It has already infected people in Mexico, and has already spread worldwide.

Previously, the virus has only been contacted by those who work with pigs, but this time, the virus is believed to have spread from human-to-human.

What is the most scary thing about this? I believe that it is the symptoms. But why? It is totally and can say is EXACTLY the same as typical flu symptoms: Fever, cough, fatigue, lack of appetite.

Normally when somebody caught a flu, they won’t immediately go and see doctor, they sure eat panadol or drag a few days see will recover or not; by then, either they spreaded the virus to people around them already (IT SPREADS HUMAN TO HUMAN!!!), or it is already too late for cure already…

The thought of it gives me a chill up my spine.

Lastly, here’s the origin of the pig flu taken from BCC News site:

A team from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is on its way to Mexico Tuesday April 28 with the purporse of investigating the origin of the swin flu cases in Mexico.

The chief veterinary officer of the FAO, Joseph Domenech, told the BBC that rumours that people had been falling ill last month near some intensive pig farms meant the FAO had to act: ”[We had] no indication of human cases of direct contact with pigs but this can never be totally sure and the probability that this virus could come from pigs directly could not be anyway ruled out totally”

It is believed that the origin of the current pig flu epidemic took place in an industrialized American-Mexican where a 4-year-old boy acquired the illness first.  The boy, who survived the influenza infection, is Mexico’s earliest known case of the pig-bird-human chimera virus, Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said Monday.  The boy lives near a pig farm run by a U.S.-Mexican company, Granjas Carroll, in the municipality of Perote, in Veracruz state on the Gulf of Mexico. The 4-year old contracted the disease on April 2, Cordova said, one of a group of residents who came down with what was at the time labeled a particularly bad case of the flu.  Testing confirmed that the disease contracted by the boy was due to the same strain of virus that has caused the epidemic.

People contracting pig flu from pig farming is not uncommon, in fact, it happens everywhere in the world; what is highly uncommon is that after the virus contracted from the animal is acquired it is transferred from human-to-human as is the case of the current epidemic.

I hope that all these info I shared with you guys actually helps! Spread the information with the people you care about! Thanks!

Cheerios!

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Hello everyone! I simply feel like blogging, so here I am!

Given the fact that I am given the priviledge to invite one of my secondary school teachers to my Nanyang Polytechnic Graduation Day 2009, to share the joy with me, I’m wondering who should I invite.

Nanyang Polytechnic is definitely inviting the current principal, Mr Teo, whom came exactly one year after I left LOL. So I got no idea who he is, and on top of the fact that Naval Base Secondary School (NBSS), which is the secondary school I am from, had not only shifted location, I heard that most of the teachers not around anymore.

But luckily, my chinese teacher, Mr Ng, is still around AND he is the Dean of Mother Tongue Languages department now! I’m going to give this invitation to him! hahaas.

I still remember, my prelims results was very bad, I got 30 points for my L1R4 and 39 for my L1R5. Almost all the teachers predicted that I’ll most likely have nowhere to go, or perhaps go to ITE. Got one even cursed me & my friend that we will never pass O levels (YES, I still remember who you are, LOL).

Anyway, Mr Ng did not look down on me despite the fact that I disappointed him the most. Why I say I disappointed him the most? I’m from his class, and I’m the TOP STUDENT IN CHINESE LANGUAGE (only in chinese), I always get A1 or A2, but I am the ONLY ONE in the whole class which did not show any improvement, and the ONLY ONE whom results dropped, somemore is from A1 drop to B4.

How can I say I did not disappoint him?

Nonethelessly, when I seek him for advices on my selection of courses, he still sit down with me, and slowly talk to me, giving me advices, such as not to waste my first few choices applying for business courses (the gap too big.. I can never get into those courses), because if I wasted these top few choices, then later other course which I might get in initially, I might not get in because other people which put them as top choices have taken the places already.

This is what he write for me on the book given during my Secondary School (NBSS) Graduation Day 2005:

文彬∶ 人生有起有落,重要的是: 不要因成功而骄傲,更不要因失败而气馁,要勇于面对一切,达到最后的成功。

And this is what he signed & wrote on my class photo:

文彬∶ 立定目标后就该努力不懈地向前迈进

I don’t know if he still remembers me, but nonethelessly, I will be inviting him, Mr Ng, to my Nanyang Polytechnic Graduation Day 2009 together with NBSS’s current principal, Mr Teo.

Looking forward to meet him on that day!

Cheers!

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Today I hosted a Mahjong session at my house! Invited Man Chun, Rong Yao, Albert Sea, and Terence Tan to my house to play mahjong~ & also a gathering!

Played two rounds~ I both rounds also lose a bit T_T Still beginner larhhs. MC and RY is our big winner~ Keep winning lor. Both won so much~ hahaas.

It’s super fun even though I lose money larh, the process is so fun LOL! Enjoyed~ hahaa. I wanna become a better player leh, got to gain more experience and confidence! Play more learn more! Wahahas!

My hands damn itchy now, I wanna play mahjong LOL!

By the way, just now a very funny thing happened! Albert threw a “4 WAN“, I very happy because I “HU” already, (as in I won the game), guess what? RY, whom is one seat in front me, “JIE HU” and won instead (means his turn comes first, so he won instead of me), then happens to be MC also “HU“.

一炮三响!! Somemore MC and I both “HU” quite big also. But see Albert losing most mah. So forget it, cancelled the 一炮三响 “HU” instead.

The most surprising thing is that it actually HAPPENED! I thought only happen in movie LOL! As in, real life, somemore happen in my game. hahahas. INTERESTING!

Looking forward to next session! Cheerios!

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I’ve finally received my National Service (NS) Enlistment notice, stating that I’m required to report for enlistment on 7 Oct 2009 (Wed), at 1pm, at Basic Military Training Centre School 2 located at Pulau Tekong Besar.

Is anyone else the same as me? Please let me know yeah Feel free to leave a comments on this post

Anyway, I’m looking forward in serving NS! It’s a process which change me from a BOY to a MAN! Perhaps I’m man enough already (WAHAHA!), but still, it’s stil going to be a change in my life, to make me even more mature and independent; learn to not always rely on my parents to take care of me.

Furthermore, Singapore have been a safe and nice country to live in, I’m glad I’m a Singaporean It’s time for me to play my part and serve the army! Isn’t that just sounds great?

It’s like, I’m given a safe and wonderful homeland for my family and loved ones to peacefully live in, and I’ll play my part in protecting it Whoohooo~

One problem I have, is that I’m afraid that I might miss the Year 2011 University intake in August; entering army in October 2009 means coming out in October 2011, am I right? So I might miss the intake!

My friend told me that by August, army will allow me to come out to study University, just that during holidays or/and after university studies, I will have to return to army to continue serve back my 2 more months. Is that right? Does anyone know about the details of such scheme? Please let me know if you do! Thanks!

That’s all for today, I’m going to meet my friends to play mahjong soon! Hands itchy, HAHA.

Cheerios!

Tags: General // 7 Comments »

Why men don’t understand women?

The simple answer, as if there was anything simple about it, is: Evolution.

As far as our DNA is concerned, we have left the caves a few minutes ago. Deep inside our brain the wiring is just the same as that of the Geico caveman. Helen fisher “The first sex” and Deborah Tannen “You just don’t understand” have carried out seminal work on the subject of male-female communication and behavior.

The short answer is this: Men evolved to be hunters and as such developed a task oriented behavior and communication style. Communication in men developed to solve immediate problems, generally related to the task at hand; whether the task is getting a woolly mammoth to fall off a cliff, or taking apart a motorcycle engine, the style of communication is the same: Brief, explicit and task oriented. Sometimes I’ve gone fishing or hunting with a male friend. After I come home, my wife asks me: “What did you guys talk about?” The answer is of course “Nothing” There is not much talk needed to butcher a deer or gut some fish.

Women on the other hand were gatherers. They probably moved about in female groups, gathering roots, berries and such, while communicating with each other. At the same time that food was gathered, they would keep an eye on the children, make sure they did not stroll to close to that hedge where that big snake lives, keep an eye on that lion over there, make sure it doesn’t get any closer, and at the same time catch up on the doings of the other women in the group. I.e. multitasking and non linear thinking.

Not only did women evolve differently but on top of it they developed a higher pitched voice. Now babies respond to high pitched tones more than lower pitched tones, so this may have provided an evolutionary advantage and thus the different tone of voice, but this resulted in a more musical speech by women. Recent studies on brain function found out that men do not hear musical speech as well as women. There’s strike two.

The third strike is the short attention span that men have for anything that is not of immediate interest. Because men communicate only to problem solve (almost only) and not to share, the minute a woman talks to a man about something, he immediately tries to problem solve. This is a recipe for disaster. Here she is sharing something that frustrated her for the whole day, and he glibly provides an answer after only a minute of conversation. When she complains some more, he gives her a second answer, and maybe a third; if, as usually happens she is getting more and more upset, he can’t understand what got into her. He has been trying to be so helpful; he provided three solutions to her problem; why doesn’t she like any? In any case, he ends up in the couch, drinking a beer and wondering what did men do to deserve this.

Of course she wants to share and, if he has some experience, he will just shut up and pretend to listen. That is the reason words like Aha, hmmm, and harrumph exist. Of course she gets wise to this very fast and he ends up in the couch, drinking a beer and wondering what did men do to deserve this.

Both sides are equally responsible for this, and no one side can resolve the issue.

Men need to detect when women just want to share, and then just nod their heads and say “Yes dear” and try to keep at least track of the general drift of the monologue, err.. I mean conversation.

Women need to let men know that they just want to share, and do not need a solution to their problem, and also understand that men’s attention span, if there is no problem to be solved, is about 1.5 minutes, and do their sharing in a short time period. Maybe 5 minutes.

And I’ll just go directly to the couch at this time.

The above is a article written by Mr Pedro Miranda, I find it interesting, so shared it with you guys

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Here’s a different love letter and a beautiful reply to it. It is super hilarious, made me laughed like mad. I’d like to share it with YOU.

A teenage college guy sent a love letter (in Q/A format) to his classmate.

My Dearest Reshma,

Please answer the following questionnaire. For Options

(A) 10 marks
(b) 5 marks
(c) 3 marks

1) Whenever you enter the class room, your sight always falls on me because:

(a) of love
(b) you couldn’t control seeing me
(c) really … am I doing it?

2) Whenever professor cracks joke, you laugh and turn and look at me because:

(a) you always like to see me smiling
(b) you are testing whether I like jokes
(c) you are attracted by my smile

3) When you were singing in the class, I entered and immediately you stopped singing because:

(a) you are so coy to sing before me
(b) my presence influenced you
(c) you feared that whether I’ll like your song

4) When you were showing your childhood photo, when I asked for it, you hide it because:

(a) you felt ashamed
(b) you felt uneasy
(c) you don’t know

5) During trekking, myself and my friend gave you hand for lifting you and you took only my friend’s because:

(a) you enjoyed my disappointment
(b) you won’t feel leaving my hand after grabbing
(c) you don’t know

6) You were waiting yesterday for bus and didn’t get into your bus…

(a) you were waiting for me
(b) you were dreaming about me and didn’t notice the bus
(c) that bus was crowded

7) You introduced me to your parents when they came to college because:

(a) I am going to be your groom
(b) you just want to know what your parents think about me
(c) just you felt like introducing me to them

8.) I told that I like girls wearing roses. Next day, you came with a rose on your head because:

(a) to fulfill my wish
(b) you like roses
(c) by chance you got a rose

9) On that day, it was my birthday. you too came to temple early at 6:00 A.M because:

(a) you want to pray along with me
(b) you want to meet me before any one could meet on my birthday
(c) you want to wish me at temple because you are spiritual.

If you have scored more than 40, then you are loving me. Don’t delay in expressing it.

If you have scored between 30 and 40, love is budding in your heart and it’s getting ready to bloom. If you have scored less than 30, you are in confusion whether to love me or not.

Eagerly awaiting your reply..

Love, Aakash

Reshma’s reply letter was also in Q/A form

Aakash,

Please answer the following Yes/No questionnaire.

1) If somebody sits in the first row, normally people entering the class, sees them.

(a) Yes (b) No

2) If a girl laughs and looks anyone, is it love?

(a) Yes (b) No

3) While singing, if somebody forgets lines of the songs, will he/she stop singing or not?

(a) Yes (b) No

4) I was showing to my friends (who are all girls) my childhood photo.

You poked your nose inside….. right ?

(a) Yes (b) No

5) I avoided to hold your hand during trekking. Couldn’t you understand yet?

(a) Yes (b) No

6) Should I not wait for my best friend (Anjali) at the bus stand?

(a)Yes (b) No

7) Shouldn’t I introduce you to my parents as a friend?

(a) Yes (b) No

8.) You have said you also like Lotus, cauliflower, banana’s flower. Is it true ?

(a) Yes (b) No

9) Oh was that your birthday. That’s why I could see you in temple. I come daily to Temple. Do you know ?

(a) Yes (b) No

If you have answered “Yes” to any of the question, then I am not loving you. If you have answered “No”, then you don’t know the meaning of Love.

Hope everything is clear to you.

Tags: Joke, Story // Add Comment »

In this post, I’m going to share about my choice of acceptance and the reasons why do I make that decision.

Finally, the acceptance of university studies offer period is opened! Have YOU went to the joint admission website and accept your universities offers already?

Here is the website to review on your offer: https://jointacceptance.edu.sg/pls/webexe/joint_accept.login

I have received offer from both National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

For NUS - School of Computing
For NTU - Computer Science

However, I’ve decided to go for NUS - School of Computing already.

Reasons being:

1. More sincere - NUS sent me the offer in 13 March 2009 while NTU sent it in 15 April 2009; knowing that the joint acceptance period is starting from 15 April 2009.

2. More comprehensive - NUS is a comprehensive universities which is good all rounded, compared to NTU which is not as comprehensive (e.g. no school which focuses on laws?)

3. Lesser bad news(?) - Recently which is a very critical period for both universities, there are countless bad rumours and news being reported on newspaper; which is very ironic. Students stabbing lecturers, female students’ undergarments being stolen, etc. It just makes people’s impression of NTU goes good to bad, bad to worst.

4. Personal preference - This part is quite biased; I personally more preferred NUS environment because it looks so much newer and modern, compared to NTU, which makes me feel like I’m going through a forest, then all the way up into a mountain top just to reach the campus. =.= And the buildings are old and, yeah, the lecture hall which is used to give talk is old and ugly also…

5. Universities ranking - QSNETWORK ranked NUS as #11 Engineering Faculty while NTU as #26, and there are other websites which does the checking as well~ All the results show that NUS is better(?)

Just basically blogging on my own personal views and opinions, and my reasons for the choice I’ve made.

if I offended anyone, please pardon me, I have no mean of harm

Cheerios~

Tags: General // 10 Comments »

Have you guys ever tasted the Korean Noodles in the Korean cuisine stalls in any food court in Singapore?

If yes, did it remind you of “Maggi Mee”? Yes? No?

For me, it totally reminds me of Maggi Mee, and it’s the Tom Yam flavor somemore! Just that you add in some pieces of vegetables and perhaps an egg to make it look more presentable and looks more delicious; as plainly just the maggi mee noodles is not enough to sastify your customers. :p

The problem is, why put Korean Noodles (韓式拉麵) when it is just plainly “Maggi Mee” noodles?

Even those normal noodle stalls in neighbourhood coffeeshop which sells Ban Mian (板面) or other noodles uses more high quality noodles; yet a Korean Cuisine stall which specially sells korean food uses a cheap Maggi Mee and expect it to sastify their customers?

I didn’t mean to rant, but a poor experience again and again after tasting Korean Noodles (韓式拉麵) at different places, made me feel like ranting :p

It somehow makes people feel cheated after paying and eating it.

Don’t you guys agree with me?

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

Here’s a real touching story I’d like to share - read the following story & watch the video clip & you’ll be amazed how much can love be… This is true love!

One day, a son asks his dad “Daddy, would you like to run a marathon with me?”.

The father says “yes”.And they run their first marathon together.Another time, the son asks his dad again “Daddy, would you like to run a marathon with me?”.The father says “yes son”.

One day, the son asks his father ” Daddy, would you run the Ironman with me?”
The Ironman is the most difficult  triathlon ever (4 kms swimming, 180 kms bikin, 42 km running?)

And the dad says “yes”.

Enjoy the video clip!

Tags: General // 1 Comment »

I’m back to blog again! First thing first, do you guys know that the 10th of April 10 is the 100th day of the year? Meaning, there are 265 days remaining from now until the end of the year!

Interesting uh?

Good Friday, which is also known as the Black Friday, is a religious holiday for the Christians. However, everyone in Singapore get benefited from it, no matter we are from which races or religions

Isn’t that cool?

Knowing that I’m a very curious person, you guys should have guessed that I’d go search for some definition of Good Friday and read them up, then share it out over here, right?

Here you go~

Good Friday, called Feria VI in Parasceve in the Roman Missal, he hagia kai megale paraskeue (the Holy and Great Friday) in the Greek Liturgy, Holy Friday in Romance Languages, Charfreitag (Sorrowful Friday) in German, is the English designation of Friday in Holy Week — that is, the Friday on which the Church keeps the anniversary of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Parasceve, the Latin equivalent of paraskeue, preparation (i.e. the preparation that was made on the sixth day for the Sabbath; see Mark 15:42), came by metonymy to signify the day on which the preparation was made; but while the Greeks retained this use of the word as applied to every Friday, the Latins confined its application to one Friday. Irenaeus and Tertullian speak of Good Friday as the day of the Pasch; but later writers distinguish between the Pascha staurosimon (the passage to death), and the Pascha anastasimon (the passage to life, i.e. the Resurrection). At present the word Pasch is used exclusively in the latter sense. The two Paschs are the oldest feasts in the calendar.

From the earliest times the Christians kept every Friday as a feast day; and the obvious reasons for those usages explain why Easter is the Sunday par excellence, and why the Friday which marks the anniversary of Christ’s death came to be called the Great or the Holy or the Good Friday. The origin of the term Good is not clear. Some say it is from “God’s Friday” (Gottes Freitag); others maintain that it is from the German Gute Freitag, and not specially English. Sometimes, too, the day was called Long Friday by the Anglo-Saxons; so today in Denmark.

Frankly speaking, I don’t quite really get it, but nonetheless, perhaps some experts could share their knowledge with us

Feel free to post comments!

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In life, there are times where one would experience all sorts of bad luck and unfortunate happenings, in short, things which one would think,

“Nonsense! There’s no way such things is going to happen to me! Impossible~!!”

But in the end, it still happened to you. Have you guys ever had such an experience?

Personally, I have such experience for quite a number of times already, it’s like, when “it” comes, “it” comes all the way~ you will have a whole row of bad luck lining up for you to go through!

But when “it” goes, “it” will go all the way away from you, leaving you with all the good luck

Perhaps this is what people always said,

“Life has UPs and DOWNs.”

Recently, “it” have been away from me for quite some time, I’m glad, really. However, I sense “it” coming back to me. I can really sense “it” coming. “It” must have really missed me a lot

“Yes, I miss you too,” I said.

Learn to accept life. Life without “it” is not life. If anyone have never experienced “it” before, they have never lived before…

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Here’s a meaningful story which I want to share with all of you!

There was once a stone-cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.

One day, he passed a wealthy merchant’s house and through the open gateway saw many fine possessions and important visitors. “How powerful that merchant must be!” thought the stone-cutter. He became very envious, and wished that he could be like the merchant. Then he would no longer have to live the life of a mere stone-cutter.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever dreamed of, envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. But soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants, and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. “How powerful that official is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a high official!”

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around, who had to bow down before him as he passed. It was a hot summer day, and the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. “How powerful the sun is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be the sun!”

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and labourers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. “How powerful that storm cloud is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a cloud!”

Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. “How powerful it is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be the wind!”

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, hated and feared by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it — a huge, towering stone. “How powerful that stone is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a stone!”

Then he became the stone, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the solid rock and felt himself being changed. “What could be more powerful than I, the stone?” he thought. He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone-cutter.

Most of the time, we don’t know the extent of our own personal power. The most insignificant seeming people among us are those whom are most able to affect great change.

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The best company I’ve ever worked in is The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore. And no, I have never been in a uniform group, let alone Boys’ Brigade.

I was sent to The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore for an internship attachment by Nanyang Polytechnic. My initial job is to deploy a system, and due to some reasons, it was dragged and I’m there with no object. Thus I start helping out with the Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box 2008 as a Project Assistant.

First, I’ll talk about my colleagues. It is great working there! Everyone are very friendly and treat me very nice - they are all big brothers and big sisters, very easy to communicate with.

Despite being so much more superior than me (at least 3 to 5 levels higher than me hierarchically), they treat me with respect and doesn’t show me any attitude (if you know what I mean?)

Next, the environment. It gives me a very “home” feeling working there, the building is not those big and tall buildings where we have to take a lift so high up to work everyday - it is a one level old building, it used to be a primary school long time ago (if I did not mistaken).

It don’t give people the kind of pressure compared to working in a big building/office. It make me have the “Yes, I’m homed!” kind of feeling everyday, and makes me look forward to work everyday & hates weekends and worst still, hates 6pm (we knocked off at 6pm daily).

Next, my direct superiors. I have two superiors, they are both very nice and friend people, they treat me very well, taught me a lot of things and shared a lot of experiences with me. Even when there are things I’m not supposed to do or not going to do (they are doing it), if they see a need for me to have an idea of what it is, they will ask me to come over and watch them do, so that next time I go out to society to work, I know what are these stuffs. I often go around all departments (project, finance, etc) to mix around and to learn when my hands are free (or less tight, take a break man!).

Seriously, I enjoyed every lunch, because everyone in the whole office would go for lunch together at a nearby coffee shop or food centre, it would be a big group of people, all dressed in formal, walking together, joking/crapping/chatting along the way, then seated in a big group round the table and have our lunch. We can chat from Naruto to Bleach to One Piece then back to Naruto. HAHA!

And what’s more hilarious is during my first week of work, when I crap/joke around with some random person whom is slightly older than me (perhaps 4 or 5 years?), after returning back to the office, I went to tour around and realises that this random person is actually the Senior Programme Executive or something (can’t remember what it is, but I’m sure there’s a SENIOR something inside, and he owns a big desk!).

It’s full of surprises and exciting adventures working in The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore! It makes me look forward to every tomorrow I ever have in this company!

In life, it is hard to find the right company to work in, but it is totally great when you find one which suits you, it’s great to work in an environment you felt comfortable in and to work with kind of people you like to work with! It make your working life more meaningful and interesting!

Don’t you agree?

Win $100 by telling us the best company that you’ve ever worked in!

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Yesterday finally meet up with Rong Yao, Man Chun, Albert Sea, and Michael Chin to play Basketball! It have been a super long time since we last meet up for gathering already!

Didn’t manage to take photos with Albert and Michael though, but managed to take with Rong Yao and Man Chun, here’s the picture:

Wen Bin & Rong Yao

Man Chun & Wen Bin (THE GOLDEN PARTNER)

Man Chun & Wen Bin (THE GOLDEN PARTNER)

Initially we wanted to play at Blk 346 Basketball Court in Yishun, as that’s where we first started to play basketball together

End up we move over to Blk 326, which is empty and got buildings to block the sun from burning us (okay larh, initially, it got block, but as time past, it didn’t block anymore -_- we still get burn hahaha)

I still remember last time when I still live at Blk 300+, I play basketball at Blk 326 Court almost everyday! So much memories!

I still remember the first time I ever dunk on a real basketball rim; it’s at this basketball court @ 326! I dunked already, then I still hang on the rim and swing around~ and when I finally came down, I landed awkwardly with my butt down first LOL!!!!! SO PAIN. HAHA. Blue-black for like… weeks? LOL! Hilarious! xD

After that went to have our lunch at Block 925 coffee shop Then chit chat there.. One of my good buddy Man Chun is most likely going back to Hong Kong for University studies, wanted to ask him stay one, but I got help him analyse his current situation, and the conclusion is that:

It’s still better for him to return to Hong Kong for the sake of his future, it’s brighter that way. Nonethelessly, you will not be forgotten! And regarding the topic we were discussing yesterday, hope you consider my suggestions, and just leave the matter be; don’t ponder on it anymore, let nature take place yeah. You can do it one, the Man Chun I know sure can do it! Anything can come find me talk.

Rong Yao is doing well also, entering NS soon also, same as me And he’s working now already. So shuang! So fast got work already. Me still rotting and cannot find work due to IMAGINE CUP 2009! I don’t understand why my team got into the 2nd round =_=”

Albert is turning year two while Michael is turning year three! Let’s hope all the best to them on their studies and future! Set a goal, and work hard towards it!

Next Sunday probably going to play again! Let’s see~

Till I blog again, cheerios!

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Here’s a meaningful story I’d like to share.

A man died and because he had been a good person, he went to Heaven, where Saint Peter greeted him at the door.

“Welcome!” he said.

“You can enter Heaven right away, but, because you lived such a good life, you can also go and check out Hell first, if you like.” said Saint Peter.

The man was rather curious and said - well, why not? - and he went down all the stairs to reach the door of Hell, which opened before him.

Behind the door, he saw many people sitting around tables with delicious food! But they were all very sad, and suffering, because instead of hands they had long knives and forks as arm extensions and they did not manage to put any of this great food in their mouths.

The man went back up to Heaven and said to Saint Peter: Wow, am I glad that I can go to Heaven. That is really some punishment.

“Welcome to Heaven,” Saint Peter said, as he let the man in.

What did he see there? He saw many people sitting around tables with delicious food, just like in Hell!
And just like in Hell, they also had these long fork and knive extensions on their arms!

But in Heaven, the people weren’t crying or cursing, because they were sticking the food in each other’s mouths! “Try this”, they laughed. “And this!”, and they had lots of fun in the process.

Happiness comes from making other people happy. Don’t be selfish but care for other people, and you will be taken care of as well.

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